KSSioux

Just wanted to put this link up for those that want to watch the McKenna saga on ESPN tonight: McKenna, projected No. 1 pick in 2026, to make college decision tonight on ESPN | NHL.com I cannot get over what people are calling "generational" talents. This kid is an extremely good hockey talent, but is not 6ft tall and under 165lbs. Bedard is having his bumps and bruises in the National, which he needs others around him to help out. I hope McKenna will gain a few pounds and I do believe the college hockey schedule will fit him very well. Fewer games and an opportunity to weight train and build muscle. People can argue his choice if it is Penn State, which is a pretty done deal. I will say the Big Ten fits his style. I doubt he would find it as easy in the NCHC. I wish him well and we will see who ends up being the better get Verhoeff or McKenna.

Toews going to ink with Winnipeg to finish his career. Wishing him the best of luck on his return! I think it is a great choice for him and the Jets. Toews to return to NHL next season with hometown Jets | NHL.com

Great seeing TJ Oshie on ESPN's The Point prior to the Oilers-Stars game tonight.

I had not noticed until today, but the Denver-Providence game is the one on ESPN+. The rest are on ESPN2 or ESPNU. I think this may be the best game of the day, so pretty disappointing. Interesting until I saw who the other teams were at that time. ESPN headquartered in Connecticut, probably locked them in to ESPNU.

It is on ESPN+

U Conn in Hockey East looks a lot like Western Michigan in the NCHC. They play a good brand of hockey and all of the lines are all in with their system. I watch a lot of college hockey, and they are very good. Just goes to show you do not need "blue chippas" to win. The only one they had transferred to Minny last year. Should give a lot of thought for those thinking the pasture is greener elsewhere. You are right in that they are set up for not only a good run this year, but also in the NCAA's. This may not be their year to bring home the hardware, but they are one of eight that I give a good chance to be in the Frozen Four. Depends on who they get matched up against in the tourney.

Forwards Jonathan Toews, Dave Christian, Zach Parise, Phil Sykes, Tony Hrkac, Greg Johnson, Jason Blake, Troy Murray, TJ Oshie, Travis Zajac, Brock Boeser, Doug Smail Defense James Patrick, Jake Sanderson, Geoff Smith, Craig Ludwig, Murray Baron, Mike Commodore Goalies Ed Belfour, Jon Casey, Mike "Lefty" Curran Extra Skater: Howard Walker (Need an extra D that was an enforcer) Had a hard time leaving off Lee Goren and Dixon Ward from the forward list, and tried to get four good centers. Curtis Murphy was the last cut from , the D-men. Could not leave Commy off the D-list for a variety of reasons which include the intangibles that he brings.

The series should be part of the Big10+ package. I believe the WCHA signed as a part of that package, and got out of the FloHockey deal. I may be wrong about this as it shows CCHA+, and does not show up on the Big+ schedule. It should be with the WCHA deal with them, but it is pretty confusing.

Looks like the Blackhawks are now under more scrutiny about their nickname and logo: Chicago Blackhawks Hit with Explosive New Lawsuit Over Alleged False Promises to Native Consultant (msn.com)

Blake and Jost both are on the final 25 roster for Carolina. Grimaldi was released from his PTO for the team. Hopefully he gets picked up by someone.

Livanavage

Looks like TJ Oshie will be on Long Term IR to start the season. I was waiting to hear about him retiring, but I hope he heals well enough to make an impact later in the season. He has been going through a lot of health issues. Putting him on the long term IR will help the Caps salary cap concerns to start the season. Hope Osh gets healthy enough to play this season. Always love watching him play and I will be at a Caps game in early January. Oshie expected to begin season on long-term injured reserve for Capitals | NHL.com

Here is a great article that is on the NHL web site about EJ Emery. I put it in the committed recruits, since he has yet to play a game for UND. Color of Hockey: Rangers prospect Emery 'comfortable' heading to North Dakota | NHL.com

Congrats to Cam Jonson on another championship in the ECHL for the Florida Everblades. Got to cut up another net, and did so this year with Mark Senden. Senden scored two goals in the third to tie the game and send it to overtime. Florida obviously scored the game winner in OT to clinch the Clark Cup against the Kansas City Mavericks.

I would love to see it, but I do not think Emery will go in the first round. My guess is that Boisvert will go 15-20 in the first round and Emery will go 35-45 in the second round. Both have huge upside with Boisvert needing to build up his strength, and Emery needs to work a little on his offensive side. Emery's defensive style is awesome to watch, and I think he would be a perfect pairing for Livanavage. I think both have extreme hockey sense for their positions.