Here is my list of players that will, or might end up in the WCHA or CCHA for the 2007-2008 season.
I've tried to be as thorough as possible in creating this list, but given the difficult nature of maintaining a list like this, there are always going to beplayers missing that should be on this list. If you think I have missed a player that should be on here, or would like me to add/change comments about a player, please feel free to email me at westerncollegehockey@gmail.com
Committed Forwards
Kyle Turris- Burnaby(BCHL)-Committed to Wisconsin-Small, energetic forward with very good offensive skills. His hands and vision are excellent. Good work ethic and attitude. Definitely an NHL-level talent. Played for 2006 Canada U18 team.
Casey Pierro-Zabotel-Merritt(BCHL)-Committed to Michigan Tech-Big forward with excellent scoring sense. Plays his position well. Drawn a lot of interest from NHL scouts. Vancouver Giants of WHL made strong push to sign him. Article.
Mike Hoeffel-NTDP U18 team-Committed to Minnesota-Good offensive skills, as well as the size to deliver big hits. Still developing as a player. Can fire a heavy snap shot. Very impressive at Select 16 Festival and in U17 international tournament. Potential 1st round NHL Draft pick. Injured his knee, and will miss a few months over the summer recovering.
Ben Winnett-Salmon Arm(BCHL)-Committed to Michigan-49 points in 60 games in his rookie BCHL season.
Pat White-Grand Rapids (MN HS)-Committed to Minnesota- A very good skater. Strong on his skates. Smart hockey player. Playing with US U18 team in summer of 2007. Potential 1st round draft pick in 2007 NHL Draft.
Tyler Johnson-Cloquet/Esko/Carleton HS(MN HS)-Very quick forward. Small, but incredibly strong. Has the ability to finish off plays. One of the top high school players in Minnesota. Broke his collarbone at Great 8 Festival.
Max Pacioretty-Omaha(USHL)-Committed to Michigan-A prototypical power forward type. He could make a big move up the NHL Draft rankings this year.
Jacob Cepis-Cedar Rapids(USHL)-Committed to Bowling Green-One of the top players in the USHL. Small, but very fast and skilled
Corey Tropp-Sioux Falls(USHL)-Committed to Michigan State-MYV of USHL All-Star game.
Justin Fontaine-Bonnyville(AJHL)-Committed to Minnesota-Duluth- Among the leagues leading scorers as a 17 year old rookie.
Aaron Palushaj-Des Moines(USHL)-Committed to Michigan- A good skater for a kid with his size. Has the ability to finish off plays.
Aaron Marvin-Warroad HS-Committed to St. Cloud State-Big forward that is an excellent skater with good hands. Good passer and good on face-offs.Drafted 89th in 2006 NHL Draft by Calgary.
Brad Malone-Sioux Falls(USHL)-Committed to North Dakota-Power forward. Potential 2nd round NHL draft pick. Cousin of Ryan Malone.Article.
Brett Bruneteau-Omaha(USHL)-Committed to North Dakota-Overshadowed while at Shattuck-St. Mary’s, but had a great performance at the Select 16 Festival and was named captain of the U17 team. Played for 2006 U18 team. Grandfather is in the Omaha Hockey Hall of Fame.
Pat Maroon-Texarkana(NAHL)-Committed to Ferris State-Very big and physical. Excellent stickhandler.
Jan-Mikael Juutilainen-Waterloo(USHL)-Committed to Nebraska-Omaha-Drafted by Chicago Blackhawks.
Evan Trupp-Penticton(BCHL)-Committed to North Dakota-Small, talented playmaking forward from Anchorage, Alaska.
Jesse Martin-Spruce Grove(AJHL)-Committed to Denver- Talented forward. Suffered a concussion as a result of a dirty hit and missed some time, but has recovered nicely. Drafted 197th by Atlanta in 2006 NHL Draft.
Matt Rust- NTDP U18 team-Committed to Michigan- Similar to Kane, but maybe a step below in terms of talent. Small, but crafty forward.
CJ Severyn- NTDP U18 team-Committed to Ohio State- Great hands, very smart player, needs to grow into his body.
Travis Oleksuk-(USHL)-Committed to Minnesota-Duluth-Has a great shot. Can drive hard to the net, but sometimes plays too tentative and stays on the perimeter too much. Averaged about 1.5 points per game as a midget. Also a very good shortstop/pitcher. Top Canadian drafted in USHL Futures Draft. Father played for Duluth.
