I heard this morning on 1310 WIBA's sports w/ Phil Dawson that Jordy Murray has told Coach Eaves he will be back for his junior campaign. There was talk that Murray might follow in his brother Brady's foot steps and sign a contract in Europe foregoing his eligibility. Baggot confirms this report today.
Jordy will be the Badgers top returning scorer, having netting 12 goals last season. He should have the opportunity for HUGE minutes all season. Along w/ Sean Dolan and Patrick Johnson, he is the teams only other experienced penalty killer, and a great two way forward. I'd expect him on the top PP unit as well w/ some combo of Craig Smith, Derek Lee, Podge Turnbull and Mark Zengerle.
Baggot's article also confirms what uwbadgers.com told us yesterday that Joe Faust and Gavin Hartzog have signed their LOI's and are officially joining the team next season. So the few people who have been riding Chuck (I think sarcastically) can stop biting their nails and step back from the edge of the bridge, because everything is ok.
Showing posts with label Gavin Hartzog. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gavin Hartzog. Show all posts
Friday, July 23, 2010
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Hartzog Now Officially a 2010 Forward Recruit
Gavin Hartzog, who looked like he would be a 2011 recruit, had lunch with Wisconsin Head Coach Mike Eaves this week and was asked to come in this upcoming 2010-2011 hockey season instead. This should come as no surprise to anyone who has been reading our comment section on this blog over the past week or so. I also tweeted it on Wednesday, even if I can't spell words correctly.Hartzog, a forward from the Milwaukee area committed to the Badgers about two years ago, shortly after a breakout performance in the now defunct Chicago Showcase which is an event that gave seniors from accross the country an opportunity to be seen by college and junior scouts.
I spoke with Gavin Saturday night and he was pretty excited about coming to Madison in the fall. "I am very excited for the great opportunity to play in my home state for such a prestigous hockey program while getting a fine education. To be able to play for the team I grew up watching is something special to me and I can't wait to get to work and contribute in whatever ways possible."
Hartzog told me that he was planning on playing the upcoming hockey season in the USHL with the expansion Muskegon Lumberjacks now coached by former Badger assistant Kevin Patrick. From all reports I've heard, Hartzog looked like a man amongst boys out there at the tryout in which Eaves attended and from there it was a no brainer to bring Hartzog in, especially with the lack of numbers up front for the Badgers.
With only 14 forwards currently expected to be in Madison this season, Hartzog will have an opportunity to get early ice time. Many have compared Hartzog (6'4, 215) to John Mitchell (6'5, 224), and he turned out to be a pretty solid player. I would be happy with a repeat.
Wisconsin Recruiting Class Of 2010
Forwards
Tyler Barnes-Burnsville, MN-Waterloo Black Hawks (USHL)
Jason Clark-Eden Prarie, MN-Shattuck St. Marys Prep
Jefferson Dahl-Eau Claire, WI-Youngstown Phantoms (USHL)
Gavin Hartzog- Pewaukee, WI-Bismark Bobcats (NAHL)
Sean Little-Fond du Lac, WI-Green Bay Gamblers (USHL)
Michael Mersch-Park Ridge, IL-USA NTDP U-18
Mark Zengerle-Rochester, NY-Salmon Arm Silverbacks (BCHL)
Defense
Chase Drake-Mosinee, WI-Sioux City Musketeers (USHL)
Frankie Simonelli-Bensenville, IL-USA NTDP U-18
Monday, May 10, 2010
Recruit News Linkorama
Congratulations are in order to Gavin Hartzog and the Bismarck Bobcats on capturing the 2010 Robertson Cup and North American Hockey League championship! Gavin is a 2011 recruit who had a rough year in juniors after a solid rookie campaign. He began the season where he finished his last one, w/ the Fargo Force of the USHL, but was demoted to the NAHL early in the season and ended up in Bismarck. Gavin didn’t factoring into the scoring in the championship game, but he did register 5 SOG. While he did struggle this season, Gavin still has one thing that cannot be taught (similar to John Mitchell): Size.
Speaking of his old team in Fargo, they are headed to a concluding Game 5 against the Green Bay Gamblers to decide the USHL Clark Cup on Wednesday night in GB. Green Bay features 2010 Badger recruit Sean Little. After winning Games 1 & 2 on the road, Fargo went home looking to clinch, but lost a heart breaker in Game 3 where the game was decided in 3OT’s. Green Bay won Game 4 the next night to send the series back to Titletown and Game 5. Tickets for Wednesday’s game are only $5. I’m thinking of going myself, since it is not often you get to see a champion crowded at any level w/ in such a short drive.
