Former DU Recruit Tyler Pham Heads To West Point

Monty continues to juggle the incoming recruiting classes as a third recruit in recent weeks falls off the DU recruiting radar.  Tyler Pham originally committed to the University of Denver in November 2009 as a 15 year-old.  Despite several seasons in the USHL, Pham's stats and his stature never reached the levels necessary to become a bona fide D-1 hockey player.

Pham recently tweeted that he will attend West Point.

Landon Smith and Cody Depourcq recently decommitted as well.  

Coach Montgomery is looking for players that will fit his system and it appears, these three recruits won't fit his style of play.

2014 Recruiting Class Updated Stats 
F Jared Fiegl (U.S. Under-18) 8 games, 0 goals, 1 assist
F Garrett Gamez (Tri-Cities, USHL) 5 games, 0 goals, 0 assists
D Tariq Hammond (Okotoks, AJHL) - 12 games, 2 goals, 8 assists
F Evan Ritt (NJ Hitmen, USPHL)

2015 Recruiting Class Updated Stats
F Dylan Gambrell (Dubuque, USHL) 4 games, 1 goal, 2 assists
F Kevin Conley (Team Wisconsin Under-16, AAA)
F Jarid Lukosevicius
F Logan O'Connor (Sioux Falls, USHL)
F Sebastian Fuchs (Kenai River-NAHL)

2016 Recruiting Class Updated Stats
F Troy Terry (Thunderbirds, AAA)
F Liam Finlay

DU Tunes Up Future Recruiting Classes

Tyler Pham

LetsGoDU was alerted this week that Tyler Pham [5'9 178 lbs Ft Collins, CO] would attend DU in 2014, instead of 2013 to further his development in the USHL.  After getting off to a slow start statistically this season for the Indiana Ice, Pham has five assists in the last six games.  He was the third overall selection in the first round of the 2011 USHL Draft.

Gage Ausmus, who we had listed as a 2014 recruit, but whom always seemed destined to arrive in 2013 is now listed as a 2013 recruit.

Dylan Gambrell is now listed as a 2015 recruit.

2013 Recruiting Class Updated Stats
D Matt Van Voorhis (Sioux Falls, USHL) - 16 games, 2 goal, 7 assists
F Brad Hawkinson (Lincoln Stars, USHL) - 14 games, 3 goals, 1 assist
F Landon Smith (Cedar Rapids, USHL) - 15 games, 5 goals, 2 assists
F Connor Chatham (Omaha, USHL) - 17 games, 7 goals, 4 assists
F Ray Pigozzi (Chicago, USHL) - 12 games, 1 goal, 8 assists
D Will Butcher (U.S. Under-18) - 21 games, 3 goals, 10 assists
F Cody DePourcq (Penticton, BCHL) - 23 games, 1 goal, 5 assists
F Trevor Moore (Tri-Cities, USHL) 17 games, 8 goals, 10 assists
D Gage Ausmus (U.S. Under-18) 20 games, 2 assists

2014 Recruiting Class Updated Stats
F Tyler Pham (Indiana Ice, USHL) - 17 games, 7 assists
F Jared Fiegl (U.S. Under-17) 16 games, 4 goals, 5 assists
F Garrett Gamez (Tri-Cities, USHL) 17 games, 4 goals, 3 assists

2015 Recruiting Class Updated Stats
F Dylan Gambrell (Dubuque, USHL) 15 games, 1 goal, 4 assist

USHL Draft Features DU & Colorado Flavor

The United States Hockey League [USHL] held its 2011 Prospects Draft on Monday.  2012 University of Denver recruit Tyler Pham was selected with the 3rd overall pick in the 1st Round by the Indiana Ice.  It certainly bodes well for DU that Pham was selected so early.

Later in the 1st, Round Dakota Mermis was selected with the 13th pick by the Green Bay Gamblers.  Mike Chambers of the Denver Post has some additional info about this pick in his Blog.  My only take is that Green Bay is a very well run organization and they must have some sort of info that Mermis may play for them next season.  We shall see.

Defenseman Matt Van Voorhis, who delayed his arrival at DU by one year, was selected by the Sioux Falls Stampede in the 13th Round.  He should contribute heavily for the Stampede.

A record number of Colorado based players were selected this year offering further proof of the growth of ice hockey out west.  Chambers' article lists the local guys selected in the draft many of who played for the Colorado Thunderbirds.

Although University of Denver recruit Garrett Allen has signed a letter of intent with DU to arrive in 2012, he may never play for Denver.  His situation has been described as "fluid."