Brian Volpei-BCHL-Committed to St. Cloud State-Originally from Southern California. Second leading scorer on Shattuck team. Not particularly fast, but knows how to finish. Article.
Billy Maday-Waterloo(USHL)-Committed to Notre Dame-125 points in 74 games for Chicago Chill Midget Major. 2nd overall pick in USHL draft.
Justin Vaive- NTDP U18 team-Committed to Miami-Ohio Grinder, very good down low, some scouts feel he might be a boom or bust type player. Works incredibly hard.
Cody Danberg-Nanaimo(BCHL)-Committed to Minnesota-Duluth-Coach Scott Sandelin described him as a player that doensn't do anything exceptional, but does everything very well.
Kyle Ostrow-Nanaimo(BCHL)-Committed to Denver- Very exciting player. Considered to be a real sniper.
Louie Caporusso-St. Mike's(OPJHL)-Committed to Michigan-Talented winger. Good stickhandler and playmaker. Could improve his agility. Sometimes doesn't bring his best effort.
Nick Larson-Hill-Murray(MN HS)-Committed to Minnesota-One of the best scorers in Minnesota HS hockey.
Carter Camper-Lincoln(USHL)-Committed to Miami of Ohio Hard worker, scrappy player who can put the puck in the net
Travis Novak-Omaha(USHL)-Committed to St. Cloud State-Played for Team Pacific U17 team in 2004. All-around player. Fast, good skills, and hard worker. Article.
John Kemp-Indiana(USHL)-Committed to Nebraska-Omaha- Excellent hands and great on the powerplay. Kicked off of NTDP team as a 16 year old.
Tyler Bozak-Victoria(BCHL)-Committed to Denver-Second leading scorer in BCHL as a 20 year old this year.
Bennett Royer-Calgary(AJHL)-Committed to Michigan Tech-Average a point per game in first AJHL season. Named to AJHL All-rookie team.
Ben Ryan-Des Moines(USHL)-Committed to Notre Dame-Smaller forward. Does everything pretty well, but doesn’t really stand out. Not in the first tier of players in the class, but certainly in the second-tier.
Calle Ridderwall-Tri-City(USHL)-118 points in 76 games for Chicago Chill AAA.
John Albert- NTDP U18 team- Committed to Ohio State- Not flashy, but a smart player that is usually in the right place at the right time.
Tyler Gron-Spruce Grove(AJHL)-Committed to Northern Michigan-Attracted a lot of interest from the WHL, as well as NCAA.
Tom Wingels-Team Illinois-Committed to Miami of Ohio-More of a power forward that is strong with the puck and good in the corners.
Mike Dorr-Roseville High School(MN HS)-Committed to Minnesota-A talented player that is a solid finisher. Originally committed to Duluth, but opted not to sign, and wanted to wait for a better school.
Todd Rudasill-Alepan(NAHL)-Committed to Ohio State-Big forward with good scoring ability. One of the top prospects in the NAHL.
Patrick Schaefer-Omaha(USHL)-Committed to Ohio State
Carl Hagelin-Sweden-Committed to Michigan-Small forward. Averaged about a point per game in top Swedish U20 league.
Dustin Gazley- Sioux City(USHL)-Committed to Michigan State-Smart hockey player on both ends of the ice. Creative offensively and sound defensively. Also has good mobility and acceleration. Not very big, but is a pesky player.
Robin Bergman-Cedar Rapids(USHL)-Committed to Notre Dame-Originally from Sweden. Averaging about a point per game in USHL.
Jared Brown-Lincoln(USHL)-Committed to Northern Michigan-Early leader in scoring in USHL.
Max Campbell-Strathroy(WOHL)-Committed to Western Michigan-On pace to break all the scoring records in the Western Ontario Jr. B this year.
Andy Sackrison-St. Louis Park HS(MN HS)-Committed to Minnesota State-Minnesota Mr. Hockey Finalist. Excellent at finding open space in the offensive zone. Drafted 124th in the 2006 NHL Draft by St. Louis
Michael Connolly-Camrose(AJHL)-Committed to Minnesota-Duluth-Hard worker, good with the puck, good skater.
Eric Kattelus-Indiana(USHL)-Committed to Michigan Tech- Originally from Houghton. Top 10 in scoring in NAHL. Drafted 7th overall by Indiana
Matt Ambroz-Tri-City(USHL)-Committed to Nebraska-Omaha-Big forward with good scoring ability. Originally from New Prague, Minnesota.
