Kevin G

I’m glad you posted this tweet. It shows some of the behind-the-scenes work that the coaches do that rarely gets acknowledged or appreciated. Also, it’s cool that young and impressionable hockey players are exposed to the Ralph. I have to think that that exposure pays dividends down the road. Well done.

Mac Swanson with a goal (12) and assist (43) tonight.

Answers to either question would be fine. I'm not picky.

About Miami, Wodon assumes (1) that the leadership in Miami is really serious about leaving the NCHC and (2) that the only or primary obstacle to their departure is the conference exit fee (which the NCHC may or may not choose to waive). About Arizona State, Wodon assumes (1) that ASU desires to join the NCHC and (2) that the only or primary obstacle is the NCHC dragging its feet in issuing an invitation. Which of Wodon’s assumptions are correct?

UND could use another goaltender in the pipeline. Whom should the coaches target?

Question for the masses: In the linked article, it says that Portz "averaged 8 minutes, 4 seconds on the ice". Is time-on-ice for college hockey publicly available anywhere?

Forum members under the age of 40 be like: WTF is BetaMax? LazerDisc sounds cool AF tho! Not relevant to anything: When living in Billings, MT, 20+ years ago, there was a weird concentration of DeLoreans in the area, so much so that every parade in Billings had five to ten DeLoreans participating. Maybe alot of cocaine fans out there or something.

NHL Central Scouting released its final draft ranking yesterday. Here's a direct link to rankings for the North American skaters. Committed UND recruits: #43: Jayden Perron, F, 5'9", 163 lbs (DOB: 01/11/2005) #44: Andrew Strathmann, D, 5'10.5", 187 lbs (DOB: 02/27/2005) #181: Jake Livanavage, D, 5'10", 175 lbs (DOB: 05/06/2004) #188: David Klee, F, 6'3", 188 lbs (DOB: 05/10/2005) (height and weight confirmed by NHLCS)

Just be careful not to get stuck in the Slough of Despond.

According to his Elite Prospects page, Ryder McDonald played on SSM's 18U AAA team, scoring 79 points in 58 games. Is the AAA team different than the varsity team?

So Shaugabay is to Tony Hrkac as Pilgrim is to Bob Joyce?

Thank you for the write up. Your projections are very optimistic, but is this not the season for optimism? I hope you are proven right.

This times ten (or times 21?). Last season Strinden seemed to get overlooked a bit. Blake flashes skill with the puck, McLaughlin shows vision and edgework, James displays speed and defensive tenacity. IMO, Strinden hasn't shown a single trait that screams, Look at me! But my optimistic self thinks he's got something special that this team needs, even though I struggle to put my finget on it. Sturdiness, responsibility, smarts, and enough skill to be a winner, maybe?

Good question. James was so good on the PK last season, especially as the season went on.

The xG banner?

Gaber-McLaughlin-Blake This line would be fast and skilled but awfully light. Also, imo Gaber and Blake would be better on different lines.

Madison is no lady…

I’m so pumped right now! What should we call the trophy for winning the portal?

Just don’t give him #25.

The importance of leadership on the player side is hard to overstate. Last season there just seemed to be something a bit off in that department.

As someone born and raised in the Red River Valley, I can assure you that the earth is flat.

I would just skate to the Zamboni door and start knocking.

Ha! That's exactly what I was going to say, then remembered that humor/sarcasm often doesn't come across on an internet forum (or email, or text...). (My wife would say, "Well, if you want your humor to come across, first you've got to be funny.") But yes, I will blame you if he falls short of my irrational and unrealistic expectations! In all seriousness, I'm pumped Zmolek is joining UND and saddened by what's transpiring in Mankato.

I commend the coaching staff for partially rebuilding the roster with what looks like excellent portal additions. Good job. Now, please beef up the recruiting pipeline so we don't need the portal quite so badly.

Too late. I've already penciled him in as "Cale Makar 2.0."