Piskula Finishes His Junior Year Classes

Joe Piskula may have left UW before the second semester was complete so he could play with the LA Kings, but he did come back this summer to complete his Junior year classes.

He is Top Shelf Because He Scores Top Shelf

Kyle Turris helped Team Canada take a three games to nothing lead over Russia in the Canada Russia Super Series today. Turris unleashed his sniper-like top shelf wrister for his third goal in three games, and Canada eventually notched a 6-2 victory. Turris was named the Canadian Press' Player of the Game for his goal and special teams play.

Here are all the goals from the game, including Turris' wrister. Find the complete video of the game here by searching the game archive.

Jake Gardiner v. Marion Gaborik

Apparently there were a bunch of players skating at the Rec Center in St. Louis Park -- mostly NHL and college players, but 2 high school players as well, including Jake Gardiner. Jake got to skate against Marion Gaborik for a bit and reportedly did pretty well.

Budish got to skate on a line with Parrish and Gaborik at the end of the scrimmage, and Gardiner, a forward-turned-defenseman, had to deal with Gaborik flying in one-on-one. The kid held his own and even went on the attack a few times.

Nice to hear! Way to go Jake!

I liked this quote from Jake's dad, too.

“He didn’t know what to expect, and the first guy he sees in the parking lot was Boogaard,” laughed Gardiner’s father, John. “Yesterday he’s skating with sophomores. Today he’s skating with Gaborik.”

Thanks to The Exiled One for the heads-up on this.

Earl is #4 Prospect for Toronto

Hockey's Future identifies Robbie Earl as the #4 prospect in the Maple Leafs' system, and discusses what an important year this will be in his development toward making the NHL club.

Dave Arundel Guest Essay

Chris from Western College Hockey pointed out this guest essay from former Badger Dave Arundel. Dave shares his thoughts on why Wisconsin is the number one hockey program in the nation.

Brian Elliott Top Goaltending Prospect for Ottawa

Brian Elliott is currently ranked as the top goaltending prospect of the Ottawa Senators, according to Hockey's Future. They list him as Ottawa's seventh best prospect, which is actually one spot lower than he was previously ranked.

Bert DeHate to be inducted into Badgers HOF

Thanks to nubeetle for pointing this out to me!

Bert DeHate will be inducted into the Wisconsin Badgers Hall of Fame 8/31/2007 5:00 pm at Camp Randall.

Bert DeHate was a center for the Badgers from 1966-1970 (95 GP 108 G 80 A 188 Pts) . He was co-captain for the '68'-69 season, his last full season with the Badgers. (His eligibility ran out midway through the '69-'70 season.) And as far as I can tell, he was the Badgers first real star.

His 108 goals put him 2nd in career goals behind Mark Johnson (who had 125 goals in 125 games), and his 47 goals in 31 games during the ’67-’68 season put him 2nd in single season goals, again behind Mark Johnson (who had 48 goals in 42 games). Oh, and his 77 points that year won him the national scoring title. He scored 5 goals against Ohio University on 2/24/67, and that’s still a record for most goals in one game. (Mike Meeker and Mark Johnson have tied this record.) In that same game he had 8 points, which ties him (with Tom French and Ron Leszczynki) for most points in one game. He also holds single season and career records for hat tricks, with 7 and 15 (11 3-goal games, 3 4-goal games, 1 5-goal game).

His senior year was the first season that the Badgers made an NCAA post-season appearance, but DeHate never got a chance to play in the tourney because his eligibility ran out after midway through the year. Too bad, because it sounds like he was one of the players that helped put Badger Hockey on the map. I wish I had some stories about him, but I couldn’t find much beyond the stats and records.

Turris Scores Again; Canada Takes 2-0 Lead

Kyle Turris scored a power play goal for Canada today in game #2 of the Canada Russia Super Series as Canada took a 2-0 lead. Turris now has two goals in two games.

You can watch the game online at this site. Just click on "Game Archive" and select the first period of the second game. Turris scores about 20 minutes into the coverage of that period.

