UNH Recruit Andrew Poturalski Deals With Injury

18-year-old Andrew Poturalski was having a great spring and summer. After scoring 16 goals and 22 assists in 33 regular season games with the Buffalo Junior Sabres (Ontario Junior Hockey League), Poturalski potted 5 goals in 8 OJHL Playoff games. Next, he graduated from the Nichols Prep School in Buffalo. Then, it was off to Cedar Rapids, Iowa for the Rough Riders' Tryout Camp. As previously reported, Poturalski performed at a high level at the camp. Head Coach Mark Carlson recently confirmed that Andrew had made the 25-man roster which was submitted to the USHL on July 1st.

As the hazy, hot and humid weather settled over Buffalo, Poturalski was keeping in shape and having a fun skate with some buddies. That's when a fluke injury messed up Andrew's summer. In the following interview, Andrew Poturalski describes his injury and how it has effected his hockey plans:

C-H-C: I hear that Friday the 13th was a bad luck day for you. Would you describe the injury and what happened?
Andrew Poturalski: Friday the 13th was, in fact, a very unlucky day for me. I broke my leg during a summer skate and I unfortunately fractured my fibula.

C-H-C: Last November with the Buffalo Junior Sabres (OJHL), you broke your ankle during practice and returned to the lineup in 8 weeks. About how long will it take to recover from the current injury?
Poturalski: It all depends on how it heals so I can't exactly say when. I'm going to work hard to get back as soon as my doctor gives me medical clearance and only time will tell.

C-H-C: Last season, you were called up to play a couple games with the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders (USHL) and you scored a couple goals. In June, you played well at the RoughRiders' Tryout Camp and made the 25-man roster. Will you be going out to Cedar Rapids to rehab your leg and train?
Poturalski: Yes, I plan to go to Cedar Rapids when their season starts up and as soon as the doctor gives me clearance to start the rehab. They have rehab facilities in Cedar Rapids and doctors on staff that will help me get back and I'm hoping for a fast recovery. I look forward to being around the team even though I will be going through rehab at that point.

C-H-C: Is it your understanding that Coach Carlson will place you on the active roster when you return from your injury?
Poturalski: I've spoken many times with Coach Carlson throughout my time that I've been injured and he wishes me a speedy recovery. I'm going to work hard and plan to contribute to the team as soon as I get back.

C-H-C: Originally, you and UNH were targeting the fall of 2013 for you to come to Durham. Are you still on track for that arrival or is there a possibility your injury may postpone the target to Fall 2014?
Poturalski: I've spoken with the UNH coaching staff and if everything goes according to plan with my rehab, I'm still on target to arrive in the fall of 2013!

C-H-C: You recently graduated from the Nichols School in Buffalo. Are you planning to take any courses next year to further your education?
Poturalski: I'm planning on taking some online courses while being in Cedar Rapids so that the credits will transfer over to UNH.
I'd like to add that I am looking forward to playing in Cedar Rapids next season. Coach Carlson is a great coach, and I know he will help me improve my game tremendously. After that I can't wait to get to UNH and be a Wildcat!

The Cedar Rapids Rough Riders will begin their training camp in late August. They open the regular season on September 29th against the defending USHL Champion, Green Bay Gamblers.

UNH Recruit Mike McNicholas Joins Nanaimo Clippers

After considering several options, 18-year-old forward and UNH recruit Mike McNicholas has decided to play for the Nanaimo Clippers of the British Columbia Hockey League this season. Last season, Mike McNicholas played for the Muskegon Lumberjacks of the United States Hockey League. Over the first couple months of the season, McNicholas, who was 17 at the time, was given limited playing opportunities Over the first 16 games, he played in only 6. But in December, McNicholas got to play regularly and he became a contributor. During a 5-game stretch in mid-December, McNicholas scored 2 goals and 3 assists and was named the "UNH Recruit Player of the Week". Overall, McNicholas finished the season with 5 goals - including a game-winning goal - and 4 assists in 48 games. The Lumberjacks won only 17 games, finished in last place in the Eastern Conference, and missed the playoffs.