Good luck to Sean as he tries to keep the streak of Badger recruits winning the Clark Cup alive. In 2008, Matt Thurber and the Omaha Lancers were winners, last year Brett Bennett and the Indiana Ice took home the title. Green Bay won the Anderson Cup earlier in the year as the USHL regular season championship.
Over at the Hockey in Wisconsin Blog, Dplaya continues to do an outstanding job w/ his series interviewing former Wisconsin High School hockey players. Last week’s interview was w/ 2011 Badger recruit Cody Strang. Cody is a 2009 graduate of Edgewood HS and as a senior won Wisconsin’s Mr. Hockey award. Last season, he played for Youngstown of the USHL. He talks about all of that and more in his interview; definitely a good read. I pulled out two questions to cut and paste.
Dplaya: Can you fill us in on how your college recruitment progressed (when it happened, what teams were involved, which you liked, who you visited, why you chose UW)?
Cody: As far as recruiting went I had only talked to Wisconsin, Bowling green, St. Cloud and UMD. Wisconsin was the first scholarship offer I got and that was my dream growing up so when that offer came I knew there was nothing else that could top that. I had over ten offers to play golf to schools down south and some big ten schools, but all my life playing hockey for the Badgers has been a dream so there is no way I could pass that up.
Dplaya: You played with Wisconsin natives David Donnellan and Jefferson Dahl this season in Youngstown. Could you briefly describe their style of play (strengths, weaknesses, etc.)?
Cody: Playing with David and Jefferson was a great experience and a ton of fun. They are both great players and friends I will have for the rest of my life. David was our captain and did a great job handling the leadership role while also being our top defenseman all season. He is a physical player and moves the puck up the ice well. He blocked more shots than anyone on our team and was our best defensive player we had. Jefferson was an assistant captain for us this year and had a great year as well. I got to play on his line for a good portion of the second half of the season and it was a lot of fun. He is definitely an excellent playmaker and can find you with the puck no matter where you are on the ice. In addition to contributing offensively he was one of our top penalty kill guys and probably our best defensive forward.
The second question doesn’t relate directly to Cody (though he did say he spent the entire season on the PK), but I liked what he had to say about Jefferson Dahl and wanted Badger fans to see that. I didn’t get to see Jefferson play this past season (he played for GB in 2008/09) and I think this is a nice summary of his talents. The penalty kill will really be hurting next season since the majority of the best PKers were seniors (especially Captain Asskicker and the Bohmber) and hopefully Jefferson can step into that role. One thing is for sure, there will be opportunities at forward next season in all situations. A hard working, motivated freshman could see a lot of playing time.
A defensive forward who comes to play each night won’t take long to become one of my favorite players.
Got off track, but good luck to Cody next season in the USHL and looking forward to seeing him in the Cardinal and White not long after.
Two weeks before, Dplaya interviewed defenseman Joe Fiala, a Verona native, who is currently w/ the US NTDP. Wisconsin has shown interest in his services, and it would be a very nice recruit to add to the blue line pantheon w/ McCabe, Hesketh and Schmatlz.
Lastly, I stumbled across a newer blog last week: An Unofficial USHL Prospect Blog. The blog is constructed by a high schooler who loves hockey and wants to be a college scout, and reading through several of his player reports, he is doing a hell of a job. Keep up the good work! Of particular interest to Badger fans is a write up he did on 2011 recruit and Chicago Steel forward Brendan Woods. I’m going to have to make a point of seeing Brendan play next season, which shouldn’t be too hard between Dubuque and Green Bay.
Of possible other interest to Badger fans wanting to get to know future opponents, this blog covers several 2010 recruits Kevin Gravel (St Cloud), Seth Ambroz (minnesota), Jaden Schwartz (CC) and Derek Forbort (North Dakota), and one 2011 recruit Scott Mayfield (Denver). There might be some other future WCHA kids in there, but those jumped out at me.
He also is previewing kids who will be drafted in the upcoming USHL draft; these are kids whose names will be seen on the recruiting radar in the coming year(s). Chuck, not sure if you have any insight on any of these kids, if you do, pass it on, if you want to stay retired that is.
