Arthur Bidwill, a 20-year-old defenseman from Fontana, Wis., committed to CC Tuesday.
In his third NAHL season, Bidwill finished with 10 goal and 29 points in 39 games for the Fairbanks (Alaska) Ice Dogs. He was also plus-27.
Bidwell played for the Southern Minnesota Express and the Traverse City (Mich.) North Stars before being traded to the Ice Dogs midway through last season.
Read more here.
Showing posts with label recruit. Show all posts
Showing posts with label recruit. Show all posts
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Go Figure
...as soon as I'm home in North Carolina on vacation, all havoc breaks loose in the college hockey world.
--Minnesota's offensive woes are likely continue now that sophomore Kyle Okposo has decided to join the New York Islanders after World Junior Championships, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune and first reported by Minneapolis radio station KFAN.
--Follow World Juniors via podcasts and videos here. Also, the medal round of World Juniors will be broadcast by NHL Network, which is available on Comcast, DirecTV, Dish Network and other major distribution channels. The schedule is here:
Recruiting news:
--Colorado College picked up a recruit for 2009 in defenseman John Moore of Winnetka, Ill. Moore, who attends New Trier High School and plays for the Chicago Steel of the United States Hockey League. Moore will be brought in to replace Jake Gannon, another Illinois native, and join Ryan Lowery and Brett Wysopal, also Illinois natives, on the defensive corps. Moore was also recruited by Dartmouth. More on Moore when I return from vacation. Updated recruit stats are here.
--Colorado Springs native Corson Cramer, a former Pikes Peak Miners goaltender, committed to Michigan Tech of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association. Cramer's dad, Scott, was a World Professional Figure Skating champion from The Broadmoor Skating Club and attended Colorado College. Cramer plays for the Ohio Jr. Blue Jackets (USHL) with CC recruit Tim Hall.
Colorado College roundup:
The Tigers head into break ranked fourth nationally, behind rival No. 3 Denver and tied with the Pioneers for first place in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association. On Tuesday, defenseman Jack Hillen was named WCHA Defensive Player of the Week, the third time this season a Tiger has won the award (goaltender Richard Bachman won twice).
CC's individual honors stack up like this:
WCHA Offensive Player of the Week: Chad Rau (11/20, 11/27)
WCHA Defensive Player of the Week: Bachman (10/23, 11/27), Hillen (12/18)
WCHA Rookie of the Week: Bachman (11/13)
Commissioner's Choice Rookie of the Month: Bachman (November)
Tiger Tracks:
--Aaron Slattengren was a named an ECHL All-Star and a starter for the American Conference team.
--The Grand Rapids Press' Griffins beat writer implores fans to fill out AHL All-Star ballots and suggests they include Mark Cullen, who is second on the team with 23 points.
--This is pretty cool. Former CC defenseman Lee Sweatt has been hard to track since I can't read Finnish. But his girlfriend, a CC alumna, has been keeping a blog on what I assume is the local newspaper's Web site. Check it out.
--Minnesota's offensive woes are likely continue now that sophomore Kyle Okposo has decided to join the New York Islanders after World Junior Championships, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune and first reported by Minneapolis radio station KFAN.
--Follow World Juniors via podcasts and videos here. Also, the medal round of World Juniors will be broadcast by NHL Network, which is available on Comcast, DirecTV, Dish Network and other major distribution channels. The schedule is here:
IIHF World Junior Championship Schedule
NHL Network U.S. Coverage
| Date | Event | Time (EST) | |
| Jan. 2 | Quarterfinal #1 | 10:00 a.m. | |
| Quarterfinal #2 | 2:00 p.m. | ||
| Jan. 3 | Quarterfinal #1 re-air | 3:00 a.m. | |
| Quarterfinal #2 re-air | 12:00 p.m. | ||
| Jan. 4 | Semifinal #1 | 10:00 a.m. | |
| Semifinal #2 | 2:00 p.m. | ||
| Semifinal #1 re-air | 5:30 p.m. | ||
| Semifinal #2 re-air | 10:00 p.m. | ||
| Jan. 5 | Bronze Medal Game | 10:00 a.m. | |
| Gold Medal Game | 2:00 p.m. | ||
| Jan. 6 | Gold Medal Game re-air | 3:00 a.m. | |
| Bronze Medal Game re-air | 5:00 p.m. | ||
| Gold Medal Game re-air | 7:00 p.m. |
Recruiting news:
--Colorado College picked up a recruit for 2009 in defenseman John Moore of Winnetka, Ill. Moore, who attends New Trier High School and plays for the Chicago Steel of the United States Hockey League. Moore will be brought in to replace Jake Gannon, another Illinois native, and join Ryan Lowery and Brett Wysopal, also Illinois natives, on the defensive corps. Moore was also recruited by Dartmouth. More on Moore when I return from vacation. Updated recruit stats are here.
--Colorado Springs native Corson Cramer, a former Pikes Peak Miners goaltender, committed to Michigan Tech of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association. Cramer's dad, Scott, was a World Professional Figure Skating champion from The Broadmoor Skating Club and attended Colorado College. Cramer plays for the Ohio Jr. Blue Jackets (USHL) with CC recruit Tim Hall.
Colorado College roundup:
The Tigers head into break ranked fourth nationally, behind rival No. 3 Denver and tied with the Pioneers for first place in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association. On Tuesday, defenseman Jack Hillen was named WCHA Defensive Player of the Week, the third time this season a Tiger has won the award (goaltender Richard Bachman won twice).
CC's individual honors stack up like this:
WCHA Offensive Player of the Week: Chad Rau (11/20, 11/27)
WCHA Defensive Player of the Week: Bachman (10/23, 11/27), Hillen (12/18)
WCHA Rookie of the Week: Bachman (11/13)
Commissioner's Choice Rookie of the Month: Bachman (November)
Tiger Tracks:
--Aaron Slattengren was a named an ECHL All-Star and a starter for the American Conference team.
