Update on Camp Randall Hockey Classic tickets

There's a lot more left than we've feared. Either that, or there's more upper deck seating than I ever would have imagined.

From today's Badger Hockey Insider e-mail (which, again, I would highly recommend our readers to subscribe to):

HOCKEY CLASSIC TICKET NUMBERS
Earlier this week, the number of tickets sold has moved past the 40,890 that attended the Frozen Tundra Hockey Classic at Lambeau Field in 2006. The Culver’s Camp Randall Hockey Classic will now officially have more attending than this year’s NHL Winter Classic at Fenway Park in Boston and last year’s NHL event at Wrigley Field. The current ticket total ranks fourth all-time at the moment.

40,000+ fans is nothing to slouch at, to be sure. But it is still falling well short of the original hopes of the event (sell out Camp Randall, set attendance records, etc.).

Granted, there are probably plenty of people out there that are simply waiting to see the whether forecast before they buy tickets (at least, that's the excuse I heard from one person at work today). Here's hoping.

It's Friday, I'm in Love

Monday, you can hold your head
Tuesday, Wednesday stay in bed
Or Thursday - watch the walls instead
It's Friday, I'm in love

BADGER MEN v. Denver: FRI / SAT 7 PM
“They’re a good team. They’re fast. They’re skilled. They take advantage of every opportunity they have. They’re going to try to do that this weekend. They’re going to come in here and try and push us around. We can’t let that happen.” -- Mike Davies, regarding the Pioneers [WSJ]

UW: 13-6-3 overall, 9-5-2 WCHA
DU: 14-5-3 overall, 10-3-3 WCHA

Gameday Links
TV:
- Live - Friday FSN, NHL Network; Saturday WISC, Charter Extra Channel 87, Time Warner
- Tape delay - both nights on The Wisconsin Channel (10 PM game day and 6 PM next day)
Radio: WIBA 1310
Audio webstream: insideBADGERSPORTS ($9.95/mo)
Video webstream: none
Live stats: CBSSports Gametracker - Friday, Saturday
Live blog: Worgull (BN)*

* I don't have the direct blog link, but it should be linked on the front page of their respective sites at game time.

Weekly Shooutout Winner
This week, SCOTT GUDMANDSON won the shootout. Scott Gudmandson, I'm in Love. (Hey, it's Friday, what do you expect from me?)

Badger and Pio Lines
See Chuck's previous post. Thanks, Chuck, you're a doll!

Series Previews
uwbadgers: preview, game notes
denverpioneers: preview, game notes, blog
NCAA blog: No. 1 Denver Pioneers visit No. 3 Wisconsin Badgers
Baggot (WSJ): UW men's hockey vs. Denver
Baggot (WSJ): Top-ranked Pioneers claim underdog role vs. UW
Chambers (Denver Post): Huge hockey series on tap
Ebert (CHN): Rakhshani leads Denver into big weekend
Baggot (WSJ blog): Eaves sets lineup, shows Denver some courtesy
Baggot (WSJ blog): Eaves tabs Gudmandson to start Friday
Savidge (Daily Cardinal): Revenge a priority as Badgers host Pioneers
Holt (Badger Herald): Clash of the Titans at Kohl
Worgull (BN): Looking for the Rightful Owner (premium content)

Other Articles/Links
uwbadgers: Mike Eaves' weekly presser
denverpioneers: George Gwozdecky's weekly presser (audio link)
Baggot (WSJ): Stepan steps into leadership role for Badgers
Baggot (WSJ blog): Five good minutes with Michael Davies
Chambers (Denvder Post): Despite No. 1 ranking, DU hockey team sees lots of room for improvement
Baggot (WSJ blog): The weekend that was in the WCHA

The Usual Suspects
CHN: Tale of the Tape
USCHO: This Week in the WCHA (Spisak), What I Think (Milewski), Tuesday Morning Quarterback (Milewski/Connelly, USCHO Extra)
INCH: Friday Four-cast, First Shift (national notebook), No excuses for North Dakota (WCHA notebook), Hobey Tracker, Power Rankings
Goon's World: Weekend Match-Ups (Sioux7)

HatchetJoe says . . .
Via smoke signal, this week: "Red Badger beat frozen dog shit outta white faced pioneers that try to invade his sacred ground . . . "

(Also tell Red Wizard who eat many blue fish . . . No fish on Friday." )

BADGER WOMEN v. St. Cloud State: FRI / SAT 2 PM

Gameday Links
Courtesty of Boscacci's Badger Women's Hockey Insider:

No. 7/9 Wisconsin (13-8-3, 10-7-1) vs. St. Cloud State (9-10-5, 6-9-3)
Dates	Fri., Jan. 22 at 2:07 p.m. | Sat., Jan. 23 at 2:07 p.m.
Location	Madison, Wis. | Kohl Center
Live Stream	Bigtennetwork.com
Radio	Jan. 22 on 91.7 WSUM | Jan. 23 on 1310 WIBA
GameTracker	Game 1 | Game 2
All-Time Series	Wisconsin leads 36-6-2

Thanks, Jacqueline!

