AJS

They are running out of runway, but there's enough where they can still make things interesting. As cliche as it sounds, have to take it one game at a time. Win tonight to make the game tomorrow have real meaning.

Random positives or things I like when looking at the 2023 schedule. Opening at home against Drake NAU game is 2nd on the schedule (vs playing Boise the 2nd week) Bye week is between road games Play WIU at home the week before NDSU @ USD is 2nd last weekend Finish winnable home game

Really excited about Hakim's potential. Had an NDSU offer as well.

Correct. Attended UND Law School instead.

I said after the game this past Saturday that I just this season to be over with, I've never felt that before. Even during the two previous years that Berry's teams missed the tournament, I felt they had a shot at turning things around (barely missed both those years). Those teams played hard, thought the issue was more talent wise, but never questioned the things that you have to question this year. This year will be his 3rd tournament miss. It's clear that this coaching staff, given all their advantages is extremely average. We are not one of the programs anymore that is the exception to the rule. What does that mean? There will be good years and bad years. Unfortunately, it's time to lower expectations, because if not, there will be some very frustrating seasons ahead. Also, enjoy the good regular seasons. Don't take those for granted.

If this depth add was a 5th year grad student with experience at the college level, no matter how mediocre he was, then he would be in the line up every night.

What you're saying isn't what I took out of his post. I completely agree with you. The original poster just pointed out the importance of the game, which is very true. A good team should win by at least a few scores over NAU at home. The key is a 2-0 start is a must. We all agree. What I didn't understand is he saying that a win over Boise is more important to the program than a win over NAU? That's obvious. Is he saying that a win over Boise would be more important than if they lose at home against NAU? I would find that post to be really weird. What kind of point is that?

Keys to any offseason in the Covid (extra year) era. Seniors that have an extra year: UND nailed this. Portal (Exiting): UND nailed this. Portal (Incoming): TBD. I like the three they got but will need to see 3/4 more before the season starts. If this team can nail all three, they will be a considerably better football team next fall.

Weird post. Someone pointing out the importance of the NAU game and this is your response?

Looks to be a very solid depth add (i.e. anticipated "8th" dman on the team).

How much ice time are the two 5th years getting? How old are they comparable to others? I sure hope they would be in the top 1/2 in goals / points. Who on the team wouldn’t with their opportunities.

My issue was his “loaded up” was bringing back two solid, but not great 5th year forwards. I could be misremembering, but I don’t recall people doing backflips when that was announced. I agree it wasn’t a master plan on defense to have 0 Freshman, but incredibly frustrating. This will cause them to dip into the portal again this year. So no, I don’t think people would have complained, because many questioned those moves to begin w/.

What adds insult to injury is Berry w/ his roster moves last offseason went all in on this team. Would love Spicer / a few freshman blue liners this year. What an absolute disaster on every level.

Never wanted a season to end more.

This is almost unwatchable. They look awful.

Must win to keep an at large bid on the table & practically speaking home ice. Need this one.

Maybe a bit dramatic. As much as I hope you're right and that program has real issues, until it's proven on the field, like I said earlier today, I don't think their record will be any different next year. Two losses max and another trip to Frisco.

I'm a fan of the lines tonight.

He can, he’s accelerating. Down to UND, MN, Michigan.

Hensler would have to be the biggest potential get. Emery would be great too. I don’t think it would be anyone for next year (outside of a goalie maybe). Hoping for a high end ‘06.

Might be on my own here, but kind of like the suspense. You can dig a little see if you can find anything.

Love this type of post. Can we get a hint or two?

Yes, NDSU is losing a lot to the portal. Important pieces, good players. I'd bet this doesn't affect their record next year though. Max two loses, home playoff games until Frisco.

On this weeks UND Hockey pod, the consensus between those three is you need to pick a goalie and have it be his net the rest of the year. If he has a tough night, pull him, but go back to him the following night. If Berry and the coaching staff followed this at the beginning of the season, I think we're looking at a much brighter picture right now. This isn't a hindsight is 20/20, they've mismanaged the goalie situation this year. I felt we had a large enough sample size last year to know Hellsten is not a guy you can count on. Here's to DeRidder being that guy (which is clear, since he's the only proven D1 goalie on roster).