Tigers sign up some high-end recruits
Colorado College added four players during the NCAA signing period that ended Wednesday, including three of the top 25 skaters in the United States Hockey League.
Tri-Cities Storm forward Jaden Schwartz (seven goals, 13 assists) is the second-ranked player, according to the NHL Central Scouting Bureau, with Fargo Force defenseman Eamonn McDermott ranked No. 19 and Waterloo left wing Scott Wamsganz No. 23.
The fourth signee was Chicago Steel forward Alex Krushelnyski, son of former Detroit Red Wing Mike Krushelnyski, who hoisted the Stanley Cup in 1997.
“We’re happy,” Tigers coach Scott Owens said. “The rankings are nice, but they don’t mean much. It’s nice to know they’re on someone’s radar.”
Krushelnyski, McDermott and Schwartz are expected to join the program in fall 2010, while Wamsganz may play in 2010 or 2011, Owens said.
Schwartz is the younger brother of current CC freshman center Rylan Schwartz of Wilcox, Saskatchewan. Rylan leads the rookies in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association with 12 points (eight assists).
Tigers coach Scott Owens hopes Jaden can make an immediate contribution, too.
“He’s a very good hockey player,” Owens said. “He has great stick handling skills and hockey sense.”
McDermott (5-11, 178) of Shaker Heights, Ohio, has played only nine games for the Force because he played for Team USA at the World Junior Challenge, where he had a goal and assist in a 2-1 win over Canada West in the championship.
“He’s great with the puck and can contribute offensively,” Owens said.
Wamsganz (6-4, 200), of Anchorage, has an assist in 11 games for the Black Hawks.
“He’s a big rig,” Owens said. “He has good feet for a big fella. Lots of potential.”
Krushelnyski(6-0, 170) of Bloomfield Hills, Mich., has 13 points (nine assists) in 15 games.
“He can play a lot of roles and is ready to contribute,” Owens said.
Third-year Omaha Lancers forward Dakota Eveland (5-7, 159)signed last year. The skilled forward has 13 points (seven assists) in 15 games.
Green Bay defenseman Aaron Harstad, ranked No. 21 in the USHL, has committed and may sign this spring.
Owens said the team has two or three more spots to fill.
