“HOCKEY EAST IS A COMMUNITY.”
Welcome to the second issue of Hockey East Magazine!
After a strong response to our debut edition of Hockey East Magazine, we want to start by thanking you – the fans, players, coaches, and supporters – who make our league truly special. Your enthusiasm and positive feedback have reinforced the importance of telling the stories that make our league more than just fierce competition. Hockey East is a community.
This past month has been nothing short of remarkable. From the unforgettable action at the Friendship Four Tournament in Belfast, where both Merrimack and Boston University’s men’s hockey represented our league with grit and determination, to the tight battles on home ice that are shaping both national standings, Hockey East has proved once again why it is the most competitive league in college hockey.
As we look ahead, there’s no shortage of excitement. Tickets are now on sale for the men’s and women’s championships and the race to the postseason is heating up. Hockey East teams continue to climb the national rankings, with players delivering standout performances on both ends and earning national accolades in the process.
As we approach the holiday season, we’re reminded of how fortunate we are to be part of a community of such an amazing group of fans, dedicated member programs, and inspiring players.
This issue is packed full of stories that showcase the heart of Hockey East. From a spotlight on a standout Olympian in net to a behind-thescenes look at one of our league’s essential storytellers, we’re diving into the people to make our league extraordinary. You’ll also read about a professional broadcaster who got his start in Hockey East and a glimpse at the successes of our alumni now competing at the highest levels in the NHL and PWHL. We hope these stories bring you closer to the action and strengthen your connection to your favorite teams and players!
Thank you for being part of the Hockey East family. We’re looking forward to the next chapter in this season and sharing it with all of you.
Steve Metcalf
Steve Metcalf Commissioner
Allison Ouellette Graduate Intern
LEAGUE NEWS
CHAMPIONSHIP TICKETS ON SALE
Tickets for the 2025 Hockey East Men’s Championship at Boston’s TD Garden are officially on sale. The tournament will once again showcase some of the best college hockey in the country, with semifinal games on Thursday, March 20, followed by the championship game on Friday, March 21. The departure from the standard Friday and Saturday event is due to a one-year scheduling conflict at TD Garden.
After last year’s sold-out event, fans are highly encouraged to secure tickets early to witness the battle for the Lamoriello Trophy and the league’s automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
Semifinal tickets grant access to both games on Thursday, making it a perfect doubleheader for die-hard hockey fans. Groups can also take advantage of discounted tickets by contacting the TD Garden group sales department at 617-624-1805 or groupsales@tdgarden.com.
Student tickets and campus-specific seating will be available once the semifinal teams are determined following the quarterfinals on March 15. Don’t miss your chance to experience one of college hockey’s most prestigious postseason tournaments live!
UNH MEN’S HOCKEY RAISES OVER $10,000 FOR PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS
The University of New Hampshire Men’s Hockey team is making a difference this season, raising an incredible total of over $10,000 in support of prostate cancer research at Massachusetts General Hospital.
In a month-long campaign to raise awareness for men’s health, the Wildcats committed to growing out their hair and sparking conversations about prostate cancer. The initiative concluded with a heartfelt moment during their November 30 home game, where players shaved their heads in front of fans as a show of solidarity for cancer patients.
All proceeds from the fundraiser go directly to Mass General Brigham’s prostate cancer research programs. The team’s efforts not only surpassed their $10,000 goal but also brought the hockey community together for an important cause.
RECENT RESULTS
MEN’S
No. 10 Providence swept No. 8 Colorado College on home ice, led by a fourpoint weekend from rookie forward John Mustard. He set up the game-winning goal on Friday and followed up with a three-point outing the next night in a 5-1 triumph. Philip Svedebäck stopped 51-of-55 shots he faced.
Massachusetts shut out No. 11 Boston University, 4-0, for the first time in program history on Saturday night. Michael Hrabal stopped all 32 shots he faced for the perfect game, while Lucas Mercuri assisted on each of the first three goals, a new career high.
New Hampshire earned 5-3 win at Northeastern on Friday Night Hockey East on NESN thanks in part to the first career two-goal game from Marty Lavins, including the game-winning goal.
