UMD Recruits

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Forwards

2014-15	2015-16	2016-17	2017-18	2018-19	2019-20	2020-21
Adam Krause	Austin Farley	Alex Iafallo	Blake Young	Adam Johnson	Jared Bethune	Joey Anderson
Justin Crandall	Austin Young	Dom Toninato	Brett Boehm	Josh Laframboise	Kobe Roth
Austin Farley	Cal Decowski	Kyle Osterberg	Jared Thomas	Jared Bethune	Nick Swaney
Austin Young	Charlie Sampair	Sammy Spurrell	Karson Kuhlman	Kobe Roth	Riley Tufte
Cal Decowski	Tony Cameranesi	Blake Young	Adam Johnson	Nick Swaney	Joey Anderson
Charlie Sampair	Alex Iafallo	Brett Boehm	Josh Laframboise	Riley Tufte
Tony Cameranesi	Dom Toninato	Jared Thomas	Jared Bethune	Joey Anderson
Alex Iafallo	Kyle Osterberg	Karson Kuhlman	Kobe Roth
Dom Toninato	Sammy Spurrell	Adam Johnson	Nick Swaney
Kyle Osterberg	Blake Young	Josh Laframboise	Riley Tufte
Sammy Spurrell	Brett Boehm	Jared Bethune	Joey Anderson
Blake Young	Jared Thomas	Kobe Roth
Brett Boehm	Karson Kuhlman	Nick Swaney
Jared Thomas	Adam Johnson	Riley Tufte
Karson Kuhlman	Josh Laframboise

Defensemen 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 Derik Johnson Andy Welinski Carson Soucy Nick McCormack Neal Pionk Jarod Hilderman Matt Anderson Andy Welinski Brendan Kotyk Dan Molenaar Neal Pionk Nick Wolff Phelan Shaw Mikey Anderson Brendan Kotyk Willie Corrin Willie Raskob Nick Wolff Jarod Hilderman Matt Anderson Willie Corrin Carson Soucy Nick McCormack Jarod Hilderman Phelan Shaw Mikey Anderson Carson Soucy Dan Molenaar Neal Pionk Phelan Shaw Matt Anderson Dan Molenaar Willie Raskob Nick Wolff Matt Anderson Mikey Anderson Willie Raskob Nick McCormack Jarod Hilderman Mikey Anderson Nick McCormack Neal Pionk Phelan Shaw Nick Wolff

Goaltenders

2014-15	2015-16	2016-17	2017-18	2018-19	2019-20	2020-21
Alex Fons	Matt McNeely	Kasimir Kaskisuo	Kasimir Kaskisuo	Hunter Miska
Matt McNeely	Kasimir Kaskisuo	Hunter Miska	Hunter Miska
Kasimir Kaskisuo	Hunter Miska

Jared Thomas

Winger

HEIGHT: 6-1
WEIGHT: 192lbs
SHOOTS: Left
HOMETOWN: Hermantown, Minnesota
BIRTHDATE: February 21st, 1994
TWITTER: @Jared_Thomas10
TEAM: Sioux City Musketeers (USHL)

The Hermantown alum just finished his first complete season with the Sioux City Musketeers, burying 18 goals for 41 points in just 59 games as a rook'.
Before joining the USHL, Thomas was a standout forward for the Hermantown Hawks. As a sophomore, Thomas began to show his glimpse of light as he put 33 points on his varsity resume, than decided to exceed expectations by scoring 71 points in his junior season. By the end of his senior season, Thomas had scored 30 goals for 84 points, finishing his high school career with 75 goals, 113 assists and 188 points in just 93 games.
Thomas has been known to create scoring chances out of nothing, utilizing his ability to see what can happen, instead of what has happened. Although he’s a rock solid forward, UMD will benefit greatly from his ability to backcheck and cause problems for opponents trying to break out of their own zone.

