University of North Dakota Hockey: 2011-2012

[MavHockey14]

what do you see the sioux lines being next year? As a gopher fan I dont want to jump in here and talk trash.. but I dont see your team- even WITH gregoire coming back- being a top 5 team heading into the year. who're your goal scorers? gregoire and kristo.. grimaldi will perform as a freshman but after them your next best playmaker is brock nelson. I just dont see it.. theres no depth. and I have to say.. I like seeing ncaa players passing up pro contracts- even sioux players for the sake of the sport and the skill level in college.. but players passing up pro contracts can be a disaster for said player. I have a feeling Dell is going to regret this.

Corban Knight had 40+ points. We all saw how well Zucker played this year, that kind of potential is there with Grimaldi. The Sioux return the core of their defense with Blood, MacGwilliam, Forbort, etc, including the WCHA's top goaltender. I see a tough time arguing the Sioux being a preseason top 5. Guarenteed lock inside the top 10 if those two stay.

 

[gordwiser]

Re: University of North Dakota Hockey: 2011-2012

As a gopher fan I dont want to jump in here and talk trash.. but I dont see your team- even WITH gregoire coming back- being a top 5 team heading into the year.

Not top 5 in the nation? I don't disagree with you here... the Sioux lose a lot, but they had a lot, and they return their goalie and a great D. I see them as having a Denver type year next year... top 10 and dangerous with the tools to make some noise in the NCAAs.

But look at other top teams and what they have lost... Michigan - their top 3 forwards, BC - 3 of their top forwards and goalie... It's all relative... even Denver loses Shore and Maiani. Minnesota loses 4 of 5 top scorers and they couldn't score in the first place!

theres no depth.

This was the deepest team in the country. If Gregoire and Hextal come back, they return intact a 2nd line that would have been the top line of 50 other teams last year.

but players passing up pro contracts can be a disaster for said player. I have a feeling Dell is going to regret this.

Like who?

NHL teams aren't claimoring for their draft picks to leave UND because their development has stalled, and I don't hear players from other college teams that have left early saying they wished they had stayed in school like I hear coming out of UND.

 

[alnike]

Re: University of North Dakota Hockey: 2011-2012

If Gregoire returns, NoDak looks pretty impressive to me relative to what other teams return.
While NoDak will be closer to the pack next year and not have the big horses up front, there are key players at forward and solid defenseman and high-end goaltending.

So who are these top teams for 2011-12 that no one will list? In my opinion, the top two teams will be the teams that had the top recruiting classes for the 2010-11 season, Denver and Notre Dame. A lot can change, but I see the Sioux as a top five team entering next year.

1. Denver
2. Notre Dame
3. NoDak
4. BU
5. Colorado College
6. Wisconsin
7. BC
8. Miami
9. Union
10. UNO

 

[PhatKroger10]

If Gregoire returns, NoDak looks pretty impressive to me relative to what other teams return.
While NoDak will be closer to the pack next year and not have the big horses up front, there are key players at forward and solid defenseman and high-end goaltending.

So who are these top teams for 2011-12 that no one will list? In my opinion, the top two teams will be the teams that had the top recruiting classes for the 2010-11 season, Denver and Notre Dame. A lot can change, but I see the Sioux as a top five team entering next year.

1. Denver
2. Notre Dame
3. NoDak
4. BU
5. Colorado College
6. Wisconsin
7. BC
8. Miami
9. Union
10. UNO

Not a bad list, but find it kind of funny the defending national champs are no where to be found. They'll be a different team but assuming Jack Connolly stays, he and JT Brown could make an impressive first line (again).

Not to sound too dramatic, but I almost feel the potential to be better next year than this year. Looking at the 09-10 stats, it wouldve been hard to say UND would have a top goaltender not named Eidsness, and that Frattin would come back and put up 60 points. Not saying more talented or anything but I'm a little more optimistic for UND in 11-12 than I was 10-11.

