Bozak impresses Burke.

I believe this kid is one of the more complete players to play in the WCHA last season. Can you imagine how DU might have fared if Tyler Bozak had been available all of last year and not suffered an knee injury? It will be interesting to see how he fares in the NHL next season.

"That's what stood out the first time I watched him play," said Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brian Burke, whom signed Bozak to an entry-level contract in April.

"The first time I saw him play was probably the worst game he played in college. His team got spanked at home and he probably only had two shots on net. But I still loved how the rest of his team sagged and he just kept on battling.

"He was average at best, but I still liked him."

For most of his two-year NCAA career, Bozak was anything but average. He led the Pioneers in scoring with 34 points in 41 games as a freshman. And last season, despite playing just 19 games, he finished with 23 points and a team-high plus-14 rating.

But aside from his points or his ability to kill penalties or win crucial face-offs, Bozak's biggest asset is his Chris Drury-like character and competitiveness.

Those qualities were on display when Bozak returned from injury against Miami of Ohio for the West Regional semi-final. He may have been rusty and barely healed. But he still scored a goal and an assist in the 4-2 loss.

"I definitely wasn't 100%," he said, "but it was a do-or-die game and I felt I could help spark the guys on our team and just do what I could do out there to help them."

The Leafs, who beat out about 25 other NHL teams to acquire the late-bloomer, believe Bozak can also provide a spark to its rebuilding dressing room.

Burke said the signing was the equivalent to acquiring a second-round draft choice. But unlike Toronto's actual draft picks this year such as seventh-overall selection Nazem Kadri, Bozak is the only one expected to immediately jump into the NHL. [Faceoff.com]

Canucks prospect pays his own way

Props to Richard from the Illegal Curve. Interesting article on Gophers forward Jordan Schroeder. I am surprised that Gophers coach Don Lucia didn't send Jordan with a shadow to make sure he comes back to Minnesota without a contract in hand. Also in the article you will notice a few familiar names of UMD Bulldog players Mason Raymond and Evan Oberg.

Jordan Schroeder, the Vancouver Canucks’ first-round pick in last month’s draft, had to borrow money from his father to attend the NHL team’s prospect camp at the University of British Columbia this week.

Schroeder, who attends the University of Minnesota, is subject to the strict rules of the U.S. National Collegiate Athletic Association. To protect his amateur status, and to be eligible to play for the Golden Gophers later this year, Schroeder had to pay his own way and must take care of his own lodging while in Vancouver.

“I definitely wanted to come and show the organization that I’m interested,” said Schroeder, the 22nd pick in the draft who has yet to sign a professional contract. “I wanted to prove to them that I can come in and pay my dues, even if it costs a little bit.”

Schroeder, 18, isn’t the only one paying his own way to take part in team-organized events. While other U.S. collegians among the two dozen or so prospects at camp this week face the same financial requirements, the Canucks also have NHL veterans and hopefuls digging into their own pockets to travel to Vancouver this summer.

The Canucks are holding off-ice training sessions with strength and conditioning coach Roger Takahashi. Every player in the organization is invited to take part in the GM Place workouts, though they are more suited for younger players looking to improve their game or their chances of making the team at training camp this fall. [the Globe and Mail]

A couple of things.

This weekends games between the Fighting Sioux and the Wisconsin Badgers will be on television. That is good news for Fighting Sioux fans. I will have to tape on my DVR and watch the game when I get home from work on Friday night.

Games will be on TV

This weekend's games will be on FSSN, thanks to Nodak Mutual, REA, WDAZ and Midcontinent Communications. UND says to contact your local cable provider for details, but it's supposed to "be aired on most local and regional cable systems that normally carry FSSN hockey broadcasts (click here for the official press release)

----------------UPDATE----------------
Sprig from Sioux sports just posted the freq's for those that have satellite dishes.

Here it is, from Jamie at the REA:

Echostar 9 - 121 w
Ku Band - Downlink Frequency: 11840.1250 V
L Band - Downlink Frequency: 1090.1250 V
Symbol Rate 4.88
FEC 3/4

Most of us that follow the Minnesota Wild know that that Wild GM Doug Risebrough does not usually pick up free agents that have a back ground in college hockey, there have been a few exception but the current team has none with college hockey experience. Here is a little heads up to Risebrough if he doesn't get shown the door. Jordan Leopold is a unrestricted free agent after the season is over.

LEOPOLD RETURNS TO CALGARY

Jordan Leopold is returning to the Calgary Flames. The Colorado Avalanche sent Jordan Leopold to the Calgary Flames in exchange for blue-liner Lawrence Nycholat, prospect Ryan Wilson and a second-round draft pick in 2009.

Leopold has 20 points (6-14) and is a minus-10 in 64 games this season.

Nycholat, who has one assist in 14 games, had been picked up on waivers a day earlier.

The 28-year-old defenceman spent three seasons with the Flames before being dealt to Colorado in the Alex Tanguay trade in June 2006.

Leopold is earning $1.5 million this season and will be an unrestricted free agent this summer.