2011 Recruiting Class
D Scott Mayfield (Youngstown, USHL)
F Zac Larraza (U.S. Under-18)
D Joey LaLeggia (Penticton Vees, BCHL)
F Larkin Jacobson (Janesville Jets, NAHL)
D-F Wade Bennett (Wichita Falls, NAHL)
F Matt Tabrum (Omaha, USHL)
D Josiah Didier (Cedar Rapids, USHL)
F Daniel Doremus (Sioux Falls, USHL)

2012 Recruiting Class
F Tyler Pham (Indiana Ice, USHL)
D Dakota Mermis (U.S. Under-18)
D Matt Van Voorhis (Sioux Falls, USHL)
F Garrett Allen (Chicago, USHL)

2013 Recruiting Class
F Brad Hawkinson (Colorado Thunderbirds-U18)

Chambers Blog Profiles Colorado Thunderbirds

One of the top youth hockey programs in North America calls Denver home.  The Colorado Thunderbirds based out of Big Bear Ice Arena on East Lowry Blvd., feature a variety of programs for players from 11-18 years of age.

In 2010 the T-birds Under 16 team won a national championship. In the next few seasons, players from that team will be dotting college hockey lineups from Denver to New Hampshire and points in-between.

At least nine former Colorado Thunderbirds played college hockey this past season.  Another 16 T-birds have committed to U.S. universities in future seasons.  The program is overseen by former Pioneer star Angelo Ricci, who has assembled one of the best youth hockey programs in the U.S. in just a few short years.

Mike Chambers Blog breaks down who is heading to which colleges.  He also profiles future DU recruits Daniel Doremus, Josiah Didier, Tyler Pham and Brad Hawkinson.

Two DU Recruits To Play Together Next Season

2012 DU recruits Tyler Pham and Garrett Allen will play together next season for the Chicago Steel in the USHL.

Forward Tyler Pham spent this past season playing for the Colorado Thunderbirds Under-18 team.  He also played three games for the Chicago Steel over the Christmas break.  At one time considered a prime candidate for the USNDP Under-17 team, Pham ended up not being selected at the tryout camp, so he returned home to Colorado.

Forward Garrett Allen was originally projected to arrive at DU in 2011, but  a drop in production this past season in Chicago deferred his arrival to DU until 2012.

2011 Recruiting Class
D Scott Mayfield (Youngstown, USHL)
F Zac Larraza (U.S. Under-18)
D Joey LaLeggia (Penticton Vees, BCHL)
F Larkin Jacobson (Janesville Jets, NAHL)
D-F Wade Bennett (Wichita Falls, NAHL)
F Matt Tabrum (Omaha, USHL)

2012 Recruiting Class
F Tyler Pham (Colorado Thunderbirds-U18)
D Dakota Mermis (U.S. Under-17)
D Josiah Didier (Cedar Rapids, USHL)
D Matt Van Voorhis (U.S. Under-18)
F Garrett Allen (Chicago, USHL)
F Daniel Doremus (Sioux Falls, USHL) 

2013 Recruiting Class
F Brad Hawkinson (Colorado Thunderbirds-U18)

Players With Ties To DU Make USNDT-Under17

USA Hockey announced the roster for the USNDP-Under 17 Team yesterday. Three players with ties to DU were selected to the team.

2012 DU recruit Dakota Mermis (5'10 165) was selected as one of the eight defensemen. Mermis has been mentioned as a possible 1st Round Draft Choice in the 2012 NHL Draft. Dakota's older brother Jarrod will suit up as a Freshman at DU this season.

Quentin Shore (6'0 165), younger brother of DU players Drew and Nick Shore was selected as a forward. Quentin has been offered a scholarship by DU, but he is still weighing his options.

Lastly, Seth Jones (6'3 183), considered by many to be a surefire NHL 1st Round pick in 2012 was also selected to the team. Jones' older brother, Justin, will be a Freshman forward at DU this season. Both brothers started playing youth hockey in Denver, while their father Popeye Jones played for the Denver Nuggets.

Some were surprised that DU recruit Tyler Pham wasn't selected to the Under-17 team. He was one of 47 players invited to tryout for the team over the summer. We're guessing he'll play in the USHL for the next two seasons. It is often mentioned that a developing player is better off playing on the top two lines in the USHL that being shuffled down the bench on the USNDT.

