Stanley Cup 2022 Final On Tuesday, USA Hockey dropped its list of 60 players in their World Junior testing camp, which includes seven Michigan hockey team options.
Emerging students Luke Hughes, Dylan Duke and Mackie Samoskevich, newcomers Frank Nazar III, Rutger McGroarty and Seamus Casey, and alumnus Thomas Bordeleau will all try out for the USA Team. Of the three Michigan-employed classes, Wolverines’ unwavering ability to find and develop top talent shows.
Stanley Cup 2022 Final
“That’s a good indication of the top players in their age group in the United States,” said head coach Bill Muckalt. “Top players are recruiting top players and success breeds success, so I think those are good indicators for us. Obviously we want to continue to build on it and continue to develop the best boys in the National Hockey League – that is one of our goals. “
One of those high-profile developments – Bordeleau – will be paired with a skirt next to fellow Wolverines in Team USA camp. After a brief amateur trial with AHL’s San Jose Barracuda, the leading player signed his entry-level contract with the San Jose Sharks and sent five assistants to eight games in the Stanley Cup 2022 Final.
Top recruiting classes help opportunities to the next level
Now, Bordeleau will get a chance to wear the national jersey when they make the final American list of games in August – the first one he has a chance to play in after COVID canceled his first two attempts. Throughout the process, he can also pass on the ingenuity of his two seasons of college hockey to more young Michigan guards. With a pro-level experience under his belt, he shows living proof that Wolverines ’top recruiting classes help opportunities to the next level.
But that pro-level experience isn’t just about putting players on the NHL ice. Hughes, who played defensively at the 2022 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship, has found important playing time against some of the best players in the world. Combining that experience with successful wins at the World Junior Championship can help strengthen his skills before entering his second season as Michigan’s No. 1 blueliner.
“It’s his chance to take another step and be a boy and play in many situations,” Muckalt said. “There is no question. I know you are ready to take on that responsibility. He is ready to be the best player in the tournament. ”
Recruitment of that team was not lacking
Hughes – along with strikers Duke and Samoskevich – emerged in the second half of last season and played a key role in Michigan’s run in the Big Ten Championship and Frozen Four appearances. All three were part of a class of five young footballers, but the recruitment of that team was not lacking.
And it seems to be the case with a class of new incoming students, which includes NHL speculation in the first round Nazar and McGroarty. Especially in the case of Nazar, he could be an important part of the outcome of the upcoming season. As Nazar gets a chance to work with three other top teammates he can meet in Michigan, the coaches point out that his skills will go well together.
Muckalt said-
“I think if you look at what he has done so far, I think it will be a seamless transition for him in college hockey,” Muckalt said. “He will play a big role for us in every situation on Stanley Cup 2022 Final”
While all seven are not guaranteed spots on the list until the final list is finalized, the consideration of seven players – more than 10 of the players being screened – reflects Michigan’s recruitment potential and clearly indicates its future. As more recruiting classes prepare for Edmonton, Alberta, World Juniors, they will have the opportunity to compete against the high hopes of America.
