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Minnesota Golden Gopher Off Season 2011
- Thread starter brookyone
- Start date
Re: Minnesota Golden Gopher Off Season 2011
Have not seen her play either, but according to Hockey Hub her SV% was pretty good at .923. And looking at New Prague's game results it's safe to say she faced a lot of tough shots, game in and game out. Then again New Prague's schedule was pretty weak, so I bet those shots she sees when she puts on her practice jersey will seem like they're being shot out of a cannon!
Have not seen her play either, but according to Hockey Hub her SV% was pretty good at .923. And looking at New Prague's game results it's safe to say she faced a lot of tough shots, game in and game out. Then again New Prague's schedule was pretty weak, so I bet those shots she sees when she puts on her practice jersey will seem like they're being shot out of a cannon!
frozenfeet
New member
Re: Minnesota Golden Gopher Off Season 2011
Please, Sletta has played with or against the Blades, Ice Cats, Jr. White Caps, etc. the past 4-5 summers. I think she's faced some quality shots. She is a nice player top 5 in Minnesota this year.
so I bet those shots she sees when she puts on her practice jersey will seem like they're being shot out of a cannon!
Please, Sletta has played with or against the Blades, Ice Cats, Jr. White Caps, etc. the past 4-5 summers. I think she's faced some quality shots. She is a nice player top 5 in Minnesota this year.
Re: Minnesota Golden Gopher Off Season 2011
frozenfeet, please be assured there was no intent to offend! Note that those who regularly post here in this thread are big Gopher supporters, and we are 100% behind all of the players. Thanks for the additional information re: her experience with those club teams, and I wish her the best of luck the next four years.
frozenfeet, please be assured there was no intent to offend! Note that those who regularly post here in this thread are big Gopher supporters, and we are 100% behind all of the players. Thanks for the additional information re: her experience with those club teams, and I wish her the best of luck the next four years.
brookyone
Deport Right Wing Nuts
Re: Minnesota Golden Gopher Off Season 2011
Good to hear. I'll have to catch some of the summer 2011 competition...maybe get a chance to see her play. Probably offers the opportunity to see a few other Gopher recruits as well.
Good to hear. I'll have to catch some of the summer 2011 competition...maybe get a chance to see her play. Probably offers the opportunity to see a few other Gopher recruits as well.
brookyone
Deport Right Wing Nuts
Re: Minnesota Golden Gopher Off Season 2011
A couple thoughts regarding potential lines and where the incoming forwards might fit on those lines. Due to her career with the T'breds outside of MSHSL girls' high school hockey, I haven't had the opportunity to see Stephanie Anderson play. In the case of some freshmen in seasons past, the player(s) coming from U19AAA or Elite level teams seemed to be / were a step ahead of the player coming out of Minnesota high school competition. I suppose this could be an advantage for Miss Anderson regarding ice time in her rookie season. I'd appreciate any comments from anyone who has watched her play. It also seems possible that due to the experience of the other forwards and their own fairly extensive Elite level competition outside the high school league season, that oft noticeable edge for the triple A player may be less pronounced than it has been in prior recruit classes. It should be very interesting to witness this groups impact in 2011-2012.
Re: Minnesota Golden Gopher Off Season 2011
Can't offer any specific comments on Miss Anderson, other than I've heard that she's fast and can get up the ice in a real hurry!
In terms of ice time I'm not sure how much of an advantage her AAA T-Breds schedule will give her (relative to the other freshmen) since Bona, Lowrence and Ramsey are all obviously extremely talented and have had the benefit of facing similar "before and after" competition the balance of the year, with the Elite league and AAA teams that they've been on for many years. As fans we can only hope that this frosh group contributes to the team's success on a par with what we saw last year (although this admittedly would be asking a lot; perhaps too much as Kessel, Davis and Terry were awesome in their freshman years).
Also, CONGRATS to Jen Schoullis for scoring two of the USA's five goals against Canada in the recent exhibition games!
Can't offer any specific comments on Miss Anderson, other than I've heard that she's fast and can get up the ice in a real hurry!
In terms of ice time I'm not sure how much of an advantage her AAA T-Breds schedule will give her (relative to the other freshmen) since Bona, Lowrence and Ramsey are all obviously extremely talented and have had the benefit of facing similar "before and after" competition the balance of the year, with the Elite league and AAA teams that they've been on for many years. As fans we can only hope that this frosh group contributes to the team's success on a par with what we saw last year (although this admittedly would be asking a lot; perhaps too much as Kessel, Davis and Terry were awesome in their freshman years).
