Herbie did threaten to get some Canadian boys on the roster if they weren’t gonna play hard 😉 😀 .
https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/817695/joshua-ravensbergen
While it is clear the team is going to have to recruit players like this, but if they need to rely on Canadian players and the players filtering through the transfer portal it is going to change the entire brand image of this team.
Maybe it is just me, but one of the top reasons I am an avid Gopher hockey fan is that the team recruits the best Minnesota players and builds the team around them. We know these players. We have heard about them and seen them play since they were 14 years old, sometimes even younger. There is a historical pipeline that links these players with the Gopher players of the past.
Warroad. Grand Rapids. Edina. Stillwater. Duluth East. Eden Prairie. Would it be the same having a bunch of "North Vancouver BC" and "Niverville MB" be the bulk of the roster and winning the national championship?
Not to me I guess. The program would just become another mercenary sports program like football and basketball.
In all seriousness I’m sure the plan is to mostly go the MN route per usual but I’m fine with getting some outsiders especially if they’re a high end player like Cooley or a goalie as that’s what they’d been doing anyhow. I kinda doubt they’d be looking to the CHL for bottom six guys.
https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/817695/joshua-ravensbergen
While it is clear the team is going to have to recruit players like this, but if they need to rely on Canadian players and the players filtering through the transfer portal it is going to change the entire brand image of this team.
Maybe it is just me, but one of the top reasons I am an avid Gopher hockey fan is that the team recruits the best Minnesota players and builds the team around them. We know these players. We have heard about them and seen them play since they were 14 years old, sometimes even younger. There is a historical pipeline that links these players with the Gopher players of the past.
Warroad. Grand Rapids. Edina. Stillwater. Duluth East. Eden Prairie. Would it be the same having a bunch of "North Vancouver BC" and "Niverville MB" be the bulk of the roster and winning the national championship?
Not to me I guess. The program would just become another mercenary sports program like football and basketball.
Well we need a goalie so I through a name out there. Our goalies have been Canadians for the last 8 or so years anyway. Yeah the all Minnesota kids is nice and cool and all but it’s not exactly panned out with the grand prize in over 20 years. We’re way over due.
my $.02 but now with NIL we are waiting for a kid who grows up bleeding maroon and gold and wants to play here because he truly wants to, not because someone pays him to.
I have a friend whose son is a good MN goalie and fits that description. Hope it pans out. 😁
Does his name start with X?
The roster is always going to be dominated by MN kids. A handful from outside the border is simply necessary as recruiting is a lot more difficult than before..
There are now 6 DIV I schools in the state, and schools from MI and MA (and others) are recruiting MN more than they ever have.
I'll trust the coach to do it sparingly but they absolutely have to do it. The program is now approaching the 79-02 gap.
Moore signs. Best of luck to him.
https://twitter.com/byscottpowers/status/1905985441142075419?s=46&t=AvtsG2WfNuGRyXzbYJqB7g
That one stings, but was always a possibility.
Moore signs. Best of luck to him.
https://twitter.com/byscottpowers/status/1905985441142075419?s=46&t=AvtsG2WfNuGRyXzbYJqB7g
will then be very shocking if they don't sign rinzel as well.
Yep. Rinzel likely the next domino to fall. I expect Chesley and Wood too.
We are officially in the market for a true 1C next year. Aka Michael Misa. Throw a bag at him Bob.
Ouch. At this point I’m expecting Rinzel, Chesley, and Wood to all go as well and just hoping for no surprises in addition to that.
Some big holes to fill for next year.
Looks like Rinzel gone too (not a shocker)
https://twitter.com/frank_seravalli/status/1905990256584688098?s=46&t=AvtsG2WfNuGRyXzbYJqB7g
Keep your stick on the ice...
@gopher-fan-26 Ouch...will have to see how Bob utilizes the portal and CHL now I guess.
That one hurts me.
Best of luck to Sam and Oliver! I always felt like they would sign together. Gotta hope that Chesley wont allow that BS non call to be his final moment wearing that M.
Some big holes to fill for next year.
Start hitting the portal.
Given Bob’s rather apathetic approach to the transfer portal, I’ll believe it when I see it when he gets a CHL player to commit. With the news that Cayden Lindstrom is going to Michigan State next year, and Gavin McKenna rumored to be going to Michigan, it’s becoming an arms race.
