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How Mount’s Christian Semetsis became a high-end skater

Christian Semetsis broke out with Mount St. Charles this past winter. (Brian Kelly/NEHJ) Day 1 of the U.S. National Team Development Program’s Evaluation Camp in March was a practice session, scheduled before a grueling run of games over the next four days, which helped decide the final U-17 roster. The 40 players invited were split […]

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Christian Semetsis broke out with Mount St. Charles this past winter. (Brian Kelly/NEHJ)

Day 1 of the U.S. National Team Development Program’s Evaluation Camp in March was a practice session, scheduled before a grueling run of games over the next four days, which helped decide the final U-17 roster. The 40 players invited were split into groups of forwards and defensemen. Members of the latter started blasting shots from the point, eager to prove themselves in the biggest job interviews of their lives.

Then there was Christian Semetsis.

“Barely lifting the puck off the ice,” he said.

The left shot from Mount St. Charles was nursing a particularly nasty sprained left wrist he’d suffered in the Northeast Pack playoffs in February when he arrived in Plymouth, Mich. It was killing him. His shot wasn’t the only problem — he couldn’t hit anybody, either, and even the push-ups during off-ice training sessions hurt.



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Urban Meyer rejects college football GM position after conversations, issues sharp warning

Urban Meyer has been out of coaching since 2021 and last led a college program in 2018, when he retired from Ohio State. Yet his name still surfaces whenever a major job opens. In today’s rapidly shifting college football landscape — where roster management, NIL strategy and recruiting logistics have given rise to NFL-style front […]

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Urban Meyer has been out of coaching since 2021 and last led a college program in 2018, when he retired from Ohio State. Yet his name still surfaces whenever a major job opens. In today’s rapidly shifting college football landscape — where roster management, NIL strategy and recruiting logistics have given rise to NFL-style front office roles — many programs started hiring general managers. These hires often come from NFL backgrounds or have deep ties to talent evaluation and player development.

Meyer, who won three national championships during his 13 seasons at Florida (2005-10) and Ohio State (2012-18), said one school recently approached him about stepping into that kind of role. He entertained the conversation, until he heard what the job actually entailed.

“I had a school come see me this year and ask if I wanted to be the GM, and a couple other phone calls,” Meyer said last week on The Triple Option podcast while interviewing Oklahoma football general manager Jim Nagy. “And you start to think, ‘OK, they actually came to see me,’ so I said, ‘Yeah, I’ll meet and I’ll sit down with you guys.’ I said, ‘OK, what is the job description?’ They said, ‘Well, basically you meet with all the agents of the 17- and 18-year-olds, and I thought, ‘I’d rather step on a rusty nail and pull it out myself.’ I mean, what in the world — if that’s what you gotta do, Jim, God bless you.”

Meyer did not name which program specifically reached out to gauge his interest.

While a general manager role may not carry the public pressure or the X’s and O’s of coaching, it’s hardly a retirement gig. The job demands deep involvement in every aspect of roster building, from managing scholarship counts and navigating the transfer portal to evaluating talent and negotiating NIL deals. It’s time-consuming work that still requires total buy-in from those willing to take it on.

Nagy, a longtime NFL scout and executive director of the Senior Bowl, was hired in February to bring that professional expertise to Oklahoma’s front office, helping bridge the gap between NFL evaluation models and college football’s unique challenges.

“There’s no succinct way to sum it up because there are a lot of parts to this job,” Nagy said of his job description. “But really, I’m here more than anything to help the coaching staff, help build this roster and streamline the process. Everyone says they’re trying to go to an NFL model, and yes, my background is in the NFL — I’ve never worked in college football before — but I think there are some process things we’ve brought to Oklahoma that are going to help the evaluation process and certainly the valuation process. We’ve never had to really value players.”

But for Meyer, the reality of such a demanding role only reaffirmed why he’s chosen to stay retired rather than return to college football.





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Transfers get scrutiny: At least as important as frosh as 16 coming to Wildcats hockey | News, Sports, Jobs

Swift Current Broncos forward Mathew Ward skates with the puck during a Western Hockey League game. (Photo courtesy DobberProspects.com) There also might’ve been a couple transfers, but often they were coming in under various questionable circumstances. Now, though, with the advent of the NCAA transfer portal, those transfers from other college programs are vital to […]

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Swift Current Broncos forward Mathew Ward skates with the puck during a Western Hockey League game. (Photo courtesy DobberProspects.com)

There also might’ve been a couple transfers, but often they were coming in under various questionable circumstances.

Now, though, with the advent of the NCAA transfer portal, those transfers from other college programs are vital to keeping a program competitive — or in the case of last year’s NMU hockey team, just keeping it afloat.

With a full year under his belt, Northern head coach Dave Shyiak has been able to lay the groundwork of a much more solid roster that he had in 2024-25.

Heck, at this time last year, Shyiak had been back where he helped the Wildcats win the 1991 NCAA hockey championship for about one whole week, having been hired near the end of June.

Wisconsin goaltender William Gramme, right, watches the puck go by his net during a game against Alaska-Anchorage in Madison, Wis., on Nov. 25, 2023. Gramme made 25 saves and recorded a shutout in this game, his first collegiate start. (Wisconsin Athletics photo by Paul Capobianco, courtesy TheRinkLive.com)

He spent the rest of the summer of 2024 trying to find two dozen players to join the four who had returned from former head coach Grant Potulny’s final team.

