BoDangles

I'm probably (almost definitely) biased as a UND guy and I know they play different positions but, in my opinion, Troy Stecher >>> Jimmy Vesey. You can make a strong argument that Stecher was the best player on the best team in college hockey. Vesey is a good player that put up 46 point in 33 games in a garbage conference. Vesey played in the ECAC and, outside of Quinnipiac, that conference is a dumpster fire. The fact that Vesey won the Hobey Baker (college hockey's best player) is an absolute joke. The guy wore a fishbowl for God's sake.

Cags is a stellar college level player but I do have my concerns regarding whether he translates to the NHL level. He's got the skills but he lacks in size and he isn't overly fast. Very cerebral player. Unreal compete level and a tremendous worker. He's going to have a career playing professionally but I'm just not convinced it will be on an NHL team. That said, he has proved so many people wrong that I'm not going to say its impossible. As far as Stetcher goes, he's fantastic. He's been UND's best player for 2 years. Came in 3 years ago without anyone knowing who he was and from the first day he stepped on the ice he completely dominated. Yes, he is undersized but in today's game size is secondary as the game is not nearly as physical as it used to be. What Stetcher excels at is skating, smarts and positioning. The guy is always 2 steps ahead of everyone. He knows exactly where he has to be and exactly when he needs to be there. Terrific at jumping up into the offensive zone but never seems to get caught pinching. NEVER have I seen a compete level like he has from a UND player. Give us 5 Stechers and we'd win it every year. In my opinion it might take 2 years in the AHL but the kid is an NHL player.

Hey all, UND fan/grad that has been perusing around the forum to see what Canuck fans have been thinking about Boeser over the past month or two. I've read a lot of misinformation about Brock's decision to come back to school and thought I could give a little bit of background into how this works since I've seen this song and dance play out numerous times over the years in Grand Forks. First, regarding Boeser as a player. He is not Toews and if people are thinking that's the case they will be sorely disappointed. His absolute ceiling is going to be Parise but its much more likely he ends up as a more offensive, less physical version of Oshie. His shot is obviously NHL ready right now but it was only in the playoffs that he really started to use his body consistently. His skating has improved but still needs some work. He will stay in Grand Forks over the summer and come back even better next year. Easily projects as a top 6 but has a very good chance to be a top 3 guy with all star potential. For relatively recent UND players I would rank them as follows: 1. Toews 2. Parise 3. Boeser 4. Oshie 5. Nelson As far as going back to school hurting his development, in my opinion, that's compete garbage. UND is arguable the best non professional development program in the world (including any MJ programs). Look at what Boeser's line might look like next year, as it sounds like Schmaltz might come back for a 3rd year. Boeser-Schmaltz-Jost. That's (3) 1st round draft picks on one line. Is there any other team in the world that can say that? Boeser is getting trained in NHL level facilities by NHL level trainers and is surrounded by both future and former NHL players/coaches. Toews, Parise and Nelson all played 2 years at UND. Oshie played 3. Boeser is in a perfect place to continue to develop his skills but is now going to be put into a leadership position. Lastly, there is ZERO chance that Boeser stays 4 years and becomes a free agent. Boeser will be gone after next season and might not see a day in the AHL. On a side note, it sounds like Stecher announces that he goes pro tomorrow and will sign with either Vancouver or Edmonton. Also, if you want a sleeper to keep an eye out for then I would keep my eyes on UND freshman Rhet Gardner. Big bodied center at 6'2 215. Tough, physical, skilled. Was very impressive in his first season and was undrafted.