Notre Dame got a leg up on the competition on recruiting for the 2007 birth year as they received a verbal commitment from Minnesota native Will Belle. The Shattuck St, Mary’s product is one of the top 2007’s in the country as he possesses a great combination of size and skill.
Although it has not been reported, the word is that Belle is accelerating his schooling, making him eligible to commit to a University before the August 1st window. For the NCAA, a recruit can not commit to a school until August 1st of their junior year. Belle is the first 2007 to make a commitment.
Belle, who has 17 points in 18 games this year for Shattuck St. Mary’s U-16 team, plays a power game. He’s extremely tough to play against as he does great during one-on-one battles and is tough to move off the puck. Belle’s toughness is a key attribute, but what sets him apart is his anticipation of the play and snap decision making on the ice. His future success projects well due to his skillset and work ethic on the ice.
During many viewings over the past couple of years Belle has shown great teamwork and a dedication to leaving it all on the ice. On one occasion last Summer, at the High Performance 15 Camp in St. Cloud, Belle appeared to not want to leave the ice after his team lost the championship game (This is not all that important of a game). Instead, Belle sat on the bench, soaked in the experience, as the other team celebrated and posed for pictures with the trophy.
For Belle, the next course of action will be to keep the foot on the gas, have a strong season with the U16’s, and get that invite to the NTDP National Team Development Camp next spring.
Photos by David Romuald
