Quote: upnorthkidQuote: maroon and goldQuote: upnorthkidQuote: maroon and goldWe’ll see on that. All we’ve heard is he was TBD to start the season on time and that was back in May.
This was back in June from local Everett post-season article on him
Smith said he will be out of the sling by the end of June and can resume skating in August. He’s targeting Nov. 1 as his full return to the ice. Many things will have changed since he last played, and although this season did not end how he wanted it to from an individual standpoint, he leaves Everett with no regrets.
I do not think they will rush him back. You want him in at full strength and ready to go building into later in the year. This is an old d core with plenty of guys who have played at a high level
Hadn’t remembered the Nov 1 return date. He said that in the interview?
That’s what the reporter quoted him as saying. Of course it all depends his pace of recovery and such and I’m sure it could be faster or slower, but I think Larson is going to respect the Ducks org and wanting him well healed and whole if he needs more time. We want him at top form come April, I’m less worried about October (think this team is absolutely built to withstand it early with the vets and see the skill peak late and be a threat come NCAA time)
Interesting. And I agree we can withstand this early on unlike last year. If we missed Mittelstadt or Thomas early last year things would have gotten uglier than they already did.
Quote: upnorthkidQuote: maroon and goldExpecting Humphreys and Kvasnicka to both hum around 20 points as first years, which would be solid.
Smith I have really high hopes for. If they use him as much as I think they will, 25+ points could be in order.
think the kicker to that is smith may not be available at full strength for multiple weeks to start the year
also, Gopher freshmen/soph to produce 25 points going back to 2000 (know the games played are different, but for context)
SO Rinzel (32), FR Rinzel (28), SO Mike Reilly (33), SO Nate Schmidt (41), SO Cade Farechild (33), SO Alex Goligoski (39), SO Chris Harrington (29), SO Keith Ballard (41), SO Paul Martin (38)
Given they're talking about Murr as the PP1 guy, I don't think that 25 points is likely especially given he may miss time given it takes a pretty good player or a really good team producing quite a few points (and playing a lot of games) just to get the point output
LaCombe (soph) and Mittelstadt (freshman year) both came close w/ 21pts each, LaCombe would've hit 25 if not for the shortened season. L.Mitts did it playing fairly marginal minutes too, so I think 20pts is a pretty good target depending on the injury situation
Quote: Walker? I Barely Know HerQuote: upnorthkidQuote: maroon and goldExpecting Humphreys and Kvasnicka to both hum around 20 points as first years, which would be solid.
Smith I have really high hopes for. If they use him as much as I think they will, 25+ points could be in order.
think the kicker to that is smith may not be available at full strength for multiple weeks to start the year
also, Gopher freshmen/soph to produce 25 points going back to 2000 (know the games played are different, but for context)
SO Rinzel (32), FR Rinzel (28), SO Mike Reilly (33), SO Nate Schmidt (41), SO Cade Farechild (33), SO Alex Goligoski (39), SO Chris Harrington (29), SO Keith Ballard (41), SO Paul Martin (38)
Given they're talking about Murr as the PP1 guy, I don't think that 25 points is likely especially given he may miss time given it takes a pretty good player or a really good team producing quite a few points (and playing a lot of games) just to get the point output
LaCombe (soph) and Mittelstadt (freshman year) both came close w/ 21pts each, LaCombe would've hit 25 if not for the shortened season. L.Mitts did it playing fairly marginal minutes too, so I think 20pts is a pretty good target depending on the injury situation
agree. more just remarking I think we often get point targets/round numbers in our heads and forget how lofty those are for underclassmen, even ones who end up being really, really good, because of opportunity and acclimation to the game. 25 points is a lot for a Dman in general in college hockey.
In all the B10, Jackson Smith (26) was the only one who hit 25 points as an underclassmen. Dexheimer (28) was the only other Dman in the entire league who hit the 25 point threshold
Quote: upnorthkidIn all the B10, Jackson Smith (26) was the only one who hit 25 points as an underclassmen. Dexheimer (28) was the only other Dman in the entire league who hit the 25 point threshold
That's wild, although when I think about it both Michigan and MSU had deeper but not top heavy / star-studded D corps. Weren't super reliant on their D to generate offense and I distinctly recall Michigan running a 5-forward PP1 most nights.
Ours could very well be the most dynamic 7-man defensive group in B1G this season, which makes me pretty optimistic that we'll be in the hunt for an 8th league title.
https://twitter.com/gopherhockey/status/2095904736679461208?s=46
I’m very excited to see how Martin does as a full time coach. He was elite at thinking the game from the backend and hopefully he can translate that well in teaching the game to our D core.
