shep

I'm not suggesting that Zach is going to end up in a Travis Roche situation as I really think he more favorably compares to the Johnson, Hrkac, Blake trilogy of former Sioux, guys who became solid NHL'ers (at least in Johnson and Blake's cases) but who didn't dominate as they did in college. I just wonder when a young man signs that professional contract if he's truly aware of all the pitfalls inherent to it, and if he ever considers taking another year of development at the college level to better prepare for the pro game. Does anyone remember Gord Sjerven or Howard Walker or all the others who left early never to be seen again? I wonder if they feel it was too early. I just hope Zach can make a name for himself b/c that million dollar contract turns to 80 grand if he's in the minors, and it is worth a heckuva lot more than 80 grand to have the goons in the minors whack at you all season. Just a thought for any other players who may be reading this and wondering about the fruits of the NHL. For the record, I thought Roche was the best skating/stick-handling defenseman to ever play here, and I was in school when James Patrick was dominating the ice.

No offense, I'm a huge Sioux Hockey fan, but of all the things that SI can cover these days (MLB season opener, NCAA BB Final Four, upcoming pro FB draft) I doubt that naming a college hockey POY is gonna bring a huge announcement even on their website. shep

All this talk has me sliding down nostalgia lane, but I'm concerned...they had a crackdown at Walsh??? Please tell me it isn't so. Walsh is what it is. A place for Freshmen to "learn" about the college life. No crackdowns, just "learning." shep

Look, I'm not ready to proclaim him the next Travis Roche, but before everyone starts hopping on the Devils bandwagon because of Z's sudden relocation there, we had better take a collective deep breath if only to see if there is NHL hockey next season. Also, it sure would have made his stay here a lot more memorable had they won a title. Someone said they had an unlucky night. Dave Tippett, Tony Hrkac, Ed Belfour, et al had unlucky nights, too, but that didn't keep them from the title. I don't blame Z for no title, but I don't claim him to be the "god" others think. He was here for only two years. C'mon! shep