Potential Future Recruits - Part II

[Greyeagle]

The last serious discussion focused on Cardinal's post saying there may be a new signing soon.

Any news?

[Iceburg]

The last serious discussion focused on Cardinal's post saying there may be a new signing soon.

Any news?

<img src=http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-12/901742/spackler2.jpg align=left><img src=http://www.gopherpucklive.com/MsgBrd/album_pic.php?pic_id=318 width=143 height=193 align=right><i>"So I jump ship in Hong Kong and make my way over to Tibet, and I get on as a looper at a course over in the Himalayas. A looper, you know, a caddy, a looper, a jock. So, I tell them I'm a pro jock, and who do you think they give me? The Dalai Lama, himself. Twelfth son of the Lama. The flowing robes, the grace, bald... striking. So, I'm on the first tee with him. I give him the driver. He hauls off and whacks one -- big hitter, the Lama -- long, into a ten-thousand foot crevice, right at the base of this glacier. And do you know what the Lama says? Gunga galunga...gunga -- gunga galunga. So we finish the eighteenth and he's gonna stiff me. And I say, "Hey, Lama, hey, how about a little something, you know, for the effort, you know." And he says, "Oh, uh, there won't be any money, but in the year of the rooster, on the weekend of the badger, you will receive total consiousness." So I got that goin' for me, which is nice."</i>

<img src=http://www.broomgrove-jun.essex.sch.uk/aboutus/chinese_zodiac.jpg width=505 height=600>

[NB - WB]

Cardinal said their is another who has commited to the Gopher's. I am thinking Cade Fairchild, Sam Gagner or Jim O'Brien. What does everyone else think?

[dlw4gophers]

Cardinal made that statement just before Tony Lucia made his commitment. I don't know if thats who he refered to, but I think it was the Lucia commitment.

[NB - WB]

I thought Cardinal said that wasn't the guy he was talking about.

[Lord Viper Scorpion]

Iceberg,

Lol, another show-stopper. Was it the word "signing" that got you started with that?

Cardinal made that statement just before Tony Lucia made his commitment. I don't know if thats who he refered to, but I think it was the Lucia commitment.

I thought it was established that Cardinal was not talking about Tony Lucia.

[Iceburg]

Iceberg,

Lol, another show-stopper. Was it the word "signing" that got you started with that?

<img src=http://fusionanomaly.net/kungfuhowdoyounot.jpg width=204 height=150>
Read more closely grasshopper

<i>"Oh, uh, there won't be any money, but in the year of the rooster, on the weekend of the badger, you will receive total consiousness."</i>

[Cardinal]

Correct, it wasn't Lucia.

[Lord Viper Scorpion]

Iceberg,

Still mostly lost... are you saying we will find out the identity of said recruit at the time of the Badger series in two weeks?

[mnpuckme]

I guessed Trent Palm in the other thread, but now I'm wondering about Andy Inderieden. Breck was scouted very heavily by the Gophs and they lost out on Fulton. Wonder if Andy peaked their interest. Though from my neck of the woods there's still a lot of talk about Sneep and Baker.

[SF_Stampede_Fan]

Heres a article that I found on Lucia
http://www.hockeysfuture.com/article.php?sid=8078

[Kermit]

The last serious discussion focused on Cardinal's post saying there may be a new signing soon.

Any news?

The level of secrecy and intrigue about this expected upcoming commitment suggests to me that it must be a recruit of interest to rivals. Probably someone like Gagner or O'Brien. Just a wild guess.

[Handyman]

I think I figured out who Cardinal is talking about, you guys could too if you really try

And no I wont post who I think it is, I would rather be wrong in secret

[NB - WB]

I think it might be Jim O'Brien because they are going to let us know when the Badgers are in town and the Badgers are hot and heavy over O'brien.

[Iceburg]

I posted some stuff on John Vadnais a while back, thinking he was kind of a long shot.

Des Moines, Iowa – November 18, 2005 – The Des Moines Buccaneers’ head coach and general manager Regg Simon today announced that Buccaneer defenseman John Vadnais has signed a national letter of intent to play for the Bemidji State University Beavers next season.

