Tuesday Morning News and Notes

-The University of Wisconsin Men's hockey program announced it's 2010-2011 award winners at a banquet on Monday afternoon at the Kohl Center. Top honors went to Sophomore defenseman Justin Schultz who was named the Spike Carlson Most Valuable Player as voted on by his teammates.

Other award winners included: Podge Turnbull-Jim Santulli 7th Man Award (Voted on by the fans); Patrick Johnson-Fenton Kelsey Jr. Most Competitive Player; Ryan Little and Jefferson Dahl-Otto Breitenbach Most Improved Player Award; Scott Gudmandson-Ivan B. Williamson Scholastic Award and Unsung Hero Award; Michael Mersch-Dr. Joseph Coyne Memorial Award for the most consistent player; and Captain Sean Dolan-W Club Community Service Award.

-As this site first reported on Monday night, Badger forward Jordy Murray plans to forgo his final season of eligibility at Wisconsin to sign a pro contract in Switzerland. Wisconsin State Journal beat writer Andy Baggot chimed in on Tuesday morning with some quotes from Murray.

-This is for all the knuckleheads who every year want to fire Wisconsin head coach Mike Eaves if he doesn't win an NCAA title. New Jersey Devils forward Zach Parise was asked if he could bring in any coach for the Devils who would it be. His response (courtesy of @maxhenson)...

"Another coach that has coached in the NHL before and I had him for a few international tournaments is Mike Eaves. He is now at Wisconsin and I’ve never been so prepared to face an opponent as when I was playing for him. It may be a little different in an 82-game schedule, but he did a great job of having players understand their role on the team and got them to do that to the best of their ability."

-@thenyrangers, the official twitter account for the NHL's New York Rangers tweeted Monday afternoon that former Badgers and current NHL'ers Derek Stepan and Ryan McDonagh will both be taking college courses this summer in pursuit of their degrees. It's nice to see both players maturity in making the decision to keep working towards graduating.

-Although both players plan to take classes this summer, McDonagh and Stepan might not be done playing hockey for the year. Aaron Gross from New Jersey Record the is reporting that both players are considering invitations from USA Hockey to join Team USA for the World Championships. Former Badgers Jake Gardiner and Jack Skille as well as current Badger Craig Smith have already accepted invitations from USA hockey to play in the tournament.

Update: Kevin Allen from the USA Today is reporting that Stepan has accepted a spot on team USA making him the fourth player with Badger ties on the roster. No word on McDonagh.

Update #2: Allen just chimed in with another tweet saying that like Stepan, McDonagh is also joining team USA for the World Championships. That's FIVE players with Badger ties on the roster. With five players with Badger ties representing the United States at the Women's World Championships, the Badgers have had a strong presence lately with USA hockey.

-I posted yesterday on the USA Women's hockey team winning the gold medal at the World Championships but I wanted to link you to the UWBadgers.com release because they really do a phenomenal job of recapping the gold medal game and the tournament from a UW perspective. I've never been confused with Badger Women's hockey enthusiast but Knight and Decker really make me want to catch more of their games next season.

-Ryan S. Clark, the beat writer for the Fargo Force (USHL) has been a news breaking machine lately. Of note to Wisconsin hockey recruitnik's is that Vinny Saponari, the former Boston University forward has committed to Northeastern. After two season's at BU, Saponari was kicked off the team for some off ice issues. When he originally selected BU, it was believed by most that Wisconsin was the runner up for his services so many wondered if Madison would be an option this time around. But it looks like he's headed back to the land where chowder reigns supreme.

-Andy Baggot had a blog update yesterday talking about the uncertainty ahead in the college hockey landscape. The annual coaches convention in Florida that will take place this Wednesday through Sunday will provide an opportunity for many issues to be put on the table. Baggot notes that Wisconsin is sending a large contingency to Florida including both the men's and women's coaching staffs and support staffs as well as UW senior associate athletic director Sean Frazier, athletic board chair Walter Dickey and athletic board member Sheila McGuirk.

chuckschwartz(at)live.com
Follow me on Twitter

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.

chuckschwartz(at)live.com
Follow me on Twitter

What I Want To See This Weekend

Since some of us weren't able to make it to St. Louis last weekend to see our Badgers' first games of the year (jealously looking at you, 60min...), this weekend will be the first time we're seeing the guys in game action. And in my case, one of only a handful of series I'll be able to attend. That said, there are a few things I want to see this team show me this weekend against a team from a place that won't get natural ice all winter.

