Saw this earlier but it got lost in the posting shuffle. March 12th the WCHA announced the All-Academic teams.
According to the release, "To earn recognition as a member of the All-WCHA Academic Team, member team student-athletes must meet the following criteria: 1) have completed one year of residency at present institution, prior to the current academic year; and 2) have a grade point average of at least 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale) for the previous two semesters or three quarters, or may qualify if his overall GPA is at least 3.00 for all terms at his present institution."
Five Badgers were honored by the WCHA this season. The list is led by second time honoree Ryan McDonagh (Arden Hills, MN) and the only four time winner in the league (due to his extra season with the medical redshirt) Ben Street (Coquitlam, BC). Senior Aaron Bendickson (Thief River Falls, MN), Sophomore Ryan Little (Fond du Lac, WI), and Sophomore Eric Springer (Wrightstown, WI) were awarded recognition by the WCHA for the first time.
Congratulations by all Five Badgers awarded, and to all 119 athletes honored by the WCHA.
Showing posts with label Eric Springer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Eric Springer. Show all posts
Monday, March 22, 2010
Friday, September 4, 2009
09/10 Men's Previews: #4 Eric Springer
Vitals:
Position: Defenseman
Year in School: Sophomore
Shoots Left
Height: 5-9
Weight: 185
Hometown: Wrightstown, WI
Major: Undeclared
Previous Team: Sioux Falls (USHL) in 07/08
NHL Considerations: He’s a Badger blue liner, never know what might happen.
08/09 Stats: 19 games, 1-2-3, +5, 16 PIM
07/08 Stats: 58 games, 8-23-31, +20, 94 PIM
09/10 Role: 3rd pairing (when there is PT or he beats someone out)
08/09 Recap: Coming off an All-Star season in the USHL, Eric had a good first half. He split time w/ Ryan Little during the 1st half of the season and was regularly the better of the two in most areas, besides hitting. As Christmas neared, 60 and I discussed how good Springer was playing, and then the calendar turned to 2009 and the wheels appeared to come off the wagon. In the second half, he was a regular in street clothes as a healthy scratch while Craig Johnson took up most of the PT in the 6th dman spot. Pretty hot, then cold, but not a bad freshman season.
Biggest Strength: In the USHL, he was an offensive dman, but didn’t get to show much of that last season. In the long run, I think he still has upside there, should get a chance to showcase it more NEXT season.
Biggest Weakness: It takes awhile to learn the blue line in the WCHA, and Eric still has a lot of room to grow in many areas. Decision making seemed to be a big weakness when he wasn’t having a good night.
09/10 Thoughts: In a crowded blue line, unless Eric had a great summer and kicks major butt in practice to start the season, I don’t see much playing time for him this season. There are five dmen who will play every night (McDonagh, Smith, Goloubef, Gardiner and Schultz) and barring injury or WJC or the doghouse, the 6th spot on the blue line will be hotly contested. I think Eaves will find some PT for everyone, but Craig Johnson and John Ramage likely have a better chance of playing as defensive defensemen. Eric showed a lot of potential last season at times, and he’ll be a big part of the team in 10/11.
Prediction: 10 games, 0-1-1*
*All predictions for regular season only
Photo from uwbadgers.com
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Actual vs Predicted: Blue Line
Previously I kicked off a little season review and took a look at my pre-season predictions against a player’s actual production. Yesterday was the goaltenders, today I’m moving on to the defensemen, and what a fine group of blue liners they are.
Jamie McBain – Grade: A-
Actual stats: 36 games, 7-27-34*
Prediction: 36 games, 10-26-36
* Regular Season stats only
WCHA POY, Hobey Finalist and likely an All-American. Anything more to say? Good luck to McBain in the pros; I’ll be tuning in regularly when he’s an everyday NHLer, likely by 2010/11.
