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Connor Caponi’s Career Defined What It Meant To Be A Pioneer

Story Links David Carle has a saying that he likes to use as the University of Denver Richard and Kitzia Goodman Hockey head coach: it’s not easy to break records at DU.   With the men’s ice hockey program owning an NCAA-record 10 national championships and some of the team records well […]

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David Carle has a saying that he likes to use as the University of Denver Richard and Kitzia Goodman Hockey head coach: it’s not easy to break records at DU.
 
With the men’s ice hockey program owning an NCAA-record 10 national championships and some of the team records well out of reach due to the current era of the sport, it’s not surprising the difficulty for any individual to accomplish the feat of holding the top mark as a Pioneer.
 
Denver has had a lot of top-end players come through its doors through 75-plus years of history, but no one has played in more games in crimson and gold than graduate student forward Connor Caponi.
 
Caponi broke the school record for games played by suiting up in his 169th contest on Feb. 8 at Arizona State, surpassing the previous mark that was set by former teammate Ryan Barrow in the 2022 NCAA National Championship Game. Like Barrow, Caponi was the benefactor of being allowed a fifth season of eligibility due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and he went on to smash the Pioneers old mark with 185 total games in the arch Denver sweater—tied for the second-most in NCAA history.
 
“A lot of great players have come through here. It’s just an honor to play as many games as I have for the program,” said Caponi postgame after setting the DU new high mark at Mullett Arena in Tempe, Arizona.
 
The Milwaukee, Wisconsin, native was the perfect person to set Denver’s games-played record.
 
Caponi spent most of his five years as a key cog on DU’s bottom-six forward lines and spent 2024-25 centering and mentoring a pair of freshmen in Hagen Burrows and Jake Fisher. While not usually a high-minutes player, he made sure his presence was known when he was on the ice.
 
He registered 179 penalty minutes, 100 blocked shots and a career plus-14 rating to go along with 18 goals and 19 assists in his time on the Denver hilltop. In his final season, Caponi tied his career best with five goals and set new personal highs with 65 penalty minutes, 25 blocked shots and a plus-8 rating and etched his name in the record book
 
“Connor put a lot of time, effort and energy into our program and it’s really cool for him to be honored in this way,” Carle said of Caponi’s record. “You know the humble kid that he is, it makes him a little bit uncomfortable, but I do think he’s earned all of this and really happy for him,”
 
The forward joined Denver as a freshman during the COVID-shortened 2020-21 campaign after two seasons with the USHL Waterloo Black Hawks and following his stint of high school hockey with Culver Military Academy in Indiana. Coming to Denver, he understood his assignment of doing whatever he could to help the squad win and setting records were never at the forefront of his attention.
 
“It was never something that was on my mind. It is just always kind of thinking about what I can do to help the team and try to help them win national championships,” Caponi said. “As the season kind of started here, it was brought up, but still wasn’t on my mind, was just thinking of what I can do to help the team. Eventually got to that milestone, so it’s pretty cool.”
 
A heart-and-soul type of player, Caponi had worn a letter in the last two seasons, and the Pioneers went all-out in honoring their alternate captain for the special occasion with a couple of surprises.
 
Equipment manager Nick Meldrum had t-shirts made featuring Caponi’s iconic image of him standing on the boards of Xcel Energy Center celebrating with the Pioneer faithful after winning the 2024 NCAA title in St. Paul, Minnesota, and his teammate wore them pregame on the day of his record-breaking event. Sports-equipment company Warrior also joined in by crafting a custom gold-wrapped stick that featured the signatures of Caponi’s teammates and was presented to him a few days after his achievement.
 
“He gives it all, every night, every week, so really proud of him,” Carle said. “It’s not easy to break any records at Denver, so it was fun to be able to present him with T-shirts that Nick Meldrum made him and the present back in Denver.”
 
Caponi appeared in 185 of a possible 193 contests across the five seasons, including 62 straight outings that dated back to 2022-23 before missing his only two games this past year on Dec. 6-7 at Western Michigan with a lower-body injury.
 
