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]

Kessel negotiations on hold?

I am trying to figure out what the heck Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli is trying to do? Looks like the Bruins GM is playing hard ball with Kessel. To the fans on message boards that I see suggesting that Marco Sturm and Patrice Bergeron are going to be able to pick up the slack if Kessel leaves. Seriously; that isn't going to happen. Patrice Bergeron is one hit away from a medical retirement after suffering two concussions and Sturm has never scored more than 27 goals in a season. Also neither players is a pure scorer like Kessel.

As far as the current Bruins roster goes, according to a source close to the Phil Kessel negotiations, there has been no communication between the Bruins and the Kessel camp since the NHL entry draft. The last time Kessel’s agent Wade Arnott and Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli spoke, they reportedly let it be known where they stand, with Arnott stressing that his client’s first preference was to remain a Bruin. Chiarelli, according to this source, said the Bruins would get back to him, but as of Monday, they had not done so yet... [NESN]

More college kids paying their own way to camp.

It's too bad that there aren't any professional development camps close by, like maybe the Ralph, where a hockey fan could come watch some of the action and take some pictures. It will be interesting to see how Zach Budish does this season after missing all of last winter with a knee injury.

Hockey is not an inexpensive sport by any means. High-end equipment, registration fees, and travel expenses are all part of the commitment a hockey player and that player’s family are forced to endure to continue playing the sport they love. For the players at the Development Camp, they see the financial outlay as money well spent both in terms of their hockey education and the message their presence sends to the Predators.

“It sends the right message to the organization that you want to be here and you want to play in Nashville one day,” forward Nick Oliver said. “I think it is a great tool for college guys to come here to help them get prepared for their upcoming seasons. I’m going to try and learn a lot here.”

The 6’3” 184-pound Oliver is headed for St. Cloud State University in the fall. He was selected in the 4th round (110th overall) of last month’s Entry Draft.

Fellow recent draftee Zach Budish echoed Oliver’s comments.

“It’s a big week in our development, and gets us started off on the right note,” Budish said. “I just got drafted a couple of weeks ago, so I wanted to come down here, have a good experience, and learn a lot of things hopefully.”

The 18-year-old Budish already possesses NHL size at 6’3” and 229 pounds. He is recovering from a torn ACL sustained in a high school football game last fall. That injury prevented him from playing his senior hockey season at Edina High in Edina, Minnesota. Had Budish not sustained the knee injury, there was a good chance he would have been selected in the first round of the Entry Draft. Nashville selected him in the second round with the 41st overall pick.

Budish, who will play for the University of Minnesota in the fall, credited his parents for their financial contribution allowing him to come to Nashville [Examiner.com]

BHO thanks Ovie.

For those of you that haven't seen this on Puck Daddy here is our president thanking the Russian people for Alexander Ovechkin.

Early Signing?

Looks like Jordan Schroeder is non-committal on his future. I would be willing to bet we will see him for one more year in the WCHA.

Although he's clearly got a top-end future, Schroeder's probable path is to return to Minnesota, where he can mature physically for another year while likely contending for the Hobey Baker Award for college hockey's best player.

But Schroeder wouldn't commit to returning to college, only acknowledging it's likely. "I'll have some decisions to make when I go back home," he said. "[But] a year back in college wouldn't hurt at all." [Faceoff.com]

Anaheim Ducks sign Saku Koivu

Confirmed by [Mike Russo] You can take Saku Koivu off of the Wild's list of potential free agents. Looks like Wild fans are stuck with first round bust(s) James Sheppard and Benoit Pouliot. I am hoping the new GM tries to get another prized free agent.

The Anaheim Ducks have signed the free agent centre to a one-year, $3.25-million contract. Koivu, 34, had been the Canadiens' second-longest-serving captain in team history. [montrealgazette]

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]

Here is the video of the new BSU arena

Here is the a video of the new BREC, it is an impressive site and it's a good way to start off on the right foot in the WCHA for BSU. It also levels the playing field with the other haves around the WCHA. According to Moose Richards of KBUN AM 1450 in Bemidji, MN the Beavers head coach Tom Serratore would like to open the new BREC with North Dakota. Stay tuned as soon as we find out who will be the first team to open the new BREC I will let you know.

