UND Hockey Preview 2012

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2012-13

www.GrandForksHerald.com

NORTH DAKOTA HOCKEY

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Grand Forks has been home to the

MacNaughton Cup and Broadmoor

Trophy

more than anywhere else.

UND will try for one last title run before leaving the WCHA.

MacNaughton Cups

1958 1963 1965 1967 1979 1980 1982 1987

1997 1998 1999 2001 2004 2009 2011

Broadmoor Trophies

1982 1987 1997 2000 2006 2010 2011 2012

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NORTH DAKOTA HOCKEY

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2012-13 men’s Thursday, September 27, 2012 schedule

www.GrandForksHerald.com

Thursday, September 27, 2012

NORTH DAKOTA HOCKEY

Seniors

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2012-13 www.GrandForksHerald.com

Oct. 6 – MANITOBA (ex) 7:07

Page Oct. 4 12 – U.S. U-18 (ex) 7:37

Oct. 19 – vs. Anchorage 8:05 Oct. 20 – at Fairbanks 10:05 Oct. 26 www.GrandForksHerald.com – ANCHORAGE 7:37 Oct. 27 – ANCHORAGE 7:07

2012-13

Nov. 2 – BOSTON UNIV. 7:37 Nov. 3 – BOSTON UNIV. 7:07 Nov. 9 – at St. Cloud, 7:37 Thursday, 27,7:07 2012 Nov. 10 –September at St. Cloud, Nov. 16 – DULUTH 7:37 Nov. 17 – DULUTH 7:07 Nov. 23 – at Notre Dame 6:35 Nov. 624 – at Notre Dame 4:05 Page Nov. 30 – at Colo. Coll. 8:37

[2] Andrew

6-2, 230 Calgary ■ Named captain of the 2012-13 team.

2012-13

Get a quick, 140-character updates and links to college hockey stories of interest on the Herald beat writer Brad Scholssman’s Twitter account, @schlossmangf.

NORTH DAKOTA HOCKEY

2012-13

Thursday, September 27, 2012

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2012-13

www.GrandForksHerald.com

Thursday, September 27, 2012

www.GrandForksHerald.com

Mar. 1 – BEMIDJI ST. 7:37 Mar. 10 2 – BEMIDJI ST. 7:07 Page Mar. 8 – at Mankato 7:37 Mar. 9 – at Mankato 7:07 Mar. 15-17 – WCHA first rd www.GrandForksHerald.com Mar. 21-23 – WCHA Final Five Mar. 29-31 – NCAA regionals (Providence, R.I., Manchester, N.H., Toledo, Ohio, Grand Rapids, Mich.)

Thursday, September 27, 2012 Apr. 11-13 – NCAA Frozen Four (Pittsburgh)

On Twitter:

5-9, 180 Edina, Minn.

■ Has played all five skating positions at UND.

Joe Gleason has played Page 9 everywhere for UND 2012-13 NORTH DAKOTA HOCKEY during his first three seasons Thursday, September 27, 2012 NORTH DAKOTA HOCKEY

Feb. 1 – WISCONSIN 7:37 Feb. 2 – WISCONSIN 7:07 Feb. 8 – at Omaha 7:37 Feb. 9 – at Omaha 4:07 Feb. 22 –September at Denver 8:37 Thursday, 27, 2012 Feb. 23 – at Denver 9:07

The Herald’s college hockey blog at undhockey. areavoices.com has frequent updates on happenings with the team, live game blogs and updates on recruits and former players.

www.GrandForksHerald.com [27] Carter [35] Tate Rowney, F Maris, G 6-2, 205 5-9, 172 Sexsmith, Alta.

Denver Page 5 ■ Had 33 points ■ Has not yet as a junior, 13 played in a as a freshman regular-season and sophomore. game.

Gleason, D

NORTH DAKOTA HOCKEY

2012-13

On the blog:

[20] Joe

NORTH DAKOTA HOCKEY

Jan. 4 – HOLY CROSS Thursday, September 27,7:37 2012 Jan. 5 – HOLY CROSS 7:07 Jan. 11 – COLO. COLL. 7:37 Jan. 12 – COLO. COLL. 7:07 Jan. 8 18 – at Minnesota 7:07 Page Jan. 19 – at Minnesota 5:07 Jan. 25 – ST. CLOUD 7:37 Jan. 26 www.GrandForksHerald.com – ST. CLOUD 7:07

Game stories, weekly features and weekend previews are available every week in the Grand Forks Herald sports section.

[10] Corban Knight, F 6-2, 200 High River, Alta.

■ Holds UND’s single-season faceoff record.

NORTH DAKOTA HOCKEY

2012-13

In the paper:

[7] Danny Kristo, F 5-11, 185 Eden Prairie, Minn.

■ Tallied 109 points in his first three seasons.

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Mr. Everything

MacWilliam, D

Dec. 1 – at Colo. Coll. 8:07 www.GrandForksHerald.com Dec. 7 – DENVER 7:37 Dec. 8 – DENVER 7:07 Dec. 14 – at Mich. Tech 6:07 Dec. 15 – at Mich. Tech 6:07

Follow the team

NORTH DAKOTA HOCKEY

NORTH DAKOTA HOCKEY

By Brad Elliott Schlossman Herald Staff Writer

J

oe Gleason remembers going out for a faceoff in a rivalry game against the University of Minnesota.

He lined up at left wing on a line with Corban Knight and Danny Kristo.

“I kind of laughed to myself and thought, ‘What am I doing?’” Gleason said.

“That’s one spot I never pictured myself.”

The right-handed shooting defenseman has learned to always be flexible during his first three seasons at UND. At one time or another, he’s played all five skating positions — left wing, center, right wing, left defense and right defense.

During a couple of games last spring, he played center, wing and defense in the span of one period even.

“Joe has played different roles for our hockey team each year his first three years,” UND coach Dave Hakstol said.

“He’s been an important player for us each and every year. Now, as a senior, I see him playing a consistent role on the blue line for us and being an important player for us.”

Gleason was recruited as a defenseman and played all 39 games on the blue line as a rookie. But because of injuries and needs up front, he played 15 games at forward as a sophomore and 31 up front last year.

The Edina, Minn., product only played seven on defense as a sophomore and 10 last season.

“There have definitely been some hard moments and some moments where I haven’t been very happy about things, but

Joe Gleason’s

Center

Left defenseman

Left wing fr. so. jr. total

fr. so. jr. total

Left defense fr. so. jr. total

Right defenseman

19 0 2 21

Right wing

0 0 3 3

fr.

0 so. 15 jr.

28 total 43

Right defense fr.

Goalie so.

jr. total

2012-13

www.GrandForksHerald.com

Looking ahead

Right wing

Center

0 0 0 0

Page 11

but coming to the rink every day and playing for a program like this is an incredible feeling and a privilege.”

positions played per game each season

Left wing

Kory Wallen, UND Athletics

20 7 8 35

I’ve really come to love my teammates,” Gleason said. “I’m willing to do anything they need me to do, play whatever position they need me to play. That’s what I’ll do.

“I’m proud to say that I’m a defenseman and not a forward. I’ll say that for the rest of my life. But if the team needs me to play forward… goalie… whatever… I’ll do it in a heartbeat for these guys and the guys in the locker room.

“There have been some ups and downs,

This season figures to be Gleason’s best.

UND expects to have good depth at forward, which allows the team to use Gleason in his natural spot on the blue line.

The Edina product is an offensiveminded defenseman with the skills to play on the power play and the tenacity to help on the penalty kill.

“His skating ability allows him to put people off balance just a little bit,” Hakstol said. “His skating ability and his high level of compete are his two best assets.

Like any defenseman, he’s got to bring a consistent and reliable level defensively as well as the ability to move the puck out of our own zone.

