Committed Recruits Update Thread

by **fishingmn** » Thu 4/19/12 2:41 pm

Hammy wrote:
Doc Holliday wrote:Were other schools in the mix?

I had it written down about a month ago and had to locate it. This is what I was told: Ohio State, Penn State, UMD, RPI. There were some others but didn't get specifics beyond that. BC was showing some late interest in him (I believe they called him right after the quarterfinal game at the state tourney).

From an article about Horn on the Star Tribune site about a year ago - http://www.mnhockeyhub.com/news_article ... r_id=32760

Horn scored 52 points last season (17 goals, 35 assists) in 27 games for the Red Knights. He has visited the University of Minnesota, the University of Wisconsin and had contact with Colorado College, among other schools.

by **Hammy** » Thu 4/19/12 2:44 pm

fishingmn wrote:
Hammy wrote:
Doc Holliday wrote:Were other schools in the mix?

I had it written down about a month ago and had to locate it. This is what I was told: Ohio State, Penn State, UMD, RPI. There were some others but didn't get specifics beyond that. BC was showing some late interest in him (I believe they called him right after the quarterfinal game at the state tourney).

From an article about Horn on the Star Tribune site about a year ago - http://www.mnhockeyhub.com/news_article ... r_id=32760

Horn scored 52 points last season (17 goals, 35 assists) in 27 games for the Red Knights. He has visited the University of Minnesota, the University of Wisconsin and had contact with Colorado College, among other schools.

He wasn't looking at them any longer as of last month which is why I didn't mention them.

by **Five-HoleFrenzy** » Thu 4/19/12 2:52 pm

Jupiter wrote:
younggopherdiehard wrote:Fasching, Brodzinski and Bischoff could be added to the page. Pretty impressive group if you ask me!
Five-HoleFrenzy wrote:Unless I missed him, Hudson Fasching?

Quite honestly, I really do not follow the recruiting scene at all. So I knew I was missing guys since I originally created the page.

Can you give me their full names and year the will start playing at the U? Any info on each player would be great so then I don't have to scour the internet for it.

Credit to Iceberg's recruiting links...

Hudson Fasching 2013 Apple Valley/Team USA
Michael Brodzinski 2013 Blaine/Muskegon USHL
Jake Bischoff 2013/2104 Grand Rapids/Omaha USHL

by **Jupiter** » Thu 4/19/12 3:06 pm

I have added them to the page. Entered some info. If people could help me with some of the missing data, that would be great. Height/Weight... Left or Right... Birthdate... Of course I will take any updates of other players as well if you have the info.

by **rowshkex** » Thu 4/19/12 3:29 pm

I love the idea of that recruits page. This entire year I felt overwhelmed by all the recruiting links around here, and just wanted a simple page with highlights and perhaps recruit rankings for the Gophers.

Thanks!

by **Dolphin275** » Thu 4/19/12 3:38 pm

Nice Job on the recruiting page.

I noticed there was a comment section left for Hammy on each recruit, that all were blank.

Get cracking over there Hammy, we need some info on each of them.. :biggrin2:

by **fishingmn** » Thu 4/19/12 3:56 pm

Hammy wrote:
fishingmn wrote:
Hammy wrote:
Doc Holliday wrote:Were other schools in the mix?

I had it written down about a month ago and had to locate it. This is what I was told: Ohio State, Penn State, UMD, RPI. There were some others but didn't get specifics beyond that. BC was showing some late interest in him (I believe they called him right after the quarterfinal game at the state tourney).

From an article about Horn on the Star Tribune site about a year ago - http://www.mnhockeyhub.com/news_article ... r_id=32760

Horn scored 52 points last season (17 goals, 35 assists) in 27 games for the Red Knights. He has visited the University of Minnesota, the University of Wisconsin and had contact with Colorado College, among other schools.

He wasn't looking at them any longer as of last month which is why I didn't mention them.

I think it's just as telling to see what other schools are recruiting him even if he has ruled them out later - obviously if Wisconsin and CC were in the mix he has some pretty good skills.

by **Hammy** » Thu 4/19/12 4:07 pm

Dolphin275 wrote:Nice Job on the recruiting page.

I noticed there was a comment section left for Hammy on each recruit, that all were blank.

Get cracking over there Hammy, we need some info on each of them..

