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Excerpts of HF posts about the Thrashers' camp from various posters: Day 2: Kaip

I'm surprised Porter is absent from the roster for the Blackhawks camp.

This was in a HF post from an observer at the Edmonton prospect camp. The poster is quite credible, but of course it's just one person's opinion: "#58 Chris Vande Velde: I was not impressed until the final day in the scrimmage. He's one of the youngest guys here so that should be taken into consideration when it comes to size and strength, but he made some superb passes. North Dakota will be rgeat for him, no rush here." I believe Chorney did not attend the camp as he apparently had a prior commitment to work a hockey camp.

Not to buck the trend here (actually I fight the trend every day professionally), but I feel a little bad for PK. If you start with a basic assumption that he's a good kid -- a good place to start with anyone -- then he's had a bit of a rough ride. I wouldn't mind one bit if he really turns it up a notch, as long as it starts in a Bruins jersey. The only thing he's done that got to me was the ear-cup against Wisconsin (very un-hockey like), but he pretty much paid for that one with the trophy skate in Milwaukee anyway. On topic, congrats to all the new Sioux draftees.

Third Period: Koberinski 17:05 4-7 Williams 17:58 5-7 Williams 19:10 6-7 Jensen 19:46 7-7 OT: Kidd 00:50 8-7 Shots on goal in the third period: 34-7 Sioux.

Congratulations to Greene and Commodore for outstanding performances and efforts throughout the playoffs, and of course to Commodore for winning the Cup. Commodore was of course just rock solid; he played a very simple game in the defensive zone, hitting when he could, but not getting out of position to do it. He looked good carrying the puck too. You could easily argue that he was Carolina's best defenseman. Greene's growth from last year, and mainly his growth from the start of the playoffs to the end, has been incredible. He was the most wicked hitter in the finals, and that was as a rookie. Unlike Commie, his hitting was less disciplined, and it showed in his trips to the penalty box and a few adventurous recoveries in his own zone. Where it really mattered, though, in his ability to skate and move the puck out of his zone, he passed with flying colors. I read that his even-strength minutes were third on the team among defensemen in game seven, behind only Pronger and Smith. Thanks to the guys for representing Sioux hockey so well. (Thanks also to Doc Emrick for mentioning UND so warmly, so often.) Edit: While watching UND's big defensemen play the position so well the last few weeks, does anyone doubt that Matt Jones and Matt Smaby will soon be doing the same?

Not everyone follows the superstar career arc. Maybe Bishop will struggle to get into the lineup, or get regular 4th line duty, as a (true) freshman, then progress to larger roles as he grows and matures over his college career. I'm glad they filled this last spot with a young guy with a pretty high upside rather than an older guy who might be able to contribute more this year. Also, having a special attribute like blazing speed often makes a guy a fan favorite.

And here you go, from the same TSN link: 4:00pm et - Phil Kessel struggled with the aerobic testing on the bike. Like Toews, he required a bucket after the VO2 Max test. It was noted by some observers that the college players generally fared worse in the aerobic tests because most have not played since early April. Some junior prospects were still playing in late May or even into June. Kessel was happier with his strength testing.

There's a fair argument either way on the question of whether Oshie and Toews should be on the same line or split up; I'm not sure myself. However, it's safe to say that any line with Oshie on it won't be the "second" line. As I've said before, though, I hope this is an argument we get to have when Fall rolls around.

http://www.gfheraldsiouxhockey.blogspot.com/ The Herald's blog chimes in with a well thought out view of the roster. Their lines: Ryan Duncan--Jonathan Toews--Michael Forney Andrew Kozek--T.J. Oshie--Chris Porter Erik Fabian--Rylan Kaip--Matt Watkins Chris VandeVelde--Darcy Zajac--Brad Miller Depth: Ryan Martens, Scott Foyt Brian Lee--Taylor Chorney Joe Finley--Kyle Radke Zach Jones--Robbie Bina/Chay Genoway Depth: Todd Alexander

Not even the slide-ruler bunnies?

Based simply on the timing and wording of the posts, it appears to me that we'll hear soon of a goalie commitment, probably from Canada.

I've already said it once this spring: I hope we get to have this debate (whether Toews and Oshie should be on the same line). My opinion on it is that they are both not just centers by position, but also the center of attention when they're on the ice. To me, that means they would each be better suited with complimentary linemates, guys like Kozek and Duncan who can clean up and take advantage of the open space. I look at it like this: When Oshie's on one of his ridiculous (!!) and frequent rushes up the ice, Toews doesn't have the puck. I'd rather have Toews out there separately so he can have the puck more. It does shape up to be one heck of a #1 PP unit, though.

TMK, Thanks for the info. I appreciate it. What is the problem with the rest of you? Read it, believe it if you want, wait for a link if you want.

