2012 Off-Season

[Hammy]

Yes... we have to move on from last night. I was actually very happy with the team's results for 2011-2012 given the prior few seasons. The program needed to re-establish itself among the elite and they succeeded at that with a league championship and a Frozen Four.

So now the off-season and looking ahead to 2012-2013. Could be a lot of really good things to look forward to. The foundation has been set and they know the work it takes to get ready to make another run at it.

[gopher6]

it s just the beginning of the road trip to the frozen 4 ,2013 in Pittsburgh

[sec 16 row16 seat 16 17]

off season should be interesting. a taste at the ff should make guys want to stay to take another crack at it.

[gopher wes]

Lots of things to look forward to for '12-'13 IMO.

What does the incoming freshman class look like?

[Hammy]

Obviously the first question will be if we keep our guys and they stay in college rather than heading off to pro hockey on some level.

Goaltending will be inexperienced but talented. People are going to be surprised at the quality of goalie play we will get I think. As much as I respect what Kent provided in goal, I think we can replace what he did (except the shutouts this year). To me, the key goalie stat is save percentage. The GAA mark (for me) is more of a team stat than a goalie stat. If you look at Kent's save percentage for the season (90.7%), it is not an ungodly number. This can definitely be improved on. His experience can't be replaced but the statistical performance can be.

I hear really good things about Shibrowski from somebody that has seen him over the years on multiple levels. Wilcox is also a good goalie and will be very prepared to come in and play. Barring any injuries, I suspect we'll see them split starts next season and then maybe find a "go to" guy toward the end of the year in crunch time. It is a question mark but I think it will be answered well.

The defensive unit should be even better and that is great news. More depth and there are going to be a few guys fighting for jobs that received ample playing time this year because guys like Skjei and Reilly are pretty unlikely to be sitting. Too talented to expect that. Some current guys are going to need to work very hard this off-season to stay in the lineup. Competition is good and we'll have plenty of it for the defensive spots.

It is tough to say anything to concrete on forwards until we see how the departure stuff shakes out. Barring a mass exodus up front (which I doubt will happen from what I hear), we should be in good shape. I think we can approach similar offensive numbers to this year. Probably even better if we keep our top guys this off-season.

[sunbone]

I was bored last week and reread parts of the 2011 offseason thread. I got a little grief about the optimism I had going into the season. Kind of funny in hindsight. I'm going to go into this offseason assuming Bjugstad, Haula and Schmidt are going to be gone. That way if any of them come back I will be pleasantly surprised. Either way there are going to be some holes to be filled. The nice thing is this year we actually saw some guys developing again. Interested to see how the goalie position shakes out.

[team22tank]

Great year, it was a lot of fun. I enjoyed the post season hockey that had been absent the last few years. Last nights game was one of those frustrating ones, it seemed like the Gophers were doing just about everything right offensively but just couldn't score when it mattered the most & when they had the chances.

I heard and read a few different places that puck control would be the difference and it was. BC transitioned really well and were extremely efficient in taking advantage of chances. Their goalie was their best player for sure during periods one and two.

Good season it was fun to have Gopher hockey back. I hope the taste of success and the hard work ethic that this team seemed to have carry over to those who will be back next year and is picked up on by the new guys that join the program this summer.

Next year will be the final year of the WCHA as we know it and I think that will crank up things a bit with teams really wanting to go out with a bang and certainly playing in the "Final, Final Five!"

Thanks seniors for a great year.

[Hammy]

Lots of things to look forward to for '12-'13 IMO.

What does the incoming freshman class look like?

As I mentioned, the two studs of the class are on defense. Skjei and Reilly should both be excellent players. Skjei is a bigger kid that has excellent skating ability. Should be pretty good all over the rink. Reilly should be an impact guy. He outproduced Laleggia's final season in the BCHL and we saw how good Laleggia was for DU this year. I'm not saying Reilly will equal that but I do think it is a good sign he is pretty capable of special things.

