Friday, January 26, 2007

Expected Line Combos for Friday; McBain out

Jamie McBain will not suit up for UW tonight as he is recovering from the flu. Here are the expected line combinations for UW tonight vs. Minnesota State:

Jake Dowell-Andrew Joudrey-Ross Carlson
Mike Davies-Ben Street-Jack Skille
Matthew Ford-Blake Geoffrion-Ben Grotting
Tom Gorowsky-Aaron Bendickson-Andy Brandt

Kyle Klubertanz-Jeff Likens
Josh Engel-Davis Drewiske
Joe Piskula-Matt Olinger

Thursday, January 25, 2007

Another Wisconsinite Chooses Bowling Green

Rhinelander native Patrick Tiesling has committed to Bowling Green, joining his current Sioux Falls teammate David Solway. Tiesling has put up 3 goals and 7 assists for 10 points in 32 games.

Wednesday, January 24, 2007

David Solway Commits to Bowling Green

Green Bay native David Solway has committed to play college hockey at Bowling Green. Solway is a forward with Sioux Falls of the USHL, and is currently fourth in scoring on the team with 12 goals and 9 assists for 21 points in 28 games.

Tuesday Night Boys Scores

As I mentioned in my last post, #2 Stevens Point defeated #6 Wisconsin Rapids 4-1. In other action, #1 Eau Claire Memorial trounced Rice Lake 8-1, #3 Fond du Lac crushed Beaver Dam 9-0, and #8 Arrowhead edged KM/Mukwonago 2-1. In other action, #5 Superior lost in overtime to Duluth Denfeld 4-3 in overtime.

Eaves Watches Erstad & SPASH Notch 4-1 Win Over Wisconsin Rapids

#2 Stevens Point took out #6 Wisconsin Rapids by a score of 4-1 last night to record a two-game sweep for the season. UW Head Coach Mike Eaves was in attendance, presumably to watch SPASH forward Travis Erstad.

Bjorn Krupp Interested in Badgers?

The USHL website has a profile on a couple of players, one of which is former NHL player Uwe Krupp's son Bjorn. Bjorn is a left defenseman for the THP Thunder U16 team based in Atlanta, and is a 1991 birthdate. In the interview, Bjorn is asked what he knows about college hockey, to which he mentions that he followed the Badgers winning the National Championship. He also mentioned that he followed the fact that Blake Geoffrion is attending UW. It's good to know that the National Championship is helping on the recruiting front, and funny to think that the fact that Blake Geoffrion plays for UW may be helping UW open up the "pipeline" of players from the South!

Tuesday, January 23, 2007

Potential Forward Line Combos for the Badger Men

Todd Milewski is reporting the Badger Men have been practicing with the following forward lines this week:

Jake Dowell-Andrew Joudrey-Ross Carlson
Mike Davies-Ben Street-Jack Skille
Matthew Ford-Blake Geoffrion-Ben Grotting
John Mitchell-Aaron Bendickson-Andy Brandt
Andy Bohmbach-Tom Gorowsky-Zach Bearson

Mike Connolly Named Starter for AJHL All-Star Game

Mike Connolly was named to the South Division roster for the AJHL All-Star Game a few weeks ago, but has now been named a starter for the game.

Monday, January 22, 2007

USHL Central Scouting 1992 Draft List Includes Thirteen from Wisconsin

The USHL Central Scouting List for 1992 born players has been released. It looks pretty sketchy at this point naming only kids from the Green Bay Gamblers and Madison Capitols Bantam teams. It seems like they have a much better grip on the 1991's and 1990's at this point while this list seems to be just a start on this class....