Being out of the lineup for those two contests in Kalamazoo hurt, but it was the four that he missed at the end of 2021-22 that stung the most. After playing in 36 games that season, he got hurt just before the national tournament and was unable to play in any of the NCAA contests as the Pioneers went on to defeat Minnesota State to win their then ninth championship.
 
He never took being in the lineup for granted and went on to be part of the winningest class in program history. What started with him playing in a “bubble” of the NCHC Pod in Omaha and empty arenas throughout his freshman campaign transformed to him winning five Gold Pans—never relinquishing the trophy to rival Colorado College—two Penrose Cups as NCHC regular-season champions, the 2024 NCHC Frozen Faceoff Championship, three NCAA Frozen Four appearances and national championships in 2022 and 2024.
 
Caponi was a leader with the group despite not being a headline player on the team. He did the little things that could change the course of the game, and his actions on and off the ice epitomized what it is to be a Denver Pioneer.
 
“It’s an honor to have played for this program for as long as I have,” Caponi reflected in February. “I mean there’s so many amazing players that have come through and have left their mark on the program. It’s just an honor that I’m able to leave my mark on the program as well.”
 
 



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Women’s Ice Hockey Welcomes Nine New Faces Ahead of Head Coach Justin Simpson’s First Season

Story Links NORTHFIELD, Vt. – First-year Head Coach Justin Simpson of the Norwich University women’s ice hockey team unveiled his first recruiting class Wednesday afternoon. Included in the nine new additions are four forwards, four blueliners, and a netminder, including two transfers from Division I. “Our coaching staff is thrilled and proud to […]

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NORTHFIELD, Vt. – First-year Head Coach Justin Simpson of the Norwich University women’s ice hockey team unveiled his first recruiting class Wednesday afternoon. Included in the nine new additions are four forwards, four blueliners, and a netminder, including two transfers from Division I.

“Our coaching staff is thrilled and proud to announce the incoming women’s hockey class of 2025,” Simpson said. “This class of nine is a very diverse group, having played for nine different teams and each coming from a different state or region. Our program has consistently recruited nationally and internationally to find student-athletes who love Norwich and who can enhance our team’s play. This class is no different, and they will be joining a dynamic group of women both on and off the ice. Our staff is excited to integrate this class with our returning players and to start building towards a successful season in both the Little East Conference and in our non-conference schedule.”     

#2 Geena Cookingham

Position: Forward

Hometown: Gilmanton Iron Works, N.H.

Previous Team: Lawrence Academy

Earned honors as All-NEPSAC Honorable Mention with Lawrence Academy last season.

Cookingham: “I chose Norwich because I loved the location and the small community! I also like the team and the competitive atmosphere.”

#3 Ellin Rees

Position: Defense

Hometown: Cardiff, Wales

Previous Team: Newark Ironbound

Played in the IIHF World Championships and Olympic Qualifying tournament last season for Team Great Britain while also tallying 31 points in 43 games from the backend for the Ironbound.

Rees: “I chose to attend Norwich for the great range of academic opportunities, including Exercise Science, which I want to study. I also chose Norwich for its competitive and strong program. These both enable me to further my development as a student and an athlete.”

#6 Natalie Heutmaker

Position: Forward

Hometown: Eagan, Minn.

Previous Team: Eagan High School

While playing both forward and defense, Heutmaker earned South Suburban Conference All-Conference Honorable Mention in her senior campaign, posting eleven points from the back end.

Heutmaker: “I chose Norwich because of the location and the opportunities available.”

#7 Maggie Hunter

Position: Defense

Hometown: Royal Oak, Mich.

Previous Team: Little Caesars

In addition to patrolling the blueline for Little Caesars, Hunter also earned Third-Team All-State recognition in lacrosse.

Hunter: “I chose Norwich because the environment on my visit felt super welcoming! The campus is situated in a beautiful area, and the facilities were fantastic.”

#8 Molly Walsh

Position: Defense

Hometown: Simsbury, Conn.

Previous Team: Assumption University

During her two years at Assumption, Walsh played 44 career games, spending time as both a forward and a defenseman.

