Committed Recruits Update Thread

by **Doc Holliday** » Mon 6/25/12 2:55 pm

Grandpa talked about how Louie will be playing in the BCHL next year & not at Edina. Is this a somewhat new development or am I late to the party and this was known for a long time? Or was it expected, just not said publically?

by **Iceburg** » Mon 6/25/12 2:57 pm

Doc Holliday wrote:Grandpa talked about how Louie will be playing in the BCHL next year & not at Edina. Is this a somewhat new development or am I late to the party and this was known for a long time? Or was it expected, just not said publically?

It's been pretty much expected for a couple of months now.

by **F Da Sue** » Mon 6/25/12 2:57 pm

BlueBandit24 wrote:Crazy to think that none of the incoming forwards will have been drafted. Not that there is anything wrong with that. It's just a change from the norm.

That will change next summer. Fasching is projected to go around #10 overall, Cammarata around #30.

by **Bonin21** » Mon 6/25/12 3:07 pm

F Da Sue wrote:
BlueBandit24 wrote:Crazy to think that none of the incoming forwards will have been drafted. Not that there is anything wrong with that. It's just a change from the norm.

That will change next summer. Fasching is projected to go around #10 overall, Cammarata around #30.

Where have you heard around #10 recently? Seems to me he's hovering on the edge of the first round.

by **xyz** » Mon 6/25/12 5:05 pm

It's really hard to have a good idea where Cammarata will go because of the size issue. What he did in the USHL at his age last year convinces me, but then, I'm not a scout or NHL GM, and I know a lot of hockey people have questions not only about his size but also about his style of play. If you're a Gopher fan, the lower he goes the longer he's likely to stay at the U, so I guess that might be a good thing.

by **xyz** » Mon 6/25/12 5:05 pm

It's really hard to have a good idea where Cammarata will go because of the size issue. What he did in the USHL at his age last year convinces me, but then, I'm not a scout or NHL GM, and I know a lot of hockey people have questions not only about his size but also about his style of play. If you're a Gopher fan, the lower he goes the longer he's likely to stay at the U, so I guess that might be a good thing.

by **BlueBandit24** » Mon 6/25/12 5:22 pm

xyz wrote:It's really hard to have a good idea where Cammarata will go because of the size issue. What he did in the USHL at his age last year convinces me, but then, I'm not a scout or NHL GM, and I know a lot of hockey people have questions not only about his size but also about his style of play. If you're a Gopher fan, the lower he goes the longer he's likely to stay at the U, so I guess that might be a good thing.

I compare him to a guy like Grimaldi. Grimaldi accomplished just about everything you could expect from somebody in his situation, and he still went in the 2nd due to size concerns. Of course it all depends on the strength of the draft, but next year's is highly touted. I'd be midly surprised if someone of Cammarata's size went in the 1st.

by **Hammy** » Mon 6/25/12 5:23 pm

Look no further than where the little bible thumper at UND went in last year's draft as a rough gauge on Cammarata's likely spot. Probably top half of the 2nd round would be my guess.

I don't see Fasching as a top 10 pick right now. Probably late first to early second. But plenty of time to raise that stock with hard work, etc

EDIT - BlueBandit beat me to the comparison. :mrgreen:

by **Hammy** » Mon 6/25/12 5:27 pm

Doc Holliday wrote:Grandpa talked about how Louie will be playing in the BCHL next year & not at Edina. Is this a somewhat new development or am I late to the party and this was known for a long time? Or was it expected, just not said publically?

I've been hearing Louie to Penticton for about 6 months now. The question that seems to be lingering in the rumor mill is if Lettieri goes up there too. I heard back at that time that it is a definite possibility. He told me he was gonna stick with Lincoln a few months ago but sometimes the answers you get in those moments are politically driven (don't want to burn any potential bridges during the season).

by **streakygopher** » Mon 6/25/12 10:02 pm

Hammy wrote:
Bonin21 wrote:Probably good that Michaelson has something to prove next season after going undrafted.

I hate to say it... but this is what I have been warning about for the last year.

