dagies

You have to wonder. There has been so much talk about him at some point leaving for the pros. Last year was not his best but there was still talk. This year he is playing great and Blais is really talking him up. It would be great to have him back but usually where there is smoke there is fire. There was a lot of talk of Bayda going pro and even though he said he wasn't going to, there he goes. Same with David. I think it might be too much to hope that he stays. It would be great if he did, and time will tell. We've been bitten by the "early" bug lately more than I like. It would be nice not to have someone leave early for once. We have 2 D coming in next year (Dahlen and Smaby). That would be 9 on the roster. Is that too many?

My surprises for the first half would be: Parise - enough said Prpich - rather unheralded player. Needs to keep up recent play to remain in the "exceeding expectations" catagory. Massen - on pace for 20 goals after 3 last year! Bochenski - really improved his skating and strength. Success not totally dependant on star center. Schneider - not flashy but great offensive numbers D Hale - healthy again, and dominant according to Blais Greene - seems to have adjusted fairly well. Not a liability on the ice by any means. Does need to avoid a few penalties. Team Defense - let's hope it can hold up in the 2nd half. This list does not mean any disrespect at many others on the team who are having good or great years. But in those cases they are meeting what I hoped to see from them this year. The above group have exceeded my expectations.

Outstanding news for the UND and Grand Forks!!!

Nice article on Parise in the Pioneer Press: http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/s...rts/4803649.htm

BTW, Hammy, welcome to the board.

Looks like I jumped the gun on Ziegelman. It seemed to be one of 2 and I made the assumption on Nate...Sorry all.

For me it sucks to see a ND or even GF boy who can play D1 hockey go somewhere else. That said, there will be circumstances that prevent you from getting them all. That's reality.

THAT is one of the funniest things I have seen on this board.

On POI the word is that the Gophers have signed a goalie. While they are all so tight lipped and mysterious it is pretty obvious from the hints and tidbits the "experts" toss out to the drooling masses that Nate Ziegelman has committed to the U of M. While I hate to see another ND boy go south there is only so much room right now for a goalie....

I've searched the internet (a while back) and have had no luck finding Matt Commodore playing hockey anywhere. I think that doesn't bode well.

Big difference between throwing a game and not going all out to win. I agree with PCM's take on it. It was a good game to get Kollar more big game exp for the next season.

He's no good.

I agree with you Greyeagle. I have, in a couple of occasions recently, kind of wondered about the value of winning the Final Five after taking the league, wrapping up an NCAA bid, etc. Don't get me wrong I love the Final Five, enjoy going and want my team to win, but there have a been a couple of times where the game seemed to be of NO value other than bragging rights. That removes some of the emotion from the game. During the season you are at least fighting for league points. NCAA's you are fighting for your season every shift. Final Five, make or break for some, another game for others.

Wouldn't surprise me to see this line together at MN either...But maybe not having the last line change negates the impact.

Drew Stafford is 3rd on the Shattuck team with 13 goals and 26 goals. 2nd leading scorer has 43 points and of course Crosby is blowing everyone off the charts in scoring. Not bad for Drew.

Sweet!

I think if there was a suprise pick off the Sioux team it would be Matt Greene, not Jones. But I'm not tapped in so what do I know. Seemed common knowledge for some time, as you say, that Jones and Parise would be on that team. Greene's name seemed to surface here very recently.

http://www.journalstar.com/sports.php?story_id=45 Article on a couple of familiar goalies at Lincoln in the USHL

I want to thank anyone responsible for these games making it onto the internet, even Sprig and others for continuing to birddog this topic. I've tried not to get too upset if I can't get the game because, hey, it's a free service. On the other hand, as OETKB said to have made plans and then find out it isn't on seriously downgrades one's mood. Thanks everyone.

You seem inconsistent on this topic.

She was up to do a story on Parise. It was a great interview. She's an interesting interviewee and seems knowledgeable. I thought Tim was trying to bait her just a little and she did a good job of handling it.

Both Canady and Connelly need to play as much as possible, IMO, to get their legs under them for the 2nd half. Last night 2 guys got their first goal. Tonite I predict the same for Canady and Connelly. Probably just jinxed them...

Good game for the guys tonite. Bochenski with 2 Lundbohm, D Hale, Genoway, McMahon all score. First goals for Hale and Genoway on the season. Sounded like Prpich had a good game but afterwards Blais seemed to indicate he would break up that first line as they did not play off each other very well. Blais was not happy with the odd man opportunities the team gave up. But was happy with Ranfranz making the saves on those chances. Blais said Marc has earned another start, probably in the Christmas tourney. Blais is concerned as R Hale hurt his shoulder. Sounded like a seperation and he would sit tomorrow night, anyway. D Hale was interviewed later and he said no seperation and R might play tomorrow. I'm happy to see the 4 guys other than Bochenski who scored tonite. Very good for them. Connelly also seemed to have some good chances and is on the verge of getting his first goal. Maybe tomorrow...

Duly noted above, thank you.