Walsh: “I chose Norwich because I wanted to be surrounded by a community that always strives for improvement and is dedicated to achieving high goals.”

#12 Dani Ammons

Position: Defense

Hometown: Centennial, Colo.

Previous Team: Post University

In two years patrolling the blueline for Post, Ammons posted 10 points in 74 career contests along with 89 shots and 75 blocks.

Ammons: “I chose to attend Norwich because of the high standard of athletics and academic standards. I also really enjoyed the welcoming culture from both the hockey team and the school.”

#17 Penny Saich

Position: Forward

Hometown: Norwell, Mass.

Previous Team: Boston Advantage

In an article from wickedlocal.com, Saich’s high school coach said: “Penny is such a team-oriented player and always wants what’s best for the team. Not only does she possess considerable hockey skills, but she also finds ways to utilize them to improve her teammates’ play. Penny wants to be on a competitive team, and she brings that desire with her any time she is on the ice.”

Saich: “When I got to campus, I immediately fell in love with it, it’s not like all the other colleges with military/ROTC programs, everyone is super nice and helpful, great sports teams, has an amazing reputation, and is known for mechanical engineering.”

 

#50 Dana Rigan

Position: Goaltender

Hometown: Lindenhurst, Ill.

Previous Team: Shattuck St. Mary’s

Played the majority of Shattuck St. Mary’s games her senior year, amassing a 20-4-7 record with a 2.00 goals against average and a .915 save percentage. Sister Tara is currently a sophomore at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.

Rigan: “I chose to attend Norwich because it offers the ideal environment for me to thrive both athletically and academically, while being part of a disciplined and supportive campus culture rooted in tradition. It felt like the perfect place to challenge myself, grow as a student-athlete, and take pride in being part of something greater than just university.”

 

#98 Madalyn Liles

Position: Forward

Hometown: Arlington, Texas

Previous Team: Dallas Stars Elite

Posted 21 points (7 goals, 14 assists) in 22 games with the Dallas Stars Elite 19U squad, adding two goals in three playoff contests.

Liles: “I felt [Norwich] was an all-around good fit for me with the small campus feeling, the great academic program they offer for Exercise Science, with a competitive hockey program.”

These nine new faces will take the ice for the first time in maroon and gold when the Cadets travel to Suffolk on Oct. 18 for their first exhibition contest. They will open the regular season on Oct. 31 at Plattsburgh State before their Little East Conference (LEC) opener at home against Vermont State University Castleton on Nov. 7.

 



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Here are our 2024-25 New England junior hockey awards

Related Articles Here are our 2024-25 New England junior hockey awards There are plenty of locals to keep track of across junior hockey these days. It’s a number that’ll likely grow, now that the QMJHL is… Read More Handing out our 2025 New England men’s college hockey awards The 2024-25 men’s college hockey season was […]

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Handing out our 2025 New England men’s college hockey awards

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Canes Sign Eric Robinson To Four-Year Extension

RALEIGH, N.C. – Eric Tulsky, General Manager of the National Hockey League’s Carolina Hurricanes, today announced that the team has signed left-wing Eric Robinson to a four-year contract extension. The deal will pay Robinson an AAV of $1.7 million through the 2028-29 season. “It’s no surprise to us that Eric had his best professional season […]

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RALEIGH, N.C. – Eric Tulsky, General Manager of the National Hockey League’s Carolina Hurricanes, today announced that the team has signed left-wing Eric Robinson to a four-year contract extension. The deal will pay Robinson an AAV of $1.7 million through the 2028-29 season.

“It’s no surprise to us that Eric had his best professional season last year with Carolina,” said Tulsky. “His size and speed make him an excellent fit for the way we want to play, and we are thrilled that he’s chosen to remain a Hurricane.”

Robinson, 30, notched 32 points (14g, 18a) in 82 regular-season games with Carolina, setting career highs in goals, assists, points, games-played and plus/minus rating (+14). He also added three points (1g, 2a) in 15 playoff appearances with the club. A native of Bellmawr, N.J., Robinson has registered 123 points (54g, 69a) in 388 career NHL games with the Blue Jackets, Sabres and Hurricanes, as well as four points (2g, 2a) in 25 playoff appearances with Columbus and Carolina. The 6’2”, 211-pound winger also skated in 68 career AHL games with the Cleveland Monsters from 2018-2024, recording 33 points (16g, 17a).

