Now that all 58 NCAA Division I teams have officially begun regular season play, November has been a month of much activity. Below is a look back at the month and the flurry of activity that has taken place among NHL prospects.

A “golden” trio of Gophers

Sophomore Ryan Potulny (PHI) continues scoring at a torrid pace with Minnesota. His three-goal outing this past weekend helped propel the Golden Gophers to a convincing sweep of Michigan and Michigan State in the College Hockey Showcase. Potulny currently leads the nation in goals (15) and co-leads the nation in power play goals (8). His linemate, fellow sophomore Danny Irmen (MIN) earned WCHA Offensive Player of the Week honors after a four-point outing (three goals, one assist) that included scoring on a penalty shot to lead Minnesota to a sweep of their “border battle” rivals Wisconsin back on November 5^th and 6^th.

Freshman Alex Goligoski (PIT), who has been off to a very impressive start, was also instrumental in helping to lead Minnesota in the College Hockey Showcase. In this past Saturday’s game versus Michigan State, he notched a goal and an assist. His performance also earned him WCHA Rookie of the Week honors. Goligoski currently leads all Minnesota rookies in scoring with ten points (two goals, eight assists).

No stopping UMass-Lowell’s Walter

Ryan Potulny may be leading the nation in goals right now, but UMass-Lowell junior Ben Walter (BOS) is hot on his heels. Walter is currently second in the nation in goals with 13 and it doesn’t look like he’s slowing down either. In UML’s six games during the month of November, Walter has scored six goals, including his second hat trick on the season that came in the 8-0 pounding of Bentley this past Saturday. Like Potulny, Walter has also been potent on the power play. His seven power play goals ranks him tied for third in the nation in that category.

McElhinney perfect for CC

The Colorado College Tigers are off to an excellent start. In the month of November, they’ve put together a 6-2-0 record and have done it in convincing fashion. One of the main reasons behind the success of the Tigers has been their outstanding goaltending tandem of senior Curtis McElhinney (CGY) and sophomore Matt Zaba (LA). McElhinney has amassed a perfect 7-0-0 thus far this season. His .946 save percentage currently ranks second in the nation, while his 1.57 goals against average ranks fourth in the nation. While Zaba has been sacked with CC’s two losses on the season, he has amassed very respectable numbers in save percentage (.900) and goals against average (2.61).

In addition to stellar goaltending, Colorado College has also been equally stellar on offense. In their eight games in the month of November, the Tigers have outscored their opponents 31-17. During that same stretch, they have allowed three or more goals twice. They currently possess the top ranked offense in the nation that’s averaging 4.17 goals per game. A trio of players that have been on hot streaks recently are juniors Brett Sterling (ATL) and defenseman Mark Stuart (BOS) and senior Scott Polaski (PHX). Sterling currently leads CC in goals with ten. In the Tigers last four games he had four points (two goals, two assists). Stuart, who serves as CC’s team captain, has racked up five points (two goals, three assists) in five of the team’s last six games. After missing three games due to surgery on his left index finger, Polaski returned to the CC lineup on November 19^th. In the four games since his return, Polaski has seven assists. He has yet to register a goal this season.

One Tigers rookie who made a big splash during the month of November was Scott McCulloch (CHI). He notched his first collegiate goal back on November 12^th versus in-state rival Denver. But it was his first career hat trick versus conference rival Michigan Tech on November 19^th that made people take notice. His performance during the weekend series versus MTU also earned him WCHA Rookie of the Week honors. This past Friday versus UMass, McCulloch sustained a shoulder injury that kept him out of Saturday’s game versus Boston University. His return date has yet to be determined.

Team Teal prospects among the nation’s top performers

The San Jose Sharks may not have the most prospects in the NCAA right now, but they have some of the top performers. Vermont’s Torrey Mitchell, Wisconsin’s Joe Pavelski and Harvard’s Tom Cavanagh have all put together impressive numbers during November. In doing so, they have all helped propel their respective teams to a successful month.

In their last ten games going back to the last weekend in October, Vermont has strung together an impressive 7-0-3 record. One player who has been a big part of the Catamounts success, particularly in November, has been freshman sensation Torrey Mitchell. Mitchell has racked up eight points (five goals, three assists) in Vermont’s eight games in November. He capped off his superb month with his first career hat trick this past Saturday versus New Hampshire. His stellar performance also earned him ECACHL Rookie of the Week honors. Mitchell leads all Vermont rookies in scoring with 13 points (six goals, seven assists).

Freshman Joe Pavelski has continued to be as one of the WCHA’s top rookies. Pavelski, along with sophomore Robbie Earl (TOR) and junior Adam Burish (CHI), make up one of the league’s most exciting line combinations to watch. In the eight games that Wisconsin played in November, Pavelski racked up seven points (two goals, five assists). In addition, he currently ranks second in the nation among rookies in points per game with 1.21.

