With the scrimmage tomorrow night, the season is now upon us. New staff, a bunch of new faces, new outlook and better results are ahead. Go Gophers
Looking down from my High Horse
Morality Police
Not very objective
Just wanted to make a comment on @eric-vegoe's note on Whipple. Think we saw some flashes of the offensive contributor he could be later last year that he just never had the opportunity to flesh out at the NTDP or early in his gopher career (which will happen when you have Rinzel, Koster, Chesley and Mittelstadt all capable of doing some nice things offensively). Much more driving the net, staying in on the rush/in deep, etc. Think he has the potential to be one of those wild card players who takes this team from being good to very good/great
Quote: upnorthkidJust wanted to make a comment on @eric-vegoe's note on Whipple. Think we saw some flashes of the offensive contributor he could be later last year that he just never had the opportunity to flesh out at the NTDP or early in his gopher career (which will happen when you have Rinzel, Koster, Chesley and Mittelstadt all capable of doing some nice things offensively). Much more driving the net, staying in on the rush/in deep, etc. Think he has the potential to be one of those wild card players who takes this team from being good to very good/great
I remember in the 2nd half series @ Notre Dame they briefly had Whipple running PP2 and he finally got some decent puck movement and chances going after our normal PP units had been a disaster most of that weekend . It'd be great to see him really take a Bischoff or Schmidt-level step up
Schloss released his top 20 today.
1. Michigan
2. Minnesota Duluth
3. Quinnipiac
4. Denver
5. Michigan State
6. North Dakota
7. Western Michigan
8. Minnesota
9. Providence
10. Colorado College
11. Dartmouth
12. UMass
13. Boston College
14. Boston University
15. Michigan Tech
16. Wisconsin
17. UConn
18. Merrimack
19. Bowling Green
20. Northeastern
https://twitter.com/GopherHockey/status/2103514879395311922
Looking down from my High Horse
Morality Police
Not very objective
Has anyone received the link to download tickets that were purchased as part of the State Fair deal?
Quote: upnorthkidSchloss released his top 20 today.
1. Michigan
2. Minnesota Duluth
3. Quinnipiac
4. Denver
5. Michigan State
6. North Dakota
7. Western Michigan
8. Minnesota
9. Providence
10. Colorado College
11. Dartmouth
12. UMass
13. Boston College
14. Boston University
15. Michigan Tech
16. Wisconsin
17. UConn
18. Merrimack
19. Bowling Green
20. Northeastern
Schloss knows his stuff. Bottom of the top 10, early teens seems to be the consensus early for this group.
Quote: maroon and goldQuote: upnorthkidSchloss released his top 20 today.
1. Michigan
2. Minnesota Duluth
3. Quinnipiac
4. Denver
5. Michigan State
6. North Dakota
7. Western Michigan
8. Minnesota
9. Providence
10. Colorado College
11. Dartmouth
12. UMass
13. Boston College
14. Boston University
15. Michigan Tech
16. Wisconsin
17. UConn
18. Merrimack
19. Bowling Green
20. Northeastern
Schloss knows his stuff. Bottom of the top 10, early teens seems to be the consensus early for this group.
To me feels Like it’s Michigan and then a gap followed by about 4-8 teams in that grouping. Aside from mich, everyone has holes/unknowns and it’s going to be got out meshes and comes together
@upnorthkid I think Quinnipiac is a monster and just as good as Michigan. After that there's a drop off. Then I'd have Providence UMD UND Michigan State.
Happy for you that your favorite team is so stacked.
Quote: upnorthkidQuote: maroon and goldQuote: upnorthkidSchloss released his top 20 today.
1. Michigan
2. Minnesota Duluth
3. Quinnipiac
4. Denver
5. Michigan State
6. North Dakota
7. Western Michigan
8. Minnesota
9. Providence
10. Colorado College
11. Dartmouth
12. UMass
13. Boston College
14. Boston University
15. Michigan Tech
16. Wisconsin
17. UConn
18. Merrimack
19. Bowling Green
20. Northeastern
Schloss knows his stuff. Bottom of the top 10, early teens seems to be the consensus early for this group.