Prior to turning professional, Robinson played four seasons of college hockey at Princeton from 2014-18, earning 67 points (39g, 28a) and captaining the Tigers as a senior in 2017-18. He also played one USHL season with Dubuque in 2013-14, tallying 24 points (8g, 16a) in 50 games. Robinson won a bronze medal with the United States at the 2021 IIHF World Championship, posting three assists in 10 games. He originally signed with Carolina as a free agent on July 1, 2024.



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Alabama AD Greg Byrne emphasizing Crimson Tide not cutting non-revenue sports

Since the NCAA was founded in 1906, institutions have never directly paid athletes. That will now change with the passing of the House v. NCAA settlement on June 6, ushering in the revenue-sharing era of college sports. Beginning July 1, schools will be able to share $20.5 million with athletes, with football expected to receive […]

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Since the NCAA was founded in 1906, institutions have never directly paid athletes. That will now change with the passing of the House v. NCAA settlement on June 6, ushering in the revenue-sharing era of college sports.

Beginning July 1, schools will be able to share $20.5 million with athletes, with football expected to receive 75%, followed by men’s basketball (15%), women’s basketball (5%) and the remainder of sports (5%). The amount shared in revenue will increase annually.

With this colossal change in the college sports landscape affecting everyone from the top down, Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne was asked by 105.5 WNSP Friday morning about what this case will do to non-revenue sports. Specifically, Byrne was asked if Alabama would have to discontinue some of those programs at the university.

“We’re gonna try everything we can to have that not be the case,” Byrne said, per Mike Rodak. “We have one team that makes a healthy profit in football. We have one that turns a profit in men’s basketball. However, we have 19 that don’t. Football has been the sport that has historically supported the department, and the investments we’ve made in the young men in our football program I’m very proud of, both from a revenue-sharing standpoint but also what we do holistically with the young men.”

“As far as how many sports we have, it’s a hard model. There’s no doubt about it. But at the same time, too, I believe in the model and I think it’s something worth investing in and we continue to plan to do so here at the University of Alabama.”

Byrne gets into the weeds to discuss Alabama’s plan

Earlier this week, Byrne explained Alabama‘s plan for dividing revenue sharing in the near future. Along with football and men’s basketball, the university supports varsity teams in women’s basketball, baseball, women’s soccer, softball, volleyball, tennis, golf, cross country, swimming and diving and track and field.

That’s not all, though. Alabama also supports club sports in crew, cricket, cycling, disc golf, ice hockey, lacrosse, racquetball, rugby, soccer, team handball, tennis, Ultimate, wheelchair basketball, water polo, water skiing and wrestling.

“The House settlement gives us a number, $20.5 million, we’re gonna get in the weeds here a little bit. Every SEC school program has committed to $2.5 million in new scholarships. That gets taken off the 20.5. So that means we have $18 million to work with in rev share, and we as an institution decide how we will distribute that to our teams,” Byrne said.

“We have taken the approach that it’s based off of revenue generation. We think that’s a solid approach and that its one that makes sense for our program. As you’ve heard me say many times, football is the engine that pulls the train. At the same time too, our two sports that turn a profit are football and men’s basketball.

Byrne believes the Crimson Tide are in a good spot

“So they will have the highest percentage of that rev share and then we’re splitting up the remaining dollars with our sports who are ticketed,” Byrne continued. “We have four sports who are ticketed – softball, baseball, gymnastics and women’s basketball. Those are the six sports that will have some type of rev share.”

“I’ve heard all over the yard how schools are doing it, and how many sports. I know one we compete against all the time is only doing three sports. I know that some schools are doing a little bit for everything. I’m not sure how much of a difference that will make at the end of the day when you just carve off a small sliver for a sport, but we have a plan. I’ve told our coaches it’s fluid. We’re doing the best we can to make decisions we are with the information that we have right now.