 

[Fighting Sioux 23]

Re: University of North Dakota Hockey: 2011-2012

I would put Miami a bit higher on the list. They have an absolutely killer freshman class coming in.

As for Gregoire, I think he will be the key. Next year's team will struggle offensively, at least early on. With Kristo returning, that will help, but he has started slowly each of his first two years (somewhat expected by an underclassmen). If Gregoire comes back, he'll play a huge role early to get the Sioux on the right track. I think if he comes back, he'll be a Hobey Finalist, and has the skills to bring home the award. That being said, Gregoire didn't kill it in the first half last year, as he only had 6 goals and 7 assists in the first 16 games before getting hurt after the Notre Dame series. He did come back in the second half and dominate, putting up 19 goals and 11 assists in the final 19 games.

I'm not as optimistic for this team, as i was for last year's team, but I expect them to compete for the MacNaughton, be an NCAA Team (potentially a #1 seed), and make a run for a National Championship. What's interesting, is that in looking at the last 15 years, our "best" teams (ie. 1998-1999, 2003-2004, 2010-2011) didn't win titles, where the 1997 and 2000 teams did, with arguably less talent. That's the nature of the NCAA Tournament. Hopefully next year we get a little luck our way and can hoist #8.

 

[MissSioux85]

Re: University of North Dakota Hockey: 2011-2012

Brett Hextall has signed with the Phoenix Coyotes
http://www.azcentral.com/sports/coy...22phoenix-coyotes-brett-hextall-contract.html


Sad to see him go, but I wish him the best of luck at the next level. Now we await Gregoire's decision.

 

[Fighting Sioux 23]

Re: University of North Dakota Hockey: 2011-2012

Brett Hextall has signed with the Phoenix Coyotes
http://www.azcentral.com/sports/coy...22phoenix-coyotes-brett-hextall-contract.html


Sad to see him go, but I wish him the best of luck at the next level. Now we await Gregoire's decision.

It's sad to see him go, but it sounds like this is what he wanted, so I wish him well, and hope that he's playing for the Jets in the near future. It was fun to watch him in the green and white.

 

[PhatKroger10]

Well it all makes sense and you had to have seen this one coming. It definitely sucks, but it'll get our new recruits some experience. Best to Hextall and his pro career. I see a Jets Hextall jersey coming my way in the near future!

On a different note, does anyone know what Grimaldi and Miller are likely to play next year? Could the be LW/RW players or strictly center, or who would be most likely to move?

 

[vizoroo]

Re: University of North Dakota Hockey: 2011-2012

Not top 5 in the nation? I don't disagree with you here... the Sioux lose a lot, but they had a lot, and they return their goalie and a great D. I see them as having a Denver type year next year... top 10 and dangerous with the tools to make some noise in the NCAAs.

But look at other top teams and what they have lost... Michigan - their top 3 forwards, BC - 3 of their top forwards and goalie... It's all relative... even Denver loses Shore and Maiani. Minnesota loses 4 of 5 top scorers and they couldn't score in the first place!



This was the deepest team in the country. If Gregoire and Hextal come back, they return intact a 2nd line that would have been the top line of 50 other teams last year.



Like who?

NHL teams aren't claimoring for their draft picks to leave UND because their development has stalled, and I don't hear players from other college teams that have left early saying they wished they had stayed in school like I hear coming out of UND.

Drew Shore will be coming back for DU!
Maiani graduated and Matt Donovan left early and signed with the Islanders. At last report Jason Zucker is likely to return.

 

[jerryj]

Re: University of North Dakota Hockey: 2011-2012

well zuckers dont come around every day. grimaldi has the potential- yes. but come on.. you cant tell me your expecting that. thats a best case scenario. especially when grimaldi has an issue zucker didnt- size. it MIGHT take some more time to adjust to wcha hockey than it did zucker.

as for zucker- the "reports" are he might return next year.. ok, I dont doubt it. but a word to the wise (denver fans)- the wild are likely going young this year- and everyone and their grandma is talking about 2 prospects- granlund and zucker. id agree hes probably going to denver for 1 more year- but personally id wait until october before counting my chickens. fletcher will do whatevers best for his *****. hes made that pretty clear.