Edit: The goals from game 2 are now posted here, in case you don't have time to watch the whole game.

08-09 Forward Recruiting Class

In an article in today's WSJ, Coach Mike Eaves indicates that the forward recruiting class coming in '08-'09 is pretty much complete, saying "We're pretty much done." Not too much of a surprise, given that with the addition of transfer Tom Bardis the Badgers have 8 forwards lined up for either '08-'09 or '09-'10. As only a few forwards graduate over the next 2 years (Ford this year, Gorowsky and Street next year), the forward ranks should remain full, even allowing for early departures.

At one point Chuck had indicated that UW was a front-runner for NTDP forward Vinny Saponari. I'm interested in seeing where the situation stands now. I have no idea how much scholarship money is available, nor do I know much about Saponari besides what I've been told by others (like DPlaya and Chuck.) It did occur to me that the commitment by Bardis might indicate that the coaching staff feels that Wisconsin is out of the running for Saponari, whose brother will be playing at BU. Because, honestly, there just isn't much room left. Although one can argue that you make room for a player like Saponari regardless.

While playing time does not appear to be the reason for his transfer, I find it a bit ironic that Tom Bardis is transferring from a program with a logjam at forward (SLU had 17 forwards last year) to another program that has a bit of a logjam at forward.

Video of Turris' Penalty Shot Goal-Game 1 of Super Series

Here is the video of all the goals scored in game 1 of the Super Series, including Kyle Turris' effort on a penalty shot to knot the score at 2 a piece. The last two Canadian goals are very pretty as well, with Sam Gagner providing some sick moves to assist on the third Canadian goal and score the fourth Canadian goal.

Here is link where you can watch game 1 in its entirety. Here is the link to watch game 2.

Bauer One of 30 Semifinalists for NCAA Woman of the Year

Sara Bauer has been named one of 30 Semifinalists for the Woman of the Year award from the NCAA. Bauer won back to back National Championships with the UW Women's Hockey Team. She also won the Patty Kazmaier Award two years ago and was a finalist this past season. In addition, she was the UW Athlete of the Year along with Alando Tucker, and University Division Academic All-American of the Year by ESPN the Magazine for the past two years.

More Kyle Turris

There's a story in today's Vancouver Province about (who else) Kyle Turris. It talks about how Kyle has bulked up (adding 10 lbs of muscle) and gained some more confidence this summer. I can't take credit for finding the article, as I saw it on Todd Milewski's blog. (Thanks Todd!)

Nice quote from Wayne Gretzky:

"I think he just plays the game the way the game should be played," Gretzky said in July. "He plays with tremendous vision and he's still only 17 years old. He's got a lot of great years ahead of him."

I'm not the best judge of things, but I saw Turris skate a bit at Cap Ice this summer, and I'm gonna go ahead and agree with The Great One -- Turris sure did seem to play with some pretty good vision.

Also a couple nice quotes from Kyle. I like that he's willing to address his weaknesses, and I really like how excited he is to be a Badger.

"Everyone knew I wasn't the strongest kid and that was one of my weaknesses I had to work on. I'm going to be doing that for the next couple of years - getting stronger and stronger to make sure I make it."

"I can't wait to get down there and start playing," Turris said. "I never second-guessed it. I made the decision a couple years ago and the hardest thing has been waiting. It was a great two years playing at Burnaby but I was just itching to go down to Wisconsin."

By the way, TSN and Rogers Sportsnet are providing live broadband coverage of the CAN-RUS Super Series.

Jake Gardiner article

Here’s an article from today’s Chanhassen Villager about Jake Gardiner, who recently verbally committed to the Badgers. (Thanks to Melissa Wade for spotting this article.) Today’s article talks a little bit about Jake’s summer (participating in the Select 17 Camp and being selected to the U-18 team), choosing to play his senior year at Minnetonka High School rather than playing in the USHL, and choosing Wisconsin.