For this coming season, fans can get particularly excited about seven transfers coming to Marquette, while being eager to see nine freshmen get their feet under them, a total of 16 new players pumping up this NMU program.

The group includes nine forwards, four defensemen, and maybe most importantly, three goalies. New players in net are important because last year’s starter Ryan Ouellette has completed his collegiate eligibility and the other two goaltenders who saw ice time last season entered the transfer portal this spring.

Among the transfers, two come from the Big 10, two from the National Collegiate Hockey Conference and one each from Northern’s own Central Collegiate Hockey Association, Hockey East and an independent.

The freshmen are weighted toward the front line with seven forwards to go with one defenseman and a pair of goalies. That group includes the first skater at NMU from the Western Hockey League, plus three from the U.S. Hockey League, three from the North American Hockey League and a pair of teammates from the British Columbia Hockey League.

Northern opens the season with a pair of road series facing strong opposition to begin October, playing at a pair of NCAA tournament teams, then having a third NCAA team in Week 4 at home.

The opener on Oct. 4-5 is at Massachusetts, while the next series is Oct. 10-11 at Ohio State. After a rematch from last year at home vs. Colorado College on Oct. 17-18, the Wildcats then face Big 10 champion Michigan State at the Berry Events Center on Oct. 24-25.

Every other game the rest of the season is in the CCHA, including four games against NCAA tourney team Minnesota State-Mankato, two in late November and the other two to end the regular season on the final two days of February.

Here are thumbnail sketches of each new player, first the transfers and then freshmen, listed in order by the uniform numbers they’ll wear with the Wildcats:

Transfers

William Gramme, 6-foot-4 jr. goalie, from Stockholm, Sweden, transfer from Wisconsin, to wear No. 1 at NMU — Gramme appeared in eight contests for the Badgers last season, starting in six and posting a 3.23 goals-against average and .878 saves percentage.

His sophomore season included backstopping Wisconsin to its first win of the season, making 15 saves in a 3-2 overtime victory against Lindenwood after the Badgers had lost the night before.

He also posted a career-high 39 saves in a 3-2 overtime loss against No. 3 Minnesota and made eight saves while allowing no goals in relief to allow the Badgers to make a 5-4 comeback win over No. 10 Michigan.

In his career at Wisconsin, Gramme posted a 2.44 goals-against and .909 saves percentage, was named to the Academic All-Big Ten team, and made 25 saves in a shutout in his collegiate debut, the first Badger to post a shutout in his collegiate debut since Jack Berry in 2016.

Before Wisconsin, Gramme had an 18-9-2 record, 1.99 goals-against and .919 saves percentage with two shutouts for the NAHL’s Lone Star Brahmas. Gramme was third in goals against that season in the league. With his team finishing second in the South Division, he added a 2-0-1 playoff record with a 0.90 goals-against and .961 saves percentage.

“Our staff is excited about adding William to the roster,” Shyiak said in an NMU Sports Information news release about the incoming players. “He has gained valuable experience at the University of Wisconsin over the past two seasons and will enhance our goaltending group with his knowledge of the game and work ethic.

“William is an athletic, competitive goaltender (who) possesses a pro frame and we are excited to see what he can do in a Wildcat uniform.”

Warren Clark, 6-3 jr. defenseman, from Riverside, Ontario, transfer from St. Cloud State, to wear No. 4 at NMU — This 2023 draft pick of the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning is a right-shot blueliner and described as a big, smooth-skating defenseman with good hockey sense and good hands.

He skated for St. Cloud in 51 games over two seasons, recording one goal and six assists. The 2024-25 NCHC Academic All-Conference player notched his only collegiate goal against Omaha on Dec. 6 with his first assist coming against Alaska-Anchorage as a freshman.

Before the Huskies, he played for the Manitoba Junior Hockey League’s Steinbach Pistons in 2022-23, scoring six goals with 32 assists for 38 points in 55 games. In the ’23 postseason, he helped Steinbach win the Turnbull Cup playoff championship, recording a goal and seven assists in 18 games.

Clark also played for the Chatham Maroons of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League and the South Shore Kings of the National Collegiate Development Conference during the 2021-22 season, combining for six goals and 14 assists in 50 games, adding 10 assists in the playoffs for Chatham.

“Warren is a player that I am very familiar with, having recruited and coached him while at St. Cloud,” Shyiak said. “He is a long, mobile defenseman, with skill and good hockey sense.

“We feel that he has high upside potential and should immediately contribute to our defensive corps this season and beyond.”

Cade Mason, 5-11 graduate student defenseman, from Red Deer, Alberta, transfer from Long Island University, to wear No. 8 at NMU — This left-shot defenseman skated in 89 games while recording 10 goals and 67 assists for 77 points over three seasons with Long Island. He is the program’s all-time leader in assists and points. In fact, he led the Sharks in each of his three seasons in those stats, while his point totals were third in 2022-23 and fourth in 2023-24.

Before Long Island, Mason played junior hockey in the AJHL, his final stop with the Spruce Grove Saints in 2021-22. He put together one of the most dominant defensive campaigns for the Saints after moving on from the Grande Prairie Storm at the beginning of that season. In 53 regular-season and playoff games that season, he had 36 points, including 30 assists, while helping the Saints reach the AJHL finals.

In 123 regular-season and playoff games in the AJHL, he amassed 13 goals and 64 assists for 77 points.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming Cade to our program for his final year of collegiate eligibility,” Shyiak said. “Cade should bring immediate offense to our group with his poise, skill and skating ability.

