ST. CHARLES, MO. — On Monday, Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics Jason Coomer announced the hiring of Keith Fisher as the next head coach of the Lindenwood men’s ice hockey program.

“Thank you to Dr. Porter and Mr. Coomer for the opportunity to lead the Lindenwood hockey program,” said Fisher. “It is an exciting time to be a Lion, and I look forward to building the program into a national contender.  I can’t wait to get started!”

Fisher arrives in St. Charles, Mo. after spending 13 seasons on the staff at Penn State, including the last seven as the associate head coach of the Nittany Lions. Overall, Fisher has over 25 years of coaching experience between collegiate and junior hockey.

“From the outset of our search, it was essential to find a leader who could elevate our program to the next level,” stated Coomer. “Coach Fisher has been immersed in winning cultures throughout his career and has consistently helped young men grow and compete at the highest levels of the game.”

During his time at Penn State, Fisher guided the Nittany Lions to four NCAA Tournament berths (2017, 2018, 2023 and 2025) and a pair of Big Ten Championships (2017 & 2020). This past season, Fisher helped lead Penn State to its first ever Frozen Four riding the momentum of a second-half surge that saw the Nittany Lions go 13-4-4 down the stretch to earn the final at-large bid into the 2025 NCAA Tournament.

“While Coach Fisher’s recent run to the Frozen Four speaks volumes, it’s his overall body of work that truly sets him apart,” Coomer continued. “He is widely respected across the college hockey landscape, and we couldn’t be more excited to have him behind the bench, guiding and developing our young men.”

Fisher was named the 2020 Terry Flannagan Award winner, honoring the nation’s top assistant and their career body of work. In total, Fisher has coached three Big Ten Player of the Year winners with two coming on the defensive side, 12 All-Conference performers, a pair of All-Americans, and three NHL players while at Penn State.

“Keith Fisher understands what it takes to build a successful culture on and off the ice,” said Wisconsin Head Coach Mike Hastings. “His work ethic and leadership skills provide a blueprint on how to accomplish your goals.”

Fisher spent 2005-11 on the staff at Princeton. With the Tigers, he helped lead the team to a pair of NCAA tournament berths (2008, 2009) and the 2008 ECAC and Ivy League Championships. The 2009 Princeton Tigers also set the school record for wins in a season with 22, a record which still stands to this day.

The Minnesota native headed up the Princeton recruiting efforts which saw three All-Americans, two Hobey Baker Award finalists, two ECAC Player of the Year recipients (the only two in the history of the program), one ECAC Rookie of the Year, one ECAC Defenseman of the Year and one ECAC Goaltender of the year.

Fisher’s teams also combined for 48 Academic All-ECAC players, five NHL players, four first-team All-ECAC players and three first-team All-Ivy players.

“Today Lindenwood hired an excellent coach and an even better person,” said Penn State Head Coach Guy Gadowsky. “Coach Fisher has been a great friend and a huge part of the success of the hockey programs at Penn State and Princeton.  Penn State Hockey, and me personally, will really miss Fish but we all look forward to seeing him build the Lindenwood hockey program with great integrity – just like him.”

Fisher spent five years with the USHL’s Omaha Lancers’ coaching staff, helping the team to the Clark Cup championship in 2001. His team also was crowned the Anderson Cup regular-season champions in both 2002 and 2005.

In Omaha, he served as the team’s recruiting coordinator and academic advisor, in addition to other responsibilities of on-ice coaching, video breakdown and game analysis.

NHL first-round draft picks Keith Ballard and Nick Petrecki, 11 NHL players, including Matt Carle and Paul Stastny, and USHL Goaltender of the Year and USA Hockey Junior Player of the Year Jeff Lerg came through Omaha during Fisher’s time there. He also helped develop 54 NCAA Division I scholarship players and 12 NHL draft picks and served as associate coach for Team USHL at the USHL Prospects/All-Star game during his final season.

