Comments by Hockeys Future on Southwest NHL Prospects

The great Prospects Website called Hockeys Future are in the process of updating their Top 20 Prospects for every NHL Team and so far, 2 of the 3 NHL Teams that have Southwest Prospects have been featured and the good news is that the news seems to be positive that the Southwest Prospects continue to make their way to the NHL.

Austin Smith & Matt Donovan have already been featured while Chris Brown's assessment with the Phoenix Coyotes will be coming soon. The big thing with Chris Brown is to see if he cracks the top 5 after being ranked #6 back in the spring during the CCHA & NCAA Tournaments.

Also with Collin Jacobs and possibly Jeff Mcminny in the 2011 Draft, plus Seth Jones in the 2012 Draft Year. The Future of big time hockey talent coming from the Southwest looks bright.


Hockeys Future

For Austin Smith, even he dropped 2 spots on the Dallas Stars Top 20 from 10th to 12th. The team still seems to like his progress as he looks ahead to his Junior Year at Colgate University as he will be looking to make a much bigger impact after one of the big offensive linemates in David Mclntyre to help out with the offense.

Here's the Official Hockey's Future Comments on Austin Smith

Ranked #12 with DAL: Another strong season for Austin Smith for Colgate University is certainly enticing to the Stars brass. He led his club in points with 41 points in 36 games. Smith will have a challenge ahead of him in 2011-12 as he will no longer able to rely on older linemate and friend David Mclntyre for offensive support. He will likely have the services of Brian Day but even more of the offensive load is going to fall on the speedy Juniors shoulder.

Smith is a ball of energy and should meet the challenge quite well. He seems passionate for the game and displays an excellent compete level. In terms of translating his skills to the next level, Smith will need to continue to put on some size without sacrificing his speed and agility. Its likely that Colgate will live and die with the talents of Smith for the next two seasons.



Matt Donovan had a stellar year for the University of Denver which included scoring 5 points (2G 3A) at the World Junior Championships in the road to winning a gold medal. Overall the offensive defensemen which is starting to fill out on his physical ability to play and create opportunities for his teammates along the boards.

He moved up 3 spots from 17-to-14 since the last rankings back in the spring and with another strong year while avoiding the sophomore slump, and any remaining doubts about his NHL Chances should start going away.


Here's Matt Donovan's Comments from Hockey's Future

Ranked #14 with NYI: Donovan had a stout freshman season with the University of Denver, leading all WCHA Rookie Defensemen with 7 goals and adding 14 assists for 21 points in 36 games. He also played a key role for the USA at the 2010 World Junior Championships, posting three goals and two assists in five games. The 6'0" 195 LB Oklahoma Native is good all around defensemen with good mobility, strong offensive instincts, and a hard shot from the point.

Despite his size, he isn't afraid to get physical is often willing to get dirty in the corners and along the boards. The upcoming season is important for Donovan as many young players are prone to the dreaded sophomore slump. If he can continue playing at a high level, he should erase any lingering doubts about his NHL Potential.



Chris Brown right now to me is the closest of the Southwest Prospects from making his debut at the Pro Ranks (Esp. the AHL) as he was ranked #6 in the last rankings in the Phoenix Coyotes organization. After a strong freshman year for the Michigan Wolverines that saw him take a huge step up in his hitting ability.

He could bring the perfect match of scoring ability and physical ability to be a high quality NHL Prospect and possibly being the first Southwest Player to reach the pro ranks and possibly the NHL. After my discussion with San Antonio Rampage Head Coach Ray Edwards, some on his staff think he may not be that far off towards at least making his AHL Debut.

He had 28 points (13G 15A) last season, but he had 58 PIM last year and he will need to improve on that part of his game to be in the box less. And he had the same issue during the World Junior Camp earlier this summer in Lake Placid, NY.

Here's Chris Brown's from Hockeys Future.

Ranked #8 with PHX: A team-mate of Summers at the University of Michigan, Brown enjoyed a very successful freshman season in Ann Arbor. Brown was one of the top scoring freshman in the nation posting 13 goals and 28 points in 45 games. Those 28 points were the fourth highest total on the team as Brown became a go-to-guy for head coach Red Berenson as the season progressed.

A rare hockey prospect hailing from the State of Texas, Brown heads into his sophmore season looking to become a top player in the country for the Wolverines who will look to return to national prominence.

Brown is a prototypical power forward on the wing with great size and strength with good speed and an ability to find loose pucks around the goal area. The 19 year old is also unafraid to mix it up was one of the team's most aggresive players on a consistent basis.

USA Has another fast start to beat Finland at Junior Evaluation

Another game, another fast start for the American Team in New York as the 2nd game saw another great start lead to a 6-3 win over Finland. It was very similar in a lot of ways as a great comeback effort was too little, too late for the Finns to comeback from as the Americans head to 2-0 in the 4 Game Exhibition Series as they play both the Finns & Swedes twice in this series and it will last through this weekend.

Campbell had the day off and it was well deserved after beating Sweden, for Chris Brown, he had his first goal of the international series and 2nd overall in the camp after scoring once on in the Inter Squad Series earlier in the camp.

