Recruits 2023 and beyond

The Gazette
“A lot of coaches that I’ve played for and talked to say I play bigger than what I actually am,” [Kraft] said. “The mentality there is probably the biggest thing. Going into a battle knowing that it doesn’t matter if you’re 6-5 or 5-7, 5-8, you are going to come out with the puck. That kind of mentality is the biggest thing."

I'm roughly Kraft's size. Maybe I was the only person at Cornell hockey (intramural) who clearly played below his height? If I dove to block a shot, it was because I tripped.

marty

ursusminor

marty

Over under on him being 5-6 1/2?

The NHL CSB confirms heights and weights for USHL players. [ushl.com]

OK, so 5-6 3/4.

Topher Scott ‘08 was 5-6.

George64

marty

ursusminor

marty

Over under on him being 5-6 1/2?

The NHL CSB confirms heights and weights for USHL players. [ushl.com]

OK, so 5-6 3/4.

Topher Scott ‘08 was 5-6.

Maybe on skates.

marty

abmarks

scoop85
New Recruit

He's a smaller forward from Rochester who apparently plays bigger than his size. Has been on a scoring tear in the USHL. As a 2003 birth year, I assume he'll be coming this fall.

From: [www.google.com]

“Mentally tough,” RoughRiders Coach Mark Carlson said. “He didn’t play for awhile, for a month or so, but we got him in the lineup, and his energy, his tenacity, have been great. He’s a mentally tough player. There is a lot that guys can take from his game.”

One is his ability to play effectively despite being a smaller player. Kraft is listed at 5-foot-8 and 165 pounds.

He gets around that by being a good skater with solid puck skills, and not being afraid to tussle with bigger opponents.

“A lot of coaches that I’ve played for and talked to say I play bigger than what I actually am,” he said. “The mentality there is probably the biggest thing. Going into a battle knowing that it doesn’t matter if you’re 6-5 or 5-7, 5-8, you are going to come out with the puck. That kind of mentality is the biggest thing.”

Also this, fwiw these days:

Over under on him being 5-6 1/2?

Over.

In skates.

billhoward

The Gazette
“A lot of coaches that I’ve played for and talked to say I play bigger than what I actually am,” [Kraft] said. “The mentality there is probably the biggest thing. Going into a battle knowing that it doesn’t matter if you’re 6-5 or 5-7, 5-8, you are going to come out with the puck. That kind of mentality is the biggest thing."

I'm roughly Kraft's size. Maybe I was the only person at Cornell hockey (intramural) who clearly played below his height? If I dove to block a shot, it was because I tripped.

The thing about that is, back in the day, you and I would have been average for a Cornell plyer.

Trotsky

billhoward

The Gazette
“A lot of coaches that I’ve played for and talked to say I play bigger than what I actually am,” [Kraft] said. “The mentality there is probably the biggest thing. Going into a battle knowing that it doesn’t matter if you’re 6-5 or 5-7, 5-8, you are going to come out with the puck. That kind of mentality is the biggest thing."

I'm roughly Kraft's size. Maybe I was the only person at Cornell hockey (intramural) who clearly played below his height? If I dove to block a shot, it was because I tripped.

The thing about that is, back in the day, you and I would have been average for a Cornell plyer.

With a 3-7-1 record for 1957-58.

scoop85
New recruit

The RoughRiders would like to congratulate @jakekraft15 on his commitment to Cornell! @cornelluniversity @cornellmhockey #letsride #ridertownusa pic.twitter.com/4BMsPxWBSp

— Cedar Rapids RoughRiders (@RidertownUSA) December 25, 2022

He's a smaller forward from Rochester who apparently plays bigger than his size. Has been on a scoring tear in the USHL. As a 2003 birth year, I assume he'll be coming this fall.

One might even describe Kraft as being improvisational?, cunning?, artful? hmmm perhaps there is a more obvious word.

Roy 82
One might even describe Kraft as being improvisational?, cunning?, artful? hmmm perhaps there is a more obvious word.

"Jakey"?

Trotsky

Roy 82
One might even describe Kraft as being improvisational?, cunning?, artful? hmmm perhaps there is a more obvious word.

"Jakey"?

Korrect!

I believe Cornell's most successful hockey team was comprised of relatively "small" skaters. The biggest member of that team was probably the goalie.

osorojo
I believe Cornell's most successful hockey team was comprised of relatively "small" skaters. The biggest member of that team was probably the goalie.

The 1969-70 team that went 29-0-0 was backstopped by 5-7 Brian Cropper. Ken Dryden was the goalie on our first NCAA Championship team (27-1-1) in 1967.
.

George64

osorojo
I believe Cornell's most successful hockey team was comprised of relatively "small" skaters. The biggest member of that team was probably the goalie.

The 1969-70 team that went 29-0-0 was backstopped by 5-7 Brian Cropper. Ken Dryden was the goalie on our first NCAA Championship team (27-1-1) in 1967.
.

Go easy on him, casual fans often forget who the 1970 goalie was.

French Rage

George64

osorojo
I believe Cornell's most successful hockey team was comprised of relatively "small" skaters. The biggest member of that team was probably the goalie.

The 1969-70 team that went 29-0-0 was backstopped by 5-7 Brian Cropper. Ken Dryden was the goalie on our first NCAA Championship team (27-1-1) in 1967.
.

Go easy on him, casual fans often forget who the 1970 goalie was.

My two favorite NCAA hockey trivia questions:

How many saves did Ken Dryden have in the championship game of Cornell's undefeated season?

In which lodging establishment did the Clarkson team stay during championship weekend of their undefeated season?

Cornell recruits well represented on the NHL Central Scouting midterm list for North American skaters released today:

Hoyt Stanley — 77
Jonathan Castagna — 135
Chase Pirtle — 141
Nicholas Wofenberg - 193

scoop85
Cornell recruits well represented on the NHL Central Scouting midterm list for North American skaters released today:

Hoyt Stanley — 77
Jonathan Castagna — 135
Chase Pirtle — 141
Nicholas Wofenberg - 193

Is this about what we might normally have in a recruiting class or much better than usual?

CU2007

scoop85
Cornell recruits well represented on the NHL Central Scouting midterm list for North American skaters released today:

Hoyt Stanley — 77
Jonathan Castagna — 135
Chase Pirtle — 141
Nicholas Wofenberg - 193

Is this about what we might normally have in a recruiting class or much better than usual?

Cornell had four last year too. Not sure on the years before that. Four is pretty good, though. That’s more than anyone else in the ECAC tends to get, other than Harvard. Recruiting has been solid lately. In terms of on-paper talent we are out-recruiting everyone in the league besides Harvard. Though, there’s a bigger gap between Harvard and Cornell than there is between Cornell and Clarkson/Q. I believe we had our best talent in the Schafer era in the early 2000s. Lately we’ve picked it up but aren’t back at that level yet.

Justin Katz stopped all 18 shots he faced in the BCHL’s 1st top prospects game. Hoyt Stanley also played in the contest.

Those names are both so wonderful.

We try to block as many shots as we can but we still have a goalie, Justin Katz.

With Big Red Puckhead defunct and having a bit of time to kill I thought I’d provide an statistical update on our recruits. The number in parentheses is the age they will be at the close of 2023:

• Jacob Kraft, C, Cedar Rapids, USHL (20) — 26 GP, 11 G, 8 A
• Connor Arsenault, C, St. Andrews, CA Prep (17) — 23 GP, 9 G, 2 A
• Nick Wolfenberg, D, Okotoks, AJHL (19) — 36 GP, 6 G, 18 A
• Hoyt Stanley, D, Victoria, BCHL (18) — 32 GP, 1 G, 22 A
• Michael Sandruck, F, Bishop Kearney, US Prep (17) — 43 GP, 21 G, 18 A
• Hudson Gorski, D, Salisbury Prep, US Prep (18) — Unknown
• Donovan Hamilton, D, Nichols Prep, US Prep & Lincoln Stars, USHL (18) — Nichols: 21 GP, 3 G, 5 A; Lincoln: 10 GP, 0 G, 0 A
• Ryan Walsh, F, Cedar Rapids, USHL (20) — 31 GP, 11 G, 26 A
• Justin Katz, G, West Kelowna, BCHL (19) — 20 GP, 12 W, 5 L, .892 save pct., 3.44 GAA
• Jonathan Costagna, C, St. Andrews Prep, CA Prep (18) — 23 GP, 13 G, 19 A
• Chase Pirtle, F, Mt. St. Charles, US Prep (18) — 19 GP, 8 G, 9 A
• Charlie Major, F, Chicago, USHL (19) — 25 GP, 5 G, 5 A
• Marian Mosko, D, Lincoln, USHL (19) — 22 GP, 1 G, 2 A
• George Fegaras, Muskegon, USHL (19) — 33 GP, 1 G, 17 A
• Tyler Catalano, C, Youngstown, USHL (19) — 31 GP, 5 G, 3 A
• Liam Steel, D, Chilliwack/Silver Arm, BCHL (19)— 24 GP, 2 G, 7 A
• Ben Roberton, D, Waterloo, USHL (19) — 33 GP, 1 G, 23 A
• Ty Wishart, F, Nanaimo, BCHL (19) — 32 GP, 3 G, 9 A
• Luke Devlin, C, West Kelowna, BCHL (19) — 31 GP, 7 G, 17 A

