Here is a list of the top college prospects for the class of 2008. The list is pretty short right now, but expect it to grow over the following months.
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 be players 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
Jordan Schroeder-NTDP U18-Committed to Minnesota- Very creative player. Exceptional stickhandler. Called up to U18 team in the middle of the season, and playedexceptionally well with U18 team. One of the top forwards for the US at the World U18 Championships.
Jason Gregoire-Lincoln(USHL)-Committed to North Dakota-Originally from Manitoba. Missed a lot of time due to injury, but has been extremely effective when healthy. Committed to Denver, then switched commitment to North Dakota.
David Toews-Shattuck St. Mary's-Committed to North Dakota- Similar style of play to his brother Jonathan, who plays for North Dakota, but more of a power forward down low.
Joe Colborne-Camrose(AJHL)-Committed to Denver-6'3" power forward with good scoring touch. Potential first round NHL draft pick.
Jack Connolly-Sioux Falls(USHL)-Committed to Minnesota-Duluth-Small, but amazing playmaker. Excellent stickhandler and passer.
Robbie Czarnik-NTDP U18-Committed to Michigan- Small scorer. Great vision and offensive instincts. Needs to work on defense and playing a more physical game. Compared to Mike Modano in terms of talent. Made improvements in terms of dealing with physical play. Rumors that he could head to the OHL.
Jared Festler-Lincoln(USHL)-Committed to St. Cloud-Second leading scorer in state of Minnesota last season. Impressive Select 17 performance. Good scoring touch, hard worker. Sees the ice incredibly well. Will probably play juniors after graduating high school. Leading scorer in 2006 Elite League.
Tyler Thompson-Cedar Rapids(USHL)-Committed to Minnesota State-Having a great 2007 USHL season. Very hard worker.
Matt Thurber-Omaha(USHL)-Committed to Wisconsin-Surprising omission from NTDP camp. One of the youngest players in the USHL in 2006. Strong with the puck. Originally from Wisconsin.
Nico Sacchetti- Omaha(USHL)-Committed to Minnesota- Very fast skater and a talented scorer.
Pat Gaul-NTDP U18-Committed to Notre Dame-Originally from Pittsburgh. Hard worker and extremely talented. Does all the little things very well.
Justin Jokinen-Cloquet(MN HS)-Big forward with excellent scoring ability. Likely 2008 NHL draft pick.
Jake Hansen-Sioux Falls(USHL)-Committed to Minnesota-Big forward with hard shot. Rated as a top three round draft choice by NHL CSB.
Mike Cichy-Tri-City(USHL)-Committed to North Dakota-Extremely talented forward with good scoring touch. Also could play in the QMJHL. Left NTDP.
Jordy Christian-Prince George(BCHL)-Committed to St.Cloud State- Good speed and good hockey sense.
Nate Dewhurst-Des Moines(USHL)-Committed to Denver-Led Three Nations Tournament in scoring in 2006. Smaller forward.
Taylor Matson-Des Moines(USHL)-Committed to Minnesota- A great stickhandler that is very dangerious in one-on-one situations. Could improve his finishing skills a bit. A bit underrated, but a very good hockey player. Will play a year in the USHL after graduating from high school.
Andrew Cherniwchan-Drayton Valley(AJHL)-Committed to Northern Michigan-Small forward, but extremely skilled. Scoring a lot of points for an '89 birthdate in Alberta.
Jake Youso-International Falls(MN HS)-Committed to Minnesota-Good goal scorer. Very smooth skater. Participated in the Select 15 Festival in 2005 and Select 16 Festival in 2006. Article
Seth Soley-Eau Claire(WI HS)-Committed to Michigan Tech-Big forward with good skills. One of the top scorers in 2007 Midwest Elite League.
Stepan Novotny-Shattuck-St. Mary's Prep-Committed to Denver-One of the top forwards on Shattuck's team this year. Big forward with good offensive ability.
Daultan Leveille-St. Catharines(GHJHL)-Committed to Michigan State-
Derek Stepan-Shattuck-St. Mary's-Committed to Wisconsin-Plays on a line with Wisconsin recruit Brock Montpetit and Jordy Murray. Talented forward. Could wait until 2009 to join the Badgers.