I saw the kid play several games in his senior year. Not surprised even a little that he went undrafted. I also saw him recently and the kid isn't exactly built. Not sure how he's going to fit in here.

by **WeissFC** » Tue 6/26/12 11:32 pm

SiouxFanatic wrote:
Crocshots wrote:Skjei Drafted 28th overall by the NY Rangers.

While the Gophers have a much better shot in Skjei maintaining his commitment to the Gophers since he's a MN native, I hope the Rangers don't put any pressure on Skjei in going the major junior route like they did with JT Miller.

I'm not a Gopher fan but I'm definitely a proponent of college hockey.

JT Miller told teams during the combine that he was most likely headed to Plymouth, New York had very little if anything to do with the decision. I wouldn't worry about the New York Rangers putting any pressure on Skjei.

by **SiouxFanatic** » Tue 6/26/12 11:34 pm

WeissFC wrote:JT Miller told teams during the combine that he was most likely headed to Plymouth, New York had very little if anything to do with the decision. I wouldn't worry about the New York Rangers putting any pressure on Skjei.

Really? I don't recall ever hearing that let alone rumors of him saying anything from the combine. Considering on draft day he was saying how he was looking forward to go to UND and play Sioux hockey.

by **puckluck** » Wed 6/27/12 11:40 am

I'm just curious as to what the tie or love affair is relative to Penticton? I guess up until Benik headed up there, I really never heard or follow the BCHL so that opened my eyes to that league as I wasn't familiar with it. We (the gophers staff or program) must have some tie to the coaching or program as it seems that it's a pipeline for MN kids to head up there to play.

I wondered about Littieri as well as soon as i had heard that Nanne was going there.

Personally I prefer them going to the USHL for biased reasons vs heading to the BCHL...I'd rather watch them competing against other familiar players in a more familiar league from my standpoint. Plus it's tough to gauge their development with all the O fense in the BCHL?

Is Michaelson too old to possibly stay another year in the USHL? Assuming that he is and assuming that #27 stays, it would seem to be good to be with Kloos and Cammarata for another year of growth/development/confidence (whatever he needs) to improve. It seems as if we have plenty of guys in the fold to step in without him if need be and certainly a lot of lefties?

by **Hammy** » Wed 6/27/12 3:09 pm

puckluck wrote:I'm just curious as to what the tie or love affair is relative to Penticton? I guess up until Benik headed up there, I really never heard or follow the BCHL so that opened my eyes to that league as I wasn't familiar with it. We (the gophers staff or program) must have some tie to the coaching or program as it seems that it's a pipeline for MN kids to head up there to play.

It isn't so much Penticton as it is their head coach (Fred Harbinson). He coached down here and certainly would have an appreciation for what the talent down here can do in a league like the BCHL. Obviously it worked out fantastic for him last season.

Personally I prefer them going to the USHL for biased reasons vs heading to the BCHL...I'd rather watch them competing against other familiar players in a more familiar league from my standpoint. Plus it's tough to gauge their development with all the O fense in the BCHL?

Certainly the USHL is the better league. The USHL has better player depth on teams. But there are good players that come out of the BCHL too. It is sort of the same concept between Class A and Class AA. Good players come out of both levels but certainly Class AA is going to have deeper teams. In the end, it comes down to how hard a player works on his game, etc.

Is Michaelson too old to possibly stay another year in the USHL?

He's not too old but we typically carry 15 forwards and with the additions of the two Reillys, Michaelson, and Horn at forward... we are at 15 forwards.

by **puckluck** » Thu 6/28/12 8:49 am

is there any insight into how Connor Reilly's leg/knee injury status? Last i heard he was going to have a surgery or something. Just wondering if there if anyone with any info on how he's doing and if he'll be ready to play this fall? Seemed like he was on a roll there when he went a way with the injury so I was kind of curious as to where things stand.

by **Hammy** » Thu 6/28/12 10:17 am

He had surgery a while ago. It sounds like the expectation is he'll be ready to play this fall.

by **Hammy** » Fri 6/29/12 10:27 am

Gabe Guertler is mulling an offer to join the NTDP for next season. No decision has been made yet.