To me feels Like it’s Michigan and then a gap followed by about 4-8 teams in that grouping. Aside from mich, everyone has holes/unknowns and it’s going to be got out meshes and comes together
I would argue Michigan has a hole behind the bench (and yeah I think of some prefixes for that as well), he certainly can recruit but it hasn't translated to Nattys. For all those who argue Minnesota did less with more during the Motzko years, I give you Brandon Naurato
Quote: TheBirdmanQuote: upnorthkidQuote: maroon and goldQuote: upnorthkidSchloss released his top 20 today.
1. Michigan
2. Minnesota Duluth
3. Quinnipiac
4. Denver
5. Michigan State
6. North Dakota
7. Western Michigan
8. Minnesota
9. Providence
10. Colorado College
11. Dartmouth
12. UMass
13. Boston College
14. Boston University
15. Michigan Tech
16. Wisconsin
17. UConn
18. Merrimack
19. Bowling Green
20. Northeastern
Schloss knows his stuff. Bottom of the top 10, early teens seems to be the consensus early for this group.
To me feels Like it’s Michigan and then a gap followed by about 4-8 teams in that grouping. Aside from mich, everyone has holes/unknowns and it’s going to be got out meshes and comes together
I would argue Michigan has a hole behind the bench (and yeah I think of some prefixes for that as well), he certainly can recruit but it hasn't translated to Nattys. For all those who argue Minnesota did less with more during the Motzko years, I give you Brandon Naurato
Michigan got worse every year under Narauto during his first three seasons. They had a nice resurgence last year and look to be legit this year. It’s very possible Narauto is maturing and coming into his own as a coach.
I see there’s new screening at the rink. Leave your purses and weapons at home people.
Excited to see the team. It’s been a very long offseason.
@thebirdman he's never gone 11-22
It's nice to see them practice the shootout. The talent on this team is frozen four caliber.
The addition of Austin Burnevik, reminds me of when Western Michigan added Alex Bump.
The only thing I hate is the break after week one. Let's hope it works in their favor when they play up in Duluth.
Go Gophers!
Any insights from those that attended the scrimmage?
Anyone see Mooney out there? I don’t think I saw 18 at all.
Quote: Rau 4 SkiUMah 2.0Anyone see Mooney out there? I don’t think I saw 18 at all.
No Smith, Mooney or Strahl
Quote: BoninTheBearAny insights from those that attended the scrimmage?
They played 10 minutes of 5 on 5, 5 min of 4 on 4, 5 min of 3 on 3 and 10 minutes of PP/PK with intermittent shootout breaks in between.
As far as major takeaways, hard to really draw any major conclusions from an event like this but I’ll give some of what I saw:
- The Murr/Lofgren pair really seemed to control play when they were out there
- Henricks stands out with his skating ability. Will be a breath of fresh air compared to what we had on the blue line last season
- Humphreys can really scoot. He’ll be more of a feature on the power play than I would’ve guessed
Oh and I know it’s just an intrasquad, but the PK actually seemed like they knew their assignments and rotations. Already better than last season.
Quote: maroon and goldQuote: Rau 4 SkiUMah 2.0Anyone see Mooney out there? I don’t think I saw 18 at all.
No Smith, Mooney or Strahl
Mooney being out would not be an ideal way to start the season
Quote: upnorthkidQuote: maroon and goldQuote: Rau 4 SkiUMah 2.0Anyone see Mooney out there? I don’t think I saw 18 at all.
No Smith, Mooney or Strahl
Mooney being out would not be an ideal way to start the season
At media day Larson mentioned that there were a few bumps and bruises but nothing serious so hopefully Mooney being out of the scrimmage tonight was more of just a precaution.
