Monday January 13th 2014

Oh so much to write about this fine fine Monday morning.  I just dont know where really to begin.

So mark the date: January 25th 2014, BGSU Ice arena High NOON.

 VS

Midget Major AAA face off.  This is a must see game for North West Ohio Hockey parents and players.  I have said time and time again how very fortunate we are to live where we do.  We have amazing access to hockey.  We have NCAA d1 power houses in and out on a regular basis.  We have the Plymouth Whalers of the OHL, we have the National Development Teams 18-17u, We have the core of the best Midget Major and minor teams around us.  This what is the Sylvania Northstars are building towards with the help of local hockey families, its going to take a concerted effort by that staff working with all area parents and clubs to achieve that goal.  I also know January is hard on  hockey families with all the travel.  This game is being played at noon, its doable.  It is going to pack a punch as well, and will show you and your sons what a 16-18 year old NCAA committee players look like.  One in particular that has been publicly announced is

Detroit Honey Baked : Michael Houle RW 6'2" DOB 6/22/96 Committed to BGSU for 2016
Each team has several players with commitments where those public announcements are forthcoming.  The Bobcats play at 1:30 following that game so I know the Bobcat faithful will be on hand, the Titans are off, and the Trojans are in town as well.

So lets look at things played out this weekend, and for that we are to the wild wild east.  St. Ignatius and Holy name.  I said this was a game St Ignatius needed to win, to fully establish their team.  Even predicted  the Wildcats would take them down to china town 4-1.  Holy Name set the standard for things going arey this weekend, wining that game 3-2.  This just as in other results does not spell doom and gloom for the Wildcats.  The Wildcats can rebound and be back on track with wins on the 24th St Ed's  28th U.S. and 31st against Gilmour.  All teams stumble at some point in their season.  St. Francis did against Northview in their title season, as did Ignatius in theirs and Northview in theirs.  What the stumbles mean we will address as we drive in to the North West.  I still have Ignatius in the Second State spot and a favorite in winning to reach States.  The mover and shaker in east is Walsh.  Steadily taking care of business, being fairly responsible in the Dzone and winning games that need to be won, like this weekend over St. Eds.  Now that sets the stage for the glory boys.  Walsh vs Lake Catholic.  Lake has also been taking care of business on the year.  They fell to Holy Name and bounced back with a spank your ass and color me happy 6-0 route of US.  This mid week 15 January game has all the potential to be an over time thriller.  Honestly its hard to call this one.  The number 3 state spot is on the line.  Its going to be battle any way you slice it.  I like Lake, and Im sticking with Lake to win.

Down South in the southern comfort zone I see myself wavering a bit, and have heard argument for and against those southern cross rankings.  The only adjustment down here is needed, and its endorsed by what matters most the numbers.  St. Charles is still on top and Orange has arrived. 

Up north as we drive in to Wood County we change our ride.  Climb on board a big Mac Truck

 Its a Big Blue and Yellow Mac Truck loaded a hoard of wild eyed screaming, cheering, skating, hitting and scoring TROJANS!  The Trojans are just fighters, they battle all kinds of adversity every year and just remain a factor in every game from the first drop to the last horn.  You just can not say enough good things about that kind of play.  Add in on the drive into Lucas county they made road kill out of the cats beating them 4-1, on the same night those Bobcats gave the Titans a very real and hard core run for the money in well played and well coached series.  The Titans did however slay the bobcats, in game the bobcats lead 1-0 at the end of won, were tied 2-2 at the end of two and finally fell 3-2 in regulation.  I am all for the Bobcats right now, they have played two fewer league games than the rest of league do to weather and are on track.  Two looses to the Titans the number 1 team in the state and a split with the Knights has left the bobcats positioned where they can attain the second or third state spot.  Both of which are coveted as your easily opposite the Titans this year if you take care of business.  Speaking care of taking care of business, we hit that cat earlier and that stench is getting bad, whats worse is for the Titans, they stepped in it.  Yup, stepped and a slipped right in that road kill.  Guts and hair all over their boots, its just nasty to picture, and to imagine the smell, wow.  At any rate that game with the Bobcats looks to have drained the Titans.  The Titans were lathargic to start but managed to net an early goal the rising Zombie cats.  The Zombi rose, walked and fought back with scoring from some of my favorite players Kobach and Galecki and a thrid was on his game- Estrell.  The real group to focus on here is Wulf, Kross and Beatie.  What I see as a strong nuclease for the future. Wulf is developing quickly.  Kross has the blending of DeWitt and Kelsy, in that he has the size and a fearless lion mentality of DeWitt coupled with the potential to be as positionally and situationally disciplined as Kelsey the tweaks will come and it will be interesting to watch  as the cats rebuild.  That said there is no rebuilding for the Titans in the near future just a steady stream of well developed talent in Mike Hayes pond.  Case and point the following the over time loss to the cats.  the Titans took their boots off, rinsed off the road kill and got back to business battling and beating a quality Mi team.  So while the loss to NV is but a speed bump for them, it will amount to one of two things for the cats.  Its either a fluke, or will be a marques victory and mark the turning point in their season.   Some like to say Hayes just cant win the big game.  I do not believe that was a particularly big game, and judging by the turn out the fans did not either.
 The log jam is still in effect.  Teams have anywhere from 2 games to play to 4, the potential for an exciting finish is very real.


