Connect with us
https://yoursportsnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/call-to-1.png

College Sports

Poirier Set To Take Advantage Of CHL To NCAA Path

RALEIGH, N.C. – When the Carolina Hurricanes selected Justin Poirier in the fifth round of the 2024 draft, the bulk of the buzz surrounded the fact that he was the first 17-year-old to score 50 goals in the QMJHL since Sidney Crosby. Although he dealt with a few injuries this past season, the forward dazzled […]

Published

on


RALEIGH, N.C. – When the Carolina Hurricanes selected Justin Poirier in the fifth round of the 2024 draft, the bulk of the buzz surrounded the fact that he was the first 17-year-old to score 50 goals in the QMJHL since Sidney Crosby.

Although he dealt with a few injuries this past season, the forward dazzled again, following up his historical season with a 43-goal campaign and bringing his total to 210 points in 181 junior games.

Now, instead of going back to the Maritimes, where he would have had little left to prove and undoubtedly dominated again, Poirier has the chance to try a fresh challenge this fall: the college game.

Carved by the changing landscape of NIL in the NCAA, it’s a new route for development, allowing Canadian Hockey League (CHL) players to make a jump that had previously been outlawed. As a result, the general feeling is that the CHL will shift toward younger talent, and some players will then eventually graduate to a bigger and more pro-like college game, a step taken this week by prospective first overall selection in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, Gavin McKenna.

Taking on stronger and more mature competition is exactly what Poirier is looking for as he heads to the University of Maine.

“I spoke with my agent, with (Canes Development Coach Kevin McCarthy), the other coaches here, the development guys, and in order to be ready to play in the AHL or NHL one day, I have to play against older and bigger guys,” Poirier said at this month’s Development Camp.



Link

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

College Sports

Hagens continuing to put in work despite hectic schedule

MINNEAPOLIS — James Hagens has had quite a year. The 18-year-old helped the United States win its second straight gold medal as the top-line center at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship in January before following that up with a workmanlike performance as the No. 1 pivot at Boston College as a freshman last season. […]

Published

on


MINNEAPOLIS — James Hagens has had quite a year.

The 18-year-old helped the United States win its second straight gold medal as the top-line center at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship in January before following that up with a workmanlike performance as the No. 1 pivot at Boston College as a freshman last season.

He was starry-eyed watching actor Adam Sandler announce him as the No. 7 pick to the Boston Bruins during the 2025 NHL Draft at L.A. Live’s Peacock Theater on June 27, gained great experience at Bruins development camp earlier in July, and then attended the premier of Sandler’s “Happy Gilmore 2,” where he met and conversed with the famed actor at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York on July 21.

Whew!

“You’re going from place to place, state to state, so it’s crazy but it’s just something you have to let soak in because it only happens once,” Hagens said.

He’s one of 42 U.S. players attending the World Junior Summer Showcase this week at Ridder Arena, looking to lead and make a difference as the Americans prepare for a possible three-peat at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship in St. Paul and Minneapolis from Dec. 26-Jan. 5.

“To have the whole thing behind him probably feels good and then to be drafted by Boston, in the same city that he’s playing college hockey, was probably exciting for him,” said Boston College coach Greg Brown, who is also serving as the assistant coach for the U.S. “I know it just seemed to be a lot … you’d see all the interviews he went through for the draft, and he’s trying to play well and do as well as he can for BC.

“I think now that the whole draft is behind him, he knows where he’ll be to start his pro career. He can concentrate on just playing hockey and that’ll probably be much easier.”

He looks laser focused on helping the U.S. win a third straight gold and do it on home ice for the first time. He has four assists in two exhibition games, playing center on a line with BC teammate Teddy Stiga (Nashville Predators) and right wing Brodie Ziemer (Buffalo Sabres).

“Creating culture is a huge part of this, you don’t want a divided locker room,” Hagens said. “Everyone here knows each other well. I think that’s something that really is helpful. It carries over a ton when you’re able to trust the guy off the ice, when you’re able to just go out there and play freely.”

Hagens tied for the U.S. lead with five goals in seven games to help his country win the championship at the 2025 WJC as the top center between Gabe Perreault (New York Rangers) and Ryan Leonard (Washington Capitals).

He also centered Perreault and Leonard at Boston College, where he had 37 points (11 goals, 26 assists) in 37 games.

