Two DU Recruits Listed In Final Draft Rankings

Two University of Denver recruits were listed among the Top 200 North American skaters Wednesday with the release of Central Scouting's Final Rankings.

Defenseman Will Butcher was listed at #87 after being ranked at #170 in the Mid-term Rankings.  That will likely project Butcher to be a 4th to 7th round selection at the NHL Draft this summer.

Incoming DU forward Trevor Moore was listed at #192.

Current DU forward Quinten Shore was listed but not assigned a ranking.

Former DU defenseman Dakota Mermis came in at #95.  Defenseman Gage Ausmus who reportedly decommitted from DU after Coach Gwozdecky was fired was listed at #148.

2013 Recruiting Class Updated Stats
D Matt Van Voorhis (Sioux Falls, USHL) - 53 gms, 6 goals, 19 assists
F Brad Hawkinson (Lincoln Stars, USHL) - 57 gms, 12 goals, 6 assists
F Landon Smith (Chicago, USHL) - 36 games, 11 goals, 6 assists
F Connor Chatham (Omaha, USHL) - 63 games, 18 goals, 17 assists
F Ray Pigozzi (Chicago, USHL) - 53 games, 8 goals, 26 assists
D Will Butcher (U.S. Under-18) - 61 games, 10 goals, 22 assists
F Trevor Moore (Tri-City, USHL) 62 games, 20 goals, 43 assists
D Nick Neville (Texas, NAHL) 60 games, 7 goals, 28 assists

2014 Recruiting Class Updated Stats
F Tyler Pham (Indiana Ice, USHL) - 61 games, 8 goals, 16 assists
F Jared Fiegl (U.S. Under-17) 56 games, 8 goals, 9 assists
F Garrett Gamez (Tri-Cities, USHL) 46 games, 8 goals, 10 assists
F Cody DePourcq (Penticton, BCHL) - 54 games, 13 goal, 8 assists

2015 Recruiting Class Updated Stats 
F Dylan Gambrell (Dubuque, USHL) 58 games, 9 goal, 18 assists

2016 Recruiting Class Updated Stats
F Troy Terry (Thunderbirds, AAA) 41 games, 14 goals, 35 assists

NHL's Central Scouting Mid-Term Draft Rankings

(above) The 2013 NHL Draft will held in New Jersey

The NHL's Central Scouting released their 2013 Mid-Term Rankings of draft prospects and several players with DU ties made the list. Of course making the list and even being ranked fairly highly is no guarantee of getting drafted next summer.  Last year former DU player Dakota Mermis was ranked #77 and DU forward Quentin Shore was #107 and neither player was selected six months later.

Players can use the second half of the season to propel themselves up the list as Paul Stastny did in 2005.

DU recruit Trevor Moore [5'10 175 lbs.] is ranked #108. With 15 goals and 23 assists in just 35 games, he is having a sensational season with the Tri-City Storm in the USHL.  Look for Moore to move up in the final rankings, but obviously his size may be a factor against going in the first few rounds.

Next on the list with DU ties is defenseman Will Butcher [5' 10 191 lbs.] at #170.  At one point, Butcher was listed on several NHL Mock Drafts as a late first round selection last year.  Even though he's having a very nice season with the USNDP Under 18 team [34 games, 6 goals, 13 assists].

Finally at #186 is Quentin Shore.  Shore has been on fire in the first five games of 2013 and should move up the list.  If he can keep it up for the remainder of the season, he may be drafted.

Some will be surprised that DU recruit Gage Ausmus [6'1 210 lbs.] was not listed.  His size is within NHL specs but a lack of goals this season, probably hurt his ranking.

Dakota Mermis Gets Two Assists In 1st OHL Game

(above) Dakota Mermis recorded two assists on Friday night

From: London Free Press

by Steve Green

Dakota Mermis readily admits the last few days have been a whirlwind.

Travelling from Denver to St. Louis to London, meeting his new teammates with the London Knights, getting settled in and skating a couple of times at the Budweiser Gardens. Oh, and playing in his first Ontario Hockey League game Friday night on the eve of his 19th birthday.

He started the game and ended up with a pair of assists as the Knights whipped the Saginaw Spirit 8-2.

