HighSchoolHockeyForums.com

Hux,

I was there (at that Forum and Thread) and that is some serious stuff posted over there. I liked just finding your summarization report within the posts and seeing it all summarized. Most of the stuff posted over there was way too much information for me. Maybe when I have a kid (wishful thinking) playing collegiate hockey, I'll spend time over there. For now, this nice Minnesota Girls High School Hockey is just fine for me.

I don't know how often you look in this Forum, but as a favor to the rest of us in Minnesota, maybe as you hear things about commitments, you can post it over here too. I know I would appreciate it.

Thanks again!

That is Brooky's job. He posts from here to there, and back again, if ya know what I mean. ARM too. Rarely can I beat them to the punch on commitments from your neck of the woods. Only time I can is when one of the local D1 coaches tell me, but then they threaten to kill me if I post it, so it really does me no good.

I'm hearing that Kate Bacon has committed to Providence. Can anyone confirm this?

Hux wrote:I'm hearing that Kate Bacon has committed to Providence. Can anyone confirm this?

Can't confirm for sure, but she was wearing a hooded "Friars" sweatshirt at the SSM tournament yesterday.

MNHockeyFan wrote:

Hux wrote:I'm hearing that Kate Bacon has committed to Providence. Can anyone confirm this?

Can't confirm for sure, but she was wearing a hooded "Friars" sweatshirt at the SSM tournament yesterday.

Well, that is usually a pretty good indicator.

I spoke with Providence Assistant Coach Meridith Roth at last night's game with BC, and she confirmed that Miss Bacon will be attending her fine institution next fall. She was at the Shattuck tourney this past weekend, but unfortunately she would not divulge any other recruiting info.

That is great for Ms. Bacon.

How about any committments to D3 Schools? Does anyone keep track? Should this be a seperate thread?

twowayplay wrote:How about any committments to D3 Schools? Does anyone keep track? Should this be a seperate thread?

The Beyond the Dashers site tracks D3, as does a separate thread, usually later in the year, on USCHO. However, one of the problems is that given the lack of scholarships, and formal announcements, it is far more difficult to get a handle on true recruits vs. walk-ons etc.

I spoke to one DIII coach about his "commitments" several years ago and he said "I heard from several of those girls, and they may be coming here, but they weren't recruited and don't have a snowball's chance in hell of playing on this team. Happens all the time. As soon as a player is accepted the parents go and say their kid has committed to the team, when that isn't the case at all."

Player................Position............(Current Team)............................Hometown

(Based on reliable info, but to paraphrase Yogi, "It ain't official 'til it's official.")

Boston College
Andrea Green...............F...............(Eden Prairie).......................Eden Praire, MN
Danielle Welch.............F............(USA 18s/Hastings)......................Hastings, MN

Cornell
Ashley Duffy................D..........(Benidle-St. Margaret's)..............Minneapolis, MN

Minnesota
Sarah Erickson..............F............(USA 18s/Bemidji)........................Laporte, MN
Alyssa Grogan..............G.............(USA 18s/Eagan)...........................Eagan, MN
Jocelyn Lamoureux........F....................(SSM)....... ....................Grand Forks, ND
Monique Lamoureux.......F....................(SSM)........ ...................Grand Forks, ND
Kelly Seeler.................D...........(USA 18s/Eden Prairie)...............Eden Praire, MN
Anne Shleper...............D.....(USA 18s/St. Cloud Cathedral).............St. Cloud, MN

Minnesota - Duluth
Kacy Ambroz...............F.............(New Prague HS)....................New Prague, MN

Minnesota State
Jenna Peterson...........F................(Hopkins HS)........................Minnetonka, MN
Abby Williams..............F..............(Jefferson HS).........................Alexandria, MN

North Dakota
Ashley Holmes..............D.........(USA 18s/Alexandria HS)...................Miltona, MN

Ohio State
Brittany Carlson ...........D...........(Cretin Derham Hall)........................Hudson WI
Melissa Feste...............F..............(Eden Prairie HS)..................Bloomington, MN
Lauren Smith...............F..........(USA 18s/Holy Angels HS)..............Burnsville, MN
Kelly Wild....................D.......(USA 18s/Cretin-Derham Hall).....Mendota Hghts, MN

Providence
Kate Bacon...................F..............(USA 18s/BSM).....................Minnetonka, MN

St. Cloud State
Jaclyn Daggit...............D.............(Cottage Grove HS).............. St. Paul Park, MN

USA: 44-Minnesota 16; Massachusetts 7; Connecticut, Maine, New York, New Jersey and Illinois 3 each; California and North Dakota 2 each; Michigan, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin 1 each.

