Heatly to the Oilers. (Not so fast)

TSN is reporting this deal if Heatley will waive his no-trade clause. If this is true the Edmonton Oilers will have gotten a lot better or at least added some fire power they didn't have last year. The Senators give up an unhappy star in Heatley for three decent role players.

Sources say Dany Heatley has been asked to waive his no-trade clause to go to Edmonton in exchange for Andrew Cogliano, Dustin Penner and Ladislav Smid.

If Heatley agrees to waive, it would appear the Sens and Oilers will have a deal, pending the official trade call with NHL central registry, but that is generally a formality.

Heatley informed the Senators in early June that despite having five-years remaining on a six-year contract extension that he recently signed that he wished to be moved. The contract calls for Heatley to make $7.5 million per season against the cap. [TSN]

UPDATE: Here is the latest from [Puck Daddy] .

Dany Heatley(notes) was this close to becoming a member of the Edmonton Oilers. As was reported last night on TSN and Sportsnet, the Oilers and Ottawa Senators had a deal in place that would have sent Andrew Cogliano(notes), Dustin Penner(notes) and Ladislav Smid(notes) to Ottawa in exchange for Heatley, as long as he approved the deal. Just after midnight Eastern time, TSN's Bob McKenzie put the kibosh on the trade reporting that Heatley had rejected the deal saying, "For now, and quite possibly forever, the deal is dead."

2009 U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Orientation Camp Roster

Here is the Team USA roster for the U.S. Olympic Hockey Teams Ice Hockey orientation camp. There is a nice mix of ex NCAA and CHL players.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - USA Hockey today announced that 34 players, representing 22National Hockey League teams, have been invited to the U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Orientation Camp from Aug. 17-19, at Seven Bridges Ice Arena in Woodridge, Ill.


2009 U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Orientation Camp Roster

Goaltenders: Ryan Miller (MSU), Jonathan Quick (UMASS), Tim Thomas (UVM)
Defensemen: Tom Gilbert (UW), Tim Gleason (OHL), Ron Hainsey (UML), Erik Johnson(UMN), Jack Johnson (UM), Mike Komisarek (UM), Paul Martin (UMN), Brooks Orpik (B.C.), Brian Rafalski (UW), Rob Scuderi (B.C.), Ryan Suter (UW), Ryan Whitney (BU).

Forwards: David Backes (MSU-M), David Booth (MSU), Dustin Brown (OHL), Dustin Byfuglien (WHL), Ryan Callahan (OHL), Chris Drury (BU), Scott Gomez (WHL), Patrick Kane (OHL), Ryan Kesler (OSU), Phil Kessel (UMN), Jamie Langenbrunner (OHL), Ryan Malone (SCSU), Mike Modano (WHL), Kyle Okposo (UMN), T.J. Oshie (UND), Zach Parise (UND), Joe Pavelski (UW), Bobby Ryan (OHL), Paul Stastny (DU).

From Brad Elliott Schlossman's Blog.

Six of the 10 WCHA teams have a representative at the camp.

Wisconsin has four (Tom Gilbert, Brian Rafalski, Ryan Suter and Joe Pavelski), Minnesota has four (Paul Martin, Erik Johnson, Phil Kessel and Kyle Okposo), St. Cloud State has Ryan Malone, MSU-Mankato has David Backes and Denver has Paul Stastny.

Key

(UM) = Michigan
(UMN) = Minnesota
(UML) = U Mass Lowell

Expansion linkorama

There have been a few interesting articles to come out since the WCHA went from 10 teams to 12 teams.

~BSU, Bemidji celebrate WCHA membership [Pioneer]

~McRae column: Our little town is never going to be the same with BSU in the WCHA [Pioneer]

~Nebraska-Omaha pulls out of CCHA [Newsminer.com]

~Bemidji State hockey travels the country in news of WCHA expansion [Pioneer]

Todd Milewski, a writer for United States College Hockey Online tweeted: “But seriously, the WCHA got this one right. Wouldn’t have been right to turn the other way while Bemidji faded away.”

But not everyone was happy. WCHA officials characterized BSU’s and UNO’s move to the WCHA as good for college hockey.

A sportswriter on the conference call challenged that generalization and asked: “The CCHA lost a team … the WCHA’s gain is the CCHA’s loss and how is that supposed to be good for college hockey?”

The writer also cited a statement issued by CCHA Commissioner Tom Anastos.

“We are disappointed to hear of UNO’s decision to leave the CCHA as they have been a very good member of our league. We have an excellent league, with a very strong membership, and we will continue to focus all of our attention on being a great conference and a leader in helping to shape the future of college hockey,” Anastos said in a statement.

McLeod did not waver.

“Sometimes I have to look out for what’s best in college hockey in general,” he said. “We did not want to look at losing another program.”

~BG to hold 'hockey personnel' press conference [Sentinal Tribune]

~CCHA Issues Statement Regarding Nebraska-Omaha [CCHA]

June 26, 2009 ---- Farmington Hills, Mich. CCHA Commissioner Tom Anastos today issued the following statement, on behalf of the CCHA Executive Committee and CCHA Council, in response to Nebraska-Omaha's announcement that it will be leaving the CCHA to join the WCHA in the 2010-11 season.

"We are disappointed to hear of UNO's decision to leave the CCHA as they have been a very good member of our league, and we wish them well. We have an excellent league, with a very strong membership, and we will continue to focus all of our attention on being a great conference and a leader in helping to shape the future of college hockey.

"At this time, it serves no purpose to speculate on how this latest decision will impact the future makeup of CCHA membership. There is a process being followed with respect to admittance of any new member and we are committed to following that process through to completion."

~UAH path clears for league entry. [The Huntsville Times]

Free agents offered contracts from the Wild.

These are the free agents from the Minnesota Wild hockey team that have received offers from the Wild. Former Gopher Danny Irmen and Robbie Earl were given offers from the Minnesota Wild, it will be interesting to see if Irmen or Earl get to play with the big team if they accept their offers. I would imagine they will get two way deals. Interesting that Dan Fritsche was not offered a qualifying offer sheet.

Here’s the breakdown of the players who received qualifying offers from the Wild:

C Kyle Brodziak
LW Robbie Earl
G Josh Harding
RW Danny Irmen
LW Benoit Pouliot
D Clayton Stoner

And here’s the list of those who didn’t get offers and now become unrestricted free agents who can shop for a team starting July 1:

D Paul Albers
LW Riley Emmerson
LW Dan Fritsche
LW Peter Olvecky

How will he be recieved?

I wounder how well Phillip Sameulesson will be recieved in Boston? I know there are more than a few fans in Boston (and other locations) that don't like his father's or his on ice antics and we will never forget what he did to Cam Neely. It's also ironic that the Pen's drafted him. That being said Phillip is a pretty solid player and I got to see him play in Fago, ND during the U-18 tourney.

MONTREAL - Philip Samuelsson is headed to Boston College this fall to play hockey, and his father figures that alone is proof of the kid’s mental toughness.

“If he can handle that,’’ said his father, ex-NHL villain Ulf Samuelsson, still reviled in Boston for his nasty hit on Cam Neely that accelerated the power forward’s departure from the game, “then he can handle Pittsburgh.’’

The younger Samuelsson was chosen by the Penguins yesterday as the 61st pick (last in the second round) of the 2009 draft at the Bell Centre. Like his dad, Samuelsson is a defenseman, nearly 6 feet 3 inches and 200 pounds. With Chris Kreider also headed to The Heights in September, the Eagles should be a force in Hockey East.

“I saw my dad win two Cups there,’’ said Samuelsson, reflecting on the family’s time in Steel City, “so I know how passionate they are about their sports.’’

The senior Samuelsson said he hopes his son can develop quickly and “get to play with those superstars’’ in Pittsburgh, where youngsters Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby recently led the Penguins to the Stanley Cup.

