The 12th and final entry of the Instant Impact series features North Dakota freshman goaltender Zane Gothberg. Also, a big thank you to all the staff and coaches for their willingness to take the time to answer my questions and talk about the featured players.
Previous Entries:
Joey Benik, SCSU Austin Farley, UMD
Blake Tatchell, UAA Adam Wilcox, UM
Hunter Fejes, CC Juhjar Khaira, MTU
Nic Kerdiles, UW Brad Robbins, BSU
Anthony Stolarz, UNO Quentin Shore, DU
Teddy Blueger, MSU
Zane Gothberg, G, North Dakota
Vitals: 6' 2" - 198 lbs - 8/20/1992
Hometown: Thief River Falls, MN
Previous Team: Fargo Force (USHL)
North Dakota enters the 2012-13 season fully intent on bowing out of the WCHA with style. UND will move to the fledgling National Collegiate Hockey Conference next year, but in the meantime they will be looking to hoist two of college hockey's most revered trophies one final time. But as special as it may be to win the MacNaughton Cup and Broadmoor Trophy, that certainly is not the ultimate goal of this team. With a talented and experienced group of returnees supplemented by a good recruiting class, UND has the pieces in place to contend for the program's eighth national championship.
Offensively, North Dakota loses Brock Nelson, the league's leading goal scorer, and captain Mario Lamoureux, but all other forwards return. Seniors Danny Kristo and Corban Knight will lead the way upfront, and expect redshirt freshman Rocco Grimaldi to be an immediate offensive force. Ben Blood is the lone loss on the UND blueline, and the experienced defensive corps led by Andrew MacWilliam and Derek Forbort will be fortified by bluechip freshman Jordan Schmaltz.
North Dakota's biggest loss comes in goal, with All-WCHA goaltenders Brad Eidsness (graduated) and Aaron Dell (signed professionally) moving on from their UND careers. This loss of experience means that for the first time in five seasons, someone other than Dell or Eidsness will be tasked with manning the pipes as the number one goaltender. And while UND does gain the services of Clarke Saunders, a junior transfer from Alabama-Huntsville, they have a high-end recruit who will be expected to make a strong push towards the number one spot. That recruit is Zane Gothberg.
Gothberg comes to North Dakota on the heels of a fantastic high school and junior career. He was a three-year starter in goal for Thief River Falls (MN-HS), eventually culminating his high school career by winning the Frank Brimsek Award as the top senior goaltender in Minnesota after posting a 1.81 GAA and .925 save percentage in 2009-10. In 2010-11 he appeared in 23 games for the Fargo Force (USHL), recording a 2.23 GAA and .908 save percentage. Last season he won Fargo's number one goaltending spot and ran with it, earning USHL Goaltender of the Week honors on three occasions on his way to being named the All-USHL First Team goaltender. His 2.22 GAA and league-leading seven shutouts and .921% save percentage also helped earn him USHL Co-Goaltender of the Year honors.
According to Fargo Force associate head coach Byron Pool, Gothberg "is a big, strong athletic goaltender. He is tremendously conditioned and competes on every puck. He is a leader and gives the players in front of him a lot of confidence. He knows his position very well and has tremendous upside."
"Technically," Pool said, "Zane is a very sound goaltender. He knows his angles, is very square to the puck, and tracks the puck very well. Where Zane took a step for us last year was in his strength and conditioning. By being stronger he was able to use his athleticism to make those big cross-crease saves. Also, his recovery became a lot quicker."
When asked what qualities Gothberg possesses that will enable him to succeed at the NCAA level, Pool stated that "Zane is a great goaltender and he does not like to play second fiddle. He has a burning desire to play every minute of every game. He will push anyone who is ahead of him on the depth chart and fight tooth and nail to keep his starting position if and when he gets it. This competitiveness not only creates great competition between your goaltenders but it also makes your practices that much better as shooters are facing goaltenders who don't like to be scored on." Expect that competitiveness to be a driving force in Gothberg's push to become North Dakota's number one goaltender.
Showing posts with label Instant Impact. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Instant Impact. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Saturday, October 6, 2012
WCHA Instant Impact: Quentin Shore (DU)
Freshman Quentin Shore is Denver's entry in the Instant Impact series.
Previous Entries:
Joey Benik, SCSU Austin Farley, UMD
Blake Tatchell, UAA Adam Wilcox, UM
Hunter Fejes, CC Juhjar Khaira, MTU
Nic Kerdiles, UW Brad Robbins (BSU)
Anthony Stolarz, UNO
Teddy Blueger, MSU
Quentin Shore, F, Denver
Vitals: 6' 1" - 185 lbs - 5/25/1994
Hometown: Denver, CO
Previous Team: USA Hockey NTDP Under-18
Last season's third place conference showing by the University of Denver marks the ninth consecutive year the Pioneers have finished in the top four of the WCHA standings, and there is no doubt that George Gwozdecky's team fully expects to extend that streak to a tenth year. Buoying the Pioneer spirit in 2012-13 will be a talented backend that is comprised of an array of skilled defensemen, led by the likes of Joey LaLeggia, David Makowski, and Scott Mayfield. In goal, Denver may be as deep as any team in the nation as it returns its full complement of goaltenders, including the standout duo of Sam Brittain and Juho Olkinuora.
The biggest question mark facing the Pioneers this season will be on the offensive end of the ice. Among WCHA teams, only Minnesota-Duluth lost more firepower this offseason, leaving DU with some big shoes to fill upfront. The Pios will be without the services of three of its top four point producing forwards from a year ago (Drew Shore, Jason Zucker, Luke Salazar), and they also lose talented winger Beau Bennett. Nick Shore (41 points in 2011-12) will be expected to lead the way offensively for DU this season, but the returning production drops off significantly behind him. The Pioneers will be counting on the continued development of its other returning forwards, but they will also be looking for immediate contributions from the incoming recruits. Freshman Quentin Shore is the top candidate to provide Denver with some additional offensive punch.
The third of the hockey playing Shore brothers to make his way to Denver, Quentin played the previous two seasons with USA Hockey's National Team Development Program. Shore spent the 2010-11 season with the NTDP's Under-17 team, producing 18 points (4G, 14A) in 52 games. He put up 27 points (17G, 10A) in 60 games while playing with the Under-18 team in 2011-12, eventually capping the season off with a strong Under-18 World Championship effort that saw him pick up five points (3G, 2A) in six games for the gold-medal winning Team USA.
Shore is a very dependable player who should be able to step into the lineup for Denver and immediately become a solid two-way threat. As NTDP head coach Danton Cole states, "Quentin is a very smart hockey player. He has a very good feel for the game and is hard to play against. He was one of our top defensive guys upfront and an excellent penalty killer. On offense, he will probably surprise some people. He scored a lot of game-winning goals for us last year. He led the team with eight GWG [Note: second highest on the team had four] and many were huge goals for us. His feel for the game and moxie make him a very good two-way player."
Further commenting on Shore's offensive game and the knack to score the big GWG's, Cole commented that "Quentin is good at raising his level of play to fit the situation. Many of those goals were OT game-winners. He has the offensive ability, the shot, and the smarts to be a scorer and late in the game it would often jump out. I also have a feeling that the years of battles on and off the ice with his brothers instilled in him a late game toughness and confidence. The team and coaches looked to him to provide that leadership in tough games."