RC Ryan Belonger-Green Bay Gamblers Bantam
LW CJ Eick-Green Bay Gamblers Bantam
RW Joey Haydock-Green Bay Gamblers Bantam
LD Kamen Klasinski-Green Bay Gamblers Bantam
G Tony Kujava-Green Bay GamblersBantam
LD Tyler Menucci-Green Bay Gamblers Bantam
G Evan Zelzer-Green Bay Gamblers Bantam
RC Danny Bartkowiak-Madison Capitols Bantam
LD Shaughn Dean-Madison Capitols Bantam
RD Tyler Jacobson-Madison Capitols Bantam
LW Kyle Komplin-Madison Capitols Bantam
LC Matt Lennon-Madison Capitols Bantam
LC Gage Maurer-Madison Capitols Bantam

Wisconsin Lands Ten on USHL Central Scouting 1991 Draft List

Wisconsin has great representation on the 1991 USHL Central Scouting List. The following ten players are listed:

F Sean Little-Fond du Lac
F Nick Widing-Hill Murray
D Sam Frank-KM/Mukwonago
D Sidney Kroll-Madison Capitals
D Eric Johnson-Madison Capitals
F Austin King-Madison Capitals
D Alex Hockett-Madison Capitals
LW Jon Roessler-Madison Capitals
G Cory Morbeck-Wisconsin AAA
RW Logan Lemirande-Janesville

Also listed is current UW player Zach Bearson's brother Alex who is a left wing for Chicago Mission.

It's nice to see plenty of defensive prospects as well as a goaltender from Wisconsin on the list.

Sunday, January 21, 2007

Saturday in the USHL

Tri-City edged Des Moines 4-3 in a shootout. Luke Lucyk had a goal for Tri-City.

Lincoln handled Chicago 4-1. Pat Johnson was even on the night, while teammate Ross Henry for the Stars was +1. Potential UW recruit Jason Gregoire was not active for the Stars despite just coming off the Injured Reserve List this week.

Omaha got past Waterloo 3-2. Josh Turnbull scored for Waterloo with Craig Smith assisting on the goal. Matt Thurber had an assist for Omaha. Keegan Meuer was not active for Waterloo.

Cedar Rapids shut out Green Bay 3-0. Nick Graves took the loss in net for Green Bay as they were outshot 45-24.

Indiana slid past Sioux City 4-3. Brent Gwidt was not active in the game for Indiana.

Hockey in Wisconsin Girls High School Top 5

1. Superior (was #1) (9-5-0)-Defeated Ashland 8-4
2. Fondy/Waupun (was #2) (9-5-0) Beat Arrowhead 7-2
3. Onalaska (was #3) (9-4-0) Beat Badger Thunder 6-1 & ECA 3-1
4. Point/Rapids (was #5) (11-4-2) Tied Appleton 1-1, beat Northland Pines 5-2 & beat Rhinelander 8-0
5. Appleton (was HM) (8-4-2) Tied Point/Rapids & Beat Northland Pines 3-2 in OT

Honorable Mention:

Chippewa Falls (Unranked) (8-2-1) Beat New Richmond 4-1 & St. Croix Valley 4-2
St. Croix Valley (was #4) (9-5-0) Lost to Chippewa Falls 2-4

Saturday Boys High School Games

There were some very good games Saturday night including a tie between #4 KM/Mukwonago and #9 Homestead. Honorable Mention Marquette beat #8 Arrowhead while Madison Edgewood snuck past University School 1-0.

Saturday, January 20, 2007

Friday in the USHL

Chicago edged Lincoln 3-2 in Lincoln. Patrick Johnson notched a goal for the Stars, while Ross Henry finished +1.

Sioux Falls beat Ohio 4-1. Sam Zabkowicz finished +1, David Solway -1 while Jacob Drewiske and Pat Tiesling were both even on the night.

Omaha got their offense going winning 7-4 over Des Moines. Matt Thurber was +2 on the night.

Waterloo defeated Green Bay 3-1. Blake Kessel netted a goal for Waterloo. Mike Sislo, Kessel's future teammate at UNH had a rough night for Green Bay finishing -2. Kessel finished +2 for Waterloo.

Tri-City squeaked past Cedar Rapids 4-3. Sean Wiles scored for Tri-City while Luke Lucyk finished -1. Wiles re-joined Tri-City on December 28th after being traded to the NAHL on December 7th.

Sioux City skated past Indiana 3-2. Brent Gwidt finished -1 for Indiana.

Gudmandson Finds the Zone in BCHL

Scott Gudmandson has been a brick wall for Salmon Arm of the BCHL over the past four games. In those games, he has allowed a total of four goals on 126 shots. He allowed one goal per game over that stretch, and now has his save percentage up over 90% in the ten games he has played in the BCHL. His gaa is around 3.5, putting him just outside the top 10 goaltenders in the league.

