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frozen4champs- GoldenHas donated $ to the upkeep of GPL
The dynamic duo is at it again. [media]
https://twitter.com/FargoForce/status/1388967621366882314%5Bmedia Rau4SkiUMah
It’s fun to see three of the six guys coming in next year already playing together at Fargo and another two playing together at Tri City. Not going to read too much into it but it can’t hurt if a few of these guys are already really familiar with each other. Huglen and Broz in particular seem to be clicking. glenhogan21
frozen4champs- GoldenHas donated $ to the upkeep of GPL
Fargo Force coach talks about Huglen, Broz and Boynton. He is really high on Huglen. Just have to ignore the coach is a Lamoureux and the typical Jess Myers off the wall questions. [media]https://twitter.com/TheRinkLive/status/1389947019876306947 [/media] streakygopher
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frozen4champs wrote:
Fargo Force coach talks about Huglen, Broz and Boynton. He is really high on Huglen. Just have to ignore the coach is a Lamoureux and the typical Jess Myers off the wall questions.[media]https://twitter.com/TheRinkLive/status/1389947019876306947 [/media]
The last Aaron from Roseau was a big fat oofda for me. I’ll wait until he’s been here a couple years before I weigh in on his potential.
Bonin21- GoldenHas donated $ to the upkeep of GPL
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Norm- GoldenHas donated $ to the upkeep of GPL
trixR4kids
Maize
GopherPete
Norm wrote:
streakygopher wrote:
He was an able college hockey player but fell considerably short of the hype.
He’s a guy that would have benefited by waiting a year to start college.
I agree, he definitely had the ability, but was undersized and could have used a year or two in juniors. Probably would have been a completely different player in college had he done so. Was he one that accelerated to join a year early? Or did he just come in as an 18 year old freshman.
BlueBandit24
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Norm- GoldenHas donated $ to the upkeep of GPL
Maize wrote:
streakygopher wrote:
The last Aaron from Roseau was a big fat oofda for me. I’ll wait until he’s been here a couple years before I weigh in on his potential.
71 more games in the NHL than either of us will ever play, so it’s hard to complain too much.
What’s that got to do with anything?
Norm- GoldenHas donated $ to the upkeep of GPL
Bonin21- GoldenHas donated $ to the upkeep of GPL
Norm wrote:
Bonin21 wrote:
It means he was a good hockey player.
Success in the pros means he was good here?
No but I don’t think he was bad here, especially if we consider that he was surrounded with bad teammates. I don’t remember who exactly he got paired with but looking back at the D back then he most likely was dragging around some anchor to his right. There’s also only so much the D can do when the forwards can’t score or drive possession very well. Towards the end Tony Lucia was one of the top scorers on the team (and one of the hardest workers imo) whereas he was (I think?) a fourth liner back when the Wheeler goal happened. Just goes to show what happened to the forward depth after 2008.
Cardinal
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Vegoe
Cardinal wrote:
Huglen (goal and assist) and Boynton (didn’t allow a goal) both tossed for fighting tonight in Fargo’s USHL semifinal game. Hoping the video surfaces soon…
Brennan Boynton broke a Musketeer player’s stick after he got run a bit when it was 4-0 and one of the sticks was laying around, then Chase Bradley ran him again… a scrum broke out and Boynton got involved… fun times.
Hope USHL and HockeyTv don’t mind… but fun game to watch:
[media]https://twitter.com/evegoe/status/1390868754226028548 [/media] 
Iceburg- GoldenHas donated $ to the upkeep of GPL
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SkiUMahLaw- GoldenHas donated $ to the upkeep of GPL
Iceburg- GoldenHas donated $ to the upkeep of GPL
SkiUMahLaw wrote:
Iceburg wrote:
So, Broten, Ness and Huglen, three Aarons from the same high school. Have the Gophers had a non-Roseau Aaron? If they have, l’m drawing a blank.
