SCSU Offseason Thread: 1st Frozen Four, Hobey, & MacNaughton but same Red Face

[SCSU BlackandRed]

Re: SCSU Offseason Thread: 1st Frozen Four, Hobey, & MacNaughton but same Red Face

Re: SCSU Offseason Thread: 1st Frozen Four, Hobey, & MacNaughton but same Red Face

Yep, was watching KARE-11 news last night and they showed Hanowski on the bench and then mentioned later that he got his first goal. Against the hometown squad at that. How about that for a memory?

So... pulled down the NCHC composite schedule off of their site yesterday and started doing some digging. This season's record of our opponents next year, 612-537-172, a .528 win percentage. Clearly looks like SOS won't be an issue. Now I won't profess to know who is coming in and who left from all of the teams on the schedule next year, but I think it is a pretty safe assumption that conference play next year will be much tougher than this year. Not that any game is ever a given win it sure seems like the conference, "oh yeah, we'll get at least 3 points this weekend," opportunities are as plentiful in the NCHC vs. the WCHA of the past. Not exactly any Michigan Techs, Alaska-Anchorages or Bemidjis on the conference schedule.

I'd think it will be likely that CC and UMD will be improved next year. Somebody has to finish in the bottom half of the new league, so who is it going to be? Try ranking them and see how confident you feel about your picks.

At this point, my prediction for league finish next year:
1. UND
2. Miami
3. SCSU
4. Denver
5. WM
6. UNO
7. CC
8. UMD

24 league games. I'd say 34 points will be what it takes to land the first NCHC crown.

 

[SCSU BlackandRed]

Re: SCSU Offseason Thread: 1st Frozen Four, Hobey, & MacNaughton but same Red Face

Re: SCSU Offseason Thread: 1st Frozen Four, Hobey, & MacNaughton but same Red Face

So to the next point of my post above, how does this all shake out relative to the NCAA's? I don't think I've seen anything for sure but do the new conferences get an autobid right out of the gate? Even if they don't I'd suspect we'd see those new conferences delivering multiple teams into the mix.

As already stated, the NCHC will be ridiculously strong so three to four teams seems like a reasonable number. The BTHC is likely in for two with the Gophers and either Wisconsin or Michigan or both getting in. Hockey East just added a strong team in Notre Dame, so three to four seems to be realistic out of there. ECAC will be good for two to three teams. WCHA is definitely not as strong outside of Mankato but with the way that conference stacks up it looks like two teams could rise up there and take spots, particularly if Mankato has a great year but slips up in the conference tourney. AHA delivers one via autobid but holy crap if they have an upset there.

It's looking like an even bigger squeeze in the coming year than this one. I know it happens each year but it seems like the conference realignment is going to wreak havoc on even more teams' tournament chances than ever before.

 

[The Exiled One]

Re: SCSU Offseason Thread: 1st Frozen Four, Hobey, & MacNaughton but same Red Face

Re: SCSU Offseason Thread: 1st Frozen Four, Hobey, & MacNaughton but same Red Face

SCSU just renamed their arena the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center.

 

[scsutommyboy]

Re: SCSU Offseason Thread: 1st Frozen Four, Hobey, & MacNaughton but same Red Face

Re: SCSU Offseason Thread: 1st Frozen Four, Hobey, & MacNaughton but same Red Face

SCSU just renamed their arena the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center.

Man, I have incredible vision on things like this!!! I have been reading up on twitter and other places no where does the school or anybody else give me credit for coming up with this idea 9 years ago.....

I am happy they finally did it and Herb meant so much to hockey in this state and country that he deserves a honor like this.

Funny, when they got rid of Dahl and Kurtz things finally started going right for our program.

 

[Dude Love]

Re: SCSU Offseason Thread: 1st Frozen Four, Hobey, & MacNaughton but same Red Face

Re: SCSU Offseason Thread: 1st Frozen Four, Hobey, & MacNaughton but same Red Face

SCSU just renamed their arena the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center.

Beyond cool.

 

[Husky13]

Re: SCSU Offseason Thread: 1st Frozen Four, Hobey, & MacNaughton but same Red Face

Re: SCSU Offseason Thread: 1st Frozen Four, Hobey, & MacNaughton but same Red Face

SCSU just renamed their arena the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center.

