While his teammates were busy sweeping the University of Massachusets, over the past 2 weeks Wisconsin sophomore defenseman John Ramage has been in Buffalo representing his country as the captain of the United States World Junior team.
While Ramage and team USA didn't win the ultimate prize of a gold medal, they didn't leave New York without hardware. After a devastating loss against Canada in the semi-finals, Team USA bounced back and beat a good Sweden team for the Bronze.
Chris Peters, a fantastic writer who used to work exclusively for USA hockey has a great blog called "The United States of Hockey." Today Mr. Peters evaluates the play of all the defenseman for team USA during the WJC. Here is what he had to say about John Ramage.
"John Ramage — 6 GP, 0-0–0, 4 PIM, +2 — I think for most of this tournament, John Ramage was everything you wanted him to be and more. He was, by all accounts, a good captain. You can never, ever fault John Ramage for a lack of effort. I’ve never seen him get outworked and I didn’t see it during this tournament. He plays hard, smart hockey. I think he and Merrill struggled as a pair against Canada, but when the going got tough in that game, Ramage kept playing hard. I didn’t see any let down from him, despite the utter shock of how thoroughly outplayed the U.S. was. Ramage made some brilliant defensive plays throughout the tournament, especially that sliding break up of a 2-on-1 against Finland. He doesn’t have great foot speed, but he’s smart, he’s physical and he’s steady. I’m sure Ramage was crushed after the Canada game, but he and his team showed no signs of let down against Sweden. In games like that, you have to give some credit to the captain. He’ll have a few more years to sharpen at Wisconsin. I think he has a bright future."
For the second consecutive season a Wisconsin Badger will be wearing the captain "C" for the United States World Junior Team.
Today, USA Hockey announced that Badger sophomore defenseman John Ramage will captain the United States in the upcoming tournament.
Last year, former Badger and current New York Ranger forward Derek Stepan was named captain of the US squad and led the tournament in scoring en route to a gold medal for the Americans.
Rochester IceHogs/Chicago Blackhawks forward Jeremy Morin and Quebec Remparts forward Ryan Bourque were named alternate captains.
Ramage, Morin, and Bourque were all members of last years gold medal squad. Last year, it took an upset to take home the top prize. According to most media members, this year the United States are looked upon as the favorites.
Team USA opens up pool play on Sunday night vs Finland. Game can be seen on the NHL Network.
Team USA Schedule (Central Time): Sunday (12/26) vs Finland 7:00 PM HBC Arena-NHL Network Tuesday (12/28) vs Slovakia 7:00 PM HBC Arena-NHL Network Thursday (12/30) vs Germany 6:00 PM HBC Arena-NHL Network Friday (12/31) vs Switzerland 7:00 PM HBC Arena-NHL Network
USA Hockey this morning announced the names of 22 players who will be representing the United States in the World Junior Championships starting the day after Christmas in Buffalo, NY.
Wisconsin Sophomore defenseman John Ramage has been named to the team for the second consecutive year. It is the ninth consecutive season that the Wisconsin Badgers have had a representative on Team USA.
Last season as a member of the USA WJC, Ramage and his American teammates were able to capture the gold on Canadian soil.
Looking for it's first repeat gold medal in this country's history, the United States will be led by eight returning players. No doubt most importantly, goaltender Jack Campbell who has been nothing short of brilliant in international competitions in his career will be looked upon as the back bone for the team.
Ramage, the only returning defenseman is also going to be counted upon for significant minutes for the red, white, and blue. A surprise selection last season, it was Ramage who assisted on the game winning goal in overtime vs Canada in one of, if not the best hockey game that I've ever witnessed.
Offensively team USA brings back 6 forwards including three pro players in Jeremy Morin, Jerry D'Amigo and Kyle Palmieri. Ryan Bourque, Chris Kreider, and Jason Zucker also return for the stars and stripes.
Wisconsin once again will be represented in on the coaching staff and in management. Former Badger player and assistant coach Mark Osiecki is an assistant coach for the second year in a row and former Badger Jim Johannson is the Team GM, also for the second consecutive season.
Team USA wraps up it's exhibition schedule on Thursday against Norway. They open up pool play on Sunday night vs Finland. All team USA games can be seen live on the NHL Network.
