Wisconsin Recruiting Vol. XXX: 1 All American at a Time

[Wisko McBadgerton]

Re: Wisconsin Recruiting Vol. XXX: 1 All American at a Time

So are you implying that Quinnipiac is some crap program? Because they aren't. National Runner up 2 years ago. Have also never had a losing season at the Division 1 level and are one of the top teams in the ECAC. This is one of the better programs in the country.

He didn't imply it's a crap program. He sort of implied that Wisconsin will win most recruiting battles against Q. Which it will 9 times out of 10. Q has a very nice program and has done very well, but facilities, (I'm not sure if even our student section will fit in your arena) History of winning, (you have what, 3 NCAA appearances in history?) TV exposure, competition, and anything else you care to compare, Wisconsin will have an edge most of the time. It's not a knock on Q. This is a recruiting thread. How many battles for top draft picks has Q historically won over BC, BU, Michigan, Wisconsin, UND, etc? The entire ECAC had 25 former players in the NHL at the beginning of this year. Wisconsin has had 20 play this year alone. How many does Q have? Get a grip.

Weighing that option of taking the first or second offer now or waiting for a better one down the road and risking not getting one. Not an easy game to play.

Special sort of lunacy in recruiting and early commits. Let's say your top choices are WI, MN, UND, and BC. Does it even hurt you to commit elsewhere early since they don't follow the Gentleman's agreement? You almost lock up a scholarship, and can obviously just change your mind should a better offer come along in a couple years. Commitments are sort of crazy.

 

[Chuck Schwartz]

Re: Wisconsin Recruiting Vol. XXX: 1 All American at a Time

So are you implying that Quinnipiac is some crap program? Because they aren't. National Runner up 2 years ago. Have also never had a losing season at the Division 1 level and are one of the top teams in the ECAC. This is one of the better programs in the country.

It wasn't supposed to be a knock at Quinnipiac specifically, although I can certainly see how it could be taken as such. Listen, I'm not here to debate the merits of the Quinnipiac program. They've had a nice run but are simply on a different recruiting level than the premiere programs in the country. If this kid had offers from Wisconsin and North Dakota and Michigan would he be going to Quinnipiac? No. That's the point. Kids in Wisconsin don't go to sleep at night dreaming about going to play hockey at Quinnipiac. I just said it's an interesting scenario to be in as I'm pretty positive schools on Quinnipiac's level aren't the No. 1 option for kids coming up.

I just brought up the game that some kids have to play on deciding between the offer in hand at a school on one level compared to where they may want an offer from down the road at a different level. It happens all the time. A little brother of one of my best friends had an offer as a high school sophomore but it wasn't his first choice so he waited out a better one. He had to wait two full years before getting his second offer. That's a serious risk and I just think it's an interesting topic. That's the way it goes with recruiting as spread out as it is these days. It's not like football where they are basically being recruited for one year, or for elite guys, two. College hockey is spread out over like a 6-7 year span. It's just interesting, that's all. Wasn't trying to belittle Quinnipiac.

 

[Gurtholfin]

Re: Wisconsin Recruiting Vol. XXX: 1 All American at a Time

Do you have any concerns about Stillwell's size?

He's a treat to watch.

You can't hit what you can't catch - he's both quick and fast and his ice vision is noticeable.

On the flip side, you don't need to hit to be a good defenseman. Quickness and anticipatory skills can make up for a lack of size - see Duncan Keith.


Of the recruits (both UW's and other schools') I've seen in person, he has stood out the most.

 

[Ronnieb]

Re: Wisconsin Recruiting Vol. XXX: 1 All American at a Time

It wasn't supposed to be a knock at Quinnipiac specifically, although I can certainly see how it could be taken as such. Listen, I'm not here to debate the merits of the Quinnipiac program. They've had a nice run but are simply on a different recruiting level than the premiere programs in the country. If this kid had offers from Wisconsin and North Dakota and Michigan would he be going to Quinnipiac? No. That's the point. Kids in Wisconsin don't go to sleep at night dreaming about going to play hockey at Quinnipiac. I just said it's an interesting scenario to be in as I'm pretty positive schools on Quinnipiac's level aren't the No. 1 option for kids coming up.

