Commitments and NLOIs (National Letters of Intent): who's going where?

It's that time of the year again......yes, the time where young student-athletes begin their submission/signing of NLIs (National Letters of Intent).

For those who don't know what it is, an NLI basically states that a student-athlete is planning to enroll in a particular institution for a minimum of one year.

Here is the
NLI List (http://www.insidecollegehockey.com/7Archives/Notebooks/recruiting.htm) currently available thru the InCH site. It's updated as information becomes available.

i d like to say two things. One love to see all those minn's everywhere. And the other is well it will not be seen by many here so i feel safe. Most of the kids played in the ushl, devolpment leagues, and so on. Not a lot of high school kids any more. the NCAA is getting bigger and faster. now when i look at canadian juniors, i see 16-18 year old under devolped kids. they have talent do not get me wrong. but how can u compare the two. the NCAA IMO is touger, they may not always make the better NHLer, but if a traditioal HS kid can not make the NCAA due to his size and you have 16 yr olds in juniors. I think its a no brainer. Right now Crosby and Parise are about the same talent level, Crosby 2 pts a game, Parise not even close. 13 pts in 11 games. Just an observation.

For those following the NLOI signings......

Vince Goulet, son of former NHLer (and currently with the Colorado Avalanche organization) has DU on his short list of schools that he's considering attending. What makes Goulet going with DU (should he decide to go there) interesting is that he would be playing with Paul Statsny, the son of former NHL great Peter Statsny, who has alrady committed to DU. Why is this interesting? Because both fathers played together during the days of the Quebec Nordiques (now Colorado Avalanche). In a sense this would be the next generation playing together......or in simpler terms Statsny and Goulet, Part #2 College-style.

Vince Goulet is currently with the Texas Tornados of the NAHL. The other schools on his short list are MSU, UVM and Providence.

Right now Crosby and Parise are about the same talent level, Crosby 2 pts a game, Parise not even close. 13 pts in 11 games. Just an observation.

I definitely agree that College Hockey is stronger than the CHL and the Q, but Parise is no where near Crosby. Crosby went to slgihtly inferior league at age 16, Parise is 19. Crosby is the best player in the Q, and Parise is near the top in college, but in 3 years, Crosby should surpass Parise.

For those following the NLOI signings......

Vince Goulet, son of former NHLer (and currently with the Colorado Avalanche organization) has DU on his short list of schools that he's considering attending. What makes Goulet going with DU (should he decide to go there) interesting is that he would be playing with Paul Statsny, the son of former NHL great Peter Statsny, who has alrady committed to DU. Why is this interesting? Because both fathers played together during the days of the Quebec Nordiques (now Colorado Avalanche). In a sense this would be the next generation playing together......or in simpler terms Statsny and Goulet, Part #2 College-style.

Vince Goulet is currently with the Texas Tornados of the NAHL. The other schools on his short list are MSU, UVM and Providence.

Just to update things....

Goulet is headed to Providence.

Just to update things....

Goulet is headed to Providence.


TMHUNH: Do you have a source on this? Because I just checked the Friars, NAHL, Tornados sites as well as the Call and ProJo Sites and none of them have anything on this.

TMHUNH: Do you have a source on this? Because I just checked the Friars, NAHL, Tornados sites as well as the Call and ProJo Sites and none of them have anything on this.

OC..

It is on Heisenberg's recruits site

OC..

It is on Heisenberg's recruits site

Ok, I found it. All it just says is that he's made a VERBAL to Providence. It's not official (by Providence) yet.

Ok, I found it. All it just says is that he's made a VERBAL to Providence. It's not official (by Providence) yet.

LOL...you and those verbals again :)

Find me a player who committed 4 months before joining the team and then backed out.

I understand the difference, and I respect it. But the fact is, you and I both know that Goulet is going to Providence.

and FYI...He probably signed too...This is a signing period is it not? They never become "official" until Providence puts out the press release saying, "Providence welcomes X players onto the team for 04-05", and to do that they are probably waiting for one or 2 more guys to sign, but the press releases are already popping up for some teams, as they did in the fall for early signing period.

Find me a player who committed 4 months before joining the team and then backed out.
dave rathjen for lowell.

although that wasn't necessarily his decision.

(also brian pouliot for lowell verballed and then renegged)

(also brian pouliot for lowell verballed and then renegged)

But that wasn't the April before he joins the team.

Pouliot changed his mind over a year and a half before he (will) enter college this fall.

I wasn't saying at all that verbals dont get broken all the time, it has happened a few times in the last month alone.

I was just pointing out that you can put a pretty safe bet on the fact that when a kid commits 4 months before suiting up, in a signing period no less, that you can bet it is set in stone. The ONLY time it would ever happen is if the player opts to go Major Junior or switch sports ala Jamie Hoffmann. But then again, the players that do that are all recruited early too.

I just think that Oilerschick is getting carried away with the verbals, replying with the same logic everytime someone reports a commitment. (No Offense Oilerschick, I love what you bring to this board, and that is in no way a personal jab).

It is safe to assume that a verbal is a solid commitment, until of course someone changes there mind, and THEN we can talk about it.

Pouliot changed his mind over a year and a half before he (will) enter college this fall.
actually, he was set to go to lowell and be a freshman for this past season.

then when he transferred to UNH, that ******* Umile, who broke the Hockey East coaches' gentleman's agreement to not take kids that already verballed to other schools, told him to go to juniors.

actually, he was set to go to lowell and be a freshman for this past season.

then when he transferred to UNH, that ******* Umile, who broke the Hockey East coaches' gentleman's agreement to not take kids that already verballed to other schools, told him to go to juniors.

I am very familiar with the situation.

You are missing the point.

Pouliot did not commit to Lowell in April of last year and then backed out, in fact he had already changed his mind to UNH months before that, never mind when he originally committed. My ONLY point was that I cant think of anyone that has committed to a school in April/May and backed out by August. That was my original point, I think you misunderstood. I was saying nothing about the fact that kids dont change their mind.

Fact is. Goulet is headed to Providence, and he doesn't even have the time to change his mind. One can expect he thought long and hard about it, and nothing that he considered is going to change in the short run.

If this kid was a recruit for 2 years from now we wouldn't be having this conversation. Because then he would have time to change his mind, like Pouliot whom you mentioned.

Either way, all I am trying to say in the last 7 posts of this thread is: We on this board should be able to treat verbal commitments as official for arguments sake and give the benefit of the doubt. It is pointless to have to reply to every commitment with the warning that it is verbal, because many on this board would assume so anyways.

Bottom line: IF a verbal turns to a confirmed signing or god forbid someone backs out of a verbal, THEN it is newsworthy, not vice versa.

Goulet's dad (VP with the Avalanche) wouldn't make a decision then let his son back out of it.

But odds are with ANYONE making a committment now to stick to it for 04-05

I was hoping Goulet would commit to DU...I wish him the best of luck at Providence.

LOL...you and those verbals again :)

Find me a player who committed 4 months before joining the team and then backed out.

I understand the difference, and I respect it. But the fact is, you and I both know that Goulet is going to Providence.

and FYI...He probably signed too...This is a signing period is it not? They never become "official" until Providence puts out the press release saying, "Providence welcomes X players onto the team for 04-05", and to do that they are probably waiting for one or 2 more guys to sign, but the press releases are already popping up for some teams, as they did in the fall for early signing period.

Yes. Defenseman Jay Rosehill made a verbal to North Dakota, but ended up signing an NLOI with Minnesota-Duluth. He'll be there this fall.

Then there's Matt Nickerson. Who EVERYONE (at least from the folks I've spoken with and/or whose stuff I've read) along with yours truly thought that Nickerson was U of Michigan bound, then at almost the very last possible moment decided to attend and eventually signed an NLOI with Clarkson instead. The reason Nickerson gave as I recall was that he wanted to see a lot of ice time from day #1, which Berenson couldn't/wouldn't guarantee him.

My point is, while verbals in MANY, if not most cases eventually turn into signing an NLOI with the same institution, it doesn't always work out that way. That's why I am (many times) skeptical until the player has actually made it official with who he is going to commit to by the signing of an NLOI. Goulet will likely, at least for now, be on his way to Providence. I wish him well, it's a good program that looks to be getting better that he's going into.

This was in today's Denver Post about Goulet:

http://www.denverpost.com/Stories/0,1413,36~87~2153082,00.html


Another son of a famous Nordiques player looked into DU. But Vince Goulet, the son of Avalanche executive Michel Goulet, declined to wait another year for a chance to play with the Pioneers. So the former star of the North American Hockey League's Texas Tornado signed with Providence.

"He wanted to play (next season)," said Gwozdecky, who offered Goulet a scholarship that would begin in 2005. "He felt he was ready and he wanted to go somewhere were he could play right away. His best chance to contribute (for us) as a freshman was a year down the road."

Had a feeling this was the reason. Wish him the best.

http://minnesota.theinsiders.com/2/249216.html

A little old and not a NLI, but a verbal :mad: Only a junior, hopefully he does decide to attend the U. of Minnesota. My guess is with Wheeler possibly being a first round pick this year he will play his senior year in the USHL , more then likely. Who knows though?

According to the Omaha Lancers, one of the most highly sought after prospects, Brock Bradford committed to Boston College today. He was also looking at Minnesota & Denver. Also Trevor Smith committed to New Hampshire.
http://www.lancers.com/PressRelease.asp?PRID=787

[QUOTE=Oilers Chick]

Then there's Matt Nickerson. Who EVERYONE (at least from the folks I've spoken with and/or whose stuff I've read) along with yours truly thought that Nickerson was U of Michigan bound, then at almost the very last possible moment decided to attend and eventually signed an NLOI with Clarkson instead. The reason Nickerson gave as I recall was that he wanted to see a lot of ice time from day #1, which Berenson couldn't/wouldn't guarantee him.

QUOTE]

Just to clarify a couple of things.

Nickerson went to Clarkson because of a miscommunication. His Michigan Scholarship was supposed to be for the next year, not last year. There was also some doubt because of the time he hadnt signed with the Dallas Stars yet. Matt should have never gone to college, in the first place. He didnt sign with Dallas til after the college season and the Stars wanted him to start getting ready for the NHL.

Vince Goulet, signed with Prov, because of several other team mates from Texas went there and will be going there. Brad Cooper and Austin Miller have agreed to go there next season. Trevor Ludwig and Billy McCreary have already gone there as well. Look for a couple more Tornado players to be signed with Prov.

Well the early signing period for the 2005-06 season (and in a few cases, beyond that) has officially opened.

Michigan State has announced their early period siginings:

Goaltender: Jeff Lerg
Forwards: Justin Abdelkader, Tim Kennedy, Nick Sucharski
Defensemen: Brandon Gentile and Ryan Turek.

You can read about all of these players in the

MSU early signing press release (http://msuspartans.collegesports.com/sports/m-hockey/spec-rel/111104aaa.html).

Providence College announced that Brad Cooper, Austin Miller, Nick Mazzolini (Texas, NAHL) John Mori, Pierce Norton, and Cody Wild all signed to play for them next year.

Press Release: http://mgoblue.com/document_display.cfm?document_id=16346

Coach Berenson's Comments: http://mgoblue.com/document_display.cfm?document_id=16349

Wheeler, RJ Anderson, Ryan Stoa, Jeff Frazee all signed with Minny.

Denver got commitments from Marcuzzi, Butler and Gifford.

