2025-26 University of North Dakota Hockey Season

[scpa0305]

On 6/1/2025 at 12:06 AM, brianvf said:

I think we see something like this:

Livanavage - Wiebe
Zmolek - Verhoeff
Emery - Strathmann/Jubenvill/Laurila

Yes, 1st round draft pick on the 3rd pairing.  Yowzers.
Zmolek with Verhoeff to let him get up to NCHC game speed and give him freedom, which means he'll make some rookie dman mistakes and Zmolek can cover.
Going to be a battle for that 6th dman spot every weekend.  I hope that Strath/Jub/Laurila don't get discouraged having to earn their ice time and still stick with the team for the 26/27 season, because I could see Liv/Wiebe/Emery (and maybe Zmolek) all depart after this upcoming season.

I actually think Emery will take a big jump this year. First rounders typically get better very quickly. Given that Zmolek has barely played any hockey the past 3-4 years, I’d start him out on the 3rd pairing; top PK unit with Emery. Reason being is based on the fact Wiebe and Liv will be top 4 (I’m assuming) and Emery and verhoeff also need to be up there as blue chips. At least until the optics show something needs to change.

Wiebe-verhoeff

Livinavage-Emery

Strathmann/Laurila-Zmolek is a really nice third pairing TBH. Crazy to think either Strathmann or Laurila wouldn’t be guaranteed a spot. Both will be really good college players.

[I Ranger]

9 minutes ago, scpa0305 said:

I actually think Emery will take a big jump this year. First rounders typically get better very quickly. Given that Zmolek has barely played any hockey the past 3-4 years, I’d start him out on the 3rd pairing; top PK unit with Emery. Reason being is based on the fact Wiebe and Liv will be top 4 (I’m assuming) and Emery and verhoeff also need to be up there as blue chips. At least until the optics show something needs to change.

Wiebe-verhoeff

Livinavage-Emery

Strathmann/Laurila-Zmolek is a really nice third pairing TBH. Crazy to think either Strathmann or Laurila wouldn’t be guaranteed a spot. Both will be really good college players.

I sure hope this means that we see 7 D dressed each night vs. a 13th forward. I never understood dressing a 13th forward vs. a 7th D. When this rule was put in place, I thought it was the ideal spot to work in a freshman D man where you can strategically spot him throughout the game. 

[scpa0305]

52 minutes ago, I Ranger said:

I sure hope this means that we see 7 D dressed each night vs. a 13th forward. I never understood dressing a 13th forward vs. a 7th D. When this rule was put in place, I thought it was the ideal spot to work in a freshman D man where you can strategically spot him throughout the game. 

100%….strathmann and Laurila have to play.

[AlphaMikeFoxtrot]

Is there any concern of Zmolek being especially susceptible to injury? There was talk he might have to hang up the skates last year.

[burd]

1 hour ago, I Ranger said:

I sure hope this means that we see 7 D dressed each night vs. a 13th forward. I never understood dressing a 13th forward vs. a 7th D. When this rule was put in place, I thought it was the ideal spot to work in a freshman D man where you can strategically spot him throughout the game. 

And D in college hockey has a bigger learning curve, so ice time is important

[scpa0305]

1 hour ago, AlphaMikeFoxtrot said:

Is there any concern of Zmolek being especially susceptible to injury? There was talk he might have to hang up the skates last year.

At this point, there should always be concern. 

[nascar99]

The nice thing about the addition of Reschny is that it means that you have two high end distributors in him and Swanson. So if Swanson takes a bit longer to fully break out, we shouldn't have to worry because Reschny should be racking up assists right away.

I can only imagine how good Zellers will be on the PP with Reschny &/or Swanson. I think Zellers is one of the most underrated incoming freshmen in the entire NCAA, what he did in the USHL last season was special & rare.

[NoDak Hockey Nation]

9 minutes ago, nascar99 said:

The nice thing about the addition of Reschny is that it means that you have two high end distributors in him and Swanson. So if Swanson takes a bit longer to fully break out, we shouldn't have to worry because Reschny should be racking up assists right away.

I can only imagine how good Zellers will be on the PP with Reschny &/or Swanson. I think Zellers is one of the most underrated incoming freshmen in the entire NCAA, what he did in the USHL last season was special & rare.

