Former UND Goalie Aaron Dell penciled in as Sharks backup

According to Kevin Kurz of CSNBAYAREA.com, former Fighting Sioux goalie Aaron Dell is "currently" the San Jose Sharks number two goalie. It will be interesting to see if he ends up being the number two goalie on the Sharks opening day roster.

2015-16 year in review: In his first full season in the American Hockey League, Aaron Dell seized the number one job on the Barracuda by posting a 17-16-6 record, 2.42 goals-against average and .922 save percentage in 40 games. That earned him a two-year, $1.25 million contract extension with the Sharks this offseason, and he’s currently penciled in as the backup to Martin Jones on the depth chart.

Dell’s extension also fulfills the Sharks’ obligation to expose at least one goaltender under contract for the upcoming expansion draft next summer, allowing them to protect Jones.

2016-17 outlook: It’s difficult to predict just how Dell will fare in what is expected to be his first taste of NHL hockey, but the University of North Dakota product is much older than your standard NHL rookie, so it’s unlikely his game will drastically change at this point in his career. By all accounts he was outstanding with the Barracuda last season, so he’s earned a chance to make his NHL debut.

UND Hockey: Where are they now? Aaron Dell

Former UND goalie Aaron Dell was signed by the Abbotsford Heat played two games this past weekend and then was released by the Heat. You would think that Dell is going to get a shot and stick with an AHL team, eventually.

ABBOTSFORD, BC -- The Abbotsford Heat announced today that they have released goaltender Aaron Dell.

Dell, a native of Airdrie, Alberta appeared in two games over the weekend with the Heat registering a 0-1-0 record along with a 1.39 GAA and a .929 save percentage.

Putting on the Links; Thursday afternoon

There's some good news, good tickets still remain for this weekend's series. So let's put some butts in the seats this weekend. Cold weather, no problem, fans in North Dakota are tough.

Tickets still left for the @UNDMHockey games this weekend. Don't miss the big @TheNCHC series vs. @omavs. pic.twitter.com/8FVzZYTxIE
— Dexter Albrecht (@dexteralbrecht) February 6, 2014

The hits keep coming. More great news, the series between UND vs. UMD will be on MidcoSN. However, you will need to live in the regional area to watch the games.

MidcoSN picks up men’s hockey series at UMD http://t.co/RwsRV1kJ3Q
— North Dakota MHockey (@UNDMHockey) February 6, 2014

Former UND goalie Aaron Dell is making an impact in the ECHL. You would have to think he's going to get a look at the next level, if he keeps playing like this.

Aaron Dell of the @UtahGrizz named @Warrior Hockey #ECHL Goaltender of the Month http://t.co/iIDcwtQeKQ pic.twitter.com/tGdfKtQBS4
— ECHL (@ECHL) February 5, 2014

Looking ahead to this weekend's games. Matt Semisch of USCHO fame and I reviewed this weekend's pivotal NCHC series. I think that you will find his answer interesting.

UND Hockey: Taking a Look at the UNO Mavericks with Matthew Semisch - http://t.co/QxhBPJFLrv #hockey #THW pic.twitter.com/sXZ4Plop7k
— The Hockey Writers (@TheHockeyWriter) February 5, 2014

The UND vs. UNO series is quickly becoming one of those series that you mark off on the calendar. The two teams don't like each other.

UND Hockey: Nebraska-Omaha and North Dakota set to Battle - http://t.co/fdQ4c0qyQP #NHL pic.twitter.com/T9GqTUZkoN
— THW Hockey (@HockeyLinks) February 6, 2014

Check out this article with UND junior defenseman Nick Mattson, he's made the transition from the USHL to college hockey very nicely. My brother-in-law Andy Brink, who run the Breakaway Hockey School with former Gopher and Buffalo Sabres forward Dave Snuggerud, talks highly of Mattson and his skills as well.

@goon48 @SchlossmanGF Check out this interview with Nick Mattson. http://t.co/sR9gaPnz8H
— Indiana Ice (@indianaice) February 6, 2014

Related articles

• UND Hockey: Sub-Par Faceoff Numbers Plague Team (thehockeywriters.com)

Former UND goalie Aaron Dell on a Roll

Aaron Dell holds down the fort to improve Utah to a league-best 12-2-2-2 since Christmas in the 5-2 win tonight. pic.twitter.com/T4qiCwwSZv
— Utah Grizzlies (@UtahGrizz) February 1, 2014

Sounds like former UND goalie Aaron Dell is on a roll right now. Dell is now 13-3-0, has 2.09 GAA and a .920 save percentage... Sounds like his team is doing okay as well.

