Q&A with Wisconsin commit Daniel Lebedeff

 

Daniel Lebedeff

05-23-1999

Helsinki, Finland

Janesville Jets

Wisconsin commit

 I recently got to speak with current Janesville Jets netminder and Wisconsin commit Daniel Lebedeff. One who has grown quite fond of the state of Wisconsin, having moved to the state when he was 16 with the hopes of making a name for himself and honing his skills to make it to the next level. He spent his first season with the Madison Capitols U18 Team of the NAPHL and eventually moved up to the USHL team, growing so comfortable with the Madison area that it made the choice an easy one to commit to Wisconsin, which is also in the city of Madison.  He would spend another year with the Capitols before heading about 40 miles southwest to Janesville where he has made a name for himself in the NAHL. The Jets currently sits in 4th place in the league standings and have clinched a spot in the post season where he hopes to lead them to a run for the Robertson Cup.



Q: In what wats do you think the NAHL has best prepared you for the collegiate level?

A: It has prepared me to be ready for anything in the game. Also it has helped me to be more consistent.

Q: You moved to the state when you were 16, how was that transition for you?

A: I wasn't the greatest at the English language when I first came to the United State so it brought me some challenges especially in school otherwise the transition wasn't that hard.

Q: What were some of your favorite moments playing hockey back home in Finland?

A: My favorite moment has to be winning the National Championship in 2014 if I remember right. Also the playoffs in U16 was one of the best moments, we played a best of 5 but unfortunately we lost in the fifth game.

Q: Do you feel the style of play here is different than it was in Finland?

A: In my opinion there is a huge difference between the styles of play. In Finland the game is a little bit more tactical than here. We learn a lot of different systems in Finland and the games are played on the olympic sheet usually so the shots come on different situations.

Q: How do you feel moving to the US has helped benefit you?

A: The US has helped me a lot. My English has developed a lot since I came here and I have matured because I don't have my parents looking after me anymore.

Q: What are some things you think are better in Finland than the US, and what are some things you think are better in the US than Finland?

A: I think the goalie coaching has been better in Finland. We had our own goalie coach in my hometowns team. He came to practice everyday and we had a goalie session twice a week. In Madison we didn't really have a goalie coach so I had to work on the things by myself but this year I have been lucky that Janesville has a goalie coach. The people in the US are much more friendlier than in Finland. We Finnish people aren't the most social. Also the weather is much warmer than it is in Finland.

Q: You played for the Madison Capitols for 2 years and committed to Wisconsin which also happens to be in Madison, what do you like about the area so much?

A: I love Madison, it's a great town. There is always something going on and so many different things to do. It was an awesome city to play at. It is a total college town.

Q: How do you think Gary Shuchuk and the staff of the Jets have helped to improve you as a player?

A: The whole coaching staff has been great to me the whole year. Gary is a great coach and he has been fair to me the whole year. He has always pushed me forward. I think the coaches have been great all season long. Our goalie coach Larry Clemons is a great coach and me and my goalie partner are lucky to have a guy like him.

Q: What were some of the reasons you committed to Wisconsin?

A: One of the biggest reasons was the coaching staff. The coaches have some big experience from the NHL. They were very nice to me also when I visited the school. Another reason was the history the school has. It is a traditional school and has success in hockey. They play in one of the best conferences and play against top teams.

Q: Do you have a favorite Wisconsin alumni?

A: My favorite alumni has to be my coach Gary Shuchuk.

Q: Who is your favorite NHL team?

A: My favorite NHL team is Boston Bruins. When I was little my dad always rooted for Bruins and watched their games so I started to watch with him and started to support them.

Q: What player do you try to model your game after?

A: I try to be like Pekka Rinne. He is one of the best goalies right now. He is very stable in the net but he is aggressive in the right places and that way he makes incredible saves nigh after night.



Lebedeff is set to step foot on campus next fall and join the Badgers for the 2018-19 season. He hopes to help make some competition in net for a Wisconsin team who is looking to get back to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2014, losing to North Dakota in the first matchup. Lebedeff currently carries a 15-7-3-1 record with a 2.32 goals against average and a .925 save percentage.

Q&A with USHL leading scorer and point leader Anthony Del Gaizo

Anthony Del Gaizo

01-31-1998

Muskegon Lumberjacks

Massachusetts commit

Basking Ridge, New Jersey

You currently sit atop the USHL with 52 points, what has helped you to be so successful this season? I think the chemistry that I have with my line mates Matej Pekar (Omaha commit) and Mikail Hakkarainen has really helped me produce so efficiently this year. We really do know where we are at on the ice at all times and always make smart, effective plays. I would say this is for sure the first time I have had chemistry like that in this league.

You also lead the USHL with 32 goals, almost triple the amount you had last season.  How have you been able to be so more efficient with the puck? I tend to score a lot of dirty goals which is part of the reason why I have been so consistent this year because there are opportunities to score in those areas every game. I do work on my shot quite a bit in the offseason which has definitely not hurt my transition scoring, which is now a huge part of my game.

What has John Lafontaine and the coaching staff at Muskegon helped you improve most in your game? Coach has really embraced my aggressive style and molded it into a complete consistent game. There were a couple times this year and last year that I could have been sat for taking a "bad" penalty because of an unnecessarily aggressive play, but instead of punishing me, he trusted that I would learn and make up for it un my own way. He never took away from my style of play or made me discouraged about my game.

Muskegon currently sits in 4th place, tied for the final spot in the West with 6 games left on the season. As the team captain, what is the message in the locker room going forward? It is time for us to start playing playoff hockey and get more desperate to win games. Coach always talks about "peaking at the right time" to get ready for a playoff push and we are primed to do that with our top forwards healthy and our defense stabilized.

How fun has it been being able to play with your brother for so long and to be able to both be successful at a high level of hockey? Marc and me have a very special situation that I do not think we realize because to us its just another day and another year. Both our goals are to have success in college and to make it to the NHL, so, thinking about it now, it is fun to share this experience along the way.

