brianvf

Agreed. I could see him starting to pick up his scoring in his jr/sr seasons, but until then he will be a very effective "grinder line" forward. Much like Zajac is right now, but with more offensive upside.

Oh no, here we go. I would disagree. I have been very impressed with LaPoint, especially as a frosh. I have been very impressed with the play of both him and Marto this year. They got thrown into the lineup as freshmen, and sure they've made the occasional freshmen mistakes, but for the most part they have done very well. I think we'll have a very capable defensive unit next season with LaPoint, Marto, Genoway, and Jones anchoring the unit. Unless LaPoint leaves early because he's become the "new Brian Lee" on this board.

Toews and Parise came in young because they were skilled enough at a young enough age. VV needed some time to adjust, so he played a year at the USHL level. Both Toews and Parise also came to UND and played like "stars" right away, where VV took a year to get used to the speed/skill of the league. I don't think it's fair to compare VV to those 2 players. They were both 1st round draft choices who were head-and-shoulders above their competition skill-wise in their soph years. You can't say that about VV yet. That said, he could still bolt after this year...I just don't see it happening. Unless he just really needs the money.

I bet we are bound to see at least one unexpected departure. But who? I can't see why VV would want to bolt just yet...it took him almost all of last year to get used to the speed of the WCHA...and this year you are starting to see the beginnings of a great player in him. If he comes back next year I think he could be one of the top forwards on the team, if not the league. But he still needs that year of development. If he goes to the AHL, he'll be right back where he was at the beginning of last year, just trying to keep up. But if he doesn't go, then I don't know who...Kozek? Watkins? Who knows. I think that Oshie, Finley, and Chorney are gone for sure. 100%. Duncan I am not so sure about. I could see him being about 60/40 that he goes. But he may just stick around for another go at it. If he stayed, I am not sure what Hakstol would do about the forward situation. You certainly can't have 5-6 forwards not dressing each night.

Does anyone know if Sioux Xtra will be picking up the webcast from the Mankato website?

I think every team in the nation could say that.

Take out that UW game and I bet the Sioux would easily fall from that top spot.

I wonder what all the Gopher fans that were saying that Budish's stock was falling recently are going to say about this. Seriously though, good pickup for them.

I would think Miami's lack of a tough schedule will hurt them if they happen to lose a couple games to those weaker opponents. It's certainly not their SOS that is keeping them afloat as a #1 seed.

Agreed that these tourneys are a great recruiting tool for the Sioux. Hopefully they keep on being held at the Ralph. I also agree with I Ranger that the Sioux already have the makings of a fantastic 2010 recruiting class with Mattson and Clarke. Keep it up Hakstol!

Anyone got an update on the UMD/MSUM game? Nevermind, ends in a tie.

Everytime there is a fight in this league, the Gophers are involved.

Did Frazee really let in a goal from center ice?

I'll just post a random comment so that this Sat night thread is on top again.

What's crazy is that this is the 3rd time that a team has gotten hosed playing against DU in Magness. The first time was UAA...either 2 or 3 years ago. Last year against UMD. And now this year against UW. Something crooked is afoot in Denver! This is a bigger scandal than Wooger's phantom assist claim at the Ralph!

I love how both of those pics from the Herald show Tech doing what it does best: Clutching and grabbing.

Kangas was in net for UMN.

Sweet! Chorney! SCSU beats UMN 3-1 (with ENG).

SCSU just went up on UMN 2-1 with under 2min to play.

A penalty on VV because the Tech player tripped over his own skates. Seriously.

Time for the refs to start calling all the clutching and give some PP's to the Sioux.

Finley gets a penalty for a nice check. Hmm.

Great defensive play by Kaip.

Trupp has been all over the place so far. Good to see.

There could have been 3 penalties on Tech on that shift alone.