Related articles

• UND Hockey: Clarkes Saunders Fills in for the Injured Zane Gothberg (thehockeywriters.com)
• UND Hockey: Goalie Zane Gothberg out Indefinitely with Lower-Body Injury (thehockeywriters.com)

Hump Day Links: UND versus SCSU

Good Morning UND Nation... The first NCHC home series is almost here. Yay! Here are some the things that are taking place in the college hockey world.

Utah (ECHL) has received G Aaron Dell (@UNDMHockey) from Norfolk (AHL).
— Let's Play Hockey (@LetsPlay_Hockey) October 30, 2013

Nick Bjugstad #FLAPanthers #NHL article RT @MLewsy11: new article http://t.co/tRUyPWUJ8L…
— Ben Hankinson (@benhankinson) October 30, 2013

#WMUHockey team excited to host Colorado College in Broncos' first #NCHC series | http://t.co/HDDTsFPpCe
— David Drew (@Drew_on_WMU) October 30, 2013

With the #RedSox in the World Series people forget about the #Bruins #THW #hockey http://t.co/KOihShhEh8 via @thehockeywriter
— Mark Graham (@MarkWGraham) October 30, 2013

@CDHendricks22 Yeah, no TV in this area for the series. You can get it on PPV on the web. More on UND's TV situation http://t.co/bXjmsjRRUn
— Mick Hatten (@MickHatten) October 30, 2013

SCSU men's hockey practice Tuesday as the #huskies prepare for UND series #scsuhockey @ Herb Brooks… http://t.co/uyGgNI1fb0
— Mick Hatten (@MickHatten) October 29, 2013

Rocco Grimaldi's North Dakota Strong jersey goes for $1,710 in the auction to raise money for breast cancer research.
— Schlossman (@SchlossmanGF) October 29, 2013

You can almost buy packages to both the B1G and NCHC tourneys (9 games) in MSP for the same price as the West Regional a week later.
— Nate Wells (@gopherstate) October 29, 2013

Related articles

• NCHC Hockey: 10 Must Follow Twitter Accounts (thehockeywriters.com)
• Name the NCHC tourney. (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• NCHC Hockey: UND Hockey Players Love Shootout Option (thehockeywriters.com)

Aaron Dell involved in huge brawl.

And then there's this! Former UND goaltender Aaron Dell @adell32 laying haymakers in the minors: youtube.com/watch?v=6aFuyO… …
— Jody Norstedt (@J_Norstedt) February 24, 2013

Check this out... Former Fighting Sioux All-American goalie Aaron Dell is involved in a huge Donny Brook.

Clarke Saunders has his teammates back

Western Collegiate Hockey Association logo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The University of North Dakota lost two veteran goalies after the 2011-12 season. Senior goaltender Brad Eidsness graduated and junior goalie Aaron Dell decided to forego his senior year of eligibility to start his professional hockey career.

Insert junior goalie Clarke Saunders who’s a transfer from the University of Alabama Huntsville.

Saunders came to UND after the Chargers hockey team announced that it was shutting down operations after the 2011-12 season.

Coming into the season, UND has some questions at the goaltending position. Freshman goaltender Zane Gothberg had no college hockey experience and Clarke Saunders was a veteran goaltender that had played two seasons with a very bad University of Alabama Huntsville team.

Since UAH was shutting down their hockey program, Sanders could transfer to another university and be eligible to play immediately. Saunders decided to transfer to the University of North Dakota.

Coming into this season, it was common knowledge that Saunders had faced a lot of shots playing for the UAH Chargers. During the 2011-12 season; Saunders faced 1013 shots stopping 918 of them for a .906 save percentage and a .372 goals against average.  Saunders was one of the bright spots on a team that went 2-28-1.

Playing on a team that is historically known for its tough defensive systems, UND has been a little loose on defense so far this season and Saunders is still facing a lot of shots. In the eight game that Saunders has played for UND this season, the junior goalie has faced 30 or more shots in 5/8 games. In the last two games that Saunders has played in, he has stopped 72/75 shots and recorded two wins.

Saunders has compiling a record of 4-2-2, a goals against average of 2.09 and a save percentage of .934 that is good for first overall in the WCHA.

During the Wednesday press conference Saunders was asked, ‘if would rather face a lot of shots or fewer shots; during the course of a game.’

