Transcript
Speaker: DeWALDO
Speaker: Go talk till the whole night goes. Let it roll
Speaker: With the same old friends
Speaker: vacated to western michigan bronco Hockey. I'm one of your hosts, Tony Ringgett. Joined this week by Matt Wally -Walasek. Unfortunately. Klonsky couldn't join us today. He's got some family obligations, and we had to get this this podcast recorded a little bit sooner than... than we normally would like to. but We're here. We're a day after Western's exhibition win over Western Ontario. Matt, how are you doing? How was your weekend?
Speaker: I can't complain. i mean The - bronco football team ended up pulling off that w in the last minute of the skitter their teeth. Got a good Bears win today. ah So all is good in the football world. And yeah.
Speaker: I was finally thrilled to have Bronco hockey back on my TV. so you know overall it's been a great weekend what about you how you been I've been good, man. west arab Well, Western had their their opener this week, too. but ah No, the Stars had their home opener on on Friday, went to that. was a complete dud of a game. um But I did have Joel Hofer in fantasy hockey and and got a shot out of that. yeah At least there's some type of silver lining. Yeah, silver lining.
Speaker: Yeah, it was, it was been a rough couple of days in stars land, but Hey, um it's good to have good to have the sport back. um Yeah, I watch Bronco football as well. i you know, was about to throw stuff through my tv when uh when brock lowry came up short on that on that first down but whatever we got the win great d goal line stand by the defense. so
Speaker: um Great first win for MAAC Conference. They don't ask, but they just ask if you won. They don't ask how many you won by. so Exactly. MAACtion, baby. Action is upon us. We do have some some news in in WMU athletics. We hired our new athletic director. so alex gary is joining us he was previously the deputy deputy athletic director of external rate relations at smu right down here in dallas so just kind of in my backyard
Speaker: Everything I've heard is there's a ton of excitement about what he brings to the table. um He is a fundraiser. He's great at raising money. And we all know that in today's world of NIL and sponsorships and everything.
Speaker: um you really need that and he's he's kind of sounds like he's an expert at it so excited to have him um I know he has ties to Southwest Michigan. I believe his wife might be from St. Joe.
Speaker: And then I believe he worked with Dan Bartholomew at Oregon State. so um He's got a good pedigree coming in, a lot of good things being said about him. I'm excited for him to get to work and keep Bronco athletics on the rise.
Speaker: um Also, though, in in the world of Bronco athletics, um specifically hockey alumni. um with the nhl season starting last year i believe we had nine broncos make nhl rosters um Most of them not really surprising but there was there was one surprise that kind of made it and we're over the moon about it. Matt, why don't you take it away?
Speaker: Yeah, I mean, we've this has been an interesting week for Bronco hockey, let me tell you, oh when you come to the NHL. uh we I want to say doing a lot of the scoring in the NHL this this past week, at least the first three games or so has been.
Speaker: has been Western alum. But yeah, you mentioned the biggest surprise, I think, has been Owen Michaels. Um, I think going into the season and the short and preseason. Babcock, you know who's back in the NHL. um you know, kind of mentioned in a comment uh you know,
Speaker: He's done everything right. It's hard to send him down. you don't and you know Why send a guy down who's doing everything right? But ultimately, it's not his decision. It would come down to the GM, Stan Bowman over there.
Speaker: And ah Bowman, I think, sees exactly what Babcock sees. and i think what First Wilder and all of... western alumni and current student body have seen in the last three years and and that guy's uh this guy grinds it out and he's a gamer and uh now through three or three games now he's got two goals uh And, you know, just yeah I'm not even really surprised already with with him. I mean, his first goal, he's going right up the slot.
Speaker: It was a nice pass right up to him and, you know, just. a Quick risk to right at the top. Top corner there. And then ah his goal yesterday was unbelievable just from the corner. and just roofed one over the goalie's shoulder. so i mean And we saw him do that too, ah you know, and going into the nanny. Yeah.
Speaker: For me, I'm not surprised he could do it. i think there's
Speaker: I'm bored. Uh, fans that are probably like... Where did he come from? he made the team he's in the line you know it's probably like that and now they're probably going We got to keep this guy.
Speaker: Thanks. He's like about 52 % from what I saw. uh and From Western to what he's doing now in the pros. Again, he's going to be a tough guy to sit down if he gets sent down at all. ah he's He's having an incredible start so far.
Speaker: um But he's not the only one. I mean, we're not shocked, but Tia Samuelson. had a career year last year. It is. Coming off, you know, starting off again, you know, one goal, one assist so far, I think through three games as well.
Speaker: Uh, why she got on the board the other day to help her, uh, another guy that, you know, Quinville type guy. He's just going to win the face -offs on the fourth line, ground and pounded. If the points come, the points come.
Speaker: They're coming early so far. And then I mean, I don't think Vancouver is going to win a lot of games. But if these two guys keep putting off points, I mean... For us, who cares if they win or lose? ah Paul Cotter.
Speaker: eyes right He's having probably. from a statistical standpoint the best start so far he's got three goals to assist um This guy's got 11. I don't remember him hitting through his, what, six games? He's played with Westard. uh eight games, but he and he's not a bigger guy, but he's got 11 hits so far. so
Speaker: He's kind of tried to do it all. ah all you know well -rounded player then uh assassin you know gets a helper on one of his goals the other day so it's one one and one right now too yeah Uh,
Speaker: So it' it's... Awesome to see these guys taking off right now. Brandon Buss, he's playing well, just you know yeah not the outcomes that the Hurricane have right now.
Speaker: um But. Confident that he's going to get it together in the team and from and we'll get it together probably a long over still from you know, the Stanley Cup. I think the biggest surprise, though, I think for a Western fan standpoint is probably Alex Bump right now.
Speaker: I mean the guy that always shoots and always scores is goalless right now, doesn't have a helper. um through two games, I believe. He's got four shots. so Could be a slower start because of that Philadelphia's got but you know a lot of heavier power in the forwards. through the first three lines. so Uh,
Speaker: I don't expect. bump to Stay. Pointless. you much longer here so But yeah, overall, it'd be a great start for Western Bronco. um And I think they're going to keep, going I can't wait to see what it's going to look like at the end of the year.
Speaker: We're going to do our best to track it throughout the season and post up you know every now and then some updates. where the boy's at. you know we got some guys still in the ahl if they come up we'll put them on our board and we're going to track throughout the year.
Speaker: and just see kind of what happens throughout the year for Western alum. Good start so far. Yeah, and and I did notice Sheldon Drys had a couple, I think he's had like three or four goals already. He did have one where he just won. he Won the face off. He was taking the face off.
Speaker: And he scored on the faceoff. I feel like I. used to try that crap on you all the time and chill because i couldn't score in any other way I wouldn't be surprised if he's coming up soon, especially you know with this whole dilemma. the Detroit and um And Larkin and all that, you know, they're going to need this.
Speaker: second, third line center at some point throughout the year with all the issues of if they don't get Larkin traded soon. you know they're just he's just going to be sitting in the rafters you know hanging out collecting money ah He ain't going to touch the ice. He's he's not putting on a jersey.
Speaker: Uh, Red Wings jersey, I should say, back on. ever again, in my opinion. so yeah We might see Drizy back up. in the NHL here. uh not the Far from now.
Speaker: and And then. um Matt, I wanted to recap a little bit. Well, I do actually want to talk about Alex bump really quick. um i'm not playing this on alex bump the flyers are kind of not good right now. I think they've only scored four goals as a team, so.
Speaker: Yeah. that's i wait to you Yeah, I mean this team's coming off making the playoffs last year. like yeah A lot of young guys with a lot of firepower. Martone, I think, is the big guy. Everybody's waiting to see what's he going to do. And they still got Trevor Zegers.
Speaker: uh kenaki has always been good if he could stay healthy and a few others. so i mean The offense is definitely going to come. i You're hearing it a lot more that I think a lot of coaches and teams are going to suffer.
Speaker: Because of the shortened preseason due to the two extra games that they added to the regular season. um And you know Philly might be just a culprit right now of that, unfortunately, as I think a few other teams are.
Speaker: ah But I'm confident. Philadelphia is going to figure it out here pretty quick with a lot of that young talent they got. And I mean, they did lose the last two games in overtime, I guess. i That first game, though, against Pittsburgh was not good. Losing a touchdown to zero. Yeah. But. the They won't let that happen again, I guarantee that.
Speaker: So we were going to recap it last week until we had a little bit of technical difficulties um but We had a draft two weeks ago. um i feel like the The reception was was pretty fun. um you obviously won the vote. um I'm not sure if it was because you actually had the best team or it's just because all your guys happen to be on Instagram. yeah My guys know that that they don't they know who would win.
Speaker: Yeah, that's fair. they And they know way more than I do. But, we I mean, I figured we we all knew you were going to win that draft, given that you probably paid paid closer attention to Bronco hockey over the last 10 years. than myself and definitely than Brian.
Speaker: um and brian and i were just drafting off of vibes so brian's vibe is definitely stuck in 2011. Okay. He'd be the first one to tell you that. Hey, but but I did look the other day. on for twitter x said And Brian beat both. I didn't get a single vote on X.