Mike Louwerse-Blake School(MN HS)-Committed to Minnesota State- Excellent stickhandler. Very dangerous on the powerplay. Good hockey sense. Has the ability to make plays without a lot of time and space.
Anthony Maiani- Sioux City(USHL)-Committed to Denver- Not a bad skater, but could work on speed a little, still the potential to be a first or second line college forward. Very hard worker. Brother Domenic plays for Ohio State.
Brennan Vargas-USNTDP U17-Committed to Bowling Green- Good size for a forward, with a lot of potential. Very good defensively. Son of former Badger and NHLer Ernie Vargas. Offered scholarships by New Hampshire, Bowling Green, and Minnesota State. Article.
Robert Skinner-Pentiction(BCHL)-Small player, but has racked up a ton of assists in the BCHL this season. Injured for beginning of 2006-2007 season.
Brett Hextall-Penticton(BCHL)-Committed to North Dakota-Son of Ron Hextall. Fiery player. Good scoring ability, and plays with a lot of edge.
Andy Miele-Chicago(USHL)-Committed to Miami-Short, stocky forward. Not a great skater, but good hands and dangerous around the net.
Nick Oslund-(USHL)-Big forward with soft hands. Good hitting ability. Drafted 191st by Detroit in 2006 NHL Draft.
Michael Fillinger-NAHL-Committed to Ferris State- Solid all-around hockey player. Good skater and good offensive skills.
David Grun-Cedar Rapids(USHL)-Minnesota Mr. Hockey finalist at White Bear Lake. Big forward, with nice scoring ability.
Jordan Baker-Olds(AJHL)-Committed to Michigan Tech- Small player, but a good scorer.
Rich Purslow-Des Moines(USHL)-Committed to Nebraska-Omaha- Small playmaking wing. Excelled on Des Moines third line this season. Brother of former St. Cloud State forward Chris Purslow.
Winston Daychief-Cowichan Valley(BCHL)-Committed to Alaska-Anchorage-Hard-working forward with very nice skills.
Drew Fisher-Sioux Falls(USHL)-Committed to Minnesota-Big forward with good scoring ability.
Zac MacVoy-Omaha(USHL)-Committed to Lake Superior-Big forward, good hands. Not the fastest skater. Played one season for Michigan and will re-enter college as a sophomore.
Brett Peterson-Indiana(USHL)- Committed to Minnesota State- Big, phsyical forward that skates well for his size. Good shot.Article.
Chris Rengert-Burnaby(BCHL)-Committed to Alaska-Anchorage-Small, tough forward.
Mario Lamoureux-Tri-Cities(USHL)-Committed to Northern Michigan-Big, grinding forward. Brother already plays for NMU.
Sean Dolan-Chicago(USHL)-Committed to Wisconsin-Big power forward. Originally from St. Louis area.
Jeff Young-Drumheller(AJHL)-Committed to Alaska-One of the leading scorers for Drumheller this year.
Blake Martin-Sioux City(USHL)-Committed to Nebraska-Omaha-Average a point per game with Sioux City in 2005. Small but very tenacious player.
Travis Paeth-Des Moines(USHL)-Committed to Western Michigan-Played for Traverse City in 2005-2006 and then moved on to USHL.
Brad McCabe-Alaska(NAHL)-Committed to Alaska-Anchorage-Alaska's leading scorer this year. Rated as "B" prospect by NHL's Central Scouting Bureau.
Nick Dineen-Sioux Falls(USHL)-Committed to Colorado College- Some questions about whether or not he has the skating ability to play at the college level, but he is a very gritty player with a lot of character.
Patrick Nagorsen-Traverse City(NAHL)-Committed to Western Michigan-Standout player in Michigan high school hockey. Played two seasons in NAHL.
Andrew Rowe-Sioux City(USHL)-Committed to Michigan State- Very good around the net.
Ryan Watson-Cambridge(MWJHL)-Committed to Western Michigan-Brother Cam plays for Western.
Trevor Nill-Compuware Midget-Committed to Michigan State-Big forward. Son of Detroit Red Wing executive Jim Nill.
Todd Pococke—Committed to Ferris State
Nick Kosinski-Marquette(NAHL)-Committed to Northern Michigan-Marquette-native
Committed Defensemen
Ryan McDonagh-Cretin-Derham Hall HS(MN HS)-Committed to Wisconsin- Underrated prospect with a lot of ability. Smart hockey player. Helped lead team to Class AA state title in Minnesota.
