2012 Off-Season

by **puckluck** » Wed 8/01/12 3:20 pm

"The physical presence captains"...3 of the bigger guys on the team ironically enough.

As mentioned, most probably suspected this group. Good choices.

I like the fact that Zach will be wearing the C. As noted on some of the other commentary recently, he has a great opportunity going into this year especially with the assumption that the #1 line stays the same. Maybe adding the leadership role will add more determination to his game. It will be very interesting to see how he goes this year, but I'm thinking he'll have a great season. I personally think it set him back more than not being out with the scooter and the football injury. Now with last year behind, i think he's caught up nicely and should be in good shape for this upcoming season.

Additionally, I can't wait to see how the new faces incorporate into this deep group. Go gophers!

by **trixR4kids** » Wed 8/01/12 3:51 pm

Snowcool08 wrote:The NCAA rules committee has instituted some new rules for the upcoming season. The most interesting one is that hand passes are now illegal in the defensive zone. It will act like an icing where the defensive team cannot change players while the offense can.

http://www.ncaa.org/wps/wcm/connect/pub ... ice+hockey

NCAA needs to stop implementing rules that don't exist in USA hockey, the OHL, the NHL... etc. It's not like a completely horrible idea but seriously, why?

by **Gopherguy05** » Wed 8/01/12 3:53 pm

trixR4kids wrote:
Snowcool08 wrote:The NCAA rules committee has instituted some new rules for the upcoming season. The most interesting one is that hand passes are now illegal in the defensive zone. It will act like an icing where the defensive team cannot change players while the offense can.

http://www.ncaa.org/wps/wcm/connect/pub ... ice+hockey

NCAA needs to stop implementing rules that don't exist in USA hockey, the OHL, the NHL... etc. It's not like a completely horrible idea but seriously, why?

The other interesting rules are that Leagues can do 4x4 overtime like the NHL if they choose so.
Goals can now be scored while the net is slightly off the mooring if the ref can determine it would have gone in through the normal goal opening and not under the net if it is knocked off by a defensive player.

All goals off skates count unless the referee can determine they were directly kicked in.

by **g_manpucker** » Wed 8/01/12 3:56 pm

Rumors of Howdy Doody going to UNO to be assistant coach.

by **5 O.T.** » Thu 8/02/12 11:57 am

gopher wes wrote:Captains have been named: http://www.gophersports.com/sports/m-ho ... 12aaa.html

Excellent choices. Coach Lucia's comment was interesting in light of the recent incident in Stillwater.

Coach Lucia: "They are not only outstanding students, but they represent Gopher Hockey the right way on the ice and in the community." :dup:

by **Golden FE Ranger** » Thu 8/02/12 4:33 pm

5 O.T. wrote:
gopher wes wrote:Captains have been named: http://www.gophersports.com/sports/m-ho ... 12aaa.html

Excellent choices. Coach Lucia's comment was interesting in light of the recent incident in Stillwater.

Coach Lucia: "They are not only outstanding students, but they represent Gopher Hockey the right way on the ice and in the community."

I thought the same thing.

by **Bertogliat** » Thu 8/02/12 4:45 pm

Is the new scoreboard up? I'd like to see some photos of the actual score board and ribbon.

This middle part of summer sucks. Five weeks until football. That usually gives me something to think about until hockey gets going......remember when Parise and Suter signed and Bjugstad announced he is staying? Ah, those were good times.

by **thinkbui** » Thu 8/02/12 4:51 pm

Bertogliat wrote:Is the new scoreboard up? I'd like to see some photos of the actual score board and ribbon.

This middle part of summer sucks. Five weeks until football. That usually gives me something to think about until hockey gets going......remember when Parise and Suter signed and Bjugstad announced he is staying? Ah, those were good times.

