Saturday, May 25, 2013

Having Some Seats Over There: 3 Prospects Go Blue

Michigan has been busy on the recruiting front over the past month, picking up three new commitments. The most recent--and the one that I'm actually writing about in a timely fashion--is defenseman Nicholas Boka, who just announced his commitment via Twitter.


Boka was among the first seven players to commit to the NTDP U-17 team for the 2013-14 season. He joined fellow Michigan commitment Brendan Warren in that first group. That would make him a 2015 commitment. He's also a former Spartan commitment. Boka is listed at 6'0", 175. 

Russ Bitely called him a "B-Player" (above average) at the Select 15 Camp a year ago:

A good-sized kid who is probably still growing and he has a lot of upside to his game. He is not a flashy offensive-defenseman although he moves the puck well and isn’t afraid to skate it up either. He is quite mobile and plays aggressive. Boka showed some physical play at the back-end and plays sound position as well as controlling gaps. He looks to have pretty heavy shot from the point too.

ProspectScoutingReports.com wrote the following about him:


Nick Boka is yet another talented defenceman on a very solid back end for Compuware U16. Boka is dependable in his own zone, providing stable and well positioned support. Engaging in a physical brand of defence, Boka does very well for himself in puck battles along the boards and will throw his fair share of hits. Latent offensive potential should continue to develop has his skill set suits that branch of development. Boka has good mobility and reads the developing offensive situation allowing for successful transitions. In addition, an under-utilized shot  from the point is another tool Boka possesses. 


USHR liked him when they saw him playing forward:
Michigan State went with big and physical Nicholas Boka. We first saw Boka back in November as a forward and liked him at that position as he simply punished defenders on the forecheck. At the Select 15 Festival he played a simple and composed game and we pegged him at #30 in a deep group. Has good feet for a big guy and plays a pro-style game. Boka is a bit of a projection pick by the Spartans, but a good project to have. The Plymouth, Mich. native put up a 14-22-36 scoring line through 61 games played -- at both forward and defense.
And after the Bauer Invitational:
Michigan State recruit is developing into a big, two-way defender who plays with an edge. Has good feet for a big kid and seemed more confident with the puck on his stick this weekend than at the Select Festival over the summer. 
The Sarnia Sting hold his OHL rights. He was a 6th-round pick, but fell in the draft due to his commitment to the NTDP.

OHL Scout Kevin Hess told MiHockeyNow that Boka is a "Good skating defender that plays on the edge.  He is a punishing defender that finishes a high percentage of his checks.  Great offensive instincts with a heavy shot from the point."

Also pledging to the Wolverines in the not-so-distant past are goaltender Hayden Lavigne (2014 or 2015) and defenseman Cutler Martin (2014). MichiganHockey.net has profiles of both Lavigne and Martin.
Lavigne is a big goalie, listed at 6'3", 190 at the moment. He played for the Wellington Dukes of the OJHL last season and was 9-7-1 with a 2.48/.922. He was a third-round pick of Tri-City in the USHL Draft, but the Dukes are said to be expecting him to return next season.

With the recent commitments of Lavigne and Zach Nagelvoort, and Steve Racine being just a sophomore, that would seem to close the door on Jared Rutledge returning to Michigan after a year in the USHL. It was confirmed that he will not return to the team next season. I wish him nothing but the best (as long as he stays out of the Big 10!), and I'm sorry it didn't work out in Ann Arbor.

Martin hails from East Lansing and currently plays for the Tri-City Storm in the USHL. He's listed as 6'1" 210 and put up a 4-12--16 line with a -2 rating and 74 PIMs in 59 games last year. He was far-and-away the leading defense scorer on Victory Honda in 2011-12, with a 12-22--34 line in 38 games. Only one defenseman in that talent-rich league had more points than him that season (and he had 38 in 40 games), so he seems like he might have some offensive pop in his game.

Storm Head Coach Josh Hauge said the following of Martin: "He can move pucks and keep the game simple, but at the same time he’s got nastiness to him and can be really hard to play against in front of the net."

Martin will again be with Tri-City next year. If Lavigne joins him, I just might have to hit up a couple of USHL games next season. Chicago and Dubuque aren't too far away.

