Tagged: WCHA

Travis Oleksuk

San Jose Sharks‘ 2nd year undrafted center Travis Oleksuk(21) is catching heat in his pro game at just the right time.

He’s in the 2nd and final season of his entry level deal and has increased his goal totals by four times what he produced in his rookie campaign and his assist mark is already on par with what he passed along for helpers.

In 56 AHL games with farm club Worcester Sharks he has 12 goals, 10 assists and is a dynamo in the face off circle.

The 6′ 200 lbs. forward may not be the most obvious guy on the ice with his somewhat mild-mannered temperament but most definitely has proven the ability to get the job done and keep himself out of the penalty box.

He won a pair of college hockey championships while at University Of Minnesota-Duluth (WCHA in 2009 and the 2011 NCAA title) and excelled on the score sheet in his last two seasons.

The 25-year old is set to become a restricted free agent at the end of the current campaign and seems like a low-risk player to receive a qualifying offer for at least another year, with potentially more upside.

Aaron Dell

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Utah Grizzlies‘ undrafted 2nd year net minder Aaron Dell(29) is giving his team a chance to win games every time he’s between the pipes.

He was loaned on a pair of occasions to higher level clubs, Norfolk Admirals and Manchester Monarchs but has yet to appear in an AHL game.

The 6′ 209 lbs. goalie won the 2013 Central Hockey League President’s Trophy backstopping Allen Americans to their first title in his rookie season. It’s not even like he posted these amazing numbers during the regular season or in his 19 starts through the playoffs, but they were good enough to get the job done and win the 12 games necessary to capture the title.

He was also awarded goaltender of the year for his regular season play.

No stranger to awards, his college hockey team, University Of North Dakota won three straight NCAA (WCHA) titles.

This season since his return, the 24-year old has appeared in 18 games and posted a tidy 13-4 record with a 2.08 GAA and .920 SV%. He has the team positioned to run deep in the Kelly Cup Playoffs.

The 24-year old will likely continue his climb and find himself under contract the next rung up for the 2014/2015 season.