Speaker: it So... Three people voted? Yeah, well, I got it. I think it was like 67 % that you should have the remainder. So do the math there. And I got zero. yeah Hey.
Speaker: Yeah, and that probably it was probably Brian and Rick. Yep. Clearly, Brian speaks better to the... ah the Twitterverse than I do.
Speaker: Well, we've we've talked a lot about... these older the older teams our alumni and everything and it's it's been a blast reflecting on it it's been it's you know obviously an important part of our fandom. But I think it's time to switch gears a little bit here and focus on the present.
Speaker: um i will so I will say when we were seeing who is leaving, who is going pro, you know, there there's always kind of that fear of how are we going to replace that? So when you saw Michaels leave and the Slikinski brothers and Valente and Bookman and Sholin Grant.
Speaker: Some of them had to leave for graduation. You know, you're kind of thinking, where are we going to fill fill that production in? and then when i really started looking at it and i guess when you started seeing the tweets and instagram posts come in of who is coming back. it you know that was exciting like guys like wisdom and spicer and white law um the land or um Yonah Bison. in advice and then um you know a number of guys that you thought maybe
Speaker: might Might leave GoPro. They all came back. We have more players coming back this year than we have had in the first Wilder era. And on top of that, we lost 40 % of our goal scoring and point totals, which sounds like a lot, but in the world of college hockey, especially for a high -level program, I feel like it's actually probably a pretty low number.
Speaker: So. i'm excited for this season i am i mean really looking at it i feel like we have maybe more depth. than we've ever had. I think when there's taught when i watched the the exhibition game and seeing some of the guys who were you know kind of that whether it be the fourth pairing defenseman or the fifth line or the extra skaters.
Speaker: Thank you. man it's not that long ago when some of these guys would have been no -brainers the pencil into the into the lineup so um I'm really... really excited now for this team based on what's coming back i know there's some other non -statistical areas that we have to kind of figure out But.
Speaker: Overall, I think the production will be there offensively. Yeah, I mean, when you texted us. this statistic. you know a little over a week ago i was kind of thrown back by it because it's like you said like you know what, who's leaving and you kind of have that, Oh shit moment. Like, uh,
Speaker: how How are we going to replace that and that? That's every year. now with Western Hockey. which is a good and a bad thing at the same time for me. uh The biggest statistical...
Speaker: ah replacement is that I think is going to be key for so being successful. is going to be in the face of that. I mean, Owen Michaels. a career, I think was a little over 55, closer to 55%.
Speaker: uh so kinski was roughly i think in like the 52 percent range so i mean You got. Two guys that you could throw out there in any position, any. position on the i should say whether it's in the defense of our offensive zone neutral any kind of game situation and really.
Speaker: count on them to win the face -off draw, which... you You look at the last couple of years. for western hockey it's about puck possession and dictating the pace and and whatnot.
Speaker: next to forechecking. and back checking. And the only way to be successful in the possession game is you got to win the face -off draws, especially when they matter the most. especially too late in the game.
Speaker: uh So those are two big pieces, I think. are going to be the toughest to replace Again, though, I think JJ Crew, who I believe handles the face -off dot training. for the team. We'll get the centers.
Speaker: ready to go. ah for this upcoming season and and just continue that trend of Western being successful in the dot and and just causing havoc and possessing the puck. so uh big big statistical drop -off but hopefully we'll close that gap with some of the newer guys we got here.
Speaker: Yeah, and and i want I want to cover them in a second, but I do want to... We... Again, before our our technical difficulty last week, we tried to do a projection on who the captains would be because it hadn't been announced yet.
Speaker: And now it has been announced. I would like to say that of the three of us, I was the one that. that correctly picked Zachariah Wisdom to be the captain. um Did I use the context clues that he was at a press conference with with first? Yes, I did. Hey, and Brad.
Speaker: kudos to bryant he he's the only one that had solowski is the uh alternate there so uh I think I was the only one that really, I mean, I just picked some of the yeah more obvious ones like Bison.
Speaker: and white love so it's Not kudos to me, but kudos to you guys. to both you guys stick taps for uh You know being smart So the the captain, Zachariah Wisdom, wearing the A. We've got four guys wearing it. Cole Kruseberg -Rosin, William Whitelaw, Garrett Sludlowski, and Yona Bisonen. I mean really, I'm not. overly shocked by any of those all
Speaker: you know, great players. um I feel like They obviously got to be leaders in the locker room. I mean, that's one of the things we don't always get to see. as as fans is is what's happening in that room. so um Excited for for this group of guys.
Speaker: I do want to pivot now a little bit. I want to talk about some of our new players coming in. We have four transfers and I believe seven. freshmen coming in this season. 11 new player players joining our roster this year i want to start with the with the transfers we've got two Two that I think are...
Speaker: might be the most important pieces that we are bringing in t newmeyer one of our defensemen he's coming from colgate and quentin miller are our new goalie from from DU.
Speaker: um We were fairly familiar with him. last season but matt why don't you talk to us a little bit about michael neumeier Yeah, I mean, this guy is going to be the replacement for Sholin, which...
Speaker: That's some big shoes to fill. Sholin was obviously a very... a well -rounded defenseman stay at home you know was always very ah calm up the puck possession, could move the puck and skate it.
Speaker: and could both... be very shut down defensively, but also mix in the offense. um And Neumeier looks like that could be the same type of guy. um especially what I saw this past weekend.
Speaker: And again, I know it's just Western Ontario and I don't know too much about them. how was to actually be ah this season themselves. but overall, I mean You see the calmness with the puck. He's not afraid to move it around.
Speaker: So you definitely see that offensive side from him. But he's he's like... from what i saw too he's Going to be a shutdown defenseman. which with... Visodin, you kind of need that because Visodin is going to take chances skating the puck up.
Speaker: and getting more heavily involved in the offense, especially now being out. over a year ah You know, he's itching to really produce like he did back in his freshman year. ah And you could already tell, too, that chemistry between Visin and Neumeier is almost...
Speaker: similar to what it was two years ago at Scholl and in Weissen and so. Uh, this was a For me, this was probably like the the number two pickup for Western as far as.
Speaker: replacing Scholler, which is going to be tough to do, like I said earlier. but And in Western's got a lot of great defensemen, so don't get me wrong. ah as far as that could fill that spot with some of the current guys. but Uh,
Speaker: This guy was available. And I mean, like i said well round he's got a great wrist shot we saw that on saturday Um, you know makes smart decisions with the puck in the offensive zone so I'm excited to see what he's gonna do here.
Speaker: ah for Western this season. And he I thought he was one of the best players on the ice. on Saturday night. I mean, He had three points to go into assists. He quarterbacked that number two power play.
Speaker: um I love the line of him. and him and uh and bison in i mean i think they both bring such a good offensive game I was. I was very, very pleased with with what he looked like. um on saturday and i'm excited excited for him the other The other big transfer, though, Quentin Miller, i know I think you and I, we were texting about it when...
Speaker: he entered the portal. And I think at that point, Hammer had already. declared to go play with now ontario but i think we were both kind of saying hey let's go get this guy When you look at the transfer portal for goalies last year, I think there were two two guys that kind of... stood out above everyone else wisconsin got one of them and then And then Quentin Miller.
Speaker: commits to western i do know that one of the things that du fans have said they're their biggest complaint about him is he wasn't always consistently Excellent. He would have his nights where he was. and Night's really wet.
Speaker: let a lot of rebounds out i remember texting a friend that we got. We got Quinton Miller and he came to the DU game with me in Denver. and He's like, that guy, he gave up a lot of rebounds.
Speaker: um Didn't have the best series, but I don't think the guys in front of him did. I'm personally though very very excited for Quinton Miller to see what he can do here in Kalamazoo. Yeah, I mean I think this guy was the number one Transfer pickup.
Speaker: that everybody wanted um you When you look at his stats here from last year, Again, you got to remember. Denver had two freshman goalies going into our last season. so they were really trying to figure out who's going to be the guy and in between the pipes.
Speaker: And ultimately, Quentin Miller won the job. Out of camp. going into the season. and He had a phenomenal game against Western. I lost it early in the year so i mean we We know he could be shut down when he can when he needs to be.
Speaker: Uh... and you know as far as like the comments of like he gives up a lot of rebounds he you know Like you said. Uh, he Can be great at times could be good at other times You know...
Speaker: When you're... probably an incoming freshman and i'm not i'm not going to speak for him this is just my opinion Hey. You're competing with another freshman that's going to be also a great goalie, and no one knew that he was going to end up being the guy that wins the natty for him when Miller went down.
Speaker: um and you got and you're going get to this kind of pedigree at denver with with What? car was built out there. Um, You know, it's a lot of pressure, I'm sure, for a guy. and you know You know, again, he went 12 and 10.
Speaker: What about 25 games, but I mean 916 save percentage. Uh, And I think ultimately that's just going to get better and better. I mean, his goals against 2 .39. It's not terrible. Again, um Denver at one point got very shaky last year.
