Carson Bantle

June 2023- Bantle put up similar numbers in his first two years at Wisconsin, 14 points his first year there, 16 last season. Just like 2021-22, Bantle finished the year on a high note with seven points in 10 games. The potential power forward has continued to work on his skating, the biggest hurdle holding him back from being a top prospect. Keith Duggan

September 2022- After a shoulder issue to start the campaign and then an adjustment time to the Big Ten, Bantle finished the year strong putting up eight goals and 14 points in 27 games. He had seven points in his last 10 contests of the season. Bantle fits perfectly in what GM Bill Armstrong is looking for, at 6-5, 207 lbs he’s difficult to play against. He has good hands, at times dominates in the offensive zone and is great at protecting the puck along with getting it to net. Unfortunately, his skating is still a work in progress but fortunately Bantle is very committed to improving it. Wisconsin coach Tony Granato has raved about Bantle’s willingness and eagerness to work on his skating and strength. Keith Duggan

September 2021- Bantle struggled through a freshman season at Michigan Tech, with an injury limiting to 19 games. On top of that he only had two goals and three points. Bantle decided he needed a change and entered the transfer portal, feeling Michigan Tech wasn’t the right fit. He was picked by media members who covered Western Collegiate Hockey Association teams to be the league’s top rookie before last season, which didn’t happen. A few days after entering the portal, the Wisconsin Badgers reached out to Bantle. After playing two years in the USHL for Madison, Bantle knew what Wisconsin was about. After talking to Tony Granato and his staff, he was excited to join them. Due to the pandemic, players don’t have to sit a season when they transfer this year and Bantle will suit up for his new squad this fall. Look for a better year out of the power forward. Keith Duggan

October 2020- Arizona drafted the potential future power forward Carson Bantle in the fifth-round, 142nd overall of the 2020 NHL Draft. Never drafted into the USHL, Bantle made the Madison Capitols on a tryout, finishing his rookie year, 2018-19, with 10 goals and 20 points in 62 games. He exploded last season though, finishing with 20 goals and 49 points in 49 games, good for 12th in overall scoring for the USHL. Bantle began the year as an alternate captain but was promoted to team captain during the campaign- a pretty impressive feat for a kid that wasn’t even drafted. At 6-4 and 201 lbs, Bantle took over shifts, using his size to overpower opponents. He has an impressive and accurate shot while also being a pretty good stickhandler in tight. Barreling down the wing, Bantle was almost impossible to stop some nights, defenseman bouncing off him. His skating isn’t bad but Bantle’s technique and stride with have to improve to make it at the next level. Lacks that first step explosion and top gear but still succeeded in the USHL due to his size and skill. Definitely a long term project who has some raw skill to go along with size and strength but will have to clean up his skating deficiencies. He’ll have plenty of time to develop in college, as Bantle is already enrolled at Michigan Tech, awaiting the 2020-21 season to start. Keith Duggan