Ryan McDonagh – Grade: B+
Actual stats: 32 games, 4-11-15
Prediction: 32 games, 5-12-17
McDonagh came to the rink and gave a solid effort every night. He doesn’t always light up the score sheet, but he is valuable on both ends of the ice. Of all the defensemen, he is the most physical (w/ the exception of Ryan Little’s reckless abandon) and had some huge hits throughout the season. At first I didn’t like his pairing w/ Goloubef, but they compliment each other well and if they both return they should be the top pairing in the country.
Cody Goloubef – Grade: A-
Actual Stats: 32 games, 4-8-12
Prediction: 36 games, 6-14-20
Gold Medal Goloubef gets an extra notch on his grade for gaining the gold men w/ Canada at the WJC in January. The only NCAA player on the team, quite impressive. Sitting behind McBain, Smith and Gardiner in the PP hierarchy, Goloubef still hasn’t been able to show off his offensive upside, but he still had a great season. He is solid on both ends, actually better than solid. Again w/ McDonagh they make a great pairing, and assuming Goloubef returns he might get a chance to run the PP w/ Smith on the 1st unit. Goloubef’s future looks mighty bright.
Jake Gardiner – Grade: A
Actual stats: 35 games, 2-16-18
Prediction: 30 games, 4-12-16
Lost in a lot of other things gaining attention in Badger Men’s hockey, Jake Gardiner had one hell of a season! Two seasons ago, Jake completed his last season as a forward, and now he looks a few seasons away from being an NHL regular on the blue line as he refines his defense game, and expands his offensive capabilities. The grade I gave him is based on him beating expectations, not in scoring, but in the level of play he brought throughout the season. I don’t think anyone honestly expected his level of play and adjustment to the WCHA from high school hockey. He stepped right into a pairing w/ McBain in the 2nd half and never looked back.
Brendan Smith – Grade: B
Actual Stats: 27 games, 8-13-21
Prediction: 30 games, 4-13-17
Smith was a critical part of the power play in the 1st half of the season; he was a force out there being fed from McBain. Injury derailed his season once again, and upon returning late in the season he was never quite as effective. Smith made big strides in his defensive game and started to really show off the offense that made him a 1st round pick of the Red Wings. A healthy season is critical for Smith next year, and if he is his numbers could be huge.
Craig Johnson – Grade: B
Actual Stats: 19 games, 0-0-0
Prediction: 10 games, 0-1-1
I underestimated Johnson, or overestimated Little and Springer based on who would get playing time this season. To start the year, there was a regular rotation of all three, but as the Badgers neared crunch time Johnson became a regular on the 3rd pairing and even time on the PK. I think his late season pairing w/ Smith was effective since they both compliment the other’s weakness. Johnson started to show a better slap shot late, and was better in big game situations. W/ Justin Schultz coming in for sure, Little and Springer are going to have to work hard to take Johnson’s spot in the lineup next season.
Ryan Little – Grade: C+
Actual Stats: 22 games, 0-3-3
Prediction: 20 games, 1-3-4
Little gets a small bump in his grade for his aforementioned reckless abandon in “owning” opponents. He reminded me of Patrick Johnson’s freshman year. Overall, Little was good at times and struggled mightily at others, but for a freshman season it wasn’t too bad. My fan’s expectation for frosh blue liners is to not be a liability in the defensive zone and whatever else you do great (outside of the highly touted kids). At the end, Johnson was less of a liability than Little, so he saw the ice time. Plenty of room and time to improve.
Eric Springer – Grade: C
Actual Stats: 18 games, 1-2-3
Prediction: 18 games, 1-4-5
Springer doesn’t get the bonus for reckless abandon, but I think he had a similar season to Little. Right before Christmas 60 and I discussed how great he was playing, but after the holidays he seemed to take a step back. Overall a good freshman season, and like Little there is a lot of room for growth and improvement. There is a possibility of mass blue line departures following next season, and both Springer and Little will be critical parts of the 2010/11 team as upperclassmen.
