NCAA: Oreskovich Development

Under new coach Jeff Jackson, Notre Dame have just one win in six games this season, a 2-0 shutout over Princeton, however it ended a 22-game winless skid for the Fighting Irish (0-20-2). We have progress updates on four of the key pieces in Victor Oreskovich (Col), Wes O'Neill (NYI), and a pair of undrafted prospects drawing notice, Jordan Pearce and Erik Condra.

Victor Oreskovich (Col), C

Led the Irish with 83 shots in '04-5 yet has mustered just 7 in 4 games this season .. switched to center this season from right wing .. oozes potential - nice size, quick skater and boasts a heavy wristshot .. but the pieces just aren't coming together and the Avs have every right to be concerned over his arrested development .. plays a very reactionary game, waits for things to happen first before charging up the engines .. stops moving his feet far too much .. granted his team play a conservative style, but this kid is the only gamebreaker they have .. possesses a lively stride and impressive takeoff speed for his size .. lacks energy at times, coasts .. shows good hustle and will get involved physically - once a play has started to develop .. doesn't anticipate plays swiftly and generally arrives too late to make a difference .. must be more aggressive with his shot, even on the powerplay he seemed to be sitting back on his heels and just passing it around the perimeter .. must be more desperate about getting shots on goal.

Wes O'Neill (NYI), D

The big man seemingly never leaves the ice .. displays excellent workhorse capabilities however does go through periods of fatigue where mistakes creep into his game .. a take-charge player who continues to prove his mettle .. spirit and work ethic have not waned in this losing environment, a testament to his character .. possesses great size and isn't afraid to use it .. skating is a bit awkward though his speed is adequate .. takes shorter, quick strides somewhat similar to Eric Lindros .. shows some difficulty making sharp cuts and changes in direction, looks lumbersome on the first step out .. a bit slow on backpeddling speed when defending against rush .. relies on his long reach to recover once speedy opponents get outside, a task he is quite effective at given his good stick skills .. boasts nice half-slapper from point which he releases early .. inconsistent slapper, some onetimers are blistering while others can flutter and lack power .. awkward looking at times but makes up for it with his determination and resolve .. sticks with plays and gives an honest effort every shift .. style of game reminds of Derian Hatcher partially .. not as mean but just as committed.

Erik Condra (2006), RW

Freshman a big bright spot for lean-scoring Irish, currently leads team in scoring .. Livonia, Michigan native had four-game point streak (1-6-7) ended against Michigan last weekend .. three-point game versus Denver was first by an Irish rookie since Brett Lebda in 2000 .. nephew of former All-American forward Kirt Bjork who played at Notre Dame from '79-83 (141-76-85-161) .. finished second in scoring for the USHL Lincoln Stars during '04-5 and eighth in the league (60-30-30-60) .. an excellent skater with a nice spring to his stride .. very light on his feet and fluid in all directions with a quick first steps .. shows good courage, takes hits to make plays and doesn't shy from hard areas .. very quick to get to loose pucks .. good puckhandler, not elite .. picks up defensive assignments promptly .. goes to net well .. slick mechanics, deceptive separation gear .. fast in transition, darts off on attack and provides long-range passing target .. impressive prospect .. an '86-born but could still get NHL draft consideration at this pace.

Jordan Pearce (2006), G

With incumbent David Brown struggling mightily, freshman has stepped into starting role .. in just his second start, blanked Princeton 2-0 and ended school's 22-game winless streak .. spent two years in the US National Team Development Program and played with Erik Condra for the Lincoln Stars last season .. aggressive butterfly goalie showing solid form for a freshman .. moves fluidly and boasts superb quickness, especially fast recovering from knees .. tends to stay deep in net when puck is at or below the circles, however springs just outside his crease when there's even a hint of a pointshot threat .. tends to go down on shot which leaves him vulnerable to sidedoor tip-ins, deflections as he's usually out too far .. displays superb focus and pucktracking radar .. fast legs .. overall, displays some impressive natural attributes though needs to deliver eye-catching numbers this season to attract draft interest.