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Women's College Hockey Women's Hockey

No Surprises in NCAA Women’s Hockey Championship Selections, Just a Few Seeding Twists

There weren’t any surprises in the 11 teams announced for the NCAA Women’s Hockey Championship

There weren’t any surprises in the 11 teams announced for the NCAA Women’s Hockey  Championship.

After the five conference winners, the remaining six at-large selection basically as expected based on the next highest ranked teams in the polls. All the teams selected were either from the WCHA (Ohio State, Minnesota & UMD) or the ECAC (Colgate, Clarkson & St. Lawrence).

The only team that maybe could have received an at-large bid was Quinnipiac, but at the end of the day, they didn’t beat Clarkson in the ECAC playoffs, so that removed their opportunity.

The only surprises were the conference upsets and seedings.

Congrats to Boston University and Sacred Heart, winning their championship even though they weren’t the top seed.

As for the seedings, they didn’t go exactly as I expected, but nothing I am really bothered about (unlike  last year when UMD should have had a higher seed and avoided Ohio State  in the second round). It seems the Pairwise ranking was given more weight than the Poll:

  • With Minnesota beating Ohio State in WCHA semi-finals, I thought the Gophers might get the #2 seed
  • I had Penn State as the #8 seed, but they ended up #7
  • I thought St Lawrence would be the #7 seed, but they ended up #10 – it’s possible the committee didn’t want an all-ECAC match-up vs. Clarkson meeting in the first round if SLU was ranked #8 or #9.

Best of luck to all the teams this week. I expect there to be a couple of upsets this weekend.

Categories
2025 Women's College Hockey

Predictable Playoffs? Analyzing the First Week of NCAA DI Women’s Hockey Postseason

I was paying close attention to the first week of the NCAA DI women’s hockey playoffs last week.  Of all the games that were played across the five conferences there were only 4 upsets. 

In the ECAC, the single upset was Union (#9) beating Brown (#8) for their first ever playoff win. It was a mild upset, given that the two programs were only separated by 5 points and 1 win in the ECAC standings.   Otherwise, all the other match-ups went according to higher team in the standings.

For Hockey East, Merrimack (#10) has the biggest upset, beating New Hampshire (#7) in their first round game 3-1.  Given the Pairwise and MyHockeyRankings, this was a bit of a surprise. However, in the next round, the only lower ranked team to win was Northeastern (#5) beating Providence (#4).  Only 3 points and 1 win separated these two teams and Northeastern was actually ranked higher than Providence in both the Pairwise (#15 vs #20) and MyHockeyRankings (#17 vs #21).

A nice surprise was seeing Post (#6) beat Franklin Pierce (3) in the opening round of the NEWHA playoffs.  Post has not had much success in recent years, but with new head coach Pat Bingham, the team advanced to its first-ever semi-finals today vs. Long Island University. Nice to see the program finally get over the hump.

There were no upsets in the advancing teams in the WCHA and AHA conferences, although Minnesota State and Syracuse each won a game in the best-of-3 series.

The lack of major surprises suggests that regular-season performance remains a strong predictor of playoff success. As the playoffs continue, it will be interesting to see if any lower-seeded teams can break through and challenge the favorites.

Categories
Women's Hockey

Champs App Team Roster and Directory

Click here to learn more and set up a full demo

Quick Overview of Champs App

We have hundreds of player profiles and >100 college verified college coach profiles.

The Team Coach Directory allows players to research and connect with any DI, DIII and U Sports hockey coach:

For Players:

  • Create a free hockey profile with academic and athletic details, video highlights, team history, and schedule.
  • Opportunity to connect directly with coaches that will receive weekly schedule, video and profile notifications (similar to LinkedIn).

For Coaches & Scouts:

  • View full team rosters to research and connect with players before, during, or after the event.
  • Get real-time access to updated schedules for seamless scouting.

For Event Organizers:

  • Provide a professional, up-to-date roster and schedule with minimal effort.
  • Simply invite players by adding their name and email—players create and manage their own profiles.

Best of all, it’s 100% free for players, coaches, and event organizers.