Quote: upnorthkidQuote: Walker? I Barely Know HerQuote: upnorthkidQuote: maroon and goldExpecting Humphreys and Kvasnicka to both hum around 20 points as first years, which would be solid.
Smith I have really high hopes for. If they use him as much as I think they will, 25+ points could be in order.
think the kicker to that is smith may not be available at full strength for multiple weeks to start the year
also, Gopher freshmen/soph to produce 25 points going back to 2000 (know the games played are different, but for context)
SO Rinzel (32), FR Rinzel (28), SO Mike Reilly (33), SO Nate Schmidt (41), SO Cade Farechild (33), SO Alex Goligoski (39), SO Chris Harrington (29), SO Keith Ballard (41), SO Paul Martin (38)
Given they're talking about Murr as the PP1 guy, I don't think that 25 points is likely especially given he may miss time given it takes a pretty good player or a really good team producing quite a few points (and playing a lot of games) just to get the point output
LaCombe (soph) and Mittelstadt (freshman year) both came close w/ 21pts each, LaCombe would've hit 25 if not for the shortened season. L.Mitts did it playing fairly marginal minutes too, so I think 20pts is a pretty good target depending on the injury situation
agree. more just remarking I think we often get point targets/round numbers in our heads and forget how lofty those are for underclassmen, even ones who end up being really, really good, because of opportunity and acclimation to the game. 25 points is a lot for a Dman in general in college hockey.
In all the B10, Jackson Smith (26) was the only one who hit 25 points as an underclassmen. Dexheimer (28) was the only other Dman in the entire league who hit the 25 point threshold
Agree with the overall sentiment. Reason I was so bullish on Smith is because he’s coming in as a well seasoned 20 year old freshman. Age-wise should probably be a junior. Missing the first month won’t help his point totals though.
Quote: Young gopher diehard 2https://twitter.com/gopherhockey/status/2095904736679461208?s=46
I’m very excited to see how Martin does as a full time coach. He was elite at thinking the game from the backend and hopefully he can translate that well in teaching the game to our D core.
Have to think a staff with both Martin and Cullen, two longtime NHL vets, will rub off on the players.
Am I correct that single game tix are not yet available?
https://gophersports.com/sports/2026/7/27/minnesota-golden-gopher-mens-hockey-tickets
"Single game tickets for the 2026-27 season will go on sale in Fall 2026"
Targeting the MSU series December 11th and 12th as it's the only home series available during our visit to MN.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24131129/gallery_image.JPG "Hey_Sioux_Suck")
Quote: Slap ShotAm I correct that single game tix are not yet available?
https://gophersports.com/sports/2026/7/27/minnesota-golden-gopher-mens-hockey-tickets
"Single game tickets for the 2026-27 season will go on sale in Fall 2026"
Targeting the MSU series December 11th and 12th as it's the only home series available during our visit to MN.
Gophers are AT Michigan State that weekend
Quote: Hey_Sioux_SuckQuote: Slap ShotAm I correct that single game tix are not yet available?
https://gophersports.com/sports/2026/7/27/minnesota-golden-gopher-mens-hockey-tickets
"Single game tickets for the 2026-27 season will go on sale in Fall 2026"
Targeting the MSU series December 11th and 12th as it's the only home series available during our visit to MN.
Gophers are AT Michigan State that weekend
Ugh you're right. My only chance is the BSU exhibition.
Anyway challenge accepted:
Quote: Slap ShotQuote: Hey_Sioux_SuckQuote: Slap ShotAm I correct that single game tix are not yet available?
https://gophersports.com/sports/2026/7/27/minnesota-golden-gopher-mens-hockey-tickets
"Single game tickets for the 2026-27 season will go on sale in Fall 2026"
Targeting the MSU series December 11th and 12th as it's the only home series available during our visit to MN.
Gophers are AT Michigan State that weekend
Ugh you're right. My only chance is the BSU exhibition.
Anyway challenge accepted:
this account is run by the same person as Future of Pride on Ice, for whatever that's worth. I don't really put much stock in the nuts and bolts (so to speak) of their hockey opinions & analysis.
Their collegepucknxt account seems to lean into posting a lot of engagement bait for bigger eastern fanbases to circlejerk over.
Minnesota State single game tickets go on sale this morning at 10:00 for those interested in coming to Mankato for the game Thanksgiving weekend.
I am the official Iowa Hawkeye football fan of GPL!
First day of practices! Good to be back!
Quote: maroon and goldFirst day of practices! Good to be back!
