Johnny McInnis goal that was waved off... MSU-M vs. UMN

The Mavericks were down 3-0 when the Mavericks score their first goal of the night by Zach Lehrk at the 12:59 mark of third period. The Mavericks appear to get their second goal of the game 27 second later when forward Johnny McInnis appears to have scored off a great pass from Matt Leitner, but the goal was waved off after the WCHA officials Brad Shepherd, C.J. Beaurline reviewed the goal and ruled that the puck was punched in.

WCHA Web Media Poll: Week 15

Each week, I participate in a WCHA Web Media Poll that is put on by the Tech Hockey Guide with 11 other people that represent both the print media as well as the hockey blogosphere.

The Minnesota Gophers are this week’s unanimous #1 team. The Gophers received all 12 first place votes this week’s poll.  North Dakota, Denver and Omaha all fell one place in this week’s poll.  Places Six through 12 remained unchanged.

Here’s a look at the results the Tech Hockey Guide WCHA Web Media Poll for Week 15:

Place	Team	Pts	Prev	Record	High
1)	Minnesota (12)	143	1	17-3-4	1	1
2)	St. Cloud State	126	5	14-10-0	2	3
3)	North Dakota	125	2	13-7-4	2	4
4)	Denver	102	3	13-8-4	4	6
5)	Nebraska-Omaha	101	4	13-9-2	3	6
6)	Minnesota State	77	6	15-8-3	5	8
7)	Wisconsin	71	7	9-8-5	6	8
8)	Minnesota Duluth	69	8	10-11-3	5	9
9)	Colorado College	47	9	10-14-2	8	10
10)	Michigan Tech	37	10	7-12-4	9	11
11)	Bemidji State	25	11	5-12-5	10	11
12)	Alaska Anchorage	13	12	3-13-4	12	12

Representing  Name Publication Twitter

Alaska-Anchorage, Taylor Hall College Hockey News @thall907

Bemidji State, Troy Mills The Beaver Pond
Colorado College, Joe Paisley, Paisley Hockey @Paisleyhockey
Denver, Mike Chambers, Denver Post @MChambersDP
Michigan Tech, Tim Braun, Tech Hockey Guide @TBraunTHG
Minnesota, Dan Myers, Minnesota Hockey Magazine @1DanMyers
Minnesota Duluth, Bruce Ciskie, The Ciskie Blog @BruceCiskie
Minnesota State, Chris Dilks, Western College Hockey @ChrisDilks
Nebraska-Omaha, Matt Semisch, Radio Free Omaha @matthewsemisch
North Dakota, Eric Burton The Hockey Writers Combine and Goon’s World @goon48
St. Cloud State, Jeremy Larson, Husky Hockey Time @jclarson02
Wisconsin, Andy Johnson, Bucky’s 5th Quarter @andyjohnsonB

Cross Posted at the Hockey - Writers Combine.

WCHA Power Rankings: Week 15

Here is the week 15 WCHA Power Rankings. This season, I have been doing the WCHA Power Rankings with Taylor Seibel who is a contributor of College Hockey Weekly.

1. Minnesota Gophers – (17-3-4, WCHA 9-3-4) – This past week, the Minnesota Gophers took (5-1 W – 4-4 T) three points against UND at Mariucci Arena. This weekend, the Gophers play a home and home series with Minnesota State Mankato.

2. University of North Dakota – (13-7-4, WCHA 8-4-4) – This past weekend, UND took (1-5 L – 4-4 T) one point in their series against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Mariucci Arena. This weekend, UND entertains Saint Cloud State University at the Ralph Englestad Arena.

3. Saint Cloud State – (14-10-0, WCHA 11-5-0) – This past weekend, the Huskies swept (5-2 W – 5-1 W) the Denver Pioneers at the national hockey center. This weekend, the Huskies travel to Grand Forks to play North Dakota.

4. Nebraska Omaha – (13-9-2, WCHA 9-5-2) – This past weekend, the Mavericks were off. This weekend, the Mavericks travel to Bemidji to play the Beavers. The Beavers have had the Red Mavericks number since they joined the WCHA going an unimpressive 2-8-4. A bad weekend in Bemidji could doom the Mavericks chances at winning a MacNaughton Cup.

