From USHR twitter.
USHR@USHRhockey
Gunnery senior forward Robby Darrar has committed to Vermont for this coming fall. 5'9" NJ native had 14-22-36 line in 31 games this season.
Funny, I was thinking the exact same thing after watching Lowell and UNH dismantle good, high-profile opponents. Just shows that you gotta bring your A game every night if you want to win games in HE.After watching Hockey East teams dismantle their Western opponents in what I consider a down year in HE I am a bit less pessimistic about our team.....You gotta find some hope somewhere right!!!!!![]()
Some of you may have seen this, but here's a Ted Ryan story about the huge incoming class and how things line-up for next season:
http://blogs.burlingtonfreepress.com/oncampus/
I can tell you right now I'm gonna cry like a baby if McCarthy decides not to return. The Cats need one of these decisions (should I stay/come or should I go) to finally go their way. Brickley leaving would not be much of a loss IMO.
I really can't see Brickley or McCarthy leaving early. Neither is ready yet, and while McCarthy had a good season if he wants into the pro's he needs another good senior year. Brickley would be a pretty big loss. He has skill when he wants to score, and his effort sets him apart. He is likely Lenes, except Lenes never got called for nearly as many penalties. Regardless, when he steps on the ice it is full on for his entire shift. That said, he needs to set his mind that his role needs to be to produce offense, more so then a big hit.
Looking at the stats of the incoming class, there are really maybe 3 that will be consistent starters night in and night out. With the current crop, I see Sneddon trying to add depth to the bench more so then preparing for someone to leave.
For discussion purposes...
Brickley - Fallon - McCarthy (clearly the leading offensive players would push Brickley to be more offensive minded)
Reynolds - White - Puskarich
Markinson - Bradley - Lenz
Polesello - Decenzo - Turk
Those are some nice lines, but I don't see many others that can step in and be a significant contributer on a regular basis. I see 3-4 others that will fight for playing time, and that leaves 3-4 that are going to be bench warms. UVM has had continued losses every season, this season two D and two F missed significant time. I'm sure Sneddon just wants enough players who have the talent and skill set to step in and play if (1-2) top 6 Forwards are injured for the season.
That said, I didn't think Stalberg II was leaving early either. Maybe McCarthy goes, or Brickley... however with their season over I would have expected and NHL team to grab them already if they were.
I have heard from a reliable source that while McCarthy had the chance he is coming back!!!! Huge. Word is he wants a better finish at UVM and feels he can develop more, and he loves playing at UVM. I assume he sees how Stalberg and Girgisons didn't really seems to put up great numbers or develop too much. Got to give him credit for putting the dollars aside and being patient. Doesn't happen much anymore.
Brickley still unsure but I can't see Florida signing him now word is the are signing Bjustad Minny and Matheson BC, plus they signed Megan so unless those plans fall apart Brickley isn't going anywhere.
Nonetheless looks like some guys won't be back with the numbers coming in. I would bet Rosenthal,Montagna and maybe one more have played their last game at UVM. Just wouldn't make sense for them to come back. Didn't play this year and your adding top scorer in BCHL and so quality talent.
Also, like what Patrick and Wallen are doing on the recruiting trail. Will be nice to see the staff have a full off season. Staff was basically together a month. should be interesting.
I agree that I would eat the contract if we could attract Gwozdecky.
... the program energy and buzz needs a boost
Don't worry Maine won't look in the direction of Gwozdecky,thats IF they can Whitehead in 2 weeks...Gwozdecky is a real good Coach,but figure his age(59)and more or less he's looking to make in the area of 225-250k(his deal @ Denver was reported @221k)...I would figure that if both Maine & Vermont fire/buyout their Coaches they would look for someone younger/cheaper for the long term,not putting Gwozdecky down...sad part is the two schools have fallen on hard times,Hockey East needs all their memebers strong,right now UML/PC & Merrimack have improved their Programs over the last 2-3 seasons...while both UM & UVM have slip to the back of the pack...hopefully things do change for both Programs.UVM should be all over trying to get Gwozdecky!!!! Talk about a golden opportunity. I'd be willing to burn a year of Sneddon's Salary. Quick before Maine nabs him...:--).
McCarthy returning would be pretty huge, they really missed Stalburg this year. Puskarich might be our best freshman since Mitchell given his numbers this year and seperation from others in his league. He and Bradley look like a big upgrade on the graduating forwards. But improvement in scoring beyond that relies on development of the returning players. They all have room to improve but they MUST improve if the team is going to take the next step forward to compete for home ice.
I agree that I would eat the contract if we could attract Gwozdecky. I'll donate 5% of the buyout to the VC if that happens. But I wonder if that thought occurs to our AD?
The program needed Sneddon when he arrived but its time for change again. We are not selling out anymore and that is not a good sign and I'm not convinced a home ice season would change that. Maybe its the state demographics changing but the program energy and buzz needs a boost
I agree about the UConn speculation.. it makes a lot more sense and they will probably pay him the money he wants.Don't get your hopes to high on Puskarich. BCHL is scoring league his numbers mean nothing on a relative basis. And look for GwoZdecky to end up at UCONN.
I agree about the UConn speculation.. it makes a lot more sense and they will probably pay him the money he wants.
As for Puskarich, the kid got's some game.. found this video, which is admittedly an overproduced PR vehicle, but shows a couple very nice snipes, an undressing of a defenseman, and what looks like a great offensive skill set. Hopefully Sneddon finds a way to integrate this type of talent into the team.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXpiDuOoXao
On another note, Kevin Irwin is no longer listed as coming to UVM on Heisenberg's website, which usually is very accurate about these things. Too bad because he had a pretty good year in the USHL and looked like could add some goal scoring.
I have heard from a reliable source that while McCarthy had the chance he is coming back!!!! Huge. Word is he wants a better finish at UVM and feels he can develop more, and he loves playing at UVM. I assume he sees how Stalberg and Girgisons didn't really seems to put up great numbers or develop too much. Got to give him credit for putting the dollars aside and being patient. Doesn't happen much anymore.
Brickley still unsure but I can't see Florida signing him now word is the are signing Bjustad Minny and Matheson BC, plus they signed Megan so unless those plans fall apart Brickley isn't going anywhere.
They wouldnt sign Brickley regardless of who they had signed allready. Until he can play a full season and actually produce a little offense, he isnt signing anything. Sorry to be blunt but lets be honest.
Yeah, Irwin may be more "trouble" than he is worth.. Obviously it remains to be seen about Puskarich, he is small and will have to pull his weight defensively or Sneddon will likely sit him. But I'm just thrilled to see an incoming Cat that has some offensive creativity and can pick corners. Defense and the other stuff can be taught (hopefully), speed and puck skills can't.Irwin has had alot of trouble and was on still on probation from his arrest in Des Moines. Something might have happened there. As far as your video, I agree that there is some nice footage but obviously it is selective and he is a 92 playing against mainly 94's so tough to gauge until he actually gets here. If he played in the USHL and put up those numbers, I would be much more confident but I am skeptical on big point guys coming out of the BCHL recently. I will hope for the best though.