I put all that stuff on the message board. :wave:

But maybe I'll get around to it this summer

by **WestCoastGopherGuy** » Thu 4/19/12 4:19 pm

still have some concerns about the lack of true checkers/grinders in the coming years. between this year and the next couple years of recruits (michaelson, reillys, lettieri, cammarata, guertler, kloos, fasching, horn, nanne), nanne might be the only real grinder with the rest being playmakers- and even the defensemen coming in arent real gritty. was hoping the next couple commits would be the last minute 20 year old 4th line undrafted types.. (ala parenteau/serratore)

by **Jupiter** » Thu 4/19/12 4:27 pm

The page is fairly complete for now.

I have removed the Hammy stuff.
I added draft info.

Let me know if you want anything added to the page.

by **Hammy** » Thu 4/19/12 4:42 pm

WestCoastGopherGuy wrote:still have some concerns about the lack of true checkers/grinders in the coming years.

You can get those types of guys late and cheap. Nanne is a bit of an exception for obvious reasons. You don't need to grab them two years ahead like elite prospects.

Some of these guys develop into those types at times too. Guys like Taylor Matson, Nick Larson, and Nico Sacchetti weren't that type of player in HS. Sometimes you grow into those roles over time.

by **5 O.T.** » Thu 4/19/12 4:55 pm

Hammy wrote:
WestCoastGopherGuy wrote:still have some concerns about the lack of true checkers/grinders in the coming years.

You can get those types of guys late and cheap. Nanne is a bit of an exception for obvious reasons. You don't need to grab them two years ahead like elite prospects.

Some of these guys develop into those types at times too. Guys like Taylor Matson, Nick Larson, and Nico Sacchetti weren't that type of player in HS. Sometimes you grow into those roles over time.

Does Jared Larson fit into that checker/grinder role next season? I can't recall seeing him play so I don't have anything to judge him on. He was red-shirted this season, so does that mean the coaches think he can fit into their plans going forward?

by **Dolphin275** » Thu 4/19/12 5:05 pm

Hammy wrote:
Dolphin275 wrote:Nice Job on the recruiting page.

I noticed there was a comment section left for Hammy on each recruit, that all were blank.

Get cracking over there Hammy, we need some info on each of them..

I put all that stuff on the message board.

But maybe I'll get around to it this summer

No Problem. I was just teasing...

by **Iceburg** » Thu 4/19/12 6:55 pm

"Line has Force primed for playoffs"

by **Five-HoleFrenzy** » Fri 4/20/12 9:55 am

"Guertler, despite being 5-9, possesses all those things, but he also has a gritty nature to his game. He’s willing to win face-offs, fight in the corners for pucks along with checking older and considerably bigger players without hesitation."

“Guertler works his butt off. He’s hard to play against,” Marks said. “He’s so competitive. I think Gabe believes he’s 6-2.”

Sounds like Kyle Rau 2.0. I like it.

by **Davey J.** » Fri 4/20/12 11:04 am

Five-HoleFrenzy wrote:"Guertler, despite being 5-9, possesses all those things, but he also has a gritty nature to his game. He’s willing to win face-offs, fight in the corners for pucks along with checking older and considerably bigger players without hesitation."

“Guertler works his butt off. He’s hard to play against,” Marks said. “He’s so competitive. I think Gabe believes he’s 6-2.”

Sounds like Kyle Rau 2.0. I like it.

I had the exact same thought!

by **Davey J.** » Fri 4/20/12 11:09 am

From my very limited (State Tournament) viewing of Christian Horn, he looks to me to be a nice compliment to the players in the pipeline. Very smart player with his head always up and both quick and patient to make the right play. He also has a nice scoring touch and I can see him being a secondary scorer for the Gophers down the road. He didn't look super fast to me, but I think that might be a reflection of the patient game he plays. I think he might also be a player who can slide up to the top lines to fill in for injuries and be quite serviceable in this capacity.

What are others' assessments of his game?

by **Iceburg** » Fri 4/20/12 11:07 pm

Iceburg wrote:Brooks wins the AJHL playoffs and will be Penticton's next opponent (STORY). Strange series schedule (done to reduce travel I'm sure). First two game are in Brooks. If one team sweeps those two games, the rest of the series is in Penticton. If the first two games are split, a third game will be in Brooks and then the series moves to Penticton for the duration.

