NCAA: Cats Climbing National Poll

The University of Vermont Catamounts climb to #11 in the National Poll after a convincing sweep of Boston College in Burlington last weekend.

Viktor Stahlberg (Tor), LW, Vermont

As a sixth round pick in the 2006 draft, he chose UVM over the Swedish Elite League .. Has great size at 6-2, 200 and incredible strength .. Plays through defenders and always seems to come away with the puck .. Possesses elite speed and soft hands .. Is able to pass and receive in full stride .. Drives the net, but does not play an overly physical game .. Only a freshman and could develop into a premier collegiate player in years to come.

Torrey Mitchell (SJ), RW, Vermont

Captain and leader of the offense .. Makes smart decisions and plays every shift at full speed .. Scored a tremendous goal late in the second period on a one-timer Friday night .. Picked the top corner from well outside the top of the face off circle .. Moments before, also range a one timer off the cross bar .. Showed great offensive creativity and ability to maneuver in traffic .. Good quick feet .. Active stick on the forecheck and displayed a good bursts of speed .. Most effective forward on the UVM team .. Currently has 10 goals and 18 assists to lead UVM as a junior in 24 games.

Joe Fallon (Chi), G, Vermont

Has posted tremendous numbers through the first 22 games, 1.62 goals against average and .930 save percentage, against a high powered Hockey East Conference .. Tremendous size and takes away a lot of net .. Great reflexes and very quick .. Awkward skater when we leaves the net to play the puck, but moves soundly when in the crease .. At one point in the second period, as he moved out of the crease to face an oncoming breakaway, he fell and still managed to make the save from his backside .. Handles rebounds well and takes most shots in the body .. Does not commit to going down early .. Stays square to shooters with his glove hand high .. Could be more active with his stick.

Brayden Irwin (2007), C, Vermont

Great size and reach at 6-5, 205 .. As a freshman, he has transitioned nicely from the OPJHL to become Vermont's third leading scorer .. Strength is definitely a concern, at least until he fills out his large frame .. Demonstrated nice play making ability and sound overall stick skills .. Has a nice quick release shot .. Works the half wall on the power play with poise and precision .. Skating could improve some .. Lacks a top gear.