Great event to promote the new squad this year. I'm glad they handed out a roster sheet to assist me in all of the new players. I thought Moore looked really good.
Looking down from my High Horse
Morality Police
Not very objective
Quote: maroon and goldQuote: TheBirdmanQuote: upnorthkidQuote: maroon and goldQuote: upnorthkidSchloss released his top 20 today.
1. Michigan
2. Minnesota Duluth
3. Quinnipiac
4. Denver
5. Michigan State
6. North Dakota
7. Western Michigan
8. Minnesota
9. Providence
10. Colorado College
11. Dartmouth
12. UMass
13. Boston College
14. Boston University
15. Michigan Tech
16. Wisconsin
17. UConn
18. Merrimack
19. Bowling Green
20. Northeastern
Schloss knows his stuff. Bottom of the top 10, early teens seems to be the consensus early for this group.
To me feels Like it’s Michigan and then a gap followed by about 4-8 teams in that grouping. Aside from mich, everyone has holes/unknowns and it’s going to be got out meshes and comes together
I would argue Michigan has a hole behind the bench (and yeah I think of some prefixes for that as well), he certainly can recruit but it hasn't translated to Nattys. For all those who argue Minnesota did less with more during the Motzko years, I give you Brandon Naurato
Michigan got worse every year under Narauto during his first three seasons. They had a nice resurgence last year and look to be legit this year. It’s very possible Narauto is maturing and coming into his own as a coach.
That's entirely possible (unfortunately) - with the talent hes able to draw, it wouldn't be surprising and I may have to eat this.
I am not too concerned about Mooney... He did participate in warmups.
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CHN releases their preseason top ten in tiers I guess?
Tier 1
Mich
DU
UND
QU
Dartmouth
Tier 2
UMD
WI
MSU
Providence
UMass
Just missed
WMU
BC
BU
Cornell
PSU
Not exactly sure what the "tiers" are supposed to be,
Any line and d-pairing projections or did I miss the post?
Ok about that time again as the week is finally here. Post your season predictions/hot takes!
1. The Gophers finish with 3 point per game players. Haven't done it since 22-23, but this feels like a team that should feature some top line heavy scoring and I expect the PP to be solid.
2. Ziemer tops 20 goals again, joining Snuggy (3 straight) as the only one to do is since Nick Bjugstad back in 11-12/12-13
3. The PP% takes a dip (though remains in the top 10 nationwide) but the PK returns to not be a major liability; some of this is just law of averages, but this was also historically reasonably true under Larson at SCSU. Hoping we can see some impact of the new staff here
4. Gophers return to the postseason
Nationally
1. Michigan finishes as the 1 seed overall
2. UMD wins the NCHC and 5 NCHC teams make the postseason
3. Speaking of the NCHC, ASU continues to sweep the Mayich thing aside and nothing happens to Powers, who has some nice powerful donor friends who help him keep his job despite ASU missing the postseason once again
4. Frozen Four teams are Michigan, Minnesota ( 😎 ), UMD, and QU
Quote: upnorthkidQuote: maroon and goldQuote: Rau 4 SkiUMah 2.0Anyone see Mooney out there? I don’t think I saw 18 at all.
No Smith, Mooney or Strahl
Mooney being out would not be an ideal way to start the season
For what it's worth, I asked Mooney in the autograph line if he was going to be good to go for next week and he said "yea for sure"
Quote: BoatsQuote: upnorthkidQuote: maroon and goldQuote: Rau 4 SkiUMah 2.0Anyone see Mooney out there? I don’t think I saw 18 at all.
No Smith, Mooney or Strahl
Mooney being out would not be an ideal way to start the season
For what it's worth, I asked Mooney in the autograph line if he was going to be good to go for next week and he said "yea for sure"
A good journalist never reveals their sources... But in all seriousness that is great news. Would love a sweep in Houghton.
