NHL Central Scouting "Players to Watch"

Clarkson recruits Nik Pokulok ('09), David Pratt ('09), Ben Sexton ('10), and Joe Zarbo ('10) were listed on the "Players to Watch" list for the 2009 NHL Draft.  Potential recruit David Pacan was also on the preliminary list.

Pokulok, Sexton, Zarbo, and Pacan were listed as "B" players.  Pratt was listed as a "C" player.

What is the criteria for the letter rating?

A-rating: Must see player predicted to be a potential 1st or 2nd round selection in the NHL draft.

B-rating: A player to note if a scout is in the area, a potential 3rd - 5th round selction.

C-rating: A player that Central Scouting is tracking, a potential late round selection.

Central Scouting will release their midseason rankings in January, followed by the final rankings in April.

Note:  Dependent on the source, Pacan is either being recruited by BC, Michigan St., and Clarkson or SLU, Rensselaer and Clarkson.  I'm making the broad assumption since Clarkson was noted in both articles that the Knights are the likely choice. Read:  Wishful thinking.  

How do you follow up a bad week-end? Invite the #1 team to Potsdam.

Knights split the week-end. 6-4 over RIT, and a 4-3 loss to Niagara. Discipline and defense. Not much else to say. Outshot over the week-end 79-51 and both goalies hung out to dry.

Good:

Karpowich named ECAC Rookie of the Week.

Offense - (D'Alvise, DeFazio, Tuohimma, the freshmen, etc all contributed).

Specialty teams - 2/8 on the PP, 12/14 PK.

Knights get one win?

Bad:

Defense - 8 goals, 79 shots!

Discipline - 57 minutes in penalties, D'Alvise out for Friday's game with a DQ called at the end of the game.

Knights get one win?

Ugly:

Cramps.

RIT fans believing SLUt is better than Clarkson.

Colorado College up next...#1 in the country, 9-0-1 against Clarkson all-time.

Of course CC is also ranked #7 in this poll. We can only hope they use some during pre-game. Brings a new meaning to "Fire up the Bus!"

Note: "Good, Bad, (and Ugly)" used without permission from vicb.

Hockey Broadcasts

Just a reminder that Clarkson Hockey broadcasts are available live at http://hockey.clarkson.edu/.

If you're fortunate enough to be in Western NY, unfortunate enough to not be going to Friday's game at RIT, Time Warner Cable 26 will be televising the game!

Also be sure to join in on the traditional live chat going on over at the Golden Knights Hockey Roundtable.

Lets go tech!

Drop the Puck!

The Clarkson Golden Knights open the 2008-2009 campaign tonight on the road at RIT. Clarkson is coming off a regular season ECAC championship and their first win in the NCAA tournament in 12 years. With the departure of 6 seniors that made up head coach George Roll's best recruiting class the Knights look to reload and remain on top of the ECAC heap.

The Clarkson women's squad takes the ice on the road as well, heading back to New England to take on Boston Universtiy and 4th ranked New Hampshire. The women look to rebound after starting the year with a loss and a tie at Boston College.

I think today I'll try to update live from the game in Rochester. Stay tuned today for updates.

"Three Blind Mice!" to be replaced with "Your Fly Is Open!"?

I was going to post about "Clarkson players from years gone by", but felt since the beginning of the season is almost upon us, this topic is more pertinent. The NCAA has implemented a number of changes this year, some of which will cause heads to spin at Cheel and many eyes checked. One thing is certain, faceoffs and discipline will become all-important to bring home a Knight win.

1. 2 Referee/2-linesmen: The most controversial, yet IMO, required change that may open up the game (finally), removing the clutch and tackle tactics prevalent throughout college hockey. Particular emphasis will be placed on eliminating the holding or impeding of the puck carrier. The NHL has used this system successfully, eliminated the NJ Devil syndrome, and allowed the skilled, speedy, and sometimes smaller player to thrive. Many disagree with this, but one guy who knows about winning titles likes the change.

What does this mean to the Knights?: Specialty teams will determine games. A premium will be placed on skating. Do you think Coach Roll may have had a plan when he recruits? ;-). Expect to see 15-25 penalties called during the game early in the season. The PP needs to improve from last year. Hopefully Mr. Paquet has learned a few things the past few years.

