I’m sure we will be able to find plenty of good defensemen by time this class hits campus. Lots of options out there and many that aren’t considered highly touted at the moment.
I have no doubts this will prove true. Always disappointing to lose on a target (assuming Lutner was - obviously a talented player if going to Denver). But no longer hung up on landing one recruit specifically. Call it the Michael Forney experience.
Does the big 2025 class (~8+ players) delay the recruitment/commitment of 2026 eligible recruits? Thinking that maybe some players may be looking at competition for early playing time.
Top remaining MN's:
1) Mikey Berchild - F (THE RECRUIT)
2) Mason Moe - F (Most GPL love for UMN commit)
3) Mason West - F (Please play hockey and not football)
4) Henry Chmiel - D (my favorite Dman with Lutner headed to DEN)
5) Casey Vandertop - F
6) Luke Puchner - F
7) Nate Celski - D
Feels like the Berchild wait and see is the Fall storyline. Plus the steam on Mason Moe not yielding anything yet!
I remember when Townsend committed I read that even though he basically knew he was gonna be a Gopher he still went on all his visits just to be sure. I suspect something similar is happening with Moe.
https://twitter.com/CollegePuckNXT/status/1831510502880518599?t=Y3weJxEuWiLc95J2Xl4Sjg&s=19
Take us out of our misery BC, hopefully not berchild lol
Not Berchild. Assuming the Tweets are related, it is Swedish defenseman Kristian Kostadinski.
Does the big 2025 class (~8+ players) delay the recruitment/commitment of 2026 eligible recruits? Thinking that maybe some players may be looking at competition for early playing time.
Top remaining MN's:
1) Mikey Berchild - F (THE RECRUIT)
2) Mason Moe - F (Most GPL love for UMN commit)
3) Mason West - F (Please play hockey and not football)
4) Henry Chmiel - D (my favorite Dman with Lutner headed to DEN)
5) Casey Vandertop - F
6) Luke Puchner - F
7) Nate Celski - D
Feels like the Berchild wait and see is the Fall storyline. Plus the steam on Mason Moe not yielding anything yet!
I think the big 2025 class does delay or make it so they’re not in a need of that many 2026 recruits, at least forwards. Huglen graduates, then there’s Snuggerud, Wood, and Oliver Moore so they bring in Mooney, Kwasnicka, Javon Moore and Townsend. So they could realistically have Jackson Nevers, Katz and Reid coming in 2026 as forwards then (presumably) offer Berchild and Moe they’d already be at 5 so I don’t think they’ve offered many more spots than that this early on, imo.
Berchild now just following Gophers and Denver on instagram.
Does the big 2025 class (~8+ players) delay the recruitment/commitment of 2026 eligible recruits? Thinking that maybe some players may be looking at competition for early playing time.
Top remaining MN's:
1) Mikey Berchild - F (THE RECRUIT)
2) Mason Moe - F (Most GPL love for UMN commit)
3) Mason West - F (Please play hockey and not football)
4) Henry Chmiel - D (my favorite Dman with Lutner headed to DEN)
5) Casey Vandertop - F
6) Luke Puchner - F
7) Nate Celski - D
Feels like the Berchild wait and see is the Fall storyline. Plus the steam on Mason Moe not yielding anything yet!
I think the big 2025 class does delay or make it so they’re not in a need of that many 2026 recruits, at least forwards. Huglen graduates, then there’s Snuggerud, Wood, and Oliver Moore so they bring in Mooney, Kwasnicka, Javon Moore and Townsend. So they could realistically have Jackson Nevers, Katz and Reid coming in 2026 as forwards then (presumably) offer Berchild and Moe they’d already be at 5 so I don’t think they’ve offered many more spots than that this early on, imo.
Don’t forget they have to account for Nevers and Michel graduating after this year too.
Berchild now just following Gophers and Denver on instagram.
It’s like LJ Mooney from last fall all over again
I don’t think they have to recruit to replace Michel since he doesn’t play.Does the big 2025 class (~8+ players) delay the recruitment/commitment of 2026 eligible recruits? Thinking that maybe some players may be looking at competition for early playing time.
Top remaining MN's:
1) Mikey Berchild - F (THE RECRUIT)
2) Mason Moe - F (Most GPL love for UMN commit)
3) Mason West - F (Please play hockey and not football)
4) Henry Chmiel - D (my favorite Dman with Lutner headed to DEN)
5) Casey Vandertop - F
6) Luke Puchner - F
7) Nate Celski - D
Feels like the Berchild wait and see is the Fall storyline. Plus the steam on Mason Moe not yielding anything yet!
