Cam Johnson Named to Mike Richter Award Watch List for 2016-17

The webpage Let’s Play Hockey and the Herb Brooks Foundation announced the 20 goalies named to the watch list for the 2017 Mike Richter Award. UND goalie junior goalie Cam Johnson was named to the list.

Name	School	Year
Paul Berrafato #	Holy Cross	Junior
Michael Bitzer	Bemidji State	Junior
Gordon Defiel	Lake Superior State	Junior
Parker Gahagen	Army West Point	Senior
Mitch Gillam #	Cornell	Senior
Kyle Hayton #	St. Lawrence	Junior
Cole Huggins	Minnesota State	Senior
Tanner Jaillet	Denver	Junior
Cam Johnson *	North Dakota	Junior
Merrick Madsen #	Harvard	Junior
Chris Nell #	Bowling Green	Junior
Cal Petersen #	Notre Dame	Junior
Colton Phinney	Princeton	Senior
Ryan Ruck #	Northeastern	Sophomore
Eric Schierhorn #	Minnesota	Sophomore
Alex Sakellaropoulos	Union	Senior
Shane Starrett	Air Force	Sophomore
Atte Tolvanen	Northern Michigan	Sophomore
Drew Vogler	Merrimack	Sophomore
Evan Weninger #	Omaha	Sophomore

 

Hmm, He Said What?

Leading up to this weekend's matchup between UND and UMD, Coach Sandelin said this.

“Their top line is back together and you saw what they can do when they played here. Their goaltending was great here, so we have got to find a way to solve Johnson. Denver did last weekend. We saw a few weaknesses in his game, so hopefully we can exploit some of those.” — Sandelin on North Dakota

So, did coach Sandelin offer up some bulletin board material? I imagine that Johnson was made aware of those comments. Does he have a point?

I am not so sure that Sandelin is that far off of the mark. While Johnson does have some impressive numbers, he also has a great d-corp in front of him. And after watching Cam play last weekend, I noticed that his positioning was a little off. Last weekend, I thought he was too far back in the crease. I think UMD will do some side to side passes, like the Huskies did to get his feet moving. Stay tuned.

Who's the Best Player in College Hockey?

Eric Sorenson of ESPN has his mid-season rundown of college hockey. First I realize that ESPN is stationed in Bristol, Connecticut and they have a hard time seeing past Michigan when it comes to college hockey.

Second, I want to be clear,  Michael Garteig is a great goaltender, but is he really the best player in the NCAA?

Best player: Michael Garteig, G, Quinnipiac

Garteig has been a block of granite for the Bobcats in their 17-1-3 start. The senior broke QU records for career wins (62) and longest shutout streak (194 minutes, 49 seconds) so far this season. His goals-against average is 1.35, which is within striking distance of the D-I record of 1.19, held by Maine's Jimmy Howard in 2004.

For comparison sake: Michael Garteig is ranked fifth in the NCAA, Cam Johnson is first overall. Yes, you read that correctly. Johnson leads the nation in goals-against average and save percentage.

Johnson is currently the top ranked goalie in division I college hockey (9-0-1, 1.07 GAA and .957 save percentage). Since returning from injury, Johnson is (8-0-0, 0.50 goals-against average, .981 save percentage).

Yesterday, Johnson was also named the NCHC Player of the Month for December. Today, Johnson was named the Hockey Commissioners’ Association (HCA) National Division I Player of the Month for December.

All things aside, who's the best player in college hockey?

No. 1/2 QU Men's Ice Hockey Featured On https://t.co/SJEjWyJhZx https://t.co/xufAZSy5NJ

— Quinnipiac Athletics (@QUAthletics) January 6, 2016

A Goaltending Conundrum (RW77)

by Redwing77

Today, as I tediously tracked the Vermont score from the North Dakota iPhone App (I was with company and couldn't tune in), a viewer chimed in and remarked:

"Wouldn't it be interesting when Cam Johnson returns to be the third string goaltender."

I'm not sure this was tongue in cheek or serious, but let's pretend the poster was serious.

My response would be:  A-wha?

There's no doubt in my mind that Matt Hyrnkiw has played fantastically and far exceeded EVERYONE'S (except perhaps the coaches and players) expectations.  I will not take that away from him.  I hope he continues to shine (He's now helped sweep Vermont).

That being said, he was brought in as a practice goaltender.  The accurate statement would be "Wouldn't it be interesting to see the fans reaction when Matt goes from starter back to third stringer once Matej and Cam return?"

There is NO DOUBT in my mind that Johnson and Tomek are destined to be the feature goaltenders this season and Matt's career as a starter will last only until either Johnson or Tomek are once again at 100%.  After all, 3 games started does not mean a goaltending controversy... especially when the goaltenders being usurped all all injured.  This isn't Anthony Hammond usurping Robin Lehner and Craig Anderson here.  Also, wins and ties against BSU and UVM are hardly quality wins.  I'm curious how well the team would play if they were facing a lot tougher opponent... say a Denver, a UNO, or even a Miami (OH).