--The Grand Rapids Press' Griffins beat writer implores fans to fill out AHL All-Star ballots and suggests they include Mark Cullen, who is second on the team with 23 points.
--This is pretty cool. Former CC defenseman Lee Sweatt has been hard to track since I can't read Finnish. But his girlfriend, a CC alumna, has been keeping a blog on what I assume is the local newspaper's Web site. Check it out.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Tiger Tracks
Updated alumni statistics can be found here. Some highlights:
Iowa Stars captain and former Colorado College captain Toby Petersen is third in the American Hockey League scoring standings (13 goals, 14 assists). Mark Cullen, who played with Petersen for two seasons at CC, also leads his team, the Grand Rapids Griffins in scoring (six goals, 15 assists).
In his second AHL season since he left CC after his junior year, Brian Salcido is the top-scoring defenseman with 23 points (six goals, 17 assists).
In just 14 games, Brett Sterling is fourth on the Chicago Wolves' scoring list with 20 points (13 goals, 7 assists).
In the ECHL, Aaron Slattengren of the Augusta Lynx is second in league scoring with 17 goals and 10 assists (27 points) and was named player of the week. Read here.
Finally, the latest on CC recruits can be found in this updated spreadsheet.
Iowa Stars captain and former Colorado College captain Toby Petersen is third in the American Hockey League scoring standings (13 goals, 14 assists). Mark Cullen, who played with Petersen for two seasons at CC, also leads his team, the Grand Rapids Griffins in scoring (six goals, 15 assists).
In his second AHL season since he left CC after his junior year, Brian Salcido is the top-scoring defenseman with 23 points (six goals, 17 assists).
In just 14 games, Brett Sterling is fourth on the Chicago Wolves' scoring list with 20 points (13 goals, 7 assists).
In the ECHL, Aaron Slattengren of the Augusta Lynx is second in league scoring with 17 goals and 10 assists (27 points) and was named player of the week. Read here.
Finally, the latest on CC recruits can be found in this updated spreadsheet.
Saturday, November 17, 2007
US NTDP defenseman Joe Marciano commits to CC
Joe Marciano, a 17-year-old defenseman from Alta Loma, Calif., committed to join CC for the 2008-09 season last week, he said Saturday.
A 6-foot-1, 194-pound defenseman playing for the U.S. national under-18 team in residence in Ann Arbor, Mich., Marciano will fill out next season's defensive corps, which only loses current senior Jack Hillen to graduation. Marciano's decision came down to CC and Harvard, but he also visited Wisconsin within the last year.
The first CC recruit from the U.S. National Team Development program since sophomore Bill Sweatt, Marciano had a goal in CC's exhibition with the U.S. under-18 team earlier this season, his only goal in 18 games. Marciano played for Shattuck-St. Mary's, an elite hockey prep school located in Faribault, Minn., in 2006-07, totaling 8 goals and 15 assists in 45 games. Marciano also played for Shattuck's under-16 team in 2005-06.
Staying with freshman Stephen Schultz on his official visit, Marciano was in attendance for Saturday's game against No. 9 Wisconsin and watched with freshman defenseman Ryan Lowery.
Marciano joins four forwards in the 2008-09 recruiting class. Coach Scott Owens said he has received four of five letters of intent from the group. NCAA rules prohibit coaches from discussing recruits until they have received a letter of intent.
A quick Q&A with Marciano:
On choosing CC:
"Being from California, it's a good fit for me and Colorado is close to home. That had a big influence on it. It's a good school and the WCHA is a good league to play in."
The California connection:
"I don't know them (CC's Californians Andreas Vlassopoulos and Dan Quilico) personally yet, but I know of them. It's a great program, great hockey."
How the commitment came about:
"We've been communicating back and forth for a while. For the past month or so, me and coach Owens have been talking on the phone a lot and he told me that they were ready to give me an offer. I was actually looking at Harvard at the time and was waiting on my ACT score. But in my heart, I knew I was going to come here anyway, I fit in here well and it was close to home. Anyway, last week I called coach Owens and told him I was ready to commit. He said, 'It's good to have you,' and stuff like that."
How Marciano describes himself:
"I'd say I'm like an all-around defenseman. I'm pretty good defensively. I can move the puck well and get that first pass up to the guys."
With just one defenseman graduating, where Marciano see himself fitting in:
"Coming in as a freshman, you've got to work to get your ice. I think I have a good chance, but I've got to work for it."
Why, in light of the early commitments among U.S. NTDP players, Marciano hasn't committed earlier:
"I just recently started getting offers. Last year, I always talked to colleges, but this year, I've just been starting to get offers. I wasn't really in a hurry anyways. Being from California, I'm new to the college process and everything."
A 6-foot-1, 194-pound defenseman playing for the U.S. national under-18 team in residence in Ann Arbor, Mich., Marciano will fill out next season's defensive corps, which only loses current senior Jack Hillen to graduation. Marciano's decision came down to CC and Harvard, but he also visited Wisconsin within the last year.
The first CC recruit from the U.S. National Team Development program since sophomore Bill Sweatt, Marciano had a goal in CC's exhibition with the U.S. under-18 team earlier this season, his only goal in 18 games. Marciano played for Shattuck-St. Mary's, an elite hockey prep school located in Faribault, Minn., in 2006-07, totaling 8 goals and 15 assists in 45 games. Marciano also played for Shattuck's under-16 team in 2005-06.
Staying with freshman Stephen Schultz on his official visit, Marciano was in attendance for Saturday's game against No. 9 Wisconsin and watched with freshman defenseman Ryan Lowery.
Marciano joins four forwards in the 2008-09 recruiting class. Coach Scott Owens said he has received four of five letters of intent from the group. NCAA rules prohibit coaches from discussing recruits until they have received a letter of intent.
