The Sicatoka

And Florida really didn't look sharp (compared to games one and two) last night and was without Barkov most of the game.

Development or fit? Moore and Johnson (and Bast at times) just didn't adapt to the style of defensive play. They would make poor puck management decisions (i.e. "up the middle" instead of "high off the glass"). They seemed to be playing a USHL style in an NCHC (next stop: pros) world. Did they get outstanding support from mature defensive forwards? Undoubtedly no. But when you are a defenseman, your job is defense and smart puck decisions and coverage and positioning first. Can you say that's how they consistently played. As far as next year (roster fall 2024), I'll finally say the roster seems to be stabilizing: At defense we'll lose the three Portals but we have Strathmann, Jubenvill, and either Ausmus or McInnis, or who knows if Berry-winkle has another recruit-rabbit in his hat. The defense names that don't come '24 will be fall '25s (as I won't be surprised if Zmolek and/or Wiebe are just two year guys with UND). At forward we'll only "time out" one guy (Portal Johannes), and I'm not sure who'll stay or go beyond that. I doubt Albrecht stays for fall '24 but even he has eligibility. Ness, Jamernik, Gaber all have Covid seasons they could use in fall '24. Could one or more leave early? I could see needing 2 up to 8 forwards fall of '24. The pipeline, including Singleton (questionable) and Pilgrim (projected fall '25) is presently eight. I'd say that's finally getting back to "normal". At goalie, it's goalie. Let's hope Persson and Hedquist are the two year and four year solutions. That means they need a backup to Hobie fall of '25 (plus a third G to replace Johnson). That's more than manageable. Has it been a ugly "scramble to the Portal for needs" run? Undoubtedly. But to my eye things are returning to stability and there are no glaring "blanks" in recruiting classes, the pipeline, for fall 2024 and what's needed for fall 2025 seems to be a D, a couple F, and a starting G.

No disrespect intended, but worst case (say if Monty can't go, has a setback, in August) in a Portal world finding a 4th/5th liner is not "find" but "pick" the one you want and can get enrolled for fall. Harsh? Yes. Truthful? Yes.

1. Q bled numbers at D nearly as bad as UND; and he's moving home to CT (probably a cheap* get). 2. UMD had issues on the back end last year too. 3. And he just may be a better fit in the OSU system (more down the middle; less along the wall). And given what's coming in, those guys are now small, even compared to the freshmen (save for Livanavage). Methinks part of the defensive overhaul was to bulk up yet stay mobile. *Never forgot about scholarships and dollars.

I worried exactly that about DeRidder. ( @stoneySIOUX can attest.) He was seeing about 35 shots at MSU. UND goalies tend to only see 25.

Sounds like "Head of HR" to me.

If it's so easy, why in the dozen years since 2011 hasn't "drop N" happened. Clearly they can pick and choose any time they want (USC/UCLA).

If the B1G were going to drop N for losing AAU status it would've happened years ago. Nebraska entered the B1G in 2011 and lost AAU later that same year.

Why are you assuming anyone will be? I just stated the "how it would happen." No one leaves willingly.

" ... a little like the mule with the spinning wheel. No one knows how he got it and danged if he knows how to use it."

Fargo, Bismarck, and Grand Forks all get significant Federal subsidy for their city bus transit systems.

Guilty as charged. The prior irrational exuberance has been noted and tamped down for this year. This year consider me from "Missurah" -> Show Me.

" ... it'd be hard ... " <- meaning not impossible. The numbers would have to work. That's any deal: it must be mutually beneficial. But it would be hard to walk away from B1G affiliation. However, no worries, UCLA will add hockey before they'd invite UND.

IF (<- big IF) the B1G called and asked UND to be part of the BTHC it'd be hard not to take it if nothing else to put the B1G logo on the website and jersey for the instant marketing.

The B1G number is going from 58 to almost 100. Between that kind of cash, plus the BTAA, the only way you'll see someone leave the B1G is out the back door by the bouncer.

Like Springfield and Shelbyville? @Blackheart and @MafiaMan

Again, and it's a common theme, Fargo doesn't complain that everything comes out of MSP. They get off their tails and build their own. So, ... looking at you Grand Forks. There is a North Valley media market: north of 200, Bemidji to Devils Lake. So target those interests and build an audience. Do it right and you'll pull in those disillusioned with other media market offerings.

WDAY-AM Radio is no longer associated with Forum Communications. That license is now owned by Flag Family Media. I'd listen to KNOX back in the day ... when they had UND Hockey broadcast rights.

Also in there is some not so great news. Congrats on finally "finishing" Dave! And we're all pulling for you.

Change is hard, but in this case the neutral observers say it came out well, award worthy. Frankly, I'm with these folks: I like the cleaner, refreshed, better planned campus. UND Central Campus Improvements Project Wins “Engineering Excellence” Award

To my eye, the only TOR guy with a long contract is Morgan Reilly. https://www.capfriendly.com/teams/mapleleafs

Money talks.

No Dubas, no Keefe, I'd guess Willy Nylander is on the trading block. Dubas said he'd never trade him. Nylander is the best value they have for return. Teams can take on his current deal (about $7M) and are still getting value so they'll be willing to give back what TOR asks for.

Peck doesn't seem the patient type: You execute effectively in his system or you accumulate Halberstadt's rewards points*. *Maybe Brent Johnson should've cut an NIL deal with them last season. He modeled their stuff all year.

I wonder how much the Phoenix vote (down in flames this week) impacted that, if any. Cooley is an amazing talent but he won't have last years group of defenders covering some of his defensive lapses.