Committed Recruits Update Thread

[gopher_fan_in_sue_land]

Wait - I forgot he will just be a sophomore status this year. He will probably play 3 in the NDTP then I assume.

You can only play two years in Ann Arbor. There is talk he may accelerate and arrive in 2011 after his NTDP stint; if he elects not to do that he'd be in the USHL his final year unless he opted to go the major junior route.

I don't think that is true. You can play until you are no longer in the birth year of the 18 team. So you could come in young and play 3 years. For example, this years 18 team would have been born on or after Jan. 1, 1992. So, for example, this year a 1994 birth year player could join the 17 team and play in the program for 3 years. At least that is what I understand.

[BlueBandit24]

Wait - I forgot he will just be a sophomore status this year. He will probably play 3 in the NDTP then I assume.

You can only play two years in Ann Arbor. There is talk he may accelerate and arrive in 2011 after his NTDP stint; if he elects not to do that he'd be in the USHL his final year unless he opted to go the major junior route.

I don't think that is true. You can play until you are no longer in the birth year of the 18 team. So you could come in young and play 3 years. For example, this years 18 team would have been born on or after Jan. 1, 1992. So, for example, this year a 1994 birth year player could join the 17 team and play in the program for 3 years. At least that is what I understand.

I was mistaken - Hammy corrected me earlier in the thread. I am not sure exactly when you can join the program (not saying you're wrong - just that I don't know) but it appears you can play three years in Ann Arbor, but once you "age out" you can no longer play in international tournaments.

[minnhkyruls]

Any new news on Sahira Gill (sp)? I thought we really, really wanted him and was wondering if he committed anywhere? Thanks. GO GOPHERS!!!!!

[goat19]

I was just kind of wondering if Seth Ambroz will actually come to the U or is he going to end up going the major junior route? I don't know much about his situation but there seems to be a lot of talk about him online. Just looking for some info. Thanks

[Ryan Cardinal]

Any new news on Sahira Gill (sp)? I thought we really, really wanted him and was wondering if he committed anywhere? Thanks. GO GOPHERS!!!!!

With Barriball red-shirting, I think that pretty much takes us out of the Gill sweepstakes.

[dxmnkd316]

Any new news on Sahira Gill (sp)? I thought we really, really wanted him and was wondering if he committed anywhere? Thanks. GO GOPHERS!!!!!

With Barriball red-shirting, I think that pretty much takes us out of the Gill sweepstakes.

It's not a redshirt, it's a "medical hardship waiver".

[BlueBandit24]

Erik Haula notched three assists last night, including one on a Seth Ambroz goal. He is having a great season thus far: 8 goals, 10 assists in 12 games played. Really getting excited about seeing him next year.

[Grittyguy]

Ambroz a goal and a scrap last night, Haula had 2 assists, Walters had a goal and 3 assists, and Condon had a goal and an assist. The Amboz, Haula, and Matt White line for Omaha might be the best in the USHL, and it looks like Condon is starting to pick it up. Walters seems really inconsistent.

[Gopher99]

Just curious, how do you see Walters being inconsistent? He has 13 points in 14 games, it doesn't seem too bad.

[Hammy]

Just curious, how do you see Walters being inconsistent? He has 13 points in 14 games, it doesn't seem too bad.

He's been better as of late. But he has been inconsistent throughout his time in the USHL. It will be intersting to see what he provides in college. I think some hockey types are starting to think he won't be quite the scorer in college that he was originally envisioned as. But we will see. He might raise his game another notch and show otherwise

[snuggie]

According to Roman in the Strib
http://www.startribune.com/blogs/70413837.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUgOy9cP3DieyckcUsI

A lot of cut and paste here but to summarize

*forward Seth Ambroz who has accelerated his high school education to graduate in three years.
*Fargo defenseman Nate Schmidt
*center Erik Haula
*Minnetonka senior forward Max Gardiner
*Minnetonka senior defenseman Justin Holl
*Another player coming in in 2010-11 will be Blaine junior Nick Bjugstad. By springtime, Bjugstad will be classified a senior -- and eligible to sign

[Iceburg]

Also visiting Iowa unofficially Saturday will be 6-4, 205-pound Cretin-Derham Hall QB Mark Alt. Alt's father, John, was a star tight end in the 1982 Rose Bowl who finished his college career as a left offensive tackle for Iowa, then played 13 seasons at left offensive tackle for the Kansas City Chiefs and is a member of the Chiefs' Hall of Fame.

Mark Alt, who cracked his collarbone nearly six weeks ago playing hockey, is hearing from Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Stanford and Missouri, among others. If Mark decides to play hockey in college, it will be for the Gophers, to whom he already has committed. But football options remain open.

[g_manpucker]

Well, um, this is a development. A good player in two sports has commited to one of my favorite programs and is now going to visit my other favorite program. Personally I feel if you have already made the commitment, stick with it...even though your father is one of more successful players to come out of Iowa. Choose wisely Mr. Alt.

