Jess writes about the latest Gopher recruit.
I'm 50% factual and 50% sarcastic. When you get to know me, you will know which is which.
Cooley Jr ( Mooney ) checks in at #22.
https://twitter.com/scottcwheeler/status/1769696741559800099
The most individually gifted player in the 2007 age group at the program this year, Mooney, the cousin of Arizona Coyotes rookie Logan Cooley, has been talked about for years for his skill level. He’s got a lightning-quick release, even quicker hands in traffic/one-on-one, quick feet, a quick processing of the game, and a unique ability to make plays. That combination of skating ability (he’s got natural acceleration, tremendous edges, and can put defenders on their heels from a standstill) and skill is complemented by a willing work ethic. Despite his tiny size, there are some who believe he might be in the Cole Caufield/Alex DeBrincat echelon as a player who is talented enough to still warrant first- or second-round consideration. If the draft were held today, he’d come with a lot of risk. But if he grows a couple of inches, which he’s expected to, there could really be a high-end offensive talent there. He and McKinney are the only two U17 forwards who’ve been called up to the U18 team this year and he has provided instant offense, which is really positive.
those are quite the comps. Sheesh
I really hope that quip about him growing a couple inches is true. I’m not one of those “small guys can’t play” old heads but 5’6 is a different animal. Get up to 5’8 and I’m happy.
Cooley Jr ( Mooney ) checks in at #22.
https://twitter.com/scottcwheeler/status/1769696741559800099
The most individually gifted player in the 2007 age group at the program this year, Mooney, the cousin of Arizona Coyotes rookie Logan Cooley, has been talked about for years for his skill level. He’s got a lightning-quick release, even quicker hands in traffic/one-on-one, quick feet, a quick processing of the game, and a unique ability to make plays. That combination of skating ability (he’s got natural acceleration, tremendous edges, and can put defenders on their heels from a standstill) and skill is complemented by a willing work ethic. Despite his tiny size, there are some who believe he might be in the Cole Caufield/Alex DeBrincat echelon as a player who is talented enough to still warrant first- or second-round consideration. If the draft were held today, he’d come with a lot of risk. But if he grows a couple of inches, which he’s expected to, there could really be a high-end offensive talent there. He and McKinney are the only two U17 forwards who’ve been called up to the U18 team this year and he has provided instant offense, which is really positive.
those are quite the comps. Sheesh
I really hope that quip about him growing a couple inches is true. I’m not one of those “small guys can’t play” old heads but 5’6 is a different animal. Get up to 5’8 and I’m happy.
agreed. have to be next worldly at 5'6" to make the show. at 5'8" you have more margin. at college, probably doesn't matter a ton if you're talented enough, but does make it harder
I'm 50% factual and 50% sarcastic. When you get to know me, you will know which is which.
might play a role in how long he stays at the college level though….Cooley Jr ( Mooney ) checks in at #22.
https://twitter.com/scottcwheeler/status/1769696741559800099
The most individually gifted player in the 2007 age group at the program this year, Mooney, the cousin of Arizona Coyotes rookie Logan Cooley, has been talked about for years for his skill level. He’s got a lightning-quick release, even quicker hands in traffic/one-on-one, quick feet, a quick processing of the game, and a unique ability to make plays. That combination of skating ability (he’s got natural acceleration, tremendous edges, and can put defenders on their heels from a standstill) and skill is complemented by a willing work ethic. Despite his tiny size, there are some who believe he might be in the Cole Caufield/Alex DeBrincat echelon as a player who is talented enough to still warrant first- or second-round consideration. If the draft were held today, he’d come with a lot of risk. But if he grows a couple of inches, which he’s expected to, there could really be a high-end offensive talent there. He and McKinney are the only two U17 forwards who’ve been called up to the U18 team this year and he has provided instant offense, which is really positive.
those are quite the comps. Sheesh
I really hope that quip about him growing a couple inches is true. I’m not one of those “small guys can’t play” old heads but 5’6 is a different animal. Get up to 5’8 and I’m happy.
agreed. have to be next worldly at 5'6" to make the show. at 5'8" you have more margin. at college, probably doesn't matter a ton if you're talented enough, but does make it harder
Barto started tonight for Oklahoma. Gave up 2 goals in the first 5:35 and was pulled. Not sure if he was pulled because of his play or an injury.
I'm 50% factual and 50% sarcastic. When you get to know me, you will know which is which.
I'm 50% factual and 50% sarcastic. When you get to know me, you will know which is which.
Barto started tonight for Oklahoma. Gave up 2 goals in the first 5:35 and was pulled. Not sure if he was pulled because of his play or an injury.
I’d hope Bob has somebody else in mind for next year.
Whipple and Ziemer are honorable mentions.
https://twitter.com/scottcwheeler/status/1772231655777869845
I'm 50% factual and 50% sarcastic. When you get to know me, you will know which is which.
Nice to see Pahlsson sneak on the list. It matters little for collegiate potential but I prefer a late round selection versus UDFA so not every team can come after them if they pop.
Back from my spring break parenting in Chicago and ready for regionals!
Be careful on what you wish for with Pahlsson being a UDFA as teams get more aggressive on those players than they do on their own picks.
I've teased this on the GPL Podcast a bit this year, but finally got this part done and on the USCHO site. One of the things I found most interesting is that the B10, HE and NCHC schools have the reputation for getting early commits, but they don't always have rosters that have early enrollments. I think especially coaches secure in their jobs are okay with the decommits/pulling offers if they don't think the fit is right, but players are so far off from being ready when they want to verbal to the B10, HE and NCHC schools that there are long engagements and more broken off commitments than I expected.
