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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Turnbull, Simonelli step up, Badgers handle UMass

For some all it takes is one breakout game to propel a player to the next level. Tonight may have been that night for freshman defenseman Frankie Simonelli.

The 18 year old out of Bensenville, Illinois had his most productive game as a Badger recording a goal and two assists in a 5-1 Wisconsin victory. The Badgers have now won four in a row.

Simonelli was thrust into an expanded role, including time on the power play Thursday night with John Ramage off playing with Team USA at the World Junior Championship.

Wisconsin head coach Mike Eaves sees the progression in his young defenseman. "(Simonelli) got a little time on the power play tonight. When you’re on the power play and you have a little production that gives you confidence. He’s got some swagger and confidence with the puck right now and that’s a great thing to have. ”

Another Badgers starting to come into his own is Podge Turnbull. The senior center has found a home between freshmen wingers Michael Mersch and Tyler Barnes and buried his sixth and seventh goals of the season in the victory.

Turnbull while very talented, has been inconsistent over his four year career in Madison. After the game he noted that game is starting to open up for him. "Coach Eaves and Coach Butters pulled me aside and said ‘We need you.’ I knew that but it was one of those things that I had to completely understand and that last sit that I had really opened my eyes to game and how I needed to play."

Two other players that have taken criticism for inconsistent play over the past two seasons came to play tonight as well. Patrick Johnson played a hard nosed game throwing his body at anyone who crossed his path. Johnson got the Badgers on the board to start the game only 73 seconds in to the contest when he tipped a Simonelli shot past UMass goalie Jeff Teglia.

Derek Lee, the other player who hasn't always played up to his capabilities showed flashes of why the coaching staff was so enamored with him when he was recruited out of the British Columbia Junior Hockey League. Lee had an assist on the first goal of the game and showed burst and confidence with the puck that he's lacked since becoming a Badger.

Senior goalie Scott Gudmandson played another strong game in goal for Wisconsin. While only being seriously tested a hand full of times, Gudmandson looked confident and quick all night. His only blemish came on a great effort from UMass forward T.J. Syner was able to sneak between Jake Gardiner and Justin Schultz and he buried it on the stick side for Massachusetts only goal.

Badger freshman forward Sean Little collected his first collegiate point Thursday night when he assisted on a goal scored by his older brother Ryan. Coming out of the corner, Sean Little left a drop pass for defenseman Justin Schultz who was coming down the side boards. Schultz found Ryan Little out front with a beautiful pass and the elder little was able to bury the puck for his fourth goal of the season.

Wisconsin is back in action Friday night against UMass with a seven o'clock game time. The game once again will be broadcast live on FSN WI with the replay on the Wisconsin Channel.

BOX SCORE

First Period
1:16-Wisconsin-Patrick Johnson (Frankie Simonelli, Derek Lee)
16:28-Wisconsin-Podge Turnbull (Tyler Barnes, Michael Mersch)

Second Period
2:40-Wisconsin-Ryan Little (Justin Schultz, Sean Little)
6:59-UMass-T.J. Syner (Daniel Hobbs)
9:53-Wisconsin-Simonelli (Craig Johnson, Barnes)
14:05-Wisconsin-Turnbull (Eric Springer, Simonelli)

Third Period
No Scoring

Saves
Wisconsin (Gudmandson)-19 shots, 18 saves
UMass (Teglia)-20 shots, 15 saves
UMass (Dainton)-14 shots, 14 saves

Photo courtesy of Melody Hasse

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Saturday Night Lineups: Murray Out, Meuer In

Just saw the lineups posted by Grand Forks Herald beat writer Brad Elliott Schlossman and Jordy Murray is not in the lineup tonight for Wisconsin. I guess the injury was serious enough to hold him out of tonight's match up vs North Dakota.

If you missed it, Murray was injured on an illegal elbow to the head by UND forward Brett Hextall. Hextall was assessed a five minute major and game misconduct for contact to the head.

Wisconsin captain Sean Dolan tweeted this today, "Jordy is feeling better today has some nice zips in his chin... Can't wait for the game tonight."