In what ways do you think the USHL has best prepared you for your path to college hockey? I think the USHL has taught me a ton about competition. When I entered the league uncommitted, so every time I laced my skates up I was competing for a commitment. I think being uncommitted for awhile has made me a better player and person because I still have the hunger to beat guys out and put in the extra work to succeed. It also has taught me a lot about leadership, specifically when to push a teammates buttons or put an arm around him and show some love, because thee is a very distinct line.

What are you looking forward to most in attending Massachusetts? I am very excited to move onto the next stage of my life. College is going to be a tremendous experience in a bunch of different aspects.

What can UMass fans expect from you come next fall? UMass fans can expect me to be a tough, responsible player that takes as much pride in the d-zone as in the offensive zone. I love to score goals and make plays so hopefully I can make that happen next year.


Anthony, as well as his brother Marc, are both set to join the Minutemen next fall. Marc who is a defenseman for the Lumberjacks currently ranks 4th in the USHL among defenseman in points with 27. Both brothers look to help lead Muskegon on a run to the Clark Cup this year after a first round exit last season, losing in 4 games to the Dubuque Fighting Saints.

Matt Stienburg Q&A

Matt Stienburg

10-07-00

St. Andrews College

Halifax, Nova Scotia

Q: What do you think are some of your biggest strengths both on and off the ice?

A: My biggest strengths as a player on and off the ice are my work ethic and my mental approach to the game. I want to do whatever it takes to get better each day or to win a game.

Q: Do you consider yourself a playmaker or a sniper and why?

A: Personally i've always been a guy who enjoys passing and making plays. I've always been a pass first player who looks to find my teammates.

Q: What helped you make your decision to commit to Cornell?

A: My decision to go to Cornell had a lot to do with the culture they have built and the team first mentality they play with. One of the reasons I love hockey so much is the special bond you create with your teammates and I think the culture coach Schafer has built at Cornell is all around that.

Q: Did you get the chance to visit the campus? What was it like?

A: I got a chance to visit Cornell and watch a game that they ended up winning 2-0. Seeing the atmosphere they have every game was something that I really enjoyed and am excited to experience myself someday. Their fans are the best in college hockey and create a lot of excitement for the players.

Q: Do you have a favorite Cornell Alumni?

A: Joe Nieuwendyk would have to by my favorite Cornell Alumni. Being from Halifax we aren't as exposed to college hockey as much as the CHL but he was still somebody that I heard about a lot growing up because of all the success he endured at every level.

Q: Being a Canadian, what do you think college hockey has to offer opposed to the CHL?

A: Personally, being a late bloomer college hockey gives me a little bit more time to grow and develop but I think the big thing for is the education that comes with it. Getting the opportunity to play for a top hockey program and attend such a quality school like Cornell is something I couldn't pass up.

Q: Who is your favorite NHL team?

A: Boston Bruins

Q: Is their a certain player you try to model your game after?

A: I try to play a similar game to Bergeron, I want to be a guy that my coach can trust in the last minute of the game if we are up a goal or down a goal.

Q: What has been your favorite moment playing hockey so far?

A: My favorite moment playing hockey so far is when I won the Atlantic Challenge Cup with Team Nova Scotia. This was a special feeling winning while representing my province, but also because Team Nova Scotia won at ever level of boys and girls. Being able to experience this at the same time as 3 other teams from the same province made it that much more special.

Q: Who has been the biggest contributor to your success?

A: Personally my dad has had a really big impact on my hockey career so far. He was fortunate enigh to spend time playing in the NHL and I have been really lucky to learn from him what it takes day to day to get the most out of yourself.

Q: Ovechkin or Crosby?

A: Crosby.

Q: Post Malone or Metallica?

A: Post Malone.

Q: Little Caesars or Domino's?

A: Little Caesars.

The Final Grind

Currently ranked second in the pairwise rankings, Cornell is hoping to continue its dominance this year rolling into the final few weeks of the season (Photo by Mike Flanagan/@fLAno0).

With only 4 weeks left in the regular season, conference matchups are at their most crucial. Some teams are doging it out for points in an effort to move up their conference ladders and secure home ice to hopefully earn a bid to the NCAA Tournament through winning their respective conference tournament. Others are battling it out to remain amongst the top of the NCAA Pairwise, hoping to secure an automatic bid. below I have compiled each teams remaining conference schedule as well as what position each team can finish with their remaining games.


Atlantic Hockey

Current Standings:

1 Canisius (28 points)
2 Holy Cross (28 points)
3 Robert Morris (26 points)
4 Mercyhurst (24 points)
5 Niagara (23 points)
6 American International (22 points)
7 Army (22 points)
8 Air Force (21 points)
9 Bentley (19 points)
10 RIT (19 points)
11 Sacred Heart (14 points)

Air Force (7 remaining games/14 possible points)
x2 @ Bentley, vs Sacred Heart,  x2 vs Canisius, x2 @ Robert Morris.

American International (3 remaining games/10 possible points) 1 Non-Conference matchup
@ Umass-Lowell (NC), x2 vs Holy Cross (H/H*), @ Bentley.

Army (6 remaining games/12 possible points)
x2 @ Canisius, x2 @ Bentley, x2 vs Sacred Heart.

Bentley (5 remaining games/10 possible points)
x2 vs Air Force, x2 vs Army, vs American International.

Canisius (6 remaining games/12 possible points)
x2 vs Army, x2 @ Air Force, x2 vs Niagara (H/H*).

Holy Cross (4 remaining games/8 possible points)
x2 @ Mercyhurst, x2 vs American International (H/H*).

Mercyhurst (7 remaining games/14 possible points)
x2 @ Holy Cross, x2 vs Robert Morris (H/H*), x2 @ RIT, vs RIT.

Niagara (4 remaining games/8 possible points)
x2 vs Sacred Heart, x2 vs Canisius (H/H*).

RIT (7 remaining games/14 possible points)
x2 @ Robert Morris, @ Mercyhurst, x2 @ Sacred Heart, x2 vs Mercyhurst.

