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

[markwojo]

...we average 3 goals a game this season which is plenty with good goaltending/defense to win lots of games. We are adding Carlson for a full season, Jo Pa & Ford have been a point a game guys in the USHL, and Kluby & Drewiski have been half a point per game D-men in the USHL (by all reports Kluby will bring a lot of offense into the equation). Throw in Auffrey who's scored a 1/2 a point per game w/ the NDTP where he is often playing against older players. Our only real losses are Rene & Boeser both of which I love, but both will be realistically playing in the minors (I might be wrong on Rene). Auffrey & Klubertanz should be pretty high draft picks of the NHL in the first few rounds. Throw in Skille & Gorowosky the following year with the only loss being Talafous. Our skill level is on a MAJOR upswing. Hopefully throw in Pearce to replace Bruckler and Morin to replace Suter assuming both stay another year. While one game breaker like a Vanek or Heatley is great, I think we are going to see well balanced teams of a lot of real good players over the next few years. Hopefully Eaves and Co can keep plugging away at Kessel and with continued improvement of the team next year, convince him to stay home and win a championship. Even if we wiff on Kessel/Bradford, we are already bringing in a lot more talent than will be leaving over the next couple of seasons. I think the biggest improvement in our offense is already on campus. Our top 2 units on the power play were almost all Fresh/Sophs and we were not all that good. A year of playing together, plus a little more talent coming in should result in a more potent PP.

[Eric Hybert]

Random stuff:

I watched the Centennial vs. Moorhead game last night. It's obviously tough to judge players based on a tight-checking 1-0 game but a few things really stood out to me with Gorowsky. As Hammy said, he's definitely not a burner. There was a point late in the 3rd where he just fell to the ice favoring his leg so I'm sure his injuries didn't help him but he's definitely no Robbie Earl when it comes to skating. He's a real good playmaker, though, who has nice vision and a good set of hands. Had a few good scoring chances but didn't really get a good look at his shot. He took and won virtually every critical faceoff down the stretch. Late in the game, Centennial went into a bit of a shell and iced the puck often. Gorowsky won every draw and they easily cleared the zone.

I wouldn't be surprised if Brian Lee of Moorhead (UND recruit) develops into a better player than RJ Anderson. Lee's one of those effortless skaters like a Tanabe and really moves the puck well. Both will be very good players in the coming years.

Phil Kessel needs just ONE more goal to set the NTDP single-season record. He's currently tied with Adam Hall with 43 goals. Not bad for a HS sophomore who's played about half the season with the 18's. They're off until April 8th when the U-18 Championships start.

Speaking of the 18's, Jordan Pearce hasn't played in a LONG time. I believe he has an ankle injury but guys like Frazee and Schneider have taken his spot since BOTH U-18 goalies are out with injuries. Any good '05 Canadian goalies out there???

Wisconsin Hockey: "I'm really sore."--Tom Gorowsky in postgame interview

[GB Puck Fan]

Originally posted by markwojo
... Kluby & Drewiski have been half a point per game D-men in the USHL (by all reports Kluby will bring a lot of offense into the equation). .

Klubertanz is a good player, but inconsistent at times - and on both sides of the puck. He has a nice shot - but IMO needs to shoot the puck more, especially on the power play. I hope he would continue with that scoring pace in college, but I'm just not sure...

[joeyv]

I have seen Klubertanz in person twice.

He is a tremendous skater who has great offensive skills. He does tend to gamble a bit too much for my taste, but you take the good with the bad. Most observers seem to think he's a bit disinterested at times, and as Tom Sawatske can testify to, Eaves won't tolerate that stuff. He'll be an outstanding D, and many I have conversed with about him, believe he might be the best D in the USHL in terms of talent.

We'll just see about that.

Wisconsin Hockey: Special K.

[Hammy]

Originally posted by Eric Hybert
I wouldn't be surprised if Brian Lee of Moorhead (UND recruit) develops into a better player than RJ Anderson.

It may turn out that way. At the same time, I think Lucia's style is the kind that brings out the best in a defenseman like Anderson. He doesn't put the shackles on a defenseman and emphasizes the things that Anderson is very good at. Anderson is good on both ends of the rink but his offense is what gets the attention.

As much as North Dakota's coaching staff likes to try to brag up to potential defensive recruits that they have a staff member who played defense in the NHL, the proof is in the pudding when it comes to developing defensemen in recent years. Ballard will likely be the 3rd Gopher defenseman in the last three years (joining Martin and Leopold) who will be seeing a regular shift (including special teams time) on an NHL blueline in the next year or two. I don't see North Dakota matching that success recently even with all that big talk of theirs during the recruiting process. :D

So will Lee be better? Who knows..... But when it comes to matching the style of the coach to the style of the player, Anderson is great shape in that regard. :cool:

P.S. - If Kessel wants to wear the big "M" and be a Gopher, we'll gladly accept him. ;)

[Eric Hybert]

Originally posted by GB Puck Fan
Klubertanz is a good player, but inconsistent at times - and on both sides of the puck. He has a nice shot - but IMO needs to shoot the puck more, especially on the power play. I hope he would continue with that scoring pace in college, but I'm just not sure...