#1Hakfan, Thanks for the info, as always.

I think the expectations Lee had, based on draft position and all the accolades that had come his way the preceding two years, led many of us to be disappointed at times during the year. If Jones and Chorney seemed better adjusted, that could be the result of their playing experience in the years before coming to UND. Two (or three, not sure) years at SSM for Chorney is probably at least double the games Lee played at Moorhead, generally against better teams. Likewise Jones's stint with the US team had him better prepared. Even some who lamented Lee's lack of physicality during the year noticed that he got more physical down the stretch. It was good to see him mature that way. Really, for a true freshman, coming right from high school, he did great last year. I'm sure he'll be better in every phase of the game next year. Regarding the slapper, I have to assume the coaches desire the PP to be run the way it is, where Lee finds a lane to get the puck to the net. He just floats the wrister in there, hoping for a Zajac tip. I do agree that it would be nice for someone to fire off a bomb from the blue line - I noticed in the CSB write-up for Lapoint that it said he had a good slapshot.

Other notables: 2 33 GEOFFRION, BLAKE USA US NAT'L U-18 2/3/1988 6' 1" 190 LW L 46 17 17 34 56 2 39 FORNEY, MICHAEL USHSW THIEF RIVER FALLS 5/14/1988 6' 2" 185 LW R 21 23 37 60 28 2 49 LAPOINT, DERRICK USHSW EAU CLAIRE NORTH 5/13/1988 6' 2.5" 175 D L 23 6 26 34 32 2 50 MARVIN, AARON USHSW WARROAD 5/27/1988 6' 2" 191 C,W L 23 9 21 30 40 2 56 RAKHSHANI, RHETT USA US NAT'L U-18 3/6/1988 5' 10" 170 RW R 50 18 23 41 59 2 60 NODL, ANDREAS USHL SIOUX FALLS 2/28/1987 6' 1" 196 RW L 58 29 30 59 16 3 63 CARMAN, MICHAEL USA US NAT'L U-18 4/14/1988 6' 0" 180 C L 51 15 29 44 90 3 66 GRYBA, ERIC USHL GREEN BAY 4/14/1988 6' 3.5" 215 D R 56 3 12 15 205 3 69 TUREK, RYAN USHL OMAHA 9/22/1987 5' 11" 170 C R 52 17 11 28 71 3 77 FLYNN, RYAN USA US NAT'L U-18 3/22/1988 6' 2.5" 212 RW R 51 13 16 29 69 3 81 RATCHUK, MICHAEL USA US NAT'L U-18 2/20/1988 5' 10" 175 D L 47 11 15 26 50 3 82 MEDVEC, KYLE USHSW APPLE VALLEY 6/16/1988 6' 5" 191 D L 25 12 19 31 36 3 84 MCBAIN, JAMIE USA US NAT'L U-18 2/25/1988 6' 1.5" 190 D R 47 6 10 16 41 3 87 DOWZAK, TYSEN WHL KELOWNA 3/8/1988 6' 4.5" 225 D L 43 1 3 4 68 3 90 FERRIERO, BENN H-EAST BOSTON COLLEGE 4/29/1987 5' 10" 185 C,RW R 34 11 6 17 28 4 92 LEBLER, BRIAN BCHL PENTICTON 7/16/1988 6' 1.5" 194 W L 54 23 12 35 97 4 97 JONES, ZACH WCHA UNIVERSITY OF NORTH DAKOTA 1/14/1987 5' 11" 191 D L 38 0 5 5 75 4 103 KANTOLA, KAI NAHL FARGO-MOORHEAD 11/9/1987 6' 1.5" 176 C R 52 24 28 52 116 4 106 WILLERT, JORDAN USHL TRI-CITY 11/6/1987 6' 2.5" 215 RW R 59 6 17 23 22 5 123 FELDE, ERIK BCHL VERNON 12/29/1987 5' 9.5" 179 F L 61 32 49 81 44 5 133 SACKRISON, ANDY USHSW ST. LOUIS PARK 11/12/1987 6' 1" 178 C,LW L 25 41 26 67 32 5 146 GRUN, DAVID USHSW WHITE BEAR LAKE H.S. 12/17/1987 6' 0.5" 185 RW R 25 22 23 45 32 5 148 RUEGSEGGER, TYLER USHSW SHATTUCK-ST. MARY'S 1/19/1988 5' 11" 170 C,RW R 60 38 51 89 70 5 149 GALLAGHER, BLAKE SJHL NOTRE DAME 2/10/1988 5' 6.5" 167 C R 43 24 18 42 18 5 150 FILANGIERI, TIM H-EAST BOSTON COLLEGE 8/18/1987 6' 0.5" 209 D L 34 2 1 3 40 6 162 ROWE, ANDREW USHL SIOUX CITY 1/22/1988 6' 0" 175 LW L 50 8 8 16 30 6 163 FULTON, JORDAN USHSW BRECK 9/12/1987 6' 0.5" 191 C L 26 40 34 74 34

