@walker-barely-know-her but we didn't what is your point? That Michigan team wasn't that good? They made it to the Frozen Four and won their conference tournament, where is the disappointment?
Can't believe I'm re-litigating 4 seasons ago with you but here goes.
If you recall, in January of that year we lost (1) our reigning Richter goalie, (2) Knies/Faber/Meyers for 2 months to the Olympics, and (3) we were sitting at like, 12th in pairwise.
That we turned it around to reach the same exact Frozen Four that Michigan did w/ an equivalent (slightly better) conference trophy is a huge feat in and of itself.
I would rather be proud of the program's accomplishments instead of torturing myself by wallowing about how we haven't collected every single trophy and banner in every single season we've played. That's simply not how sports works.
A national title every single year is impossible. It's understandable for frustration to set in after watching your biggest rivals (that you abandoned for greener pastures) succeed beyond their wildest dreams for almost 15 years. Sad state of affairs when I'm rooting for Michigan and Wisconsin to win a national title.
Our biggest rivals have the same "dreams" as Minnesota and none of them have have surpassed Minnesota in the past 15 years except North Dakota, and I guess UMD if you consider them a biggest rival. Neither Michigan nor Wisconsin have one and I wouldn't include Denver as a biggest rival. Also the U only left the WCHA because they were forced to.
I do agree the lack of titles since 2003 is frustrating regardless of whatever else has happened.
It's understandable for frustration to set in after watching your biggest rivals (that you abandoned for greener pastures) succeed beyond their wildest dreams for almost 15 years
The rest of the NCHC has to thank their lucky stars for the run DU has been on, and UMD's 2017-2020 run, because otherwise everything they've accomplished to this point would just be pretty much in line with the rest of the country.
Outside of those teams, you have
UND with 1 and that was an entire decade ago now
WMU with 1
SCSU with 0 alongside Omaha, Miami, ASU, CC, UST.
Saying this of course enrages the average NCHC fan, because they know they have to rely at this point on DU every April to prop them up. And no Gopher fan should be claiming to have a fire lit under them about DU back in the day, lol.
That's 2 teams seeing their wildest dreams come true while the rest of the conference has been pretty much in line with the rest of the NCAA.
Also the U only left the WCHA because they were forced to.
Idk I think it would've been really smart for the Athletic Department to potentially destroy their B1G membership in exchange for WCHA/NCHC membership...
Also the U only left the WCHA because they were forced to.
Idk I think it would've been really smart for the Athletic Department to potentially destroy their B1G membership in exchange for WCHA/NCHC membership...
but think of the several hundred people who would've been thrilled. they of course would've donated to the university at a similar dollar amount to that which we get from big ten dollars!
@walker-barely-know-her but we didn't what is your point? That Michigan team wasn't that good? They made it to the Frozen Four and won their conference tournament, where is the disappointment?
Can't believe I'm re-litigating 4 seasons ago with you but here goes.
If you recall, in January of that year we lost (1) our reigning Richter goalie, (2) Knies/Faber/Meyers for 2 months to the Olympics, and (3) we were sitting at like, 12th in pairwise.
That we turned it around to reach the same exact Frozen Four that Michigan did w/ an equivalent (slightly better) conference trophy is a huge feat in and of itself.
I would rather be proud of the program's accomplishments instead of torturing myself by wallowing about how we haven't collected every single trophy and banner in every single season we've played. That's simply not how sports works.
A national title every single year is impossible. It's understandable for frustration to set in after watching your biggest rivals (that you abandoned for greener pastures) succeed beyond their wildest dreams for almost 15 years. Sad state of affairs when I'm rooting for Michigan and Wisconsin to win a national title.
Don't call yourself a Gopher fan if your rooting for Michigan or Wisconsin to win a national title instead of Minnesota.
They were just the two remaining B1G teams in the frozen four.
Rooting for a conference rival should be grounds for dismissal from the state. Would rather see Denver get 20 chips before I'd want to see Michigan or Wisco win one.
Again...like Minnesota had a choice in the matter to leave the WCHA for the B1G.
That is correct. However, I seem to recall one enthusiastic siouxage genius claim that with respect to their team, the Big10 "couldn't afford them." 😆
1) UND doesn’t have the IQ to join the BIG.
2) What people don’t understand is the BIG is an academic and research conference over an athletic conference. If you think sports (aka Football) brings in a lot of money for the BIG.. it’s pennies on a dollar what research brings in for the BIG.
3) And if “one enthusiastic sioxage” is Rick Haley. He has more important legal matters to deal with than posting on social media.