Speaking of his old team in Fargo, they are headed to a concluding Game 5 against the Green Bay Gamblers to decide the USHL Clark Cup on Wednesday night in GB. Green Bay features 2010 Badger recruit Sean Little. After winning Games 1 & 2 on the road, Fargo went home looking to clinch, but lost a heart breaker in Game 3 where the game was decided in 3OT’s. Green Bay won Game 4 the next night to send the series back to Titletown and Game 5. Tickets for Wednesday’s game are only $5. I’m thinking of going myself, since it is not often you get to see a champion crowded at any level w/ in such a short drive.
Good luck to Sean as he tries to keep the streak of Badger recruits winning the Clark Cup alive. In 2008, Matt Thurber and the Omaha Lancers were winners, last year Brett Bennett and the Indiana Ice took home the title. Green Bay won the Anderson Cup earlier in the year as the USHL regular season championship.
Over at the Hockey in Wisconsin Blog, Dplaya continues to do an outstanding job w/ his series interviewing former Wisconsin High School hockey players. Last week’s interview was w/ 2011 Badger recruit Cody Strang. Cody is a 2009 graduate of Edgewood HS and as a senior won Wisconsin’s Mr. Hockey award. Last season, he played for Youngstown of the USHL. He talks about all of that and more in his interview; definitely a good read. I pulled out two questions to cut and paste.
Dplaya: Can you fill us in on how your college recruitment progressed (when it happened, what teams were involved, which you liked, who you visited, why you chose UW)?
Cody: As far as recruiting went I had only talked to Wisconsin, Bowling green, St. Cloud and UMD. Wisconsin was the first scholarship offer I got and that was my dream growing up so when that offer came I knew there was nothing else that could top that. I had over ten offers to play golf to schools down south and some big ten schools, but all my life playing hockey for the Badgers has been a dream so there is no way I could pass that up.
Dplaya: You played with Wisconsin natives David Donnellan and Jefferson Dahl this season in Youngstown. Could you briefly describe their style of play (strengths, weaknesses, etc.)?
Cody: Playing with David and Jefferson was a great experience and a ton of fun. They are both great players and friends I will have for the rest of my life. David was our captain and did a great job handling the leadership role while also being our top defenseman all season. He is a physical player and moves the puck up the ice well. He blocked more shots than anyone on our team and was our best defensive player we had. Jefferson was an assistant captain for us this year and had a great year as well. I got to play on his line for a good portion of the second half of the season and it was a lot of fun. He is definitely an excellent playmaker and can find you with the puck no matter where you are on the ice. In addition to contributing offensively he was one of our top penalty kill guys and probably our best defensive forward.
The second question doesn’t relate directly to Cody (though he did say he spent the entire season on the PK), but I liked what he had to say about Jefferson Dahl and wanted Badger fans to see that. I didn’t get to see Jefferson play this past season (he played for GB in 2008/09) and I think this is a nice summary of his talents. The penalty kill will really be hurting next season since the majority of the best PKers were seniors (especially Captain Asskicker and the Bohmber) and hopefully Jefferson can step into that role. One thing is for sure, there will be opportunities at forward next season in all situations. A hard working, motivated freshman could see a lot of playing time.
A defensive forward who comes to play each night won’t take long to become one of my favorite players.
Got off track, but good luck to Cody next season in the USHL and looking forward to seeing him in the Cardinal and White not long after.
Two weeks before, Dplaya interviewed defenseman Joe Fiala, a Verona native, who is currently w/ the US NTDP. Wisconsin has shown interest in his services, and it would be a very nice recruit to add to the blue line pantheon w/ McCabe, Hesketh and Schmatlz.
Lastly, I stumbled across a newer blog last week: An Unofficial USHL Prospect Blog. The blog is constructed by a high schooler who loves hockey and wants to be a college scout, and reading through several of his player reports, he is doing a hell of a job. Keep up the good work! Of particular interest to Badger fans is a write up he did on 2011 recruit and Chicago Steel forward Brendan Woods. I’m going to have to make a point of seeing Brendan play next season, which shouldn’t be too hard between Dubuque and Green Bay.
Of possible other interest to Badger fans wanting to get to know future opponents, this blog covers several 2010 recruits Kevin Gravel (St Cloud), Seth Ambroz (minnesota), Jaden Schwartz (CC) and Derek Forbort (North Dakota), and one 2011 recruit Scott Mayfield (Denver). There might be some other future WCHA kids in there, but those jumped out at me.
