as15

Nelson more so than Bjugstad, Bjugstad already seems pretty strong. His stride is much better than Brock's right now, but I think that will be improved with added leg strength, look how much it improved from last year to this year.

I really think he is ready for the NHL right now, but I don't mind seeing top end talent staying an extra year. It was fun watching Justin Schultz, even though he had no business playing in the NCAA this year, Bjugstad could be in the same boat if he stays. 4 years is a little overboard though, there is absolutely no reason for him to stay that long. Even if his family was big into education, if he had 3 years of credits already, its pretty easy to finish your degree in 2-3 summers afterwards if it works out.

I agree, Mario is more responsible defensively, but I think Pattyn is better in the offensive zone already. He makes better decisions, is better in the corners and is a pretty good passer as well, along with being a faster skater. Leaving all of the intangibles and leadership out of it, in terms of pure hockey playing ability, I would take Pattyn over Mario in a heartbeat right now.

I would say Pattyn is better than Mario right now.

I think with Kristo's style of play, he can step in to the NHL and be very effective. I think he will have a much more productive NHL career than anyone that was on last year's team, yes including Gregoire and Frattin.

I'm pretty sure that for Gregoire to use that rule last year, he had to withdraw from school. If he wouldn't have done that, the NY Islanders would have retained his rights until he finished his 4th year of college.

1-0 Wisco early in the second. Zengerle scores a shorty during a 5 minute major.

I really don't expect any early departures from the d-corp this offseason so I don't see where these "large holes" are. We only lose Blood, which is a big loss, but we already have Gleason playing forward, who is a very good defenseman. Then we have Jordan Schmaltz coming in, who is arguably the best d-man recruit in the country for next year. So if Jones does come in, we will have a serious log jam at defense next year, Schmaltz and Jones are too good to sit so that means Gleason will probably play forward again and Panzarella won't see the ice, and he has played in almost every game this year.

Just watched the replay of the Sioux's second goal last night, wow what a play by MacMillan, made the defenseman and goalie totally to commit to him and then slides it over to Rowney for a wide open net.

Its hard to predict with players so young, but since he has been offered a scholarship the coaching staff thinks he can become a special player. I know he has already been selected in the WHL bantam draft, so its not just UND who thinks this kid will be good.

There are practice players on the team, the thing is they are either playing, or injured.

Not trying to be an a-hole here but Gregoire wasn't drafted by Winnipeg, he signed with them as a free agent.

I totally agree, but with his stats I can see how people can make an argument for him.

Take a look at Eidsness' in-conference stats

Sounds about right. ha

Brendan Lemieux and Nick Schmaltz would have also been at this camp if they wouldn't have turned down the offer earlier in the year. I know for sure Schmaltz turned down a spot on the team, not sure about Lemieux.

Its hard for me to call that game a "choke" when they absolutely dominated the opponent.

No slight on him whatsoever, based on in-conference stats he doesn't deserve to be on it. I really don't expect him to be on any of the 3 all conference teams, which is OK, Fighting Sioux fans know just how good he is and I personally would not trade him for many other players in this league.

I agree with everything you say, I just don't think he will get the recognition. His point totals would put him on the All-Rookie team most years, but he happens to be behing two other rookie d-men, LaLeggia and Prochno, that have substantially more points. Mattson just happens to be stuck in a really good year for rookie d-men.

If the writer's vote on actual play rather than stats, I think both Blood and Kristo should be one of the All-Conference teams even though their in-Conference stats don't really warrant it. Brock Nelson led the WCHA in goals, but anyone that has watched that first line play this year know's that Kristo is easily the most dominant player night in and night out on that line.

The thing with Gregoire is that he could have waited til after his senior year and signed with any team too. Once you are done with 4 years of college, if a prospect waites til Aug. 15 of that year, they becomee a free agent.

If you go to uscho.com PWR tab, the only teams listed are TUC's, it also has each of those teams records vs other TUC's as well.

Women's team is in the NCAA tournament, playing the Gophers.

TBH, this time of year if UND can't win 2 out of 3, at home, against any team, then the season should be over. That is why I didn't really care if we played Wisconsin of BSU, if UND plays well, it can beat any team in the country, even with 17 skaters.

I know most UND fans would trade the success we have had for the last 8 years for 1 National Championship, but I don't know if many other programs would. Would you rather be a contender every year like we are, or have one good year out of five and win a NC but also having a losing/mediocre record the other 4?