Also, CONGRATS to Jen Schoullis for scoring two of the USA's five goals against Canada in the recent exhibition games!
brookyone
Deport Right Wing Nuts
Re: Minnesota Golden Gopher Off Season 2011
Official release regarding Miss Sletta:
http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=205141009&DB_OEM_ID=8400
Official release regarding Miss Sletta:
http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=205141009&DB_OEM_ID=8400
puckskillz
New member
Re: Minnesota Golden Gopher Off Season 2011
Nice write-up. She's done well with Ice Cats and Whitecaps. Will be a strong addition.
Nice write-up. She's done well with Ice Cats and Whitecaps. Will be a strong addition.
ARM
Fan of chipmunk-like mascots.
Re: Minnesota Golden Gopher Off Season 2011
Commenting on these Gopher-specific posts in the commitments thread:
Commenting on these Gopher-specific posts in the commitments thread:
People said that would be a problem in 2010-11, and it turned out that a few games into the season there weren't any extra skaters. I'd rather have too many than too few. And as far as 2011-12 goes, I don't think there will be an excess. If someone down the depth chart has a concern, they could always consider a redshirt, given they will graduate 3 top forwards in West, Erickson, and Schoullis with only one forward (Brandt) committed thus far for 2012-2013.
Re: Minnesota Golden Gopher Off Season 2011
ARM, correct me if I'm wrong, but it appears the Gophers will have two more forwards this coming season than last, barring any position changes from F to D, or vice versa. May and Rasmussen graduate, and incoming we have Anderson, Bona and Lowrence - plus West who returns. As you say, too many is better than too few. I would add that this is true up to a point - having some extra talent (and dedicated players) promotes healthy competition for playing time, and it gives the team more options in the case of injuries, sickness, academic issues, etc. But it seems to me that SOME teams < > can take this to an extreme, to the point where talent could be diluted, due to not having enough scholarship money to go around. And for future considerations, it's possible that over-recruiting could lead to a "reputation" being formed which, if it were to become ingrained, could prove to be counter-productive.
It would appear, when it comes to the forward position, the Gophers have struck the right balance for this coming season.
ARM, correct me if I'm wrong, but it appears the Gophers will have two more forwards this coming season than last, barring any position changes from F to D, or vice versa. May and Rasmussen graduate, and incoming we have Anderson, Bona and Lowrence - plus West who returns. As you say, too many is better than too few. I would add that this is true up to a point - having some extra talent (and dedicated players) promotes healthy competition for playing time, and it gives the team more options in the case of injuries, sickness, academic issues, etc. But it seems to me that SOME teams <
> can take this to an extreme, to the point where talent could be diluted, due to not having enough scholarship money to go around. And for future considerations, it's possible that over-recruiting could lead to a "reputation" being formed which, if it were to become ingrained, could prove to be counter-productive. It would appear, when it comes to the forward position, the Gophers have struck the right balance for this coming season.
ARM
Fan of chipmunk-like mascots.
Re: Minnesota Golden Gopher Off Season 2011
I agree with your math. For the purpose of this discussion, we may as well call the number three, because we'd have an extra D or F/D in addition. Whether Downey stays in that role or it moves to somebody like Frischmann or Stenerson remains to be seen.
I think a huge key here is how a player is recruited. For example, from conversations with Stenerson and the coach, she knew what her role would be coming in. I'm sure she doesn't love it, but she showed an understanding of it. Ludwigson has been stuck in that situation for three years, never really getting much in the way of opportunity. It takes a certain character to handle that position, and to the credit of the majority of the players we've had in it over the years, they've handled it very well. I've got to get the senior interviews up on the PPC website, because all three of the graduates were faced with that "lack of playing time" problem over the years and they touched on it. I'm impressed by those people who keep smiling when their role is less than ideal.
Re: Minnesota Golden Gopher Off Season 2011
I've spoken to a few of these recruits personally the last 3 years. And what they're told up front is he plays his top 8 forwards alot. He does try to play 4 lines at times. But I will say the players on the 4th line last year played very little.
As a coach yes the more the merrier. But as a high school STAR player 2 shifts a period is not enough.
I've spoken to a few of these recruits personally the last 3 years. And what they're told up front is he plays his top 8 forwards alot. He does try to play 4 lines at times. But I will say the players on the 4th line last year played very little.
As a coach yes the more the merrier. But as a high school STAR player 2 shifts a period is not enough.
brookyone
Deport Right Wing Nuts
Re: Minnesota Golden Gopher Off Season 2011
Competition for ice time should be quite intense among the forwards. For the group in coming, they may surprise and earn more ice time than expected. Long term, I definitely expect they'll become primary contributors on the PP as their careers progress. Imagine the challenge in 2012-2013 in adding HB to the mix...