I think the big 2025 class does delay or make it so they’re not in a need of that many 2026 recruits, at least forwards. Huglen graduates, then there’s Snuggerud, Wood, and Oliver Moore so they bring in Mooney, Kwasnicka, Javon Moore and Townsend. So they could realistically have Jackson Nevers, Katz and Reid coming in 2026 as forwards then (presumably) offer Berchild and Moe they’d already be at 5 so I don’t think they’ve offered many more spots than that this early on, imo.
Don’t forget they have to account for Nevers and Michel graduating after this year too.
I don’t think they have to recruit to replace Michel since he doesn’t play.Does the big 2025 class (~8+ players) delay the recruitment/commitment of 2026 eligible recruits? Thinking that maybe some players may be looking at competition for early playing time.
Top remaining MN's:
1) Mikey Berchild - F (THE RECRUIT)
2) Mason Moe - F (Most GPL love for UMN commit)
3) Mason West - F (Please play hockey and not football)
4) Henry Chmiel - D (my favorite Dman with Lutner headed to DEN)
5) Casey Vandertop - F
6) Luke Puchner - F
7) Nate Celski - D
Feels like the Berchild wait and see is the Fall storyline. Plus the steam on Mason Moe not yielding anything yet!
I think the big 2025 class does delay or make it so they’re not in a need of that many 2026 recruits, at least forwards. Huglen graduates, then there’s Snuggerud, Wood, and Oliver Moore so they bring in Mooney, Kwasnicka, Javon Moore and Townsend. So they could realistically have Jackson Nevers, Katz and Reid coming in 2026 as forwards then (presumably) offer Berchild and Moe they’d already be at 5 so I don’t think they’ve offered many more spots than that this early on, imo.
Don’t forget they have to account for Nevers and Michel graduating after this year too.
Yeah but he’s still a member of the team that will need to be replaced next season. Unless you want them to roll with 13 forwards next season which seems unwise.
There were 8-9 shattuck kids at the football game in front of us and I believe Berchild was one. The majority were wearing gopher gear and doing the MINNESOTA chants
There were 8-9 shattuck kids at the football game in front of us and I believe Berchild was one. The majority were wearing gopher gear and doing the MINNESOTA chants
Berchild is with the U17 national team this year and not Shattuck. Unless he was back for the weekend, I don’t think that would have been him.
I was thinking a possible unofficial vs official visit but could be right for sure. Definitely saw a kid who looked suspicious
Mickey Berchild - 3 goals 1 Assist in 2 games
Mason Moe - Scored 2 goals today. I believe this was first day USHL games kicked off for the season.
Technically yesterday but this is the USHL Fall Classic. Early start but some real hockey on the schedule.
Mikey Berchild to Denver
I am not really surprised by this decision. Coach Carle is on a heater at DU.
Alright officially time to panic, team having unreal success past few years and can't get the top mn guy since mittelstadt. Hopefully we are in on zajic but I doubt it...
Alright officially time to panic, team having unreal success past few years and can't get the top mn guy since mittelstadt. Hopefully we are in on zajic but I doubt it...
I'm gonna say pass on Zajic...
I know we’re in Noah Davidsons top 3 (Shattuck forward from Cali, very good player)
I don’t know when it became cool for cities kids to commit out of state but we need to buck that trend, these should be layups. If there’s a high end kid from Massachusetts there’s only 2 places he’s thinking of going: BC and BU. Not sure why we’re not automatic with some of these kids. I guess they’re exploring their options more than ever before.
Was a fun run, but time for your old ass to retire Bob. You lost the pipeline. Inexcusable.
sigh 😑
Woof. That one hurts. Really curious to see where Bob goes with this and how many guys were even taking in this class
And here come all the randos out of the woodwork. Would have thought we just lost to Mercyhurst or something...
It just cuts a bit after Eiserman decommitment and then to have a stinker start to this years class of recruiting.
Missing out on Berchild is disappointing. No question. Still plenty of talent and we have seen nothing to indicate this is not an attractive place to play...some of our best recruits have been late adds and the portal opens up opportunities to dip in each year for an impact player.
I don’t know when it became cool for cities kids to commit out of state but we need to buck that trend, these should be layups. If there’s a high end kid from Massachusetts there’s only 2 places he’s thinking of going: BC and BU. Not sure why we’re not automatic with some of these kids. I guess they’re exploring their options more than ever before.