Speaker: in part of the season where I was almost convinced. Man, did they just fall off the radar. um And are, you know. Is this team going to figure it out and come and make a comeback? well Shit, they did. And they want an Addy out of it. but um I don't ultimately believe it.
Speaker: you know blame Quentin Miller for that one. but again this is a guy that Western needed Because you know world we lost hammer And we don't we don't know what Moffitt can do, unfortunately, because he didn't play at all last year. so Uh... And we didn't have anybody else on on the roster besides Moffitt.
Speaker: You need so you need ah extra goalies. Um, This guy just happened to be, I think, the number one transfer. that hit the portal. And. i think he knew if he came to western he was probably going to beat the guy and ultimately i think he's gonna Uh,
Speaker: surprise a lot of people that probably Especially how Devers said, you know what? See you later. Like we got our guy now. Uh... I hope he's like he's probably itching for the Denver weekend. I'm telling you, this guy's going to come out.
Speaker: I mean, I wouldn't be surprised if he, you know, maybe gets a shout out one of the days. I mean, just to really kind of stick it to him like, hey, you guys didn't want to stick with me. even though I got hurt.
Speaker: whatever, I found my new place. and we're going to beat you. I hope that's the mentality. Uh, This guy's going to be good. He's a draft pick, too, from the Montreal Canadiens. this this talent is there. um And Western's always been good at helping.
Speaker: The goalie's out. I'll admit, I wasn't. Super familiar with Michael Neumeier's game. um The transfer coming in that I feel like we were pretty familiar with just given. you know Him playing at DU and then getting Wally pipped by Johnny Hicks at the end of the season.
Speaker: was Quentin Miller. I mean, when you look at... The goaltenders available and I mean even shoot the players that were in the transfer portal over over the offseason I think the crown one of the crown jewels was Quinton Miller. I mean, he's he's only going to be a sophomore this season, 6 '3", goaltender. So, I mean. You used to say 6 '3 is a big goaltender, but now it's kind of kind of getting on the smaller side. But he's a fourth -round pick of of the Habs.
Speaker: ah Man, I'm excited for Quentin Miller. I know some DU fans kind of. had their reservations that he wasn't always. super consistent. But hey, I mean, this is a guy that has you know big time big game experience he had three shutouts last season i believe and he he took care of business in Kalamazoo last year. um i'm I'm excited for Quentin Miller this season. What about you, man?
Speaker: Yeah, I mean, I think this was the number one transfer portal uh guy um out of all the positions and just in general. um And this was a a position that western desperately needed to fill when hammer made the announcement that he was signing his pro contract with l LA. um And I think that really scared a lot of Western fans. Like, oh my God, who's going to be at net? I mean, we had Cam Rowe and Hammer.
Speaker: for the natty camera was a great Leadership. guy to kind of get hammer comfortable for the playoffs and then it was all a hammer last year Uh, So now it's like, oh my God, what do we do? What do we do? And then boom, Quentin Miller hits the... the portal and it's like ah Can we get him?
Speaker: And I don't even think it was a couple of days. later and all of a sudden you get the reports miller signing with western it was like oh thank God. uh This is huge. I mean, Miller, I mean, really kind of got snuffed out of DU.
Speaker: um And not really in a bad way. It's just. unfortunately i mean it's two freshman goalies are battling last year He got the... He wanted out of camp. and It was played very well and then got hurt. and And then obviously Hicks just comes in and just.
Speaker: kind of got the ball back rolling in the right direction for DU and then ultimately wins a natty. Um, So you he kind of probably knew, especially when we get to the playoffs last year.
Speaker: Uh... that he wasn't really going to see much ice time unless unless Hicks got hurt. uh and then the the roles kind of flip again back in his favor. Uh, You know At times, you know.
Speaker: Was Miller shaky? proud Yeah, yeah, but again... I think. he was taking on a lot as a freshman goalie last year for a really good Denver team and you know just that pedigree of the Denver hockey.
Speaker: Uh... Huge for Western. youve Western always... defensively helps it backs their goalies very well. um And really, you know. leans on the support for them. so um I think this is going to be.
Speaker: You know, this this is a huge signing for Western, huge signing for First Wilder. um and ultimately this is what kind of keeps our hopes alive that We can make a natty run again this year.
Speaker: ah like we thought we were going to do last year. so you know We don't really have to kind of go backwards to go forward. We can just continue going forward with Quentin Miller. um And hopefully, you know.
Speaker: knock out what the injury bug you know is He left that in Denver. Yeah.
Speaker: Yeah, so I'm with you, man. I think... he's He's the one signing. I mean, we've got some great forwards coming in. Neumeyer's great, but he's the one I'm... I was most I guess relieved by.
Speaker: switching Switching gears a little bit, we've got we've got two other transfers coming in. First one up forward, Casey Leland coming to us from St. Thomas, played the last two years there, so he's a junior this year.
Speaker: um Last year had one goal, five assists and 18 games played. The year before, he played a full season, four goals, seven assists. i definitely think this is this is a depth piece i mean he was one of the extra forwards in the exhibition game. but you know, it's. it's a good floor piece it's a guy that has collegiate experience it's not
Speaker: Some guy who just played in the USHL and are they going to be able to translate their game to to college hockey? I don't expect Casey Leyland to i i guess necessarily be in the in the lineup every night, but I feel like he's a guy that if we have to have in the lineup.
Speaker: I'm not. i'm not nervous about it
Speaker: Yeah, ah interesting signing. I mean, when I saw initially St. Thomas, I'm like, oh, we got a Rico guy. I mean, this this could be good. um You know, deff definitely interesting just because, you know, he's about 5 '9", he's about 170 pounds. so He's a little bit of a, what you would hope is a quick.
Speaker: quicker forward with, you know, some playmaking capabilities. but When you kind of go look through his stats on HockeyDB, you know, he he doesn't. necessarily put up the stat line that you're probably hoping for.
Speaker: So it's to your point, he's probably going to be more of a role depth player, especially if if. God forbid an injury bug does happen. um You know, he's got college hockey experience for the last two years under his belt. So he's kind of more of that veteran presence um to really backfill, you know, if anything. the you know,
Speaker: Probably a bottom four. ah forward there. Uh, So, you know ah yeah I don't know too much about him you know from the exhibition game. i I really couldn't pinpoint too much what he was doing out there. saw him every you know 28 out there because I think that's the number he's rocking.
Speaker: you know Again, like statistically... nothing for me. uh so he probably is a guy too that just really does the little things right so as long as he's forward checking playing some defense Moving the puck north and south, that's all we can ask for. Maybe he's a guy that will kind of get in the gritty.
Speaker: uh zones there and you know pick up the garbage when we need it so uh you know just get a greasy goal if you need be or anything like that so uh if I don't anticipate him being in the lineup thursday But again, you know, it. It could be good to have some. ah some depth. uh throughout the year. that first ballers built the with.
Speaker: these transfers and the incoming freshmen. and i think you look you know, not that that long ago that a guy like Casey Leyland probably is making the roster. making the lineup. just about every day so It's good to see where we've come as yeah as a program. And then the last transfer we have coming in is coming to us from Long Island University, a goaltender, Michael Polston. Saw limited action at LIU.
Speaker: uh played in two games in his collegiate career so not a Not a lot to go off of there. He played in the NCDC. for juniors with Provo. with 19 and 8 with a 2 .62 goals against in the 926 save percentage.
Speaker: he's He's a junior. i don't I think he maybe. Maybe if he has some some good practices good showings he might compete with moffitt for the second the number two job but i think this is just kind of a depth piece in here as our number three. as our number three goalie. I don't think he's. Got any ice time?
Speaker: against Western Ontario, did he? No, I don't believe so. I think that really that was more Moffitt. Yeah, I mean, this was an interesting signing. I think it's like you said, it's it's a depth piece that, you know, it's always good to have kind of that emergency goal. if if something does happen.
Speaker: ah More in this case, it's more of like we would need him as the backup for Moffitt to take over. If Miller gets hurt at some point, which again. Hopefully that does not happen. um Hey.
Speaker: Interesting, too. I mean, he's only 5 '11". I mean, when you talk about goalies in this day and age in hockey. you know you mentioned it earlier 6 '3 is kind of the average size now but like If you could get 6 '6 to 6 '8, you're looking really, really good. I mean, he's 5 '11. He kind of reminds me of... ah God, what's the guy that goalie that used to play for Michigan that we beat up in the CCHA? Sean Huntley? Tiny guy.
Speaker: Yeah, so I'm like... Um, you know and midwest guys from wisconsin so maybe he just wanted to come you know Lee Long Island. uh be a little bit closer to home i don't know what the case is um Nothing good, nothing bad to say about this signing, really. I think, this like you said, it's it's a depth position to really just hold the fort down.
Speaker: if God forbid something would happen. uh a shout out he's born on october 7th so my brother's birthday and mine and my wife's anniversary so Hey, maybe that's some good luck there. Well, I wonder, too, if it's for him. he was coaches kind of told them like, hey, you're not going to get any playing time here at LIE.