I don't know about the ribbon, but from photos the Hockey Cheerleaders have been posting on Facebook from their calendar shoot last week, the new jumbo hasn't been installed yet.

by **ProudAlum89** » Fri 8/03/12 10:15 pm

Is this team as large as it seems they are? I don't remember a team with this many guys over six feet and 200 pounds. Anyone with accurate information/statisics? LeoPohl? By the way, what is the prediction for the numbers on the upcoming season? Your numbers were stunningly correct last year. And if necessary, please lie to me. :wink:

by **GopherPete** » Fri 8/03/12 10:25 pm

ProudAlum89 wrote:Is this team as large as it seems they are? I don't remember a team with this many guys over six feet and 200 pounds. Anyone with accurate information/statisics? LeoPohl? By the way, what is the prediction for the numbers on the upcoming season? Your numbers were stunningly correct last year. And if necessary, please lie to me.

I'm too lazy to look right now, but that info should be available on GopherSports.com

by **sec 16 row16 seat 16 17** » Fri 8/03/12 10:52 pm

nothing wrong with plenty of size.

by **psych** » Fri 8/03/12 10:56 pm

sec 16 row16 seat 16 17 wrote:nothing wrong with plenty of size.

I'm sure all the ladies say the same thing.

by **ProudAlum89** » Sat 8/04/12 12:58 am

sec 16 row16 seat 16 17 wrote:nothing wrong with plenty of size.

Agreed. Especially when it comes with the skills of Bjugstad, Budish, Alt, and Parenteau. Looks like one of the biggest Gopher teams I can recall, at least on paper. Hopefully they can translate that into running over a few teams.

by **sec 16 row16 seat 16 17** » Sat 8/04/12 10:09 am

running over a few teams means making a statement.

by **F Da Sue** » Sat 8/04/12 11:35 am

ProudAlum89 wrote:Is this team as large as it seems they are? I don't remember a team with this many guys over six feet and 200 pounds. Anyone with accurate information/statisics? LeoPohl? By the way, what is the prediction for the numbers on the upcoming season? Your numbers were stunningly correct last year. And if necessary, please lie to me.

I remember a CC goalie saying that playing against the 07-08 Gophers was difficult because of all of our "trees".

Wheeler
Stoa
Flynn
Hoeffel
Bickel
Schack

by **dxmnkd316** » Sat 8/04/12 12:12 pm

Golden FE Ranger wrote:
5 O.T. wrote:
gopher wes wrote:Captains have been named: http://www.gophersports.com/sports/m-ho ... 12aaa.html

Excellent choices. Coach Lucia's comment was interesting in light of the recent incident in Stillwater.

Coach Lucia: "They are not only outstanding students, but they represent Gopher Hockey the right way on the ice and in the community."

I thought the same thing.

Make that three of us.

by **Jaykay3** » Sat 8/04/12 2:30 pm

Why does the season countdown seem to be moving so slowly? I feel like I'm in the Twilight Zone.

by **Slap Shot** » Sat 8/04/12 3:05 pm

Jaykay3 wrote:Why does the season countdown seem to be moving so slowly? I feel like I'm in the Twilight Zone.

It always seems to be extra slow at this time of year. In April I know it's 6 months away so I have no reason to yet feel anxious. Now the schedule is out, the captains have been named, unless something freaky happens we know the roster and two+ months seems like really friggin long time. :ahhh:

by **dxmnkd316** » Sat 8/04/12 3:12 pm

Agreed. This is the first offseason where we haven't had major drama.

Not to mention there isn't going to be two months of "Coach Lucia better win a game or two or he's gone." lulz.

by **LeoPohl** » Sat 8/04/12 4:47 pm

ProudAlum89 wrote:Is this team as large as it seems they are? I don't remember a team with this many guys over six feet and 200 pounds. Anyone with accurate information/statisics? LeoPohl? By the way, what is the prediction for the numbers on the upcoming season? Your numbers were stunningly correct last year. And if necessary, please lie to me.

This will most certainly be the largest team in all of hockey this season. Their Paul Bunyanesque frames will dwarf everyone else in all of hockey this season. The team will go undefeated scoring an average of 100 goals per game. After the team wins the national title, the Pittsburgh Fire Department won't be able to contain the flames and promptly will have Erik Haula dowse the raging inferno with his big hose he recently demonstrated.

by **Jaykay3** » Sat 8/04/12 6:44 pm

LeoPohl wrote:This will most certainly be the largest team in all of hockey this season. Their Paul Bunyanesque frames will dwarf everyone else in all of hockey this season. The team will go undefeated scoring an average of 100 goals per game. After the team wins the national title, the Pittsburgh Fire Department won't be able to contain the flames and promptly will have Erik Haula dowse the raging inferno with his big hose he recently demonstrated.

