Saint Paul | Minnesota :
Saturday morning at Herb Brooks Olympia was a much more subdued atmosphere than just a mere 48 hours earlier when the Minnesota Norsemen were high off a huge 5-3 win over the Millers and taking it back to Georgetown for a Game 7. Unfortunately, the normally disciplined hockey club was anything but in this all-or-nothing contest and took 8 minors to the Millers 1, and were punished for it on two occasions in what would end up being a 3-1 loss in Kenucky.
"We didn't play our game," acknowledged Norsemen captain, Johnny Boychuk from his stall. "In all faucets of that game, we didn't play ours. We were undisciplined when we need to be at our best in not giving them an advantage. Spending as much time as we did on the penalty kill quite simply took us out of ever setting a tone. Credit Georgetown for taking advantage of the gift we were giving them. Our group was better than this, or our fans deserved much more."
The Captain's words were echoed numerous times throughout the morning as players cleaned out their stalls for an agonizingly long offseason.
"I wish we could get right back out there and right the ship if you will," said defenseman Justin Faulk. "It stings. Still stings. We had so many chances throughout the season to run away with this Conference, and position ourselves better in the postseason. We would have played anyone at any time. But we definitely took it on the chin from the Millers."
What the young rearguard was eluding at was the Norsemen playing within the top two seeds in the Canosa Conference literally all season, and giving up the chance at a first round bye in the last couple of games in the regular season. The Reykjavik Puffin were red hot... scratch that, the Puffin were white hot going into the playoffs. They quickly kicked the back-to-back Kehler Cup champion, Crusaders out of the 1 seat in the end, and with the Norsemen's regular season record vs the Millers, Georgetown quietly assumed their spot at #2. Leaving Minnesota in the 3 spot to take on the Long Island Express in Round 1. A series that ended fast for the Express in a sweep.
"I'd be lying if I said we were oozing with confidence in seeing the Millers in the playoffs," said General Manager Blake Wendt. "They had our number all season (2-4 record), and we knew when they were across from us it was going to be a battle. As a huge proponent of this current conference alignment, this is great for building legitimate rivalries. I'd say we've always considered Copenhagen a rival. When I came into this league in 2007, both our clubs were at very similar transitions in our development. Building through the draft and adding pieces as we continued to get better. Obviously Bruce (Niblett, COP GM) absolutely took it to the next level in winning three Cups in five years. But those early years we were fighting tooth and nail for blue chip prospects. This year we started building another true rivalry with Georgetown. Chris (Kash, GEO GM) had consistently paired up well with us. His group got the upper hand on us in the regular season... and now the postseason. They ended our season. So naturally we want to kick their ass next season."
For some players departing today, a handful have played their last in a Norsemen sweater. Pending UFA Boychuk's status with the team was solidified when Zach Parise was traded at the deadline. The Captain isn't going anywhere. He has been assured by management that his contract will be renewed this offseason.
UFA's on their way out are Matt Cullen, Jay McClement, Maxim Lapierre and Dustin Brown. RFA's not expected to be re-signed are Jordan Schroeder and Robert Bortuzzo. It is also expected that Clarke MacArthur will be released at some point.
"We like the group we have here overall," said Wendt. "Obviously things are fluid right and really anyone is movable. But I don't expect a lot of movement from our lineup. We have some young guys like Jyrki Jokipakka and Mike Reilly that will force competition with our top-6 on defense. So that will be fun when we get to camp."
Minnesota's next major agenda will be the Draft. Currently holding a mere five picks, and highest being late in the first round, expect Wendt to do something about getting more and higher picks.
"I'd say we would like more draft options for sure," said Wendt. "We have a few guys earmarked and where they are slotted to go in the mock drafts out there and our own. Positioning for us in the draft is always the biggest thing for us. We know who we want and do an incredible amount of homework. If we have a high pick and want a couple guys high on our list later and we feel comfortable they will be there, we try our damnedest to move around to get them."
