Okay, I'm a newbie who is usually on Hockey3. But since I began working at Notre Dame I've started following the Fighting Irish, as well as Fredonia State. I'm not sure if anyone has posted their respective school's recruits, or even if they know them. College football makes as big a deal over incoming freshman as ESPN does with the NFL draft. So, I figured that maybe college hockey teams may hype their freshmen a little. That being said, here's the list of Notre Dame recruits to begin play this fall in the JACC. Dave Poulin chose quality over quantity, and went after speed. Each one of these players was highly sought after by the heavies: Minnesota, Lake Superior, BU, Maine and Colorado College. One defenseman was reportedly NHL bound in two years. He was the top NHL draft pick from his junior conference. The picks are: Forwards: Troy Bagne Moorhead, Minn 6', 180 Moorhead, HS Joe Dusbabek Minnetonka, Minn 6'1", 195 Minnetonka, HS Ben Simon Shaker Heights,OH 6', 175 Cleveland Jr. Barons, NAJHL Defensemen: Tyson Fraser Surrey, BC 5'11", 180 Royal City Outlaws Nathan Borega Wasilla, Alaska 6'2", 215 Vernon Vipers Sean Molina Skokie, IL 6'1, 180 Dubuque Jr., USJHL If these names have already been posted, then ignore this post. The two names to watch are: Ben Simon and Tyson Fraser. Simon is a speedster, with excellent acceleration and vision. He can escape traffic with good moves and quick feet. Fraser I'm not sure about outside of hearing the NHL picked him, and he is reported to have NHL quickness. The Irish needed speed badly. Poulin was at the NCAA Tournament this year and was impressed with Perrin and St. Louis of Vermont. He made a commitment to improve the skating of this club and bring in that kind of speed. With the loss of Jamie Ling, Poulin sought another gifted playmaker and got Simon. His defensive corps will be much improved with these three who are expected to make an immediate impact. With many returning players, especially goalie Matt Eisler, and forwards Tim Harberts, Steve Noble, Aniket Dhadphale and Brian Urick, the Fighting Irish appear good on paper. Let's see if they can turn it up a notch this season and rise in the CCHA standings. They have student, community support, a seasoned new coach and a Canadian Athletic Director. Could the tide be changing in South Bend? John-Andrew Murphy Fredonia State 1993 SUNYAC Champions: 1994,1995 NCAA DIII Tournament: 3rd Place, 1994 2nd Place, 1995 Record from 1994-1995: 55-5-8 HOCKEY-L is for discussion of college ice hockey; send information to [log in to unmask], The College Hockey Information List.