More on Joe Colborne at the Bruins Development Camp.

I guess in a way I am hoping this kids turns out to be the second coming of Joe Thornton only better. Meaning he won't disappear during the Stanley Cup playoffs and get sent to San Jose in a trade. Also! Good news for the other WCHA teams that big Joe doesn't plan on being at DU for all four years. You do have to love his honesty. As a first round draft choice most of us don't expect to be there that long either.

BEDFORD, Mass. — Denver head coach George Gwozdecky might not like to hear it, but Boston Bruins prospect Joe Colborne isn’t shy about the fact that he doesn’t plan to play four years for the Pioneers.

Fresh off his freshman campaign, Colborne explained that today after the first day of the Bruins’ Third Annual Development Camp at The Edge Sports Center, where the attendees were put through some land testing and then team-bonding exercises.

“I’m ready to be a Bruin whenever I can be,” Colborne, the Bruins’ first-round pick (16th overall) in ‘08, explained. “But again, I’m not going to kind of rush myself in so that I’m not ready. I have a great situation back at Denver, so whenever we sit with management we’ll figure that out.”

Colborne produced 10-21-31 totals in 40 games for the Pioneers this season. But those aren’t the numbers he and the Bruins are most interested in. For Colborne, playing college hockey in the U.S. is all about bulking up. He weighed in today at 206, which he said is 13 pounds more than he weighed at the start of Denver’s season. So eating eggs every day and hitting the weights as often as possible,paid off.

“It was a lot of hard work. That was the main reason I went to the college route because I could be working out three times a week all year,” he said. “We have a great trainer down there and ever since I’ve been home in the summer I’ve been working out in Calgary six times a week. It’s nice to finally see the rewards starting to come.
----------{snip}----------
“I think some of the guys that haven’t been here before, especially today, were a little bit shocked by what we were doing,” said Colborne, who played both center and wing for the Pioneers but thinks he’d still like to be a center in the pros. “But we were all in that situation, especially last year. For me being in that situation, I felt a little bit out of place sometimes, not knowing what to expect. They’ll learn quick just like we did last year.”

Colborne obviously caught on quick to college life. He said he kept his grades up and learned to cook a bit. And on the ice and in the weight room he made major strides. The next step is to turn pro — when it’s determined by all parties he is ready, but sooner rather than later.

Purple Mavs and Red Mavs...

Nice article by Purple Mav's blogger Shane Frederick in yesterdays Mankato paper. Interesting take on BSU, UNO and MSU-M. One of the things that hasn't come up much during the realignment was that UND, MSU-M SCSU, UNO and for a few years UMD were in the now defunct NCC conference and that these schools had a history together in Division II sports such as baseball, basketball and football.

The last time the WCHA added a team was in 1999 when Minnesota State joined the league.

That was a much different situation 10 years ago, as the local, purple Mavericks were making the transition from the dying Division II ranks to Division I.

Minnesota State’s short stint as a D-I independent involved a sort of initiation process, playing in the nine-team WCHA’s conference tournament as the 10th seed for two years before becoming a full-fledged member of the fraternity. Even then, Minnesota State had to pay an expansion fee and not share in the conference tournament and Final Five money.

Like MSU, Bemidji State jumped from Division II to Division I. In 1999 it left the Northern Collegiate Hockey Association behind and helped found the now nearly defunct College Hockey America conference. Omaha started its program from scratch and began playing in 1997. After its overtures to the WCHA were turned down, it joined the Central Collegiate Hockey Association in 1999.

Both schools’ stock jumped up recently, as the Beavers shocked the college-hockey world by advancing to the NCAA Frozen Four in April and, a month ago, the red Mavericks hired ex-North Dakota coach Dean Blais, who won two national championships with the Sioux, to run the program.

The WCHA certainly isn’t adding a pair of powder-puffs, and all 10 of its current members might be just a tad nervous right now.

While the addition of those two schools will give the WCHA a much different look in a couple of years, it might not be too strange for Minnesota State and its fans.

The purple Mavericks practically have considered the schools their D-I cousins and have maintained rivalries with both. A longtime D-II rival with Bemidji, Minnesota State has played the Beavers every year since 1998, going 14-5-2 against them in that span. MSU has played Omaha, an old North Central Conference rival in other sports, every year but two since 1997 and has a 14-6-4 all-time record against the red Mavs.

