That seems odd.
Most likely he ends up on Notre Dame
I've had a tough couple days emotionally. Definitely grieving this team. I think I'd feel better about it if they played a normal game Saturday, but it was so unlike them. So much 'what could have been'.
I've had a tough couple days emotionally. Definitely grieving this team. I think I'd feel better about it if they played a normal game Saturday, but it was so unlike them. So much 'what could have been'.
I’m right there with you Chris. Only thing that has made me feel better is looking at our recruiting pipeline and seeing how fondly our players have talked about the staff and each other. This is a place great players want to commit to a play at. Keeping the faith that the 6th championship will come soon!
The thing that just leaves me hopeful is how the high end guys are staying. We had the four last year who stayed to get the team to the championship. So far we have Snuggy staying with the hopes of Cooley staying on to do that again and have a chance to win it next year. That is something that in past seasons we all dreaded after the season was the players wanting to leave to get to the NHL. Now there seems to be a feeling of Pride On Ice again to get Minnesota to the last game of the year by those higher end guys. All of them may not stay every year but when we get some of them, that is a win in my book. That is what gets me and keeps me excited for next season.
I am the official Iowa Hawkeye football fan of GPL!
Is this the day we hear from Cooley?
The suspense is killing me!
Is this the day we hear from Cooley?
I wouldn't put stock on a decision of either choice coming very soon.
@jwg I think it’s fairly public knowledge that he doesn’t love going to school so I’d think the longer he is in school the better it helps our chances. With that being said I fully expect him to sign today now that I said something about it.
I think that is a bit of an exaggerated rumor. With that said though, Phoenix's last game is tomorrow I think so it would make sense for him to sign today so he gets his clock started.
@handyman If you're Arizona the ball is in your court right now. Are there any circumstances where you could see him waiting and timing out his rights with them? Not sure why they would want to accelerate his contract anymore than they have to. At the same time getting him in front of the medical staff and at the facilities, I get that could be worth burning a quick year off the ELC. I'd love to have him back but either way I'd understand this is part of the process. Was just glad we at least had the one elite year to watch him in person.
Regarding the school exaggeration, here's a link right from his mouth saying "I'm not the biggest fan of school" in a Coyotes podcast from last fall.
https://twitter.com/phnx_coyotes/status/1595206830984114177?s=46&t=pnZdMk-Q-J14RAUKSQSi5w
@handyman If you're Arizona the ball is in your court right now. Are there any circumstances where you could see him waiting and timing out his rights with them? Not sure why they would want to accelerate his contract anymore than they have to. At the same time getting him in front of the medical staff and at the facilities, I get that could be worth burning a quick year off the ELC. I'd love to have him back but either way I'd understand this is part of the process. Was just glad we at least had the one elite year to watch him in person.
Regarding the school exaggeration, here's a link right from his mouth saying "I'm not the biggest fan of school" in a Coyotes podcast from last fall.
https://twitter.com/phnx_coyotes/status/1595206830984114177?s=46&t=pnZdMk-Q-J14RAUKSQSi5w
I’m not the biggest fan of school but did it for an additional decade and a half after HS. As others have said, I don’t think it means a ton and I think most 18-19 year olds are not fans of school and that number goes up in athletes. Doesn’t mean he’s not going to class or doing what he needs to do
On the point of burning a year, Cooley is slide eligible so he won’t burn a year. I’m sure this is something they could negotiate, but Cooley doesn’t have the leverage to auto burn the year
With Kneis gone, this is where the forwards are at (as far as I can tell):
1. Hughlen (understand some have said he may leave as well)
2. Kurth
3. Pinonemi
4. Lamb
5. Nevers
6. J. Middlestadt
7. Strobel
8. Pitlick
9. Snuggerud
Unsure:
10. Cooley
11. Nelson
12. Brodzinski
Incoming:
Moore
Hendrickson
What is the feeling about Pinonemi and Strobel going into year 2? Pinonemi dressed a lot, but I didn't see enough of him to form an opinion.
If all 3 of the unsure leave, would they try to bring in one of the 24s like Clark? Seems like we'd still need another forward at that point.
Pino is probably a guy like Jaxson Nelson back in the day who didn’t get a ton of ice and was pretty invisible but could be a solid (older) four year guy. At least that’s the hope.
The thing that just leaves me hopeful is how the high end guys are staying. We had the four last year who stayed to get the team to the championship. So far we have Snuggy staying with the hopes of Cooley staying on to do that again and have a chance to win it next year. That is something that in past seasons we all dreaded after the season was the players wanting to leave to get to the NHL. Now there seems to be a feeling of Pride On Ice again to get Minnesota to the last game of the year by those higher end guys. All of them may not stay every year but when we get some of them, that is a win in my book. That is what gets me and keeps me excited for next season.