“He has had a tremendous career at Long Island University and we are excited to see him compete in the CCHA this season.”

Zane Demsey, 6-2 sr. defenseman, from Harrison Township, transfer from Miami, to wear No. 9 at NMU — This left-shot blueliner from the Detroit suburbs skated in 79 games and accumulated two goals and eight assists for 10 points over three seasons at Miami.

He was recognized as a Krampade-AHCA All-American Scholar in 2024, and is a three-time NCHC Distinguished Scholar-Athlete and NCHC Academic All-Conference team selection. His first collegiate goal was a game-winner, coming against Niagara in December 2023.

Demsey spent the majority of his junior career in the USHL, with the last season and a half with the Dubuque Fighting Saints. In 93 games there, he had three goals and 22 assists with a plus-36 rating. In 129 junior games between the USHL and the NAHL, Demsey put up five goals and 23 assists with a plus-35 rating.

“Zane comes to Marquette with a wealth of college hockey experience,” Shyiak said. “He has strong physical tools and can contribute in all three zones with his size, skating and athletic ability.

“We expect Zane to instantly bring a competitive edge and senior leadership to our defense.”

Caiden Gault, 6-1 sr. forward, from Oakbank, Manitoba, transfer from Ferris State, to wear No. 16 at NMU — This left-shot forward had a breakout season with fellow CCHA member Ferris State last season, posting career highs and scoring a team-best 15 goals, four power play goals and five game-winning goals, while finishing second on the Bulldogs with 25 points, missing the top spot by a single point.

Nominated as college hockey’s most valuable player — the 2025 Hobey Baker Award — he has 37 points in 77 career collegiate games.

Gault is no stranger to scoring — in his final season with the AJHL’s Spruce Grove Saints, he led the team and was third in the league with 46 goals and 73 points in 58 games while being named to the Viterra North Division All-League Team and a finalist for the AJHL’s Top Forward Award.

He also put up exceptional numbers in the postseason, scoring six goals and six assists in 13 games. In his junior career between the AJHL, MJHL and NAHL, Gault posted 77 goals and 56 assists for 133 points in 143 games.

“Our staff is ecstatic that Caiden has chosen to join our team for his last year of college hockey,” Shyiak said. “We are well acquainted with his game, having coached against him in the CCHA this past season.

“He is a lethal goal scorer, coming back to our league as one of the top returning goal scorers in the conference. Caiden’s skill, nose for the net and hockey sense should make him one of the top threats in the CCHA this season.”

Girts Silkalns, 6-2 jr. forward, from Talsi, Latvia, transfer from Massachusetts-Lowell, to wear No. 17 at NMU — This right-shot forward from the former Soviet republic spent the last two seasons with the Riverhawks, playing in 28 games and scoring a goal and four assists, his goal vs. Boston College in December.

Before college, he spent the 2022-23 season in the USHL with the Fargo Force and Des Moines Buccaneers, totaling 10 goals and 20 assists in 55 games. Silkalns represented Latvia in the 2022 and 2023 World Junior Under-20 Championships and the U-18 World Championships in 2021.

“Girts comes to Marquette highly recommended by his previous coaches,” Shyiak said. “He plays an all-around brand of hockey that should complement our existing forward group nicely.

“We hope that with his size and ability to shoot the puck, Girts will add a different element to our team and continue to develop in a Wildcat uniform.”

Kyle Bettens, 6-3 sr. forward, from Winnipeg, Manitoba, transfer from Minnesota-Duluth, to wear No. 24 at NMU — This right-shot forward has spent all three college years at Duluth, playing in 102 games with 12 goals and 20 assists.

Prior to that, he played a season with the USHL’s Youngstown Phantoms, scoring 17 goals and 18 assists in 54 games. He had at least 29 points in every year as a junior, along with 11 points in 12 playoff games with the Steinbach Pistons of the MJHL in 2018-19, posting 59 goals and 109 assists for 168 points in 222 regular and postseason games.

“Experience is a huge component of success in college hockey, and Kyle joins our team with over 100 games played at a really strong program in the University of Minnesota-Duluth,” Shyiak said. “He’s a big, strong, pro-style forward that we believe has a chance to thrive at NMU and beyond.

“We’re looking forward to helping Kyle unlock his potential and expect him to be an impact player in the CCHA.”

Freshmen

Mathew Ward, 5-9 forward, from Kamloops, British Columbia, last team Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL), to wear No. 10 at NMU — This left-shot forward becomes part of the first class of Canadian Hockey League players — those from the Western Hockey League, Ontario Hockey League and Quebec Major Hockey League — to be allowed to play for U.S. colleges after a successful players’ lawsuit forced the NCAA to change its rules.

Ward is not only the first CHL player to come to the Wildcats, but the first from Medicine Hat to commit to an NCAA program.

Playing in the WHL his entire career up to this point, he helped his team win the WHL title before losing to the London Knights in the Memorial Cup Final for the CHL championship. It was the sixth time his team was in the CHL finals.

In the regular season, Ward was seventh on Medicine Hat with 19 goals, 25 assists and 44 points before he added five goals and seven assists in 18 playoff games. He also scored the game-winning goal in a 3-1 win over London that sent his Tigers to the Memorial Cup Final.

Before Medicine Hat, he was with the Swift Current Broncos, amassing 74 goals and 142 assists for 216 points in 207 games. Ward was a Central Division Second Team All-Star in 2022-23 after setting career highs across the board, scoring 26 goals and 48 assists for 74 points.