Though obviously, Minnesota will be losing some key forwards for that season.
I'm reminded of a poster a few years back that 3-4 months before the season began, insisted the Gopher locker room was guaranteed to erupt in turmoil due to having designated an underclassman as Captain in favor of the seniors. Didn't happen...just saying potential turmoil or dissatisfaction among the roster is difficult to predict accurately prior to the season.
Besides...we may just have a team where a fourth line gets more ice time than has been typical. I'd certainly like to see games go in the direction to warrant that next season. About that PP,
There have been times the last couple seasons when a fairly potent 3rd unit would have been nice to have...when our 1st & 2nd PP units weren't having great success. I like having Schoullis & Kessel on the same unit though...goes for the PK too.
I like the UW model...more talent is better.
That's the reason I asked if you were referring to the 2011-2012 Gophers...because I've heard the very same thing implied about past teams as ARM mentioned, and also as ARM states, it turned out to be a non issue. Speaking with a tone of absolutes well before the team takes the ice is something I have a little trouble buying into. Many things can happen to alter the circumstances...and I just wouldn't believe, or assume anyway, there is sure to be a bunch of unhappy players. Certainly not "most." I'll confess I've seen a few struggle and be unhappy with going from being a star in high school to having a much more limited role in D-I. I've actually seen far more of those former stars at the high school level make the adjustment well and accept their new roles in division I. I'm in agreement with ARM on the admiration for those players that put what's best for the time ahead of what they may have originally hoped to contribute personally.
Competition for ice time should be quite intense among the forwards. For the group in coming, they may surprise and earn more ice time than expected. Long term, I definitely expect they'll become primary contributors on the PP as their careers progress. Imagine the challenge in 2012-2013 in adding HB to the mix...
Though obviously, Minnesota will be losing some key forwards for that season.I'm reminded of a poster a few years back that 3-4 months before the season began, insisted the Gopher locker room was guaranteed to erupt in turmoil due to having designated an underclassman as Captain in favor of the seniors. Didn't happen...just saying potential turmoil or dissatisfaction among the roster is difficult to predict accurately prior to the season.
Besides...we may just have a team where a fourth line gets more ice time than has been typical. I'd certainly like to see games go in the direction to warrant that next season. About that PP,
There have been times the last couple seasons when a fairly potent 3rd unit would have been nice to have...when our 1st & 2nd PP units weren't having great success. I like having Schoullis & Kessel on the same unit though...goes for the PK too. I like the UW model...more talent is better.
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ARM
Fan of chipmunk-like mascots.
Re: Minnesota Golden Gopher Off Season 2011
The 4th-line talent next year also figures to be upgraded from what it has been over the last couple of seasons. I'm not saying that last year's 4th-liners -- primarily Ludwigson, Frischmann, and Stenerson -- can't play, but as a unit there was a drop between that trio and any other Gopher line. All three were more effective when spotted on one of the other lines, IMO. With as important as each game during the course of the season winds up being in the tournament picture, it is tough to risk losing a game with your 4th-best line on the ice.
When we last had a stronger 4th line (2008-2009), they did skate a lot more, even in important games with the outcome in doubt. There were times when they were the most effective line because they brought a consistent effort and energy. Assuming that the top two lines next year are formed out of West, Schoullis, Kessel, Erickson, Terry, and Davis (not a given, but who would you drop?), then the third and fourth could be formed out of a pool of players such as Kortum, Lorence, Bona, Anderson, Brausen, and Downey. The bottom three of that grouping would still have the talent to compete against most lines in the league.
Even skating four lines doesn't assure that everyone will be happy. Those sitting in the stands in street clothes are still two steps from the ice, although it is a better carrot if they know that cracking the lineup means also getting to skate in games. And when the 4th line played a lot in 2008-2009, there were complaints from some of the top players that it was eating into their shifts. Personally, I don't feel that is a valid complaint. If you are going to be on the ice for 17 minutes a game rather than 22, then it would behoove you to skate a little harder when you are out there.
Anyway, it will be interesting to see how it unfolds. Hopefully, we do have the problem of "too many" rather than watching attrition eat away at the roster.
I expect that we'll see more of a 4th line in the season to come, assuming that the Gophs have everyone available that we expect as of now. One reason is that a couple of forwards who will skate primarily on a 4th line next season will likely be counted on to move up to the top three lines the following year. Their effectiveness will increase if they get more ice beforehand.