“It was great,” he said. “When you have the talent we have in this room, it makes my job a lot easier. All I have to do is get the puck up to the forwards and let them score.”

His play belied the emotions he was feeling as the game approached.

“A little bit of nerves, but mostly excitement just to be here,” the native of Alton, Ill., just north of St. Louis, said when asked what was going through his gut and his head before the game.

Mermis has played before crowds as large as Friday night’s while he was at the University of Denver and with Green Bay of the USHL. However, he’s still getting acclimatized to life as a Knight.

“I’ve heard a lot about this league and this team, especially,” said the Knights’ 12th-round draft pick in 2010, adding he felt the OHL was the best vehicle in which to improve his skills. “I like to get up into the play, but I know it all starts with defense. You’ve got to take care of your own end first.

“Obviously I don’t know the system that well yet so for now, I’m mostly just going to play my game.”

And that’s exactly what the coaching staff is expecting, said assistant coach Jeff Paul, who’s in charge of the blue-line corps.

“Is it his first game? Yes. But is he the prototypical young player? No. There’s a lot expected of him.” 

With captain Scott Harrington and fellow rearguard Olli Maatta at the world juniors, the Knights have received yeoman work from several others who helped shore things up at the back — players such as Kyle Platzer, Paxton Leroux and Tyler Ferry.

But when Harrington and Maatta return, the Knights could have as many as eight defencemen on the roster. That will mean competition for ice time.

Chambers Article Questions Dakota Mermis' Commitment

(above) Mike Chambers sheds some light on Dakota Mermis' departure

Mike Chambers of the Denver Post penned an article today portraying a player that hasn't been happy with his coaching, his utilization or his playing time on his last three teams.  Whether the unhappiness stems from overbearing parents, pressure from family advisers or the player himself or a combination of all three is not answered.

Like an onion, its going to take time to peel back the true story about Dakota Mermis' departure from the University of Denver.  Many will ask why this departure different from the half dozen or so other student athletes that left their teams over the XMAS Break or the dozens of other players who choose major juniors over college hockey every year.

Dakota Mermis is not an elite hockey player at this time.  He was battling for playing time with six other players, most of whom had statistics and performance far superior than Dakota's.

This was not a major recruiting coup for the London Knights.  They did not acquire a player who will be a sure-fire NHL prospect.

This was a loss for the University of Denver, because Dakota Mermis was well on his way to becoming a very steady, reliable defenseman over the next three or four seasons.   In time he could of developed into a leader and perhaps a star.  It takes even the best players years, not months, to develop to an elite defenseman in the WCHA.

Dakota left DU to pursue his dream of playing in the NHL.  Sooner or later he's going to discover that sixth men at DU rarely transition to NHL stardom.

Jarrod Mermis To Take Leave Of Absence

According to Mike Chambers of the Denver Post DU forward Jarrod Mermis is taking a "Leave of Absence" from the team.  On Tuesday his brother Dakota left the Pioneers to join the OHL London Knights.

Chambers later Tweeted that Coach Gwozdecky expects Jarrod to rejoin the team.

Dakota Mermis Defection Raises Red Flags

(above) Dakota Mermis left DU last weekend for the Ontario Hockey League

On Tuesday evening the OHL London Knights announced the signing of University of Denver Freshman Dakota Mermis.  Clearly this was a move designed to get Dakota's hockey career back on track towards someday achieving a roster spot in the NHL.

Before Dakota ever committed to the University of Denver, he was considered to be one of the best young hockey players in North America.  His St. Louis Junior Blues team won the 2007 USA AAA Championship when he was just 12 years-old.

At age 16, he was selected to play for the prestigious US National Development team in Ann Arbor, Michigan.  He was considered to be one of the top seven defensemen in the USA and his hockey future appeared bright.

Playing for the US National Development team poses issues.  If you aren't on the top two forward or defensive pairings are you better off instead playing a leading role on the USHL team?  Its a problem at every level of youth sports.  As you progress up the ladder, the competition for playing time gets stiffer and to maintain playing time you may have to play a different role than your body or skill set is ideally suited for.