Brett Boehm

Winger

HEIGHT: 6-3
WEIGHT: 170lbs
SHOOTS: Right
HOMETOWN: Martensville, Saskatchewan
BIRTHDATE: September 19th, 1994
TWITTER: @boehmsquad12
TEAM: Flin Flon Bombers (SJHL)

Boehm has been putting up big numbers for the last few years, starting with Beardy’s Blackhawks in the Saskatchewan Midget AAA Hockey League. In the 2010-11 season, he posted 18 goals and 19 assists for 37 points in 48 games; Not to bad being his first year with the Blackhawks. The following year he stayed with team, almost doubling his stats with 41 goals and 47 assists for 88 total points in 47 games. Boehm was able to finish off his SMHL career with 125 points, 59 of those points being goals, in only 2 seasons.
After his success in the SMHL, the dominant forward then moved to the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League to play for the Flin Flon Bombers. In his first complete season, the winger tallied 54 points in just 49 games. Boehm was drafted by the Fargo force during the beginning of last year’s season but will stay in the SJHL for his final year before pulling a Bulldog sweater on.
Boehm was originally thought to be heading to Calgary to play in the WHL, but the scholarship to UMD changed his mind. As a dominant forwards, Boehm will be an outstanding addition to UMD.

Blake Young

Winger

HEIGHT: 6-3
WEIGHT: 185lbs
SHOOTS: Left
HOMETOWN: North Battleford, Saskatchewan
BIRTHDATE: November 2nd, 1994
TWITTER: @b_young17
TEAM: Battlefords North Stars (SJHL)

The 6-foot-3 forward is known to be a constant threat on the ice with a ton of scoring upside. At 185 pounds, Young can use his body to win battles in the corners, which develop into precious scoring chances.
Last season, Young buried eight goals and 15 assists for 23 points in 55 games throughout the entire season as a rookie. This year, Young has tallied 9 points in 13 games thus far as a left winger.
“Young has blossomed into one of the premier power forwards in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League," said Kevin Hasselberg, head coach and GM of the North Stars. "His effort in the classroom and on the ice has earned him this tremendous opportunity to play for one of the top hockey programs in the NCAA. The SJHL showcase event was pivotal, providing the exposure needed for Young to display his talents."

Kasimir Kaskisuo

Goalie

HEIGHT: 6-2
WEIGHT: 185lbs
CATCHES: Left
HOMETOWN: Espoo, Finland
BIRTHDATE: October 2nd, 1993
TWITTER: @KassuK
TEAM: Minnesota Wilderness (NAHL)

Widely considered one of the better goaltenders for his age group, Kaskisuo's future only seems to keep getting brighter. The 6-foot-2 netminder has posted fantastic numbers for the Wilderness, drawing attention from scouts thus making the 2014 NHL CSS Midterm Rankings for North American Goaltenders.
Kaskisuo has had a history of injuries, including one in his younger years while moving up the ranks in Finland's Jr. SM-sarja hockey system and this year during his time with the Wilderness, but has came back and excelled each time as if he hadn't ever stepped off the ice.
the Finlander brings a relaxed, yet talented skill set to UMD's goaltending core this upcoming season. Displaying the emotion of a seasoned netminder will be a plus for the Bulldogs, and we look forward to this upcoming year's goaltending battle.

Karson Kuhlman

Forward

HEIGHT: 5-10
WEIGHT: 175
SHOOTS: Right
HOMETOWN: Esko, Minnesota
BIRTHDATE: September 26th, 1995
TWITTER: @K_Kuhlman20
TEAM: Dubuque Fighting Saints (USHL)

Karson Kuhlman played his high school varsity hockey in Cloquet as a CEC Lumberjack. As a Lumberjack, Kuhlman tallied over 100 points as an underclassman, even racking up 14 points in the Upper Midwest Elite Hockey League and even catching some time in Dubuque, the USHL team who owns his rights, before the start of his junior hockey season at a Lumberjack.
After his run with Cloquet ended, Kuhlman headed to Dubuque and tallied 9 points in 18 games, during regular season play and buried 4 goals and 2 assists in the 2013 Clark Cup Plauoffs. Now Kuhlman will start his full first season in the USHL wearing an “A” for assistant captain on the team, foregoing his senior season in cloquet.
Kuhlman has possessed a great ability to see the ice, even at a young age. He passes are crisp and on the spot, allow him to assist in scoring chances as well as find the back of the net with his quick shot.

