UW recruiting: And the sign said non-blue chippahs need not apply!

[joeyv]

Hybs,

Do you have a link to the NTDP U-17 stats? The link doesn't seem to be working on my machine.

Or, what are the up to date stats for Auffrey, Skille, and Kessel? Just curious. I also wonder why these pups aren't playing in the NAHL tourney...

Kilpatrick is an interesting prospect. He seems to be a bit of "showboater" with good skills, but not a lot of interest in the physical play. Kind of like Kessel...

I'm also wondering what level of interest UW has in Nathan Lawrence. I have not heard a great deal about him in terms of interest, but its always important to talk to the local kids.

Wisconsin Hockey: Linkage.

[Puck Swami]

Originally posted by Eric Hybert
Here's a pic of Wheeler who sounds like a pretty decent football player, too:

http://www.eteamz.com/breckfootball/roster/index.cfm?season=244520&sport=3&id=3056105

Sounds like a big kid that'll probably be in the Brad Winchester (insert cop-punching joke here) range once he gets to college. The list of potential '05 forwards is growing: Bertram, Bradford, Kilpatrick, Nathan Lawrence, Wheeler....

In 13 games, Wheeler has 22-19-41.

Wisconsin Hockey: Another Wheeler?


I believe the latest NHL rankings had Wheeler listed as headed for Yale...although other posters have said he hasn't committed anywhere....He's still a junior at Breck, is he not?

[Eric Hybert]

Joe-
It doesn't work for me either. I do know the top 3 scorers are:

Kessel: 33-23-56 WOW!
Gerbe: 21-15-36
Skille: 19-16-35

One knock I heard on Lawrence was that he's not the best skater. He might be a good candidate for a partial if the Badgers have room.

Wisconsin Hockey: King of the Kessel!

[Eric Hybert]

Originally posted by Puck Swami
I believe the latest NHL rankings had Wheeler listed as headed for Yale...although other posters have said he hasn't committed anywhere....He's still a junior at Breck, is he not?

Yup, just a junior. I wouldn't ever trust Hammy, either, but if he says that Wheeler's still uncommitted, I guess I'll believe him this time!:-))

Wisconsin Hockey: Hammy and Hobart..the USCHO Twins!

[Hammy]

Originally posted by Eric Hybert
Wisconsin Hockey: Hammy and Hobart..the USCHO Twins!

Don't lump me in with that riff raff. :p

[Eric Hybert]

Originally posted by Hammy
Don't lump me in with that riff raff. :p

Sorry, couldn't resist!:-))

Honest, flame-free question:

What's up with Borgen and Gordon? Did the Gophs jump on these guys too early, maybe? I know Gordon was hurt but neither has really ripped up the USHL this season nor are they on the All-Star roster. Don't get me wrong, I'm not crying for the Gophs as they've defintely got a lot of talent coming in but these two recruits seem...very un-Gopher-like so far. Any thoughts?

Wisconsin Hockey: Know your enemy!

[joeyv]

Kessel is smokin'!

Gerbe is kind of like Brian Gionta. Tiny, highly skilled, and lightning quick. He's a BC recruit.

Skille is more of a prototype "power forward" and I can't wait until he gets here. Good to hear he's doing well.

Hammy,

Hobart is a poor man's !!!!!!!!. I'll give you more credit than that. ;) That idiot is probably in jail for stalking Matt Nickerson... :D

Wisconsin Hockey: Credit Where Credit is Due.

[joeyv]

Both Gordon and Borgen have had some trouble this season, but both don't lack in the skill department. There's no guarantee either shows up in gopherland next season anyhoo, and maybe another USHL season might be in their futures.

Derek Peltier is having a nice season. He's been very productive and will be a fine "rushing type" D with his skill.

Kris Chucko is a big time get. Tall, rangy, with a mean streak to boot. Not to mention the kid can score. He's a bit of head case in terms of his temper, but you like a kid who is fiesty (see Suter).

Wisconsin Hockey: Slumping Gopher Recruits?

[Hammy]

Actually, if you look at some of the better known names around the USHL who were pretty well hyped prior to the year, I think a number of players are doing less than what was expected this year.

I think Borgen will be fine. He wasn't really recruited to be a star player you build your class around. 21 pts. is respectable but certainly not outstanding. I am not concerned about him. I think the USHL "all-star" game is a little bit of a joke in a few respects. If you look at a few guys on there, you have to say how did they make it based on their actual performance?

With Gordon, I think it is a combo of things. First, I heard he really didn't work as hard in the off-season as he probably should have (which sometimes happens with early commits... their incentive suddenly isn't as great cause they have already earned a scholly). Second, he is slight and really needs to build himself up some more. Third, he comes from an area of MN where the competition really didn't challenge him as much so I am sure he has had to adjust to better foes.... but the injury certainly put him behind with that.

Gordon has talent (especially setting other guys up) but I think his physical maturity is hurting him. My hope is he'll see he needs more time before college (mainly to build his body up more) and stay in the USHL another year. But knowing how impatient kids can be, I wouldn't be surprised to see him rush it and be eating pine at the U next year (unless he works his ***** off in the off-season).

[joeyv]

Hammy,

Pavelski is a kid who has not been as productive so far as I think he should be. Most observers I have talked to say the kid clearly is the best player on the ice most nights, but the results in terms of goals and assists have not been there. Pavelski did have a huge second half last season. His skill level is undeniable, and I think he's probably going to be a top 10 scorer in the league before all is said and done.

