Kevin G

Ah, I see. You're saying that they "pad" heights and weights, like a HS basketball roster. (My son somehow grew two inches the day they measured, or "measured," for the roster.) I'm still really excited for Livanavage though. Guys like Lane Huston (listed at 5'9", 155 lbs) have shown that smaller players can excel in college hockey. (Not saying Livanavage=Hutson, but a boy can dream, right?)

This. Last season Berry reminded me of former Twins manager Ron Gardenhire. When Gardy had scrappy utility player Nick ("I slide into first base") Punto on the roster, he'd play Punto in like 125 or 135 or even 150 games, instead of the 80 games he deserved to play in. Punto was Gardy's safety blanket, and Gardy couldn't not play Punto.

Elite Prospects has him listed at 5'10", 174 lbs. Pretty average, no?

Kleven ended up logging more ice time than expected (21 shifts, 17:33 TOI) because one of Ottawa's other defenseman (Hamonic) got injured early. BTW, as Schloss's tweet mentions, Sandy had 36 shifts for 27:49 TOI, the most in the game for either team.

Any particular reason you prefer Warren? (Honest question; I know zilch about either guy.)

Dangit, didn't scroll down far enough on Rink Live's portal chart.

Just looking into Garrett Pyke: 6'1", 190 lbs., defenseman, left-hand shot, from Mississauga, Ont. For those who like statistical oddities, check out Pyke's stats from the past two years: identical number of games played, goals scored, assists, and points. 2021‑22 Alaska ** 34 4 15 19 2 0 46 54 2 2022‑23 Alaska ** 34 4 15 19 1 0 40 72 14

Who's the next defenseman target? Bengtsson from LSSU?

UND: "Let's walk through the Ralph again."

Also the 2015-16 team had eleven freshmen (and six sophomores).

I am excited. I have no idea if it will all work out, but the coaching decisions over the past year didn't lead to success. This is different. And so, sure, I think I'll take a green NODAK jersey, preferably with "Strinden" or "James" on the back.

I'm strangely exhilarated right now.

Just think if Persson announces a commitment to UND today. *OMG, most exciting portal day EVER!*

I wasn't being serious. It seemed like an irrationally large number.

My fear is that the coaches will bring in like five low-ceiling but safe D-men from the portal. I don't think they'll do that, however. I really don't.

I'm not ready to declare DEFCON 4 just yet.

Sioux hockey historians, has a UND team ever turned over its entire d-core* in an offseason before? *let alone entire d-core plus starting goalie plus primary backup goalie

Last offseason: We're going with experience. (Senden, Hain, Sidorski, Farmer, Jandric, DeRidder) This offseason: We're going with _________. As we wait for the blank to emerge, one thing is becoming clear: Berry and the coaches are not just doing the same thing over again. So there's that.

I should have said, "I think I'd have rather kept Portz over Albrecht...."

I think UND needs to develop three scoring lines. Adding Berg would facilitate that. Plus, I think we're seeing a change in mindset, where playing on the third line isn't a demotion; it's just another scoring line.

I think I'd rather keep Portz over Albrecht (if it's one or the other). And I like Albrecht.

Last season: Schmaltz had 0.35 pts/game; 56.1% FO Jamernik had 0.36 pts/game; 52.2% FO Berg had 0.65 pts/game; 52.8% FO

A few data points for Cameron Berg: he took the fourth most face-offs for Omaha last year, winning 52.8%. Also, he was at 0.65 pts/game as a sophomore, he led Omaha in PIM, and he's a fourth-round pick (NYI).

The Rink Live has listed another forward from Minnesota-Duluth who has entered the portal, but I cannot type his name. It hurts too much.

Man, I've been waiting forever for someone else to point this out. I didn't want to hurt anyone's feelings. Like catchers in baseball, goalies are the only ones facing the wrong way.