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2011-2012 North Dakota Offseason Thread
- Thread starter Fighting Sioux 23
- Start date
Fighting Sioux 23
New member
Re: 2011-2012 North Dakota Offseason Thread
I think a range of 185-225 goals is possible for the team. It all depends on how many games are played for the average, but if North Dakota were to hypothetically make the championship, a good guess would be that they would play 44-46 games. That would put their range anywhere from 4.02 goals/game to 5.11 goals/game. I'll say it again...the low end of that is very realistic. The high end is extremely optimistic.
That being said, the WCHA is a bit watered down since the addition to 12 teams, and the fact that North Dakota only plays 3 teams 4 times opens up the possibility of a diluted schedule to increase those goal numbers. Would a 5.11 goals/game be extraordinary? Of course. They would likely win 35+ games with those numbers and that defense. They might be place themselves in the argument of best team of all-time. Is it possible? Of course. I think it is about the highest end that they could possibly score, but still possible. Is a 4.02 goals/game possible? Definitely. I think if everyone comes back that would be a realistic figure for the team to score.
As I said in my initial post, the high end is unlikely. I stated that North Dakota has the chance to be about a 4-4.5 goal/game team. They did it in 2010-2011, and could very well do it again in 2012-2013.
I think a range of 185-225 goals is possible for the team. It all depends on how many games are played for the average, but if North Dakota were to hypothetically make the championship, a good guess would be that they would play 44-46 games. That would put their range anywhere from 4.02 goals/game to 5.11 goals/game. I'll say it again...the low end of that is very realistic. The high end is extremely optimistic.
That being said, the WCHA is a bit watered down since the addition to 12 teams, and the fact that North Dakota only plays 3 teams 4 times opens up the possibility of a diluted schedule to increase those goal numbers. Would a 5.11 goals/game be extraordinary? Of course. They would likely win 35+ games with those numbers and that defense. They might be place themselves in the argument of best team of all-time. Is it possible? Of course. I think it is about the highest end that they could possibly score, but still possible. Is a 4.02 goals/game possible? Definitely. I think if everyone comes back that would be a realistic figure for the team to score.
As I said in my initial post, the high end is unlikely. I stated that North Dakota has the chance to be about a 4-4.5 goal/game team. They did it in 2010-2011, and could very well do it again in 2012-2013.
Fighting Sioux 23
New member
Re: 2011-2012 North Dakota Offseason Thread
I would put BC #1, followed by North Dakota, Western Michigan, and Union. Minnesota has no proven goaltending, and Patterson saved their bacon plenty of times this season. They could potentially be the best team in college hockey next season, but until they get a proven netminder, I wouldn't give them the #1 tag.
I would put BC #1, followed by North Dakota, Western Michigan, and Union. Minnesota has no proven goaltending, and Patterson saved their bacon plenty of times this season. They could potentially be the best team in college hockey next season, but until they get a proven netminder, I wouldn't give them the #1 tag.
PhatKroger10
and I like to Party
Re: 2011-2012 North Dakota Offseason Thread
I agree. WMU will be a team to watch, no doubt. They looked very good this year with a majority of their players not being seniors. I remember ESPN showing their D pairings and talking about how good they were, I couldn't help to notice that none of them were seniors.. The Gophers could be good next year (I cringed as I typed that), but depending how this postseason goes, they could lose a lot of pieces. The good thing about the Gophers for next year is that their (arguably) top two players, Bjugstad and Rau, are Florida Panther draftees, and the Panthers are just stacked with young talent. Minnesota and BC could face a lot of departures, but time will tell. I think we could see a two horse race next year between UND and Minnesota in the WCHA due to Denver, CC, Duluth, St. Cloud(?), Wisconsin (assuming they lose Schultz and/or Zengerle), losing key players. On a national scale, it is too early to tell, but if everything goes the way I predict, I could see 1. Union (not as the best team, but the fact they play in the ECAC), 2. UND (no matter who is in goal), 3. WMU, 4. Minnesota (really depends who they bring back), 5. Notre Dame (they played an extremely tough CCHA schedule, especially down the stretch, and shouldn't be sold off yet, especially if Tynan returns).
On a completely different note, I cannot imagine the Sioux losing too many players. I personally think Kristo is done, I can't really think of a good reason for him to return other than being loyal to the team. I think Nelson WILL be back. He's a very studious person and I think he really values his education. He, Dillon Simpson and Derek Rodwell are in similar courses and attend class daily (Simpson and Rodwell made the Dean's List and I'm sure are good motivators). I hear rumors (I'm not sure how much detail I'm allowed to disclose) that Dell is not returning. I'm not sure on the validity of the claims, but he's supposedly not returning, which I have an extremely hard time believing, he bleeds green. Similar to my statement above, Corban Knight is a Florida draftee. They're stacked with young talent/prospects, I think he stays. Forbort I could see going either way, but a source who is pretty good friends with him says that he will be returning. I am unsure about MacWilliam, I have not heard anything about him, but I think another year would help him develop as he'd see more ice time.