There isn't the star power at forward that there is the following recruiting class but they do add elusiveness, playmaking, and a lot of speed to the lineup. I think we saw BC's quickness hurt the Gophers last night and I think the Gophers will be a better skating team next year. The Reilly twins are both quick/elusive types (Connor being the better player). Everybody knows Michaelson is a great skater. I think his offensive ceiling is lower than what we once thought but he provides an element of speed that you can't teach. Maybe a future Miskovich type? (hopefully with a little better shooting!)

I'm not 100% sure yet if Kloos will be coming in. Last I heard, it was still TBD. In a perfect world, he'd be in the USHL next year. But we know it doesn't always work out that way. If he does come in, he is extremely elusive and should provide some instant offense. Probably not like Rau's year but a pretty good one. He arguably has the most star potential of the forward recruits.

[Hammy]

I'm going to go into this offseason assuming Bjugstad, Haula and Schmidt are going to be gone.

I can appreciate taking that view. Probably limits potential disappointment.

However, I think you'll be surprised.

[gopherguy13]

I'm very excited about our potential on defense! I love having good defensemen. (Whenever I do a franchise mode on NHL for Xbox I always draft/trade for stud blue liners )

I really hope Schmidt comes back, to see what he does next year. With his cannon of a shot, it would be fun if he found the net more next year with slappers from the blue line. But it's very heard to complain with his 30+ assists this year

[team22tank]

I'm going to go into this offseason assuming Bjugstad, Haula and Schmidt are going to be gone.

I can appreciate taking that view. Probably limits potential disappointment.

However, I think you'll be surprised.

Man I hope so, if we thought the top two lines were good this year oh man I can only imagine. And I agree I think we will see a better team Defense next year with more experience and more talent coming in. It will be nice to know when the guys on the fringe make their decision so we can see exactly what we have.

[Lars Sauve]

If everyone is back on defense next year, it'll be interesting to see how it's handled. The possibility of moving Marshall to forward for a season was brought up a few weeks ago.

Any word on a third goalie or another forward for next year? I thought Alex Fons might be an option to return, but saw he recently committed to Duluth. I assume any forward would be an older, Serratore type.

[ScoobyDoo]

The way things are shaping up this offseason the Gophers should be in position to hang some more banners next year. It being the last year of the WCHA and the last year of dealing with the nameless wonders to our West nothing would make me happier than for the Gophers to own the WCHA's last season like Boston College owned HE this season.

Then maybe they can have an even better NCAA run.

Strength of the team will be on defense. That will be a shift from this season. Some guys who people like are probably not going to be playing full time at the blueline like they did this season.

The Gophers had the team GAA and the goals per game numbers where they needed to be this year nationally. No reason they couldn't improve though.

It's the last WCHA season. Own it.

[gopher wes]

It's the last WCHA season. Own it.

Agreed!

I would think with for sure guys like Condon and Budish back as well as freshmen like Warning, Rau, and Marshall with a year of experience and an off-season of training, it could be a fun season. Not to mention the incoming freshmen that could have some talent. I would also like to add Helgeson to that list because I was happy with his play down the stretch and he will be a key in the D corp as a senior and a captain.

Obviously if Haula or Bjugstad come back, that would be a major bonus. Time will tell, but I am giddy already! Time for softball and dirt track racing to take over my life since Gopher Hockey is now done.

[mnpokecheck]

Where do Blake Thompson, Jared Larson and Christian Isackson fit for next season's team?

[2-for-Diving]

Skjei is a bigger kid that has excellent skating ability. Should be pretty good all over the rink.

I've seen the name many times, but can you give me a pronounciation?

Boyd is a guy I'm looking forward to seeing how he progresses. I can see him anchoring a very strong 3rd line for the next few years.

[2-for-Diving]

I would also like to add Helgeson to that list because I was happy with his play down the stretch and he will be a key in the D corp as a senior and a captain.

Our only senior next year!

[ScoobyDoo]

Skjei is a bigger kid that has excellent skating ability. Should be pretty good all over the rink.

I've seen the name many times, but can you give me a pronounciation?

I believe it's pronounced "Shay".

[gopher wes]

I would also like to add Helgeson to that list because I was happy with his play down the stretch and he will be a key in the D corp as a senior and a captain.

Our only senior next year!

