Bucky's 5th Quarter - Kerdiles Will Remain A BadgerWelcome to the unofficial online tavern of the Wisconsin Badgers. Please seat yourself.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47803/buckys-fave.png2013-03-20T23:23:10-05:00http://www.buckys5thquarter.com/rss/stream/32390792013-03-20T23:23:10-05:002013-03-20T23:23:10-05:00Advisor's Mistake Could Cost Badgers NCAA Bid
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<figcaption>Photo Credit: Larry Radloff Photography</figcaption>
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<p>Wisconsin is 18-5-5 with Nic Kerdiles in the lineup, but its 1-7-2 record without him may cost the Badgers a spot in the NCAA tournament.</p> <p>NCAA titles aren't won in the first month of the season, but they can be lost. For Wisconsin, Oct. 8th is a day it will look back upon as the possible difference between the making the NCAA tournament and not.</p>
<p>Of course, that's the day news broke that freshman forward Nic Kerdiles <a href="http://www.buckys5thquarter.com/2012/10/8/3474616/wisconsin-appealing-one-year-suspension-of-freshman-nic-kerdiles-by/in/3239079">would be suspended</a> by the NCAA for one full season for a violation of the NCAA's amateurism code. That suspension was <a href="http://www.buckys5thquarter.com/2012/10/19/3526442/nic-kerdiles-one-year-suspension-reduced-to-games/in/3239079">later reduced</a> to 30 percent of the season, or 10 games after going through the appeals process.</p>
<p>Kerdiles, who hails from Irvine, Calif., was a second-round draft pick of the NHL's <a href="https://www.anaheimcalling.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Anaheim Ducks</a> (No. 36 overall) this past June. The 6-foot-2, 196-pound forward was considered by some to be the top recruit in the country for the upcoming season.</p>
<p>The root of the issue with the NCAA stemmed from the hotels Kerdiles and his family stayed in at the draft. The family had hotels booked on their own, but was later told it could stay in rooms closer to the draft that were booked by family advisor Ian Pulver.</p>
<p>"I didn't know anything about the hotel situation at the draft," Kerdiles told Bucky's 5th Quarter earlier this year. "I was just excited to get to the draft, I wasn't worried about where I was going to be staying, and my parents had arrangements with all that."</p>
<p>"From this process I learned that my parents had a couple of hotel rooms booked near the airport, and we kind of found out that it was a little bit too far away. Our family advisor had some hotel rooms blocked downtown, so we used those rooms and paid for them right after. So, I guess that was an NCAA violation. We paid for them something like five days after the draft, and we intended to the whole time."</p>
<p>The NCAA considered it a loan from an agent, despite the fact that the family had every intention to pay back Pulver -- and it did -- within a matter of days from returning from the draft.</p>
<p>As Kerdiles told us this fall, he was preparing for the biggest weekend of his life, and he wasn't worried about whose name the hotel room was under.</p>
<p>"I'm 18-years-old, I don't make travel arrangements, and it's not my job to do that. So I had no idea about any of this. I was just looking forward to the draft, that's it."</p>
<p>And Kerdiles is right, it's not his fault. The reason that players have advisors is so that they avoid situations like these. This is the fault of Pulver Sports, who gave bad advice to an advisee and his parents.</p>
<p>The role of advisors for amateur players can be confusing, since most advisors are also certified agents. While you're not allowed to have an agent, you can have an advisor. See any problems here?</p>
<p>Bucky's 5th Quarter obtained a hockey-specific memo sent out by former College Hockey, Inc. director Paul Kelly last year while he was still in charge. The memo specifically addresses NCAA rules in regards to agents and advisors:</p>
<blockquote>
<ul>
<li>Young athletes, who I will refer to as prospective student-athletes (PSAs), are not permitted to have agents who market their hockey skills or negotiate with professional teams on their behalf. The definition of a professional team includes major junior teams (NCAA bylaw 12.2.3.2.4).</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>PSAs may not have written or oral agreements with agents. This includes agreements for future representation.</li>
</ul>
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<li>Family members of PSAs are not permitted to have written or oral agreements with agents.</li>