CANADA 11-Manitoba 4; British Columbia and Saskatchewan 2 each; Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec 1 each

My attempt at a "Sweetened / Condensed" version with thanks to Hux for all his work on the original. Hope I didn't inadvertently omit anyone. The inclusion of the young ladies from GF was intentional...a little personal bias "coloring" the list.

If this sticks, the "U's" strongest recruiting class in many years I think. While there was plenty of criticism surrounding Halderson regarding local recruiting, I have to admit, this is an excellent list of prospects for the women Gophers.

Wow Kelly Wild has committed to the Ohio State University - another great pick up for them. Kelly a U18 US team and Cretin Derham Hall player is a tremendously gifted player who could play either D or F effectively in college.

Way to go Kelly!

Update, added for the BSU Beavers:

Player................Position............(Current Team)............................Hometown

(Based on reliable info, but to paraphrase Yogi, "It ain't official 'til it's official.")


Bemidji State
Marlee Wheelhouse.......F...............(Crookston)...... .....................Crookston, MN
Montana Vichorek.........D..................(C-E-C)...........................Moose Lake, MN

Today started the NLI signing period. Has anyone heard anything new regarding commitments to D1 schools?

I think BSU is going to be a heck of a hockey team in the future. Great coach and hopefully they get that new rink to lure some great talent.

Anyone agree/disagree? Interesting to see how the 5 D-1 schools in the state play out in the next 3-5 years

eastsidehockey wrote:I think BSU is going to be a heck of a hockey team in the future. Great coach and hopefully they get that new rink to lure some great talent.

Anyone agree/disagree? Interesting to see how the 5 D-1 schools in the state play out in the next 3-5 years

With these teams, it's great there are plenty of D-1 opportunities for the MN girls right here at home.

Not that it's official, the GOPHERS knocked this one out of the park. Best recruiting class in many years, maybe ever? Enjoy your ride while it has lasted, Badgers!

Ohio State continues to assemble a team from some of the Minnesota elite. They seem to have quite a pipeline going.

With these teams, it's great there are plenty of D-1 opportunities for the MN girls right here at home.

Not that it's official, the GOPHERS knocked this one out of the park. Best recruiting class in many years, maybe ever? Enjoy your ride while it has lasted, Badgers!

I would agree the Gophers have the best recruiting class this year, so it appears. alot of times a great HS player becomes a steady college player, which is fine. Alot needs to be looked at potential and the type of player in the system the coach likes to operate. As of now the Badgers are and will be the team to beat.

In terms of coaching, Minnesota isnt even close to Wisconsin, and i would say Sertich is number 2. Talent doesnt mean championships at this level, but it sure does help

Frost is a good coach. I hope he retains the position because he will continue to be a successful recruiter.

How much of it is the facility and how much of it is Brad Frost. I think the best recruiters are from the other 4 D1 schools in the state because they have to be, they dont have Ridder, they dont have the facilities that cater to the needs of Athletes.

So by saying Frost is an excellent recruiter may be, but by no means is he the best, because he doesnt have to be. He sells the U not himself.

eastsidehockey wrote:How much of it is the facility and how much of it is Brad Frost.

Brad Frost is easily, and without a doubt as big a factor in Gopher recruiting success as are the facilities Minnesota has to offer...quite a bit more than facilities IMO. Frost has had a large hand in Minnesota recruiting success for some time. Long before he took the helm, and despite what is a not uncommon complaint, I don't think you can argue with the recruiting success of the Minnesota program over the years. They've given opportunities to as many local players as any D-I program...actually more than any other D-I program (I'd guess). As many local players as they could ever be expected to accommodate IMO. It's just a theory, but I think a very strong hockey tradition itself is a bigger attraction for some players than facilities. I've also heard the theory (many times) that facilities are less important to the women as compared to the men. I don't know if that's true. I think all these factors probably vary widely from one potential recruit to another. Also, I don't think it's just Frost. I think Slomo is a recruiting asset as well...Tom O too.

