Frozen Four: Semi-Final Recap, A Look Ahead

Posted on April 8, 2011 by Chris Peters

If you tuned into any of the five and a half hours of hockey coverage on ESPN2 Thursday night, you were treated to some exciting hockey.

The University of Minnesota Duluth topped Notre Dame in a bit of an ugly affair with a few soft goals and loads of penalties. It wasn’t a pretty game, but the end-to-end action and Notre Dame making it close late made for pretty exciting television. While the goaltending wasn’t spot on in UMD’s 4-3 win, the skill players put on a pretty good display.

The shocker came in the nightcap with the Michigan Wolverines shutting out North Dakota, 2-0. It was clear that North Dakota was the faster, stronger, more skilled team. However, it was Michigan’s Shawn Hunwick who stole the show and stole the game from the Fighting Sioux.

Coming up after the jump, a look at what I enjoyed most about Thursday night’s Frozen Four action.

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Posted in American Prospects, NCAA | 3 Comments

Frozen Four Preview: North Dakota

Posted on April 6, 2011 by Chris Peters

Throughout the week, I’ll have posts on each of the teams playing in the 2011 NCAA Frozen Four. There is plenty of quality FF coverage across the internet, but I’ll try and give you something just a little different.

It’s no secret that the University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux are the favorites to win the whole thing. As the last remaining No. 1 seed from the regionals, why shouldn’t they be? For much of the season, the Sioux have been the top-ranked team in college hockey and possess Hobey Baker favorite Matt Frattin.

On Thursday, in primetime no less (8:30 p.m. ET), North Dakota will meet fellow college hockey power Michigan on ESPN2 (or “The Deuce” if you think it sounds cooler… it doesn’t). As I mentioned in my preview of the Wolverines Tuesday, this has a chance to be a fantastic showcase for college hockey. I don’t expect either of these teams to disappoint.

Coach Dave Hakstol has a veteran-laden, skilled and gritty team. Coming up after the jump, a look at what stands out to me about this Fighting Sioux hockey team.

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Frozen Four Preview: Michigan

Posted on April 5, 2011 by Chris Peters

Throughout the week, I’ll have posts on each of the teams playing in the 2011 NCAA Frozen Four. There is plenty of quality FF coverage across the internet, but I’ll try and give you something just a little different.

The University of Michigan is no stranger to success on the ice. Competing in its record 24th Frozen Four, the Wolverines have been one of the elite programs throughout the history of college hockey. However, Red Berenson’s crew has been without a national title since 1998, despite a bevy of elite talent coming through the program. If there’s one thing elite programs can’t stand, it’s title droughts.

The road to the national championship game goes right through the North Dakota Fighting Sioux, which has been one of college hockey’s best teams throughout the year. On Thursday at 8:30 p.m. ET, two of the best programs in all of college hockey go head-to-head on ESPN2.

It should be a great showcase for what makes the college game great and I’d expect a spirited contest between two storied programs.

Coming up after the jump, a look at what stands out to me and what I’ll be watching when Michigan takes the ice.

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Frozen Four Preview: Minnesota Duluth

Posted on April 5, 2011 by Chris Peters

Throughout the week, I’ll have posts on each of the teams playing in the 2011 NCAA Frozen Four. There is plenty of quality FF coverage across the internet, but I’ll try and give you something just a little different.

The University of Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs have had an incredible season and their being in the Frozen Four is no fluke. I’ve seen this team play a few times on TV and was always impressed with the way that they competed.

They’ll have a very tough opponent in Notre Dame come Thursday at 5 p.m. EDT on ESPN2. We covered the Fighting Irish in yesterday’s Frozen Four Preview.

With Thursday night’s contest, the Bulldogs get national exposure. For a team that has been getting better and better recruits, this could be a huge showcase for their program.

Scott Sandelin and his staff have put together a heck of a hockey team. So, after the jump, here’s a look at what stands out to me about Minnesota Duluth.

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Posted in American Prospects, NCAA, NHL, NTDP | 3 Comments

Frozen Four Preview: Notre Dame

Posted on April 4, 2011 by Chris Peters

Throughout the week, I’ll have posts on each of the teams playing in the 2011 NCAA Frozen Four. There is plenty of quality FF coverage across the internet, but I’ll try and give you something just a little different.

Starting Thursday evening, at 5 p.m. ET, college hockey’s greatest showcase kicks off on ESPN2. Notre Dame will take on Minnesota Duluth as both teams are in search of their first national title. It should be a very exciting game between a couple of teams that don’t lack for star power.

Today we take a look at the Fighting Irish, led by head coach Jeff Jackson.

Instead of giving you analysis of the season they’ve had or the way they play, I’m taking a look at some of the other things that stand out in my mind when I think about this Notre Dame team, as well as who hockey fans should be keeping a close eye on during the Frozen Four.

Check it out, after the jump.

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United States of Hockey On The Air

Posted on April 1, 2011 by Chris Peters

Today, I joined Matt Gajtka on his Blog Talk Radio podcast. We covered everything from the Frozen Four, the Big Ten Hockey Conference, NHL Draft prospects, the World Under-18 Championship and the Pee Wee checking debate.