A quick Q&A with Marciano:
On choosing CC:
"Being from California, it's a good fit for me and Colorado is close to home. That had a big influence on it. It's a good school and the WCHA is a good league to play in."
The California connection:
"I don't know them (CC's Californians Andreas Vlassopoulos and Dan Quilico) personally yet, but I know of them. It's a great program, great hockey."
How the commitment came about:
"We've been communicating back and forth for a while. For the past month or so, me and coach Owens have been talking on the phone a lot and he told me that they were ready to give me an offer. I was actually looking at Harvard at the time and was waiting on my ACT score. But in my heart, I knew I was going to come here anyway, I fit in here well and it was close to home. Anyway, last week I called coach Owens and told him I was ready to commit. He said, 'It's good to have you,' and stuff like that."
How Marciano describes himself:
"I'd say I'm like an all-around defenseman. I'm pretty good defensively. I can move the puck well and get that first pass up to the guys."
With just one defenseman graduating, where Marciano see himself fitting in:
"Coming in as a freshman, you've got to work to get your ice. I think I have a good chance, but I've got to work for it."
Why, in light of the early commitments among U.S. NTDP players, Marciano hasn't committed earlier:
"I just recently started getting offers. Last year, I always talked to colleges, but this year, I've just been starting to get offers. I wasn't really in a hurry anyways. Being from California, I'm new to the college process and everything."
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
National Letter of Intent Early Signing Period Begins Today
Thanks to Nick Dineen's parents for this photo, which shows the Omaha, Neb., native's reaction after one of his goals in the World Junior A Challenge.
Dineen is one of at least four recruits expected to join CC next fall and he already signed a National Letter of Intent in 2006.
The early signing period begins today and lasts through Nov. 21. Forwards Tim Hall, David Civitarese, and Andrew Hamburg are expected to sign letters of intent this week. Once they have received the letters, CC's coaches will be able to comment specifically on the recruits.
Monday, November 12, 2007
The Cedar Rapids Rundown
I'll be exploring this topic in further detail this week, but I just wanted to get the ball rolling.
Freshman goaltender Richard Bachman has five wins in his first five Western Collegiate Hockey Association starts. He got his fourth and fifth wins against Minnesota-Duluth goaltender Alex Stalock, who was Bachman's predecessor in net for the Cedar Rapids Roughriders (United States Hockey League).
Turns out Cedar Rapids has been a bit of a WCHA goaltender factory. I decided to compare Bachman's statistics in his first five starts to those of other Cedar Rapids goaltenders who have ended up in the WCHA, including Stalock, Minnesota State-Mankato's Dan Tormey and St. Cloud State's Bobby Goepfert.
First five WCHA starts
Bachman: .962 save percentage, 1.19 goals against average, 5-0 record
Stalock: .880 save percentage, 3.00 goals against average, 1-3-1
Tormey: .910 save percentage, 2.20 goals against average, 2-1-2
Goepfert*: .910 save percentage, 2.80 goals against average, 1-3-1
*first five WCHA starts came as a junior, played for two seasons at Providence before transferring to SCSU
Anyway, I know it's a little strange to be digging around in these stats, but I just wanted to prove to myself that what Bachman has done so far isn't normal. Sure, he's a 20-year-old freshman (three days older than Stalock, actually), but adjusting to the league is a tough task. No question Wisconsin will be a test with Kyle Turris up front. It'll be exciting to see how Bachman squares off against Shane Connelly, who stood on his head last Friday to shut out North Dakota.
---
Recruiting Roundup:
Freshman goaltender Richard Bachman has five wins in his first five Western Collegiate Hockey Association starts. He got his fourth and fifth wins against Minnesota-Duluth goaltender Alex Stalock, who was Bachman's predecessor in net for the Cedar Rapids Roughriders (United States Hockey League).
Turns out Cedar Rapids has been a bit of a WCHA goaltender factory. I decided to compare Bachman's statistics in his first five starts to those of other Cedar Rapids goaltenders who have ended up in the WCHA, including Stalock, Minnesota State-Mankato's Dan Tormey and St. Cloud State's Bobby Goepfert.
First five WCHA starts
Bachman: .962 save percentage, 1.19 goals against average, 5-0 record
Stalock: .880 save percentage, 3.00 goals against average, 1-3-1
Tormey: .910 save percentage, 2.20 goals against average, 2-1-2
Goepfert*: .910 save percentage, 2.80 goals against average, 1-3-1
*first five WCHA starts came as a junior, played for two seasons at Providence before transferring to SCSU
Anyway, I know it's a little strange to be digging around in these stats, but I just wanted to prove to myself that what Bachman has done so far isn't normal. Sure, he's a 20-year-old freshman (three days older than Stalock, actually), but adjusting to the league is a tough task. No question Wisconsin will be a test with Kyle Turris up front. It'll be exciting to see how Bachman squares off against Shane Connelly, who stood on his head last Friday to shut out North Dakota.
---
Recruiting Roundup:
- Andrew Hamburg (2008) seems to have hit his stride in St. Louis, chipping in five points (1 goal, 4 assists) in two games this weekend. The Bandits have a 16-3 record in the North American Hockey League and will face the U.S. under-18 team this weekend.
- Nick Dineen (2008) scored two third-period goals to lead the U.S. Junior Select team to a 9-6 victory over Russia in the bronze-medal game. Dineen also had an assist and future CC teammate Tim Hall (2008) chipped in a goal. Summary here.
- In an interview with Illegal Curve blog, Weyburn Red Wings (another Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League team) color commentator Brad McNeil had some high praise for Rylan Schwartz (2009), calling his offensive abilities "unreal."
- Updated recruits' stats here.
- Former CC goaltender Matt Zaba picked up his second professional win Saturday. Zaba made 26 saves in the 6-5 Charlotte Checkers win over the Mississippi Sea Wolves, who return to the ECHL after a two-season hiatus following Hurricane Katrina.