In terms of how Shore's abilities will transition to the college game, Cole stated that "Quentin's hockey I.Q. is his biggest asset, he understands the small parts of the game very well. Even when he is a bit outmatched physically, he can find a way to impact the game and get the job done. As his strength improves, I feel he will continue to be a big part of Denver's success going forward. He also has a great demeanor and likeability that is contagious around the locker room and coaches."
Previous Entries:
Joey Benik, SCSU Austin Farley, UMD
Blake Tatchell, UAA Adam Wilcox, UM
Hunter Fejes, CC Juhjar Khaira, MTU
Nic Kerdiles, UW Brad Robbins (BSU)
Anthony Stolarz, UNO
Teddy Blueger, MSU
Quentin Shore, F, Denver
Vitals: 6' 1" - 185 lbs - 5/25/1994
Hometown: Denver, CO
Previous Team: USA Hockey NTDP Under-18
Last season's third place conference showing by the University of Denver marks the ninth consecutive year the Pioneers have finished in the top four of the WCHA standings, and there is no doubt that George Gwozdecky's team fully expects to extend that streak to a tenth year. Buoying the Pioneer spirit in 2012-13 will be a talented backend that is comprised of an array of skilled defensemen, led by the likes of Joey LaLeggia, David Makowski, and Scott Mayfield. In goal, Denver may be as deep as any team in the nation as it returns its full complement of goaltenders, including the standout duo of Sam Brittain and Juho Olkinuora.
The biggest question mark facing the Pioneers this season will be on the offensive end of the ice. Among WCHA teams, only Minnesota-Duluth lost more firepower this offseason, leaving DU with some big shoes to fill upfront. The Pios will be without the services of three of its top four point producing forwards from a year ago (Drew Shore, Jason Zucker, Luke Salazar), and they also lose talented winger Beau Bennett. Nick Shore (41 points in 2011-12) will be expected to lead the way offensively for DU this season, but the returning production drops off significantly behind him. The Pioneers will be counting on the continued development of its other returning forwards, but they will also be looking for immediate contributions from the incoming recruits. Freshman Quentin Shore is the top candidate to provide Denver with some additional offensive punch.
The third of the hockey playing Shore brothers to make his way to Denver, Quentin played the previous two seasons with USA Hockey's National Team Development Program. Shore spent the 2010-11 season with the NTDP's Under-17 team, producing 18 points (4G, 14A) in 52 games. He put up 27 points (17G, 10A) in 60 games while playing with the Under-18 team in 2011-12, eventually capping the season off with a strong Under-18 World Championship effort that saw him pick up five points (3G, 2A) in six games for the gold-medal winning Team USA.
Shore is a very dependable player who should be able to step into the lineup for Denver and immediately become a solid two-way threat. As NTDP head coach Danton Cole states, "Quentin is a very smart hockey player. He has a very good feel for the game and is hard to play against. He was one of our top defensive guys upfront and an excellent penalty killer. On offense, he will probably surprise some people. He scored a lot of game-winning goals for us last year. He led the team with eight GWG [Note: second highest on the team had four] and many were huge goals for us. His feel for the game and moxie make him a very good two-way player."
Further commenting on Shore's offensive game and the knack to score the big GWG's, Cole commented that "Quentin is good at raising his level of play to fit the situation. Many of those goals were OT game-winners. He has the offensive ability, the shot, and the smarts to be a scorer and late in the game it would often jump out. I also have a feeling that the years of battles on and off the ice with his brothers instilled in him a late game toughness and confidence. The team and coaches looked to him to provide that leadership in tough games."
In terms of how Shore's abilities will transition to the college game, Cole stated that "Quentin's hockey I.Q. is his biggest asset, he understands the small parts of the game very well. Even when he is a bit outmatched physically, he can find a way to impact the game and get the job done. As his strength improves, I feel he will continue to be a big part of Denver's success going forward. He also has a great demeanor and likeability that is contagious around the locker room and coaches."
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
WCHA Instant Impact: Brad Robbins (BSU)
Bemidji State's Instant Impact entry features Beaver freshman Brad Robbins.
Previous Entries:
Joey Benik, SCSU Austin Farley, UMD
Blake Tatchell, UAA Adam Wilcox, UM
Hunter Fejes, CC Juhjar Khaira, MTU
Nic Kerdiles, UW
Anthony Stolarz, UNO
Teddy Blueger, MSU
Brad Robbins, F, Bemidji State
Vitals: 5' 7" - 169 lbs - 8/3/1991
Hometown: Murrieta, CA
Previous Team: Sioux City Musketeers (USHL)
Last season, Bemidji State enjoyed a modest improvement in the standings in what was just their second season in the WCHA. They jumped up a couple of spots in the standings (11th to 9th) while picking up a few more conference victories along the way. The Beavers roll into the 2012-13 season with the intention of building upon those improvements as they return a relatively experienced squad, having lost just six players from a season ago. They return all but one regular from their defensive rotation (Brad Hunt), while sophomore Andrew Walsh and freshman Fabian Sivnert will battle for playing time in the crease with Dan Bakala lost to graduation. Leading scorer Jordan George returns for his senior season, and all but one of BSU's top six point producing forwards (Shea Walters) will be back in the fold this fall.
The experience the Beavers return, however, does not diminish the fact that only Alaska-Anchorage scored fewer goals among WCHA teams in 2011-12. In order to maintain the progress achieved a year ago, Bemidji State will need some of their new faces to step in and contribute offensively, and incoming freshman Brad Robbins just might be one such contributor.
Robbins will join the Beavers following a successful prep and junior career during which he displayed steady improvements. In 2009-10 he enjoyed a strong season with the Shattuck-St. Mary's prep team, producing 54 points (21G, 33A) in 55 games. He began the following season with the Penticton Vees of the BCHL (6G, 8A in 26 games) before joining the USHL's Sioux City Musketeers for the duration of 2010-11. Despite playing just a partial season with the Musketeers, he finished among the team's top five scorers by registering 34 points (13G, 21A) in 42 games. In 2011-12, Robbins wrapped up his pre-collegiate career by leading the Musketeers in goals, assists, and points by way of a 52 point (25G, 27A) season.
Sioux City head coach Brett Larson described Robbins as "a shooter. He's got a great release and can find areas to create a scoring opportunity. This is by far his biggest strength." Larson went on to say that Robbins "is a powerplay guy. If he's in the right spot on the powerplay he will be very productive and will score a lot of points." In terms of Robbins' ability to adapt to the speed and physicality of WCHA hockey, Larson stated that "this will be his biggest challenge. Brad's a good skater and will be able to keep up with the pace, but he will need to get use to the physical part of the game in order to contribute." Once he makes this adjustment, expect the talented winger to become a key component in the Beaver attack.