“From there, with his skating ability, he’s a guy that has to be up with the play all the time. He has to be available to jump in the play and has to try to bring that to our attack shift in and shift out, night in and night out.”

Through three seasons, Gleason has played 102 games, tallying one goal (it came at defense) and 27 assists. He will look to add to those totals as he roams the blue line.

“A lot of guys have made a lot of progress and have had big summers,” Gleason said. “It can be a long road waiting to play against someone else. We can’t wait for it.”

Call Schlossman at (701) 780-1129; (800) 477-6572, ext. 1129; or send e-mail to bschlossman@gfherald.com.

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Adjusting to a new world

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Page 4

2012-13

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2012-13

JuniorsThursday, September 27, 2012 www.GrandForksHerald.com

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www.GrandForksHerald.com

Thursday, September 27, 2012

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2012-13

www.GrandForksHerald.com

Page 5 Derek Forbort, D

[4]

NORTH DAKOTA HOCKEY

2012-136-4, 218

Hometown: Duluth

■ First-round pick of the Cup

champion L.A. Kings.

NORTH DAKOTA HOCKEY

Thursday, September 27, 2012

www.GrandForksHerald.com

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Page 7 [11] Derek Rodwell, F 6-2, 195

NORTH DAKOTA HOCKEY

2012-13

Hometown: Taber, Alta.

www.GrandForksHerald.com

■ Missed the second half

Page 8

2012-13

of last season (shoulder surgery).

Thursday, September 27, 2012

NORTH DAKOTA HOCKEY

www.GrandForksHerald.com

NORTH DAKOTA HOCKEY

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Page 10

Page 9 [18] Dillon Simpson, D 6-2, 200

2012-13

Hometown: Edmonton

www.GrandForksHerald.com

■ Tallied a career-high 18

NORTHtransfer DAKOTA Clarke HOCKEY Saunders 2012-13 Alabama-Huntsville looking forward to playing for UND

points last season.

Thursday, September 27, 2012

www.GrandForksHerald.com

By Brad Elliott Schlossman Thursday, HeraldSeptember Staff Writer 27, 2012

C

larke Saunders knows he’s walking into a different world.

The junior goaltender is no longer at Alabama-Huntsville, the conference-less program with a main goal of keeping the men’s hockey team at the Division I level.

Saunders spent the last two seasons there as the Chargers won just six times in 73 games, failed to ever win back-to-back games and at one time announced that the program would cease to exist.

Now, the Ontario native is at North Dakota, where winning seasons are ordinary and championships are expected.

“It certainly will be different,” Saunders said.

Indeed, the differences will be plentiful.

Saunders no longer plays for the underdog.

He plays for a team with a target on its back.

He no longer plays for the program that drew 15,266 fans for an entire season’sworth of home games. Saunders plays for a program that draws about 12,000 per game.

He no longer plays for a team without a league. Saunders plays in what’s expected to be the top league in college hockey.

That’s why the transfer arrived in Grand Forks in June, spending only two weeks at home during the summer.

“I’ve certainly been able to adapt to a little different culture here,” he said. “I’m looking forward to the season. There’s no denying that it’s going to be a change. But the way I look at it, it’s still a hockey game.

That doesn’t change no matter who you play for and in front of. You still have to win for your teammates.”

Good timing

Early last season, UND had an idea that goaltender Aaron Dell may turn pro early.

The other goalie, Brad Eidsness, was a senior, so the possibility of bringing in two goaltenders existed.

Zane Gothberg was recruited to fill one spot.

When Alabama-Huntsville announced it was folding its program last winter, Saunders decided to transfer to UND and potentially fill Dell’s spot. As it turned out, Dell did sign a pro contract after his junior year.

UND coach Dave Hakstol said that the

Page 11 [25] Mitch MacMillan, F 5-11, 190

NORTH DAKOTA HOCKEY

2012-13

Hometown: Penticton, B.C.

www.GrandForksHerald.com

The stats Record

2-28-1

26-13-3

6

58

Shots allowed per game

38.2

26.8

Goals per game

1.19

3.21

13 points

47 points

0

14

10

22

1,526

11,341

Wins since 2010

Leading scorer (11-12) NHL draft picks Home games Average attendance coaches have known about Saunders since he was playing junior hockey for the Brockville Braves in Ontario three years ago.

“As we looked forward six to eight months ago, we felt (Saunders) was a good fit with Tate Maris possibly being the only goaltender returning of our three last year,” Hakstol said. “We felt that the experience level as well as the maturity level that Clarke would be able to bring to the table would be a good piece to the entire group of our goaltending team. I hope he’s a stabilizing factor.”

First impressions

Saunders, who led the NCAA in average shots faced per game last season (37), said the defensemen have already made a big impression on him.

UND’s top six blue liners — Derek Forbort, Andrew MacWilliam, Dillon Simpson, Nick Mattson, Joe Gleason and Jordan Schmaltz — all are NHL draft picks. Forbort and Schmaltz are first-rounders.

“It’s almost scary how good our D-men are,” Saunders said. “We do scrimmages and I can’t believe how few chances the forwards have been getting. It’s almost amazing to watch. Everyone’s really excited and we

have a strong, strong defensive corps.

“It’s pretty easy to stop the first shot and know that they’re going to be there for the rebound. They give everything they have.”

Because the coaches have had limited time on the ice with the players, Hakstol said it’s hard to peg what kind of a role Saunders will have this year’s team. But the coach is excited about Saunders’ pedigree.

“He’s a veteran goaltender who has played a lot of minutes at this level,” Hakstol said. “He’s a person making a transition as a new teammate in a new system in a new program. He’s one of the guys who dedicated nearly his entire summer to being here, training with his new teammates and getting to know his new teammates. Very quickly, he’s gained a high degree of respect from his teammates for his level of maturity, his work ethic and the competitive edge he’s brought thus far.”

And Saunders can’t wait to play his first game for his new team.

“Everyone is getting really antsy,” he said.

“The guys are really excited to see what we can do. I think we can have a special squad.”

Call Schlossman at (701) 780-1129; (800) 4776572, ext. 1129; or send e-mail to bschlossman@gfherald.com.

■ Transfer from St. Cloud St.,

eligible in January.

[33] Clarke

Saunders, G 6-2, 207

Hometown: Brockville, Ont.

■ Transfer from Alabama-

Huntsville, eligible immediately.

Saunders’ notable wins ■ Huntsville 3, Denver 2:

Saunders stopped 41 of 43

shots to lift the Chargers to an upset win over Denver on Jan. 6. It was UAH’s second win of the year.

■ Huntsville 3, Omaha 1:

Saunders stopped 44 of 45

shots to upset Omaha on Dec. 2, UAH’s first win of the season.

■ Huntsville 2, Omaha 1:

Saunders stopped 58 of 59

shots to lead UAH to a stunning upset of Omaha on Jan. 29, 2011.

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NORTH DAKOTA HOCKEY

2012-13 www.GrandForksHerald.com

www.GrandForksHerald.com

Sophomores

NORTH DAKOTA HOCKEY

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Page 6

[5] Nick

2012-13

Mattson, D www.GrandForksHerald.com 6-1, 185

NORTH DAKOTA HOCKEY

Hometown: Chanhassen, Minn.

■ Was UND’s highest-scoring rookie defenseman since Brian Lee. September 27, 2012 Thursday,

Page 8

2012-13

[8] Dan www.GrandForksHerald.com Senkbeil, F-D 6-4, 218

NORTH DAKOTA HOCKEY NORTH DAKOTA HOCKEY

Hometown: Fremont, Calif.

■ Recruited as a defenseman,

NORTH DAKOTA HOCKEY

Thursday,to September 27, 2012 switched forward last season.