Lemaire scoffs at Wild's plans for more offense

I know this is a little late and got lost late in the shuffle while I was focusing on the WCHA expanding to 12 teams; however this article is worth taking a look at because it’s kind of hilarious. None the less, I think Lemaire is right to a certain degree; all teams’ play the trap from time to time, and the Wild will too, however, I don't see them falling back into the same boring defense first team they were under Lemaire. If they do they could bore the fans enough that they might stay home. I think the Wild are going to step it up and try to push the puck up the ice, if they get a few offensive players. Hint: Let's make a push for the Sedin twins.

MONTREAL — The Wild vows to be an up-tempo, attacking, let-defensemen-roam-free team next season.

Jacques Lemaire, who ran a structured, disciplined system during his eight seasons as the Wild's coach, doesn't buy it. Not for one second.

"You know what? You know what? They'll play the same way. They will play the same way," Lemaire said after being announced as one of Mike Babcock's assistants on Canada's 2010 men's Olympic hockey team. "You know why? Everybody plays this way. Detroit's a little different. But look at all the other teams.

"It's 95 percent defense. It's the details that are different, but that's about it. So what do you want to change?"

Lemaire, a two-time Jack Adams Award winner as coach of the year, gives new coach Todd Richards one week, maybe a month, next season before he pulls back the reins.

Lemaire used Atlanta, Florida and Tampa Bay, all three of which had new coaches last season, as examples. The Wild swept the three during an October trip, including a 6-2 pummeling of the Panthers.

"It's normal that the new guy would come in and say, 'Wait, we're going offense,'" Lemaire said. "Talk to the new coach in Florida [Peter DeBoer]. He came in and said it and won [four] games in the first 12. [Former Tampa Bay coach Barry] Melrose said that, too.

WCHA: prestige, passion, power...

I found this article in the Omaha newspaper, I think this newspaper article gives a pretty good illustration of the WCHA and how tough the league truely is. You can not take a night off, that is so true. The tenth place team can beat the top ranked team.

“I look through different glasses at the University of Minnesota than I did at the University of Denver, but when it comes to hockey there is a lot of similarity.”

That kind of commitment shines through on the ice. WCHA teams won six national championships from 2000 through 2006, and the league has 27 national runner-up finishes to go with its three dozen titles. The CCHA, formed in 1971, has nine national championships and seven runner-up finishes — Michigan and Michigan State combined to win eight titles when those schools belonged to the WCHA.

“Week in and week out, you can't take a night off,” said Jeff Sauer, the former Wisconsin coach who now works for the WCHA as an assistant to Commissioner Bruce McLeod. “That's why we think we've had so much success in the national tournament. When you win a MacNaughton Cup (regular-season championship), our coaches will tell you to a man that winning that championship is tougher than winning an NCAA championship — when you consider everything that goes into it.”

UNO Associate Athletic Director Mike Kemp, who was the only coach in the program's history before Dean Blais was hired to replace him earlier this month, grew up on WCHA hockey. He served as Sauer's long-time assistant at Wisconsin before coming to UNO. When, in the 1990s, the WCHA started taking steps to recognize the legends that had passed through, it crystallized for Kemp all the special things he had thought about the league.

“The conference isn't just what it is today,” Kemp said. “It's what it has been since 1951. It's one for the ages.”

Last year a WCHA team didn't reach the Frozen Four for just the fourth time ever, but one year earlier the final top 10 poll included seven WCHA teams.

The league boasts the top three teams (Wisconsin, North Dakota and Minnesota) in attendance nationally, and the addition of UNO now gives the WCHA six of last year's top seven. All but Alaska-Anchorage, Michigan Tech and newcomer Bemidji State ranked in the top 25 in attendance. [Omaha.com]

Mavs Make the Jump to the WCHA

I found this neat blog and Husker Mike has done a really good job analyzing the Omaha end of the recently completed WCHA realignment. I have to say that I agree with Mike that in the end this is going to be a money maker for the WCHA, six first round playoff series instead of five. Also, the chance for six teams to go to St Paul and play for a auto bid to the NCAA hockey tourney as we saw this spring with Duluth you can play on Thursday and win the whole thing.

More teams will equal more money for the league as a whole. I also believe in the end UAH will be able to find a home in the CCHA so we don't bleed anymore NCAA division one hockey teams. I do think UAH coach Danton Cole will be able to put a competitive team on the ice in the CCHA. Personally, I don't want to see the NCAA go down the road of pulling bids due to a dwindling number of college hockey teams.

The only surprise about UNO leaving the CCHA for the WCHA is that the entire deal was completed today. Before today, it seemed that it was going to be a process that would take a few weeks, but once the parameters of an agreement between UNO and the WCHA were complete, there probably was little reason to drag the process out. In fact, perhaps Trev Alberts pushed to get the whole deal completed immediately so that there were no opportunities for "surprises" down the line.

The winners in this deal are obvious: college hockey gains by keeping Bemidji State's program alive. The WCHA gets bigger, and probably will earn more revenue with more rounds of playoff hockey. UNO reduces their travel costs and gets to share in the larger pool of revenue that the WCHA affords.

The loser? The CCHA loses UNO and the playoff revenue that is generated in Omaha. The CCHA will likely get the consolation prize of Alabama-Huntsville, but the unhappiness of the CCHA is clear from their terse news release.

UNO and BSU to the WCHA for the 2010-2011 season.

The BSU Beavers and the UNO Mavericks will be joining the WCHA for the 2010-2011 season. This is a good day for college hockey and it will help save the BSU Beavers that needed a conference to survive, they now are a member of the WCHA. Now it would seem logical if the UAH Chargers were admitted to the CCHA. I think it is in the best interest of college hockey for UAH to be admitted to the CCHA.

MADISON, Wis. – In what will rank among the most significant days in the storied, 58-year history of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, the membership today voted to admit both Bemidji State University and the University of Nebraska Omaha into the Association family beginning with the 2010-11 season. This marks the first expansion of the WCHA since Minnesota State University, Mankato was admitted as a 10th member for the 1999-2000 season and eighth time overall the league has expanded since it’s founding in 1951.

The admission of Bemidji State and Nebraska Omaha will bring the league membership to 12 teams. The current 10-team membership of the men’s WCHA is comprised of University of Alaska Anchorage, Colorado College, University of Denver, Michigan Technological University, University of Minnesota, University of Minnesota Duluth, Minnesota State University, Mankato, University of North Dakota, St. Cloud State University and University of Wisconsin.

“I am extremely pleased to announce that the Western Collegiate Hockey Association is expanding to twelve teams,” said WCHA Commissioner Bruce M. McLeod. “With the addition of Bemidji State University and the University of Nebraska Omaha the WCHA solidifies and positions itself to maintain and expand upon the excellence that is the WCHA.

“This is certainly a defining moment for the WCHA and we are proud to add Bemidji State and Nebraska Omaha to our already strong organization.

“This is a happy and proud day for me,” continued McLeod. “I’m happy because I think this is such a win-win circumstance for the WCHA, our new members and collegiate hockey in general. I could not be more proud of the way our WCHA members have handled this very complex circumstance and have been able to look beyond their own backyard and do what is best for college hockey and the WCHA.

“The WCHA is proud of what they’ve put together in 58 years (2009-10 will be the league’s 58th season) and I think this day will go down as a watershed day. I fully anticipate what we’ve done today will make us even better. I’m excited about the future and can’t wait to get going.”

The Western Collegiate Hockey Association is home to a collegiate record 36 national championship teams since it’s founding in 1951, a record 13 Hobey Baker Memorial Award Winners, some 400 players who have gone on to play in the National Hockey League and some 725 NHL Draftees, more than 150 alums who have played on various Olympic hockey teams, and more than 40 players and coaches who have been part of Stanley Cup (NHL) winning clubs. In addition, the WCHA has drawn in excess of 1,500,000 fans in each of the past seven seasons and in excess of 1,000,00 for 16 consecutive years and annually conducts one of college hockey’s premier post-season tournaments – the Red Baron™ WCHA Final Five held annually at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minn. The Final Five drew 82,065 fans this past March.

