Badger Hockey News And Notes

Linhart Invited to NTDP Final 40 Camp

As I tweeted last night, 2014 Wisconsin defense recruit Jake Linhart has been invited to the USA National Team Development Program's Final 40 Camp. The camp serves as one of the primary evaluation tools for selecting the U.S. NTDP U17 team that is housed in Ann Arbor.

Linhart also told me that he's considering some options from the USHL at this point. If you weren't already aware, the USHL has implemented a tender rule this year that will affect many top prospects. USHL teams from Fargo and Green Bay have already taken advantage of the new tender rule to sign high end '96 born prospects.

At this point, it's obvious that Linhart is considered one of the top prospects in the '96 age group in the country and Badger fans should feel happy that they have his services locked down.

2013 Recruit Davison's Brother Also Invited To Camp

Wes Hodkiewicz from the Green Bay Press Gazette is reporting that Notre Dame Academy sophomore Luke Davison has also been extended an invitation to the Final 40 camp.

Davison is the younger brother of 2013 Wisconsin recruit Tim Davison, who is an alternate captain for that same Notre Dame Academy squad.

I talked to GB Notre Dame coach Corey McCracken on Wednesday night and he was very excited for Luke who also played for the U16 Team Wisconsin squad this fall.

"I'm very proud of Luke. He has worked incredibly hard for this. Notre Dame Academy and the Team Wisconsin programs are excited for Luke," McCracken noted.

McCracken also noted that Team Wisconsin defense coach Rick Dorman should get some of the credit for the development for top prospects within the state of Wisconsin, noting that he's coached the Davison brothers, as well as Joey Fiala, Jake McCabe, and Ohio State recruit Cliff Wattson among others.

The younger Davison has started to receive NCAA college interest this year from Northern Michigan and Wisconsin, and that will certainly pick up with his invite to the NTDP camp.

Davison Starts WIAA Playoffs Thursday

2013 Wisconsin recruit Tim Davison will start his quest for a WIAA State Championship on Thursday night. The Badger defense recruit and his Notre Dame Academy teammates will host DePere on Thursday night at the Cornerstone arena in Green Bay.

Davison, who is expected to play next season for the Chicago Steel of the USHL has notched 40 points in 24 games for the Tritons in the regular season.

The 5'10, 169 blue-liner is a finalist for the Wisconsin Mr. Hockey award which is handed out annually to the states top prep hockey player.

Bendickson Makes Return To Hockey

Former Badger Aaron Bendickson has made his return to pro hockey with the Gwinnett Gladiators of the ECHL.

Last season in his first year as a pro, Bendickson split his time between Gwinnett of the ECHL and Rochester of the AHL. Bendickson cut his season short to go back to the University of Wisconsin to finish up his degree.

This year saw Bendickson accept a full time job in the Atlanta area basically ending his career as a professional hockey player.

However, Gwinnett decided to make it work around Bendickson's schedule and is allowing him to play on weekends when he can make time. So far this season Aaron has registered 7 points in just 10 games in limited action for the Gladiators.

In his spare time, Bendickson is helping coach in the Atlanta Fire Hockey Association along with former Badger Tom Bardis.

According to a recent article, one of the teams that Bendickson helps coach came out to watch him play for the Gladiators and painted Bendickson across their chests. Pretty cool if you ask me.

Daubenspeck To Drop First Puck Friday

Former Wisconsin goaltender Kirk Daubenspeck, who was critically injured in a car crash a year ago will be on hand at the Kohl Center Friday night for a ceremonial puck drop before the opening faceoff.

Daubenspeck, who is a medical supplies salesman crashed into a semi outside of Madison on an extremely foggy day and was in a coma.

"Dauber" as he's known to fans and former teammates has made a miraculous recovery thanks to the support of his family, friends, and Badger Nation.

Over $100,000 was raised to help offset medial costs.

The Wisconsin State Journal's Andy Baggot wrote a fantastic article the other day chronicling Daubenspeck's journey over the past year.

Bohmbach Gets AHL Cup Of Coffee

Recently, former Badger Andy Bohmbach was called up to the AHL by the Adirondack Phantoms. Bombach was only up for a day and has since been sent back to the ECHL (Trenton Titans).

Bohmbach has recorded one point in 10 AHL games this season, and 36 points (17G, 19A) in 34 games in the ECHL this season.

A native of Hudson, Wisconsin, Bohmbach notched 54 points as a Badger.

Hussey Excelling In Europe

Former Badger Matt Hussey who now plays for the Straubing Tigers in the DEL (German Professional Hockey League) was recently voted the European Player of the Month.

Hussey is the leading goal scorer in the league with 22 goals in 32 games for the Tigers. Hussey has also added 18 assists for 40 total points on the season.

The former Wisconsin forward played parts of three seasons in the NHL before making the move to Europe. Hussey notched 84 points in 151 games during his Badger career.

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