5.  Denver University – (13-8-4, WCHA 8-6-4) – This past weekend, the Denver Pioneers were swept (2-5 L – 1-5 L) by the Huskies at the National Hockey Center. This weekend, the Pioneers travel to Duluth to play the Bulldogs at Amsoil Arena.

6.  Wisconsin – (9-8-5, WCHA 6-5-5) – This past weekend, the Wisconsin Badgers split (1-0 W – 1-2 L) their weekend series with the Miami RedHawks. This weekend, the Badgers make the Entertain the Seawolves at the Kohl Center.

7. Minnesota State Mankato – (15-8-3, WCHA 9-8-1) – This past weekend, the Mavericks took (3-3 T – 4-0 W) three points from the Seawolves, in Anchorage, Alaska. This weekend, the Mavericks play the Minnesota Gophers in a home and home series.

8. Minnesota Duluth – (10-11-3, WCHA 8-7-3) – This past weekend, the Bulldogs split (3-2 W – 1-5 L) their Series against the Colorado College Tigers at World Arena. This weekend, the Bulldogs have an exhibition game against the U-18 team.

 9. Colorado College – (10-14-2, WCHA 7-10-1) – This past weekend, the Colorado College Tigers split (2-3 L – 5-1 W) their series with the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs at the World Arena. This weekend, the Tigers are off.

 10. Michigan Tech – (7-12-4, WCHA 4-10-3) – This past weekend, the Huskies took (4-0 W – 2-2 T) three points from the Bemidji State Beavers at John J. MacInnes Student Ice Arena. This weekend, the Huskies are off.

11. Bemidji State – (5-12-5, WCHA 4-8-4) – This past weekend, the Beavers took, (0-4 L 2-2 T) on point against the Michigan Tech Huskies at the John J. MacInnes Student Ice Arena. This weekend, the Beavers entertain the Nebraska Omaha Mavericks at the Sanford Center. The Beavers hold an 8-2-4 record against the Mavericks. The Beavers have an all-time record of 8-4-4 against the Mavericks.

12. Alaska Anchorage – (3-13-4, WCHA 1-13-4) – This past weekend, Seawolves took (3-3 T – 0-4 L) one point from the Minnesota State Mavericks at the Sullivan Arena. This weekend, the Seawolves travel to Madison to play the Wisconsin Badgers at the Kohl Center. The Seawolves are mired in horrible streak and have won one game in the last 18 games (1-13-4).

Taylors Seibel’s WCHA Power Rankings

1. Minnesota – (17-3-4, 9-3-4 WCHA) – Minnesota cemented their status as the top squad in the WCHA with a 3 point weekend over North Dakota.  Next weekend, the Gophers play Minnesota State in a home and away WCHA series.

2. North Dakota – (13-7-4, 8-4-4 WCHA) – North Dakota struggled on Friday, falling to Minnesota 5-1, but responded well in a 4-4 draw that saw UND lose a 4-2 lead with less than 10 minutes left.  Next weekend, UND hosts SCSU.

3. St. Cloud State – (14-10-0, 11-5-0 WCHA) – SCSU vaulted into first place after sweeping Denver at home.  Next weekend, SCSU travels to Grand Forks to take on North Dakota.

4. Nebraska Omaha – (13-9-2, 9-5-2 WCHA) – Omaha was off this past weekend.  Next weekend, the Mavericks travel to Bemidji State in WCHA play.

5. Denver – (13-8-4, 8-6-4 WCHA) – Denver saw their 4 year run without getting swept in WCHA play end this weekend up in St. Cloud.  The Pioneers are off next weekend.

6. Wisconsin – (9-8-5, 6-5-5 WCHA) – The Badgers split with CCHA foe Miami this weekend.  Next weekend, the Badgers host Alaska Anchorage in WCHA action.

7. Minnesota State – (15-8-3, 9-8-1 WCHA) – The Mavericks took three points in Anchorage this past weekend, but Mankato will need to improve their play next weekend as they square off against Minnesota in a home and away conference series.

