Image via WikipediaSounds like UND and Wisconsin are going to continue to play after the move to their new leagues. This is good news because the Sioux and Badgers rivalry is one of the best in college hockey.
Andy Baggot; Madison.COM --- The Fighting Sioux don't play here in 2012-13 and the schools head in different realignment directions in 2013-14. UW will make its home in the new Big Ten Conference and North Dakota will take up residence in the new National Collegiate Hockey Conference.
UW coach Mike Eaves said non-conference scheduling parameters are still being drawn up for the new Big Ten, so any non-conference discussions are on hold.
But there have already been discussions between the schools about committing to a series every year when the new leagues debut. That's how much the rivalry means to those involved.
The
Windsor Spitfires of the OHL are hot on tail of highly coveted Fighting Sioux recruit Jordan Schmaltz. The
Spitfires management and their head coach have not been shy in their pursuit of Schmaltz either. To be honest with you I am sick and tired of the OHL/CHL going after recruits that are already committed to college hockey programs, but there is nothing that the NCAA teams can do because Fighting Sioux head coach
Dave Hakstol can't even comment on Jordan Schmaltz until he signs a letter of intent to go to UND. Personally, I wish the NCAA change their rules and allow a CHL player to play in the NCAA and then maybe the NCAA could give them a piece of their own medicine.
Jim Parker, The Windsor Star --- For two years, the Spitfires have had their overtures rebuffed by Schmaltz and his family, who have son Nick Schmaltz eligible for the 2012 OHL Draft.
“It hasn’t been as pleasant as I had expected,” Spitfires general manager Warren Rychel said. “I think he’s making a mistake in not exploring his options.”
At this point, the 18-year-old Schmaltz is playing his third season in the United States Hockey League with the Sioux City Musketeers in Iowa.
Next year, he’s scheduled to attend North Dakota University on a full-ride scholarship, but the Spitfires believe professional hockey will come calling long before he gets his degree.
“He won’t play four years of college hockey,” Rychel said.
Chris Peters of the United States of Hockey had a response to the Windsor Star article and according to Chris the Spitfires are smart in the way they are pursuing Schmaltz because they are taking it public and Hakstol really can't do anything but hope his prized recruit doesn't bolt on him to the Windsor Spitfires.
Chris Peters; The United States of Hockey --- This piece allows Rychel to let everybody know Windsor wants Jordan Schmaltz and if Schmaltz doesn’t go to Windsor, he’s making a mistake. Whoever reads the piece is getting that as the takeaway.
There will be no rebuttal in public from North Dakota, and likely none from Schmaltz himself, and Rychel knows that. North Dakota Head Coach Dave Hakstol can’t say a word about Jordan Schmaltz publicly because Schmaltz has yet to sign a National Letter of Intent. So for now, there is one public voice on this issue, and it’s the voice Rychel most wants you to hear. His own.
This is not a criticism of Windsor. In fact, I think it might be quite smart. If Schmaltz elects not to go to Windsor, the team has already stated they think that’s a mistake. Then again, perhaps Schmaltz takes the challenge to heart and gives Windsor an extra look (assuming he’s not offended by the public nature of the challenge).
Image via WikipediaSounds like UND and Wisconsin are going to continue to play after the move to their new leagues. This is good news because the Sioux and Badgers rivalry is one of the best in college hockey. 