“I chose Bemidji because I felt it was a great fit for me,” said Vadnais. “The combination of the school, the environment and the coaching staff all made it feel like it was a place where I could be successful. “

Vadnais, a native of Stillwater , MN , is currently the leading scoring defenseman for the Buccaneers and is fourth in the USHL for defensemen in scoring. He also has the third highest plus/minus rating (plus 7) for defensemen in the league. Vadnais is in his second season with the Buccaneers and third season in the USHL. He previously played for Waterloo and Lincoln before coming to Des Moines via a trade last December.

“John is a junior hockey success story,” said Simon. “He’s persevered through some tough times and has never given in. In his time with the Bucs, he’s grown and matured as a player and as a young man and we wish him nothing but the best in Bedmidji.”

Bemidji State University , located 225 miles north of Minneapolis in north-central Minnesota , was a Division II hockey powerhouse, winning thirteen national titles at that level. In 1999-00 they moved up to Division I hockey and are now members of the College Hockey America (CHA) conference. Last season they made their first trip to the NCAA Division I National Tournament, where they would lose in over-time in the first round of play to the eventual NCAA Champions Denver Pioneers.

[JohnM]

I think I know... I had an interesting thing happen that will not be repeated on this board. However the person I spoke to at/during this event claimed to be a relative of a possible Gopher Recruit and said he was going to play at the U.


I know that sounds cryptic but it is the best I can do. Certain things remain private. heh

[Bucky9]

It's gotta be Ganger. Theres no way it would be this hush hush if it was just a normal prospect like O'Brien.

[Davey J.]

I posted some stuff on John Vadnais a while back, thinking he was kind of a long shot.

Des Moines, Iowa – November 18, 2005 – The Des Moines Buccaneers’ head coach and general manager Regg Simon today announced that Buccaneer defenseman John Vadnais has signed a national letter of intent to play for the Bemidji State University Beavers next season.

“I chose Bemidji because I felt it was a great fit for me,” said Vadnais. “The combination of the school, the environment and the coaching staff all made it feel like it was a place where I could be successful. “

Vadnais, a native of Stillwater , MN , is currently the leading scoring defenseman for the Buccaneers and is fourth in the USHL for defensemen in scoring. He also has the third highest plus/minus rating (plus 7) for defensemen in the league. Vadnais is in his second season with the Buccaneers and third season in the USHL. He previously played for Waterloo and Lincoln before coming to Des Moines via a trade last December.

“John is a junior hockey success story,” said Simon. “He’s persevered through some tough times and has never given in. In his time with the Bucs, he’s grown and matured as a player and as a young man and we wish him nothing but the best in Bedmidji.”

Bemidji State University , located 225 miles north of Minneapolis in north-central Minnesota , was a Division II hockey powerhouse, winning thirteen national titles at that level. In 1999-00 they moved up to Division I hockey and are now members of the College Hockey America (CHA) conference. Last season they made their first trip to the NCAA Division I National Tournament, where they would lose in over-time in the first round of play to the eventual NCAA Champions Denver Pioneers.

Vadnais committed to Bemidji yesterday. I still think it's O'brien or Hoeffel...although I'm hoping it's Gagner!

[Davey J.]

OK, I'm an idiot...next time I'll actually read your post, Iceburg, before I "think" I am actually offering something worthwhile.

[mwheeler]

I think I know... I had an interesting thing happen that will not be repeated on this board. However the person I spoke to at/during this event claimed to be a relative of a possible Gopher Recruit and said he was going to play at the U.


I know that sounds cryptic but it is the best I can do. Certain things remain private. heh

Why even post that? It's a waste of time to read it, and a bigger waste of time to type it.

[GopherHockeyFan]

It's gotta be Ganger. Theres no way it would be this hush hush if it was just a normal prospect like O'Brien.

Bucky I suspect it would be kept on the down low regardless of who it is simply beacause you don't reveal information that was told to you in confidence.

[GopherHockeyFan]

I think I know... I had an interesting thing happen that will not be repeated on this board. However the person I spoke to at/during this event claimed to be a relative of a possible Gopher Recruit and said he was going to play at the U.


I know that sounds cryptic but it is the best I can do. Certain things remain private. heh

Why even post that? It's a waste of time to read it, and a bigger waste of time to type it.

Then why respond? I like to hear what JohnM has to say, if you don't then don't read it.

