The Future of Name, Image, and Likeness Opportunities in College Hockey

As college athletics continue to navigate the landscape of name, image, and likeness (NIL) opportunities, the world of college hockey is starting to see a shift towards more lucrative deals for its players. Traditionally overshadowed by the big-money sports of football and basketball, college hockey is now entering a new era where players have the chance to capitalize on their personal brands.

Derek Burns, co-founder and president of Dinkytown Athletes, the official NIL collective of Gophers sports, believes that hockey is on the brink of a significant change in terms of NIL opportunities. With players like Jimmy Snuggerud and Matthew Wood making decisions that involve NIL considerations, it’s clear that the landscape of college hockey is evolving.

Coaches from top programs like Denver, Boston University, Boston College, and Michigan are all weighing in on the impact of NIL in college hockey. While some express concerns about the potential for relationships with players to become transactional, others see it as a positive development that allows players to benefit financially while still focusing on their development as athletes.

One key aspect of NIL deals in college hockey is how they can help bridge the gap between the limited number of full scholarships available and the larger roster sizes of 25-28 players. By offering players the opportunity to earn additional income through NIL deals, coaches can potentially retain more talent and compete for top recruits.

As the competition for players heats up and rival programs like North Dakota establish their own NIL collectives, the Gophers and other college hockey programs will need to adapt to this new reality. With the potential for significant growth in NIL opportunities in the coming years, college hockey is poised to enter a new era of player empowerment and financial benefit.