“It all depends on the game and the type of scoring chances as well, Saunders said. “Sometimes getting a few more shots might kind of ease you into the game a little bit and keep you warm.  If you go on droughts without some shots I guess it’s pretty easy to get cold but you just have to stay mentally tough and battle through that. It is what it is, I am a goalie and I kind of have to go with the flow no matter what that might be.”

From watching the game that Saunders has played in this season, it’s no mystery that Saunders gives the UND forwards and defenseman some confidence with his play.  The junior goaltender is also a good teammate – that assumes nothing – when he’s not playing; Saunders is cheering on the other goaltenders from the player’s box.

When asked about his about the efforts of his battle tested goalie, senior forward Corban Knight had this to say.

“Yeah Clarkie [Saunders] he’s been a rock this year for us back there right from the beginning,” Knight said. “Its nice having a guy come in that has already that has played a couple of years in college hockey. Where he came from he got a lot of experience. Obviously with a lot of shots and stuff – I think all of the guys have a lot of faith in him and what he can do back there. Just the kind of person he is to – he puts a lot of confidence in you because he holds himself so well – he really works hard on his game trying to get better so that puts a lot of confidence in the defenseman and the forwards all the way through.”

While hockey is a team game, it’s no mystery that UND junior goalie Clarke Saunders has his teammate’s “six” and they’re happy to have him as a teammate.

Originally posted at The Hockey Writers - Combine. 

UND third in CHN's Preseason Top 10

Joesph Edwards of the the College Hockey News has post his national top ten and this is how it shakes out.

1. MINNESOTA (28-14-1, 20-8-0 WCHA)
2. BOSTON COLLEGE (33-10-1, 19-7-1 HOCKEY EAST)
3. NORTH DAKOTA (26-13-3, 16-11-1 WCHA)
4. UNION (26-8-7, 14-4-4 ECAC)
5. MICHIGAN (24-13-4, 15-9-4-1 CCHA)
6. DENVER (25-14-4, 16-8-4 WCHA)
7. MASSACHUSETTS-LOWELL (24-13-1, 19-9-1 HOCKEY EAST)
8. CORNELL (19-9-7, 12-4-6 ECAC)
9. WESTERN MICHIGAN (21-14-6, 14-10-4-4 CCHA)
10. NOTRE DAME (19-18-3, 12-13-3 CCHA)

Here is what CHN had to say about UND.

Dave Hakstol got the most out of an injury-depleted, undermanned roster last season, taking them all the way to the West Regional Final. North Dakota faces some early-season self-imposed adversity this time around with the suspension of numerous players, but are otherwise healthy, and should be ready to go as soon as that gets sorted out. North Dakota has replaced goalies Brad Eidness and Aaron Dell with highly-touted freshman Zane Gothberg and Huntsville transfer Clarke Saunders, who should perform admirably behind possibly the strongest defensive unit in all of college hockey, Seniors Andrew MacWilliam and Joe Gleason will be the anchors, along with juniors Derek Forbort and Dillon Simpson. Up front, the senior duo of Corban Knight and Danny Kristo are well-known scorers, while classmate Carter Rowney is looking forward to building on his breakout junior season. Losing Brock Nelson leaves a big hole, but getting Rocco Grimaldi back after losing most of his first season to injury (he got a medical redshirt and retains four years of eligibility) will help fill the game.

Related articles

• Results of the 94X WCHA PRESEASON MEDIA POLL (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• UND Women second in the WCHA Coaches' poll (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• NHL Fans Do Have Other Options (insidehockey.com)
• WCHA 2012-13 Season Preview (insidehockey.com)
• UND's Andrew MacWilliam and Nate Ewell on the Pipeline show (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• "O Captain! My Captain!" - UND picks Mac to be captain (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• NHL Hockey fans, you have options (thehockeywriters.com)

EDIT: UND Hockey incoming freshman - the vitals

Here is a look at UND Hockey's incoming freshmen... I am sure that the class of 2016 will make it's impact on UND before it's all said and done.

Forward: 9 Drake Caggiula - Twitter - Stats - Highlights
Defenseman: 24 Jordan Schmaltz - Twitter - Stats - Highlights
Forward: 26 Coltyn Sanderson - Twitter - Stats
Forward: 29 Bryn Chyzyk - Twitter - Stats - Highlights
Goalie: 31 Zane Gothberg - Twitter - Stats - Highlights - Zane goes to camp.
Transfer Student - Goalie:  33 Clarke Saunders - Twitter - Stats

The UND Hockey Prospectus was released today - some fans have wondered where the members of the UND Hockey team are from - they're from all over the place. 

