Twitter. The land of opinions spread across 140 characters. A platform where discussing ties can get you a feature on ESPN.
And between the jokes and misunderstandings, there is a place that sees breaking news, humanizing players, reporters and teams alike, creativity, uniqueness, and a place where college hockey discussions thrive.
If you're reading this, there's a good chance you are on Twitter and already have some college hockey follows. Hopefully we're one of them. Whether it is a team, a beat writer that covers the school you went or your favorite personality, this list isn't here to change your mind as we enter the final month of the college hockey regular season.
For example, there is no bigger advocate for college hockey than Sportscenter host and occasional ESPN commentator John Buccigross. Everyone knows who he is with a quarter of a million followers and a large platform.
Instead, this list is hopefully complementary to the ones that are already known. This list points out the Gopher Hockey Stats account (1,164 followers) which discusses stats and shot charts instead of the official Gopher Hockey account (49K) that has more followers than any other team in college hockey. UND SiD Jayson Hajdu (3.8K) instead of the official North Dakota account (23.6K). Writers instead of USCHO, College Hockey News or even SB Nation College Hockey.
There's a wide variation here throughout college hockey. Some of the accounts are better known while we hope you find a few you've never heard.
A few disclaimers:
1. These are in no particular order except for Dartmouth and Eichel. All follower counts are from February 4-8.
2. With a couple exceptions, the main criteria for this was being as specific to college hockey as possible, interest and interaction. There are many places to get NHL updates. This isn't one. The less NHL discussion, the better.
3. Like the NHL list Sportsnet made that serves as inspiration, we're excluding beat writers. That's not to say we don't like beat writers. We love beat writers. Some of my best friends are beat writers. They are amazing.
But you should be following them already. If you're a North Dakota fan and not following Brad Schlossman, or a Union fan and not following Ken Schott, or a Bemidji State fan and not following Jack Hittinger, or a Providence fan not following Mark Divver, or a CC fan not following Joe Paisley, or a Buffalo-area fan not following Amy Moritz, or .. have to stop before naming them all.The point remains. Once again, this list is the follower layers built upon the beat writer foundation.
3a. We did make a couple exceptions for teams.
4. Let's get this out of the way. Several people on this list are from SB Nation sites on a list that is made at SB Nation College Hockey. A couple are SBN colleagues. There's some bias being around them, but they are great at what they bring to coverage. It's why they write here. (And as further disclosure I've written or have written for people who run and write for every major college hockey site.)
On the other side, at least two people on this list have blocked us on Twitter. Awkward...
5. It was hard to limit this to 59. Very hard. Even I didn't even make my own list.
6. No disrespect meant to anyone excluded except for the account(s) you'll let us know about in the comments.
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Dartmouth Men's Hockey (@Dartmouth_MIH)
Followers: 3,139
The first must-follow account which comes to mind for most. Come for the ECAC Big Green. Stay for NHL 94 photoshops, commentary and GIFs.
UVM scored again as Opperman came out of the box. 4-1 now. pic.twitter.com/8JcpTRpsB6
— Dartmouth Hockey (@Dartmouth_MIH) January 11, 2015
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College Hockey Ranked (@chranked)
Followers: 468
Jim Dahl breaks down Pairwise situations and what-if situations. A must for March.
When to start looking at #PWR (Pairwise Rankings) revisited http://t.co/u8nX2tSCz9
— CollegeHockeyRanked (@chranked) December 4, 2014
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Jon Gillies (@JGillies32)
Followers: 5,115
Providence junior goalie and Calgary Flames draft pick. Enjoys Johnny Football...and Johnny Hockey
he's so fired up that he's scaring the girls in the stands @johngaudreau03 #nattyhatty #JohnnyHockey pic.twitter.com/W0PCCM3cpJ
— Jon Gillies (@JGillies32) December 23, 2014
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Nicole Haase (@NicoleHaase)
Followers: 1,101
Covers Wisconsin women's hockey for Bucky's Fifth Quarter.