Ward averaged nearly a point per game in his career in the WHL, posting 98 goals and 174 assists for 272 points in 289 regular-season and postseason contests.

“We are extremely excited to welcome Mathew to Northern Michigan University,” Shyiak said. “He brings a great deal of pedigree to our team, having been a former first-round pick in the Western Hockey League and playing over 260 games during his junior hockey career.

“On the ice, Mathew is a skilled, versatile forward with excellent hockey sense and competitive drive.”

Peter Cisar, 6-0 forward, from Bratislava, Slovakia, last team Youngstown Phantoms (USHL), to wear No. 12 at NMU — Coming from central Europe, he played his entire junior career in the USHL at Youngstown, the Fargo Force and Madison Capitols.

Last season, he was traded from Fargo to Youngstown, where he totaled 13 goals and 25 assists for 38 points, including 10 power play points, and finished sixth for Youngstown in assists and seventh in points and goals, also accumulating the team’s fourth-best rating of plus-20, along with 70 penalty minutes.

Cisar was alternate captain with Fargo before his departure, and was also with that team throughout 2023-24 when it won the Clark Cup as USHL playoff champions that was in addition to Fargo winning the regular-season title.

He is no stranger to international competition, either, representing Slovakia in the World Junior U-20 Championships twice and once in the U-18 World Championships, among other international stints.

Most recently, Cisar scored for Slovakia against the Czech Republic at the U-20 Championships in December, and was a teammate of fellow incoming NMU freshman Tobias Pitka.

“We expect Peter to come in and have an immediate impact within our forward group,” Shyiak said. “He comes to our program on the heels of a great season in the USHL that also saw him contribute in a key role for the Slovakian World Junior team.

“Peter is a cerebral forward that can impact the game in a variety of ways with his play-making and strong-two way game.”

Mikey Burchill, 5-10 forward, from Mundelein, Illinois, last team Des Moines Buccaneers (USHL), to wear No. 18 at NMU — Spending the past four seasons in the USHL, the EliteProspects 2023 NHL Draft Guide describes him as “more than capable of filling the net. He hooks pucks around sticks and slips them under when pressured. Where many sprint into traffic, he finds the trailer. High-speed dekes and crafty setups beat defenders, and puck protection skills keep them on his back. A powerful wrister, fired off either leg, shows some finishing ability, too.”

Joining the Des Moines Buccaneers late last season, he potted a pair of goals and assists in 17 games. Before the Buccaneers, he played 43 games with the Youngstown Phantoms, scoring nine goals and five assists for 14 points.

Burchill, selected with the fifth overall pick in the 2021 USHL Phase I draft, scored double-digit goals in all four USHL seasons, while he had consecutive seasons with 20 or more assists. He finished his time in the USHL with 49 goals and 61 assists for 110 points in 233 games.

“Mikey is another player that our staff knows well, with (NMU assistant) coach Andy Contois having coached him with the Youngstown Phantoms,” Shyiak said. “We’re thrilled that Mikey will be joining our program this season; he is an exemplary teammate, a feisty competitor and a versatile forward.

“He can play in a lot of different situations, as evidenced by his time in the USHL, and should be able to make a positive impact on our group with his shot, IQ and two-way game.”

Tobias Pitka, 6-4 forward, from Poprad, Slovakia, last team Victoria Grizzlies (BCHL), to wear No. 19 at NMU — After two seasons at Victoria, this right-shot forward is described as being able to bring “a good mix of smarts and size to the lineup. Capable of making plays in small areas, Pitka can find teammates through pressure as well as create chances for himself.”

With five goals and 14 assists in 46 games his first season at Victoria, he tripled his goal output and doubled his point total in season No. 2 to 15 goals and 23 assists for 38 points in five fewer regular-season games. He continued his production in the postseason, adding eight goals and 12 points in 17 playoff games.

Pitka has also represented his country on the international stage, representing Slovakia at the U18 and U20 World Junior Championships, when he was a teammate of fellow incoming NMU freshman Peter Cisar.

“Tobias is a prospect that we feel still has his best hockey in front of him,” Shyiak said. “He comes to our team from a very strong organization in Victoria and continues to grow into a dominant power forward.

“Tobias has a pro hockey frame to go along with great hockey sense, soft hands and excellent faceoff ability. We’re very much looking forward to helping him develop his game at Northern Michigan.”

Tyler Stern, 5-10 forward, from Plainview, New York, last team Maryland Black Bears (NAHL), to wear No. 21 at NMU — This right-shot forward has been described by Black Bears head coach Clint Mylymok as a “natural born leader” and “team first” player.

He played his entire junior career in the NAHL, starting with four games with the Jamestown Rebels in 2021-22 before transitioning to the Philadelphia Rebels the next season, scoring nine goals and 17 assists for 26 points in 56 games.

After starting the 2023-24 season in Philadelphia, Stern was traded to Maryland, where he scored five goals and 18 points in 32 games to end the regular season before tacking on five more assists in 11 playoff games. Named captain of the Black Bears for 2024-25, he scored career-highs with 14 goals, 22 assists and 36 points before adding three points in four postseason contests.

“Tyler joins our team from the Maryland Black Bears of the NAHL, where he wore the ‘C’ as a 20-year-old,” Shyiak said. “He is highly coachable, very competitive and will be an instant culture-driver in our locker room.