Adam Johnson

Forward

HEIGHT: 6-0
WEIGHT: 155lbs
SHOOTS: Left
HOMETOWN: Hibbing, Minnesota
BIRTHDATE: June 22nd, 1994
TWITTER: @adamjohnson_7
TEAM: Sioux City Musketeers (USHL)

Johnson's elite scoring ability allowed him to commit to the college ranks at a young age. Playing all four years of high school hockey for Hibbing, the forward joined some of the state's most talented of all time by scoring over 200 points in his high school career (99 goals, 117 assists, 216 points, 107 games).
If his unbelievable 2.02 career points-per-game doesn't astonish, I'm not sure what will. Johnson is a player that is said to have a full-set of hockey skills and has even been among the Minnesotan's who have had the "pro" term mentioned at his young age.
The 6-foot winger was drafted by the Indiana Ice, and played a few games in Indianapolis before being traded to the Sioux City Musketeers, where he currently is now.

Neal Pionk

Defense

HEIGHT: 5-11
WEIGHT: 170lbs
SHOOTS: Right
HOMETOWN: Hermantown, Minnesota
BIRTHDATE: July 29th, 1995
TWITTER: @NPionk95
TEAM: Sioux City Musketeers (USHL)

Neal Pionk is a complete package defenseman for the UMD Bulldogs. He’s got a great hockey sense which gives him the ability to determine the best time to attack or defend, which usually results in the puck ending up on his stick. He’s not as think or large as some people may like, but one would never know due to the way he is able to win corner battles and come out with the puck.

Looks like an unassuming defenseman but Pionk takes care of work in his own end and skates well. Strong on puck retrievals and good outlet passer. Nice hands, very sharp player mentally, intuits well on offense and can be a real difference-maker. - OTB

Pionk will be playing for the Sioux City Musketeers of the USHL for the 2013-14 season, instead of staying home and playing his senior year in Hermantown. As a Hermantown Hawk, Pionk scored over 50 points in his sophomore and junior seasons alone.

Nick Wolff

Defense

HEIGHT: 6-4
WEIGHT: 187lbs
SHOOTS: Left
HOMETOWN: Eagan, Minnesota
BIRTHDATE: July 21st, 1996
TWITTER: @nwolff15
TEAM: Eagan (MN-HS)

Nick Wolff will bring a great amount of talent to Bulldogs as a big, heavy hitting defenseman.  At 6-foot-4, the former Mr. Hockey candidate can easily use his body to win puck battles and knock anyone else around.  The former Eagan HS star was selected to play for Team USA's U-18 team at the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament this past year, where he excelled by using his frame.

Wolff isn't just a defensive defenseman, though.  He's shown the ability to carry the puck up the ice to create opportunities; and armed with a dangerous shot, he's a constant threat.  His USHL rights are owned by the Des Moines Bucs.

Hunter Miska

Goaltender

HEIGHT: 6-1
WEIGHT: 171lbs
CATCHES: Left
HOMETOWN: North Branch, Minnesota
BIRTHDATE: July 7th, 1995
TWITTER: @miska_35
TEAM: Penticton Vees (BCHL)

Starting his career with North Branch High School back in 2009, Miska's early success earned him the oppurtunity to play among the nation's best youth on the NTDP U-17 team. Miska proved dominate as he represented the United States for two years, including time in the WHC-17 and WJC-18.

Now with the Penticton Vees of the BCHL, arguably Canada's most prestigous junior league, Miska has led his team deep into the BCHL playoffs this year before following in game 7 against the Vernon Vipers. Starting 34 games this past season as a rookie in the league, Miska finished the regular season with a 2.26 goals against average (2nd best in the entire league) and a save percentage at .915 while seeing an average of 25.9 shots per game.

Formerly known as one of the biggest uncommitted prospects between the pipes, the Minnesota native was a fantastic grab the Bulldogs. Miska will bring an unbelievable amount of talent, which he's displayed in the offensive BCHL, to the Bulldogs when he arrives on campus.

Jarod Hilderman

Defense

HEIGHT: 6-1
WEIGHT: 195lbs
SHOOTS: Right
HOMETOWN: Kamsack, Saskatchewan
BIRTHDATE: April 11th, 1997
TWITTER: @J_rodHildy
TEAM: Penticton Vees (BCHL)

Hilderman is pretty young, but it's pretty obvious the kid has talent.

The 16 year old was cut from cut last year and played midget AA for a Saskatchewan boarding school called Notre Dame. He was able to compete easily at that level, scoring 30 points in 31 games while holding down the blue line and spending 73 penalty minutes in the sin-bin.