Series Previews
uwbadgers: preview, game notes
scsu: game notes

Badgers Edit Lines For Marquee Matchup

I wasn't sure if 60 was going to do a Friday preview so I figured I'd at least give an update on the lineup for tonight's premier match up between the number one ranked team in the nation, the Denver Pioneers, and the third ranked team in the nation, your Wisconsin Badgers.

Coach Eaves has changed up the forward lines and for the most part, I like what he has done. Starting with the top line, I think this is clearly a move to negate Denver's top line. The Pioneers throw out one of, if not the best lines in the conference with Tyler Ruegsegger centering Hobey Baker candidate Rhett Rahkshani and former first round draft pick Joe Colborne. Eaves is countering with senior Blake Geoffrion at the pivot between senior Ben Street and freshman Craig Smith. This is going to be a line for the Badgers that has an opportunity to put up points but also be strong defensively. With a good faceoff man in Geoffrion, and three players that are strong both ways, I like what we've done here.

Our new second line is actually just a version of an old line. Left winger Jordy Murray has been paired back with Center Derek Stepan and Michael Davies. I can guarantee you that this is one of the most dangerous second lines in the entire country. I don't think there are many second lines out there with two guys with point totals of 26 (Davies) and 27 (Stepan). Add in Murray who can do the little things and get the puck to those two, and you have a dynamic combination.

Our third and fourth lines are a combination of players who have played a lot of games in a Wisconsin uniform and that is crucial in important games down the stretch. Eaves has paired three seniors (Mitchell-Bendickson-Grotting) on our third line, and one senior and two juniors (Bohmbach-Dolan-Johnson) on our fourth line. I would have liked to see Derek Lee get in the mix somewhere, but in my opinion he needs to be on one of the top 2 lines in order to be successful. The biggest problem I have is Thurber being out of the lineup. I really like the way that kid plays and while I know he is a good centerman, he has the ability to play on the wing over Pat Johnson. Prove me wrong Patrick.

The defensive pairings stay the same. Scott Gudmandson starts in goal.

Here are the lines for tonight according to Baggot.

Wisconsin

Ben Street-Blake Geoffrion-Craig Smith
Jordy Murray-Derek Stepan-Michael Davies
John Mitchell-Aaron Bendickson-Ben Grotting
Andy Bohmbach-Sean Dolan-Patrick Johnson

Ryan McDonagh-Jake Gardiner
Brendan Smith-John Ramage
Cody Goloubef-Justin Schultz

Scott Gudmandson

Denver

Rhett Rahkshani-Tyler Ruegsegger-Joe Colborne
Anthony Maiani-Jesse Martin-Kyle Ostrow
Matt Glasser-Drew Shore-Chris Knowlton
Shawn Ostrow-Brian Gifford-Brandon Vossberg

Patrick Wiercioch-John Lee
Matt Donovan-Chris Nutini
Paul Phillips-Cody Brookwell

Marc Cheverie

Narrowing The Wisconsin Mr. Hockey Candidates

Every year one of the most debated subject in regards to Wisconsin hockey is who is going to win the prestigious Mr. Hockey award at the high school level. The season is about 2/3 of the way done so we have a pretty good idea of the kids who are going to be in contention at the awards banquet in Madison in March.

I've talked with a few people, taken into account my personal viewings of these players, and considered some statistics when putting together this list. I've narrowed it down to 8 players that I feel have a shot at the award. Are they the 8 that will be finalists? Probably not. But I can guarantee you that the winner will come from this list of 8.

Keep in mind that in order to win the award, you must be a senior in high school. Also, off ice accomplishments are also taken into account. Obviously I could not do that so this list was based simply on what was done at the rink. Without further ado, here is a brief introduction to each of the players (alphabetical order):


Brian Berger-Arrowhead 6/26/1991

Berger, a 5'10, 168 lb forward was an absolute beast last season in the playoffs for Arrowhead leading them to a state championship. He has picked up where he left off and has recorded 21 goals and 21 assists through 18 games so far. Berger's biggest knack for the next level is his lack of size, but the scoring ability is definitely there. With his performance at State last year in the minds of the voters, Berger is going to be one of the favorites for the award in March.


Russell Blaser-Monona Grove 5/9/1992

Blaser, a 5'10, 172 lb forward is making a serious run at the state scoring title this season. He currently sits in second place in the state with 51 points (25 goals, 26 assists), but has played four less games than the leader. He would have to absolutely go off in his last 5 games of the season but it's possible. He was drafted this past summer by the Tri-City Storm in the 12th round of last summers USHL draft.


Brian Kemp-Fond du Lac 9/21/1991

Kemp, a 6'1, 200 lb defenseman is going to have a tough time winning the award because he's not overly flashy. He has put up decent point totals this season for Fond du Lac with 6 goals and 14 assists in 15 games. I've included him in the list not because of the points but because of how sound Kemp is defensively. Like I said he probably won't win the award but he's definitely one of the best players for his position and should be invited for the ceremony.


Nolan Kirley-Hayward 2/25/1992

Kirley, a 5'10, 182 lb defenseman is your prototypical hard ass. A former draft pick in the Ontatio Hockey league Priority Selection, Kirley is always one of the most feared players on the ice. He'll take his fair share of penalties but the intimidation factor Kirley brings to the table will get him noticed at the next level. Kirley has recorded 12 goals and 19 assists for 31 points in 14 games so far for the Hurricanes.


