Minnesota Gophers Offesason Thread: Back To 1896

[Biddco]

Well...the moment you've all been waiting for has finally arrived. Here are the s**tfaced names chosen by Minnesota hockey fans for the MN tourney:

The Herb Brooks Classic
The Hot Dish
The Minnesota College Hockey Classic
The Northern Lights Cup
The Star of the North Classic
The 10,000 Lakes Classic
The North Star Classic/Cup
The Taconite Cup/Classic

The Taconite Classic only works for me with a "-" = Taco-Nite. Vote HERE.

The Taconite Cup will only work if they find the original Taconite Cup.

 

[4four4]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Offesason Thread: Back To 1896

Not sure what to think about the Nick Leddy with the cup at Mariucci. He was the classic example of someone who chose to bolt early (at least by Lucia's standards, with which I agreed). EJ is the one player I can see as one and done...its not often one is the #1 pick overall. Others may disagree...but if you can't commit to two years, go play in Canada as at Minnesota we're trying to put a hockey product on the ice.

He did play 46 games for the Blackhawks after his one year at Minnesota. We don't see many college hockey players do that the year after leaving for the pros.

 

[Bonin21]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Offesason Thread: Back To 1896

Others may disagree...but if you can't commit to two years, go play in Canada as at Minnesota we're trying to put a hockey product on the ice.

Put me in the disagree camp. Respectfully.

 

[5mn_Major]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Offesason Thread: Back To 1896

He did play 46 games for the Blackhawks after his one year at Minnesota. We don't see many college hockey players do that the year after leaving for the pros.

It is quite possible that he could have stagnated after his freshman year...little bit of hindsight here. Regardless, yours is a good point.

I am still of the opinion that if you knew for 100% certainty that a player would leave after their freshman year...I'd decline. On a team like the Gophers there will always be talent. But experience and chemistry also have an important role to play. An alternative player could well stay 3 or 4 years. Whereas a freshman leaves and is replaced by another one. The whole scenario leaves the multitude of other high draft picks wondering why they're staying. I'm not trying to overstate this...but even a small impact on chemistry, continuity or experience makes it worth looking for a player who is working to fit into the program. This is all opinion and that's mine.

 

[4four4]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Offesason Thread: Back To 1896

It is quite possible that he could have stagnated after his freshman year...little bit of hindsight here. Regardless, yours is a good point.

I am still of the opinion that if you knew for 100% certainty that a player would leave after their freshman year...I'd decline. On a team like the Gophers there will always be talent. But experience and chemistry also have an important role to play. An alternative player could well stay 3 or 4 years. Whereas a freshman leaves and is replaced by another one. The whole scenario leaves the multitude of other high draft picks wondering why they're staying. I'm not trying to overstate this...but even a small impact on chemistry, continuity or experience makes it worth looking for a player who is working to fit into the program. This is all opinion and that's mine.

I look at players leaving early in the same regard as Junior College football or basketball players.

 

[HarleyMC]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Offesason Thread: Back To 1896

He was a Gopher.

He thought he was ready to make the jump, and obviously it has worked out well for him. Would i have liked to see him stick around? Of course. But these things happen. Bottom line: He was a Gopher. I have no issue at all with him having the event there.

I tend to agree with you. Lucia has said a couple times, if a player wants to leave college hockey early to play in the NHL...I'll gladly drive him to the airport.

I didn't get a chance to get to Mariucci, but I understand it was quite a memory for adults and kids to see THE CUP. Leddy puts the Gopher jersey on one more time:

 

[HarleyMC]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Offesason Thread: Back To 1896

It is quite possible that he could have stagnated after his freshman year...little bit of hindsight here. Regardless, yours is a good point.

I am still of the opinion that if you knew for 100% certainty that a player would leave after their freshman year...I'd decline. On a team like the Gophers there will always be talent. But experience and chemistry also have an important role to play. An alternative player could well stay 3 or 4 years. Whereas a freshman leaves and is replaced by another one. The whole scenario leaves the multitude of other high draft picks wondering why they're staying. I'm not trying to overstate this...but even a small impact on chemistry, continuity or experience makes it worth looking for a player who is working to fit into the program. This is all opinion and that's mine.

I think Bowman really liked Leddy from day one after the Wild traded him for Cam Barker.

“(Leddy) is really smooth out there and I think he’s going to be a Blackhawk for many years,” Bowman told assembled reporters on July 12th. “This is the first time we’ve seen him here in Chicago. We saw him perform during the (09-10) season, but boy he’s really smooth out there. I think he’s going to be with the Blackhawks for many years. It’s exciting to see that.”

