WCHA early departures

[cbrooks]

I just read one player has left the Gophers. I won't print a rumors but I'm sure other players will be leaving there teams soon here as some team season will be done.

[Shorelunch]

Three good sources have indicated that Aaron Ness is going to Long Island. I'll be surprised if Bjugstad doesn't leave too. Unfortunately, with college hockey "these days" the early signings are getting too common.

[cbrooks]

Shorelunch we must go to the same websites. I haven't heard of Bujstad leaving so thats good news for the Gophers.

[solbes]

Uh-oh, it is that time of year again isn't it. Some guys are ready for the transition and there are always those who are not. I just hope those guys make the best LONG term decision for themselves.

Wondered about Bjuggie too, hope he stays put.

[cbrooks]

He's just a freshman. The way I see it if he leaves it will be because the team that drafted him thinks he's ready to play in the show or they don't like how he's developing.

I don't think he fits either one. I think he stays another year.

[Shorelunch]

Shorelunch we must go to the same websites. I haven't heard of Bujstad leaving so thats good news for the Gophers.

I heart Twitter . . .

[Shorelunch]

He's just a freshman. The way I see it if he leaves it will be because the team that drafted him thinks he's ready to play in the show or they don't like how he's developing.

Bjug was a man among boys when I saw him in Bemidji. 2nd best player on the ice (after Read).

[cbrooks]

I think one more year of college hockey would be good for him but what do I know. He's a great player now no one will argue that. I just think he's developing fine at Minnesota JMOP.

BTW shore I don't do the twitter but caught wind of this from S sports.

[GFNER]

What a difference from years ago, of all the Mr. Hockey finalists only one has commited to the U. Was once a time when every young player dreamed of playing with the Gophers.

[scsavre]

Players still want to come here. Thats not the problem.

Id be surprised if Bjugs left. He is not ready. Lets just hope that his NHL team thinks he can develop here.

Ness..... good residence. He doesnt do a whole lot. We actually could use the roster spot.

[zepman]

What a difference from years ago, of all the Mr. Hockey finalists only one has commited to the U. Was once a time when every young player dreamed of playing with the Gophers.

I agree 100%. There is a whole new generation of kids that have a completely different view of Gopher hockey than what we did growing up.

The "program" has lost its swagger and is no longer thought of in the same elite status as it once was.

What a shame.

[scsavre]

I dont agree, I truley think the Gophs can get pretty much any kid they want. Did we offer scholarships to any of the candidates that are not going there? I dont think we did. I do think having Blais would be a lot better. Lucia isnt a draw anymore. I really dont think many kids are saying no. Does anyone have an example? Archibald we didnt have any interest, and really I dont think people would have liked him anyway. They only kid I can think of is that HA kid.

[fishing tech]

Ness is smooth but any team that played physical against the U made him a non factor.

Lucia is the 1st coach for the U to miss 3 NCAA tourneys in a row. I think it time for a change. I sure hope we don't lose anymore players.

[solbes]

Jake Gardiner, junior Wisconsin blue liner, has signed an entry level contract with the Leafs. That's 2 confirmed so far...

[cbrooks]

Wisconsin defensemen Jake Gardiner signed with the Toronto Mapleleafs.

[solbes]

BWAWW!!! Beat you by 30 seconds!

[cbrooks]

Solbes you son of a gun. I'll delete...this time

Never mind I can't delete but what a blow to the Badgers. It sounded like it was a for sure thing. I have been hearing chatter that Justin Faulk is leaving after this season. I wish these kids would stick around longer. It must be tough for some of these programs but these kids are NHL bound. Double edge sword. get the kid that gives you 2 great years or the develop a kid for 4 years. You have to go for the bluchippers but the walk ons win you championship more in my opinion.

[solbes]

Double edge sword. get the kid that gives you 2 great years or the develop a kid for 4 years. You have to go for the bluchippers but the walk ons win you championship more in my opinion.

Yup, the strong guys who are 6'1"-6'4", can skate, and handle the puck are almost pre-destined to leave after their sophomore season. You still need a few of these guys around though. But I agree, it's the 5'8" - 5'10" guys with skill who stick for 4 are the ones that really propel you to the playoffs.

[scsavre]

Hopefully the gophs don't switch to a team of nicco sachetties. You are right. Big and strong means gone. But so does little and quick for the gophs. Ness, schroeder.....

[Bear55]

Sweet, we got rid of Ness and Fairchild(Sr)!!! Ok they haven't been that terrible this year but as far as offensive D go program has really lowered the bar the past few years.

I hope Mr. Marshall is ready to step in and play next year because we will need him to be good. I could also see Holl doing well on the PP, he is still a little raw but he showed some flashes this year.

[fishing tech]

Don't forget that we lost Wehrs also. Darn ha ha

[Shorelunch]

SCSU Jr. Oliver Lauridsen signed with Philly.

[Bear55]

Don't forget that we lost Wehrs also. Darn ha ha

He too was ok this year but we need to do better. I am very concerned about the offense we are losing, Hoeffel, Cepis, and Barribal are going to be hard to replace.

I can see bjugstad, budish, hanson, haula, and maybe condon stepping up but the big question is how much can they step up and who else is going to score? I think we will be relying on a lot of freshmen again and that is not usually a good thing.

[Jarrid Houston]

GO BEAVERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[scsavre]

Next year bjugs and ambroze lead team in goals and asssists. Haula comes in third with a bunch of helpers. Budish hansen warning and condon follow suit.

A lot of finger crossing but I think budish bjugs and ambroz will tear it up next year.

[Bear55]

I did my finger crossing and had high hopes last year, I'm going to try and go negative next season and hope I am pleasantly surprised.

[scsavre]

Ive now heard that Ness may not leave. Gotta love the rumor mill.

[Bear55]

I don't really care either way, to be honest he has some skill and as a senior next year he would probably help us more than he would hurt us, he defensive play has come around a little. He has the offensive skill but just needs to put it all together.

[scsavre]

He would definitly help us. Especially since we need more defense anyways. I wouldn't mind seeing more effort out of him though.

[toughguy]

Do you guys think this trend of leaving college early is due more to the increasing talent of US players or the distrust of the NHL teams in the college game's ability to develop their draft picks?