Speaker: Well, shoot, if I'm not going to get any playing time, I might as well go. go for a program that is going to compete. to One that is expected to go to the NCAA tournament every year. um but is going to compete for national championship. and Kalamazoo's a fun time.
Speaker: yeah Yeah, exactly. I'm a big... pe Be like what they say in the NFL. Be that. Be the backup quarterback. Just collect the dough and and... make out like a bandit with no injuries nothing don't have to work up a sweat no And, I mean, he I'm sure the i'm so sure the selling point for him, though, was the pitcher nights at Waldo's on Thursday.
Speaker: yeah I mean... Third selling point for me, that's for sure. Let's pivot a little bit here. and Turn it over to our freshmen. um We have a pretty good freshman class coming in, highlighted by Adam Binak.
Speaker: And Tommy Lafreniere. Lafreniere. um I should know that with a French Canadian last name, but. um So In addition to our transfers we have we have seven new freshmen coming in I think this you know might be you know at least at the very top of it one of the most you know, kind of and highly anticipated classes coming in. um Adam Banach, probably the the crown jewel of the class.
Speaker: smaller forward, but definitely a big time playmaker. He came to us from Brantford. He is a fourth round pick of the Minnesota Wild. in 2025. um Had 77 points in 48 games, 49 of those being assists.
Speaker: So definitely a guy that that likes to create, but certainly can put. the pu in the back of the net. He, I believe, had nine assists in in the checks. run to a silver medal at the world juniors last year and and he he centered our our top line in the exhibition game matt what are your takes with with our new check Yeah, I mean, I think one of the – probably the one of the biggest –
Speaker: incoming freshmen. Behind, I would say, like Wade Allison and maybe Danny DeKaiser. to you know for More words. Um, Smaller forward, 5 '8", but guy... is he quick uh with the first step and he can really move north and south uh looks to be a pass first type of guy which isn't always bad uh but i feel like western really has always really developed a lot of pass first guys so I would like to see some guys be.
Speaker: shoot first, which I think we do have a couple of those based on the exhibition. from this past Saturday. and you say Big time point scorer. Um... and in his previous a couple seasons, and and even in the juniors.
Speaker: uh The biggest thing for me is he's getting he's got to win face -offs. I didn't really see too many of those this past weekend. and against Western Ontario. so Makes me a little nervous of centering that first line, but...
Speaker: uh, Wasn't even surprised at all that he was centering the first line between Whitelaw and Bobby Collin. I mean, that's... That's a lot of offensive power for one line for Western probably. uh the most we've probably seen in quite some time ah outside of probably Owens and Bump. uh two years ago.
Speaker: uh so i mean this It's going to be exciting to see me. We saw Wednesday, he's he flies all over the ice. uh And as long as he could do that for the whole season and put points on the board and be a playmaker like I think he's going to be.
Speaker: um This is gonna be a real, real fun season to watch offensively for Western. uh with with the knock centering that first line and ah We saw him too on the... First power play line kind of playing that. up you know playing in the slot a little bit.
Speaker: I'm trying to set up Vison in. Uh... possibly see some cross passing across the ice to Whitelaw. I mean, it really seems like that. you We'll talk about it later. uh from the exhibition that they want to get white law more involved in that power play there but uh Yeah. that Huge signing for Western incoming freshman.
Speaker: Like I said, I think one of the bigger ones. ah dating back to probably Wade Allison when we knew he was coming in and dating Kaiser.
Speaker: Yeah. And I mean, he was one of those that, ah you know, I saw on Twitter after it happened, a lot of. non -western people or or even talking about how big of a signing that was. was for the Broncos.
Speaker: Moving on to the other player in the class that you know I think immediately jumped out to everyone, Tommy Lafreniere. Um, Six foot forward. I think he centered the third line.
Speaker: between what Nearing and Henricks. last night against Western Ontario. He played 67 games in Kamloops at 77 points, more of a goal score, 41 goals last season. He is a third -round pick of the Oilers, and this is one of those guys that played a few games.
Speaker: In the AHL, I think he played about... five regular season games and he managed i think he had a goal or two in that time so he he was productive in a very very short stint in baker's field um which is Edmonton's AHL team. But what's your thought on?
Speaker: on tommy lafayette yeah i think this was i'm definitely saying that yeah i know but we we need brian here to correct us. um I think this was probably the second biggest um signing.
Speaker: ah for the freshman class for Birchweiler. ah specifically for this class is what I mean. uh you know average size four is about six foot 180 pounds ah Strong from what I watched highlights, you know YouTube and stuff This kid's very strong on the puck. He can get quick when he needs to be.
Speaker: um This guy definitely has a... shoot first mentality but can be a playmaker when he needs to be. In two seasons, you know, six his last two seasons, 65 goals and 68 assists.
Speaker: uh and like you said he's gotten some pro experience last year which again i'm trying to figure out how that all works. uh where he got his five games in the ahl and Got a goal and a helper there. um And I liked what I saw from him in the exhibition game. i the The puck seems to find him.
Speaker: in mysterious ways, kind of just bouncing to his stick. and I mean, if he's in the offensive zone, it almost seems like, and we saw it too on on Saturday. As soon as that puck hits a stick, he wants to just rip it. um And for me, i you know.
Speaker: No, no shot is a bad shot um Get pucks on that. It's always been a great mentality, especially when you watch. A lot of Blackhawk games in here. Eddie Olchuk say it. um And this guy kind of does it. And it's centering the third line. i mean i Again, ah when it comes to Western, too.
Speaker: Uh, you know We got the four lines that we're going to have every night. but I don't ultimately think one one line is. the first line and the second. I mean, first of all, or just has great chemistry that he figures out.
Speaker: through the four lines of the forwards. and puts them out in the situations that he knows that they're going to be the best at. um And this is going to be an interesting. but in a good way, a line with Hendricks, 6 '5".
Speaker: Lafreniere, 6 foot, Ed Nearing, 6 '5". It's a lot of beef on one line. And it kind of brings you back to. the Andy Murray days where we had Hargrove and Laporte and Pitt, I'm in a whole...
Speaker: kind of gets kind of gets the juices going here like we we we're gonna see we're gonna see some ground and pound game uh that we don't really I would say. a hundred sec correlate with.
Speaker: first wilder style teams uh over the last five years but um It's going to be fun to watch. he's He's going to be a great guy this season. i I'm excited to see. And it sounds like there's a good chance chance he could get invited.
Speaker: so i believe he's invited to a camp for world juniors but there i think there's a good chance he might make. the world juniors. roster. So. I'm excited about him and dude, I practice his last name so many times and then i get on on this and I, and I can't pronounce it. Gotta love it.
Speaker: So switching gears a little, not switching gears, but moving on to another, another forward. He was on the fourth line. um You might recognize his last name. If you, if you followed the NHL at all, Nicholas Sikora. a six foot forward. Played for Owen Sound in the OHL last year, so another another Canadian Hockey League guy.
Speaker: coming the major juniors route. um had 44 points in 67 games last year. um I'm guessing he's probably going to be in that middle is that bottom bottom six, probably fighting in that in that. fourth line um what are your takes on nicholas sakura uh i mean for me he's a good two -way forward uh he was a lot quicker than i anticipated watching saturday which is a good thing. um You know, will play the left side, shoots left. Like you say, he's about average six foot forward.
Speaker: Um, And, you know, from what I saw and some highlights that i've I've been able to see on YouTube and what I watched on Saturday. He really just wants to do the the little things the right way. so even he He jumps on the forward check right away.
Speaker: um you know He's played a two -way game, plays defensively. uh being in the bottom four and ultimately probably rotating more on that bottom fourth line. um at least throughout this season.
Speaker: You just want to see him kind of block pucks, get pucks on that, get pucks deep. um I anticipate he'll probably be part of the penalty kill more than the power play. So it's just clearing the puck and doing the little things right that's going to keep them in the lineup, at least this year.
Speaker: uh but there's just a lot of upside potential for him i i can see it from saturday uh There's just too many good, you know, too many experienced guys in front of them that are going to keep them in that bottom line. but He does what he does this past Saturday. It's going to be hard for First Wilder to not play him on that fourth line.
Speaker: Yeah. and Yeah, I love it. I was... i mean again it's i look at the depth of this team you know going back to the You know, it's not that long ago that. That Nicholas Sikora is probably, you know, one of your best.
Speaker: best recruits coming in. So excited to have him. and and and and see what he can do this season. um Next, Jordan Keller, another another Cam Loops guy.
Speaker: had 55 points in 53 games for the Blazers last year. So over a point for game guy. kind of 27 goals, 28 assists. um on the smaller side not not too small but in that in the five foot range um Matt, why don't you tell me your thoughts on Jordan Kelly? I mean, this guy's fast. That's all I can really say. I mean, fast, fast, fast. um Yeah, smaller forward, about 5 '11".
Speaker: But man, the highlights that I've been able to see on this guy. This guy just goes north to south very quickly. um and doesn't shy away from driving than that to you know to do so i mean he creates a lot of space with the speed And he creates a lot of plays with his speed as well. so ah This is a good guy. for first of all, are kind of...
