Former DU Prospect's Stock Continues To Drop

(left) Former DU prospect Stepan Novotny was traded this week to another major junior team in Canada

Stepan Novotny signed a Letter of intent to attend the University of Denver, but instead chose to play major junior hockey in the WHL. The reason at the time appeared to be that he wasn't quite ready to play college hockey in 2008 and he needed a huge year in Kelowna (WHL) to be a high draft choice in the 2009 NHL Draft.

His stats in Kelowna were solid but not spectacular and Novotny went from being mentioned as a possible first or second round draft choice, to not being selected by any team. This week he was traded to the Swift Current Broncos of the WHL and this article details the trade.

Mile High Hockey Blog Says Avs May Draft Pioneers

Angelique Murray who writes the Mile High Hockey Blog thinks the Colorado Avalanche may have a few players with DU connections in their sights on Draft Day. She thinks Drew Shore, Willaim Wrenn, Paul Phillips and former DU prospect Stepan Novotny are possible Avs draftees.

Check out her Colorado Avalanche Draft Preview.

Chambers Blog Confirms Novotny Will Go To WHL

Mike Chambers in his Denver Post Blog has confirmed with DU Assistant Coach Steve Miller that Stepan Novotny will go to Kelowna in the WHL. There just weren't enough open forward spots for him to come to DU this season and get enough playing time. He could have deferred and come in 2009 to DU but he saw the WHL as a way to get playing time this season on a high profile team. Also some interesting tidbits on Drew and Nick Shore. Drew is scheduled to come to DU in 2009 but has not signed an LOI. The WHL thinks highly of him and is pressuring him to go that route. It appears whatever path Drew takes, Nick will follow. Both could go the DU route or to the WHL.

Mike also touches on the subject of what DU will do without David Carle and Stepan Novotny. In a second article in the blog Mike indicates that DU will not add another defenseman to replace Carle for the coming season and that the money for Novotny's scholarship will be divided up among the walk-ons. Carle will get to keep his scholarship although he won't be playing.

DU Recruit Stepan Novotny to Kelowna?????

NCAA Watcher posted over on USCHO that DU recruit Stepan Novotny has decommitted from DU and is going to play for Kelowna in the WHL. He cites ROI as his source. The Kelowna Rockets site has an press release on their site about him being taken in the CHL import draft.

Kelowna got him by making a trade with Saskatoon for the 24th selection in the CHL import draft. The Kelowna press release says they expect Stepan to play on one of the two top lines. From the Kelowna Press release it sure sounds like Stepan will be going there otherwise I doubt they would have selected him where they did.

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Stepan signed an LOI with DU so he cannot play with another NCAA team unless DU releases him from his LOI. DU deferred Stepan for 2008 and he was to stay in the USHL for the coming season which is also his draft year. He was to enter DU in 2009. With this coming season being his draft year and he wouldn't be playing at DU, he probably decided his best chance of getting the highest exposure was in the WHL.

Kelowna Press Release

Heisenberg's Site Lists Novotny As '09 Recruit

(left) Stepan Novotny

Earlier in the week DU recruit Stepan Novotny (Prague, Czech Republic) was placed on the "Protected List" by the Indiana Ice and presumably will play for the Ice next season. One of our alert readers noticed that Chris Heisenberg's Website now has Novotny listed as a 2009 DU recruit.

With DU returning 11 forwards next season, one would expect Novotny to see more playing time in the USHL and would increase his stock for the 2009 NHL Draft by remaining in Indiana. At this time nothing has been officially confirmed by DU.

If Novotny does play for the Indiana Ice next season, he will be in very good hands as former Miami assistant coach Jeff Blashill was named head coach this week.

Novotny tallied 11 points on four goals and seven assists for Indiana this past season. The 6-foot-1, 190-pound forward added one game-winning goal for the Ice, who captured the East division regular-season title with a 39-15-6 record.

Novotny signed a Letter of intent with DU in April.

DU Recruiting Classes

2008
F Nate Dewhurst (Des Moines, USHL)
F Joe Colborne (Camrose, AJHL)
D John Lee (Waterloo, USHL)
D David Carle (Shattuck-St Mary's HS)
F Luke Salazar (Wichita Falls, NAHL)

2009
D William Wrenn (U.S. Under-17)
D Matt Donovan (Cedar Rapids, USHL)
D Paul Phillips (Cedar Rapids, USHL)
G Adam Murray (U.S. under-17)
F Drew Shore (U.S. Under-17)
F Shawn Ostrow (Camose, AJHL)
F Stepan Novotny (Indiana, USHL)

2010
Jason Zucker (Detroit Compuware)

Novotny Placed On Protected List By USHL Team

(above) This week Stepan Novotny was placed on the "Protected List" by the Indiana Ice for next season

Last month the University of Denver announced the signing of four recruits to National Letters of Intent; David Carle (Anchorage, Alaska), Joe Colborne (Calgary, Alberta), Nate Dewhurst (Johnston, Iowa) and Stepan Novotny (Prague, Czech Republic). One other player, John Lee signed his Letter of Intent last season.