Feels like he’s do for a Jackson Blake type freshman season. Similar development path, probably will score more goals

[AJS]

I always look at roster construction a bit backwards. I like to start from the bottom up. It's 15F, 8D, 3G. Bloated rosters do more harm than good. Designated 15th F, 8th D, 3rd G are aware that unless there's injuries, they'll be in the stands. Stack the other F's (14), D (7), G (2). Fine line. Look at last year, I would think both Monty / Andrew should have fit the 15F roll. Jubenville / Komzak 8D. Last year's roster was poorly constructed from the bottom up. That seems to be fixed this year, if Jubenville is 8th D and Andrew 15th F. Nobody else fits those rolls. 

G- Done

D - Done (Laurila / Strathmann as 6th / 7th D is perfect)

F - Big game hunt for 2 CHL F's. I think it would appropriate to have Littler as 3C or 4C. Croal fixture on the 4th. Kernan / Klee / Zakreski as the 12th to 14th F. Those spots make sense. Now you have 2 spots to fill. I'm playing favorites here a bit, but Reschny / Zellers need to be Top 6. Some of the upper classman could fit in the 3rd line role (or 1st). Long winded way of saying there's flexibility. There's a 1st line spot that realistically is available. 2 in the Top 6. Definitely 2 in the Top 9. 

The way they are constructing this roster, just makes sense to me. I mean like every move. 

[beastandco]

9 minutes ago, AJS said:

I always look at roster construction a bit backwards. I like to start from the bottom up. It's 15F, 8D, 3G. Bloated rosters do more harm than good. Designated 15th F, 8th D, 3rd G are aware that unless there's injuries, they'll be in the stands. Stack the other F's (14), D (7), G (2). Fine line. Look at last year, I would think both Monty / Andrew should have fit the 15F roll. Jubenville / Komzak 8D. Last year's roster was poorly constructed from the bottom up. That seems to be fixed this year, if Jubenville is 8th D and Andrew 15th F. Nobody else fits those rolls. 

G- Done

D - Done (Laurila / Strathmann as 6th / 7th D is perfect)

F - Big game hunt for 2 CHL F's. I think it would appropriate to have Littler as 3C or 4C. Croal fixture on the 4th. Kernan / Klee / Zakreski as the 12th to 14th F. Those spots make sense. Now you have 2 spots to fill. I'm playing favorites here a bit, but Reschny / Zellers need to be Top 6. Some of the upper classman could fit in the 3rd line role (or 1st). Long winded way of saying there's flexibility. There's a 1st line spot that realistically is available. 2 in the Top 6. Definitely 2 in the Top 9. 

The way they are constructing this roster, just makes sense to me. I mean like every move. 

Given their style of play and skill level, I think Zellers and Reschny would fit well with each other. I think our first line (as of now) would be James - Reschny - Zellers. I do think we add a top 6 winger from the CHL, especially after the Gordon news. 

Strinden, Menghini, and James can play anywhere in the top 9. I would bet those three are split up at the beginning of the season to bring experience to every line. By the end of the season, I think we will use our upperclassmen as a shutdown line given their play style. 

The Gordon departure hurts but I do not think he would have been able to take a spot from someone in the top 6. Especially if there is a CHL prospect that is still coming in. Gordon could of heard about a silent commit or players taking visits and decided it was best for him to return to MTU.

[siouxfan512]

On 5/30/2025 at 9:10 PM, HockeyHawk said:

The euphoria over recruiting this week is nice but for people watching Sioux hockey for so many years getting your hopes up too much is a yearly dogma. Getting out of regionals this season would be a sign of progression, outside of that it would be mostly what Berry did. My guess is we will be about the same as last year but hope I am eating crow next spring. 

Winning a game in the regionals would be a sign of progression. Heck, making the tournament would be a sign of progression ... given what we have seen ... but I totally get your point.

I would love to see UND get out of the regionals, but what I would really like to see is a team that passes the eye test. UND just hasn't has much flow the past few seasons. Players don't seem to connect. Passes are off. I know it's an exceptional example with an exceptional group of players, but remember the tic-tac-toe-tic-tac-toe goal back in '16? I know the CBS line was elite, but when that team played, everyone knew where everyone else was going to be all the time. To me the team chemistry was there. I just don't feel like we have seen any teams or lines play to that level of cohesiveness in a long time; it often feels very disjointed.

Again, I would love to see them splash and make it out of the regional, but I won't be crushed if they don't, so long as there are other indicators of progression in the first year.

[1972]

7 minutes ago, siouxfan512 said:

Winning a game in the regionals would be a sign of progression. Heck, making the tournament would be a sign of progression ... given what we have seen ... but I totally get your point.