After a day off today, it's the 2nd game against Sweden which will start at 3:00 PM at the Lake Placid Olympic Center, the same arena that the 1980 Olympic Team won the Gold Medal and played the Miracle on Ice Game.

Chris Brown Profile

Jack Campbell Profile

From the USA Hockey Website: http://www.usahockey.com/

From Lake Placid, NY: For the 2nd straight game, Team USA jumped out to a 4-0 lead en route to a 6-3 win over Finland here at the 2010 USA Hockey National Junior Evaluation Camp.

The contest featured 22 of the 28 U.S. Players currently participating in auditioning for a spot on the U.S. Junior National Team that will take part in the 2011 IIHF World Junior Championships, from Dec. 26 through Jan. 5, in Buffalo, NY.

"I thought we displayed a lot more synergy tonight," said Keith Allian, head coach of the 2011 U.S. National Junior Team. "Once again" we jumped out to a quick lead, which is something we definitely want to carry into Buffalo."

The U.S. took an early 1-0 lead with a power play goal less then three minutes into the game. Jeremy Morin collected a feed from Adam Clendening and snapped over a shot over the blocker of Jonathan Lilahti from above the left circle.

Midway through the first period, Team USA Grabbed a two goal advantage when Nick Bjugstad and buried a rebound opportunity off a shot by Justin Faulk. Chris Brown made the score 3-0 heading into the first intermission when he intercepted a pass into the neutral zone, chipped the puck over a defensemen and lifted a shot past Lilahti's glove.

Less then five minutes into the second period, Brock Nelson gave the U.S. a 4-0 lead with a tap in power play goal from the crease. Then, following a Finland goal by Julius Junttila, Chris Kreider redirected a floating wrist shot by Derek Forbort between Lilahti's pads to restore Team USA's Four Goal Advantage.

Finland cut the U.S. Lead to three again while on the two-man advantage. But Bjugstad notched his second of the game on the right side of the net with less then 10 seconds remaining in the period to give the U.S. a 6-2 lead after two periods.

Finland scored the lone goal of the 3rd period, but could not mount a comeback. U.S. Goalie Andy IIes made 18 saves in the win, while Lilahti turned aside 20 shots in the losing effort.

The U.S. will return to action Friday August 6 at 3:00 PM CDT against Sweden. A full camp schedule is below.

USA uses fast start to beat Sweden in Junior Camp Opener

The United States Started the Game Schedule of the USA Hockey Junior Evaluation Camp as the team is starting to begin in their preps to defend the Gold Medal at the 2011 World Junior Championships which will be in Buffalo, NY which starts the Day After Christmas. A 4 goal 1st period put the Americans over the top en route to a 6-3 victory over last year's Bronze Medalists Sweden.

Two players with Texas Ties, Dallas Stars first Round Jack Campbell and Flower Mound Native Chris Brown both made it to this point in the camp. Campbell had another strong day by stopping 24 of 27 shots while Brown was starched to make the IIHF Roster Requirements.

The Americans have 28 players at this point of the camp, but only 22 will play at a time. Each player will probably be stracthed once to meet these requirements and to rest players when needed.

Next up for the USA will be the first of two games against Finland at 3:00 PM while the Americans will play Sweden again on on August 6.

Here's the Profiles for both Players on the USA Hockey website to better track their progress during the camp.

Jack Campbell

Chris Brown

Press Release from the USA Hockey Website: www.usahockey.com

From Lake Placid, NY: The United States scored four times in the first five minutes of play en route to a 6-3 win over Sweden in its first of four international games here at the 2010 USA Hockey National Evaluation Camp.

The contest featured 22 of the 28 players currently participating in the camp and auditioning for a spot on the U.S. Junior National Team that will take part in the 2011 IIHF World Junior Championships, Dec. 26 thru Jan. 5 2011, in Buffalo, NY.

"I thought we had a good all-around effort," said Keith Allain, head coach of the 2011 U.S. National Junior Team. "We need to improve on our systems, but this is the first time in a long time a lot of these guys have played together, and this camp will prepare us for December."

Jason Zucker got the U.S. on the board less then 90 seconds into the game when he drove to the front of the net, shielded off a Swedish Defensemen and lifted a shot past Goalie Robin Lehner.

The U.S. then crashed in on consecutive Swedish penalties, as defensemen Derek Forbort and Justin Faulk notched power-play goals with wrist shots above the faceoff circles. Charlie Coyle then scored at the 4:05 mark of the first to complete Team USA's early Scoring Spree.

Sweden trimmed the U.S. lead to 4-3 with a late first period goal and a pair of goals in the second. But Faulk's 2nd period power play goal of the game midway through the 3rd period gave the U.S. some breathing room, and Brock Nelson's late empty net goal closed out the scoring.

Jack Campbell made 24 saves in the victory, while Swedish Goalies Lehner and Fredrik Petterson-Wentzel turned aside 18 shots in the loss.

The U.S. will be back in action tomorrow at 4PM EDT against Finland. A full schedule is available is below.

