With respect to 2007, the Wisconsin recruiting class of 2012 continues to look like one of the best classes ever put together by head coach Mike Eaves. According to Gregg Drinnan the sports editor of the Kamloops Daily News, the Badgers took another step in solidifying that fact by landing elite forward Morgan Zulinick out of Kamloops, British Columbia.Zulinick will spend next season honing his skills in the British Columbia Hockey Junior Hockey League where many former Badgers have performed including most recently, 2010 scoring champion Mark Zengerle.
This past season, Zulinick played with the Thompson Blazers and led the team in scoring with a point per game.
Zulinick has already been drafted into the Western Hockey League which could prove to be a challenge. The Edmonton Oil Kings selected Zulinick in the third round, 52nd overall. He lasted longer in the draft than his talent dictated due to his desire to play college hockey. International Scouting Services had him 40th overall and I've seen independent rankings that had him in the top 15.
ISS had this to say about Zulinick before the WHL draft, "Plays like a big man, similar in mold to a Joe Thornton type player. Zulinick is an excellent passer who loves to set up the play, but can also score when called upon. Zulinick is very smooth with the puck and can dazzle with his quick hands and great body control. Turned many scouts heads when he was selected to the KIBIHT all star game last season as a first year bantam player, a feat that isn’t very common."
Zulinick (British Columbia) joins USA NTDP U17 Forward Nick Kerdiles (California), Taft Prep Forward Corbin McGuire (Connecticut), and Sioux City (USHL) defenseman Jordan Schmaltz (Wisconsin) as current Wisconsin commitments for the class of 2012.
Derek Stepan's cousin Zach is most likely next in line to commit for the class of 2012. The Sophomore at Shattuck St. Marys prep school is expected to follow Derek's path to the University of Wisconsin. In addition to Wisconsin, Stepan is considering North Dakota, Denver, and Boston College according to College Hockey 247. A forward class of Stepan, Kerdiles, Zulinick, and McGuire would have the potential to do some really special things.
Photo Credit: Freeze Frame Photography
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