New England Hockey Journal’s RinkWise

Jeff Cox on the 2022 NEPSAC hockey playoffs, MIAA championship weekend preview

New England Hockey Journal Senior Analyst Jeff Cox joins Kirk Luedeke to review the 2022 NEPSAC playoffs and what was crucial for titles won by Salisbury (Elite 8), Kent (Large School) and Pomfret (Small School). Jeff also goes over his award winners and who impressed throughout the 2021-22 campaign. The two also look at the MIAA playoff picture for multiple divisions, and project who will play for the Mass. High School Championship at TD Garden on March 20th.

Hockey Agent Matt Keator Shares His Advice

Matt Keator is a player advisor and founder of the Boston-based WIN Hockey Agency. He has been involved in high-level hockey for more than four decades as a player, scout and agent/advisor. He sits down with RinkWise to talk about his experiences and involvement with top clients, including legendary defenseman Zdeno Chara. He also has advice for young players who aspire to play at the highest levels of the sport.

Growing Skills and Smarts With Lovell Hockey and Boston Advantage

Tim Lovell, owner of Lovell Hockey, and Kevin Poulin, Director of Boston Advantage and Lovell Hockey Academy, talk about Lovell Hockey and its growth from skills development to a comprehensive player development organization with teams at all levels, producing professional and college hockey talent for more than a decade.

MIAA 2022 Postseason Preview

Jeff Cox and Kirk Luedeke look at MIAA/Massachusetts High School hockey as the postseason is right around the corner. From the Prep Conference to the other divisions throughout the state, RinkWise breaks down the teams and players who are the contenders for the 2022 Massachusetts championship.

2022 Prep Hockey Playoffs Preview

Jeff Cox and Kirk Luedeke preview the 2022 Prep Hockey playoffs, focusing on the potential field for the Elite 8 NEPSAC tournament coming up the week of March 1-6. Belmont Hill is undefeated, but Avon Old Farms and Kimball Union Academy have been at the top of their respective conferences from start to finish in the regular season. What is the one school no team wants to face right now? Join RinkWise to hear the analysis and projections.

Boston Hockey Academy and Boston Imperials’ Dennis Franczak on Player Development

Boston Hockey Academy and Boston Imperials president and managing partner Dennis Franczak joins Kirk Luedeke on the latest episode of the New England Hockey Journal's RinkWise podcast. BHA is its third season since being formed and partnering with Matignon High School to provide hockey players with the opportunity to develop and grow in the sport, academically and as citizens. Dennis discusses BHA's core values, how it all came about and what the program is doing as part of the modern New England minor hockey landscape.
 
 
 
 

USHL’S Jason Deskins On The Evolution of the League

Jason Deskins, the Co-GM and Co-VP of the USHL’s Youngstown Phantoms, joins this week’s podcast to discuss his history and the evolution of the United States Hockey League (USHL). Deskins also shares his impression of the USHL’s “state of the league” this year, calling it “a great league for development.” 

RinkWise podcast: A tribute to Mount St. Charles legend Bill Belisle with his sons

New England Hockey Journal's Mark Divver and Kirk Luedeke join special guests David and Peter Belisle, sons of legendary Mount Saint Charles Academy hockey coach Normand "Bill" Belisle (Manville, R.I.). In a celebration of their father's life and coaching career, the brothers, who both went on to successful coaching careers of their own, share personal and rare insights. From how it all came together in 1975, key elements to an unprecedented 26 consecutive state championships from 1978-2003, 1,000 career victories, a life-threatening accident and much more. Join us for the retrospective on the life, character and man who left us last month, but whose hockey legacy lives on at Mount Saint Charles and throughout New England and the USA.

McGuirk and Diffley: Two Veterans’ Advice For Up and Coming Players

This week’s podcast features two veteran hockey coaches giving advice for young hockey players. First, we talk with Danvers, MA. native Brian McGuirk head coach of the Governor's Academy prep varsity team. After finishing his collegiate playing career at Boston University, the Columbus Blue Jackets draft selection turned pro, playing several seasons in the AHL and ECHL. Then, we get advice from Ray Diffley, an experienced admissions professional and hockey coach who is the founder and principal of RD3 Education and Advising Center. His mission, and that of RD3, is to help young athletes find educational pathways while understanding the hockey world. 

Providence Bruins Head Coach Ryan Mougenel On Team Prospects, Lessons From Pro Coaching Career

Providence Bruins first year head coach Ryan Mougenel joins the New England Hockey Journal RinkWise podcast to discuss Boston Bruins prospects in Providence, and what he thinks will give them a chance to be impact players at the NHL level. He also covers some of his experiences and observations from his coaching career in the ECHL and AHL with both San Jose and Boston organizations.