Game Notes: Team USA went 3-for-11 on the power play, while Sweden was 2-for-10 with the man advantage... For a full camp schedule, including live scoring and stats from the international games, a blog, photos, videos, and rosters, click here .... All four of the remaining international featuring the U.S., Sweden and Finland will be webcast at http://usahockey.fasthockey.com The 2011 World Junior Championships will take place from Dec. 26 thru Jan. 5 at the HSBC Arena in Buffalo, NY., and Niagara University's Dwyer Arena in Lewiston, NY. Additional info including a full prelim round tournament schedule and ticket details can be found at www.buffaloworldjuniors.com The 2011 U.S. National Junior Team will be selected in late December following a pre-tournament camp that will take place in Mid December... Keith Allain, head men's ice hockey coach at Yale University, will serve as head coach of the 2011 US National Junior Team. Allain will be assisted by Mark Osiecki, head mens ice hockey coach at the Ohio State University; Phil Housley, head boys ice hockey coach at Stillwater HS (Minn); and Joe Exter, USA Hockey's National Goaltender Coach. Mark Carlson, head coach and GM of the USHL's Cedar Rapids Roughriders, and Greg Brown assistant men's at Boston College, will also participate in Lake Placid as camp coaches. Jim Johannson is serving as the GM of the National Junior Team for the 2nd straight year, meanwhile, Tim Taylor, former US Olympic Men's Ice Hockey Head Coach and longtime Yale University Men's Hockey Team Head Coach, is also serving his second straight year as Team USA's director of player personnel.

Game Summary

Sweden 3 U.S.A. 6 (1-4, 2-0, 0-2)

0-1 USA: Zucker (Bennett, Dumoulin) 1:16

0-2 USA: Forbort (PP2) (Clendening, Nelson) 1:24

0-3 USA: Faulk (PP) (Bennett, Morin) 3:07

0-4 USA: Coyle (Palmieri, Ramage) 4:05

1-4 SWE: Lander (PP) (Larsson, Paajarvi-Svensson) 17:21

2-4 SWE: Cehlin (Norman) 7:49

3-4 SWE: Josefson (PP) (Norman, Cehlin) 11:31

3-5 USA: Faulk (PP) (Merrill) 9:41

3-6 USA: Nelson (EN) (Palmieri) 19:48


SOG: SWE 27 USA 24

Goaltenders:
Lehner (SWE) 4:05 2 Saves on 6 Shots
Petterson-Wentzel (SWE) 54:34 16 Saves on 17 Shots
Campbell (USA) 60:00 24 Saves on 27 Shots

Special Teams

PP: SWE 2/10 USA 3/11
PIM: SWE 13 PEN. for 26 Minutes USA 13 PEN. for 26 Minutes


Evaluation Camp Schedule

8/2: Sweden 5 Finland 3

8/3: Sweden 3 U.S.A. 6

8/4: Finland VS. U.S.A.

8/5: Finland VS. Sweden

8/6: U.S.A. VS. Sweden

8/7: U.S.A. VS. Finland

Chris Brown's Pain of missing the WJC

For Flower Mound's Chris Brown, the pain of missing the World Junior Championship was bad enough. But when the USA clinched the Gold Medal Tuesday night against Canada, it must have been unbearable for him to deal with after the USA won the game in OT. For Chris Brown, he should use this as inspiration for the rest of the season with the University of Michigan to help the Wolverines improve after a very bad 1st half of the season that has them in 10th place in the Central Collegiate Hockey Assiocation (CCHA).

He should use that as a chance to prove USA Hockey wrong that they left him off the team and to prove to the national team that he should have gone with them in Saskatchewan during the tournament which gets underway this weekend with a pair of games against Western Michigan coming up.

He's basically got 1 more shot at making the WJC when the tournament takes place in Buffalo, New York next year to make this team being at 19 years old right now. So all he can do is have a strong 2nd half of the season to impress the coaching staff and the Phoenix Coyotes org. as he continues his road to a possible NHL Career.

If he can have a strong 2nd half, it will be more then a bump on the road in his career and he will get over that. But the thing that will never be forgotten is that he was the very last cut from the team before the roster was revelled that went on to win the USA's 2nd Gold Medal in WJC History. He already has a U18 Gold with the USA when he went to Fargo, North Dakota to win that tournament at the end of last season.

Even though that is a strong tournament to win, it doesn't have the prestigious or the excitement that the WJC has and that makes it a little bit painful that he could have been world champions at both the U18 and WJC tournaments which would have been a big deal.

If Brown is going to let this go, he needs to just play hard the rest of this season and hope that USA Hockey gives him one more shot at possibly defending the WJC Gold next season in New York State. Regardless of the result, look for him to use this as motivation for the rest of the season and to help turn around the Wolverines season.

He should have made the team where he could have been used for his speed and scoring capability that could have been used for a game like Switzerland where Swiss Goalie Benjamin Conz helped keep them in the game for the 1st 2 periods before the Americans pulled away in the 3rd period. He also could have brought an energy factor that was lacking especially in the Sweden game where the Power Play wasn't very good and could have caused the game and a shot a gold Medal.

