@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.
Thats something I’ve thought about too. I just hope which ever one gets the most “4th line” time doesn’t hit the portal in frustration cause they’ll both have massive roles in 24-25. And one of them will likely have the pleasure to be the RW on the Eiserman-Moore line that we’re already projecting 2 years out?
I currently count 4 freshman on the roster for this upcoming year versus last year's roster with 10 freshman. I like the sound of that.
Sure seems like we could use one more veteran D-man. Any steam on this (maybe the AF kid from MN)?
Moore-Cooley-Snuggerud
Pitlick-Huglen-Lamb
Nevers-Nelson-Brodzinkski
Hendrickson-Clark-Kurth
J.Mittelstadt
Koster-Chesley
Thomas-l.Mittelstadt
Fish-Rinzel
If Clark and/or Hendrickson aren’t ready then of course don’t rush them but that gives Kurth or Lamb some skilled players to play with and a legit scoring 4th line that I think we’ve been missing for a while, at least on paper. Also, the following year’s class is going to be pretty big so that would be one or two less freshmen to break in next year and wouldn’t leave Moore as potentially the only forward in his class.
Chesley and Rinzel are our only right shot defensemen at the moment and Mittelstadt played a lot on his off hand side last year so I assume those 3 will be our RD. Fish-Rinzel also makes for a pretty big D pairing.
I’ll say
C-Nelson
A-Koster
A-Nevers
A-Brodz or Close. Maybe both?
If Huglen doesn’t get an A it will be a crime. The way he handled being put in front of the press at the end of the season showed true leadership.
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@g-manpuck I agree with Huglen. I would have the above list minus the Brodz/Close line and insert Huglen. I've never been a fan of goalies having a letter, but if they deem him wearing a letter, go with 1 C and 4 A's.
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Dont believe Clark is coming in. Hendrickson is still up in the air. In my opinion letting them play in juniors this year is much better for their trajectory as a college player. Let them play 22+ minutes a game with power play time.
@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.
This might be a stretch, but if Connor Kurth comes in from the off season in top shape and makes the improvement you can expect in a second year player, I think he could be a first line winger. He is a goal scorer. I see his career path as a super Seth Ambroz, one of those players with more goals than assists. Ambroz's freshman scoring line was 5-3-8. Kurth's wsa 7-4-11. Remember also, Kurth scored 35 goals in his second year in USHL, 35-46-81 and in his first season was 15-26-41. He is a bigger winger that could pair with either the Cooley or Huglen line to give them size and most likely will be on the 2nd power play unit.
Lamb is a very talented player that I see having a Brent Gates-Mason Nevers type of career (statistically), improving each season over a 4 year career. Lamb's freshman year stat line was 4-4-8 in 40 games, compared to Nevers 2-4-6 in 25 games. Brent Gates freshman year was 3-4-7. I expect Lamb to jump between Nevers 13 point sophomore season and Gates's 21 point sophomore year (14-7-21). Nevers was 10-13-23 and Gates 12-14-26 in their junior years. It would be nice to see Mason have a similar senior year as Gates, 13-18-31.
But with the 5th year players coming back and only losing Knies from the forward unit, that group is stacked.
@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.
This might be a stretch, but if Connor Kurth comes in from the off season in top shape and makes the improvement you can expect in a second year player, I think he could be a first line winger. He is a goal scorer. I see his career path as a super Seth Ambroz, one of those players with more goals than assists. Ambroz's freshman scoring line was 5-3-8. Kurth's wsa 7-4-11. Remember also, Kurth scored 35 goals in his second year in USHL, 35-46-81 and in his first season was 15-26-41. He is a bigger winger that could pair with either the Cooley or Huglen line to give them size and most likely will be on the 2nd power play unit.
Lamb is a very talented player that I see having a Brent Gates-Mason Nevers type of career (statistically), improving each season over a 4 year career. Lamb's freshman year stat line was 4-4-8 in 40 games, compared to Nevers 2-4-6 in 25 games. Brent Gates freshman year was 3-4-7. I expect Lamb to jump between Nevers 13 point sophomore season and Gates's 21 point sophomore year (14-7-21). Nevers was 10-13-23 and Gates 12-14-26 in their junior years. It would be nice to see Mason have a similar senior year as Gates, 13-18-31.
But with the 5th year players coming back and only losing Knies from the forward unit, that group is stacked.
I have similar thoughts on Kurth. He plays an NHL style of game.
He has enough skill to get up and down the ice but really acquits himself well in tight quarters. He's very gritty and physical and outworks opponents. He's at his best in a 15-foot radius around the net.
He'll have a ton of talent around him again, and I think he's set up to get a lot of good chances.