8. Minnesota Duluth – (10-11-3, 8-7-3 WCHA) – The Bulldogs split their series with the CC Tigers this weekend.  Next weekend, Duluth takes on the USA Under-18 Squad in an exhibition game.

9. Colorado College – (10-14-2, 7-10-1 WCHA) – The CC Tigers split with Duluth at home this weekend.  Next weekend, the Tigers are off.

10. Michigan Tech – (7-12-4, 4-10-4 WCHA) – Michigan Tech took three points from the visiting Bemidji State squad.  Next weekend, Michigan Tech is off.

11. Bemidji State – (5-11-5, 4-8-4 WCHA) – The Beavers managed a draw with the Huskies of Tech on Saturday to salvage a point in their series.  Next weekend, Bemidji hosts Omaha in WCHA play.

12. Alaska Anchorage – (3-14-5, 1-13-4 WCHA) – The Seawolves managed to take 1 point from the visiting Mavericks of Mankato.  Next weekend, Anchorage travels to Madison to take on conference foe Wisconsin.

Related articles

• WCHA Power Rankings: Week 14 (insidehockey.com)

Clarification on the Nick Bjugstad goal

I just got off the phone with the head of officials… According to Greg Shepherd Head of Officials for the WCHA, the Boston goalie Parker Milner’s momentum carried him into the net; he wasn’t touched by the Minnesota players so that’s why it was called a goal. If Milner had been touched, it would have been ruled no goal. Now you know the rest of the story

Related articles

• Nick Bjugstad goal and Kyle Rau hit (ndgoon.blogspot.com)

What's wrong with this picture?

Looking at this screen shot, what's wrong with this picture? The WCHA's nonconference record is unimpressive this year against the other conferences.

Related articles

• WCHA Power Rankings: 12/09/12 (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• WCHA Power Rankings: 12/16/12 (insidehockey.com)

Weekend Match-Ups (by Sioux 7)

Western Collegiate Hockey Association logo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Welcome to the holiday break and holiday tournament time!  Just before Christmas there were a few WCHA series that ended in sweeps, SCSU swept the visiting CC Tigers, the Bulldogs swept the Seawolves in Anchorage, and UND swept MTU in Houghton, and the Beavers almost swept the Pioneers, win and tied.  The other WCHA series saw the Mavericks split with the Mavericks, both MSUM and UNO got wins against each other.  The Badgers also got a sweep, and their first home win(s) of the season, against the lowly UAH Chargers.

WCHA STANDINGS 2012-2013

Team………………………W-L-T………Points

1. St. Cloud St………….…9-5-0………….18
2. North Dakota.………..…7-2-3…..……...17
2. Denver…………..………7-4-3………....17
4. Minnesota State……….8-6-0.…...…….16
5. Minnesota………………6-3-3………….15
5. Nebraska-Omaha………7-4-1……........15
7. Minnesota-Duluth….…..5-6-3…………..13
8. Colorado College ……..5-6-1..….……..11
8. Bemidji State……..…….4-7-3..…….......11
10. Wisconsin…....…………2-5-5………......9
10. Michigan Tech………….3-8-3……….….9
12. Alaska-Anchorage…......1-8-3…...….…..5

Non Conference Games

Rensselaer @ #16 St. Could St. (Thu/Fri)

The Huskies enter the holiday season atop the WCHA.  I’m guessing if you would have placed a bet in Vegas on that in October, you’d be a little or a lot richer. In my preseason predictions I have them finishing fifth, so they have been the surprise team of the first half. 