“His hockey sense, willingness to go to the dirty areas of the ice and scoring ability will benefit our program moving forward.”

Landon MacDonald, 6-2 forward, from Brighton, last team Madison Capitols (USHL), to wear No. 22 at NMU — This left-shot forward from the southern Lower Peninsula has been described as “a good-sized forward who plays the game hard and physical…. He can pick corners and gets his shot off extremely quickly and carry a ton of zip…. A taller, lean forward with a goal scorer’s mentality.”

He started the 2024-25 season as an alternate captain with the Vernon Vipers of the BCHL before transitioning to the Madison Capitols of the USHL. He scored 13 goals and 21 points in 28 games with the Vipers before scoring nine points in 26 games with the Capitols.

Between the USHL, BCHL and the NAHL, he played in 172 games and scored 28 goals and 32 assists for 60 points.

“Landon comes to Northern Michigan playing his best hockey,” Shyiak said. “He finished out his junior career with strong stints in Vernon and Madison, and really developed his all-around game in a way that should be an asset for our program.

“Landon’s a big, strong, two-way forward with good skating ability and can impact the game in a variety of different ways.”

Evan Johnson, 5-11 defenseman, from Trenton, last team North Iowa Bulls (NAHL), to wear No. 23 at NMU — This right-shot defenseman from the Detroit area enjoyed a breakout season as an alternate captain with the Bulls in 2024-25, leading North Iowa with 17 power play points, including two goals, and was third on the team with 38 points, second with 32 assists and led Bulls’ blueliners with six goals.

Prior to the Bulls, Johnson had 18 points in 42 games between the Whitecourt Wolverines of the AJHL and Philadelphia Rebels of the NAHL.

“Evan is a smooth-skating defenseman that really popped in his last season of junior hockey,” Shyiak said. “He played a leadership role in North Iowa this past season and has a wealth of experience across North American junior hockey.

“We’re looking forward to seeing Evan adjust to college hockey and display his puck poise in all three zones.”

Oliver Auyeung-Ashton, 5-10 goalie, from Coquitlam, British Columbia, last team Victoria Grizzlies (BCHL), to wear No. 30 at NMU — After joining the Grizzlies for 2022-23, he posted a .927 saves percentage with five shutouts and a 21-14-6 record. Over three seasons in 96 games, he finished at 50-29-12, eight shutouts and 14-10-1 record in the postseason.

He had a historic career at Victoria, being its all-time leader in goaltenders’ games played, wins and shutouts. His career saves percentage of .916 is also third all-time in program history.

His time in the BCHL saw him take home the Bruce Allison Memorial Trophy as rookie of the year, as well as being named to the All-Rookie Team.

“Oliver has had an exceptional track record during his time in the BCHL,” Shyiak said. “He comes highly recommended as a goaltender, teammate and competitor.

“On the ice, Oliver has a lot of traits that we look for in our goaltenders — he’s an exceptional skater (who) tracks the puck very well and never gives up on a play. We’re looking forward to seeing him in a Wildcat uniform next season.”

Jack Fuller, 6-0 goalie, from Centerville, Minnesota, last team New Mexico Ice Wolves (NAHL), to wear No. 31 at NMU — Reuniting with former head coach Phil Fox, who is an assistant coach with the Wildcats, he had a 1.91 goals against average and a .929 saves percentage in 40 games last season, having played three years with the Ice Wolves.

Fuller was named the February Goaltender of the Month and a South Division Star of the Week three times last season, producing five shutouts. At the 2025 Top Prospects Tournament, he was the winner in net for the South Division squad, producing a 15-save shutout. He was also named 2024-25 team MVP.

“Jack is a player we feel extremely comfortable with, given his experience with Coach Fox in New Mexico,” Shyiak said. “He was the backbone of the Ice Wolves team (last) season, and brings a calm, efficient style of play to the crease every night. Jack reads the play very well and brings a competitive mindset to every practice.

“He will be an important part of our culture and we’re looking forward to having Jack on campus.”

Story contents based on Northern Michigan University Sports Information press release previewing the incoming hockey class. Journal Sports Editor Steve Brownlee’s email address is sbrownlee@miningjournal.net.



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Deion Sanders leads Colorado in pursuit of redemption after season of highs and unexpected lows

A Season of Redemption for Deion Sanders and Colorado Deion Sanders has made quite the impression since taking the helm at the University of Colorado. His arrival marked a new chapter for the Buffaloes, a program seeking to redefine itself after years of inconsistency. As the season unfolds, the journey has been a rollercoaster of […]

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A Season of Redemption for Deion Sanders and Colorado

Deion Sanders has made quite the impression since taking the helm at the University of Colorado. His arrival marked a new chapter for the Buffaloes, a program seeking to redefine itself after years of inconsistency. As the season unfolds, the journey has been a rollercoaster of exhilarating highs and unforeseen lows, but Sanders remains steadfast in his pursuit of redemption for both himself and his team.

Transforming the Program

When Sanders was appointed head coach, he brought with him not only a wealth of experience as a Hall of Fame player but also an unmistakable charisma. His vision for Colorado was clear: to transform the Buffaloes into a competitive force in college football. The early part of the season showcased the impact of his leadership, as the team surged to an impressive start, thrilling fans with dynamic performances and a renewed sense of hope.