Somebody write that down.

by **Armadillo** » Sat 8/04/12 7:11 pm

LeoPohl wrote:This will most certainly be the largest team in all of hockey this season. Their Paul Bunyanesque frames will dwarf everyone else in all of hockey this season. The team will go undefeated scoring an average of 100 goals per game. After the team wins the national title, the Pittsburgh Fire Department won't be able to contain the flames and promptly will have Erik Haula dowse the raging inferno with his big hose he recently demonstrated.

by **ProudAlum89** » Sat 8/04/12 7:27 pm

LeoPohl wrote:
ProudAlum89 wrote:Is this team as large as it seems they are? I don't remember a team with this many guys over six feet and 200 pounds. Anyone with accurate information/statisics? LeoPohl? By the way, what is the prediction for the numbers on the upcoming season? Your numbers were stunningly correct last year. And if necessary, please lie to me.

This will most certainly be the largest team in all of hockey this season. Their Paul Bunyanesque frames will dwarf everyone else in all of hockey this season. The team will go undefeated scoring an average of 100 goals per game. After the team wins the national title, the Pittsburgh Fire Department won't be able to contain the flames and promptly will have Erik Haula dowse the raging inferno with his big hose he recently demonstrated.

Only 100 goals per game?

by **Golden FE Ranger** » Sat 8/04/12 9:33 pm

LeoPohl wrote:
ProudAlum89 wrote:Is this team as large as it seems they are? I don't remember a team with this many guys over six feet and 200 pounds. Anyone with accurate information/statisics? LeoPohl? By the way, what is the prediction for the numbers on the upcoming season? Your numbers were stunningly correct last year. And if necessary, please lie to me.

This will most certainly be the largest team in all of hockey this season. Their Paul Bunyanesque frames will dwarf everyone else in all of hockey this season. The team will go undefeated scoring an average of 100 goals per game. After the team wins the national title, the Pittsburgh Fire Department won't be able to contain the flames and promptly will have Erik Haula dowse the raging inferno with his big hose he recently demonstrated.

Yikes, I read the news report and saw no reference to the size of any hoses utilized in the watering of Water St. Count me as one who does not know were the inside scoop comes from on this. :lol:

edit to add: I did like the stuff about 100 goals a game and winning the NC! :dup:

by **ProudAlum89** » Sun 8/05/12 1:08 am

GopherPete wrote:
ProudAlum89 wrote:Is this team as large as it seems they are? I don't remember a team with this many guys over six feet and 200 pounds. Anyone with accurate information/statisics? LeoPohl? By the way, what is the prediction for the numbers on the upcoming season? Your numbers were stunningly correct last year. And if necessary, please lie to me.

I'm too lazy to look right now, but that info should be available on GopherSports.com

Yeah, this year's roster has 18 guys at 6' or over, and 15 guys at 190 lbs. or over, 8 over 200 lbs. I just can't find any size information on past teams.

by **thinkbui** » Sun 8/05/12 1:47 am

ProudAlum89 wrote:
GopherPete wrote:
ProudAlum89 wrote:Is this team as large as it seems they are? I don't remember a team with this many guys over six feet and 200 pounds. Anyone with accurate information/statisics? LeoPohl? By the way, what is the prediction for the numbers on the upcoming season? Your numbers were stunningly correct last year. And if necessary, please lie to me.

I'm too lazy to look right now, but that info should be available on GopherSports.com

Yeah, this year's roster has 18 guys at 6' or over, and 15 guys at 190 lbs. or over, 8 over 200 lbs. I just can't find any size information on past teams.

Huh, there used to be a history pulldown menu on the roster pages so that you could switch between different seasons. Anyone know if they moved it or got rid of it entirely?

by **trixR4kids** » Sun 8/05/12 1:49 am

Lol that was good Leo, well played.

by **grothm01** » Sun 8/05/12 9:34 am

The team with Paul Holmgren & Russ Anderson had a lot of size. Don't remember the year(s) that they played.

by **dannybailey** » Mon 8/06/12 8:59 am

Much of last year's success was attributed to captain Taylor Matson's work ethic and leadership during the off season / summer months. I am confused because team captains for this upcoming season were just named a few days ago (not until the month of August).

