Two Commits from the NTDP
by WCHBlog on Dec 9, 2009 9:09 PM PST
5 comments
Via Chris Heisenberg...
NTDP forward Blake Pietila committed to Northern Michigan. Pietila considered signing with Windsor of the OHL prior to committing to the NTDP. That was probably a wise choice on his part, since he's a nice player, but probably not a first round NHL pick type. Though I could see Windsor making a push to sign him after next season when they need to refill some roster spots.
Also committed off the NTDP U17 team was Arizona-born forward Zac Larraza. I was pretty surprised to see his name off the board so early just because he's still extremely raw. He'll definitely be a project.
Ferris State got a commitment from Green Bay defenseman Scott Czarnowczan.
Sioux City's Ryan Rashid committed to Niagara.
Forward Trevor Mingoia committed to Union. I remember him as being pretty highly thought of when he played at the Select 15s a couple years ago. That could be a steal for the Dutchmen.
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Why wait?!
Why wait? What is the point of the waiting game in college hockey? It is simple math my friends. Larazza is one of the top 20 93’s in the US. There are 57 D1 schools out there with an average turnover of 5 kids per year which creates a need to fill 285 spots a year! Also, keep in mind that the CHL has had record numbers of Americans over the last three years. WHat is the thought process on this? Is there something that I am missing? Where do these schools expect to find approximately 270 kids better than Larazza in that birth year?! Has there been a sudden, secret boom in development for the New Zealand national program?
He could very easily not be in the top 300 or whatever in the 18-21 age group when it’s time for him to go to college, and college programs don’t have the benefit of cutting or trading players that don’t work out like CHL teams do.
...and the likelihood of that?
Baloney! The chances of him dropping out the D1 pool in 1-2 years are slim to none. Yes, there have been a few lemons in the NTDP, but no one who could not play D1 hockey (…and don’t try to bring up Ryan Schnell. He’s a pro in the AHL now.) You are correct in saying that colleges cannot trade players, but they do get creative in terms of getting kids to relinquish their scholarship monies. Personally, I would rather be traded than having to sit out a year for transferring schools. Additionally, if Windsor wants Pietella, they will get him.
Correct.
My bad. He signed a one way AHL contract with an ECHL provision, and is playing for the Wheeling Nailers. Still a pro though…and making AHL money. Not bad.
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