A look forward in the WCHA

With the WCHA down to one team currently competing, I thought the time would be right to try and do some simple analysis of what fans can expect for next season.


(updated as of 3/27/2012):

Minnesota: This is the one team that truly worries me for next season. In the world of finances, anyone with the least bit of aptitude will tell you to diversify. In the sports sense, this is a very good buzzword that can be applied or thrown in the trash can for later un-crumbling. In Minnesota's case, they will have some problems.
1.) Kent Patterson played all but 20 minutes in net for 2011-12! Shibrowski is his talent placed natural back up. Shibby has seen 2 games for Colorado College and 2o minutes for Minnesota. Coming off of this season (as of this blog, a frozen four appearance), Shibby will have the ultimate pressure upon himself. Lucia is known for doing things well when he does them right. He's also known for royally screwing things up when he's wrong. This one depends on how many of the guys in front of Shibby defect for the pro's before he get's the chance to make the pipes shine.

Denver: When it rains, it pours. As goes the CC saying, "Zucker will make Denver a sucker". That he did. Count his partner, Drew Shore and there is a serious problem in the mile high city. All is not quiet on the western front. Coach Gwozdecky has the fit to take care of. Although Zucker and Shore were not sole leaders for the Pioneers, they represent huge chunks of performance. I fully expect the weight to be felt upon Sam Brittain's shoulders. Should be a good season for the guy.

Colorado College: This is where the spectrum starts to turn from epic fail to just fail. CC lost Jaden Schwartz to early defection. Take him out of this season's equation and the bitter taste left in the tiger fans mouth seems to be better understood. Net minding issues came at a bad time for these tigers. Thorimbert should provide a better foundation coming into the year. With Harstad and Stoykewich now defensive leaders, this team should have something to build on.

Minnesota-Duluth: With the Connolly duo officially out of duck town, it's time to start thinking about the future. Offense looks good, defense looks good. Goaltending might be an issue. Duluth probably won't hold true to the form they held the past two seasons but they should have a decent year. The goalie situation is the only place that I can find discomfort. Reiter, like his counterpart south of Duluth, will leave a wide open gap in net. Only time will tell if this squad can handle the load.

Wisconsin: Justin Shultz is the key. He didn't leave the Badgers after they lost a key game to Denver. He could have suited up for Anaheim the next night in Denver. Instead he flew back to Madison to complete his classes. This tells me one thing: at some point, Shultz wants his degree. The more he stays on campus, the more of a lasting impression bucky will make on the junior defencemen. This could be key for him returning. On the flip side, Shultz could be biding his time for NHL free agency to open. Because Schultz spent a year in juniors and was drafted there, Anaheim loses his rights after the draft. Schultz could bolt for another team.
Basically the Badgers are not set up for a drastic run. Goaltending is murky, and without Schultz the defense is left in shambles. The only high note is center Mark Zengerle. I wouldn't put a nickel on the Badgers doing any better than 5th in the WCHA next year.

North Dakota: Losing only two players to graduation is not bad. Getting Grimaldi back for the season will be great. Dell should be able to shine. UND should carry a heavy load next season and are my bold prediction for WCHA champs.

I will complete the other teams in the next part of this blog.

To be continued......