Jamie McBain – Grade: A-
Actual stats: 36 games, 7-27-34*
Prediction: 36 games, 10-26-36
* Regular Season stats only
WCHA POY, Hobey Finalist and likely an All-American. Anything more to say? Good luck to McBain in the pros; I’ll be tuning in regularly when he’s an everyday NHLer, likely by 2010/11.
Ryan McDonagh – Grade: B+
Actual stats: 32 games, 4-11-15
Prediction: 32 games, 5-12-17
McDonagh came to the rink and gave a solid effort every night. He doesn’t always light up the score sheet, but he is valuable on both ends of the ice. Of all the defensemen, he is the most physical (w/ the exception of Ryan Little’s reckless abandon) and had some huge hits throughout the season. At first I didn’t like his pairing w/ Goloubef, but they compliment each other well and if they both return they should be the top pairing in the country.
Cody Goloubef – Grade: A-
Actual Stats: 32 games, 4-8-12
Prediction: 36 games, 6-14-20
Gold Medal Goloubef gets an extra notch on his grade for gaining the gold men w/ Canada at the WJC in January. The only NCAA player on the team, quite impressive. Sitting behind McBain, Smith and Gardiner in the PP hierarchy, Goloubef still hasn’t been able to show off his offensive upside, but he still had a great season. He is solid on both ends, actually better than solid. Again w/ McDonagh they make a great pairing, and assuming Goloubef returns he might get a chance to run the PP w/ Smith on the 1st unit. Goloubef’s future looks mighty bright.
Jake Gardiner – Grade: A
Actual stats: 35 games, 2-16-18
Prediction: 30 games, 4-12-16
Lost in a lot of other things gaining attention in Badger Men’s hockey, Jake Gardiner had one hell of a season! Two seasons ago, Jake completed his last season as a forward, and now he looks a few seasons away from being an NHL regular on the blue line as he refines his defense game, and expands his offensive capabilities. The grade I gave him is based on him beating expectations, not in scoring, but in the level of play he brought throughout the season. I don’t think anyone honestly expected his level of play and adjustment to the WCHA from high school hockey. He stepped right into a pairing w/ McBain in the 2nd half and never looked back.
Brendan Smith – Grade: B
Actual Stats: 27 games, 8-13-21
Prediction: 30 games, 4-13-17
Smith was a critical part of the power play in the 1st half of the season; he was a force out there being fed from McBain. Injury derailed his season once again, and upon returning late in the season he was never quite as effective. Smith made big strides in his defensive game and started to really show off the offense that made him a 1st round pick of the Red Wings. A healthy season is critical for Smith next year, and if he is his numbers could be huge.
Craig Johnson – Grade: B
Actual Stats: 19 games, 0-0-0
Prediction: 10 games, 0-1-1
I underestimated Johnson, or overestimated Little and Springer based on who would get playing time this season. To start the year, there was a regular rotation of all three, but as the Badgers neared crunch time Johnson became a regular on the 3rd pairing and even time on the PK. I think his late season pairing w/ Smith was effective since they both compliment the other’s weakness. Johnson started to show a better slap shot late, and was better in big game situations. W/ Justin Schultz coming in for sure, Little and Springer are going to have to work hard to take Johnson’s spot in the lineup next season.
Ryan Little – Grade: C+
Actual Stats: 22 games, 0-3-3
Prediction: 20 games, 1-3-4
Little gets a small bump in his grade for his aforementioned reckless abandon in “owning” opponents. He reminded me of Patrick Johnson’s freshman year. Overall, Little was good at times and struggled mightily at others, but for a freshman season it wasn’t too bad. My fan’s expectation for frosh blue liners is to not be a liability in the defensive zone and whatever else you do great (outside of the highly touted kids). At the end, Johnson was less of a liability than Little, so he saw the ice time. Plenty of room and time to improve.