Previous Entries:
Joey Benik, SCSU Austin Farley, UMD
Blake Tatchell, UAA Adam Wilcox, UM
Hunter Fejes, CC Juhjar Khaira, MTU
Nic Kerdiles, UW
Anthony Stolarz, UNO
Teddy Blueger, MSU
Brad Robbins, F, Bemidji State
Vitals: 5' 7" - 169 lbs - 8/3/1991
Hometown: Murrieta, CA
Previous Team: Sioux City Musketeers (USHL)
Last season, Bemidji State enjoyed a modest improvement in the standings in what was just their second season in the WCHA. They jumped up a couple of spots in the standings (11th to 9th) while picking up a few more conference victories along the way. The Beavers roll into the 2012-13 season with the intention of building upon those improvements as they return a relatively experienced squad, having lost just six players from a season ago. They return all but one regular from their defensive rotation (Brad Hunt), while sophomore Andrew Walsh and freshman Fabian Sivnert will battle for playing time in the crease with Dan Bakala lost to graduation. Leading scorer Jordan George returns for his senior season, and all but one of BSU's top six point producing forwards (Shea Walters) will be back in the fold this fall.
The experience the Beavers return, however, does not diminish the fact that only Alaska-Anchorage scored fewer goals among WCHA teams in 2011-12. In order to maintain the progress achieved a year ago, Bemidji State will need some of their new faces to step in and contribute offensively, and incoming freshman Brad Robbins just might be one such contributor.
Robbins will join the Beavers following a successful prep and junior career during which he displayed steady improvements. In 2009-10 he enjoyed a strong season with the Shattuck-St. Mary's prep team, producing 54 points (21G, 33A) in 55 games. He began the following season with the Penticton Vees of the BCHL (6G, 8A in 26 games) before joining the USHL's Sioux City Musketeers for the duration of 2010-11. Despite playing just a partial season with the Musketeers, he finished among the team's top five scorers by registering 34 points (13G, 21A) in 42 games. In 2011-12, Robbins wrapped up his pre-collegiate career by leading the Musketeers in goals, assists, and points by way of a 52 point (25G, 27A) season.
Sioux City head coach Brett Larson described Robbins as "a shooter. He's got a great release and can find areas to create a scoring opportunity. This is by far his biggest strength." Larson went on to say that Robbins "is a powerplay guy. If he's in the right spot on the powerplay he will be very productive and will score a lot of points." In terms of Robbins' ability to adapt to the speed and physicality of WCHA hockey, Larson stated that "this will be his biggest challenge. Brad's a good skater and will be able to keep up with the pace, but he will need to get use to the physical part of the game in order to contribute." Once he makes this adjustment, expect the talented winger to become a key component in the Beaver attack.
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
WCHA Instant Impact: Jujhar Khaira (MTU)
The final set of Instant Impact features starts with Michigan Tech freshman Jujhar Khaira.
Previous Entries:
Joey Benik, SCSU Austin Farley, UMD
Blake Tatchell, UAA Adam Wilcox, UM
Hunter Fejes, CC
Nic Kerdiles, UW
Anthony Stolarz, UNO
Teddy Blueger, MSU
Jujhar Khaira, F, Michigan Tech
Vitals: 6' 3" - 195 lbs - 8/13/1994
Hometown: Surrey, British Columbia
Previous Team: Prince George Spruce Kings (BCHL)
Previous Entries:
Joey Benik, SCSU Austin Farley, UMD
Blake Tatchell, UAA Adam Wilcox, UM
Hunter Fejes, CC
Nic Kerdiles, UW
Anthony Stolarz, UNO
Teddy Blueger, MSU
Jujhar Khaira, F, Michigan Tech
Vitals: 6' 3" - 195 lbs - 8/13/1994
Hometown: Surrey, British Columbia
Previous Team: Prince George Spruce Kings (BCHL)
The Michigan Tech Huskies experienced
a marked improvement last season under first-year head coach Mel Pearson. After having
won just eight WCHA games in the three seasons prior to his arrival, Tech posted 11
conference wins and battled for playoff home ice in Pearson’s debut season
behind the bench. A solid cast of returning players and a promising group of
freshmen will look to build on that success this season.
The Huskies enter 2012-13 having lost last year’s number one goaltender Josh Robinson to graduation, but an experienced senior (Kevin Genoe, 49 career starts) and a pair of freshmen (Pheonix Copley, Jamie Phillips) form a trio of netminders that should be able to provide a certain measure of stability in net. Helping to solidify Tech’s backend will be a veteran group of defensemen that returns virtually intact from a season ago.
David Johnstone, Blake Pietila, and Ryan Furne lead a young and talented Husky group upfront, but graduation claimed three of their top six forward scorers from a year ago, including team leader Brett Olson. While the continued development of last season’s underclassmen will help to offset these losses, contributions from another solid recruiting class could put Michigan Tech right back into the thick of the WCHA race for playoff home ice. One freshman who could provide such a contribution is promising forward Jujhar Khaira (Juh-JAR CARE-ah).
Khaira makes his way to Houghton after spending the previous two seasons with the BCHL’s Prince George Spruce Kings. He enjoyed a successful rookie campaign in 2010-11 when he finished second on the Spruce Kings with 42 points (10G, 32A) in 58 games, an effort he would eventually trump with a breakout 2011-12 season.
Last year Khaira nearly tripled his goal scoring total while producing 79 points (29G, 50A) in 54 games, a point total that was second-best on the Spruce Kings. He also played on the gold medal-winning Canada West team at the 2011 World Junior A Challenge, he was the only BCHL player to be invited to the 2012 NHL Scouting Combine, and this past June he became a 3rd Round draft pick (63rd Overall) of the Edmonton Oilers.
With his big frame, good hands/vision, superb offensive instincts, and penchant for physical play, Khaira possesses a combination platter of traits that have led many to project him as a prototypical skilled power forward. He has a strong work ethic and a good understanding of the areas that he needs to improve on, and expect the Surrey, BC native to be an immediate difference maker for Michigan Tech as he continues to round out his game.
The Huskies enter 2012-13 having lost last year’s number one goaltender Josh Robinson to graduation, but an experienced senior (Kevin Genoe, 49 career starts) and a pair of freshmen (Pheonix Copley, Jamie Phillips) form a trio of netminders that should be able to provide a certain measure of stability in net. Helping to solidify Tech’s backend will be a veteran group of defensemen that returns virtually intact from a season ago.
David Johnstone, Blake Pietila, and Ryan Furne lead a young and talented Husky group upfront, but graduation claimed three of their top six forward scorers from a year ago, including team leader Brett Olson. While the continued development of last season’s underclassmen will help to offset these losses, contributions from another solid recruiting class could put Michigan Tech right back into the thick of the WCHA race for playoff home ice. One freshman who could provide such a contribution is promising forward Jujhar Khaira (Juh-JAR CARE-ah).
Khaira makes his way to Houghton after spending the previous two seasons with the BCHL’s Prince George Spruce Kings. He enjoyed a successful rookie campaign in 2010-11 when he finished second on the Spruce Kings with 42 points (10G, 32A) in 58 games, an effort he would eventually trump with a breakout 2011-12 season.
Last year Khaira nearly tripled his goal scoring total while producing 79 points (29G, 50A) in 54 games, a point total that was second-best on the Spruce Kings. He also played on the gold medal-winning Canada West team at the 2011 World Junior A Challenge, he was the only BCHL player to be invited to the 2012 NHL Scouting Combine, and this past June he became a 3rd Round draft pick (63rd Overall) of the Edmonton Oilers.
With his big frame, good hands/vision, superb offensive instincts, and penchant for physical play, Khaira possesses a combination platter of traits that have led many to project him as a prototypical skilled power forward. He has a strong work ethic and a good understanding of the areas that he needs to improve on, and expect the Surrey, BC native to be an immediate difference maker for Michigan Tech as he continues to round out his game.