Zach Dalpe-Penticton(BCHL)-Committed to Ohio State-Described by USHR has a "dynamic, gritty playmaking pivot."
Andrew Conboy-Omaha(USHL)-Committed to Michigan State-Physical power forward. Drafted by Montreal Canadiens.
Taylor Stefishen-Langley(BCHL)-Committed to Ohio State-Great 06-07 season in BCHL as a '90 birthdate. Talented scorer.
David Wohlberg-NTDP U18-Committed to Michigan-Uses his size well. Good skater. Can be a solid finisher. Plays well on both ends of the ice. Good at face-offs. Not as offensively talented as others, but could be the best all-around player.
Drew LeBlanc-Chicago(USHL)-Committed to St. Cloud-Strong forward with exceptional hands. Could improve skating.
Joe Schiller-Green Bay(USHL)-Committed to Minnesota State-Good size, and decent hands. Excellent scoring ability. Could improve skating a bit. 3rd overall pick in USHL draft.
Justin Florek-NTDP U18-Committed to Northern Michigan- Potentially very good forward. Great size and great skills. Could improve his foot speed and skating. Shows flashes of brilliance, but not always consistent.
Brett Perlini-Ohio(USHL)-Committed to Michigan State-Big forward that is a good skater. Highly sought after by OHL.
Joey Miller-Lincoln(USHL)-Committed to Minnesota-Hard worker and good speed. Also a football star for Wayzata HS in Minnesota.
Brett Beebe-Anaheim Ducks AAA-Committed to Western Michigan-Played well at 2006 Select 16 Festival. Very good finishing ability.
Jordy Murray-Shattuck-St. Mary's-Committed to Wisconsin-Son of Andy Murray, and brother of former North Dakota star Brady Murray. Good shooter. Should be a good college hockey player.
Jordan VanGilder-Tri-City(USHL)-Committed to Alaska-Should be one of Tri-City's top forwards in 2007-2008.
Craig Smith-Waterloo(USHL)-Committed to Wisconsin-Big power forward. Originally from Madison.
Chris Hickey-Tri-City(USHL)-Committed to Wisconsin-Likes to grind in corners, also good scoring ability.
Andrew Hamburg-St. Louis(NAHL)-Committed to Colorado College-Talented forward. Big, but is good with the puck. Could add more strength.
Adam Henderson-Spruce Grove(AJHL)-Committed to Michigan State-Forward with good size. Very talented.
Alex Hudson-Tri-City(USHL)-Committed to Nebraska-Omaha-Dangerous scorer. Almost went to Medicine Hat of the WHL.
Anthony Schooley-Waterloo(USHL)-Commited to Michigan Tech- Top forward prospect, natural goal scorer, great hands, excellent vision and anticipation.
Brock Montpetit-Shattuck St. Mary's-Committed to Wisconsin- Extremely talented. Article.
Trent Vogelhuber-Des Moines(USHL)-Committed to Miami-First round USHL draft pick.
Brent Gwidt-Indiana(USHL)-Committed to Nebraska-Omaha-Tall forward. Originally from Wisconsin. Likes to shoot the puck. Drafted 157th in 2006 NHL Draft by Washington.
Travis Erstad-Lincoln(USHL)-Committed to Wisconsin-Big forward with a very hard shot.
Lucas Isley-Bonnyville(AJHL)-Committed to Western Michigan-Excellent balance and very good skater.
Jake Skjodt-Indiana(USHL)-Committed to Nebraska-Omaha-
Jordan Willert-Tri-City(USHL)-Committed to Nebraska-Omaha-Big power forward. Could improve skating.
August Aiken-Westside(BCHL)-Committed to Alaska-Anchorage-Small, skilled forward. Originally from California.
Greg Potacco-St. Mike's(OPJHL)-Committed to Bowling Green-One of the top scorers for the Buzzers in 07-08.
Ron Meyers-Victoria(BCHL)-Committed to Alaska-
Kevin Nugent-Taft Prep-Committed to Notre Dame-Son of former Notre Dame player.
Uncommitted Forwards
Nick Larson-Waterloo(USHL)-Highly-ranked prospect for 2008 NHL draft. Interest from many CCHA schools.
