Value of returning blue lines

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.

Tuesday Morning News and Notes

-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.

chuckschwartz(at)live.com
Follow me on Twitter

Saturday Morning Link Roundup

-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.

chuckschwartz(at)live.com
Follow me on Twitter

Gardiner, Schultz Named All-Americans

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

chuckschwartz(at)live.com
Follow me on Twitter

Schultz honored by CHN, INCH

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.

chuckschwartz(at)live.com
Follow me on Twitter

Thursday Night News and Notes

-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.

chuckschwartz(at)live.com
Follow me on Twitter

Schultz Named Hobey Baker Top 10 Finalist

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

Schultz 100% Coming Back, Smith Likely As Well

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.

chuckschwartz(at)live.com
Follow me on Twitter

Gardiner, Schultz honored by WCHA

Press Release from WCHA.com

Red Baron® WCHA
Defensive Player of the Week
Justin Schultz - Sophomore, Defenseman
University of Wisconsin

University of Wisconsin defenseman Justin Schultz, who contributed five points and earned a +3 plus/minus rating while helping the host Badgers to a win and tie in the College Hockey Showcase last weekend, is the Red Baron® WCHA Defensive Player of the Week for Nov. 30, 2010.

A 6-3,185-pounder from West Kelowna, B.C., Schultz's five-point series included a three-goal hat trick and nine shots on goal.The Anaheim Ducks' (NHL) draftee opened the weekend with a goal and an assist last Friday as the Badgers overcame 2-0, 3-2 and 4-3 deficits for a 4-4 tie against then-No. 8 Michigan. Schultz scored Wisconsin's first goal of the game on a power-play to make it a 2-1 game. He then had the primary assist on UW's third goal, which made it 3-3 at the time. Then on Saturday, Schultz became just the fifth UW defenseman and the first in exactly 18 years to post a hat trick, scoring the first, third and fourth Badger goals in a 4-1 victory over Michigan State. He also fired a game-high eight shots on goal and finished +2 in the game. Schultz leads the nation's defensemen with 19 points and has nine goals on the season, four more than the next closest defenseman in the country.

Also nominated: Dan Bakala, G, BSU; David Makowski, D, DU; Alex Kangas, G, UM; Aaron Dell, G, UND.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Red Baron® WCHA
Co-Offensive Players of the Week
Jake Gardiner - Junior, Defenseman, Wisconsin
Drew Shore - Sophomore, Forward, Denver

A pair of six-point producers – defenseman Jake Gardiner of the University of Wisconsin and forward Drew Shore of the University of Denver – have been tabbed Red Baron® WCHA co-Offensive Players of the Week for Nov. 30, 2010.

Gardiner, a 6-3, 193-pound junior from Minnetonka, Minn., and a draft choice of the NHL's Anaheim Ducks, collected six points as Wisconsin logged a 4-4 (ot) tie against Michigan and 4-1 victory over Michigan State in the College Hockey Showcase last weekend in Madison. He scored two power-play goals, including the game-tying goal in the third period, added an assist, recorded a game-high five shots on goal and was +1 against then-No. 8 Michigan last Friday. Last Saturday, Gardiner came back with three assists and four shots on goal while earning a +2 rating in the victory over the visiting Spartans. Gardiner, who now has a five-game scoring streak with nine points (2g, 7a), ranks second in the nation in scoring among defensemen with 18 points (4g, 14a), trailing only blueline partner Justin Schultz.

Shore, a 6-3, 190-pound sophomore from Denver, Colo., and draftee of the Florida Panthers (NHL), was named the MVP of the Denver Cup Classic tournament over Thanksgiving weekend after leading the Pioneers to their second straight Denver Cup title and 15th overall. He led the tourney with six points on four goals and two assists, including his first collegiate three-goal hat trick and a career-best four points in a 6-3 win over Lake Superior State on Nov. 26. Shore then added the game-winning goal and another assist in the championship game on Nov. 27 as Denver clinched a 3-1 win over Air Force. In addition to his six points in the two games, Shore had 10 hits, two blocked shots and a +1 rating. He currently has a four-game point streak, has at least one point in nine of the last 10 games and is tied for first in the WCHA in scoring overall with a career-best 22 points (12g, 10a).

