NHL developmental camps are pretty much in full swing and there are a couple UMass players participating.
First off, thanks to FTT reader “Greg” who was the first to point out that Mike Marcou is currently in Islanders Prospect Camp, taking place not too far from his hometown on the island. Of course his brother also participated in the same camp a few years back. This is a great opportunity for Mike to play with some elite players at his age level. It also goes to show how far he has come since entering UMass. I don’t think another Minuteman player has showed as much progress as him since entering the school a couple years ago, first solidifying his defensive game and then adding an offensive dimension this past year.
Another name that stood out on that roster is T.J. Sarcona who stood out when I went to watch some junior hockey this past year. I have no idea if he’s on Toot’s radar, but certainly with UMass having a connection with his AJHL team, the New Jersey Rockets, would help if he is. Recruits Kevin Boyle and Chris DelMauro are both former Rockets as was once committed John Carlson.
Not as surprisingly Casey Wellman will be at the Minnesota Wild’s prospect camp following a decent debut with the club following his season at UMass. Another Hockey East name that sticks out in camp with him is Vermont’s Kyle Medvec.
That’s all I’ve found for UMass players on prospect camp rosters. The Sharks, as they always have, keep their camp completely locked down so while I’m sure James Marcou, Matt Irwin, Justin Braun, or some combo thereof will be there, we’ll likely never know. If anyone else finds Minutemen in camp, please post a comment and let me know.
Δ
UMass is mentioned with Michigan State, Denver, Ohio State, BU, and Wisconsin as losing at least three underclassmen to the pros (Wisco has lost four) this offseason in this article about Spartan captain Corey Tropp leaving for the NHL. Wisconsin almost lost another according to this blog. Like UMass, Wisconsin will certainly be in a state of flux when the two teams meet next season.
Fear The Triangle - UMass Hockey Blog 
George
/ July 8, 2010Rocks we kick of with Minny 😉
LikeLike
rocks22
/ July 8, 2010Duh. I have to stop posting after my bedtime.
LikeLike
massattack
/ July 8, 2010You should have played it off by saying when the two teams kicked off the new year (being 2011). But since you are without question the best source of UMass hockey news around, I suppose we can let it slide 😉
LikeLike
rocks22
/ July 8, 2010Thanks. 🙂
LikeLike
Ryan
/ July 10, 2010Jake Gardiner was drafted out of high school in the first round a couple of years ago but has never made a real splash at the college level. I expect them to have a solid season with a good recruiting class and some key guys back (Gudmandson, Craig Smith, etc.) However, losing all the defensive talent they have like Brendan Smith, Ryan McDonagh, Cody Goloubef will force their forwards to be more offensive. On the offensive side of puck they lose Derek Stepan, who led the NCAA in assists last year and guys like Blake Geoffrion, Davies and Mitchell. The key for them unlike UMass is they are a recognized and traditional power, therefore I see them rebounding well within the next 2 years while UMass will sadly have a long road ahead.
LikeLike
frank
/ July 11, 2010Rocco carzo at blackhawks camp
LikeLike
rocks22
/ July 11, 2010Thanks Frank. Check out my most recent post.
LikeLike
Ryan
/ July 21, 2010just an update on the badgers as they are close to losing yet another key player. sophomore defenseman jordy murray is likely headed to europe to play but has not confirmed yet. his brother brady, a former north dakota fighting sioux did the exact same thing.
LikeLike