 

A couple of UND hockey related things...

First things first, according to Brad E Schlossman of the Grand Forks Herald, has announced on his hockey blog that UND goalie Aaron Dell has signed with Colorado Eagles of the ECHL. Goon's World would like to wish Dell well in the next step of his hockey career.

There is also a big announcement from the UND Radio world today. Below is the official press release from UND on the matter.

UND Athletics, Clear Channel Grand Forks continue partnership

Mutual option exercised for 2012-13 sports season

GRAND FORKS, N.D. – University of North Dakota Director of Athletics Brian Faison announced today that Clear Channel Grand Forks will continue to serve as the flagship station for the UND Sports Radio Network. UND Athletics and Clear Channel have exercised the mutual option year in the original agreement previously announced in 2009.

“Clear Channel Grand Forks has been a tremendous radio partner for UND Athletics and we are excited that we will be able to continue that partnership,” said Faison. “They have been key to our ability to grow the UND Sports Radio Network.”

“Clear Channel Grand Forks is thrilled to continue to have UND sports on the air,” said Clear Channel Grand Forks Market Manager Pat McLean. “It’s been a great partnership, all the way from Division II to the Division I transition, and now we’re excited to be a part of the leap into full Division I competition. We look forward to another great year for UND.”

Clear Channel Grand Forks stations will carry all UND football, men's hockey and men's and women's basketball games – home and away – all home women’s hockey games, select road games and a weekly coaches show.

All football and men's hockey games will be heard on 96.1-FM The Fox, while men's and women's basketball games will air on 100.3-FM Cat Country. Women’s hockey will air on 1440 KXXL-AM The Fan.

The weekly UND Coaches Show, which will air from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. every Wednesday night, will be heard on 1440-AM The Fan. The show will be broadcast live from the Ground Round restaurant in Grand Forks.

There will also be a daily two-minute "UND Sports Update," which will air twice a day beginning Monday, Aug. 13 on The Fan.

Men’s Hockey
Grand Forks KQHT-FM 96.1
Beulah KDKT-AM 1410
Bismarck KFYR-AM 550/KXMR-AM 710
Devils Lake KDVL-FM 102.5
Dickinson KTLC-AM 1390
Fargo WDAY-AM 970
Langdon KNDK-FM 95.7
Mahnomen KRJM-FM 95.7
Minot KRRZ-AM 1390
Valley City/Wimbeldon/Jamestown KRVX-FM 103.1
Warroad KRWB-AM 1410
Williston KDSR-FM 101.1

Women’s Hockey

Grand Forks KXXL-AM 1410

Football

Grand Forks KQHT-FM 96.1
Beulah KDKT-AM 1410
Bismarck KFYR-AM 550/KXMR-AM 710
Devils Lake KDVL-FM 102.5
Dickinson KTLC-AM 1390
Fargo WDAY-AM 970
Langdon KNDK-FM 95.7
Mahnomen KRJM-FM 95.7
Minot KRRZ-AM 1390
Valley City/Wimbeldon/Jamestown KRVX-FM 103.1
Williston KDSR-FM 101.1

Weekly UND Coaches Show

Grand Forks KXXL-AM 1440
Dickinson KTLC-AM 1460
Fargo WDAY-FM 970
Langdon KNDK-FM 95.7
Williston KDSR-FM 101.1

Hump Day links… No Hockey = anxiety

As the summer winds down I like many hockey fans – am getting ready for some hockey (professional and College). The First exhibition for UND hockey on October 6th 2012, is two days shy of two months.

Last week we mentioned this story in pass... It still looks as if Cristobal Huet is still looking for a home in the NHL after playing two seasons in the Swiss League.

Jim Jamieson, The Province --- Huet, who won a Stanley Cup ring with the Blackhawks in 2010 (although on the bench, as Antti Niemi got the starts), was banished to Europe by Chicago the past two seasons primarily because of the size of his contract and its $5.625 million cap hit.

But Huet is looking to return after two seasons in the Swiss League and his agent, Stephen Bartlett, is shopping his 37-year-old client around the NHL.

