Sixty Minutes. No Alibis. No Regrets.

Indefinite Hiatus

2011-05-09T20:53:00.003-05:00

After DPlaya moved his blog HIW (which he was kind enough to let me and Chuck write for) to WSN, I started this blog after a conversation with Gandalf, and then quickly added Chuck as a contributor since we had already written together on HIW. (We later, of course, invited additional contributors). When I started this, it was as a hobby that augmented my enjoyment of following Badger Hockey, and I was able to fit this hobby into my schedule on a regular basis. Over the past year, I have faced increasing time constraints that have hampered my ability to blog, and the blog had started to feel like "work", which further decreased my inclination. Additionally, there has been conflicting views regarding the direction of the blog among the original contributors, and given that I started the blog and that it bears my name, this was of particular concern to me.

After much consideration, I have decided to put the blog on indefinite hiatus. If my time/inclination returns, perhaps I'll revisit things, but I don't want to provide any false expectations.

I would like to thank all of the contributors to the blog and all of our Loyal Readers.

Sincerely,
60

AHCA Meeting Mini-Update

2011-04-29T23:14:00.003-05:00

Woody Wommack of NaplesNews.com was able to provide a quick mini-update of the goings on at the AHCA meetings this weekend.

Admittedly, it isn't much*, but it does confirm several of the topics we expected to come up this weekend.

Exhibit A: the rules committee discussing hits to the head. This is such a hot button topic, so you knew it had to be coming up. Given the strict way the NCAA has been enforcing other safety-related penalties (see: checking from behind), I think we can all take a safe guess where the hits-to-the-head issue might be heading.

Exhibit B: It turns out that Paul Kelly was there to talk about finding ways for club hockey teams to become self-sustaining varsity programs. I'm as shocked as you are.

* Frankly, I'm surprised to see anything come up today. It's the only published article I could find on the subject online... I suspect that we'll be able to find more on Monday, but as of right now, Mr. Wommack is all we've got. And for that, we thank him.

Commitment. Passion. Integrity.

2011-04-29T22:18:00.003-05:00

We really are lucky to have a guy like Mark Johnson around. Let's not fool ourselves.

While reading Baggot's piece about Johnson being offered the job at Penn State, one quote from Barry Alvarez stood out to me.

"He was always very transparent when he talked to people"

I know that we would like to think that that would be a given: that a coach would be honest and transparent with his employer when he's being courted by another program. But I have my doubts that it works that way very often, and I think you can tell that Alvarez speaks with such respect for Coach Johnson because he knows that Johnson treats him with that same respect.

It reminded me of something I read in a book that I highly recommend to all of you: The Boys of Winter by Wayne Coffey. It's a book about the 1980 "Miracle On Ice" olympic hockey team. It frames the story of that team around the famous medal round game against the Soviets, and it also includes many long passages telling the stories of every player on the team.

The passage about Mark Johnson (about 1/4 of the way into the book) goes on for about 13 pages, and it goes on at length about some issues that are pretty relevant in the light of Coach Johnson's courtship by Penn State. Some sporadic excerpts (emphasis added) follow. I'd like to include more, but I'd much rather not incur the wrath of a published author. Lord knows what he could have his publishing company do to a little old Blogger page if he thought I was posting too much. Here goes:

Johnson has been the Badgers' head women's coach since June 2002, a career move he neither expected nor contemplated. Six weeks after the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team lit the caultdron to open the 2002 Games in Salt Lake City, Johnson was passed over for the Wisconsin men's job, a position most people assumed would be his. ... But athletic director Pat Richter opted to go with Mike Eaves, Johnson's teammate on the Badgers' 1977 national championship team.

Across four decades of a charmed hockey life, Mark Johnson had always been a star. ... Rejection was something altogether new. ... This was different, personal, for the first time Mark Johnson had in effect been told, "We like the other guy better." Richter delivered the news to Johnson in Sauer's office. Later Johnson cried.

"Did it hurt? Oh yeah, it hurt," Johnson said. "But life teaches you that you have to move on, and you try to do it in a fashion that you can walk away with your head held high."

...

Johnson assured [the UW Women's Hockey] team when he took over that this was not just a stopover until he could get a men's job. Six months later, his words were put to the test. Tony Granato ... asked Johnson if he would be interested in joining his staff as an assistant. ... After a few days, Johnson called Granato, expressed his gratitude, and said no thanks.

"I don't think I would've had the courage to walk into the locker room and tell those players I was leaving," Johnson said. "I've got signs on the wall that say, 'Commitment, Passion, Integrity.' If I am going to be a good coach and people are going to listen and respect me, I have to walk the walk, as they say."

That is the man coaching our women's team. Just like with the Granato job, I would not be shocked to hear that Coach Johnson gave Penn State his ear out of respect. And, also like the Granato job, it doesn't surprise me that he would refuse it on principle. This man loves Madison, loves coaching some of the best women's hockey players the world has to offer, and he does it with Commitment, Passion, and Integrity.

There are still a lot of people who think he should be coaching our men's program instead of Coach Eaves, but I think those people should just step back and think of what a remarkable thing we have with Coach Johnson and the Women's Program. We really are lucky.

Johnson Could've Gone To Hockey Valley...

2011-04-29T22:13:00.002-05:00

... but he didn't.

Per Baggot (per Alvarez):

University of Wisconsin women’s hockey coach Mark Johnson officially turned down the chance to be the first men’s hockey coach at Penn State, Badgers athletic director Barry Alvarez confirmed Friday.
Johnson has not commented since it was announced last Sunday the Nittany Lions hired Guy Gadowsky from Princeton.
“As I understand it, (Johnson) was offered the job,” Alvarez said after the monthly UW Athletic Board meeting.
Johnson formally interviewed for the job last week after guiding the UW women to their fourth national title in the past six years.
...
Alvarez admitted he couldn’t compete with what Penn State was able to offer a men’s coach. “You can’t keep good people from looking,” Alvarez said. “He was always very transparent when he talked to people.
“First thing I told him, ‘I cannot compete with a men’s job at Penn State financially. I can’t do that.’ We were able to make some adjustments, but not to that extent.”

Some more in a moment.

Value of returning blue lines

2011-04-29T08:40:00.000-05:00

Toward the end of the season, I was looking ahead to next season and was a little worried about the blue line for next season. I was looking at the Badgers blue line knowing Jake Gardiner was likely to sign and Craig Johnson was going to graduate after a solid 4 seasons. It was bouncing through my head, how would the blue line look if Schultz was gone too (this was before he gave fans a big boost saying he would return), and the answer was not pretty.

Amazing what the return of a singular player does for one’s outlook. As I sat back enjoying an improved outlook on the Badger’s blueline, I wondered how does one quantify the “experience” and overall “talent” on a team’s returning blue line for the coming season? I’m not sure I’ve found the exact answer, but using collegehockeystats I compiled some stats. I’ll add this disclaimer now that I’m fully aware there are gaps in the information that follows. You can’t account for the freshman coming in and what type of impact they are going to make. Scott Mayfield could be a monster for Denver or struggle next year, while Jake McCabe as a senior in HS in age could play above expectations. You can’t account for the improvement of players and their future impact. I certainly expect Frankie Simonelli and Joe Faust to contribute a lot more next season. You also can’t account for a Kyle Klubertanz type performance where a player actually gets worse as an upperclassman. Lastly, how does one quantify the value of a dominant defensive defenseman? Game played and points scored only tell you so much about that type of player who makes an impact every night.

All that said, I think there is some good information below, and it’s the off season after all. The first thing I totaled up was the number of games played by defensemen through this past season who are projected to return to each WCHA school.

Colorado College: 398 games
Michigan Tech: 360
North Dakota: 327
Bemidji State: 303
UAA: 294
Duluth: 279
Nebraska Omaha: 279
Wisconsin: 270
St Cloud: 234
Denver: 229
Mankato: 219
minnesota: 148

CC , Tech, BSU and UAA appear to only losing one defenseman each. North Dakota lost a ton of experience on the blue line w/ Chay Genoway, Jake Marto and Derrick LaPoint graduating, but Ben Blood and Andrew MacWilliam bring back a lot of games played, boosting them on the list. Looking through the rosters, the number of senior defensemen for the 2011/12 season is very low, which is probably a function of all the top end talent in the league who do not make it to their senior season. Early departures to the pros or WHL just this season on the blue: Matt Donovan (DU), William Wrenn (DU), Aaron Ness (um), Justin Faulk (UMD),Dylan Olsen (UMD), Oliver Lauridsen (St Cloud) and Jake Gardiner (UW). Only Brad Hunt (BSU), Gabe Guentzel (CC), John Lee (DU) and Blood (UND) have over 100 games played, w/ Brady Lamb (Duluth) just short w/ 98. There will be a lot of young blue lines in the WCHA next season. The gophers, whose defensemen play has struggled (really which part of their team hasn’t struggled) the past few seasons doesn’t have much coming back next season. Hopefully tDon didn’t blow recruiting on early blooming players once again, while studs like Ryan McDonagh and Gardiner don the Cardinal and White.

To me, games played counts for a lot. The WCHA is a tough league and it is few and far between when a freshman defenseman burns up the league. Having upperclassmen on the ice does a lot for the success of a team’s blue line. Continuing to look at stats, I then added up the returning offense of each blue line.

Bemidji State: 27-100-127
Colorado College: 22-95-117
Wisconsin: 31-79-110
St Cloud: 14-65-79
UAA: 23-53-76
North Dakota: 10-66-76
Duluth: 18-51-69
Denver: 11-56-67
Michigan Tech: 12-54-66
Nebraska Omaha: 8-52-60
Mankato: 8-27-35
minnesota: 5-21-26

A lot of the same teams are at the top and the bottom once again, but there are exceptions. UW and St Could move up as Tech plummets. These stats can be swayed quite easily by one superstar player on a team (like Schultz), but having a superstar bolsters the overall strength of the unit. Again, points don’t tell you the value of a shut down defender. McDonagh never put up big offensive numbers, but only a fool would doubt his value to the Badgers during his three years. He was good at everything. If I had the choice between offensive star Brendan Smith and overall stud Ryan McDonagh, it would be a no brainer to take McD. Anyway, some of the big stat players returning next season Hunt (BSU) 19-67-86, Guentzel (CC) 12-56-68 and Schultz 24-45-69. These players separate their schools in a higher tier due to their success. There aren’t many players (11 total) w/ 25 points or more in their career. Mankato and minnesota don’t have much coming back.

So finally, doing some simply math, I merely took the total points returning by the total number of games played by each team’s respective blue line.

Bemidji State: 0.419 pts/game
Wisconsin: 0.407
St Cloud: 0.338
Colorado College: 0.294
Denver: 0.293
UAA: 0.259
Duluth: 0.247
North Dakota: 0.232
Nebraska Omaha: 0.215
Michigan Tech: 0.183
minnesota: 0.176
Mankato: 0.160

What I initially take out of this, is that despite not returning a ton of games played on the blue line, Wisconsin, St Cloud and Denver are returning a decent amount of offense per game. BSU returns experience and scoring. Tech returns experience, but their offense still sucks, and the gophers and land cows don’t have much going for them on offense (and not defense either really). You can draw your own conclusion though.

Being a Badger fan, I find the final stat pts/game to help my optimism. Before Schultz said he was firmly returning, I was in despair wondering who would run the PP and be out there on the top pairing, knowing that John Ramage along w/ the sophomores would have to run the blue line. I was frightened. Schultz certainly has room to grow defensively, but he is something special to have back and should only get better. Now had Justin said hello to an Anaheim Ducks contract instead (which could still happen, being a realist), the Badgers would be down to 186 games returning (11th instead of 8th) and the points would be down to 7-34-41 joining the bottom tier w/ minnesota and Mankato. That would have yielded a pts/game of 0.220, almost half of the amount w/ Schultz returning. Can you say Hobey Baker?

I also calculated the total each team lost to graduation and early departures. I’ll post them up in the near future for comparison, and later on might have to do a blue line comparison of just the Badgers over the past several years. I am interested on how the Defense of the Ages coming into 2009/10 compared to other Badger squads.

NCAA Tourney Format Change?

2011-04-28T23:15:00.005-05:00

Entering Phase I of "Operation: EoDS Posting More Often":

Where EoDS Shamelessly Rips Off Goon.

We've yet to really hear any news from the AHCA meetings in Naples, Fla. this week, but North Dakota beat writer Brad Schlossman made a post yesterday (well... technically still today) proposing what he thinks they should be discussing. It's actually an idea that was proposed last year, and was used in the 1980s:

Changing the first round of the NCAA tournament to be a best-of-three series hosted by the higher seed. The NCAA tournament format is still up in the air (there's a reason that the regional sites have only been announced through the next tournament), and this is an idea that was brought up last year.

The rationale?

It offers an advantage to higher seeds in an era where parity has made almost every first round NCAA game a toss-up.
It offers a way around the low attendance issues we've seen in the regionals recently, by allowing passionate local fans see their teams in action.
In theory, higher attendance means more money for the NCAA and the schools.

I have to admit, this sounds great on the surface. An extra bonus goes for the notion that UND would get screwed as long as they keep their nickname issues with the NCAA alive. ("Now hosting the NCAA First Round: The University of North Dakota Fannings")

I do have a few reservations, mostly with the cost issue. Yes, there will undoubtedly be more tickets sold for the first round games. No more half-empty arenas if the host team isn't playing in the tourney. (Or half-empty arenas when the host is playing...)

But let's consider something here: There are quite a few arenas in the college hockey world. A lot of them are small and perhaps not used for a lot of other functions, but there are quite a few arenas (UW's Kohl Center among them) that are multi-purpose, have other tenants and are looking for things besides college hockey for revenue.

A place like the Kohl Center can get quite busy, there are often other functions that the Kohl Center can be used for by the time we get to mid-March. How does the NCAA intend on keeping these arenas available when they won't know for sure that they're hosting NCAA playoff games until (at most) a few weeks ahead of time? Is that a cheap proposition? How much more money can the NCAA make off of those games?

Plus, although this would open up the possibility of NCAA games in some of college hockey's largest and best arenas (Kohl Center, Mariucci, Conte Forum, Yost, etc.), but there aren't a lot of arenas in D-I hockey that seat more than 7,000 people. Quite a few of them have a max capacity of less than 5,000- so it's hard to guarantee huge attendance increases.

And lets not forget that the "super regionals" proposed would still require the NCAA to reserve the arenas for a whole weekend. Granted, they don't have to reserve four arenas for regionals, just two, but its a cost that is still there and carries all of the risks that currently exist for regional sites.

As I see it, the biggest problem with the current format of the NCAA is simply timing. As it is now, the field is announced on a Sunday morning, and the first round begins the following Friday. That's hardly enough time for people with regular jobs and a limited amount of vacation time (like me) with only a week to try to plan for a way to plan out a weekend's worth of travel to go to a regional. It's hardly impossible, but it sure is short notice. An extra week between the selection of the field and the first round would go a long way towards giving traveling fans a chance to organize themselves and make a trip.

Another benefit of an extra week? Making sure that the first round of the tourney doesn't coincide with the opening rounds of the basketball tourney. There's no sense in trying to compete with that behemoth.

All in all, it's not a bad idea. But the positives aren't nearly as open and shut as Mr. Schlossman paints them out to be. As a fan of the team with one of the best (if not THE best) atmospheres in college hockey, I will admit that I love the notion of having more playoff hockey there... so let's see if the NCAA Tournament Committee ends up wanting to try this out.

It's a much better idea than shootouts. Let's just put it that way.

The Squid in the Room

2011-04-28T22:37:00.003-05:00

I'm doing this without much discussion with Gandalf, 60, or the others, but I think its fair to just address the ~~elephant~~ squid in the room and get it out of the way.

Yes, there's a rather specific reason that Chuck is leaving the blog (for real this time: he's not Favre-ing it). And although it probably wouldn't take much digging to find out what it is, I don't see the point in discussing it here. I have no intention of airing dirty laundry out for everyone to see, so I'll just leave it as it is.

Chuck is undoubtedly going to continue to have opportunities blogging about the Badgers, and I will wish him the best of luck. For right now, we'll just treat this like UW treats any departing underclassmen. Except... well... we're nerds on computers, if that makes a difference.

There's no denying that we'll miss Chuck's connections to the recruiting world and the incredible amount of time that he put into this blog. I'm sure that a lot of you will too. In the mean time, we'll continue to talk Badger Hockey here, and hopefully continue to have fun doing it.

On Wisconsin,

EoDS

They say that all, good things must end

2011-04-27T21:04:00.003-05:00

I just wanted to make a quick announcement that I will be leaving the Sixty Minutes. No Alibis. No Regrets blog effective immediately. This is a personal decision and I'll leave it at that.

Don't be confused, this is not a retirement. While I don't have any immediate blogging plans, rest assured that those who enjoy my work will be able to follow my coverage on some platform in (hopefully) the near future. For now I will continue to update my twitter account so check there for updates on my future and of course, extensive Wisconsin hockey coverage.

I want to thank the other contributors of this blog for letting me write with you over the past few years and wish you success in the future. An even bigger thank you to the hundreds of people who read this site everyday, Badger fans are the best in the country.

chuckschwartz(at)live.com
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AHCA Convention Agenda

2011-04-27T12:02:00.002-05:00

For those curious, the agenda for this year's AHCA meetings is posted on the AHCA website.

Some of the pretty important items for UW (all times central):

Today:

2:00 pm - DI Men's Commissioners Meeting

4:30-5:30 pm - NCAA D1 Men's Hockey Committee Meeting

Thursday:

7:00-8:30 am - Women's National Meeting

8:45 - 11:00 am - Women's D1 Session: NCAA Tournament and General Issues (Rules Committee 8:45-9:15)

9:00-11:00 am - D1 Men's Issues

10:30 - 11:30 am - NCAA Rules Committee

1:15-2:45 pm - Paul Kelly, College Hockey Inc. and D1 Commissioners

2:45 - 5:00 pm - NCAA Men's D1 Session: NCAA Tournament and General Issues (Rules Committee 2:45 - 3:15)

Friday:

9:10-10:00 am - NCAA Rules Session

Saturday:

6:30-7:15 am - NCAA National Divisional Meetings

Sunday:

6:30 - 8:00 am - Chapel Session (FCA) w/ Mark and Leslie Johnson

A lot of this might end up paling in comparison to whatever backroom discussions go on between B1g, WCHA and CCHA people, but there are sure to be some interesting things to report by next week.

Badgers Land 2013 Goalie Recruit

2011-04-27T09:37:00.003-05:00

According to Andy Baggot from the Wisconsin State Journal the Badgers have picked up a verbal commitment from Totonto goalie Gabe Grunwald for 2013.

Grunwald is a 6'3, 185 pound netminder from the Ajax Pickering Midget Program.

His bio on the teams website: "Gabe brings a very comptitive spirit to his game and always knows how to get the job done when we need it most. Consistently strong positionally some of his best qualities lie in his agility, reflexes, speed and flexability. This young man continues to grow and impress all that have an opportunity to play with or against him."

chuckschwartz(at)live.com
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If You Offer, He Will Come

2011-04-27T08:28:00.000-05:00

While Monday's news of Jordy Murray's early departure still stings in the hearts of many Badger fans, looking towards the future can be the distraction needed to ease the pain. Turning our attention to Murray's replacement has delivered us to two possible scenarios.

Scenario number one involves bringing in Waupaca high school senior forward Brad Navin who originally had made a verbal commitment for either the 2012 or 2013 season depending on development and departures. Scenario number two would be to offer a scholarship to Alberta Junior Hockey League forward Reed Linaker from the St. Albert Steel.

The Sixty Minutes blog caught up with Linaker on Tuesday night in hopes of clearing up the murky water that is the current forward opening on the UW roster. Linaker noted that he has not yet received an offer from the UW coaching staff but would jump at the chance to come to Wisconsin. "I'd love to be a Badger and I'd do it in a heartbeat but I guess its kind of a wait and see process."

Linaker, 5'9, 165 pound forward who was on campus late in the season fell in love with Madison on his visit, "Loved the University. It was a beautiful campus and the electricity and atmosphere was unbelievable in the arena. Was definitely better then anywhere I've been and exceeded my expectations."

As a rookie in the AJHL Linaker put up 39 points in 47 games. Last year he registered 81 points in 54 games. And this year saw him net 52 points in 34 games before a knee injury ended his season early. Linaker sounded confident he would be able to rebound from the injury. "My knee is doing well. I had a tear of the MCL an partial tear of the ACL so its been a long road. I've just begun workouts and light skating."

Ironically, Navin who will likely be brought in if the staff doesn't make an offer to Linaker is also coming off a knee injury. Navin was sidelined early in the high school season with an MCL injury and made his return to the ice a few weekends ago for the Minnesota NIT senior tournament. By all indications, Navin has made a full recovery and is at or near 100%.

Both Navin and Linaker can play center which after losing Sean Dolan and Podge Turnbull is a possible position of need for the upcoming season. No matter what direction the coaching staff goes in it looks like they have some solid options.

chuckschwartz(at)live.com
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Wednesday Morning Link Roundup

2011-04-27T07:00:00.001-05:00

-I've been trying to do some more research to familiarize myself with recent 2011 forward recruit Joseph Labate (pictured) out of the Academy of Holy Angels in the twin cities. I came across this fantastic interview that he did with McKeens hockey. The interview gives some great insight to his game and the recruiting process. Note that the interview was done February 22nd. He doesn't even mention Wisconsin as an option in the interview but committed a mere 12 days later. Shows you how fast things can move in the recruiting world.

-As you are probably already aware the United States Hockey League completed it's "Futures Draft" last week and the only player with Wisconsin ties to be selected was Notre Dame Academy forward Jason Reynolds. The DePere, WI native was selected by the Youngstown Phantoms. The club recently put out a release detailing the players selected, this is what they had to say about Reynolds.

“Jason is the top ’95 born forward coming out of the state of Wisconsin right now,” said Koehler. “Reynolds is a true competitor and he is developing into a “coaches’ favorite”. As a sophomore - he is already the top center playing on one of the elite high school hockey teams is his state and producing well at a young age compared to other older junior and senior forwards in the state.”

-As first reported on this website, Hudson forward Ryan Dau has committed to play for the Air Force Academy. Dplaya at the WSN Hockey In Wisconsin blog interviewed Dau about his decision to play at a service academy. Dau is the fourth player from this past season's Team Wisconsin squad to commit to a division 1 college program. Dau is also the fourth player to come out of the Hudson program in the past decade to division 1. (Davis Drewiske, Jake Drewiske, and Andy Bohmbach are the others)

-Minnesota picked up a goaltender recruit from the USHL in Des Moines Buccaneers netminder Michael Shibrowski. He's actually a transfer from Colorado College but decided to go back to the USHL after it became apparent that Joe Howe was going to be the guy for the Tigers. This brings up an interesting situation for the Gophers because they currently have Muskegon (USHL) goalie Joel Vienneau scheduled to come in to replace departing senior Alex Kangas.

I can't imagine Minnesota rocking three scholarship goalies next year with Kent Patterson, Shibrowski and Vienneau (they also have walk on third stringer Jake Kramer). To make things more complicated they have Green Bay Gamblers goalie Adam Wilcox committed for 2012. If I had to guess, it would be that the Gophers have pulled Vienneau's offer. He played pretty bad in the USHL this season. Should be interesting to follow.

-Internet rumors that Green Bay Gamblers head coach Eric Rud was at Michigan Tech today to interview for their head coaching opening were confirmed by Wes Hodkiewicz from the Green Bay Press-Gazette. Michigan Tech has reportedly already been turned down by Nebraska-Omaha head coach Dean Blais and Michigan assistant Mel Pearson. UNO assistant Mike Hastings has also interviewed for the position.

-Rumors are circulating from Grand Forks that North Dakota forwards Mike Cichy and Brett Bruneteau are considering transferring. According the rumors, Cichy is looking to transfer to Western Michigan in the CCHA, and Bruneteau to Vermont in Hockey East. Neither player saw much ice time for the Sioux last season so the news isn't entirely shocking.

I'll leave you with this little gem. Video of Wisconsin superstar forward Hilary scoring the game winning goal for Team USA in OT of the gold medal game at the IIHF Women's World Championships.

chuckschwartz(at)live.com
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A Desperate Plea

2011-04-27T00:05:00.000-05:00

Preamble

Okay. With all of that said, there's just one thing I care about. I know I'm not alone in this one, but there are certainly people who won't agree with me here. Whatever. Here goes:

Please, in the name of Badger Bob, no fucking shootouts.

I'm pretty sure that of all the things that could come out of the AHCA meetings (dramatic conference realignment, Paul Kelly performing magic tricks, UAH giving the CCHA the finger), I can handle any of it. Life will go on, and college hockey will find a way to adjust to whatever goofy nonsense that comes up. But I'd rather take George Fabian's skate grinder to my temple before I accept shootouts in the BTHC.