Mattson Chooses North Dakota

Academy of Holy Angels Junior Forward Danny Mattson has given a verbal commitment to play for North Dakota beginning in 2009 or 2010. He is reported to have spurned offers from both Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Turris Helps Canada to 4-2 Comeback Victory

UW recruit Kyle Turris scored on a penalty shot and helped to anchor the Canadian's penalty killing unit as they took a one game to nothing lead over Russia in the Canada-Russia Super Series. The next game in the series will take place on Wednesday.

Please Welcome 60 min. to HIW!

Hockey in Wisconsin is pleased to welcome 60 min. as the newest contributor to the blog. The fact that 60 min. is a devout Badger fan, regular attendee at UW Men's and some UW Women's games, and possesses a voracious appetite for posting about "all things Badgers" will make her a great addition to the blog.

Welcome to Hockey in Wisconsin 60 min., we're glad you're a part of the team!

Team Canada Women Sweep U-22 & U-18 Series

The US Women's U-18 Select Team lead Team Canada 2-0 on Friday, but ended up losing the game in overtime 3-2. UW recruit Brooke Ammerman scored the first goal while Wisconsinite Brianna Decker scored the second.

Team Canada completed the sweep of the U-18 team by a score of 4-1 today, even though Team USA outshot them 25-23 in the game.

The US Women's U-22 Select Team fell to Team Canada Friday by a score of 3-2. Meghan Duggan from UW had an assist in the game.

Team Canada completed the sweep of the U-22 team today by a score of 4-3. Jinelle Zaugg from UW had two goals, one of which UW recruit Hillary Knight assisted on.

Megan Duggan kept a blog for the series, which can be found here. Elliott Olshansky looks at this series by school in this article, although he didn't include recruits as we did here at Hockey in Wisconsin.

Friday's Update

The Beloit Daily News has a nice article on new Beloit Memorial's new Head Hockey Coach, Mark Edwards.

Both the USA Women's U-18 and U-22 squads lost to Canada last night. The U-22 team was defeated 3-1, while the U-22 team lost 5-1. The lone goal for the U-18 team was by a combination of players I'd like to see score a lot of goals for the Badger Women's team. Wisconsinite Brianna Decker scored the goal with UW recruit Brooke Ammerman getting the assist. The shots in the U-22 game were 31-28 with Canada having the advantage. In the U-18 game the Canadians outshot the US 39-17.

Team Canada and UW recruit Kyle Turris continue to get ready for the Canda-Russia Super Series. The Canadians have traveled to Russia and are trying to come together as a team through a series of practices. Kyle Turris had some comments in this article on what types of conditioning he has done this summer to get ready for the Super Series.

This article on the Super Series indicates Turris is playing on what is likely Canada's top line along with John Tavares and David Perron. In this TSN article, Kyle Turris declares his willingness to help the team by taking on whatever role Brent Sutter asks him to, including working the boards.

UW-Eau Claire's Strand Heads to Houston

I had heard this a day or two ago, but forgot to post about it....UW-Eau Claire Head Hockey Coach (and former Green Bay Gamblers & St. Norbert's Assistant) Luke Strand has taken a position as Second Assistant Coach with the Houston Aeros. The Aeros First Assistant Coach is former UW Assistant Coach Troy Ward. Strand was working at Ward's Hockey & Sons Summer Hockey Camp when the hiring was announced.

2007 US Women's U-22 Select Team Named

The 2007 US Women's U-22 Select Team has been named, and as expected, a large contingent of Badger players are a part of the roster.

Selected for the team were defenseman Emily Morris and forwards Meghan Duggan, Hilary Knight, Erika Lawler and Jinelle Zaugg. Current and former Badgers not making the squad include goaltender Jesse Vetter and defenseman Molly Engstrom.

Jasmine Giles from UW will be playing for Canada's U-22 Select Team.

In addition 2008-2009 Badger recruit Brooke Ammerman is playing for the US U-18 Select Team along with Wisconsinite and potential 2009-2010 UW recruit Brianna Decker.