Brooks college commits:

Matt Wilkins (Union)
Anthony Paskaruk (Clarkson)
Reed Linaker (Penn State)
Dylan Nowakowski (Alaska Anchorage)

Penticton wins the first game of the series (LINK). Looks like no Mike Reilly in the lineup tonight.

by **WestCoastGopherGuy** » Sat 4/21/12 11:10 am

Bonin21 wrote:Taylor Cammarata finishes the regular season with 69 points in 60 games, 50 points coming even strength. I wouldn't mind the inaugural Big Ten Conference leading scorer being a freshman... Between the U and that other U with the helmets the incoming class of 2013 is scary.

cammarata had a great year- with 69 points like you said. i noticed he finished the year with a +/- of just +1. got to be careful with that stat and it probably says more about the team than him but its just something i noticed..

will be interesting to see him and kloos play together there next year (and maybe stay linemates as freshmen at the U)

by **Golfer** » Sat 4/21/12 11:21 am

WestCoastGopherGuy wrote:
Bonin21 wrote:Taylor Cammarata finishes the regular season with 69 points in 60 games, 50 points coming even strength. I wouldn't mind the inaugural Big Ten Conference leading scorer being a freshman... Between the U and that other U with the helmets the incoming class of 2013 is scary.

cammarata had a great year- with 69 points like you said. i noticed he finished the year with a +/- of just +1. got to be careful with that stat and it probably says more about the team than him but its just something i noticed..

will be interesting to see him and kloos play together there next year (and maybe stay linemates as freshmen at the U)

He needs Mapquest to find the D zone.

by **streakygopher** » Sat 4/21/12 11:21 am

This team will have SPEED over the next few years. Kloos is one of the fastest, shiftiest high school forwards I've seen in a long time.

by **sec 16 row16 seat 16 17** » Sat 4/21/12 1:21 pm

hope they bring in KLOOS this season.

by **JDUBBS1280** » Sat 4/21/12 2:29 pm

sec 16 row16 seat 16 17 wrote:hope they bring in KLOOS this season.

I don't. Only because I think the only way they will is if Bjugstad turns pro. I think Kloos could come in and contribute this year, but a year of juniors would probably be really good for him. He could hit the ground running next season.

by **Bash Brother** » Sat 4/21/12 2:34 pm

JDUBBS1280 wrote:
sec 16 row16 seat 16 17 wrote:hope they bring in KLOOS this season.

I don't. Only because I think the only way they will is if Bjugstad turns pro. I think Kloos could come in and contribute this year, but a year of juniors would probably be really good for him. He could hit the ground running next season.

Ya, the Gophers have had trouble with guys who just won Mr. Hockey coming in straight out of high school.

Example: Kyle Rau

by **Davey J.** » Sat 4/21/12 4:10 pm

sec 16 row16 seat 16 17 wrote:hope they bring in KLOOS this season.

My assessment is from only seeing him play in the State Tournament, but I did not see a kid ready to make a big contribution at the College level. He needs to add some bulk before he is ready to play for the Gophers. He seemed to just play on the perimeter in the tournament and not willing or able to engage in the dirty areas. I think a year of Juniors is exactly what he needs.

by **g_manpucker** » Sat 4/21/12 4:36 pm

The Mole wrote:
JDUBBS1280 wrote:
sec 16 row16 seat 16 17 wrote:hope they bring in KLOOS this season.

I don't. Only because I think the only way they will is if Bjugstad turns pro. I think Kloos could come in and contribute this year, but a year of juniors would probably be really good for him. He could hit the ground running next season.

Ya, the Gophers have had trouble with guys who just won Mr. Hockey coming in straight out of high school.

Example: Kyle Rau

David Fischer.

by **Bash Brother** » Sat 4/21/12 5:12 pm

g_manpucker wrote:
The Mole wrote:
JDUBBS1280 wrote:
sec 16 row16 seat 16 17 wrote:hope they bring in KLOOS this season.

I don't. Only because I think the only way they will is if Bjugstad turns pro. I think Kloos could come in and contribute this year, but a year of juniors would probably be really good for him. He could hit the ground running next season.

Ya, the Gophers have had trouble with guys who just won Mr. Hockey coming in straight out of high school.

Example: Kyle Rau

David Fischer.

is a defenseman

by **JDUBBS1280** » Sat 4/21/12 5:38 pm

The Mole wrote:
JDUBBS1280 wrote:
sec 16 row16 seat 16 17 wrote:hope they bring in KLOOS this season.

I don't. Only because I think the only way they will is if Bjugstad turns pro. I think Kloos could come in and contribute this year, but a year of juniors would probably be really good for him. He could hit the ground running next season.

Ya, the Gophers have had trouble with guys who just won Mr. Hockey coming in straight out of high school.

