Interesting theory, have you heard anything to support it? And I'm not trying to be condescending, I'm actually curious. Michigan has played several non-conference games away since leaving the WCHA that are far away. Granted most are slightly closer than Grand Forks by plane.
But they traveled regularly to Alaska Fairbanks in the not too distant CCHA days.
I don't know the CCHA agreement, but UAA paid for travel for the teams in the old WCHA, AND the visiting teams got to schedule 2 extra games. Very much worth that agreement, IMO.
The Daily is also reporting Werenski may sign today. Not a surprise if he does.
Downing has signed with the Panthers. http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-hockey/spec-rel/032916aag.html
Columbus isn't that bad. Remember several years ago when the Blue Jackets signed Shawn Hunwick to be an emergency backup goalie?It's bad enough that they already have to play two games a year in Columbus...
So I have a question, was this rash of signings by the Michigan players expected or an indication of jumping ship due to inside info that Red's not going to be coming back?
They're always braver on that side of the glass, probably not so much if it wasn't there!Shouldn't he be flipping off the camera? Seems like the thing to do in those clothes- especially to him.
Shouldn't he be flipping off the camera? Seems like the thing to do in those clothes- especially to him.
So I have a question, was this rash of signings by the Michigan players expected or an indication of jumping ship due to inside info that Red's not going to be coming back?
Expected. A couple of seniors signing, good for them. Werenski...there were questions of him leaving mid season after he played so well at World Juniors. Downing isn't much of a surprise, his style of play didn't always fit well, especially with refs keeping an extra eye on him (I'm not saying his penalties weren't penalties, just that other players could get away with things that would at least be 2, and sometimes 5 if Downing did it).
So we loose our two best offensive Defensemen. Which is a lot of fire power, but hopefully for next year means less getting caught pinching and with Downing gone maybe fewer unnecessary penalties.
Connor is expected to go. He looks better that Larkin did last year, and clearly Larkin was ready for the NHL.
Compher and Motte...we'll see. I didn't expect Copp to go last year, but he did. So I'm not going to get my hopes up too much on both of these guys coming back.
Piazza should be ready for full time duty next year.
Is Lohan expected back next year? If so then the offensive production from the blue line might be down but with an experienced group they could be better in their own end.
And that is not counting any help from incoming freshmen.