Western Michigan brought in 6 transfers this year, 2 of which have played big roles in their team’s success this year. Michigan State has brought in 8 transfers the last two seasons. If you look at the teams around the country this year most teams brought in 4-6 transfers.
Revenue sharing is here and Gopher Hockey is 1 of 5 Minnesota programs getting a slice. No reason we can’t get some big dogs in here. With today’s news, I hope Bob has a plan.
Best of luck to Oliver in Rockford, Illinois.
Knew that it was a possibility that both Moore and Rinzel would sign but it still stings. Maybe stings isn’t the best word but those two will be big holes to fill. But best of luck to them. It was a lot of fun to watch them play in the maroon and gold.
Forwards
Snuggerud Moore Ziemer
(Wood) Clark Kurth
Lamb Huglen Pahlson
Hendrickson Nevers Mittelstadt Faloon
Recruits: Javon Moore LJ Mooney Jacob Kvasnicka Teddy Townsend
64 goals and 142 points in players lost (this includes Wood)
Defense
Rinzel Koester
Mittelstadt Gruba
Thomas (Chesley)
Whipple
Recruits: Matthew Grimes Jacob Rombach Mace'o Phillips
22 goals and 72 points lost (this includes Chesley)
86 total goals and 214 points lost.
Forwards
Snuggerud Moore Ziemer
(Wood) Clark Kurth
Lamb Huglen Pahlson
Hendrickson Nevers Mittelstadt Faloon
Recruits: Javon Moore LJ Mooney Jacob Kvasnicka Teddy Townsend
64 goals and 142 points in players lost (this includes Wood)
Defense
Rinzel Koester
Mittelstadt Gruba
Thomas (Chesley)
Whipple
Recruits: Matthew Grimes Jacob Rombach Mace'o Phillips
22 goals and 72 points lost (this includes Chesley)
86 total goals and 214 points lost.
For context, last year was only about 100 points lost (Brodz, Nelson, Pitlick, Strobel, Pino) and year prior (the runner up team) was 182 points (60 goals). IF that truly ends up being who all goes, unless we go crazy in the portal/CHL, it's going to be a tough year with what we lose to what's coming in
I was expecting a step back in general. On paper, this team may have to fight to make the tournament. A long summer, however. Internal improvements along with a big add is a must.
Can’t say I expected any different, hopefully those guys can grow their game at the next level without big ten refs.
How much difference will revenue sharing make in the portal? I saw recently that Coyle plans to give some of it to the men’s hockey team, and I’m willing to to be they will be on a short list of teams offering that.
I will guess it won’t be enough money to sway the really high end guys that are more focused on their NHL prospects, but at the same time it won’t hurt.
Gibson Homer is in the portal. Could be a veteran goalie option.
How much difference will revenue sharing make in the portal? I saw recently that Coyle plans to give some of it to the men’s hockey team, and I’m willing to to be they will be on a short list of teams offering that.
I will guess it won’t be enough money to sway the really high end guys that are more focused on their NHL prospects, but at the same time it won’t hurt.
Given we have the most guys in the NHL, it will be a big deal if we can do so and also blunt the difference in trying to make the jump right away (or sticking around another year) as we try compete for high end talent with the rest of the blue bloods. Facilities and such are going to always be pretty comparable amongst the MN, UND, DU, BC, Mich, etc out there. All depends on what the dollar amount they're willing to shunt our way is. Even if it's 1mil, given rookie ELCs are capped, it can be the difference in someone coming here to start (especially if you're luring away from the CHL; would need @skiumahlaw to weight in on if they're eligible in full) as well as giving you a second year pending the circumstance. Further, if its an upperclassmen who's played at say, Niagara, for 3 years and knows there isn't an NHL career ahead, something like 50-100k can be big deal especially as some of these guys are older and looking at moving on in life after their final season.
