Weekend Preview: Marquee main events in the Big Ten and NCHC highlight the weekend

Penn State vs. Michigan State; Denver vs. Western Michigan; UConn vs. Providence; Bentley vs. Army; Cornell vs. Harvard; Bowling Green vs. Minnesota State are our Games of the Week

Photo: Penn State Athletics

In the words of Michael Buffer — let’s get ready to rumble.

This weekend delivers one of the most compelling slates of conference action we’ve seen so far this season. Penn State and Michigan State headline the schedule in what promises to be a heavyweighttilt between two teams eyeing the Frozen Four.

In the NCHC, Denver hits the road for a marquee showdown at Western Michigan — a rematch of last year’s conference championship and national semifinal.

Providence and UConn square off in a premier Hockey East matchup, while Bowling Green travels to Minnesota State for a key CCHA series. Bentley, riding a four-game winning streak, faces Army in Atlantic Hockey play, and Cornell and Harvard renew their rivalry in the ECAC.

Also in this issue (#606), six additional players were named to the U.S. roster for the upcoming Spengler Cup. Notably, no players from Western Michigan or Michigan State were selected — and we’ll explain why.

Don’t forget, if you’re a subscriber, make sure you’re linked to my subscriber chat in the Substack app. I provide updates there in between newsletters. Yesterday you would have received notes on the Spengler Cup selection process as well as the two players selected.

If you have ideas for a future newsletter, tips you want to share, mailbag submissions, or if you want to sponsor a future newsletter, please email mike@collegehockeyinsider.com.

I’m also @MikeMcMahonCHN on Twitter.

Thank you to our premium subscribers for their support of independent sports media!

Now, onto today’s newsletter …