USCHO Spotlight

Augustana men's hockey head coach Garrett Raboin joins hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly) and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger) discussing challenges and successes of starting a Division I college hockey program from scratch and into its second year. 

Raboin discusses the unique journey of assembling a team, the benefits brought by the transfer portal, and the impact of a strong goaltender. He also reflects on his coaching influences and experiences, including his role in two gold medal-winning World Junior teams. The conversation touches on building a program culture, the strategic fit within the CCHA, and the advantages of a smaller yet vibrant home arena. Raboin emphasizes the importance of regional and international recruitment and looks ahead to the team's ongoing development and upcoming pivotal games.

This episode is sponsored by the NCAA Men's Division I Frozen Four, April 10 and 12 in St. Louis. Get your tickets now at ncaa.com/frozenfour

FloHockey content manager and veteran prospects and NHL analyst Chris Peters joins hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly) and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger) to recap USA's gold at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship and to look at international hockey in general.

USA Hockey assistant executive director of hockey operations and general manager for the 2025 World Junior Championship team John Vanbiesbrouck joins hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly) and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger) to preview the upcoming IIHF 2025 World Junior Championship in Ottawa.

Michigan State men's hockey head coach Adam Nightingale joins hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly) and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger).

Nightingale discusses the promising start to the season and the factors contributing to the team's early success. He highlights the unity and depth of the team, his approach upon taking over the program, and the importance of focusing on the present rather than past performances. Nightingale elaborates on the development of key players and addresses areas for improvement and upcoming challenges. 

Nightingale also comments on broader changes in college hockey recruitment and the impact of Munn Ice Arena renovations on fan engagement. The episode concludes with insights into the support system and camaraderie within Michigan State's athletic department.

College Hockey Inc. executive director Sean Hogan joins hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly) and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger) to discuss the NCAA decision allowing Canadian major junior athletes to play Division I college hockey, including CHI's efforts in education, his organization's evolving focus, and recruiting from the CHL. Also discussed were the difficulties faced with all of the changes in the sport in the last year or two, and whether D-I hockey can continue to grow in light of that.

Maine head coach Ben Barr joins hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly) and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger) to talk Black Bears hockey through the early part of the season, transfer portal, recruiting, factors toward recent success, CHL eligibility, pending legislation, rule changes, and series this coming weekend vs. Merrimack.

Rensselaer head coach Dave Smith joins hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly) and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger) to talk this season's Engineers, their opening weekend at Canisius, recruiting, possible CHL eligibility, the transfer portal, RPI's coming weekend against Niagara, and more.

Arizona State head coach Greg Powers joins hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly) and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger) to talk Sun Devils hockey, joining the NCHC, eligibility and recruiting for CHL players, roster sizes, and the upcoming home opener series with Michigan.

Vermont athletic director Jeff Schulman, chair of the NCAA men's Division I ice hockey committee joins hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly) and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger) to talk about the process that went into the selection of this year's championship field of 16, attendance, and discussions about going to on-campus sites in the future.

This episode is sponsored by the NCAA Division I Men's Frozen Four, April 11 and 13 in St. Paul, Minnesota. Visit ncaa.com/mfrozenfour

Big Ten Network and ESPN hockey analyst Paul Caponigri joins hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly) and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger) to talk about the Big Ten playoffs, the evolution of the conference since its founding, and prospects for its teams in the NCAA tournament.

This episode is sponsored by the NCAA Division I Men's Frozen Four, April 11 and 13 in St. Paul, Minnesota. Visit ncaa.com/mfrozenfour