2. Faceoff locations: The faceoff location after a penalty will now be in the defending zone of the offending team. Outside of the referee change, this one has the greatest potential to affect the game result.

What does this mean to the Knights?: Mr. D'Alvise have you taken your "Dodge" pills? Who recalls the Harvard match-up in the 2004 tournament? Faceoff wins just became key to a "W".

3. Pants with zippers must be zippered: Well....DUH?! I can only imagine if I got a penalty every time I walked around with my fly down.

What does this mean to the Knights?: The intermission just became that much more important to allow "breathing room". Bonesaw should have fun with this one. I expect to see new chants soon!

Those that want to see all the rule changes, just follow this nice link (originally found by JoeCCT). Also, Paul Stewart (Director of ECAC Hockey Officiating) provided some insight into the intent of the rules changes.

Enjoy and LGT!!!

Bring on the Recruits!

If you have been impressed with the recruiting to date by Roll & co., expect not to be disappointed in '09 and on. While the staff cannot comment on any prospective recruits these recruits have been confirmed by Chris Heisenberg or other media sources. (for those that don't know Chris has the most comprehensive listing of hockey recruits for every Division 1 hockey program)

Knight fans are aware of the recent individual success of Roll recruits: (2 All-Americas, 12 NHL Draft choices, 7 All-ECAC team selections, a Ken Dryden Award winner, All ECAC rookie team, Best ECAC Defensive Forward selection and various all tournament teams) You get the idea: Coach Roll, Drechsel, and Houle know how to recruit top talent to the hinterland of the St. Lawrence River. They typically prefer the recruit that can skate with serious speed (wish I still had the Nick Tremblay video!), forwards that have all the intangibles, and dmen with the learned ability to QB the powerplay and make that "first pass out of the zone". Did I say they also have to have serious skating ability?

The 2009 verison of Knight recruits has 3 members from the USHL, 1 from the Prep ranks, 1 from the EJHL, and 1 from the OJHL. Yes, the OPJHL is now the OJHL. The common acceptance that the USHL is the best Junior, Tier anything league in North America has three recruits joining that league this year. Considering that Clarkson has had only 9 recruits from that league is an indicator the coaching staff recommended their decision. What does that mean as a Knight observer? Don't expect to see inflated stat lines from those recruits, but do expect players better prepared to contribute immediately. USHL statistics are less of a predictor on whether they will score at the college level.

So...who is expected in 2009?

Andrew Himelson - Monroe, NY; standout defenseman from the New Jersey Hitmen (EJHL) who can score from the blueline, 2nd on the Hitmen scoring list at 45-16-33-49, also recruited by CC, Providence, and UMass. Currently plays for the DesMoines Bucs (USHL). Clarkson connection - Steve Dubinsky's cousin. Attended USA Select Festivals where Coach Roll was on staff.

Adam Pawlick - originally from Utica, NY; smooth skating, all-around talent, plays both ends of the ice well, also recruited by Colgate and Quinnipiac. All-New England selection as a junior for the Salisbury School. Currently plays for the Sioux City Musketeers (USHL). Clarkson connection - Adam's father is a Clarkson alum. USA Select Festivals.

Nik Grenier-Pokulok - Vandreuil, Quebec; BIG (6'5" 225+lbs). A defensive defenseman who likes to play physical (you think?) without accumulating Matt Nickerson-like penalties, good puck handling ability. Ranked #132 for the 2008 draft, while eligible for 2009. Playing for Northwood Prep. Clarkson connection - see Northwood, Cornell ;-).

David Pratt - Napanee, Ontario; "stay at home defenseman, gifted skater". 6th round choice of the Brampton Battalion (rights owned by Kingston), invited to the 2008 Team Canada East tryouts. 2nd year playing for the Wellington Dukes. Clarkson connection - Paul Karpowich.

Matt Wilson - another native NYer, from Liverpool; speed, grit, offensive punch, and tremendous work-ethic. I'd add an uncanny ability to setup his younger brother, but I regress. Playing for the Syracuse Stars (EJHL). Clarkson connection - "Playing for Clarkson University has been a dream of mine ever since I can remember." USA Select Festivals.