I believe such factors do indeed make it difficult for the likes of BSU or MSU to successfully recruit SOME of those considered to be the top prospects...not impossible, because again, I think it's an individual thing. All players, regardless of talent level are not uniform in their priority of all factors...or swayed equally by facilities, coaches...or location...another big one, among still others.

If it were only facilities, or if that's the implication of a theory for facilities being the biggest advantage, what's UND's excuse? The school has the strong hockey tradition, and strongly supports women's hockey ( I think UND will become a very strong program before too long).

Another thing, I've just heard too many players say that the coach, and other players were what sealed the deal...including those that committed to Minnesota, to believe it's less Brad Frost...and more Ridder Arena. I'll admit, I've heard many players mention facilities too, also including Gopher recruits.

i would agree with the point you just made. Not saying Frost is a bad coach, or a bad recruiter, just saying he has a distinct advantage. Ridder itself would make someone committ. it is what it is, my point was that i feel other minn D1 schools are forced to be better recruiters b/c they have to be in order to get the prize.

Personally, I'm skeptical that any player would commit based just on, or due solely to Ridder Arena...but concede it doesn't hurt. I know players have mentioned having a facility of their own, exclusive to the women's team is great. It certainly does convey a dedication to, and support of the women's program by the University. All teams don't enjoy that.

As for other coaches being better recruiters...I dunno. I haven't really seen any convincing evidence of that when looking at players who have gone thru the other Minnesota based D-I programs. MSU & SCSU have done fairly well...OSU has done extremely well for 2008-2009. IMO, UMD hasn't tried very hard.

I think Sertich at BSU may have the toughest job, based on the location factor I mentioned earlier.

Personally, I'm skeptical that any player would commit based just on, or due solely to Ridder Arena

I don’t care if you’re a male, female; football or hockey, the facility you play in is a MAJOR factor for top tier recruits. Look at Notre Dame and how they hand pick football players from this state; UM football does have a historic football tradition, although 40 years ago, but the difference is the atmosphere every week. Playing football at the dome or a stadium like Ohio State, Michigan and so forth. If you’re a big time top tier recruit the facility does play a MAJOR role, regardless if you are a women.

The gophers do have the best class coming in next year, but my opinion is there is more of a chance to get lost in the shuffle if you are a recruit going to the gophers than let’s say Mankato. Simply because year after year the Gophers are going to be bringing in top players, and if you’re a mid-level recruit and playing hockey is the most important aspect to you, than going to "other" MN colleges would probably be a better fit. Not trying to "bash" the Gophers or being loyal to other programs, just simply having a dialogue because I have seen a lot of men and women fall into this problem of "getting lost"

What would your take be on that brookyone?

Any other recruits out there who have not committed but are being heavily recruited? Forgive me for my ignorance but didnt MS Hockey last year not decide until after state?

eastsidehockey wrote:

Personally, I'm skeptical that any player would commit based just on, or due solely to Ridder Arena

I don’t care if you’re a male, female; football or hockey, the facility you play in is a MAJOR factor for top tier recruits. Look at Notre Dame and how they hand pick football players from this state; UM football does have a historic football tradition, although 40 years ago, but the difference is the atmosphere every week. Playing football at the dome or a stadium like Ohio State, Michigan and so forth. If you’re a big time top tier recruit the facility does play a MAJOR role, regardless if you are a women.

The gophers do have the best class coming in next year, but my opinion is there is more of a chance to get lost in the shuffle if you are a recruit going to the gophers than let’s say Mankato. Simply because year after year the Gophers are going to be bringing in top players, and if you’re a mid-level recruit and playing hockey is the most important aspect to you, than going to "other" MN colleges would probably be a better fit. Not trying to "bash" the Gophers or being loyal to other programs, just simply having a dialogue because I have seen a lot of men and women fall into this problem of "getting lost"

What would your take be on that brookyone?

Mostly I would disagree with the premise that women's hockey, and top tier women's hockey recruits are remotely comparable to the division I sports / athletes you mention with regards to the importance of facilities and choosing a program in any generalized...applies to ALL sense.

I thought we were discussing an advantage per facilities rather than competition for ice time...or getting lost in the shuffle.