Also nominated: Matt Bailey, F, UAA; Emil Billberg, F, BSU; Justin Jokinen, F, MSU; Jason Gregoire, F, UND.

chuckschwartz@live.com
Follow me on Twitter

Big weekend for Schultz leads to win, tie

When pondering where Wisconsin was going to replace the huge void of points that left the program after last seasons National Championship run, most of the talk centered around a heralded freshman forward class and what current forwards in the program were going to step up to the dish.

Maybe the defensemen were overlooked. Friday night vs eighth ranked Michigan junior defenseman Jake Gardiner recorded what we thought was the first hat trick by a defenseman since Barry Richter in the early 1990's. We later learned that his first tally would be awarded to senior captain Sean Dolan.

Not to be over shadowed, silky sophomore Justin Schultz (pictured) made sure the long streak of no defensemen with hat tricks came to an end on Saturday burying the biscuit three times en route to a dominating 4-1 victory over Michigan State leading Spartan coach Rick Comley to proclaim that Schultz is "dynamic."

In Andy Baggot's game article, he talked to Barry Richter who had this to say about Schultz big night: “He’s a special player,” Richter wrote of Schultz in a text message, “so I’m happy it was him.”

On the weekend, Badger defensemen recorded 7 out of the 8 goals. Like already mentioned, Gardiner was credited for 2 goals on Friday with forward Sean Dolan getting credit for a goal and Justin Schultz adding one as well. Freshman defenseman Frankie Simonelli scored the only goal not scored by Schultz on Saturday.

Currently Schultz (19 points in 16 games) and Gardiner (18 points in 16 games) are #1 and #2 respectively in points scored by defensemen in the country at this point in the season. I would expect to see them stay at or near the top of that list all season long if they continue to play the way they are on the offensive side of the puck.

Friday Night: Wisconsin 4, Michigan 4

WSJ (Baggot): Badgers tie Michigan -- and still haven't won in OT since 2007
UWBadgers.com: Badgers open College Hockey Showcase with a tie against Michigan
UWBadgers.com: Game Statistics
UWBadgers.com: Photos
UWBadgers.com: Post Game Press Conference
MGoBlue.com: Wolverines earn tie at Wisconsin in battle of power plays
USCHO.com: Wisconsin rallies to tie Michigan

Saturday Night: Wisconsin 4, Michigan State 1

WSJ (Baggot): Schultz's rare hat trick carries the day
UWBadgers.com: Badgers prevail over Michigan State, 4-1
UWBadgers.com: Game Statistics
UWBadgers.com: Quotes
UWBadgers.com: Post Game Press Conference
MSUSpartans.com: Spartans fall to Badgers, 4-1
MSUSpartans.com: Photo Gallery
USCHO.com: Schultz hat trick helps Wisconsin beat Michigan Sate, break winless streak

Photo courtesy of RedHeat15

Random Friday morning thoughts . . .

• Last Friday, I mentioned here on the blog that I'd like Justin Schultz to step up, and he sure did so last weekend, especially on Saturday. Then on Sunday morning, I thought to myself that I'd really like Jordy Murray to score some goals for me. And his response was to score a hat trick for me. WOW! Thanks, Justin and Jordy!

• Tex listed some things he'd like to see this weekend. Unfortunately, he won't get to see Bucky making Adam Murray look bad, but I'm hoping he'll settle for Bucky making Sam Brittain look bad. (Would that be a suitable alternative, Tex?) He also wants to see Justin Schultz continue his hot start (I highly concur), a decrease in Badger penalties (no kidding, we lead the league with 103 PIM, and I think we're 2nd nationally behind Michigan), and goals spread out among a bunch of players. I think Tex will get his last 3 wishes.

