Speaking of Bad Nickname Ideas; Las Vegas Flamingos?

The University of North Dakota is going through the process of picking a new nickname, and many of us are worried that the university is going to pick a really bad nickname.

Looking at this suggestion by Craig Custance, Flamingos would take the cake for a horrible nickname. I can't imagine that anyone would allow this to happen.

That being said, I do like the Outlaws nickname that Tim Kavanaugh included in the linked article.

What would a team in Las Vegas be called? We've got suggestions. @CraigCustance http://t.co/LWjD0gQbuJ pic.twitter.com/q1Eu6q1loy
— ESPN NHL coverage (@ESPN_NHL) April 8, 2015

UND Gets a Commitment from Grant Mismash

Another great pickup for the University of North Dakota on the recruiting front. Today, Grant Mismash from Shattuck St. Mary's committed to the University of North Dakota. Here's the link to his Elite Prospects page.

Proud to announce my commitment to play college hockey at the University of North Dakota. Thank you to all my friends and family #Nodak #UND
— Grant Mismash (@GMISH16) March 31, 2015

Wall Street Journal: North Dakota Needs a Nickname

 like many UND fans know that the nickname is gone and never coming back. I also didn't know that UND could become the first Division I team to win a title without a nickname.

Matthew Futterman, Wall Street Journal -- In 2012, North Dakota dropped its old nickname, the Fighting Sioux, after a long legislative and legal battle. The NCAA had threatened to not allow North Dakota to host postseason games if it continued to use the name and display its Native American head logo. In a statewide referendum, 67% of voters supported getting rid of them.

But in the process, a cooling-off period was imposed until 2015 before the school could pick a new name. So as North Dakota begins play Friday in the 16-team hockey tournament—it is hosting the West regional in Fargo, about 80 miles from its Grand Forks campus—there is another crucial piece of business at hand: replacing the beloved Fighting Sioux name.

“It is a very emotional issue,” said Lowell Schweigert, a North Dakota alumnus and booster who was a quarterback and a pitcher for the Fighting Sioux in the 1970s.

n January, Schweigert began serving on a committee charged with facilitating the selection of a new nickname this year. The committee only came into being as the end of the cooling-off period loomed. “Our charge now is to have something done by May,” said Schweigert, a financial consultant in Grand Forks. “That is a pretty ambitious goal.”

Relief is on the way. On Wednesday, the committee on the new nickname announced it will accept suggestions from the public through April. Suggestions must be 25 characters or less. The committee will choose three finalists for a public vote as soon as May.

Friday before the Storm Links

It's crunch time, the final push to the NCAA playoffs. Selection Sunday, the regionals... Some college hockey teams are fighting for their playoff lives. This is is the best time o the year.

UND vs. WMU, A Series Preview http://t.co/12v2VI0O0p pic.twitter.com/V9WR96FANc
— The Hockey Writers (@TheHockeyWriter) February 20, 2015

NCHC Hockey: Officiating Has to Be Better http://t.co/QFZJ4W5DPf pic.twitter.com/8YOCdXQukO
— The Hockey Writers (@TheHockeyWriter) February 18, 2015

@davidlukeramsey opines on #GoldPan series: http://t.co/xYCbBqq8KV #DUvsCC @csgazette @TheNCHC #collegehockey #NCAAHockey #NCHCHockey
— Joe Paisley (@Paisleyhockey) February 20, 2015

As part of #HWAA, today is #HockeyJerseyDay. Here's our favorite jerseys! Whose sweater are you sporting today? pic.twitter.com/HXqtqQXJDF
— The NCHC (@TheNCHC) February 20, 2015

.@DUCoachMonty and the Pios are on the ice at Magness Arena for today's morning skate! #DUGameDay #DU1NATION #DUvsCC pic.twitter.com/pem6aI4rgz
— Denver Hockey (@DU_Hockey) February 20, 2015

Andrew MacWilliam on the ice at morning skate after his first NHL recall. #TMLtalk pic.twitter.com/gccpVpqveI
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) February 20, 2015