I agree. WMU will be a team to watch, no doubt. They looked very good this year with a majority of their players not being seniors. I remember ESPN showing their D pairings and talking about how good they were, I couldn't help to notice that none of them were seniors.. The Gophers could be good next year (I cringed as I typed that), but depending how this postseason goes, they could lose a lot of pieces. The good thing about the Gophers for next year is that their (arguably) top two players, Bjugstad and Rau, are Florida Panther draftees, and the Panthers are just stacked with young talent. Minnesota and BC could face a lot of departures, but time will tell. I think we could see a two horse race next year between UND and Minnesota in the WCHA due to Denver, CC, Duluth, St. Cloud(?), Wisconsin (assuming they lose Schultz and/or Zengerle), losing key players. On a national scale, it is too early to tell, but if everything goes the way I predict, I could see 1. Union (not as the best team, but the fact they play in the ECAC), 2. UND (no matter who is in goal), 3. WMU, 4. Minnesota (really depends who they bring back), 5. Notre Dame (they played an extremely tough CCHA schedule, especially down the stretch, and shouldn't be sold off yet, especially if Tynan returns).
On a completely different note, I cannot imagine the Sioux losing too many players. I personally think Kristo is done, I can't really think of a good reason for him to return other than being loyal to the team. I think Nelson WILL be back. He's a very studious person and I think he really values his education. He, Dillon Simpson and Derek Rodwell are in similar courses and attend class daily (Simpson and Rodwell made the Dean's List and I'm sure are good motivators). I hear rumors (I'm not sure how much detail I'm allowed to disclose) that Dell is not returning. I'm not sure on the validity of the claims, but he's supposedly not returning, which I have an extremely hard time believing, he bleeds green. Similar to my statement above, Corban Knight is a Florida draftee. They're stacked with young talent/prospects, I think he stays. Forbort I could see going either way, but a source who is pretty good friends with him says that he will be returning. I am unsure about MacWilliam, I have not heard anything about him, but I think another year would help him develop as he'd see more ice time.
MavHockey14
New member
Re: 2011-2012 North Dakota Offseason Thread
Thanks for an interesting page of reading, guys.
FS23, great detailed analysis, and I think literally everything you've said is fair and could definitely happen.
Thanks for an interesting page of reading, guys.
FS23, great detailed analysis, and I think literally everything you've said is fair and could definitely happen.
MavHockey14
New member
Re: 2011-2012 North Dakota Offseason Thread
Do you guys even know we have hockey down here?I'm sure the feeling is mutual. They've been beating up Kato teams for years before they reach high school.
carltonbarrett
New member
Re: 2011-2012 North Dakota Offseason Thread
They may not be the top team come October, but they still return a very solid core up front with Gadreau, Arnold, Whitney, Mullane & Hayes, have some talented younger players that could really blossom, especially Straight and Linell and are solid in net. I worry about the D if Dumoulin leaves, but they bring in some very good Freshmen D, most notably Matheson, and it isn't like they haven't won with a young defense before (see 2010 when they beat Wisco in the Title game going with 4 freshmen D). Add in some excellent forward recruits in Vatrano and Richardson and I don't see any reason why they can't have a typical BC year.
They may not be the top team come October, but they still return a very solid core up front with Gadreau, Arnold, Whitney, Mullane & Hayes, have some talented younger players that could really blossom, especially Straight and Linell and are solid in net. I worry about the D if Dumoulin leaves, but they bring in some very good Freshmen D, most notably Matheson, and it isn't like they haven't won with a young defense before (see 2010 when they beat Wisco in the Title game going with 4 freshmen D). Add in some excellent forward recruits in Vatrano and Richardson and I don't see any reason why they can't have a typical BC year.
Re: 2011-2012 North Dakota Offseason Thread
We have hockey? We don't even have a coach...Do you guys even know we have hockey down here?
MavHockey14
New member
Re: 2011-2012 North Dakota Offseason Thread
Thank the almighty Lord for that.We have hockey? We don't even have a coach...
Dirty
#BanBiddy
Re: 2011-2012 North Dakota Offseason Thread
I've called this Press Conference today to say: You're Welcome. Thank You. That is all. No questions.
I've called this Press Conference today to say: You're Welcome. Thank You. That is all. No questions.
Re: 2011-2012 North Dakota Offseason Thread
Goon, that's true, but I would anticipate a season where BC finds it's groove down the stretch next year and sneaks into the tourney playing some pretty good hockey. But then again, that's what I thought this season too and they've already far surpassed my expectations both in the RS and playoffs.
Goon, that's true, but I would anticipate a season where BC finds it's groove down the stretch next year and sneaks into the tourney playing some pretty good hockey. But then again, that's what I thought this season too and they've already far surpassed my expectations both in the RS and playoffs.
Re: 2011-2012 North Dakota Offseason Thread
I wouldn't want that tag at the start of a season. Most of the time when you get that tag in October, it doesn't come to fruition at years end.
