USCHO Weekend Review

Hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly) and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger) look at where things stand on Monday, March 16, 2026 after a weekend of upsets in this episode of Bracketology XTRA.

Here is the updated bracket:

Albany

• Michigan (1)
• Providence
• Cornell
• Bentley (AHA autobid placeholder)

Loveland

• Western Michigan (4)
• Denver (host)
• Wisconsin
• St. Thomas

Sioux Falls

• North Dakota (2)
• Dartmouth
• Penn State
• Connecticut

Loveland

• Michigan State (3)
• Minnesota Duluth

Hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly) and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger) unpack the March 11, 2026 Bracketology column on USCHO.com with this weekly episode of Bracketology XTRA.

Here is this week's updated bracket:

Albany

• Michigan (1)
• Minnesota Duluth
• Cornell
• Bentley (AHA autobid placeholder)

Worcester

• Western Michigan (4)
• Providence
• Wisconsin
• Massachusetts

Loveland

• Michigan State (3)
• Denver
• Dartmouth
• St. Thomas

Sioux Falls

• North Dakota (2)
• Quinnipiac
• Penn State
• Augustana

For details on how this brac...

Hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly), Derek Schooley (@derekschooley), and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger) look at sometimes controversial or overlooked topics in our midweek episode called Upon Further Review.

In this episode, we consider 10 candidates for the Hockey Commissioners Association's Tim Taylor rookie of the year award, including two tiers of forwards, a defenseman, and three goalies.

This episode is sponsored by the NCAA Men's Frozen Four, April 9 and 11 in Las Vegas. Tickets: https://ncaa.com/mfrozenfour

Find all of our podcasts at USCHO.com/podcasts

Hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly), Derek Schooley (@derekschooley), and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger) review games of the weekend and news of the past week.

In our first segment, we look back at a mostly quarterfinal weekend in college hockey that saw a lot of overtime, but with every higher seed advancing.

In our second segment, we look at five NPI bubble teams, why they are on the bubble, and how they can get (or stay) inside.

This episode is sponsored by the NCAA Men's Frozen Four, April 9 and 11 in Las Vegas. Tickets: https://ncaa.com/mfrozenfour<...

Hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly) and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger) unpack the March 4, 2026 Bracketology column on USCHO.com with this weekly episode of Bracketology XTRA.

Here is this week's updated bracket:

Albany

• Michigan State (2 overall)
• Quinnipiac
• Minnesota Duluth
• Connecticut

Worcester

• Western Michigan (4)
• Penn State
• Dartmouth
• Boston College

Loveland

• Michigan (1)
• Denver
• Cornell
• Bentley (AHA)

Sioux Falls

• North Dakota (3)
• Providence
• Wisconsin
• Augustana


For details on how t...

Hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly), Derek Schooley (@derekschooley), and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger) look at sometimes controversial or overlooked topics in our midweek episode called Upon Further Review.

In this episode, Jim takes over hosting duties as Derek and Ed try to guess bubble teams from their resumé and statistics.

This episode is sponsored by the NCAA Men's Frozen Four, April 9 and 11 in Las Vegas. Tickets: https://ncaa.com/mfrozenfour

Find all of our podcasts at USCHO.com/podcasts

Hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly), Derek Schooley (@derekschooley), and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger) review games of the weekend and news of the past week.

In our first segment, we look at a weekend that saw the top 10 go 8-9-3 and the top 20 barely squeak above .500. And we note regular-season conference champions.

In our second segment, we analyze the chances for the 10 Mike Richter award semifinalists.

This episode is sponsored by the NCAA Men's Frozen Four, April 9 and 11 in Las Vegas. Tickets: https://ncaa.com/mfrozenfour


Find all of our podcasts at USCHO...

Hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly) and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger) unpack the February 25, 2026 Bracketology column on USCHO.com with this weekly episode of Bracketology XTRA.

Here is this week's updated bracket:


ALBANY REGION

Michigan State (1)
Minnesota Dulth
Cornell
Bentley (AHA rep)

WORCESTER REGION

Western Michigan (4)
Providence
Dartmouth
Connecticut

LOVELAND REGION


Michigan (2)
Quinnipiac
Denver
St. Thomas

SIOUX FALLS REGION

North Dakota (3)
P...

Hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly), Derek Schooley (@derekschooley), and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger) look at sometimes controversial or overlooked topics in our midweek episode called Upon Further Review.

In this episode, we consider teams who are outside the NPI "bubble," meaning they almost certainly will need to win their conference championship to make the NCAA tournament, but have a reasonable chance of doing so.

This episode is sponsored by the NCAA Men's Frozen Four, April 9 and 11 in Las Vegas. Tickets: https://ncaa.com/mfrozenfour

Find all of our podcasts at USCHO.com/podcasts

Hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly), Derek Schooley (@derekschooley), and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger) review games of the weekend and news of the past week.

In our first segment, we look at the USA gold medal in men's olympic hockey, including how USA Hockey's NTDP and development model helped make it happen, and the impact of it on hockey in the U.S.

In our second segment, we look at important weekends for Wisconsin, Minnesota State, Boston College, Providence, and Bentley, plus a little chaos in the ECAC.

This episode is sponsored by the NCAA Men's Frozen...

Hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly) and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger) unpack the February 18, 2026 Bracketology column on USCHO.com with this weekly episode of Bracketology XTRA.

Here is this week's updated bracket:

LOVELAND REGION

Michigan State (1)
Denver
Minnesota Duluth
Bentley (AHA rep)

WORCESTER REGION

Western Michigan (4)
Penn State
Connecticut
Boston College

SIOUX FALLS REGION

North Dakota (3)
Quinnipiac
Dartmouth
Wisconsin

ALBANY REGION

Michigan (2)
Providence

Hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly), Derek Schooley (@derekschooley), and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger) look at sometimes controversial or overlooked topics in our midweek episode called Upon Further Review.

In the NPI, four teams from the CCHA stand at Nos. 16 through 19: Minnesota State, Augustana, Michigan Tech, and Bowling Green, with many games against each other. What does each team need to do to be in position for an at-large NCAA bid?

This episode is sponsored by the NCAA Men's Frozen Four, April 9 and 11 in Las Vegas. Tickets: https://ncaa.com/mfrozenfour

Find all of our podcasts at U...

Hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly), Derek Schooley (@derekschooley), and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger) review games of the weekend and news of the past week.

In our first segment, we look at some sweeps and five-point weekends. North Dakota, Denver, and Western Michigan got NCHC sweeps while Michigan in the Big Ten and UConn in Hockey East picked up five.

In our second segment, we discuss the implications of a late-season bye week as four top-20 teams had last weekend off.

This episode is sponsored by the NCAA Men's Frozen Four, April 9 and 11 in Las Vegas. Tickets...

Hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly) and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger) unpack the February 11, 2026 Bracketology column on USCHO.com with this weekly episode of Bracketology XTRA.

Here is this week's updated bracket:


LOVELAND REGION

1) Michigan State (1 overall)
4) Bentley (AHA rep)

2) Cornell
3) Denver (host)

WORCESTER REGION

1) Michigan (2)
4) Connecticut

2) Dartmouth
3) Minnesota Duluth

SIOUX FALLS REGION

1) North Dakota (3)
4) Wisconsin

2) Providence
3) Quinnipiac

ALBANY REGION<...

Hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly), Derek Schooley (@derekschooley), and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger) look at sometimes controversial or overlooked topics in our midweek episode called Upon Further Review.

We look at seven teams on either side of the bubble and play buy or sell on whether they'll be in the NCAA tournament: UConn, Boston College, Quinnipiac, Minnesota State, Wisconsin, Miami, and St. Thomas.

This episode is sponsored by the NCAA Men's Frozen Four, April 9 and 11 in Las Vegas. Tickets: https://ncaa.com/mfrozenfour

Find all of our podcasts at USCHO.com/podcasts

Hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly), Derek Schooley (@derekschooley), and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger) review games of the weekend and news of the past week.

In our first segment: Michigan and Michigan State had their big two-game showdown, Providence has made it nine in a row, Bentley is inching toward an AHA regular-season title, and the CCHA is in a squeeze for the top. It's also Beanpot final Monday, McKenna's felony charge was dropped, and Gotkin hits a milestone.