14. Columbus Blue Jackets: Wyatt Cullen, LW, U.S. NTDP (USHL)
Columbus is likely to draft a forward at this spot. Between Belchetz, Hemming, Cullen and Tynan Lawrence, this is the likely range of players for the Blue Jackets. I’ve heard JP Hurlbert linked here as well. Cullen is expected to play center next year in college at Minnesota, but he projects as an NHL winger.
They were just the two remaining B1G teams in the frozen four.
Rooting for a conference rival should be grounds for dismissal from the state. Would rather see Denver get 20 chips before I'd want to see Michigan or Wisco win one.
Yeah I mostly just watched that game impartially but I can’t cheer for Michigan, mainly because one of the most braindead obnoxious people I’ve ever met in my life cheers for them. Dude is from Milwaukee and has no affiliation with Michigan nor could’ve ever gotten in, he needed to cheat his way thru accounting classes at UW Milwaukee and blocked me on Facebook after doing some racist rant about immigrants.
They were just the two remaining B1G teams in the frozen four.
Rooting for a conference rival should be grounds for dismissal from the state. Would rather see Denver get 20 chips before I'd want to see Michigan or Wisco win one.
Yeah I mostly just watched that game impartially but I can’t cheer for Michigan, mainly because one of the most braindead obnoxious people I’ve ever met in my life cheers for them. Dude is from Milwaukee and has no affiliation with Michigan nor could’ve ever gotten in, he needed to cheat his way thru accounting classes at UW Milwaukee and blocked me on Facebook after doing some racist rant about immigrants.
very interesting lol. I'm curious what mental gymnastics he uses to justify being a Walmart Wolverine.
A big% of my law school classmates went to Michigan for undergrad. None of them really knew puck. But at least the ones I'm friends with had a ton of respect for Minnesota men's hockey.
It's whatever, I don't really blame them as I kinda suspect youth hockey in MI has gotten too elitist and combined w/ the Wings struggling for a decade straight now, a lot of average people over there don't get directly exposed to much hockey anymore
They were just the two remaining B1G teams in the frozen four.
Rooting for a conference rival should be grounds for dismissal from the state. Would rather see Denver get 20 chips before I'd want to see Michigan or Wisco win one.
Yeah I mostly just watched that game impartially but I can’t cheer for Michigan, mainly because one of the most braindead obnoxious people I’ve ever met in my life cheers for them. Dude is from Milwaukee and has no affiliation with Michigan nor could’ve ever gotten in, he needed to cheat his way thru accounting classes at UW Milwaukee and blocked me on Facebook after doing some racist rant about immigrants.
very interesting lol. I'm curious what mental gymnastics he uses to justify being a Walmart Wolverine.
A big% of my law school classmates went to Michigan for undergrad. None of them really knew puck. But at least the ones I'm friends with had a ton of respect for Minnesota men's hockey.
It's whatever, I don't really blame them as I kinda suspect youth hockey in MI has gotten too elitist and combined w/ the Wings struggling for a decade straight now, a lot of average people over there don't get directly exposed to much hockey anymore
there are a great many random fans of blue blood schools who have no affiliation with school (nor ability to get into it). OSU was the same way when I was there, notre dame was similar.
hockey is a niche sport but then these people come out the woodwork when the team is good and it’s cool to be a fan
They were just the two remaining B1G teams in the frozen four.
Rooting for a conference rival should be grounds for dismissal from the state. Would rather see Denver get 20 chips before I'd want to see Michigan or Wisco win one.
Yeah I mostly just watched that game impartially but I can’t cheer for Michigan, mainly because one of the most braindead obnoxious people I’ve ever met in my life cheers for them. Dude is from Milwaukee and has no affiliation with Michigan nor could’ve ever gotten in, he needed to cheat his way thru accounting classes at UW Milwaukee and blocked me on Facebook after doing some racist rant about immigrants.
very interesting lol. I'm curious what mental gymnastics he uses to justify being a Walmart Wolverine.
A big% of my law school classmates went to Michigan for undergrad. None of them really knew puck. But at least the ones I'm friends with had a ton of respect for Minnesota men's hockey.
It's whatever, I don't really blame them as I kinda suspect youth hockey in MI has gotten too elitist and combined w/ the Wings struggling for a decade straight now, a lot of average people over there don't get directly exposed to much hockey anymore
there are a great many random fans of blue blood schools who have no affiliation with school (nor ability to get into it). OSU was the same way when I was there, notre dame was similar.
hockey is a niche sport but then these people come out the woodwork when the team is good and it’s cool to be a fan
I get that, different but the same, in the 90’s florida state, Florida gator or Miami football was the in thing then and brought that sass apparel as we said to the watering holes. Otherwise no connection to the programs other than a couple big names and a winning rep. Seemed cool and got attention but can admit to it now decades later as just a phase of life.