I don't know if Kluby could possibly shoot the puck anymore than he has. He currently has the most SOG of any defenseman in the USHL with 157. Davis Drewiske is 3rd in the league in shots with 138. At least the staff has some more offensive-minded players coming in..they need them at every position.

Matt Ford's running out of games to win the league scoring title. He's two goals behind Mike Erickson (who shouldn't count anyway) with just 4 games left. It'd be nice to have back-to-back leaders in goals in the USHL with Pavelski and Ford.

Wisconsin Hockey: SHOOT!

[Eric Hybert]

Originally posted by Hammy

So will Lee be better? Who knows..... But when it comes to matching the style of the coach to the style of the player, Anderson is great shape in that regard. :cool:


Like I said, just my thoughts from watching ONE fairly boring 1-0 game. Sometimes you can just pick guys out without even knowing their numbers. Lee's one of those guys that jumps out at you because of his skating/passing ability. Perhaps another Tanabe/Leopold type of WCHA tandem with Lee and Anderson?

With as watered down as MN HS hockey has become in recent years, it's still amazing to see the crowds they bring in for the state tourney. The place was absolutely packed for the finals..they really do put on a good show. Of course, Spehar made Sagissor look like Bill Clement with his guest commentary, but...

Wisconsin Hockey: Dave Spehar..not good!

[GB Puck Fan]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Eric Hybert
[B]I don't know if Kluby could possibly shoot the puck anymore than he has. He currently has the most SOG of any defenseman in the USHL with 157. Davis Drewiske is 3rd in the league in shots with 138. At least the staff has some more offensive-minded players coming in..they need them at every position.




I wasn't basing my comments on shooting more on the stats, but my observations watching him 30+ times this year. There are many times when he has the opportunity to shoot but passes the puck. Not that that's a bad thing... But watching the Gamblers play, it's my observation he could be shooting more and passes up too many good shooting opportunities.

Perhaps the stats disprove my observation. Perhaps there are lies, d*** lies and statistics...

[Eric Hybert]

GBPF-
Any thoughts on the development of Josh Engel over the course of the season?

Wisconsin Hockey: Badger material?

[Hammy]

Originally posted by Eric Hybert
With as watered down as MN HS hockey has become in recent years, it's still amazing to see the crowds they bring in for the state tourney. The place was absolutely packed for the finals..they really do put on a good show.

I think you'll see a bit of a Renaissance in the coming years when it comes to MN HS hockey. With the fall Elite League in MN gaining root, more of the top players seem to be opting to stay in HS longer. The Elite League is giving these kids a chance for more ice time and opportunities to see better competition than HS alone has to offer. It appears this factor is helping keep some kids around HS longer. Not to mention, I think some kids are finally starting to see the value in playing a year of USHL after HS anyway...... so they may as well finish out HS with their friends and pursue a dream shot at making it to XCel in March in the process.

Of course, there will always be a certain number that will leave early for USHL/NTDP teams no matter what improvements are made but it appears the tide is shifting a little more back to players staying with the local HS team.

So I think HS hockey is going to be better in the coming years. How much better? Hard to say.

[GB Puck Fan]

Originally posted by Eric Hybert
GBPF-
Any thoughts on the development of Josh Engel over the course of the season?

Wisconsin Hockey: Badger material?

Since you asked, sure...

Josh is a very solid defenseman. He's been paired with Miami recruit Mitch Ganzak most of the year, so they've been able to get into a good rhythm with each other and are often the best tandem for GB on any given night. His +/- is at +3, but with only 16 points (4g/12a), it shows not a lot of goals are being scored when he's on the ice.

He has good puck awareness on D... rarely is out of position such that he's not the type to take a lot of hooking-style penalties to make up ground, etc.

He doesn't have a lot of points, but isn't called upon to shoot a whole lot. (Klubertanz does shoot more, has more points and is definitely more offensively minded, even though I do think Kluby can shoot more). Engel can score though - had a shootout goal just last weekend, for example.

Nothing really flashy, I guess, just solid. When he's on the ice, I don't worry too much about bad things happening - which is a compliment in itself.

I know UW is interested, but I'm guessing it's as Suter insurance at this point for this fall and it's more likely UW wants him for 05-06. I've heard he's talked to others, too - but doesn't sound like anything is set in stone.

I would think he'll be back in GB next year. Knowing how Osiecki likes to make captains out of defensemen (ie Tom Pressing, Nate Guenin, Jeff Finger, etc) - and the turnover we've got coming, I wouldn't be surprised to see him with an "A" or "C" next year.

[sagissoor]

Supposedly Engel is 100 % going to be a badger provided he's willing to play one more year in the USHL. I like what I hear about Kilpatrick too. Those two would seem to be at least "nice" additions to pair with Skille and hopefully Pearce and Morin or Kessel...

