Minnesota Gopher 2012 offseason thread

[mnstate0fhockey]

Obviously numbers are going to drop a healthy amount given the BCHL plays 50% more games during the season and it is about a step and a half down from the WCHA. But if Reilly is capable of beating LaLeggia's numbers from a year before, I don't see any reason to be too concerned about him. He's done well two years in a row at the Columbus prospect camp as well.

If Holl doesn't really step it up this off-season, I think he is going to be losing minutes in a big way to a kid like Reilly. Reilly is a better player and more ready for college than Holl ever was. Reilly isn't a bruiser either but he seems to make smarter choices and I think he plays with more confidence than what Holl does. I know MG could get frustrated by Holl's play last season and I'd bet he'll have a quick hook if the same stuff happens this season.

Agree on all accounts. It wouldn't surprise me either to see Reilly take a lot of minutes from Holl. The real question is, who does Skjei take time from if he really makes a case for playing time (which I think he'll do as well)?

[jerryj]

Re: Minnesota Gopher 2012 offseason thread

i think hammy is right about marshall maybe being best off at forward this year. skjei plays every night and holl/reilly split the 6th spot 50/50

[ski]

Re: Minnesota Gopher 2012 offseason thread

http://tapingthestick.wordpress.com/...inter-classic/

cool artist rendition there of what the outdoor game in Chicago could look like- but do they actually expect to get anywhere near filling that place up? Im not even sure if they will fill the lower bowl- with it being 4 college hockey teams from outside Illinois..

Has this been discussed before? Anyone else kinda bummed that our first outdoor game is so far away, and to make it worse, almost a home game for Becky?

Anyone going?

[mnstate0fhockey]

Obviously numbers are going to drop a healthy amount given the BCHL plays 50% more games during the season and it is about a step and a half down from the WCHA. But if Reilly is capable of beating LaLeggia's numbers from a year before, I don't see any reason to be too concerned about him. He's done well two years in a row at the Columbus prospect camp as well.

If Holl doesn't really step it up this off-season, I think he is going to be losing minutes in a big way to a kid like Reilly. Reilly is a better player and more ready for college than Holl ever was. Reilly isn't a bruiser either but he seems to make smarter choices and I think he plays with more confidence than what Holl does. I know MG could get frustrated by Holl's play last season and I'd bet he'll have a quick hook if the same stuff happens this season.

Agree on all accounts. It wouldn't surprise me either to see Reilly take a lot of minutes from Holl. The real question is, who does Skjei take time from if he really makes a case for playing time (which I think he'll do as well)?

[gopher wes]

Re: Minnesota Gopher 2012 offseason thread

Has this been discussed before? Anyone else kinda bummed that our first outdoor game is so far away, and to make it worse, almost a home game for Becky?

Anyone going?

I'll be going with a group of three of us and meeting up with a buddy of ours who lives in Chicago.

[Stauber1]

Re: Minnesota Gopher 2012 offseason thread

Agree on all accounts. It wouldn't surprise me either to see Reilly take a lot of minutes from Holl. The real question is, who does Skjei take time from if he really makes a case for playing time (which I think he'll do as well)?

I'm expecting to see some very capable guys being healthy scratches at D throughout the course of the season. I agree with most others that Holl would be my early prediction as to who will see their playing time drastically decreased. I'm worried Parenteau may be next on the coaches' list. But I really expect to see guys like Marshall, Helgeson and Alt also perhaps sitting a couple games this season. This is all assuming that both Reilly and Skjei play well enough to earn ice time.

That being said, having that kind of competition for playing time can be a great thing; provided the kids take it on with the right attitude and the coaching staff is able to keep them hungry instead of frustrated.

EDIT: I should note (before anyone jumps down my throat) that I'm not saying that I want guys like Helgeson or Alt out of the line-up. But there is the potential for some serious depth at D, and there will be at least 1 capable player sitting every game. If that is spread around and predicated by work ethic and consistency, I don't think it's a bad thing for all the D to be considered as a potential scratch.