. @bdangless21 and @smckibbon11 dig for the puck on the boards #uwwhky pic.twitter.com/cjMlwn6CDd
— Nicole Haase (@NicoleHaase) January 11, 2015
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College Hockey, Inc. (@collegehockey)
Followers: 29.3K
Promotional arm for college hockey. Up there in the Nate Power Rankings. Infographic wizards.
We've got a great group assembled for an event later this week in Toronto - a huge hotbed of NCAA talent. pic.twitter.com/A0xZrMamJc
— College Hockey, Inc. (@collegehockey) September 24, 2014
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Joshua Kummins (@joshuakummins)
Followers: 1,475
Hockey East writer. SBN's young gun. Future reality show music judge.
BC student section a capella needs serious work. NU's "Stacy's Mom" running away with that crown now. #HockeyEast
— Joshua Kummins (@JoshuaKummins) January 25, 2015
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The NCHC (@TheNCHC)
Followers: 10.4K
College hockey conference which puts the "social" in social media.
Congrats to our @sportngin #NCHCFan of the Week, @mavhockeyfan! He posed w/ the #FFTrophy at @UNO_Hockey's win Friday pic.twitter.com/sfs22Uku3U
— The NCHC (@TheNCHC) January 13, 2015
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Church of Dufour (@churchofdufour)
Followers: 308
Bowling Green's newest religion centers around puck and leading goal scorer sophomore Kevin Dufour.
Come on congregation. Did you really think Lord Dufour and the holy gang would let us go home with a loss? #NanuNanu pic.twitter.com/2VRWxeJPt7
— Church Of Dufour (@ChurchOfDufour) January 11, 2015
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Nick Oliver (@OliWagon27)
Followers: 568
St. Cloud State senior forward and Nashville Predators draft pick. Currently on a Jeter-esque farewell tour.
I would like to announce this will be my final season playing for SCSU. Would like to give fans and @TheNCHC a chance to cherish #RE27PECT
— Nick Oliver (@OliWagon27) October 17, 2014
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Jashvina Shah (@icehockeystick)
Followers: 879
College hockey jack-of-all-trades. Princeton, Big Ten for CHN, features and Vines.
Grant Besse absolutely undresses Mike Reilly and almost ties it @BadgerMHockey @AndyJohnsonB5Q @gopherstate #Badgers http://t.co/FZN5RLYwZq
— Jashvina Shah (@icehockeystick) January 17, 2015
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Derek Schooley (@derekschooley)
Followers: 2,192
Robert Morris' only head coach. St. Louis Cardinals fan.
Military Appreciation night Saturday. Colonials to honor @IATWF with these jerseys. Be there Sat to support military pic.twitter.com/aH7A0CCc6Z
— Derek Schooley (@derekschooley) January 12, 2015
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Jeff Cox (@jeffcoxsports)
Followers: 2,245
If a game is somewhere in the Northeast there's a good chance Jeff is at it.
No player has come on since beginning of yr like Alex Tuch. Big w/ explosive burst. He's climbing way up my list of top pro prospects in HE.
— Jeff Cox (@JeffCoxSports) January 17, 2015
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Over the Boards (@OTBPuckWatch)
Followers: 8,359
Jasper and his band of scouts give context to the ins and out of college recruiting.
96 F Connor Sodergren (St. Paul's) commits to Army. Prep veteran is a versatile 6'1 F who produces at both ends. Nice look for West Point.
— Over The Boards (@OTBPuckWatch) January 11, 2015
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Children of Yost (@ChildrenofYost)
Followers: 3,130
University of Michigan student section and Tinder trolling aficionados.