However, the excitement was met with challenges. As the season progressed, Colorado faced unexpected setbacks that tested the resilience of the players and coaching staff. Key injuries and tough losses raised questions about the team’s depth and adaptability. Yet, Sanders’ ability to motivate and inspire his players remained a cornerstone of his coaching philosophy.

Addressing the Challenges

In the face of adversity, Sanders has not shied away from addressing the challenges head-on. He has emphasized the importance of mental toughness and learning from each experience, whether positive or negative. This approach has fostered a culture of accountability within the team, encouraging players to push through difficulties and maintain their focus on the ultimate goal.

The coaching staff, under Sanders’ guidance, has also made strategic adjustments to enhance the team’s performance. By analyzing game footage and implementing new tactics, they have sought to capitalize on the strengths of the roster while mitigating weaknesses. This adaptability has been crucial as the Buffaloes navigate a demanding schedule filled with formidable opponents.

The Road Ahead

As the season nears its conclusion, the Buffaloes find themselves at a crossroads. With a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging talents, the team is poised to make a statement in the final stretch of the season. Sanders’ leadership will be pivotal as they aim to finish strong and build momentum heading into the offseason.

The narrative surrounding Colorado is one of resilience and determination. Deion Sanders has not only sought redemption for the program but has also ignited a fire within his players to strive for excellence. As they continue to face challenges, the Buffaloes remain committed to their journey, embodying the spirit of a team that refuses to back down in the pursuit of greatness.



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Database of U.S. hazing victims now available, thanks to UMaine

For 3 years I wanted to figure out *** way to go upstream and honor him and encourage the conversations between youth and their caregivers that would help create more uh communication around the struggles. There are so many people that are in the mental health space that are doing great work and. You know, […]

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For 3 years I wanted to figure out *** way to go upstream and honor him and encourage the conversations between youth and their caregivers that would help create more uh communication around the struggles. There are so many people that are in the mental health space that are doing great work and. You know, I just hope that this is another piece of that puzzle. This PSA project, 4 short videos shareable on social media, features teens talking about their own firsthand experiences and insight on the challenges *** teenager faces in today’s world and it’s. to say you’re not OK, but making *** connection with those teens didn’t come easy, not at first. I think I was nervous actually to talk to the youth because I thought they would think it was *** silly idea and actually they were really receptive just to see them show up and put themselves out there like that. I think in itself is *** lesson of bravery that we should all take and we should hear them. Suzy filmed in partnership with Maine Youth Thriving, an organization centered around justice, diversity, equity and inclusion. It’s *** tough world, um, for everyone, and um, being *** kid is always hard and I think right now it’s harder than ever, um, and. I want people just to remember that being kind and listening, um, well it sounds trite actually can make *** huge impact on someone’s life. You can watch the four part PSA series for yourself on Maine Resilience.org/thrive or redbirdMedia.com. You can also watch the videos on their social media reporting in Freeport for Total Maine. I’m Jamie Ajola.

Database of hazing victims now available, thanks to University of Maine

“The secrecy and silence that often surround hazing are barriers to change. Making the tragedies more visible to the public is a necessary step toward prevention,” one researcher said.

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Updated: 9:01 AM EDT Jul 7, 2025

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A new, online database is now sharing the stories of hundreds of people who died in hazing incidents across the United States, thanks in part to the University of Maine.”The hazing deaths database is invaluable as it illuminates the horrendous consequences of hazing for so many individuals, families, and communities,” said UMaine professor Elizabeth Allan, who leads the Hazing Prevention Research Lab in the UMaine College of Education and Human Development and is the founder of the research organization StopHazing.UMaine worked with HazingInfo.org, the University of Washington and award-winning journalist Hank Nuwer to research the information and develop the first-of-its-kind digital memorial and searchable database.The researchers found at least 333 young people have died from hazing in the United States since 1838, with 122 deaths since 2000.The project is also being used to raise awareness about the consequences of hazing.”The secrecy and silence that often surround hazing are barriers to change. Making the tragedies more visible to the public is a necessary step toward prevention,” Allan said.The data shows an average of two hazing deaths per year between 1838 and 2025, but since 2000, that has increased to an average of five hazing deaths per year. Ten is the highest number of hazing deaths recorded in a single year, occurring in 2002, 2012 and 2019.

A new, online database is now sharing the stories of hundreds of people who died in hazing incidents across the United States, thanks in part to the University of Maine.

“The hazing deaths database is invaluable as it illuminates the horrendous consequences of hazing for so many individuals, families, and communities,” said UMaine professor Elizabeth Allan, who leads the Hazing Prevention Research Lab in the UMaine College of Education and Human Development and is the founder of the research organization StopHazing.

UMaine worked with HazingInfo.org, the University of Washington and award-winning journalist Hank Nuwer to research the information and develop the first-of-its-kind digital memorial and searchable database.

The researchers found at least 333 young people have died from hazing in the United States since 1838, with 122 deaths since 2000.

The project is also being used to raise awareness about the consequences of hazing.

“The secrecy and silence that often surround hazing are barriers to change. Making the tragedies more visible to the public is a necessary step toward prevention,” Allan said.

The data shows an average of two hazing deaths per year between 1838 and 2025, but since 2000, that has increased to an average of five hazing deaths per year.

Ten is the highest number of hazing deaths recorded in a single year, occurring in 2002, 2012 and 2019.