Example: Kyle Rau

I'd rather have Bjugstad for another year. Don't think there will be room for Kloos unless someone leaves. And a year of juniors won't hurt Kloos, regardless of whether we agree that he needs it. Kloos is going to be a great college player, but no need to rush him. It may have been necessary to rush guys in the past because of departures, but it isn't necessary now.

by **streakygopher** » Sat 4/21/12 5:48 pm

I don't think any sane Gopher fan would pick Kloos over Bjugstad if that were the trade off, especially knowing that Kloos will be coming in anyway next year.

by **g_manpucker** » Sat 4/21/12 6:21 pm

The Mole wrote:
g_manpucker wrote:
The Mole wrote:
JDUBBS1280 wrote:
sec 16 row16 seat 16 17 wrote:hope they bring in KLOOS this season.

I don't. Only because I think the only way they will is if Bjugstad turns pro. I think Kloos could come in and contribute this year, but a year of juniors would probably be really good for him. He could hit the ground running next season.

Ya, the Gophers have had trouble with guys who just won Mr. Hockey coming in straight out of high school.

Example: Kyle Rau

David Fischer.

is a defenseman

was a terrible one at that. Saved himself for the minors evidently.

by **WestCoastGopherGuy** » Sun 4/22/12 12:10 am

in his interview, kloos seemed content with getting a year of juniors in before college.

if he goes undrafted there wont be any rush in development.

by **goaldy** » Sun 4/22/12 12:45 pm

Christian Horn is the kind of player the Gophers need five more of. He was a captain on a squad that crushed the best competition the state had to offer. He plays a pro-style game- skates hard, has good anticipation and makes the quick pass, will play physical, and has a scorer's wrist shot. Better yet, he has the will and determination of a champion. I'll predict right now he'll be a top six forward by the end of his sophomore year.

by **Bash Brother** » Sun 4/22/12 12:53 pm

Bold prediction with whats coming in.

by **Davey J.** » Sun 4/22/12 9:43 pm

Very bold!

by **WeissFC** » Sun 4/22/12 10:47 pm

The Mole wrote:
JDUBBS1280 wrote:
sec 16 row16 seat 16 17 wrote:hope they bring in KLOOS this season.

I don't. Only because I think the only way they will is if Bjugstad turns pro. I think Kloos could come in and contribute this year, but a year of juniors would probably be really good for him. He could hit the ground running next season.

Ya, the Gophers have had trouble with guys who just won Mr. Hockey coming in straight out of high school.

Example: Kyle Rau

Comparing Kyle Rau and Justin Kloos is almost disrepectful to Rau. Kloos is no where near the player Rau was at this point last year (Rau was tearing up the USHL). Rau was drafted in the third round, Kloos will be 6-7th round selection if he is drafted at all.

by **Bash Brother** » Sun 4/22/12 10:50 pm

I see everyone is reading too much into my idea that Kloos might be ok if he were to come in next year.

by **xyz** » Mon 4/23/12 8:40 am

Weiss, I would agree with you on Kloos vs. Rau (although I might not go quite as far as saying it's a disrespectful comparison), but in fairness to Kloos, the reason he's not playing in the USHL right now is that Waterloo chose not to move him from their affiliate list to the main roster. I don't know the full story, but I have seen speculation that they told him last fall they wouldn't do so if he didn't spend the whole season in Waterloo, which he chose not to do. Rau had his preseason dalliance with Sioux Falls before his senior year and was always on their regular roster, so the situation was different. Kloos has 4 points in two games with Waterloo this year, including 2G and 1A in their final regular season game, so it's not like he can't play at that level.

by **steps1299** » Mon 4/23/12 9:54 am

No matter what the next couple classes we have coming in are going to be really really good. Hopefully there is a leader in those groups ala Matson.

by **gopherguy06** » Mon 4/23/12 11:07 am

I was talking about that with some friends. We have a lot of talented kids and some good grinders coming in. It will be interesting to see who can step up as a leader/future captain and take the reins and help control all the egos and make sure everyone is on the same page.

by **JDUBBS1280** » Mon 4/23/12 11:34 am

steps1299 wrote:No matter what the next couple classes we have coming in are going to be really really good. Hopefully there is a leader in those groups ala Matson.

Rau is a natural leader.

by **steps1299** » Mon 4/23/12 12:27 pm

I think Boyd might fit that roll better than Rau. Rau tends to get to emotional at times.

by **JDUBBS1280** » Mon 4/23/12 12:46 pm

steps1299 wrote:I think Boyd might fit that roll better than Rau. Rau tends to get to emotional at times.