Robert Morris (6 remaining games/12 possible points)
x2 vs RIT, x2 vs Mercyhurst (H/H*), x2 vs Air Force.

Sacred Heart (7 remaining games/14 possible points)
x2 @ Niagara, @ Air Force, x2 vs RIT, x2 @ Army.


Best/Worst case scenario standings:

Every team is in a position to finish in any possible spot 1-11 still except for Sacred Heart who can best finish in second place.

Big Ten

Current Standings:

1 Notre Dame (47 points)
2 Ohio State (34 points)
3 Wisconsin (28 points)
4 Michigan (27 points)
5 Penn State (25 points)
6 Minnesota (23 points)
7 Michigan State (14 points)

Michigan (4 remaining games/12 possible points) 2 Non-Conference matchups
x2 vs Michigan State (H/H*), x2 vs Notre Dame (H/H*), x2 vs Arizona State (NC).

Michigan State (6 remaining games/18 possible points)
x2 vs Michigan (H/H*), x2 vs Penn State, x2 @ Notre Dame.

Minnesota (6 remaining games/18 possible points)
x2 @ Wisconsin, x2 vs Ohio State, x2 @ Penn State.

Notre Dame (6 remaining games/18 possible points)
x2 vs Ohio State, x2 vs Michigan (H/H*), x2 vs Michigan State.

Ohio State (6 remaining games/18 possible points)
x2 @ Notre Dame, x2 @ Minnesota, x2 vs Wisconsin.

Penn State (4 remaining games/12 possible points)
x2 @ Michigan State, x2 vs Minnesota.

Wisconsin (4 remaining games/12 possible points)
x2 vs Minnesota, x2 @ Ohio State.

Best/Worst case scenario standings:

1 (ND), (OSU).
2 (ND), (OSU), (Wisconsin), (Michigan), (PSU), (Minnesota).
3 (Wisconsin), (Michigan), (PSU), (Minnesota), (MSU).
4 (Wisconsin), (Michigan), (PSU), (Minnesota), (MSU).
5 (Wisconsin), (Michigan), (PSU), (Minnesota), (MSU).
6 (Wisconsin), (Michigan), (PSU), (Minnesota), (MSU).
7 (Wisconsin), (Michigan), (PSU), (Minnesota), (MSU).

ECAC

Current Standings:

1 Cornell (27 points)
2 Clarkson (24 points)
3 Union (22 points)
4 Harvard (21 points)
5 Colgate (17 points)
6 Dartmouth (15 points)
7 Princeton (15 points)
8 Quinnipiac (14 points)
9 Yale (13 points)
10 Brown (11 points)
11 Rensselaer (10 points)
12 St. Lawrence (5 points)

Brown (6 remaining games/12 possible points)
vs Princeton, vs Quinnipiac, @ Cornell, @ Colgate, vs Harvard, vs Dartmouth.

Clarkson (6 remaining games/12 possible points)
vs Cornell, vs Colgate, @ Dartmouth, @ Harvard, vs Princeton, vs Quinnipiac.

Colgate (6 remaining games/12 possible points)
@ St. Lawrence, @ Clarkson, vs Yale, vs Brown, @ Union, @ RPI.

Cornell (6 remaining games/12 possible points)
@ Clarkson, @ St. Lawrence, vs Brown, vs Yale, @ RPI, @ Union.

Dartmouth (6 remaining games/12 possible points)
@ RPI, @ Union, vs Clarkson, vs St. Lawrence, @ Yale, @ Brown.

Harvard (6 remaining games/12 possible points) 1 Non-Conference matchup
@ Union, vs Boston College (NC), vs St. Lawrence, vs Clarkson, @ Brown, @ Yale.

Princeton (6 remaining games/12 possible points)
@ Brown, @ Yale, vs RPI, vs Union, @ Clarkson, @ St. Lawrence.

Quinnipiac (6 remaining games/12 possible points)
@ Yale, @ Brown, vs Union, vs RPI, @ St. Lawrence, @ Clarkson.

RPI (5 remaining games (10 possible points)
vs Dartmouth, @ Princeton, @ Quinnipiac, vs Cornell, vs Colgate.

St. Lawrence (6 remaining games/12 possible points)
vs Colgate, vs Cornell, @ Harvard, @ Dartmouth, vs Quinnipiac, vs Princeton.

Union (6 remaining games/12 possible points)
vs Harvard, vs Dartmouth, @ Quinnipiac, @ Princeton, vs Colgate, vs Cornell.

Yale 6 remaining games/12 possible points)
vs Quinnipiac, vs Princeton, @ Colgate, @ Cornell, vs Dartmouth, vs Harvard.

Best/Worse case scenario standings:

1 (Colgate), (HU), (Union), (Clarkson), (Cornell).
2 (Yale), (QU), (PU), (Dartmouth), (Colgate), (HU), (Union), (Clarkson), (Cornell).
3 (Brown), (Yale), (QU), (PU), (Dartmouth), (Colgate), (HU), (Union), (Clarkson), (Cornell).
4 (Brown), (Yale), (QU), (PU), (Dartmouth), (Colgate), (HU), (Union), (Clarkson).
5 (SLU), (RPI), (Brown), (Yale), (QU), (PU), (Dartmouth), (Colgate), (HU), (Union), (Clarkson), (Cornell).
6 (SLU), (RPI), (Brown), (Yale), (QU), (PU), (Dartmouth), (Colgate), (HU), (Union), (Clarkson).
7 (SLU), (RPI), (Brown), (Yale), (QU), (PU), (Dartmouth), (Colgate), (HU), (Union), (Clarkson).
8 (SLU), (RPI), (Brown), (Yale), (QU), (PU), (Dartmouth), (Colgate), (HU), (Union), (Clarkson).
9 (SLU), (RPI), (Brown), (Yale), (QU), (PU), (Dartmouth), (Colgate), (HU), (Union), (Clarkson).
10 (SLU), (RPI), (Brown), (Yale), (QU), (PU), (Dartmouth), (Colgate), (HU), (Union).
11 (SLU), (RPI), (Brown), (Yale), (QU), (PU), (Dartmouth), (Colgate).
12 (SLU), (RPI), (Brown), (Yale), (QU), (PU), (Dartmouth), (Colgate).