Details on MacWilliam's recall are available here → http://t.co/imCAlk0vzA #TMLtalk pic.twitter.com/47lQGgMxDC
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) February 19, 2015

Includes F Luke Johnson. #Blackhawks RT @SBNCollegePuck: The second installment of our Top NHL Prospects list: #81-90 http://t.co/cgqmh4wC42
— North Dakota MHockey (@UNDmhockey) February 20, 2015

UND Gets Highly Sought Recruit Brock Boeser

Today, the University of North Dakota got some very good news on the recruiting front. Brock Boeser from Minnesota has committed to UND. Boeser is a highly sought recruit and was also considering Wisconsin, Minnesota-Duluth and Minnesota. (Elite Prospects)

“@BBoeser16: Really excited to play college hockey at the University of North Dakota." Huge get for NoDak; great 2015 draft prospect
— Ryan Kennedy (@THNRyanKennedy) February 13, 2015

Really excited to play college hockey at the University of North Dakota. Can't wait to call this place home! #sioux pic.twitter.com/TaSgLypiiW
— Brock Boeser (@BBoeser16) February 13, 2015

UND WHKY: Border battle

Grand Forks, N.D. -- Rewind to Nov. 21 of last year and the North Dakota women's hockey was on a eight-game winless skid. The team was swept by the Minnesota Gopher powerhouse and the newly revitalized Bemidji State program. They had a loss and a tie against Wisconsin.

Nothing seemed to be going right at that point in the season. But since Dec. 12, the team has gone 8-1-1. Most recently tallying back-to-back sweeps of Ohio State and BSU. Last weekend North Dakota was able to pull off a in and tie against the University of Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs.

The games that North Dakota has won as of late haven't been high scoring or glamorous, but the program has done enough of the right things to claw themselves back from sixth place in the WCHA to fourth.

The keys to UND's success have been the defense and being backstopped by junior goaltender Shelby Amsley-Benzie. Amsley-Benzie has allowed only four goals in the last six games and has three shutouts against nationally ranked opponents. She has also been named WCHA Defensive Player of the Week twice since the beginning of 2015.

Currently North Dakota trails Minnesota Duluth in the WCHA standings by three points and is ranked 10th in the Pairwise with only six games remaining in the regular season.

This weekend North Dakota will face rival Minnesota on Friday at 7:07 p.m. and Saturday at 4:07 p.m.. The Gophers are 17-1-4 with the lone loss to Bemidji in Nov. of last year. If UND plans to be successful this weekend against the Gophers they will need carry momentum from the past three weeks and have exceptional goaltending and defense.

UND is hoping to pack The Ralph and break last year's attendance record. Attendees will receive one of these ridiculously fun(ny) foam stick hats. Tickets are available for $1 at The Ralph box office.

Collin Adams Committs to UND

Collin Adams a 16-year old forward from Brighton, MI, has committed to play for UND. Below, is his Elite Prospects page.

Very honored and excited to announce my commitment to the University of North Dakota. Thanks to everyone for the help along the way #GoSioux
— Collin Adams (@sniper4398) January 29, 2015

UND 2 C.C. 1 (UND goals)

The University of North Dakota improved to 17-5-2 with the 2-1 win against the Colorado College Tigers on Friday night.

Last night, UND also scored its nation-leading 9th shorthanded goal of the year. Four players have two shorthanded goals. Also, four of those shorthanded goals have been game-winning goals.

NDK 1 - 1 6x6 Mark MacMillan (12) (Michael Parks/16, Andrew Panzarella/3) 16:23
NDK 2 - 1 5x6 SH GW LL Michael Parks (9) (unassisted)

WHKY: North Dakota splits with Syracuse

GRAND FORKS, N.D. -- North Dakota came out of winter break in non-convference action against Syracuse University. By the final buzzer on Sunday afternoon UND earned a split on the weekend.

It took the first 20 minutes of Saturdays's game for North Dakota to work out the rust from break. With tired 'Cuse players on the ice, Gracen Hirshy scored the first goal of the game.