They are also heavily recruiting Fast and Trotter

http://www.denverpost.com/Stories/0,1413,36~87~2580967,00.html

Texas Tornado goaltender #30 Ben Bishop has accepted an offer to play for the University of Maine in the fall of 2005. Bishop, who was on an official visit to Maine this past weekend, received a full scholarship to backstop the Black Bears, who are one of the premier teams at the NCAA Division I level.
Bishop becomes the 5th player from the 2004-05 Texas Tornado to commit to a NCAA Division I school. The others are: #3 Austin Miller (Providence), #12 Brad Cooper (Providence), #15 Nick Mazzolini (Providence), and #22 Matt Krug (Wayne State).

Providence signed Matt Taormina and the Air Force signed Josh Frider

Denver got commitments from Marcuzzi, Butler and Gifford.

They are also heavily recruiting Fast and Trotter

http://www.denverpost.com/Stories/0,1413,36~87~2580967,00.html

I was reading on the Post site earlier today that Fast and Trotter are locked up for the Pioneers.

The Star-Tribune is reporting that Alex Stalock has given a verbal to UM (that's Minnesota not Michigan). BTW, is Stalock an '05 or '06 incoming freshman?

• Goalie Alex Stalock, a South St. Paul senior playing in the U.S. Hockey League this season, has committed to Minnesota Duluth for the 2006-07 season

I was reading on the Post site earlier today that Fast and Trotter are locked up for the Pioneers.

The Star-Tribune is reporting that Alex Stalock has given a verbal to UM (that's Minnesota not Michigan). BTW, is Stalock an '05 or '06 incoming freshman?
Good news. Intersting fact Comrie, Konowalchuk, and Messier all attended DU.

Of course they are the brothers of the NHL players.

• Goalie Alex Stalock, a South St. Paul senior playing in the U.S. Hockey League this season, has committed to Minnesota Duluth for the 2006-07 season

My bad, thanks for the heads up on that one and the answer to my question.

This is a few days old on USCHO.com

http://www.uscho.com/news/2005/01/27_009752.php

He called Fast The frontrunner: Fast loves Ralph Engelstad Arena (what recruit doesn't?), while two of his current teammates (Mason Raymond and MacGregor Sharp) will be sharing an apartment in Duluth next year. But the smart money is on Denver, which reminds Fast of his hometown of Calgary. It doesn't hurt that Denver head coach George Gwozdecky knows a thing or two about developing college defensemen (see: Matt Carle, Brett Skinner and Ryan Caldwell).

I like UMD's class for next year especially now that they have picked up Jared Boll whom the Huskies were going after...the Gopher class just looks scary.

USNTDP U-17 Defenceman Kevin Montgomery to attend OSU in 2006.

Isn't this Wednesday (April 13th) the National Letter Of Intent day?

Yes, it was.

BTW, Phil Kessel has now made his Minnesota commitment official, he signed his NLOI yesterday. You can read all about it HERE (http://www.startribune.com/stories/503/5346892.html).

The Texas Tornado Captain Tom Train Jr, today signed to go play with Alabama-Huntsville on a Full 4 year scholarship.

Trains numbers

55 gp 33 goals 36 assists 69 total points and 129 PIMS

Peter Muller is listed on Minn site as a verbal commitment. He is an 88 how much weight does this carry? I am hoping very little we would love to have him in Everett.
Also if he play's a year or two in Everett can he still move to ncaa when old enough?
Thanks

Peter Muller is listed on Minn site as a verbal commitment. He is an 88 how much weight does this carry? I am hoping very little we would love to have him in Everett.
Also if he play's a year or two in Everett can he still move to ncaa when old enough?
Thanks

It is almost a given he is going there..and he's expected to go there in the 2006-07 season

Patrick Mullen commits to DU

http://www.pittsburghhornets.com/cms/program/content/98.php?ID=5

It is almost a given he is going there..and he's expected to go there in the 2006-07 season
I'm not so sure about that. There has been a lot of speculation lately for various reasons that he may forego college hockey entirely and play for Everett instead of MN. Somebody please correct me if I am wrong, but if he does end up going to Everett, I don't think he will be eligible to play college hockey.

Did a search and here is what I found from the "Play Your Game" web site. http://www.playyourgame.com/ncaa_eligibility_explained.html

Basicly NCAA sees the CHL as pro there for you lose eligibility.

I also have been reading more that Mueller is unsure where he will be playing. I see that as a good thing for Everett.

Looks like the hiring of Motzko has paid off....Jon Ammerman, a defenseman out of Moorhead has verballed for the 2006-07 season, wasn't even considering SCSU but was considering MN because of Motzko

Article (http://miva.sctimes.com/miva/cgi-bin/miva?Web/page.mv+1+sports+776681+&ARCH=Yes)

Looks like the hiring of Motzko has paid off....Jon Ammerman, a defenseman out of Moorhead has verballed for the 2006-07 season, wasn't even considering SCSU but was considering MN because of Motzko

Article (http://miva.sctimes.com/miva/cgi-bin/miva?Web/page.mv+1+sports+776681+&ARCH=Yes)

I thought I read someplace he only had an offer from UNO but nobody else. Isn't it a bit difficult to consider a school like Minnesota when they don't offer you anything? Sounds to me like he didn't have a choice in the matter other than one other school.

Anything on Chris Peluso?

Anything on Joe Finley? In an interview I did with him last year for USA Junior Hockey Magazine, he confessed he would probably be in the WCHA, but he didn't say when he'd go. Is he staying in Sioux Falls?

I thought I read someplace he only had an offer from UNO but nobody else. Isn't it a bit difficult to consider a school like Minnesota when they don't offer you anything? Sounds to me like he didn't have a choice in the matter other than one other school.


So he only had the one offer...he hadn't even looked at SCSU till Motzko got here.

I thought I read someplace he only had an offer from UNO but nobody else. Isn't it a bit difficult to consider a school like Minnesota when they don't offer you anything? Sounds to me like he didn't have a choice in the matter other than one other school.
Just because he hadn't received a scholarship offer from schools such as MN and UND doesn't mean he isn't a good player. I have seen Ammerman play a couple of times, and IMHO, the Huskies got a good one, Ammerman is a good player and should do quite well at SCSU. One of the possible reasons MN hadn't made him an offer was because they are really loaded and are bringing in a lot of kids with their next two recruiting classes, so perhaps they didn't have a scholarship to offer him yet? I think the same holds true with North Dakota, and it could also be the case with some of the other WCHA schools. Also, a lot of times programs want the kids to spend a year after high school in the USHL to see how they'll do against bigger and better players before making an official offer. Those could be some of the reasons nobody had offered him a scholarship quite yet. Regardless, SCSU got him, and hopefully it will be a good fit. Only time will tell...

Anything on Joe Finley? In an interview I did with him last year for USA Junior Hockey Magazine, he confessed he would probably be in the WCHA, but he didn't say when he'd go. Is he staying in Sioux Falls?

I've been searching high and low, checking out every possible site that I can think of and I haven't found anything anywhere that says Finley has committed to a school yet. I'll keep my eyes open and let you know as soon I find anything.

I've been searching high and low, checking out every possible site that I can think of and I haven't found anything anywhere that says Finley has committed to a school yet. I'll keep my eyes open and let you know as soon I find anything.
He hasn't made a committment to any school. Still in the recruiting process, and is being recruited quite heavily from a couple of WCHA powerhouses, including North Dakota and MN.

He hasn't made a committment to any school. Still in the recruiting process, and is being recruited quite heavily from a couple of WCHA powerhouses, including North Dakota and MN.Interesting. That probably means he will be back in Sioux Falls then for next season. I am anxious to see how he progresses. The pressure will certainly be on considering that he should get picked in the 2nd or 3rd round of the draft. High expectations for sure.

Interesting. That probably means he will be back in Sioux Falls then for next season. I am anxious to see how he progresses. The pressure will certainly be on considering that he should get picked in the 2nd or 3rd round of the draft. High expectations for sure.
There was an article not too long ago about Finley - can't remember where it was published, I'll post the link if I can find it - that raved about him. It basically said he is all but a can't-miss prospect, endless upside, etc. He is HUGE and apparently is a very good skater and is quite skilled. Some project him as going in the 2nd or even 1st round, depending on how he develops in the next year or so.

Interesting. That probably means he will be back in Sioux Falls then for next season.

Not entirely true. He is trying to get his high school done this summer and if that happens, he might play college hockey this fall.

Not entirely true. He is trying to get his high school done this summer and if that happens, he might play college hockey this fall.I'm sure he COULD play, but most teams have most likely signed away all their scholarships. I haven't done the research, but I'm almost positive Minnesota has (with that amazing class they have coming in), and Finley (without telling me flat out which school) said he wants to play in the WCHA. He's from Minnesota, so I'm guessing they'd be high on his list.

For D the gophs have Harrington, Vanelli, Goligoski, Peltier, Hagemo, Atherton, Anderson and Kennedy. Do not where we would fit a d man into that system. With Kennedy, Atherton and Harrington all leaving and i think only E. Johnson coming in so far we could use another d man. But if he has no O up side i do not see tDon really going after him. Unless he is outstanding in his own end.

I'm sure he COULD play, but most teams have most likely signed away all their scholarships. I haven't done the research, but I'm almost positive Minnesota has (with that amazing class they have coming in), and Finley (without telling me flat out which school) said he wants to play in the WCHA. He's from Minnesota, so I'm guessing they'd be high on his list.

Lucia is notorious for leaving some scholarship available late in case he needs it. If he doesn't use it, it gets dispersed throughout the team. If Finley wanted to play this year, his opportunity is there. He isn't accelerating his school for nothing. He may not go to college this fall but I doubt it will be because of scholarship concerns. Especially a kid from Edina. They aren't exactly lacking for cash in that part of town.

For D the gophs have Harrington, Vanelli, Goligoski, Peltier, Hagemo, Atherton, Anderson and Kennedy. Do not where we would fit a d man into that system. With Kennedy, Atherton and Harrington all leaving and i think only E. Johnson coming in so far we could use another d man. But if he has no O up side i do not see tDon really going after him. Unless he is outstanding in his own end.

Not going after him? You are incorrect.

They are interested and he would fit in. Lucia may generally like puck moving guys but he also knows he needs a few guys that play like Matt DeMarchi did. Finley's ability (especially his size and physical play) has some facets that are lacking in most of the current Gopher defenseman.

For this year though? We have 8 very capable D men. And 12 forwards. Seems hard that we would just add him to add him. Next year for sure yeah. But not this year. It is nice to have top end talent but too much is a bad thing. You have to play just about our whole team. I think they all deserve ice time. If tDon is thinking about the future he cant have guys like Pohl, Gordon and Borgen tossed to the bench only to have them transfer and then watch, Irmen, Potulny, Kessel, Wheeler and Chucko all turn pro. Our d pairings will be
Harrington-Goligoski
Anderson-Hagemo
Peltier-Vanelli
Kennedy and Ateherton on reserve.
Next year i think he will be a solid addition. With losing Harrington this coming up year and Judd last year. We will need a big "dirty" clear the front of the net kind of guy.
He left the last scholarship for Kessel. And if Bradford came he may have miracled a scholarship for Kessel. Unless he is the NA Chara i doubt it will happen this year.

Yes, this year. If Finley wants to come this year, he will be there. They have some scholarship available. He just took another unofficial visit about two weeks ago.

I don't know what your definition of "big dirty" is but I don't consider either Stevens or Harrington to fit the bill. Especially Harrington. He may make a few big open ice hits but that is about it. Atherton is about as close as the Gophers get to a "big dirty" but his mobility isn't the best and it keeps him out of the lineup.