Hockey East

Current Standings:

1 Boston College (26 points)
2 Northeastern (25 points)
3 Providence (24 points)
4 Boston University (22 points)
5 Maine (21 points)
6 UMass-Lowell (20 points)
7 Connecticut (19 points)
8 New Hampshire (14 points)
9 Vermont (14 points)
10 Massachusetts (13 points)
11 Merrimack (12 points)


Boston College (5 remaining games/10 possible points) 1 Non-Conference matchup
vs Umass-Lowell, vs Harvard (NC), @ Massachusetts, @ Maine, X2 vs Maine.

Boston University (5 remaining games/10 possible points) 1 Non-Conference matchup
vs Massachusetts, vs Northeastern (NC), @ Connecticut, @ Merrimack, x2 vs Vermont.

Connecticut (3 remaining games/6 possible points)
@ Northeastern, vs Boston University, vs Massachusetts.

Maine (5 remaining games/10 possible points)
@ Providence, @ New Hampshire, vs Boston College, x2 @ Boston College.

Massachusetts (6 remaining games/12 possible points)
vs Merrimack, @ Boston University, vs Umass-Lowell, vs Boston College, @ Connecticut, vs Providence.

Merrimack (5 remaining games/10 possible points)
@ Massachusetts, vs New Hampshire, vs Boston University, x2 vs Umass-Lowell (H/H*).

New Hampshire (6 remaining games/12 possible points)
x2 vs Vermont, vs Maine, @ Merrimack, x2 vs Northeastern (H/H*).

Northeastern (6 remaining games/12 possible points) 1 Non-Conference matchup
vs Connecticut, vs Boston University (NC), x2 @ Vermont, x2 vs New Hampshire (H/H*).

Providence (4 remaining games/8 possible points)
vs Maine, x2 vs Umass-Lowell (H/H*), @ Massachusetts.

UMass-Lowell (6 remaining games/12 possible points) 1 Non-Conference matchup
vs American International (NC), @ Boston College, @ Massachusetts, x2 vs Providence (H/H*), x2 vs Merrimack (H/H*).

Vermont (6 remaining games/12 possible points)
x2 @ New Hampshire, x2 vs Northeastern, x2 @ Boston University.

Best/Worst case scenario standings:

1 (Lowell), (Maine), (BU), (Prov.), (NU), (BC).
2 (UVM), (UNH), (UConn), (Lowell), (Maine), (BU), (Prov.), (NU), (BC).
3 (UMass), (UVM), (UNH), (UConn), (Lowell), (Maine), (BU), (Prov.), (NU), (BC).
4 (UMass), (UVM), (UNH), (UConn), (Lowell), (Maine), (BU), (Prov.), (NU), (BC).
5 (Merrimack), (UMass), (UVM), (UNH), (UConn), (Lowell), (Maine), (BU), (Prov.), (NU), (BC).
6 (Merrimack), (UMass), (UVM), (UNH), (UConn), (Lowell), (Maine), (BU), (Prov.), (NU), (BC).
7 (Merrimack), (UMass), (UVM), (UNH), (UConn), (Lowell), (Maine), (BU), (Prov.), (NU).
8 (Merrimack), (UMass), (UVM), (UNH), (UConn), (Lowell), (Maine), (BU), (Prov.), (NU).
9 (Merrimack), (UMass), (UVM), (UNH), (UConn), (Lowell), (Maine), (BU), (Prov.), (NU).
10 (Merrimack), (UMass), (UVM), (UNH), (UConn), (Lowell), (Maine), (BU), (Prov.).
11 (Merrimack), (UMass), (UVM), (UNH), (UConn), (Lowell), (Maine).

NCHC

Current Standings:

1 Denver (37 points)
2 St. Cloud State (34 points)
3 Western Michigan (27 points)
4 Minnesota-Duluth (24 points)
5 North Dakota (24 points)
6 Omaha (21 points)
7 Colorado College (20 points)
8 Miami (17 points)

Colorado College (8 remaining games/24 possible points)
x2 @ North Dakota, x2 vs Denver (H/H*), x2 @ Omaha, x2 vs Western Michigan.

Denver (6 remaining games/18 possible points)
x2 vs Colorado College (H/H*), x2 @ St. Cloud State, x2 vs Miami.

Duluth (6 remaining games/18 possible points)
x2 vs Miami, x2 @ Western Michigan, x2 vs Omaha.

Miami (8 remaining games/24 possible points)
x2 vs St. Cloud State, x2 @ Duluth, x2 vs North Dakota, x2 @ Denver.

North Dakota (8 remaining games/24 possible points)
x2 vs Colorado College, x2 @ Omaha, x2 @ Miami, x2 vs St.Cloud State.

Omaha (6 remaining games/18 possible points)
x2 vs North Dakota, x2 vs Colorado College, x2 @ Duluth.

St. Cloud State (8 remaining games/24 possible points)
x2 @ Miami, x2 vs Western Michigan, x2 vs Denver, x2 @ North Dakota.

Western Michigan (6 remaining games/18 possible points)
x2 vs St. Cloud State, x2 vs Duluth, x2 @ Colorado College.


Best/Worst case scenario standings:

Every team is in a position to finish in any possible spot 1-8.

WCHA
Current Standings:

1 Northern Michigan (52 points)
2 Mankato (51 points)
3 Bowling Green (49 points)
4 Bemidji State (39 points)
5 Michigan Tech (37 points)
6 Alabama-Huntsville (30 points)
7 Alaska-Fairbanks (29 points)
8 Ferris State (28 points)
9 Lake Superior (21 points)
10 Alaska-Anchorage (12 points)

Alabama-Huntsville (4 remaining games/12 possible points)
x2 vs Mankato, x2 vs Bowling Green.

Alaska-Fairbanks (6 remaining games/18 possible points)
x2 @ Northern Michigan, x2 @ Bemijdi State, x2 vs Alaska-Anchorage.

