University of Connecticut Athletics
Men's Ice Hockey Announces 2010 Recruiting Class
8/24/2010 12:00:00 AM | Men's Ice Hockey
Aug. 24, 2010
STORRS, Conn. - University of Connecticut men's hockey coach Bruce Marshall and his staff announced on Tuesday, August 24 that seven players will join the Huskies for the 2010 season. The Huskies will add five forwards, one defenseman and one goaltender to the roster. Connecticut looks to build on last season's strong finish in which the Huskies defeated Bentley, 2-1, in a play-in game to enter the Atlantic Hockey playoffs. In the playoffs, UConn was able to take RIT into overtime before falling to the eventual Frozen Four competitors.
"We are happy with the talents that these new players will bring to campus. With incoming players, there's always that adjustment period and hopefully with the strong senior leadership we have they'll be able to blend in rather quickly. We feel that we've brought in some kids with experience and offensive upside but there's a big jump into the college game. We'll be patient with them as long as they work up to their capabilities and put in the effort" said Marshall.
Rob Behling, Pittsburgh, Pa./Cobourg Cougars (CCHL) - 6-foot-2, Goaltender
Behling played for the Cobourg Cougars of the Central Canadian Hockey League, finishing the season with a 9-11-2 record to go along with a .871 save percentage.
"Rob is a hybrid style goaltender, relying on both reaction and positioning to make saves. We are looking for Rob to continue to develop here at UConn and be a valuable asset for the team, along with pushing Garrett Bartus and Matt Grogan."
Rui Encarnaco, White Plains, N.Y./Janesville Jets (NAHL) - 6-foot-1, Forward
Encarnaco Played for the Janesville Jets of the North American Hockey League where he finished first on his team in goals and points with 27 goals and 25 assists for 52 points. He also finished in the league's top-20 in goals and points, finishing tied for 7th in goals. Encarnaco was also the first-ever Janesville Jet to commit to a Division I school.
"At 6'1 and 185 pounds Rui brings a physical presence and scoring touch, two dynamics UConn expects him to continue to use once he arrives at school."
Brant Harris, Estevan, Saskatchewan/Estevan Bruins/Melfort Mustangs (SJHL) - 6-foot-1, Forward
Harris played for the Estevan Bruins and Melfort Mustangs of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League and is the first Saskatchewan-born player to be a part of the Husky hockey program. Harris finished the season third on the team in scoring with 17 goals and 34 assists for 51 points in 51 games. He was traded at the deadline as Melfort was looking for a scoring threat heading into play-offs.
"At 6'1 and 185 pounds Brant is a power forward with speed and play-making ability, something expected of him here at UConn."
Billy Latta, West Chester, Pa./Chicago Steel (USHL) - 5-foot-8, Forward
Latta played for the Chicago Steel of the United States Hockey League where he finished with six goals and 10 assists for 16 points and a plus-two rating in 42 games. Previously, Latta played for the Philadelphia Jr. Flyers U-18 team where he was one of the top scorers.
"Billy battled through the season with a nagging knee injury and still managed to have great success. We are happy to hear that Billy has fully recovered from his knee injury and will be a 100-percent once the season starts next year. Latta, at 5'8, is a speedy forward with high-end skill and a scoring touch which is expected to continue here at UConn."
Cole Schneider, Williamsville, N.Y./Topeka RoadRunners (NAHL) - 6-foot-2, Forward
Schneider played for the Topeka RoadRunners of the North American Hockey League where he finished eleventh in the league in goals despite playing 25 less games than everyone ahead of him. He finished the season with 25 goals and 14 assists for 39 points in only 29 games.
"Schneider's season was shortened due to a wrist injury, but his rapid scoring pace picked up right where he left off when he returned for the playoffs. He had back-to-back hat tricks in the first series against Springfield and finished with 11 points in nine games."
Grant Scott, Sewickley, Pa./Fargo Force (USHL) - 6-foot-2, Defenseman
Scott played for the Fargo Force of the USHL. Scott is a defenseman standing at 6 `2 and weighing 210lbs. Last year, Scott had seven points in 24 games with a plus-five rating. Before Fargo, Scott played two seasons with the U.S. National Team Development Program.
"Grant has a lot of experience playing at high levels throughout his young career and we look for him to use his experience to be a solid defenseman for the Huskies."
Jordan Sims, Fort Wayne, Ind./Langley Cheifs (BCHL) - 5-foot-11, Forward
Sims played for the Langley Chiefs of the British Columbia Hockey League where he finished the regular season with 15 goals and 19 assists for 34 points in 58 games. He had seven points in 10 playoff games, including four goals.
"Jordan competes at a high level and in all situations, including the power play and penalty kill. We really like Jordan's compete level, bringing an edge and work ethic to his game every night and you can see from his playoff numbers that he steps up his game in big situations."
The men's hockey team starts the regular season on Saturday, October 9 against the University of Maine. The Huskies travel to Orono, Maine to face the perennial Hockey East power at 7:05 p.m. The first home game for UConn will be on Friday, November 5 when Connecticut hosts AHA foe Canisius at Mark Edward Freitas Ice Forum at 7:05 p.m.