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2012-13

www.GrandForksHerald.com [13] Connor

Thursday, September 27, 2012

NORTH DAKOTA HOCKEY

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2012-13

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Page 7

2012-13 www.GrandForksHerald.com

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Page 9

2012-13 www.GrandForksHerald.com

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Gaarder, F 5-10, 187

Hometown: Edina, Minn.

■ Gaarder is the grandson Thursday, September 27, 2012 of former Vikes coach Jerry Burns.

[15] Michael Parks, F 6-0, 200

Hometown: St. Louis

■ Tallied 3 points before

Christmas, 19 after the holiday last year.

[16] Mark

MacMillan, F 6-0, 168

Hometown: Penticton, B.C.

■ Finished with 11 points in

his last 10 games last season.

[21] Brendan O’Donnell, F 6-0, 185

Hometown: Winnipeg

■ Missed the second half

of last season with a shoulder injury.

[22] Andrew

Panzarella, D 6-1, 200

Hometown: Washington, D.C.

■ Played in all but two games

as a rookie.

[28] Stephane Pattyn, F 6-0, 208 Hometown: Ste. Anne, Man.

■ Winnipeg-area player is

destined to be a captain someday.

NORTH DAKOTA HOCKEY

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2012-13

A valuable learning experience www.GrandForksHerald.com

Eric Classen, UND Athletics

O’Donnell says he learned from watching last season

By Brad Elliott Schlossman Herald Staff Writer

B

rendan O’Donnell’s freshman season ended in January due to a shoulder injury.

The learning never ended, though, for the UND forward.

“Last year was tough, obviously not being able to play,” the Winnipeg native said. “It was the first time I’ve gone through something like that. But I was able to learn a lot and maybe see things from adifferent perspective that not every guy gets to see. I was able to see things from a fan’s perspective.

“The Final Five was unbelievable. It’s the first time I’ve ever experienced anything like that. I couldn’t believe how many Sioux fans were there being it was in Minnesota. The atmosphere was crazy. It was probably the coolest thing in hockey that I’ve been a part of.”

But don’t blame O’Donnell if he doesn’t want to do it again.

O’Donnell plans to be one of the key players for a UND team that’s picked to finish second in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association.

O’Donnell’s shoulder, which was surgically repaired last winter, has slowly come around and he expects to be ready to go for the season-opening tournament in Fairbanks, Alaska.

That will be a welcome sight for a UND team that missed the skilled forward’s presence at the end of last season.

“I thought he was just getting there when he got hurt,” UND coach Dave Hakstol said. “I thought he was just becoming a consistent, effective player at this level and all of the sudden we lost him for the season.”

O’Donnell said his main goal was to take the positives out of last season. He did get to play in 17 games. He tallied five goals and one assist.

“It was a learning experience,” he said. “My experience from last year is going to help me out a lot this year. It took a while to adjust to college hockey. I think with each game, I got more and more comfortable with the league. It’s a fast league. It’s tough to score.

“It kind of gives you an idea of what you need to work on over the summer — what you should be doing.”

UND has projected O’Donnell to be a skilled player since he was a 16-year-old playing for the Winnipeg Wild AAA midget major team.

Midway through that season, O’Donnell visited UND and verbally committed shortly thereafter.

The 6-foot, 185-pounder then played one year with Winnipeg South in the Manitoba Junior League. After that season, O’Donnell was selected in the sixth round of the NHL Draft by the Tampa Bay Lightning.

O’Donnell played one more season with the Penticton Vees — on a line with current UND teammate Mark MacMillan — before coming to campus.

Prior to his injury, O’Donnell was playing on the second or third line.

“Where he picks up from here, that’s up to him,” Hakstol said.

“But I thought he was on the verge of becoming a real good nightly player for us.”

O’Donnell says he’s eager for the season to begin.

“I’m excited,” he said. “I think we have a great group of guys. We didn’t have a big turnover in players. We have a lot of guys that were impact players back with the team this year. We’re all pretty excited for the season and we’re confident in what we can do.”

Call Schlossman at (701) 7801129; (800) 477-6572, ext. 1129; or send e-mail to bschlossman@gfherald.com.

WCHA’s top-scoring sophomore classes*

1. UND: 96 points.

2. Minnesota: 91 points.

3. Denver: 89 points.

4. MSU-Mankato: 87 points.

5. Michigan Tech: 84 points.

6. St. Cloud State: 71 points. *Last season’s numbers

NORTH DAKOTA HOCKEY

Thursday, September 27, 2012

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2012-13

Freshmen

Thursday, September 27, 2012

www.GrandForksHerald.com

Drake Page 7 Caggiula, F

[9]

NORTH DAKOTA HOCKEY

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Page 8

2012-13

NORTH DAKOTA HOCKEY

2012-135-10, 175

Hometown: Pickering, Ont. ■ Named MVP of the OJHL playoffs last season.

www.GrandForksHerald.com

Thursday, September 27, 2012

www.GrandForksHerald.com

NORTH DAKOTA HOCKEY

Thursday, September 27, 2012

[17] Colten Page 9 St. Clair, F 5-11, 180

2012-13

Hometown: Gilbert, Ariz.

www.GrandForksHerald.com

■ Sat out last season with

a redshirt.

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2012-13

NORTH DAKOTA HOCKEY

Let’s try this again www.GrandForksHerald.com

UND’s Rocco Grimaldi (19) reaches for a rebound off of St. Cloud goalie Ryan Faragher (29) last seaaon.

Thursday, September 27, 2012

NORTH DAKOTA HOCKEY

John Stennes, Herald staff photographer

After missing their rookie years, Grimaldi and St. Clair are eager for their do-overs

By Brad Elliott Schlossman

Another freshman UND thought would be a reliable presence in the lineup was Colten St. Clair. He never played a single game. year ago, UND had the counBecause of a strange situation try’s top recruit. which involved an online high Rocco Grimaldi arrived as one of school losing some documentation, the most anticipated rookies of St. Clair was not cleared to play by coach Dave Hakstol’s tenure. the NCAA and had to sit out the en“Rocco is the most dynamic tire season. freshman coming into college “He obviously had options to go hockey this year,” Hakstol said in play in the CHL, but not once did the 2011-12 season outlook. “Scorhe ever even let on that he was coning goals is one area we have to sidering that,” Hakstol said. “He solve this year, and Rocco is one of was steadfast — even though he the players that will help us.” was not able to practice or play games and he had to pay every penny of his expenses. He said, ‘I’m part of this program and I’m going to do what it takes to be ready a year from now.’”

No. 15 Derek Forbort Los Angeles Kings 2010 Both players have fixed No. 25 Jordan Schmaltz St. Louis Blues 2012 their situations — Grimaldi through rehabilitation work No. 33 Rocco Grimaldi Florida Panthers 2011 and St. Clair through coursework — and they are No. 56 Danny Kristo Montreal Canadiens 2008 now ready to try this thing No. 92 Dillon Simpson Edmonton Oilers 2011 again.

“We’re the freshmores,” Grimaldi said.

Classified as freshmen again, Grimaldi and St. Clair have a That never happened. chance to put their fingerprints on Grimaldi injured his knee while this season for UND. blocking a shot in preseason prac“They have opportunities to play tice, tried to play through the inlarge roles, different roles,” Hakjury for four games, and eventually stol said. “They are different types had season-ending surgery. of players and will have different “At first, it was hard,” Grimaldi roles on our team, but both have said. “I didn’t know what to do. My the opportunity to play some key whole life, I haven’t gone that long roles.” without playing. But eventually I Grimaldi is the explosive, gamefound a new routine. I grew as a breaking type. person and that’s important to me. I The native of suburban Los Anwas able to find out some things geles led the U.S. team to back-toabout myself. Now that it’s done, I back gold medals at the IIHF think it was a good thing.”

World Under-18 tournament. He was drafted early in the second round by the Florida Panthers, deHerald Staff Writer

A

UND’s highest-drafted current players

spite his diminutive 5-foot-6, 170pound stature.