Chris Brown and Matt Donovan, Quest for the WJC

With just 5 days to go till the start of the World Junior Championships in Saskatchewan. Both Southwest players Chris Brown and Matt Donovan have made the main cut from 30 to 24 players and just recently completed a pre tournament training camp which involved both on ice and off ice training sessions and had involved some player meeting to discuss their chances and how they would be best used for team USA at the World Junior Championships.

Back on Saturday, a pre tournament game against the North Dakota Fighting Sioux where Team USA won 4-2 back on December 19.

Here's the Press Release from US College Hockey Website www.uscho.com

In an exhibition game featuring Dean Blais against his former protege Dave Hakstol, the Blias coached U.S. Under 20 team downed North Dakota 4-2, at Ralph Engelstad.

Blais, who's currently in his first year with the University of Nebraska-Omaha, will coach the U.S. National Junior Team during the 2010 International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championships December 26 from January 5 in Saskatoon and Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada.

13 of the 19 starters on the U.S. Team come from the NCAA Ranks. The others are Americans that play in the Canadian Juniors or on the U.S. National Team Development Program.

Boston College Freshman Chris Kreider had two goals for the U.S. while Danny Kristo, a UND freshman playing for the U.S. scored an empty netter with 17 seconds left to seal the win. Wisconsin's Derek Stepan added two assists for the U20 Team.

During his ten years as head coach of UND, Blais won two national championships and 6 WCHA Titles. He also recommended Hakstol, his assistant, for the top spot when he left for the NHL back in 2004.

"Its always an emotional thing to look there and see the green and white and not cheer against them, but try to beat them," Blais said of his return to Engelstad Arena. "That was hard, I knew I'd have a tough time with it."

"It's been great to have Dean around here for a few days," Haskol said. "He's a guy that second to none in importance in our program, and he's done well personally."

However, once the puck dropped, both coaches were all business.

"It's not something you think about much during the 60 minutes, but certainly at the end of game, it's nice to shake his hand and wish them well going up their and winning a medal," Haskol related.

An odd moment-something probably seen only in an exhibition game-occurred at the end of the first period when Kristo and UND's Brad Malone staged a shoving match before leaving the ice.

"We talked a little bit before the game," Kristo explained. "We were trying to get coincidentals so we could hang out in the box for a couple of minutes."

Their act apparently wasn't good enough, because the officials didn't buy it.

Kreider got the U.S. on the board first with a power play tally at 6:51 of the 2nd period. Camped in front of the crease, he deflected defensemen Cam Fowler blast from the point over the shoulder of UND Goalie Brad Eidsness.

About half way through the 2nd period, Blais replaced goalie Mike Lee (St. Cloud State)-who had stopped all 12 shots he faced-with Jack Campbell. Hakstol substituted freshmen Aaron Dell for Eidsness, who had 13 saves on 14 shots.

The Fighting Sioux answered with a power play goal at 17:37 of the 2nd period. Defenseman Jake Marto found Malone unmarked in front of the U.S. Net. He dished the puck to forward Evan Trupp, who roofed it over a sprawling Campbell to knot it up at 1-1.

At 3:36 of the 3rd period, the U.S. went ahead for Good on Kreider's 2nd goal. Just as timed expired on a UND Penalty, Denver Defensemen Matt Donovan centered the puck from the left of the goal. Kreider got his stick on it and knocked it past Dell to give the U.S. at 2-1.

U.S. Forward Jason Zucker fired a wrister from the left dot that beat Dell short side at 8:57 of the 3rd period to make it 3-1. The Las Vegas native tally stood as the game winner.

With 49 seconds left, the Sioux cut the margin to one when Trupp scored a back hander with Dell pulled the goalie for an extra leader. However, Kristo empty netter in the last 17 seconds sealed the win, giving the U.S. the 4-2 win.

"In the 3rd period, it was kind of a defining moment for the kids," Blais said. "Can you win a close game? Can you gut it out? Can you do things we've asked for the last few days."

"They're a talented bunch. It's just whatever they could play together and generate any offense together. I don't think anyone was really rattled, and it kind of surprised me."

Kreider said that even an exhibition win will be beneficial to the U.S. Team heading into tournament play.

"Any win will give you confidence," he noted. "From my prospective, (UND) is a really good college team. They're big, they're fast. They're certainly physical and play with an edge. I think we should have an edge after playing well against North Dakota."

Campbell finished with 20 saves on 22 shots while Dell had nine saves on 11 shots. The Sioux out shot the U.S. 34 to 26 and went one for six on the power play. The U.S. was one for four on the man advantage

Besides missing leading Kristo, UND was without two of its 3 seniors. Defensemen and captain Chay Genoway remains out indefinitely with a head injury and assistant captain Darcy Zajac will miss 4-6 weeks. Trupp acknowledged that the team needs work.

"It was good to get some our players, who probably haven't gotten enough ice time, to get more ice time tonight, and get more comfortable on work on some chemistry as a team, he said.