I'll take the sadness that follows an excruciating loss over apathy for the program any day. I love that guys are tending to stay one more year than maybe they would have 10 years ago, because that means they love it here and they are developing how NHL Pro Scouts/GM's are wanting them too. Shows that our coaching staff is doing an excellent job taking the talent they get and developing them well for the next level.
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GPL's Resident Cabin Enthusiast & Cadets Hockey Fan
Very confident we see Brodzinski back another year. Fairly confident with Nelson. Strobel won’t leave. He knows his role, it’s what he signed up for. Pinoniemi I could see maybe hitting the portal as he’s recruited as a skill guy and is looking at 4th line minutes but he may stick around another year to see how it goes. I’d like for him to stay all 4 but in the age of the portal idk how likely that is.
Hopefully Clark stays in juniors this year. No need to bring him in to play a 4th line role.
The thing that just leaves me hopeful is how the high end guys are staying. We had the four last year who stayed to get the team to the championship. So far we have Snuggy staying with the hopes of Cooley staying on to do that again and have a chance to win it next year. That is something that in past seasons we all dreaded after the season was the players wanting to leave to get to the NHL. Now there seems to be a feeling of Pride On Ice again to get Minnesota to the last game of the year by those higher end guys. All of them may not stay every year but when we get some of them, that is a win in my book. That is what gets me and keeps me excited for next season.
I'll take the sadness that follows an excruciating loss over apathy for the program any day. I love that guys are tending to stay one more year than maybe they would have 10 years ago, because that means they love it here and they are developing how NHL Pro Scouts/GM's are wanting them too. Shows that our coaching staff is doing an excellent job taking the talent they get and developing them well for the next level.
This has probably been discussed ad nauseam, but if the Gophers recruited players to play defensive system hockey, I would give up my tickets. Why would I watch older players with no NHL future over the skill set on display inside Mariucci? Yeah, as fans we don't always win, but the ride is sure a lot more fun.
I wonder if they look in the portal to add some age and depth on offense just in case.
I also feel confident that Bryce will come back. Not as sure on Nelson, but I’d love him back. I would assume Pino hits the portal. All eyes on Cooley for me right now.
Yeah ultimately this is an entertainment product and I'm not paying to watch a boring brand of hockey that might win the one and done. This year's team had a ton of skill, was fun to watch, and should've won the last game.The thing that just leaves me hopeful is how the high end guys are staying. We had the four last year who stayed to get the team to the championship. So far we have Snuggy staying with the hopes of Cooley staying on to do that again and have a chance to win it next year. That is something that in past seasons we all dreaded after the season was the players wanting to leave to get to the NHL. Now there seems to be a feeling of Pride On Ice again to get Minnesota to the last game of the year by those higher end guys. All of them may not stay every year but when we get some of them, that is a win in my book. That is what gets me and keeps me excited for next season.
I'll take the sadness that follows an excruciating loss over apathy for the program any day. I love that guys are tending to stay one more year than maybe they would have 10 years ago, because that means they love it here and they are developing how NHL Pro Scouts/GM's are wanting them too. Shows that our coaching staff is doing an excellent job taking the talent they get and developing them well for the next level.
This has probably been discussed ad nauseam, but if the Gophers recruited players to play defensive system hockey, I would give up my tickets. Why would I watch older players with no NHL future over the skill set on display inside Mariucci? Yeah, as fans we don't always win, but the ride is sure a lot more fun.
Pino is probably a guy like Jaxson Nelson back in the day who didn’t get a ton of ice and was pretty invisible but could be a solid (older) four year guy. At least that’s the hope.
Hopefully Pino's Gopher career mimics that of Nevers. Nevers really didn't contribute the 1st year and has turned into a very effective player, including on the PK. Pino has had the injury bug through his USHL days and hopefully with a good off season with the strength coach he will make a huge leap in year 2.
I'm 50% factual and 50% sarcastic. When you get to know me, you will know which is which.
I also feel confident that Bryce will come back. Not as sure on Nelson, but I’d love him back. I would assume Pino hits the portal. All eyes on Cooley for me right now.
I feel confident that 24 will be back as well unless Motzko has told him it's time to be done.
He is quite a bit behind that pace, but the talent is probably a factor in that.
Nevers career stats are 2 - 4 - 6
6 - 7 - 13
10 - 13 - 23
I compare those to Brent Gates and I think Brody Lamb is on a similar career trajectory (statistically).
If Garrett can jump to Mason's sophomore line next year, assuming strong skating development and more ice time on a higher "ranked" line, then that would be a good sign.