When will GPL set the lines?
Quote: NormQuote: maroon and goldFirst day of practices! Good to be back!
When will GPL set the lines?
Waiting to talk to Larson about it at the banquet before posting. Don’t want to give it away
Hopefully he listens to the very influential (season ticket) owners 😉 😆
Quote: upnorthkidQuote: NormQuote: maroon and goldFirst day of practices! Good to be back!
When will GPL set the lines?
Waiting to talk to Larson about it at the banquet before posting. Don’t want to give it away
Ask him how Ludtke & Moe look in practice. Thats the deciding piece of the middle 6!
I mean those appear to be the only centers on the roster. Both are bottom 6 guys to me.
Quote: Jankwi01I mean those appear to be the only centers on the roster. Both are bottom 6 guys to me.
Ahh there's sunshine and roses Jank back...
You can build lines now if you want. Build Lineup button at the bottom of the new post area, near the Add Reply button.
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Come on man. We all know this team might be bad down the middle. I like the d core if they are healthy and I think Luca is above average. Ziemer and Mooney are high end players. There are positives but its worth mentioning problems.
Why on earth is beckett Hendrickson on the first line? Guy doesnt finish well.
Quote: Jankwi01
Why on earth is beckett Hendrickson on the first line? Guy doesnt finish well.
He’s elite along the boards and in the dirty areas. Put him with guys who can finish. He wouldn’t be on my first line either but I could see it.
Quote: puckluck
I don’t know if Ludtke was just out of shape from missing the majority of his sophomore year or what but he was painful to watch last year. Looked like he was playing in quicksand and was a legit liability. I don’t think it happens but he'd be on the bench for me until he proves otherwise.
Quote: Jankwi01
Why on earth is beckett Hendrickson on the first line? Guy doesnt finish well.
buddy relax. It's just an idea. Maybe taking shifts alongside Burnevik and Cullen might unlock some extra time, space, and finishing abilities for Beckett.
I know that you know Week 1 lineups are never set in stone, and that coaches usually test-drive more experimental line combos in the early season.
Quote: Go4birdvowelI don’t know if Ludtke was just out of shape from missing the majority of his sophomore year or what but he was painful to watch last year. Looked like he was playing in quicksand and was a legit liability. I don’t think it happens but he'd be on the bench for me until he proves otherwise.
I like this lineup. Similar to what I made up, but yeah, Ludtke is a tough one to predict based on last year. If he was hurt (not sure if he was) then maybe he ends up being a much needed surprise this year.
the other two that I struggled with are Beckett and Moore. Both are critical pieces and both should play big roles, so the key is injecting them where they can make the most impact IMO. I like Moore on the second line this year as a power forward. I toyed with Beckett moving to center with Moore and Burnevik on the wings. Believe Beckett and Burnevik played together at the program of if I recall so there may be some good chemistry
doubt they’ll try Beckett as a second line center concept…
fun to play around with the line combos as a “fan” lol
Just going off film Kvasnicka I could see being in the top 6. He was really good in the WHL as a 18 year old. I just think his skills translate well. I'd perfer humphreys to be a wing because he struggles on draws but we may not have a choice.
Quote: Jankwi01Just going off film Kvasnicka I could see being in the top 6. He was really good in the WHL as a 18 year old. I just think his skills translate well. I'd perfer humphreys to be a wing because he struggles on draws but we may not have a choice.
I’m high on Kvasnicka as well but Ziemer(right shot) or Mooney(right shot) is going to be one of the top RW and Burnevik is a left shot sniper who likes to shoot from his off wing and played RW his whole time at Saint Cloud will be the other RW. Kvasnicka is a right shot who played RW last year at Penticton. I think it’ll be tough for him to beat out Moore or Hendrickson for that final LW spot if nothing more than they’re both 2 years older and are left shots. I’d also rather have a freshman come in and play his natural position he’s accustomed to unless otherwise necessary. Just my thought process.
I don’t put very much stock in “lines” in September-October-November. Or ever really. It’s just about three guys who work together well. Work together well enough and you’ll be “first line”. The top 9 forwards should all have their role, and in a good year, any of those three lines could be the “first line” on any given night.
It’s about finding players that compliment each other. Knies-Cooley-Snuggerud worked so well because they each brought something to the stew…Knies was the power, Snuggerud was the rifleman, and Cooley was the artist.
Ludtke and Rombach are probably your two biggest “what ifs” in the lineup. Safe to say neither one impressed last year but both have pedigree. If you can get anything close to Omaha Ludtke he’s a legit middle/top 6 scoring threat.