The U.S. will play an exhibition against the Czech Republic in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, December 22 before opening play in the IIHF World Junior Championships December 26 against Slovakia. UND next plays Niagara on January 2 and then either Colgate or Norte Dame on January 3 in the Shillelagh Tournament in Chicago.

For Chris Brown, the USA team was impressed with his physical presence and could be best used as a physical forward in the WJC. He's had a great run since being named the CCHA Forward of the Week just after he was named to the prelim roster. Look for him to be dishing out the hits and looking for rebounds around the net when he hits the ice in Saskatchewan.

As for Matt Donovan, he's been used a great set up defensemen which included getting an assist on the U.S.A.'s 2nd goal of the game to make it 2-1 early in the 2nd period. Don't expect to be a big scoring threat, but he will look to set up plays and be a critical puck mover as well.

For both players, the outlook is really good as the U.S.A. will have to cut 2 more players after tomorrow's pre tournament game against the Czech Republic tomorrow.

Here's a look at the USA Schedule in Saskatoon during the World Junior Championships.

12/26: VS. Slovakia 7:00 PM

12/27: VS. Switzerland 3:00 PM

12/29: VS. Latvia 3:00 PM

12/31: VS. Canada 7:00 PM

Some of the games during the World Junior Championships will be broadcast on the NHL Network, check your local listings.

Chris Brown and Matt Donovan, Quest for the World Junior Championship: Reaming Schedule

Here's the reaming schedule for both Chris Brown (Michigan University [CCHA]) and Matt Donovan (University of Denver [WCHA]) for both players and their teams as we draw closer to the 2010 World Junior Hockey Championships in Saskatchewan, Canada.

It's important to follow these players as they look to make Team USA when the World's begin on December 26.

Michigan Wolverines

This weekend is the final weekend of CCHA play before the Christmas Holidays and the World Juniors. For Michigan, this weekend will feature a home and home series against the Norte Dame Fighting Irish on 12/11 and 12/13.

12/11: VS. Notre Dame 6:35 PM

12/13: @ Notre Dame 3:05 PM


University of Denver Pioneers

For the Pioneers, their final weekend will have a pair of games against Minnesota-Duluth which is currently in 3rd in the WCHA and are looking to leap frog Colorado College and chase down the Denver Pioneers for the top spot as the first half of the College Hockey Season will come to an end.

12/11: @ Minn.-Duluth 7:05 PM

12/12: @ Minn.-Duluth 7:05 PM


For both players, after this weekend, both Brown and Donovan will report to North Dakota for the Team USA Pre WJC Camp. This will be the final step before Team USA will leave for Saskatchewan Canada for this year's WJC Tournament.

Group A in Saskatoon: Canada, Slovakia, USA, Latvia, Switzerland

Group B in Regina: Sweden, Russia, Czech Republic, Finland, Austria


Here's the USA Group Stage Schedule

12/26: VS. Slovakia 7:00 PM

12/27: VS. Switzerland 3:00 PM

12/29: VS. Latvia 3:00 PM

12/31: VS. Canada 7:00 PM


Knockout Round Schedule

1/2: Quarterfinals/Relegation TBA

1/3: Semifinals/Relegation TBA

1/4: 5th Place Game/Relegation TBA

1/5: Bronze Medal Game/Gold Medal Game TBA

Chris Brown and Matt Donovan: Quest for the 2010 WJC

Here's a look at how Chris Brown and Matt Donovan did over the weekend as both players look to represent the Southwest at the World Junior Championships just after Christmas.



Chris Brown


The Michigan Wolverines split the weekend against Ohio State with a 5-3 loss back on Friday and then a 2-1 win back on Saturday. Brown looked very good in both games as a goal and an assist on Friday night as the Wolverines were able to keep up to keep up with the rival Ohio State Buckeyes as the 2nd period ended 2-2 with Chris Brown scoring to tie the game on a 4 on 4 goal with 5 minutes left in the 2nd period.



Then later in the 3rd, he assisted on Michigan's lone goal of the 3rd period on a 2 man advantage with 3 minutes left in the game to close the gap to 4-3. Unfortunately, the Buckeyes scored an Empty Netter goal in the final minute gave Ohio State a 5-3 win.



The next night, Brown assisted on both goals as the Wolverines scored both goals on the PP as Michigan beat Ohio State 2-1 as Michigan scored midway through the 1st period, then to make it 2-0 with a goal by Matt Rust in the opening minute of the 3rd period.



Overall, on a team that has been struggling all year long, Brown will need to play big time for Michigan as a majority of the attention as opponents will focus on him.



He also was named CCHA Offensive player of the week as he a goal and 3 assists over the weekend. Honors like this should get the attention of USA Hockey as the USA Hockey will look for standout players and performances as we get closer to December 26 and the pre Tournament Training Camp that will be in North Dakota from December 17-19.


On a team that going to be on the bottom end of the CCHA, Chris Brown is going to have to take his game even higher to have a shot at making the World Junior Team.



