Hopefully the content is still relevant a week from now
RPI hockey blog Without a Peer's preview of Minnesota http://www.withoutapeer.com/2014/05/know-your-enemy-minnesota.html.
I have no connection with WaP except as a reader.
Originally Posted by Slap Shot
You're saying 4 professional franchises and a Div I University is common for an area of about 2 million? You remove further doubt with every keystroke.
Sounds like Denver to me.![]()
What do people think of this?
http://www.usahockey.com/news_article/show/385259?referrer_id=753608http://
Agree 100% with what he says, with one caveat: most kids who play high school hockey do need more ice time and/or some additional skill development because of the relatively short high school hockey season. The Elite league, plus shooting pucks/stickhandling, is enough for many and still allows players to do different sports in the off-season.
No, Denver has skiing.
Gophers men's hockey team not hurt by early departures yet
http://www.startribune.com/sports/gophers/260497901.html
Mike Reilly is definitely returning next season[/URL].
Yep, great news for Gopher fans - and the team!
http://www.startribune.com/sports/blogs/261000151.html
Koho, although I can't vouch for its accuracy, there is some good discussion on this in the HighSchoolHockeyForums, under College Hockey ('GOPHERS 2014-2015' thread). In it Gopher Blog, who claims to have inside information, maintains that "Rau is still seriously debating his choice."
I have to interpret that to mean that Florida has offered him everything they are allowed to offer. Maybe I'm being a bit too romantic about it, but I don't think Rau would consider leaving early unless it was a full pot.
That's a bit surprising to me. I have a hard time seeing him as an NHL-caliber player next season. Don't get me wrong, I love the guy and think he is a very valuable player to have, but pretty much everything that makes him good comes from attitude, fortitude and will. He's not that great a skater. He's not that great a passer. He's not that great a stickhandler. He's not that great a shooter. He's small. If I were an NHL scout I would have a hard time justifying making a push for him.
This post probably comes off a bit harsh, I don't mean it that way. Like I said, I have a ton of respect for Rau as a player. I just don't see any of the tangible elements in his game that NHL clubs are looking for in prospects.
No matter what happens I wish the kid well, and won't be surprised if he eventually is able to have some success in the NHL some day simply because of his grit, compete and attitude.