Have to imagine Mariucci is going to be a hot ticket this year.
Any of the big rivalry games are gonna be packed to the gills and I cannot wait to make a handful of drives down to see 10K+ jammed in.
Who has two thumbs and is even happier his tickets are renewed?
“When your best friend is the son of God, you get tired of losing every argument.”
― Christopher Moore, Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal
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@mlhouse myopic and moronic!
I dont think we need the name calling...
Those are adjectives, not names…
But whoever advised him to return gave him bad advice.
Honest question - Why do you think someone gave him advice one way or the other? What if the kid really enjoyed his year with his buddies, along with the whole camaraderie thing, and just didn't want to play in the NHL yet, knowing most of his buddies are all back and the team will be really really good. With the Frozen Four in your own backyard as well. Seems reasonable for an 18-19YO kid.
Yeah after witnessing the Romanko/Ramsey years I’ll take this all day."We are just going to lose in the championship game again"
-Eeyore
Unfortunately, that outcome is all too common now in college hockey. Older teams that are built for defensive play often reap the benefits of playing in the one-and-done.
You don't have to be better than your opponent. You just have to keep them off the score sheet for a couple of games and roll the dice that you'll get a couple of goals yourself. It's more than a trend now. It's becoming the norm. (Denver was a skilled team that played a gritty game to beat Mankato a couple of years ago, but honestly, they didn't play that much differently than Minnesota a couple of nights earlier. Mankato just couldn't hold on one more period.)
As a season ticket holder, I'll take Minnesota's high-flying show night in and night out over Jacques Lemaire hockey any day. In fact, if the Gophers recruited teams like this, I'd quit coming.
My dad asked me after the title game if Motzko needs to win to avoid being connotation to Doug Woog.. and I said "if we get a decade of hockey like Woog got from Motzko and the only complaint is we didn't win the final game I will take it all day long" and never be upset! Last season was the most fun I have had watching Gopher hockey in 15 years. That isn't ruined because of how the last game ended.
I would love to win the big one, but I will take 4-5 more years of this season as a nice consolation and never look back!
I think they could’ve done things differently the final game but hopefully they learned from it and improve, hard to imagine they don’t. I’m not one to judge an entire season based off the results of a one and done tourney.
Last season was a joy to watch, it was "Gopher Hockey" again in my eyes anyway.
I am really looking forward to watching this group go at it again and will enjoy the ride. If they win the whole thing that is the cherry on top for me. ymmv...
Let’s enjoy this folks.
Get the sad pick of Faber off the front page.
Stop talking about “Cooley should have gone pro”.
Let’s move on from the heartbreak in the Natty.
Instead:
Put a graphic up of next years squad.
Let’s start talking about how smooth Rinzel looks.
That Moore can fly on the ice.
That the downside of the Lucius and Broz dick moves from ‘21-‘22 late transfer might actually benefit this years squad as Kurth and Lamb got last year under their belt.
The only concern I have is what establishment will serve as this years Splitsville because I spent entirely too much money there and have ZERO regrets.
So awesome Cooley is back!
can’t believe you guys going at one another claiming you know what is best for a 19 year old kid. Cooley and those closest to him know what’s best for him, and I sure as hell hope we can all be stoked that what is best for him right now, is to be a Gopher!
What a great week, summer will go quick anticipating the coming season! Let’s keep the good news coming!
People aren't allowed to make their own decisions about their own life. Message boards/the internet always knows better. ?
Sign up:
https://www.xcelenergycenter.com/events/detail/ncaa-mens-frozen-four
I mean after today, do they even need to hold the frozen four next year? Just give us the trophy right now! ?
If I were Cooley, and I wanted to not play for a crappy organization like AZ, I would strongly consider playing 4 years for the Gophers, signing a UFA contract with the team of his choice and burn the first year…play one full NHL season, and…if all goes as expected, sign a huge 8 year deal that summer. That puts him 4 years out from a monster deal! We are talking about one year for a smallish player…no big deal!
LOL! That would be the stupidest advice of all. Every college player drafted in the top 3 of the NHL draft played at most one college season after their draft year (Some players played their freshman year before their NHL draft year like Powers). There is a reason for this. And the financial aspect of it are just part of it, although the vast majority.
