July 28, 2009

Eight Men’s Hockey Players To Join Husky Ranks

STORRS, Conn. – The University of Connecticut men’s hockey Head Coach Bruce Marshall announced the incoming class of eight set to join the Huskies during the 2009-10 season. Seven of the newly added players are new to the university setting while one comes in as a transfer from Quinnipiac University in nearby Hamden, Conn.

The class of 2013 represents seven different states and one province and will add six skaters and two goaltenders to the ranks.

“We are excited for this incoming class and feel they will add a lot of competitiveness to our line-up,” said Coach Marshall.

Sean Ambrosie (Moorhead, MN) played for the Prince George Spruce Kings of the British Columbia Hockey League where he led the team in scoring during the regular season recording 20 goals and 39 assists for 59 points and, during the playoffs, knocked in two goals while dishing out six assists in just five games.

Ambrosie started his junior hockey career with the Winnipeg South Blues of the Manitoba Hockey League after finishing a very successful high school career in Moorhead, Minnesota. In Winnipeg, he finished with 24 goals and 29 assists for 53 points. His 24 goals finished him second on the team.

At 6’2, Ambrosie is a big, two-way center that can make plays at both ends of the ice. He also brings a scoring touch to the team and will be a nice complement to the current core of centers.

Next is Evan Carriere (Ottawa, ONT), who played the past three seasons for the Northern Cyclones of the AJHL, where he was third on the team in scoring this past year with 57 points in just 29 games played due to a fractured jaw. He finished his career with the Cyclones with an impressive 69 goals, 73 assists, for 142 points in 116 games played.

Carriere is a strong power forward with a solid 6’3 frame. He possesses a great shot from the left side, and brings a scoring touch to the team that is expected to continue to develop at UConn.

James Gallagher (Marquette, MI) played the last 3 seasons in his hometown with the Marquette Rangers of the NAHL, where his point production increased every year. Starting at 32 points in 2007, Gallagher tallied 40 points in 2008 and 53 points in 2009 for a career total of 125 points.

This past season he finished second on his team in scoring with 25 goals and 28 assists, good enough to finish in the top-20 of the NAHL in scoring. He also finished in the top-10 in power play goals with nine.

Gallagher is a big, strong power forward who stands at 6’2 and 190 pounds. He sees the ice very well and has a lot of offensive ability. That, along with his junior experience should help him compete for a line-up spot right away.

Also joining the squad will be Alex Gerke (Tomah, WI) who started the year with the Tri-City Storm of the United States Hockey League and finished with the Bismarck Bobcats of the NAHL where he helped guide the team to the Robertson Cup Tournament and an impressive two goals, 17 assists and a + 13 in 34 games with the Bobcats.

Before Tri-City, Gerke played in the Central States Hockey League for the Dubuque Thunderbirds where he finished with 17 goals and 28 assists for 45 points, good enough for first in the league amongst defenseman in scoring.

At 5’10, 170 pounds, Gerke is a very poised defenseman that can contribute on the offensive side and help with the power play. Gerke is a smart, puck moving defenseman that has a calming presence on the blue line.

Matt Grogan (Gilbert, AZ) is one of two goaltenders joining the Huskies during the 2009-10 season. He comes into the University after playing for the Bismarck Bobcats of the NAHL for the past two seasons. This past season he was among the top-five in goalie statistics, posting a 2.17 GAA and a .925 SV%. Grogan spent just over 1,900:00 minutes between the pipes for the Bobcats recording 21 wins. During the play-offs, his stats were an impressive 1.96 GAA and a .923 SV%.

Grogan is a solid goaltender that is very calm in the net and plays his angles well. With his good work ethic and passion for the game, he will be competing for playing time.

Tom Janosz (Elma, NY) played this past season for the Surrey Eagles of the British Columbia Hockey League where he finished with five goals and 20 assists for 25 points as a defenseman. In 2007/2008 he played for the Ohio Junior Blue Jackets of the USHL where he finished with two goals and nine assists for 11 points in just 29 games.

At 6’2, 190 pounds, Janosz is a tough, physical player who can contribute both offensively and defensively. His leadership and great work ethic will have a positive impact on the program.

Jeff Larson (Ballwin, MO) rounds out the freshmen goalie core. He comes to UConn after playing for the St. Louis Amateur Blues AAA team of the MWEHL where he finished first in the league amongst goalie statistics. Larson posted an impressive 21 wins, 1.75 GAA and .921 SV%.

At 6’3, Larson is a big, young goalie that has a tremendous up side. He uses his size and plays his angles well. He also brings another element to the goalie position as he can play the puck extremely well and makes good outlet passes to his defenseman and forwards.

The final addition to this year’s incoming class is Miles Winter (Horsham, PA), who will be transferring to UConn after playing this past season for the Quinnipiac Bobcats of the ECAC.

Before Quinnipiac, he played two seasons for the Mahoning Valley Phantoms of the NAHL. Winter finished his two years there with 46 goals and 59 assists for 105 points in 114 games played.

At 6’3 and 215 pounds, Winter will be a presence on the ice for the Huskies. With a great shot, he is always a threat to score. Winter’s experience in junior hockey and at the college level should help him make the transition to UConn.