The GM was no comment on plans for the 2016-17 season in terms of the direction of the Norsemen. One would be inclined to believe though that Minnesota likes the taste of the postseason, and isn't going to pass the plate any time soon.
#duNord
Saturday, March 12, 2016
Friday, October 23, 2015
NORSEMEN A PART OF HEAVY CANOSA CONF
[COPENHAGEN | DENMARK]
With the 2015 CCHL Canosa Conference playing out like the NL Central Division in Major League Baseball did in 2015, the Minnesota Norsemen are preparing daily for what is expected to be a dog fight all season to come out on top of.
"As teams were lining up in the offseason, it was obvious then that we were in a highly competitive conference," said Norsemen GM Blake Wendt. "As we've crossed that 10-game threshold, you're really starting to see how much parity there is in the Canosa. It's great to have the competition. Any victory is hard fought and well deserved. Makes every team that much tougher on each other and wield the sword when we get into inter-conference play."
Currently sitting atop the Canosa Conference, the Norsemen are 9-2-1 (19 points). Only one point ahead of the Victoria Ronin and five points from the sixth-ranked Georgetown Millers in the conference.
"The talent is immense," said Norsemen head coach, Craig Hartsburg. "We face it every game, so we have to come into every game dialed in and ready to go with a game plan. As a coaching staff we have to formulate a pre-plan that reflects the given opponent, adjust in-game and the players execute the plan. The team across from you is doing the same thing, so it's a constant battle. 'W' goes to the one who wants it more or gets the lucky bounces."
Minnesota found early on what was working with their group and what was not. Special teams was a sore subject in the pre-season and leaked into the regular season. "We were not panicked by the lack of production on the power play and penalty kill," said Wendt. "But there just wasn't much clicking for the first few games with any of the coach Hartsburg's lineup selections. We hope that with the moves we have made recently, that we can iron that part out of our game and let these units be successful."
The most recent move the Norsemen made specifically addressed the man advantage. Acquiring Clarke MacArthur from the Springfield Homers. MacArthur at the time was leading the league with four power play goals, and the Homers with ten points. Prior to the MacArthur deal, Wendt picked up penalty killers and defensive specialists in Jay McClement, Cedric Paquette and Rob Scuderi from the Portland Owls.
"Clarke has a knack for success on the PP so far this season," said assistant coach Dean McAmmond who runs the teams power play. "The struggle will be fitting him into the everyday lineup with all the guys we have that play the left side. But he's a pretty good all-around player and teammate that we feel can adapt to whatever situation we put him in. He's got the right mentality for this group. On the PK side of things, the guys that just came in are a really good mix of talent that again gives us so many more options. McClement is good on draws and a polished penalty killer. Paquette is a young guy that has some sand paper to his game. Good hands and very good on the defensive side of the puck for his age. He should play a big role with this club for many many years. Scud is just a really good shutdown d-man. He has the ability to control his zone, and when paired a more puck moving guy, he can be apart of a nice third option in the pairings." Scuderi has so far played with Jonas Brodin since being acquired.
Big test for the Norsemen comes again on Saturday in Copenhagen when they take on the defending back-to-back Kehler Cup champs. Minnesota beat the Crusaders 4-3 in their last meeting. But the champs are coming off a 3-3 tie against the winless Ice Cats.
"We know they're going to come out swinging," said assistant coach Phil Housley. "I think it was a bit of a shock for everyone that seen Siberia play with them like they did. So we will have to be ready ourselves just from an adrenaline stand point right off the bat. They're at home, it's obviously a big game for both teams and we will have to weather the storm and play our game, dictate the tempo and try to quiet their house that will for sure be rocking.
With the 2015 CCHL Canosa Conference playing out like the NL Central Division in Major League Baseball did in 2015, the Minnesota Norsemen are preparing daily for what is expected to be a dog fight all season to come out on top of.
