Tom Hansen sizes up the Bulldogs hockey teams
Northland’s NewsCenter Sports Director Tom Hansen knows sports, particularly hockey. His take on the 2008-09 Bulldogs men’s and women’s hockey teams?
“I was impressed with the UMD men’s speed and scoring on Sunday night in their exhibition win over Lakehead University at the DECC,” he said. “Granted, it was just an exhibition and Lakehead was playing its third game in three days, but the goals came early and often for UMD. The Thunderwolves were playing in their fifth game already and UMD had just started official on-ice drills the day before. The Bulldogs would like to continue that early scoring in league games. They led 4-0 after one and 5-0 after two periods on their way to the 6-0 win.”
Hansen said it was fun to watch the local players play.
“Jack Connolly, who looked just as good as he did with the Duluth Marshall Hilltoppers program, had a couple of assists,” said Hansen. “Scott Kishel of Virginia fit in, and also had an assist. Hermantown’s Kyle Schmidt had a nice goal. Nick Kemp, Rob Bordson, Chad Huttel and Brady Hjelle are some of the other local players that were fun to watch.”
Though the Western Collegiate Hockey Association coaches’ and media polls have the Bulldogs finishing in the lower-half of the league, Hansen said he believes they can land a home-ice spot in the playoffs — “if they continue to score like they did Sunday.”
“Alex Stalock will be fine in nets. No worries there,” Hansen said.
Hansen said it will be hard for the Bulldogs women to repeat what they accomplished in 2008, winning the national championship, but they should be up to the challenge.
“The 12 goals they scored in their opening weekend might be a sign of things to come,” he said. “They lost just one senior from last year’s title team and are ranked No. 1 in all the polls. I think they will win the league again this year and challenge for another NCAA Frozen Four championship.
“Kim Martin seems to be inspired to make her third Frozen Four in as many years. As good as their offense and goaltending is, I’m impressed with their defense. The Gophers will give them a good test this weekend, and it should be a fun for the players as they unveil their newest NCAA Frozen Four banner on Friday night. UMD is deeper and more experienced than they were last season. That could mean more banners for next year.”