Everyone brings up Casey Mittelstadt "leaving early". Sure, but in the past 5 years Casey has earned more than $10 million playing hockey and is just 25 years old. Some fucking failure.
I think your posts demonstrates that much of this thinking, yours and others, is not from the kids best interest, but your own. I get it. I am a fan too. I would love for Logan Cooley to come back to the U. And, as I have stated, there are reasons to stay but any objective advise from him would easily demonstrate that is real folly. The injury risk alone is more than enough reason for a player drafted in Cooley's position to turn pro after a single season. A concussion. A knee injury. A shoulder injury. It is too much risk.
And, as I have stated, you can have your own "myopic" opinion, but the way you develop as an athlete is to play at increasing levels of competition. Using your logic, Cooley should have perhaps delayed coming to the Gophers because he still had eligibility left in juniors. But the fact is, Cooley exhausted almost all of the development he could get at that level and he has done the same at the college level.
I hope he stays. I hope there is a reason (maybe a Minnesota girlfriend who is extremely talented) that would delay signing a $10 million professional contract. But the girlfriends are even better once you are a millionaire.
I’m making an educated guess you think you are right about everything…
My educated guess is that your educated guess is accurate
I don't want to go full conspiracy mode, but Cooley changed his instagram picture from Gophers to him in Arizona gear.
I wouldn't put too much stock in it.
I just follow him and noticed it because he posted recently. That's why I said I didn't want to go full conspiracy mode, just partial haha
I've changed my profile pic on Facebook that didn't include my wife and that didn't mean we were getting a divorce ?
But if your new profile pic is with another woman, those who care about your wife may have reason to be concerned.
I guess we know what the changing of his profile picture now means... 
I was recently informed by a GPLer that I'm related to Airey
Do not like how this board is run?
Get your own board!
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So the remaining open questions are:
-Brodzinski: likely to return
-Johnson: unlikely to return
-Hendrickson: depending on the blog or website who knows?
-Goalie situation behind Close: most common speculation as far as I can tell is Barto to Juniors and Airey on the roster.
-Any other portal pick ups to fill out the roster?
What’s our roster going to be GPL?
So the remaining open questions are:
-Brodzinski: likely to return
-Johnson: unlikely to return
-Hendrickson: depending on the blog or website who knows?
-Goalie situation behind Close: most common speculation as far as I can tell is Barto to Juniors and Airey on the roster.
-Any other portal pick ups to fill out the roster?
What’s our roster going to be GPL?
I Johnson waiting to become a free agent?
I heard that Brodzinski is waiting until August to announce his decision because of the free agency issues involved as a Flyer draft pick.
Every top prospect scenario is different when it comes to timing/signing. You can’t approach everything the same way as a player and as an agent. It’s not cookie cutter and to approach it that way lacks any real strategic thinking. We’re talking about unique individuals with different values, perspectives, teams, cultures, developmental needs, etc. It’s not wise to think cookie cutter.
Looking forward to a lot of skilled hockey next season. I hope the guys work hard in dry land this summer.
I was recently informed by a GPLer that I'm related to Airey
The full Cooley Zoom call...
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Get your own board!
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Good article. One of first times I’ve heard Bob speak since Tampa:
I love that Cooley is coming back for the team as much as anything else. If he can learn to avoid retaliatory penalties and such next season he's going to be an even bigger PITA to opponents.
btw this is probably just paranoia, but the article about players coming back before a decision has been made public by Brodz - any chance it's because the writer knows he's not coming back?
Very excitrd to see the 4 forward unit of Moore, Cooley, Snuggerud, and Eiserman in a couple years
I am old enough to remember the rut this program was in for a long while. Motzko has really turned this around. It is no disrespect to Lucia, who was an excellent coach for a long time. The feel around this program is just so different.
I love that Cooley is coming back for the team as much as anything else. If he can learn to avoid retaliatory penalties and such next season he's going to be an even bigger PITA to opponents.
btw this is probably just paranoia, but the article about players coming back before a decision has been made public by Brodz - any chance it's because the writer knows he's not coming back?