Fisher began his career at St. Cloud State University, serving as an undergraduate assistant coach for two seasons. During his two seasons with the Huskies, Fisher helped develop five players for the NHL. The 2000 season saw St. Cloud State advance to just their second NCAA Tournament in program history.

“Coach Fisher’s character and integrity were recurring themes in every conversation we had during this process,” said Coomer. “It’s clear he’ll be deeply missed at Penn State, but we’re thrilled to welcome him as he builds a program that the St. Charles and St. Louis hockey communities can take great pride in.”

A graduate of St. Cloud State University, Fisher has a bachelor’s degree in communications. Prior to coaching, Fisher played two seasons at Hibbing Community College and participated in the NJCAA National Tournament.

 

The NCAA spent decades making sure student-athletes weren’t allowed to make a single penny off of their name, image, and likeness, but that changed in the wake of the Supreme Court ruling that ushered in the NIL Era in 2021. A lot of fans have had issues with the impact that pivot has had on the landscape of college sports, but there are more than a few sponsorship deals you have to respect based on how much of a no-brainer they were.

A lot of schools have harnessed NIL deals and the collectives that hand them out to create an environment where players are essentially paid to play without having to do too much in return, but there are also plenty of companies and brands that have taken advantage of the chance to launch some wildly organic partnerships.

That includes a number of NIL sponsorships that stemmed from a unique name and some others where the two parties were just a match made in heaven—including…

Decoldest Crawford And An HVAC Company

Decoldest Crawford’s name got some attention when he was making a name for himself as a high school football player in Louisiana; he claimed his middle name was ToEvaDoIt (sadly, it’s actually “Juan) and got his first taste of viral fame before heading to college.

Crawford initially enrolled at Nebraska in 2022 and didn’t waste much time signing an NIL deal with SOS Heating & Cooling, an HVAC company based in Omaha that had him film a commercial to promote its air conditioning maintenance services.

He was injured before his freshman season got underway and transferred to Louisiana Tech. However, he only had two receptions in 2023, didn’t play in 2024, and transferred to Grambling State ahead of the 2025 campaign.

Ga’Quincy “Kool-Aid” McKinstry And Kool-Aid

The man born Ga-Quincy McKinstry earned his nickname immediately after he was born thanks to his grandmother, who noted he had a ” big Kool-Aid smile” as soon as he came out of the womb.

McKinstry ended up playing cornerback at Alabama for three years and signed an NIL deal with Kool-Aid ahead of his freshman season.

He declared for the NFL Draft in 2024 and has been a member of the Saints since they selected him in the second round with the 41st overall pick.

General Booty And An Underwear Brand

In 2002, Abram and Amy Booty welcomed a new son into the world before he received a birth certificate emblazoned with the name  General Maximus Axel Booty.

They initially planned on calling him Axel, but he insisted on going by “General” and subsequently attracted plenty of attention for some fairly obvious reasons after he transferred to Oklahoma in 2022 after a season at a junior college.

The following year, Booty signed an NIL deal with Rock ‘Em Socks, which specializes in that particular form of apparel but also sold some underwear with his name on the back.

Booty ended up transferring to Louisiana-Monroe, and while he entered the portal after the most recent season, it doesn’t appear he’s found a new home.

Dieunerst Collin And Popeyes

If you’ve spent enough time on the internet, you’ve likely come across the GIF of a young Dieunerst Collin giving side-eye to a camera after being mistaken for the Vine star Terio while inside a Popeyes restaurant.

Collin ended up playing high school football in New Jersey and made it pretty clear he wanted an NIL deal with Popeyes after enrolling at Lake Erie College in 2021—one he was able to land shortly after making the request.

He was on the roster at UT-Permian Basin in 2024 but didn’t end up taking a snap.

Purchase, Moore, Hamann, Bacon And The Iowa Pork Producers Association

In 2023, Iowa State’s football team boasted a quartet of players named Myles Purchse, Tyler Moore, Tommy Hamann, and Caleb Bacon.