Tony Kujava-Green Bay Notre Dame 1/5/1992

Kujava, a 5'9, 156 lb goaltender provides an interesting case this year in terms of the Mr. Hockey Award. From what I can remember, no goaltender has ever won the award. Kujava very well could become the first. He's having an outstanding season with only one loss for Notre Dame Academy. Kujava leads all goaltenders with at least 10 games played in GAA (1.27), and Save percentage (.948).


Max McCormick-Green Bay Notre Dame 5/1/1992

McCormick, a 5'11, 164 lb forward is my favorite to win this seasons Mr. Hockey Award. McCormick is the best player on the best team in the state. He currently has 20 goals and 24 assists through 17 games. McCormick was also the best forward for Team Wisconsin this fall with 24 points in 24 games, good enough to finish 10th in the Elite league in scoring. Kujava stealing votes could be his biggest problem.


Shayne McLaughlin-Eau Claire Memorial 2/6/1992

McLaughlin, a 6'2, 216 lb defenseman is one of the few representatives from the North/West side of the state. McLaughlin made the full time switch to defense mid last season but he's really come into his own. A physical presence at all times on the ice, McLaughlin has actually put up more points as a defenseman and has currently recorded 8 goals and 18 assists for 26 points patrolling the Old Abes blueline.


Tanner Tryggestad-Amery 5/3/1992

Tryggestad, a 5'8, 170 lb forward from Amery is having an outstanding season. He's currently playing on one of the highest scoring lines in the state along with senior Kyle Schultz and freshman Jake Mullendore. Tryggestad currently has 26 goals and 23 assists through 17 games for the Warriors. Tryggestad probably won't win the award but his season should not go un-noticed.


A few other names to consider: Thomas Wettstein (Fox Cities), Mark Lambrecht (DC Everest)


Predicted Winner: Max McCormick-Green Bay Notre Dame
Runner Up: Brian Berger-Arrowhead
Goalie of the Year: Tony Kujava-Green Bay Notre Dame

Late Tuesday Update: Schultz Makes Grades

Badger fans can rest easy, Justin Schultz apparently did what he needed to do to stay eligible tonight according to Baggot's update tonight.

According to Baggot Eaves refused to get into details but said "a perfect storm happened.''

Schultz, a freshman defenseman from West Kelowna, British Columbia is having a solid freshman season for the Badgers. He has recorded two goals and seven assists while playing in all 22 games for the Badgers this season.
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Former Badger forward and 2006 National Champion Robbie Earl was placed on waivers by the Minnesota Wild today.

From the article: In most cases, a player who passes through waivers either remains with the club or would be assigned to Houston of the AHL. For instance, Robbie Earl was placed on waivers Tuesday, but he practiced with the Wild and will either stay or be assigned to Houston if he clears.

Earl has had some success with the Wild this season. In extremely limited playing time, Earl recorded three goals in thirteen games.
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The opening night of the inaugural "Showdown in Titletown" had an interesting twist. Two teams that many had pegged for the Championship game Saturday both lost tonight. Fourth ranked Eau Claire Memorial lost 3-2 on home ice to second ranked Wasau West. Over in Stevens Point, the undefeated and number one ranked team in the state Green Bay Notre Dame was upset by S.P.A.S.H. 5-2. Wausau West plays the winner of the Fond du Lac/Appleton matchup and S.P.A.S.H. plays the winner of the Madison Edgewood/Waukesha Catholic Memorial tilt.
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DPlaya has some coverage of how the WIAA Hockey sectionals break down this season. It's a good read of your a high school hockey fan. I can't wait for the high school playoffs to get kicked off this season.
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Ok so this isn't really news but I think it's funny regardless. There is this little link at the bottom of the blog where you can see the website statistics with how many people per day are viewing the blog and what not. You can also see how people accessed the site, through links or google searching or whatever.

I just noticed that someone found our blog today by trying to find out whether or not Adam Burish is married. I can tell you that as far as I know, Burish is not married, but maybe someone else can confirm that. This is not the weirdest search I've seen that someone got to our blog though. In the last couple of weeks someone found us by trying to find out if assistant Waterloo Black Hawks coach Shane Fukushima is married. Good luck with that.

Very Important High School Tournament Starts Tonight

Wisconsin high school hockey has been waiting for something like this for some time. Under the direction of Notre Dame Academy (Green Bay), the first ever "Showdown In Titletown" starts tonight with regional games in Eau Claire and Stevens Point.

The coaches and administrators at Notre Dame Academy pulled off a mid-season non-conference tournament featuring 8 of the top teams in the state of Wisconsin with the finals being played at the Resch Center in Green Bay.

The regional games tonight feature fourth ranked Eau Claire Memorial hosting second ranked Wausau West in a rematch from earlier in the season. Memorial won the earlier contest in two overtimes. The game is scored as a tie officially due to WIAA rules of only playing one overtime (They played two becuase it was a holiday tournament). The game will be at 7:00 PM at Hobbs in Eau Claire.