You should hear some of the things Rau's teammates at EP went out of the way to say about him.

by **steps1299** » Mon 4/23/12 12:52 pm

I've heard the same things. How he would stay late after practice and the other players saw that and would soon follow. I have heard all of that also, no doubt he will be a leader.

by **gopher_fan_in_sue_land** » Mon 4/23/12 1:11 pm

steps1299 wrote:I think Boyd might fit that roll better than Rau. Rau tends to get to emotional at times.

I love the emotion, and I think it is a necessary quality in a leader in an athletic realm. It shows the guy cares; hates to lose (small battles & the game); and adds the last little element that creates a champion. I realize too much emotion can be problematic at times, but overall, I'd rather have too much emotion than not enough. Look at every great leader in athletics, and you'll find a great deal of directed emotion.

by **LeoPohl** » Mon 4/23/12 4:01 pm

Davey J. wrote:Very bold!

Assuming Bjugstad, Budish, and Haula are gone, that leaves Sr. Condon; Jrs. Rau, Ambroz, and Warning; and Freshman Fasching, Cammarata, Kloos, and Guertler that he'd likely have to replace. That's a full line's worth of forwards. (Not to mention Isackson, Boyd, Serratore, Reilly, Michaelson, and perhaps Vinny competing just to make the line-up.)

On a sidenote, anyone notice the article MNHockeyHub did on him?

It ends with a quote from Ken Pauly:

“Some colleges get frustrated with Minnesota kids because for some of them combing out of the womb they have the M tattooed on their rear end.”

I'm sure he meant "coming out of the womb", as I don't think they have combs quite yet, but it is quite funny.

by **Hammy** » Mon 4/23/12 4:17 pm

Vinni is a 2013 and he'll play.

It will be interesting to see how much some of this year's freshman will step up their play next season. There will be more opportunity for them due to graduations. Maybe not the prime time spots since it is looking good with regard to most (if not all) of our underclassmen returning but certainly more opportunity in the bottom two lines. It will be interesting to see how much a few of them will step up in regard to offensive production.

by **Davey J.** » Tue 4/24/12 12:07 am

I'm expecting Boyd to be a significant contributor next season. He was a bit snake-bitten on the scoring front last year, but I was more and more impressed with his overall game as the season went on. He's got some grit, is a very good skater, and has good hands. Whether or not he ever takes on a top two line scoring role remains to be seen, but I see him as a very valuable player who can play in any and all situations. And, I do see him as a scorer as well.

I also feel Warning will be a big time player before his days at the U are done.

I think both Warning and Boyd were (understandably) over-shadowed by Rau, but they have very nice futures in Maroon and Gold!

by **Jaykay3** » Tue 4/24/12 12:38 am

Davey J. wrote:I'm expecting Boyd to be a significant contributor next season. He was a bit snake-bitten on the scoring front last year, but I was more and more impressed with his overall game as the season went on. He's got some grit, is a very good skater, and has good hands. Whether or not he ever takes on a top two line scoring role remains to be seen, but I see him as a very valuable player who can play in any and all situations. And, I do see him as a scorer as well.

I also feel Warning will be a big time player before his days at the U are done.

I think both Warning and Boyd were (understandably) over-shadowed by Rau, but they have very nice futures in Maroon and Gold!

I think Boyd will make the biggest jump of the freshmen. His point totals don't reflect how well he played last year, especially towards the end of the season. I'm really hoping Ambroz can start to figure it out as well.

by **GopherPete** » Tue 4/24/12 6:47 am

It seems to be a foregone conclusion around here that Budish will not stay four years. Maybe its just me, but i get the feeling that he is the type that would stay and complete his degree. Besides his size, I don't really see anything with his game yet that says "NHL"

by **oldpirate33** » Tue 4/24/12 8:42 am

GopherPete wrote:It seems to be a foregone conclusion around here that Budish will not stay four years. Maybe its just me, but i get the feeling that he is the type that would stay and complete his degree. Besides his size, I don't really see anything with his game yet that says "NHL"

budish was a redshirt sophomore. next year will be his 4th year in college, he should be done with his degree at the end of next year.

by **puckluck** » Tue 4/24/12 9:41 am

Davey J. wrote:I'm expecting Boyd to be a significant contributor next season. He was a bit snake-bitten on the scoring front last year, but I was more and more impressed with his overall game as the season went on. He's got some grit, is a very good skater, and has good hands. Whether or not he ever takes on a top two line scoring role remains to be seen, but I see him as a very valuable player who can play in any and all situations. And, I do see him as a scorer as well.

