S8 E27: Season finale and Q&A with the insiders
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The season eight finale of the Bulldog Insider Podcast wraps up a transformative 2025-2026 UMD hockey season with a deep dive into both the men's and women's teams. Hosts Matt Wellens and Zach Schneider, joined by longtime voice Bruce Siskey, reflect on a year marked by cultural shift, improved play, and emotional investment—especially on the men’s side, where the team’s resilience and high-octane style reignited fan passion. The discussion centers on key turning points, including early-season energy shifts, standout performances from goaltenders Adam Guyon and Ethan Dahlmeyer, and the critical need for improved puck protection and defensive discipline. The panel also explores the looming decisions around NHL prospects Max Plant and Adam Kleber, the role of the transfer portal, and the impact of CHL recruits like Graydon Seatman. With the men’s team poised for a top-four national ranking despite roster turnover, the focus turns to future challenges: recruiting, attendance, and fan engagement. The episode closes with a call to action for fans and students to bring more energy to games, emphasizing that a vibrant atmosphere is a shared responsibility.
The 2025-2026 season marked a cultural shift in UMD hockey, with players and fans alike showing renewed passion and investment.
Goaltending was a major strength, with Adam Guyon’s breakout performance and Ethan Dahlmeyer’s strong backup role setting a high standard.
Puck protection and defensive discipline remain key areas for improvement, especially in high-pressure moments.
Max Plant and Adam Kleber are poised for NHL careers, but their decisions hinge on whether they’ll get meaningful NHL roles.
The transfer portal is no longer a crisis but a strategic tool—players are leaving for better fit, not just opportunity.
…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Season Eight Finale: A Cultural Shift
“This year, it kind of hit like a ton of bricks like it has in the past. And so that was a noticeable difference for me as well from the last two or four years was the end of the year.”
Turning Points: When the Season Changed
“The first time I went down to the rink in September, you could tell the vibe was different. I could almost go back to June when I went down there and met some of the new guys...”
Goaltending, Defense, and the Power Play
“They were way up in terms of shot margin this year, even strength and five and overall expected goals against they were way down from last year.”
NHL Prospects: Max Plant, Adam Kleber, and the Portal
“If you're going to leave college early, it should be for an opportunity to play in the NHL. It shouldn't be to go ride buses in the AHL.”
Roster Turnover and the Transfer Portal
The team faces potential turnover with five seniors leaving and key players like Plant and Kleber possibly turning pro. The panel discusses the need for a bigger body in the bottom six and the importance of recruiting wisely. The portal is seen as a natural evolution, not a crisis.
“If you're going to leave college early, it should be for an opportunity to play in the NHL. It shouldn't be to go ride buses in the AHL.”
“If you're going to leave college early, it should be for an opportunity to play in the NHL. It shouldn't be to go ride buses in the AHL.”
“The first time I went down to the rink in September, you could tell the vibe was different. I could almost go back to June when I went down there and met some of the new guys...”
Hosts
Guest
UMD Hockey
other
Adam Guyon
person
Max Plant
person
Bruce Siskey
person
Transfer Portal
other
Ethan Dahlmeyer
person
Matt Wellens
person
Adam Kleber
person
Zach Schneider
person
Scott Sandlin
person
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