Kraft and Walsh, as 20-year-olds, will surely be coming in the fall. I believe Katz will be coming the fall of 2024; I believe the other 19-year olds are slated to come next fall, but often we have a deferral or two each year depending upon how the rest of the roster shakes out. While there appears to be talent at all positions, the defensemen look particularly strong.

scoop85
With Big Red Puckhead defunct and having a bit of time to kill I thought I’d provide an statistical update on our recruits. The number in parentheses is the age they will be at the close of 2023:

• Jacob Kraft, C, Cedar Rapids, USHL (20) — 26 GP, 11 G, 8 A
• Connor Arsenault, C, St. Andrews, CA Prep (17) — 23 GP, 9 G, 2 A
• Nick Wolfenberg, D, Okotoks, AJHL (19) — 36 GP, 6 G, 18 A
• Hoyt Stanley, D, Victoria, BCHL (18) — 32 GP, 1 G, 22 A
• Michael Sandruck, F, Bishop Kearney, US Prep (17) — 43 GP, 21 G, 18 A
• Hudson Gorski, D, Salisbury Prep, US Prep (18) — Unknown
• Donovan Hamilton, D, Nichols Prep, US Prep & Lincoln Stars, USHL (18) — Nichols: 21 GP, 3 G, 5 A; Lincoln: 10 GP, 0 G, 0 A
• Ryan Walsh, F, Cedar Rapids, USHL (20) — 31 GP, 11 G, 26 A
• Justin Katz, G, West Kelowna, BCHL (19) — 20 GP, 12 W, 5 L, .892 save pct., 3.44 GAA
• Jonathan Costagna, C, St. Andrews Prep, CA Prep (18) — 23 GP, 13 G, 19 A
• Chase Pirtle, F, Mt. St. Charles, US Prep (18) — 19 GP, 8 G, 9 A
• Charlie Major, F, Chicago, USHL (19) — 25 GP, 5 G, 5 A
• Marian Mosko, D, Lincoln, USHL (19) — 22 GP, 1 G, 2 A
• George Fegaras, Muskegon, USHL (19) — 33 GP, 1 G, 17 A
• Tyler Catalano, C, Youngstown, USHL (19) — 31 GP, 5 G, 3 A
• Liam Steel, D, Chilliwack/Silver Arm, BCHL (19)— 24 GP, 2 G, 7 A
• Ben Roberton, D, Waterloo, USHL (19) — 33 GP, 1 G, 23 A
• Ty Wishart, F, Nanaimo, BCHL (19) — 32 GP, 3 G, 9 A
• Luke Devlin, C, West Kelowna, BCHL (19) — 31 GP, 7 G, 17 A

Kraft and Walsh, as 20-year-olds, will surely be coming in the fall. I believe Katz will be coming the fall of 2024; I believe the other 19-year olds are slated to come next fall, but often we have a deferral or two each year depending upon how the rest of the roster shakes out. While there appears to be talent at all positions, the defensemen look particularly strong.

Thanks. The list of incoming recruits looks deep and strong. I am curious whether any of this year’s seniors will do what Andreev did and come back for a fifth (fourth) year. That will determine how many recruits matriculate next fall.

BearLover

scoop85
With Big Red Puckhead defunct and having a bit of time to kill I thought I’d provide an statistical update on our recruits. The number in parentheses is the age they will be at the close of 2023:

• Jacob Kraft, C, Cedar Rapids, USHL (20) — 26 GP, 11 G, 8 A
• Connor Arsenault, C, St. Andrews, CA Prep (17) — 23 GP, 9 G, 2 A
• Nick Wolfenberg, D, Okotoks, AJHL (19) — 36 GP, 6 G, 18 A
• Hoyt Stanley, D, Victoria, BCHL (18) — 32 GP, 1 G, 22 A
• Michael Sandruck, F, Bishop Kearney, US Prep (17) — 43 GP, 21 G, 18 A
• Hudson Gorski, D, Salisbury Prep, US Prep (18) — Unknown
• Donovan Hamilton, D, Nichols Prep, US Prep & Lincoln Stars, USHL (18) — Nichols: 21 GP, 3 G, 5 A; Lincoln: 10 GP, 0 G, 0 A
• Ryan Walsh, F, Cedar Rapids, USHL (20) — 31 GP, 11 G, 26 A
• Justin Katz, G, West Kelowna, BCHL (19) — 20 GP, 12 W, 5 L, .892 save pct., 3.44 GAA
• Jonathan Costagna, C, St. Andrews Prep, CA Prep (18) — 23 GP, 13 G, 19 A
• Chase Pirtle, F, Mt. St. Charles, US Prep (18) — 19 GP, 8 G, 9 A
• Charlie Major, F, Chicago, USHL (19) — 25 GP, 5 G, 5 A
• Marian Mosko, D, Lincoln, USHL (19) — 22 GP, 1 G, 2 A
• George Fegaras, Muskegon, USHL (19) — 33 GP, 1 G, 17 A
• Tyler Catalano, C, Youngstown, USHL (19) — 31 GP, 5 G, 3 A
• Liam Steel, D, Chilliwack/Silver Arm, BCHL (19)— 24 GP, 2 G, 7 A
• Ben Roberton, D, Waterloo, USHL (19) — 33 GP, 1 G, 23 A
• Ty Wishart, F, Nanaimo, BCHL (19) — 32 GP, 3 G, 9 A
• Luke Devlin, C, West Kelowna, BCHL (19) — 31 GP, 7 G, 17 A

Kraft and Walsh, as 20-year-olds, will surely be coming in the fall. I believe Katz will be coming the fall of 2024; I believe the other 19-year olds are slated to come next fall, but often we have a deferral or two each year depending upon how the rest of the roster shakes out. While there appears to be talent at all positions, the defensemen look particularly strong.

Thanks. The list of incoming recruits looks deep and strong. I am curious whether any of this year’s seniors will do what Andreev did and come back for a fifth (fourth) year. That will determine how many recruits matriculate next fall.

If Dirven, Malinski and Mitchell graduate we’ll need some D-men with offensive skill to fill those holes. Of the guys expected next year, Wolfenberg, Fegaras, and Robertson all appear to be strong 2-way defensemen.

scoop85
With Big Red Puckhead defunct and having a bit of time to kill I thought I’d provide an statistical update on our recruits. The number in parentheses is the age they will be at the close of 2023:

• Jacob Kraft, C, Cedar Rapids, USHL (20) — 26 GP, 11 G, 8 A
• Connor Arsenault, C, St. Andrews, CA Prep (17) — 23 GP, 9 G, 2 A
• Nick Wolfenberg, D, Okotoks, AJHL (19) — 36 GP, 6 G, 18 A
• Hoyt Stanley, D, Victoria, BCHL (18) — 32 GP, 1 G, 22 A
• Michael Sandruck, F, Bishop Kearney, US Prep (17) — 43 GP, 21 G, 18 A
• Hudson Gorski, D, Salisbury Prep, US Prep (18) — Unknown
• Donovan Hamilton, D, Nichols Prep, US Prep & Lincoln Stars, USHL (18) — Nichols: 21 GP, 3 G, 5 A; Lincoln: 10 GP, 0 G, 0 A
• Ryan Walsh, F, Cedar Rapids, USHL (20) — 31 GP, 11 G, 26 A
• Justin Katz, G, West Kelowna, BCHL (19) — 20 GP, 12 W, 5 L, .892 save pct., 3.44 GAA
• Jonathan Costagna, C, St. Andrews Prep, CA Prep (18) — 23 GP, 13 G, 19 A
• Chase Pirtle, F, Mt. St. Charles, US Prep (18) — 19 GP, 8 G, 9 A
• Charlie Major, F, Chicago, USHL (19) — 25 GP, 5 G, 5 A
• Marian Mosko, D, Lincoln, USHL (19) — 22 GP, 1 G, 2 A
• George Fegaras, Muskegon, USHL (19) — 33 GP, 1 G, 17 A
• Tyler Catalano, C, Youngstown, USHL (19) — 31 GP, 5 G, 3 A
• Liam Steel, D, Chilliwack/Silver Arm, BCHL (19)— 24 GP, 2 G, 7 A
• Ben Roberton, D, Waterloo, USHL (19) — 33 GP, 1 G, 23 A
• Ty Wishart, F, Nanaimo, BCHL (19) — 32 GP, 3 G, 9 A
• Luke Devlin, C, West Kelowna, BCHL (19) — 31 GP, 7 G, 17 A

Kraft and Walsh, as 20-year-olds, will surely be coming in the fall. I believe Katz will be coming the fall of 2024; I believe the other 19-year olds are slated to come next fall, but often we have a deferral or two each year depending upon how the rest of the roster shakes out. While there appears to be talent at all positions, the defensemen look particularly strong.

