Weekend Preview: Big battle in the Great Lakes State between Michigan and Western Michigan

Other matchups include UMD/Minnesota, BC/Denver, Providence/St. Thomas, and a HEA road trip for Quinnipiac

Today’s newsletter (#599) sets the stage for another loaded weekend in college hockey, with several marquee non-conference matchups headlining the slate. None loom larger than the heavyweight showdown in Michigan, where the defending national champions, Western Michigan, begin a home-and-home series against one of the hottest teams in the country, the Michigan Wolverines.

Other matchups we’ll preview:

• Minnesota Duluth looks to stay red-hot in an in-state battle at Minnesota.

• Boston College hosts Denver in a marquee Friday-night tilt.

• St. Thomas christens its new arena with a visit from Providence.

• Quinnipiac hits the road for a swing through two Hockey East programs.

I’ve included my weekly picks — and while my record so far in 2025-26 hasn’t exactly set the world on fire, I feel good about these. That includes ppicks on Western Michigan–Michigan tonight, and UConn–BU and UMD–Minnesota tomorrow.

Finally, in the notebook, I have updates on the NCAA’s ongoing discussions about expanding eligibility to five years. Plus, ever wonder what schools are paying search firms for coaching and athletic director hires? We’ve got some numbers.

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Now, onto today’s newsletter …

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