[mwheeler]

I think I know... I had an interesting thing happen that will not be repeated on this board. However the person I spoke to at/during this event claimed to be a relative of a possible Gopher Recruit and said he was going to play at the U.


I know that sounds cryptic but it is the best I can do. Certain things remain private. heh

Why even post that? It's a waste of time to read it, and a bigger waste of time to type it.

Then why respond? I like to hear what JohnM has to say, if you don't then don't read it.

I would too if he actually said something. But you're right, my response was worthless too.

[JohnM]

I think I know... I had an interesting thing happen that will not be repeated on this board. However the person I spoke to at/during this event claimed to be a relative of a possible Gopher Recruit and said he was going to play at the U.


I know that sounds cryptic but it is the best I can do. Certain things remain private. heh

Why even post that? It's a waste of time to read it, and a bigger waste of time to type it.

Then why respond? I like to hear what JohnM has to say, if you don't then don't read it.

I would too if he actually said something. But you're right, my response was worthless too.

Don't be an idiot. I can't exactly say what I was told because one it was a private conversation and 2 this person "claimed" to be a relative. I have no reason not to beleive it but not so much to trust it either. I made my guess earlier on one of these threads go search it out. I am not sure if it is the same person that we are waiting to hear about.

However.. Bill Murry's character in Caddy Shack's first name was Carl. although that might just be incidental also.

[GopherHockeyFan]

...However.. Bill Murry's character in Caddy Shack's first name was Carl. although that might just be incidental also.

[Bucky9]

...However.. Bill Murry's character in Caddy Shack's first name was Carl. although that might just be incidental also.

S-N-E-E-P

[Handyman]

I may be wrong, but I dont think that player is who Cardinal is talking about...but remember I dont know I just speculate based on what I have noticed from Cardinal's posts the last month.

[MAP]

Well, Cardinal, I'll take a swag (scientific wild a** guess): the mystery recruit is Cade Fairchild....What's the prize if I am right? Same as the penalty if I am wrong?

[raindog]

Well, Cardinal, I'll take a swag (scientific wild a** guess): the mystery recruit is Cade Fairchild....What's the prize if I am right? Same as the penalty if I am wrong?

Cardinal said no to Fairchild on the 07 thread, so brace for your medicine.

[Iceburg]

Thought I'd move some of this stuff from the "committed recruits" thread to here, where it is probably more on topic.

"We're still recruiting," Lucia said. "I would like to add a defenseman, maybe a walk-on, who can defend. And a [forward] who can skate, a guy who can kill penalties.

"We're looking for some older juniors, some 20-year-olds. We've got a lot of young freshmen. We need some 19- and 20-years-olds."

"We're not finished," Lucia said of his team's recruiting for next season. "We want to look for another defenseman, a walk-on, maybe an older junior player, a 20-year-old who can hit and be a physical presence for us."

Who would be some older guys that we could be looking at?

Some local USHL defensemen that are already out of high school:
(names are linked to USHL pages)

Jake Obermeyer (Chaska), Mark Bernier (South St. Paul), Greg Battani (Benilde), Garrett Raboin (Detroit Lakes), Chris Berenguer (Eden Prairie), Jake Bauer (Champlain Park), Kyle Hardwick (Warroad), Matt Case (Maple Grove), Channing Boe (Bemidji), Mike Phillippi (Hill-Murray), Justin Braun (White Bear Lake), Matt Godlewski (Elk River).

2 guesses

Casey Peranteau (F)
Kyle Hardwick (D)

I don’t see either of those two as being real likely unless Casey Parenteau were to come as a walk-on. Like Bucky said, Parenteau was a big time youth player who kind of seemed to plateau a bit. He’s been around, Breck as a sophomore, Green Bay as a junior, White Bear as a senior and then playing for John Harrington last year at St. John’s. (28 games, 16 goals and 8 assists) He would come in as a sophomore. I’m not sure, but I believe that Casey is the son of former Gopher <a href=http://www.gopherhockeyhistory.com/players/playerDetail.asp?ID=745>Tom Parenteau</a>. If tDon is really looking for a small scholarship or walk-on type for a defenseman, Kyle Hardwick will probably get some better offers from someone.