- The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Atlanta Thrashers beat writer is still surprised that Brett Sterling couldn't score in his first stint on the NHL level. Sterling, who has four goals in four games for the Chicago Wolves since his demotion from the Thrashers, led the American Hockey League in scoring as a rookie last season.
- Updated alumni stats here.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
For Statistics Lovers
You can access a Google spreadsheet with CC recruits' statistics here. (If anyone knows where AAA major statistics can be found, let me know.) I'll update them as often as I can.
CC "alumni" statistics are here. If I missed somebody, please email me at kate.crandall@gazette.com.
I'd been looking for a way to keep tabs on those with Tiger ties, but hadn't considered Google Spreadsheets before. I borrowed this idea from The Capital Times Wisconsin beat writer Todd Milewski's "The Ice House" blog. Thanks, Todd!
CC "alumni" statistics are here. If I missed somebody, please email me at kate.crandall@gazette.com.
I'd been looking for a way to keep tabs on those with Tiger ties, but hadn't considered Google Spreadsheets before. I borrowed this idea from The Capital Times Wisconsin beat writer Todd Milewski's "The Ice House" blog. Thanks, Todd!
Hall, Dineen help U.S. to 7-6 win over Belarus
CC recruits Tim Hall and Nick Dineen, both tabbed to join the Tigers next fall, each picked up goal and an assist in a come-from-behind 7-6 overtime victory over Belarus in the World Junior A Challenge.
The win pits the U.S. against Canada East in a sell-out game tonight in Nelson, B.C.
Trailing 4-1 in the second period, the U.S. drew within two goals thanks to Hall's power-play goal, assisted by Blake Kessel (New Hampshire commit). Hall picked up an assist on Kessel's 4-on-3 score with two minutes left in the period to cut Belarus' lead to 4-3.
At 4:20 of the third, Belarus ahead 5-3, Dineen scored to keep the U.S. within a goal. Just 24 seconds later, Dineen assisted a game-tying goal by Ben Blood (North Dakota commit).
Read the box score and Hockey Canada's recap here.
--
Is anyone reading this blog? If so, post a comment (for example, what do you think of CC's incoming recruits? Or, what do you want to see more of on the blog?). I know some of you don't have Google accounts, but you can post a comment without a Google email address.
The win pits the U.S. against Canada East in a sell-out game tonight in Nelson, B.C.
Trailing 4-1 in the second period, the U.S. drew within two goals thanks to Hall's power-play goal, assisted by Blake Kessel (New Hampshire commit). Hall picked up an assist on Kessel's 4-on-3 score with two minutes left in the period to cut Belarus' lead to 4-3.
At 4:20 of the third, Belarus ahead 5-3, Dineen scored to keep the U.S. within a goal. Just 24 seconds later, Dineen assisted a game-tying goal by Ben Blood (North Dakota commit).
Read the box score and Hockey Canada's recap here.
--
Is anyone reading this blog? If so, post a comment (for example, what do you think of CC's incoming recruits? Or, what do you want to see more of on the blog?). I know some of you don't have Google accounts, but you can post a comment without a Google email address.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Get to know Colten St. Clair
The Tigers' latest commitment, Colten St. Clair, talks to the Arizona Republic about choosing Colorado College. Apparently, Scott Owens has former CC defenseman Mark Stuart, now of the Boston Bruins, to thank.
"Q: Why make a commitment so early?
A: I wanted to go there since I was 10. I knew Mark Stuart. He went there, and I met him. I didn't want to go to a really big school."
St. Clair is 14 years old and will be a sophomore in high school by Christmas. According to the blurb leading into the interview, St. Clair could join USNTDP, further following in Stuart's footsteps.
"Q: Why make a commitment so early?
A: I wanted to go there since I was 10. I knew Mark Stuart. He went there, and I met him. I didn't want to go to a really big school."
St. Clair is 14 years old and will be a sophomore in high school by Christmas. According to the blurb leading into the interview, St. Clair could join USNTDP, further following in Stuart's footsteps.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Scouting No. 6 New Hampshire
Three things to keep in mind this week as CC heads into a two-game set at New Hampshire:
1. Kevin Regan The senior goaltender, who saved 30 of 31 shots in the Wildcats' 4-1 win over Boston University, has an impressive career save percentage of .928 and 2.28 goals-against average in 61 games. Regan, named Hockey East defensive player of the week, is a big reason UNH was picked to finish first in its conference.
2. Big corners UNH's Whittemore Center, which features an ice sheet with the same dimensions as the World Arena (200' x 100'), is rumored to have nearly square corners (I'll be pulling out my measuring tape). That means more space for the CC forwards to work with, but conversely, a tougher defensive task for the Tigers' young defensemen.
3. Formidable top line The combination of LW James VanRiemsdyk, C Mike Radja, and RW Matt Fornatero will need some special attention. In the Wildcats' first outing against Boston University, each had a goal and an assist. VanRiemsdyk might be "just a freshman," but he's already drawing comparisons to Minnesota's Blake Wheeler. CC coach Scott Owens said the matchup between CC and New Hampshire should resemble last weekend's games against Minnesota.
***
Notes:
Right wing Jimmy Kilpatrick (hip) will travel and is "very close," coach Scott Owens said Tuesday, after he put Kilpatrick with center Chad Rau and left wing Scott Thauwald to test his progress...Stephen Schultz (undisclosed leg injury) and Dan Quilico (right ankle) did not make the travel roster but both are back to full-contact practicing...Read Owens' Tuesday at the Rink chat transcript here...Elliot Olshansky puts his foot in his mouth after CC's season-opening sweep of Minnesota.
***
Recruiting Round-up:
One of CC's recent commitments, Tim Hall, who is slated to join the Tigers next season, was named to the U.S. Junior Select team, which will compete Nov. 5-11 in Trail and Nelson, British Columbia, at the World Junior A Challenge. Nick Dineen, another forward recruit for 2008, is also on the 21-player roster.