“The pieces are all falling into place for Bemidji State hockey,” stated BSU Director of Athletics Dr. Rick Goeb. “Beginning with the efforts to elevate our hockey programs to the NCAA Division I level and having the women’s program join the WCHA over 10 years ago, to our partnership with the city to see a world-class venue like the Bemidji Regional Event Center come to fruition, and now the men’s hockey program being approved for membership into the elite conference in all of college hockey.
“We want to thank the city of Bemidji, our dedicated fans and the student body who have supported Bemidji State hockey. These outstanding hockey fans and partnerships have made membership into the WCHA a reality.”

Said Bemidji State men’s hockey coach Tom Serratore, who took his team to the NCAA Men’s Frozen Four in April of this year, “This is a great day for the Beavers.“

“First, I want to thank the WCHA for this opportunity. It is truly an honor to be a part of the greatest hockey conference at the Division I level and we feel privileged to come along side the other Division I hockey programs in the state of Minnesota as members of the WCHA.

“Beaver Hockey reaches far beyond this campus so that makes today’s announcement a dream come true for our alumni, many in the community and many in the region. This is a proud day for all involved with Bemidji State.”

[NORTH DAKOTA HOCKEY BLOG] , [Rink and Run], [Puckato], [Omaha.com]

Updated Kessel Rumor.

Here is the latest Phil Kessel Rumor, I can't wait till the draft at 18:00 hours on Versus, then we wil find out how this plays out.

MONTREAL -- The respected Canadian sports website, tsn.ca, just now amended what it believes to be Boston's offer to Toronto to acquire veteran blueliner Tomas Kaberle.

According to tsn's report early this morning, the Bruins offered Phil Kessel to the Leafs for Kaberle and Toronto's top pick, No. 7 overall, in tonight's amateur draft.

Now, according to tsn, the Bruins have offered Kessel and a draft pick of their own (not a first-rounder) for the 31-year-old Czech-born blueliner.

About two hours prior to tsn reporting the change, one rumor making the rounds here had the Stars offering thrid-year blueliner Matt Niskanen and thier top pick tonight (No. 8 overall) for Kaberle.

This isn't a very good move.

TSN is reporting this little rumor, and I have seen it numerous times on twitter as well. I just hope my head doesn't blow up before the draft and July 1st free agent signing date come and go. Let's see you have a player that scores 36 goals the type of player your team has been craving probably since the days of Cam Neely and you reward him by trying to trade him for a defenseman that has been in the league for 10years and a first round draft pick that may or may not be able to play for your team this season. Did Doug Risebrough become the general manager of the Boston Bruins?

The Boston Bruins are in pursuit of Tomas Kaberle and a top 10 pick in today's draft.

Sources tell TSN the Bruins have offered restricted free agent forward Phil Kessel to Toronto in exchange for the Leaf defenceman and Toronto's No. 7 pick in the draft.

The Leafs are apparently canvassing the league to see if there are any better offers out there.

Kessel, taken fifth overall by the Bruins in 2006, scored 36 goals and 60 points last season, his third campaign in the NHL. With restricted free agent David Krejci signed to a long-term deal and the team pushed up against next year's salary cap, general manager Peter Chiarelli was rumoured to be shopping the young scorer.

UNO and BSU to the WCHA. (breaking news)

I step out of the house for 25 minutes to go get a Starbucks and pick up my dog at Ruffin It Doggie Day Car and I come back to find that Adam Wodon put this on my facebook page, 'conference call set for 5 CT ... looks like league will announce addition of BSU and UNO for 2010-11.' All I can say is Welcome aboard BSU and UNO you will make fine additions to the Best league in college hockey the WCHA.

Bemidji State and Nebraska-Omaha will be officially admitted to the Western Collegiate Hockey Association on Friday afternoon and begin play in the league in 2010-11, sources have confirmed to the News Tribune. A WCHA teleconference call is scheduled for 5 p.m.

The decision to expand from 10 to 12 teams came Thursday night following two days of talks within the league, and with Omaha school officials. It's believed that WCHA athletic directors agreed in principle with terms negotiated between commissioner Bruce McLeod and the incoming schools, and an official vote on admission will be taken today by school faculty representatives. Eight of 10 votes is required for admission.

McLeod told the News Tribune on Thursday afternoon that there had been new developments in the situation and that an announcement was due as early as today. [Rink and Run] [University of North Dakota Hockey]

UNO Hockey: WCHA may open its doors to Alberts, Mavericks after all

I saw this on Husker_Mike's Twitter. Looks like the ball is rolling forward. Also College Hockey News is reporting that a WCHA expansion vote forthcoming today.

UNO Athletic Director Trev Alberts said late Thursday that interest from the Western Collegiate Hockey Association has rekindled following a conference call of league athletic directors.

“There has been a reassertment from the WCHA, and the WCHA is participating in conversations — the results of which I am not aware,” Alberts said.

Just last week, Alberts said that the WCHA's interest in UNO seemed to have waned. The WCHA has been exploring expanding from 10 teams to 12 since Bemidji State applied for admission in April. UNO, a member of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association, has been the league's top priority.

Meanwhile Thursday, one report indicated that discussion between UNO and the WCHA will continue as a result of the league athletic directors' discussion, while another indicates an announcement of some kind could come as early as today.

The Duluth News-Tribune is reporting on a blog that WCHA Commissioner Bruce McLeod said Thursday that “developments had changed” since the Wednesday night conference call and that an announcement could be made today. The blog didn't quote McLeod directly, nor did it specify what the announcement might be.
[Omaha.com]

Looking back.

On November 8, 2008 DU hockey beat writer Mike Chambers wrote this article and caused a fire storm with the blog post below. Looking forward, as of this date Mr. Chambers is probably smiling and looking pretty good. The AHA has accepted Robert Morris and Niagara to be in their league. The WCHA is in the process of recruiting UNO to be their twelfth member to go along with BSU. Moving east, the team from the University of Alabama-Huntsville has applied for membership in the CCHA. When UNO and or UAF leave the CCHA for the WCHA UAH will be a natural choice to become the twelfth team of the CCHA, hence saving two teams from certain death.

I have seen some people that aren’t happy with the realignment process don’t like the idea of the WCHA becoming a twelve team league. The status quo will not help college hockey. The alternative to the twelve team league is to say the hell with UAH and BSU let these two teams wither and die on the vine, this option is unacceptable. If college hockey allowed that to happen what college or university would want to start a division one hockey program in the future?

Currently There are 58 teams in Division one hockey; if the NCAA lost two to three more teams, there is a very good chance the NCAA would pull the 2-4 at large bids from the NCAA tourney, that too is unacceptable and the decrease in bids would hit the have not the most. This is not a road I would like to see the NCAA hockey tourney go down.

Seriously, reducing 2-4 at large bids could definitely affect a team close to one of us, but oh yeah we got to play Minnesota, Wisconsin and or North Dakota. So I ask WCHA fans what you would rather have a chance to see the Gophers, Badger, Sioux or a better chance for your team to make the NCAA tourney. I am going to take the NCAA tourney option. Most of us that have followed college hockey know that in a one and done tourney anything can happen. It doesn’t matter if you’re a one seed or a sixteen seed; just ask Michigan and Notre Dame.

College hockey conference realignment
Mike Chambers ----- Conference expansion is on its way, folks. Because of the looming demise of College Hockey America, don’t be surprised if the Western Collegiate Hockey Association and the Atlantic Hockey Association go from 10 to 12 teams, with Bemidji State and Nebraska-Omaha joining the WCHA and Robert Morris and Niagara going to the AHA.