"As teams were lining up in the offseason, it was obvious then that we were in a highly competitive conference," said Norsemen GM Blake Wendt. "As we've crossed that 10-game threshold, you're really starting to see how much parity there is in the Canosa. It's great to have the competition. Any victory is hard fought and well deserved. Makes every team that much tougher on each other and wield the sword when we get into inter-conference play."
Currently sitting atop the Canosa Conference, the Norsemen are 9-2-1 (19 points). Only one point ahead of the Victoria Ronin and five points from the sixth-ranked Georgetown Millers in the conference.
"The talent is immense," said Norsemen head coach, Craig Hartsburg. "We face it every game, so we have to come into every game dialed in and ready to go with a game plan. As a coaching staff we have to formulate a pre-plan that reflects the given opponent, adjust in-game and the players execute the plan. The team across from you is doing the same thing, so it's a constant battle. 'W' goes to the one who wants it more or gets the lucky bounces."
Minnesota found early on what was working with their group and what was not. Special teams was a sore subject in the pre-season and leaked into the regular season. "We were not panicked by the lack of production on the power play and penalty kill," said Wendt. "But there just wasn't much clicking for the first few games with any of the coach Hartsburg's lineup selections. We hope that with the moves we have made recently, that we can iron that part out of our game and let these units be successful."
The most recent move the Norsemen made specifically addressed the man advantage. Acquiring Clarke MacArthur from the Springfield Homers. MacArthur at the time was leading the league with four power play goals, and the Homers with ten points. Prior to the MacArthur deal, Wendt picked up penalty killers and defensive specialists in Jay McClement, Cedric Paquette and Rob Scuderi from the Portland Owls.
"Clarke has a knack for success on the PP so far this season," said assistant coach Dean McAmmond who runs the teams power play. "The struggle will be fitting him into the everyday lineup with all the guys we have that play the left side. But he's a pretty good all-around player and teammate that we feel can adapt to whatever situation we put him in. He's got the right mentality for this group. On the PK side of things, the guys that just came in are a really good mix of talent that again gives us so many more options. McClement is good on draws and a polished penalty killer. Paquette is a young guy that has some sand paper to his game. Good hands and very good on the defensive side of the puck for his age. He should play a big role with this club for many many years. Scud is just a really good shutdown d-man. He has the ability to control his zone, and when paired a more puck moving guy, he can be apart of a nice third option in the pairings." Scuderi has so far played with Jonas Brodin since being acquired.
Big test for the Norsemen comes again on Saturday in Copenhagen when they take on the defending back-to-back Kehler Cup champs. Minnesota beat the Crusaders 4-3 in their last meeting. But the champs are coming off a 3-3 tie against the winless Ice Cats.
"We know they're going to come out swinging," said assistant coach Phil Housley. "I think it was a bit of a shock for everyone that seen Siberia play with them like they did. So we will have to be ready ourselves just from an adrenaline stand point right off the bat. They're at home, it's obviously a big game for both teams and we will have to weather the storm and play our game, dictate the tempo and try to quiet their house that will for sure be rocking.
Saturday, May 23, 2015
SAILS ON THE HORIZON
[SAINT PAUL | MINNESOTA]
.
For the second year in a row since moving south from Thunder Bay, the Minnesota Norsemen missed out on the CCHL playoffs.
.
While in the thick of a rebuild, the pain of an early start to the offseason has been unbearable to a hockey mad fan base that deserves a winner and an ultra-competitive general manager that feels the time is now to turn the corner with his hockey club.
.
"Without completely dismantling what we have built in regards to a young, strong base. We gauged where were in the league, what other teams would possibly be doing in the offseason, and how we move up another level," said Norsemen GM Blake Wendt. "We feel we have an opportunity to make some noise and punch some teams in the throat."
.
The first swing came on April 4th, when both Daniel Sedin and Jakub Voracek were acquired.
.
Sedin from Siberia with prospect defenseman Joe Faust for Nick Bonino and prospects Nic Kerdiles, Oskar Lindblom, Laurent Brossoit, Blake Coleman and Derek Forbort.
.
