In Andy Baggot's Thursday update he slipped in on us that the Badger coaching staff plans to red-shirt sophomore defenseman Ryan Little this season. Little has not played in a game this season for the Badgers (He played in 22 last season).Little was forced into action last season as a freshman and definitely went through some growing pains. With the additions of John Ramage and Justin Schultz this season to the Badger lineup, playing time has been non-existent.
Wisconsin has carried nine defensemen this season which is one more than is usually carried. With Ramage and Jake Gardiner gone at the World Junior Championship, it was expected that Craig Johnson and Eric Springer would step in. After an undisclosed injury to Springer, it was expected that Little would get the nod. Needless to say, everyone outside of the program was surprised to hear that senior forward Aaron Bendickson would be moving back to defense for the Badger Hockey Showdown this weekend.
With the red-shirt this season, Little will have three more seasons of eligibility with the Badgers. With the Fond du Lac natives brother Sean signing a National Letter of Intent in the fall, the Little combination will be in Madison for three seasons together.
Projected defensemen next few seasons:
2010-11 (8)
Ryan McDonagh-Leaves for NHL
Brendan Smith-Leaves for NHL
Cody Goloubef-Leaves for NHL
Senior-Craig Johnson
Junior-Jake Gardiner
Junior-Eric Springer
Sophomore-Justin Schultz
Sophomore-John Ramage
Sophomore-Ryan Little
Freshman-Frankie Simonelli
Freshman-Chase Drake
2011-2012 (8)
Jake Gardiner-Leaves for NHL
Senior-Eric Springer
Junior-Justin Schultz
Junior-John Ramage
Junior-Ryan Little
Sophomore-Frankie Simonelli
Sophomore-Chase Drake
Freshman-Troy Hesketh
Freshman-Jake McCabe
2012-2013 (8)
Justin Schultz-Leaves for NHL
Senior-John Ramage
Senior-Ryan Little
Junior-Frankie Simonelli
Junior-Chase Drake
Sophomore-Troy Hesketh
Sophomore-Jake McCabe
Freshman-Jordan Schmaltz
Freshman-Joe Fiala/Barrett Kaib (projected possible commitments)
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