HANOVER — The home of Dartmouth College’s hockey teams is undergoing a makeover that will bring upgrades for players and also promote equity between the men’s and women’s squads.

Plans for 50-year-old Thompson Arena call for an addition of just over 11,000 square feet and nearly 13,000 square feet of interior renovations to the existing space.

“This is all designed around a really enhanced experience for our student-athletes and also with efficiency of their time in mind,” said Mike Harrity, Dartmouth’s director of athletics and recreation.

“Ivy League student-athletes work very hard in the classroom, in their sport, and also just growing personally, and we really want to be more efficient with how they experience all that,” he added.

At ice level, additional square footage is being added to the men’s and women’s locker rooms, and team lounges will also be expanded. A renovated space for equipment will be created, along with an expanded sports medicine facilities footprint with hydrotherapy capabilities.

On the level above that, there will be a new weight room, which Harrity said will serve the hockey program and other teams that train nearby.

“We haven’t arrived at which ones (teams) will train out of there, but it would be so much more efficient for them to practice, come right out of practice, and if they have a scheduled weightlifting session, going right into Thompson,” Harrity said.

Coaches’ offices, currently located a few blocks away in Davis Varsity House, will also be relocated to Thompson.

At the concourse level, a new and improved Smoyer Lounge will be available, serving as a hospitality space during games and for special events. Harrity said that team meetings and meals could take place in the new lounge.

Head women’s hockey coach Maura Crowell, who is entering her second season leading the Big Green, said she was pleased the improvements were focused on her players.

“The really great part is it’s all pretty much student-athlete focused,” she said.

“I think just in general, the student-athlete playing experience is going to be awesome in there,” she added.

Reid Cashman, the head coach of the men’s hockey team, who joined the Big Green in 2020, expressed enthusiasm for the renovation, noting that it will aid in player development.

“To have a weight room 20 feet away from our locker room that our athletes can go to is just massive for how they can take care of their body, how they can develop their body,” he said.

In addition to better efficiency for student-athletes, the project will also create more equitable spaces for the men’s and women’s teams.

Specifically, the women’s hockey locker room, which has not been at ice level, will be relocated as a result of the project.

“It’s hard to make it up a couple of different stairwells with skates on, so we really, just for safety and health reasons, wanted to get that down to ice level,” said Harrity.

The project, which is being worked on in phases, is slated for completion by the start of the 2026 season and is estimated to cost in the “high $20 million” range. It is being funded by both the college and private donors, per Harrity.

“Our generous donors, former players, alumni, parents, friends of Dartmouth hockey have stepped up incredibly,” Harrity said. “It’s been an awesome outpouring of support.”

As work on the arena renovations progresses, both head coaches are hopeful that the project will translate to the play on the ice. Last season, the men finished 18-13-2 and secured an outright Ivy League championship for the first time since the 1979-80 season, while the women finished 5-21-3.

“It’s going to have a massive impact,” said Cashman. “We should see a healthier, stronger, faster Dartmouth hockey team because of this renovation.”

Crowell believed that the project would help recruit high-quality athletes because it demonstrates the college’s investment in the hockey program to recruits.

“That certainly puts us in the conversation with some of the top players, and as a result, you start getting those top players (and) your product on the ice is going to be better,” she said.

While teams and fans await the transformation of Thompson Arena, they will not have to wait for at least one upgrade for this upcoming season: according to Harrity, a video board will be installed at the arena for the first time ever, which is the result of the generosity of an individual who will be announced at a later date.

Ultimately, Harrity, Crowel, and Cashman expressed gratitude to both the college and donors who are making the upgrades to Thompson Arena possible.

“This is my fifth institution, 26 years in college athletics, and I’ve never experienced or seen stronger alignment between the athletics department, the athletic director, our president Sian Beiloc, and the board of trustees to believe in the transformational power of sport,” said Harrity.

“We are excited about that vision, and this facility will provide our coaches, support staff and especially student-athletes with the resources they need to train and compete at an elite level.”

Michael Coughlin Jr. can be reached at mcoughlin@vnews.com.

Porter Martone is easily one of, if not the most pro-ready, prospects from the 2025 NHL Draft Class. It’s no secret that he wants to turn pro as fast as possible. Could he do it this year? It’s certainly possible. What about college or even returning to the OHL? There are plenty of options for the Flyers and Martone, but what should he do?