Look who we met! James's mom has got it goin on. Here's to you, Mrs. Robinson. @TheRoarZone pic.twitter.com/jpsURlFDv6
— Children of Yost (@ChildrenOfYost) November 21, 2014
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Chris Dilks (@chrisdilks)
Followers: 3,018
Managing Editor of SB Nation College Hockey. Pretty Big Deal. [Sarcastic comment redacted]
Honestly, I've seen worse. RT @PengoSports: Really like hockey? Watch MEX v CHN in a IIHF Div 3 pool game LIVE NOW! http://t.co/4QEupuVpBb
— Chris Dilks (@ChrisDilks) January 20, 2015
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Gilly (@NDhockeysk8guy)
Followers: 1,245
Social media has allowed a look into the locker room and build-up process to a game. There are several equipment managers with accounts that peel back the curtain, including Notre Dame's David Gilbert.
Time to grind. pic.twitter.com/YcH7l9Nkkp
— Gilly (@NDhockeysk8guy) November 20, 2014
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The Brotherhood (@MiamiOH_Hockey)
Followers: 11.6K
Miami's account both celebrates the history of the team by regularly updating alums in the NHL and, much like Mickey Mouse pancakes, has a sense of humor to not take itself too seriously.
We got everyone to hold still long enough for our 2014-15 team photo! pic.twitter.com/kZ3gAZBqbj
— The Brotherhood (@MiamiOH_Hockey) January 15, 2015
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Bruce Ciskie (@BruceCiskie)
Followers: 2.651
Minnesota-Duluth radio play-by-play voice, writer, frequent tweeter and poll giver
NCHC Preseason Poll and All-Conference Teams Announced http://t.co/tFH2P1ZsDH -- The Ciskie Blog
— Bruce Ciskie (@BruceCiskie) September 25, 2014
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Melissa Wade (@hockeyphotos)
Followers: 1,402
As the handle says, hockey photographer with fantastic college hockey photos.
First period goals by @GoNUmhockey & @BCHockeyNews pic.twitter.com/uTVPCf32WP
— Melissa Wade (@HockeyPhotos) January 10, 2015
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Justin Emerson (@J15Emerson)
Followers: 703
House of Sparky writer bringing college hockey's 60th and newest team to light.
ASU Hockey notebook: Ostertag's return inches nearer as Sun Devils head to Lindenwood http://t.co/Yswp8KfS3W pic.twitter.com/T3pqH54XnS
— Justin Emerson (@J15Emerson) January 16, 2015
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Union Hockey Blog (@UnionHockeyBlog)
Followers: 2,486
Blog with outstanding coverage of the defending national champions.
#UnionHockey warms up ahead of tonight's game vs #GateHockey: pic.twitter.com/rOyofdibnC
— Union Hockey Blog (@UnionHockeyBlog) January 17, 2015
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BTN TV Hockey Crew (@BTNHockey)
Followers: 519
Pretty much all the B1G stuff you don't get on television: TV highlights of Big Ten hockey games mixed with a weekly 5-10 minute discussion show.
Some intermission viewing for @TheIceBoxUMN...the Justin Kloos goal! http://t.co/nQZvLKa6aV
— BTN TV hockey crew (@BTNhockey) November 8, 2014
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Andy Johnson (@AndyJohnsonB5Q)
Followers: 3,360
Wisconsin hockey writer who doubles on the side of scouting. Mixture of breaking news, Badgers info and Wisconsin sports fandom. Chuck Schwartz can't hold a candle.
Puke city
— Andy Johnson (@AndyJohnsonB5Q) January 18, 2015
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David Johnstone (@MrDUHvid15)
Followers: 538
Senior Michigan Tech forward. Will use movie references.
When #mtuhky finally makes it to Huntsville... pic.twitter.com/U3EorRgBBC
— David Johnstone (@MrDUHvid15) November 27, 2014
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Mike Eidelbes (@INCH)
Followers: 6,233
We do miss Inside College Hockey. The good news is that most of the supporting cast is still around in other forms and on Twitter, including Mike Eidelbes.