Like I said:  This isn't to flame Matt or berate him in any way.  It's just a plain fact.

I don't expect him to return to third stringer overnight, though.  What Matt's play DOES do for UND is allow the trainers to bring Cam and Matej back to health fully before getting them on the ice.  I wouldn't be shocked to see Matt start a game with Cam (or Matej, whomever is healthy first) as backup before ceding the starting role back to Cam or Matej (most likely Cam at this point).

Matt's a cinderella story.  A very pleasant surprise.  Surely we lucked out to have him as our #3 with the ability to step up under very unusual circumstances and step up in a big way.

Matt is destined for great things and I'm sure is living the dream as a starting goaltender for a top tier NCAA powerhouse hockey team.  But he knows his role and he'll do whatever he can to fulfill that role.

I think the overall aftermath will be that you will see Hyrnkiw more than previously as primary backup for Johnson or Tomek (with one or the other taking a turn in the press box when healthy).

Three UND Men's Preseason Story Lines

With the first exhibition only 16 days away for the North Dakota Men's Hockey Team, it is time to take a look at three major story lines going into the 2015-2016 season.

Brad Berry's First Season as Head Coach
As summer was just starting to go into full force, the UND hockey world was given a surprise that many, myself included, were never thinking that we were going to hear, well at least this soon. Head Coach Dave Hakstol would resign as head coach and take a head job in the NHL with the Philadelphia Flyers, ending his successful tenure as one of the top coaches in program history.

Who would be his replacement? Assistant coach Brad Berry was almost immediately announced as the new bench boss for UND, He was won over by the locker room right away as the appropriate choice to take over as head coach and the same can be said by the incoming freshman class as well.

The Alberta native has had a lot of experience surrounding the game, whether it be playing, coaching, or even as a scout for the Dallas Stars and Vancouver Canucks. Berry, who is a University of North Dakota alum and played for UND as a defenseman from 1983-1986 where he would collect 74 points in 112 games played.

The coach would then have two stints as an assistant coach at UND, first under Dean Blais, and then under Coach Hakstol. However, His time with Coach Hakstol would be split in to two parts as he would take job opportunities in the AHL with the Manitoba Moose, and then in the NHL with the Columbus Blue Jackets as assistant coach.

Coach Berry has a lot to prove to carry on the tradition of winning and NCAA tournament appearances as the 16th head coach in UND history, however, taking what he learned at the NHL level and from Coach Hakstol, he should be able to find success in a timely manor as the UND bench boss.

Who Starts in Goal?
With the early departure of Zane McIntyre to the NHL at the end of last season, it is now time to figure out who is going to be the new call to the net for UND. Right now the logical choice seems to be Cam Johnson, however he still has limited experience as McIntyre saw most of the playing time last season

Incoming freshman Matej Tomek could give Johnson a run for his money. The 2015 third round draft pick (90th overall) to the Philadelphia Flyers was named NAHL goaltender of the year last year posting a 24-7-2 record with a 1.83 GAA and .928 save percentage. If Tomek is able to avoid those freshman jitters, he very well could be the guy to call to the blue paint this season.

Finally, there is junior Matt Hrynkiw. Taking off where former third string Tate Maris left off, Hrynkiw has yet to see any action in regular season play and has only seen 3:32 of total ice time in UND's 7-2 exhibition victory over the USA under 18 team last January. He does not seem to be a huge factor in who will be the starting goaltender.

For now, you have to start the veteran Cam Johnson on opening night, but maybe a few weeks into the season, try a goalie by committee to see who you will ride down the stretch and into the conference and NCAA tournaments.

Drake Caggiula
After his best season at the collegiate level, senior Drake Caggiula is looking to lead the offensive charge once again this season and dazzle the crowd with his highlight reel goals and big hits when fighting for puck possession.

Caggiula enters this season as an assistant captain for UND and the NCAA active player games leader at 123 games played. He has earned 76 points in his three seasons with UND and including a career high 36 last season.

The three time letter winner has much to improve on this season after his career best season last year, but his niche to find the net, and leadership qualities will have him possibly pushing the 45 point and 20 goal mark by seasons end in April.

Good Day for UND at the Draft (RW77)

North Dakota was well represented today at the draft with all highlighted players drafted and one off the board being drafted.

Here's the breakdown:

Adam Tambellini was drafted in the 3rd round (65th overall) to the NY Rangers.
Keaton Thompson was drafted in the 3rd round (87th overall) to the Anaheim Ducks.
Tucker Poolman was drafted in the 5th round (127th overall) to the Winnipeg Jets.
Luke Johnson was drafted in the 5th round (134th overall) to the Chicago Blackhawks.
Gage Ausmus was drafted in the 5th round (151st overall) to the San Jose Sharks.
Wade Murphy was drafted in the 7th round (185th overall) to the Nashville Predators.

