Help wanted

Writer wanted: Unfortunately I have too many projects right now and haven't been able to maintain this site properly. I apologize to those of you who frequent Maverick Hockey Recruits looking for updates.

I still plan to maintain the blog when possible. I'll try to keep the sidebar up-to-date with new recruits and do write-ups on any recruits I see play.

However, it would be nice to have some additional content put in place on the site. If you're interested in contributing, please send an email to (msurecruits at gmail.com -- use subject: Blog Contributor) along with a few writing samples, if possible. Additionally, let me know why you're interested in helping contribute.

As always, thanks for reading.

Brett Knowles to MSU

Vanderhoof, British Columbia native Brett Knowles became the second player from the Salmon Arm Silverbacks to commit to Minnesota State for the 2012-13 season.

Knowles recently wrapped up his second full-season of competition in the British Columbia Hockey League and was recognized by the Silverbacks for his work ethic, earning the Most-Dedicated Award at the year-end banquet. Knowles, a '91 birthdate, finished with 58 points (30 goals) in 57 games this season.

Listed as a 5-foot-11, 176-pound forward -- who shoots left -- Knowles had a breakout year in 2010-11. Last season, 2009-10, he tallied just 16 points in 41 games. The year prior, 2008-09, he played in a total of seven games for the Silverbacks. 

Looking at Knowles' breakout season this year, he should be a good fit for the Mavericks. He can clearly score goals -- at least at the BCHL level -- and it will be nice for him to have a teammate (Bryce Gervais) making the trip to Mankato as well.

Gervais commits to MSU

Canadian Bryce Gervais has committed to play hockey for Minnesota State, per Chris Heisenberg.

Gervais, a 5-foot-10, 150-pound forward, is slated to join the Mavericks for the 2012-13 season. He currently plays in the British Columbia Hockey League for the Salmon Arm Silverbacks -- where he has logged 51 points (29 goals) in 58 games.

Last season, Gervais played for the Prince Albert Mintos of the SMHL, compiling 36 goals and 34 assists for 70 points in 43 games. He is a '92 birthdate from Battleford, Saskatchewan.

Stephon Williams commits to Minnesota State

Just a few days after Minnesota State received a commitment from defenseman Mat Knoll, it picked up another as goalie Stephon Williams committed to play for the Mavericks on Monday, according to Chris Heisenberg.

Williams, a 17-year-old '93 birthdate, appears to be an extremely solid find for MSU. The young netminder currently plays in the United States Hockey League for the Sioux Falls Stampede.

In 23 games played, the Alaska native has gone 14-3 with a .915 save-percentage, allowing just 2.37 goals over that stretch. Williams tallied a 7-1 record, in January, while only allowing one goal in five of those games -- all of which turned into wins for the Stampede. The lone loss occurred in a 5-4 overtime heartbreaker in Sioux City on January 4.

The 6-foot-1, 188-pound, standout is ranked No. 32 among North American goalies by NHL Central Scouting, according to the 2011 Mid-Term Report.

I haven't had the opportunity to see him play, but I'm hoping to make a trip to Sioux Falls sometime in the near future in order to do so.

Mat Knoll commits to Minnesota State

A few of you have been asking if Minnesota State will add another defenseman for the 2011-12 season. It looks like your question has been answered.

The Mavericks picked up a commitment from Canadian Mat Knoll this week. Knoll, 20, has spent the last three seasons in the Alberta Junior Hockey League. This season -- in 43 games with the Spruce Grove Saints -- he has four goals and 15 assists. Prior to his time with the Saints, he played for the Lloydminster Bobcats of the AJHL, logging eight goals and 28 assists in 112 games.

Knoll, a '90 birthdate, who is listed as an 180-pound, 6-foot, defenseman is expected to join the Mavericks next season. He is scheduled to join fellow freshmen Zach Palmquist and Brett Stern on the blueline next fall.

Recruit Reconnaissance Jan. 17 Edition

Here is the first Recruit Reconnaissance update for 2011...

J.P. LaFontaine, F, Green Bay Gamblers, 5-foot-9, 168-pounds,
32GP, 8 goals, 21 assists--29 points (+12)

Max Gaede, F, Sioux City Musketeers 6-foot-2, 191-pounds,
26GP, 7 goals, 9 assists--16 points (-15)

Brett Stern, D, Green Bay Gamblers (USHL), 6-foot-3, 177-pounds,
17GP, 0 goals, 2 assists-- 2 points (+9)

Zach Palmquist, D, Waterloo Black Hawks (USHL) 6-0, 175-pounds,
29GP, 3 goals, 7 assists-- 10 points (-12)

Dylan Margonari, F, Youngstown Phantoms (USHL) 6-0, 178-pounds,
30GP, 3 goals, 2 assists-- 5 points (-9)

Recruit Reconnaissance Dec. 21 Edition

It's time for another Recruit Reconnaissance update. 

J.P. LaFontaine, F, Green Bay Gamblers, 5-foot-9, 168-pounds,
24GP, 4 goals, 17 assists--21 points (+7)

Max Gaede, F, Sioux City Musketeers 6-foot-2, 191-pounds,
19GP, 7 goals, 7 assists--14 points (-11)

Brett Stern, D, Green Bay Gamblers (USHL), 6-foot-3, 177-pounds,
11GP, 0 goals, 2 assists-- 2 points (+6)

Zach Palmquist, D, Waterloo Black Hawks (USHL) 6-0, 175-pounds,
21GP, 2 goals, 6 assists-- 8 points (-7)

Dylan Margonari, F, Youngstown Phantoms (USHL) 6-0, 178-pounds,
23GP, 2 goals, 2 assists-- 4 points (-9)

Mavericks officially ink four for '11

This should come as no surprise, but Minnesota State announced that Max Gaede, Jean-Paul Lafontaine, Brett Stern and Zach Palmquist all signed NCAA Letters of Intent to attend and play hockey for MSU next fall. Read the full release, and a few details on each player, here.