Speed_Kills

Rizzo (and his Dad) wanted more or less "guarantees" of top-6 minutes, PP time, etc. as a freshman. He was told you have to earn those at UND so he bolted for DU - unfortunately worked out well for him.

Scott Morrow (UMass) is the big one I can think of. He was very much ready for the college game. But overall, I agree.

This was a couple of years ago now and someone can correct me if I'm wrong, but I saw a statistic at one point that the Best Defensive Forward winners in the NCHC have played more collective NHL games than the league MVPs. A lot more room on an NHL roster for guys who win faceoffs, block shots, play PK, etc.

Really good problem to have and I'll agree here. Littler and Klee bring a similar style of play... Littler probably gets the nod over Klee, scores timely goals and wins battles especially in the o-zone (also a little less likely to take penalties which is a big deal come playoff time). Zakreski and Menghini bring a completely different game. Geno brings speed/north-south game, Zakreski brings more scoring touch but doesn't have Geno's speed.

Also did not see much of 4 at the end of the game on Saturday. Have not heard any status question mark, though.

I'll disagree on that goal. I think DJ was in the perfect position for shot block. M Plante fired the puck 2+ feet wide of the net and it ricochetted off his brother's leg and in. Hard to fault the winger who was in the direct-to-net shooting lane.

Been hearing (not completely verified) rumors that he's debating decommitment and opening recruitment back up - even if he's asked to come in 2026-27. Would agree he will be playing somewhere else if it's not next year for sure.

Looks like it'll be a trio of Cullens in Dinkytown. Gross.

I'd be fine if they never put numbers on the front of the jersey again. *shrug*

Welp, looks like Bear won't be coming to North Dakota next year either. Signed with DET.

Losing the interlocking ND was (from a fan perspective) an unexpected outcome of the re-brand and an extra kick in the nuts. The football team had a variant of that for decades.

Agree. His PxP is very average at best (he’s admittedly gotten better with less corny phrases and letting the game speak for itself) but he’s a HUGE ambassador for college hockey. He negotiated a certain percentage of hockey (college or NHL) into ESPN contract. Yes, he favors HE but they are also on ESPN+ but I think he’s done a really nice job of increasing exposure to hockey. He will be missed when he retires if someone doesn’t take the reigns from him.

I think we will continue to be in the running in the future for those type of players as that transition becomes more popular and more of known entity. There's also no guarantee the top CHL guys even go college route. The top guys in the CHL historically have done well in the NHL. First year of a new dynamic, these kids have a lot to think about.

The BSU series drives me nuts. High risk, no reward.

Yes