North Dakota Moves Into First Place Tie With DU

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The University of North Dakota is now tied for first place in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association.

The Sioux rallied from down a goal in the final seven minutes to pull out a 4-3 victory against Minnesota State-Mankato in a sold-out Ralph Engelstad Arena.

Jason Gregoire scored the game-winner with 2:52 to go, lifting the Sioux into a tie with Denver at the top of the league standings with 29 points. North Dakota has played on less WCHA game than DU.

WCHA Standings

Pairwise Rankings

Seabrook Leaves DU For Major Juniors

DU Rocked By Third Defection Of 2007

From: USCHO & Calgary Hitmen Website

In what has got to be a major blow to the prestige of the DU Hockey program, the University of Denver has been rocked by a third player defection since Christmas.

Sophomore defenseman Keith Seabrook (Delta, British Columbia) has left DU to begin his professional career and forfeited his remaining three years of college hockey eligibility, DU head coach George Gwozdecky announced Monday. Seabrook has signed a major junior A contract with the Calgary Hitmen of the Western Hockey League.

"Keith and his family felt the U.S. college hockey development model of practice and games combined with rigorous academics would not benefit his hockey career," Gwozdecky said. "Our development model has proven to be successful and rewarding, and we're looking forward to the 2007-08 season."

Seabrook tallied 13 points on two goals and 11 assists in 37 games as a freshman in 2006-07. Seabrook finished with a -3 plus/minus rating. He was a 2006 NHL second round draft pick of the Washington Capitals.

On facebook.com Seabrook called it a "hard decision to leave DU."

In May recruit Jason Gregoire reneged on his verbal commitment to DU and announced that he would attend the University of North Dakota in 2008. Over Christmas break T.J. Fast left DU at mid-season for the Tri-Cities Americans of the WHL.

Calgary Hitmen General Manager and Head Coach Kelly Kisio announced Seabrook's signing on the Hitmen's website.

“Keith is going to be a great addition to our defensive corps and we’re very excited to have him join our hockey team, said Kisio. “He’s a very good puck moving defenceman who is going to help our powerplay a great deal. Since we drafted Seabrook in 2003, we’ve kept him on our protected list always hoping this day would come.”

Internet Rumor: Is Keith Seabrook Bound for WHL?

Its only an internet rumor for now, but if true DU's depth a defense just took a major hit.

The following comment was posted in the Maiani article below. Since this was how we found out about the Gregoire situation, we'll just have to wait for confirmation.

"Rumor has it according to facebook... Keith Seabrook is going to the WHL as per his wall. Maini commitment makes me think a forward might be leaving... is Pauko getting renewed late summer interest from Edmonton?"

The Calgary Hitmen in the WHL had Seabrook's rights last year.

DU Recruit Drafted in 5th Round
Brock Trotter Goes Undrafted
From: DU Athletics Website

In the NHL Draft this past weekend, DU had one recruit drafted in the 5th Round and two fish that got away taken in the 1st & 3rd rounds. Brock Trotter who just completed an outstanding season with the Pioneers was not drafted. He becomes an unrestricted free agent and can sign with an team at the conclusion of his college career.

Incoming University of Denver 2008-09 hockey recruit John Lee (Moorhead, Minn.) was selected by the Florida Panthers in the fifth round of the 2007 National Hockey League Entry Draft today.

Lee, a 6-2, 185-pound defenseman was picked No. 131 overall by Florida. Lee, who will play for Waterloo of the United States Hockey League (USHL) this season, helped Moorhead High School (Minn.) to the quarterfinals of the Minnesota State Hockey Tournament in 2007. He was a finalist for Mr. Hockey in Minnesota and tallied nine points on two goals and seven assists in 27 games for Waterloo last season. He will enroll at DU next fall for the 2008-09 season.

Riley Nash who was considering DU but ended up at Cornell, was drafted in the 1st Round by the Edmonton Oilers and Jason Gregoire, switched his commitment to UND went in the 3rd Round to the New York Islanders.

Best Of Luck To Jason Gregoire In Grand Forks

Was The Plot Hatched On Feb. 6th?

This was posted Today on SiouxSports.com by a poster nicknamed Eskimo22.

"As someone close to the family I can tell you that Jason is thrilled to be part of the UND Fighting Sioux family.

