brianvf

Agreed. He's in PA scoping out his future employer. He just has to decide whether or not he wants to start "working" this fall or not.

Well, hopefully he gets drafted by the law school then.

Of the 4 forward recruits that could come in this fall (Trupp, Malone, Hextall, Bruneteau), I think that only 2 will come in, and Trupp is guaranteed one of the spots. I believe that Bruneteau will for sure be heading back to the USHL for another season, so that leaves either Hextall or Malone. Now, if by some miracle Toews stays, I almost think that it would be best if both played in juniors for another season. They would progress more playing a full schedule of games in juniors rather than just practicing with the Sioux. I disagree about Trupp. He had his injury at the end of last season and after he returned this season, he was back to the dominant player that he was pre-injury. He seemed to have a small injury in the playoffs this year, but he was back on the ice by the last game. I think he could be a very good frosh forward for the Sioux next season. I also see Forney being a regular in the lineup (if he can avoid injuries).

They are certainly getting some good recruits, but I am interested to see how good SCSU is without Bobby in nets. He kept them in a lot of games over the last 2 seasons, and they also lost Gordon early. If Weslosky struggles in net, I wouldn't be surprised to see them slip to the 4-6 spot in the WCHA standings.

Big Al's Pasta Parlor?

Malone is definitely a power forward. Hextall will be a Prpich/Kaip type player. Gritty and tenacious with a bit of an edge in his play.

I hadn't realized that he is going to be 21 before the season starts this fall.

If our only off-season loss is Toews, I think that would delay Malone and/or Hextall coming in for a year. If by some miracle Toews decides to stick around for his junior year, then I would guess that both of those forwards don't come in until 08, especially if Genoway is going to be used as a forward. Now, if Lee or Finley decide to go as well, then that opens up a dman slot for Genoway, which means that either Malone or Hextall can come in this fall. It all will come down to the decisions of Toews, Finley, and Lee. Once those 3 decide what they are doing, then Hakstol will know which recruits can come in. I still think that both Marto and LaPoint come in regardless though. I think we will see noticeable improvement out of Grieco next season. He showed promise in the home SCSU series, and we have to remember that he was a very young frosh thrown into a starter role. He will be fine.

There's no way that LaPoint sits on the bench much next season. He is ready for the college level and will be a great player for the Sioux. Also, I think we see a healthy Forney do quite well next year in the lineup. My guess is that both LaPoint and Marto come in this fall. Which will leave us with (9): Bina, Radke, Chorney, Lee, Genoway, LaPoint, Jones, Finley, Marto With Radke staying at forward, that leaves us with 8 dmen, which is the magic number. Marto will be the odd man out, but will still get playing time with injuries and whatnot. We need him to get some experience this upcoming year, because the d-corps will be depleted the year after that. Then from the 7 remaining, you either play the 6 the practiced the best that week, or move Genoway up to forward. That also leaves some extra room should Lee or Finley leave this summer.

Great recap, PCM. And a huge thank you for taking the time to do this every week during the season. It is very appreciated.

I think we need Marto to come in this year...if anything just to gain a little bit experience for the next season, when he will be sorely needed.

He has been playing in the USHL this entire year.

Agreed. Everyone is staying for a run at #8. He might want to join in on the fun.

Yeah, Finley too. Either people will be sitting or recruits may have to play another year of juniors.

Simply amazing. Who's left? Toews and Lee?

That's weird. My wife and I moved from GF to Madison two years ago. We were both amazed at how retarded the drivers are in WI when the weather turns the slightest bit wet or snowy. A normal 20min commute turns into an hour drive to work just because there are people driving 35mph (or slower) on a 2 lane highway. I never experienced that driving in blizzard conditions in ND, let alone just a small snow flurry.

How are you so sure that Oshie is coming back? But I agree, that would be quite the team if Oshie, Duncan, and Chorney all stick around. They would definitely be one of the favorites for the WCHA and NCAA title.

And if no D leave, it also creates a logjam at forward, because Hakstol will almost be forced to put Genoway as a forward (and keep Radke there). With a top 6 of Bina, Chorney, Lee, Jones, Finley, LaPoint and plus Genoway and Marto, it definitely puts Marto as the odd man out. That's unfortunate that he won't be getting much game experience because we'll need it for 08-09 when Bina, Radke, Chorney, Lee, and Finley will all be gone. If Toews or Oshie (or both) decide to stay, I wouldn't be surprised if Hextall or Malone stays in juniors for another season.

Agreed.

The Hobey Duncan watch is officially put on hold until this time next season. Thanks for sticking around for another shot at that title Ryan and Taylor. Now convince a few more of your teammates to do the same.

This is going to be the longest game thread ever.

Link? Huge loss for the Sioux if it is true.

I like those whisperings. As long as he's not playing there as a member of the opposing team.

If Toews leaves, I see the integral cogs of 07-08 being: Oshie, Chorney, and Duncan If those 3 return and we lose Toews, I still think we have a team with a chance at the title. Put Trupp to replace Toews, and you still have the DOT line. Now, if Toews decides to stick around for another year of fun, you have a team that is a pre-season favorite to win the WCHA and the NCAA.