The Iowa Pork Producers Association seized on a golden opportunity by giving all four of those players an NIL deal to encourage people to “Purchase More Ham And Bacon,” which the Sports Business Journal rightfully named the best one to come out of 2023.

The association also added Alec Cook and Zach Lovett to the equation in an attempt to further its message, and the deal was renewed in 2024.

Jake Retzlaff And A Kosher Food Company

BYU is the nation’s preeminent Mormon university, and while every student-athlete has to sign its honor code, there have been plenty of players who weren’t members of the Church of Latter-Day Saints.

That includes Jake Retzlaff, the Jewish quarterback who embraced his “BY-Jew” nickname after earning the starting job in 2023.

Last season, he attracted the interest of Manischewitz, a kosher food company based in Cincinnati that signed him to promote products including matzo and potato latke mix.

Bijan Robinson’s Mustard Brand

Bijan Robinson reaped the benefits of being a big name at Texas, as his list of NIL deals included partnerships with Lamborghini, C4 Energy, and Raising Cane’s.

However, none of them were more unique than the one that led to the creation of the running back’s very own condiment—Bijan Mustardson—in 2022 to take advantage of the fact that his first name rhymes with “Dijon.”

Mohamed Ibrahim And Gushers

Plenty of athletes rely on small snacks to stay fueled during a game, and former Minnesota running back Mohamed Ibrahim garnered some attention when he was spotted gobbling down some Gushers on the sideline.

That led to the fruit snack brand giving him an NIL deal and his very own custom pack with a flavor dubbed “Touchdown Splash.”

Jeremy Roach And Darianna Littlepage-Buggs Link Up With Raid

We have our first non-football players courtesy of Jeremy Roach and Darianna Littlepage-Buggs, who both play basketball at Baylor (although the former was still at Duke when the deal in question was signed).

In 2024, the pest control brand Raid became the latest brand to execute an incredibly organic NIL agreement, and Roach and Buggs were both tapped for pretty obvious reasons.

John Daly II and Hooters

John Daly has famously spent close to three decades posting up in the parking lot of the Hooters down the street from Augusta National during The Masters, and his son ended up reaping the benefits.

In 2022, John Daly II (who plays golf at Arkansas) got an NIL deal from the chain a few years before it filed for bankruptcy after it signed him to serve as an official ambassador.

NORTHFIELD, Vt.- First-year Head Coach of the Norwich Women’s Ice Hockey program Justin Simpson announced Monday afternoon the hiring of Shavonne Leacy as an Assistant Coach.

“Being able to welcome Shavonne to our program is an absolute slam dunk for both our players and staff,” Simpson said. “Shavonne has shown she is a program builder, relentless recruiter, talented skills coach, and an amazing person. She will have an immense impact on our student-athletes and program from day one. I am thrilled to get to work with Shavonne and build something special together here at Norwich.”

Most recently, Leacy served as the founder and owner of Boston Selects Girls Hockey, providing year-round training for players of all ages, including film breakdowns and recruiting guidance. Concurrent with her time at Boston Selects, Leacy served as the Director of Girls Hockey at the Boston Hockey Academy, where she was instrumental in building the girls’ program from the ground up. Additionally, Leacy spent the last eight years as a coach with USA Hockey. Her background in player development began with coaching at the girls’ varsity level at Princeton Day School in New Jersey while also coaching the Princeton Tiger Lilies.

A native of Hillsborough, N.J., Leacy played collegiately at the University of Connecticut, appearing in 41 contests before earning her bachelor’s degree in 2021.

“I’m honored to join the Norwich University Women’s Ice Hockey program as an Assistant Coach,” Leacy said. “I’m grateful to Director of Athletics Ed Hockenbury, Head Coach Justin Simpson, and the entire athletics staff for the opportunity to be part of an institution with such a strong tradition and commitment to excellence.

I am excited to work alongside Coach Simpson as the program embarks on an exciting new chapter. The foundation established by former Head Coach Sophie Leclerc Doherty and her assistant coach Taylor Willard has created a program recognized for its excellence both on and off the ice.

