Badger Hockey Review: North Dakota

by | Nov 9, 2014 | 0 comments

My take on the weekend’s games.

Friday: NoDak 4 @ Wis 3

From what I read (didn’t see the game)… Friday’s game wasn’t as close as the 4-3 score. Sounded like NoDak did pretty much what they wanted, but didn’t get the shots past the D and Rumpel.

Saturday: NoDak 5 @ Wis 1

Saturday night’s game… much closer than the score. The Badgers were down 2-1 and had a series of really good scoring opportunities. Pounding the net, but couldn’t get one past McIntyre. It all changed when ND took possession and had good rush. Eventually Chase Drake had an own goal as Rumpel was trying to clear the puck. After, that, NoDak had a couple of really solid plays so a potential 2-2 tie became a 5-1 rout.

IMPRESSED WITH

  • Kevin Schulze is probably the best player on the team right now (tied with Joel Rumpel). So freakin’ smooth on D… a true lockdown defender. Always seems to make the right decision whether it be taking a good angle or making the right pass. Completely impressed.
  • Grant Besse: All Around Game: Grant had an outstanding game. I felt like he really asserted himself. Best game he’s played as a Badger.
  • Jack Daugherty: Composure. Didn’t play like a rookie. Solid, will be good this year and great next.
  • Adam Rockwood: Hands. Outstanding handling the puck. Very smooth and seems to have a sense for the game.

SOLID PLAY

  • Joseph LaBate: Solid, but I expect more out of him. Did some good things, but the team NEEDS him to be a larger presence.
  • Aidan Cavallini: Lots of energy. He seems to keep going and going. I liked what he brought to the game.
  • Chase Drake: I like Drake’s leadership after the own goal. He kept it together. Rumpel smiled and patted him on the butt. No sense in making him feel shittier than he already did. Solid game.
  • Cameron Hughes: Lots of aggressive play. Liked the way he got involved both offensively and defensively.
  • Matt Ustashi is big and seems to be willing to mix it up. I liked his physicality.

HAVE POTENTIAL, BUT THE JURY IS STILL OUT

In no particular order… Corbin McGuire, Tim Davison, Keegan Ford, Matt Pappe, Brad Navin and Morgan Zullnick. Just didn’t see enough of Jedd Soleway, Jake Linhart, Ryan Wagner and Gabe Grunwald.

Really bummed that Eddie Wittchow broke a finger… I like him a lot and they need him the lineup come January.

NoDak didn’t miss many opportunities to be physical. Wow… they really bring it. I think they figured they could take the fight out of the Badgers by being physical. Not the case. They finally lost their spark on the own goal.

Bottom Line

The Badgers have a lot of talent. No need to be too low right now as they’re good, NoDak was just better. They’ll be fine. This might not be there year, but very exciting to watch all the young talent. Very excited!

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