Forbort leaves Duluth East

[BodyShots]

Seems like the HS coach and the Bantam coach have completely opposite views on this topic. How do they get along?

[Goldy Gopher]

Your future is bright with this decision, Derek. Look forward, not back - the best part of your life is right in front of you. Family and real friends will stay by you forever - everything else is secondary in nature. Follow your dream - aim high with your goals. No more baggage for you!

Beautiful.

[formerly7aafan]

Seems like the HS coach and the Bantam coach have completely opposite views on this topic. How do they get along?

I was thinking the exact same thing, and recognizing that the East Bantam program is really the EHS training grounds, I would be very surprised if the Bantam coach is in there next year. You just don't disagree with Mike. Remember a couple of years ago when Randolph was on "sabatical" and the interim coach took them to State? Does anyone know where he is now?

[wannagototherink]

Seems like the HS coach and the Bantam coach have completely opposite views on this topic. How do they get along?

I was thinking the exact same thing, and recognizing that the East Bantam program is really the EHS training grounds, I would be very surprised if the Bantam coach is in there next year. You just don't disagree with Mike. Remember a couple of years ago when Randolph was on "sabatical" and the interim coach took them to State? Does anyone know where he is now?

String him up, hang'em out to dry, throw him under the bus!!!

Really????? Come on people the guy isn't Saddam Hussien for crying out loud, he's not going to execute someone for not agreeing with him. I would be willing to bet that the bantam coach is fine.


I guess I didn't read it the way most did. He disagreed with the move only because he thinks he can get kids ready to step right in at the next level. I don't think there is anything wrong with believing in what you do. He used Tardy as an example, I guess if Max Tardy steps in as a Bulldog next year and does fine, than Coach R is right, if Max doesn't make an impact than maybe he's wrong. We'll have to wait and see. In any event regardless how I feel about NTDP I do hope Derek has a great experience and reaches his full potential.

[HSH1212]

Well, it is not obvious to see Randolph saddened by losing Forbort. But its more then that. It bitterness, anger etc. I can understand Randolph's frustration, but Randolph should have offered some support for Forbort in the future. It is very obvious that he won't give Forbort one ounce of attention again.

One thing that is interesting is that East has had a harder time keeping their players then other schools in the area. Hermantown had Huttel and Kemp stay; Marshall had Jack Connelly, Chris Connelly, Bordson, Johnson and Scott Kozlak all stay for their entire high school career. And all are playing college hockey. Whether or not you like Plante or Flaherty, it is obvious that they have done a good job of keeping their players. With that, I think coaching has to come into this. Seeing Randolph's blunt but also harsh words, it is obvious why players are leaving him. He is probably a good coach, but not really a mentor, or anybody these players would want to play for. That is obviously not all of it, but there is some stark contrast between East and other area teams. But that's just my 2 cents.

[formerly7aafan]

Well, it is not obvious to see Randolph saddened by losing Forbort. But its more then that. It bitterness, anger etc. I can understand Randolph's frustration, but Randolph should have offered some support for Forbort in the future. It is very obvious that he won't give Forbort one ounce of attention again.

One thing that is interesting is that East has had a harder time keeping their players then other schools in the area. Hermantown had Huttel and Kemp stay; Marshall had Jack Connelly, Chris Connelly, Bordson, Johnson and Scott Kozlak all stay for their entire high school career. And all are playing college hockey. Whether or not you like Plante or Flaherty, it is obvious that they have done a good job of keeping their players. With that, I think coaching has to come into this. Seeing Randolph's blunt but also harsh words, it is obvious why players are leaving him. He is probably a good coach, but not really a mentor, or anybody these players would want to play for. That is obviously not all of it, but there is some stark contrast between East and other area teams. But that's just my 2 cents.

Ahhhh, Bordson TRANSFERRED to Marshall from Denfeld for his SENIOR year only. Don't use Marshall as an example of people staying somewhere their entire playing career, because kids leave the EAST bantam program (along with others) to play at Marshall.

[hshockey17]

Well, it is not obvious to see Randolph saddened by losing Forbort. But its more then that. It bitterness, anger etc. I can understand Randolph's frustration, but Randolph should have offered some support for Forbort in the future. It is very obvious that he won't give Forbort one ounce of attention again.