“I’ve been following Duluth for quite some time and was one of a handful of schools I had a lot of interest in. Most importantly I have family nearby and they will be able to closely follow the team when I enter the program in three years.”

As a rookie coming into arguably the best Canadian Junior Hockey League, the BCHL,  Hilderman should be in for a solid ride to say the least.  The most impressive note of Hilderman is this- at age 16, he is capable of holding his own in a league full of talented, college-bound players.  Unfortunately I have yet to see the kid skate, but I can already tell you I'm impressed.

Nick Swaney

Forward

HEIGHT: 5-8.75
WEIGHT: 150lbs
SHOOTS: Right
HOMETOWN: Lakeville, Minnesota
BIRTHDATE: September 9th, 1997
TWITTER: @NickSwaney13
TEAM: Lakeville South (MN-HS)

Swaney is young, but has shown an immense amount of growth over the last year. His ability to score and overall offensive talent allowed him to not only make the Upper Midwest High School Elite League this fall, but lead in scoring until he suffered a lower body injury while blocking the puck. 

Before the injury, Swaney had tallied 12 goals and 8 assists for 20 points in 12 games. To make this a little more clear, Swaney led the midwest's best high school hockey players, as a sophomore, in his first season in the Elite League.

Lakeville South's Varsity team will be Swaney's team for a few more years I would imagine, as he is only a sophomore, but entering for the 2016-17 season means he'll me a true freshman. At his rate of development of the last year, anything is possible with this kid. His overall potential will make Swaney a fun kid to watch grow and develop= until he pulls on the Bulldog sweater.

Jared Bethune

Winger

HEIGHT: 6-0
WEIGHT: 172lbs
SHOOTS: Left
HOMETOWN: Warroad, Minnesota
BIRTHDATE: January 20th, 1997
TWITTER: @bethune_21
TEAM: Lincoln (USHL)

The Warroad superstar committed to the University of Minnesota Duluth along with his teammate Kobe Roth this past season. Bethune logged an outragous 35 goals and 56 assists for 91 points in just 28 games this past season with the Warriors of Warroad. In case you were wondering, thats 3.25 points per game.

Bethune's larger frame allow him to display a more of a 'power forward' like style, giving him an edge against other players when it comes to a loose puck in the corners. Bethune was selected to play for the US Select 17 team last season, but citizen issues got in the way.

The 6-foot winger joined the Lincoln Stars of the USHL after Warroad took an early exit from Minnesota High School post-season action, and could end up playing for the Stars next season as well, which would be his senior year of high school.

Kobe Roth

Winger

HEIGHT: 5-6
WEIGHT: 145lbs
SHOOTS: Left
HOMETOWN: Mason City, Iowa
BIRTHDATE: January 11th, 1997
TWITTER: @KobeRoth5
TEAM: Warroad (MN-HS)

At 5-foot-6, Roth's size might draw question marks to those unfamiliar with his talent, but his frame was anything but a disadvantage for the Warroad Warrior. This past season, Roth led the entire state of Minnesota high school league in goals and points, with an obnoxious 85 tallies in regular season play.

As a junior, Warrior displayed a tremendous amount of chemistry with fellow teammate and UMD commit Jared Bethune, allowing Roth to finish the year with 42 goals and 49 assists for 91 points. In just two years rostered as a varsity forward with Warroad, Roth has put up 131 points in just 56 games. With over a 200% increase from his first to second year, Roth could potentially add his name to Minnesota's all-time career scoring leaders.

With the amazing amount of chemistry Roth has with his linemate, Bethune, the deadly combo will be a great asset to the University of Minnesota Duluth, and the arrive of Mr. Roth will be greatly anticipated.

Phelan Shaw

Defenseman

HEIGHT: 6-0
WEIGHT: 181lbs
SHOOTS: Right
HOMETOWN: Calgary, Alberta
BIRTHDATE: October 9th, 1997
TWITTER: @Phelan_bradley6
TEAM: Calgary Mustangs (AJHL)

The 6-foot defender is a graduate of the NWCAA program where he played for the Stampeders Bantam AAA and Minor Midget before joining the Mustangs of the AJHL this past season. As a rookie in one of Canada's premiere junior A leagues, Shaw has tallied 17 points from the blueline, including 6 goals and 11 assists.