This isn’t just opinon. In true blog form, I can’t divulge my sources at this time because things are too political — which is why this issue won’t make the paper right now — but this is what is being discussed by conference commissioners. And it makes sense.

CHA currently has Robert Morris, Alabama-Huntsville, Niagara and Bemidji State. It’s a joke, because the four-team conference gets an automatic berth to the NCAA Tournament for its playoff champion, and judging from history, teams in other conferences with far better numbers in the Pairwise Rankings get left out. That’s going to change.

Robert Morris and Niagara have applied for entrance to the AHA. If they are accepted, the AHA will go from 10 to 12 teams.

What we need next — and this is the big one — is for Nebraska-Omaha to apply to the WCHA, and get accepted along with Bemidji State, which previously applied and is a terrific fit. UNO, which currently plays in the CCHA, will be replaced by Alabama-Huntsville.

UNO is a natural fit for the WCHA, with strong state rivalries with Colorado and Minnesota. Alabama-Huntsville isn’t a fit for anyone, but … if UAH goes to the CCHA, we would have five conferences with a near equal amount of teams.

WCHA to continue negotiations with Omaha

Here is the latest development in the WCHA's pursuit of UNO as a 12th member of the WCHA. It looks like there will be some on going negotiations and discussions before the WCHA will be able to convince the UNO Mavericks to move to the WCHA. UNO holds the cards they already have a conference so the WCHA is going to have to give more. Personally I think UNO is a better fit travel wise and the league should try to make this happen.

Following a conference call between Western Collegiate Hockey Association
athletic directors and league commissioner Bruce McLeod Wednesday, negotiations regarding the admittance of the University of Nebraska-Omaha to the WCHA will continue. Bemidji State University athletic director Rick Goeb said McLeod would be going back to UNO to present options that the member schools found acceptable. “He’s going to present options the WCHA agreed on during the conference call,” Goeb said. “The league has now given (McLeod) more direction on what’s acceptable as far as terms of a possible agreement.

“The ball is in UNO’s court now. It’s they’re call if they want to accept
the recommendations.” Contrary to previous media reports, there was no actual “straw poll” Wednesday in which a vote was taken on terms of a possible agreement between Omaha and the WCHA. Instead discussions were held concerning what
terms the league athletic directors felt comfortable in offering. The terms could include such items as league entrance fees, the sharing of postseason revenues and when the team would join the league.
------------------------snip------------------------
What appears to be happening now is the typical give and take of any type of business negotiation. McLeod entered into negotiations with UNO and then reported back to league athletic directors. Discussions were held this week on various options and now McLeod will go back to UNO with a more clear directive from league officials. [Bemidji Pioneer]

The latest from Rink and Run. It will be interesting to see what is going to be announced.

The ball is rolling on the Western Collegiate Hockey Association expansion front and could lead to an announcement as soon as Friday, commissioner Bruce McLeod said from his Denver office Thursday afternoon.

McLeod, who met with league athletic directors by phone Wednesday night, said it was premature to discuss any details, but did note that developments had changed since the conference call.

Back to the drawing board?

This is what Brad Elliott Schlossman is reporting.

Today on 740AM The Fan, Dan Hammer reported that nothing was solved during the straw poll last night and he believes that commish Bruce McLeod may have to go back and re-negotiate some things with Omaha.

Hammer said that there were a number of straw polls taken during a very long conference call. Certainly some were regarding the entrance fee and postseason revenue concessions that the WCHA considered giving Omaha.

More on Expansion.

It looks like Alberts is keeping it close to the vest, the man must be a really good poker player. Nothing new here really. I am sure we will hear an announcement in the up coming days or up coming weeks.

UNO Athletic Director Trev Alberts reiterated Wednesday night that the Mavs haven’t applied for admission into the WCHA and that the school is happy with its CCHA membership. He said he wasn’t aware exactly of what the WCHA was meeting to discuss or what the result of those talks might have been.

“There would only be a certain scenario under which we would even entertain the thought of leaving and going to a different league,” Alberts said. “Unless those very basic requirements would be contemplated, we have a home (in the CCHA).”

Alberts declined to get into specifics about the conversations Omaha has had with the WCHA about the terms that would have to be met for the Mavs to consider applying.

However, Omaha would benefit significantly if the league reduces or eliminates the membership fee. When Minnesota State-Mankato entered the WCHA in 1999-2000, it had to pay $120,000 over three years, and it did not receive a cut of postseason revenue during that time. [Omaha.com]

Yeah that is going to happen.

I wonder if Wild fans would trade James Sheppard (160 games 9 goals 34 assists 43 points) for Phil Kessel (222 games 66 goals 60 assists 126 points) ? I say in a heart beat. If the Bruins aren't going to resign him I would rather see him playing in the west not killing the Bruins.

One player who falls into the latter category -- and one who might intrigue the Wild -- is Bruins sniper Phil Kessel, the former Gopher who scored 36 goals in 70 games last season.

The 21-year-old Madison native is a restricted free agent and seeking a deal worth between $4.5 and $5 million a season. While the Bruins plan to meet this week with agent Wade Arnott in hopes of re-signing Kessel, the Bruins are $6 million shy of the anticipated salary cap for next season, and have several other key players to re-sign.

According to numerous sources, Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli is fielding offers, but because he can't take hefty salaries back, he's looking for a first-round pick and at least one top young player. If the Wild was to enter the fray, it would likely cost at least the 12th overall pick and James Sheppard or Tyler Cuma.
[StarTribune]

Hey Gabby just say it!

I am getting sick and tired of Gaborik and his agent stringing the Wild along, just say it, you're not coming back. It would be interesting to see if Fletcher has made an offer to the much injured "prima donna". I think the Wild might want to look into tampering allegation if Gaborik does in fact end up in Vancouver, I am not sure how one would prove that? Zanstorm has an interesting take on the prospects of Gabby playing in Vancouver- 'If Gillis were to sign Gaborik, I hope I'm not around a gun when I'm drunk in the near future. Yeah I could imagine the two injury-prone Slovaks on the Canucks. No bloody thanks.'

Yeah, I can imagine the two Slovaks would both miss quite a few games playing for the Canucks. Pavol Demitra hasn't played a full 82 game season since 2001-2002 season. Marián Gáborík is no better and is known for being a oft injuried player missing a bunch of games the last 4 season (131). During his NHL hockey career Marián Gáborík has only played 81 games in a season once that was 2002-2003. So yeah if you want to play in Vancouver by all means pack your bags. The Canucks are also taking a big time gamble based on his injury status. So it does puzzles me why Gaborik turned down such a big contract offer from the Wild? Gabby has to know he more than likely he isn't going to get such an from another team.

Marian Gaborik’s agent said he has not “closed the door on the Wild.”

But amid an unsubstantiated report out of Vancouver that Gaborik’s already bought a home there, it’s clear it won’t be easy to get Gaborik to pass up the lure of free agency this close to the market opening.

“You never know what can happen,” agent Ron Salcer said Tuesday. “Right now, the only team we can talk to is the Minnesota Wild. I don’t like to say anything’s a foregone conclusion [that he’s leaving] because until July 1, it’s not going to be.

“But free agency is very enticing. To find out what’s available out there in a free market with 29 other teams would be interesting. But you never burn bridges and you wait to see what happens. So we’ll see where it goes.”

But with the strong likelihood of losing the franchise’s all-time leading scorer, Wild GM Chuck Fletcher continues to hold trade talks with several teams, including Ottawa regarding two-time 50-goal scorer Dany Heatley, as the Draft approaches Friday and Saturday. [Startribune.com]

Jacques Lemaire named assistant coach for Canada's 2010 men's Olympic hockey team.

I found this interesting nugget over on from the rink, it appears that former Minnesota Wild Coach Jacques Lemaire will be an assist coach on Canada's 2010 men's Olympic hockey team. Congrats to Jacques Lemaire.