Hall was also named a 'B' list of NHL Central Scouting's Player To Watch list, released today. A 'B' rating indicates a potential third- to fifth-round draftee. Rylan Schwartz, who committed to join CC in 2009 but could enroll next fall, was given a 'C' rating, meaning he is a potential late-round selection. Central Scouting will release a midterm and final ranking before the NHL draft in June 2008.
Andrew Hamburg has endured quite a journey this fall. After being released from the Waterloo Black Hawks (United States Hockey League), Hamburg was picked up by the Texas Tornado (North American Hockey League), where he had one goal and one assist in two games. As pointed out by Ryan of the USHL blog, the Tornado traded Hamburg to the St. Louis Bandits of the NAHL, where he now appears on the roster but not in the stats.
***
Tiger Tracks:
In net for the Charlotte Checkers (ECHL), Matt Zaba stopped 29 of 30 shots in his first professional victory, a 5-1 win over the Augusta Lynx.. The lone goal for the Lynx was scored by Aaron Slattengren. Trevor Frischmon, who joined the Checkers Tuesday, had two assists.
Toby Petersen was named captain of the Iowa Stars (AHL).
Shortly after he allowed one goal on two shots in his NHL debut, Curtis McElhinney was sent packing to the Calgary Flames' AHL affiliate.
1. Kevin Regan The senior goaltender, who saved 30 of 31 shots in the Wildcats' 4-1 win over Boston University, has an impressive career save percentage of .928 and 2.28 goals-against average in 61 games. Regan, named Hockey East defensive player of the week, is a big reason UNH was picked to finish first in its conference.
2. Big corners UNH's Whittemore Center, which features an ice sheet with the same dimensions as the World Arena (200' x 100'), is rumored to have nearly square corners (I'll be pulling out my measuring tape). That means more space for the CC forwards to work with, but conversely, a tougher defensive task for the Tigers' young defensemen.
3. Formidable top line The combination of LW James VanRiemsdyk, C Mike Radja, and RW Matt Fornatero will need some special attention. In the Wildcats' first outing against Boston University, each had a goal and an assist. VanRiemsdyk might be "just a freshman," but he's already drawing comparisons to Minnesota's Blake Wheeler. CC coach Scott Owens said the matchup between CC and New Hampshire should resemble last weekend's games against Minnesota.
***
Notes:
Right wing Jimmy Kilpatrick (hip) will travel and is "very close," coach Scott Owens said Tuesday, after he put Kilpatrick with center Chad Rau and left wing Scott Thauwald to test his progress...Stephen Schultz (undisclosed leg injury) and Dan Quilico (right ankle) did not make the travel roster but both are back to full-contact practicing...Read Owens' Tuesday at the Rink chat transcript here...Elliot Olshansky puts his foot in his mouth after CC's season-opening sweep of Minnesota.
***
Recruiting Round-up:
One of CC's recent commitments, Tim Hall, who is slated to join the Tigers next season, was named to the U.S. Junior Select team, which will compete Nov. 5-11 in Trail and Nelson, British Columbia, at the World Junior A Challenge. Nick Dineen, another forward recruit for 2008, is also on the 21-player roster.
Hall was also named a 'B' list of NHL Central Scouting's Player To Watch list, released today. A 'B' rating indicates a potential third- to fifth-round draftee. Rylan Schwartz, who committed to join CC in 2009 but could enroll next fall, was given a 'C' rating, meaning he is a potential late-round selection. Central Scouting will release a midterm and final ranking before the NHL draft in June 2008.
Andrew Hamburg has endured quite a journey this fall. After being released from the Waterloo Black Hawks (United States Hockey League), Hamburg was picked up by the Texas Tornado (North American Hockey League), where he had one goal and one assist in two games. As pointed out by Ryan of the USHL blog, the Tornado traded Hamburg to the St. Louis Bandits of the NAHL, where he now appears on the roster but not in the stats.
***
Tiger Tracks:
In net for the Charlotte Checkers (ECHL), Matt Zaba stopped 29 of 30 shots in his first professional victory, a 5-1 win over the Augusta Lynx.. The lone goal for the Lynx was scored by Aaron Slattengren. Trevor Frischmon, who joined the Checkers Tuesday, had two assists.
Toby Petersen was named captain of the Iowa Stars (AHL).
Shortly after he allowed one goal on two shots in his NHL debut, Curtis McElhinney was sent packing to the Calgary Flames' AHL affiliate.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Bachman Racks Up Honors
Goaltender Richard Bachman was named WCHA Defensive Player of the Week (see release below) and Inside College Hockey Player of the Week (here).
Also, a week after Denver was named "Team of the Week," College Hockey News passed the honor to CC.
WCHA Defensive Player of the Week
Richard Bachman
Fr., G, Colorado College
MADISON, Wis. – Richard Bachman, a freshman goaltender at Colorado College, has been named Red Baron® WCHA Defensive Player of the Week for Oct. 23-29 as a result of his outstanding play in a weekend sweep of two-time defending conference champion Minnesota.
A 5-10, 172-pound freshman from Highlands Ranch, Bachman stopped 61 of 63 shots on goal (.968 saves percentage) and posted five shutout periods, including one overtime, while backstopping the host Tigers to a 3-1 victory over the Golden Gophers last Friday (Oct. 19) and a 2-1 overtime win last Saturday (Oct. 20). They were his first two collegiate starts.
Bachman had 23 stops in the series opener and then came back with 38 saves in the series finale as CC swept UM at home for the first time since Feb. 5-6, 1999 and handed UM its first road sweep since Feb. 27-28, 2004 at Denver.
In addition, Bachman, an NHL draft choice of Dallas, also played a key role in the Tigers’ success on the penalty-kill against Minnesota, as CC held its opponents scoreless on all 11 power-play opportunities over the weekend.