During the second period UND was able to hold the Orange to four shots on goal. North Dakota maintained the lead and dictate the majority of play for the remainder of the game.

Former Warroad Warriors teammates Layla Marvin and Kayla Gardner both found the scoresheet. This included a two-goal game for Marvin who potted an empty net goal with under a minute remaining in the game.

North Dakota got off to a strong start on Sunday, but ended the first period with a one-goal deficit when The Orange scored on the power play at the 6:42 mark. There were no shortage of chances in the form of odd-player rushes and open nets, but UND was never able to capitalize.

The lone goal for North Dakota came after they were able to tire Syracuse after a power play in the second. As time dwindled on the clock during the third period the pressure mounted. "Kids started gripping their sticks and it was brutal," head coach Brian Idalski said.

North Dakota will resume WCHA conference play when they meet with the WCHA third-ranked, Ohio State Buckeyes this coming weekend. OSU left the weekend with a sweep over the St. Cloud State Huskies.

UND Adds Two More Recruits

UND has added two more recruits. Today, UND recieved verbal commitments from Jackson Keane Manitoba, Canada and Joel Janatuinen of Finland. One has to wonder if Michelle Karvinen had anything to do with Janatuinen signing here?

Proud and excited to announce my commitment to the University of North Dakota. Thank you to everyone who have helped me on the way. #gosioux
— Joel Janatuinen (@JoelJanatuinen) January 10, 2015

Jackson Keane is the son of former NHLer Mike Keane.

Happy to announce my commitment to the University of North Dakota! Thanks to everyone who has helped me get here. @UNDmhockey #GoSioux
— Jackson Keane (@Jacksonkeane12) January 10, 2015

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WHKY Weekend Preview: Green & White meets Orange

GRAND FORKS, N.D. -- UND women's hockey returns to play against Syracuse this weekend at the Ralph Engelstad Arena for an afternoon Saturday-Sunday series. The non-conference series will be the first time the teams have met in program history.

UND heads into second-half action after a road sweep of RIT.  "We finished stronger than we started. Hopefully we can carry that and be stronger when the play-offs come around," Andrea Dalen said.

This weekend they will focus on containing Syracuse Orange's leading scorers Stephanie Grossi and, fellow freshman, Alysha Burriss. Prior to Saturday's series opener, the Orange are coming off of a 2-0 loss to Colgate.

Look for North Dakota to attempt to carry some momentum and building blocks from the first half of the season. "We want to see a lot more wins, obviously," head coach Brian Idalski said. "I think structurally we're much better. Talent wise, development of some of our younger kids being comfortable within their role."

North Dakota gets underway tomorrow at 2:00 p.m.. Live audio can be heard (free) at UND Sports Tickets are available at the REA box office: adults $7, youth $5 and UND students free with student ID.

UND Hockey: Max Gerlach Committs to UND

Another day, and another highly-sought recruit commits to UND. This time, UND picks up Max Gerlach who has committed to UND for the 2016-17 season. According to his Elite Prospects Page, Gerlach is from Texas and plays for the Colorado Thunderbirds. He's also a Fargo Force draftee.

 According to Brad E. Schlossman, Gerlach, 16, is a draft pick of the Fargo Force in the USHL. He was actually born in Minnesota, but moved to Texas when he was four months old.

New #UND recruit 98 F Max Gerlach is torching the @T1EHL U16 loop with 21 goals in 19 games, plus 17 assists. Big week for North Dakota.
— Over The Boards (@OTBPuckWatch) January 3, 2015

98 F Max Gerlach (CO Thunderbirds U16) commits to North Dakota. Our #31-ranked uncommitted. Smaller skater with great quickness and skill.
— Over The Boards (@OTBPuckWatch) January 3, 2015

Very honored and excited to announce my commitment to the University of North Dakota. Thanks to everyone who has helped get here. #GoSioux
— Max (@Gerlach91) January 2, 2015

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UND Adds a Goalie Recruit Matej Tomek

Well, it's been a busy day. Add Topeka RoadRunners goalie Matej Tomek to the list of incoming recruits.