First one that comes to my mind is Aaron Miskovich out of Grand Rapids…
:dope: doh, should have remembered that one.- GoldenHas donated $ to the upkeep of GPL
Bonin21- GoldenHas donated $ to the upkeep of GPL
Bertogliat- GoldenHas donated $ to the upkeep of GPL
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Bertogliat- GoldenHas donated $ to the upkeep of GPL
BlueBandit24 wrote:
Bertogliat wrote:
Bonin21 wrote:
When you fill out the numbers starting from 1 for so long it’s no surprise 25+ won’t have many players over history.
Is this something that was done at some point?
I believe Ranta was the first player to go outside of 1-29 in a long time.
I get that the Gophers have stuck to traditional 1-35 hockey numbers (30-35 for goalies). But I hadn’t heard of the team filling out the roster starting at 1 and moving up. I always thought 2-29 were a free for all.
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Bertogliat wrote:
BlueBandit24 wrote:
Bertogliat wrote:
Bonin21 wrote:
When you fill out the numbers starting from 1 for so long it’s no surprise 25+ won’t have many players over history.
Is this something that was done at some point?
I believe Ranta was the first player to go outside of 1-29 in a long time.
I get that the Gophers have stuck to traditional 1-35 hockey numbers (30-35 for goalies). But I hadn’t heard of the team filling out the roster starting at 1 and moving up. I always thought 2-29 were a free for all.
Gotcha. That is my interpretation also.
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BlueBandit24 wrote:
Bertogliat wrote:
BlueBandit24 wrote:
Bertogliat wrote:
Bonin21 wrote:
When you fill out the numbers starting from 1 for so long it’s no surprise 25+ won’t have many players over history.
Is this something that was done at some point?
I believe Ranta was the first player to go outside of 1-29 in a long time.
I get that the Gophers have stuck to traditional 1-35 hockey numbers (30-35 for goalies). But I hadn’t heard of the team filling out the roster starting at 1 and moving up. I always thought 2-29 were a free for all.
Gotcha. That is my interpretation also.
I have no idea what Eeyore is trying to say, but he’s had a thing for me lately.
:lol: frozen4champs- GoldenHas donated $ to the upkeep of GPL
Broz with a goal tonight. Boynton suspended by USHL for his actions from last night. [media]https://twitter.com/FargoForce/status/1391185141696016389 [/media] frozen4champs- GoldenHas donated $ to the upkeep of GPL
Cowgirl- GoldenHas donated $ to the upkeep of GPL
frozen4champs wrote:
Broz with a goal tonight. Boynton suspected by USHL for his actions from last night.[media]https://twitter.com/FargoForce/status/1391185141696016389 [/media]
They were pretty suspicious.
frozen4champs- GoldenHas donated $ to the upkeep of GPL
Cowgirl wrote:
frozen4champs wrote:
Broz with a goal tonight. Boynton suspected by USHL for his actions from last night.[media]https://twitter.com/FargoForce/status/1391185141696016389 [/media]
They were pretty suspicious.
Damn auto correct
Bonin21- GoldenHas donated $ to the upkeep of GPL
BlueBandit24 wrote:
Bertogliat wrote:
BlueBandit24 wrote:
Bertogliat wrote:
Bonin21 wrote:
When you fill out the numbers starting from 1 for so long it’s no surprise 25+ won’t have many players over history.
Is this something that was done at some point?
I believe Ranta was the first player to go outside of 1-29 in a long time.
I get that the Gophers have stuck to traditional 1-35 hockey numbers (30-35 for goalies). But I hadn’t heard of the team filling out the roster starting at 1 and moving up. I always thought 2-29 were a free for all.
Gotcha. That is my interpretation also.