Mike Brodzinski (dad) has been liking tweets about Bryce returning (gotta love twitter) so I think we’re safe there. That paired with the fact his classmates 1 and 24 came back, plus the Brodzinski’s relationship with Bob means to me that it’s a pretty safe bet we’ll see Mr. Hockey back on campus in the fall.
I am old enough to remember the rut this program was in for a long while. Motzko has really turned this around. It is no disrespect to Lucia, who was an excellent coach for a long time. The feel around this program is just so different.
So you’re at least 5?
Unfortunately, can’t really replace what Faber, Johnson and Lacombe brought but I think Luke Mittelstadt could bring even more, offensively, at least. Wouldn’t be surprised if he put up the first 40+ pt season for a defenseman since Reilly if he’s on the top PP this year. Throw in the first two American defensemen drafted in least year’s draft in Rinzel and Chesley with a senior Koster and I’d put that top 4 up against anyone’s. Plus Fish and Thomas is still a very solid top 6.
Obviously, still waiting to hear from some guys/Hendrickson and depends if they run 7 D but not too bad when you take a team that made it to the championship game and only have to add one new forward and one new defenseman to the lineup and they’re both (most likely) first round picks.
Moore-Cooley-Snuggerud
Pitlick-Huglen-Lamb
Nevers-Nelson-Brodzinski
Pinoniemi-Mittelstadt-Kurth
Koster-Chesley
Mittelstadt-Rinzel
Thomas-Fish
Close
Airey
Wiese
Extras: Rud, Strobel
Hendrickson is the biggest question mark. This is assuming he goes to Sioux Falls. Still need 1-2 more forwards and 1 more defensemen.
I’ll say
C-Nelson
A-Koster
A-Nevers
A-Brodz or Close. Maybe both?
Unfortunately, can’t really replace what Faber, Johnson and Lacombe brought but I think Luke Mittelstadt could bring even more, offensively, at least. Wouldn’t be surprised if he put up the first 40+ pt season for a defenseman since Reilly if he’s on the top PP this year. Throw in the first two American defensemen drafted in least year’s draft in Rinzel and Chesley with a senior Koster and I’d put that top 4 up against anyone’s. Plus Fish and Thomas is still a very solid top 6.
Obviously, still waiting to hear from some guys/Hendrickson and depends if they run 7 D but not too bad when you take a team that made it to the championship game and only have to add one new forward and one new defenseman to the lineup and they’re both (most likely) first round picks.
Im telling ya once Fish gets comfortable he’s gonna be really noticeable. Guy has improved every year since he’s been on campus and has had very little wiggle room to do so. Now that he’ll be an every night guy I can’t wait to see how he looks.
I’ll say
C-Nelson
A-Koster
A-Nevers Cooley
A-Brodz or Close. Maybe both?
My guesses. I think a player like Cooley coming back he will be voted for and him mentioning he wants to be a leader in that interview I think he might end up with a letter.
According to the press release the U sent out Brodzy is back.
Gophers Welcome Back Core Group
MINNEAPOLIS - The Minnesota men's hockey team got its summer started with exciting news as it announced the return of a core group of players, including fifth-year seniors Bryce Brodzinski, Justen Close and Jaxon Nelson along with upcoming sophomores Logan Cooley and Jimmy Snuggerud.
In addition to the already impressive list of student-athletes back for the Golden Gophers, the trio of Brodzinski, Close and Nelson provides a valuable leadership element utilizing their extra year of eligibility. They join other veteran letterwinners entering their senior seasons in Carl Fish, Mike Koster and Mason Nevers on the roster. The group of fifth-year seniors will don the Maroon and Gold for one more season after a heartbreaking finish to the 2022-23 campaign in the national championship game.
I was recently informed by a GPLer that I'm related to Airey
If there was a chance Bryce wasnt coming back Motzko would have known about it a while ago. They wouldn't leave him in the lurch.
All I can say is ..
I was recently informed by a GPLer that I'm related to Airey
So now that it’s all figured out for the love of God can we change the picture on the home page?
