Re: If your best players hadn't gone pro, would your team beat BC?
And JD - I have made no excuses for our loss this year. BC was the better team. My only point, regarding next season, is that Minnesota should be setup to really make a run if they don't lose anyone. And if BC beats us again, you won't get any excuses from me either.
It's not that I don't acknowledge what your team has accomplished on the ice. It has been an unbelievable run for Jerry York and BC. Historic in some regards.
What has gotten lost in this whole discussion is what my American/Minnesotan comments were really in reference too. They were in reference to your comment that we should "envy" your team.
I'm sorry, but I strongly believe in the traditions of my program, and I wouldn't sacrifice those for a few more championships. That's my right to feel that way. I don't "envy" any team that can't do something my team does because some of us feel it's important to give local kids a chance to play. Those opportunities have made Minnesota Hockey what it is today IMO.
So, no disrespect to your program, and congrats for its accomplishments, but I do not "envy" you. Nor do I expect or care if you "envy" us.