Tuesday Morning News and Notes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Murray Mulling a Senior Return and other news

Andy Baggot informs us today that Jordy Murray is currently weighing his options on returning for his senior season w/ the Badgers. Murray has the unique opportunity due to his status as a registered hockey player in Switzerland from when his father Andy was a coach there that he would not be considered an import player. Swiss teams are only allowed 4 imports. His brother Brady, a former Sioux player, currently plays in Switzerland as a non-import. Switzerland does not have any  taxes (damn that must be nice), and teams pay well.  As Baggot points out, likely more than anything Murray would get after his senior year from a NHL team.

60 had talked w/ both Murray’s (father and son) toward the end of the season, and Murray was then planning on returning to UW to finish his playing career and degree. The potential change in plans arose from the Swiss League considering changing their import rules this summer. A rule change could take away Murray’s ability to be considered a non-import player a year from now.

This is a tough spot for young Jordy Murray. I would certainly love to see him back in the Cardinal and White next season, but wish him well if he takes this lucrative deal if the import rules are going to change, taking away this option a year from now. Should Jordy return for his senior season, and Craig Smith and Justin Schultz stay on course for returning, UW would return their top three scorers.

Baggot also thinks should Murray leave early, the logical decision would be to bring in Brad Navin.  I'm not sure I agree w/ this, true he is the only forward currently committed who COULD come in next season.  Worry about this if Murray does leave.

In other news, Baggot reported yesterday that Burnsville (MN) senior defenseman Eddie Wittchow will visit UW in May (along w/ visits to minnesota and CC). Wittchow has good size, 6’3”, 185 lbs, and has vaulted up the scouting boards going from unranked in the mid-term NHL central scouting to #111 in the recent final rankings for the 2011 draft. RedLine Report has him at #72. Wittchow parents are both UW grads and he has been cheering for the Badgers his whole life. This is of course good news, but no guarantee. Wittchow mentions he would like to play NCAA hockey next season, but is open to a year of juniors. UW is currently full on the blue line w/ senior Eric Springer, juniors Justin Schultz and John Ramage, sophomores Frankie Simonelli and Joe Faust, redshirt freshman Chase Drake and incoming freshman Jake McCabe and Patrick Daly. We’ll have to see what happens, but this young man recognizes that Eaves sends elite dmen on to the pros, something CC and minnesota can’t match in numbers that last 6 years.

I should also note, Chuck broke this news (w/ out naming Wittchow) on USCHO a few days back already, and I don’t want him to think I’m not giving him credit for his news breaking ability.

Baggot also points out the RLR rankings of current and future Badgers: Winger Michael Mersch, who just finished his freshman season, is 50th (second round); center Joe Labate, a freshman committed for 2011-12, is 64th (third round); and defenseman Frankie Simonelli, who just completed his freshman season, is 127th (fifth round). 

Lastly, Dplaya over at Hockey in Wisconsin, had a nice story about a few UW players helping out recently.  The Little brothers (is the pun intended?) along w/ Jefferson Dahl spent some time in Fond du Lac helping out at the Mite Cross-Ice Tournament taking young players through drills and signing a bunch of autographs.  Dahl also helped out w/ the CCM Minnesota NIT tryouts in Tomah.  Great work guys!  From mites to high schoolers, you are role models and apparently making a very positive impression.

pictures from collegehockeynews.com and mnhockeyhub.com

Recruit News Linkorama

Congratulations are in order to Gavin Hartzog and the Bismarck Bobcats on capturing the 2010 Robertson Cup and North American Hockey League championship! Gavin is a 2011 recruit who had a rough year in juniors after a solid rookie campaign. He began the season where he finished his last one, w/ the Fargo Force of the USHL, but was demoted to the NAHL early in the season and ended up in Bismarck. Gavin didn’t factoring into the scoring in the championship game, but he did register 5 SOG. While he did struggle this season, Gavin still has one thing that cannot be taught (similar to John Mitchell): Size.

Speaking of his old team in Fargo, they are headed to a concluding Game 5 against the Green Bay Gamblers to decide the USHL Clark Cup on Wednesday night in GB. Green Bay features 2010 Badger recruit Sean Little. After winning Games 1 & 2 on the road, Fargo went home looking to clinch, but lost a heart breaker in Game 3 where the game was decided in 3OT’s. Green Bay won Game 4 the next night to send the series back to Titletown and Game 5. Tickets for Wednesday’s game are only $5. I’m thinking of going myself, since it is not often you get to see a champion crowded at any level w/ in such a short drive.