It's perhaps not important to articulate why I don't want shootouts. That argument has been made before. In short: it's an arbitrary way to "win" a tie game, it's like settling football ties with punt-pass-kick, yadda yadda yadda. That's all been said.

My only addition to the debate is that I don't understand what's wrong with a tie. It's not a win, but it's not a loss. When two teams play 65 minutes of hockey and it doesn't decide something, you can either keep playing hockey or you can just be a grown up and admit that maybe neither team earned the win, and they can be equals (if only for one night). It might feel weird to not have a final conclusion to the game, but you know what? I like the simple and pure logic of the tie.

And I like being able to feel like a 3 point weekend at home is good enough.

I get that there's a certain "lowest common denominator" aspect to the shootout. It's designed to be exciting to lure in the common non-hockey fan. "Hey, look at hockey! You might not like this sport because you have the attention span of a cat on Red Bull, but look at this fun gimmick!"

It's that LCD factor that makes me nervous that the BTHC actually will push for shootouts. It's the same thing that makes people think that canned music is an acceptable thing to have at sporting events. (Hint: It's not*, and I'm mildly convinced that Jump Around cursed us early on in our famed OT winless streak) There's even a little bit of an LCD factor to the fact that the BTHC will exist in major part because the B1G ADs are convinced that more people will care about Badger Hockey simply because we're playing Penn State instead of North Dakota. (This is where you roll your eyes...)

At the end of the day, I just don't want shootouts. I've hated watching the NHL award wins from tie games, and I'm holding out hope that the NCAA can come to their senses and avoid the stupid gimmick.

Screw shootouts. Who's with me?

* There are rare exceptions to my hatred of canned music, but that's another subject for another time.

A Desperate Plea: Preamble

2011-04-27T00:00:00.000-05:00

Chuck already noted Baggot's post about the AHCA meetings starting later today. For kicks, you can check out this quick take from Todd Milewski on USCHO.

These meetings usually come and go with a lot of fanfare, but not a lot of major news. There's usually some slew of discussion about new rule ideas that are crazy, far fetched and have no prayer of being adopted (see also: a lot of the NCAA hockey competition committee meetings). But, since we're living in the post-Big Ten Hockeyocalypse, I think you can expect this year's ACHA meetings to be a lot more interesting.

Ultimately, UW's big concern is going to be settling on the BTHC details. Or, as Baggot said it, "devise strategy and policy" for the 2013-14 debut. It's such a concern that Baggot has mentioned that UW is pretty much sending the entire hockey department down there. Phil Dzick might as well go down there and start leading cheers. The only major figure that Baggot doesn't suggest will be there is Barry Alvarez, but I have a feeling that he'll find a way to be involved.

As you can imagine, there's a lot to settle. Non-conference scheduling (B1G-WCHA-CCHA agreements, perhaps?). Contingency plans in case the cream of the crop of the remaining WCHA and CCHA teams decide to form their own super-conference... or whatever other crazy plans the other four conferences have up their sleeves. Strategies for how to use BTN. Milewski even mentioned the somewhat farfetched possibility that going away from weekend series (for TV reasons) might be on the table.

But, at the end of the day, it's mostly conference rules that need to be settled on. And that's not exactly a short list of issues to deal with. To suggest that the BTHC will be all figured out this week is absurd, but you can bet that they'll get as much preliminary groundwork done as they can.

I expect to hear a lot of interesting news before everything's said and done in Naples.

Tuesday Morning News and Notes

2011-04-26T11:29:00.006-05:00

-The University of Wisconsin Men's hockey program announced it's 2010-2011 award winners at a banquet on Monday afternoon at the Kohl Center. Top honors went to Sophomore defenseman Justin Schultz who was named the Spike Carlson Most Valuable Player as voted on by his teammates.

Other award winners included: Podge Turnbull-Jim Santulli 7th Man Award (Voted on by the fans); Patrick Johnson-Fenton Kelsey Jr. Most Competitive Player; Ryan Little and Jefferson Dahl-Otto Breitenbach Most Improved Player Award; Scott Gudmandson-Ivan B. Williamson Scholastic Award and Unsung Hero Award; Michael Mersch-Dr. Joseph Coyne Memorial Award for the most consistent player; and Captain Sean Dolan-W Club Community Service Award.

-As this site first reported on Monday night, Badger forward Jordy Murray plans to forgo his final season of eligibility at Wisconsin to sign a pro contract in Switzerland. Wisconsin State Journal beat writer Andy Baggot chimed in on Tuesday morning with some quotes from Murray.

-This is for all the knuckleheads who every year want to fire Wisconsin head coach Mike Eaves if he doesn't win an NCAA title. New Jersey Devils forward Zach Parise was asked if he could bring in any coach for the Devils who would it be. His response (courtesy of @maxhenson)...

"Another coach that has coached in the NHL before and I had him for a few international tournaments is Mike Eaves. He is now at Wisconsin and I’ve never been so prepared to face an opponent as when I was playing for him. It may be a little different in an 82-game schedule, but he did a great job of having players understand their role on the team and got them to do that to the best of their ability."

-@thenyrangers, the official twitter account for the NHL's New York Rangers tweeted Monday afternoon that former Badgers and current NHL'ers Derek Stepan and Ryan McDonagh will both be taking college courses this summer in pursuit of their degrees. It's nice to see both players maturity in making the decision to keep working towards graduating.

-Although both players plan to take classes this summer, McDonagh and Stepan might not be done playing hockey for the year. Aaron Gross from New Jersey Record the is reporting that both players are considering invitations from USA Hockey to join Team USA for the World Championships. Former Badgers Jake Gardiner and Jack Skille as well as current Badger Craig Smith have already accepted invitations from USA hockey to play in the tournament.

Update: Kevin Allen from the USA Today is reporting that Stepan has accepted a spot on team USA making him the fourth player with Badger ties on the roster. No word on McDonagh.

Update #2: Allen just chimed in with another tweet saying that like Stepan, McDonagh is also joining team USA for the World Championships. That's FIVE players with Badger ties on the roster. With five players with Badger ties representing the United States at the Women's World Championships, the Badgers have had a strong presence lately with USA hockey.

-I posted yesterday on the USA Women's hockey team winning the gold medal at the World Championships but I wanted to link you to the UWBadgers.com release because they really do a phenomenal job of recapping the gold medal game and the tournament from a UW perspective. I've never been confused with Badger Women's hockey enthusiast but Knight and Decker really make me want to catch more of their games next season.

-Ryan S. Clark, the beat writer for the Fargo Force (USHL) has been a news breaking machine lately. Of note to Wisconsin hockey recruitnik's is that Vinny Saponari, the former Boston University forward has committed to Northeastern. After two season's at BU, Saponari was kicked off the team for some off ice issues. When he originally selected BU, it was believed by most that Wisconsin was the runner up for his services so many wondered if Madison would be an option this time around. But it looks like he's headed back to the land where chowder reigns supreme.

-Andy Baggot had a blog update yesterday talking about the uncertainty ahead in the college hockey landscape. The annual coaches convention in Florida that will take place this Wednesday through Sunday will provide an opportunity for many issues to be put on the table. Baggot notes that Wisconsin is sending a large contingency to Florida including both the men's and women's coaching staffs and support staffs as well as UW senior associate athletic director Sean Frazier, athletic board chair Walter Dickey and athletic board member Sheila McGuirk.

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Jordy Murray gives up final year of eligibility

2011-04-25T22:08:00.006-05:00

Sometimes in life there are opportunities that present themselves and if you don't grab them while they are there, they will pass you by forever. Such was the case with Wisconsin forward Jordy Murray who the Sixty Minutes Blog has learned will forgo his senior senior season to sign a professional contract. At this time it's not known which team Murray will sign with but that is expected to be worked out soon.

Due to a loophole possibly closing that provided Murray an opportunity to sign with a professional team in Switzerland because he started his hockey career there when his dad was a coach, Murray needed to jump at the opportunity to sign. Basically, because under the current rules he wouldn't be considered an import player (Swiss teams can only have 4 imports) he was due to make significantly more money. But it was learned recently that that loophole may close, and that wasn't a risk Murray could afford.

Murray, who notified team officials and teammates on Monday of his decision finished his career at Wisconsin with 60 points in three seasons. The former Shattuck St. Mary's star always had a deadly shot, finding the net 38 times during his tenure in Madison. An assassin on the power play, Murray was 6th in the nation in power play goals as a junior with 11.

There are times when underclassmen sign pro contracts and it doesn't make a lot of sense and you wonder if they would have been better off finishing their four years at the college level. I can't say that for Jordy. The risk if he didn't sign financially was too significant to pass up and I support his decision 100%. I wish Mr. Murray all the best in the future and hope that he has a long, healthy professional hockey career.

Photo by Melody Hasse

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Knight leads the United States to GOLD

2011-04-25T18:16:00.005-05:00

No matter who scored in Monday afternoon's OT thriller at the IIHF Women's World Championship, multiple Badgers were coming home with gold medals. It just so happened that USA forward Hilary Knight, who still has one season of eligibility remaining at Wisconsin found the back of the net.

The United States squad who captured the gold medal featured five current or former Badgers. Knight and Brianna Decker (who has two seasons of eligibility remaining) are the current Badgers. Recent grad and Patty Kazmaier Award winner Meghan Duggan, defenseman Molly Engstrom, and goaltender Jessie Vetter all starred in the past for the Badgers.

Knight was the most impressive player in the tournament, and led all scorers with 14 points in 5 games (5 goals, 9 assists). She also tied for the tournament lead in plus/minus at a plus 11. For her efforts, Knight was named to the all tournament team by a media panel.

Decker finished the tournament second in scoring with 11 points (4 goals, 7 assists) and Meghan Duggan ended up fifth with 7 points (4 goals, 3 assists). Engstrom recorded two points from the blue line and was a +9. Jessie Vetter continued her brilliance in goal with a .952 save percentage and 1.28 GAA and saved her best in the gold medal game when she stopped 51 of 53 shots.

Two other former Badgers aren't going home empty handed. Team Canada defensemen Meghan Mikkelson and Bobbi Jo Slusar, both former University of Wisconsin stars played big roles for Team Canada. Slusar finished the tournament with a couple of points and was a +4 and Mikkelson's 3 goals and +10 rating in the tournament earned her the honor of being named the tournament's best defenseman.

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Ryan Dau commits to the Air Force Academy

2011-04-25T17:23:00.003-05:00

Another feather in the cap for Team Wisconsin.

After an in home visit late last week from Air Force head Coach Frank Serratore, the coaching staff checked in with Hudson, WI forward Ryan Dau Monday afternoon. After mulling over his full ride offer over the weekend, he felt confident in making his pledge to the Falcons hockey program.

Dau, a 6'1, 178 pound forward led his high school team in scoring with 20 goals and 21 assists for 41 points in 20 games this past season. A key member of the Team Wisconsin program, Dau registered 15 points in 21 games in the Upper Mid-West High School Elite League. Dau capped his season with the Team Wisconsin senior squad when he led TW and the entire Minnesota NIT tournament in scoring with 6 points in 3 games.

A phenomenal skater, Dau is at his best when playing higher levels of competition. He has an exceptional ability to avoid contact and has a knack for setting up teammates in the offensive zone. Known as an extremely intelligent player, Dau reports a 3.88 grade point average.

Dau's commitment to Air Force marks the fourth verbal commitment by a member of this past seasons Team Wisconsin squad. Notre Dame Academy defenseman Tim Davison and Waupaca forward Brad Navin are both locked up to head to Wisconsin and Appleton defenseman Cliff Watson has given his verbal pledge to Mark Osiecki and the Ohio State University.

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Jake McCabe World Championship Recap

2011-04-25T14:25:00.006-05:00

2011 Wisconsin defense recruit Jake McCabe from Eau Claire has agreed to do a correspondence piece with us while he is in Crimmitschau, Germany representing the United States for the 2011 IIHF U18 World Championships. Jake will be updating us as the red, white, and blue chase their third straight U18 World Championship gold medal.

The Americans just wrapped up play at the World Championships. Jake was kind enough to check in after the American squad played Sweden yesterday for the gold medal. Thanks again Jake.

Jake McCabe, Team USA U18, IIHF U18 World Championships 4/25/2011

"We made history last night being the first country to win 3 Gold Medals in a row. It was an awesome game all around. The rink was sold out at a little over 5,000 which made for a great atmosphere. We came out slow in the first period but were lucky enough to go into the locker room with a 1-1 tie. In the second we still didn't quite have it and Sweden took a 3-1 lead on us which wasn't so strange because in November we were down 4-1 in the Championship game in the 4 nation tournament.

Coach's speech in the locker room was pretty special, it was one of those that sent chills down your spine. To sum it up he told us our ups and downs over the past 2 years and what we've been through and to go out there and come back in this locker room and not regret anything. We came out flying in the third and made it a 3-2 game and we all knew we had it in us. We tied it up with about 3 minutes left in the game to send it into overtime.

In overtime we controlled the play after the Swedes took a penalty. After the penalty expired Murph (Connor Murphy) had a shot from the top of the left circle and put it bardown to send us off the bench and to listen to our anthem at the end of the game. It was a feeling you can't describe and after the 2 years with the boys it was a perfect ending. "

Editors Note: I think this goes without saying but we can't thank Jake enough for taking time out of his busy schedule write these recaps for us. I thought he did a fantastic job and came away very impressed. It will be exiting to watch his development the next four years.

Jake McCabe Update #1
Jake McCabe Update #2
Jake McCabe Update #3
Jake McCabe Update #4
Jake McCabe Update #5
Jake McCabe Update #6
Jake McCabe Update #7

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Monday Morning Link Roundup

2011-04-25T06:57:00.000-05:00

-Arguably the greatest American born defenseman in the history of the game is finally being honored by his Alma mater, the University Of Wisconsin. It was announced over the weekend that former Badger great Chris Chelios has been included in the 2011 class that will head into the University of Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame.

Chelios, who was born in Chicago played parts of 26 seasons in the National Hockey League. He was an 11 time NHL All-Star and won the Stanley Cup 3 different times. Chelios won the Norris trophy as the NHL's best defenseman three times in his career. Chelios was also a member of four United States Olympic teams, captaining the team three times.

The future Hall of Famer played two seasons in Madison and was an elite blueliner from day one. Chelios put up back to back 40+ point seasons in for the Badgers registering 49 points as a freshman and 48 as a sophomore before signing a contract with the Montreal Canadiens who drafted him 40th overall in the 1981 draft.

-North Dakota forward Brett Hextal who most had presumed would sign a contract with the Phoenix Coyotes finally made it official on Friday. It looks like UND is only waiting to hear back from senior to be Jason Gregoire at this point. Hextal is the first UND early departure this offseason and the WCHA's 7th. Remarkably, Hextal is only the second forward early departure so far.

-As you're already aware, future Badgers Nic Kerdiles and Jake McCabe won the gold medal Sunday for the USA U18 squad. This is just a reminder to stop by Chris Peters "The United States of Hockey" blog who has been absolutely fantastic in covering the entire tournament.

-Penn State has officially put out a release on their hire of Princeton coach Guy Gadowski for Men's hockey coaching opening. Gadowski is an interesting choice considering many had assumed that Minnesota-Duluth head coach Scott Sandelin and Wisconsin Women's coach Mark Johnson were the front runners for the position.

-Some former Badgers have recently seen their NHL first round series come to an end. Derek Stepan and Ryan McDonagh of the New York Rangers saw their season come to a close at the hands of the Washington Capitals. Anaheim's Brad Winchester also was eliminated today by Ryan Suter, Blake Geoffrion and the Nashville Predators.

-USA Today writer Kevin Allen has released his top 15 American NHL draft prospects. Wisconsin forward recruit Joseph LaBate from the Academy of Holy Angels checks in at #15. Allen notes that with LaBate's upside, he could be selected anywhere from late first round to the end of the second.

-The United States Women's World Championship team has absolutely dominated their competition so far in Switzerland. The ladies will take on Canada in the gold medal game Monday at 1:00 PM CST. Badgers continue to impress in the tournament. Wisconsin junior to be Brianna Decker had 4 points in the USA's semi-final win over Russia. Hilary Knight (12 pts) and Decker (11 pts) who both will return to the Badgers next season are the top two leading scorers in the tournament.

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Mark Johnson staying in Madison

2011-04-24T14:40:00.003-05:00

When the architect of arguably the most successful program in the Wisconsin athletic department (certainly over the past 10 years) starts to flirt with leaving the school for another position, many start to search for the panic button. Take a rest Badger fans, Mark Johnson is coming back.

World renowned hockey analyst Bob McKenzie from TSN in Canada is reporting that Princeton coach Guy Gadowsky, not Johnson will be named the inaugural head coach at Penn State. The Nitany Lions will start varsity D-1 competition as an independent for the 2012 hockey season before joining up with Michigan, Ohio State, Minnesota, Michigan Sate, and Wisconsin to form the new Big 10 hockey conference for the 2013 season.

The concern set in when Wisconsin State Journal beat writer Andy Baggot first reported a few months ago that Penn State asked permission to speak with Johnson after Badgers season was completed. The conclusion of the season saw Mark Johnson and the Badgers capture their fourth National Championship in school history, all on Johnson's watch.

After multiple reports of Minnesota-Duluth head coach Scott Sandelin being the front runner for the Penn State position surfaced last week, Baggot reported on Friday that not only did Johnson interview for the job, but that he was possibly at the top of their list of candidates.

With the news that Johnson won't be taking the job at Penn State, Wisconsin fans can look ahead at the possibilities next season. While losing Patt Kaz winner Meghan Duggan and fellow seniors Mallory Deluce, Kelly Nash, Geena Prough, Ann Dronen, Maria Evans and Carla Pentimone will no doubt hurt, the Badgers will be the favorites to repeat. They will return two of the best forwards in the country with Hilary Knight and Brianna Decker and also rock solid netminder Alex Rigsby. Oh yeah...and that guy behind the bench certainly has a little magic in him as well...

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Photo by Michelle Stocker, The Capital Times

USA Wins Third Straight U18 GOLD Medal

2011-04-24T14:24:00.004-05:00

Congratulations to future Badgers Jake McCabe (2011 recruit) and Nic Kerdiles (2012 recruit) on winning the GOLD for the United States at the IIHF U18 World Championships in Germany. It's Team USA's third straight gold medal at the U18's.

McCabe, USA U18's to play for GOLD

2011-04-24T08:44:00.004-05:00

2011 Wisconsin defense recruit Jake McCabe from Eau Claire has agreed to do a correspondence piece with us while he is in Crimmitschau, Germany representing the United States for the 2011 IIHF U18 World Championships. Jake will be updating us as the red, white, and blue chase their third straight U18 World Championship gold medal.

The Americans are on the verge of their third gold in three years after a thirlling OT semi-final. Jake was kind enough to check in after the American squad played Canada yesterday. Thanks again Jake.

Jake McCabe, Team USA U18, IIHF U18 World Championships 4/19/2011

"Last night we had our semi-final game against Canada. It definitely was the most nervous I have ever been for a game. We came out a little sloppy in the first and put them on a 5 on 3 early in the game and they scored on it. We tied it up later in the period to go into the locker room with the game at 1-1. We had a much better period in the second and controlled the game to put us up 2-1 going into the third.

We continued to play well in the third as we scored 2 shorthanded goals on the same penalty kill. We got a little complacent and started running around in our own zone. We took too many penalties and they took advantage of it coming back to tie it up. Coach was really calm on the bench telling us to relax and I think that really helped all of us.

Overtime was a bit scary when they had a backdoor pass go through Gibby's (John Gibson) legs and out the otherside and it went back and forth a little bit and then (Tyler) Biggs took it down the right side and put it low blocker post and in to win it for us. It wasn't exactly how we drew it up but it was a great win for us. We have Sweden today for the Gold and were excited for it and ready to go. "

Team USA's Next Game: Gold Medal Game, Sunday 11:30 AM vs Sweden

Editors Note: Remember to check back often for updates from Jake. Also, FastHockey.com will be web casting all of Team USA's games while they are in Germany (for a small fee). Also, remember that McCabe isn't the only future Badger on the squad, 2012 forward recruit Nic Kerdiles is also on the roster.

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Johnson Interviews for Penn State Job

2011-04-22T18:00:00.007-05:00

One of the greatest fears for Wisconsin Women's hockey fans is becoming dangerously close to reality. Andy Baggot is reporting that UW Women's head coach Mark Johnson was in Happy Valley this past week to interview for the head coaching opening for Penn State Men's hockey program which is set to start varsity competition for the 2012-2013 season.

As a head coach for the Badgers he has led the program to four national championships (2006, 2007, 2009, 2011). Johnson has been named the WCHA coach of the year five times and the AHCA Division 1 coach of the year four times.

It's not certain whether or not if offered the position at Penn State if Johnson would accept the job. On top of obviously spending a large chunk of his life living in Madison, he also has two daughters who are still in the k-12 system in Madison. Johnson told Baggot, "I'm in limbo right now."

It's also not clear if Johnson is the top candidate at Penn State. Minnesota-Duluth head coach Scott Sandelin, who won the NCAA Men's title with the Bulldogs this season was in Happy Valley late this week to interview. Many have speculated that he is the top candidate for the job. College Hockey News on Friday reported that Penn State will announce their new head coach on Monday.

According to Baggot's report, Barry Alvarez and the UW athletic department will pony up to make Johnson the highest paid women's hockey coach in the country and tell him, "that we want to keep him, that we don't want him to leave, that we appreciate him." Alvarez did note that there is no way they can get into a bidding war with the Nittany Lions for a men's job at Penn State.

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Kerdiles talks about match up vs Canada

2011-04-22T09:00:00.003-05:00

2012 Wisconsin recruit Nic Kerdiles sits down briefly and talks about Team USA's match up with Canada in the semi-finals at the IIHF U18 World Championships which is coming up on Saturday. PS...how sick does that rink look with the trees in the background? Absolutely beautiful.

Friday Morning Link Central

2011-04-22T01:35:00.003-05:00

-No surprise former Badger Joe Pavelski is once again having himself a big NHL Playoffs with 3 goals in 4 games. More impressive then that is the respect the polish prince has been receiving off the ice.

Pavelski has been nominated as the Sharks representative by the local hockey writers for the Bill Masterton Memorial Award which is given annually to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.

Monday, The Big Pavelski was nominated by his own teammates for The King Clancy Trophy which is an annual award given to the player in the league that best exemplifies leadership qualities both on-and off-the-ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution in his community.

The link I included above lists his vast array of charitable moments which include: Contributing a large portion of the cost of the street hockey court at Franklin Elementary School; Serving as the team spokesperson for “Hockey For Huggies,” which helped collect over 19,000 diapers for families in need through direct and monetary donation; And participated in “Favorite Things” Basket Auction which raised money for the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation. He also runs an annual golf tournament in Stevens Point (June 24th) with all proceeds going to benefit local youth hockey leagues in the area.

-The Wisconsin Men's Hockey facebook page has a couple of updated pictures from the site where the new LaBahn arena will sit when completed. LaBahn arena is the future game arena for the UW Women's hockey team and will also serve as a practice facility for the men's program. Construction is expected to be completed in time for the fall of 2012.

-It looks like Wisconsin assistant coach Gary Shuchuk wasn't in Canada this week only for recruiting but for the College Hockey Inc. summit in Edmonton and Vancouver. College Hockey Inc. is a group headed by former NHLPA head man Paul Kelly in an effort to keep the best players in North America playing college hockey. Kelly and College Hockey Inc. have been holding "summit's" in larger metropolitan areas of Canada to help inform potential Canadian NCAA players on the postivies of the college game.

-Looks like Michigan Tech took a swing at Michigan assistant coach Mel Pearson and whiffed. If the rumors are true they have been turned down by Pearson and Nebraska-Omaha head man Dean Blais. The latest reprorts out of Houghton are that they are interested in Omaha assistant Mike Hastings who also assisted Don Lucia at Minnesota.

-There is a lot of realignment talk right now with the formation of the Big 10 hockey conference and what that is going to mean for everyone else. The latest rumors involve North Dakota, Denver, Colorado College and Nebraska-Omaha out of the WCHA joining Miami and Notre Dame to form a new conference. It sounds like a lot of this is just message board talk that leaked into the main stream media. I'll believe it when I see it.

-Haven't heard about any more WCHA early departures this week but a number of players have either announced or implied their intentions to return to school. Denver Post beat writer Mike Chambers indicates star freshman forward Jason Zucker will return for the Pioneers. With Drew Shore already making his intentions of staying known, that could be a scary lineup once again.