Brad Schlossman had said that UND would probably add a goalie commitment very soon. Potentially, UND could have a log jam at the goalie position if Zane McIyntre doesn't turn pro after his junior season. Here's the link to Tomek's Elite Prospects page.

Official Release -- The Topeka RoadRunners, a member of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) are pleased to announce goaltender Matej Tomek has committed to play his Division I college hockey at the University of North Dakota beginning in the fall of 2015.

Tomek is from Bratislava, Slovakia and is listed on NHL Central Scouting's B list (meaning he's a projected early round draft pick) and he has been scouted and recruited heavily throughout the season. Having several options on the table made for a challenging decision, but North Dakota seemed like the right fit for the 17-year old netminder.

"It was a very tough decision for me, but I chose UND because I feel they will best help me grow both as a player and as a person." His major is undecided at this time, but he certainly has plenty of time for that.

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• UND Grinds out Win against LSSU(insidehockey.com)

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President Kelly Praised for His Stand on Retiring Logo in Performance Rating

s/t to Rob Port of sayanythingblog.com -- Here's UND President, Rob Kelly's most recent performance evaluation . Check out the comments by his evaluator, North Dakota Chancellor, Larry Skogen. These comments will definitely rub some UND fans the wrong way. 

You can find the whole evaluation at this link.

Doesn't look like the leadership is looking at the no nickname option.

Again, most of us realize that the Fighting Sioux nickname is gone and that it's not coming back. But a lot of people in high places of higher education are out of touch with reality and these comments smack of elitism.  Feel free to argue if you want.

WHKY: UND sweeps the Huskies under the rug and heads to Madison

GRAND FORKS, N.D. -- The University of North Dakota women's hockey team picked up their first home sweep of the season over St. Cloud on Sunday.

The sweep didn't come easy. Although UND held the lead for the entire game, the Huskies outperformed themselves from their Saturday afternoon showing. UND was able to hold onto a 3-1 lead to cap off the weekend before heading to Madison, Wisconsin .

North Dakota goes into their Friday and Sunday series against WCHA top-ranked Wisconsin with a three-game unbeaten streak. In their first meeting this season UND settled for a tie and a loss.

The team hopes to ride their recent momentum into this weekend. "I think we have to score early and keep the lead, and play smart like we have been," jr., forward Becca Kohler said. "Now that we have a few games under our belt we're feeling more confident."

Head coach Brian Idalski said that he anticipates a high pace, high intensity series against the Badgers. North Dakota hopes to snap Wisconsin's 10 game unbeaten streak and five game shutout streak.

North Dakota will play Wisconsin Friday at 3:07 p.m. and Sunday at 2:07 p.m.. Web audio streaming can be heard here. For more information and game day notes visit UNDSports.com.

WHKY: North Dakota takes advantage of St. Cloud's woes

GRAND FORKS, N.D. -- St. Cloud State University's Lexi Slattery scored late in the third ending the longest scoreless streak in program history. It was too late. North Dakota put up five goals before the shutout ended and tacked on another 21 seconds after Slattery's goal.

Gracen Hirschy, who had two goals on the night, started the scoring around six minutes into the first on an even strength goal. "[We] wanted to play with a lead. That's been very important to us; to get a bit of a cushion and have teams have to open up," head coach Brian Idalski said.

During the second Jakobsen ended her own 11-game scoreless streak by scoring a pair of goals before the game ended. "That's someone that we needed to produce and we're looking for to carry us a little bit," Idalski said. "Getting her to shoot the puck and have her playing with confidence is huge for us going forward."

UND finished yesterday with a dominating 6-1 win, holding St. Cloud to three shots on goal during the first and five in the second. UND carried most of the play throughout the entire game keeping the Huskies in defensive territory.

"I think winning gives you confidence and a lot of things are clicking for us. Systems wise and execution wise we're really doing what we need to do," sophomore defense Halli Krzyaniak said.