2011 Recruiting Class
D Scott Mayfield (Youngstown, USHL)
F Zac Larraza (U.S. Under-18)
F Garrett Allen (Fargo, USHL)
D Matt Van Voorhis (U.S. Under-18)
D Daniel Doremus (Colorado Thunderbirds, AAA)

2012 Recruiting Class
F Tyler Pham (Team Illinios)
D Dakota Mermis (U.S. Under 17)
D Josiah Didier (Cedar Rapids, USHL)

Colorado Producing Many Elite Hockey Prospects

(left) DU recruit Tyler Pham is expected to be selected for the USNDP Under-17 Team in two weeks

This weekend USA announced that 47 players born in 1994 have been invited to the U.S. Development Camp (March 27-30 Ann Arbor, Michigan). From these players, those selected will play for the USDNP-Under 17 Team next season. A couple of the invited players have University of Denver connections.

Tyler Pham has already committed to DU and will play for the Pioneers in 2012. Originally from Ft. Collins, Pham played for Team Illinois this past season. Most observers expect Pham to make the USNDT.

Hiesenberg's Website now has Dakota Mermis committing to play for DU in 2010. He plays for the St. Louis Jr. Blues and will come to DU to play with his brother, Jarrod. Dakota is considered a lock to make the USNDT.

One of Drew & Nick Shore's younger brothers, Quentin has also been invited to the Camp. Nick will play for the Pioneers next season and who doesn't want to see all three brothers in Crimson & Gold on the "Shore Line" in 2012.

Three other players invited to the Camp play for the Colorado Thunderbirds Junior program. Bradley Hawkinson is a forward from Aurora, Matais Cleland is a defenseman from Boulder and Gavin Stoick is a forward from Portland, Oregon.

Mike Chambers Blog has details on another former Thurderbird player who is now playing in Dallas. That's 7 out of 47 players that have Colorado or DU connections at the Camp.

News & Notes From Around Pioneer Nation

Drew Shore has a video interview on HockeyBuzz.com.

DU's youngest recruit, 15 year-old Tyler Pham, won't be coming to DU until 2012. But fans can keep abreast of his progress on the Facebook Wall, "Tyler Pham Fan Club." We'd go with the catchier "Tyler Phan Club" for marketing purposes, but that's just us. Pham currently has 7 goals and 13 assists in 31 games for Team Illinois Under-16 Team this season.

Speaking of Facebook, Denver Boone has 2,500+ "friends." Look for Boone on Friday night on TV on the NHL Network, Fox Sports Rocky Mountain & Fox Sports Wisconsin. Boone will be "In The House" at the Kohl Center in Madison as DU takes on the University of Wisconsin.

Former University of Denver Pioneer sniper Jason Elders pocketed 3 goals and 1 assist Monday night as the Teale Utility Canucks iced the M&K Ready-Mix Bruins 8-5 in Interior Hockey League action in Vernon, British Columbia. Elders, who racked up 80 goals in four NCAA seasons, scored three of the Bruins’ first four goals, with Neil Jones drawing assists on two.

DU Receives Commitment From Tyler Pham

According to US Hockey Report (subscrption site) the University of Denver has received a commitment from 15 year-old Tyler Pham of Team Illinios. He is a Sophomore in high school and is scheduled to enroll at DU in the Fall of 2012.

Originally from Ft. Collins, Colorado, Pham's Mountain States Renegades won the Colorado Amateur Hockey Association state championship with a 2-1 double-overtime victory over Littleton in 2007. Pham scored the game winning goal. The team not only won the state title, but finished with a 30-5-3 overall record and won the Continental Divide Youth Hockey League championship.

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Pham is considered to be on the same level as some other high profile Colorado developed players including Tyler Ruegsegger and the Shore brothers. Ruegsegger made an immediate impact at DU and Drew Shore scored the game winning goal on Friday night against North Dakota.

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As Wisconsin, Colorado College & Michigan have found out, recruiting 15 year-olds can be fraught with danger. Some young recruits may not continue to progress, may switch their commitment to a different school or end up playing major junior hockey in Canada.

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DU has recruited Paul Phillips & Jason Zucker at a similar age and have yet to get burned, but its still probably more reliable to stock your recruiting classes with older more established recruits. However, landing highly touted American kids destined for the US Development Program, Pham falls between the median age group.

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Pham's ties to Colorado obviously made him too valuable to pass up.

2010 Recruiting Class

F Jason Zucker (U.S. Under-18)

D David Makowski (Green Bay, USHL)

F Nick Shore (U.S. Under-18)

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2011 Recruiting Class

D Scott Mayfield (Youngstown, USHL)

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2012 Recruiting Class

F Tyler Pham (Team Illinios)