Kennedy had some recent surgery. The last I heard, it was unsure if he would be able to play this year. Even if Kennedy is available, the Gophers have carried nine defensemen under Lucia before so it won't be a shock if it happens again.

Who else is in the hunt for Finley? I could swear that I read some place recently that Wisconsin was in the mix too. Any truth to that one, PuckFan?

Who else is in the hunt for Finley? I could swear that I read some place recently that Wisconsin was in the mix too. Any truth to that one, PuckFan?

I am aware of North Dakota as well. I am sure other WCHA schools are interested but Minnesota and North Dakota seem to be the ones most often mentioned.

Kennedy had some recent surgery. The last I heard, it was unsure if he would be able to play this year. Even if Kennedy is available, the Gophers have carried nine defensemen under Lucia before so it won't be a shock if it happens again.
So if Kennedy is out, that would leave 8 dmen to fight for ice time without Finley in the mix. Keep in mind that injuries and other things can happen that might keep people from playing. Don't forget what happened last year when Goligoski, Kennedy, Atherton, and Hagemo were all out of the lineup for various reasons and Lucia had to use Sertich at defense. There were also a couple of occasions where Lucia wanted to sit Harrington for crappy play but couldn't because they were so thin on the blueline due to injuries and whatnot. I'm not saying MN will be thin at d this year, but if they are only carrying 8 servicable dmen, you never know what can happen during the course of the year. Besides, if somebody as talented as Finley comes along, especially somebody with size, tons of talent, and a mean streak, you go after him regardless of how stacked you think you MAY be at a certain position. :D

If Kennedy ends up being out, the Gophers would only have seven defensemen available. That doesn't leave much room for error when it comes to injuries or any other potential issues. If Finley wants to be a Gopher this year, they won't turn him down.

I realize that people will get hurt. But to have 9 d men. If Kennedy leaves that will give us 8 assuming Finley comes. Who do you sit? Play by committee? That ruins chemistry. And i would assume that Vannelli, Anderson, Peltier, Hagemo, Harrington, and Goligoski all came to play everyday. IMO it makes for a bad clubhouse, or it can go sour really quick. I d love to have the guy. I am sure tDon wants him too. We will have too many players and no consistancy. So i do not feel that lots of talent out weighs a balanced team. With Finley, if 6 of our d men are hot u cannot sit them. Atherton and Kennedy know that. The rest would rather play. I am sure tDon is one of the few coaches that can handle a team of talent. I do not know that much about Finley. But our D will be a strong suit next year. Harrington 4th year, Goligoski 2nd and looking great, Peltier coming off all rookie WCHA, Hagemo looked great when healthy, Mike i'll fight anyone Vannelli 3rd year. Anderson who some say was the best D man in MNHS the last 2 seasons. Lee, Nikassen and Goligoski included. If you can tell me Finley is more deserving of a spot than any one those guys i ll go with it. But to add another good D man that is as good overall, i realize he brings a physical presence we do not have, i see it being a latteral move that messes with chemistry.

I realize that people will get hurt. But to have 9 d men. If Kennedy leaves that will give us 8 assuming Finley comes. Who do you sit? Play by committee? That ruins chemistry.

You play the guys who win the opportunities and prove themself. These guys are supposed to compete for playing time. They aren't just handed playing time without earning it. Competition builds better players.

You reasoning about chemistry is hard to fathom. They have to make roster decisions every week and some players sit out anyway. A few guys will have to sit out even if Finley doesn't play this year. Are you going to tell me one more player is going to make this situation so much worse that a team will fall apart? :dunno: Give me a break. Players at this level understand they have to win jobs.

"Hey, we don't want to recruit another good player because it might hurt somebody's feelings." Thank God you don't recruit for this team. Apparently you know better than a veteran D1 head coach with a few national titles on his resume. :biglaugh:

From today's Research on Ice (ROI) Email:

Joe Finley hasn't made his D-I selection just yet, but he appears to be getting closer.

First off, the '87 born defenseman has earned high school senior status, and as he told ROI on Tuesday, he'll have his diploma in hand by August 1st.

That opens up the door for Finley to begin D-I play this fall. While a number of schools are still in play, Minnesota and North Dakota appear to be the two front-runners.

Why is it and how is it both the Golden Gophers and Fighting Sioux could still have scholarship money available for this fall? Injuries on the blueline could be key. North Dakota's Robbie Bina, on tap to be a junior next year, and Minnesota senior-to-be Peter Kennedy are both dealing with injuries that could prevent them from returning next season (Bina of course, suffered a severe spinal injury during North Dakota's WCHA Final Five contest versus Denver last spring).

It's not that either player's scholarship money would be pulled per se--in fact, as a Big Ten school, Minnesota must honor whatever scholarship money Kennedy has--but Bina and Kennedy's playing status for next year, along with other factors, could avail both schools the additional dollars necessary to bring Finley into the fold. Look for an ROI follow up on Finley within the next two weeks.

Hey lets get like 30 players. Ask half to walk on. That will be good too. Think of all the compition out there. We would win every year with that line up. I remember a great coach saying u do not need the best players just the right ones. We do not have an all star team by no means. If Kennedy is unavailbale i say yes its a good idea with Kennedy i do not see it. Tell me who to sit. And i will agree with you. This not someone needs a spell. This is one of Vanelli, Peltier, Goligoski, Harrington, Anderson and Hagemo. Tell me who of those to play for 25 games.

Like I said, the Gophers will have to sit some players no matter what happens with Finley. Your assertion that one more player is going to make it intolerable is a major stretch. I guess Lucia doesn't know what he is doing, huh? :biglaugh:

As for who would sit, I said playing time is something that is earned. Do you realize that after every season, Lucia sits down and has one on one meetings with the players and pretty much tells them that it will be open game for playing time the next season? The players know they will have to work hard and improve to get the playing time again. According to your attitude, I guess the returning players should just be a lazy ass in off-season because they already have their spot locked up. God forbid they actually have to earn it and beat out incoming players. :rolleyes:

Players earn playing time through hard work and showing improvement in practice (and eventually in games). The coaches don't make a lineup card by looking at last year's team and just insert the names of the guys who return. Until these guys get on the ice for the coaches and prove their worth, none of us can absolutely say who will be the one who sits out the most. You can't and I can't.

But if Finley does come in and beats out some of the current guys, the Gophers are better off for it.

We will be better off in the short term. maybe. If he beats out Hagemo or Peltier or Goligoski it hurts long term and the program. We need Kauffmans, Borgans and the like to play like Waibels and Flemings when they are seniors. Same thing on D. Judd would not have been captain or here if he had to play behind a 1-2 year player. To be a dynasty you need a mix of seniors and freshman that contribute. We won a national title with Nick Angell playing solid D. Because he did not ride the pine throughout his career, and when it counted he played, well he did not loose games for us.

We will be better off in the short term. maybe. If he beats out Hagemo or Peltier or Goligoski it hurts long term and the program. We need Kauffmans, Borgans and the like to play like Waibels and Flemings when they are seniors. Same thing on D. Judd would not have been captain or here if he had to play behind a 1-2 year player. To be a dynasty you need a mix of seniors and freshman that contribute. We won a national title with Nick Angell playing solid D. Because he did not ride the pine throughout his career, and when it counted he played, well he did not loose games for us.

The Gophers also won a national title with Joey Martin playing in big games in 2003 and he was in and out of the lineup for much of his career. Apparently your remarks don't hold water for everybody.

You already said you know little to nothing about Finley so how you can even have an opinion of whether he wouldn't be good in the long run? You are just pulling excuses out of nowhere.

What makes you think you know better than a head coach who has a full resume of success to back up his actions? If Lucia thinks it is a smart move to recruit Finley and bring him in this year, I guess I tend to think he is probably right. Certainly more right than any arm chair analyst is.

I suppose Steingrenner is the best owner in baseball becasue he has the most championships then right? I do not question tDon. But we also do not have him on the team yet either. Joey Martin knew he was going to used like that. The fore mentioned gopher D men are not role D men. Atherton is that guy this year and Kennendy if he plays. So if tDon does not go get Finley and Kennedy plays does that mean i was right because Lucia did what i thought he would. Finley is not here yet so its all speculation. Kennedy stays i say no Finley. Kennedy red shirts i say he goes hard after him.

I suppose Steingrenner is the best owner in baseball becasue he has the most championships then right? I do not question tDon. But we also do not have him on the team yet either. Joey Martin knew he was going to used like that. The fore mentioned gopher D men are not role D men. Atherton is that guy this year and Kennendy if he plays. So if tDon does not go get Finley and Kennedy plays does that mean i was right because Lucia did what i thought he would. Finley is not here yet so its all speculation. Kennedy stays i say no Finley. Kennedy red shirts i say he goes hard after him.

I know Steinbrenner (since you use him) knows more about running a baseball club than some chump in the stands does. Same with Lucia running a hockey program.

Lucia wants him. Got that? He may not have him yet but the desire to have him is there. They wouldn't be looking at him and he wouldn't be coming in for visits to the hockey office if they weren't interested now. They would rather have him now than not have him at all and lose him to North Dakota. You can bet on that.

As of right now, I only see four current defenseman as absolute every game players next year. Harrington, Peltier, Goligoski and Hagemo. The other two spots are definitely up for grabs. RJ Anderson has to prove himself just like any freshman does. I think you overrate Vannelli. He isn't bad but he isn't a lock for a spot by any means based on his past play. He'll need to step it up this year. Atherton needs to be played depending on the opponent and the rink they are playing on during a particular weekend but he won't be an every weekend player. Kennedy (if he is available) hasn't shown the ability to be a consistent, reliable defenseman. In other words, bringing in another guy to compete for the 5th and 6th defensive spots is worth it. Especially a guy who brings in certain facets (physical play) that the current defensive group doesn't have much of.

The issue with your weak logic is they are already recruiting him for next year. He finishes school next month and the decision will be up to him. If he wants to be a Gopher this fall, he will be. The only way he goes back to the USHL this next year is if he chooses to do so on his own.

When he comes and Kennedy is healthy i ll admit i was wrong
If Kennedy is here and he does not come will you admit u were wrong?

I believe Finley will be in college hockey this fall (why the heck do you think he is accelerating his schooling this summer? For his health? :dunno: ) It will likely be either Minnesota or North Dakota. The Gophers want him and he would be a nice addition to a defensive core that needs a guy like him. He was visiting them just a little over a week ago.

You have already made it plainly clear you don't know what is going on behind the scenes. I don't need to prove anything to you cause it is clear you don't have a clue as it is.

You make it sound like you were there. When i say i do not know it is because i wasn't there. Its not hard to read on USCHO, or GPL. That to me is not 100% info so i do not claim it to be bona fide truth. Plus he is of junior status now. He has promised to get a year done in 1-2 months.
Now if Finley had tutored Mueller both could have came in together. Too bad Pete could not excel at the same rate.

I like UMD's class for next year especially now that they have picked up Jared Boll whom the Huskies were going after...the Gopher class just looks scary.

Looks like Boll is going Major Jr. as the Plymouth Whalers have announced that they signed him.

Looks like Boll is going Major Jr. as the Plymouth Whalers have announced that they signed him.


Saw that, glad we didn't get him then

Mueller is also going the WHL route

Just for MN_Gopher's sake (since he was so convinced I was wrong), here is the final word on Finley.

The Gophers didn't get Finley (he committed to North Dakota today) but the story on him is the Gophers did try to bring him in for this fall. So I wasn't wrong. Here is the story via Research on Ice:

In early June, Sioux Falls defenseman Joe Finley earned senior high school status. Come August 1st, he'll graduate from high school, and four weeks later, he'll enter college. After an exhaustive process, the 6-7, 240 pound native of Edina, Minn., will do so at the University of North Dakota.