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College Sports

Guimond couldn’t Foot Ivy League Bill

His stinginess between the posts has turned goaltender Rudy Guimond into a legitimate Detroit Red Wings prospect. But even if he were to be equally stingy with his finances, Guimond just couldn’t figure out a way through which he’d be able to afford to attend Yale. He went to the Memorial Cup with the Moncton […]

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His stinginess between the posts has turned goaltender Rudy Guimond into a legitimate Detroit Red Wings prospect. But even if he were to be equally stingy with his finances, Guimond just couldn’t figure out a way through which he’d be able to afford to attend Yale.

He went to the Memorial Cup with the Moncton Wildcats in May. And as much as that was an exciting experience, it wasn’t the deciding factor as to why he was opting to decommit from playing NCAA hockey next season at Yale.

“Yeah, I mean, there were other reasons as well,” Guimond explained. “Kind of a financial issue. I wasn’t able to afford what they were offering me. But, I mean, we also saw it as a very great opportunity to play a lot of games (in Moncton), get a lot of reps.”

Ivy League schools like Yale don’t offer full-ride scholarships like the majority of NCAA programs. Student-athletes are required to ante up a portion of the expenses for attending Ivy League institutions. As a Canadian, Guimond’s stipend would be even more expensive since he’s a foreign student.

Guimond A Red Wings, Office Fan

Leaving Cedar Rapids of the USHL to join Moncton in November, Guimond set a CHL record by going 16-0 for the Wildcats.

“It was really amazing, but it was a testament to the group in front of me, for sure,” Guimond said.

During this incredible run of success, Guimond sought not to become obsessive about it, insisting he isn’t a superstitious sort. He even chose to cite his favorite TV show The Office to emphasize this fact.

“I’ll take from Michael Scott,” Guimond said, citing Steve Carell’s character on the show. “Maybe a little stitious.

“Like, I don’t know if you’ve watched The Office before, but yeah, I mean, I have a couple. I have some routines and stuff, but it’s not like if I don’t do a certain thing I’ll go crazy or something. But yeah, just a consistent routine.”

Carell and Guimond share another common bond. Carell was a college hockey goalie at Denison University of the ACHA.





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The 25 best Mizzou athletes of the past 25 years

COLUMBIA, Mo. — And finally, the best athletes of the past 25 years. Over the past few days, the Post-Dispatch has looked back at the first quarter of the 21st century in Mizzou sports, picking out the best football and men’s basketball games of that span. Next comes the most competitive and most debatable list: […]

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COLUMBIA, Mo. — And finally, the best athletes of the past 25 years.

Over the past few days, the Post-Dispatch has looked back at the first quarter of the 21st century in Mizzou sports, picking out the best football and men’s basketball games of that span. Next comes the most competitive and most debatable list: the best 25 athletes to come through Missouri since 2000.

It’s difficult to weigh performances from different sports and eras, making this a highly imperfect science. These rankings largely ignore athletes’ professional accomplishments to highlight what they did as Tigers.

Here’s this beat writer’s rundown of the most impressive Mizzou athletes of the past 25 years, ranked from No. 25 to No. 1.

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25: Martin Rucker (football, 2004-07)

Rucker earned All-American honors during Mizzou’s remarkable 2007 season in which the tight end caught 84 passes — a program record at the time — for 834 yards and eight touchdowns.

24: Chase Coffman (football, 2005-08)

Coffman’s 247 career receptions and 30 touchdowns are both MU records. He was an All-American in 2008 and won the Mackey Award, given to the nation’s best tight end.

23: Helen Hu (gymnastics, 2020-25)

Specializing on the balance beam, Hu was twice an All-American in the event and won the individual national title in 2025.

22: Danario Alexander (football, 2006-09)

Mizzou’s career receiving yards leader put together one of the most statistically impressive seasons in 2009 when the wideout caught 113 passes for 1,781 yards and 14 touchdowns — all three records.

21: Cody Schrader (football, 2022-23)

After walking on as a transfer with the Tigers, Schrader became one of the best stories in college football in 2023. The running back posted a Missouri record 1,627 rushing yards during that breakout season for the program.

20: Rickey Paulding (basketball, 2000-04)

A prolific dunker, Paulding started every game during his final two seasons in Columbia. He averaged 17.4 points per game as a junior during the Tigers’ 2003 Elite Eight run.

19: Aaron Crow (baseball, 2006-08)

Crow’s 2008 season earned him the designation of the best pitcher in college baseball: 11-0 with an ERA of 2.35, 127 strikeouts, four shutouts and a 43-inning scoreless streak. As a freshman in 2006, his first win was a complete game to beat Pepperdine in a postseason elimination matchup and make Missouri the first No. 4 seed to ever win an NCAA Regional.

18: DeMarre Carroll (men’s basketball, 2007-09)

The “Junkyard Dog” transferred to Mizzou from Vanderbilt, where he became a first-team all-Big 12 pick with 16.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game in the Tigers’ 2008-09 Elite Eight season.

17: Shane Ray (football, 2012-14)

Ray was an All-American in 2014, when he notched 14 1/2 sacks, three more than the next closest pass rusher in the Missouri record books. The year prior, his 73-yard scoop-and-score gave MU a Cotton Bowl win over Oklahoma State.

16: Rhea Taylor (softball, 2008-11)

Taylor stands as one of collegiate softball’s best leadoff hitters, a three-time All-American who led the Tigers to three straight Women’s College World Series appearances. She hit a Mizzou-record .452 as a junior and finished with a .402 career batting average.

