Despite being recruited by three-fourths of last season’s NCAA Division I men’s hockey Frozen Four, Eden Prairie junior Michael Graham said he was won over by Minnesota Duluth’s facilities and its coaching staff when deciding on a college selection.

The 6-foot-1½, 190-pound forward, who counted defending champion Union College,

runner-up Minnesota and semifinalist North Dakota among his suitors, made an oral commitment earlier this week to attend UMD after visiting campus a few weeks ago.

Graham totaled 19 goals and 22 assists for 41 points as a sophomore, his second year on the Eagles varsity.

“It’s very rare that we move ninth-graders up but he was such a special player that we knew we had to do it, and we’re really happy with our decision,” Eden Prairie coach Lee Smith said. “His game has gotten so much better year after year.”

Smith said he brought up Graham two years ago due to concern over a perceived lack of scoring punch on the varsity. Graham was put at left wing as a freshman and moved to right wing as a sophomore, playing on the same line as Nebraska-Omaha signee Steven Spinner. He is expected to center the top line this year.

Graham said he talked with Mr. Hockey finalists Spinner and defenseman Luc Snuggerud, who also chose to head to Omaha, about the recruiting process.

“They just said, ‘Go where you want to go and where you are the most wanted,’” Graham said. “I feel like (UMD) really wanted me. I feel like it’s the right fit.”

Smith, who has coached players such as current Minnesota Gophers’ standout Kyle Rau, calls Graham one of the best players he’s coached.

“Michael is a power forward but he still has a lot of speed and the finesse game with it,” he said. “He’s a very low-maintenance player because he will take care of himself in the classroom, in the locker room and on the ice. He doesn’t take foolish penalties; he’s just a really solid player and person.”

NCHC to debut

digital network

The National Collegiate Hockey Conference announced Wednesday the launch of a digital network, NCHC.tv, which will allow fans to buy a subscription and view most conference games on their computer, tablet or cellphone.

In addition to the live games, fans who subscribe to the network will have access to other live events, as they are produced, and will be able to access archived games and condensed games. Live audio of the games also is included with a subscription.

NCHC.tv will feature free on-demand video content, without a subscription, from all eight NCHC programs and the conference itself. Among the free on-demand video available on the network will be game highlights, mid-week and postgame news conferences, conference features, such as the top goals of the week, and unique hockey features from NCHC member schools.

The only games not available on the NCHC digital network are nonconference road games and NCHC contests with rights restrictions due to television agreements, such as those aired on CBS Sports Network.

To view more than 100 NCHC regular-season games that will be streamed live, fans can purchase the conference season package for $89.95 ($81.95 if purchased by Sept. 25) or they can buy a season package of their favorite team’s games for $74.95. Monthly and single-event packages will be available at a later date.

Committee formed to review

UMD jersey retirements

UMD announced it has established a review process and criteria for future men’s hockey jersey number retirements. A five-member committee was given that charge with the overall goal of recognizing and honoring the achievements of exemplary individuals during and after their college career.

A list of potential candidates encompassing the entire 70-year history of Bulldog hockey is in the process of being developed and reviewed. It is not anticipated that a number will be retired every year.

Keith “Huffer” Christiansen (No. 9; 1962-66) and Brett Hull (No. 29; 1984-86) are the only two Bulldogs to have their jerseys retired.