Why couldn't Omaha in the USHL get this kind of performance out of him? I really think the quick "hook" they exhibited messed up their goaltenders' psyche in Omaha. I understand that Coaches have pressure to make their team perform every time they step on the ice, but it appears another Coach and team are getting way more out of Gudmandson than they could in Omaha. Maybe the change of scenery contributed to Gudmandson's resurgence, but I can't help but think that mishandling the goaltender rotation and having a quick hook weren't the main problems since Gudmandson was a stud in the AJHL and looks to be quickly regaining that form in the BCHL despite seeing 30+ shots every night.

Friday, January 19, 2007

Wisconsin Hockey Players Division I Watch Updated

I have spent a bit of time updating the lists of players over on Hockey in Wisconsin's sister blog, Wisconsin Hockey Players Division One Watch. If you get a chance, go take a look and feel free to drop me a comment.

USHL Central Scouting 1990 Draft List Includes Four from Wisconsin

The USHL recently released their 1990 USHL Central Scouting Draft List, and four Wisconsinites and one UW recruit were included. The list does not include players that have already been drafted into the USHL. The players are as follows:

Wisconsin Players
Brett Bower-LW Madison LaFollette/Team Wisconsin
Andy Singerhouse-F Hill-Murray (MN.)
Jeff Grignon-RC Wisconsin AAA
Jacob Ransom-LW Wisconsin AAA

UW Recruit
Jordy Murray-LW Shattuck St. Mary's

Thursday Night Boys & Girls High School Scores

Thusday night in girls high school hockey saw H.I.W. #4 ranked St. Croix Valley taken out by a score of 4-2 by Chippewa Falls. H.I.W. #3 ranked Onalaska handled Badger Thunder 6 to 1.

In Boys High School Hockey #1 ranked Eau Claire Memorial needed overtime to down River Falls and remain undefeated. #2 ranked Stevens Point got past Wausau West 5-3. #9 Wisconsin Rapids pummeled Marshfield 10 to 2.

Mike Sislo Commits to New Hamshire

Superior native and current Green Bay Gambler has committed to New Hampshire. He will join UNH beginning next season, while Blake Kessel will join New Hampshire in 2008.

Thursday, January 18, 2007

Turris Has Great BCHL All-Star Game

Kyle Turris put up 2 goals and an assist last night in the BCHL All-Star Game. In the process, he was named 2nd Star of the Game.

Wednesday, January 17, 2007

Blake Kessel Commits to New Hampshire

Blake Kessel has given a verbal commitment to play his college hockey at the University of New Hampshire. The Verona, Wisconsin native was recently ranked 76th in the NHL's North American Mid-Term Draft Rankings. Kessel has played in 29 games for the Waterloo Blackhawks of the USHL and has 4 goals and 10 assists for 14 points. He is also +7 on the season.

Tuesday Boys & Girls High School Action

There were big games in both boys and girls high school hockey last night. On the boys side, #1 Eau Claire Memorial edged New Richmond 3-2. #4 Fond du Lac snuck past University School 2-1 with a last minute goal in regulation. #5 Superior lost 3-1 to Hermantown (MN.) #8 Arrowhead dropped the hammer on #6 Homestead shutting them out 6-0.

In girls high school hockey last night Hockey In Wisconsin's #5 ranked Stevens Point/Wisconsin Rapids tied Honorable Mention Appleton United by a score of 1 to 1.

Tuesday, January 16, 2007

Three Wisconsinites Chosen for USHL All-Star Game

The USHL has announced the rosters for the USHL All-Star Game. Chosen from Wisconsin were defensemen Blake Kessel and Derrick LaPoint as well as forward Josh Turnbull. All three will play for Team East. Here's the entire rosters for both teams:

2007 East Division All-Stars

Goaltenders
Alex Kangas-Indiana
Matt DiGirolamo-Waterloo

Defensemen
Kevin Wehrs-Cedar Rapids
Mike Phillippi-Indiana
Vince LoVerde-Waterloo
Dan Lawson-Chicago
Derrick LaPoint-Green Bay
Blake Kessel-Waterloo