 State Rankings

1. Toledo St Johns
2. ST Ignatius
3. Lake Catholic
4. Walsh jesuit (+1)
5. University School (-1)
6. Bowling Green (-2)
7. Toledo St Francis (+1)
8. St. Charles (-1)
9. Holy Name (+1)
10. Olentangy Orange



Things to come will be hot and spicy...that is "the program" to say subtly will be exposed.

6400 views per month

That is what Scouting Ohio High School is bringing you, the fans.  Thank you all for your support and enjoyment of this product.  Records for the blog included single day highs of 3,129 hits, a longest visit of 192 hours...obviously the left on vacation with their browser open, farthest followers...mother Russia, Norway and Italy.

What is in store?  I am working on a piece that should hopefully hit ALL current Ohio JR and NCAA players, with so many leagues its a bit daunting.  The Ohio HS A list, the who's who this year.  As always those witty weekly and weekend updates, that make stuff come out your nose, or make you just rage. ROFLMAO

It pleases me to say that for the Ohio players, your quality of play and dedication to the sport is earning you growing interest.  I know for fact and from speaking with other scouts ( where I often receive shared information), that they are making more effort to get to your games.  Where are they from?  These scouts are primarily from Tier3 jr hockey, a from the GO and OJ and the random NCAA d3 school, several ACHA Club hockey programs.  When compared to levels ten years ago, this is a massive improvement. 

"This is War" song title 30 seconds to Mars

 2010 WHL Champions, Calgary Hitmen highlights

So there you have it Hockey fans.  All the rescheduled games caused by either weather or mechanical issues at facilities, have made this years slide down into the playoffs a log jam of hockey packed ACTION !  Toss in the mid winter break tournaments and its a lot of hockey. We are in the last four weeks of the season.  That said there are some great league games all jammed together this weekend.
North West Ohio, Friday the Trojans head in to town with one highly tweeted thing on their minds...obliterating Sylvania Northview.  Those Trojans have no qualms beating a guy when he is down, and tare looking for payback from some the beatings NV delt them in recent seasons.  It should be a harsh game.  Findlay then plays Toledo St. Francis on the 11th in a game that should go to the knights.  The number one team in the state has great series this weekend.  First on the 10th a 9 pm tilt and rematch with the Bowling Green Bobcats.  Last weekend the Titans cut their paws off in a 5-0 final, I have a feeling you'll see far closer game.  Heck the Titans had two PP goals and two very fortunate bounces to tally 5 in that last game.  I figure this to be a 2 goal game, say 3-1 Titans.  The Titans then get to have a go with the Wildcats where I figure the last 7-3 score may not be high enough for the Titans who may crack 10.
In the East ST. Ignatius is heading to battle with Holy Name.  Holy Name is coming in to the match following a big win 5-1 over Lake Catholic.  I expect Ignatius to win, and they need to win this game.  I believe Holy Name will be a big factor in post season play, but right now they just dont have enough to take down the Wildcats, 4-1 Ignatius.  ST. Eds had an out right horrible start this year.  Then after 5 losses and 1w to start the year, some called Tyler Harkins a rat, for abandoning ship.  St. Eds is now at 500 over all and is surrendering more goals a league game than putting up.  I am surprised more have not left, to go develop at higher levels.  You can easily say to the program "who is more foolish?  The fool, or the fools who follow him?"  Not that there is anything wrong with St. Eds, but really the public display of out right bullshit that followed his departure, by students and more so parents was just childish.  The antics of some parents these days is really quite deplorable.  Writing letters to athletic directors, and coaches in vain efforts trying to promote their child.  Shame, shame, shame on you.  Walsh should defeat St Eds, 4-1, as they head toward the Lake Catholic rematch on the 15th.  U.S will beat Padua, and likely loose a tight one to Lake Catholic.