Little story about being an obsessed Sioux fan. A couple years ago, a friend and I were scanning the SSM roster for future Sioux. We knew Duncan and Chorney were legacies, and I think maybe we knew that Genoway's brother was there too. So we came across Toews, who would be starting his first season there. Saw he was from Winnipeg, which was a big plus (old Sioux recruiting ground), so we did some research. Very early we discovered he was the first pick in the WHL draft, to which we said: "oh, no way is he coming here; he is a big-time player." Then we saw some scoring summaries from his youth hockey teams, and saw that a Zajac was a coach of his, and figured maybe that would be a significant connection. Those are good memories that bloom a little more with every point Toews puts up.

Couple things. The NHL had their draft lottery today, and there were no changes from the order based on season records. So this is the draft order: 1. St. Louis Blues 2. Pittsburgh Penguins 3. Chicago Blackhawks 4. Washington Capitals 5. Boston Bruins 6. Columbus Blue Jackets 7. New York Islanders 8. Phoenix Coyotes 9. Minnesota Wild 10. Florida Panthers 11. Los Angeles Kings 12. Atlanta Thrashers 13. Toronto Maple Leafs 14. Vancouver Canucks Also, the NHL Central Scouting final rankings are being released. Here is the list for North American skaters: 1 1 JOHNSON, ERIK USA US NAT'L U-18 3/21/1988 6' 4" 222 D R 38 11 22 33 57 1 2 STAAL, JORDAN OHL PETERBOROUGH 9/10/1988 6' 4" 215 C L 68 28 40 68 69 1 3 TOEWS, JONATHAN WCHA UNIVERSITY OF NORTH DAKOTA 4/29/1988 6' 1.5" 195 C,W L 34 17 11 28 20 1 4 BRASSARD, DERICK QMJHL DRUMMONDVILLE 9/22/1987 6' 0.5" 172 C L 58 44 72 116 92 1 5 KESSEL, PHIL WCHA UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA 10/2/1987 6' 0" 189 C R 34 14 28 42 22 1 6 MUELLER, PETER WHL EVERETT 4/14/1988 6' 2.5" 205 C R 52 26 32 58 44 1 7 LITTLE, BRYAN OHL BARRIE 11/12/1987 5' 10" 190 C R 64 42 67 109 99 1 8 STEWART, CHRIS OHL KINGSTON 10/30/1987 6' 1.5" 228 RW R 62 37 50 87 113 1 9 SHEPPARD, JAMES QMJHL CAPE BRETON 4/25/1988 6' 1.5" 204 C L 66 30 54 84 78 1 10 EMMERTON, CORY OHL KINGSTON 6/1/1988 5' 11.5" 177 C,LW L 66 26 64 90 37 1 11 OKPOSO, KYLE USHL DES MOINES 4/16/1988 6' 0" 195 RW R 50 27 31 58 56 1 12 SANGUINETTI, BOBBY OHL OWEN SOUND 2/29/1988 6' 1" 174 D R 68 14 51 65 44 1 13 WILLIAMS, NIGEL USA US NAT'L U-18 4/18/1988 6' 4.5" 226 D L 48 6 9 15 41 1 14 FIALA, ONDREJ WHL EVERETT 11/4/1987 6' 1" 183 C L 51 21 14 35 26 1 15 GRABNER, MICHAEL WHL SPOKANE 10/5/1987 6' 0" 170 RW L 67 36 14 50 28 1 16 SHUTRON, BEN OHL KINGSTON 6/14/1988 5' 11.5" 186 D R 67 10 29 39 134 1 17 SWAN, BRYCE QMJHL HALIFAX 10/6/1987 6' 2" 191 RW R 34 14 11 25 54 1 18 BURKI, CODEY WHL BRANDON 11/17/1987 6' 0.5" 190 C L 70 27 34 61 69 1 19 FOLIGNO, NICK OHL SUDBURY 10/31/1987 6' 0" 188 LW L 65 24 46 70 146 1 20 MITERA, MARK CCHA UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN 10/22/1987 6' 3" 202 D L 34 0 9 9 51 1 21 WISHART, TY WHL PRINCE GEORGE 5/19/1988 6' 4.5" 205 D L 70 5 23 30 135 1 22 STRAIT, BRIAN USA US NAT'L U-18 1/4/1988 6' 0.5" 200 D L 47 2 11 13 68 1 23 HILLIER, RYAN QMJHL HALIFAX 1/25/1988 5' 11.5" 179 LW L 68 19 38 57 76 1 24 CLUTTERBUCK, CAL OHL OSHAWA 11/18/1987 5' 10.5" 196 RW R 66 35 33 68 139 1 25 HUGHES, BOBBY OHL KINGSTON 11/11/1987 5' 10.5" 170 C L 56 35 40 75 47 1 26 SNEEP, CARL USHSW BRAINERD 11/5/1987 6' 4" 210 D R 26 14 23 37 34 1 27 WHITE, RYAN WHL CALGARY 3/17/1988 5' 11.5" 200 C R 72 20 33 53 121 1 28 CALLA, BRADY WHL EVERETT 3/14/1988 6' 0" 190 RW R 66 8 25 33 52 1 29 FISCHER, DAVID USHSW APPLE VALLEY 2/19/1988 6' 3" 185 D R 25 8 30 38 34 1 30 LEWIS, TREVOR USHL DES MOINES 1/8/1987 6' 1" 192 C R 56 35 40 75 69