Forwards
Tommy Wingels-Cedar Rapids
Josh Turnbull-Waterloo
Sergio Somma-Green Bay
Steve Silva-Green Bay
Garrett Roe-Indiana
Andy Miele-Chicago
James Marcou-Waterloo
John Kemp-Indiana
Danny Hobbs-Ohio
Jacob Cepis-Cedar Rapids
Pat Cannone-Cedar Rapids
Robin Bergman-Cedar Rapids


2007 West Division All-Stars

Goaltenders
Jerry Kuhn-Sioux City
Matt Dalton-Des Moines

Defensemen
Shane Sims-Des Moines
Jeff Petry-Des Moines
Nick Petrecki-Omaha
Tristin Llewellyn-Tri-City
Chad Langlais-Lincoln
Colby Cohen-Lincoln

Forwards
Corey Tropp-Sioux Falls
Steve Schultz-Lincoln
Ben Ryan-Des Moines
Calle Ridderwall-Tri-City
Matt Read-Des Moines
Rich Purslow-Des Moines
Aaron Palushaj-Des Moines
Max Pacioretty-Sioux City
Jesse Martin-Tri-City
Dustin Gazley-Sioux City
Phil DeSimone-Sioux City
Carter Camper-Lincoln

Frazee's Thoughts on the Badger Series & World Juniors

Gopher Sophomore hockey players R.J. Anderson, Justin Bostrom, Jeff Frazee, Ryan Stoa and Blake Wheeler are living together this season and keeping a "house journal" online at Gopher Puck Live. The latest installment is by Jeff Frazee, and he talks about the Badger series and the World Junior Championships.

Sunday, January 14, 2007

Hockey in Wisconsin Girls Hockey Top 5

1. Superior (was #1)-(8-5-0)-Lost to Cloquet (#8AA MN) and beat Blizzard 4-1
2. Fondy/Waupun (was #3)-(8-4-0) Game vs. Madison postponed & Beat Appleton 4-3
4. Onalaska (was #4)-(7-3-0) Beat St. Croix Valley 4-2
4. St. Croix Valley (was #2)-(9-4-0) Beat Eau Claire/Altoona 7-3 & lost to Onalaska 4-2
5. Point/Rapids (was HM)-(9-4-1) Beat Storm 6-1 & Hayward 4-3 & 7-0

Honorable Mention:

Appleton (was #5)-(7-4-1) Lost to Fondy/Waupun 4-3
Northland Pines-(HM)-(6-2-0) Beat Rhinelander 9-1

Badger Men & Women

The Badger Men came out flat last night and got beat 1-0. It's too bad they couldn't have found a way to play hard for 60 minutes and secure a sweep. They struggle to be consistent, and with the number of Freshmen that they are forced to play this season, that is not a surprise.

The Badger Women blanked Providence again, this time 5-0. This is their third straight shutout.

Saturday in the USHL

Lincoln pounded Green Bay at the Resch Center 6-1. Mike Sislo asssisted on the lone goal for Green Bay. Ross Henry finished +1 for Lincoln. For Green Bay, Derrick LaPoint was -3 on the night and Mike Sislo was -2 on the night. Both finished the weekend -5. Justin Cseter and Ryan Little both finished the game even.

Des Moines came from behind to beat Indiana in overtime 4-3.

Tri-City blanked Ohio 2-0. Kyle Ensign and Luke Lucyk were both even for the game.

Cedar Rapids got past Sioux City 6-5 in a shootout.

Waterloo shut out Chicago 4-0. Josh Turnbull had a goal for Waterloo, with Craig Smith getting one of the assists on the goal.

Sioux Falls beat Omaha 3-2, although there is no scoresheet for the game and the box score says it is an "unofficial final". David Solway and Patrick Tiesling both had assists for Sioux Falls.

Saturday in Boys High School Hockey

#1 Eau Claire Memorial pounded Menomonie 9-1
#3 KM/Mukwonago slid past Janesville 4-3
#9 Homestead took care of #10 University School 3-1
Honorable Mention Arrowhead put away Brookfield 6-3

Saturday Girls High School Games

There were some pretty big matchups in girls high school Saturday. In the first, Onalaska handled St. Croix Valley by a score of 4-2. In Fond du Lac, Fondy/Waupun squeaked past Appleton 4-3. In Milwaukee, the Madison Metro Lynx tied Milwaukee North Shore.