</ul>
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<li>PSAs are not permitted to accept benefits from agents, such as <span style="text-decoration: underline;">money</span>, meals, clothing, hockey equipment, or other things of value.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>PSAs and their families are permitted to have advisors to offer guidance and advice, so long as that advisor does not market his or her client's hockey skills or negotiate with professional teams on behalf of the client.</li>
</ul>
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<li>If a PSA or his family uses the services of an advisor, he must compensate that advisor in an amount equal to the services provided. A modest annual fee is recommended.</li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
<p>This memo was sent to every NCAA hockey team and every advisor. While student athletes and their families may not be aware of all the rules, advisors certainly better know them and are hired for that exact reason. The fact that Pulver blatantly ignored this and still provided a benefit -- despite it being a minor one -- is incredibly irresponsible.</p>
<p>Now, that mistake by Pulver may come back to haunt the Badgers.</p>
<p>Wisconsin currently sits at No. 16 in the PairWise rankings that mimic the formula used by the NCAA to determine the NCAA tournament field. If UW wins all three games this weekend at the Final Five, it will earn the WCHA's automatic-bid to the NCAA tournament. If the Badgers don't earn the auto-bid, they're going to need to rely on help from others to get an at-large bid in the 16-team field.</p>
<p>At this point, it appears Wisconsin is going to need to win at least two games this weekend to even have a chance at earning an at-large bid. If only they had taken care of business earlier this season, maybe they wouldn't have to sweat out the final weekend of the season.</p>
<p>During Kerdiles' 10-game suspension, the Badgers were putrid. They started the season 1-7-2 and looked helpless on offense. Since Kerdiles' return to the lineup, Wisconsin has gone 18-5-5 for a winning percentage of .732.</p>
<p>During Kerdiles' 28 games in the lineup, only four teams in the country -- Quinnipiac, UMass-Lowell, Minnesota and Niagara -- have better winning percentages.</p>
<p>Yet Wisconsin is sweating out the last weekend of the season to see if it will earn a bid in the NCAA tournament.</p>
<p>While the Badgers certainly faced other adversity at the start of the season, including injuries to Derek Lee and Mark Zengerle, Wisconsin's turnaround coincides with the return of Kerdiles to the lineup.</p>
<p>The freshman winger has recorded 26 points in 28 games and has found his name on the scoresheet in 19 of the 28 games he's played.</p>
<p>Kerdiles has also gotten better as the season has worn on. He's currently working on an eight-game scoring streak in which he's registered 12 points. Kerdiles has also recorded points in 14 of his past 16 games and is third on the Badgers in scoring despite the suspension.</p>
<p>Is it fair to assume that the Badgers would be a lock for the NCAA tournament had Pulver not made the mistake which led to Kerdiles' suspension? Possibly not. But there's no way Wisconsin starts the season 1-7-2.</p>
<p>Given the fact that Wisconsin's tournament hopes may come down to one or two games, you have to hope that one mistake by a person whose job it is to make sure these things don't happen doesn't cost the Badgers in the end.</p>
<p><i>For more Wisconsin hockey coverage, follow Andy on Twitter (<b><a href="https://twitter.com/AndyJohnsonB5Q" target="_blank">@AndyJohnsonB5Q</a></b>)</i></p>
<p><i>You can also reach Andy via e-mail (<b>AndyJohnsonB5Q@gmail.com</b>)</i></p>
https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/wisconsin-badgers-mens-hockey/2013/3/20/4130086/advisors-mistake-could-cost-wisconsin-ncaa-tournament-bidAndy Johnson2012-10-29T13:20:36-05:002012-10-29T13:20:36-05:00Kerdiles Sprained MCL on Saturday
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<figcaption>Photo Credit: Jada Jones Kavanagh</figcaption>
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<p>Things go from bad to worse as Mike Eaves says the Wisconsin freshman injured his knee in an exhibition game on Saturday night. </p> <p>If Nic Kerdiles didn't have bad luck, I'm not sure he'd have any luck at all.</p>
<p>Last week, Kerdiles joined his former club, the United States under-18 team to play in a series of exhibition games starting with the University of Minnesota and the University of St. Thomas, a DIII school in Minnesota.</p>