Saying “fill” wasn’t the right term, but I meant they weren’t allowed to go 30+, and 26-29 are pretty crappy hockey numbers. We need a 91, the best hockey number.Bonin21- GoldenHas donated $ to the upkeep of GPL
frozen4champs- GoldenHas donated $ to the upkeep of GPL
Fargo shuts out high scoring Chicago in game 1 of the Clark Cup. Huglen with a goal. Boynton is still suspended, and it will be interesting if he gets his starting job after the other goalie has won the last 2 games by shutout. Game 2 is tonight in Chicago. [media]https://twitter.com/FargoForce/status/1393388673815785473 [/media] frozen4champs- GoldenHas donated $ to the upkeep of GPL
[media]https://twitter.com/FargoForce/status/1396953079052967944 [/media] [media]https://twitter.com/FargoForce/status/1396879977732263938 [/media] Iceburg- GoldenHas donated $ to the upkeep of GPL
frozen4champs- GoldenHas donated $ to the upkeep of GPL
Button has “Chad” Lucius going to the Rangers at 15. [media]https://twitter.com/TSNHockey/status/1400247895484518407 [/media] glenhogan21 wrote:
https://twitter.com/scottcwheeler/status/1400456669218312206?s=21
🙏 please let him play at Minnesota for at least two seasons🙏 - GoldenHas donated $ to the upkeep of GPL
glenhogan21 wrote:
https://twitter.com/scottcwheeler/status/1400456669218312206?s=21
Last Gopher with this much hype?Reilly?
Middlestadt?
This kid feels like he’s more advanced than CM when he came in after high school.
frozen4champs- GoldenHas donated $ to the upkeep of GPL
Rau4SkiUMah wrote:
glenhogan21 wrote:
https://twitter.com/scottcwheeler/status/1400456669218312206?s=21
🙏 please let him play at Minnesota for at least two seasons🙏
I hope he wants to play at least a year of college with his brother.
frozen4champs- GoldenHas donated $ to the upkeep of GPL
streakygopher wrote:
glenhogan21 wrote:
https://twitter.com/scottcwheeler/status/1400456669218312206?s=21
Last Gopher with this much hype?Reilly?
Middlestadt?
This kid feels like he’s more advanced than CM when he came in after high school.
I could almost argue that the last one at this level of hype was Kessel. Bjugstad and Rau were pretty hyped as well because of what they did in high school. But again, I love and hype all of the incoming recruits.:wink: maroon and gold
streakygopher wrote:
glenhogan21 wrote:
https://twitter.com/scottcwheeler/status/1400456669218312206?s=21
Last Gopher with this much hype?Reilly?
Middlestadt?
This kid feels like he’s more advanced than CM when he came in after high school.
Definitely Mittelstadt. People are forgetting how obsessed everyone was with him during but mostly before his time here
maroon_and_gold wrote:
streakygopher wrote:
glenhogan21 wrote:
https://twitter.com/scottcwheeler/status/1400456669218312206?s=21
Last Gopher with this much hype?Reilly?
Middlestadt?
This kid feels like he’s more advanced than CM when he came in after high school.
Definitely Mittelstadt. People are forgetting how obsessed everyone was with him during but mostly before his time here
Unfortunately for Mittelstadt he has got to be one of the best examples of “could have used another year or two in college”. Would have benefited Minnesota, Casey and probably the Sabres. But intelligence and competency don’t seem to be traits valued by the ones in charge at Buffalo. It seems they saw that he had a decent season with the Gophs and a really good World Junior tournament and got him to Buffalo ASAP with zero forward thinking.
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mlhouse
Iceburg- GoldenHas donated $ to the upkeep of GPL
frozen4champs- GoldenHas donated $ to the upkeep of GPL
Lucius is #7, Knies #31, Broz #87, Kurth #130. The common theme among these players is that Corey rated all of their skating below average. [media]https://twitter.com/coreypronman/status/1404765148171014153 [/media] - GoldenHas donated $ to the upkeep of GPL
Zwak- GoldenHas donated $ to the upkeep of GPL
BlueBandit24 wrote:
He was not kind regarding their skating, though seems to have a favorable view overall. Important to note he bases it on NHL-level traits. Compete levels for all encouraging.
I would love to watch a video or get better insights about a players skating ability. I’m not a great enough hockey mind to identify the good skaters from the not so good.