One thing that is interesting is that East has had a harder time keeping their players then other schools in the area. Hermantown had Huttel and Kemp stay; Marshall had Jack Connelly, Chris Connelly, Bordson, Johnson and Scott Kozlak all stay for their entire high school career. And all are playing college hockey. Whether or not you like Plante or Flaherty, it is obvious that they have done a good job of keeping their players. With that, I think coaching has to come into this. Seeing Randolph's blunt but also harsh words, it is obvious why players are leaving him. He is probably a good coach, but not really a mentor, or anybody these players would want to play for. That is obviously not all of it, but there is some stark contrast between East and other area teams. But that's just my 2 cents.

Ahhhh, Bordson TRANSFERRED to Marshall from Denfeld for his SENIOR year only. Don't use Marshall as an example of people staying somewhere their entire playing career, because kids leave the EAST bantam program (along with others) to play at Marshall.

Where else are they gonna come from, the Duluth Marshall Bantam Program?

First of all, congrats to Derek Forbort. Only the best players are chosen to play at the NTDP and he has proved himself in the last few years as a very talented player who has a lot of upside and I hope he continues to develop and play at the college level and beyond.

I guess I wouldn't expect anything else from Mike Randolph. Only a few words of praise, but more disgust with him and putting him down. It's sad to see that a coach can't even be happy for his players. Forbort was one of the reasons this East team made it to the state tournament. There is no way a player would not benefit from being at the NTDP vs ANY high school. These kids are on the ice and working out every day! They go to play hockey and that is what they're there for. The ice time and experience against higher level players alone is enough to set high school and the NTDP apart. It's also pretty pathetic that Randolph has to rip into former players as well, Cade Fairchild. I think most anybody would agree that playing in the WCHA at age 18 is pretty tough with most players having a year or two of experience in juniors before joining their teams. Sure, Fairchild may have had 15 points as a true freshman, comparing to that of Aaron Ness-Second Rounder (17), Erik Johnson-1st overall pick-(24), Alex Goligoski-Second Rounder (20). I wouldn't say Fairchild's numbers were too bad on a rather sub-par team compared to a few years back.

[east hockey]

The best thing for Mike to have said to Weegman would have been nothing at all. God forbid he should not be in favor of the Ann Arbor program.

As for the implication that Mark Abalan would be kept on as East's Bantam coach, I've seen dumber comments. Just not this month. Mark was one of those who spoke out in support of Mike during his reinstatement hearing a few years ago. His status won't change (unless he quits) just because he and Mike didn't agree on one issue. Weegman played that one well, by the way. If I were a journalist, I would have been looking for something like that to hone in on, too. Sells papers, and God knows the DNT needs it.

In any event, congrats to Derek. It was a true pleasure watching the progress he made from his sophomore to his junior season. Hopefully he does well. At least he's not headed to the Gophers.

Lee

[Nonamer]

Randolph doesn't care about the Bantam A's any longer in any case. His 9th grade son Jake moves up to JV, probably varsity, and he's said he will retire after Jake is done. Said it in front of a large group of people. Of course he said he'd retire when Rob Johnson was done as well, so who knows.

Abalon is good either way. I have a great deal of respect for his honesty and candor - he does a great job with his players.

[Hockeyguy_27]

Randolph said. “I think what pushed him to go was North Dakota. First of all, they need him right away [in the 2010-11 season]. I think North Dakota felt he would be more ready to step on the ice and play for them by going in this direction.

I don't believe North Dakota had anything to do with this. He is projected to come in in 2011.They have Joe Gleason, D and Andrew MacWilliam, D slated to come in 2009 and Nick Mattson in 2010. I would not expect any of the current freshmen or sophomores defensemen to leave early. 2011 looks like a better fit.

I would think the Forbert's would consult coach Hakstol and or coach Eades before making a huge decision like that. Keep in mind, Coach Eades has been involved with the USA Hockey.

How do the Gophers keep letting these kind of players slip through the cracks? Big kids who move well and have cannons aren't a dime a dozen.

[MNHockeyFan]

How do the Gophers keep letting these kind of players slip through the cracks? Big kids who move well and have cannons aren't a dime a dozen.

Another question is how did UMD let this player from their own backyard slip through the cracks?

[ColdasIce]

How do the Gophers keep letting these kind of players slip through the cracks? Big kids who move well and have cannons aren't a dime a dozen.

