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Posted
10 hours ago, Oxbow6 said:

Someone explain to me why Swanson Reschney Zellers isn't the obvious way to go for a top line...

I still think those 3 on the same line is a fair hope because they are going to be the best 3 forwards we have from a combo of playmaking and scoring. But with the size issue, it’s likely not happening for a month or 3. Sounds like Reschny plays bigger than he is so if they all prove themselves to handle the heaviness early on, it would be a really fun line to watch

Posted
On 8/1/2025 at 6:27 PM, brianvf said:

James-Reschny-Menghini
Swanson-Rickwood-Zellers
Strinden-Littler-Zakreski
Croal-Kernan-Klee

Ex - Young, Andrew

The lower lines are a bit tougher with all the freshmen...I'm guessing they'll want to avoid an all-frosh line for the first half of the season at least.

Something tells me that some bottom 6 guys like Croal and Zakreski are going to sneak up on teams this season. Croal was a pt/game guy his last USHL season and is a buzz saw. Zakreski was top 10 in goals (technically tied 7th) this regular season in the WHL and seems to be a guy that is the definition of a UND hockey player as he’s skilled with a ruthlessness in his game.

Add Kernan to the conversation being #5 in reg season goals in the USHL.

Obviously their roles won’t be too scoring roles (at least not early on) but other 3rd and 4th lines in the NCHC will likely be outmatched. 

 

Posted
12 hours ago, scpa0305 said:

I say this in the nicest way possible…menghini is not really a top line player…and I’m not entirely sure James has the offensive IQ to play with Reschny. 

To get the most out of Reschny, he’ll need to play with highly offensive/creative players.

Agreed. I’m still not sold on us having a solid top 6 yet; maybe more like a top 4/5 with Rickwood, Reschny, Zellers, James and hopefully Swanson
As stated by others, James isn’t a high offensive player by nature. But he’s our highest returning goal scorer and fastest skater so he’s bound for the top 6 with this group. 

Posted
10 hours ago, Sioux90 said:

Size and weight. Seriously?

I was hoping this mentality left when BB did. I don't have enough fingers and toes to count the times I watched an opponent's fast/small skilled lines skate circles around UND's big/heavy lines weekend after weekend the past few years. 

  • Like 2
Posted
3 hours ago, Oxbow6 said:

I was hoping this mentality left when BB did. I don't have enough fingers and toes to count the times I watched an opponent's fast/small skilled lines skate circles around UND's big/heavy lines weekend after weekend the past few years. 

Whatever floats your boat, mate.

  • Like 1
Posted
10 hours ago, hockeytherapy13 said:

Agreed. I’m still not sold on us having a solid top 6 yet; maybe more like a top 4/5 with Rickwood, Reschny, Zellers, James and hopefully Swanson
As stated by others, James isn’t a high offensive player by nature. But he’s our highest returning goal scorer and fastest skater so he’s bound for the top 6 with this group. 

You need a balance in a lineup. All of this could change depending on who gets that last spot. 

Posted
11 hours ago, hockeytherapy13 said:

Agreed. I’m still not sold on us having a solid top 6 yet; maybe more like a top 4/5 with Rickwood, Reschny, Zellers, James and hopefully Swanson
As stated by others, James isn’t a high offensive player by nature. But he’s our highest returning goal scorer and fastest skater so he’s bound for the top 6 with this group. 

He’s top 6 for sure. And I’m fine with him playing with Reschny, but Menghini and James with Reschny?  

Looking at stats doesn’t tell a complete picture of a player….but it tells you something over a period of time. James and Mengini’s numbers don’t scream “hi offensive IQ”. Their assist totals over the years are extremely underwhelming. Even high end shooters get more apples than that. They’re both high energy players that chip in ES goals due to their work ethic.

  • Upvote 1
Posted
6 hours ago, Oxbow6 said:

I was hoping this mentality left when BB did. I don't have enough fingers and toes to count the times I watched an opponent's fast/small skilled lines skate circles around UND's big/heavy lines weekend after weekend the past few years. 

I think everyone is on the same page as you to get a skilled scoring line with each other as soon as possible. But I don’t see a problem with throwing James, the fastest skater, good puck retriever, and defensively intelligent player with a couple younger guys until we know they won’t screw the pooch when the puck isn’t on their sticks in their own D zone. Also Swanson needs to show that he can get more shots on goal than EJ haha

Posted
On 8/2/2025 at 12:07 PM, Oxbow6 said:

Someone explain to me why Swanson Reschney Zellers isn't the obvious way to go for a top line...

On paper, that would be a great option. Maybe a little early for that decision. I would guess coaches are still evaluating which lines are developing a chemistry with each other, which guys have the ability to make teammates better and what combos give this team the best chance to win. 
 

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