Seven WCHA players have been named team USA. Denver (Drew Shore, Jason Zucker) and North Dakota (Derek Forbort, Brock Nelson) have two players each, Wisconsin (Ramage), Minnesota (Nick Bjugstad), Minnesota-Duluth (Justin Faulk) all have one. Colorado College forward Jaden Schwartz and Minnesota-Duluth defenseman Dylan Olsen have been named to Team Canada. Also, Minnesota forward Erick Haula is playing for Finland.
Team USA Schedule (Central Time): Sunday (12/26) vs Finland 7:00 PM HBC Arena-NHL Network Tuesday (12/28) vs Slovakia 7:00 PM HBC Arena-NHL Network Thursday (12/30) vs Germany 6:00 PM HBC Arena-NHL Network Friday (12/31) vs Switzerland 7:00 PM HBC Arena-NHL Network
There were no major surprises Tuesday morning when USA Hockey announced the names of 29 players who are being invited to it's pre-tournament camp.
Like the headline says, Wisconsin defenseman John Ramage, who was projected as a lock, was named to the preliminary roster. The "lock" status for John Ramage comes a year after he was a shocking selection by Dean Blais and company for last seasons USA World Junior Championship squad.
Last year Ramage wasn't even invited to the USA Hockey summer evaluation camp but at the urging of former Badger assistant coach Mark Osiecki, was added to the roster. Ramage would go on to play a phenomenal tournament en route to a gold medal for the United States.
The 29 players invited by USA hockey will go up to New York from December 17-23 and play in some exhibition contests. The roster will be narrowed down from 29 to 22 prior to the teams final exhibition contest against Norway.
This years World Junior Championship is being held in Buffalo, NY and will run from December 26th through January 5th.
Ramage is only expected to miss one weekend of games for the Badgers. Unlike in the past, where key players have missed key WCHA series, this year Ramage will only be gone for the home series against UMass over New Years thanks to a 2 weekend scheduling break after this weekends home series vs Bemidji State.
Former Wisconsin defenseman and assistant coach Mark Osiecki will be an assistant for the second year in a row for team USA. Also former Badger Jim Johannson will once again serve as General Manager for the US squad.
Preliminary Roster
Goalies Jack Campbell-Windsor Spitfires (OHL) Andy Isles-Cornell
Defense Adam Clendening-Boston University Brian Dumoulin-Boston College Justin Faulk-Minnesota-Duluth John Ramage-Wisconsin Nick Leddy-Rockford IceHogs (AHL) Derek Forbort-North Dakota Jon Merril-Michigan Jamie Oleksiak-Northeastern Philip Samuelsson-Boston College Patrick Wey-Boston College
Forwards Nick Bjugstad-Minnesota Ryan Bourque-Quebec Remparts (QMJHL) Connor Brickley-Vermont Chris Brown-Michigan Mitch Callahan-Kelowna Rockets (WHL) Charlie Coyle-Boston University Jerry D'Amigo-Toronto Marlies (AHL) Emerson Etem-Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL) Rocco Grimaldi-USA NTDP U18 Chris Kreider-Boston College Jeremy Morin-Rockford IceHogs (AHL) Brock Nelson-North Dakota Matt Neito-Boston University Kyle Palmieri-Syracuse Crunch (AHL) Brandon Saad-Saginaw Spirit (OHL) Drew Shore-Denver Jason Zucker-Denver
Team Canada released today their preliminary roster for the 2010 World Junior Championship which will take place this season in Buffalo, NY. As always, the Canadians will be very, very good. They have invited four college players to camp, Jaden Schwartz from Colorado College, Reilley Smith (Brendan's brother) from Miami, Riley Sheahan from Notre Dame, and Dylan Olsen from Minnesota-Duluth.
I thought now would be a good time to take a peek at who the United States may invite to their preliminary roster which will be announced on December 7th. The United States is inviting 28 players (final roster will have 22) to Albany for a training camp starting December 16th where they will prep for the tournament which starts on December 26th.
Team USA is in an interesting spot this season where they have multiple players who are eligible for the tournament that would be locks to make the USA roster but are playing professional hockey. Those players include Nick Leddy and Jeremy Morin who are Blackhawks prospects currently playing in the AHL in Rockford, Jerry D'Amigo who is a Maple Leaf prospect playing in the AHL for the Toronto Marlies, Kyle Palmieri who is a Ducks prospect currently playing in the AHL for Syracuse and Cam Fowler who is in the NHL with the Anaheim Ducks.