He also is previewing kids who will be drafted in the upcoming USHL draft; these are kids whose names will be seen on the recruiting radar in the coming year(s). Chuck, not sure if you have any insight on any of these kids, if you do, pass it on, if you want to stay retired that is.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
McCabe Commits To Wisconsin
Wisconsin landed a big time prospect Tuesday night. Eau Claire native Jake McCabe has made a verbal commitment to attend the University of Wisconsin for the 2011-20012 season according to Andy Baggot.McCabe, a sound defenseman who currently plays with the USA National Team Development Program U17 squad would have to accelerate his schooling to enroll in 2011 if Baggot's info is correct. McCabe is currently a sophomore in high school and normally would have to play a year in the USHL after aging out of the NTDP.
McCabe considered a number of schools not only in the Midwest but on the east coast as well. He was known to have made unofficial visits to Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Notre Dame. He may have made others as well.
McCabe is the third 1993 born prospect with a verbal commitment to Wisconsin. The others are Verona native and Chicago Mission defenseman Jordan Schmaltz, and Taft Prep forward Corbin McGuire. All three are elite prospects who have been recognized by USA Hockey as being top players for their class.
McCabe, a 6'0, 170 pound defensman would be the second defenseman to commit for the 2011 season. Minnetonka senior Troy Hesketh is also slated for that season but could come to Wisconsin if there are an excessive amount of departures on the defensive side of the puck. Most likely, Hesketh will be a 2011.
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Saw this the other day on DPlayas blog but forgot about it. Wisconsin commit Gavin Hartzog who is still slated to come to Wisconsin next year has been sent to the NAHL. Hartzog burst onto the scene late in his senior season with a huge performance at the Chicago Showcase. I think it's safe to say at this point the Hartzog commitment has been a mistake.
Edit, re: Hartzog-After thinking about it, it's a bit early to call him a mistake. He's a big bodied kid who has some offensive skills. Once he fills into his body and puts things together he could be a similar story to John Mitchell.
chuckschwartz@live.com
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Future Badgers @ the Fargo Force camp
Good ol' Dplaya (luv ya, DP!) has some notes about future Badgers and Wisconsinites at the Fargo Force camp that ends on Sunday. Future Badgers at the camp include forward Gavin Hartzog and defenseman Troy Hesketh (sort-of). I was surprised to hear that 1st-Star Zengerle is not there, as I thought I had heard that he was most recently leaning toward moving to the USHL.
- [F]orward Mark Zengerle apparently is not at the camp and thus I would assume he will be staying in the BCHL.
- [A]pparently Troy Hesketh had let the Force know he would be playing for Minnetonka HS this season but they were after him to join the Force for this season. When they realized he was not going to be swayed they moved him off of Team Yellow or Blue onto another squad. Hesketh apparently either didn't like the pressure to play for Fargo this season or the fact they moved him off one of their "main" squads, so he left camp.
- Hartzog was described to me as a huge kid with loads of potential who still seems to be growing into his massive frame. He's not nearly as polished as Condon, but skates well and has good hockey sense.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Force Skate Over Ice In Game 1
Last night, the Fargo Force defeated the Indiana Ice 2-1 in in an absolute thriller in game 1 of the Clark Cup USHL Finals.Like I've mentioned here before, arguably the two best goaltenders in the USHL are featured in this series and they did nothing to disappoint last night. Mike Lee (Fargo), a St. Cloud recruit, finished with 33 saves on 34 shots. Brett Bennett (Indiana), a Wisconsin recruit, finished with 28 saves on 30 shots.
Indiana toook a 1-0 lead into the third period before an Eamonn McDermott goal at the 9:31 mark tied the game. Steve Spinell was the hero for Fargo when he recorded a goal with only 38 seconds left in the third period.
Gavin Hartzog, the other Wisconsin recruit in the series, was held pointless, was even, and recorded 1 shot on goal.
The two teams will meet up again tonight in Indiana at 7:05 for game two in the best of 5 Clark Cup Finals.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Recruit Update: USHL Part II
Time for the 2nd part of this update featuring all of the non-Waterloo Black Hawk recruits.
Gavin Hartzog is in his first season in the USHL w/ the Fargo Force. He's a big kid standing 6'3" 215 lbs. He was a 2009 or 2010 recruit, and right now that is looking like 2010. Probably best for his development in the long run.
Gavin had an assist on New Year's Eve, but hasn't cracked the scoresheet since. In 8 games since the Holidays, he is 0-1-1, -3, w/ 11 PIM.
Overall on the season, in 28 games he is 3-4-7, -4, w/ 23 PIM. His team currently sits 3rd in the Western Division w/ 33 pts, which is impressive since they are an expansion team this season.