From the Army to Stevens Point

I came across this article today about Tim Manthey, who is transferring from Army to UW-Stevens Point. It appears he was a pretty accomplished player at the Division 1 level and fairly prolific on the offensive side of the game, including the power play.

Derrick Lapoint #9 Prospect for Panthers

Eau Claire North star Derrick Lapoint has moved up in the prospect rankings for the Florida Panthers from #13 to #9 according to Hockey's Future.

News & Notes from around Wisconsin

I spoke with someone in the know today who told me that Seth Soley made the roster for the Green Bay Gamblers, but decided to play his Senior season for Eau Claire Memorial this season instead.

I also hear that in Kyle Turris' short stint practicing with UW this summer he was extremely impressive. The parent of a player who participated in those practices indicates their son doesn't think he will be a Badger for longer than a year because of his incredible skill level, regardless of how quickly he adds size to his frame.

Andy Baggot reports that the only UW recruit to make Red Line Report's initial 2008 NHL Draft Rankings is Beaver Dam native Matt Thurber. Red Line Report has ranked 110 players at this point, with Thurber being ranked 97th currently. Potential UW recruit Vinny Saponari is ranked 74th. The article also has some scouting observations on UW recruit Jordy Murray from the Select 17 Festival.

Transfer from St. Lawrence to Join Badgers

Todd Milewski reports that Tom Bardis, a Sophomore transfer from St. Lawrence University in New York is transferring to Wisconsin. He will have to sit out one season, but can practice with the team.

Bardis is a right-handed shot and is listed at 5'9" and 193 pounds. He is originally from Alpharetta, Georgia but played for Cushing Academy in Massachusetts prior to playing for St. Lawrence.

Thanks to 60 min. for the heads up on this.

Turris Prepping for Canada-Russia Super Series

The Canadian players for the Canada-Russia Super Series traveled to Toronto today, and will have their first practice together tomorrow. The actual series begins in Ufa, Russia one week from today. In this video report from TSN, you can see Kyle Turris in the background several times.

The Exhibition Season Begins Friday (at least in the BCHL....)

The BCHL gets their exhibition season underway on Friday, with their regular season beginning September 7th. One player the Badgers reportedly have an interest in is Forward Derek Lee from the Salmon Arm Silverbacks. Here is the schedule for the Silverbacks this season.

US Under 18 Select Team Game Footage

The links below will take you to game footage of the final round robin game between the US U-18 Select Team and the Czech Republic. Future UW left defenseman Jake Gardiner is number 4 while future UW left wing Jordy Murray is number 19.

The video is very clear, although the play by play is tough to understand (unless you speak Czechoslavakian!).

First Period
Second Period
Third Period

Thanks to Iceburg on GPL for pointing this out.

Jordy Murray Leads Team USA to Win

Jordy Murray came up big in the final game for Team USA at the Memorial of Ivan Hlinka Tournament in the Czech Republic. Team-Captain Murray registered two assists, and then scored as the final player in the shootout to complete the victory for Team USA, which secured fifth place in the tournament.

Friday Linkorama

Let's Play Hockey has an article on the Elite 2 League.

Hudson now has a team in the MJHL.

Kyle Turris is interviewed about the upcoming Summit Series between Canada and the Soviet Union. The article mentions Turris turned 18 a few days ago.

According to Charlie Walters from the Pioneer Press Gazette, Ryan McDonagh is making his way to the UW campus shortly (it is near the bottom of the article).

Niether the Girls U16 or U19 Team Wisconsin rosters have been released yet...it kind of looks like they're having trouble finding goaltenders for the U19 team.

I missed linking this blurb from Todd Milewski this week about the fact that UW recruit Jordan Murray was elected Captain of the US U-18 Select Team for the Memorial of Ivan Hlinka Tournament in Slovakia.

Badgers at USA World Junior Camp

Lots of Badgers are mentioned in Hockey Future's 2007 USA Junior Camp Wrap Up.