That can be good and bad. We will have to see.

[gopherguy13]

Skjei is a bigger kid that has excellent skating ability. Should be pretty good all over the rink.

I've seen the name many times, but can you give me a pronounciation?

I believe it's pronounced "Shay".

That is correct.

[Gopher Fan 26]

Skjei is a bigger kid that has excellent skating ability. Should be pretty good all over the rink.

I've seen the name many times, but can you give me a pronounciation?

Boyd is a guy I'm looking forward to seeing how he progresses. I can see him anchoring a very strong 3rd line for the next few years.

I think Boyd has potential to be more than a third liner. I thought he was maybe the best Gopher on the ice last night, putting a cap on a really strong finish to the season. Very excited to see him next year.

[sachishi4]

Skjei is a bigger kid that has excellent skating ability. Should be pretty good all over the rink.

I've seen the name many times, but can you give me a pronounciation?

Boyd is a guy I'm looking forward to seeing how he progresses. I can see him anchoring a very strong 3rd line for the next few years.

I think Boyd has potential to be more than a third liner. I thought he was maybe the best Gopher on the ice last night, putting a cap on a really strong finish to the season. Very excited to see him next year.

I know both are centers, but I would like to see Boyd with Haula and then Condon on that line too. Obviously, everything is up in the air as far as Bjugs, as Haula would take his spot between Budish and Rau (assuming both stay I guess).

[ProudAlum89]

I'm going to go into this offseason assuming Bjugstad, Haula and Schmidt are going to be gone.

I can appreciate taking that view. Probably limits potential disappointment.

However, I think you'll be surprised.

That would certainly make next season very promising. They should go into next year with very high, and very realistic goals. I never expected the MacNaughton Cup or a Frozen Four berth, but eventually I think the youth and inexperience caught up with them. Hopefully the players understand now what that last big step is that they need to take. Congratulations to B.C., clearly the better team last night.

[ScoobyDoo]

Where do Blake Thompson, Jared Larson and Christian Isackson fit for next season's team?

Well, nothing against Blake but I can't see him getting any more icetime next year than he did this year. Isackson, and J. Larson I see filling in for Matson and N. Larson/Sachetti spots.

I'm no expert though but that seems to make some sense.

[Jaykay3]

Skjei is a bigger kid that has excellent skating ability. Should be pretty good all over the rink.

I've seen the name many times, but can you give me a pronounciation?

Boyd is a guy I'm looking forward to seeing how he progresses. I can see him anchoring a very strong 3rd line for the next few years.

I think Boyd has potential to be more than a third liner. I thought he was maybe the best Gopher on the ice last night, putting a cap on a really strong finish to the season. Very excited to see him next year.

A lot of that depends on what Haula and Bjugger do, if either of them leave he seems like the obvious choice to center the second line.

[Jaykay3]

Where do Blake Thompson, Jared Larson and Christian Isackson fit for next season's team?

I could see Isackson playing regularly next year mainly because of the shortage of forwards. Larson could see some playing time if there are some departures but I don't see Thompson fitting in anywhere even if Schmidt does leave. He's certainly not better than Reilly or Skeij so if anything he'll move farther down the depth chart.

[mmect]

One day after a Frozen Four defeat and the positivity is flowing...it's great to read!

Can't wait for next season.

[sec 16 row16 seat 16 17]

keep your heads up puck heads and PITTSBURGH in the back of your minds.

[sec 16 row16 seat 16 17]

if are incoming goalie WILCOX is like his cousin STALOCK skill wise .that will be great.

[gopheritall]

For those talking about Boyd, I have really enjoyed watching him progress this year. I am also very excited to see how he progresses.

It is sad to see the seniors leave without as much hardware as they hoped for but this was a remarkable year with incredible senior leaders. This year's senior class really set a pretty high standard. THAT is what wearing the M means.

I will leave the early departure stuff to those of you that are doing more than throwing darts. It would be fun to see a "let's give it one more try" year. I wouldn't be shocked to see a surprise departure. Isn't Parenteau undrafted? He may get a tap on the shoulder for chance to play for $ with someone.