Here's a still image from the Lego Movie sequel. Based on attendance, it must be a Florida Panthers game. pic.twitter.com/pdgSNAkvZu
— Mike Eidelbes (@INCH) January 15, 2015
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Nate Leaman (@CoachLeaman)
Followers: 1,800
Providence's head coach's account keeps up with official goings-on with the Friars. Plus in addition to having a great first name he once did a press conference with a baby on his lap. Lifetime follow worthy.
Got my first look at the PC men's Bb team. Love their size and toughness on defense. Good luck this year. #gofriars
— Nate Leaman (@CoachLeaman) November 29, 2014
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Josh Seguin (@joshseguin24)
Followers: 925
College Hockey News' ECAC senior writer. Not afraid to say no to Big Corsi.
@icehockeystick @BurntBoats thats the problem. Some writers think it is everything. I think it works better in Hockey East, than the ECAC
— Josh Seguin (@JoshSeguin24) January 20, 2015
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Jayson Moy (@JaysonMoyUSCHO)
Followers: 226
USCHO's "bracketologist" and the only person who has successfully predicted the last 4 NCAA Tournaments.
The bracket went exactly as predicted. Would they swap Vermont and NoDak? They did. 4 in a row baby! #PWR #CawlidgeHawkey
— Jayson Moy (@JaysonMoyUSCHO) March 23, 2014
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CJ Fogler (@cjzero)
Followers: 17.3K
One of the only, if not the only, GIFer who will get screenshots and video of college hockey. If it weren't for the fact I once met him I'd think he was a robot given the output.
Wisconsin hockey's season so far in one screencap pic.twitter.com/YyTS1Rdq9I
— CJ Fogler (@cjzero) January 17, 2015
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Hockey Commitments (@hockeycommits)
Followers: 8,263
A one-stop shop on Twitter for college hockey commitments.
Tyler Inamoto (Shattuck St. Mary's U16) has committed to the University of Wisconsin for 2017-2018 @BadgerMHockey
— Hockey Commitments (@hockeycommits) January 13, 2015
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Alex Carpenter (@carpy05)
Followers: 6,224
Redshirt junior forward for the current #1 women's hockey Boston College Eagles. Nation's leading scorer. 2014 Olympian with Team USA. Dreamer.
Patiently waiting for the day that players can design their helmets like goalies do #onecandream
— Alex Carpenter (@carpy05) January 7, 2015
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Matt Dewkett (@MDewkettPhoto)
Followers: 818
College Hockey Photographer. Freelance sports photographer. Photographer.
Mario Lucia puts @NDHockey up 3-1 over @UConnMHOC after two periods. @hockey_east @SBNCollegePuck pic.twitter.com/MWQYNGlH6t
— Matt Dewkett (@MDewkettPhoto) January 18, 2015
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Mike McMahon (@mikemcmahonCHN)
Followers: 3,579
Merrimack beat writer, recruiting writer for CHN and MMA fan/writer
So ... about Alexander Gustafsson wanting an automatic title shot? #UFConFox14
— Mike McMahon (@MikeMcMahonCHN) January 25, 2015
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Dave Starman (@DStarmanHockey)
Followers: 4,870
Announcer. Writer. Invaluable USA Hockey resource from the WJC to the Draft and anywhere in between.
Hey Red, 800 wins, Team Starman salutes you and your remarkable career at @umichhockey. Proud to call you a friend. Wishing you many more
— Dave Starman (@DStarmanHockey) January 13, 2015
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At Even Strength (@atevenstrength)
Followers: 225
Women's college hockey aggregate, original pieces on WCHA and CHA.
WCHA Week In Review: Wisconsin and Bemidji Split; Gophers, Bulldogs, UND Sweep http://t.co/CdpLriG7az
— At Even Strength (@atevenstrength) January 21, 2015
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Sioux Tradition (@SiouxTradition)
Followers: 3,046
Fitting name. Observing the past, present and future of North Dakota hockey. Great with UND recruiting updates.
