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.

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NHL Central Scouting Final Ranking

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

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

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

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

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

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Four Badgers on NHL Central Scouting Mid-Terms

NHL Central Scouting, an excellent resource for the NHL Draft has released it's annual mid-term rankings today. Two current and two future Badgers were fortunate enough to be recognized by Central Scouting.

The two current Badgers, forward Michael Mersch and defenseman Frankie Simonelli need no introduction. I think both players have exceeded expectations a bit this season at Wisconsin and both are looked upon as important players as the Badgers move forward in their season. Both players are expected to be drafted and their rankings by Central Scouting reflect as much.

Mersch, a 6'2, 198 pound winger is ranked as the #62 North American skater by NHL Central Scouting. Adding in European players and goalies, that's a third round projection for Mersch in this summers NHL Draft.

Simonelli, who is listed at 5'10.75, 190 pounds is ranked as the #92 North American skater by CS. When you add in Euro's and goalies, That's around the 4th of 5th round in this summers draft.

An interesting name to follow regarding the draft is Wisconsin recruit Brad Navin. The 6'3, 183 pound center from Waupaca high school is ranked as the #150 North American Skater by Central Scouting. That puts Navin right down towards the end of the draft. Many feel that he would have increased his draft stock by moving to the USHL this season when the opportunity presented itself. I think unquestionably that this is the case but I can see from his point of view why he decided to stay at Waupaca for his senior season.

The other Badger recruit on the list is 6'2.5, 190 pound winger Brendan Woods from Muskegon of the USHL. Last season Central Scouting had Woods listed as the #52 North American skater and he got passed by all 30 NHL teams in all 7 rounds of the draft. Woods isn't lighting up the score board in the USHL by any means so it will be interesting to see if any NHL team takes a shot on him in this draft. Also note that his father is an assistant coach for the Washington Capitals.

There are three other players with Wisconsin ties to be featured by Central Scouting. Stevens Point native and Colorado College recruit Aaron Harstad is ranked #149. Harstad, who plays for the Green Bay Gamblers was passed over in last years draft. Max McCormick, a DePere, WI native and Ohio State recruit is ranked #159. McCormick is having a great rookie year in the USHL with Sioux City. And finally at #190 checks in defenseman Joey Fiala from Verona. Fiala, a Western Michigan recruit is playing with the USA NTDP U18's this season.

Photo courtesy of Melody Hasse

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College Hockey 247 Releases Top 50 Recruits

As we talked about yesterday, the new Rivals.com recruiting site College Hockey 247 was in the process of revealing its top 50 recruits for the upcoming 2010 hockey season.

First, they released the top 10 list which featured Badger incoming forward recruit Mark Zengerle at #6 overall, who was very honored to be included.

Recently they released the full list of 50 which includes another Badger, incoming forward recruit Michael Mersch from the USA NTDP U-18 squad. Mersch checks in at #40 overall.

Overall looking at the list that they put together, it's not a bad list. I can't say that I could put together a better one by any means. They polled college, and junior coaches as well as pro scouts to come up with the list, along with their staff.

The biggest problem with looking at a list like this is that this is a list of the best players coming into school, not a list of who will be the best while they are IN school. Using NHL scouts is fine but they are evaluating players to play at the professional level, and we're looking for opinions on how these players are going to do at the college level.

That's a major reason why I feel that Zengerle is going to be an absolute star at Wisconsin because he's most likely to be a 3-4 year player for the Badgers with his size/age combination, where as players like Zucker, Bjugstad, and Bennett (who are all excellent players) will only be in college for a year or two before they turn professional. But it's not like the guys who are putting together can penalize Zucker because what if he ends up staying 4 years? Nothing is guaranteed.

So I guess what I'm trying to say is, the guys who put together the list did a nice job, but don't take this for gospel on who is going to be the best team because they have the most players on the list. You need to have a good mix of high end 1-2 year players and solid players who are going to be there for four seasons.

If I had a few suggestions for the list? I have a REAL tough time believing that Brock Montpetit is not one of the top 50 recruits in the country. The kid is having an absolute MONSTER season for Waterloo with 56 points through the first 43 games of the season. That is very impressive in the USHL no matter how old you are. Montpetit is only 3 months older than Notre Dame recruit Anders Lee, has out performed him this season, yet Lee is ranked #21 overall, and Brock is left off the list. I'm scratching my head at that one.

