Superman0099

That's exactly what I was thinking. From what I have read, Michigan and Wisconsin were the frontrunners, but you can't help but be impressed when you walk into the hockey facilities at UND. It's still a long shot, but there's a chance UND could rise on his list after his visit.

Sagard, I agree with you. There is nothing wrong with what Brandon is doing. He is obviously ready to move on from UND and he has the opportunity to play at a higher level and earn money to do it. Bochenski played his heart out for UND these past 3 years, and instead of criticizing the decision that is his to make, we should thank him and wish him luck.

If I'm not mistaken, Murray played center at Salmon Arm. He's certainly got the capability, which could open up the possibility of a Murray/Bochenski/Stafford first line. Not to take anything away from Colby, because I have complete faith that he could be very solid first line center.

No.

It would not suprise me to see Johnson move to the UND program if offered a job. I remember reading an article awhile back that quoted Johnson saying something along the lines of how he would like to move back to grand forks for a number of reasons.

While I strongly agree with skateshattrick, I do believe that RT was stuck between a rock and a hard place. Blais's sudden departure came as a shock to everyone - including Hakstol, the players and RT. By this time, it was getting to a point in the summer that you do not want to be without a head coach. An internal search took only days, while a national search would have taken over a month. RT had to know that his decision would look hasty, but the consequences of waiting another 40 days to name a coach could have been worse. I do not by any means agree 100% with the way the search was handled, but I can understand why it happened the way it did. That being said, I wish Blais and Hakstol the best of luck with their new jobs. On the subject of the Hakstol pressure, how is that any different than the standards that any other UND coach or player is held to? UND hockey is excellence, that is what everyone expects out of them, and it is what they expect out of themselves. Hakstol knows this and he will not let down. Go Sioux.

It's maybe once in a blue moon that RR and Central are not two of the top 4 or 5 teams in the state.

I know what ya mean. I still can't believe Adam Hauser national championship ring.

Very good to see Zajac on that list. From what I've heard, the canadian team is somewhat biased in their decisions when it comes to picking players that choose to go to US colleges over canadian junior leagues.

I think all of us believe enough in Karl's ability to be an NHL goalie. Blais's move looks good for Karl getting a shot. I think Karl's mental toughness will some day get him there.

I agree that Duluth fans are in denial if they don't think it is a very high possibilty that Sandelin will coach UND next season for many reasons. Aside from the obvious (UND being his Alma Mater and former coaching position) UND would more than likely offer him not only a more premier hockey program, but a heftier contract and one of the top facilities in the world. I would be suprised if Sandelin didn't want the job. Look what Roy Williams did at Kansas last year.

Sounds like congradulations are in order for Mr. Ballard. It's been fun to watch him play, even though he was a gopher. He's got a solid career in front of him, and Sioux fans should wish him the best of luck and thank him for 3 competetive years.

If I'm not mistaken, the BCHL is one of the toughest and most physical junior leagues in North America...

I didn't mean to discount the 'Parise work ethic' that both Zach and Jordan have shown, my point was that Phil has always been a very hard worker, and is patient. I've always been a big fan of his, and his decision to come to UND didn't surprise me much, but I really can't wait to see him between the pipes. For me, he is the most anticipated recruit in years (aside from Zach Parise). I have high, but realistic expectations for Phil, and wish him the best of luck.

First, I think this year's class is just as good, if not, better than last years. The big additions were Murray, Stafford, Porter, Smaby, and Jparise. Now, if you look at the players coming in Radke - A much needed recruit for the Sioux. Over the last 2 or 3 years the power play has struggled immensly. Radke sounds like the type of player who could turn that around, maybe not immediately, but I think many are expecting him to develop into a Ballard type. Don't get me wrong, I like Smaby a lot and I'm sure he is going to have an outstanding career at UND, but I think Radke was brought in to play a role that the Sioux are in dire need of. Zajac - realistically Zajac could be the best recruit in the nation. I think he will be more effective in his first season than Murray was. Kaip - underestimated, IMO, much like Porter was. He might not have Porter's speed, but I think he will show he is more talented offensively. Lammy is the USHL's best goaltender. Jpar is great, and I think he will be the starter next year, but in the long run, Phil is going to be UND's pride and joy. With Phil's work ethic I highly doubt there is going to be a goalie that can outplay him. The players that are coming in this year aren't going to be as valuable as Stafford and Murray and Jpar and Porter were in their first years, but I think over the next couple of seasons, the '04 class will be playing many important roles. Regarding Phil next season, he has already spent 3 years in the USHL, and therefore his elgibilty is up. He's more than ready to come to the next level.

Size is a big deal. The NHL is full of huge players. Just because St. Louis can do it, doesn't mean every small talented player can. Look at how good Panzer was, and look at how hard it has been for him to make it due to his size.

The players understand the risks of not wearing one, and it should be their decision.

Beaverson was dropped.

If Sidney Crosby is not the #1 overall pick I call shenanigans.

It's great to see Commodore finally getting his time in the NHL. I think we all knew he had it in him. Now he's playing great hockey and looks to be one of Calgary's best Dmen throughout this series. Congrats to Commodore, and here's hoping he keeps up his stellar play.

So what's the scouting report on Miller?

I've got a couple of things to add... Schneider... I think we were all expecting some bigger numbers out of him, but I thought he had a fairly solid season, leading this team to a WCHA title. Thats a great accomplishment in my book. My thoughts on Stafford "dying out" are that he started off the year with big time goals, scoring plenty of game winners to gain alot of attention, as the season went on, his scoring was more quiet. Great hands and speed and size and hockey sense, I think he needs to be a little more physical and work on his shot a little. It was my impression that Massen had a bit more weight on him than he should have (don't quote me on this, because it might not be true at all) but I remember someone saying towards the beginning of the season that Massen looked like "the incredible hulk". Good offensive skills but needs to work on quickness in my opinion, and should play more physically/intensely. Smaby is going to be the next Matt Greene, except a better skater ( I think ). His progress this season was outstanding, and I hope he keeps improving at his current pace. Only thing to work on was puck control, but that will come with time. Genoway was my favorite player to see this year. After having a tough first WCHA season and struggling to make the lineup every night, he has become one of the best passers on the team and worked his way up to the first line for some of the year. I would like to see him be the first line center next season and hopefully develop a leadership role, because it seems to me that he has great discipline. A good example for the younger players coming in trying to make things happen. Greene/Jones - If there was a better D-pair in the country you'll have to show me. These two stick around for next season and they are going to be monsters. Goaltending, in my opinion, was one of the best areas all season long. While the Defense helped their numbers a little, Brandt and Parise made big saves at big times, something that had been missing from the Sioux pipes for a while. It's good to see solidity in that area again. I think Jordan Parise could develop into one of the best goaltenders in the league if he keeps working hard. For in between the pipes, I'm a Parise fan. I like the way he moves the puck - reminds me a little of Marty Turco, and I think the Parise work ethic shines in him as well. Porter was the biggest suprise of the season for me. He is the perfect power forward, in my opinion, with speed, size, toughness, and power along the boards, good all around game, just keep working hard. I like to see him playing with Bo and Genoway for some reason... Thats all I got, everything else was pretty much covered.

No one deserves this award more than Sandelin right now. Congrats.

http://siouxsports.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=2561

Jeremy Roenick is a BadA$$. I repsect the hell out of him as a hockey player, no matter who he plays for.