I also feel Warning will be a big time player before his days at the U are done.

I think both Warning and Boyd were (understandably) over-shadowed by Rau, but they have very nice futures in Maroon and Gold!

I would tend to agree with this as well. I think that Boyd has the skill set to fit in somewhere to make that difference. He skates well and seems to have good hands. I'm not sure he's gritty, not that he shied away from the physical play, but it was evident that he was young for me as he was getting bopped around physically at times. To me that would be expected given his age/maturity/build. I think the focus with him this off season will be with his strength, which i would say is a strong focus for any of the incoming freshman as it's such a critical age/stage in their physical development progression. I can definately see him in the important 3rd line/PK scenario for the team as it moves along. I think he looked great when coupled with the speed guys such as Matson and Condon.

I also liked the "bold" comment that was made about Horn. I've never personally dissected his game, but I love this team's depth and adding a guy like Horn just makes too much sense. How great will it be in the future with all of those "pieces" to plug and play with for lineups? We don't necessarily need all of these little skilled guys on the 2 top lines as we need to develop some chemistry and depth whether its the 1st or 4th line. I like when the U has 4 lines running and gunning hard against our competition. We're hard to beat with our depth and i think we proved that this year. In fact, that may have been an issue for us to a point in the end as the NCAA's tend to have a lot of commercial breaks which allows the play of 3 lines easier than normal.

As always, I can't wait for the future to see how it shakes out with the new faces...

by **puckluck** » Wed 4/25/12 10:27 am

By the way, what position did Horn generally play? I'm hoping right wing and not center since we've got so many natural centers in the fold. Obviously we want the utmost talent; however it would be nice to get some players that are natural wings too..

Anyone know?

by **Hammy** » Wed 4/25/12 10:33 am

He can play either. I wouldn't worry about that.

by **LeoPohl** » Thu 4/26/12 9:23 am

puckluck wrote:By the way, what position did Horn generally play? I'm hoping right wing and not center since we've got so many natural centers in the fold. Obviously we want the utmost talent; however it would be nice to get some players that are natural wings too..

Anyone know?

Hammy wrote:He can play either. I wouldn't worry about that.

Puckluck just read my mind!

Is Guertler a natural center? I've always seen him as a wing here, but based on the article I recently read about him, I'm starting to think otherwise.

by **LeoPohl** » Thu 4/26/12 9:39 am

Hammy wrote:Vinni is a 2013 and he'll play.

Is that a certainty?
Right now I've got 21 forwards that would have 2013-2014 eligibility (including the two Nanne's) with three likely gone. I find it hard to believe that he would want to come in and play with a team that would already have 16 forwards, as I don't see him any higher than the 5th best player the freshmen class. Obviously, unexpected departures would likely change that, but that's a pretty loaded line-up for him to crack, in my mind.

Seniors (5 with eligibility, likely 2 stay)
Nick Bjugstad (likely gone)
Zach Budish (likely gone)
Nate Condon
Erik Haula (fairly likely gone)
Tom Serratore

Juniors (6)
Seth Ambroz
Travis Boyd
Christian Isackson
Jared Larson
Kyle Rau
Sam Warning

Sophomores (4)
Christian Horn
A.J. Michaelson
Connor Reilly
Ryan Reilly

Freshmen (6)
Taylor Cammarata
Hudson Fasching
Gabe Guertler
Justin Kloos
Vinni Lettieri
Louie Nanne

It will be interesting to see how much some of this year's freshman will step up their play next season. There will be more opportunity for them due to graduations. Maybe not the prime time spots since it is looking good with regard to most (if not all) of our underclassmen returning but certainly more opportunity in the bottom two lines. It will be interesting to see how much a few of them will step up in regard to offensive production.

So what do you see for lines? Obviously the first line will stay the same if Bjugstad stays. Does Ambroz jump up to the second RW to play with Haula again along with Warning? Would Boyd jump up to center Condon and possibly Horn on the third line, leaving a fourth line of some combination of Isackson, Serratore, Connor Reilly, and Michaelson?

by **Hammy** » Thu 4/26/12 11:16 am

LeoPohl wrote:Is that a certainty?