[Jaykay3]

For those talking about Boyd, I have really enjoyed watching him progress this year. I am also very excited to see how he progresses.

It is sad to see the seniors leave without as much hardware as they hoped for but this was a remarkable year with incredible senior leaders. This year's senior class really set a pretty high standard. THAT is what wearing the M means.

I will leave the early departure stuff to those of you that are doing more than throwing darts. It would be fun to see a "let's give it one more try" year. I wouldn't be shocked to see a surprise departure. Isn't Parenteau undrafted? He may get a tap on the shoulder for chance to play for $ with someone.

That would surprise me

[dryfly]

One day after a Frozen Four defeat and the positivity is flowing...it's great to read!

Can't wait for next season.

Same here.

Only thing I differ with some here is I think we have a rougher start than this past season - not because we aren't good but because it will take a little more time to gel and no one will be taking us for granted next year. I think we surprised some people early and that won't happen again.

However reading the bios on the incoming crop - and even with some defections - we are likely to be even stronger down the stretch. Maybe a lot stronger.

[sec 16 row16 seat 16 17]

love the positivety.

[Jaykay3]

One day after a Frozen Four defeat and the positivity is flowing...it's great to read!

Can't wait for next season.

Same here.

Only thing I differ with some here is I think we have a rougher start than this past season - not because we aren't good but because it will take a little more time to gel and no one will be taking us for granted next year. I think we surprised some people early and that won't happen again.

However reading the bios on the incoming crop - and even with some defections - we are likely to be even stronger down the stretch. Maybe a lot stronger.

I think the biggest factor that could lead to a slower start might be waiting for Wilcox and Shibby to settle in and for one of them to emerge as the #1. They're both very capable goalies but I think it may take a couple weeks for them to get comfortable given their lack of experience at this level. There certainly is plenty to look forward to though!

[gopherguy13]

I hope Shibrowski is the #1 just so we can refer to him as "The Big Shibrowski"

[dryfly]

One day after a Frozen Four defeat and the positivity is flowing...it's great to read!

Can't wait for next season.

Same here.

Only thing I differ with some here is I think we have a rougher start than this past season - not because we aren't good but because it will take a little more time to gel and no one will be taking us for granted next year. I think we surprised some people early and that won't happen again.

However reading the bios on the incoming crop - and even with some defections - we are likely to be even stronger down the stretch. Maybe a lot stronger.

I think the biggest factor that could lead to a slower start might be waiting for Wilcox and Shibby to settle in and for one of them to emerge as the #1. They're both very capable goalies but I think it may take a couple weeks for them to get comfortable given their lack of experience at this level. There certainly is plenty to look forward to though!

Ya - I figured the goalies would be part of the issue - that and it seems D men always have to get their roles figured out and with new blood [even though talented] that takes a little time. Put the two together and there are likely to be a few ... ooops ... moments.

Won't be a crisis though - just not 'perfect'.... yet. I expect them to be playing very well second half unless injuries hamper them more than would be usual. No reason to expect that.

Should be fun.

[Hammy]

Any word on a third goalie or another forward for next year?

They're working on it yet.

[rowshkex]

Strength of the team will be on defense. That will be a shift from this season. Some guys who people like are probably not going to be playing full time at the blueline like they did this season.

If we can move a guy up front who has good positioning skills, we'll be fine. I feel like most of our issues in not scoring were either not taking the shot or missing the shot, or being in the wrong position. I'd like to see some guys fall into the slot more effectively, or even just sneak into the back and clean up the garbage. Maybe I'm way off base, but that's my impression. Like I've said before, I'm not a hockey mind, haha...

[Gopherguy05]

Patterson and Bjugstad named 2nd team All-Americans.
http://www.wcha.com/men/pres1112/201204/apr6aa.php

[rowshkex]

Hammy or other hockey minds--do you see Rau's size a factor that may get him to stay four years?

[sec 16 row16 seat 16 17]

PATTERSON and BJUGSTAD well deserved.

[Bash Brother]

Hammy or other hockey minds--do you see Rau's size a factor that may get him to stay four years?

Yes

[Greyeagle]

I hope Shibrowski is the #1 just so we can refer to him as "The Big Shibrowski"

The goalie abides!