Nah, they should all go pro ASAP, a much better place to develop and they are just leaving money on the table by wasting their time at the U
Said no one.
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Huge fan of Kurth’s potential as well. He put up Kloos and Rem Pitlick like numbers in juniors. The fact he’s even being considered for a 4th line spot is a testament to how deep this team is.
This team is absolutely loaded again. I hope the pressure of making this “the year” with the FF being in St Paul doesnt get to them. Will have plenty of experience from last year’s postseason to draw on but hoping they put in the work in October/November that help made the run this year happen as well
I liked lamb’s progression as the season went on. He seemed to gain confidence and in the big games didn’t look like he was in total awe. I like his game and he showed he belongs. I’m really looking forward to seeing him take off and I think his ceiling is high. He’s going to make some noise as a gopher!
I liked lamb’s progression as the season went on. He seemed to gain confidence and in the big games didn’t look like he was in total awe. I like his game and he showed he belongs. I’m really looking forward to seeing him take off and I think his ceiling is high. He’s going to make some noise as a gopher!
Totally agree. It’ll be interesting to see if Bob keeps the Brodz, Nelson, and Nevers line together all season.
Because, I’d argue Lamb and Kurth might both be better than Nevers.
They might be but if I’m Bob I’m not tampering with anything. It worked so well for him this year I doubt he changes anything unless they give him a reason to. Going into the season with such cohesion and chemistry already gives you a one up on most teams out there. Cooley-Snuggs, Pitlick-Huglen, Nevers-Nelson-Brodzinski all have 40+ games under their belt playing together, more for 92-81 and 77-7.
I don’t know…Nevers does all the little things right to help this line go. His hockey IQ and ability to process the game quickly is a huge reason that line is as successful as it is.
Formerly known as davey j.
I don’t know…Nevers does all the little things right to help this line go. His hockey IQ and ability to process the game quickly is a huge reason that line is as successful as it is.
No doubt about it, I really like Nevers.
Feel like this team has 10 damn good forwards and somebody unfortunately has to be the odd man out.
My whole thing is, the reason this team is finding so much success under Bob is because they're keeping such good continuity year to year. My thought is if a line of say Pit, Lamb, and Kurth is doing well, simply get them more ice time, put them out against another team's 2nd liners.
I don't think breaking up lines is a necessity at all to allow the "3rd" line guys to get their opportunities
Players change year to year. Some develop faster, some slower. Chemistry with linemates changes too. I remember the Carman, Flynn, Lucia line was great as freshman. Every year after they tried to re-ignite that flame and it just didn’t work.
I’m sure Bob will shuffle guys in and out if positions until something is settled. Last year was almost too easy. The lines were set by November and didn’t change much at all. Plus there were very few injuries. That can derail any lineup quickly.
There are so many moving parts that can change that I try to stay away from projecting anything until the team starts skating and really until we see an actual game even if an exhibition. Some kids plateau, some regress, others take a jump forward. Injuries happen, there can be unknown family problems or personal issues, unexpected illnesses or distractions, etc., etc., etc. I don't begrudge anyone doing it, but I prefer to lurk and read rather than try to predict anything myself. ?
Players change year to year. Some develop faster, some slower. Chemistry with linemates changes too. I remember the Carman, Flynn, Lucia line was great as freshman. Every year after they tried to re-ignite that flame and it just didn’t work.
I’m sure Bob will shuffle guys in and out if positions until something is settled. Last year was almost too easy. The lines were set by November and didn’t change much at all. Plus there were very few injuries. That can derail any lineup quickly.
I think Ryan Flynn flatlined before he even got to the U. In my view, he was a huge recruiting miss. Carman had speed and grit but his skills were limited, so his development was suspect anyway. Lucia developed into a decent college hockey player, but he didn't have a high-end upside either.
The average of this roster is higher than the pedigree of any of those three guys. I would expect better development from any of the underclassmen over the players you mentioned.
This team is absolutely loaded again. I hope the pressure of making this “the year” with the FF being in St Paul doesnt get to them. Will have plenty of experience from last year’s postseason to draw on but hoping they put in the work in October/November that help made the run this year happen as well
I would agree that the "unfinished business" mantra fails more often than not. Sure, experienced players coming back matter, but there are many tumblers that need to fall into place to win a title, not least a little bit of luck.
Then, if you're lucky enough to make it that far, you'll likely face an older, defensive-oriented team that can win any one-game series against any team.
Players change year to year. Some develop faster, some slower. Chemistry with linemates changes too. I remember the Carman, Flynn, Lucia line was great as freshman. Every year after they tried to re-ignite that flame and it just didn’t work.