• I'd like to see Scott Gudmandson have a bit better rebound control, make all the saves he should, and make some saves that he shouldn't. On Saturday, I'd like to see Brett Bennett continue to inspire confidence, make all the saves he should, and make some saves that he shouldn't

• My apologies to Jordy for not throwing my hat this weekend. I throw like a girl, and I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have cleared the glass. I like Jordy's response to the lack of hats:'"It's football Sunday so you want to get home and watch some games," Murray said with a smile, implying that any delay to recover the caps would be costly.' [ Baggot]

• I didn't realize that Jordy Murray was injured last year. I don't know if his play this year is a combination of his injury being healed, his simply taking a step up from last year, or a bit of both. Whatever it it, I like it.

• Does anyone remember the 2007-08 season when the Badgers crushed Robert Morris 7-2, 8-2 , went up to Tech and lost 4-2 on Friday, and then continued on with a less-than-stellar first half? Although Gandalf might not believe me, I actually remember this. I remember being pleased with the split at the Lefty, super-happy about the sweep of Robert Morris, and then not-so-happy about the rest of the first half. And I remember a lot of talk about the sweep over Robert Morris causing over-confidence, at least among fans anyway. This comparison came to mind pretty quickly after last weekend's sweep of UAH. However, I think we're all aware that the Badgers didn't face much of a test v. UAH (nor v. HC before that), and so while we're happy about last weekend I don't think anyone is overvaluing the sweep. And I like the players' mindset about beginning WCHA play this weekend (see quotes in It's Friday I'm in Love), so I'm looking for a couple of good games this weekend.

• Completely unrelated to Badger Hockey, but I think this is hilarious:
  

  “They’ve got to crack down on all this hitting from behind.”

  That’s what North Dakota assistant coach Cary Eades said after the Fighting Sioux bus was rear-ended last Thursday en route to a weekend series at Bemidji State. NoDak sports information director Jayson Hajdu passed Eades’ gem along to Brad Elliott Schlossman of the Grand Forks Herald. Fortunately, no one was injured in the collision. [INCH]
  

What I Want To See Against Denver

This weekend, the Badgers travel to Denver to square off with the #11 Pioneers. It's time for week two of my installment of this silly series, so here's I want the Badgers to do this weekend:

1. Bucky making Adam Murray looking bad

Pioneers' goalie Adam Murray hasn't looked good in limited action early this year or last. Granted, Boston College will make just about anyone look rough in net. Anyway, Wisconsin's young offense looked great against UAH, and I want to see them continue their momentum.

2. Justin Schultz continuing his hot start

Echoing Gandalf's comments from earlier this week, Schultz looked as impressive on the power play as any defenseman I have seen in red and white last weekend. He has such a firm grasp of the system that Eaves wants to run and he executes it beautifully, to the tune of two goals and five assists in four games. If he can keep up his production on the offensive end this weekend, Wisconsin should come home with a few points.

3. Cutting down on the penalties

UAH got 13 power plays last week, converting twice. Even though the Pioneers lost a few big names from last year's team and despite their 1-21 power play efficiency so far this year, they'll find a way to get on the scoreboard if you give them that many opportunities.

4. Spreading out the scoring

Last week I got my wish, with goals coming from all lines and in lots of different situations. I hope that's the case again this week.

While I'd obviously like to see a sweep, I think a split is much more likely, and would be a reasonable result for this young team. My guess is Gudmandson gets a win Friday night and Bennett takes a loss on Saturday.

Random Friday morning thoughts . . .

• I like Tex Western's new "What I Want to See this Weekend" feature, and I'd like to see all of the things that he mentioned. I'd also like to add one more thing I'd like to see - I'd like to really see Justin Schultz step up. You know he's one of my favorites, and while he looked fine on Sunday v. HC, I thought he looked a bit off on Friday v. BU. (Just my impression, I could be wrong.) I think he's going to be a great player for us this year, and I'm looking forward to his showing that this weekend.
  

• I recently received an email from the UW Athletic Department that details the carry-in policy for the Kohl Center, which I don't think has really changed but I never really read it before. Granted, you never really want to be the person sitting next to the fan who can't stop ringing the cowbell, but I find it amusing that a cowbell is shown in the "No Noisemakers" picture. Doesn't it just seem wrong to ban cowbells at a hockey game?