No. 14 UMass Lowell hosted No. 3 Boston College Friday night, skating to a 3-3 tie thanks in part to two goals from rookie Mirko Buttazoni and 32 saves from Beni Halasz. The Eagles took a 2-1 victory over UConn on Wednesday, using a golden goal from James Hagens in overtime. He followed that up with the primary assist on the game-tying goal on Friday.
Maine swept Stonehill at Alfond Arena, using offense from Josh Nadeau, who had two goals and two assists. He scored two powerplay goals, assisted on the game-winning goal on Friday, six shots on goal and one blocked shot to go with a plus-one rating.
Northeastern’s Cam Lund led all Hockey East skaters in scoring over the weekend, recording a league-high five points from two goals and three assists, including the gamewinning against Brown.
WOMEN’S
Holy Cross toppled No. 10 Boston College, 2-1 in overtime, to complete the first-ever series sweep of the Eagles in program history. Alexia Moreau assisted teammate Kenzie King with her game-tying goal, which forced the game into overtime against No. 10 Boston College. She then netted the game-winner, on her own, to lead the Crusaders to their second program win and first-season series victory over the Eagles.
UConn swept a pair of league games over New Hampshire and Maine, ending the 2024 calendar just two points out of first place. Kyla Josifovic scored both game-winning goals while Claire Murdoch set up each of the decisive tallies
Reigning National Goaltender of the Month Lisa Jönsson pitched a 17save shutout in a 2-0 victory at New Hampshire, marking her fourth shutout in her first eight career NCAA games. She has the best goals against average (0.88) and save percentage (.967) in the country.
Vermont closed out the 2024 calendar with a 2-1 win over Merrimack off the back of 23 saves from Jane Gervais and Evelyne Blais-Savoie team-leading fifth goal of the year.
NATIONAL AWARDS
LISA JÖNSSON NORTHEASTERN
GOALTENDER OF THE MONTH
RYAN LEONARD
Storrs, Connecticut has long been home to exceptional athletes across many sports. In the world of ice hockey, there is a name that stands out - Tia Chan.
Since arriving at UConn in the fall of 2020, Chan has been steadily crafting one of the most remarkable careers in program history. Her journey began under the challenging circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted her freshman season. Despite obstacles, she quickly made her mark, earning a spot on the Pro Ambitions Hockey East All-Rookie Team.
After her breakout year, Chan took a bold step– pausing her collegiate career to train in Russia for a year with the hopes of representing China on the international stage at the 2022 Beijing Olympics as a heritage player.
Upon her return to Storrs, Chan elevated both her game and her program. As a junior, she backstopped the Huskies to their first-ever Hockey East championship, delivering a heroic performance with a career-high 48 saves in UConn’s NCAA Tournament debut. Her dominant season earned her a slew of honors, including Academic All-American, New England All-Star, and a spot on the Women’s Goalie of the Year Watch List.
With over a year left in her collegiate career, Chan has already cemented her legacy as a transformative player for UConn. And she’s not done yet.
Chan’s hockey journey is a tale of persistence, growth, and opportunity, one that starts during her early days as a street hockey goalie at age four.
“I have two older brothers who both played hockey, they were really the main reason why I started,” the Hamilton, Ontario native explains. “I always wanted to be like them, do whatever they were doing.”
“They would always throw me in net for street hockey because I was the youngest,” she recalls with a laugh. “Because I wanted to play with them, I did what they said and went in net.”
Though her on-ice career began in house league, splitting time between playing as a skater and a goalie, Chan quickly found her calling between the pipes. She remembers a unique start to her goaltending days: “I’m full
right now, meaning my glove is on the right side, which is pretty abnormal. When I started, I was left because that’s what the league provided. Once I got my own gear, I switched to what felt more natural.”
Chan quickly progressed through the levels, often surpassing her age groups seeking competition that matched her abilities.
When the time came to look at college selections, Chan knew that UConn was the right place for her.
“As soon as I stepped on campus, I had this feeling—it’s cliché, but I knew it was the place I wanted to be. It was about the people, the potential, and all the opportunities here.”
Chan’s decision to join UConn was driven by more than just a gut feeling. She had the trust that the program would challenge her to grow. That belief has been validated during her time with the Huskies, most notably during last season’s historic run.
“We won the regular season last year, which [UConn had] never done before. It’s just an indicator that the things I thought were true, that we’re a program up and coming.”
