To continue the discussion about incoming recruits for 2007-08.…Overall, this class looks pretty good. It is an interesting mix of players from a diverse talent pool. This class will not go down as the greatest ever, but it will definitely be the most diverse. Only time will tell whether these young guys have what it takes to make NMU climb the CCHA standings. With Mike Santorelli likely to sign a nice contact in Nashville this summer, plus the departure of Jacques Lamoureux to the Air Force Academy, we’ll likely see a couple more guys added to this huge class. Let’s hope the locals shut up about NMU’s pipeline to Europe!! Talk about ruining a good secret and smart move by Walt and John Olver. Thanks locals for telling the world. Welcome to Marquette Gregor and Erik. Please being more friends.

Evan Lucas, Defense (6′2″, 200 pounds, 21 years old)
Evan is a native of Marquette and a bruising defenseman. He played for Oswego in the Ontario Provincial Junior Hockey League in 2006-07. He had 5 goals and 23 assists for 28 points, tops amongst all defenseman on the team. He should bring a lot of maturity to the ice and of course that great Marquette grit and pride, something missing from the NMU team these past few years.

Andrew Fernandez, Defense (5′11″, 190 pounds, 20 years old)
Andrew played for Selkirk in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League. As a native of Thunder Bay, he should also bring that grit and toughness that men of Lake Superior bring to the table. He scored 14 goals, 34 assists for 48 points in 56 games–very impressive. He finished 6th in the league in scoring for defensemen.

Gregor Hansen, Forward (5′10″, 170 pounds, 19 years old)
Gregor is a native of Sweden. He played for Djurgarden in the Sweden Super Elite League. Everyone now knows that European players are trained at young ages to be more skillful than their North American counterparts, so you know Gregor is going to bring talent to NMU. Let’s hope his transition to America and Marquette is good. He scored 23 goals and 32 assists in 74 games in a high-powered league.

Jan Gustafsson, Defense (5′9″, 170 pounds, 20 years old)
Jan is also a native of Sweden. He played for the Timra Red Eagles of Suomi, and scored 10 goals and 17 assists in 74 games. Jan played with guys we’ll all see in the NHL in the future, so you know he will also bring a lot of skill to the table. Let’s also hope his transition to America and Marquette is good. NMU will need his skills.

Phil Fox, Forward (5′11″, 205 pounds, 22 years old)–Sophomore
Phil had to sit out last season due to academics. But he was able to practice a lot and adjust to life at NMU. When he last played formally, he suited up for Fargo-Moorhead of the NAHL where he scored 32 goals, 31 assists for 64 points in just 44 games. Phil can score and should bring immediate offensive punch in the lineup.