[gopherguy13]

I hope Shibrowski is the #1 just so we can refer to him as "The Big Shibrowski"

The goalie abides!

[BlueBandit24]

Where do Blake Thompson, Jared Larson and Christian Isackson fit for next season's team?

I feel Isackson moves into a full-time role next year. Unlike Max Gardiner, I never thought he looked overmatched when he got ice time this year. He just failed to distinguish himself from the other fourth line players, who all had very solid years.

I always say Larson as a Joey Miller type who will be a 13th/14th forward for his career. Maybe he will exceed those expectations.

Thompson is a guy I feel will need to be patient. His odds at extensive ice time look grim next year but in 2013 the opportunities should open up with Helgeson graduating and some of those juniors moving on. I hope he sticks it out.

[dryfly]

Where do Blake Thompson, Jared Larson and Christian Isackson fit for next season's team?

I feel Isackson moves into a full-time role next year. Unlike Max Gardiner, I never thought he looked overmatched when he got ice time this year. He just failed to distinguish himself from the other fourth line players, who all had very solid years.

I always say Larson as a Joey Miller type who will be a 13th/14th forward for his career. Maybe he will exceed those expectations.

Thompson is a guy I feel will need to be patient. His odds at extensive ice time look grim next year but in 2013 the opportunities should open up with Helgeson graduating and some of those juniors moving on. I hope he sticks it out.

Wait and hit weights - they'll get their chance to play [injury or junior team selection opening] then MAKE THE MOST OF IT. A lot of guys have clawed their way into the line up that way.

[GOPHER FREAK]

Hammy or other hockey minds--do you see Rau's size a factor that may get him to stay four years?

Not the hockey mind than hammy is, But......

I was sitting next to some Panthers scouts at the Final Five. They said Rau would be around a while while Cal Dietz puts some muscle on him.

They also mentioned that there were would be no hard push on Bjugstad. If he wants to sign they will sign him, if not he'll be back. Basically they were very happy with both players development.

[vant0037]

After digesting the loss for a day, I can look back and feel good about how the season played out. So many ups and downs...the highs were freaking great. Beating UND 4 of 6 games was awesome. The second home UW game was great. Sweeping UMD was better.

I think what I'll hope for is that the "return to prominence" continues, but also that this team shakes off the schizophrenia of the last few years. All teams go through rough stretches in any one season...you can't get away from it, even BC did this year. But for the Gophers, its a night to night thing. I want the program to get back to playing confidently night in and night out.

I still believe that when the Gophers bring their best effort and are playing at the top of their game, they're as good as anyone in the country. Yes, even BC (who, in a span of 24 hours, have become the best college hockey team to have ever played, at least among Gopher fans -- Thursday night at 4pm, everyone believed the Gophs would steam roll them; Thursday night at 9pm, its a wonder any of us believed the Gophs ever had a chance ).

So personnel will be a concern for sure (i.e. leaving seniors, early departures, incoming class), but I guess that intangible quality of consistent confidence is what I'm looking forward to next year. Inconsistency on a night to night effort was this team's Achilles heel. That needs to change.

Anyhow...here's to a great year and a better next. Go Gophers.

[frozen4champs]

Article on Bjugstad and the Panthers
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/flapanth ... -loss.html

[Hammy]

I never looked at Rau as anything less than a 3 to 4 year player. Let's be honest... when you look at underclassmen that sign a contract, how many of them are shorter than 5'9"? I don't know if I can name one. Especially when you are talking about guys that came into college as a true freshman. That's why 2013's recruit class could be so special. Most of them are smaller but very dynamic players (much like BC tends to roll with). Lucia and Co. definitely altered their approach a bit in the last year or so.

As for Bjugstad, it will not shock me if he comes back for one more season. Not saying it is going to happen though. But it definitely won't shock me. People need to remember he doesn't even turn 20 years old until the middle of this summer.

[Greyeagle]

Article on Bjugstad and the Panthers
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/flapanth ... -loss.html

This is pretty cool....hope it's accurate as the approach is good for MN & college hockey in general.