Which is the norm and why was this summer different from last summer?

by **Bertogliat** » Mon 8/06/12 9:54 am

ProudAlum89 wrote:
GopherPete wrote:
ProudAlum89 wrote:Is this team as large as it seems they are? I don't remember a team with this many guys over six feet and 200 pounds. Anyone with accurate information/statisics? LeoPohl? By the way, what is the prediction for the numbers on the upcoming season? Your numbers were stunningly correct last year. And if necessary, please lie to me.

I'm too lazy to look right now, but that info should be available on GopherSports.com

Yeah, this year's roster has 18 guys at 6' or over, and 15 guys at 190 lbs. or over, 8 over 200 lbs. I just can't find any size information on past teams.

Eight of them are 6' 3" or taller. Although one of those is Prader.

by **Norm** » Mon 8/06/12 10:40 am

grothm01 wrote:The team with Paul Holmgren & Russ Anderson had a lot of size. Don't remember the year(s) that they played.

1974-75. Don't recall any other big guys that year though.

by **gopherguy13** » Mon 8/06/12 10:41 am

dannybailey wrote:Much of last year's success was attributed to captain Taylor Matson's work ethic and leadership during the off season / summer months. I am confused because team captains for this upcoming season were just named a few days ago (not until the month of August).

Which is the norm and why was this summer different from last summer?

Well, was Matson technically "captain" when he started getting guys into his workout program?

by **thinkbui** » Mon 8/06/12 10:59 am

gopherguy13 wrote:
dannybailey wrote:Much of last year's success was attributed to captain Taylor Matson's work ethic and leadership during the off season / summer months. I am confused because team captains for this upcoming season were just named a few days ago (not until the month of August).

Which is the norm and why was this summer different from last summer?

Well, was Matson technically "captain" when he started getting guys into his workout program?

IIRC he was named at the banquet or sometime around then since there apparently wasn't any reason to delay it to the Summer. Not sure why at least the annoucement was delayed this Summer.

by **gopherguy13** » Mon 8/06/12 11:05 am

thinkbui wrote:
gopherguy13 wrote:
dannybailey wrote:Much of last year's success was attributed to captain Taylor Matson's work ethic and leadership during the off season / summer months. I am confused because team captains for this upcoming season were just named a few days ago (not until the month of August).

Which is the norm and why was this summer different from last summer?

Well, was Matson technically "captain" when he started getting guys into his workout program?

IIRC he was named at the banquet or sometime around then since there apparently wasn't any reason to delay it to the Summer. Not sure why at least the annoucement was delayed this Summer.

Waiting on Bjugstad, maybe?

by **thinkbui** » Mon 8/06/12 11:10 am

gopherguy13 wrote:
thinkbui wrote:
gopherguy13 wrote:
dannybailey wrote:Much of last year's success was attributed to captain Taylor Matson's work ethic and leadership during the off season / summer months. I am confused because team captains for this upcoming season were just named a few days ago (not until the month of August).

Which is the norm and why was this summer different from last summer?

Well, was Matson technically "captain" when he started getting guys into his workout program?

IIRC he was named at the banquet or sometime around then since there apparently wasn't any reason to delay it to the Summer. Not sure why at least the annoucement was delayed this Summer.

Waiting on Bjugstad, maybe?

It would have made sense if Bjugstad was the apparent shoo-in for captain, but since it was Budish and he apparently wasn't a flight risk this Summer, I'm not sure why his part of the annoucement was delayed, especially when captains often are annouced separately from alternate captains. Maybe Hammy knows something.

by **dannybailey** » Mon 8/06/12 11:13 pm

Was Budish was a "shoo-in" for the captain's patch?

by **dannybailey** » Mon 8/06/12 11:35 pm

O.K. My second attempt (with one less "was") was Budish a "shoo-in" for the captain's patch?

by **gopherhockeyfan7** » Tue 8/07/12 6:46 am

Considering he had the A last year and is the only returning captain I would think so.

by **vant0037** » Tue 8/07/12 3:03 pm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2106zFgdiY

My favorites are at about 1:56 in and 2:49 in. Man that was great live...

by **Greyeagle** » Tue 8/07/12 3:10 pm

vant0037 wrote:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2106zFgdiY

My favorites are at about 1:56 in and 2:49 in. Man that was great live...