Kraft, Walsh, Fegaras, Devlin, Robertson, Wolfenberg should be here next fall for sure. All have two years of junior hockey experience and/or were drafted, and they’ve produced in juniors. Some or all of Mosko, Major, Steele, Wishart, Catalano will be here then too. Hoyt Stanley is only 18 but was rated highly by Central Scouting and may be college-ready next year. The others are highly unlikely to be here before the fall of 2024.

BearLover
Kraft, Walsh, Fegaras, Devlin, Robertson, Wolfenberg should be here next fall for sure. All have two years of junior hockey experience and/or were drafted, and they’ve produced in juniors. Some or all of Mosko, Major, Steele, Wishart, Catalano will be here then too. Hoyt Stanley is only 18 but was rated highly by Central Scouting and may be college-ready next year. The others are highly unlikely to be here before the fall of 2024.

I’d be surprised if Stanley comes in next year given how many older guys we know are coming in on defense already, although it seems like Stanley may well be a mid-round pick in the NHL draft.

scoop85

BearLover
Kraft, Walsh, Fegaras, Devlin, Robertson, Wolfenberg should be here next fall for sure. All have two years of junior hockey experience and/or were drafted, and they’ve produced in juniors. Some or all of Mosko, Major, Steele, Wishart, Catalano will be here then too. Hoyt Stanley is only 18 but was rated highly by Central Scouting and may be college-ready next year. The others are highly unlikely to be here before the fall of 2024.

I’d be surprised if Stanley comes in next year given how many older guys we know are coming in on defense already, although it seems like Stanley may well be a mid-round pick in the NHL draft.

That’s true. I’m frankly surprised Cornell has so many defenseman recruits. At least six should matriculate within the next two seasons. Malinski, Dirven, and Mitchell will be gone. Possibly Rego and Lagerstrom too, though who knows given the extra year of eligibility.

Chris Heisenberg recently added Giovanni (Gio) DiGiulian of the Kent School and the Yale Jr. Bulldogs 18U AAA team for 2024 or 2025. He's from Vermont, not Italy.

[www.eliteprospects.com]

The hell are the Yale Jr. Bulldogs 18U AAA and how do we get one of those?

Trotsky
The hell are the Yale Jr. Bulldogs 18U AAA and how do we get one of those?

I assume that DiGiulian played for them before the Prep School season began. Here is their tweet about DiGiulian:

Congrats to Bulldog and @KentPuck forward Gio DiGiulian on his commitment to @CornellMHockey #BowWow pic.twitter.com/fAqoAMTeuv

— Junior Bulldogs Midget Hockey (@JrBulldogHockey) January 24, 2023

Wow, they have an entire system. That's better than CM --> BC.

"Yale Youth Hockey Association, Inc. is neither sponsored nor affiliated with Yale University. “Yale” is a registered trademark and used with the permission of the University.”

That's OK, Yale really hasn't been "Yale" since the 1930s anyway.

ursusminor
Chris Heisenberg recently added Giovanni (Gio) DiGiulian of the Kent School and the Yale Jr. Bulldogs 18U AAA team for 2024 or 2025. He's from Vermont, not Italy.

[www.eliteprospects.com]

His father, who played at Hamilton, is the coach at St. Michael's college, a D3 school in Vermont.

scoop85

ursusminor
Chris Heisenberg recently added Giovanni (Gio) DiGiulian of the Kent School and the Yale Jr. Bulldogs 18U AAA team for 2024 or 2025. He's from Vermont, not Italy.

[www.eliteprospects.com]

His father, who played at Hamilton, is the coach at St. Michael's college, a D3 school in Vermont.

That's a tough get. The kid grew up in south Burlington, with means he lived within a 15 minute drive, at most, of UVM/gutterson. I don't have the actual stats, but Burlington area kids who are good enough to play D1 have quite often stayed in town to play for UVM. (See Leclair, John)

His father, Damian, also was an assistant coach at Vermont, back in the day. Had him on our podcast a couple years ago.

abmarks

scoop85

ursusminor
Chris Heisenberg recently added Giovanni (Gio) DiGiulian of the Kent School and the Yale Jr. Bulldogs 18U AAA team for 2024 or 2025. He's from Vermont, not Italy.

[www.eliteprospects.com]

His father, who played at Hamilton, is the coach at St. Michael's college, a D3 school in Vermont.

That's a tough get. The kid grew up in south Burlington, with means he lived within a 15 minute drive, at most, of UVM/gutterson. I don't have the actual stats, but Burlington area kids who are good enough to play D1 have quite often stayed in town to play for UVM. (See Leclair, John)

LeClair and Ducolon are the only Vermont-born players I can think of. Both from St. Albans, both went to UVM.

Geoff Raynak is the only Vermont-born Cornellian. Franklin, which is nearly closer to Montreal than Burlington.

Trotsky

abmarks

scoop85

ursusminor
Chris Heisenberg recently added Giovanni (Gio) DiGiulian of the Kent School and the Yale Jr. Bulldogs 18U AAA team for 2024 or 2025. He's from Vermont, not Italy.

[www.eliteprospects.com]

His father, who played at Hamilton, is the coach at St. Michael's college, a D3 school in Vermont.

That's a tough get. The kid grew up in south Burlington, with means he lived within a 15 minute drive, at most, of UVM/gutterson. I don't have the actual stats, but Burlington area kids who are good enough to play D1 have quite often stayed in town to play for UVM. (See Leclair, John)

LeClair and Ducolon are the only Vermont-born players I can think of. Both from St. Albans, both went to UVM.

Geoff Raynak is the only Vermont-born Cornellian. Franklin, which is nearly closer to Montreal than Burlington.

You weren't paying attention Trotsky. Let the Vermonter fill in the blanks for you...

Vermonters who played at UVM from 2000 to present. The first column is the last season they were on the roster, the third column their class that year.

16 17 Tom Forgione SR  F South Burlington, Vermont / Sioux Falls (USHL)
13 14 Pete Massar SR  F Williston, Vermont / Green Mountain (EJHL)   Previous College: Clarkson (2010-11)
12 13 Ben Albertson SR  F Williston, Vermont / Indiana (USHL
11 12 Brett Leonard SR  F South Burlington, Vermont / Green Mountain (EJHL)
08 09 Peter Lenes SR  F Shelburne, Vermont / Sioux City (USHL)
07 08 Reese Wisnowski JR  F East Middlebury, Vermont / New Hampshire Junior Monarchs
06 07 Andy Corran SR  F Burlington, Vermont / Wisconsin-Stevens Point
05 06 Brady Leisenring SR  F Stowe, Vermont / US National Team
05 06 Travis Russell SR  G Essex Junction, Vermont / Taft School
05 06 Ben Driver SR  F Georgia, Vermont / Taft School
04 05 Tim Plant SR  F Barre, Vermont / Taft School
03 04 Spencer Morton SO  F Stowe, Vermont / Green Mountain Glades
03 04 Thomas Child SR  F Shelburne, Vermont / Babson College
02 03 Baron Becker FR  F Waterford, Michigan / Cleveland Barons
01 02 Tim Peters SR  G Saxtons River, Vermont / Dubuque 
00 01 Graham Mink JR  F Stowe, Vermont / Northfield Mount Hermon 

Like I said, the only Vermont-born players I can think of are LeClair and Ducolon.

Trotsky
Like I said, the only Vermont-born players I can think of are LeClair and Ducolon.

Point taking. Those are the better ones. My point was just that kids tend to stay home at UVM

abmarks

Trotsky
Like I said, the only Vermont-born players I can think of are LeClair and Ducolon.

Point taking. Those are the better ones. My point was just that kids tend to stay home at UVM

Trotsky, since you're as old as Methuselah, you don't recall Randy Koch. UVM '78? 162pts in 128 games over four years. And 2 goals, 2 assists in 7-2 win over Cornell in 1975 ecac consolation game.

[www.tbrw.info]

abmarks

abmarks

Trotsky
Like I said, the only Vermont-born players I can think of are LeClair and Ducolon.

Point taking. Those are the better ones. My point was just that kids tend to stay home at UVM

Trotsky, since you're as old as Methuselah, you don't recall Randy Koch. UVM '78? 162pts in 128 games over four years. And 2 goals, 2 assists in 7-2 win over Cornell in 1975 ecac consolation game.

