The SiouxSports.com WCHA Pre-Season Poll

[OETKB]

IMO, the program is going to "slide" into another national championship within two years. The talent level of the recruits Blais currently has (as JK mentioned) is as good as any of his teams.

Last season, the three reasons for the poor showing were the (unfair!) amount of freshmen, the troubles of Kollar, and an exceptionally strong WCHA. This year, the WCHA is still strong, but UND will start clawing its way back on top. 2003-4 = WCHA Champs?/National Champs?

You can't keep players like Massen, Bochenski & Parise down. They're going to light the lamps this year, even more so in '03-04.

[tnt]

Most of the teams picked in the top five have some big questions to answer. I am not convinced that Minnesota is going to walk away with anything. If you look at how Minnesota beat teams last year, you will find the powerplay had a lot to do with it. Will they still have a potent powerplay? The answer to that is probably yes, but I don't believe you can lose a Leopold, Taffe, and Pohl and expect it to be as good. Remember the downfall of the Sioux powerplay last year after losing Panzer, Roche and Bryan Lundbohm? Most Minnesota fans expect Koalska to be their top center. If they can expect Koalska to make that much progress from his Junior to Senior year, we certainly should be able to see one of our freshman make a similar jump in their sophomore season. Remember how Massen and McMahon finished up the season. In short, I don't believe Minnesota can expect to see an upside on their powerplay, while any improvement on our part will help our situation, hopefully winning those one-goal games this time around. Let's drop the puck and see how it all plays out!!

[NDHockey]

I believe that a "slide" isn't so much about winning recruiting battles (as noted by jk) but its more about once you get certain players, do they develop as expected.

Blais may be landing some kids with good "resumes" but that doesn't mean anything when they get to college. We saw last year that a storied background doesn't lead to guaranteed success in college. The college hockey landscape is littered with players who were the next big thing (no, not the wrestler! ) but who didn't live up to expectations.

If the Sioux are going to stay away from a "slide" in the coming years, I believe a lot of the pressure resides in the current sophomore class. They are a big portion of the team and if they don't succeed as Blais expected when he recruited them, that would be a bad sign.

[ScottM]

1. Denver

2. Minnesota

3. SCCC

4. UND

5. CC

6. Duluth

7. Wisconsin

8. AA

9. Mankato

10. Tech

I've been picking the Sioux for a top-5 finish all off-season. I think we have some serious questions that need to be answered: Who's going to TAKE the goalie job? Will the upperclassmen provide the production and leadership they should at this stage of their careers? Will special teams step it up, since they were generally MIA last season.

I think the team has a strong core of returning players. However, players like Spiewak, the Hale brothers, and Notermann will have to lead the way for the sophs and the frosh, on and off the ice. I think they will, as I doubt last season left a good taste in anybody's mouth. They've been working hard and getting rid of deadwood, now's the time to really get into it and focus on winning one game at a time, as the standings will take care of themselves.

Just win, baby!

[DamStrait]

I for one expect the Sioux to contend for the league championship and make some noise in the league and NCAA tournaments. Why? Because they are the Sioux. Because Dean Blais is their head coach. Because they played the toughest schedule in the nation last year, playing as many as eleven freshmen at any one time, with a senior goaltender that (probably due to some physical issues) started the year out horribly, and with two senior defensemen that did not play at all well (I hate to be too hard on any of

[Speez]

I'll give it a shot & do Sprig one better:

1- UND ( Going for #8) / DU

3- Goofs (same spot as last year)

4- CC

5- SCSU

6- UMD ( Go Sandy )

7- UW

8- UAA (DTP is dreaming)

9- Mankato

10- MTU

May be extremely biased, but have been hearing great things about this years team.

The New Ralph was a bigger distraction last year than most people think. Hopefully some of the noise (music) & commercialism will be tuned down this year so the players & fans can concentrate on the game.

I agree with HKNTSMN that this team is going to make a run for it. I'm reminded of the sign @ the 2000 FF,

E- Every

S- Sioux

P- Player

N- Needs

2- Rings

The guys just missed out in 2001, this is the last chance for a few of them & I know they're going to give it their best shot.

Being on the road a lot after the break will tune the guys up for the play-off run. The Sioux won't have home ice advantage like the Goofs did last year, so use the road games to get ready.

I sure appreciate the reports from the local GF fans on the radio shows.

