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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Thanks Again Seniors

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you.

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Minnesota 6, Wisconsin 1 Final...

Patrick Johnson scores on Wisconsin's goalie (Brett Bennett) and gives Minnesota a one goal lead after the first period. Get him out of the lineup. I've about had it with his play this season.

Michael Davies snipes on Wangas after a beautiful feed from linemate Derek Stepan to tie up the game at one a piece. The goal gives Davies 32 points in conference play which puts him a tie for 6th in the conference. Davies is third in points per game in the league.

Wisconsin then decides they want to work on the penalty kill and they give up three straight power play goals. Cepis with one and Lucia with two.

Badgers don't listen and continue to take stupid penalty after stupid penalty. Selfish, undisciplined hockey this afternoon. Gophers score two more power play goals and the final is 6-1.

Man games like today are what really piss me off about this Badger team. I realize that this game meant absolutely nothing in the standings but we couldn't have less momentum heading into the playoffs right now. I can guarantee you if we play like this next weekend that Anchorage is going to embarrass us on our home ice.

The Patrick Johnson experiment needs to stop right now. I HATE that I have to call out a player on my own team but this is getting ridiculous. Get Podge Turnbull in the lineup. Podge may take a penalty here and there that he shouldn't but at least he's battling and causes a stir on the ice. Even better, Podge can actually help out on the offensive end. What a grand freaking idea.

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A few notes I took while watching the BTN replay

- I get that the women's basketball tourney is a big deal... as far as women's basketball goes... but still, this was ridiculous. I get four seperate BTN feeds through Time Warner Cable, without having to pay extra for them, and not ONE of them had the game live?

- Seriously, Minnesota. Figure skating? This was moved to the Target Center for figure skating?

- What's worse is that, since the Xcel Energy Center was built and the Minnesota Moose had moved to Manitoba- there was very little use for the ice at the Target Center, and the existing ice was removed entirely to make the TC a basketball only arena. The ice that was played on tonight was only installed on Monday, and it was in terrible shape. There were a lot of bouncing pucks (such as the one that came to Smith for his second goal), and the game had to be stopped TWICE for ice repairs. Sound familiar? Remember how McLeod wouldn't sponsor a UW-UM game at Camp Randall because he didn't want a WCHA game decided on temporary (read: one week old) ice? Sounds sort of funny in retrospect if you ask me.

- So strange to see that many empty lower level seats for this game. I don't care how bad one of the teams is, or how many of the seats are taken up by corporate fools. It's just sad.

- Minnesota sloppy play: It wasn't just the ice that was sloppy. Both teams looked pretty rough out there. Minnesota gave up a few transition opportunities by lazily shooting the puck. And I mean LAZY. These shots weren't even close to the net. Stevie Wonder could have gotten closer. The first Craig Smith goal was a great example. Rodent shoots from an angle, but he shoots for the far side, instead of the near side. The result? He misses, and the puck runs all the way out to the neutral zone, setting up our rush.

- Also, right after the disallowed goal on the 5x3, Jordan Schroeder had a cupcake gimme goal set up for him. He was at Goody's right hand side, less than ten feet away, and had the entire net to shoot at. The puck comes to him, but he winds up to slap it in as if he was trying to win a hardest shot contest. Of course, he whiffs and we kill the penalty. Smooth move, Schroeder.

- Of course, UW wasn't immune. We had plenty of undisciplined penalties (including this season's most popular goats: Mitchell and Johnson). But the real killer was terrible passing. Especially on breakout plays. Take a look at the play that preceeded Cade Fairchild's stupid shot that eventually set up Smith's first goal. Minnesota is laying a 2-1 trap, but they aren't pressuring McD (it was McD, right?) too hard. Without much pressure, he still makes a lazy pass that turns into a quick transition play for Fairchild, which he promptly screws up (thank goodness).

- Cepis... what an unfortunate name. It sounds like a disease, doesn't it? It's not as bad as Darius Kasparitis, but it still seems like Cepis might have been made fun of a lot as a kid for it. Just a thought.

- Ben Grotting took a little journey into the Minnesota bench. I give him a 5.6 for his form, but only 1.2 for the landing.

- Top sign that you were watching a game in an NBA arena? During one of the timeouts for ice repair, we saw a few shots of Goldie The Hillbilly Bucktoothed Gopher firing T-shirts into the crowd with a pneumatic t-shirt gun. Is there anything that says "NBA arena" more than the t-shirt cannon? Well, that and Jock Jams.

- Another thought relating to the new rink that was put in: very lively boards. And certainly very noisy.

- Pat White's favorite dessert? I'm guessing its a turtle sundae.

- In my opinion, Pat Johnson played a much better game than we're used to seeing. His bad passing, penalty taking and inability to actually hit people was still on full display for all to see. But his forechecking was pretty solid. He helped create a few really good scoring chances, especially one that was right after the first Smith goal.