In our second segment: Looking at teams under pressure, including Wisconsin, Minnesota Duluth, Western Michigan, and Augustana.

This...

Hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly), Derek Schooley (@derekschooley), and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger) look at sometimes controversial or overlooked topics in our midweek episode called Upon Further Review.

Jim and Ed recap the latest information on the Gavin McKenna legal charges made on Wednesday and Derek joins them to discuss from a coach's perspective.

Find all of our podcasts at USCHO.com/podcasts

Hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly) and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger) unpack the January 28, 2026 Bracketology column on USCHO.com with this weekly episode Bracketology XTRA.

Here is this week's updated bracket:

ALBANY REGION

1) Michigan (1 overall)
4) Bentley (AHA representative)

2) Minnesota Duluth
3) Quinnipiac

WORCESTER REGION

1) Western Michigan (4)
4) St. Thomas

2) Penn State
3) Boston College

SIOUX FALLS REGION

1) North Dakota (3)
4) Wisconsin

2) Providence
3) Dartmouth

LOVELAND REGION

1) Michigan State (2)
4) Augustana

Hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly), Derek Schooley (@derekschooley), and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger) look at sometimes controversial or overlooked topics in our midweek episode called Upon Further Review.

Teams near the top of the NPI are still not 100% in the NCAA tournament, though many are close. We look at the NPI and discuss which teams near the top are bubble-proof, bubble-steady, bubble-fragile ... or on life support.

This episode is sponsored by the NCAA Men's Frozen Four, April 9 and 11 in Las Vegas. Tickets: https://ncaa.com/mfrozenfour

Find all of our podcasts at USCHO.com/podcasts

Hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly), Derek Schooley (@derekschooley), and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger) review games of the weekend and news of the past week.

Michigan and Michigan State each had five-point weekends to keep pace in the Big Ten – including an OT win for the Spartans over Penn State at a spectacular outdoor game at Beaver Stadium – while Wisconsin's losing streak reached six. Denver rebounded against Minnesota Duluth, while Dartmouth returned to winning ways and Boston College took the 299th Battle of Commonwealth Avenue over Boston University.

We also look how leagues have shifted overall in the NPI and...

Hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly) and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger) unpack the January 28, 2026 Bracketology column on USCHO.com with this weekly episode Bracketology XTRA.

Hockey East has three participants in this week's updated bracket:

ALBANY REGION

1) Michigan (1 overall)
4) Bentley

2) Quinnipiac
3) Wisconsin

WORCESTER REGION

1) Michigan State (2)
4) Connecticut

2) Providence
3) Cornell

SIOUX FALLS REGION

1) North Dakota (3)
4) Boston College

2) Minnesota Duluth
3) St. Thomas

LOVELAND REGION

1) Penn State (4)
4) D...

Hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly), Derek Schooley (@derekschooley), and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger) look at sometimes controversial or overlooked topics in our midweek episode called Upon Further Review.

This week we discuss whether Penn State is "for real," including their resumé, their identity, their goaltending tandem, and how they match up against different styles of play.

This episode is sponsored by the NCAA Men's Frozen Four, April 9 and 11 in Las Vegas. Tickets: https://ncaa.com/mfrozenfour

Find all of our podcasts at USCHO.com/podcasts

Hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly), Derek Schooley (@derekschooley), and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger) review games of the weekend and news of the past week.

Teams on a hot streak kept it going over the weekend as Penn State, Michigan State, Providence, Western Michigan, St. Thomas, and Cornell swept their opponents. UConn picked up a pair of wins for its second straight Connecticut Ice title.

We also look at the NPI and how it has changed the potential number of teams for each conference significantly in the past two weeks.

This episode is sponsored by the NCAA...

Hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly) and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger) unpack the January 22, 2026 Bracketology column on USCHO.com with this weekly episode Bracketology XTRA.

