Interesting Signings from the Gophers
by WCHBlog on Nov 18, 2009 10:06 PM PST
7 comments
It's a weird dynamic for the University of Minnesota hockey team these days. Some of their players can't wait to leave the program, while some apparently can't wait to get there.
Minnesota has signed five players, with plans to sign one more, including two players who are graduating high school early to likely play for the Gophers next season. 1993-born Seth Ambroz has already signed his letter of intent, while Nick Bjugstad will sign with the Gophers once he gets far enough in his schooling to be classified as a senior.
Somewhat ironically, it's probably Bjugstad, who is technically old enough to be a high school senior this year, who might be less ready for college next year, coming straight from Blaine High School.. Ambroz, who won't turn 18 until two weeks after Minnesota is bounced from the WCHA playoffs next year, is a solid 6'3" 205 lbs. and will have two years of experience in the USHL under his belt.
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It seems to me since John Hill has come aboard the Gopher staff they have done nothing but go down the toilet as far as recruiting goes. People can point there fingers at Lucia as much as they want, but in the end it is players that win and lose games. What is the deal with the Gophers signing all these little guys… I mean they go after the Reilly brothers, these kids are marginal at best. I have nothing with small guys but come on…they have average skill at best! They have no jam, they are not hard to play against and have no physical presence to there game. Then they commit to Sam Warning, which is not bad player but once again average skill set being a small guy. You want to recruit a small player, that kid better be dynamic and tough to play against. How about Rocco Grimaldi playing for the Development program…ever seen this kid play? The kid is an absolute stud. He has grit, and his skill set is unbelievable, and is very tough to play against. How about Jacop Cepis? Well anyway you get my point! Do we not understand that when the Gophers play against teams like North Dakota and there giants that they have on there D-Core, they are not easy to play against…they physically get piss pounded all series long. Now North Dakota is a school that knows how to recruit! The big problem might not be all mister Lucia fault but Mister Hill out there recruiting average kids! I know gophers have some studs coming in like they always do, but recruiting average kids that are not hard to play against does not make sense. I agree with recruiting role players cause every team needs them but do not understand there current philosophy.
Hill
No Jonh Hill @ Minnesota equals 2 National Championships for Lucia. Motzko was doing the recruiting while Hill was doing his fascade as a Head Coach in Anchorage and the Gophers were winning two titles Heck, the Gophers would still have Stoa but he told Lucia get rid of him or I’m turning pro. Looks like we know how that ended up…
Bring on the Blaiser and we’ll see the U rattle off titles by the bunches with players that aren’t small and soft and it will be a program that NHL teams will want their legitimate prospects (over 6’ tall) to play for again – not rush their guys out of.
by Chip 'er Deep on Nov 19, 2009 8:38 AM PST via mobile reply actions
Ambroz
I think you’re exactly right, Chris. Seth Ambroz is college ready right now. He is a bonafide Top 5 pick when he becomes eligible. He is very similar to Brandon Saad, but having played an extra year against the stiffer competition of the USHL might give Ambroz the leg up. He has size and skill. I’d like to see a little more toughness and edge to his game, but he’s just so skilled it can be overlooked.
He could be a future star for college hockey. But I imagine, he’ll be a one-year guy.
by southsidehockey on Nov 19, 2009 8:46 AM PST reply actions
John Hill
John Hill may not be popular with Minnesota fans and I can see why that might be the case. But some of the remarks above have inaccuracies. Specifically, when it comes to who helped Lucia build those championship teams. Bob Motzko played no role in recruiting players for the 2002 team and only one class on the 2003 team. John Hill did help recruit three of the classes on each of those two championship teams.
Stoa
Chip’er – where did you hear that Stoa would have stayed if Hill got canned? I find it hard to believe since Stoa had a huge year and was a senior age wise… it was just his time to go pro.
Dilks – why do you have to take shots at the Gophers every opportunity you get? It brings down your creditability big time… can’t you be more professional? ..and I realize you take shots at other teams too, but what are you trying to accomplish besides pissing off your readers?
Regardless how much Hill had to do with recruiting back in the championship years…why in the heck is he changing his philosophy as far as players. Big, strong, skilled and hard to play against is what they need. Throw in some tough role players and stop signing these marginal small kids that will not bring nothing to the table. I have a feeling that if Gophers do not make it do the NCAA dance that Lucia will be gone. As stated above Blais knows how to recruit and there will be no teams pushing his team around that is for sure!
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