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
WCHA Instant Impact: Adam Wilcox (UM)
Today's installment of Instant Impact takes a look at Minnesota freshman Adam Wilcox.
Previous Entries:
Joey Benik, SCSU Austin Farley, UMD
Blake Tatchell, UAA
Hunter Fejes, CC
Nic Kerdiles, UW
Anthony Stolarz, UNO
Teddy Blueger, MSU
Adam Wilcox, G, Minnesota
Vitals: 6' 0" - 183 lbs - 11/26/1992
Hometown: South St. Paul, MN
Previous Team: Tri-City Storm (USHL)
The only real uncertainty facing the Gophers comes between the pipes, where
they will no longer find Kent Patterson plying his trade. Patterson was Minnesota’s
rock in net for the past season and a half, starting all 43 of the team’s games last season and 64 straight dating back to his junior year. No Minnesota goaltender other than Patterson has started a game since December 3, 2010, and his departure leaves a significant void in he Gopher crease. Look for incoming freshman Adam Wilcox to help fill that void.
Wilcox is a South St. Paul native who returns home following two years in the USHL. He spent the 2010-11 season with the Green Bay Gamblers, where he posted a 2.20 GAA and .922 Save Percentage in 24 games. He played in nine games with Green Bay (2.27 GAA, .918 Sv %) during the 2011-12 season before being traded to the Tri-City Storm. In 34 games with the Storm, the 2011 draft pick of the Tampa Bay Lightning (6th Round, 178th Overall) produced a 2.91 GAA and .916 Save Percentage.
Wilcox is an average sized, athletic goaltender who displays good quickness and agility. He controls his rebounds well and is not afraid to engage in an aggressive brand of goaltending. With the cast of returning players Minnesota will be able to surround him with, it will not be too often that Wilcox will be called upon to stand on his head and steal a win. He does, however, possess the ability to step into the goaltending spotlight as a freshman and deliver key minutes for a team poised to make a run at a national championship.
Previous Entries:
Joey Benik, SCSU Austin Farley, UMD
Blake Tatchell, UAA
Hunter Fejes, CC
Nic Kerdiles, UW
Anthony Stolarz, UNO
Teddy Blueger, MSU
Adam Wilcox, G, Minnesota
Vitals: 6' 0" - 183 lbs - 11/26/1992
Hometown: South St. Paul, MN
Previous Team: Tri-City Storm (USHL)
The University of Minnesota enters the
2012-13 season having fewer holes to fill than any other WCHA team. Upfront,
the Golden Gophers return five forwards who eclipsed the 30 point mark in
2011-12, including a trio (Erik Haula, Nick Bjugstad, and Kyle Rau) that surpassed
40. Their two most significant departures are captain Taylor Matson and their fourth leading goal scorer Jake Hansen (16G, 22A), but all other key contributors return to a team that led the nation in scoring one year ago.
On the backend, Minnesota not only returns all six regulars from a
year ago, but they enjoy the luxury of adding smooth skating freshman Brady Skjei to an experienced group of defensemen
led by Nate Schmidt. Schmidt was a 2010-11 All-WCHA Second Team honoree whose
38 assists were more than any player in the conference save for Hobey Baker Award
winner Jack Connolly.
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
WCHA Instant Impact: Austin Farley (UMD)
Instant Impact, Minnesota-Duluth edition, features Bulldog freshman Austin Farley.
Previous Entries:
Joey Benik, SCSU
Blake Tatchell, UAA
Hunter Fejes, CC
Nic Kerdiles, UW
Anthony Stolarz, UNO
Teddy Blueger, MSU
Austin Farley, F, Minnesota-Duluth
Vitals: 5' 9" - 170 lbs - 11/10/1993
Hometown: Park Ridge, IL
Previous Team: Fargo Force (USHL)
As the 2012-13 season approaches, the Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs will be faced with the task of filling some significant holes throughout their lineup. Gone is All-WCHA Second Team goaltender Kenny Reiter, who started 38 of the team's 41 games last season, as well as defensive stalwart Brady Lamb. But the most glaring holes for UMD are upfront, where they lose a fantastic trio of forwards in J.T. Brown, Travis Oleksuk, and Hobey Baker Award winner Jack Connolly.
The offensive cupboards aren't completely bare in Duluth as the Bulldogs return a pair of 30+ point scorers in Caleb Herbert and Mike Seidel. However, just five of their top ten point producers from a year ago return for the 2012-13 season, and two of those returnees make their home on the blueline (Wade Bergman, Chris Casto). Minnesota-Duluth brings in a large and promising crop of freshmen, a group that will be counted on to help offset the loss of more than 50% of the team's offense from a year ago. One such freshman who can be expected to contribute from the outset is Austin Farley.
Farley arrives in Duluth following a pre-collegiate career that saw him carve out successful stints with both the Chicago Mission AAA program and the USHL's Fargo Force. He began the 2010-11 season with the Chicago Mission AAA Under-18 team before joining the Force in November of 2010, eventually producing 11 points (7G, 4A) in 33 USHL games. In 2011-12 he enjoyed a breakout season, finishing among the USHL's top 10 point producers with a 59 point (28G, 31A) campaign that saw him lead Fargo in goals, assists, points, and power play goals.
With Farley in the fold, the Bulldog faithful will be introduced to a highly-skilled and tenacious forward who will help provide an offensive spark to a team that lost 80 goals from a season ago. He is described by Fargo Force associate head coach Byron Pool as "a very skilled offensive player. He has great touch around the net, and he has a lot of grit and sandpaper to his game. He has the ability to get under opponents' skin."
Pool also shook off any concerns people may have regarding Farley's size. "He might be 5'7" but he plays like he is 6'4". He has no fear. He goes to the tough areas, takes hits to make plays. Austin has not allowed a perceived lack of size to play a factor in his game." A game, no doubt, that UMD and WCHA fans alike can expect to make a difference for the Bulldogs in 2012-13.
Previous Entries:
Joey Benik, SCSU
Blake Tatchell, UAA
Hunter Fejes, CC
Nic Kerdiles, UW
Anthony Stolarz, UNO
Teddy Blueger, MSU
Austin Farley, F, Minnesota-Duluth
Vitals: 5' 9" - 170 lbs - 11/10/1993
Hometown: Park Ridge, IL
Previous Team: Fargo Force (USHL)
As the 2012-13 season approaches, the Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs will be faced with the task of filling some significant holes throughout their lineup. Gone is All-WCHA Second Team goaltender Kenny Reiter, who started 38 of the team's 41 games last season, as well as defensive stalwart Brady Lamb. But the most glaring holes for UMD are upfront, where they lose a fantastic trio of forwards in J.T. Brown, Travis Oleksuk, and Hobey Baker Award winner Jack Connolly.
The offensive cupboards aren't completely bare in Duluth as the Bulldogs return a pair of 30+ point scorers in Caleb Herbert and Mike Seidel. However, just five of their top ten point producers from a year ago return for the 2012-13 season, and two of those returnees make their home on the blueline (Wade Bergman, Chris Casto). Minnesota-Duluth brings in a large and promising crop of freshmen, a group that will be counted on to help offset the loss of more than 50% of the team's offense from a year ago. One such freshman who can be expected to contribute from the outset is Austin Farley.