-Out in North Dakota, Grand Forks Herald writer Brad Elliott Schlossman notes that Dany Kristo, Ben Blood, and Aaron Dell all have announced their intentions to return to school. The Fighting Sioux are still waiting to hear from junior forwards Jason Gregoire and Brett Hextall.

-The other big opening of interest to Wisconsin college hockey fans is the Penn State job that UW Women's coach Mark Johnson has been linked to. Jess Myers from Inside College Hockey tweeted today that Minnesota-Duluth head coach Scott Sandelin is in Happy Valley to interview for the position. Sandelin's wife is a Penn State alumni, they met while he was playing minor league hockey in Hershey.

-Team Canada beat Germany at the U18 World Championships setting up a US/Canada semi-final match up on Saturday. Future Badgers Jake McCabe (2011) and Nic Kerdiles (2012) are prominent members of the United States squad that is 4-0 so far in the tournament.

-The United States Women's hockey team competing in the Women's World Championships over in Switzerland have also advanced to the semi-finals. Badgers are playing big roles for the red, white and blue squad. Hilary Knight (4g, 7a), Meghan Duggan (4g, 3a), and Brianna Decker (2g, 5a) are Team USA's top 3 scorers and also the top 3 scorers in the tournament. Jessie Vetter stopped 16 of 17 shots in her only game played and Molly Engstrom has 2 assists. USA will play the winner of Switzerland and Russia on Saturday.

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Wisconsin Playoff Statistics

2011-04-22T01:27:00.003-05:00

USHL Futures Draft Results

2011-04-19T19:04:00.008-05:00

Tuesday morning the United States Hockey League, the premier junior hockey league in the states completed it's annual futures draft. This years draft consisted of selecting only players that were born in 1995. The Waterloo Black Hawks who owned the #1 pick selected Taylor Cammarata, a forward from Plymouth, MN who plays at Shattuck St. Mary's.

Only one player from the state of Wisconsin was selected on Tuesday and it was Jason Reynolds from DePere. The Notre Dame Academy forward was selected by the Youngstown Phantoms in the fifth round, #63 overall.

Reynolds, a junior to be with Notre Dame Academy registered 44 points in 28 games this season for the Tritons. Reynolds did some of his best work in the playoffs, recording 6 points in 5 games including a goal in the state semi-finals, a game that Notre Dame would eventually lose to Middleton.

The 5'11, 165 pound forward also participated with the Team Wisconsin minor squad this season. Reynolds recorded 8 points in 12 league games for Team Wisconsin.

One of the biggest omissions on Tuesday was Hudson defenseman Travis Wood. There have been strong indications that Wood, who plays his high school hockey at Hill Murray in the twin cities is planning on eventually making the move to the Ontario Hockey League, giving up his college eligibility. USHL squads must feel the same way because that's the only reason that Wood could have been passed over.

Two players from the 1995 birth class from the state of Wisconsin who are already spoken for in the USHL are Hudson defenseman Ian McCoshen and Sun Prairie defenseman Will Butcher. McCoshen already made the move to the United States Hockey League last season as a high school sophomore with the Waterloo Black Hawks. Butcher has already accepted a spot with next seasons USA NTDP U-17 squad. Both are expected to be premium targets for the Badgers.

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Team USA cruises into U18 semi-finals

2011-04-19T18:36:00.006-05:00

2011 Wisconsin defense recruit Jake McCabe from Eau Claire has agreed to do a correspondence piece with us while he is in Crimmitschau, Germany representing the United States for the 2011 IIHF U18 World Championships. Jake will be updating us as the red, white, and blue chase their third straight U18 World Championship gold medal.

The Americans have now completed pool play going 4-0 and will be playing for a medal of some sort no matter what. Jake was kind enough to check in after the American squad played Germany yesterday. Thanks again Jake.

Editors Note: 2012 Wisconsin recruit Nic Kerdiles had an assist in the Germany game, his second point of the tournament.

Jake McCabe, Team USA U18, IIHF U18 World Championships 4/19/2011

"We finished off pool play with a 7-3 win over Germany tonight. The crowd was great, it felt almost more like a soccer game with all the chanting, drums, and flag waving. It was one of the best atmospheres we've played in.

We can spend the day with our families tomorrow which will be nice, a lot of us are heading to Dresden to check it out there. We have 3 days off until the semi's on Saturday. Canada lost to Sweden today so Sweden took first place in that pool which means Canada plays Germany in the Quarterfinals to play us. Our goal over the next few days is to keep our edge and stay focused for our semifinal game. "

Team USA's Next Game: Semi-Finals, Saturday vs TBD

Editors Note: Remember to check back often for updates from Jake. Also, FastHockey.com will be web casting all of Team USA's games while they are in Germany (for a small fee). Also, remember that McCabe isn't the only future Badger on the squad, 2012 forward recruit Nic Kerdiles is also on the roster.

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Captains?

2011-04-19T12:19:00.000-05:00

I have no idea when Eaves will name Captains for next season, but was pondering this today and wanted to see what readers opinions were on the topic.

I think if Craig Smith returns (I believe him, but I want to see him in October on the ice), he’ll take over as Captain, after wearing an “A” his sophomore year. Craig has grown a lot since arriving in Madison. Last season, he had that foolish run in w/ the goal during the North Dakota series which showed frustration and stupidity, but following that really cleaned up his act. He led the Badgers on the scoreboard too, putting up a team high 19 goals, and was second in points. The last time Eaves named a Madison native Captain, something special happened, maybe it can again.

As for Alternate Captains, I have some thoughts on several players.

Justin Schultz: His return to Madison for a junior year makes him an early Hobey Baker favorite after being a finalist this year. Reading a Baggot article from the last month, Justin stated he wanted to more of a leader, and w/ almost no senior class (Eric Springer and Jordy Murray if he stays) he will be the go to guy on the blue line. Seems like a good fit as Justin will have to step up and follow in the line of Gilbert, Drewiske, McBain, McDonagh and Gardiner in leading the team’s blue line corp.

Jordy Murray: If Jordy returns next season, he would be a solid choice. He would be the only senior who has been a regular in the lineup his entire Badger career. Beyond experience, he is one of the hardest workers in Cardinal and White, setting a great example for the swelling group of underclassmen.

John Ramage: One could argue that John’s improvement was slow last season, but he was a contributor every night, and has two years of experience in the World Juniors. Only a handful of players have more experience as a Badger, and John will need to take his game to the next level next season.

Ryan Little: This is my outside the box nominee. While he’ll be in his 4th season as Badger, Ryan is only a junior. He is a hardnosed forward convert who I thought did a good job w/ regularity last season, and should be the first piece in putting together a new “grind” line whose job is making the opponent’s life miserable. In the USHL, Ryan captained the Green Bay Gamblers, so leadership is old hat for him.

Others: Of the future sophomore class, I think Tyler Barnes and Jefferson Dahl are future captains of the Badgers, but next season I think there are more experienced options. Derek Lee, being a junior, is another option, but compared to the other upperclassmen, he would be my 5th choice.

What do you think? If I was coach Eaves, I would give Craig Smith the “C” and give an “A” to both Justin Schultz and Jordy Murray. If Jordy leaves for Switzerland, I would choose Ryan Little, I think the team needs some grit leading the way.

New recruit on the horizon?

2011-04-18T22:17:00.007-05:00

With Justin Schultz and Craig Smith emphatically announcing their intentions to return to the Wisconsin hockey team next season, the only question mark remaining this off-season is the status of senior to be Jordy Murray.

Andy Baggot updated us last week with Murray's situation. If you're not aware, he started playing hockey in Switzerland when his father was coaching over there. Under the current rules, Murray doesn't have to be classified as an import player (Swiss pro teams can only have 4), so he's due to make substantially more money this way. But the rules are possibly changing and if they take away this loophole, he stands to lose hundreds of thousands of dollars if he doesn't sign soon.

Speculation has already begun about possible replacements for Murray's roster spot should he make the move to professional hockey. Currently Waupaca senior Brad Navin is the only committed player who could be brought in but it's likely the coaching staff would prefer he play at least one full season in the USHL if not two. The Badgers don't NEED to bring in another player if Murray leaves as they will still have 15 forwards but freeing up Murray's scholarship money allows UW head coach Mike Eaves the flexibility to add a premier offensive threat.

Baggot identified a potential player that fits that description in St. Albert Steel (Alberta Junior Hockey League) forward Reed Linaker. Baggot notes that Linaker was in Madison on campus for a visit last month. To add more fuel to the fire, Wisconsin assistant coach Gary Shuchuk is currently in Canada recruiting and tweeted today that he's in his hometown of Edmonton, Alberta which just so happens to be the same hometown of Mr. Linaker.

Linaker who saw his third season in the AJHL come to an early end when he tore his MCL has put up impressive numbers for St. Albert. As a rookie Linaker put up 39 points in 47 games. Last year he registered 81 points in 54 games. And this year saw him net 52 points in 34 games before the MCL injury.

The 19 year old 5'9, 165 pound forward can return to junior hockey next season so it's possible that even if Murray returns to the Badgers they may still pursue him for the 2012 season. 2012 will see the Badgers lose Murray to graduation, and most likely Craig Smith as an early departure. They bring elite forward recruits Nic Kerdiles from the USA NTDP and Morgan Zulinick from Salmon Arm in the BCHL as well as possibly Corbin McGuire and Brad Navin.

Stay tuned...

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Team USA 3-0 at U18 World Championships

2011-04-18T13:06:00.002-05:00

2011 Wisconsin defense recruit Jake McCabe from Eau Claire has agreed to do a correspondence piece with us while he is in Crimmitschau, Germany representing the United States for the 2011 IIHF U18 World Championships. Jake will be updating us as the red, white, and blue chase their third straight U18 World Championship gold medal.

The Americans are now three games into the tournament and are playing some really good hockey. Jake was kind enough to check in after the American squad played Russia yesterday in an absolute thriller. Thanks again Jake.

Jake McCabe, Team USA U18, IIHF U18 World Championships 4/18/2011

"We had a huge win against Russia yesterday. Going into the game we knew it'd be a good match up and we were up 2-0 after the first period. After the second it was 3-1 and we were outplaying them. We took our foot off the gas in the 3rd and let them back into the game and they tied it up with about 5 minutes remaining.

The place was packed so it was a great atmosphere to play in. With about 20 seconds left to play we had a draw in their zone and lined up with a triangle set. Rocco (Grimaldi) won it clean to (Reid) Boucher and he put it bardown to put us up 4-3. The place went nuts and we held them off with the extra attacker and listened to our anthem as the flag was raised. The fans started chanting USA and it was our high point so far in the tournament.

It was by far the best we've played and we need to continue it throughout the tournament. We play Germany tomorrow to go 4-0 in the prelims and to get a bye into the Semi's. "

Team USA's Next Game: Sunday vs Russia 12:30 PM CST

Editors Note: Remember to check back often for updates from Jake. Also, FastHockey.com will be web casting all of Team USA's games while they are in Germany (for a small fee). Also, remember that McCabe isn't the only future Badger on the squad, 2012 forward recruit Nic Kerdiles is also on the roster.

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Monday Morning Link Roundup

2011-04-18T04:22:00.005-05:00

-Many of you are already familiar with former Badger and current Chicago Blackhawks forward Jake Dowell's family history. His father John, and brother Lucas both suffer from Huntington’s disease, which results from genetically programmed degeneration of brain cells in certain areas of the brain. Eventually walking, and intellectual ability decline until it eventually costs you your life.

Ken Campbell from The Hockey News sat down with Jake and they did a phenomenal two part interview. Part 1 can be found here. Part 2 can be found here.

Dowell talks about how the disease has affected his father and their relationship. He also talks about the prospects being tested for the disease himself where he has a 50/50 chance. Make sure you check it out.

-Future Badgers Jake McCabe and Nic Kerdiles from the United States U18 team who are playing in the World Championships won an intense 4-3 game over Russia on Sunday afternoon. The United States scored the game winner with only :23 seconds remaining to snatch the victory. Chris Peters from the United States of Hockey who is over covering the tournament in Germany has a full recap.

-Speaking of internationally play, the United States is participating in the Women's World Championships. Former Badgers Jessie Vetter, Meghan Duggan, and Molly Engstrom are all on this years squad along with current Badgers Hilary Knight and Brianna Decker. USA won game 1 5-0 over Slovakia. The Badgers represented well Sunday, Knight had a goal and an assist, Duggan had a goal, Engstrom had an assist, and Decker had 2 goals and 1 assist and was named the player of the game.

-Famed goalie coach David Marcoux said that North Dakota goalie Aaron Dell has been offered a two year contract by the Montreal Canadiens. UND is also expected to lose Brett Hextall and possibly Ben Blood and Jason Gregoire. If all four go, UND could be in trouble next season. They better hope Grimaldi is the real deal. UPDATE: Dell has tweeted that he plans to return to UND next season.

-Andy Baggot has a fantastic article up with former Wisconsin goalie Kirk Daubenspeck who was critically injured in a car crash. Daubenspeck sounds like he's doing phenomenal and is appreciative of the outpouring of support. Dauber even mentioned that he could possibly be driving in the next month. That's amazing.

-Baggot also spoke with UW centerman Craig Smith who was recently tabbed by USA hockey for the Mens World Championships, a rare honor for a college player. The biggest info in the article is Smith reiterating plans to return to Wisconsin for his junior season. As a Sophomore Smith was second on the Badgers in points and led the team in goals.

-Wisconsin assistant Gary Shuchuk joined twitter has been tweeting recruiting updates. In the past few weeks he's been in Connecticut for the Tier 1 USA Hockey U18 and U16 Nationals, and recently across the Northern border recruiting in British Columbia.

-The NHL Playoff action has been excellent so far. Many former Badgers have been putting points on the board so far. Monday night you can catch former Badgers Kyle Turris of Phoenix taking on Brian Rafalski and Detroit at 9:30 on Versus. The Coyotes are down 2-0 in the series. Turris has a goal in the series and Rafalski has 2.

-The Wisconsin high school seniors finished 1-2 at the Minnesota NIT over the weekend which was a bit of a disappointment after winning it last season. Ryan Dau (Hudson) led TW in scoring and tied for the tournament lead with 6 points in 3 games. He's visited Princeton and Holy Cross. Wisconsin recruit Brad Navin had 5 points (4 goals). UW forward Jefferson Dahl's brother Alex also had 5 points for Team Wisconsin. Potential UW recruit Eddie Wittchow from Burnsville who played for the Minnesota senior all-stars did not record a point on the weekend.

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McCabe Checks In From Germany

2011-04-16T13:09:00.003-05:00

2011 Wisconsin defense recruit Jake McCabe from Eau Claire has agreed to do a correspondence piece with us while he is in Crimmitschau, Germany representing the United States for the 2011 IIHF U18 World Championships. Jake will be updating us as the red, white, and blue chase their third straight U18 World Championship gold medal.

The Americans are just starting to get rolling and are now 2-0 in early round play. Jake was kind enough to check in after the American squad played Slovakia yesterday. Jake picked up a third period assist on a goal by Ryan Haggerty, his first point of the tournament. Thanks again Jake.

Jake McCabe, Team USA U18, IIHF U18 World Championships 4/16/2011

"Last night we had a much better effort in our 8-1 win over Slovakia. Our powerplay hasn't been producing lately but we had 6 PP goals last night and we need to continue to produce like that throughout the tournament with all the penalties that are called over here. We had the day off today and a lot of down time. We have the Russians tomorrow night which is a huge game for us. They're a whole new team since the last time we played them in February so it will be a great test for us. "

Saturday Morning Link Roundup

2011-04-16T10:02:00.002-05:00

-The best Wisconsin high school seniors are across the border in Minnesota this weekend playing in the Minnesota National Invitational Tournament with the best seniors in the country. Badger recruit Brad Navin (pictured) led Team Wisconsin to a 5-3 victory over Minnesota in the tourney opener Thursday night.

TW took one on the chin Friday night at the hands of Michigan 5-4. Navin chipped in another goal and assist. With 5 points in his first two games back, Navin is showing no ill affects from the MCL injury that cost him the majority of his senior season.

-The WCHA early departures continue to mount and NCAA champion Minnesota-Duluth took two major blows this week as Mike Connolly signed a free agent deal with the San Jose Sharks and Justin Faulk signed with the Carolina Hurricanes who had drafted him in the second round. Connolly and Faulk are the fifth and sixth early departures for the WCHA this off-season.

-One team that has yet to be hit with departures but most definitely will is North Dakota. UND beat writer Brad Elliott Schlossman notes that defenseman Ben Blood (Ottawa), and forwards Jason Gregoire (New York Islanders) and Brett Hextall (Phoenix) are all being pursued by their respective NHL clubs.

-USCHO.com has been releasing their post season awards this week and named their All-USCHO teams today. Wisconsin junior defenseman Jake Gardiner was named to the first team and in an absolutely ridiculous decision Justin Schultz was only named to the second team.

-There is a ton of buzz on the interwebs today that Michigan assistant coach Mel Pearson will be named the head coach at Michigan Tech soon. I don't personally understand the move as many have speculated that Pearson would step in at Michigan when Red Berenson retires but I guess the allure of being the head man now was too much to pass up.

-Paul Capobianco from UWBadgers.com talks about the success former Badgers had the first two days of the NHL Playoffs. Capobiano notes former Badgers account for 14.8 percent of the goals, 20 percent of the first goals and 20 percent of the game-winning goals so far in the early going.

-Andy Baggot has a breakdown of all WCHA players or recruits listed in the top 200 players for the upcoming NHL by the Red Line Report. RLR ranks Michael Mersch (50), Joseph LaBate (64), and Frankie Simonelli (127). Eddie Wittchow, an emerging recruit from Burnsville who is said to favor the Badgers is ranked #72 according to Baggot.

-WAHA has released the names of the players that it has chosen to represent the state at the Central District tryouts. You can find the names of the 1994's, 1995's, 1996's, and 1997's at their respective links. The 94's, 95's, and 96's will tryout in Fond du Lac May 6-8 and the 97's in Ames, Iowa June 19-24.

-Gary Peterson from the Bay Area News Group has a fantastic article up about Joe Pavelski and his success in the playoffs for the San Jose Sharks. I'm not a big fan of using the word clutch when it comes to athletics but the Polish Prince sure seems to come up big in important spots. With championships in high school, junior, and college, it's only a matter of time before he's hoisting the cup with the Sharks.

-It looks like North Dakota will continue to use the Fighting Sioux nickname for another year. The UND Chancellor announced that they will renew merchandising licenses for another year and keep the nickname through 2012. The biggest issue next season may be that UND would have to use different jerseys during the NCAA tournament that don't have Fighting Sioux logo's.

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Skille, Smith, Gardiner to represent USA at IIHF Men's World Championships

2011-04-15T18:15:00.007-05:00

The United States squad that will compete in the 2011 IIHF Men's World Championships April 29 - May 15, in Kosice and Bratislava, Slovakia will have a major Wisconsin presence as two former Badgers (Jack Skille, Jake Gardiner) and one current member (Craig Smith) have been named to the roster.

Florida Panthers forward Jack Skille was named to the roster earlier in the week. The Madison native is no stranger to international competitions as he won a bronze medal with the United States World Junior team in 2007 and a gold medal with the USA U18 squad at the World Championships in 2005. A product of Verona high school and the United States National Team Development Program, Skille recorded 19 points in 62 games between the Chicago Blackhawks and after a mid-season trade, the Florida Panthers.

Looking for another puck moving defenseman that can skate, the United States added Toronto Marlies defenseman Jake Gardiner to the roster today. Gardiner recently finished up his junior season with the Wisconsin Badgers before signing a pro contract with Toronto. The Minnetonka, Minnesota native recorded 41 points in 41 games for the Badgers during his junior season and was named a second team All-American by the American Hockey Coaches Association. Gardiner won a gold medal for the United States during the 2010 World Junior Championships.

In somewhat of an eyebrow raising move, the team USA brass has also added current Wisconsin forward Craig Smith to the roster. The Madison native paced all Badger forwards in scoring this season with 43 points in 41 games including a team leading 19 goals. The Madison La Follette product is only one of two players not currently playing pro hockey to be named to the roster. Boston College forward Chris Kreider is the other. Smith represented his country in the World Junior A challenge in 2007 and 2008, winning a gold medal with the 08 squad when was named to the all tournament team.

Skille, Gardiner, and Smith will begin play on Saturday, April 30th when they kick off the tournament against Austria at 9:15 AM CST. The United States will also play Norway and Sweden in first round action.

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Team USA U18 World Championship Update

2011-04-15T17:02:00.007-05:00

2011 Wisconsin defense recruit Jake McCabe from Eau Claire has agreed to do a correspondence piece with us while he is in Crimmitschau, Germany representing the United States for the 2011 IIHF U18 World Championships. Jake will be updating us as the red, white, and blue chase their third straight U18 World Championship gold medal.

The Americans just kicked off the tournament yesterday with their first real game after going 1-1 in pre-tournament exhibition play. Jake was kind enough to check in after the American squad played Switzerland in their opener yesterday. Thanks again Jake.

Editors note: Jake actually sent this in yesterday after their game, I apologize for not posting it sooner.

Jake McCabe, Team USA U18, IIHF U18 World Championships 4/14/2011

"It wasn't pretty but we snuck by the Swiss with a 2-1 win tonight. We definitely had opening game jitters but we found a way to win. This whole year we've been told that the games here are going to be one goal hockey games and we need to find a way which we did tonight.

Once again we had way too many penalties and we weren't committed to our defensive play. When we showed up to the game and the Russians were playing the Slovaks the place was completely packed which was really cool to see. We didn't get quite the turn out they did but it's still good to see the popularity of hockey in Crimmitschau.

Tomorrow we play the Slovaks in the afternoon game and are looking to be much better. Coach is always preaching how the team that improves the most throughout the tournament is going to be the team to win it so that's our goal."

Team USA's Next Game: Friday vs Slovakia

Editors Note: Remember to check back often for updates from Jake. Also, FastHockey.com will be web casting all of Team USA's games while they are in Germany (for a small fee). Also, remember that McCabe isn't the only future Badger on the squad, 2012 forward recruit Nic Kerdiles is also on the roster.

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The Prince beats the Kings in OT

2011-04-15T16:16:00.006-05:00

Former Wisconsin forward Joe Pavelski has 21 points in his last 14 NHL games, and 18 points in his last 16 playoff games. Guy is an absolute machine right now.

NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Start Tonight

2011-04-13T09:36:00.014-05:00

After a grueling 82 game schedule, the time has finally arrived for put it all on the line for the next month in search of the Stanley Cup. I'm not here to debate which tournament is better but it's hard to find a tournament in sports better than the NHL's Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Eleven former Wisconsin Badgers are currently on the roster of NHL clubs who in search of that elusive opportunity to hoist the cup. Those 11 include three players off the 2010 Frozen Four squad in Derek Stepan and Ryan McDonagh with the New York Rangers and Blake Geoffrion with the Nashville Predators.

Other former Badgers in the NHL playoffs include Kyle Turris (Phoenix), Brad Winchester (Anaheim), Jake Dowell (Chicago), Davis Drewiske (L.A.), Dany Heatley and Joe Pavelski (San Jose), Ryan Suter (Nashville), and Brian Rafalski (Detroit). Additionally, Brendan Smith has been called up to Detroit to serve as a "Black Ace" for the playoffs which is basically just an additional practice body.

The following is a list of when former Badgers will be playing early in the first round.

Wednesday Playoff Schedule

6:00-Phoenix (Turris) at Detroit (Rafalski)-TV=Versus

6:30-New York (McDonagh, Stepan) at Washington-No TV

9:00-Chicago (Dowell) at Vancouver-TV=Versus

9:30-Nashville (Geoffrion, Suter) at Anaheim (Winchester)-No TV

Thursday Playoff Schedule

9:00-L.A. (Drewiske) at San Jose (Heatley, Pavelski)-No TV

Friday Playoff Schedule

6:30-New York (McDonagh, Stepan) at Washington-TV=Versus

9:00-Chicago (Dowell) at Vancouver-TV=Versus

9:30-Nashville (Geoffrion, Suter) at Anaheim (Winchester)-No TV

Saturday Playoff Schedule

Noon-Phoenix (Turris) at Detroit (Rafalski)-TV=NBC

9:00-L.A. (Drewiske) at San Jose (Pavelski, Heatley)-TV=Versus

Sunday Playoff Schedule

2:00-Washington at New York (McDonagh, Stepan)-TV=NBC

5:00-Anaheim (Winchester) at Nashville (Suter, Geoffrion)-No TV

7:00-Vancouver at Chicago (Dowell)-TV=Versus

Murray Mulling a Senior Return and other news

2011-04-13T09:10:00.000-05:00

Andy Baggot informs us today that Jordy Murray is currently weighing his options on returning for his senior season w/ the Badgers. Murray has the unique opportunity due to his status as a registered hockey player in Switzerland from when his father Andy was a coach there that he would not be considered an import player. Swiss teams are only allowed 4 imports. His brother Brady, a former Sioux player, currently plays in Switzerland as a non-import. Switzerland does not have any taxes (damn that must be nice), and teams pay well. As Baggot points out, likely more than anything Murray would get after his senior year from a NHL team.