Wisconsin head coach Mike Eaves has promoted senior winger Podge Turnbull up to the top unit with Craig Smith and Mark Zengerle. Should be a great opportunity for Turnbull tonight. Red shirt freshman Keegan Meuer has been inserted on the fourth line on the right side with Jefferson Dahl and Jason Clark. This will be Meuer's third game for the Badgers this season.

Another interesting note is Eaves going back to Scott Gudmandson (pictured) again tonight. Scott played great last night but I don't like this move. I've been a proponent of the rotation and it's way too early to be picking and choosing spots. Brett Bennett has played just as good this season and deserves the opportunity against North Dakota tonight. That said, I'm very confident that Gudmandson will play great tonight. What a great problem to have.

WISCONSIN LINES

8 Podge Turnbull–15 Craig Smith–9 Mark Zengerle
10 Patrick Johnson–16 Sean Dolan–20 Ryan Little
25 Michael Mersch–23 Derek Lee–7 Tyler Barnes
29 Jason Clark–14 Jefferson Dahl–12 Keegan Meuer

19 Jake Gardiner–6 Justin Schultz
3 Craig Johnson–55 John Ramage
24 Joe Faust–27 Frankie Simonelli

1 Scott Gudmandson
33 Brett Bennett

NORTH DAKOTA LINES

11 Derek Rodwell–22 Brad Malone–7 Danny Kristo
17 Jason Gregoire–10 Corban Knight–26 Brett Hextall
19 Evan Trupp–29 Brock Nelson–21 Matt Frattin
8 Mike Cichy–9 Mario Lamoureux–20 Joe Gleason

24 Ben Blood–5 Chay Genoway
3 Derrick LaPoint–18 Dillon Simpson
4 Derek Forbort–25 Jake Marto

32 Aaron Dell
31 Brad Eidsness

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WE WANT PODGE

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: #8 Josh Turnbull

Vitals:

Position: Forward
Year in School: Junior
Shoots Right
Height: 5-11
Weight: 182
Hometown: Hayward, WI
Major: Undeclared
Previous Team: Waterloo (USHL) in 06/07

NHL Considerations: 5th round draft pick of LA in the 2007 NHL Draft.

08/09 Stats: 24 games, 4-2-6, -1, 26 PIM
07/08 Stats: 37 games, 4-7-11, +4, 44 PIM

09/10 Role: ???

08/09 Recap: Turnbull was a regular in the lineup during the first half of the season, but was a regular scratch during the second half of the season. While he scored a few goals, he wasn’t very effective while on the ice.

Biggest Strength: In the USHL, he was a goal scorer, really haven’t seen that yet at UW.

Biggest Weakness: The Friday Denver at Magness Arena last October featured three incredibly stupid penalties by Turnbull. Only one led to a PP goal by the Pioneers, but the repetition of bad decision making was obvious. Honestly, Turnbull is the ONLY returning Badger that hasn’t shown me anything yet as a fan that I can hold on to and get excited about.

09/10 Thoughts: I left his role above as a ? above because I don’t know what to think. I read reports that Eaves is considering him for the top scoring lines, but then I compare that to his play in his first two seasons, and based solely on that and the depth at forward this year, Turnbull should be lucky to see the ice. I know that isn’t a glowing endorsement for a blog that follows the Badgers, but I also think its an honest assessment and totally fair based on past results. No doubt I would be happy if Turnbull took the WCHA by storm this season and lived up to the offensive billing from the USHL, but until I see some positives, I can only scratch my beard and ponder what he “might” do for the Badgers this season.

Prediction: 10 games, 2-2-4*
*All predictions for regular season only

Photo from uwbadgers.com

HF's Top 20 Prospects, Fall 2009

Hockey's Future is releasing their Fall 2009 top 20 prospects for each NHL team, and here are the teams so far with Badgers in the top 20. Nice to see previously unranked guys like Drewiske and Dowell make the jump into the top 20.

Anaheim Ducks

2. Jake Gardiner, D - 8.0C
6'1, 173 pounds
1st round, 17th overall, 2008

As a late convert to the blueline, Gardiner displays everything a team could want in a puck-moving defenseman. He has all of the size, as well as vision, hands, and a quickness on his feet that allows him to play strong positional defense. Now that he's at the back of the play most of the time, he has the opportunity to display his vision and awareness by developing plays. Most forwards that transition to defense have issues in their own end, but Gardiner is developing into the kind of defenseman that a team would want on the ice for all situations.