Pino is probably a guy like Jaxson Nelson back in the day who didn’t get a ton of ice and was pretty invisible but could be a solid (older) four year guy. At least that’s the hope.
Hopefully Pino's Gopher career mimics that of Nevers. Nevers really didn't contribute the 1st year and has turned into a very effective player, including on the PK. Pino has had the injury bug through his USHL days and hopefully with a good off season with the strength coach he will make a huge leap in year 2.
Part of why I brought my account back to jinx us by saying we were going to win it all was when I witnessed the speed/skill of our fourth line for the first time. We rolled four lines up and down, all day every day, and there were few times any of them were a liability against any team. We had seven defensemen who may all play minutes in the NHL someday, and some regularly. When Bryce Brodzinski, known average skater*, was walking around Michigan State players (yeah, I know, Michigan State), I knew we had something cooking.
*I think part of the fun this season was watching his massive improvement, including in his skating, IMO.
I also feel confident that Bryce will come back. Not as sure on Nelson, but I’d love him back. I would assume Pino hits the portal. All eyes on Cooley for me right now.
I feel confident that 24 will be back as well unless Motzko has told him it's time to be done.
Just checked in with the Southern MN people that would have good information on the situation. 50/50 it's improved to now with an Eastern Conference NHL team showing interest. Which is substantially better odds than I heard months ago. Would be a great deal if he stuck around.
I've had a tough couple days emotionally. Definitely grieving this team. I think I'd feel better about it if they played a normal game Saturday, but it was so unlike them. So much 'what could have been'.
I'm with you on this. Just got back from Tampa late last night. The game felt like a car wreck in slow motion. The arena could feel the tying goal coming. I still wish there was something more the fans could have done. It still hasn't fully sunk in.
I wonder if they look in the portal to add some age and depth on offense just in case.
I'd take a run at David Silye from Mankato. It seems he's holding out for something better than Bucky. The guys transfering to be with Hastings are already committed. I mean, 40 points, and 2 years eligibility. He might be holding for the pros, but I'm not sure he's ready yet. He'd fit in nicely with Cooley and Snuggerrud.
Rumor is he’s angling for a professional contract.
Rumor is he’s angling for a professional contract.
he’d have a great market after throwing up 50+ points playing with Cooley and Snuggy. In reality, adding in scoring and depth can never hurt you, especially in a high character player which I’d assume he is to wear a letter at Kato
I'd keep an eye on Jack Hughes who played 2 years at Northeastern. He was a 2nd round pick for the Kings. Plays center. He is rumored to be looking at a B1G school. I would think if he was going to Sparty with all of the other former NTDP players he would have signed already. His brother is in the portal as well, so not sure if it has to be a package deal with both of them.
I'm 50% factual and 50% sarcastic. When you get to know me, you will know which is which.
I wonder if they look in the portal to add some age and depth on offense just in case.
I'd take a run at David Silye from Mankato. It seems he's holding out for something better than Bucky. The guys transfering to be with Hastings are already committed. I mean, 40 points, and 2 years eligibility. He might be holding for the pros, but I'm not sure he's ready yet. He'd fit in nicely with Cooley and Snuggerrud.
I mentioned it in the transfer thread earlier, but Silye is the one that caught my eye also. I hope Bob reaches out.
I’m sure Cooley will come up with a decision once he finishes that biology paper that’s been bugging him all week!!
@handyman If you're Arizona the ball is in your court right now. Are there any circumstances where you could see him waiting and timing out his rights with them? Not sure why they would want to accelerate his contract anymore than they have to. At the same time getting him in front of the medical staff and at the facilities, I get that could be worth burning a quick year off the ELC. I'd love to have him back but either way I'd understand this is part of the process. Was just glad we at least had the one elite year to watch him in person.
Regarding the school exaggeration, here's a link right from his mouth saying "I'm not the biggest fan of school" in a Coyotes podcast from last fall.
https://twitter.com/phnx_coyotes/status/1595206830984114177?s=46&t=pnZdMk-Q-J14RAUKSQSi5w
Yes I know he said it, I don't think it necessarily means what people insinuate it does.
And they would want to sign him as soon as possible if he wants to go. There are advantages to getting him in the pros now as opposed to waiting.
Does any college athlete with professional aspirations (like going to class)?
I wonder if they look in the portal to add some age and depth on offense just in case.
I'd take a run at David Silye from Mankato. It seems he's holding out for something better than Bucky. The guys transfering to be with Hastings are already committed. I mean, 40 points, and 2 years eligibility. He might be holding for the pros, but I'm not sure he's ready yet. He'd fit in nicely with Cooley and Snuggerrud.