Farley arrives in Duluth following a pre-collegiate career that saw him carve out successful stints with both the Chicago Mission AAA program and the USHL's Fargo Force. He began the 2010-11 season with the Chicago Mission AAA Under-18 team before joining the Force in November of 2010, eventually producing 11 points (7G, 4A) in 33 USHL games. In 2011-12 he enjoyed a breakout season, finishing among the USHL's top 10 point producers with a 59 point (28G, 31A) campaign that saw him lead Fargo in goals, assists, points, and power play goals.
With Farley in the fold, the Bulldog faithful will be introduced to a highly-skilled and tenacious forward who will help provide an offensive spark to a team that lost 80 goals from a season ago. He is described by Fargo Force associate head coach Byron Pool as "a very skilled offensive player. He has great touch around the net, and he has a lot of grit and sandpaper to his game. He has the ability to get under opponents' skin."
Pool also shook off any concerns people may have regarding Farley's size. "He might be 5'7" but he plays like he is 6'4". He has no fear. He goes to the tough areas, takes hits to make plays. Austin has not allowed a perceived lack of size to play a factor in his game." A game, no doubt, that UMD and WCHA fans alike can expect to make a difference for the Bulldogs in 2012-13.
Monday, September 24, 2012
WCHA Instant Impact: Teddy Blueger (MSU)
The Instant Impact series rolls on with Minnesota State freshman Teddy Blueger.
Previous Entries:
Joey Benik, SCSU
Blake Tatchell, UAA
Hunter Fejes, CC
Nic Kerdiles, UW
Anthony Stolarz, UNO
Teddy Blueger, F, Minnesota State
Vitals: 5' 11" - 165 lbs - 8/15/1994
Hometown: Riga, Latvia
Previous Team: Shattuck-St. Mary's Prep
Minnesota State enters the 2012-13 season with a new head coach as former Nebraska-Omaha assistant Mike Hastings takes over for the departed Troy Jutting. Hastings inherits a squad with some very talented young forwards (freshmen Matt Leitner and Jean-Paul LaFontaine were the team's top two scorers in 2011-12) as well as a defensive corps that loses just one regular from a year ago. Gone is goaltender Austin Lee, but incoming freshman Stephon Williams will be expected to challenge experienced senior Phil Cook for the starting job.
While Minnesota State returns experience throughout their lineup, the fact remains that this is a team that finished second to last in the WCHA in both scoring offense and scoring defense last season. While they will count on the continued development of their young nucleus, in order for the Mavericks to take a big jump up the WCHA standings they will need a significant contribution from their freshman class. One newcomer who could provide such a boost is Teddy Blueger.
Blueger, a Latvian native, has spent the past few seasons honing his skills at Shattuck-St. Mary's School in Faribault, MN. In 2009-10 he led the SSM Under-16 team with 60 points (20G, 40A), while in 2010-11 he made the jump to the prep squad, where he ranked third in scoring with 66 points (24G, 42A) as the SSM prep team won the USA Hockey Tier 1 Under-18 national championship. He capped off his impressive SSM career last season by leading the team in scoring with 88 points (24G, 64A) as the Sabres successfully defended their Under-18 national championship. He was also selected by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the second round (52nd overall) of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.
Blueger is what SSM prep head coach and Director of Hockey Tom Ward calls "a prototypical centerman," a playmaker with great hands and vision that "a lot of players will want to be playing with." Known for his creativity and playmaking, Blueger is also a player that, despite his smallish frame, is not afraid to get into the corners or go to the front of the net, and as Ward notes, "he is a player who is around the puck a lot." Expect Blueger to use these special talents to produce an instant contribution to the Mavericks in 2012-13
Previous Entries:
Joey Benik, SCSU
Blake Tatchell, UAA
Hunter Fejes, CC
Nic Kerdiles, UW
Anthony Stolarz, UNO
Teddy Blueger, F, Minnesota State
Vitals: 5' 11" - 165 lbs - 8/15/1994
Hometown: Riga, Latvia
Previous Team: Shattuck-St. Mary's Prep
Minnesota State enters the 2012-13 season with a new head coach as former Nebraska-Omaha assistant Mike Hastings takes over for the departed Troy Jutting. Hastings inherits a squad with some very talented young forwards (freshmen Matt Leitner and Jean-Paul LaFontaine were the team's top two scorers in 2011-12) as well as a defensive corps that loses just one regular from a year ago. Gone is goaltender Austin Lee, but incoming freshman Stephon Williams will be expected to challenge experienced senior Phil Cook for the starting job.
While Minnesota State returns experience throughout their lineup, the fact remains that this is a team that finished second to last in the WCHA in both scoring offense and scoring defense last season. While they will count on the continued development of their young nucleus, in order for the Mavericks to take a big jump up the WCHA standings they will need a significant contribution from their freshman class. One newcomer who could provide such a boost is Teddy Blueger.
Blueger, a Latvian native, has spent the past few seasons honing his skills at Shattuck-St. Mary's School in Faribault, MN. In 2009-10 he led the SSM Under-16 team with 60 points (20G, 40A), while in 2010-11 he made the jump to the prep squad, where he ranked third in scoring with 66 points (24G, 42A) as the SSM prep team won the USA Hockey Tier 1 Under-18 national championship. He capped off his impressive SSM career last season by leading the team in scoring with 88 points (24G, 64A) as the Sabres successfully defended their Under-18 national championship. He was also selected by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the second round (52nd overall) of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.
Blueger is what SSM prep head coach and Director of Hockey Tom Ward calls "a prototypical centerman," a playmaker with great hands and vision that "a lot of players will want to be playing with." Known for his creativity and playmaking, Blueger is also a player that, despite his smallish frame, is not afraid to get into the corners or go to the front of the net, and as Ward notes, "he is a player who is around the puck a lot." Expect Blueger to use these special talents to produce an instant contribution to the Mavericks in 2012-13
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
WCHA Instant Impact: Anthony Stolarz (UNO)
The Instant Impact series resumes with Nebraska-Omaha freshman Anthony Stolarz.
Previous Entries:
Joey Benik, SCSU
Blake Tatchell, UAA
Hunter Fejes, CC
Nic Kerdiles, UW
Anthony Stolarz, G, Nebraska-Omaha
Vitals: 6' 6" - 220 lbs - 1/20/1994
Hometown: Jackson, NJ
Previous Team: Corpus Christi (NAHL)
Nebraska-Omaha was hit with a variety personnel departures this off-season. They lost two of their top three scorers to the professional ranks (Terry Broadhurst and Jayson Megna), a prized recruit (Alex Broadhurst) opted to play Canadian major junior hockey after not qualifying academically, and Ryan Massa, who had established himself as the team's number one goaltender by season's end, is taking the 2012-13 season off for personal reasons.
They return their top scorer from a year ago in Matt White, who will be charged with leading the Mavericks' young offensive attack, while a pair of incoming freshmen (NHL draft picks Brian Cooper and Nick Seeler) will be expected to bolster a veteran group of defensemen. However, the departure of Massa has left the UNO goaltending situation a bit muddled. Veteran netminder John Faulkner saw his numbers take a significant dip last season, while sophomore Dayn Belfour played in just six games as a freshman, appearing in just two after the holiday break. Option number three is incoming freshman Anthony Stolarz, who just might be the guy to clear up Nebraska-Omaha's goaltending concerns.