Voracek and $2M from Calgary for Nino Niederreiter and prospect goalie, John Gibson
.
A flurry of trades in the league also took place in the next few days, and the Norsemen were equal players in the continued transactions.
.
April 6th, Minnesota sent Jakub Silfverberg, Zach Redmond and $1M to Calgary for the other half of the split Sedin egg, Daniel.
.
April 13th, the twins weren't enough in the Twin Cities, and former Minnesota Gopher, Phil Kessel was acquired from Springfield for Valeri Nichushkin and prospects Ryan Dzingel and Myles Bell.
.
Another significant player was acquired during this time as well. But that transaction cannot be announced until after the CCHL Entry Draft.
.
The Norsemen then cut some fat off their roster and dealt Joffrey Lupul and his remaining contract, plus Justin Fontaine and $5M to Hamilton for $1. That dollar was then given to the Herb Brooks Olympia head Zamboni driver.
.
Hoping to be big players in the annual UFA bidding wars, Wendt was not able to land the major pieces in the first round of bidding.
.
"The prices are always high during this period," said Wendt. "But this year seemed to be extremely high. In a lot of cases, we were not even close when we threw a number in the hat that was already over payment in or eyes. There will be some teams will be hurting financially for a long time. But if you get a Cup out of that spending, then it's all worth it. We just weren't in a position to pay the prices that were ultimately paid."
.
Minnesota did get depth value in the remaining rounds of bidding though. In the second round, center Patrik Berglund and goalie Mike Smith were picked up. Berglund likely a fourth line center and Smith backing up Roberto Luongo next season.
.
Forward Viktor Stalberg and defenseman Luca Sbisa were added in the third and forth rounds. Stalberg likely to be an emergency call-up from Duluth and Sbisa possibly fighting for a third pairing job. But likely practice squad or in Duluth.
.
All in all, this has so far been a very busy offseason in the State of Hockey. With only two late round picks in the upcoming Entry Draft, the summer is basically here for the hockey operations staff already.
.
"It's a skeleton crew for sure in regards to the Draft," said Wendt. Unless something comes in that blows us away, I think we're set where we are in the Draft. Anything is possible with trades as well. But we like who we have in here right now, and it shouldn't look that much different when we break camp in September and get going in October. I think we've put together a group that can do some damage next season. For now though, it's time to hit the water and land some fish"
.
For the second year in a row since moving south from Thunder Bay, the Minnesota Norsemen missed out on the CCHL playoffs.
.
While in the thick of a rebuild, the pain of an early start to the offseason has been unbearable to a hockey mad fan base that deserves a winner and an ultra-competitive general manager that feels the time is now to turn the corner with his hockey club.
.
"Without completely dismantling what we have built in regards to a young, strong base. We gauged where were in the league, what other teams would possibly be doing in the offseason, and how we move up another level," said Norsemen GM Blake Wendt. "We feel we have an opportunity to make some noise and punch some teams in the throat."
.
The first swing came on April 4th, when both Daniel Sedin and Jakub Voracek were acquired.
.
Sedin from Siberia with prospect defenseman Joe Faust for Nick Bonino and prospects Nic Kerdiles, Oskar Lindblom, Laurent Brossoit, Blake Coleman and Derek Forbort.
.
Voracek and $2M from Calgary for Nino Niederreiter and prospect goalie, John Gibson
.
A flurry of trades in the league also took place in the next few days, and the Norsemen were equal players in the continued transactions.
.
April 6th, Minnesota sent Jakub Silfverberg, Zach Redmond and $1M to Calgary for the other half of the split Sedin egg, Daniel.
.
April 13th, the twins weren't enough in the Twin Cities, and former Minnesota Gopher, Phil Kessel was acquired from Springfield for Valeri Nichushkin and prospects Ryan Dzingel and Myles Bell.
.
Another significant player was acquired during this time as well. But that transaction cannot be announced until after the CCHL Entry Draft.
.