How many 10 goal scorers are there on this team? The whole top 9 plus maybe Kurth?
@maroon_and_gold It was changed yesterday.
Do not like how this board is run?
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Dan is still salty that there is no one left in Kato as coaches or players...
https://twitter.com/DanMyers/status/1659934731222368257
https://twitter.com/DanMyers/status/1660067751749099521
I was recently informed by a GPLer that I'm related to Airey
Unfortunately, can’t really replace what Faber, Johnson and Lacombe brought but I think Luke Mittelstadt could bring even more, offensively, at least. Wouldn’t be surprised if he put up the first 40+ pt season for a defenseman since Reilly if he’s on the top PP this year. Throw in the first two American defensemen drafted in least year’s draft in Rinzel and Chesley with a senior Koster and I’d put that top 4 up against anyone’s. Plus Fish and Thomas is still a very solid top 6.
Obviously, still waiting to hear from some guys/Hendrickson and depends if they run 7 D but not too bad when you take a team that made it to the championship game and only have to add one new forward and one new defenseman to the lineup and they’re both (most likely) first round picks.
Im telling ya once Fish gets comfortable he’s gonna be really noticeable. Guy has improved every year since he’s been on campus and has had very little wiggle room to do so. Now that he’ll be an every night guy I can’t wait to see how he looks.
Fish was tremendous when Lacombe and Faber were out. I thought on D we actually improved with him playing for Lacombe.
This is almost everything I wished for. It’s going to be an excellent season!!
@boninthebear Amen brother. They might still have my credit card. RIP Splitsville.
@jupiter Thank you for this. That kid is insanity and I'm so excited to see him skate another year in maroon and gold.
@maroon_and_gold I agree for the most part - but I like Kurth over Lamb to wing the second line. And if Hendrickson comes to campus, there is little to no way that Pino slots in at that wing spot over him. Curious to see if Pino stays on the roster if freshman forwards come in beyond Moore.
Moore-Cooley-Snuggerud
Pitlick-Huglen-Lamb
Nevers-Nelson-Brodzinski
Pinoniemi-Mittelstadt-Kurth
Koster-Chesley
Mittelstadt-Rinzel
Thomas-Fish
Close
Airey
Wiese
Extras: Rud, Strobel
Hendrickson is the biggest question mark. This is assuming he goes to Sioux Falls. Still need 1-2 more forwards and 1 more defensemen.
the fact that in all likelihood either Kurth or Lamb is going to be on the 4th line just shows the talent of this roster. What a stacked team.
@maroon_and_gold I agree for the most part - but I like Kurth over Lamb to wing the second line.
I have gone back and forth on this since beginning of last season. Both players have lots of talent and should be great 4 year players if we can keep them happy with playing time.
Reading some of the current and former players responses to the news of the players coming back this week has been GOLDEN. Brodzinski has taken the most ribbing by them including.. "they let him come back" and "bad move by the Gophers but a good move for the softball team". Knies left a Dwight Schrute "jumping in the air" GIF for Cooley and Faber commented that Knies got cut from the Gophers. The whole vibe is 100% changed on this team in the last few years, and especially this past year and it appears to continue into this upcoming season. Hard not to root for this group of players when they truly appear to be a fun team and show that they care for each other and Pride On Ice... 
I was recently informed by a GPLer that I'm related to Airey
Listening to that Cooley presser, the arena vote in Tempe was really the breaking point. If that passes, he’s probably going pro. We’re still lucky to have him. Hope he stays true to his word and grows into a leader this year. The entire team adapting his fire would be great to see.
@maroon_and_gold I agree for the most part - but I like Kurth over Lamb to wing the second line. And if Hendrickson comes to campus, there is little to no way that Pino slots in at that wing spot over him. Curious to see if Pino stays on the roster if freshman forwards come in beyond Moore.
That was assuming Hendrickson goes USHL this year, but I agree on that front. I go back and forth with Kurth and Lamb in my head all the time cause neither one of them deserves to be a “4th liner”. In a perfect world it creates a sense of competition in practice/games and makes both players better. Whoever’s hot can play with Pitlick and Huglen.