[tb2]

And Gorowsky too.

Who was the player who decommitted from Maine and what is he going to do? Was he on the Gamblers too?

[Eric Hybert]

Originally posted by tb2

Who was the player who decommitted from Maine and what is he going to do? Was he on the Gamblers too?

Jeff Hazelwood. He hasn't done much at GB this season so I believe they wanted him to play another year in the USHL. Apparently he didn't really like that idea. I highly doubt the Badgers would have any interest.

I've mentioned this before, but one good source I've talked to believes that Engel is "Suter Insurance". Here next year if he leaves or the following year if he stays. Hopefully he's back in GB next year playing with Garrett Suter!:-))

JoePa and Waterloo need just ONE point in their last 3 games to secure a playoff spot. I believe I said Matt Ford had 4 games left to win the scoring title earlier. Obviously that's wrong since this is the last weekend. He's got two games to go nuts!

Some mention of Jack Skille:

http://www.usahockey.com/usa_hockey/main/home/ntdp_notebook032404/

Meet Davis Drewiske:

http://www.bucshockey.org/03_04/drewiske.html

Meet Joe Piskula:

http://www.bucshockey.org/03_04/piskula.html

Wisconsin Hockey: Playoff Fever!

[GB Puck Fan]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Eric Hybert
Jeff Hazelwood. He hasn't done much at GB this season so I believe they wanted him to play another year in the USHL. Apparently he didn't really like that idea. I highly doubt the Badgers would have any interest.

I've mentioned this before, but one good source I've talked to believes that Engel is "Suter Insurance". Here next year if he leaves or the following year if he stays. Hopefully he's back in GB next year playing with Garrett Suter!:-))


Interesting tidbit about Hazelwood uncommitting. I hadn't heard that.

The latest news here was that Maine indeed asked him to spend another year in Green Bay.

Hazelwood is a good forward - quite speedy. However, he's had some problems adjusting to the size in the USHL - which obviously isn't as big as in college. He needs to get better at working through checks, etc. He is talented offensively, though - no doubt about that.

And yes, Waterloo needs just one point this weekend to make the playoffs... Osiecki, Klubertanz, Engel and the Gamblers need 2 wins and 3 Waterloo losses to make the playoffs (with 1 head-to-head game Saturday)

[Eric Hybert]

USHL tidbits:

Matt Ford scored two goals this weekend while Mike Erickson went scoreless so both are currently tied with the league-lead with 37 goals on the season. Mike Howe needs a hattrick tonight to win the scoring race as he currently has 35 goals and 1 more game.

So, the UW could have back-to-back USHL scoring champs in next years recruiting class. Pavelski led the league with 36 last year while Ford's 37 has him at the top with just one game left. Some good news for a team that desparately needs scoring!

Waterloo whipped up on GB pretty good last night, 6-1, to claim the last playoff spot. Pavelski had a goal, an assist and 7 shots on goal.

Ford and Klubertanz are officially done now. Their next game will be as Badgers!

Wisconsin Hockey: Scorers on the way?

[tb2]

I was reading the prospects tourney rosters and came across a few Wisconsin names I had not heard of yet. Any news or impressions of:

Schmit Aaron 9/9/88 Wisconsin AAA
Hienz Alexander 3/16/88 Madison Capitols
Derrick LaPoint, a 1988 from Wisconsin

Also are Bombach and Swanson (Mr. Hockey Wi style) headed to USHL?

[humpalmd]

i know that bombach is going to the USHL. I think waterloo but I am not completely sure.
I had heard that Swanson was thinking about not playing next year, but I don't know about that. He is too good not to play.

[Eric Hybert]

Matt Ford took home a couple of team awards:

http://www.sfstampede.com/news.asp?id=390

Scroll down to read the full interview on WPH with Swanson. He says he's currently weighing his options and will likely either play D3 next season or play a couple year of juniors in hopes of going D1. He led the state in goals last year with 53..also had 31 assists.

http://www.wisconsinprephockey.net/

Wisconsin Hockey: Mmmm...Pizzzzzzza!

[WiscoDoz]

Originally posted by Eric Hybert
USHL tidbits:

Matt Ford scored two goals this weekend while Mike Erickson went scoreless so both are currently tied with the league-lead with 37 goals on the season. Mike Howe needs a hattrick tonight to win the scoring race as he currently has 35 goals and 1 more game.

So, the UW could have back-to-back USHL scoring champs in next years recruiting class. Pavelski led the league with 36 last year while Ford's 37 has him at the top with just one game left. Some good news for a team that desparately needs scoring!

Waterloo whipped up on GB pretty good last night, 6-1, to claim the last playoff spot. Pavelski had a goal, an assist and 7 shots on goal.

Ford and Klubertanz are officially done now. Their next game will be as Badgers!

Wisconsin Hockey: Scorers on the way?

That is some of the best news I've heard since the end of the season, and gave me some hope for next year. Bernd hopefully will stay, the Dowell line will continue to improve, and next year we could be rediculous.

GO RED