I'm wondering if Minnesota has some interest in a goaltender for next season. I know Frazee is coming in '05, but are the gopher faithful all that happy with J. Johnson? Every time I have seen him, he's been lousy. Briggs has been surprising. When I saw that kid get lit up twice in the USHL, I thought he was completely out of his league and would have a very hard time in D-1. He's been quite good, and he was really solid last weekend.

Wisconsin Hockey: More Productivity.

[solovsfett]

Is Blake Wheeler an 05 recruit?

Anyone hearing where he's leaning?

Where is Kessel leaning? Michigan still?

[MadCityRich]

I don't think Kessel was ever "leaning" towards Michigan as much as people thought he might go there because of connections; mom is from MI, his grandpa went to UM, (although his grandpa was a Prof at UW). Dad played FB at NMU. Cousin Moss plays for UM. I'm hoping that with the success Mike Eaves has brought to the MadCity, Phil would want to play for him and play in front of his hometown friends and fans. Maybe the next time he comes home, we can pull him this way a bit.........

[Eric Hybert]

Motherwell article:

http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_np=0&u_pg=38&u_sid=977122

I guess I had never looked at his late '86 bday (9/11..a little eerie) but Heisenberg's recruiting list has always had him as an '04 recruit. The article says he's just a HS junior. So, I guess either he's accelerating, Heisenberg's list is wrong or he's an '05 recruit. What's the deal?

Joe-
You were talking about goalies earlier. It's hard not to notice the play of Shane Connelly (the '87 for Chicago, USHL). He shut out Des Moines last night. In 17 gp, he's 11-4, 2 shutouts, 2.30GAA and a .928 sv% which is the best in the USHL...AS AN '87!!!! He's a midget, though, but they seem to work for North Dakota!:-))

Pavelski's lack of production is surprising. He's still getting his chances (120 SOG) but just not picking up the points you'd expect. He and Kluby are not on very good offensive clubs, though, so it was encouraging to see them play so well at the Viking Cup where they were surrounded by better players.

Hammy-
There's no doubt the USHL "All-Star" game is more of a "Who the scouts wanna see" game. Dustin Molle, a teammate of Pavelski at Waterloo, made the team. He currently has TWO points this season but as the Waterloo website says, he is "amongst the league leaders in fighting majors". YIKES!:-))

Wisconsin Hockey: Five for Fighting!

[Eric Hybert]

Matt Auffrey had a goal against Michigan last night as John Hynes' club gave the Wolverines all they could handle before scoring an ENG to clinch it at the end. Auffrey seems to be better-suited to the college game. He has more points versus college teams than anyone else they've played it seems.

Skille, Kessel, Johnson and Gerbe were called up and played against Michigan, too. Kessel even had an assist while his cousin (Moss) scored a goal. Skille and Gerbe were +1..only 4 players were + for the US. I hope Kessel hated the hell out his experience playing at Yost!:-))

The WSJ mentioned that Coaches Eaves and LeRose were in Chicago recruiting before returning to Madison for last nights game. I'd imagine they were looking at the NAHL Showcase. The rest of the U-17's are playing (poorly, I might add) but there are guys like Morin and Ludwig they might be looking at in addition to the Chicago Steel vs. Des Moines game that was Friday night (Connelly, Drewiske, Lampe..)

Wisconsin Hockey: Muck Fichigan!

[Hammy]

Originally posted by Eric Hybert
Hammy-
There's no doubt the USHL "All-Star" game is more of a "Who the scouts wanna see" game. Dustin Molle, a teammate of Pavelski at Waterloo, made the team. He currently has TWO points this season but as the Waterloo website says, he is "amongst the league leaders in fighting majors". YIKES!:-))

Yeah, that is kind of what I was saying. Obviously there are players involved that certainly deserve to be there but a few fans have freaked cause a certain player isn't in the "all-star game" and my response is that there are players in it that don't deserve to be in it if they choose the teams on actual 1st half performance.

[sagissoor]

A good read if you wish.

http://www.usahockey.com/usa_hockey/main/home/affil_sconsin_111203/

[irbbkid]

http://www.hockeyscouting.ca/newsitem.aspx?news_id=242&league_id=6

[BadgerFan]

I had a dream Saturday night that Motherwell committed to the Badgers. We'll see if I have a psychic hotline career ahead of me.

[Eric Hybert]

Some interesting tidbits:

Davis Drewiske has committed to Bemidji for '05.

A USHL observer emailed me..after seeing my question about Motherwell the other day..to say that Motherwell is indeed an '05 recruit. So, Heisenberg's list might be off in that regard. I believe the quote was something like, "there is no chance you'll see him in a college uniform next season."

Wisconsin is apparently "talking to" Jordan Pearce, the goaltender for the U-18's for '05, FWIW. On paper, Pearce, Frazee (Gophers) and Connelly seem to be 3 of the top US goalies for '05. Given the history of UW goalies, a great goalie coach in Bill Howard and the fact that the only competition for immediate playing time will be a very raw Brian Elliott, the Badgers should have a good chance at nabbing the guy they like, you'd think.

Josh Calleja had 5 goals and 2 assists in his last game for New Richmond.

Mark Osiecki was in Madison yesterday to watch all of his former Gamblers, of course, in last nights game but also to "recruit" Garrett Suter for next years Gamblers squad.

Wisconsin Hockey: Can we play with 4 d and recruit more scorers?:-))

[tb2]

Eric,

So with Motherwell apparently out of the mix, who are the top remaining left-handed Dmen?

I expect a surprise on this one, maybe a Canadian?