I Ranger

I think it's safe to say he wears a letter next year and wouldn't surprise me one bit if it's the "C". The leadership group next year is going to be the youngest ever. I would think it would be Emery, Swanson, Croal and Reschny.

We only had 15/9/3 because Young was a designated player that didn't count against the 26 so we took in Engel late based on Zmolek's health. This won't be the case moving forward unless another transfer comes in that is the same designation and doesn't count against the 26 player roster cap.

That is my feeling as well. I think he's a Badger.

Exactly and I would have to imagine both Klee and Littler when recruited were told where they would be in the lineup. I always saw Klee as the 4th line center from day 1 he was committed. I think Brock Schultz is the simple replacement there and already knows what his roll will be (4th line center and maybe PK).

I'd think we would be in on Rudolph as well. If DuPont is chasing $$$ we are out of the picture.

100% with you and Jax has even said as much that we aren't going to chase players looking for the highest bidder. If the rumored number is true, this screams Michigan and Penn St as really the only two options to me.

I've basically said the same thing. If they are both most likely one year players and relatively similar talents (DuPont for sure) then give me the 18 year old over the 17 year old all day. I made the same argument in discussing potentially between Lin, Rudolph and DuPont as well. I wonder if we push harder for one of Lin or Rudolph if we feel we are out of the DuPont sweepstakes?

That's a much better list than I was expecting. Herter would surprise me but would be a great hire.

Could someone with access post the list?

Right. I think there is less than a 1% chance that the extra skater isn't a 7th d man. I think it's safe to assume Klee would be the odd forward out in this situation.

I agree I think Klee would be the odd man out and just move Ollie to 4th line center between Littler and Zakreski. That's a pretty solid 4th line!

I think we just have to simplify the game. Pucks deep and get on the forecheck and chip pucks out of your own zone as cleanly as possilbe. Unfortunately handling the puck is quite the chore on this ice and holding on to it for longer only increases the likely hood of getting a bad bounce and costly turnover. Really takes the skill out of the game.

As has been mentioned multiple times, the ice was horrendous! Anyone who thinks this didn't play a factor as it's a great equalizer for the lesser skilled team is crazy. Even the simplest plays/passes were difficult all game. The age old complaint of regionals playing on garbage ice for the most important games of the year but at least it's a neutral site! Ridiculous!

Going to have to play simple hockey. Pucks in deep and grinder goals. I've seen some bad ice in regionals but this looks like it could be the worst!

I agree. Or it could very well be similar to last year in that they're aware of the high-end players that will be/are available and haven't really even opened their recruitment yet as they are waiting for their CHL seasons to finish. I have not doubt we will be after these types even if it means pushing others back and potentially losing more.

So the rumor around the World Juniors appartently was that UND had 2 pretty big silent commits playing. Carels is the most obvious guess as he has been linked here for quite some time and wasn't the other potentially a Euro forward? There weren't any forwards on Canada or USA that aren't signed or uncommitted so I thought the assumption was it could be one of the higher end Finnish or Swedish forwards?

Nick Oliver? My best guess at the moment. Can't imagine many coaches updating their resumes for this one!

You are correct and Jax said as much during the interview on Game Notes.

Has been my fear all along as well.

Good interview with Jax on Chiclets Game Notes. He starts around the 46 minute mark.

Agreed and the next captain as well. I just stated it in another thread but I just don't see them losing anyone they prefer to keep.

Stranger things have happened but I don't see them losing anyone that they want to keep. And I don't think that list is very long at least according to the fanbase.

I agree on Carels. I was just throwing out the hypothetical of the other three righties if we were to be targeting them as well.

Let's say "if" we were lucky enough to have the option of Lin, Rudolph or DuPont for next year who would be the most impactful. I've brought up this question before to a few people. Who do we think would be more impactful on the ice an 18 year old Lin or Rudolph or a 17 year old DuPont? I get the prestige a DuPont would bring to the program but I feel the 18 year old's could potentially be more impactful in year one. Just my thought.

I'm certainly not thrilled with the performance on Saturday but I think we should all take a deep breath and remember where this program was at exactly one year ago!