Operational Details – What Event Organizers Need to Do

Here are the operational steps to coordinate using the Team Roster and Directory:

1. (Optional)  Player Profile Creation: Send out info to players about creating a Champs App profile after the register to give them enough time to create their profile. Champs App to provide link + instructional text with explanation for players.  Timing: When Players Register

2. Coach/Scout Profiles: Event Organizer to provide Champs list of coaches participating/scouting the event to ensure a profile is already created.  Timing:  When available (dynamically updated)

3. Coaches/Scouts: Champs App to contact coaches and scouts with Team Roster Directory instructions + Profile activation details.  Timing: Approximately 2-4 weeks before event

4. Create Teams and add Players + Coaches to Team Rosters.   Can be done by Event Organizer or Champs App either manually or via CSV file upload.   Timing:  When available (dynamically updated) 

Click here to learn more and set up a full demo

Categories
College Hockey Recruiting TOOLS Women's Hockey

Champs App Messaging 2.0

Champs App Messaging is the fastest, easiest way to connect with coaches—and now it’s even better!

Here are the New Features to Take Your Recruiting to the Next Level:

View your Sent Messages

Access all your past messages in one place. No more wondering what you sent!

 Save Personal Templates

Customize once, reuse anytime! Quickly send personalized emails to multiple coaches without copy-pasting.

Track Email Activity

See when and how often your email is opened to gauge coach interest. 👀 (Note: Tracking may not work if the recipient has privacy settings enabled.)

Why Use Champs App Messaging?

  • Cuts email time by over 50%
  • Ensures key info is included
  • Reduces errors with pre-filled templates
  • Saves time, improves accuracy & gives you valuable insights

 “16 emails would have normally taken her an entire evening. She was able to do this in well under 2 hours. The app is incredibly user-friendly and easy to navigate.” – Champs App Messaging User

If you’re sending 50+ emails or 10 at a time, Champs App Messaging is a game changer. Give it a try and make recruiting faster, smarter, and more effective!

Try Champs App Messaging 2.0 Now!

Categories
2025 Women's College Hockey Women's Hockey

Why the NEWHA Champion Should Have to Earn Their Spot Through a Play-In Game

This coming weekend all 5 conferences will be playing playoffs games with the conference winners getting automatic bids to the NCAA DI Women’s Ice Hockey Championship. This season will be the second year that the NEWHA conference champion will get an automatic bid to be one of the 11 NCAA playoff teams.  Being part of the women’s hockey playoffs would imply that that the NEWHA winner would be at least the 11th best team in DI women’s hockey – or at least close to it.  But that is not the case.  While the NEWHA conference champion has earned their spot in the playoffs, I am recommending that the lowest ranked conference champion have a play-in game.  Here is the rationale…

This season I have tracked every game the NEWHA conference teams have played against non-conference opponents.  The results aren’t pretty for the NEWHA teams – with the non-conference teams outscoring NEWHA  241-26. 

In fact, the best NEWHA team is not close to being a Top 15 in the polls and is essentially taking the sport of a much better team in the playoffs. So, Given the NEWHA regular season record versus non-conference teams, the Pairwise Rankings and MyHockeyRankings, the NEWHA teams continually rank near the bottom of all NCAA DI teams.   

NCAA Women’s DI Hockey MyHockeyRankings as of 02-26-2025

In MHR, the entire NEWHA conference are the 8 bottom rated teams. 

NCAA Women’s DI Hockey Pairwise Rankings as of 02-24-2025

And in the Pairwise, the best team is Long Island University at #28. But keep in mind the Pairwise weights “wins” heavily, and clear the top NEWHA teams like LIU beat the other NEWHA teams the most and thus boosted their ranking.  Pairwise seems to break down at the bottom of the rankings due to over-valuing bad teams beating each other. Given the data in my season-long analysis, I would use the MHR ranking as a better indicator of how good a team is relative to their peers.

In NCAA men’s basketball, there are play-in games featuring the last four at-large teams and the four lowest-seeded automatic qualifiers. I am recommending something similar, but just a single game. And yes, I am aware of the recent increase in the number of teams. The reason why there are only 11 teams in the current playoff format is to keep it proportional with the number of teams that make the men’s tournament.