<p>An already frustrating month worsened for the Wisconsin freshman Saturday, as he was banged up in the game vs St. Thomas.</p>
<p>Wisconsin head coach Mike Eaves announced Monday that Kerdiles suffered a Grade 1 MCL injury vs the Tommies.</p>
<p>The good news is the injury won't require surgery.</p>
<p>Eaves noted that he expects Kerdiles back on the ice one week before Wisconsin's series at Denver beginning on Nov. 30. That also happens to be the first week that Kerdiles is eligible to play in games for the Badgers.</p>
<p>Kerdiles is currently serving a 10-game suspension after the NCAA ruled that he violated its amateurism code. Kerdiles' suspension was reduced to 10 games after an initial year-long withholding.</p>
<h4>Eaves Hopeful for Derek Lee on Friday</h4>
<p>Eaves was also asked about the availability of senior center Derek Lee during his weekly press conference Monday. Lee missed the Minnesota-Duluth series after he was involved in a moped accident during Wisconsin's bye week.</p>
<p>Eaves noted that Lee is expected to practice on Monday, and that he's hopeful that Lee will be ready to play Friday night when Wisconsin opens up the Kohl Center vs Colorado College.</p>
<p>Last weekend, freshman Morgan Zulinick played in Lee's spot on the second line on Friday and Keegan Meuer took his turn on Saturday.</p>
<p>Lee is also the quarterback of Wisconsin's power-play, a spot that is arguably the most important on the entire unit. Junior defenseman Frankie Simonelli filled in admirably for Lee, but the Badgers will be happy to get the British Columbia native back as soon as possible.</p>
<p>--</p>
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https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/2012/10/29/3572190/kerdiles-suffers-grade-1-mcl-injury-saturday-nightAndy Johnson2012-10-22T18:02:16-05:002012-10-22T18:02:16-05:00Kerdiles Announces He's Staying At Wisconsin
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<img alt="Nic Kerdiles speaks at a press conference Monday to annouce his plans to stay at UW" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/286V4BXaNebr_9GEMOwwdXL_MPo=/11x7:816x544/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/1820123/kerdiles3.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Nic Kerdiles speaks at a press conference Monday to annouce his plans to stay at UW</figcaption>
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<p>The NCAA reduced Nic Kerdiles' one-year suspension to 10 games, and everyone can finally move forward. </p> <p>Wisconsin hockey fans received the news they were hoping for Monday, as freshman Nic Kerdiles announced that he would be staying in Madison to play hockey for the Badgers.</p>
<p>Calling it "one of the most difficult experiences of my life," Kerdiles announced his decision to local media Monday afternoon.</p>
<p>"I truly believe that I am meant to be here and meant to continue pursuing my ultimate goal of playing in the NHL. I'm so glad to be able to call myself a Badger," Kerdiles said in a prepared statement.</p>
<p>The blue-chip left winger was initially declared ineligible for a full season on October 5th after the NCAA ruled he had violated his amateur status. That suspension was reduced to 10 games on Friday after an appeal by the university on Kerdiles' behalf.</p>
<p>Sources confirmed to Bucky's 5th Quarter that the investigation started after photos from various social media platforms surfaced involving Kerdiles and advisors from Pulver Sports.</p>
<p>Chris Peters from the <a target="_blank" href="http://unitedstatesofhockey.com/2012/10/18/new-details-emerge-in-kerdiles-eligibility-situation/">United States of Hockey</a> blog shed some more light on the violation in question last week, as his sources believe that Kerdiles may have unintentionally received an improper benefit at the NHL Draft.</p>
<p>Peters reported that while at the NHL Draft, Kerdiles stayed in a hotel room that had initially been paid for by Pulver Sports. The Kerdiles family eventually repaid Pulver for the room.</p>
<p>Kerdiles, who hails from Irvine, Calif., was a second-round draft pick of the NHL's <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.anaheimcalling.com/">Anaheim Ducks</a> (No. 36 overall) this past June. The 6-foot-2, 196-pound forward was considered by some to be the top recruit in the country for the upcoming season.</p>
