Anyone attending practice’s that can share any teasers regarding visual line “pairings”?
I know Bob is reluctant to comment regarding lines etc as he says he never gets them right lol. But I’m assuming it’s starting to become more evident with some of the forwards tending to be paired up more regularly…
L Mitts coaches preseason 2nd team and gophers picked to finish 3rd. TBH how the coaches have the finish is the exact same as what I’d pick though mn and mi certainly could flip and any of 3-6 could go on a run at the right time and finish higher.
L Mitts coaches preseason 2nd team and gophers picked to finish 3rd. TBH how the coaches have the finish is the exact same as what I’d pick though mn and mi certainly could flip and any of 3-6 could go on a run at the right time and finish higher.
https://gophersports.com/news/2025/9/25/mens-hockey-mittelstadt-named-to-preseason-all-b1g-team
L Mitts coaches preseason 2nd team and gophers picked to finish 3rd. TBH how the coaches have the finish is the exact same as what I’d pick though mn and mi certainly could flip and any of 3-6 could go on a run at the right time and finish higher.
I do think at least one of PSU/MSU will faceplant this year. I’m very skeptical that CHL mercenaries drawn to shiny new “flavor of the month”-brand schools will pan out as a winning formula for college hockey.
PSU lost their starting goalie, who was the main factor in last year’s midseason turnaround; Aiden Fink got smothered in the tourney, scored very few (maybe no?) points, and regressing to his career mean is certainly possible.
MSU lost Howard and also Nick Andrews, the closest thing they had to a Faber-type D. Also, I’ve never been impressed by Augustine, both when he’s played in big high-stakes games and just in general.
L Mitts coaches preseason 2nd team and gophers picked to finish 3rd. TBH how the coaches have the finish is the exact same as what I’d pick though mn and mi certainly could flip and any of 3-6 could go on a run at the right time and finish higher.
I do think at least one of PSU/MSU will faceplant this year. I’m very skeptical that CHL mercenaries drawn to shiny new “flavor of the month”-brand schools will pan out as a winning formula for college hockey.
PSU lost their starting goalie, who was the main factor in last year’s midseason turnaround; Aiden Fink got smothered in the tourney, scored very few (maybe no?) points, and regressing to his career mean is certainly possible.
MSU lost Howard and also Nick Andrews, the closest thing they had to a Faber-type D. Also, I’ve never been impressed by Augustine, both when he’s played in big high-stakes games and just in general.
I’m inclined to agree with you. Obviously both teams are good and, who knows, maybe they both go far this year. But like with everything else in sports we’ll have to see how it all plays out. Also, I refuse to get all worked up if a month or so in PSU is flying and the Gophs are getting mainly splits. Our OOC schedule is a gauntlet while the early 90s Jefferson teams could probably sleep walk through the non conference schedule Penn State has lined up. No doubt McKenna and others are talented but it’s not like this Gopher team is a bunch of duds. They still have plenty of talent and this year it looks like they also have some more size and grit. They’re an overall younger team that could experience some growing pains in the first couple of months but I really think they’ll get hot at the right time and come flying down the stretch. Lastly, this season is going to be vital when comes to 2026-27 and 2027-28. If all or most of the underclassmen from this year stick around and you mix in the talent that was recruited this year then we should be in good shape to make a solid run at a national championship.
L Mitts coaches preseason 2nd team and gophers picked to finish 3rd. TBH how the coaches have the finish is the exact same as what I’d pick though mn and mi certainly could flip and any of 3-6 could go on a run at the right time and finish higher.
I do think at least one of PSU/MSU will faceplant this year. I’m very skeptical that CHL mercenaries drawn to shiny new “flavor of the month”-brand schools will pan out as a winning formula for college hockey.
PSU lost their starting goalie, who was the main factor in last year’s midseason turnaround; Aiden Fink got smothered in the tourney, scored very few (maybe no?) points, and regressing to his career mean is certainly possible.
MSU lost Howard and also Nick Andrews, the closest thing they had to a Faber-type D. Also, I’ve never been impressed by Augustine, both when he’s played in big high-stakes games and just in general.
would be kind of funny if so. not out of the realm of normal. PSU returns a ton of general talent as does MSU, so it would surprise me somewhat, though we shall see. CHL is a very different style than NCAA so i'm sure there will be some growing pains for many of them.
I have no idea what to expect from Javon Moore this year. I feel like he was recruited based on his immense upside, but just how close or how far away from reaching that upside is he? No idea. Early reports had him with Clark and Ziemer. That could actually be a good fit. That pair needs some size in their corner.
I have no idea what to expect from Javon Moore this year. I feel like he was recruited based on his immense upside, but just how close or how far away from reaching that upside is he? No idea. Early reports had him with Clark and Ziemer. That could actually be a good fit. That pair needs some size in their corner.