After a slow start to the season, the Harvard Crimson finally got their act together and began getting in the win column in rather convincing fashion. After starting the month of November 0-2, the Crimson went on to win five of their next six games. Leading the way has been senior Tom Cavanagh. In Harvard’s last six games, Cavanagh has racked up an astounding 13 points (three goals, ten assists). His best outing came back on November 13^th in Harvard’s wild 8-6 win over Ivy League rival Princeton where he notched three points (two goals, one assist). Cavanagh currently ranks fifth in the nation in points per game with 1.56. One of the most impressive attributes about Cavanagh has been his ability to stay healthy. During his entire Harvard career thus far, he has never missed a game.

Denver’s blueline “awesome twosome”

The reigning national champion Denver Pioneers have two top defensemen in sophomore Matt Carle (SJ) and junior Brett Skinner (VAN) that has gotten many people’s attention this season. The duo has been a big part of the success of the Pioneers, particularly in the month of November. Both co-lead the team’s defensemen in points (12). Skinner also leads the team in assists with 11. Carle had his best outing of the season back on November 13^th versus in-state rival Colorado College, where he notched three points (one goal, two assists). Skinner had his best outing of the season this past Saturday in Denver’s 6-1 win over UMass, where he had four points (one goal, three assists).

The “stunning” Flyers goaltending prospects

Two Philadelphia Flyers goaltending prospects have helped their respective teams pull off two stunning wins in the month of November. Wisconsin senior Bernd Brückler has been one of the nation’s top goaltenders thus far. In his 11 starts, he has gone 7-3-0. In his last five starts, Brückler hasn’t allowed more than two goals per game. His best outing of the month came back on November 12^th when he handed then fifth-ranked North Dakota a stunning 2-0 shutout loss in North Dakota. In the weekend sweep of North Dakota, Brückler stopped 55 of 57 shots and went on to earned WCHA Defensive Player of the Week honors.

Harvard senior Dov Grumet-Morris continues to rewrite the school’s goaltending record books. Among some of the records he currently holds include single season games played (33), games started (32), and minutes played in a game (96:11). He has started in all but one game this season. In the month of November, he went 4-3-0. His best outing of the month (and season) came back on November 16^th versus Boston College. He went the distance making 20 saves that included a Dave Spina penalty shot to upset the then top-ranked Eagles 3-1.

Capital Gains

Two Washington Capitals prospects in Minnesota State-Mankato sophomore Travis Morin and Union College freshman goaltender Justin Mrazek enjoyed an outstanding month of November.

Morin, who is having a superb season thus far with Minnesota State-Mankato, currently ranks second on the Mavericks teams with 11 points (six goals, five assists). His pairing on the Mavericks top line with fellow sophomore David Backes (STL) has given Minnesota State-Mankato an excellent offensive one-two punch this season. Backes had his most memorable outing to date this season back on November 12^th when he notched his first career hat trick to lead the Mavericks to a 6-3 win over conference rival Alaska-Anchorage. He added another goal the following night to help Minnesota State-Mankato complete the sweep of the weekend series. His performance earned him WCHA Offensive Player of the Week honors as well.

The Union College Dutchmen have become one of the best stories coming out of the NCAA. One of the main reasons behind their early season success has been the stellar play of the freshman Mrazek. The Regina, Saskatchewan native currently splits time with junior Kris Mayotte in goal. Mrazek has played in six games thus far, posting a 3-3-0 record. While his win-loss-tie record may not be all that impressive, his goals against average and save percentage are. Mrazek’s 1.68 goals against average currently ranks fifth in the nation in that category, while his .935 save percentage currently ranks eighth in the nation.

New Hampshire trio making news

Back on November 18^th, it was reported that sophomore defenseman John Doherty (TOR) was leaving UNH due to a lack of ice time. According to various reports, Doherty will finish out the semester before heading off to play with the Des Moines Buccaneers (USHL). Doherty will be able to retain his college eligibility. If he decides to return to the NCAA, he will not be eligible to play again until the 2006-07 season.

Sophomore Daniel Winnik (PHX) has already begun to establish himself as a force to be reckoned with on the Wildcats roster. He currently ranks tied for fifth on the team in scoring with 11 points (six goals, five assists). He had his most memorable outing of the season thus far back on November 5^th versus Hockey East foe Boston University. In that contest, Winnik bagged his first career hat trick and earned Hockey East Offensive Player of the Week honors for his performance.

Freshman goaltender Kevin Regan (BOS) has played in only four games for UNH thus far. Two of the starts he got came in the month of November. The first came back on November 16^th versus Merrimack and the second came four days later on November 20^th versus Northeastern. In the two games against the conference rivals, Regan stopped a combined 67 of 72 shots he faced to post wins in both games. His performance didn’t go unnoticed as he was named Hockey East’s Defensive Player of the Week. Regan, who serves as junior Jeff Pietrasiak’s (PHX) backup, has put up some very respectable numbers. He has amassed a 3-1-0 record with a 3.00 goals against average and a .925 save percentage.

Milestones

NHL prospects reaching milestones during the month of November.

- Cornell sophomore defenseman and Montreal Canadiens prospect Ryan O’Byrne scored his first collegiate goal back on November 5^th in the Big Red’s 2-0 win over archrival Harvard. The goal, which was scored on the power play, came in O’Byrne’s 34^th career game in a Cornell uniform.