My personal feeling is I hope he declines as he'll be the main cog in Fargo and there is hardly any guarantee he'll get the same situation with the NTDP.

by **WestCoastGopherGuy** » Fri 6/29/12 1:34 pm

any idea if cammarata had gotten the same offer from the ntdp?

by **Iceburg** » Fri 6/29/12 1:37 pm

From the daily fact sheet that "USA Hockey" puts out every day at the Select 17 camp:

Gabe Guertler who wears #17 for the Grey team was a talented wrestler before turning in the singlet for a pair of skates full-time. He won seven Florida state championships before playing hockey for the Fargo Force last season.

by **WestCoastGopherGuy** » Sun 7/01/12 1:28 pm

hammy- any idea if michaelson will be going to russia with waterloo in august?

by **Hammy** » Sun 7/01/12 2:15 pm

WestCoastGopherGuy wrote:hammy- any idea if michaelson will be going to russia with waterloo in august?

No. He's a Gopher.

by **Iceburg** » Tue 7/03/12 10:06 am

Michael Brodzinski (among others) to spend his senior year in the USHL (LINK)

by **BlueBandit24** » Tue 7/03/12 11:12 am

Iceburg wrote:Michael Brodzinski (among others) to spend his senior year in the USHL (LINK)

I'm happy to see that. While I did not see him play personally, most observers seem to express the opinion that Brodzkinski had a pretty underwhelming year. Hopefully a year in the USHL will elevate his game and physically prepare him for the demands of the Big 10.

by **Hammy** » Tue 7/03/12 2:03 pm

I think it was underwhelming because the inspiration wasn't there. I think he needs to be pushed harder which is why this is a smart move. The ability is there but a kick in the pants by higher competition is necessary.

by **xyz** » Wed 7/11/12 9:27 am

I'll throw this out to everyone, but especially Hammy, the resident recruiting expert: would you read anything negative into the situation with Michaelson and the Wild development camp (according to Roman at the Strib, he didn't tell the academic people at the U that he'd be missing summer school to attend the camp, and was then told in no uncertain terms that he would not in fact be missing summer school, and had to skip the Wild event)? I would guess it's just an 18-year-old making a simple mistake and nothing more, but there have been enough whispers about him to make one wonder (perhaps unfairly).

by **Hammy** » Wed 7/11/12 9:58 am

xyz wrote:I'll throw this out to everyone, but especially Hammy, the resident recruiting expert: would you read anything negative into the situation with Michaelson and the Wild development camp (according to Roman at the Strib, he didn't tell the academic people at the U that he'd be missing summer school to attend the camp, and was then told in no uncertain terms that he would not in fact be missing summer school, and had to skip the Wild event)? I would guess it's just an 18-year-old making a simple mistake and nothing more, but there have been enough whispers about him to make one wonder (perhaps unfairly).

I guess I just see it as a learning experience. He made a mistake and wasn't thorough on covering all his bases. I guess I think it is fair to allow a frosh to make some mistakes and learn from them. Just as long as he does what is expected and doesn't exacerbate the situation by pouting over it, I'd think he'll be fine.

Michaelson has a lot to prove.

by **WestCoastGopherGuy** » Thu 7/12/12 10:48 am

its odd he wouldnt have told anyone at the U he was invited to the camp, but its also weird he wasnt allowed to skip classes when haula was allowed to go to the wild camp (assuming haula is taking summer courses as well...)

by **xyz** » Thu 7/12/12 10:54 am

I don't know if Haula is in summer school, but even if he is, I would guess they view incoming freshmen as different than someone who's been around for a few seasons and shown he can balance academics and the demands of being an athlete. I believe the idea is for freshmen to get some credits out of the way so they can take a lighter load during the season, and also introduce them to what academic life is like at the college level.

by **poisondart** » Thu 7/12/12 10:59 am

Different set of rules for freshman but I think Haula is in Finland for the summer anyway. I know that Skjei had to jump through a bunch of hoops just to attend the draft. I get the impression the academic people at the "U" are preyty strict about summer time attendance

by **Hammy** » Thu 7/12/12 11:24 am

They let you attend camp. You just need to make sure you have the arrangements made ahead of time, etc. Skjei was at the Rangers camp after the draft. Haula is in the Wild camp now... and so on.

by **greydogg** » Thu 7/12/12 11:39 am

poisondart wrote: I think Haula is in Finland for the summer anyway.