The other regional game tonight will be at KB Willet Arena in Stevens Point and features the unranked SPASH panthers vs the number 1 ranked team in the state Notre Dame Academy. Notre Dame Academy features two of the best players in the state in forward Max McCormick and defenseman Tim Davison. Davison has been battling a concussion issue but returned Saturday in a win against rival Ashwaubenon.

The two other regional games will be played tomorrow and Thursday. The game tomorrow features honorable mention Catholic Memorial/Pius going on the road against sixth ranked Madison Edgewood. The Thursday game features ninth ranked Fond du Lac hosting eighth ranked Appleton United.

According to Wisconsin Prep Hockey, second round games will be contested at either the Resch Center or Cornerstone Community Center on Friday, January 22. The seventh place and consolation games will be played at Cornerstone on Saturday, January 23. The third place game and championship game will be played the same day at the Resch Center.

In conjunction with the high school tournament, the Green Bay Gamblers will host the Sioux City Musketeers Friday night at the Resch Center. Game time is 7:05pm. Former Wisconsin high school stars Matt Paape (Wisconsin commit), Chase Drake (Wisconsin commit), Sean Little(Wisconsin commit) , and Aaron Harstad (Colorado College commit) are expected to compete.

Having a mid-season tournament featuring teams ranked 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9 and one in the Honorable Mention is something the state of Wisconsin has never seen before. Minnesota has been doing this over the past few years with the Schwan's Cup tournament over the holidays with the top teams playing at the Xcel Energy Center. This is a step in the right direction for Wisconsin high school hockey.

Tuesday Update: Schultz In Academic Trouble

First, I just want to apologize for the lack of posting over the past few days. I've been away and haven't had access to post. With that said, I have a few news and links for you today.

We'll start off with the most important news. You've probably already heard but Justin Schultz academic eligibility is in limbo. Late last night Baggot had a blog post addressing the issue. In the post, Eaves was quoted as saying, "It's going down to the 11th hour." The spring semester started today so I have not heard whether or not Schultz was eligible or not.

It's definitely a thing to keep an eye on. Schultz definitely is not our most important player on the team but the consistency he's provided along with our other regular 5 defensemen has been huge for us. Let's hope that he got everything taken care of and we don't have to deal with this again. If it turns out bad for us, let's hope Mr. Springer is healthy and ready to step in.
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Wisconsin native and former Badger Joe Pavelski had been absolutely ice cold since being announced as a member of the upcoming USA Olympic Hockey team. In the first seven games since the announcement, the polish prince had gone scoreless. Saturday night he finally got on the board with an assist. Last night Joe money had a huge night with a goal and three assists in a 9-1 Sharks win over the Flames.
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The Badgers dropped one spot in the Pairwise Ranking after the loss on Saturday night to Colorado College. They currently sit in fourth place in the country. The Badgers obviously have a huge weekend coming up with Denver coming to town. The Pioneers come to Madison ranked #1 in the country in the USCHO.com and USA Today polls. Denver is second in the Pairwise. A sweep for either team could go a long ways in locking up the number 1 seed in the West Regional in St. Paul.
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According to the Minneapolis Star Tribune, former Gopher womens hockey player Anya Miller's little sister Laurel has committed to the Wisconsin womens program. Laurel's older sister, Anya, played for the Gophers from 2005 to '08. Laurel attended one of her sister's games against Wisconsin and was asked by their aunt about becoming a Gopher someday. Laurel's reply: "No, I want to be a Badger."
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Wisconsin has announced that there will be a free open skate on the Camp Randall Ice the night before the Culvers Camp Randall Classic. The skate is free but you must register for a ticket on UWBadgers.com in order for the organizers to keep track of the number of skaters. You can register for tickets starting Monday at 8:30 AM.
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Way Too Early NCAA Bracketology

Ok, I realize that this is way too early and there will be a ton of changes. But this is a fun thing to track as the season progresses. Here is an early look at what the NCAA tournament would look like if the season ended after last night (Friday). As of right now the Badgers would be a number 1 seed out in Albany according to the USCHO poster "Priceless."

Albany            Worcester   Fort Wayne     St. Paul
1. Wisconsin     1. Ferris    1. Miami       1. Denver
2. North Dakota  2. Duluth    2. St Cloud    2. Boston College
3. Bemidji       3. Union     3. Michigan St 3. Colorado College
4. New Hampshire 4. UMass     4. Vermont     4. AHA Champ

Here is the current PWR which is used to seed the teams.

1. Denver
2. Miami
3. Wisconsin
4. Ferris State

5. Minnesota Duluth
6. St. Cloud
7. North Dakota
8. Boston College

9. Michigan State
10. Colorado College
11. Bemidji State
12. Union

13. Massachusets
14. New Hampshire
15. Vermont
16. Atlantic Hockey Champion

Gudmandson, Badgers Shut Out Tigers 4-0

The Badgers have been running a two goaltender rotation almost religiously this season. Up until this weekend, (with the exception of when Bennett was injured and the Minnesota series) it was Brett Bennett on Friday night, and Scott Gudmandson on Saturday night. With the elite play of Gudmandson, it may be time to let him take the reins full time.

