The NHL's free agency rules have struck once again; this time taking our Paul Crowder before his time. Unless I've missed my guess this isn't the first place you've read that Crowder signed with the NY Rangers. Much congratulations must be tendered to Paul and his family for this momentous change in his life. No longer will Paul have to juggle homework and hockey. He can focus solely on hockey and you know what? That spells bad news for opponents.
Looks like Paul will be assigned to the Hartford Wolfpack in the AHL. Whether he remains there or graduates to the show, Paul's style of play will greatly benefit his chances for success. His strength on the puck combined with his calm decision making is better suited for AHL and/or NHL play. While he was able to succeed in the frenetic WCHA, he'll likely do better in leagues where the play is more controlled.
Paul was certainly at the top of the list for undrafted Seawolves to turn pro owing mostly to his maturity. Don't think for a second that there won't be a hole next season for someone to step up and into. Paul is the guy on the team that makes everybody else around him better. The Seawolves will miss him. So will me and every other fan that has enjoyed watching him play for UAA the last three years.
Good luck to you Paul. Give the Seawolves and their staff props whenever you're interviewed eh?
Looks like Paul will be assigned to the Hartford Wolfpack in the AHL. Whether he remains there or graduates to the show, Paul's style of play will greatly benefit his chances for success. His strength on the puck combined with his calm decision making is better suited for AHL and/or NHL play. While he was able to succeed in the frenetic WCHA, he'll likely do better in leagues where the play is more controlled.
Paul was certainly at the top of the list for undrafted Seawolves to turn pro owing mostly to his maturity. Don't think for a second that there won't be a hole next season for someone to step up and into. Paul is the guy on the team that makes everybody else around him better. The Seawolves will miss him. So will me and every other fan that has enjoyed watching him play for UAA the last three years.
Good luck to you Paul. Give the Seawolves and their staff props whenever you're interviewed eh?
23 comments:
Couldnt be happier for Paul but can't be any sadder for the Seawolves. He certainly has worked hard for this and deserves nothing less. And with all the returning talent next year, someone will step up....not sure Paul can be replaced.....but the Seawolves will prevail with or without him. Best of Luck, Paul. You will be sorely missed by many. It will be great following you as you start your new career as a pro!
What's the deal with age and free-agency?? Missed that one in hockey 101...
Three or four years ago the NHL changed it's own rules with regard to undrafted players.
The changes (which I'd only muff if I tried to explain them) spurred a dramatic increase in the number of undrafted college players signing pro contracts.
I hope he (and Robinson) graduate! If they don't, they really end up hurting UAA, as the NCAA has rules now about this.
Good luck Paul, we'll miss you.
Good Luck Paul, and man I was looking for proof of that and somebody beat me to it.........
Suze: Please explain "the rules" or direct me to a site. Thanks. -30-
The reason players sign at certain ages is Crowder was 24 he is entiltled to a nhl-ahl 1 year contract. If you are 21 and a free agent a nhl-ahl contract must be 3 years. Paul had to make a decision soon. All the best to him. Clark, lunden and grant and others on the team play year to year. EAch year they look at options. Clark is the lucky one he started at uaa when he was on 18.
Most college players start at 19 or 20.
Wish Paul all the best, beagle, lawson, beverason and robinson.
They will all do well. Education should be no1, but all these players would like to play pro hockey.
Fan
Hey look on the bright side, it's Friday and the traitor Eric Walsky ain't playing, serves him right
Did anyone else notice the Latest News?
OK.....this is random but could Paul have been in NY between the Minn-Duluth and DU games? I dismissed it last week as I would have thought the team was getting ready for their game with Denver, but someone fitting his descripton and wearing a team beanie was spotted getting off a transit bus. It's not everyday someone wearing a UAA team beanie is seen in NY. Couldn't get his attention to verify who it was, but with his recent signing, maybe it was him???? If so, it IS a small world!
Seawolvesfan, what's the Latest News?
http://www.collegehockeynews.com/news/2009/03/19_firstto.php
you probably already clicked on it
Anonymous said...
Seawolvesfan, what's the Latest News?
March 20, 2009 11:07 AM
The Vancouver Canucks on Friday announced they have signed 24-year-old free-agent forward Eric Walsky.
Imagine how well clarky will do next year if he has a good year.
Only be 22.
Fan
Imagine how well the team can do next year WHEN they have a good year. It's an inspiring thought.
-30-
I can't find the site, but it has been talked about on the USCHO a fair amount over the past few years.
Universities need to have a certain graduation rate, or they have sanctions levied against them. Kind of like the new rules the NCAA came up with for schools keeping higher standards of GPA.
If I find the link I'll post it, otherwise if someone else knows all the details, please add to this post.
Denver won today over wisconsin, minneosta-duluth beat minnesota,
we were so close this year. Let's hope all the player's come back with a winning attiude.
All the best.
Fan
Thanks, Suze. -30-
minnesota-duluth just beat und 3-0,
stalock shut them out, clarkie and the seawolves were the only team to beat them.
Only if things were different.
Great things to look forward to next year. Seniors and juniors will lead this team to there first home series at alaska.
Fan
"Imagine how well the team can do next year WHEN they have a good year. It's an inspiring thought."
are you saying we didnt have a good year?
iroinic when i mention the latest tratior and he signs a contract same day.....
Seawolvesfan, I DEFINITELY was not saying that they did not have a good season this year! Holy cow, are you crazy??
Are you suggesting that Clarkie may not have a good season next year???? When you use the word, IF, that certainly implies that there is a chance he may not have a good season.
Please allow me to clarify my comment- it actually was a jab at you for writing, "if he has a good year". I was merely trying to take a more positive approach by replacing the word, IF, with, the word, WHEN. That leaves no question in anyone's mind that they will have nothing but a good season. Make sense? You need to chill and stop reading too much into things.
"The way the NHL's entry-level system works is that the length of a player's first contract is determined by age. Twenty-one or younger is a three-year entry level deal, 22 or 23 is two years, 24 requires a one-year contract, while 25 or older has no restrictions."
From Let,s Go DU
We've had a lot of history with early signings in the past few years. Tyler Bozak, although injured, is being actively pursued by a number of teams
If anyone is still paying attention to this post, Crowder got an assist the other night for his first pro point.
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