Also nominated this week were: Michael-Lee Teslak, G, MTU; Alex Stalock, G, UMD; and Jean-Philippe Lamoureux, G, UND.
***
Recruiting Round-up
There's a possibility Rylan Schwartz, a recruit originally slated for 2009, could join Colorado College next season.
***
Tiger Tracks:
Brandon Straub was recalled to the Lake Erie Monsters (AHL) yesterday to replace Kyle Cumiskey, who was recalled by the Avalanche (it didn't hurt that Dale Purinton was suspended for 25 games for this).
Straub signed a two-way AHL contract, which means he gets paid an AHL salary for any games played on that level. Straub was minus-3 with no points in three games for the Johnstown Chiefs (ECHL). Straub's first AHL game could be against former Tigers Marty Sertich and Toby Petersen of the Iowa Stars on Oct. 27.
Matt Zaba will have a buddy in Charlotte; Trevor Frischmon signed with the Charlotte Checkers (ECHL).
Apparently, Brian Salcido took a bit of a beating on an East Coast swing with the Portland Pirates (AHL).
Curtis McElhinney made his NHL debut, but it wasn't his strongest showing.
Also, a week after Denver was named "Team of the Week," College Hockey News passed the honor to CC.
WCHA Defensive Player of the Week
Richard Bachman
Fr., G, Colorado College
MADISON, Wis. – Richard Bachman, a freshman goaltender at Colorado College, has been named Red Baron® WCHA Defensive Player of the Week for Oct. 23-29 as a result of his outstanding play in a weekend sweep of two-time defending conference champion Minnesota.
A 5-10, 172-pound freshman from Highlands Ranch, Bachman stopped 61 of 63 shots on goal (.968 saves percentage) and posted five shutout periods, including one overtime, while backstopping the host Tigers to a 3-1 victory over the Golden Gophers last Friday (Oct. 19) and a 2-1 overtime win last Saturday (Oct. 20). They were his first two collegiate starts.
Bachman had 23 stops in the series opener and then came back with 38 saves in the series finale as CC swept UM at home for the first time since Feb. 5-6, 1999 and handed UM its first road sweep since Feb. 27-28, 2004 at Denver.
In addition, Bachman, an NHL draft choice of Dallas, also played a key role in the Tigers’ success on the penalty-kill against Minnesota, as CC held its opponents scoreless on all 11 power-play opportunities over the weekend.
Also nominated this week were: Michael-Lee Teslak, G, MTU; Alex Stalock, G, UMD; and Jean-Philippe Lamoureux, G, UND.
***
Recruiting Round-up
There's a possibility Rylan Schwartz, a recruit originally slated for 2009, could join Colorado College next season.
***
Tiger Tracks:
Brandon Straub was recalled to the Lake Erie Monsters (AHL) yesterday to replace Kyle Cumiskey, who was recalled by the Avalanche (it didn't hurt that Dale Purinton was suspended for 25 games for this).
Straub signed a two-way AHL contract, which means he gets paid an AHL salary for any games played on that level. Straub was minus-3 with no points in three games for the Johnstown Chiefs (ECHL). Straub's first AHL game could be against former Tigers Marty Sertich and Toby Petersen of the Iowa Stars on Oct. 27.
Matt Zaba will have a buddy in Charlotte; Trevor Frischmon signed with the Charlotte Checkers (ECHL).
Apparently, Brian Salcido took a bit of a beating on an East Coast swing with the Portland Pirates (AHL).
Curtis McElhinney made his NHL debut, but it wasn't his strongest showing.
Monday, October 22, 2007
CC Lands Recruit for 2010
Chris at Western College Hockey blog and the Scouting News are reporting that Colten St. Clair, who was born in 1992 and comes from Arizona, committed to Colorado College over the weekend. Just a sophomore, St. Clair would join the Tigers in 2010. See his P.F. Chang's AAA profile here, which lists him as a participant in the USA National Development Select 15 camp. More on this later.
Also, take a look at Mike Chambers' story on the friendship between Richard Bachman and DU's Tyler Ruegsegger.
***
Tiger Tracks:
--The St. Petersburg Times talks to Mark Stuart and his father, Michael, about the visor issue.
--Tyler Liebel has probably looked better, but the fans love him in Wichita.
--The Atlanta Thrashers can't win on the road, but Brett Sterling scored his first career NHL goal.
--Peter Sejna signed with the ZSC Lions in Switzerland.
Also, take a look at Mike Chambers' story on the friendship between Richard Bachman and DU's Tyler Ruegsegger.
***
Tiger Tracks:
--The St. Petersburg Times talks to Mark Stuart and his father, Michael, about the visor issue.
--Tyler Liebel has probably looked better, but the fans love him in Wichita.
--The Atlanta Thrashers can't win on the road, but Brett Sterling scored his first career NHL goal.
--Peter Sejna signed with the ZSC Lions in Switzerland.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
CC Recruits Face-off In USHL Fall Classic
Want to get a look at some future Tigers? The USHL Fall Classic begins today in Sioux City, Iowa, and will be broadcast online via B2 networks, the same service that will be available on cctigers.com this season. Here's the link to watch. All times listed are Central.
Games involving recruits are:
Thursday, Sept. 27
10:00 a.m. Omaha Lancers (Dakota Eveland--2009 or 2010) vs. Green Bay
1:00 p.m. Lincoln Stars vs. Ohio Jr. Blue Jackets (Tim Hall--2008)
3:00 p.m. Sioux Falls Stampede (Nick Dineen--2008) vs. Waterloo Black Hawks (Andrew Hamburg--2008)
Friday, Sept. 28
10:00 a.m. Waterloo Black Hawks (Hamburg) vs. Des Moines Buccaneers
1:00 p.m. Chicago Steel vs. Omaha Lancers (Eveland)
4:00 p.m. Ohio Jr. Blue Jackets (Hall) vs. Sioux Falls Stampede (Dineen)
Saturday, Sept. 29
12:00 p.m. Omaha Lancers (Eveland) vs. Ohio Jr. Blue Jackets (Hall)
4:00 p.m. Sioux Falls Stampede (Dineen) vs. Cedar Rapids RoughRiders
7:00 p.m. Sioux City Musketeers vs. Waterloo Black Hawks (Hamburg)
***
With the demise of the Wayne State (Mich.) hockey program announced yesterday, Grand Forks Herald hockey reporter Brad Elliott Schlossman poses an important question: Will Bemidji State join the WCHA in 2008?