Stolarz arrives at Nebraska-Omaha following a NAHL season that saw his name vault from obscurity into prominence. The big netminder (6' 6" and 220 lbs) used an open tryout to win a roster spot with the Corpus Christi IceRays, an opportunity he eventually parlayed into a second round selection at the 2012 NHL Entry Draft (Philadelphia Flyers).
During the 2011-12 season, he posted a 2.84 GAA and .920 Save Percentage while facing nearly 35 shots per game as the IceRays' workhorse in net. When asked how Stolarz handled the heavy workload, Corpus Christi head coach Justin Quenneville replied, "Anthony is a machine. There were several nights I thought of resting him because of our schedule, and then he would go out and make 40+ saves while showing no signs of fatigue. He is extremely well-conditioned for a goaltender and will bring the same consistent work ethic night in and night out for his team."
Anthony not only possesses incredible size, but he is also an athletic goaltender whose strongest assets as a hockey player, according to Quenneville, are his work ethic and aggressiveness. His former coach went on to say that Stolarz "is a tall goaltender that covers a lot of the net, and Anthony's athleticism and speed are extremely impressive for a goaltender of his size. He is an exciting goaltender to watch because of his ability to make big saves, especially when most think they have him beat."
Stolarz will be making the jump from the NAHL to a premier NCAA conference as an 18 year-old freshman, and Quenneville points to the goaltender's maturity, work ethic, and competitiveness as qualities that will enable him to succeed at the next level. "Anthony is an extremely mature young man who is so focused for an 18 year-old. He was constantly approached by scouts before and after games last season, while never losing focus on his game. He will bring an immediate presence with him to UNO." A presence Maverick fans, no doubt, are hoping will solidify their team's goaltending position.
Previous Entries:
Joey Benik, SCSU
Blake Tatchell, UAA
Hunter Fejes, CC
Nic Kerdiles, UW
Anthony Stolarz, G, Nebraska-Omaha
Vitals: 6' 6" - 220 lbs - 1/20/1994
Hometown: Jackson, NJ
Previous Team: Corpus Christi (NAHL)
Nebraska-Omaha was hit with a variety personnel departures this off-season. They lost two of their top three scorers to the professional ranks (Terry Broadhurst and Jayson Megna), a prized recruit (Alex Broadhurst) opted to play Canadian major junior hockey after not qualifying academically, and Ryan Massa, who had established himself as the team's number one goaltender by season's end, is taking the 2012-13 season off for personal reasons.
They return their top scorer from a year ago in Matt White, who will be charged with leading the Mavericks' young offensive attack, while a pair of incoming freshmen (NHL draft picks Brian Cooper and Nick Seeler) will be expected to bolster a veteran group of defensemen. However, the departure of Massa has left the UNO goaltending situation a bit muddled. Veteran netminder John Faulkner saw his numbers take a significant dip last season, while sophomore Dayn Belfour played in just six games as a freshman, appearing in just two after the holiday break. Option number three is incoming freshman Anthony Stolarz, who just might be the guy to clear up Nebraska-Omaha's goaltending concerns.
Stolarz arrives at Nebraska-Omaha following a NAHL season that saw his name vault from obscurity into prominence. The big netminder (6' 6" and 220 lbs) used an open tryout to win a roster spot with the Corpus Christi IceRays, an opportunity he eventually parlayed into a second round selection at the 2012 NHL Entry Draft (Philadelphia Flyers).
During the 2011-12 season, he posted a 2.84 GAA and .920 Save Percentage while facing nearly 35 shots per game as the IceRays' workhorse in net. When asked how Stolarz handled the heavy workload, Corpus Christi head coach Justin Quenneville replied, "Anthony is a machine. There were several nights I thought of resting him because of our schedule, and then he would go out and make 40+ saves while showing no signs of fatigue. He is extremely well-conditioned for a goaltender and will bring the same consistent work ethic night in and night out for his team."
Anthony not only possesses incredible size, but he is also an athletic goaltender whose strongest assets as a hockey player, according to Quenneville, are his work ethic and aggressiveness. His former coach went on to say that Stolarz "is a tall goaltender that covers a lot of the net, and Anthony's athleticism and speed are extremely impressive for a goaltender of his size. He is an exciting goaltender to watch because of his ability to make big saves, especially when most think they have him beat."
Stolarz will be making the jump from the NAHL to a premier NCAA conference as an 18 year-old freshman, and Quenneville points to the goaltender's maturity, work ethic, and competitiveness as qualities that will enable him to succeed at the next level. "Anthony is an extremely mature young man who is so focused for an 18 year-old. He was constantly approached by scouts before and after games last season, while never losing focus on his game. He will bring an immediate presence with him to UNO." A presence Maverick fans, no doubt, are hoping will solidify their team's goaltending position.
Friday, September 14, 2012
WCHA Instant Impact: Nic Kerdiles (UW)
Today's Instant Impact entry features Wisconsin freshman Nic Kerdiles.
Previous Entries:
Joey Benik, SCSU
Blake Tatchell, UAA
Hunter Fejes, CC
Nic Kerdiles, F, Wisconsin
Vitals: 6'2" - 201 lbs - 1/11/1994
Hometown: Irvine, CA
Previous Team: USA Hockey NTDP Under-18
The Wisconsin Badgers of 2012-13 will be without the services of two blueline regulars in Eric Springer and the All-Everything Justin Schultz, but they return all but one offensive scoring point generated by their forwards (a Jason Clark assist) as well as their full stable of netminders. They will certainly miss the offensive production provided by Schultz, but a young and talented group of forwards will seek to lift the Badgers back into the top half of the WCHA standings. Mark Zengerle, who is the WCHA's top returning point producer (13G, 37A), Michael Mersch, and Tyler Barnes are among the key returnees upfront.
Though Wisconsin returns the bulk of their offense, only three conference teams (BSU, MSU-M, and UAA) scored fewer total goals than Wisconsin did last year. So for a team that finished in the bottom third of the league in scoring and whose leading goal scorer was a defenseman (Schultz with 16), the Badgers could use a high-end incoming freshman winger like Nic Kerdiles to provide additional offensive firepower.
Kerdiles is a native Californian who spent the past two seasons playing for the US National Team Development Program. In 2010-11 he played 40 games for the Under-17 team, producing 17 goals and 10 assists while also seeing action in 20 games with the Under-18 squad (3G, 7A). During the 2011-12 season, Nic took over as the top offensive threat for the Under-18 team. In 54 games he led the team in goals (22), assists (26), points (48), and power play goals (7). He was also Team USA's leading point producer at the Under-18 World Championships this past April, producing four goals and five assists in six games in leading the undefeated American squad to the gold medal.
Kerdiles possesses great size and strength and according to his NTDP coach Danton Cole, he "is a very strong skater and a gifted goal scorer. He has excellent strength down low and is willing to go into the hard areas to score goals." Cole also points out that Kerdiles brings more than just offense to the ice, stating that "he worked hard to also become a good two way player. His speed and tenacity make him a player that has the ability to influence the game on offense and defense." Cole went on to add that Kerdiles "tends to find the net in big situations and under pressure. In almost every one of our comebacks in the past two years, Nic was involved. He can take a game over that way."