Using past examples for the current group of kids, I would assume that the kids playing in the AHL (Leddy, Morin, D'Amigo, and Palmieri) will probably be released to play in the tournament, especially since it's on home soil in Buffalo. Last season, defenseman John Carlson, who scored the game winner in OT to beat Canada in the gold medal game was playing in the AHL and was released to play in the tournament.
There is no way that Cam Fowler is released from the Ducks. Fowler is averaging over 22 minutes per game with the Ducks this season which is third on the team. The Ducks can't afford to release him for a 2 week tournament. The Thrashers were put in a similar situation last year with Zach Bogosian and he was not released.
Players off of last seasons gold medal squad that return include Windsor Spitfires (OHL) goaltender Jack Campbell, Wisconsin defenseman John Ramage, Quebec Remparts (QMJHL) forward Ryan Bourque, Toronto Marlies (AHL) forward Jerry D'Amigo, Boston College Forward Chris Kreider, Rockford Ice Hogs (AHL) forward Jeremy Morrin, Syracuse Crunch (AHL) forward Kyle Palmieri, and Denver forward Jason Zucker.
The final roster will include 13 forwards, 7 defensemen, and 2 goaltenders. We've already got a solid base of 6 forwards, 2 defensemen, and a goalie, so we just need to fill those last 13 spots and there are many attractive options out there.
Anyways, here is my projected roster.
Forwards: Ryan Bourque-Quebec Remparts (QMJHL) Jerry D'Amigo-Toronto Marlies (AHL) Chris Kreider-Boston College Jeremy Morrin-Rockford IceHogs (AHL) Kyle Palmieri-Syracuse Crunch (AHL) Jason Zucker-Denver University Nick Bjugstad-University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Rocco Grimaldi-USA NTDP U18 Charlie Coyle-Boston University Beau Bennett-Denver University Brandon Saad-Saginaw Spirit (OHL) Jared Knight-London Knights (OHL) Drew Shore-Denver University --------------------------------------------------------- Shane Prince-Ottawa 67's (OHL) Chris Brown-University of Michigan Emerson Etem-Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)
Defensemen: John Ramage-University of Wisconsin Nick Leddy-Rockford IceHogs (AHL) Derek Forbort-University of North Dakota Jon Merrill-University of Michigan Justin Faulk-University of Minnesota-Duluth Adam Clendening-Boston University Brian Dumoulin-Boston College --------------------------------------------------------- Stephen Johns-Notre Dame Austin Levi-Plymouth Whalers
Goaltenders: Jack Campbell-Windsor Spitfires (OHL) Andy Isles-Cornell --------------------------------------------------------- Brandon Maxwell-Kitchener Rangers (OHL)
Yesterday USA Hockey announced the names of 44 players who will be participating in the 2010 USA Hockey National Junior Evaluation Camp in Lake Placid, NY. The evaluation camp is the major tool that USA Hockey uses to evaluate players for the selection of the 2010 World Junior Championship team. Although USA Hockey does make exceptions for players who stand out during the early part of the college season.
One of those exceptions last season was Wisconsin defenseman John Ramage. Rammer wasn't invited to the eval camp but had an outstanding first half of the season and was named to last years Gold Medal winning squad. USA Hockey didn't make the same mistake this season and invited him to camp.
Ramage, one of fourteen defenseman at camp should be looked at as a virtual lock to make this years team. There are exceptions obviously, but for the most part, returning players usually locks to make the team the next season.
Ramage is the only Badger to be invited this season. He continues in a long line of players to wear a Badger sweater to compete in the prestigious World Junior Championship. Former Badger player and asssitant coach Mark Osiecki is back for his second season as assistant coach. Former Badger player Jim Johannson is the General Manager.