“He has to come to us and that hasn't happened yet,'' Santos said. "He's an NCAA player and we're not going to do anything to jeopardize his eligibility. We can't offer him a contract until he comes to me. He hasn't contacted us. College players don't have agents, they have advisers. He would contact me. And then we would open negotiations.

"He's a student-athlete at the University of Minnesota. He made a commitment to them. We're not going to jeopardize that. The decision is up to him and his family. I think he's a tremendous player. But we're not going to mess with what our college players have going. Drew Shore came to us, we negotiated a deal.''

[streakygopher]

This kinda blew me away but I heard some talk among some Minnetonka insiders that Holl may be looking to jump. He is probably the least likely guy I can think of on D who would take an early exit, but what do I know, I thought Wheeler was going to be a stretch.

[Norm]

Article on Bjugstad and the Panthers
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/flapanth ... -loss.html

This is pretty cool....hope it's accurate as the approach is good for MN & college hockey in general.

“He has to come to us and that hasn't happened yet,'' Santos said. "He's an NCAA player and we're not going to do anything to jeopardize his eligibility. We can't offer him a contract until he comes to me. He hasn't contacted us. College players don't have agents, they have advisers. He would contact me. And then we would open negotiations.

"He's a student-athlete at the University of Minnesota. He made a commitment to them. We're not going to jeopardize that. The decision is up to him and his family. I think he's a tremendous player. But we're not going to mess with what our college players have going. Drew Shore came to us, we negotiated a deal.''

That's a breath of fresh air!

[Keith]

This kinda blew me away but I heard some talk among some Minnetonka insiders that Holl may be looking to jump. He is probably the least likely guy I can think of on D who would take an early exit, but what do I know, I thought Wheeler was going to be a stretch.

Jump where, to Division III? He looked panicked and afraid all season. For a sophomore D-man who didn't put up many points, he needs to be a lot more physical, but he shied away from contact most of the year.

[dryfly]

This kinda blew me away but I heard some talk among some Minnetonka insiders that Holl may be looking to jump. He is probably the least likely guy I can think of on D who would take an early exit, but what do I know, I thought Wheeler was going to be a stretch.

Jump where, to Division III? He looked panicked and afraid all season. For a sophomore D-man who didn't put up many points, he needs to be a lot more physical, but he shied away from contact most of the year.

Maybe he thinks he'll find it in the minor leagues or in Europe. I don't know.

Maybe he's frustrated. Kids say and do dumb things when they are frustrated.

[Bushwood Gopher]

This kinda blew me away but I heard some talk among some Minnetonka insiders that Holl may be looking to jump. He is probably the least likely guy I can think of on D who would take an early exit, but what do I know, I thought Wheeler was going to be a stretch.

This is even funnier than Chucko. I needed a good laugh too. Long week...

[Snowcool08]

This kinda blew me away but I heard some talk among some Minnetonka insiders that Holl may be looking to jump. He is probably the least likely guy I can think of on D who would take an early exit, but what do I know, I thought Wheeler was going to be a stretch.

What if he knows he's low man on the totem pole after Reilly and Skjei get here? He wouldn't be the first person to leave after thinking they were going to get less playing time.

[WestCoastGopherGuy]

very fun season to watch. good job to the seniors for leading this team and getting the program back on top of the wcha and to the frozen four. something to be proud of.

even though i dont think any of them are ready for the NHL i have to think between bjugstad/haula/budish/alt/schmidt- a couple will probably sign. they all would benefit in coming back as they are all sophomores and all are progressing really well at the U. if they lose any of those forwards i think the team will be thin up front next year (even before possible injuries) so hopefully they all stay or id be concerned about the scoring. not too worried about the goalie situation because the defense should be as good as we have seen in years. considering the losses denver/UMD/UND have already had, IF the U doesnt lose any underclassmen i have to say the gophers should be right up there as pre-season favorites. thats a big and unlikely IF

hope kloos gets a year in the USHL (not sure why he didnt finish the year with waterloo?). really excited for skjei to come in, looking forward to seeing how michaelson reacts to his role and curious to see how playing time works out with reilly/holl

Dave

[Beauner]

This kinda blew me away but I heard some talk among some Minnetonka insiders that Holl may be looking to jump. He is probably the least likely guy I can think of on D who would take an early exit, but what do I know, I thought Wheeler was going to be a stretch.