Lindy Ruff, Ken Hitchcock and Jacques Lemaire will be assistant coaches to Mike Babcock on Canada's 2010 men's Olympic hockey team, sources tell CTVOlympics.ca.

The team's executive director, Steve Yzerman, is expected to officially introduce all four coaches in a news conference Thursday morning in Montreal, including Red Wings coach Mike Babcock as head coach.

Hitchcock, coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets, was an associate coach for Team Canada in 2002, when it won gold in Salt Lake City, and in 2006 in Turin, Italy, when Canada finished seventh. Last summer, he coached Canada to a silver medal in the IIHF World Hockey Championship in Halifax. He won a Stanley Cup with the Dallas Stars in 1999.

Ruff, coach of the Buffalo Sabres, recently coached Team Canada to a silver medal at the World Championship in Switzerland. It was the first ever national team assignment for the longest-tenured coach in the NHL. He won the Jack Adams Award in 2005 as the NHL's top coach of the year.


This will be the first Olympic experience for Lemaire, former Minnesota Wild coach, who won eight Stanley Cups as a player with the Montreal Canadiens and one with the 1995 New Jersey Devils. He is a two-time Jack Adams award winner.

[CTV]

Hasting to be UNO assistant.

Fiona Quick, and Ryan Cardinal from Gopher Puck Live is reporting that Mike Hasting is going to be Dean Blais' assistant coach. If Fiona Quick is right, it looks like former Gopher Scott Bell is going to be Lucia's assistant coach. Ironic thing is that the Star Tribune's Gopher Hockey beat writer is no where to found on the subject.

University of MN assistant coach Mike Hastings is leaving to become Assoc coach at University of Nebraska Omaha w/Dean Blais
--------
University of Minnesota alumnus and current Hamline University head coach Scott Bell should be the primary candidate for U of MN vacancy [Quick facts] and [Minnesota Hockey Journal]

This might help the Bruins.

This could be a good move to give the Bruins more space to work under the cap and maybe allow them to keep their talented forward Phil Kessel. During the last two seasons Peter Schaefer was an utter disappointment and dead weight for the Boston Bruins.

There is belief the Maple Leafs have been zeroing in on New York Rangers defenceman Wade Redden and forward Peter Schaefer of the Boston Bruins.

Schaefer, 31, was buried in the minors by the Bruins last season because of salary cap concerns. He has one more year on his contract at $2.3-million (U.S.). Redden, 32, was signed to a six-year, $39-million unrestricted free-agent deal last summer, and the Rangers would not be averse to moving him. [the Bruins Blog] and [Globe and Mail]

More on Heatly to the Wild.

I dunno? I think Heatley could replace the offensive void that Gaborik will leave when he signs a free agent deal somewhere else. With Heatley asking for a trade from his second team he comes off as being a spoiled prima donna that gave up on his team mates for a second time because it wasn't going his way in Ottawa. On the other hand, I would be for any deal that ships first round bust James Sheppard out of town. I have seen nothing from him that leads me to believe that he was worthy of a first round draft choice.

As soon as Heatley’s trade demand went public, it likely weakened the Senators’ ability to get maximum return.

“This is going to be a tough deal for the Senators to make,” a league executive said yesterday. “Dany Heatley is a good player, but he’s not a great player and he’s certainly created a lot of questions about his character because this is the second time in his career he has asked for a trade.”

Sources say the Kings, Minnesota Wild, St. Louis Blues, Edmonton Oilers and Canucks are the most interested teams. The Wild, Oilers and Canucks weren’t on Heatley’s list, but he might be willing to be flexible to get out of Ottawa.

“The issue is you’re not going to get back as good a player as Heatley,” said the executive. “This deal isn’t easy to sell because the player wants out and Bryan Murray is going to have a tough time telling people that his team has improved (after a trade).”

The Kings would like to move winger Alexander Frolov and defenceman Jack Johnson, but the Senators have concerns with both players. Johnson has fired his agent and there is talk he is seeking $5.5 million per season on a long-term deal, while Frolov may not fit into the Senators’ system. The Kings might be willing to offer centre Jarret Stoll, who is scheduled to make $3.6 million next season. Stoll had 18 goals and 23 assists in 74 games last year.

Wild GM Chuck Fletcher, who just took over from the fired Doug Risebrough, has a close relationship with Murray. They have talked about Heatley. It’s believed the Wild could offer centre James Sheppard, defenceman Tyler Cuma or winger Cal Clutterbuck. Minnesota is also trying to move defenceman Marek Zidlicky, centre Eric Belanger and winger Derek Boogaard.

The executive noted not many teams have the ability to make the deal for Heatley and plenty of GMs are probably just “kicking tires” with Murray to see if they can get Heatley for nothing.

“There are so many teams that are up against it and they can’t afford to take on the $7.5 million per season on that contract,” said the executive. “The issue for the Senators is 50-goal scorers don’t come along very often and if you’ve got one, you want to keep him.” [ottawasun.com]

The WCHA Staw Poll.

Here is what Moose of the Hockey Show had to say on the Straw Poll over on USHCO.COM

I just got off the phone with Bruce McLeod, and the conference call is set for tomorrow night. There have been concessions made for UNO, re: entrance fees and reveue, and that is what will be discussed with the WCHA AD's tomorrow. If the "straw poll" is favorable, UNO will submit a letter, and the FAR's will schedule a vote. If the straw poll is not favorable, new terms will be set forth to renegotiate with UNO, or attention will turn to UAF. No timetable was given for the second part of this (FAR vote). This was just a casual conversation I had, so I didn't record it for the web or radio broadcast.

Moose

Dany Heatley's list of teams.

Props to Puck Daddy; this is the list of teams that Dany Heatly wants to be traded to, notice that Minnesota Wild are not one of his teams that he wants to be traded to. Big whew! I don't think I want him on the Wild as well, as a matter of fact I am sick and tired of self center athletes and would like to see the Wild start out fresh. Also, the Boston Bruins do not have room under the cap to sign Heatley so he can take that team off of his list. The Bruins would have to give up the farm to get Heatley and I don't know if they would like to mess up the locker room chemistry with a distraction like Heatley.

• According to Sun Media, the wishlist Dany Heatley(notes) provided the Ottawa Senators: "Sources told Sun Media the Los Angeles Kings, New York Rangers, San Jose Sharks, Detroit Red Wings, Chicago Blackhawks, Vancouver Canucks and Boston Bruins were among the teams submitted to Murray by Heatley's agents J.P. Barry and Stacey McAlpine." It's good to want things. [Sun Media]

Ray Bourque to the Bruins?

Here is an interesting article that I found on line. It seems like a good fit. [Bruins Offer Coaching, Front-Office, Playing Position To Ray Bourque]

BOSTON—Citing continued leadership problems at the executive and strategic levels, as well as the fact that they could use a little help on defense, Boston Bruins owner Jeremy Jacobs expressed interest in signing former All-Star captain Ray Bourque to help the struggling Bruins "in a variety of ways." "In addition to being a favorite of fans here in Boston, Ray Bourque is a proven champion," Jacobs said, referring to Bourque's 21 years with the Bruins and his brief stint with the Stanley Cup-winning Colorado Avalanche. "I believe the leadership, vision, and motivation he exhibited during two decades as a professional hockey player will translate extremely well to his new roles as head coach, general manager, and hockey player." The 45-year-old Bourque announced he is considering the offer, but will weigh it against the opportunity recently offered to him to become concessions, lighting, and entertainment director for Boston's TD Banknorth Garden.

UPDATE: I recieved an email from someone that informed me that this story is false.

Kessel denies 5 million dollar demand.

Boston Bruins forward and former Gopher Phil Kessel is denying a report from the reported by the Ottawa Sun that he is demanding five million dollars a year. Kessel also said that he wants to remain a Boston Bruin. That could also probably shoot down the rumor from hockeybuzz.com that Boston isn’t looking to give Phil Kessel an offer even matching the $3.75 they gave teammate David Krejci, meaning that Kessel will likely be moved.

