Correct, but Michigan & Michigan State play at a pace that North Dakota currently cannot handle. Can't even create much against a relatively slow Minnesota Duluth team right now
For sure, but I do think the border/proximity/regionality of the North Dakota Minnesota rivalry will keep it relevant & heightened despite realignment. Tons of students and North Dakota fans from the state of Minnesota. Denver is a rival because of the on ice element, but their lack of proximity & lack of sizable fanbase means the rivalry mainly stays on the ice.
1. Minnesota
(big gap)
2. Denver
3. Minnesota Duluth
4. St Cloud State
Wisconsin, Michigan, Boston College, & Boston University would be in consideration if North Dakota played them every year, but they don't, so they fail to register for me.
Wyttenbach getting much deserved recognition, but Vidicek and Verreault are probably the most underrated additions across the country. Really good in the Q, already really good in the NCAA for Quinnipiac