Alaska-Anchorage (6 remaining games/18 possible points)
x2 vs Lake Superior State, x2 vs Bowling Green, x2 vs Alaska-Fairbanks.

Bemidji State (6 remaining games/18 possible points)
x2 @ Michigan Tech, x2 vs Alaska-Fairbanks, x2 @ Mankato.

Bowling Green (4 remaining games/12 possible points)
x2 @ Alaska-Anchorage, x2 @ Alabama-Huntsville.

Ferris State (4 remaining games/12 possible points)
x2 @ Mankato, x2 vs Lake Superior State.

Lake Superior State (4 remaining games/12 possible points)
x2 @ Alaska-Anchorage, x2 @ Ferris State.

Mankato (6 remaining games/18 possible points)
x2 @ Alabama-Huntsville, x2 vs Ferris State, x2 vs Bemidji State.

Michigan Tech (4 remaining games/12 possible points) 2 Non-Conference matchups
x2 vs Bemidji State, x2 vs Arizona State (NC), x2 vs Northern Michigan (H/H*).

Northern Michigan (4 remaining games/12 possible points)
x2 vs Alaska-Fairbanks, x2 vs Michigan Tech (H/H*).


Best/Worst case scenario standings:

1 (BSU), (BGSU), (MSU), (NMU).
2 (BSU), (BGSU), (MSU), (NMU).
3 (MTU), (BSU), (BGSU), (MSU), (NMU).
4 (FSU), (UAF), (UAH), (MTU), (BSU), (BGSU).
5 (FSU), (UAF), (UAH), (MTU), (BSU), (BGSU).
6 (FSU), (UAF), (UAH), (MTU), (BSU).
7 (UAA), (LSSU), (FSU), (UAF), (UAH), (MTU), (BSU).
8 ((UAA), (LSSU), (FSU), (UAF), (UAH), (MTU), (BSU).
9 (UAA), (LSSU), (FSU), (UAF).
10 (UAA), (LSSU), (FSU), (UAF).

A Hot Start for Canisius

  

 I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Canisius Head Coach Trevor Large about his teams success in the first half of the regular season. Coach Large is in his first year as Head Coach of the team, being promoted from the Assistant Coach position in the offseason. I had asked him how long it took to get comfortably adjusted to the new spot and if he changed the culture around the team at all. "I felt comfortable immediately." he said. "I know the players and the other members of the Canisius community. The culture has not changed. My goal from the beginning was to maintain and continue improving the current culture. We believe in being positive, competitive and team first. Those are non-negotiable for all members of the program. Our culture drives all of our success. We believe in each other, there is nothing more important".

 To this point they currently are sitting in first place in the Atlantic Hockey Conference with 20 points in 14 league games, 10 wins and 4 losses. Overall they are 10-5-1 and are 17th in the Pairwise Rankings and are off to one of the schools best starts in over a decade. Coach Large said their was 3 factors that were the main reason to his teams success in the first half of the season "1. We have a great group of returning players. They drive our culture and expectations. 2. The depth of our lineup is filled with speed, skill, and compete. 3. Our positive culture drives our results. We have a team that plays together and believes in each other".

   A key member of that returning core is junior forward Dylan McLaughlin who is currently tied for 3rd in the nation with 25 points, on pace to nearly double his total from last year of 33. "He committed to his game this summer. He worked on his skating and improving his shot. He currently lead the country in points per game. His game has gone to a new level. Elite skater, high end playmaking ability and now with a big time shot. He's a consistent difference maker for us every game".

   Canisius also currently has one of the most efficient offenses in the country, tallying 3.69 goals per game (4th best), a 26.41 power play percentage (4th best), and a 12.6 shot percentage (3rd best). "We have a puck possesion mindset" Large said. "We trust our players to make a play when it's time to be creative. We activate our defenseman on rushes and they are a huge part of our offensive zone play. Our concentration is on creating scoring chances with a great net presence. Our team has speed with skill and they are playing with a ton of confidence right now. They expect to score". 

   The Griffins are heading into the second half with 4 non-conference games in hand which are the first 4 games on their schedule to come out of the holiday break. Cornell and Clarkson could prove to both be crucial games down the road when the seasons winds down and tournament time comes. I had asked coach Large what positives from the first half of the season he was hoping his team would carry into the second half. "We have learned recently what it takes to sweep on the road and at home. It requires a massive effort from every player and every play. Carrying forward the team mentality of being battle ready for every game is going to be our challenge. We know how to win games a lot of different ways. That confidence is our biggest positive we need to hold on to going forward in the second half of the season. Expectations are high."

Carter Randklev Q&A

Carter Randklev

05-11-1999

Moorhead High School

North Dakota commit

Moorhead, Minnesota

     I have had the privilege of speaking with recent North Dakota commit Carter Randklev the past couple of months getting to know the Moorhead star a little bit. The speedy forward can blow past you or maybe he will mesmerize you with his stick handling which is exactly what landed him on SportCenters top 10 highlights recently. This past fall he played with the Fargo Force of the USHL before the start of the 2017-18 high school season and tallied 7 points in the 7 games he played, I was fortunate enough to be at the game he scored twice in the same shift. He expects to play there for a full season next year after he graduates to prepare himself for the next level. Randklev has the potential to not only be a Mr. Hockey finalist this season, but to be a state champion as well with a Moorhead team who lost last season in the championship game to Grand Rapids.

Q: Who is your favorite past or current North Dakota alumni?

A: I really enjoyed watching T.J. Oshie even though I was really young, but more recently I really loved to watch Drake Caggiula.

Q: Who is your favorite NHL team?

A: I've always loved the Blackhawks, but i really love to watch the Toronto Maple Leafs. Marner, Nylander, and Matthews.

Q: What has been your favorite memory playing in the Moorhead hockey organization?

A: Obviously last years state tournament was one of my top, but my second year bantams was an amazing time as well.

Q: How was your experience this fall with the Fargo Force?