• I like Ryan Little's response to his switch from D to F: ' "Obviously I'm not the most skilled player," he said with a straight face. "But I go out there and work hard and my linemates have been helping me out a lot, so good things have happened. I'm pretty fortunate." ' [Baggot]. And I'm confident that Gandalf and Hatchet Joe will like Ryan's response to this question: 'Asked for his preference — a goal or a big hit — Little smiled. "For my role, probably a big hit," he said. "Goals are an added bonus." ' [Baggot]

• Last Friday (before the Badgers took the ice), when chatting about the Badgers with a scout, I remarked that the Badgers weren't the team that they were last year, having lost a ton of players to graduation or early departure. I'm afraid I may have implied that it might be a rough year for the boys (although in my defense, I did say I was optimistic and was looking forward to the season). But I like 1st-Star Zengerle's perspective of things: "For the new guys coming in, there's a good amount of talent and a good amount of offensive players," Zengerle said. "We may not be the same offense as last year, but it's a good base to grow as a young [team]." [Gabriel]

• I miss Todd Milewski, whose Badger Hockey beat coverage was eliminated with the demise of the printed Cap Times. I know this is old news, but I just can't help lamenting the issue. Sure, we can still read some of his work on USCHO (and it's always good), but his focus has shifted to general NCAA/WCHA news, and I really miss his Badger Hockey coverage. *sigh*
  

• You probably already know this, but in case you missed it, blog favorite Brian Rafalski is going to be out for a few weeks after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery.

• I love Derek Stepan. By now, everybody knows about his NHL debut hat trick, and I'm late to the party in commenting on it. Rangers fans picked his hat trick goal as the Moment of the Week, and yesterday the Wall Street Journal featured him in a nice article (thanks to Capo for the link). I'm having trouble getting the video to play, but Stepan is featured in a couple of videos on Rangers TV: an interview about his hat trick, and a discussion of tonight's home opener. Oh, and my favorite quote? This quip from Derek provided by INCH: “I settled in pretty well.”

• The Hartford Wolfpack (AHL) website has a nice article about both Derek Stepan and Ryan McDonagh. (Thanks to byndblueshirts and Capo fort the link.)

• Coming Down the Pipe listed their Top 5 Calder Dark Horses, with Jamie McBain at #5 and Derek Stepan at #1. Good stuff.
  

• I love that Jake Dowell and Jack Skille are up in Chicago this season. (I only wish the Hawks would win a few more games.) The Hawks play in Columbus tonight.

• In 3 games (2W, 1L), Tom Gilbert has 1 point and 1 assist. If you miss good ol' Tom, you can see him in the most recent post game presser.
  

• Earlier this week, Andy Baggot had an article about future Badgers Tim Davison, Cody Strang, and Troy Hesketh in which he discussed their delay in donning the cardinal and white. The article offers a perspective for playing an extra year in juniors.
• (Edited By Chuck) I didn't want to make a new post so I'm adding on to this 60, hope you don't mind. The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead's Ryan Clark who is the beat writer for the Fargo Force has a feature this morning on Badger recruit Troy Hesketh who was traded from Fargo to Chicago. Chicago is going to play in Fargo for the first time this season.
  

I can't remember anything else right now, but I reserve the right to make additions to this post throughout the day . . .

Wisconsin 3 - Minnesota (Sucks) 2

Box Score

Quite the sloppy game at the Target Center tonight, but UW comes away with the victory. The Badgers had a lot of help from a two-goal performance by Craig Smith- who is doing his best to strengthen his case for the WCHA Freshman of the Year award.

I felt like it was a game with a lot of good and a lot of bad- like I said, this was a sloppy game. There were a lot of really bad, undisciplined penalties by both teams. The gophers took a lot of bad penalties in the first, and UW certainly returned the favor in the second. But, there was also a lot of good intensity and when the Badgers were passing well, they looked pretty darn good.