Badgers who have played in the World Junior Championship: 2010: USA-Derek Stepan, John Ramage, Jake Gardiner, Mark Osiecki (Ass. Coach) (GOLD) 2009: USA-Ryan McDonagh; Canada-Cody Goloubef (GOLD) 2008: USA-Jamie McBain, Blake Geoffrion; Canada-Kyle Turris (GOLD) 2007: USA-Jack Skille, Jamie McBain, Blake Geoffrion (BRONZE) 2006: USA-Jack Skille 2005: USA-Jake Dowell, Jeff Likens, Ryan Suter 2004: USA-Jake Dowell, Jeff Likens, Ryan Suter, Mike Eaves (Head Coach), Jim Johannson (Team Leader) (GOLD) 2003: USA-Ryan Suter, Jeff Sauer (Ass. Coach) Jim Johannson (Team Leader) 2002: USA-Jim Johannson (Team Manager) 2001: Canada-Dany Heatley (BRONZE) 2000: USA-Brad Winchester; Canada-Dany Heatley (BRONZE) 1999: USA-Matt Doman, David Tanabe 1998: USA-Dustin Kuk 1995: USA-Dan Thompkins 1993: USA-Jim Carey, Brian Rafalski, Mark Strobel 1992: USA-Brian Rafalski, Chris Tucker (BRONZE) 1990: USA-Barry Richter, Sean Hill, Jason Zent 1989: USA-Barry Richter, Rodger Sykes 1988: USA-Rob Mendel 1986: USA-Paul Ranheim, Mike Richter (BRONZE); Canada-Scott Mellanby (SILVER) 1985: USA-Mike Richter 1984: USA-Tony Granato, Jim Johannson, Gary Suter, Marty Wiitala 1983: USA-Tony Granato, Jim Johannson, Tim Thomas, Ernie Vargas; Canada-Pat Flatley (BRONZE) 1982: USA-Chris Chelios, Charlie Lundeen, Tim Thomas 1981: USA-Pat Ethier, John Johannson, Brian Mullen 1980: USA-Pat Ethier, Lexi Doner, Todd Lecy, Brian Mullen 1979: USA-Peter Johnson 1978: USA-Ron Griffin, Scott Lecy
Crazy night for USA Hockey. Both the U17 squad and the U20 squad played Sweden in semi-final games at their respective world tournaments.
Starting with the U17 squad, all I can say is wow, what a game. I really wish I could have seen this game live.
Team USA came out with all cylinders firing and built a 4-0 lead mid-way through the second period thanks to a goal and two assists by Rocco Grimaldi (uncommitted), and goals by Reid Boucher (Michigan State commit), Ryan Haggerty (uncommitted), and Tyler Biggs (Miami commit). Wiscosin commit Jake McCabe (pictured) had an assist on Grimaldi's goal in the second period.
I'm not sure what Sweden's coach said after the fourth USA goal to his players, but something clicked. Sweden scored five consecutive goals to make it 5-4 Sweden with 3:15 to play in the contest.
Thanks to a clutch goal by J.T. Miller (uncommitted), Team USA tied the game up with :50 seconds left to play. With the momentum on their side, Reid Boucher (Michigan State commit) was able to bury his second goal of the game and send Team USA to the Gold Medal game Monday night vs Team Ontario at 6PM Central Time. ------------------------------------------------------------- The U20's, who obviously also played Sweden, were able to upset the prospect laden team from overseas 5-2.
The United States broke up the goaltender rotation of Mike Lee (St. Cloud State) and Jack Campbell (US NTDP U18) by starting Mike Lee once again after his win in the quarter-final game against Finland. Lee was up to the challenge and stopped 27 of 29 shots in the victory. Expect to see Lee once again in the Gold Medal game.
Jerry D'Amigo (RPI, pictured) was the offensive star for the USA in last nights game. The top line of D'Amigo, Derek Stepan (Wisconsin), and Danny Kristo (North Dakota) once again caused havoc for the opposition. D'Amigo was able to net two goals including the game tying goal, and one to put the game out of reach.
The win was huge for the United States and was actually a first of sorts. Since the World Junior Championships has gone to the current formula of having the top team from each pool get a bye to the semi-finals, the United States has never reached the gold medal game if they were forced to play in the quarter final game.
The game Tuesday night will mark the first time that the United States has played for Gold since their championship upset in 2004 over Canada. The 2004 win was also the only Gold Medal ever won by the United States in the World Junior Championship. Team USA won one silver medal at the tournament. That came in 1997 when a Mike York led USA squad lost to Canada in the title game.
Wisconsin forward Derek Stepan still leads the tournament in scoring with 12 points in 6 games.
The Gold Medal game is Tuesday night and can be seen live on the NHL Network.
Last night, Team USA handily defeated Team Finland 6-2 at the World Junior Championships in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. The United States got up 3-0 and never looked back.