15: Sean Weatherspoon (football, 2006-09)

“Spoon,” pronounced by Missouri fans with more vowels than appear on the page, was twice a second-team All-American and thrice an all-Big 12 pick. The linebacker made 413 career tackles, including 155 during the 2008 season.

14: Keegan O’Toole (wrestling, 2020-25)

O’Toole was the first MU wrestler to earn All-American honors five times, with his most recent coming with a torn ACL this past season. He won two national titles and four conference championships at 165 pounds and is second in program history in career win percentage (108-5).

13: Arthur Johnson (men’s basketball, 2000-04)

Johnson started 123 games as a big man and came just shy of averaging a double-double with 16.1 points and 9.6 rebounds per game during the 2002-03 season. He holds the Missouri record with 245 blocks.

12: Drew Lock (football, 2015-18)

There are two quarterbacks atop most Missouri passing records. One is later to come on this list, and the other is Lock, who overcame a rough debut season to finish with 12,193 career passing yards and 99 touchdowns. He was the SEC’s most efficient and productive passer in 2017, when he threw for 3,964 yards and 44 touchdowns.

11: J’Den Cox (wrestling, 2014-17)

Cox holds MU’s best winning percentage, with 136 wins and only five losses during his collegiate career. He was a four-time All-American and won three national championships, never finishing worse than fifth in the country.

10: Brad Smith (football, 2001-05)

Mizzou’s first star of the Gary Pinkel era, Smith started every game from 2002 to 2005. When he left MU, he held 69 school, Big 12 and NCAA records, including what was at the time the most rushing yards by a quarterback: 4,289, which is still the most of any Missouri player at any position.

9: Chelsea Thomas (softball, 2009-13)

Mizzou’s best-ever softball pitcher finished her career 111-31 with a 1.23 ERA, 1,174 strikeouts, eight no-hitters and three perfect games. She was a three-time All-American and the Tigers’ ace during their three Women’s College World Series appearances.

8: Max Scherzer (baseball, 2004-06)

Scherzer went on to become one of the most successful pro athletes to come out of Mizzou, and his 2005 breakout season with the Tigers was one of the best the program has seen. He led the Big 12 in ERA (1.86) and strikeouts (131) to be named the conference’s pitcher of the year and an All-American.

7: Marcus Denmon (men’s basketball, 2008-12)

Denmon was an All-American who led Missouri with 17.7 points per game during the 2011-12 season that saw the program leave the Big 12 with 33 wins and a conference championship. He is one of two MU men’s basketball players this century to be named first-team all-conference twice in their career.

6: Jeremy Maclin (football, 2006-08)

Is Maclin the most electric football player to ever don the black and gold? He’s the only Mizzou player to ever be a two-time All-American and did so with just two seasons of action. Maclin finished with 5,609 all-purpose yards. During his freshman season in 2007, he notched 2,776 all-purpose yards: 1,055 receiving with nine touchdowns, 375 rushing with four scores on the ground, 1,039 yards of kickoff returns and three overall return touchdowns.

5: Sophie Cunningham (women’s basketball, 2015-19)

Cunningham left MU after leading the program to four NCAA Tournament appearances as the Tigers’ all-time leading scorer with 2,187 career points. She was an All-SEC player three times and All-American once, posting career shooting splits of 50.1% from the field, 40.3% from 3 and 83.9% from the free-throw line.

4: Ben Askren (wrestling, 2004-07)

Askren finished his collegiate career as a four-time All-American and two-time national champion. He went an incredible 87-0 over those final two seasons and won the Dan Hodge Trophy, given to the nation’s top wrestler, in 2006 and 2007 — just the second in NCAA history to earn the award twice. In positive news after his recent health scare, Askren’s wife Amy shared he has received a double lung transplant.

3: Karissa Schweizer (cross country/track, 2014-18)

Schweizer, a distance runner, is Missouri’s only six-time national champion and has 10 All-American honors to her name. She won individual championships in the indoor 3,000 meters, indoor 5,000 meters twice and outdoor 5,000 meters twice. She holds eight MU records, plus one NCAA indoor record.

2: Kareem Rush (men’s basketball, 1999-2002)

Rush is one of three players in Mizzou history with 1,500 points, 200 made 3s, 400 rebounds, 100 assists and 100 steals — and his career 3-point percentage of 43.9% is still a school record. He averaged a Big 12-best 21.1 points per game as a sophomore, then 19.8 points and 5.2 rebounds per game on the Tigers’ 2002 Elite Eight team.

1: Chase Daniel (football, 2005-08)

Daniel owns the two best passing seasons in Missouri football history, plus the career passing yards (12,515 yards) and touchdowns (101) records. As the Tigers climbed to No. 1 in the country in 2007, Daniel threw for 4,306 yards and 33 touchdowns, finishing fourth in Heisman Trophy voting.







sp CL mizzou v kansas13a.jpg

Missouri quarterback Chase Daniel runs in the open field ahead of Kansas defensive tackle James McClinton (93)) and safety Sadiq Muhammed during the second quarter of a game Saturday, Nov. 24, 2007, at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.





The 25 best Mizzou men's basketball games of the past 25 years


The 25 best Mizzou football games of the past 25 years


The 25 most important Mizzou football players in 2025

Mizzou women’s basketball coach Kellie Harper speaks with Post-Dispatch columnist Benjamin Hochman on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at Busch Stadium on Mizzou Night. (Video by Ethan Erickson, Post-Dispatch)

Ethan Erickson | Post-Dispatch

Benjamin Hochman | Post-Dispatch





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