June 9, 2010

Clarkson Announces Class of 2014

Clarkson University Head Hockey Coach George Roll has announced that eight student-athletes will make up the Golden Knights’ Class of 2014. Roll, associate coach Greg Drechsel and assistant coach Chris Rogles have put together a promising class consisting of five forwards and three defensemen. The incoming freshmen are Alex Boak, Will Fredericks, Chase Fuchs, Mike Garlasco, Allan McPherson, David Pratt, Ben Sexton and Matt Zarbo.

“Well, first and foremost as a class I think they are a pretty highly competitive group," stated Roll. "I think we’ve added some skill players and some guys that bring us some grit and toughness, an area that we need to improve on. Certainly, we needed to add that to the mix. With the injuries we have had over the past couple years, there hasn’t been a lot of competition for spots. I think bringing in not only the quality but the quantity of this class allows us to have a much more competitive environment. I think these guys will push the veterans for playing time, not only in game conditions but day in and day out in practice.”
Below is an alphabetical list of Clarkson’s recruits with their 2009-10 statistics and a quote from Coach Roll:

Alex Boak:
Defenseman
Ht: 6-2, Wt: 210
D.O.B: September 29, 1989
Hometown: Norwood, NY
Previous Team: Brockville Braves (CJHL)
Notes: Played for CJHL’s Team East All-Star squad … Named Brockville’s Most Improved Player and Top Defenseman in 2010 … Tallied 33 points, including 28 assists through 57 games.

“Alex had a really good year with Brockville and really came on in the second half of the season, playing for former NHLer Todd Gill. He not only got Most Improved Player, but he was named Best Defenseman for a team that made it to the Royal Bank Cup, which is the Junior Championships in Canada for Tier II. He comes in as an older guy that has always dreamed of playing here at Clarkson. We are really excited that Alex is continuing his playing career here. He is a very competitive kid, is physical, and keeps the game simple."
 

Will Fredericks:
Forward
Ht: 6-2, Wt: 209
D.O.B: February 3, 1989
Hometown: Allison Park, PA
Previous Team: Jersey Hitmen (EJHL)
Notes: Recorded 57 points on 19 goals and 38 assists through 45 games.

“Will is a big, strong kid, more of a power forward who will play a physical game for us. He has real good hands and a nice touch around the net. He is strong below the tops of the circles and goes to the net with a purpose. He is an older player that should be able to step in and make an immediate impact for our program. Will has a high-upside, and he will provide a physical presence for us at both ends of the ice.” 


 Chase Fuchs:
Defense
Ht: 5-11, Wt: 180
D.O.B: August 20, 1990
Hometown: Severna Park, MD
Previous Team: Syracuse Stars (EJHL)
Notes: Recorded four goals and 12 assists for 16 points through 40 games

“Chase is a walk-on candidate from the Syracuse Stars. He is a kid who has worked extremely hard to get where he’s at, and he will get every opportunity to make our club this year. From all indications, Chase is a very competitive, extremely hard-working young man, and he really wants to come in here and make a name for himself and see if he can get on our roster.”

Mike Garlasco:
Forward
Ht: 5-11, Wt: 185
D.O.B: April 2, 1990
Hometown: Mahwah, NJ
Previous Team: NY Apple Core (EJHL)
Notes: Played in 42 games, recording 38 points, including 27 assists.

“Mike is a very hard working kid who skates very well. He is tenacious down low and shows a willingness to go to the net. He gives us some speed on the wing and is also a competitive player who works extremely hard. I think Mike give us some depth on the wing and should push for playing time.” 

Allan McPherson:
Center
Ht: 5-10, Wt: 170
D.O.B: April 8, 1991
Hometown: Kinburn, ONT
Previous Team: Kanata Stallions (CJHL)
Notes: Among the top five scorers in the CJHL with 103 points on 40 goals and 63 assists through 56 games … A 2010 CJHL All-Star.

“Allan was one of the top scorers in the Central Junior League and really had a breakout year. He is a potential NHL draft choice this summer. He not only adds scoring punch but he certainly is a very competitive kid. Allan adds speed and quickness to our lineup and has the potential to step in here and contribute offensively. He also provides us with that competitive edge that we need.”

David Pratt:
Defense
Ht: 6-0, Wt: 185
D.O.B: June 12, 1991
Hometown: Napanee, ONT
Previous Team: NY Wellington Dukes (CCHL)
Notes: A CCHL All-Star … Posted 19 points (2-17) and a +19 through 41 games.

“David has had a real good career and has made numerous all-star teams. He comes in as a guy who can step into our lineup and make an immediate impact. He shoots the puck extremely well and makes a very good first pass. He keeps the game simple and is very solid in his own end. David played major minutes for Wellington the past two years and was a stalwart on defense.” 

Ben Sexton:
Forward
Ht: 6-0  Wt: 193
D.O.B: June 6, 1991
Hometown: Kanata, ONT
Previous Team: Penticton Vees (BCHL)

Notes: A 2009 NHL Draft Choice of the Boston Bruins (7th round, 206 overall) … Recorded 13 goals and 29 assists for 42 points in 50 games … Father Randy, who served as General Manager for the Florida Panthers, played at St. Lawrence (1978-82) and earned Masters Degree from Clarkson

“Ben moved from the Central League out to the BCHL and really had a strong year. Ben is one of those guys you want on your team; he provides strong leadership, is a competitor game-in and game-out, practice-in and practice-out, and works extremely hard. He competes for every loose puck and plays on the edge, and really provides us with a competitive level. Obviously, being a Boston Bruins draft choice, he is bringing some credentials to the program. Ben is going to make an immediate impact for us.” 


Matt Zarbo:
Center
Ht: 6-1  Wt: 190
D.O.B: May 7, 1990
Hometown: Grand Island, NY
Previous Team: Sioux Falls Stampede (USHL)
Notes: Tallied 22 goals and 19 assists for 41 points through 58 games.

“Matt had a solid year in the USHL. Twenty-two goals in that league is a very solid season. He was relied on to be a penalty-killer in power-play situations and I think his play has grown out there in that league, and he should be able to step in here and make an immediate impact. We have struggled on draws for the past year or two and Matt is a big faceoff guy who can provide a role for us in terms of winning draws. He should be a solid two-way player for us.”

*All signings are contingent upon admission to Clarkson University and compliance with NCAA rules, including certification by the NCAA Clearinghouse.