Coming into camp as the 2025 6th-overall draft selection, Martone has high expectations set for him. Would rushing him to make the roster in year 1 be too fast? Could it hurt his development?

Maybe the OHL is not where the Flyers want Martone. That’s understandable. But what if they don’t want him at the pros yet, either? Then, the NCAA may be the right way to go.

There are many options for the Flyers and their new prized prospect, but which is the right way to go?

Read More: Updated Flyers Prospect Rankings After the NHL Draft (+)

Is the NCAA the Right Route for Porter Martone?

As excited as I am to see Porter Martone tearing up the NHL, in my opinion, going to the NCAA is the best route for Martone.

While the NHL is the ultimate goal, playing in the NCAA would help him continue to develop his skills while in a more physical environment than the OHL.

The NCAA is tough. Competition in college is bigger, stronger, and faster. The CHL is home to some of the most skilled players in all of junior hockey. However, the competition is much younger and a lot less physical. Going to the NCAA, Martone will be playing against 18-23 year olds. Not to mention, the best teams in the country will be lining up to bring Martone and his talents to their campus.

Playing in the NCAA feels like the best all-around option. From what I have heard, even after the addition of Gavin McKenna, Penn State is still a real option for Martone. I would also expect a school like Michigan State, which missed out on McKenna and is home to Martone’s future teammate Shane Vansaghi, to get aggressive in pursuit. I would also still keep an eye on Michigan, North Dakota, and Boston University, in that order.

The NCAA route is the best option and is fun to discuss, but will it ultimately matter?

Read More: Flyers Extend Key RFA Defenseman

Are the Pros Really An Option

While I still think that the NCAA is the most likely option for Martone, I feel as if it is more likely he will play in the NHL rather than return to the OHL this season.

Especially with the injury to Tyson Foerster, the Flyers now have an opening, though it’s short-term, on the wing. More specifically, they have a top-six wing opening.

If Martone were to go straight to the pros, the Flyers should not waste his development time on a bottom-six line. They’d want him to play with the most skilled guys they have to improve his development rather than hurt it.

He could be competing with Alex Bump, who might be more pro-ready than Martone, for the final roster spot, not counting Foerster’s.

If he does not secure that spot, then Martone could take over Foerster’s role until he is ready to return from injury and try to prove his worth. Who knows, if Martone keeps up, they can find a way to open a roster spot for him.

Playing in the NHL could be a challenge for Martone, especially coming straight from the OHL, but that feels better for his development than another year in Brampton.

Is an OHL Return a Possibility?

In all honesty, I only really see one scenario where Martone returns for one more season in Brampton.

That scenario: Martone signs his ELC, goes all in on making the Flyers out of camp, and does not make it, forcing him back to Brampton.

Look, the Flyers’ 2025 6th-overall pick has made his intentions pretty clear. He wants to play in the NHL as soon as possible. Is that this year? Who knows. However, unless he’s very clearly told by Flyers brass that he will not be on the team this season and they want him to play in the NCAA, he will do everything he can to make the team.

Let’s say the Flyers entertain that. He could make the team, OR they could send him back to Brampton for one more year.

If it does not happen out of camp, and Martone makes the team, he could always be sent back after nine games if they don’t think he’s ready.

What would you do with Porter Martone?

Read More: Flyers Free Agency: The Good, Bad, and Ugly

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In November, the NCAA Division I Council voted that players who have skated in one of the three CHL leagues — the WHL, Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League, and the Ontario Hockey League — will be permitted to play NCAA hockey effective Aug. 1, 2025, provided they were not compensated above actual and necessary expenses prior to enrolling in college.

Previously, CHL players had been considered professionals and barred because of the NCAA’s amateurism rules, in part because some CHL players have signed NHL entry-level contracts. The decision gives players more options as to where they choose to develop prior to entering the NHL.

Playing a big part in the decision-making process for all student-athletes was the June 2021 landmark shift in which the NCAA implemented an interim policy on name, image, and likeness (NIL) that allowed athletes to make money from their personal brand.

Isaac Howard, who at Michigan State University last season won the Hobey Baker Memorial Award as the top men’s player in NCAA hockey, said Wednesday that McKenna’s decision “is great for college hockey.”

“It’s definitely in a unique spot where now you have all these CHL guys flown in,” said Howard, who signed his entry-level contract with the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday after being traded to them by the Tampa Bay Lightning. “It’s definitely in a different spot and I think it’s going to be a cool challenge for college hockey.”