It happened to former DU star Gabe Gauthier; he could score goals in bunches on the top two lines in the AHL, but didn't have the body mass to adapt to playing physical role on a third or fourth line in the NHL.

So the decision was made for Dakota to jump from the USNDP Under-18 Team and play the following season in the USHL for the Green Bay Gamblers.  Former DU coach Derek Lalonde was soon thereafter named the head coach of the Gamblers and if anyone was going to give Dakota a ton of playing time, "Olde DU Derek" could be counted upon.

By all accounts Dakota had a great season in Green Bay.  He recorded 5 goals and 22 assists and the Gamblers won the USHL Championship.  But compare his stats to NHLer Matt Carle, who blazed a similar career path as Dakota's.  Carle recorded 12 goals and 30 assists in his lone season in the USHL for River City.

Dakota's numbers and progress after his season in Green Bay were not sufficient enough for an NHL team draft the 5'11 blueliner.  At this point, Dakota had three choices.  Play another season in the USHL and put up some big numbers, jump to London in the OHL or attend DU.

He chose to come to Denver and compete for playing time with some of the best young Dmen in D1 hockey.  David Makowski [5 goals, 7 assists],  Joey LaLeggia [7 goals, 10 assists], Nolan Zajac [3 goals, 9 assists], Scott Mayfield [2 goals, 5 assists], Paul Phillips [0 goals, 5 assists] & Josiah Didier [0 goals, 3 assists].  Dakota's stats [1 goal, 3 assists] obviously put him down the pecking order.

Dakota's numbers and size clearly weren't going to entice an NHL team to draft him this summer, so he made the decision to bolt to the OHL London Knights.  He'll get more playing time, more games and power play opportunities in the OHL.

After next season he'll likely begin his career in the ECHL and compete for playing time against players that are better then his former teammates at DU.  His odds of making the NHL?  Based on current US born blueliners in the NHL under 6 feet tall, a thousand to one.

US Born Players Under 6' who appeared in at least 1 NHL Game last season

[NCAA FRESHMAN SEASON STATS]

John-Michael Liles - MSU [8 goals, 20 assists] 4 years of college
Keith Ballard - MN [10 goals, 13 assists] 3 years of college
Alex Goligoski - MN [5 goals, 15 assists] 3 years of college
Francis Bouillon - CHL
Andy Greene - MIA(OH) [4 goals, 19 assists] 4 years of college
Kevin Shattenkirk - BU [4 goals, 17 assists] 3 years of college
Brett Lebda - ND [7 goals, 19 assists] 4 years of college
Matt Hunwick - MI [1 goal, 14 assists] 4 years of college
Jack Hillen - CC [2 goals, 9 assists] 4 years of college
Nick Leddy - MN [3 goals, 8 assists] 1 year of college
Steven Kampfer - MI [1 goal, 3 assists] 4 years of college
Matt Taormina - Providence [1 goal, 10 assists] 4 years of college
Cade Fairchild - MN [2 goals, 13 assists] 4 years of college
Torey Krug - MSU [3 goals, 18 assists] 3 years of college
Aaron Ness - MN [2 goals, 15 assists] 3 years of college

Dakota Mermis Signs With OHL's London Knights

(above) Dakota Mermis with London Knights coach Dale Hunter

The OHL London Knights called a press conference on Sunday to announce the signing of University of Denver defenseman Dakota Mermis.  DU was rotating seven defensemen this season and it appears Mermis wanted a larger role.

Mermis was a 12th round pick of the London Knights in the 2010 OHL Priority Selection Draft. Knights forward Alex Broadhurst played with Mermis on the Green Bay Gamblers last season.

Meanwhile his brother, Jarrod Mermis, spent much of the season suspended from the Pioneers linup, so that may of played a role in Dakota's departure.

Much of DU's troubles in December were due to lack of depth at forward.  With three goaltenders and seven defensemen on scholarship, DU did not have the depth to withstand any injuries.  When those injuries inevitably occurred on the frontline, DU went from a 9-1-0 start to a 0-5-3 tailspin.

The ship appeared to be righted when DU upset Boston University 6-0 on Saturday night.  Now the Mermis departure will add to the challenges facing this young team.