Wisconsin sophomore Derek Stepan continued his hot streak registering two assists in the win. The Hastings, Minnesota native is now leading the tournament in scoring by himself with 11 points in 5 games.
With the win, Team USA moves on to the semi-finals tonight against Sweden. The game is at 8 PM and can be found on the NHL Network. Switzerland won the other quarterfinal in an upset over Russia and plays Team Canada in the other semi-final.
Here is your scoring courtesy of USAHockey.com
First Period - Scoring: 1, USA, Palmieri (McRae, Schroeder), 2:14; 2, USA, Donovan (Schroeder, Stepan), 6:34 (pp). Penalties: FIN, Team (too-many-men), 5:57.
Second Period - Scoring: 3, USA, D'Amigo (Kristo, Stepan), 12:51; 4, FIN, Elo (Kivisto, Lajunen), 15:17. Penalties: USA, Bourque (tripping), 19:34.
Third Period - Scoring: 5, USA, Kreider (Morin, Jenks), 2:05; 6, FIN, Pakarinen (Sointu, Ikonen), 14:31; 7, USA, D'Amigo (unassisted), 19:07 (en); 8, USA, Kristo (Schroeder, Carlson), 19:16. Penalties: USA, Palmieri (interference), 15:47.
Just wanted to send out a reminder that Team USA will be taking on Team Finland tonight at 8PM Central time. This is a quarter final game. The winner of the USA/Finland game will take on Sweden tomorrow night, also at 8PM Central time.
Here is the lineup that Team USA will be sending out against the Fin's. The top line of D'Amigo, Stepan, and Kristo that was great in the Canada game stays the same. Team USA is breaking the rotation in goal and sticking with U18 goalie Jack Campbell.
The game can be seen live on NHL Network. You can also possibly stream the game live on your computer throughthis link.
29 Jerry D'Amigo-21 Derek Stepan (C)-8 Danny Kristo 16 Jason Zucker-17 Ryan Bourque-19 Jordan Schroeder (A) 20 Chris Kreider-22 A.J. Jenks-26 Jeremy Morin 23 Kyle Palmieri-9 Philip McRae-10 Tyler Johnson 14 Luke Walker
18 Brian Lashoff-11 John Carlson 5 David Warsofsky (A)-24 Cam Fowler 28 Jake Gardiner-2 John Ramage 4 Matt Donovan
I'll start with the loss by the U20 squad. First of all I just wanted to say that this was such a fun game to watch and is what hockey is all about. Speed, passion, and pride were on full display during this contest. I didn't get to watch this as closely as I would have liked because I was at a New Years party watching the game but from what I did see it was great hockey.
Unfortunitly, Team USA fell to Canada 5-4 in a shootout. Derek Stepans line, with him on the pivot and Danny Kristo and Jerry D'Amigo on the wings was absolutely outstanding last night. They had pressure the whole night and continued to cause confusion for Team Canada. Stepan had an assist on an early third period goal by Kristo.
USA held a 4-2 lead in the third period but could not hold on. The high powered Canadians continued to attack and were able to score two third period goals to force overtime and an eventual shootout. In the shootout Canada scored on all three attempts. Team USA sent out Kristo and Jeremy Morin first and second and they both scored. With the game on the line Team USA sent out Jordan Schroeder to try and keep the game alive, and not surprisingly, the Gopher choked and USA lost.
Next, Team USA will play Finland in the quarterfinals tomorrow (Saturday) at 8 PM Central Time. You can watch the game live on the NHL Network. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- The U17 United States squad had a better outcome last night. The young American squad bested the Russians 7-3 in the World U17 Challenge. Uncommitted forward Rocco Grimaldi is having an absolute beast of a tournament and from all accounts has been the best player at the tournament so far.
According to the USA Hockey Website, The U.S. will take on Canada-Pacific Saturday at 7 p.m. in Kirkland Lake, Ont., with a chance to clinch first place in Group B.
Stop me if you've heard this before, Derek Stepan had a huge night. The sophomore pivot and captain of team USA had 4 points in a big 12-1 win for Team USA yesterday over Latvia. (Team USA also beat Switzerland 3-0 on Sunday)
Stepan has absolutely blown up in this tournament and is really making it less and less likely every time I see him play that he will be in a Badger uniform next season. The Hastings, MN native is not only leading Team USA in scoring so far in the tournament with eight points in three games, but he's also tied with four other players for first overall in the tournament in scoring.