A regional 4th seed move should help attendance:

ALBANY REGION

1) Michigan (1 overall)
4) Bentley

2) Wisconsin
3) Quinnipiac

WORCESTER REGION

1) Minnesota Duluth (4)
4) Boston College

2) Western Michigan
3) Providence

SIOUX FALLS REGION

1) North Dakota (3)
4) Augustana

2) Penn State
3) Cornell

LOVELAND REGION

1) Michigan State (2)
4) St. Thomas<...

Hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly), Derek Schooley (@derekschooley), and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger) look at sometimes controversial or overlooked topics in our midweek episode called Upon Further Review.

This week is another round of "Buy or Sell" on these four propositions:

1. All four number one NCAA tournament seeds will come from the Big Ten or NCHC.
2. College hockey will have a 40 goal scorer this season.
3. The CCHA will earn more NCAA bids than Hockey East.
4. The Big Ten finally wins its national championship this season.

This episode is sponsored by the NCAA Men's...

Hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly), Derek Schooley (@derekschooley), and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger) review games of the weekend and news of the past week.

The biggest highlight is Michigan State's road sweep of Wisconsin, which has major implications for the Big Ten standings and NCAA tournament positioning.

Other discussions include the chaos in the CCHA with strong performances from Michigan Tech, St. Thomas, and Augustana, as well as the Governor's Cup rivalry between Alaska Anchorage and Fairbanks.

The show also covers a controversial fight between UMass Lowell and BU players, resulting in extended suspensions, and a...

Hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly) and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger) unpack the latest Bracketology column on USCHO.com with this weekly episode Bracketology XTRA.

Four western No. 1 seeds and some pretty good attendance possibilities highlight this week's bracket:

ALBANY REGION

1) Michigan (1 overall)
4) Bentley

2) Michigan State
3) Cornell

WORCESTER REGION

1) Minnesota Duluth (4)
4) Providence

2) Western Michigan
3) Quinnipiac

SIOUX FALLS REGION

1) North Dakota (2)
4) Princeton

2) Penn State
3) Augustana

LOVELAND REGION
<...

Hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly), Derek Schooley (@derekschooley), and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger) look at sometimes controversial or overlooked topics in our midweek episode called Upon Further Review.

We discuss the impacts of No. 1 Michigan losing star freshman goalie Jack Ivankovic possibly long-term and Providence losing senior starter Philip Svedeback but adding ECHL goaltender Michael Simpson to support freshman Jack Parsons.

This episode is sponsored by the NCAA Men's Frozen Four, April 9 and 11 in Las Vegas. Tickets: https://ncaa.com/mfrozenfour

Find all of our podcasts at USCHO.com/podcasts

Hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly), Derek Schooley (@derekschooley), and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger) review games of the weekend and news of the past week.

This episode discusses Michigan's dominating performance against Notre Dame despite key injuries, Minnesota Duluth's surprising offense, Western Michigan's resurgence, and key wins for Quinnipiac and Providence. The team also dives deep into the NPI and how it compares to the old PairWise system.

This episode is sponsored by the NCAA Men's Frozen Four, April 9 and 11 in Las Vegas. Tickets: https://ncaa.com/mfrozenfour

Find all of our podcasts at USCHO.com/podcasts

Hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly), Derek Schooley (@derekschooley), and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger) look at sometimes controversial or overlooked topics in our midweek episode called Upon Further Review.

One month after our first analysis of the NPI, we compare and contrast the teams "inside the bubble" in each, and look at which teams are pretty safe and which have work to do.

This episode is sponsored by the NCAA Men's Frozen Four, April 9 and 11 in Las Vegas. Tickets: https://ncaa.com/mfrozenfour

Find all of our podcasts at USCHO.com/podcasts

Hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly), Derek Schooley (@derekschooley), and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger) review games of the weekend and news of the past week.

They note that St. Cloud State and Arizona State got boosts to their season with tournament wins, while RIT and Army West Point pulled off upsets. Maine's strong weekend at Denver is also among games highlighted.

They also look at disappointing results for the U.S. and Canada in the IIHF World Junior Championship and the pressure on players on that stage.

This episode is sponsored by the NCAA Men's Frozen Four...

Hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly), Derek Schooley (@derekschooley), and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger) look at sometimes controversial or overlooked topics in our midweek episode called Upon Further Review.