1. I want a freshman to blow me away
Four years ago, I traveled to Green Bay to see the Badgers and Northern Michigan play a series at the Resch Center. One young, small kid amazed me with his speed and ability, scoring two goals in his debut. He'd go on to have some issues in practice before developing into an excellent offensive playmaker, topping 50 points in his senior year. That's right, of all the freshman in the 2006-07 class, Michael Davies impressed me the most in his first set of games. I want to see someone amaze me again this weekend.

2. I want to see leadership on the ice
During Adam Burish's two-year term as captain, there was no question who the emotional leader of the Badgers was, and it showed on the ice. The same can be said for Blake Geoffrion last year. In the 06-07 and 07-08 seasons, however, it was not as obvious to me. That's not to say that Andrew Joudrey or Davis Drewiske weren't good captains; I'm sure they were. They just didn't seem to me to have the swagger that those young teams needed from their leaders. I want to see Sean Dolan and Jake Gardiner exuding confidence on the ice and stepping up big in the toughest spots.

3. I want to see scoring from everyone and everywhere
I think a key to this team is getting points from every line and defensive pair. We'll need power-play blasts from Justin Schultz and Jake Gardiner at the blue line; we'll need garbage goals from Dolan, Ryan Little, and company; we'll need great playmaking from Craig Smith and Ginger Jordy Murray; and we'll need some of the young defensemen to lend a hand on the offensive end. Last week the scoring was spread out widely, with 12 different players on the scoresheet - this Badger team should have success if that continues.

4. I want to see two wins
This goes without saying. I'll be bummed if we end up with less than 4 points anything other than a sweep.

And I'll leave you with one more:
5. I want to meet a lot of fellow Badger fans at 60's tailgate
That one's pretty self-explanatory as well. Hope to see you all there!

Tex on Twitter

Who will be the Badger’s Captains?

Jake Gardiner? Jordy Murry? Sean Dolan?

Badger fans who voted on the poll I posted last week think Jake Gardiner is the best candidate for Captain. I can’t say I disagree. He returns as the most experienced blue liner on the team having played in 80 games the last 2 seasons (Craig Johnson & Justin Schultz both have 43 games of experience). He is also the team’s best player (arguably) and will be a key component in the team’s success this season, as he gets a chance to flex some of his offensive ability that was hidden last season playing the hard minutes w/ Ryan McDonagh, and having Brendan Smith and Blake Geoffrion lighting the lamp often on the PP before he could even get out there w/ the second unit.

In the last week, another player has grown on me as a possible Captain: Sean Dolan. I’ve been a fan of Dolan since his freshman year, he is a hardworker who in his three seasons has done a lot of the little things on the 3rd and 4th line to help the team succeed. Along w/ Patrick Johnson, Dolan is the only other Badger player to have played in over 100 NCAA games coming into this season, at 102, Ratty has played in 112. Last season, the Badgers had 7 forwards very close to or well over 100 games played. Experience matters, and even if Sean doesn’t get the “C” I think an “A” would look good on his #16 jersey.

The other large vote getter in the poll was Jordy Murray. Another hard worker and goal scorer who after the above mentioned senior forwards, sits 3rd on the Badger forward list w/ 79 games played. The scouting report on Murray is that he is a kind of a goof ball, but its impossible to ignore his hard work and dedication on the ice. If Eaves is going to assemble a trio or so of players to lead this year’s squad, having someone lighten the moment(s) might be good for an inexperienced team. Of course there is the rumor that Murray might leave for a contract in Europe. I sure hope he doesn’t, he will get HUGE minutes this season in all situations, and will help a young team that could surprise some people by the end of the season.