Friday



Boxscore: www.uscho.com/box/?date=20091204&vis=um&home=osu&gender=m



Game Recap: www.uscho.com/recaps/20092010/m/12/04/um-osu.php





Saturday



Boxscore: www.uscho.com/box/?date=20091205&vis=um&home=osu&gender=m



Game Recap: www.uscho.com/recaps/20092010/m/12/05/um-osu.php



Player of the Week: www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-hockey/spec-rel/120709aaa.html





Matt Donovan

The Pioneers of Denver has a win and a tie against in state rivals Colorado College as they won a defensive battle 2-1 back on Friday night as Denver were able to keep their lead in the WCHA over the weekend. Even though Donovan was kept scoreless he played a physical role in the 3rd period, to help protect Denver's lead in the 3rd period after Colorado College forward Nate Prosser scored to make it 2-1 early in the 3rd period. Most notability was the 6 on 4 in the final minute and a half to help protect the lead and the 2-1 win.

Then on Saturday, Matt Donovan had an assist on the first Rhett Rakhshani goal was scored the PP at the 12:52 mark of the 3rd period to help put up put Denver up 3-2 just after the midway point of the game. Being a defensemen, he's going to have to play very physical and will need to find a way to increase his scoring ability as he to compete with players like John Moore of the Kitchener Rangers, Cam Fowler of the Windsor Spitfires and Justin Faulk of the USNTDP.

With the lack of scoring threat from Donovan, he's going to need to have a strong physical presence and move the puck well to the forwards. Also, he's going to need to have the ability to block shots and steel some passes and maybe improve their play on the Special Teams as he point totals will be low, so improving his play in these areas is going to help him out with his chances.

Friday

Boxscore: www.uscho.com/box/?date=20091204&vis=du&home=cc&gender=m

Recap: www.uscho.com/recaps/20092010/m/12/04/du-cc.php

Saturday

Boxscore: www.uscho.com/box/?date=20091205&vis=cc&home=du&gender=m

Recap: www.uscho.com/recaps/20092010/m/12/05/cc-du.php

Southwest Prospects Update

Sorry it's been a few weeks since we have done a prospects update from players from around the Southwest.

Colin Jacobs (Seattle Thunderbirds, WHL)

Colin continues to play very well despite the teams struggles in the first 2 months of the season, currently the Thunderbirds are still in 9th place in the WHL Western Conference and are out of the playoff spots right now. Colin has started to pick it up stats wise by getting assists in back to back games against the Spokane Chiefs and the Portland Winterhawks back on November 6 and 7. In their last game against the Chilliwack Bruins back on November 8, he got in a fight midway through the game with the Bruins Tyler Stahl.

When Jacobs doesn't have the puck, he's been throwing his weight around by getting 45 penalty minutes in 21 games played so far this season, compared to not getting a single penalty in his 6 games at the end of last season for the T-Birds and is improving rapidly by fighting for pucks and winning faceoffs.

However, the team around him just doesn't have a lot of fire power right now as the team currently has the 2nd worst offense in the WHL and is 6 points back of 8th place Chilliwack and are only ahead of last place Prince George who have just 3 wins this season.

Upcoming Schedule: The Thunderbirds have a busy week coming up as the weekend will have 3 games in 3 nights as the team hits the road for games in Kamloops, Everett and Vancouver coming up. After the weekend, it's one more road game in Kennwick for a game against the Tri-City Americans before returning home on November 20 against the Kamloops Blazers.

11/13: @ Kamloops Blazers

11/14: @ Everett Silvertips

11/15: @ Vancouver Giants

11/17: @ Tri-City Americans

11/20: VS. Kamloops Blazers


Austin Smith (Colgate, NCAA [ECAC])

The Colgate Raiders are off to a good start in Conference Play as the Raiders got a pair wins over Harvard and Dartmouth. Smith had a huge impact on both games as he scored twice in a part of a 4 goal 3rd period as the Raiders came back from trailing 4-1 to come back to win a 5-4 win. In addition to the 2 goals, he also assisted on David Mcintyre Power Play goal in the opening minute of the 3rd period to make it a 4-2 game.

The next night against Dartmouth, Smith had 2 assists in a 3-2 win over Dartmouth which includes Brian Day's game winner early in the 3rd period as the Raiders topped Dartmouth 3-2 at Colgate's Starr Rink as the Raiders seeped the weekend series during their ECAC Conference Openers. Colgate will be looking for a strong year in the ECAC after finishing 10th in the Conference last year by winning just 6 games in the Conference before losing to Quinnipiac in the ECAC Conference Tournament last year.

For Smith, he's continuing to have a great early season with 11 points (6G 5A) with a +3 so far through 9 games and has not been afraid to play the body. Even though he doesn't have the size of a player like Austin Smith, he's got the speed to get away from opposing defenders and when he's on the break away, this is where he's at best.

He's looking to blow his 2008-2009 totals out of the water with a much better understanding of the Colgate system and lead the Raiders to have a great season and to get back in the NCAA tournament. Colgate last reached the NCAA Tournament in 2005 before losing to Colorado College in the Midwest Regional Semifinal.

