yzerman19

I was just poking- I know what you mean. The speed of the game at the next level is often a big adjustment, unless you are uber-special. It seems that great skating and hockey IQ make the transition a lot easier. All these guys are good, and bring a pretty complete skill set, but skating and ability to read the play a full 200 feet makes the transition a lot easier.

We had a pretty impactful Freshman this year...

I think you have to have a pairing that you know can handle other teams' top lines. Gotta keep 1 really good, experienced unit together

I'd be shocked to see an all rookie dpairing. They will split Shaw and Wolanin to play with a freshman apiece

your point about chemistry is a good one. Its hard to catch lightning in a bottle like we did this year!

hmmmm...I seem to remember the Pony Express, DOT...those examples seem like he loaded the top line.

A big-time D1 coach has to be a general manager and a team manager and a game manager and a development coach- or at least his staff needs to be. Hak proved that he was an exceptional GM keeping the team in the elite for over a decade. Hak's biggest weakness is as a game manager, but we won a lot of games with him in charge. Hak was a high-end team manager and development manager taking most teams to their best abilities and definitely helping a lot of players make it to the next level. Berry has proven that he is a great game manager and in-season team manager. The other elements are yet to be decided, but he has no demerits in that regard yet. His players love him- which says a lot.

Kid had a 40 goal 100 point season in the dub as an uneligible for draft 17 year old...on a great team

I watch a ton of WHL games...live in Seattle...Nolan Patrick is absolutely sick...that kid has size, skill, pedigree in spades...I seriously think he is like a Keith Tkachuk already He is a guaranteed first rounder and will score 40 goals a few times in the NHL

You think Bowen??? less than half a point per game in the BC league...

Best of luck to Stech. Sources showing a rookie max deal...gotta take that

I thought I'd at least troll GFhockey out with the shout out to the GOBC...instead I get FSFL criticizing my history... I am tough to offend today due to Saturday!

You love making friends on here, eh?

I wasn't alive for most of the 70's

didn't realize that there was so much hate for Rube. I'm not going to change my post, as I believe my sentiment comes through

thanks- 12 right aint too bad

Mine too! I remember looking at my buddy and screaming "Calligula" after the Roman Emperor known for hedonism. I knew then he was stud...he delivered

I wasn't around then...I was giving props from the lens of where we are now and those who played a role...if Rube is your only beef, I must've done okay

Its all about guaranteed money, and if he gets a rookie max, he should go. If he doesn't, then he should stay

He helped position us...

Every time they got on the ice we could say they're cumming sorry mods- I never do this...that was x-rated...

Don't give him the same name as Michigan's rink!!!!

The program as it is now has many responsible. In no particular order: Ralph Engelstad and family Dean Blais Gino Gasparini Dave Hakstol The UND alumni and Mr. O'Keefe Every player to wear the uniform...special recent call outs to Toews, Parise, Oshie and their success on the biggest stages Mark Poolman The GOBC - Lumbermart, Simos, Molstads, Spicers et all The Marvin family Roseau, Warroad, Grand Forks, Winnipeg Rube Bjorkman The entire family and descendants of the Purpurs and Gambuccis The Hrkac Circus including Eddie Jim Archibald The Championship teams and tradition Brad Berry Carey Eades The Sponsors- Dahlstrom, Altru, Alerus, Rydell, American Tire, Home of Economy, Gerells and others The faculty and support of student athletes The towns of the western prairie provinces and Alberta and BC LOVE

where are the final results posted? I missed big with Lowell, but did great everywhere else

Perhaps the greatest thing about the family is that guys buy into roles...we not only get blue chippers, but we get 3rd, 4th, 5th rounders and late bloomers who understand the way the game is at the next level and buy into the role. This is a huge difference in program and coaching vs some other elite programs (ehhem Gophers). Guys who scored 30 goals in junior realize they aren't the best at this next level and buy into the program and the willingness to do the little things to win, and at the same time understand that everybody in the show was a point per game at major junior or college, including the scratches. Think about Pogo. The kid is a beast, and a draft pick, but he knows the game he needs to play to help the team and at the same time make himself an NHL ready player by banging and playing puck possession. I love this program.