Ice at the Kohl Center

Todd Milewski reports that the ice is down at the Kohl Center, and a host of former and current Badgers have been taking advantage of it since last week.

Walter Gretzky Glad Turris is Going to College

Kyle Turris got to spend some time with Wayne Gretzky's father Walter at a charity event late last week. Among the recommendations Gretzky's father made to Turris was to get an education. Hopefully he's passing along his instructions for Turris to his son, who is waiting to coach Turris with the Phoenix Coyotes.

The linked article has a nice picture of Turris and the elder Gretzky, along with an update on the remainder of Kyle's summer schedule.

Note: What the heck is Turris doing with his fingers in that photo? He looks like he's either disfigured or throwing up gang signs!

WHSEL Primed for Second Year

The Wisconsin High School Elite League is primed for their second season. Most of the teams have been selected, and the ones that are not currently posted should be up very soon. The game schedule is not posted yet, but the main page of the WHSEL site can be found here.

Wil Nichol Building UWSP Men's Program

UW-Stevens Point today announced their first recruiting class under new Head Coach Wil Nichol. Among the recruits are four Division 1 defensemen transferring into UW-Stevens Point, as well as a host of Wisconsinites. Here's a list of the commitments, with the Wisconsin players in bold:

BJ Gottsacker F Alexandria Blizzard (NAHL) 6'0 215 44 8 12 20 43 2007-08-10
Christian Scarpone D Quinnipiac (ECACHL) 5'11 185 u/a u/a u/a u/a u/a 2007-08-10 Transfer, Stats Are From 2005-2006 Season
Craig Dakins F Fairbanks Ice Dogs (NAHL) 6'1 190 51 5 7 12 24 2007-04-26
Eric Borre F Alexandria Blizzard (NAHL) 6'1 220 41 8 5 13 42 2007-08-10
Eric Meyer F Peoria Mustangs (CSHL) 6'1 210 45 39 23 62 69 2007-08-10 Stats Include Games Played With Chicago Force
Garrett Suter D Omaha Lancers (USHL) 6'1 195 17 u/a 5 5 22 2007-08-10
Jon Ralph D Bowling Green (CCHA) 6'0 170 6 u/a u/a u/a u/a 2007-08-10 Transfer
Korey O'Brien D Alpena IceDiggers (NAHL) 5'11 165 36 1 4 5 13 2007-05-03
Nic Polaski F St. Louis Bandits (NAHL) 6'1 190 55 8 13 21 41 2007-08-10
Thomas Speer G Seguin Bruins (OPJHL) 6'0 180 38 n/a n/a n/a u/a 2007-08-10 GAA:3.80 SV%: 90.4
Tim Manthey D Army (Atlantic Hockey) 6'3 200 34 11 18 29 u/a 2007-08-10 Transfer
Willie Beetham F Bismarck Bobcats (NAHL) 5'7 170 44 3 5 8 22 2007-08-10

Gottsacker is from Eagle River, Dakins and Borre are from Wisconsin Rapids, and Garrett Suter and Willie Beetham are from Madison.

Wednesday Linkorama

The 2007-2008 Team Wisconsin Midget Minor roster has been released.

The Northwest Pro Development Camp in Spooner drew a host of former Badgers and one soon to be Badger.

Jamie McBain, Blake Geoffrion and Ryan McDonagh are currently at the Junior Evaluation Camp.

INCH profiles Shane Connelly.

I just found this video online, even though it has been around since May. In the video, Shane Connelly answers 10 questions from the UW Broadcasting Club. Here's the link.

Madison Capitols Midget Major Roster Released

The Madison Capitols have now posted their Midget Major roster on their site. I had heard that many high-level Wisconsin high school players had been targeted for their team this season, which seems to be true based upon their roster.