So if we are to believe the reports - it sounds like the Stanley Cup Champions L.A. Kings and the Vancouver Canucks are expressing interest in Cristobal Huet

Everyone’s favorite diver Vancouver Canucks fraud Ryan Kessler, will be out until December after having shoulder and wrist surgeries. Originally, some had though that there was a possibility of Kessler being able to come back in October but that discussion has since been squashed. [The Providence]

According to TSN.CA, there are now plans being drawn up to have a second NHL ready arena in the Toronto Area. The new arena could be the host of the 2015 World Junior Hockey Championship.

The Toronto area should be closer to getting a big-league arena this week, as GTA Sports and Entertainment Chairman and CEO Graeme Roustan will submit the GTA Centre Site Plan Application to the City of Markham on Wednesday

Former Boston University Terrier Corey N. Trivino, has been sentenced to two year’s probation for his criminal activities last winter that led to his dismissal from the Boston University Hockey team. The former BU Terriers’ will two years from now in August 2014.

Corey N. Trivino, the former top scorer for Boston University’s hockey team, was sentenced to two years of probation after a teary-eyed former student at the school testified in court Tuesday that her life was turned upside down when he cornered and assaulted her in her dorm room last December. “Mr. Trivino’s actions have caused me more pain, suffering, and fear that I’ve ever experienced in my life,’’ said the woman, who identified herself in court, but whose name the Globe is withholding ­because she was the victim of a potential sex crime. [Boston Globe]

The BU Hockey Blog has his take on the matter as well. [BU Hockey Blog]

Jess Rubenstein from the Prospect Place asks the question, "Really if you are the New York Islanders do you dare bring Trivino into camp?" I have to agree with Jess and say that if I am the General Manager of the New York Islanders I would walk away from this kid in a heartbeat and spare the team the baggage and drama that comes with this troubled kid.

I really hope that this rumor is not true and doesn’t come to fruition. The last thing that I want to see is the NHL jerseys look like the ones the playes wear in Europe during the IIHF.

Jeremy Lynn, CSNChicago --- In order to increase revenue, the NBA announced last month that they had tentatively approved a plan to put advertising on players' game jerseys for the 2013-14 season.

If one major sports league is willing to do it, could others follow suit -- especially the NHL?

SI.com warns hockey fans not to be surprised if the idea of ad logos on NHL sweaters becomes a reality within the next few years.

There still is no word on whether Aaron Dell is returning to UND for his senior season or not. As soon as we hear either way we will let you know. I was told by a very good source back in April that Dell was going to sign a professional contract and not be returning to UND. Either way UND will be pretty solid in net this season.

Here is the latest news from the NHL CBA negotiations – it sounds like the NHLPA and the Owners are tying up some loose ends before they get down to the nuts and bolts of the discussion.

Corey Masisak, NHL.COM --- Fehr is expected to join the meetings in New York on Thursday, which is expected to begin the shift in the discussions toward the core economic issues in the CBA negotiations.

Schneider said Tuesday that the NHLPA is "definitely closer" to extending a counter-proposal on the economic issues in response to the League's initial proposal from last month, but did not offer a concrete timeline on when it will occur.

"We have a team of people who are working on it and getting through an awful lot of stuff, an awful lot of papers," Schneider said. "It is an ongoing process."

Daly said that work on the new CBA will continue while the League awaits a proposal from the Union.

Carolina Hurricane’s forward Jeff Skinner has signed a contract extension worth $34.35 million or $5.725 million a year for six years. If the NHL owners get their way there will no longer be deals that are longer than 5 years. Last season Skinner scored 20g-24a—44pts in 64 games. [NHL.COM]

A few things - Zane Gothberg goes to camp

What a difference a couple of days make. Since the Zach Parise and Ryan Suter watch is over the summer is basically officially started.

Future UND goalie Zane Gothberg attended the Boston Bruins development camp and he is in a few of pictures on the Bruins Hockey Blog. [The Bruins Blog], [The Bruins Blog]

Check out this picture. [Click to open] If you look closely you will see that Zane is wearing Fighting Sioux hockey pants.

I haven’t been able to find anything on Zane Gothberg’s development camp with the Boston Bruins and I don’t expect him to be a very early departure at UND because the Boston Bruins have a stable full of goalies.

James Murphy, ESPN.COM --- In late May, the Bruins signed Swedish free-agent goalie Niklas Svedberg. At the draft in Pittsburgh last week, they used their first selection on another goaltender in Belleville Bulls (OHL) goalie Malcolm Subban with the 24th overall pick. They also decided to invite Boston College star goaltender Parker Milner -- who is a free agent and has one more season left at the Heights after helping the Eagles to a national championship last season -- to development camp. In addition to Svedberg, Subban and Milner, goalies Zane Gothberg, Adam Morrison and Lars Volden are also attending camp. Sweeney sees nothing but positives out of the sudden logjam between the pipes.

