jk

Thank you, thank you, thank you ... for posting that link. It's still the most special of them all to me, probably because I attended all the home games (save the loss to USIU) and the Final Four in Detroit. As for the quiet crowd at the Joe, one of my enduring memories of that trip is waiting in the concession line during the first intermission, surrounded by thousands of fans whispering in hushed tones about what they had just seen. As for MSU being in the game, my recollection is that they still had not had a shot on goal when the score reached 3-0 Sioux in the first. Good memories.

Here are message board excerpts from letsgokings.com regarding LA's summer camp. Again, it's not me, and I can't vouch for any of the comments. I just enjoy reading them. --------------------------------------------- There were some notable bright spots today at day 1 of prospect camp. In the 1st group, Jeff Tambellini show the scorers touch with quick feet and good puck movement. He had the snipers move of opening up his stance for the shot, then quickly moving in for the deeke. He was a very good skater who, picked five hole a couple of times and showed flashes of brilliance. The other bright spot was of course Brady Murry, who has seemed to fill out a little and has grown a little too. (He seemed bigger than Cammilleri) He was picking his shots and used his speed to carry the puck. Murry showed that he may be small but still possesses that sniper like shot. Murry and Tambellini stood out as the better players in the first group. Kanko and Tim Gleason looked OK but nothing to exciting. Frolov on the other hand looked bad, dropping pucks and skating like a wounded duck, he didn't look good nor did he do anything impressive. Aullin and Noah Clark didn't show anything impressive either, but of course it was the first day. --------------------------------------------------- I attended the first day and for the most part I agree with KB. I at first had a hard time recognizing players till I was given a roster with #'s. I will comment on some players that stood out in my mind. Tambellini- Fast skater with good puck handling skills, a solid prospect. Brown- Good skater, drives hard to the net and has a nice finishing touch. He's similiar in stature to Aulin. Kanko- He's a spark plug, shows lots of promise played like he want the job bad. Murray- He does seem bigger than last year, hasn't lost a step. Cammalleri- Took the goalies to school a couple of times. Boyle- A big guy who has room to grow, wasn't the swiftest skater but was able to keep up with the pace, lots of upside. ------------------------------------------------------ TAMBELLINI: Very impressive in workouts. Wonderful skater! Deceptive and quick... Great touch around the net and goes hard at it as well. Very polished for a college player. He led the Wolverines in scoring his freshman year last season and I see A LOT of things I like. To me, the most impressive of the current Draft Picks... MURRAY: He has gotten bigger than last year and he is nearly the same size as Tambellini (Murray Looks taller than 5'9''/Tambellini looks shorter than 5'11''. I think they're both 5'10''). Still, Murray is perennially one of the standouts at these rookie camps. He is well versed in the fundamentals and has extremely good offensive skills. He's quick and remindes me (dare I say it) of Pavel Bure the way he moves. If he can grow just a little more and fill out, he has a definite shot at becoming a top prospect. He'll also be playing with Zach Parise (whom I wished the Kings would have drafted) at UND. CAMMALLERI: He looks like he actually got smaller if such a thing is possible. Skillwise he's is still slick. But he hasn't been able to bring it to the ice on the pro level. I don't know if he can after having seen him in limited ice last season... ------------------------------------------------------------- The Kings are loaded with undersized snipers. Conner James, Brady Murray (BCJHL), Dan Welch, Ryan Murphy and Noah Clarke are all NCAA scorers who really don't have much of a future in the NHL. They are all fairly speedy and more than willing to put forth NHL calibre effort but don't have the size and overwhelming puck skills needed to be everyday players. This of course is not to say that over the tenure of their careers they may not develop more but as of now they look to be career minor leaguers. -------------------------------------------------------------- i agree that Brady Murray does look bigger/ w/o a loss of speed - He looked good out there today. Gleason looked good, Frolov seemed more inspired than what I read on here from yesterday. ------------------------------------------------------------ In talking to Andy Murray, he said that Brady had put on some size since last year. ------------------------------------------------------------- TAMBELLINI/MURRAY: Tambellini was more of the same--solid. But today he showed how deadly he is one-on-one. He's smart and he knows how to 'play' goalies on the breakaway. Murray was good again, but was a little off with his stickhandling/passing today. Nothing to change my opinion of him, of course.