"There were some great choices out there, but you look at North Dakota's tradition, and you see they love big defensemen, and I think I can fit that mold," Finley told ROI Tuesday night. "I took my official visit there recently, and I had a chance to meet a lot of the guys, and see the campus. I just had the feeling this was the place I wanted to be."

Finley also considered Minnesota, which, like North Dakota, offered to bring him in this fall.

It has been an incredible summer for Finley to say the least. Not only has he been working on his degree by night, and working for his father's construction company by day, he and his family also had to deal with the unfortunate death of his 22 year-old cousin Jonathan, who passed away last weekend after a three-year bout with leukemia.

"He lived, and he fought hard," said Finley, "I will always remember him, and his courage."

As for Finley's course work, it's come via internet correspondence. His degree, however, will still come from his hometown Edina High School.

"It's been a whirlwind for sure," Finley said, "I knew what I had to do to get this all done, but sometimes I wasn't sure if I'd bitten off more than I could chew. But it looks like everything's going to fall in place, and in the end, it's been worth it."

Finley to UND confirmed (http://sfstampede.com/PressBox/HeadlineText.cfm?ID=719).

There is a politics to recruiting. We had to go after him. He is talented and from Minny. So we say that. But i bet NoDak hit him with everything they have got, while minny put it on the table. They(NoDak) offered a porterhouse and MN served him a burger with fries. NoDak is losing Geene probally, we have 7 potential starters allready on D. What deal was sweeter? And who needed him more?

There is a politics to recruiting. We had to go after him. He is talented and from Minny. So we say that. But i bet NoDak hit him with everything they have got, while minny put it on the table. They(NoDak) offered a porterhouse and MN served him a burger with fries. NoDak is losing Geene probally, we have 7 potential starters allready on D. What deal was sweeter? And who needed him more?

Whether they had different scholarship offers doesn't mean much to me. We would both be speculating on who offered what amount because very few people are going to be privy to the actual amount that each school offered. It may have been the same and it may not have been. Even if Minnesota offered a smaller percentage of scholarship, it could still be worth more in actual dollars since it costs more to go to school at Minnesota than it does North Dakota (and it should since it is a better academic institution than North Dakota). Either way, scholarship amount was never what I was talking about anyway.

The fact is both schools were going to bring him in for this season and the article I posted above with information directly from Finley backs up what I had been saying all along. Not that I needed the article to verify it but it gives you a source other than me to show I was right.

Whether they had different scholarship offers doesn't mean much to me. We would both be speculating on who offered what amount because very few people are going to be privy to the actual amount that each school offered. It may have been the same and it may not have been. Even if Minnesota offered a smaller percentage of scholarship, it could still be worth more in actual dollars since it costs more to go to school at Minnesota than it does North Dakota (and it should since it is a better academic institution than North Dakota). Either way, scholarship amount was never what I was talking about anyway.

The fact is both schools were going to bring him in for this season and the article I posted above with information directly from Finley backs up what I had been saying all along. Not that I needed the article to verify it but it gives you a source other than me to show I was right.That matters for a guy like Finley who will play no more than 2 years of college. :)

Kyle Ostrow has apparently committed to DU (2007).

http://members.aol.com/cheisenber/Recruit06.htm

Whether they had different scholarship offers doesn't mean much to me. We would both be speculating on who offered what amount because very few people are going to be privy to the actual amount that each school offered. It may have been the same and it may not have been. Even if Minnesota offered a smaller percentage of scholarship, it could still be worth more in actual dollars since it costs more to go to school at Minnesota than it does North Dakota (and it should since it is a better academic institution than North Dakota). Either way, scholarship amount was never what I was talking about anyway.

The fact is both schools were going to bring him in for this season and the article I posted above with information directly from Finley backs up what I had been saying all along. Not that I needed the article to verify it but it gives you a source other than me to show I was right.Give me some facts on this statement.

Give me some facts on this statement.

I too would also like to hear why NoDak has better academic institutions than Minny...but I doubt they do. Take in mind this is coming from a rabid Gopher fanatic and Minnesota student.

Pioneers apparently got a verbal committment from Tyler Ruegsegger. He's playing in Minnesota, but is from Lakewood, CO.

http://members.aol.com/cheisenber/Recruit06.htm

The Denver Post is confirming the oral commitments of Kyle Ostrow, Jesse Martin and Tyler Ruegsegger to Denver for their 07 class.

http://www.denverpost.com/sports/ci_3192863

Apparently USHR.com is reporting that goaltender Marc Cheverie has commited to Denver for their 07 class.

The Denver Post is confirming the oral commitments of Kyle Ostrow, Jesse Martin and Tyler Ruegsegger to Denver for their 07 class.

http://www.denverpost.com/sports/ci_3192863

Apparently USHR.com is reporting that goaltender Marc Cheverie has commited to Denver for their 07 class.

Marc Cheverie can be confirmed by visiting the Nanaimo Clipper website as it is on the front page there (www.nanaimoclippers.com).

On a side note.. Cheverie makes 6 Nanaimo Clippers already committed to NCAA programs with more likely to come I'm sure.

Besides Ostrow and Cheverie to DU

AJ Gale and Craig Gaudet to St. Cloud University to join last years CJAHL MVP Michael Olson

Colin Greening to Cornell to join Sawada, O'Byrne, Bitz, Mugford and Seminoff as Clippers playing for Cornell

Cody Danberg to Minnesota Duluth to join last years best defenseman Jason Garrison.

huskies got verbals from two more this week.
http://miva.sctimes.com/miva/cgi-bin/miva?Web/page.mv+1+sports+501273+&ARCH=Yes

ryan Lasch from the CJHL

http://miva.sctimes.com/miva/cgi-bin/miva?Web/page.mv+1+sports+45458+&ARCH=Yes

and garret roe from the USHL

that makes 5 players verballed since motzko arrived

those 2, peckscamp, nodl and ammerman

Tony Lucia decides to play at Minnesota. (http://www.startribune.com/stories/512/5718119.html)

Tony Lucia decides to play at Minnesota. (http://www.startribune.com/stories/512/5718119.html)Wow, what a shocker. :eek:

He will be coming in in 07. So hopefully he can be one of those role players we need. Other major D1 programs were interested. So this not a favor thing. Lucia is a ligtament major D1 player. And two years in the USHL will really help his devolpment for when he does arrive.

MN gets a commitment from Cade Fairchild (http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2005/11/28/66315). Scroll to the bottom of the MN-MSU/U-MI article.

:clap:

Chalk up another one for Bob Motzko's eye for quality talent.

This article by Kevin Allenspach (http://www.sctimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060707/SPORTS/107070027/1002) is reporting that Warroad's Aaron Marvin (a recent Calgary Flames draft pick) has verbally committed to SCSU for the 2008-09 season.

Good pick up by SCSU and it puts to rest (for now) the Aaron Marvin-to-UND rumor that I mentioned earlier.

Chalk up another one for Bob Motzko's eye for quality talent.

It doesn't take much of an eye for talent to go after a player that got drafted in the middle rounds by an NHL team. :dunno:

AJ Gale was suppose to go to St. Cloud next season but he's actually going to go over this season. Tough break for the Clippers but good luck to him. He needs to put some muscle on fast now.

It doesn't take much of an eye for talent to go after a player that got drafted in the middle rounds by an NHL team. :dunno:

It does when he wasn't seriously being looked at by any other team. He had no offers from anywhere else and Motzko grabbed him early

And Gale was going to come if Roe didn't. Roe isn't, so Gale is, its that simple :)

Rumor on GPL and in Sid Hartman's (Mpls. Star-Trib) column is former St. Thomas Academy star (he's heading to Ann Arbor for his SO year) Jordan Schroeder has told Lucia he will attend MN for the 09-10 season.
Man that's young....

Link to Sid's column (http://www.startribune.com/507/story/577065.html)

I really have to question why kids "Committ" this early. SO much can change in three years.

I am sure he did for a couple of reasons. One he wants to be a gopher and two will keep presure off. If he is that good he will be able to choose any school when he wants. Like El Amin if we have any B-Ball fans out there.

I am not holding my breathe yet. All the way through the u18 game at MN, Mueller was all jacked up about being a gopher. Then one quick turn and his verbal at 15 went bye-bye. So i am not doing cartwheels yet.

Mueller had no choice. He was trying to accelerate school so he could graduate a year early and play for Minnesota in 2006. However, he was clearly not going to be able to accomplish this academic feat and would not have made it to college hockey when he wanted to. He would have had to wait another year and join the team in 2007. He still wanted to play college hockey but not if it meant playing in the USHL for two years. The only good alternative to him at that point was to head to the WHL. Besides, Mueller is the only example of a Minnesotan committing to a school early and then not following through on it. The rest have always followed through.

Schroeder committed that early because he could. When top programs like Minnesota and Wisconsin are offering you scholarships at that age, I'd say the odds are pretty high that they think he is going to be a great player. Based on the track record of those two coaching staffs, I'd guess they are probably correct.

Mueller had no choice. He was trying to accelerate school so he could graduate a year early and play for Minnesota in 2006. However, he was clearly not going to be able to accomplish this academic feat and would not have made it to college hockey when he wanted to. He would have had to wait another year and join the team in 2007. He still wanted to play college hockey but not if it meant playing in the USHL for two years. The only good alternative to him at that point was to head to the WHL. Besides, Mueller is the only example of a Minnesotan committing to a school early and then not following through on it. The rest have always followed through.

Schroeder committed that early because he could. When top programs like Minnesota and Wisconsin are offering you scholarships at that age, I'd say the odds are pretty high that they think he is going to be a great player. Based on the track record of those two coaching staffs, I'd guess they are probably correct.

I know he had problems getting his school done. A diploma is not the most difficult thing to do. If he really wanted to, i think he could have made here for this season, 06-07. I think it was more of a few little birdies telling him he could be in the NHL this year. NHL :dunno: WCHA :dunno: He choose the easier route and went WHL in the hopes he would never see the college game anyway.

If he was thinking draft poistion. EJ goes first overall, JJ goes third, Skille top 10 from u18 and Okposo top 10 from USHL. So i would not buy that argument either.

According to Chris Heisenberg's site, Will O'Neill, the Atlanta Thrashers 2006 draft pick (210th overall I believe it was) has committed to UNH. He's expected to be in Durham in the fall of 2007.

I know he had problems getting his school done. A diploma is not the most difficult thing to do. If he really wanted to, i think he could have made here for this season, 06-07.

A diploma is not difficult to do if you aren't trying to accelerate. But finishing four years of high school in three years is challenging. It takes a lot of dedication and a lot of time (no summers off). Mueller was not a very good student in the first place so it was even more difficult for him. They knew late last summer that he wasn't going to finish on the time table they had set and 2006 was out of the question. That is the reality. There is no "think he could have" because they knew he couldn't make it.

A diploma is not difficult to do if you aren't trying to accelerate. But finishing four years of high school in three years is challenging. It takes a lot of dedication and a lot of time (no summers off). Mueller was not a very good student in the first place so it was even more difficult for him. They knew late last summer that he wasn't going to finish on the time table they had set and 2006 was out of the question. That is the reality. There is no "think he could have" because they knew he couldn't make it.


