Weekend Match-Ups (by Donn)

When looking at the match-ups this weekend, it almost is the NCHC versus the state of New York!  There are four series against teams from New York.

NCHC STANDINGS 2013-2014

Team………………………W-L-T………Points

Colorado College……….1-1-0…….….…3
Miami……………………..1-1-0……….....3
Minnesota-Duluth……….1-1-0……….…..3
North Dakota…………….1-1-0……….….3
Denver……………………0-0-0…………..0
Nebraska-Omaha……….0-0-0…………..0
St. Could St………………0-0-0…………..0
Western Michigan………0-0-0…………..0 

Non-Conference Games

Colorado College @ Clarkson

Last weekend the Tigers split their first ever NCHC home series with the Bulldogs, winning the opener 3-1 and dropping the next game 5-1.

The Tigers travel this weekend to Potsdam, NY to visit the 4-1-1 Golden Knights of the ECAConference.  Since it is early in the season, I will have to give the nod to the new NCHC in this series.  TIGERS 3-pts

#10 St. Could St. @ Colgate

The Huskies also travel to NY this weekend; they are going to Hamilton, NY to play the Raiders of Colgate, who happened to be 2-2-1 on the season.

Last season the Huskies made the Frozen Four and the Raiders lost in the first round of the ECAC tourney.  This one is an easy pick for me, SCSU SWEEP.

Niagara @ #17 Denver

Last weekend the Pioneers lost to Alaska in OT, 3-2 and to Alaska-Anchorage the next night 3-2 in OT, at the Alaska Gold Rush Tournament.

The 1-2-1 Purple Eagles from Niagara NY and members of the Atlantic Hockey Conference will be landing in Denver this weekend to play a pair of games.

With the Pioneers dropping a pair of games last weekend up in Alaska, I wonder about them…but let’s face it, AH isn’t the best league out there.  PIONEERS 3-pts

#2 Notre Dame @ Minnesota-Duluth

Last weekend the Bulldogs split their first ever NCHC home series with the Tigers, they dropped the first game 3-1 and winning the second 5-1.

The number two team in the nation takes their way 4-0-0 record to the DECC this weekend for another weekend series on Lake Superior (they were at MTU last weekend).  These teams already have a common opponent already, MTU, UMD won and tied them, ND swept them.  I’ll take Notre Dame for 3-pts this weekend.

#19 Cornell @ Nebraska-Omaha

Last weekend the Mavericks split their first series with the Wildcats from NMU, winning the opener 2-1 and dropping the next game 6-3.

The Big Red from Ithaca, NY and of the ECAC, take the ice for their first official games of the season this weekend.  The Mavericks have eight of their next ten games at home. After this series, their home games get much harder #6 NoDak, #4 Michigan,  and #3 Miami, ouch (and away at Denver).  I know it is early in the season, but these are some must win games already.  SPLIT.

Exhibition Games

US U-18 TEAM @ #6 North Dakota

Last weekend UND split their first ever NCHC road series with the Redhawks, winning the opener 4-2 and dropping the next game 6-2.

Being an “un-official” game, I’m officially picking UND to win, you know, to keep balance in the universe.

BYE WEEK

#3 Miami

Western Michigan 

Tuesday Links

There's quite a few newsworthy items in the college hockey world.

The crest for the soon-to-be christened USS North Dakota nuclear attack submarine is outstanding: pic.twitter.com/sMFS0pAI0T
— Sioux Tradition (@SiouxTradition) October 22, 2013

@TheNCHC pk numbers pretty good minimum 10 kills. NoDak-4th, UMD 6th, DEN 7th, CC 9th, Miami 21st.
— Dave Starman (@DStarmanHockey) October 22, 2013

DU assistant will leave Pioneers: http://t.co/GWQaIczaeE #NCHCHockey #cawlidgehawkey #collegehockey
— Joe Paisley (@Paisleyhockey) October 22, 2013

Congrats to our #NCHCFan of the Week @saraj323, who drove 16 hours to see @UNDMHockey play at Miami in NCHC opener! pic.twitter.com/GcTCfPgy4t
— The NCHC (@TheNCHC) October 21, 2013

Read: The Danny Kristo Season So Far http://t.co/p6abtjpJAH
— Adam Rotter (@AdamRotter) October 22, 2013