Make sure to check out the podcast archive here:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/btrplayer.swf

Listen to internet radio with Matt Gajtka on Blog Talk Radio

 

Posted in American Prospects, NCAA, NHL Draft, NTDP, U.S. National Teams, USA Hockey, World U18 Championship | Comments Off on United States of Hockey On The Air

U18WC: A Look at Team USA’s Defensemen & Goalies

Posted on March 31, 2011 by Chris Peters

In international hockey, a team will often only be as good as its goaltender and defensive group. Pretty much every team will have it’s fair share of high-end skill players, putting pressure on the defense. With the speed and skill of teams like Sweden, Russia, Canada and Finland, the defense has to be solid and limit mistakes, while the goaltender always has to be ready to make some big saves.

The U.S. has been developing top defensemen at an alarming rate. A look at last year’s crop from the U.S. Men’s National Under-18 Team and you can count two first-rounders and three defensemen selected in the second round. That’s off just one team. Other notable D-men to have passed through the tournament are Jack Johnson, Erik Johnson and Ryan Suter. This year’s group may not have the same pedigree as years previous, but is still a solid group with plenty of talent and international experience.

Once the Achilles heel for USA Hockey, goaltending has become a strength for U.S. National Teams. From the Olympic level, right on down to the U17s, the United States has a bevy of talented ‘tenders. Last season, Jack Campbell earned the directorate award as the best goaltender in the World Under-18 Championship and was between the pipes in each of Team USA’s last two U18 gold-medal games.

While Campbell has aged out, the U.S. has not one, but two elite netminders to rely on in this tournament.

Coming up after the jump an in-depth look at Team USA’s two goaltenders and seven defensemen.

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Posted in American Prospects, NHL Draft, NTDP, U.S. National Teams, USA Hockey, World U18 Championship | 1 Comment

U18WC: A Look at Team USA’s Forwards

Posted on March 30, 2011 by Chris Peters

The U.S. Men’s National Under-18 Team has a daunting task ahead. The U.S. has won the last two gold medals, and no team in the history of the tournament has ever won three consecutively. In fact, no U.S. National Team, men’s, women’s or otherwise, has ever won three consecutive titles.

So while history is not on their side, the U.S. Men’s National Under-18 Team has had success internationally throughout the last to years as members of the NTDP and can be confident heading into the biggest tournament they’ve played in yet.

At the forward position, Team USA has a solid group that brings a variety of talents to the table. With three forwards in this group projected to go early in the NHL Draft and many more expected to be picked up, there’s plenty of elite talent. While the top three will get the headlines, the depth of this group is underrated.

After the jump, a look at Team USA’s 13 forwards.

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U.S. Roster for IIHF World Under-18 Championship Named

Posted on March 30, 2011 by Chris Peters

Today, USA Hockey announced the roster for it’s U.S. Men’s National Under-18 Team that will compete at the 2011 International Ice Hockey Federation World Under-18 Championship in Crimmitschau and Dresden, Germany, April 14-24.  Team USA will look to capture an unprecedented third consecutive gold medal at the World Under-18s, with golds coming in Fargo in 2009 and Minsk, Belarus, in 2010. The U.S. will also look to keep alive it’s also unprecedented seven-year medal streak (Gold: 2010, 2009, 2006, 2005; Silver: 2007, 2004; Bronze: 2008).

The World Under-18 Championship is a truly exciting tournament. While it lacks the big budget and loads of coverage received by its older brother, the World Juniors, it is no less important in the grand scheme of things.

The World U18s is a great stage for draft-eligible players to give that last push on their draft stock. Additionally, it’s great preparation for the World Juniors as the tournament format is identical. On top of everything, it’s the earliest chance for a player to represent his country in a IIHF-sanctioned World Championship. The gold medal is on the line.

The IIHF World Under-18 Championship is a hugely important tournament, particularly for the U.S. and European countries. Canada is unable to field a team of it’s very best players due to the OHL, WHL and QMJHL playoffs, but still puts out a very competitive team. With the 10 best countries at the U18 level all under one roof, it offers a glimpse at how everyone stacks up with each other.

Coming up after the jump, a quick look at the importance of the tournament to USA Hockey, the roster, coaching staff, tournament format, the participating teams, and details on tournament coverage you’ll find right here on United States of Hockey.

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American Prospect Update: NCAA Regionals Review and Prospect Links

Posted on March 29, 2011 by Chris Peters

The season has ended for many draft-eligible prospects. All, but a few American draft prospects in the NCAA has seen his season come to a close. Meanwhile, the USHL’s regular season is just about to wrap up and the playoff race is already up and running across the Canadian Hockey League. Lastly, we’re just a few short weeks away from one of the most important international events for draft eligible players, the IIHF World Under-18 Championship.

Today, we’ll take a look at the NCAA prospects that will now turn their focus to off-ice strength training, as their season has ended. We’ll also take a quick look at a few NCAA players that can up their draft stock at the Frozen Four. As usual, we’ve got some links to prospect news and features. All that and more after the jump…

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Posted in American Prospects, Junior Hockey, NCAA, NHL Draft, NTDP | Comments Off on American Prospect Update: NCAA Regionals Review and Prospect Links