In theory, this could give a massive advantage to the B10 schools if all other things are equal pending how much money there is given to the hockey program (as well as from NIL in general given we have the biggest fan bases and most access). From a clearly super biased standpoint, if I was MN I'd dump a good chunk of change there as the ROI is pretty good in terms of results on the playing surface (and this is your historic best sport as well as a flagship of the state). BBall is going to much higher dollar amounts but similar in terms of roster size/impact. Don't think we'll ever get there in football as the dollar amounts are crazy, the pool is bigger of competition, and you need a bunch of players. That won't fly as they're the straw that stirs the drink for the rest of the athletic department, but we don't have the dollars to compete with the upper echelons of the B10 in paying players.
Challenge of hockey itself though is the age at which guys commit (and generally stay committed) but there's no reason we couldn't late poach players from other teams with money/influence if their recruiting blew up here and there. There's some "gentlemen's agreement" regarding targeting committed kids, but think those days are going to start to be in the past more and more. Don't think a guy like Zellers is going to bail on UND, but that's absolutely a door you could knock on for example.
per Friedman, Wood expected to sign later today
I was expecting a step back in general. On paper, this team may have to fight to make the tournament. A long summer, however. Internal improvements along with a big add is a must.
I agree. But, it is a long ask for "internal improvements". Our entire first line has now moved on.
What was Snuggerud-Moore-Ziemer is now Ziemer-Clark-Kurth. They might improve, but now they have to match top line versus top line. That is a huge drop off in talent no matter how much each of those players improves. Same with the power play. I am sure these three will move up to the first power play unit, which will enhance their own individual stats but it would be a huge surprise if they are as good as the 2024-25 first power play unit which has now completely moved on.
And, if you look at the defense, it is even worse. We need a huge offensive game improvement out of Leo Gruba. I was a bit surprised to only see 1 goal and 2 assists on the year for him considering he scored 22 goals and 35 assists in his last season in USHL.
Official-- Wood signs
https://twitter.com/AlexDaugherty1/status/1906059222569144588
I was recently informed by a GPLer that I'm related to Airey
I was expecting a step back in general. On paper, this team may have to fight to make the tournament. A long summer, however. Internal improvements along with a big add is a must.
I agree. But, it is a long ask for "internal improvements". Our entire first line has now moved on.
What was Snuggerud-Moore-Ziemer is now Ziemer-Clark-Kurth. They might improve, but now they have to match top line versus top line. That is a huge drop off in talent no matter how much each of those players improves. Same with the power play. I am sure these three will move up to the first power play unit, which will enhance their own individual stats but it would be a huge surprise if they are as good as the 2024-25 first power play unit which has now completely moved on.
And, if you look at the defense, it is even worse. We need a huge offensive game improvement out of Leo Gruba. I was a bit surprised to only see 1 goal and 2 assists on the year for him considering he scored 22 goals and 35 assists in his last season in USHL.
it's going to need both for sure. There will be portal guys (and uncommitted guys) you can add that will certainly be enticed by the idea of 1st line/PP1 minutes at a B10 school. The first dominoes are going to really start falling tomorrow
I would much rather have the players who are leaving sign ASAP rather than wait a month or so. It gives the coaches a much better advantage to replace them.
I was recently informed by a GPLer that I'm related to Airey
Agreed. While I certainly hoped Moore/Rinzel/Wood might stick around another year, I much prefer ripping that bandage off right away so that everyone knows what things look like now, rather than finding out late spring/summer.I would much rather have the players who are leaving sign ASAP rather than wait a month or so. It gives the coaches a much better advantage to replace them.
B1G refs... corrupt, or just incompetent?
Looking at the roster and projected incoming freshman, I think the clear positions that need to be filled for next year are at least one center and one more forward, a right-handed defenseman, and obviously goalie. If Chesley signs, then they will need 2 right-handed defenseman.
If Bob can't land 1-2 decent forwards in the portal, he might be forced to bring in a forward a year early like Mason Moe. Hayden Reid is projected 2025 but he's one of those guys where you get the feeling he won't make it to campus.
Adam Eisele the center from Mankato is in the portal already. Stillwater native with decent size, might be a reasonable target for a 2nd or 3rd line center role.
Have seen some wild speculation about Michael Misa but certainly not going to assume that will happen. I'll believe the CHL stuff when I see it.
I would much rather have the players who are leaving sign ASAP rather than wait a month or so. It gives the coaches a much better advantage to replace them.