Coach Eaves changed things up this weekend and decided to give Gudmandson a shot on Friday night and he did not disappoint. Gudmandson was spectacular, backstopping the Badgers to a 4-0 win against eighth ranked Colorado College. The Canadian backstop turned aside 35 Tiger shots en route to his third career shutout as a Badger. Gudmandson's statistics speak for themselves: a 7-2-3 record, a .931 save percentage which is good enough for fourth in the nation, and a 1.89 goals against average, good enough for third in the nation.

But Scotty wasn't the only star wearing cardinal on Friday night. Derek Stepan continued to ride the juice from the World Junior Championship gold medal into a three point night. The sophomore forward had a hand in the first three goals of the game and the Badgers never looked back from there.

Senior forward Michael Davies also continued his hot streak Friday. After an absolutely brilliant effort in the Badger Hockey Showdown (two goals and three assists in two games) he continued the streak with two helpers against CC. Davies has 8 points in his last 4 games played (3 goals, 5 assists). Through 19 games (remember he was a healthy scratch the first two games of the season) Davies has 23 points (8 goals, 15 assists).

Here is the scoring courtesy of collegehockeystats.net

First Period

:43-Ben Street (Michael Davies, Derek Stepan)
5:37-Derek Stepan SH

Second Period

9:22-Brendan Smith (Derek Stepan, Michael Davies)
11:24-Jordy Murray (Blake Geoffrion, Craig Smith)

Third Period

No Scoring

Scott Gudmandson (Wisconsin)-35 shots, 35 saves
Joe Howe (Colorado College)-29 shots, 24 saves

It's Friday, I'm in Love

I don't care if Mondays black
Tuesday, Wednesday - heart attack
Thursday, never looking back
It's Friday, I'm in love

BADGER MEN @ CC: FRI 8:30 PM / SAT 8 PM

UW: 12-5-3 overall, 8-4-2 WCHA
CC: 12-7-3 overall, 8-5-3 WCHA

Gameday Links
TV: none
Radio: WIBA 1310
Audio webstream: insideBADGERSPORTS ($9.95/mo), cctigers (free)
Video webstream: b2live ($7/game)
Live stats: cctigers
Live blog: Capobianco*, Worgull (BN)*

* I don't have the direct blog links, but they should be linked on the front page of their respective sites at game time.

Weekly Shooutout Winner
This week, JUSTIN SCHULTZ won the shootout over John Ramage.

Badger Lines
Murray - Geoffrion - C Smith
Street - Stepan - Davies
Mitchell - Bendickson - Grotting
Bohmbach - Thurber - P Johnson

McDonagh - Gardiner
B Smith - Ramage
Goloubef - Schultz

Gudmandson
Bennett

Extra Skaters - Lee, C Johnson

Looks like Eaves is switching up the goalie rotation, w/ Gudmandson on Friday and Bennett on Saturday.

Tiger lines
Sweatt - Hamburg - Rapuzzi
Schultz - Civitarse - Testwuide
Hall - Schwartz - Johnson
deBoer - Dineen - McMillin

Guentzel - Prosser
Lowery - Marciano
Fredheim - Leaverton

Howe

Series Previews
uwbadgers: game notes
cc tigers: preview, game notes
Baggot (WSJ): On the road, Eaves runs the option
Baggot (WSJ): UW men's hockey at Colorado College
Baggot (WSJ blog): Eaves adds recruit, may change goalie rotation
Baggot (WSJ blog): CC hasn't seen this Badger lineup

Other Articles/Links
uwbadgers: Mike Eaves' weekly presser


The Usual Suspects
CHN: Tale of the Tape
USCHO: This Week in the WCHA (Spisak), What I Think (Milewski), Tuesday Morning Quarterback (Milewski/Connelly, USCHO Extra)
INCH: Friday Four-cast, First Shift (national notebook), Homestand could cool Tech Hotseat (WCHA notebook)
Goon's World: Weekend Match-ups (Sioux 7)

HatchetJoe says . . .
"me'skwak msuguk zhya pnoe azhi shokinkik gipkInage keakwetakane shepshi....nish...." . . . Potawatami for "RedBadger travel many miles over flat ground to beat Tiger that lives by mountains...twice..."

BADGER WOMEN @ Duluth Foreign Legion: Sat 7 PM / SUN 4 PM

Gameday Links
TV: none
Radio: none
Video webstream: b2live - Sat, Sun ($7/game)
Live stats: umdbulldogs - Sat, Sun
Live blog: Boscacci*

* I don't have the direct blog link, but it should be linked on the front page at game time.

Series Previews
uwbadgers: preview, game notes
umdbulldogs: preview

Shattuck Pipeline Continues: Jason Clark Verbals

Coach Eaves is going back to the well that never seems to go dry. The well? Shattuck St. Marys Prep School in Fairbult, MN. You've heard about all the players: Parise, Okposo, Toews, and Crosby. The school has also produced recent Badgers McBain, Grotting, Stepan, and Murray.

Wisconsin extended pipeline this week when senior forward Jason Clark from Eden Prarie, MN gave the Badger coaching staff his verbal commitment to play for Wisconsin next fall.

The 6'1, 180 pound Clark saw an opportunity to opportunity to immediately step into the Badgers lineup next season with the graduation of seven senior forwards.