If I were Eaves, I’d have to agree w/ the readers of our blog, and put some letters on these guy’s chests, and give them a chance to lead the Badgers next season. I also think Patrick Johnson and Craig Smith would be good choices too as an alternate captain. Johnson has played in more games than any returning Badger, and Craig Smith will need to step up this season and be a key part of the inexperienced forward group for the team to succeed. Smith was also the captain of the Waterloo Black Hawks before joining the Badgers last season.

I’d guess this decision would come one of these days, and I’m sure Eaves has people watching how the above mentioned players are interacting and leading during summer practices and workouts.

09/10 Men's Previews: #16 Sean Dolan

Vitals:

Position: Forward
Year in School: Junior
Shoots Right
Height: 6-3
Weight: 196
Hometown: Chesterfield, MO (why do they list St. Louis?)
Major: Consumer Science
Previous Team: Chicago (USHL) in 06/07

NHL Considerations: See how the next two seasons go.

08/09 Stats: 35 games, 4-7-11, +2, 42 PIM
07/08 Stats: 40 games, 4-4-8, +1, 28 PIM

09/10 Role: 4th line while fighting for PT

08/09 Recap: After a nice freshman season, Sean, while he didn’t take a step back, didn’t really take a step forward either. He was a successful member of the grind line w/ Ben Grotting and John Mitchell, but that line was broken up last season. He was a regular on the 4th line and that line provided consistent energy throughout the season.

Biggest Strength: Very good defensively and a nice addition to the PK.

Biggest Weakness: I think there is more to Sean Dolan than Badger fans have seen so far. His offensive game shows flashes of progressing, but he never quite takes that next step. Could be a function of his role on the team as well.

09/10 Thoughts: I see Sean in a group w/ a few other players (Josh Turnbull, Ratty Johnson and Matt Thurber) who will be fighting hard for playing time this season. It will be very interesting to see who busts it in practice to start this season and who improved over the summer, because it could go a long way to determining who plays a lot. Sean has the advantage of size, and his consistent play in his own zone. He is a good centerman as well, though he could be fighting Aaron Bendickson and Thurber for that spot on the 4th line.

Prediction: 12 games, 3-3-6*
*All predictions for regular season only

Photo from uwbadgers.com

Men's Player Previews: #16 Sean Dolan

Vitals:

Position: Forward
Year in School: Sophomore
Shoots Right
Height: 6-3
Weight: 195
Hometown: Chesterfield, MO
Previous Team: Chicago Steel (USHL) in 06/07

NHL Considerations: None at this time, but I could see Sean at some level of the pros following his time at UW.

07/08 Stats: 40 games, 4-4-8, +1, 32 PIM
06/07 Stats: 59 games, 22-18-40, -18, 76 PIM

08/09 Role: Grind Line, PK

07/08 Recap: Sean played in all 40 games for the Badgers last year. Why is that important, you might ask? Sean was a late pick up for the Badgers and going into the season I figured he was going to be a guy who found a little ice time during the WJC or because of injury. Instead, Sean comes out as the center of what would become the "grind line" and never looked back, even notching his first goal as a Badger in his first game in Dayton, OH. I remember hearing a few weeks into the season that he was even pushing Blake Geoffrion for 2nd line center, before Blake took off in his own right. Sean played well all season, which is consistent w/ the line he played on. It didn't take long for Sean to pass Kyle Turris as my favorite Badger. I like his style of play and the fact that he stepped in as a last minute signing and played well beyond expectations.

08/09 Thoughts: I expect more of the same from Sean this season. Similar to my Ben Grotting post, I hope the coaches leave Mitchell-Dolan-Grotting together to start the year. I don't think Sean will have a big impact on scoring this season, but I wouldn't be surprised to see him bury 10+ pucks in his upperclassmen seasons. That said, I think this line can cash in a few more goals, and contribute beyond the "checking"/"disruption" line they currently play. Sean is a solid player who brings his best every shift, and I for one am glad he is a Badger.

Prediction: 36 games, 6-6-12

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.