UND commit Chris Wilkie notched a hat trick last night for @TriCityStorm. He now leads the @USHL in goal scoring: http://t.co/KiemMSocZ7
— Sioux Tradition (@SiouxTradition) January 10, 2015
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Kyle Rau (@kylerau)
Followers: 970
University of Minnesota captain has yet to tweet. Get in on the ground floor.
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Eastern Bias (@easternbias)
Followers: 193
There are many great college hockey podcasts. This is one if you're wondering how things are going inside New England. (Partially from the Boston College SB Nation site BC Interruption.)
The Seahawks are in the Pacific Time Zone. You do the math on who Eastern Bias is rooting for in the Super Bowl.
— Eastern Bias (@easternbias) January 19, 2015
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Joel Gehringer (@joel_gehringer)
Followers: 123
Stats-based work primarily focusing on the NCHC.
I pity the fools who draw @WMUHockey in @theNCHC tournament: http://t.co/hhGn6uKC0I
— Joel Gehringer (@Joel_Gehringer) January 18, 2015
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Gopher Puck Live (@gopherpucklive)
Followers: 5,278
Message board. Podcasters. Occasionally insiders or selling lofts like Craigslist.
Remember that we have @BTNRickPizzo on the podcast tonight at 9pm if you want to listen in live. Tweet using #GPLPodcast
— GPL (@GopherPuckLive) January 29, 2015
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Matt Christians (@matt_christians)
Followers: 737
Writer. Photographer. If you have visited this site, you have seen Matt's photos and photoshop work.
Cyber Monday: Teams Worth Bidding On http://t.co/hssIbkq8Q7 pic.twitter.com/5OtXVWeQrR
— Matt Christians (@Matt_Christians) December 2, 2014
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Damon Whitten (@DWhitt14)
Followers: 518
First-year Lake Superior State head coach. Outside the box trophy thinker.
Picked up a new champagne bucket just in time...Happy New Year! #LakerNation #floridacollegehockeyclassic pic.twitter.com/qlRdlXP6N2
— Damon Whitten (@DWhitt14) January 1, 2015
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Without A Peer (@without_a_peer)
Followers: 964
Covering RPI hockey "with a twist of lemon." Knows history.
Confronted by a Union fan proud of his national championship shirt. Asked if I had one. Replied that we have two. 1/2
— Without a Peer (@without_a_peer) January 25, 2015
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Sam Anas (@samanas7)
Followers: 1,548
Quinnipiac sophomore forward. Maestro on the ice. Sports philosopher.
2014-15 is the season that football brought back the crop tops #why
— Sam Anas (@samanas7) January 13, 2015
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Dan Parkhurst (@parkhurstdan)
Followers: 369
New Hampshire/NBCSN announcer. Musician. Road Trip Enthusiast.
Finally home after @UNHHockey trip to @NDHockey ... Got on the road about 10 pm last night. Just walked through my door. #Almost19Hours
— Dan Parkhurst (@ParkhurstDan) February 1, 2015
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HOCKEYBEAR (@AKHOCKEYBEAR)
Followers: 374
The 49th state's best college hockey parody account. If not on this list it would destroy us all. On a related note, can the Nanooks keep making these intro videos?
If it weren't for global warning, HOCKEYBEAR would still be frozen in ice and America's institutions of higher learning would be safe.
— HOCKEYBEAR (@AKHockeyBear) January 21, 2015
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Jeremy Summitt (@jeremysummitt)
Followers: 429
Michigan Daily beat writer and Big Ten writer for Along The Boards.
It's been three weeks since @mkomisarek joined Michigan as an undergrad assistant. I wrote about how that's going: http://t.co/Gd7uap1Br5
— Jeremy Summitt (@jeremysummitt) January 22, 2015
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WAFT Blog (@CornellWAFT)
Followers: 465
Great coverage of the Cornell Big Red men's and women's teams. Not afraid to call out the casuals.