He showed glimpses of his skillset during his four games last season.

Against Minnesota, he broke a 11 tie by entering the zone one-ontwo, crossing up the defensemen (making one of them fall over backwards), skating to the far dot and sniping the high glove side of the net.

Grimaldi said his rehab has been “up and down.”

“Some days I’m feeling good,” he said. “I’ll have the random day or week where I don’t know why it’s still hurting. It’s confusing. But I’m just going about things day by day.”

St. Clair isn’t an explosive player like Grimaldi, but was a reliable, two-way player with speed during the junior ranks.

St. Clair wasn’t allowed to practice with the team last year, but did some individual skating and played with an intramural group.

“He worked awful hard,” Hakstol said. “Now, he needs to take that same mentality — in an incremental type of way, not trying to do too much too early — to get the basics of his game in place and take small steps.”

Both Grimaldi and St. Clair will get that chance next month.

“It’s pretty exciting,” Grimaldi said. “I love playing the game and it’s always great to get back out there.”

Call Schlossman at (701) 780-1129; (800) 477-6572, ext. 1129; or send email to bschlossman@gfherald.com.

Thursday, September 27, 2012

[19] Rocco Page 11 Grimaldi, F 5-6, 170

2012-13

Hometown: Rossmoor, Calif.

www.GrandForksHerald.com

■ Received a medical redshirt

after playing 4 games last year.

[24] Jordan

Schmaltz, D 6-2, 190

Hometown: Verona, Wis.

■ Earned two first-team,

all-USHL honors.

[26] Coltyn

Sanderson, F 6-2, 175

Hometown: Moose Jaw, Sask.

■ Captained Weyburn

in the SJHL last year.

Bryn Chyzyk, F [29]

6-0, 185

Hometown: Virden, Man.

■ Named MJHL rookie

of the year in 2011.

[31] Zane

Gothberg, G 6-2, 198

Hometown: Thief River Falls

■ Named USHL co-goalie

of the year in the spring.

Page 6

NORTH DAKOTA HOCKEY

2012-13

Top 10 Thursday, September 27, 2012 recruits

UND wins first Broadmoor Trophy.

www.GrandForksHerald.com

[1] Mike Reilly, Page 8

D, Minnesota An offensive defenseman, Reilly www.GrandForksHerald.com put up huge numbers in the BCHL.

2012-13

League begins with seven members, including UND.

1951

[2] Andy Welinski,

Thursday, September 27, 2012 D, Minn.-Duluth

The former Duluth East star was the USHL’s defensive Page 10 player of the year.

UND wins its first MacNaughton Cup.

F, Wisconsin The California product was the top scorer on the U.S. Under-18 team.

The

[6] Brady Skjei,

D, Minnesota The first-round pick is one of the most well-rounded players in this class.

[7] Quentin Shore,

F, Denver His two brothers starred at Denver last year.

Quentin will this year.

[8] Brian Cooper,

D, Nebraska-Omaha Small in size, Cooper is physical and an outstanding skater.

[9] Teddy Bluegar,

F, MSU-Mankato The Latvian became Mankato’s second-highest drafted player ever (2nd round).

[10] Anthony Stolarz,

G, Nebraska-Omaha A high draft pick out of the NAHL, Stolarz will be playing behind good ‘D.’

Page 7 League

celebrates 50th season.

1982

2002

WCHA 2012-13

moves to www.GrandForksHerald.com 12 teams,

all-time high.

2010

UND leaves WCHA.

2013

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Page 9

NORTH DAKOTA HOCKEY

2012-13 www.GrandForksHerald.com

Thursday, September 27, 2012

NORTH DAKOTA HOCKEY

[4] Jordan Schmaltz,

F, Michigan Tech The BCHL star is Michigan Tech’s highestdrafted player (3rd round) since 1982.

League drops to six teams, all-time low.

N1958 ORTH DAKOTA 1965HOCKEY

Thursday, September 27, 2012

[5] Jujhar Khaira,

NORTH DAKOTA HOCKEY

Gerry Kell is UND's first WCHA MVP

NORTH DAKOTA HOCKEY

2012-13 [3] Nic Kerdiles, www.GrandForksHerald.com

D, UND A first-round NHL pick, Schmaltz excels at moving the puck

Thursday, September 27, 2012

swan2012-13 song

Page 11

www.GrandForksHerald.com

College hockey’s top league will break up after this season

By Brad Elliott Schlossman Herald Staff Writer

I

n 1951, North Dakota, Denver and Colorado College were three of seven teams that formed a college hockey conference that would go on to be the most powerful and profitable league in the country.

The league eventually grew to 12 teams, boasted the best collection of arenas in the country and routinely won national championships.

But the league as we know it — the only league UND has ever been a member of — will die after the 201213 season.

Minnesota and Wisconsin are bolting for the startup Big Ten Hockey Conference. UND, Colorado College, Denver, Minnesota-Duluth, Nebraska-Omaha and St. Cloud State are leaving to start the National Collegiate Hockey Conference.

And while the WCHA will continue to operate a nine-team league (it added five teams from the soon-tobe-defunct Central Collegiate Hockey Association), Michigan Tech will be the only charter member left (and even Tech left the league for a few years at one point).

So, how did this all happen to the league that was once at the peak of college hockey? It all started a few years ago with a monetary pledge to one school to add men’s hockey.

The beginning of the end

When Terry Pegula pledged $88 million for the construction of a new arena and the start of a Division I men’s hockey program at Penn State, motions were put in place for a vast change in the landscape of college hockey.

With Penn State, there would be six Big Ten teams playing Division I college hockey — enough for the conference to sponsor the sport.

And despite initial objections from the University of Minnesota, the league became a reality, fracturing the WCHA and CCHA. The CCHA was immediately put on shaky ground and Notre Dame and Miami

were among league members looking to find a more stable home.

Some WCHA teams, looking to keep their conference an attractive place for recruits to play and upset with the league’s current management, started exploring the idea of forming a new conference.

In July 2011, that became a reality.

UND, Colorado College, Denver, Minnesota-Duluth and NebraskaOmaha decided to leave the WCHA and pick up Miami from the CCHA to create the NCHC. A month later, the league added St. Cloud State and Western Michigan to get to eight teams.

Just like that, the once powerful conference was stripped of its core teams.

There were many hard feelings in the wake of the announcement.

“It’s a really sneaky back-door deal,” Anchorage athletic director Steve Cobb told the Anchorage Daily News.

WCHA commissioner Bruce McLeod called it, “a tough day.”

UND’s brass expressed some sadness in leaving the league, but also excitement in what’s to come.

“Growing up in Minnesota, the WCHA was the only league in college hockey I watched,” UND senior Joe Gleason said. “It was the only league I wanted to play in. The fact that North Dakota played in the WCHA was a top factor in me choosing to come to North Dakota. It’s a pretty sad thing that the league is breaking up. I’m really glad I’ve been a part of it. It’s going to be a tough transition into a new league.

“I’m kind of sad about how when I’m done, it’s going to be different watching the different teams. But change always happens.”

New-look leagues Big Ten NCHC North Dakota Colorado College Denver Miami Western Michigan Minnesota Duluth St. Cloud State Nebraska-Omaha

WCHA

Alaska (Fairbanks) Alaska Anchorage Bemidji State MSU-Mankato Michigan Tech Northern Michigan Bowling Green Lake Superior State Ferris State

Hockey East Notre Dame UConn Boston College Boston University Maine UMass Merrimack New Hampshire Northeastern Providence Vermont

The Herald’s WCHA picks 1. Minnesota 2. North Dakota 3. St. Cloud State 4. Denver 5. Wisconsin 6. Minnesota-Duluth

Finishing it off strong

UND has closed out its time in the WCHA as one of the top members.