<p>Even after the announcement that Kerdiles' suspension had been reduced, many still figured that he would be leaving campus. Kerdiles' WHL rights are owned by the Kelowna Rockets, where he could go and be eligible to play immediately.</p>
<p>However, when asked if there was every any doubt on if he would stay, Kerdiles didn't hesitate.</p>
<p>"I'll be honest with you, no, there was never a doubt," Kerdiles said with a big grin. "This campus is amazing. The facilities unbelievable. Great coaching staff, great teammates."</p>
<p>"It was really an easy decision for my family and I."</p>
<p>A hockey locker room is something that can't be explained with words. If you've never been in one, it's hard to explain the social bond that is held between teammates. Kerdiles spoke about that this afternoon.</p>
<p>"I've got a great group of teammates," Kerdiles added. "They've been behind me since day one that this thing has been blowing up. That's what made my decision a lot easier."</p>
<p>"Great group of guys. They've had my back the whole time."</p>
<p>Throughout the press conference Monday, Kerdiles displayed professionalism and maturity rarely shown for a kid of his age. Wisconsin head coach Mike Eaves attributed much of it to his upbringing.</p>
<p>"Every once in a while, you have a true freshman come in who is beyond his years in emotional and mental state, and Nic is one of those young people," Eaves said. "I think it speaks to his upbringing with his mom and dad."</p>
<p>"This has been difficult for them, as well, to understand. But they've kept cool heads. And the upbringing that Nic has had has certainly helped him get through these tough times, no question about that."</p>
<p>Eaves called Kerdiles an impact player, and noted that he'll make a difference to the lineup when he eventually returns.</p>
<p>Unfortunately for Eaves and the Badgers, UW will be without the services of Kerdiles during four WCHA league series. Kerdiles will miss two games each versus Minnesota-Duluth, Colorado College, Minnesota and Minnesota State.</p>
<p>The blue-chip left wing sat out two games against Northern Michigan last weekend and will be eligible for his first game action on the road at Denver.</p>
<p>With WCHA and NCAA playoffs as well as the World Junior Championship, Kerdiles is still expected to play upward of 35-40 games this season.</p>
<p>Kerdiles noted that he can't wait for his first game.</p>
<p>"I'm just looking forward to getting back on that ice and rejoining my teammates," he said. "That's going to be November 30th."</p>
<p>"I promise you, I have that date circled on my calendar right now."</p>
<p><b>Kerdiles' official statement:</b></p>
<blockquote>
<p>I'd like to make a statement here. Dealing with the unexpected questions and controversy surrounding my NCAA eligibility has been one of the most difficult experiences of my life. I still do not understand everything that has happened to me in this process or why it has happened at all. But I appreciate the support of my teammates, coaches, and the university have shown me through this ordeal. The NCAA appeal decision which reduced the withholding penalty assessed against me allows me to move forward with my character, reputation, and integrity intact. While I'm still disappointed and frustrated that any penalty was imposed, I have considered my options carefully and do not wish to create a continuing distraction for my team or prolong this matter further. My goal is not to turn this situation into any kind of adversity that my team would have to overcome. Therefore, I'm choosing to move forward, put all my energy and focus into being the best student-athlete I can be, and prepare myself to rejoin my teammates competing on the ice as soon as possible. Growing up in California and playing youth hockey, I always looked up to the older players from the area. Most signed to play in the major junior league up north, the WHL, but many made commitments to college. Those guys like Brett Bebe, <span>Garrett Haar</span>, Troy Power, and <span>Rocco Grimaldi</span>, to name a few, showed my family and me another option, a chance to play high level hockey and still continue with earning a degree. That is why I'm here at Wisconsin, to be the best student-athlete I can be, and to work toward my degree at an amazing university. It is my turn to be a role model for young hockey players in California and the West Coast. I take that responsibility very seriously and would be devastated to see any of them change their path from college route to junior just because of the adversity I faced as a student-athlete. I still want to be that role model for California