The rodents took the lead with a shortie off of a very poor turnover by Justin Schultz at the blueline. However, Schultz acquitted himself with a nicely excecuted power play, setting himself up at Wangas' weak side and getting an excellent pass from Michael Davies. In between these two goals, Craig Smith had tied the game with a very nice transition goal on the power play. Ben Street took an errant gopher shot that wound up back in the neutral zone, and dished it on up to Jordy Murray, who had Smith on Wangas' left side on an odd man rush.

Some controversy, as the rodents were on the disappointing end of three close calls/goal reviews. The first was a no-brainer: Goody got his stick back after a Jacob "I guess I should've transferred to UW" Cepis breakaway shot hit the crossbar and his leg. The second was tricky. Towards the end of a 5x3 power play, the gophers Mike Hoeffel thought he had banged a rebound past Goody, but he was determined to be in the crease. The differences between the college and NHL rules for crease violations aren't known by everyone- so I do understand the whining that is due to come from rodentsota- but the facts are the facts: the rules dicate that it was a crease violation, thus no goal. Unless the refs just had the rule wrong. But that's crazy talk. I mean, it's not like a WCHA ref would ever screw up a replay. Right?

The third was a close call, after tying the game off of the faceoff in the third, the goofs thought they had a goal, but the net had clearly come off its moorings beforehand, much to Don Lucia's chagrin. Frankly, all three of these "controveries" are pretty open and shut if you ask me, so the outcry ought to be pretty small.

UW broke the tie late in the game with Craig Smith's second goal. Captain Kickass gave a nice feed from the boards to Smith, who sat uncontested just behind the hash marks. Smith had plenty of time to settle the puck and fired a twisted wrister past Kangas for the GWG.

Hockeys Future NCAA Prospects Update

Hockey's Future is doing a series of updates on NHL teams college hockey prospects. Hockey's Future is one of the best resources on the net for following NHL prospects. We're still waiting on the profiles for five other players. When they become available we'll post them as well.

Cody Goloubef:

Chris Roberts has recently profiled the Columbus Blue Jackets who own the rights of Badgers Junior defenseman Cody Goloubef.

"Known primarily as a quiet defenseman possessing a sound defensive game in his first two seasons of collegiate hockey, Goloubef has been involving himself on the offensive side of the ice more frequently this season. He recorded a career high of 13 points in 36 games last season, and in just 22 games this season he’s almost matched that total with 12 points. His ability to move the puck up the ice and jump in on the rush has improved, and he already has a career high in assists with nine.

Goloubef is seeing top minutes on defense on a team that boasts a trio of first round picks on the blue line in Brendan Smith (DET), Ryan McDonagh (NYR) and Jake Gardiner (ANA). Add in John Ramage, an important piece to the United States’ blue line at the WJC, and Goloubef has been an important part of one of the top defense corps in the nation. He is currently tied for the team lead with a +16 rating as his defensive game continues to flourish as well."

Jake Gardiner:

Kyle Kujawa has recently profiled the Anaheim Ducks who own the rights of Badgers Sophomore defenseman Jake Gardiner and freshman defenseman Justin Schultz.

"After a promising rookie season, Gardiner’s game has taken a step back this season. He’s produced only three points in 20 games on the season after 21 as a freshman. A big part of the lack of production has to do with Gardiner being slotted into more of a defensive role. Brendan Smith (DET) receives most of the power-play minutes, so Gardiner is focused more on the defensive end of the ice.

The smooth-skating defenseman will likely step into that role if Smith turns professional after the season, as expected. From a development standpoint, it’s a move that could pay off for Gardiner, as he converted to defense from forward while in high school.

Gardiner won gold at the World Junior Championship with the United States. Gardiner started the tournament as one of the three defensemen rotated in and out of the last pairing, but gradually earned more ice time as the tournament progressed. His +9 rating was tied for the best on the team. He also added three assists in seven games."

Justin Schultz:

"One of the more pleasant surprises in the system is the play of the Schultz. Playing on a Wisconsin defense that is one of the deepest in the country, Schultz has been able to step in as a freshman and make a contribution. He’s put up nine points in 22 games so far, even logging some power-play minutes.