The 4th-line talent next year also figures to be upgraded from what it has been over the last couple of seasons. I'm not saying that last year's 4th-liners -- primarily Ludwigson, Frischmann, and Stenerson -- can't play, but as a unit there was a drop between that trio and any other Gopher line. All three were more effective when spotted on one of the other lines, IMO. With as important as each game during the course of the season winds up being in the tournament picture, it is tough to risk losing a game with your 4th-best line on the ice.
When we last had a stronger 4th line (2008-2009), they did skate a lot more, even in important games with the outcome in doubt. There were times when they were the most effective line because they brought a consistent effort and energy. Assuming that the top two lines next year are formed out of West, Schoullis, Kessel, Erickson, Terry, and Davis (not a given, but who would you drop?), then the third and fourth could be formed out of a pool of players such as Kortum, Lorence, Bona, Anderson, Brausen, and Downey. The bottom three of that grouping would still have the talent to compete against most lines in the league.
Even skating four lines doesn't assure that everyone will be happy. Those sitting in the stands in street clothes are still two steps from the ice, although it is a better carrot if they know that cracking the lineup means also getting to skate in games. And when the 4th line played a lot in 2008-2009, there were complaints from some of the top players that it was eating into their shifts. Personally, I don't feel that is a valid complaint. If you are going to be on the ice for 17 minutes a game rather than 22, then it would behoove you to skate a little harder when you are out there.
Anyway, it will be interesting to see how it unfolds. Hopefully, we do have the problem of "too many" rather than watching attrition eat away at the roster.
Re: Minnesota Golden Gopher Off Season 2011
Agree with your groupings of the forwards, ARM, but I'm hoping that one or more of those who we think might be "sitting in the stands" will surprise and challenge for a starting spot. It's certainly reasonable to expect that the heightened competition in practice every day will make everybody better.
Regarding 4th line playing time, I would add that womens hockey isn't quite where the mens game is at this point. With the men you absolutely need a solid 4th line to play fairly regularly, typically 2-4 shifts a period. No room for the 1st and 2nd liners to complain that they cut into their playing time - a three line-only rotation the entire game will make them much less effective. I sure hope the Gopher women's 4th line is strong enough this year to play regularly, as it would help the other players to stay fresh and go all-out the entire game. It would especially pay dividends in Game 2 of a tough weekend series, like when the first game goes to overtime and the second game is played with less than 24 hours rest.
Agree with your groupings of the forwards, ARM, but I'm hoping that one or more of those who we think might be "sitting in the stands" will surprise and challenge for a starting spot. It's certainly reasonable to expect that the heightened competition in practice every day will make everybody better.
Regarding 4th line playing time, I would add that womens hockey isn't quite where the mens game is at this point. With the men you absolutely need a solid 4th line to play fairly regularly, typically 2-4 shifts a period. No room for the 1st and 2nd liners to complain that they cut into their playing time - a three line-only rotation the entire game will make them much less effective. I sure hope the Gopher women's 4th line is strong enough this year to play regularly, as it would help the other players to stay fresh and go all-out the entire game. It would especially pay dividends in Game 2 of a tough weekend series, like when the first game goes to overtime and the second game is played with less than 24 hours rest.
Re: Minnesota Golden Gopher Off Season 2011
Arm and Brooky,
I love your posts. But let's be a little honest saying it and meaning it are two different things. I believe it's awesome to play for the U of M but there will be bickering. I think Frost is a coach who can control it for the most part.
I will say from a coaches perspective it's great having so many high end players. Top players will be pushed every day. From a players perspective it will be frustrating at many times because no matter how hard you try you still might not get a chance to play. Part of life lessons.
Arm and Brooky,
I love your posts. But let's be a little honest saying it and meaning it are two different things. I believe it's awesome to play for the U of M but there will be bickering. I think Frost is a coach who can control it for the most part.
I will say from a coaches perspective it's great having so many high end players. Top players will be pushed every day. From a players perspective it will be frustrating at many times because no matter how hard you try you still might not get a chance to play. Part of life lessons.
brookyone
Deport Right Wing Nuts
Re: Minnesota Golden Gopher Off Season 2011
If that was what I honestly believed, I'd say so. Just like in the past when, well in advance of the coming season I've been told there would be trouble in the locker room for this same reason...as well as some other factors, it's a believe it when I see it type of assertion for me. There has been conflicts in the locker room for different reasons that I've heard of...everyone isn't always going to get along in a group of twenty plus individuals, but historically, those other pre-season predictions for turmoil have been inaccurate. It remains to be seen I guess.