and West Coast hockey players. I want them to consider and understand going the college route. I will pursue that goal by staying here at the University of Wisconsin. By serving a penalty that remains enormously difficult to accept and by representing my university as a true student-athlete. I've loved every second of my first couple of months here, even with all of this stuff going on. I truly believe that I am meant to be here and meant to continue pursuing my ultimate goal of playing in the NHL. I'm so glad to be able to call myself a Badger and to continue doing so. I want to thank my teammates, coaches, and university staff for all their assistance and support, and I look forward to seeing you on the ice very soon. Thank you.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>--</p>
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https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/2012/10/22/3539336/kerdiles-announces-hes-staying-at-wisconsinAndy Johnson2012-10-21T10:12:10-05:002012-10-21T10:12:10-05:00Anaheim Ducks Exec Expects Kerdiles to Stay at UW
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<figcaption>Photo Credit: Jada Jones Kavanagh</figcaption>
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<p>Anaheim Ducks Senior VP David McNab says that it's Anaheim's choice -- and Nic Kerdiles' choice -- for the blue-chip recruit to stay at Wisconsin during his suspension. </p> <p>Since Friday's announcement of the NCAA reducing the suspension of Wisconsin freshman Nic Kerdiles from one-year to 10 games, neither Kerdiles nor the university has made a public announcement about where Kerdiles will play hockey this season.</p>
<p>Kerdiles was with his teammates at the opening of LaBahn Arena Friday night and also when they were announced on the field at Camp Randall Stadium Saturday afternoon during the Badgers' 38-13 thrashing of Minnesota.</p>
<p>The only public statement came immediately after the announcement from Walter Dickey, Wisconsin's Senior Associate Athletic Director for Regulatory Affairs, who handled the appeal on behalf of the University of Wisconsin.</p>
<p>"Nic is currently exploring his options which we have encouraged him to do. Our hope is that he remains a Badger," Dickey said.</p>
<p>Kerdiles' WHL rights are owned by the Kelowna Rockets, where he could go and play immediately.</p>
<p>While neither Kerdiles nor the university will speak on the topic, his future employer weighed in on the subject over the weekend.</p>
<p>According to a <a target="_blank" href="http://host.madison.com/sports/college/hockey/badgers-men-s-hockey-suspended-phenom-nic-kerdiles-to-stay/article_72963d70-1b04-11e2-988e-0019bb2963f4.html">report</a> in the Wisconsin State Journal Sunday morning, Anaheim Ducks Senior VP David McNab said that both Kerdiles and the Ducks believe he should stick things out in Madison.</p>
<p>"I know what Nic's choice is. Nic's choice is obviously to stay at Wisconsin," McNab told the State Journal. "Our choice is that he stays at Wisconsin."</p>
<p>Kerdiles, who hails from Irvine, Calif., was a second-round draft pick of the NHL's <a href="https://www.anaheimcalling.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Anaheim Ducks</a> (No. 36 overall) this past June. The 6-foot-2, 196-pound forward was considered by some to be the top recruit in the country for the upcoming season.</p>
<p>Unfortunately for Mike Eaves and the Badgers, UW will be without the services of Kerdiles during four WCHA league series. Kerdiles will miss two games each versus Minnesota-Duluth, Colorado College, Minnesota and Minnesota State.</p>
<p>The blue-chip left wing sat out two games against Northern Michigan last weekend and will be eligible to play beginning Nov. 30 at Denver.</p>
<p>With WCHA and NCAA playoffs as well as the World Junior Championship, Kerdiles is still expected to play upward of 35-40 games this season.</p>
<p>Eaves has noted on multiple occasions over the past few weeks that Kerdiles has handled this situation as well as any 18-year-old could, given the circumstances.</p>
<p>Given his decision to stick things out in Madison despite the injustice served by the NCAA only confirms Eaves assessment of his young forward.</p>
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https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/2012/10/21/3533550/anaheim-ducks-exec-expects-kerdiles-to-stay-at-wisconsinAndy Johnson2012-10-19T19:52:00-05:002012-10-19T19:52:00-05:00Kerdiles' Suspension Reduced To 30%
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<figcaption>Bruce Bennett</figcaption>