Related articles

• College Hockey Sunday Evening Links (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• NCHC Hockey: UND's beats Miami in Inaugural Game (thehockeywriters.com)
• NCHC Hockey: 10 Must Follow Twitter Accounts (thehockeywriters.com)
• NCHC Hockey: North Dakota versus Miami goals (Video) (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• NCHC Hockey: North Dakota and Miami Split Inaugural Weekend (thehockeywriters.com)

College Hockey Sunday Evening Links

For those keeping track at home, there were two NCHC series this weekend, and both of these series ended in a series split. I believe it’s a preview of things to come. This league is going to be a head knocker, and there will be no easy wins in the NCHC. Every game is going to be a war. A team can’t take a night off and expect to win the league championship. I know it sounds cliché, but it’s the truth.

In case you forgot, last season, four of the eight teams in the NCHC made the NCAA playoffs. Half of the league went to the NCAA tourney and the other half that didn’t make the NCAA tourney, could be in contention to make the tourney this season.  One of the teams (Saint Cloud State University) made the Frozen Four, losing to the eventual runner-up Quinnipiac University.

Tigers pay tribute to late @ColoradoCollege hockey teammate Scott Winkler http://t.co/GHiZiZ4vpE #cctigers @TheNCHC
— The Gazette (@csgazette) October 20, 2013

NCHC Weekend Recap - http://t.co/tInSHckap8 #NCHChockey
— Matt Christians (@Matt_Christians) October 20, 2013

For all those asking there will not be a BMT season 6. After 4.5 great seasons we have decided to retire the show. #BMTtalk
— Brad Miller Time (@BMTUND) October 21, 2013

No. 1 Miami bounces back to get series split against UND http://t.co/AOqyO5Rj44
— Schlossman (@SchlossmanGF) October 20, 2013

Postgame comments from Stephane Pattyn, Colten St. Clair and ... http://t.co/jcVDP2ostF
— North Dakota MHockey (@UNDMHockey) October 20, 2013

Related articles

• NCHC Hockey: UND's beats Miami in Inaugural Game (thehockeywriters.com)
• Clash of the Titans: Miami Plays North Dakota for Weekend Set (thehockeywriters.com)
• NCHC Hockey: UND Hockey Players Love Shootout Option (thehockeywriters.com)
• NCHC Hockey: 10 Must Follow Twitter Accounts (thehockeywriters.com)

UND Hockey: More on the Shootout

The NCAA hockey season kicked off this past weekend with a series of exhibition games and three regular season games. The newly founded National Collegiate Hockey Conference is set to begin play this season. The NCHC will use the shootout to break ties during conference match-ups, if the game is tied after a standard five-minute overtime period.  

Like I mentioned in an earlier article, while this move is going to be a controversial to some NCHC hockey fans, I think it’s a smart move by the NCHC to adopt the shootout.  Why not? To me, it seems like a no-brainer.  According to College Hockey Inc., Division I College hockey is responsible for providing and supplying about 30 percent of the players that play in the NHL. If Division I college hockey is going to continue to be a top development league and a route to the NHL, College hockey rules “should” closely mirror those of the NHL. I believe this is a move in the right direction.

Last night during the exhibition game the Manitoba Bison, at the end of the game, the two teams had a shootout. It was a practice run for UND. UND outscored the Bison 2-0 with UND goalie Zane Gothberg stopping both Bison shooters that he faced.

In interviewing some of the players on the UND Hockey team, they do seem excited about the prospects of the NCHC using the shootout to break ties. This past week, UND goalie Zane Gothberg was asked about the new league and unsolicited he brought up the shootout.

“I am looking forward to it, especially with the shootouts that they’ll have at the end of the game, if there’s a tie,” Zane Gothberg said. That will be kind of cool.

Junior forward Michal Parks was asked about his thoughts on the shootout and this is what he had to say.

“I like it,” Parks said. “It will make our game more like the NHL game.”

To be honest with you, I am excited about the shootout as well. I think it’s going to be an exciting feature of the NCHC. I also believe the fans, for the most part, will embrace them.

For those that are interest in online betting, check out this site Ice Hockey betting online.