“Good pace, a lot of north and south, or it could be east and west, I’m not sure but either way…” Wooger
Really interesting tidbit from the draft: apparently Matt Cullen has been telling teams that Minnesota plans to use Wyatt Cullen as a center. Interesting.
That'd make a lot more sense if that was the case, they kinda needed one of these new guys to be filling that role (him and/or Humphries being the most likely).
Really interesting tidbit from the draft: apparently Matt Cullen has been telling teams that Minnesota plans to use Wyatt Cullen as a center. Interesting.
Everyone is worried about our C position. Matt Cullen won more draws than he lost across 21 seasons. Including 56% in the 2015-16 season.
I’m not here to make an argument this will be the teams strength. Rather that we should trust the staff to make it good enough for us to be a contender.
Really interesting tidbit from the draft: apparently Matt Cullen has been telling teams that Minnesota plans to use Wyatt Cullen as a center. Interesting.
Everyone is worried about our C position. Matt Cullen won more draws than he lost across 21 seasons. Including 56% in the 2015-16 season.
I’m not here to make an argument this will be the teams strength. Rather that we should trust the staff to make it good enough for us to be a contender.
Winning a faceoff is obviously better than losing one, but in the grand scheme of being a good center, faceoffs are fairly insignificant.
Cullen looks to have the skill set to be able to play center, but there's a reason he hasn't done it. Trying to figure it out as an 18 year old freshman isn't ideal.
Really interesting tidbit from the draft: apparently Matt Cullen has been telling teams that Minnesota plans to use Wyatt Cullen as a center. Interesting.
Everyone is worried about our C position. Matt Cullen won more draws than he lost across 21 seasons. Including 56% in the 2015-16 season.
I’m not here to make an argument this will be the teams strength. Rather that we should trust the staff to make it good enough for us to be a contender.
Winning a faceoff is obviously better than losing one, but in the grand scheme of being a good center, faceoffs are fairly insignificant.
Cullen looks to have the skill set to be able to play center, but there's a reason he hasn't done it. Trying to figure it out as an 18 year old freshman isn't ideal.
i would imagine growing as much as he did is the reason he hasn’t prior, but he did play some center at the ntdp this year. That said, agree it’s a whole different game, especially if you’re projecting him to be our 1C
Well now that we're getting closer and assumedly the roster is finalized (and with the month until recruiting is likely to see another meaningful ramp up), what do folks think of the line chart given Cullen's comments on Wyatt?
Ziemer-Cullen-Mooney
Burnevik-Ludtke-Moore
Humphreys-Moe-Hendrickson
Pritchard-Nevers-Kvasnicka
Scratch: Harris, B Cullen, Townsend
Maybe they want to split the 2nd line size as that first line gets pretty light, but would be incredibly dynamic up and down the ice. Lot of guys in that bottom 6 that could move and down. Practices should be very fun this fall to see how it shapes up
Murr-Smith
Henricks-Whipple
Rombach-Loftus
Ex: Lofgren
Scratch: Begley
Like Murr with Smith as a steady puck mover that can cover for Smith, though I think his learning curve is going to be smaller than expected (he's older than Henricks and Rombach and has played over 200 games in Jr). Henricks and Whipple fit pretty well from handedness and balance between rush and defense. Loftus I think will pair pretty well with Rombach having speed and experience to cover while being a decent puck mover who's not overly flashy/going to get caught deep
LDP
Strahl
Scratch: Sabev
Imagine LDP is the guy in net, but hopefully they get Strahl some run too
Well now that we're getting closer and assumedly the roster is finalized (and with the month until recruiting is likely to see another meaningful ramp up), what do folks think of the line chart given Cullen's comments on Wyatt?