Troy Power-Tri-City(USHL)-Power forward that is very strong and has great hands. Helped team win Midget AAA championship. Drafted in WHL draft.
Joe Beaudette-Omaha(USHL)-Big forward with good skating and scoring ability.
Tyler Pistone-Nanaimo(BCHL)-
Ben Arnt-Omaha(USHL)-Pure goal scorer with an incredible shot.
Ryan Schnell- NTDP U18 team- Physical forward that can throw his body around. One of the best power forwards in the class. Interest from Wisconsin, Miami, and Brown. Article.
Josh Berge-Dallas Alliance-Small forward, but excellent hands and good along the boards.
Kyle Bonis-Indiana(USHL)-Visited some eastern schools.
Keegan Flaherty-Green Bay(USHL)-
Chris Dyer-Mahoning Valley(NAHL)- Not the most talented player, but does a lot of little things well to help make his team better. Member of US U17 in 2005.
Jarrod Mermis-Sioux City(USHL)-Small, but very shifty. Has a hard shot and great hands. Good vision and made plenty of plays happen while finishing checks.
Stephen Bozek-Chicago Mission-Very quick hands. Fast skater. All-tournament team at Chicago Chill Tournament.
Ben Nelson-Roseau HS(MN HS)-A lot of offensive talent.
Pat Rogan-BCHL- Smart player, good vision. Has good top speed, but doesn't have great acceleration. Struggled a bit recently.
Jake Johnson-Duluth Denfield(MN HS)-Hard worker and a very fast skater. Played on 2005 Team USA U17 team. Uncles played for Minnesota-Duluth.
Ryan Bohrer-Cretin-Derham Hall HS(MN HS)-Not as flashy but a very solid hockey player.
CJ Willms-Southern Minnesota(NAHL)-Hard worker.
Tom Serratore-Sioux City(USHL)-From Colorado. Frank Serratore's son. Good skater. All-around good player. Excellent stickhandler.
Erik Peterson-Alpena(NAHL)-One of the leading scorers in NAHL.
Kyle Bailey-Des Moines(USHL)-Originally from Anchorage. Good skater. Good scoring touch. Article.
Max Barron-St. Louis Jr. B-Peewee linemate of Phil McRae and Sean Logue.
Brandon Bahnemann-Alexandria(NAHL)-Big forward. Ranked 180th in North America by NHL Central Scouting in 2007.
Duncan McKellar-PF Chang Midget- Power forward with good scoring ability. Led Phoenix to Tier II 14 and under national championship in 2005. One of four players selected to attend IIHF development camp last summer. Coached by former Duluth Bulldog star Jim Johnson.
Max Mobley-North Iowa(NAHL)-Fast skater.
Mark Morikawa-Salmon Arm(BCHL)-Originally from California. Top scorer for Anaheim Jr. Ducks.
Alex Simonson-Grand Forks-Has a lot of potential.
Kelly Zajac-Salmon Arm(BCHL)-Brother of Travis and Darcy Zajac. Will likely also go to North Dakota if UND is interested.
Cory Thorson-Armstrong HS(MN HS)-
Mike Voran-Detroit Honeybaked Midget Major-Made it to the 2005 Select 15 Festival as a bit of a longshot, but was impressive at the camp. Taken unofficial visits to Michigan State and Ohio State. Also received interest from Ferris State, Quinnipiac, Michigan Tech, Notre Dame, and Miami.
Robby Phillipp-Fargo-Moorhead(NAHL)- Lanky forward that is an excellent skater and very hard worker.
Kellen Michalak-Traverse City Stars-
Justin Johnson-Eau Claire North HS-Stocky forward that isn't a great skater, but has very good hands and is good around the net. Received interest from Minnesota, North Dakota and Wisconsin. Would likely choose Wisconsin if offered a scholarship.
Committed Defenseman
Russell Anderson-Alpena(NAHL)-Big forward that can score goals.
Jerry Freismuth-Alexandria(NAHL)-
Ryan Misiak-Little Caesar's-Hard-checking power forward.