“James had an unreal year. I can’t speak to the pressure he faced as a top pick in the draft, but I know it’s got to be a lot,” Stiga said. “I was his roommate, so I know what he was going through. It’s hard but I think he handled it well.

“He was a point per game player in college, and that’s hard to do playing with guys like Perreault and Leonard, who are really high skilled. Sometimes you saw him deferring to ‘Lenny,’ but you know he can score with the puck, he can pass the puck, do everything.”



Link

Continue Reading

College Sports

Ryan Swanson's 'A Beautiful Shame' captures New Mexico's final season and underscores …

AFC Richmond had Trent Crimm.  Unlock immediate access to every story, as well as exclusive newsletters like Soccer America Daily and Soccer on TV. CHECK OUT MORE STORIES Not ready to subscribe? Sign up here for our free newsletter. Already have an account? Sign in here. 0

Published

on

Ryan Swanson's 'A Beautiful Shame' captures New Mexico's final season and underscores ...

AFC Richmond had Trent Crimm

Unlock immediate access to every story, as well as exclusive newsletters like Soccer America Daily and Soccer on TV.

CHECK OUT MORE STORIES

Not ready to subscribe? Sign up here for our free newsletter.

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Continue Reading

College Sports

Sharks Foundation + Tech CU Provide $15,000 Grant

sjsharks.com is the official website of the San Jose Sharks. San Jose Sharks name and primary logo are registered trademarks of San Jose Sharks, LLC. NHL, the NHL Shield, the word mark and image of the Stanley Cup and NHL Conference logos are registered trademarks of the National Hockey League. NHL All-Star logo and NHL […]

Published

on


San Jose Sharks logo

sjsharks.com is the official website of the San Jose Sharks. San Jose Sharks name and primary logo are registered trademarks of San Jose Sharks, LLC. NHL, the NHL Shield, the word mark and image of the Stanley Cup and NHL Conference logos are registered trademarks of the National Hockey League. NHL All-Star logo and NHL All-Star Skills Competition name and logo are trademarks of the National Hockey League. All NHL logos and marks and NHL team logos and marks as well as all other proprietary materials depicted herein are the property of the NHL and the respective NHL teams and may not be reproduced without the prior written consent of NHL Enterprises, L.P. Copyright © 1999-2025 San Jose Sharks, LLC and the National Hockey League. All Rights Reserved. If you are using a screen reader and are having problems using this website, please call (408) 287-7070 for assistance.



Link

Continue Reading

College Sports

Tech trio named All-America Scholars

NORMAN, Okla. – Texas Tech’s Charlie DeLong, Ben Gregg and Calum Scott were named 2024-25 Cobalt Golf All-America Scholars, revealed Tuesday by the Golf Coaches Association of America. To be eligible for a Cobalt Golf All-America Scholar nomination: An individual must be a sophomore, junior, or senior both academically and athletically must participate in 50 […]

Published

on


NORMAN, Okla. – Texas Tech’s Charlie DeLong, Ben Gregg and Calum Scott were named 2024-25 Cobalt Golf All-America Scholars, revealed Tuesday by the Golf Coaches Association of America.
To be eligible for a Cobalt Golf All-America Scholar nomination:

  • An individual must be a sophomore, junior, or senior both academically and athletically
  • must participate in 50 percent of their team’s competitive rounds
  • own a stroke average under 76.0 in NCAA Division I, and maintain a minimum cumulative career grade-point average of 3.2
  • must also be of high moral character and be in good standing at their college or university.

Scott, a senior in 2024-25, finishes his Texas Tech career earning the All-America Scholar honor all three years of his career. DeLong, also a senior, took home the honor both seasons as a Red Raider while Gregg, a sophomore in 2024-25, earned the honor after his first year eligible.

In total, 556 NCAA Division I athletes from 190 schools earned 2024-25 Cobalt Golf All-America Scholar honors.

About Cobalt Golf

Cobalt is a direct-to-consumer golf brand focused on developing premium laser rangefinders for golfers who demand the best out of their gear. We take pride in producing highly accurate, durable, easy-to-use products and delivering high-performance optical quality at a better price. For more information, please visit www.cobalt-golf.com.

About GCAA

Established in 1958, the Golf Coaches Association of America (GCAA) is the professional organization of men’s collegiate golf coaches. The GCAA’s mission is to support its member coaches from six divisions, including the NCAA, NAIA and NJCAA, by creating educational opportunities, providing resources, and promoting its members with the purpose of enhancing their overall performance as coaches, mentors, and teachers. The GCAA also recognizes the excellence and achievements of its members and their student-athletes in academic, athletic, and civic endeavors.