At no time did anyone ever contact Jason or his family after he verbally committed to Denver in an effort to persuade him to change his mind. The UND staff were nothing but professional and ethical in their handling of this difficult situation. It's also important to know that Denver treated Jason exceptionaly well and Jason wishes them the best in the future.

Whether he could play in 2007 or 2008 never had any impact on his decision to change his mind. Jason simply had some time to reconsider what was important to him, which is family. He realized that he wanted to play closer to home and that UND could offer him everything he ever really wanted and needed to ro reach his ultimate goals. He didn't take this lightly but he ultimately had to be true to himself. UND is where he wants to be."

The interesting thing is that back on Feb. 6, 2007 this same person posted the quote below. And what date did Jason Gregoire commit to DU? Feb. 1, 2007.

"Is a verbal commitment binding? I see kids changing their minds and going to the OHL instead of NCAA. But what if a kid wants to go to a different school and he hasn't signed yet? Can he switch? Is this ever done?"

This leads me to believe that this has been brewing from virtually the day Gregoire committed to DU & would lead one to believe that the family came up with this on their own, without help from UND...

Gregoire Slams The Door On DU
Link: Grand Forks Herald
by Brad Schlossman

Jason Gregoire, who originally gave a verbal commitment to the Pioneers a few months ago, said he wants to be closer to his home in Winnipeg.

"When I had my surgeries, it was a real emotional time in my life," said Gregoire, who suffered ankle injuries last fall." And coming from a big city like Lincoln, I liked the bright lights of Denver. But as I started playing again, I didn't see my family as much and I realized what I wanted in my heart. The grass isn't always greener."

Gregoire said the first step was to de-commit from Denver. "Luckily," he said, UND was still interested.

"The location is perfect," Gregoire said. "The Ralph is unbelievable. The hockey programs are second-to-none. I like the coaching staff and the educational opportunities. It's just a great school in my backyard."

WCH Blog Reports Confirmation Of Gregoire Rumors

Western College Hockey Blog is reporting that they have confirmation from source in Manitoba that Jason Gregoire has switched his commitment to the University of North Dakota and will enroll in 2008.

Its a sad day for DU recruiting and it must be devastating news to the DU Hockey Staff who worked so hard to put together another incredible recruiting class.

These things happen and obviously its a difficult situation for all involved. Best wishes to Jason Gregoire in his future endeavours.

No News In Gregoire Saga

Still no word in the possible Jason Gregoire to North Dakota rumor. No postings on any of the various team message boards, no emails confirming or denying the story and no newspaper reports.

Has Jason Gregoire Reneged On Commitment?
Internet Rumor Hasn't Been Confirmed Or Denied

Jason Gregoire Articles From LetsGoDU

At this point its nothing but an internet rumor that hasn't been confirmed or denied by anyone associated with DU's hockey program, but there's a chance that Jason Gregoire's verbal commitment to DU might be in jeopardy.

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Gregoire is considered to be one of the best college hockey prospects in the USHL and verbally committed to the University of Denver back in January.

On Friday afternoon an anonymous comment left at LetsGoDU sparked immediate concern amoung Pioneer hockey fans.

"Here's a bombshell that you can take to the bank as fact. Jason Gregoire re nigged on his verbal and instead because of a pushy father has signed with North Dakota since it is closer to home. This from a reliable source is true as you will see in the comming days..."

Obviously this could all be a hoax, but there are several factors while not proving the story, certainly don't discredit it.

Timing: With Jonathan Towes signing with the Blackhawks last week certainly opens a roster spot on the Sioux next season. That might explain why the story is coming to light now.

Letter Of Intent: DU never announced Gregoire signing a Letter of Intent. In fact, a Lincoln newspaper story last month implied that Gregorie was still making up his mind on whether or not he was going going to play in Lincoln next season. "Gregoire said that a roster spot was available for him next season at the University of Denver, but its staff was open to him returning to Lincoln for another season." DU was supporting the decision and would welcome him in 2007 or 2008. Perhaps the Gregoire's were holding off signing the Letter of Intent with DU while his family reconsidered UND.

Distance: Certainly Grand Forks is only 150 miles from Winnipeg so its more than possible that playing in front of his family at UND is a factor in reconsidering his decision.

Hoax: Could the rumor be a hoax? Certainly the rumor could be false, but the poster had to know key details of Gregoire's recruiting process. This rumor was not started by another WCHA school.