Chan’s belief in UConn’s potential has been shaped by the people around her, both on and off the ice. A big part of her development as a player has been working with Associate Head Coach Casey Handrahan, whose approach to training has challenged her to see the game in a completely new way.
“As a non-goalie training goalies, he really [shows] us how to see the game,” Chan explained. “The normal goalie coach works on skills - post integrations, what you should do in certain situations - but Casey sees the game from a different perspective. What does a player see when they’re shooting on you? How can we have you better prepared to play
teams with different styles of play?”
For Chan, this mindset has been transformative, helping her not just read plays but anticipate what’s coming next.
That preparation paid off during last year’s unforgettable playoff run, a stretch of games that tested UConn’s resilience and composure under pressure.
“Playoffs is a different game. It’s not hard to find the adrenaline, it’s not hard to find the nerves,” Chan said. “To me, that makes you a better player. You need a little adrenaline, you need a little nerves to make you better.”
Those high-stakes moments brought out the best in her team, which she explains remained calm and confident no matter the situation.
“We’re very good in close games. We don’t steer from our game plan,” she said, reflecting on UConn’s victory over Northeastern in the Hockey East Championship game, a 1-0 win in overtime on home ice.
“It was a 0-0 game that entire game until we scored that final goal, but everyone was on board the whole time. We went into some very long games [and] we got better as they went on.”
For Chan, the win wasn’t just about making history, but also about honoring those that came before her.
“I couldn’t help but think of the people that came before me,” she said, naming players like the Svetek sisters, the Foxes, the Snodgrasses, and the Wabicks . “I have a lot of [gratitude for] them because it started with them. The program would never have been where it is without them.”
“We were the first people on the roster to win, but I really want them to know it started with them.”
After the final buzzer, Chan and her teammates celebrated together, but their joy extended to the wider UConn family, including several alumni who were in attendance for the historic win.
“We celebrated with ourselves first, but then we enjoyed the moment with all the people who support us every day;at the rink, at home. We see the men’s team at the rink every day, and they’re always rooting for us. Same with family and friends,they’re always on our side.”
Chan’s personal athletic achievements could rival those of the UConn program. She made the difficult decision to leave the Huskies for a year to train overseas with the hopes she may be asked to represent China at the Olympics.
“Like any Olympic opportunity, it’s never guaranteed. We could have gone out to train for a year and never had the opportunity to play,” she explains, noting that Team China competed in the 2022 Winter Olympics for the first time since 2010 as the host nation.
The choice wasn’t easy, but it was life-changing. “Making the decision to take the year off was huge. I relied on my coaches, family, and friends to decide if it was worth it. They pushed me to pursue it, and I’m so glad I did. Playing in the Olympics is the dream of any athlete.”
The journey to Beijing was grueling. The team trained in Russia and Chan described it as a challenging environment. “We made a huge sacrifice to go live in Russia and play in that league. We were away from friends and family, we were very isolated. It was during COVID still, you’re in a foreign country, and not everyone we were with spoke English.”
Chan’s experience with Team China gave her a new perspective on the game she’s been playing since she was a child. While stepping onto the ice for the Olympics was “surreal,” the journey leading up to that moment taught her the true meaning of hard work.
“I’ve played with some incredible players in the past, but playing with Team China really showed me professionalism and
what 24/7 hard work is. They were dedicated to the max, and I took a lot away from that.”
That dedication left a lasting impression and opened Chan’s eyes to the global potential of hockey.
“A lot of people say that North American hockey is the best, and don’t get me wrong, I do agree with that, but there are countries that are [not] far off. They just need a little more depth. They have the top-end talent, but they just need a little more to be really good too,” she said.
Watching the game grow in China, in particular, was inspiring. “Ten years ago, they had fewer than 100 rinks, and now there are thousands across the country. [That experience] showed me the potential of women’s hockey around the globe.”
For Chan, that growth isn’t just about individual programs, but about the future of the sport.
“I’m not sure when it’s going to happen, but eventually it’s not going to be an automatic Canada-U.S. gold medal game every year,” she said. “That’ll make the game so much more exciting and bring a wider audience to hockey too.”
Through her time with Team China, Chan saw firsthand how the game is evolving, and she remains hopeful for what the future holds for women’s hockey worldwide.