Beniers is from Massachusetts and a bunch of them end up at ECAC schools (Vesey, Donato). BC only has 6 guys on the roster from Mass. BU 8. I understand what you’re saying and it’s a mega bummer he is going elsewhere, but it’s also the age of college hockey now with all the travel, select teams, and exposure to other coaches
Full court press for Moe who should be the biggest layup of all time with family connections to the university and being from EP
This is probably a dumb question as I don’t really know anything about any of this other than what I read here. OOC are any of these kids you hope would come here going places that may offer more lucrative NIL or endorsement type financial benefits?
@cowgirl not dumb at all. I’d really doubt it at this point. Berchild is actually already a CCM athlete (many of the top recruits I think have deals with the big brands for sticks, skates, etc.). I think DTA does just fine for us
David Carle is 34 years old & Denver’s won 2 of the past 3 NCAA Championships. Winning that fickle one & done postseason tourney kinda does matter & may catch recruits eyes (even MN born kids) especially elite recruits who only plan on playing 2-3 years of college hockey. Not trying to be a Richard here, just stating the obvious.I don’t know when it became cool for cities kids to commit out of state but we need to buck that trend, these should be layups. If there’s a high end kid from Massachusetts there’s only 2 places he’s thinking of going: BC and BU. Not sure why we’re not automatic with some of these kids. I guess they’re exploring their options more than ever before.
David Carle is 34 years old & Denver’s won 2 of the past 3 NCAA Championships. Winning that fickle one & done postseason tourney kinda does matter & may catch recruits eyes (even MN born kids) especially elite recruits who only plan on playing 2-3 years of college hockey. Not trying to be a Richard here, just stating the obvious.I don’t know when it became cool for cities kids to commit out of state but we need to buck that trend, these should be layups. If there’s a high end kid from Massachusetts there’s only 2 places he’s thinking of going: BC and BU. Not sure why we’re not automatic with some of these kids. I guess they’re exploring their options more than ever before.
That may be, but as far as I’m concerned he is a Zach Parise level traitor. Hopefully he doesn’t end up as a Wild CAP mistake in the future too.
I think now 9/10 top Americans have committed. Unless bob is playing the long game with top canadians with new ncaa deal this has been a disaster
I think now 9/10 top Americans have committed. Unless bob is playing the long game with top canadians with new ncaa deal this has been a disaster
9 out of top 10 according to who though? Puck Preps...those guys aren't that good at ratings. NZ...they're better that PP.
No Mikey or Lutner? Both to Denver! Trottier looks like a slam dunk only to bounce off the rim to ND. Nooooo
Makes me think the next two years better be great. Incoming class is solid - 2025 class looks awesome - buttttttt;
Current 2026 class is... Katz (potential) and... Reid? Can we just get a Moe, West, Chmiel commit tomorrow and then cross our fingers on flipping a commit or a sweet portal add like Wood?
I might dislike Denver more than UND right now...
A little advice, it’s never as good or as bad as it seems when it comes to recruiting.
This years freshman class seemed iffy until Gruba and Pahlsson committed late. If you follow recruiting closely you would’ve sworn Michigan would have won a few natties by now but they routinely finish in the middle of the pack in the big 10.
Has it been a great recruiting year? No, but all it takes is a couple players we didn’t see coming and we’re back off the ledge as fans. Also in the age of the portal, things like this are less and less of a death blow than they used to be. Would I rather have stacked recruiting classes than fill with the portal every year? Yes, but as a one year fill in it’s perfectly fine. I don’t hear anyone complaining about Wood.
Top target should be Mason Moe of EP right now. Other than him Noah Davidson of Shattuck is a player we should keep on our radars. After that? Surprise us Bob.
I am high on Casey Vandertop and Henry Chmiel. Mason West too, though curious if he plays out football offers.
Is Davidson eligible? DOB would indicate he is just a sophomore but not always a perfect barometer.
That class just may be a class that is filled with late bloomers or portal adds. Obviously Bob recruited Berchild (and strongly wanted him) but I think his actions show that he’s taking a wait and see approach with these juniors. There’s no doubt in my mind that he could have a few players committed if he really wanted to.
@maroon_and_gold This is the same michigan who routinely makes it to the frozen four and beats us in our own barn in BIG 10 championship games right? Their skilled player recruiting has definitely correlated to some on ice success and nhl pipeline leading future high end players to routinely choose them.