60 had talked w/ both Murray’s (father and son) toward the end of the season, and Murray was then planning on returning to UW to finish his playing career and degree. The potential change in plans arose from the Swiss League considering changing their import rules this summer. A rule change could take away Murray’s ability to be considered a non-import player a year from now.

This is a tough spot for young Jordy Murray. I would certainly love to see him back in the Cardinal and White next season, but wish him well if he takes this lucrative deal if the import rules are going to change, taking away this option a year from now. Should Jordy return for his senior season, and Craig Smith and Justin Schultz stay on course for returning, UW would return their top three scorers.

Baggot also thinks should Murray leave early, the logical decision would be to bring in Brad Navin. I'm not sure I agree w/ this, true he is the only forward currently committed who COULD come in next season. Worry about this if Murray does leave.

In other news, Baggot reported yesterday that Burnsville (MN) senior defenseman Eddie Wittchow will visit UW in May (along w/ visits to minnesota and CC). Wittchow has good size, 6’3”, 185 lbs, and has vaulted up the scouting boards going from unranked in the mid-term NHL central scouting to #111 in the recent final rankings for the 2011 draft. RedLine Report has him at #72. Wittchow parents are both UW grads and he has been cheering for the Badgers his whole life. This is of course good news, but no guarantee. Wittchow mentions he would like to play NCAA hockey next season, but is open to a year of juniors. UW is currently full on the blue line w/ senior Eric Springer, juniors Justin Schultz and John Ramage, sophomores Frankie Simonelli and Joe Faust, redshirt freshman Chase Drake and incoming freshman Jake McCabe and Patrick Daly. We’ll have to see what happens, but this young man recognizes that Eaves sends elite dmen on to the pros, something CC and minnesota can’t match in numbers that last 6 years.

I should also note, Chuck broke this news (w/ out naming Wittchow) on USCHO a few days back already, and I don’t want him to think I’m not giving him credit for his news breaking ability.

Baggot also points out the RLR rankings of current and future Badgers: Winger Michael Mersch, who just finished his freshman season, is 50th (second round); center Joe Labate, a freshman committed for 2011-12, is 64th (third round); and defenseman Frankie Simonelli, who just completed his freshman season, is 127th (fifth round).

Lastly, Dplaya over at Hockey in Wisconsin, had a nice story about a few UW players helping out recently. The Little brothers (is the pun intended?) along w/ Jefferson Dahl spent some time in Fond du Lac helping out at the Mite Cross-Ice Tournament taking young players through drills and signing a bunch of autographs. Dahl also helped out w/ the CCM Minnesota NIT tryouts in Tomah. Great work guys! From mites to high schoolers, you are role models and apparently making a very positive impression.

pictures from collegehockeynews.com and mnhockeyhub.com

McCabe World Championship Update

2011-04-12T03:21:00.005-05:00

2011 Wisconsin defense recruit Jake McCabe from Eau Claire has agreed to do a correspondence piece with us while he is in Crimmitschau, Germany representing the United States for the 2011 IIHF U18 World Championships. Jake will be updating us as the red, white, and blue chase their third straight U18 World Championship gold medal.

The Americans just wrapped up their pre-tournament exhibition portion of their schedule on Monday. Jake was kind enough to check in after the American squad played Finland in their final exhibition game. Thanks again Jake.

Jake McCabe, Team USA U18, IIHF U18 World Championships 4/12/2011

"Well we finally got that W we needed with a 4-2 win over the Fins last night. We've played them a few times over the past two years and they had some different guys and definitely were the best they've been. They scored their 2nd goal with about a minute left with an extra attacker and we had our 4th with one second left in the game.

We definitely played better today than against Canada but still had way too many penalties. We have an off day today and are going to do some bowling and have dinner in town. Tomorrow we go back to work with practice and getting ready to open up the tournament on Thursday against the Swiss."

Team USA's Next Game: Thursday vs Switzerland 12:30 PM CST

Editors Note: Remember to check back often for updates from Jake. Also, FastHockey.com will be web casting all of Team USA's games while they are in Germany (for a small fee). Also, remember that McCabe isn't the only future Badger on the squad, 2012 forward recruit Nic Kerdiles is also on the roster.

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NHL Central Scouting Final Ranking

2011-04-11T18:35:00.006-05:00

NHL Central Scouting, an absolutely excellent source when it comes to ranking players for The NHL Draft has released it's final rankings for the 2011 draft. Central scouting releases four lists, one each for North American skaters and goalies, and the same for Euorpean skaters and goalies.

Three future Badgers and two current members were featured in this edition by CS. Although in the case for three out of the five, their rankings dropped since Central Scouting released their mid-terms in early January.

2011 forward recruit Joseph LaBate from the Academy of Holy Angels in the twin cities leads the charge at #51 overall. That's up from #60 at the mid-terms. Next is current Badger winger Michael Mersch at #83. Mersch was #63 at the mid-terms. After that is 2011 forward recruit Brendan woods at #147, up 9 spots. Badger defenseman Frankie Simonelli checks in at #154, down from #92 at the mid-term. And finally 2012 or 13 forward recruit Brad Navin from Waupaca rounds out the list of Badgers at #163, down from #150 at the mid-terms due to a knee injury.

Badgers on NHL Central Scouting
#51-Joseph LaBate-Academy of Holy Angels (2011 recruit)
#83-Michael Mersch-Wisconsin
#147-Brendan Woods-Muskegon Lumberjacks (2011 recruit)
#154-Frankie Simonelli-Wisconsin
#163-Brad Navin-Waupaca (2012 or 13 recruit)

Wisconsin natives on NHL Central Scouting
#134-Aaron Harstad-Stavens Point (Colorado College)
#159-Max McCormick-DePere (Ohio State)
#163-Brad Navin-Waupaca

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Congrats to Duluth!

2011-04-11T14:13:00.000-05:00

For the first time since 1993, NCAA Hockey has a “new” Champion, and by “new” I mean the NCAA will have to raise a brand new school banner in Tampa Bay next year, adding Minnesota Duluth to the rafters. Maine was the most recent first time champion 18 years ago. I think a new champion is healthy for any sport.

In my Frozen Four experience, I’m two for two in great championship games and endings in person. I was surprised and impressed that 19,000+ filled the X on Saturday night for the game. I was a little worried Sioux Nation would pack up the wagon and ready the horses for the long trip back to North Dakota, but for the most part they returned in force or sold their tickets to Duluth and Michigan fans. Needless to say, the crowd was very much behind the Bulldogs all evening.

All in all, it was one hell of a game. Michigan came out strong, and when they went up 1-0, I was worried they might overpower Duluth, but then the penalty parade started, Duluth surged in the 2nd, and what better for the non-involved fan, but a 2-2 game heading into the 3rd period. Hockey is a great sport, where neither team scores in a period and it still holds your attention every second of the way, and the 3rd period qualified. OT was short, but dominated by Duluth; it was their time to win. I was completely behind Duluth from the start, and was quite happy when Kyle Schmidt scored and the mayhem on the ice began.

JT Brown was outstanding, he was getting the crap beat out of him all game by Michigan, but kept coming. It has been several seasons since I had a player on another WCHA team I actually liked (Tyler Bozak w/ Denver), but Brown and teammate Justin Faulk might fill that void. Shawn Hunwick deserves credit for a great Frozen Four, he was the difference for Michigan against both North Dakota and Duluth.

I wonder, w/ the Championship in hand, if the Connolly’s will bolt for pro contracts. Should they return, and Brown doesn’t get an offer he can’t refuse, Duluth should be a contender for the MacNaughton once again next season.

I think Michigan gained a lot of additional people who now despise them. Their fan base is arrogant and very poor at dressing themselves. Seriously, “wolverine” stripes on the shoulders of a yellow shirt? Their band is pathetic, six notes and one song, and they call themselves a D-I college band? The Sioux fan sitting next to me turned to me halfway through the first period and said, “I have just found a team I hate almost as much as the gophers.” Well said.

My jersey count was at least 40. I saw all but one Hockey East jersey, the entire WCHA, all but two CCHA teams represented, and probably 10 from the ECAC and AHA. It’s fun talking to fans from other schools, most are friendly and good natured, and there are a lot of people who have been visiting the Frozen Four for well over a decade, which I think is impressive. The tailgate I attended on Saturday, had UNO fans, DU fans, BC fans, a Michigan State fan, along w/ a strong showing from the Buckyville message board.

To the Duluth fan who said to me, “Hey is where your team” which I replied, “Hey where are your Championships” congrats, but you still have some work to do to catch up to the big boys. The casual Duluth or Michigan fan couldn’t understand that fans of dozens of teams attend the Frozen Four in any given year, we love our team, but we love College Hockey too.

I'm looking forward to Tampa Bay next year, will make a nice vacation, and hopefully there will be some Badgers on the ice to enhance the experience. The puck drops for the 2011/12 season in 180 days.

Jake McCabe checks in from Germany

2011-04-09T15:41:00.005-05:00

2011 Wisconsin defensive recruit Jake McCabe has agreed to do a correspondence piece with us daily while he is in Germany for the IIHF U18 World Championships. Jake will be updating us as they go through the tournament when he gets some free time.

Right now the Americans are in the pre-tournament exhibition portion of their schedule. Jake was kind enough to check in after the American squad played Canada in their first exhibition game. Thanks again Jake.

Jake McCabe, Team USA U18, IIHF U18 World Championships 4/09/2011

"Hey guys, we got all settled in to Crimmitschau around noon on Thursday and we've been really happy with the accommodations we've gotten. The hotel and food has probably been the best we've had in our 2 years with the program which will make the 2 and a half weeks much easier.

We had our first exhibition match up against Canada today and lost 2-1. It was in Dresden which is about an hour away from where we're staying. It was tied up 1-1 after two and they took the lead in the 3rd with a PP goal. We played good but had too many penalties which ended up costing us.

We have another exhibition game on Monday against the Fins who have given us tough games all year. This loss is our 5th in a row so that's a big game for us to go into the tournament with confidence."

Team USA's Next Game: Monday vs Finland 12:30 PM CST (Exhibition)

Editors Note: Remember to check back for daily updates from Jake. Also, FastHockey.com will be web casting all of Team USA's games while they are in Germany (for a small fee). Also, remember that McCabe isn't the only future Badger on the squad, 2012 forward recruit Nic Kerdiles is also on the roster.

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Caption This: NoDak fan fights back.

2011-04-08T23:34:00.005-05:00

Classless d-bags. Every fanbase has them. Even the awesome ones.

It shouldn't give me much delight to see one such fan of a rival team expose himself as a giant jerkwad and a sore loser on national TV while sticking his ass in his wife's (or girlfriend's? or cousin's?) face. Yet it does. Is it because I'm simply sad and bitter over the Badgers missing the NCAAs this year? Is it because I'm so bitter and vindictive that I find joy in the sorrows of my rivals, even when they have a much better season than my own team?

Or is it because this is probably a good time to revive the No Alibis caption contest?

Have at it. Winner gets 100 Schrute Bucks.

Gardiner, Schultz Named All-Americans

2011-04-08T17:40:00.009-05:00

Thirty-Five former Wisconsin men's hockey players carry the honor of being named an All-American during their time in Madison. Friday it was announced that Justin Schultz (First Team) and Jake Gardiner (Second Team) would become the 36th and 37th members of that group as they were named to the American Hockey Coaches Association West All-American team.

Schultz, a sophomore defenseman led all blueliners in scoring this season with 47 points in 41 games for the Badgers. The West Kelowna, British Columbia natives 18 goals this season were the most for a blueliner since the 2002-2003 season. Schultz, who has already announced his intentions to return to the Badgers for another season becomes the 26th First Team All-American for UW. He's the 12th defenseman in Wisconsin history to be named to the First Team.

Gardiner, a junior defenseman had another strong season for the Badgers. His 41 points in 41 games this season was second to only teammate and defensive partner Justin Schultz among all blueliners. The Minnetonka, Minnesota native was once again one of the Badgers best in his own end. Gardiner was second on the club, and led all Badger blueliners in plus/minus with a +22 rating this season and +50 for his career. Gardiner recently signed a contract with the NHL's Toronto Maple Leafs, forgoing his final season of eligibility at Wisconsin.

AHCA First Team West All-America

F-Matt Frattin-North Dakota
F-Jack Connolly-Minnesota Duluth
F-Andy Miele-Miami
D-Justin Schultz-Wisconsin
D-Chay Genoway-North Dakota
G-Pat Nagle-Ferris State

AHCA Second Team West All-America

F-Mike Connolly-Minnesota Duluth
F-Carl Hagelin-Michigan
F-Carter Camper-Miami
D-Jake Gardiner-Wisconsin
D-Zach Redmond-Ferris State
G-Aaron Dell-North Dakota

University of Wisconsin All-Americans (First team unless noted)
John Jagger-1970
Jeff Rotsch-1972
Brian Engblom-1975
Craig Norwich-1976, 1977
Julian Baretta-1977
Mike Eaves-1977, 1978
Mark Johnson-1978, 1979
Theren Welsch-1980
Roy Schultz-1980
Bruce Driver-1982
John Newberry-1982
Patrick Flatley-1983
Tony Granato-1985 (2nd), 1987 (2nd)
Tim Thomas-1985 (2nd)
Paul Ranheim-1988
Paul Stanton-1988
Dean Anderson-1988 (2nd)
Steve Tuttle-1988 (2nd)
Curtis Joseph-1989 (2nd)
Gary Shuchuk-1990
Sean Hill-1991 (2nd)
Duane Derksen-1992 (2nd)
Barry Richter-1993
Brian Rafalski-1995
Kirk Daubenspeck-1997 (2nd)
Jeff Dessner-2000
Steve Reinprecht-2000
Dany Heatley-2000 (2nd), 2001
Bernd Bruckler-2004
Brian Elliott-2006
Joe Pavelski-2006 (2nd)
Tom Gilbert-2006 (2nd)
Jamie McBain-2009
Brendan Smith-2010
Blake Geoffrion-2010
Jake Gardiner-2011 (2nd)
Justin Schultz-2011

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Can Duluth win their first NC?

2011-04-08T12:16:00.000-05:00

Hello from the Twin Cities metro area. Yesterday was an exciting day of hockey at the Xcel Energy Center, not to mention some enjoyable beer drinking before the game.

In the first game, Minnesota-Duluth took on Notre Dame. Before I could even get into my seat, I watched Notre Dame score a soft goal on Duluth's Reiter, less than a minute into play, by WI kid Jeff Costello. Duluth didn't take long to answer back on their first PP. Notre Dame reclaimed the lead about half way through the 1st, which was quickly answered by Duluth. The Bulldogs added another PP goal later in the 1st to head to intermission up 3-2. The craziness didn't carry over far into the 2nd, Duluth scored their 3rd PP goal early, and controlled play much of the period, but the game settled down. Notre Dame scored early in the 3rd, and controlled play for long portions of the final period, making a strong push at the end, but Duluth held on and heads to their 2nd Championship game. Final score 4-3. Neither goalie was partically impressive, but Reiter did enough to win after he settled down from a rough start. Notre Dame spent too much time in the penalty box, which allowed Duluth's high powered PP to take advantage and was the difference in the game.

You notice a lot of things when your team isn't playing and you are keying on them and not the opponent. Duluth has some nice young players. I was very impressed by JT Brown and Justin Faulk. Should the Connolly's leave for pro contract tomorrow night, Duluth still has some young studs to grow on next year. If the Connolly's return, Duluth is going to be strong in the WCHA again next season.

In the second semi-final, the Fighting Sioux took on the One Song Band from Michigan. The X was filled to the brim w/ green jersey/shirts/sweatshirts. Of the 19,000+ in attendence, I'm guessing half were Sioux fans, a strong and loud showing, though they didn't have much to cheer about after the puck dropped. North Dakota came out flat, it was like watching the Badgers at the end of the season. Passes were off by just a little bit, decision making wasn't sharp, and when they had a PP it took most of the 2 minutes to get organized. A little over half way through the first period, Michigan scored, what would eventually be the game winner, on one of those plays where (after watching enough hockey games) you just knew something bad was going to happen for the defense. North Dakota controlled play much of the 2nd and 3rd periods, and have a nice run late in the 2nd where they had several nices chances, but to no avail. As the 3rd period waned, the One Song Band clamped down on defense and employed the trap, which really stymied North Dakota. They again worked hard for some nice looks, but in the end, Hakstol pulled Dell and Michigan filled the open net to win 2-0.

The Sioux fans cleared out in droves after the ENG, and I have to wonder how many of them will stick around for saturday's championship game or head back for the hills. I expect a stronger showing from Sioux fans than gophers fans had the same thing happened to their team. The "state of hockey" indeed. There should be a lot of tickets available for Duluth fans looking to fill the X.

I was hoping for an all WCHA final, but to no avail, but I still have a team to cheer for. Duluth will have my backing tomorrow night, as they get a great opportunity to add their name to the list of National Champions for the first time. Michigan goes for the 10th NC, but only their 3rd in the modern era. I can find no reason to cheer for fans who wear t-shirts w/ wolverine "stripes" on their shoulders (think their stupid helmets on a yellow t-shirt).

Based on the semi-finals, these are my keys to the game. Duluth has to use their high powered 1st unit and PP when the advantage is theirs, it was the key to their win against Notre Dame. Reiter needs to again play well enough for Duluth to win. Personally, I thought he was pretty sieve like last night too often for a Championship team, but tomorrow is a new night. For Michigan, they need to stay out of the box, putting Duluth's PP on the ice, and they need to use their big bodies to their advantage. Michigan is a big strong team. After too good games last night, hopefully tomorrow's game is close to as good as the NC game in DC two years, which was a classic.

I'm seen at least 30 schools respected already, going to do some more jersey watching when I get to the X tomorrow.

Tonight the Hobey Baker is handed out. If Justin Schultz was a hat trick finalist, I'd pay the $13 and go, but this isn't worth my time. Not sure who will win, but Matt Frattin had a great season and 36 goals is nothing to laugh at. Cam Atkinson and Andy Mielle are both nice players too. No clear cut winner, no Blake Geoffrion type greatest (and shitty looking, though awesome mustache) for the stage this year.

I hear rumors of a Badger tailgate at the Bandana Best Western tomorrow.

Is Eric Rud Tech's New Leading Man?

2011-04-06T16:27:00.016-05:00

When Michigan Tech head coach Jamie Russell "stepped down" shortly after the Huskies season ended in mid-March, the speculation as to who had big enough balls to take the job was underway.

I mean let's be honest, besides being in the WCHA there isn't a lot going for Tech right now. Under Russell the Huskies were 70-197-37 in eight seasons. I'm no mathematician but that's a little more than 8 wins a season. Considering only one school that made the NCAA tournament this season had less than 20 wins (Western Michigan, 19), it's safe to say that the Huskies haven't been close to sniffing the NCAA tournament in a decade.

A lot of the names being thrown around are pipe dreams. Cary Eades (North Dakota Assistant), Steve Miller (Denver Assistant) and Mel Pearson (Michigan Assistant) aren't leaving three of the top programs in the country even to be the head man at Tech.

The name that keeps coming to the top of discussions is Green Bay Gamblers (USHL) head coach Eric Rud. Formerly an assistant coach at St. Cloud State and before that Colorado College, Rud is currently in his first season with the Gamblers and has guided Green Bay to the second best record currently in the Eastern Conference with a 39-15-4 record. The Gamblers 82 points this season is tied for the second most in the entire league.

Sources that have unbelievable track records of truth in the past have indicated to me that Rud is Tech's man. Secondary sources have said the same. However, I have not been able to confirm this with someone that I feel is close enough to the situation to report it as a done deal yet so keep that in mind. But it certainly seems like a situation where if there is smoke, there is fire.

The Gamblers wrap up their regular season this weekend when they are on the road at Waterloo and Des Moines. Teams with an announcement like this usually like to have a press conference when they bring the coach in and the whole 9 yards. With Green Bay set to start the USHL playoffs soon, an official announcement could be weeks away.

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On to the Frozen Four

2011-04-06T09:06:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow morning, I’m headed to my second Frozen Four. Two years ago, a friend and I made the trip to Washington DC for what turned out to be some great hockey, despite the Badgers not being in attendance. Two years later, I’m still a little shocked that Boston U scored two goals w/ less than a minute to play in regulation and then had the fluke knuckle ball over the shoulder goal to win in OT. While the Badgers were playing for #7 last year, due to work demands and the games being played in a football stadium, I didn’t make the trip. W/ the Frozen Four so close this year, couldn’t pass up the opportunity. It sure will be warm in Tampa Bay this time next year when the Frozen Four visits there.

One of my favorite parts of the Frozen Four in DC was the wide spectrum of fan bases in attendance. Of the 58 DI schools, I’m guessing 2/3 of them had someone w/ their jersey on in attendance. It’s just not an event for the schools competing for the National Championship, but for all those who love College Hockey. I think I even saw a Colorado College jersey, I didn’t know they had fans. There will be a lot of Badgers in the crowd this weekend, and while Bucky won’t be on the ice, I think there is still plenty to cheer about.

Love them or hate them, two long time WCHA foes are alive on opposite sides of the bracket. Neither of them have easy games, but an all WCHA final is a real possibility, and being at the Xcel Energy Center, in St Paul, in the heart of current WCHA country will made for one rocking arena this weekend.

Generally, I hate North Dakota. They have players I despise like Brett Hextall, but it will be pretty easy for me to cheer for them tomorrow afternoon when they face off against Michigan. I’m not a big proponent of Big 10 hockey, and I’m not looking forward to the day when Michigan replaces North Dakota on the conference schedule. To me this matchup is one of two of the most underachieving teams in NCAA hockey (in regards to national championships) over the last decade. Every year both North Dakota and Michigan load up on the top recruits. North Dakota from anywhere and everywhere (I have to give Hasktol credit, because what 18 to 20 year old wants to come to Grand Forks?), and Michigan getting regular commitments from the NTDP, which regularly features the best US born talent in the country. Every year North Dakota and Michigan are fighting for their respective conference championships and high in the rankings. They have combined for 12 Frozen Fours since 2001, counting this season. North Dakota’s bane has been drunken land mower throwing and elevator incidents, and Hockey East schools, especially Boston College. Luckily, CC knocked BC out of the tourney right away. Michigan might lead in National Championships, but have only won a few of those in the modern era, and I’m sick of hearing about how great their program is because of trophies so dusty you can’t tell if it is for hockey or NCAA bowling. Wow six of those titles between 1948 and 1956, will anyone at the Frozen Four other than Red Berenson be old enough to remember those titles? My loyalties lie w/ the WCHA and I will be cheering for the team that hates the gophers almost as much as the Badgers do from North Dakota.

The other semi-final is the anti-thesis when talking about national championship tradition. Notre Dame is making their second Frozen Four after falling short of their first title against Boston College back in 2008 in Denver. Duluth has been to the Frozen Four three previous times, losing to Bowling Green in 1984 in the championship game. The 80s were a crazy time if Bowling Green and Lake State were good teams. Again, I’ll be cheering for UW’s WCHA foe Minnesota-Duluth in this matchup. Admittedly, they have an exciting team w/ a great 1st line and PP, and if they get hot and Reiter can play well in net again this weekend, they might win their first National Championship. FINALLY they will have a banner worthy of raising in the new DECC instead of all those 5th place WCHA banners, and illegally begotten Women’s Championships by their counterpart the Duluth Foreign Legion. Plus I hate Notre Dame in virtually every sport. Overall, is any other school as pompous as the Fighting Irish (other than the gophers)? Maybe my strong disdain carries over from football, but it will be easy to cheer for Duluth tomorrow night.

Based on a little banter I’ve seen, I think the Badger fans in attendance will be cheering for Duluth to bring home their first National Championship. I’m probably hovering near that bandwagon. Overall, I just want to watch some good hockey like I did in Washington DC and would prefer an all WCHA championship game. The Xcel Energy Center is the best hockey facility I’ve ever been in, truly one place where there might not be a bad seat in the house. I sat on the top row for the 2009 Final Five and still felt like I was sitting right on top the ice. Minnesota as a state doesn’t do much worth applauding, but the X deserves high regard.

Two last comments, for Badger fans watching the games at home, I’m truly sorry you will have to listen to Barry Melrose. I don’t doubt his hockey knowledge, but ESPN ignores college hockey (especially non-east coast hockey) all year long, then Melrose shows up and pretends to be a College Hockey expert for three days while he mispronounces half the names and generally sounds like a moron. I won’t miss that, nor will I miss the wanton panhandling while walking around Washington DC (I can get that on State Street), but the trade off is that there really isn’t much to do and see in St Paul, at least not for me. Friday in DC was fun day of sightseeing, but this is minnesota’s capital in early April we are talking about here; I’m sure there will be beer somewhere though.
Go WCHA!