"Phelan is very deserving of this scholarship to a great school and hockey program," Calgary Mustangs head coach and GM Derek Stuart was quoted to say. "He worked very hard in the off-season to make the jump to Junior A hockey and has shown he belongs and can contribute daily. He has a lot of potential to be a very special player in this league and in the future with UMD."

At 16 years old and standing at 6 feet, Shaw is bound to be a consistent threat to UMD's blueline core. His arrival on campus will be highly awaited as the future of the University of Minnesota Duluth's hockey team continues to look brighter and brighter.

Josh Laframboise

Forward

HEIGHT: 5-11
WEIGHT: 174lbs
SHOOTS: Right
HOMETOWN: Regina, Saskatchewan
BIRTHDATE: August 30th, 1996
TWITTER: @Laframboise22
TEAM: Battlefords North Stars (SJHL)

After a very successful season with the SMHL's Battlefords Stars, Laframboise stepped up to play with the SJHL's Battlefords North Stars. BWith the Stars, Laframboise posted 44 goals and 40 assists for 84 points in just 53 games. He joined the SJHL after Stars' season had finished.

It is anticipated the Laframboise will start with the North Stars for his first complete season next year; one which looks very promising given his past ability find the back of the net.

Joey Anderson

Forward

HEIGHT: 5-10.25
WEIGHT: 170lbs
SHOOTS: Right
HOMETOWN: Roseville, Minnesota
BIRTHDATE: June 19th, 1998
TWITTER: @joeyandy19
TEAM: Hill-Murray (MN-HS)

Joey Anderson was a huge commitment for the University of Minnesota Duluth.  He made his commitment before attending high school, but was making noise on a very talented Hill-Murray varsity team while in middle school.

"Anderson has poise and great hands with a playmakers mindset. He has the skill to put the puck wherever on the ice he wants it go, be it with a deftly paced pass or weaving it through himself." - OTB

Anderson has participated in only 14 games with Hill-Murray, but tallied 21 points for an impressive 1.5 PPG, given his age.  Anderson has the ability to skate with some of the best Minnesota high school hockey talent; needless to say, his future is bright, especially as a Bulldog.

Riley Tufte

Forward

HEIGHT: 6-4
WEIGHT: 190lbs
SHOOTS: Left
HOMETOWN: Ham Lake, Minnesota
BIRTHDATE: ? ?st, 1998
TWITTER: @rileytufte27
TEAM: Blaine (MN-HS)

6-foot-4 forward has proven to be a dominant player in the Minnesota High School ranks, helping the Blaine Bengals to the section championship game and scoring 17 goals and adding 20 assists for 37 points as a second-year varsity member. His overall success and promising future has allowed the Ham Lake native to land a spot on next year's U.S. National U17 Team in the NTDP.

In watching Tufte, you get a look at a physical, yet dynamic skater who is willing to dish it out to get the rewards. Comes up big time and time again and the type of guy you want on the ice with a minute left.  - OTB

Although his arrival on campus is still a bit in the future, there is no doubt that Tufte's future is bright. With his stature and proven ability to score goals at such a young age, Tufte's joining the Bulldogs will be greatly anticipated.

Mikey Anderson

Defense

HEIGHT: 6-?
WEIGHT: N/A
SHOOTS: Left
HOMETOWN: Roseville, Minnesota
BIRTHDATE: May 25th, 1999
TWITTER: @miklovin8
TEAM: Hill-Murray Pioneers (MN-HS)

The Hill-Murray blue-liner has a few years before joining the Bulldogs, but already shows a great amount of talent. This past year, Anderson skated with the Pioneer varsity team as an 8th grader, racking up 2 goals and 5 assists for 7 points in 28 games from back on the blueline.

Defensively, his head is on a swivel at all times and his awareness is terrific. His size – 6’2 as a 1999 – is something else, and he fired a few bullets towards the upper half of the net without much hesitation.  - OTB

The 8th grader joined his brother Joey with his committment to the University of Minnesota Duluth, both of whom have shown to lead one of the best high school teams in the state of Minnesota. Mikey will most likey play a few years with Hill-Murray and join his brother at UMD in a few years.