2023-24 University of North Dakota Hockey Season

[scpa0305]

4 hours ago, AlphaMikeFoxtrot said:

Isn't he from suburban Chicago?

Yeah, error in my post. When I look at tier 1 kids i always assume Michigan for some reason. 

[scpa0305]

4 hours ago, stoneySIOUX said:

 

He's the one who wants to stay. He believes he's not ready. UND agrees it's smart he's doing this planning.

Yes you have mentioned that before to me.

[stoneySIOUX]

9 minutes ago, scpa0305 said:

Yes you have mentioned that before to me.

Exactly, so I just don't understand why he would listen to you, or anyone else for that matter, as he makes the decision. He and the staff are on the same page. I understand there's some precedence, but those previous two situations seem very different than this one.

This isn't a shot at you, in the least bit. It's just a confusing conversation. He doesn't think he's ready, his advisors don't think he's ready, and UND is completely fine with him staying another year.

He comes in this season, he's in a suit nearly every weekend, burning a year he'd be here. Another year of seasoning and he comes here next year with plenty of ice time opportunities

[scpa0305]

1 hour ago, stoneySIOUX said:

Exactly, so I just don't understand why he would listen to you, or anyone else for that matter, as he makes the decision. He and the staff are on the same page. I understand there's some precedence, but those previous two situations seem very different than this one.

This isn't a shot at you, in the least bit. It's just a confusing conversation. He doesn't think he's ready, his advisors don't think he's ready, and UND is completely fine with him staying another year.

He comes in this season, he's in a suit nearly every weekend, burning a year he'd be here. Another year of seasoning and he comes here next year with plenty of ice time opportunities

This is a forum where folks give their opinions on all things Sioux hockey. I was simply responding to a poster that I somewhat agreed with (re. the (minor) concern of him choosing to go back to juniors to play games 120-170). When you post regarding the fact you (and others) don’t think he’s ready I never respond, unless I am tagged.

He’s the top dman on clearly one of the top ushl teams (best junior league in NA) and he’s just wrapping up two years at that level while playing 100+ games.  My only point is that I do not agree with this notion that “he’s not ready”. He could play college puck almost anywhere next year. I also don’t agree with the thinking he’d be in a suit next year. I like what Bubs and Co have done with the dcore, but that’s only on paper and there are still many question marks from playing in lessor leagues, to not playing at all, and having a bunch of freshman who I wouldn’t think would be better than Strathmann.

But…if he and his advisors think he should go back…perfect. I completely agree there. Hopefully I covered all angles

[tnt]

On 5/5/2023 at 12:47 PM, InHeavenThereIsNoBeer said:

The ones that stuck out to me, didn't realize Matt Wellens didn't quote Bast in the 1st one(wonder why):

Bast said he respects that UMD took him out of the transfer portal to fill a void on the roster this season, not to push out any other current players or recruits. He also respect how protective the staff is of the program’s culture.

“Everyone talks about culture, like literally every program,” Bast said. “There’s some programs that actually walk the walk and other programs that talk the talk. What I’ve heard from Duluth is they walk the walk when it comes to culture. That was very appealing to me.”

So did Duluth have to push out any players to make room for Pionk?  Curious how they made room for a good player, almost like they are doing what’s best to improve the team.

[brianvf]

2 hours ago, tnt said:

So did Duluth have to push out any players to make room for Pionk?  Curious how they made room for a good player, almost like they are doing what’s best to improve the team.

That's culture, UMD-style.  And anyone else.   

[Sweethockey]

12 hours ago, tnt said:

So did Duluth have to push out any players to make room for Pionk?  Curious how they made room for a good player, almost like they are doing what’s best to improve the team.

Bast will be riding the pine so Pionk can play.

[stoneySIOUX]

17 hours ago, scpa0305 said:

This is a forum where folks give their opinions on all things Sioux hockey. I was simply responding to a poster that I somewhat agreed with (re. the (minor) concern of him choosing to go back to juniors to play games 120-170). When you post regarding the fact you (and others) don’t think he’s ready I never respond, unless I am tagged.

He’s the top dman on clearly one of the top ushl teams (best junior league in NA) and he’s just wrapping up two years at that level while playing 100+ games.  My only point is that I do not agree with this notion that “he’s not ready”. He could play college puck almost anywhere next year. I also don’t agree with the thinking he’d be in a suit next year. I like what Bubs and Co have done with the dcore, but that’s only on paper and there are still many question marks from playing in lessor leagues, to not playing at all, and having a bunch of freshman who I wouldn’t think would be better than Strathmann.

But…if he and his advisors think he should go back…perfect. I completely agree there. Hopefully I covered all angles

I'll say this... he's been really playing lights out the past few weeks. Maybe that changes the equation and he comes in? We'll see. 

[tnt]

1 hour ago, stoneySIOUX said:

I'll say this... he's been really playing lights out the past few weeks. Maybe that changes the equation and he comes in? We'll see. 

But I don't think offense was going to be the issue.   I don't know that the last few weeks are going to make a huge impact as far as solving any defensive deficiencies they want to work on.  I imagine if he goes back, he has the chance to be part of the leadership of the team, and that could help him down the road as well. 

[stoneySIOUX]

2 hours ago, tnt said:

But I don't think offense was going to be the issue.   I don't know that the last few weeks are going to make a huge impact as far as solving any defensive deficiencies they want to work on.  I imagine if he goes back, he has the chance to be part of the leadership of the team, and that could help him down the road as well. 

Regarding his improvement in play, I was speaking about his defense. His offense is fantastic. 