In 2008-09, Gardiner joined an already solid defensive unit at the University of Wisconsin. By the end of the season, he finished third in points among defensemen with three goals and 18 assists in 39 games and tied for fourth in plus/minus among all skaters with a plus four. He will return to the Badgers.

20. Justin Schultz, D - 6.0C
6'2, 162 pounds
2nd round, 43rd overall, 2008

After his stint as top defenseman in his conference in the BCHL, Schultz is ready to move on to the Wisconsin Badgers for the 2009-10 season. His offensive potential is high, with extraordinary puck-moving abilities and the skills to develop plays from the back end which is sought after in all power-play quarterbacks. At 6'2, but just 162 pounds, he needs to put on some muscle in order to play professional hockey. With Wisconsin, he will look to prove he can handle bigger competition.

LA Kings

16. (NR) Davis Drewiske, D
Signed as free agent, 2007

On the other end of the spectrum in terms of potential is Drewiske, who is never going to be an offensive player and not one to physically dominate an opposing forward. The 24-year-old has good feet and positioning to keep himself between the forward and the goaltender and subsequently the puck out of the net. While he has been penciled in as a possible starter on the third defensive pairing for Los Angeles to start the season, he has likely leveled off in terms of his potential. The Kings are not likely to get much more than a third-pairing defenseman out of Drewiske, which is fine for an organization looking for a “bridge” player to fill the gap between the now and when one of the more talented defensemen are ready to step in. While Drewiske is an important piece for an organization to have, his long-term contribution to the Kings will be limited and so is kept in the bottom half of these rankings.

Joe Piskula and Podge Turnbull are among the "Other Notables".




Chicago Blackhawks

7. (8) Jack Skille, RW - 22, 7.0C
6'1 208 lbs
Drafted first round, 7th overall, 2005

After opening the year on the Blackhawks’ roster, Skille spent a majority of the year with the IceHogs. He managed just one goal in his eight NHL games but fared much better in the American league. In 58 matches, he scored 20 goals and 25 assists to finish fourth on the team in scoring with 45 points. Skille’s speed fits well on Rockford’s top line and he’ll likely remain one of the first offensive options for the ‘Hogs. While he may be ready for another shot at the NHL, both the number of forwards already signed by the Blackhawks and Skille’s substantial cap hit may keep him in the minors.

16. (NR) Jake Dowell, C - 24, 6.0C
6'0 197 lbs
Drafted fifth round, 140th overall, 2004

Dowell has 20 games of NHL experience under his belt from his first two pro seasons. He spent 75 games in Rockford last season and scored six goals, added 14 assists, and earned 128 PIMs. A strong defensive forward, Dowell was generally used to center one of the bottom lines for the IceHogs. Though his role will likely remain the same, he remains a strong candidate for a call-up in the right situation. He is capable in both zones and especially strong in the faceoff circle providing some defensive depth at the center position.

Columbus Blue Jackets

4. (3) Cody Goloubef, D
Grade 7.5C Projection: Top-three defenseman
Age: 19 Height/weight: 6'0, 195
Drafted 37th overall, 2008

Goloubef plays a solid, unspectacular game, but is highly regarded. Goloubef has shown the ability to chip in offensively, but doesn’t have the power play potential that Moore displays. Instead, Goloubef has ample potential to become a top defender on the penalty kill.

He will enter his third season with the University of Wisconsin next season, after posting five goals and eight assists in 36 games last season.

More HF prospects updates, interview w/ Derek Stepan

Last week I linked Hockey's Future's prospects updates for Brendan Smith, Patrick Johnson, Ryan McDonagh, Joe Piskula, and Davis Drewiske. Today I have some more:

Hurricanes 2008-09 NCAA prospects update

Jamie McBain, D • Wisconsin (WCHA)
Ht: 6’2 • Wt.: 197 pounds
Drafted: 2006 second round • 63rd overall

The most impressive Carolina NCAA prospect is Wisconsin junior defenseman Jamie McBain. McBain has become one of college hockey’s best blueliners. His 28 points — on five goals and 23 assists in 26 games — are tied for 16th in the NCAA and are tops among all defensemen in the country. He’s already surpassed his career high of 24 points set last season with the Badgers and has been a guiding force on a Wisconsin team that’s battling for the top spot in the WCHA.

