NHL News for Former WCHA Players

[solbes]

I like to keep track of some of the former WCHA players in the NHL. Post your news in this topic if you have any. I will even root for former Sioux players in the NHL

Alex Stalock got his first NHL experience in goal for San Jose. He came in, made all 9 saves, and got his first NHL victory. I hope he continues to get chances at this level. He's an exciting goaltender for sure. You might remember him as the UMD goalie that got RED hot in the Final Five tourney a couple years back.

Matt Niskanen (former UMD blueliner) got in a pretty good fight with Colin Fraser on Jan 26th (Youtube). This time he won bringing his man down to the ice. I only note it because last time he fought was against Sidney Crosby and LOST!

[Bear55]

Good idea Solbes, I don't have much to post now but I alwasy keep an eye on the WCHA guys so I will try and dig up some info.

[cbrooks]

I like this topic. I'll try find a bunch of info and post it.

[scsavre]

No breaking news, but how about the former Gopher killer David Backes.

What a season. 16 goals and 21 assists in 49 games.

Id have to call out former gopher and Hobey winner, Jordan Leopold. Finally he is healthy and 10 goals, 17 assists in 49 games for a defense man. A real nice guy too, glad he is healthy.

[cbrooks]

I got one. Who would be your all WCHA line? Goal tender has to be Ben Elliott.

[cbrooks]

I've been trying to find former SCSU goaltender played around 2006 and 2007 last name Gephardt I think. Anybody remember this guy?

[scsavre]

Bobby Geopfert, Oh I remember him. 2 years at Providence then 2 years at cloud. had some sick games.

[cbrooks]

He own UND. I wander if he ever made it to the show. Its not too often you see a college goalie make it. Lot more competitive there.

[solbes]

WCHA goalies of the last 5-10 years. I'd agree that Brian Elliott would be my #1 by a fair margin. It was a crying shame that he didn't win the Hobey in 2006, he practically won the NCAA title all on his own. Matt Carle, PLEAAUUUSSSE!

I would also put Stalock, Goepfert, and Adam Berkhoel ('04 DU) on that list.

I didn't realize Leopold was doing so well this year. The Hobey has been kind of a curse in the NHL. I can only think of maybe 5 or 6 guys who have done well in the NHL over the past 20 Hobey winners or so.

[cbrooks]

This would be my all WCHA team that is currently still playing.

1st team (lw)Zach Parise © Jonathon Toews (rw)Dany Heatley

defensemen Matt Carle and Erik Johnson

2nd team (lw)Thomas Vanek ©Paul Statsny (rw)Blake Wheeler

defensemen Jordon Leopold and Matt Greene

3rd team (lw)Ryan Malone ©Travis Zajac (rw)David Backes

defensemen Mike Commodore and Paul Martin

4th team (lw)Drew Stafford ©Derek Stephan (rw)Joe Pavelski

defensemen Matt Niskanen and Keith Ballard

[Bear55]

That is one heck of a team. I would of course bump Martin and Ballard up the depth chart and lower Commodore & Greene.

[archerystud]

Good List cbrooks but I would add Matt Cullen over a couple of the centers you have there.

[solbes]

Tough to argue that list. Hard to see Vanek being only a line two winger, but then Parise is clearly the #1 line guy. I would bump Backes up to line 2, he's having a breakout year.

Tough to figure out where you'd put Wheeler and Pavelski. Lots of other talent there also like Phil Kessel, Mason Raymond, and Kyle Okposo. Okposo has a pretty dismal +/-, so I could see leaving him off the list.

Also I'd replace Ballard with Tom Gilbert.

[cbrooks]

I forgot about Kessel and Cullen.

My first line I feel good about but the rest I kind of struggle with. For goaltenders I can only think of two that are playing currently.

David Backes has to be the biggest surprise. I never thought he would have been allstar.

[OnAFly]

It's crazy to think back to college when I had a few classes with Backes. I never thought I would be watching him in the Allstar game a couple of years later. The guy was very bright as well. It's a rare thing to have that much skill and be as intelligent as he is.

As for Okposo - his +/- might have something to do with who he's surrounded by. Put him on a half decent team and his numbers would improve.

[scsavre]

Im sorry Brooksy, but that list in incorrect. Ill do post 2000' it is way too hard prior.

1st line

Thomas Vanek Peter Senja Marty Sertich

Jordan Leopold Matt Carl

2nd line

Zach Parise Gabe Ghouitie Johhny Pohl

Keith Ballard Tom Pressing

3rd line

TJ Oshie Paul Statsny Brett Sterling

Paul Martin Commadore

Ryan Potulny Ryan Laatch Chad Rau

Elliot in nets.

[scsavre]

Brooks, how did you not put Panzer on there. He was a way better Sioux player then Toews or Parise. Panzer was sick. I woulda had him but I thought he was pre 2000.

I forgot my 4th line defense

Travis Roche Justin Shulze I dont know his play, but those are good numbers.

[scsavre]

Oh, and thomas Vanek is by far the sickest college hockey player I have ever seen. I dont even have a close 2nd place.

[cbrooks]

My picks are base on the players that play in the NHL who are from the WCHA alum. I wasn't rating there proformance on the college level whatsoever. The list is current players who play in the WCHA. I should have explain my list better.

If I had a list for the top WCHA top in the last ten years it would be different from my NHL list.

[scsavre]

Ah man, maybe my wife is right. I do need to listen better. Ok. I will redo mine. Lets see your top college, NHL not a factor.

[scsavre]

Alright heres my now NHL players list.

1st line

Thomas Vanek Zach Parise Danny Heatly

Jordan Leoplold Alex Goligoski

2nd line

Johnathan Toews David Backes Paul Statsney

Matt Carle Paul Martin

3rd line

Phil Kessel Ryan Malone Joe Pavelski

Keith Ballard Erick Johnson

4th Line

Matt Cullen TJ OShie Jason Blake

Ryan Suter Tom Gilbert

[cbrooks]

Who did Ryan Suter play for?

[scsavre]

Wisc, only a year though, so I am not sure if I should count him.

[cbrooks]

No your right. he counts

[cbrooks]

If I could redo some of mine Ryan Suter and Tom Gilbert would be in there.

Scott is there any WCHA goaltenders that has played in the NHL this year besides Elliott and Stalock?