Schultz is a superb skater who excels at moving the puck. So far his defensive play has been acceptable. He still needs to put on considerable weight until he turns pro, as he’s still listed at 185, though he doesn’t look it. The former second-round pick has a lot of time to work on that though, and he’s in a system that has produced a few very good offensive defensemen in recent years."

Brett Bennett:

Andrew Sykes has recently profiled the Phoenix Coyotes who own the rights of Badgers Junior goaltender Brett Bennett.

"Bennett, a fifth-round pick in 2006, has gotten off to a nice start with the Wisconsin Badgers. After starting his college career at Boston University, Bennett decided to leave the school and play a year in the USHL before returning to the collegiate level. That decision has turned out to be a good one as Bennett has been solid in goal for the fourth-ranked Badgers. The 21-year-old has appeared in nine games, posting a 6-3 record with a solid 2.12 goals against average and a save percentage of .904. Bennett has split the goaltending duties with fellow junior Scott Gudmandson and that formula has worked well all season, and has the Badgers very much in the mix for the national title."

Blake Geoffrion:

Connor Jennings has recently profiled the Nashville Predators who own the rights of Badgers Senior forward Blake Geoffrion and Freshman forward Craig Smith.

"Geoffrion is a tri-captain at the University of Wisconsin. The 21-year-old is a strong two-way winger with professional physical attributes.

The senior has progressed in the goal column every year at Wisconsin, and has continued that trend this season. Geoffrion leads the team with 15 goals, and has 21 points in 21 games, which is good for fourth on the team. He has also shown great ability on the power play, with nine of his goals coming when up a man. Geoffrion projects as a second or third-line forward."

Craig Smith:

"Smith has been having a solid season as a freshman for the Badgers. He has not shown much of a scoring touch, but has flashed significant playmaking ability in his short time with Wisconsin.

The fourth-round pick has 3 goals and 14 assists in 20 games. Smith is fifth on the team in scoring, only four points behind Geoffrion. The 20-year-old has a long time to develop, but could be a potential top-six forward in the NHL."

Late Tuesday Update: Schultz Makes Grades

Badger fans can rest easy, Justin Schultz apparently did what he needed to do to stay eligible tonight according to Baggot's update tonight.

According to Baggot Eaves refused to get into details but said "a perfect storm happened.''

Schultz, a freshman defenseman from West Kelowna, British Columbia is having a solid freshman season for the Badgers. He has recorded two goals and seven assists while playing in all 22 games for the Badgers this season.
---------------------------------------------
Former Badger forward and 2006 National Champion Robbie Earl was placed on waivers by the Minnesota Wild today.

From the article: In most cases, a player who passes through waivers either remains with the club or would be assigned to Houston of the AHL. For instance, Robbie Earl was placed on waivers Tuesday, but he practiced with the Wild and will either stay or be assigned to Houston if he clears.

Earl has had some success with the Wild this season. In extremely limited playing time, Earl recorded three goals in thirteen games.
---------------------------------------------
The opening night of the inaugural "Showdown in Titletown" had an interesting twist. Two teams that many had pegged for the Championship game Saturday both lost tonight. Fourth ranked Eau Claire Memorial lost 3-2 on home ice to second ranked Wasau West. Over in Stevens Point, the undefeated and number one ranked team in the state Green Bay Notre Dame was upset by S.P.A.S.H. 5-2. Wausau West plays the winner of the Fond du Lac/Appleton matchup and S.P.A.S.H. plays the winner of the Madison Edgewood/Waukesha Catholic Memorial tilt.
---------------------------------------------
DPlaya has some coverage of how the WIAA Hockey sectionals break down this season. It's a good read of your a high school hockey fan. I can't wait for the high school playoffs to get kicked off this season.
---------------------------------------------
Ok so this isn't really news but I think it's funny regardless. There is this little link at the bottom of the blog where you can see the website statistics with how many people per day are viewing the blog and what not. You can also see how people accessed the site, through links or google searching or whatever.