Right now, if it very likely that three of the following four Top 15 teams won’t be in the playoffs – Quinnipiac (#9), Clarkson (#10), St Cloud State (#11) and Boston University (#12) unless they win their conference.  It’s a shame so many Top 11 teams won’t be in the playoffs. Having a play-in game would at least give one of these ranked teams a chance.  As a reminder, last year’s NEWHA champion, played the #7 seed Cornell and lost 7-1 in the opening round.

Given all this data, it seems inequitable that one (or all) of these Top 15 teams are not given a chance to compete in the national playoffs, when clearly a much weaker team (even though they won their conference) is being given the opportunity. A play-in game would at least make this more fair.

One last thought. Assuming Long Island University wins the NEWHA playoffs, they performed the best against non-conference opponents recently.  They only lost to Princeton (#15 in polls) 4-2, and vs. Robert Morris University (#38 Pairwise), LIU tied 1-1 and lost 3-1. But the reality is it would be unlikely any NEWHA team could beat any Top 11 team.

Categories
College Hockey Recruiting Women's College Hockey Women's Hockey

What Sets Apart Top DI Women’s Hockey Programs

Women’s college hockey is highly competitive, with NCAA Division I programs leading the charge in developing elite talent. While every D1 program offers athletes the opportunity to compete at the highest collegiate level, certain programs consistently rise above the rest. These top-tier programs distinguish themselves not just through their records, but through the resources, culture, and opportunities they provide.

Here’s a closer look at what sets apart the top D1 women’s hockey programs:

1. Elite Coaching and Development

The best programs are often led by experienced and highly regarded coaching staffs. These coaches bring a wealth of knowledge, including tactical expertise, player development strategies, and the ability to foster team cohesion. They prioritize both individual growth and team success, ensuring that athletes not only perform at their best during college but are also prepared for professional or national team opportunities.

Programs like the University of Wisconsin and the University of Minnesota, for example, consistently produce players who excel in international competitions and professional leagues, thanks to their focus on skill development and game strategy.

2. Winning Culture and Tradition

A strong culture of success is a hallmark of top D1 programs. Teams with a history of winning championships and competing at the Frozen Four attract high-caliber recruits who want to be part of a legacy. This tradition fosters a sense of pride and accountability among players, pushing them to perform at their best.

Schools like Boston College, Clarkson University, and Northeastern University are known for their rich hockey traditions and competitive spirit, which help maintain their status as top programs.

3. State-of-the-Art Facilities

Top programs invest heavily in their facilities to provide athletes with the best resources for success. This includes world-class arenas, strength and conditioning centers, video analysis tools, and recovery amenities. These facilities not only enhance performance but also create an environment where athletes feel valued and supported.

Programs like UConn and Boston University have made significant investments in their hockey facilities, which play a crucial role in attracting top recruits.

4. Strong Academic Support

Top D1 programs recognize that their athletes are students first. They provide robust academic support systems, including tutoring, study spaces, and flexible schedules that accommodate the demands of being a student-athlete. Schools like Harvard University and Cornell University are known for balancing athletic excellence with academic rigor, offering athletes the best of both worlds.

5. National and International Exposure

Programs that regularly compete at the highest level often have players on national team rosters and in international tournaments. This exposure benefits players by providing additional competitive opportunities and raising their profiles among scouts. Programs like the Northeastern University, University of Minnesota Duluth and Ohio State University have strong connections to international hockey, further elevating their status.

6. Recruiting and Alumni Network

A key differentiator for top programs is their ability to recruit top talent from across North America and beyond. These programs have extensive scouting networks and strong relationships with youth and junior hockey organizations. Additionally, their alumni networks often include Olympians and professional players, creating a powerful draw for recruits who aspire to follow in their footsteps.

Final Thoughts

What sets apart top D1 women’s hockey programs is a combination of excellence on and off the ice. From coaching and facilities to culture and academic support, these programs create environments where athletes can thrive. For recruits aiming to play at the highest level, understanding these factors can help guide their decisions and set them on the path to success.

