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In response to TimothyA’s reply to my previous post, I certainly expect schools other than UW and OSU to be interested in recruiting the two Fs I mentioned on the U18 team. In fact, I will be surprised if MN and Duluth doesn’t approach them, especially St. Martin who is a native of MN. St Cloud (coached by Idalski) and the other WCHA schools also might be interested, but I don’t see any of these being as attractive as the WCHA’s top 4. The top eastern schools also will be interested. The point I was trying to make is that OSU landing one or both (in addition to the Webster transfer) might portend a trend in F recruit perceptions of OSU as a preferred destination akin to what it appears to have for Ds.
As for the two U18s in question, I believe they will debut in the 24-25 season. My current projected roster list for that season shows UW with 12Fs. One of the 12 is Picard, but further problems with knee injuries could limit her availability. Another is Holloway who is extending her stay as SSM in an effort to improve her level of play. Depending on how successful that is, using a redshirt year might be an option if BOTH were to sign with the UW. Of course, these factors will be rendered moot if neither player opts for the UW. I currently show a maximum of 8Fs for the 25-26 season which would offer room for everyone, and also require some additional recruiting which may have to factor in USA Hockey once again plundering rosters of college teams.
As for Tim’s comments about the field hockey aspect of Webster’s transfer, no argument. I and several friends have watched a few matches and don’t find it as alluring as hockey. It seems the short sticks would put an uncomfortable strain on one’s lower back but that only is the case when one is actually is handling the ball or for the D defending opponent with it, probably limiting the amount of time that this is an issue. Still, why not use a longer stick. Likewise, we find the flow of the game to be considerably slower, less engaging to watch which a longer stick might change. But 79 D1 colleges field teams as do 10 in D2 and 36 in D3 attesting to its popularity. In any case, the seasons do overlap so it will be interesting to see if playing both creates any issues for Webster’s impact on both teams.
As for the two U18s in question, I believe they will debut in the 24-25 season. My current projected roster list for that season shows UW with 12Fs. One of the 12 is Picard, but further problems with knee injuries could limit her availability. Another is Holloway who is extending her stay as SSM in an effort to improve her level of play. Depending on how successful that is, using a redshirt year might be an option if BOTH were to sign with the UW. Of course, these factors will be rendered moot if neither player opts for the UW. I currently show a maximum of 8Fs for the 25-26 season which would offer room for everyone, and also require some additional recruiting which may have to factor in USA Hockey once again plundering rosters of college teams.
As for Tim’s comments about the field hockey aspect of Webster’s transfer, no argument. I and several friends have watched a few matches and don’t find it as alluring as hockey. It seems the short sticks would put an uncomfortable strain on one’s lower back but that only is the case when one is actually is handling the ball or for the D defending opponent with it, probably limiting the amount of time that this is an issue. Still, why not use a longer stick. Likewise, we find the flow of the game to be considerably slower, less engaging to watch which a longer stick might change. But 79 D1 colleges field teams as do 10 in D2 and 36 in D3 attesting to its popularity. In any case, the seasons do overlap so it will be interesting to see if playing both creates any issues for Webster’s impact on both teams.
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