Good luck to Sean as he tries to keep the streak of Badger recruits winning the Clark Cup alive. In 2008, Matt Thurber and the Omaha Lancers were winners, last year Brett Bennett and the Indiana Ice took home the title. Green Bay won the Anderson Cup earlier in the year as the USHL regular season championship.

Over at the Hockey in Wisconsin Blog, Dplaya continues to do an outstanding job w/ his series interviewing former Wisconsin High School hockey players. Last week’s interview was w/ 2011 Badger recruit Cody Strang. Cody is a 2009 graduate of Edgewood HS and as a senior won Wisconsin’s Mr. Hockey award. Last season, he played for Youngstown of the USHL. He talks about all of that and more in his interview; definitely a good read. I pulled out two questions to cut and paste.

Dplaya: Can you fill us in on how your college recruitment progressed (when it happened, what teams were involved, which you liked, who you visited, why you chose UW)?

Cody: As far as recruiting went I had only talked to Wisconsin, Bowling green, St. Cloud and UMD. Wisconsin was the first scholarship offer I got and that was my dream growing up so when that offer came I knew there was nothing else that could top that. I had over ten offers to play golf to schools down south and some big ten schools, but all my life playing hockey for the Badgers has been a dream so there is no way I could pass that up.

Dplaya: You played with Wisconsin natives David Donnellan and Jefferson Dahl this season in Youngstown. Could you briefly describe their style of play (strengths, weaknesses, etc.)?

Cody: Playing with David and Jefferson was a great experience and a ton of fun. They are both great players and friends I will have for the rest of my life. David was our captain and did a great job handling the leadership role while also being our top defenseman all season. He is a physical player and moves the puck up the ice well. He blocked more shots than anyone on our team and was our best defensive player we had. Jefferson was an assistant captain for us this year and had a great year as well. I got to play on his line for a good portion of the second half of the season and it was a lot of fun. He is definitely an excellent playmaker and can find you with the puck no matter where you are on the ice. In addition to contributing offensively he was one of our top penalty kill guys and probably our best defensive forward.

The second question doesn’t relate directly to Cody (though he did say he spent the entire season on the PK), but I liked what he had to say about Jefferson Dahl and wanted Badger fans to see that. I didn’t get to see Jefferson play this past season (he played for GB in 2008/09) and I think this is a nice summary of his talents. The penalty kill will really be hurting next season since the majority of the best PKers were seniors (especially Captain Asskicker and the Bohmber) and hopefully Jefferson can step into that role. One thing is for sure, there will be opportunities at forward next season in all situations. A hard working, motivated freshman could see a lot of playing time.

A defensive forward who comes to play each night won’t take long to become one of my favorite players.

Got off track, but good luck to Cody next season in the USHL and looking forward to seeing him in the Cardinal and White not long after.

Two weeks before, Dplaya interviewed defenseman Joe Fiala, a Verona native, who is currently w/ the US NTDP. Wisconsin has shown interest in his services, and it would be a very nice recruit to add to the blue line pantheon w/ McCabe, Hesketh and Schmatlz.

Lastly, I stumbled across a newer blog last week: An Unofficial USHL Prospect Blog. The blog is constructed by a high schooler who loves hockey and wants to be a college scout, and reading through several of his player reports, he is doing a hell of a job. Keep up the good work! Of particular interest to Badger fans is a write up he did on 2011 recruit and Chicago Steel forward Brendan Woods. I’m going to have to make a point of seeing Brendan play next season, which shouldn’t be too hard between Dubuque and Green Bay.

Of possible other interest to Badger fans wanting to get to know future opponents, this blog covers several 2010 recruits Kevin Gravel (St Cloud), Seth Ambroz (minnesota), Jaden Schwartz (CC) and Derek Forbort (North Dakota), and one 2011 recruit Scott Mayfield (Denver). There might be some other future WCHA kids in there, but those jumped out at me.

He also is previewing kids who will be drafted in the upcoming USHL draft; these are kids whose names will be seen on the recruiting radar in the coming year(s). Chuck, not sure if you have any insight on any of these kids, if you do, pass it on, if you want to stay retired that is. 

Cody Strang USHL Offensive Player Of The Week

Madison native and future Badger Cody Strang has been named the USHL Reebok Hockey Offensive Player Of The Week. Strang, who most likely will end up being a 2011 forward recruit from the Badgers, is playing in his first USHL season for the Youngstown Phantoms. Future Badger Jefferson Dahl also plays for the Phantoms.

From the USHL website: "Strang scored four goals over three games for the Phantoms. After scoring two goals through his first 20 games of the season, the first-year USHL forward more than doubled that total with a "natural hat trick", scoring three goals in succession during the second period of the 7-3 victory over Team USA on January 18th. The native of Madison, Wisconsin scored his three goals over a span of 4:55 which was the first hat trick in the inaugural season of the Phantoms. The 19-year-old then scored the first goal of the game in the 3-2 loss to Cedar Rapids on Saturday."

