Western College Hockey Blog: FanPosts

Western College Hockey primary focus on which conference?

2013-06-06T20:14:47Z

Will this blog site still focus on the WCHA, or will it refocus on the NCHC and/or Big Ten? I am a fan of this site because I'm a MTU fan, focused on the WCHA, but I'm worried this will now be a NCHC site, since most of the big programs that left the WCHA went to the NCHC.

Given that the CCHA and WCHA are the red-headed step children of Division I Hockey, I'm going to root for this conference even more now...

ESPN Coverage

2013-04-12T00:45:41Z

Watched the last couple periods of the Yale game - winning in OT.

Patiently waiting for the St. Cloud game and can't believe ESPN 2 has to show a football quarterback session with Gruiden. So they can't put together 30-45 minutes of stories and highlights from a full year of College hockey?

I understand ratings etc. But this is painful having to watch quarterback rating in between NCAA Division 1 College games.

Fortunately, I don't need to watch the football as the Wild are on... but I'm looking for a evening of College hockey, not football.

Maybe they need to have NBC-Sports do the tournament next year. Much better than ESPN hockey coverage.

FYI: Yale is really impressive and deserving of a final spot. Being a Gopher fan I was disappointed that Yale won but they certainly proved that they belong with wins over the Gophers, UND and UMass-Lowell.

Would love to see the Huskies get to the finals and win it all.

Watched the last couple periods of the Yale game - winning in OT.

I understand ratings etc. But this is painful having to watch quarterback rating in between NCAA Division 1 College games.

Fortunately, I don't need to watch the football as the Wild are on... but I'm looking for a evening of College hockey, not football.

Maybe they need to have NBC-Sports do the tournament next year. Much better than ESPN hockey coverage.

Would love to see the Huskies get to the finals and win it all.

MTU AD Clueless

2011-10-02T16:39:27Z

As MTU tries to rebuild it's program, you'd think administration would do things to try to encourage season ticket sales. Instead they raised the parking fee to $5. A lot of empty seats on the "community" side of the rink will stay empty.

Second, the MTU fight song is always played by the pep band, and it gets even us geezers to stand and clap to rally the team or to celebrate a goal. At the first game this Saturday, some canned music was blasted when goals were scored, completely drowning out the pep band and the fight song on the other side of the rink. If it wasn't for the Misfits and the pep band, there'd be no spirit at the games.

The community is cautiously optimistic that Mel can turn the program around. Tech has a lot of good players that just need better leadership. Unfortunately, collegiate sports are all about the money, as demonstrated by the formation of the Big 10 hockey association and others. Tech needs to bring in ticket buyers, and you're not going to do it with goal buzzers going off prematurely, drowning out the pep band, and charging a ridiculous amount to park at the games. The community loves hockey, but not enough to support the greedy university.

Under the Radar Recruits

2010-12-16T17:18:24Z

Here are a few Minnesota kids that are flying under everyone's radar that scouts and colleges should take note of:

Sam Coborn F Park Rapids, MN

Alex Funk F Rochester Lourdes, MN

Josh Archibald F Brainerd, MN

Brady Riesgraf, D, Holy Family Catholic, MN

Patrick Daly, D, Benilde St. Margarets, MN

Ryan Tapani, F, Providence Academy, MN

George Ordway, F, Blake School, MN

Travis Underwood, F, Grand Rapids, MN

This are the ones that top my list. If you don't know much about them now, I predict you will in the future.

Here are a few Minnesota kids that are flying under everyone's radar that scouts and colleges should take note of:

Sam Coborn F Park Rapids, MN

Alex Funk F Rochester Lourdes, MN

Josh Archibald F Brainerd, MN

Brady Riesgraf, D, Holy Family Catholic, MN

Patrick Daly, D, Benilde St. Margarets, MN

Ryan Tapani, F, Providence Academy, MN

George Ordway, F, Blake School, MN

Travis Underwood, F, Grand Rapids, MN

This are the ones that top my list. If you don't know much about them now, I predict you will in the future.

Win a PowerSkater from PoweringAthletics and Cyclone Hockey!

2010-02-10T21:52:20Z

Hello everyone,

I am a marketing staff member from Cyclone Hockey (Iowa State Univ, Ames, IA) and we are currently auctioning off a PowerSkater from PoweringAthletics. More information below:

Cyclone Hockey is raffling off a PowerSkater by PoweringAthletics worth $1500. The PowerSkater has been designed to teach proper skating technique, improve balance and develop stride. Other prizes include a SkinnerShooter, an autographed jersey and gift cards. Raffle tickets are $5 each. For more information and to purchase tickets click here! http://bit.ly/7vCSsy

Hello everyone,

I am a marketing staff member from Cyclone Hockey (Iowa State Univ, Ames, IA) and we are currently auctioning off a PowerSkater from PoweringAthletics. More information below:

28th Overall Chicago Blackhawks Select: Dylan Olsen

2009-06-27T03:23:51Z

With the 28th pick in the NHL Draft, the Chicago Blackhawks select Dylan Olsen of the Camrose Kodiaks.