Eric Springer – Grade: C
Actual Stats: 18 games, 1-2-3
Prediction: 18 games, 1-4-5
Springer doesn’t get the bonus for reckless abandon, but I think he had a similar season to Little. Right before Christmas 60 and I discussed how great he was playing, but after the holidays he seemed to take a step back. Overall a good freshman season, and like Little there is a lot of room for growth and improvement. There is a possibility of mass blue line departures following next season, and both Springer and Little will be critical parts of the 2010/11 team as upperclassmen.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Men's Player Previews: #4 Eric Springer
Vitals:Postition: Defenseman
Year in School: Freshman
Shoots Left
Height: 5-9
Weight: 186
Hometown: Wrightstown, WI
Previous Team: Sioux Falls (USHL) last season
NHL Considerations: None at this time.
07/08 Stats: 60 games, 8-23-31, +21, 94 PIM
06/07 Stats: Couldn't find any (please leave a comment if you know where I can find this info)
08/09 Role: 3rd EV Pairing, could see some PP time
07/08 Recap: In his one and only season in the USHL w/ the Sioux Falls Stampede, Eric did not disappoint. Eric was the top defenseman on the team in scoring and the top player in +/-. Eric's great season as an offensive defenseman landed him on the USHL All-Star team.
08/09 Thoughts: Eric was a late pickup for the Badgers to fill out the rest of the 08 freshman class, and frankly as I've stated it before, I think the Badgers got a steal here. Eric is going to be a good player for the Badgers, but probably won't see a ton of ice time this season. He sits behind McBain, McDonagh, Goloubef, Smith and Gardiner (all 1st or 2nd round NHL picks) and has to compete w/ Craig Johnson and Ryan Little for playing time (outside of injury and the WJC). Eric is also more of an offensive and left handed dman, on a team loaded w/ both. I have nothing concrete to go off of here, but I think he will share time w/ Johnson and Little. Even if he doesn't play a ton this year, Eric will be someone we can count on in the future, as he should be a 4 year player.
Prediction: 18 games, 1-4-5
picture from uwbadgers.com
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Season Preview: Freshman
So far I’ve looked at all the returning Badgers in the senior, junior and sophomore classes. Now its time to tackle the freshmen, the biggest unknown on the team. When looking at this group, I ponder two main things:
1) How quickly will they adjust to the rigors of the WCHA from the level they previously played? For some it might be mid-season, for others it might take until Fall 2009 before they are adjusted. 4 of these young men spent last season (2 of them multiple seasons) in the USHL. One came directly from high school and two teammates come from Shattuck St. Mary’s, which I would consider a step above HS hockey, but below the USHL.
2) Will this group be able to make up a significant portion of the scoring that departed from last season? This may be a function of #1. Of those who moved on, they tallied 27-66-93 last season. That is a lot to make up. Most of that came from Kyle Turris and the scoring from the blue line by Davis Drewiske and Kyle Klubertanz. The returning players should also improve, but a good chunk of that lost production will be on the shoulders of the freshman.
Last season, Wisconsin had the #1 ranked class in the nation, and overall they made large contributions to the team. Kyle Turris, Ryan McDonagh and Cody Goloubef arguably met expectations last year, while Patrick Johnson and Sean Dolan exceeded them. Only Brendan Smith could be labeled a disappointment. The freshman class of 2006 (the current juniors) were highly ranked as well, yet their contributions were not on par w/ their expectations. While Jamie McBain did his part, Blake Geoffrion and Michael Davies did not, and Nigel Williams left the team after a few weekends. How will this year’s freshman do?
The freshman class of 2008 should be ranked pretty high as well, featuring 3 NHL draft picks. In 2006, forward Chris Hickey was a 7th round pick of the Minnesota Wild. This past summer, forward Derek Stepan was a 2nd round pick of the NY Rangers, while classmate Jake Gardiner was the 1st round selection of the Anaheim Ducks. Joining Stepan and Hickey at forward are Matt Thurber and Jordan Murray. Joining Gardiner on the blue line are Ryan Little and Eric Springer. There is a strong Wisconsin connection to this class. Thurber is from Beaver Dam, Little is from Fond du Lac and Springer grew up in Wrightstown.
