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

[BuckyPete]

Honestly, what are our odds for landing Kessel? I just saw his numbers for the Under 18s, and I was curious what people had heard.

[markwojo]

Jo Pa and his Waterloo team won the Clark Cup (USHL playoff championship). He picked up an assist and a goal in his last two games to finish with 6 goals and 6 assists for 12 poiints in 12 games. What I like about him is the fact that he has average basically a point a game over 2 USHL seasons. I would think that he will come in and add a shot to our offense from day one.

[otts1620]

Wisco better start looking for defensemen...Rumor has it another player has left the program! A D-man........

[HCSmooth]

And your source for this rumor?

[milzie]

Originally posted by otts1620
Wisco better start looking for defensemen...Rumor has it another player has left the program! A D-man........

"If" there's anything to this, I recall awhile back someone saying Chris Julka wasn't coming back.

[Badgers1]

Originally posted by milzie
"If" there's anything to this, I recall awhile back someone saying Chris Julka wasn't coming back.

Julka was honored as a Senior on Senior night, so I doubt this is who he means.

[sagissoor]

Well, it won't be Suter, Likens, Gilbert, or Olinger.

It could be Sawatske.

Woz and Krall graduated (as did Julka).

I guess, if true, my money would be on Sawatske.

[tb2]

Sags

If you are correct, what do we do? Is there a forward we convert or do we try for another walkon (Engel? or whoever...).

[con1977]

I wouldnt put too much stock in otts's rumor. He has on several occasions posted rumors on here that when prompted he has not offered a more substantial statement of his sources. I remember an incident about Mike Eaves that he came and did a "drive-by slandering" and then disappeared after we asked for more specific info about his rather biting comments. Im of the mind that I will believe an otts rumor when I see it actually happen.

[Eric Hybert]

I haven't heard anything yet but Otts is on the inside and very close to the situation so I suspect it's probably true. Sawatske would seem to be the logical guess. He's been in the doghouse repeatedly and he's a walk-on so in addition to not playing, he's also paying. There might be a better opportunity for him elsewhere...IF this is who we're talking about.

Congrats to Waterloo on winning the Cup. In addition to Pavelski, Chris Tok is also an assistant on that team.

Here's the cowboy: http://www.waterlooblackhawks.com/gallery04-champs/P5050037.jpg

Also, from rumorville:

"I heard (Shane) Connelly was at Wisconsin recently."

It'd be nice to add him to the '05 class eventually to replace Bruckler!

Wisconsin Hockey: Veddy intedesting!

[tb2]

How many defensemen are left for next year, 7?

I can remember in years past turning defensemen into forwards, so maybe we need to turn a forward into a defenseman.

[Badgers1]

Originally posted by tb2
How many defensemen are left for next year, 7?

I can remember in years past turning defensemen into forwards, so maybe we need to turn a forward into a defenseman.

Did Degenhardt ever play D? For some reason I was thinking he did for a bit in juniors but not sure. I would think someone like Engel could be moved into this class possibly.

[sagissoor]

I expect Drewiske to beat out both Olinger and Sawatske anyway. So if Eaves has Olinger ahead of Sawatske...

Suter
Gilbert
Likens
Klubertanz
Drewiske
Olinger

There really is not a regular spot for Sawatske. In my estimation, yes MY estimation, the best Sawatske can hope for in to split time with Olinger as the sixth D.

[GB Puck Fan]

Originally posted by Badgers1
Did Degenhardt ever play D? For some reason I was thinking he did for a bit in juniors but not sure. I would think someone like Engel could be moved into this class possibly.

Nope, he only played forward in Green Bay - but did it for Mark Osiecki, who is an excellent defensive coach (just look at that nose!)...

[markwojo]

Hopefully Eaves can land him and then concentrate on a Dman (Morin), & kessel/Bradford.

[dapack]

the only forward that i know has played defense in the past is Andy Brandt who was converted to forward early on in high school. i dont think converting a forward to defense would be in the best idea for this team

[Eric Hybert]

I was told that Garrett Suter will play for the Gamblers next season and NOT the NTDP!

You may also remember that the Badgers had Christian Hanson (son of one of the Hanson Brothers) in for a visit earlier in the year. He just committed to Notre Dame. I'm not sure how interested the Badgers were..especially since Tom Gorowsky committed to the UW while Hanson was here on his visit but...

Wisconsin Hockey: Titletown!

[solovsfett]

Any word on where Bradford may be leaning?

Could Garrett Suter come in this upcoming season and play w/big bro (hoping he stays!)?? Or does he need more seasoning?

[mwhawk]

I believe Garrett has another year of high school to complete before college.

...congrats to Dany Heatley for being named tournament MVP at the just completed World Championships in Prague.

[tb2]

Here is a link to select teams with WI players:

http://www.hockeyscouting.ca Click on Illinois select rosters.

Maybe Sagissor (or any of the others) can mention which ones to watch in the coming years, especially the younger players.