2008 Division 2 Impact Players

[Dr. Jason Stockton]

I think I can testify with absolute certainty that Dan is right. . .in 4 years in PLU, I'm fairly certain that Kyle never once created his own shot. He was a big fat lazy attackman that camped out on the crease. . .

P.S. For the record, that 6'4" 265 pound attackman is looking slim these days at about 210 lbs. . .I think he should make the permanent switch to midfield on his club team and let the real widebodies camp out on the crease.

[Kyle Berggren]

Both of you two forget to mention that this guy that "never created his own shots," probably because he was fat and slow, usually lead the team in assists. By usually, I won't even check the archive, but I'd say his last 2 years are pretty likely!

As far as Boggess as an AA. I don't know. I don't remember too many D2 goalies from the tournament, but the Westminster goalie was fantastic (yes I know about the Montana game, but they scored 15+ on Montana as well) & this year really has to get moving first. Boggess is very fundamentally sound & he forces you to make tough shots by playing the angle, but he doesn't make the explosive save that would give him my initial vote. That's what really did it for me with Symmington... He saved everything he was supposed to & most of what he wasn't. He's definitely one of the better goalies in the league & I'm sure he'll be on our lists, but I don't know how he'll stack up nationally. Top 3 might be pushing it. However, if every team we faced had a Boggess in cage, I'd be pretty upset. They'd be long games.

[Hi-Line Lax]

FYI... I'm pretty sure the goalie that played us last year isn't playing goalie anymore for Westminster. Joseph Illya was his name and I think he's switched to attack this year. Other than him, I didn't really think any other goalies stood out skills wise at nationals last year... though the UNC goalie put on one of the toughest performances I've ever seen in our game and there were a few others that seemed to be emotional leaders of their teams, which can go a long way for a keeper.

[Dan Wishengrad]

LOL Kyle -- I never called you fat, and I never said you never created your own shot while at PLU... those words came from the rude and insensitive Dr. J.. But since he is our Prez I guess he gets a "pass" from you?

PS Lucas Simmons, if you read this, please excuse this friendly banter between old friends. I never meant to disparage you -- I think you're going to be a star for WWU, in fact! If you ring up 5 goals against the Huskies I'm pretty sure you will score alot against the DII teams, too. Best of luck this season, big guy.

[Dr. Jason Stockton]

PS Lucas Simmons, if you read this, please excuse this friendly banter between old friends. I never meant to disparage you -- I think you're going to be a star for WWU, in fact! If you ring up 5 goals against the Huskies I'm pretty sure you will score alot against the DII teams, too. Best of luck this season, big guy.

Let me also concur with Dan on this one. I haven't seen Lucas Simons play yet, but everyone I've talked to at the game last Saturday tells me this guy is going to score bundles of points this season. And being compared to my former "massive" attackman is actually a huge complement. . .he was 1st team all-league despite "never once creating his own shot."

[Dan Wishengrad]

The young WWU Attackman in question is apprently Lucas Simons, not Simmons. Further apologies. He's listed at 6'2" and 190, but he sure looked bigger. Here he is riding:

[SouLax#1]

I'd say he is about 210...soaking wet...but we'll see if he can barrel through SOU's 1000lbs of starting D come mid march...

[PokePokeSLAP]

Rookies do make great padding for one's ego

[Kyle Berggren]

I'd say he is about 210...soaking wet...but we'll see if he can barrel through SOU's 1000lbs of starting D come mid march...

If he plays like me, he won't do much barreling... It will be more stand there until you slide then score. I will point out I had 1 really atrocious weakness (lots of actual weaknesses). Orange mesh. The OSU goalie Josh Parker killed me with that crazy orange garbage. I was only able to get to him 1 game, but he even ruined my All-Star games. If you can't tell I'm still a little bitter. Jason brings that up from time to time to make sure I'm being humble.

[WouD33]

Many of the people who have been mentioned are the ones who are going to be playing offense and scoring all the goals...Wheres the love for the D? Anyone feel like highlighting some other D poles, D mids, or FOS? #19 from WWU had a good game against UW. Other than that, I have not had a chance to see any other games. What do you all think? Gotta show some love for guys that do the little things, not necessarily put up huge numbers.

[Hodgee24]

I felt that KG of CWU was robbed of 1st team recognition last year, he was easily one of the top 3 poles last year if not the best. I look to see amazing things from him this year. Whitman and PLU played great team defense last year, so anyone of there pole's could stand out.

[Blynk22]

Many of the people who have been mentioned are the ones who are going to be playing offense and scoring all the goals...Wheres the love for the D?

Adam Extine from WWU is definetely due for all conference honors, potentially even an All-American nod. In last year's semifinals, Adam held me to my first game w/out a point since HS. He is a very fundamentally sound d-pole who doesn't have the physical presence that Snell does, but he is so fundamentally sound in his footwork, body positioning, and lift checks that he can be intimidating in his own right. Gallacher from CWU comes to mind on D as well. Very physical, play-in-your-pocket kinda guy who has a nose for the ball and does a lot in the transition game for them as well. After watching the UPS game, I think it's safe to say that Snell will be playing with the same relentless motor that he's always had, anchoring a very solid group of poles. In my opinion, those three are the cream of the crop in Div. 2.