NAHL Leading Scorer Commits To DU

Gabe Levin
Gabriel "Gabe" Levin [20 y.o. - 5'8 165 lbs], the NAHL's leading scorer, verbally committed to University of Denver of the WCHA for the 2012-13 season.

Originally from Marina Del Ray, California, Levin has played the last two seasons for the Fairbanks Ice Dogs. Over the past two seasons he has 102 assists in 98 games.

So far this season he has 14 goals, 60 assists and is +30.  He has recorded at least one point in 37 of the Ice Dogs 43 games.

His NAHL coach had this to say about Levin, "He can skate, his feet are his biggest asset and he’s got good hockey sense.  He knows where everyone is on the ice, knows how to read plays and understands his teammates.  Since he doesn’t put up a lot of goals, he may not get the credit that some other goal scorers do, but he is the key to our offense.”

He started playing youth hockey for the Anaheim Jr. Ducks and moved on to the California Titans program in Simi Valley, just north of Malibu. He is an excellent student and had been considering several Ivy League schools.
2012 Recruiting Class
F Tyler Pham (Indiana Ice, USHL)
D Dakota Mermis (Green Bay, USHL)
D Matt Van Voorhis (Sioux Falls, USHL)
F Garrett Allen (Des Moines, USHL)
D Nolan Zajac (Omaha, USHL)
F Quentin Shore (U.S. Under-18)
F Grant Arnold (Green Bay, USHL)
F Gabe Levin (Fairbanks, NAHL)

2013 Recruiting Class

F Brad Hawkinson (Lincoln Stars, USHL)
F Landon Smith (Cedar Rapids, USHL)
F Connor Chatham (U.S. Under-17)
F Ray Pigozzi (Chicago, USHL)
D Will Butcher (U.S. Under-17)
F Cody DePourcq (Penticton, BCHL)

2014 Recruiting Class

F Jared Fiegl (Colorado Rampage, U-16)
D Gage Ausmus (U.S. Under-17)
F Trevor Moore (Tri-Cities, USHL)

13 comments:

dggoddard said...

Looks like DU has found the replacement for the graduating Goal Czar.

Late blooming smallish playmaker from the NAHL. Likely another coup 'etat for Steve Miller and the recruiting staff.

Anonymous said...

That was my thought as wall. Goal Czar II. Same size, but more of a playmaker than a goal scorer.

Or he could be the next DU Gabe from Southern California (Thanks to Gabe Gauthier).

Or maybe he is Zucker's replacement as a DU next dyanmic Jewish forward. :)

Anonymous said...

NIce scoop, DG.

Anonymous said...

Meh..

vizoroo said...

No one knows who will choose to forego remaining eligibility and make the jump to the pros--best be prepared.

Levin is taller than the Czar. :-}

Mike B said...

I dont think that I have ever seen that large of a recruiting class. Obviously, they would have to replace the seniors, but it looks as if they know that they will probably lose more than a couple underclassmen next season. With great National Championships and NCAA appearances, comes great(er) recruiting classes, I guess.

Anonymous said...

DG -

In your opinion where does Gabe rank in value compared to the others in the 2012-2013 class?

Anonymous said...

I'm pretty sure the recruiting class that had Helgeson, Handza, etc. had about 11 recruits to start. It seemed that only 5 or 6 made it to the senior year though. I have a horrible memory so feel free to correct me.

dggoddard said...

DU has pulled plenty of good players out of the NAHL over the years, but no one was a bigger surprise than Luke Salazar.

Peter Mannino and Matt Carle among other, also spent time developing in the NAHL.

The 2012 Recruiting Class lacks some of the sex appeal and physical size of recent classes that contained Bennett, Shore brothers, Colborne or Zucker.

However under the Gwozdecky System you just need the right players to plug into their roles.

I'd expect Levin to start off slowly next year, but its all a matter of seizing the opportunity when given a chance.

Dakota Mermis, Nolan Zajac & Quintin Shore will be starting on opening night. Probably one of the others will be a surprise in camp. Who knows? Maybe it will be Levin.

Anonymous said...

"The 2012 Recruiting Class lacks some of the sex appeal...."

I'll let Viz be the judge of that ;-)

Nincompoop said...

This is great news. The "Nawl" as it's commonly referred to, in my opinion, doesn't get the same respect around here as say, the "You-shul" (USHL). Why I don't know; I freaking love the NAHL; particularly the Texas teams. Have to give a shout out to the Texas Tornado, where I was a former season ticket holder in North Richland Hills/Colleyville. Thank you Dallas Stars, for making Texas a hockey breeding ground.

Anonymous said...

Heck, even Eric Lindros spent time in the NAHL as an under ager before going to the OHL and signing with Oshawa.

dggoddard said...

DU's largest recruiting class in recent years arrived in 2007. Ten players.

Maiani, Ryder, J Cook, Nutini, Cunningham, Jackson, Bozak, Ceverie, Martin & K Ostrow.

Four of the players were 20 when they arrived on campus: Bozak, Cunningham, Jackson & Cook.