FRANKLIN — After Phil Kessel finished fielding the creampuff questions from precocious fifth-graders here at the John F. Kennedy Elementary School yesterday, the Bruins forward got down to the harder stuff with a couple reporters.

No, he said, he and his agent, Wade Arnott, have not asked for $5 million a year during negotiations with the Bruins on a new contract, as was reported by the Ottawa Sun.

Yes, his first priority is to remain with the Bruins rather than play elsewhere, although he will become a restricted free agent in a little less than two weeks (July 1) if no agreement is struck with Boston before then.

And yes, his left shoulder is coming along nicely some four weeks after surgery to repair a torn labrum, but even the notoriously fast-healing Kessel doubts he’ll be ready for the start of the regular season in early October.

No to the 'staged fight' rule.

I have to say that I applaud this rule, it’s the right decision. Thank God sanity crept back into the equation and we didn’t create some rule based on a hasty decision. While it was unfortunate that a player was killed in a fight last winter, the same thing could happen with a check from behind or an open ice hit. It was a freak accident.

I was once accused by an unnamed person of relishing a good fight. Yep, you got me, guilty as charged. I have yet to go to a hockey game witness a fight and see people head for the exits, I have seen them stand and cheer though. Fighting polices the game and keep the so called “agitators” in check.

LAS VEGAS -- It appears the "staged fights" rule recommended by the NHL's 30 GMs will not see the light of day.

The players discussed it at their meeting here this week and they recommended to their members on the competition committee to vote against it. The committee needs seven of 10 votes to pass a new rule and won't get them if all five players vote "no" next Thursday when the group meets in Montreal.

The union brought in a number of tough guys Wednesday and they shared their universal thumbs-down on the "staged fights" rule proposition.

"They gave the group a pretty clear message," said NHL Players' Association executive Glenn Healy. "What's the code? What are the rules of engagement? Everyone talks about it, but what is it? So we had these guys come in and talk about it.

"We're about safety, but we also understand that if a fight breaks out in a game, Gandhi isn't leaving; he's going to stay and watch it. We understand that it's part of our sport, it cleans up our sport, it polices our sport, and it's entertainment. Goals, saves, fights -- thank you."

Hockey tough sell to new Canadians.

I found the link to this article over on the illegal curve I believe this goes back to the argument that hockey is a niche sport and doesn’t always translate to all cultures, demographics as well as parts of the USA and or Canada. If you’re an immigrant from China, South Asia, Middle East or the Caribbean, hockey is not a native sport to those countries nor are there many hockey arenas. If you’re from one of these parts of the world, your probably going to be a soccer player.

When Bas Balkissoon moved to Scarborough 34 years ago, hockey was the sport of choice for the mostly white community. But since then, the MPP for Scarborough-Rouge River has watched the community's taste in sports change as new immigrants from China, South Asia and the Caribbean settled there.

"Most of them are from non-hockey-playing countries, where cricket, soccer and badminton are the kind of sports they're familiar with," said Balkissoon, who emigrated from Trinidad in 1970.

"I doubt you could do anything to make hockey a mainstream sport in the community in this area."

The cost of hockey is prohibitive, he said, noting that most immigrants can't afford to pay $1,000 every winter to put a child in a hockey program. In contrast, a summer of soccer costs as little as $100.

Hockey fanatics like Egypt native Nour Abdelwahed, 15, say lowering the cost of equipment would be the best way to lure apprehensive youngsters. The Grade 10 student at David and Mary Thomson Collegiate Institute can skate but only plays street hockey because ice hockey gear is beyond his parents' budget. He thinks more accessible and reasonably priced equipment would allow local leagues to thrive.

"It's not just too high for new immigrants, it's everybody," he said.
[The Star]

Wild interested in Heatley?

Mike Russo has said that the new Wild GM has talked to the Senators GM about acquiring former Wisconsin Badger and current disgruntled Senator Dany Heatley. While Heatley is a dominating hockey players and one of the better forwards in the NHL, I would hope that Heatly wouldn’t come here. I think it could be a potential cancer in the locker room. That is all the Wild need is another potential hockey player that is unhappy in Minnesota, ala Marian Gaborik. This is also the second team that he has asked for a trade from.

With the State of the Wilds cap and who they have on the roster I don’t think the Wild could find enough talent on the Wild’s roster to trade to the Senators to get Heatly anyways. I do have one suggestion if the Wild Management could dump James Sheppard and the ever soft perimeter player Pierre-Marc Bouchard I would be all for it.

Fletcher expects trade talks to intensify this week. He has spoken to all 29 other teams about a variety of hopeful fits. He even has talked several times to Ottawa GM Bryan Murray about two-time 50-goal scorer Dany Heatley, who has asked to be traded and could be by Friday night.

Mr Hockey, 'people should cut Sid The Kid some slack.'

I have to agree with Gordy Howe, cut Sidney Crosby some slack. I honestly don't think Sidney Crosby snubbed the Red Wings players on purpose, I think he got caught up with the interviews and the exuberance of the moment. Drew from the illegal curve also has some advice for Chris Draper, spend a dollar and buy some class. I have to agree hockey is played by men not a bunch of hypersenstive sorority girls.

TORONTO - Mr. Hockey says people should cut Sid The Kid some slack.

Hockey legend Gordie Howe doesn't believe Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby intentionally failed to shake hands with some Detroit players after Game 7 of the Stanley Cup final.

Howe said Crosby's natural shyness combined with getting caught up in the emotion of winning an NHL championship resulted in Crosby getting in line to shake hands after some Red Wings had left the ice.

"He got caught up," Howe said Thursday after serving as the Queen's Plate honorary drawmaster at Woodbine Racetrack. "He will mature.

"He's a good kid."

Great CBC video.

This video is a perfect example on why I love NHL Hockey coverage on CBC, this is heads tails above Versus or NBC. Living close to the Canadian Border I am able to get CBC as a part of my cable package.

More on UAF.

Alaska Nanooks Hockey Blog has an interesting blog article on the UAF's prospects of moving to the WCHA. The Nanooks blogger talked with the UAF AD Forrest Karr. There were two points from the article that really stuck out. Very interesting.

So this is where I have to ask what the WCHA sees in UNO? Why do they seem to be so interested in them? Forrest's response, "No idea...". I second that. The only thing that I can think of is the recruiting side of things. Omaha puts you right in that fine divider between USHL and the NAHL, which opens up a lot of recruitment opportunities for the coaching staff of the WCHA that they currently don't have

This is he other part of the blog post that sticks out for me as maybe the writting is on the wall. While the voting might not be over as some say. I will buy that. It does appear that expansion/realignment is going a certain direction.

But with all of the financial benefit to all parties involved, why are we riding the pine pony while UNO hogs all the WCHA ice time? I didn't have an answer, but Forrest Karr put it nicely. "Right now it doesn't make sense to jump into the mix as the WCHA is a long ways down the road already with UNO. The coaching staff (and I agree) would rather show loyalty to the CCHA and if for some reason a UNO-WCHA partnership does not work out, we will discuss further."

[Nanooks and the WCHA - The Saga Continues...]

Expansion talk.

Brad Elliott Schlossman has nice a blog article today about some of the things facing CHA member Alabama-Huntsville and their quest to get into the CCHA.
[University of North Dakota Hockey]

If Omaha departs the CCHA for the WCHA -- a move that is looking probable -- it would drop the CCHA to an odd number of 11 teams.

Alabama-Huntsville applied for membership in January and received a site visit from the CCHA a couple of weeks ago. The CCHA will vote on Huntsville's application in August. By then, it will know whether Omaha is on its way out.

Huntsville coach Danton Cole said today that he felt that the site visit went well. The CCHA had a few concerns and Cole said UAH is working to address those concerns "quickly."

