(#290) Frozen Four pulls record ratings, coaching/portal updates

This issue leads off with the monster television numbers the Frozen Four pulled this past weekend on ESPN2. This tournament crushed the last two seasons and pulled the highest numbers in recorded history.

The ratings couldn’t have come at a better time because the NCAA is considering reworking its media rights contract when it’s up for renewal next year. There could be significant impacts on college hockey if it does. I’ll explain.

There are currently six open assistant jobs, and more could follow soon.

The transfer portal has surpassed last year’s numbers. In 2022 there were 247 eligible players in the portal, and after seven new entries on Tuesday, this year’s portal is up to 252 players with 36 days remaining in the transfer window. Of the 252 eligible players in the portal (I removed players who entered and then signed pro deals), 104 have committed (102 to D-I programs).

Portal commitments in this issue include players to Wisconsin, Ferris State, North Dakota, and Quinnipiac.

Lane Hutson announced he will return to BU for his sophomore year, and Quinnipiac goalie Yaniv Perets signed an NHL deal with Carolina.

Transfer Portal By the Numbers

New Additions: 7
New Commits: 4

Players Entered: 252
D-I Commits: 102
D-III/USport Commits: 2
Days Remaining in Window: 36

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