I think the same can be said for Brock's teammate at Waterloo, Badger forward Tyler Barnes. Barnes is having a very nice bounce back year in the USHL averaging over a point a game for the Black Hawks. Barnes is going to be one of those 4 year players that could be a very good point producer for the Badgers in a year or two.

I think North Dakota recruit Nick Mattson is listed a bit high on the list. His stock has fallen quite a bit since he originally committed to North Dakota while with the NTDP. He's going to be a good college player but I think his ranking might be a bit inflated. Overall I think the NTDP as a while is a bit inflated in these rankings.

I am a bit surprised to see them list North Dakota recruit Dillon Simpson on the list. Simpson is a very, very, very good 1993 born defenseman that when he committed recently, admitted that he had accelerated his studies in hopes of playing college hockey next season. It still has not been confirmed that he will be a 2010 recruit but apparently College Hockey 247 didn't care as the included him at #20 on the list. If Simpson goes to North Dakota next season, they have the potential of rostering 11 defensemen if Genoway gets a red-shirt.

I also think that Minnesota recruit Max Gardiner is too high on this list. I'm not saying this because he's going to Minnesota and his brother is a Badger. I've seen him on a few occasions and I think he's a very good player but I'm not even sure he's going to crack the lineup at Minnesota next year and College Hockey 247 has him listed as the 14th overall recruit in the country. I think that ranking is inflated because of Gardiners pro stock being a projected first round pick, not because of what he's going to do at the college level.

On the flip side as far as Minnesota is concerned, I think Mark Alt should be higher. I think he could be a key defenseman for Minnesota right off the bat. He's extremely talented and if it wasn't for talk of possibly playing football in college I would have to assume he would have been higher on this list.

I'll wrap this up with one more forward who I think is getting the shaft a bit and that is BU recruit Sahir Gill. I don't know a ton about the kid but from every account I've heard, the kid is a very impressive forward and probably should be ranked higher than 39th in the country.

Thats all I have for now. It's 5:00 AM and I haven't had my coffee yet. I'm sure I'll come up with more later.

Photo by RedHeat15


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Rumpel commits for 2011

On schedule, Joel Rumpel commits for the 2011 season, and Badger fans can breath a little sigh of relief about the goaltending situation following the graduations of Scott Gudmandson and Brett Bennett.

Editted on 2/9/09

Baggot added the following yesterday. Rumpel's coach at Penticton draws comparisons between him and Brian Elliott. A little soon for that, but I love this kid's size, one thing you can't teach, Jeff Sanger can do the rest.

In addition, Baggot had a little more on Rumpel today. I agree that it is a good thing for Rumpel to return to the BCHL to be the man for Penticton next season before arriving. A) he wouldn't play here next year & there is probably not any schollie money and B) he'll need the experience of playing 45 games or so to prepare for possibly being the #1 right out the gate as a frosh. He will be 20 as a freshman, which is always a bonus.

The same article mentions the rankings from RedLine Report which has 2010 recruit Michael Mersch at #56 and John Ramage at #198 for the 2010 NHL Draft. While Mersch wasn't a worldkiller when the U-18 team visited in early January, he has the size and rare talent to be a great power forward at Wisconsin. Next season he'll only be a senior in high school, in age, but accelerating to come in, so he'll have some growing to do yet.

Recruiting: Pair Of Recruits In Town Saturday

First of all I wanted to alert you that I've updated the recruiting statistics for committed and uncommitted players. There haven't been a ton of changes since the last update (besides obviously the stats).

2011 forward recruit Tyler Lapic has been traded from the Omaha Lancers (USHL) to the Des Moines Buccaneers (USHL). This is going to work out as a great trade for Lapic. He was putting some points on the board with Omaha but was having a tough time staying in the lineup consistently with the outstanding lineup that Omaha has. He should be a regular in the lineup for Des Moines. In two games so far he has a goal and an assist.

I've also added the statistics of potential Shattuck recruits Ian McCoshen and Zach Stepan. Both players have been listed on the site for a long time but I've been having problems accessing their statistics with my Microsoft Excel. McCoshen is a 1995 born defenseman from Hudson and Stepan is a 1994 born forward and (I believe) the cousin of Derek Stepan, and originally from New Richmond. Both are nice players to keep an eye on.