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<p>Blue-chip freshman Nic Kerdiles saw his one-year suspension reduced to 30 percent of the season after an appeal by the university. </p> <p><b><i>7:52 p.m. CT: Updated with Kerdiles' return date and UW's statement</i></b></p>
<p>The University of Wisconsin men's hockey team received positive news Friday afternoon, as it was informed that the NCAA's one-year suspension of Nic Kerdiles has been reduced to 30 percent of the season.</p>
<p>The Badgers have a 36-game schedule, and 30 percent consists of 10 regular-season games. Kerdiles sat out two games against Northern Michigan last weekend and will be eligible to play beginning Nov. 30 at Denver.</p>
<p>Five members of the NCAA reinstatement committee listened to UW's appeal on behalf of the blue-chip winger on Thursday. The appeal started at 1:30 p.m. CT, and stretched into the late afternoon.</p>
<p>Senior Associate AD Walter Dickey and Compliance Director Katie Smith led Wisconsin's contingent at the hearing.</p>
<p>"While we recognize the significant nature of a reduction in penalty from a full season withholding to 30 percent, we are dismayed that any penalty whatsoever was imposed on Nic Kerdiles in this matter," Dickey said <a href="http://www.uwbadgers.com/sports/m-hockey/spec-rel/101912aad.html">in a statement</a>. "We remain confident that the facts demonstrate Nic had no culpability. The facts serve as evidence that he has the kind of character we believed he had when he was first recruited. Throughout this ordeal, Nic has demonstrated nothing but poise and integrity consistent with the outstanding student-athlete we know he is.</p>
<p>"Nic is currently exploring his options which we have encouraged him to do. Our hope is that he remains a Badger."</p>
<p>The NCAA's decision came in the mid-afternoon on Friday. Kerdiles met with his family via conference call to discuss his options. Kerdiles' WHL rights are owned by the Kelowna Rockets, where he could go and play immediately.</p>
<p>Kerdiles, who hails from Irvine, Calif., was a second-round draft pick of the NHL's <a href="https://www.anaheimcalling.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Anaheim Ducks</a> (#36 overall) this past June. The 6-foot-2, 196-pound forward was considered by some to be the top recruit in the country for the upcoming season.</p>
<p>The freshman winger was set to make an immediate impact for the Badgers this season. Before the news of his suspension broke, Kerdiles was playing on Wisconsin's top line with leading returning scorer Mark Zengerle and Tyler Barnes.</p>
<p>News first broke that Kerdiles was involved in an NCAA investigation on October 6th when he was mysteriously absent from the lineup during Wisconsin's exhibition game vs the U.S. Under-18 team.</p>
<p>Shortly after the initial story broke, sources confirmed to Bucky's 5th Quarter that the investigation started after photos from various social media platforms surfaced involving Kerdiles and advisors from Pulver Sports.</p>
<p>Pulver Sports is a full-scale sports agency that specializes in the representation of hockey players. The agency is run by Ian Pulver, and some of its clients include <span>Tyler Seguin</span>, <span>Nail Yakupov</span> and <span>Alex Galchenyuk</span>.</p>
<p>One photo showed Kerdiles out to dinner at the NHL Draft combine with agents from Pulver Sports, as well as some of their clients. A second photo that was tweeted out from Pulver's Twitter account showed Kerdiles holding a product from BioSteel sports. That could considered product promotion, which is against NCAA rules.</p>
<p>However, Chris Peters from the <a href="http://unitedstatesofhockey.com/2012/10/18/new-details-emerge-in-kerdiles-eligibility-situation/" target="_blank">United States of Hockey</a> blog shed some more light on the story on Thursday, as his sources believe that Kerdiles may have unintentionally received an improper benefit at the NHL Draft.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"Apparently, Kerdiles stayed in a hotel room the night of the NHL Entry Draft that was part of a block paid for by a credit card owned by family advisor and certified NHL player agent Ian Pulver. According to the source, though the Kerdiles family eventually repaid Pulver, apparently enough time had lapsed prior to repayment leading the NCAA to view this as a loan from an agent and therefore an improper benefit."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Sources told Bucky's 5th Quarter on Thursday night that while Pulver did at first pay for the hotels, there were extenuating circumstances that led to that. We were also told that the Kerdiles family paid for the hotels immediately after the fact.</p>
