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
It will be used by other teams in negative recruiting pitches against other teams. Just like how teams bring up Motzko's old age/Dinkytown being a mess for Minnesota, Pearson & now Naurato's underachievements with stacked rosters at Michigan, now this will be used against Penn State
His mom was there. Some drunk idiot kept verbally harassing Gavin's mom, wouldn't go away. I don't condone the actions, but I understand why they occur. Allegedly, all of course
Carson Woodall (2006, Windsor Spitfires) commits to Boston College. Greg Brown figured out he needs recruit more Canadian CHLers, very nice addition for the Eagles.
There's no clear favorite this year IMHO. I guess you could say Michigan State if they all play up to their capable ceiling, but I'll believe it when I see it in the tournament. Really interested to see who gets hot at the right time, who gets the bounces, etc.