The RPI Engineers are 4-6-4 overall this season, and are 1-5-2 in the ECAC, SCSU is 11-7-0 overall, with an 8-2-0 record in the National Hockey Center.  I don’t think the Huskies will end 2012 with a loss, they will say good bye to 2012 with a pair of wins.  HUSKIES SWEEP

#6 Boston U @ #14 Denver (Sat Only)

The Pioneers enter this game, winless in their last eight outings, going 0-5-3 during their drought. DU’s last win was against their rivals CC on November 17^th.  The Pioneers are 9-6-3 overall and the Terriers are 10-5-0 overall.  I’ve see both teams play UND in Grand Forks this year.  And I’ll say it, BU looked better than DU in the game they play at The Ralph.  I have to go with the visitors here.  TERRIERS WIN

#12 Nebraska-Omaha @ #9 Quinnipiac (Sat/Sun)

The Bobcats enter this weekend on a 10 game unbeaten streak, or a four game winning streak, they are 9-0-1 over that long span.  QU is 5-2-1 at home in Hamden, Connecticut, and UNO is 4-2-0 away from Omaha this season.  The Bobcats are 12-3-2 overall, but remember they play in the ECAC, and the Mavericks are 11-6-1 overall.

Given both teams rankings it should be a good series, but in the end, I see the WCHA standing tall.  MAVERICKS SWEEP

Florida College Classic (Fri/Sat)

Minnesota-Duluth vs Maine

Up to this point in the season both UMD and UMaine fans have to be disappointed with their records, Maine is 2-11-2 overall and UMD is 7-8-3 overall.  The Bulldogs got a sweep last weekend at the expensive to the UAA Seawolves.  Since both are on the road, I’m going to go with the better record.  BULLDOGS WIN

Minnesota-Duluth vs #19 Ferris St. / #11 Cornell

Ferris St is 7-7-3 overall and Cornell is 6-3-2 overall, and I would like to a Bulldogs versus Bulldogs match-up, with the boys from Duluth winning.  Or if UMD plays the Big Red, the Bulldogs might have some scoring woes, so I’ll go with a TIE.

Mariucci Classic (Sat/Sun)

Air Force @ Minnesota

The Gophers enter their tournament with an 11-3-3 overall record, 6-1-1 at home, and the Falcons are 5-7-4 overall, 3-4-3 on the road, this season.  The Gophers better not be looking past Air Force and towards Sunday’s game with Boston College.  If UM isn’t too rusty from the two weekends off they should dispatch the Falcons.  GOPHERS WIN

#1 Boston College @ #4 Minnesota

This should be the match-up of the weekend; the Eagles enter the tournament with a 11-2-1 overall record, and are 4-2-1 on the road.  These teams met last April in the Frozen Four with the Eagles winning their semi-final game easily over the Gophers by a 6-1 score.  No doubt the Gophers remember that and will want some redemption this weekend at home against a partisan crowd.  Unfortunately I don’t think they will get the revenge they are seeking.  EAGLES WIN

In case you’re wondering the other team in the Mariucci tournament the UAH Chargers.

Great Lakes Invitational (Sat/Sun)

Michigan Tech vs Michigan

The Huskies started the season winning two of three games, and it looked promising, and then the runners came of the sled, ugh.  The upside is that UM is not doing so well this year either, the Wolverines are 6-9-2 overall, and the Huskies are 4-10-3 overall.  Being an in-state rival though, you can over look all the records.  I’m going with the mild upset.  HUSKIES WIN

#8 WMU/MSU vs Michigan Tech

WMU is 11-4-1 overall, and MSU is 5-10-2 overall, I’m going with WMU over MSU.  So we have the Broncos versus the Huskies and Michigan v Michigan State in the other game.  If my predictions are right, I’m saying the Broncos bust the Huskies in their game.  BRONCOS WIN

UConn Hockey Classic (Sat/Sun)

Brown vs #18 Minnesota State

The Mavericks had their seven game winning streak snapped the last game before the Christmas break.  MSUM has overall record of 10-6-2 this season and the Brown Bears have an overall record of 3-5-4, and are 0-3-4 in the ECAC.  The Bears have yet to score more than three goals in a single game, so the key for the Bears will be play solid defense and get some timely goaltending.  The Mavericks have found their scoring touch during their long winning streak and if they can tickle the twine they should win this came.  MAVERICKS WIN

