Whitmore had some very impressive stats at Bowling Green this year. He has to know how to put the puck in the net if he was 6th in the nation in goals. Yes he's going to need a lot of work, but its a low risk signing.
I've seen Kostka several times over the last couple years but really don't remember much about him. But then again, being a defensemen, not noticing him is probably a good thing. He's got decent size and had some offensive upside. Again, another low risk project situation.