Strang had an outstanding prep career for Madison Edgewood high school which culminated in him winning the Wisconsin Mr. Hockey award last season. Strang has battled injuries for a few years and needs to get stronger before he comes to Wisconsin. With that said, he has definitely showed flashes of brilliance at times. Keep an eye on this kid.

PS, Jefferson Dahl assisted on all three of his hat-trick goals.

Badger Men's Catch-up

Several items that have been accumulating over the past several days . . .

• In a previous post, I lamented that nubeetle hadn't sent me a link to a Bernd Bruckler interview. I have since updated that post to include the link, but I thought I'd better post the link here as well for those who might've missed it. In the interview, Bruckler talks about going to the KHL and about what he's been working on this summer. (Thanks, nubeetle!)

• PredsTV has a Badger-gopher rivalry video featuring Blake Geoffrion and Craig Smith. (Thanks to Capobianco for the heads-up.)

• Canada's Olympic Orientation Camp began yesterday. Dany Heatley is the Badgers' sole representative . Mirtle breaks down the camp roster into "locks", "contenders", "long shots", and "not going to happen"; he has Heatley as a "contender".
  

• As pointed out by DPlaya, American Junior Hockey has been "introducing" players for USHL's Youngstown Phantoms, including future Badgers Cody Strang and Jefferson Dahl.
  

  Cody Strang
  Ht/Wt: 5-8/160
  DoB: 8/25/1990
  Hometown: Madison, Wisconsin
  Previous: Madison (Wisc.) Edgewood High School
  Acquired: Fifth-round selection in USHL Entry Draft
  Scoop: A tremendous athlete, Strang was honored as Wisconsin’s Mr. Hockey 2009 this spring. Was a sleeper in the draft due to his size, but smarts and agility make him an impact centerman. Likely to develop into top scorer, both in this league and when he gets to his hometown University of Wisconsin in the fall of 2011. Played on Edgewood’s state champion golf team.
  Coach Says: “Another dynamic player with skill to spare. Cody sticks his nose in all the battles and wins more than his share.”
  
  Jefferson Dahl (DOLL)
  Ht/Wt: 5-9/175
  DoB: 9/13/1989
  Hometown: Eau Claire, Wisconsin
  Previous: Green Bay Gamblers (USHL)
  Acquired: Selected in USHL Expansion Draft
  Scoop: Voted Mr. Hockey for the state of Wisconsin in 2008, Dahl netted 15 goals and 26 points for a good Green Bay team last year. Although smaller in stature, Jefferson is a skilled playmaker and a responsible two-way center. Acquiring Dahl was one of the highlights of the Phantoms’ expansion draft. A personable young man with a smile on his face, he has committed to the University of Wisconsin at Madison for next fall.
  Coach Says: “(Jefferson) is a dynamic two-way forward. He’ll provide a lot of energy and we’ll look to him for some big goals.”

• Not that I can find anything on the official WCHA website, but CC's beat writer blog has a blurb on the WCHA's new official timeout policy.

• Walby reports that the WEHL schedule opened this past weekend. WEHL offers "before and after" programs for both boys and girls in Wisconsin. Badger alum Gary Shuchuk oversees coaching and development and serves as Madison GM.
  

Stealing links from HIW...

Hockey in Wisconsin had a few Badger links yesterday that I thought were definately worth showing here, so I've stolen them.

Hockey's Future has posted their Top 10 NCAA Prospects for the upcoming NHL Draft. Surprisingly Jordy Murray is 2nd on the list. I'm not surprised he's on the list, just that he is 2nd. His Central Scouting ranking is way down at 175th, which when you and European players, means he likely won't be drafted. I think Hockey's Future is spot on here though. Jordy is a great two forward who is just coming into his game and has a lot of potential. I think someone will spend a 6th or 7th round pick on the kid; maybe even his dad will in St. Louis. Here is what they said:

2. Jordy Murray, LW
Freshman, University of Wisconsin
Ht./Wt.: 5’9/162
DOB: 1/8/90
CS ranking: 175th

The son of St. Louis Blues head coach Andy Murray, Jordy posted 13 points (eight goals, five assists) and was one of only four Badgers to play in all 40 games this season. He was named to the WCHA Final Five All-Tournament team after posting two goals, including the game winner in the Final Five consolation game versus North Dakota.