Categories
College Hockey Recruiting Women's College Hockey Women's Hockey

Ivy League Women’s Hockey: Understanding the Academic Index

For aspiring student-athletes, balancing athletics and academics is a critical challenge, especially when it comes to competing at the collegiate level. For those with dreams of playing women’s hockey in the Ivy League, there’s an additional layer to navigate: the Academic Index (AI). This unique tool plays a pivotal role in the recruitment process and determines whether a player can be admitted to an Ivy League institution.

What Is the Academic Index?

The Academic Index is a metric used by Ivy League schools to ensure that recruited athletes meet the rigorous academic standards expected of all students. This formula takes into account three main factors: GPA, standardized test scores (SAT or ACT), and class rank or a similar school-provided statistic (if available). The goal is to quantify an athlete’s academic performance into a single, standardized number that aligns with Ivy League admissions policies.

Though the exact formula may vary slightly between schools, the AI ensures that recruited athletes are not only strong competitors on the ice but also capable of thriving in demanding academic environments.

Why the Academic Index Matters

The Ivy League, unlike many athletic conferences, does not offer athletic scholarships. Instead, student-athletes are admitted based on a combination of athletic and academic achievements. The AI ensures that hockey players fit into the academic culture of the institution while allowing coaches to prioritize recruiting based on athletic ability.

For women’s hockey, this balance is critical. Coaches must build competitive teams without compromising the academic reputation of their programs. A low AI score can make it difficult for a coach to secure a spot for a prospective recruit, even if that athlete is highly skilled.

How Can You Calculate Your Academic Index?

While the exact calculation might vary slightly, a typical Academic Index includes the following components:

  1. GPA: Weighted or unweighted, depending on the school’s reporting method.
  2. Standardized Test Scores: Converted to a percentile rank to normalize across different testing scales.
  3. Class Rank or School Profile Data: For students whose schools don’t provide class rank, the rigor of coursework (like AP or IB classes) may be factored in.

There are online tools and resources that can help athletes estimate their AI. Understanding where you stand early in the recruitment process is essential to aligning your athletic and academic goals.

Tips for Navigating the Academic Index

  1. Start Early: The earlier you understand the AI and its implications, the better prepared you’ll be to meet academic requirements.
  2. Communicate with Coaches: Ivy League coaches can guide you through the AI process and help assess whether you meet the criteria.
  3. Focus on Academics: A strong GPA and high standardized test scores can offset minor weaknesses in other areas.
  4. Leverage Support: Many Ivy League institutions offer test-optional policies or holistic admissions processes—be sure to ask how these might impact your AI.

Conclusion

Playing women’s hockey in the Ivy League offers a unique opportunity to compete at a high level while earning a world-class education. Understanding the Academic Index is an essential step for any prospective recruit. By excelling both on and off the ice, student-athletes can position themselves to achieve their dreams of playing in the Ivy League.

Categories
2024 Women's Hockey Youth Hockey

Welcome to Champs 2.0

It’s been over 3 years since Champs launched.  Since then we have accomplished some amazing things:

  • Offered a free online hockey profile creation tool for players, coaches, parents and advisors/agents
  • Provided analysis, insight and opinion on a range of women’s hockey topics including recruiting, development and news.
  • Developed several tools to help players, parents and coaches navigate the world of youth hockey
  • Interviewed at least one coach from all 45 NCAA DI Women’s Hockey team

Over the past few months, we have spoken to many users and gotten their feedback as to what they like, don’t like and where they want Champs App to go in the future. The positive feedback to what we have accomplished so far has been amazing and we truly appreciate the trust we have earned from our users.

Continued Commitment to our Mission Statement

Recently I have been asked if I will continue my work on Champs App now that my daughter has committed to play college hockey. And the answer is very simple: Yes.  Not only am I still helping my son with his recruiting journey, but I am also still passionate about helping improve the recruiting and development your hockey experience for all players.  So, plan to see Champs App expand to all youth hockey, not just female hockey, over the coming months.