Chan’s journey to the Olympics was defined by hard work and preparation, but nothing could fully prepare her for the nerves of stepping onto the ice for the first time on the world’s biggest stage. As the starting goalie for Team China’s opening game, the weight of the moment was heavy.
“Before the game, I was so nervous,” she admitted. “We were doing video, and I was doubting myself, thinking there were so many people there. I’ve never played in a game this important, with this many people relying on me, these expectations.”
But if there’s one thing Chan learned from her years in hockey, it’s how to stay
composed, even when doubt creeps in.
“Especially as a goalie, I’m supposed to be the calm one. If the goalie is nervous, the whole team’s going to [be nervous].”
Her success in that opening-game hinged on her mental approach, using visualization as a cornerstone of her routine.
“You can only be on the ice so much; your body can only take so much. That mental prep is a big thing,” she explained.
Once on the ice, her mindset was simple but powerful: focus on the task at hand.
“As a goalie, I have one job,to stop the puck,” she said. “You make a mistake? Let’s be better next play, use the energy to make you better.”
Even in her best performances, Chan never stops looking for ways to improve. “The best game of my life? I could probably pick out 10 things I could have done better.”
China used experience at the Olympics as a springboard for even greater things. Two months after the Games, Chan competed with China in the 2022 IIHF Women’s World Championship Division IB in Katowice, Poland. The team cruised to victory, scoring 38 goals in the group and earning a promotion into the 2023 IIHF Women’s World Championship Division IA, which they hosted in November 2022.
Nine months later, China won the Division IA tournament and was promoted to full entry into the 2024 IIHF Women’s World Championship, China’s first appearance in the top tier of international women’s ice hockey since 2009.
As Chan steps into the role of captain this season, she embraces both the challenges and opportunities that come with it.
“It’s been a learning curve,” she admitted. “I’m trying to stay the same person that I am but growing into that position for my teammates. I want to give them the best opportunity I can.”
Her approach to leadership is rooted in consistency and accountability.
“Playing-wise, I want to show up every day, be consistent, and do my part,” she shares.
“The team goal is to go back-toback. I definitely think we have the team to do it.” As captain, she aims to guide the team both on and off the ice with her steady presence and dedication.
While Chan remains focused on her current team and their goals, she acknowledges the exciting opportunities that await after her collegiate career. “The PWHL is an amazing opportunity and it was the right move for women’s hockey,” she said.
With one more season of eligibility remaining after this year, Chan knows there’s still time to prepare for what comes next.
“I want to play with the highest talent, the best players, and I would love the opportunity to play in the PWHL one day,” she shared.
“Obviously, a lot of work to get there, but I think I have the potential and I can compete in those games. It’ll come in time.”
For now, her focus remains squarely on the present. “I haven’t thought too much about playing there because I’m focusing on the present and our team here,” she said. Still, her drive and dedication leave no doubt that she’ll be ready for the next chapter when the time comes. ■
Hockey East has long been a proving ground for elite hockey talent, with alumni making their mark in professional leagues around the world. From the NHL to the newly formed PWHL, players who honed their skills at Hockey East institutions continue to compete at the highest levels. This feature highlights the league’s unparalleled ability to develop athletes for the pros.
From the NHL’s iconic arenas to the PWHL’s groundbreaking inaugural season, Hockey East alumni continue to leave an indelible mark on professional hockey. These players not only represent the success of their respective programs but also exemplify the excellence that defines Hockey East. ■
TYLER MURRAY FROM HOCKEY EAST
TO THE KNICKS
Hockey East is well known as the top development league in college hockey, with over 100 alumni in the NHL and league products comprising nearly 25% of the PWHL in 2024-25. What is less known, however, is the pipeline of talent off the ice that has quietly developed over the past 10 years in New England.
Tyler Murray’s rise from calling Hockey East games on NESN to landing a prestigious on-air role with the New York Knicks is a testament to both his talent and the foundational experiences that shaped his career. Today, he serves as the Knicks Radio Play-by-Play Broadcaster for MSG Networks, bringing his voice and expertise to one of the NBA’s most iconic franchises. For Murray, it all began with a love for the game of hockey and a dream that felt almost unattainable.