Speaker: to bring on um I don't think Western has always been known historically as a fast team. We've always been known as a big team. um I would say though, the last few years though, the speed.
Speaker: has kind of caught up with Western. um on the roster a little bit so again though he's gonna it's gonna be tough uh for him to crack the lineup um Because he's going to ultimately play the center position here. so Uh,
Speaker: What I look for is either he's, you know. battle it out on that fourth line with McKenzie. um which it's going to be tough to do. McKenzie had a salad. game on Saturday. um so unless something happens with him throughout the year.
Speaker: Or even Cole Spicer, which I know is a guy that first of all, never wants to take out a lineup. That's his guy. you love he's He's always been... a spicer fan uh since he brought him back to western um Bye. if we're in desperate need of creating offense and one line's not producing Uh,
Speaker: Keller's going to probably be the guy to fill that spot in. And if he starts winning draws, you know that's that's my biggest thing. uh You know. This guy will then be in the lineup for a while. so I don't anticipate him being in the lineup. come Thursday, but... ah I mean, again, just the depth we're gonna have.
Speaker: ah That's not on the ice. it's going to be incredible. So and again. We knew this going in. it's tough to crack this western lineup has been for the last three four years now And I wonder if he's going to.
Speaker: he's probably going to be a good candidate to be that extra forward that we're allowed to. Yeah. keep up every single game i i could see that with his ability to to take draws um could be a very intriguing piece i know he was on a line with huck and then Ty Mason, who we are going to talk about next.
Speaker: um Ty Mason. another So he's a he's a guy that came from the USHL, played last year with Waterloo. 44 points in 57 games.
Speaker: uh for the Blackhawks. six foot forward. Matt, what, what, what were your takeaways on Ty Mason? ah Yeah, I mean, going into this. ah the exhibition. I had kind of Ty Mason and Sikora being kind of similar in the way that they play.
Speaker: two -way game. ah with some upside potential offensively. Ty Mason's got a great wrist shot from some of the highlights I've seen on YouTube. um again another average size forward and i and i don't ever say that in a negative way it's good to to be average size and and when it comes to hockey so you're about six foot Um...
Speaker: What I think kind of separates Ty Mason from Sikora is he, I think his wrist shots a little bit better just from the highlights I've seen on YouTube. Uh, Again, I think. between Mason and Socorro.
Speaker: I will just. periodically get better and better offensively throughout this season. um and we'll be ultimately battling it out between who's going to get that spot between the two I did see Ty Mason, though, get a little gritty and, you know, kind of stir some stuff up and, you know.
Speaker: ah when the puck was frozen. so uh You like seeing that out of a guy. He's not afraid to just jump in there and defend the and defend the boys. when Something's going wrong, especially Hakurana, who just got beat to hell, ah it so it seems like, at at every dead whistle in that game. so Uh...
Speaker: and Just another good depth guy that... Uh... if First of all, I just got to throw him in there. Again. ah Probably the fourth line, but... He's going to do the the little things right to to keep him in the lineup. and and ultimately get the win. on a Friday or Saturday. so um We'll see ah what happens with him throughout the season again.
Speaker: i Right now, I just don't think he's going to crack the Thursday lineup, but like you mentioned. could maybe be. like Keller, a good extra four to keep on. um you know if we need someone to kill penalties or something like that
Speaker: And then the last forward that was. Kind of in one of those extra forward spots on on Saturday night was Luke McNamara. Luke McNamara is a little bit different, bigger frame, 6 '3", 185 pounds.
Speaker: I played in the USHL with Fargo. last year, 50 points in 62 games. um complaint. center can play on the wing. um I like his size. What are your thoughts on on Luke McNamara? now I'm going to be bold in saying that this, sit so don't fall out of your chair. I really hope this guy kind of becomes the next Washi.
Speaker: Um... so he's the center you know he's going to play the center but like from what i saw in the x in the exhibition Didn't do a lot. that that jumped out at me uh and i'm not saying he's a bad player he's a bigger guy six three um I think he's a true two -way forward for...
Speaker: Western. ah So he's going to be able to put up the points, just not. I think as many as like we'll see Banach or Lafreniere do. um And again, we we we we have an abundance of centers, so it's going to be hard to crack that spot when you only got four you could put out there.
Speaker: But... If we we recall, when Tim Washi came to Western as a freshman, he really didn't do much, and I don't even know if he really played that much to begin his career. And then. His senior and grad year is where I think he really jumps off the board. tremendously and now look at him he's playing for the anaheim ducks and ah Last year played.
Speaker: a good chunk of the season and now this year starting off the season playing on the fourth line. um See... And you know, kind of built similar. uh so that's where i'm saying like could this mcnamara could he be our next washi Possibly it would be cool to see um But again, you know.
Speaker: can never have too much depth and, you know, A lot of smaller guys have come through right now right we have Good luck. banak Jordan Keller's a little bit smaller, he got a couple six -footers.
Speaker: Uh... And we got two of our biggest guys on in the ice. hynerx and nearing so it's good to kind of have that size Uh... come through the doors here to kind of make up for you know the day that Heinrichs and Nearing are no longer here.
Speaker: Uh... And again, I think. over time. McNamara will develop his game and in get in the lineup. Um, Yep. Maybe we'll see these guys, some of these guys that we don't.
Speaker: think are going to play throughout the season. Maybe we see him play in that. act So we've got six forwards coming in. We do have one defenseman, Edison Engel. um he ended up playing on the third defensive pairing with um with Theo Wahlberg. and And I, that was the one spot where I wasn't sure.
Speaker: who he was going to put there if it was going to be him If it was going to be Volk, if it was going to be Kyle back, I thought there were a lot of good options. So um going with Theo Engel or Edison Engel, I was.
Speaker: I was pleasantly surprised. i was I was happy to see him up there. What was what was your biggest takeaway with Edison Engel? Yeah, I mean, ultimately, I think we knew that this was the one spot that three guys are fighting for because the other five are pretty much locked up.
Speaker: And I really wasn't 100 % surprised that angle got. the the nod for the exhibition game. um I think first of all, I really wants to see how him and Wahlberg are going to work together.
Speaker: And I think right now it's looking pretty good. um Angle is 6 '2". Again, I think we're about average size for defensemen outside of Wahlberg.
Speaker: Um, in that 6 -6 -2 range. But Angle, again, is kind of like a sharper visor. He's a fast skater that can really move the puck north and south.
Speaker: um can drive the net when one. he really thinks he needs to i mean really i saw a lot of zach sharp at him and a lot of highlights I've seen. um And interesting too, he played one season with Spicer. So, I mean, I don't know if there's a connection there as far as chemistry. I mean, obviously you're talking about a center defenseman there, but.
Speaker: Uh... you know as far as just knowing where spicer's gonna be on the ice to to feed him the puck. especially on the rush. uh You know, who knows? um I think this is good too. I mean, I know Wahlberg tries and wants to be an offensive. uh,
Speaker: presence on the blue line. But i I really think his bread and butter is just being a shutdown defenseman. So hopefully angle kind of takes that off his shoulders a little bit. um and then you'll see ah a more uh, confident consistent theo walberg where i think last year sometimes him and blue really kind of got themselves in trouble because they're both trying to do a little too much.
Speaker: especially at the same time. Um... I think Angle's going to get the nod Thursday, but I mean, don't be surprised if... first of all, or maybe gives it to Woo. Just to say. see what you know because we already know they played together last year to get the the chemistry that's already built out there on the ice against ferris ah but ultimately I think Angle is going to end up being the guy that takes up that spot.
Speaker: And again, Callback had a lot of good moments last year. I think he did very well for. coming in halfway through the season and really just being thrown into the lion's den. uh right out the gate uh i don't think he really did anything bad I think there's just a lot to develop. And then same with Colby. wokebe He's only a sophomore as well.
Speaker: Again, you know, there was a lot of upside and promise. And you got a lot of. ah you know senior and junior presence in front of you. Um, So, I mean, these guys are going to get in the lineup probably here and there. And again, it's great to have this depth on the blue line.
Speaker: uh for all the experience we have right now that's on the current starting blue line so uh But but ah to go back to Engel, I mean, this is... I think we got three true offensive defensemen that can really skate and move the puck now on all three lines. so uh yeah it's you know As far as an offensive standpoint, the blue line is going to be heavily involved. which again is going to create a lot of problem matchups for a lot of teams.
Speaker: that come to Lawson and where we go to them. I don't know how accurate these stats were looking on Western's. is through the hockey page. But it was like a PDF of of the breakdown.
Speaker: We had 27 shots from our D. I mean, i'm I'm not surprised they said on the on the game Saturday after the first period that we had like 50. Now this isn't shots on goal, this is shots, so.
Speaker: Again, the stat that people will probably see when they're watching the games is going to be shots on goal. What I thought ah Whoever the play -by -play guy was and I'm blank on his name set after the first period that Western had. 60 shots. Yeah.
