Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Aaron Dell will be just fine...

 Eric Hylden/Forum Communications Co.
This was in Ryan S. Clark’s hockey blog; I thought I would comment briefly. First pretty bold statements from the coach of the Fargo Force John Marks, especially when you’re talking about Fighting Sioux goaltender Aaron Dell who was an All-American goaltender during the 2010-11 season, Dell is also one of the better goaltenders to come through UND in probably the last ten seasons. During his time at UND Dell has an impressive 49-20-5 and 9 career shutouts.
Ryan S. Clarke, Slightly Chilled --- If losing to rival Minnesota on Sunday wasn’t bad, there’s even some more bad news for North Dakota goaltender Aaron Dell.

He might not be starting by Christmas, according to Fargo Force coach John Marks. Marks said after his team’s 4-2 win on Saturday he believes Force goaltender Zane Gothberg (North Dakota) has a legit shot of taking over as the No. 1 next season.

“I predict before Christmas Zane is the starting goalie at UND,” Marks said. “Dell better watch himself. But I also know he could leave too. (North Dakota head coach) Dave Hakstol and (assistant) Carey Eades and the Sioux have a good goalie coming in and he’s going to be one of the better ones they’ve had come in the last few years.”
Also, if you have watched the Fighting Sioux on a regular basis, you will remember that Aaron Dell came in last season and took over the starting role from a goaltender that was a two time all WCHA goalie in Brad Eidsness.

This season when Eids looked like he had regained his form from his Freshman and Sophomore seasons and played some key minutes and got back on a roll again, the head coach Dave Hakstol still came back with Aaron Dell. So I do find these comments to be interesting. I would predict that Gothberg is going to have to earn his playing time and I would be shocked to see Dell get the majority of the starts next season unless he decides to sign a professional contract.