“I always wanted to be a broadcaster, and when I was a freshman at Boston University , I went to my first college hockey game - BU against Providence,” Murray recalls. “We sat in the student section, behind the goal, and Eric Gryba, this [6’3] defenseman, laid a dude out right in front of the glass. At that moment I was like: ‘This game is amazing, I love college hockey, I love Hockey East, I want to be involved however I can.’”
The path from that initial spark to becoming one of the most prominent voices in sports broadcasting wasn’t a straight line, but it was filled with significant opportunities that Murray gained early in his college career. As a student at Boston University, he didn’t just attend games; he got his hands dirty behind the scenes.
“I always wanted to cover sports, I always wanted to be around it,” Murray explains. “A few of the first friends I’d met [in college] were about to try out for the radio station, so I tagged along.”
His immersion in the radio scene was just the beginning. During the BU men’s 2009 national championship run, he made himself indispensable to the student radio station by volunteering to run commercials when others were at the game.
“They won the 2009 national championship, that crazy comeback against Miami, and everyone wanted to either go to the game or watch it and party,” Murray remembers. “But we needed one person to sit in the studio, for student radio, and run commercials. I said I’d do it, so the seniors who were at the game, calling it, were like: ‘This kid’s serious about it, let’s give him some opportunities.’”
Murray credits Hockey East for much of his success, noting how the league put him on the map. “Thirteen years of minor league baseball, college hockey, college basketball, to be doing this [for the Knicks]. And to know that it’s Hockey East that put me on the map,” he says.
Murray eventually moved into a role calling play-by-play for the Terriers’ women’s program as a student. His familiarity with the league led to opportunities within the Hockey East network when the conference expanded its media rights in long-term deals with NESN and ESPN, where he became a staple voice during weekends.
His work calling games for schools like Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and BU helped him hone his craft while earning him the respect of both colleagues and fans.
“Working with a lot of different schools has given me the foundation of being an objective broadcaster,” he notes, emphasizing the importance of learning to stay neutral despite the passionate rivalries that define Hockey East. “My job now, for the Knicks and MSG network, they pride themselves on not being homers. We’re going to celebrate the game, call it mostly down the middle. Of course, if the Knicks have a gamewinner, we’re going to be excited. But that lack of homerism and just celebrating the game—that comes from Hockey East.”
Murray’s connections within Hockey East played a pivotal role in opening doors for his career. He recalls the first time he was thrust into a big opportunity: “Bernie Corbett, the legend at BU, called me up and said: ‘Do you want to do the first period until I get there?’ I was a senior at that point. ‘Sure! Why not?’” It was this willingness to step up, along with a growing reputation for solid performance, that led to him being invited to do full broadcasts, including some of the most highprofile games in the league.
Notably, in 2024, he provided TV playby-play commentary for the Hockey East Men’s Championship and Semifinals on NESN. This builds on his work from previous years, during which he called the Women’s Championship games, including radio play-by-play for the 2022 and 2023 tournaments. His versatility and depth in hockey broadcasting make him a standout in the region, contributing to his reputation for delivering highquality, engaging coverage.
Murray’s unique journey took an unexpected turn when his work caught the attention of a legendary director at MSG Networks. “I was doing a UMass hockey game on ESPN+,” he explains. “There’s a legendary director at MSG Networks,
Howie Singer, who’s been there for 40 years. He happened to catch me on a good day. He texted a colleague at MSG Networks, Alan Hahn, and two weeks later I got the job with the Knicks.”
The opportunity to call games for the Knicks was a dream come true for Murray, whose childhood passion for basketball matched his love for hockey. “The crazy lottery-winning dream for me was always the New York Knicks,” he admits. “But when I got to college, all I focused on was hockey. It was all about: How can I be the guy in the booth calling these games?”
Looking back on the journey, Murray is quick to recognize the pivotal role Hockey East played in shaping his career. “It’s directly related to Hockey East. Literally, I would not be here without them,” he says. “And the best compliment I get is when I’m doing a BC game and they’re beating BU, and my friends text me: ‘Stop getting so excited about our rival beating us.’ “
Murray’s success isn’t just a product of talent, but also the work ethic and connections he cultivated during his time in Hockey East. His advice to young broadcasters is simple yet powerful: “Don’t be intimidated by the networking aspect of it. The people you work with, especially early in your career, those can be the most valuable connections you have.”