***
Tiger Tracks:
Colin Stuart was reassigned to Chicago (AHL), but Brett Sterling made on the Atlanta Thrashers' roster.
Noah Clarke is still in the hunt for a spot on the New Jersey Devils' roster.
Curtis McElhinney will start the season as the Calgary Flames' backup.
***
For those who are curious, the Tigers have a practice scheduled for tonight at 9:15 at Honnen Ice Arena (NW corner of Cascade and Cache La Poudre Streets). I'll get the rest of the schedule tonight.
Games involving recruits are:
Thursday, Sept. 27
10:00 a.m. Omaha Lancers (Dakota Eveland--2009 or 2010) vs. Green Bay
1:00 p.m. Lincoln Stars vs. Ohio Jr. Blue Jackets (Tim Hall--2008)
3:00 p.m. Sioux Falls Stampede (Nick Dineen--2008) vs. Waterloo Black Hawks (Andrew Hamburg--2008)
Friday, Sept. 28
10:00 a.m. Waterloo Black Hawks (Hamburg) vs. Des Moines Buccaneers
1:00 p.m. Chicago Steel vs. Omaha Lancers (Eveland)
4:00 p.m. Ohio Jr. Blue Jackets (Hall) vs. Sioux Falls Stampede (Dineen)
Saturday, Sept. 29
12:00 p.m. Omaha Lancers (Eveland) vs. Ohio Jr. Blue Jackets (Hall)
4:00 p.m. Sioux Falls Stampede (Dineen) vs. Cedar Rapids RoughRiders
7:00 p.m. Sioux City Musketeers vs. Waterloo Black Hawks (Hamburg)
***
With the demise of the Wayne State (Mich.) hockey program announced yesterday, Grand Forks Herald hockey reporter Brad Elliott Schlossman poses an important question: Will Bemidji State join the WCHA in 2008?
***
Tiger Tracks:
Colin Stuart was reassigned to Chicago (AHL), but Brett Sterling made on the Atlanta Thrashers' roster.
Noah Clarke is still in the hunt for a spot on the New Jersey Devils' roster.
Curtis McElhinney will start the season as the Calgary Flames' backup.
***
For those who are curious, the Tigers have a practice scheduled for tonight at 9:15 at Honnen Ice Arena (NW corner of Cascade and Cache La Poudre Streets). I'll get the rest of the schedule tonight.
Friday, September 7, 2007
Q&A with Tim Hall
On Thursday, CC received a verbal commitment from Tim Hall, making him the fifth forward for the 2008-09 recruiting class.
Hall, a native of Sewickley, Pa., had 31 points (17 goals, 14 assists) last season with the Ohio Junior Blue Jackets of the United States Hockey League, despite being one of the youngest players in the league. In August, Hall, 17, competed with the U.S. under-18 select team in the Memorial of Ivan Hlinka tournament played in the Czech Republic. Hall also received recruiting interest from Miami (Ohio), Michigan State, Boston University and New Hampshire.
Hall's coach, Don Harkins, compares him to Patrick Kane, the no. 1 overall pick in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, and Andy McDonald of the Anaheim Mighty Ducks. "He doesn't have Billy Sweatt-type of speed, but he's fast and he's a crafty player," Harkins said Friday. "He played as a 16-year-old and didn't sustain any injuries. He's pretty elusive. He knows how to not get himself lined up."
Q. How did your first season in the USHL go?
It was a great learning experience for me. I started out kind of slow. I wasn't used to how fast the game was. The players were a lot faster and stronger and there's less time on the ice. But I progressed as the year went on and I felt more comfortable out there. We had some tough games there and the wins didn't always come easily but, in the end, we came together as a team.
Q. Your coach said he started you out as a third-line center but by midseason, you were the top center. How did that happen?
It probably took till Christmas to work myself up to the top two lines. I felt like I was the top center after Christmas time. My linemates were playing well. It took some time to get there, but it was a good learning experience because I was never put in a third-line role before. I had to work through it and not let anything distract me and stay positive. It was my goal going in to be a contributor on the team and put up good numbers but I didn't expect to have the year I did coming in as a young player in the league. It was a really rewarding experience because I really took the time and worked hard in practice and in the weight room. I stayed after practice to work on my shot and stickhandle.
Q. Were you expecting to make a commitment this early in your senior year and hoping to go to college on time?
I was hoping that I would come in as a true freshman, but it really all depends on my development. I was hoping to commit to a school, well, right now, and then I knew I'd be able to go in as an '08. Now I can just go out and play this year. I dont think the pressure will be off because I'm always putting pressure on myself to improve on my game. But I will be able to focus on improving everyday and will not have to worry about talking to schools.
Q. What do you expect out of this season?
I just want to build up from last season. You're only as good as your last game. I'm going to go out every game and try to be the best player I can be. I want to put away the distractions and the pressure of being a second-year player and having to produce those type of points. I want to try to help lead my team and help the team win as many games as possible. I'm not going to be the most vocal guy in the locker room because I'm not the oldest, but I'm going to try to lead by example on the ice -- working hard every shift and competing out there, doing all of the little things right.
