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Flames NCAA prospects update
Written by: Jon Hagan on 01/14/2006 
In his first year with the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers in 2004-05, Flames' prospect Kris Chucko was the the only freshman to play in all of the team's 44 games. He performed moderately well and tallied 21 points (10 goals and 11 assists) in that time.
Currently in his second year with the Gophers, the 6'2, 198lbs forward has three goals (one power play, one shorthanded, and one game winner), nine assists and a +4 rating in 23 games so far this season. Drafted 24th overall by the Flames' organization in 2004, Chucko participated in the Canadian junior squad's development camp, but did not make the final roster.
This power forward likes to crash the net, and uses his size to his advantage. Most of his points come at even strength, although he can also contribute to special teams. His five power play points rank him sixth on the team, and his shorthanded goal tie him for second on the team. He is adept in the faceoff circle if he needs to step in, but this is not his main strength.
He is a well rounded player who may not make a huge splash every night, but can be counted on for a solid effort, which, more often than not, translates into a pretty good one. He was playing on a line with seniors Andy Sertich (PIT) and Gino Guyer (DAL) for at least pare of the season.
Jimmy Spratt, freshman goalie with the Bowling Green State University Falcons, and drafted in the seventh round by the Flames in 2004, is taking a licking so far. Originally touted as the Falcons' goaltender of the future, the 20-year-old Spratt has had to concede goaltending duties to senior Jon Horell who, riding a five-game unbeaten streak and a goals against average of 1.40, is on a hot streak.
Spratt's last start came December 9th when the Falcons dropped a 6-4 decision to the Clarkson Golden Knights. After scoring the first three goals, the Falcons crashed. The Knights scored five unanswered goals and demolished Spratt's scoreless streak of 62:19. Within 8:02 after scoring their first goal midway through the second period the game was tied at three, and after the 9:38 mark of the third the Knights were ahead by two and the game was out of reach (their sixth goal was into an empty net).
In total, Spratt has played nine games this year with the Falcons, compiling a record of 3 wins and 5 losses. His goals against is a miserable 5.36, his save percentage is .821, and with Horrell playing so well, Spratt will have to be patient and bide his time while he waits for another opportunity to prove himself.
Last season, his junior year, David Van der Gulik played in all 41 games for the Boston University Terriers. He accrued 31 points to lead the Terriers in goals (18) and overall points. He also surpassed his point totals from each his freshman and sophomore years, and he was the only Terrier to score a hat trick. But nevertheless, trouble was on the horizon.
Early in December 2004, Van der Gulik began experiencing pain from a condition called Osteitis Pubis (inflammation of the pubic bone), but, as a lot players will do, he had a shot of cortisone, and played through it. At the conclusion of the season, Van der Gulik was ordered to rest, but the pain persisted keeping him sidelined for the majority of this campaign.
Fortunately, the pain began to abate halfway through the current season and Boston University's leading scorer last year returned to the Terrier lineup December 30th 2005 in a game versus the Merrimack Warriors. While held without a goal Van der Gulik's presence was immediately felt as he finished the evening with eight shots, +1 and a solid contribution to the Terriers 4-2 win.
The Abbotsford, BC native, now a senior and co-captain with the Terriers, is on the preliminary ballot for the Hobey Baker award. In order for a player to be placed on the the preliminary ballot they must receive 25 or more votes from the fans.
In the game Friday, January 13th, the former Chilliwack Chief was -1, had two shots and took a two minute penalty for interference. After four games, the welcome addition to the Terrier lineup has two points and an overall plus/minus of + 1.
Copyright 2006 Hockey's Future. Do not reprint or otherwise duplicate without permission of the editorial staff.
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