brianvf

Might as well get this started I guess. Not too optimistic about the team after the last two weekends...playing four games against BSU and RMU and getting ONE regulation win will do that. https://www.grandforksherald.com/sports/und-hockey/und-looks-to-start-the-pairwise-climb-in-oxford And injuries...sounds like everyone that was injured will still be out except for maybe Strinden? Seriously...what sort of ailment does Zmolek have that they haven't been able to figure out a timeline since he was injured the week after the Providence game. That was almost two months ago! They might as well just call it season-ending at this point.

He'll fit in well here then.

Updated as of 12/2 Laurila 8th overall in scoring in USHL (only dman in top 20) Zellers 9th overall in scoring in USHL, but has played in 3-7 less games than everyone ahead of him Zellers 2nd overall in goals scored, 2 behind the leader who has played 7 more games USHL (Forwards) Klee (Muskegon) - '05: 20gp - 8g/4a Pilgrim (Tri-City) - '06: 22gp - 3g/11a Schultz (Chicago) - '06: 19gp - 7g/5a Zellers (Green Bay) - '06: 17gp - 15g/6a O'Neill (NTDP U18) - '07: 24gp - 4g/6a Sanderson (Muskegon) - '07: 12gp - 2g/1a Bumgarner (Fargo) - '08: 22gp - 1g/2a USHL (Defensemen) Laurila (Fargo) - '06: 22gp - 4g/18a Lindberg (NTDP U18) - '07: 23gp - 0g/4a USHL (Goalies) Heil (Madison) - '06: 11gp - .897 / 2.63 (8-2-1) Other Simpson - MN HS - '07: 3gp - 4g/2a McKamey - BCHL - '09: 24gp - 4g/6a

https://www.grandforksherald.com/sports/und-hockey/e-j-emery-hampton-slukynsky-named-to-preliminary-u-s-world-junior-roster Emery on the prelim roster for WJC team. Strathmann and Swanson were also at the showcase earlier this year, but didn't make the prelim roster. If he makes the team, he won't miss any games other than the Manitoba exhibition.

Unexpected players? Like players on the bench? The problem with unexpected angle shots is that you have to hit the net...otherwise there's a good chance that the puck will ring around the boards and out of the zone. I agree about the garbage though...they do need to start shooting if there is a good chance...they're caught in a "one more pass" mentality right now, trying to set up the perfect shot when most of the times they could just get the puck on net and hope for a juicy rebound.

Saying we have a chance is easy. The team actually taking advantage of that chance on the ice is an entirely different story. It doesn't seem likely from what we've seen so far. Oh it's sunk in. We're done with the non-conference portion of our schedule and the team is sitting in the middle of the PWR field. Which makes this a very average team...and that lines up with the product we've seen on the ice. There are games remaining that could improve their PWR, but them actually winning those games...let alone going on a run that would make a substantial impact on the PWR... seems highly unlikely unless something dramatically changes.

They still play WMU twice, SCSU twice, DU, CC, and ASU and only have one series each left with UNO, Miami, and UMD. That's 14 games with teams above them in the PWR and 6 games with teams below them in the PWR. That gives them opportunity to move up...if they want it and can take advantage of that. Based on what we've seen so far, it doesn't seem likely. But the opportunity is there.

The other half are still waiting in Pooly's office to be seen for their injuries.

With how the players celebrated after that shootout "win", I'm not sure they think they need a meeting. Best case scenario right here. That would put them at 10-8-1 entering the 2nd half and hopefully get some players back over the break. They have a rough stretch of NCHC games in Jan to mid-Feb (@ ASU, WMU, @SCSU, CC, @DU), so there is PWR and NCHC ground to make up if they want it.

When Karl was added to the staff, I thought he was going to be the heir apparent to the Berry throne. But I'm not sure if Karl would be the best choice to motivate the players...would it just be more of the same that we're seeing now? I know others have mentioned wanting to go outside the UND family, which I'd be fine with if the candidate is right. Just look at Blais. But if they stick with UND pedigree, I think that Matt Smaby could be a contender. He's only 40 and has been named the head coach for US WJAC on top of his USHL coaching. Could be a Carle-like pipeline for the kids that play on that team.

Ha, crap I didn't even hear about MacDonald, only Strinden. This isn't just bad luck...this is some sort of "angered the hockey gods" stuff right here. This team is jinxed.

At the end of the day, it was a deathblow to any PWR hopes.

Yep. Agreed on both. Need a spark...and soon.

What a bad couple weekends in a row. I didn't hear any further mention of Strinden, did anyone? Probably "just a bruise" like Louie and he'll be out until Feb. This is a turd of a team right now. Defensive breakdowns, horrible passing, can't hit the net, and when they do...right into the logo. Now heading to Miami. I wouldn't be shocked by any outcome next weekend.

Man that OMac post at the end of 3rd sure would have been nicer...

Probably. This team is already making history!

Why are they even bothering with the meaningless shootout?

Effin brutal.

3x3 against a team that has been out-hustling us is usually not a good thing.

That post shot was the season in a nutshell right there.

Finally get a forward back and now another gone?

Another guy that had a lengthy goal drought. Keep em coming.

Great touch from OMac to go high blocker when he made it look like he was going across.

OMAC! FINALLY!

On the plus side, 3 sog for UND thru 10min. On pace for 18 on the game!