I Ranger

I have mentioned this many times on this board but I agree this was a very hypocritical move by the staff in not brining in one much more highly touted freshman because they wanted and thought he needed a year in the USHL (yes I know other factors as well) for another that clearly was never close to ready for college hockey. And after this season, they clearly realized there mistake as he didn't get a sniff in the second half of the season.

Definitely switching McLaughlin and Schmaltz. I think Schmaltz is the ideal 3rd line center on a good/great team. He's really had to play out of position (maybe not the correct word as he stilled played center) due to lack of top line centers the last couple years.

I actually heard rumors last year that Persson was going to be our goalie but he obviously didn't enter the portal until this year so it wasn't overly shocking news to anyone.

I'm not sure it insinuates MSU or UND were tampering only that they were aggressive in picking up players from the portal which is obviously very true. From how I read it, only Michigan was accused of actually tampering but I certainly agree it's out there and always will be with the portal moving forward.

We can agree to disagree but in my very limited viewing I thought the exact same thing as crb1. Pilgrim stood out way more to me than Shaugabay and looked like the bigger stronger faster player. But again, very little have I seen.

Yep X2! And there is a reason these schools were left behind when the NCHC was created.

I know AJS will disagree but I think Albrecht coming back all but guarantees we have 16 forwards on our roster next year. I've said it before if you go into the season with Montgomery as 1 of the 15 there is way too much risk with injuries as you can't rely on him based on his health.

I'm with you the longer we hear crickets the more worried I'm getting and potentially with the Strathman rumors we might need 3 more.

Exactly Knies is going to be the winner.

I keep reiterating this but I think with 5 in the group we will need to be at 16 forwards due to his uncertain health. If you roll with 15 to start the year with one already iffy, a couple injuries (like we have seen many times in the past) and your depth is gone and you're suiting up every warm body you have to fill out a lineup. Not ideal!

I think our forward group has to be at 16 if Montgomery is part of it. He's a depth forward as it is and based on his health we have to stay at 16.

As much as it's hard to believe, that is the case at Minnesota as well. Football and Basketball rule at all B1G schools and that will never change.

This exactly. He needs to be utilized for what he is at this point which is a third line winger that is an excellent penalty killer. Don't force him into another role!

He had issues with his back all year I believe and they really couldn't figure out what was going on. He was finally cleared to practice for the first time with the team just a couple weeks ago in Omaha. He's a depth forward at best though.

Unfortunately with the way our roster is currently constructed, I don't think we have the option to be patient and wait.

I think he would be the reason why we will see 16 forwards again counting him. I don't think anyone really knows if he will be able to play again with his health but hopefully they can figure it out.

Looks like Howard could be heading to Mich St as well. They must really love this Nightingale guy. Also hearing potentially Hastings to Wisco. They must be throwing the bag at him!

And we were really missing a left shot on the right flank for a one-timer this year although that is Gaber's spot but I would much prefer a one-time option from either side.

I mentioned this in another thread joking but you obviously never picked up on it but others did. St Thomas is already in the CCHA.

I was really hoping we were all over him especially after Constantini hit the portal.

Like the CCHA?

I'd be surprised if Brett Larson doesn't get a call. Funny how Wisconsin thought they hit an absolute home run (grand slam!) with the last coaching change getting all 3 guys they wanted and look where it got them!

I heard from very reliable sources this weekend that there are locker room issues and other circumstances leading to this decision which is all together ironic in the fact that he was brought in due to the decision to let Morrow walk because he (and his father) could be a distraction and not UND culture.

100% agree. I've been saying for quite sometime that he lacks vision which obviously leads to him being a poor passer. Many times when he does decide to pass, he is way late on his decision which often times leads to a turnover. It also can hinder the PP as once the puck gets to him there is very little chance the puck is moving anyway other than towards the net (obviously a shot) or back to Jandric at the point. And yes I know our PP% is close to clicking at a record rate but if anyone is going to tell me our PP is better than St Cloud's just based on the eye test, hockey is not your thing.

Totally agree. I think UNO is average at best. The whole league is down other than Denver. Easily the least amount of talent I have seen in this league since it's creation!