Basically, he was really impressed with Leddy's development in the Gopher program which speaks volumes as a rebuttal to guys like Garth Snow.

“That was the hard part. That we did not anticipate when last year began that we’d only have Nick for one year,” Gophers head coach Don Lucia said in August. “Even after he was traded to Chicago, our talks with Chicago were that we’d have him for two or three years and certainly that all changed this summer, and they saw where he was strength-wise, where his skating ability [was and] how he outshined their other top prospects. They were blown away by him developmentally.”

- Minnesota Daily March 02, 2011

Bowman gave him reason to believe that if he made the jump, he would have a reasonable shot at the big show in similar fashion to what has happened with Bjugs. If I'm Nick Leddy and I'm offered a legitimate chance at a pro contract, I'm on the next plane. This last season Leddy's $990,000 contract was prorated for the NHL's truncated 48-game season, but he is expected to make another $325,000 in performance bonuses.

Your point is well taken though. I think Lucia is aware that Gopher recruiting strategies need to also adjust and bring in smaller, developing players like Marshall, Cammarata, Kloos, Rau, etc. who will be around for 3 or possibly 4 years.

 

[Koho]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Offesason Thread: Back To 1896

It is quite possible that he could have stagnated after his freshman year...little bit of hindsight here. Regardless, yours is a good point.

I am still of the opinion that if you knew for 100% certainty that a player would leave after their freshman year...I'd decline. On a team like the Gophers there will always be talent. But experience and chemistry also have an important role to play. An alternative player could well stay 3 or 4 years. Whereas a freshman leaves and is replaced by another one. The whole scenario leaves the multitude of other high draft picks wondering why they're staying. I'm not trying to overstate this...but even a small impact on chemistry, continuity or experience makes it worth looking for a player who is working to fit into the program. This is all opinion and that's mine.

I am almost certain that when Leddy came to the U, he did not expect to have a pro offer after his freshman year. Everyone expected a couple years out of him at least, but some kids just develop quicker than expected while others stagnate. I don't think anyone expected one and done, so I have no problem with the Gophs having taken him, or his having left. Seeing what he did his freshman year despite missing a lot with the injury made it very disappointing to not see him for another year. But he went to the summer camp and showed he was beyond what people had expected, so took advantage of it. He is a Gopher. Glad he brought the cup here.

 

[Bonin21]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Offesason Thread: Back To 1896

The Herb Brooks Classic
The Hot Dish
The Minnesota College Hockey Classic
The Northern Lights Cup
The Star of the North Classic
The 10,000 Lakes Classic
The North Star Classic/Cup
The Taconite Cup/Classic

Isn't hotdish one word? And imagine how that trophy would look... I'm probably most okay with:
The Herb Brooks Classic
The Minnesota College Hockey Classic
BUT I still don't like this tournament much as it doesn't include all five MN teams. Can't touch the Beanpot.

 

[5mn_Major]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Offesason Thread: Back To 1896

Isn't hotdish one word? And imagine how that trophy would look... I'm probably most okay with:
The Herb Brooks Classic
The Minnesota College Hockey Classic
BUT I still don't like this tournament much as it doesn't include all five MN teams. Can't touch the Beanpot.

Although I would have liked the 10,000 Rinks Classic best,

At this point...make it the Herbie

 

[HarleyMC]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Offesason Thread: Back To 1896

Isn't hotdish one word? And imagine how that trophy would look... I'm probably most okay with:
The Herb Brooks Classic
The Minnesota College Hockey Classic
BUT I still don't like this tournament much as it doesn't include all five MN teams. Can't touch the Beanpot.

I hadn't thought about the Hotdish trophy idea...scattered little plastic pieces of yellow corn and...ah nevermind.

 

[goldy_331]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Offesason Thread: Back To 1896

I think Bowman really liked Leddy from day one after the Wild traded him for Cam Barker.

My kid gets some skating lessons from the same trainer who works with Nick. The trainer has years of experience with a number of pro teams and individual players. He told the class that Nick is the quickest he's ever timed from goal line to blue line - ever.

 

[HarleyMC]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Offesason Thread: Back To 1896

My kid gets some skating lessons from the same trainer who works with Nick. The trainer has years of experience with a number of pro teams and individual players. He told the class that Nick is the quickest he's ever timed from goal line to blue line - ever.

Wouldn't it be cool if your boy could play for the Gophers someday? How old and how good is he?

 

[goldy_331]

Wouldn't it be cool if your boy could play for the Gophers someday? How old and how good is he?