Hope you take a click on this one and check it out. I've had fun talking to coaches across the country on this one, hope people like it and I can do more of it down the line.
Somewhat off topic, but noticed Dave Spehar’s X account says “Cole Eiserman apologist” what’s this about? Sarcasm?
Not the real Dave Spehar. It’s a joke account.
A couple of updates from the pipeline while we were focused on Sioux Falls last night.
Barto has his best game of the year. Stopped 46 of 47 shots for the win last night.
Hendrickson with 2 G and 1 A last night
Ziemer with 3 assists last night
Pahlsson with 2 assists last night
Leo Gruba with a goal last night.
I'm 50% factual and 50% sarcastic. When you get to know me, you will know which is which.
Gruba could really elevate this defensive group. Rinzel should be fantastic as a sophomore but adding another elite offensive defenseman (one who is physical to boot) will be massive for getting this team over the final hump.
From what I’ve seen, Gruba and Whipple need a lot of work on the defensive side of the puck. Killer may have to work his magic and fans may have to be patient the first half of the season.
I think Whipple needs a year of USHL. He needs to improve how he moves pucks.
Next years linemates?
I'm 50% factual and 50% sarcastic. When you get to know me, you will know which is which.
A couple minutes later Pahlsson returns the favor and assists on Hendricksons 24th of the year.
Pahlsson from Hendrickson then Hendrickson from Pahlsson. Ying and Yang.
The Hendrickson goal
https://twitter.com/ushl/status/1775334373170012500?s=46&t=AvtsG2WfNuGRyXzbYJqB7g
Pahlsson from Hendrickson then Hendrickson from Pahlsson. Ying and Yang.
Who do they think they are Nelson and Brodzinski?
Barto played one of the two games this past weekend stopping 46 of 47 shots in a 4-1 win. His Oklahoma team scored twice in the last 5 minutes to seal the win.
Can follow Gavin Katz at USA Hockey Nationals HERE. A goal and two assists in Shattuck’s first game.
Shattuck drops a 5-3 game to the St. Louis Jr. Blues, but Gavin Katz scores two of he three Shattuck goals
Plays with a couple of Gopher recruits at Sioux Falls. His head coach's son plays for the Gophers. I'm sure Rud knows what the Gophers are looking for and played matchmaker. Always nice to have a father of a current player help with the "scouting" of future recruits. Welcome aboard Hayden.
I had always been wondering if Eric Rud was his father. Just had been curious because I went to school with Eric from grades 6-10 before I transferred out of Simley. I figured he probably was Eric's son.
Another one for Gruba
https://twitter.com/ushl/status/1776404933849362474?s=46&t=UtlPiq7Vt1Te97QT76L7LQ
Pucks just seem to go in for him
Talk about a welcome addition in Gruba's shot when our entire D-core scored a total of 9 goals this season.
Here's a really nice play/assist from Ziemer tonight:
Another one for Gruba
https://twitter.com/ushl/status/1776404933849362474?s=46&t=UtlPiq7Vt1Te97QT76L7LQ
Left the announcer speechless 😆
Barto with a really good game last night. Starting to heat up a tad.
Barto with a really good game last night. Starting to heat up a tad.
Couldnt really “cool off” either…
Hendrickson carries it into the zone and Pahlsson eventually scores.
I don’t know about anybody else but I’m pretty excited about the recruits coming in next year. I liked Nevers-Nelson-Brodzinski and hope Nevers is back, but I think Hendrickson-Pahlsson-Ziemer have a lot more potential. 2 NTDPers, one the current captain, and an older guy who puts up pts in whatever league he’s playing in. Not to mention Gruba is pretty much scoring right there with them as a defenseman.
https://twitter.com/fightingsaints/status/1776774361875124672?s=61&t=-_wGA13cAbVi0rBpXZvfNA
I'm 50% factual and 50% sarcastic. When you get to know me, you will know which is which.
Gavin Katz named all-tournament at USA Hockey Nationals 16u division.
Javon Moore in the lineup for Sioux Falls tonight. Looks like his first USHL game of the year.
Pahlsson with one already tonight.
https://twitter.com/fightingsaints/status/1778951012935475250
I'm 50% factual and 50% sarcastic. When you get to know me, you will know which is which.
Barto's NAHL team was eliminated from the playoffs tonight. Barto did not play in any of the best of 3 games.
Barto was 3-6 with a 3.89 GAA and 874 Sv% with Oklahoma
He was 12-6-3 with Youngstown in the USHL with a 3.01 GAA and 893 Sv%
Now we wait and see if he makes it back to campus.
I'm 50% factual and 50% sarcastic. When you get to know me, you will know which is which.
not a ton of "banner" guys in the class in terms of high draft picks, but man they've been productive. Excited to see how it translates to the next level for them.
Central scouting has released its final ranking. Gophers listed on the North American skaters --
#47 Javon Moore
#59 Brodie Ziemer
#145 John Whipple
#177 Erik Pahlsson
BTW, Eiserman has dropped to #12
https://twitter.com/NHLCentralScout/status/1780251548884340889
I'm 50% factual and 50% sarcastic. When you get to know me, you will know which is which.
If Whipple falls to the second half of the draft, the speculated season in the USHL becomes a lot more palatable.
John Whipple is one of the players hosting this video.
I'm 50% factual and 50% sarcastic. When you get to know me, you will know which is which.
Falloon with 3 assists in the 1st period tonight. If he keeps this up, he will be playing with Snuggy and Moore on the top line next year. 😉 Also didn't realize he is the captain of Tri City.
I'm 50% factual and 50% sarcastic. When you get to know me, you will know which is which.