AIC/Connecticut vs #18 Minnesota State

AIC is 4-8-3 overall and 1-6-3 in Atlantic Hockey this year, and Connecticut is 4-7-2 overall and 3-6-1 in Atlantic Hockey.  Since I don’t know much about either American International or Connecticut, I’m going off their records, UConn wins over AIC.  But looking at them versus MSUM, I have to go with the WCHA.  MAVERICKS WIN

Ledyard Bank Classic (Sun/Mon)

Bemidji St. vs Massachusetts

The Beavers have to have some confidence in their game after tying and beating Denver just before Christmas.  BSU is now on a three game unbeaten streak, and own a 5-8-3 overall record.  The Minutemen are on a three game losing streak and are 5-9-2 overall.  Given the almost identical records overall, it should be a close game, but the Beavers heating up; I’m giving them the nod.  BEAVERS WIN

#2 UNH / #10 Dartmouth vs Bemidji St.

Even with the Beavers playing well as of late, the depth of either UNH or DU, will prove just too much for them to overcome.  BSU drops this game.

BYE WEEK

Alaska-Anchorage
Colorado College
#7 North Dakota
Wisconsin

Related articles

• Weekend Match-Ups (by Sioux 7) (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• WCHA Power Rankings: 12/16/12 (insidehockey.com)

Putting the final touches on this past weekend.

I never said UND wasn't good. I said they were wrong. That still stands.
— Brandon Veale (@redveale) December 16, 2012

During the summer of 2011 the college hockey world blew up with announcement of the National Collegiate Hockey Conference, this was a response to the formation of the Big Ten Hockey Conference.  These new leagues will begin play in the 2013-14 season.

There are a lot of fans that are unhappy with what has transpired.

This is the last season, before the CCHA disbands and teams leave for the Big Ten Hockey Conference and the NCHC. I expect, as the season winds down that there will be more articles like “Last Minute of hate in this period/The Red Line” which was written by Brandon Veale Sports Editor of the Mining Gazette.

In retrospect, I wonder if Veale regrets writing that article or not. I think all he did was fire up the UND hockey team even more. In the post-game of last night’s game head coach Dave Hakstol said that the team was aware of the article and some of the chatter on twitter as well.

I understand why the fans of the Anchorage, Michigan Tech, Bemidji State, Northern Michigan, Lake State, Bowling Green State University, Mankato State and Fairbanks are mad. I think they have every right to be mad.

I attended BSU for two years before I transferred to UND; I even have a BSU Beaver tattooed to my right calf. So I feel a lot of empathy towards that school.

I wasn’t a big fan of splitting up existing leagues, I would have rather seen PSU join the CCHA and everything would have been alright.

Or would it?  Some of these money issues probably existed before the realignment issue came to bear.

I also think that some of this anger is misdirected. Someone was chirping me on twitter for the realignment, the first thing I said was don’t blame the fans of the various teams that are moving on, blame the school’s athletic directors.

Some teams in the WCHA saw an opportunity to start an old league and break away from the WCHA and it’s leadership.

What I do think is funny; is that DU and UND are the ones that are getting the majority of the blame in this matter; they’re seen by many fans as the two schools that blew up college hockey. PSU and the B1G schools get no blame what-so- ever. I don’t see Veale writing articles slamming Michigan or Michigan State, maybe he will later.

More power to PSU for starting a Division I college hockey team. Maybe just maybe, this will get the ball rolling so other schools will throw their hats in the ring and start college hockey teams. I am all for letting the CIS schools join the NCAA Division I ranks.

If you really think about it, the B1G and the NCHC schools are no different, they’re doing the same thing, but only one conference is getting the majority of the flak. While the other is getting a free pass. We can argue to were blue in the face but this is all about trying to make a buck, it's the American way.

College hockey is not immune to the issues that have driven realignment in division I basketball and football. I just hope the nWCHA doesn't end up being college hockey's Big East.

I think it’s going to be an interesting to see what transpires moving forward. I am not convinced that all of the realignment is totally finished. A lot can happen in 5-10 years.

