Tensions Over Transfer Portal Evident at Coaches Convention : College Hockey News

May 2, 2023
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by Adam Wodon/Managing Editor (@CHN_AdamWodon)

Tensions over the transfer portal are unavoidable these days, with good players leaving programs left and right at the drop of a hat.

That came to a boil in Naples last week at annual Coaches Convention. According to multiple sources, St. Thomas assistant coach Leon Hayward either shoved or hit — depending on who you ask — Michigan assistant coach Rob Rassey at the hotel lobby. Rassey walked away and cooler heads eventually prevailed, with Hayward apologizing.

Hayward was upset that Michigan recently poached St. Thomas freshman forward Josh Eernisse, who was second on the team with 14 goals last season. There was concern that Michigan contacted Eernisse before he was in the portal, which would be considered tampering, something Michigan adamently denies.

“We called a kid that was in the portal that they weren’t expecting to be there, and so did four other schools,” Michigan coach Brandon Naurato said.

“It’s just people being upset that kids are leaving their program, and I understand it. It’s not the first and won’t be the last. We have kids in the portal. It’s 2023. It’s not because of Michigan. Tampering is a pretty bold accusation.”

Both Naurato and St. Thomas head coach Rico Blasi wanted to put it behind them.

“Brandon and I had a really good conversation,” Blasi said. “We probably should’ve had it a week earlier. I appreciated his honesty and professionalism. Hopefully he feels the same way.”

Naurato, indeed, did say all was well between the two, reiterating that they spoke and “had a good conversation.”

Of course, just by the nature of the current landscape, it’s bound to not be the last time one team is upset at another. There was over 200 players in the transfer portal this year, and approximately 100 have changed hands, including some very good players. It’s one of a number of recent NCAA rule changes that has made it even that much more difficult for smaller programs to keep up with larger programs, and Michigan is one of the largest.

Teams like Michigan State and North Dakota have been very aggressive as well. No one has credible proof that anyone has done anything wrong, but those negatively affected by changes are always going to have concerns.