Speaking of Tony Lucia (since he played on the same team), what kind of prospect is Joey Miller, and has he commited anywhere? I had always been under the impression that he was the better player of the two.

Up until last year I think most people would say that was probably true, but Tony made a huge jump in his game between his sophomore and junior years. I think recruiters will want to see how Joey fares at the junior level probably.

[Greyeagle]

This is interesting. I assume the "mystery" d-man the Michigan guy is referring to is Gryba - but I could be way off as I don't follow the updates/changes on that board very carefully. Anyway, has this guy been on MN's radar at all?

[Iceburg]

This is interesting. I assume the "mystery" d-man the Michigan guy is referring to is Gryba - but I could be way off as I don't follow the updates/changes on that board very carefully. Anyway, has this guy been on MN's radar at all?

I've not heard anything about Gopher interest. I've heard Boston University, North Dakota and Ohio State.

Some information from the Portland Winterhawk's (WHL) site:

Eric Gryba (Pronounced GRY-buh), Hockey Age 17, (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan – 2nd Round Bantam Draft, 2003). 6’4”, 195. Posted (11-29-40) with 83 penalty minutes in 32 games playing AAA Midget with the Saskatoon Contacts. Had an outstanding training camp with Porltand last year and management was very clear he would have had a chance to earn plenty of ice time as a 16-year-old in the WHL this past season. But, his family decided to bypass the opportunity. Eric can do it all. He is big and physical and led all defensemen in scoring this year in a very good midget league. But, it appears the Gryba family has decided Eric will play tier two hockey in Nanaimo of the BCHL in 2005-06 to keep NCAA scholarship options open. The Hawks believe Eric is a potential big-time NHL prospect that Portland offers the best, most proven road to being the best NHL player possible, but unless a major shift occurs, it does not look like Gryba is in the Hawks' picture, at least for this season.

He's at Green Bay, not Nanaimo.

[markwojo]

Anyone know anything about Aaron Bendickson from Thief River Falls, Minn who committed to UW for next year on a partial? I'm assuming as a partial kid (had full offers to UM Lowell and Miami, Oh), that he is not a top line talent but more of a bottom of the roster kid trying to work his way into a bigger role.

[Cardinal]

[ugogophers]

Smiling again- News to deliver?

[jmac]

What school did Nick Jaskowiak transfer to?

http://www.geocities.com/dent0110/outlo ... eason.html

Stroll down to Benide St. Margarets

[Cardinal]

[img]http://dulutheasthockey.com/profile_pics/DSC01015.JPG[/img]

[ugogophers]

Looks like Cade is coming?

[Cardinal]

No, I talked to people in Duluth.

He's the guy I was elluding to. I said it wasn't him when someone guessed at it since I couldn't say 'yes or no' at the time.

[ugogophers]

Cardinal- your last post is unclear- so are you saying yes to Fairchild or unsure about Fairchild?

[Cardinal]

Yes, he has committed.

[Iceburg]

I've been out of town for the holiday and haven't checked around to see if this is common knowlidge on here yet, but I've been told by someone I trust to know that Mike Hoeffel of Hill-Murray also gave his committment late this week for 2007.

[Iceburg]

What school did Nick Jaskowiak transfer to?

http://www.geocities.com/dent0110/outlo ... eason.html

Stroll down to Benide St. Margarets

The rumor on the high school board is Salisbury Prep in Connecticut

[thedude]

When is David Grun going to start getting some looks. I know he has already made visits up north, and he was one of the leading scorers in the elite league. The kid is huge too. It'd be too bad if the U didnt even take him in for a visit, he is suposed to be one of the contenders for MR. Hockey.

[jmac]

Can I get the website for the high school board?

[Iceburg]

Can I get the website for the high school board?

http://www.minnhock.com/

[Cardinal]

I've been out of town for the holiday and haven't checked around to see if this is common knowlidge on here yet, but I've been told by someone I trust to know that Mike Hoeffel of Hill-Murray also gave his committment late this week for 2007.

That would be a huge get. Let's hope it's true.

[Davey J.]

Will someone in the know please give a little scouting report of Hoeffel's game?

Thanks in advance!