The thoughts of a message board participant at Hockey's Future (It's not me, and I can't vouch for its authenticity or accuracy): -------------------------------------------------------- Just got back from the the KRC (found it just fine). Here are a few observations. first off these were the teams. White: Platil, Dobben, Giroux, McGrattan. Black: Colbert, Bochenski, Laich, Watson, Red: Schauer, Hooton, Potulny, Vermette. Yellow: Petruic, Johnson, Kelly, Luttinen. For some reason Bjork, Brookbank, and Komadoski didn't play. First off the players that impressed me. Giroux: Good speed, good hands, very agile on his skates. Every time I saw the white team score a goal it seemed to be him. Bochenski: Great puck skills, liked to try and stickhandle through traffic, and very well at it. Found his way to the front of the net many times and picked up quite a few goals. Tie btwn him and Vermette for the best player on the ice. Him and Laich looked very comfortable together.

sfip, I have to disagree with you. The difference between MN and UND is that UND is chasing MN's big class. The upcoming senior class for MN has exceeded expectations all along the way, and each year they've been a year older and better than UND's big class, the current juniors. Not just older, but just plain better. The classes since then have been, IMO, of pretty similar caliber. I know Vanek was nothing less than a clutch superstar last year, but people who fail to consider Parise a nearly equally amazing phenom are getting lost in the respective teams' accomplishments. As nice as their other forwards and Harrington are as players, and I respect them all, I really like Prpich and Greene as well. As for the upcoming freshman classes, while it remains to be seen what everyone will do at this level, I think that UND's duo of Murray and Stafford are as good as any pair of incoming forwards this year, including Potulny and Irmen. I really wish they were going to play for UND, but it's not like Blais and Co. settled for leftovers because they missed them. UND apparently didn't recruit Irmen, and I don't know why. Perhaps their funds were mostly committed by that point. I understand that MN wasn't after Stafford much either, for whatever reason. I expect that they will both be very good. As for Potulny, that battle was lost three years earlier, when UND chose not to recruit Grant. It looks like a bad decision now (understatement of the year), but that judgement comes with hindsight, and it was not nearly so clear back then. When your team just won, a fan has a tendency to overrate the individuals involved. I know many Gopher fans think each of their players are a lot better than every other team's players. Heck, I look down their lineup and am equally impressed. They are loaded. However, the significant events that happened later have clouded memories of the only meeting between the two teams last year, when UND was equal or better than MN for five periods in Mariucci. Letting MN back in in the third period Saturday was unfortunate, but had less to do with UND than with the amazing clutch quality of that MN team. MN was not yet at full strength, and was struggling with aspects of their game, but the fact remains that there didn't seem to exist the vast "gulf" in talent between the teams that is conventional wisdom right now. UND's defense, you know, the guys known for not handling the puck like the M wizards, contained MN's offense as well as anyone did all year. MN has earned the right to be called favorites, but I like UND's chances if they get consistent goaltending.

Since no one seems to have anything to talk about, how about the power play? While I don't mean to offend, I am of the opinion that the power play has been the weakest aspect of the Sioux under Coach Blais. When the opponent would be penalized from 1997-2000, I would wish the Sioux could just decline the penalty, as it usually came when the team was pouring on the pressure anyway, rolling line after line of pressure. So many times, the failed PP seemed to take the momentum away from the team. Even with top-tier players like Roche and the Line of Fire, it didn't seem like the PP conversion rate was otherworldly like I would have expected. Which brings me to this year. Forwards who qualify for a look on the PP include: Parise* Bochenski* Murray Massen* Prpich* McMahon* Stafford * Saw PP time last year. Potential PP point men include: Lundbohm* Schneider* Fuher* Fylling* Dahlen Bina Without seeing the newcomers, it is hard to know how they will fit in. I'll suggest these PP units: Parise, Bochenski, Murray, Schneider, Lundbohm McMahon, Prpich, Massen, Fuher, Bina

Goon, Here's another view on the Bryan Lundbohm decision. Let's say that Nashville is right this time and he's not pro material. Because he was a junior, and was coming off a season with Panzer as his center, and was an undrafted free agent, his stock was as high as it was going to be. He was able to leverage all those factors into a nice signing bonus (I think) that might not have been there at any other time. So, actually, it seems that Bryan might have made the right choice. He can go finish his degree and use a relatively small portion of his signing bonus to pay for it. Plus, from a Sioux fan's perspective, he wasn't going to make much of a difference that year anyway, as it was pretty much a lost cause. Now Bayda's absence last year is another matter altogether, as the presence of a senior star (and possible Hobey Baker winner) might have turned some of those close games in the second half the right direction. But Ryan probably made the right decision also, fulfilling his dream and sticking in the NHL when he was called up.

