tnt

NDSU in my opinion can be beat by a team that is a little more balanced and can pass the ball when needed. Of course it would take great line play, but I would like to see the Big Sky teams actually come out of the playoff games against those running teams NDSU beat, and actually see if NDSU is more susceptible to less predictable offenses.

Hmmm, look alike high school jerseys. You mean like Minot and Minnesota's jerseys. I could probably name a lot more schools that have just their letters on the front of the jersey as well.

So we can watch for the deterioration of the facility, what corners were cut?

I have always seen Craig Perry's son from Andover rated pretty high as far as goaltenders go. Wonder if there is any interest in him still. I assume he would be a few years down the road yet though because Junior hockey is always beneficial, especially for goaltenders.

Actually, we do use that by copying the 'sota, sota spelling lesson with Dakota, which I think is even more lame. We certainly should be able to come up with something, but I have no doubt that "Light em up" will be used by many teams as well.

But in the same way, when we lost Miller, Matteau and Koules, I don't think we replaced those players with high scholarship players, and I believe even some walk-ons, rather than give high scholarship money to a player just to fill a roster spot. Perhaps they have a little scholarship money in the bank because they didn't just throw scholarship money to players for the sake of filling a scholarship roster spot. We do have quite a few players that were walk-ons on our roster now.

That '96 class looks like it could be special. I like the odds of at least a few of those guys continuing their development as elite, impact players and bringing that same element at the college level. The chances of all of them being elite players is probably not all that great, because they won't all have the same role at the next level, but I think each can contribute something special. I just hope the fans understand that not all of them are going to be elite players in college, so take them for what they can bring to the table.

Exactly, I was able to pick seats fairly early on in the transfer of seats from the old Ralph, and picked seats in one of four sections that didn't have a Club Membership attached. Little did I know that a year later, Club membership would be required for every season ticket in the new Ralph. Have to say, I was a little upset, because I would have picked much better seats the first time, had I known the changes were coming. Oh well, live and learn.

Don't know that I would be that harsh. I would bet his goals per game average ranked pretty high on the team. Realize he didn't always look in step, but he didn't produce that poorly.

Can't remember, did Pattyn get in trouble once last year, or was it twice? The fact that Simpson stayed away from that might help him in the way of becoming Captain. Really depends on if the coaches have a hand in it, or if they let the players have the final say in picking the Captain. If Simpson has the leadership qualities, I say give it to him with his great image. If he isn't a natural leader, then look elsewhere.

Have to wait until February to beat Miami in the Ralph.

Depends on where you are writing an article or referring to him. If you are in Colorado, you sure will refer to him as a former Avalanche player.

True, but bringing the Cup here doesn't change that fact either. In other words, he doesn't have to prove himself as a true Sioux to me.

Doesn't need to do that in my book. His loyalty to UND goes beyond bringing the Hardware to Grand Forks. He has a lot of fans in Winnipeg too, and who knows, he might want to finish out his career in Winnipeg when the big paydays are over, and his goodwill in bringing the Cup to Winnipeg sure wouldn't hurt. The fact that he chose UND over Major Junior, and that Sioux fans can claim a great young Captain like that as one of their own should be enough to cement his legacy here.

Ask coach Hakstol about that. He only had 2-1/2 years of eligibility because he tooks some classes which started his eligibility clock ticking. I think he even had to leave half way through his Senior season.

Don't think it is that bold. He could play one game with the big club and win a bet.

We were told that the only reason Matt Morelli played here is because of Reg Morelli, now when the Sioux don't take a player that is related to a former player, they lost out. I think Omaha is more in a position where they commit to players a little earlier than the Sioux, especially if they aren't deemed elite level talent.

Well, since we don't have to play Minnesota State and we don't get a crack at Minnesota, outside NCAA tournament games anyways, I don't mind seeing Minnesota State having a roster that can keep on with their trend of beating the "mighty gophers". Mankato and other WCHA teams will have to win games like that to get more teams in the NCAA tournament than just the playoff champs.

So you're saying those goalies are better?

Let's not forget that we have a lot more walk-ons than we had in the past with guys like Pattyn, Gaarder, Sanderson and possibly Senkbeil and Mitch MacMillan. Sure those guys are probably getting some money now, but still probably not a substantial amount for approximately a fifth of the team. Pattyn came in when Miller decomitted late, and I think Gaarder came in with the loss of Bruneteau and Cichy who had scholarship money. Add to that the loss of Matteau and Koules as well. We probably had some catching up to do because the coaches didn't want to just throw money around trying to replace high end players. Probably wanted to use that scholarship money for "finds" like Ausmus.

I am sure the offensively gifted defensemen like Mattson, Thompson, or Stecher might see some time at forward. Don't think you would look at Schmaltz doing that, since he took a good step forward the last half of the year, and the Blues might not like their 1st round draft pick playing out of position.

Was thinking of that as well, but not sure if the experience at Ford Field might have soured them on a temporary ice location.

Has Stepan stated he wants to play somewhere other than Ohio State next year? If so, and Ohio State won't allow a release to another Big Ten team, shouldn't the UND coaches give him a call to add possibly a little more offense to the lineup? Between him, Murphy, Tambellini and Johnson, should be able to find someone to fill in a little scoring with the loss of Kristo, Knight and Rowney.

How about former Sioux from Calgary, Brett Hryniuk.

Actually thought he would have played more games than that because of the death of Pelle Lindbergh.