US Rolls Belarus 13-2 In World Under 18 Tune-Up

(above) The US won its opening exhibition match against Belarus yesterday

DU recruit Jason Zucker scored a power play goal as the U.S. Men's National Under-18 Team downed Belarus, 13-2, yesterday in its first of two pre-tournament games leading up to the 2010 International Ice Hockey Federation World Men's Under-18 Championship, to be held in Minsk and Bobruisk, Belarus, April 13-23.

DU's other recruit on Team USA, Nick Shore, was credited with an assist. Team USA outshot Belarus by a 53-12 margin and fifteen USA players registered at least a point.

Two possible recruits that have been linked to DU, Austin Czarnik (3g-2a) and Rocco Grimaldi (0g-5a) each registered five points to pace the U.S. Czarnik visited DU this past winter on a recruiting visit, but is rumored to be leaning towards major junior hockey in Canada. Grimaldi will visit Notre Dame, North Dakota and DU on his way home to California this summer. Both players would enter college in 2011.

DU In The Hunt For Big-Time Recruit

(left) Austin Czarnik is weighing offers from the Ontario Hockey League plus college hockey powers Michigan, DU & Boston University

Austin Czarnik, a 5'7 155 lbs. forward from Washington, Michigan is the focus of a renewed recruiting battle. He originally committed to Michigan State in 2008 when he was 16 years-old, but has changed his mind. According to Rivals.com, Czarnik retracted his verbal commitment to Michigan State and is reviewing his future development with Windsor in the OHL (Major Juniors) or NCAA hockey with Michigan, Denver or Boston University.

"I just felt like Michigan State wasn't the place for me; like maybe I was rushed into my decision and that's not what I wanted if I could have taken my time," he said. "But I'm still talking to Michigan State and they'll have a spot for me if I want it."

- Austin Czarnik

Czarnik is eligible for the 2011 NHL Draft and currently plays on the USNDT with DU recruits Jason Zucker and Nick Shore. Because Czarnik is almost a year younger than Zucker he would enroll in college in 2011.

Currently Czarnik is the fifth leading scorer on the USNDT with 7 goals and 18 assists in 33 games. Shore has 13 goals & 16 assists in 37 games (2nd) and Zucker has 12 goals & 9 assists in 32 games (8th).

If Czarnik decides to follow the college route he would play for the Green Bay Gamblers next season in the USHL.

2010 Recruiting Class
F Jason Zucker (U.S. Under-18)
D David Makowski (Green Bay, USHL)
F Nick Shore (U.S. Under-18)
F Beau Bennett (Penticton, BCHL)
F Dan Olszewski (St. Louis, NAHL)

2011 Recruiting Class
D Scott Mayfield (Youngstown, USHL)
F Zac Larraza (U.S. Under-17)
G Sam Brittain (Canmore, AJHL)

2012 Recruiting Class
F Tyler Pham (Team Illinios)