UW-Stout is primed for a run at a Div. III NCAA National Championship.  The team is anchored by a senior first line, arguably the best in all of division III hockey.  It is going to take more than one all-star line to compete and that means underclassmen stepping up and filling the gaps.  This is my list of players who could have break out seasons in 2009-2010 with UW-Stout

Matt Morin – Player Grade (A-)

Matt Morin was a stand out freshmen last season, contributing to the Blue Devils success.  He managed 10 goals and 17 assists on his way to being recognized on the USCHO All-Star Rookie team.  Morin is a young kid who loves the game and comes from a rich hockey background. Coach Terry Watkins showed great confidence in the freshmen last season giving him shifts late in the game.  ’Matty Mo’ was definitely the stand-out of his recruiting class and I don’t expect anything less than consistent improvement in his play this coming season.  Look for Morin to make things happen this season and solidify himself as one of the best underclassmen on the team.

Projected 09-10 Stats - 14G – 22A – 36PTS

Joel Whited – Player Grade (B)

Joel Whited saw action in 21 games notching 6 goals and 6 assists.  Whited is a big forward standing 6″2 and can throw his weight around down low, essential in a league as rough and physical as the NCHA.  Whited had shining moments last season around the net scoring some beautiful goals while others games he passed under the radar as invisible. In his last season in the NAHL with the Bobcats, Whited put up nearly 40 points. There is no doubt Whited possess the raw talent to be near the top of the score sheet after every game.  His summer training regime will tell the story early on this season.  I’d expect him to see more ice time with at least a small improvement over last year on the stat sheet.  While I expect a small improvement in points, he holds the potential to have a breakout season.

Projected 09-10 Stats – 12G – 11A – 23PTS

Robert Carr – Player Grade (B-)

Robert Carr was quietly productive last season seeing action in 29 games ending with 2 goals and 14 assists. Carr looked strong in the NCHA playoffs last year and really started to catch his stride.  Carr might find his way on to the 2nd line next season where he could turn some heads with more ice time.  With that ice time, Carr should have steady improvement over last season and become a solid 2nd/3rd line forward.

Projected 09-10 Stats – 5G – 14A – 19PTS

Eric Scovill – Player Grade (C-)

Eric Scovill hasn’t seen much ice time in his first two years at UW-Stout.  His freshmen year was nearly all observing from the stands as he was out most of the season with an injury.  Last season he played in 22 games and tallied three goals before again sustaining an injury. Scovill was a solid blue-line recruit two seasons ago, he was the captain of Team Illinois in high school.  Scovill is unproven so far and seems prone to injury.  2009-2010 will be a big season regardless for the junior as the Blue Devils need two or three defenseman to step-up and fill slots left by Nick Klaren and Jack Wolgemuth.  Scovill will certainly want to be one of those defenseman stepping up if he can stay healthy.  He will be receiving pressure from a strong incoming freshmen class looking to get ice time right away.

Projected 09-10 Stats – 5G – 9A 0 14PTS

Other players to watch for potential breakout season:  Danny Ryan – Player Grade (B)