UWBadgers.com Video Series

I'll check this out more when I get home from work, but I thought I'd clue you guys into a new video series about the Camp Randall Hockey Classic being produced and released on UWBadgers.com. From the website:

MADISON, Wis. -- In the first episode of the 10-part "It's a Great Day for Hockey!" series, junior Patrick Johnson takes the crew to a frozen pond where he used to play as kid.

Johnson and childhood friend and current UW student, Johnny Byce, go back to their roots to a small frozen pond in Verona, Wis., where they grew up playing hockey with each other. This serves as an introduction to outdoor hockey, which is how many of UW's men's and women's players first experienced the game.

During the seven-minute video, Badger men's coach Mike Eaves and Badger women's coach Tracey DeKeyser talk about some of the differences about playing hockey outdoors and what their players can expect during the Culver's Camp Randall Hockey Classic.

Watch the entire episode here.

"A Great Day for Hockey!"
Beginning Monday, Feb. 22, relive the magic of the Culver’s Camp Randall Hockey Classic with the start of a daily 10-part serial video feature on the men’s and women’s hockey team that will run over two weeks at UWBadgers.com.

Get an inside look at the anticipation for the game and the game itself from inside the locker rooms.

Watch the 30-second trailer for the movie by clicking here.

The Wisconsin women’s hockey team defeated Bemidji State on Feb. 6 outdoors at Camp Randall Stadium. The UW men’s team followed up the women’s victory with a dramatic 3-2 victory over Michigan in front of 55,031 fans.

The segments are expected to run between just over a minute to over eight-minutes long.
Day One - "The Outdoor Game"
Day Two - "What A Bummer"
Day Three - "Indescribable"
Day Four - "Camp Randall"
Day Five - "What If We Lose!?!"
Day Six - "Here We Go Red"
Day Seven - "Tunnel Vision"
Day Eight - ""All Tied Up"
Day Nine - " Badgers Behind"
Day Ten - "A Day I'll Never Forget"

Hockeys Future NCAA Prospects Update (Part 2)

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. Last week we were able to link you to profiles of 6 Badgers. Today we bring you the rest of the drafted Badgers.

Jason Menard has recently profiled the Montreal Canadiens who own the rights of Badgers Junior forward Patrick Johnson.

"The Badgers are fourth in the WCHA, but the pollsters have a whole lot more respect for Wisconsin than what the standings indicate, as the club finished second in the latest USCHO/USA Today poll, behind only Miami of Ohio. However, Johnson's contribution to the cause has been minimal at best and perplexing at worst.

As a freshman in 2007-08, Johnson made a huge impact on the Badgers, playing in 40 games and scoring 21 points (including eight goals). He looked poised to step up as a sophomore and play a key role on this traditional powerhouse.

Then something happened. It's not an injury -- at least physically. For some reason or another, Johnson's play slipped. Actually, slipped is too kind -- it plummeted. Last year as a sophomore, he ended up with seven points (three goals) in 35 games. Sure, he continued his aggressive, feisty play, but his nose for the net suddenly lost its sense.

As a junior, Johnson's had the chance to redeem himself. Unfortunately, instead of reclaiming his freshman promise, he's sunk deeper into his morass. The forward finds himself clinging to a spot on the fourth line. He's matched his goal-scoring totals from last year (three) in 10 fewer games to date, but he's yet to even match his meager assists totals. In 25 games so far, he's scored three goals and three assists.

Johnson's a bubble player who is always playing for a contract. However, it's safe to say he's not doing anything that's going to appeal to the Habs brass."
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Leslie Treff has recently profiled the New York Rangers who own the rights of Badgers junior defenseman Ryan McDonagh and sophomore forward Derek Stepan.

"On the top pairing for the University of Wisconsin with an Anaheim Ducks top prospect Jake Gardiner, junior blueliner McDonagh is a two-way defenseman who is not afraid to take the body and protect teammates. Named a tri-captain for the season, McDonagh has an excellent competitive fire and knows how to lead. In what is widely thought to be his final season as a Badger, McDonagh is second among defensemen in total points on the team with 12 (3 goals, 9 assists).

McDonagh is expected to compete for a Rangers roster spot out of camp next season, however, is more likely to spend the campaign in Hartford."
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"Stepan has become well known over the past few weeks, as he was captain of the US U-20 World Junior Championship team that won gold in Saskatchewan earlier this month. Named to the media all-star team for the tournament, as well as one of the three best USA players by the coaches. Stepan was the scoring leader of the entire tournament (14 points in seven games, with a +9).

The Rangers second round pick from 2008 did not, however, have a very good start to his season at Wisconsin. The sophomore was expected to do great things and play in all situations, just as he had last spring, but his early games in the 2009-10 campaign were somewhat lackluster. He was not scoring, nor creating the plays that made him so exciting to watch last year. Things began to turn around when Stepan picked up his physical game, and currently, he is a more than a point-a-game pace. In 22 games, Stepan has recorded 29 points (6 goals, 23 assists), with a +6 plus/minus rating. This is made even more impressive by the fact that Stepan has been playing on the third line.

