Bentley University Hockey 2016-2017: The (Max) French Revolution

[Snively65]

Re: Bentley University Hockey 2016-2017: The (Max) French Revolution

Just a few brief bios on our top 3 recruits for 2016... This is some pretty impressive stuff. No Bentley recruit other than Tanner Jago last year has ever had a resume even close to equivalent to any one of these 3, showing just how good this incoming class is.

Jonathan Desbiens

Played 3 seasons of junior hockey before coming to Bentley, the last two with the West Kelowna Warriors of the BCHL … scored 54 points in 54 games for the Warriors in 2014-15 including a team-high 27 goals … led the Warriors in ’15-16 with 83 points in 58 games on their way to a BCHL Championship, Western Canada Cup title and Canadian Junior A National Championship (RBC Cup) … tallied 20 points in 24 games and a team high 15 goals in their playoff run … 5th in points (83) and 4th in goals (44) amongst all BCHL players in ‘15-16 as well as 3rd and 1st in each category in Warriors franchise history … named BCHL Second Team All Star … also played one season in the USHL (2013-14) with a stat line of 6-4-10.

Brett Orr

Played 3 seasons of junior hockey, all with the Portage Terriers of the MJHL … served as alternate captain for Portage in his final season and led them to an MJHL Championship victory … won MJHL Top D-Man and was a finalist for CJHL Top D-Man in 2015-16 … had the 3rd most points amongst defensemen in the MJHL (42) in the same season … played in the World Junior A Challenge as part of team Canada West U19 and won the Gold Medal … MJHL First Team All Star (’15-16) … helped the Terriers win the MJHL Championship and Canadian Junior A National Championship (RBC Cup) alongside current Falcon Tanner Jago in 2014-15 … MJHL All Rookie Team in 2013-14 with a scoring line of 3-19-22.

Ryner Gorowsky

Spent 4 years playing for Centennial High in Minnesota, averaging over a point per game for his entire high school career … scored 48 points in 25 games for Centennial in 2012-13 … spent 2 years playing junior hockey for the Fairbanks Ice Dogs of the NAHL … was second on team in points (28-55-83, +26) for the Ice Dogs in ’15-16 and helped lead them to an NAHL Championship title (Robertson Cup) … 3rd in Ice Dogs franchise history for points in a single season (83) … 2nd amongst all NAHL players for points AND assists in 2015-16 … twice named NAHL All Midwest Team (‘14-15, ’15-16) … named NAHL All Midwest Rookie and NAHL All Rookie 2nd Team in 2014-15 with a 13-31-44, +19 scoring line.

Impressive credentials, with lots of success in the post-season. I wonder if Orr will be paired with Jago, which would make sense to me for the PP and PK.

Less than three months for the opening face off at Lake Whitt.

 

[acohen527]

Impressive credentials, with lots of success in the post-season. I wonder if Orr will be paired with Jago, which would make sense to me for the PP and PK.

Less than three months for the opening face off at Lake Whitt.

With Jago and Orr both being left handed, I doubt they'll play much on the same line. I think Jago and Buchanan will stay on the same pair as they were at the end of last season, and I'd like to see Orr alongside his fellow freshman Connor Brassard or Andy Chugg, whose size would compliment Orr's somewhat small 5'10" frame nicely.

 

[Snively65]

With Jago and Orr both being left handed, I doubt they'll play much on the same line. I think Jago and Buchanan will stay on the same pair as they were at the end of last season, and I'd like to see Orr alongside his fellow freshman Connor Brassard or Andy Chugg, whose size would compliment Orr's somewhat small 5'10" frame nicely.

Sounds like seniors Berry and Donner may be getting less time on the blue line this season?

 

[The Top Shelf]

Re: Bentley University Hockey 2016-2017: The (Max) French Revolution

Briefs on all incoming freshmen, per Bentley's site.