A: My experience was incredible, being able to play with such an elite competition really made me a better player. Playing for Coach Eades was truly something special. I took as much away from what he taught me as I could before the high school season started.

Q: Do you have a favorite player you try to model your game after?

A: My two favorite players are Patrick Kane and Pavel Datsyuk before he retired.

Q: What was your favorite part of touring the University of North Dakota?

A: My favorite part was just being in the environment for the day and experiencing what they have to offer being around the coaches and players was absolutely amazing. The facilities are still breath taking every time I see them.

Q: People say that you are undersized for a hockey player, how do you use it to your advantage?

A: I know I am an undersized player, so I try to work on my speed, shot, and hands as much as I can to try to help with the lack of size in my game. Theres not much you can do about your height, so those other skills can help make up for my size.

Q: Your team suffered a devastating loss last season to Grand Rapids in the state championship game, what did you do in the off-season to prepare yourself to help bring you and your team back and hopefully win the ultimate prize?

A: Working out with my buddies, and like I said before just continuing on working on skills. My skating is something I work on a lot of the summer with my skating coach Boris Dorozhenko. He has been helping me for about six years now, and I can tell I've improved a lot in the skating aspect of the game.

Q: What can you say about your experience at the Minnesota State Tournament? 

A: Playing at the state tournament is something you always dream about as a kid, but when you step onto the ice at the Xcel and see all of the fans and your community there supporting you, it's something you'll remember for the rest of your life.

Q: Are there any other players committed to North Dakota that you are looking forward to play?

A: Obviously my buddy Ethan Frisch, im excited to play with for another four years. But Hain (Grand Rapids), Donovan (Duluth East), Caulfield (Grand Forks Central), Costello (Grand Forks Red River), and Kleven (Fargo Davies) are guys that I know that I can't wait to play with in the future.

Q: What can you tell us about your teammate at Moorhead Ethan Frisch who himself is a North Dakota commit?

A: Ethan is an amazing guy, he has been such a great teammate and friend too me. His skill set and hockey IQ is insane. Playing wit him the last few years has truly been awesome.

Q: Are you a pass first or shoot first type player?

A: I'm a shoot first type of player, but always looking for when I should pass.

Q: You currently rock a bubble mask at Moorhead which isn't very common at UND, I don't believe anyone has worn a bubble at North Dakota since Evan Trupp, do you plan to wear yours?

A: I have worn a bubble my whole life so I don't think I'll change it.

Q: Do you have any pregame rituals?

A: I always stick handle before my game for about 20-30 minutes.

Q: Powerade or Gatorade?

A: Powerade

Q: McDonald's or Burger Kings?

A: McDonald's

Q: Matt Cullen or Brian Lee

A: Matt Cullen

Q: Rock or Country music?

A: If I had to choose Rock, but I'm more of a Hip Hop/Rap kind of guy.

2017-18 Minnesota High School Hockey Preview

 

 Every November dawns the beginning of a new year for boys high school hockey in most of the states across the US, but for one state it's the beginning of something else. The State of Hockey is home to approximately 265 high school teams and 6,500 students that battle one another for the right to secure 16 spots in the 2 boys state tournaments (Class A and Class AA). In recent years the tournaments attendance is a little over 20,000, better than the average attendance most NHL teams gather. Last years tournament even featured a few nights where the attendance was higher than any active NHL game that night. If you're looking to get tickets for the Class AA tournament you might want to get to the rink a little early, nearly 1,000 names are on the waiting list to get season tickets that takes roughly three to four years to get through. The roughly 3,800 season ticket holders take up roughly 11,000 of the seats available, while participating schools receive around 1,400-1,500 tickets. The scarce amount of unsold tickets go on sale an hour before the first game kicks off and people are lined up outside the doors well before that to see some of the best hockey in the country, but it's not only the folks in Minnesota who tune in for this prestigious event. Aside from local television broadcasting the tournament, anyone in the world was able to stream this years tournament from Prep45.com. In all, not only did viewers from all 50 states watch the tournament, but a total of 37 different countries such as Switzerland and the United Kingdom as well. A map that spanned across 5 different continents were accounted for. Below is a list compiled of some of the top players that will be playing this season in order based on their current school.

Bryce Brodzinski

Class: Junior

Position: Forward

School: Blaine High School (Class AA)

2016-17 Stats: (18 Goals, 27 Assists, 45 Points) 27 Games Played

Commitment: St. Cloud State University (2019-20)

Will Hillman

Class: Junior

Position: Forward

School: Blaine High School (Class AA)

2016-17 Stats: (17 Goals, 23 Assists, 40 Points) 27 Games Played

Commitment: Uncommitted

Nick Strom

Class: Senior

Position: Defense

School: Breck High School (Class A)

2016-17 Stats: (8 Goals, 18 Assists, 26 Points) 28 Games Played

Commitment: Uncommitted

Jake Braccini

Class: Sophomore
Position: Forward

School: Buffalo High School (Class AA)

2016-17 Stats: (78 Goals, 62 Assists, 140 Points) 45 Games Played. Played Bantam AA*

Commitment: University of Minnesota (2020-2021)

Brehdan Engum

Class: Senior

Position: Defense

School: Burnsville High School (Class AA)

2016-17 Stats: (6 Goals, 19 Assists, 25 Points) 29 Games Played

Commitment: Uncommitted

Hayden Brickner

Class: Senior

Position: Forward

School: Centennial High School (Class AA)

2016-17 Stats: (14 Goals, 23 Assists, 37 Points) 28 Games Played

Commitment: Uncommitted

Shane Lavelle

Class: Sophomore
Position: Forward

School: Chaska High School (Class AA)

2016-17 Stats: (17 Goals, 19 Assists, 36 Points) 26 Games Played

Commitment: University of Wisconsin (2020-21)

Mike Koster

Class: Junior

Position: Defense

School: Chaska High School (Class AA) 

2016-17 Stats: (16 Goals, 19 Assists, 35 Points) 26 Games Played

Commitment: Uncommitted

Landon Langenbrunner

Class: Junior

Position: Forward

School: Cloquet-Esko-Carlton (Class AA)