Defensive partners John Ramage and Jake Gardiner (pictured) also found themselves on the score sheet in the blowout against Latvia. Both collected a pair of assists for their first points of the tournament.
Here is the lineup from the Latvia game for Team USA:
29 Jerry D'Amigo - 21 Derek Stepan (C) - 10 Tyler Johnson 16 Jason Zucker - 17 Ryan Bourque - 19 Jordan Schroeder (A) 20 Chris Kreider - 22 A.J. Jenks - 26 Jeremy Morin 23 Kyle Palmieri - 9 Philip McRae - 8 Danny Kristo 14 Luke Walker
Defense 5 David Warsofsky (A) - 11 John Carlson 4 Matt Donovan - 24 Cam Fowler 18 Brian Lashoff - 2 John Ramage 28 Jake Gardiner
Goaltenders 30 Mike Lee 1 Jack Campbell
Team USA takes on Team Canada in the (so far) biggest match up of the tournament on New Years Eve at 7 PM Central Time. Canada is also 3-0 and looks to be playing very well. You can catch the game live on the NHL Network.
By the way, hey Canada, neck guards are for douche bags.
Last night team USA defeated Slovakia 7-3 in their opening game of the U20 World Junior Championship being held north of the border in Saskatchewan, Canada. Team USA got down early 2-0 after multiple penalties but rallied for a big win.
"I was happy with our resiliency after falling behind early," said Dean Blais, head coach of the U.S. National Junior Team. "We created a lot of scoring chances, and showed a lot of poise after those two quick goals."
Wisconsin Badger Derek Stepan had a big night. First he was named Captain and then went out and had a hand in three of the seven US goals. Stepan had an assist on Team USA's first goal by John Carlson, added a goal of his own in the second, and had a beautiful assist on a goal by Danny Kristo later in the period. He was also tied for a team best +4 on the night. John Ramage and Jake Gardiner were held scoreless in the opener but it sounds as if Ramage made a nice play on Kristo's goal (a goal Stepan had an assist), and probably should have been awarded an assist.
Here is NHL.com's description of the goals scored with Badger players involved:
Team USA's first goal-"Derek Stepan wins an offensive-zone draw back to John Carlson, and he blasts a shot from the right point through traffic at 9:34. U.S. still trails 2-1."
Team USA's third goal-"Great puck movement around the perimeter. Derek Stepan gets the pass above the circles in the middle, wires a wrister over Ciliak's glove at 5:39 to put the U.S. up 3-2."
Team USA's fifth goal-"Great play John Ramage to hold the puck in at the point. Derek Stepan grabs the puck and makes a fabulous pass to a cutting Danny Kristo and he chips the puck past Ciliak to make it 5-3."
Here were the lines from last night:
29 Jerry D'Amigo -21 Derek Stepan (C) - 8 Danny Kristo 23 Kyle Palmieri - 17 Ryan Bourque - 19 Jordan Schroeder (A) 22 A.J. Jenks - 20 Chris Kreider - 26 Jeremy Morin 16 Jason Zucker - 9 Philip McRae - 10 Tyler Johnson 14 Luke Walker
Defensemen 5 David Warsofsky - 11 John Carlson (A) 24 Cam Fowler - 18 Brian Lashoff 28 Jake Gardiner - 2 John Ramage 4 Matt Donovan
Goaltenders 30 Mike Lee 1 Jack Campbell
Team USA will take on Switzerland Sunday at 3PM Central Time. The game can be seen live on NHL network in the United States.
All the way back in June I threw my hat into the ring on predictions for this seasons USA World Junior Championship roster. Now that USA Hockey has officially released the finalized roster, let's go back to my original guesses and see how I did.
Goaltender Predictions:
Mike Lee (St. Cloud State)-Correct Selection Jack Campbell (USA NTDP U18)-Correct Selection
Analysis: At the time I made my selections this was pretty much a no brainer in my opinion. Brandon Maxwell had fallen out of flavor with USA hockey and Campbell and Lee were both coming off huge seasons. Joe Howe from Colorado College made a great late push with an outstanding first half but I think USA had these picked for a while.