Wisconsin signed five forwards in the early signing period (Jefferson Dahl, Mark Zengerle, Tyler Barnes, Sean Little, and Michael Mersch). Clark would be the sixth member of the forward class for the fall of 2010. The Badgers also have commitments from four forwards that could come to Madison in the fall as well, but will most likely be 2011 recruits unless there are early departures (Tyler Lapic, Matt Paape, Cody Strang, and Gavin Hartzog).

Clark is a shoe-in to be drafted in the upcoming NHL draft this summer in Los Angeles. Prior to his commitment, the only player with Badger ties connected to the draft was going to be current defenseman John Ramage. Clark was ranked as the 73rd best skater eligible for the draft in North America by the NHL Central Scouting Bureau which released it's mid-term rankings this week. Most likely he will be drafted anywhere from the second round to the fourth round.

Projected Wisconsin Recruit Lineup:

2010 Forward Recruits:
Tyler Barnes-Waterloo Blackhawks (USHL)-Burnsville, MN
Jason Clark-Shattuck St. Marys Prep-Eden Prarie, MN
Jefferson Dahl-Youngstown Phantoms (USHL)-Eau Claire, WI
Sean Little-Green Bay Gamblers (USHL)-Fond du Lac, WI
Michael Mersch-USA NTDP (U18)-Park Ridge, IL
Mark Zengerle-Salmon Arm Silverbacks (BCHL)-Rochester, NY

2010 Defense Recruits:
Chase Drake-Sioux City Musketeers (USHL)-Mosinee, WI
Frankie Simonelli-USA NTDP (U18)-Bensenville, IL

2011 Forward Recruits:
Gavin Hartzog-Bismark Bobcats (NAHL)-Milwaukee, WI
Tyler Lapic-Omaha Lancers (USHL)-New Prague, MN
Matt Paape-Sioux City Musketeers (USHL)-Appleton, WI
Cody Strang-Youngstown Phantons (USHL)-Madison, WI

2011 Defense Recruits:
Troy Hesketh-Minnetonka High School (MN)-Minnetonka, MN
Jake McCabe-USA NTDP U-17-Eau Claire, WI

2012 Forward Recruits:
Corbin Mcguire-Taft Prep

2012 Defense Recruits:
Jordan Schmaltz-Chicago Mission Midget Majors-Verona, WI
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Also of note, a player that Wisconsin had been following for a while, defenseman David Donnellan from Eau Claire recently committed to Western Michigan. Donnellan was a high school teammate of Wisconsin recruit Jefferson Dahl. The two also currently play together for the Youngstown Phantoms in the USHL.

Badgers In The Pros: 2009 Update

Here is an updated list of forever Badger players currently getting paid to play the game they love. Surprisingly, there hasn't been a ton of changes since we last updated the list last spring. Of note: Dany Heatley was traded from Ottawa to San Jose, Robbie Earl is up with the Wild, Curtis Joseph has retired, Chris Chelios is playing full time in the AHL with the Chicago Wolves, Matt Ford is in the AHL again, Shane Connelly landed in the ECHL with South Carolina, and Alex Brooks went to Europe.

Click on any player to view player career statistics including stats while at Wisconsin.

NHL: (12)

Rene Bourque-Calgary Flames (40 games, 17 goals, 20 assists, 37 points)
Adam Burish-Chicago Blackhawks (Knee injury)
Davis Drewiske-Los Angles Kings (38 gms, 1 g, 7 a, 8 pts, Currently Injured)
Robbie Earl-Minnesota Wild (12 gms, 3 g, 0 a, 3 pts)
Brian Elliott-Ottawa Senators (25 games, .900 Save %, 2.87 GAA)
Tom Gilbert-Edmonton Oilers (44 gms, 2 g, 7 a, 9 pts)
Dany Heatley-San Jose Sharks (46 gms, 26 g, 23 a, 49 pts)
Joe Pavelski-San Jose Sharks (31 gms, 9 g, 12 a, 21 pts)
Brian Rafalski-Detroit Red Wings (40 gms, 2 g, 16 a, 18 pts)
Steve Reinnprecht-Phoenix Coyotes (45 gms, 13 g, 18 a, 31 pts)
Ryan Suter-Nashville Predators (46 gms, 2 g, 20 a, 22 pts)
Brad Winchester-St. Louis Blues (36 gms, 2 g, 4 a, 6 pts)

AHL: (13)

Chris Chelios-Chicago Wolves
Jake Dowell-Rockford Ice Hogs (2 NHL games, no points)
Josh Engel-Toronto Marlies
Brian Fahey-Lake Erie Monsters
Matt Ford-Lake Erie Monsters
Andrew Joudrey-Hershey Bears
Ryan MacMurchy-Springfield Falcons
Jamie McBain-Albany River Rats
Joe Piskula-Manchester Monarchs
Jack Skille-Rockford Ice Hogs (6 NHL games, 1 goal, 1 assist)
Kyle Turris-San Antonio Rampage
Nigel Williams-Hartford Wolf Pack
Andy Wozniewski-Providence Bruins (2 NHL games, no points)

ECHL: (3)