London Knights Signs Dakota Mermis

Western College Hockey Blog Article

Denver Post Profiles DU's Mermis Bothers

(above) Jarrod & Dakota Mermis

From: Denver Post
by Mike Chambers

Turkey and all the fixings will be a family affair for the majority of the University of Denver hockey team even though there is practice Thursday morning.

The Mermis brothers — junior Jarrod and freshman Dakota — are continuing a trend that has brought families together in the Mile High City over the winter holidays. Five sets of brothers have played for DU within the past five years [read entire article].

DU 5 - Michigan Tech 1 FINAL

Its almost becoming routine.  The 2012-13 University of Denver hockey team starts off slowly and builds momentum until the score is out of reach.  Friday night was no different as the Pioneers defeated Michigan Tech 5-1 at Magness Arena.  It was the third straight game the Pioneers  tallied five goals.

Five different players scored for DU;  Dakota Mermis, David Makowski, Quentin Shore, Joey LaLeggia & Nick Shore.  

Once again Great Brittain was a rock between the pipes.

Seen at the Game: Retired Avs defenseman Adam Foote, Avs center Paul Stastny & Maple Leafs winger Tyler Bozak.

Box Score

Denver Post Game Recap

News & Notes From Around PioNation

(above) Magness Arena is being transformed for the Presidential Debate on Oct. 3rd

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The Presidenital Debate hosted by the University of Denver on Oct. 3rd is expected to be worth $20-30 million in branding & publicity benefits for the university. Down the road, DU should expect to see a 15% uptick in admissions applications next year based on previous debates.  Well worth the $1.6 million donation required to host the event.

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DU has been picked to finish third in the annual 94X WCHA Preseason Media Poll, released Wednesday. The Minnesota Golden Gophers are a nearly-unanimous pick of WCHA media to win the league. 

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The initial LetsGoDU Super Poll™ has been released and for the 7th straight year, DU is the consensus preseason #1 pick.  Once again Colorado College came in last out of 58 teams.

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The 8-1-2 University of Denver women's soccer team is ranked #18 in the nation.  The men's soccer team which has won five games in a row is ranked #40.

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Four current and future University of Denver hockey players will be among 40 of the finest 2013 NHL Draft-eligible, American-born players sharing the spotlight when the inaugural CCM/USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game is held Saturday at First Niagara Center in Buffalo. Gage Ausmus, Dakota Mermis, Quintin Shore and Will Butcher will represent DU at the event.

4 DU Players Selected For Hockey Showcase

The first ever All-American Prospects Game was announced on Wednesday. USA Hockey will stage the event on September 29th at First Niagara Center in Buffalo [home of the NHL Buffalo Sabres]. The All-American Prospects Game will include 40 of the top American-born prospects eligible for the 2013 National Hockey League Entry Draft.

Four University of Denver players or recruits were selected; Will Butcher, Dakota Mermis, Gage Ausmus and Quintin Shore.  Mermis and Shore are incoming Freshmen at DU.

Western College Hockey Blog has an interesting take on the event and questioned the selection criteria.

Joey Leggs Likely To Be On NHL Draft Bubble

(above) The NHL Draft kicks off tonight, but up to four DU players may hear their names called on Saturday

From: Denver Post
by Mike Chambers

University of Denver defenseman Joey LaLeggia was passed over in the 2010 and 2011 NHL drafts and might not hear his named called in this week's selection process in Pittsburgh, in his final year of eligibility.

Despite leading all NCAA defensemen in scoring, finishing with a plus-13 rating during his freshman season and being named first-team Western Collegiate Hockey Association, LaLeggia is not ranked among Central Scouting's top 210 draft-eligible North American skaters.

"That's a joke," DU associate head coach Steve Miller said. "That's Central Scouting not doing their job" [read entire article].

Denver Post: NHL Draft Adds Recruiting Pressure

(above) Early departures are playing havoc with DU's recruiting plans

From: Denver Post

by Mike Chambers

This weekend's NHL draft has become one of the bigger annual events at the University of Denver, which has become the NHL development camp of the West. 