I’m sure Bob will shuffle guys in and out if positions until something is settled. Last year was almost too easy. The lines were set by November and didn’t change much at all. Plus there were very few injuries. That can derail any lineup quickly.
I think Ryan Flynn flatlined before he even got to the U. In my view, he was a huge recruiting miss. Carman had speed and grit but his skills were limited, so his development was suspect anyway. Lucia developed into a decent college hockey player, but he didn't have a high-end upside either.
The average of this roster is higher than the pedigree of any of those three guys. I would expect better development from any of the underclassmen over the players you mentioned.
My point wasn’t that those three players were at a different level development wise than our current group. My point is that chemistry can work one year and not the next. That is exactly what happened to that line. Doesn’t necessarily mean better or worse. It’s just different and it happens.
I think I got your point, and I agree with it.
It's just that mentioning those players got me thinking that some players never really develop much at all, and I don't think we have any of those guys on this team. I felt the same way about "the best 4th line in college hockey." Romanko and Ramsey did very little for the team in their tenure here, other than give the lines ahead of them a chance to blow. They were like hamsters on a wheel, leaving ruts in the ice from their constant fly-bys around the net.
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I've probably been in the game too long, but have been haunted by Cornell's 1970 season ( even in the midst of the cessation of the Vietnam war ) - 29-0-0! Was it that the ECAC was a "weak" conference?
Not knowing what to do, they do what they know . . .
Knowing what to do, they sometime don't do it . . .
The 26th year of the Gopher Men's Hockey Profile got to be too much for this ol' codger to handle . . . what with all of the possible activity on the transfer portal . . . . So, I'm closing it down at the 25th year . . .
Yeah that was before my time of knowing anything about recruiting but uhhh, yeah very much concur. Some talk about players regressing but he was just a recruiting miss as far as I’m concerned.Players change year to year. Some develop faster, some slower. Chemistry with linemates changes too. I remember the Carman, Flynn, Lucia line was great as freshman. Every year after they tried to re-ignite that flame and it just didn’t work.
I’m sure Bob will shuffle guys in and out if positions until something is settled. Last year was almost too easy. The lines were set by November and didn’t change much at all. Plus there were very few injuries. That can derail any lineup quickly.
I think Ryan Flynn flatlined before he even got to the U.
Also I forgot about the “best fourth line in hockey” quote ?, that didn’t age well. I get that the fourth line typically doesn’t make or break a team’s success but occasionally they should be able to chip in.
took the leap and got season tickets for the first time. Have to say that I found the ticket office very easy to work with and thought they did a nice job. And if they have success in the postseason this year, yes I will take full credit and appreciate your gratitude
@upnorthkid from a rookie GPLer, but a longtime season ticket holder - welcome to the crew. Rah
Something I was thinking about today: first I wanna preface this with I think Fantilli was the right choice for Hobey. He had the best season. BUT… if Fantilli doesn’t get to beat up on Wisconsin in the first round of the Big Ten tournament, what does his points look like at the end of the season? Subtract the 7 points he got that series and add them onto Cooley and Cooley leads by 9 points at the end of the year. This is all purely conjecture but did winning the Big 10 cost Cooley the Hobey? If Michigan wins the league and has a bye while the Gophers run it up on Wisconsin what do point totals look like at the end of the season? That’s at or around a 14 point spread assuming Cooley matches or gets near to Fantilli’s production vs Wisconsin.
Just an off-season hypothetical for ya.
1. By your logic as well, Cooley lost the Freshman Of the Year award as well --- at least from my logic, the same player would need to win both awards if they are both freshmen.
2. Knies was the only appropriate candidate for the Hobey as he already beat both Fantilli and Cooley for Big Ten player of the year.
I get this is not an apples to apples comparison, but then again...
Something I was thinking about today: first I wanna preface this with I think Fantilli was the right choice for Hobey. He had the best season. BUT… if Fantilli doesn’t get to beat up on Wisconsin in the first round of the Big Ten tournament, what does his points look like at the end of the season? Subtract the 7 points he got that series and add them onto Cooley and Cooley leads by 9 points at the end of the year. This is all purely conjecture but did winning the Big 10 cost Cooley the Hobey? If Michigan wins the league and has a bye while the Gophers run it up on Wisconsin what do point totals look like at the end of the season? That’s at or around a 14 point spread assuming Cooley matches or gets near to Fantilli’s production vs Wisconsin.
Just an off-season hypothetical for ya.
Maybe but Fantilli would have still had 1.75 ppg to Cooley’s 1.6. I think Cooley kept getting better and better and finished the year as the best player in college hockey (pretty sure he had half his pts in the last like 15 games) but I think Fantilli had the benefit of having a more consistent season and still would have won it regardless of a few games.