Starting w/ the blue liners, Jake Gardiner comes to Wisconsin w/ high expectations. Before the start of last season w/ Minnetonka HS, Gardiner switched from forward to defenseman. The move vaulted him up the draft board. Gardiner was considered one of the best skating blue liners, if not the best, in this summer’s NHL draft. W/ his background as a forward, he adds to Wisconsin’s list of offensive dmen, and should see time on the PP this season. Gardiner’s recent switch to the blue line is also his biggest weakness. Coach Oz will definitely have Gardiner under his wing for the next few seasons as he attempts to mold him into a solid defensive force. Gardiner is a high risk high reward player for the Badgers, who as a freshman is likely to make his share of mistakes in his own end. Fans should be patient, w/ some hard work Gardiner should be a star in the coming seasons. Stats last season: 28G, 20-28-48
Though not as heralded, Ryan Little will join Gardiner on the blue line this Fall. Little played the last few seasons for the Green Bay Gamblers of the USHL. Last season he served as team Captain, bringing leadership to the Badgers, and was an USHL All-Star. He is solid in his own end, which on a team of offensive dmen, should earn him some playing time. He does take a lot of penalties, and needs to learn to stay out of the box. Little should be a solid four year player for Wisconsin. Stats last season: 58G, 2-11-13, -21, 100 PIM
Another USHL All-Star joining the Badgers is Eric Springer. Springer had a very successful season w/ Sioux Falls of the USHL last year. Springer was a later addition to the class. I don’t know much more about Springer, though I think based on his play during his only season in the USHL, the Badgers landed themselves a steal. Springer is another offensive defenseman, which could limit his playing time this season, but he should be here for 4 years and do some good things. Stats last season: 60G, 8-23-31, +21, 94 PIM
Headlining the talented group of incoming forwards is Derek Stepan. Stepan spent the last two seasons w/ Shattuck St. Mary’s where he was 2nd on the team in scoring (both seasons) and a huge factor in their back to back National Championships. Stepan should add some much needed offense to the team and help fill the void made by Turris’ departure. His draft stock rose throughout the season, and I remember reading that he was the most dominant player on the ice during Shattuck’s playoff run. Stats last season: 60G, 42-62-104, 16 PIM
Joining Stepan is his teammate Jordy Murray. Murray is the veteran of three seasons on Shattuck’s varsity squad and was 3rd in scoring the last two seasons. Murray’s dad Andy is the current coach of the St. Louis Blues, and his brother Brady played for North Dakota. Some pretty good hockey bloodlines. Murray is a small player, but should hopefully remind Badger fans of Ryan Lasch or Garrett Roe, both smaller forwards who have had a lot of success at St. Cloud. Last season stats: 60G, 38-57-95, 68 PIM
The Badgers also welcome one of the top forwards in the USHL from last season in Matt Thurber. Thurber won a championship of his own helping the Omaha Lancers to the Clark Cup. An All-Star last year, Thurber was near the top of many different statistical categories. He was tied for 14th in scoring, 4th in assists, 5th in +/-, and 1st in short handed goals league wide. Thurber averaged about 3 assists per goal, and should provide much needed playmaking for the Badgers. Stats last season: 58G, 14-41-55, +23, 71 PIM
Rounding out the freshman class is forward Chris Hickey. Hickey was a late addition to the class after issues arose about his draft status w/ the Wild. If he would not have entered Wisconsin, the Wild would have had to sign him, or give up his draft rights. Regardless, Hickey is a nice addition to the team. Hickey spent last season w/ Tri-City of the USHL, and before that played out his senior HS season as teammates w/ Ryan McDonagh. Not sure how much room there will be for playing time for Hickey, but he should provide Wisconsin w/ a solid two way forward. Stats last season: 55G, 15-16-31, -24, 34 PIM
The main thing w/ the freshman class is that there are a lot of unknowns. I have high hopes for all of these kids, but I don’t want to get them too high. Last year I thought Kyle Turris could have a 20-30-50 season, and when he “only” produced a 11-24-35 season, I was disappointed most of the time. Really in retrospect, a 35 point season for a WCHA rookie is pretty darn good. The switch from the BCHL is a huge jump, and while I thought KT should have buried a few more goals, his season should be considered a success.