The Fondy/Waupun-Appleton game and Madison-Milwaukee games were both big in terms of seeding for Sectional #4. Those four teams plus Arrowhead make up that Sectional.

Saturday, January 13, 2007

Badger Women Notch Another "W"

The Badger Women's team rolled past Providence yesterday by a score of 3-0. They are now 19-1-3 on the season.

Bucky Breaks the Streak...and Doug Woog is a Tool

The Badgers managed to break Minnesota's 22 game unbeaten streak last night at the Kohl Center by a score of 2-1. Ross Carlson scored two power play goals for the Badgers (and hit two pipes) which was enough for the win. The Badgers team defense was stifling, and they blocked 20 shots while letting only 19 get to Brian Elliott.

On a related note, Doug Woog is a tool. I'm tired of his "backhanded compliments". Last night he stated that Wisconsin was "unskilled" and then tried to turn his homer comment into a backhanded compliment by adding "I like that they play the hand they were dealt, it's the sign of a good team". I like a lot of his color commentary, but he takes too many runs at Wisconsin while PB and Sags seem to hold their tongues. If offense is considered a skill, why isn't defense considered a skill Doug? Last night it looked to me like the Badgers were the more skilled team on both defense and offense....they scored more goals and let in less goals than Minnesota did.

The really good news is that tonight is the last night we'll have to listen to Woog for a while....

Friday Night Boys High School Action

In boys high school action last night, #1 Stevens Point routed Marshfield 8-1, #9 Homestead beat Honorable Mention Marquette 4-2 and #3 Kettle Moraine/Mukwonago shut out #6 Stoughton 3-0.

Friday in the USHL

Omaha handled Sioux City 5-2. Matt Thurber finished -1 for Omaha.

Waterloo spanked Sioux Falls 6-1. David Solway had the lone goal for Sioux Falls. Craig Smith had the final goal for Waterloo, while Keegan Meuer was active and had an assist on Waterloo's first goal.

Cedar Rapids edged Chicago 4-3.

Lincoln took out Green Bay 4-2. Patrick Johnson scored the last goal for Lincoln, which was a short-handed empty-net goal. Mike Sislo finished -3, and Derrick LaPoint finished -2 on the game. Ryan Little was even, while Justin Cseter was +1.

Indiana squeaked past Des Moines 3-2 in a shootout.

Friday, January 12, 2007

Wagner Still Coaching Onalaska Girls

Based on this article, it looks like Mark Wagner is still the Head Coach for the Girls Onalaska Hilltopper Hockey Team. So what happened you ask, were the Hockey in Wisconsin spies wrong? My guess is that the spies were correct in hearing that he had stepped down from his position, but that he must have reconsidered. I'll get to the bottom of this story sooner or later...

Milwaukee Hockey Gets Love from the Journal

The Milwaukee hockey scene is finally starting to get some love from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Not only did they have a blurb on Arrowhead beating University School in today's paper (see link in post below this one) but they also had a nice article on Homestead and the return of forward Tedd Falk today.

Erstad & SPASH Handle Antigo

















Travis Erstad and the rest of the #2 Stevens Point crew put away Antigo by a score of 4-0 Thursday night. Thanks to Ricky Bassman for the photos. The only upset of ranked teams on Thursday was Honorable Mention Arrowhead taking out University School by a score of 4-3.

Wednesday, January 10, 2007

Future Badgers Abound on NHL's Mid-Term Draft Rankings

The NHL Scouting Service has released their North American Mid-Term Rankings and there are a lot of future Badgers and Wisconsin natives on the list. It's no surpise that Kyle Turris is currently ranked fifth. Ryan McDonagh is entering UW this coming season rather than for 2008-2009 because his stock has risen so fast. This list confirms that his rise has been meteoric as he is currently ranked twelfth.