I imagined how these games might fit into the schedule. I'm guessing the Maine and Madison weekends immediately follow Quinnipiac, in some order, followed by a trip to Mankato. A trip to UAA could be squeezed between the SCSU and CC weekends, and I wonder if the Sioux could host the defending national champs just before they host MTU. Between CC and MN in January, it sure would be neat if they could host UAA and play home-and-home with the BSU Beavers. Starting with BSU, it could be like a tour of Minnesota hockey to close the regular season: BSU, at MN, MSUM, UMD and at SCSU (with a trip to Denver snuck in between UMD and SCSU).

This was just slightly better last year before Montoya left Michigan.

Here are a few snapshots from the last three years: Met Matt (a high school senior) and his dad at Sensers watching the Sioux play Denver in the WCHA playoffs. During a break in play, Brad Berry was interviewed, and Matt commented on what a great guy he is. Also, when Matt stepped away for a minute, his dad commented that Matt is a tiger on the ice - very aggressive. I attended the UND/MN series in Grand Forks a few games into Matt's UND career, and he leveled more forwards than all the other defensemen combined. He kept holding the blueline very aggressively, and although he missed a few times (yielding opportunities), his physical play was a big reason the MN forwards wanted nothing other than to find the bus by late on Saturday. At the 2005 Frozen four practice between the Thursday and Saturday games, Berry and Smaby spent some time on one-on-one drills, and I was reminded of our initial meeting. [On that note, I get the sense that Coach Berry is a huge part of this program right now. His impact on recruiting and teaching and his rock solid presence seem nearly as important as Hakstol's role.] During the Friday game at Mariucci in January, when an emotionally and physically worn UND team was getting embarrassed by MN, Smaby was the only defenseman who seemed capable of handling the puck. He kept making the right play, and kept hitting people. Eventually the dam broke and the Sioux were overwhelmed, but it was clear to me then that Smaby was the most important skater on the team, while the younger defensemen were still developing. In another MN game this year, Matt wiped Potulny out at center ice. Although the FSN guys tried to suggest it was an elbow, it was just one of his classic open-ice hits. It was also classic in another sense, because the recipient was one of the opponent's best players. He famously took Marty Sertich out of the whole weekend (not by injury, but by effectiveness) by rocking him early on Friday, and he apparently hit Slattengren so hard he drove him right out of college hockey. Overall, Smaby had a terrific college career. He skated a regular shift as a true freshman on a league champion. He played a big role as a crushing defenseman who mostly avoided the penalty box as the 2005 team advanced to the national title game. And he topped it off by teaching the next generation what it means to be a Sioux defenseman, while captaining the team to a repeat Frozen Four trip in 2006. Congratulations and good luck.

I talked to a source in the Spring of 1986 at the Antique. Coach Eades told me they had a special goalie coming in that Fall. Honest.

Congrats to Wisconsin - 5 in a row for the WCHA. Watching this game frustrated me, because BC just is not very good. They only had a sniff of a chance to score all game long. The TV guys scoring chances in the first were 9-3 Wisconsin, but the score was 0-1. Similar to Thursday's game, when they were 9-3, but the score was 0-3. Basically, BC just led a charmed life, they aimed for corners and got them, instead of shooting high or wide, where 90% of those attempts go. Their shots hit goal posts (2 of the first 3) and went in instead of out. Then UND got flustered by the scoreboard and made some mistakes, and BC converted them. Wisconsin didn't make those mistakes, and BC had nothing to convert. I think BC rode five players to the last game: Collins, Boyle, Harrold, Motherwell and of course Schneider. That's similar to UND in 2001, with Panzer, Lundbohm, Bayda, Roche and Goehring, but I like UND's supporting players that year better (Notermann, Spiewak, etc.). Anyway, congrats again to Wisconsin and go get em next year Sioux. p.s. That was sour grapes above, but I can't help it.

Farce, I think you mean 18, 16, and 9.