After leading the Badgers defense in scoring the past two years, McBain was named an alternate captain prior to this season and his breakthrough 2008-09 has the Wisconsin athletic department touting McBain as a Hobey Baker Award candidate. It wouldn’t be out of the question to expect McBain to jump right to the NHL after his college career is over — perhaps as early as next season if he passes up his senior year.

Wild 2008-09 NCAA prospects update

Chris Hickey, F
University of Wisconsin Badgers
Acquired: 7th round, 190 overall, 2006

Hickey is fighting for ice time as one of four freshmen on the Badgers roster this season. But unlike the others, who are having successful seasons and seeing regular shifts, Hickey has not found himself a regular spot in the lineup.

Hickey has only suited up in eight of a possible 26 games this season; in those games, he has seen very little ice time. His stats show his lack of ice time; in his eight games played he has only managed one goal, a -2 rating and four penalty minutes.

Looking ahead to next season, life won’t be getting any easier. Out of the 16 forwards on the Badgers roster, 14 are eligible to return. Many of the players returning next season are of the core group that provides the offensive punch and defensive stability for the Badgers. Hickey will need to do everything he can during the remainder of this season and in camp next season to show he is the Badgers’ shut-down guy.

One positive that can salvage this season for Hickey is the 10 pounds he put on over the summer. Hickey is going to need to continue to grow faster and stronger to become an elite checking line forward. Checking will need to be Hickey's forte as it was never envisioned that he would be a major contributor on offense.

Kings 2008-09 NCAA prospects update

Selected as a project by then general manager Dave Taylor, Joshua Turnbull has not shown much in his second season with the Wisconsin Badgers. With only six points in 21 games, he has stepped back in his production from his freshman season with little chance of getting off the fourth line. And with nearly all of the Badgers forwards returning next season, the prospects for better ice time does not look good. Turnbull must earn his time by showing more development or he may not make it out of college hockey. He still has two more seasons to improve and catch the attention of the Los Angeles brass.

Cody Goloubef also got mention in HF's January college prospects notebook:

Badger brings home the gold

The NCAA was well represented at this year’s IIHF U20 World Junior Championships in Ottawa, but it would be a University of Wisconsin defenseman who would bring home the biggest prize of all. Oakville, ON native and Badgers sophomore Cody Goloubef (CBJ) and his Team Canada teammates captured their fifth straight gold medal after defeating Sweden 5-1. Goloubef finished second on the Team Canada roster with a plus-10. He also added an assist.

An finally, HF has an interview with Badger forward Derek Stepan.

TG Week Wrap-up

(Photo courtesy of Redheat15)

Well, Tom Gorowsky Week is over, but I needed an excuse to post this picture from the scrimmage. (I swear the picture wasn't there when I wrote the write-up of the scrimmage.) I suppose I'll have to do another update later when RH15 gets her pics from this weekend online . . .

DPlaya thinks Goro played pretty well on Friday, and I always defer to DPlaya . . .

Tom Gorowsky made the most of his limited shifts and really showed up when he was on the ice.

Goro assisted on Podge Turnbull's goal on Friday, and he also had a screen on Podge's goal on Saturday. He finished even on Friday and +1 on Saturday.

In the Saturday post-game press conference, Eaves was complimentary of the 4th line of Bohmbach-Turnbull-Gorowsky, saying the following:

I think all weekend we were able to put them out there and they did give us a spark, gave us scoring chances, gave us hits, gave us energy, and chipped in a goal. So that's a bonus for us, I mean in terms of the offense. But they showed good chemistry, and something that we hope they can build on.

Also in the post-game presser, someone asked Goro about his line with Podge and Bohmbach, saying:

Tom, for a team struggling to get on the same page, it seems that your line with Andy and Podge has been clicking so far.

