Notre Dame captain Anders Lee with the final CCHA Mason Cup trophy on March 24th.  On Monday, July 1, the Irish become members of Hockey East

Irish Hockey Enters The Hockey East Era

July 1, 2013

Notre Dame, Ind. – This is a busy time on the Notre Dame campus as all of Notre Dame’s athletic teams, except for football enter new eras in new conferences. Today marks the official move of all Irish sports teams – except football and hockey – to the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) for the coming season. While 24 of the University’s 26 athletic teams join the ACC, let’s not forget that Notre Dame’s hockey program begins a new era, as the Irish become the 11th member of Hockey East, a conference that will celebrate its 30th anniversary during the 2013-14 campaign.

Notre Dame’s move to Hockey East actually began in the summer of 2011 when the overall landscape of college hockey made some major changes.

It all began with Penn State making the announcement that the Nittany Lions would be joining the Division I ranks with their hockey program. That gave the Big Ten six teams and allowed them to start their own hockey conference. With the birth of the Big Ten hockey conference in 2011, the movement got underway as Michigan, Michigan State and Ohio State left the Central Collegiate Hockey Association and Minnesota and Wisconsin left the Western Collegiate Hockey Association to join those three schools and Penn State to form the six-team Big Ten hockey conference.

Those moves set off a chain reaction that would bring to an end the 40-year history of Notre Dame’s hockey conference, the CCHA. Miami University and Western Michigan left the CCHA to join the newly formed National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) along with former WCHA teams – Colorado College, Denver, Minnesota Duluth, North Dakota, Nebraska-Omaha and St. Cloud State.

Former CCHA schools – Alaska, Bowling Green, Ferris State, Lake Superior State and Northern Michigan – moved to the WCHA to join with that conferences remaining schools – Alaska Anchorage, Bemidji State, Michigan Tech and Minnesota State – to form the new WCHA. This past spring, Alabama-Huntsville became the WCHA’s 10th team.

While the CCHA was disbanding and the NCHC was starting, Notre Dame made the decision to go east and joined the highly successful Hockey East Association. The announcement was made on October 5, 2011 at the almost finished Compton Family Ice Arena, just weeks before the new home of Irish hockey opened on the Notre Dame campus.

After 22 years in the CCHA, facing the likes of Michigan, Michigan State, Ferris State, Northern Michigan, Bowling Green, Ohio State, Miami, Lake Superior State, Alaska and Western Michigan, on a regular basis, Notre Dame hockey fans are going to have to develop a new group of teams to dislike. Here is a look at Hockey East – how it started, where its been and where it is headed. This Is Hockey East

The Hockey East Association has continued its steady rise to prominence since its founding charter on July 11, 1983, when the possibility of an apparent Ivy League departure threatened the ECAC hockey conference. In response, athletic directors from Boston College, Boston University, New Hampshire, Northeastern and Providence College unveiled a new Division I ice hockey conference. Together, Bill Flynn of Boston College, John Simpson of Boston University, Andy Mooradian of New Hampshire, Joe Zabilski of Northeastern and Lou Lamoriello of Providence launched Hockey East. Lamoriello assumed the role of the league’s first commissioner.

Later that summer, the Board of Directors added the University of Maine and the University of Lowell (now UMass.-Lowell). Official conference play began in in the 1984-85 season. Expansion brought the league to nine teams with the additions of Merrimack College (1989) and the University of Massachusetts (1993). The University of Vermont joined the conference for the 2005-06 season to bring the conference to 10 teams. Notre Dame made the move in October of 2011 and the University of Connecticut will become the 12th team beginning in 2014-15 with that announcement coming in June of 2012.

Since its inception, Hockey East has set new competitive standards for college hockey success, annually compiling and impressive winning percentage against non-conference opponents, including a .705 mark in 2002-03 and a .669 winning percentage during the 25th anniversary season in 2008-09.

During the last 20 years, Hockey East teams have earned 30 of 80 berths in the NCAA Frozen Four while capturing eight NCAA championships: the University of Maine in 1993 and 1998, Boston University in 1995 and 2009 and Boston College in 2001, 2008, 2010 and 2012. Three of four Frozen Four participants in 1999 came from Hockey East and in 2007, both Boston College and Maine made it to the Frozen Four after five teams (including Boston University, Massachusetts and New Hampshire were selected to the 16-team field. Hockey East again sent three teams to the NCAA Tournament in 2012 (Boston College, UMass-Lowell and New Hampshire), marking nine times in the last 10 years that league teams have accomplished that feat.

Here is a look at some of the accomplishments that Hockey East has achieved in its first 29 seasons.

NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS

• The 10 Hockey East teams (prior to 2013-14) have combined to win eight NCAA Championships in the last 29 seasons: Boston College (2001, 2008, 2010, 2012), Boston University (1995, 2009) and the University of Maine (1993, 1999).

• Since 2000, Hockey East has sent all 10 of its teams to the NCAA Tournament. Boston College leads the list with 12 appearances while New Hampshire is right behind with 11. Maine has made eight appearances, followed by Boston University with seven, Vermont and UMass.-Lowell twice and Merrimack, Massachusetts, Northeastern and Providence have one appearance each.

HOBEY BAKER WINNERS

• Seven Hockey East players have received the Hobey Baker national player-of-the-year award: Boston College forward David Emma (1991), Maine forward Scott Pellerin (1992), Maine forward Paul Kariya (1993), Boston University forward Chris Drury (1998), New Hampshire forward Jason Krog (1999), Boston College defenseman Mike Mottau (2000) and Boston University blue liner Matt Gilroy (2009).

ALL-AMERICANS

• Hockey East players have combined for 198 All-America honors, including 95 first team selections and 103 players chosen second team. In 2003-04, 11-of-the-12 Eastern players selected All-American came from Hockey East. In the league’s first year, 1984-85, six players were selected with Providence College having three, including first team choices forward Tim Army and goaltender Chris Terreri.

• Six Hockey East players earned All-America honors for the 2012-13 season. UMass.-Lowell defenseman Chad Rudwedel, New Hampshire defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyck, Boston College forwards Johnny Gaudreau and Steven Whitney were first team selections, while Providence goaltender Jon Gillies and Merrimack forward Mike Collins were second teamers.

THE NHL DRAFT

• A total of 548 players from Hockey East institutions have been selected in the NHL draft (since 1985), including 35 first-round selections.

• In the 2013 entry draft, nine Hockey East players were selected who will play in the conference this coming season, including two second-round picks. Boston College led the way with three selections with Providence having two. New Hampshire, UMass.-Lowell, Maine and Merrimack had one each.

COACHES AND MANAGEMENT

• Boston College coach Jerry York is college hockey’s winningest coach as he has won 935 career games in 41 seasons. York has achieved his record total at three schools (Clarkson, Bowling Green and Boston College).

• Former Boston University head coach Jack Parker, who retired after 40 seasons at his alma mater, is third on college hockey’s all-time wins list with 897 victories behind the Terrier bench.

• Hockey East coaches have won the Spencer Penrose Award seven times with UMass.-Lowell head coach Norm Bazin taking the honors for the 2012-13 season. New Hampshire’s Richard Umile won the award in 1999 while Jerry York won it pre-Hockey East in 1977. Notre Dame’s Jeff Jackson won the award in while behind the Notre Dame bench in 2007.

• More than 40 former Hockey East players and another 29 alumni of Hockey East schools have gone on to careers in coaching or management in junior, collegiate or professional hockey and were active in the 2012-13 season.

• Two former Hockey East players served as NHL general managers during the 2012-13 season – Toronto’s Dave Nonis (Maine `88) and the New York Islanders’ Garth Snow (Maine `93). Lou Lamoriello, a Providence College graduate (1963), a former Friar coach and athletic director and one of Hockey East’s founding fathers serves as the CEO, President and general manager of the New Jersey Devils.

NHL PLAYERS

• A total of 66 former Hockey East players played in the NHL during the 2012-13 season. Boston College led the way with 19 while Boston University had 16. All 10 Hockey East teams had at least one player play in the NHL during 2012-13. Notre Dame had a total of six players see action in the National Hockey League this past season.

• Among the Hockey East alums to play in the NHL in 2012-13 are Detroit goaltender Jimmy Howard (Maine), Los Angeles goaltender Jonathan Quick (Massachusetts), Montreal forward Brian Gionta (Boston College), New York Ranger Chris Kreider (Boston College) and Tampa Bay’s Martin St. Louis (Vermont). Among former NHL greats who are Hockey East alums are: Brian Leetch (Boston College), Paul Kariya (Maine), Keith Tkachuk (Boston University), Chris Terreri (Providence) and Tony Amonte (Boston University).

STANLEY CUP WINNERS

• Thirty-four former Hockey East players have hoisted the Stanley Cup as NHL champs. Forwards Viktor Stalberg (Vermont) and Ben Smith (Boston College) were members of the Chicago Blackhawks in their 2013 Cup run. In 2012, Los Angeles King goaltender Jonathan Quick (Massachusetts) was the Conn Smythe Award winner and was joined by teammates Dustin Penner (Maine) and Rob Scuderi (Boston College). In 2009, four Hockey East players carried the Cup in Pittsburgh’s championship year – Hal Gill (Providence), Bill Guerin (Boston College), Brooks Orpik (Boston College) and Rob Scuderi (Boston College). Hockey East’s first-ever Stanley Cup winner was Steve Rooney (Providence) who was a member of Montreal’s 1986 Stanley Cup team. Lou Lamoriello (Providence) has guided the New Jersey to three Stanley Cup titles since taking over the Devils management duties in 1987.

