It was announced Tuesday that Swedish forward Linus Weissbach has committed to the University of Wisconsin to play hockey.
Known for being an “explosive skater,” Linus Weissbach should provide another level to the Wisconsin offense next year. In 41 games for the Tri-City Storm of the USHL, America’s premier junior hockey league, Weissbach is tied for 7th in points with 37 and leads his team.
Weissbach chose the Badgers over Michigan, who come to Madison this weekend, and Denver, the No. 2 team in the country. Hopefully this sentiment is shared among other recruits, as Tony Granato is turning Wisconsin into a desirable place to play college hockey again.
Listed at 5’9” and 168 pounds, it is fair to say Weissbach is undersized. But that doesn’t mean he can’t succeed at the college hockey level. A good comparison would be Johnny Gaudreau of the Calgary Flames and formerly of the Boston College Eagles. Gaudreau is 5’9” and listed at only 150 pounds, but is one of the more prolific scorers in the NHL. Gaudreau used his speed, agility, and overall hockey sense to take home the Hobey Baker trophy, hockey’s version of the Heisman, in 2014. It will be interesting to see is Weissbach will follow a similar formula to thrive in a league filled with players 6’2” and taller.