Undrafted UND Draft eligible players were:  Drake Caggiula, Cam Johnson (incoming 2014), Trevor Olson, Troy Stetcher, Colton St. Clair, Luke Voltin, Charlie Pelnik, and Jack Rowe.

Surprises

In my opinion, I have no surprises to say because I'm terrible at predicting who will and will not get drafted.  I still have memories of thinking Kyle Radke would be a end 4th to mid 5th draft pick and watching him fall straight off the board.

So UND has 6 drafted players from various rounds incoming.

I think this is pretty good considering that this was, according to several "experts" a "down" year for NCAA and NCAA-inbound players in terms of high end talent.  Only one player (current WMU recruit Michael McCarron went in the first round.  His MJ rights are owned by London of the OHL, btw, so it will be interesting to see if he actually goes to WMU in the fall (my bet is that he won't).

There weren't as many trades as they expected but here are a few interesting ones:

NJ Devils trade the 9th pick overall to Vancouver for Cory Schneider - This pick makes a lot of sense for NJ and absolutely NO sense for Vancouver.  Luongo wanted out.  Vancouver front office wanted Luongo out.  So they trade Schneider.  Definitely a head scratcher.

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Wild trade Cal Clutterbuck to the Isles for Nino Neitereider and a pick.  This is an interesting trade because you have a tried and true gritty forward being traded for a former first rounder whose offense has been suspect.  In other words, it's Risebrough-esque.  I've seen Nino play and he's pretty good if you give him space.  If you crowd him, he disappears.  At best, Nino is another Pierre Marc Bouchard.  At worst, he's a nobody.

But probably the worst trade by the Wild had to be Justin Falk for the rights to Benn Ferriero and a 2014 6th rounder.  Sorry Wild fans, but Ferriero is another Veillieux in terms of offensive talent.  22 points in 92 NHL games.  The Wild do not need defensive forwards... well maybe they do now that Clutterbuck is gone?  So they ship away a decent young defenseman for the RFA rights to Ferriero?  Yuck.  If that pick was a 2013 mid rounder (say 4th-6th round) then I'd say "Ok."  But blech.

In wrapping up:  Boston College and UND had 6 players drafted last count.  That tops them out for NCAA schools.  Not too shabby.

Luke Voltin (Lincoln), F Jack Rowe (Cedar Rapids), D Charlie Pelnik (Fargo) - See more at: http://undhockey.areavoices.com/#sthash.dIBFIQKe.dpuf

Luke Voltin (Lincoln), F Jack Rowe (Cedar Rapids), D Charlie Pelnik (Fargo) - See more at: http://undhockey.areavoices.com/#sthash.dIBFIQKe.dpuf

Luke Voltin (Lincoln), F Jack Rowe (Cedar Rapids), D Charlie Pelnik (Fargo) - See more at: http://undhockey.areavoices.com/#sthash.dIBFIQKe.dpuf

Luke Voltin (Lincoln), F Jack Rowe (Cedar Rapids), D Charlie Pelnik (Fargo) - See more at: http://undhockey.areavoices.com/#sthash.dIBFIQKe.dpuf

Luke Voltin (Lincoln), F Jack Rowe (Cedar Rapids), D Charlie Pelnik (Fargo) - See more at: http://undhockey.areavoices.com/#sthash.dIBFIQKe.dpuf

Luke Voltin (Lincoln), F Jack Rowe (Cedar Rapids), D Charlie Pelnik (Fargo) - See more at: http://undhockey.areavoices.com/#sthash.dIBFIQKe.dpuf

Luke Voltin (Lincoln), F Jack Rowe (Cedar Rapids), D Charlie Pelnik (Fargo) - See more at: http://undhockey.areavoices.com/#sthash.dIBFIQKe.dpuf

Luke Voltin (Lincoln), F Jack Rowe (Cedar Rapids), D Charlie Pelnik (Fargo) - See more at: http://undhockey.areavoices.com/#sthash.dIBFIQKe.dpuf

Luke Voltin (Lincoln), F Jack Rowe (Cedar Rapids), D Charlie Pelnik (Fargo) - See more at: http://undhockey.areavoices.com/#sthash.dIBFIQKe.dpuf

Luke Voltin (Lincoln), F Jack Rowe (Cedar Rapids), D Charlie Pelnik (Fargo) - See more at: http://undhockey.areavoices.com/#sthash.dIBFIQKe.dpuf

Luke Voltin (Lincoln), F Jack Rowe (Cedar Rapids), D Charlie Pelnik (Fargo) - See more at: http://undhockey.areavoices.com/#sthash.dIBFIQKe.dpuf