In the following interview, Mike McNicholas describes what was involved in deciding to make the jump from the USHL to the BCHL and his plans for playing NCAA hockey:

C-H-C: What were the main reasons you chose to play for the Clippers in the BCHL?
Mike McNicholas: I was looking to play for a team where I would have the opportunity to play in a role as a reliable, point-producing center who could be counted on to help win a championship for the team and to develop as a player for college hockey. After discussions between (Clippers) Coach Mike Vandekamp, my parents and UNH Coach Scott Borek, and after consulting with many other people close to the game, including my Victory Honda Coach Brian Burke, I have concluded that Nanaimo is the best place to accomplish my goals. Coach Vandekamp’s extensive junior hockey coaching record of winning, the rich hockey history of Nanaimo, and Nanaimo’s hosting the Western Canada Cup were all factors in my decision.

C-H-C: Incoming UNH freshman Dan Correale played for Nanaimo last season. Was that a factor in your decision?
McNicholas: Yes. First and foremost, I would only play in a league which has the stamp of approval from UNH hockey. Coach Borek talked about the success of Dan Correale in Nanaimo, and had high regard for his development in Nanaimo. Having a UNH player on the roster added credibility to the program and earned serious consideration as a viable option.

C-H-C: What were the other teams you were considering?
McNicholas: We were speaking to Vernon and Penticton in the BCHL as well as Des Moines and Indiana in the USHL. We had additional offers from New Jersey in the EJHL and Wenatchee in the NAHL.

C-H-C: Coming out of the Muskegon Lumberjacks' Tryout Camp in June, you had made the 25-man active roster and were on track to play your second full season for the Lumberjacks. What factors lead you to choose to leave the Muskegon franchise?
McNicholas: My commitment to UNH is open from 2012 to 2014. After a strong midget season at Victory Honda in 2010-11 and after leading all scorers at the USA Hockey National Development Camp in 2011, I had hopes of not only playing one year in the USHL, and then heading for UNH, but also receiving due consideration in the NHL draft. Muskegon clearly was not on the same page and last season I was never given the chance to utilize my talents to help the team win. It was my hope for this season that the Muskegon management would give me an opportunity to assume a leadership role as a top 6 forward on the Lumberjacks. They represented that I would have that opportunity when last season ended and I remained hopeful and excited. When I arrived at camp in June, it was quite clear that the management wanted to move in a different direction with new and unproven players. There was no doubt in my mind that I needed to find a program that was willing to give me a chance. I have been told that my style of play will be a great fit in the BCHL. I am looking forward to the challenge.

C-H-C: Are you and UNH targeting the fall of 2013 or fall 2014 for you to come to Durham?
McNicholas: I am hopeful that I will have an extremely productive season in Nanaimo. I realize that the only way that I will be attending UNH in 2013 is if I fulfill the expectations that Coach Vandekamp and I have for this season. My offensive play must be solid, my defensive game needs to continue to develop as it did in Muskegon, and I need to be instrumental in bringing the RBC Cup to Nanaimo.

C-H-C: As a native of California, you've played for teams in Los Angeles, Plymouth, Michigan, Muskegon, and now Nanaimo, British Columbia. What's it like to play your junior hockey in so many different parts of North America?
McNicholas: Most people don’t realize that I am actually a native of Nevada. I played several years in Las Vegas before my family moved to Southern California. Ice hockey has allowed me to play in virtually every Canadian province, as well as in most states in the U.S., and to play with or against the best players in the world who are close to my age. It is tough to leave Michigan. I had a great experience playing for Coach Burke at Victory Honda and made great friends with my teammates. I had a great billet family in Muskegon and I graduated from Mona Shores High School in Muskegon. But looking ahead, my immediate goal is to have a great season in Nanaimo and bring the RBC Cup to Nanaimo. The ultimate goal is to be an impact player at UNH. I get to prepare for that on Vancouver Island for a team with a long and storied history. I could not be happier about this season and I am anxious to contribute.

C-H-C: Next year in Nanaimo, will you be taking any courses to further your education?
McNicholas: One of the great benefits of playing in Nanaimo is the proximity of Vancouver Island University which is just a few minutes from our training facilities. I intend to register for one general education course per semester.



The Nanaimo Clippers open training camp in late August. They open the season on September 15th against the Powell River Kings. The Clippers will be celebrating their 40th season.

UNH Alternate Captain Greg Burke Injured at Capitals' Camp

One look at this photo of Greg Burke - taken by Cheryl Nichols, who covers the Washington Capitals for District Sports Page - and UNH fans will cringe. It was taken on the second day of the Washington Capitals' Development Camp on Tuesday. Cheryl's initial report was that Burke appeared to have hurt his knee. I spoke with Ed Frankovic, who covers the Capitals for We Never Stop Talking (wnst.net) and he confirmed that Greg Burke was helped off the ice and into the locker room during a scrimmage at the Kettler Capitals Iceplex in Arlington Virginia.