"There is no guarantee on our future," Cole said, "regardless of what transpires with the other institutions over the summer. That being said, the university and our community are very proud of what we presented and what we have to offer the CCHA and college hockey."

Geographically, UAH isn't much different than Omaha is to the CCHA, and transportation wouldn't be all that bad. Bowling Green is a quick, three-hour drive to UAH. The Huntsville airport also has direct flights to Chicago, Detroit and Cincinnati -- which basically covers the CCHA.

The Anchorage Dail News has an article today saying that there is going to be an informal vote on expansion on next week. So WCHA fans are going to have the answer sooner rather than later. Interesting point is if league office gets expansion done before August we would have a new 12 team WCHA in 2010.
[WCHA likely to expand to 12]

UAA's hockey team is likely to get two new conference rivals in a year or two, and whether one of them is the Nanooks from up north will depend largely on a straw vote league members will take next week.

The 10-team Western Collegiate Hockey Association has all but decided to expand to 12 teams, either for the 2010-11 season or the 2011-12 season, commissioner Bruce McLeod said.

UAA athletic director Steve Cobb, one of four members of the WCHA's structure committee, thinks league members next week will vote informally on a proposal to admit both Bemidji and Omaha.

If that vote fails to show widespread support for both teams, or if Omaha decides it doesn't want to join the league, Fairbanks is expected to become a bigger part of the equation.

"Depending on how things go with Omaha, we'll consider Fairbanks," McLeod said.

The team everyone expects to gain admission is Bemidji State of Minnesota, the only school so far to formally apply for membership. Bemidji was an NCAA Frozen Four team this year, but its conference -- College Hockey America -- has disbanded.

But the WCHA wants an even number of teams, McLeod said. And so it has been talking with the University of Nebraska-Omaha, a member of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association that is a geographical fit for the WCHA.

The league has had several conversations with Omaha, McLeod said. The Mavericks recently hired head coach Dean Blais, a long-time WCHA coach who guided North Dakota to national championships in 1997 and 2000.

If Omaha decides it doesn't want to leave the CCHA, or if WCHA members decide Omaha isn't the best choice for its 12th team, Fairbanks will become a bigger part of the expansion conversation

"Bruce McLeod has asked us to sit back and wait to see what happens with Nebraska-Omaha," UAF athletic director Forrest Karr told the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner last week.

Two other schools that McLeod wouldn't name are also potential applicants for membership. But Cobb predicts the new members will come from two of three schools -- Bemidji, Omaha or Fairbanks.

Just when you think that MSU-Moorhead has little or no chance of starting up a division one hockey program the CCHA commissioner throws them a life line. Also, star2city posted the MSU-M business plan for expansion. It's mind numbing that college hockey cost that much.

Moorhead, Minn. (WDAY Sports) - MSU Moorhead has likely seen the door closed on it's WCHA hopes, but the Commissioner of the CCHA says his league may be willing to consider a startup program.

It's all speculation right now, but the dragons say if they can raise enough money they'll launch a program next year.

Nebraska Omaha is about to move to the WCHA, but that would open up a spot in the CCHA.

If the Dragons have hopes of getting in, they could boost their appeal by offering a travel subsidy

.

Tim Thomas wins the Vezina Trophy.

Former Vermont Catamounts and current Bruins goalie Tim Thomas was officially announced as the winner of the Vezina trophy tonight. It's a nice finish to a great season for Thomas. In my opinion I believe that Tim Thomas is the best American goalie in the NHL and will be one of the goalies for team USA in the 2010 olympics.

LAS VEGAS -- Tim Thomas has truly received his due.

The Boston Bruins goaltender was awarded the Vezina Trophy on Thursday, beating out Steve Mason of the Columbus Blue Jackets and Niklas Backstrom of the Minnesota Wild in voting by the NHL's 30 general managers.

The honour is especially meaningful to Thomas because it was only a few years ago that he figured his dream of playing in the NHL was dead. He never minds hearing about his rags-to-riches journey.

"It doesn't bother me that other people talk about it," said Thomas. "I'm 35 (years old). At 31, I was thinking to myself that I'm going to be playing in Finland for the rest of my career. This is a long way from where I was. ...

"This is a totally different level that I've been able to reach."

Thomas and partner Manny Fernandez also shared the Jennings Trophy after helping the Bruins post the lowest goals-against average in the NHL.

It was a good season in Beantown.

Dean Blais on with Dan Hammer.

Dan Hammer was on the Fan 740 talking with Dean Blais. From listening to Dean Blais during the interview it would appear he leaves little mystery where the Mavericks want to play and he isn't hiding the fact that there is a very good chance the Mavericka are heading to the WCHA, why would Blais say this if it isn't true? The man sounds kind of confident in the Mavericks conference of choice.

This is a quote from Blais, "I think they are going to be in the CCHA next year and the WCHA with Bemidji State the following year to make it a tweleve team league."

[Click here to listen]

Beavers Hockey Schedule

Here is the Bemidji State University Beavers 2009-2010 Hockey schedule.
They have a pretty impressive non-conference schedule, AFA (X2), NMU (x2), Minnesota (x2), OSU (x1), Miami (x1), MSUM (x2), WMU (x2), UMD (x2).
Oct. 9 Air Force 7:35
Oct. 10 Air Force 7:05
Oct. 23 at Northern Mich. 6:35
Oct. 24 at Northern Mich. 6:35
Oct. 30 at Ala.-Huntsville 7:35
Oct. 31 at Ala.-Huntsville 7:05
Nov. 6 Robert Morris 7:35
Nov. 7 Robert Morris 7:05
Nov. 14 at Minnesota 7:37
Nov. 15 at Minnesota 6:07
Nov. 20 Ala.-Huntsville 7:35
Nov. 21 Ala.-Huntsville 7:05
Nov. 27 Miami (Ohio)* 4:07
Nov. 28 Ohio State* 4:07
Dec. 4 Niagara 7:35
Dec. 5 Niagara 7:05
Dec. 11 MSU, Mankato 7:35
Dec. 12 MSU, Mankato 7:05
Jan. 2 at Western Mich. 7:30
Jan. 3 at Western Mich 4:00
Jan. 15 at Niagara 6:05
Jan. 16 at Niagara 6:05
Jan. 22 Minn.-Duluth 7:35
Jan. 23 at Minn.-Duluth 7:07
Jan. 29 Robert Morris 7:35
Jan. 30 Robert Morris 7:05
Feb. 12 at Robert Morris 7:35
Feb. 13 at Robert Morris 7:05
Feb. 19 Niagara 7:35
Feb. 20 Niagara 7:05
Feb. 26 at Neb.-Omaha 7:05
Feb. 27 at Neb.-Omaha 7:05
March 5 at Ala.-Huntsville 7:05
March 6 at Ala.-Huntsville 7:05
March 12-14 CHA Tournament TBA

* Subway Holiday Classic, Grand Forks N.D.

Humpday linkorama.

Here is an interesting story on Trev Alberts and him making noise for UNO. [Husker Extra]

Former Gopher Alex Goligoski just signed a contract with the Penguins. The Former Gopher Defenseman was the third-leading scorer amongst all NHL rookie defenseman last season with six goals and 14 assists in 45 games. [TSN]

Leafs General Manager Brian Burke is NOT interested in former Badger Dany Heatly. [TSN]

The Senator's general manager will deal his disgruntled forward Dany Heatly on his terms. [Slam Sports]
This season it's going to be hard to move the big ticket hockey players. [Spector]

If you want to listen to a really good hockey radio show, listen to the illegal Curves radio broadcast from 7:00 PM till 9:00 PM click here or here.

Apparently the Jim Balsillie group has plenty of fight left in them and they aren't going to give up yet. [Tornoto Sun]

Paul Allen talks hockey.