Since Matt Greene has been discussed, I thought I would post this from an amateur write-up of the Edmonton prospects camp, from the Hockey's Future site. I only included names I recognize. ------------------------------------------------------------------- #42 Jake Brenk: The junior from Minnesota State impressed, not only with his speed but also with his shot. Brenk has a quick release and showed his tendency to aim for an inch below the crossbar. With stats that do not reflect an offensive upside, you have to wonder if he has been playing as a defensive specialist in college. Brenk had a noteworthy camp. #43 Ed Caron: Caron did not play last year because he transferred to Yale and had to ist out. The year off obviously did not help his development. Caron is a solid player. At 6-2 and 214 lbs, he can throw his weight around with the best of them but, unfortunately, those were skills not shown at this type of camp. More will be expected at the main camp in September. #44 Joe Cullen: Cullen is a good shooter. He scored in one of the scrimmages and was one of the top three in the shootout competition of Day 4. Cullen was good but not stellar, perhaps one to watch in September though. #46 Kevin Doell: Doell went largely unnoticed until later in the week when he played well in the final scrimmage. Kevin had 51 points in 41 games with the University of Denver last year so there is ability there, it just didn

Just to clear up the question about the QMJHL: The only people who "recruit" the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League are teams like the Detroit Red Wings and Minnesota Wild. The QMJHL is Canadian Major Juniors, the eligibility killer for NCAA players. Perhaps people are mistaking it for some of the Ontatio junior leagues, such as the: ONTATIO PROVINCIAL JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE GOLDEN HORSESHOE JUNIOR B HOCKEY LEAGUE MID-WESTERN JUNIOR B HOCKEY LEAGUE QUEBEC JUNIOR A HOCKEY LEAGUE MARTIME JUNIOR A HOCKEY LEAGUE CENTRAL ONTARIO JUNIOR A HOCKEY LEAGUE WESTERN ONTARIO JUNIOR B HOCKEY LEAGUE NORTHERN ONTARIO HOCKEY LEAGUE Some of the teams in these leagues provide players to NCAA Division 1 teams. The only North Dakota player I recall from these leagues was Josh Siembida, who played there before coming down to the USHL.

So much of course depends on the NHL's labor situation, but in the absence of its impact on the normal course of business, I would consider Schneider, Jones and Greene to all be early departure risks. Schneider's a bit older (I think, without checking), has made good progress, and has a pro-style mean streak. Jones (3rd) and Greene (2nd) are both early-round draft picks, which means they carry a higher profile in the organization. I think the normal track for players of that calibre is to let them develop and mature physically for a few years in juniors or college, then bring them under the professional umbrella to nurture their development more closely. Defensemen especially seem to need to learn the position in the AHL, and the sooner they get to the AHL the sooner they will be ready to join the big club, at a sizable discount to the cost of a high-priced veteran. I don't know whether any of these guys will be ready to go, or will desire it, but I see it as a possibility. Maybe that's why Blais is recruiting defensmen.

I found this on Hockey's Future on a recap of Tampa Bay's draft. I don't know if there's anything to it or if it is just a mistake by the author. Perhaps someone with some inside info could check on it. I didn't find mention of it at Heisenberg's site. --------------------------------------------------------- Jay Rosehill, D 7th Round, 227th Overall Height/Weight: 6

That would be the quip on the SCSU board. Here it would have something to do with Chris Fournier.

The article suggests that UND wanted him to come in this fall to fill Hale's spot, but that he really wanted to stay this year to play for a national junior title. It sure sounds nice to land a good, solid two-way defefenseman.

Toronto drafted Chris Porter in the 9th round, #282 overall. I don't know if Luke Beaverson was eligible to be drafted, but I didn't see his name anywhere.

I've seen photos of him before and thought the same thing then, but I just can't get over what a baby-face Brady Murray has. There were older looking kids in my son's fifth-grade class last year.

I'm thinking a few things about recruiting. First, I have noted the trend in college hockey toward kids committing very early, as early as their freshman year of high school. I can't imagine that it's a very healthy trend for schools or kids, but I guess if you have a chance at a Parise or Crosby or Pineault type of player, you take them. Second, since UND doesn't seem to be participating in this trend, I wonder what kind of players will be left when UND gets around to signing players. I recognize that some guys are late bloomers, like Bochenski and Prpich. But will most of the great players be spoken for? Third, I'm curious about UND's needs for the 2004 and 2005 classes. For 2004, UND currently has commitments from one goalie (Lammy), one defenseman (Beaverson) and no forwards. Considering the size of the current junior class, I'm guessing that numbers aren't a big priority for 2004. Still, depending on a host of factors, a pretty large group of players could leave for the pros after next year (if they don't leave this summer). The list of possible departures over the next few years could include Bochenski, Parise, Stafford, Schneider, Jones, Greene and Smaby. I'm not saying they're all stars or that any will necessarily be ready to go, but blue-chip recruits are focused on getting to the next level. For 2005, all these players will be gone: Lundbohm, Hale, Palmiscno, Canady, Connelly, Bochenski, Massen, McMahon, Fylling, Genoway, Schneider, Jones and Fuher. In addition, Parise and Greene would be pretty big early departure risks. So Blais will need another big class. With so many young kids committing early, I hope the staff has a game plan for restocking the program.