Sean Little is currently playing w/ the Green Bay Gamblers, and will join his brother Ryan in Madison in 2010. He battled an injury earlier in the season.
Sean has not cracked the scoresheet yet this season and in 18 games is -2, w/ 56 PIM. He racked up 22 of those minutes last weekend against Chicago.
Maybe tomorrow night will be his night to get his first USHL point, since I'll be there to watch the Gamblers take on Tri-City.
Joining Sean in GB is 2008 Mr. Hockey Jefferson Dahl. He is also part of a large group of forwards coming in 2010.
Since Christmas, Jefferson has been pretty quiet, in 7 games he is 1-1-2, +3, w/ 2 PIM. He lone goal during that stretch came in a 8-4 win last saturday over Indiana.
Overall has is having a pretty good rookie season in 29 games he is 9-6-15, +5, 8 PIM, 3 PP goals and shooting 16.4%. He's tied for 5th on the team in goals and PP goals, while keeping it clean tied for the fewest PIM on the team.
The Gamblers are tied for 1st in the East Division w/ 46 points, which is a huge improvement over their last place league finish a year ago.
Aaron Crandall should be arriving in Madison next season to join the Badgers and back up Scott Gudmandson.
To start the season, he was traded from GB to Des Moines, from a good team, to the 2nd worst in the league. Des Moines is in last in the East Division w/ 15 points.
In his three starts in January, Aaron is 0-3 w/ roughly a 6 GGA and 83.5% save %. Overall on the season, he is 5-10-1 w/ 4.85 GAA and 85.8 % saving rate. I'm cringing just typing that.
Chase Drake is actually wearing the wrong jersey in that picture. Right before the season started he was traded from GB to Sioux City. It is currently planned for Chase to join the Badgers in 2010.
Chase has not cracked the scoresheet yet in his USHL career. In 7 games since the break, he is E w/ 6 PIM. The highlight was a +4 game last friday against Tri-City.
On the season, Chase is 0-0-0, -1 w/ 19 PIM.
His team is currently in 5th in the Western Division w/ 27 pts, but only 5 pts out of 4th place, right in the playoff hunt.
Gavin Hartzog is in his first season in the USHL w/ the Fargo Force. He's a big kid standing 6'3" 215 lbs. He was a 2009 or 2010 recruit, and right now that is looking like 2010. Probably best for his development in the long run.
Gavin had an assist on New Year's Eve, but hasn't cracked the scoresheet since. In 8 games since the Holidays, he is 0-1-1, -3, w/ 11 PIM.
Overall on the season, in 28 games he is 3-4-7, -4, w/ 23 PIM. His team currently sits 3rd in the Western Division w/ 33 pts, which is impressive since they are an expansion team this season.
Sean Little is currently playing w/ the Green Bay Gamblers, and will join his brother Ryan in Madison in 2010. He battled an injury earlier in the season.Sean has not cracked the scoresheet yet this season and in 18 games is -2, w/ 56 PIM. He racked up 22 of those minutes last weekend against Chicago.
Maybe tomorrow night will be his night to get his first USHL point, since I'll be there to watch the Gamblers take on Tri-City.
Joining Sean in GB is 2008 Mr. Hockey Jefferson Dahl. He is also part of a large group of forwards coming in 2010.Since Christmas, Jefferson has been pretty quiet, in 7 games he is 1-1-2, +3, w/ 2 PIM. He lone goal during that stretch came in a 8-4 win last saturday over Indiana.
Overall has is having a pretty good rookie season in 29 games he is 9-6-15, +5, 8 PIM, 3 PP goals and shooting 16.4%. He's tied for 5th on the team in goals and PP goals, while keeping it clean tied for the fewest PIM on the team.
The Gamblers are tied for 1st in the East Division w/ 46 points, which is a huge improvement over their last place league finish a year ago.
Aaron Crandall should be arriving in Madison next season to join the Badgers and back up Scott Gudmandson.To start the season, he was traded from GB to Des Moines, from a good team, to the 2nd worst in the league. Des Moines is in last in the East Division w/ 15 points.
In his three starts in January, Aaron is 0-3 w/ roughly a 6 GGA and 83.5% save %. Overall on the season, he is 5-10-1 w/ 4.85 GAA and 85.8 % saving rate. I'm cringing just typing that.