Kerdiles just might be the WCHA's top incoming recruit this season, and he should immediately fill a top six (if not top line) role for Wisconsin. He has the physical tools to handle the NCAA game, and as Cole stated, "he is a mature young man that has been through a lot of tough situations and pressure for two years. The guys that are able to handle it here and excel like Nic has do very well at the next level."
Previous Entries:
Joey Benik, SCSU
Blake Tatchell, UAA
Hunter Fejes, CC
Nic Kerdiles, F, Wisconsin
Vitals: 6'2" - 201 lbs - 1/11/1994
Hometown: Irvine, CA
Previous Team: USA Hockey NTDP Under-18
The Wisconsin Badgers of 2012-13 will be without the services of two blueline regulars in Eric Springer and the All-Everything Justin Schultz, but they return all but one offensive scoring point generated by their forwards (a Jason Clark assist) as well as their full stable of netminders. They will certainly miss the offensive production provided by Schultz, but a young and talented group of forwards will seek to lift the Badgers back into the top half of the WCHA standings. Mark Zengerle, who is the WCHA's top returning point producer (13G, 37A), Michael Mersch, and Tyler Barnes are among the key returnees upfront.
Though Wisconsin returns the bulk of their offense, only three conference teams (BSU, MSU-M, and UAA) scored fewer total goals than Wisconsin did last year. So for a team that finished in the bottom third of the league in scoring and whose leading goal scorer was a defenseman (Schultz with 16), the Badgers could use a high-end incoming freshman winger like Nic Kerdiles to provide additional offensive firepower.
Kerdiles is a native Californian who spent the past two seasons playing for the US National Team Development Program. In 2010-11 he played 40 games for the Under-17 team, producing 17 goals and 10 assists while also seeing action in 20 games with the Under-18 squad (3G, 7A). During the 2011-12 season, Nic took over as the top offensive threat for the Under-18 team. In 54 games he led the team in goals (22), assists (26), points (48), and power play goals (7). He was also Team USA's leading point producer at the Under-18 World Championships this past April, producing four goals and five assists in six games in leading the undefeated American squad to the gold medal.
Kerdiles possesses great size and strength and according to his NTDP coach Danton Cole, he "is a very strong skater and a gifted goal scorer. He has excellent strength down low and is willing to go into the hard areas to score goals." Cole also points out that Kerdiles brings more than just offense to the ice, stating that "he worked hard to also become a good two way player. His speed and tenacity make him a player that has the ability to influence the game on offense and defense." Cole went on to add that Kerdiles "tends to find the net in big situations and under pressure. In almost every one of our comebacks in the past two years, Nic was involved. He can take a game over that way."
Kerdiles just might be the WCHA's top incoming recruit this season, and he should immediately fill a top six (if not top line) role for Wisconsin. He has the physical tools to handle the NCAA game, and as Cole stated, "he is a mature young man that has been through a lot of tough situations and pressure for two years. The guys that are able to handle it here and excel like Nic has do very well at the next level."
Thursday, September 13, 2012
WCHA Instant Impact: Hunter Fejes (CC)
Next on the Instant Impact docket is Colorado College freshman Hunter Fejes.
Previous Entries:
Joey Benik, SCSU
Blake Tatchell, UAA
Hunter Fejes, F, Colorado College
Vitals: 6'1" - 192 lbs - 5/31/1994
Hometown: Anchorage, AK
Previous Team: Shattuck-St. Mary's Prep
Heading into the 2012-13 season, Colorado College will be returning the bulk of their experience on the blueline along with their full complement of netminders from a year ago. Perhaps the Tigers' biggest question mark this season will be generating offense after having lost three of their top four point producers, including All-WCHA left-winger Jaden Schwartz.
CC certainly received good news when Rylan Schwartz, Jaden's older brother, opted to return to school for his senior season, bringing his 23 goals along with him. But who is set to step into the Tiger lineup and help offset the loss of more than 40% of the team's goal scoring from a year ago? Enter freshman forward Hunter Fejes.
Fejes, an Anchorage, Alaska native who has spent the past few years attending Shattuck-St. Mary's School, is a big, physical, and fast left-winger who SSM prep head coach & Director of Hockey Tom Ward describes as a "great skater" with a "knack to score." Fejes isn't your prototypical playmaker, but instead projects as a skilled power forward who isn't afraid to go into the hard areas in order to make things happen.
Fejes spent the past two seasons playing for the SSM prep team, registering 28 points (14G, 14A) on the Sabres' 2010-11 Tier-1 Under-18 national championship team. He continued his progression with a 2011-12 season during which he scored a team leading 38 goals to go along with 40 assists. He also knows how to step it up when it matters most, leading the 2012 Tier-1 Under-18 National Tournament in points (eight) and goals (four) in six tournament games en route to helping SSM to its second consecutive national title.
As Ward mentioned, Fejes (like virtually all WCHA newcomers) will require a period of adjustment as he acclimates himself to the speed and strength of the NCAA game. But once he settles into his new surroundings, expect the Tiger freshman to be a dangerous goal scorer who will help lead the Colorado College offensive threat. Of note, Fejes was a sixth round selection of the Phoenix Coyotes in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.
Previous Entries:
Joey Benik, SCSU
Blake Tatchell, UAA
Hunter Fejes, F, Colorado College
Vitals: 6'1" - 192 lbs - 5/31/1994
Hometown: Anchorage, AK
Previous Team: Shattuck-St. Mary's Prep
Heading into the 2012-13 season, Colorado College will be returning the bulk of their experience on the blueline along with their full complement of netminders from a year ago. Perhaps the Tigers' biggest question mark this season will be generating offense after having lost three of their top four point producers, including All-WCHA left-winger Jaden Schwartz.
CC certainly received good news when Rylan Schwartz, Jaden's older brother, opted to return to school for his senior season, bringing his 23 goals along with him. But who is set to step into the Tiger lineup and help offset the loss of more than 40% of the team's goal scoring from a year ago? Enter freshman forward Hunter Fejes.
Fejes, an Anchorage, Alaska native who has spent the past few years attending Shattuck-St. Mary's School, is a big, physical, and fast left-winger who SSM prep head coach & Director of Hockey Tom Ward describes as a "great skater" with a "knack to score." Fejes isn't your prototypical playmaker, but instead projects as a skilled power forward who isn't afraid to go into the hard areas in order to make things happen.
Fejes spent the past two seasons playing for the SSM prep team, registering 28 points (14G, 14A) on the Sabres' 2010-11 Tier-1 Under-18 national championship team. He continued his progression with a 2011-12 season during which he scored a team leading 38 goals to go along with 40 assists. He also knows how to step it up when it matters most, leading the 2012 Tier-1 Under-18 National Tournament in points (eight) and goals (four) in six tournament games en route to helping SSM to its second consecutive national title.
As Ward mentioned, Fejes (like virtually all WCHA newcomers) will require a period of adjustment as he acclimates himself to the speed and strength of the NCAA game. But once he settles into his new surroundings, expect the Tiger freshman to be a dangerous goal scorer who will help lead the Colorado College offensive threat. Of note, Fejes was a sixth round selection of the Phoenix Coyotes in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
WCHA Instant Impact: Blake Tatchell (UAA)
Next up in the Instant Impact series is Alaska-Anchorage freshman Blake Tatchell.