Here is a nice article on Zane Gothberg - [Zane] Gothberg ready for the next level

One thing that you can’t deny is that Zane Gothberg is a confident kid – the young goalie wants to come into camp and prove his worth to the UND coaching staff. Quote courtesy of the Hockey Writers Bob Mand.

Both Hargrove and Gothberg will be attending colleges in the fall: Zane will patrol the crease for the University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux while Colton will lace ‘em up for the Western Michigan University Broncos.

Speaking of his goals as a freshman at UND, Gothberg said he wants to, “… Come in, put my best foot forward and try and get the starting job there….It’s the competition that brings out the best in you and it’s only going to make myself and my other goalie partners at North Dakota better. I just want to step up and prove that I can take the full bulk and be the starting goalie.”

Recently, I have watched the Goalie thread unfold on Sioux Sports and I have found some of the comments to be interesting – I predict that if Aaron Dell returns to the UND for his senior season he will be the starting goaltender for the Fighting Sioux next season. Just a hunch and I predict that Dell will get the start in the big games when it matters the most. It takes a lot to unseat a former All-American like Aaron Dell.

Kristo and Dell impress at Habs development camp

Ric Stephens from All Habs had his final report from the Montreal Canadians Development camp and it sounds like Aaron Dell and Danny Kristo left a pretty good impression on the All Habs bloggers and hopefully the Habs management.

On the other side of the equation, it appears that former Fighting Sioux forward Michael Cichy did not leave a very good impression during his time in the Habs development camp and kind of confirmed some of the rumblings that many of us heard about Cichy during his time at UND.

Forwards

Danny Kristo may have been the player of the game, demonstrating his raw speed and soft hands, scoring once. To a certain extent, Kristo has flown under the radar with fans and media in Montreal but until help arrives in the form of the No. 3 pick at the 2012 Entry Draft, the Fighting Sioux right-winger is the Habs most-promising forward prospect. Kristo will head back to the University of North Dakota for his senior year in the Fall in pursuit of an NCAA championship.

Michael Cichy also deserves mention after today’s scrimmage. During drills, one can’t help notice that his skating isn’t very strong and there’s nagging rumblings about his conditioning. But get him into game action and Cichy shows that he has excellent vision and a nose for offense. The smallish center scored twice during the scrimmage for Team White.

Goaltenders

Aaron Dell is listed as one of The Goalie Guild’s “Dark Horses” with a 35 per cent chance of being signed to a pro deal. In camp Dell demonstrated why he had such a successful NCAA career with solid positioning. He could improve his rebound control but was willing to be a battle to make the save when caught out of position.

Kristo, MacMillian and Dell day two Habs development camp

Dan's Daily Dose

Three current and one former UND Fighting Sioux players are participating in the the Montreal Canadians development camp this week. Dan Kramer from All Habs has a really good run down of what has transpired over the course of this week.

GOALTENDERS

Aaron Dell: My favourite of the goalies on day one. I expect him to be offered a contract, be it a two-way deal or an AHL agreement with the Bulldogs. He’s a little slow-moving, but he’s a scrambler, battling for pucks and not giving up.

Based on all that we have heard around here during the offseason – we probably won’t be seeing Aaron Dell in a UND uniform next season. The last word that I had heard, from a pretty good source it’s about 99% that Dell isn’t coming back to UND - so I guess we shouldn't be shocked if to see Aaron Dell sign a professional contract.

Kramer also explains Dell's style to a "T" - Dell is positionally a very sound goaltender and there isn’t a lot of wasted movement.

FORWARDS

Former Fighting Sioux - Mike Cichy: Cichy is very small and skinny. He had to sit out a year of hockey for switching Universities, and doesn’t seem to have spent much of it in the weight room. His legs stand out as being remarkably thin (at one point I quipped that he almost looks like a kid wearing his father’s equipment), not something you want in a professional hockey player for reasons of balance, skating, and strength, so at this point, he doesn’t seem to have much of a future as a prospect.

