This past weekend in college hockey, we saw a lot of production from Blackhawks prospects. Nine different players got on the score sheet, but one in particular has been sticking out. Penn State’s Evan Barratt has had an outstanding start to the season and is establishing himself as their number one centerman. This is great news for Blackhawks fans since there isn’t much depth in the system at that position.
It’s a little early to think about how some of the college players can help the pro level teams, but there will be an influx of players at the end of this year who will be ready for the pros. And it’s kind of crazy to think about considering how many defenseman are competing for ice time in Rockford. It will be interesting to see who is there one year from now, but there is no question that help is on the way.
Evan Barratt – Forward – Penn State University – 5G, 9A
Evan Barratt and the Nittany Lions continued their impressive season this weekend by sweeping Robert Morris University. Barratt added two goals and two assists to his season total putting him at 14 points, tied for 3rd best in the NCAA.
https://twitter.com/PatrickBurns_/status/1061053435934597120
Barratt has made an extraordinary step in his sophomore year and looks to be a very versatile player. He plays with an edge but is also in the right place at the right time to score. A lot of people were hoping that Barratt could be similar to Dave Bolland but he might be even better.
In an article written in OnwarsState.com by Mikey Mandarino, head coach Guy Gadowski spoke very highly of the Blackhawks prospect:
“He’s a much, much more consistent and mature hockey player,” Gadowsky said. “It’s not only that — I just love the fact that he brings a lot of energy. We’re very happy with his development. He’s very receptive to improvement and suggestions, and he’s just a really good teammate.
“When you combine those things with his skillset, you get a very special player.”
Penn State hosts Michigan next weekend.
Fredrik Olofsson – Forward – University of Nebraska-Omaha – 3G, 8A
The Omaha Mavericks played the Western Michigan Broncos on the road and got a much needed split. The Mavs are now 2-7-1 are are looking to turn around their slow start. Olofsson continues to be a silver lining for the Mavs who added another power play goal and assist this weekend to his total. He has three goals and assists on the season.
The Mavericks are off next week and will host Arizona State in two weeks.
P3 | 🚨 Fredrik Olofsson scores on the power play! 🚨
The Mavericks are on the board‼️ pic.twitter.com/LNr481NDSm
— Omaha Hockey (@OmahaHKY) November 10, 2018
Ian Mitchell – Defenseman – University of Denver – 1G, 8A
The Denver Pioneers had a tough matchup this weekend taking on the No. 2 St. Cloud State Huskies in Minnesota. St. Cloud has shown to be one of the NCHC’s top teams, but the Pioneers hung in there with them losing both games by just one goal. Ian Mitchell had an assist in Saturday’s loss.
The Pioneers host the University of Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs next weekend.
Chad Krys – Defenseman – Boston University – 2G, 3A
The Terriers won their only game this weekend against New Hampshire 3-2. Chad Krys scored the first goal of the game followed by two goals by Avalanche prospect Shane Bowers. Krys and the Terriers will try to dig their way out of a slow start to the season when they host the University of Maine next weekend.
Shot from above the left circle gets through traffic… PP goal by Chad gives us an early 1-0 lead! #GoBU pic.twitter.com/FkBqpLQyMu
— BU Men's Hockey (@TerrierHockey) November 11, 2018
Other Notables
Josh Ess gives @BadgerMHockey the lead!!!
(also: he's from Minnesota 😶)
📺 https://t.co/AGNL74FrC1 pic.twitter.com/ZRa4BuGHUy
— Bally Sports Wisconsin (@BallySportWI) November 11, 2018
🚨 #VCATS GOAL 🚨
Jake Massie rings one off the post and in with 2 seconds left on the first Eagle penalty! pic.twitter.com/Qwb1AEtSjb
— UVM Men's Hockey (@UVMmhockey) November 10, 2018
A beautiful pass from the right point to exploit a defensive breakdown, and Starrett taps it in to double the lead! pic.twitter.com/3tT53RDrtB
— CornellSportsGameday (@CUBigRedGameday) November 10, 2018