tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6232977513085824486.post5007781416792578738..comments2023-09-26T15:03:16.188-05:00Comments on A Tradition of Excellence: LaDue Continues to ImproveCashuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16554292065563123287noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6232977513085824486.post-78971576436472204422012-02-29T08:45:31.614-06:002012-02-29T08:45:31.614-06:00As was learned last season, it's awfully hard ...As was learned last season, it's awfully hard to predict which underclassmen will choose to stay in school or sign professionally. My hunch, though, is that UND's turnover will be minimal this season, particularly defensively. Toronto GM Brain Burke is a big pro-NCAA guy and LA's assistant GM is very familiar with the developmental aspects of the North Dakota program. Outside of the graduating Ben Blood, I'd say chances are better than not that the entire defensive corps returns intact. And that would mean LaDue would be a 2013 freshman, as was originally the plan as I understand things.<br /><br />In terms of Schmaltz, I've seen him play just twice, but both times his poise and confidence with the puck was outstanding. Good passer, good shot, works a nice powerplay. He needs to get stronger, which will come in time, and that should help him work on what most scouts say is his biggest weakness-a lack of physicality.Cashuhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16554292065563123287noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6232977513085824486.post-77027663632494568402012-02-28T13:43:23.961-06:002012-02-28T13:43:23.961-06:00I think that MacWilliam and Forbort might be fligh...I think that MacWilliam and Forbort might be flight risks next season, so only time will tell.Eric J. Burtonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11126092078877298812noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6232977513085824486.post-85538578482244775622012-02-26T20:06:03.684-06:002012-02-26T20:06:03.684-06:00Good to know, Anon. I don't follow UND that c...Good to know, Anon. I don't follow UND that closely, so I was unaware how stacked they were at that position next year. I have my own opinions on Schmaltz (from what I've seen of him live), and lets just say I'm very surprised that many are saying he's a first round NHL pick. But many of those people are scouts, and I'm just a fan that watches a ton of USHL hockey, so what do I know. :)Yetihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06144700947358121674noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6232977513085824486.post-83224245842871711842012-02-26T19:52:27.593-06:002012-02-26T19:52:27.593-06:00He might be ready, but there is really no room for...He might be ready, but there is really no room for him at UND next year, unless there are some early departures. Blood is the only senior graduating, and MacWilliam is really the only early departure risk this offseason, but I think he be back. That leaves Forbort, Simpson, Mattson, Panzarella, and Gleason as returning guys who have played in basically every game this year. So unless LaDue can beat out Jordan Schmaltz, he will be doing nothing but riding the bench if he comes to UND next year.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6232977513085824486.post-40425709672255343192012-02-26T18:49:46.494-06:002012-02-26T18:49:46.494-06:00The greedy Lincoln Stars fan in me wants LaDue to ...The greedy Lincoln Stars fan in me wants LaDue to return next season, but in my opinion, he's more than ready to step up to the next level. Easily the most well-rounded, steady defenseman on the team this season. <br /><br />He has a very bright future in a UND jersey.Yetihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06144700947358121674noreply@blogger.com