Minnesota State and Nebraska-Omaha have played for the “Spirit of the Maverick” trophy every year since 2001-02. Come 2010, the WCHA will undergo a spirit of change. [Mankato Free Press]

College Hockey players in Bruins development camp.

Here is a list of players in the Bruins development camp that have college hockey experience. Most notable is Joe Colborne who was a first round draft choice in last years draft.

F Scott Campbell Umass-Lowell 14-16-30 in 38 games
F Joe Colborne 16th in 2008 University of Denver 10-21-31 in 40 games
D Tommy Cross 35th in 2007 Boston College 0-8-8 in 24 games
G Matt Dalton signed in 2009 Bemidji State University 2.19 GAA .921 Sv%
D Alain Goulet 159th in 2007 University of Nebraska-Omaha 2-3-5 in 17 games
D Brady Lamb University of Minnesota-Duluth 1-1-2 in 21 games
F Jason Lawrence Boston University 25-14-39 in 44 games
D Tyler Ludwig Western Michigan University 8-21-29 in 41 games
D Zach McKelvie Army (NCAA) 5-12-17 in 33 games
[WickedBruinsFan's Blog]

Joe Colborne at the Bruins development camp.

I think this kid is an impressive sight and is going to have a monster season in the WCHA. As a Bruins fan it would love to see this kid succeed and move on. By him succeeding and moving on means my favorite team the Fighting Sioux won't have to worry about checking him during WCHA league games. Looks like DU fans will get to enjoy him for another season as well.

Boston Globe: How Joe Colborne is growing into his body and game. Big Joe currently checks in at 6-foot-6, 196 pounds. That's an inch taller than he was last summer. He is arguably the club's brightest prospect because of his size and skill. Colborne will return to the University of Denver for his sophomore season.[Bruins Blog]

More on Zajac filing for arbitration.

Here is an interesting article about former Fighting Sioux hockey Travis Zajac and him filing for arbitration. It will be interesting to see what he gets for a contract. Zajac played in 82 games scoring 20g-42a-62 pts and was a +33.

The short-term and initial good news is that Travis Zajac will (almost) definitely return next season. I emphasize almost as teams have "walk-away" rights after the results of arbitration that they can invoke within a vast number of requirements. Based on past arbitration hearings with the Devils that I can recall, the player has returned next season. Moreover, I don't expect the Devils to walk away from Zajac, not with their current lack of depth at the position and with their current surplus of cap space. So expect Zajac to continue to be the center for Zach Parise. However, considering the process, this could turn out to be some serious bad news for the Devils. [In Lou We Trust]

Michael Forney still undecided.

Brad Elliott Schlossman has confirmed that Michael Forney HAS NOT made his decision on wether he is going to return to UND or not. I would imagine that we will hear some kind of announcedment soon on what his decision is going to be.

Forney still has not made his final decision. I think everyone involved thought that the answer would be known by now, but it is not. When I know, I'll pass it along. [UND Hockey Blog]

Hunwick files for arbitration. (Zajac and Smaby too)

The Bruins need to have Matt Hunwick and Phil Kessel signed and in their lineup for the next season. First off this is a good sign for Matt Hunwick. Also, former Sioux hockey playersTravis Zajac (New Jersey) and Matt Smaby (Tampa Bay)filed for arbitration as well.

As expected, Matt Hunwick filed for arbitration by today's 5 p.m. deadline. Hunwick was one of 20 restricted free agents to file for arbitration. Hunwick is expected to come to an agreement prior to his hearing.

"Still negotiating with B's," agent Peter Fish wrote in an e-mail to colleague Kevin Dupont. "It will work out."

Hearings will take place in Toronto from July 20 to Aug. 4. Players who have filed for arbitration are not eligible to sign offer sheets. The deadline for club-elected arbitration is tomorrow at 5 p.m.

