mksioux

Andy Schneider can no doubt score. And Nick Fuher has an excellent shot (when he's not shooting it into the shin pads of an opposing player). But that's not my total definition of an offensive defenceman. I think UND needs a better break-out and transition game. As everyone knows, offence begins in the defensive and neutral zones. A defenceman who sees the ice and can consistently make a move, put a pass on the tape, or lead an offensive rush is desperately needed.

A pretty vanilla article. Some random thoughts by me: "...but there [wasn't] much mention of the two players that got away or if Johnson would ever return to coach at UND." -- Those are the two subjects that could have made the article interesting. "Of course, in my heart I want to see my best guys go to UND, but I can't get into a situation where I funnel guys a certain way," Johnson said. --Maybe he should get some advice from Lou and Glen. "There are so many good local players that go on to colleges. It's hard to get them all." --I realize SJ's just being diplomatic and my comment is not really directed at him...but I really hate this line. Nobody expects UND to get all the local prospects...just the best. It's not as if UND merely missed out on a couple role players.

Actually, I think kiork was probably talking about the Kohl Center...which has sight-lines for basketball, not hockey. If you're up in the upper deck past the first couple rows, there's a good chance you can't see the whole rink.

No way Ryan Hale leaves. And yes, he would be missed...for his leadership, experience, and versatility. I agree that he may be somewhat of a flight risk after next season, but not now. He's way too raw to be ready for the NHL. He'll probably do what David Hale did and leave after his junior year.

No mention of particular schools, but he's very adamant about not losing his college eligibility. Not very good journalism...the writer didn't even ask him where he might be going to school or which colleges were recruiting him, if any. Doesn't the writer know there are inquiring minds out there? I expected more from the Didsbury Review.

You're absolutely correct...I too have noticed a lot of Gopher fans lurking on this board lately. But they were 2nd in the league last year...not 4th. This argument would be much more fun if you were a Gopher fan, but my first-hand observations on my trip to Madison this year was that every Badger fan I came across was good-natured and humble. Or maybe they were just drunk. Actually, your team left you with little choice last year. But the Madison trip was great. I can't wait to go back.

Exactly. I've always been amused by the elitists in Minneapolis with their "nothing else to do" rant about Grand Forks. As if the Gopher fans would choose the Orpheum over Mariucci on game night. If you're a true fan, it doesn't matter how many options are out there, you watch college hockey on game night.

Those are the three I was thinking of too. I would bet that at least one jumps ship after the upcoming season. Perhaps two. I agree that the possibility of early departures is probably why DB has been recruiting D. But what happens if all 3 decide to come back in '04? I doubt there will be enough scholarship money to go around if that happens. Maybe somebody with more knowledge of the recruiting process than I can shed some light. I imagine it's got to be tough for a coach to try to guard against early departures on one hand, and to avoid extending too many scholarships on the other.

Thanks for the info dagies. If Dahlen doesn't join the team this fall, that's 7 on the roster. I think UND found out last year, that the ideal number to have is 8. Perhaps Rosehill comes this fall? Or I suppose Ryan Hale could move back if there is a need. Even without Dahlen, unless there are early departures, that's still 10 defencemen on the roster in '04. It's still extremely early, so I suppose a lot can change from now till then. It's nice knowing there's a cushion. Hopefully, the focus for '04 is now placed on forwards.

If Rosehill is indeed coming to UND, the number of defencemen will be getting quite large. (I'm now officially using the Canadian spelling of defensemen in honor of the new Canadian recruits. ) If Rosehill comes, I assume it wouldn't be until '04. By my count, the upcoming season will have 8 defencemen on the roster (Schneider, Fuher, Jones, Greene, Marvin, Smaby, Bina, Dahlen). None are seniors. Then there could be as many as 3 coming in '04 (Beaverson, Radke, Rosehill). There's a potential for 11 defencemen on the roster in '04. Even if UND loses one of its D-men early, that will still make 10 defencemen on the roster. Seems like a lot.

I'm not too familiar with the situation and I'm aware there's some sort of Gateway commission in charge of shaping the future of Gateway...but I don't think this Jacobson guy is actually asking for money from the city to build the statue, is he? If not, I'd be for it. If so, I'd be against it. If it's through some tax break incentives that are available to anybody else who wants to invest in the Gateway area, I'd probably be for it. Gateway Drive is just plain ugly (except for the REA and the Happy Harry's complex). Any private party who wants to invest along that drive should be encouraged IMO. btw- this should probably be moved out of the hockey forum. Sorry to anyone looking for hockey discussion.

Yea you're right, the city council should just summarily reject all ideas brought in by private citizens. Maybe they could thank them on their way out as they move to the Minneapolis suburbs. Cripes, lighten up and let them look into it. I like the fact that people actually care enough to be coming up with new ideas. Not all ideas will stick, but at least people are not satisfied with the status quo. If I were a decisionmaker, I would like to see exactly what they are asking of the city before I passed judgment. If it's just zoning issues and building permits, why not?

I have no idea if the Sioux are recruiting him, but how about Michael Ringrose from the Sherwood Park Crusaders of the AJHL? I know nothing about him, but his stats are impressive (59-37-44-81-36pim). And check out his career and scholastic ambitions in his bio. Do you suppose UND might be a nice fit?

I think Jake has as good of chance as anyone to be the starter. He was pretty good down the stretch. In fact, he probably has a slight advantage going into the season since he'll be the only one with college game experience. That's not to say that Ziggy or Parise couldn't take over the starters role at some point because they could. But it's a bit presumptuous to count Jake out before the season even starts. Also, I wouldn't be surprised to see them keep Ranfranz or Sofie (but probably not both). 4 goalies in practice is better than 3.

The Sioux have two defensemen coming in '04-'05 (Beaverson and Radke), but they'll have no senior defensemen on the team in '03-'04. I like this recruit because I think there is a reasonable probability that one or two defensemen will leave early after next season. It's nice to know there's a quality recruit waiting in the wings to fill that position.

Apparently, Charley Walters is changing his tune now (sorry if someone already posted this elsewhere):

I hate the Gophers as much as any Sioux fan...but let's not get carried away here and do something drastic. One would think G Dubs would prefer to present the honors to a state that actually voted for him.

I doubt they would strip Ryan Hale of the "C". However, I wouldn't be surprised to see Zach wear an "A".

Certain Gopher fans will disagree that statement. They claim the BCHL is defensively weak. Since I've never been to a BCHL game, I'll reserve judgment. However, I will say that I've liked many of the BCHL recruits that have come to UND in the past.

Very true.

I already gave you my answer in my previous post. I don't have the inside scoop, but it might have something to do with durability. Whether DB has "the right" to do this is a different debate. I was providing a more plausible explanation for Jordan's recruitment than your unsubstantiated theory that bringing in Jordan was part of Zach's deal. My point is that Jordan had better numbers than Sedevie and is probably more durable. I'm not claiming that Zach's presence at UND had NOTHING to do with Jordan coming here...I'm just arguing against a quid pro quo.

Lest we all forget, last seasons USHL numbers: Jordan Parise - 2.552 GAA; .915 S% Nate Ziegelmann - 2.583 GAA; .908 S% Layne Sedevie - 2.620 GAA; .896 S% Some of you might have to come to grips with the fact that Jordan may actually be a decent goalie. Maybe DB thought of Jordan as equally or slightly more talented than Layne, and much more durable over a 4 year term. I don't have the inside scoop, but just a thought.