NHL Draft

[jloos]

Haven't seen anything from Greene or Jones... .

"There would definitely be some familiarity for the team if (Hakstol) gets to coach," said junior defenseman Matt Greene, who was the only player on hand for the news conference.

"Everybody is comfortable with him because we've all played for him. But you never know what's going to happen."

If UND doesn't hire a head coach from within, there are three possible candidates with ties to the school who are head coaches in the Midwest.

Current Minnesota-Duluth head coach Scott Sandelin, a 1986 UND graduate, held Hakstol's position at UND before accepting the job in Duluth four years ago. Last season, Sandelin led the upstart Bulldogs to their first NCAA Frozen Four appearance in 19 years.

Another Sioux great from the 1980s, Steve Johnson, head coach of the USHL's Lincoln Stars, is a second name which has surfaced as a candidate. Over the past seven seasons, Johnson has led the Stars to two Clark Cup championships, three Anderson Cup championships and guided the 1998 USHL Select Team to a gold medal at the Four Nations tournament. He started his coaching career in 1995 with the Fargo-Moorhead Bears.

Warroad High School head coach Cary Eades is also a candidate for the head coaching job and may also be likely to accept an assistant coaching position with the Sioux. Eades skated for UND from 1978-82. He has led the Warriors to three Class 2A Minnesota High School state titles since 1994.

While he says he will play no factor in the final decision, Blais has already acknowledged who he thinks should replace him.

"You never know what's going to happen, but when Scott (Sandelin) left and went to UMD, we brought in Dave Hakstol because we knew he would do a great job and he's definitely ready to be a head coach," Blais said.

"But it's not my decision to make."

There is also some uncertainty among the returning players.

After Saturday's NHL entry draft, there are 10 current Sioux players who have been drafted by NHL teams. Sophomore forward Drew Stafford and incoming freshman Travis Zajac were both taken in the first round Saturday.

Greene isn't sure how the coaching change will affect his decision or any of his teammates' to stay at UND.

"It's a tough call," said Greene, a 2002 draft pick of the Edmonton Oilers. "We all have an allegiance to the coach, but you have to look at the big picture. You play for your coach, but you also play for your teammates as well."

Greene doesn't say anything for sure, but it sounds like he has every intention of coming back next year. I was suprised to see he was the only player at the press conference.