P.A. interviewed new Wild general manager Chuck Flethcer. Paul Allen also interviewed Gopher hockey player Jordan Schroeder, interesting stuff in the interview. Sounds like Schroeder isn't against moving on if it was the right situation.

During the second part of the hour P.A. asks Fletcher about the Gaborik situation and basically the GM says that we are going to want to see where they are at sooner rather than later. It doesn't sound like Fletcher is going to monkey around with Gabby very long. It also sounds like Fletcher plans on not having Gaborik back.

[click to listen to the podcast] [Paul Allen Show podcasts]

The Pens with the Cup

One of the greatest sport trophies in all of professional sports, Lord Stanley's Cup. Notice when a few of them pick the cup up they say ________ yeah... Twenty nine teams didn't win it. The Penguins made all the right moves at the trade dead line.

Check out this picture.

The new UNO marketing campaign is under way. Notice a familiar face to Sioux fans.
[props]

12 teams means more $.

One of my buddies who will go un-named emailed me this retort. It makes sense. Just for the record the Super Six idea gives one more team a chance to advance to Saint Paul in March, but it also means more money for all teams involved.

A 12 team WCHA league is NOT a money loser that deprives each team of $20,000.........Let us not forget if there were 12 teams in the WCHA there will be an additional first playoff series.............which means..........

In 2009 SCSU would have hosted a first round play off series and they would have sold 12K to 18K tickets at $30 a pop for $360,000 to $540,000 for the WCHA to be split 12 ways = meaning each team would have received an additional $25,000 to $40,000 after expenses

In 2008 WISCONSIN would have hosted a first round play off series and they would have sold 20K to 30K tickets at $30 a pop for $600,000 to $900,000 for the WCHA to be split 12 ways = meaning each team would have received an additional $40,000 to $70,000 after expenses

In 2007 WISCONSIN would have hosted a first round play off series and they would have sold 20K to 30K tickets at $30 a pop for $600,000 to $900,000 for the WCHA to be split 12 ways = meaning each team would have received an additional $40,000 to $70,000 after expenses

In 2006 SCSU would have hosted a first round play off series and they would have sold 12K to 18K tickets at $30 a pop for $360,000 to $540,000 for the WCHA to be split 12 ways = meaning each team would have received an additional $25,000 to $40,000 after expenses

SO, going to 12 teams is profitable, and does NOT come at a loss of revenue

12 team WCHA ALSO gives the WCHA another Super SIX playoff game, which is one more than a FINAL Five format for even more money to distribute......WCHA can charge more for XCEL playoff package Because there's another playoff game included.....two on Thursday instead of one Thursday night play-in game

Finally, as a rebuttal to the UAF proposal.........any team can already go to UAF every year and get the exemption NOW if they wish, and can then have two more home games for doing so......teams do not need UAF in their own conference to travel to UAF for an exemption........they can already do that NOW IF THEY WISH

12 team WCHA increases revenue, and even more with UNO because of potential for huge home playoff draws as well

Radio personality Jeff Dubay faces a year in jail

Jeff Dubay has apparently suffered a set back. Goon's World is pulling for Jeff Dubay and hopes he can get his act together and fight this thing. I actually ran into him at the Final Five in St. Paul and he looked like he was doing better.

Jeff Dubay, a former sports-talk radio personality, is facing jail time after failing to complete two substance abuse programs and repeatedly testing positive for cocaine use.

Dubay, 41, of Plymouth, was fired as a morning-show host at KFAN-AM after he was charged in mid-October with fifth-degree drug possession. He was placed in a yearlong diversion program, which could have resulted in the charge being dismissed. That program required him to perform 100 hours of community service, remain law abiding and comply with other conditions.

Dubay flunked out of that program but caught another break when he was accepted into Substance Abuse Court in March, according to Ramsey County District Court records.

According to the records, Dubay tested positive for cocaine on 12 occasions, the most recent June 6. He also failed to report for 11 urine tests since January. Those violations disqualified him from the Substance Abuse Court.

Dubay was arrested on June 10 and released on bail two days later. He will be sentenced July 21 by District Judge Joanne Smith. Sentencing guidelines call for him to spend a year in jail. [StarTribune]

Links to the Story

Fallen KFAN radio star Jeff Dubay flunks out of second drug diversion program. [Grand Forks, Herald]

Former radio host Jeff Dubay faces year in jail. [KSTP]

Dubay out of latest drug diversion program, faces prison sentence [Pioneer Press]

Sloppy Seconds on Late Night.

Props to Sean Leahy of Puck Daddy, for having the video of Sean "Sloppy Seconds" Avery, all I can say is wow, he is definitely marching to the beat of a different drum. Avery just kind of reminds you some of the Hollyweird crowd and he fits right in with them.

UAF discussion

There has been an interesting discussion on who the 12th team is going to be. There are a few people out there that want the UAF team to be the 12th team to be admitted to the WCHA. There have been a few great discussions on the blogsphere about this subject. I don't care which team is admitted, I prefer UNO because of their old affiliation in the now defunct NCC. That being said this discussion is all but over. There is a 95% - 5 % chance that UNO is going to be the 12th team. UAF is a fall back plan if UNO falls through.

[UNO to WCHA Quicker Than Expected?] and [ANCHORAGE FAN REALLY WANTS UAF IN WCHA]

The Key is right here as Moose Richards points out over on Chris Dilk's blog. You can listen to the Commish Bruce McLeod tell us that. Check it out the blog the "Hockey Show" Moose and Scott have had the WCHA Commissioner Bruce McLeod on their show numerous times through out the process.

Note how he says they are “targeting one institution” (read UNO), and that when I asked about all the other schools (NMU, UAF, MSU- Moorhead) he only talked in casual terms about them (saying that they haven’t gone “too far down the road” on UAF). I don’t think that Bruce would be negotiation with that one school if he thought they wouldn’t be voted in, seeing as the WCHA is committed to expanding to 12 schools.

Moose

First post of the rest of the summer. (Linkorama)

Wild beat writer and blogger Mike Russo is reporting that former Gopher Todd Richards is going to be the next coach of the Wild. Also, in the same article Tom Lynn assistant general manager is out in Minnesota. This might be a signal to Marian Gaborik that the Wild are serious about getting him back. Apparently Gabby isnt' a fan of Lynn.

According to multiple NHL sources, San Jose Sharks assistant coach Todd Richards will become the second Wild coach in history. A news conference to “introduce the Wild’s new head coach” will be made by new GM Chuck Fletcher on Tuesday at noon at Gate 1 of Xcel Energy Center. [Russo's Rants]

Jim Balsille was rejected today by a Arizona bankruptcy today. Balsille will not be allowed to buy the Phoenix Coyotes and move them to Hamilton. I am sure Buffalo Sabres fans are breathing a sigh of relief.

PHOENIX -- Jim Balsillie's attempt to bring the Phoenix Coyotes to Hamilton has been rejected by an Arizona bankruptcy judge.

Redfield T. Baum's much anticipated ruling came down Monday night, nearly a week after a dramatic hearing in his Phoenix court.

In the 21-page document he said the court didn't believe there was enough time to resolve all the various issues before the sale of the insolvent team to Balsillie for US$212.5 million that was due to close June 29.

That nullifies the proposed June 22 auction for the team and other related deadlines. Other links to the story. [The Globe and Mail] [illegal curve] [Puck Daddy] [AZcentral.com] [Five For Howling]

Apparently some of the Red Wings are upset with Sidney Crosby for not getting to the hand shake line in a prompt fashion. [StarTribune.com] [Detroit AP] [Fan House] [Detroit Free Press]

Dean Blais on the radio in Omaha.

Check out Dean Blais on Omaha's KOZN Unsportsmanlike Conduct with Kevin and Damon. I miss listening to Blais break down hockey like he did when he was here with UND. Some interesting comments on the differene between the NHL, College and Junior.