Tony Granato took on the job as Wisconsin men’s hockey head coach just over two months ago, but he has sure been quick to act and make this program his own in those short two months.
After letting five players go from the program this offseason late last week, Granato and his staff have added three new players to the class of 2016. Most importantly, Granato’s moves show he has a plan and is willing to make the moves necessary to execute that plan from the word go.
According to a statement released by the team Wednesday afternoon the Badgers are adding Jack Berry, Johan Blomquist and James Greenway to the mix for the upcoming season. Berry and Bloomquist were necessary pick ups with UW down to just last season’s starter, Matt Jurusik, at goaltender.
However, these late additions show the coaching staff not only have the reach and chops on the recruiting trail, but that they are identifying the biggest areas of concern for the program overall.
The biggest name on the list of three players added to the mix is that of forward James Greenway.
Greenway, a 6 foot 4 inch 205-pound defensemen comes to the Badgers from the USA U18 National Development Team. In sixty-four games “JD” tallied five goals and 23 assists. He is the fifth Badger ranked by NHL Central Scouring for the 2016 NHL Entry Draft coming in at 121 on the list.
“We are fortunate to get him late in the recruiting season with him coming off a great U-18 tournament,” Granato said. “Like all players coming out of NTDP, he’s got a very strong base. He’s going to grow as we grow because of that base.”
He will come to Madison along side former teammate and earlier commit, Trent Frederic. The two played together in the 2016 International Ice Hockey Federation U18 Men’s World Championships where the two helped Team USA earn a bronze medal.
Granato and his fellow coaching staff are trimming the fat and adding high level talent as the Badgers and their fans gear up for the start of the Granato era in Madison.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