Murray is a small, exceedingly quick forward who combines superb hockey sense with high energy and ultra-aggressiveness. He sees the ice remarkably well and knows where the play will end up. One notable attribute about Murray is his smart decisions with the puck, both in offensive and defensive situations. He can play in any type of situation and does a good job in supporting plays. While Murray possesses a very good shot, he could stand to shoot more.

Wisconsin assistant coach Kevin Patrick on Murray: “The biggest strength that Jordy has brought to the table this year is his unbelievable work ethic. Everything that he does builds off of that tenacity and work ethic. That allows him to create things offensively by going to the net and doing a lot of the hard things. Jordy is a great compliment on any line that he plays on. He finishes every check and does all of the little things well to be successful.”

The Youngstown Phantoms are joining the USHL this year as an expansion franchise and recently held there try out camp. Not too long ago, Badger recruit Jefferson Dahl was selected by the franchise in an expansion draft when he was not protected by GB, and fellow recruit Cody Strang was drafted during the recent USHL draft. As expected both have made the team. As Dplaya points out, their coach thinks Jefferson is capable of a 30-30-60 season for the Phantoms (who have a kick ass logo). Only a few players scored 60 points last season in the USHL, and no knock on Jefferson, but I don't see him doing that next season. Unlike the Fargo expansion franchise of last season who went on to the Clark Cup Finals, the Phantoms are starting from scratch; Fargo got Ohio's team when they folded, starting basically even. I think the Phantoms could struggle, maybe Jefferson will prove me wrong, which would be awesome.

2008 and 2009 Mr. Hockey's playing together; why does it have to be so far away?

Lastly, if you are season ticket holder for Men's Hockey you probably have already received your renewal info in the mail. Renewals are due by July 7th, and as promised the ticket price has remained the same, and is still a great value. I wonder what will be on the tickets this year? Last year was players, two years ago it was the top Badgers who played at the KC. Maybe this season will be opposing mascots being beatdown by Bucky.

Committed Recruit Dahl Selected In USHL Expansion Draft

2010 Forward recruit Jefferson Dahl who played last season with the Green Bay Gamblers was selected by the newest member of the USHL, the Youngstown Phantoms in the USHL Expansion draft on Monday. Dahl, who played his high school hockey at Eau Claire Memorial, had 28 points in 61 games between the regular season and the playoffs this season for the Gamblers. If you remember, Dahl was the 2008 winner of the Wisconsin Mr. Hockey award..


Dahl should be a key member of the new Youngstown franchise. Youngstown most recently played in the NAHL and has had success there. In the expansion draft, they also selected one of Dahl's former teamates at Eau Claire Memorial, defenseman David Donnellan. Donnellan played this past season for Sioux Falls before he was traded to Tri-City. Donnellan is a good solid defenseman who has had contact with the Badgers in the past and would look good in cardinal and white should we lose some of our defensemen to the pro's after next season.

Sean Little notches 1st USHL point

It took a long time, but Sean Little has notched his first USHL point w/ a PP goal in the 3rd period of tonights beat down that the GB Gamblers laid on the Waterloo Black Hawks. Final score 11-0. Nice work Sean! The three teams I've seen him play this season, he has worked hard on the 4th line, and should have a much bigger role w/ the Gamblers next season.

Jefferson Dahl continues to play well as he notched two goals doing his part in the rout.

GB Gamblers/Tri-City Storm Scouting Report

Last friday night, I made my way to GB for the Gamblers game against Tri-City. Tri-City is not a good team, and the Gamblers dominated the whole night. It was watching a Gamblers game last season, just in reverse. I was joined by buckyville's own DoorCountyBadger, but I didn't let his Door County Bias get in the way.

Jefferson Dahl (2010 forward recruit from Eau Claire) was in the lineup and had a goal and an assist late in the 1st period as GB scored twice w/ in 20 seconds or so. I don't have much to add to my previous scouting report from around Thanksgiving. He looked good on the PP, and spent some time camped in front of the net, always a good sign. Another season in the USHL will do well for his strength IMO.

Sean Little (2010 forwrd recruit from Fondy) was ever so close to notching his first USHL point on the 4th line friday night. He had a great feed to a teammate that was stopped, had a perfect tip that the goalie was in the exact position to defend (luck on that one) and hit the pipe later in the game. He looked much improved from when I last saw him. He also took a puck off his helmet, which didn't phase him.

I made a point of watching David Donnellan on Tri-City a defenseman who Chuck pointed out has garnered interest from UW. It was tough though, his team spent so much time in their end. He looked like a strong skater who moved the puck well on top. He was out there on the PP.

Recruit Update: USHL Part II

Time for the 2nd part of this update featuring all of the non-Waterloo Black Hawk recruits.

