Radja Signs with AHL's Rockford IceHogs *updated 8/29*

Mike Radja has put pen to paper with the Rockford IceHogs after a great showing at the parent club's, that would be the Chicago Blackhawks', development camp.

Chicago Blackhawks' General Manager of Minor League Affiliates, Mark Bernard, cited a "very successful collegiate career” as indicative of Radja's ability "to make a smooth transition into the professional game" in the title-linked article from Rockford's website.

In missed news from way back during my summer vacation is the move of Garrett Stafford to the Dallas Stars. The article lists the deal as a two-year/two-way contract so it is unclear whether he'll end up with the Stars in Dallas or, well, one of any number of teams it appears will be accepting Dallas prospects until they re-establish their AHL affiliate.

*Additionally, Eric Boguniecki signed in July with the Anaheim Ducks and if he doesn't crack the NHL squad will most likely play for their new AHL affiliate, the Iowa Chops.

Keep up the hard work, guys!

Go 'Cats!

Bekar Signs with Springfield Falcons

TheAHL.com article (title-linked) pretty much says it all - well, almost.

Your UNH Men's Hockey Blogger Guy has it on good authority that Derek returned to the States recently to start raising his family as he and his wife are (maybe were?) expecting any day. He was also lately seen getting a skate in at the Laconia Ice Arena - a place that sees its share of professional hockey players come through the door for a pick-up game from time to time.

Congrats Derek! Welcome to fatherhood and welcome back to this side of the Pond!

Go 'Cats!

NHL.com Article Pegs vanRiemsdyk

...As Philly's top offensive prospect.

My favorite line:

The reward for finishing with the League's worst record in 2006-07 was this 6-foot-4, 210-pound power forward.

6-foot-4!? Someone's been eating his Wheaties!

While we're checking out the title-linked story be sure to skip on over to the Official Page when you're done and look at the updated roster. It looks like a very apt mixture of big rugged guys throughout the lineup with smaller shifty guys sprinkled in - don't let their size fool you though, a lot of these bigger guys can really move and some of those shorter guys can really throw a hit.

Can you feel the excitement building already!?

Go 'Cats!

Aikins Outpacing Collins

It's early yet, but Finland's Vaasan Sport is off to a 4-1-1 start. Leading them in points, tied for first with teammate Markus Jamsa, is Wildcat Alum, Justin Aikins. Both have a matching 1 goal, 4 assist scoring line in 6 games.

Fellow alum Sean Collins has been largely snake-bitten with just one assist through those six games. But playing on a line with Aikins and Paul Cabana (3-1-4 scoring line), it is only a matter of time before his play starts translating into scoring numbers for himself as it's obvious it is creating opportunities for his line-mates to make good on the scoreboard. Which you can see for yourself looking through these highlights (Aikins is #18 and Collins is #15). Speaking of which, I love these highlights! Who's in charge of video for the 'Cats? We need highlights! Get on it! Please?

Those enjoying the reports from Finland are deeply indebted to our Finnish Bureau correspondent, TUMHBG-JL - thanks, JL! Who also provided the title-linked scoring roster.

Go 'Cats!

Future 'Cat, Future Cap' Burke

According to the title-linked NHL.com article, New Hampshire native, Greg Burke ('09 recruit who will play with the USHL's Cedar Rapids Rough Riders this season) looked to make an impression as the youngest prospect in Washington Capitals' Development Camp - he at least made an impression on NHL.com staff writer, Mike G. Morreale.

Check out the story!

We'll be waiting for you to make your first impressions here, Greg!

Go 'Cats!

van Riemsdyk Leads US Under-20 Team Eval

University of New Hampshire sophomore James van Riemsdyk led all US scorers in the 2008 Under-20 National Team Evaluation Camp with 6 goals and 7 points.

To say the least he's turning more heads than ever as evidenced by the title-linked NHL.com article on the 19 year old phenom.

James' performances over the course of the camp included a hat-trick in the final game of the camp versus Finland. From earlier match-ups he also earned high marks from a fellow competitor, Swedish defenseman Victor Hedman, who gave this quote to the aforementioned NHL.com article

"He's a very smart guy," says Hedman, who could go No. 1 this June in the draft. "It's always fun to go against a guy like him. He's a very good player."

Ryan Bourque, who is expected to matriculate to our alma mater next fall also had a very good camp coming away with 2 goals and 2 assists.

Way to work guys!

You can find video, photos and write-ups at the USA Hockey website.

Go USA!

Go 'Cats!

Welcome Grayson Downing, 2010

A competitor to fellow '10 recruit, Joey Laleggia, Downing played his most recent season in the British Columbia Midget Major League for the Fraser Valley Bruins.

The 16 year old is a 5'11", 165 pound forward who had 15 goals and 40 points in 32 regular season games with the Fraser B's.

The incomparable Chris Heisenberg has Downing as playing for the Westside Warriors (BCHL) next season according to his Unofficial UNH Hockey Homepage.

Welcome Grayson!

And speaking of Laleggia, he was named to the BCMML 2007-2008 All-Star Team, defense, with the conclusion of this past season.

Congratulations Joey!

Keep up the hard work, both of you!

Go 'Cats!

More 'Cats Hailed As Future NHL Talent

Alum Trevor Smith and incoming freshman Blake Kessel were both heralded in a recent NHL.com article (title-linked) as future talent for the New York Islanders.

Smith, who many will recall left after a stellar sophomore year, spent the last season in the AHL and really poured it on down the stretch. According to the article he - in the words of assistant general manager and director of amateur scouting Ryan Jankowski -

"might have been our top scorer in the second half of the year. He was one of our most consistent offensive players."

Kessel, who we'll be checking in on soon for his participation in this year's Under-20 National Team Eval, was lauded for his potential with a thinly veiled recommendation for the Wildcat coaching staff from Jankowski and well deserved praise for his past season in the USHL

"He couldn't have had a better year. The biggest thing for him is how quickly he adapts to school and how quickly he gets into playing an impact role at UNH. The quicker he develops at the college level, the sooner he's going to develop, period."

Keep up the hard work, fellas!

Go 'Cats!

Over The Weekend

More highlights (02.08.2008) from Collins and Aikins playing for Finland's Sport Vaasa.

Ty Conklin will be inducted into the UNH Athletics Hall of Fame on September 19^th.

Finally, many thanks to the alumni who attended this year's UNH Hockey Alumni game both on and off the ice. It was a great time - I wish I could have attended the reception.

*I've just learned that incoming freshman, Blake Kessel was also an invitee to the Under-20 National Team Eval along with sophomore, James van Riemsdyk and Future 'Cat, Ryan Bourque. Games start tomorrow.

Go 'Cats!

Last Note on Alumni Game

Before you make your plans for attending Sunday's alumni game I wanted to make sure that everyone has seen the title-linked official page that lists a 1:00pm start time for the game (I haven't bothered to find out whether it will be one or two games this year).

It seems like good authority that the warm-ups will begin at 11:45am (from the Friends' site) and I've heard that doors will open a 11:30 though this is unconfirmed (can always take a stroll around campus (if the weather cooperates) or go downtown for a bite to eat if it's not the case.

Hope to see all of you there!

Go 'Cats!