Maybe you don't attend Gopher games...I don't know. The Gophers have a few of what I think most would characterize as something other than top tier recruits on their roster right now that get ice time, contribute and improve vastly throughout their career. They've had some of those players on every roster I've seen over the past several seasons. The big thing IMO, you have to want to be there. If a player is concerned with getting lost in the shuffle at Minnesota then certainly, they may want to play elsewhere...that's a valid, personal choice. I'd guess in those instances facilities...Ridder Arena would be mostly unimportant, and not such an advantage, right? That was my original point...important factors other than facilities.

I've been to every WCHA facility several times for women's hockey games and unfortunately, the atmosphere at every one of them is no where near comparable or differentiate as the other sports / venues you mention.

Getting back to coach Frost, I've heard too many current and former Gopher players speak very highly of him to believe he is less a factor in recruiting success than Ridder Arena.

Player................Position............(Current Team)............................Hometown

(Based on reliable info, but to paraphrase Yogi, "It ain't official 'til it's official.")
* Denotes commitments are official, as announced by the school

Bemidji State
Marlee Wheelhouse.......F...................(Crookston).. .......................Crookston, MN
Montana Vichorek.........D.....................(C-E-C)..........................Moose Lake, MN

Boston College
Andrea Green...............F..................(Eden Prairie)......................Eden Praire, MN
Danielle Welch.............F..............(USA 18s/Hastings)......................Hastings, MN

Cornell
Ashley Duffy................D..........(Benidle-St. Margaret's)................Minneapolis, MN

Minnesota *
Sarah Erickson..............F............(USA 18s/Bemidji)..........................Laporte, MN
Alyssa Grogan..............G.............(USA 18s/Eagan).............................Eagan, MN
Jocelyn Lamoureux........F....................(SSM)....... ......................Grand Forks, ND
Monique Lamoureux.......F....................(SSM)........ .....................Grand Forks, ND
Kelly Seeler.................D...........(USA 18s/Eden Prairie).................Eden Praire, MN
Anne Schleper.............D.....(USA 18s/St. Cloud Cathedral)................St. Cloud, MN

Minnesota - Duluth
Kacy Ambroz...............F................(New Prague)........................New Prague, MN

Minnesota State
Ariel Mackley..............D..................(Burnsvill e)..............................Burnsville, MN
Jenna Peterson...........F....................(Hopkins). ...........................Minnetonka, MN
Abby Williams..............F...................(Jeffers on)............................Alexandria, MN

North Dakota
Ashley Holmes..............D............(USA 18s/Alexandria).......................Miltona, MN

Ohio State
Brittany Carlson ...........D............(Cretin Derham Hall)........................Hudson, WI
Melissa Feste...............F.................(Eden Prairie)......................Bloomington, MN
Lauren Smith...............F...........(USA 18s/Holy Angels)....................Burnsville, MN
Kelly Wild....................D.......(USA 18s/Cretin-Derham Hall)......Mendota Hghts, MN

Providence
Kate Bacon...................F..............(USA 18s/BSM)......................Minnetonka, MN

St. Cloud State
Jaclyn Daggit...............D...............(Cottage Grove).................. St. Paul Park, MN

USA: 53-Minnesota 19; Massachusetts 8; Illinois, New York 4; Michigan, New Jersey 3; California, Connecticut, Maine, North Dakota and Pennsylvania 2 each; , New Hampshire, and Wisconsin 1 each.

CANADA 30-Ontario 12; Manitoba 5; British Columbia, and Quebec 3; Nova Scotia and Saskatchewan 2 each; Alberta and Prince Edward Island, and one ? 1 each

Switzerland 1


I sincerely hope I did not inadvertantly delete anyone while condensing the list. My apologies if I have.

brookyone wrote:
USA: 53-Minnesota 19; Massachusetts 8; Illinois, New York 4; Michigan, New Jersey 3; California, Connecticut, Maine, North Dakota and Pennsylvania 2 each; , New Hampshire, and Wisconsin 1 each.

CANADA 30-Ontario 12; Manitoba 5; British Columbia, and Quebec 3; Nova Scotia and Saskatchewan 2 each; Alberta and Prince Edward Island, and one ? 1 each

Switzerland 1


I sincerely hope I did not inadvertantly delete anyone while condensing the list. My apologies if I have.

Well, since the tally for Minny shows 19, and there are 19 in the list, I don't think you left anyone out!