I would love to see UND get out of the regionals, but what I would really like to see is a team that passes the eye test. UND just hasn't has much flow the past few seasons. Players don't seem to connect. Passes are off. I know it's an exceptional example with an exceptional group of players, but remember the tic-tac-toe-tic-tac-toe goal back in '16? I know the CBS line was elite, but when that team played, everyone knew where everyone else was going to be all the time. To me the team chemistry was there. I just don't feel like we have seen any teams or lines play to that level of cohesiveness in a long time; it often feels very disjointed.

Again, I would love to see them splash and make it out of the regional, but I won't be crushed if they don't, so long as there are other indicators of progression in the first year.

this^^^^^100%  sometimes you cant explain it, its more of a feeling.  the last few seasons havent had that "feeling" like there was a potential to do great things.   so far...this feels different

[brianvf]

Jr forward class is looking a bit lean now.  Experience level and age will drop, as I'm guessing they'd be adding 2 more FR forwards now...so more than likely bringing in 7 of them.  It'll be a young, but talented forward group.  I would bet that it'll be an attractive offer to a CHL stud...coming in with a top 6 spot open.
In Bryn we trust.    

Forwards (13):
SR - Strinden, James, Rickwood
JR - Menghini
SO - Swanson, Littler, Croal, Andrew
FR - Zellers, Klee, Zakreski, Kernan, Reschny

Defense (8):
SR -
JR - Zmolek, Livanavage, Wiebe
SO - Emery, Strathmann, Jubenvill
FR - Laurila, Verhoeff

Goalies (3):
SR - Sandy (RS possibility)
JR - Homer
SO -
FR - Spunar

[SuhakiYeahYeah]

11 minutes ago, brianvf said:

Jr forward class is looking a bit lean now.  Experience level and age will drop, as I'm guessing they'd be adding 2 more FR forwards now...so more than likely bringing in 7 of them.  It'll be a young, but talented forward group.  I would bet that it'll be an attractive offer to a CHL stud...coming in with a top 6 spot open.
In Bryn we trust.    

Forwards (13):
SR - Strinden, James, Rickwood
JR - Menghini
SO - Swanson, Littler, Croal, Andrew
FR - Zellers, Klee, Zakreski, Kernan, Reschny

Defense (8):
SR -
JR - Zmolek, Livanavage, Wiebe
SO - Emery, Strathmann, Jubenvill
FR - Laurila, Verhoeff

Goalies (3):
SR - Sandy (RS possibility)
JR - Homer
SO -
FR - Spunar

Can't forget that late decommits are absolutely possible, just look at how that benefited this year's champions

[beastandco]

17 minutes ago, brianvf said:

Jr forward class is looking a bit lean now.  Experience level and age will drop, as I'm guessing they'd be adding 2 more FR forwards now...so more than likely bringing in 7 of them.  It'll be a young, but talented forward group.  I would bet that it'll be an attractive offer to a CHL stud...coming in with a top 6 spot open.
In Bryn we trust.    

Forwards (13):
SR - Strinden, James, Rickwood
JR - Menghini
SO - Swanson, Littler, Croal, Andrew
FR - Zellers, Klee, Zakreski, Kernan, Reschny

Defense (8):
SR -
JR - Zmolek, Livanavage, Wiebe
SO - Emery, Strathmann, Jubenvill
FR - Laurila, Verhoeff

Goalies (3):
SR - Sandy (RS possibility)
JR - Homer
SO -
FR - Spunar

Bryn needs to find the best right shot winger he can. Strinden and Andrew are the only two right shot wings we have and I would prefer to have them in the bottom 6. I trust Bryn and what he is able to come up with. I think there is more to Gordon leaving than we think. I wouldn’t be surprised if he got cold feet because he heard rumblings about a top 6 winger committing soon. Players know way more than the general public. 
 

 

[nascar99]

35 minutes ago, brianvf said:

Jr forward class is looking a bit lean now.  Experience level and age will drop, as I'm guessing they'd be adding 2 more FR forwards now...so more than likely bringing in 7 of them.  It'll be a young, but talented forward group.  I would bet that it'll be an attractive offer to a CHL stud...coming in with a top 6 spot open.
In Bryn we trust.    

