There is plenty of Wisconsin flavor at this weeks USA Hockey Select 16 festival in Rochester, NY. As has already been mentioned here and other places, Wisconsin natives Jake McCabe (Eau Claire), Ryan Dau (Hudson), Trevor Morbeck (Jackson), Joe Fiala (Verona), Nick Szopinski (Beaver Dam), and Alex Racino (Merrill) have made the trip to represent the state. Also 2012 defensive recruit Jordan Schmaltz (Verona), and 2012 forward recruit Corbin McGuire (Taft Prep) are in attendance.McCabe and Dau are on Team White and they have won both games they have played in so far (everyone has played two games). In game one, Dau had a power play goal which was assisted by McCabe. Dau also added a helper in the game to finish with two points, and McCabe with one. Dau was held off the score sheet in game two, but McCabe had a goal and an assist. Both players have had at least preliminary contact with the Badgers so they are kids to keep an eye on for sure. The Western Wisconsin connection of McCabe and Dau will be in action today at 3:45.
Trevor Morbeck from Jackson, won't be a Badger since he signed with the Soo Greyhounds so I won't spend much time on him. He has 1 assist through two games so far.
Nick Szopinski from Beaver Dam is playing on Team Gold. Szopinski, who is a success story from the Wisconsin High School Elite League, has been held off the score sheet through two games so far with Team Gold. Szopinski will be in action tonight at 5:45.
Jordan Schmaltz, a defenseman from the Chicago Mission program, and a 2012 Badger recruit, has 1 assist so far in two games for Team Grey. Team Grey has had a tough time so far as they have only scored two goals. Schmaltz will be in action this afternoon at 4:15.
Joey Fiala from Verona and Alex Racino from Merrill are playing together on Team Blue. So far Team Blue is 2-0 and playing very well. In game one, Racino had a goal and an assist. Fiala had an assist on Racino's goal in game one. Both players were held off the score sheet in game two. There are plenty of rumors surrounding both Fiala and Racino. It sounds as if both of them made the Indiana Ice 30 man roster but both will be playing hockey elsewhere in 2009-2010. It sounds as if Racino will be heading back to play with the Madison Capitols and Fiala could be playing anywhere from the Caps, to Midget Major in Chicago, to Verona high school and Team Wisconsin. Fiala is a very nice prospect and should be a major target for the Badgers. Racino is also a very nice player but may be more of a kid that would look at the Major Junior route. Racino and Fiala play this afternoon against Dau and McCabe at 3:45.
Corbin Mcguire, a 2012 Badger forward recruit from Taft Prep is playing for Team Black. So far through two games he has 1 assist. McGuire is a big time forward recruit from out east who had an absolute beast of a tournament last year at Select 15's. McGuire will be in action tonight at 7:45.
Other players of possible interest:
Travis Boyd-Boyd is the best forward out of Minnesota for the class of '93. Boyd, from Hopkins, has already committed to play next season for the NTDP U-17 squad. He's a small forward, only 5'9 155 but has a great skill set. Minnesota is known to be enamored with him, but his lack of a commitment so far is a good thing for the Badgers. Boyd has a goal and two assists so far for Team Black.
Dan Carlson-Carlson is another Minnesota born forward. He played last season for Maple Grove and he too is committed to the NTDP U-17 squad for next season. Carlson has been held off the score sheet so far in camp.
Kenny Gillespie-Gillespie is a forward that plays at Shattuck St. Marys but is originally from North Carolina. He's a big boy and has been selected by Plymouth in the OHL Priority Selection in the 12th round, and by Omaha in the third round of the futures draft. Gillespie has a goal and two assists so far through two games with Team White.
Cason Hohman-Hohman is a small forward from the Detroit Compuware program. Hohman led all scorers at the minor level in the prestigious midwest elite hockey league by a wide margin. He has been drafted in the WHL and may lean towards that route. If he goes to college, he could be a BIG time player.
Garrett Sparks-Sparks is a goaltender with the Team Illinois program. Sparks is continually ranked as one of the top goaltenders for his age group in the country. Sparks is having a rough tournament so far but it's really tough to get a good judge on goaltender talent in an event like this.
Peter Traber-Traber is a goaltender from Shattuck St. Marys who is originally from Houston, Texas. Traber has only given up 1 goal so far in the tournament but like I said, it's a crap shoot in these things for goalies.
Posts