Not too long ago, it was almost certain that Stepan would return to Wisconsin for the 2010-11 season. Since his fine performance in the World Juniors, questions have arisen. Stepan still needs to get bigger and faster to be ready for professional play. Much will depend on the Minnesota native's performance over the next two months on the ice. If he has nothing left to prove at this level, Stepan will move on, but it is more likely that he will spend one more year as a Badger."

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Chris Shafer has recently profiled the Detroit Red Wings who own the rights of Badgers Junior defenseman Brendan Smith.

"The University of Wisconsin has treated junior defenseman Brendan Smith very well. He has been surrounded by talent, especially on the blue line. Anaheim's Jake Gardiner is one of a talented core of blueliners that make Wisconsin one of the hardest teams to score against year in and year out.

Smith has found his way to the top of Wisconsin scoring from the blue line with 31 points off of 10 goals and 21 assists through 25 games this season. His +16 rating is tied for second on a team where many blueliners are sharing similar success.

Not lost in his steady offensive improvement each season are all the skills necessary for any mobile, new-era defenseman to make it in the NHL. What was an asset to Smith even before he was drafted, his skating, vision, and stickhandling, has steadily gotten better over the course of three years as well."
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Josh Deitell has recently profiled the LA Kings who own the rights of Badgers Junior forward Podge Turnbull.

"Once a promising two-way prospect, Turnbull was drafted by the Kings as a fifth rounder after putting up 54 points in 60 games with the Waterloo Black Hawks in the 2006-07 USHL season. However, Turnbull has been unable to translate his game to the NCAA level, and his games played total has been trending downward because of it. Though he suited up for a respectable 37 games in his freshman season, he only saw the ice in 24 last year, a little more than half of the Badgers' total games. His role has diminished even further this year: Of the 26 games the Badgers have played this year, Turnbull has only suited up for six. Barring a miraculous turnaround, Turnbull's time as a legitimate prospect is over. "

09/10 Men's Previews: #10 Patrick Johnson

Vitals:

Position: Forward
Year in School: Junior
Shoots Left
Height: 5-9
Weight: 156
Hometown: Madison, WI
Major: Not sure
Previous Team: Lincoln (USHL) in 06/07

NHL Considerations: 7th round pick of Montreal in the 2008 NHL Draft.

08/09 Stats: 35 games, 3-4-7, E, 44 PIM
07/08 Stats: 40 games, 8-13-21, +8, 36 PIM

09/10 Role: Fighting for PT

08/09 Recap: After a wildly successful freshman season and being drafted by the Canadiens in the NHL Draft, things were looking up for Ratty Johnson. Things didn’t quite go as well during his sophomore campaign. True, a lot of Ratty’s production as a freshman was the benefit of being linemates w/ Blake Geoffrion and Kyle Turris for a large part of the season, and there would be a drop off as his role moved off the 1st line. He was a regular on the PK to start the season, but wasn’t seeing regular shifts there by the end of the season. Ratty admitted that he was trying to be a different player than he was during his freshman year. He looked to be a scorer instead of the high energy player who became a fan favorite on the ice for reasons beyond his last name.

Biggest Strength: As I just mentioned, Ratty’s biggest strength is his high energy game filled w/ reckless abandoned. As a freshman, he took on everyone. NoDak pseudo thug Joe Finley cried in the shower after being owned by Patrick Johnson. I’m no NHL scout, but I think Montreal drafted him for this reason. He is rarely out hussled on the ice, he scores hardworking goals. He was very successful as a freshman doing all of the above. His defensive game isn’t too shabby either.

Biggest Weakness: Unlike his father, he is not big time playmaker, but doesn’t need to be either.
09/10 Thoughts: A familiar theme w/ some of the forwards that have been previewed so far, not sure what to expect this season. I was kinda disappointed last season w/ Ratty’s play. Unlike a few teammates, he always gives his best effort, but I thought as a freshman he was an essential part of the team, he brought something that no one else did. Last season, I didn’t see that. I’m really hoping Ratty returns to his freshman form; there is great depth at forward (common theme) so playing time will be precious. Based on last season’s performance, I think Ratty will fight for PT along w/ a host of other guys. He needs to do something to lock in a spot and I hope he does. When he’s playing his game, he is a fun player to watch.

Prediction: 10 games, 1-2-3*
*All predictions for regular season only

Photo from uwbadgers.com

Thursday Night Odds & Ends

• The WSJ discusses the Badger Women's 2009-2010 schedule.

• Alev and Derya Kelter are going to be part of "Faces of the Big Ten" commercial series.
  

• Jake Gardiner gets some love: Gardiner adapting fine to new position. (Thanks to anon for the link.) Lots of good quotes in this article -- too many to post -- so you'll just have to read it yourself.

• Bernd Bruckler is featured in the latest Uwbadgers "Where are they Now?". And nubeetle was kind enough to send me the link to this short video interview w/ Bernd in which he talks about going to the KHL next season and what he's working on this summer. Thanks, nu!
  