I just brought up the game that some kids have to play on deciding between the offer in hand at a school on one level compared to where they may want an offer from down the road at a different level. It happens all the time. A little brother of one of my best friends had an offer as a high school sophomore but it wasn't his first choice so he waited out a better one. He had to wait two full years before getting his second offer. That's a serious risk and I just think it's an interesting topic. That's the way it goes with recruiting as spread out as it is these days. It's not like football where they are basically being recruited for one year, or for elite guys, two. College hockey is spread out over like a 6-7 year span. It's just interesting, that's all. Wasn't trying to belittle Quinnipiac.

Wow. Past is past man. This is reality. http://www.uscho.com/rankings/pairwise-rankings/d-i-men/

12>55

 

[Chuck Schwartz]

Re: Wisconsin Recruiting Vol. XXX: 1 All American at a Time

Wow. Past is past man. This is reality. http://www.uscho.com/rankings/pairwise-rankings/d-i-men/

12>55

You're missing the point. That's fine.

 

[Ronnieb]

Re: Wisconsin Recruiting Vol. XXX: 1 All American at a Time

You're missing the point. That's fine.

No, I totally get the point. Its recruiting. Maybe the new head coach at Wisconsin will pay attention to the change in recruiting landscape. Seems to be working for the Q.

 

[WiscTJK]

Re: Wisconsin Recruiting Vol. XXX: 1 All American at a Time

No, I totally get the point. Its recruiting. Maybe the new head coach at Wisconsin will pay attention to the change in recruiting landscape. Seems to be working for the Q.

2>29 http://www.uscho.com/stats/attendance/division-i-men/2014-2015/ Every 4 games you have attendance that equals one game at Wisconsin. And this is in a year that we suck - and then you look at the practice facility (http://www.uwbadgers.com/facilities/LaBahn.html) It's better than alot of teams main rink, weight rooms, etc. Imagine playing in front of a sell-out of 15,359. That was Andy's point.

But thanks for trolling on by...

 

[GoBucky!]

Re: Wisconsin Recruiting Vol. XXX: 1 All American at a Time

Seems to be working for the Q.

If this kid continues to develop he won't end up at the Q. It's his safety school.

 

[drop_the_puck]

Re: Wisconsin Recruiting Vol. XXX: 1 All American at a Time

2>29 http://www.uscho.com/stats/attendance/division-i-men/2014-2015/ Every 4 games you have attendance that equals one game at Wisconsin. And this is in a year that we suck - and then you look at the practice facility (http://www.uwbadgers.com/facilities/LaBahn.html) It's better than alot of teams main rink, weight rooms, etc. Imagine playing in front of a sell-out of 15,359. That was Andy's point.

But thanks for trolling on by...

This is an excellent point and makes me wonder why in the heck we would ever have any trouble in recruiting. The facilities are **** near on a professional hockey level. I'm happy with a nice frozen pond, can't imagine playing on these surface day in day out. Press 16-18 year old recruits with the beautiful facilities, NHL prowess, national titles, and of course an excellent campus scene. It shouldn't even be a hard decision. You have every advantage at Wisconsin if you are the coach. How you lose Boeser and other high profile recruits with that pitch goes on issues with the coaching to me.

 

[Ronnieb]

Re: Wisconsin Recruiting Vol. XXX: 1 All American at a Time

2>29 http://www.uscho.com/stats/attendance/division-i-men/2014-2015/ Every 4 games you have attendance that equals one game at Wisconsin. And this is in a year that we suck - and then you look at the practice facility (http://www.uwbadgers.com/facilities/LaBahn.html) It's better than alot of teams main rink, weight rooms, etc. Imagine playing in front of a sell-out of 15,359. That was Andy's point.

But thanks for trolling on by...

Sorry, always nice to be welcomed on a thread. Q basically got ripped, so its open for discussion. Recruiting is changing, sure the big building is nice, but many more factors for kids today than the last 10-15 years. How bout proximity to Boston, NYC, Philly and DC. But I guess thats an East vs. West discussion for another day.

