Around College Hockey
First, it has to be noted how hideous those gradient UConn uniforms are. Second, the last two weekends have just been so bizarre. Top teams are always hurting for players when World Juniors comes around, leaving them without their young guns. All the same, the Pairwise doesn’t make exceptions for those teams missing key players due to international obligations. Don’t read into big upsets in December and early January.
How Wisconsin’s Weekend Might Matter at NCAA Tournament Time | CHN.com
Another great example of a team getting unfair treatment because of World Juniors. This article is from their weekend set against Arizona State around the end of November, but I haven’t linked the article yet and it dives into how stupid the worship of the Pairwise can be at the end of the season.
I will be shocked if North Dakota doesn’t win the National Championship this season.
Around Hockey
Five potential moves to watch for before next NHL season | Sportsnet
The Jets really have not done a great job managing Laine’s contracts. have they?
Teams En Route to Edmonton “Bubble” for World Juniors | TSN
Fingers crossed everyone can stay safe and all the teams can get through this week without a hitch.
From Japan to PEI: Spence fights for his World Junior dream | TSN
Moncton Wildcats defender Jordan Spence is the lowest draft pick (fourth round) among all the skaters on Team Canada’s roster. He earned a spot after getting off to a strong start in the QMJHL this season. Spence’s mom is Japanese and he grew up in Japan where he watched the World Juniors with his Canadian dad. The family moved to Prince Edward Island when Spence was a teenager.
Pierre Lacroix, architect of two Colorado Avalanche Stanley Cup titles, dies at 72 | ESPN
Pierre Lacroix, the astute executive who was the architect of two Colorado Avalanche Stanley Cup championship teams, has died. He was 72.