As a result, our team doubled-down on our commitment to our mission:

“Champs App’s mission is to empower youth athletes to reach their full potential. We serve as your trusted sports recruiting and development copilot, supporting players, parents, and coaches on their journey through youth sports. Our goal is to help you achieve your goals and excel in every aspect of your athletic and academic pursuits.”

New Design

Since our initial launch, many of our solutions have been somewhat independent of each other and somewhat confusing for folks to figure out Champs App.  Today we are launching Champs 2.0 which beings together all our offerings in a more integrated solution.

We have completely redesigned Champs App so that all offerings fit together seamlessly to dramatically improve our user experience.  Our hope is that it is much easier to find and use Champs App as your copilot. 

Changes to our User Experience

You will also see many changes to how users can access and use Champs App 2.0.  While we will continue to provide free content and tools like podcasts, articles and directories on our website, some new content will require a free Champs App account to access special analysis and information.  We have made it easy to create a free Champs App account, without the need to create an online profile.   

Free vs. Subscription Offerings – Focused on Great Value

As mentioned above, Champs App will continue to offer free tools and information, but at the same time we have also started to offer premium tools and services. By charging our community for these value-added services, we can continue to grow and deliver amazing new content, tools and services to our members.  Unlike other organizations in youth sports, you can rely on Champs App to be your trusted brand in all aspects of your recruiting and development journey.

I have been a longtime of Costco and their commitment to ensuring great value to all their members.  We are hoping to echo that same philosophy here at Champs App.  As long as I am running Champs App, our intent is to ensure that that the value our members receive from an offering is significantly greater than the price we charge. Hopefully, our community will quickly discover that Champs App premium offerings are truly great value, especially when compared to paying > $300 for a composite stick.  In addition, we will never have traditional advertising on our site. Any partnerships or sponsorships will need to be highly valuable to our community and truly help solve their unmet needs.  

Our first premium product has been the Champs App Messaging Tool – which ⁠is the fast, easy way to send error-free messages to coaches. ⁠Champs App Messaging⁠ cuts the time to send emails to coaches by over 50%. Over the coming months we will continue to offer additional premium tools and services to our community.  

Stay Tuned – More to Come

There will continue to be small updates we need to make as part of our Champs 2.0 release – so if you have feedback or find something that isn’t working properly please let us know.  We still have a long way to go achieve all the big goals we have for Champs App. You will see new offerings being released throughout the spring and summer – so look out for more announcement on social media, in your email and in the app. Please join us on our journey to be your sports recruiting and development copilot.

Ray Tenenbaum, Co-Founder of Champs App

Categories
Parents Player Development Youth Hockey

The Emotional Roller Coaster: Highs and Lows of Being a Hockey Parent

As a hockey parent, your role is far more significant than shuttling your player to and from the rink. You are a critical part of your child’s hockey journey, wearing multiple hats: mentor, cheerleader, logistics coordinator, and sometimes even a therapist. This journey is filled with moments of elation and pride but also comes with its fair share of stress, doubt, and hard decisions. Here’s a closer look at the highs and lows of being a hockey parent and how you can navigate this emotional roller coaster.

The Operational Role

From the very beginning, parents take on significant operational responsibilities. These tasks might seem mundane, but they are the foundation of a player’s success:

  • Navigating Tryouts and Politics: Deciding where to play and understanding the nuances of team tryouts can be daunting. Often, you’re not just evaluating your player’s skills but also trying to navigate the political landscape of team selections.
  • Choosing Events Wisely: Determining which recruiting events, camps, or showcases to attend can feel overwhelming. Each opportunity has the potential to open doors, but not every event will be the right fit for your player.
  • Finding the Right Coaches: Identifying team coaches and development specialists who will genuinely help your player grow is a critical and sometimes challenging task.
  • Managing Logistics: Beyond hockey strategy, there’s the day-to-day grind—getting your player to practices, games, and tournaments while ensuring their gear is in top condition.
  • Overcoming Challenges: Injuries, academic struggles, or even tough situations with teammates or coaches require your steady support and problem-solving skills.