The Norsemen then cut some fat off their roster and dealt Joffrey Lupul and his remaining contract, plus Justin Fontaine and $5M to Hamilton for $1. That dollar was then given to the Herb Brooks Olympia head Zamboni driver.
.
Hoping to be big players in the annual UFA bidding wars, Wendt was not able to land the major pieces in the first round of bidding.
.
"The prices are always high during this period," said Wendt. "But this year seemed to be extremely high. In a lot of cases, we were not even close when we threw a number in the hat that was already over payment in or eyes. There will be some teams will be hurting financially for a long time. But if you get a Cup out of that spending, then it's all worth it. We just weren't in a position to pay the prices that were ultimately paid."
.
Minnesota did get depth value in the remaining rounds of bidding though. In the second round, center Patrik Berglund and goalie Mike Smith were picked up. Berglund likely a fourth line center and Smith backing up Roberto Luongo next season.
.
Forward Viktor Stalberg and defenseman Luca Sbisa were added in the third and forth rounds. Stalberg likely to be an emergency call-up from Duluth and Sbisa possibly fighting for a third pairing job. But likely practice squad or in Duluth.
.
All in all, this has so far been a very busy offseason in the State of Hockey. With only two late round picks in the upcoming Entry Draft, the summer is basically here for the hockey operations staff already.
.
"It's a skeleton crew for sure in regards to the Draft," said Wendt. Unless something comes in that blows us away, I think we're set where we are in the Draft. Anything is possible with trades as well. But we like who we have in here right now, and it shouldn't look that much different when we break camp in September and get going in October. I think we've put together a group that can do some damage next season. For now though, it's time to hit the water and land some fish"
Saturday, January 24, 2015
Saturday, July 12, 2014
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"I think we accomplished what we set out to do with this year's crop," said general manager, Blake Wendt. A crop that by many expert's accounts, was not overwhelmingly laden with a wealth of depth.
---
"With our first pick, we waited for the third round and took the best available player," said Wendt regarding the 47th overall selection, defenseman Ryan Collins. "He just happened to a local kid who will be heading to the 'U' (University of Minnesota) in the fall. We like his game. He's a big, 6'5", sturdy stay-at-home defenseman that needs some seasoning and added strength to play to his full potential. He should get that under Don Lucia at Minnesota and we will be patient with his development. But we love the potential that is there."
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The Norsemen next pick came in the fourth round with the selection of forward, Ryan Dzingel from THE Ohio State University. The Weaton, Illinois-native finished his collegiate season with 46 points in 37 games.
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In the fifth round, Wendt and his staff reached all the way across the Twin Cities and picked up arguably the best NCAA goalie from the past two seasons, Adam Wilcox from the University of Minnesota. The South St. Paul-native was someone that the Norsemen had coveted for the past couple seasons. "We were quite aware of what Wilcox has been doing in his first two seasons of college hockey," said Wendt. "We almost took him last season, but our list was pretty extensive. This year we knew we wanted him, and when other similar goaltenders were being picked, we made the move then before he was gone."
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In the sixth round, Minnesota used their own pick to take another goalie in 28 year old, UMass-Lowell alum, Carter Hutton. The Thunder Bay, Ontario-native is expected to fight Jonas Gustavsson in Training Camp for the back-up role behind Semyon Varlamov.
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Using one of two picks bought from the Georgetown Millers, the Norsemen again stayed in-state and chose St. Cloud State scoring machine, Jonny Brodzinski. The Ham Lake, Minnesota-native finished his sophomore season with 41 points in 38 games.
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Round 7, and the Minnesota Norsemen finally reached across the pond to take Axel Holmstrom from the Swedish Hockey League's Skelleftea AIK.
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With their final pick from the Millers, it was back to the local flare and Caleb Herbert from the University of Minnesota-Duluth.
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"This is a small class compared to years past for us," said Wendt. "We're in a different stage in the development of a competitive overall hockey club. These players here will all play a role in that transition. Some are older and more seasoned. The curve isn't as drastic as maybe a class of all eighteen year olds. We know a bunch of them can and have transitioned to a higher level of competition and been able to make an impact. That's why I think this Draft class for us is very special."