The next figure on the list Wisconsin fans will be interested to hear is Travis Erstad at #71. Erstad is currently a Senior at #2 ranked Stevens Point High School and plays with Team Wisconsin Major before and after the high school season. Blake Kessel is the next name of interest on the list just 5 spots behind Erstad at #76. He is Phil's brother, and is currently playing with the Waterloo Blackhawks in the USHL. Blake was not drafted by a USHL team, meaning his ascent on the rankings has been rapid as well.

Wisconsin native and UW recruit Josh Turnbull, who also currently plays for the Waterloo Blackhawks hits the list at #144. Just six spots later Brennan Vargas from the USNTDP U-18 team makes the list. His father was a Badger and he was talked about as a potential recruit, although I haven't heard anything along those lines recently.

Brendan Smith has been injured and/or recovering from injury this season, and the NHL North American Mid-Term Rankings has him at #157. This is a surprise as ISS and Red Line have listed him around #30 overall previously. Madison native Craig Smith makes the list at #201. He is teammates with Blake Kessel and Josh Turnbull on the Waterloo Blackhawks, and is committed to UW.

Jason Gregoire has been mentioned as a potential UW recruit, although the fact that he played the first four games of the USHL season and has been injured since then probably hasn't helped him much. He is listed as a player that has had limited viewing. He plays for Lincoln of the USHL.

Tuesday, January 09, 2007

Article on Gamblers Features Little & LaPoint

The Green Bay Press Gazette had an article this past weekend on host families for the Green Bay Gamblers and the fact that host families are one of the things that makes the USHL unique. The article has quotes from both UW recruit Ryan Little of Fond du Lac and North Dakota recruit Derrick LaPoint from Eau Claire.

Monday, January 08, 2007

Update on UW Recruits in the BCHL

Just a quick update on UW's two recruits currently playing in the BCHL. Over the weekend Goaltender Scott Gudmandson played in both games for the Salmon Arm Silverbacks recording a 7-5 win over the Surrey Eagles while stopping 39 of 44 shots, and a 5-1 win over Penticton by stopping 20 of 21 shots faced. Since moving to the BCHL Gudmandson is now 2-4 in 7 games, has a gaa of 4.65 and a 87.80 save percentage.

Kyle Turris also played in two games for Burnaby of the BCHL over the weekend. On Saturday he put up four goals and two assists in the Express' 9-6 win over Quesnel. Last night Turris scored Burnaby's only goal in a 4-1 loss to the Powell River Kings. Turris is currently ninth in scoring in the BCHL, and second in points per game at 2.1 points per game for players with at least 10 games played. He has scored 37 goals and 23 assists for a total of 60 points in just 29 games.

Sunday, January 07, 2007

Badger Men & Women Get it Done

The Badger Men and Women both won last night. The men by a score of 4-0 over Denver and the women swept Minnesota with Saturday's game being 3-0.

Saturday in the USHL

Waterloo edges Tri-City 4-3 in a shootout. Brett Olson and Josh Turnbull scored goals for Waterloo, and Blake Kessel had an assist. Craig Smith was the only player to score in the shootout. Keegan Meuer was active for Waterloo last night. Craig Smith was named third star of the game.

Sioux Falls nipped Lincoln 5-4 in a shootout. David Solway had a goal for Sioux Falls and Patrick Johnson had an assist for Lincoln.

Ohio handled Des Moines 5-4.

Green Bay defeated Chicago 5-2. Ryan Little was named First Star of the Game as he scored two goals and finished +3. Justin Cseter and Mike Sislo also had goals, while Sislo also had an assist. Sislo was named Second Star of the Game.

Cedar Rapids downed Indiana 4-3.

Saturday Boy's High School Hockey Action

#2 Stevens Point over Mosinee 8-4
#5 Fond du Lac shuts out Waupun 6-0
#3 KM/Mukwonago edges Onalaska 2-1
#4 Superior slips past Eau Claire North 5-4
(HM) Homestead defeats Middleton 4-3
(HM) Appleton downs Catholic Memorial 2-0
#6 University School beats Marquette 5-3

Hockey In Wisconsin Girls Hockey Top 5

1. Superior (was #1)-(7-4-0) Idle this week
2. St. Croix Valley (was #2)-(8-3-0) Idle this week
3. Fondy/Waupun (was #4)-(7-4-0) Beat Freeze 9-2
4. Onalaska (was #5)-(7-3-0) Idle this week
5. Appleton (was HM)-(7-3-1)-Beat (HM) Milwaukee North Shore 3-1