[www.tbrw.info]

Wow, I do not. That is impressive!

scoop85
With Big Red Puckhead defunct and having a bit of time to kill I thought I’d provide an statistical update on our recruits. The number in parentheses is the age they will be at the close of 2023:

• Jacob Kraft, C, Cedar Rapids, USHL (20) — 26 GP, 11 G, 8 A
• Connor Arsenault, C, St. Andrews, CA Prep (17) — 23 GP, 9 G, 2 A
• Nick Wolfenberg, D, Okotoks, AJHL (19) — 36 GP, 6 G, 18 A
• Hoyt Stanley, D, Victoria, BCHL (18) — 32 GP, 1 G, 22 A
• Michael Sandruck, F, Bishop Kearney, US Prep (17) — 43 GP, 21 G, 18 A
• Hudson Gorski, D, Salisbury Prep, US Prep (18) — Unknown
• Donovan Hamilton, D, Nichols Prep, US Prep & Lincoln Stars, USHL (18) — Nichols: 21 GP, 3 G, 5 A; Lincoln: 10 GP, 0 G, 0 A
• Ryan Walsh, F, Cedar Rapids, USHL (20) — 31 GP, 11 G, 26 A
• Justin Katz, G, West Kelowna, BCHL (19) — 20 GP, 12 W, 5 L, .892 save pct., 3.44 GAA
• Jonathan Costagna, C, St. Andrews Prep, CA Prep (18) — 23 GP, 13 G, 19 A
• Chase Pirtle, F, Mt. St. Charles, US Prep (18) — 19 GP, 8 G, 9 A
• Charlie Major, F, Chicago, USHL (19) — 25 GP, 5 G, 5 A
• Marian Mosko, D, Lincoln, USHL (19) — 22 GP, 1 G, 2 A
• George Fegaras, Muskegon, USHL (19) — 33 GP, 1 G, 17 A
• Tyler Catalano, C, Youngstown, USHL (19) — 31 GP, 5 G, 3 A
• Liam Steel, D, Chilliwack/Silver Arm, BCHL (19)— 24 GP, 2 G, 7 A
• Ben Roberton, D, Waterloo, USHL (19) — 33 GP, 1 G, 23 A
• Ty Wishart, F, Nanaimo, BCHL (19) — 32 GP, 3 G, 9 A
• Luke Devlin, C, West Kelowna, BCHL (19) — 31 GP, 7 G, 17 A

Kraft and Walsh, as 20-year-olds, will surely be coming in the fall. I believe Katz will be coming the fall of 2024; I believe the other 19-year olds are slated to come next fall, but often we have a deferral or two each year depending upon how the rest of the roster shakes out. While there appears to be talent at all positions, the defensemen look particularly strong.

The recruiting pipeline continues to look strong on paper. A few highlights:
—Fegaras and Devlin have already been drafted. Wolfenberg, Stanley, Castagna, and Pirtle were all ranked on the NHL Central Scouting Midterm Rankings as potential draft picks this year.
—Walsh is second overall in the USHL in points per game.
—Robertson is 11th among defensemen in the USHL in points per game.
—Fegaras is 22nd among defensemen in the USHL in points per game.
—Kraft is 43rd overall in the USHL in points per game despite recovering from mono earlier this season.
—Stanley is 14th in the BCHL among defensemen in points per game.
—Wolfenberg is 16th in the AJHL among defensemen in points per game.
—Most of the above players are still 18; Walsh and Kraft are 19. To find success in junior hockey at 18 is impressive. This year’s freshman class saw junior hockey success, but generally at age 19 and/or 20.
— Marian Mosko and Liam Steele were rated by NHL Central Scouting in last year’s Final Rankings, but went undrafted.
—Major and Catalano are putting up okay numbers in the USHL (the top junior league). They are both 18, and if Major stays in juniors another year we could see his numbers balloon next season.
—Katz had strong numbers in the BCHL last season as a 17-year-old but has struggled a bit this season. He should have another year of juniors ahead of him with three goalies already slated to be on the roster for next season.
—I would expect a second year of junior hockey for Tyler Wishart to develop more.
—The other players are too young to have much data on.

For forwards, we should see Kraft, Walsh, Devlin, and Catalano next year. We are losing a ton of strong players at forward (Andreev, Stienburg, Berard, Malone, Tupker). I think we may end up short a player or two; I wonder if the coaches will look to the transfer portal or elevate one of the other recruits early.

As previously discussed, it looks like there could be a logjam at defense. Wolfenberg, Fegaras, Robertson, Steele, Mosko, and Stanley could all reasonably matriculate next fall. Stanley, as the youngest, may get held back even if he gets taken in the draft, but even then we would still have five incoming defensemen with only Mitchell, Malinski, and Dirven slated to graduate.

BearLover
As previously discussed, it looks like there could be a logjam at defense. Wolfenberg, Fegaras, Robertson, Steele, Mosko, and Stanley could all reasonably matriculate next fall. Stanley, as the youngest, may get held back even if he gets taken in the draft, but even then we would still have five incoming defensemen with only Mitchell, Malinski, and Dirven slated to graduate.

We also have 2 current Dmen (Rayhill and O'Brien) who IINM have never played. So we will return Kempf, Suda, and Rego as regular D men and Lagerstrom who is an injury backup. So pulling in 4 or 5 guys may not be the worst thing.

Kraft is also 24th in the USHL in goals per game. He is listed at only 5’8.

05’ Forward Aiden Long has committed to play for the Cornell Big Red.

Aiden has 36 points in 40 games and is the 5th Wolverine committed to a NCAA division 1 school this season.

Please help us congratulate Aiden on this HUGE accomplishment.

Story here: [t.co] pic.twitter.com/XEk1nPMufq

— Whitecourt Wolverines (@WolverinesJrA) February 8, 2023

[www.eliteprospects.com]
He has Mono. (Mono, Ontario that is. )

ursusminor

05’ Forward Aiden Long has committed to play for the Cornell Big Red.

Aiden has 36 points in 40 games and is the 5th Wolverine committed to a NCAA division 1 school this season.

Please help us congratulate Aiden on this HUGE accomplishment.

Story here: [t.co] pic.twitter.com/XEk1nPMufq

— Whitecourt Wolverines (@WolverinesJrA) February 8, 2023

[www.eliteprospects.com]
He has Mono. (Mono, Ontario that is. )

Long has the second most PPG among 2005 birth years in the AJHL, just behind a Colgate commit.

6'3", 190 lb. Our kind of player.

Jeff Hopkins '82
6'3", 190 lb. Our kind of player.

Heck, in some years past, that'd be a forward on a Cornell basketball team.

billhoward

Jeff Hopkins '82
6'3", 190 lb. Our kind of player.

Heck, in some years past, that'd be a forward on a Cornell basketball team.

Looks like we could use him.

Cornell commit Ryan Walsh (CR) quietly going about his way in USHL. 1-1-2 in last night 3-2 loss vs Dubuque. Now sits 2nd in league scoring 16-34-50 in 38gp. #Roco

— Russ Bitely (@russbites) February 12, 2023

jts15

Cornell commit Ryan Walsh (CR) quietly going about his way in USHL. 1-1-2 in last night 3-2 loss vs Dubuque. Now sits 2nd in league scoring 16-34-50 in 38gp. #Roco

— Russ Bitely (@russbites) February 12, 2023

I don't believe we've ever had a USHL recruit so high on the league scoring list this far into the season.

scoop85

jts15

Cornell commit Ryan Walsh (CR) quietly going about his way in USHL. 1-1-2 in last night 3-2 loss vs Dubuque. Now sits 2nd in league scoring 16-34-50 in 38gp. #Roco

— Russ Bitely (@russbites) February 12, 2023

I don't believe we've ever had a USHL recruit so high on the league scoring list this far into the season.

Brown Ferlin finished 3rd in the USHL in scoring in 2010-11. Alex Limoges (who ultimately decommitted) finished 7th in 2016-17. They’re the only players who come to mind in recent history.

scoop85

jts15

Cornell commit Ryan Walsh (CR) quietly going about his way in USHL. 1-1-2 in last night 3-2 loss vs Dubuque. Now sits 2nd in league scoring 16-34-50 in 38gp. #Roco

— Russ Bitely (@russbites) February 12, 2023

I don't believe we've ever had a USHL recruit so high on the league scoring list this far into the season.

He's only 6'1 though.

Cornell will need to replace the 5 forwards and 3 defensemen graduating (all of whom were everyday players and big contributors). It is easy to find 3 college-ready defensemen among the recruits. I would expect Robertson, Fegaras, and Wolfenberg to contribute immediately. Steele and/or Mosko may also come. For the forwards, it’s not so easy finding 5 players who clearly look college-ready. Walsh, Kraft, and Devlin will definitely come. But I’m not sure who the two others would be. Cornell could choose to accelerate Pirtle and/or Castagna, both of whom have a chance of being drafted this year. However, neither has played any junior hockey, so this wouldn’t be ideal and I doubt the staff would want this. Wishart, Catalano, and Major all have junior hockey experience, but haven’t put up numbers and could use another year to develop. I wonder if Cornell looks at the transfer portal or tries to snag a very late recruit at forward. (Can Berard come back for a fifth year?)