Presently at Wild development camp

Edit: Hammy beat me to it.

by **Golfer** » Thu 7/12/12 11:42 am

I see fault on both sides with it all being a bit odd. In the end probably best to keep the kid on track as far as school goes. The U did not show much flexibility though and inadvertently put him in a bad light. He has not missed a class or tutor session all summer...that isn't pointed out anywhere. No coaches knew? Do they follow hockey? Also I believe Skjei had to drop a class just to go to the combine or draft one of the two. It's over now though on to school and then the season.

by **Hammy** » Thu 7/12/12 11:55 am

The reality is freshman (and vets) have gone to prospect camps plenty of times before (Skjei and Reilly did this summer as frosh) and it is a matter of having your ducks in a row ahead of time. It doesn't seem to me to be an issue for guys over the years so it pretty much tells me the fault lies more in a lack of foresight by the player than anything else.

by **Golfer** » Thu 7/12/12 12:06 pm

Hammy wrote:The reality is freshman (and vets) have gone to prospect camps plenty of times before (Skjei and Reilly did this summer as frosh) and it is a matter of having your ducks in a row ahead of time. It doesn't seem to me to be an issue for guys over the years so it pretty much tells me the fault lies more in a lack of foresight by the player than anything else.

Expected answer. Yep player's fault end of story.

by **FargoSiouxHater** » Thu 7/12/12 12:07 pm

So, with Bjugstad coming back, does this mean that Kloos will spend the year in the USHL? I would assume so, plus I don't think a year of juniors would necessarily be a bad thing for him, either.

by **Hammy** » Thu 7/12/12 12:25 pm

Golfer wrote:Expected answer. Yep player's fault end of story.

No offense but when so many other players over many years of time seem to figure it out without problems, it is pretty tough to lay much blame on anybody else.

by **xyz** » Thu 7/12/12 12:26 pm

For now, Kloos is definitely in Waterloo next year. I suppose there exists the remote possibility Bjugstad changes his mind between now and the start of school, in which case they might conceivably bring Kloos in quickly, but both parts of that hypothetical seem quite unlikely.

by **Hammy** » Thu 7/12/12 12:27 pm

FargoSiouxHater wrote:So, with Bjugstad coming back, does this mean that Kloos will spend the year in the USHL? I would assume so, plus I don't think a year of juniors would necessarily be a bad thing for him, either.

Yep. He'll be playing for Waterloo. A very beneficial thing for his future and the future of the Gophers. He should be more of an impact college player with the year of time in the USHL.

by **frozen4champs** » Thu 7/12/12 3:06 pm

Hammy wrote:
FargoSiouxHater wrote:So, with Bjugstad coming back, does this mean that Kloos will spend the year in the USHL? I would assume so, plus I don't think a year of juniors would necessarily be a bad thing for him, either.

Yep. He'll be playing for Waterloo. A very beneficial thing for his future and the future of the Gophers. He should be more of an impact college player with the year of time in the USHL.

100% agree with Hammy. Bjugstad coming back was like a win/win. Would much rather have Kloos in the USHL for a full season then have him struggle a bit as a true freshman.

by **WestCoastGopherGuy** » Thu 7/12/12 5:25 pm

kloos might get the experience of a trip to russia out of the deal too

by **Bonin21** » Fri 7/13/12 11:49 pm

Just realized the Gophers might have five 18-year-olds come in for 2013 and only Lettieri will turn 19 during the season. Has to be the youngest class lined up in a while with all the birthdays late in the school year. Hopefully there'll be a trophy in the lobby that helps them grow up a little quicker.

by **streakygopher** » Fri 7/13/12 11:56 pm

Hammy wrote:
FargoSiouxHater wrote:So, with Bjugstad coming back, does this mean that Kloos will spend the year in the USHL? I would assume so, plus I don't think a year of juniors would necessarily be a bad thing for him, either.

Yep. He'll be playing for Waterloo. A very beneficial thing for his future and the future of the Gophers. He should be more of an impact college player with the year of time in the USHL.

