Gopher Hockey Season Thread 25-26

[upnorthkid]

Thought I'd get this started as we get closer to the new year.

Proposal from the coaches to be voted on to condense BTT to 2 weeks (about damn time) by the ADs. Will be interested to see how they elect to do so if they shorten things and if this means a move back to neutral site vs hosted by the 1 seed? Regardless, the being spread over 3 weekends was stupid on so many levels. Would expect this will have unanimous support.

 

[bonin21]

Neutral site is not an improvement.

I think they'd sacrifice semifinal attendance. Semis on Wednesday or Thursday at the higher seed. Even with that it'll be a scramble to organize both the semis and final hosting.

 

[upnorthkid]

Neutral site is not an improvement.

I think they'd sacrifice semifinal attendance. Semis on Wednesday or Thursday at the higher seed. Even with that it'll be a scramble to organize both the semis and final hosting.

Not an improvement for atmosphere I agree (the BT fan bases aren’t probably going to travel super well for this unless it’s on a back to back set of nights). Much better regardless from a prep for postseason standing and how you manage your schedule through the year

Agree on how you figure out hosts if doing on campus, esp as you may not know until late.

Think the trouble of same weekend if you're going semis and finals each hosted separately is that you may have some rough travel (like if a team has to go to PSU then turn around and play MN in the final).

Agree you could maybe do something like (all hosted at home institutions or whatever rink they choose)
Fri, Sat, Sun
2v7 BO3
3v6 BO3
4v5 BO3

Wed
At highest remaining seed
1v4
2v3

Sun
title game

Maintains some atmosphere, longest you're off prior to postseason is 2 weeks

Alternatively, 1st round the same and then Fri/Sun at 1 seed is fine (let's them set up logistics given they're off first week) and let's people plan for just one trip if they want to attend. Regardless, think you should put it at a home site as the atmosphere is just so much better than even the final five that's turned into a clunker unless UND is there.

 

[Gophers1992]

Not sure which thread to put this in but I attended the WJC Summer Showcase featuring 6 current or future gophers. Some quick takeaways.

Ziemer was one of the best players on the ice in his game. Makes sense as one of the older guys out there. I'm really optimistic about a big year from him.

Mooney definitely stood out with his skill level. Had a beautiful goal and assist. Can really shoot the puck. Made a couple bad mistakes trying to make fancy passes. Think he will be an impact freshman.

Rombach is enormous. His play didn't necessarily stand out good or bad, but he looked like a solid stay at home D Man. Could see him taking some lumps early on but being a good player by the second half.

Whipple was up and down. A few bad mistakes but also looked really impressive at times. Will need him to take on a big role this year.

Kvasnicka plays hard and has some speed - not sure he will be a superstar but a solid 4 year guy.

Moe - similar to Kvasnicka, high energy guy maybe lacking high end skill. Took a dumb penalty but otherwise plays a nice 200 foot game.

 

[bonin21]

Ryker Lee and Vansaghi, both MSU were all over the ice in game 1. Overall it was definitely summer hockey though. Hagens looked half interested considering he's a lock for the team.

Unfortunately had to leave for game 2 so missed Mooney, but saw most of the stars sat that game out anyway.

 

[Gophers1992]

If I had to project I'd say Ziemer is a lock, Mooney on the bubble about 50/50, Rombach and Whipple each unlikely, maybe an outside shot for Whipple. Moe and Kvasnicka almost certainly won't make it.