Andy Brandt-Victoria Salmon Kings
Ross Carlson-Florida Everblades
Shane Connelly-South Carolina Stingrays

Europe: (8)

Alex Brooks-Jokerit Helsinki (Finland)
Bernd Bruckler-Nizhny Novgorod Torpedo-KHL (Russia)
Mickey Elick-VSV EC-(Austria)
Mark Heatley-Munich EHC
Matt Hussey-Ingolstadt ERC-DEL
Kyle Klubertanz-Djurgardens IF Stockholm (Sweden)
Alex Leavitt-Kassel Huskies-DEL
Jeff Likens-Augsburg Panthers-DEL

IHL: (3)

Matt Auffrey-Dayton Gems
Dan Boeser-Muskegon Lumberjacks
David Hukalo-Fort Wayne Komets

CHL: (1)
Tom Sawatske-Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees

AAHL: (1)
Tom Bardis-Madison Ice Muskies (Team has folded)

Where Are They Now: Garrett Suter

Garrett Suter

When Garrett Suter was born, he came out wearing a cardinal and white Wisconsin sweater. When he grew up to be a six foot two-hundred pound defenseman, it was only a matter of time before he would be lacing his skates in the Kohl Center for his hometown team. Garrett's Dad Bob played for the Badgers, his uncle Gary played for the Badgers, and most recently, his brother Ryan played for the Badgers. There simply was no way that Garrett would not be a Badger.

After a solid career with the Madison Capitols AAA program in which his dad was his head coach, he officially committed to the University of Wisconsin on a hockey scholarship. Garrett played his senior season of high school with the Green Bay Gamblers (USHL) and was looking forward to joining the University of Wisconsin program in the fall of 2005 along with Shane Connelly, Jack Skille, and Tom Gorowsky (Ben Street committed later).

That plan was thrown to the wayside when Suter failed to qualify academically for admission at the University of Wisconsin. Still having three years of junior eligibility, Suter took his game across the border to Salmon Arm of the British Columbia junior hockey league. The stint didn't go as well as he had planned, and he ended up back in the USHL, this time with the Waterloo Black Hawks.

After failing to qualify for the 2005 season, Suter was determined to qualify in 2006. He took his game to Omaha, Nebraska to play for the Lancers (USHL), his fifth city in four seasons. Unfortunately, Suter could not turn it around. In June of 2006, it was announced that Suter once again had failed to qualify for admission to the University of Wisconsin, and most likely would never gain admission.

Understandably, Suter faced much public criticism for his failure to take his studies seriously and wasting an opportunity to get a free education at an institution where his family is held in a legendary type status.

This could have been an opportunity for Garrett Suter to give up on hockey. It could have been an opportunity for him to give up on a college future and work in his dads hockey shop for the rest of his life. Instead, Garrett showed the resiliency that his family is known for and enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, a Division III college in central Wisconsin.

Instead of pouting about his situation and former successes, Garrett Suter took a proactive approach at Stevens Point. Suter was named NCHA Honorable-Mention in both his freshman and Sophomore seasons. Currently in his junior season for the Pointers, Suter is the Team Captain and leading scorer with 17 points in 17 games.

In a recent article written by the Stevens Point Journal, head coach Wil Nichol raved about Suters play, "When he's disciplined and plays within himself and not force things, Garrett is the best (Division III) player in the country and he still has room to grow," said Nichol. High praise for a player who's career seemed to be destined for the local adult leagues.

Suter will be an interesting player to follow as his college career comes to a close at the outset of next season. He certainly has the background and pedigree to excel and get paid to play hockey. The level of pro hockey that he could reach is the only debate. I for one would like to wish Garrett the best in wherever he aspires to take his hockey career.

Linkin' It Up On A Monday: Stepan Staying Next Season?

There is an interesting link on Goons Blog last night talking about the futures of Badger defenseman Ryan McDonagh and forward Derek Stepan. The link comes from the New York Post and has some interesting information.

According to the article, "there was speculation following the tournament (World Junior Championship) that Team USA captain and Rangers' draft pick Derek Stepan would bolt Wisconsin to play junior hockey, but Slap Shots (New York Post Hockey Blog) was told on Friday by a well-placed source that the center will complete his sophomore year with the Badgers." Not a ton of news there, because we know that Stepan would never bolt mid season.

The more interesting news comes in the next paragraph. "The Blueshirts, we're told, believe Stepan needs another year of development either at school or in junior hockey before he's ready to turn pro, but are keenly interested in getting Wisconsin defenseman Ryan McDonagh -- acquired from Montreal in the Scott Gomez deal -- into the organization following the completion of this, his junior season."

The McDonagh news shouldn't be shocking to anyone. I don't think there is a person on the planet who expected him to play his senior season for the Wisconsin Badgers. The interesting news is that the Rangers would like to see Stepan play another season for Wisconsin. I think everyone expected after the WJC that he had that he would be bolting for New York next season. I think it would be a huge for his development to come back and captain the Badgers next season. He could potentially have a Hobey Baker type season if he plays his junior season in Madison rather than for the Rangers AHL franchise the Hartford Wolf Pack.
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The weekly polls have been released and Wisconsin is still sitting extremely high. In the USCHO.Com Division 1 Mens Poll Wisconsin checks in at number three. Last week they were number four. In the USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine poll, Wisconsin also moved up from number four to number three.