Cade Fairchild- NTDP U18 team-Committed to Minnesota- Can read the ice well and is able to find open players. Very good skater and playmaker. Makes excellent passes. Should be the number one defenseman on his team. Maybe needs to get a little bigger to deal with the physical aspect of the game.
Brendan Smith- St. Mike's (OPJHL)-Committed to Wisconsin- Drafted 7th overall in OHL draft, but did attend Sioux City's draft camp. Needs to add some weight, but very talented. Good offensive defenseman and a good skater. Also has shown very good character. If he decides to play college hockey, he should be a very good player.
Tristan Llewellyn- Indiana (USHL)- Committed to Michigan- Llewellyn was the youngest player in the USHL in 2004-2005 and acquitted himself quite well. He would have been the top defenseman drafted in the OHL draft if he wasn't going to college. He's a big, physical player with tremendous skating skills. Excellent passer.
Derrick Lapoint-Green Bay(USHL)-Committed to North Dakota- Big defenseman. Plays a solid, steady game. Still a little raw but has tremendous talent. Leading scorer in Green Bay. Will likely spend a year in the USHL before going to college. Brother is an equipment manager for North Dakota. Drafted 116th by Florida in 2006 NHL Draft.WCH Article.
Ian Cole- NTDP U17 team- Committed to Notre Dame- Solid all-around player. Some coaches had doubts about him earlier in his career, but a couple of great performances have pretty much done away with these.
Ted Ruth-US NTDP U18-Committed to Notre Dame-A lot of potential and improving his agility. Good speed. Originally from Illinois.
Jeff Petry-Des Moines(USHL)-Committed to Michigan State-Son of former Detroit Tiger Dan Petry. Big all-around defenseman. Steady defensively and is good at handling and passing the puck. Drafted 45th by Edmonton in 2006 NHL Draft. Won USHL All-Star Game Hardest Shot Competition.
Ben Youds-Shattuck-St. Mary's-Committed to Minnesota State-Mankato- Good offensive defenseman, likes to join rushes, but picks his spots well. Great at quarterbacking a powerplay.
John Lee-Moorhead HS(MN HS)-Committed to Denver-More hard-nosed and defensive-minded than his older brother, Brian.
Ben Blood-Shattuck-St. Mary's Prep-Committed to North Dakota-Originally from Wayzata, MN. Very steady player, that many feel is extremely underrated. Big defenseman, but good offensive skills. Can also be very physical.
Kevin Quick-Salisbury Prep(MA HS)-Committed to Michigan-All-around solid defenseman. Does everything pretty well. Good skater. Tampa Bay staff compares him to Dan Boyle. 11th best defenseman at 2005 Select 17 Festival.Drafted 78th by Tampa Bay in 2006 NHL Draft.
Cody Goloubef-Milton(OPJHL)--Committed to Wisconsin-Excellent offensive defenseman. Received interest from most every school in the NCAA. 50/50 between NCAA and OHL. Missed some time this year due to injury. Article
Shane Sims-Des Moines(USHL)-Committed to Ohio State- Small, but is a very gifted playmaker. Very good skating and stickhandling ability. Top defenseman in his OPJHL Division in 2005. Drafted 126th by New York Islanders in 2006 NHL Draft.
Corey Toy-Omaha(USHL)-Committed to Ohio State- Defensive defenseman. Fundamentally sound, stays in position. Plays the body well. Not a superstar, but a very good stay-at-home defenseman.
Deron Cousens-Penticton(BCHL)-Committed to Michigan Tech-Playmaking offensive defenseman. Rookie of the year in the OPJHL last season.
Kane Lafranchise-Spruce Grove(AJHL)-Committed to Alaska-Anchorage-Poised defenseman that can play in any situation. Good skater.
Vince Loverde-Waterloo(USHL)-Committed to Miami-Ohio- Solid overall player. Nothing fancy, but effective as a defender, and shows good character.
Alain Goulet-Aurora(OPJHL)-Committed to Nebraska-Omaha-Big defensive defenseman with a huge slap shot.
Matt Bartkowski-Lincoln(USHL)-Committed to Ohio State-MVP of Chicago Showcase Tourney. Very strong.
