These past few weeks, the hockey off-season has mainly been focused on the NHL free agency period. However, college hockey is creating quite a buzz as well. Some rule changes have already come into effect for the 2008-09 season, and teams are releasing schedules left and right. Even USCHO, has tentative schedules out already.

First let’s break down the new rules, starting with the most recent one added last week.

The Sub .500 Rule:

This rule denies any team below a .500 record a postseason berth (unless a team wins a conference tournament). Last season, Wisconsin got in with a 15-16-7 mark. The Badgers did win a game in the NCAA tournament, but were denied a Frozen Four.

Let’s look at who would’ve been the replacement, Minnesota State. The Mavericks, who were 19-16-4, lost in the first round of the WCHA playoffs (just like Wisconsin did). In fact if you looked at the pairwise rankings, Minnesota State had a pairwise comparison won over Wisconsin. On the other side though, Wisconsin had one more overall comparison over Minnesota State giving them an at-large bid.

We can talk about what would’ve been last year had Minnesota State got in, but, now we know that a team below .500 cannot get into the NCAA tournament. A good rule by the committee and it should stand for awhile.

The New Referee System:

To me, this is actually a good rule. Some people might disagree because there are too many officials in the way (two referees, two linesmen). On the other hand, this gives two officials the right to call penalties, just like the NHL does. Some will say it will slow the game up, but, it has worked in the pros so why can’t it work here?

The Shootout Rule:

If this indeed does pass by the NCAA, this could be disturbing. Although winners and losers are part of the game, they would have to change the already confusing pairwise system. Hopefully the NCAA waits to put the shootout rule into effect for another few years. Put the four-on-four overtime into effect for five minutes, and for getting to overtime award a team a point. This can make the pairwise a little more interesting.

And finally, I know its early, but let’s take a look at some opening night games on the schedule.

We begin with the defending National Champion Boston College Eagles. Jerry York’s club will begin their defense on Friday October 10 against the Wisconsin Badgers. Reason to look forward to this: Combined the two teams have 23 draft picks on their roster (as of July 7). On top of that it will be banner night.

Speaking of Wisconsin, the next day the Badgers will go to New Hampshire for the second game of the road trip; tough two games to open up the season for Mike Eaves’ squad.

The Icebreaker is being held at Agganis Arena on October 10 and 11. Unlike previous years where the Icebreaker was a tournament, this season will be a little different as four teams (Boston University, Massachusetts, North Dakota and Michigan State) will play two games each. The Friday match-ups are Massachusetts vs. Michigan State and BU vs. North Dakota, and the next night UMass will face North Dakota and BU will face off against Michigan State.

And finally on Saturday October 11, the Hall of Fame Game will be held at Denver University as the Pioneers will square off against last year’s National Runner-Up, Notre Dame.

And with that update, we are now 95 days to the start of the season.

Contact the author: trosenthal@insidehockey.com