I just noticed that someone found our blog today by trying to find out whether or not Adam Burish is married. I can tell you that as far as I know, Burish is not married, but maybe someone else can confirm that. This is not the weirdest search I've seen that someone got to our blog though. In the last couple of weeks someone found us by trying to find out if assistant Waterloo Black Hawks coach Shane Fukushima is married. Good luck with that.

Tuesday Update: Schultz In Academic Trouble

First, I just want to apologize for the lack of posting over the past few days. I've been away and haven't had access to post. With that said, I have a few news and links for you today.

We'll start off with the most important news. You've probably already heard but Justin Schultz academic eligibility is in limbo. Late last night Baggot had a blog post addressing the issue. In the post, Eaves was quoted as saying, "It's going down to the 11th hour." The spring semester started today so I have not heard whether or not Schultz was eligible or not.

It's definitely a thing to keep an eye on. Schultz definitely is not our most important player on the team but the consistency he's provided along with our other regular 5 defensemen has been huge for us. Let's hope that he got everything taken care of and we don't have to deal with this again. If it turns out bad for us, let's hope Mr. Springer is healthy and ready to step in.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Wisconsin native and former Badger Joe Pavelski had been absolutely ice cold since being announced as a member of the upcoming USA Olympic Hockey team. In the first seven games since the announcement, the polish prince had gone scoreless. Saturday night he finally got on the board with an assist. Last night Joe money had a huge night with a goal and three assists in a 9-1 Sharks win over the Flames.
---------------------------------------------------------------
The Badgers dropped one spot in the Pairwise Ranking after the loss on Saturday night to Colorado College. They currently sit in fourth place in the country. The Badgers obviously have a huge weekend coming up with Denver coming to town. The Pioneers come to Madison ranked #1 in the country in the USCHO.com and USA Today polls. Denver is second in the Pairwise. A sweep for either team could go a long ways in locking up the number 1 seed in the West Regional in St. Paul.
---------------------------------------------------------------
According to the Minneapolis Star Tribune, former Gopher womens hockey player Anya Miller's little sister Laurel has committed to the Wisconsin womens program. Laurel's older sister, Anya, played for the Gophers from 2005 to '08. Laurel attended one of her sister's games against Wisconsin and was asked by their aunt about becoming a Gopher someday. Laurel's reply: "No, I want to be a Badger."
---------------------------------------------------------------
Wisconsin has announced that there will be a free open skate on the Camp Randall Ice the night before the Culvers Camp Randall Classic. The skate is free but you must register for a ticket on UWBadgers.com in order for the organizers to keep track of the number of skaters. You can register for tickets starting Monday at 8:30 AM.
---------------------------------------------------------------

Meet Justin Schultz

UWbadgers.com is running a series called "breaking the ice" w/ all the freshman on the Men's team, and this week its Justin Schultz.

Some highlights:

Favorite NHL player: Scott Niedermayer

Favorite sports team: Anaheim Ducks (you'd never know he was drafted by them)

Favorite superhero: Batman

Favorite breakfast cereal: Lucky Charms (A day started w/ marshmellowy shapes can't be beat)

Age started playing hockey: 4 years old

First job: Upholstery Shop

Before each game, I: Tape my stick

Most famous person you’ve met (where and when): Walter Gretzky when I was 10

If I could play another UW sport, it would be: golf

If you could have dinner with any two living people, who and why?
Bobby Orr (favorite NHL player of all time), Brock Lesnar (teach me some moves)

For me, playing college hockey is: A dream come true

Why did you come to Wisconsin? Play college hockey and get an education

If you could have any super power, what would it be? Invisibility (call Alex Kangas he learned how to be invisible as a goaltender, letting in shots like he wasn't even there)

09/10 Men's Previews: #6 Justin Schultz

Vitals:

Position: Defenseman
Year in School: Freshman
Shoots Right
Height: 6-2
Weight: 185
Hometown: West Kelowna, BC
Major: Undeclared
Previous Team: Westside Warriors (BCHL) last season

NHL Considerations: 2nd round draft pick of Anaheim in the 2008 NHL Draft.