Related articles

• UND Hockey: Age Not a Factor for Dillon Simpson (thehockeywriters.com)
• NCHC Hockey: Top Stories Surrounding New League (thehockeywriters.com)
• UND Hockey: Two Headed Monster in Net for UND (thehockeywriters.com)
• NCAA Hockey: Focus on Obstruction and Checking from Behind (hockeywilderness.com)
• UND Hockey: Two Cousins set to make Debut for UND (thehockeywriters.com)

UND Hockey Jersey's for 2013-14

Here's the new UND Hockey Jersey's via the NCHC twitter account. Thoughts? Based on some of the responses I have seen, I maybe in the minority, but I like these jerseys. I did confirme with the UND Hockey team, that there’s no difference in this season’s jersey from last year.

Related articles

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NCHC Hockey: Shootouts in the NCHC?

Overtime Power Play Face Off (Photo credit: clydeorama)

I was out all weekend mowing grass at the hunting shack, so this isn’t as new as it could be. It still should add to the debate and feel free to chime in if you like. Or not! Perusing Brad Elliot Schlossman’s blog last week I see that he had this blurb on this media blog.

The NCHC has not finalized anything on shootouts yet, but I’m hearing that it is very, very likely that they will be used for Year 1. Official word on that could come fairly soon.

The point system would be sort of similar to the one used in the CCHA – 3 points for a regulation or OT win, 2 points for a shootout win, 1 point for a shootout loss, 0 points for a regulation loss. The one twist the NCHC is considering is giving a point for an OT loss like the NHL.

The games will still officially go down as a tie for NCAA tournament purposes. So, when I write game stories about a shootout, I will say the game ended in a time and Team A got an extra point for winning the shootout (as I do with WCHA women’s games now).

I think this is an awesome idea. If the NCAA is going to be looked at as developmental hockey league for the professional ranks, why not have a league that more closely resembles NHL play? Wouldn’t that make more sense? Of course it does. Sure, it sucks for the beat writers working on a dead line. Thoughts on the NCHC using shootouts to breaks ties during NCHC play? Also, I like the points system. Just for the record, I have never seen anyone ever leave a game because they went to a shootout. I don’t care what some say.

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USA Hockey Trims Camp Roster

Here is the roster for the Team USA's National Junior Evaluation Camp, after it was cut down from 43 to 31 players. Not that many players from the CHL this year. 

GOALIES: 

Thatcher Demko, Boston College, HE (2014 draft eligible) 

Jon Gillies, Providence, HE, (Calgary)

Anthony Stolarz, London, OHL (Philadelphia)

DEFENSEMEN:

Michael Brodzinski, Minnesota, BIG 10 (San Jose) 

Will Butcher, Denver, NCHC (Colorado) 

Connor Carrick, Plymouth, OHL (Washington) 

Connor Clifton, Quinnipiac, ECAC (Phoenix) 

Matthew Grzelcyk, Boston University, HE (Boston) 

Ian McCoshen, Boston College, HE (Florida) 

Brett Pesce, New Hampshire, HE (Carolina; 

Steven Santini, Boston College, HE (New Jersey) 

Patrick Sieloff, Windsor, OHL (Calgary) 

Brady Skjei, Minnesota, BIG 10 (N.Y. Rangers)

FORWARDS: 

Riley Barber, Miami, NCHC (Washington); 

Taylor Cammarata, Minnesota, BIG 10 (N.Y. Islanders) 

J.T. Compher, Michigan, BIG 10 (Buffalo) 

Andrew Copp, Michigan, BIG 10 (Winnipeg) 

Thomas Di Pauli, Notre Dame, HE (Washington) 

Adam Erne, Quebec, QMJHL (Tampa Bay)

 Hudson Fasching, Minnesota, BIG 10 (Los Angeles)

 Jake Guentzel, Nebraska-Omaha, NCHC (Pittsburgh)

Nicolas Kerdiles, Wisconsin, BIG 10 (Anaheim)

Stefan Matteau, Rimouski, QMJHL (New Jersey)

Michael McCarron, London, OHL (Montreal)

 Tyler Motte, Michigan, BIG 10 (Chicago)

 Boo Nieves, Michigan, BIG 10 (N.Y. Rangers)

 Daniel O'Regan, Boston University, HE (San Jose)

Henrik Samuelsson, Edmonton, WHL (Phoenix)

Quentin Shore, Denver, NCHC (Ottawa)

Zach Stepan, Minnesota State, WCHA (Nashville)

Dominic Toninato, Minnesota-Duluth, NCHC (Toronto)

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NCHC CHAMPIONSHIP TICKETS ON SALE NOW TO GENERAL PUBLIC

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Ticket packages for the inaugural National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) Championship are now on sale.  Fans are being encouraged to purchase tickets early to reserve their spot for this historic event. The four-game packages can be obtained for as low as $15/game. Packages start at $60 for an upper level ticket while fans can enjoy the action up-close in the lower bowl for $130. Tickets can be purchased by clicking here or visiting the newly released conference website, NCHCHockey.com.