Speaker: So, I mean, we were... They were they were letting it rip
Speaker: Yeah, so it looks like the guys back there really like. really like to shoot the puck which is Which is good and I did see and I did see some guys crashing the net Um, Which was good. I thought, I mean, you look at the first goal.
Speaker: Bobby Cohen getting to the front of the net um off of a rebound. I. the way that Spicer crashed the net on that second on that second goal. where, um, And we'll we'll get to these a little bit. later on but where wisdom scored. I mean, it's it's good to see they're getting to the dirty areas.
Speaker: and that then that's especially good with guys on the blue line that like to let it fly Yeah, that's for sure. I just, hopefully like. and i know that western's very good at this but when we have our d crashing or getting up the ice. We got the forwards that are coming. looping behind.
Speaker: and cover for them. I know they're going to do that. uh but again when you have this many defensemen that like to skate the puck up and and get involved offensively, not just from the blue line, but even down low.
Speaker: Uh, you gotta have that good rotation and in the offensive zone. so that we don't have. and give up too many odd man rushes. and really leave Miller on an island back there between the pipes.
Speaker: Yep. couldn't agree more. All right, so this season, where you know we lost we lost some important pieces. i mean i Losing Grant, losing... um Losing Owen Michaels, losing Liam Valente.
Speaker: A lot of offense going away, especially I'm going to miss Valente's one time around the power play from. From his office, but. You know, where do you where do you think that production is going to come from? Who are some of those guys that maybe are going to step up this season?
Speaker: and, you know, take that take that next step. ah Well... I don't want to say he's taking the next step, but I think Banach is going to be that guy that fills that Valente spot.
Speaker: I don't think it's going to be the same production because. valente was always a shoot first guy on the power play i mean the guy just wanted to shoot Um... But Doc is more of a playmaker. We saw that Saturday. He really likes to feed Visanen.
Speaker: He's going to feed ah white law across the ice. And then, you know, try to get shots on that for either headaches or nearing to get the board and clean up. um If anything.
Speaker: ah Guys that I really want to see. take the next level would be like hawker running or zach nearing Uh... I think they've done the little things right up until this point, but now both being juniors.
Speaker: ah I want to see them more. sit on this the stat line. um Especially, I think. near it because I think especially if he gets to the net, which he I think... We've seen a lot over the last two years. he can driving that very well.
Speaker: But I just think I saw way too many times last year when he drives the... So then that the puck just pops off the stick. ah and And next year, we don't get anything out of that. So I really want to see him kind of take that to the next level and really.
Speaker: contain that puck possession. as he's driving the debt and really try to create. you that goal opportunity or create some offense. And I really want to see him to try to just. rip one i mean you just don't i don't know if that's his nature to not Try to just take a wrister from here and there like he just wants to drive the net and get to the dirty area which i'm okay with Um...
Speaker: But ultimately, i just you know if we can get him to score a little bit more. And same with Hawkerine. I think Hawkerine just does all the little things right. to keep in the lineup, which is great. But now it's like, hey.
Speaker: You're on the top six now. like now let's put up or shut up like you got to take it to the next level for him Uh, And I think you know he kind of knows that too. i mean based on the exhibition game.
Speaker: He really was kind of getting in all facets of the game and really. Crash to the net and everything else so Uh, Those are my two from. the prior seasons as far as. how who I want to see take it to another level.
Speaker: and we know And we know Hawker running can. You look at what he did freshman year. 13 goals, 16 assists. I would love to see him. get back to that if not. if not to a higher level. I had Neering on there. I had Hawk Ryan on there.
Speaker: um I thought he had a he hit had a good season last year, but I think he can. I think he can take his game up another level. I would love to see Ty Hendricks kind of get from that 30 -point range up to more of like a...
Speaker: 40 -45 point range. He only had nine goals last season. I would love to see that number. increase I think he's a prime candidate. especially when you see him playing on a line with Lafreniere.
Speaker: and nearing, at least from from the exhibition game. I would love to see his production go up. ah one guy i'm looking to if he can stay healthy as having a big season and potentially be a a big, big piece to this team is Cole Spicer.
Speaker: um yeah That's kind of the guy I'm looking at is. in And when he played last year, he looked good. um If he can stay on the ice, if he can stay healthy, I think he's one of those pieces that kind of elevates us to that next level.
Speaker: Um, Those are the big ones for me. I think Bobby Cohen is going to take another step forward. as well I think we've got a lot of pieces on this team that. It's not a could they do this? It's an I think they will do.
Speaker: Yeah, and we know Spicer is a firstweer guy he he first First of all, I've been quoted last year saying you know Spicer's an NHL talent. It's just about being healthy. and And this year, especially staying healthy and in kind of developing what He's good at but ultimately being great at. um so like for ah you know for me it's it's winning the face -off draws i mean he's taking over the second line that was grant's spot
Speaker: um And we know Grant was a great face -off winner. in a two -way forward. And I think Spicer has got the ability to do so. Again, it's just staying healthy and being able to be out there on the ice and producing.
Speaker: is going to be ultimate case here and um So yeah, so we'll see what happens, especially too against... ah Ferris on Thursday. um you know I'll get a better idea.
Speaker: What's red? Uh, you know. the start of the actual season in actual play. against. Uh, US colleges.
Speaker: So... let me ask you this question we win a national championship If.
Speaker: Uh... Whew. We win a national championship. If we I'm just like beating a dead horse here If we're that good in the dot, ah because ultimately everything trickles down from that. the park possession.
Speaker: The offensive. Uh... capabilities and creating the offense. And... you know not having to spend too much time in our own zone, which I think we've always been pretty good at over the last. three, four, five years.
Speaker: Um... So yeah, I mean, I've been beating it like a dead horse all... all episode here all recording about the face off that we got to replace the face off dot the percentages and i think That truly is going to be a huge factor and for Western to...
Speaker: to make a run for a national championship. and and bring home the natty back to Kalamazoo.
Speaker: What? What's your what are your predictions for this? I mean. I guess that's a stupid question. The prediction is a national championship. right I mean, the the standard the standard is national championship, and we've done it once now.
Speaker: We know we could do it again. we got The coaches are great. uh our recruiting and whether it's freshman transfer portal has been fantastic the last few years. but We've even turned some like.
Speaker: And I hate using this phrase, no -name guys into big -name guys. uh So I'm confident that we're going to continue to do that this year. with this team i mean when you look at what you presented about we're replacing only 41 % of our offense and not the other way around. So we retained a lot more than we think.
Speaker: um It's just we're... from a standpoint of ah experience is what we really lost. because of Michael's being three years, Grant.
Speaker: two hair or two. um I think that's always a lot harder to replace. but again Uh... Western's been really good at throwing freshmen out there, even going back to the Blashill days.
Speaker: And... you know, trusting that the freshmen can really do something and be a difference maker. And I think we got a few difference makers. on the roster this year. Uh, not just from the freshman vote from the transfer portal too so Uh,
Speaker: i know everybody's picking western to be probably like third and nchc and c hc and you know, make the playoff, but maybe not an Addy run. i Go ahead. and and make that prediction.
Speaker: I already placed my bet. last week for Western when the daddy had drafted, so. I do it every year. and ah i I'm like one for like. whenever college i was a kind of well when did i start betting college hockey draft kings probably 2022, maybe 2023.
Speaker: You know. My percentage is not terrible. You got one. I got one. I can't remember which. betting service it was from but They were pretty high on Western. I think we had probably the six best odds.
Speaker: at that time to go win a national championship. And I think you look at some of the teams that are ahead of us. You look at the Denver's, the Duluth's. the North Dakotas, the Michigans, the Michigan states.
Speaker: um the wisconsin's they they brought in a lot like they brought in a lot of high -level NHL draft picks. um But there is also something to be said about having.
Speaker: too many freshmen i think look at michigan i feel like every single and knock on wood they're probably going to win a national championship now that i say this But. um Look at how many times Michigan has done that. when they're They're saying we've got.
Speaker: We've got five first round picks on this roster. They do it all the time. And they have had nothing to show for it. So I think there's something to be said about a team that's played together for a while. I think a team that has good depth.
Speaker: And I mean, yeah, we we lost Owen Michaels. We lost Alex Bump. We lost Tim Washi. But. Our juniors played with all those guys. our juniors learned how to be. great college hockey players because of those guys um I would put Pat Firstweiler up against any any head coach in college hockey. I think he does.
Speaker: such a fantastic job. You said no name to big name. That's called development. And no I think there might not be. There aren't many at coaches like Pat Firstweiler in college hockey. and um Someday in front of that new stadium, I hope a statue gets made of him. but um Yeah, I...
Speaker: i think if if these guys can can take that next next step forward and quentin miller Plays like he is capable of playing I see no reason why we're not making a trip to DC. in April.
Speaker: Yeah, I mean, ah you hit it on the head there. and For me, when you look at like the Michigan States and the Michigans and Um... I think kind of the North Dakota's and Denver's too.
Speaker: I'm really more leaning towards Michigan and Michigan State because I think a lot of people a lot of experts predicted that they would have already had national championships won in the last three, four years. with how good those rosters have been on paper.