@redveale How that your team was beaten 6-1 and 4-1 do you regret writing that drive by hit piece?
— Eric J. Burton (@goon48) December 16, 2012

WCHA no comment on Michigan Tech's Jujhar Khaira penalty

This past week, Ryan Little was given an extra game suspension for his hit on Michigan Tech's Jujhar Khaira, the video of that hit can be seen here. I don’t think many of us have a problem with the extra game suspension, unless maybe you’re a Wisconsin Badger fan.

Player safety should be paramount. Yeah, I am rolling my eyes right now.

What I do have a problem with is the take down move that Khaira put on UW sophomore defenseman Jake McCabe, you can see by the pictures included that this was an egregious and dangerous move and should have warranted at least a five minute major and a game misconduct.  If look at the picture you will notice that the on ice official is looking right at the play.

I do believe that Little’s hit is grounds for a one game suspension, you have a player head hunting an unexpecting player in a vulnerable position that doesn't even appear to be looking at the player that’s bearing down on him. When I first saw this hit, I immediately thought of the Raffi Torres hit on Marian Hossa. The Little hit warrants a suspension in the NHL as well. I don’t think that many of us have a problem with that call.

What I do have a problem with is Khaira’s attempting to remove McCade’s head from the rest of his body and only receiving a two minute minor for holding.  Kind of makes one scratch their head. I have seen on line where some have likened the move to a WWE take-down. 

One question that I have is, did the refs inept response to the Khaira bush league move on Jake McCabe cause Little to take matters into his own hands? 

I asked sent an email to the WCHA’s Doug Spencer and this is the response that I got.

Eric,

We have no comment at this time. But I passed your note on to the Commissioner & Supervisor and if there is we will let you know asap.

Doug

s/t to @CJZERO

Related articles

• Former Gophers Andy Brink's thought's on college hockey and the WCHA (thehockeywriters.com)
• MTU's game winning goal against BSU. (thehockeywriters.com)

WCHA Issues One-Game Suspension to Wisconsin’s Little

The WCHA has suspended Ryan Little for this hit. In looking at the video, this is the type of hit that the NCAA is trying to eliminate and I have no issue with this suspension. I also can see why some from Badger Nation might be a little ornery as well.

In fact, Wisconsin has been on the wrong end of some really bad calls this season and I am going to let Andy Johnson of Bucky's Fifth Quarter explain the latest bad call against the Badgers.

While Khaira was certainly deserving of a penalty, the refs should have penalized him for a five minute major and ejected him from the contest. Video reviews clearly showed Khaira grabbing UW sophomore defenseman Jake McCabe from behind by the facemask and dropping him to the ice like it was a WWE wrestling match.

Jujhar Khaira was whistled for holding with 4:09 left to play in the third period. Wisconsin's Tyler Barnes would go on to score on the man advantage to tie things up at one.

While I applaud the WCHA for getting it right in this instance, there have been many instances where the league’s officials have been wrong as well.

If I have to use one word to explain the officiating on the ice in the WCHA this season I would use the term “brutal.”

Inconsistency has been plagued WCHA officials in recent times, causing many fans in attendance to scoff when the WCHA on ice officials skate on to the ice. We never know what they’re going to call or what they’re not going to call.

MADISON, Wis. – The men’s Western Collegiate Hockey Association today announced a one-game suspension to University of Wisconsin hockey player Ryan Little as a result of his actions in the December 8 game against Michigan Tech University.

Little’s suspension was determined after a review by the league office of an illegal check with 1:24 remaining in the overtime session and comes under the WCHA’s Supplementary Discipline Policy and Procedures.

Little will be required to serve the one-game suspension in Wisconsin’s next regularly scheduled contest on Thursday, December 13 vs Alabama-Huntsville.

Related articles

• Former Gophers Andy Brink's thought's on college hockey and the WCHA (thehockeywriters.com)
• WCHA Power Rankings: 12/09/12 (insidehockey.com)
• WCHA Web Media Poll: Week 9 (thehockeywriters.com)

Former Gophers Andy Brink’s thought’s on college hockey and the WCHA

English: Logo for the University of Minnesota (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Which the formation of the Big Ten Hockey Conference and the formation of the NCHC, the WCHA is going to have a very different look to it starting for the 2013-14 season. I had the opportunity to interview Former Golden Gopher forward Andy Brink and you’re going to find that he has some interesting things to say.