BearLover
Cornell will need to replace the 5 forwards and 3 defensemen graduating (all of whom were everyday players and big contributors). It is easy to find 3 college-ready defensemen among the recruits. I would expect Robertson, Fegaras, and Wolfenberg to contribute immediately. Steele and/or Mosko may also come. For the forwards, it’s not so easy finding 5 players who clearly look college-ready. Walsh, Kraft, and Devlin will definitely come. But I’m not sure who the two others would be. Cornell could choose to accelerate Pirtle and/or Castagna, both of whom have a chance of being drafted this year. However, neither has played any junior hockey, so this wouldn’t be ideal and I doubt the staff would want this. Wishart, Catalano, and Major all have junior hockey experience, but haven’t put up numbers and could use another year to develop. I wonder if Cornell looks at the transfer portal or tries to snag a very late recruit at forward. (Can Berard come back for a fifth year?)

Is there something about berards situation that makes you think it's possible?

abmarks

BearLover
Cornell will need to replace the 5 forwards and 3 defensemen graduating (all of whom were everyday players and big contributors). It is easy to find 3 college-ready defensemen among the recruits. I would expect Robertson, Fegaras, and Wolfenberg to contribute immediately. Steele and/or Mosko may also come. For the forwards, it’s not so easy finding 5 players who clearly look college-ready. Walsh, Kraft, and Devlin will definitely come. But I’m not sure who the two others would be. Cornell could choose to accelerate Pirtle and/or Castagna, both of whom have a chance of being drafted this year. However, neither has played any junior hockey, so this wouldn’t be ideal and I doubt the staff would want this. Wishart, Catalano, and Major all have junior hockey experience, but haven’t put up numbers and could use another year to develop. I wonder if Cornell looks at the transfer portal or tries to snag a very late recruit at forward. (Can Berard come back for a fifth year?)

Is there something about berards situation that makes you think it's possible?

No, just wishful thinking.

Just noticed Ryan St. Louis, Martin's son, transferred to Brown, after a sojourn back in the USHL this last year, from Northeastern. Watch out for Bruno next year!

[www.espn.com]

Good article on 100 point seasons, goalies and expanded schedules.

An update of our publicly listed recruits as they near the end of their seasons:

• Jacob Kraft, C, Cedar Rapids, USHL (20) — 51 GP, 15 G, 14 A
• Connor Arsenault, C, St. Andrews, CA Prep (17) — 44 GP, 13 G, 8 A
• Nick Wolfenberg, D, Okotoks, AJHL (19) — 38 GP, 6 G, 18 A; playoffs: 10 GP, 1 G, 0 A
• Hoyt Stanley, D, Victoria, BCHL (18) — 53 GP, 4 G, 34 A; playoffs: 4 GP, 0 G, 1 A
• Michael Sandruck, F, Bishop Kearney, US Prep (17) — 52 GP, 24 G, 20 A
• Hudson Gorski, D, Salisbury Prep, US Prep (18) — 28 GP, 5 G, 4 A
• Donovan Hamilton, D, Nichols Prep, US Prep & Omaha Lancers, USHL (18) — Nichols: 21 GP, 3 G, 5 A; Omaha: 16 GP, 0 G, 0 A
• Ryan Walsh, F, Cedar Rapids, USHL (20) — 56 GP, 28 G, 44 A
• Justin Katz, G, West Kelowna, BCHL (19) — 20 GP, 12 W, 5 L, .892 save pct., 3.44 GAA (may be injured; no new stats since Jan.)
• Jonathan Costagna, C, St. Andrews Prep, CA Prep (18) — 50 GP, 29 G, 43 A
• Chase Pirtle, F, Mt. St. Charles, US Prep (18) — 47 GP, 20 G, 24 A
• Charlie Major, F, Chicago, USHL (19) — 42 GP, 5 G, 6 A
• Marian Mosko, D, Lincoln/Fargo, USHL (19) — 38 GP, 1 G, 3 A
• George Fegaras, Muskegon, USHL (19) — 57 GP, 3 G, 22 A
• Tyler Catalano, C, Youngstown, USHL (19) — 55 GP, 8 G, 5 A
• Liam Steel, D, Chilliwack/Silver Arm, BCHL (19)— 43 GP, 3 G, 13 A
• Ben Roberton, D, Waterloo, USHL (19) — 58 GP, 3 G, 38 A
• Ty Wishart, F, Nanaimo, BCHL (19) — 50 GP, 4 G, 13 A
• Luke Devlin, C, West Kelowna, BCHL (19) — 51 GP, 11 G, 26 A
• Aiden Long, F, Whitecourt, AJHL (18) — 50 GP, 19 G, 27 A; playoffs: 9 GP, 2 G, 5 A

Of the forwards likely coming in next year, Walsh’s stats are the only ones that pop, as he is the second leading scorer in the USHL behind only Macklin Celebrini, the 16-year old wunderkind who’s going to BU next year and is projected as the top pick in the 2024 NHL draft. Hopefully he can be productive out of the gate next year. Defensemen Robertson and Fegaras are the most likely guys to add some of the offensive pop from the blue line we’ve lost with Malinski and Mitchell graduating.

scoop85
An update of our publicly listed recruits as they near the end of their seasons:

• Jacob Kraft, C, Cedar Rapids, USHL (20) — 51 GP, 15 G, 14 A
• Connor Arsenault, C, St. Andrews, CA Prep (17) — 44 GP, 13 G, 8 A
• Nick Wolfenberg, D, Okotoks, AJHL (19) — 38 GP, 6 G, 18 A; playoffs: 10 GP, 1 G, 0 A
• Hoyt Stanley, D, Victoria, BCHL (18) — 53 GP, 4 G, 34 A; playoffs: 4 GP, 0 G, 1 A
• Michael Sandruck, F, Bishop Kearney, US Prep (17) — 52 GP, 24 G, 20 A
• Hudson Gorski, D, Salisbury Prep, US Prep (18) — 28 GP, 5 G, 4 A
• Donovan Hamilton, D, Nichols Prep, US Prep & Omaha Lancers, USHL (18) — Nichols: 21 GP, 3 G, 5 A; Omaha: 16 GP, 0 G, 0 A
• Ryan Walsh, F, Cedar Rapids, USHL (20) — 56 GP, 28 G, 44 A
• Justin Katz, G, West Kelowna, BCHL (19) — 20 GP, 12 W, 5 L, .892 save pct., 3.44 GAA (may be injured; no new stats since Jan.)
• Jonathan Costagna, C, St. Andrews Prep, CA Prep (18) — 50 GP, 29 G, 43 A
• Chase Pirtle, F, Mt. St. Charles, US Prep (18) — 47 GP, 20 G, 24 A
• Charlie Major, F, Chicago, USHL (19) — 42 GP, 5 G, 6 A
• Marian Mosko, D, Lincoln/Fargo, USHL (19) — 38 GP, 1 G, 3 A
• George Fegaras, Muskegon, USHL (19) — 57 GP, 3 G, 22 A
• Tyler Catalano, C, Youngstown, USHL (19) — 55 GP, 8 G, 5 A
• Liam Steel, D, Chilliwack/Silver Arm, BCHL (19)— 43 GP, 3 G, 13 A
• Ben Roberton, D, Waterloo, USHL (19) — 58 GP, 3 G, 38 A
• Ty Wishart, F, Nanaimo, BCHL (19) — 50 GP, 4 G, 13 A
• Luke Devlin, C, West Kelowna, BCHL (19) — 51 GP, 11 G, 26 A
• Aiden Long, F, Whitecourt, AJHL (18) — 50 GP, 19 G, 27 A; playoffs: 9 GP, 2 G, 5 A

Of the forwards likely coming in next year, Walsh’s stats are the only ones that pop, as he is the second leading scorer in the USHL behind only Macklin Celebrini, the 16-year old wunderkind who’s going to BU next year and is projected as the top pick in the 2024 NHL draft. Hopefully he can be productive out of the gate next year. Defensemen Robertson and Fegaras are the most likely guys to add some of the offensive pop from the blue line we’ve lost with Malinski and Mitchell graduating.

Cornell is clearly going to be lacking productive forwards next season unless it can someone pull someone out of the transfer portal. This is unlikely to occur due to Ivy rules about grad transfers as well as the lack of scholarships (someone transferring to Cornell would need to give up their scholarship). If Ivies permitted grad students, we’d be getting Malone back, at minimum.

May be a bit of a throwback to ten years ago with lots of scrappy guys crashing the net-Ondrej, Jack O’Leary. Look for Donaldson and Bancroft to step up. Penney Wallace and DeSantis too. I don’t know, may be ok with a more direct approach. Some of the dangling of the seniors drove me nuts.

I think we have a chance to have good offensive forwards. Underclassmen step up as the kids above them graduate and leave the prime power play spots and minutes.