Speaker: But we've seen that they have fallen apart in the playoffs specifically. Um, For X amount of reasons. And it just kind of brings me back to. ah Miracle on ice for me. I mean you could put all these all -stars but essentially for what uh college hockey it's all these draft picks together but Can they gel together and be a great team?
Speaker: I would say with Michigan and Michigan State. over the last few years They've been close to that line but haven't been able to to cross it because they they fall apart. quickly in the playoffs or Michigan's case in the frozen for uh But Michigan's had so many great teams for the last six years and nothing to show for it.
Speaker: And like Western over here, we've been developing guys. We want to natty without. NIL money. I mean we will bring guys here develop them for the next level while winning and that's been first wilders pedigree here for the last five -ish years since he's taken over the house. so ah I'm with you. I'll take first while or any day of the week against any of the best.
Speaker: So I want to switch gears a little bit and talk about. I guess, while we're recording last night. But the the Western Ontario exhibition game, I don't want to go into too, too much detail just since it was an exhibition game.
Speaker: um you know we won 5 -1 I think if you would have asked me what the score would have been before the game started, I probably would have told you something like five to one. in that in that ballpark. I mean, it's kind of what you expected. Saw a lot of good things. Obviously saw some things you can work on as as you can in any exhibition game. um I think after going 0 for 4 to start on the power play, I think they scored on their last three power plays of the game.
Speaker: So it was good to see that. going. um the The kill looked pretty good. I feel like we've had we had some good chances. on the penalty kill But Matt, what were your biggest takeaways from the game?
Speaker: ah Biggest thing for me was I love the puck movement, bit especially on the power play.
Speaker: right too like I was not mad by that. what they were doing there at all. I really like them having Hendrickson nearing both screening the goalie on one line. that's That's a lot of beef. for one goalie to navigate to see the puck. If the visor then takes the shot more than Whitelaw, there's gonna be a lot of chances for Hendricks and Nearing to clean up the garbage and and get a lot of pucks in in the net. um
Speaker: I liked watching. again bannock and but and lafreniere were flying up in the ice like i said earlier lafrenier it seems like the puck really finds his stick at odd times and when he does he He does something with it. It's not just a turnover or trying to reset. I mean, with the puck found his net, him just randomly skating into the net. and he turned that into an opportunity to score. and unfortunately didn't but
Speaker: um i liked what i saw and and new meyer was really in impressive for me i mean for me Number one guy in the game. um The confidence he is with skating the park.
Speaker: uh guys coming at him he can get around you without having the dish devising bailing him out And then he's got. I didn't think. Well, let's say this. I knew he had off offensive capabilities based on the stats.
Speaker: But when I saw that wrist shot he took to score that goal, I was like, who we got power out the blue line. So... a lot of good things happened in that game, but again,
Speaker: thank Okay. exhibition game. The power play was disappointing last year. That's what needs to improve this year to be very successful. Penalty kill has always been very good for us, so i and I think we saw some. of that last night. uh in the exhibition too so so And then also I really was trying to see like, who's going to be that fourth line forward.
Speaker: ah come Thursday, because I you know i think... ultimately I think i think Hawks gonna get it. huck played very well that whole game. Last night. but Again, I think you're going to put Ty Mason or...
Speaker: ah siorra up there at some point throughout the season. I think McKenzie and Slavowski are going to start Thursday center in the right winger position there. uh But, man, I mean, like Sam Hawk being 5 '8".
Speaker: And even go back to last year yeah made it tough for first while I take him out of lineup going into the playoffs. I mean he just yeah does things right and like like Seems to score when you really need to score. so Um,
Speaker: You know, those were my takeaways again. the face -off dot i was a little disappointed at i didn't see a lot of face -off wins especially early on. so Hopefully that's going to improve throughout the season. and then I wanted to get a vibe from Quentin Miller. It's hard to do that in the first period when he doesn't see a lot of shots. so I guess um I'll know more on Thursday.
Speaker: So I want to break down. break down the goals. um We scored five times. First goal. end of End of the first period. uh Adam Vanock put one on net.
Speaker: Bobby Cohen crashed the net, got the rebound. Um, stuff you love to see on the power play guys getting to the front of the net. and and taking care of business. I saw Ty Hendricks in front of the net during it as well.
Speaker: um do you have any thoughts on that goal I mean, I just love Bobby crash than that. I mean, I feel like you didn't see him do that too much last year. He was always kind of more. In the slot wanting to like kind of one tee it up a lot. Um you really try to show off your shot more than anything.
Speaker: ah So it's good to see that he's taken that that next step into his offense capabilities. and really kind of the Western way, which is really so with crash the net and kind of get a dirty goal when we need to. i mean mean We've never been really known except for Bump. ah historically to be snipers out here with the puck.
Speaker: And I don't know if we're really going to see that this year too much either. I mean, White Law's got some talent. but And same with wisdom, but I mean, wisdom. gets a lot of his goals going to the dirty area as well. um And he's just very good at that. so uh but say you know bobby county i i Again, I think that was a good step forward into. unlocking the next offensive capabilities that we know he has.
Speaker: going get into this season. Speaking of Zachariah wisdom, crashing the net and getting getting into the paint and doing the dirty stuff. That second goal. um Neumeier tried a backdoor pass to Spicer kind of right in front of the net as he was kind of in the paint.
Speaker: Um, ricocheted around and then I don't. The announcers knew he scored. I had no idea. um just barely got over the line and i'm i'm still not certain who actually scored that goal but they gave it to zachariah wisdom and kind of batted it in. good team effort in front of the net Yeah, i mean i I don't care who scored the goal. I'm glad we scored it. ah I thought it was Spicer's goal. i Again, they were going back and forth. And they even said, too, like... oh
Speaker: They might review this after the fact and give it to Spicer. I don't think they're going to review it. It was an exhibition game, bud. uh so it doesn't matter but Uh, you like saying that from spice or more than wisdom because we know wisdom that's what wisdom does um So it's more of you're happy to see that that's what Neumeier kind of brings to the table. That's the vision he sees when he's driving the net. Um,
Speaker: And Spicer just, you know, kind of plotting himself in the front of the net. Yeah. waiting for that pass. or rebound, whatever the case is, and trying to clean that up. um you know Again, I don't think we saw Spicer do that too much last year, mainly because he was hurt. So it's good to see Spicer kind of do that, and I think that's what's going to keep him ultimately in the lineup. on every Friday and Saturday night. And again, I i love the vision from Neumeier there.
Speaker: um Again, I take it with a grain of salt. Is that what Neumeier does and he did at Colgate? Is he doing a little extra because it's an exhibition? He could get away with it. I don't know. We'll find out definitely this week. but What I did see was that was a fantastic. fantastic ah pass. that Thanks. I'll give it to Spicer, got the goal. Yeah, yeah.
Speaker: And then third goal. New Meyer, we talked about this, the wrist shot that. I'm not sure if the goalie saw it. Zachariah Wisdom was surprise, surprise parked in front of the net.
Speaker: Um, But what a great shot by him. I believe that one was on the power play. Yeah, I mean, I feel like the story of this year is going to be wisdom is going to be involved in a lot of the.
Speaker: offensive scoring whether he's on the stat sheet or not. Like you said, he was he screened the goalie there pretty well. Wow. You know again wisdom does a lot of took the little things right. Probably why he...
Speaker: One of the reasons why he ended up being captain this year But yeah, be that rooster from Neumeier was unbelievable. I mean, it didn't get deflected or anything. I mean, that was just a laser beam. top show where mama keeps the cookies and boom And. and if he If he could do that every night, Friday and Saturday, Western's looking pretty good offensively this year.
Speaker: And then fourth goal. I noted Cruz Cruzburg -Rozine kind of won a little puck battle. launched one towards the net i think mckenzie might have been in front of there kind of ricocheted around and Zydlowski got it, went backhand top shelf. um beating the goalie on that one. Nice goal by by the assistant captain.
Speaker: Yeah, I mean, I remember that play specifically because that That's a tough play when the puck is bouncing. they get it that to settle. And then, yeah, I mean, he just rips a backhander over the net or into the net, I should say. um So he just overall is a great offensive play.
Speaker: You kind of hope Zalowski, that's going to be more of his bread and butter. He's just going to clean up some of those garbage shots. and create those opportunities for himself. Again, that's not a bad way to. to get on the statue. I mean, that's.
Speaker: you know you hockey you want some of these greasy goals And that was definitely one of them. And it it again, when you're on the third and fourth line, like that's. Probably what we're expecting. Um,
Speaker: So, yeah, I mean, I think that's going to be huge for him this year if he can if he could do that. every Friday, Saturday night. And then the last goal, power play goal. um Let me know if you've heard this one before. Neumeier to wisdom.
Speaker: um zachariah wisdom kind of just walked in on the right circles and released one from the dot um Looked circle glove side on on on the goalie. Yeah, I want to say I think Western Ontario was kind of like throwing the white flag at this point because with all the penalties and power plays and and everything else. They were like, oh my God, just get us out of this game.