[Iceburg]

This was in the "Daily", still looking for something more concrete on Hoeffel

<b>Fairchild commits</b>

Defenseman Cade Fairchild, considered to be one of the top recruits available for the 2007-2008 season, has verbally committed to play for the Gophers, Fairchild said Sunday.

Fairchild, listed at 5-foot, 10-inches, 160 pounds, is playing for the U.S. National Under-17 team in Ann Arbor, Mich. He said he informed coach Don Lucia of his decision Wednesday. Fairchild said he was also considering Colorado College, Denver, Minnesota-Duluth and Wisconsin.

“I’m excited,” Fairchild said in a phone interview. “(Minnesota’s) kind of where I always wanted to go.”

In 17 games with the U-17 team this season, Fairchild has two goals and three assists for five points. Fairchild is a native of Duluth and played for Duluth East his first two years of high school before becoming a member of the U-17 team.

Fairchild said Lucia was pleased by his decision.

“He was very excited,” Fairchild said. “I think we’re both looking forward to it.”

[Iceburg]

Will someone in the know please give a little scouting report of Hoeffel's game?

Thanks in advance!

I'd say he's probably more similar to Danny Irmen then anyone else on the team right now. Nice size, strong on his skates and on the puck. Still a bit of a work in progress, you won't notice him some shifts, but he'll make a "pull you out of your seat" type play on another. Goes at it pretty hard.

Here's a couple of USHR quotes on him. This one is from the try-out camp for the NTDP U-17 team last spring:

<u><b>FORWARDS</b></u>

1. <b>Mike Hoeffel</b>, 6-0/168, North Oaks, Minn., Hill-Murray HS --- Best forward in camp. A big strong power forward with soft hands. Surpassed expectations coming in. Made plays at top speed that no one else could make. A poised player who has the potential to be a top pro prospect. If he joins the program, he could be a big-time contributor.

This is from this past summer's Select 16 festival:

<b><u>Select 16 Forwards</u></b>
1. Jimmy Hayes (Dorchester, MA) 6'3"/191, Late '89 right-shot center just keeps getting better. Big, strong, with a long stride. Plays hard. Can shoot it. Sees the ice. A total player. Plays for Noble & Greenough. Named to the team going to Switzerland.

2. James Van Riemsdyk (Middletown, NJ) 6'3"/180, Also keeps getting better. Has size, vision, patience with the puck. Sees the ice. His skating is better than a year ago. A big man with finesse. Going to NTDP.

<b>3. Mike Hoeffel</b> (North Oaks, MN) 6'1"/170, shoots left - Left-shot center from Hill-Murray with tremendous upside. Strong, powerful skater who can go through guys to get puck to the net, or around them. A power forward with soft hands. Named to the team going to Switzerland. A little more consistency and drive could make him a dynamic player on the level of a Kyle Okposo.

This one is from "Hockey Scouting", also from the NDTP try-out:

Mike Hoeffel was the surprise of the camp. Hoeffel is a smart, all-around forward who can play tough. The 16 year old from Minnesota proved to be one of the best 16 year old forwards in the United States on this weekend.

[quick13]

Confirmed with Hill Murray coaches yesterday, Hoeffel did officially give verbal committment to Gophers.

[Davey J.]

We sure are loading up!

[NB - WB]

Wow!!! Another great week for the Gophers. They get commitments from the best forwward and defenseman of their age group in the state of Minnesota. Lucia is doing a great job recruiting.

[Greyeagle]

Great news!

Quick question, is Guentzel's kid considered a DI prospect?

[MAP]

MAP wrote:
Well, Cardinal, I'll take a swag (scientific wild a** guess): the mystery recruit is Cade Fairchild....What's the prize if I am right? Same as the penalty if I am wrong?


Cardinal said no to Fairchild on the 07 thread, so brace for your medicine.

I don't think so.



[/quote]Cardinal- your last post is unclear- so are you saying yes to Fairchild or unsure about Fairchild

Cardinal said:

Yes, he has committed.

Sometimes swags (scientific wild a** guesses work. I like the way the 2007-8 team is shaping up. Any word on the 2111-2112 team?[/quote]

[dagies]

Wow!!! Another great week for the Gophers. They get commitments from the best forwward and defenseman of their age group in the state of Minnesota. Lucia is doing a great job recruiting.