Goro indicated that they were all hungry and that he specifically was hungry to get in the lineup and wanted to play well. Regarding his linemates, he said:

I think me and Bohmber played pretty well together. We always kinda play around after practice and we played pretty well together, and Podge jumped in there and played really well and was able to pop 2 this weekend.

I think perhaps we'll have to do "Andy Bohmbach Week" next . . .

Men's Player Previews: #8 Podge Turnbull

Vitals:

Position: Forward
Year in School: Sophomore
Shoots Right
Height: 5-11
Weight: 185
Hometown: Hayward, WI
Previous Team: Waterloo Black Hawks (USHL) in 06/07

NHL Considerations: 5th round selection (2007) of the LA Kings.

07/08 Stats: 37 games, 4-7-11, +3, 44 PIM
06/07 Stats: 60 games, 25-29-54, +18, 66 PIM

08/09 Role: 4th Line (this could easily change to 2nd Line)

07/08 Recap: Following a very successful season in the USHL, Podge started last season off as the top line RW w/ Kyle Turris and Ben Street. This didn't last too long, and for most of the season Podge found himself skating w/ the 4th line. Podge showed flashes of scoring touch, but didn't get the chances skating fewer minutes.

08/09 Thoughts: I think Podge will play in most games again this season, but competition will be fierce. Podge is going to have to step up his play to stay in the lineup w/ the strong freshman class coming in. It looked like Podge took awhile last season to adjust to the WCHA, and that adjustment could mean he is ready for a breakout year this season. The kid can score, now he just needs to show it at the higher level of the WCHA.

Prediction: 28 games, 4-8-12

Photo from uwbadgers.com

Season Preview: Sophomores

So far I’ve covered the seniors and the juniors, now its time to take a look at the most diverse class: the sophomores. The sophomores are almost completely intact from last year w/ the exception of Kyle Turris’ departure to the Phoenix Coyotes. This group’s performance this season will be important to the overall success of the Badgers, especially the Dmen. Those Dmen make up the heart of the experience on the blue line and include Ryan McDonagh, Cody Goloubef, Brendan Smith and Craig Johnson. At forward, Patrick Johnson, Sean Dolan and Podge Turnbull return, while Scott Gudmandson returns between the pipes to back-up Shane Connelly. 60min pointed out that Tom Bardis will be a sophomore, I still don’t know anymore about him than I did last week.

Let’s take a step back before we move forward. In comparison between the freshman class of 2006 (the juniors) and that of 2007 (the sophomores), I think the highly touted class of 2007 far exceeded what was accomplished by the 2006 class, which was rather touted as well. I think the numbers themselves would tell this tale, but just the performances I remember from both seasons, the current sophomores were a bigger factor in the team every night than the freshman in 06/07.

During the 06/07 season the only freshman who really impacted the team was Jamie McBain. Others played a role throughout the season (Davies, Bendickson, Grottting), but Blake Geoffrion really underperformed based on expectations.

On the flip side, several members of the class of 2007 over preformed based on expectations especially Ratty Johnson and Dolan. McDonagh definitely cleared the bar set for him, while Goloubef did the same in the 2nd half of the season. Turnbull and Smith were disappointments to varying degrees.

One player I didn’t mention was Gudmandson. The sample size of his games was too small to really gauge his success last season. Listening to the radio during road weekends, Coach Howard is pretty high on Gudmandson and it sounds like his progression through the system is moving along well. While I expect Gudmandson to play in a few more contests this season, Connelly is still the starter and Gudmandson will be waiting for his chance, which he’ll definitely get in 08/09.

As mentioned earlier, Ratty Johnson, Dolan and Turnbull return as forwards. Ratty had a good summer when he was unexpectedly drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in the 7th round of the NHL Entry Draft. This speaks volumes for Ratty’s season. Ratty is likely never going to be a scoring force for the Badgers, which was part of the legend of his father Mark Johnson, but Ratty is already creating his own niche in the minds and hearts of Badger fans. Though small in stature, he plays like a giant, not backing down from anyone in his conquest to “own” all of his opponents in the WCHA.

