Chuck Schwartz
New member
Re: Wisconsin Hockey: Vol. XXI - For every dark night, there's a brighter day
Cautiously optimistic is the way I'm viewing things heading into the season. I feel like my expectations for this years club are probably higher than most that follow UW. UW has had many peaks and valley's over Eaves tenure, and this should be the upswing of one of those peaks. They didn't lose a forward with more than two points last year, so everyone on the roster up front is a year older. They also added two impact freshman forwards that are both expected to play from the get-go.
Replacing Schultz is the biggest question mark the team has right now. They should be fine defensively, but what Schultz brings from the point offensively and on the PP is not going to be replaced. I'm expecting Derek Lee to take over his duties on the PP, so we'll see how that goes.
In the end the most important player on the roster is Joel Rumpel. He really came into his own down the stretch last season, and that's when the Badgers played their best hockey. If he can duplicate his second half success, there is no reason (imo) that they can't be a top 3 WCHA team with an opportunity to do damage in the NCAA tourney.
How are the Badgers looking going into this season? I have been paying some attention, but I'd like a Sconnie fan's honest opinion. Thanks in advance!
Cautiously optimistic is the way I'm viewing things heading into the season. I feel like my expectations for this years club are probably higher than most that follow UW. UW has had many peaks and valley's over Eaves tenure, and this should be the upswing of one of those peaks. They didn't lose a forward with more than two points last year, so everyone on the roster up front is a year older. They also added two impact freshman forwards that are both expected to play from the get-go.
Replacing Schultz is the biggest question mark the team has right now. They should be fine defensively, but what Schultz brings from the point offensively and on the PP is not going to be replaced. I'm expecting Derek Lee to take over his duties on the PP, so we'll see how that goes.
In the end the most important player on the roster is Joel Rumpel. He really came into his own down the stretch last season, and that's when the Badgers played their best hockey. If he can duplicate his second half success, there is no reason (imo) that they can't be a top 3 WCHA team with an opportunity to do damage in the NCAA tourney.