 

[carltonbarrett]

Re: University of North Dakota Hockey: 2011-2012

At least on paper, it would seem that Gregoire's decision is going to make or break next year's UND team. BC was in a very similar situation with Chris Kreider, where if he left, we were going to be missing almost all of our top forwards from this year. Even with these guys returning, both teams are likely going to be a bit less intimidating than they were in 2011. As an aside, the Grimaldi kid should be fun to watch.

 

[sfo19]

Re: University of North Dakota Hockey: 2011-2012

what do you see the sioux lines being next year? As a gopher fan I dont want to jump in here and talk trash.. but I dont see your team- even WITH gregoire coming back- being a top 5 team heading into the year. who're your goal scorers? gregoire and kristo.. grimaldi will perform as a freshman but after them your next best playmaker is brock nelson. I just dont see it.. theres no depth. and I have to say.. I like seeing ncaa players passing up pro contracts- even sioux players for the sake of the sport and the skill level in college.. but players passing up pro contracts can be a disaster for said player. I have a feeling Dell is going to regret this.

A gopher fan is trash talking the sioux team? that's hilarious. Maybe you should be more concerned with your team. Who's going to score goals for them? I'm drawing a blank...Hmmm.... the sioux have no depth? Please. Corban Knight had 40 points. People conveniently forget that and just look at Kristo. Add into that Kristo and Nelson as well as our other depth players and a great recruiting class and we'll be just fine. Gregoire coming back would be a bonus.

 

[Fighting Sioux 23]

Re: University of North Dakota Hockey: 2011-2012

A gopher fan is trash talking the sioux team? that's hilarious. Maybe you should be more concerned with your team. Who's going to score goals for them? I'm drawing a blank...Hmmm.... the sioux have no depth? Please. Corban Knight had 40 points. People conveniently forget that and just look at Kristo. Add into that Kristo and Nelson as well as our other depth players and a great recruiting class and we'll be just fine. Gregoire coming back would be a bonus.

We definitely have plenty of talent coming back, and have a very good recruiting class. I still think we're struggle offensively early in the season. If Gregoire comes back, that will help. Fortunately, I think we'll be very strong defensively, which will keep us in those games early in the season. Now, if Grimaldi and Miller come in and dominate right away, we'll do fine, but Freshmen just don't do that very often. Zucker is one of those rare cases. I think if Gregs comes back, we're a top-5 team and will compete for a #1 seed. If he doesn't, I think we'll struggle a bit early, but eventually catch on and be a top-10 team...probably a #2-3 seed.

 

[carltonbarrett]

Re: University of North Dakota Hockey: 2011-2012

What's the word on the street with Gregoire - is he even considering going pro?

 

[Fighting Sioux 23]

Re: University of North Dakota Hockey: 2011-2012

What's the word on the street with Gregoire - is he even considering going pro?

It's been extremely quiet about Gregoire. I'm sure he is at least considering making the jump, otherwise he would have come out and said he will be back. I would like to hear something here in the next few days-weeks. At the very least, hopefully we hear by the end of May. I don't like when players jump right before the school year.

 

[jerryj]

Re: University of North Dakota Hockey: 2011-2012

A gopher fan is trash talking the sioux team? that's hilarious. Maybe you should be more concerned with your team. Who's going to score goals for them? I'm drawing a blank...Hmmm.... the sioux have no depth? Please. Corban Knight had 40 points. People conveniently forget that and just look at Kristo. Add into that Kristo and Nelson as well as our other depth players and a great recruiting class and we'll be just fine. Gregoire coming back would be a bonus.

give me a break guy. the point was I wasnt talking trash- I was actually looking for a reasonable conversation and was in the middle of one until you came along.