Dolan’s performance last season was even more of a surprise than Johnson, at least to me. Dolan and C. Johnson were the last two members added to the class after early departures. I figured Dolan was going to be in street clothes most of the season, instead he anchored the “grind” line, which was by far the most consistent line on the team. Turnbull started the season w/ Turris and Ben Street, but quickly was moved back to the 4th line where he spent most of the season. Turnbull was a good scorer in the USHL and his freshman season was definitely an adjustment to the higher level of play.

In this small group of forwards, Wisconsin has a strong trio of what could be 4 year players. I expect small increases in production from all three of these young men this season. The potential is there for them to be among the top scorers as a juniors/seniors. If Geoffrion departs for the pros following this season, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Ratty Johnson wear the Captain’s C the following 2 seasons.

Last week in reviewing the juniors, I discussed the importance of the junior forwards production to the success of the Badgers. This week the 2nd key to the success of Wisconsin’s season is the play of the sophomore blue liners. With McBain as the only upperclassmen on the blue line, the sophomores are going to have to play beyond their age and experience. The headliners for this group are a trio of high draft picks. Out of them McDonagh and Goloubef have already proven themselves capable of handling the rigors of WCHA play. McD was strong all season, and should return to the top pairing w/ McB, where they will arguably be the best in the NCAA. McD returns as our top PK guy, though I doubt he’ll see a lot of PP time due to our depth of offensive Dmen. Overall, McD is in a close race w/ McB for the best defensemen on the team.

Goloubef had a strong second half, which really bolstered his draft stock. I expect much of the same from him this season. His offensive numbers from last season don’t really touch on how talented he is in that facet of his game. He was stuck behind McB, Smith, Klubertanz and Drewskie on the PP depth chart for most of last season. I think his role on the PP will be expanded this season (he’ll probably get a lot of PK time too), and might be paired w/ Smith in some capacity.

Smith returns from a rather up and down freshman year. He started the year off well, playing a role in Wisconsin’s initial offensive outburst, but honestly went down hill from that point. Half way through the season Smith suffered a back injury which kept him out of action until the NCAA Regional where Eaves tried him at wing against North Dakota. Smith seemed to get down on himself following poor play, which he needs to snap out of. I would also argue that pairing him w/ Klubertanz was a mistake. Everything I read points me to believe Smith is working hard to improve his defensive game. Overall he is too talented of a player to not improve and impact the team in a positive way this season. Unlike McD and Goloubef, Smith is a big question mark coming into this season.

Lastly is walk-on C. Johnson. Johnson didn’t see any action until the WJC’s, and in a limited role I thought he played pretty well. Johnson never played special teams and in most games sat the bench in the 3rd period. He certainly wasn’t flashy, but he did a good job in his end of the ice. Johnson’s impact on the team will again be minimal this season, but if he continues to progress and grow under the tutelage of Coach Osiecki, he will be an important member of the team in his upperclassman seasons. It is likely that Johnson will be the only Dman from this class to see his senior year, and his experience and leadership will be important in the future.

I hope you pick up on how important the sophomore Dmen will be this season for the Badgers. McD will be expected to log a ton of minutes at EV and PK, Goloubef a lot of minutes at EV and PP, and some at PK, and Smith a lot of minutes at EV and PP. Outside of McB (who will log a ton of minutes in all facets), these will be the go to blue liners. When things need to get done there aren’t seniors to look to for help, they are going to have to do it themselves. While I feel strongly McD and Goloubef will do there job, I need to see Smith play well in both ends before I’ll be confident in him. Very similar to the group of junior forwards, if this group doesn’t bring their best every night, it could be a long season. Check out the new poll question to vote for which of these blue liners will have the biggest impact.

Overall I think the sophomore class is the most important on this team moving forward. The blue line has to be manned correctly for the team to succeed and that rests on their shoulders. Ratty Johnson and Dolan both play significant roles on the team in their own way, and this needs to continue. While Gudmandson’s effect on the Badgers won’t be felt unless Connelly is injured or benched, Wisconsin could have another All-American on their hands in 08/09 in net.

Next week, these previews wrap up w/ the freshman. While Jake Gardiner and Derek Stepan are high draft picks who are expected to contribute out of the gate, their teammates will be looking to hit the ice hard and make an impact.