He could go on vacation and get most of his MN targets. That's one of the benefits of coaching the UofM. That's not to say he's not a good recruiter because obviously he's a great recruiter. But I think it's more impressive when he goes out and gets a Chucko, a Vanek or a Kessel than than a couple of in-state high school guys.

[Iceburg]

Any word on the 2111-2112 team?

Should be just about right for Nick Bjugstad
(assuming you meant 2011-2012)

[Iceburg]

<font color=black><b><font size=5>Hoeffel verbally commits to Gophers</font></b>
<font size=1>By Chris Lempesis</font>

Mike Hoeffel, considered one of the top recruits available for the 2007-08 season, has verbally committed to play for Minnesota’s men’s hockey team, Hoeffel said Monday.
Hoeffel is a 6-2, 180 lbs. forward currently playing for Hill-Murray School in Maplewood, Minn. He is in his junior year.

Hoeffel — who originally hails from North Oaks, Minn. — said he called coach Don Lucia Friday to inform him of his decision.

While he said he was also considering North Dakota, Wisconsin and Minnesota-Duluth, Hoeffel said he felt “really comfortable” when he visited Minnesota.

“It was just where my heart was and I always wanted to be a Gopher,” he said. “Everybody dreams of being a Gopher. It was just the right thing for me.”</font>

[max27t]

Mike Hoeffel, 6-0/168, North Oaks, Minn

3. Mike Hoeffel (North Oaks, MN) 6'1"/170

Hoeffel is a 6-2, 180 lbs. forward

The way he's growing, in another couple days John Scott will be looking up at him.

[holmes]

Given that we are going to have some early departures in the next two years, does anyone know who we have on our recruiting short-list?

I would think Gagner, O'Brien, and Grun are in the mix. Who else might be targeted?

[Master_Shake]

Anyone in the know, what are the chances if any of landing Patrick Kane, I think he is a 2007 commit. Has he been talked about or any rumors about where he might end up?

[Bucky9]

Anyone in the know, what are the chances if any of landing Patrick Kane, I think he is a 2007 commit. Has he been talked about or any rumors about where he might end up?

Slim to none. Hes a Michigan/BU guy.

[streakygopher]

I saw David Fischer play last Saturday. Anybody who doubts his ability (ahem...Bucky), doesn't know the game. Compared to Jack Hillen (AHA now with CC) Fischer is bigger, stronger, moves the puck as well or better, plays his defensive position better and is more aggressive on loose pucks. He can also skate circles around the other team, seemingly at will.

Lucia says that skillwise the kid is ready for the WCHA...however, he wants his playing weight at around 190...it's now 175. Depending on defensive needs, this means that David may spend a year in the USHL. It's wait and see at this point.

[Bucky9]

I saw David Fischer play last Saturday. Anybody who doubts his ability (ahem...Bucky), doesn't know the game. Compared to Jack Hillen (AHA now with CC) Fischer is bigger, stronger, moves the puck as well or better, plays his defensive position better and is more aggressive on loose pucks. He can also skate circles around the other team, seemingly at will.

Lucia says that skillwise the kid is ready for the WCHA...however, he wants his playing weight at around 190...it's now 175. Depending on defensive needs, this means that David may spend a year in the USHL. It's wait and see at this point.

Because I dont think that David Fischer is a Minnesota quality type player means that I dont know the game?

You guys keep telling yourself how good of a recruit he is. But i'm happy he is playing for you guys instead of us. I think we'll do just fine with McBain and Williams.

Just watch Fischer play...he doenst even hold onto his stick right. He just doesnt look good out there. Goooood Luck.

[streakygopher]

I'll trust Lucia over you, Buck.

[Bucky9]

He plays high school hockey. Of course hes going to look good. But the kid is not a high end player like you guys seem to think.

[streakygopher]

He plays high school hockey in Minnesota. I've seen the Broten's, Hankinson's, Paul Martin, Jordan Leopold, Johnny Pohl, Rasmussen, and countless others of all talent levels play Minnesota high school hockey. This kid belongs. I would say right now he has more ability than a guy like Vanelli...he sees the ice better, is a better skater and probably a better defender. Time will tell.

You don't have a chance to watch kids like this come up in Wisconsin. We see it all the time here in Minnesota. Fischer dominates at this level MORE THAN Jack Hillen did a couple years ago for Holy Angels.