Dylan Olsen

Height:6'2.25"

Weight: 206 lbs.

2008-2009 stats: 53 games, 10 goals, 19 assists, 29 assists

Dylan Olsen profile by Western College Hockey

Dylan Olsen profile by In Lou We Trust

Analysis:

An excellent pick by the Blackhawks. I thought Olsen was one of the better defenseman available in the mid-to-late part of the first round and the Blackhawks got him without having to trade up. Olsen will go to Minnesota-Duluth but could be NHL ready in just a year or two.

With the 28th pick in the NHL Draft, the Chicago Blackhawks select Dylan Olsen of the Camrose Kodiaks.

Dylan Olsen

Height:6'2.25"

Weight: 206 lbs.

2008-2009 stats: 53 games, 10 goals, 19 assists, 29 assists

Dylan Olsen profile by Western College Hockey

Dylan Olsen profile by In Lou We Trust

Analysis:

27th Overall Carolina Hurricanes Select: Philippe Paradis

2009-06-27T03:18:19Z

With the 27th overall pick in the NHL Draft, the Carolina Hurricanes select Philippe Paradis of Shawnigan of the QMJHL

Philippe Paradis

Height:6'1.25"

Weight:196 lbs.

2008-2009 stats: 66 games, 19, 31 assists, 50 points

Analysis:

A lot of good defenseman had gone before the 27th pick, but Carolina still must have felt pretty confident in Paradis' abilities. They passed on higher ranked Simon Despres and Dylan Olsen in order to take the defenseman with a huge shot.

With the 27th overall pick in the NHL Draft, the Carolina Hurricanes select Philippe Paradis of Shawnigan of the QMJHL

Philippe Paradis

Height:6'1.25"

Weight:196 lbs.

2008-2009 stats: 66 games, 19, 31 assists, 50 points

Analysis:

26th Overall Anaheim Ducks Select: Kyle Palmieri

2009-06-27T03:12:41Z

With the 26th overall pick in the NHL Draft, the Anaheim Ducks select Kyle Palmieri of the US NTDP team.

Kyle Palmieri

Height:5'10"

Weight:191 lbs.

2008-2009 stats: 33 games, 15 goals, 15 assists, 30 points

Kyle Palmieri preview by In Lou We Trust

Analysis:

Palmieri is a pick with amazing potential. He's not big, but he's very strong. There were some character concerns, but he's worth taking the risk on.

With the 26th overall pick in the NHL Draft, the Anaheim Ducks select Kyle Palmieri of the US NTDP team.

Kyle Palmieri

Height:5'10"

Weight:191 lbs.

2008-2009 stats: 33 games, 15 goals, 15 assists, 30 points

Kyle Palmieri preview by In Lou We Trust

Analysis:

Palmieri is a pick with amazing potential. He's not big, but he's very strong. There were some character concerns, but he's worth taking the risk on.

25th Overall Boston Bruins Select: Jordan Caron

2009-06-27T03:04:59Z

With the 25th overall pick in the NHL Draft, the Boston Bruins select Jordan Caron from Rimouski Oceanic of the QMJHL.

Jordan Caron

Height; 6'2.25"

Weight: 205 lbs.

2008-2009 stats: 56 games, 36 goals, 31 assists

Jordan Caron profile by Copper and Blue

Analysis:

Not a bad pick by the Bruins. Caron adds some toughness to their lineup. He's not the most exciting player, but has the potential to be a real grinder that can really play in front of the net.

With the 25th overall pick in the NHL Draft, the Boston Bruins select Jordan Caron from Rimouski Oceanic of the QMJHL.

Jordan Caron

Height; 6'2.25"

Weight: 205 lbs.

2008-2009 stats: 56 games, 36 goals, 31 assists

Jordan Caron profile by Copper and Blue

Analysis:

Not a bad pick by the Bruins. Caron adds some toughness to their lineup. He's not the most exciting player, but has the potential to be a real grinder that can really play in front of the net.

24th Overall Washington Capitals Select: Marcus Johansson

2009-06-27T02:50:40Z

With the 24th Overall pick in the NHL Draft, the Washington Capitals select Marcus Johansson from Sweden.

Marcus Johansson

Height:5'11"

Weight: 189

2008-2009 stats: 45 games, 5 goals, 5 assists, 10 points

Analysis:

Johansson is a bit of a mystery to me. He was considered a solid second round pick, so Washington took a little bit of a reach, but they've had good success in Sweden in recent years, so it might not be a bad pick.

With the 24th Overall pick in the NHL Draft, the Washington Capitals select Marcus Johansson from Sweden.

Marcus Johansson

Height:5'11"

Weight: 189

2008-2009 stats: 45 games, 5 goals, 5 assists, 10 points

Analysis:

23rd Overall Calgary Flames Select: Tim Erixon

2009-06-27T02:38:03Z

With the 23rd overall pick in the NHL Draft, the Calgary Flames select Tim Erixon of Skelleftea in Sweden.

Tim Erixon

Height:6'2"

Weight:180 lbs.