At the 3:35 minute of the video the great hockey mind that is Bladepuller turned to me and said, "Did you hear the turbos spool up when he got the puck in open ice?!?!?!" :dup:

by **Jupiter** » Tue 8/07/12 3:17 pm

Greyeagle wrote:At the 3:35 minute of the video the great hockey mind that is Bladepuller turned to me a said, "Did you hear the turbos spool up when he got the puck in open ice?!?!?!"

That's post #10,000 for Greyeagle!!!!

:dup:

by **vant0037** » Tue 8/07/12 3:41 pm

Greyeagle wrote:
vant0037 wrote:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2106zFgdiY

My favorites are at about 1:56 in and 2:49 in. Man that was great live...

At the 3:35 minute of the video the great hockey mind that is Bladepuller turned to me and said, "Did you hear the turbos spool up when he got the puck in open ice?!?!?!"

I was sitting in the end he scored on and I thought the same thing. He just took off. The jump in the corner topped it off.

I can't wait to start it all over again.

by **Zwak** » Tue 8/07/12 3:48 pm

The Carlson School of Management hosted their First Tuesday event today at the McNamara Center and Norwood Teague was the speaker. The topic was "The Business of College Athletics." At the end of his speech there was time for Q & A.

My comment to him was if he wanted to raise some money fast the U should sell authentic hockey jerseys as they would sell a lot of them. His response, "That's a good idea."

by **Chris Eckes** » Tue 8/07/12 4:17 pm

vant0037 wrote:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2106zFgdiY

My favorites are at about 1:56 in and 2:49 in. Man that was great live...

"And look at all the green jerseys leaving the building. What a sweet sight that is!"

Favorite quote EVER

by **Snowcool08** » Tue 8/07/12 5:16 pm

Chris Eckes wrote:
vant0037 wrote:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2106zFgdiY

My favorites are at about 1:56 in and 2:49 in. Man that was great live...

"And look at all the green jerseys leaving the building. What a sweet sight that is!"

Favorite quote EVER

The cackle at the end of that quote is what makes it.

by **GoldenRube** » Tue 8/07/12 5:25 pm

Chris Eckes wrote:
vant0037 wrote:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2106zFgdiY

My favorites are at about 1:56 in and 2:49 in. Man that was great live...

"And look at all the green jerseys leaving the building. What a sweet sight that is!"

Favorite quote EVER

It's a great quote for sure but I think I would have to go with "take that you stinking Badgers!"

by **Hammy** » Tue 8/07/12 9:45 pm

Both Skjei and (especially) Reilly are looking good out at World Jrs Eval Camp. This could be the deepest Gopher blue line we've had in many years. I'm more convinced than ever that a few vets that are used to playing are going to eat pine unless they have fantastic off-season efforts.

by **Jaykay3** » Wed 8/08/12 1:31 am

Piggybacking off of what Hammy said, Reilly is featured prominently in this article. Boyd also gets a mention.

http://unitedstatesofhockey.com/2012/08/07/2012-u-s-wjc-camp-day-3-recap-usa-white-vs-sweden/

by **gopherguy13** » Wed 8/08/12 3:34 pm

Hammy wrote:Both Skjei and (especially) Reilly are looking good out at World Jrs Eval Camp. This could be the deepest Gopher blue line we've had in many years. I'm more convinced than ever that a few vets that are used to playing are going to eat pine unless they have fantastic off-season efforts.

Great to hear! :good2:

It's great to have the flashy forwards, but there is something I really enjoy about my favorite hockey teams having a solid blue line!

by **sec 16 row16 seat 16 17** » Wed 8/08/12 3:38 pm

nothing better then a solid blue line.

by **Jaykay3** » Wed 8/08/12 3:43 pm

There's never a good time to have inexperienced goalies but if there was....

by **phish** » Wed 8/08/12 4:20 pm

Hammy wrote:Both Skjei and (especially) Reilly are looking good out at World Jrs Eval Camp. This could be the deepest Gopher blue line we've had in many years. I'm more convinced than ever that a few vets that are used to playing are going to eat pine unless they have fantastic off-season efforts.