Sunday, June 1, 2014
ROOKIES TIME TO SHINE
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Many of these players will participate in the club's Prospect Camp in July, the main Training Camp in September and be fighting for starting positions on Opening Night.
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"We're excited to get things going again," said general manager Blake Wendt. "So much of our future will be together here this week. Some have been playing in Duluth and some are fresh out of college and we get a real thorough look at where they are in their development in becoming CCHL players."
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The camp will begin on Monday and go through next Sunday. It will be run by Norsemen assistant coaches Dean McAmmond and Phil Housley and Leifs assistant coaches Mike Ramsey and Dmitri Yushkevich and goaltending coach Felix Potvin. Norsemen head coach Craig Hartsburg, Leifs head coach Mike Yeo and Wendt will evaluate out of sight from high above in the club's suite.
Monday, May 26, 2014
DRAKKAR REPORT: The Future Is Near
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"In a rebuild, it's a bitter pill to swallow to watch your on-ice performance and your record is tough to look at," said general manager Blake Wendt. "With the passion we have in our fan base, we also have dialed-in, keen fans who know what we were actually accomplishing in what on the surface was a dismal season."
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What was being accomplished was top-notch players were being traded for a plethora of young, elite hockey players in mass quantity.
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Some of that youth will start arriving as full-time pros in the 2014-15 CCHL season.
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Nick Bjugstad. Star power forward honed his craft at the University of Minnesota for three years. Last season the 6'6", 220 pound giant played big minutes for the Duluth Leifs and got his seat at the adult table at the end of the Norsemen season. He is expected to center the second line behind Antoine Vermette.
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Valeri Nichushkin. Drafted 2nd overall in last year's draft by the Norsemen, Nichushkin is a budding star from Russia that played top-line minutes in the KHL as an 18 year old. The young Russian came over to North America after being drafted and participated in the Norsemen Training Camp before ultimately adjusting to the professional game in Duluth. Nichushkin will likely play on top-6 minutes, presumably on the second line.
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Nino Niederreiter. Picked up in a trade with Victoria in August, the Swiss forward plays anything but a neutral game. At 6'2" 210 pounds, there is some room to grow, and the Norsemen are hopeful that El Nino's rough and tumble game, combined with explosive speed and crafty hands will shore up their overall depth for years to come.
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Brock Nelson. Another big-bodied, homegrown power forward. The Warroad, MN-native was acquired last month from Halifax with another Minnesotan, Justin Faulk. The Norsemen love the potential of his game that looks pro-ready for next season
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Beyond the connections to the state, a lot of these upcoming players have previous connections as teammates with each other and current established Norsemen.
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Along with Bjugstad, his linemate at Minnesota, Erik Haula could make this team out of Training Camp. Both played with defenseman, Aaron Ness who might also play spot games next season. Add Keith Ballard and it looks like a Norsemen factory over in Minneapolis.
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Matt Niskanen and Justin Faulk were both stud blueliners at the University of Minnesota-Duluth (although not at the same time). Some of Faulk's teammates from their National Championship team, Justin Fontaine and JT Brown have legitimate shots at making the Opening Night roster.
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Brock Nelson joins Matt Greene as North Dakota alum
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Ian Cole looks like he might finally have an opening in the D-pairings for a full-time shot in the CCHL. The former Notre Dame captain might be joined by another Irish captain, Anders Lee this season.
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All of this and we still haven't talked about the other youngsters on the club. Tomas Tatar, Marcus Kruger, Jonas Brodin and Semyon Varlamov. Or the younger Anthony Mantha, Nic Kerdiles, Hudson Fasching, Tom Wilson and Justin Sefton.
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"We expect bumps next season," said Wendt. "With this amount of youth coming in at once, you cannot avoid it. But we feel we have surrounded these players with enough experience and talent to bring success now and continue to build on year after year. We are very excited about the future in Minnesota."
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