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

[jen]

Joudrey.

Earl will not be far behind, though.

[Eric Hybert]

Originally posted by rccplayer
I've been reading the Earl/Joudrey dialog. It sounds like both show promise. If you were asked to pick between them right now in answering the question "who's going to put up the most points in the next 7 weeks" which one would you pick?

**** good question.

Joudrey will be a big assist guy while Earl is flashier and probably more of a goal scorer. Since they're on the same line, they will end up "sharing" a lot of points on most goals but I'd give the slight edge to Joudrey. I think the extra year at Notre Dame has probably helped him in a lot of areas.

Wisconsin Hockey: They're both good!

[Eric Hybert]

Red Line Report says that Kyle Klubertanz is the top 2004 draft-eligible player in the USHL:

http://www.madison.com/wisconsinstatejournal/sports/58883.php

Klubertanz...a complete two-way defenseman???:-)) Interesting comments considering Kluby's basically been quoted as saying he considers himself a forward on the blueline!:-)) Good to see Auffrey up in the rankings, too.

****, if Suter stays another year that defense could be outstanding. Gilbert, Suter, Sawatske, Likens, Olinger, Klubertanz and Hagemo...

Wisconsin Hockey: D it up!

[joeyv]

If UW could get another season out of Suter...you're right. That would be a pretty solid group.

I'm really looking forward to seeing Gilbert, Likens, Sawatske, Klubertanz, Hagemo, and Olinger develop into one tough D unit. The only loss of significance IMO will be Boeser, and keeping Suter around would be considered a bonus, IMO. Did you notice Hagemo leads the U-18 in PIM's. :eek: :D

Klubertanz probably is the top "rushing type" D in the USHL. He's a kid with a lot of offensive skill and tremendous skating ability, but I have never heard him lauded for his defensive play, prior to reading the RLR. Auffrey has prototype size for the pro game, and he's picked up his level of play of late with the NTDP. He's going to be a versatile, two way F, who brings a lot of grit to the mix. The NTDP followers I regularly "converse" with think Auffrey is the most well rounded player on the club, and has the skill level to be an outstanding scorer. We'll see.

Wisconsin Hockey: Gravy.

[irbbkid]

Following up strong performances vs. DU and CC last week (2 assists), Matt Auffrey scored a PP goal against Maine Friday night, to open USA scoring in the 3rd Period. Banged a pass from Mankato recruit Kaiser, over ex NTDP Maine goalie's shoulder.

On Saturday, Auffrey had 1 Goal and 1 Assist. Ripped a slap shot from the point on the PP past the goalie who is a New Jersey Devils 2003 draft choice. Auffrey controlled the PP all weekend from the side wall. He was physical, and showed great hands and poise in both games. In 5 D- 1 games thus far, and 1 D-3 game, Auffrey has 2 Goals and 3 Assists. 5 points for a pre-freshman. All he needed was another wing (Swallow) to hti the corner's with him. Kaiser is an excellent passer.

[Hammy]

Originally posted by irbbkid
Following up strong performances vs. DU and CC last week (2 assists), Matt Auffrey scored a PP goal against Maine Friday night, to open USA scoring in the 3rd Period. Banged a pass from Mankato recruit Kaiser, over ex NTDP Maine goalie's shoulder.

On Saturday, Auffrey had 1 Goal and 1 Assist. Ripped a slap shot from the point on the PP past the goalie who is a New Jersey Devils 2003 draft choice. Auffrey controlled the PP all weekend from the side wall. He was physical, and showed great hands and poise in both games. In 5 D- 1 games thus far, and 1 D-3 game, Auffrey has 2 Goals and 3 Assists. 5 points for a pre-freshman. All he needed was another wing (Swallow) to hti the corner's with him. Kaiser is an excellent passer.

So let me guess.... you are either a family member of Auffrey's, a family friend or something along those lines? Cause the only time I ever see you post is to pimp this kid. :rolleyes:

[GB Puck Fan]

Klubertanz was stepped on in practice and the skate cut his foot. He sat out this weekend but should be back in action this coming Friday. Nothing serious, but the Gamblers didn't want to push it.

[irbbkid]

just an Badger fan not from the great state of Wisconsin and an NTDP fan. And fan of Auffrey's. Watched him play Jr. in Ontario Provincial League. It appears Badger fans want FYI's on recruits. Isn't that the thread we're on?

