One of my favorite things to do as a fan of Wisconsin hockey is to check up on former players from the program as they move on in their hockey careers at the professional level.Two players who were key contributors to the success of the Badger program but maybe didn't get the headlines or the publicity that they necessarily deserved due to being over shadowed by others recently got a chance to compete as professionals in the ECHL All-Star game.
Ben Street and Andy Bohmbach, who both were seniors and influential members of the Badger squad last season who made a run all the way to the National Championship game participated in the 2011 All-Star game hosted by the Bakersfield Condors on Wednesday night.
Street, a Coquitlam, BC native is having an outstanding season for the Wheeling Nailers. The former Badger captain's 43 points are good enough for 7th in league scoring. Street's 20 goals are good for 5th in the league. Street is second amongst all rookies in scoring as well. He also leads his club in plus minus with a +17. Street, who took a red shirt due to a severe knee injury in 08-09 was a member of the 2006 Wisconsin National Championship team and finished his Badger career with 93 points in 171 games.
Bohmbach, who hails from Hudson, WI is also playing well in his rookie season. The Toledo Walleye forward has 17 goals and 18 assists this season which is good for 18th in the league in scoring and 4th amongst all rookies. Bohmbach is also leading the Walleye's in scoring and goals scored. Bohmbach who came to the Badgers as a late summer recruit due to the departure of Joe Pavelski more than held up his end of the bargain as a Badger. He finished his career with 24 and 25 point seasons and was a top line winger on last years Frozen Four squad.
Not only did Bohmbach and Street play in the game but both recorded points. Both players were able to pick up assists during their first All-Star event. Both players will be back in action tonight with their respective ECHL teams. Bohmbach and Toledo will host Shane Connelly and the Trenton Devils and Steet and his Wheeling squad go on the road to take on the Elmira Jackals.
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