Western is a decent team...well coached...play an NHL style...very physical
That said, way more drafted players on UND which translates (although not perfectly) to being more skilled and talented. Western could steal a game against anyone, but UND should beat them 8 out of 10 games IMO
AND...the identity of this year's team is hardly that of physical intimidation...especially on the blueline. Its a different look UND team than years past
Stecher is outstanding. He can play on any Sioux team. The issue is he is undrafted and undersized...not promising for the NHL.
If you asked me to rate our dmen this year it is very different than my NHL prospect analysis.
UND best dmen this year:
1. Stecher
2. Ausmus
3. Schmaltz
4. LaDue
5. Poolman
6. Mattson
7. Thompson
8. Panz
I will reverse the order and add my 2 cents:
1. Jordan Schmaltz
2. Zane
3. Parks
4. Nick Schmaltz
5. Gage
6. Mark Mac
7. LaDue
8. Pool man
9. Thompson
10. Jewels
Honorable mention: mattson, OD, Johnson
I know...but as a Sioux fan with a BSB and MBA from Carlson, I enjoy poking the bear...
So, I am the hypocrite- grew up in GF, did CSOM for multiple degrees, but bleed SIoux green...
Ever been to a game at the John or the X? Every time a Gopher gets touched they scream for a penalty. Its like the fans think it isn't a physical sport and every Gopher opponent should just play like its 4th grade gym class floor hockey...
On a side note- every former Gopher player I have ever met has been the complete opposite of their fan base. I'm long-time pals with a couple of them who are stand-up guys
No, he wasn't academically strong enough to actually attend the U of MN-TC...those are my favorite Gopher fans...the ones who live and die Gophers, but either A. Couldn't get in or B. Didn't finish...
2 years at Anoka Hennepin or Normandale, but Gopher fan all the way!
On the roster, McKee looks like he's a giant defenseman, not a forward.
Only point being, usually it is tougher to replace a dman than a bottom 6 forward
Some guys just play a lot better from the blue line- they can see things developing and opening up. It isn't that easy to switch positions- especially at this level. Plays look different and so do lanes from up high vs down low, puck possession is also very different.
The night to sit LJ has passed...he will be in the lineup.
I agree that the Poolman experiment upfront is over. He brings nothing but a banger body to that first line...I might actually put Chyzyk up on that first line...he is playing pretty good hockey...
Chyzyk with Mac and Parks
LJ with Jewels and Schmaltz
Olson with Pattyn and St Clair
OD with Gaarder and Poggo
I really like those dpairs you put out