redwing77 Posted March 10, 2004 Share Posted March 10, 2004 Ballard is the best all around player the Gophers have among upper classmen. He isn't as strong defensively as Jonesy is, but he can definitely score. I think it would be cool for Ballard and JOnesy to be on the same d pairing when they make the NHL. I believe Jonesy is a bigger hitter and a little better at positioning on the defensive side of the puck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MoneyLine Posted March 10, 2004 Share Posted March 10, 2004 No, no, no. Thomas Vanek is college hockey's "Randy Moss." Keith Ballard is college hockey's Dale "the dirt bag" Earnhardt. Will do anything to win, even if it isn't legal. Hate him when he is on the other team. Love him if he is on your team. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cavedurtis Posted March 10, 2004 Share Posted March 10, 2004 Ballard is a very talented offensive D-man with his two biggest assets being his skating and his shot. In college he can skate his way out of trouble in his own end and is proficient at lugging the puck, one of the best UMN has had. His skating also allows him to join a rush quickly, and if he has space his slapper and snapper are deadly. However, he gambles too much and it leads to many odd-mans the other way. On the PP his accurate shot is a howitzer, but he could learn to be a bit more creative playmaking wise ala Martin, Leo, Crowley. Defensively he has grown this year. In open ice his poke-check is very effective and starts rushes. He'll throw a hip now and then and is difficult to beat one-on one. He needs to get stronger physically for the NHL and chases too much on the PK. One more year in college hockey playing major minutes would serve him well, as well as Gopher fans. FYI, I can't believe GOON complimented a Gopher, that's like Norm offering to buy Cliffy a beer! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MinnesotaNorthStar Posted March 10, 2004 Share Posted March 10, 2004 FYI, I can't believe GOON complimented a Gopher, that's like Norm offering to buy Cliffy a beer! There's a flaw....since when did Norm ever actually BUY a beer? He had a pretty thick tab. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fedorov Posted March 10, 2004 Share Posted March 10, 2004 Keith Ballard is college hockey's Dale "the dirt bag" Earnhardt. I couldn't disagree more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cavedurtis Posted March 12, 2004 Share Posted March 12, 2004 MNS, I think Goon is a closet Gopher fan. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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