If you are going to work all your life to improve your hockey game. He could have worked at school just as hard. He IMO did not want to work that hard. And the WHL sounded better and better. A GED will get you in college and that takes six hours. In reality it would not really have been acclerated. He could have gone to summer school. Last summer and this summer would be his extra year. A regular load for two full years. It is clear he was not going to graduate college. Not everyone is a David Backes. In high school to pick off the basics. And in his case. I am sure a tutor was available. All the time. Would not have been that hard. Or he was a terrible student.

The WHL was still going to be there this year. He gave up, so to speak IMO. If school was not his thing then it was not his thing. I wish him the best. And hope he rips it up. So i can run my mouth about another Minnesota boy. But i am not going to make excuses for him. If it was his dream and he really wanted it. It could have gotten done.

Say what you want on Mueller but I know what happened. I don't have to speculate on it and say "IMO". I am simply stating a fact of how it actually was.

Say what you want on Mueller but I know what happened. I don't have to speculate on it and say "IMO". I am simply stating a fact of how it actually was.

How do you know? You obviously know him. But how can you go in his head and decide for someone else. If a huge work load or if a lack of desire was the real reason. The only perosn that can truly answer that is Mueller himself.

Nils Backstrom has apparently committed to UAA for this year. But there could be a problem, he may have played a pro game in the Swedish Elite league if this is to be believed

http://www.redwingscentral.com/prospects/backstrom.html

2005-06:
Had strong season at Sweden's under-20 level (41-7-11-18).
Made Swedish Elite League debut with Djurgarden (going pointless with an even plus-minus).

2005-06 Djurgarden Swe-J20 41 7 11 18 70 4 0 1 1 4
Swe 1 0 0 0 0 -- -- -- -- --

Defenseman Tyler Kieffer from Stillwater has committed to SCSU for the '07 season.
I don't know much about him, but he's supposed to be an offensive defenseman. He'll be playing for Cedar Rapids in the USHL this year

Update on him, guess he'll be staying at Stillwater this yar and joining Cedar Rapids after

Defenseman Sam Zabkowicz has committed to SCSU for the '07 season, he'll be spending 06 in Sioux Falls.

Played in a limted role for Texarkana of the NAHL

http://pointstreak.com/prostats/playerpage.html?playerid=559866&seasonid=1188

Say what you want on Mueller but I know what happened. I don't have to speculate on it and say "IMO". I am simply stating a fact of how it actually was.

But you can't really tell us too much without a source, or it is against HF rules.

Mueller was not a very good student in the first place so it was even more difficult for him. They knew late last summer that he wasn't going to finish on the time table they had set and 2006 was out of the question. That is the reality. There is no "think he could have" because they knew he couldn't make it.

Not to say I know first hand for sure...but this point of view is shared by others, including family members of players who were on the NTDP at the time.

According to USHR, John Lee, the younger brother of Brian Lee (UND) has committed to Denver. He's a 2008 recruit.

According to USHR, John Lee, the younger brother of Brian Lee (UND) has committed to Denver. He's a 2008 recruit.

Heisenberg's site says the same

Huskies get a HUGE commit from Jared Festler from Little Falls for the '08 season

http://www.sctimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061015/SPORTS/110150019/1002

Festler was 2nd in the state of MN with 49 goals and 82 points last year and is currently leading the Midwest Elite League in scoring with 23 points in 11 games.
Here's to hoping this also leads to his linemate Ben Hanowski also committing to State.

Must have been a heck of a recruiting battle between Mankato and St. Cloud for Festler.

SIOUX get verbal agreement from their top recruit for next year.

http://www.grandforksherald.com/articles/index.cfm?id=12853&section=Sports

Must have been a heck of a recruiting battle between Mankato and St. Cloud for Festler.

Thanks for the input there troll boy :shakehead Just because he only visited the two schools doesn't mean others weren't interested, or did you miss the part that said he'd recieved recruit material from several other schools.

If you think MN wasn't interested in a guy who put up 82 points as a sophomore, you're crazy, especially when landing him would make it easier to snag a teammate in Hanowski who I hear is a major Gopher fan.
Now its time for Festler to "fester" in Hanowski's mind and get him to join him as a Husky

Why is it trolling to say it must have been a battle between those two schools? Unless you simply don't like the company of Mankato in the same sentence? Beating Mankato for a player may not seem impressive but the Mavericks have had some pretty good players come through their program too. It may not be like beating North Dakota, Wisconsin or Minnesota for a player but I am sure Mankato must have liked him a lot if they had him in for an unofficial visit.

As for recruiting material, if you think that means much of anything, you aren't very well educated on how schools operate. There are lots of players who don't even end up in D-1 hockey that received recruiting material in the mail from a variety of schools. It is sort of like Spam Email for people like us. They are just keeping their name out there in case they ever want to act on it.

Why is it trolling to say it must have been a battle between those two schools? Unless you simply don't like the company of Mankato in the same sentence? Beating Mankato for a player may not seem impressive but the Mavericks have had some pretty good players come through their program too. It may not be like beating North Dakota, Wisconsin or Minnesota for a player but I am sure Mankato must have liked him a lot if they had him in for an unofficial visit.

As for recruiting material, if you think that means much of anything, you aren't very well educated on how schools operate. There are lots of players who don't even end up in D-1 hockey that received recruiting material in the mail from a variety of schools. It is sort of like Spam Email for people like us. They are just keeping their name out there in case they ever want to act on it.

The implication in your post is that just because he only visted those two schools, that no one else wanted him. If you read the article, he's been a Husky fan his whole life, and that likely made his decision a whole lot easier. I have no doubt this kid was on UW, UMN and UND's radar. He was too productive as a sophmore for him not to be, then throw in the fact he's leading the Midwest Elite League in scoring and he was probably on a lot more schools radar. He simply didn't visit them because he made a choice to play for his dream school.
The point is, it likely wouldn't have mattered if he'd visited every school in the country. Once SCSU came calling, the game was over.

I didn't say that nobody else was watching him. But schools watch tons of kids so that isn't anything out of the ordinary. Elite League games have tons of scouts every week and they watch all the players. So he isn't exactly unique in that regard.

I think it is pretty safe to say that if some of the schools you mentioned were as interested as you assume, he would have unofficially visited them long before Mankato. Especially considering North Dakota and Minnesota were setting up visits with other players of his age at the very same time in recent weeks and never asked him.

Any news on Pat McGann?
I haven't seen anything in where he is considering going to.

I didn't say that nobody else was watching him. But schools watch tons of kids so that isn't anything out of the ordinary. Elite League games have tons of scouts every week and they watch all the players. So he isn't exactly unique in that regard.

I think it is pretty safe to say that if some of the schools you mentioned were as interested as you assume, he would have unofficially visited them long before Mankato. Especially considering North Dakota and Minnesota were setting up visits with other players of his age at the very same time in recent weeks and never asked him.
Let's put it this way... if Jared Festler called up Hakstol, Lucia, or Eaves and said "I'll play for your school if I can get a full scholarship." would any of them say yes?

I would have to say some would. Festler is at least that good.

BTW, Festler would have to set up his own visits, as he is still underage. The "visits with other players of his age" you are refering too were instigated by the player, not the coaches.

I think Festler is a very good catch. He may end up being one of the better recruits for his year. I just think that other schools may have just been waiting another year to see if he carries his current game forward...while SCSU was willing to commit earlier.

Meanwhile, Sam Lofquist committed to Minnesota for '08. Sam is a very talented cheesehead that recently played for Shattuck St Mary last year and has moved on to join the NTDP with the U17 kids.

F Jack Downing of Omaha in the USHL has given UVM a verbal commitment. Hasn't decided on attendance in 07-08 or 08-09, though.

Let's put it this way... if Jared Festler called up Hakstol, Lucia, or Eaves and said "I'll play for your school if I can get a full scholarship." would any of them say yes?

I would have to say some would. Festler is at least that good

Considering much better players than him don't receive full rides from those schools, I'd say you would be incorrect. In fact, I'd strongly bet Motzko didn't give him a full ride. Full rides are rare. Especially at schools on the level of prestige of North Dakota, Wisconsin and Minnesota. If they wanted him, I can guarantee you they would have been far more aggressive about it.

BTW, Festler would have to set up his own visits, as he is still underage. The "visits with other players of his age" you are refering too were instigated by the player, not the coaches.

You clearly don't know NCAA rules very well. Personalized letters and Emails from coaches are allowed after September 1st of a player's junior year. They can send more than standard school literature to players (as was alluded to earlier that this player received). Coaches can easily initiate contact with a player using these means, let a player know that they would like to set up an unofficial visit and give details for a visit. You couldn't be more wrong on that one.

Touche. I'll concede you are way more knowlegable than I about college hockey recruiting if you can answer me one question, which one '89 WCHA recruit will score more points in his first two years in the league? I promise I won't argue, I just want to see if you turn out to be correct.

The problem with trying to answer such a question is that I cannot predict certain factors that will play a role in the final answer. For instance, I have no idea what various team depth charts are going to look like two years from now. Especially these days with early pro signings happening a little more frequently.

This makes it very difficult to know how new players will fit into their respective teams a few years from now and what kinds of opportunities they may have immediately available to them. You cannot predict those things either. That makes your question a loaded one for anybody to answer right now.

If the question was based strictly on ability and a player's potential, it would be much easier to answer. But there are factors we simply cannot account for right now.

I think Festler is a very good catch. He may end up being one of the better recruits for his year. I just think that other schools may have just been waiting another year to see if he carries his current game forward...while SCSU was willing to commit earlier.


That is likely to be Motzko's MO his entire time here. He did it with Christian and he did it with Marvin. He's going to have to lock these guys up early until he builds SCSU's program to be a consistent top five WCHA program. And I wouldn't put it past him to do it.

That is likely to be Motzko's MO his entire time here. He did it with Christian and he did it with Marvin. He's going to have to lock these guys up early until he builds SCSU's program to be a consistent top five WCHA program. And I wouldn't put it past him to do it.

If that is in fact Motzko's strategy...I like it. I think back to kids recruited very early (at least in the WCHA) and they typically turn out to be excellent prospects. MN's Peter Mueller (although he later cancelled he turned out to be a stud) and WI's Turris are just two that come to mind. I could see that being an excellent strategy coupled with a coach with a great rep...I could see SCSU approaching those days...where nobody wants to play them.

The problem with trying to answer such a question is that I cannot predict certain factors that will play a role in the final answer. For instance, I have no idea what various team depth charts are going to look like two years from now. Especially these days with early pro signings happening a little more frequently.

This makes it very difficult to know how new players will fit into their respective teams a few years from now and what kinds of opportunities they may have immediately available to them. You cannot predict those things either. That makes your question a loaded one for anybody to answer right now.

If the question was based strictly on ability and a player's potential, it would be much easier to answer. But there are factors we simply cannot account for right now.
Fair enough, but essentially you're making my point for me. There may have been many factors why the Big 3 WCHA teams didn't recruit Festler at this point, but lack of potential wasn't one of them. Festler, as far as ANYBODY can say right now, is amongst the better of the '89s. And like Rabid was saying, sometimes signing high-potential-unknown-quantity kids at Festler's age is how teams like SCSU will compete with the Big 3. Who knows, the Big 3 could have come knocking if Jared continues to shine his junior year, but the point is moot because he had his heart set on SCSU.

Fair enough, but essentially you're making my point for me. There may have been many factors why the Big 3 WCHA teams didn't recruit Festler at this point, but lack of potential wasn't one of them.

I didn't make any point for you that relates to the discussion of what goes on now. You asked a specific question dealing with years in the future and not how a team is addressing what they prefer for players right now. The problem with your reasoning is those schools are recruiting other forwards of that age and have brought them in for unofficial visits. It isn't a matter of those teams already having filled out their needs at forward and decided not to make a play on him. They must feel there are better options out there to pursue.