Defense Predictions:
John Carlson (Hershey Bears)-Correct Selection Cam Fowler (Windsor Spitfires)-Correct Selection Jake Gardiner (Wisconsin)-Correct Selection John Moore (Colorado College)-Incorrect Selection Aaron Ness (Minnesota)-Incorrect Selection Nick Leddy (Minnesota)-Incorrect Selection Matt Donovan (Denver)-Correct Selection
Actual selections not included:
Brian Lashoff (Kingston Frontenacs) John Ramage (Wisconsin) David Warsofsky (Boston University)
Analysis-Picking four out of 7 isn't terrible but it isn't great either. At the time, I felt Fowler, Carlson, Gardiner, and Moore were absolute locks. Moores stock has continued to decline after snubbing Colorado College late in the summer (Still think he should have made the team). I expected Aaron Ness to have a much bigger season than he has had at Minneosta. I think we can all agree that he's been extremely over-rated since coming to Minnesota. Nick Leddy was doomed as soon as he broke his face early in the season. I think the big surprise here is John Ramage who wasn't even invited to camp. He has had a great freshman season and should add some much needed physicality to the US lineup.
Jeremy D'Amigo (RPI) Chris Kreider (Boston College) Jason Zucker (USA NTDP U18) AJ Jenks (Plymouth Whalers) Luke Walker (Portland Winterhawks)
Analysis-Had a slightly better picking percentage on the forwards but not by much. But I'll take 8 out of 13 any day of the week. Surprised not to see Wahl back especially after he was on the team last year and is having a solid year this season. I should have known better than to pick Chichy after his falling out with USA Hockey. Budish hasn't had the start that I thought he would have had with Minnesota (I still don't think Minnesota is a good fit for a kid like Budish, he's got an NHL body and plays with a physicality that just doesn't fit in with the Gophers style). All the locks are on there like Schroeder, Stepan, and Kristo.
Overall Predictions: 14 of 22 for an accuracy rating of about 64%. Not terrible for putting this together in June.
After yesterdays 2-2 tie 3-2 shootout loss in an exhibition with the Czech Republic, the final roster has been announced for the 2010 World Junior Championships. All three Badgers (Jake Gardiner, John Ramage and Derek Stepan) made the cut. Way to go, fellas! USA! USA! USA!
Today, USA Hockey released their latest 24-man roster for the World Junior Championships in Saskatchewan (official IIHF website here).
Of pertinent use to us Badger fans, John Ramage, Jake Gardiner and Derek Stepan have all made the cut. Gardiner and Stepan are sure bets to make the final squad, and there's hardly more to add on them, but seeing John Ramage's name on the list was a pleasant surprise. His presence has come at the expense of two U-18 defensemen (Justin Faulk and Jon Merrill) and a Major Junior blueliner (John Moore of the Kitchner Rangers). It'd be interesting to hear more about what it was that caused Moore to be cut, as he is a first round NHL pick (21st overall in 2009 to Columbus) and has had a pretty good season for the OHL Rangers (3-17-20, +4 in 20 games). However, it should be noted that this is the same John Moore who backed outon Colorado College for the OHL.
Is this USA Hockey's way of giving the finger to the CHL? Probably not, since there are still 8 current CHL players on the roster, and you can't imagine a team being run on such petty principles and making it very far in Saskatchewan. Dean Blais, Jim Johannson, Coach Oz and company may be college guys at heart, but they've got bigger fish to fry than to punish Moore for his defection. Either way, I'm secretly glad to see him off the team. What can I say? I love college hockey, and Karma is a bee-otch.
USA Hockey put together a little video with Dean Blais not really saying anything at all about the roster cuts themselves, but he does seem to hint that he's looking for strong puck security (ie, no turnovers and strong puck movement), which just might go a long way towards explaining why John Ramage is still around. Ram(p)age is having a very solid season for the Badgers, and his abilities with the puck have been one of his stronger suits, if you ask me. Seems like his talents are suiting him well.
Per the USA Hockey release, the final two cuts that will bring the team to its final 22-man roster will be made Wednesday, with an exhibition game against the Czech Republic to precede it on Tuesday. Best of luck, Badgers, and Go USA!
There were two familiar names and one surprise when looking at the recently released USA Hockey World Junior preliminary roster from a Badger prospective. The two names that you expect to show up on the 29 man roster, Derek Stepan and Jake Gardiner. The one you didn't expect to see, freshman defenseman John Ramage.