As high draft picks, Gardiner and Stepan should produce a lot, but I think their seasons will be considered a success if they improve from day one and are markedly better by season’s end, same for their teammates. Personally, I think Matt Thurber is going to have the best season of all the frosh, and I can’t wait to see him play. He has been playing against older competition in the USHL for three years, and I think he is ready to make NHL teams wish they had drafted him this past June.
6 weeks to go until the first puck drops out in Boston and some of these question marks started producing answers.
1) How quickly will they adjust to the rigors of the WCHA from the level they previously played? For some it might be mid-season, for others it might take until Fall 2009 before they are adjusted. 4 of these young men spent last season (2 of them multiple seasons) in the USHL. One came directly from high school and two teammates come from Shattuck St. Mary’s, which I would consider a step above HS hockey, but below the USHL.
2) Will this group be able to make up a significant portion of the scoring that departed from last season? This may be a function of #1. Of those who moved on, they tallied 27-66-93 last season. That is a lot to make up. Most of that came from Kyle Turris and the scoring from the blue line by Davis Drewiske and Kyle Klubertanz. The returning players should also improve, but a good chunk of that lost production will be on the shoulders of the freshman.
Last season, Wisconsin had the #1 ranked class in the nation, and overall they made large contributions to the team. Kyle Turris, Ryan McDonagh and Cody Goloubef arguably met expectations last year, while Patrick Johnson and Sean Dolan exceeded them. Only Brendan Smith could be labeled a disappointment. The freshman class of 2006 (the current juniors) were highly ranked as well, yet their contributions were not on par w/ their expectations. While Jamie McBain did his part, Blake Geoffrion and Michael Davies did not, and Nigel Williams left the team after a few weekends. How will this year’s freshman do?
The freshman class of 2008 should be ranked pretty high as well, featuring 3 NHL draft picks. In 2006, forward Chris Hickey was a 7th round pick of the Minnesota Wild. This past summer, forward Derek Stepan was a 2nd round pick of the NY Rangers, while classmate Jake Gardiner was the 1st round selection of the Anaheim Ducks. Joining Stepan and Hickey at forward are Matt Thurber and Jordan Murray. Joining Gardiner on the blue line are Ryan Little and Eric Springer. There is a strong Wisconsin connection to this class. Thurber is from Beaver Dam, Little is from Fond du Lac and Springer grew up in Wrightstown.
