Wiscohockey.com Alumni Commit to Major Programs
Written by Chris Walby
10/21/2010
If I could yawn on a blog, I would. That would be the sound of me waking up from a deep, deep sleep as a Wissports.net contributor. That’s write, I’m back. For those of you who are new to the blog or simply don’t remember me, here are a few writing samples from the butt whoopin’ I put on the high school hockey season last year.
So sick…
Speaking of Team Wisconsin, each squad is off to a great start this fall. As I expected, the U18’s are creating quite the buzz on the recruiting front. I’d like to congratulate Timmy Davison (University Wisconsin) and Cliff Watson (Ohio State) on their scholarships, as well as former TW athlete, Joe Fiala (Western Michigan), on his. Davison, Watson and their U18 mates are loaded with next level talent. I am confident a number of them will end up playing college hockey at some point in their careers. I know that forward Todd Koritzinsky (Middleton) has drawn serious attention from the University of Wisconsin and Ohio State this fall and teammate Brad Navin (Waupaca) has received several offers for official visits to several big name division one schools. Wisconsin, Ohio State, University of Minnesota Duluth, University of Minnesota and Bemidji State top Navin’s recruiting list.
On Campus (almost)…
Speaking of college recruits, what a difference a year makes for UW recruit and USHL veteran, Cody Strang (Edgewood). Coming off of a fantastic preseason, Strang has a goal and two assists and his Youngstown Phantoms (USHL) sit at 3-1-0 on the year, good for a first place tie in the USHL’s Western Conference. “Weve had two long road trips, but got three wins, so (it’s) definitely a good start,” said Strang.
I’ve worked on-ice with Strang over the past two off-seasons here in Madison and it’s been incredible the progress he has made on ice, as well as his off-ice attitude towards hockey. “Its been going great. Alot better than last year, can’t compare even,” said Strang, referring to life as a USHL veteran.
If you don’t recall, Strang was a state champion golfer and actually to my surprise, chose hockey over a career in golf. After a tough start to his rookie season, Strang told me that this past season in the USHL was the best year of hockey in his life.
Life as a rookie in the USHL is tough enough, but Strang had to battle a nagging wrist injury all season as well and still manage to put up nine goals and ten assists in 48 games. Look for a big year from the future Badger if he can remain healthy.
Going streaking…
Strang will square of against Stevens Point native, Aaron Harstad and his Green Bay Gamblers this weekend in Youngstown. Harstad, a Colorado College recruit and a solid defenseman, is also in his second year in the USHL. He has a goal through the team’s first three games and is looking to keep that streak going.
In his rookie year, Harstad and his Green Bay Gamblers hoisted the Clark Cup and were crowned 2009-2010 league champions. The Stevens Point native scored two goals and a tallied eight points on the season in route to the title.
Harstad laughed when he told me that he’ll be taking on the “sniper” role this season. He was kidding, but I suspect Harstad will play a huge role this season in the Gamblers attack and will put up some big numbers in the process.
Up the quad and to the gymnasium…
College hockey gets under way this weekend in Bemidji State, that’s right, two BSU references to start out the new year. Bemidji and super stud sophomore, Jordan George (Edgewood), host North Dakota for a two game series. George, who tallied thirteen goals and twenty one assists in his freshman campaign, which was good enough for the league’s freshman of the year, is jacked for the weekend. “So pumped,” said George. “This is a huge rivalry,” he added, in reference to the history between Bemidji and the neighboring Fighting Sioux.
“It (his game) feels good,” said George. “The game really slows down a lot when you have experience. You learn not to force plays.”
You can catch the Edgewood native on December 10, when Bemidji travels to Madison for a two game tilt with the Badgers.