Vitals:Postition: Defenseman
Year in School: Junior
Shoots Right
Height: 6-2
Weight: 197
Hometown: Fairbault, MN
Previous Team: US NTDP in 05/06
NHL Considerations: 2nd Round pick of the Carolina Hurricanes in 06, currently ranked their #4 prospect by Hockey's Future
07/08 Stats: 35 games, 5-19-24, +12, 18 PIM
06/07 Stats: 36 games, 3-15-18, +1, 36 PIM
08/09 Role*: Top D Pairing, 1st PP Pairing, 2nd PK Pairing
07/08 Recap: Jamie's game took another big jump last season and he was the top defenseman on the team night in and night out. Along w/ Ryan McDonagh, they formed arguably the top pairing on the team. The coaches seemed to favor Drewiske and Klubertanz, but the fans knew to breathe easy when their pairing was on the ice. For the second year in a row, Jamie led the Badgers in scoring from the blue line. For his efforts he was selected to the All-WCHA 3rd Team. Jamie also played in the WJC for the second straight year for Team USA.
08/09 Thoughts: I'm of the opinion, that Jamie's return to the Badgers was the key piece it what should be a big year for Wisconsin. Along w/ Blake Geoffrion, Jamie anchors the huge junior class, and on top of that will be the leader on the blue line. His departure to the pros would have meant an all underclassman blue line, while very talented, would have lacked a proven leader. While Jamie is not a captain, his leadership role is obvious. W/ the return of McDonagh, McB and McD will again be the top pairing for Wisconsin and possibly the top pairing in the entire NCAA's. Jamie has progressed every season and this one should be no different. Jamie's play during the NCAA Regional last season was something special, if he brings that to the ice this season, he will be a force to be reckoned w/, both offensively and defensively. If this is his last season in Madison, it certainly won't be a disappointing one.
Prediction*: 36 games, 10-26-36; All-WCHA 1st Team; All-American
*The role and predictions are merely opinions of a hopeful Badger fan, and all predictions are based solely on the regular season of 36 games. Hopefully the Badgers play 44 games this season.
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