• Continuing their Fall 2009 Top 20 Prospects series, HF looks at the Montreal Canadiens. Patrick Johnson is an "Other Notable".

• Dany Heatley is finally going to talk to the media, participating in a confence call and a follow-up press conference in Kelowna on Friday. Heatley had been asked by Hockey Canada to clear the air before next week's Olympic orientation camp so that the "Dany Heatley Predicament" wouldn't overshadow the camp.

• This has been reported EVERYWHERE, so you probably already know that UND's Matt Frattin was arrested for DUI early Wednesday morning and was subsequently dismissed from the team. If he hadn't been dismissed, he would've already faced a minimum 2-game suspension, reduced scholarship money, and mandatory counseling due to some lawnmower-throwing shenanigans with Joe Finley. Hakstol is leaving the door open for Frattin to return to the team after this season.
  
  UND is expected to quickly add another forward to the team, and Schlossman thinks it will be Corban Knight.

• Kevin Pates has a bit on the DUMP expansion.

• I posted this before, but it was tacked onto the end of the Badger Women's Outlook Video post, so you may have missed it: The Duluth Foreign Legion has extended Shannon Miller's contract through the 2012-13 season.

• USCHO's Paula Weston reports on the CCHA's denial of UAH's application and then gives her take. I don't know though -- I'm not buying the whole "the CCHA needs to maintain the strongest possible CCHA to keep the Big Ten wolf at bay" argument. Because you can't tell me that, if the BTHC came calling, the CCHA-sans-UAH would be any more successful than the CCHA+UAH at stopping the creation of the BTHC. I mean, come on, REALLY?
  
  By the way, you might be interested in this article about UAH's fate from the front page of Sunday's Huntsville Times. The same edition also has an article about the importance of UAH Hockey in the community and an article that refutes the CCHA's reasons for denial.
  

• For what it's worth, I like Team Canada's new Olympic jerseys. At the same link, you can also take a look at Team Canada jerseys over the years, going all the way back to the 1920's.

• Well, this is probably the most impressive location for an outdoor hockey game. Dean Millard of Coming Down the Pipe tells us that the Norfolk Admirals are planning on playing a game on the deck of the USS Eisenhower.
  

Patrick Johnson Owns (insert name) vs Duluth

Only 10 games left in the regular season for the Badgers, and its time for everyone to step up their play to lock up home ice for the first round of the WCHA playoffs, and maybe even make a push for the MacNaughton Cup. Following a week off, everyone should be ready to go and that includes Patrick Johnson, who should be back to 100% and ready to own some Bulldogs.

In November, Wisconsin traveled to Duluth for a series where they gained 3 big points and gave Duluth their only home loss so far this season. The fan’s vote that week was for Alex Stalock to be owned and Patrick did not disappoint, sneaking the first goal of the weekend past the big sieve.

Wisconsin remains 3rd in the WCHA standings while Duluth is 6th, though Duluth is currently ahead of Wisconsin in the one ranking that really matters: the Pairwise. They are currently #13, Wisconsin is #16. A sweep by Wisconsin should turn this comparison for good.

Options #1 – Justin Fontaine, he leads the Bulldogs in scoring w/ 12-22-34. INCH is talking this kid up as a possibility for the Hobey Baker because apparently he has been a force on the Duluth PP. Duluth has the best PP in the WCHA, Wisconsin has a stout core of PKers who have done great since the horrible start to the season; something has to give. Instead of the Hobey Baker, he can get an award called Owned, and Patrick is the presenter.

Option #2 – Josh Meyers, he leads all Bulldog blueliners w/ 7-12-19. I’m sure there are some Duluth fans who think he is the top dman in the WCHA; I guess they never heard of All-American Candidate Jamie McBain. There is another name Duluth fans will know after this weekend: Patrick Johnson.

Option #3 – Cousins Connolly, Mike and Jack are 4th and 5th in scoring for Duluth respectively, and actually they aren’t related. I suppose this is impressive for a pair of freshmen. Before their heads get too big they need to be put in their place; paging Patrick Johnson.

Option #4 – Alex Stalock, he’s already been owned but I couldn’t help including him once again. Anyone who swings their goalie stick at opponents and punches someone below the belt (ask Blake Geoffrion about that) deserved to be owned. How many other goalies have 4 minor penalties this season? Hey Badgers, how about you put a dozen goals past this clown this weekend so everyone gets some ice cream?

HF's prospects updates

A number of Badgers are included in Hockey's Futures latest round of prospects updates.

Red Wings 2008-09 NCAA prospects update

Brendan Smith, D – University of Wisconsin

6’2, 174lbs
Acquired: 1st round, 27th overall, 2007

The Red Wings surprised many when they took Smith 27th overall in the 2007 draft. While he was project to go in a later round, Smith fits the mold of many other Red Wings defensemen as a small but very mobile player. In his rookie season at the University of Wisconsin he was able to tally 12 points in 22 games played. He has been praised for all aspects of his offensive game including his smooth skating, outlet passing and ability to quarterback the power play. Smith’s defensive game has always been the question.