Gavin Hartzog is in his first season in the USHL w/ the Fargo Force. He's a big kid standing 6'3" 215 lbs. He was a 2009 or 2010 recruit, and right now that is looking like 2010. Probably best for his development in the long run.

Gavin had an assist on New Year's Eve, but hasn't cracked the scoresheet since. In 8 games since the Holidays, he is 0-1-1, -3, w/ 11 PIM.

Overall on the season, in 28 games he is 3-4-7, -4, w/ 23 PIM. His team currently sits 3rd in the Western Division w/ 33 pts, which is impressive since they are an expansion team this season.


Sean Little is currently playing w/ the Green Bay Gamblers, and will join his brother Ryan in Madison in 2010. He battled an injury earlier in the season.

Sean has not cracked the scoresheet yet this season and in 18 games is -2, w/ 56 PIM. He racked up 22 of those minutes last weekend against Chicago.

Maybe tomorrow night will be his night to get his first USHL point, since I'll be there to watch the Gamblers take on Tri-City.


Joining Sean in GB is 2008 Mr. Hockey Jefferson Dahl. He is also part of a large group of forwards coming in 2010.

Since Christmas, Jefferson has been pretty quiet, in 7 games he is 1-1-2, +3, w/ 2 PIM. He lone goal during that stretch came in a 8-4 win last saturday over Indiana.

Overall has is having a pretty good rookie season in 29 games he is 9-6-15, +5, 8 PIM, 3 PP goals and shooting 16.4%. He's tied for 5th on the team in goals and PP goals, while keeping it clean tied for the fewest PIM on the team.

The Gamblers are tied for 1st in the East Division w/ 46 points, which is a huge improvement over their last place league finish a year ago.


Aaron Crandall should be arriving in Madison next season to join the Badgers and back up Scott Gudmandson.

To start the season, he was traded from GB to Des Moines, from a good team, to the 2nd worst in the league. Des Moines is in last in the East Division w/ 15 points.

In his three starts in January, Aaron is 0-3 w/ roughly a 6 GGA and 83.5% save %. Overall on the season, he is 5-10-1 w/ 4.85 GAA and 85.8 % saving rate. I'm cringing just typing that.



Chase Drake is actually wearing the wrong jersey in that picture. Right before the season started he was traded from GB to Sioux City. It is currently planned for Chase to join the Badgers in 2010.

Chase has not cracked the scoresheet yet in his USHL career. In 7 games since the break, he is E w/ 6 PIM. The highlight was a +4 game last friday against Tri-City.

On the season, Chase is 0-0-0, -1 w/ 19 PIM.

His team is currently in 5th in the Western Division w/ 27 pts, but only 5 pts out of 4th place, right in the playoff hunt.

Eau Claire paper honors Jefferson Dahl

The Leader-Telegram of Eau Claire, WI has named Jefferson Dahl the Male Athlete of the Year. Jefferson won the 2008 Mr. Hockey award while leading EC Memorial to a perfect season and state championship. He has now taken his game to the next level w/ the Green Bay Gamblers where he has 8-5-13, 6th best on the team. Jefferson should be arriving in Madison in the Fall of 2010 as a member of the Wisconsin Badgers.

Huge Night for Waterloo Badger Hawks

The Waterloo Blackhawks laid the smack down on Indiana tonight 10-3. Waterloo's friday night game was postponed due to weather.

Craig Smith had 2 goals and 2 assists, Tyler Barnes and Keegan Meuer each had a goal and 2 assists. Smith was 1st star and Meuer was 3rd star. Nice work guys can't wait to have you in the Cardinal and White next Fall!

Also, the USHL website currently has a poll on who of the current top 10 scorers will reign supreme at season's end. If interested scroll down to the bottom of their site and vote for Craig Smith.

Up in Green Bay this weekend, the Gamblers hosted Sioux City for a pair of games. Damn the weather, I would have been there tonight if not for old man winter continue his onslaught. My complaints aside, Jefferson Dahl had a nice weekend. On friday he scored the Gamblers only goal, while tonight he added an assist. Neither Sean Little (GB) nor Chase Drake (SC) dented the score sheet.

As wojo pointed out in 60's Aaron Crandall post, he got shelled on friday night. Luckily tonight's game for Des Moines was postponed.

GB Gamblers Scouting Report

I made it to Green Bay last night for the Gamblers hosting the Chicago Steel. Gamblers won 5-1.

It was a nice opportunity to see Jefferson Dahl again, and it was a nice surprise to see Sean Little back in the lineup.