I am sure Festler may turn into a quality player. I didn't intend on it becoming a dragged out discussion but another poster got upset at what he considered was an implied slight just because Mankato was really the only other major suitor. I know that beating Mankato for a recruit doesn't have the same pizazz as beating Wisconsin, North Dakota or Minnesota but it is the reality of the situation.

Brad Malone from Miramichi, NB. Has committed to UND FOR 2007-08. He played last year for Mass prep school, Cushing Academy and is playing this year for Sioux Falls Stampede of the USHL.
Source is from the Moncton Times & Transcript. www.canadaeast.com
His cousin Ryan plays in the NHL with Pittsburgh and his father was a 1st round pick of the Rangers in 1980.

I am sure Festler may turn into a quality player. I didn't intend on it becoming a dragged out discussion but another poster got upset at what he considered was an implied slight just because Mankato was really the only other major suitor. I know that beating Mankato for a recruit doesn't have the same pizazz as beating Wisconsin, North Dakota or Minnesota but it is the reality of the situation.

And the question is.
How do you know? The answer? You don't.
AS i pointed out to you earlier, he's getting these kids before the bigger schools go after them. These kids are not as high profile so they are initially on the other school focused radar. But you can be damn sure they at least know about them and have them as a back-up.
You are making a generalization about him based only on the fact he visited two schools. You don't know every kid that every school is looking at and neither do I.
The bottom line here is that while fans of the bigger schools, like you, are going to have the generalization that he can't be as good as others because MN or UW or anyone else "high profile" didn't bring him in for a visit, it simply isn't true.
Take a look at what this kid has done against the best competition of his age, which includes kids committed to UND, UMN and UW. He's out producing or staying right with all of them.
Do not undermine a recruit simply because of the school he chooses as not all blue chippers go to the high profile schools. When you do, you look like an elitist and an idiot.

Not everybody is limited to solely what is written in the newspaper.

Initially, all I mentioned was that the two schools that were willing to give him an on campus look must have been making a hard pitch for him. You seemed to take offense as if I was saying he wasn't any good because better programs were not involved. I am not sure why you reacted in such an insecure fashion simply because the opponent in this case was Mankato and not a North Dakota.

If you point out any place where I said he wasn't any good, I would understand such defensiveness. Simply discussing the schools involved is not a rip on him. You simply come across as being an insecure fan and in need of validation in relation to the best programs.

Not everybody is limited to solely what is written in the newspaper.

Initially, all I mentioned was that the two schools that were willing to give him an on campus look must have been making a hard pitch for him. You seemed to take offense as if I was saying he wasn't any good because better programs were not involved. I am not sure why you reacted in such an insecure fashion simply because the opponent in this case was Mankato and not a North Dakota.

If you point out any place where I said he wasn't any good, I would understand such defensiveness. Simply discussing the schools involved is not a rip on him. You simply come across as being an insecure fan and in need of validation in relation to the best programs.


I'm also not limited to what's written in a newspaper. And it is possible I'm over-reacting as can happen when you can't hear what someone says. But lets just say I know way too many people who, in actually saying what your first post was, would have the most sarcastic tone to it BECAUSE of the schools involved. Its just the way it seems to work.
I apologize if this was not the case.

It isn't a matter of those teams already having filled out their needs at forward and decided not to make a play on him. They must feel there are better options out there to pursue. Better options like equal potential with lower risk? That I can agree with. There are certainly other high scoring players that skate well, have good vision and hands, but are much bigger for their age. The Big 3 usually (but not exclusively) get to these kids first.

Festler is high potential, but is smaller, and therefore more of a risk at higher levels of hockey. If he pans out, he'll most likely be a great 4 year player for the Huskies, and could possibly be one of the best '89s in the country. Or, he could get mauled in the USHL or WCHA, who knows?

For the record, I don't take offense that SCSU competes for players with Mankato (also Denver, CC, and UMD). Occasionally, the Huskies will steal a player from the bigger schools that no elitest can argue about (i.e. Jordy Christian, Aaron Marvin, etc.), but I think some of your posts came off like SCSU, Mankato, UMD and the like will NEVER win a recruiting battle with the Big 3 when we all know that's not the case. I apologize for inferring from your posts that this is what you meant.

It comes down to the fact that every kid is different, every team is different, and they all have their reasons for commiting where they do.

Can we all get along now?

but I think some of your posts came off like SCSU, Mankato, UMD and the like will NEVER win a recruiting battle with the Big 3 when we all know that's not the case. I apologize for inferring from your posts that this is what you meant.


That's what I thought as well which is why I came down on him

Mario Lamoureux has committed to NMU

Andrew Sweetland, home town listed as Bonavista, NL . On some reports St. John's Newfoundland. Has committed to Maine Black Bears for 2006-07. He currently plays with Amherst Ramblers (MJAHL).
Source. http://www.amherstramblers.com/index.php on the ticker.

Nico Sacchetti from Virginia, MN has committed to the Gophers. He's only a junior, so he'll be an '08 at the earliest

Nico Sacchetti from Virginia, MN has committed to the Gophers. He's only a junior, so he'll be an '08 at the earliest

Nico was perhaps the top available talent in the state of Minnesota. He was in the state's high school top 10 in scoring as a sophmore (as was Festler)...and was the state's top scoring freshman in that year.

Here's a well written piece by Gopher blogger/fan Hammy:

Sacchetti really cemented his status as a top flight recruit at the Select 16s in 2005 in which he was the tournament's overall leading scorer. Although he didn't score as proficiently at the Selects 17s this past summer (of course, mixing the teams as they do for the Selects makes stats a bit more misleading), he still managed to stand out. He was one of five Minnesotans (joining fellow Gopher recruits Patrick White and Mike Hoeffel as well as CC recruit Tyler Johnson and Badger recruit Ryan McDonagh) to be selected by USA Hockey to represent our country in the annual trek overseas to play international competition in August (the USA team lost to Canada in the finals). He has been among the top 10 in scoring in the Elite League this fall and should have a good junior season ahead of him. I don't know as of yet what his plans will be for his senior year but he was selected #8 overall by Indiana in the USHL Futures Draft earlier this month. The Central Scouting Bureau has him among their players to watch for this next year's draft so they will be watching his progress with interest in the coming months.

Ben Blood has committed to UND :madfire: It was down to the Sioux and SCSU

SCSU has gotten a commitment from forward Nick Oliver of Roseau. He's only 15 and won't turn 16 till May. Oliver would be an '09 at the earliest. And to my knowledge, SCSU has never had a kid commit that early

SCSU has gotten a commitment from forward Nick Oliver of Roseau. He's only 15 and won't turn 16 till May. Oliver would be an '09 at the earliest. And to my knowledge, SCSU has never had a kid commit that early


Motzko might have stole one there. Oliver is the type of kid who could turn out to be a serious draft pick. I still think (what I believe is) his strategy of locking down high potential kids extremely early...is brilliant.

Motzko might have stole one there. Oliver is the type of kid who could turn out to be a serious draft pick. I still think (what I believe is) his strategy of locking down high potential kids extremely early...is brilliant.

What I find interesting is that he committed before he'd ever played a game in High School.
He was asked by his father (who is Roseau's coach) if he thought he would consider any other school based on what he'd seen and heard when he visited SCSU. Oliver said he didn't think so, it hadn't changed two weeks later, so he told SCSU, I'm coming there.

http://www.sctimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061129/SPORTS/111290008/1002

The only thing that worries me about a kid committing this early is that if he stinks in HS, SCSU is still likely bound to let him come in as it looks bad if they release him from the committment, but if Oliver plays extremely well and decides to go to the CHL, he can on a whim and SCSU ends up screwed after waiting that long. I mean he can't even sign a LOI till 2008

Looks like the Gophers got a verbal from a big defenseman out of lesser known Faribault HS, Seth Helgason. He hasn't had a lot of exposure outside of the Select Camp tryouts and the Upper Midwest HS Elite League, but the coaches must have saw something really special in him. I'm sure after his commitment to the high profile University of Minnesota that he's bound to receive a lot of NHL draft attention. Look for him to get out of Faribault soon as he was drafted in the 2nd round of the USHL futures.

Looks like the Gophers got a verbal from a big defenseman out of lesser known Faribault HS, Seth Helgason. He hasn't had a lot of exposure outside of the Select Camp tryouts and the Upper Midwest HS Elite League, but the coaches must have saw something really special in him. I'm sure after his commitment to the high profile University of Minnesota that he's bound to receive a lot of NHL draft attention. Look for him to get out of Faribault soon as he was drafted in the 2nd round of the USHL futures.

The night his verbal became public, defenseman Helgason scored 5 goals against Mankato East.

The night his verbal became public, defenseman Helgason scored 5 goals against Mankato East.


That's so arrogant...

;)

SCSU is getting former AFA d-man Chris Hepp. He's from Burnsville and played just the first half of this year for AFA. He was a freshman. Heisenberg's site says he won't be eligible till Sept '08 but I would think if he left at mid-season, he should be eligible 2nd half of the season next year. Since the time sitting out is one calender year

I would think if he left at mid-season, he should be eligible 2nd half of the season next year. Since the time sitting out is one calender year

Inaccurate. They count any playing time during the season as counting for a full season of play. It doesn't matter when the player left. So he'll have to sit out one full season. Look no further than Brent Borgen on your own team as another example since he had the exact same circumstances.

I stand corrected. Oh well.

Jason Gregoire-Lincoln (USHL) committed to Denver today

Waterloo D-man Brett Barta has committed to SCSU.
He's a former Moorhead teammate of current Husky D-man Jon Ammerman. In fact they were a D-pairing while they were Spuds.

Motzko gets another one.
Prince George (BCHL) D-man Nic Rioux from Quebec.
He's just the third guy from Quebec to play for SCSU, he'll be coming in next year.

Good Lord the Gophers are rejecting players right and left!:sarcasm:

Good Lord the Gophers are rejecting players right and left!:sarcasm:
OUCH! Actually, this looks like another defensive defenseman with a mean streak. Being short on blueline talent next year, this is the type of player the Huskies really needed. Definately just a role player though.

OUCH! Actually, this looks like another defensive defenseman with a mean streak. Being short on blueline talent next year, this is the type of player the Huskies really needed. Definately just a role player though.

Something Minny short changes themselves on going after their annual all star team.

Good Lord the Gophers are rejecting players right and left!:sarcasm:

And I'll keep taking em on the Huskies :yo: :D

I hope he trash talks in French!!

"I spit in your general direction."

I hope he trash talks in French!!

"I spit in your general direction."

Considering he is taking English classes right now, I'd say him trash talking/and or cursing at opponents in French is highly likely :D

Nate Dewhurst commits to Denver.

SCSU recruit Brian Volpei's linemate in Salmon Arm, Tony Mosey, will join SCSU in '08.

Motzko gets another one.
Prince George (BCHL) D-man Nic Rioux from Quebec.
He's just the third guy from Quebec to play for SCSU, he'll be coming in next year.

So THAT'S what I heard on the radio during late night's North Dakota - St Cloud State game. "Let's go Rioux!" :yo:

No, you heard lets go Sioux. Like I said in the Huskies thread, UND had something to play for, SCSU didn't, and the fans responded accordingly. Oh well. :)

Dusty Jackson heading to Denver next year.

http://www.usahockey.com/usjuniorhockey/main_site/main/home/junior_report_031507/

Doesn't seem like Minnesota has gotten a big fish...