Next Years Tentative Schedule

2011-04-04T19:29:00.005-05:00

It's never too early to start thinking about next season so we might as well start with who Wisconsin is going to be playing. With 12 teams in the current WCHA, the league has adopted these pods for scheduling purposes. Next year in league play the Badgers will play every team one series, and they will play two series with North Dakota, Minnesota, and St. Cloud State, obviously one on the road and one at the Kohl Center.

Since this is only the second season of this format, I'm not 100% sure how the rest of the league schedule will work. I'm assuming most likely if UW played a team at home like Bemidji State, they will play them on the road next year. And a team like Denver that Wisconsin traveled to this season will come to the Kohl. The Badgers scheduling pod last year included Michigan Tech and Minnesota-Duluth, so the assumption would be playing one of them at home, and the other on the road.

According to Andy Baggot Wisconsin's non conference schedule next season includes (all home) series with Northern Michigan, RIT, and Mercyhurst. They will kick off the season with Northern Michigan, Mercyhurst will be in town over Thanksgiving (no more college hockey showcase), and the Badgers will get RIT over winter break.

UPDATE-I've been told this is the current tentative schedule for next season.

Oct. 7-8 – vs. Northern Michigan
Oct. 14-15 @ Michigan Tech
Oct. 21-22 – vs. North Dakota
Oct. 28-29 – vs. Nebraska Omaha
Nov. 4-5 – @ St. Cloud State
Nov. 11-12 – vs. Minnesota
Nov. 18-19 – @ Colorado College
Nov. 25-26 – vs. Mercyhurst
Dec. 2-3 – vs. RIT
Dec. 9-10 – vs. Minnesota-Duluth
Jan. 13-14 – @ Minnesota State
Jan. 20-21 – vs. Anchorage
Jan. 27-28 – @ North Dakota
Feb. 3-4 – vs. St. Cloud State
Feb. 17-18 – vs. Denver
Feb. 24-25 – @ Bemidji State
March 2-3 – @ Minnesota

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Schultz honored by CHN, INCH

2011-04-04T14:45:00.007-05:00

Wisconsin sophomore defenseman Justin Schultz continues to add highlights to his hockey resume. Already named to the All-WCHA First team this year as well as the the honored by the league as it's Defenseman of the of the Year, it was announced Friday that Schultz was named the Inside College Hockey Defenseman of the Year. Boston College defenseman Brian Dumoulin was the runner up.

Schultz led the Badgers in scoring this season becoming only the 6th UW defenseman ever to do so. He led the entire country in scoring from the blueline this season with 47 points in 41 games. His 18 goals were the most in college hockey for a defenseman since the 2002-2003 season.

In addition to his honor from INCH, Schultz was named to the College Hockey News "First-Team" which honors the best players in the country. Other members of the first team were forwards Matt Frattin from UND, Andy Miele from Miami, and Cam Atkinson from Boston College to go along with defensman Brian Dumoulin from Boston College and goalie Aaron Dell from UND.

A second round draft selection by the Anaheim Ducks in 2008, Schultz has been up front with the coaches and the media his plans to return to Madison for his junior season. The West Kelowna, British Columbia native will undoubtedly be on the short list of favorites for next seasons Hobey Baker Award.

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Street Named ECHL Rookie of the Year

2011-04-04T13:54:00.004-05:00

The accolades continue to pour in for the University of Wisconsin program as former Badger captain Ben Street has been named the 2011 CCM ECHL Rookie of the Year.

According to the release, "The award is presented annually to the player selected as the most proficient in his first year of competition in the ECHL as voted by the coaches of the ECHL teams. The trophy was named in honor of John A. Daley in 1997. Daley, who passed away in 1996, was one of the founding fathers of the ECHL, serving as general manger and minority owner of the Johnstown Chiefs from the inception of the team in 1988 until 1994."

Street appeared in two NCAA title games while playing for Wisconsin, winning a ring as a part of the 2006 championship squad. Street spent 5 years at Wisconsin, taking a medical red-shirt during the 08-09 season after tearing his ACL 4 games into the season. Street finished his Badger career with 93 points.

The Coquitlam, British Columbia native recorded 24 goals and 27 assists for 51 points in only 38 for the Wheeling Nailers in the ECHL this season before being called up to the American Hockey League with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguin where he registered 21 points in 33 games.

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Has The WCHA Changed Its Recruiting?

2011-04-01T10:06:00.010-05:00

In reviewing Wisconsin's current committed recruits recently it's been noteworthy that the Badgers do not have a player currently committed past 2012. Defenseman Tim Davison from Notre Dame Academy and Brad Navin from Waupaca are 2012 or 2013 depending on development and departures but they are juniors (Davison) and seniors (Navin) in high school.

Since Eaves has taken over the Wisconsin program it's become the norm for him to stockpile some early commits. Guys like Jack Skille, Kyle Turris, Nick Pryor, Brock Montpetit, Jordan Schmaltz, Corbin McGuire, Nicolas Kerdiles, and Morgan Zulinick all committed as high school Sophomores or earlier in some cases.

But as you can see from that list, the early commit isn't all it's cracked up to be. Skille probably turned out the best with two solid years. Turris was good but was only here for a season. Pryor never could get into school. Montpetit refused to sign his LOI when it was sent to him. And Schmaltz de-committed after Badger assistant coach Mark Osiecki left for the Ohio State head coaching job. McGuire, Zulinick, and Kerdiles are all 2012 recruits who still have time to write their own chapter.

In the past the idea of not recruiting players until they are a senior in high school has been discussed but quickly dismissed with the consistent threat of the best players spurning NCAA hockey for Major Juniors. But it almost seems like the WCHA coaches are taking a new approach to recruiting young talent.

A quick view of Chris Heisenberg's recruiting website shows among all WCHA programs, only 6 high school sophomores or younger committed to WCHA schools. Denver, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and North Dakota, who are traditionally among the heavyweights when it comes to recruiting in the league have only two combined, with North Dakota receiving a commitment from North Carolina defenseman Charlie Pelnik and Denver a verbal from Lincoln Stars forward Brad Hawkinson. UMD (2), Colorado College, and Bemidji State are the other WCHA schools to have an early commit.

But the trend doesn't continue when you look around the country. Let's take a peek at Hockey East. Boston College has 5 by themselves! Boston University has 2, Maine has 3, Merrimack has 1, UNH has 2, Northeastern has 3, and Vermont has 1. That's 17 players committed as sophomores or freshmen compared to the WCHA's 6.

In the CCHA Bowling Green has 1, Miami has 3, Michigan, like BC has 5! Michigan State has 1, and Northern Michigan has 1. So in the three major conferences, Hockey East has 17, CCHA 11, and the WCHA 6.

Does this mean anything? Hard to say, but I think this might be a conscious effort on the part of WCHA coaches who have been burned in the past on early commitments. It will be interesting to see if the trend continues.

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Thursday Night News and Notes

2011-03-31T16:52:00.006-05:00

-Former Badger Brendan Smith (pictured), who is having an outstanding first season as a professional has been named to the AHL All-Rookie team. A former first round draft selection of the Detroit Red Wings, Smith has recorded 32 points in 57 games from the blueline for the Grand Rapids Griffins. With only four defensemen currently under contract for next season for Detroit, I would be surprised if Smith is not a regular in Mo-Town next fall.

-Two other members of last seasons Frozen Four Wisconsin squad were also recently honored. Andy Bohmbach of the Toledo Walleye and Ben Street from the Wheeling Nailers were both named to the ECHL All-Rookie team. Bohmbach leads all ECHL rookies in points with 68. Street is fifth amogst rookies with 51 points despite only playing 38 games. Street was called up to the AHL's Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins on February 3rd.

-Wisconsin head coach Mike Eaves recently met with all the players on the roster for post season evaluations and sophomore's Justin Schultz and Craig Smith reiterated their plans to stay in Madison and play at least one more season for the Badgers. The biggest concern at this point right now is junior forward Jordy Murray who is still weighing his options of leaving to play pro hockey overseas next season.

-The New York Rangers blog "Blueshirt Banter" has a fantastic article up about former Wisconsin defenseman Ryan McDonagh who is making waves in the big apple. The article hits on what McDonagh brings to the team with his maturity, which is rare for a 21 year old playing in the NHL.

-Another link courtesy of the Wisconsin Men's Hockey facebook page...Andrew Joudrey, a member of the 2006 Wisconsin National Championship team has been named Hershey's "Man of the Year." Joudrey, a forward for the AHL's Hershey Bears is being honored for his outstanding work in the Hershey community this season. Read the article, they have some very, very kind words for Mr. Joudrey. Makes you proud that he was a Badger.

-Justin Schultz, who had been named a top 10 finalist for the 2011 Hobey Baker Memorial Award did not advance to the next round. The top 10 were narrowed to 3 as the Hobey Hat Trick was announced yesterday. North Dakota forward Matt Frattin, Miami Forward Andy Meile, and Boston College forward Cam Atkinson are your finalists.

-Denver University was the latest WCHA school to lose an underclassmen to the NHL this off-season. Sophomore defenseman Matt Donovan signed an entry level contract with the New York Islanders this week. The former 4th round NHL draft pick was a second team All-WCHA defenseman this season. Donovan is the fourth WCHA underclassmen to sign, he joins Wisconsin's Jake Gardiner, Minnesota's Aaron Ness, and St. Cloud's Oliver Lauridsen.

-Odds have been released for the 2011 Frozen Four. According to Bodog.com, North Dakota is the favorite to win the title at even money, Michigan is a +275, Minnesota-Duluth is a +375, and Notre Dame is +425.

-Yesterday when I was talking about the U18 World Championships I shared with you Chris Peters from the United States of Hockey blog's view on Nic Kerdiles. Today he profiled the defensmen including 2011 Wisconsin recruit Jake McCabe. It's a good read and an outstanding blog.

-Believe it or not, Wisconsin assistant coach Gary Shuchuk is now on twitter. Follow him @gshuchuk. Additionally, Craig Smith (@Csmith1515), Chase Drake (@1Cdrake5), Frankie Simonelli (@FSimonelli27), and Jefferson Dahl (@JDahl14) are now on twitter. 2011 goalie recruit Joel Rumpel (@Rumpz91), and 2012 forward recruit Morgan Zulinick (@mzuli15) are also now in the twit game.

Current players Eric Sprigner (@eSprings4), Mark Zengerle (@Zengerle9), and Justin Schultz (@6Schultz6), as well as former players Scott Gudmandson (@ScottGudmandson), John Mitchell (@JohnMitchell24), Sean Dolan (@SeanDolan16), Michael Davies (@MikeGDavies), Ryan Jeffery (@RyanCJeffery), Shane Connelly (@ShaneConnelly), Brett Bennett (@BjBennett88), Zach Bearson (@zbearson), Blake Geoffrion (@BlakeGeoffrion), Brad Winchester (@bradwinchester), Kyle Turris (@kyleturris), Joe Piskula (@skoolz43), Jake Gardiner (@jGardiner272), Cody Goloubef (@cgoloubef27), Brendan Smith (@bssmith7), and Sean Hill (@seanrhill) have been on twitter for a while.

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McCabe to blog for 60 Minutes in Germany

2011-03-30T23:12:00.006-05:00

With great pleasure I'm pleased to announce that Wisconsin recruit Jake McCabe, who Wednesday afternoon was named to the United States Under 18 team that will participate in the U18 World Championships in Germany April 14-24th has agreed to blog for us while he's overseas.

McCabe will be giving us a brief daily update on how the team is doing, what they are doing, and some different insights that you can't get from simply following the box score from the IIHF website.

The 17 year old defenseman from Eau Claire, Wisconsin will be the third Badger recruit to blog for us while participating in the U18 World Championships. Two seasons ago, current Badger sophomore defenseman John Ramage gave us daily updates on their way to a gold medal in Fargo, North Dakota. Three seasons ago former recruit Nick Pryor did the same from Russia.

After a standout freshman season at Eau Claire Memorial high school, McCabe made the move to Ann Arbor to join the National Team Development Program. Currently a member of the U18 NTDP squad, McCabe has been a top defenseman for that club since returning from injury earlier in the season.

Over the past two years McCabe has been accelerating his studies to graduate high school in three years so he can join the Badgers next fall. Current Wisconsin freshman Michael Mersch, another graduate of the NTDP program in Ann Arbor did the same.

Team USA is expected to go overseas about a week before the tournament is set to begin so Jake may begin giving updates as soon as April 6th so continue to check here often for what's going on with the best under 18 players our great country has to offer.

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Has Eaves Turned UW Into NHL-University?

2011-03-30T19:46:00.006-05:00

I've been joking around with the term NHL-University in reference to Wisconsin for a while now, using it as a thread title on the USCHO boards, and using it as a twitter hash tag whenever a former Badger has a big night in the NHL. But is the term really that far from the truth?

This season alone, 20 former Badgers have played in the National Hockey League, including 17 who are currently on an NHL roster. Think about that for a second, only 20 players suit up for an NHL roster per night. The Badgers could have their own NHL team this season. As always, don't forget to check BetUS’ hockey lines, the #1 place online for all your NHL wagering needs.

Obviously other NCAA squads have been putting people in the NHL but the run that Wisconsin head coach Mike Eaves and the Badgers are on is nothing short of impressive. Fifteen of those twenty players in the NHL this season played for Mike Eaves at Wisconsin. Off last seasons roster alone, Wisconsin has put three players into the show who have made significant contributions.

Derek Stepan out of Hastings, Minnesota shocked many when he decided to sign with the New York Rangers this summer after his sophomore season in Madison. Checking out the rookie leaders on NHL.com, the young forward has put himself in the discussion for rookie of the year with his 41 points in 77 games which is good for sixth in the NHL amongst all rookies.

Getting the call to the NHL after half a season in the American League, Ryan McDonagh has had a seamless transition to the big apple. The Rangers rookie blueliner is playing in a top 4 role and is an amazing +17 in only 35 games this season.

The third player off last seasons Badger squad who has drawn attention in the NHL this season has been Blake Geoffrion. The 2010 Hobey Baker Award winner has 6 goals and 7 points in just 15 games for Nashville this season.

But those three aren't the only players that have played on the worlds biggest stage after studying with Mike Eaves in Madison. Guys like Joe Pavelski, Ryan Suter, Tom Gilbert, and Rene Bourque have all become stars in the NHL after their careers in Madison. Young guys like Jamie McBain, Kyle Turris, and Jack Skille all possess the ability to join the previous four I mentioned in that star class.

But it's not just the stars that Eaves is developing in Mad-Town. He's taught guys like Adam Burrish, Jake Dowell, Davis Drewiske, and to a lesser extent Brian Elliott and Robbie Earl what it takes to make it at the NHL level without All-World ability.

The next wave of Wisconsin NHL stars is on the horizon. Jake Gardiner, who just signed an NHL contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs should see time in the NHL next season. Same goes for guys like Brendan Smith (Detroit) and Cody Goloubef (Columbus) who are both knocking on the NHL doorstep.

The talent doesn't end there, Justin Schultz and Craig Smith who are both expected back for the Badgers next season both have the NHL in their futures. Numerous other players on the current roster also will have an opportunity at some time to play in the show.

The pipeline isn't bare either. Incoming freshman forward Joseph LaBate is expected to be a second round pick in the upcoming NHL draft this spring and incoming freshman defenseman Jake McCabe (who isn't eligible until the 2012 draft) is also looked at as a top 4 round kid. Additionally NTDP forward and 2012 recruit Nicolas Kerdiles and Salmon Arm (BCHL) forward Morgan Zulinick are expected to be top prospects for the 2012 draft.

So while other schools are taking criticism for their ability (or lack there of) to develop players these days, don't forget what Mike Eaves is doing for the Badgers.

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Kerdiles, McCabe Named To USA U-18 World Championship Roster

2011-03-30T11:58:00.014-05:00

Wednesday afternoon USA Hockey released the official roster that will represent the United States for the 2011 U-18 World Championships that will take place in Germany April 14-24th.

A pair of future Badgers were selected to represent the red, white, and blue overseas as they look to win their third straight gold medal in the event.

Jake McCabe (pictured, far left), a 2011 Wisconsin defense recruit was no surprise to make the roster. McCabe, who has been accelerating his studies to graduate early and enroll at Madison in the fall has been a regular top 4 defenseman for the NTDP U-18 squad since returning from a back injury that kept him out the first month or two of the season. The Eau Claire, Wisconsin native has 15 points (4 goals, 11 assists) this season in 38 games for the NTDP this season.

Nicolas Kerdiles, a 2012 forward recruit was more of a surprise to make the roster. Kerdiles has spent the majority of this season playing with the NTDP U-17 squad where he has 27 points (17 goals, 10 assists) in 40 games. Kerdiles was promoted to the U-18 squad mid-season and continued to score with 8 points in 12 games. But the Irvine, California native was sent back down to the U-17 squad for the past month and his invite to the U-18 World Championships was up in the air. Kerdiles handled the demotion well and played well since returning to the U-17's, well enough to get invited to Germany.

Update: Here is what United States of Hockey writer Chris Peters had to say about Kerdiles being included on the roster-"Kerdiles is an interesting pick for this team. He actually got called up to the U18s in late January and earned a spot at the U18 Five Nations Cup and performed admirably. However, he was sent back to the U17s. Instead of pouting, all Kerdiles did was up his game. In his last four games with the U17s, he posted five points against USHL competition. Sure enough, he was called back for this tournament and will play as one of four under-agers on the U.S. roster. Kerdiles has great size and strength for a kid his age. His offensive talent is there and he can skate. His style of game lends itself well to the U.S. team."

Team USA will play two exhibition games in Dresden, Germany against Canada and Finland before starting the tournament on April 14th in Crimmitschau, Germany vs. Switzerland. All games will be streamed live by FastHockey.com for a fee.

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Reaction to Coach Eaves and Alvarez's Comments

2011-03-29T01:58:00.001-05:00

Lord knows that I've never been afraid to call out Barry Alvarez or otherwise claim that he's the puppet-master trying to mess with hockey for his own amusement. Sometimes I've done so fairly. Sometimes quite unreasonably and childishly. And sometimes to portray him as the Frankenstein about to turn the freshly deceased College Hockey Showcase into the lumbering reanimated undead corpse that we will soon call the Big Ten Hockey Conference.

The bottom line with Barry is the bottom line. He's the athletic director at our school, and if he wants to make his first priority to be to make sure that UW still manages to have an athletic department that stays in the black, then I don't know that any of us can really argue with that.

And if you were to get in touch with the cold, hard capitalist inside of you, it would only be fair to ask if it really is UWs job to prop up the smaller schools, or if it is Michigan's job to do the same to the CCHA schools. If the BTHC ends up destroying a program like Bowling Green, Minnesota State or Lake Superior State... well... who's to say that they were on stable enough grounds to last anyway? It's a harsh question, and it does divert our attention away from what a landscape-changer the BTHC will be, but isn't that a fair question to ask?

But even with that in mind, there are some things Barry says that probably reinforce the image many non-UW people have of Barry The Dictator Who Hates Hockey And Wants To Anally Rape It Whilst Pouring Sugar In Its Gas Tank.

Looking at his comments from the On Wisconsin show with Brian Posick, I end up with more questions than answers:

When you say that our fans will "recognize" teams like Ohio State and Penn State in hockey... are you aware that we don't have a rivalry with one and that the other doesn't exist yet?
When you say that "our fans" will choose that over WCHA rivals like Denver and North Dakota, are you talking about Badger Hockey fans or Badger Football fans?
What exactly do you mean by "regionalizing" hockey? You said it to Posick and to Baggot. Did you know that it's roughly the same amount of time to drive to Denver as it is to Happy Valley? That drives to Ann Arbor and Grand Forks are quite comparable? That its quicker to drive to Bemidji or Omaha than it is to go to Columbus?
The only travel distance that exists in the WCHA and not in the B1G Ten is Anchorage, Alaska, and UAA pays for part/most of that PLUS we get two extra home games out of that deal. Is that really an issue for us?
Let's assume that your comments about "regionalization" have more to do with college hockey as a whole. How does the BTHC help the WCHA and CCHA schools deal with it? Don't they now have more frequent trips to Colorado and Alaska? How are we helping them, if this is truly a move that is good for "all of college hockey"?

Honestly, I feel like Alvarez is just giving us the run around when he tries to explain how this is good for college hockey as a whole. I'm not buying this trumped up excuse that the travel budget is better off in the BTHC, and I don't believe a word that he's saying about "regionalization". Sure, his principle is correct: bus rides are cheaper than flights, but that doesn't really come into play when we start talking WCHA vs. Big Ten. He's better off being honest with us and just saying that its about money, because at least I can believe him when he says that.

When Alvarez talks about B1G Ten rivalries, I don't think he's talking about hockey at all. He's talking about the kind of fan who doesn't go to hockey games, specifically the kind of ignorant fool that would list the WCHA as the reason he doesn't go to hockey games. (How do you spot this person? They might think that Ohio State hockey is more important and relevant than Denver hockey)

To this end, I have to admit that Alvarez is most likely right: there are probably more people that will come to Badger hockey games because it's a Big Ten thing than there are hockey fans who will stop coming to games because they hate this move. In that regard, we might see even better attendance figures in the B1G Ten. Sure, that's speculative drivel, but it wouldn't surprise me.

And then there's this:

"Plus the BTN has committed to about 40 games right off the bat. so i think that it sells and it promotes college hockey and maybe educates a lot of people in areas where there isn't hockey about college hockey"

It is here that I can't argue with the man. For a network that once pre-empted a Minnesota-Wisconsin game with a press conference for Indiana basketball, the BTN is showing a commitment to put more eggs into hockey's basket. That specific element of the BTHC can do nothing but good for college hockey. No one should be complaining about being on TV more.

As for Mike Eaves' comments on the issue? I was mostly amused by them. Mike Eaves has that weird way about him where he just sort of rambles on and on. I still have no idea what he meant by "speak the same language". You can tell that he never rehearses what he's going to say, and even though it makes his comments harder to understand and not very well thought out, I like how honest he comes off when he does it. If you boil down the rambling to two thoughts, it's this: This was inevitable, and we really don't have any idea how this will turn out.

For all the questions that Barry Alvarez makes me wonder about, perhaps Coach Eaves is right. It's going to happen, we can't change it, and we can't possibly predict what will happen.

But it's not too early for us to lobby the Big Ten to make sure that they don't do shootouts, right?

Some BTHC Talk (and more) From Coach Eaves and Barry Alvarez

2011-03-29T01:57:00.000-05:00

For those of you who live in Madison, the On Wisconsin radio show/podcast featuring Brian "The Voice of Badger Hockey" Posick from The Big 1070 (Madison) might be a major part of your sports radio experience*.

Last Wednesday's edition of On Wisconsin featured some quality discussion about the two biggest stories to strike Badger Hockey in the last few weeks: the Big Ten Hockey Conference and the Lady Badgers' newest title. Coach Mike Eaves and Athletic Director Barry Alvarez both had some chances to comment on those stories.

* Disclaimer: OR if you live in the suburbs of Milwaukee, have a normal 9-5 type job, and are an amateur blogger (in more ways than one), then you might find out about Coach Eaves and Alvarez's comments when you ask someone from the athletic department if they have made any formal statements about the BTHC, and he kindly respond to you with an e-mail linking to this podcast...

The link to the audio is here, you can also access the podcast for download here.

A general timeline for those who want to skim the podcast:

00:56-2:32 Brian Posick mentions the women's hockey title.
2:46 - 3:17 BP introduces the BTHC news
3:17 - 5:43 Coach Eaves' comments on the BTHC
18:03 BP's interview with Barry Alvarez begins
19:33 - 22:05 They discuss the women's hockey team, Megan Duggan, and Coach Johnson
22:06 - 24:18 They discuss the BTHC
26:02 - 28:26 The issue of the facility improvements at Camp Randall

Now, I'm a total hack of a journalist (you know... because I'm not one and this is an occasional hobby for me), but here's my lame-duck attempt at transcribing the comments:

Mike Eaves on the BTHC:

"In the first place, Brian, it needs to be said there's a lot of work to be done. This is just the first step ... getting the presidents and the ADs to get on board and back this. This thought process is real powerful. And I think that... in lieu of the BTN going into effect... it was just a matter of time before this type of thing happened.