I hadn't seen Jefferson play since the state semi-final against Superior last March. He played on the 3rd EV line, the 2nd PP unit and was part of the 3rd PK group onto the ice. He saw a lot of playing time. The main thing that impressed me about Jefferson was that it appears that he has quickly adjusted to the play in the USHL. I would think that is a big step coming right from WI HS hockey, even w/ his success in the HS Hockey Elite League last year. Jefferson is a good skater, w/ good speed, who always seemed to be gravitating toward the puck. Prehaps this is due to some excellent vision on the ice and awareness of what is going on. On the 3rd goal of the night for the Gamblers, Jefferson had a beautiful feed to a teammate for a nice goal, notching his 3rd assist of the season. My only major knock on Jefferson was that he needs to get stronger, which isn't much of a knock because it will happen. Several times he'd be along the boards working for the puck and was easily bumped off by an opponent. Overall, I was impressed and I think Badger fans will really enjoy seeing Mr. Hockey 2008 in Cardinal and White in the future.

Sean Little skated w/ the 4th line for the Gamblers. For being the 4th line, his unit spent a decent amount of time working to generate some offense in the opponents end, though they didn't see a ton of ice time. Like Jefferson, Sean is a good skater w/ some speed. He's only 17 so still plenty of room to grow. Like his brother Ryan, he handed out a few big hits. The only major mistake Sean made was a big one, handing Chicago their only goal. He was at the bottom of the left faceoff circle and attempted a pass across the front of the crease, which was deflected by a charging Steel player right over Reid Ellingson's shoulder (Gambler goalie). He has a lot of potential overall.

A couple players who impressed me besides Badger recruits were Reid Ellingson and CJ Lee. Lee is committed to attend RPI, and I think they have themselves a very nice player. Lee scored two goals on the night and always seemed to be part of the action. Ellingson was strong in net and is a huge part of why the Gamblers are so much better this year. Its incredible to see the turnaround that the new coaching staff has done there so far. Ellingson played last year w/ N. Michigan, not sure where he'll be headed to next, but wherever he does land they'll be happy to have him.

Dean Chelios is a RW for the Chicago Steel. Didn't notice him much, though he did throw down the gloves in the 3rd period. He had the upper hand until late when his Gambler opponent landed a few lefts to his head.

Amazing all the fans who cheer harded for fights than goals at the Resch.

Big Saturday Night for Badger Recruits

Two Badger recruits were named 1st star this past Saturday, while another one was the 2nd star of his game.

In the BCHL, Mark Zengerle of Salmon Arm had two goals and an assist Saturday garnering 1st star honors, while he added an assist on Friday, helping his team to two wins on the weekend. Elsewhere in the BCHL, Derek Lee had an assist on the weekend for the Victoria Grizzles, and Justin Schultz had one assist in three games played for the Westside Warriors.

In the USHL, Craig Smith had two goals and an assist Saturday to help Waterloo to a victory, earning 1st star. Fellow Black Hawk Keegan Meuer had a goal in the winning effort. In Green Bay, Jefferson Dahl had two goals in the 2nd period Saturday night and was named 2nd star in the Gamblers victory. Tyler Barnes and Chase Drake played this weekend for Waterloo and Sioux City respectively, but did not factor into any scoring. Gavin Hartzog did not play for Fargo and Sean Little was out w/ injury for the Gamblers. Aaron Crandall was in net Saturday night for Des Moines, and was on the wrong side of a 5-3 decision, making 24 saves.

Overall in scoring in the USHL, Craig Smith is tied for 7th w/ 9-8-17, +5 through 12 games played. Everyone above him on the leader board has played 15 to 17 games. Craig is having a great season so far! I will continue to hype him for the foreseeable future.

Over at the NTDP, Michael Mersch and Frankie Simonelli are having a nice season w/ the U17 team. Through November 16th, Mersch is 7-2-9 in 17 games played and Simonelli is 1-3-4 on the blue line in 17 games.

The final stats from the HS Hockey Elite League are in for Team Wisconsin recruits Cody Strang and Matt Paape. Strang finished 5-9-14 in 18 games, while Paape finished 18-15-33 in 23 games.

Todd at TCT has all recruit stats as of November 20th here.

Dahl strong in Gambler's Exhibition

The Green Bay Gamblers had their first exhibition game last night and captured a 6-3 win. Jefferson Dahl had 2 assists in the winning effort.

The USHL regular season gets underway on October 3 & 4. Next weekend is the USHL Fall Classic. Tomorrow night the Gamblers host the Waterloo Black Hawks at the Cornerstone Ice Center in DePere in another exhibition game. If you are in GB and have nothing to do, its only $5 and you would get the chance to see 6 Wisconsin recruits on the ice. Plus its live hockey, what beats that?