Doesn't seem like Minnesota has gotten a big fish...

Depends on what you consider a big fish. Do you mean a top 10 pick? First round types? Because they have a handful of recruits that will likely be picked in the first few rounds of the next draft and a couple of them have a decent chance to be a first round pick.

Besides, it is pretty tough to follow a recruiting class that will probably end up having four 1st round picks (Erik Johnson, Kyle Okposo, David Fischer and probably Jim O'Brien in this draft) when all is said and done.

Is Kent Patterson just playing his options? He's the most talented goaltender in the 2007 draft IMO. The kid has Ryan Miller like upside and I can't believe he isn't committed yet.


Anyone here who is on his short list?

Depends on what you consider a big fish. Do you mean a top 10 pick? First round types? Because they have a handful of recruits that will likely be picked in the first few rounds of the next draft and a couple of them have a decent chance to be a first round pick.

Besides, it is pretty tough to follow a recruiting class that will probably end up having four 1st round picks (Erik Johnson, Kyle Okposo, David Fischer and probably Jim O'Brien in this draft) when all is said and done.

Yeah, I'm talking the caliber at least of Jim O'Brien. Turris and JVR went elsewhere. You never know how long the other guys will stay in school. Erik Johnson is probably 95% for coming out, I'd say.

Yeah, I'm talking the caliber at least of Jim O'Brien. Turris and JVR went elsewhere. You never know how long the other guys will stay in school. Erik Johnson is probably 95% for coming out, I'd say.

The '88ers was a pretty incredible class for Minnesota (including Mueller who originally was coming to Minnesota) and was one of the top draft classes any team has ever had.

Regarding current recruits...there were a few that got away. Turris was interested in both Minnesota and Wisconsin (and said Wisconsin wanted him more)...and Ryan McDonough, Mr. Hockey, is from the twin cities (Gopher country).

Although Minnesota has a limited number of say 1st rounders coming (perhaps a Patrick White), the school has incredible depth in likely rounds 2-5. This includes a huge number of the top players in the vastly underrated state high school league...and a host of NTDP players.

The past couple years, the state of Minnesota has had some really high-end talent, but not as much depth. The next couple years, there's a lot of depth, but not really any top 5-10 draft picks. The Gophers have definitely picked the best of the bunch though in White, Hoeffel, Sacchetti and Schroeder.

Patterson is in kind of an awkward spot in that most of the WCHA teams are pretty set in goal for the next couple years. It will probably be a little while before teams decide how badly they need a new goalie, and how much playing time/scholarship money they'll have to offer. The same is probably true for Reid Ellingson, who is also in this year's draft. I actually like Ellingson a little bit better than Patterson at this point, though I think Patterson could certainly pass him if he continues to develop.

Anything on Riley Nash yet? Is it still between Denver, NoDak and Cornell?

Good Lord the Gophers are rejecting players right and left!:sarcasm:

:)

One slipped through...as one of the most sought after players in the state, Aaron Ness helped lead Roseau to the toughest class AA Minnesota SHSL's title. Aaron was the loaded team's second leading scorer as a defenseman and as a sophomore. He was also the states second leading defenseman in class AA again as just a sophomore. Lastly, Aaron was the only sophomore on Pioneer Press 1st, 2nd or 3rd All State Team (he was on the 2nd team).

UMD has picked up 3 guys in the last week
Jack Connelly-C Duluth Marshall HS (MN)
Ken Reiter-G Alaska/St.Louis (NAHL) (brother of former UAA goalie Kevin I believe)
Chad Huttel-D Hermantown HS (MN)

:)

One slipped through...as one of the most sought after players in the state, Aaron Ness helped lead Roseau to the toughest class AA Minnesota SHSL's title. Aaron was the loaded team's second leading scorer as a defenseman and as a sophomore. He was also the states second leading defenseman in class AA again as just a sophomore. Lastly, Aaron was the only sophomore on Pioneer Press 1st, 2nd or 3rd All State Team (he was on the 2nd team).

He's got 2 years of HS left, but this is a HUGE pickup for the Gophers. I have a college roommate from Roseau who watches a pile of hockey (who happens to be a Sioux fan) and he's bummed about this one. Could be the best to come out of Roseau since the Brotens as far as overall talent, is what he says. Great pickup, hopefully he keeps developing on an upward slant.

Drew LeBlanc of Hermantown (MN) has committed to SCSU for '08 or '09

Dan Dunn of Wellington of the OPJHL has committed to SCSU for next season.

http://www.pointstreak.com/prostats/playerpage.html?playerid=913049&seasonid=1653

Big Dude, 6'5" 210

Minnesota picks up big Stu Bickel from the USHL.

Stu's picture makes Jack Johnson look like a frat boy!

http://www.pointstreak.com/framed/prostats/playerpage.html?playerid=847078&seasonid=1336

Heisenberg's recruiting site has changed

http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=pq-RP3oulY419fpHIEmPaWQ

Just a couple more Maritime Jr A League signings:
T.J. Smith, Truro Bearcats to AIC Yellowjackets D1 ACHA
http://www.mjahl.com/player.php?PlayerID=203
Joe Leonard, Amherst Ramblers to Cortland Red Dragons D 111 SUNYAC
http://www.mjahl.com/player.php?PlayerID=1009
Jonathan Lafrance, Antigonish Bulldogs to Caslteton State Spartans D111 ECAC East
http://www.mjahl.com/player.php?PlayerID=832

F Jake Youso of International Falls committed to the Gophers and will probably be there in 09. He's got a senior HS season left then probably 1 junior season depending on departures.

Jonathan Lafrance, Antigonish Bulldogs to Caslteton State Spartans D111 ECAC East

Heh, I didn't even know Castleton had a hockey team.

Heh, I didn't even know Castleton had a hockey team.

Heck, I have to look on a map to locate half the schools ;)
Really not a follower of NCAA more a follower of local players. :help:

http://www.castleton.edu/athletics/mhockey/index.htm

EDIT:
He's an '86 playing in a University town. He's already attending St. Francis Xavier. X-Men are a perennial CIS power house. He must feel that this is the best move for him. If after 4 years of junior A, he got an offer that works for him. I say well done.
Sorry if you only want Div 1 power house signings. Let me know. I'll stop bothering you with local NCAA signings.

Really not a follower of NCAA more a follower of local players. :help:

Similarly, I'm more a follower of Vermont teams - and didn't know Castleton had one;)

At least I can say I'm still 99% sure Bennington doesn't:D And I know for sure that Champlain got rid of their entire sports program (at a time when their Men's basketball team was dominant in DIII).

SUNY Potsdam Bears Head Coach Erin Saul welcomes goalie, Travis Crickard and forward Jordan Delong from the MJAHL Woodstock Slammers to the school.

Sioux land Forward Mike Fink as a recruit outta Hopkins. He's only gonna be a Junior in HS this year so it'll be awhile, but he's sposed to be a good one.

Brian Mahoney-Wilson, a Sharks 2004 pick, is LSSU bound. This according to Chris Heisenberg's site.

Jason Gregoire switching his commitment from DU to UND :rant:

http://westerncollegehockey.blogspot.com/2007/05/gregoire-to-und.html

Jason Gregoire switching his commitment from DU to UND :rant:

http://westerncollegehockey.blogspot.com/2007/05/gregoire-to-und.html

Sounds like family had a lot to do with his decision. I hope there are no bad feelings towards Jason by DU fans. He's a great kid, and a fantastic hockey player. As a Lincoln Stars fan, I hope he decides to play junior hockey one more year before heading off to UND. Stars head coach Steve Johnson is a UND alum, so he might have steered Jason towards UND as well. Both (DU and UND) are great programs...you can't go wrong with either one.

Sounds like family had a lot to do with his decision. I hope their are now bad feelings towards Jason by DU fans. He's a great kid, and a fantastic hockey player. As a Lincoln Stars fan, I hope he decides to play junior hockey one more year before heading off to UND. Stars head coach Steve Johnson is a UND alum, so he might have steered Jason towards UND as well. Both (DU and UND) are great programs...you can't go wrong with either one.

More of a disappointment about the entire process rather then anger at Gregoire himself. It hurts even more after DU lost out on Riley Nash.

Don't think either one of these have been posted.
G Pat McGann committed to Quinnipiac 07.
G Reid Ellingson commited to Northern Michigan, likely for 07.

Ellingson will be an '07. It was a logjam for NMU as it looked like they would have 4 goalies next year, but Ian Keserich will not be transferring from Ohio State to NMU after all.

The Michigan Wolverines will continue to have a Hunwick on their roster this fall, as Matt's younger Shawn just commited, according to THIS (http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=3474616) article. The younger Hunwick, a goaltender, played for Alpena (NAHL) this season.

Finally, info on UVM's incoming class:
http://www.uvm.edu/campus_life/athletics/?Page=News&storyID=10710

Men's Hockey Team Adds Eight Newcomers For 2007-08 Season
Author: Chris J. Wojcik

Cats' Cast with Kevin Sneddon on the recruiting class
BURLINGTON, Vt. – The University of Vermont men’s hockey team will add eight newcomers to the program for the 2007-08 season. Vermont head coach Kevin Sneddon made the announcement today. Josh Burrows (Prairie Grove, Ill.), Jack Downing (New Canaan, Conn.), Josh Franklin (Wrentham, Mass.), Dan Lawson (Oak Forest, Ill.), Brett Leonard (South Burlington, Vt.), Kyle Medvec (Burnsville, Minn.), Kevan Miller (Los Angeles, Calif.) and Wahsontiio Stacey (Kahnawake, Quebec) will all join the class of 2011.

“We are pleased to introduce eight outstanding student-athletes as the class of 2011,” Sneddon said. “Led by our director of recruiting and associate head coach John Micheletto, our staff was able to yield another very strong recruiting class. Combined with the expected return of Chris Atkinson and Tim Geverd, our fans will enjoy some great new talent in Gutterson Fieldhouse this season.”

Josh Burrows, 6-2, 195-pound defenseman played for the Boston Junior Bruins in the Eastern Junior Hockey League last season.

Jack Downing, a 6-2, 190-pound forward played for the Omaha Lancers in the United States Hockey League last season.

A physical player and a former teammate of Burrows, Josh Franklin had 22 goals and 14 assists for 36 points in 31 games at Noble and Greenough School in Massachusetts last season.

Dan Lawson, a 6-3, 235-pound defenseman had 11 goals and 18 assists for 29 points in 59 games with the Chicago Steel and the Lincoln Stars in the United States Hockey League last season.

A native Vermonter, Brett Leonard scored seven goals and 12 assists for 19 points with the Green Mountain Glades in the EJHL last season.

Kyle Medvec (pronounced MED-veck) was a fourth-round pick (selection 102 overall) in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft by the Minnesota Wild.

Kevan Miller, a 6-2, 200-pound defenseman from Los Angeles played at the Berkshire School in Massachusetts last season and is a former teammate of current Catamount defenseman Patrick Cullity.

One of the most exciting players in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League, Wahsontiio Stacey (pronounced WAHS-ah-DEE-oh) led the Estevan Bruins in scoring last season with 28 goals and 31 assists for 59 points in 51 games.


Any first-hand information anyone has on these players for me is always welcome:)

Matt Donovan commits to Denver (per Heisenberg's site)

Wahsontiio Stacey is a real name? I always thought that was an error on EHM

Moorhead D-man Jeff Foss commits to RPI for next year.

