MADISON, Wis. – Head coach
Tony Granato has announced the addition of three signees to the Wisconsin men's hockey program. Jack Berry, Johan Blomquist and James Greenway will join the Badgers for the 2016-17 season.
Berry, a native of Holly, Michigan, played between the pipes for the New Jersey Junior Titans during the 2015-16 season, starting 22 of his 23 appearances. The left-hander racked up a 12-8-2 record, finishing the regular season with a 2.26 goals-against average and a .929 save percentage, as well as four shutouts.
The 6-2 and 185-pound netminder played the 2014-15 season with the NAHL's Soo Eagles, appearing in 30 games. Berry totaled a 2.87 goals-against average and .908 save percentage, as well as a 14-10-0 record with the Eagles. He tallied one assist and one shutout on the season.
Blomquist, 5-11 and 190 pounds, is also a goaltender. Hailing from Stockholm, Sweden, Blomquist spent the 2015-16 season with the Connecticut Jr. Rangers, appearing in 47 games. He finished the season with an 11-17-1 record, as well as a 3.79 goals-against average and .894 save percentage. In 92 playoff minutes, he allowed only one goal on 50 shots.
The previous season, Blomquist played 13 games for the Philadelphia Jr. Flyers, holding a 1.94 goals-against average and .947 save percentage. In 2013-14, Blomquist began his stint playing in the United States, competing for Northwoods School in Lake Placid, New York.
"They will both add goaltending depth and they will both push
Matt Jurusik," Granato said. "We've got three competitive guys who will help pick up our practice intensity. Not only are they good goaltenders, but their habits are good. Their work ethic is good. We like their drive and their compete level."
Greenway's signing marks the fifth Badger ranked by NHL Central Scouting for the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, checking in at number 121. A 6-4 and 205-pound defenseman, "JD" has played the past two season with the U.S. National Team Development Program. With the under-18 team, Greenway saw time in 64 games, tallying five goals and 23 assists from the blue line in 2015-16. The previous year, he notched 6 points in 53 games for the U-17 team.
Greenway played with fellow UW signee Trent Frederic at the 2016 International Ice Hockey Federation U18 Men's World Championships in April, assisting the United States to a bronze medal with one goal and six assists. Greenway also competed at the 2014 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge with Team USA, in addition to two 5 Nations Cups (2015, 2016) and two Four Nations Cups (2014, 2015). Coming from a hockey family, his brother Jordan is a standout at Boston University.
"We are fortunate to get him late in the recruiting season with him coming off a great U-18 tournament," Granato stated. "Like all players coming out of the NTDP, he's got a very strong base. He's going to grow as we grow because of that base."