Danny Kristo: I came away from day one thinking that Kristo looked very small. He is very quick, despite short strides (which can hamper a player). For example, despite both being undersized, his style is almost the opposite of Gallagher’s, who has longer stride but isn’t as fast, which is a testament to Kristo’s footwork. He also has good hands, though he didn’t seem particularly engaged when it was his turn to charge in on net. As such, he wasn’t remarkable. One the size issues, I felt he looked bigger on day two, so I’ll attribute my initial impression in part to his being grouped mainly with the defensemen on Wednesday, all of whom are 6’1″ or taller. Hopefully he commits fully to training with his final year in college, and adds some strength. Tended to only interact with players he was familiar with in Leblanc and MacMillan.

Mark MacMillan: I’ll call MacMillan a pet prospect of mine. He’s filling out slowly, now generously listed at 183 lbs after being drafted at 150, but he does look bigger than in the past. He’s a skilled guy with interesting offensive tools, but had some trouble with a few skating drills (he looked alright at times as well, but it’s an area for him to focus on). A longer-term project, he may be a go-to player at UND next season, so that’s perhaps the only reason to be happy that Kristo will be returning there for another season.

Here is what All-Habs had to say about a few of our forwards as well as about former Fighting Sioux forward Mike Cichy. Kramer kind of confirms what Sioux fans already knew about Cichy – during his time at UND.  During Cichy's short time at UND,  there were rumblings that Cichy wasn’t the most dedicated or hardest of workers on the ice or in the weight room.

This was basically confirmed after his first season, when Fighting Sioux coach Dave Hakstol confirmed that Cichy had come into his first camp with the Fighting Sioux out of shape.  Looks like this might have worked out best for the Fighting Sioux in the end.

Dell and Kristo at the Habs development camp

The Habs are having their development camp and you will see some familiar names on the Hab’s development camp roster. Fighting Sioux fans don't need to worry because Danny Kristo has said that he will return to UND for his senior season. Aaron Dell is said to not be coming back and will be signing a professional contract this summer - as of right now - Dell has to make his intentions know or has yet to sign a professional contract.

FORWARDS
Olivier Archambault, Alexander Avstin, Alain Berger, Michaël Bournival, Michael Cichy, Philip Desimone, Gabriel Dumont, Brendan Gallagher, Patrick Holland, Danny Kristo, Louis Leblanc, Philippe Lefebvre, Mark MacMillan, Joonas Nattinen, Daniel Pribyl, Steven Quailer, Ian Schultz, Dustin Walsh

DEFENSEMEN
Nathan Beaulieu, Josiah Didier, Darren Dietz, Morgan Ellis, Greg Pateryn, Joe Stejskal, Joe Sullivan, Jarred Tinordi.

GOALIES
Aaron Dell ,Peter Delmas, Brandon Maxwell , Robert Mayer, Joseph Quattrocchi , Cody Reichard

Here are a few observations from the first day of the Habs development camp from All Habs.

There was confirmation of things we already knew:

• Daniel Pribyl and Alexander Avtsin are magicians with the puck.
• Danny Kristo has explosive acceleration.
• Nathan Beaulieu is very smooth.
• Brendan Gallagher‘s switch goes ‘ON’ the moment his skates touch the ice.

And there were a few initial impressions that we will keep our eyes on:

• Patrick Holland may be a better skater than advertised.
• Darren Dietz looks much more confident this year.
• Aaron Dell turned heads with his goaltending at least year’s camp but may be challenged this year by Brandon Maxwell.
• Cody Reichard looked competent in goal with a good glove hand despite his try-out status.
• If this team had a captain, it would be Jarred Tinordi, hands down. Solid leadership qualities.

The group of missing players included Collin Sullivan, Peter Delmas, Morgan Ellis and Dustin Walsh.  They did not participate in Wednesday’s practise.

MacWilliam "has" shoulder surgery

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Runnin' with the Dogs favorite beat writer Brad Schlossman has revealed that Andrew MacWilliam played a portion of the season with a dislocated shoulder – what is more impressive was the fact that Big Mac was able to play such a physical game with an injured shoulder.

Brad Elliot Schlossman, University of North Dakota Hockey --- UND defenseman Andrew MacWilliam has had surgery on his shoulder.

MacWilliam played about the last two months of the season with an ongoing dislocated shoulder issue, according to a source.

The senior-to-be is expected to be one of UND’s top players next season and a candidate to be one of the captains. At this point, it is unclear whether MacWilliam will be able to play in the season opener, but it is possible.

Speaks to the type of hockey player that the UND Fighting Sioux coaching staff recruit – this past season there were an incredible amount of games lost to injury – but the Fighting Sioux where still able to qualify for the NCAA Tourney and secure a number one seed. I had heard that one of the Fighting Sioux defenseman had played the Minnesota series with a separated shoulder.