Jefferson Dahl Recruit Recap

This spring/summer I plan to do an update on every currently known UW committed recruit. (I'm going to try and do it alphabetically by last name if possible) I have no idea if that will be once a week or once a month, it all depends on my free time. The first recruit we profiled was Tyler Barnes from Burnsville high school in Minnesota. We've also done goaltender Aaron Crandall. Todays profile is forward Jefferson Dahl who played this season with Eau Claire Memorial High School and will play next season for the Green Bay Gamblers (USHL).





Name: Jefferson Dahl
Position: Center
2008 Team: Eau Claire Memorial High School (WI)
2009 Team: Green Bay Gamblers (USHL)
Commit date: 5/28/2008
Season entering Wisconsin: 2010
Height/Weight/Birth year: 5'9/165/1989

Last Seasons Stats

Games: 26
Assists: 40
Points: 76
Plus/Minus: +59

Jefferson Dahl is one of my favorite recruits not only because he's an excellent hockey player and from my hometown, but he's one of the nicest people I have ever met. I wrote an article on that which you can find here.

Last season Dahl lead Eau Claire Memorial to one of the most successful seasons in the history of Wisconsin high school hockey. Eau Claire Memorial went 26-0 en route to their first state championship. While the team had many great players, no one was more important than captain Jefferson Dahl. Averaging nearly 3 points per game is an absolutely ridiculous feat even at the high school level.

As a player Jefferson is outstanding. A lot of people look at his physical stature which, depending on who is reporting it, could change within a few inches and 20 pounds, and they don't think he can succeed at the next level. After watching him play, you will realize that couldn't be further from the truth.

UW-Eau Clarie used to have a coach named Marlin Muylaert who ran camps in Eau Claire and he taught the European ways to give and take ice. If you have never heard of that term, it's all about timing and flow. It's learning how to be in the right spot at the right time by taking the right angles and paths to the right spot. I'm not sure If Jefferson was too young when these camps were in Eau Claire but I've never seen someone who can give and take ice the way that he does. It seems like he always is in the perfect spot to catch a a breakout pass or in the right spot when the puck is getting there. That is the reason why he puts up the points that he does because he seems to always be in the right spot to make a play. Quoting myself from the earlier article I did, I think this sums up his his play the best. "Jefferson reminds me a lot of Garrett Roe when I watch him play. Maybe it's a little to do with the size. (Roe is 5'8 160, Dahl is 5'9 165) More I think it has to do with his ability to see the ice and see the play happening before it does. He's not going to take that straight line bull rush you way to the net in the way that Jack Skille plays, but his ability to maybe circle back and allow his teammates to come into the play and get themselves open is something that can't be taught. Being a smaller player he has done a very good job of learning to control the puck while taking contact. He's very good when in the corners with bigger stronger players. He'll never be confused with Matt Ford in terms of shot velocity, but he's very quick with it and always puts him self in good shooting lanes and is very good at hitting his spots. His play making ability is probably ahead of his goal scoring ability at this point but hes no slouch lighting the lamp."

Another feature that Dahl possesses that you don't see on the stat sheet is his leadership ability. I have absolutely no doubt in my mind that Jefferson will captain the Badgers before his career is over. He might not be the best player on the team in his tenure at Wisconsin but I promise you he will be the most respected. He's very well spoken and commands respect of his peers in the locker room and on the ice.

I'm very excited to see how Jefferson transitions into the USHL next season. I have no doubt that he will be fine but it's a totally different game then the high school game. Unfortunately he was injured and couldn't play for Team Wisconsin majors in the Minnesota Elite League to see how his game would have played at that level, but he was able to compete with Team Wisconsin at the Chicago Showcase and did very well there teaming up with another future Badger Gavin Hartzog to win the championship.

Tyler Barnes recap
Aaron Crandall recap

Catching Up Catch-All

I've been AWOL for several days -- thanks to the boys for keeping things going so nicely here! -- so I have a handful of items that haven't gotten around to posting.

• The Eau Claire Leader-Telegram has a nice article on recent commit Jefferson Dahl.

• The Eau Claire WQOW Sports blog had a post earlier last month that discussed Jefferson Dahl and ECM teammates David Donnellan and Seth Soley. (Soley bypassed his senior season to play in the USHL, and he'll be going to Michigan Tech next year). The post also mentioned Badger and former Old Abe Jake Dowell, who's going to do "everything he can to earn a more permanent spot on the Blackhawks' roster".



• Todd has a nice article about recent commit Gavin Hartzog, and I don't believe we've posted it here yet. (I think we posted the IceHouse blog post but not the TCT article. If we did post it already, I apologize for the duplication.)
  