Sophomore-to-be defenseman Joey LaLeggia, classmate Ty Loney, a forward, and incoming freshman forward Quentin Shore and incoming freshman defenseman Dakota Mermis are expected to be drafted Saturday in Rounds 2-7. In which round they are drafted, and by what team, will give us a good idea about how long they will play at DU [read entire article].

DU Recruits Go For USHL Title Tonight

(above) DU recruit Dakota Mermis will be a mainstay on the DU blueline next season

From: Green Bay Press-Gazette
by Weston Hodkiewicz

The Green Bay Gamblers will face Waterloo tonight in a deciding Game Five for the USHL Championship. Two DU recruits, team captain Grant Arnold and Dakota Mermis play for Green Bay. Former DU assistant coach Derrek Lalonde is the head coach for the Gamblers. 

Grant Arnold never will forget May 12, 2010.

Then a first-year forward for the Green Bay Gamblers, it was that day Arnold stood before a deafening crowd at the Resch Center moments after the Gamblers defeated the Fargo Force 5-3 to capture their first USHL Clark Cup postseason championship in a decade.

All told, it took 72 games and every minute of the best-of-five championship series to put the Force away, but finally capturing that elusive championship made it every bit as memorable.

"I'll remember that night for the rest of my life," said Arnold, now a team captain in his third year with the Gamblers. "With 8,500 here and a sellout (crowd), the moment that buzzer hit zero was awesome. Hopefully, we'll do that again."

Arnold is one of three players left from the 2010 Clark Cup championship team For the last three seasons, Arnold has had front-row seats to one of the greatest runs in league history with three consecutive Clark Cup finals appearances, two Anderson Cup regular-season titles and one postseason crown.

The Gamblers split their home series with the Black Hawks last weekend before winning Game 3 in Waterloo Friday. They had a shot to close it out last Saturday, but fell 5-3 to force Game 5. 

"It's a great way to close the book of an unreal ride," said Arnold, who will play at Denver next year. "We'll definitely look back on this window and be very thankful for everything that's happened."

Lalonde Breaks USHL Rookie Coaching Record

(above) Former DU assistant coach Derek Lalonde broke a USHL coaching record last Friday night

From: The World Of Junior Hockey

With a victory over the Youngstown Phantoms this past Friday, Green Bay Gamblers head coach Derek Lalonde recorded his 42nd victory surpassing Eric Rud (41) for most wins by a first year head coach in USHL history.

Lalonde became just the fifth coach in USHL history to lead a team to the Anderson Cup [best USHL regular season record] in the first season behind the bench in the League. The last coach to accomplish that feat was Jon Cooper with the Green Bay Gamblers during the 2008-09 season. Lalonde is also only the second coach in USHL history to reach the 40-win mark in his first season, following Eric Rud who won 41 games last season with the Gamblers.

“It is a great honor to have accomplished these feats in my first season with the amount of great coaches that have coached in the USHL,” said Derek Lalonde, “I certainly benefited from coming into a great organization where a lot of the good pieces were already in place.”

Prior to coming to the Gamblers, Lalonde spent the past five seasons as an assistant coach at the University of Denver. While at Denver, Lalonde assisted in all aspects with the DU program, including recruiting, video breakdown, goaltending and skill development. Lalonde helped the Pioneers to two WCHA Championships (2008 & 2010), four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances and 122-63-19 record in five seasons as assistant coach.

While at DU, Lalonde helped recruit six nationally-ranked recruiting classes. He recruited 11 NHL draft picks, including first round picks Beau Bennett and Joe Colborne. Lalonde also recruited second round selections Jason Zucker, Patrick Wiercioch, Drew Shore and William Wrenn, and non-drafted recruits Tyler Bozak and Anthony Maiani.

Currently the Gamblers are three wins shy of their team record 45 victories which was set during their 2009-10 Anderson Cup-winning season. They are also nine points shy of the team record 95 points they earned in the standings in 2009-10.

DU recruits Dakota Mermis [5g, 18a] and Grant Arnold [5g, 8a] plays for LaLonde on the Green Bay squad.

