The entire developmental landscape in hockey is about to undergo its most dramatic shift in the modern era. Thursday afternoon, the NCAA’s Division I council adopted rule changes that will allow athletes to retain eligibility even if they are involved with professional teams prior to enrollment. This decision is not final until the meeting is concluded, but this measure has already passed the vote.

One of the more interesting storylines that has emerged in the first half of the 2024-2025 USHL season is the sheer volume of quality netminders who have stood out.

We’re still months away from the 2025 NHL Draft, but that should not hinder excitement surrounding the draft-eligible talent playing in the USHL.

The NHL Central Scouting Bureau released its preliminary players to watch list on Wednesday. This list serves as an early assessment of 2025 draft-eligible prospects, providing graded evaluations from all major development leagues.

The men’s college hockey season will kick off Friday night, but it will be a bittersweet opening, especially in Colorado Springs when the Air Force Falcons take the ice against Arizona State at Cadet Ice Arena.

The USHL’s Dubuque Fighting Saints will honor the greatest player in its history this season when Johnny Gaudreau’s number will be the first retired by the team. The team is currently planning a full memorial ceremony with details to be announced at a later date, but Gaudreau’s No. 8 will never be worn by another player in Dubuque.

Johnny Gaudreau was not a big man, but he was larger than life. He was an artist with the puck on his stick who could make the seemingly impossible a reality. If only we could escape the reality his life and that of his younger brother Matthew were tragically cut short in a traffic accident Thursday in New Jersey.

The process to build rosters for the World Junior Championship really starts in the summer. Last week, players from USA, Sweden, Finland and Canada descended on Plymouth, Michigan to make an impression on the coaching staffs and decision-makers from their respective countries as they vie for spots on the rosters for the World Juniors.

PLYMOUTH, Michigan – There were 25 forwards in Team USA’s World Junior Summer Showcase camp, all vying for spots alongside a number of returning players that will be looking to defend gold at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship.

PLYMOUTH, Michigan – At the World Junior Summer Showcase, Team USA had some clear luxuries with the returnees they have at forward and in net. But the defense is going to still be a work in progress with three returnees from last year’s roster including one who did not play in any games.

PLYMOUTH, Michigan – In the game everyone was looking forward to most at the World Junior Summer Showcase, old rivals met to close out the event. Canada played USA for the first and only time this week, bringing a feisty competition between the two talented hockey clubs.

PLYMOUTH, Michigan – The fourth day of games at the World Junior Summer Showcase featured the U.S. taking on Sweden in the second half of a Friday double-header behind Canada and Finland.

PLYMOUTH, Michigan – Team USA has entered the second phase of its evaluation camp as players continue trying to showcase why they belong at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship.

PLYMOUTH, Mich. – The second day of games at the World Junior Summer Showcase brought two competitive affairs as USA Blue took on Finland and USA White met Sweden.

PLYMOUTH, Michigan – In the first day of game action at the World Junior Summer Showcase, USA coach David Carle got his first good look at the 40-plus players that are in the mix to be part of the 25-man roster for Team USA at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship in December.