08/09 Stats: 49 games, 15-35-50, 29 PIM
07/08 Stats: 57 games, 9-31-40

09/10 Role: 3rd pairing, PK or PP if there is an opening

08/09 Recap: Justin completed an outstanding BCHL career last season by being named the Interior Conferences top defenseman, for the second season in a row. He led the BCHL blue liners in pts/game, as the QB of the Westside Warrior’s offense. Justin also competed in the Junior A Challenge for the second season in a row and won silver losing to the Craig Smith captained Team USA. The previous season, Justin and freshman teammate Derek Lee took the gold at the event.

Biggest Strength: Justin is another gifted offensive dman who will be suiting up for the Badgers. Though to go along w/ his offensive game, from what I gather, he is solid in his own end too. I’m excited to see him in Cardinal & White and you should be too.

Biggest Weakness: Justin missed several games last season to a few injuries, which is always a possible re-occurring worry. The weight room will also be a help for Justin to help fill out his frame.

09/10 Thoughts: Justin should step in and be an immediate contributor to the Badgers this season. He is probably undervalued for the coming season due to the wealth of talent on the Badger blue line returning. Had McDonagh left for the pros, his role on the team could be even bigger. Like all blue liners there will be a transition between leagues, adjusting to the WCHA, but once that happens he should be fine, and Badger fans will be very happy. While his role this year may be limited, especially in special teams, it will be a good prep for the following season where ice time might be plentiful due to possible early departures of several players.

Justin was drafted in 2008 and went back to the BCHL. He probably could have decommitted and found a new home, but must want to be the best, knowing his best choice for a pro career on the blue line runs through Coach Oz and UW.

Prediction: 32 games, 4-14-18*
*All predictions for regular season only

Photo from the BCHL website

WCH loves Justin Schultz, but perhaps not as much as he should

Chris @ WCH likes Justin Schultz well enough to include him on his "Best of the West: 20009's Top Recruits" series.

Role he'll likely play: Schultz joins a crowded UW blueline that already has Ryan McDonagh, Cody Goloubef, Brendan Smith, and Jake Gardiner, so minutes, especially on the powerplay should be hard to come by this first season. That said, Schultz is a pure playmaker and if he finds ways to create offense, he'll earn more ice time.

Why he is ranked here: Schultz won his division's Defenseman of the Year honors thanks to some impressive point totals the past two seasons in the BCHL. Schultz has huge potential to be an excellent offensive defenseman.

Why he'll be great: Schultz has the ability to rack up a lot of assists, especially if he starts seeing powerplay time.

Why he might not: Points are going to be harder to come by, so Schultz will have to become more well-rounded as a player. He added about 15 lbs. of weight last season, but still isn't the strongest guy.

But he doesn't like him well enough to put him in the top 10, placing him at #11 behind gopher defensive recruit Seth Helgeson.

As you might know, in all things recruiting I defer to Chuck and Gandalf here on the blog, and so I'll do so again now:

Chuck: Justin Schultz immediately steps into the UW lineup as the #5 defenseman. AT BEST Helgeson is the #6 at Minnesota behind Fairchild, Ness, Leddy, Lofquist and Wehrs. I still don't understand how Helgeson is more valuable, or rated higher.

Gandalf: I'm cool w/ Schultz being under the radar. He's this year's Jake Gardiner, a better defensive game who doesn't skate as well (who does?). He'll be an immediate contributor to the team and we (as in Badger fans) can all look back and laugh at everyone else when he is on the All Rookie team w/ Dylan Olsen.

Comparing gopher dmen w/ Wisconsin dmen is like having a 100' length of rope when you are climbing down a 200' wall, the 100' rope looks useful, until you actually try to use it and realize all the actual good defensemen in your state decided to wear the Cardinal and White instead of falling to their death.

Thanks for the insight, boys!

From my perspective, I'd simply like to state that no self-respecting defenseman goes to minnesota.