CHL to NCAA Recruiting Megathread

[cinnamoroll]

NCHC Rookie of the Week- Brandon Lisowsky, CC
NCHC Goalie of the Week- Matteo Drobac, Miami
AHA Rookie of the Week- Charlie Schenkel, Robert Morris

CHL monthly awards for november

WHL Rookie of the Month- Kamloops Blazer JP Hurlbert (Michigan) with 20 points in 12 games. He was player of the month sept/october.
OHL Rookie of the Month- Ottawa 67's goalie Ryder Fetterolf (Penn State) with 8-0-0-0, 1.98 GAA, .925 SV%, 1 SO
QMJHL Defenseman of the Month- Moncton Wildcats Tommy Bleyl (Michigan State) 13GP, 2G, 16A, 18Pts
QMJHL Goaltender of the Month- Moncton Wildcats Rudy Guimond (Harvard) 9-0-0-1, 1.66 GAA, .946 SV%, 2 SO
QMJHL Rookie of the Month- Moncton Wildcats Teddy Mutryn (BC), 13GP, 8G, 10A, 18Pts

can you tell Moncton had a good month of November?

 

[Sparkee]

left the NTDP after his U17 season. he was playing against his teammates last year in the CHL/USA game

it’s one thing to leave NTDP to go to college early like a Horcoff or Potter, but it’s another to leave for voluntarily another junior league after one year in the program. just rarely ever happens.

Quentin Musty was set to join the program but got bad vibes and ended up going 1st overall in the 2021 OHL draft. was regularly left off a lot of the top international junior activities even beyond the usual bias against CHL players. whether or not he would’ve been on either of the WJC rosters it was ridiculous he didn’t get an invite to the camp despite being nearly 2 points per game in the OHL. it was/is an open secret that this slight was part of his omissions at times, and he never even played a single game for the program. i’m pretty sure if the WJSS didn’t need two entire rosters (which would’ve made the omission unfathomable) he would’ve been left off of those too. if that is all it took for Musty to get iced out, i’m not shocked he gets a similar treatment.

neither of them deserve this treatment- usa hockey is just notoriously petty

Right. So essentially he didn’t do anything.

 

[TalonsUpPuckDown]

CCHA Rookie of the Month: Noah Morneau, BGSU

Morneau led conference rookies in goals (6), points (9) and face-off winning percentage (60.5%) in November, while recording three assists, one power-play goal and one game-winner. He had 20 shots on goal and five blocks defensively. He led the nation's rookies on the draw, while ranking third nationally in goals and fifth in points. On November 14 and 15, he led the Falcons to a home sweep of Ferris State posting four goals and two assists for six points, including a career-high four points (3 goals, 1 assist) in a 9-5 victory to open the series.

 

[cinnamoroll]

There's been a rash of articles on CHL players talking about the transition more and more from both sides of the border, wanted to highlight some of those and the bigger takeaways.

CHN: The New Pioneers by Jashvina Shah
Talks with Roger McQueen, Cole Reschny and mentions Martone and McKenna. The biggest one that has gotten airtime on podcasts is this line:

“Academically, I haven't been in school for like, two years, so that was probably the biggest jump by far, actually over hockey, in any sense," McQueen said. "I love the aspect of coming back to school and being able to meet new people, and not being in a shell of not being able to see anyone other than hockey guys. I like how you can make friends with some non-sports people here.”

That's one of the pieces of the college experience that is often missing when people talk about why a player is or isn't going to college. I think McQueen had a little extra insight on this with Hudson Malinoski, and more CHL guys will pick up on this as it goes along and they can ask other CHL guys about the NCAA life,

CHN: New Challenges by Anthony Travalgia
Focuses on Justin Poirier in Maine specifically. Talks about his brother Jeremie being heavily recruited before going to the QMJHL. There was speculation that Carolina pushed him towards Maine (Baie-Comeau's GM even publicly ranted about the Canes supposedly hate of the Q), and he somewhat confirmed it. Sounds more like when he had all his offers and weighing his options, the connections to the org via Nadeau were a benefit to him.

“Carolina was very proud of what Maine made of Bradly a 200-foot player. That really helped my decision,” Poirier said.

He also provides a nice update on Jérémy Langlois, who was stretchered off in their most recent game against BC. He's doing great.

Windsor Star: What made these NHL prospects choose the NCAA over the OHL by Jim Parker
This article from the other side of the border was released today and specifically focuses on the 4 Michigan OHLers, Henry Mews, Malcolm Spence, Matthew Mania, and Jack Ivankovic. It also includes quotes from the OHL commissioner Bryan Crawford and Windsor Spitfires GM Bill Bowler.
Mania is less of a presence since he only had his OA year left. All of them confirmed that they didn't dive into the full commitment effort besides general overtures until after their season finished.

“It was a bit of an adjustment to get back in the classroom,” Spence said. “Being a normal student again is nice. It’s been a great transition and to be with your friends and go through the adjustments in life that you’re going to have to do and not have your mom and dad.”
With no billet family to take care of meals, laundry or to come to the rescue when an emergency might pop up, life as a student-athlete is different.
“Learning how to manage your time,” Mews said. “You live on your own, we’re living together in an apartment, doing our own laundry, cooking our own meals and managing meals, class and hockey and working out has been an adjustment, but I think it’s going to help us become men.”