Upcoming schedule: Colgate will continue it's ECAC schedule with a pair of road games this weekend as the Raiders will visit Brown and Yale before a weekend series against Quinnipiac and Princeton before heading to Cornell a couple of days before Thanksgiving.

Here's some recent Articles from Colgate Hockey:

Austin Smith Scores twice: www.gocolgateraiders.com/news/2009/10/31/MHOCKEY_1031093316.aspx

Mclntyre reaches 100 point mark: www.gocolgateraiders.com/news/2009/11/6/WVB_1106095950.aspx

Long and Day lead Colgate over Dartmouth in ECAC Clash: www.gocolgateraiders.com/news/2009/11/7/MHOCKEY_1107092852.aspx

11/13: @ Brown

11/14: @ Yale

11/20: VS. Quinnipiac

11/21: VS. Princeton

11/24: @ Cornell


Chris Brown (Michigan, NCAA [CCHA])

After an impressive weekend against Lake Superior on the road, the Wolverines ran into the freight train that is Miami of Ohio as the #1 team in the nation continued it's near perfect season as Miami of Ohio is currently 8-1-1 so far overall and has a 5-1-0-0 record in Conference with it's only loss being against Michigan State in OT.

Chris Brown had one of the few bright spots for Michigan against Miami of Ohio where Brown had the only goal in the 3-1 loss back on November 6. On Saturday, it looked like Michigan had a glimmer of hope as the Wolverines scored the first goal before the Redhawks scored 5 answered goals in front of a crowd of over 6,000 for both games as the Redhawks continue to be the #1 team in the country right now and for good reason.

Brown overall has had 4 points through 6 games so far with 3 goals as this could be a down year for the Wolverines currently sit in 6th place in the CCHA with a 2-2-0-0 record in the conference and a 4-4-0 record overall. The Wolverines will be looking so-so this season with a respectable 2.51 GAA and a shaky .895 SV% so far this year. They may be looking up at teams like Miami of Ohio and their arch rival Michigan State as the leaders of the CCHA and will be fighting it out in the middle of the Conference with teams like Norte Dame and Ferris State.

Upcoming Schedule: A pair of home and home series will be coming up with arch rival Michigan State coming up this weekend. Then it's a trip to Ohio to take on winless Bowling Green. Then the day after Thanksgiving, it's a pair of non conference games as they take on Minnesota Golden Gophers and the Wisconsin Badgers.

Brown scores loan marker as UM Falls to the Miami Redhawks:
www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-hockey/recaps/110609aaa.html

11/13: VS. Michigan State

11/14: @ Michigan State

11/20: VS. Bowling Green

11/21: @ Bowling Green

11/27: VS. Minnesota

11/28: VS. Wisconsin

Prospects Update

Here's a look at the Southwest Prospects this week.

Colin Jacobs (Seattle Thunderbirds, WHL)

Times have not been good for Seattle and Colin as the Thunderbirds continue to struggle near the bottom of the Western Conference as the team is currently 3-7-1 through 11 games which is currently 9th in the Western Conference on ahead of the Prince George Cougars and dead last in the U.S.A. Division. The Thunderbirds have lost 4 of their last 5 including games against the Everett Silvertips which could be important as they will most likely be fighting it out with Chilliwack and Prince George for the last playoff spots in the Western Conference.

As for Colin, he's been struggling being pointless in their last 3 and his last goal coming against the Portland Winterhawks on October 10, he's also been starting to pick his hitting in the game with his 6'2" 194 frame and the number of penalty minutes have been steadily increasing as he's currently up to 22 penalty minutes.

He's continuing to use as size to bring his physical play up to help bring any kind of positive momentum to the team to help their season and his performance as this may be the one of the only ways to keep the team competitive this season.

In addition, he hasn't been that much of a defensive liability, but the team did have a bad night when they lost to the Prince Albert Raiders 6-4 back on October 13. The only part of good news they have had was a 4-2 win over the lowly Prince George Cougars where the PP was really strong with the PP going 2-5 in the game including scoring the empty netter in the final minute to clinch the win.

Someone will need to step up it all over the ice to get them out of the Western Conference basement, or it's starting to look like it may be a very long season for the Thunderbirds.

Coming up for Seattle, a home game against the Brandon Wheat Kings and then the long 6 game road trip against the entire Central Division which includes the Calgary Hitmen who made it to the WHL Championship Series last season.

Also the Edmonton Oil Kings who are much improved and the Medicine Hat Tigers who will be looking to go on top of the Eastern Conference, currently the Tigers are just 2 points of co Conference Leaders Moose Jaw and Calgary.

10/23: VS. Brandon Wheat Kings 9:35 PM

10/25: @ Calgary Hitmen 3:00 PM

10/27: @ Red Deer Rebels 8:00 PM

10/28: @ Edmonton Oil Kings 8:00 PM

10/30: @ Lethbridge Hurricanes 8:00 PM

10/31: @ Medicine Hat Tigers 8:30 PM

11/1: @ Kootenay Ice 7:00 PM


Nick Lazorko (Winkler Flyers, MJHL)

Scoring wise, Nick is on a slower pace then in previous seasons. Currently through 17 games this season, Lazorko currently has only 14 points so far this season (5 G, 9 A). Part of the reason is that they wanted him to increase his physical presence on the ice with his 6'0" 180 pound frame this season. He's also been on a 5 game goal scoring drought since scoring twice in a game on October 9 against the Dauphin Kings, he's only had 2 assists in that time.