As much as I like Paranteau I still think he and Holl are the most likely to being sitting more this year.

by **trixR4kids** » Wed 8/08/12 4:22 pm

I'd rather sit Helgeson than Parentau. Not likely but just my personal opinion.

by **sec 16 row16 seat 16 17** » Wed 8/08/12 4:30 pm

Parenteau will not sit to good of compliment to Schmidt.

by **phish** » Wed 8/08/12 4:54 pm

sec 16 row16 seat 16 17 wrote:Parenteau will not sit to good of compliment to Schmidt.

Then who does? Helgeson, Alt, Schmidt, Skjei are locks to be in the line-up every night barring injury. The same maybe could be said for Reilly as well. That leaves Marshall, Paranteau, Holl, and Thompson for the last one or two spots. Like I said I like Paranteau but I just dont see him being a regular next season.

by **sec 16 row16 seat 16 17** » Wed 8/08/12 5:00 pm

i would say Holl to sit but who know's good problem to have.

by **Jaykay3** » Wed 8/08/12 5:45 pm

phish wrote:
sec 16 row16 seat 16 17 wrote:Parenteau will not sit to good of compliment to Schmidt.

Then who does? Helgeson, Alt, Schmidt, Skjei are locks to be in the line-up every night barring injury. The same maybe could be said for Reilly as well. That leaves Marshall, Paranteau, Holl, and Thompson for the last one or two spots. Like I said I like Paranteau but I just dont see him being a regular next season.

I certainly wouldn't say Skeij is a lock, and if anything Reilly is more likely to become one. Personally though, I would like to see Schmidt, Alt, Helgeson, Reilly, Skeij and Parenteau become the regulars but I would only consider Schmidt and Alt locks.

by **phish** » Wed 8/08/12 5:58 pm

Jaykay3 wrote:
phish wrote:
sec 16 row16 seat 16 17 wrote:Parenteau will not sit to good of compliment to Schmidt.

Then who does? Helgeson, Alt, Schmidt, Skjei are locks to be in the line-up every night barring injury. The same maybe could be said for Reilly as well. That leaves Marshall, Paranteau, Holl, and Thompson for the last one or two spots. Like I said I like Paranteau but I just dont see him being a regular next season.

I certainly wouldn't say Skeij is a lock, and if anything Reilly is more likely to become one. Personally though, I would like to see Schmidt, Alt, Helgeson, Reilly, Skeij and Parenteau become the regulars but I would only consider Schmidt and Alt locks.

NHL first rounders are not healthy scratches, Skjei will play every game. He might already be the best skater on the team.

by **LeoPohl** » Wed 8/08/12 6:19 pm

Article this afternoon on Bjugstad. I like the 5th comment: "This breaking news was only announced a month or so ago.... better late than never I suppose."

by **poisondart** » Wed 8/08/12 6:26 pm

Aaron Miskovich was the best skater on the teams he played for....skating alone isn't enough to guarantee playing time. I do agree Skjei will be in the lineup every night, he'd have to play himself out of the line up in my opinion. Many on this board seem to feel Marshall is not in the mix, I'm not too sure about that.

by **Greyeagle** » Wed 8/08/12 6:28 pm

Nick Anthony wore the A in 2003 and hardly saw the ice the 2nd half of the season.....no one is guaranteed any playing time.

by **thinkbui** » Wed 8/08/12 6:29 pm

poisondart wrote:Many on this board seem to feel Marshall is not in the mix, I'm not too sure about that.