This season Smith has surpassed his rookie season totals and has 18 points in 21 games. Additionally, he is playing a more sound defensive game and has developed a better sense of when to pinch and how to position himself on the ice. If Smith can continue his progress in the college ranks, then he could certainly pan out as a first or second pairing defenseman.

Canadiens 2008-09 NCAA prospects

Patrick Johnson, F (7th round, 206th overall, 2008) -- University of Wisconsin

The sophomore winger has played a solid role for the Badgers to date, although a knee injury suffered during the team's first game back following a three-week holiday break may prove to be a setback for the young forward.

The slight winger, who measures just 5'9 and 155 pounds, has scored two goals and three assists in his second season with the club. These numbers represent a drop in production from his 2007-08 totals of eight goals and 13 assists in 40 games. However, he has helped the club earn a 16th overall ranking behind a 12-9-3 overall record so far. Their 9-5-2 record finds them in second place, three points behind WCHA-leading Denver.

Ryan McDonagh, D (1st round, 12th overall, 2007) -- University of Wisconsin

McDonagh has rapidly played his way to the top of the Canadiens' prospect pool. He's been a rock on the Badgers' blueline and was a physical force during the U.S.' fifth-place performance at the World Junior Hockey Championships.

The 6'1, 203-pound blueliner has logged major minutes as a sophomore with the 17th ranked Badgers, and has scored four goals and added five assists from the back end. These numbers are comparable to his 2007-08 totals of five goals and 12 points in 40 games. McDonagh's also played more of a physical presence in his 20 games at the collegiate level this season, earning 37 minutes.

The two-way blueliner was a presence at the World Juniors, adding three assists to the cause, while finishing with a team-leading plus-five rating in Team USA's six games. The fact that he only registered two shots in those games was more of a reflection of the defensive role he was asked to play at the tournament.

Kings 2008-09 AHL prospects update

Piskula/Drewiske

Veterans of the AHL, Joe Piskula and Drew Bagnall, have logged a lot of ice time playing the roles of defensive defensemen. Piskula has been slowed by injury while Bagnall is the lone defenseman to appear in every game for Manchester. Bagnall has emerged as more of a physical defenseman this season and has been the stalwart against the opposition around the net. Piskula continues to provide sound positional defense and solid skating to keep the opposing forwards at bay. While his potential for the NHL has largely leveled off, he has a steadying influence on the blueline in Manchester, not dissimilar to what Joe Rullier provided the Monarchs for years, but not as physical.

Rounding out the group of seven are Alec Martinez, Andrew Campbell and Josh Kidd, Davis Drewiske, each playing in their first full season of professional hockey. Martinez is the more mobile defenseman of the group, but has been slow to adjust to the AHL. One of the better offensive-minded defensemen in college hockey last season, Martinez needs work on aspects of his offensive game to retain his reputation. If he can begin to find the back of the net with a little more regularity, the Monarchs might be set offensively from their blueline with the combination of Martinez and Voinov.

Late night news and notes

Good news Badger fans, Patrick Johnson is probable for this week's series w/ CC. Ratty has missed the past five games due to a knee injury, and I'm sure he will be anxious to get on the ice and own several people. Right now Chad Rau would be the people's choice.

The USHL all-star rosters have been announced and 2009 recruit Craig Smith is of course on it. While Craig was pretty quite last weekend in USHL action, overall he is having a great and hype worthy season. A massive recruit update will be coming next week, something to fill the time w/ Wisconsin on bye, and its been far too long since anyone mentioned 1st Star Zengerle on the blog.

Dplaya over at HIW found this nice article on 2010 recruit Tyler Lapic. Tyler is having a nice season w/ New Prague HS and shares the Captain's duties w/ his best friend. Tyler should be headed to the USHL next season, though at the moment I can't remember who has his rights.

Patrick Johnson owns (insert name) vs CC

I'm under the assumption that Patrick will play this weekend when Colorado College comes to town. Should Patrick be unable to go, Ryan Little will again fill in. Based on the radio coverage, it sounded like Ryan did a bang up job owning the Seawolves, nice job filling in Ryan!

This is the only time the Badgers will see CC this regular season, and based on last season's results against the Tigers, the Badgers need to come out and kick some ass. If Patrick is in the lineup, no doubt he'll be leading the way, needing an outlet to expend two weeks worth of idleness watching from afar.

This week's choices:

Option #1 - Chad Rau - I had a hard time putting Rau on the list because I like him well enough, but this week he's the opponent, so no breaks are given. Rau burned the Badgers for four SH goals last year, in the process owning Kyle Klubertanz on several of those occasions. No short handed goals for Rau this year as Patrick puts CC's leader in all scoring categories in his place.

Option #2 - Gabe Guentzel - Don Lucia didn't want Guentzel at minnesota and after a less than stellar season last year, the rodents made his dad the scapegoat forcing him to resign. Now the Guentzel's are a happy family in Colorado Springs; dad coaching son. The elder Guentzel might want to have a hug ready after his son is rocked by Patrick Johnson.

Option #3 - Ted Behrend - Sticking w/ a theme this season, we add the Oregon, WI native and 2008 Mr. Hockey finalist. Behrend is a freshman this year, and has only played in six games, but if he does play I'm sure Patrick will find a nice way to welcome him back home.

Option #4 - Cody Lampl - Lampl has recently returned from a suspension, and you might be asking yourself for what? Lampl decided to have a little threesome w/ a potential CC recruit and another female CC student last season. I know Scott Owens looks like Ron Jeremy, but do you really need to create a porno scene to recruit players? Maybe if your school stopped choking once the word regular was changed to the word post in front of the word season, you wouldn't need to resort to these tactics. Time to pay up for your misdeeds, and Patrick Johnson is the judge, jury and executioner.

Patrick Johnson owns (insert name) @ UAA

It's been about a month since the last addition, and I really didn't feel like doing one for the Showdown and then Patrick was injuried last week. So, it just so happens that Patrick's last opponent to own will be the same as his next opponent, Alaska Anchorage.

Now there is possibility that Patrick will not be able to suit up this weekend because of said injury. I have a perfect replacement for him: Ryan Little. Ryan is still figuring out the college game, and getting use to the pace, but one thing he excels at is owning opponents. After Patrick, I would put him as the biggest hitting little guy on the team (pun intended). If Patrick can't go, the skates are yours to fill Ryan, take this job seriously.

I should remember the UAA series better, but the Holidays and what not (3 goal epic collapse) have clouded my mind, so I'll do my best.

Option #1 - Sean Wiles, he had a great series against the Badgers in December, scoring his 2nd goal of the season in front of some family and friends from Beliot. That was all fine and good because the Seawolves lost. Sean is a big kid, but the bigger they are the harder they fall, especially after being crushed into the boards.

Options #2 - Tommy Grant, he also had a goal against the Badgers, and really is a pretty good WCHA talent. He keeps up this pace and he'll definately be 2nd team all-WCHA at minimum. That doesn't matter this week, time for him to come crashing back to reality, by being owned by a Badger.

Option #3 - Nils Backstrom, if my memory serves me right, he was doing a lot of crying to the officials when UAA visited Madison last month. I would have sworn he had a gopher jersey on instead of the equally ugly seawolf. He might be the only NHL draft pick on their squad, but that won't grant him immunity from being owned.

Option #4 - Trevor Hunt, again my memory is clouded, but I remember young Mr. Hunt being involved in some post whistle extra cirriculars during the series in December. The WCHA allows that crap so that the game gets out of hand later and Sheppard can further look like complete moron. Maybe he won't be looking for the cheap shot after the whistle after being repeatedly owned by Wisconsin.

Injuries

I caught the end of a Mike Eaves press conference on 1310 WIBA here in Madison, and Brendan Smith will definately not be skating w/ the Badgers this weekend in Anchorage. Based on rumors over on buckyville, Smith had his wrist in a cast at the Skate w/ the Badgers and it was rumored that he will be out at least 4 weeks. Wait to see if this is true or not, but either way, that is a blow to the team even in the short term. While Smith still makes errors on defense, he is much improved, and his offensive skills on the ice is top notch. Heal up quick Brendan.

Luckily Ryan McDonagh and Cody Goloubef will be back this coming weekend; they will be joining the team directly in Alaska, and practicing w/ the team later in the week.

No word yet on Patrick Johnson's injury status. I was told he hoped to play against Anchorage, but that he might not see the lineup again until Colorado College. Patrick is a key component to the team. While he doesn't regularly light up the score sheet, the energy he brings to each shift and on the bench is missed. Whether the team is up by 3 goals or down by 3, he gives it his all every shift, setting the bar high for his teammates to follow.

While it certainly is no excuse, the injury bug has really hit the Badgers all season. It started w/ Ben Street being out likely for the whole season, but there have been a rash of minor injuries that have kept several players out of the lineup for at least a game including Aaron Bendickson, Ben Grotting, Jake Gardiner, Johnson and Blake Geoffrion. McDonagh had some knee issues too, and now Smith will be out for at least a few games.

Geoffrion Returns

Good news Badger fans, Blake Geoffrion will be back in the lineup this weekend when the Badgers host N. Michigan for a pair of games. Blake missed the last three games after suffering an ankle injury. It will be great to have his leadership back on the ice, in addition I think he works well w/ Tom Gorowsky on the 1st line, and has been missed on special teams.

It appears Patrick Johnson will not be in the lineup this weekend. Todd @ TCT has the proposed lines for the weekend but Patrick is not included. He suffered a leg injury of some kind last friday night, hopefully he'll be back in the lineup soon.

Patrick Johnson owns (insert name) vs UAA

One last series before Christmas and coming to town are the Seawolves of Alaska Anchorage. Last week, we learned the CCHA is lame (well we didn’t learn that so much as reminded ourselves of the truth). That played out well over the weekend, as Lower Michigan came to town and was promptly swept back across Lake Michigan. While Patrick didn’t have anyone in particular to own (based on the weekly poll), he definitely found a few wolverines. #8 Aaron Palushaj and #2 Greg Pateryn found themselves flat on their backs Saturday night w/ a #10 3rd jersey looming over them.

That’s old news though. The Badgers are likely considered the underdog this weekend since UAA is ranked #15 in the USCHO poll. Their fans have been talking an awful lot of smack so far, which is fine since I’ve seen them be able to take it while giving it back out (minnesota and Michigan fans should make some notes). I’m not sure what is up w/ Alaska in general, combined their two schools are 15-9-4. Perhaps it’s the glacial ice melting, improving the overall water quality in the Anchorage/Fairbanks areas. Or perhaps the players are improving their endurance by cornering grizzly bears and then having them chase them around the backcountry.

UAA doesn’t have the big names like North Dakota or minnesota, but we have four solid choices this week.

Options #1 – Paul Crowder, he leads the Seawolves in scoring w/ 8-10-18. Did anyone on their roster have 18 pts last season? While in the BCHL he was teammates w/ Kyle Turris for a season w/ Burnaby. If KT was still around he could hand out his first WCHA body check, but instead Patrick will have to fill in for his former linemate.

Option #2 – Tommy Grant, he leads the Seawolves in goals w/ 10 and is second in points w/ 17. He had a whole 7 points all of last season, so quite the improvement for the young forward. W/ that kind of improvement a player can get a big head, maybe Patrick should bring him back to reality.

Option #3 – Jeremy Smith, I don’t know a damn thing about this kid, but some UAA fan warned us last week that Smith likes to kick ass and take names. I’m not sure if this fan has a copy of the WCHA media guide, but kicking ass and taking names is Patrick Johnson’s middle name. You’ve been warned.

Option #4 – Sean Wiles, continuing the on going trend, Sean is a Beloit, WI native who played his high school hockey at Beloit Memorial before heading to the USHL. The sophomore deserves the proper homecoming in his first game at the Kohl Center, and who better to welcome him back to Wisconsin than Patrick Johnson.

Patrick Johnson owns (insert name) College Hockey Showcase Edition

Well Patrick had a tall task last week in owning Garrett Roe; w/ out seeing the games in person or on tv, I don't completely know if he accomplished the task or not. He had a good thing going after owning Stalock the great big sieve the previous weekend. and Brett Olson and Seth Soley when Tech paid a visit to the Kohl Center the weekend before that. Perhaps Roe left the game in fear saturday, fear of Patrick Johnson. He wouldn't be the first WCHA athlete, nor will he be the last, I'm sure.

Since Wisconsin doesn't face a WCHA foe this week, I'm going to tone things down a bit. Billy Sauer would be a logical choice to be owned, but I think Michigan has a tandem thing working in goal and Sauer plays on fridays, which means the gophers get an easy win on friday night.

I'm going to give two options that won't be skating on the ice either night. Patrick will find plenty of CCHA posers to own regardless, so I ask you, which is more lame?

Option #1 - Michigan's prehistoric championship banners. Michigan claims to have won more national championships, 9, than any other college hockey program. If you look really really close at the picture to the left, you'll see some old frayed banners high in the rafters. Michigan won seven national championships before 1965, and the question I must ask is does anyone actually remember this? Was anyone reading this blog even alive (feel free to lie if you were)? This is from a time when Colorado College claims to have won national championships, and based on their post season success in recent memory this hardly seems possible. Sure Michigan had those titles in the 90's w/ Marty Turco in net, but trying to trump other hockey programs by boasting about banners won before the wheel was created is quite lame.



Option #2 - Sparty the Spartan. A lot of schools have lame mascots, minnesota has the prize wrapped up pretty tight every year (if ruckus the red tailed hawk is excluded at Denver, bring back Boone!). Sparty the Spartan doesn't impress me much either. Why does he wear armor? Is he a panzy and is afraid of other mascots who might kick his ass? I suppose those shin guards would be a bonus if North Dakota came to town and Joe Finley was looking for another letter to write for slashing a mascot. Assuming the movie 300 is historically correct, Michigan State is promoting the killing of children who aren't prefect, the Spartan way of old. I'm highly offended by a university that would support such actions by trotting out a man-scot in a green skirt. Everything's pretty lame in (lower) Michigan (w/ the exception of Big Boy), but Sparty the Spartan ranks pretty high on that list.

Option #3 - The CCHA. A last minute addition, it wishes it was the WCHA, but in the end its not, which makes it really lame.

Patrick Johnson owns (insert name) @ St. Cloud

The Badgers head out for one last road trip before Christmas break this weekend, their destination is St. Cloud, MN. Revenge should be on their minds following a sweep at the National Hockey Center during the 1st round of the WCHA last March. I'm sure Patrick Johnson will bring his 'A' game like he always does, but on the ice and in the smack talk department.

Patrick successful owned the fans choice last week, putting the puck past Alexander "the great big sieve" Stalock on friday night. Owning opponent is not always about the big hit or post whistle confortation, especially when a goalie is involved.

I'm lacking a good 4th candidate this week, but the first three should give voters some good options.

Choice #1-Ryan Lasch, he recently notched his 100th point in his career for the Huskies. A reigning Hobey finalist and 1st team WCHA choice is always deadly on the PP. Sitting at 1-7-8 isn't Hobey Baker pace, but that could change in a hurry.

Choice #2-Jase Weslosky, following in the footsteps of the overrated and completely undeserving two-time WCHA top goalie Bobby Geoffert, Jase is having a decent season. Though when you look at series against Mercyhurst, Robert Morris and Bemidji State already on the books its easy to have good stats. Did St. Cloud call Mankato and ask how to load the non-conference w/ cupcakes?

Choice #3-Garrett Roe, he leads St. Cloud in scoring w/ 5-13-18 and is having another good season following a great frosh campaign. Besides scoring, Roe likes to play the role of the agitator, though he's going to be reminded of who's king this weekend when Patrick Johnson comes to town.

Choice #4-Sam Zabkowicz, following a similar theme early this season, the Greendale, WI native is in his freshman season w/ the Huskies. I doubt he'll take home the prize this week as top vote getter, but that doesn't mean Patrick can't welcome him to the WCHA in style.

Patrick Johnson owns (insert name) @ Duluth

New week, a new addition. Last week Patrick took his job very seriously as the fans voted for him to own both Wisconsin natives Seth Soley and Brett Olson (while the team spent the weekend owning Tech's goaltenders). While I didn't see Patrick lay either frosh out, he was definately in their face throughout the games, especially after the whistle letting them know what he thought. I'm not sure Patrick stops jacking his jaws toward the opponent from puck drop to final whistle. Get this kid some quench gum!

This week the team and our blog travels to Duluth, MN for a series against the bulldogs. My knowledge of the bulldogs is limited, since they suck, but I've compiled some good options. I'm just hoping the DECC doesn't fall on my head either night, since all indications are that its a huge dump.

Option #1 - Jack Connolly, the reigning USA Junior POY of the year can be honored in a different way by being owned by Patrick Johnson.

Option #2 - Justin Fontaine, he's tied for the team lead in scoring w/ 5-6-11. The former AJHL standout, was the top rookie for the bulldogs last season. He needs to learn his place in the WCHA, flat on his back after being owned.

Option #3 - Alex Stalock, nicknamed "straylock" for his odd style of coming way out of his net as a freshman, he has been a huge sieve his entire time in the WCHA, and I don't see that changing. If my memory serves me right, he took a swipe at Blake Geoffrion during their series at the Kohl Center last year. One guy who's bark is definately bigger than his bite.

Option #4 - MacGregor Sharp, he joins Fontaine on top of the scoring list for Duluth w/ 5-6-11. He has a pretty cool name, but that won't provide him immunity from being owned this week.

Patrick Johnson owns (insert name) vs Mich Tech

Well another week, another opponent for Patrick Johnson to own. Last saturday the Badgers notched their first win, and coming home they need to get things rolling and work toward turning a brutal start into an outstanding finish. Last weekend, Patrick didn't even get the chance to own poll winner Joe Finley. I think I explained things well enough in the previous blog post.

This week Patrick Johnson and the Wisconsin Badgers turn their sights to the Huskies of Michigan Tech. I'll be honest, I don't know as much about the Huskies in comparison to other WCHA schools, but I think I've still put together a good list of choices.

Choice #1 - Rob Nolan, being a goalie w/ a nickname like Red Light is not a compliment. W/ Micheal-Lee Teslek's departure to the pro's Rob is the #1 guy in net this year for the Huskies and he has put together a 1-4 record w/ a 3.21 GAA. Tech is always solid on defense, can Nolan keep them in the game against the Badgers new found offense?

Choice #2 - Seth Soley and Brett Olson, a 2 for 1 here on Wisconsin natives playing for Tech. I don't actually have anything against these kids, but you have to be welcomed to the WCHA at some point and who better to do that than Patrick Johnson.

Choice #3 - Drew Dobson, the junior defenseman is tied for the team lead in scoring w/ 6 assists, which makes him a fine candidate to be owned. He's from Illinois, I wonder after playing in Houghton for 2+ years if he still thinks Wisconsin Dells is "up north" like every other flatlander? (no offense meant wojo)

Choice #4 - Jordan Baker, the sophomore forward leads the team in goals w/ 4 and tied w/ Dobson in points. Looks like Tech might have a scoring option here. He should be owned for listing "likes chips" on his biography. My old college roommate liked chips too, but he didn't put it on his resume.