You played with the Minnesota Gophers from 1992-1996. What team in the WCHA did you consider to be your biggest rival? Why?

 My freshman and sophomore years Wisconsin was our biggest rival. They were more talented than us but we had their number. One of our coaches, Bill Butters, made it clear that we never lose to Wisconsin. My junior and senior years, CC was our biggest rival. They were really good and played with confidence. We had great games with them.

What is your feeling about this being the last season in the present form of the WCHA? Who do you hate more Michigan or Michigan State?

 The WCHA was the best league in college hockey. Anyone could win on any given night. Every weekend you had to play well to win regardless of the opponent. I,  personally, disliked Michigan the most. But that’s because they were difficult to beat. They had a lot of talent and played hard.

What is your favorite memory playing in the WCHA?

 What I reflect on most fondly was winning on the road. There was no better feeling than winning in Engelstad, The DECC, Dane County Coliseum and the other arenas that we played in. When you win on the road in the WCHA you really feel like you have accomplished something. Every building was fun to play in and each team had loyal fans that were very vocal.

Favorite NCAA Hockey Memory?

 My favorite memory NCAA Memory is from before I played. I grew up in Bemidji and grew up a Sioux fan. I remember going to Sioux games as a kid and still have a Sioux #20 Bob Joyce jersey. UND’s 1987 NCAA Championship is my fondest memory because I followed that team really close. There were also 2 players from my hometown on their roster and George Pelawa (from Bemidji) would have been a big part of that team had he not died in a car accident in the fall of ’86.

What do you think of Minnesota not playing UND in hockey for the next four seasons? Do you think it’s a bad decision to not continue the rivalry?

 It’s hard to imagine UND and the Gophers not playing. It’s been such a good rivalry and very even. Being only 5 hours away from each other and both programs always being so good, obviously, it’s not good that they are not playing a series every year.

Thoughts on the College Hockey re-alignment and the Gophers going to the Big Ten Hockey Conference? Good or bad for College Hockey?

 I don’t know. Things change. There are so many good young players now and so many opportunities for kids to get better that I think College Hockey will be really good no matter what. Kids today are faster and stronger and learning the game at a earlier age. For those kids that are late bloomers, there are many opportunities to develop at an older age in different junior leagues. College Hockey will benefit from this and I think we will see more parity throughout college hockey.

Favorite Opposition player during your time with the Gophers? Favorite arena to play in?

 Even though I only played against him for 1 year, Greg Johnson, from UND was my favorite player to play against. He was good at everything and relentless. I think he had 5 assists against us in one game at Engelstad my freshman year. Chris Marinucci from UMD was also really good and similar to Greg Johnson. Old Engelstad and Old Mariucci were the 2 best rinks to play in. They both had character and a lot of history and were really loud.

You have are a co-owners of Breakaway Hockey with former Golden Gophers and Buffalo Sabres great Dave Snuggerud and you see a lot of great players come through the ranks. One of your former students at Breakaway Hockey is Nick Mattson who plays for the University of North Dakota. What’s your thought’s on his first year and a half in the WCHA playing for UND? Also, what are his strengths on the ice.

 Nick is a great kid. Very motivated and loves hockey. Was always at the outdoor rink improving his skills and having fun. Was always trying to improve. I know Nick is capable of being a very good offensive and two way defenseman in college hockey. It takes confidence to perform well consistently and I think Nick has been very good through his first year and a half in the league. I know he will get better and better because he is smart and motivated. Also, I have always respected how nice he is off the rink to others, he comes from great parents! Besides his skating and puck skills, Nick’s biggest asset is his vision and his ability to be “calm” with the puck.

*Disclosure; Andy Brink is my brother-in-law and while played for the Maroon and Gold, I am very proud to have him as a member of my family. Brink has been a good ambassador to the game of hockey and he is making differences in the lives of youngsters on and off the ice.

Originally posted at the Hockey Writers Combine...