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That would be big. One only has to look at St. Cloud returning almost all their players and not living up to expectations as a warning that returning players doesn’t mean squat if you don’t work your tails off in the off-season and come together as a team. Hopefully Berry will be expressing that to his guys when they have their year end meetings with each individual. If you’re coming back, you better be all in like Sanderson was, even though it didn’t go the way he or the fans envisioned.

If true, you certainly have to wonder why on a winning team. Does daddy think he isn’t being used correctly and not putting up enough points, or is upset there will be a bigger star there next year with Logan Cooley. Yes, I would be skeptical of his reasons if he is thinking about the transfer portal.

Since you have said 1st rounders are definition of Blue Chip, that would be Ryan Johnson and Chaz Lucius, and I would suspect the latter due to Johnson most likely to sign after his Junior season.

Getting passed over twice in the NHL draft with his size may suggest some concerns. Would guess he gets drafted this year, but how his skills translate when everyone is faster and bigger could be the reason for hesitancy.

I'm guessing Duluth, St. Cloud, and Western will be pretty active in the portal this year.

Not going to say if such and such wins this year, that is the new trend and everyone else better look out. I have always thought Michigan could win it all, but if you have to play 4 games against veteran teams that sometimes are built for shutdown, anything can happen. The fact that Michigan was rewarded for ditching the game against Western basically gave them one less game to worry about in that regard. They could very well win it all, but I am not going to jump to the conclusion that is going to be the new norm on winning championships, because for one thing, had we not had the Covid year, I have a feeling three of those players could have been one and done. The fact they had such a poor college experience in that one year, caused them to want to come back for another kick at the can, and a more normal college experience.

If it is someone who hasn’t formally entered the portal then since Omaha is hemorrhaging players I wouldn’t mind Cameron Berg from West Fargo, who had a decent freshman year for them. It says White Bear Lake on Elite Prospects page, so not sure where he was from last. 4th round pick of the Islanders.

Their defensive system helps, but Fanti was in a zone and saved their bacon down the stretch.

If I heard correct, Dylan James is that guy.

Is this someone who already entered the portal, or is planning on it?

Yes, everyone always compares all of them to the nicest NHL arenas.

Could you show us the programs with better facilities and amenities?

Better amenities? Really?

Let’s not forget that Jackson Kunz had a very good year in the USHL last year as well. Some transition right away, some don’t. Heck, Schlossman had Ness as one of the top 20 freshmen coming into the league a couple years ago, based on his USHL numbers, and he was even older when he came in. Unless you are going to lose a recruit, another year will always help for an easier transition. Would bet that Hain’s pace of 10-13 goals would outpace most rookie years.

I wish someone would do this to Mel, after they give him an Atomic Wedgie for sidestepping Western Michigan!

Yeah, we’d have 20 goalies if UND signed every one you said they should have recruited.

…and funny it isn’t a problem in FCS football.

It’s frustrating that we have been forced to cheer for the lesser of all evils the last six years, instead of for our team. Even more frustrating is that we have needed to start cheering for them after the first game of the regionals, or even worse even before the regionals begin. Need to get back to UND fans getting to cheer for them right up until the end of the college hockey season.

That could possibly mean we don’t see James, or that Calder, Budy, Hain and or Caulfield are moving on one way or another. Just too many faces otherwise, unless someone unexpected enters the portal.

I noticed that as well. It seems UND started to try play shutdown late in the second and it backfired several times.

Personally, any of the teams left have a decent shot to win it, although Quinnipiac a bit longer odds.

Score one more than our opponent!

I think Calder can regain some of his scoring touch if you put him with someone like Blake. He doesn’t create a lot of space for himself, but if you put him with someone who can get the puck to him in scoring areas I can see him becoming a more consistent threat. In that scenario, who goes to the Jamernik, Hain line? Kunz certainly could make a jump next year as well. Depth up front doesn’t look like an issue, just need a few more consistent difference makers to step up.

No Portz? I would put him back with Ness and Albrecht.

I thought of him, but didn’t he come in young and missed some injury time this year? He still looks like he needs to add some strength and weight.