Forwards (13):
SR - Strinden, James, Rickwood
JR - Menghini
SO - Swanson, Littler, Croal, Andrew
FR - Zellers, Klee, Zakreski, Kernan, Reschny

Defense (8):
SR -
JR - Zmolek, Livanavage, Wiebe
SO - Emery, Strathmann, Jubenvill
FR - Laurila, Verhoeff

Goalies (3):
SR - Sandy (RS possibility)
JR - Homer
SO -
FR - Spunar

I'd hammer the phones to bring in Ben Kindel and/or Cameron Schmidt, but that's just me.

[scpa0305]

2 minutes ago, nascar99 said:

I'd hammer the phones to bring in Ben Kindel and/or Cameron Schmidt, but that's just me.

Need two F’s now. And given both will most likely be young…they’ll have to be pretty good. I’m hoping they don’t bring in Simpson/Schultz. Not because I don’t like them, but more due to them needing more Jr seasoning as offensive producers.

[nascar99]

3 minutes ago, scpa0305 said:

Need two F’s now. And given both will most likely be young…they’ll have to be pretty good. I’m hoping they don’t bring in Simpson/Schultz. Not because I don’t like them, but more due to them needing more Jr seasoning as offensive producers.

Simpson has the potential to be a legitimate offensive threat, but yes, he needs a full season of junior to really round out his game, fix bad habits.

[scpa0305]

34 minutes ago, nascar99 said:

Simpson has the potential to be a legitimate offensive threat, but yes, he needs a full season of junior to really round out his game, fix bad habits.

Yep from what I’ve seen…pretty one way

[brianvf]

1 hour ago, beastandco said:

I think there is more to Gordon leaving than we think. I wouldn’t be surprised if he got cold feet because he heard rumblings about a top 6 winger committing soon. 

I had this same thought when I heard the news this morning.
Perhaps he heard some news and realized that he was going to be more of a bottom 6 forward now...he'd rather go back to MTU and be top line.  Makes sense for him if that is the case.

[SJHovey]

4 hours ago, siouxfan512 said:

Winning a game in the regionals would be a sign of progression. Heck, making the tournament would be a sign of progression ... given what we have seen ... but I totally get your point.

I would love to see UND get out of the regionals, but what I would really like to see is a team that passes the eye test. UND just hasn't has much flow the past few seasons. Players don't seem to connect. Passes are off. I know it's an exceptional example with an exceptional group of players, but remember the tic-tac-toe-tic-tac-toe goal back in '16? I know the CBS line was elite, but when that team played, everyone knew where everyone else was going to be all the time. To me the team chemistry was there. I just don't feel like we have seen any teams or lines play to that level of cohesiveness in a long time; it often feels very disjointed.

Again, I would love to see them splash and make it out of the regional, but I won't be crushed if they don't, so long as there are other indicators of progression in the first year.

The Frozen Four is in Las Vegas this year.  There can be only one goal for the team.  Or, at least for me.  

[beastandco]

3 minutes ago, brianvf said:

I had this same thought when I heard the news this morning.
Perhaps he heard some news and realized that he was going to be more of a bottom 6 forward now...he'd rather go back to MTU and be top line.  Makes sense for him if that is the case.

Players talk. I am sure he is in a UND team group chat that players are talking about players visiting and potential commits recently. 

[AlphaMikeFoxtrot]

With no HoF or Icebreaker exempt games, what are we going to do this year to get more games? Another BC exhibition trip? Or a weekend in Anchorage/Fairbanks?

[siouxfan512]

47 minutes ago, SJHovey said:

The Frozen Four is in Las Vegas this year.  There can be only one goal for the team.  Or, at least for me.  

I'm not ready to throw us in the Frozen Four yet, haha. I simply can't based on the last several years. Obviously I hope the FF is the case, and you would have to think there would be a ton of green in that crowd!

Jackson and Chyz seem to be doing all of the right things in the offseason. I just hope they can get it going once the season starts. Maybe I'm wrong, but it seems like there have been more rumors about locker room issues and player disputes over the past several years than there used to be. Whether that is a lack of coaches building team chemistry, or the wrong mix of guys, or something else, hopefully we don't see any more of that crap. Hopefully the coaches can really build a team, on and off the ice.

[hockeytherapy13]

On 6/2/2025 at 2:27 PM, scpa0305 said:

100%….strathmann and Laurila have to play.

We have ourselves a good problem coming up this season. Because it's hard to push Jubenvill out of the lineup with how great he was defensively. Doesn't bring the offensive upside that Liv, Wiebe, Strathmann, and Laurila do, but he can be one of the shutdown guys on the left side. It's going to be an absolute battle for D playing time this year. Love it.