<p>The transgressions in question seem to be incredibly miniscule compared to the punishment of a one-year suspension that was initially levied by the NCAA.</p>
<p>Ten games is still a large chunk of the season, but everyone involved is certainly happy that they can finally move on.</p>
<p>After a weekend off, the Badgers will be back in action next weekend when they travel to Duluth to take on the Bulldogs.</p>
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https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/2012/10/19/3526442/nic-kerdiles-one-year-suspension-reduced-to-gamesAndy Johnson2012-10-18T21:24:03-05:002012-10-18T21:24:03-05:00No Kerdiles Decision Thursday
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<p>Twelve days after news broke that Wisconsin freshman Nic Kerdiles was dealing with an NCAA eligibility issue, the University of Wisconsin was able to present its case to the appeals board.</p>
<p>Kerdiles' suspension -- one full season with no hockey at the NCAA level -- is considered by most experts to be beyond excessive.</p>
<p>Five members of the NCAA reinstatement committee listened to UW's appeal on behalf of the blue-chip winger on Thursday. The appeal started at 1:30 p.m. CT, and stretched into the late afternoon. No decision will be made on Thursday, and it's not clear at this point if a final decision will be made on Friday, either.</p>
<p>Chris Peters from the United States of Hockey blog <a href="http://unitedstatesofhockey.com/2012/10/18/new-details-emerge-in-kerdiles-eligibility-situation/" target="_blank">broke the news</a> earlier Thursday of the transgression in question. While the NCAA's probe into Kerdiles started with pictures on social media, its concern revolved around hotel rooms at the NHL Draft.</p>
<p>According to Peter's report:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"Apparently, Kerdiles stayed in a hotel room the night of the NHL Entry Draft that was part of a block paid for by a credit card owned by family advisor and certified NHL player agent Ian Pulver. According to the source, though the Kerdiles family eventually repaid Pulver, apparently enough time had lapsed prior to repayment leading the NCAA to view this as a loan from an agent and therefore an improper benefit."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>I'm told that while Pulver did at first pay for the hotels, there are extenuating circumstances that led to that. I'm also told that the Kerdiles family paid for the hotels immediately after the fact.</p>
<p>People with knowledge of Thursday's proceedings have indicated that Wisconsin feels confident in the case it presented to the reinstatement committee. I think at minimum, Kerdiles' suspension will be reduced.</p>
<p>How far will Kerdiles' suspension have to be reduced for him to stay at Wisconsin? Fairly significantly, from what I've been told.</p>
<p>Kerdiles, who was a second-round NHL Draft pick of the <a href="https://www.anaheimcalling.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Anaheim Ducks</a>, already sat out two games last weekend that should count if his suspension is reduced. That said, if Kerdiles' suspension lasts any longer than six total games, it would be hard to see him sticking around in Madison.</p>
<p>We'll have more updates as information becomes available.</p>
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https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/wisconsin-badgers-mens-hockey/2012/10/18/3524244/no-kerdiles-decision-thursdayAndy Johnson2012-10-18T15:20:56-05:002012-10-18T15:20:56-05:00More Details Emerge In Kerdiles NCAA Probe
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<figcaption>Jamie Sabau</figcaption>
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<p>As I write this article, the NCAA is currently hearing Wisconsin's appeal of a one-year suspension for blue-chip freshman Nic Kerdiles. The appeal will wrap up sometime this afternoon, with a decision expected by Friday at the latest.</p>
<p>Up to this point, all we knew was the NCAA probe started due to pictures posted via social media that involved Kerdiles, and his family advisors from Pulver Sports.</p>
<p>Chris Peters from the United States of Hockey blog shed some more light on the story today, as his sources believe that Kerdiles may have unintentionally received an improper benefit.</p>