Matt Zarbo - Grand Island, NY. Product of Select Hockey, EliteProspects, US Select Team and the Boston Jr. Bruins. 3rd round draft choice of Brampton. Good skater, excellent vision, plays physical. Another recruit that is on the same team as his brother, ('10 Knight recruit) Joe Zarbo. Plays for the Tri-City Storm (USHL). Clarkson connection - East Coast Select Hockey, USA Select Festivals.

A Rough Start

The Golden Knights Men's squad has yet to take the ice this season but already the Knights are shorthanded. Reports are in that senior forward Shea Guthrie has broken a bone in his wrist and will be out for an indeterminate amount of time.

On the Women's side the Knights opened up their 2008-2009 season with a trip to Boston College, the Knights were shut out by the Eagles 2-0 on Saturday but managed a 4-4 tie on Sunday. Captain Kimberly McKenney tallied the game tying goal in the third period on the power play. The Knights trailed BC 4-0 after the first but stormed back in the second on goals from Juana Baribeau and Mari-Jo Gaudet, and third period goals from Gillanders and McKenney.

It's been a long offseason... Are you ready for Knight hockey?

The summer is over, and the smell of fall and hockey is here. Many are anticipating the 2008-2009 edition of the Golden Knights with a few questions in hand:

Will Guthrie and D'Alvise lead the Knights offensively?

Who will be the one to stop all the pucks?

Can they make the NCAAs?

Is the defense as good as expected?

Who will emerge from the talented freshmen class to replace the likes of Dodge, Zalewski, Cayer, Arciero, Leggio, and Clitsome?

Finally, will the Knights beat the SLUzers four times?!?

Sorry, I don't have the knowledge or insight required, so you'll have to ask someone else and watch the season progress with us.

Speaking of the '08 alumni, here is where they are currently practicing their skill.

Nick Dodge and David Leggio were recently sent down to Carolina's AHL farm team, the Albany River Rats. Last night, David, playing 2 periods, got the no decision in 5-3W over the Soundtigers. Unfortunately, David will likely be sent down to the Blades after the Hurricanes most recent roster moves. On the positive side, David was actively pursued by the Blades' GM and coach and should be given every opportunity to move up to the Rats. I'd expect Nick to stay with the Rats, and may get an opportunity with the 'Canes at some point this year.

Steve Zalewski was impressive throughout the Sharks rookie camp, and gained consideration by many to make the opening day roster, particularly after Torrey Mitchell (UVM) suffered a (nasty) break to his leg. The depth of the Sharks organization, with Thornton, Goc, Pavelski, and Roenick expected to start the season at the center position, resulted in Steve being sent down to Worcester. ECAC fans can still catch Mike Moore throwing punches for the Sharks.

Guess Clarkson fans can catch a bloody mary and brew at the Firehouse Cafe before watching Z tear up the AHL. Watch for Z to be called up this year as well.

Grant Clitsome - who would have thought he was the most ready to make the NHL this year? Coach Hitchcock spoke of Clitsome on his daily show today, and had some impressive praise for Grant, stating - "I think Clitsome has impressed me the most. Looks to be a really good NHL player soon. Stepped up so much. Can possibly grab a spot". Who knows - he might just make it. I'm still betting he gets sent down, if for the only reason of increased playing time. I just don't see him making the top 6. I hope I'm wrong.

David Cayer decided to take a boat across the ocean and play for the Etoile Noire de Strasbourg .(Yes! he is still a Knight!) He continues to put up the points with a 4-2-1-3 line, and lead the team after being made an Assistant Captain. I'll continue to use Google Translate to provide Cayer fans with updates. My high school french still doesn't help me in Montreal!

Mike Arciero is probably starting on his path to success as well. He certainly represented the Knights well during his playing days.

Others of note: Shawn Weller was sent down earlier to the B-Sens (AHL), Kyle McNulty surfaced in Colorado (CHL), Hugo Belanger needs to send some offspring towards Clarkson as he continues to score points anywhere he goes (currently the LNAH), and Chris Rogles finally hung up the goalie pads in Europe.

Important note: Should add that the Clarkson website is adding seating availability to the schedule. Reserved seating for the second CC game is gone...so hurry and get your tickets!

Maybe next time I'll add some info on the 2009 - 2011 recruiting classes. Let me know what Clarkson hockey news you want. Till next time!

UPDATE: Leggio assured of being sent down to the Blades.