Awesome! That beats the "Nation Hockey and Events Center" by a long shot! It's nice to see exciting things happening at SCSU again.

 

[5mn_Major]

Re: SCSU Offseason Thread: 1st Frozen Four, Hobey, & MacNaughton but same Red Face

Re: SCSU Offseason Thread: 1st Frozen Four, Hobey, & MacNaughton but same Red Face

Awesome! That beats the "Nation Hockey and Events Center" by a long shot! It's nice to see exciting things happening at SCSU again.

Why does Kansas have a great program every year? Because they have managed to tie their school to the basketball legend.

Genius move by SCSU at the right time.

 

[SCSU Euro]

Re: SCSU Offseason Thread: 1st Frozen Four, Hobey, & MacNaughton but same Red Face

Re: SCSU Offseason Thread: 1st Frozen Four, Hobey, & MacNaughton but same Red Face

Yep, was watching KARE-11 news last night and they showed Hanowski on the bench and then mentioned later that he got his first goal. Against the hometown squad at that. How about that for a memory?

So... pulled down the NCHC composite schedule off of their site yesterday and started doing some digging. This season's record of our opponents next year, 612-537-172, a .528 win percentage. Clearly looks like SOS won't be an issue. Now I won't profess to know who is coming in and who left from all of the teams on the schedule next year, but I think it is a pretty safe assumption that conference play next year will be much tougher than this year. Not that any game is ever a given win it sure seems like the conference, "oh yeah, we'll get at least 3 points this weekend," opportunities are as plentiful in the NCHC vs. the WCHA of the past. Not exactly any Michigan Techs, Alaska-Anchorages or Bemidjis on the conference schedule.

I'd think it will be likely that CC and UMD will be improved next year. Somebody has to finish in the bottom half of the new league, so who is it going to be? Try ranking them and see how confident you feel about your picks.

At this point, my prediction for league finish next year:
1. UND
2. Miami
3. SCSU
4. Denver
5. WM
6. UNO
7. CC
8. UMD

24 league games. I'd say 34 points will be what it takes to land the first NCHC crown.

You have UND WAY too high. I interviewed Brad Schlossman last week, so if anything he'd have a pro-UND slant, and he said his top 3 for next year in the NCHC were: 1. Miami, 2. SCSU, 3. UNO. (And that was assuming Jensen didn't come back. He called Jensen the best player in the WCHA this year and said if he returns, SCSU is the favorite to win the first NCHC title.) Then he said there'd be a real battle for 4th and UND would be "in that mix," so he didn't say that UND would be a home-ice team, he said they'd be fighting for it. UND will be a REALLY young team, and there scoring won't come consistently enough.

 

[5mn_Major]

Re: SCSU Offseason Thread: 1st Frozen Four, Hobey, & MacNaughton but same Red Face

Re: SCSU Offseason Thread: 1st Frozen Four, Hobey, & MacNaughton but same Red Face

You have UND WAY too high. I interviewed Brad Schlossman last week, so if anything he'd have a pro-UND slant, and he said his top 3 for next year in the NCHC were: 1. Miami, 2. SCSU, 3. UNO. (And that was assuming Jensen didn't come back. He called Jensen the best player in the WCHA this year and said if he returns, SCSU is the favorite to win the first NCHC title.) Then he said there'd be a real battle for 4th and UND would be "in that mix," so he didn't say that UND would be a home-ice team, he said they'd be fighting for it. UND will be a REALLY young team, and there scoring won't come consistently enough.

I'd put Miami closer to third. I don't see them winning in Denver, St Cloud or Grand Forks at the same rate as they've done in Bowling Green or even E Lansing...but that's me.

 

[SCSU BlackandRed]

Re: SCSU Offseason Thread: 1st Frozen Four, Hobey, & MacNaughton but same Red Face

Re: SCSU Offseason Thread: 1st Frozen Four, Hobey, & MacNaughton but same Red Face

You have UND WAY too high. I interviewed Brad Schlossman last week, so if anything he'd have a pro-UND slant, and he said his top 3 for next year in the NCHC were: 1. Miami, 2. SCSU, 3. UNO. (And that was assuming Jensen didn't come back. He called Jensen the best player in the WCHA this year and said if he returns, SCSU is the favorite to win the first NCHC title.) Then he said there'd be a real battle for 4th and UND would be "in that mix," so he didn't say that UND would be a home-ice team, he said they'd be fighting for it. UND will be a REALLY young team, and there scoring won't come consistently enough.