As he looks back on his path, Murray remains grounded in his roots. “To feel a part of the Hockey East community—it’s no ordinary league. To be even a small part of it is a really cool thing.” His journey from calling games for Hockey East to broadcasting for the New York Knicks is a perfect example of how hard work, dedication, and a passion for the game can lead to unimaginable success. ■
JILLIAN SUPPORT STAFF SPOTLIGHT
Asports information director (SID) is the behind-the-scenes powerhouse of college sports, managing everything from media relations to social media, game-day operations, and storytelling. They are responsible for promoting their programs, supporting student-athletes, and keeping fans engaged. SIDs are the main link between teams, media, and the public. They do this through managing social media strategy, press releases, organizing interviews, updating websites, sharing stats, and much more. It’s a role that demands creativity, adaptability, and an unyielding passion, often requiring long hours and quick thinking to ensure every detail is executed purposefully.
Jillian Jakuba has spent over 16 years at the University of Massachusetts, where she’s served as the Director of Communications and the hockey Sports Information Director since midway through the 2011-12 season. Her career in sports information began long before that, though, with roles at Bucknell, UConn, and Franklin Pierce following her graduation from Boston University in 2003.
“I’ve been doing this since I was 18 years old,” she says. “This is all I’ve ever done.”
Jakuba’s journey into sports information was somewhat serendipitous. As a freshman at BU, a work-study placement landed her in the SID office, and she was hooked from the start.
“I originally went to BU as a journalism major but switched to public relations my first semester,” she explains. “[What] really attracted me to sports information was that every day was different, and it was more than just writing. Even back then, before social media, there were so many other elements.”
Over the years, Jakuba has amassed a wealth of memorable experiences, but the 2021 National Championship with UMass hockey stands out as a pinnacle moment.
JAKUBA
“That season began with me coming off indefinite furlough just five days before our season opener,” she recalls. “Navigating a COVID season [was] a long, hard road, [but] not a day goes by that I’m not grateful for those memories in Pittsburgh. I’m well aware many people go their entire careers without being part of a National Championship, and I was able to experience that before turning 40.” Jakuba credits mentors like legendary BU SID Ed Carpenter and former UMass supervisor Jason Yellin with shaping her career.
“[Ed] taught me the value of building relationships [and] that this job is all about the people. Jason, [on the other hand,] always pushed me out of my comfort zone and challenged me to get better,” she says. “Even though we haven’t worked together in years, [Jason] remains a key figure in my life—always there for advice or a confidence boost.”
Throughout her career, Jillian has been part of transformative moments for UMass hockey, including three NCAA Tournament appearances, two Frozen Fours, and two Hockey East Tournament championships. She also spearheaded a Hobey Baker campaign for 2019 winner Cale Makar and led branding initiatives like the “Flagship” identity used across the athletic department.
“I’m extremely proud of the work I did on Cale Makar’s campaign and the materials we used that season,” she says. “I also [loved] leading the 40th Anniversary of Division I hockey celebration last year and designing the helmet logos the players wore.”
For Jillian, the student-athletes remain at the heart of her work.
“Some people call me old-fashioned, but it’s always about the student-athletes,” she says. “I want to do everything I can to make their college experience the best it can be and prepare them for what’s next.”
Her dedication extends to mentoring student-athletes who’ve interned in the communications office, several of whom have gone on to careers with the NHL, Seattle Kraken, and Hockey Canada.
“If their time at UMass helped them even the tiniest bit to get to where they are today, I would feel extremely honored,” she shares.
Reflecting on the challenges of being a SID, Jillian acknowledges the evolving demands of the role. “When I started, it was all about who had the best-looking media guides. Then media guides went away, social media emerged, and now creative skills like photography and videography are vital,” she explains. At away games, she’s capturing photos and video, running social, and writing recaps—all at once.
Despite the long hours and constant evolution, Jakuba remains energized by the relationships she’s built. “It’s sad to see people move on or graduate, but it’s exciting to never know who’s going to come into my life next,” she says. “There are so many people I cannot imagine my life without, and I owe so much to this job.” ■
UPCOMING EVENTS
FOLLOW ALONG WATCH
