(left) Jason Gregoire scores a game winning goal for the Lincoln Stars this season. Photo Credit: The Best Seat In The House BlogThe Lincoln Star Journal is reporting that DU recruit Jason Gregoire may delay his enrollment until the Fall of 2008.
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Gregoire missed about half of the regular season with an ankle injury and infection from a subsequent surgery. Upon his return he was one of the most impressive all-round players on the Stars roster.
"At least eight players are expected to move on to college or have reached the maximum age limit and will not return [to the USHL Lincoln Stars] next season. Forwards Jason Gregoire and Patrick Johnson, and veteran goaltender Bryan Hogan have each made college commitments, but may return for another year of development before jumping to the college ranks. Gregoire said that a roster spot is available for him next season at Denver University, but its staff was open to him returning to Lincoln for another season."
5 comments:
IMO Jason would be better off moving onto college next year. He would learn so much more from the DU coaches / organization than he would in a 2nd year with the Stars coaches / organization.
Anon #1,
I'm inclined to agree with you & was pretty surprised by the article. Tyler Ruegsegger faced the same dilemma last season and turned into a superstar at DU.
When DU and North Dakota were battling for Gregoire it was mentioned that he would be a 2008 recruit. Obviously Jason came back from his injury and had an outstanding season.
The million dollar question is how much scholarship money DU has available and if they feel they can get by without Gregoire.
As far as Gregorie's development is concerned, he might be better off being a first line star and working on his Power Play with Lincoln. This formula worked for Paul Stastny at River City.
If he's not quite ready for NCAA hockey, getting a few shifts a game on the fourth line or banging himself around on the "checking line" seems like a waste of his talent.
DU seems to be a little light defensively next season after losing T.J. Fast to the WHL and Adrian Viedeman to graduation.
All that being said, DU's fans would like to see him sooner rather than later.
Yeah, I read this article the other day. I was surprised. I thought for sure Gregoire would leave the Stars. I've posted before that I'm a Lincoln Stars season ticket holder, and IMO...Jason is ready for the college ranks now. He was easily our best defensive forward, and one of our top 3 offensive forwards. If he returns, he'll get top billing on the first string line. There's no way Steve Johnson would waste his talent on a 3rd or 4th line.
Sorry DU fans. I think the extra year in Lincoln will make him a better player when he starts at DU in '08. I'm excited to see him come back.
Tim,
If you hear anything definitive one way or the other, let us know.
dggoddard,
Will do. I'll keep my eyes open.
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