"In my mind, a lot of things in our society are driven by dollars and cents and this is one of those things. The Big Ten, once they got up and running and the money they are providing to each institution... the Big Ten is big time bucks. And once they got football and basketball going, the next revenue or income sport is hockey, men's ice hockey. And I think it was just a matter of time before they were looking to get them on there. And with that being the case right now, and Penn State getting finances to get the men's and women's program there, this was a natural progression in my mind, it was just a matter of time.

"The positives of it I think are the fact that you are going to create an unbelievable conference in men's ice hockey. It's going to be on TV. People, if they want to watch college hockey, are going to know where to go to watch it on a regular basis so i think that exposure to college hockey will be tremendous. I think that will be a great thing.

"I think the conference itself, having at our league meetings everybody speaking the same language in terms of what their needs are, and the things they have to deal with i think will be very much a positive because we all speak the same language.

"The negatives... you know, people can speculate as to what some of those might be, they could say that its either going to hurt college hockey and that we're gonna lose some programs, or because of the stimulation of what's going could create some programs. So i only think that time will tell if that's going to become an issue and *laughs* time will tell what other positives and what other negatives are going to come up."

Barry Alvarez on Mark Johnson:

"Well Mark, what a... just a tremendous leader he is. Just the way he manages his team, how he builds the team. And how... you know, he's so consistent. And that's the thing I see about him. His players know exactly what he wants. He's never too high, never too low. The consistency that he shows and the great job that he does teaching and building a team is very impressive"

Barry on Meghan Duggan:

"There are certain people that have a presence, and she's one of them. She walks into a room, and she has a presence. She steps on the ice, she has a presence. Every great team has a leader, someone just like her. And you can just sense that and you can feel that. When she speaks... you can look at the people in the crowd last night and everyone listened to her and every one of her teammates that spoke mentioned her by name. And [she's a] very impressive lady"

Barry after Brian Posick noted that some places, like Penn State for their men's program, might be interested in Coach Johnson:

"Absolutely. You've got the best women's coach in the country. What he's accomplished speaks for itself. You certainly don't want to lose him. But anytime you have a successful coach, there are always people that are looking at him, you know, and people that will try to get them to move and come and run their program. that's part of the business that we're in."

Barry when asked if he thinks Coach Johnson could have the same level of success in men's hockey:

"You know Brian, I'm not a hockey guy. But I mean... I'm sure the fundamentals... he coached men's hockey before he took over the head job at the women's program." (BP: "Assistant with Jeff Sauer, yeah...") "Absolutely. And I don't see why he wouldn't be successful."

Barry on the BTHC:

"I think everyone looks at their own situation. Everyone is concerned about their own situation. I think for a number of years now, people have been concerned by us having a league it will hurt college hockey. I don't agree with that.

"I think hockey needs to be regionalized. Hockey is a very expensive sport, and when you're traveling, criss-crossing the country playing your schedule, it gets more expensive and it limits how many people can play. You take a look at the east coast schools, it's basically a bus league, they can bus to everything they don't have to fly so its less expensive.

"What the Big Ten will do for our fans... it's name recognition now. You're playing teams that you recognize. You're more aware of a Michigan, Ohio State, you have a built in tradition and rivalry already. Plus the BTN has committed to about 40 games right off the bat. so i think that it sells and it promotes college hockey and maybe educates a lot of people in areas where there isn't hockey about college hockey"

(Brian Posick: And, no disrespect to other schools in the WCHA or the CCHA, but it also, these six schools in the Big Ten, it puts them on the same academic standing as the other schools. There's no doubt that theres a disparity in the WCHA.)

Barry Alvarez's response:

"There's no question.. You're dealing with DIII schools in some cases and some DI schools and standards are a little bit different, what you're accustomed to is a little bit different, I sensed that in the meetings that i've gone to that its much different than sitting in a Big Ten meeting."

Monday Night Notes: Recruit Lapic Injured

2011-03-28T20:05:00.005-05:00

-There's been some questions about 2011 recruit Tyler Lapic (pictured) and why he's been out of the lineup lately. Lapic played this season with the Chicago Steel of the United States Hockey League.

I was able to speak with Lapic tonight and he informed me that he's injured his wrist and is currently in a cast. With only a few weeks left in the USHL season, Lapic will not return to the Steel. He didn't make it seem too serious, and told me he will begin rehab on the wrist shortly. I see no reason for him not to be 100% for next season.

-One thing I wanted to note with the site re-design. If you click on the NHL jerseys on the top banner (which I think is pretty cool) it links you to the website I've set up to track the stats of all former Badgers who are playing pro hockey. Currently there are 45 Badgers playing pro hockey. 17 in the NHL, 14 in the AHL, 6 in the ECHL, and 8 in Europe.

-On the potential recruiting side of things, Sun Prarie native and Madison Capitols defenseman Will Butcher has accepted an invitation to play for the USA National Team Development Program for next season. I've been touting Butcher as the top 1995 born defenseman in the country and his early invite and acceptance to the NTDP does nothing to prove that theory wrong. Butcher should be the Badgers #1 target for the class of 2013.

-Kirk Daubenspeck has been released from the hospital which is outstanding news. Kirk still has a lot of recovery and rehab left but it's great to see that he's progressed to the point where he can go home.

-I wanted to express my congratulations to North Dakota, Minnesota-Duluth, Michigan, and Notre Dame on making it to St. Paul for the Frozen Four next week. All four teams had outstanding seasons and It's nice to see that the title will be brought back West again this season.

-11 players have already decided to leave college hockey early for the pro ranks. Last season 36 underclassmen left early and only 4 saw significant time in the NHL this season. Badgers Ryan McDonagh and Derek Stepan were two of the four.

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Live Blogging the Regionals

2011-03-26T13:48:00.009-05:00

Today's Regional Games:

12:30 (CST): Midwest Regional Semi - 1 North Dakota vs 4 RPI (ESPN3.com)
___Final: UND 6 - RPI 0

3:00: Northeast Regional Semi - 1 Miami vs 4 New Hampshire (ESPNU)
___Final: UNH 3 - Mia 1

4:00: Midwest Regional Semi - 2 Denver vs 3 Western Michigan (ESPN3.com)
___Final: DU 3 - WMU 2 (2 OT)

5:30: East Regional Final - 1 Yale vs 3 Minnesota-Duluth (ESPNU)
___Final: UMD 5 - Yale 3

6:30: Northeast Regional Semi - 2 Merrimack vs 3 Notre Dame (ESPN3.com)
___Final: ND 4 - MC 3 (OT)

8:00: West Regional Final - 2 Michigan vs 4 Colorado College (ESPNU)
___Final: UM 2 - CC 1

NCAA Regional

60 Minutes got a face lift

2011-03-25T02:21:00.003-05:00

As many of you may have noticed, the blog is looking a bit different today. A few days ago, I started work on a new 'look' for 60 minutes, and after much consultation from Chuck, Tex, and others, this is the result. I do hope you all like it!

However, as with all coding projects, there is always a chance I may have missed something, and, as a result, the site may not be looking quite right in your browser. I have tested the new look in Internet Explorer 8 and 9, Firefox 3 and 4, Safari, Chrome, and Opera, and nothing stood out to me as wrong or funny looking during those tests. But if you do see something please let me know by leaving a comment on this post. Be sure to note what web browser you are using and what version it is, and I will try to correct any glitches as soon as possible.

Other than that, I hope you like the new look, happy reading, and On Wisconsin!

The Wisconsin Channel to Air UW Women’s Hockey Winning NCAA Championship Game Sunday

2011-03-25T00:56:00.003-05:00

The Wisconsin Channel, a digital TV channel from Wisconsin Public Television (WPT), will offer an exclusive broadcast of the recent victory by the University of Wisconsin-Madison women's hockey team that gained them the NCAA national championship with a 4-1 win over Boston University. Live coverage of the March 20 match against Boston University was available live only on the Web.

The game will air at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 29. An encore broadcast, also on The Wisconsin Channel, will air at 1 p.m. Sunday, April 3.

This is the fourth time the Badgers have won the national championship in the past six years. They ended the season with a 37-2-2 record. Meghan Duggan and Hilary Knight were named Frozen Four Co-MVPs and Duggan received the 2011 Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award, given to the top player in NCAA Division I women’s hockey.

WPT is a service of the Educational Communications Board and the University of Wisconsin-Extension.

Wisconsin Public Television is a place to grow through learning on WHA-TV, Madison; WPNE-TV, Green Bay; WHRM-TV, Wausau; WLEF-TV, Park Falls; WHLA-TV, La Crosse; and WHWC-TV, Menomonie-Eau Claire.

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Playing Catch Up: Tuesday Afternoon Links

2011-03-22T12:49:00.003-05:00

-Obviously one of the biggest driving factors for the new Big Ten Hockey Conference is the television rights with the Big Ten Network. In an Associated Press Article Barry Alvarez is quoted as saying the Big Ten Network has committed to broadcasting at least 40 hockey games a season.

Barring special events or Calvin Sampson getting fired from Indiana during a Wisconsin/Minnesota game, virtually every Friday and Saturday night during the hockey season should have a game on the Big Ten Network. Big Ten Basketball never plays on Friday night and if they play on Saturday play during the day. Same with Football.

-Wisconsin senior captain Sean Dolan will be continuing his hockey career as a professional. Dolan has signed with the South Carolina Stingrays of the East Coast Hockey League. Dolan is expected to be in uniform tonight as South Carolina hosts Greenville.

-According to @ACHAInsider, Penn State is bringing in about ten kids between the EJHL, NAHL, and USHL next year. Penn State will still be a club program next year but this will be a good start to the transition of going D-1 as you don't want to start with 26 freshmen on your roster.

-Apparently Jamie McBain is having a good time down in Carolina. A restaurant down there has let him design his own sub called the McBainwich. The Hurricanes rookie defenseman has 25 points in 68 games this season. Carolina is currently in 9th place in the Eastern Conference, just 3 points outside the final playoff spot.

-I started collecting articles that people had written about their thoughts on the Big 10 hockey conference but after I got to like 10 plus I just said screw it. If you want to look for writers opinions on it, it's not hard. Edit: Shane Frederick from the Mankato Free Press does a really nice job running down important links here on the subject.

-Joe Pavelski has absolutely been on fire in the past week. The Polish Prince was recently named as one of the NHL three stars of the week by the league. Pav's put up 11 points in 4 games last week including one game where he recorded 4 assists. Pavelski is only two points shy of his career high point total.

-2010 Hobey Baker winner Blake Geoffrion had a big week as well. The former Badger registered his first NHL hat-trick on Sunday including two goals in the final 2:33 to push the game to overtime where the Predators pulled out the victory.

Scott Cullen from TSN wrote about Geoffrions performance since his call up noting that not only does Blake have 6 goals in 11 games but that he's done so playing only 8 minutes a game which is almost unfathomable.

-Jake Gardiner made his professional debut on Friday night for the Toronto Marlies of the AHL wearing #2. Gardiner did not record a point in the 1-0 loss at Syracuse, he was even, and had one shot on goal. Former Badgers Josh Engel (Toronto), and John Mitchell (Syracuse) also played in the contest.

-The Wisconsin athletic communications staff has put together a campaign for Justin Schultz and his Hobey Baker bid. Here's a link to a site that features video, stats, photo's, bio, etc.

Schultz Named Hobey Baker Top 10 Finalist

2011-03-22T12:44:00.004-05:00

Editors Note: Apologize for being behind but I'm still playing catch up from the Final Five.

As one should after putting up a 47 point season playing defense, Wisconsin sophomore defenseman Justin Schultz has been named as a top 10 finalist for the Hobey Baker Memorial Award as named by the Hobey Baker committee last Thursday.

Already named as a First Team All-WCHA performer as well as the WCHA Defensive player of the year, Schultz now has Hobey Finalist to add to his already impressive resume. The West Kelowna, British Columbia native led all defensemen in scoring by 7 points. Schultz's 18 goals this season are the most for a defenseman in NCAA hockey since 2002-2003.

Schultz becomes the fourth Badger to be a top 10 Hobey Baker finalist in the past 3 seasons. In 2009, current Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Jamie McBain was a finalist and last season Nashville Predators forward Blake Geoffrion and Detroit Redwings prospect Brendan Smith made the final 10. Geoffrion went on to win the award, becoming the first player in Wisconsin history to do so.

Besides Schultz, Matt Frattin from the University of North Dakota and Jack Connolly from the University of Minnesota Duluth were other members of the WCHA who were named finalists. The other seven were Cam Atkinson from Boston College, Carter Camper and Andy Meile from Miami, Gustav Nyquist from Maine, Chase Polacek from RPI, Paul Thompson from the University of New Hampshire and Niagara's Paul Zanette.

Wisconsin Top 10 Hobey Baker Finalists:
2011-Justin Schultz-Defense
2010-Blake Geoffrion-Forward (Won)
2010-Brendan Smith-Defense
2009-Jamie McBaine-Defense
2006-Brian Elliott-Goaltender
2001-Dany Heatley-Forward
2000-Steven Reinprecht-Forward
1992-Duane Durksen-Goaltender
1988-Paul Ranheim-Forward
1988-Tony Granato-Forward

Teach Me How To Duggan

2011-03-22T00:30:00.002-05:00

Since the Mark Johnson took over the Wisconsin Women's hockey program in 2002 he's done two things. Win National Championships, and produce Patty Kazmaier Award winners. Johnson wrapped up his fourth NCAA Title behind the Wisconsin bench on Sunday. The day before, Wisconsin senior captain Meghan Duggan was named the 2011 Patty Kaz winner, the third Badger to win the award under Johnson's watch.

For those not familiar with the women's game, the Patty Kazmaier is awarded to the top player in women's college hockey. Similar to the Hobey Baker that is given to the men.

Duggan joins Sara Bauer (2006) and Jessie Vetter (2009) as players to win the award while playing for the Badgers. Every season that a Wisconsin player has won the award, the Badgers have gone on to win the NCAA title.

Speaking emotionally about his senior captain, head coach Mark Johnson wasn't shy in reaping praise, "Meghan is probably the best two-way player, not only in the country, but in the world," said Mark Johnson, head coach at the University of Wisconsin. "One of the reasons we're in the position we're in right now is because of her leadership and what she does on the ice, and probably more importantly, what she does off the ice."

Duggan, who led the entire country in scoring with 87 points in 41 games won the award over fellow senior nominees Kelli Stack from Boston College and Meghan Agosta of Mercyhurst.

Photograph Credit: Brent Stoutamyer

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Pictures From Erie

2011-03-21T21:21:00.002-05:00

Enjoy a smattering of pictures I took while at the 2011 Women's Frozen Four this weekend, helping to cheer on the Badger women to their fourth NCAA National Championship.

Looking for a team to cheer for in the NCAA tournament?

2011-03-21T17:47:00.003-05:00

Watch this video. If you get to the end and you don't want Western Michigan to win the NCAA tournament then I'm not sure you're human. Western is playing in the Green Bay regional this weekend. If you're looking for someone to root for, here you go.

Watching the video reminded me of this picture that a fellow Wisconsin fan had posted on the USCHO message boards in January. His niece who is in this picture had been injured in a car crash.

Wisconsin captain Sean Dolan (#16) and Mark Zengerle (#9) visited her in the hospital. I'm certain that the rest of the hockey team has made trips to the UW hospital as well. It's been well documented on ESPN and other outlets the relationship that the football team has there. I think it's a safe assumption that most Wisconsin athletes, at one time or another have made a difference while visiting sick or injured children.

Watching the Western video and seeing this this picture makes you take a step back and realize that at the end of the day college athletics isn't all about wins and losses.

Men's Hockey Recommended As Official Big Ten Sport

2011-03-21T12:14:00.006-05:00

It should come as no shock to anyone that follows this blog and college hockey fairly close that the Big Ten Hockey Conference is happening. Today it was announced that Men's Ice Hockey is going to be recommended to the Big Ten Council of Presidents/Chancellors the establishment of Men's ice hockey as an official conference sport starting in the 2013-2014 season.

According to the release, the directors of athletics from all six schools that currently (or will shortly) sponsor Men's ice hockey voted unanimously for the creation of the conference. The release also states that the new conference will hold a conference tournament to determine the conferences auto bid for the NCAA tournament (format and location to be determined) and each school will play a 20 game conference schedule playing each team in the league twice at home and twice on the road.

Along with conference games against Michigan, Ohio State, Minnesota, Michigan State, and Penn State, Wisconsin will be allowed to schedule around fourteen non conference games every season and sometimes more depending on exceptions that the NCAA allows for certain tournaments, locations, and games.

One of the core complaints about the new conference is the loss of games against traditional WCHA rivals like North Dakota, Denver, Colorado College, etc. The release notes that, "In addition, the Big Ten's men's ice hockey programs will continue to proactively work to maintain a strong schedule of non-conference competition with the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) and Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA)."

As recently as last week WCHA commissioner Bruce McLeod stated that "It has been having conversations with Minnesota and Wisconsin regarding an ongoing scheduling relationship between the schools and the rest of the WCHA."

Since the announcement less than an hour ago, no statements have been given from anyone in the Wisconsin camp but in a release from Minnesota, Gopher head coach Don Lucia mentioned the possibility of maintaining established rivalries, "Right now we enjoy playing in the WCHA and will work with the league and WCHA schools to maintain established and traditional rivalries to ensure a competitive and entertaining non-conference schedule."

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D-Y-N-A-S-T-Y

2011-03-20T15:12:00.008-05:00

Photograph Credit: Brent Stoutamyer

Jamie Russell out at Michigan Tech

2011-03-16T21:58:00.004-05:00

After 8 seasons behind the bench at his alma mater Michigan Tech, Jamie Russell has stepped down. The news was first reported by Grand Forks Herald beat writer Brad Elliott Schlossman that Russell was out at Tech. Shortly after Jess R Meyers noted that Russell had stepped down.

Russell never really got it going at Tech. His best season, in '06-'07 he was only one game over .500 and finished with a career record of 70-197-37, well short of expectations from when he took over the program.

The Kamloops, BC native had some interesting comments in the press release sent out from the school. "I want to thank all the people in the community who were so loyal to the Huskies -- through the good times and through the tougher times when we faced numerous injuries and the loss of some outstanding new recruits who were not to able to make it all the way to Tech ice. My family and I have enjoyed being a part of this community and will be saddened to leave, but look forward to the adventures ahead."

Russell is obviously talking about Casey Pierro Zabotel and Jake Hauswirth, two solid recruits who never made it to Tech. CPZ couldn't pass the NCAA clearinghouse and Hauswirth signed a free agent contract with the Washington Capitols after tearing up their summer rookie camp. Ironically both Hauswirth and Casey Pierro Zabotel are currently in the ECHL with the Cincinnati Cyclones.

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Fan Events at Women's Frozen Four

2011-03-16T21:51:00.003-05:00

From UWBadgers.com

MADISON, Wis. - The University of Wisconsin athletic department is pleased to announce several fan events in conjunction with the Badgers' appearance at the 2011 NCAA Women's Hockey Frozen Four in Erie, Pa.

This Thursday, all Badger fans in Erie are invited to Quaker Steak & Lube for a Wisconsin Men's Basketball NCAA watch party at 7 p.m. (ET). Free t-shirts will be available to fans while supplies last, courtesy of the Big Ten Network. Fans will receive free Bucky hats and Badger accessories.

On Friday, Badger fans are invited to the Courtyard by Marriott entrance lobby at 2:30 p.m. (ET) to send the team off before its game against Boston College. Free Badger gear will be available while supplies last to fans in attendance.

If the team advances to Sunday's championship game, Badger fans are invited to join members of the UW Band and Bucky Badger in the entrance lobby of the Courtyard by Marriott at 11:30 a.m. (ET) for a second team send-off in true Wisconsin style.

Following the championship game, please join the Wisconsin women's hockey team at Plymouth Tavern. The team looks forward to celebrating its NCAA Frozen Four appearance with Badger fans in Erie! Plymouth Tavern is located at 1109 State Street, three blocks from Tullio Arena.

Click for map of Badger fan events in Erie, PA. (PDF)
Click for NCAA Women's Frozen Four Tickets

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Big Ten announcement as early as Monday

2011-03-16T18:33:00.003-05:00

Todd Milewski (who I miss dearly covering Badger hockey) is the executive editor at USCHO and he has an update on the Big Ten hockey conference today stating that an announcement on the future conference home of the Badgers could come as soon as Monday.

At this point it's all but a certainty that Big Ten schools Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, Michigan State and Ohio State will be joining up with start up program Penn State for the 2013 to form their own conference.

I would expect the announcement to include information not only about the start of the conference but what they plan to do for the conference tournament. The most logical thing to do in my opinion would be to have a conference tournament in Chicago will all six teams. Top two seeds get a bye.

It will be interesting also to note if they announce scheduling agreements with the WCHA and CCHA. The biggest argument against the formation of the conference is that some of the smaller programs may not survive without gate revenue from when these Big Ten schools come to town. The USCHO article mentions that WCHA commissioner Bruce McLeod has had active talks with Wisconsin and Minnesota "regarding an ongoing scheduling relationship between the schools and the rest of the WCHA."

At this point it makes no sense to complain about the negatives about the Big Ten Hockey Conference because it's going to happen. There are multiple positives for the Wisconsin hockey program when it comes to the new conference. The most obvious being a television agreement with the Big10 Network which will generate more money for the program and will expose the program to more recruits. The TV deal will also be a selling point for recruits who's parents may not be able to make every trip to see them.

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Way Too Early 2011 Lineup Guesses

2011-03-15T18:53:00.007-05:00

Jordy Murray-Craig Smith-Derek Lee
Michael Mersch-Mark Zengerle-Tyler Barnes
Joseph LaBate-Jefferson Dahl-Jason Clark
Ryan Little-Keegan Meuer-Gavin Hartzog
-----------------------------------------------
Sean Little-Matt Paape-Brendan Woods
Tyler Lapic

Justin Schultz-Frankie Simonelli
Jake McCabe-John Ramage
Joe Faust-Eric Springer
-----------------------------------------------
Chase Drake-Patrick Daly

Joel Rumpel
Mitch Thompson

Initial thoughts: Craig Smith is still your #1 center and pair him up with veteran Jordy Murray again that's a no brainer in my book. Due to a lack of true centers on the roster you move Mark Zengerele back to his natrual position of center on the second unit and hopefully generate more scoring down the roster next season. I initially had Mersch up with Smith and Murray but I like the way Lee played down the stretch and I think he's a little quicker and should be a better fit with those two.

Dahl gets an expanded role on the third unit but has some inexperienced wings in freshman LaBate and sophomore Jason Clark. Fourth line will be fairly deep this year as R. Little, Meuer, and Hartzog all saw minutes this season. S. Little, Paape, Woods, and Lapic should all see some time here as well.

Defensively I think you've got a pretty clear cut top 6. You could slice the pairings a few different ways but this is what I liked.

Feel free to post your thoughts.

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WCHA Departures Continue

2011-03-15T17:30:00.004-05:00

As expected the hits keep coming for the WCHA. As already acknowledged on this site, Jake Gardiner (Wisconsin), and Aaron Ness (Minnesota) have both decided to leave school after their junior seasons. St. Cloud State is the latest victim.

Oliver Lauridsen (pictured), a defenseman for the Huskies has signed a pro contract with the Philadelphia Flyers. The Junior defenseman was a seventh round selection by the Flyers in the 2009 NHL Draft. According to multiple media outlets, the junior defenseman is expected to join the Flyers AHL club in Adirondack immediately and could play as soon as Wednesday.

The 6'6 Lauridsen has made major strides for the Huskies in his three seasons. As a top pairing defenseman for the SCSU this season Lauridsen was second on the club in plus minus checking in at +7 for the season and +9 for his career.

The Huskies return 5 defensemen off this seasons roster including thee key players in Nick Jensen, Kevin Gravel, and Taylor Johnson. Next season the Huskies are expected to bring in Andrew Proncho (Sioux Falls, USHL), Timothy Daly (Langley, BCHL), Ethan Prow (Des Moines, USHL), and Markus Lauridsen (Green Bay, USHL) who is also Olivers younger brother.

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Jake Gardiner Signs With Toronto

2011-03-14T23:30:00.005-05:00

Looks like we aren't going to have to play the waiting game in terms of early departures this season. Michael Russo from the Minneapolis Star Tribune tweeted tonight that according to sources, the Toronto Maple Leafs have signed Wisconsin junior defenseman Jake Gardiner to an entry level contract.

Gardiner, who hails from Minnetonka, Minnesota was originally a first round draft selection of the Anaheim Ducks. A recent trade at the NHL trade deadline saw his rights exchanged from the Ducks to the Leafs.

Gardiner has had an impressive career at Wisconsin and was named a second team All-WCHA performer this past season when he registered 40 points in 41 games for the Badgers. His 40 points this season were third in the country for defensemen. For his career at Wisconsin, Gardiner finished with 74 points.