The biggest reason for this post is to make sure to remind you guys that two recruits who will be skating for the Badgers next season will be in town on Saturday night. Forward Michael Mersch (pictured, top left), who is accelerating his studies to be a Badger next season, and defenseman Frankie Simonelli (pictured, middle left) who both play for the USA NTDP U18 squad will be in Madison to take on the Badgers Saturday at 7.

The subject has been brought up on how to treat the USA U18 squad. And my advice would be to treat this just like any other game to an extent. Go through your usual rituals but at the same time cheer on the USA boys if that makes sense. The U18's are going to expect a hostile environment so don't disappoint them.

A few nice signs for Simonelli and Mersch would be a nice touch to welcome the future Badgers. Also, goaltender Jack Campbell, and forward Jason Zucker who just won a gold medal along with Badgers Derek Stepan, John Ramage, and Jake Gardiner probably deserve a nice standing ovation if you ask me.

As always, comments, questions, and suggestions are always welcomed.

chuckschwartz@live.com

Michael Mersch Accelerating To 2010

I just read on Hockey In Wisconsin that Wisconsin forward recruit Michael Mersch has decided to accelerate his schooling so he can enter Wisconsin in the fall of 2010 instead of 2011 like was originally planned.

Mersch, a 6'2, 200 lb. forward out of Park Ridge, Illinois will be playing this season for the USA Hockey NTDP U18 squad. The big lefty put up 46 points in 65 games last season for the u17 squad.

Due to age restrictions, Mersch would have been forced out of the NTDP his senior season (2010-2011) and would have had to play a season in the USHL before entering Wisconsin (Waterloo owned his rights). With his current plan of accelerating his studies, he can bypass the USHL and come to Wisconsin with teammate Frankie Simonelli.

Mersch will be a member of a solid 7 member freshman forward class for the Badgers in 2010. Also slated to enter are Sean Little (Green Bay Gamblers), Jefferson Dahl (Youngstown Phantoms), Gavin Hartzog (Fargo Force), Tyler Lapic (Omaha Lancers), Tyler Barnes (Waterloo Blackhawks) and Mark Zengerle (Salmon Arm Silverbacks).

chuckschwartz@live.com

US NTDP schedules released: 3 games in WI

A couple of days ago, the US NTDP released the schedules for the U17 and U18 teams. As DPlaya points out, the U17 team plays 1 game in WI, and the U18 team plays 2 games in WI. It's too bad that the sole U17 game in WI is at the same time as the U18 game v. the Badgers.

It doesn't look like USA Hockey has yet updated their rosters for this year, but the U17 roster should include potential Badger recruit Jake McCabe, and the U18 roster should include future Badgers Frankie Simonelli and Michael Mersch.

USNTDP: Frankie Simonelli, Michael Mersch

I really need to start paying better attention to things. Apparently, last month (where was I?) usahockey.com had a feature on future Badger defenseman Frankie Simonelli, and 2 days ago (again, where was I?) they had a feature of future Badger forward Michael Mersch.

Simonelli and Mersch both played on the USNTDP U17 squad last season. I'd imagine that they'll be on the U18 squad this season? I think both players are slotted to join the Badgers in 2010 or 2011 -- I think Simonelli more likely in 2010 and Mersch more likely in 2011, simply based on the players lined up so far on D and F.

Simonelli, Mersch, Ramage win @ international tourneys

2009 Vlad Dzurilla U-18
Future Badgers Frankie Simonelli (D) and Michael Mersch (F) helped the US National U-17 team win the Vlad Dzurilla U-18 Tournament in Piestany, Slovakia. In addition to the US U-17 team, the tourney included U-18 teams from Slovakia, Germany, and Switzerland.

I can't give you complete tourney results because I can't find the tourney website and (not surprisingly) the USA Hockey website doesn't have that information.

Feb 5: USA 3 - GER 1 (Simonelli 1-0-1, Mersch 0-0-0)
Feb 6: SWI 6 - USA 5 (SO) (Simonelli 1-0-1, Mersch 0-1-1)
Feb 7: USA 7 - SVK 1 (Simonelli 0-1-1, Mersch 0-0-0)

2009 Five Nations U-18
Future Badger John Ramage (D) helped the US National U-18 team win the Five Nations U-18 tournament in Nykoping, Sweden. The other 4 teams at the tourney were Sweden, the Czech Republic, Finland, and Russia.