As a former Division I player at UConn, I bring a deep understanding of the game at a high competitive level. My passion has always been to give back to the sport by supporting the growth and development of girls’ hockey at every stage. I look forward to applying this experience and dedication to contribute to the continued success of the Norwich Women’s Ice Hockey team.”

 

UTSA’s Run Through NCAA Championship Ends In Super Regional … College World Series: UCLA, Arkansas, Louisville, Arizona advance to Omaha; defending champion Tennessee eliminated…Stanley Cup Final shifts to South Florida for Game 3 after the Panthers and Oilers split in Edmonton… Thunder open another big lead and keep control, topping Pacers 123-107 to even NBA Finals

Pirate Press: ECU Headlines

ECU Countdown to Kickoff: No. 81 Jyron Waiters 247 Sports

ECU Notes: Twin US Navy commanders from Pinetops earn doctorates together Greenville Daily Reflector (sub req’d)

Around the American Athletic Conference

UTSA’s Run Through NCAA Championship Ends In Super Regional American Athletic Conference

UTSA baseball ends record-setting run with loss to UCLA in super regional San Antonio Express-News

UTSA baseball’s historic run comes to end with 7-0 loss to UCLA in Super Regional KSAT

UTSA ends historic season just short of reaching College World Series KENS 5

UTSA baseball ends record-setting run with loss to UCLA in super regional Houston Chronicle

UCLA takes down UTSA, dogpiles after advancing to College World Series On3

Sports Illustrated

• Bruins Cruise Past UTSA, Advance to College World Series
• Tulane Boss Jon Sumrall One of Most Underrated Coaches in College Football
• Tulane Football Can Tap Into New NIL Royalties in EA Sports College Football 26
• Tulane Green Wave Athletics Finalist For Important Community Service Award

UNT football program ranks as readers’ favorite to break through for AAC championship Denton Record-Chronicle

FAU’s Trey Beard enters the NCAA Transfer Portal On3

Tulane secures commitment from Archbishop Shaw defensive back Jackson Williams Crescent City Sports

Regional Headlines: The Carolinas and beyond

YAHOO!

• College World Series: UCLA, Arkansas, Louisville, Arizona advance to Omaha; defending champion Tennessee eliminated
• College World Series: 6 teams clinch berths to Omaha, including Arkansas who ousted defending champion Tennessee

College World Series bracket 2025: Live updates for every team going to Omaha Fansided

Super regionals roundup: Arizona completes series comeback vs. UNC Reuters

Raleigh News & Observer

• Murray State shocks Duke baseball, forces winner-take-all super regional game
• Late Arizona rally sinks UNC in super regional, ends Tar Heels’ ‘Road to Omaha’

WRAL

• Wildcats rally in 8th with 2-run single, Arizona to CWS with 4-3 win over Tar Heels
• Murray State pounds Duke 19-9 to force deciding game in Durham Super Regional

Columbia The State

• Revenue sharing is coming. How Clemson plans to split money among its teams
• Why South Carolina has been structuring some NIL deals differently
• Gamecocks D-tackle target recaps official visit with commitment date looming

Charleston Post & Courier

• A look at what Clemson baseball has coming back in 2026
• Hamilton: The House Settlement is here, and college sports will never be the same
• Twin brothers, two of top prospects in NC, commit to South Carolina

Monday, June 9, 2025

New Legislation Approved June 6

The House Settlement ushers in a new era in Division I college hockey and all of Division I college sports. Below is an updated resource on how this new legislation affects Division I college hockey specifically. This will be a continually updated resource.

What does it mean for a school to opt in to the House Settlement?