Repercussions For DU: If true, losing Gregoire is a major blow for DU recruiting. Gregoire was considered by Heisenberg's Site to be one of the top college prospects in the USHL. While DU might not have expected Gregoire until the 2008, losing a prospect of Gregoire's stature is a major blow. However when a prospect makes a Verbal Commitment, the school eases off recruiting other athletes, who in turn sign with other schools. Obviously you can't go back and sign your second choice after you've told him to look elsewhere.

Conclusion: With each passing day, and no denial from anyone at DU, this rumor starts to get legs. While still a rumor, I'm inclined to believe it. If true, its certainly bad news for DU hockey fans.

DU's 2008 Recruiting Class Not Yet Taking Shape

Skipping ahead to DU's 2008 recruiting class there are a few things to keep an eye on this offseason. The #1 priority will be to try and land one or two first-class defensemen. As we saw this year, they're hard to come by.

DU will be graduating five players after next season (4 full scholarships): Blom, Mannino, May, Paukovich & Thomas. DU may have Nate Dewhurst arriving in 2008 or '09 and Jason Gregoire is supposed to be waiting in the wings.

DU may decide to hold off on recruiting a goaltender prospect until Cheverie shows up on campus and they can determine their needs. DU may need a stud who can carry the load or may recruit someone who can mature into the position. DU can probably find a suitable goaltender anytime in the next year.

From Heisenberg's List we see that CC (5 '08 recruits), Minnesota (7 '08 recruits), North Dakota (8 '08 recruits) & Wisconsin (5 '08 recruits) have already locked down their most of their 2008 recruiting classes. That certainly makes finding a diamond in the rough a little more difficult.

As long as Ruegsegger, Butler & any others don't bolt after next season (by no means a certainty) DU should be OK. By waiting to award scholarships, DU may go after late bloomers like they did this year with Tyler Bozak. Almost certainly it leads one to believe that DU will be concentrating its recruiting efforts in Canada where the recruits generally commit later than in the USHL or USNDP.

Waterloo Drops USHL Championship Game

(Left) DU recruit John Lee played for his High School in Moorhead, Minnesota this winter and then moved to Waterloo, Iowa to complete the Black Hawks USHL season


The 2006-07 USHL season is now in the books and the Sioux Falls Stampede have skated away with the 2007 Clark Cup title, and the Tier I national championship over the Waterloo Black Hawks. Waterloo featuring DU Defenseman to be John Lee, had a terrific season but fell short 3-0 in the Championship game.

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The Colorado Avalanche had four representatives at the game and several other NHL teams sent scouts as well. John Lee is expected to be drafted in the upcoming NHL draft in June as he is ranked as one of the top 60 North American prospects.

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With the conclusion of the USHL season and the Royal Bank Cup up in Canada, all of DU's recruits are through playing hockey for their Junior teams. They will enroll at DU next Fall, many of whom have gained valuable postseason experience this Spring.

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DU's 2007 Recruiting Class

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Jon Cook - D Camrose (AJHL) 6'1 185 (Won AJHL Championship)

Chris Nutini - D Wichita Falls (NAHL) 6' 185 (Recruited Walk On Defenseman)

Steve Cunningham - LW Burnaby (BCHL) 6'1 195 (BCHL Semi-Finalist)

Dusty Jackson - LW So. Minnesota (NAHL) 6'3 195 (Team MVP)

Jason Gregoire - LW Lincoln (USHL) 5'11 175 (May attend DU in 2008)

Tyler Bozak - RC Victoria (BCHL) 6' 175 (Won BCHL Scoring Title)

John Lee - RD Waterloo (USHL) 6'2 170 (Lost USHL Championship Game)

Marc Cheverie - G Nanaimo (BCHL) 6'2 195 (Won BCHL Championship)

Jesse Martin - RC Tri-City (USHL) 5'10 170 (2nd leading scorer on team)

Kyle Ostrow - LC Nanaimo (BCHL) 5'9 160 (Won BCHL Championship)

Gregoire May Delay DU Admission Until 2008

(left) Jason Gregoire scores a game winning goal for the Lincoln Stars this season. Photo Credit: The Best Seat In The House Blog


The 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."

