Just Curious

I wouldn't see how Spirko's situation would have turned Hak and Co. off of European players. Yes he left early, but so did a whole bunch of other players and the fact that he left b/c he family was in dire need of his financial support is commendable. The coaches may not go to Europe to recruit, but I don't think they would be against getting European players already in the US to commit, if they have what they are looking for.

Lammy lets in 1 goal on 9 shots in his period of action in the ECHL All Star game yesterday, the other two goalies on his team let in 5 apiece. Maybe they should of just kept Lammy in.

Its almost slightly ridiculous that 43 points in 14 games is only good for 7th place in state scoring. Some of these games must be extremely one-sided.

This article really only mentions Brett, but its about his brother Matt and talks about all 4 of the brothers. Any clues on if UND is interested in any of them, 1 in the USHL and 2 at Shattuck ?? http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=1200...;u_sid=10541631

Lee is committed to St. Cloud not the Gophers.

Great video of Stafford rocking out, also mentions his new band and Jordan Parise. http://www.nhl.tv/team/console.jsp?catid=2

Cichy and Kristo are named to the USHL All Star Team. http://www.ushl.com/news/story.cfm?id=2039

Do we know if the 4th one really did get away or if its just that he hasn't said yes yet?

Not that this list is from a hockey authority, but he does a pretty good job with junior hockey. He selects Kristo and Cichy for the 2010 World Junior Team. Again it will be better once its official, but its nice to see someone acknowledge their worth. http://theworldofjuniorhockey.blogspot.com...usa-roster.html

While I don't think Hakstol is completely blameless (he should have the team prepared to deal with trap teams or small, speedy teams; which he clearly hasn't over the last couple of years) I think the blame rests more on his assistants and some of the upper classmen than on him. I think the defense has been a major concern ever since Berry left. UND is still getting good defensive recruits, but they are not being developed like they should. We can criticize Finley, Lee, Lapoint, etc. for not cutting it, but bottom line is that the coaches are supposed to be there to guide and develop the talent, and frankly that just hasn't happened over the last 2 years. Lets look at Lee for example, I too criticized his play, but look at how well he is doing at the AHL/NHL level. There was obviously something missing at UND to make that jump and he has found it at the next level. I have nothing against UND's assistants, but I don't think they are developing talent like they should, they expect it to come in and perform without any help. Another prime example is that a program the size and history of UND does not employ a goalie coach, unlike many other programs. While Hakstol hasn't fixed many of the issues, he also hasn't caused them. Its time for the assistants and upperclassmen to step up and give Hak a hand, Is Hak perfect, hell no, but to want to fire a guy that will have 1 non - NCAA tournament season in his first 5 is ridiculous, just move down south and become a fan of football if you want that type of attitude, otherwise settle down, give him some time and lets see how the rest of the season and next year pan out. Maybe after 3-4 losing years we can start this thread up again.

I seem to recall it being a pretty big deal that we landed Cichy. I don't remember what other schools were after him, but I do know that his major junior team really wanted him and kept after him even after he signed. I am not sure I would agree with the VV comparison. I would put him more in the Gregoire category. Well rounded, but with the ability to score goals. Look at his stats this year, even on a very poor team. He out performed Kristo at the junior tournament earlier this year as well. I think those two will have a very short transition into WCHA hockey and should have great freshmen years.

Lee gets called up again, seems like he was just sent down. http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=400058

Reads like CC will be taking a non-conference gamble this weekend by giving Bachman a rest and mixing up the lineup. I can't decide if I should hope it works out or not. http://www.gazette.com/sports/hockey_45082...ise_sacred.html

Regardless of if it means something in the standings, this exhibition game is good for both UND and the U-18 team on multiple levels. It brings in money, it gives some of UND players more time on the ice to develop for games that do go towards the standings, it gives the U-18 team a game against a storied D1 program and more exposure to recruiters from not only UND but other schools. It also gives potential recruits another trip to UND, which may or may not sway their decision to come here. It also gives Hak and company another look at some recruits that they may or may not have looked at already. Why waste a weekend traveling to see the U-18 team when they were going to come here in December anyways. All in all, its great for both programs, even if some players get hurt. If I am not mistaken, injuries also occur during practice, so by some of your logic, UND should not practice either, just in case someone gets hurt!

USHL has a feature on Joe Gleason, if anyone is interested. http://www.ushl.com/news/story.cfm?id=1916

Not that you already haven't been told off, but realize that this is his second year in the USHL and he is only a junior in high school. I don't know of many 'marginal' players that can make it into the USHL lineup as a sophomore. He played in 50 games last year, I do believe that is more than Fink played in, so he was a youngster who played consistently enough to please the coaches. Maybe we should give him a chance before we write him off! Besides scorer, grinder, playmaker, etc., the Sioux need many role players to make a complete team. Besides, I think the thing the team lacks more than anything now is big physical guys that aren't afraid to throw their weight around. I don't think UND is feared nearly as much as they used to be.

This may be a dumb question, b/c the answer is something obvious that I am missing (age or country of birth), but no one ever discussed Cichy as a possible addition to the junior squad?? I thought he was just as good if not better than Kristo at the last junior tournament. Is he too old or young? Is he a Canadian? I think Kristo is highly skilled and am happy he made it, but I would think that Cichy would have also been able to contribute as much as some of the other additions. Thanks for any info.

They have always broadcast a road game or two a year. Especially when Pat Sweeney and the crew are going to be there broadcasting anyways. I mean if FSSN is carrying the games, its not any extra work to put it onto the web site.

Anyone know why if both games are being televised in the area (on FSSN in most cases), why they are not being offered on SiouxXtra? They have links for the audio, but no video. Its a good thing I pay all that money a year so that they can skip a game here or there if they feel like it!

If you look at the USHL there are still a good number of players that have some good experience and are not committed. Check out this (all be it, biased source) but there are a number of 'A' players still looking for a home, both offense and defense. One would have to believe that UND would be appealing to any of those players. http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1...b_a.html?cat=14

Good catch, I actually didn't read the article all the way through just the first few sentences. I have been continually impressed with the current recruits this year. Lets hope they can continue their progress and stay healthy.

Kristo had 2 goals in USA's win over Canada East yesterday. That is 4 points in 2 games for UND's recruits, not bad, not bad at all. http://theworldofjuniorhockey.blogspot.com/

Cichy had a goal and an assist in the USA's loss to Germany yesterday. He was voted the USA player of the game.

I was just on the B2 site looking at the schedule and when I scrolled down and found the Mankato vs UND link it said canceled on it...... Does anyone know if this is true, I am sure it just mean's that B2 coverage is canceled, but I am just checking to see it anyone else got that from the website???

Just out of curiosity, why would you think that Fink would play another year in the USHL? I know he was limited in his games last year, but between the time from his first commitment and the number of forwards UND losses next year, I would think they would want to bring him in and get him adjusted to the level of play. Again, not criticizing your opinion, just wondering if you have information that I do not.