Please keep it up for those of us that can't get them anymore.

Season is almost here. Can't wait.

[HKNTSMN]

Sounds Good Speez. I don't see how those boys that have been there won't have a real positive effect on the younger talented kids coach has brought in.

I heard they have a goalie in camp that I like too. Go Marc Ranfranz. He is a solid gamer!

Do you think Theresa Carter still has the sign!

I know Kevin, Jason, Ryan and Chris L. only have one!

If the Sophmores and juniors want two they better get this one!

Let's Go Sioux! Let's Go Sioux I can here it now!!!! It sounds good

[OETKB]

HKNTSMN: So, how's Jason feeling about his upcoming season? I know he probably gets some ribbing (about the goalposts last season) and I'll bet he can't wait to get out there and show everybody what he can do as a senior. Any thoughts?

Have he and Spiewak been paired on the same line in practices? So far, the only scoop I've seen is that Parise is paired with Bochenski, which I like the sound of very much. A surprise about that was the mentioning of Fylling & Palmiscno as third wings on the line. It's great to hear that Fylling has improved so much. I wonder if Palmiscno will get significant ice time.

In any case, I hope all the seniors (All three) can make a run at the playoffs. Go Sioux!

[HKNTSMN]

I am sure Jason is ready to go! It doesn't matter who you are paired with.

He will be solid. I dont' think the coaches can look at too many games that Jason didn't show up and put in a great effort.

I don't know if you realize that he has the most points and games of any player on this years team. I know if he would get a little pp time he would produce and have a great last year. Whatever the coaches decide is good with us.

They know what is best for the Sioux and if it is good for the Sioux it will be good for us.

I hope he gets to have a role of leadership and responsibility.

Check out his senior year in High School led team in goals

2nd year of juniors led his team Green Bay in Goals.

I think he will be around..

For a little guy he hasn't missed any games and has played with some pretty good injuries. I think he is going to be great this year but I am kind of biased. I can't think of anything more he would like to do than to be a part of another great Fighting Sioux Team. I think they may just get there if the guys work hard every day.

I think Jason has and can play with anybody. He will be a factor in the Sioux's success this year.

[jk]

The anticipation for the season is just that much stronger when you fellows are excited for it. It's finally close enough now that it'll be here before we know it. Two work weeks and one weekend in-between and it's here, the team's first trip to Buffalo this season.

Non-hockey break: I ran the Twin Cities Marathon today, in about 3:53. There are things I'm happy about and others I'm disappointed in. 2,088th place overall, out of 8,500 registrants. Not exactly up to Sioux standards, but I mostly did the best I could.

[Speez]

The anticipation for the season is just that much stronger when you fellows are excited for it. It's finally close enough now that it'll be here before we know it. Two work weeks and one weekend in-between and it's here, the team's first trip to Buffalo this season.

Non-hockey break: I ran the Twin Cities Marathon today, in about 3:53. There are things I'm happy about and others I'm disappointed in. 2,088th place overall, out of 8,500 registrants. Not exactly up to Sioux standards, but I mostly did the best I could.

jk,

Just finishing a marathon is an accomplishment in it self. Never could understand why you guys do it.

Congratulations.

[SockeyeSioux]

Non-hockey break:  I ran the Twin Cities Marathon today, in about 3:53.  There are things I'm happy about and others I'm disappointed in.  2,088th place overall, out of 8,500 registrants.  Not exactly up to Sioux standards, but I mostly did the best I could.

You are my hero! Good for you. You know, I run a little up and down the street trying to keep my "girlish figure". In my next life, I will run marathons. Hooray for you, Jk!

[dagies]

jk, WAY TO GO!

[Goon]

He will be solid. I dont' think the coaches can look at too many games that Jason didn't show up and put in a great effort.

I think that would be a pretty good assessment of Jason's play the last three years. For a player that is not very big he sure plays with a lot of heart. I hope the puck goes in more for him this season.

Maybe John can elaborate on wether Jason has talked to any pro teams about playing after his college days are over? Any insight on this? What is the process for free agents anyone know?

[The Sicatoka]

I know he probably gets some ribbing (about the goalposts last season) ....

Any of us ever rib a guy for something like that? Ne-e-e-e-ver.

So, do they call him "Notes" because of his last name or because of the musical tunes he seem to play off the net: p-ting, dong, tink!