His penalty minutes are also up with the number of hits he's been throwing out their. However, he did take it to far with a slashing major which later turned into a 10 minute miscoundnct where he got tossed back on October 15 against the Winnipeg Saints when the Saints were leading 5-1 in the middle of the 3rd period. His actions almost got him suspended for a couple of games, but because this was first offense this season, he didn't get a suspension.

The last few games have been very rough for the Flyers where they have lost the last 4 games where they have been crushed in most of the games, it started in Selkirk with a 7-0 lost to the Steelers, a 6-1 loss to the Winnipeg Saints back on Thursday night.

However, the worst loss came against the expansion Steinbach Pistons 9-2 back on Saturday where the Pistons had a 6 goal 3rd period to pull away. Last night against the Dauphin Kings with a 5-3 lost where the team looked better but still lost to the team that's going to host the 2010 RBC Cup this season.

Like Colin Jacobs for the Seattle Thunderbirds, he's been a bit slow in the scoring department as of late by scoring just 2 assists and having a 5 game goal scoring drought. Part of it has been the Flyers getting crushed in recent games where they have been outscored 27-6 in the last 4 games. which include getting shutout against Selkirk and a 9-2 loss against the Steinbach Pistons. Last night, the Flyers looked better, but still a 5-3 loss against the Dauphin Kings increased their losing streak to 5.

Nick has also been increasing his physical play, however he took it to far in the game against the Winnipeg Saints where a 5 minute slashing major and 10 minute misconduct penalties took his total penalty minutes to 37 for the season. To get them out this funk, playing physical led by Lazorko and company to get back up in the Addison Division standings.

A ton of PP Time for the Winnipeg Saints helped to make it a 6-1 final against the Flyers. The Flyers will be hungry to get back up in the Addison Division Standings with them looking up at the Selkirk Steelers and the Winnipeg South Blues.

Out in the Sherwood Division, the Duphin Kings have been running away with the Division lead by winning 15 of their 17 games so far this season and have an impressive 13 point lead in the Sherwood Division. Duphin will be hosting the RBC Cup this season coming up in May and they want to make sure that the Kings will be tough to beat this season and in the National Championship at the end of the season

The team is looking for answers on the road as 4 of the final 5 games in October will be on the road as next up for the Flyers is the 2 time MJHL Defending Champion Portage Terriers coming up tomorrow night. After a Sunday home game against OCN, it's 3 straight on the road as they will play the Winnipeg Saints and a pair against the Swan Valley Stampeders coming up on 10/30 & 31.

10/22: @ Portage Terriers 7:30 PM

10/25: VS. OCN Blizzard 3:30 PM

10/27: @ Winnipeg Saints 7:30 PM

10/30: @ Swan Valley Stampeders 7:30 PM

10/31: @ Swan Valley Stampeders 7:30 PM


Chris Brown (Michigan Wolverines, NCAA (CCHA)

Not much to report from Chris Brown as they have had some time off since the trip to Alaska. If you remember, Brown had 2 goals in the teams first win of the year against Alaska Anchorage. They will return home for the team's home opener tomorrow night against the Niagara Purple Eagles before a road trip which includes Boston University and a weekend set against Lake Superior.

After the 3 game road trip, it's a pair of games against the very tough Miami of Ohio who are currently on top both major polls. The USA Today NCAA Hockey Poll and the USCHO poll.

10/22: VS. Niagara 6:35 PM

10/24: @ Boston University 6:00 PM

10/30: @ Lake Superior 6:05 PM

10/31: @ Lake Superior 6:05 PM

11/6: VS. Miami of Ohio 6:35 PM

11/7: VS. Miami of Ohio 6:35 PM


Austin Smith (Colgate Red Raiders, NCAA (ECAC))

The recent home weekend against Nebraska Omaha had a loss and a tie last weekend. Back on October 15, a 1-1 tie where Kurtis Bartliff scored the only goal in the 1-1 tie on Friday night. Then on Saturday, it's was the team's 1st loss of the season as Nebraska Omaha in a 4-1 loss which snapped a streak of 14 games in a row dating back to the end of last season where the last 14 straight games in a one goal result or less.

Austin Smith was pretty much a non-factor in either game except for a couple of penalties during the weekend as he stays on 2 points from the 2 goal game he had in the opening weekend against RIT.

Coming up for Colgate, a couple of non conference games continue as a battle with UMass-Lowell on the road before a 4 game home stand which has the Army Academy and Harvard who's looking to be a big player in the ECAC this season

10/23: @ UMass-Lowell 6:00 PM

10/30: VS. Army Academy 6:30 PM

10/31: VS. Niagara 6:30 PM

11/6: VS. Harvard 6:00 PM

11/7: VS. Dartmouth 3:00 PM