Chase Drake is actually wearing the wrong jersey in that picture. Right before the season started he was traded from GB to Sioux City. It is currently planned for Chase to join the Badgers in 2010.Chase has not cracked the scoresheet yet in his USHL career. In 7 games since the break, he is E w/ 6 PIM. The highlight was a +4 game last friday against Tri-City.
On the season, Chase is 0-0-0, -1 w/ 19 PIM.
His team is currently in 5th in the Western Division w/ 27 pts, but only 5 pts out of 4th place, right in the playoff hunt.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Much needed Recruit Update
Before I get to the recruits, yesterday at Canada's WJ scrimmage Brendan Smith scored a goal for Team White in a losing effort, as they fell to Team Red. On friday, I thought Smith was w/ Team Red, now I'm confused. The last day of camp is today, and rosters should follow soon after. Already known, Ryan McDonagh will be representing Team USA.
Let's start in the BCHL where Mark Zengerle continues to play exceptional hockey. Last weekend (Dec 5-7), Mark was named 1st Star in a friday win where he notched 2 goals. One 1st star wasn't enough for him on the weekend as he dished out 5 assists on saturday night helping the Salmon Arm Silverbacks to another victory. He added another assist the following sunday in a win. This weekend Mark continued to light up the score board. In a close one friday, he had an assist on the game tying goal. Finally, last night Mark had a goal and two assists and earned another 1st star. Salmon Arm is 5-0 in their last five, and Mark Zengerle has been a huge part of that w/ 3-9-12. Overall Mark is 2nd in the BCHL in scoring, while averaging 2 pts/game, which leads everyone. This commitment is looking better every shift he plays.
Over on the Westside Warriors, Justin Schultz isn't doing so bad either. Last weekend (Dec 5-7), Justin had a goal friday night in a winning effort. This past tuesday he had an assist on a PP goal in another Westside win. While Justin was held off the scoresheet on friday, he made up for it last night w/ two goals (both on the PP) and an assist. A nice stretch for the young dman. He continues to lead the BCHL in scoring for defensemen, and is 24th overall. Justin and Mark were both named to the Interior Conference All-Star squad.
Let us not forget about Derek Lee of the Victoria Grizzles. Last weekend (Dec 5-7) Derek had a goal and two assists friday, and was named 3rd star in a win. Derek went several games following, not cracking the scoresheet, but this afternoon, had two assists, helping his team to victory. Derek is 25th in scoring in the BCHL.
Over at the NTDP, there was a post by Andy Baggot about the commitment of John Ramage that hasn't made it up here yet. Some more information on his decision to come here, he picked UW over Maine, Mich St and CC. So far, I haven't heard anything but positives about this kid, and frankly I'm pretty excited to have him join the Badgers next season. He sounds like a more defensive dman, w/ a booming slapshot. He's a big kid too. Wisconsin needs a player like this, I'm just wondering what he was doing still uncommitted w/ the apparent talent he has.
Over in MN, Tyler Lapic (2010 forward recruit in case you forgot) is back on the ice skating his senior year of hockey after an injury kept him out of the HS Hockey Elite League this fall. He has goals in wins over Lourdes and Mankato West.
In Wisconsin HS action, Dplaya over at HIW went and saw Matt Paape play the other weekend. Cody Strang had two goals and an assist on friday to lead Madison Edgewood over Oregon. I need to find my Edgewood schedule and catch one of his game's this season.
Finally onto the USHL. There was some good news this weekend for Badger fans, Aaron Crandall seems to have turned things around collecting two wins. On friday, Aaron stopped 30 of 33 shots helping Des Moines to a 5-3 victory, and followed that up last night stopping 32 of 33 shots in another win. Sounds like Des Moines' coach gave him a week off awhile back, and upon his return Aaron has been playing well. I know a lot of Badger fans have been concerned about Crandall w/ Shane Connelly's graduation right around the corner, and Scott Gudmandson's stumbles so far this season. To compound that, Mike Johnson (Verona native) is playing w/ Cedar Rapids and having a great season while uncommitted.
The following USHLers have been pretty quiet lately: Tyler Barnes, Chase Drake, Sean Little and Jefferson Dahl.
Gavin Hartzog is starting to put things together w/ the Fargo Force, after a slow start. Last saturday, Gavin had a goal in a Fargo win, while on thursday he had an assist in winning effort. Finally, friday Gavin's was one of the three pucks that future teammate Aaron Crandall let by.
Keegan Meuer is having a good season w/ Waterloo. He's notched assists in three of his last four games.