UND has won the MacNaughton Cup (WCHA regular season champs), Broadmoor Trophy (WCHA postseason champs) or made a trip to the NCAA Frozen Four in each of the last nine years.

Team members say they want to leave the league on a high note.

“I think that’s a really important thing,” Gleason said. “We really want to represent the league well and we kind of want that last chance at holding the crown, the MacNaughton or the Broadmoor. We want to be the last one to win those trophies. That would be a cool accomplishment.”

Minnesota Wisconsin Michigan Michigan State Ohio State Penn State

Player of the year Nick Bjugstad, Minnesota

All-WCHA

7. Nebraska-Omaha 8. MSU-Mankato 9. Michigan Tech 10. Colorado College 11. Bemidji State 12. Alaska Anchorage

Rookie of the year Rocco Grimaldi, North Dakota

F — Nick Bjugstad, Minnesota F — Danny Kristo, North Dakota F — Mark Zengerle, Wisconsin D — Nick Jensen, St. Cloud State D — Scott Mayfield, Denver G — Sam Brittain, Denver

Call Schlossman at (701) 780-1129; (800) 477-6572, ext. 1129; or send e-mail to bschlossman@gfherald.com.

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One last shot NORTH DAKOTA HOCKEY

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Page 8

Page 7

2012-13

Top 10 Thursday, September 27, 2012 players

www.GrandForksHerald.com

NORTH DAKOTA HOCKEY

2012-13

www.GrandForksHerald.com

When UND moves to the National Collegiate Hockey

Conference next year, the trophies it has spent decades

trying toSeptember win won’t be Thursday, 27,coming 2012 with it.

The MacNaughton Cup has been housed in Grand

place. The Broadmoor Trophy has been housed in Grand Forks for a record eight years, including each of the last three.

NORTH DAKOTA HOCKEY

2012-13

Page 9 F, Minnesota The former Mr. Hockey winner scored 25 goals as www.GrandForksHerald.com a sophomore.

NORTH DAKOTA HOCKEY

Forks for 15 years – two more years than any other

Page 10

[1] Nick Bjugstad,

Chay Genoway accepts the Broadmoor Trophy on behalf of the UND men’s hockey team on March 20, 2010, after the Sioux beat St. Cloud State to win the WCHA playoff title.

Genoway, the team captain, did not play because of post-concussion syndrome.

Canwww.GrandForksHerald.com UND add to that legacy and keep the lobby of

Ralph Engelstad Arena decorated with one of the league’s crowns for one last season?

2012-13

[2] Danny Kristo,

F, North Dakota A great skater, Kristo has rounded out his game each year at UND. Page 11 Thursday, September 27, 2012

John Stennes, staff photographer

NORTH DAKOTA HOCKEY

Thursday, September 27, 2012

MacNaughton Cups

2012-13

[3] Mark Zengerle,

F, Wisconsin The junior from New York is the best playmaker in the WCHA.

www.GrandForksHerald.com

North Dakota (15)

1958

1963

1965

1967

1979

1980

1982

1987

1997

1998

1953

1954

1970

1975

1981

1983

1988

1989

1992

1997

1963

1964

1968

1972

1973

1978

1986

Minnesota (13)

1999

2001

2004

2006

2007

2012

2002

2005

2010

2009

[4] Nick Jensen,

D, St. Cloud State The Red Wings draft pick should be the best defenseman in the WCHA.

2011

[5] Rocco Grimaldi,

F, North Dakota Grimaldi is a dazzling offensive talent who missed last year due injury.

Denver (13)

1958

1960

1961

[6] Rylan Schwartz,

F, Colorado College He doesn’t have his brother, Jaden, but Rylan will still produce for the Tigers.

Colorado College 9 (1952, 1955, 1957, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2003, 2005, 2008) Michigan Tech 7 (1962, 1965, 1966, 1969, 1971, 1974, 1976) Wisconsin 3 (1977, 1990, 2000) Duluth 3 (1984, 1985, 1993) Michigan 2 (1953, 1956) Northern Michigan 1 (1991)

Broadmoor Trophies North Dakota (8)

[7] Kyle Rau,

F, Minnesota Although undersized, Rau will go to the crease to get his goals.

1982

1987

Minnesota (7)

1997

2000

2006

[8] Matt White,

2010 2011 2012 (Note: The Broadmoor Trophy changed its look in 2010)

F, Nebraska-Omaha White quietly scored 17 goals and tallied 40 points to lead UNO last season.

[9] Jordan George,

1983

1993

1994

Denver (5)

1996

2003

2004

F, Bemidji State The Madison native already has eclipsed the 100-point mark for his career.

2005

[10] Sam Brittain,

1986

1999

2002

2005

G, Denver Brittain is healthy and has a stacked defensive corps playing in front of him.

2008

Wisconsin 4 (1988, 1990, 1995, 1998) Duluth 3 (1984, 1985, 2009) Northern Michigan 3 (1989, 1991, 1992) SCSU 1 (2001)

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Page 8

NORTH DAKOTA HOCKEY

2012-13

Top 20 teams

Thursday, September 27, 2012

www.GrandForksHerald.com

Atlantic Hockey

1. Air Force RIT 1. Boston College 3. Mercyhurst 4. Niagara 5. Bentley Page 10 6. Holy Cross 2. Minnesota 7. Connecticut www.GrandForksHerald.com 8. Canisius 9. Robert Morris 10. Sacred Heart 3. North Dakota 11. American International Thursday, September 27, 2012 12. Army 4. Western Michigan Thursday, September 27, 20122.

2012-13

Top 3 players

I Adam Schmidt, jr, F, Holy

native was one of the top scorers in the NAHL last season, tallying 57 points in 60 games for Wenatchee.

Noteworthy: Grafton’s Chad Demers and Roseau’s Jason Fabian will be two of Air Force’s top forwards this season.

7. Denver

2012-13

3. Yale 4. Quinnipiac 5. Harvard 6. Princeton 7. St. Lawrence 8. Dartmouth 9. RPI 10. Colgate 11. Clarkson 12. Brown

www.GrandForksHerald.com

Thursday, September 27, 2012

NORTH DAKOTA HOCKEY

I Ben Carey, F, Air Force. The Colorado

6. St. Cloud State

Page 9

NORTH DAKOTA 1.2.HCornell OCKEY Union

Cross. The former Sioux City Musketeer was named team MVP for leading Holy Cross in goals (18), assists (19) and points (38).

I Jason Torf, jr, G, Air Force.

Torf appears to be the latest in a line of great Falcons goaltenders after stopping .929 of shots last season.

I Brett Gensler, jr, F, Bentley.

Gensler racked up 50 points last season and will lead a prolific Falcon offensive attack this year.

NORTH DAKOTA HOCKEY

Blue chip recruit

5. Michigan

ECAC

Page 11

2012-13

www.GrandForksHerald.com

I Danny Biega, sr, D,

Harvard. Biega led all ECAC defensemen in scoring last season with 10 goals and 35 points.

I Daniel Carr, jr, F, Union. Carr has scored 20 goals in each of his first two collegiate seasons with the Dutchmen.

I Troy Grosenick, jr, G, Union.

Grosenick was one of 10 Hobey Baker finalists last year, leading Union to the Frozen Four.

Blue chip recruit

Jason Torf

8. New Hampshire

Top 3 players

Eric Meland

Noteworthy: Red River graduate Eric Meland, a senior at Princeton, will switch from forward to defense.

I Mike Ambrosia,

F, Princeton.

The New Jersey native finished eighth in the USHL in scoring.

9. UMass-Lowell 10. Wisconsin

CCHA

11. Miami

Hockey East

1. Western Michigan 2. Michigan Danny 3. Miami DeKeyser 4. Notre Dame 5. Ferris State

12. Notre Dame 13. Cornell

6. Ohio State 7. Michigan State 8. Alaska 9. Lake Superior State 10. Northern Michigan 11. Bowling Green

14. Union 15. Northeastern

Top 3 players

I Johnny

Blue chip recruit

Top 3 players

I Danny DeKeyser, jr, D,

16. Minnesota-Duluth

Western Michigan. One of the most coveted free agents in college hockey, DeKeyser decided to return to college.