The other players to file:

James Wisniewski
Colby Armstrong
Clarke MacArthur
Tuomo Ruutu
Aaron Johnson
Marc Methot
Jiri Hudler
Denis Grebeshkov
Kyle Brodziak
Tomas Plekanec
Travis Zajac
Nate Thompson
Ryan Callahan
Nikolai Zherdev
Nigel Dawes
Daniel Winnik
Matt Smaby
Kyle Wellwood
Milan Jurcina
[Boston.com]

Here is what was on the Quick facts twitter.
QuickFacts: Mpls native D Matt Smaby of the Tampa Bay Lightning filed for salary arbitration. He made $825K in last yr of 3yr entry level deal in 08-09.

Sports Broadcaster job posted on UND web site.

As someone mentioned over on Sioux sports the UND hockey broadcaster position is open at the UND human resources site. I sure hope the University doesn't plan on replacing Tim Hennesy.

POSITION: Sports Broadcaster (20 hr/wk, TBA), #10-002

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 7/15/2009

COMPENSATION: $ 25,000
UND determines employment eligibility through the E-Verify system. Upon successful completion of the initial probation period, an employee may be eligible for a salary adjustment. Comprehensive fringe benefit package that includes full health insurance coverage for single or family plans, retirement plan and much more is provided. A complete summary of benefits for staff employees may be seen at:

DESCRIPTION OF POSITION:
Current UND employees may receive first consideration. To serve as play by play announcer for men’s ice hockey and other sports as assigned by Associate Athletic Director; To serve as host and emcee for various radio and television productions including but not limited to men’s hockey coach’s TV and radio show; emcee at various athletics functions; fill in as public address announcer; assist with press conferences and public relations; other duties as assigned by Associate Director of Athletics.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree or minimum of 5 years hockey play by play experience
Hockey play by play radio/TV broadcast experience
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Familiar with NCAA rules and regulations

Education of an A.D.: Alberts Is a Quick Study

[Props] Here is an interesting article that appeared in the New York Times on the UNO Mavericks. While I can't stand the New York Times political slant they do have decent college and professional hockey coverage and some really nice blog articles. I also think the Hockey blogger has a very cool name in Stu Hackel.

As a college hockey fan I have to say that I have been very impressed with the direction that Trev Alberts has taken the UNO hockey program since he was hired at UNO. First he hired former UND hockey coach Dean Blais, gained membership in the WCHA and hired a good assistant coach in Mike Hastings.

It is going to be interesting to see how the Mavericks do in their last season in the CCHA. I also wonder how long it will take before Dean Blais has the Mavericks challenging the elite teams in the WCHA for home ice playoff spot, MacNaughton Cup and or Broadmoor Trophy?

Facing a tight deadline, Alberts tapped boosters for nearly $400,000 so he could lure Dean Blais, a two-time national champion at North Dakota, to coach men’s hockey, Nebraska-Omaha’s only Division I program.

Alberts also leveraged financial concessions from the Western Collegiate Hockey Association as a condition of admitting the Mavericks. On a conference call announcing the acceptance of Nebraska-Omaha and Bemidji State late last month, Bruce McLeod, the conference commissioner, told Alberts, “Trev, you can be one tough guy to deal with, and I’ve got the scars to prove it.”

Alberts is trying to rework the hockey team’s lease at the Qwest Center downtown. The university pays rent and receives nothing from parking or concessions, Alberts said.

“He has been able to open doors I couldn’t get close to,” said Don Leahy, a former Nebraska-Omaha athletic director whom Alberts brought back as a part-time associate athletic director. [New York Times]

Kessel not going any where yet.

Happy 4th of July to everyone. Also, props to Richard of the Illegal Curve. Kessel is not being traded to Toronto yet! The rumor deal is off the table right now.

Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke is not about to book Phil Kessel a flight to Toronto.

Burke reported yesterday that a deal between the Leafs and the Boston Bruins, which would have seen Toronto defenceman Tomas Kaberle head to Boston for the high-scoring Kessel, is not on the table anymore, at least not at this point.

In fact, Burke added that interest in Kaberle's services, once very high, has cooled down.

Kessel, 21, is a restricted free agent, meaning that the Bruins can match any offer sheet he receives from other NHL clubs, and reportedly is looking for something in the neighbourhood of $5 million US. The Bruins, however, quickly are running out of cap space and probably would have to deal some players to keep him. If not, a trade with the Leafs may again become a possibility.

