The VICTORIOUS HOCKEY COMPANY’s Biweekly Newsletter: NEW WORLD ORDER

Hello Players and Families,

This week, like many, I’ve kept an eye on the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament—and something stood out. Or maybe, more accurately, something was missing. Small programs from Saint Peter’s, Loyola Chicago, Murray State, and Belmont to mid-major programs like Gonzaga and Xavier, which have traditionally been tournament disruptors and perennial contenders, suddenly looked… irrelevant. Why? Because they were gutted—not by injuries or bad seasons—but by the NIL-fueled, transfer portal-powered machinery of college sports' New World Order.

At Xavier, the entire roster—and even head coach Sean Miller—reportedly signed elsewhere before the tournament was even over, drawn by bigger checks and brighter lights. That, right there, is the new reality. And it's one that’s slowly—but surely—making its way into the sport of hockey.

NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) and the Transfer Portal were intended to empower athletes, and in many ways, they have. Players now have the right to benefit financially from their talents and more freedom to move between programs. But, as we’re already seeing in football and basketball, these changes have also introduced chaos, instability, and a massive gap between the haves and have-nots.

Now the question is: What happens when this fully takes hold in NCAA Division I Men’s Ice Hockey?

Let’s be clear—the storm is coming.

 

The Transfer Portal has created an open-door policy. Players can now leave and join programs with minimal friction. And while that flexibility can be beneficial for individuals, it wreaks havoc on team culture and long-term development plans. In basketball, Miami’s legendary coach Jim Larrañaga cited losing eight players to the portal as part of his reason for retiring. In hockey, where chemistry and cohesion often mean more than sheer talent, this kind of turnover could be devastating to programs trying to build something lasting.

 

NIL has introduced what can only be described as college hockey's version of free agency. For now, it’s not as visible in hockey as it is in football or basketball, but make no mistake—it’s on the way. As more players and families wise up to what’s being offered elsewhere, recruitment won't just be about facilities, coaching staff, or development pipelines. It’ll be about who’s offering the bigger paycheck.

Smaller schools—those that once attracted under-the-radar talent and developed them into NHL prospects—will get picked clean. The big schools, with big donors and big NIL collectives, will hoard the top talent. That kind of shift will obliterate parity, leaving behind a system where the rich get richer and everyone else fights for leftovers.

 

Hockey is expensive. Most schools already stretch their budgets thin trying to cover travel, equipment, staffing, and recruiting. Adding competitive NIL programs to that mix means something else will have to give. Will it be facility upgrades? Player support staff? Development initiatives? For smaller schools, the squeeze will be felt even harder—and it might just push some out of contention altogether.

 

When financial opportunity becomes the primary motivator, academic priorities take a back seat. The focus shifts from getting a degree to getting the next big offer. With ease of transfer and growing NIL pressure, players are encouraged to chase the money rather than invest in their education or long-term development. Some will benefit. Many will not.

None of this is hypothetical—it’s already unfolding in real time. And if you want a perfect snapshot of both the thrill and tension surrounding college hockey’s new era, look no further than this weekend’s Frozen Four.

The 2025 NCAA Men’s Ice Hockey Tournament is down to its final four: Denver, Penn State, Western Michigan, and Boston University remain. Their seasons, their futures, and their legacy will be decided over the next few days.

These games highlight everything great about college hockey—but they also spotlight how fragile the structure has become. Will future Frozen Fours still reflect competitive balance? Or will they become showcases for whichever programs can afford the biggest budgets and deepest NIL collectives?

This newsletter isn’t meant to be a doomsday warning—it’s a heads-up. Players and families need to understand how the game is changing and prepare accordingly. That means being informed, asking the right questions during recruitment, and surrounding yourself with people who prioritize your future, not just your current market value.

There’s nothing wrong with players earning what they deserve. But when systems become so unregulated that it starts eroding teams, devaluing programs, and stripping meaning from the college experience itself, we all lose.

We need to protect the heart of college hockey—the tradition, the development, the competition, and yes, the education.

Let’s hope the sport we love doesn’t forget what made it great in the first place.

For the players,

Mike 

­

The 2025 NCAA Men's Frozen Four features Boston University, Denver, Penn State, and Western Michigan. Boston University and Denver are making repeat appearances, with Denver defending its championship in its fourth consecutive Frozen Four and Boston University seeking its first national title since 2009 in its third straight appearance. Penn State and Western Michigan are making their first Frozen Four appearances, with Penn State overcoming a slow start to achieve this milestone and Western Michigan winning its first-ever NCHC title. The championship outcome is unpredictable, with each team demonstrating strong credentials and momentum.

­­

Dustin Traylen, co-owner of the Brockville Braves Junior A team, is questioning Hockey Canada's jurisdiction in investigating an alleged sexual assault involving four players linked to his team. The incident reportedly occurred at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, after the 2023-24 season. Traylen contends that since the event took place off-season, it falls outside Hockey Canada's purview and should be handled by law enforcement. He also raises concerns about the mental health impact on the suspended players and the consistency of Hockey Canada's Independent Third Party's suspension policies. Hockey Canada maintains that it assesses jurisdiction on a case-by-case basis and coordinates with local police when necessary.

­­

The Lincoln Stars clinched their fourth Anderson Cup by defeating the Madison Capitols 4-3 in overtime on April 5, 2025. Forward Dashel Oliver scored twice, including the game-winning goal 2:25 into overtime. This victory ties the Stars' record for most wins in a single season and ensures home-ice advantage for the upcoming Clark Cup Playoffs. The team will be presented with the Anderson Cup during their final home game on April 11.

­

The North American Hockey League (NAHL) has released the schedule for the 2025 Robertson Cup Play-In Series, set to begin on April 11. In the East Division, the #3 Maine Nordiques will host the #6 New Hampshire Mountain Kings, while the #4 New Jersey Titans face the #5 Johnstown Tomahawks. In the South Division, the #3 Corpus Christi IceRays will compete against the #6 Colorado Grit, and the #4 New Mexico Ice Wolves will host the #5 El Paso Rhinos. All matchups are best-of-three series, with winners advancing to the Division Semifinals.

­­

The Louisiana Drillers secured their inaugural Fraser Cup championship, marking a significant achievement in their decade-long history. After finishing the 2024-2025 regular season with a 42-7 record and winning the South Division, the Drillers overcame an initial loss to the Granite City Lumberjacks, rallying to win the final three games. This victory reflects the team's growth and resilience, culminating in their first-ever Fraser Cup win.

­­

Players and families, we want to hear from you. If there are any questions, concerns, or if you just want to have a conversation, please feel free to contact us directly. We want to hear from you. Good Luck and Great Hockey!

 

Thank you,

Team VHC

 

­­­­