Starting w/ the blue liners, Jake Gardiner comes to Wisconsin w/ high expectations. Before the start of last season w/ Minnetonka HS, Gardiner switched from forward to defenseman. The move vaulted him up the draft board. Gardiner was considered one of the best skating blue liners, if not the best, in this summer’s NHL draft. W/ his background as a forward, he adds to Wisconsin’s list of offensive dmen, and should see time on the PP this season. Gardiner’s recent switch to the blue line is also his biggest weakness. Coach Oz will definitely have Gardiner under his wing for the next few seasons as he attempts to mold him into a solid defensive force. Gardiner is a high risk high reward player for the Badgers, who as a freshman is likely to make his share of mistakes in his own end. Fans should be patient, w/ some hard work Gardiner should be a star in the coming seasons. Stats last season: 28G, 20-28-48
Though not as heralded, Ryan Little will join Gardiner on the blue line this Fall. Little played the last few seasons for the Green Bay Gamblers of the USHL. Last season he served as team Captain, bringing leadership to the Badgers, and was an USHL All-Star. He is solid in his own end, which on a team of offensive dmen, should earn him some playing time. He does take a lot of penalties, and needs to learn to stay out of the box. Little should be a solid four year player for Wisconsin. Stats last season: 58G, 2-11-13, -21, 100 PIM
Another USHL All-Star joining the Badgers is Eric Springer. Springer had a very successful season w/ Sioux Falls of the USHL last year. Springer was a later addition to the class. I don’t know much more about Springer, though I think based on his play during his only season in the USHL, the Badgers landed themselves a steal. Springer is another offensive defenseman, which could limit his playing time this season, but he should be here for 4 years and do some good things. Stats last season: 60G, 8-23-31, +21, 94 PIM
Headlining the talented group of incoming forwards is Derek Stepan. Stepan spent the last two seasons w/ Shattuck St. Mary’s where he was 2nd on the team in scoring (both seasons) and a huge factor in their back to back National Championships. Stepan should add some much needed offense to the team and help fill the void made by Turris’ departure. His draft stock rose throughout the season, and I remember reading that he was the most dominant player on the ice during Shattuck’s playoff run. Stats last season: 60G, 42-62-104, 16 PIM
Joining Stepan is his teammate Jordy Murray. Murray is the veteran of three seasons on Shattuck’s varsity squad and was 3rd in scoring the last two seasons. Murray’s dad Andy is the current coach of the St. Louis Blues, and his brother Brady played for North Dakota. Some pretty good hockey bloodlines. Murray is a small player, but should hopefully remind Badger fans of Ryan Lasch or Garrett Roe, both smaller forwards who have had a lot of success at St. Cloud. Last season stats: 60G, 38-57-95, 68 PIM
The Badgers also welcome one of the top forwards in the USHL from last season in Matt Thurber. Thurber won a championship of his own helping the Omaha Lancers to the Clark Cup. An All-Star last year, Thurber was near the top of many different statistical categories. He was tied for 14th in scoring, 4th in assists, 5th in +/-, and 1st in short handed goals league wide. Thurber averaged about 3 assists per goal, and should provide much needed playmaking for the Badgers. Stats last season: 58G, 14-41-55, +23, 71 PIM
Rounding out the freshman class is forward Chris Hickey. Hickey was a late addition to the class after issues arose about his draft status w/ the Wild. If he would not have entered Wisconsin, the Wild would have had to sign him, or give up his draft rights. Regardless, Hickey is a nice addition to the team. Hickey spent last season w/ Tri-City of the USHL, and before that played out his senior HS season as teammates w/ Ryan McDonagh. Not sure how much room there will be for playing time for Hickey, but he should provide Wisconsin w/ a solid two way forward. Stats last season: 55G, 15-16-31, -24, 34 PIM
The main thing w/ the freshman class is that there are a lot of unknowns. I have high hopes for all of these kids, but I don’t want to get them too high. Last year I thought Kyle Turris could have a 20-30-50 season, and when he “only” produced a 11-24-35 season, I was disappointed most of the time. Really in retrospect, a 35 point season for a WCHA rookie is pretty darn good. The switch from the BCHL is a huge jump, and while I thought KT should have buried a few more goals, his season should be considered a success.
As high draft picks, Gardiner and Stepan should produce a lot, but I think their seasons will be considered a success if they improve from day one and are markedly better by season’s end, same for their teammates. Personally, I think Matt Thurber is going to have the best season of all the frosh, and I can’t wait to see him play. He has been playing against older competition in the USHL for three years, and I think he is ready to make NHL teams wish they had drafted him this past June.
6 weeks to go until the first puck drops out in Boston and some of these question marks started producing answers.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
USHL Recruit Wrap Part II
First, the Unofficial USHL Blog has finished their 2008/2009 Previews w/ the Omaha Lancers. New coach, but the defending Clark Cup champs should be quarterbacked rather effectly by Badger recruit Patrick Wiercioch nextseason.
Matt Thurber, Beaver Dam native, spent the last 3 seasons with Omaha Lancers and was a large part of their Clark Cup victory this season.