After an offseason that saw the Badgers lose four underclassmen to NHL contracts including three defenseman, Gardiner is the only expected departure this summer. Sophomore defenseman Justin Schultz has told the media that he is 100% coming back and sophomore forward Craig Smith looks to be coming back as well.

No word on where Gardiner will start his professional career yet but it's more than a safe bet that he will finish the rest of the season with the Maple Leafs's AHL team the Marlies, who are also based in Toronto. The Marlies are in second place in the North Division. Their next game is on Friday vs the Syracuse Crunch. Former Wisconsin defenseman Josh Engel is also currently a member of the Marlies.

Congratulations on a fine career at Wisconsin Jake. Hope to see you in the NHL soon. You will be missed.

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On to Lake Erie: Women Advance to Frozen Four

2011-03-14T17:21:00.000-05:00

The Men’s season might be done, but the Women’s season still has much to cheer about.

On Saturday evening, in front of several thousand Badgers fans, the UW Women advanced to their 5th Frozen Four in the past six seasons with a 2-1 victory over the Duluth Foreign Legion (DFL). Overall, it was one hell of a good hockey game, even though there was no checking!

The first period was pretty even and the Badgers failed to capitalize on a few nice chances. The DFL was able to change the scoreboard first, w/ a goal late in the period. It came after a penalty ended for the Badgers and was one of those cases where they struggled to clear the puck and you just knew something bad was going to happen.

There was a lot of nervous tension in some of my friends heading into the second period. In case you weren’t aware, the DFL was the last team to beat the Badgers this season, way back in November 2010, and after the NCAA Committee decided that earning the #1 overall seed meant nothing, fans knew the DFL would be a tough out. Instead of getting Dartmouth the actual #8 seed, the Badgers were handed their old rival and defending NCAA champions.

The momentum quickly shifted back to the Badgers in the 2nd period, early on their second PP, Hilary Knight launched a shot from the point, which made it through traffic and past DFL goalie Comrade Kim Martin. Credit the players screening the goalie. Mark Johnson also shifted his lines late in the 1st or early in the 2nd, and put all three Patty Kaz finalists together, creating a dominate line of Knight, Meghan Duggan and Briana Decker. Those three created a lot of nice chances the rest of the game and were complimented well by the 2nd and 3rd lines which overall, the DFL worked hard to keep up with.

The Badgers controlled play through the 2nd and into the 3rd period, when 7:34 in Decker to Knight to Duggan for what would eventually be the game winner. The DFL mounted a late attack and pulled their sieve, but it was too little too late. The Badger Women cleaned up the defensive lapses they were having two weeks back in Verona, Alex Rigsby continues to play well in net, and while the score sheet doesn’t show it, forwards like Madison Packer, Mallory Deluce and Carolyne Prevost had great efforts.

One other event to point out, in the third period after a pileup in front of the DFL net, Comrade Jocelyne Larocque grabbed Knight’s facemask and ripped her helmet off. Not only did Comrade Larocque not get ejected, there wasn’t a single penalty called. I haven’t seen such a bogus officiating job since Randy Schmidt didn’t know how to run a video review at Magness arena costing Matt Ford a tying goal as time expired against Denver in 2008. Unacceptable.

Regardless, the Badger Women are headed back to the Frozen Four. There are A LOT of new faces since their last trip in 2009 where they blew out Mercyhurst, but some of the key kogs to that team are still around and I expect nothing less than #4 being brought home next Sunday. I’m bold enough to say that the Badgers might have faced their toughest game in the quarterfinals. The east coast teams might have nice records, but nothing compares to the top end of the WCHA, and UW is the best of the best. BC, BU and Cornell better be ready to get beat down in Lake Erie, because Duggan/Decker/Knight are ready for the big show.

Besides the games, Meghan Duggan should be in line to become the school’s third Patty Kaz, national player of the year, winner! She certainly has the resume. I won’t lie, I’m a little confused how Kelly Stack was a hat trick finalist instead of Hilary Knight. Knight has 9 more goals than the next closest player in NCAA hockey, and 20 more points than Stack. I know I’m biased on this one, but the stats don’t lie. Next season Knight needs to get her community service and charitable work in line, and should be the Badgers 4th Patty Kaz winner, but this year Duggan deserves all the accolades. She is truly the definition of an all around player, and a Badger Great. Duggan, Knight, Decker might not just be a nice line combo, but the next three Patty Kaz winners, if East Coast Bias doesn’t thwart the effort.

I’ll be enjoying the games in some form from my buddy’s condo in Honolulu, Hawaii. To those who are making the trip, enjoy the games and cheer hard for the Women to bring home #4!

Photos from life.com and hockeyjournal.com

WCHA Early Departures Start (Maybe)

2011-03-14T15:48:00.006-05:00

It's being speculated by @hammyhockey and Gopher Puck Live that Minnesota defenseman Aaron Ness has decided to leave after his junior season at Minnesota to sign a pro contract with the New York Islanders which selected him in the second round of the NHL Draft.

After winning the Minnesota Mr. Hockey Award and coming to Minnesota with pocket full of hype, Ness has never progressed to the point of being an impact player in the WCHA. In three seasons at Minnesota, the player that came in known for his offensive play has 46 points in 111 games.

Ryan Cardinal, a writer for the Gopher Puck Live website said it best. "In the end he turned into another Minnesota player that excelled at neither end of the ice and wasn’t big enough to make a physical impact."

Ness is the first departure from the WCHA this season but this is sure to only be the start. The WCHA has been hammered with early departures over the past few seasons so you can expect more underclassmen to sign.

Update: Neil Sheehy, who is the "family advisor" for Ness spoke with @QuickFacts tonight and said this about the situation. "There have been no contract discussions between Ness & the Islanders."

Someone has some explaining to do...

WCHA Early Departure Tracker:
Aaron Ness-University of Minnesota
Jake Gardiner-University of Wisconsin

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Schultz 100% Coming Back, Smith Likely As Well

2011-03-14T12:35:00.005-05:00

That didn't take long.

While much of the fan base is (rightfully) still depressed about the Wisconsin men's hockey team's season coming to an end at the hands of Colorado College last night, that is sure to change.

Andy Baggot from the Wisconsin Sate Journal is reporting that Sophomore defenseman and leading scorer from this seasons squad is 100% returning to school. According to the report Schultz, who is a second round draft pick of the Anaheim Ducks met with the Ducks assistant GM Dave McNab over the weekend and informed him of his decision.

This shows very good maturity on the part of Schultz who undoubtedly would have been offered close to a max rookie contract with the Ducks. I believe Schultz realizes while ultra talented offensively, he's still got work to do to improve himself defensively before he's ready for the NHL. Personally I've always felt that if you're going to leave school early it should be for the NHL, not to play a season in the AHL.

Next seasons blueline should look pretty solid. While it's all but a foregone conclusion that Gardiner will sign, the Badgers will return 5 players that saw pretty significant action this season with Schultz, Simonelli, Springer, Faust, and Ramage. The Badgers will add NTDP defenseman Jake McCabe to the mix as Benilde-St. Margarates D-man Patrick Daly. Chase Drake who is being red-shirted this season is also expected to compete for ice time next season.

Update: I'm not sure foregone conclusion would be the right term for Gardiner leaving. I know he really enjoys it in Madison and it would not shock me if he did stay. I guess the way last offseason played out makes me a little gun why when it comes to departures so you naturally assume a player of his caliber will sign. If indeed he stays, Wisconsin instantly becomes one of those hand full of teams in discussion for the Frozen Four next season. Let's not push him out just yet.

Baggot also spoke with Sophomore forward Craig Smith, the second leading scorer on the Badgers this season. While Smith didn't give Baggot any promises, it sounds as if he's a heavy lean to come back.

Smith was the most dynamic forward for the Badgers this season and should have been named to the end of the season All-Conference team. A fourth round draft pick of the Nashville Predators, Smith is following in the path of 2010 Hobey Baker winner Blake Geoffrion. While maybe not expected to be a four year player, Smith can see the success Geoffrion had coming back to school and how it developed him as an all around player.

The biggest question mark left is Junior Jordy Murray. Last off season Murray weighed his options on going to Europe to play pro hockey but ultimately decided to return to school. At this point as a junior, close to finishing his degree, it doesn't make a lot of sense to me to make the move to Europe and waste your final free year of school when you can go over in a year any way.

If Murray returns, along with Smith most likely returning, and Zengerle, Barnes, Mersch and Derek Lee, Wisconsin has a fairly potent top 6 next season. Add in some of the freshmen, increased roles for guys like Jason Clark, and Jefferson Dahl and I'm already getting excited for the puck to drop next fall.

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Thanks Again Seniors

2011-03-13T23:48:00.006-05:00

Brett Bennett: You decided to transfer in here after a few seasons at Boston University knowing that you were going to be going up against a player in your same class at the same position. You battled injuries and at times spent lengthy periods of time without starts. Never once did you voice displeasure over your situation. You handled everything like a professional, like a Badger. Thank you.

Sean Dolan: Never the flashiest player, but always got the job done. The consummate veteran centerman. Will be remembered at Wisconsin for having the honor of wearing the captains "C" as a senior. You embody the spirit of a Wisconsin captain and I know you will carry that honor with you your entire life. Thank you.

Scott Gudmandson: After two untested seasons to start your career in Madison you there were many question marks. Another goalie was even brought in to challenge you. Yet you stayed focused, helped backstop the team to an NCAA Championship game as a junior. You came back your senior season and were even better. Thank You.

Patrick Johnson: With your last name brings great expectations. You never once shied away from that. When the team was faltering down the stretch this season you stepped up and took things into your own hands, scoring 5 goals in the last 5 games of the regular season. Exactly what a Johnson would do. Thank you.

Craig Johnson: Coming in as a freshman walk on out of the NAHL, no one was sure what to expect out of you. By the time you were a senior you turned yourself in to a fan favorite for steady play, night in and night out. One of the biggest compliments a defenseman can have is when you can go a game without hearing their name much. There are a ton of games that I don't even remember you playing because you rarely put yourself in bad spots to get beat. Thank you.

Podge Turnbull: For one reason or another you were in and out of the lineup most of your career but always seemed to make the most of your time on the ice. As an NHL draft pick you could have caused a stir, or turned pro and bolted but you stayed for your four years, and put up with some injustices because you're a Badger. Thank you.

This senior class started with nine, and along the way lost a few to the pros, and added a transfer. It's been an honor to watch you six throughout your careers at the University of Wisconsin. You were a part of a team that played for a National Championship. And while you didn't ultimately get that ring, you will forever be remembered as Badgers. My hat is off to you all.

Thank you.

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Seasons Over, UW loses to CC 2-1 In Season Finale

2011-03-13T22:38:00.002-05:00

This one hurts...

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Badgers blow third period lead, lose 4-3 in OT

2011-03-12T22:54:00.001-06:00

Season is on the line tomorrow.

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Saturday Night Playoff Lineup vs Colorado College

2011-03-12T19:36:00.003-06:00

WISCONSIN

Jordy Murray-Craig Smith-Mark Zengerle
Patrick Johnson-Podge Turnbull-Tyler Barnes
Michael Mersch-Sean Dolan-Derek Lee
Ryan Little-Jefferson Dahl-Keegan Meuer

Jake Gardiner-Justin Schultz
Craig Johnson-John Ramage
Joe Faust-Frankie Simonelli

Scott Gudmandson

COLORADO COLLEGE

Tim Hall-Nick Dineen-William Rapuzzi
Dakota Eveland-Scott Winkler-Tyler Johnson
Jaden Schwartz-Rylan Schwartz-Stephen Schultz
Alexander Krushelnyski-David Civitarese-Jeff Collett

Ryan Lowery-Eamonn McDermott
Gabe Guetnzel-Joe Marciano
Mike Boivin-Arthur Bidwell

Joe Howe

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Multiple WCHA elimination games tonight

2011-03-12T16:16:00.003-06:00

It's strange to think about but tonight could be the end of the season for multiple WCHA teams. Tonight serves as no only an elimination game from the WCHA Playoffs for some teams that lost last night, but also would eliminate teams from NCAA tournament contention.

Colorado College who entered last night's game on the NCAA tournament bubble at #14 in the PWR fell to #20. A loss tonight eliminates them from tournament consideration and ends their season.

Minnesota, St. Cloud State, Michigan Tech, and Minnesota State are in the same boat. All four schools are down 1-0 in the best of three first round WCHA series and a loss tonight would would end their seasons as none of them are high enough in the PWR to get an at large birth without at minimum advancing to the Final Five next weekend.

The only school who is down 1-0 this weekend and won't see their season come to a close with a loss tonight is Nebraska-Omaha. The Mavericks are currently 12th in the PWR right now but a loss to Bemidji State wouldn't hurt them that significantly since Bemidji already owns the comparison between the two teams.

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Women's NCAA Quarterfinal Streaming Online

2011-03-12T11:44:00.000-06:00

If you're stuck living in Ohio like me, or if you're someplace else where you have internet access but can't get to the Kohl Center tonight, I have good news. UWBadgers.com will be streaming live video of the women's NCAA Quarterfinal game between the Badgers and the Foreign Legion tonight. FOR FREE.

Click here to access the video stream and be part of the game in spirit. There's also a GameTracker with live stats here.

And as always, it's a great day for hockey!

Wisconsin Opens Up WCHA Playoffs With 3-1 Win

2011-03-11T23:17:00.003-06:00

Nice solid effort from everyone on the roster Friday night. Need to be more disciplined but overall a very nice performance.

WSJ (Baggot)-Faust's first career goal jump-starts Badgers
Colorado Springs Gazette (Paisley)-Wisconsin drops CC in playoff opener
Eye of the Tigers (Paisley blog)-Emptying the notebook
UWBadgers.com-Unlikely hero's spring Badgers to 3-1 win to open WCHA playoffs
UWBadgers.com-Game day blog
UWBadgers.com-Final Stats
CCTigers.com-Wisconsin draws first blood
USCHO.com-Box Score

BOX SCORE

Second Period
Colorado College-1 Nick Dineen (Gabe Guentzel, Stephen Schultz) PPG 5:53
Wisconsin-1 Joe Faust (Michael Mersch, Sean Dolan) 12:11

Third Period
Wisconsin-2 Ryan Little (Keegan Meuer, Jefferson Dahl) GWG 4:12
Wisconsin-3 Jefferson Dahl (Jordy Murray) ENG 19:49

Goaltender Saves
Wisconsin-1 Scott Gudmandson (60:00 W) 8 9 10 = 27 (1 GA)
Colorado College-1 Joe Howe (58:26 L) 6 6 7 = 19 (2 GA)

Scores from around the WCHA

Bemidji State 4, Nebraska-Omaha 2
Alaska-Anchorage 4, Minnesota 3
North Dakota 8, Michigan Tech 0
Minnesota Duluth 4, St. Cloud State 2
Denver 4, Minnesota State 2

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Radio coverage this weekend

2011-03-11T15:56:00.003-06:00

With no television access this weekend I just wanted to pass along this radio information for our men's team who is playing in the first round of the WCHA Playoffs at Colorado College and our women's team who is hosting Minnesota-Duluth in the first round of the NCAA tournament at the Kohl Center on Saturday.

Saturday's UW women's game will be broadcast live in Madison on 92.1FM, WXXM. This weekend's UW/CC WCHA playoff series will air live on 1310,WIBA-Madison and the Badger Sports Network.

The following is the list of radio stations in the Badger Sports Network:

WDKM-FM 106.1 Adams
WBEV-FM 95.3 Beaver Dam
WBEV-AM 1430 Beaver Dam
WWIS-FM 99.7 Black River Falls
WBIZ-AM 1400 Eau Claire
WFAW-AM 940 Fort Atkinson
WDUZ-FM 107.5 Green Bay
WDUZ-AM 1400 Green Bay
WIMI-FM 99.7 Hurley
WJMS-AM 590 Ironwood, MI
KQEG-FM 102.7 LaCrosse
WIBA-AM 1310 Madison
WOMT-AM 1240 Manitowoc
WDLB-AM 1450 Marshfield
WIGM-AM 1490 Medford
WAUK-AM 540 Milwaukee
WBHR-AM 660 Minneapolis/St. Cloud
WRJN-AM 1400 Racine
WRDB-AM 1400 Reedsburg/Portage
WRPN-AM 1600 Ripon
WSAU-FM 99.9 Stevens Point
WSAU-AM 550 Wausau

The game will be web-cast on B2Live for a fee.

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Recruiting: Zulinick vs Rumpel in BCHL Showdown

2011-03-10T21:23:00.009-06:00

I've been severely lacking on recruiting posts lately so as some recruits are wrapping up their seasons and others are starting playoffs and things I thought I would give an update on everyone briefly.

Remember to check out the recruiting statistics website that I try to keep updated which can be found here or on the side bar of our site. I've also updated the potential recruits as well. If you know of anyone that should be added, feel free to send me an e-mail.

Patrick Daly (Benilde-St. Margarets high school)-2011 recruit: Daly's season was completed recently when his BSM squad was defeated by Wayzata in the section playoffs. Daly, who will be coming to Madison straight out of high school finished his senior season with 40 points. He is a finalist for the Minnesota Mr. Hockey Award which will be announced on Sunday.

Tim Davison (Notre Dame Academy high school/Team Wisconsin)-2012 or 2013 recruit: Davison recently wrapped up his high school season with NDA where they were ousted in the State semi-finals by Middleton. Davison finished the high school season with 47 points in 27 games for the Tritons. Davison's season is not over however. Tim will be back in action this weekend with Team Wisconsin as they play in the WAHA state tournament at Cap ice in Middleton.

Nic Kerdiles (USA NTDP U17 and U18)-2012 recruit: Kerdiles has had a phenomenal season with the NTDP and was promoted from the U17 team to the U18 team for a few weeks. Between the two clubs this season Kerdiles had 30 points in 47 games for the red, white, and blue. Kerdiles is hopeful that he will be invited to the U18 world championships in Germany this spring.

Joseph LaBate (Academy of Holy Angels high school)-2011 recruit: LaBate, who committed to Wisconsin over the weekend is an intriguing prospect. Considered a bit of a project, LaBate put up 66 points in 34 games between his high school club and the Upper Mid-West High School Elite League. LaBates season is over as his Holy Angels squad lost to Prior Lake in the Minnesota High School playoffs. LaBate is expected to be a second or third round NHL draft selection. Like Daly, LaBate is a Minnesota Mr. Hockey finalist.

Tyler Lapic (Chicago Steel, USHL)-2011 recruit: Lapic has had an up and down career in the USHL so far and has yet to find the consistency that you would like. Currently Lapic is stuck in a bad situation in Chicago with a bad team. Lapic brings size and skill to the table so once he's in Eaves system hopefully his game will evolve. Lapic has 15 points this season for the Steel.

Jake McCabe (USA NTDP U18)-2011 recruit: The Eau Claire native has had an impressive season for the U18 squad and has started to gain national recognition. His play for Team USA this season has garnered attention among NHL scouts and he's considered a mid-round pick for the 2012 NHL Draft. McCabe, who will be expected to contribute immediately for the Badgers next season has 15 points in 34 games from the blueline for Team USA. McCabe will be a top 4 defenseman when the USA U18's go to Germany for the U18 World Championships.

Corbin McGuire (Fargo Force, USHL/Springfield Pics, EJHL)-2012 recruit: Consider this a lost season for McGuire. The young 1993 born forward who is only a junior in high school made the move to the USHL this season and struggled with the transition before suffering a concussion that forced him on the 45 day IR. Upon his return he was loaned to Springfield of the EJHL where he could be closer to home. Expect a bounce back season for McGuire in 2011.

Brad Navin (Waupaca high school/Team Wisconsin)-2012 or 2013 recruit: Navin was on pace to virtually unanimously win the Wisconsin Mr. Hockey award before a sprained MCL forced Navin to the sidelines. The 6'2 forward put up a ridiculous 52 points in 14 high school games this season with Waupaca before he was injured. Like Davison, Navin is joining Team Wisconsin for the spring season. No word yet on if Navin's knee has recovered enough for him to play at this point.

Matt Paape (Sioux City, USHL)-2011 recruit: Paape came out of the gates hot last season putting points on the board but his pace has slowed considerably. Playing a more responsible two way game, Pappe will be more than ready to play for the Badgers next season. Paape has 11 points for the Musketeers this season.

Brendan Woods (Muskegon, USHL)-2011 recruit: Like I mentioned yesterday in my post, Woods is finally starting to heat up. The 2011 recruit has 5 goals in his past 5 games and is taking a proactive approach to his game. Son of Washington Capitals assistant coach Bob Woods, Brendan's game is progressing to a level where he could be in line to put a few points on the board for the Badgers next season.

Morgan Zulinick (Salmon Arm Silverbacks, BCHL)-2012 recruit: Like the headline indicates, Zulinick and his Salmon Arm squad are in the playoffs and taking on Joel Rumpel and his Penticton Vees. Zulinick missed a few games in the first round of the playoffs due to the flu but he's back and healthy. A junior in high school, Zulinick is having a fine rookie season for the Silverbacks. Zulinick has 32 points in 41 games (including playoffs). He will be one of the top recruits for the 2012 season.

Joel Rumpel (Penticton Vees, BCHL)-2011 recuit: Rumpel, (pictured) is the rock between the pipes for the Vees. Already tabbed as the starting goalie next season for the Badgers, Rumpel has started 51 games this season for the Vees and has very respectable numbers (especially for the high scoring BCHL) with a 2.48 GAA and .910 Save Percentage. Zulinick and his Salmon Arm Silverbacks hold a 2-0 advantage in their second round match up but Rumpel and the Vees aren't backing down.

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Guest Post from @TheBVB

2011-03-10T20:05:00.006-06:00

Editors Note: The views of @TheBVB do not necessarily reflect the views of the members of this blog.

BVB’S WEEKEND KEYS

Since Chuck is busy bitching on twitter about whom the All WCHA Third Team Goalie is. I thought as his assistant, I needed to step up, and talk about what really matters. The battle in Colo-rado. Since we finally got our heads out of our asses last weekend; Sconnie Nation finally has some optimism for this team for the first time since the protesters invaded the capital. Below are the keys to punching our ticket to St. P.

1. GET THE POWER PLAY GOIN: Since the start of the Minnesota series, the Badgers have been absolutely pitiful when a man up (4 for 30). Schultz took out his sniper rifle during the third period on Saturday, which hopefully means this unit can take that momentum to Colorado Springs.

2. SCRETT GUNDMENNETT: Everyone knows how a hot goalie can turn a series. Hopefully one catches fire this weekend.

3. SENIORS: With the doom and gloom of possibly playing their last weekend of college hockey, anything we do this weekend will start with the senior six-pack. As Chuck pointed out earlier this week, PJ has been killing it with fellow six-packer Podge and (freshman) Barnes (Barnes has been really impressive the past few weeks). We know Craig Johnson and Dolan will be fired up and ready for this weekend. Of course we will need a huge weekend out of SCRETT!

Hopefully there will be a few Badgers out in Colorado making some noise. I wish them luck, because if the CC fans are all like the ones I saw in Madison (Think Cowboy Hat, Shorts, and Sandals), that stadium must smell like dirty feet and bong water. I am personally hoping the boys win, so I can watch them at the final five. I will go regardless, but it’s a lot more fun to get drunk and talk smack to Sioux and Gopher fans when we are still in the tourney.

THE BVB

GET SOME SCONNIE!

Justin Schultz Named WCHA DPOTY

2011-03-10T16:52:00.003-06:00

The WCHA has just released it's league awards and two Badgers were honored. Sophomore defenseman Justin Schultz was named to the All-WCHA First team and Junior defenseman Jake Gardiner was named to the All-WCHA Second team. Additionally, Schultz was named as the defensive player of the year by league voters. Congratulations to both Justin and Jake.

WCHA Player of the Year-Matt Frattin, North Dakota
WCHA Defensive Player of the Year-Justin Schultz, Wisconsin
WCHA Rookie of the Year-Jason Zucker, Denver
WCHA Coach of the Year-Dean Blais, Nebraska-Omaha
WCHA Student-Athlete of the Year-Chay Genoway, North Dakota

First Team All-WCHA
F-Matt Frattin-North Dakota
F-Mike Connolly-Minnesota Duluth
F-Jack Connolly-Minnesota Duluth
D-Justin Schultz-Wisconsin
D-Chay Genoway-North Dakota
G-Aaron Dell-North Dakota

Second Team All-WCHA
F-Justin Fontaine-Minnesota Duluth
F-Drew Shore-Denver
F-Jason Zucker-Denver
D-Jake Gardiner-Wisconsin
D-Matt Donovan-Denver
G-Kent Patterson-Minnesota

Third Team All-WCHA
F-Jason Gregoire-North Dakota
F-Drew LaBlanc-St. Cloud State
F-Jaden Schwartz-Colorado College
D-Justin Faulk-Minnesota Duluth
D-Kurt Davis-Minnesota State
G-John Faulkner-Nebraska Omaha

WCHA All-Rookie Team
F-JT Brown-Minnesota Duluth
F-Jason Zucker-Denver
F-Jaden Schwartz-Colorado College
D-Justin Faulk-Minnesota Duluth
D-David Makowski-Denver
G-Sam Brittain-Denver

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Women's Hockey Wants (and Deserves) Your Help

2011-03-10T11:18:00.001-06:00

I haven't been able to devote much time or effort to the Wisconsin men's team in the latter half of this season, but living in Columbus allowed me to see the lady Badgers in January and has put me within a four-hour drive of Erie, Pennsylvania, the site of this year's Women's Frozen Four. Unfortunately, this also means that I will not be able to get my loud, obnoxious self to the Kohl Center this Saturday for the women's national quarterfinal game against the ~~Russian National Team~~ University of Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs. In my stead, I want to encourage each and every person who can possibly attend to do so.

