October 9, 2008
Recruiting Trail: Top Classes

During the course of a season, you'll hear hockey coaches talk about the importance of winning one-on-one battles. But it's ultimately a team game, which is why we cap our Recruting Rankings with a look at the top incoming classes from coast to coast.

Inside College Hockey compiled its 2008 Recruiting Rankings with extensive input from college and junior coaches, as well as professional scouts. Participants were asked to evaluate recruits based on their projected impact at the college level, not on their professional hockey prospects.

TOP 15 FRESHMAN CLASSES

No.

School

1.

Boston College

Top newcomers: F Barry Almeida, F Paul Carey, D Tommy Cross

2.

Minnesota

Top newcomers: F Nick Larson, D Aaron Ness, F Jordan Schroeder

3.

Boston University

Top newcomers: G Grant Rollheiser, F Corey Trivino, D David Warsofsky

4.

North Dakota

Top newcomers: G Brad Eidsness, F Jason Gregoire, F David Toews

5.

Michigan State

Top newcomers: F Andrew Conboy, F Daultan Leveille, G Drew Palmisano

6.

Michigan

Top newcomers: D Brandon Burlon, F Robbie Czarnik, F David Wohlberg

7.

Ohio State

Top newcomers: D Matt Bartkowski, F Zac Dalpe, F Taylor Stefishen

8.

Denver

Top newcomers: F Joe Colborne, D John Lee, D Patrick Wiercioch

9.

Wisconsin

Top newcomers: D Jake Gardiner, D Eric Springer, F Derek Stepan

10.

Minnesota Duluth

Top newcomers: F Jack Connolly, G Brady Hjelle, D Brady Lamb

11.

New Hampshire

Top newcomers: G Matt DiGirolamo, D Blake Kessel, D Damon Kipp

12.

Clarkson

Top newcomers: D Mark Borowiecki, G Paul Karpowich, F Nick Tremblay

13.

St. Cloud State

Top newcomers: F Jordy Christian, F Jared Festler, D Oliver Lauridsen

14.

Rensselaer

Top newcomers: F Alexandre Angers-Goulet, D Mike Bergin, G Allen York

15.

Ferris State

Top newcomers: D Chad Billins, F Jordie Johnston, G Taylor Nelson