McKenna (5-foot-11, 162 pounds) is the most highly profiled prospect to go from the CHL to the NCAA. He ranks first in points-per game (2.30) among players in their draft-minus-one season in the CHL in the past 25 years, ahead of Sidney Crosby, (2.29), John Tavares, (2.00) and Connor Bedard, (1.61).

“I think [college] honestly just makes the jump [to the NHL] easier,” McKenna said Tuesday. “Going against older, heavier, stronger guys, I think it really prepares you.”

McKenna wasn’t the only CHL player to commit to Penn State. He’ll be joined by Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman prospect Jackson Smith (Tri-City, WHL) and Calgary Flames forward prospect Luke Misa (Brampton, OHL), the brother of Michael Misa, who plays for Saginaw (OHL) and was chosen No. 2 by the San Jose Sharks in the 2025 NHL Draft.

Although McKenna will grab most of the spotlight, there are several players to watch in the NCAA this season who have already been drafted by an NHL team (listed alphabetically):

Selected by the Detroit Red Wings with No. 41 pick in 2023 NHL Draft

The youngest starting goalie in college hockey was a First Team All-American and Big Ten goalie of the year winner in 2024-25. The 20-year-old has helped elevate the Spartans into the national spotlight, backstopping them to consecutive Big Ten regular-season and tournament titles — the first team in league history to accomplish that. Augustine’s .924 save percentage as a junior this season was the best since Jake Hildebrand’s .930 in 2014-15. He finished 19-7-4 with three shutouts, and his 2.08 goals-against average was the lowest since Jeff Lerg (1.94) in 2005-06.

Sascha Boumedienne, D, Boston University

Selected by the Winnipeg Jets with No. 28 pick in 2025 NHL Draft

The left-handed shot (6-1, 175) opened eyes with his play for silver medal-winning Sweden at the 2025 IIHF Under-18 World Championship, setting the tournament scoring record for a defenseman with 14 points (one goal, 13 assists) while averaging 24:29 of ice time in seven games. Boumedienne, 18, had 13 points (three goals, 10 assists), 24 blocked shots and a plus-8 rating in 40 games as a freshman with Boston University last season.

Selected by New York Islanders with No. 20 pick in 2024 NHL Draft

Eiserman (6-0, 200) had an impressive first season at BU with 36 points (25 goals, 11 assists) in 39 games. The 18-year-old was able to showcase his booming shot, leading the team in goals and ranking first among NCAA freshmen. His confidence grew as the season moved along, evidenced by the fact he had a point in seven of his final eight games, with 12 points (nine goals, three assists) in that span. Eiserman scored the game-winning goal in a 3-1 win against Penn State in the NCAA semifinal round on April 10.

Selected by Montreal Canadiens with No. 21 pick in 2024 NHL Draft

The 19-year-old right-handed center (6-1, 187) earned Big Ten rookie of the year honors after scoring 34 points (13 goals, 21 assists) in 33 games as a freshman. Michigan didn’t qualify for the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2019, so that’s something Hage is focused on correcting in 2025-26. The native of Mississauga, Ontario, who led the Wolverines with four game-winning goals, had points in 22 games and eight multipoint games, including five points (one goal, four assists) in a 10-6 win against Penn State on Nov. 23.

James Hagens, C, Boston College

Selected by Boston Bruins with No. 7 pick in 2025 NHL Draft

Hagens (5-10, 186) was third on Boston College with 37 points (11 goals, 26 assists) in 37 games skating as the No. 1 center between Gabe Perreault (New York Rangers) and Ryan Leonard (Washington Capitals) in 2024-25. He also tied for the United States lead with five goals in seven games to help his country win the gold medal at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship. Born in Hauppauge, New York, the 18-year-old was the fourth-youngest player in college hockey and ranked fourth among NCAA Division I freshmen in points, earning a spot on the Hockey East All-Rookie Team.

Logan Hensler, D, Wisconsin

Selected by Ottawa Senators with No. 23 pick in 2025 NHL Draft

Hensler (6-2, 198) possesses good size, strength and smarts, qualities that also earned him a spot on the gold medal-winning United States team at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship. The 18-year-old right-handed shot had one assist and averaged 12:12 of ice time in seven games at the tournament. He had 12 points (two goals, 10 assists) and 30 blocked shots in 32 games as a freshman at the University of Wisconsin.