-Dean Balsamo (F, Aston Rebels-NAHL): Was among the top-20 scorers in the NAHL regular season with 50 points (25g, 25a), before helping Aston to the league finals with 8 points in 8 playoff games.
-Connor Brassard (D, Jersey Hitmen-USPHL): Served as the Jersey Hitmen's captain last season. Led team to 2nd straight USPHL Premier championship. Had 27 points (6g, 21a) in 36 regular season games, and had 34 points (5g, 29a) in 44 regular season games during the 2014-15 season.
-Jonathan Desbiens (F, West Kelowna Warriors-BCHL): Comes from the same West Kelowna program that produced current Falcon Max French and former captain Alex Grieve, among others. Was the 5th leading scorer in the BCHL regular season with 83 points (44g, 39a) before leading the Warriors to both the league and Canadian titles in the postseason. Named a 2nd team BCHL All-Star for 2015-16.
-Ryner Gorowsky (F, Fairbanks Ice Dogs-NAHL): Was the 2nd leading scorer in the NAHL regular season with 83 points (28g, 55a). Named to the All-Midwest Division team. Helped Fairbanks to the league title, where they upended his future teammate Balsamo and the Aston Rebels for the Robertson Cup championship.
-Jake Kauppila (F, Trail Smoke Eaters-BCHL): Scored 16 goals and had 17 assists for 33 points in 52 games last season for the Trail Smoke Eaters. Is the first Bentley player to come from that program. Played in 60 games for the Green Bay Gamblers (USHL) during the 2014-15 season and recorded 19 points (9g, 10a).
-Brett Orr (D, Portage Terries-MJHL): Named the MJHL Top Defenseman for 2015-16. High scoring blueliner who had 13 goals and 29 assists for 42 points in 52 games for Portage in the MJHL regular season. Then had 10 assists during the postseason as he led Portage to its 2nd straight league title. Was teammates with current Falcon defenseman Tanner Jago as Portage won the Manitoba league title in 2014-15.
-Aidan Pelino (G, Chilliwack Chiefs-BCHL): Two-year starter in goal for Chilliwack. In 2015-16, went 22-11-2 during the regular season, with the BCHL's 4th best goals against average (2.54). Went 13-7 during the postseason as the Chiefs went to the BCHL finals.
-Matt Riggleman (F, Sioux Falls Stampede-USHL): Played in 54 games last season for Sioux Falls in the USHL, the top junior league in the United States. Recorded 13 points on 7 goals and 6 assists in his only season of junior hockey.
-Tanner Salsberry (D, Jersey Hitmen-USPHL): Played in 43 regular season games for the Jersey Hitmen last season and registered 28 points (4g, 24a). Notched 4 assists during the team's run to the USPHL title. Also played for Bismarck in the NAHL for the 2014-15 season. Had 32 points (12g, 20a) in 41 games that season.

 

[The Top Shelf]

Re: Bentley University Hockey 2016-2017: The (Max) French Revolution

Sounds like seniors Berry and Donner may be getting less time on the blue line this season?

Based on the number of departures (6: 1G-3F-2D) vs. the number of incoming recruits (9: 1-G, 5-F, 3-D), I'm guessing that we may have lost more than just the graduating seniors. I know Berry is one of the smartest guys at the school and is capable of graduating early. Who knows - but to answer your question Snively, I think besides the "locks" like Max French and Kyle Schmidt, earning playing time on this team will be very competitive.

 

[acohen527]

Sounds like seniors Berry and Donner may be getting less time on the blue line this season?

It was a certainty at one point that Berry was going to be graduating early and heading off to some big firm, but apparently he lost that job offer so it is unclear whether he's going to be on the team next year. Also, not taking anything away from Donners and Berry, but the skill sets of the younger players on this team are a lot more refined, and should earn them more playing time.

 

[Snively65]

Re: Bentley University Hockey 2016-2017: The (Max) French Revolution

Thanks for helping me with my math, as it looks even more crowded than I thought, both up front and on the blueline, unless there are others leaving early, as suggested. I count four senior forwards from this past season (Gladiuk, Bacon, Reardon, Krause) and two D-men (Blomquist, Eiserman), unless I am missing a red shirt or something (Krause?). Assuming that McDonald and McMurphy will be back from injuries?

Agreed that competition across all zones and in net is good.

 

[The Top Shelf]

Re: Bentley University Hockey 2016-2017: The (Max) French Revolution

I count four senior forwards from this past season

You're correct! My mistake. That being said still a very crowded roster, with a lot of talent. Good problem to have

 

[Blitz]

Re: Bentley University Hockey 2016-2017: The (Max) French Revolution

Perhaps the larger roster size is to cover for potential injuries that more teams seem to be facing these days.

Roster size from Collegehockeystats.net for Atlantic Hockey 2015/2016.

Roster size 25 players - Two teams RIT, Canisius
Roster size 26 players - One team Holy Cross
Roster size 27 players - Five teams Air Force, AIC, Bentley, Robert Morris, Sacred Heart
Roster size 28 players - Two teams Army, Niagara
Roster size 31 players - One team Mercyhurst

 

[CornwallAce]

Re: Bentley University Hockey 2016-2017: The (Max) French Revolution

Perhaps the larger roster size is to cover for potential injuries that more teams seem to be facing these days.