I believe Javon was at the Women’s game last night. Saw him talking to Ava Lindsay’s parents between periods. The kid is 🤬 huge!
I have no idea what to expect from Javon Moore this year. I feel like he was recruited based on his immense upside, but just how close or how far away from reaching that upside is he? No idea. Early reports had him with Clark and Ziemer. That could actually be a good fit. That pair needs some size in their corner.
Regarding his fit on that line, although he is a big kid I wouldn't expect him to play with a ton of grit. He doesn't play a power forward style. I think Hendrickson would be a better fit with Clark and Ziemer.
I have no idea what to expect from Javon Moore this year. I feel like he was recruited based on his immense upside, but just how close or how far away from reaching that upside is he? No idea. Early reports had him with Clark and Ziemer. That could actually be a good fit. That pair needs some size in their corner.
Regarding his fit on that line, although he is a big kid I wouldn't expect him to play with a ton of grit. He doesn't play a power forward style. I think Hendrickson would be a better fit with Clark and Ziemer.
Yeah from what I remember of him at Minnetonka he needs to learn to stick out his butt more often like Knies. Sit him in front of a tv and play Matthew Knies film on loop. Size and skill combos like Moore aren’t common, I hope for both parties that he can make the most out of it.
You guys must be delighted the season starts in 7 days! I mean all this pre-season speculation is getting almost as old as PA’s Viking takes during the month of August! 😉😂
Dude you are on a gopher hockey message board. I bet there is just as much speculation on the Duluth message board… oh wait.
My hope is the Gophers finish top 3 in the Big Ten and an NCAA birth. Anything better than that is just gravy. In Bob we trust!
lol…yup, just you guys. 6 more LONG days until nirvana (not the band) 😁 Although I watch most of the games on Fox9+ (too).You guys
Just us guys. No one else.
I already said you're right - Gophers fans are the only fans that are excited for the upcoming season. No other fans look forward to a new season.
lol…yup, just you guys. 6 more LONG days until nirvana (not the band) 😁 Although I watch most of the games on Fox9+ (too).You guys
Just us guys. No one else.
I already said you're right - Gophers fans are the only fans that are excited for the upcoming season. No other fans look forward to a new season.
its true. there are definitely not 80 pages of posts on UNDs forum for their upcoming season. we all need to calm down and stop posting about the team we love and are excited about finally being back /s
don't know why some would come here and expect anything other than people posting about it. you can just take the offseason off of dropping by if you don't like it
My apologies…I was simply joking around, I get the pent up enthusiasm for the new season & corresponding speculation on GPL. And just 5 more days until everyone is 🤠lol…yup, just you guys. 6 more LONG days until nirvana (not the band) 😁 Although I watch most of the games on Fox9+ (too).You guys
Just us guys. No one else.
I already said you're right - Gophers fans are the only fans that are excited for the upcoming season. No other fans look forward to a new season.
its true. there are definitely not 80 pages of posts on UNDs forum for their upcoming season. we all need to calm down and stop posting about the team we love and are excited about finally being back /s
don't know why some would come here and expect anything other than people posting about it. you can just take the offseason off of dropping by if you don't like it
I think a fun top line right off the rip would be
Hendrickson-Clark-Lamb
I could see Ludtke pushing for that top center spot but at least to start off with I those three could really do some damage. Lamb is a shooter, Clark can set up plays and distribute, and Hendrickson is a dawg.
I think a fun top line right off the rip would be
Hendrickson-Clark-Lamb
I could see Ludtke pushing for that top center spot but at least to start off with I those three could really do some damage. Lamb is a shooter, Clark can set up plays and distribute, and Hendrickson is a dawg.
How Ludtke responds from his injury will determine a lot about the lineup early on. If he’s fully back, he’s your 1C 100%.
Any word on the goalie situation? I assume they will split time early with Airey getting the initial nod, but I have no idea how to gauge Di Pasquo's ability and potential upside.
Looking for a big year from Hendrickson this year --- thought he was really good with his toughness and grit around the net last year.
@thebirdman I think goaltending this year is going to be key. I feel like if this team is going to be anything more than above average they are going to need to get outstanding goaltending. Not confident they’ll get that from Airey, but hopefully he either makes a jump or Di Pasquo comes in and plays lights out.
I’m looking forward to this season just as much as the “loaded” years, having some lower expectations than normal isn’t a bad thing, and like mentioned already, development throughout the season could create a fun sneaky dangerous team later that hits on all cylinders at the right time. Either way pride on ice, as fans we have it pretty good.
