Weekly Recruiting Update – 9/26/12

The USHL wrapped up preseason play this past weekend and here’s how all of Michigan’s commits fared:

TYLER MOTTE (U.S. NTDP U18 TEAM)
Motte is back in a familiar place with the NTDP—atop the points list.  Though he struggled down the stretch last season and lost his points lead with the Under-17 Team, Motte appears to be back in his groove with two goals, three assists, and a plus-four rating in four preseason games.  His five points tied him for the team lead and was tied for fifth among all USHL players in preseason action.  The always knowledgeable Chris Peters said of Motte, “When at his best, he’s a dynamic talent.”

J.T. COMPHER (U.S. NTDP U18 TEAM)
Compher finished the preseason with two goals, one assist, and a plus-three rating in four games.  His three points tied him with several players for third on the team.  Compher is Michigan’s highest rated commitment and considered a first round draft pick at next summer’s NHL Entry Draft.

EVAN ALLEN (U.S. NTDP U18 TEAM)
Allen had two goals and a plus-one rating in four games.  Known for his shot, he also led the NTDP with at least 13 shots on goal during the preseason.  I say at least because Allen scored in the opening game against Sioux Falls, but according to the box score he didn’t register a shot on goal.  That can’t be right.

DYLAN LARKIN (U.S. NTDP U17 TEAM)
Larkin saw action in one preseason game with the NTDP Under-17 Team and had no points and one shot on goal.

MICHAEL DOWNING (DUBUQUE – USHL)
Downing saw action in three preseason games and posted no points, a +1 rating, and 16 penalty minutes.  But he left the third game against Tri-City after suffering a shoulder bruise and sat the last two games for precautionary reasons.  The Fighting Saints open the season against Tri-City Friday night.  You think he’s going to be back in the line up looking for a little payback?  Uh huh.

Michael was also a guest on The Pipeline Show with Dean Millard and Guy Flaming this past weekend.  You can check out the segment here.

In more Downing news, Michael’s older brother Jake was traded from Dubuque to Sioux Falls, and Michael didn’t appear to agree with the move…

Never been through anything this hard before. Think its a huge mistake. Thank you to all my friends and family for being here for me + Jake

— Michael Downing (@M_Downing4) September 22, 2012

ALEX KILE (GREEN BAY – USHL)
Kile recorded a goal and assist in three preseason games with the defending USHL champions the Green Bay Gamblers.

MAX SHUART (MUSKEGON – USHL)
Not a great preseason statistically for Shuart, who had no points and tied for a team-worst minus-four rating in four games.  Muskegon finished last place in their division last season and was one of the most offensively challenged teams in the league.  Hope this isn’t a sign of things to come again for the Lumberjacks this season.

ALEX TALCOTT (MUSKEGON INDIANA – USHL)
Talcott had one assist and a minus-one rating in four preseason games with Muskegon.  But a few hours ago he posted on Twitter that he was heading to Indianapolis to play with the Indiana Ice, so it appears he just got traded.

BRYSON CIANFRONE (CEDAR RAPIDS – USHL)
After making the trek from Ontario to Cedar Rapids, Cianfrone managed to hit the ice for the RoughRiders last preseason game.  He had no points and a plus-one rating in the game.

KYLE CONNOR (YOUNGSTOWN – USHL)
One of two ’96-born players on Youngstown’s roster and the youngest player on the team, Connor saw action in all five preseason games and had no points and a minus-one rating along with four shots on goal.  Considering his youth, don’t expect eye popping numbers this season.  Kyle is currently tabbed a 2015 recruit.

SPENCER HYMAN (HAMILTON – OJHL)
“The Bus” has two assists and four penalty minutes in five games with Hamilton this season.  The Red Wings unfortunately have not won a game yet this season, with five losses and a shootout loss to boot.  They sit in last place in the West Division with one point.

DEXTER DANCS (PENTICTON – BCHL)
Dancs scored his first career BCHL goal in the Vees 5-3 win over West Kelowna on September 22.  He also had an assist in the first game of the season, so two points in six games.  The Vees are the defending RBC Cup champions and are ranked #1 in the inaugural Canadian Junior Hockey League Top 20 poll released this past Monday.