brianvf

I had never heard that story about the 1959 UND champ team that had a converted forward playing goalie. Pretty crazy. https://www.grandforksherald.com/sports/und-hockey/who-are-the-most-unlikely-goalies-to-lead-und-to-an-ncaa-national-title

That would be my guess as well. With how much has been said about how much pain he's going thru and trying to manage during the week just so he can play on the weekends...that's just not sustainable longterm, and probably not for another season.

Nice article on Zmolek: https://www.grandforksherald.com/sports/college/from-dark-times-to-the-frozen-four-bennett-zmoleks-college-hockey-journey-winds-up-in-vegas

That was the confusing thing with McKenna going to PSU (other than the $$). Sure, he had to adapt at playing against older, more physical players...but he could have done that by going to LSSU. His goal should have been to become a better, more complete player. And judging by that video of him just standing there as Notre Dame scored an OT GWG...I'm not sure he improved much on that area during his time at PSU.

Practice times in Vegas. https://www.grandforksherald.com/sports/und-hockey/2026-frozen-four-practice-times-set-in-las-vegas

Congrats to Dane! Been a fun year watching this group of players that he's put together. Can't wait to see how they do next week in Vegas!

Schloss article on Kernan: https://www.grandforksherald.com/sports/und-hockey/in-one-year-jack-kernan-goes-from-uncommitted-to-key-contributor-in-unds-frozen-four-run

Yeah I'd rather a NCHC final. But I'll take the stick-it-to-Perron finale as well if needed.

Ollie getting closer: https://www.grandforksherald.com/sports/und-hockey/und-monitoring-ollie-josephsons-progress-ahead-of-frozen-four

Brad's GFHerald portal tracker is now up again too: https://www.grandforksherald.com/sports/und-hockey/2026-mens-college-hockey-transfer-portal-tracker

If we get one of those plus the Ruck boys, I'm beyond excited.

DU would make sense with them losing Pohlkamp plus maybe Buckberger this offseason. That said, it sure would be nice to have a DuPont type guy to fly into the offensive zone on the PP similar to what Liv can do now. Verhoeff is a fine skater, but not sure he fits into that mold (yet at least). Strath has potential to make a jump on a PP unit too. Put DuPont up top on the PP and Verhoeff on the half-wall to blast his one-timer. Would be really fun to watch for a season. MacKenzie could be on PP2 on the half-wall too, as he's shown to have a blast of a one-timer as well.

Yeah I know he'll get pressure to sign, I'm hoping he can tell them one more year and they'll be assured he'll sign after his JR. We'll see how next season goes.