Sure, but he would need a gene transplant from someone with athletic ability. He's burdened with my genes. He'll try out for high school this fall and won't make JV unless a miracle happens. He is a career C-B player.

 

[pgb-ohio]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Offesason Thread: Back To 1896

I think Bowman really liked Leddy from day one after the Wild traded him for Cam Barker.

Basically, he was really impressed with Leddy's development in the Gopher program which speaks volumes as a rebuttal to guys like Garth Snow.

Bowman gave him reason to believe that if he made the jump, he would have a reasonable shot at the big show in similar fashion to what has happened with Bjugs. If I'm Nick Leddy and I'm offered a legitimate chance at a pro contract, I'm on the next plane. This last season Leddy's $990,000 contract was prorated for the NHL's truncated 48-game season, but he is expected to make another $325,000 in performance bonuses.

I am almost certain that when Leddy came to the U, he did not expect to have a pro offer after his freshman year. Everyone expected a couple years out of him at least, but some kids just develop quicker than expected while others stagnate. I don't think anyone expected one and done, so I have no problem with the Gophs having taken him, or his having left. Seeing what he did his freshman year despite missing a lot with the injury made it very disappointing to not see him for another year. But he went to the summer camp and showed he was beyond what people had expected, so took advantage of it. He is a Gopher. Glad he brought the cup here.

Interesting info on Leddy's development. Agree with the conclusions you guys draw.

In further support of your position, remember where the Hawks were in 2010. Financially they were "all in" on their Cup run, and of course it paid off with the best possible result. But then the salary cap crisis hit. After the necessary fire sale, the Hawks were in desperate need of halfway affordable talent. Under salary cap rules, that often means young guys. Given the exact circumstances, it was very reasonable for Leddy to believe that he had an almost unique opportunity to get to the NHL quickly, and that said opportunity might partially close if he waited a year. Bowman needed him immediately; Leddy stepped up.

Regardless of the above, would Leddy have benefitted from another season with the Gophers? Likely yes. There certainly were times in those early NHL games when Nick appeared to be in a little over his head. And of course the Gopher Program would have benefitted from a second year. But the opportunity arose when it arose. And I think that everyone would have to agree that things have worked out awfully well for him, both financially and Cup-wise.

 

[Happy]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Offesason Thread: Back To 1896

Interesting info on Leddy's development. Agree with the conclusions you guys draw.

In further support of your position, remember where the Hawks were in 2010. Financially they were "all in" on their Cup run, and of course it paid off with the best possible result. But then the salary cap crisis hit. After the necessary fire sale, the Hawks were in desperate need of halfway affordable talent. Under salary cap rules, that often means young guys. Given the exact circumstances, it was very reasonable for Leddy to believe that he had an almost unique opportunity to get to the NHL quickly, and that said opportunity might partially close if he waited a year. Bowman needed him immediately; Leddy stepped up.

Regardless of the above, would Leddy have benefitted from another season with the Gophers? Likely yes. There certainly were times in those early NHL games when Nick appeared to be in a little over his head. And of course the Gopher Program would have benefitted from a second year. But the opportunity arose when it arose. And I think that everyone would have to agree that things have worked out awfully well for him, both financially and Cup-wise.

I have always been confused why the Wild made this trade. Chicago was having a salary cap fire sale, and the Wild managed to do themselves and the Gophers a big screw job, to the great benifit of Chicago. In hindsite, it's the Wilds worst trade.

 

[5mn_Major]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Offesason Thread: Back To 1896

I have always been confused why the Wild made this trade. Chicago was having a salary cap fire sale, and the Wild managed to do themselves and the Gophers a big screw job, to the great benifit of Chicago. In hindsite, it's the Wilds worst trade.

From trading way up to grab a guy on few radars to bailing on him almost right away and trading for a guy who hardly lasted a year in the program. I can't find it now...but I thought Wild management also took a swipe at Don. From what I remember of it, the episode was mismanagement not seen since Herschel trade days.

 

[HarleyMC]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Offesason Thread: Back To 1896

Sure, but he would need a gene transplant from someone with athletic ability. He's burdened with my genes. He'll try out for high school this fall and won't make JV unless a miracle happens. He is a career C-B player.

Good luck to your son this coming season goldy. It's tough, there's always heavy competition in youth hockey in the Edina area.

 

[Gophers #1]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Offesason Thread: Back To 1896

Shooter tweet:

@Charley_Walters: Look for #Gophers to announce January hockey game at TCF Bank Stadium.