– TECH –



Link

Continue Reading

College Sports

Star Power: AJ Dybantsa Has College Hoops Fans Fighting And Losing Their Damn Minds Over A Viral Shot Of Him Jumping Out Of The Gym

In case you somehow haven’t heard of AJ Dybatnsa yet, welcome. He’s likely going to be the face of college basketball next year. He’s also going to BYU, which hard to imagine why you’d pick BYU:  And now you have him showing off his vert. Sure, it’s a weird angle that’s designed to show him […]

Published

on


In case you somehow haven’t heard of AJ Dybatnsa yet, welcome. He’s likely going to be the face of college basketball next year. He’s also going to BYU, which hard to imagine why you’d pick BYU: 

And now you have him showing off his vert. Sure, it’s a weird angle that’s designed to show him looking like a damn freak, but he still jumped 42 inches. 

Advertisement

But the real sign he’s going to be a star? People fighting about this, a simple picture. 

And on and on we go with a lot of the same stuff. But the fact is it’s July and people are willing to fight over a college basketball player. That’s how you get people to like my sport. I don’t care how high he can jump. Sure it makes for viral clips and all that shit, but that doesn’t mean anything if he struggles. I don’t think he will, the dude can play. 

Advertisement

All this is good for college basketball. You have 3 big time guys coming into the sport, all of who are listed as the possible No. 1 pick for the NBA Draft with him, Darryn Peterson and Cam Boozer. You have big names coming back, people caring and willing to fight in the comment section. That’s awesome for a sport that deserves more attention than feast week and 3 weeks in March. Weird to see BYU loading up on talent, playing a true national schedule and being one of the teams listed first this year, but welcome to the new era. 



Link

Continue Reading

College Sports

The College Test: What Porter Martone’s NCAA Decision Could Mean for His NHL Future

(Header/feature image courtesy of Kirby Lee-Imagn Images) When the Philadelphia Flyers selected Porter Martone with the sixth overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, they didn’t just draft a player—they bet on a vision. A physically mature, detail-oriented forward with a pro-ready toolkit, Martone came into the draft with the polish of a player who […]

Published

on


(Header/feature image courtesy of Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)

When the Philadelphia Flyers selected Porter Martone with the sixth overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, they didn’t just draft a player—they bet on a vision. A physically mature, detail-oriented forward with a pro-ready toolkit, Martone came into the draft with the polish of a player who might only need a year—or less—before turning pro. But in a decision that reflects his maturity just as much as his potential, Martone chose to take the NCAA route and commit to Michigan State for the upcoming season.

On the surface, it might look like a detour. But for Martone, it could be the perfect path to long-term success—and for the Flyers, a quietly brilliant development move.

Advertisement

So what can fans expect from Martone’s first NCAA season, and how might it help mold him into the kind of top-six forward Philadelphia needs?

Who is Porter Martone? A Quick Refresher

He’s not flashy in the traditional sense, but his game has layers: strong hockey sense, a pro-caliber shot, responsible play off the puck, and a frame that allows him to win battles and drive the middle of the ice.

In many ways, he’s already built like an NHL player. But Martone’s decision to attend Michigan State suggests he’s looking for more than a quick path to the show.

Why Michigan State?

The Spartans have become one of the most compelling developmental programs in the NCAA. Under head coach Adam Nightingale, Michigan State has shifted toward a fast-paced, skilled, and structured brand of hockey, mirroring many of the principles found in today’s NHL systems.

Advertisement

Here’s what makes MSU an ideal fit for Martone:

1. Puck Possession Focus

Martone brings a tantalizing combination of size (6-foot-3, 205 pounds), smarts, and skill. He’s the type of player who doesn’t just score—he dictates. A right-shot forward who can play either wing or center, he’s been praised for his poise with the puck, his ability to protect it in traffic, and his vision as a passer.

Michigan State plays a control-heavy style built around keeping the puck, supporting it through layers, and generating offense from below the dots. Martone’s strengths—his puck protection, timing, and vision—align beautifully with that philosophy. He’ll be empowered to hang onto the puck, make plays, and use his frame to create space in high-danger areas.

Advertisement

2. Defensive Structure and Accountability

Nightingale has emphasized two-way responsibility and intelligent puck management. For Martone, that means continued development as a 200-foot player—an area already considered a strength, but one that could be refined even further against older, more physically developed opponents.