Once again, despite locating swehockey.se, I can't find full tourney results. I was smart enough to find a 5-nationersturneringen link, but that page doesn't have results. So once again we'll have to settle for the offerings of the USA Hockey website. Team USA won all of its games to win the tourney. Ramage was held off the scoresheet.

Feb 5: USA 3 - SWE 2
Feb 6: USA 7 - CZE 3
Feb 7: USA 3 - FIN 2
Feb 8: USA 5 - RUS 3

Badgers at the World U17s

As milzie was so kind to remind me the other day (thanks, milzie!), future Badger defenseman Frankie Simonelli and future Badger forward Michael Mersch are playing for Team USA in the 2009 World U17 Hockey Challenge. The tourney started on Mon, Dec 29 and continues through Sun, Jan 4.

Team USA has won all 5 of their games so far and will face Canada Pacific in the semis today at 9:00 CST. Hmmm, USA defeated PAC 11-0 in the exhibition game preceding the tourney. Canada West and Ontario play in the other semifinal at 5:00 CST.

Sun, Dec 28: USA 11 - PAC 0 (ex), Simonelli 1G 1A, Mersch 1 G
Mon, Dec 29: USA 12 - FIN 1, Simonelli 0G 2A, Mersch 1G 1A
Wed, Dec 31: USA 4 - QC 3, both held off the scoresheet
Thurs, Jan 1: USA 6 - SVK 1, Mersch 1G 0A
Fri, Jan 2: USA 7 - WST 0, Mersch 1G 0A

By the way, before being defeated by the US yesterday, Canada West was previously unbeaten in the tourney.

Mersch logs first goal w/ NTDP

Last night the US NTDP U17 team beat the Bismarck Bobcats 5-1 as part of the NAHL Showcase. Michael Mersch scored the game winning goal for the NTDP and was assisted on the play by past, current and future teammate Frankie Simonelli.

Good start for these kids!

A Badger in Slovakia - U17 Five Nations Tournament (update)

As you know, future Badger Michael Mersch is currently in Prievidza, Slovakia participating in the Five Nations Tournament with the US U17 team. The tourney runs Aug 19 - 24 and includes teams from the US, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Germany, and Switzerland.

Winning 5-2 over Slovakia today, the Badgers finished the tourney with a 3-1 record. Mersch assisted on both 2nd period goals for the US, one PP and one EV. Mersch finishes the 4-game tourney with 1 goal and 3 assists.

A Badger in Slovakia - U17 Five Nations Tournament (update)

As mentioned yesterday, future Badger Michael Mersch is currently in Prievidza, Slovakia participating in the Five Nations Tournament with the US U17 team. The tourney runs Aug 19 - 24 and includes teams from the US, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Germany, and Switzerland.

After winning their first two games of the tournament, Team USA lost 3-0 today to the Czech Republic. Ouch.

Team USA faces Slovakia tomorrow at 11:30 AM CDT in their final game of the tourney.

A Badger in Slovakia - U17 Five Nations Tournament

Future Badger Michael Mersch is currently in Prievidza, Slovakia participating in the Five Nations Tournament with the US U17 team. The tourney runs Aug 19 - 24 and includes teams from the US, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Germany, and Switzerland.

On August 17, Team USA lost 3-2 to Slovakia in a pre-tourney exhibition game.

On August 20, Team USA won their opening match of the tournament, defeating Switzerland 5-2. Michael Mersch had an assist on Team USA's first goal (PP).

Today, Team USA defeated Germany 3-2. Michael Mersch scored Team USA's first goal, also a PP goal, "tapp[ing] the puck past German goalie Sebastian Kinader after receiving a nifty back-door pass from Bill Arnold (Needham, Mass) at 1:03 to stake the U.S. to an early lead."

Next up:
Aug 22 (8 AM CDT) - the Czech Republic
Aug 23 (11:30 AM CDT) - Slovakia

US NTDP U17 roster includes Simonelli, Mersch

The2008-09 NTDP U17 roster was officially released today, and as expected future Badgers Frankie Simonelli and Michael Mersch have made the roster. The '08-'09 U17 schedule was released just a few days ago.

If you'd like to refresh you memory, here are our previous blog posts about Simonelli and Mersch.

Not sure if we posted this previously, but I just ran across this blurb from The Scouting News regarding Simonelli:

Top notch?

What can be a more fitting tribute to a 16 year old player other than an offer from a solid, nationally ranked team? Every prospect with a modicum of hockey ambition is hankering for an overture from a big-league squad! Frankie Simonelli has already received his call from close to every OHL and USHL team. But he has bigger fish to fry! The youngster will be a key player for the NTDP program in 2008-2009. Find out what the youngster brings to the table!