Go Gophers!!

 

[HarleyMC]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Offesason Thread: Back To 1896

Don Lucia takes over for Phil Housley who led the USA to gold at the 2013 U20 Championships in Ufa, Russia. “I’m honored to have the opportunity to represent our country as the head coach of the National Junior Team,” said Lucia of his appointment. “When I started coaching I hoped one day to be involved with a US Olympic or World Junior team so when this was offered it was something to jump at.” A Grand Rapids, Minnesota native, Lucia has been one of the most successful college coaches in the United States. He has coached 26 seasons of NCAA Division I hockey and his 622 wins rank fourth all-time among active coaches. His coaching career began in 1987 with the University of Alaska Fairbanks before moving on to Colorado College in 1993. Since 1999, Lucia has been with the University of Minnesota where he has won two NCAA titles in 2002 and 2003.

As he is still currently coaching with the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers, Lucia will miss two games during a holiday tournament in late December while leading Team USA. Lucia said that despite missing two games, associate head coach in Mike Guentzel and assistant coach Grant Potulny, who was a Team USA assistant coach of the gold medal squad in Ufa, are more than capable in taking care of matters until his return. In addition, Lucia has the full support of the school in undertaking this national team coaching assignment.

“From our standpoint and in building a staff, Don was someone for a long time we talked about having with the national junior team and wanted to find the right setting that makes the most sense,” said Jim Johansson, Assistant Executive Director of Hockey Operations and U20 General Manager. It was revealed at the press conference that Team USA officials made the decision to appoint Lucia in January, citing his ability to develop players who move to the next level into professional hockey and for his preferred style of play. 19 of his players are currently in the NHL, including Thomas Vanek and Phil Kessel. “The type of hockey Don coaches was the biggest intrigue here,” said Jim Johansson, Assistant Executive Director of Hockey Operations and U20 General Manager. “Don’s teams play up-tempo high paced hockey.”

Last summer, Lucia took part in the USA National Junior Evaluation camp at Lake Placid, New York and credits that experience in providing the basis for his role in preparing for the top job. “I had a chance to work with many of the players who will be on the radar for the 2014 squad and I look forward to getting back to Lake Placid this August for our camp as we begin preparations for the World Junior Championship in December."

The evaluation camp will be held this year again in Lake Placid from August 3-10 to finalize the roster. Director of Player Personnel Tim Taylor is currently involved in the identification process of possible camp invitees. Approximately 45 players will be invited and an announcement will come in June. “Looking at next year’s tournament and the available player pool, it became readily apparent that Don was the right choice for this team,” said Johansson. “I want to make sure my coach is comfortable with who is sitting on the bench with him.”

The coaching staff will include Greg Brown, David Lassonde and Bob Motzko, it was announced. Dan Muse was also named to the team as video coach. “We all have same philosophy of wanting to play up-tempo hockey,” said Lucia. “I like the personality of our staff. When you are in that bunker hunkered down, you want to be in there with people you enjoy working with.”

Brown and Motzko are making their Team USA coaching debuts; Lassonde and Muse were members of the gold medal winning staff in 2013. Lassonde, in particular, received praise at the press conference for his work with goaltenders, including last year’s World Junior Championship Most Valuable Player, John Gibson. “I think we have a great staff. We tried to put together a staff that had experience on big stages,” he said. “We have a few holdovers on staff that will have familiarity with the format.”

In Malmö the United States will be seeking its fourth medal in five years, having on gold in 2013 and 2010 and the bronze medal in 2011. Team USA will compete in a group with Canada, Czech Republic, Germany and Slovakia.

“This is a whole new team,” said Lucia, whose son Mario was a member of the 2013 team. “We are not trying to repeat so much as trying to find our own path.”

The IIHF schedule was recently announced. The USA will attempt to defend its 2013 gold medal, while Canada hopes to bounce back from a disappointing fourth-place finish. Both teams will compete in Group A, while 2013 silver medalist Sweden and bronze medalist Russia will compete in Group B. All four nations are likely to advance beyond the preliminary round, which has been reconfigured in a new format for 2014. Under the old format, three teams from the five-team preliminary round groups qualified for the playoffs with the two group-winners enjoying a bye to the semi-final, while teams placed 2nd and 3rd played cross-over quarter-finals. Under the new format, the top four teams from each of the two groups will advance to the quarterfinals, which eliminates the bye to the semifinal round that had been in place since 2003. Also under the new format, the two teams that place fifth in each group will play a best-of-three series to avoid relegation. The loser of this series will be relegated to Division I.