[thedude]

According to Roman in the Strib
http://www.startribune.com/blogs/70413837.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUgOy9cP3DieyckcUsI

A lot of cut and paste here but to summarize

*forward Seth Ambroz who has accelerated his high school education to graduate in three years.
*Fargo defenseman Nate Schmidt
*center Erik Haula
*Minnetonka senior forward Max Gardiner
*Minnetonka senior defenseman Justin Holl
*Another player coming in in 2010-11 will be Blaine junior Nick Bjugstad. By springtime, Bjugstad will be classified a senior -- and eligible to sign

Who else is already signed? Condon, Youso, Walters? Where do they stand? With Bariball coming back next season will there be room for everyone?

[Hammy]

Just because a player signs a letter of intent doesn’t mean he is coming in that next year. Some players still defer a year after signing a LOI.

[dannybailey]

based on charlie walters 2 paragraph "blurb" on Mark Alt, I get the impression Alt has not spent a whole lot of money on gopher hockey apparel.

[BlueBandit24]

One thing to keep in mind about Alt's visit is that it is unofficial, meaning his family is footing the bill for the trip. Most guys at this point in their senior seasons are using up their official visits. This would point towards the fact that the visit was Alt's idea as opposed to the coaching staff. I can't say I know what Alt's status is but I would guess most of those schools would be looking at him as a preferred walk-on.

[Greyeagle]

I get the impression Alt's old man would rather Mark play football.

[ScoobyDoo]

I get the impression Alt's old man would rather Mark play football.

I do too. But, it shouldn't be up to daddy. Although based on what we've heard about Lofquist, daddy had a lot of influence.

[Iceburg]

Who else is already signed?

[Hammy]

I get the impression Alt's old man would rather Mark play football.

I think this is a fair remark. I can’t recall for sure who told me but that was the impression I had when he first committed in hockey. I don’t recall how it was said but it was either “He will play hockey unless he gets a scholarship from Notre Dame” (specifically that school) or “He will play hockey unless he gets a scholarship from a school like a Notre Dame” (meaning a big name football school). Either way, the remark had come from his dad shortly after he committed to hockey

The reality is Alt is much more likely to do something noteworthy for a career in hockey than he is in football.

[Jim]

This visit was lined up by his dad with the side agenda of getting Seantrel Henderson down to Iowa for a visit. The main reason the kids want to go though is to see former Cretin teammates and friends Rafauel Eubanks and Broderick Binns, who start for Iowa. Alt is a solid high school quarterback but no way he is good enough for a Big Ten scholarship or any other BCS school. His last name and being Cretin's QB have gotten him the attention, not his play. Like hammy said, papa really wants him to try football and even possibly walk on to a big school. Unless he really, really loves football more than hockey, what an unbelievable stupid long term decision this would be. He has pro potential in hockey.

[g_manpucker]

This visit was lined up by his dad with the side agenda of getting Seantrel Henderson down to Iowa for a visit. The main reason the kids want to go though is to see former Cretin teammates and friends Rafauel Eubanks and Broderick Binns, who start for Iowa. Alt is a solid high school quarterback but no way he is good enough for a Big Ten scholarship or any other BCS school. His last name and being Cretin's QB have gotten him the attention, not his play. Like hammy said, papa really wants him to try football and even possibly walk on to a big school. Unless he really, really loves football more than hockey, what an unbelievable stupid long term decision this would be. He has pro potential in hockey.

I would rather Alt stay home and play hockey than go to my football team. The Hawks are pretty well off in the QB dept. for now anyway.

[Ryan Cardinal]

Walters and Schmidt dropped the gloves tonight in their USHL game.

[Iceburg]

Early signing official announcement is on Gophersports.

[Iceburg]

"Cretin's Alt keeping football options open"

Short Strib piece. Really nothing in here that wasn't in the blurb that Shooter put out this morning.

[5mn Major]

I'd love to have any excellent player who wants to play hockey for the Gophers.

A guy like Mike Carman has not broken scoring records. Even so he stuck it out a semester after he messed up on grades. When Okposo left early, he basically took the stance that he would stay with the program even though he was drafted.

We've had our fair share of players with 'circumstances' that caused players to leave early. If Alt or his father are lukewarm before they even get a paycheck waved in their face...I dont mind them finding another home.

[Hammy]

If Alt or his father are lukewarm before they even get a paycheck waved in their face...I dont mind them finding another home.

I can’t say I disagree with you. I was thinking about the very same thing last night. If he wants to look around and flirt with the idea of football (much like Lofquist once flirted with the idea of the OHL), he has that right. But this program also has a right to make choices too.

If a guy is unsure of his commitment to the Gophers (or hockey in general), I would not have an issue if Lucia pulled the offer and let him walk.