According to Katie Carrera of the Washington Post, Burke was walking on crutches yesterday and had a walking boot on his right foot. A Capitals' spokesman characterized the injury as a sprained ankle.

Up until the injury on Tuesday, Burke was reportedly having a successful camp. On Monday, he scored one of the three goals tallied by the "white team" in a scrimmage. Both the pace and physicality of play reportedly increased on Tuesday.

Greg Burke was drafted by the Washington Capitals in the 6th Round of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft (174th overall pick). This week, he was participating in his fifth Washington Capitals Development Camp. Since his final season with the Cedar Rapids Rough Riders in 2008, Burke has battled through injuries including two to his shoulder. In spite of a dislocated finger midway through his junior year, Burke had his most productive season at UNH scoring 6 goals and 5 assists in 34 games.

UNH Players at NHL Development Camps: Update

UPDATE July 10th: Sarah Baicker of csnphilly.com has an article this morning on Trevor van Riemsdyk and his first day at the Philapdelphia Flyers' Development Camp. TvR had this to say about his mindset entering camp:

"Just enjoy it and work hard, and everything else will take care of itself” (words of wisdom from brother James). “Don’t try to do too much, just try to be yourself and see what they think about it, but don’t try and do too much or try to impress anyone. Just be yourself.”

Every July, all teams of the National Hockey League conduct development camps at their primary training facilities. Each team invites young players who have been drafted by the team plus free agents who are considered pro prospects. These "prospect camps" last for several days and include conditioning drills and tests, on-ice drills, skating instruction, and scrimmages. In recent years, undrafted UNH players such as Bobby Butler and Paul Thompson have participated in development camps and eventually earned a professional contract with an NHL organization. Other players like Phil DeSimone and Blake Kessel, who were drafted by an NHL team before their years at UNH, have used these development camps to advance their hockey careers. This summer, five current UNH players will participate in NHL development camps.

Trevor van Riemsdyk
Back in June 2007, former UNH star James van Riemsdyk was drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers. JvR was the second player picked overall in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft behind only Patrick Kane of the Chicago Blackhawks. Following two memorable seasons at UNH, JvR established himself as one of the rising stars of the NHL during three years with the Flyers. He recently was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs. JvR's younger brother, Trevor, is carving his own unique path to an NHL career. During his freshman season at UNH, TvR quickly established himself as a top defenseman scoring 4 goals and 15 assists and earning a spot on the Hockey East All-Rookie Team. TvR was not drafted by an NHL team but he drew the attention of NHL scouts early this season.

TvR has been invited by two NHL teams - the Ottawa Senators and Philadelphia Flyers - to participate in their development camps. He recently completed the Senators' Prospect Camp which ran from June 26 to July 2 (Photo Credit: QMI Agency/Tony Caldwell). Next Monday, TvR begins the week-long camp conducted by the Flyers. It's worth noting that when JvR was traded by the Flyers, he had positive comments about how he had been supported and treated by General Manager Paul Holmgren. Now, a second van Riemsdyk son will don a Flyers' uniform in competition.

Nick Sorkin
In July 2009, a very young-looking Nick Sorkin was invited to the Washington Capitals' Development Camp (Photo Credit: capsinpictures.com). At the time, Sorkin was an 18-year-old, recent graduate of the Bullis School - a prep school in Potomac, Maryland. Sorkin had been named by The Washington Post as the All-Met Hockey Player of the Year, had committed to play for UNH, and planned on playing for the Waterloo Black Hawks in the USHL. Nick Sorkin was not drafted by an NHL team and did not participate in any NHL development camps during the last two summers. However, following a breakout sophomore season in which he scored 9 goals and 26 assists for UNH, Sorkin has been invited to two NHL camps. Sorkin just completed a four-day prospect camp with the Toronto Maple Leafs. On July 9th, Sorkin will join TvR at the Philadelphia Flyers Development Camp.

Greg Burke
UNH Senior Greg Burke was an 18-year-old graduate of Oyster River High School in June 2008 when he was drafted by the Washington Capitals in the 6th Round of the draft (174th overall pick). In an interview with Burke at his first Washington Capitals' Development Camp in July 2008, he described the excitement of getting "a peek at the life of a pro." In the fall of 2008, Burke joined the Cedar Rapids Rough Riders of the USHL. Early in that season, Burke helped Team USA win the gold medal in the World Junior A Challenge. In eight subsequent games with Cedar Rapids, Burke scored 2 goals but he suffered his first major shoulder injury in January, ending his season with the Rough Riders.