'29, '40, '74, '76, '79, '02, & '03
GPL's Resident Cabin Enthusiast & Cadets Hockey Fan
Quote: upnorthkidOk about that time again as the week is finally here. Post your season predictions/hot takes!
1. The Gophers finish with 3 point per game players. Haven't done it since 22-23, but this feels like a team that should feature some top line heavy scoring and I expect the PP to be solid.
2. Ziemer tops 20 goals again, joining Snuggy (3 straight) as the only one to do is since Nick Bjugstad back in 11-12/12-13
3. The PP% takes a dip (though remains in the top 10 nationwide) but the PK returns to not be a major liability; some of this is just law of averages, but this was also historically reasonably true under Larson at SCSU. Hoping we can see some impact of the new staff here
4. Gophers return to the postseason
Nationally
1. Michigan finishes as the 1 seed overall
2. UMD wins the NCHC and 5 NCHC teams make the postseason
3. Speaking of the NCHC, ASU continues to sweep the Mayich thing aside and nothing happens to Powers, who has some nice powerful donor friends who help him keep his job despite ASU missing the postseason once again
4. Frozen Four teams are Michigan, Minnesota ( 😎 ), UMD, and QU
I'm predicting a frozen four appearance for the Gophers this year.
Austin Burnevik is a great addition and he already knows the system. He and Ziemer will both be 20+ goal scorers this year.
Go Gophers!
Quote: gopherfun83Quote: upnorthkidOk about that time again as the week is finally here. Post your season predictions/hot takes!
1. The Gophers finish with 3 point per game players. Haven't done it since 22-23, but this feels like a team that should feature some top line heavy scoring and I expect the PP to be solid.
2. Ziemer tops 20 goals again, joining Snuggy (3 straight) as the only one to do is since Nick Bjugstad back in 11-12/12-13
3. The PP% takes a dip (though remains in the top 10 nationwide) but the PK returns to not be a major liability; some of this is just law of averages, but this was also historically reasonably true under Larson at SCSU. Hoping we can see some impact of the new staff here
4. Gophers return to the postseason
Nationally
1. Michigan finishes as the 1 seed overall
2. UMD wins the NCHC and 5 NCHC teams make the postseason
3. Speaking of the NCHC, ASU continues to sweep the Mayich thing aside and nothing happens to Powers, who has some nice powerful donor friends who help him keep his job despite ASU missing the postseason once again
4. Frozen Four teams are Michigan, Minnesota ( 😎 ), UMD, and QU
I'm predicting a frozen four appearance for the Gophers this year.
Austin Burnevik is a great addition and he already knows the system. He and Ziemer will both be 20+ goal scorers this year.
Go Gophers!
Just for note, that’s happened 3 times in the last 20 years (2 20 goal scorers)
Quote: upnorthkidQuote: gopherfun83Quote: upnorthkidOk about that time again as the week is finally here. Post your season predictions/hot takes!
1. The Gophers finish with 3 point per game players. Haven't done it since 22-23, but this feels like a team that should feature some top line heavy scoring and I expect the PP to be solid.
2. Ziemer tops 20 goals again, joining Snuggy (3 straight) as the only one to do is since Nick Bjugstad back in 11-12/12-13
3. The PP% takes a dip (though remains in the top 10 nationwide) but the PK returns to not be a major liability; some of this is just law of averages, but this was also historically reasonably true under Larson at SCSU. Hoping we can see some impact of the new staff here
4. Gophers return to the postseason
Nationally
1. Michigan finishes as the 1 seed overall
2. UMD wins the NCHC and 5 NCHC teams make the postseason
3. Speaking of the NCHC, ASU continues to sweep the Mayich thing aside and nothing happens to Powers, who has some nice powerful donor friends who help him keep his job despite ASU missing the postseason once again
4. Frozen Four teams are Michigan, Minnesota ( 😎 ), UMD, and QU
I'm predicting a frozen four appearance for the Gophers this year.