[mention]evegoe[/mention] - GoldenHas donated $ to the upkeep of GPL
I’m not super concerned when I read comments on skating. There are myriad examples of players who aren’t pretty on their skates #Parise who have made a career in the NHL. Then you have guys like KK and Brodin, who are examples of players who can do pretty much anything on skates their positions demand of them. They are fun to watch.
bearpaw28streakygopher wrote:
I’m not super concerned when I read comments on skating. There are myriad examples of players who aren’t pretty on their skates #Parise who have made a career in the NHL.Then you have guys like KK and Brodin, who are examples of players who can do pretty much anything on skates their positions demand of them. They are fun to watch.
Pronman is grading extremely critically (period) on all the players he rates…Broz is/was an outstanding skater his sophomore year at Blake & I’ve got to believe his skating has only improved since then. Lucius is an average skater, but he’s absolutely a pure goal scorer with an outstanding release & shot. CL will likely be around at the U for 2 years max.
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Zwak wrote:
BlueBandit24 wrote:
He was not kind regarding their skating, though seems to have a favorable view overall. Important to note he bases it on NHL-level traits. Compete levels for all encouraging.
I would love to watch a video or get better insights about a players skating ability. I’m not a great enough hockey mind to identify the good skaters from the not so good. @evegoe maybe a suggestion for The Athletic?
Scott Wheeler put together a good little article last year on the topic.
Quote:Skating: This includes how light or heavy he is on his blades (some players really dig their skates into the ice before releasing into their push, while others have that quick twitch we see in sprinters and can look like they’re hovering), his top speed (less important these days), his first few steps, his acceleration through to his top, his balance/centre of gravity, the fluidity of his movements, his lateral edge work, his ability to maintain rather than lose speed with possession of the puck, how far he can extend/lean on his edges while skating backwards in order to close gaps quickly, his ability to pivot without catching an edge, whether his feet drag (a lot of young players drag the toe of their blade because they’re rushing their stride), if he doesn’t drag his toes whether he lifts more than a few inches off the ice (many young players who don’t drag their blades overcompensate with a choppy up and down motion), and his ability to go heel-to-heel (leaning on inside edges to dodge checks and shuffle around defenders or the net on wraparounds). The two most efficient strides: Long, fluid motions that give straightaway speed or tight, explosive edge work to create a rounded, agile skater. Both have their place and can be beneficial, but I prefer a player who can move laterally on his edges than one who can explode down the boards with a longer stride. In today’s game, I believe changing tempo is now more important than top speed.
Video can be complicated to get a good grasp of skating as the quality really needs to be premium to get a good feel for it.
I think it can be somewhat easy to see guys who reach a high level of speed and can pull away from the pack to create breakaways — Sammy Walker. He’s got great acceleration, you don’t see him caught very often and he’s probably really balanced on his edges gliding. Someone like Ben Brinkman on the other hand has heavier feet and is fine once he gets going, but is probably on his edges a lot more with his glide. Also a player like Zach Parise seems like he gets around fine, but it takes him a lot of motion and effort from my perspective.
Looking at edgework for guys like Ryan Johnson is a great example of someone who has the four way mobility that scouts like in a defenseman. He is incredibly fluid adjusting to where he needs to move and gets there without making it look difficult. Jonas Brodin is probably the elite example of this. They’re able to cut off attackers easily and keep a good gap.
I think you also look at the power skaters posses when they’re moving on the ice and ability to skate through contact. Evaluating someone like Sampo Ranta shows you how dominant a player can be at controlling the puck and moving at high speed through contact. He has a powerful base to his skating with good knee bend. A flip side might be Casey Mittlestadt who was good in space and being creative, but he struggled with contact and powering through situations like those.
Looking at some of a forward’s abiity to move laterally and create opportunities through change of pace are really important. Connor McDavid can go end to end, but what makes him so dangerous is his ability to cut across the ice, change speeds and manipulate gaps. Phil Kessel was one of the best Gophers I’ve seen in this area–almost untouchable coming up the ice on the big sheet with the puck on entries.
Maybe I can convice Wheeler to do something like this ahead of the draft as I agree skating is often talked about with prospects, but it’s not always detailed well with video. I think the quality has something to do with it though as you’d like to find an iso camera in slow-mo to really show it.
