Re: Wisconsin Recruiting: Filling the foundation with 5 stars
Chuck, since you've seen both play and have first-hand knowledge of the talents of the guys coming in over the next 2 years or so...if UW went .500 here which guy is more important (or which position) for the immediate needs of the class they're lined up for? I've been out of touch w/this for the entire off season....or is that not even a valid question @ this point?
You've presented an excellent question sir. Let me clarify this, I've never seen McCoshen play in person. I have however talked to multiple people close to me, and people I trust who continually rave about his play and have given me a pretty good picture of his game. As noted in this thread, I have seen Dvorak play and feel like I've got a decent handle on him as well.
The question you bring up is a tough one especially since they are for two different classes. It's a tough task to project out more than two years so this is certainly a chore.
As for McCoshen, he would enter in 2013 and obviously be injected into the lineup immediately. Our 2013 d-core is expected to be comprised of Simonelli (SR), Faust (SR), McCabe (JR), Wittchow (SO), Schulze (SO), Drake (SR), Hartzog (SR), and Davison (FR). Out of that group you have a clear top 4 of Simonelli, McCabe, Faust, and Wittchow. I'm convinced that between Schulze, Davison, and Drake you can come up with a competent third pairing (if McCoshen isn't there).
The problem is in 2014 when McCoshen becomes a sophomore. You lose Simonelli, Drake, Faust, and Hartzog as well as possibly McCabe to the NHL. If all five are gone you're left with Wittchow, Schulze, Davison, Linhart (FR), Tischke (FR). That's where it becomes incredibly important to have an experienced talented sophomore like McCoshen.
As far as Dvorak, he's a 2014 kid and is obviously ultra talented. It's a small sample but he outscored North Dakota super recruit Nick Schmaltz (points per game) last season when they were teammates with the Chicago Mission U16's. As of right now, the forwards for 2014 include Joseph LaBate (Will be be here as a senior?), Brendan Woods (SR), Brad Navin (Sr), Matt Paape, (SR), Nic Kerdiles (50/50 on if he'll be here 3 years), Morgan Zulinick (JR), Corbin McGuire (SO), Grant Besse (FR). Obviously the team will add some forwards to the McGuire class so it's hard to know for sure who else will be on the roster at the same time.
Through all of this....I honestly still am not sure how to answer your question. Both players are extremely talented and potentially important to the team. I said a few years back that I felt that Wisconsin was preparing to make back to back runs at the National Title in 2013 (Pitt) and 2014 (Philly). Ian McCoshen would go a long ways into helping that 2014 run to Philly as the team is only projected to lose Ramage, Lee, R. Little, and possibly underclassmen Mark Zengerle.
Dvorak is also super important because they are projected to lose so many forwards after 2014. By my count, they are going to need to bring in 7-8 (currently only Grant Besse is committed). So Dvorak is super important as well.
Honestly, I think they are both important and if Eaves can go 50/50 it would be a win. That said, Wisconsin can certainly get by without either of them as there are players still on the board of quality that can make a difference. Dvorak is the better bet to end up in Madison, but I've been wrong before.