• Thanks to DPlaya for spotting this article about the Nashville Predators. The end of the article mentions Blake Geoffrion's improvement last season and says they anticipate him "playing another year or two at Wisconsin".



• Uwbadgers.com has a really nice feature interview with equipment manager Steve Castelletti.



• And speaking of equipment managers, Todd is reporting today that Rob Malnory has won the WCHA Distinguished Service Award. Congratulations, Rob!

Badgers land great player, great person

When I heard the news last night that Jefferson Dahl had committed to the University of Wisconsin for 2010 I was absolutely elated. As some of you know I am from Eau Claire as well so this commitment hits a little closer to home than most. While I grew up on the other side of the river, Eau Claire Memorial stand out Jefferson Dahl has been one of my favorite hockey players for the past 6 plus years. I've gotten to know him and his family quite well and he and his family have been some of the nicest people I have ever met.

You know his accomplishments: 2008 Wisconsin Mr. Hockey, Team Captain of the 2008 undefeated and state champion Eau Claire Memorial Old Abes, member of the 2008 chicago showcase champion Team Wisconsin, and thats just the start. I'm much more happy to have a recruit that is as good of a person that Jefferson Dahl is. It's rare that you meet a high school kid that is as respectful, mature, and personable as Dahl. While he may never earn a pay check playing hockey, (he very well may some day) I have no doubts that he will be successful in whatever avenue he pursues professionally.

Wisconsin hockey fans will get a good look at Jefferson the next 2 seasons as he plays for the Green Bay Gamblers. There isn't a doubt in my mind that if he isn't captain sometime next season he will be in year 2. It's just the person that he is not only as a leader in the locker room but a leader on the ice.

Jefferson reminds me a lot of Garrett Roe when I watch him play. Maybe it's a little to do with the size. (Roe is 5'8 160, Dahl is 5'9 165) More I think it has to do with his ability to see the ice and see the play happening before it does. He's not going to take that straight line bull rush you way to the net in the way that Jack Skille plays, but his ability to maybe circle back and allow his teammates to come into the play and get themselves open is something that can't be taught. Being a smaller player he has done a very good job of learning to control the puck while taking contact. He's very good when in the corners with bigger stronger players. He'll never be confused with Matt Ford in terms of shot velocity, but he's very quick with it and always puts him self in good shooting lanes and is very good at hitting his spots. His play making ability is probably ahead of his goal scoring ability at this point but hes no slouch lighting the lamp. I think one thing that gets over looked is his ability to draw penalties. He's a greasy player and that sometimes gets confused with diving. While he's not a diver I don't know if another player in the state drew more penalties. Getting your team power play opportunities is something that shouldn't be over looked in my opinion.

Overall this looks like a great fit for everyone. I wasn't sure if Jefferson would wait the two years it was going to take to come to Wisconsin once I found out he was willing to do that it was a no brainer. Like I said hes a very, very good hockey player and 2 years in the USHL will be absolutely phenomenal for him. He will take his lumps like every one does but he will do fine there. Add in the fact that he is one of the best people I have ever met and the match with him and UW looks pretty damn good to me.

It was a no-brainer

"When I went down for the visit (Tuesday), seeing the facilities and meeting with the coaching staff, I really felt comfortable," Dahl said. "I felt like it was a no-brainer."

"I've always wanted to be a Badger," Dahl said, "and when I got notice that they were interested, it was kind of set in stone then."

The above quotes are excerpts from a really nice article by Todd Milewski. In addition to talking about how Dahl committed to the Badgers, the article also mentions how Dahl found out about his trade to the Gamblers (checking the USHL draft online during English class), previous injuries (surgeries on both shoulders), and the success of his baseball team.

Another nice excerpt from the article:

An 18-year-old center, Dahl amassed 36 goals and 76 points in 26 games as a senior at Memorial. His plus/minus rating was plus-59 in his final season and plus-155 for his career.

Dahl believes his defensive awareness is his best asset and credits his hockey smarts for helping him be in the right place at the right time.

Baggot also has a brief article in today's WSJ.

Dahl commits for 2010

As reported by Milewski and Baggot, Jefferson Dahl has verballed to the Badgers for 2010. The top prep player in the state, Dahl was named Wisconsin's Mr. Hockey last season and led ECM to the WIAA state title. Dahl plans to play the next 2 seasons with the Green Bay Gamblers.

I don't follow recruits all that closely, so I'll wait a bit for the boys to post more about Dahl, as I'd imagine that Chuck and/or Gandalf will have more to say.

Edited to add: DPlaya has a few brief thoughts in his blog.