(above) Jason Gregoire celebrates his third goal of the game as former Maine goalie Matt Lundin looks skyward

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Photo Credit: The Best Seat In The House Blog

DU Recruit Nets Hat Trick In USHL Playoffs
Gregoire's Heroics Not Enough As Lincoln Eliminated

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DU recruit Jason Gregoire put up a heroic effort to stave off elimination for the USHL Lincoln Stars, but it wasn't enough Tuesday night. Lincoln lost game four and the series to Sioux Falls 8-7 in a high scoring game.
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Souix Falls jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the first 6:34 of the game, when Gregoire went to work. He scored his first goal a minute later and Lincoln scored four more goals in the first period. Lincoln's final goal of the period was also netted by Gregoire. At the end of a wild first period the score was tied 5-5.
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The baseball hats flew when Gregoire scored his third goal of the game midway through the second period off the prettiest pass from Brown. Brown, Gregoire and Steve Schultz, three of the Stars’ best players all season, struggled in the playoffs, but came to life last night. Brown had two goals and three assists, and Schultz five assists. If Lincoln had gotten that production throughout the playoffs, you have to wonder what could have been.
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Sioux Falls held Lincoln scoreless over the final 27 minutes to notch the win against the Stars 8-7 and sweep the United States Hockey League first-round playoff series 4-0.
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Gregoire was named the "First Star" of the game and was +2 for the evening.

Topsy Turvy Night For Past & Future Pioneers

In the NHL Matt Carle's San Jose Sharks finished off the Nashville Predators 3-2 to win their playoff series 4 games to 1. Carle was on the ice when the game winning goal was scored.

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In the Doyle Cup, Kyle Ostrow had an assist on the only goal of the game as Nanaimo won Game One, 1-0 over the Camrose Kodiacs. Other DU recruits Jon Cook had a couple of penalties for Camrose, while Marc Cheverie did not play in goal for Nanaimo.

In the NAHL, Dusty Jackson's Southern Minnesota Express won Game One of their playoff series against Fargo-Moorhead 5-1.

USHL Playoff Roundup

In the USHL, things didn't go so well for DU recruit Jason Gregoire who was -4 in the game as his Lincoln Stars lost to Sioux Falls 5-1. Lincoln trails in the best of seven series 2 games to 0.

John Lee had an assist and was +1 for the game as Waterloo upended the Chicago Steel for the second straight game 2-0.

Jesse Martin's Tri-City Storm were shut out by Sioux City 4-0.

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Nate Dewhurst did not dress in Des Moines 3-2 victory over Omaha.

DU Recruit Wins USHL Playoff Opener

DU Recruit John Lee (left) had an assist in Waterloo's 2-0 victory over the Chicago Steel last night. Waterloo leads the series 1 game to 0.

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Nate Dewhurst, Jason Gregoire & Jesse Martin will have playoff games with their respective USHL teams tonight.

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Meanwhile up in Canada tonight, DU recruits Kyle Ostrow, Marc Cheverie & Jon Cook will face off in the Doyle Cup as Nanaimo plays Camrose.

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In the NHL playoffs, Matt Carle & the San Jose Sharks look to close out the Nashville Predators.

Past & Future Pioneers In Playoff Action Last Night

DU Alum Matt Carle's San Jose Sharks won game four of their playoff series with the Nashville Predators. Carle was held off the scoresheet, but the Sharks gained a comanding 3 games to 1 series lead.

In the developmental USHL, DU recruit Jason Gregoire scored the first goal of the playoff opener for the Lincoln Stars. It wasn't enough, however, as Lincoln was whipped by Sioux Falls 8-2. Lincoln led after one period 2-0, but Sioux Falls scored eight unanswered goals including a couple of empty netters in the middle of the 3rd period.

2008 recruit Nate Dewhurst did not dress for Des Moines USHL playoff opener against Omaha. Sixth seed Des Moines was able to upset top-seeded Omaha in Game 1 of the series 4-2.

DU recruit John Lee and the Waterloo Black Hawks begin their USHL playoff series tonight against Chicago.

Four Recruits Begin USHL Playoffs

The playoffs begin tonight for four DU recruits looking to win the USHL's Clark Cup Trophy. The best-of-seven series will determine the six teams that advance to the 2nd round.

John Lee - Defenseman

East #1 Waterloo Black Hawks vs. #6 Chicago Steel

John Lee started the season with the Waterloo Black Hawks, went home to Moorhead, Minnesota to finish his senior season playing high school hockey and then returned to Waterloo for the remainder of the season. While in Minnesota he was named a Mr. Hockey Finalist.

Waterloo earned the title of the USHL’s best regular-season team with a franchise record 39 victories and 82 points. Waterloo also recorded a 25-3-2 mark at home.