Kessel, a native of Madison, Wis., led all Bruins with 36 goals last season (the only Beantowner to score more than 30) and added 11 points in 11 playoff games. Kessel has been criticized for his defensive game, but was plus-23 under head coach Claude Julien.

The deal between the Leafs and Bruins fell apart over a miscommunication, that is, Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli thought that Toronto's first-round pick in the 2009 draft (seventh overall) was part of the swap. Burke said it never was. [Sun Media]

Ryan Hill press release.

I found this article while reading the World of Junior Hockey. The thing that stuck out from the article was Michael Forney being committed to the Sioux. As of right now we have yet to get an official confirmation that Michael Forney is in fact coming back to UND. I would imagine we will find out pretty soon.

Ryan Hill Commits to University of North Dakota The Sioux Falls Stampede announced today that defenseman Ryan Hill has committed to the University of North Dakota for the upcoming 2009-2010 season. He becomes the 15th player on the 2008-09 squad to commit to a Division I school.

Hill was acquired by the Stampede in trade with Waterloo in early January and went on to post three assists in 29 games while helping anchor the Stampede blueline. The Hermantown, Minnesota native recorded a total of six assists in 51 USHL games last season. Prior to playing for the Stampede and Waterloo, Hill spent the majority of the 2006-07 season with the Ohio Jr. Blue Jackets.

"We're ecstatic," said head coach Kevin Hartzell. "Ryan paid his dues more then most and we're excited he found a great home."

The Fighting Sioux went 24-15-4 en route to their WCHA-leading 14th league championship in 2008-09. The Sioux also advanced to the NCAA tournament for the fifth straight season under head coach Dave Hakstol, who also took home WCHA Coach of the Year honors. The Fighting Sioux have advanced to the NCAA Frozen Four in four of Hakstol's five seasons behind the bench. He began his career as the head coach of the Sioux City Musketeers (1997-2000).

A total of eight players who spent the 2008-09 season in the USHL have committed to the University of North Dakota; Brett Bruneteau (Des Moines), Mike Fink (Des Moines), Joe Gleason (Des Moines), Matt White (Des Moines), Michael Forney (Green Bay), Mike Cichy (Indiana), Danny Kristo (Omaha), and Ryan Hill (Sioux Falls).

The Fighting Sioux had 11 former USHL players on their roster during the 2008-09 season; Joe Finley (Sioux Falls), Derrick LaPoint (Green Bay), Mario Lamoureux (Tri-City), Brad Miller (Green Bay), Jason Gregoire (Lincoln), Brad Malone (Sioux Falls), Ben Blood (Indiana/Des Moines), Jake Marto (Omaha), Evan Trupp (Des Moines), Chris Vande Velde (Lincoln), and Aaron Walski (Lincoln).

The USHL celebrated its 30th season of junior hockey in 2008-09. With nearly 180 players already committed to NCAA Division I schools and 17 NHL Draft picks that played in the league this season, the USHL is the nation's foremost producer of junior hockey talent. For more information, visit us on the web at www.ushl.com.

Avs fan say good bye to Tyler Arnason.

Sounds like Avs fans are ecstatic to get rid of former SCSU Husky Tyler Arnason. The Comments on this subject are comical and worth the read. I first saw Tyler Arnason play for the Ice Sharks of the USHL in 1997-1998 and my first impression of Arnason was that he was lazy, a weak player that shied away from contact in the corners. The fact that he has made it this long in the NHL puzzles me.

Relief is finally here, Avs fans. No more startling, sweat-soaked leaps from the pillow at 3 a.m., following visions of Tyler Arnason playing for your team.
No longer will you have to pound the table after seeing Arnie get the puck taken off his stick, then watching him casually skate back to the bench with that “who cares?” look on his face.

No longer will you have to pull your hair after seeing Arnie misfire on another shot, or have it easily blocked and taken the other way, Arnie a full three strides behind in pursuit.

No longer will you have to look at an Avalanche payroll list and see Arnie making more money than guys like Lappy. No longer will you have to see Arnie shy away from making any contact with an opponent, which if he’d done so might have resulted in the Avalanche having the puck.

It’s all over. Arnie is, appropriately enough, a New York Ranger - the team that never saw an over-the-hill, overpaid Avs player they didn’t like.

Bon voyage, Arnie.

Or should it be: bon bon voyage? [All things Avs]