Well, obviously we have to make a few assumptions on departures (like your post did) so nothing is 100% at this stage. But he'll be in that year if the expected departures occur. I agree on Budish, Bjugstad, and Haula being gone. I also expect Condon to be gone as I expect him to have a big year as a junior and it will have been four years since he had been drafted and I am sure CO will want him in their system.

I think you get a little too caught up in numbers when it is scholarship that matters. Nanne, Horn, Jared Larson, Serratore and those types are low/no scholarship help guys. That's going to open up the chance to add an extra forward or two beyond the 15 forwards we may typically see.

So what do you see for lines? Obviously the first line will stay the same if Bjugstad stays. Does Ambroz jump up to the second RW to play with Haula again along with Warning? Would Boyd jump up to center Condon and possibly Horn on the third line, leaving a fourth line of some combination of Isackson, Serratore, Connor Reilly, and Michaelson?

I almost never get involved in line discussions because most years (although not this past season), they seem to fluctuate so often. I'd have to re-visit that after seeing September practices.

by **LeoPohl** » Thu 4/26/12 11:34 am

Hammy wrote:
LeoPohl wrote:Is that a certainty?

Well, obviously we have to make a few assumptions on departures (like your post did) so nothing is 100% at this stage. But he'll be in that year if the expected departures occur. I agree on Budish, Bjugstad, and Haula being gone. I also expect Condon to be gone as I expect him to have a big year as a junior and it will have been four years since he had been drafted and I am sure CO will want him in their system.

Actually, it's been four years already since he was drafted in 2008. I believe that doesn't matter, though.
From the 2005 CBA, Page 19 (Page 37 in .pdf):

8.6 Reserve List-Exclusive Rights.
(c) College Players.
...
(i) If a Player drafted at age 18 or 19 is a bona fide college student at
the time of his selection in the Entry Draft, or becomes a bona fide
college student prior to the first June 1 following his selection in
the Entry Draft, and remains a bona fide college student through
the graduation of his college class, his drafting Club shall retain the
exclusive right of negotiation for his services through and
including the August 15 following the graduation of his college
class. The Club need not make a Bona Fide Offer to such Player to
retain such rights.

I think you get a little too caught up in numbers when it is scholarship that matters. Nanne, Horn, Jared Larson, Serratore and those types are low/no scholarship help guys. That's going to open up the chance to add an extra forward or two beyond the 15 forwards we may typically see.

My sentiment was more towards playing time than anything else. That's going to be a tough line-up to crack.

by **JDUBBS1280** » Thu 4/26/12 1:35 pm

LeoPohl wrote:
puckluck wrote:By the way, what position did Horn generally play? I'm hoping right wing and not center since we've got so many natural centers in the fold. Obviously we want the utmost talent; however it would be nice to get some players that are natural wings too..

Anyone know?

Hammy wrote:He can play either. I wouldn't worry about that.

Puckluck just read my mind!

Is Guertler a natural center? I've always seen him as a wing here, but based on the article I recently read about him, I'm starting to think otherwise.

Remember, Rau played almost exclusively center in high school, but was able to successfully transition when he got to the Gophers. They'll find places for everyone.

by **steps1299** » Thu 4/26/12 1:44 pm

It is nice having an extra center on the line. This helps if the center gets kicked out. Rau also took a lot of draws in the offensive zone this past year.

by **LeoPohl** » Thu 4/26/12 2:22 pm

JDUBBS1280 wrote:
LeoPohl wrote:
puckluck wrote:By the way, what position did Horn generally play? I'm hoping right wing and not center since we've got so many natural centers in the fold. Obviously we want the utmost talent; however it would be nice to get some players that are natural wings too..

Anyone know?

Hammy wrote:He can play either. I wouldn't worry about that.

Puckluck just read my mind!

Is Guertler a natural center? I've always seen him as a wing here, but based on the article I recently read about him, I'm starting to think otherwise.

Remember, Rau played almost exclusively center in high school, but was able to successfully transition when he got to the Gophers. They'll find places for everyone.

I was just curious as to what position Guertler played. I thought he was a wing in Fargo, but from the article linked above, he seems to play center. But, I don't know where to find face-off stats for the USHL, so I 'm not sure.

steps1299 wrote:It is nice having an extra center on the line. This helps if the center gets kicked out. Rau also took a lot of draws in the offensive zone this past year.

I agree 100% with that sentiment. You can never have too many centers just for that scenario.