“I do think we’ve put ourselves in a good position, not only for the individual sports but for the department as a whole to make sure we’re staying healthy long term.”

On3’s Pete Nakos contributed to this report.



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Main Signs with Strasbourg in France2 League

Story Links WALTHAM, Mass. – Tanner Main, an assistant captain with Bentley this past season, has signed with Strasbourg in France2, the second highest professional league in France. A defenseman, Main was voted Bentley’s Most Improved Player for the 2024-25 season. He was named an assistant captain and played in 35 […]

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WALTHAM, Mass. – Tanner Main, an assistant captain with Bentley this past season, has signed with Strasbourg in France2, the second highest professional league in France.

A defenseman, Main was voted Bentley’s Most Improved Player for the 2024-25 season. He was named an assistant captain and played in 35 games with two goals and seven assists as the Falcons lifted the Atlantic Hockey championship trophy. His +11 number was tied for fourth best on the team.

He had four assists in Bentley’s postseason run, with one in each of the first four games.

A native of Welland, Ontario, Main played in 102 games in four seasons at Bentley.

Main is the third member of the 2024-25 Falcons to join a professional team this summer, joining Nick Bochen and Sam Duerr.

The city of Strasbourg is located in eastern France, close to the border with Germany.

Main graduated in May with a degree in finance.

 



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Bowdoin Announces 2025 Athletic Hall of Honor Class

Story Links Bowdoin Athletic Hall of Honor BRUNSWICK, Maine — Bowdoin College has announced the six individuals who will be inducted into the 2025 Athletic Hall of Honor class.   The honorees will be formally inducted during a ceremony on Saturday, December 6, representing […]

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BRUNSWICK, Maine — Bowdoin College has announced the six individuals who will be inducted into the 2025 Athletic Hall of Honor class.
 
The honorees will be formally inducted during a ceremony on Saturday, December 6, representing the 16th class of the Hall of Honor.
 
Long-time men’s lacrosse coach Tom McCabe led the Polar Bears for 22 seasons, recording 229 victories and finishing with the most wins of any coach in program history and totaling the 12th most all-time in Division III. In 2012, he was named NESCAC and New England Division III Coach of the Year. His tenure included two ECAC Championships, and two NCAA Tournament appearances.
 
A three-time captain of the Bowdoin wrestling team, Bill Hale ’72, finished his career with a 40-0 record in dual meet competition. A multi-time placer in New England Championships, he was the only Bowdoin wrestler to score at an NCAA Championship (1972), later becoming head coach of the program.
 
Stacey Jones Lee ’00 was a multi-sport star for Bowdoin, earning multiple NESCAC Championships and All-American honors in both indoor and outdoor track & field. She was also a captain of the Polar Bear volleyball team, where she was a four-year starter.
 
The leading scorer in the history of Bowdoin women’s ice hockey, Shelly Chessie Miller ’03 finished her career with 179 points. A two-time First Team All-American, she helped lead Bowdoin to the 2002 NESCAC Championship and a pair of NCAA Division III Final Four appearances while also playing women’s soccer for the Polar Bears. 
 
A native Mainer who helped put Bowdoin women’s basketball on the national map, Kristi Royer Ouellette ’03 finished her career as the second-leading scorer in program history while pacing the Polar Bears to the first three NESCAC Championships in the history of the league. She was a three-time First Team All-NESCAC and All-New England performer in her career.
 
A dominant midfielder on Bowdoin’s first two national championship teams, Julia King ’09 established field hockey program records in single-season and career assists while helping the Polar Bears to four straight NESCAC crowns and back-to-back national titles in 2007 and ’08. A two-time First Team All-American, King was also a key contributor on the women’s ice hockey team and captained both squads as a senior.
 
Established in 2002, the Bowdoin College Athletic Hall of Honor was founded to perpetuate the memory of those persons who have brought distinction, honor and excellence to Bowdoin through their accomplishments in athletics. Student-athletes are eligible ten years following their graduation year while coaches/staff are eligible five years after retirement or leaving Bowdoin.
 

Athletic Hall of Honor graphic

 



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