"lotta guys from Minnesota and Boston"

 

[Wisko McBadgerton]

Re: Wisconsin Recruiting Vol. XXX: 1 All American at a Time

You have every advantage at Wisconsin if you are the coach. How you lose Boeser

Not that you don't have a point, but if academics don't matter to a recruit, then I'm not sure UW has any advantage over UND. Perhaps even the opposite is true.

 

[WiscTJK]

Re: Wisconsin Recruiting Vol. XXX: 1 All American at a Time

Not that you don't have a point, but if academics don't matter to a recruit, then I'm not sure UW has any advantage over UND. Perhaps even the opposite is true.

Good point, but what about the campus, area, city, lakes, state parks, etc. Nothing against Grand Forks, I had a great time when we road tripped out there, but this area of Wisconsin offers more than Grand Forks.

But from a purely hockey perspective and the ability to put a winning team on the ice year in and year out, heavy freshman or not, Nodak would certainly have an advantage. Which is one of the main reasons why I feel so strongly we need a new coach....

 

[drop_the_puck]

Re: Wisconsin Recruiting Vol. XXX: 1 All American at a Time

Not that you don't have a point, but if academics don't matter to a recruit, then I'm not sure UW has any advantage over UND. Perhaps even the opposite is true.

I hear ya there, they were the one that came to mind facility/program wise. Hard to beat UND's arena.

But....I'd say hands down there will be more better looking women on the UW campus, which when I was picking college as an 18 year old was very important

 

[ExileOnDaytonStreet]

Re: Wisconsin Recruiting Vol. XXX: 1 All American at a Time

Caught the Gamblers v. USNTDP last night. No Opilka, but saw Berkowitz and Kunin.

Kunin, for better or worse, looked like the prototypical Eaves forward last night. Good skater, always where he should be, fairly good vision, penalty killer, and outside of a few dry nice looking passes around the hashes he wasn't much of a scoring threat.

Berk I thought had good instincts, was in good position most of the time and skated well, but was a little shaky on the puck and maybe made a few too many "panicky" passes under pressure.

 

[MadCityRich]

Re: Wisconsin Recruiting Vol. XXX: 1 All American at a Time

Good point, but what about the campus, area, city, lakes, state parks, etc. Nothing against Grand Forks, I had a great time when we road tripped out there, but this area of Wisconsin offers more than Grand Forks.

But from a purely hockey perspective and the ability to put a winning team on the ice year in and year out, heavy freshman or not, Nodak would certainly have an advantage. Which is one of the main reasons why I feel so strongly we need a new coach....

Hell, local good talent used to stay here; now even they are looking around. They grew up with all those things you mentioned, but they want to play hockey on a good team, not lurk about at the bottom of the D-1 rankings.

 

[Almington]

Hell, local good talent used to stay here; now even they are looking around. They grew up with all those things you mentioned, but they want to play hockey on a good team, not lurk about at the bottom of the D-1 rankings.

True, but having a coaching staff at UW that actually gave the impression that WI kids were actually wanted would help things.

I get that scholarships are limited, but you can't play hardball with WI kids when they have other offers in hand. Given stories, I suspect that a contributing factor to many of the WI kids (and families) was just a few % in scholarship money.

 

[Timothy A]

Re: Wisconsin Recruiting Vol. XXX: 1 All American at a Time

So why is Byce going to UMASS?

 

[Wisko McBadgerton]

Re: Wisconsin Recruiting Vol. XXX: 1 All American at a Time

So why is Byce going to UMASS?

I don't know of course but a couple things come to mind. I think he committed over a year ago for '16 and the Badgers may or may not need to add another forward in '16. Presumably they will be after someone very high end if they do add. Now I don't even know if they were in on him, but it doesn't surprise me that if they were, the Badgers would be hesitant to pull the trigger on Byce that far out with so little room.

To me, the days of stockpiling recruits for the Badgers are about at an end. 10 years ago maybe a guy like this waits it out, but with all the parity today (plus probably realignment too) going someplace like UNO or Umass or Q is way more attractive than it used to be IMO. Of course the Badgers may still go after him next year if they have a need and he does very well (and he has any interest in changing.) He's a guy probably on the list to follow up with. There may also be something more specific to this case but in general I think it's something that's changing quite a bit.

