AJS

I think the discourse has been pretty good on this topic. I understand the feeling people have of; I thought this was going to go a different direction. Those with that opinion, I think the feeling is, not that it's a bad direction, just surprised. Fun part is everything can change with one commit. You get Carels, that's a game changer (or any of the remaining Big 3). What if your next two commits are Carels and Fitzhenry (even if he's for 2027)? Different energy.

Always felt that two weeks after the completion of the season would seem to be what would feel right for an announcement. Nothing under a week. Not only would you want to take a few days to decompress, plus visit, still so early in this CHL to NCAA (maybe I’m off here), you wouldn’t want the perception this was a done deal all along.

Waiting for a @RhettRingers bomb in the committed recruits section!

I looked at the final NA Central Scouting ranking for reference. Filtering on WHL Forwards who are not committed (or who I don't think are). Being realistic about UND's chances with Q / OHL guys. Stopping at Cooper Williams (50), because they could have brought him in his next year if they felt he was ready. 20. Liam Ruck 23. Marcus Ruck 26. Chase Harrington 32. Mathis Preston 33. Beckett Hamilton 36. Zach Olsen 37. Tyus Sparks Looking to see if any of those 7-play college hockey next year.

New era. I don't disagree with all of your post, since you do need a mix, different roles and of course it's not about one player, it's just incredibly important to realize that everything changed last year. IMO, it's crazy to think that this 1st rounder + teams that win the championship is going to stay in the same trajectory it was the past 5 to 10 years.

One thing I have noticed this year compared to last, is from a F perspective, who are the McKenna, Martone, McQueen, Reschny type of guys? We all know the high-end Defensive players that the hockey world feel will be playing college next year. Was Belchetz the only one? Rucks? But are they really being talked about as likely to head to college? I follow UND recruiting fairly closely, but even now, really couldn't tell you who the big fish are in next years CHL to NCAA F class.

I agree. The draft position conversation is really bizarre. If you go 3 vs 8 or 12 vs 22 doesn't matter at all. Entry level contracts are all the same. Talk about bad advice if someone doesn't challenge themselves because they might get exposed and drop a handful of spots. You're going to get exposed eventually. I would think the goal would be to put the player in the best possible scenario to succeed as fast as possible in the NHL. *Goes without saying this is if a player has nothing to prove at their current level*

We’ll see. On one hand, I don’t know how I would expect him to answer, but sure doesn’t seem like he’s sold on leaving.

Schloss saying Belchetz name in a recent article is noteworthy. I do find it odd that Chyzyk doesn’t follow him.

He’s playing in Game 6 tonight. Whenever his season ends I would think he’d schedule something shortly after, but would find it odd to have something already scheduled when his team is still playing.

I believe in all of the components to building a team that will have success. There is a level of balancing classes, leadership, upperclassman. Goes without saying certain aspects are more fun when they commit. Preaching to myself patience.

I don’t either, but like @brianvf said, really need that last F spot to be elite. Someone they hope can play on the top line. Get that and next year’s F group should be excellent.

Might be going with Top 3 / Bottom 9 strategy.

Berry isn’t the coach anymore. That would have been a once valid concern.