I liked your predictions but i'd like to voice a few more opinions.
GFRR will be very strong there only ?'s are goaltending and good skating defencemen. With Kuntz and Schaefer leading the offensive attack they could be very dangerous. Bottom line- The Riders are going to put up alot of points if they are going to beat the potentially high scoring teams like G/P/R and South.
GFC could struggle defencivly also with jake marto the only steddy defencemen and hes not exactly known for his defence. Marto will probably end up leading the charge for them on offense followed by a very shifty player in jake stadstad. Goaltending could also be a problem early after losing both of there varsity goalies to graduation. GFC although they have the tradition and are always a threat. the loss of there graduates and some notable departures. Bottom Line -Marto will need to carry them if they plan on making a title shot.
G/P/R has the best first line in the state, Tom Campbell, Paul Campbell and more then likly john ostenrude. They could also be strong in net if they play kringstad.
but the problems for G/P/R are this, they have suspect defencemen, they also won't have the depth that they've had in recent years. Bottom Line they are always a threat to make a run.
North For the first time in a while North could have many seniors on their squad. They have graduated a combined total of 7 seniors or less in the last 2 seasons. How much these seniors will do is a big ?. They will probably score alot of goals, but with halstonson gone, they are putting a very large load on Okland and Bjoralt.
Bottom line North will go as far as okland can carry them, which seems to be a long way.
South South lost alot of seniors, but they have a good nucleus back. South has very solid goltending in Mclean and Diechert, also they have a good group of forwards Weisgarber and Dalbey both had 30+ points last year. South's in the same boat as many other teams with a question mark at defence. Luecke is the only true returning defencemen, but hes already got 3 years of varsity experiance. Bottom line south could be dangerous down the stretch if they can fill in the defensive holes.
Shanley Shanley lost alot from last year. They could be very shaky early in the season. I think it all starts with their goaltending. The probable starter Joe Bottrell had a shaky 10.00 GAA last year and with little on defence it looks like some games could get out of hand. Bottom line the burgraffs have their work cut out for them.
West Fargo WF lost it's top five point getters from last year and with very weak defencmen, they will most likely get shelled in many games. Bottom line they would need a miracle to make the state tournement.
Jamestown and Whapeton Bottom line it's going to be a long season.
Well there are my opinions. please offer rebutle.
