Eidsness ready to go

Per the Grand Forks Herald, Brad Eidsness looks poised to win the starting job as a freshman at the University of North Dakota...and to be an exemplary student.

The 19-year-old goaltender recruit said he hopes to enroll in summer classes at UND and get to campus early in order to prepare to battle for the starting job this fall. “I’m really looking forward to it,” said Eidsness, a Chestermere, Alta., native who is expected to compete with senior-to-be Aaron Walski for playing time. “Knowing I have a chance to play my first season is quite exciting. When (Anthony) Grieco left last fall, I knew I might get a chance to play more this season and I think that helped motivate me a little bit more. “I want to get there this summer to get in the swing of things and hopefully I’ll be ready to go right off the bat.”

Full article talking about UND's incoming class can be found here (registration required). After being named AJHL MVP, the Sabres 2007 5th round pick was also tabbed as the Okotoks Oilers MVP at their season banquet. Elsewhere from the banquet circuit: Harvard D Alex Biega was named an Assistant Captain for the 2008-09 season. The "A" he'll wear next season will be the first on a Crimson sweater since 2005. At Denver, D Chris Butler received his second consecutive Keith Magnuson Memorial Award given to the club's best defensive player. This past season also saw the St. Louis native become the school's 34th All-American. Across town at the 59th Annual Pike's Peak Club banquet, Boston College junior Nathan Gerbe was given the Norman H. Dailey Memorial Award as team MVP. The Oxford, MI native was also the recipient of the Herb Gallagher Award (New England's top forward) at the New England Hockey Writer's banquet. Junior Tim Kennedy was named Michigan State's Outstanding Offensive Player at their mid-April celebration. Freshman netminder Nick Eno earned Most Improved Player honors at Bowling Green's season ending fete. In St. Catharines, D Drew Schiestel was named Most Sportsmanlike Player by the Niagara Ice Dogs.