The kid has ridiculous speed...and an extra gear. In the few times I saw him play last year I was amazed at how quickly he released his shot, often in mid stride to keep the goalie in check. I hope he has a good attitude playing in juniors. I think this kid has all the makings of a college sniper, and a year in juniors will toughen him up.

by **BlueBandit24** » Sat 7/14/12 8:43 am

Bonin21 wrote:Just realized the Gophers might have five 18-year-olds come in for 2013 and only Lettieri will turn 19 during the season. Has to be the youngest class lined up in a while with all the birthdays late in the school year. Hopefully there'll be a trophy in the lobby that helps them grow up a little quicker.

It will be a very young class. I'd imagine the wealth of junior experience they will have as a group will help negate that though.

by **Davey J.** » Sat 7/14/12 2:27 pm

I'm glad Kloos will be in the USHL this season! From what I saw of him last year, he definitely needs some more seasoning before he makes an impact for the Gophers. Hopefully he can put on a few pounds too.

by **poisondart** » Sat 7/14/12 4:36 pm

A year in the USHL can only help Kloos, from what I've heard he's got no issue at all with going there and it is inline with what he was told when he committed. It seems to me the expectations are for him to be a point producer and there is little sense in using up a year of his eligibility playing 4th line minutes if at all. As for his year last year I'm not sure what more he could have done at the level he played. The kid produced whether it was Elite, High school or the USHL. At 5' 9" and 170 pounds I'm not so sure he needs much more weight. I'm glad the gophs chose to bring in Michealson, even after an underwhelming year it shows integrity in their recruiting by standing by their word.

by **frozen4champs** » Mon 7/16/12 9:08 pm

Hammy wrote:
Doc Holliday wrote:Grandpa talked about how Louie will be playing in the BCHL next year & not at Edina. Is this a somewhat new development or am I late to the party and this was known for a long time? Or was it expected, just not said publically?

I've been hearing Louie to Penticton for about 6 months now. The question that seems to be lingering in the rumor mill is if Lettieri goes up there too. I heard back at that time that it is a definite possibility. He told me he was gonna stick with Lincoln a few months ago but sometimes the answers you get in those moments are politically driven (don't want to burn any potential bridges during the season).

Lettieri tweeted tonight he is officially playing in Lincoln this year.

by **Hammy** » Mon 7/16/12 9:53 pm

Yes, I saw that. Wise move.

by **poisondart** » Mon 7/16/12 9:54 pm

Rumor has it Louie wasn't going to make the Lincoln team, hence Penticton.

by **Hammy** » Mon 7/16/12 9:59 pm

poisondart wrote:Rumor has it Louie wasn't going to make the Lincoln team, hence Penticton.

It wouldn't shock me but I honestly believe he was going to Penticton no matter what.

by **poisondart** » Mon 7/16/12 10:09 pm

perhaps, but I would think you would want to play in the better league. At any rate hopefully he goes up there and refines his offensive game. Is this a one year or two year plan? If he comes in 2013 its going to be awfully tough to get any ice time. That group is shaping up into quite a talented bunch...although they are mostly a bunch of smurfs.

by **Hammy** » Mon 7/16/12 10:23 pm

poisondart wrote:perhaps, but I would think you would want to play in the better league. At any rate hopefully he goes up there and refines his offensive game. Is this a one year or two year plan? If he comes in 2013 its going to be awfully tough to get any ice time. That group is shaping up into quite a talented bunch...although they are mostly a bunch of smurfs.

It's not about better league though. It is about what opportunities are you going to get with a specific team and how does that match up with what you need to work on moving forward. Louie needs to work more on skill development and gaining confidence in that area. The chances of that happening are much better in Penticton than it would have ever been in the USHL w/ Lincoln. It's not going to help him as much to play in the better league if the right opportunity isn't there.

Until we see what goes on w/ departures after the season, it is difficult to say on the plan... but 2014 would be the right call.

by **Iceburg** » Thu 7/19/12 10:19 am

The NTDP U-18 program (with Hudson Fasching) releases their SCHEDULE for 2012-13. A couple of chances to see the team in the area with games against the Gophers (October 26), St. Thomas (October 27), UMD (January 26), UW-Superior (January 27) and North Dakota (October 12).