They discuss the long semester break in college hockey and the impact of players participating in the IIHF World Junior Championshiop and the Spengler Cup, and tackle the question about whether the break is too long.

This episode is sponsored by the NCAA Men's Frozen Four, April 9 and 11 in Las Vegas. Tickets: https://ncaa.com/mfrozenfour

Find all of our podcasts at USCHO.com/podcasts

Hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly), Derek Schooley (@derekschooley), and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger) review games of the weekend and news of the past week.

First they catch up on the IIHF World Junior Championship with USA at 3-0-0-0 heading into its New Year's Eve game with Sweden, and on Canada and its college hockey representation. They also note what could be some attendance issues for non-USA games.

They also look at the Spengler Cup, where the U.S. Collegiate Selects surprised the world, but were disappointed in a 6-3 loss to HC Davos.

This...

Hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly), Derek Schooley (@derekschooley), and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger) look at sometimes controversial or overlooked topics in our midweek episode called Upon Further Review.

In this episode, we look at five categories of superlatives: team of the first half, biggest plot twist, most worrisome big brand, most under-the-radar team, and prediction we each feel best about for 2026.

This episode is sponsored by the NCAA Men's Frozen Four, April 9 and 11 in Las Vegas. Tickets: https://ncaa.com/mfrozenfour

Find all of our podcasts at USCHO.com/podcasts

Hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly), Derek Schooley (@derekschooley), and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger) review games of the weekend and news of the past week.

First, they discuss the emotional farewell to Matthews Arena, highlighting its historical significance and the challenges faced in replacing such an iconic venue. The conversation shifts to the implications for Northeastern's hockey team during the construction of a new arena, including potential impacts on recruiting and game locations.

They also note some weekend performances, including key games for Dartmouth, UNH, Maine, and Augustana.

The episode concludes with an analysis of the current N...

Hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly), Derek Schooley (@derekschooley), and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger) look at sometimes controversial or overlooked topics in our midweek episode called Upon Further Review.

In this episode, we look at teams that are ranked in the USCHO poll much lower than in the NPI and also the opposite, the teams poll voters love but the computer doesn't. We give our take on which is closer at assessing the teams at the season's midpoint.

This episode is sponsored by the NCAA Men's Frozen Four, April 9 and 11 in Las Vegas. Tickets: https://ncaa.com/mfrozenfour

Hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly), Derek Schooley (@derekschooley), and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger) review games of the weekend and news of the past week.

They start with the weekend's Michigan vs. Michigan State series, with both visiting teams securing wins, while looking at Wisconsin's dominance and Dartmouth's 10-0 start.

In the second segment, they look at the performance of various teams in the NPI, and the gap between perception and performance for preseason favorites like Boston University and Minnesota.

The episode wraps with a conversation about the long holiday break in college hockey and the impressive...

Hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly), Derek Schooley (@derekschooley), and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger) look at sometimes controversial or overlooked topics in our midweek episode called Upon Further Review.

This time we play "buy or sell" on eight propositions:
Michigan is the best team in college hockey.This year’s Hobey Baker winner currently plays for Minnesota Duluth.Western Michigan will return to this season's Frozen Four in Las Vegas.Hockey East will be a two-or-less bid conference this season.Dartmouth will be the ECAC regular-season championEither the CCHA or AHA will be a multi-bid conference this season (at least on...

Hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly), Derek Schooley (@derekschooley), and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger) review games of the weekend and news of the past week.

Dartmouth continued its perfect start, moving to 8–0–0 with wins over Vermont and Merrimack. With Brown, Yale, Army, and New Hampshire ahead, a 12–0–0 pre-break record is suddenly realistic.
It was a light week nationally, but several top teams impressed:
No. 1 Michigan swept Harvard (5–1, 4–3 OT) despite a Crimson rally.No. 3 Michigan State took two from ColgateSweeps also for North Dakota, Quinnipiac, and Minnesota State.In holiday tournaments, Miami claimed the Friendship Four in Belfast, beating RIT and then-No. 2...

Jim Connelly and Derek Schooley look around college hockey and tell us what they are thankful for this holiday season. 

Find all of our podcasts at USCHO.com/podcasts