Speaker: But overall, it's still good. I mean, you like seeing that Neumeier. ah being the transfer has already got a lot of this chemistry built up with wisdom and vise in it. and but knock so you know it's you could tell that this summer was a good camp for the boys. And. and you know,
Speaker: they They look ready for Thursday, which I'm happy and excited for. uh So yeah, I mean, again... think Take that one with a grain of salt because, like I said, I think Western Ontario was ready to just get on the bus and get the hell out of here.
Speaker: Did you have any lines that really stood out to you for this game? ah You know, it's tough in these exhibition games because you got five lines rolling. You know, first of all, I was trying to figure out who's going to play where. to Yeah, plus two that's right um So a lot of bodies are flying around. I mean that, that but I was thinking about too, like at the same, like that batch has got to be.
Speaker: hacked right now. You know, I want to say the The line that really stood out to me was probably the McKenzie, Slilovsky, and Sikora line. I mean, I think.
Speaker: It just seemed like those three specifically were really flying around the ice. and and you know, they're probably. the ones that you would expect in an exhibition and you know probably with Huck and Keller and Mason as well.
Speaker: because they know there's a little bit more on the line in an exhibition game for them versus the top six or really even the top nine. Those are pretty locked in place, I would think. um So these these guys are really fighting for.
Speaker: one or two spots for Thursday. and really the rest of the season. and um And again, I think those three specifically were given first while learn and the coaching staff a tough time to figure out who's going to be that fourth line.
Speaker: Like I said, I think it's going to be Hawk McKenzie and Siglowski. I wouldn't be surprised if first waller goes somewhere else because again he's got A lot of good depth and a lot of tough decisions he's got to make by by Thursday.
Speaker: And who are your three stars of the game? I mean so this won't be any big surprise here um new buyer was my number one star i just his the overall game i saw From start to finish isn't. Unbelievable.
Speaker: i mean We're highlighting his ah offensive capabilities and what he did on the power play, but I thought he did outstanding in the defensive zone. and Really knew how to anchor kick Cause. turnovers with the puck and again was really good on the backjack.
Speaker: ah Wisdom, obviously, meaning the two goals, but... yeah like we just said you know He screened for Newmire's goal, so he's doing the little things. you know to help be successful. that we're not going to see on the stat sheet. and then I liked Zydlowski. I liked what he was doing. It's a solid two -way game.
Speaker: I think we saw him ah on the penalty kill a couple of times. And, you know, the boys were really Again, just like the last few years. you do Clearing the puck pretty quickly. And then, yeah, he gets that dirty goal, you know, off the little rebound, which I like top shelf again, like I said. ah those were my three stars for the game but i mean it was tough to pick there was a lot of good Uh,
Speaker: players that you could have picked for ah many, many reasons for why they should be three stars. overall Overall, I thought it was a good showing. I thought the team did exactly what they were supposed to do.
Speaker: to get ready for Ferris State. Um, but speaking of fair state they They played this weekend in Buffalo against Canisius. um There were four former Broncos playing in this game.
Speaker: So Ethan Walters was playing for... um For Canisius. And then. We had three former Broncos play for.
Speaker: um for Ferris. So Zach Bade and Ryan Kussler. transferred there this year. and then um jack messick was was already was already there. And all three of them kind of. Played into the the Bulldogs 5 -5 draw.
Speaker: on Saturday night where they ended up losing in a shootout. um Bade scored. and he was assisted by Kussler. And then I believe Messick had an assist in that game as well. And I think Bade.
Speaker: scored in in the penalty shootout. so um some good showing from ou Man, Ferris. Throughout everything you know about them from the last couple of seasons, the coach basically said like we are starting fresh.
Speaker: They brought in I think 12 freshmen this season. and they started 10 freshmen on Friday night. So it's it's a completely... new and young team, which sometimes can be scary when you are a heavy favorite going in against them.
Speaker: Yeah, I watched the game Friday. I was able to catch it on TV here, and they didn't look good at all Friday, let me tell you. I think they ended up losing 4 -0. I think it was 3 -0 by the the second period.
Speaker: um But what I did notice was Ferris State's got a lot of big boys. It kind of looked like the... the Western teams from the early Andy Murray days, you know, just guys that are going to throw their body around. and kind of really beat you up and then hopefully kind of just ramble for like a one one goal win if anything uh But yeah, I mean, when you... You're looking at they're replacing Bob Daniels, I mean, longtime coach for Ferris State.
Speaker: brought him to a national championship. uh God, I don't know how many years ago now at this point. Um, But Bob Daryls was always real good for college hockey. He was real good for Ferris.
Speaker: Uh... You know, so as far as starting over, they mean they weren't. great last year so i i could see their point is why they're just kind of starting scratch now and you know, kind of reset in the playbook essentially and what the Ferris hockey dynamic is going to be moving forward in this.
Speaker: New regime of. abuse You know. Do I think Ferris State will get back to that same caliber that we kind of know that they're capable? Probably. um will be this year. No, I don't think so.
Speaker: This is a trap game, though, for Washington. Remember last year, this is the same scenario. And you and Ferris. Ruined the banner raising ceremony day. I mean it was i mean It was kind of a shock throughout college hockey. Western just lost to Ferris day one. day one That was not anticipated. We were anticipated to make a run for a natty. And then I remember texting you guys saying, Ferris, that's real good. i
Speaker: wouldn't be surprised if they contend for a ccha i think they won six games at the whole year so what if what the hell do i know but Um, Their their goalie looked great that game. Yeah, but ah when you only win six games, that made that loss for Western worse and worse as the weeks went by. so you're hoping that the western Has that on the... a little bit better. Thanks so much, Chris.
Speaker: ah You don't want to repeat that. you From last year and split with a team that isn't really expected to do much this year. but These are the games that we have to win regardless, to make to make a run for the playoffs. play um and And unfortunately, Ferris State's going to be that that team that other teams beat up on throughout this year yeah as they're working their way through. Kind of trying to find their new dynamic, like you said earlier. earlier So I pulled the numbers on on Ferris.
Speaker: They're returning. 16. about 16, 17 % of their total points. and only about 8 % of their goals from last season. So it's a massive, massive, massive.
Speaker: Yeah, it's ah it's a big drop for them. They brought in a lot of transfers last season. Yeah. So, you know, again, I think it's the same with like you look at like Miami, Ohio. I mean, Miami, Ohio.
Speaker: Really was was struggling for quite sometimes once Rico Blasi had left. And now they seem to kind of found their footing a little bit now, you know, they got a real good goalie. they've had a lot of good forwards come through the doors the last two seasons so you know i think they're kind of in that same ballpark as miami as far as once this new coaching regime kind of gets their foot in the door and um
Speaker: over the next couple years brings in the recruits that fit their system, Ferris State's going to get back to that level again. 15. compete for CCHA championships. Um, It's just, I don't think it's going to be this.
Speaker: No, they're they're absolutely in a rebuilding rebuilding era right now. um Matt what are your predictions for this weekend My predictions are... It's going to be a sweep. I don't like giving out goal predictions. it's In college hockey, it's very hard because we've seen, right? since we've been in college. One, one. day is going to be six to four, then it's going to be one nothing Saturday.
Speaker: And all I care about is the wins. I think Ferris State is going to push the envelope. ah Thursday against Western early. But ultimately, um based on Wednesday, the exhibition game, the chemistry seems to be there already.
Speaker: i don't anticipate that it's going to take too long for Western to light the lamp. Um, If they could stay out of the penalty box and not get... in that trap, that fair state. going back to our days. would you know try to do um you know i mean this is a still an old ccha rivalry for some of us alum The newer guys, probably not so much. um but There's still a meeting between... Ferris is not a state versus Western.
Speaker: of. so yeah i mean again like i said earlier this is kind of a trap game for western but I just think Westerns on paper, we have a lot more firepower to be. uh victorious thursday and friday Yeah, i'm I'm with you. i i mean i I'd be shocked if we don't if we don't sweep. Now, saying that, I would i would have said the last same thing last year. I don't think there's a distraction, though, this year of...
Speaker: you know raising the banner and and you know kind of celebrating what you did um I think these guys are going to be all business. I think it's going to be too. hopefully pretty handled. pretty easy victories for for the brown and gold but Yeah, I agree. i mean As long as they get the pucks on that, I think... Again, like I said. like ah so If we get. ah i'm Like.
Speaker: Like. one Amen. Western's going to be scary, guys. FYI to the NCHC and the NCAA, so watch out. Uh, Like we said earlier, it's naty natty or bust for us in Kalamazoo, these things.
Speaker: Love it. Look how far we've come. Yeah, I know right? Well, Wally, anything you want to add? to to this episode today or?
Speaker: No, I think we covered a lot. we covered and especially since we had some technical difficulties earlier last week. Speak up. Yeah, I mean, I'm excited for Thursday, man. I've been itching for the last, like, three weeks since we started recording just to get the season going. i want start watching college hockey on a regular weekend basis here. So, I mean, just get me to Thursday, man. ah That's what I'm excited for. i excited Well, we are almost there.
Speaker: um But we will we will see you guys again next week to talk. Hopefully after two Bronco victories. Can't wait. Let's go.