Finally to wrap everything up, Craig Smith continues to dominate the USHL. Overall, Craig is 8th in the league in scoring w/ 12-14-26, +12, though on a pts/game basis Craig is 3rd. He missed some games due to the Junior A Challenge where he captained Team USA and was an all-tourney selection. Recently, he was named Captain of the Waterloo Black Hawks (though the link eludes me). Craig has a point in each of his last four games, included an assist last friday in a loss to GB, a goal and an assist last saturday in a win over Omaha, a goal friday night in a win over Sioux City and finally a goal and two assists last night in a win over Tri-City. Last night Craig was also named 3rd star. His breakout season is upon him.
Let's start in the BCHL where Mark Zengerle continues to play exceptional hockey. Last weekend (Dec 5-7), Mark was named 1st Star in a friday win where he notched 2 goals. One 1st star wasn't enough for him on the weekend as he dished out 5 assists on saturday night helping the Salmon Arm Silverbacks to another victory. He added another assist the following sunday in a win. This weekend Mark continued to light up the score board. In a close one friday, he had an assist on the game tying goal. Finally, last night Mark had a goal and two assists and earned another 1st star. Salmon Arm is 5-0 in their last five, and Mark Zengerle has been a huge part of that w/ 3-9-12. Overall Mark is 2nd in the BCHL in scoring, while averaging 2 pts/game, which leads everyone. This commitment is looking better every shift he plays.
Over on the Westside Warriors, Justin Schultz isn't doing so bad either. Last weekend (Dec 5-7), Justin had a goal friday night in a winning effort. This past tuesday he had an assist on a PP goal in another Westside win. While Justin was held off the scoresheet on friday, he made up for it last night w/ two goals (both on the PP) and an assist. A nice stretch for the young dman. He continues to lead the BCHL in scoring for defensemen, and is 24th overall. Justin and Mark were both named to the Interior Conference All-Star squad.
Let us not forget about Derek Lee of the Victoria Grizzles. Last weekend (Dec 5-7) Derek had a goal and two assists friday, and was named 3rd star in a win. Derek went several games following, not cracking the scoresheet, but this afternoon, had two assists, helping his team to victory. Derek is 25th in scoring in the BCHL.
Over at the NTDP, there was a post by Andy Baggot about the commitment of John Ramage that hasn't made it up here yet. Some more information on his decision to come here, he picked UW over Maine, Mich St and CC. So far, I haven't heard anything but positives about this kid, and frankly I'm pretty excited to have him join the Badgers next season. He sounds like a more defensive dman, w/ a booming slapshot. He's a big kid too. Wisconsin needs a player like this, I'm just wondering what he was doing still uncommitted w/ the apparent talent he has.
Over in MN, Tyler Lapic (2010 forward recruit in case you forgot) is back on the ice skating his senior year of hockey after an injury kept him out of the HS Hockey Elite League this fall. He has goals in wins over Lourdes and Mankato West.
In Wisconsin HS action, Dplaya over at HIW went and saw Matt Paape play the other weekend. Cody Strang had two goals and an assist on friday to lead Madison Edgewood over Oregon. I need to find my Edgewood schedule and catch one of his game's this season.
Finally onto the USHL. There was some good news this weekend for Badger fans, Aaron Crandall seems to have turned things around collecting two wins. On friday, Aaron stopped 30 of 33 shots helping Des Moines to a 5-3 victory, and followed that up last night stopping 32 of 33 shots in another win. Sounds like Des Moines' coach gave him a week off awhile back, and upon his return Aaron has been playing well. I know a lot of Badger fans have been concerned about Crandall w/ Shane Connelly's graduation right around the corner, and Scott Gudmandson's stumbles so far this season. To compound that, Mike Johnson (Verona native) is playing w/ Cedar Rapids and having a great season while uncommitted.
The following USHLers have been pretty quiet lately: Tyler Barnes, Chase Drake, Sean Little and Jefferson Dahl.
Gavin Hartzog is starting to put things together w/ the Fargo Force, after a slow start. Last saturday, Gavin had a goal in a Fargo win, while on thursday he had an assist in winning effort. Finally, friday Gavin's was one of the three pucks that future teammate Aaron Crandall let by.
Keegan Meuer is having a good season w/ Waterloo. He's notched assists in three of his last four games.