Ramage, a 6'0, 195 pounder out of St. Louis, MO has been a pleasant surprise for the Badger coaching staff this season. A late commitment, Ramage was expected to compete with Craig Johnson, Ryan Little, and Eric Springer for the last spot open in a loaded Badger defensive corps. So far all Ramage has done is suit up for all fourteen Badger games and chip in 5 points along with playing solid in his own end. I don't expect Ramage to make the final roster when they narrow the D-corps down from 11 to 7, but he's made great strides and has definitely exceeded my expectations so far this season.
Derek Stepan and Jake Gardiner appear to be virtual locks for the USA roster. Stepan is averaging a point per game so far this season and is starting to come into his own. He's a dynamic forward and there is no doubt he'll be in Saskatchewan when the tournament kicks off.
Gardiner has not put up the numbers this season that most expected, but he's taken a more proactive role in his own end. Being paired with Ryan McDonagh means that you're going to spend the majority of your time on the ice playing against top lines from opposing teams. Gardiner has taken to the challenge and should see some ice time when the US squad crosses the Canadian border.
As you know, Derek Stepan recently participated in the NJEC. The camp consisted of 3 intrasquad scrimmages and 4 games v. Russia. Stepan was held off the scoresheet during the intrasquad scrimmages, but he fared quite will in the games v. Russia -- scoring 1 goal and 7 assists for 8 points in 4 games. Nice!
DPlaya, of course, spotted some nice write-ups about Stepan's play at the camp, and I'm shamelessly going to steal them from him. (Thanks, DP!)
While the numbers being put up by the Ranger prospects have been really nice (Stepan 4 assists, Bourque 2 goals, 1 assist) what is being overlooked has been their defensive play. . . . Derek Stepan has been as we have been saying since last season, a very smart player who's skating skills opens up ice for his linemates. Stepan in our eyes has perhaps the highest hockey IQ of all Ranger prospects as he makes smart play after smart play.
He has 4 assists but his own pressure on the forecheck is helping the US keep the Russians limited to just 2 goals in 2 days. Stepan was viewed as just a one way player but the teachings of his coach at Wisconsin Mike Eaves is paying dividends.
Derek Stepan, the hottest of the Rangers prospects in Lake Placid, fittingly scored Team USA's final goal of the series -- a power-play tally at 13:35 of the third period. He also assisted on a power-play goal at 14:44 of the second period to put the U.S. up 4-0.
Stepan's numbers in the four-game series were remarkable. The University of wisconsin sophomore, drafted by the Blueshirts in the second round of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, finished with one goal and seven assists for eight points in four games. Most of his scoring came on the power-play, where the U.S. was absolutely lethal.
Now everyone figured that Stepan would be a good player but questions loomed as to how he would fair on the international level during the USA-Russia junior evaluation camp. Well Stepan answered his doubters with some emphatic play. While most Ranger fans were probably wondering about Bourque and Kreider, Stepan put up 8 points (1g 7a) in 4 games and was noticeable whenever he touched the ice. He hit well, he shot the puck often, he made some brilliant passes, and he played some solid defense. Regardless of his numbers he was a leader on the ice and was always involved for team USA. He got into scrums, he was not afraid to get dirty, he parked himself in front of the net and he gave a damn. . . . He is not flash, but he is incredibly fast. Scouts, including our friend Jess at the Prospect Park, say that his calling card is blowing by defenders and just scoring goals. He doesn't try to do too much with the puck and--as we saw from the evaluation camp--he has some great vision. I am very excited about him, are you?
So, to sum up, he plays smart, he skates well, he hits, he's not afraid to shoot the puck, he has vision, he passes well, he plays tough in front of the net, he forechecks, he plays well defensively, and he plays hard . . . What's not to love?
The NJEC is over, and the US defeated Russia in games 1, 2, and 4 (8-1, 6-1, 6-0) while losing game 3 (4-6). Given their domination in the other games, I was surprised to see they lost game 3, but Coach Blais said they gave up a couple of soft goals, so there ya go.
Badger forward Derek Stepan finished the camp 7th on the team in scoring with 8 points (1G 7 A) in 7 games. Badger defenseman Jake Gardiner played in 5 games but was held off the scoresheet.
While his teammates were busy sweeping the University of Massachusets, over the past 2 weeks Wisconsin sophomore defenseman John Ramage has been in Buffalo representing his country as the captain of the United States World Junior team.
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