Austin Burnevik is a great addition and he already knows the system. He and Ziemer will both be 20+ goal scorers this year.
Go Gophers!
Just for note, that’s happened 3 times in the last 20 years (2 20 goal scorers)
About to be 4 😎
https://twitter.com/GopherHockey/status/2104678877302055201
Looking down from my High Horse
Morality Police
Not very objective
Quote: MarkHockeyAny line and d-pairing projections or did I miss the post?
Lofgren-Murr
Whipple-Henricks
Rombach-Loftus
is what they rolled out at the scrimmage. Keep in mind Smith will jump in when he’s healthy.
Still no TV schedule....
Quote: frozen 4 champs
Another great listen from Coach, but holy balls I wish someone would duct tape Pat’s mouth shut when someone else is talking.
Quote: Johnny FiveQuote: frozen 4 champsAnother great listen from Coach, but holy balls I wish someone would duct tape Pat’s mouth shut when someone else is talking.
Pat has main character syndrome. I think it is getting worse every year.
Quote: Mike Eruzione 11Quote: Johnny FiveQuote: frozen 4 champsAnother great listen from Coach, but holy balls I wish someone would duct tape Pat’s mouth shut when someone else is talking.
Pat has main character syndrome. I think it is getting worse every year.
what do you mean? he put gopher hockey on the map according to Jim
Quote: Mike Eruzione 11Quote: Johnny FiveQuote: frozen 4 champsAnother great listen from Coach, but holy balls I wish someone would duct tape Pat’s mouth shut when someone else is talking.
Pat has main character syndrome. I think it is getting worse every year.
Jim certainly isn’t helping either😅
Wheeler's top 40 freshmen. Here are the Gophers he ranked.
https://twitter.com/scottcwheeler/status/2105648999650717812
6. Wyatt Cullen, C, Minnesota (Predators — No. 10, 2026)
If Malhotra is the No. 1 freshman forward in this class, Cullen might not be far behind. He’s also the most purely skilled with the puck. After playing the wing at the national program, he’s also expected to make the move to center for both Minnesota and Team USA at the World Juniors. His one-on-one game and skating are going to excite fans at Mariucci. He’s the Gophers’ most exciting prospect since Logan Cooley.
36. Jacob Kvasnicka, RW, Minnesota (Islanders — No. 202, 2025)
Kvasnicka is an extremely likable, hardworking winger who also offers speed and some skill around the slot. He doesn’t take shifts off or have bad games and can play anywhere in a lineup. I’m betting he makes the U.S. World Junior team, too.
37. Tarin Smith, LHD, Minnesota (Ducks — No. 79, 2024)
The captain of the WHL champion Everett Silvertips last year, Smith was a big-minutes, all-situations D for a team with Memorial Cup aspirations before injuring his left shoulder and ending his junior career early. He now returns to that layoff at the college level, where I expect him to be a solid depth D to start and eventually a top-four blueliner in college.
Looking down from my High Horse
Morality Police
Not very objective
GREAT picture with Mariucci in the background!
https://twitter.com/MikeWierzbicki/status/2106538442201182534?s=20
“When your best friend is the son of God, you get tired of losing every argument.”
― Christopher Moore, Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal
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Quote: Jankwi01You can sure tell Bob took some time off recruiting.
Bob is gone, no sense rehashing his time here.
Looking down from my High Horse
Morality Police
Not very objective
Anyone got eyes on this?
Quote: frozen 4 champsQuote: Jankwi01You can sure tell Bob took some time off recruiting.
Bob is gone, no sense rehashing his time here.
Not re-litigating but I will say that one thing I could always count on seeing from Bob's teams was every time we lost the first game of a series, we always saw them put in a noticeably better, more cohesive and disciplined effort for the second game
@walker-barely-know-her I mostly remember them pissing down their leg.