- Providence senior defenseman and Colorado Avalanche prospect Eric Lundberg finally scored his first career goal back on November 6^th in the Friars 6-1 win over Wayne State. The goal, which was scored on the power play, came in Lundberg’s 109^th career game in a Providence uniform.

On the shelf

- Dartmouth suffered literally a huge loss when junior Hugh Jessiman (NYR) sustained an ankle injury back on November 6^th versus Ivy League rival Princeton. According to the Dartmouth website, he is out for at least the remainder of the regular season.

- Providence sophomore Colin McDonald (EDM) continues to be out of the Friars lineup after sustaining a sprained MCL in his right knee back on October 30^th versus Wayne State. He is not expected to return to the Friars lineup until after Christmas.

- Wisconsin freshman Matt Auffrey (ANA) remains out of the Badgers lineup after sustaining a broken wrist back on October 30^th versus Denver.

- Minnesota senior Barry Tallackson (NJ) continues to be out of the Golden Gophers lineup due to an ankle injury. He has not suited up for Minnesota since the November 6^th game versus Wisconsin.

- Cornell sophomore Mitch Carefoot (ATL) is currently out of the Big Red lineup with an undisclosed injury. He hasn’t played since the November 12^th game versus Michigan State.

As if the North Dakota Fighting Sioux haven’t had enough trouble coping with the loss of sophomore Brady Murray (LA), now comes word that fellow sophomore Drew Stafford (BUF) could be joining him on the injured list. Stafford suffered what is being called an “upper body injury” in last Friday’s game versus Michigan Tech. He sat out of Saturday’s contest and is questionable for the upcoming weekend series versus Alaska-Anchorage.

Just as the Miami-Ohio RedHawks got sophomore sniper Marty Guerin (LA) back in the lineup after a leg injury, they suffered another injury setback in their other sophomore sniper Matt Christie (ANA). Christie, who had been leading Miami-Ohio in scoring with 17 points (six goals, 11 assists), has been out of the RedHawks lineup since November 20^th with an undisclosed injury.

Long awaited season debuts

Three prospects have finally made their season debuts after being out with injuries.

- Michigan State junior defenseman Corey Potter (NYR) made his season debut on November 12^th versus Cornell. He had missed the first eight games of the season due to a separated shoulder.

- Cornell sophomore Byron Bitz (BOS) made his season debut on November 14^th versus Michigan State after missing the first five games of the season to a heel injury.

- Wisconsin freshman Matt Ford (CHI) made his season debut on November 26^th in the first game of the College Hockey Showcase versus Michigan State. He missed the Badgers first 12 games due to recovering from offseason leg surgery.

Signed, sealed and delivered

The month of November in the NCAA means the early signing period for incoming players for the following season. Schools that require them begin receiving National Letters of Intent (NLOIs) in the early signing period.

To no real surprise, the following NHL drafted players have signed NLOIs with schools that they have previously given verbal commitments to: Forward Brian Gifford (PIT) – Denver,

forward Blake Wheeler (PHX) and defenseman R. J. Anderson (PHI) – Minnesota.

Among the top 2005 draft eligible players who have signed NLOIs during the early signing period include defenseman Jack Johnson (Michigan) and forwards Jack Skille (Wisconsin) and Ryan Stoa (Minnesota).

See you at the Ralph

Back on November 3^rd, USA Hockey announced Team USA’s preliminary roster for the upcoming U-20 World Junior Championships at Ralph Engelstad Arena in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Five current NCAA players from last year’s gold medal squad have been named to the preliminary roster: Michigan junior goaltender Al Montoya (NYR), Michigan sophomore defenseman Matt Hunwick (BOS), Wisconsin sophomores defenseman Jeff Likens and forward Jake Dowell (CHI) and North Dakota sophomore forward Drew Stafford (BUF). Two other current NCAA players have also made the preliminary roster: Michigan sophomore forwards Mike Brown (VAN) and T. J. Hensick. Former Wisconsin defenseman Ryan Suter (NSH) and former Boston College forward Adam Pineault (CBJ) also made the roster. The final Team USA roster will be announced next week.

And the winner is…

The College Hockey Showcase is not a tournament in the traditional sense, but rather a showcase as its name implies. However, if it had to name a winner this year, it would be the Minnesota Golden Gophers. They swept the Michigan teams in convincing fashion, outscoring the two CCHA teams 10-1. Sophomore goaltender Kellen Briggs stopped 47 of 48 combined shots to lead the Gophers. Briggs’ performance earned him WCHA Co-Defensive Player of the Week honors while his team earned the top spot in this week’s national polls.

The Merrimack Warriors now have something to cheer about, as they defeated host Providence 5-2 to win the second annual Coffee Pot Tournament. Sophomore goaltender Jim Healey’s 36-save effort and three power play goals were the keys to the Warriors win.

The Air Force Falcons handed host RPI a stunning 1-0 loss to win the RPI/Bank of America Holiday Tournament. Outstanding sophomore goaltender Peter Foster made 32 saves to notch his nation-leading fourth shutout. Sophomore defenseman Brian Gineo’s power play goal at the 18:37 mark of the third period was the lone tally of the game.

November NCAA prospect report