Sorry Hammy, didn't know you arrested 'johns' for the CIA.

[Eric Hybert]

kid-
How dare you post information about a Badger recruit in a thread about UW recruiting. What were you thinking?:-))

Wisconsin Hockey: The Prince of Darkness is Back!!

[Hammy]

Originally posted by Eric Hybert
kid-
How dare you post information about a Badger recruit in a thread about UW recruiting. What were you thinking?:-))

Hit the search key under irbbkid's name and you'll know why I said it. Just a tad transparent to focus all your attention on one person..... especially when there is another Badger recruit on the very same team as Auffrey that never gets mentioned by this guy.

For somebody who claims to be a "fan" of the NTDP as well as a Badger fan, how come Hagemo never gets the same treatment? :confused:

Sorry, I ain't buying that there are no ties involved here. :D

[Eric Hybert]

..maybe because he's not Hagemo's advisor!:-))

Who cares...still ****ed that your last 3 recruits aren't playing in the USHL?:-))

Wisconsin Hockey: Don't go away mad...just go away!!

[markwojo]

I don't care whether kid is Auffreys mom, agent, or butt buddy, if he has insight on his performance and wants to update them here, he's in the right place. If Hammy don't want to put any creedence in it, then don't!! Keep the updates coming kid.

[Hammy]

Originally posted by Eric Hybert
..maybe because he's not Hagemo's advisor!:-))

Who cares...still ****ed that your last 3 recruits aren't playing in the USHL?:-))

****ed? Not at all. It was actually nice to see them play a few games this past week in Blaine.

****ed you got swept by a 2nd division WCHA team? :p :)

[Hammy]

Originally posted by markwojo
I don't care whether kid is Auffreys mom, agent, or butt buddy

Yeah... I am sure you'll get a real even keeled analysis from such sources. :rolleyes:

But hey, whatever helps take your mind off of the current team, right? :eek:

[irbbkid]

Nate Hegemo is da' Bomb! 'Kid lives to watch this '04 Badger play. Speed unreal!!! And the most powerful, pure stride on the NTDP. He chased down a forward on a breakaway, that was well beyond the D. Questionable call on the penalty shot. Grit, grit and more grit. Hegemo is the real deal. Has a future like Brian Rafalski.

"Heg's" has a great shot from the point, low, and heavy. And he competes to win!

He shows he was formerly a forward in his offensive instincts. His wheels will be an asset on the big Kohl Center ice. And he'll be a fan favorite.

'Kid loves Hegemo. 'Kid loves Auffrey. 'Kid loves Dowell. 'Kid loves Sutes. 'Kid loves Bourque. 'Kid loves Licari. 'Kid loves Eaves. 'Kid loves 'em all.

'Kid has disdain for Hammy. Loser!

[Hammy]

I think "kid" needs a life beyond the Auffrey boy. :p

[irbbkid]

Checkmate. You win! ...because it seems so important to you. I'm done.

Your points are well taken, but you seem like a very immature person. I'm 15 years old and I definately won't try to compete with a person so torqued.

2,047 posts for Hammy, and 'kid needs to get a life???

Do you have a job? 'Kid has a life, and other things to do than post 2,000X on a Web site.

Check Eric Hybert's post, and markwojo, and you'll see that Wisco fans like the info. We'll put ourselves in check and make sure we comment on your favorite studs as well.

"kid-
How dare you post information about a Badger recruit in a thread about UW recruiting. What were you thinking?"

quote from Eric Hybert


"...don't care whether kid is Auffreys mom, agent, or butt buddy, if he has insight on his performance and wants to update them here, he's in the right place. If Hammy don't want to put any creedence in it, then don't!! Keep the updates coming kid."

quote from makwojo


END OF DISCUSSION- ...I smell toast!

[milzie]

Originally posted by irbbkid
Checkmate. You win! ...because it seems so important to you. I'm done.

Your points are well taken, but you seem like a very immature person. I'm 15 years old and I definately won't try to compete with a person so torqued.

2,047 posts for Hammy, and 'kid needs to get a life???

Do you have a job? 'Kid has a life, and other things to do than post 2,000X on a Web site.