If you're reading this, you probably already know the success that the women's team has had in recent years, and this year as well. Our #1 Badgers boast three of the top four scorers in the country in senior Meghan Duggan (2nd, 82 points), junior Hilary Knight, and sophomore Brianna Decker (T-3rd, 76 points each). Duggan is one of the three remaining candidates for the Patty Kazmaier award. The Badgers have a 2-1-1 record against the Bulldogs this year. And finally, our great fellow Wisconsin fans set the single-game women's hockey attendance record against the Gophers in January. This team wants your help, and they deserve it.

If you've never been to a women's hockey game before, you'll be impressed with what you see. One of these two teams has won the national championship each of the last five years, so there's no question that the level of play in this game will be astronomically high. There may not be any checking allowed, but that opens up the game for more skilled plays, with beautiful passing and excellent skating. And if you're not a hockey fan at all, first of all you've come to the wrong blog, but secondly you might never get another chance to see your team host an NCAA tournament game in any sport in your home arena.

So I beg of you: get to the Kohl Center any way you can on Saturday night. Walk. Drive. Bike. Take a cab. Even get one of those wacky bicycle-rickshaw things if you have to. Just go, be loud, and cheer the Badgers on to victory. Make this game a night to rememeber, and send our lady Badgers (and me) to Erie with the chance to win their fourth national championship. It's always a great day for hockey.

Out For Tiger Blood: CC Playoff Week

2011-03-09T23:12:00.006-06:00

At the end of the day, day my momma told me don't let no one break me, let no one break me
At end of the day, day, nobody, nobody, ever could stop me, ever could stop me
At the end of the day, day you can't regret it if you were trying, if you were trying
At the end of the day, day I'm walking with a heart of a lion

KiD CuDi-"Heart of a Lion"

The current version of the Wisconsin men's hockey team has been playing with a playoff mentality for the past few weeks. This weekend, it's real. The Badgers open up the first round of the WCHA playoffs on the road in Colorado Springs where they are looking to draw tiger blood from Colorado College.

Last weekend the Tigers were in Madison where they were able to steal a victory on Friday night from the Badgers. The Badgers bounced back on Saturday and were able to salvage a split in the final regular season series of the season. Wisconsin played arguably their best 120 minutes of hockey since mid-January and it should go a long way towards building momentum for the upcoming series.

The Badgers were able to get consistent goaltending from both Brett Bennett and Scott Gudmandson over the weekend and as I've been preaching all-season, this team is only going to go as far as those two will take them. In Eaves press conference this week he indicated that they have yet to make a decision on who is going to be playing between the pipes this weekend for the Badgers. It wouldn't shock me to see both Bennett and Gudmandson this weekend.

Patrick Johnson is playing the best hockey of his four year career in Madison and has five goals in his past five games. The senior forward from Madison has been ignited since joining a line with fellow senior Podge Turnbull and freshman right winger Tyler Barnes. That unit has been undoubtedly Wisconsin's most successful trio the past few weeks.

Sophomore defenseman Justin Schultz continues to find the back of the bet for the Badgers. His goal on Saturday night was his 18th of the season, leaving him only one goal behind Sean Hill for the Wisconsin record for goals scored by a defenseman. Schultz's 46 points this season have him tied for 9th in the country in scoring and six behind Brendan Smith's 52 points from last season.

It was apparent the talent that Colorado College brings to the table with their top end players. The Tigers top line of the Schwartz brothers and Steven Szhultz were consistent threats every time they were on the ice. Containing those three could go a long ways towards a successful weekend for the Badgers.

One player that was especially quiet for CC over the weekend was the teams leading scorer Tyler Johnson. One of the reasons he was so quiet was because he didn't play on Saturday night. It's presumed that Johnson, who is nursing an injury sat out as a precaution with CC's WCHA finish already finalized by virtue of their Friday night victory.

The Tigers have been rotating goalies for the past few weeks but to anyone who watched the series it was clear who the Tigers go to man will be when their season on the line. While Sophomore Joe Howe looked confident challenging the shooters, freshman Josh Thorimbert seemed to be fighting the puck and shaky on multiple occasions on Saturday night.

One of the biggest keys for the Badgers this weekend will be getting pucks to the net no matter who is between the pipes. Wisconsin has struggled the second of the season getting shots through traffic to the goal. Neither one of CC's goaltenders are all-world so if Wisconsin can get the puck to the net with players crashing for rebounds it could be a very successful weekend.

COVERAGE

There is no television this weekend but both games are available for purchase via webcast on B2Live. They usually charge around $7 per game.

POLLS

The only poll that matters right now, the PWR has the Badgers at 23. Going 2-0 this weekend will put the Badgers back on the bubble for an at large bid.

INJURIES

It looks like Joe Faust is in again this week for Eric Springer who has a separated shoulder. No word on if Springer is making the trip or not.

PREDICTIONS

Both teams are in desperation mode and the team that doesn't make it to St. Paul can effectively bust out their golf clubs because their season is over. It's going to be a phenomenal weekend of hockey between two good hockey clubs. It may be the homer in me but I think Saturday night's performance was just what the doctor ordered to get the ball rolling for the Badgers.

Friday Night: Wisconsin 4, Colorado College 1
Saturday Night: Wisconsin 3, Colorado College 2

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Wednesday night reading material

2011-03-09T19:01:00.002-06:00

-2011 Wisconsin forward recruit Brendan Woods may finally be hitting his stride in the United States Hockey League. The Muskegon Lumberjacks forward has recorded 5 goals in the past 5 games and 7 points in his last 7. Woods is sporting a lucky mustache over his streak. If he keeps scoring I hope he never shaves when he arrives in Madison.

-Sports Illustrated's Pierre Mcguire says that Wisconsin head coach Mike Eaves is a top NHL coaching prospect. Mcguire, also an analysis for TSN and the NHL on NBC calls Eaves "An excellent communicator and a shrewd tactician." I wouldn't read much into this. Eaves has been a so called "Top NHL coaching prospect" for years. That comes with the territory of developing NHL talent like he has while he's been in Madison. Wisconsin had placed 20 former Badgers in the NHL this season alone.

-USA Hockey has released the names of players invited to try out for the USA NTDP for next season. This years group is made up of players born in 1995. One Wisconsin born player was invited, Will Butcher from Sun Prairie. I've talked up Butcher on this site for a few years now and It's no surprise that he's been invited to camp. It's been rumored that he's already been offered a spot on the team next season and is expected to accept. Butcher has visited North Dakota and presumably has been on unofficial visits to Wisconsin as well.

I'm a bit surprised that Butcher was the only Wisconsin born player invited to camp. Two players from Hudson, Ian McCoshen who is playing with the Waterloo Black Hawks in the USHL and Travis Wood who is playing high school hockey for Hill Murray high school are also considered to be big time prospects. Expect all three players to be on the radar of the Wisconsin coaching staff.

-On the topic of the NTDP tryout, Chris Peters from the United States of Hockey blog profiles some of the bigger names expected to be in camp including Butcher. Peters says of Butcher, "he is considered an elite puck mover and may be one of the best blueliners in this class." With no current verbal commitments for 2013, Butcher would sure get the ball rolling towards a big time class. Additionally, if you're not reading the United States of Hockey blog regularly, you're missing out dearly.

-USA Hockey puts together some nice features on players from the NTDP and they released a nice one about 2011 Wisconsin defense recruit Jake McCabe recently. McCabe, who is from Eau Claire is playing key minutes for the USA U18 team this season and expected to be a key contributor when Team USA plays in the U18 World Championships. The 6'0, 195 defenseman is expected to immediately step into the Wisconsin lineup next season and be an immediate contributor.

-Jason Karnosky from Madison.com does a nice job recapping Badgers in the NHL including a feature piece on Blake Geoffrion scoring his first NHL goal. Karnosky also talks about Brad Winchester getting traded to Anaheim, Elliott going to the Avalanche, Skille moving to Florida, and Jake Gardiner being traded while still in college.

-Minnesota Hockey Hub has a nice article featuring recent Badger commit Joseph LaBate. In the article LaBate mentions that he held offers from Maine, RPI, Nebraska-Omaha, Minnesota State and Bemidji State and cancelled visits he had set up to North Dakota and Minnesota. In the article Benilde-St. Margaret’s coach Ken Pauly calls LaBate the best forward he's seen this season.

-In his weekly presser Badger coach Mike Eaves compares the match up with CC to a 5 game series with it currently tied 1-1. He doesn't tip his hand as to what he's going to do about the goaltending situation for the weekend. At this point I honestly have no idea what they are going to do.

-Ryan McDonagh returned to the lineup with the Rangers after injuring his knee last Friday night. Accoring to the Rangers blog "Canyon of Blueshirts" McDonagh had his best game of the season on Sunday. Pierre Mcguire also had this to say about McDonagh's trade last year that brought him to New York. "Somebody call Glen Sather for his grand larceny of getting Ryan McDonagh in the Scott Gomez deal".

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Cody Strang to Bemidji State

2011-03-08T20:23:00.002-06:00

It looks like Madison native Cody Strang's dream of playing in the WCHA still has legs. The Sixty Minutes blog was able to speak with Strang Tuesday night and he indicated to us that the rumors of him heading to Bemidji State next year were true. Strang told us that he will have to sit out one season and will join the Beavers for 2012.

Strang, who plays for the Youngstown Phantoms of the United States Hockey League was originally committed to the University of Wisconsin, his hometown team for the 2011 hockey season. Due to academics, Strang didn't qualify academically for the 2011 season, virtually ending his career with the Badgers before it started.

A standout at Madison Edgewood in high school, Strang won the 2009 Mr. Hockey Award. Currently one of the top forwards in the USHL, Strang was named to the 2011 USHL mid-season All-Star team. Strang's 14 goals and 20 assists for 34 points in 47 games rank him second on the Phantoms in points this season. His +19 plus/minus rating is tied for sixth in the USHL.

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WCHA All-Conference Ballots

2011-03-08T15:19:00.003-06:00

Like I mentioned, it seems like everyone and their mother is starting to release their All-Conference teams. Some of them are absolutely ridiculous, and some of them pretty good. Here's a list of ballots that I've found on the web.

Shane Frederick-Mankato Free Press
Roman Augustoviz-Minneapolis Star Tribune
Chad Purcell-Omaha World Herald
Brad Elliott Schlossman-Grand Forks Herald
Mike Chambers-Denver Post
Bruce Ciske-Duluth Radio Announcer
Chris Dilks-Western College Hockey
Fetch9-The College Hockey Blog

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Spring Break Bracketology: Week 17 3/8/11

2011-03-08T14:23:00.004-06:00

Apologize for the late bracketology this week, I'm enjoying my spring break.

Despite splitting with Colorado College, Wisconsin dropped two more spots in the PWR this week to #23. The unsettling part to think about is if Wisconsin didn't lose on Friday night they would be sitting at #15 in the PWR right now. The good thing is that Wisconsin has 2 more games against CC this weekend and a sweep puts them right back in contention for an at large bid.

The WCHA didn't gain or drop any bids this week. The WCHA is sitting with 5 at large bids right now with Minnesota-Duluth, North Dakota, Denver, and UNO and Colorado College in as of right now. Minnesota, St Cloud and Wisconsin still have a shot at at large bids but most likely will have to win the Final Five to make it in the tournament.

Step 1: Pick the 16 tournament teams

1. Yale
2. Boston College
3. North Dakota
4. Michigan
5. Denver
6. Union
7. Nebraska-Omaha
8. Merrimack
9. Miami
10. Notre Dame
11. Minnesota-Duluth
12. New Hampshire
13. Dartmouth
14. Western Michigan
15. Colorado College
16. Atlantic Hockey Champion (RIT)

Bubble Teams (in order): Boston University, RPI, Maine, Minnesota, St. Cloud State

Step 2: Assign the seeds

No. 1 seeds: Yale, Boston College, North Dakota, Michigan
No. 2 seeds: Denver, Union, Nebraska-Omaha, Merrimack
No. 3 seeds: Miami, Notre Dame, Minnesota-Duluth, New Hampshire
No. 4 seeds: Dartmouth, Western Michigan, Colorado College, RIT

Step 3: Place host teams in regionals

Right now we have two host schools in the tournament. New Hampshire is hosting the Northeast Regional in Manchester, and Yale is hosting the East Regional in Bridgeport. Therefore, UNH is placed as the #3 seed in Manchester and Yale is the #1 seed in Bridgeport.

Step 4: Place number 1 seeds in regionals

Number 1 seeds are placed based on proximity to regional site.

No. 1 Yale (host) is placed in the East Regional in Bridgeport
No. 2 Boston College is placed in the Northeast Regional in Manchester
No. 3 North Dakota is placed in the West Regional in St. Louis
No. 4 Michigan is placed in the Mid-West Regional in Green Bay

Step 5: Place the other 12 teams avoiding intra-conference match ups if possible Begin by filling in each bracket by banding groups. Remember that teams are not assigned to the regional closest to their campus sites by ranking order within the banding.

If this is the case, then the committee should seed so that the quarterfinals are seeded such that the four regional championships are played by No. 1 v. No. 8, No. 2 v. No. 7, No. 3 v. No. 6 and No. 4 v. No. 5.

Number 2 seeds:

No. 8 Merrimack is placed in No. 1 Yale's Regional, the East Region
No. 7 UNO is placed in No. 2 BC's Regional, the Northeast Regional
No. 6 Union is placed in No. 3 North Dakota's Regional, the West Regional
No. 5 Denver is placed in No. 4 Michigan's Regional, the Mid-West Regional

Number 3 seeds:

No. 9 Miami is placed No. 8 Merrimack's Regional, the East Regional
No. 10 Notre Dame is placed in No. 6 Union's Regional, the West Regional
No. 11 UMD is placed in No. 5 Denver's Regional, the Mid-West Regional
No. 12 UNH (host) is placed in No. 7 UNO's Regional, the Northeast Regional

Number 4 seeds:

No. 13 Dartmouth is placed in No. 4 Michigan's Regional, the Mid-West Regional
No. 14 Western Mich. is placed in No. 3 UND's Regional, the West Regional
No. 15 Colorado College is placed in No. 2 BC's Regional, the Northeast Regional
No. 16 RIT is placed in No. 1 Yale's Regional, the East Regional

Our bracket as we have it set up:

East Regional (Bridgeport, Connecticut)
1 Yale vs 16 RIT
8 Merrimack vs 9 Miami

Mid-West Regional (Green Bay, Wisconsin)
4 Michigan vs 13 Dartmouth
5 Denver vs 11 Minnesota-Duluth

Northeast Regional (Manchester, New Hampshire)
2 Boston College vs 15 Colorado College
7 Nebraska-Omaha vs 12 New Hampshire

West Regional (St. Louis, Missouri)
3 North Dakota vs 14 Western Michigan
6 Union vs 10 Notre Dame

Our first concern is to avoid intra-conference first round match ups. This week we have one with Minnesota-Duluth and Denver in the Mid-West Regional. We know we can't make a flip with the Northeast regional because that would create another intra-conference match up with Nebraska-Omaha and also New Hampshire can't be moved out of Manchester since they are a host school.

We can either flip UMD and Miami or Denver and Union. Denver/Union makes more since because it keeps bracket integrity intact and keeps UMD in Green Bay for attendance.

Our bracket as we have it set up now:

East Regional (Bridgeport, Connecticut)
1 Yale vs 16 RIT
8 Merrimack vs 9 Miami

Mid-West Regional (Green Bay, Wisconsin)
4 Michigan vs 13 Dartmouth
6 Union vs 11 Minnesota-Duluth

Northeast Regional (Manchester, New Hampshire)
2 Boston College vs 15 Colorado College
7 Nebraska-Omaha vs 12 New Hampshire

West Regional (St. Louis, Missouri)
3 North Dakota vs 14 Western Michigan
5 Denver vs 10 Notre Dame

Can we do anything to improve attendance? One that stands out to me is moving Dartmouth to Manchester and flipping them with Colorado College.

Our bracket as we have it set up now:

East Regional (Bridgeport, Connecticut)
1 Yale vs 16 RIT
8 Merrimack vs 9 Miami

Mid-West Regional (Green Bay, Wisconsin)
4 Michigan vs 15 Colorado College
6 Union vs 11 Minnesota-Duluth

Northeast Regional (Manchester, New Hampshire)
2 Boston College vs 13 Dartmouth
7 Nebraska-Omaha vs 12 New Hampshire

West Regional (St. Louis, Missouri)
3 North Dakota vs 14 Western Michigan
5 Denver vs 10 Notre Dame

Bracket integrity looks strong. Attendance looks decent. There isn't anything else we can do to improve it.

That's what I'll go with for the week.

Week by week Wisconsin tournament tracker:
Week 1: #12 overall seed vs Michigan in Mid-West Regional in Green Bay
Week 2: First team out of the tournament, #16 in the PWR
Week 3: Falling further away from the tournament, #24 in the PWR
Week 4: Stopped the bleeding, moved up to #18 in the PWR
Week 5: Still hovering in the bubble, dropped a spot to #19 in PWR
Week 6: Gaining some ground, moved up to #17 in the PWR
Week 7: Stalemate, still at #17 in the PWR on a bye week.
Week 8: Back in the game, #12 overall seed in Northeast Regional in Manchester
Week 9: Moving on up, to the east side. #9 overall seed in the East Regional.
Week 10a: All the way up to the #8 overall seed vs Maine in the East Regional.
Week 10b: With the PWR tweak we drop a spot. Now playing BC in Green Bay.
Week 11: Keep winning, keep moving up. #7 overall seed vs Western Mich in Green Bay.
Week 12: #7 overall seed once again. This week vs Merrimack in Green Bay.
Week 13: #8 overall seed, taking on #9 Union in the Mid-West Regional in GB.
Week 14: #15 overall seed, in the Northeast Regional vs Boston College.
Week 15: Moved up a spot after sliding the past 3 weeks. #14 overall seed in GB.
Week 16: Dropped out of the tournament completely. #21 in the PWR.
Week 17: Falling further from the tourney. #23 in the PWR. Need 2 wins this week.

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Chuck's All-WCHA Awards

2011-03-07T16:03:00.006-06:00

Official and unofficial ballots are being throw around and it looks like everyone and their mother has an opinion on who should make the all-conference teams.

I obviously do not receive an official vote but I'm going to waste your time anyways with my opinions and sit back and take the bashing from opposing fans about how I need to lay off the crack or take off my rose colored glasses or whatever un-thoughtful burn they can think of.

Obviously with 12 teams in the league this season it continues to get tougher and tougher to select these teams so there are many players that are more than deserving of league awards that won't receive recognition simply because there aren't enough spots. Some apologies immediately go out to Jason Gregoire of North Dakota, Scott Gudmandson of Wisconsin, Matt Read of Bemidji State, and Gabe Guentzel of Colorado College among others.

First Team All-WCHA
F-Mike Connolly-Minnesota Duluth
F-Matt Frattin-North Dakota
F-Jack Connolly-Minnesota Duluth
D-Justin Schultz-Wisconsin
D-Jake Gardiner-Wisconsin
G- Kent Patterson-Minnesota

Second Team All-WCHA
F-Jason Zucker-Denver
F-Jaden Schwartz-Colorado College
F-Drew Shore-Denver
D-Chay Genoway-North Dakota
D-Matt Donnovan-Denver
G-Sam Brittain-Denver

Third Team All-WCHA
F-Drew LaBlanc-St. Cloud State
F-Justin Fontaine-Minnesota Duluth
F-Craig Smith-Wisconsin
D-Eric Olimb-Nebraska-Omaha
D-Kurt Davis-Minnesota State
G-Aaron Dell-North Dakota

All Rookie Team
F-Jaden Schwartz-Colorado College
F-Mark Zengerle-Wisconsin
F-Jason Zucker-Denver
D-Nick Jensen-St. Cloud State
D-Justin Faulk-Minnesota-Duluth
G-Sam Brittain-Denver

WCHA Player of the Year: Matt Frattin-North Dakota
Besides Frattin's numbers speaking for themselves, no player has made more of an impact this season. When you watch a North Dakota game they have many players that stand out but Frattin is the one when your grabbing a post game beer that you think, man...that kid is really good. He was the best player on the best team in the league and won the scoring title. Probably the easiest Player of the Year choice in recent seasons.

WCHA Defenseman of the Year: Justin Schultz-Wisconsin
Wisconsin had Brendan Smith last year but I'm not sure that the league has seen an offensive threat from the blueline like Schultz since maybe Mike Crowley from the Gophers in the 90's. Schultz is the 9th leading scorer in the country, as a defenseman, not an easy task. His 18 goals this season are one away from tying the Wisconsin record for goals by a defensman set by Sean Hill in 1990.

WCHA Rookie of the Year: Jason Zucker-Denver
Zucker has won this award a bit by default. While I don't have a problem including Jaden Schwartz on my all-conference teams despite missing multiple games, I can't give him the rookie of the year, especially when Zucker played as well as he did. Zucker was his best when it mattered, in WCHA games. He finished third in scoring in league games as a freshman, a very tough thing to do as a rookie.

WCHA Coach of the Year: George Gwozdecky
Many are giving this to Blais because Nebraska-Omaha finished third in the league. Well I predicted them to finish fourth so I'm not surprised at all. The only team in the country that lost more talent off it's roster from last season other than Wisconsin was Denver. Losing Rakhshani, Colborne, Ruegsegger, Wiercioch, and WCHA Player of the Year Marc Cheverie off last seasons club, and having to go through the tradgedy of the Jesse Martin indecent and still almost seamlessly finishing second in the WCHA this season is impressive.

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Badgers Land Elite Twin-Cities Recruit For 2011

2011-03-06T18:10:00.008-06:00

News has just broke that the Badgers have received a verbal commitment from Joseph LaBate for the 2011-12 hockey season.

LaBate, a centerman from the Academy of Holy Angels, a private school from the twin-cities is one of the last remaining elite forwards in the class of 2011.

The 6'4 lefty is a skilled pivot who is expected to hear his name called in the upcoming 2011 NHL Draft which is being held in his home state of Minnesota. LaBate was ranked as the #60 North American skater by the NHL's Central Scouting staff during it's mid-term rankings. According to The Hockey News, LaBate is expected to go somewhere between the second and third round of the draft.

A spot for LaBate in the 2011 class recently opened up when this blog broke the news that Madison native Cody Strang would not qualify academically to be eligible for the 2011-2012 hockey season. LaBate joins a freshman class that includes USHL forwards Brendan Woods (Muskegon), Tyler Lapic (Chicago), and Matt Pappe (Sioux City) in addition to NTDP defeseman Jake McCabe, Minnesota high school defenseman Patrick Daly, and BCHL goalie Joel Rumpel from Penticton.

LaBate, who is arguably the best forward in Minnesota high school hockey is a finalist for this years Minnesota Mr. Hockey Award. LaBate and Minnesota Gopher recruit Kyle Rau are expected to be the front runners in this years class. Past Mr. Hockey winners that have attended Wisconsin include Tom Gorowsky and Ryan McDonagh. Badger recruit Patrick Daly is also a finalist this year.

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Senior Night Lines vs Colorado College

2011-03-05T18:02:00.002-06:00

WISCONSIN

Murray-Smith-Zengerle
Patrick Johnson-Podge Turnbull-Barnes
Mersch-Sean Dolan-Lee
R. Little-Dahl-Meuer

Gardiner-Schultz
Craig Johnson-Ramage
Faust-Simonelli

Scott Gudmandson

COLORADO COLLEGE

Hall-Dineen-Hamburg
Eveland-Skalbeck-Winkler
J.Schwartz-R.Schwartz-Schultz
Krushelnyski-Civitarese-Rapuzzi

Lowery-McDermott
Guentzel-Marciano
Boivin-Bidwill

Thorimbert

THANK YOU SENIORS!

2011-03-05T16:42:00.000-06:00