Jump where, to Division III? He looked panicked and afraid all season. For a sophomore D-man who didn't put up many points, he needs to be a lot more physical, but he shied away from contact most of the year.

Maybe he thinks he'll find it in the minor leagues or in Europe. I don't know.

Maybe he's frustrated. Kids say and do dumb things when they are frustrated.

Maybe he thinks he'd be the odd man out next year, what with Helgeson being the only senior on the squad and Skjei and Reilly both coming in. If he looks at the projected Dmen next year and says he could realistically be the guy riding the pine a lot as a junior with Schmidt, Parenteau, Marshall, Skjei, Reilly, Helgeson, and Alt likely to play 98% of the minutes for the season on D (assuming they all return), it wouldn't shock me that he would leave and go play in the minors or somewhere else, because IMO, he'd be the 8th man in line.

[Hammy]

This kinda blew me away but I heard some talk among some Minnetonka insiders that Holl may be looking to jump. He is probably the least likely guy I can think of on D who would take an early exit, but what do I know, I thought Wheeler was going to be a stretch.

Jump where, to Division III? He looked panicked and afraid all season. For a sophomore D-man who didn't put up many points, he needs to be a lot more physical, but he shied away from contact most of the year.

While I highly doubt he'd ever say anything publicly, I get the feeling MG isn't the biggest fan of how the kid plays. I know it frustrates the hell out of me at times so I can only imagine how his position coach feels.

[junti]

If Holl leaves because there are freshman coming in and decides to quit instead of push to make himself better then he's not what we want in the program anyway.

[BlueBandit24]

This kinda blew me away but I heard some talk among some Minnetonka insiders that Holl may be looking to jump. He is probably the least likely guy I can think of on D who would take an early exit, but what do I know, I thought Wheeler was going to be a stretch.

What if he knows he's low man on the totem pole after Reilly and Skjei get here? He wouldn't be the first person to leave after thinking they were going to get less playing time.

That was my thought as well. He seems like the most likely candidate to lose playing time with a deep defensive core next year.

[sec 16 row16 seat 16 17]

nobody saw BICKEL leaving early we just have to cross are fingers and hope no one leaves.

[Jaykay3]

I was back in town for Easter and some of my buddies had a little get together in Dinkytown last night. We went to high school with Hansen so he came over with Helgy and Patterson. They've all shaved the beards into pretty nasty handlebar mustaches which was pretty hilarious (especially Helgy because he had to dye his brown). They seemed pretty satisfied with the season overall and Helgy was already looking forward to next year and finally getting a letter on his sweater. He seemed pretty certain that Bjugstad would come back next year too which is encouraging but far from official. It was good to see them again and it was a pleasure watching these seniors for the past four years.

[ScoobyDoo]

Article on Bjugstad and the Panthers
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/flapanth ... -loss.html

This is pretty cool....hope it's accurate as the approach is good for MN & college hockey in general.

“He has to come to us and that hasn't happened yet,'' Santos said. "He's an NCAA player and we're not going to do anything to jeopardize his eligibility. We can't offer him a contract until he comes to me. He hasn't contacted us. College players don't have agents, they have advisers. He would contact me. And then we would open negotiations.

"He's a student-athlete at the University of Minnesota. He made a commitment to them. We're not going to jeopardize that. The decision is up to him and his family. I think he's a tremendous player. But we're not going to mess with what our college players have going. Drew Shore came to us, we negotiated a deal.''

Wow. Certainly a difference from the Islanders. Islanders didn't waste any time getting their player out of UND.

[WestCoastGopherGuy]

I was back in town for Easter and some of my buddies had a little get together in Dinkytown last night. We went to high school with Hansen so he came over with Helgy and Patterson. They've all shaved the beards into pretty nasty handlebar mustaches which was pretty hilarious (especially Helgy because he had to dye his brown). They seemed pretty satisfied with the season overall and Helgy was already looking forward to next year and finally getting a letter on his sweater. He seemed pretty certain that Bjugstad would come back next year too which is encouraging but far from official. It was good to see them again and it was a pleasure watching these seniors for the past four years.

thanks for the insight. any idea if hansen is negotiating with Columbus or waiting for his free agent period to begin?