Roster size from Collegehockeystats.net for Atlantic Hockey 2015/2016.

Roster size 25 players - Two teams RIT, Canisius
Roster size 26 players - One team Holy Cross
Roster size 27 players - Five teams Air Force, AIC, Bentley, Robert Morris, Sacred Heart
Roster size 28 players - Two teams Army, Niagara
Roster size 31 players - One team Mercyhurst

AIC could have 32 players this year, unless someone on the current roster leaves or a recruit changes their mind. We already have had 3 or 4 non-graduating players from last year leave the team or were told they were not a part of the plans for the team. (Though I think we now have 4 goalies...)

 

[acohen527]

Perhaps the larger roster size is to cover for potential injuries that more teams seem to be facing these days.

Roster size from Collegehockeystats.net for Atlantic Hockey 2015/2016.

Roster size 25 players - Two teams RIT, Canisius
Roster size 26 players - One team Holy Cross
Roster size 27 players - Five teams Air Force, AIC, Bentley, Robert Morris, Sacred Heart
Roster size 28 players - Two teams Army, Niagara
Roster size 31 players - One team Mercyhurst

Bentley should have either 29 or 30 this year, depending on whether Mike Berry leaves the team or not.

 

[acohen527]

Briefs on all incoming freshmen, per Bentley's site.

-Dean Balsamo (F, Aston Rebels-NAHL): Was among the top-20 scorers in the NAHL regular season with 50 points (25g, 25a), before helping Aston to the league finals with 8 points in 8 playoff games.
-Connor Brassard (D, Jersey Hitmen-USPHL): Served as the Jersey Hitmen's captain last season. Led team to 2nd straight USPHL Premier championship. Had 27 points (6g, 21a) in 36 regular season games, and had 34 points (5g, 29a) in 44 regular season games during the 2014-15 season.
-Jonathan Desbiens (F, West Kelowna Warriors-BCHL): Comes from the same West Kelowna program that produced current Falcon Max French and former captain Alex Grieve, among others. Was the 5th leading scorer in the BCHL regular season with 83 points (44g, 39a) before leading the Warriors to both the league and Canadian titles in the postseason. Named a 2nd team BCHL All-Star for 2015-16.
-Ryner Gorowsky (F, Fairbanks Ice Dogs-NAHL): Was the 2nd leading scorer in the NAHL regular season with 83 points (28g, 55a). Named to the All-Midwest Division team. Helped Fairbanks to the league title, where they upended his future teammate Balsamo and the Aston Rebels for the Robertson Cup championship.
-Jake Kauppila (F, Trail Smoke Eaters-BCHL): Scored 16 goals and had 17 assists for 33 points in 52 games last season for the Trail Smoke Eaters. Is the first Bentley player to come from that program. Played in 60 games for the Green Bay Gamblers (USHL) during the 2014-15 season and recorded 19 points (9g, 10a).
-Brett Orr (D, Portage Terries-MJHL): Named the MJHL Top Defenseman for 2015-16. High scoring blueliner who had 13 goals and 29 assists for 42 points in 52 games for Portage in the MJHL regular season. Then had 10 assists during the postseason as he led Portage to its 2nd straight league title. Was teammates with current Falcon defenseman Tanner Jago as Portage won the Manitoba league title in 2014-15.
-Aidan Pelino (G, Chilliwack Chiefs-BCHL): Two-year starter in goal for Chilliwack. In 2015-16, went 22-11-2 during the regular season, with the BCHL's 4th best goals against average (2.54). Went 13-7 during the postseason as the Chiefs went to the BCHL finals.
-Matt Riggleman (F, Sioux Falls Stampede-USHL): Played in 54 games last season for Sioux Falls in the USHL, the top junior league in the United States. Recorded 13 points on 7 goals and 6 assists in his only season of junior hockey.
-Tanner Salsberry (D, Jersey Hitmen-USPHL): Played in 43 regular season games for the Jersey Hitmen last season and registered 28 points (4g, 24a). Notched 4 assists during the team's run to the USPHL title. Also played for Bismarck in the NAHL for the 2014-15 season. Had 32 points (12g, 20a) in 41 games that season.

I was doing some research, and it turns out that Jake Kauppila was actually committed to Michigan Tech way back in 2012... I guess he never panned out and now we get him! Also, Connor Brassard was drafted into the QMJHL back in 2012 and is an extremely solid defenseman, although a little slow on his feet.

 

[Snively65]

Re: Bentley University Hockey 2016-2017: The (Max) French Revolution

Bentley should have either 29 or 30 this year, depending on whether Mike Berry leaves the team or not.