END OF DISCUSSION- ...I smell toast!

:D :D :D

'Kid, here comes the part where Hammy says you twisted his words. It happens everytime.;)

Keep the reports coming, Thanks.

[markwojo]

...draft preview article in todays USA today by Redlines Kyle Woodlief lists Kyle Klubertanz as one of his rising prospects.

Has Todd McIlrath ever been associated as having any interest in Wisconsin, as the article says he was not cleared by ND admissions and is being looked at by several colleges. I know we are primarily looking at Kessel/Bertram at the forwards, but McIlrath looks like a good alterative if the Kessel to Michigan grumblings prove to have some truth to them, &/or Bertram decides on Canadian junior vs. college.

Here's the whole article:

Attitudes keep some prospects out of early top 10
Late '86 D Matt Lashoff got his Ontario Hockey League career off to a great start. He assisted on four goals in Kitchener's 10-4 rout of Plymouth.
Lashoff, a sure-fire top 10 pick for 2005, is a smooth-skating defenseman with good size who loves to push the puck, something he didn't do nearly as much with the U.S. NTDP U-17s last season.

Red Line has had the Albany, N.Y., native on our radar screens for several seasons, but at times we were disappointed in his development with the U-17s. We've talked with numerous CHL GMs who feel certain kids, especially creative offensive defensemen, can get a bit lost in the U.S. programme.

Universally, the GMs have praised the NTDP as a whole, but feel d-men such as Lashoff aren't given as much offensive freedom and are hindered by the rolling of four defense pairs.

***

Plymouth's rookie Czech import Vaclav Meidl scored his first two OHL goals in a recent game. The 6-4/195-pound forward has excellent upside and could end up a solid first rounder if he continues his development. "I like the North American style," said Meidl, who speaks English well enough (and non-stop on the ice) to get opponents riled up. "There are more hits here. In Europe there is a lot of technical hockey and almost no hits. I'm a big guy, and I like the hits."

***

A couple of Import rookies in the Q have caught our eye in the first month of the season; one comes as little surprise, but the second is completely new to us.

We were already familiar with Gatineau Olympiques Czech winger Petr Pohl's handiwork, and he has already both scored and set up a few beauties in the games we've seen, weaving through some tight checking and either roofing a laser beam shot into the top corner or dishing off at just the right moment. At 5-10 and slightly built, Pohl may be a bit too small to be a top-tier player, but he's going to get great coaching in Gatineau and he may grow another inch or two yet.

But Slovak defender Juraj Liska is a tall, rangy blue-liner with excellent lateral agility and some puckhandling acumen. We're surprised we never noticed him in Trencin last year, but he's on our radar screen now in Acadie-Bathurst.

And Liska's countryman Stanislav Lascek, the 10th overall pick in the Import Draft this past July by Chicoutimi, has finally obtained his release from his Slovak club team and began suiting up for the Sagueneens this week. Red Line is anxious to finally see the talented center perform in the North American game.

***

As for homegrown talent, without question (and by a wide margin) the biggest early-season disappointment has been Drummondville's Kevin Mailhiot. The big left winger impressed all observers by scoring 33 goals as a 16-year-old with a bad team last season, and with his size and hands looked to be a sure-fire top 20 pick prior to the season. But his lackluster performance at Canada's U-18 camp in Calgary in August has been followed by a new act — the incredible disappearing prospect — over the season's first three weeks and has left us (and many an NHL scout) scratching our collective heads in puzzlement over the sudden drop in his fortunes. The only thing sure-fire about Mr. Invisible now is that for sure he'd better get himself in gear, and soon, or it'll be a case of: "Will all you first-round picks please step forward ... uh, not so fast Mr. Mailhiot."

***

Left-shot center Todd McIlrath, a 5-9 speedster Red Line has liked for a couple of years, parted ways with the U.S. Under-18 Team, joining the Danville Wings (USHL) last weekend, playing his first game on Saturday night and contributing two assists to the Wings' 3-2 shootout win over St. Louis. McIlrath and U.S. Under-18 head coach Moe Mantha reportedly failed to see eye-to-eye on a number of things. McIlrath getting a new start with the Wings is probably best for all concerned.

The Michigan native and '86 birthdate out of the HoneyBaked programme first caught our eye and put himself on the hockey map with a sterling performance at the 2001 U.S. Select 15 Festival.