Are you sure about Rau? The statsheet has him taking 32 face-offs on the year in 40 games.

by **Jupiter** » Thu 4/26/12 3:32 pm

I added some video links to the recruits page for Fasching, Guertler, Horn, Michaelson, Nanne, and all 3 Reilly's. Not great stuff, but you at least get a feeling of who these guys are... I liked the Fasching's Dad interview.

http://www.gopherpucklive.com/index.php?page=recruits

by **steps1299** » Thu 4/26/12 4:15 pm

Leo, I consider 32 a lot for having Budish and Bjugstad on your line. I think majority of those were on the PP in the offensive zone.

by **WestCoastGopherGuy** » Thu 4/26/12 7:06 pm

LeoPohl wrote:So what do you see for lines? Obviously the first line will stay the same if Bjugstad stays. Does Ambroz jump up to the second RW to play with Haula again along with Warning? Would Boyd jump up to center Condon and possibly Horn on the third line, leaving a fourth line of some combination of Isackson, Serratore, Connor Reilly, and Michaelson?

like hammy said, its almost impossible to forecast out.. but bjugstad/haula/budish/condon have to be expected to sign after this year. the following year gets REALLY dicey with size/experience.. a lot can change but it looks to be a problem on paper

Rau Cammarata Ambroz
Warning Kloos Fasching
Lettieri Boyd Michaelson
Serratore Guertler Horn

by **Hammy** » Thu 4/26/12 8:22 pm

My bad. Got Haula and Condon's draft year mixed. Nonetheless, I think odds are slim that Nate comes back for his senior year if he keeps progressing as he has.

Guertler centers Fargo's 2nd line.

by **Bladepuller** » Thu 4/26/12 9:47 pm

The middle son of my neighbor at the lake has been involved with the Springfield Jr Blues of the NAHL for the last 3 years or so. He is the GM/HC now. He was the Asst coach / recruiter /scout when I asked him if he had an opinion on Guertler & was he a target for them. Joey sure knew of him since he was playing for Team Illinois & the coach John Somethingoranother then. They were not going after him because they felt he was a sure fire USHL player & would go that route but that if he could play for Team Illinois he had to be tough mentally & physically and be a honest hard working kid. He said that if you like tough scrappy guys and weren't hung up on size that he was the real deal.
I'm looking forward to watching young Gabe.

by **WestCoastGopherGuy** » Thu 4/26/12 11:03 pm

condon is a gregoire/kristo situation then right? meaning he is eligible to become a free agent after his junior year of college?

Dave

by **GrandForksGopher** » Fri 5/04/12 6:09 pm

Story on Cammaratta from the Force beat writer. Kid definitely sounds like a winner.
http://slightlychilled.areavoices.com/?p=2341

by **Iceburg** » Tue 5/08/12 11:28 am

Four recruits still playing. Ryan and Michael Reilly and Penticton drop their first two games in the "Royal Bank Cup" tournament. Taylor Cammarata, A.J. Michaelson and Waterloo beat Lincoln last night to move to the championship series of the USHL playoffs. (STORY)

by **Bash Brother** » Thu 5/10/12 11:02 am

Penticton won their next 2 and are 2-2 through the round robin portion of the tournament.

by **Iceburg** » Fri 5/11/12 11:26 am

Semi-finals of the "Royal Bank Cup" tomorrow:

3:00 - Woodstock vs. Humboldt
7:00 - Penticton vs. Soo Thunderbirds

Final is 6:30 Sunday night. It will be televised on TSN. Not sure if any local outlets carry TSN. Might be able to stream the game HERE?

by **Gopher Fan 26** » Sun 5/13/12 12:53 am

Taylor Cammarata had the first assist on both Waterloo goals tonight as they won game one of the USHL Clark Cup finals 2-1

by **Bash Brother** » Sun 5/13/12 11:21 am

Penticton has advanced to the RBC Cup Final which is today.

by **FargoSiouxHater** » Mon 5/14/12 1:10 pm

The Mole wrote:Penticton has advanced to the RBC Cup Final which is today.

And they win the RBC Cup 4-3 on a last minute goal by Jan Brady recruit Joey Benik.

by **LeoPohl** » Mon 5/14/12 2:19 pm

FargoSiouxHater wrote:
The Mole wrote:Penticton has advanced to the RBC Cup Final which is today.

And they win the RBC Cup 4-3 on a last minute goal by Jan Brady recruit Joey Benik.

link

by **Iceburg** » Thu 5/17/12 7:19 pm

"Taylor Cammarata Named USHL Rookie of the Year"

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