Edit - State of shock - Eades out at UND

I would be willing to bet that most of us that are fans of Fighting Sioux hockey probably are in a state of shock right now. Personally, I don't know what to make of this, Carey Eades is the epitome of Fighting Sioux hockey.

Most of us know that coaches leave programs and move on, but I don't if any of us could predict this happening, at least not now, not in the middle of the off-season.

Edit: According to Brad Schlossman

Eades, who was part of the 1980 and 1982 national championship teams as a player and the 1987 title team as an assistant coach, said he was caught off guard by the decision. Eades was told about it prior to the American Hockey Coaches Association convention in Florida, which took place during the last week in April.

Related articles

• Developing - Carey Eades out at UND
• UND Hockey coach Dave Hakstol weighs in on the nickname ...
• Kristo coming back for senior season at UND
• Hakstol inks contract extension

More Potential Departures...including Coaches (RW77)

Brad Schlossman has stated that Aaron Dell is likely to sign. There have been tweets that suggest that there may be up to 3 more early departures. We know that MacWilliam and Rowney aren't the other 2.

I also doubt Rodwell and Grimaldi will bolt. For Grimaldi it would be ridiculous...unless he's bolting for an entry contract and assignment to Major Juniors (ala BC's Adam Pineault a few years back) but... that would suprise me. I'm pretty certain that one of the two is Danny Kristo. However, I think the third is just a rumor.

As for Dell, the Montreal Canadiens were trying to sign him after last season but I doubt they're in the mix now thanks to GM being fired. Best bet is Calgary, but I wouldn't count out Winipeg.

In either case, it would solve a lot of the conjecture as to what happens to Tate Maris.

And in other news:

Schlossman reports Cary Eades is a candidate for the Mankato job. This isn't a surprise as I'm sure Eades has been a candidate in several head coach gigs since he came back to UND. It would not surprise me if Eades bolts for Mankato either. Mankato plays gritty...which is Eades' forte. Eades' hire may also keep the higher profile recruits they have from bolting.

As for UND, it would be interesting to see what direction they go. Will they promote Dane Jackson to Associate Head Coach and hire an Assistant or will they hire an Associate Head Coach and keep Dane where he is?

If Dane gets promoted, it would not surprise me to see the Assistant position go to... Karl Goehring. He's already working with the team and has done a decent job.

Or... what about Scott Koberinski? He's been helping UND since I was at UND it seems like... (circa 2002 or so). Koberinski has head coaching experience in the USHL.

John Marks and Steve Johnson will pop up. However, the question would be: Would Steve take a lateral job change especially since UND turned him away twice. I'd hope so as I'd love to see Steve back as a coach.

They could go out of left field and hire Tom Ward out of Shattuck? He has WCHA coaching experience, though with the hated Gophers...

In the end, Eades isn't going to stick around forever. And he is destined for a head coaching gig. I think Mankato would be a good gig if he wants it. That being said, I hope he stays.

Nelson signs with Islanders and Big Mac to return.

This the news that we figured that was coming, I think there are a few more players we have to worry about, Danny Kristo is one, but also Corbin Knight and possibly Aaron Dell. The Fighting Sioux did get some good news as they found out that Junior defenseman Andrew MacWilliam will be returning to the Fighting Sioux in the fall for his senior season. According to @UNDSID there could be a few more to come. Good Luck to Brock Nelson... [Official Release]

I will post any updates that come up. It's turning out to be a busy news day for the Fighting Sioux.
There have been 8 players to forgo their college eligibility this season in the WCHA this season. 


University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux
Brock Nelson, sophomore, Forward, New York Islanders

Colorado College Tigers
Jaden Schwartz, sophomore, Forward, St. Louis Blues

Denver University Pioneers
Drew Shore, Junior Forward, Florida Panthers
Jason Zucker, sophomore, Forward, Minnesota Wild

Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs
J.T. Brown, sophomore, Forward, Tampa Bay Lightning

Nebraska-Omaha Mavericks
Terry Broadhurst, Junior Forward, Chicago Blackhawks

St. Cloud State Huskies
David Eddy, Junior Forward, Calgary Flames
Mike Lee, Junior Goalie, Phoenix Coyotes

Related articles

• Sioux dismantle Gophers 6-3 in St. Paul (insidehockey.com)
• Sioux grind out win against Huskies (insidehockey.com)
• Double J of WTBX is our dirt bag of the week... (ndgoon.blogspot.com)

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.