Weekend Preview: Connecticut teams surging into this weekend's Connecticut Ice Tournament

Plus, some huge NPI implications in other matchups this weekend, and a notebook on more news around college hockey

This weekend’s slate features multiple top-10 matchups.

We’ll kickoff today’s newsletter with our Games of the Week. We’ll dig into the CT Ice Tournament, which this season will be a sneaky important midseason measuring stick. In the NCHC, Western Michigan vs. Minnesota Duluth is a heavyweight series with NPI and league implications. In the ECAC, Dartmouth vs. Cornell has the ability to flip some things in the NPI. And in the Big Ten, Penn State vs. Wisconsin is the marquee matchup.

Also in today’s issue (#632)

• We’ve also got a revealing comment from New Hampshire coach Mike Souza, who was asked about facing former Wildcat Ryan Conmy — now at Boston College — and offered a candid answer that, read properly, is really about the new economics of college hockey.

• Omaha added defenseman Ryan McCleary from the pro ranks.

• Arizona State takes a significant hit as Cullen Potter is out for the season following surgery.

• There’s continued buzz about potential QMJHL expansion into the U.S., with New England once again popping up in the rumor mill.

• Off the ice, Colorado College received a major estate gift that the school says will directly enhance the student-athlete experience, while Wisconsin’s new deal with Under Armour is notable not just for the numbers, but for the built-in NIL component.

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Now, let’s get into today’s newsletter.