University of North Dakota Hockey 2019-20 Season

[The Sicatoka]

1 hour ago, scpa0305 said:

Oh sure, the team will be fine.  Was just a messy morning, as far as UND hockey news goes.

No, a messy morning is finding out those things when they are two weeks or two days away. 

These are two years away impacts which means a couple new (albeit unexpected) agenda items in the weekly long-range planning session. 

[AJS]

Johnny Brodzinski couldn't score for the Force and look how he did in college! In all seriousness, nobody is going to argue that there are a lot of different variables when recruiting each player and when constructing a team. You'll also be able to find any example you want to prove a point.

When talking about variables, a players point production is a pretty important factor (I'm guessing), so tracking it from year to year would probably be useful.

 

 

 

[stoneySIOUX]

10 minutes ago, AJS said:

Johnny Brodzinski couldn't score for the Force and look how he did in college! In all seriousness, nobody is going to argue that there are a lot of different variables when recruiting each player and when constructing a team. You'll also be able to find any example you want to prove a point.

When talking about variables, a players point production is a pretty important factor (I'm guessing), so tracking it from year to year would probably be useful.

 

 

 

Yes. Of course there are examples either way, but production is and always has been, a very good indicator of success.

[Godsmack]

37 minutes ago, The Sicatoka said:

No, a messy morning is finding out those things when they are two weeks or two days away. 

These are two years away impacts which means a couple new (albeit unexpected) agenda items in the weekly long-range planning session. 

Yah, JT Miller was a classic example of this. Didn’t he bail on us at the 11th hour? 

[AJS]

4 minutes ago, Godsmack said:

Yah, JT Miller was a classic example of this. Didn’t he bail on us at the 11th hour? 

After the draft, so about as bad of timing as you can have.

[petey23]

1 hour ago, AJS said:

Johnny Brodzinski couldn't score for the Force and look how he did in college! In all seriousness, nobody is going to argue that there are a lot of different variables when recruiting each player and when constructing a team. You'll also be able to find any example you want to prove a point.

When talking about variables, a players point production is a pretty important factor (I'm guessing), so tracking it from year to year would probably be useful.

 

 

 

I wouldn't say Brozinski "couldn't" score for The Force. But he did learn to play both ends of the ice for The Force.

[scpa0305]

2 hours ago, 90siouxfan said:

I am always puzzled at the judgement of others that the community here imposes...   Isn't there some saying about past results may not indicate future returns, of course is all we have is a stat line, then there you go...  Seems to me there is so much more to it....   Didn't Boeser and Wilkie both have a great stat line in their last year of juniors?

Well...boeser has the better numbers if you ask me (looking past the goal stat only), played on a worse team, was a rookie, and did solid on the Hlinka (which Wilkie never made).

But yes, Wilkie had a nice overage year. I don’t knock Wilkie, he had 19 pts in 20 games last year.  We could have used him big time.

[Irish]

We had two things relative to talent that kept us at an elite level for the past many years - We were a destination for high enders looking to hone their skills for the NHL and we had a great eye for role players and sleepers.  You don't have to look farther than our championship year to see this - Top line was one of the best of all time and had two first rounders and an undrafted player.  Now look at the last few years of recruiting (especially up front).  There is no doubt that we need to re-establish in both of these areas.  I like what we have coming in but in my opinion Berry needs success right soon to get things going in the right direction again.  Hopefully this season will be the start of another run.

[scpa0305]

2 hours ago, Irish said:

We had two things relative to talent that kept us at an elite level for the past many years - We were a destination for high enders looking to hone their skills for the NHL and we had a great eye for role players and sleepers.  You don't have to look farther than our championship year to see this - Top line was one of the best of all time and had two first rounders and an undrafted player.  Now look at the last few years of recruiting (especially up front).  There is no doubt that we need to re-establish in both of these areas.  I like what we have coming in but in my opinion Berry needs success right soon to get things going in the right direction again.  Hopefully this season will be the start of another run.

This year’s team should be solid 

[stoneySIOUX]

26 minutes ago, scpa0305 said:

This year’s team should be solid 

I expect a playoff run, this year.