2016-17 Stats: (15 Goals, 18 Assists, 33 Points) 27 Games Played

Commitment: Uncommitted

Matt Gleason

Class: Sophomore

Position: Forward

School: Cretin-Derham Hall (Class AA)

2016-17 Stats: (23 Goals, 20 Assists, 43 Points) 27 Games Played

Commitment: Uncommitted

Joey Gimberlin

Class: Senior

Position: Forward

School: Cretin-Derham Hall (Class AA)

2016-17 Stats: (17 Goals, 15 Assists, 32 Points) 27 Games Played

Commitment: Uncommitted

Jackson Hjelle

Class: Senior

Position: Goalie

School: Delano High School (Class A)

2016-17 Stats: (19-3-1, 2.17 GAA, .919 Sv%) 24 Games Played

Commitment: Uncommitted

Ryder Donovan

Class: Junior

Position: Forward

School: Duluth East High School (Class AA)

2016-17 Stats: (11 Goals, 22 Assists, 33 Points) 28 Games Played
Commitment: University of North Dakota (2019-20)

Garrett Worth

Class: Senior

Position: Forward

School: Duluth East High School (Class AA)

2016-17 Stats: (21 Goals, 13 Assists, 34 Points) 28 Games Played

Commitment: Uncommitted

Luke LaMaster

Class: Senior

Position: Defense

School: Duluth East High School (Class AA)

2016-17 Stats: (6 Goals, 10 Assists, 16 Points) 28 Games Played

Commitment: Uncommitted

Ian Mageau

Class: Senior

Position: Forward

School: Duluth East High School (Class AA)

2016-17 Stats: (9 Goals, 28 Assists, 37 Points) 26 Games Played

Commitment: Uncommitted

Levi Stauber

Class: Senior

Position: Forward

School: Duluth Marshall High School (Class AA)

2016-17 Stats: (27 Goals, 24 Assists, 51 Points) 26 Games Played

Commitment: Michigan Tech University (2019-20)

George Grannis

Class: Senior

Position: Forward

School: Duluth Marshall High School (Class AA)

2016-17 Stats: (16 Goals, 31 Assists, 47 Points) 26 Games Played

Commitment: Uncommitted

Jack Jensen

Class: Junior

Position: Forward

School: Eden Prairie High School (Class AA)

2016-17 Stats: (18 Goals, 25 Assists, 43 Points) 30 Games Played

Commitment: University of Minnesota (2019-20)

Sam Walker

Class: Senior

Position: Forward

School: Edina High School (Class AA)

2016-17 Stats: (24 Goals, 28 Assists, 52 Points) 28 Games Played

Commitment: University of Minnesota (2018-19)

Ben Brinkman

Class: Junior

Position: Defense

School: Edina High School (Class AA)

2016-17 Stats: (12 Goals, 12 Assists, 24 Points) 28 Games Played

Commitment: University of Minnesota (2019-20)

Demetrios Koumontzis

Class: Senior

Position: Forward

School: Edina High School (Class AA)

2016-17 Stats: (2 Goals, 7 Assists, 9 Points) 11 Games Played. Played for Phoenix Jr. Coyotes*

Commitment: Arizona State University (2018-19)

Jake Boltmann

Class: Sophomore

Position: Defense

School: Edina High School (Class AA)

2016-17 Stats: (3 Goals, 11 Assists, 14 Points) 28 Games Played

Commitment: University of Minnesota (2019-20)

Lewis Crosby

Class: Senior
Position: Forward

School: Edina High School (Class AA)

2016-17 Stats: (19 Goals, 25 Assists, 44 Points) 28 Games Played

Commitment: Uncommitted

Jett Jungels

Class: Junior

Position: Forward

School: Edina High School (Class AA)

2016-17 Stats: (21 Goals, 22 Assists, 43 Points) 28 Games Played

Commitment: Northern Michigan University (2019-20)

Michael Vorlicky

Class: Junior

Position: Forward/Defense

School: Edina High School (Class AA)

2016-17 Stats: (3 Goals, 7 Assists, 10 Points) 28 Games Played

Commitment: Uncommitted

Jake Perbix

Class: Junior

Position: Forward

School: Elk River High School (Class AA)

2016-17 Stats: (17 Goals, 23 Assists, 40 Points) 27 Games Played

Commitment: University of Notre Dame (2019-20)

Connor Bizal

Class: Senior

Position: Forward

School: Elk River High School (Class AA)

2016-17 Stats: (13 Goals, 27 Assists, 40 Points) 27 Games Played

Commitment: Uncommitted

Gabe Holum

Class: Senior

Position: Goalie

School: Grand Rapids High School (Class AA)

2016-17 Stats: (10-2-1, 2.13 GAA, .910 Sv%)

Commitment: Uncommitted

Ben Troumbly

Class: Sophomore

Position: Forward

School: Greenway High School (Class A)

2016-17 Stats: (84 Goals, 89 Assists, 173 Points) 38 Games Played. Played Bantam AA*

Commitment: St. Cloud State University (2020-21)

Tyler Watkins

Class: Senior

Position: Forward

School: Hermantown High School (Class A)

2016-17 Stats: (22 goals, 28 Assists, 50 Points) 31 Games Played

Commitment: Uncommitted

Blake Biondi

Class: Sophomore

Position: Forward

School: Hermantown High School (Class A)

2016-17 Stats: (42 Goals, 39 Assists, 81 Points) 38 Games Played. Played Bantam AA*

Commitment: University of Minnesota-Duluth (2021-22)

Brett Oberle

Class: Sophomore

Position: Defense

School: Hill-Murray High School (Class AA)

2016-17 Stats: (2 Goals, 7 Assists, 9 points) 30 Games Played

Commitment: University of Minnesota-Duluth (2020-21)

Ben Helgeson

Class: Senior

Position: Forward

School: Hill-Murray High School (Class AA)

2016-17 Stats: (13 Goals, 15 Assists, 28 Points) 30 Games Played

Commitment: University of Wisconsin (2019-20)