Luke Misa mentioned something like this as a motivation for college after his commitment, since he never even needed a billet as his team was close enough to home. Some players going from the CHL to pros definitely have had trouble adjusting with setting their own schedule.

All three don't regret playing in the OHL, all three are happy with their decision and are enjoying the college experience, including the fanatical cult of NCAA football. They're also benefitting from having guys they were already close with.
From Crawford:

“There needs to be structure and order and there needs to be relationships in place to manage in an effective way and doesn’t cause harm or damage to our league,” said Crawford, who wants NCAA programs to work one-on-one with OHL teams. “This year, what the aim is is to create a more collaborative relationship with CHL and NCAA. Working together and not so much a free-for-all.

He also reiterated that he is of the belief the league has benefitted from the influx of players with commitments or NCAA aspirations enough to vastly offset the losses of the players who left before their eligibility ran out.

 

[cinnamoroll]

05 F Jake Gudelj commits to Princeton, plays for Tri City Americans.

Trickling of CHL commits to the Ivy Leagues are continuing.

 

[cinnamoroll]

06 G Samuel Caulfield, Colgate commit for 2027, is joining Baie-Comeau from the Chicago Steel.

Some miscellaneous OHL activities-

Bowling Green commit Sam McCue has been traded to Ottawa- just wasn’t a fit in Brantford.

Penn State commit D Alexander Karmanov (the 7’1 guy) signed in North Bay and made his OHL debut last night. He looked solid. Obviously he is a massive project, but there’s the foundations of a solid player there.

06 G Christian Kirsch has decommitted from UMass. He’s been playing well in Kitchener and committed pretty young, plus some other UMass goalie commits are doing well. He's a Sharks prospect and has been the Guy in net for this age group of the Switzerland national junior team. Should be a target for teams looking for stability in net

 

[cinnamoroll]

05 F Alex Assadourian commits to Yale, veteran for the Barrie Colts, 17 points in 18 games this season.

Currently tied in freshman goal scoring at 11 are Markus Vidicek (Quinnipiac) and Justin Poirier (Maine). Both prolific Q players. Also in the top 4 is Porter Martone (Michigan State) tied for 2nd with 10 and 4th place with 8 goals is Maxim Muranov (Niagara).

Congrats to Jack Ivankovic for getting Michigan’s first shutout in Munn since early 2000. Warmed my dad’s Michigan alum heart, which i was hoping would soften his usual travel mood. It did not. Speaking of, I will be 2 hours back of my usual time zone (PST) for a week.

 

[cinnamoroll]

06 D Max Lavoie commits to Princeton, Brandon Wheat Kings

 

[Sparkee]

05 F Alex Assadourian commits to Yale, veteran for the Barrie Colts, 17 points in 18 games this season.

Currently tied in freshman goal scoring at 11 are Markus Vidicek (Quinnipiac) and Justin Poirier (Maine). Both prolific Q players. Also in the top 4 is Porter Martone (Michigan State) tied for 2nd with 10 and 4th place with 8 goals is Maxim Muranov (Niagara).

Congrats to Jack Ivankovic for getting Michigan’s first shutout in Munn since early 2000. Warmed my dad’s Michigan alum heart, which i was hoping would soften his usual travel mood. It did not. Speaking of, I will be 2 hours back of my usual time zone (PST) for a week.

You get to vacation in Hawaii? Nice.

Hope you enjoy your time there.

 

[cinnamoroll]

Aloha!

Team Canada’s world junior camp rosters have been released, a forward, defenseman, and goalie will be cut. Potential for a few more guys in the NHL to be loaned which could push some guys out

Former CHL guys in NCAA: * is returning
Jack Ivankovic, Michigan *
Jackson Smith, Penn State
Keaton Verhoeff, NoDak
Gavin McKenna, Penn State *
Cole Reschny, NoDak
Porter Martone, Michigan State *

Current CHL guys with NCAA commits:
Ethan Mackenzie, Edmonton, NoDak commit

He was a bit of a surprise invite for some, but he’s played well.

Draft eligibles:
McKenna, Verhoeff, Mackenzie (D+1), 08 D Carson Carels (Prince George Cougars).

Guys without commits but definitely being recruited:
06 G Joshua Ravensbergen , Prince George Cougars
Carson Carels

NHLers loaned from their team are Michael Misa, Harrison Brunicke, Zayne Parekh. The team would likely welcome returners Sam Dickinson, Berkly Catton, requiring another cut.

07 F Tommy Lafrenière commits to Western Michigan, Kamloops Blazer, Edmonton 3rd round pick. 35 points in 28 games, usually playing with the top two WHL scorers in JP Hurlbert (Michigan) and Nathan Behm (Arizona State)

CCHA Rookie of the Week: F Nathan Pilling, St Thomas

ECAC Rookie of the Week: G Brayden Gillespie, Union

 

[sezenack]

Aloha!