Three DU Recruits Sign National Letters Of Intent

The University of Denver has signed three players to National Letters of Intent, Associate Head Coach Steve Miller announced Thursday. Forward Quentin Shore, and defensemen Nolan Zajac and Dakota Mermis have inked NLIs to play for the Pioneers beginning in 2012-13 (read entire article).

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 (Cedar Rapids, USHL)
F Quentin Shore (U.S. Under-18)
F Connor Honey (Green Bay, USHL)
F Grant Arnold (Green Bay, USHL)

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 (Des Moines, USHL)
D Will Butcher (U.S. Under-17)

2014 Recruiting Class
F Jared Fiegl (Colorado Rampage, U-16)
D Gage Ausmus (U.S. Under-17)
F Trevor Moore (Tri-Cities, USHL) 

USHL Round-Up Of DU Recruits

Ray Pigozzi

With two weekends of USHL play under their belts, several University of Denver recruits have jumped off to quick statistical starts in league play. The Pioneers have a record number of recruits (14) playing in the USHL this season.

Congrats to former DU assistant coach Derek Lalonde who went 3-0-0 in his first week as a head coach of the Green Bay Gamblers.  Green Bay is one of only two teams that is still undefeated and untied.

The list below highlights recruits who have scored at least one goal or recorded an assist.

• 2013 recruit Ray Pigozzi (Foward  5'11 174 lbs. Evanston, IL) already has four assists in his first three games for the Des Moines Buccaneers.

• 2013 Recruit Will Butcher (Defenseman 5'11 190 lbs. Sun Prarie, WI) has a goal and two assists for the USNDT-Under 17 team. Teammate Connor Chatham (Forward 6'2 195 lbs. St. Louis, MO) has three assists in four games. Finally blueliner Gage Ausmus (6'1 200 lbs. East Grand Forks, MN) has one assist.

• In Sioux Falls, defenseman Matt Van Voorhis (Defenseman 5'7 165 lbs. Edina, MN) has one assist in two games

• Defenseman Dakota Mermis (Defenseman 5'10 165 lbs. Alton, IL) has one goal in three games for Green Bay.

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 (Unknown)
D Nolan Zajac (Cedar Rapids, USHL)
F Quentin Shore (U.S. Under-18)
F Connor Honey (Green Bay, USHL)
F Grant Arnold (Green Bay, USHL)

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 (Des Moines, USHL)
D Will Butcher (U.S. Under-17)

2014 Recruiting Class
F Jared Fiegl (Colorado Rampage, U-16)
D Gage Ausmus (U.S. Under-17)
F Trevor Moore (Tri-Cities, USHL)

DU Lands Colorado Native Grant Arnold

(above) Grant Arnold [#34] will bring a physical presence at forward next season

Grant Arnold

Forward Grant Arnold (6'2 215 lbs.) of the USHL Green Bay Gamblers has committed to the University of Denver. Arnold is the third player on the Gamblers roster to commit to the Pioneers, joining forward Conner Honey and defensemen Dakota Mermis.

In two seasons with the Gamblers, Arnold appeared in 101 games registering 13 goals and 19 assist. Last season, the Centennial, Colorado native played a pivotal role in his team reaching a 2nd straight Clark Cup Finals.

This season, Arnold was selected team captain by his teammates along with Max Hartner. At the 2011 Fall Classic, Arnold recorded his first hat trick in the USHL in a win over Tri-City 8-3.

Arnold is being coached this season in Green Bay by former DU assistant coach Derek Lalonde.

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 (Unknown)
D Nolan Zajac (Cedar Rapids, USHL)
F Quentin Shore (U.S. Under-18)
F Connor Honey (Green Bay, USHL)
F Grant Arnold (Green Bay, USHL)

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 (Des Moines, USHL)
D Will Butcher (U.S. Under-17)

2014 Recruiting Class
F Jared Fiegl (Colorado Rampage, U-16)
D Gage Ausmus (U.S. Under-17)
F Trevor Moore (Tri-Cities, USHL)

Connor Chatham Commits To University Of Denver

Already wearing DU swag

According to Chris Hiesenberg's Website, Connor Chatham (6'2 185 lbs) has given a verbal commitment to the University of Denver.  Chatham is from Shiloh, Illinois and is yet another product of the St. Louis Blues AAA program.  He is described as a big, strong power forward.