It's getting just a little harsh in here. Of course Hammy is part of the "axis of evil" and I recognize that, but if he wants to come in here in the offseason and show a little bit of his Gopher-love, it doesn't seem to warrant too much ill-will. JMO.

Disagree on the Lammy/2003 thing. I think Lammy will arrive in 2004 as planned.

First of all, off-topic, there is a reason Mike Schmitt has worked so many Frozen Fours and it is that he is one of the best referees in college hockey. Second, I think the whistle is used often enough and I personally don't want to see another referee on the ice. When there is one referee, there is one sheriff on the ice setting the tone for the game. Do you think having two guys out there will help the officiating consistency? Third, the college OT's that I saw last year had plenty of chances. I see no need for 4X4 when 5x5 play was plenty exciting. I'm in favor of one point for an OT loss, though, as it seems equitable.

Everyone laugh at the homers now, but for me it's better, better, better. On defense, I think next year will be better than last year's "reality," which is that Hale essentially missed the second half of the year. You basically bring back everyone who played down the stretch, each stronger, faster and more mature, plus you add a nasty tiger in Smaby and a little depth in Bina and Dahlen. I even think defense is at worst a wash from last year's "theoretical," which includes Hale. The extra maturity for some very good defensemen will mean a lot.

Ditto. The Wild's "crappy" skill guys can really handle the puck - Brunette, Zholtok, Laaksonen. I can't get over the skill level in the NHL. It's a wonder to me that any college players are able to succeed there (I know that Laaksonen played at Denver, and there are many others). It makes it all the more remarkable that a guy like Bayda was able to step in to the NHL and succeed in what would have been his "true" senior year of college. Also, even though Baron hasn't been real impressive in the first two games, it's pretty wild that three players from the 1987 title team were still NHL regulars this year, after all these years (Belfour, Hrkac and Baron). Come up with your own time-warp comment here, but Bush senior was still the VP at that time, to provide a little perspective.

Logically what you say makes sense. However, I've thought MSUM has seemed destined for that fate on more than one offseason, and it never comes to pass. Jutting, and Brose before him, seem to be able to field a competitive team every year, now matter how "bad" it seems like they should be.

Don't bother reading the explanation behind the numbers because it might indicate that the numbers were intentionally set high.

I had wondered also if this might turn into Parise's team already next year. He is apparently a heck of a team player. He's also supposed to be pretty competetive, so I'm guessing that all the regional attention about recent college hockey events may inspire him to greater heights.

If you measured hockey performance like a business quantifies performance for each employee, you might establish individual objectives for goal-scoring for each of your players. You would set the objective at a level that was obtainable, but not easy to reach. You would not expect all the players to reach their objectives, so the sum of all the players' objectives would be more than you would expect the team to score. Given that framework, this is where I would set each player's goal-scoring objective for next year: Bochenski - 35 - Tougher nonconference schedule would make this a better year than last Parise - 30 - This may be a bit low, but the schedule is tougher Murray - 20 - Maybe a stretch for a freshman Lundbohm - 20 - Senior who's gotten better every year Massen - 20 - Expect improvement to continue at the same pace Stafford - 15 - Maybe a stretch for someone I've never seen play McMahon - 15 - Maybe a little low Prpich - 15 - Maybe a little low for someone who was playing really well at the end Hale - 10 - A reach based on past results but he should manage this as a senior Fylling - 10 Canady - 5 Connelly - 5 Genoway - 5 Palmiscno - 5 Porter - 5 Fabian - 5 In the fourth-line pool, I would not expect all those guys to score 5 goals. In fact, some of them I think may score about zero. However, if I was really trying to motivate them, I think I would have a minimum objective for each of 10 goals, however unrealistic it may be. So I guess here I may have compromised a bit between these two competing influences. If I was budgeting the defensemen, I would probably have Schneider and Fuher at 10 each, with the rest at 5 each, which would be a real stretch for some.

Drew Stafford is playing with the U.S. team at the Under-18 world championships this week. The U.S. tied Belarus 3-3 (blowing a 3-0 third-period lead; they would love to have Michigan's Montoya) and today beat Slovakia 3-2. Stafford has an even-strength goal in each game. From what I can gather, he looks to be on the third line; I don't know whether he has been getting any power-play time. In any case, accounting for two of the U.S.'s six goals to date is a fine showing.