I T.J. Tynan, jr, F, Notre Dame. The Blue Jackets draft pick has racked up a remarkable 95 points in two college seasons.

I Jon Merrill, jr, D, Michigan.

Although he sat out much of last year with a suspension, Merrill is a top puck-moving defenseman.

17. Ferris State 18. Yale 19.Nebraska-Omaha 20. MSU-Mankato

I Jacob Trouba, D, Michigan.

The U.S. Under-18 team product was drafted ninth overall by the Winnipeg Jets.

Noteworthy: For-

mer UND forward Mike Cichy will be a junior for Western Michigan this season.

Gaudreau, so, F, Boston College. The undersized forward is the most dynamic player in Hockey East.

I Matt Nieto, jr, F, Boston University. The skilled forward from California put up 42 points in 37 games last season.

I Parker Milner, sr, G, Boston College. After a slow start, Milner finished last season with a .937 save percentage.

Blue chip recruit

I Kevin Roy, F, Northeastern. The USHL most

valuable player changed his commitment from Brown over the summer.

Noteworthy: After 13 seasons at UMass, coach

Don Cahoon was replaced by John Micheletto in the summer.

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Page 9

NORTH DAKOTA HOCKEY

Thursday, September 27, 2012

2012-13

NHL Thursday, September 27, 2012 www.GrandForksHerald.com

New Wild NHL hockey players Ryan Suter (left) and Zach Parise Page Minnesota 10 are introduced during a news conference Monday, July 9, 2012, in St. Paul, Minn.

The two signed 13-year contracts with the Wild for $98 million.

NORTH DAKOTA HOCKEY

2012-13

www.GrandForksHerald.com

Ben Blood, Ottawa Senators

Taylor Chorney, St. Louis Blues Joe Finley, Buffalo Sabres

Page 11 Matt Frattin, Toronto Maple

NORTH DAKOTA HOCKEY

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Leafs

2012-13

www.GrandForksHerald.com Chay Genoway, Minnesota Wild

Matt Greene, Los Angeles Kings Brett Hextall, Phoenix Coyotes

Brian Lee, Tampa Bay Lightning Brad Malone, Colorado Avalanche

Brock Nelson, New York Associated Press

Cashing in big

Jason Gregoire, Winnipeg Jets

Parise’s dedication nets a big reward Consider:

By Brad Elliott Schlossman

Herald Staff Writer

Zach Parise was barely 18 years

■

old when he arrived on UND’s campus.

He came with all the hype — Parise had already been featured in Sports Illustrated — and along with it he brought the maturity of someone twice his age.

UND coach Dave Hakstol said he was probably the first player to fully take advantage of all the amenities that Ralph Engelstad Arena offered.

Parise was often seen skating by himself and working on his skills in the mornings before attending class.

Parise would stay late after practice and he approached the game, on and off the ice, as a professional.

It’s been a decade since Parise’s stormed the campus and now it has become clear that his professionalism has paved the way to one of the most successful pro careers of any athlete to come through this state.

Parise has been a team captain. He’s led his team to the Stanley Cup Finals.

He’s been a superstar at the Olympic Games.

And this summer, Parise signed a 13-year contract worth $98 million with the Minnesota Wild. The contract is staggering on many levels.

Parise’s deal is the fifth-richest contract ever signed in hockey. The only players with larger contracts are Alexander Ovechkin ($124 million), Shea Weber ($110 million), Sidney Crosby ($105 million) and Ilya Kovalchuk ($100 million). Multiple news sources reported that Parise was offered $110 million by the Philadelphia Flyers.

■ The eighth-richest contract in hockey history (Henrik Zetterberg’s $73 million) is $25 million less than Parise’s.

■ Parise’s contract is the fourthlongest ever signed in any sport. The only longer contracts have been Ovechkin’s 15-year deal, Rick DiPietro’s 15-year deal and Weber’s 14-year deal.

■ Parise will make $12 million in the first two years of his contract. For the 2000-01 season, the Wild’s entire payroll was $11,737,500.

■ The only Minnesota pro athletes ever to sign larger contracts are Joe Mauer ($184 million) and Kevin Garnett ($126 million).

■ Parise’s contract is worth $41 million more than any contract signed by someone who attended high school or college in North Dakota (Travis Hafner’s $57 million deal is second).

“The type of commitment we’re making with these players. .. you don’t do it unless they are quality human beings,” Minnesota Wild coach Mike Yeo said after his team signed Parise

and former Wisconsin defenseman Ryan Suter to identical $98 million deals. “What these guys do on the ice speaks for itself. What they’re going to add to our group from a leadership and character standpoint. . . these guys are going to play a huge role for us. We’re expecting them to be leaders for us for along time.”

Wild general manager Chuck Fletcher had planned on making a run at Parise and Suter for a long time.

“We’re extremely happy,” Fletcher said. “This is the best-case scenario.

Coming off of a really tough finish to what was a promising start, we were trying to figure out ways we wouldn’t be in that position again. This is the best-case scenario. This is what we hoped.

“We had some pains along the way to create cap space to be in this position. We took our shot and we’re very fortunate they chose to come here.”

Parise got married this summer to his girlfriend from his UND days and will live at his new home in the suburbs.

“I didn’t hesitate (to sign the contract),” Parise said with a smile. “Not at all. For me, I knew I wanted to play at home. I knew I wanted to finish my career at home. From that standpoint, there wasn’t any hesitation at all.”

Call Schlossman at (701) 780-1129; (800) 477-6572, ext. 1129; or send e-mail to bschlossman@gfherald.com.

UND paydays

$98M

Islanders

T.J. Oshie, St. Louis Blues

Zach Parise, Minnesota Wild Chris Porter, St. Louis Blues

Matt Smaby, Anaheim Ducks

Drew Stafford, Buffalo Sabres Jonathan Toews, Chicago Blackhawks

Chris VandeVelde, Edmonton Oilers

Matt Watkins, New York Islanders

Travis Zajac, New Jersey Devils

AHL

Jake Marto, St. John’s

Corey Fienhage, Rochester Darcy Zajac, Albany

ECHL

Aaron Dell, Colorado

Michael Forney, Colorado

Mario Lamoureux, Ontario Derrick LaPoint, Reading

Aaron Schneekloth, Colorado David Toews, Bakersfield Evan Trupp, Bakersfield

CHL

Kyle Radke, Wichita

Euorpe

Ryan Bayda, Nurnberg

(Germany) Robbie Bina, Wolfsburg (Germany) Brandon

Zach Parise

Bochenski, Barys Astana (Rus-

sia) Adam Calder, Milton Keynes

(England) Brent Davidson, Herning (Denmark) Ryan Duncan, Salzburg (Austria) Colby

Genoway, Lausanne (Switzer-

land) Lee Goren, Pelicans (Fin-

land) Andrew Kozek, Dornbirner

$14.7M $15.5M

$16M

$18.8M

(Finland) Ryan Martens, Erding

$31.5M

Mike Commodore

Matt Greene

(Austria) David Lundbohm, Tuto

$20M

(Germany) Curtis Murphy, Linz

(Austria) Brady Murray, Lugano

$20.9M $2

(Switzerland) Jordan Parise,

Valpellice (Italy) Jean-Philippe Lamoureux, Villacher (Austria)

Anthony Grieco, Pontebba (Italy) Travis Roche, Bern (Switzerland) Rastislav Spirko, Avtomobilist

Yekaterinburg (Russia) Bill Trew, Landshut (Germany) Jason

Ulmer, Munchen (Germany)

Matt Greene, 5 years, Kings, 2009

Travis Zajac,

4 years, Devils, 2009

Drew Stafford 4 years, Sabres, 2010

Mike Commodore

5 years, Blue Jackets, 2008

Jason Blake

5 years, Islanders, 2007

T.J. Oshie

5 years, Blues, 2012

Jonathan Toews

5 years, Blackhawks, 2010

Zach Parise

13 years, Wild, 2012

GF players on the way N D H

Page 10

NORTH DAKOTA HOCKEY

2012-13

Coming soon

www.GrandForksHerald.com

Page 11

Thursday, September 27, D 2012

ORTH AKOTA OCKEY UND roster missing North Dakotans this year, but they’ll be here soon

Geoff Crisfield, Calgary, Alta.