Stats: 58 game, 14-41-55, +23, 71 PIM, 1 PPG, 12 PPA, 6 SHG, 1 GWG & 10.1% shooting
Career
Regular season: 169 games, 36-85-121, +53, 188 PIM, 2 PPG, 17 PPA, 7 SHG, 4 GWG & 10.1% shooting
Playoffs: 24 games, 4-5-9, -2, 20 PIM, 7% shooting
By all accounts Matt had a breakout year in the USHL. He was tied for 14th in scoring, 4th in assists, 5th in +/-, and 1st in SHG league wide. He should provide some much needed playmaking for the Badgers, along w/ solid work on both sides of the special teams. I have no doubts that Matt will be able to step in right away and contribute. Also of note, 5 of Matt's penalty minutes were from a fight w/ future teammate Ryan Little. Apparently, Matt can get under other player's skin (kinda like Ratty Johnson), and Ryan was sick of it and it was time to drop the gloves.
Matt Thurber, Beaver Dam native, spent the last 3 seasons with Omaha Lancers and was a large part of their Clark Cup victory this season.Stats: 58 game, 14-41-55, +23, 71 PIM, 1 PPG, 12 PPA, 6 SHG, 1 GWG & 10.1% shooting
Career
Regular season: 169 games, 36-85-121, +53, 188 PIM, 2 PPG, 17 PPA, 7 SHG, 4 GWG & 10.1% shooting
Playoffs: 24 games, 4-5-9, -2, 20 PIM, 7% shooting
By all accounts Matt had a breakout year in the USHL. He was tied for 14th in scoring, 4th in assists, 5th in +/-, and 1st in SHG league wide. He should provide some much needed playmaking for the Badgers, along w/ solid work on both sides of the special teams. I have no doubts that Matt will be able to step in right away and contribute. Also of note, 5 of Matt's penalty minutes were from a fight w/ future teammate Ryan Little. Apparently, Matt can get under other player's skin (kinda like Ratty Johnson), and Ryan was sick of it and it was time to drop the gloves.
Patrick Wiercioch spent last season as Matt's teammate on the Omaha Lancers.
Stats: 40 games, 3-18-21, +12, 24 PIM, 3 PPG, 12 PPG & 8.3% shooting
Patrick sat out a portion of the season due to a thumb injury. From his stats, its obvious he was a large part of Omaha's success on the Power Play, and should be a great PP quarterback for the Badgers starting in 2009. Patrick is originally from Poland and moved to Canada when he was young. Being Polish already makes him one of my favorite players; the fact that he has great talent is a bonus. He is also friends w/ Kyle Turris.
Eric Springer, the Wrightstown native, played last season w/ the Sioux Falls Stampede.Stats: 60 games, 8-23-31, +21, 94 PIM, 5 PPG, 12 PPA, 2 GWG & 6.3% shooting
Eric finished tied for 8th in the USHL in +/- and is more of an offensive defenseman. He was a late pickup for the Badgers, but based on his All-Star season in the USHL, Wisconsin might have gotten themselves a steal here, and a nice 4 year player.
Craig Smith, the Madison native, has played the last few season w/ the Waterloo Blackhawks.
Stats: 59 games, 13-10-23, -3, 90 PIM, 2 PPG, 3 PPA, 3 GWG, 5.7% shooting
I don't know much about Craig, though I'm looking forward to seeing him play in the USHL next season. Based on stats alone, Craig was struggling to start the season, but had a stronger second half, and a good playoff.
Brock Montpetit, from Somerset, played last season w/ Craig Smith and the Waterloo Blackhawks.
Stats: 55 games, 12-18-30, +14, 34 PIM, 2 PPG, 8 PPA, 12.4% shooting
In 2006/2007, Brock played w/ Jordy Murray and Derek Stepan at Shattuck St. Mary's. I was a little surprised that Brock wasn't part of the 2008 recruiting class, and I think he is prime for a breakout season in the USHL next year.
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