Off-season 2025

[TalonsUpPuckDown]

The league coms guy Perry Laskaris asked for MidCo feedback. Here's what I DM'd him:

I subscribed to MidCo. There has been a fair amount of MidCo discussion on the BG message board this season. Positives: I like the condensed games feature. That’s really neat. I’ll also say that it’s reliable. That’s kinda the minimum but because the platform didn’t have issues I’ll put another check in the plus column.

As an IT guy, it’s obvious the back end systems the schools interact with are not user friendly. Flo apparently did a lot of back end work that MidCo now expects the schools to do. Unfortunately it’s too hard to use, doesn’t have the proper automated checks and controls, and is missing some sort of manual audit. In my opinion that’s what leads to the game content getting messed up so frequently – and you getting pinged on the Discord server for tech support. That’s 100% on MidCo, not the schools. They need to have a better solution. And putting more manual process on the schools won’t solve the problem as they’ll still find a way to screw it up.

You mentioned at the start there was going to be additional content available on the platform. Aside from game replays and the condensed games, the only additional content I can find is a never ending parade of Luke Strand press conferences. What happened here? Was word put out to the schools about putting their content on the platform and only the Mavs followed up? Were production costs for this extra content reviewed and deemed too expensive and subsequently scrapped? Is additional content actually available and I’ve been unable to find it (if so, that’s a problem with the platform because I’m not the only one who has noticed this)? Regardless, the approach seems to be “Keep the subscription fees as close to Flo as possible” without providing any added benefits. The platform has zero value to me April through September. At least with Flo there is other hockey content available once the CCHA season ended.

Being honest, this platform isn’t worth the subscription costs but since I’m a captive audience I’ll keep paying and grumbling to myself. About half the BG folks on our message board feel the same way, the other half said screw it, the price is way too high. I’ve yet to hear of a single BG person who is a MidCo proponent.

FYI, I also kept my Flo subscription as with their increased coverage of all leagues except the CHL and Nachos I now find a lot more value there. And I can watch the Falcons play in AHA barns which is nice.

[pdt1081]

The league coms guy Perry Laskaris asked for MidCo feedback. Here's what I DM'd him:

You mentioned at the start there was going to be additional content available on the platform. Aside from game replays and the condensed games, the only additional content I can find is a never ending parade of Luke Strand press conferences. What happened here? Was word put out to the schools about putting their content on the platform and only the Mavs followed up? Were production costs for this extra content reviewed and deemed too expensive and subsequently scrapped? Is additional content actually available and I’ve been unable to find it (if so, that’s a problem with the platform because I’m not the only one who has noticed this)?

The CCHA posts the weekly press conferences of BSU, and Mankato on their YouTube. Maybe others, but I'm not going looking right now. They do not post BG's, the athletic department or Falcon Sports Media does. My fear is the league pushing the schools for "Midco Exclusive" content, which I can sadly see being their next step, further isolation from the rest of the hockey world.

I wonder how someone would go about finding out the individual schools' payout, and how that compared to Flo.

[TalonsUpPuckDown]

The league coms guy Perry Laskaris asked for MidCo feedback. Here's what I DM'd him:

You mentioned at the start there was going to be additional content available on the platform. Aside from game replays and the condensed games, the only additional content I can find is a never ending parade of Luke Strand press conferences. What happened here? Was word put out to the schools about putting their content on the platform and only the Mavs followed up? Were production costs for this extra content reviewed and deemed too expensive and subsequently scrapped? Is additional content actually available and I’ve been unable to find it (if so, that’s a problem with the platform because I’m not the only one who has noticed this)?

The CCHA posts the weekly press conferences of BSU, and Mankato on their YouTube. Maybe others, but I'm not going looking right now. They do not post BG's, the athletic department or Falcon Sports Media does. My fear is the league pushing the schools for "Midco Exclusive" content, which I can sadly see being their next step, further isolation from the rest of the hockey world.

I wonder how someone would go about finding out the individual schools' payout, and how that compared to Flo.

I’m not sure what I was expecting, just something beyond absolutely nothing.

[pdt1081]

I’m not sure what I was expecting, just something beyond absolutely nothing.

It would be great if the schools would post their social media content (videos), weekly pressers, and post game pressers there. All together in one place, while still posting them in their usual places. Avoid the "exclusive" tag on the content, but make it easier to find and watch. Upcoming games could have that week's content for both teams right there next to each other. All the equipment is there to even live stream the pressers.

[jpfalcon09]

Tried MidCo for a month and didn't like it. Couldn't use my smart TV browser to access the site and watch on my 65" TV. No interest in watching games on my laptop or phone, so after that I was out based on functionality and cost.

Forcing everyone to sign up for a platform that no other college hockey conference uses is such a stupid business decision. Flo or ESPN+ could at least help attract eyeballs to the games.

[mbenecke]

Tried MidCo for a month and didn't like it. Couldn't use my smart TV browser to access the site and watch on my 65" TV. No interest in watching games on my laptop or phone, so after that I was out based on functionality and cost.

Forcing everyone to sign up for a platform that no other college hockey conference uses is such a stupid business decision. Flo or ESPN+ could at least help attract eyeballs to the games.

I still maintain that ESPN+ makes the most sense. Every other sport for us is already there!