In addition to the great game action, fans will have the opportunity to experience the NCHC Fan Fest, featuring interactive games, food and beverage specials, music, and pep rallies throughout the weekend. More details about the Fan Fest will be released at a later date. 

"The NCHC is committed to providing a championship experience for our student-athletes, coaches and passionate fans,” said NCHC Commissioner, Josh Fenton. “Fans investing in the championship weekend will be provided an unrivaled and unique experience while watching the best college hockey has to offer."

The puck will drop on the NCHC’s inaugural championship weekend on Friday, March 21, 2014 with two semifinals. The third-place and championship games will take place on Saturday, March 22, 2014. Game times are still being determined and will be released at a later date. All games will be held at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minn.  As previously announced, the Target Center will be the home to the NCHC Championship for the next five years.  

“Target Center is thrilled to be hosting such an exciting and prestigious event,” said Target Center Vice President/General Manager, Steve Mattson.  “When event ticket packages go on sale to the general public, those inaugural ticket purchasers will become a part of hockey history.” 

Through its partnership with Meet Minneapolis, the NCHC has secured fan hotel blocks at several Minneapolis hotels within walking distance to Target Center. To secure your hotel for the championship click here or visit NCHCHockey.com. 

“Our new conference website can be used as a portal for fans to find anything they need to know about the Championship weekend,” stated Fenton. “The entire Minneapolis area, including Meet Minneapolis and Target Center, has shown great enthusiasm for our championship weekend.”

To learn more about the NCHC Championship Tournament, purchasing tickets and reserving a hotel room, please visit the NCHC website at NCHCHockey.com.

For information on group tickets please contact the Target Center directly at 612-673-1311 or nchchockey@targetcenter.com.

The NCHC, which includes member institutions Colorado College, Denver, Miami, Minnesota Duluth, Nebraska Omaha, North Dakota, St. Cloud State and Western Michigan, begins its inaugural season on October 18, 2013, with a double-header featuring North Dakota at Miami and Colorado College hosting Minnesota Duluth. Games times are to be announced.

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NCHC to launch new web page on August 1, 2013

New site countdown http://t.co/27rSfWbFbb @CCTigers @DU_Hockey @MiamiRedHawks @UMDBulldogs @omavs @UNDMHockey @SCSUHUSKIES @WMUHockey
— The NCHC (@TheNCHC) July 16, 2013

The NCHC is set to launch it's new web page on August 1, 2013 and I am sure there will be some that will have a great time with this one,  because we know that Webpages make a conference. Right? Here is what's posing as a webpage for the Big Ten Hockey Conference right now.

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NCHC Hockey: Jim Scherr Accepts COO Position with European Games

Colorado Springs, CO (Friday, May 31, 2013) – The National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) announced today that NCHC Commissioner Jim Scherr has resigned effective immediately in order to accept the position of Chief Operation Officer for the inaugural European Games.

Scherr, who has served as NCHC Commissioner since January 2012, will oversee the operation of the 49-nation Games in Baku, Azerbaijan -- which will feature up to 10,000 athletes -- in June 2015.

“We knew when we hired Jim that there would come a time when there would be competing bids for his services,” said NCHC Chairman of the Board and University of North Dakota Director of Athletics Brian Faison. “We are grateful for what Jim has done in his time with the NCHC and we are very happy that he has the opportunity to return to the Olympic sports world with the European Games in Baku. We know his expertise will greatly benefit their event.”

Prior to his appointment with the NCHC, Scherr served as the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) Chief Executive Officer. During his tenure in that role, he oversaw the U.S. contingent at the 2004 Summer Olympics (Athens), 2006 Winter Olympics (Turin), and the 2008 Summer Olympics (Beijing), while managing a budget in excess of $150 million. Scherr was appointed USOC CEO after having served for 10 years as the Executive Director of USA Wrestling. A former wrestling standout himself, Scherr was a three-time national champion and a 1988 Olympian.