Seniors:

Seger (30 points last year) excellent leadership, amazing faceoff guy
Penney (18) great improvement this season and like Seger an accurate shooter
O'Leary (17) speed, energy, and chaos

Juniors:

Psenicka (15) solid two-way player with great hands and vision
Mack (10) more speed, just needs to stay healthy
Kovich (3) granted, a defensive forward

Sophomores:

DeSantis (20) hard to believe he was just a freshman, excellent water bug to put with bigger guys
Bancroft (21) best player on the ice some nights, disappeared others; my pick to step up
Donaldson (10) certainly a work in progress but often in the right place and good movement
Wallace (8) probably the core of the defensive forwards going forward

Adding Walsh gives us three good offensive lines and a checking line. And remember too that with all those minutes leaving one or more of these guys is going to radically improve.

I think the main thing that will change is the loss of that tremendous production from the blue line. Rego will still be there, but Malinski was a force of nature and Mitchell was also a pillar of the offensive defense. I would expect there to be a drop back of the defenders. The balance will be does that give Shane more support or does it cost us more opponent's shots.

BearLover

scoop85
An update of our publicly listed recruits as they near the end of their seasons:

• Jacob Kraft, C, Cedar Rapids, USHL (20) — 51 GP, 15 G, 14 A
• Connor Arsenault, C, St. Andrews, CA Prep (17) — 44 GP, 13 G, 8 A
• Nick Wolfenberg, D, Okotoks, AJHL (19) — 38 GP, 6 G, 18 A; playoffs: 10 GP, 1 G, 0 A
• Hoyt Stanley, D, Victoria, BCHL (18) — 53 GP, 4 G, 34 A; playoffs: 4 GP, 0 G, 1 A
• Michael Sandruck, F, Bishop Kearney, US Prep (17) — 52 GP, 24 G, 20 A
• Hudson Gorski, D, Salisbury Prep, US Prep (18) — 28 GP, 5 G, 4 A
• Donovan Hamilton, D, Nichols Prep, US Prep & Omaha Lancers, USHL (18) — Nichols: 21 GP, 3 G, 5 A; Omaha: 16 GP, 0 G, 0 A
• Ryan Walsh, F, Cedar Rapids, USHL (20) — 56 GP, 28 G, 44 A
• Justin Katz, G, West Kelowna, BCHL (19) — 20 GP, 12 W, 5 L, .892 save pct., 3.44 GAA (may be injured; no new stats since Jan.)
• Jonathan Costagna, C, St. Andrews Prep, CA Prep (18) — 50 GP, 29 G, 43 A
• Chase Pirtle, F, Mt. St. Charles, US Prep (18) — 47 GP, 20 G, 24 A
• Charlie Major, F, Chicago, USHL (19) — 42 GP, 5 G, 6 A
• Marian Mosko, D, Lincoln/Fargo, USHL (19) — 38 GP, 1 G, 3 A
• George Fegaras, Muskegon, USHL (19) — 57 GP, 3 G, 22 A
• Tyler Catalano, C, Youngstown, USHL (19) — 55 GP, 8 G, 5 A
• Liam Steel, D, Chilliwack/Silver Arm, BCHL (19)— 43 GP, 3 G, 13 A
• Ben Roberton, D, Waterloo, USHL (19) — 58 GP, 3 G, 38 A
• Ty Wishart, F, Nanaimo, BCHL (19) — 50 GP, 4 G, 13 A
• Luke Devlin, C, West Kelowna, BCHL (19) — 51 GP, 11 G, 26 A
• Aiden Long, F, Whitecourt, AJHL (18) — 50 GP, 19 G, 27 A; playoffs: 9 GP, 2 G, 5 A

Of the forwards likely coming in next year, Walsh’s stats are the only ones that pop, as he is the second leading scorer in the USHL behind only Macklin Celebrini, the 16-year old wunderkind who’s going to BU next year and is projected as the top pick in the 2024 NHL draft. Hopefully he can be productive out of the gate next year. Defensemen Robertson and Fegaras are the most likely guys to add some of the offensive pop from the blue line we’ve lost with Malinski and Mitchell graduating.

Cornell is clearly going to be lacking productive forwards next season unless it can someone pull someone out of the transfer portal. This is unlikely to occur due to Ivy rules about grad transfers as well as the lack of scholarships (someone transferring to Cornell would need to give up their scholarship). If Ivies permitted grad students, we’d be getting Malone back, at minimum.

This prediction gives me hope for a Cleary and a Whitelaw. Thanks.

We have a lot of senior talent to replace, but the strength of this team was that we had four strong lines. That bodes well for the future.

scoop85
An update of our publicly listed recruits as they near the end of their seasons:

• Jacob Kraft, C, Cedar Rapids, USHL (20) — 51 GP, 15 G, 14 A
• Connor Arsenault, C, St. Andrews, CA Prep (17) — 44 GP, 13 G, 8 A
• Nick Wolfenberg, D, Okotoks, AJHL (19) — 38 GP, 6 G, 18 A; playoffs: 10 GP, 1 G, 0 A
• Hoyt Stanley, D, Victoria, BCHL (18) — 53 GP, 4 G, 34 A; playoffs: 4 GP, 0 G, 1 A
• Michael Sandruck, F, Bishop Kearney, US Prep (17) — 52 GP, 24 G, 20 A
• Hudson Gorski, D, Salisbury Prep, US Prep (18) — 28 GP, 5 G, 4 A
• Donovan Hamilton, D, Nichols Prep, US Prep & Omaha Lancers, USHL (18) — Nichols: 21 GP, 3 G, 5 A; Omaha: 16 GP, 0 G, 0 A
• Ryan Walsh, F, Cedar Rapids, USHL (20) — 56 GP, 28 G, 44 A
• Justin Katz, G, West Kelowna, BCHL (19) — 20 GP, 12 W, 5 L, .892 save pct., 3.44 GAA (may be injured; no new stats since Jan.)
• Jonathan Costagna, C, St. Andrews Prep, CA Prep (18) — 50 GP, 29 G, 43 A
• Chase Pirtle, F, Mt. St. Charles, US Prep (18) — 47 GP, 20 G, 24 A
• Charlie Major, F, Chicago, USHL (19) — 42 GP, 5 G, 6 A
• Marian Mosko, D, Lincoln/Fargo, USHL (19) — 38 GP, 1 G, 3 A
• George Fegaras, Muskegon, USHL (19) — 57 GP, 3 G, 22 A
• Tyler Catalano, C, Youngstown, USHL (19) — 55 GP, 8 G, 5 A
• Liam Steel, D, Chilliwack/Silver Arm, BCHL (19)— 43 GP, 3 G, 13 A
• Ben Roberton, D, Waterloo, USHL (19) — 58 GP, 3 G, 38 A
• Ty Wishart, F, Nanaimo, BCHL (19) — 50 GP, 4 G, 13 A
• Luke Devlin, C, West Kelowna, BCHL (19) — 51 GP, 11 G, 26 A
• Aiden Long, F, Whitecourt, AJHL (18) — 50 GP, 19 G, 27 A; playoffs: 9 GP, 2 G, 5 A

Of the forwards likely coming in next year, Walsh’s stats are the only ones that pop, as he is the second leading scorer in the USHL behind only Macklin Celebrini, the 16-year old wunderkind who’s going to BU next year and is projected as the top pick in the 2024 NHL draft. Hopefully he can be productive out of the gate next year. Defensemen Robertson and Fegaras are the most likely guys to add some of the offensive pop from the blue line we’ve lost with Malinski and Mitchell graduating.

Interesting to see four kids from northeastern prep schools, that's more than I'd have thought.

Pirtle is playing at mt. St. Charles which is an absolute powerhouse. perennial favorite to win in RI and even won the u18 national championship in 2022

marty
This prediction gives me hope for a Cleary and a Whitelaw. Thanks.[/quote
Problem with speed-reading is, I read Whiteclaw.

Trotsky
The hell are the Yale Jr. Bulldogs 18U AAA and how do we get one of those?

My son played for them a couple of years ago when he was at Gunnery. Split season team for New England prep school kids. (Usually better than you'd think given the name)

Scersk '97
Just noticed Ryan St. Louis, Martin's son, transferred to Brown, after a sojourn back in the USHL this last year, from Northeastern. Watch out for Bruno next year!

He's a good player, my son played with him a bit (dad was the coach, and super nice guy). But the numbers at Northeastern are what they are, I think he had every opportunity there. Wish him the best at Brown (other than 2x a year).

RatushnyFan

Scersk '97
Just noticed Ryan St. Louis, Martin's son, transferred to Brown, after a sojourn back in the USHL this last year, from Northeastern. Watch out for Bruno next year!

He's a good player, my son played with him a bit (dad was the coach, and super nice guy). But the numbers at Northeastern are what they are, I think he had every opportunity there. Wish him the best at Brown (other than 2x a year).