In the only ranking that matters, the all important Pairwise Ranking, Wisconsin is still listed in a tie for fourth with Bemidji State and Duluth. In the KRACH Ranking, which has nothing to do with the NCAA selections but is probably the best ranking system there is, Wisconsin is listed third.

I refuse to recognize the INCH rankings.
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This link comes courtesy of Andy Baggot. According to Madison.com, former Badger defensemen Brian Rafalski and Ryan Suter have been named alternate captains for the US Olympic Hockey team that will compete at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.
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NHL Central scouting released their mid-term rankings for the NHL draft today and there was only one player with Wisconsin ties listed. That is current Badger defenseman John Ramage. Ramage was passed over in last years draft in his first year of eligibility. After his start to the season and his performance in the WJC he should undoubtedly be drafted this time around. He is currently ranked #187 and should be drafted somewhere betweek the fourth and sixth rounds.
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Photo Courtesy of RedHeat15

USA Gold Medal Post Game Locker Room

Stole this from The Denver blog LetsGoDU. Awesome video.

Recruiting: Pair Of Recruits In Town Saturday

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

chuckschwartz@live.com

GOLD

USA U17's McCabe, Schmaltz, Fiala Win GOLD!!!!

Press Release From Hockey Canada

TIMMINS, Ont. – For the first time since 2002, the United States is on top of the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge.

Reid Boucher (Michigan State commit) set up Tyler Biggs (Miami commit) for the game’s opening goal early in the second period and Biggs returned the favour on Boucher’s game-winner in the first minute of the third as the United States ended a two-game losing streak in the gold medal game with a 2-1 victory over Ontario on Monday night.

The U.S. won its first U17 title since claiming the second of back-to-back golds in 2001 and 2002. It lost in the gold medal game in 2006 and 2008 – the 2008 game to Ontario. The win also made the Americans just the third team to win three U17 golds; Ontario leads with seven, and Quebec has also won three.

The game was a goaltender’s duel from the start; despite 21 shots on goal in the opening period (11-10 in favour of the United States) netminders Tyson Teichmann of Ontario and John Gibson of the U.S. kept the game scoreless through 20 minutes.

Boucher finally broke the goose egg 1:51 into the second period, snapping a shot past Teichmann, but the middle frame was also owned by the goaltenders – Boucher’s goal was the only one of 25 shots to beat Teichmann and Gibson.

Just as it did in its tournament-opening loss to Finland, Ontario owned the third period, outshooting the U.S. 19-6, but not before Biggs sent a shot far side on Teichmann to double the American lead just 31 seconds into the period.

Gibson and the American shut the door from there, although a goal from Daniel Catenacci with just one second remaining gave the pro-Canadian crowd of more than 2,000 at McIntyre Arena something to cheer about late, and ruined Gibson’s shutout bid.

The loss ended Ontario’s gold medal game winning streak at three – it had not lost the final game at a U17 tournament since 2000, when it lost to Russia in, ironically, Timmins.

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PS...Sue me if it's illegal to blog like this. Your not going to win much money.

USA Women's Olympic Team @ KC Tomorrow 7 PM

Be there or be square?

Tomorrow night Mark Johnson and 7 former or current Badgers (along w/ 14 Olympic teammates) are coming to the Kohl Center. Five former Badgers include Erika Lawler, Jessie Vetter, Jinelle Zaugg-Siergiej, Kerry Weiland and Molly Engstrom. Two current Badgers are redshirting this season to play in the Olympics, and Hilary Knight and Meghan Duggan will rejoin the Badgers next season.


Both Duggan and Knight have blog posts at uwbadgers.com about the upcoming game. Both are very excited to be back in Madison, in front of the home crowd.

I tagged along to St. Paul last wednesday when the Olympic team played Canada at the Excel Energy Center. Canada was a 2-1 winner, but the US played better than they did earlier in the month in Denver. They have some work to do to gain Olympic gold, but they have the talent. Erika Lawler always give 100% (I don't buy into the 110% thing) and kept the puck alive in gaining an assist in USA's only goal. It was great to see Hilary Knight play again; I'm biased but I believe she is the greatest female hockey player in the world, and can't wait for her to light up the box scores in Vancouver. Jessie Vetter was not in net, but I'd guess she will be tomorrow.

If you aren't busy tomorrow, come to the Kohl Center, you can afford $5. If you are veteran, police officer, EMS or firefighter, you can get in for $1 as UW is celebrating local heroes. When will you get another chance to see an Olympic team play in Madison or Wisconsin no less? There is something special about seeing our fellow citizens in the Red, White and Blue representing our country.

For the Badgers, both Brooke Ammerman and Brianna Decker were invited to the evaluation camp this summer and will likely be Olympians themselves 4 years from now.

Lastly, in a day where sports role models are hard to find, 21 good ones will be on the ice tomorrow night. Bring your kids, have them watch 20 to 30 year olds who bust their ass, not for phat contracts following college, but for a chance to represent their country and reach their life long dreams.

USA U20's and U17's Beat Sweden, Gold Medals Next?

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.
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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.