A SCHOOL-BY-SCHOOL LOOK AT HOCKEY EAST:
BOSTON COLLEGE
Location: Chestnut Hill, MA 02467Nickname: EaglesColors: Maroon and GoldEnrollment: 14,600Founded: 1863President: Rev. William P. Leahy, S.J.Athletics Director: Brad BatesArena: Kelley RinkCapacity: 7,884Rink Size: 200 x 85Head Coach: Jerry York (Boston College `67)Record at BC: 468-234-64/19 yearsOverall Record: 935-569-98/41 yearsYork vs. ND: 19-14-32012-13 Record: 22-12-4Hockey East/Finish: 15-9-3/2ndPostseason: NCAA East RegionalSeries Record: BC leads, 17-13-2At Notre Dame: BC leads, 7-4-1At Boston College: BC leads, 8-7-1Neutral Sites: Series tied 2-2-0Last Meeting: Nov. 9, 2012 @ BC 3, ND 1Website: www.bceagles.com
BOSTON UNIVERSITY
Location: Boston, MA 02215Nickname: TerriersColors: Scarlet and WhiteEnrollment: 16,562Founded: 1839President: Robert A. BrownAthletics Director: Mike LynchArena: Agganis ArenaCapacity: 6,300Rink Size: 200 x 90Head Coach: David Quinn (Boston University `88)Record at BU: First SeasonOverall Record: First SeasonQuinn vs. ND: 0-0-02012-13 Record: 21-16-2Hockey East/Finish: 15-10-2/3rdPostseason: Hockey East Championship GameSeries Record: BU leads, 3-2-1At Notre Dame: ND leads, 1-0-0At Boston: Series even, 1-1-0Neutral Sites: BU leads, 2-0-1Last Meeting: Dec. 31, 2011 @ ND 5, BU 2Website: www.goterriers.com
UNIVERSITY OF MAINE
Location: Orono, ME 04469Nickname: Black BearsColors: Blue and WhiteEnrollment: 11,168Founded: 1865President: Dr. Paul FergusonAthletics Director: Steve AbbottArena: Alfond ArenaCapacity: 5,445Rink Size: 200 x 85Head Coach: Dennis "Red" Gendron (New England College `79)Record at Maine: First SeasonOverall Record: First SeasonGendron vs. ND: 0-0-02012-13 Record: 11-19-8Hockey East/Finish: 7-12-8/T-7thPostseason: Hockey East QuarterfinalsSeries Record: ND leads, 4-1-0At Notre Dame: Series even, 0-0-0At Orono: Series even, 0-0-0Neutral Sites: ND leads, 4-1-0Last Meeting: Oct. 12, 2012 ND 1, Maine 0 (at Ice Breaker Tournament)Website: www.goblackbears.com
UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS
Location: Amherst, MA 01003Nickname: MinutemenColors: Maroon and WhiteEnrollment: 27,569Founded: 1863President: Dr. Robert L. CaretAthletics Director: John McCutcheonArena: Mullins CenterCapacity: 8,373Rink Size: 200 x 95Head Coach: John Micheletto (Dartmouth `90)Record at UMass: 12-19-3/1 yearOverall Record: 12-19-3/1 yearMicheletto vs. ND: 0-0-02012-13 Record: 12-19-3Hockey East/Finish: 7-12-8/9thPostseason: DNPSeries Record: UMass leads, 3-2-0At Notre Dame: Series even, 1-1-0At Amherst: Series even, 1-1-0Neutral Sites: UMass leads, 1-0-0Last Meeting: Dec. 28, 2007 UMass 4, ND 3 (at Lightning College Classic)Website: www.umassathletics.com
UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS-LOWELL
Location: Lowell, MA 01854Nickname: River HawksColors: Maroon and WhiteEnrollment: 9,026Founded: 1975President: Martin T. MeehanAthletics Director: Dana SkinnerArena: Paul E. Tsongas CenterCapacity: 6,111Rink Size: 200 x 85Head Coach: Norm Bazin (UMass.-Lowell `94)Record at UML: 52-24-3/2 yearsOverall Record: 90-55-10/5 yearsBazin vs. ND: 0-0-02012-13 Record: 28-11-2Hockey East/Finish: 16-9-2/1stPostseason: Frozen Four SemifinalistSeries Record: First MeetingAt Notre Dame: N/AAt Amherst: N/ANeutral Sites: N/ALast Meeting: NoneWebsite: www.goriverhawks.com
MERRIMACK COLLEGE
Location: North Andover, MA 01845Nickname: WarriorsColors: Navy Blue and GoldEnrollment: 2,150Founded: 1947President: Dr. Christopher HopeyAthletics Director: Dean O'KeefeArena: J. Thom Lawler ArenaCapacity: 2,489Rink Size: 200 x 85Head Coach: Mark Dennehy (Boston College `91)Record at MC: 92-158-33/8 yearsOverall Record: 90-55-10/5 yearsDennehy vs. ND: 0-1-02012-13 Record: 15-17-6Hockey East/Finish: 13-11-2/6thPostseason: Hockey East QuarterfinalsSeries Record: Series even, 3-3-0At Notre Dame: MC leads, 2-0-0At Merrimack: ND leads, 2-1-0Neutral Sites: ND leads, 1-0-0Last Meeting: March 26, 2011 ND 4, MC 3 (OT) (NCAA Northeast Regional)Website: www.merrimackathletics.com
UNIVERSITY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
Location: Durham, NH 03824Nickname: WildcatsColors: Blue and WhiteEnrollment: 14,596Founded: 1866President: Dr. Mark HuddlestonAthletics Director: Marty ScaranoArena: Towse Rink at Whittemore CenterCapacity: 6,501Rink Size: 200 x 100Head Coach: Dick Umile (New Hampshire `72)Record at UNH: 519-276-94/23 yearsOverall Record: 519-276-94/23 yearsUmile vs. ND: 0-2-02012-13 Record: 20-12-7Hockey East/Finish: 13-8-6/t3rdPostseason: NCAA Northeast Regional FinalSeries Record: UNH leads, 4-2-0At Notre Dame: UNH leads, 2-0-0At UNH: UNH leads, 2-0-0Neutral Sites: ND leads, 2-0-0Last Meeting: March 27, 2011 ND 2, UNH 1 (NCAA Northeast Regional Final)Website: www.unhwildcats.com
NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY
Location: Boston, MA 02115Nickname: HuskiesColors: Red and BlackEnrollment: 15,699Founded: 1889President: Dr. Joseph AounAthletics Director: Peter RobyArena: Matthews ArenaCapacity: 4,666Rink Size: 200 x 90Head Coach: Jim Madigan (Northeastern `86)Record at NE: 22-37-9/2 yearsOverall Record: 22-37-9/2 yearsMadigan vs. ND: 2-0-02012-13 Record: 9-21-4Hockey East/Finish: 5-18-4/10thPostseason: NoneSeries Record: NU leads, 4-3-1At Notre Dame: NU leads, 3-1-0At Boston: ND leads, 2-0-1Neutral Sites: NU leads, 1-0-0Last Meeting: Dec. 3, 2011 NU 2, @ND 1Website: www.gonu.com
PROVIDENCE COLLEGE
Location: Providence, RI 02918Nickname: FriarsColors: Black and WhiteEnrollment: 3,852Founded: 1917President: Rev. Brian Shanley, O.P.Athletics Director: Robert Driscoll, Jr.Arena: Schneider ArenaCapacity: 3,030Rink Size: 200 x 85Head Coach: Nate Leaman (SUNY Cortland `97)Record at PC: 31-34-11/2 yearsOverall Record: 169-161-46/10 yearsLeaman vs. ND: 0-0-02012-13 Record: 17-14-7Hockey East/Finish: 13-8-6/T-3rdPostseason: Hockey East SemifinalsSeries Record: PC leads, 3-2-0At Notre Dame: Series tied, 1-1-0At Providence: ND leads, 2-0-0Neutral Sites: PC leads, 1-0-0Last Meeting: Oct. 16, 2009 @ND 2, PC 0Website: www.gofriars.com
UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT
Location: Burlington, VT 05446Nickname: CatamountsColors: Green and GoldEnrollment: 10,459Founded: 1791President: Tom SullivanAthletics Director: Dr. Robert CorranArena: Gutterson FieldhouseCapacity: 4,007Rink Size: 200 x 90Head Coach: Kevin Sneddon (Harvard `92)Record at UVM: 147-174-53/11 yearsOverall Record: 197-273-71/16 yearsSneddon vs. ND: 0-0-02012-13 Record: 11-19-6Hockey East/Finish: 8-13-6/T-3rdPostseason: Hockey East QuarterfinalsSeries Record: ND leads, 1-0-1At Notre Dame: Series tied, 0-0-0At Providence: Series tied, 0-0-0Neutral Sites: ND leads, 1-0-1Last Meeting: Dec. 29, 2002 ND 3, UVM 3 (at Ledyard National Bank Tournament)Website: www.uvmathletics.com