Ryan Santana-Green Bay(USHL)- Big center. Excellent skater, very fast. Good at faceoffs. Has to prove that he has recovered from knee injury before big schools seriously go after him.
Don Hallmark-Des Moines(USHL)- Hard-working character player.
Ben Miller-Texas(NAHL)- Caught the eye of many recruiters with an impressive performance at the Select 16 Festival in Rochester, NY. Talented player, but sometimes struggles with consistency.
Mike Colwill-North York(OPJHL)-Thick build. Good skater that always works hard. Plays with a lot of emotion and can sometimes get into trouble. OHL teams have backed off because he seems likely to go the college route.
Aaron Ness-Roseau HS (MN HS)-Committed to Minnesota-Father played for North Dakota. Very talented defenseman. Smaller, but a good skater and good at controlling the puck. Very smart player. Plays with a physical edge
Nick Bailen-Indiana(USHL)-Committed to Bowling Green-All-around defenseman. Good at hitting people.
Will Weber-Chicago(USHL)-Committed to Miami-Big defenseman that is also a good skater. One of the top high school players in Michigan. 1st overall pick in USHL draft.
Sam Lofquist-US NTDP U17-Committed to Minnesota-Accelerating his studies to join Gophers in 2008. Very solid all-around player. Good shooter and a very hard worker.
Drew Olson-Brainerd HS-Committed to Minnesota-Duluth-Underrated player. Plays a tough physical style and has a big shot. Skates well for his size. Some problems with consistency.
Joe Gleason-Edina HS(MN HS)-Committed to North Dakota- Excellent skater, loves to jump into the play and make nice passes.
Brandan Burlon-St. Mike's(OPJHL)-Committed to Michigan-Does everything pretty well. A little smaller, but good at moving the puck.
Eric Ringel-Mahoning Valley(NAHL)-Committed to Notre Dame-Very poised with the puck. Good offensive talent. Underrated defensive prospect. Played well at 2006 Select 16 Festival.
David Carle-Shattuck-St. Mary's-Committed to Denver-Younger brother of Matt Carle. Not as talented as Matt, but a solid player.
Steve West-NTDP U17-Committed to Ohio State-Top defenseman at Select 15 Festival this past summer. Excellent shot from the point. Has the ability to jump into the play and help out offensively. Can play very physical as well.
Joey Marciano-NTDP U17-Committed to Colorado College-Originally from California. Could have been a top WHL prospect but chose the college route. Should be a solid Division 1 prospect. All-around solid defenseman.
Chris Wideman-St. Louis Jr. Blues-Committed to Miami-Ohio- Does everything pretty well.
Cameron Cooper-Tri-City(USHL)-Committed to Minnesota State-Small, mobile defenseman. Very smart player.
Greg Pateryn-Ohio(USHL)-Committed to Michigan-Captain at Brother Rice as a junior.
Chad Billins-Waterloo(USHL)-Committed to Ferris State-Smallish defenseman, but great at moving the puck. Good skater and makes smart decisions.
Patrick Wiercioch-Omaha Lancers(USHL)-Committed to Wisconsin-Originally from British Columbia. Good skater and a smart defenseman.
Brady Lamb-Calgary Royals(AJHL)-Committed to Minnesota-Duluth-Experience defenseman. Plays tough defensive game.
Olivier Lauridsen-Linkopings(Sweden)-Committed to St. Cloud-Very tall defenseman. Ranked for 2008 NHL draft.
Scott Enders-Lloydminster(AJHL)-Committed to Alaska-One of the top young defenseman in Alberta.
Kyle Ensign-Tri-City(USHL)-Committed to Nebraska-Omaha-Second best defenseman in Wisconsin high school hockey last season behind Derrick Lapoint.
Baylor Dieter-Green Bay(USHL)-Committed to Minnesota State-Big defenseman. Originally from Twin Cities.
Matt Crandell-St. Cloud Cathedral High School(MN HS)-Committed to Michigan State-Makes good decisions with the puck. Very physical defenseman. Solid 4th or 5th defenseman at the college level.
Eric Springer-Sioux Falls(USHL)-Committed to Wisconsin-Reliable, consistent defensive defenseman.