Honorable Mention:
Point/Rapids (was #3)-(6-4-1) Lost to Eau Claire/Altoona 3-2
Milwaukee North Shore (was HM)-(4-2-0) Lost to #5 Appleton 3-1
Northland Pines-(unranked)-(5-2-0) Beat Hayward 4-3 & beat Blizzard 6-2
Eau Claire/Altoona-(unranked)-(6-3-0) Beat Hudson 3-2 & beat Point/Rapids 3-2

Saturday, January 06, 2007

Badger Report: Men Lose; Women Win

The Badger Men's Hockey Team lost in Denver last night by a score of 3-1. They put forth a good effort, and controlled large portions of the game, but just couldn't get it done. The differences in the game were goaltender Peter Mannino for Denver, and Denver's power play unit. Two of Denver's goals came on the power play when a Badger defender failed to block a shot, and another Badger defender failed to clear traffic in front of Brian Elliott. Elliott never saw either shot, and it's awful hard to stop what you can't see. The Badgers were hoping that Jack Skille, Blake Geoffrion and Jamie McBain would make it to Denver from the World Junior Championship in Europe in time for tonight's game, but Todd Milewski is reporting that the three players will not be able to get to Denver in time.

The Badger Women shot down the University of Minnesota Women by a score of 4-1 last night in Minneapolis. The women got goals four consecutive goals from four different players after allowing Minnesota to score the first goal of the game.

Friday Boys High School Hockey

#2 Stevens Point rolled over Green Bay United 9-2
#9 Stoughton beat Honorable Mention Oregon 4-0.
Honorable Mention Homestead tied Madison Edgewood 2-2
HIW Darkhorse Pick Mosinee crushed Waupaca 10-1

Friday Night in the USHL

Here's how Wisconsinites and UW recruits fared in the USHL Friday night:

Tri-City edged Waterloo 4-3. Craig Smith finished +1 for Waterloo, while Luke Lucyk finished +1 for Tri-City. Keegan Meuer was not active for Waterloo in the game.

Omaha downed Lincoln 5-2. Matt Thurber for Omaha and Pat Johnson for Lincoln both finished -1 in the game.

Sioux Falls handled Sioux City 4-1. Jacob Drewiske and David Solway both had goals for Sioux Falls, with Solway also having an assist.

Des Moines defeated Ohio 3-1.

Indiana beat Chicago 3-1. Brent Gwidt finished te game +1.

Cedar Rapids put the smack down on Green Bay, 8-4. Justin Cseter had a goal for Green Bay, as did Mike Sislo. Sislo, Ryan Little and Derrick LaPoint also had assists for Green Bay. Sislo was named First Star of the Game. Nick Graves got some time in net in the game after Adam Avramenko gave up the fourth goal, but ended up with the loss.

Battle of the Honorable Mentions

Friday night two Hockey in Wisconsin Top 5 Girls Hockey Honorable Mention teams squared off. Milwaukee North Shore traveled to Appleton United. Appleton United prevailed by a score of 3 to 1, snapping North Shore's 4 game winning streak.

In other action #4 Fondy/Waupun downed the Freeze by a score of 9-2, while Northland Pines handled the Blizzard 6-2.

Friday, January 05, 2007

#6 University School Falls

#6 University School fell Thursday night to Middleton 2-0. In other boys high school action #1 Eau Claire Memorial defeated Honorable Mention Hudson 3-1. Honorable Mention Appleton fell in overtime to another team that has spent time in the rankings this season, Arrowhead by a final of 5-4.

Turris Ranked 7th in NHL Draft Currently

International Scouting Services currently has Kyle Turris ranked seventh for the 2007 NHL draft. Brendan Smith does not appear in their top 30 list.

Team USA Wins Bronze

Team USA won the bronze medal today defeating Sweden 2-1. Jack Skille had an assist in the game.

Congratulations to Badgers Jack Skille, Blake Geoffrion and Jamie McBain. Now get your butts on the plane and get to Denver in time for tomorrow night's UW/DU tilt!