“Jim was presented with what is really a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Ken Ralph, NCHC Treasurer and Colorado College Director of Athletics. “While it is difficult to see him go, we understand his decision. With what has already been done with our bylaws, operating manuals, office setup and personnel, officiating program, and championship site, we are in a great position for our inaugural season.”

“Serving as commissioner of the NCHC has been a tremendous experience and it is a difficult position to leave behind,” said Scherr. “I want to express my sincere appreciation to the Board for understanding the opportunity presented to me, and for working with me to make it a reality. I regret that I will not be there to lead the conference through its inaugural season, but I have full confidence in the coaches, administrators and conference staff that the NCHC will set the standard for excellence in college hockey.”

Faison said that a search for a new commissioner would begin immediately.

The NCHC, which begins its inaugural season in 2013-14, includes member institutions Colorado College, Denver, Miami, Minnesota Duluth, Nebraska Omaha, North Dakota, St. Cloud State, and Western Michigan. 

[Link to official press release]

Big story of the afternoon: Jim Scherr might be leaving the NCHC

The "big story" to break this afternoon is that NCHC commissioner Jim Scherr might be leaving the NCHC to take another job. Okay, more power to Commissioner Scherr for possibly getting another opportunity, I have never faulted anyone that has had an opportunity to better themselves and move on.

Brad Schlossman, Grand Forks Herald -- Prior to joining the NCHC, Scherr was the chief executive officer of the U.S. Olympic Committee.

UND athletic director Brian Faison, the chair of the NCHC board of directors, said he’s aware of Scherr’s discussions with “another job opportunity,” but says nothing has been finalized yet.

“The NCHC board of directors is well aware that commissioner Scherr has been approach with another job opportunity,” Faison said in a statement. “The recent published reports that Jim has already accepted a position are erroneous. He has been forthcoming with information regarding a competing bid for his services. Since this is an internal personnel matter, the conference will offer no further comment at this time.”

No matter what the NCHC does, there are going to be the distractors and haters. That is just a fact of life. To these haters, nothing the league does is going to change their opinion. Some of the haters are the foam at the mouth variety. The fact that the University of North Dakota is involved in the NCHC makes their foaming at the mouth a bonus. All it is; is blind hatred and jealousy. That's what this boils down to.

There were a lot of people that are upset with what transpired two summer ago and will always hold a grudge towards the way things were handled. I don't blame them, it could have been handled better. Maybe the optics were that great and there were a few glitches getting the league off of the ground but none of them have marveled the WCHA's questionable tournament marketing scheme.

That being said, there are some that just can't help themselves. I have had a lot of discussion with other fans, bloggers and media types about the formation of the NCHC. It's water over the bridge. None of us were asked for our opinion, so really we're just bystanders.

So how does that affect the average fan that will be watching college hockey this fall and winter. Won't mean a thing. The fans are going to go the game no matter who is running the league office.

Related articles

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NCHC working diligently with the Target Center

One of the concerns for the NCHC going forward is the Target Center being a basketball facility, and that the ice has been poor in the Target center in the past. Well, it looks like the NCHC leadership is cognisant of these concerns and appears to working on this.

Bruce Ciskie, the radio voice of UMD Bulldogs, interview Jim Scherr Commissioner of the NCHC.

On Target Center and the planning for next year's inaugural NCHC Tournament:

"The arena and their leadership has been fantastic in working with us. As everyone knows, they haven't traditionally hosted a lot of hockey events. We're working very close with them and their operations staff on making sure that all the equipment is upgraded, and the quality of ice, and the quality of the venue, and everything that goes into it to making sure it's an incredible experience for our teams and is on par with the very best in the country.

"So we're working very diligently with Target Center on that, and they've been great to work with. That's number one, making sure for the teams that the locker rooms and the ice and the ice access and conditions for play are great.

"Second, is we want to fill the house. We want to make sure that our teams are playing in front of a strong crowd. The XCel Center and the WCHA and the Final Five have done great, and we'll have some strong competition every other year from the Big Ten. Filling the house is a big priority, so we're working with them on the right promotions for the tournament."