Can Rombach be the player that went 3 picks outside the first round? A steady, stable shutdown defender would be a rock on the third pair and a force on the PK.
@maroon_and_gold he looked better with USA playing with his age group.
Of the below returning forwards, who will have the most points at the end of this season? It’ll be fun to see how this shakes out as we should have some added production from this group this season. I’m optimistic and looking forward to a fresh season! Let’s go!
Moore
Hendrickson
Moe
Ludtke
Quote: puckluckOf the below returning forwards, who will have the most points at the end of this season? It’ll be fun to see how this shakes out as we should have some added production from this group this season. I’m optimistic and looking forward to a fresh season! Let’s go!
Moore
Hendrickson
Moe
Ludtke
I’m going with Moore. I really liked how he progressed last year and I think I even remember Cappy mentioning that Moore was one of the few players who looked good in that last game against Penn State. I’m optimistic about Moe as well and honestly it was a bit of a toss up but I gave the nod to Moore. I’m certainly not down on Hendrickson. Honestly, I like his game a lot and he’s a solid player. But he was so snake bit last year that I just don’t know what to expect from him on the scoring sheet. He also seems like the guy on a line who’s going to grind along the boards and potentially get more assists than goals. Finally, Ludtke, like many others have mentioned, is just too big of a question mark at the moment. Hope for his sake, and ours, he gets back to his old self.
Moe will have the most points. Hendrickson could have the most impact. Maybe not with points, but by playing a strong down low and forecheck game. Play him with Cullen (center) and Humphries (right wing).
Moore I don’t know what to expect. He just doesn’t seem to have the Knies feel to him. Too much on the perimeter.
Ludtke- 4th line center or scratched. Based on what we saw last year.
Quote: puckluckOf the below returning forwards, who will have the most points at the end of this season? It’ll be fun to see how this shakes out as we should have some added production from this group this season. I’m optimistic and looking forward to a fresh season! Let’s go!
Moore
Hendrickson
Moe
Ludtke
Going a little off the board with Hendrickson. Play him with guys who can finish and 30 points isn’t out of the picture.
Kind of depends on if Moe gets slotted as a 2nd line center by default or not. Moore should get pp minutes as well.
based on last year, would be Moore. Based on how I see the lineup, feels like Moe
Quote: Rau 4 SkiUMah 2.0Quote: puckluckOf the below returning forwards, who will have the most points at the end of this season? It’ll be fun to see how this shakes out as we should have some added production from this group this season. I’m optimistic and looking forward to a fresh season! Let’s go!
Moore
Hendrickson
Moe
Ludtke
I’m going with Moore. I really liked how he progressed last year and I think I even remember Cappy mentioning that Moore was one of the few players who looked good in that last game against Penn State. I’m optimistic about Moe as well and honestly it was a bit of a toss up but I gave the nod to Moore. I’m certainly not down on Hendrickson. Honestly, I like his game a lot and he’s a solid player. But he was so snake bit last year that I just don’t know what to expect from him on the scoring sheet. He also seems like the guy on a line who’s going to grind along the boards and potentially get more assists than goals. Finally, Ludtke, like many others have mentioned, is just too big of a question mark at the moment. Hope for his sake, and ours, he gets back to his old self.
This is pretty much my take as well. Just depends on what roles these guys get into and overall line chemistry .
Quote: Miller77Moe will have the most points. Hendrickson could have the most impact. Maybe not with points, but by playing a strong down low and forecheck game. Play him with Cullen (center) and Humphries (right wing).
Moore I don’t know what to expect. He just doesn’t seem to have the Knies feel to him. Too much on the perimeter.
Ludtke- 4th line center or scratched. Based on what we saw last year.
Good points. That’s the one thing for me on Moore. I think he could be the guy to take the jump…but I feel like it’ll have to be in a “Knies like” style of getting to the net without being denied like Knies did. Moore has the tools and skating to do so. I’m hopeful he finds success being that style of player this year.
Quote: upnorthkidKind of depends on if Moe gets slotted as a 2nd line center by default or not. Moore should get pp minutes as well.
based on last year, would be Moore. Based on how I see the lineup, feels like Moe
Good call. If Moe ends up as second center, maybe he hits a stride. I haven’t seen enough to know yet. Love his shot though.
we just need to start winning some draws this year! Whoever is at center
https://twitter.com/GopherHockey/status/2098818926448673224
Looking down from my High Horse
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Not very objective
Quote: frozen 4 champs
Cannot wait for Houghton. Season can’t come fast enough after the shit show from Gopher football this weekend