Ben Almquist

Class: Senior

Position: Forward

School: Holy Family Catholic High School (Class AA)

2016-17 Stats: (22 Goals, 35 Assists, 57 Points)

Commitment: University of Wisconsin (2019-20)

Brady Ziemer

Class: Senior

Position: Defenseman

School: Holy Family Catholic High School (Class AA)

2016-17 Stats: (4 Goals, 19 Assists, 23 Points) 26 Games Played

Commitment: St. Cloud State University (2019-20)

Garrett Daly

Class: Senior

Position: Defense

School: Lakeville North High School (Class AA)

2016-17 Stats: (3 Goals, 9 Assists, 12 Points) 28 Games Played

Commitment: Bowling Green University (2019-20)

Blake Brandt

Class: Senior

Position: Forward

School: Lakeville North High School (Class AA)

2016-17 Stats: (23 Goals, 27 Assists, 50 Points) 28 Games Played

Commitment: Uncommitted

Ethan Haider

Class: Sophomore

Position: Goalie

School: Maple Grove High School (Class AA)

2016-17 Stats: (13-5-0, 2.17 GAA, .914 Sv%) 18 Games Played

Commitment: Uncommitted

Bobby Brink

Class: Sophomore

Position: Forward

School: Minnetonka High School (Class AA)

2016-17 Stats: (10 Goals, 20 Assists, 30 Points) 27 Games Played

Commitment: University of Denver (2020-21)

Ethan Frisch

Class: Junior

Position: Defense

School: Moorhead High School (Class AA)

2016-17 Stats: (7 Goals, 13 Assists, 20 Points) 31 Games Played

Commitment: University of North Dakota (2019-20)

Carter Randklev

Class: Senior

Position: Forward

School: Moorhead High School (Class AA)

2016-17 Stats: (33 Goals, 27 Assists, 60 Points) 31 Games Played

Commitment: Uncommitted

Lance Leonard

Class: Senior

Position: Goalie

School: Moorhead High School (Class AA)

2016-17 Stats: (21-4-3, 1.64 GAA, .927 Sv%) 28 Games Played

Commitment: Uncommitted

Cole O'Connell

Class: Senior

Position: Forward

School: Moorhead High School (Class AA)

2016-17 Stats: (22 Goals, 31 Assists, 53 Points) 31 Games Played

Commitment: Uncommitted

Brady Meyer

Class: Junior

Position: Forward

School: North Branch High School (Class A)

2016-17 Stats: (33 Goals, 25 Assists, 58 Points) 26 Games Played

Commitment: University of Minnesota-Duluth (2019-20)

Jackson Jutting

Class: Sophomore

Position: Forward

School: Prior Lake High School (Class AA)

2016-17 Stats: (11 Goals, 18 Assists, 29 Points) 27 Games Played

Commitment: Uncommitted

Aaron Huglen

Class: Junior

Position: Forward

School: Roseau High School (Class AA)

2016-17 Stats: (8 Goals, 16 Assists, 24 Points) 25 Games Played

Commitment: University of Minnesota (2020-21)

Alex Verbout

Class: Senior

Position: Forward

School: Roseau High School (Class AA)

2016-17 Stats: (19 Goals, 18 Assists, 37 Points) 27 Games Played

Commitment: Uncommitted

Nick Portz

Class: Senior

Position: Forward

School: St. Cloud High School (Class AA)

2016-17 Stats: (24 Goals, 21 Assists, 45 Points) 24 Games Played

Commitment: Uncommitted

Nate Warner

Class: Sophomore

Position: Forward

School: St. Cloud Cathedral (Class A)

2016-17 Stats: (21 Goals, 28 Assists, 49 Points) 

Commitment: St. Cloud State University (2020-21)

Luke Mobley

Class: Senior

Position: Forward

School: St. Louis Park High School (Class A)

2016-17 Stats: (18 Goals, 25 Assists, 43 Points) 22 Games Played

Commitment: Uncommitted

Carl Fish

Class: Senior

Position: Defense

School: St. Paul Johnson High School (Class A)

2016-17 Stats: (5 Goals, 13 Assists, 18 Points) 26 Games Played

Commitment: Uncommitted

Atticus Kelly

Class: Senior

Position: Goalie

School: St. Thomas Academy

2016-17 Stats: (15-3-1, 1.29 GAA, .927 Sv%) 28 Games Played

Commitment: Uncommitted

Ray Christy

Class: Senior

Position: Forward

School: St. Thomas Academy (Class AA)

2016-17 Stats: (17 Goals, 30 Assists, 47 Points) 31 Games Played

Commitment: Colorado College (2019-20)

Robert Christy

Class: Junior

Position: Forward

School: St. Thomas Academy (Class AA)

2016-17 Stats: (17 Goals, 23 Assists, 40 Points) 31 Games Played

Commitment: Colorado College (2020-21)

Chase Foley

Class: Senior

Position: Forward/Defense

School: St. Thomas Academy (Class AA)

2016-17 Stats: (9 Goals, 19 Assists, 28 Points) 30 Games Played

Commitment: Uncommitted

Payton Matsui

Class: Senior
Position: Forward

School: St. Thomas Academy (Class AA)

2016-17 Stats: (21 Goals, 14 Assists, 35 Points) 31 Games Played

Commitment: Uncommitted

Jake Seitz

Class: Senior

Position: Forward

School: Virginia-Mountain Iron-Buhl High School (Class A)

2016-17 Stats: (19 Goals, 11 Assists, 30 Points) 14 Games Played

Commitment: Uncommitted

Colin Schmidt

Class: Senior

Position: Forward

School: Wayzata High School (Class AA)

2016-17 Stats: (11 Goals, 15 Assists, 26 Points) 31 Games Played

Commitment: University of Minnesota (2018-19)

Griffin Ness

Class: Senior
Position: Forward

School: Wayzata High School (Class AA)

2016-17 Stats: (13 Goals, 15 Assists, 28 Points) 28 Games Played

Commitment: Uncommitted





All photos were received via the players.