William Horcoff, C, Michigan

Selected by Pittsburgh Penguins with No. 24 pick in 2025 NHL Draft

The youngest player in college hockey last season had 10 points (four goals, six assists) in 18 NCAA games after joining Michigan in December. Horcoff, the 18-year-old son of former NHL forward Shawn Horcoff, had 14 points (eight goals, six assists) in 28 games with USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program Under-18 team to begin last season. He makes plays in tight spaces and is effective when he uses his size (6-5, 203) to shield pucks and thrive in high-traffic areas.

Cole Hutson, D, Boston University

Selected by Washington Capitals with No. 43 pick in 2024 NHL Draft

Hutson (5-11, 171) became the first defenseman to outright the lead the World Juniors in scoring with 11 points (three goals, eight assists) in seven games, helping the U.S. to a second straight gold medal at the 2025 tournament. As a freshman at BU, Hutson, 19, had 48 points (14 goals, 34 assists) in 39 games, winning the Tim Taylor Award as the NCAA rookie of the year while leading all first-year skaters in scoring. His older brother, Lane, a defenseman with the Montreal Canadiens, won the 2025 Calder Trophy as the NHL’s rookie of the year.

Ryker Lee, RW, Michigan State

Selected by Nashville Predators with No. 26 pick in 2025 NHL Draft

In his first full season in the USHL, Lee (6-foot, 185) led rookies in goals (31), power-play goals (10) and points (68), and was second in assists (37) and game-winning goals (five) in 58 games to lead Madison to a third-place finish in the Eastern Conference. The 18-year-old had 21 regular-season multipoint games, and six points (three goals, three assists) and 19 shots on goal in six USHL playoff games.

Vaclav Nestrasil, F, Massachusetts

Selected by Chicago Blackhawks with No. 25 pick in 2025 NHL Draft

Nestrasil (6-6, 185) had 42 points (19 goals, 23 assists) in 61 games, including 34 points in the final 40 games of the regular season with Muskegon of the United States Hockey league last season. The 18-year-old finished fourth among USHL skaters with four short-handed points this season. The right-handed shot is a power forward capable of making plays in the tough areas of the ice.

Cullen Potter, C, Arizona State

Selected by Calgary Flames with No. 32 pick in 2025 NHL Draft

A top-six center, Potter (5-10, 172) was one of the fastest skaters in the 2025 NHL Draft class. The 18-year-old had 22 points (13 goals, nine assists) in 35 games as a freshman, and had eight points (four goals, four assists) in seven games to help the U.S. win the bronze medal at the World U-18s.

Cole Reschny, C, North Dakota

Selected by Calgary Flames with No. 18 pick in 2025 NHL Draft

Reschny (5-11, 180) has a high hockey IQ, good instincts on both sides of the puck and can play on the power play or penalty kill. The 18-year-old led Victoria with 92 points (26 goals, 66 assists), scored seven power-play goals and won 56.4 percent of his face-offs in 62 games.

Jackson Smith, D, Penn State

Selected by Columbus Blue Jackets with No. 14 pick in 2025 NHL Draft

Among WHL defensemen, Smith (6-4, 199) tied for ninth in assists (43) and ranked 10th in points (54) while averaging more than 22 minutes of ice time in 68 games with Tri-City last season. He played in all situations, had 17 power-play points (four goals, 13 assists) and scored four game-winning goals.

Malcolm Spence, F, Michigan

Selected by New York Rangers with No. 43 pick in 2025 NHL Draft

Spence had 73 points (32 goals, 41 assists) in 65 games with Erie (OHL) and committed to Michigan on May 12. The 18-year-old left wing, who served as an alternate captain the past two seasons, had nine points (four goals, five assists) in nine OHL playoff games.

Keaton Verhoeff, D, North Dakota

Projected as a first-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft

The right-handed shot (6-3, 207) ranked third among WHL rookie defensemen with 45 points (21 goals, 24 assists) and had eight power-play goals in 63 regular-season games with Victoria in 2024-25. He will join Victoria teammate Cole Reschny at North Dakota. He has the instincts when to jump in on the rush and push to the net for offensive opportunities. John Williams of NHL Central Scouting compares his style to Washington Capitals defenseman John Carlson.

Forward Gavin McKenna, the projected No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, will play for Penn State next season, he announced on ESPN’s “SportsCenter” on July 8.