Greg Burke entered his third Capitals' Development Camp in July 2010 following a relatively healthy freshman season at UNH. He had a strong camp and was singled-out for recognition by then Head Coach Bruce Boudreau. In an interview, Burke was asked if the camp had him looking forward to a pro career. He replied “I’m still at school, still focused on bringing a championship to UNH. Mostly these camps open my eyes to what I need to do better and what I need to work on.” Last summer, Burke entered the prospect camp following a sophomore season shortened by another shoulder injury and mononucleosis. Monday morning, Greg Burke will suit up for the Washington Capitals (Photo Credit: capsinpictures.com) once again for his fifth summer camp with the organization. Although he dealt with a dislocated finger midway through his junior year, Burke had his most productive season at UNH scoring 6 goals and 5 assists in 34 games.

Eric Knodel
Soon after Eric Knodel's 19th birthday in June, 2009, he was selected 128th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the NHL Entry Draft. It was his second year of being eligible for the NHL draft. In July 2009, Knodel attended his first Maple Leafs' Development Camp. In an interview with McKeen's Hockey soon after camp, Knodel provided this summary of his first camp experience:

"One of the main things that they taught us was just going back to basics with skating, learning how to skate, and slowing the game down for yourself. The whole week I was there, we did power skating. It was down to basics, down to your stride, down to everything, to make sure that you have everything going on right. They just told me to play with my head. I mean, slow the game down and take over if I can."

Yesterday, Eric Knodel completed his 4th annual development camp with the Maple Leafs. In a blog posting a scout for McKeen's Hockey offered the following observations on Knodel's performance at camp:

"Someone I have been following if for no other reason than to see how a 6'6 defenceman develops. Knodel moves well for someone with his height but he needs to get quicker to compete more effectively. Knodel just completed his first season with the Wildcats so he has not seen as much ice-time as some of the other prospects his age. Admittedly, he mentioned that the Leafs development staff have given him homework to improve his footwork. Knodel showed good hockey sense with the puck advancing the puck quickly out of his own zone. He can also afford to be more physical along the boards."

Academically, Eric Knodel will be entering his junior year at UNH. However, since he trained with the team as a freshman but did not play until his sophomore year, he will be playing his second season with the Wildcats. Last season, Knodel scored 3 goals and 9 assists in 37 games.

Connor Hardowa
In April, stalwart defenseman Connor Hardowa was named the Captain of the 2012-13 UNH Wildcats. Now comes news that Hardowa has been invited to the Calgary Flames Development Camp which will run July 9-13. For Hardowa, an undrafted invitee to the camp, this will be his first experience competing in an NHL camp. Last season, Hardowa scored 5 goals and 12 assists in 36 UNH games.

UNH Players at NHL Development Camps

Every July, all teams of the National Hockey League conduct development camps at their primary training facilities. Each team invites young players who have been drafted by the team plus free agents who are considered pro prospects. These "prospect camps" last for several days and include conditioning drills and tests, on-ice drills, skating instruction, and scrimmages. In recent years, undrafted UNH players such as Bobby Butler and Paul Thompson have participated in development camps and eventually earned a professional contract with an NHL organization. Other players like Phil DeSimone and Blake Kessel, who were drafted by an NHL team before their years at UNH, have used these development camps to advance their hockey careers. This summer, five current UNH players will participate in NHL development camps.

Trevor van Riemsdyk
Back in June 2007, former UNH star James van Riemsdyk was drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers. JvR was the second player picked overall in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft behind only Patrick Kane of the Chicago Blackhawks. Following two memorable seasons at UNH, JvR established himself as one of the rising stars of the NHL during three years with the Flyers. He recently was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs. JvR's younger brother, Trevor, is carving his own unique path to an NHL career. During his freshman season at UNH, TvR quickly established himself as a top defenseman scoring 4 goals and 15 assists and earning a spot on the Hockey East All-Rookie Team. TvR was not drafted by an NHL team but he drew the attention of NHL scouts early this season.