F Tyler Lundey was a top scorer in the WHSEL last year
F Mike Lennon from Baraboo-Reedsburg was Honorable Mention All-State and on Team Wisconsin Midget Major
D Taylor Kuypers from Madison Edgewood was Honorable Mention All-State and on Team Wisconsin Midget Major
D Tyler Krueger from SPASH was Honorable Mention All-State was at the Green Bay Gamblers tryout camp this year
D Chris Glover from McFarland was on Team Wisconsin Midget Major

In addition:
F Jeff Grignon played for Wisconsin AAA
D Tony Turgeon from Ashland played for the Wisconsin Junior Mustangs

Monday Linkorama

The Badger Men's Hockey Team's roster for 2007-2008 is now available on uwbadgers.com.

Western College Hockey has a report from attending the Boys Select 15 National Development Camp.

The Badger Herald apparently just heard that the Badgers had 3 players selected in the first round of the NHL draft.

Montpetit & Team Minnesota Spanked at Chowder Cup

UW recruit Brock Montpetit played for Team Minnesota at the Chowder Cup. Their tournament only lasted three games and ended yesterday. I guess that's what happens when you allow an AVERAGE of over 8 goals per game. Montpetit was held scoreless for the tournament.

Badger Women's Team Recruiting for 2008-2009

It is still very early in the recruiting process for 2008-2009 recruits for women's hockey, but Minnesota has built an unbelievable class that is definitely going to leave the Badgers scurrying to catch up. Minnesota has already gotten five verbal commitments, three from players on the US U-18 squad, and the other 2 from the two top forwards at Shattuck St. Mary's. Here's Minnesota's class for 2008-2009 so far:

Sarah Erickson F USA 18s Laporte, MN
Alyssa Grogan G USA 18s Egan, MN
Jocelyn Lamoureux F SSM Grand Forks, ND
Monique Lamoureux F SSM Grand Forks, ND
Kelly Seeler D USA 18s Eden Praire, MN

The Badger Women at this point have a single recruit:

Brooke Ammerman F USA 18s/NAHA Hillsdale, NJ

It seems like Minnesota has figured out they better identify and jump on their best players early if they want to keep them in-state. It will be interesting to see how Mark Johnson and his staff are able to make up for this in 2008-2009 and if or how they can counteract this in the future.

Kevin Lynch Chooses Michigan

Kevin Lynch, a right-handed center for Honeybaked last season, who is joining the U-17 USNTDP this season, has given a verbal commitment to Michigan. The Badgers are one of the teams that had been showing interest in Lynch.

Fienhage to North Dakota

Rumors were swirling yesterday that Eastview, MN Senior Defenseman Corey Fienhage had committed to play for North Dakota, and those rumors have proven to be true. Wisconsin had interest in Fienhage, and according to the article had offered him a scholarship.

US Women's U-18 National Team Selected

The US Women's U-18 National Team has been selected, with forward Brianna Decker from Dousman making the squad. Forward Brooke Ammerman from NAHA is a 2008-2009 recruit and has also made the team. Here's the roster:

u-18s

GOALTENDERS
Alyssa Grogan Eagan, Minn.
Rebecca Ruegsegger Lakewood, Colo.

DEFENSEMEN
Megan Bozek Buffalo Grove, Ill.
Ann-Marie Elvin Boston, Mass.
Ashley Holmes Miltona, Minn.
Anne Schleper St. Cloud, Minn.
Kelly Seeler Eden Prairie, Minn.
Kelly Wild Mendota Heights, Minn.
Pamela Zgoda Cheektowaga, N.Y.

FORWARDS
Brooke Ammerman River Vale, N.J.
Kate Bacon Chanhassen, Minn.
Alley Bero Akwesasne, N.Y.
Ashley Cottrell Sterling Heights, Mich.
Brianna Decker Dousman, Wis.
Sarah Erickson LaPorte, Minn.
Mary Restuccia Chester Springs, Pa.
Lauren Smith Burnsville, Minn.
Corey Stearns Falmouth, Mass.
Allison Szlosek Bedford, Mass.
Kimberly Theut Harrison Twp., Mich.
Danielle Welch Hastings, Minn.

Note: One more player will be added to the roster in the next few days.