An open letter to the Lynah Faithless. An address to students who think Cornell plays but one game at Lynah Rink. http://t.co/iMDcRzmiJO
— WAFT Blog (@CornellWAFT) January 29, 2015
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Don Adam (@donadam7)
Followers: 177
Referees are people too. NCHC Director of Officiating.
I think I was on that @Doritos flight this morning!
— Don Adam (@DonAdam7) February 2, 2015
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Kat Hasenauer (@sportsgirlkat)
Followers: 4,279
Boston-based freelance writer. Inside Hockey East & ECAC podcaster.
Burning question: did any student section at the men's Beanpot have a Super Bowl left shark cutout/sign? I could see this being a thing.
— Kat Hasenauer (@sportsgirlkat) February 4, 2015
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Darin Pritchett (@IrishHockeyTalk)
Followers: 121
Notre Dame hockey radio play-by-play
Watched replay of slash 20 times, Im blown away by decision. I just don't see how action leads to this punishment.
— Darin Pritchett (@IrishHockeyTalk) January 29, 2015
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Mary Clarke (@marycclarke)
Followers: 371
Penn State men's and women's hockey coverage for a plethora of sites with Doctor Who hot takes for good measure.
SPORTS
— Mary Clarke (@marycclarke) February 2, 2015
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Jeremy Dewar (@jeremy_dewar)
Followers: 373
Michigan State hockey writer for The Only Colors. Goal setter.
I will not be upset at all the typos in recruit's tweets tomorrow. That's the goal
— Jeremy Dewar (@Jeremy_Dewar) February 4, 2015
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Kyle Hayton (@khayton1)
Followers: 506
I'll be honest: The St. Lawrence freshman goalie and reigning ECAC rookie of the month is on this list for the below tweet and bringing back the Mile High Salute. (Hayton is a Denver native.)
Clarkson, you guys should be used to this now #youcanflipmyburgers #saints pic.twitter.com/x35Hulzs5i
— Kyle Hayton (@khayton1) February 1, 2015
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Mark Majewski (@markmajewski)
Followers: 1,275
Boston College hockey SID and, as bestowed once before on this list, an infographic wizard. 1994 Junior Goodwill Games historian.
The 'Official Mighty Ducks @collegehockey Choices" list has been officially released. pic.twitter.com/o3qn25Wm6m
— Mark Majewski (@markmajewski) May 28, 2013
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Ryan Evans (@ryanmevans)
Followers: 435
WCHA writer for CHN and SB Nation College Hockey contributer. Still around despite being a Wisconsin alum and Buffalo Sabres fan.
Sports are bad #BanSports
— Ryan Evans (@ryanmevans) January 18, 2015
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Candace Horgan (@candacehorgan)
Followers: 452
USCHO.com NCHC and women's hockey writer. Photographer.
Arlan & I look at @GopherWHockey vs @BadgerWHockey, @BC_WHockey vs @BUwhockey, and top performers of the year http://t.co/ETQuPPwDZU
— Candace Horgan (@CandaceHorgan) January 14, 2015
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Tim Adams (@t_j_adams)
Followers: 200
Ohio State equipment manager.
We are ready. Game 2 of weekend series at Penn State. 3:05 puck drop. #GoBucks #B1GHockey @OhioState_MHKY pic.twitter.com/NKv4njo0ks
— Tim Adams (@t_j_adams) January 10, 2015
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Jack Eichel (@Jack_Eichel11)
Followers: 10.5K
Okay Eichel isn't the most interesting person to follow like some of the other hockey players on this list. People know who the future NHL superstar is. In fact more people follow him than almost everyone on this list. But you only have so much longer to follow the Boston University freshman/future NHL superstar in college.
Beanpot.
— Jack Eichel (@Jack_Eichel11) February 3, 2015
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Miss a must follow? Let us know in the comments.