I don't know. I just looked him up, and he looked like he had good numbers with the NTDP out in Ann Arbor. Perhaps Northeastern wasn't using him right. I mean, the Midgets would've been nothing without J.C. Ruid to play defense and clean up their garbage. Not every tiny guy is a defensive whirlwind like Jack O'Leary.

We shall see, I suppose. I'll be interested to see what Whittet gets out of him. Brown's general torpor notwithstanding, he's had some good small forwards in years past that have put up some numbers.

Cornell had an impressive 5 recruits listed on NHL’s final Central Scouring rankings - Hoyt Stanley (#85), Jonathan Castagna (91), Chase Pirtle (189), Ben Robertson (193), & Nick Wolfenberg (212).

What's the historical cutoff for actually getting drafted? 150th or so? I realize as you get up in the numbers it becomes wildly unpredictable.

Stanley and Castagna are likely to be drafted, the others more of a Longshot. But great to see all of them make the cut.

New nickname Stanley Cup just dropped

Dunc
New nickname Stanley Cup just dropped

Just call him "Lord"

CAS
Cornell had an impressive 5 recruits listed on NHL’s final Central Scouring rankings - Hoyt Stanley (#85), Jonathan Castagna (91), Chase Pirtle (189), Ben Robertson (193), & Nick Wolfenberg (212).

I feel the same way every year:

• I have no idea from the stats how good the players will actually be at Cornell
• Harvard will have more draft picks than Cornell and so will Quinnipiac (and virtually every Hockey East and B1G and NCHC team)
• Mike (It's The System) Schafer will probably get more from the players he brings in versus their stats or draft rank

Bring on UMD. Which if you google UMD sports, you wind up with stuff on Maryland.

billhoward

CAS
Cornell had an impressive 5 recruits listed on NHL’s final Central Scouring rankings - Hoyt Stanley (#85), Jonathan Castagna (91), Chase Pirtle (189), Ben Robertson (193), & Nick Wolfenberg (212).

I feel the same way every year:

• I have no idea from the stats how good the players will actually be at Cornell
• Harvard will have more draft picks than Cornell and so will Quinnipiac (and virtually every Hockey East and B1G and NCHC team)
• Mike (It's The System) Schafer will probably get more from the players he brings in versus their stats or draft rank

Bring on UMD. Which if you google UMD sports, you wind up with stuff on Maryland.

Quinnipiac wont have more draft picks than Cornell. They’ll have more transfers and fifth-year players though.

billhoward
if you google UMD sports, you wind up with stuff on Maryland.

If you google Cornell, you get Chris.

Trotsky

billhoward
if you google UMD sports, you wind up with stuff on Maryland.

If you google Cornell, you get Chris.

I always liked Lydia Cornell.

Ryan Walsh was just named to the USHL first team

Chris Heisenberg just switched his college commitment list from 2023 over to 2024. I’m not sure how accurate he is with the year that recruits will enter school but if his 2024 list is accurate for Cornell then it looks like the roster will be short on numbers next season. He has Jacob Kraft(F), Ryan Walsh(F), Luke Devlin(F), George Fegaras(D) and Ben Robertson(D)coming this fall. All other commits are scheduled to come to Ithaca in 2024, 2025 or even 2026. I assume he is not aware of some others who may be arriving this fall. Liam Steele(D), Nick Wolfenberg(D)and Charlie Major(F)were originally listed as enrolling this fall according to Heisenberg’s 2023 list but now they are shown as coming in the fall of ‘24 on his new list. If I’ve counted correctly I believe that leaves CU with just one spare forward and two extra defensemen. That obviously won’t work. Either the Heisenberg list is not accurate or possibly Cornell could be looking to get someone through the transfer portal. I know that some schools are very dependent on the portal (Q with 5 newcomers coming in and Clarkson with 4) to restock their roster but Cornell doesn’t seem to do business that way. I prefer that but noticed there are some pretty nice players listed on the portal that I would love to see in Carnellian and white!

Redpucks1!
Chris Heisenberg just switched his college commitment list from 2023 over to 2024. I’m not sure how accurate he is with the year that recruits will enter school but if his 2024 list is accurate for Cornell then it looks like the roster will be short on numbers next season. He has Jacob Kraft(F), Ryan Walsh(F), Luke Devlin(F), George Fegaras(D) and Ben Robertson(D)coming this fall. All other commits are scheduled to come to Ithaca in 2024, 2025 or even 2026. I assume he is not aware of some others who may be arriving this fall. Liam Steele(D), Nick Wolfenberg(D)and Charlie Major(F)were originally listed as enrolling this fall according to Heisenberg’s 2023 list but now they are shown as coming in the fall of ‘24 on his new list. If I’ve counted correctly I believe that leaves CU with just one spare forward and two extra defensemen. That obviously won’t work. Either the Heisenberg list is not accurate or possibly Cornell could be looking to get someone through the transfer portal. I know that some schools are very dependent on the portal (Q with 5 newcomers coming in and Clarkson with 4) to restock their roster but Cornell doesn’t seem to do business that way. I prefer that but noticed there are some pretty nice players listed on the portal that I would love to see in Carnellian and white!

I can't comment about Cornell specifically. Heisenberg is not perfect, but significantly more accurate than other sources which I know about as to arrival year. Things are more unstable than they used to be because of the portal.

Thanks Ursus.
Is the portal here to stay or is this just a blip due to the pandemic?
I check Heisenberg daily and also College Hockey Inc’s commitment site. Are there other college hockey recruit websites out there worth monitoring?

For those curious but lazy, like me:

College Commitments.

Heisenberg. No not that one. Or that one.

Note: these could both be wrong, as they are not getting through my firewall.

ursusminor

Redpucks1!
Chris Heisenberg just switched his college commitment list from 2023 over to 2024. I’m not sure how accurate he is with the year that recruits will enter school but if his 2024 list is accurate for Cornell then it looks like the roster will be short on numbers next season. He has Jacob Kraft(F), Ryan Walsh(F), Luke Devlin(F), George Fegaras(D) and Ben Robertson(D)coming this fall. All other commits are scheduled to come to Ithaca in 2024, 2025 or even 2026. I assume he is not aware of some others who may be arriving this fall. Liam Steele(D), Nick Wolfenberg(D)and Charlie Major(F)were originally listed as enrolling this fall according to Heisenberg’s 2023 list but now they are shown as coming in the fall of ‘24 on his new list. If I’ve counted correctly I believe that leaves CU with just one spare forward and two extra defensemen. That obviously won’t work. Either the Heisenberg list is not accurate or possibly Cornell could be looking to get someone through the transfer portal. I know that some schools are very dependent on the portal (Q with 5 newcomers coming in and Clarkson with 4) to restock their roster but Cornell doesn’t seem to do business that way. I prefer that but noticed there are some pretty nice players listed on the portal that I would love to see in Carnellian and white!

I can't comment specifically about Cornell specifically. Heisenberg is not perfect, but significantly more accurate than other sources which I know about as to arrival year. Things are more unstable than they used to be because of the portal.

Do you know how Heisenberg determines arrival year? I would assume he just looks at whether a player is committed to a junior program for the following season and, if not, marks them down as matriculating at college next fall. But not all of this is public information, so I’m not sure he can make a determination as to each player via the above process.

BearLover

ursusminor

Redpucks1!
Chris Heisenberg just switched his college commitment list from 2023 over to 2024. I’m not sure how accurate he is with the year that recruits will enter school but if his 2024 list is accurate for Cornell then it looks like the roster will be short on numbers next season. He has Jacob Kraft(F), Ryan Walsh(F), Luke Devlin(F), George Fegaras(D) and Ben Robertson(D)coming this fall. All other commits are scheduled to come to Ithaca in 2024, 2025 or even 2026. I assume he is not aware of some others who may be arriving this fall. Liam Steele(D), Nick Wolfenberg(D)and Charlie Major(F)were originally listed as enrolling this fall according to Heisenberg’s 2023 list but now they are shown as coming in the fall of ‘24 on his new list. If I’ve counted correctly I believe that leaves CU with just one spare forward and two extra defensemen. That obviously won’t work. Either the Heisenberg list is not accurate or possibly Cornell could be looking to get someone through the transfer portal. I know that some schools are very dependent on the portal (Q with 5 newcomers coming in and Clarkson with 4) to restock their roster but Cornell doesn’t seem to do business that way. I prefer that but noticed there are some pretty nice players listed on the portal that I would love to see in Carnellian and white!

I can't comment specifically about Cornell specifically. Heisenberg is not perfect, but significantly more accurate than other sources which I know about as to arrival year. Things are more unstable than they used to be because of the portal.

Do you know how Heisenberg determines arrival year? I would assume he just looks at whether a player is committed to a junior program for the following season and, if not, marks them down as matriculating at college next fall. But not all of this is public information, so I’m not sure he can make a determination as to each player via the above process.

I don't know, but I suspect that it is mainly by his birthdate. Sometimes he gets inside information. No one has written it yet: He follows his grandfather and uses The Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle.

Redpucks1!

