scpa0305

I think this article makes sense. UND hockey is huge for us hockey fans and for the eastern side of the state but the Vikings pretty much rule the state. My family is originally from the western side of the state and they don't really follow hockey whatsoever, but every sunday they watch the Vikes. It would be close between the two....that is why they are correct in mentioning both of them. They need to correct the UAA division 2 hockey thing....they are D1 FYi they go state by state. Not top teams in the country.

Ok guys calm down.

JT played for the team last year I believe....yeah he would have been real nice. Most likely WCHA rookie of the year.

Crazy....I thought he was a lock. I have heard his game has been slipping a little (compared to most blue chips). Although he played pretty well in the USHL playoffs this year. I'm shocked he didn't even get by the first cut....he was a first rounder. This is odd. Brady Skeji made it over him and well as two other kids drafted in the 3rd and 4th rounds. I really wonder what happened.

Could be it. Steve will also surround himself with who he wants. Maybe his bro at some point.

He is still recovering from his surgery last season. He is probably just recovering slowly. He missed the Panthers summer camp too. He has been skating but no contact (I believe). Lets cross our fingers that he'll be ok by October. I wouldn't start worrying too much just yet.

Pretty sure they don't p!$$ in the streets in Finland.

Yeah...and we are in a big time D1 football conference too

Hahahaha....that was awesome

True. Right on.

Haha, that's great. Obviously many don't agree so we'll have to wait and see. Again, I never said he was a absolute terrible (college) hockey player....I just said he was an overrated NHL prospect. Again, we'll have to wait until he finally get's the call.....hopefully we don't have to wait as long as it's taking Jordan Schroeder...I had the same arguement with Gophs fans and they're still waiting for him to get called up.

Agreed, good points.

I just think he is, as far as an NHL prospect goes. He seems to get himself in very opportunistic positions but that is it. He is terrible in his own zone, is not overly quick, and plays with about the same physicality as basketball player. Not to mention he doesn't have a quick or hard shot. I read some people comparing him to Duncan.....this is fair, however, there is one difference...Duncan had an extremely quick shot. He could get it off quickly. They both had the pleasure of playing with great college players. Back to Rau, he played with arguably the top three college player in the league and Budish....who is greatly underrated. Bjugstad is 6'6'' 220 (and very gifted) and Budish is either 6'1'' or 6'2'' and like 230 (and very gifted). Just saying, not many people agree with me but let's see what he ends up doing. I have seen Rau up close though, he looks pretty immature physically to me so he may grow more and pack on more lbs, that would help him tremendously and I would take back everything I just wrote. Right now he looks 16 years old.

Bjugstad will be a very good NHL player, I believe. But I he'll never be what Toews is....as far as all around player...face of the league, etc. Bjugstad probably has a few 30 goal seasons in him with that heavy shot and size.

I agree much of what you said, but I was thinking all 4 lines. MN's entire team is coming back (pretty much) their 3rd and 4th lines will remain very much intact. You are correct though regardin the top 6 forwards and top 4 D. Although, don't sleep on Budish....that guy will play in the NHL. Rau is super overrated.

I'm guessing he's comparing NHL skating to NHL skating.

I like the confidence but lets get real.

Whoops forgot about him....haha. Nice call.

Yeah well we have too. They should be two good games. As far as on paper goes, without Bjugstad I actually would have liked out team better....with him they probably have a stronger team going into the season. Anything can happen though during the payoffs. Also, I think Grimaldi is going to have a very big year. The only thing I am worried about is our top end D. We have a ton of offensive dmen but not many that can shut down the opposition. Forbert should be able to this year (hopefully) but that's about it, regardin dmen that will be on the ice a ton. When I say opposition I mean the Goofs and the Badgers. The top three teams will be UND, MN and WIS (in any particular order).

Agreed.

Read that he's coming back....that is not good news actually. A healthy Bjugstad is almost unstoppable in college hockey. I also don't think they will have too big of a goaltending issue. They got a couple of solid goaltenders. Sorry, just being honest. We should see some pretty intense games this season.

I would say yes he is coming back. I would think he would have signed by now as the Habs camp was a few weeks ago.

Yup. I was speaking on the NHL rule. I think the USHL says all players under 18 have to wear masks....I could be wrong though. That's how it was when I was younger. I don't think it will go through this year.

Yes, Gopher fans do say that....a lot! But that Mariucci guy didn't saying anything like that....that's all I was trying to say. You are correct, I could care less where the kids come from as long as they are good. I did here an interesting stat though, if you go by a city level there are more Grand Forks kids that have played for the Sioux (in the last 15 years) than any other one city. I thought that was pretty cool.

The reason for not allowing facemasks (for non-injured players) is that the facemask could injure players wearing half shields. I don't know if it's right or wrong but that is the reason.