siouxfan512

Can't even say I looked that closely at the list. I'm just not prepared to say we do belong on it because I am a fan or because I see a ton of potential in this team. To deserve something, you better earn it, and this team hasn't earned anything yet. Let's looks at last year: - Played tough against Iowa State, but lost -Nice win against Montana -Ended the season with 5 straight losses including Youngstown and Indiana State. 5-7 never deserves to be in the discussion for top 25 (unless maybe you are UNI). They dug a big hole, now they have to get out of it. I for one absolutely think they can get it done and that it doesn't all need to happen in the first season. There are some exciting things happening with recruiting, facilities, etc. But nobody is putting a poll together based on the potential of a 5-7 team with a new coach (unless maybe its coach prime 😂) In general, I would say, polls don't matter anyway ... except that where you start makes it tough to move up, but if you win some key games ... nothing is off the table. I'm just excited for camp to get going so we can hear how some of these guys are looking, especially at QB.

I'm hopeful and cautiously optimistic. I think the offense will get going and can hopefully gel quickly. I'm a little concerned about D unless we can add a few more pieces, but maybe Schmidt can do a better job with what he has than Bubba could.

In no way, shape or form do we deserve to be on that list. Though I think we have the potential to be on that list. Our schedule won't do us any favors in terms of climbing that list quickly, but to be the best, you have to beat the best, and UND will certainly have ample opportunity to make headway in that area, but it won't be easy. Hopefully Schmidt get them going and gets them going quick! I can say with confidence that if UND can keep some of those big games close, I have far more confidence in someone like Schmidt than I do Bubba. I just think he will bring more energy and preparation to the team than Bubba ever did. I guess we will see.

Where did Schloss have Western finishing the year? Joking of course!

It's not a bad pitch, but what do you base that off of? I think UND and Jackson need to somewhat re-establish themselves in terms of preparing guys for the NHL. I don't have the numbers, but I feel like someone else mentioned on the board somewhere that we just haven't churned out NHL players at the level we used to. Of course there will be some of those high end guys, but are we taking more of the mid-tier guys and helping them make the jump? I have no idea, just playing devil's advocate here. Not trying to turn this into a Berry bashing convo but I think Jackson has some work in front of him to repair some of the damage Berry did since the Hak years. I'll never forget the championship, which was fantastic! The covid year was clearly out of his control and certainly didn't do Berry any favors, but UND has hit a level of mediocrity we haven't seen in a long time. Jackson is going to have to prove success to be able to establish his own recruiting pitches. I like what I have seen thus far though!

Didn't realize that. I thought they were done. Shows how closely I follow it.

Any new info on Mckenna? I know some on here have said we had no shot at him, but his season is over and still no commitment, which makes me wonder if he is still openly being recruited. Rumors? Thoughts?

He must have a covid year, right? 😁

The rumor mill is really churning ... I heard Elijah Grady is poised for a comeback.

When will NIL become contingent upon signing a contract to stay in college for more than a year. Nothing would surprise me at this point.

Even just location. Depending on where a kid is from, he may prefer the options of a big school or city rather than Grand Forks. A town which has charm for some of us who lived there, but isn't necessarily what some kids want, they may prefer a Minneapolis, Denver, Boston, Tempe, Etc. You have to be solid coach/recruiter to really sell the program positives to outweigh things that may not be as appealing to a kid (and their advisors). I think Dane and Bryn are doing all they can and have to work against the decline we saw over the past 8 years. Recent program success IS NOT a factor we can sell at the moment. Hopefully in the next year or two that trajectory changes. Then there is the money factor, and there is only so much that can be done there. I think we would all love to see some stud players come in, even if it was only for a year or two. I think back to getting to watch Oshie and Toews on the same line ... and then that other kid that won the Hobey! Having the star players doesn't always translate to a Natty, but you're still going to bring them in if you can. I'll just sit back and watch and see what the staff can accomplish over the next few seasons. Hopefully it is a more entertaining product that we have been getting used to.

Best of luck to Hobie. Hopefully a fresh start is good for him, and he finds success.

Agreed. Lots of potential with the guys they are getting. Love the transfer additions as well, but would like to see us land some more, especially on defense. Recruits help build the future, and they have had a great start, but with the portal available, I would like to see us jump in an compete right away.

Fair point. I just don't think of that as something that would be overly distracting if the decision was already made, but maybe so.

Don't have to be an asshole about it, but glad your college hockey knowledge makes you feel superior. I come to a college sport forum for my hockey new ... it's pretty low priority overall. I'll keep my focus on actual new and my kids sport, but again, appreciate the jackassery.