12 comments:

Unknown said...

Just discovered your blog, and I’m in LOVE with it! Amazing layout an content. Love your style, you rock!! Thanks a million and please carry on the rewarding work. I think this is engaging and eye-opening material. Thank you so much for caring about your content and your readers.

Visit : essay writing service reviews

Jack said...

Anyone reading this text must have come across the need for a home relocation. This requirement is typical of the city life andcareer-moves. Moving India provides comprehensive home relocation covering not only the furniture, fixtures and utensils but also your vehicle and pets.
packers and movers satna
packers and movers bhilai
packers and movers in cuttack
packers and movers in durgapur
packers and movers in meerut
packers and movers rajahmundry
packers movers jodhpur
packers and movers kakinada
packers and movers korba
packers and movers dhanbad

Jack said...

packers and movers thrissur
packers and movers in belgaum
packers and movers kharagpur
packers & movers in nagpur
packers and movers btm layout

Jack said...

It is very important to get your goods insurance while you are relocating. While several vendors provide insurance services as part of their services, some of them don’t. In due course, you will be able to contact us for your goods insurance requirements.
Packers and Movers in Bangalore
Packers and Movers in Pune
Packers and Movers in Mumbai
Packers and Movers in Hyderabad
Packers and Movers in Delhi
packers and movers in panchkula
Packers and Movers in Kolkata
Packers and Movers in Chennai

3d Print Companies said...

Industry professionals, including 3D Print companies, will be able to add their Business and Services for FREE. More information,
3d print companies

krishan kumar said...

Kstar Packers Movers Zirakpur offers all kinds of packing and moving services, changing rooms, company moves, car and bicycle transport, relocation, warehouse services, office relocation, international relocation.

https://www.kstarpackers.com/packers-and-movers-zirakpur/
https://www.kstarpackers.com/packers-and-movers-chandigarh/
https://www.kstarpackers.com/packers-and-movers-punjab/
https://www.kstarpackers.com/pw-town-manimarja-chandigarh/
https://www.kstarpackers.com/packers-and-movers-panchkulla/
https://www.kstarpackers.com/packers-and-movers-in-mohali/
https://www.kstarpackers.com/storage-servies/
https://www.kstarpackers.com/services/
https://www.kstarpackers.com/international-services/

Best Career Counselling in India said...

Best Career Counselling in India - Connect with Best career counsellors India that has been helping many students for career Counselor and guidance in India.
Career Counselling in Assam
Career Counselling in Meghalaya
Career Counselling in Manipur
Career Counselling in Tripura
Career Counselling in Nagaland
Career Counselling in Mizoram
Career Counselling in Arunachal Pradesh
Career Counselling in Jharkhand
Career Counselling in Kolkata

career counselling in india said...

Online Career Counselling in India - Best Career Counselling India that has been Helping Online Many Students for Career Counselor and Online Guidance in India.
Best Career Counselling in India
Career Counselling in Delhi
Career Counselling in Bangalore
Best Career Counselling in Bangalore
Career Counselling in Meghalaya

Airtel Broadband said...

Airtel Broadband New Connection in Chennai - Airtel Broadband unlimited new plans in Chennai, Enjoy upto 100 Mbps superfast Internet with free router and unlimited calls.
Airtel Broadband Connection in Chennai

servicecenterchennai said...

Samsung Service Center in Chennai - is one of the best TV repair and service companies Chennai, with experience in repairing. Customer Care LCD, LED, UHD, OLED
Samsung TV Service Center in Medavakkam
Samsung TV Service Center in Mathur
Samsung TV Service Center in Mandaveli
Samsung TV Service Center in Manapakkam
Samsung TV Service Center in Manali
Samsung TV Service Center in Maduravoyal
Samsung TV Service Center in Madipakkam
Samsung TV Service Center in Kovilambakkam
Samsung TV Service Center in Madhavaram
Samsung TV Service Center in Kundrathur

Wimbledon Airport said...

Taxi from Wimbledon to Heathrow - Cars 24/7 hours Wimbledon taxi service to Heathrow and Gatwick Airport transfers. Friendly and reliable airport transfer.

minicab index said...

PCO Car Hire - Are you a PCO driver looking for ways to diversify and build your income