I understand the goaltending experience question mark for MN. The one thing I will say is that the two goalies are older players and have seen ample amount of game experience in junior hockey (both two years worth). It hasn't been uncommon to see 1st year goalies have a great deal of success their initial year and MN's defensive group is going to be loaded next season so the goalie next year is going to have more help on the blueline than Patterson had this year.
I wouldn't want that tag at the start of a season. Most of the time when you get that tag in October, it doesn't come to fruition at years end.
I understand the goaltending experience question mark for MN. The one thing I will say is that the two goalies are older players and have seen ample amount of game experience in junior hockey (both two years worth). It hasn't been uncommon to see 1st year goalies have a great deal of success their initial year and MN's defensive group is going to be loaded next season so the goalie next year is going to have more help on the blueline than Patterson had this year.
Fighting Sioux 23
New member
Re: 2011-2012 North Dakota Offseason Thread
It is far more common for untested goaltenders to falter than to have a great deal of success. That being said, Minnesota's defense should limit the amount of grade A opportunities that the opposition gets. At the end of the day, it is still a glaring question mark on the Gopher's resume heading into next season.
It is far more common for untested goaltenders to falter than to have a great deal of success. That being said, Minnesota's defense should limit the amount of grade A opportunities that the opposition gets. At the end of the day, it is still a glaring question mark on the Gopher's resume heading into next season.
Fighting Sioux 23
New member
Re: 2011-2012 North Dakota Offseason Thread
Correct. The main difference is that Clarke Saunders is coming in from UAH, and has 46 starts under his belt at the collegiate level. If Dell leaves, North Dakota still has a proven starter that played well considering his situation and schedule.
Correct. The main difference is that Clarke Saunders is coming in from UAH, and has 46 starts under his belt at the collegiate level. If Dell leaves, North Dakota still has a proven starter that played well considering his situation and schedule.
state of hockey
He fixes the cable?
Re: 2011-2012 North Dakota Offseason Thread
Shibby threw a SO in his one appearance!
Shibby threw a SO in his one appearance!
Fighting Sioux 23
New member
Re: 2011-2012 North Dakota Offseason Thread
Unfortunately 20 minutes does not equal a shutout. He did make 5 saves though. I didn't realize that he was a sophomore...Are Gopher fans expecting Wilcox to get the majority of starts, or is $hitBrick-owski going to "carry the load"?
Shibby threw a SO in his one appearance!
Unfortunately 20 minutes does not equal a shutout. He did make 5 saves though. I didn't realize that he was a sophomore...Are Gopher fans expecting Wilcox to get the majority of starts, or is $hitBrick-owski going to "carry the load"?
Re: 2011-2012 North Dakota Offseason Thread
This year alone, we saw three 1st year WCHA goalies have pretty solid/good numbers. Rumpel (2.5 GAA, 91.9%), Faragher (2.7 GAA, 91.5%), and Olkinuora (2.2 GAA, 92.4%). Even if those guys didn't get all of their team's starts, they got enough to get a good feeling for what they could do. Now compare those numbers to what you got from your veteran Dell this year (since he got the bulk of your starts). Doesn't look so bad in comparison.
Then add in Brittain the year before as DU's man. Very good success there too.
Now the GAA may be a tad higher on the first two rookies above than you'd like but those two teams also didn't have as good of an overall defensive group as the Gophers will have next season.
I had one pro scout tell me that he doesn't think the Gophs goaltending will see a statistical drop off in net next year. He feels it will be in the same ballpark (around 2.2 to 2.5 GAA and between 91% and 92%). We'll see. But when I have guys like that giving opinions like that, I feel things are in pretty good hands.
I certainly don't see my expectation on goalie performance at the U as outlandish as your comments on UND goals scored projections. We've seen far more first year goalies succeed than we have teams scoring 180+ goals a season in the last 5+ years.
This year alone, we saw three 1st year WCHA goalies have pretty solid/good numbers. Rumpel (2.5 GAA, 91.9%), Faragher (2.7 GAA, 91.5%), and Olkinuora (2.2 GAA, 92.4%). Even if those guys didn't get all of their team's starts, they got enough to get a good feeling for what they could do. Now compare those numbers to what you got from your veteran Dell this year (since he got the bulk of your starts). Doesn't look so bad in comparison.
Then add in Brittain the year before as DU's man. Very good success there too.
Now the GAA may be a tad higher on the first two rookies above than you'd like but those two teams also didn't have as good of an overall defensive group as the Gophers will have next season.
I had one pro scout tell me that he doesn't think the Gophs goaltending will see a statistical drop off in net next year. He feels it will be in the same ballpark (around 2.2 to 2.5 GAA and between 91% and 92%). We'll see. But when I have guys like that giving opinions like that, I feel things are in pretty good hands.
I certainly don't see my expectation on goalie performance at the U as outlandish as your comments on UND goals scored projections. We've seen far more first year goalies succeed than we have teams scoring 180+ goals a season in the last 5+ years.
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