Previous entries:
Joey Benik, SCSU
Blake Tatchell, F, Alaska-Anchorage
Vitals: 5'10" - 162 lbs - 5/23/1991
Hometown: North Battleford, Saskatchewan
Previous Team: Battlefords North Stars (SJHL)
No WCHA team has suffered as many recent unexpected personnel changes as Alaska-Anchorange. Among the losses from a year ago are three of the top four point producers from a team whose point leaders put up just 17 points apiece. To put that into context, every other team in the WCHA had at least five players who registered more than 17 points.
Heading into the 2012-13 season, added offensive punch is certainly at or near the top of head coach Dave Shyiak's wish list, and one newcomer who may be able to provide an infusion of offense into the Seawolf attack is freshman Blake Tatchell.
Tatchell arrives in Anchorage after having spent the past three seasons with the Battlefords North Stars of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League. He displayed steady development during his SJHL career, which culminated in last season's 86 point (42G, 44A) effort that saw him earn league MVP honors.
His 86 points (in 57 games) were the second most in the SJHL, and he was named a finalist for the Canadian Junior Hockey League's 2011-12 Player of the Year award, an award that spans all of Canada's Junior A hockey leagues.
According to UAA assistant coach T.J. Jindra, Tatchell is a skilled, smart forward who sees the ice well and possesses a good scoring touch. Tatchell has made a concentrated effort of getting stronger this offseason, and as he adjusts to the speed and physicality of the WCHA, he could be just the player the Seawolves need to lend an offensive spark to their season.
Previous entries:
Joey Benik, SCSU
Blake Tatchell, F, Alaska-Anchorage
Vitals: 5'10" - 162 lbs - 5/23/1991
Hometown: North Battleford, Saskatchewan
Previous Team: Battlefords North Stars (SJHL)
No WCHA team has suffered as many recent unexpected personnel changes as Alaska-Anchorange. Among the losses from a year ago are three of the top four point producers from a team whose point leaders put up just 17 points apiece. To put that into context, every other team in the WCHA had at least five players who registered more than 17 points.
Heading into the 2012-13 season, added offensive punch is certainly at or near the top of head coach Dave Shyiak's wish list, and one newcomer who may be able to provide an infusion of offense into the Seawolf attack is freshman Blake Tatchell.
Tatchell arrives in Anchorage after having spent the past three seasons with the Battlefords North Stars of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League. He displayed steady development during his SJHL career, which culminated in last season's 86 point (42G, 44A) effort that saw him earn league MVP honors.
His 86 points (in 57 games) were the second most in the SJHL, and he was named a finalist for the Canadian Junior Hockey League's 2011-12 Player of the Year award, an award that spans all of Canada's Junior A hockey leagues.
According to UAA assistant coach T.J. Jindra, Tatchell is a skilled, smart forward who sees the ice well and possesses a good scoring touch. Tatchell has made a concentrated effort of getting stronger this offseason, and as he adjusts to the speed and physicality of the WCHA, he could be just the player the Seawolves need to lend an offensive spark to their season.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
WCHA Instant Impact: Joey Benik (SCSU)
As the dawn of the 2012-13 NCAA men's ice hockey season draws near, Tradition of Excellence will be profiling one incoming player from each WCHA team that fans can expect to have an instant impact on their team and the league. First in the chamber is St. Cloud State incoming freshman Joey Benik.
Joey Benik, F, St. Cloud State
Vitals: 5'10" - 170 lbs - 1/26/1992
Hometown: Andover, MN
Previous Team: Penticton Vees (BCHL)
SCSU heads into the season having lost four of its top six point producing forwards from a year ago, as well as a three-year starter in goal in Mike Lee, who opted to sign with the Phoenix Coyotes. Lee's backup Ryan Faragher and most of the Husky defense returns intact, and boosting optimism in St. Cloud is the return of leading scorer Ben Hanowski and Drew LeBlanc, who used a medical redshirt to gain a fifth season of eligibility. So while SCSU will count on their two high-end forwards and a pair of slick, puck-moving defensemen (Nick Jensen, Andrew Prochno) to lead their offensive attack, scoring depth could be a concern heading into the 2012-13 campaign. Expect incoming freshman Joey Benik to help ease those concerns.
In 2009-10 Joey Benik wrapped up a stellar high school career by leading the state of Minnesota with 53 goals and 90 points before heading to Penticton of the British Columbia Hockey League. In his first season with the Vees (2010-11), he racked up 56 points in 60 games, including a team leading 30 goals. But it was this past season that saw Benik truly blossom into much more than just a goal scoring threat.
In 2011-12, Benik displayed a well-rounded and versatile game that, according to Vee's assistant coach Steve Cawley, was the product of a relentless work ethic and dedication to developing "a fantastic two-way game." Benik recorded a 30 goal, 66 assist campaign while routinely being assigned with shutting down the opposing team's top line. He was also a staple on the Vees' powerplay and penalty kill units.
He paced the Vees with 96 points (second overall in the BCHL), and he led Penticton to the RBC Cup (Canadian Junior A national championship) by scoring the game winning goal with less than a minute left in the championship game.
Cawley described Benik as a very strong, very quick player with very good vision who should be able to make a swift transition to the college game. His goal scoring ability, offensive instincts, and development into a complete, three-zone hockey player should give St. Cloud State a more than capable scoring threat who can provide offensive depth to the Husky lineup.
Joey Benik, F, St. Cloud State
Vitals: 5'10" - 170 lbs - 1/26/1992
Hometown: Andover, MN
Previous Team: Penticton Vees (BCHL)
SCSU heads into the season having lost four of its top six point producing forwards from a year ago, as well as a three-year starter in goal in Mike Lee, who opted to sign with the Phoenix Coyotes. Lee's backup Ryan Faragher and most of the Husky defense returns intact, and boosting optimism in St. Cloud is the return of leading scorer Ben Hanowski and Drew LeBlanc, who used a medical redshirt to gain a fifth season of eligibility. So while SCSU will count on their two high-end forwards and a pair of slick, puck-moving defensemen (Nick Jensen, Andrew Prochno) to lead their offensive attack, scoring depth could be a concern heading into the 2012-13 campaign. Expect incoming freshman Joey Benik to help ease those concerns.
In 2009-10 Joey Benik wrapped up a stellar high school career by leading the state of Minnesota with 53 goals and 90 points before heading to Penticton of the British Columbia Hockey League. In his first season with the Vees (2010-11), he racked up 56 points in 60 games, including a team leading 30 goals. But it was this past season that saw Benik truly blossom into much more than just a goal scoring threat.
In 2011-12, Benik displayed a well-rounded and versatile game that, according to Vee's assistant coach Steve Cawley, was the product of a relentless work ethic and dedication to developing "a fantastic two-way game." Benik recorded a 30 goal, 66 assist campaign while routinely being assigned with shutting down the opposing team's top line. He was also a staple on the Vees' powerplay and penalty kill units.
He paced the Vees with 96 points (second overall in the BCHL), and he led Penticton to the RBC Cup (Canadian Junior A national championship) by scoring the game winning goal with less than a minute left in the championship game.
Cawley described Benik as a very strong, very quick player with very good vision who should be able to make a swift transition to the college game. His goal scoring ability, offensive instincts, and development into a complete, three-zone hockey player should give St. Cloud State a more than capable scoring threat who can provide offensive depth to the Husky lineup.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)