UW Needs at Least Six Forwards for 2007...and has a Verbal Commitment from One

Much has been written today about Brent Gwidt and the possibility that Mankato offered him a scholarship for this season, and many have wondered about UW's interest in Gwidt. I have read that the Badgers aren't pursuing him very hard, which seems strange. His recruitment by UW is up in the air, but several things are certain in terms of UW's roster. Ross Carlson, Andrew Joudrey, Andy Brandt and Jake Dowell graduate next season. The Badgers are currently one short of their targeted 15 forwards they like to carry during the season. Jack Skille is gone to the Blackhawks this offseason or next. All of this means that the Badgers need 6 forwards for 2007 and have only a commitment from Kyle Turris at this point. I don't even think it is likely for any of the 2007 recruits to accelerate, meaning UW needs to find at least 5 more forwards for 2007, barring any other early departures.

It's been reported that for 2007 UW has offered Brett Bruneteau (USHL), Colton Grant (AJHL) and Ben Winnett (BCHL). It's also been reported that they have an interested in Ryan Schnell from the USNTDP, and rumored they have an interest in Brennan Vargas from the USNTDP. While going five for five with those recruits would be great, it's not very likely.

So why are the Badgers not after Brent Gwidt? My guess is they'd like to see him play some USHL competition prior to making an offer. It would allow them to have an idea of where he stands against a higher level of competition, and may give them a better idea of how much time it will take him to be ready for the next step.

I also think UW should consider Andy Bohmbach from Hudson who has spent the past two years with the Waterloo Blackhawks. From the reports I've seen, he works hard up and down the ice every shift. He also has good size at 6' 2" and could probably add to his listed 175 pounds. He will be 20 in February and thus should be both mentally and physically mature.

Hopefully UW can get an answer in the near future from Bruneteau, Grant and Winnett so they can continue to try to add to their incoming class for 2007.