Prospect Of The Week

Too often when people look at the prospects they look strictly at how well they performed offensively. In our selection of Carl Hagelin as the Prospect Park Player of the Week, it was his defensive work that earned this selection.

If you do not know who Carl Hagelin is then a bit of background is in order. Hagelin a native of Sodertalje, Sweden is a center who has been playing for Red Berenson and the top ranked Michigan Wolverines.

The Rangers selected Hagelin in the 6th round of the 2007 Entry Draft. Hagelin is in his freshman year at Michigan has been used mainly as a left wing by the Wolverines.

So far in 18 games, Hagelin is 5-7-12 +10 with 2 game winning goals but his hard work on the defensive end has been a pleasant surprise. That hard work has earned him a spot on Michigan's penalty kill which is currently ranked 3rd in the CCHA.

Last week Hagelin was a part of the penalty kill unit that held Bowling Green (the nation's number 2 power play) to just 2 for 15 including a 1 for 9 on Saturday. Hagelin was cited by his coach as a prime reason why the Wolverines held off Bowling Green.

It is a shame that Hagelin will not see this but he is on his way to join Team Sweden's Under-20 team at the World Under-20 Championships.

The Week Ahead

As both College and CHL teams head towards the holiday break we will start looking closer at both the upcoming World Junior Championships, the first look at the 2008 Entry Draft and a look at how Ranger prospects have been doing in the first half of the season.