Recruiting News

Massachusetts forward Jimmy Hayes committed to Boston College for 2008. I haven't really mentioned him at all on here since he narrowed his list of schools to BC, BU, Harvard, and UNH last summer, but he is one of the best players in the country for his age group. He's a 6'4" power forward that is great at finishing off plays. He'll more than likely be a first round draft pick in the 2008 NHL Draft. He turned down an offer to play for the NTDP last season, but has accepted a spot on next year's U18 team. He played his high school hockey at Nobles and Grenough Prep, so he gets the WCH standard "He went to the same school as Courtney Sims, I bet he's soft too." The only potential problem for BC is that Hayes will play with the U18 team next year, and then the following year, he will be too old for the U18 team, but too young for college. He'll either have to play in the USHL, stay with the NTDP but not play in any international competitions, go back to prep school and dominate there, or choose to play in the QMJHL and lose his college eligibility.

This news is like a month and a half old, but I just came across it. I had had Chicago Chill goalie Kyle Jendra and Canadian forward Kaine Geldart on the 2007 Recruiting Board, but both have signed with the Plymouth Whalers.

I also removed Denver commits Keith Seabrook and Tyler Ruegsegger off the 2007 Board because they will be playing with the Pios next season.

St. Cloud State is still in the process of who will be on their team next season. Forwards A.J. Gale, Garrett Roe, and Travis Novak were all deciding between joining the Huskies next year or the following year. So far, it looks like Gale will play there next season, while Roe will wait until '07. Novak is still undecided. Defenseman Jared Hummel was originally an '06 recruit, but he has been pushed back to 2007. Gale, Hummel, and defenseman Craig Gaudet represent the last three players to be recruited by former coach Craig Dahl.

In Minnesota, coach Don Lucia told reporter Sid Hartman that if Phil Kessel signs with Boston, he will be replaced by 2007 recruit Jay Barriball, and if Erik Johnson signs with St. Louis, Kevin Wehrs will be brought in a year early to replace him.