“Good pace, a lot of north and south, or it could be east and west, I’m not sure but either way…” Wooger
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The new 2025/26 media guide is available on the Team page. As are the 3 previous seasons.
https://gopherpucklive.com/team/minnesota/
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I don't think I saw anyone share this out but I saw that Brad S has the following predicted order of finish. Curious what the thoughts are on this.
Herald predicted order of finish
1. Michigan State
2. Wisconsin
3. Penn State
4. Minnesota
5. Michigan
6. Notre Dame
7. Ohio State
I don't think I saw anyone share this out but I saw that Brad S has the following predicted order of finish. Curious what the thoughts are on this.
Herald predicted order of finish
1. Michigan State
2. Wisconsin
3. Penn State
4. Minnesota
5. Michigan
6. Notre Dame
7. Ohio State
i assume you mean WI given the rest in order make sense. Wisco is an old team with some proven scoring back (Finley, Morrissey) and a high end blue liner (Hensler) plus some old guys back there. Schloss still thinks Hastings is going to make his system go there (and I think thinks it may give our young team as well as a bunch of young guys at MSU, PSU, and MI more trouble than it has). I don't see it, but he has really liked Hensler (put him as his top Dman in the conference, which is saying a lot)
Glad to see Brad and I are in lockstep with Wisco (means I’m doing something right). Believe me I take no pleasure in beating the Badgers drum but I’ve felt all offseason they’re the Big 10 team that’s gonna catch everyone by surprise.
Glad to see Brad and I are in lockstep with Wisco (means I’m doing something right). Believe me I take no pleasure in beating the Badgers drum but I’ve felt all offseason they’re the Big 10 team that’s gonna catch everyone by surprise.
feels more like a block year. MSU and PSU favorites. MN, MI, WI middle. OSU and ND lower. They could all scramble around in there but really anyone could beat anyone, just like every year in the B10 which makes it fun.
Solid first W. Good to see the boys respond so well to being down by 1 heading into the 3rd, and after being slightly outplayed.
Around the NCAA:
- Wisconsin currently leads 2-0 @ Lindenwood in the 3rd. It’d be very funny if the BADgers end up choking away that lead.
- Also, I wonder who made them go play Lindenwood on the road. In that pathetic home barn Lindenwood rents from the Blues.
- Still cannot believe the NCAA even hosted a regional at that dump. It’s got less seating than Braemar 😂
Michigan defeated Mercyhurst 11-1.
- Stay classy, Michigan Men.
Future gopher opponent BC drops one to QU 4-3. Got outshot 30-15
IIRC, the U ordered a few extra authentic ones that people could buy a few years ago. I thought @jupiter bought one. @jupiter do you remember the price?
I did... I believe I paid $150???
The bookstore ordered 30 or so "authentic" jerseys from the school for the 2012/13 season. (The last year MN was in the WCHA) Our guy @zwak had a connection with the guy at the U who would order the jerseys. So as part of that bookstore order, a few extra jerseys were added. So I want to say that myself, Zwak, @Keith and @dxmnkd316 were a part of that order. So we paid what the U paid for the jerseys. The bookstore marked them up $100 I think? Not sure on that number.
Zwak no longer has that connection at the U, the guy moved on to another job. But I am guessing that the bookstore may have done something similar this time. Ordered extra authentics from the U.
that’s correct. I cherish that WCHA branded jersey. Wore it last night in honor of our former WCHA foe coming to town.
I loved having those connections in the past. There's a reason I have a ton of sportsball jerseys. Paying wholesale? Hell yes.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
That is huge news. Good to hear he’ll be back in a series that takes far greater significance after dropping one to tech. Sweeping would entirely right the ship (in terms of number of wins this team will need non con). This team should get markedly better week by week so hoping they’re ready to go from the jump on Thursday
That is huge news. Good to hear he’ll be back in a series that takes far greater significance after dropping one to tech. Sweeping would entirely right the ship (in terms of number of wins this team will need non con). This team should get markedly better week by week so hoping they’re ready to go from the jump on Thursday
This is my hope. Understanding that they can't go O'fer in the early season and still make the tourney, I'm looking for improvement in the team. Last year for all the "star power" the team had, they peaked in December and fizzled out the rest of the year --- understand injuries played a part in that.
If this years team doesn't grow and get better, they're sunk. If it does improve, it still may not be enough but it should be entertaining.
An email came out saying the Big Ten hockey game times and broadcast info was announced.
https://gophersports.com/news/2025/10/9/mens-hockey-tv-schedule-announced?utm_medium=email&elq_cid=1099812&RSRC=Email&RDAT=7291&ehash=934a9ede003b2b090751fc84810c434e94f19725d4b410cfc06b2d23cf836b2f&aid=16098&pid=minnesota_email_eloqua_eloqua&rid=7291
although there is no helpful info in this link and the big ten site says error when you click on their post about the schedule. A few other outlets have the broadcast list but of course no times.
way to be organized. 🤦♀️
ps @jupiter the email noted the Nov. 14 game was moved to 7:30 vs LIU.