Q. At 5-foot-8 and 165 pounds, what kind of style do you have to play?
I always try to keep my feet moving and look for open space on the ice. If I'm constantly moving, it is hard for people to line me up or be physical. I have had to learn to be really strong on my skates. It's hard to knock me off the puck. As the saying goes, 'It's how big your heart is.' I try to go out there every day and work hard. It forces me to work harder because I feel like I have to work that much harder than the guy next to me, who might be bigger or stronger.
Q. What attracted you to Colorado College and what other schools were in the mix?
With CC, they showed how I would fit in so well. The big ice surface will be a factor because there's a lot of space out there for me to move and create plays and have good scoring chances. I remember watching Sertich and Sterling play and it really did help me with my decision. I really loved the coaching staff, they were great all along and they knew what kind of player I was from the beginning and they always wanted me. When I was out on my visit, I got to meet with a lot of the players and they're good character guys. I got to meet with coach Owens first, we had lunch together. Then I got to meet with professors and they told me about the block plan and how I could really do well at it. The final decision came down to three schools BU, Michigan State and Colorado College. I wanted to go to a school where I knew they really wanted me and I would come in and hopefully be an impact player for them. I also looked at the style of play a player like me where would I fit in best. Academics were important to me and my family. CC is a great liberal arts school.
Q. Which players did you meet when you were out here in July?
A good bunch of the guys were working out over the summer. I met Nate Prosser and Matt Overman for just a minute or so in the weight room. I met some of the incoming recruits, they came up and introduced themselves to me. I
Q. When did you first start talking with the CC coaching staff?
They were watching me all last year and I was in touch with Norm Bazin. I kept in touch and kept them up to date where I was at. I felt that it was going to be one of my top choices because of the great program and the awesome league and the success that they've had recently.
Hall, a native of Sewickley, Pa., had 31 points (17 goals, 14 assists) last season with the Ohio Junior Blue Jackets of the United States Hockey League, despite being one of the youngest players in the league. In August, Hall, 17, competed with the U.S. under-18 select team in the Memorial of Ivan Hlinka tournament played in the Czech Republic. Hall also received recruiting interest from Miami (Ohio), Michigan State, Boston University and New Hampshire.
Hall's coach, Don Harkins, compares him to Patrick Kane, the no. 1 overall pick in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, and Andy McDonald of the Anaheim Mighty Ducks. "He doesn't have Billy Sweatt-type of speed, but he's fast and he's a crafty player," Harkins said Friday. "He played as a 16-year-old and didn't sustain any injuries. He's pretty elusive. He knows how to not get himself lined up."
Q. How did your first season in the USHL go?
It was a great learning experience for me. I started out kind of slow. I wasn't used to how fast the game was. The players were a lot faster and stronger and there's less time on the ice. But I progressed as the year went on and I felt more comfortable out there. We had some tough games there and the wins didn't always come easily but, in the end, we came together as a team.
Q. Your coach said he started you out as a third-line center but by midseason, you were the top center. How did that happen?
It probably took till Christmas to work myself up to the top two lines. I felt like I was the top center after Christmas time. My linemates were playing well. It took some time to get there, but it was a good learning experience because I was never put in a third-line role before. I had to work through it and not let anything distract me and stay positive. It was my goal going in to be a contributor on the team and put up good numbers but I didn't expect to have the year I did coming in as a young player in the league. It was a really rewarding experience because I really took the time and worked hard in practice and in the weight room. I stayed after practice to work on my shot and stickhandle.
Q. Were you expecting to make a commitment this early in your senior year and hoping to go to college on time?
I was hoping that I would come in as a true freshman, but it really all depends on my development. I was hoping to commit to a school, well, right now, and then I knew I'd be able to go in as an '08. Now I can just go out and play this year. I dont think the pressure will be off because I'm always putting pressure on myself to improve on my game. But I will be able to focus on improving everyday and will not have to worry about talking to schools.
Q. What do you expect out of this season?
I just want to build up from last season. You're only as good as your last game. I'm going to go out every game and try to be the best player I can be. I want to put away the distractions and the pressure of being a second-year player and having to produce those type of points. I want to try to help lead my team and help the team win as many games as possible. I'm not going to be the most vocal guy in the locker room because I'm not the oldest, but I'm going to try to lead by example on the ice -- working hard every shift and competing out there, doing all of the little things right.
Q. At 5-foot-8 and 165 pounds, what kind of style do you have to play?
I always try to keep my feet moving and look for open space on the ice. If I'm constantly moving, it is hard for people to line me up or be physical. I have had to learn to be really strong on my skates. It's hard to knock me off the puck. As the saying goes, 'It's how big your heart is.' I try to go out there every day and work hard. It forces me to work harder because I feel like I have to work that much harder than the guy next to me, who might be bigger or stronger.
Q. What attracted you to Colorado College and what other schools were in the mix?
With CC, they showed how I would fit in so well. The big ice surface will be a factor because there's a lot of space out there for me to move and create plays and have good scoring chances. I remember watching Sertich and Sterling play and it really did help me with my decision. I really loved the coaching staff, they were great all along and they knew what kind of player I was from the beginning and they always wanted me. When I was out on my visit, I got to meet with a lot of the players and they're good character guys. I got to meet with coach Owens first, we had lunch together. Then I got to meet with professors and they told me about the block plan and how I could really do well at it. The final decision came down to three schools BU, Michigan State and Colorado College. I wanted to go to a school where I knew they really wanted me and I would come in and hopefully be an impact player for them. I also looked at the style of play a player like me where would I fit in best. Academics were important to me and my family. CC is a great liberal arts school.
Q. Which players did you meet when you were out here in July?
A good bunch of the guys were working out over the summer. I met Nate Prosser and Matt Overman for just a minute or so in the weight room. I met some of the incoming recruits, they came up and introduced themselves to me. I
Q. When did you first start talking with the CC coaching staff?
They were watching me all last year and I was in touch with Norm Bazin. I kept in touch and kept them up to date where I was at. I felt that it was going to be one of my top choices because of the great program and the awesome league and the success that they've had recently.
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