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If you start creating that kind of partnership/pipeline between the CHL & NCAA, it sounds like that would push the USHL more to the fringe & make it less relevant. Plus, what are the advantages for American guys of playing in the CHL over the USHL? Speaking strictly about the advantages for developing their game, not other factors like the location may be more scenic or they can be more independent & maybe get away from mom & dad.

Good catch. I think he injured himself in early March, so he's pretty much healed in just over 2 months. Bear's ranked anywhere from #8 to #22 overall and, if given the right linemates, could easily translate to having a 20g, 20a season here. Logic would dictate that the staff is pursuing 1 or 2 high-end scorers, because it doesn't make sense that if McKenna suddenly became unavailable that they wouldn't pursue any other high-end scorers. Go for McKenna & no one else? That dog don't hunt. The 25-26 jigsaw puzzle is missing 1 or 2 key pieces to make it a legitimate contender. The fact that they haven't announced any Fs lately for next year leads me to think that they're waiting until after the draft to see what NHL teams want (may have to eat crow if they announce now only to have one of their possible high-end recruits signing later after the draft instead).

CHL loyalists may be upset about losing top players like Williams, but I think most of their frustration & bitterness stem from the NCAA removing all doubts that it's the highest tier of non-professional hockey in NA. There's no escaping that fact now, & they don't want to admit it. It's an ego thing.

"I met a couple of guys on the team. They were awesome."- C. Williams Like someone else mentioned here, it's nice to have current players who are good ambassadors for the program. Makes it that much easier to sell UND to future recruits. A very nice start to establishling the WHL --> UND pipeline. Over a month ago, Jackson told Izzo on a podcast that 60-70% (if memory serves correct) of all CHL talent is in the WHL, which seemed like an exaggeration to me; but he should know, I guess.

Did pretty well his rookie season in the WHL. His numbers are quite a bit better than Zakreski's when comparing their rookie seasons in that league. Solid. Waiting on @nascar99's expert analysis on him since he's the resident expert of that league.

Does anyone know what he said his goals for the upcoming season were?

Sounds like Jackson is utilizing the former coaches as mentors more than anything.

Very big loss for them. You can't replace a first round D with 2 years of D1 experience just like that from the CHL. He was their anchor on the backend.

"North Dakota has gotten a depth player in winger Josh Zakreski and will now start taking swings at top prospects." Doesn't sound like if UND will get a biggie, but when. May have to wait until after the draft to find out whom.

You're quite the piece of work. What are you, 15 yo?

Because like @nascar99 pointed out, the USHL confectionery store has already been sold out of premium candies & no more will be available until they get their next shipment in the fall. I'm not saying to emulate MI & put all your hopes on some 1-year mercenaries, but it's nice to have that 20g/20a (at least) guy who can be a difference-maker in close games. I like the way Jackson is constructing the roster, but it seems to be lacking that 1 dynamo to take it to the next level. Plus pinning your first line on an unproven Zellers with no high scorers to complement him may not be the wisest of decisions.

Who says they would have even wanted to go to Michigan if there was room for them there? Plus if UND had a damaged reputation, there are plenty of other quality schools in all the major conferences that Homer, Morris, Menghini et al. could have played at instead of UND. But they chose UND, which means that UND's reputation isn't as tarnished as some think. Contrary to what many think here, the college hockey world doesn't revolve around Michigan. It's nauseating how some here put them on a pedestal. If anything, they've demonstrated over the last 25 yrs that 1-dimensional forwards don't win a team championships.

So a high-value portal transfer doesn't look at the reputation of a school like a drafted player does? Hmm, interesting take. If a program has a damaged reputation or is in shambles, chances are high it isn't getting any quality players, drafted or not.

Our reputation didn't seem very damaged in that we got some very good portal transfers this spring. We'll see where all these guys end up when the smoke clears. @RhettRingers stated that UND was currently in talks with a few blue chip western Canadians. Waiting for him to elaborate on what league(s) they play in.

Can you elaborate on what league(s) they currently play in?

Ok, that's great to hear, but you said last week that UND wasn't getting any "decent" CHL guys. So you're saying or implying 2 different things.

But according to you, not any "decent" WHL guys, right?

Those are your source's answers to why UND isn't getting any top CHL scorers, or yours?

Since you seem to know what's going on within the program, ask your source why UND isn't getting any high-scoring CHL forwards; since you made this claim recently on May 5th: "We aren't getting a decent CHL guy...". Seems a little odd that UND would be right in the running for McKenna as short as a month ago, to not getting any top CHL scorers present-day, especially from the WHL.

In your estimation, how many WHL & OHL forwards who are 3rd round or higher caliber players who will want to play in the NCAA next year? I'm talking guys who are high scorers & difference-makers. Emphasis on 3rd rd or higher WHL/OHL forwards who will be on an NCAA team in 25-26.

EP has Bergeson playing at Augustana in 26-27. Hearing anything on who the remaining 1-2 Fs will be who will round out next year's roster?

Congrats to Smaby, but calling him a colossal get may be premature at this point considering that he hasn't demonstrated himself yet in coaching D1 hockey. Perhaps in due time, though. That description might be more appropriate for someone like Herter who has a proven track record of success at this level; there are no question marks with him. But if you're calling him colossal in terms of having a high potential to help bring this program to another level, then that's certainly a possibility. Him being connected well to the USHL, NTDP & TC should certainly help UND's recruiting in those areas.

Good point. These top CHLers who get drafted before their first NCAA game are high reward; but they're also high cost & high risk. Can imagine the hole it would leave in a team's top 6 or top 2 if their expected recruit suddenly bolts. The Jasper Weatherby Effect.

You're probably right, but a new HC already knows what kinds of systems he wants to run & it's a possibility he already knows the candidate who best complements that vision/style.

Ss.com's inside source claims it's all a foregone conclusion & that the new associate will soon be crowned. If that is indeed how it plays out, that UND wanted Smaby all along, what a massive waste of time & resources for all the other candidates. Just name him already instead of all this posturing.