Committed Recruits Update Thread

by **Bertogliat** » Thu 8/16/12 2:25 pm

The U17 team has 6 kids from New York and 2 from Minnesota......WTF? :crazy:

by **Iceburg** » Thu 8/16/12 2:41 pm

Bertogliat wrote:The U17 team has 6 kids from New York and 2 from Minnesota......WTF?

ROSTER

Didn't notice that this was out yet.

by **dryfly** » Thu 8/16/12 3:07 pm

Bertogliat wrote:The U17 team has 6 kids from New York and 2 from Minnesota......WTF?

Lot of people in NY and the place does have a winter. They don't all hang out at coffee shops in Manhattan - see lake Placid. It was a matter of time before they figured out they could do more than just shovel lake effects snow.

FD: as a kid I lived south of Buffalo for about five years. With little indoor ice it was a hockey wasteland then - too warm - with indoor ice that would all change. All across western and 'up state' I'm sure the same thing happened.

Also - regarding lake effects - its the real deal. We got 90 inches of heavy wet snow off Lake Erie the first month we lived there - averaged a dump or two a week. Blew up my father's wimpy Minnesota snow blower [great for powder - not so great for a foot or two of sticky wet snow the density of a melting snow cone].

by **Hammy** » Thu 8/16/12 3:16 pm

Jaykay3 wrote:So I work for TST Media, the site that does MN Hockey Hub and I was uploading some rosters onto the football hub today and I got to Minnetonka. At the bottom of the list, #97 K Vinni Lettieri, 5'10 170. Who knew?

Yes, he was their kicker last fall. Not this year though as he'll be in Lincoln.

by **Jaykay3** » Thu 8/16/12 4:02 pm

Hammy wrote:
Jaykay3 wrote:So I work for TST Media, the site that does MN Hockey Hub and I was uploading some rosters onto the football hub today and I got to Minnetonka. At the bottom of the list, #97 K Vinni Lettieri, 5'10 170. Who knew?

Yes, he was their kicker last fall. Not this year though as he'll be in Lincoln.

That's why I found it a little strange that he was on their roster this year. Maybe just wishful thinking by the football coach.

by **LeoPohl** » Thu 8/16/12 4:07 pm

Iceburg wrote:
Bertogliat wrote:The U17 team has 6 kids from New York and 2 from Minnesota......WTF?

ROSTER

Didn't notice that this was out yet.

It doesn't help that neither Gersich or Iverson decided to go that route. Not sure why Iverson chose Portland (academics?), but he'd almost certainly be a lock to play on that team.

by **FargoSiouxHater** » Fri 8/17/12 9:04 am

Bertogliat wrote:The U17 team has 6 kids from New York and 2 from Minnesota......WTF?

All about quality, not quantity. :biggrin2:

At any rate, I would love to see both of those boys on our blue line in a couple years.

by **LeoPohl** » Fri 8/17/12 9:59 am

FargoSiouxHater wrote:
Bertogliat wrote:The U17 team has 6 kids from New York and 2 from Minnesota......WTF?

All about quality, not quantity. At any rate, I would love to see both of those boys on our blue line in a couple years.

To spin off of that and fit into the "Potential Recruit" thread, I'd certainly like seeing that size out there, especially in the form of right-handed shots. In that mold, I'd like to see more of Parker Reno to see if he could be that piece.

Unless I'm missing someone, Alt, Holl, and Thompson are the only right-handed defensemen the team has in place right now. I know there was a highly touted Canadien (J.C. Garcia, left-handed) taking a look, but the right side of Collins, Glover, and Reno could look pretty solid in three years. (They'd likely all be sophomores.)

Piece on Reno. If he can be some version of a cross between Atherton and Vannelli, I'd take it, especially with the offensive minded defensemen coming in of Brodzinski and Bischoff with Reilly and Marshall likely still playing at least one season with him.

Edited

by **BlueBandit24** » Fri 8/17/12 10:19 am

LeoPohl wrote:I know there was a highly touted Canadien.

I'm guessing you're thinking of C.J. Garcia.

by **LeoPohl** » Fri 8/17/12 10:49 am

BlueBandit24 wrote:
LeoPohl wrote:I know there was a highly touted Canadien.

I'm guessing you're thinking of C.J. Garcia.

link
Yep.

Edit: Garcia's OHL draft page.
He's a lefty.

by **Hammy** » Fri 8/17/12 12:00 pm

The last I heard on Garcia, he was almost assuredly going to be playing OHL. Which is kind of what I had been thinking all along anyway.

I've heard some conflicting things on our interest in Reno. We might be cooling on that situation. Not 100% sure though.

by **thedude** » Fri 8/17/12 12:07 pm

Hammy wrote:The last I heard on Garcia, he was almost assuredly going to be playing OHL. Which is kind of what I had been thinking all along anyway.

I've heard some conflicting things on our interest in Reno. We might be cooling on that situation. Not 100% sure though.

Glover?

by **LeoPohl** » Fri 8/17/12 12:16 pm

Hammy wrote:The last I heard on Garcia, he was almost assuredly going to be playing OHL. Which is kind of what I had been thinking all along anyway.

I've heard some conflicting things on our interest in Reno. We might be cooling on that situation. Not 100% sure though.

I always thought it was strange that Guentzel would look outside the borders. There's certainly some good defensemen out there, but the only major league Canadien defensemen the program has ever produced was Lou Nanne. (He's the only non Minnesotan to make that list, for that matter.) Peter Kennedy aside, I can't think of a single other Canadien to play defense for the team, either.) (I'd still like to figure out the Kennedy deal--coming from Nova Scotia to here.)

by **Hammy** » Fri 8/17/12 2:49 pm

All things being equal, you go for the local kid. But all things are not equal and occasionally it's not wise to be too narrow in scope.

I'm generally leery of recruiting Canadians simply because of the CHL factor being strong up there. Those kids up there favor that route and college hockey is mostly a Plan B. Particularly in the eastern half of the country. But I can see why our coaches want to keep options available on a good prospect.

by **Hammy** » Fri 8/17/12 2:54 pm

thedude wrote:
Hammy wrote:The last I heard on Garcia, he was almost assuredly going to be playing OHL. Which is kind of what I had been thinking all along anyway.

I've heard some conflicting things on our interest in Reno. We might be cooling on that situation. Not 100% sure though.

Glover?

I think it goes without saying that we have an interest there.

by **bearpaw28** » Fri 8/17/12 5:06 pm

Hammy wrote:
thedude wrote:
Hammy wrote:The last I heard on Garcia, he was almost assuredly going to be playing OHL. Which is kind of what I had been thinking all along anyway.

I've heard some conflicting things on our interest in Reno. We might be cooling on that situation. Not 100% sure though.

Glover?

I think it goes without saying that we have an interest there.

Back in March, just after the State Tourney...I heard from a source that Notre Dame was definitely in the picture regarding Glover...obviously things can change in 5 months...but I wouldn't be surprised if it comes down to either the Gophers or the Irish...when all is said and done.

by **Hammy** » Fri 8/17/12 5:26 pm

bearpaw28 wrote:Back in March, just after the State Tourney...I heard from a source that Notre Dame was definitely in the picture regarding Glover...obviously things can change in 5 months...but I wouldn't be surprised if it comes down to either the Gophers or the Irish...when all is said and done.

I absolutely agree. Same thing I have heard over time.

I don't think Notre Dame will have much of an effect on Gopher recruiting here because the Gophers will always be the top choice of most kids. But there is no doubt they are making more of an effort in this state in recent times and I think that's going to be a problem for some of the other schools in the state (and those programs just outside of it).

by **Slap Shot** » Fri 8/17/12 6:27 pm

I think the competition will only make UM stronger. If anything it will make them broaden their horizons on recruits when perhaps in the past it was easier to be 'lazy' (and I use that term very loosely for lack of a better one). Although it's impossible imho to complain about the last few classes and how future ones are already shaping up to be. Good times in Gopher Nation. (ha sorry, couldn't resist)

by **Iceburg** » Sat 8/18/12 2:52 am

Iceburg wrote:Waterloo wins an exhibition game to start out their Russia trip.

LINK

by **Hammy** » Sun 8/19/12 1:42 am

CJ Garcia does sign with Barrie in the OHL. As I suspected.

by **fishingmn** » Sun 8/19/12 8:02 am

Shouldn't all this discussion go in the Potential Future Recruits thread?

by **BattleHymn** » Sun 8/19/12 9:38 am

I have read much on how Kloos can fly, but his acceleration on the last goal was something to behold. He pounced on that D so quickly, stripped him clean and finished. He will be fun to watch.

by **BattleHymn** » Sun 8/19/12 9:39 am

Thanks for the link Ice!

by **Iceburg** » Sun 8/19/12 10:58 am

Waterloo beats HC Energie (Czech Republic) in the opener of the tournament.

LINK

by **streakygopher** » Sun 8/19/12 11:03 am

BattleHymn wrote:I have read much on how Kloos can fly, but his acceleration on the last goal was something to behold. He pounced on that D so quickly, stripped him clean and finished. He will be fun to watch.

I've seen him play in person a few times. He's fast with an extra gear...just when the defense thinks they have him measured, he floors it. He also has a sneaky good shot...gets it off from anywhere on the ice without teeing it up first.

by **Iceburg** » Mon 8/20/12 5:47 am

Waterloo drops to 1-1, losing 3-1 to Dynamo Shinnik (Belarus). Justin Kloos scores the lone Waterloo goal.

LINK

by **Iceburg** » Tue 8/21/12 1:27 pm

Not the clearest video you'll ever see

by **dryfly** » Tue 8/21/12 8:06 pm

Iceburg wrote:Not the clearest video you'll ever see

Bet they would get bigger crowds if they served beer vodka at the games.

by **Iceburg** » Wed 8/22/12 6:02 am

Waterloo beats Norway’s National Junior Team to move to 2-1 in the tournament.

LINK

by **Iceburg** » Thu 8/23/12 7:44 am

You can watch the Waterloo-Omskie Yastreby game HERE. Your viewing experience will be enhanced if you are fluent in Russian.

by **poisondart** » Thu 8/23/12 1:27 pm

Waterloo wins 7-3. Kloos has 2 goals and Cammarata 1 assist. First goal by Kloos was a snipe.

by **Iceburg** » Thu 8/23/12 4:51 pm

poisondart wrote:Waterloo wins 7-3. Kloos has 2 goals and Cammarata 1 assist. First goal by Kloos was a snipe.

LINK

by **Iceburg** » Sat 8/25/12 8:02 am

Waterloo beats Linkopings of Sweden to advance to the championship game of the tournament.

LINK

by **Five-HoleFrenzy** » Sat 8/25/12 1:25 pm

Interesting matchup for Waterloo in their final game tomorrow with The Sudbury Wolves winning their semi-final game against Belarus' Dinamo-Shinnik 5-2. The following headline sums it up.

"It will be a battle of North American teams in the 2012 Junior Club World Cup final as the Wolves, who are representing the OHL/CHL, will take on the Waterloo Black Hawks of the United States Hockey League (USHL) Sunday afternoon."

by **Iceburg** » Sat 8/25/12 2:38 pm

the USHL site wrote:The Waterloo Black Hawks will look to capture the 2012 Junior Club World Cup title on Sunday, August 26th in Omsk, Russia. The game vs. Canada representative, Sudbury Wolves of the OHL, will be broadcast live via the KHL YouTube channel. (www.youtube.com/khlofficialvideo)

Game time is set for 7:30 AM Central time in the United States.

The Waterloo Black Hawks finished second in group play after earning wins against teams representing the Czech Republic, Norway, and Russia. The USHL team advance to the championship game with a 5-4 shootout win against Sweden.

I'm assuming the play-by-play will again be in Russian.

Highlights from this morning's game

by **Iceburg** » Sun 8/26/12 11:36 am

Sudbury (OHL) beats Waterloo 2-0 in the tournament championship game. Former Gopher commit Joel Vienneau with the shutout.

LINK

by **Iceburg** » Fri 8/31/12 5:38 am

A Penticton Vees press release wrote:FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 30th, 2012
VEES DROP EXHIBITION OPENER
PENTICTON, BC–The Penticton Vees comeback attempt fell short against the West Kelowna Warriors, losing 4-3 in exhibition action Thursday. The Vees erased a three goal third period deficit, only to have the Warriors score the game-winning goal with under eight minutes left.

The Warriors broke out for three first-period goals to build a sizable lead. Marcus Basara opened up the scoring with a back-hand over the glove of Nic Renyard at 8:02. Josh Monk doubled the Warriors lead on the power-play, as his point-shot found its way through bodies at 13:44. Brennan Clark wrapped up the first period scoring when he shoveled in a goal-line rebound at 18:35.

After a scoreless second, the Vees found their legs in the third period, rattling off three straight goals to draw even. Ryan Gropp got things going on the power-play at 3:48; his wrist-shot eluding Garrett Rockafellow. Kurt Black made things interesting with a breakaway goal just one minute and twenty-three seconds later. Black put a back-hand under the glove of Rockafellow to draw the Vees within one. On another Vees power-play, Lou Nanne pounced on a loose puck and forced it over the goal-line at the 11:00 mark, erasing a three goal deficit.

It would be all for not, as Brent Lashuck tucked a back-hand over Renyard on the short-side at 12:24 to put the Warriors back in front for good. The Vees couldn’t capitalize with the goalie pulled in the dying moments of the third.

FINAL SCORE: 4-3 Warriors
Shots: 40-39 Vees
Power-Plays: Vees 2/4 Warriors 0/2

The Vees next action is Saturday, September 1st, when the host the Wenatchee Wild of the North American Hockey league in exhibition action. Puck drop is 5pm at the SOEC; tickets are available at the SOEC Box Office.

by **LeoPohl** » Fri 9/07/12 10:28 am

Just transferring a Hammy twitter discussion on here. (Mostly because I don't have twitter)

Assuming this is the article (scroll to the bottom) that Hammy and FCWeiss were discussing, I'd like to point a couple things out that Hammy failed to mention.
Kloos is pretty much guaranteed a spot on next season's team, while Nanne will likely be a 2014 at this point, and Letteiri will have to wait and see on any departures up-front besides the Big Bs. Also, the two defensemen of Brodzinski and Bischoff should be mentioned as possible 2013 recruits if Nanne is. Either or both could easily be coming in if someone signs early. On that note, it's also going to be interesting how the Nash trade affects McDonagh and if the Rangers would sign Sjkei after the season if the NYR can't afford to match qualifying offers that are sure to be there if he's not signed as of July 1. (I HATE that deal for that reason.)

I'd also like to point out to Weiss that regardless of size, draft, or any other considerations, Kloos just scored 103 points to Nanne's 27 and a PPG average nearly 3 1/2 times as high, not to mention blowing everyone else out during the Elite League. To put things in further perspective, Kloos had more points (22) in the postseason alone than Nanne had during the entire regular season (20). Granted, Nanne had the better competition, but Rau had 3 times the scoring output against even harder competition the previous season while winning a state title.

Strictly sticking to college, Kloos will likely be given PP opportunities as a freshman, while Nanne will be fighting for playing time with Michaelson, Horn and the Reilly twins whichever year he does arrive. If that year is 2014, Kloos may very well be on the top line by then potentially playing with guys like Rau, Fasching, Cammarata, or Ambroz.

One final thought to remember is that regardless of how well Nanne does in Penticton, the Minnesotans on last year's version had better seasons relative to the league standings then they did in high school the previous season. That is even adjusting for the number of team/player differential between the two levels, the Reilly twins, Lucia, and Fogarty, all did better in the league point standings in the BCHL than in high school. Benik still finished second in the league and first on what essentially turned out to be a mind-numbing, record setting, HOF team, as opposed to playing nearly shift for Saint Francis the previous season.

That's not to say I don't want Nanne to succeed; there's just going to be a ton of competition for playing time for him to do so. (Which is going to be very good for the team.

)

by **Hammy** » Fri 9/07/12 10:40 am

It is difficult to have much of a debate w/ details on Twitter given 140 characters. It wasn't failed to mention as much as it is next to impossible to go into great detail there. :wink:

I have to admit I found the Nanne/Kloos opinion that was given as a head scratcher. No doubt Nanne has some advantages on Kloos (more physical, more defensive, a little more size to build on) but Kloos is a very good overall player too and his offense is really what tips the scales in his favor overall.

On that note, it's also going to be interesting how the Nash trade affects McDonagh and if the Rangers would sign Sjkei after the season if the NYR can't afford to match qualifying offers that are sure to be there if he's not signed as of July 1. (I HATE that deal for that reason.)

I've never really understood when anybody starts talking about Skjei signing after a year given the other MN kid you mentioned above was an even higher draft pick and was given three years of college to mature by the very same team (yes, I know they didn't own his rights all three years but they did give him a junior year). Skjei is pretty much in that same boat. He's a very good prospect but certainly is raw enough that I would highly, highly doubt the NYR would think of rushing to the pros after one season. They'd be better off finding an alternative that's been around.

by **LeoPohl** » Fri 9/07/12 11:21 am

Hammy wrote:It is difficult to have much of a debate w/ details on Twitter given 140 characters. It wasn't failed to mention as much as it is next to impossible to go into great detail there.

You mean I went to all that work for nothing! :anger:

On that note, it's also going to be interesting how the Nash trade affects McDonagh and if the Rangers would sign Sjkei after the season if the NYR can't afford to match qualifying offers that are sure to be there if he's not signed as of July 1. (I HATE that deal for that reason.)

I've never really understood when anybody starts talking about Skjei signing after a year given the other MN kid you mentioned above was an even higher draft pick and was given three years of college to mature by the very same team (yes, I know they didn't own his rights all three years but they did give him a junior year). Skjei is pretty much in that same boat. He's a very good prospect but certainly is raw enough that I would highly, highly doubt the NYR would think of rushing to the pros after one season. They'd be better off finding an alternative that's been around.

This guy.
It's not so much that if he is in the NHL that season, but it's a cheap back-up in the AHL that they can call-up, as well. Dylan McIlrath looks to be the guy to take the NHL spot, but that leaves a relatively cheap anytime (entry-level) call-up spot available in Connecticut next season,of which a quick look shows currently zero of. Granted, I don't know that much about the Ranger's defensive prospects, but that's what makes me nervous and will likely lead me to do some more research on the topic this winter. :anger:

by **xyz** » Fri 9/07/12 12:14 pm

Hammy, did you ever see Weiss give an explanation for that? He said he was going to on USCHO but I never saw anything. I guess you can see the long-term, far-off possible pro potential argument, for the reasons you mentioned (no need to go into the whole Wild draft pick thing here), and every non-troll on here hopes they both far exceed expectations, but in terms of expected college impact, I really have absolutely no idea what he might be thinking.

by **Hammy** » Fri 9/07/12 12:21 pm

LeoPohl wrote:This guy.
It's not so much that if he is in the NHL that season, but it's a cheap back-up in the AHL that they can call-up, as well. Dylan McIlrath looks to be the guy to take the NHL spot, but that leaves a relatively cheap anytime (entry-level) call-up spot available in Connecticut next season,of which a quick look shows currently zero of. Granted, I don't know that much about the Ranger's defensive prospects, but that's what makes me nervous and will likely lead me to do some more research on the topic this winter.

Leddy had

A. better puck/offensive skills to handle that transition after a year
B. had a position coach back then that hurt our cause in keeping him here
C. his rights owned by different team with a different strategy

To me, McDonagh is a far better comparison of situations because his rights were owned by the same team and their games are more similar than Skjei's is to Leddy.

Kids don't dream of signing to play in the AHL. Skjei is a smart kid. He's going to take some time. Unless some miracle breakout season happens (which I doubt since we have such a deep blue line this year), I expect he's a three year guy. Maybe two if he really shows his offense is improving a lot faster than may be expected.

by **Hammy** » Fri 9/07/12 12:25 pm

xyz wrote:Hammy, did you ever see Weiss give an explanation for that? He said he was going to on USCHO but I never saw anything. I guess you can see the long-term, far-off possible pro potential argument, for the reasons you mentioned (no need to go into the whole Wild draft pick thing here), and every non-troll on here hopes they both far exceed expectations, but in terms of expected college impact, I really have absolutely no idea what he might be thinking.

I didn't but I didn't exactly go looking around for it either. I usually only casually browse USCHO these days. Although I've been on it more in the last day than I have been in the last year.

Yeah, I don't see the comparison being very good for college impact. To me, Nanne has always been earmarked as a character kid that will play hard, kill penalties, and maybe chip in the occasional goal. Sort of a Serratore type of situation. We all know Kloos is being brought in to eventually be an impact offensive player that should (eventually) be handling a top 6 forward role and PP time.

by **LeoPohl** » Fri 9/07/12 12:45 pm

Hammy wrote:
LeoPohl wrote:This guy.
It's not so much that if he is in the NHL that season, but it's a cheap back-up in the AHL that they can call-up, as well. Dylan McIlrath looks to be the guy to take the NHL spot, but that leaves a relatively cheap anytime (entry-level) call-up spot available in Connecticut next season,of which a quick look shows currently zero of. Granted, I don't know that much about the Ranger's defensive prospects, but that's what makes me nervous and will likely lead me to do some more research on the topic this winter.

Leddy had

A. better puck/offensive skills to handle that transition after a year
B. had a position coach back then that hurt our cause in keeping him here
C. his rights owned by different team with a different strategy

To me, McDonagh is a far better comparison of situations because his rights were owned by the same team and their games are more similar than Skjei's is to Leddy.

Kids don't dream of signing to play in the AHL. Skjei is a smart kid. He's going to take some time. Unless some miracle breakout season happens (which I doubt since we have such a deep blue line this year), I expect he's a three year guy. Maybe two if he really shows his offense is improving a lot faster than may be expected.

I'm not saying I'm disagreeing with you; I'm simply saying I'm nervous. Before the trade, I never even questioned whether he'd stay or go; now I'm in Holl/Condon territory of at least wondering. You've been saying as much as anyone that it's not a matter of whether the player should go, it's about what the team wants/needs.

On a sidenote--if Skjei turns out to be McDonagh, I'll be doing headflips. Right now I see him as more of a defensive guy similar to Bret Hedican, especially with his likely teammates in college. (For the record, I know Hedican was a high offensive guy as an amateur; I'm talking about his role in the NHL being similar to what I think Skjei's will be at both the college and pro level.)

by **Hammy** » Fri 9/07/12 1:36 pm

I really don't feel the Skjei/McDonagh game comparison is all that off.

Skjei is the better skater at that age. McDonagh was more physical. But not outrageously different in those areas either.

Not a major difference in offense. McDonagh was not a great offensive d-man in college and I suspect Skjei will be similar in numbers (although it is hard to predict this year since the Gophers won't need him to step into any PP role). Skjei is not going to razzle dazzle (just like McDonagh didn't). But they make good plays with the puck and their skating can get them out of trouble.

I'm not saying Skjei ends up the same kind of results as we need to temper expectations and just let the kid grow into his game and his role in the program. But he has those kinds of tools to work with.

by **poisondart** » Fri 9/07/12 2:02 pm

The Kloos/Nanne debate was brought up earlier and I find it inconceivable that Nanne shows up before Kloos. In fact if this situation were to play out and Nanne showed up on campus next year while Kloos was asked to spend another year in Waterloo, in all likely hood we'd never see Kloos in a gopher jersey. I know Kloos has his doubters but what is he suppose to do? The kid has consistently scored at every level and if the Russia trip along with last spring is any indication it seems he can score at the ushl level as well. In his last 10 games with Waterloo he has scored 13 points. Michealson is coming in as a true freshman and he scored 20 in a full season! I think its possible that Justin does not come in next year but it won't be because of Louie. Guertler and Letteri should be higher on the pecking order than Nanne. I guess if Louie is truly a walk on this could change things much the same as Horn coming in this year.

by **Hammy** » Fri 9/07/12 2:36 pm

I don't think there is any question that Fasching, Cammarata, Lettieri, Guertler, and Kloos will all be coming in 2013.

by **xyz** » Fri 9/07/12 2:39 pm

I haven't seen any indication anywhere that Kloos isn't coming in next year, and this Weiss fellow appears to believe that's the case too; judging from his Twitter comments, he just thinks Nanne will do more in college, for reasons that don't really seem obvious. I brought it up only to see if anybody had seen his reasoning behind an, um, interesting opinion, as you see his name quite a bit around the Internets discussing hockey prospects, and was wondering whether I should put him on the "automatically ignore" list I keep in my head.

by **xyz** » Fri 9/07/12 2:47 pm

Although there is the consideration that if all those players come in, which I agree everybody expects, there will be a huge glut of forwards, particularly if Haula and Budish decide to stay for 2013-2014 (Bjugstad leaving after this season is about as certain as the sun coming up tomorrow). You want healthy competition for spots, obviously, but there are 15 forwards on the roster for this year, none of whom are seniors. If only Bjugstad leaves, and five forwards come in, that gives you 19, and that's an awful lot. At that point both coaches, and players lower on the depth chart, may face some difficult decisions.

by **LeoPohl** » Fri 9/07/12 2:58 pm

xyz wrote:Although there is the consideration that if all those players come in, which I agree everybody expects, there will be a huge glut of forwards, particularly if Haula and Budish decide to stay for 2013-2014 (Bjugstad leaving after this season is about as certain as the sun coming up tomorrow). You want healthy competition for spots, obviously, but there are 15 forwards on the roster for this year, none of whom are seniors. If only Bjugstad leaves, and five forwards come in, that gives you 19, and that's an awful lot. At that point both coaches, and players lower on the depth chart, may face some difficult decisions.

I'm guessing Budish will go, too, as he's an academic senior with no real reason to stay.

I checked USCHO for an article from Weiss on Kloos/Nanne, but never found one this morning.

I still can't figure that one out.

by **WestCoastGopherGuy** » Fri 9/07/12 3:03 pm

i would expect bjugstad, budish, haula and condon to all sign next summer. getting any 1 of them back would be a windfall for the U.. hopefully at least condon stays though. budish would be huge (thinking rau-cammarata-budish line.. but like i said, im assuming he is gone come april)

by **LeoPohl** » Fri 9/07/12 3:12 pm

Hammy wrote:I really don't feel the Skjei/McDonagh game comparison is all that off.

Skjei is the better skater at that age. McDonagh was more physical. But not outrageously different in those areas either.

Not a major difference in offense. McDonagh was not a great offensive d-man in college and I suspect Skjei will be similar in numbers (although it is hard to predict this year since the Gophers won't need him to step into any PP role). Skjei is not going to razzle dazzle (just like McDonagh didn't). But they make good plays with the puck and their skating can get them out of trouble.

I'm not saying Skjei ends up the same kind of results as we need to temper expectations and just let the kid grow into his game and his role in the program. But he has those kinds of tools to work with.

I was shocked when I watched the playoffs this past season and saw McDonagh leading rushes up the ice, doing 360s, and being creative with the puck! I never remembered him doing any of that either at UW or CDH. (Then again, his classmates at UW were Brendan Smith and Cody Goloubef with McBain only a year older and Gardiner only a year younger.) I never dreamed he'd be a 30point+ dman in the NHL this early on (if ever.)

On a little of a tangent, how stupid do you think Montreal feels now for basically giving him away because he didn't want to sign and thought adding Scott Gomez was going to make them instant contenders?

by **LeoPohl** » Fri 9/07/12 3:13 pm

WestCoastGopherGuy wrote:i would expect bjugstad, budish, haula and condon to all sign next summer. getting any 1 of them back would be a windfall for the U.. hopefully at least condon stays though. budish would be huge (thinking rau-cammarata-budish line.. but like i said, im assuming he is gone come april)

It's a good problem to have, as they say.

by **streakygopher** » Fri 9/07/12 4:01 pm

poisondart wrote:The Kloos/Nanne debate was brought up earlier and I find it inconceivable that Nanne shows up before Kloos. In fact if this situation were to play out and Nanne showed up on campus next year while Kloos was asked to spend another year in Waterloo, in all likely hood we'd never see Kloos in a gopher jersey. I know Kloos has his doubters but what is he suppose to do? The kid has consistently scored at every level and if the Russia trip along with last spring is any indication it seems he can score at the ushl level as well. In his last 10 games with Waterloo he has scored 13 points. Michealson is coming in as a true freshman and he scored 20 in a full season! I think its possible that Justin does not come in next year but it won't be because of Louie. Guertler and Letteri should be higher on the pecking order than Nanne. I guess if Louie is truly a walk on this could change things much the same as Horn coming in this year.

Not sure who is doubters are. He probably would be he this year if not for the Bjugstad decision. Bjugstad's decision to stay was doubly sweet because we get him for another year AND Kloos gains valuable experience. Kloos will be one helluva college hockey player.

by **LeoPohl** » Fri 9/07/12 4:04 pm

streakygopher wrote:
poisondart wrote:The Kloos/Nanne debate was brought up earlier and I find it inconceivable that Nanne shows up before Kloos. In fact if this situation were to play out and Nanne showed up on campus next year while Kloos was asked to spend another year in Waterloo, in all likely hood we'd never see Kloos in a gopher jersey. I know Kloos has his doubters but what is he suppose to do? The kid has consistently scored at every level and if the Russia trip along with last spring is any indication it seems he can score at the ushl level as well. In his last 10 games with Waterloo he has scored 13 points. Michealson is coming in as a true freshman and he scored 20 in a full season! I think its possible that Justin does not come in next year but it won't be because of Louie. Guertler and Letteri should be higher on the pecking order than Nanne. I guess if Louie is truly a walk on this could change things much the same as Horn coming in this year.

Not sure who is doubters are. He probably would be he this year if not for the Bjugstad decision. Bjugstad's decision to stay was doubly sweet because we get him for another year AND Kloos gains valuable experience. Kloos will be one helluva college hockey player.

No question about that from me. Same thing with Cammarata and Guertler. It's only a question of who their teammates/linemates will be.

by **Bonin21** » Fri 9/14/12 9:30 pm

Cammarata 2G (OT GW), 1A and Kloos with 2 or 3A in Waterloo's first preseason game tonight.

by **Bonin21** » Sat 9/15/12 8:20 pm

Fasching Gordie Howe hat trick tonight. Who needs the NHL when we've got the Gophers and these recruits?

by **streakygopher** » Mon 9/17/12 9:37 pm

Bonin21 wrote:Fasching Gordie Howe hat trick tonight. Who needs the NHL when we've got the Gophers and these recruits?

Let's hope Fasching still needs some development by the time he's ready to come here. He already has the NHL body. Can't imagine he wouldn't want to play at least a year here, but given the way college hockey and the NHL are these days I wouldn't rule anything out.

by **Bonin21** » Mon 9/17/12 11:34 pm

What's the deal with Nanne and Penticton? Just saw the tweet on the portal.

by **Hammy** » Mon 9/17/12 11:47 pm

Bonin21 wrote:What's the deal with Nanne and Penticton? Just saw the tweet on the portal.

I don't know for sure... but if I had to guess, I suspect it revolves around an uncle of his that has been sick with cancer.

by **Bonin21** » Mon 9/17/12 11:56 pm

Hammy wrote:
Bonin21 wrote:What's the deal with Nanne and Penticton? Just saw the tweet on the portal.

I don't know for sure... but if I had to guess, I suspect it revolves around an uncle of his that has been sick with cancer.

That's what I was worried about. Thanks.

by **Iceburg** » Tue 9/18/12 1:42 pm

Nice player-by-player write up of the NTDP U-18 team from the "United States of Hockey" blog.

by **Davey J.** » Tue 9/18/12 2:40 pm

Lewis sounds just like what the Gophers need to add for the future.

by **Five-HoleFrenzy** » Tue 9/18/12 5:08 pm

Davey J. wrote:Lewis sounds just like what the Gophers need to add for the future.

Agreed...He would be a good replacement for Helgeson.

by **Bonin21** » Tue 9/18/12 6:19 pm

Isn't he the MN kid that talked badly about the program? Unless that was Miska, or unless my memory has completely failed me.

by **WestCoastGopherGuy** » Tue 9/18/12 9:13 pm

i doubt it was miska that made those comments. RE: lewis.. i agree they could use him but im sure its too late with the current/incoming D men. and if he did make those comments- then its a moot point.

i dont mind all of the small forwards coming in- but you have to back them up with some size on the blue line and thats not happening with marshall/reilly/brodzinksi/bischoff/nanne (i know- nanne hasnt committed but lou claims he will)

by **Chris Eckes** » Wed 9/19/12 7:02 am

IIRC Reilly and Brodzinski are both pretty big (like, 6'1" or 6'2")

by **BlueBandit24** » Wed 9/19/12 8:53 am

Chris Eckes wrote:IIRC Reilly and Brodzinski are both pretty big (like, 6'1" or 6'2")

Reilly's tall but rail thin. Brodzinski is a little shorter (5'11) yet seems fairly stout. I'm not too worried about the size of Brodzinski or Bischoff as they have plenty of time to grow into decent frames.

by **Iceburg** » Wed 9/19/12 12:42 pm

Central Scouting Preliminary "Players to Watch" List

by **LeoPohl** » Wed 9/19/12 4:37 pm

Iceburg wrote:Central Scouting Preliminary "Players to Watch" List

You beat me two it. I found it quite interesting that Cammarata is listed as a 'C" prospect, yet MacKinnon is considered the top ranked prospect, considering their year together at SSM. :confused2:

I know he's small, but :shock:

. Hopefully, that just mean's he's here 4 years.

Fasching is considered an "A" prospect. Michael Brodzinksi and Vinni Lettieri join Cammarata as "C"s. A couple of potential recruits also on the "B" list in high-school.

by **xyz** » Wed 9/19/12 4:58 pm

The Central Scouting lists can often make you scratch your head, but I think the ranking of Cammarata is understandable because he is just so small, and his game doesn't rely on overwhelming speed, but rather his unreal vision and hands. I can see how there would be real questions as to whether he can keep up his history of scoring at higher levels. MacKinnon's listed at 6'0", 182, and I don't think you need to go a lot further to explain the difference in the way their potential is perceived.

It's pretty obvious just how important they think size is, though, when you see that Michaelson's listed and Kloos isn't, given what each one has done on the ice over the past two years.

by **WestCoastGopherGuy** » Wed 9/19/12 5:03 pm

could either kloos or michaelson be drafted next summer, or are you only draft eligible one year?

by **Iceburg** » Wed 9/19/12 5:06 pm

WestCoastGopherGuy wrote:could either kloos or michaelson be drafted next summer, or are you only draft eligible one year?

I believe there is a two year window

by **LeoPohl** » Wed 9/19/12 5:25 pm

Iceburg wrote:
WestCoastGopherGuy wrote:could either kloos or michaelson be drafted next summer, or are you only draft eligible one year?

I believe there is a two year window

Three. Players are eligible if they turn 18, 19, or 20 on or before September 15th of that year. Joey Laleggia was drafted this past year in his final year of eligibility. It was a pretty good weekend for Laleggia, as he turned 20 the next day.

The only way I see either Kloos or Michaelson drafted is if the 19 year-old draft comes into effect and essentially the 2013 draft becomes rounds 8-14 of the 2012 draft. If teams didn't consider them draft worthy this past season, I have a hard time believing they will in a draft that is supposed to be of higher quality. Warning's in the same situation.

by **LeoPohl** » Wed 9/19/12 5:35 pm

xyz wrote:The Central Scouting lists can often make you scratch your head, but I think the ranking of Cammarata is understandable because he is just so small, and his game doesn't rely on overwhelming speed, but rather his unreal vision and hands. I can see how there would be real questions as to whether he can keep up his history of scoring at higher levels. MacKinnon's listed at 6'0", 182, and I don't think you need to go a lot further to explain the difference in the way their potential is perceived.

It's pretty obvious just how important they think size is, though, when you see that Michaelson's listed and Kloos isn't, given what each one has done on the ice over the past two years.

On the same team this past season, no less.

Not directed towards you, but...
Sometimes I get the feeling that the NHL can't see past the yardstick and scale. Cammarata wasn't exactly inoperative without MacKinnon as he led the team in just about every category at SSM; Michaelson wasn't even in the same sentence as Cammarata on the same team. In my book, that's the same crack-head thinking that had Joe Finley a first-round pick just a few spots after T.J. Oshie. I've said it before, and I'll say it again, Wayne Gretzky was broom-stick skinny and an average skater when he came into the league. It may be a little different era, but I believe that he did all-right.

:rantonoff:

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