At the Wednesday Media day, coach Hakstol said that there isn't much to report on Fighting Sioux junior goalie Aaron Dell, other than he was back practicing with the team yesterday and I think we can list him as a day-to-day. That's if I understand coach speak correctly, I would probably list him as a game time decision. I can confirm that Dell looked good from my vantage point in practice today.
Also, Senior goalie Brad Eidsness looks like he has returned to form and in my opinion appears to be the same goalie that once won two All-WCHA honors (X2). While he got some lucky bounces he also made some huge saves to probably steal a point for UND when they weren't at their best.
Here is what Hockey Futures had to say about junior forward Corbin Knight.
12. (15) Corban Knight, C, 6.5CHere is what Hockey Futures had to say about freshman Roco Grimaldi.
Acquired: 5th round, 135th overall, 2009
Knight, too, got caught up in the injury trend for 2011-12, and has spent time in and out of the UND lineup. However, when he has been on the ice, he has shown why he should still be considered a rising talent in the Florida organization. He has been a point-per-game player for the Sioux, has been once again terrific in the faceoff circle and a demon in the corners. He has the skill to get the puck up ice and to his linemates, the hands to get a good release on his shot even in heavy traffic, and has sound hockey smarts.
11. (8) Rocco Grimaldi, C, 8D
Acquired: 2nd round, 33rd overall, 2011
The 2011-12 campaign was a lost season for Grimaldi, who suffered a knee injury early in training camp for the University of North Dakota. He struggled to return to the lineup, and managed to find ice time in four games before having knee surgery that brought a close to his freshman year. Grimaldi will be eligible to take a redshirt, if necessary, but more important is the lost development time for the offensive wizard.
As a result, Grimaldi drops down the ranks for now. Once he gets back on the ice, and gets the opportunity to show off his dazzling offensive skills and skating, he should begin a steady march back up the ranks.