Someone should tell Jason about pro golfer Gary McCord's theory about hitting out from in the trees: He says he aims for the tree because that way he's sure he'll miss! He also says if he does hit it he can claim perfect aim!

[HKNTSMN]

I think he knows how to score. You will see. I know he was pretty confident going into last year and am not sure what all happened. I think if he gets a good start at the beginning. He will be on fire all year..

Sicatoka, I am sure he hit the pipe at least 9 times last year and it was frustrating for him and everyone so I hope he can fine tune the aim and reset the sites.. I am sure he has...

I am sure no one works harder and does all he can do what else can you ask.

I think you need to play this season and have a great one and other opportunities will come.

[The Sicatoka]

Nine? Not intending to be negative, but I think even that number is low. It's like every goalie had the wide pipes out for him.

He got some bad pipes/breaks all last season. I've long believed that things average out over time. I hope I'm right.

[HKNTSMN]

I think Jason has been good in big games in all of his sports career so I think it will continue this year... more than nine means you are getting some real good chances ... cripes that would have been a 20 goal year and hardly any PP time.. Kripes he is pretty good.. I remember watching him sit on the bench for 12 straight minutes vs Maine and go in all ticked off and go around the goal and come out and shoot it in.. Maybe if he can just get ticked off enough he will get some more goals Actually I think he wants to win and does all he can to help the team. If you want to continue to dwell on bad breaks you don't get any good ones. I think positive thought and seeing yourself doing it right is important. Mentally seeing things go your way really helps...

JCN

[OETKB]

Good point, HKNTSMN. Visualization and knowing what the outcome will be before you attempt a move in sports is all-important.

BTW, I have high hopes for Notermann this year. He seems like the kind of tenacious player who can make a real impact as a senior.

I remember the goal you talked about vs Maine. If I remember correctly, that was the only Sioux goal of the game. It wouldn't be much of a surprise if he got 20+ goals this season.

[PCM]

I thought I saw Jason out jogging the other day near the Ralph. If it was him, it looks like he's been spending a fair amount of time in the weight room. Those pipes are in big trouble now!

Regardless of whether he's wearing the C or A, as a senior, I'm sure Jason will be a team leader. I've never heard anyone accuse him of giving less than 100 percent effort. He will lead by example.

[ScottM]

Non-hockey break: I ran the Twin Cities Marathon today, in about 3:53. There are things I'm happy about and others I'm disappointed in. 2,088th place overall, out of 8,500 registrants. Not exactly up to Sioux standards, but I mostly did the best I could.

Nice job on the marathon. I was out cheering you guys on along that long stretch of Douglas, as you turn off Hennepin and go further up the hill.

[diggerdan]

I know this won't look good but I can't figure out how to post in column form. Here's the results so far, with 12 votes:

112.5 Denver (7.5 1st Place)

108.0 Minnesota (3)

89.0 North Dakota (.5)

87.5 SCSU (1)

81.0 Colorado College

50.0 Wisconsin

48.0 Duluth

45.0 Anchorage

23.0 Mankato

16.0 Michigan Tech

[sprig]

Digger,

Don't believe the board allows use of html tags - just the tags above the add reply box, so, posting in columns is not possible, as far as I know.

Possibly the moderator can shed some light on this; if html tags worked, the <PRE> tag would be the easiest to use to get columns to line up.

But, your post looks fine anyway.

[Goon]

I thought I saw Jason out jogging the other day near the Ralph. If it was him, it looks like he's been spending a fair amount of time in the weight room. Those pipes are in big trouble now!

Regardless of whether he's wearing the C or A, as a senior, I'm sure Jason will be a team leader. I've never heard anyone accuse him of giving less than 100 percent effort. He will lead by example.

I know I will be pulling for Jason and the rest of the Sioux Hockey Team, I suffered through every game last year and I saw a lot of upside to this team. I think there is a championship out there. I think some of the pipes and missed nets will turn into timely goals this season. Hell sue me I am an optimistic person. No Jack Daniels tonight...

[jimdahl]

Since it's an off week, thought I'd bump this thread (sometimes it's fun to see your pre-season predictions; for me it's just painful).

Clearly we all gave Denver too much credit and Mankato not enough.

As far as my thought that Wisconsin would turn it around, well, thankfully I didn't put any money it.

At least we were all right that Jason would have a great year!