I can't comment specifically about Cornell specifically. Heisenberg is not perfect, but significantly more accurate than other sources which I know about as to arrival year. Things are more unstable than they used to be because of the portal.

According to Heisenberg, there’s always inherent uncertainty.
.

George64

Redpucks1!

I can't comment specifically about Cornell specifically. Heisenberg is not perfect, but significantly more accurate than other sources which I know about as to arrival year. Things are more unstable than they used to be because of the portal.

According to Heisenberg, there’s always inherent uncertainty.
.

Well, the more certain he is about the player's stats, the less certain he is about their arrival year.

Scott Wheeler of the Athletic, who is IMO a terrific talent evaluator, listed Hoyt Stanley as number 98 in Wheeler’s top 100 for the 2023 NHL draft. Here’s Wheeler’s summary of Stanley:

Stanley, a Cornell commit, was the best under-18 defenceman in the BCHL this season to earn a spot on the league’s All-Rookie Team after missing most of last season with a concussion. He’s a long, mobile, pro-sized right-shot defenseman with impressive skating technique, an ability to handle and maneuver with the puck on his stick, and a better shot than his four goals this season indicate. He’s still a little raw in some areas but I expect him to blossom into a standout college defenseman as an upperclassman. He projects as a two-way puck transporter and I see legitimate NHL potential.

Pretty quiet around these parts. The NHL draft begins June 28 and Cornell has six players who could realistically be drafted. The only one who is highly likely to be taken is Hoyt Stanley. Jonathan Castagna is the next-most likely. After him, there’s Chase Pirtle, Ben Robertson, Nicholas Wolfenberg, and Ryan Walsh who could conceivably be drafted, probably in that order of likelihood. Stanley, Robertson, Walsh, and probably Wolfenberg will be here next fall. Pirtle and Castagna have not played junior hockey yet. However, if Cornell is short forwards (and it looks like they are), then they’ll need to bring someone in early. Cornell could pick Castagna or Pirtle, or a recruit with junior hockey experience who isn’t considered as big of a prospect.

Thank you for that wrap-up, Bear.

Today Scott Wheeler posted his top ranked NHL draft prospects just outside his top 100 list. Jonathan Castagna was the second player listed. Here's Wheeler's analysis:

St. Andrew’s College, or SAC, has become a bit of a non-traditional factory, now regularly producing one to two prospects who garner NHL interest without playing major junior or even Jr. A. I actually prefer Castagna, who was ranked one spot back of his teammate Francesco Dell’Elce by NHL Central Scouting (they were 90th and 91st among North American skaters, though the expectation is that the lower-ranked will actually be picked higher per those I’ve talked to). Castagna is a tremendous athlete, the kind of player who excels in on-and-off-ice testing and does it in a pro frame. His game is defined by his skating (acceleration and top gear), his versatility, and his drive. I saw him consistently play to the middle of the ice in my viewings. And while he’s not a natural finisher, there’s a belief that he’s very early in his development on the ice even if he’s ahead of the curve off of it. There are some who believe he’s a mid-round guy but I’d be more comfortable with a late-round play. He’s committed to Cornell for the fall and will bypass playing a year of junior like most prep school products do before going to college. By all accounts, he was a special kid at SAC, where he excelled in the classroom, on the lacrosse field and also in theatre per coach.

Of particular interest is Wheeler reporting that Castagna will be coming to Cornell this fall straight from SAC, and foregoing juniors. Another guy who did that who turned out to be pretty good was Morgan Barron (well in truth Barron did play 5 games in the USHL in the 2016-17 season, going pointless in those games, but you get the gist).

EDIT: Elite Prospects shows Castagna playing next season for Pecticton of the BCHL. But if we're in fact thin at forward next year perhaps its been decided that Castagna is going to come in the fall. We may have to wait until the incoming recruit announcement is posted by Cornell Athletics before we know for sure.

scoop85

Of particular interest is Wheeler reporting that Castagna will be coming to Cornell this fall straight from SAC, and foregoing juniors. Another guy who did that who turned out to be pretty good was Morgan Barron (well in truth Barron did play 5 games in the USHL in the 2016-17 season, going pointless in those games, but you get the gist).

Another guy who did that was Justin Ertel…

The Athletic's Corey Pronman released his mock 7 round NHL draft. He has Hoyt Stanley and Jonathan Castagna going in the 3rd round, and Chase Pirtle in the 7th round. Stanley and Castagna have both really risen up the draft boards of late, and it will be interesting to see where they actually are drafted.

While we aren't getting the blue chippers necessarily, we're still recruiting at a pretty solid level. This year's class appears to be on paper at least the equal of any other team in the ECAC. And while Ryan Walsh likely won't be drafted, based on his stellar season in the USHL he may well turn out to be the most impactful recruit in the class.

Harvard has a solid class as always, but doesn't look like any Coronato level recruits this year.

scoop85
Today Scott Wheeler posted his top ranked NHL draft prospects just outside his top 100 list. Jonathan Castagna was the second player listed. Here's Wheeler's analysis:

St. Andrew’s College, or SAC, has become a bit of a non-traditional factory, now regularly producing one to two prospects who garner NHL interest without playing major junior or even Jr. A. I actually prefer Castagna, who was ranked one spot back of his teammate Francesco Dell’Elce by NHL Central Scouting (they were 90th and 91st among North American skaters, though the expectation is that the lower-ranked will actually be picked higher per those I’ve talked to). Castagna is a tremendous athlete, the kind of player who excels in on-and-off-ice testing and does it in a pro frame. His game is defined by his skating (acceleration and top gear), his versatility, and his drive. I saw him consistently play to the middle of the ice in my viewings. And while he’s not a natural finisher, there’s a belief that he’s very early in his development on the ice even if he’s ahead of the curve off of it. There are some who believe he’s a mid-round guy but I’d be more comfortable with a late-round play. He’s committed to Cornell for the fall and will bypass playing a year of junior like most prep school products do before going to college. By all accounts, he was a special kid at SAC, where he excelled in the classroom, on the lacrosse field and also in theatre per coach.

Of particular interest is Wheeler reporting that Castagna will be coming to Cornell this fall straight from SAC, and foregoing juniors. Another guy who did that who turned out to be pretty good was Morgan Barron (well in truth Barron did play 5 games in the USHL in the 2016-17 season, going pointless in those games, but you get the gist).

EDIT: Elite Prospects shows Castagna playing next season for Pecticton of the BCHL. But if we're in fact thin at forward next year perhaps its been decided that Castagna is going to come in the fall. We may have to wait until the incoming recruit announcement is posted by Cornell Athletics before we know for sure.

The official announcement is here, and Castagna is on the list: [cornellbigred.com]

Looks like quite a class

CU2007
Looks like quite a class

Definitely talented. Fegaras and Devlin have already been drafted, with Stanley highly likely to be drafted tomorrow and Castagna also likely to be drafted. (Pirtle, Robertson, Wolfenberg, and Walsh also have a shot to be taken, with Pirtle the most likely, then Robertson, although I don’t think any are likely.) So that makes likely four, and possibly more, drafted freshmen next year, which sounds more like Harvard than Cornell. As scoop85 said, the best of them may not be a drafted player but rather Walsh, who was second in the USHL in scoring.

Still, this will be a rebuilding process. We might win a lot of games in the ECAC because there are so many bad teams in the league, but we are not going to be a great team overnight. Quinnipiac and many other programs are able to reload immediately with transfers and grad students, but we do not have that privilege. I think it will be a year or two before we’re really good.

Five defensemen coming in typically would indicate lots of breakdowns, in the first half of the season at least. Our D-men have been very aggressive lately. It will be interesting to see if Mike continues that, despite the obvious risks.

Ages of the players on 11/1/23:

20: Kraft, Walsh
19: Catalano, Devlin, Fegaras, Mosko, Robertson, Steele
18: Castagna, Stanley

Trotsky
Five defensemen coming in typically would indicate lots of breakdowns, in the first half of the season at least. Our D-men have been very aggressive lately. It will be interesting to see if Mike continues that, despite the obvious risks.

While our D corps will be young, this might be the most talented overall group of defensemen we’ve seen at Cornell in the Schafer Era. Yes, we’ll probably have some struggles early on, but by the spring semester we could be really good on the blue line.

Castagna taken by the coyotes with the 6th pick of the 3rd round

chimpfood
Castagna taken by the coyotes with the 6th pick of the 3rd round

Talk about a fast riser up the draft boards. A month ago he was being projected as a late round pick.

Hoyt Stanley is likely to be going in the 3rd or 4th round.

Stanley to Ottawa with the 12th pick in the 4th round

With Castagna and Stanley off the board, now the question is whether any of the other Cornell recruits (Pirtle, Robertson, Wolfenberg, Walsh) get taken. Though each is individually unlikely to get picked, collectively there’s a decent shot at least one does.

Ryan Walsh to Boston with the 28th pick of the 6th round