[trixR4kids]

Wow. Certainly a difference from the Islanders. Islanders didn't waste any time getting their player out of UND.

And it's been doing wonders for the development of those players How Garth Snow has a job is still beyond me. I guess one team has to stay in the cellar of the Atlantic division.

[ScoobyDoo]

Wow. Certainly a difference from the Islanders. Islanders didn't waste any time getting their player out of UND.

And it's been doing wonders for the development of those players How Garth Snow has a job is still beyond me. I guess one team has to stay in the cellar of the Atlantic division.

He pulled Okposo mid season how many years ago? And they're still in last place?

He has pictures of somebody.

[Greyeagle]

Wow. Certainly a difference from the Islanders. Islanders didn't waste any time getting their player out of UND.

Who wouldn't want out of Grand Forks?

Maybe he thinks he'd be the odd man out next year, what with Helgeson being the only senior on the squad and Skjei and Reilly both coming in. If he looks at the projected Dmen next year and says he could realistically be the guy riding the pine a lot as a junior with Schmidt, Parenteau, Marshall, Skjei, Reilly, Helgeson, and Alt likely to play 98% of the minutes for the season on D (assuming they all return), it wouldn't shock me that he would leave and go play in the minors or somewhere else, because IMO, he'd be the 8th man in line.

This was my first thought as well.

[streakygopher]

If Holl leaves because there are freshman coming in and decides to quit instead of push to make himself better then he's not what we want in the program anyway.

While I agree in principle with this sentiment, if he believes the kids coming in are considerably better (they are), he may be eating caramel corn during gopher games and that won't do much for his development. Like everybody else the kid has dreams of playing hockey at the next level, and rational or irrational, he may be feeling the pressure to make a decision about his future.

Then again, this rumor could just be a little brush fire that might snuff itself out.

[sec 16 row16 seat 16 17]

i would like to see KLOOS play right away.get him involved right away.RAU did it he should be able to play right away.

[Hammy]

Wow. Certainly a difference from the Islanders. Islanders didn't waste any time getting their player out of UND.

To be fair, the media made it sound like the Islanders had the same attitude too. That it was up to Nelson to decide. I think the difference is the Islanders are a pathetic bunch right now and need a lot of help. Florida is a playoff team with a pretty healthy system. It probably doesn't hurt matters that Nelson is not far from being a year older than Bjugstad (9 months).

[trixR4kids]

Wow. Certainly a difference from the Islanders. Islanders didn't waste any time getting their player out of UND.

And it's been doing wonders for the development of those players How Garth Snow has a job is still beyond me. I guess one team has to stay in the cellar of the Atlantic division.

He pulled Okposo mid season how many years ago? And they're still in last place?

He has pictures of somebody.

His individual development is pretty stagnant right now. First year he had 52 points, 2nd year he was injured half the year and this year he has 44 points. I guess we'll see what he does next year but it's not like pulling players out early seems to work any better than letting them stay.

And yeah ultimately the player has the power to make the decision either way but I think the Islanders press the prospects more than other teams.

[Hammy]

i would like to see KLOOS play right away.get him involved right away.RAU did it he should be able to play right away.

I could see him doing well as a first year player. Probably not a Rau year but good. But I think ideally he'd get a year in the USHL and come in a ready to tear it up next year. We'll need that frosh class in 2013 to hit the ground running.

[ScoobyDoo]

Wow. Certainly a difference from the Islanders. Islanders didn't waste any time getting their player out of UND.

To be fair, the media made it sound like the Islanders had the same attitude too. That it was up to Nelson to decide. I think the difference is the Islanders are a pathetic bunch right now and need a lot of help. Florida is a playoff team with a pretty healthy system. It probably doesn't hurt matters that Nelson is not far from being a year older than Bjugstad (9 months).

Right now? Or since forever?