Thanks for the perspective. Just always seems that UND ends up near the top even when they are expected to be down. I know the veterans of the board (like yourself) have a lot more insight so again, appreciated. I'm hoping this year was the start of something big for this program. From the games I saw this year, this team had/has more skill than just about any SCSU team that I can remember. They seem to have moved up from being a "we have a goalie who is ridiculously good and a couple guys who can score" team to one that a more solid top to bottom team.

Will definitely make it to more games this year and drag my fellow alumni along. Trying to decide between a trip up to the Ralph or one to Omaha this coming year. Haven't been up to UND before but the lure of a Harrah's nearby UNO has me leaning that way. Anyone have some points for either destination? And yes, I know for the UND trip, the hockey is pretty much all there is to go for.

 

[AVFC]

Re: SCSU Offseason Thread: 1st Frozen Four, Hobey, & MacNaughton but same Red Face

Re: SCSU Offseason Thread: 1st Frozen Four, Hobey, & MacNaughton but same Red Face

Has anyone heard anything new on Jensen? Are people expecting him to return to school?

 

[Tipsy McStagger]

Re: SCSU Offseason Thread: 1st Frozen Four, Hobey, & MacNaughton but same Red Face

Re: SCSU Offseason Thread: 1st Frozen Four, Hobey, & MacNaughton but same Red Face

Has anyone heard anything new on Jensen? Are people expecting him to return to school?

It is probably 50/50 at this point. I am pretty sure he is still in St. Cloud, but it's possible he could go pro in the fall.

 

[Pump It Up]

Re: SCSU Offseason Thread: 1st Frozen Four, Hobey, & MacNaughton but same Red Face

Re: SCSU Offseason Thread: 1st Frozen Four, Hobey, & MacNaughton but same Red Face

Thanks for the perspective. Just always seems that UND ends up near the top even when they are expected to be down. I know the veterans of the board (like yourself) have a lot more insight so again, appreciated. I'm hoping this year was the start of something big for this program. From the games I saw this year, this team had/has more skill than just about any SCSU team that I can remember. They seem to have moved up from being a "we have a goalie who is ridiculously good and a couple guys who can score" team to one that a more solid top to bottom team.

Will definitely make it to more games this year and drag my fellow alumni along. Trying to decide between a trip up to the Ralph or one to Omaha this coming year. Haven't been up to UND before but the lure of a Harrah's nearby UNO has me leaning that way. Anyone have some points for either destination? And yes, I know for the UND trip, the hockey is pretty much all there is to go for.

There is definitely more to do in Omaha. That said, Grand Forks is a great deal of fun for a hockey weekend. Also, although there is no casino you can play blackjack in most bars in North Dakota. And you should probably see a game at the Ralph at some point in your life.

 

[johnnyredshoes]

Re: SCSU Offseason Thread: 1st Frozen Four, Hobey, & MacNaughton but same Red Face

Re: SCSU Offseason Thread: 1st Frozen Four, Hobey, & MacNaughton but same Red Face

There is definitely more to do in Omaha. That said, Grand Forks is a great deal of fun for a hockey weekend. Also, although there is no casino you can play blackjack in most bars in North Dakota. And you should probably see a game at the Ralph at some point in your life.

Agreed. Been there once. I think this is the year I make a return trip too.

 

[Back check]

Yep, was watching KARE-11 news last night and they showed Hanowski on the bench and then mentioned later that he got his first goal. Against the hometown squad at that. How about that for a memory?

So... pulled down the NCHC composite schedule off of their site yesterday and started doing some digging. This season's record of our opponents next year, 612-537-172, a .528 win percentage. Clearly looks like SOS won't be an issue. Now I won't profess to know who is coming in and who left from all of the teams on the schedule next year, but I think it is a pretty safe assumption that conference play next year will be much tougher than this year. Not that any game is ever a given win it sure seems like the conference, "oh yeah, we'll get at least 3 points this weekend," opportunities are as plentiful in the NCHC vs. the WCHA of the past. Not exactly any Michigan Techs, Alaska-Anchorages or Bemidjis on the conference schedule.