At this point in your seasons HOPE is not the answer.  BELIEF is. 
"Teams that hope to win, never win because they lack all belief in each others abilities to even achieve the simple tasks in a game.  When teams believe they will win, the door to a higher level is opened... and in that room there are no limits.  Play with belief.  Play with out limits..."  Shawn Walsh, University Maine Head Coach 1984-2001

The Path to NCAA hockey, and East Coast JR Hockey

This is my first published ranking of the East coast Jr Hockey Leagues.  This illustrates the overall picture of what the East Coast has to offer the aspiring young player.
1.  South Shore Kings USPHL premier
2. New Jersey Hitmen USPHL premier
3. Junior Bruins USPHL premier
4. New Hampshire Jr Monarchs EHL
5. Ct. Oilers EHL
6. Philadelphia Little Flyers EHL
7. Northern Cyclones EHL
8. Philadelphia Flyers USPHL premier
9. Islanders Hockey Club USPHL premier
10 New Jersey Rockets EHL

Currently the USPHL Premier teams have 57 players with NCAA College Commitments to D1 (50) D3 (7) published at this time.  Please note those commitments include those from players who may have committed as many as 3 years ago, and are not earned this season. The EHL is home to 31 NCAA D1 (17) d3 (14).   The EHL winter showcase had 103 NCAA D1 and D3 scouts on hand as well as 17 professional scouts.  That number of 100+ scouts is consistent showcase to showcase.  This is the Mid point of the season, its safe to estimate the USPHL will add another 25, and the ehl should see another 15 D1 and 20 d3.   As comparison the NAHL currently is home to 76 NCAA D1 and D3 college committed players.  The NAHL should come seasons end land about 155.   The link below is an informative article on the EHL  and east coast scene.  As is the case no matter where player decides to accept an offer to play.  He and his parents need go where he will develop and play.  There is nothing worse for a player than going to a team with two years of jr eligibility and not playing for one year.  Players need to be where they will play, be successful and have exposure, where the end goal is NCAA hockey and beyond. Success for the Ohio High School Athlete begins when the idea first hits him/her.  As parents your job is to do everything you can to support that dream, not drive it.  We need to guide them on a path where work ethic and skill development intersect and live in union.  The average Jr hockey season is 60 games.  The average age of jr hockey players is 19.3.  Physical training is key.  Players that are not physically ready will suffer from intimidation and honestly be destroyed.  Programs like those offered by   EAO sports   where professional trainers know to sport specific train your child will help them.  Will teach them the work ethic need to be successful and survive and thrive in JR hockey.    Its hard in many cases for parents to get out of the way and support.  Enjoy your snow day.
Junior Hockey Mag

Ohio High School Hockey Rankings Jan 6th

The state rankings have some expected movement following this weekend, which mirrors teams trending performances.  Bowling Green takes the big hit, not having been able to play Sylvania Northview and still needing to play the rescheduled Findlay games. It could be that Lake Catholic stumbles roll them to 5th in a heart beat as US and Walsh are looking to be in top form.
1. Toledo St Johns
2. ST Ignatius (+1)
3. Lake Catholic (-1)
4. University School (+1)
5. Walsh Jesuit (+1)
6. Bowling Green (-2)
7. St. Charles (+1)
8. Toledo St. Francis (-1)
9. Dublin Jerome (+1)
10. Holy Name   wins over Jerome and Lake push them past Eds

Make it Rain

or snow...a lot as the case has presented itself.

Lake Catholic blown out by Holy Name 5-1
Bobcats frozen out by Titans 5-0
St. Eds Chilled by Ignatius 3-0
Walsh and U.S break the ice at the Pond in 2-2 tie


Rankings will drift in over the coming snow days.

EHL University of Maine Comitment, and NCAA Comitments

On December 24th, EHL Goalie Nik Nugnes accepted an offer from the University of Maine effective for the start of the remainder of the scholastic year. Nik, a '93 from West Barnstable, MA has been an Oiler since the teams relocation to CT in 2012. Nik stands 6'3" 210lbs and currently has a record of 13-6 with a 3.18 GAA and .924 SV% and is top 10 in the league in all 3 categories.  In 2011 Nik made the decision to drop his Lacross offers and pursue Jr Hockey and his NCAA dream.  He first Joined the NH Monarch, where he served as a back up to Terry Schafer ( Robert Morris University, Atlantic Hockey NCAA D1)  Then Joined up with the CT Oilers in 2012 where he shared time, and is now a Black Bear.