North Dakota hopes to carry that momentum into today's game while looking for its first home sweep of the season. UND will host the Huskies in the series finale today at 2:00 p.m. at the Ralph Engelstad Arena.

UND Splits with SCSU

The University of North Dakota hasn't had a series sweep against St. Cloud State Huskies at the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center since the 1998-99 season. With Friday's 3-1 loss, UND will leave St. Cloud with that streak still intact.

On Friday night, junior forward Jonny Brodzinski was nothing short of amazing. UND had no answer for the Huskies power forward who scored (2g-1a—3pts).  With the game tied at 1-1 after two periods, Brodzinski’s scored two goals in the third period to ice the game for the Huskies. Brodzinski also broke a three-game goalless streak. For his career, Brodzinski has scored 50 goals in 92 games.

UND junior forward Drake Caggiula scored the lone goal for UND. Caggiula came into Friday's game as the NCAA point's leader, but fell to second place after RIT Tigers forward Matt Garbowsky scored (2g-2a—4pts) against the Sacred Heart Pioneers.

Over the last four seasons, UND hasn't had a lot of success against the Huskies, but they did manage to earn a series split with a 3-2 win on Saturday night.  Freshman forward Trevor Olson scored a pair of goals to pace UND.

With the win, UND improves to (9-3-1 and 4-2-0 NCHC). UND is 5-8-1 in their last 14 games against the Huskies. Next weekend, UND entertains the Nebrasak-Omaha Mavericks in an important two-game conference series.

With the loss, the Huskies drop to (5-6-1 and 2-3-1 NCHC). Next weekend, the Huskies travel to Bemidji to play the Beavers in a two-game non-conference series at the Sanford Center.

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UND Hockey: Drake Caggiula Scores and Does His Best Phil Kessel Impression

Check out this dirty Goal from UND forward Drake Caggiula.

Could Drake be on the verge of the second #TheOne appearance of his career? RT @FOXSportsLive: @UNDMHockey Oh my!!
— North Dakota MHockey (@UNDMHockey) November 16, 2014

Drake Caggiula's Shorthanded Goals Against Miami, Ties Game

\ UND leads the nation in Shorthanded goals with 7 in 10 games. Drake Caggiula scores his fourth goal of the year while UND is on the PK.

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Beavers Outhustle UND, Win 5-1

The University of North Dakota hockey team appeared ready to kick off the 2014-15 season. First up for UND, the Bemidji State Beavers in a home-and-home series.

Historically, UND hockey teams have started slow and peaked at the end of the season. There was a sense that this year could be different. 

Hold that thought for a minute.

Friday night was UND's home opener, and nothing went right for UND. You could say that the home team came out a bit flat. UND turned over the puck and the Beavers pounced on the home team's miscues. Maybe UND underestimated the Beavers a bit. Now, before we get excited, this is only one game. 

Also, you have to give credit where credit is due. The Beavers came out and pushed the pace, and played like the team that went to the Frozen Four last season. You could say that the Beavers beat UND at their own game. 

The Beavers were rewarded for their efforts and scored four goals in a 08:41 span to put the game out of reach, squashing any hope of an opening night win at the Ralph. UND would drop the home opener for the first time since the 2001 season when UND lost 7-5 to the Minnesota Gophers.

“We didn’t show up to play,” UND Captain Stephane Pattyn said. “Those guys showed up to play, that’s for sure. They came out hungry and aggressive. Our team just didn’t show up.”

Moving forward, UND must put this loss behind them. This is only one game in a 36 game season. 

“You don’t throw this out,” Hakstol said. “This was a hard lesson learned for our hockey team. Now you have to turn around and go on the road into a real tough building, against a team that is playing real well. That is going to have momentum going into their home opener.”

All-NCHC goalie goalie Zane McIntyre was chased from the game at 17:50 mark of the second period after giving up the fourth BSU goal. I don't know if you can fault the goalie, as he was left out to dry by his teammates all night long. Freshman goalie Cam Johnson relieve McIntyre gave up a goal on his first shot that he faced. 

All-time, BSU has a (3-26-3, .140) record against UND.

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