I'd think it will be likely that CC and UMD will be improved next year. Somebody has to finish in the bottom half of the new league, so who is it going to be? Try ranking them and see how confident you feel about your picks.

At this point, my prediction for league finish next year:
1. UND
2. Miami
3. SCSU
4. Denver
5. WM
6. UNO
7. CC
8. UMD

24 league games. I'd say 34 points will be what it takes to land the first NCHC crown.

Gonna be hard for any team to get 34 pts. in this conference. Agree that if Jensen returns SCSU should be near top. Miami has strong returning group and some very good recruits. UNO has a lot of talented seniors. No matter what there will be some traditionally strong programs finishing in the bottom part of the standings with sub-.500 records. CC, UND, Denver, WMU losing a lot of talent to graduation/pro signings. SCSU will miss LeBlanc/Hanowski but still has a talented roster. The ex-WCHA members of this conference will find it difficult to get points at Miami and WMU home rinks. Looks like the competition for the league title and home ice will be really close.

 

[Back check]

You have UND WAY too high. I interviewed Brad Schlossman last week, so if anything he'd have a pro-UND slant, and he said his top 3 for next year in the NCHC were: 1. Miami, 2. SCSU, 3. UNO. (And that was assuming Jensen didn't come back. He called Jensen the best player in the WCHA this year and said if he returns, SCSU is the favorite to win the first NCHC title.) Then he said there'd be a real battle for 4th and UND would be "in that mix," so he didn't say that UND would be a home-ice team, he said they'd be fighting for it. UND will be a REALLY young team, and there scoring won't come consistently enough.

On paper, looks like SCSU and UNO might have stronger returning groups but UND will probably find a way to be in the mix with them.

 

[Biddco]

Re: SCSU Offseason Thread: 1st Frozen Four, Hobey, & MacNaughton but same Red Face

Re: SCSU Offseason Thread: 1st Frozen Four, Hobey, & MacNaughton but same Red Face

You really don't see that much of a drop off for SCSU? They lost Hanowski and LeBlanc. I see them middle of the pack.

 

[Deleted member 3166]

You really don't see that much of a drop off for SCSU? They lost Hanowski and LeBlanc. I see them middle of the pack.

Losing those two will hurt there is no doubt, but they were not the entirety of our team.
If Jensen returns we may have the best d-core in the country which would add a strong freshman in Nevalainen and we still have Faragher and are adding a solid backup to him in Lindgren.
It's also not like the cupboard would be bare in terms of forwards with Dowd, Kossila, Brodzinski, Benik, and Thorson all coming back plus adding back in key role guys like Murray, Bertsch, Holka and Oliver.
Our freshmen forwards next year may not be flashy but there is talent there with Tedesco, Peterson and Papa.
The Huskies were more than just LeBlanc and Hanowski and that more is still here.

 

[johnnyredshoes]

Re: SCSU Offseason Thread: 1st Frozen Four, Hobey, & MacNaughton but same Red Face

Re: SCSU Offseason Thread: 1st Frozen Four, Hobey, & MacNaughton but same Red Face

Kossila is the one that I'll be watching. He's got good hands and a quick shot, but if he wasn't on the ice with Drew, he became a non factor.

 

[Husky4Life]

Re: SCSU Offseason Thread: 1st Frozen Four, Hobey, & MacNaughton but same Red Face

Re: SCSU Offseason Thread: 1st Frozen Four, Hobey, & MacNaughton but same Red Face

Losing those two will hurt there is no doubt, but they were not the entirety of our team.
If Jensen returns we may have the best d-core in the country which would add a strong freshman in Nevalainen and we still have Faragher and are adding a solid backup to him in Lindgren.
It's also not like the cupboard would be bare in terms of forwards with Dowd, Kossila, Brodzinski, Benik, and Thorson all coming back plus adding back in key role guys like Murray, Bertsch, Holka and Oliver.
Our freshmen forwards next year may not be flashy but there is talent there with Tedesco, Peterson and Papa.
The Huskies were more than just LeBlanc and Hanowski and that more is still here.

Don't forget about Ben Storm. Not only is he a big tough guy but has some skill as well. If Jensen does return, I will go out on a small limb and say that it will be our best defensive, goalie group ever at SCSU. We might not score quite as much next year, but we wont need to.