The schedule on the hockey team web site has been updated.
The lack of TV for home games vs Michigan and Wisconsin is a head scratcher.
The lack of TV for home games vs Michigan and Wisconsin is a head scratcher.
If you mean home games for the Gophers those are on either Fox9 or Fox9+.
The press release says Fox 9 or + will air every home game not broadcasted by BTN/FS1
The lack of TV for home games vs Michigan and Wisconsin is a head scratcher.
If you mean home games for the Gophers those are on either Fox9 or Fox9+.
The press release says Fox 9 or + will air every home game not broadcasted by BTN/FS1
The TV Broadcast Partners link in the article @cowgirl posted confirms this. All four games are on Fox 9+
Tact is the ability to step on a man's toes without messing up the shine on his shoes - Harry S Truman
In case anyone is interested. Fox One subscription gets you the Big Ten Network as well. $20 o month with a 7 day free trial.
Also seems to include Fox 9+
I hate that they are going back to 7pm games on Saturday. I won't be going to nearly as many games.
I hate that they are going back to 7pm games on Saturday. I won't be going to nearly as many games.
I love it. I work (normally) until 6 on Sats, so...
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
It’s early so who knows, but feels like a season where you just have to hope for growth and progression through the season and not get hung up on wins and losses. I say that as PSU got beat by Clarkson tonight, so who knows.
It’s early so who knows, but feels like a season where you just have to hope for growth and progression through the season and not get hung up on wins and losses. I say that as PSU got beat by Clarkson tonight, so who knows.
I hate this type of season because it tends to stunt the long-term development of younger guys, between (1) the frustration of not winning games, and (2) bad habits get really ingrained when guys know they’re still going to play in crunch-time situations regardless.
For example, look at what became of Sammy Walker, Blake McLaughlin, and Ben Brinkman (+Perbix, Burke, Denman, Stucker, Sorenson). I guarantee that group would’ve grown into far better players, and be remembered much more fondly, if their freshman + soph years had not been some of our worst seasons in recent history.
Even just compared to the class right after them (Meyers, LaCombe, Ranta, Johnson, Nelson, Brodzinski) you see such a stark difference in career trajectories. Maybe it’s a Motzko recruit vs. Lucia recruit thing- idk. But losing sucks for fans and it sucks even more for the players.
Great job by Airey tonight. The Gophers had some great scoring chances.
Hopefully the boys come up with a split tomorrow.
Go Gophers!
You're not wrong that a lot of those guys got thrown to the wolves early and were expected to play top six roles immediately. Where as guys like Lamb and Kurth played on the fourth line of a stacked team to start out and blossomed into higher end college players (Walker had a decent career but he would’ve been more like a 2nd or 3rd line winger of a stacked gopher team with good center depth). With Lucia recruits toward the end you had a weird mix of guys some of whom were absolutely checked out by year four like Cammarata and Bristedt. I can’t think of many guys under Motzko that had weird negative trajectories like that and I can think of many off the top of my head who improved a lot. Probably doesn’t hurt that Motzko has recruited better in general, at least other than the amazing run Lucia had from 2001-2007.It’s early so who knows, but feels like a season where you just have to hope for growth and progression through the season and not get hung up on wins and losses. I say that as PSU got beat by Clarkson tonight, so who knows.
I hate this type of season because it tends to stunt the long-term development of younger guys, between (1) the frustration of not winning games, and (2) bad habits get really ingrained when guys know they’re still going to play in crunch-time situations regardless.
For example, look at what became of Sammy Walker, Blake McLaughlin, and Ben Brinkman (+Perbix, Burke, Denman, Stucker, Sorenson). I guarantee that group would’ve grown into far better players, and be remembered much more fondly, if their freshman + soph years had not been some of our worst seasons in recent history.
Even just compared to the class right after them (Meyers, LaCombe, Ranta, Johnson, Nelson, Brodzinski) you see such a stark difference in career trajectories. Maybe it’s a Motzko recruit vs. Lucia recruit thing- idk. But losing sucks for fans and it sucks even more for the players.
For this years team they need to develop chemistry and create line combos that make sense, I kinda talked about how they might wanna change that in the other thread. The focus should be on that and seeing which guys are improving and absolutely worth keeping because with the transfer portal, CHL, and the incoming recruits, they should theoretically have options to fill in some holes in the offseason. So far it’s pretty obvious that they could use more high end talent on the blue line and at least one high end center to be more like the teams of yester years.
All I have to say is it’s better how you finish the season then how you start
Aloha!