[jpfalcon09]

Dalton Norris has been named captain for the 2025-26 season.

[TalonsUpPuckDown]

Dalton Norris has been named captain for the 2025-26 season.

The took a team photo to mark the occasion. While anything can still happen, the not bad new is the 14 guys with eligibility for next year (sans Parker) are all in the photo including Moore, Stjernberg, Waters, Pfoh, and Doran. The portal is open for another 20 days for outbound transfers.

https://x.com/BGSUHKY/status/1915119303185093063

https://bgsufalcons.com/news/2025/4/23/ ... ockey-team

[TalonsUpPuckDown]

Per DVDM, at this point we appear to currently have the #2 recruiting class in the country. I don't know how that's measured, but it sure beats where we've been in the past.

https://youtu.be/MsxtljOTiEI?t=564

[pdt1081]

Per DVDM, at this point we appear to currently have the #2 recruiting class in the country. I don't know how that's measured, but it sure beats where we've been in the past.

https://youtu.be/MsxtljOTiEI?t=564

I believe Neutral Zone is who cares enough to actually rank recruiting classes for hockey. I wouldn't put too much stock in the ranking. Yes, it's great to brag a bit, but NMU has been ranked very high multiple times recently. The rankings are highly flawed with how heavily the NUMBER of recruits influences the ranking. The largest classes are almost always very near the top. It doesn't exactly break it down to the level of individual recruits. A class with 8 "3 star" kids usually out-ranks a class with just 3 "5 star" kids.

[pdt1081]

Per McMahon, the Judge in the House Settlement has told the NCAA that she will deny the House settlement unless the NCAA agrees to grandfather or phase-in roster caps. Simply put, seems there will be no roster limit of 26 next season. I think the appeals process would have negated it for next season anyways.

https://x.com/MikeMcMahonCHN/status/1915192091530895420

[TalonsUpPuckDown]

Per DVDM, at this point we appear to currently have the #2 recruiting class in the country. I don't know how that's measured, but it sure beats where we've been in the past.

https://youtu.be/MsxtljOTiEI?t=564

I believe Neutral Zone is who cares enough to actually rank recruiting classes for hockey. I wouldn't put too much stock in the ranking. Yes, it's great to brag a bit, but NMU has been ranked very high multiple times recently. The rankings are highly flawed with how heavily the NUMBER of recruits influences the ranking. The largest classes are almost always very near the top. It doesn't exactly break it down to the level of individual recruits. A class with 8 "3 star" kids usually out-ranks a class with just 3 "5 star" kids.

I agree with the caveats you lay out, but from a macro perspective we can conclude that this class is better than the “traditional” BG recruiting class of the past 5 years and it’s at least one of the top recruiting classes in the CCHA. Though there aren’t any blue chippers, it’s the best we’ve done in a very long time. It’ll also spark some positive conversations about the program.

Neutral Zone has us at #1 right now, though keep in mind PDTs caveats.

https://neutralzone.com/ncaa-recruiting-class-rankings/

[pdt1081]

I agree with the caveats you lay out, but from a macro perspective we can conclude that this class is better than the “traditional” BG recruiting class of the past 5 years and it’s at least one of the top recruiting classes in the CCHA. Though there aren’t any blue chippers, it’s the best we’ve done in a very long time. It’ll also spark some positive conversations about the program.

Neutral Zone has us at #1 right now, though keep in mind PDTs caveats.

https://neutralzone.com/ncaa-recruiting-class-rankings/

It is the best incoming class in a long time on paper. Hopefully the missing pieces, two real threat goal scorers, are there.

[jpfalcon09]

Per DVDM, at this point we appear to currently have the #2 recruiting class in the country. I don't know how that's measured, but it sure beats where we've been in the past.

https://youtu.be/MsxtljOTiEI?t=564

I believe Neutral Zone is who cares enough to actually rank recruiting classes for hockey. I wouldn't put too much stock in the ranking. Yes, it's great to brag a bit, but NMU has been ranked very high multiple times recently. The rankings are highly flawed with how heavily the NUMBER of recruits influences the ranking. The largest classes are almost always very near the top. It doesn't exactly break it down to the level of individual recruits. A class with 8 "3 star" kids usually out-ranks a class with just 3 "5 star" kids.

I agree with the caveats you lay out, but from a macro perspective we can conclude that this class is better than the “traditional” BG recruiting class of the past 5 years and it’s at least one of the top recruiting classes in the CCHA. Though there aren’t any blue chippers, it’s the best we’ve done in a very long time. It’ll also spark some positive conversations about the program.

Neutral Zone has us at #1 right now, though keep in mind PDTs caveats.

https://neutralzone.com/ncaa-recruiting-class-rankings/

The CHL guys coming in are skewing the ranking a bit. Not saying it isn't deserved, but I look at them more like transfers than actual traditional recruits. Would not be surprised if a few of them are one and done.

[pdt1081]

Per McMahon, the Judge in the House Settlement has told the NCAA that she will deny the House settlement unless the NCAA agrees to grandfather or phase-in roster caps. Simply put, seems there will be no roster limit of 26 next season. I think the appeals process would have negated it for next season anyways.

https://x.com/MikeMcMahonCHN/status/1915192091530895420

Article with more in-depth explanation:
https://sports.yahoo.com/college-footba ... 19741.html