<p>According to the <a href="http://unitedstatesofhockey.com/2012/10/18/new-details-emerge-in-kerdiles-eligibility-situation/" target="_blank">report</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"Apparently, Kerdiles stayed in a hotel room the night of the NHL Entry Draft that was part of a block paid for by a credit card owned by family advisor and certified NHL player agent Ian Pulver. According to the source, though the Kerdiles family eventually repaid Pulver, apparently enough time had lapsed prior to repayment leading the NCAA to view this as a loan from an agent and therefore an improper benefit."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Peters quotes the NCAA rule "12.3.1.2 Benefits from Prospective Agents."</p>
<blockquote>
<p>An individual shall be ineligible per Bylaw 12.3.1 if he or she(or his or her relatives or friends) accepts transportation or other benefits from:<br> (Revised: 1/14/97)</p>
<p><br> (a) Any person who represents any individual in the marketing of his or her athletics ability. The receipt of such expenses constitutes compensation based on athletics skill and is an extra benefit not available to the student body in general.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>As Peters points out in his article, a loan would be considered an improper benefit, although the NCAA rulebook doesn't go into detail on the rules of what actually constitutes a loan.</p>
<p>The more and more that starts to come out about this case makes me feel less and less sympathetic for Pulver Sports. How incredibly irresponsible is it for them to knowingly book these hotel rooms for a kid they know is going to be playing NCAA hockey?</p>
<p>Regardless of the outcome of the appeal, they owe everyone associated with Wisconsin hockey a sincere apology, and that includes the fans.</p>
<p>I'm told that Wisconsin still feels like it has a great case against the NCAA and is working to get this thing taken care of. The appeal started at 1:30 and, as far as we know, is still taking place.</p>
<p>We'll have more updates as details emerge.</p>
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https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/2012/10/18/3522658/more-details-emerge-in-kerdiles-ncaa-probeAndy Johnson2012-10-12T00:00:50-05:002012-10-12T00:00:50-05:00Kerdiles' Appeal To Be Heard October 18th
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<p>Just a brief update for you tonight on the Nic Kerdiles situation. Wisconsin's appeal of the one-year suspension handed out by the NCAA was supposed to be heard today (Thursday). However, that appeal has been pushed back one week from today to October 18th.</p>
<p>Obviously everyone in the Wisconsin camp is frustrated by the appeal being pushed back one week, as the Badgers open up their season this weekend with a two-game series vs Northern Michigan. Kerdiles will not be eligible to play until the appeal is heard.</p>
<p>In an <a target="_blank" href="http://host.madison.com/sports/blog/badgers-hockey-kerdiles-appeal-to-be-heard-oct/article_534fe474-13e9-11e2-9c59-001a4bcf887a.html">update</a> from the Wisconsin State Journal today, Andy Baggot notes that Wisconsin officials will make their appeal to the five-member NCAA reinstatement committee via teleconference. According to the report, the committee will then deliberate and vote, with the majority deciding the outcome.</p>
<p>I was told today that Kerdiles has taken the news very hard as expected, and Baggot notes that Kerdiles sat out practice Thursday for the third day in the row with persistent headaches.</p>
<p>After this weekend the Badgers don't play again until October 26th at Minnesota-Duluth. A decision on the appeal will be reached well in advance of that series. Eaves confirmed today that Kerdiles plans to stay at Wisconsin until a decision is reached.</p>
<p>Public outcry in support of Kerdiles has been overwhelming this week. Even reporters who cover Major Junior hockey in Canada have come out publicly in their support of the Wisconsin freshman.</p>
<p>From every available piece of evidence out there publicly, and off the record, Kerdiles' punishment seems so over the top it makes me sick. Let's hope the five members who will be hearing this appeal understand that they are dealing with peoples lives.</p>
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https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/wisconsin-badgers-mens-hockey/2012/10/12/3492230/kerdiles-appeal-to-be-heard-thursday-october-18thAndy Johnson