WCHA Thread III

[ARM]

Re: WCHA Thread III

BSU seemed to be more competitive last year - how does this season's roster look to WCHA followers?

We are excited to see the new arena and watch the Providence Series. Staying at the Hampton Inn next to arena does anyone know can you tailgate & grill at the new arena? What is drive time from Twin Cities 4.5 hours?

Bemidji gets more out of their talent than any team in the league. Sertich has upgraded team speed considerably during his tenure.

From the southeast metro, it takes me a little less than 4.5 if I go the slow way through Baxter on Hwy 371, because that means going through a bunch of small towns. It is faster if you stay on Hwy 10 until Motley.

As for tailgating, the Sandford Center site says:

There is no tail gaiting on The Sanford Center property.

As an alternative, I'd recommend Dave's Pizza for an emphasis on good taste over good health.

 

[brookyone]

Re: WCHA Thread III

4.5 Hours.? What is there too many gophers on the road ? . Google Maps has it at 4 hours 1 minutes, and my GPS suggests about 3:45, and my GPS is pretty well in tune with my driving habits. I drove from Fargo to Minny recently, and IIRC that is about 3 hours and 15 minutes.

You could do it under 4 hours with favorable traffic conditions and a slightly heavy foot.

Fargo to my location...which is close to joehockey on the east side of TC metro in 3 hours and 15 minutes...no...not without going well over the posted speed limit for the entire 254 miles on I 94. Made that drive many times. I drink beverages on road trips...and unfortunately, or fortunately depending on your point of view, I don't wear "depends" yet.

 

[yungblud]

Re: WCHA Thread III

Meghan Dufault has commitment to play for UND in 2012-13. Had four goals in three games with Canada U18 team at IIHF tournament.

 

[mngirlshockeymom]

Re: WCHA Thread III

We got there in 3.5 hour- took 10 went through Motley but it was a Sunday afternoon trip -nice drive probably even better now with the leaves changing!!!

 

[OnMAA]

Re: WCHA Thread III

You could do it under 4 hours with favorable traffic conditions and a slightly heavy foot.

Fargo to my location...which is close to joehockey on the east side of TC metro in 3 hours and 15 minutes...no...not without going well over the posted speed limit for the entire 254 miles on I 94. Made that drive many times. I drink beverages on road trips...and unfortunately, or fortunately depending on your point of view, I don't wear "depends" yet.

I drive a lot and to make time, key is no pit stops except for gas. Fargo to North Ring of Minny (35W & I94) 230 miles @ 75 MPH = 3h:05m or @72MPH = 3h:15m.

 

[brookyone]

Re: WCHA Thread III

I drive a lot and to make time, key is no pit stops except for gas. Fargo to North Ring of Minny (35W & I94) 230 miles @ 75 MPH = 3h:05m or @72MPH = 3h:15m.

Cruise is set at 70 MPH on my freeway road trips...okay, sometimes I hit the Accel button and creep up to 72. I've got another 25 or so miles to go from the 35W & I94 interchange. That's what really adds time. From the east side when I drive to St. Cloud games it takes me 1 hour just to get to Anoka (west metro) thru metro traffic.

 

[brookyone]

Re: WCHA Thread III

http://www.wcha.com/women/pres1112/201109/sep21wcw.php

 

[brookyone]

Re: WCHA Thread III

ROTY is a very tough call with the quality of the freshmen joining several rosters. So...my homer pick, Meghan Lorence.

As for RotY, I'm less inclined to agree. Karvinen at UND could be in the running.

WCHA Pre-Season Rookie of the Year (votes)
Michelle Karvinen, F, North Dakota (2); Brigette Lacquette, D, Minnesota Duluth (2); Meghan Lorence, F, Minnesota (2); Rachel Ramsey, D, Minnesota (1); Jenna McParland, F, Minnesota Duluth (1).

Two votes apiece for your pick...or primary pick, and my own pick for RotY.

I'd have to acknowledge an edge for Karvinen due to her likely advantage in ice time. Hope at the finish the two voters favoring Miss Lorence prove to possess keen foresight.

 

[ARM]

Re: WCHA Thread III

Anyway, based on the reputations of Lacquette and McParland and the needs of the team that they are joining, I'd guestimate an 80% chance that one of those two Bulldogs winds up honored as the RotY. I've never watched them play, though.

Two votes apiece for your pick...or primary pick, and my own pick for RotY.