TvR has been invited by two NHL teams - the Ottawa Senators and Philadelphia Flyers - to participate in their development camps. He recently completed the Senators' Prospect Camp which ran from June 26 to July 2 (Photo Credit: QMI Agency/Tony Caldwell). Next Monday, TvR begins the week-long camp conducted by the Flyers. It's worth noting that when JvR was traded by the Flyers, he had positive comments about how he had been supported and treated by General Manager Paul Holmgren. Now, a second van Riemsdyk son will don a Flyers' uniform in competition.

Nick Sorkin
In July 2009, a very young-looking Nick Sorkin was invited to the Washington Capitals' Development Camp (Photo Credit: capsinpictures.com). At the time, Sorkin was an 18-year-old, recent graduate of the Bullis School - a prep school in Potomac, Maryland. Sorkin had been named by The Washington Post as the All-Met Hockey Player of the Year, had committed to play for UNH, and planned on playing for the Waterloo Black Hawks in the USHL. Nick Sorkin was not drafted by an NHL team and did not participate in any NHL development camps during the last two summers. However, following a breakout sophomore season in which he scored 9 goals and 26 assists for UNH, Sorkin has been invited to two NHL camps. Sorkin just completed a four-day prospect camp with the Toronto Maple Leafs. On July 9th, Sorkin will join TvR at the Philadelphia Flyers Development Camp.

Greg Burke
UNH Senior Greg Burke was an 18-year-old graduate of Oyster River High School in June 2008 when he was drafted by the Washington Capitals in the 6th Round of the draft (174th overall pick). In an interview with Burke at his first Washington Capitals' Development Camp in July 2008, he described the excitement of getting "a peek at the life of a pro." In the fall of 2008, Burke joined the Cedar Rapids Rough Riders of the USHL. Early in that season, Burke helped Team USA win the gold medal in the World Junior A Challenge. In eight subsequent games with Cedar Rapids, Burke scored 2 goals but he suffered his first major shoulder injury in January, ending his season with the Rough Riders.

Greg Burke entered his third Capitals' Development Camp in July 2010 following a relatively healthy freshman season at UNH. He had a strong camp and was singled-out for recognition by then Head Coach Bruce Boudreau. In an interview, Burke was asked if the camp had him looking forward to a pro career. He replied “I’m still at school, still focused on bringing a championship to UNH. Mostly these camps open my eyes to what I need to do better and what I need to work on.” Last summer, Burke entered the prospect camp following a sophomore season shortened by another shoulder injury and mononucleosis. Monday morning, Greg Burke will suit up for the Washington Capitals (Photo Credit: capsinpictures.com) once again for his fifth summer camp with the organization. Although he dealt with a dislocated finger midway through his junior year, Burke had his most productive season at UNH scoring 6 goals and 5 assists in 34 games.

Eric Knodel
Soon after Eric Knodel's 19th birthday in June, 2009, he was selected 128th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the NHL Entry Draft. It was his second year of being eligible for the NHL draft. In July 2009, Knodel attended his first Maple Leafs' Development Camp. In an interview with McKeen's Hockey soon after camp, Knodel provided this summary of his first camp experience:

"One of the main things that they taught us was just going back to basics with skating, learning how to skate, and slowing the game down for yourself. The whole week I was there, we did power skating. It was down to basics, down to your stride, down to everything, to make sure that you have everything going on right. They just told me to play with my head. I mean, slow the game down and take over if I can."

Yesterday, Eric Knodel completed his 4th annual development camp with the Maple Leafs. In a blog posting a scout for McKeen's Hockey offered the following observations on Knodel's performance at camp:

"Someone I have been following if for no other reason than to see how a 6'6 defenceman develops. Knodel moves well for someone with his height but he needs to get quicker to compete more effectively. Knodel just completed his first season with the Wildcats so he has not seen as much ice-time as some of the other prospects his age. Admittedly, he mentioned that the Leafs development staff have given him homework to improve his footwork. Knodel showed good hockey sense with the puck advancing the puck quickly out of his own zone. He can also afford to be more physical along the boards."

Academically, Eric Knodel will be entering his junior year at UNH. However, since he trained with the team as a freshman but did not play until his sophomore year, he will be playing his second season with the Wildcats. Last season, Knodel scored 3 goals and 9 assists in 37 games.

Connor Hardowa
In April, stalwart defenseman Connor Hardowa was named the Captain of the 2012-13 UNH Wildcats. Now comes news that Hardowa has been invited to the Calgary Flames Development Camp which will run July 9-13. For Hardowa, an undrafted invitee to the camp, this will be his first experience competing in an NHL camp. Last season, Hardowa scored 5 goals and 12 assists in 36 UNH games.