[Bucky9]

He plays high school hockey in Minnesota. I've seen the Broten's, Hankinson's, Paul Martin, Jordan Leopold, Johnny Pohl, Rasmussen, and countless others of all talent levels play Minnesota high school hockey. This kid belongs. I would say right now he has more ability than a guy like Vanelli...he sees the ice better, is a better skater and probably a better defender. Time will tell.

You don't have a chance to watch kids like this come up in Wisconsin. We see it all the time here in Minnesota. Fischer dominates at this level MORE THAN Jack Hillen did a couple years ago for Holy Angels.

I cannot even believe you brought up David freaking Fischers name with the Brotens, Hankinsons, Pauly Martin, Leopold, Rasmussen, and Pohl's. Are you kidding me? Fischer will never be able to carry their jocks. By the way...I've seen plenty of good players that are much better then David Fischer come through Wisconsin hs Hockey. Hell I had 3 in my conference that are on the Badgers right now. Not to mention playing against guys like Skille.

Minnesota is not hand over fist better than Wisconsin like you think. Do you have to be reminded that 2 out of the top 3 recruits from last season to enter the NCAA ranks were from Wisconsin?

[Toe Blake]

I saw David Fischer play last Saturday. Anybody who doubts his ability (ahem...Bucky), doesn't know the game. Compared to Jack Hillen (AHA now with CC) Fischer is bigger, stronger, moves the puck as well or better, plays his defensive position better and is more aggressive on loose pucks. He can also skate circles around the other team, seemingly at will.

Lucia says that skillwise the kid is ready for the WCHA...however, he wants his playing weight at around 190...it's now 175. Depending on defensive needs, this means that David may spend a year in the USHL. It's wait and see at this point.

Because I dont think that David Fischer is a Minnesota quality type player means that I dont know the game?

You guys keep telling yourself how good of a recruit he is. But i'm happy he is playing for you guys instead of us. I think we'll do just fine with McBain and Williams.

Just watch Fischer play...he doenst even hold onto his stick right. He just doesnt look good out there. Goooood Luck.

Bucky's right. The guy can skate, has good vision, and good hands. However, he has a major flaw in how he grips his stick................

[Danny]

http://insidecollegehockey.com/7Archive ... l_0222.htm

Something worth reading, since Wisconsin is right around the same level as Minnesota when it comes to Hockey. A whole 25 players in D1 compared to Minnesota's 208.

[streakygopher]

He plays high school hockey in Minnesota. I've seen the Broten's, Hankinson's, Paul Martin, Jordan Leopold, Johnny Pohl, Rasmussen, and countless others of all talent levels play Minnesota high school hockey. This kid belongs. I would say right now he has more ability than a guy like Vanelli...he sees the ice better, is a better skater and probably a better defender. Time will tell.

You don't have a chance to watch kids like this come up in Wisconsin. We see it all the time here in Minnesota. Fischer dominates at this level MORE THAN Jack Hillen did a couple years ago for Holy Angels.

I cannot even believe you brought up David freaking Fischers name with the Brotens, Hankinsons, Pauly Martin, Leopold, Rasmussen, and Pohl's. Are you kidding me? Fischer will never be able to carry their jocks. By the way...I've seen plenty of good players that are much better then David Fischer come through Wisconsin hs Hockey. Hell I had 3 in my conference that are on the Badgers right now. Not to mention playing against guys like Skille.

Minnesota is not hand over fist better than Wisconsin like you think. Do you have to be reminded that 2 out of the top 3 recruits from last season to enter the NCAA ranks were from Wisconsin?

Settle down, Bucky. In terms of depth Minnesota absolutely is "hand-over-fist" better than Wisconsin in high school hockey...only a fool would argue to the contrary. So what if 2 of the top 3 recruits came from Wisconsin...what's your point? I'm not arguing that no good players come from Wisconsin....

By bringing up names such as Broten etc. doesn't imply that I'm comparing Fischer to them, does it? That was an infantile inference. I'm only suggesting that I've seen plenty of high school kids play against other high school kids and then go on to play college hockey. In fact, if you bother to read the post the only salient comparison I made was to a recent high school defenseman, Jack Hillen, who is now having a very successful college career at CC. I think Fischer is better.