LOL at drawing a blank. at least name bjugstad for your own credibility. dont get mad at me hakstol is always the bridesmaid but never the bride. if gregoire leaves, your team is one case of frostbite away from being a bottom half wcha team in terms of scoring. thats not me talking trash- thats me being honest. oh, and before you waste your time typing it- yes- i should know what the bottom half of the wcha looks like because i am a gopher fan.

 

[Fighting Sioux 23]

Re: University of North Dakota Hockey: 2011-2012

give me a break guy. the point was I wasnt talking trash- I was actually looking for a reasonable conversation and was in the middle of one until you came along.

LOL at drawing a blank. at least name bjugstad for your own credibility. dont get mad at me hakstol is always the bridesmaid but never the bride. if gregoire leaves, your team is one case of frostbite away from being a bottom half wcha team in terms of scoring. thats not me talking trash- thats me being honest. oh, and before you waste your time typing it- yes- i should know what the bottom half of the wcha looks like because i am a gopher fan.

While Gregoire would be a huge boost to the team, I don't think he is the difference between between a top half team offensively and bottom half team. I'm pretty sure Kristo has learned his lesson about dealing with the cold, so I don't see him doing that again. IMO, without Gregoire we're still a top-half team offensively (and overall). Knight, Kristo and Nelson should all be able to put up 35-40+ points. I think we'll see a big improvement from Rowney and Rodwell as they both really came on towards the end of the year. Lamoureux has steadily impoved each year offensively, and I anticipate that he'll have a strong senior campaign putting up 20-25 points. I don't expect too much out of Cichy or Dickin. If Cichy plays every game (He hasn't in either of his Freshman or Sophomore years), he could put up 15-20 points. Dickin is a wildcard. He could blow everyone away and put up 25-30 points, or he could struggle and barely get any playing time. He had flashes of solid play, but also disappeared at times (not unexpected for a Freshman who only played half the season). Miller and Grimaldi should be top 6 forwards by the end of the year, and I wouldn't be surprised with 30 point seasons out of both. If they adapt early, they could easily put up 40+ points. Colten St. Clair doesn't get much talk time, but I think he could put up a solid 15-20 points as a freshman, and Michael Parks should get solid playing time as a freshman.

Given that, I think even without Gregoire we're a top half team offensively, and probably top 3-4 team in the WCHA. With Gregoire, I think we're a top 2-3 team offensively, and we fight with CC and DU for the MacNaughton.

 

[MavHockey14]

Re: University of North Dakota Hockey: 2011-2012

from what I've seen on some youtube videos, talking to some people I know, etc, Grimaldi's two best assets are his speed and his shot. He has a wicked slapshot, and I've seen some shootout videos, and all he does his shoot. He sees the net really well. He averaged 1.27 points per game in 50 games played, the only one on the team with an average over 1. At 5' 6" I'm a little worried on how he can adjust to the WCHA, but he reminds me a lot of Martin St. Louis, with hands that aren't quite as good. Another thing I've noticed, as well as heard, he plays with a lot of energy and passion. He loves to throw celes, and energywise in the videos he kind of reminds me of ovechkin, as he is always good with for an energetic celebration after a goal. looks like the kid loves to play hockey, and loves to score.

 

[gordwiser]

Re: University of North Dakota Hockey: 2011-2012

Drew Shore will be coming back for DU!
Maiani graduated and Matt Donovan left early and signed with the Islanders. At last report Jason Zucker is likely to return.

I was meaning Donovan, sorry and thanks...

As for Grimaldi being small... Gionta anyone? As Sioux fans we should remember that... and Panzer of course as I am sure has been mentioned.

 

[Yelnick]

Re: University of North Dakota Hockey: 2011-2012

I was meaning Donovan, sorry and thanks...

As for Grimaldi being small... Gionta anyone? As Sioux fans we should remember that... and Panzer of course as I am sure has been mentioned.

And didn't some guy named Gerbe do alright in college and now is playing regularly at the highest level? As a Sioux fan, I still cringe when I hear his name. And he's only listed at 5'5".