Today we learned that Stepan Novotny has been placed on the "Protected List" by the Indiana Ice and presumably would play for the Ice next season. With DU returning 11 forwards next season, one would expect Novotny to see more playing time in the USHL and would increase his stock for the 2009 NHL Draft by remaining in Indiana. At this time nothing has been confirmed one way or the other regarding Novotny's status for next season.

Novotny tallied 11 points on four goals and seven assists for the Indiana Ice of the USHL. The 6-foot-1, 190-pound forward added one game-winning goal for the Ice, who captured the East division regular-season title with a 39-15-6 record.

DU Recruit Makes The Hockey News "Hot List"

(above) Stepan Novotny plays for the Indiana Ice in the USHL

From: The Hockey News
by Ryan Kennedy

Every Tuesday The Hockey News publishes "The Hot List," a weekly roundup of players they can’t wait to see in an NHL uniform. This week they ran a list of players that they've featured in the past who will be playing in the World Junior Championships in the Czech Republic. Current DU players Rhett Rakhshani and Tyler Ryegsegger will play for Team USA and 2008 incoming recruit Stephan Novotny will play for the host country Czech Republic.

Stepan Novotny came in at the #5 postion of the "Hot List."

Stepan Novotny, LW – Indiana Ice (USHL): Five years ago, Stepan Novotny knew where he wanted to be. The young Czech began to make a serious run at learning English, even hiring a private tutor, knowing that when he was old enough, he wanted to come to North America.

“I wanted to play college,” said Novotny, who has committed to the University of Denver. “Back home, it’s hard to play hockey and get an education.”

And much like his English, Novotny’s hockey skills are quite advanced. He started the season off at Shattuck-St. Mary’s prep school, but transferred over to the USHL recently.

“I felt the best way to get prepared for college was to play a little junior first,” he said. “Guys (in the USHL) are bigger, faster, stronger with the puck…you need to do everything faster.”

Novotny is 6-foot-1 and 190 pounds, but those who have seen him say he plays much bigger.

“I try to use my speed a lot,” he said. “I can work in the corners, I try to make good plays with the puck…my game is all about skating and hard work.”

And with Denver seemingly always reloading instead of rebuilding, Novotny is happy to bring that work ethic to what he considers the top staff in college hockey.

In the meantime, he can learn another English phrase: Blue-chipper.

Draft eligible in 2009.

DU's Newest Recruit Finding Form In USHL

From: Indiana Ice Website

INDIANAPOLIS – The USHL East Division-leading Indiana Ice (15-4-0) improved their home record to a perfect 10-0-0 with a 5-1 victory over the Ohio Junior Blue Jackets on Wednesday evening from Pepsi Coliseum.

The Ice received major contributions from several young forwards as DU Recruit Stepan Novotny, Will MacDonald and Brian Harrison all shined in the victory. Novotny, originally from Prague, Czech Republic, has just joined the team after beginning the season with Shattuck St. Mary's Boarding School in Fairbault, MN.

The Ice jumped out on Ohio early getting a goal from newcomer Stepan Novotny at 7:33 into the first period. Greg Squires and Matt Smith were credited with the assists. Indy raised the lead to 2-0 at 14:36 of the period on a goal from Will MacDonald with assists going to Nick Bailen and Brian Harrison.

“It took me several games to get used to the speed and talent of this league,” said Novotny. “My linemates tonight (Greg Squires and Brian Harrison) made it easy for me.”

The second period was a similar song as the first as Novotny poured in another goal at 8:11 of the frame with another helper dished out by Squires. The Ice increased their lead to 4-0 as MacDonald tipped in his second of the night at 1:34 remaining in the second with an assist credited to Patrick Cullen.

“Our line came out shining tonight,” said Squires. “Harry (Harrison) was hungry, played hard and finished his checks. Stepan found plenty of open ice and was able to bury a couple of goals.”

The Ice is now 11-1-0 in their last 12 games and look to continue their home dominance from Pepsi Coliseum when they host the Chicago Steel this Friday (12/7) at 7 p.m. Former DU player Scott McConnell is an assistant coach for the Ice.

Mike Chamber's Blog Update

Some juicy nuggets in Mike Chambers Blog this week.

• DU received signed Letters Of Intent from Joe Colborne, Nate Dewhurst and Stepan Novotny.
• He also has more details of the Elmira Jackals bus crash.
• Finally he has some connections between Tyler Ruegsegger, Marc Cheverie and Sidney Crosby.
  

DU's Current Recruiting Classes

2008
F Nate Dewhurst (Des Moines, USHL) - Signed LOI
F Joe Colborne (Camrose, AJHL) -Signed LOI
D John Lee (Waterloo, USHL) -Signed LOI
F Stepan Novotny (Shattuck-St. Marys, MnHS) - Signed LOI

2009
D William Wrenn (U.S. Under-17)
D Matt Donovan (Cedar Rapids, USHL)
D Paul Phillips (Cedar Rapids, USHL)
G Adam Murray (U.S. under-17)
F Drew Shore (U.S. Under-17)

DU Recruit Jumps From High School To USHL

DU's most recent recruit, Stephan Novotny, recently joined the Indiana Ice of the USHL after spending the first semester at Shattuck St. Mary's boarding school in Fairbault, Minnesota. Novotny scored 29 points in 22 games at St. Mary's.