Ziemer-Cullen-Mooney
Burnevik-Ludtke-Moore
Humphreys-Moe-Hendrickson
Pritchard-Nevers-Kvasnicka
Scratch: Harris, B Cullen, Townsend
Maybe they want to split the 2nd line size as that first line gets pretty light, but would be incredibly dynamic up and down the ice. Lot of guys in that bottom 6 that could move and down. Practices should be very fun this fall to see how it shapes up
Murr-Smith
Henricks-Whipple
Rombach-Loftus
Ex: Lofgren
Scratch: Begley
Like Murr with Smith as a steady puck mover that can cover for Smith, though I think his learning curve is going to be smaller than expected (he's older than Henricks and Rombach and has played over 200 games in Jr). Henricks and Whipple fit pretty well from handedness and balance between rush and defense. Loftus I think will pair pretty well with Rombach having speed and experience to cover while being a decent puck mover who's not overly flashy/going to get caught deep
LDP
Strahl
Scratch: Sabev
Imagine LDP is the guy in net, but hopefully they get Strahl some run too
Still liked Moe's performance with Ziemer and Mooney in that small sample size at the end of the year.
Second line definitely has the beef.
Kvas seems destined to play regularly based on his productivity in jrs last year, but how Pritchard, Nevers, B Cullen, and Townsend shake out will be interesting to watch.
Hoping Matt Cullen can impart some wisdom on improving the teams faceoffs in general -- seemingly, hope was our best option the past few years (jaxson nelson aside).
Well now that we're getting closer and assumedly the roster is finalized (and with the month until recruiting is likely to see another meaningful ramp up), what do folks think of the line chart given Cullen's comments on Wyatt?
Ziemer-Cullen-Mooney
Burnevik-Ludtke-Moore
Humphreys-Moe-Hendrickson
Pritchard-Nevers-Kvasnicka
Scratch: Harris, B Cullen, Townsend
Maybe they want to split the 2nd line size as that first line gets pretty light, but would be incredibly dynamic up and down the ice. Lot of guys in that bottom 6 that could move and down. Practices should be very fun this fall to see how it shapes up
Murr-Smith
Henricks-Whipple
Rombach-Loftus
Ex: Lofgren
Scratch: Begley
Like Murr with Smith as a steady puck mover that can cover for Smith, though I think his learning curve is going to be smaller than expected (he's older than Henricks and Rombach and has played over 200 games in Jr). Henricks and Whipple fit pretty well from handedness and balance between rush and defense. Loftus I think will pair pretty well with Rombach having speed and experience to cover while being a decent puck mover who's not overly flashy/going to get caught deep
LDP
Strahl
Scratch: Sabev
Imagine LDP is the guy in net, but hopefully they get Strahl some run too
I would have Burnevik paired with Mooney. Their styles would go well together. Ziemer is a bit of everything so he would fit better with Moore if he ends up being the other top 6 wing. I have zero reason to believe that Ludtke should even be in the lineup, but hopefully there's a reason they brought him back. If he can actually be a 1st or 2nd line level center, the rest of the lineup should slot in nicely. Bottom 6 is a bit of a jumble but they should have enough talent to make it work out.
Defense looks like it should be fairly interchangeable. Murr, Whipple, Rombach, and Loftus have all proven to be able to play the roles you have them in. Smith, Henricks, and Loftgren are all high potential guys.
I have zero reason to believe that Ludtke should even be in the lineup
Of the scratches, and the 4th liners, it’s tough to argue, with any rationality, that they should get looks over him at this instant. He’s got talent to play with, he showed it in Omaha before injury.
I have zero reason to believe that Ludtke should even be in the lineup
Of the scratches, and the 4th liners, it’s tough to argue, with any rationality, that they should get looks over him at this instant. He’s got talent to play with, he showed it in Omaha before injury.
If you take role/ice time/opportunity/linemates into consideration, it isn't at all hard to argue that Ludtke was the worst player on the team last year. What he did 3 years ago for a different team can only get you so far before he needs to actually earn a spot in the lineup. Obviously someone on the coaching staff still believes that there's a player there, I hope they're right. Ludtke being a 30 point player for this team would be huge.
Really interesting tidbit from the draft: apparently Matt Cullen has been telling teams that Minnesota plans to use Wyatt Cullen as a center. Interesting.
Everyone is worried about our C position. Matt Cullen won more draws than he lost across 21 seasons. Including 56% in the 2015-16 season.
I’m not here to make an argument this will be the teams strength. Rather that we should trust the staff to make it good enough for us to be a contender.
Winning a faceoff is obviously better than losing one, but in the grand scheme of being a good center, faceoffs are fairly insignificant.
Cullen looks to have the skill set to be able to play center, but there's a reason he hasn't done it. Trying to figure it out as an 18 year old freshman isn't ideal.
My point was this staff has someone who played C at the highest level, with great success, longer than most players on the roster have been alive.
Really interesting tidbit from the draft: apparently Matt Cullen has been telling teams that Minnesota plans to use Wyatt Cullen as a center. Interesting.