[Koho]

Re: Minnesota Gopher 2012 offseason thread

Agree on all accounts. It wouldn't surprise me either to see Reilly take a lot of minutes from Holl. The real question is, who does Skjei take time from if he really makes a case for playing time (which I think he'll do as well)?

A lot of people on here talk like there will be 6 D who play and the others will sit. I think it will be more like 4 or so play most games and the others play one game each a weekend. If they all play well, it might be more like 2 who play most games and the rest switch off. Regardless, one falters and they'll see less time. I also imagine some adjustments based on the team they play, speed versus size, for example.

[mnstate0fhockey]

A lot of people on here talk like there will be 6 D who play and the others will sit. I think it will be more like 4 or so play most games and the others play one game each a weekend. If they all play well, it might be more like 2 who play most games and the rest switch off. Regardless, one falters and they'll see less time. I also imagine some adjustments based on the team they play, speed versus size, for example.

Great points.

[HarleyMC]

Re: Minnesota Gopher 2012 offseason thread

Obviously numbers are going to drop a healthy amount given the BCHL plays 50% more games during the season and it is about a step and a half down from the WCHA. But if Reilly is capable of beating LaLeggia's numbers from a year before, I don't see any reason to be too concerned about him. He's done well two years in a row at the Columbus prospect camp as well.

If Holl doesn't really step it up this off-season, I think he is going to be losing minutes in a big way to a kid like Reilly. Reilly is a better player and more ready for college than Holl ever was. Reilly isn't a bruiser either but he seems to make smarter choices and I think he plays with more confidence than what Holl does. I know MG could get frustrated by Holl's play last season and I'd bet he'll have a quick hook if the same stuff happens this season.

Historically, it's always been a skill level jump from the BCHL to the WCHA. Don't get me wrong, I think Reilly has talent and potential, but "wait and see" mode...like every year when recruits come in from the USHL or wherever. Regarding Holl, IIRC Lucia has gone on record and stated he really likes Holl's vision and stick skills and let's not forget Holl has a little size advantage and two years experience in D1 over Reilly. If he can show more consistency and clean up the costly turnovers and penalties (e.g. DU Sat. game was horrible for Holl), I think he gets minutes. If not, I agree MG undoubtedly will tap the depth @ D.

On another note:

I bet this U of M policeman just loved his job yesterday! The Mac gets delivered to the John Mariucci Golf Open.

*****http://i594.***********.com/albums/tt28/harleymc1/policeescortformac.jpg******

[state of hockey]

Re: Minnesota Gopher 2012 offseason thread

That is one hell of a moustache. Is he in a Village People cover band?

[Koho]

Re: Minnesota Gopher 2012 offseason thread

I don't post on GPL cause I'm afraid I might get cut off at work, like happened with this site. So I'll ask my very important question: Who was the blond Psych had a pic of/avatar for most of last season? I miss her.

Hey Greyeagle, see you're on trying to make the season get here a little faster too...

[HarleyMC]

Re: Minnesota Gopher 2012 offseason thread

That is one hell of a moustache. Is he in a Village People cover band?

Good question. Add chains and leather and he's good to go.

*****http://i594.***********.com/albums/tt28/harleymc1/VillagePeopleBiker36239.jpg******

[5mn_Major]

Re: Minnesota Gopher 2012 offseason thread

Trying to remember where the Gophers won that chain last year...

[goldy_331]

Re: Minnesota Gopher 2012 offseason thread

I assume Chris Student decided to hang up the skates?

Transferred to Augsburg. Chris is helping out at the Benilde summer hockey camp and my kid asked him the other day.

[Greyeagle]

Re: Minnesota Gopher 2012 offseason thread

Hey Greyeagle, see you're on trying to make the season get here a little faster too...

I'm easily confused....and not following. Hate to see summer end but cannot wait for this season!