@maroon_and_gold This is the same michigan who routinely makes it to the frozen four and beats us in our own barn in BIG 10 championship games right? Their skilled player recruiting has definitely correlated to some on ice success and nhl pipeline leading future high end players to routinely choose them.
since the big ten came back, mn has won 6 regular season titles, 2 conference tourneys and made the FF 3x (10-7 overall). Michigan has no regular season titles, 3 conference tourney titles and made 4 FFs (8-4 record overall). They’re pretty gd similar man. The sky isn’t falling
@maroon_and_gold This is the same michigan who routinely makes it to the frozen four and beats us in our own barn in BIG 10 championship games right? Their skilled player recruiting has definitely correlated to some on ice success and nhl pipeline leading future high end players to routinely choose them.
Michigan routinely underperforms given the talent on their roster. They were on the vurge of missing the tournament last year with guys like Brindley, Casey, McGroarty, Nazar, and Duke who by the way are all gone so who knows what they’ll be this year. Oh and by the way Bob Motzko is 3-3 vs Michigan in the B1G tournament even if recency bias can take a hold.
My point is everyone is ready to crown Michigan every time they land the latest 16 year old but Minnesota routinely turns in better, or at the very least equal, teams.
I am high on Casey Vandertop and Henry Chmiel. Mason West too, though curious if he plays out football offers.
Is Davidson eligible? DOB would indicate he is just a sophomore but not always a perfect barometer.
Davidson is a junior at Shattuck this year. Bob should be driving down to Shattuck and going after Davidson (F), Chmiel (D) and Wendt (G).
My point is everyone is ready to crown Michigan every time they land the latest 16 year old but Minnesota routinely turns in better, or at the very least equal, teams.
Coaching. Coaching. Coaching.
Sure, you want to get the high end guys in. But they don't reach the heights you expect without coaching.
On top of this, judging a program off strictly one and done game results is silly. While we all want banners raised, it's harder than ever before. Consistently being there and not putting yourself in pairwise peril (Michigan this past season for example) is a far better measuring stick of success.
I am high on Casey Vandertop and Henry Chmiel. Mason West too, though curious if he plays out football offers.
Is Davidson eligible? DOB would indicate he is just a sophomore but not always a perfect barometer.
Davidson is a junior at Shattuck this year. Bob should be driving down to Shattuck and going after Davidson (F), Chmiel (D) and Wendt (G).
Thanks. Couldn't find anything...looks like he would be a big get.
It always amazes me how some people grade the recruiting classes based on the number of high draft choices, particularly 1st rounders the team has. BU, BC and Michigan have had "stacked" recruiting classes and have not won the FF in years. I'm sure Bob would love to have every top player in Mn, and the country, but he has to build a team. You can't have 26 1st rounders on the team. Other than Cooley, Bob has done a great job at keeping the draft picks at least 2 years, and some 3 and 4 years. I have all the faith in the world in Bob, and will always support this program if he gets or not gets every top prospect. People who go off the rails and continue to be an eeyore every time they disagree with EVERY ONE of Bob's decisions really need to find another sport or team to follow. (BTW, it is ok to question some of Bob's decisions, I'm just talking about those who always find something to complain about.)
I'm 50% factual and 50% sarcastic. When you get to know me, you will know which is which.
I wonder if we’re on Adam Benak’s radar at all. Bob has a history of success with smaller and European players at St. Cloud. Benak is both of that (5’7, Czech). He’s playing for Youngstown in the USHL this year which I assume means he wants to play college.
For those who don’t know the name he broke the scoring record for the Hlinka Gretzky tournament this year. Small and extremely skilled, cut from the LJ Mooney cloth.
I wonder if we’re on Adam Benak’s radar at all. Bob has a history of success with smaller and European players at St. Cloud. Benak is both of that (5’7, Czech). He’s playing for Youngstown in the USHL this year which I assume means he wants to play college.
For those who don’t know the name he broke the scoring record for the Hlinka Gretzky tournament this year. Small and extremely skilled, cut from the LJ Mooney cloth.
he seems like an exciting prospect. as a general question, can guys have played pro hockey in Europe before coming and enrolling in college? just saw it mentioned in some articles on him
@upnorthkid Was wondering the same.
Tom Willander from BU had to sit out the first game of last season because he played two SHL games the year prior. Erik Pahlsson also played two SHL games—not sure if he'll have to sit one out because that happened more than a season ago.
I remember Mark Divver saying in during the Hlinka that Benak had drawn interest from NCHC and Big Ten schools...