What’s funny is that Pronman did a piece that talked about most important attribute and overrated attribute for prospects. The results were 16% thought it was the most important one and 18% said it was the most overrated. I think hockey sense and compete and character are the trinity, although if you don’t have enough skating or skill, then it doesn’t matter much.
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Vegoe wrote:
What’s funny is that Pronman did a piece that talked about most important attribute and overrated attribute for prospects.The results were 16% thought it was the most important one and 18% said it was the most overrated. I think hockey sense and compete and character are the trinity, although if you don’t have enough skating or skill, then it doesn’t matter much.
The NHL’s best ever player: Fastest? Nope. Best skater? Nope. Best shot? Nope. But his hockey IQ was off the charts.
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Most players that reach the NHL can skate – even the plodders. However there’s a lot more that goes into including (some of these may overlap) are hockey sense, hands, vision, shot, passing ability, leadership, work ethic, hustle, durability, stamina… I don’t think anyone would confuse Phil Kessel as being the greatest skater, but he’s one tough sonofabitch to knock off the puck, he has an innate ability to be at the right place at the right time and as previously noted a shot from hell.
frozen4champs- GoldenHas donated $ to the upkeep of GPL
D2D
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Boynton Earns All-USHL Honorshttps://gophersports.com/news/2021/6/14/mens-hockey-boynton-earns-all-ushl-honors.aspx Vegoe wrote:
What’s funny is that Pronman did a piece that talked about most important attribute and overrated attribute for prospects.The results were 16% thought it was the most important one and 18% said it was the most overrated. I think hockey sense and compete and character are the trinity, although if you don’t have enough skating or skill, then it doesn’t matter much.
He spoke about this on the today’s Hockey Show podcast also. Sounds like he took some heat for being so critical of players skating (Beniers as average feels overly critical to me) He said vast majority of guys he see’s not be able to improve skating, and you only hear about those that do.
At time of commitment, it seemed most felt Luke Mittelstadt had best pro potential of all D in the state. Jack Peart has really flown by him over last 2 years. Hopefully Mittelstadt can have a strong year in USHL next year and be ready to make an impact following year.
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frozen4champs wrote:
Agreed. I don’t worry too much about who is or is not fast as long as the Gophers have a good mix.
Honestly, the whole speed thing is so overrated that it doesn’t hold up under the slightest scrutiny. There’s a huge list of elite NHL players who can’t distinguish themselves with speed. The key is to skate well enough at that level so as not to disrupt the flow of the game. There’s no waiting at the blue line for the slow guy.
Joel Otto is a classic example of this type of player. When he got to college, his coach deadpanned that he skated like a newborn colt. Then he went on to become an NHL all star and Olympic player.
Then there’s flat out desire. As Glen Sonmor said about Johnny Pohl after he scored against CC in the regional game: (paraphrasing) “People say Johnny Pohl can’t skate, but I’ve never seen anybody yet catch him on a breakaway.”
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frozen4champs- GoldenHas donated $ to the upkeep of GPL
BlueBandit24 wrote:
frozen4champs wrote:
Lucius is #7, Knies #31, Broz #87, Kurth #130.
Scott Wheeler released his Top 100 today:
Lucius #8
Broz #45
Knies #75
Mittelstaedt #97
Scout quote very high on Mittelstaedt. Felt HS hockey held back development. Said raw talent above Peart (not better overall).
Lucius seems to be top 10 in most projections and Knies and Broz have huge swings in projections.
frozen4champs- GoldenHas donated $ to the upkeep of GPL
Kurth on USHL 2nd team all rookie. [media]https://twitter.com/USHL/status/1408507603114774529/photo/2 [/media] frozen4champs- GoldenHas donated $ to the upkeep of GPL
[media]https://twitter.com/ChrisDilks/status/1410275370465738758 [/media] frozen4champs- GoldenHas donated $ to the upkeep of GPL
[media]https://twitter.com/USHL/status/1410698473435848704 [/media]
SkiUMah
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