[scpa0305]

3 hours ago, tnt said:

But I don't think offense was going to be the issue.   I don't know that the last few weeks are going to make a huge impact as far as solving any defensive deficiencies they want to work on.  I imagine if he goes back, he has the chance to be part of the leadership of the team, and that could help him down the road as well. 

He’s already an assistant captain on the team. He is in the leadership group. Being a captain wouldn’t hurt though I suppose.

[SIOUXELEVENS]

When do they release the roster with #’s ?

[stoneySIOUX]

I'm bored, so here's my line chart for game 1 this season :

Blake - Berg - Gaber
James - Schmaltz - Perron
Kunz - McLaughlin (I'd be cool with flipping 2C and 3C) - Strinden
Johannes - Jammer - Emerson

Pyke - Pehrson
Wiebe - Zmolek
Benoit - Livanvage
Komzak

Persson
Hedquist

[AJS]

1 hour ago, stoneySIOUX said:

I'm bored, so here's my line chart for game 1 this season :

Blake - Berg - Gaber
James - Schmaltz - Perron
Kunz - McLaughlin (I'd be cool with flipping 2C and 3C) - Strinden
Johannes - Jammer - Emerson

Pyke - Pehrson
Wiebe - Zmolek
Benoit - Livanvage
Komzak

Persson
Hedquist

Looks perfect, lets lock this one in. 

[The Sicatoka]

20 hours ago, SIOUXELEVENS said:

When do they release the roster with #’s ?

Not soon enough ... 

[I Ranger]

1 hour ago, stoneySIOUX said:

I'm bored, so here's my line chart for game 1 this season :

Blake - Berg - Gaber
James - Schmaltz - Perron
Kunz - McLaughlin (I'd be cool with flipping 2C and 3C) - Strinden
Johannes - Jammer - Emerson

Pyke - Pehrson
Wiebe - Zmolek
Benoit - Livanvage
Komzak

Persson
Hedquist

Definitely switching McLaughlin and Schmaltz. I think Schmaltz is the ideal 3rd line center on a good/great team. He's really had to play out of position (maybe not the correct word as he stilled played center) due to lack of top line centers the last couple years. 

[siouxfan512]

2 hours ago, stoneySIOUX said:

I'm bored, so here's my line chart for game 1 this season :

Blake - Berg - Gaber
James - Schmaltz - Perron
Kunz - McLaughlin (I'd be cool with flipping 2C and 3C) - Strinden
Johannes - Jammer - Emerson

Pyke - Pehrson
Wiebe - Zmolek
Benoit - Livanvage
Komzak

Persson
Hedquist

Have you let Berry know yet? 

[stoneySIOUX]

1 hour ago, I Ranger said:

Definitely switching McLaughlin and Schmaltz. I think Schmaltz is the ideal 3rd line center on a good/great team. He's really had to play out of position (maybe not the correct word as he stilled played center) due to lack of top line centers the last couple years. 

Nothing wrong with trying to get Schmaltz sparked, though. We've all seen the potential. No problem making the flip, but I would love to see an upperclassman in that group.

[scpa0305]

2 hours ago, stoneySIOUX said:

I'm bored, so here's my line chart for game 1 this season :

Blake - Berg - Gaber
James - Schmaltz - Perron
Kunz - McLaughlin (I'd be cool with flipping 2C and 3C) - Strinden
Johannes - Jammer - Emerson

Pyke - Pehrson
Wiebe - Zmolek
Benoit - Livanvage
Komzak

Persson
Hedquist

Boy…that dcore. First half should be interesting 

[The Sicatoka]

2 hours ago, stoneySIOUX said:

Pyke - Pehrson
Wiebe - Zmolek

So close ... 

To start the season you run Pyke and Zmolek and the Pehrson and Wiebe.
It keeps L/R shots together but it puts the best defender with the freshman to begin with. 

[stoneySIOUX]

2 minutes ago, The Sicatoka said:

So close ... 

To start the season you run Pyke and Zmolek and the Pehrson and Wiebe.
It keeps L/R shots together but it puts the best defender with the freshman to begin with. 

I don't disagree, but having Pyke Pehrson will assure our best two defensemen get the most ice. I want those two in nearly all situations to start the season.

[stoneySIOUX]

11 minutes ago, scpa0305 said:

Boy…that dcore. First half should be interesting 

Three with solid history, two with great history. Then, three freshmen with potential. I like the mix, but the mesh needs to start NOW. Not in October. Now.

[scpa0305]

13 minutes ago, stoneySIOUX said:

Three with solid history, two with great history. Then, three freshmen with potential. I like the mix, but the mesh needs to start NOW. Not in October. Now.

Right I don’t mind it after the fall out from last year. But…def some question marks. Zmolek is a wcha recruit coming off a fairly significant surgery. Hasn’t played in a long time. Just saying, it’s not even what we had last year…not really even that close. I like Livanavage and Wiebe long term though. Hopefully this core gels early.

[stoneySIOUX]

24 minutes ago, scpa0305 said:

Right I don’t mind it after the fall out from last year. But…def some question marks. Zmolek is a wcha recruit coming off a fairly significant surgery. Hasn’t played in a long time. Just saying, it’s not even what we had last year…not really even that close. I like Livanavage and Wiebe long term though. Hopefully this core gels early.

Yep. Need the gel and need it FAST. I asked around about Zmolek and apparently all returns are saying he looks great and is ready to roll. 

[The Sicatoka]

54 minutes ago, stoneySIOUX said:

I don't disagree, but having Pyke Pehrson will assure our best two defensemen get the most ice. I want those two in nearly all situations to start the season.

Best case as a pair they run 24-27 minutes. Let's call it 25.

25 minutes with both, or 50 minutes with one or the other out there. I chose the "50" scenario; YMMV.