Tim Buttery-Chicago(USHL)-Committed to Michigan State-
Nick Condon-St. Louis(NAHL)-Smart, veteran defenseman.
Erik Spady-Salmon Arm(BCHL)-Committed to Northern Michigan-
Matt Tomassoni-Chicago Mission-Committed to Miami-Fast skater, and good at moving the puck.
Grant Scott-NTDP U18-Committed to Minnesota- Very big defensive defenseman. Good skater with a big shot, but not as skilled with the puck. Also attracted interest as a football and baseball prospect.
Peter Kavaya-Fairbanks(NAHL)-Committed to Western Michigan-Experience defenseman.
Uncommitted Defenseman
Ross Henry-Lincoln(USHL)-Plays consistent defense. Very strong.
Josh Gillis-Sherwood Park(AJHL)-Big, smooth-skating defensive defenseman.
Thomas Carr-Ft. Saskatchewan Traders(AJHL)-Good puck-moving defenseman.
Mac Watts-Ohio(USHL)-Steady Defenseman with great passing ability
Jordan Hennick-Burnaby Express(BCHL)-Power play specialist. Good at moving the puck. Big shot.
Alex Stuart-Sioux City(USHL)-Originally from St. Cloud suburb Sauk Rapids. Played at Shattuck-St. Mary's. Article
Doug Leaverton-Mahoning Valley(NAHL)- Improved a lot over the year. Could move to the forward position. Huge defenseman. Moves fairly well for his size.
Chris Franks-Burnsville HS-Good skater. Decent offensive defenseman.
Nolan Ryan-Columbus(USHL)-Big defenseman with decent offensive skills. Brother of Minnesota-Duluth recruit Chase Ryan.
Sam Carr-Fargo-Moorhead(NAHL)-Good skater. Very strong. Plays a solid game.
Chris Heineman-Traverse City Stars(NAHL)-Veteran NHL player. Not overly big, but plays consistent, solid defense.
Dan Weiss-Springfield(NAHL)-
Matt Morin-North Iowa(NAHL)-Experience, smaller defenseman.
Aaron Shiborowski-Benilde(MN HS)-Very agile, offensive defenseman.
Ashford McMaster-Victoria(BCHL)-One of the best available defenseman in the BCHL.
Tyler Pederson-Sioux City(USHL)- Big defender that likes to hit people. Could improve his skating a little bit.
Caleb Wolfgram-Topeka(NAHL)-Solid defenisve defenseman.
Toby Heaslip-Indiana(USHL)-EJHL Rookie of the Year. 4th overall pick in USHL draft. Father, Mark, played in the NHL. Originally from Florida. Excellent offensive-minded defenseman. Received interest from eastern schools. A little small for a defenseman. Struggled with Green Bay and Columbus, but looked better once he started playing with Indiana.
Chris Slavik-Elk River HS(MN HS)-Solid defenseman that should attract some D-I interest.
Ben Ammerman-Moorhead HS(MN HS)-Brother of St. Cloud's Jon Ammerman.
Committed Goalies
Brad Eidness-Okotoks(AJHL)-Committed to North Dakota-
Brady Hjelle-Waterloo(USHL)-Committed to Minnesota-Duluth-
Josh Robinson-Sioux City(USHL)-Committed to Michigan Tech-
Cody Reichard-Fairbanks(NAHL)-Committed to Miami
Nick Hopper-Lincoln(USHL)-Committed to Nebraska-Omaha-Great statistics in NAHL.
Uncommitted Goalies
Kent Patterson-Cedar Rapids(USHL)-
Eric Hartzell-Dallas AAA-
Paul Musico-Anaheim Jr. Ducks-
Max Strang-Green Bay(USHL)- Tall goalie, but moves well laterally. Originally from Pennsylvania.
Alam Armour-Selkirk(MJHL)-Former WI HS goalie. Outstanding 07-08 season in MJHL.
Matt Hemmingway-Fargo Force-
Brandon Stephenson-Mahoning Valley(NAHL)-Spent some time with Alpena in NAHL. Playing well at midget major level. MVP of Miami Midget Tournament.
Jordan Tibbett-Mahoning Valley(NAHL)-Originally from Indianapolis.