I mentioned it in the transfer thread earlier, but Silye is the one that caught my eye also. I hope Bob reaches out.
You'd think he probably has. I should think Minnesota is about as attractive a destination as there is right now. I get he might be trying to go pro, but if he was confident in his chances he wouldn't have bothered being the porthole at all would he? I've never understood the rush to join the ECHL and thats where he'd end up.
If you could land him, it's like bringing in a senior 40 (23 goal) point guy who's played in 2 NCAA tourneys, and gone to the title game. A much better deal than accelerating a player who's not quite ready yet. Plus with a good campaign next season his stock only gets better. Win/win. It's a pitch you could make if you were interested in him.
Well, Arizona wraps its schedule tonight against Vancouver. So, it doesn't look like Cooley will be expediting burning a year of a rookie deal. I don't know what the real deadline to do so is, but he for sure won't be suiting up for Arizona.
I guess Tucson, the AHL affiliate has clinched a playoff spot if they want him to play there yet this year?
Well, Arizona wraps its schedule tonight against Vancouver. So, it doesn't look like Cooley will be expediting burning a year of a rookie deal. I don't know what the real deadline to do so is, but he for sure won't be suiting up for Arizona.
I guess Tucson, the AHL affiliate has clinched a playoff spot if they want him to play there yet this year?
He is slide eligible based on his age so he would’ve had to play 10 to burn a year. Would only really be if they don’t like his progression here or he wants to be there/start getting paid. Would envision that was part of it with us going so deep that the time of starting for him prohibited the automatic burning of a year
My son is plugged into Gopher insider information and he just told me Jaxon Nelson will return.
Really enjoyed this article. Nice job "Kinger".
https://www.pulltabsports.com/blog/gone-in-ten-seconds2022-23-gopher-hockey-eulogy
My son is plugged into Gopher insider information and he just told me Jaxon Nelson will return.
Uh oh. The famed “credible source on GPL” strikes again. Really hope your son is right!
My son is plugged into Gopher insider information and he just told me Jaxon Nelson will return.
For what it's worth... I was told that if Nelson was coming back, then there are others who will stick around with him that will make this board very happy.
My son is plugged into Gopher insider information and he just told me Jaxon Nelson will return.
Uh oh. The famed “credible source on GPL” strikes again. Really hope your son is right!
If his son potentially saw that on Gopher Illustrated say 90 minutes or so ago, then I’d say we all are in line for some really good news unless something changes.
My son is plugged into Gopher insider information and he just told me Jaxon Nelson will return.
Uh oh. The famed “credible source on GPL” strikes again. Really hope your son is right!
If his son potentially saw that on Gopher Illustrated say 90 minutes or so ago, then I’d say we all are in line for some really good news unless something changes.
My sources confirm what mlhouse's sons's sources have heard.
Come on Cooley, your turn!
Lets make a run to the X...
My son is plugged into Gopher insider information and he just told me Jaxon Nelson will return.
For what it's worth... I was told that if Nelson was coming back, then there are others who will stick around with him that will make this board very happy.
Ryan Johnson or Brodz?
My bet would be Brodz and Close. All 3 of them are really tight, with Brodz saying the Farm Kid is his BFF. Close also spent a week on the farm this summer with the Farm Kid.
In honor of this development, I'm sending a long distance dedication to Casey Kasem for him to play this song ? .
I'm 50% factual and 50% sarcastic. When you get to know me, you will know which is which.
Sorry...but not sorry. This is always in my head when ever I hear this song. Simple pleasure...Pauly Shore movies from the early 90's.
I am the official Iowa Hawkeye football fan of GPL!
That would be great if those 3 came back! I think this proves that pride on ice is back in full force. A handful of years ago (mostly before Bob) these players would have jumped ship to the ECHL/AHL and never looked back. Veteran leadership is what this program continues to need and is getting under Bob.
This may have been answered previously, but is Moore expected to be a "one and done"? I have my fingers crossed that Cooley returns, and if so next year could be another "all in" year. After next year you would lose the fifth year guys, Cooley, Snuggy, possible Moore? Yikes.
That would be great if those 3 came back! I think this proves that pride on ice is back in full force. A handful of years ago (mostly before Bob) these players would have jumped ship to the ECHL/AHL and never looked back. Veteran leadership is what this program continues to need and is getting under Bob.
This may have been answered previously, but is Moore expected to be a "one and done"? I have my fingers crossed that Cooley returns, and if so next year could be another "all in" year. After next year you would lose the fifth year guys, Cooley, Snuggy, possible Moore? Yikes.
Moore likely won't be one and done, he's not a Cooley/Eiserman level guy. I'd expect two or three years out of him.