Stern says Target Center needs upgrades

What do you make out this? I like many were under the impression that these upgrades were going to take place and were to start soon. I will be interesting to see how this plays out. The NCHC conference tourney is supposed to be in the Target Center starting in 2014.

Joan Niesen, Fox Sports --- The real reason for Stern's visit is to meet Thursday with Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak about the proposed renovations to the Target Center, which were part of the Minnesota Vikings' stadium bill but have been held up in recent months due to financial concerns. Stern was open with his opinion that the Target Center has fallen behind much of the rest of the league's facilities and that something needs to be done about the state of the arena. He sees those improvements as going hand-in-hand with the team's long-term viability in Minnesota.

In addition, Stern said that there's no sense undergoing a refurbishment unless the plan includes a pledge to continue to maintain the arena. He compared what he'd like to see done with that of the renovations to Detroit's Palace at Auburn Hills, which opened in 1988, and Phoenix's U.S. Airways Center, which opened in 1992. Both arenas have been renovated and kept current throughout their existence, unlike the Target Center, which opened in 1990.

UND vs. SCSU links

This weekend is a pivotal WCHA matchup between the SCSU Huskies and North Dakota. I know, I know… it’s tough not to refer to our team as the Fighting Sioux.

Jayson Hajdu has the pre-Christmas and post-Christmas records for the University of North Dakota under UND head coach Dave Hakstol. The question remains, will there be another second half run for the UND hockey team or will they keep their current pace of sub .700? Currently, they are playing at a .625 clip.

Year Before Xmas After Xmas

2004-05 13-7-2 (.636) 12-8-3 (.587)

2005-06 12-7-1 (.625) 17-9-0 (.654)

2006-07 7-10-1 (.417) 17-4-4 (.760)

2007-08 8-6-1 (.567) 20-5-3 (.768)

2008-09 9-8-1 (.528) 15-7-3 (.660)

2009-10 9-6-3 (.583) 16-7-2 (.680)

2010-11 13-5-2 (.700) 19-4-1 (.813)

2011-12 9-8-1 (.528) 17-5-2 (.750)

2012-13 10-5-3 (.639) 3-2-1 (.583)

Totals 91-62-15 (.586) 135-51-19 (.705)

North Dakota head coach Dave Hakstol has a 22-10-6 (.657) record against the SCSU Huskies.

Senior Forward Corban Knight has had at least a point a game (7g-11a—18pts) against the Huskies during his career at UND.

Mick Hatton beat writer for the Saint Cloud Times has his pre-series articles up today and you can read them by clicking on these links. [Click to view], [click to view] and [click to view].

The Huskies have had a long 10 game home stretch and now they will go on the road for eight of their next 12 games.

Here are a few articles that might pique your interest. [Click to view], [my series notes]

Brad Elliot Schlossman has his breakdown of the WCHA race.

Brad also has a gem about how the NCHC is keeping an eye on possible officials for next season. I can tell you that I have talked to many college hockey fans would like to have/see a Shepherd free NCHC. Enough is enough.

The men play the Huskies in Grand Forks and the women are in St. Cloud to play the Huskies in a crucial WCHA series, to date, the women have kind of underperformed or failed to meet pre-season expectations. Now it appears that a starting goalie is beginning to emerge for the women's team.

	WCHA Games								Overall
	GP	W	L	T	Pts	GF	GA		W	L	T	GF	GA
Minnesota	16	9	3	4	22	56	39		17	3	4	93	45
St. Cloud State	16	11	5	0	22	55	36		14	10	0	80	61
Nebraska Omaha	16	9	5	2	20	59	49		13	9	2	88	67
North Dakota	16	8	4	4	20	57	46		13	7	4	81	64
Denver	18	8	6	4	20	57	54		13	8	4	85	67
Minnesota Duluth	18	8	7	3	19	50	51		10	11	3	64	68
Minnesota State	18	9	8	1	19	55	46		15	8	3	82	60
Wisconsin	16	6	5	5	17	35	36		9	8	5	49	45
Colorado College	18	7	10	1	15	60	66		10	14	2	88	94
Bemidji State	16	4	8	4	12	36	49		5	12	5	48	66
Michigan Tech	18	4	10	4	12	44	61		7	12	4	63	71
Alaska Anchorage	18	1	13	4	6	31	62		3	14	5	42	73

My take on the Don Adam hiring by the NCHC

Like I said on twitter today – the NCHC is going to end up being the most discussed league in hockey before they ever play a period of hockey.  Some of the discussion will be positive and some of the discussion will not be so positive. 

@mnstate0fhockey Just think the NCHC is going to be the most discussed hockey league before they ever play a period of hockey @bruceciskie
— Eric J. Burton (@goon48) September 20, 2012

Today’s announcement from the NCHC isn't going to sit well with UND hockey fans base.

Earlier this morning, the NCHC, which is set to begin play for the 2013-14 season – added more to the discussion as the league announced that they had hired the much maligned WCHA on ice official Don Adam to be the leagues' first Director of Officiating. Fans of the newly founded NCHC, are luke warm to the leagues' newest personnel move. 

Of course there was grumblings… 

It’s not an understatement to say that this hire is not playing well with the fans – especially UND hockey fans who have watched Don Adam officiate many crucial but also controversial hockey games involving their favorite hockey team over the past 10 years. 

While some will not be happy that I brought this up –  for the most part UND hockey fans do not look favorably on Don Adam and why should they? 

Adam is remembered infamously for being the on ice official when UND Hockey players Robbie Bina and Chay Genoway were injured on the ice while Adam looked on. 

During the 2005 WCHA Final Five semifinal game – Adam incorrectly gave Geoff Paukovich a two minute minor after he drove UND defenseman Robbie Bina from behind head first into the boards breaking his neck.

Adam incorrectly gave Paukovich a two minute minor penalty for the hit. The call was later changed to a five minute major and a game suspension by the WCHA tournament officials. Denver University head coach George Gwozdecky would later give Paukovich an additional game causing Paukovich to miss DU’s first game during the 2005 NCAA playoffs.  

So after that incident UND fans were not so enamored by Don Adam or his officiating skills. Let’s also not forget that Don Adam was one of the officials that was on the ice for the Aaron Marvin hit on Chay Genoway.  

Of course neither on ice referees Tim Walsh and Don Adam saw the play. 

After the play in question  – head official Don Adam conferred with the linesmen – at first the officiating crew incorrectly penalized SCSU defenseman Chris Hepp and he was originally incorrectly given a five minute major  a game misconduct – the mistake was later corrected between periods and Hepp who had taken off his equipment and taken a shower, had to put his equipment back on and rejoin the game.  

Let me just say that UND hockey fans have long memories, but this is not a popular choice among the fans of the NCHC. 

Perusing the fan message boards – there’s a lot of angst and anger over this selection.

Like many other fans, I am am also frustrated with this move, because I thought the NCHC was formed by likeminded schools that wanted to get away from the lack of transparency that has surrounded the WCHA under the leadership of Bruce McLeod. When you think of WCHA on ice officials Don Adam's name is one of the first that pops into your head when discussion of officials occurs. 

At first glimpse, this would appear to be a bad decision at least from my perspective – obviously I am just one person, but why do you bring in an official that is the face of the old WCHA? Why not start out new and hire a respected official from the USHL or another hockey league that doesn’t come with the baggage of the good ole boy WCHA? 

Many fans like me, are concerned that we will now see a conga line of officials from the WCHA.

NCHC selects more of their staff

According to Joe Paisley of USCHO the NCHC picked more of their staff yesterday - it will be interesting to see who else is added to the NCHC staff as the year progresses.

Joe Paisley, USCHO.COM --- The administration for the National Collegiate Hockey Conference continues to develop this summer with new additions to the league office staff.

Verna Toller was hired recently as business operations manager while Mike Moran, a former longtime spokesman for the United States Olympic Committee, signed a short-term contract as a media relations consultant, commissioner Jim Scherr said on Wednesday.

“We’re real excited to bring Verna on board,” Scherr said. “Mike’s a good friend who is just down the hall and has extensive experience in media relations.”

Toller was hired in July after spending nine months with the City of Colorado Springs in the real estate services division. From May 2008 to December 2010, she worked for CB Richard Ellis, an international commercial real estate company, first as the real estate services administrator and later as the assistant real estate manager.

Before taking seven years off to raise her three children, she helped start the Grubb and Ellis/Quantum Commercial Group, a Colorado Springs-based affiliate of Grubb & Ellis Company. In her 10 years there, she advanced from receptionist to office manager and to business operations manager.