I do think there will be even more decommitting across the board in the future with the way things are operating. We'll see...

 

[oldtyme25]

Re: Wisconsin Recruiting Vol. XXX: 1 All American at a Time

True, but having a coaching staff at UW that actually gave the impression that WI kids were actually wanted would help things.

I get that scholarships are limited, but you can't play hardball with WI kids when they have other offers in hand. Given stories, I suspect that a contributing factor to many of the WI kids (and families) was just a few % in scholarship money.

The issue is not with how many Wisconsin kids they are recruiting or what they are offering, the issue is that they are no longer landing the blue chippers and have subsequently been saddled with mediocre in-state kids eating up 4 years of full scholarship $$ while providing limited return on the investment. While I understand that recruiting is at times a bit of a crap-shoot, as of late Eaves has really sucked! Even if we assume that no coach will land every coveted recruit, I would hope that they could at least get to 50% on the in-state blue chippers.

One thing that jumped out at me on the in-state scholarship players is that all but McCabe came from Wisconsin Prep Hockey. Of those players on that list, not one of them would have been deserving of a ride based upon their production in junior hockey. I included Travis Erstad and Cody Strang on the list as they took up spots that could have been offered to other players.

The list of other kids playing elsewhere was just from the top of my head. I also did not include players like Sean Little and Keegan Meuer as they were limited scholarship players.

My point below:

In State Full Scholarship

1. Matt Pappe
2. Chase Drake
3. Travis Erstad-Never Played
4. Brad Navin
5. Gavin Hartzog
6. Cody Strang-Never Played
7. Jefferson Dahl
8. Jake McCabe- Blue Chip

WI Blue Chippers

1. Phil Kessel
2. Jordan Schmaltz
3. Ian McCoshen
4. Nick Schmaltz
5. Will Butcher

WI Kids Playing Elsewhere

1. Blake Kessel
2. Nate Condon
3. Mike Johnson
4. Max McCormick
5. Mike Sislo
6.Troy Grosenick
7. Jordan George
8. Dylan Zink
9. Ross Mauermann

 

[Chuck Schwartz]

Re: Wisconsin Recruiting Vol. XXX: 1 All American at a Time

I don't know of course but a couple things come to mind. I think he committed over a year ago for '16 and the Badgers may or may not need to add another forward in '16. Presumably they will be after someone very high end if they do add. Now I don't even know if they were in on him, but it doesn't surprise me that if they were, the Badgers would be hesitant to pull the trigger on Byce that far out with so little room.

To me, the days of stockpiling recruits for the Badgers are about at an end. 10 years ago maybe a guy like this waits it out, but with all the parity today (plus probably realignment too) going someplace like UNO or Umass or Q is way more attractive than it used to be IMO. Of course the Badgers may still go after him next year if they have a need and he does very well (and he has any interest in changing.) He's a guy probably on the list to follow up with. There may also be something more specific to this case but in general I think it's something that's changing quite a bit.

I do think there will be even more decommitting across the board in the future with the way things are operating. We'll see...

Wisconsin already tried to flip his commitment this past fall before he signed his letter of intent. He declined. Now that he's signed with UMass, there is no going back. His mom had an interesting tweet the other day.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>You know your kid made the right choice for college & hockey when the head coach flies in & out to watch his sectional final game. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Blessed?src=hash">#Blessed</a></p>— Alicia Pelton (@alicia_pelton) <a href="https://twitter.com/alicia_pelton/status/571889894781554690">March 1, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

This is the kind of thing Wisconsin doesn't do enough. For example, the Boeser situation... When he played in Madison a few weeks before making his final decision, Wisconsin didn't send anyone to the game. Granted, the team was at Penn State, but it wouldn't have taken much to leave one of the assistants behind to woo him and his family (he had 20 family members there that are Badger fans). Assistant coaches from other schools around the country take games off ALL THE TIME to recruit. Wisconsin never does this. The first weekend that I noticed this year was actually the following weekend when Walsh was at a tournament in Minnesota when the Badgers were in Columbus. If he could miss that weekend, why couldn't he stay back to woo Boeser?