Also ran across this blurb from The Scouting News regarding Mersch:

Where is the logic?

The world of youth hockey is not totally subject to the laws of logic. Plenty of illogical stuff is going on. There were some illogical picks at the drafts this May, there were some illogical cuts from teams last season, etc. Why the NTDP waited so long to finally sign Team Illinois AAA top prospect Michael Mersch is yet another mystery of the illogical USA Hockey system.

Unfortunately, I can't access the rest of either article since I'm not a subscriber.

RLR: Simonelli, Mersch

Andy Baggot reports that, according to the latest Red Line Report, future Badgers Frankie Simonelli and Michael Mersch performed quite well at the USA Hockey Select 16 Festival:

On Simonelli: "Sleeper just continues to get better every game and has made a believer out of us. Plays with an edge and is tough to play against. Work ethic is exceptional and his skills have improved dramatically. Has turned into a premium blue-liner in his class with the skills to be offensive and yet still get back to defend. Solid, steady, consistent player does everything well.

Yeah, I'm pretty fired-up about Frankie Simonelli!

On Mersch: "Has great hands, vision, and can flat-out score goals. Past Festival performances rival anyone as he's been a top-10 scorer for three straight Festivals. Needs to work on his skating. . . . needs to balance his terrific offesnive insticts and skills with more energy and passion."

Ok, so he has some things to work on, but I sure do like the first 2 sentences of that review!

Baggot's article also has RLR evals of potential recruit Max Gardiner and Wisconsinite Aaron Harstad.

Mersch to NTDP?

Dplaya is reporting on the HIW Blog that Michael Mersch has been offered a spot on the NTDP and will accept the offer. Ryan of the Unofficial USHL Blog had posted earlier today on Buckyville of Michael's offer.

Frankie Simonelli reportedly accepted an offer previously. Good to see the friends will continue to play together for the next two seasons, and at the NTDP no less.

Congrats to Michael!

2 Monday Evening Links

Just a couple of quick items this evening:

• The latest 2008 Hockey Preview video is up -- Playing at the KC
  


• DPlaya has a post on HIW regarding the National Select 16 Tourney. Future Badgers playing include Michael Mersch and Frankie Simonelli, and potential Badger recruits playing include Max Gardiner (Jake's brother). A number of Wisconsinites are also playing.

Sunday Evening Odds & Ends

• On Friday, Uwbadgers.com posted the 6th installment of it's 2008 Hockey Preview Videos -- this video features Jamie McBain. I think we may have neglected to post on this blog the 6/11 feature on the captains. In case you missed any of the videos (I still haven't watched all of them yet), here's a link to all of the preview videos, as well as bonus coverage including Q&As with Engel/Drewiske/Klubertanz, Johnson/Davies, and equipment manager Steve Castelletti.



• The University of Wisconsin Athletic Board has announced it's Athletic Board Scholars for the 2007-08 academic year. The athletes named are the top male and female atheletes for each sport. This list includes hockey players Ryan Jeffrey (legal studies) and Maria Evans (Geography and Environmental Studies). Nice work, Ryan and Maria!

• The UW Athletic Department won a Silver Award at the National Association of Collegiate Marketing Administrators (NACMA) annual convention for it's Badger Women's Hockey "Fill the Bowl" event. The promotion raised 8 barrels of food and over $5,000 for the Second Harvest Food Bank of Wisconsin. It also helped the Badgers set the NCAA women's hockey attendance record at 5,377.

• Not sure if we mentioned this yet, but a couple of weeks ago Todd Milewski talked to Badger recruits Frankie Simonelli and Michael Mersch about the OHL.
  

• Thanks to DPlaya, I see that Joe Pavelski is back in Wisconsin running a hockey camp in Stevens point for local kids. Kyle Klubertanz and Scott Pavelski are also helping out.
  

• Also, thanks to DPlaya, I have a link to a 6/10 THN article on Badger alumnus Chris Chelios. It's an amusing article that points out (in a fun way) just how old Chris Chelios really is.



• Not Badger Hockey related, but the Denver Post has a good article about David Carle and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The article also includes a list of 4 athletes who have died unexpectedly from the disease and what they were doing at that time. Thanks to LetsGoDU for the link.