The general thought was that he's likely to play forward for the bulk of the upcoming season. Do you think he should stay as a blueliner?

by **poisondart** » Wed 8/08/12 6:34 pm

I know he tried it when he was younger and it didn't work so well. I think for a true freshman he did about what I expected. I'm hoping for a big jump in his play this year.

by **dryfly** » Wed 8/08/12 6:36 pm

Nice to have real depth for once - means guys who are dinged up and used to tough it out [sometimes badly] can now rest while others who haven't had as many opportunities and are hungry to show they can play will get a chance. Not a bad situation at all.

by **poisondart** » Wed 8/08/12 6:37 pm

agreed, depth = competition, it can only help as long as the kids all buy in to it.

by **Jaykay3** » Wed 8/08/12 6:58 pm

phish wrote:
Jaykay3 wrote:
phish wrote:
sec 16 row16 seat 16 17 wrote:Parenteau will not sit to good of compliment to Schmidt.

Then who does? Helgeson, Alt, Schmidt, Skjei are locks to be in the line-up every night barring injury. The same maybe could be said for Reilly as well. That leaves Marshall, Paranteau, Holl, and Thompson for the last one or two spots. Like I said I like Paranteau but I just dont see him being a regular next season.

I certainly wouldn't say Skeij is a lock, and if anything Reilly is more likely to become one. Personally though, I would like to see Schmidt, Alt, Helgeson, Reilly, Skeij and Parenteau become the regulars but I would only consider Schmidt and Alt locks.

NHL first rounders are not healthy scratches, Skjei will play every game. He might already be the best skater on the team.

Skeij was basically a second rounder. He was only picked 26 picks ahead of Justin Holl and Holl has two more years of WCHA experience. Do I think Skeij will be better than Holl? Absolutely, but draft position is not a good way to argue for playing time.

by **Alby22** » Wed 8/08/12 7:18 pm

sec 16 row16 seat 16 17 wrote:Parenteau will not sit to good of compliment to Schmidt.

Who says someone else cant copliment Schmidt like Parenteau did? I like Parenteau but this is a deep blue line and I would not expect him to be in there every night. There is no such thing as locks, if you play well you play and if you dont then you might sit. Goes for everyone on the blueline.

by **dryfly** » Wed 8/08/12 7:59 pm

poisondart wrote:agreed, depth = competition, it can only help as long as the kids all buy in to it.

If they don't they'll sit. Hopefully the coaches will reward those who continue to practice hard - in a long season their chances should be there. Give them a shot to prove themselves.

by **puckluck** » Wed 8/08/12 8:10 pm

it is going to be tough. Based on play, I'd say Holl is the one that'll have to work the hardest to have a shot to stay in.

Parenteau was more consistent, and as much as i liked him in there, he'll probably take a back seat if these two newcomers shine. Probably a little more at stake too with the others as they're drafted and will certainly be expected to develop via playing rather than sitting. Not to mention that they technically should be better and the more obvious choice since they were good enough to be drafted.

I've said it before but up until last year, I struggled with Helgy. But last year, he showed growth in maturity and decision making and I think he filled his role well. And I don't think we'll have him out of the lineup. We need some brawn and if he plays smart, he's earned it now. Not to mention that it'd be kind of odd sitting a captain (A).

We could always go back to the thought process of Marshall playing forward.....even then, there's quite a bit of depth up front, so that'd be tough to work out too.

by **Hammy** » Wed 8/08/12 8:12 pm

thinkbui wrote:
poisondart wrote:Many on this board seem to feel Marshall is not in the mix, I'm not too sure about that.

The general thought was that he's likely to play forward for the bulk of the upcoming season. Do you think he should stay as a blueliner?

I'd be perfectly comfortable with Marshall in either role. Defensively, the depth is very strong this year. With only 6 spots in the game day lineup, it doesn't hurt to have a guy that can swing between different roles when necessary. Quite frankly, I think I'd rather put a guy like Marshall up front than I would a couple of the incoming frosh forwards as I just have more confidence in Marshall to do some good things.

by **Bladepuller** » Wed 8/08/12 8:56 pm

Greyeagle wrote:
vant0037 wrote:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2106zFgdiY

My favorites are at about 1:56 in and 2:49 in. Man that was great live...

At the 3:35 minute of the video the great hockey mind that is Bladepuller turned to me and said, "Did you hear the turbos spool up when he got the puck in open ice?!?!?!"

That was a lot of fun that night.
I wonder if that jockstrap of Blood has come down from the structural steel framing of the X yet? :biggrin2: