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Boston Globe
4 days ago
- Sport
- Boston Globe
Before James Hagens decides if he'll return to BC, he'll realize a dream by hearing his name called in the NHL Draft
'This year went really well, coming in right away and learning how to adapt to the pace of play and the structure of a college-level game. It was something that really helped me and helped my game.' Advertisement To some observers, Hagens was in a situation akin to that of Once the season started, Hagens worked his way up to centering the top line, skating with 2023 first-round picks Ryan Leonard and Gabe Perreault. It was a spot occupied the year before by Will Smith, who led the country with 71 points before signing with the Sharks last spring. Advertisement While Hagens didn't have the same level of offensive production, comparisons to Celebrini or Smith weren't quite fair as the circumstances were a bit different. Listed at 5 feet 11 inches, 176 pounds, Hagens did not have the physical traits of Celebrini, who showed up at BU at 6 feet, 190 pounds and already was a more complete player. Smith had established chemistry with Leonard and Perreault, the trio having skated together with the US National Team Development Program before heading to BC. So while the transition may not have been seamless at first with Hagens, by the end of the season they were one of the top lines in the NCAA, with Leonard being named Hockey East Player of the Year and a Hobey Baker Award finalist. 'He's got some things that are a lot harder to teach,' said BC coach Greg Brown. 'His spatial awareness and ability to transport pucks and skate by guys, not only with good skating but also by using his brain to set up the people he wants to skate by, whether he's making them freeze with a fake, or getting them at the wrong foot so he can use the other side against them. He just has some real special attributes that will translate very well to the NHL.' At times it seemed Hagens may have been too deferential to his older linemates, perhaps not looking for his own shot. 'He did have those moments, but he's kind of a pass-first player right now,' said Brown. 'His vision and creativity to distribute pucks is one of his very best attributes, and I think he enjoys that part of the game, so he'll grow into becoming a dual threat of scorer and passer.' Advertisement Whether that growth continues at BC is not certain, as Hagens hasn't stated if he will return for his sophomore year. While Smith and Celebrini were one and done, another year in college would seem to be beneficial for Hagens, allowing him to follow in the footsteps of Leonard and Perreault, who jumped to the NHL this spring. Cutter Gauthier also returned for a second year with BC for the 2023-24 season, and went on to lead the nation in goals and was a Hobey Baker finalist. 'You just have to see what happens,' said Hagens. 'There's no decision made yet. That's a discussion me and my family and the team would have to have after the draft.' The NHL is not a developmental league, with teams playing three to four times a week. The college schedule typically calls for no more than two games a week, on weekends, allowing for more practices. It also provides an opportunity to hit the weight room so players can withstand the rigors of the NHL when they do make the jump. It's hard to imagine any organization having an issue if Hagens chooses to return to campus. Most scouting reports indicate that he could use a bit more seasoning. He certainly seems to have enjoyed his time in Boston, and didn't flinch when asked about the prospect of falling to Bruins, who own the seventh pick. 'I love Boston,' Hagens said. 'Obviously being at Boston College, I'm right in the middle of Boston there. It's a beautiful city. Only great things to say about it.' Advertisement But before that, he will head to Buffalo for next week's scouting combine, something Hagens has been gearing up for since BC's season ended in late March. It's another step as he moves closer to hearing his name called next month. 'Getting drafted, it's been my dream my entire life,' said Hagens. 'That's why I started playing hockey. That's why I still play. I'm really just grateful for everything right now … You just have to make sure you're living in the moment and taking it day by day.' Follow Andrew Mahoney
USA Today
6 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Michigan State hockey claims top spot in early power rankings for 2025-26 season
Michigan State hockey claims top spot in early power rankings for 2025-26 season It's the NEVER Too Early 2025-26 NCAA Hockey Power Rankings! MUCH will change over the summer as some more additions/subtractions become finalized before we start to see some final rosters released by the teams... Who do YOU think is too high, low, and or missing?!?! 🤔 Let's… — College Puck NXT (@CollegePuckNXT) May 27, 2025 Michigan State hockey was No. 1 in the country for most of this past season and one analyst thinks they'll start next season with that top spot too. College Puck NXT released a "never too early" set of college hockey power rankings for next season, and the Spartans were right at the top of their list. Michigan State just edged out Boston University and Western Michigan for the No. 1 spot in their top 10 rankings poll. From the Big Ten, rival Michigan, Penn State and Minnesota were also included in the rankings. Penn State came in at No. 5, Michigan at No. 8 and Minnesota at No. 10. The Spartans return a number of key players off last year's Big Ten title winning squad. Hobey Baker Award winner Isaac Howard is expected back for another season at Michigan State, and so is star goaltender Trey Augustine. Those two alone will raise the ceiling for what Michigan State can achieve next year. Check out the complete poll from College Puck NXT in the post below: Contact/Follow us @The SpartansWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Michigan State news, notes and opinion. You can also follow Robert Bondy on X @RobertBondy5.
USA Today
6 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Two Spartans help Team USA end 92 year drought with World Championship gold medal win
This past weekend, Team USA did something for the first time in 92 years, winning the IIHF World Championship gold medal. Tage Thompson's overtime goal to beat Switzerland, 1-0, was the clincher in getting the United States their first world title since 1933. In winning the title, the Americans were aided by two current Spartans, who both have a history of doing great things within the USA hockey landscape. First, behind the bench assisting head coach Ryan Warsofsky, was MSU head coach Adam Nightingale, bringing his expertise to the Americans bench. Nightingale was joined by his star forward, and 2025 Hobey Baker Award winner, Isaac Howard. Howard was a member of USA's 2024 World Junior Championship gold medal team, and now, he got to bring home gold in the senior world championship. Howard got to taste the professional action in four games throughout the tournament, the most of any college player that made the trip, where he recorded an assist. Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle For Team USA to end the 92 year drought, and for two Spartans to be a part of it, made for a special weekend in the world of hockey. Contact/Follow us @The SpartansWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Michigan State news, notes and opinion. You can also follow Cory Linsner on X @Cory_Linsner
USA Today
14-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Michigan State hockey has just a couple of spots remaining to fill for 2025-26
Michigan State hockey has just a couple of spots remaining to fill for 2025-26 Michigan State hockey head coach Adam Nightingale has been outstanding in revamping the Spartans roster ahead of the 2025-26 season. After a disappointing first round exit at the hands of Cornell a year ago, the Spartans have their eyes set on more national goals to accomplish. With returning Hobey Baker Award winner Isaac Howard, along with star netminder Trey Augustine, the Spartans are poised to make another run at a third straight Big Ten championship, along with an NCAA Tournament run. Nightingale has done a really good job filling the holes left on the MSU roster, gaining the commitments of several top prospects including Anthony Romani, Cole Ward and Colin Ralph. Now, the finishing touches are going to be made. All that is left for the Spartans to acquire is some additional depth, with the team needed to add one more forward and one more defenseman, and then the roster will be ready to go for the 2025-26 season. Most likely, it would be expected that the Spartans turn to the OHL to fill those holes, but the transfer portal is still a very valid option for the holes as well. It wouldn't be anticipated that traditional recruiting adds would be made, but they could expedite the process of one of their commits. Either way, it should be an exciting next couple of weeks for player additions heading into the summer, where the Spartans will gear up for another run at a national championship. Contact/Follow us @The SpartansWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Michigan State news, notes and opinion. You can also follow Cory Linsner on X @Cory_Linsner
Time of India
08-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
7 Minnesota Wild stars set to dominate the 2025 IIHF World Championship
Photo byThe Minnesota Wild will have a strong international presence this spring as seven members of the organization are slated to represent five different nations at the 2025 IIHF Men's World Championship, taking place from May 9–25 in Stockholm, Sweden, and Herning, Denmark. With a mix of seasoned NHL veterans and rising young stars, the Wild's global footprint continues to grow. Operation Sindoor Operation Sindoor: Several airports in India closed - check full list Did Pak shoot down Indian jets? What MEA said India foils Pakistan's attack on Jammu airport: What we know so far Fans can expect to see familiar faces donning the jerseys of Canada, the United States, Sweden, Czechia, and Slovakia in pursuit of international glory. Minnesota Wild players to represent five nations at IIHF 2025 Among the most notable names is goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury , who at age 40 will make his first appearance for Team Canada at the men's championship. The future Hall of Famer wrapped up his legendary 21-year NHL career this season with 1,051 games played and ranks second all-time in wins. His teammate, Jared Spurgeon, will also join Canada, marking his debut at the tournament. Spurgeon led all Wild defensemen in scoring this season and ranks first in franchise history in plus-minus and time on ice. Representing the U.S. is Zeev Buium , a breakout young defenseman who made his NHL debut in the playoffs this year. Buium, 19, was a standout at the University of Denver with 48 points in 41 games and was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award . He's no stranger to international play, having won back-to-back gold medals at the IIHF World Junior Championships. Sweden will be represented by long-time Wild defenseman Jonas Brodin and forward Marcus Johansson. Brodin tallied 20 points in 50 games this season and recently helped Sweden win bronze at last year's championship. Johansson also played a key role in Sweden's 2024 bronze medal win, finishing with 12 points and a tournament-best +14 rating. David Spacek will suit up for Czechia, coming off a strong season in the AHL where he led Iowa defensemen in scoring. He's no stranger to gold, helping Czechia win the 2024 championship. Samuel Hlavaj, a 6-foot-4 netminder, returns to represent Slovakia after a solid AHL season, including his first professional shutout. He recorded a 2.54 GAA and a .925 SV% for Slovakia in last year's tournament. The 2025 IIHF Men's World Championship offers a compelling mix of experience and youth from the Minnesota Wild organization. As these players take the ice for their countries, Wild fans will have plenty of reasons to tune in and cheer. Also Read: Toronto Maple Leafs take game 1 as William Nylander dominates against Florida Panthers
