The Hockey team of Merrimack added two more names this week to the schedule of 2025-26, and landed by defender commitments Trained valley and forward Riley bass.
The additions bring the projected schedule from the Warriors to 27 players for next season -one about the new NCAA scheduling limit of 26, founded under the recent Sousne v. NCAA settlement. However, there is a wrinkle: teams may surpass the cap if the extra players are classified as “designated student athletes” (DSAs). Under the settlement, DSAs are defined as players who were allegedly cut under a hard cap, but can be stored under the new transitional guidelines.
Ultimately, the respite period will finish-life program must be against 26 players by the 2029-30 season. But until that time, teams can exceed the cap of 26 players if it is compensated by DSAs on the selection.
For the time being, Merrimack is planning to wear 28 players in the coming season, sources tell me, which means that there could still be an addition along the way.
Ballyne, 21, is a 6-foot-3 Blueliner from London, Ontario. He was originally dedicated to the state of Tennessee, who had plans to launch a Division I program this fall. When that timeline shifted to 2026-27, Ballyne opened his recruitment again.
Last season he registered 14 points (3 goals, 11 assists) in 52 games for the Prince George Spruce Kings (BCHL). Before that he appeared in 43 games for the Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL) during the 2022-23 campaign.
Bassen, 20, was previously dedicated to the state of Michigan. A resident of Frisco, Texas, he is a USHL veteran, who has spent the last three seasons in the competition. Last year he placed 16 points (7 goals, 9 assists) in 50 games with the Fargo Force and achieved 22 points (10 goals, 12 assists) in two seasons with the Cedar Rapids Roughriders from 2022-24.
If the name sounds known, it should – Riley Bassen comes from NHL blood lines. His father, Bob, registered 765 NHL games for a 15-year career at the Blues, Flames, Stars, Nordiques, Blackhawks and Islanders. His grandfather, Hank, also played in the competition and adapted for the Blackhawks, Red Wings and Penguins.
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