Team Canada’s world junior camp rosters have been released, a forward, defenseman, and goalie will be cut. Potential for a few more guys in the NHL to be loaned which could push some guys out

Former CHL guys in NCAA: * is returning
Jack Ivankovic, Michigan *
Jackson Smith, Penn State
Keaton Verhoeff, NoDak
Gavin McKenna, Penn State *
Cole Reschny, NoDak
Porter Martone, Michigan State *

Current CHL guys with NCAA commits:
Ethan Mackenzie, Edmonton, NoDak commit

He was a bit of a surprise invite for some, but he’s played well.

Draft eligibles:
McKenna, Verhoeff, Mackenzie (D+1), 08 D Carson Carels (Prince George Cougars).

Guys without commits but definitely being recruited:
06 G Joshua Ravensbergen , Prince George Cougars
Carson Carels

NHLers loaned from their team are Michael Misa, Harrison Brunicke, Zayne Parekh. The team would likely welcome returners Sam Dickinson, Berkly Catton, requiring another cut.

07 F Tommy Lafrenière commits to Western Michigan, Kamloops Blazer, Edmonton 3rd round pick. 35 points in 28 games, usually playing with the top two WHL scorers in JP Hurlbert (Michigan) and Nathan Behm

CCHA Rookie of the Week: F Nathan Pilling, St Thomas

ECAC Rookie of the Week: G Brayden Gillespie, Union

Nathan Behm is committed to Arizona State

 

[Sparkee]

Aloha!

Team Canada’s world junior camp rosters have been released, a forward, defenseman, and goalie will be cut. Potential for a few more guys in the NHL to be loaned which could push some guys out

Former CHL guys in NCAA: * is returning
Jack Ivankovic, Michigan *
Jackson Smith, Penn State
Keaton Verhoeff, NoDak
Gavin McKenna, Penn State *
Cole Reschny, NoDak
Porter Martone, Michigan State *

Current CHL guys with NCAA commits:
Ethan Mackenzie, Edmonton, NoDak commit

He was a bit of a surprise invite for some, but he’s played well.

Draft eligibles:
McKenna, Verhoeff, Mackenzie (D+1), 08 D Carson Carels (Prince George Cougars).

Guys without commits but definitely being recruited:
06 G Joshua Ravensbergen , Prince George Cougars
Carson Carels

NHLers loaned from their team are Michael Misa, Harrison Brunicke, Zayne Parekh. The team would likely welcome returners Sam Dickinson, Berkly Catton, requiring another cut.

07 F Tommy Lafrenière commits to Western Michigan, Kamloops Blazer, Edmonton 3rd round pick. 35 points in 28 games, usually playing with the top two WHL scorers in JP Hurlbert (Michigan) and Nathan Behm

CCHA Rookie of the Week: F Nathan Pilling, St Thomas

ECAC Rookie of the Week: G Brayden Gillespie, Union

You have to go to a luau. And hopefully they have those fire breathers.

I am jealous. We have few inches of cold crusty snow on the ground here and it doesn’t appear to want to melt. Additional sun is going down at 4 pm. So far away both literally and figuratively from Hawaii right now. I’m very jealous.

 

[cinnamoroll]

Nathan Behm is committed to Arizona State

Good catch- forgot to check if he was committed somewhere

You have to go to a luau. And hopefully they have those fire breathers.

I am jealous. We have few inches of cold crusty snow on the ground here and it doesn’t appear to want to melt. Additional sun is going down at 4 pm. So far away both literally and figuratively from Hawaii right now. I’m very jealous.

i’ve done the Luau before- not that i wouldn’t be interested in seeing another, but my dad would fuss about it. did snorkeling this morning and will be doing the observatory tomorrow.

07 F Tristan Delisle commits to Michigan Tech, top line center Harry Nansi Owen Sound Attack, 35 points in 31 games.

RPI has their own recruit thread but I'm putting the announcement here as well:
4 RPI commits from the CHL, 1 OHL 3 WHL.
Already announced James Guo, new ones are 05 D Grayson Burzynski of Brandon Wheat Kings- 28 points in 24 games so far, 06 F Josh Evaschesen of Kamloops Blazers, and 05 F Harrison Lodewyk from Calgary Hitmen.

 

[Sparkee]

Good catch- forgot to check if he was committed somewhere


i’ve done the Luau before- not that i wouldn’t be interested in seeing another, but my dad would fuss about it. did snorkeling this morning and will be doing the observatory tomorrow.

07 F Tristan Delisle commits to Michigan Tech, top line center Harry Nansi Owen Sound Attack, 35 points in 31 games.

RPI has their own recruit thread but I'm putting the announcement here as well:
4 RPI commits from the CHL, 1 OHL 3 WHL.
Already announced James Guo, new ones are 05 D Grayson Burzynski of Brandon Wheat Kings- 28 points in 24 games so far, 06 F Josh Evaschesen of Kamloops Blazers, and 05 F Harrison Lodewyk from Calgary Hitmen.

I hope it is clear so you can see the Milky Way. Evidently if you go there at 3 AM you can see a meteor shower this week. Good timing.