Actually, my primary pick was somebody from UMD, because either piece of 80% is greater than anything that would remain for Karvinen or anyone else. So much of the Gopher numbers will depend on how Frost configures the lines. I'm sure we'll see a ton of Lacquette and McParland, and they got 2 and 1 votes respectively. It may work out that Ramsey has a better season for UM if she winds up in the right D pair and gets a ton of ice time. I guess we'll have to want and see.

 

[brookyone]

Re: WCHA Thread III

Actually, my primary pick was somebody from UMD, because either piece of 80% is greater than anything that would remain for Karvinen or anyone else. So much of the Gopher numbers will depend on how Frost configures the lines. I'm sure we'll see a ton of Lacquette and McParland, and they got 2 and 1 votes respectively.

I'm willing to note UMD rookies on a list of RotY candidates. Actually pick one pre-season for the recognition? Never happen.

Uh oh...

 

[OnMAA]

Re: WCHA Thread III

From the east side when I drive to St. Cloud games it takes me 1 hour just to get to Anoka (west metro) thru metro traffic.

The other key to good travel times is timing. Always do long distance travel by ensuring to hit metro areas in off-peak hours.

 

[OnMAA]

Re: WCHA Thread III

I'm willing to note UMD rookies on a list of RotY candidates. Actually pick one pre-season for the recognition? Never happen.

Uh oh...

IMHO Lacquette is the best amongst the five listed earlier, but it is harder for a D to get that award, so my vote would be with McFarland. Remember both of these players are already a year older coming in, and both come with size and strength to boot.

 

[brookyone]

Re: WCHA Thread III

Remember both of these players are already a year older coming in,

We're talking about UMD recruits...no advanced age reminders needed.

 

[ARM]

Re: WCHA Thread III

IMHO Lacquette is the best amongst the five listed earlier, but it is harder for a D to get that award, so my vote would be with McFarland. Remember both of these players are already a year older coming in, and both come with size and strength to boot.

Karvinen is also older, as she had originally planned to play last season, like McParland. And while Lorence and Ramsey are right out of HS, I'd say that they are physically more college ready than many Minnesota HS products. You pick the Canadians, because they are the players with whom you are most familiar, just like brooky only knows the Minnesota kids. I still think it'll come down to opportunity in large part, and the UMD kids will get plenty.

 

[OnMAA]

Re: WCHA Thread III

. You pick the Canadians.

Busted.

 

[5 4 Fighting]

Re: WCHA Thread III

Busted.

 

[brookyone]

Re: WCHA Thread III

http://www.collegehockeynews.com/news/2011/09/22_wcha_disappointed_in_st_clouds.php

Going to slip one in regarding the WCHA men. Not really liking the disintegration of the WCHA. Still hoping it doesn't result in any negative impact down the road for the WCHA women and the conference remains intact in its current state for a very long time to come.

 

[brookyone]

Re: WCHA Thread III

WCHA teams take the ice for some exhibition match ups this weekend.

Lindenwood @ Wisconsin

Thunder Bay @ Bemidji State

Wilfrid Laurier @ Ohio State

Manitoba @ North Dakota

Time to grease the wheels and shake the rust off.

I know nothing about either of their opponents in the exhibition games for the Sioux or Beavers...but they both put a bunch on the scoreboard. Some pretty impressive balance on O for the Sioux. The first line configuration as most expected I'm sure.

http://www.collegehockeystats.net/1112/boxes/wmtbndk1.s23

 

[ARM]

Re: WCHA Thread III

I know nothing about either of their opponents in the exhibition games for the Sioux or Beavers...

We played Manitoba in a exhibition to open last season and won 8-0; Schleper and Terry didn't play. So the Sioux right now are ahead of where we were 12 months ago, which seems likely. A much deeper team than we've seen in G.F. previously.

 

[OnMAA]

Re: WCHA Thread III

I know nothing about either of their opponents in the exhibition games for the Sioux or Beavers...but they both put a bunch on the scoreboard. Some pretty impressive balance on O for the Sioux. The first line configuration as most expected I'm sure.

http://www.collegehockeystats.net/1112/boxes/wmtbndk1.s23

The Beavers played Thunder Bay, which is a MAA (U17) team out of Ontario. MAA is one tier below the PWHL level in Ontario.

Manitoba would be the Bisons that play in the Western CIS loop. Incoming UMD player Lacquette played there at the start of last season. CIS teams are typically on par with the top PWHL teams. Top end CIS teams (eg McGill or Alberta) are D1 caliber. The Manitoba Bisons tend to be stronger than average in the CIS, so what ND did tonight is impressive.