I do not feel Fantilli was the appropriate choice for Hobey. Before the season i was saying Knies should win it and I never changed my mind. It is not a points competition. Why vote if that is the case? (I realize that I mainly am judging players while mostly watching Gopher games, but doubt voters are watching every player regularly either.) The criteria for Hobey are:
- Strength of character, on and off the ice
- Contribution to the integrity of the team and outstanding skills in all phases of the game
- Scholastic achievement and sportsmanship
- Compliance with all NCAA rules, including being a full-time student in an accredited college or university and completing 50 percent or more of the season
A lot is made of the sportsmanship that Hobey demonstrated. Fantilli at one time I looked was in the top 15 in penalty minutes in the country. Knies demonstrated leadership coming back in the mentorship the freshmen described.
But when we look at overall contribution to the team, it is hard to see a more valuable player than Knies, playing PP and PK (where he was often a threat to score), being a take-away machine, controlling play with his size and skill and all the game-winning goals and clutch plays.
Head to head is my main comparison. I thought Cooley was the second best player in the World Juniors. I thought he was better in most MN Michigan games too than Fantilli. But I thought in most games they played head to head, Knies was better than both. Points don't tell the whole story. I think Knies got robbed, but I am guessing in Hobey Baker fashion, he probably accepted it, congratulated Adam and moved on.
Do others think that Fantilli looked likethe best player on the ice against MN?
Going to be another fun year. Grab your tickets now...
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I have zero issue with Fantilli winning and if he was on the Gophs with the same stats very few would argue against him. I thought Knies should get it but all 3 were deserving and I'm fine with Fantilli.
I have zero issue with Fantilli winning and if he was on the Gophs with the same stats very few would argue against him. I thought Knies should get it but all 3 were deserving and I'm fine with Fantilli.
Ditto
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Congratulations to Ryan. Seemed like a great young man when he was interviewed. I wish him much success at the next level.
So we need 1D and 2F (assuming Clark and Hendrickson are USHL).
When should we expect the final roster to be announced?
Congrats Ryan! Was an impact player all 4 years. That’s hard to find.
I thought 3 years was standard on entry level contracts, is term negotiable?
I thought 3 years was standard on entry level contracts, is term negotiable?
The length of an ELC is dependent on the player's age.
So contrary to what one poster was arguing, a player can stay the extra year and then get a shorter ELC? Seems like a no-brainer.
Congrats Ryan! Such an underrated player, thanks for the 4 years.
So contrary to what one poster was arguing, a player can stay the extra year and then get a shorter ELC? Seems like a no-brainer.
Cooley would only get a two-year ELC if he stayed through his senior year. Johnson turns 22 in July and that's why his contract is the way it is.
Glad to see RJ sign a deal with the Sabres. Other than the Wild, the Sabres are my 2nd NHL team that I cheer for. Simply bc Thomas Vanek (my favorite gopher of all time) played there.
I've probably been in the game too long, but have been haunted by Cornell's 1970 season ( even in the midst of the cessation of the Vietnam war ) - 29-0-0! Was it that the ECAC was a "weak" conference? Or that the team was rife with Canadians?
I guess what I was thinking is what other Men's D1 Hockey teams fan bases are excited as we are with their recent news before next season?
As Billy Beane says in "Moneyball" - "if you don't win the last game of the season, you're forgotten."
And I don't think that the Cornell coach, Ned Harkness, said, "Let's aim for an undefeated, untied season this year!" Well, maybe he did, as they were returning from three straight appearances in the Frozen Four. But what is it that makes it so difficult to win more than two back to back National championships in Men's D1 Hockey? You would've thought that the Gophers team following the back-to-back championship years would have been a prime candidate to three-peat. Ugh!
Now, I don't think it takes hoping on the IBM Quantum Computer with a "ones and zeroes" library of every statistic you can pull from the D1 Men's Hockey statistics universe ( including Twitter sentiment analysis, D1 Men's Hockey blogs, etc.! ) to determine that there is probably more than one team from each of the conferences already setting their sights on the last game of the season.
What I would like to know is who are those teams and how will that universe be changing on a game by game basis during the balance of the coming season?
Wouldn't it be fun to take the description of Cornell's 1969-70 season - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1969%E2%80%9370_Cornell_Big_Red_men%27s_ice_hockey_season - as a template for the Gopher's season ( filling it in on a game by game basis )!
Go Gophers!
Not knowing what to do, they do what they know . . .
Knowing what to do, they sometime don't do it . . .
The 26th year of the Gopher Men's Hockey Profile got to be too much for this ol' codger to handle . . . what with all of the possible activity on the transfer portal . . . . So, I'm closing it down at the 25th year . . .