[BlueBandit24]

At the very least, I'd like to see Alt play a year in the USHL. He seems to have less hockey experience than a lot of other guys who come up through the ranks and a year focused solely on hockey would bode well for his development IMO.

[Davey J.]

Walters and Schmidt dropped the gloves tonight in their USHL game.

Who won?

[Ryan Cardinal]

Walters and Schmidt dropped the gloves tonight in their USHL game.

Who won?

Didn't see it ... just saw it on Twitter that it happened.

[CulverFan]

Walters and Schmidt dropped the gloves tonight in their USHL game.

Who won?

Didn't see it ... just saw it on Twitter that it happened.

Was at the game. Just before a faceoff Walters and Schmidt were jawing at each other asking, "ya wanna go?". Don't know what precipitated the bruha, although Des Moines had just gone up 2-0, so I guess Schmidt felt he needed to fire Fargo up and had a willing opponent in Walters.
It was a good fight, both landed some haymakers. Schmidt won in a decision.

[frozen4champs]

Eric Haula had a goal and 3 assists in the Lancers 6-1 win over Sioux falls today. He has 25 points in 16 games so far. Seth Ambroz added an assist.

[Grittyguy]

Nate Condon continues to pick up his play. After a slow start he has 9 points in his last 5 games including a goal and an assist on Sunday. Haven't seen him since last year when he looked a step slow, anyone seen him this year?

[Iceburg]

Mark Alt named quarterback on Strib All-Metro team. (LINK)

[Iceburg]

As I went through the lists, I noticed there weren't any USHL players ranked / rated. How do those players figure into the june draft ? (as far as being assigned an A,B,or C)

The Central Scouting rankings for USHL (and Canadian major junior) players is out. (LINK) Scroll past the three major junior league ratings.

[The X Factor]

As I went through the lists, I noticed there weren't any USHL players ranked / rated. How do those players figure into the june draft ? (as far as being assigned an A,B,or C)

The Central Scouting rankings for USHL (and Canadian major junior) players is out. (LINK) Scroll past the three major junior league ratings.

Any of these guys future Gophers Iceburg?

[Iceburg]

Any of these guys future Gophers Iceburg?

No. All the Gopher recruits in the USHL have either passed their draft year or aren't up until next year. (I think)

[BlueBandit24]

Yesterday's Pioneer Press reported that Mark Alt was taking an official visit to Stanford this January. Sounds like his football recruitment is getting a bit more serious...

[Iceburg]

"Lucia opens up about recruiting class coming to U in 2010-11"

[JWG]

"Lucia opens up about recruiting class coming to U in 2010-11"

Seems like they're still pretty young, but a variety of skill. A player with a real shot from the point!? What an idea.

[Ryan Cardinal]

Why would Lucia / the coaching staff ask Bjugstad to accelerate? If they are going to be proactive about having a kid do that, it should be required that he play in the USHL before coming here, IMO.

[MhdGopher]

Why would Lucia / the coaching staff ask Bjugstad to accelerate? If they are going to be proactive about having a kid to that, it should be required that he play in the USHL before coming here, IMO.

Agree completely. The accelerating of classes is a trend I really struggle with.

[BlueBandit24]

Why would Lucia / the coaching staff ask Bjugstad to accelerate? If they are going to be proactive about having a kid to that, it should be required that he play in the USHL before coming here, IMO.

Agree completely. The accelerating of classes is a trend I really struggle with.

Thirded. I am OK with guys like Schroeder, Ambroz, etc. accelerating because of their experience playing at higher levels, but I don't see the point in having a guy accelerate his education at Blaine, even if his draft year is coming up. I don't see Bjugstad making the jump after a year so I'd rather he get some junior seasoning or stay through his actual senior year before arriving on campus.

[Gopherguy33]

Erik Haula has a hatty early in the 2nd tonight for Omaha.

[Bushwood Gopher]

Erik Haula has a hatty early in the 2nd tonight for Omaha.

This guy can't get here quickly enough. Though he'll probably stop scoring once here anyway....

[Hammy]

Erik Haula has a hatty early in the 2nd tonight for Omaha.

Not a shabby night for Condon or Schmidt thus far either.

[pjoyn]

Erik Haula has a hatty early in the 2nd tonight for Omaha.

This guy can't get here quickly enough. Though he'll probably stop scoring once here anyway....

I know. It will be great to see him in a Wild sweater next year.

[BlueBandit24]

Boyd with a couple goals tonight as well...at least encouraging that the recruits are putting up impressive numbers in the USHL.

[evegoe]

Why would Lucia / the coaching staff ask Bjugstad to accelerate? If they are going to be proactive about having a kid do that, it should be required that he play in the USHL before coming here, IMO.

My guess is that he'll be rushed to the NHL so they'd prefer to have him for two or three years as opposed to one or two years.