The Emotional Investment

The emotional stakes for hockey parents are high. Every decision feels critical because it’s not just your journey; it’s your child’s dream on the line. Some of the most emotionally taxing moments include:

  • Handling Pressure and Rejection: Watching your child face rejection, whether during tryouts or District/Provincial camp selections, can be heartbreaking. The pressure to succeed often feels heavier for parents than for players.
  • Deciding Whether to Stay Local or Move Away: Determining if your child should leave home during high school to pursue hockey dreams is a monumental decision. It’s not just about hockey but also about their overall development and happiness.
  • Worrying About Making Mistakes: One of the most significant stressors is the fear that a wrong decision on your part might limit your player’s opportunities. This weight can feel overwhelming.

Embracing Imperfection and Learning as You Go

Here’s an important truth: there is no perfect path in hockey recruiting. Even with careful planning, there will be surprises, setbacks, and unexpected opportunities. What matters most is effort and adaptability. By leveraging the resources at your disposal—coaches, fellow parents, online tools, and more—you can minimize missed opportunities and guide your player effectively.

If your player is good enough and truly passionate, doors will open—even if it’s not the door you initially envisioned. Rejections and detours are often temporary. Many players find that what initially seemed like a setback actually led them to a better fit in the long run.

Focus on the Best Fit

In the end, it’s not about landing on the “best” team or achieving every lofty goal; it’s about finding the right fit for your player. The “best fit” means an environment where your player can grow as an athlete and as a person. It might not look exactly like what you initially hoped for, but it often turns out to be just what they need.

Words of Encouragement for Hockey Parents

You are not alone on this journey. Every hockey parent rides the highs of thrilling wins and the lows of difficult losses. The key is to stay grounded and remember why you’re doing this—to support your child’s passion and help them pursue their dreams. Give yourself grace and embrace the learning curve. By showing up, putting in the effort, and making thoughtful decisions, you’re already doing an incredible job.

So, as you navigate the emotional roller coaster of being a hockey parent, take a deep breath and trust the process. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being present. And more often than not, things have a way of working out in the end.

Categories
2025 College Hockey Recruiting Junior Hockey Men's College Hockey Youth Hockey

Navigating the Changing Landscape of Junior and Men’s College Hockey Recruiting

I haven’t written much about my son’s recruiting journey, but now that he is exploring his path to junior and college hockey, I think it’s time to share.

The last time I wrote about him was after he attended his first junior hockey main camp. Now, he is in his senior year of high school, playing 18U AAA hockey, and starting to look at where he will play next year. This includes conversations with junior teams as he navigates his next steps.

The reality is that the new rules allowing CHL players to play in the NCAA next year are already impacting players like my son. I don’t claim to have a deep understanding of all the nuances of the CHL, USHL, BCHL, NAHL, or NCDC leagues. However, I wanted to share a few observations based on what I’ve seen and heard:

  1. Top CHL players will start playing NCAA hockey next year.
    Beyond the CHL players who have already announced commitments to DI programs, I’ve heard of others planning to join top schools. These players may benefit from additional development time before signing professional contracts.
  2. BCHL and U.S.-based players are shifting to the CHL.
    Many BCHL and American players, who might have traditionally played in the NAHL or USHL, are now looking to move to the CHL (OHL, WHL, or QMJHL). With eligibility no longer a concern, talented players are exploring this path as a viable option.
  3. Junior leagues are redefining their roles.
    Every junior league, especially the BCHL, will need to reconfigure its value proposition as a development league. Players now have more options for paths to college hockey or professional opportunities, which could shift the dynamics across leagues.
  4. Recruiting cycles are delayed.
    The ripple effects of these changes are already evident in the recruiting timelines. Decisions on tenders for next season appear slower than in previous years. As NCAA teams finalize their 2025/26 rosters, this will influence CHL and USHL recruiting strategies, eventually trickling down to other junior leagues.

As a parent going through the junior hockey process for the first time, patience seems to be a necessity. The landscape is shifting, and the impact of these changes will likely take time to unfold fully.

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