Badger Hockey Roundup

Dplaya has been busy lately over on HIW finding some articles and updates on recruits and players from all over the place. In case anyone reading this doesn't regularly happen over there (you really should BTW), I thought I'd post some of it here. Dplaya I'll have to buy you a beer before or after a game this season, prehaps both, for my blatant copying.

Derek Lee was at the Tampa Bay Lightning's prospect camp this summer. Derek wasn't drafted but was invited to show off his skills. The camp was held in Victoria, BC, right in his backyard, since he is a member of the Victoria Grizzles. Derek is still draft eligible for 2 more seasons, and he should be joining the Badgers next Fall. He is small player like a Garrett Roe, but like Roe he is a playmaker and exactly what this team could use more of.

Nick Licari has moved on to the exciting world of work as an accountant. He passed the CPA exams too, good for him, at least someone can pass them unlike another person I know.

Over on Baggot's Badger Blog, The Hockey News' has a list of the top 10 prospects by NHL franchise. A whole cast of Badgers on there:

"Of those playing for the Badgers this season, sophomore defenseman Ryan McDonagh is No. 1 with Montreal; freshman defenseman Jake Gardiner is No. 2 with Anaheim; junior defenseman Jamie McBain is fourth with Carolina; sophomore defenseman Brendan Smith is No. 4 with Detroit; sophomore defenseman Cody Goloubef is sixth with Columbus; and freshman center Derek Stepan is No. 7 with the New York Rangers.

Of those former UW players who have turned pro, winger Jack Skille is No. 1 with Chicago; center Kyle Turris is No. 1 with Phoenix; goaltender Brian Elliott is No. 3 with Ottawa; winger Robbie Earl is No. 5 with Toronto; and defenseman Nigel Williams is No. 7 with Colorado."

A couple #1's not too bad a showing. In addition they rank the top 50 players in the NHL and Dany Heatley (10th) and Brian Rafalski (27th) deservedly make the cut.

Something else Dplaya points out, which I had noticed awhile back, is that the BCHL is starting very soon, like exhibition games are this week. I wish BCHL games were readily accessible to watch, I would like to see Justin Schultz and Derek Lee play before they get to Madison next summer.

Speaking of Justin Schultz, here is a nice audio clip by Anaheim's director of scouting, about young Justin. Sounds like Eaves & company are bringing in another top talent.

Lastly, YouTube has a Gamblers' commerical from last season featuring freshman to be Ryan Little.