BC signs Devon MacAusland

http://www.canadaeast.com/ce2/docroot/article.php?articleID=151760
http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=pq-RP3oulY40QD4LEtZ3kFg&gid=1

:handclap:

Please let Steve Anthony be next...

BC signs Devon MacAusland

http://www.canadaeast.com/ce2/docroot/article.php?articleID=151760
http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=pq-RP3oulY40QD4LEtZ3kFg&gid=1

:handclap:

Please let Steve Anthony be next...

Not so fast...USHR just posted "there is no commitment whatsoever on the part of the Eagles to MacAusland. The center may be playing the NCAA card a little more specifically then is really necessary.”

Not so fast...USHR just posted "there is no commitment whatsoever on the part of the Eagles to MacAusland. The center may be playing the NCAA card a little more specifically then is really necessary.”

Yea, I just saw that too. My bad everyone, I got a lil too excited haha
:)

I hear he may have just been using BC to get drafted lower in the Q. Definitely should have waited a little longer before posting, my mistake.

Oh and I'm pretty envious of some of the players you Terriers are picking up (Shattenkirk, Cohen, and Colin Wilson to name a few). It should be interesting to see where the rivalry goes once Curry and Cory's replacements step in.

Scott Jenks a defenceman with Woodstock Slammers (MaritmeJAHL) has commited to Cansisius (Atlantic Conference)

Luca Cunti, the 75th overall pick by Tampa, out of Swizterland has committed to SCSU for this season.

Luca Cunti, the 75th overall pick by Tampa, out of Swizterland has committed to SCSU for this season.

http://www.sctimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070714/SPORTS/107140005/1002

He has to get paperwork in time, if he doesn't, the Chicago Steel has his USHL rights.

http://www.sctimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070714/SPORTS/107140005/1002

He has to get paperwork in time, if he doesn't, the Chicago Steel has his USHL rights.

That's cool, if he's an '08 he's an '08. But then again, SCSU is really easy to get into, everyone knows that :)

http://bceagles.cstv.com/sports/m-hockey/spec-rel/072007aaa.html
Jon Muse signs NLOI for BC

Warroad HS (MN) forward Bryce Ravndalen has committed to SCSU for the '09 season.

Has anyone heard about Kent Patterson's potentials? Normally I would assume Minnesota, but it looks like the Goofs won't have room in goal next season.

I would love DU to go after him.

Another Potsdam (SUNY) signing. Kevin MacLellan,Centre, from Summerside Western Capitals (MJAHL)

A couple of late recruits for DU:

Lars Paulgaard (http://www.owatonna.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=27481&SectionID=27&SubSectionID=&S=1), G
Anthony Maiani, F (according to Heisenberg's)

For those that missed this little item...

Josh Unice has decided to UN-commit himself to BGSU and has opted to go the CHL route. This according to USHR and ROI (Research on Ice).

The move puts BGSU in somewhat of a bind because of its timing. BGSU head coach Scott Paluch, according to various sources, had not actively recruited another goaltender for this coming season since Unice had signed an NLI and was expected to be there this fall. Apparently, this caught Paluch totally by surprise.

...and you also have to wonder about the below quote that Unice made to the Toledo Blade Newspaper just prior to the draft about coming to BGSU .

"I'm really committed to BG. I wanted to go to a team I could help as a freshman."

its odd to see that happen after he comminted but i guess he just wanted to get the bye to the Memorial Cup and showcase his stuff there...sucks for BG though

Goalie Wyatt Russell, the son of Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell has committed to UAH. You can read more about it HERE (http://www.al.com/huntsvilletimes/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports/1185182150120150.xml&coll=1).

Nick Eno has been signed by BGSU to replace Unice

Holy Angels HS (MN) forward Danny Mattson picked the Sioux today.

Holy Angels HS (MN) forward Danny Mattson picked the Sioux today.He obviously made the right choice as Minnesota and Wisconsin were also going after him.Welcome aboard in 2009.:yo:

Holy Angels HS (MN) forward Danny Mattson picked the Sioux today.

Good pickup by the Sioux.

And speaking of the Minnesota HS kids....Rabid, here's a question right up your alley.

What's the story behind Jordy Christian? I recently heard that he wasn't coming to SCSU until next fall and that he supposedly will be playing in the USHL this year. He had a heckuva year with the Spuds last season and I was really looking forward to seeing him in a Huskies uni this season. So what's the scoop?

Jordy was never an '07 kid. He was always projected as an '08.
He also will not be in the USHL, no one is sure why, but he will be playing in the BCHL for the Prince George Spruce Kings.
It's rumored he didn't like the bus travel in the USHL, but it's also rumored he didn't want to work on problem areas of his game in Sioux Falls.
That one makes no sense to me as the kid is a hard worker.
But he will be a Husky in '08 in a strong class that will have Luca Cunti, Drew Leblanc and Jared Festler coming in at forward.

It's rumored he didn't like the bus travel in the USHL.

If that were true, somebody better buy him a map because his BCHL team isn't exactly within spitting distance of many of their opponents either. I doubt it is due to travel concerns.

USHR reporting Joe Colborne to Denver

Jordy was never an '07 kid. He was always projected as an '08.
He also will not be in the USHL, no one is sure why, but he will be playing in the BCHL for the Prince George Spruce Kings.
It's rumored he didn't like the bus travel in the USHL, but it's also rumored he didn't want to work on problem areas of his game in Sioux Falls.
That one makes no sense to me as the kid is a hard worker.
But he will be a Husky in '08 in a strong class that will have Luca Cunti, Drew Leblanc and Jared Festler coming in at forward.

Thanks for the update and correction.

If that were true, somebody better buy him a map because his BCHL team isn't exactly within spitting distance of many of their opponents either. I doubt it is due to travel concerns.

That was from a member of his family, so it could very well be true.
All I do know is he will likely be the top line center for Prince George.
It is a bit odd he moved, but he made a choice and I'm sure he'll be fine.

Ben Hanowski commits to SCSU

http://www.sctimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070829/NEWS01/108290042

According to USHR, Ryan Bourque has committed to UNH for '09.

USHR and Heisenberg's blog both show goaltender Adam Murray to Denver; coming in 2009.

Congrats! Big pick up for DU. I'm hoping that starts to funnel some more top prospects back in.

Congrats! Big pick up for DU. I'm hoping that starts to funnel some more top prospects back in.

It feels good after losing out on Nash and Gregoire changing his mind.

I'm a bit late posting this but it is noteworthy...

Defenseman Will O'Neill, an Atlanta Thrashers draft pick, has decided to uncommit to UNH. He was expected to land in Durham next fall, but apparently there were some "academics issues". Instead, he's committed to Maine for next fall.

O'Neill has gotten through the NCAA Clearinghouse but still needs to be admitted into the university (and for those that don't know, getting admission into the college/university and getting through the Clearinghouse is NOT the same thing).

You can read more about all of this HERE (http://bangordailynews.com/news/t/sports.aspx?articleid=154294&zoneid=23).

NTDP U18 forward Vinny Saponari to BU. link (http://terrierhockey.blogspot.com/2007/09/breaking-news-saponari-commits-to-bu.html)

Chris Connelly from Duluth commits to BU for next year.

Ryan Walters of St. Thomas Academy and the 2007 USA U17 Select Team has committed to the University of Minnesota for the 2010 season. He'll play ten games with Des Moines of the USHL to start the season, return to defend STA's state title, then conclude the season again with Des Moines. He'll likely play the next two seasons entirely with Des Moines. He's draft eligible in 2009.

DU gets a commitment from defensemen William Wrenn (NTDP U17). It's being reported by USHR and Heisenberg.

Ryan Walters of St. Thomas Academy and the 2007 USA U17 Select Team has committed to the University of Minnesota for the 2010 season. He'll play ten games with Des Moines of the USHL to start the season, return to defend STA's state title, then conclude the season again with Des Moines. He'll likely play the next two seasons entirely with Des Moines. He's draft eligible in 2009.

This will come as news to Hermantown. :sarcasm:

This will come as news to Hermantown. :sarcasm:
Crap!! Stupid single A hockey!!

Local boy Drew Shore commits to Denver per USHR.

Nick Leddy of Eden Prairie H.S. to the University of Minnesota

Stepan Novotny commits to Denver -- Heisenberg's

Nick Mattson commits to North Dakota.

http://www.grandforksherald.com/articles/index.cfm?id=57189&section=News

Brainerd D-man Drew Olson commits to UMD

Stepan Novotny commits to Denver -- Heisenberg's

He's an elite prospect and recruit. Great pick-up by Denver - He has a lot of Milan Michalek in him.

These are now officially signed for Michigan:

Robbie Czarnik (NTDP U18 Team)
David Wohlberg (NTDP U18 Team)
Greg Pateryn (Ohio/USHL)

Pateryn was a surprise because he was originally pegged as an '09 defenseman while d-man Brandon Burlon of St. Mikes (OPJHL) had committed for 2008. Pateryn has signed his letter, but is still "optional" for next season. Right now Michigan loses no defensemen to graduation, but most expect Mark Mitera to go pro and possibly Chris Summers. That would open the door for one or both Pateryn and Burlon, but I'm not sure who is preferred over the other if only one d-man leaves.

Hey Sharkie, any reason why Wohlberg wasn't listed on the Central Scouting "Players to Watch" prospects list? Seems like every other player on the U18 team is listed as an 'A', 'B', or 'C' prospect except him.

Taylor Johnson D-man from Hugo, MN and playing for Green Bay (USHL) has chosen SCSU, likely in '09

Roseau High School goalie Michael Lee commits to SCSU for the 2010 season.
Huskies getting a lot of kids from the northland in the last couple years.
2 from Warroad (Marvin, Ravndalen) 2 from Roseau (Lee, Oliver)

These are now officially signed for Michigan:

Robbie Czarnik (NTDP U18 Team)
David Wohlberg (NTDP U18 Team)
Greg Pateryn (Ohio/USHL)

Pateryn was a surprise because he was originally pegged as an '09 defenseman while d-man Brandon Burlon of St. Mikes (OPJHL) had committed for 2008. Pateryn has signed his letter, but is still "optional" for next season. Right now Michigan loses no defensemen to graduation, but most expect Mark Mitera to go pro and possibly Chris Summers. That would open the door for one or both Pateryn and Burlon, but I'm not sure who is preferred over the other if only one d-man leaves.

Hey Sharkie, any reason why Wohlberg wasn't listed on the Central Scouting "Players to Watch" prospects list? Seems like every other player on the U18 team is listed as an 'A', 'B', or 'C' prospect except him.


I'm not sure exactly why - obviously every team on the USNTDP is going to receive a lot of looks from NHL scouts. He isn't up there though with the top players on that team in terms of NHL potential but still it's a surprising omission by Central Scouting.

St. Cloud Cathedral HS D-man Nate Schmidt had chosen the gophers, coming in 2010.

St. Cloud Cathedral HS D-man Nate Schmidt had chosen the gophers, coming in 2010.

Lucia is picking up some nice D recruits. Too bad for Motzko to lose one right under your nose like that, but it's bound to happen. Sounds like this kid really has his priorities straight....talked nicely about the other schools after him, called the coaches to tell them of his committment, and expressed his desire to get into UMs Carlson School. Pretty impressive for a youngster.

UND picks up a commitment from D Garrett Clarke for 2010

http://www.areavoices.com/undhockey/index.cfm?blog=19153

Budish from Edina has committed to the Gophers. :yo:

Budish from Edina has committed to the Gophers. :yo:

That made my day. From everything I've heard he's just the type of player the Gophs need after some of the things that have gone on this season.