[brianvf]

New players jersey numbers:

8 -- Harrison Blaisdell, freshman forward

11 -- Westin Michaud, senior forward

13 -- Carson Albrecht, freshman forward

15 -- Ethan Frisch, freshman defenseman

22 -- Shane Pinto, freshman forward

28 -- Judd Caulfield, freshman forward

[stoneySIOUX]

Looks like we have a roster set. Glad to see no one else leaving. Good stuff. We're getting closer, ladies and gents!

[Rebel_Sioux]

On 7/10/2019 at 3:26 PM, stoneySIOUX said:

I expect a playoff run, this year.

Call me spoiled but I expect that every year.

[Oxbow6]

34 minutes ago, Rebel_Sioux said:

Call me spoiled but I expect that every year.

We have all had a couple years to adjust that bar...... unfortunately.

[Wilbur]

18 hours ago, brianvf said:

New players jersey numbers:

8 -- Harrison Blaisdell, freshman forward

11 -- Westin Michaud, senior forward

13 -- Carson Albrecht, freshman forward

15 -- Ethan Frisch, freshman defenseman

22 -- Shane Pinto, freshman forward

28 -- Judd Caulfield, freshman forward

Probably the wrong thread, but as far as player numbers go I'm hoping that this is the last year that #9 is worn.  

[SIOUXELEVENS]

3 minutes ago, Wilbur said:

Probably the wrong thread, but as far as player numbers go I'm hoping that this is the last year that #9 is worn.  

100% agree, I have a Greg Johnson replica jersey I will probably retire it know.    

[Frozen4sioux]

theres a school of thought that the program retire the numbers of the greats and legends... belfour, toews.... another thought is its a recruiting and culture tool.

I'm in that camp, no player is bigger than the program and its legacy carries on with each generation.

As far as what does get retired, tragedy is applicable, IMHO

Thats the case with Casey, but it took many many years.

With Johnson, it may be best to see how the family wants to honor. 

I think it would be best to eventually utilize the program and platform for suicide prevention and awareness in some fashion. im hoping to see at least a patch on the sweater at some point this year.

 

[Wilbur]

7 hours ago, Frozen4sioux said:

theres a school of thought that the program retire the numbers of the greats and legends... belfour, toews.... another thought is its a recruiting and culture tool.

I'm in that camp, no player is bigger than the program and its legacy carries on with each generation.

As far as what does get retired, tragedy is applicable, IMHO

Thats the case with Casey, but it took many many years.

With Johnson, it may be best to see how the family wants to honor. 

I think it would be best to eventually utilize the program and platform for suicide prevention and awareness in some fashion. im hoping to see at least a patch on the sweater at some point this year.

 

With the family's blessing I'd love to see a helmet sticker or patch this season.

[stoneySIOUX]

On 7/19/2019 at 9:26 PM, Rebel_Sioux said:

Call me spoiled but I expect that every year.

Definitely. I'm just very hopeful this season, particularly.

[stoneySIOUX]

On 7/19/2019 at 10:00 PM, Oxbow6 said:

We have all had a couple years to adjust that bar...... unfortunately.

It's our minimum bar and I don't think anyone believes that's changed. 

[SiouxForever]

Team can’t be any worse than last year. Only progression and trending up. 

D-Core should be solid. Peski will play a role and who knows maybe Frisch develops throughout the year to add something to impact the team at some point. 

Goalies - Scheel is the real deal. Give Thome some games. 

Scoring? TBD 

[scpa0305]

1 hour ago, SiouxForever said:

Team can’t be any worse than last year. Only progression and trending up. 

D-Core should be solid. Peski will play a role and who knows maybe Frisch develops throughout the year to add something to impact the team at some point. 

Goalies - Scheel is the real deal. Give Thome some games. 

Scoring? TBD 

Still very curious why Frisch came in.  Definitely appears another year may have helped his game, but it is what it is.  Not sure he beats out peski on that last pairing. Could be a lot of bench time for him.

i don’t think we’ll have any high point producers but we should go back to a normal season. Hopefully we have 2-3 over a pt/gm guys and several more knocking on the door.