Another question is how did UMD let this player from their own backyard

slip through the cracks?

sandelin spends too much time up in camrose to care about kids in his ownback yard, its only recently that he looked to duluth or area kids and thought they could play...derek in a sioux uniform is going to be rough, i'd take a gopher over that anyday

[Backcheck1]

East's Hockey banquet is tonight. Any good quotes from Randolph on the future of Forbort?

[Penalty Shot]

1) UMD wanted Derek bad.
2) Both Larry Trachsel and Mike Randolph wished Derek well and good luck at the next level. Mike did say he would be missed everyday next year but it was done in a very positive tone.

[stickboy1956]

How do the Gophers keep letting these kind of players slip through the cracks? Big kids who move well and have cannons aren't a dime a dozen.

Another question is how did UMD let this player from their own backyard

slip through the cracks?

sandelin spends too much time up in camrose to care about kids in his ownback yard, its only recently that he looked to duluth or area kids and thought they could play...derek in a sioux uniform is going to be rough, i'd take a gopher over that anyday

FYI - Sandelin has the best D recruit in the conf. coming in 09 - Dylan Olsen. He will be a 1st round pick this summer.

[ColdasIce]

Another question is how did UMD let this player from their own backyard

slip through the cracks?

sandelin spends too much time up in camrose to care about kids in his ownback yard, its only recently that he looked to duluth or area kids and thought they could play...derek in a sioux uniform is going to be rough, i'd take a gopher over that anyday

FYI - Sandelin has the best D recruit in the conf. coming in 09 - Dylan Olsen. He will be a 1st round pick this summer.

great, already knew that, and where is he from??? oh, why not have had the 2 best D recruits??? back yard...easy

[Gopher Blog]

Another question is how did UMD let this player from their own backyard

slip through the cracks?

sandelin spends too much time up in camrose to care about kids in his ownback yard, its only recently that he looked to duluth or area kids and thought they could play...derek in a sioux uniform is going to be rough, i'd take a gopher over that anyday

FYI - Sandelin has the best D recruit in the conf. coming in 09 - Dylan Olsen. He will be a 1st round pick this summer.

Depends on how you define "best". Leddy will probably have something to say about that and I believe he was rated slightly higher by Central Scouting. Pretty debateable remark.

Good luck to Forbort with the NTDP. Randolph would have been much better off keeping quiet. I think this move will probably make Forbort a two year or less college player before he signs. He'll be a pretty high pick.

[breakout]

Another question is how did UMD let this player from their own backyard

slip through the cracks?

sandelin spends too much time up in camrose to care about kids in his ownback yard, its only recently that he looked to duluth or area kids and thought they could play...derek in a sioux uniform is going to be rough, i'd take a gopher over that anyday

FYI - Sandelin has the best D recruit in the conf. coming in 09 - Dylan Olsen. He will be a 1st round pick this summer.

http://www.nhl.com/ice/draftprospectbrowse.htm?cat=1

Maybe, maybe not I predict Olsen will go in the 2nd round.

Want to wager a Long Island Tea at Grandma's on that?

[hshckfan08]

Congrats and best luck to Derrick.
Honestly if you don't think that the Development Program prepares you better for the next level than high school you are completely ignorant. How can you not be better prepared for college when you are playing college level competition for a whole year instead of high school competition. I'm not saying high school hockey isnt one of the best experiences a teenager can have but if he is looking to be better prepared for north dakota, i dont see how can say he made the wrong decision. I am speechless at how much of an ***hole Randolf is. Your not going to win him back by saying that, and the Cade Fairchild comment was completely unnecessary. No one knows what kind of season he would have had if he stayed at East instead of the development program. Once again good luck to Derrick and I hope Randolf decides to support the decisions of his players in the future.

[pondhockey20]

First off, congrats to Derek. I have watched him through bantams and his last two years with Randolph and he is a truly remarkable player.

Second, this was a decision that had to be made for the good of the player and player only. When it comes to decisions you make off the ice in the last year of your high school career, it has to be solely about yourself.

And finally, the rift between Randolph and Abalan will be fine next year. The Bantam A coaching staff in the last ten years has been grade "A" and always had their teams competing at the top level. They have helped many kids make the sometimes hard transitation to Mike's team a lot easier. Mike is also a great coach and you might not agree with every decision he has made at East, but you have to show respect towards him based on his team's accomplishment. You might think he is all about his ego but sometimes making a decision that is best for the team (not playing Cooper in Coni Semis) comes across as a ego thing.