The SCHEDULE for the U-17 team is also available.

Just a heads up, I'm guessing the site of the St. Thomas game will be moved from St. Thomas, Minnesota to Mendota Heights :mrgreen:

by **BlueBandit24** » Mon 7/23/12 11:25 am

With Lettieri and Brodzinksi announcing that they're officially going to the USHL, that leaves only Bischoff (for now) as Gopher recruits playing high school hockey right now. Any chance he opts to play in Omaha this year?

by **thedude** » Mon 7/23/12 11:27 am

BlueBandit24 wrote:With Lettieri and Brodzinksi announcing that they're officially going to the USHL, that leaves only Bischoff (for now) as Gopher recruits playing high school hockey right now. Any chance he opts to play in Omaha this year?

He is playing before and after in Omaha. Different situation since he'll be spending a year in Jr's regardless of where he plays this season...

by **puckluck** » Mon 7/23/12 12:06 pm

thedude wrote:
BlueBandit24 wrote:With Lettieri and Brodzinksi announcing that they're officially going to the USHL, that leaves only Bischoff (for now) as Gopher recruits playing high school hockey right now. Any chance he opts to play in Omaha this year?

He is playing before and after in Omaha. Different situation since he'll be spending a year in Jr's regardless of where he plays this season...

that's the best of both worlds then. Great opportunity to stay with his buddies while still getting a year in under his belt in juniors to mature before coming in.

by **poisondart** » Mon 7/23/12 2:25 pm

I know its a nice problem to have but if the gophs have only 1 senior this year and 1 player an almost sure lock to leave early how can you bring in Fasching, Cammarata, Brodzinski, Kloos and Letteri.....Guertler is also a possibility. There will need to be several more early departures for this to happen. Buddish and Haula up front are possibilities along with Alt and the senior Helgeson but if they bring in 5 they'll need to lose at least that many. Nanne could also be in this mix but I'm not so sure he fits in yet.

by **Hammy** » Mon 7/23/12 2:38 pm

I think it is pretty much a given we'll lose a few guys early after this upcoming season. Ideally we won't lose anybody on defense other than Helgeson but we'll see how this year goes for some guys.

by **dryfly** » Mon 7/23/12 3:26 pm

Hammy wrote:I think it is pretty much a given we'll lose a few guys early after this upcoming season. Ideally we won't lose anybody on defense other than Helgeson but we'll see how this year goes for some guys.

Personally - hope we do lose some guys. Not because I want to see them go but because I want to see them and the team light up the league so bright they get offers they absolutely can't refuse. They cry all the way to the bank - we cry all the way to the banner hangings.

by **BlueBandit24** » Mon 7/23/12 6:56 pm

thedude wrote:
BlueBandit24 wrote:With Lettieri and Brodzinksi announcing that they're officially going to the USHL, that leaves only Bischoff (for now) as Gopher recruits playing high school hockey right now. Any chance he opts to play in Omaha this year?

He is playing before and after in Omaha. Different situation since he'll be spending a year in Jr's regardless of where he plays this season...

Thanks. I didn't know if getting drafted would alter his plans at all.

by **Hammy** » Mon 7/23/12 7:02 pm

dryfly wrote:Personally - hope we do lose some guys. Not because I want to see them go but because I want to see them and the team light up the league so bright they get offers they absolutely can't refuse. They cry all the way to the bank - we cry all the way to the banner hangings.

You never know if an academic issue arises too... it's not like we are totally immune to such things.

by **dryfly** » Mon 7/23/12 9:28 pm

Hammy wrote:
dryfly wrote:Personally - hope we do lose some guys. Not because I want to see them go but because I want to see them and the team light up the league so bright they get offers they absolutely can't refuse. They cry all the way to the bank - we cry all the way to the banner hangings.

You never know if an academic issue arises too... it's not like we are totally immune to such things.