Vernon (BCHL) 2013

Luke Johnson, F Grand Forks Lincoln (USHL) 2013

By Brad Elliott Schlossman

tabbed Johnson as an ‘A’ player, meaning he’s a candidate to go in the first round.

A third North Dakotan — Devils Lake product Keaton Thompson — also will join the fold in a year or two.

Johnson, whose father Steve starred at UND in the 1980s, said he’s keeping his focus on helping the Lincoln Stars make a push toward the Clark Cup. The Stars lost in the third round of the playoffs last season to Waterloo.

“I’m just trying to build off of last year,” said Johnson, who won state championships with both Grand Forks Central and Grand Forks Red River. “I really don’t want to start looking at the whole points thing very much. I’m trying not to pay attention to that too much.

Obviously, my big goal is for the team to win a championship. If that’s not your goal, you shouldn’t be in the league.”

Johnson and LaDue figure to be two of the league’s stars this season. Johnson is the secondleading returning scorer in the league. Only Waterloo forward Taylor Cammarata had more points than the Grand Forks native.

LaDue is the top-returning defenseman scorer in the league.

“He makes simple plays,” Johnson said. “He’s not very flashy. He’s great in his defensive end. He’s on the power play — he will run our power play this year. He’s just a smart player on the back end.”

Herald Staff Writer

T

Paul LaDue, D Grand Forks Lincoln (USHL) 2013

here’s a notable omission from the UND men’s hockey roster this season.

For the first time in 18 years, there are no Grand Forks players on the roster, and for the first time in more than 30 years, there are no North Dakota natives on the team.

No worries, that won’t last for long.

UND will bring two Grand Forks natives in the fold next season in cousins Luke Johnson and Paul LaDue. Johnson is a smart forward who piled up 55 points in 55 games as a rookie in the United States Hockey League last season, despite being one of the youngest players in the league.

LaDue is a playmaking defenseman who attracted a bunch of recruiters in a hurry last season for his play. He committed to UND and ended up putting up 34 points in 56 games. The Stanley Cup champion Los Angeles Kings drafted LaDue in the sixth round in June.

Johnson may go higher than that. Eligible for the upcoming draft, the NHL’s Central Scouting Bureau has

Brendan Lemieux, F Toronto Green Bay (USHL) 2014 Ryan Mantha, D Clarkston, Mich.

Sioux City (USHL) 2014 or 2015 Wade Murphy, F Victoria, B.C. Penticton (BCHL) 2013 Charlie Pelnik, D Cary, N.C. Shattuck-St. Mary’s 2014 Jack Rowe, F Cary, Ill. Cedar Rapids (USHL) 2013 or 2014

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Keaton Thompson, D Devils Lake U.S. Under-18 2013 or 2014

Northeastern Huskies of Hockey East.

“Those are some big shoes

to fill,” Johnson said. “I don’t think we’ll have another Kevin this year, but we have a lot of depth, for sure.

Our speed is probably our (biggest asset). We’re not as big as we were last year, but we have some young guys who can wheel.”

Although it’s still more than four months away, there is one big game Johnson is looking forward to. Lincoln will play rival Omaha outdoors at T.D. Ameritrade Park in Omaha on Feb. 8. That game will be followed by a Nebraska-Omaha vs. North Dakota matchup.

“You can’t look too far ahead, but it’s hard not to, especially for Paul and me,” Johnson said.

“We will have a few friends coming down to that one. That will be a great event, for sure.”

Paul LaDue

Luke Voltin, F Blaine, Minn.

Des Moines (USHL) 2013 Chris Wilkie, F Omaha, Neb. U.S. Under-17 2014

Keaton Thompson

Recent Grand Forks and East Grand Forks players at UND

Mario Lamoureux, GF Central Jake Marto, GF Central Jean-Philippe Lamoureux, GF Central Robbie Bina, GF Central Andy Schneider, GF Red River Nick Fuher, GF Central Tyler Palmiscno, EGF Senior High Nate Ziegelmann, GF Red River Tim Skarperud, GF Red River Jeff Panzer, GF Central Paul Murphy, GF Red River Tim O’Connell, GF Central Jason Endres, GF Red River

Thompson looking forward to REA game

UND recruit and Devils Lake product gets to play against future team this season

By Brad Elliott Schlossman Herald Staff Writer

K

Photo by Tom Sorensen

Luke Johnson

They will have to help pick up the scoring they lost with USHL MVP Kevin Roy taking his game to the

Nick Schmaltz, F Verona, Wis. Green Bay (USHL) 2014 Adam Tambellini, F Edmonton Vernon (BCHL) 2013

2012-13

www.GrandForksHerald.com

eaton Thompson already has a game circled on his calendar.

The former Devils Lake High School standout defenseman who now plays for the U.S. Under-18 team will suit up for the American squad in an exhibition game against UND in Ralph Engelstad Arena on Oct. 12.

“I’m excited, it’s going to be really fun,” Thompson said. “It will be tough, but it will be fun.

I’m excited to come back and play in front of everyone.

Some friends said they have wanted to see me play. Now they will be able to. I’m excited — it’s going to be a good game.”

The 6-foot-1, 182pound Thompson is an offensive defenseman, who worked on rounding out his game with the U.S. Under-17 team last season. He said he made im-

provements in several areas skating with the National Team Development Program.

“I think I’ve gotten a little smarter with the puck,” Thompson said. “I’ve gotten a little stronger working out so much, too. At first, it was hard to get used to the speed of the game.

But once you start getting used to the pace, everything all started coming together.”

Last season, Thompson played 54 games and tallied five goals, 17 assists and 22 points. He was the second-leading defenseman scorer on the team behind University of Denver recruit Will Butcher. Two of his goals were game-winners.

Thompson was listed as a ‘B’ prospect for the 2013 NHL Draft by the NHL’s Central Scouting Bureau earlier in the month, meaning he’s on track to be a mid-round selection in June’s event.

“I’m beginning to look at Thompson as a guy with the potential to possible sneak into the top 40 selections of the NHL Draft, maybe even the top 30,” said Chris Peters, a writer who

covers American-born hockey prospects. “He has good offensive instincts. . . Thompson moves the puck well and makes pretty good decisions. He has a pretty good shot on him, too. It’s one of those situations where he has to find that next gear.”

Thompson has taken four online classes the last two summers to accelerate his education. He’s on track to graduate from high school in the spring. His arrival date — either next season or in the fall of 2014 — will depend on his development.

As for this season, it just got underway with the United States Hockey League Fall Classic two weeks ago.

“We won two games and lost one,” Thompson said. “I played pretty good, but I could have done better. It’s just getting the rust out. . . there’s always improving to do.”

Call Schlossman at (701) 7801129; (800) 477-6572, ext. 1129; or send e-mail to bschlossman@gfherald.com.

Page 11

NORTH DAKOTA HOCKEY

Thursday, September 27, 2012

2012-13 www.GrandForksHerald.com

Roster

Jocelyne Lamoureux and Monique Lamoureux salute the fans.

Women

[1] Shelby Amsley-Benzie, RFr, G, Warroad, Minn.