Lee had 2 goals and 7 assists in 29 games for the Black Hawks this season. He is going to be DU's youngest recruit next season at 18 years of age. Lee is expected to be drafted on the first day of the NHL draft this summer.

Nate Dewhurst - Forward (2008 or 09 Recruit)

West # 6 Des Moines Buccaneers vs. #1 Omaha Lancers

Nate Dewhurst is one of the youngest players in the USHL and just turned 17 two weeks ago. He had 0 goals and 5 assists in 46 games for the Buccaneers this season. He's expected to play a bigger role next season for the Buccaneers.

Omaha led the regular season series 5 games to 3 and won the last 5 games in a row, but three of those victories came via the shootout or overtime.

Jesse Martin - Forward

West #2 Tri-City Storm vs. #5 Sioux Cities Musketeers

Jesse Martin is very highly regarded by Hiesenburg's recruiting website and was drafted by the Atlanta Thrashers last summer.

Martin led the Storm this season with 37 assists to go along with 19 goals. He also tied for the team lead with a plus/minus of +20.

Despite Tri-City's 2nd place finish in the Western Division, they only went 1-5-1 against Sioux Cities.

Jason Gregoire - Forward

West #3 Lincoln Stars vs. #4 Sioux Falls Stampede

Jason Gregoire is just 17 years old but dominated in a season that was interupted by an ankle injury. He led the team in plus/minus despite playing in only half of the team's games. Due to his sensational return from injury, there's speculation that Gregoire could go anywhere in the first three rounds of the NHL Draft.

After his return from the injury, Lincoln became on of the best teams in the USHL. Lincoln enters the post-season as the league's hottest team having won 15 of their last 20 games.

Updated: Denver's 2007 Recruiting Class

• Jon Cook-D (4/14/07) Camrose (AJHL) 6'1" 195
• Chris Nutini-D (4/1/07) Wichita Falls (NAHL) 6'0" 185
• Steve Cunningham-LW (3/19/07) Burnaby (BCHL) 6'1 195
• Dusty Jackson-LW (3/19/07) So. Minn. (NAHL) 6'3 195
• Tyler Bozak-RC (11/2/06) Victoria (BCHL) 6' 175
• Marc Cheverie-G (11/8/05) Nanaimo (BCHL) 6'2 195
• Jesse Martin-RC (10/28/05) Tri-City (USHL) 5'10 170
• Kyle Ostrow-LC (8/17/05) Nanaimo (BCHL) 5'9 160
• Jason Gregoire-LW (2/1/07) Lincoln (USHL) 5'11 175
• John Lee-RD (10/3/06) Moorhead (USHL) 6'1 170
  

Latest DU Flight Risk & Incoming Recruit Report

Warning - This article contains rumor, speculation and inuendo. In other words, it full of gossip and b.s. But you already know that since you're reading LetsGoDU instead of relying on the Denver Post and the Rocky Mountain News, which do an excellent job of covering the Pioneer hockey program.

Mannino & Butler

Former DU player and Colorado Avalanche player Paul Stastny was quoted in the Denver fishwrap today as saying, "Peter Mannino and Chris Butler will be back at DU next season."

Since Stastny used to room with Mannino and grew up in St. Louis with Butler, its believed to be a pretty good source. Of course things can change as both Brett Skinner and Stastny signed professional contracts over the summer.

Nash Possibly Closer To DU Commitment

The University of North Dakota internet message board Sioux Sports has a message that, "Its just a matter of time until Riley Nash commits to the University of Denver."

Putting any faith in internet message boards is a hazarous exercise at the best of times, but there are links between UND and the Salmon Arm Silverbacks program.

The Salmon Arm franchise is partly owned by St. Louis Blues head coach Andy Murray. Andy's son Brady Murray played at the University of North Dakota.

There are also messages that claim he hasn't made up his mind yet, so the hockey world keeps waiting.

Paukovich Still Not Signed With Edmonton

As each day passes without a contract being signed with the Edmonton Oilers, a flicker of hope rises that Geoff Paukovich could return for his Senior season at DU. If Edmonton doesn't come up with a suitable contract, they risk Paukovich returning for his senior season.

Next season Paukovich will have more puck handlers capable of getting him the puck in close quarters in front of the net. DU recruits Kyle Ostrow, Tyler Bozak and Jason Gregorie all have excellent hands.