Michigan Tech has added another forward for the future. C.J. Eick, a Green Bay Gambler, hails from Appleton, Wisconsin. He played competitive hockey for the Fox Valley Blades and Green Bay Jr Gamblers before moving on to the NAHL with the St. Louis Bandits for 2009–10. During his only season with the Bandits, Eick tallied 10 goals and 21 assists and helped his team reach the Robertson Cup Semifinals, where the Bandits fell short of making the championship game.
That quality season caught the eye of the Green Bay Gamblers, who drafted him in the 18th round of the 2010 USHL Entry draft. He returned home to northeast Wisconsin for the start of the 2010–11 USHL season where he managed 5 goals and 5 assists before coming alive in the Gamblers run to the Clark Cup Finals, registering four goals and two assists. His 2011-2012 campaign has started slow, but the 5’8″ spark plug has managed some highlight reel goals in his time with the Gamblers.
Check out the video playlist below:
Video 1: Shorthanded Goal vs Tri-City Storm on 4/2/2011
Video 2: Game Winning Goal vs Cedar Rapids in Clark Cup Playoffs on 5/6/2011
Video 3: Goal vs Cedar Rapids on 10/22/2011
[ytplaylist id=”PLAD48B15ACF250E43″]
Former Michigan Tech Assistant Coach and current Green Bay Assistant Coach/Recruiting Coordinator, Pat Mikesch had this to say when THG asked him about C.J. Eick:
C.J. Eick is a great compliment to any team. He’s a great leader and plays with a ton of speed, and is an exceptional skater. I’ve never coached anyone with the exception of Chris Conner with a faster burst of speed. He’s an exceptional penalty killer and will be an asset for Michigan Tech. He’ll fill a similar role to Patrick McCadden, plays Center and he’s drastically improved on his faceoffs over the last season.
We expect to be able to get comments on Eick (the 19th member of the 2011-2012 Gamblers to commit to a D1 program) and other recruits from the coaches in the next couple of weeks. The early signing period for the National Letter of Intent opens Wednesday, November 9, at which time the university can publicly announce commitments once they receive signed paperwork from recruits.
Tim is a 2004 graduate of Michigan Tech. He is a co-founder of both Mitch’s Misfits and Tech Hockey Guide. With recent additions to the staff, Tim is again able to focus on his passion, recruiting. He currently works as an environmental engineer and resides in the Minneapolis/St. Paul Area.
