Instead of Captain's Corner this week...

So, I'm sorry to all my loyal followers (if there are any of you out there) about not having "Captain's Corner with Brock Matheson this week, but we couldn't find time to meet up before the team headed out to Alaska. To make it up to you guys here is a video interview with freshman forward Cole Ikkala when he played for the Vernon Vipers last season. It's a "get to know you" video. Enjoy!

Dutchmen announce Class of 2014

Union Head Coach Nate Leaman announced that he will be adding eight student-athletes to his roster next season. There will be five forwards, two defensemen, and a goaltender joining the Dutchmen for their 2010-11 campaign. Five of the players are from the States, while the other three a hail from Canada. These guys have some big shoes to fill after the likes of Mario Valery-Trabucco, Jason Walters, and Mike Schreiber have all graduated.

The five forwards are Daniel Carr, Matt Hatch, Cole Ikkala, Josh Jooris, and Kevin Sullivan. The two defensemen are Mat Bodie and Mike Ingoldsby. Troy Grosenick is the lone goaltender.

I am very excited to see all of these guys take the ice in Union uniforms, but I am most interested to see Mat Bodie, the younger brother of Kyle Bodie. From what I have read the younger Bodie is a tremendous offensive defenseman and will make an immediate impact. There is a very high chance that he will be starting lineup once the opening of the season comes around. Ingoldsby sounds like a great blueliner as well and should compete for playing time in his first season. Grosenick sounds like a solid goalie, but will probably have to wait for his senior year to see any real playing time as it seems Keith Kinkaid's position in between the pipes is pretty solidified.

Offensively, it sounds like Leaman has recruited a diverse bunch of players. I think all could make an impact in their first season in Schenectady, but it should be interesting how true freshman like Carr and Sullivan adapt to the college game. And I'm going to call it right now... I think Cole Ikkala will be a fan favorite in his four years. With a last name like that and a gritty style of play he should draw some praise from the Union faithful.

For more on the Class of 2014 check out Union Athletics.com and Ken Schott's Blog.

Ikkala latest to sign with Dutchmen

It has been announced that Cole Ikkala has committed to join Union next season. Cole is a 6' 1", 195 lbs. forward, and will turn 20 this summer. With the Vernon Vipers (BCHL) this season Ikkala has accumulated 22 goals, 23 assists, and 45 points in 58 games. College hockey runs in the Ikkala family as Cole's father played for Northern Michigan and his older brother Cody plays at Army. It will be interesting to see how the next Union-Army game turns out with Ikkala's on both sides.

He sounds like a future third or fourth line guy, someone who is comparable to junior assistant captain Andrew Buote. From what people are saying, he's a guy that isn't flashy and won't accumulate too many points, but he does a lot of the dirty work and will get the job done. Players like that are extremely valuable, and every team has a guy or two like that. Ikkala might not see too much playing time next year considering he had a limited amount of experience in juniors, but he could replace Buote the year after. Just based on the information I have heard an read I like this signing. Role players are very important to have as stars will not be able to perform well without a supporting cast.

I'm pretty sure Ikkala's nickname is (or will be) Ikky. So, after he scores his first NCAA goal he better do the Ickey Shuffle. Also, I think the song for when he scores should be Icky Thump by the White Stripes.

For more on Cole Ikkala check out the Vernon Morning Star and this video where Ikkala is interviewed.