Before we get into today’s newsletter, yesterday was Veterans Day here in the United States, and I want to take a moment to thank our veterans for their service.
In today’s newsletter:
We kick things off with a mailbag, with questions on the roster cap, the new faceoff rules, pulling the goalie, whether experience really matters and special jerseys.
ESPN and TSN announced games that will air on their networks.
St. Cloud State’s Finn McLaughlin reportedly suffered a broken femur.
UConn is down to just five defensemen.
Vermont forward Felix Lacerte has left the program.
The NCHC suspended Adam Benák for his slash on Cody Croal.
Notes on Canada’s world junior team, including the college players on the radar and on the bubble.
Mailbag: How much does experience really matter?
Q. Any update on the roster limit being increased to 28? I know it was initially approved by the oversight committee, but haven’t heard much since. Saw UConn was down to 5 healthy D for the rest of the semester. — Will S.
Yes, UConn is in tough shape on defense right now. I have more on that in today’s notebook.
As for the roster limit, it still has to clear a few steps. The oversight committee approved it, but because it involves amending the House settlement, it next goes to the conferences that were defendants in the House lawsuit. The Big Ten is the only one of those that sponsors hockey, so it will work with the plaintiffs’ attorneys to amend the settlement and raise the limit.
If the plaintiffs agree, it then goes to the NCAA Division I Cabinet for final approval.
It seems likely the plaintiffs will be fine with it, since it increases roster sizes. But there’s some thought they could be cautious because it would set a precedent for changing roster limits. Men’s hockey is the first sport to formally request a change.
The earliest it could take effect is 2027-28.
Q. What is your opinion on the new faceoff rules? In the games I watch it seems like it is taking forever to drop the puck. What is the point? — Mark P.