[SiouxForever]

1 hour ago, scpa0305 said:

Still very curious why Frisch came in.  Definitely appears another year may have helped his game, but it is what it is.  Not sure he beats out peski on that last pairing. Could be a lot of bench time for him.

i don’t think we’ll have any high point producers but we should go back to a normal season. Hopefully we have 2-3 over a pt/gm guys and several more knocking on the door.

Be nice if Mismash had a solid year. Weatherby could be a sleeper for production. Has size and skill. 

Just need at least  “1” of the freshman to be a goal scorer as a freshie. Hopefully it happens. 

[AJS]

I always start by looking back to last year, the final numbers being 5th in the NCHC and 20th in the pairwise. Not where any of us hoped they'd be, but honestly, not that far off from being a tournament team. As annoying as it is to play what ifs, they were one win against Western at home on Friday night of finishing 3rd in the NCHC. 

Goalies:

• Scheel: Real deal, very impressive Freshman season. His Save % was solid at .911, given the limited amount of shots that were usually given up, that will give the team a chance to win a lot of games. His so technically sound, doesn't give up bad goals, always in the right position.
• Thome: Although his numbers took a hit from his Freshman year, he was very good when Scheel went down at the end of the year. Unlike his Freshman year and the start of his Sophomore campaign, he looked very comfortable, more structurally sound at the end of the year. Rebounds were much better. 

Overall, a very good one / two punch in net. These two are a strength of the team. No worries in net.

Defense:

I like to use a term "pop" when it comes to a player taking a large step. Some never do, others do at different times. Kierstad did it last year, his game took a gigantic step. Guy like Poolman never really had his, but was really good right away his Freshman year. This was such a solid unit last year and I honestly believe when looking at the college hockey landscape, that they will be one of the best this year. When comparing to a unit like Duluth, I don't think they have any guys that will pop this year. That's not necessarily a bad thing, they had the best and will likely have one of the best units again. What UND has is an incredible Top End players and more importantly Top End Depth. Guys like JBD and JT given their pedigree and age are guys that most likely will "pop" this year. They'll be able to mix and match what I consider two true top end pairings between Poolman, Kierstad, JBD, JT and Bast. Peski is also very solid and will be the 6th guy. I'm hoping Frisch will be the 7th guy that will play most games. This defense will be so much fun to watch this year. 

If you look at Goaltending / Defense as one unit, I think they are a sure fire Top 5 combined unit next year.

Forwards:

This unit overall was terrible last year, but I think that will change this year. Michaud is such a unique case that we aren't used to. Getting a grad transfer that is a proven Top 6 guy in the NCHC, possibly CC's best forward at the end of the year. It's rare that you can bring someone in that can basically cancel the loss of Jones. 

Jones (1st line Center) / Michaud (1st line Center)

Gardner (2nd Line center / 3rd line center talent) / Pinto (2nd Line Center talent (as Freshman)

Hoff (Role player) / Blaisdell (Top 6 Forward)

JJ (Didn't player 2nd half) / Caulfield (3rd Line Forward)

The infusion of talent definitely outweighs what was lost last year. We're already starting out with a more talented roster. Then I look at guys that return. Kawaguchi, we know what to expect, leading scorer last year. Mismash, was injured the 2nd half of the year, being fully healthy is a Top line guy. Weatherby / Adams have talent and can't possibly have point production as low, could both pop. 

Mismash / Pinto / Kawaguchi -- Put Pinto with two upperclassman

Blaisdell / Michaud / Adams -- Senior in the middle of two talented players

Caulfield / Weatherby / Hain

Smith / Senden / Bowen

I like that forward lineup and forward group. 

Overall:

This team will be back in the NCAAs this year, not only that, I think they have a very high ceiling this year. I really, really like this team.

[The Sicatoka]

Well, either my math is off, or Berry is carrying 27 this season (instead of the Blais/Hak traditional 26 slot roster):

G (3): Thome, Scheel, Feeney

D (8): Peski, Poolman, Bast, Kierstad, Rieger, Tychonick, JBD, Frisch

F (16): Johnson, Yon, Bowen, Michaud, Smith, Mismash, Adams, Keane, Kawaguchi, Hain, Weatherby, Senden, Blaisdell, Albrecht, Pinto, Caulfield 

Given recent history, I don't have any issue with that. We've seemed to be scrambling at times to fill a game day roster card.