Last spring, McIlrath had his scholarship offer withdrawn by Notre Dame admissions. Right now, he's wide open as far as college is concerned, and a number of schools have been watching him closely. But we'd say that OHL clubs looking for an injection of speed, energy, and instant offence should be keeping close tabs on him now that he has left the NTDP.

***

Both of Red Line's WHL scouts are sending across early-season raves on Calgary power forward prospect Andrew Ladd, who has been the biggest positive surprise out west thus far this year. If he keeps playing this way could end up in the first round. At 6-2/200 pounds, he's willing to drop the gloves, goes to the net with abandon, and consistently takes the body. Has also shown some solid puck skills and the ability to utilise teammates effectively. Our consensus: If he continues to develop offensively, will definitely be a top two round pick, with an outside chance of slipping into the lower portions of he first round.

RISING

Andrew Ladd — Big power forward goes to the net, takes the body consistently, has shown solid puck skills, and is willing to drop the gloves.

Vaclav Meidl — Huge, has adapted nicely to the North American game already, and is starting to score some goals and throw weight around.

Rickard Demen-Willaume — Playmaking d-man has good physical tools, plays mature game, controls tempo, and has lots of natural skills and leadership.

Mattias Hellstrom — Dangerous, creates lots of chances with speed and has excellent hands and a sniper's touch. Separation burst intimidates defenders.

Alexandre Picard — Smooth d-man has frequently been the best player on the ice at both ends for Lewiston.

Kyle Klubertanz — Has speed and offensive instincts in abundance and is ready to come into his own.

Victor Oreskovich — Could be a huge (literally) darkhorse this season. Has great size/skills package and is one of the youngest players in the draft.

Boris Valabik — A really raw projection and work in progress, but he's huge and has pretty good footwork. Could become a monster on the blue line.

Vadim Karaga — We just can't get this little Belarussian out of our head — he's showing the same speed and skills in London that he did in Europe. Thirty teams are going to regret not selecting him with a late rounder last year.

FALLING

Robbie Schremp — We didn¹t like this prima donna's attitude before the season began — how do you think we feel about him now that he's run out on his teammates and coaches in Mississauga?

Kevin Mailhiot — "Hello, Drummondville police department... somebody stole all my talent. Could you please find it for me?" Looks like he spent a lot of time over the offseason reading his press clippings, and not much time worrying about advancing his game.

Eric Hunter — Feisty little guy still agitating and working, but not producing the points we expected in his second year.

Todd McIlrath — His ugly break with the U.S. Nationals and some rumblings about his off-ice character are concerns.

Fred Wikner — He's a nasty piece of business alright, maybe the dirtiest Swede to come along since Ulfie Samuelsson, but he still hasn't developed his offensive game at all.

TOP 10

Here is Red Line's preliminary identification list of the top draft-eligible prospects for the NHL's 2004 Entry Draft in Raleigh, N.C., next June 26-27.

No. Player Pos HT/WT Shot DOB Team
1. Alexandre Ovechkin LW 6-1/195 R 9-17-85 Dynamo
2. Evgeni Malkin C 6-2/176 L 7-31-86 Magnitogorsk
3. Cam Barker D 6-3/206 L 4-4-86 Medicine Hat
4. Rostislav Olesz C 6-2/191 L 10-10-85 Vitkovice
5. Wojtek Wolski LW 6-2/188 L 2-24-86 Brampton
6. Marek Schwarz G 5-9/165 R 4-1-86 Sparta Praha
7. Wes O'Neill D 6-3/192 L 3-3-86 Univ. of Notre Dame
8. Jakub Sindel RW 5-11/163 R 1-24-86 Slavia Praha
9. Lauri Tukonen C 6-3/191 R 9-1-86 Espoo
10. Ladislav Smid D 6-2/189 L 2-1-86 Liberec

[Eric Hybert]

The Vancouver (WHL) owner seems pretty confident that Dan Bertram will be in the Vancouver lineup next season...but what else would you expect him to say?:

http://www.canada.com/vancouver/sports/story.asp?id=C57CEFDB-4FAF-4C97-BCD0-34D0375C0E73

Wisconsin Hockey: You can get to the NHL from here, too!!!