Everyone is worried about our C position. Matt Cullen won more draws than he lost across 21 seasons. Including 56% in the 2015-16 season.
I’m not here to make an argument this will be the teams strength. Rather that we should trust the staff to make it good enough for us to be a contender.
Winning a faceoff is obviously better than losing one, but in the grand scheme of being a good center, faceoffs are fairly insignificant.
Cullen looks to have the skill set to be able to play center, but there's a reason he hasn't done it. Trying to figure it out as an 18 year old freshman isn't ideal.
My point was this staff has someone who played C at the highest level, with great success, longer than most players on the roster have been alive.
FO wins was an example.
And my point was that winning faceoffs isn't all that important to being a quality center. I certainly didn't intend to imply that having Cullen around will be anything but helpful
Hoping Matt Cullen can impart some wisdom on improving the teams faceoffs in general -- seemingly, hope was our best option the past few years (jaxson nelson aside).
I spend an unhealthy amount of time looking at old box scores & gm-x-gm stats, so I noticed a while ago that Cooley was actually really good at winning faceoffs.
Two snapshots:
(1) 2023 B1G title game - won 14 of 19 (73.6%)
(2) Final reg-season game vs. OSU - won 7 of 11 (63.6%)
Huglen over 4 years was a pretty consistent 50-53% faceoff guy too.
I think our perception of the team's faceoff woes is a bit skewed due to (a) recency bias, and (b) both Ollie Moore and Erik Pahlsson consistently got wrecked on their faceoffs
Hoping Matt Cullen can impart some wisdom on improving the teams faceoffs in general -- seemingly, hope was our best option the past few years (jaxson nelson aside).
I spend an unhealthy amount of time looking at old box scores & gm-x-gm stats, so I noticed a while ago that Cooley was actually really good at winning faceoffs.
Two snapshots:
(1) 2023 B1G title game - won 14 of 19 (73.6%)
(2) Final reg-season game vs. OSU - won 7 of 11 (63.6%)
Huglen over 4 years was a pretty consistent 50-53% faceoff guy too.
I think our perception of the team's faceoff woes is a bit skewed due to (a) recency bias, and (b) both Ollie Moore and Erik Pahlsson consistently got wrecked on their faceoffs
(c) still scarred from the quinny game (i know i should move on) where we got shorted 34-23
Good info --- Cooley at the U seems very distant at this point.
@upnorthkid I doubt lutdke will be in the top 9 considering the staff wanted to cut him.
I know I posted this earlier, but this is the truth. Ludtke was kept on the team because his teammates love him. He was going to get cut. I do not see him playing on that second line. Frankly, I think he will be a 4th liner.
@upnorthkid I doubt lutdke will be in the top 9 considering the staff wanted to cut him.
I know I posted this earlier, but this is the truth. Ludtke was kept on the team because his teammates love him. He was going to get cut. I do not see him playing on that second line. Frankly, I think he will be a 4th liner.
That’s just crazy to think about considering how pumped we were to get him from Omaha in the portal last year. I know his freshman year at Omaha seems so distant now but he was a legit stud. Put up or shut up time for him. A return to form would drastically change the outlook of this team.
Well now that we're getting closer and assumedly the roster is finalized (and with the month until recruiting is likely to see another meaningful ramp up), what do folks think of the line chart given Cullen's comments on Wyatt?
Ziemer-Cullen-Mooney
Burnevik-Ludtke-Moore
Humphreys-Moe-Hendrickson
Pritchard-Nevers-Kvasnicka
Scratch: Harris, B Cullen, Townsend
Maybe they want to split the 2nd line size as that first line gets pretty light, but would be incredibly dynamic up and down the ice. Lot of guys in that bottom 6 that could move and down. Practices should be very fun this fall to see how it shapes up
Murr-Smith
Henricks-Whipple
Rombach-Loftus
Ex: Lofgren
Scratch: Begley
Like Murr with Smith as a steady puck mover that can cover for Smith, though I think his learning curve is going to be smaller than expected (he's older than Henricks and Rombach and has played over 200 games in Jr). Henricks and Whipple fit pretty well from handedness and balance between rush and defense. Loftus I think will pair pretty well with Rombach having speed and experience to cover while being a decent puck mover who's not overly flashy/going to get caught deep
LDP
Strahl
Scratch: Sabev
Imagine LDP is the guy in net, but hopefully they get Strahl some run too
I know everyone’s a little tepid after last season but this roster is actually pretty good. NCAA tournament team at the very least. Missing the tourney would be a major underperformance.