Thursday, January 04, 2007

Thanks for 50,000 Visits

As of today, Hockey in Wisconsin has surpassed 50,000 visitors since it's inception on March 31st, 2006. Thanks to everyone who stops by to check out the blog!

Rumor Has it...

Rumor has it that one of the original Girls High School Hockey Coaches has stepped down from his position. One of the Hockey in Wisconsin spies has told me that Mark Wagner, Head Coach of the Onalaska Hilltoppers, has called every member of the team to let them know he has resigned his position effective immediately.

The Hilltopppers were undefeated prior to the Shootout in Dodge were they were swept in all three games by three Minnesota teams-Totino Grace, St. Paul United and New Ulm. It's no secret that Coach Wagner was not happy with his team after their performance, but it is a shock if he has indeed stepped down in the middle of the season.

Wednesday, January 03, 2007

Brian Elliott Chat from CSTV

Here's a link to a recent online chat session held by CSTV with UW netminder Brian Elliott.

Team USA falls to Canada in Seven Round Shootout

Team USA played Team Canada to a 1-1 tie in the World Junior Semifinals, but officially lost 2-1 following a seven round shootout. Team USA will play Sweden Friday for the Bronze Medal.

Tuesday, January 02, 2007

Team USA Advances to Semifinals

Team USA today defeated Team Finland 6-3 at the World Junior Championships, and now advances to play Team Canada tomorrow in a Semi-Final. Team Canada previously beat Team USA 6-3 during the Tournament's Opening Round of play. Jack Skille had a goal and an assist for Team USA.

WCHA Travel Roster Limit Exemption Granted

The WCHA has granted all teams with players at the World Junior Championships an exemption, meaning teams can take 22 players to a series this weekend, and still have a roster spot exemption for any players at the World Junior Championship who can make it back in time for a game.

Monday, January 01, 2007

Girls High School Hockey Rankings

Here is the first installment of the Hockey in Wisconsin Girl's High School Hockey Rankings for 2007. It was a tough week to rank the teams as some were idle while others played three games. Another factor was that many teams were squaring off against Minnesota teams. But, the rankings must go on. Please note the rankings reflect how teams are playing at this point in time, not where I think they will end up at the end of the season.

1. Superior (was #2)-(7-4-0) Idle this week
2. St. Croix Valley (was #3)-(8-3-0) Lost to Simley MN (#8A) & beat Waseca MN (#44A)
3. Point/Rapids (was #4)-(6-3-1) Lost to Northland Pines, beat Rhinelander & Appleton
4. Fondy/Waupun (was #5)-(6-4-0) Beat New Ulm MN (#16A), St. Paul United MN (#25A) & lost to Winona MN (#55AA)
5. Onalaska (was #1)-(7-3-0) Tough week with losses to New Ulm (#16A), MN, St. Paul United MN (#25A) & Totino-Grace MN (#19A)

Honorable Mention:

Milwaukee North Shore (was HM)-(4-2-0) Idle
Appleton (was HM)-(6-3-1) Beat Freeze & Storm, one goal loss to Point/Rapids
Chippewa Falls (was HM)-(5-1-0) Idle

Team(s) to Watch:

Northland Pines-(3-2-0) They've only played 5 games, but have beaten Point/Rapids & 1 goal loss to Appleton


Onalaska apparently had a tough time defensively and in net while playing in Minnesota. Fondy/Waupun's play has gone the opposite direction with just 6 goals in 3 games versus Minnesota teams this week, and two wins over teams Onalaska lost to in the same tournament. Milwaukee North Shore apparently has had their goaltender from last season return from what I hear, which is likely the reason for their improved play since early in the season. They are a team to watch out for in the second half of the season, and would be a very frightening team if they only had more team depth.

Team USA Advances to Medal Round With OT Win

Team USA looked like they were going to defeat Sweden and advance to the medal round of the World Junior Championships in regulation yesterday, but Sweden scored with :14 seconds left in the game after pulling their goaltender, knotting the score at 2-2. In overtime, the 4 on 3 power play game-winning goal was scored by Jack Johnson, with assists to Erik Johnson and Jack Skille.