Kevin Wehrs-Cedar Rapids(USHL)-Committed to Minnesota- Offensive-minded defenseman. Good at moving the puck. Could work on playing in his own end. Named to USHL All-Star game. Chose to play for Minnesota in 2007, over SCSU, UMD, BU, and UNH for 2006. Could be asked to play for Minnesota in 2006. Played HS hockey in Minnesota for Wayzata HS.Article
Chad Langlais-Lincoln(USHL)-Solid, dependable defensive-defenseman. A little small, but also very strong.Article.
Evan Oberg-Camrose(AJHL)-Committed to Minnesota-Duluth-Very fast skater, good on the powerplay. Suffered a shoulder injury and will miss some time.
Michael Phillippi-Indiana(USHL)-Committed to Nebraska-Omaha-Good all around defenseman.
Scooter Vaughan-St. Louis(NAHL)-Committed to Michigan- solid defender, but not in the same class as other top defenseman in the class. Solid offensive defenseman, but can also play with edge.
Brandon Martell-Elk River HS(MN HS)-Committed to Minnesota-Listed as Player to Watch by NHL CSB. Has a lot of potential. Could be more consistent. Big slap shot. Good at blocking shots.
Kurt Davis-Green Bay(USHL)-Committed to Minnesota State-Offensive defenseman that is small, but battles very well.
Sam Zabkowicz-Sioux Falls(USHL)-Smaller offensive defenseman. Article.
Eric Olimb-Indiana(USHL)-Committed to Nebraska-Omaha-Originally from Warroad, Minnesota and the nephew of hockey legend Larry Olimb.
Jeff Carlson-Southern Minnesota(NAHL)-Committed to Alaska-Anchorage-Good offensive-minded defenseman. Rumored to have had difficult qualifying academically for college.
A.J. Sturges-US NTDP U17-Committed to Michigan State-Defenseman from Wisconsin. Not as talented as his other teammates, but should benefit more than anyone from the NTDP's coaching. Brother plays for MSU
Quinn Waller-Aurora(OPJHL)-Committed to Nebraska-Omaha-Experienced defenseman and a good leader.
Chris Reed-Ohio(USHL)-
Bryant Molle-Penticton(BCHL)-Committed to Alaska-Brother Dustin transferred to Alaska
Channing Boe-Siouxs Falls(USHL)-Commmitted to Minnesota State-Played for Bemidji High School. Solid all-around defenseman.
Committed Goalies
Alex Kangas-Sioux Falls(USHL)-Committed to Minnesota-Top goalie in USHL. Record-setting performance in Minnesota High School state tournament two years ago with Rochester Century HS. Drafted 135th by Atlanta in 2006 NHL Draft.Article
Reid Ellingson-Cloquet-Esko-Carleton(MN HS)- Committed to Northern Michigan- Good lateral movement, and a very consistent goalie
Brad Phillips-US NTDP U17-Committed to Notre Dame- Opinions on his play vary from great to average. Top goalie on U18 team. One of the top goalies in the 2007 NHL Draft.
Bryan Hogan-Lincoln(USHL)-Committed to Michigan-Impressive first season in USHL. Struggled Earned a lot of starting time. Helped lead Detroit Catholic Central to state championship
Austin Lee-Fargo-Moorhead(NAHL)-Committed to Minnesota State-Top Minnesota HS goalie in 2006. Playing well for F-M Jets
Richard Bachman-Cedar Rapids(USHL)-Committed to Colorado College-Playing out east, but originally from Colorado. Chose CC over Harvard and Cornell. One of the better goalies on the East coast in 2005-2006. First overall pick in USHL draft. Drafted 120th in 2006 NHL Draft by Dallas. Struggled while with Chicago, but looked better for Cedar Rapids after being traded.Article.
Brian Mahoney-Wilson-Newmarket(OPJHL)-Committed to Lake Superior-NHL Draft Pick. Struggled with injuries two years ago.
Ian Keserich-Tri-City(USHL)-Committed to Northern Michigan-Played two years for Ohio State before going back to juniors. Will enter college as a junior.
Scott Gudmanson-Salmon Arm(BCHL)-Committed to Wisconsin-AJHL Rookie of the Year last year. Struggled in USHL then returned to Canada. Playing very well for Salmon Arm.
Marc Cheverie-Nanaimo(BCHL)-Committed to Denver-Tall goalie. MVP of SJHL with Notre Dame last year. Leading all BCHL goalies this season. Drafted 193rd in NHL Draft by Florida.