It has been reported that Novotny will be enrolling at DU next season, so perhaps this move is designed to get him experience to ease the transition to college hockey. Novotny is a potential NHL prospect and will be eligible for the 2009 NHL Draft.

Former DU player Scott McConnell is the Associate Head Coach of the Indiana Ice.

DU's Current Recruiting Classes

2008
F Nate Dewhurst (Des Moines, USHL)
F Joe Colborne (Camrose, AJHL)
D John Lee (Waterloo, USHL) (SIGNED)
F Stepan Novotny (Indiana, USHL)

2009
D William Wrenn (U.S. Under-17)
D Matt Donovan (Cedar Rapids, USHL)
D Paul Phillips (Cedar Rapids, USHL)
G Adam Murray (U.S. under-17)
F Drew Shore (U.S. Under-17)

Hockey News Mentions Present & Future Pioneers

The Hockey News website profiled two players with DU connections this week in their "Hot List," a weekly wrap-up of players they can’t wait to see in NHL uniforms. YouTube video sensation Tyler Ruegsegger and 2008 incoming recruit Stephan Novotny.

4. Tyler Ruegsegger, C – Denver Pioneers (WCHA): YouTube the Pioneers star and be amazed by his 1-on-1 moves. Ruegsegger has averaged slightly more than a point per game this season. Drafted by Toronto in 2006.

14. Stepan Novotny, LW – Shattuck-St. Mary’s (prep): The Czech national is plying his trade in Minnesota right now, learning the North American game at the legendary prep school and putting up 29 points in his first 22 games. Those who’ve seen him swear he’s bigger than his listed size of 6-foot-1, 190 pounds. Draft eligible in 2009.

DU Has History Of European Imports

(above) Lukas Dora's spectacular game winning goal against Minnesota Duluth in the 2004 Frozen Four Semi-Finals (Photo: Monty Rand)

With the commitment of Stepan Novotny from the Czech Republic yesterday, it brings to mind Lukas Dora. Dora, also from the Czech Republic, scored the game winning goal against Minnesota Duluth in the 2004 Frozen Four Semi-Final.

Europeans who have played hockey for DU

Peter Bolin 83 - Sweden
Sinue Wallinheimo 94-96 - Finland
Antti Laaksonen 94-97- Finland
Erik Andersson 94-97- Sweden
Petri Gynther 94-97 - Finland
Anders Bjork 95-98 Sweden
Bjorn Engstrom 98- 01- Sweden
Lukas Dora 00-04 - Czech Republic
Jussi Halme - 01-05 - Finland

DU Receives Commitment From Czech Recruit

According to Chris Hiesenberg's website DU has received a verbal commitment from Stepan Novotny who hails from Prague, Czech Republic. According to Hiesenberg, Notovny will be attending DU as a 2008 recruit.

Novotny is a 6'1 190 lbs. forward who played for H.C. Sparta Pahra in Europe. Currently, he is attending Shattuck St. Mary's boarding school in Faribault, MN. So far this season he has 8 goals and 21 assists in 22 games.

Novotny is described as a "big physical forward who has a scoring touch and great puck handling skills." (The kind of player that might be drafted in the first three rounds in the 2009 NHL Draft).

This past summer Novotny played for the Czech Republic Under-18 team and faced two DU recruits, Nate Dewhurst and Matt Donovan, who were playing for Team USA in the 2007 Memorial of Ivan Hlinka Tournament.

Western College Hockey Blog had this to say about Notovny:

Stepan Novotny also seems to be developing quite well. His skating looked much better than it did at this time last year. His combination of size and skill kind of reminds me of Andreas Nodl (SCSU). He just needs to work on getting better at finishing.

Denver head coach George Gwozdecky was on-hand to watch Novotny play last Saturday at the Nike/Bauer National Invitational Tournament in New Hope, Minnesota, and apparently the coach liked what he saw.

Novotny is starting to drew a lot of attention at the Nike/Bauer NIT. He looked way bigger than 6'1". I don't think he'll necessarily be a superstar at the college level, but he should be a pretty good player.

DU's Current Recruiting Classes

2008
F Nate Dewhurst (Des Moines, USHL)
F Joe Colborne (Camrose, AJHL)
D John Lee (Waterloo, USHL) (SIGNED)
F Stepan Novotny (Shattuck-St. Marys, MnHS)

2009
D William Wrenn (U.S. Under-17)
D Matt Donovan (Cedar Rapids, USHL)
D Paul Phillips (Cedar Rapids, USHL)
G Adam Murray (U.S. under-17)
F Drew Shore (U.S. Under-17)