And frankly - you can answer this better than I can - don't a lot of the kids start letting the discipline slide a bit once the pro option starts looming large? It shouldn't and for some it doesn't but for a lot of them [mere early 20s with pro hockey as their dream - NOT academics] ... that changes a lot of things.

by **Iceburg** » Wed 7/25/12 12:06 pm

"Minnesota high school 2012 draft review"

by **Iceburg** » Wed 8/01/12 9:17 pm

USA Hockey wrote:August 1, 2012

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – USA Hockey announced today the 40 players (LIST) who will participate in the inaugural CCM/USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game, which will take place Sept. 29 at First Niagara Center in Buffalo, N.Y.

The roster boasts 40 of the top American prospects eligible for the 2013 National Hockey League Entry Draft. Represented are 31 players from the United States Hockey League, the top junior league in America, including 22 from USA Hockey's National Team Development Program in Ann Arbor, Mich. Additionally, at least 28 of the 40 are future NCAA Division I college players.

Read more about the team and view the rosters

by **Bertogliat** » Thu 8/02/12 8:16 am

Iceburg wrote:
USA Hockey wrote:August 1, 2012

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – USA Hockey announced today the 40 players (LIST) who will participate in the inaugural CCM/USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game, which will take place Sept. 29 at First Niagara Center in Buffalo, N.Y.

The roster boasts 40 of the top American prospects eligible for the 2013 National Hockey League Entry Draft. Represented are 31 players from the United States Hockey League, the top junior league in America, including 22 from USA Hockey's National Team Development Program in Ann Arbor, Mich. Additionally, at least 28 of the 40 are future NCAA Division I college players.

Read more about the team and view the rosters

They could at least update the list to recognize Hudson Fasching as a Gopher Recruit.....

As I looked thorugh the list it was difficult to force myself to look at B1G recruits rather than focusing on North Dakota. I'll probably never stop doing that, but it should be a bigger deal who Mich, Wis, etc get. I shouldn't care as much about any of the Flickertail recruits....but I do? It's just still too weird.

by **puckluck** » Thu 8/02/12 2:08 pm

My eye caught on Denver, then on Michigan. I think Michigan had about 5 and Denver 4 I think. Both pretty stocked up on players from this list anyway.

I remember reading/hearing about Miska in net too back a while ago. Seems he's holding his own amongst other goaltenders. It doesn't appear that he's going to school anywhere. I wonder how he is and if he's attracting any attention?

by **Hammy** » Thu 8/02/12 7:36 pm

A few things about that list...

First, it seems to me that the event is somewhat biased/cheapened when it is so heavily weighed on current/former NTDP players. If you want a NTDP scrimmage, I'm sure they could have arranged that last winter. :bored:

Second, I hear a few MN HS kids were not allowed to participate due to Elite League leadership getting in the way. :roll:

by **Iceburg** » Wed 8/15/12 9:00 am

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

LINK

by **poisondart** » Wed 8/15/12 9:30 am

Nice game for both Kloos and Cammarata.

by **puckluck** » Wed 8/15/12 10:59 am

Very nice. This team will be very fun to watch as we follow the incoming players next year.....

I'm sure that we're going to see a lot of Kloos and Cammarata names highlighted throughout the year. Those two are very skilled and to have them on the same squad, they should be tough to play against especially on the PP.

I'm extremely happy that Kloos will be getting this experience this year vs coming early. I can't wait to see how his season unfolds. And what an opportunity to play together before coming to the U...

by **Hammy** » Wed 8/15/12 11:44 am

No doubt Bjugstad's decision had benefits beyond the obvious impact on this year's team. Giving Kloos an additional year should do wonders for his college career.

by **Bonin21** » Wed 8/15/12 6:52 pm

Video of Kloos' nice pass to Cammy at:
http://ushl.com/news.php?action=detail&news_id=1203

by **Iceburg** » Thu 8/16/12 8:34 am

Waterloo drops their final exhibition (LINK). Their first game of the Junior Club World Cup is on Sunday.

by **Jaykay3** » Thu 8/16/12 1:38 pm

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?

by **Iceburg** » Thu 8/16/12 1:53 pm

USA Hockey releases the roster for this year's NTDP U-18 team. A little turnover from last year's U-17 squad.

STORY
ROSTER
SCHEDULE

by **Bonin21** » Thu 8/16/12 2:15 pm

All but one non-goalie committed. Should we start placing bets on the number that actually end up playing college?

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