Answer: Division I Institutions that opt into the new structure will be able to share revenue with their student-athletes and will be bound by roster caps for their varsity teams. The approval of this settlement marks the beginning of a new era in college sport. Beginning July 1,  2025, participating colleges will directly pay athletes a share of up to 22% of the average power conference (B1G, ACC, BIG XII, SEC) athletic media, ticket and sponsorship revenue, a number initially thought to be $20.5 million for the annual cap. This number will be adjusted each year. Those payments will be in addition to both athletic scholarships and NIL deals athletes sign with third parties. To ensure revenue sharing with student-athletes is managed correctly, athletics departments will use the new College Athlete Payment System (CAPS) platform.

Under the House settlement, does every Division I institution have to provide revenue sharing to student-athletes?

Answer: No. Each Division I institution may decide whether to opt in to the House Settlement and how much of any new benefit to provide to student-athletes, up to the limitations set in the settlement. Each Division I conference may set their own rules for its members regarding additional benefits. However, if a Division I institution provides additional payments or benefits to student-athletes beyond what is currently permitted, the school is then held to the standards set in the settlement.

What does it mean for Division I men’s and women’s hockey programs that opt in to the House Settlement?

Answer: Institutions with Division I hockey programs that opt in to the House Settlement will be set with a roster cap of 26 players. A Division I institution will be allowed to grant up to 26 full athletic scholarships for the hockey team in addition to revenue sharing and NIL opportunities.

Can an institution opt in to the settlement on a team-by-team basis?

Answer: No. For Division I institutions providing additional payments or benefits to student-athletes beyond what is currently permitted, the terms of the settlement apply to all programs at a Division I institution and may not apply on a team-by-team basis.

What about DII, and DIII institutions with DI hockey programs?

Answer: DII and DIII institutions with DI men’s or women’s hockey programs may opt in to the settlement specifically to their men’s and women’s hockey teams. These programs would be capped at the 26 roster spots and have the ability to offer up to 26 athletic scholarships to their hockey programs.

Will Division I men’s and women’s hockey programs be required to provide full athletics scholarships to all 26 players on the roster?

Answer: No. All Division I athletics scholarships will be equivalency scholarships and institutions may provide any portion of a scholarship up to 26 for those institutions that opt in to the settlement.

When will the new roster limits for Division I men’s and women’s hockey take effect?

Answer: For Division I hockey programs, beginning in the 2025-26 academic year, schools that opt in to the House Settlement with roster caps must be at or below the roster limits no later than December 1 or the first countable game of the season.

What happens to a student-athlete who loses a roster spot due to the roster cap legislation?

Answer: Under the new settlement Division I schools will have the option to exempt any athlete who was on a roster in 24-25, who has been or would have been removed for 2025-26 because of the new roster limits for the remainder or their career. It also lets schools/teams accommodate any high school senior who was recruited to be or was assured they would be on a Division I roster for the 2025-26 season. These athletes will be identified by the institutions as “Designated Student-Athletes” for the remainders of their career. Athletes who feel they should be designated as such should contact their on-campus compliance office.

What are the parameters for a Division I men’s or women’s hockey program at an institution that does not opt in to the settlement?

Answer: The hockey programs will operate under the current structure of 18 equivalency scholarships for their hockey program. All existing Division I legislation remains in effect. However, one change will be that all student-athletes will need to report Name, Image and Likeness income exceeding $600.

How does the House Settlement affect Name, Image and Likeness legislation?

Answer: Regardless of whether an institution opts in, all Division I student-athletes must disclose all third-party NIL deals worth $600 or more. The College Sports Commission (CSC) – an independent body that will be responsible for governing revenue sharing, Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) deals and roster limits – will govern and oversee all third-party NIL deals. The CSC will investigate any violations of these rules and administer penalties for violations of these rules. The CSC, in collaboration with Deloitte, will oversee compliance of NIL through the NIL Go platform. This portal will review the third-party NIL deals over $600 to ensure they meet fair market value and valid business purposes.

In the wake of a federal judge granting final approval June 6 to the settlement of three athlete-compensation antitrust cases against the NCAA and the Power Five conferences, the commissioners of those conferences on Monday, June 9 spoke forcefully about their schools’ commitment to the agreement’s potentially complex terms.