3. Strong Supporting Cast

Martone won’t be alone in East Lansing. He’ll be joining fellow Flyers 2025 draftee Shane Vansaghi, a hard-nosed, physically assertive forward with a motor that never quits. That chemistry could translate into a dynamic duo that balances skill and grit.

Advertisement

Additionally, the Spartans return a solid veteran core and talented underclassmen, including players like Isaac Howard (EDM), giving Martone the chance to both drive a line and play within a competitive environment.

4. Top Facilities and Resources

Michigan State has invested significantly in its program—on and off the ice. With top-notch strength training, recovery, analytics, and video tools, Martone will have every resource he needs to continue growing—not just as a player, but as a professional.

How the NCAA Path Could Shape Him Differently

Many Flyers prospects in recent years—have taken the CHL (Tyson Foerster, Oliver Bonk, Denver Barkey) or NTDP (Cam York) routes. Those leagues offer constant game reps and high-octane competition, but the NCAA presents a unique development opportunity—and it’s one that’s so far served Philly’s young talents quite well. (After all, Alex Bump and Bobby Brink did both win national championships in college with Western Michigan and the University of Denver, respectively.)

Advertisement

Although Martone did start out in the OHL with the Brampton Steelheads, here’s how college could seriously benefit his development:

1. Time to Build Physically and Mentally

The NCAA’s shorter schedule (34–40 games plus playoffs) means more time for off-ice development. That allows Martone to continue building strength, stamina, and explosiveness in a structured way. With many of his qualities being close to or arrived at NHL-ready, this time can be spent refining balance, acceleration, and agility—areas that could push him from “ready” to “dominant.”

Mentally, the college environment also cultivates leadership, time management, and maturity. Martone, who’s always been described as detail-oriented and driven, seems to value that.

Advertisement

2. More Practice Time, More Structure

College hockey offers significantly more practice and strength training time than junior leagues. That’s valuable for a player like Martone, whose game is built on nuance and decision-making, and who will surely welcome any chance to build up his physique for the big leagues. The increased opportunity to work with coaches, watch video, and drill systems will help sharpen his reads and execution.

3. Facing Older Competition

In the CHL, Martone would be going up against teenagers. In the NCAA, he’ll face men—players aged 21–24, many of whom have NHL futures themselves. It’s the kind of test that doesn’t just challenge skills, but forces adaptation. How do you handle forecheck pressure from a 23-year-old? How do you hold the puck along the boards against someone with five years of college muscle?

Advertisement

These aren’t just reps—they’re refinements.

What This Means for His NHL Readiness

Martone is already physically mature, yes, but the jump from junior hockey to the NHL is steep in pace, detail, and discipline. If Martone dominates at Michigan State the way many expect, he could make the transition after just one year—maybe even joining the Flyers late in the 2025–26 season, much like Cam York did coming out of the University of Michigan.

The key difference? Martone plays a heavier, more NHL-style game already. College hockey will reinforce the habits needed to make his transition seamless.

What to Watch This Season

For fans tuning into Michigan State this fall, here are the key markers to track:

Advertisement

Is he consistently impacting games? Look for shifts where Martone dictates pace, controls possession in the offensive zone, and makes smart plays in transition.

Can he elevate teammates? Martone isn’t just there to score—he should be the player that others play better alongside.

Is he defensively reliable? Watch his positioning on the backcheck, his decision-making in the defensive zone, and his ability to win puck battles down low.

Powerplay role: Expect Martone to be featured prominently, likely as a bumper or net-front presence where he can use his size and hands.

Faceoff responsibility (if he plays center): This could determine how the Flyers project him long-term. If he wins draws consistently and anchors his line, his future down the middle becomes more certain.

Advertisement

Final Thought: A Modern Power Forward in the Making

Porter Martone, with all of the hype and excitement he brought with him when the Flyers took him at sixth overall this year, is the kind of young player worth waiting for. He’s the kind of player who makes winning plays. Smart. Patient. Heavy on pucks. Technically sound. Hard to play against.

His decision to go to Michigan State isn’t a delay—it’s a deliberate step forward. It’s a signal that Martone, like the Flyers, is thinking long-term.

Because when he arrives in Philadelphia, he won’t just be “ready.” He’ll be prepared to thrive.



Link

Continue Reading

Most Viewed Posts

Trending