[2] Mary Loken, Sr, F, Roseau, Minn.

[3] Michelle Karvinen, Jr, F, Rodovre, Denmark

[4] Sam LaShomb, Fr, D, Inver Grove Heights, Minn.

[5] Johanna Fallman, Fr, D, Lulea, Sweden [6] Allison Parizek, Sr, F, Minot

[7] Jordan Slavin, Sr, D, Erie, Colo.

[8] Samantha Hanson, Fr, D, White Bear Lake, Minn.

[9] Kayla Berg, Jr, D, Fargo

[10] Andrea Dalen, So, F, Honefoss, Norway [11] Shannon Kaiser, RFr, F, Crookston

[14] Marissa Salo, Fr, F, Grand Rapids, Minn.

[15] Megan Gilbert, Sr, F, Andover, Minn.

[16] Tori Williams, So, D, The Pas, Manitoba

[17] Jocelyne Lamoureux, Sr, F, Grand Forks

Chasing history

Eric Hylden, staff photographer

UND’s Jocelyne and Monique Lamoureux are climbing the Division I all-time scoring chart

By Brad Elliott Schlossman Herald Staff Writer

B

hard at their game and are that talented don’t come around very often,” Idalski said. “They are the full package. It may be a long while (before we see that again). There’s not an overabundance of kids of that caliber, with that work ethic, that come through.

“Not to mention, those two kids

rian Idalski has seen the list.

The UND women’s hockey coach knows his two star forwards — twin sisters Monique and Jocelyne Lamoureux — already rank among the top scorers in NCAA Division I women’s hockey history.

“I have seen it,” Idalski said. “And at one point, I did know how many they 1. Meghan Agosta, Mercyhurst needed to top it.”

2. Julie Chu, Harvard Jocelyne ranks 18th in alltime scoring with 204 career 3. Nicole Corriero, Harvard points.

4. Hilary Knight, Wisconsin Monique is one spot behind her sister with 200 ca5. Natalie Darwitz, Minnesota reer points. Prior to them, only six players had ever 6. Meghan Duggan, Wisconsin cracked the 200-point mark 7. Krissy Wendell, Minnesota in three seasons.

It won’t take long for the 7. Sarah Vaillancourt, Harvard twins to move up the list 9. Caroline Ouellette, UMD this season.

A season ago, Jocelyne 10. Jesse Scanzano, Mercyhurst racked up 81 points, Monique 71 (while mainly playing defense). Just 45 points will get both of them into the top five all-time.

If they want to wind up on will be on an international stage in the top of the list, it’s going to take a the next Olympics. They will make a extraordinary season. Former Merbig impact on the outcome. It would cyhurst standout Meghan Agosta talbe a shame if people just waited to lied 303 career points. Jocelyne watch them on an Olympic stage and needs 99 to tie, 100 to pass her. didn’t come out to see them this No player in college hockey has year.” tallied 100 points since 2004-05.

Idalski said the twins have spent a “It would be another step up, lot of time in the gym this summer that’s for sure,” Idalski said. “Obviworking out and preparing for their ously, they are in an elite company senior season — not that he’s suralready with plans of trying to be the prised by it. best.”

“I don’t think they’ve changed A drive to be the best defines the their routine since they were Grand Forks natives, who are enteryounger,” ing the final season of their remarkIdalski said. “They know the offable college careers. season is time to get better, time to “Honestly, I don’t think people unwork on your game and improve. So, derstand that kids who work that it wasn’t significantly different than

any summer before. That’s something they’ve done going back to Shattuck and before. They get it.

They put their time in. It’s not an allof-the-sudden thing where they decide to work hard.”

Idalski said there were specific parts of their games that they worked to improve over the summer.

“I think their technical game and their ability to do some things with the puck going full speed was one 303 area,” he said. “Just 285 little pieces to the puzzle like that. Lit265 tle nuances of the 262 game like that — their release of the 246 puck, the way they 238 protect the puck. . . really just the tech237 nical side.”

237 Where will all of the work place them 229 in the history book 226 when the season comes to a close?

That’s all to be determined.

They just hope the last chapter to their careers will be written where it started — Ridder Arena on the campus of University of Minnesota.

The Lamoureuxs played for the Gophers as rookies before transferring to UND. Now, they have UND among the nation’s elite teams and Ridder Arena will host the NCAA Frozen Four this season.

“We would love to just fast-forward and start playing,” Idalski said.

“We like the club we have. We have some depth and ability. It’s all about putting it together and performing.”

Call Schlossman at (701) 780-1129; (800) 477-6572, ext. 1129; or send e-mail to bschlossman@gfherald.com.

All-time leading D-I women's scorers

18. Jocelyne Lamoureux, UND 19. Monique Lamoureux, UND

204 201

[18] Monique Lamoureux, Sr, F, Grand Forks [19] Meghan Dufault, Fr, F, Winnipeg

[22] Tanja Eisenschmid, Fr, D, Kaufbeuren, Germany [25] Leah Jensen, RFr, F, East Grand Forks [27] Layla Marvin, RFr, F, Warroad, Minn.

[29] Amanda Koep, Fr, G, St. Michael, Minn.

[30] Jorid Dagfinrud, Sr, G, Sarpsborg, Norway [33] Michelle Bonapace-Potvin, So, G, Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec

[51] Becca Kohler, Fr, F, St. Thomas, Ontario

[63] Josefine Jakobsen, So, F, Aalborg, Denmark

Schedule

[91] Ashley Furia, Sr, F-D, Sedalia, Colo.

Oct. 5 – MANKATO 7:07 Oct. 6 – MANKATO 2:07 Oct. 12 – at Ohio State 6:07 Oct. 13 – at Ohio State 3:07 Oct. 19 – ST. CLOUD 7:07 Oct. 20 -- ST. CLOUD 7:07 Oct. 27 -- MINNESOTA 2:07 Oct. 28 – MINNESOTA 2:07

Jan. 4 – at Lindenwood 7:00 Jan. 5 – at Lindenwood 2:00 Jan. 11 – at Minnesota 6:07 Jan. 12 – at Minnesota 4:07 Jan. 18 – WISCONSIN 7:07 Jan. 19 – WISCONSIN 7:07 Jan. 25 – at St. Cloud 7:07 Jan. 26 – at St. Cloud 2:07

Nov. 2 – CLARKSON 2:07 Nov. 3 – CLARKSON 2:07 Nov. 17 – at Bemidji 2:07 Nov. 18 – at Bemidji 2:07 Nov. 23 – DULUTH 7:07 Nov. 24 – DULUTH 7:07 Nov. 30 – RIT 7:07

Feb. 1 – at Mankato 7:07 Feb. 2 – at Mankato 3:07 Feb. 8 – BEMIDJI ST. 7:07 Feb. 9 – BEMIDJI ST. 7:07 Feb. 15 – OHIO STATE 7:07 Feb. 16 – OHIO STATE 7:07 Feb. 22 – at Duluth 7:07 Feb. 23 – at Duluth 6:07

Dec. 1 – RIT 7:07 Dec. 8 – at Wisconsin 2:07 Dec. 9 – at Wisconsin 2:07

Mar. 1-3 – WCHA first rd Mar. 8-9 – WCHA Final Faceoff Mar. 15 – NCAA Regionals Mar. 22-24 – NCAA Frozen Four (Minneapolis)

Goalie battle begins

There’s expected to be strong competition for the starting goaltender job with the graduation of last season’s top netminder, Stephanie Ney. Jorid Dagfinrud has played 46 games in her first three seasons at UND and will be the team’s most experienced goaltender.

She has a career .908 save percentage and a 2.64 goals-against average. Former Warroad High School star Shelby Amsley-Benzie, who redshirted last season, is expected to contend for the top job. Amsley-Benzie was a three-time all-state selection in high school.