For starters, it involves a lot of out-of-town players, guys who just don't resonate with the Northland until they get to UMD and make noise.
Also, we're talking -- generally -- about players who won't make an impact at UMD for some time. By the time they actually arrive, the day they committed is generally forgotten.
Of course, when we're talking about a local talent who has already made a name for himself, it's a worthy story.
UMD has gained a commitment from Hibbing/Chisholm sophomore Adam Johnson, likely for the 2013-14 season. Johnson had a great season at Hibbing, leading the Blue Jackets with 42 goals and 85 points in 31 games. He did it after converting to forward from defense to start the season, and he really blossomed at the state tournament.
In St. Paul, Johnson had an incredible game in the semifinals against Hermantown, scoring a natural hat trick to bring Hibbing back from 4-1 down to a 4-4 tie. Hermantown won the game, but Johnson's goal-scoring and playmaking ability were center stage at Minnesota's biggest hockey event, and he didn't disappoint.
Being able to retain top local talent is a huge plus for any Division I program. UMD is no exception, and fans will be thrilled to see Johnson don the UMD uniform in a bit more than two years.
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