Re: UNH Commits & Recruiting: 2019 and Beyond
I don't. I want all my underclassmen refining their offensive skills and creativity rather than working on their griding games. A kid like Sacco should be the go-to guy at Lawrence rather than a third liner in Waterloo, Iowa. Even Cronin, I'd prefer the BCHL. I'm down on the USHL as a development league for 16 or 17 year olds. Take a look at the flamout rate for the top 16 year olds tendered.... too much AAA baseball, when most of the finishing work occurs in AA.
That's a fair point. But, when I say I would like to see these players strongly pursuing these options, I don't mean necessarily mean I want all of them playing in the league this season. I mean attending training camps and competing for roster spots and roles - seeing if they're ready and if there is a fit, pushing themselves. If they get the role that suits them, take it and run with it. Getting drafted is one thing - there is still a large step to even making these teams for some of these draft picks. If being drafted now means being in the league next year - thats OK, too...
If a kid like Cronin goes out there and gets buried, then I'm fine with him looking elsewhere. A number of players have competed in the USHL and moved on, mid-season, when it didn't work out. Cipollone, Chanter and Robinson are all examples. I also don't mind kids who are still true-prep level kids ending up back at the prep-schools, but I'd like to see them explore this option thoroughly. Is it better for them to be the man or is it better for them to challenge themselves at the highest levels of junior hockey. I suppose its different for everyone, but there are pros either way that should be explored. I'm not really worried about Cronin being the best player on his team - or failing to play on the first PP, score 30-goals, etc. I want him getting better. Playing in the USHL (and practicing in the league everyday) probably best develops the skills we want him to have when he gets to UNH - even if he only scores 15 goals, instead of 25 in the BCHL. Same with Curran. I have no desire to see him destroy the NCDC. It tells me nothing and it does little to improve his game for his arrival at UNH.
UNH needs kids who can compete and produce in the USHL if they want to be successful. They haven't had enough of those kids in years - as you've often pointed out with your top-40 benchmark. If UNH doesn't have offensive recruits who can score at the USHL level than I wouldn't expect them to do much scoring at the college level. If I'm UNH I want to know if these kids can produce at that level - at least in camps - because I need to get questions about a lot of these kids answered. If guys like Curran and Cronin can't make it in the USHL than that probably tells UNH they need to look for more offense. Even the BCHL (though I love the league and its a clear #2 on the junior hockey pecking order) can fool you with production - as in players like Vela or Fregona. A lot of the BCHL imports are in the BCHL for a reason - the best 'imports' are playing in the USHL)...
Meanwhile, a kid like Grasso pushed it in the USHL and scores just nine goals in each of his first two seasons - but goes off for 22 in his third season, scores 20 as a FR at UNH and is perhaps (barring injury) the most talented offensive upperclassmen on the roster despite those early struggles/grinds. Pierson grinded it out at UNH this season, passing on a chance to be the big dog in the USHL or BCHL. I think that pays off in spades moving forward...
So while there needs to be a balance in development and pushing oneself to the highest level I hope every opportunity is explored - either this summer or next (I'm not advocating for, say, Cy Leclerc to insist on moving to the USHL directly from Midgets at 16/17 - but it should be a goal of his to get to the USHL, and make an impact - hopefully by 17/18). Because if these are truly the players to turn UNH around, they wouldn't be buried in the USHL when their time to join the league comes. If they are - or they have to leave the league for other organizations - well, then...
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* Stutzle is a lock for Sioux City
* Margle is a lock for Madison
* Cronin is ready for the challenge in Dubuque, IMO
* Curran should be in Cedar Rapids (or I will be concerned)
* Devlin & Sacco have both indicated they want to finish Prep-School (OK with me - but I do think they should explore the USHL option this summer)
* Ring, LeClerc, Winters & Cafarelli are likely a year away (but the USHL should be firmly on their radar - and a primary goal)