Have to think they’re pulling the trigger now because the portal opens up tomorrow.
Selfishly, a bummer for me next after upgrading my seats, haha...
But more on topic, I can't figure out why one of the recruiting pitches wouldn't have been this exact scenario for some big name guys: "We've got a bunch leaving, you could be the guy"... Does that not sell at all?
Yeah improvements from one year to the next are generally more gradual and as good as Clark is he’s not top line center material, even in year 4 I kinda doubt that’d be the case. Someone like Pahlsson could be really good in year 4 but I don’t expect a huge leap next year. Same goes for the D, you’d basically need a freshman to replace Rinzel which isn’t exactly the norm, he did a decent job at replacing LaCombe but I don’t expect most guys to step in and do that.I was expecting a step back in general. On paper, this team may have to fight to make the tournament. A long summer, however. Internal improvements along with a big add is a must.
I agree. But, it is a long ask for "internal improvements". Our entire first line has now moved on.
What was Snuggerud-Moore-Ziemer is now Ziemer-Clark-Kurth. They might improve, but now they have to match top line versus top line. That is a huge drop off in talent no matter how much each of those players improves. Same with the power play. I am sure these three will move up to the first power play unit, which will enhance their own individual stats but it would be a huge surprise if they are as good as the 2024-25 first power play unit which has now completely moved on.
And, if you look at the defense, it is even worse. We need a huge offensive game improvement out of Leo Gruba. I was a bit surprised to only see 1 goal and 2 assists on the year for him considering he scored 22 goals and 35 assists in his last season in USHL.
As far as Gruba I assume that’s mainly a matter of not being on the PP with this loaded D core we had and being further down the depth chart. I’m sure his numbers will improve but idk if he’s replacing Rinzel either.
Looking at the roster and projected incoming freshman, I think the clear positions that need to be filled for next year are at least one center and one more forward, a right-handed defenseman, and obviously goalie. If Chesley signs, then they will need 2 right-handed defenseman.
If Bob can't land 1-2 decent forwards in the portal, he might be forced to bring in a forward a year early like Mason Moe. Hayden Reid is projected 2025 but he's one of those guys where you get the feeling he won't make it to campus.
Adam Eisele the center from Mankato is in the portal already. Stillwater native with decent size, might be a reasonable target for a 2nd or 3rd line center role.
Have seen some wild speculation about Michael Misa but certainly not going to assume that will happen. I'll believe the CHL stuff when I see it.
If Misa goes NCAA he will almost certainly go to BU. But it is doubtful he plays in college.
Gavin McKenna has a much higher chance of going NCAA, and my expectations are he will go to Michigan.
For top Canadien recruits, Minnesota is not a primary destination. Michigan is: Kent Johnson, Owen Powers, Adam Fantilli, TJ Hughes, Michael Hage. They have the established pipeline of these 17 year old Canadiens that go USHL then NCAA. While that isn't the same as a direct from CHL to NCAA route, it probably is about the same thing.
Minnesota MUST recruit the state of Minnesota. MUST. And that is why the big miss on this last group of Minnesota players was such a major problem for the program. Some people blew this off, but it is a major problem.
Perhaps we can become a program that has the 24+ year old Canadians and transfer players moving in from the portal like Quinnipiac or Mankato.
Wood speculation moot as he signs.
All eyes on Chesley.
Looking at the roster and projected incoming freshman, I think the clear positions that need to be filled for next year are at least one center and one more forward, a right-handed defenseman, and obviously goalie. If Chesley signs, then they will need 2 right-handed defenseman.
If Bob can't land 1-2 decent forwards in the portal, he might be forced to bring in a forward a year early like Mason Moe. Hayden Reid is projected 2025 but he's one of those guys where you get the feeling he won't make it to campus.
Adam Eisele the center from Mankato is in the portal already. Stillwater native with decent size, might be a reasonable target for a 2nd or 3rd line center role.
Have seen some wild speculation about Michael Misa but certainly not going to assume that will happen. I'll believe the CHL stuff when I see it.
If Misa goes NCAA he will almost certainly go to BU. But it is doubtful he plays in college.
Gavin McKenna has a much higher chance of going NCAA, and my expectations are he will go to Michigan.