 


Date                  Name                         College       Team/League     Start Season

01/02/14	SHIER, Kevin	Union College	Toronto Lakeshore Patriots (OJHL)	2014-15
01/02/14	GREER, Anthony-John	Boston University	Kimball Union Academy PS (NEDI)	2015-16
01/01/14	MAGNUS, Brett	Harvard University	Nepean Raiders (CCHL)	2014-15
01/01/14	FINNEGAN, Ryan	Quinnipiac University	Skipjacks Hockey U16 (USP16)	2016-17
01/01/14	DOEF, Neil	Princeton University	Smiths Falls Bears (CCHL)	2016-17
12/30/13	HENDERSON, Jake	Providence College	Omaha Lancers (USHL)	2015-16
12/29/13	SANCHEZ, James	University of Michigan	Chicago Young Americans Minor Midget (HPMinM)	2016-17
12/27/13	GREENWAY, Jordan	Boston University	USA Under 17 Team (NTDP)	2015-16
12/24/13	TODD, Zachary	Mercyhurst University	Boston Junior Bruins (USPHL)	2014-15
12/24/13	MOORE, Connor	Boston College	Brooks PS (NEDI)	2016-17
12/24/13	PETERS, Collin	Northern Michigan Univ.	Sheboygan N/S HS (WI-HS)	2016-17
12/24/13	NUGNES, Nick	University of Maine	Connecticut Oilers (EHL)	2014-15
12/23/13	JOHNSON, Bradley	The Ohio State University	Indiana Ice (USHL)	2015-16
12/20/13	EGE, Wyatt	University of Alaska-Anchorage	Fairbanks Ice Dogs (NAHL)	2015-16
12/20/13	SIMONSON, John	University of North Dakota	Lincoln Stars (USHL)	2014-15
12/20/13	ZERTER, Lewis	Harvard University	Kent PS (NEDI)	2015-16
12/20/13	LARKIN, Adam	Yale University	Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL)	2015-16
12/19/13	SERRATORE, Matt	U.S. Air Force Academy	Penticton Vees (BCHL)	2015-16
12/18/13	SPINNER, Steven	University of Nebraska-Omaha	Eden Prairie HS (MN-HS)	2014-15
12/18/13	DORANTES, Drew	Ferris State University	Powell River Kings (BCHL)	2014-15
12/18/13	THOW, Aaron	Clarkson University	Toronto Jr. Canadiens (OJHL)	2014-15
12/17/13	PETRUZZELLI, DJ	Quinnipiac University	Springfield Cathedral HS (MA-HS)	2016-17
12/17/13	LAMPASSO, Christian	The Ohio State University	Lincoln Stars (USHL)	2014-15
12/17/13	PETRUZZELLI, Keith	Quinnipiac University	Springfield Cathedral HS (MA-HS)	2017-18
12/17/13	SHATZER, Derek	Colorado College	Rochester Junior Americans Elite (USPEli)	2014-15
12/16/13	BRETZMAN, Tony	University of Notre Dame	Langley Rivermen (BCHL)	2014-15
12/16/13	SHAW, Phelan	University of Minnesota-Duluth	Calgary Mustangs (AJHL)	2016-17
12/16/13	POOLEY, Scott	Holy Cross University	Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL)	2014-15
12/15/13	BUSCH, Tyler	The Ohio State University	Spruce Grove Saints (AJHL)	2014-15
12/15/13	GOLBERG, Mark	Rochester Institute of Technology	Cumberland Grads (CCHL)	2015-16
12/13/13	CAFFREY, Joseph	Harvard University	Choate Rosemary PS (NEDI)	2014-15
12/13/13	HART, Henry	Yale University	Phillips Exeter Academy PS (NEDI)	2014-15
12/13/13	MURPHY, Connor	University of Michigan	Caledonia Pro Fit Corvairs (GOJHL)	2014-15
12/12/13	CARUSO, Corey	Mercyhurst University	Hamilton Red Wings (OJHL)	2015-16
12/12/13	FAUST, Andy	U.S. Military Academy (Army	Connecticut Oilers (EHL)	2015-16
12/12/13	MAIER, Cole	Union College	Taft PS (NEDI)	2015-16
12/12/13	FRYE, Zach	University of Alaska-Fairbanks	Lincoln Stars (USHL)	2014-15
12/12/13	THULIN, Stephen	University of Connecticut	Connecticut Yankees (USPHL)	2014-15
12/12/13	SMITH, Jeff	University of Lowell-Mass	Powell River Kings (BCHL)	2015-16
12/09/13	O'HARA, Jonathan	Mercyhurst University	Whitby Fury (OJHL)	2016-17
12/09/13	WILDUNG, Brandon	Mercyhurst University	Minot Minotauros (NAHL)	2014-15
12/09/13	DECENZO, Nicholas	U.S. Military Academy (Army	Brookings Blizzard (NAHL)	2014-15
12/08/13	MACKIN, Corey	Ferris State University	Coquitlam Express (BCHL)	2015-16