Chatham will play the next two seasons for the U.S. National Development Program in Ann Arbor, Michigan. In May he was drafted in the 5th Round of the OHL Draft by the Plymouth Whalers, but it appears that he will now take the college route.

NHL Central Scouting provided the following analysis.

“Chatham is a big bodied right winger who has missed a majority of this season with a shoulder injury, surgery and subsequent rehabilitation. Chatham possesses a very good and attractive collection of physical tools. He has legitimate size, he is an above average skater and he possesses a real good stick, especially his ability to finish. He has a very smooth and effective stride, and when he is moving his feet he shows some real high end speed and quickness. He uses his speed to skate up and down his wing, working himself into the open ice while supporting the play.”

Other St. Louis area players that have played at DU in recent seasons include Paul Stastny, Chris Butler, David Makowski & Jarrod Mermis.  Scott Mayfield will be a Freshman this season and Jarrod's younger brother Dakota Mermis will arrive in 2012.

2011 Recruiting Class
D Scott Mayfield (Youngstown, USHL)
F Zac Larraza (U.S. Under-18)
D Joey LaLeggia (Penticton Vees, BCHL)
F Larkin Jacobson (Janesville Jets, NAHL)
D-F Wade Bennett (Wichita Falls, NAHL)
F Matt Tabrum (Omaha, USHL)
D Josiah Didier (Cedar Rapids, USHL)
F Daniel Doremus (Sioux Falls, USHL)
G Juho Olkinuora (Sioux Falls, USHL)
F Ty Loney (Youngstown, USHL)

2012 Recruiting Class
F Tyler Pham (Indiana Ice, USHL)
D Dakota Mermis (U.S. Under-18)
D Matt Van Voorhis (Sioux Falls, USHL)
F Garrett Allen (Unknown)
D Nolan Zajac (Cedar Rapids, USHL)

2013 Recruiting Class
F Brad Hawkinson (Colorado Thunderbirds U-18)
F Landon Smith (Colorado Thunderbirds U-18)
F Connor Chatham (U.S. Under-17)

2014 Recruiting Class
F Jared Fiegl (Colorado Rampage, U-16)

USHL Draft Features DU & Colorado Flavor

The United States Hockey League [USHL] held its 2011 Prospects Draft on Monday.  2012 University of Denver recruit Tyler Pham was selected with the 3rd overall pick in the 1st Round by the Indiana Ice.  It certainly bodes well for DU that Pham was selected so early.

Later in the 1st, Round Dakota Mermis was selected with the 13th pick by the Green Bay Gamblers.  Mike Chambers of the Denver Post has some additional info about this pick in his Blog.  My only take is that Green Bay is a very well run organization and they must have some sort of info that Mermis may play for them next season.  We shall see.

Defenseman Matt Van Voorhis, who delayed his arrival at DU by one year, was selected by the Sioux Falls Stampede in the 13th Round.  He should contribute heavily for the Stampede.

A record number of Colorado based players were selected this year offering further proof of the growth of ice hockey out west.  Chambers' article lists the local guys selected in the draft many of who played for the Colorado Thunderbirds.

Although University of Denver recruit Garrett Allen has signed a letter of intent with DU to arrive in 2012, he may never play for Denver.  His situation has been described as "fluid."

2011 Recruiting Class
D Scott Mayfield (Youngstown, USHL)
F Zac Larraza (U.S. Under-18)
D Joey LaLeggia (Penticton Vees, BCHL)
F Larkin Jacobson (Janesville Jets, NAHL)
D-F Wade Bennett (Wichita Falls, NAHL)
F Matt Tabrum (Omaha, USHL)
D Josiah Didier (Cedar Rapids, USHL)
F Daniel Doremus (Sioux Falls, USHL)

2012 Recruiting Class
F Tyler Pham (Indiana Ice, USHL)
D Dakota Mermis (U.S. Under-18)
D Matt Van Voorhis (Sioux Falls, USHL)
F Garrett Allen (Chicago, USHL)

2013 Recruiting Class
F Brad Hawkinson (Colorado Thunderbirds-U18)