For top Canadien recruits, Minnesota is not a primary destination. Michigan is: Kent Johnson, Owen Powers, Adam Fantilli, TJ Hughes, Michael Hage. They have the established pipeline of these 17 year old Canadiens that go USHL then NCAA. While that isn't the same as a direct from CHL to NCAA route, it probably is about the same thing.
Minnesota MUST recruit the state of Minnesota. MUST. And that is why the big miss on this last group of Minnesota players was such a major problem for the program. Some people blew this off, but it is a major problem.
Perhaps we can become a program that has the 24+ year old Canadians and transfer players moving in from the portal like Quinnipiac or Mankato.
because we have chosen to not recruit them and its a wildly different ball game now. Maybe Bob (or whoever is the next coach) will choose to continue to not do so, but its this same line of thinking that we should get to sign every MN Mr Hockey because we're the U. The landscape is massively different. We absolutely need to do better in the rest of this cycle and the coming cycles in recruiting or yes we will progress back into the darker years we had in the 2010s. There is zero reason we can't/won't recruit better out of Canada.
Some of this is also location/logistics. Hage is from Mississauga (right by Toronto) as are Moldenhauer and Power, Fantillis both from right outside Toronto, Hughes is from Hamilton (right outside Toronto). Johnson is from out in BC. Detroit (and as a result Michigan) is a huge hub city for Canadian hockey and select teams from Toronto. It's going to lead to easy recruiting and connection to that area. Michigan has a built in advantage in this regard that is going tested with more teams now having better access to those players and pathways to get those players because of the rule changes.
Gloom and doom, gloom and doom. I’m just going to see what happens and not worry about the next 5 years of Gopher hockey. Every year is different, and to say for certain they won’t be anything due to this class or the next is of no use to me. With NIL, Major Juniors, transfer portal etc. who really knows?. You want the first rounders, then lament when they leave after 1-2 years. Can’t have your cake and eat it too. Every team has an inflection in their program, and we’re probably due for one. That’s sports, that’s how it goes. Next October, I’ll be watching and go from there.
Adam Eisele from the purple cows hit the portal. Why not....
Mankato reloaded. Western Reloaded. Teams can reload quickly, I have no doubt Bob can.
Gloom and doom, gloom and doom. I’m just going to see what happens and not worry about the next 5 years of Gopher hockey. Every year is different, and to say for certain they won’t be anything due to this class or the next is of no use to me. With NIL, Major Juniors, transfer portal etc. who really knows?. You want the first rounders, then lament when they leave after 1-2 years. Can’t have your cake and eat it too. Every team has an inflection in their program, and we’re probably due for one. That’s sports, that’s how it goes. Next October, I’ll be watching and go from there.
This is very nearly being reasonable and level-headed and I have half a mind to report you for it!
Thank you. I have been pretty gloomy. Maybe we need to remember that the Gophers are a legit perennial powerhouse of a program and players would be and should feel lucky to be here. Never out of it. Yes, I agree when you do what we have been doing with the top picks you play only to the championship because there is no continuity when they all leave early. Having played at a fairly high level I am not a DI coaching mind. I hope they see the landscape and do what they can to move the program forward. Get some grit and a high end goalie in case? We have a lot of talent left on this roster.
I think the defense next year will be fine, although not as many points. Phillips and Rombach are huge and should be fun to watch and Phillips has an edge the defense hasn't had for a couple of years. If Lamb and Kurth stay, both should surpass 20 goals. Ziemer could get to 15, and I could see Hendrickson, Clark or Pahlsson getting to 10. Freshman scoring is always a wild card, but Mooney could get to 10 as well. Goaltending is the question mark, but Bob and his staff usually figure it out.
I was recently informed by a GPLer that I'm related to Airey
On the contrary, the players are signing quickly to get into the lineup for obligatory NHL games their teams will throw them into yet this NHL Regular Season.I would much rather have the players who are leaving sign ASAP rather than wait a month or so. It gives the coaches a much better advantage to replace them.
Have to think they’re pulling the trigger now because the portal opens up tomorrow.
The Gophers will have no problem getting good players. Its getting the elite high enders that will be tough with $$$$ being offered from the Michigan and Boston schools.