I count 17 forwards, 9 blue-liners, and 3 goalies, for 29 total with Berry staying, so I must be missing someone? But, with all the injuries the past few seasons, probably a good thing to have a deep bench.

 

[acohen527]

I count 17 forwards, 9 blue-liners, and 3 goalies, for 29 total with Berry staying, so I must be missing someone? But, with all the injuries the past few seasons, probably a good thing to have a deep bench.

Nope you're correct, I was forgetting Antoni leaving. But yeah, a bigger roster is definitely a good thing. It's also a much deeper, more talented roster as well.

 

[Snively65]

Nope you're correct, I was forgetting Antoni leaving. But yeah, a bigger roster is definitely a good thing. It's also a much deeper, more talented roster as well.

I want to see Soder go with his speediest players in the opener at Lake Whitt; UNH is especially vulnerable on the blue line, as they cannot bring the puck out of their own zone for the life of them.

 

[acohen527]

I want to see Soder go with his speediest players in the opener at Lake Whitt; UNH is especially vulnerable on the blue line, as they cannot bring the puck out of their own zone for the life of them.

If this is the case, I think these will be the opening lines:

Desbiens- French-Depourcq
McDonald-McMurphy-Schmidt
Ahlgren-Callin-Gorowsky
Balsamo-Dumonceaux-Deresky

Jago-Buchanan
Orr-Chugg
Solovyev-Brassard

 

[Snively65]

If this is the case, I think these will be the opening lines:

Desbiens- French-Depourcq
McDonald-McMurphy-Schmidt
Ahlgren-Callin-Gorowsky
Balsamo-Dumonceaux-Deresky

Jago-Buchanan
Orr-Chugg
Solovyev-Brassard

Interesting lines. I would be inclined to keep French and Schmidt together on the first line, as they had some good chemistry last season with Gladiuk.

 

[The Top Shelf]

Re: Bentley University Hockey 2016-2017: The (Max) French Revolution

Interesting lines. I would be inclined to keep French and Schmidt together on the first line, as they had some good chemistry last season with Gladiuk.

Very true. I like Depourcq, but is he top line talent at this point? Is Desbiens ready/capable of being thrust on a top line at the D-I level? If the answer to both or either of those questions is no, who joins French on the top line?

I like the idea of giving Desbiens a chance, if there is a gap, I think it would be top line LW talent and I think he has the potential to thrive with a gutsy, all around player like Max French. On the right side? I'm less sure. I'm not all that comfortable putting our other super recruit Ryner Gorowsky on the top line if we're already putting one freshman (Desbeins) there. Perhaps it is Schmidt?

However, speaking to your point Snively, before injuries broke them up last year, McDonald-McMurphy-Schmidt formed an electric line two years ago, back when they were freshmen. I'd like to see if any of that chemistry is still there. I think this also helps create scoring depth across the board, rather than risk being too top heavy, as was often the case last year.

This line-up is deep. And every returning player is going to have to earn their playing time with this incoming class. Looking forward to seeing how the lines pan out this season.

 

[acohen527]

Very true. I like Depourcq, but is he top line talent at this point? Is Desbiens ready/capable of being thrust on a top line at the D-I level? If the answer to both or either of those questions is no, who joins French on the top line?

I like the idea of giving Desbiens a chance, if there is a gap, I think it would be top line LW talent and I think he has the potential to thrive with a gutsy, all around player like Max French. On the right side? I'm less sure. I'm not all that comfortable putting our other super recruit Ryner Gorowsky on the top line if we're already putting one freshman (Desbeins) there. Perhaps it is Schmidt?

However, speaking to your point Snively, before injuries broke them up last year, McDonald-McMurphy-Schmidt formed an electric line two years ago, back when they were freshmen. I'd like to see if any of that chemistry is still there. I think this also helps create scoring depth across the board, rather than risk being too top heavy, as was often the case last year.

This line-up is deep. And every returning player is going to have to earn their playing time with this incoming class. Looking forward to seeing how the lines pan out this season.

Those lines were more tailored to speed, like Snively said. But I really like keeping Mac Murph and Schmidt together, even despite French and Schmidt's success last year. I just don't see the two being as dynamic and electric without Gladiuk (part of the reason we lost to RMU in the playoffs last year was due to losing Gladiuk after game 1, which lessened that top lines production by a lot). Which guy to put on that top line with Desbiens and French is definitely a toss up, and probably something Soder will play around with at the beginning of the season.

 

[Snively65]

Re: Bentley University Hockey 2016-2017: The (Max) French Revolution

Only 72 days before puck drops between Falcons and Cats.