[NB - WB]

Bucky 9

Do you forget about Blake Wheeler. You may want to consider him one of the top three recruits from last year. Wayne Gretzky sure thinks highly of him and last time I checked Wayne Gretzky was the best hockey player in the history of the sport.

You are one person and your opinion is fine, but their are plenty of people that rank David Fischer as a dominant player. People that scout hockey talent for a living. Don Lucia and Mike Eaves both think this kid can play for their programs because both have offered him scholorships. So you are a 19 year old that has his opinion and many others that do this for a living have another. I think I am going to believe the guys who do this for a living and two years from know you probably won't be around to allow everyone the chance to bring up how you felt about him and how wrong you were. So I won't even go there. But don't forget to look at Don Lucia's record for defensemen.

[Bucky9]

http://insidecollegehockey.com/7Archives/Features/statesall_0222.htm

Something worth reading, since Wisconsin is right around the same level as Minnesota when it comes to Hockey. A whole 25 players in D1 compared to Minnesota's 208.

Well about 15 of those are on UW...and i'd say they are doing pretty well.

Settle down, Bucky. In terms of depth Minnesota absolutely is "hand-over-fist" better than Wisconsin in high school hockey...only a fool would argue to the contrary. So what if 2 of the top 3 recruits came from Wisconsin...what's your point? I'm not arguing that no good players come from Wisconsin....

By bringing up names such as Broten etc. doesn't imply that I'm comparing Fischer to them, does it? That was an infantile inference. I'm only suggesting that I've seen plenty of high school kids play against other high school kids and then go on to play college hockey. In fact, if you bother to read the post the only salient comparison I made was to a recent high school defenseman, Jack Hillen, who is now having a very successful college career at CC. I think Fischer is better.

You are right, depth wise they dont compare. But the top 10 teams in Wisconsin (who play each other a lot) can definitly compete with Minnesota teams. Superior is down this year and lost like 6-3 to Breck the other day.

Bucky 9

Do you forget about Blake Wheeler. You may want to consider him one of the top three recruits from last year. Wayne Gretzky sure thinks highly of him and last time I checked Wayne Gretzky was the best hockey player in the history of the sport.

No I didnt forget about Blake Wheeler...He is not better than Kessel, Skille, or Jack Johnson

[Lord Viper Scorpion]

You are right, depth wise they dont compare. But the top 10 teams in Wisconsin (who play each other a lot) can definitly compete with Minnesota teams. Superior is down this year and lost like 6-3 to Breck the other day.

Breck is a Class A team, certainly not a top 10 power overall most years. They were great a few years ago when they were stacked with guys like the following...

No I didnt forget about Blake Wheeler...He is not better than Kessel, Skille, or Jack Johnson

I disagree regarding Skille v. Wheeler. Skille may be the better college player, but Wheeler may be the better pro.

______

By the way, I have no idea why you are sticking so close to your guns regarding Fischer. The fact is you have seen him play only once. We all know what you felt about that viewing... can't you just admit that it may have been an off day for him? For the sake of argument, I'll admit that it may not have been, but how could you know?

[Bucky9]

You are right, depth wise they dont compare. But the top 10 teams in Wisconsin (who play each other a lot) can definitly compete with Minnesota teams. Superior is down this year and lost like 6-3 to Breck the other day.

Breck is a Class A team, certainly not a top 10 power overall most years. They were great a few years ago when they were stacked with guys like the following...

No I didnt forget about Blake Wheeler...He is not better than Kessel, Skille, or Jack Johnson

I disagree regarding Skille v. Wheeler. Skille may be the better college player, but Wheeler may be the better pro.

______

By the way, I have no idea why you are sticking so close to your guns regarding Fischer. The fact is you have seen him play only once. We all know what you felt about that viewing... can't you just admit that it may have been an off day for him? For the sake of argument, I'll admit that it may not have been, but how could you know?

Who said that was the only time i've ever seen him? Thats the only time i've ever commented on a game specificly.

As for Wheeler v. Skille...the argument was over the top 3 NCAA recruits. I dont care who is a better pro right now. Because Wheeler and Skille will be better pro's than Kessel but thats a different topic.