2008-2009 stats: 45 games, 2 goals, 5 assists, 7 points

Tim Erixon profile by On the Forecheck

Analysis:

Erixon isn't overly flashy, but he's an offensive defenseman that loves to bring the puck up the ice. It will take him a couple years to reach the NHL level, but the Flames add a nice prospect that could some day put up consistent points for them.

With the 23rd overall pick in the NHL Draft, the Calgary Flames select Tim Erixon of Skelleftea in Sweden.

Tim Erixon

Height:6'2"

Weight:180 lbs.

2008-2009 stats: 45 games, 2 goals, 5 assists, 7 points

Tim Erixon profile by On the Forecheck

Analysis:

22nd Overall Vancouver Canucks Select: Jordan Schroeder

2009-06-27T02:26:03Z

With the 22nd pick in the NHL Draft, the Vancouver Canucks select Jordan Schroeder from the University of Minnesota

Jordan Schroeder

Height:5'8.25

Weight:175 lbs.

2008-2009 stats: 32 games, 13 goals, 27 assists, 40 points

Jordan Schroeder profile by Western College Hockey

Jordan Schroeder profile by Blueshirt Banter

Jordan Schroeder profile by Copper & Blue

Analysis:

The Vancouver Canucks got the absolute steal of the draft when Schroeder fell into their laps. Schroeder could be one of the best scorers in this draft class, and could even step into the Canucks lineup starting next season. In a few years, a lot of people will be wondering why Schroeder was passed on by so many teams.

With the 22nd pick in the NHL Draft, the Vancouver Canucks select Jordan Schroeder from the University of Minnesota

Jordan Schroeder

Height:5'8.25

Weight:175 lbs.

2008-2009 stats: 32 games, 13 goals, 27 assists, 40 points

Jordan Schroeder profile by Western College Hockey

Jordan Schroeder profile by Blueshirt Banter

Jordan Schroeder profile by Copper & Blue

Analysis:

21st Overall Columbus Blue Jackets Select: John Moore

2009-06-27T02:18:18Z

With the 21st overall pick in the NHL Draft, the Columbus Blue Jackets select John Moore of the Chicago Steel in the USHL.

John Moore

Height:6'2"

Weight: 189 lbs.

2008-2009 stats: 57 games, 14 goals, 25 assists, 39 points

John Moore profile by Die by the Blade

John Moore profile by On the Forecheck

Analysis:

Columbus does a great job by trading down and still getting a player that most people had pegged for the middle of the first round. John Moore will have a tough choice between Colorado College and the Kitchener Rangers, but either way, he's a very smooth defenseman with a great future ahead of him.

With the 21st overall pick in the NHL Draft, the Columbus Blue Jackets select John Moore of the Chicago Steel in the USHL.

John Moore

Height:6'2"

Weight: 189 lbs.

2008-2009 stats: 57 games, 14 goals, 25 assists, 39 points

John Moore profile by Die by the Blade

John Moore profile by On the Forecheck

Analysis:

20th Overall New Jersey Devils Select: Jacob Josefson

2009-06-27T02:10:16Z

With the 20th overall pick in the NHL Draft, the New Jersey Devils take forward Jacob Josefson of Djurgarden in Sweden

Jacob Josefson

Height:6'0"

Weight:187 lbs.

2008-2009 stats: 50 games 5 goals, 11 assists, 16 points

Jacob Josefson profile by Blueshirt Banter

Jacob Josefson profile by Die By the Blade

Analysis:

Josefson is a super slick stickhandler that has the talent to make plays at the NHL level. There's concerns about how he performend in international tournaments. Another year or two to add some strength should turn him into a solid NHL player.

With the 20th overall pick in the NHL Draft, the New Jersey Devils take forward Jacob Josefson of Djurgarden in Sweden

Jacob Josefson

Height:6'0"

Weight:187 lbs.

2008-2009 stats: 50 games 5 goals, 11 assists, 16 points

Jacob Josefson profile by Blueshirt Banter

Jacob Josefson profile by Die By the Blade

Analysis:

19th Overall New York Rangers Select: Chris Kreider

2009-06-27T02:02:01Z

With the 19th overall selection, the New York Rangers take forward Chris Kreider from Andover Academy Chris Kreider

Height: 6'2"

Weight:201 lbs.

2008-2009 stats: 26 games, 33 goals, 23 assists, 56 points

Chris Kreider profile by Matchsticks and Gasoline

ris Kreider profile by Habs Eyes on the Prize

Analysis: The Rangers take a chance on Kreider, who may be the best pure skater in the draft, but is relatively untested against quality competition. The Rangers will get a chance to let him develop at Boston College and hope he blooms into the player everything thinks he has the potential to be.

With the 19th overall selection, the New York Rangers take forward Chris Kreider from Andover Academy Chris Kreider

Height: 6'2"

Weight:201 lbs.

2008-2009 stats: 26 games, 33 goals, 23 assists, 56 points

Chris Kreider profile by Matchsticks and Gasoline

ris Kreider profile by Habs Eyes on the Prize