siouxnami

Wisco has some top shelf talent, BSU does not.

Hands down BSU is far less likely to win 2 in Grand Forks.

UND has had success recruiting high character team guys, looks like that one might have been a swing and a miss.

UND vs. Wisconsin (or BSU) at the Ralph. Initially had thought Wisco win put them up five, but it looks like it put them up 3 with good chance for 4 BSU points. Sad situation where UND might be better off losing 1 vs. sweeping depending on Wisconsin TUC status. So far (check these): Minnesota vs. AA (conference wins - tie breaker?) Duluth vs. Mankato Denver vs Bemidji/Wisconsin UND vs Bemidji/Wisconsin Total cluster: CC / St Cloud / UNO / Tech I think CC has home ice locked .

With the Alaska UND in now #9, sealing the deal in Denver would be huge given that we didn't in Duluth.

Blood Nelson

I disagree, if this was the case the deal will be done. I think some of you are really downplaying how great of an experience college and particularly UND is. Experience, education, fans, and development: UND doesn't take a back seat to anyone.

He is a '96 born, so assuming he is a high end player, that would probably make him a 2014 recruit.

Claude Lemieux has a kid by the name of Brendan who is probably 15 or 16. I think Claude is still in the top 10 all time for NHL playoff scoring.

I would say absolutely even if the Sioux don't make the National Tournement. There are some other good contenders out there but consider the trifecta of challenges he has faced. 1) Graduates one of the most successful classes in UND and WCHA history, so he is starting out in a huge hole. 2) Loses a key piece of the recruiting class and NHL first round draft pick at the last second before the season. 3) Loses perhaps the most talented freshman for essentially the entire season. On top of that has a huge amount of addition injuries and can barely submit a lineup even using all of his non scholarship players. Despite that they are on the cusp of securing home ice and making the NCAA tournement as an at large. Wow. This team is not nearly as talented as many that have come through under Hakstol and is nowhere near as accomplished but I think it is Hakstol's best season as a coach.

I didn't know that. He is only 16. Seems so young.

That 2013 class is looking real good, throw in Seth Jones and it would be the top class in the nation. I also think that had matteau not left, the 2012 would have been top 3. Too early to say, but 2014 looks like 4 blue chippers as well.

I have to confess I am a little concerned with Voltin, that past month or so. However he is young and if he comes to UND I suspect he will be a great contributer.

you and your accuracy...

I was a little surprised to hear that he was playing in Sweden

In the last 10 years I don't think that anyone comes close to our results.

He is 19 so a late bloomer and already past his draft, I think. If you are Seth Jones, is there any program anywhere in the world that turns out NHL defenders like we do?

Mattson

Hmmm. We shall see if he is at that level...

As an aside I always like to compare PWR to KRACH. KRACH is the gospel truth about where you should rank. If PWRis better than KRACH it means you are higher than you should be and vice versa. The Sioux ranking is probably fair right now. This will not matter when we when the Final 5 and get an autobid..

Its all about the numbers if 7 get in, 7 get in. No questions asked...

Until I hear otherwise I will assume he got the boot because he refused to go the Major Junior route...

First class kid...

I wonder what the chances of Omaha above 32 degrees is in Feb... Certainly alot greater than Grand Forks.

Forgive me if there is a topic on this already. Sounds like fun, sure it is getting a little over done. http://www.lincolnstarsblog.com/2012/01/ushl-winter-classic-in-2013.html If you have never been to Omaha, they have a great downtown and it is a fun trip. I am highly likely to go again.