Finally to wrap everything up, Craig Smith continues to dominate the USHL. Overall, Craig is 8th in the league in scoring w/ 12-14-26, +12, though on a pts/game basis Craig is 3rd. He missed some games due to the Junior A Challenge where he captained Team USA and was an all-tourney selection. Recently, he was named Captain of the Waterloo Black Hawks (though the link eludes me). Craig has a point in each of his last four games, included an assist last friday in a loss to GB, a goal and an assist last saturday in a win over Omaha, a goal friday night in a win over Sioux City and finally a goal and two assists last night in a win over Tri-City. Last night Craig was also named 3rd star. His breakout season is upon him.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
NHL Central Scouting Players to Watch
NHL Central Scouting has released their list of players to watch for the 2009 draft. All of the USHL players can be found here, and Chris over at Western College Hockey has a more complete but harder to read list here.
From the USHL article:
"A" Players: A player scouts must-see who is predicted to be a potential first or second round draft selection in the upcoming NHL Entry Draft.
"B" Players: A player scouts note if they are in the area, a potential selection in the third to fifth round in the upcoming NHL Entry Draft.
"C" Players: A player that Central Scouting is tracking, a potential late round selection in the upcoming NHL Entry Draft.
Goaltenders: All goaltenders, regardless of whether they are an A, B or C player, fall into one category.
Limited Viewing: A player that intrigues scouts but, at this time, they have seen very little of. This category is for both skaters and goaltenders.
Players of interest to Badger fans are as follows:
D Chase Drake - "B" Player
F Gavin Hartzog - "B" Player
F Tyler Barnes - "C" Player
G Aaron Crandall - Goaltenders
F Tyler Lapic - Limited Viewing
Unlike the past two seasons, I don't think 2009 will be a big draft year for Wisconsin recruits. Probably a couple guys will get drafted, maybe a few freshman like Jordy Murray or Matt Thurber could go too, but it won't be like past seasons. Personally I don't think this is a bad thing, Wisconsin is still landing a fine 2009 recruiting class, even if they don't have all the top draft pick w/ in.
From the USHL article:
"A" Players: A player scouts must-see who is predicted to be a potential first or second round draft selection in the upcoming NHL Entry Draft.
"B" Players: A player scouts note if they are in the area, a potential selection in the third to fifth round in the upcoming NHL Entry Draft.
"C" Players: A player that Central Scouting is tracking, a potential late round selection in the upcoming NHL Entry Draft.
Goaltenders: All goaltenders, regardless of whether they are an A, B or C player, fall into one category.
Limited Viewing: A player that intrigues scouts but, at this time, they have seen very little of. This category is for both skaters and goaltenders.
Players of interest to Badger fans are as follows:
D Chase Drake - "B" Player
F Gavin Hartzog - "B" Player
F Tyler Barnes - "C" Player
G Aaron Crandall - Goaltenders
F Tyler Lapic - Limited Viewing
Unlike the past two seasons, I don't think 2009 will be a big draft year for Wisconsin recruits. Probably a couple guys will get drafted, maybe a few freshman like Jordy Murray or Matt Thurber could go too, but it won't be like past seasons. Personally I don't think this is a bad thing, Wisconsin is still landing a fine 2009 recruiting class, even if they don't have all the top draft pick w/ in.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Hartzog commits to Wisconsin for 09 or 10
As I told you last night, Milwaukee Marquette forward Gavin Hartzog visited the University of Wisconsin today. It took him all of 10 minutes on his drive home to call coach Eaves and tell him he was ready to be a Badger. Heres the article from Milewski. Hartzog was a bit of an un-known until his performance for Team Wisconsin at the Chicago Showcase. He had a phenomenal tournament and was named the Most Valuable Player.
Hartzog was drafted #36 overall by the Fargo Force in the recent USHL draft. He will have a great opportunity to grow under a great teacher in Dean Blais.
Hartzog was named First Team All State.
photo from JS Online
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Report: Wisconsin to offer Gavin Hartzog
Milwaukee Marquette High School forward Gavin Hartzog will be visiting the University of Wisconsin tomorrow (5/29) and expects to be receiving a scholarship offer for the 2010 season. There were some reports that Hartzog had committed to the University of Maine on a full scholarship offer but now it looks like Hartzog is leaning towards Wisconsin.Hartzog was a bit of an un-known until his performance for Team Wisconsin at the Chicago Showcase. He had a phenomenal tournament and was named the Most Valuable Player.
Hartzog was drafted #36 overall by the Fargo Force in the recent USHL draft. He will have a great opportunity to grow under a great teacher in Dean Blais.
Hartzog was named First Team All State.
Photo from www.wisconsinprephockey.net
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