What's the Hurry?

Last week, some unknown writer for the Spectrum took to the blogosphere to chastise UND fans for chanting “Sioux Forever” and “Let’s Go Sioux.” In his defense, Vastlane (yeah, I never heard of it either) decided to enjoy Mr. Lipp’s 15 minutes of fame. Now as these two individuals take a victory lap  I thought I would chime in. Nice to see this person hit all of the talking points.

It is my opinion that the disjointed nickname and logo process is a huge culprit to blame for the continued rallying behind Fighting Sioux moniker. The public voting process disenfranchised huge sections of the populous participating because they felt like their views and wishes were ignored. The responses of the members of the public after the votes were held?

“I think the nickname they chose is stupid because it isn’t the one I chose; I’m still a Sioux.”

UND students, alumni, and supporters rallied behind the only thing they knew up until that point, the Fighting Sioux nickname and logo. If a new nickname and logo had been introduced within the first calendar year of the announced transition I doubt we would even be having this conversation today. The ironic part about all of this is the fact UND students, alumni, and supporters feel as if they have been stripped of their identities; when in reality they were hiding behind a banner of institutional racism that has taken the identities of centuries of First Nations people. (Life in the Vastlane)

No matter how you feel about the Fighting Sioux nickname and logo, this discussion would still be taking place today, even if the University of North Dakota had transitioned to a new nickname and logo in 2012. Next!

I have said this since day one. UND sports fans, especially hockey fans aren’t going to immediately transition to the new nickname Fighting Hawks. On the flip side of that. If NDSU’s moniker the Bison was found to be offensive, would hardcore Bison fans immediately accept a new nickname, no, they wouldn’t.

Here are some of the reasons for this. First, there’s isn’t an actual logo for anyone to get behind. Second, you don’t just change 80+ years of history overnight. Transitions like this could take a generation or two, maybe longer. Third, not everyone likes or embraces UND's new, official nickname the Fighting Hawks. In their minds, the Fighting Sioux won the 8th NCAA title. Not the Fighting Hawks. The UND administration doesn't want to alienate a powerful group of people. (If you're wondering, that's like 85 percent of the Ralph on game day.) Telling people to get over it, isn't going to work either.

My question is, what's the hurry? Like I mentioned above, there's no logo associated with the new nickname. If the administration blows the design of the new logo, this could fester for a long time.

Some of UND's programs have embraced the new Fighting Hawks nickname. While other's haven't. I think that was expected as well. Recently, I was scanning some of the tweets from incoming football players. Some of the tweets have said, glad to announce my commitment to the Fighting Hawks. The UND hockey team, not so much..

When Gage Ausmus announce that he was coming back, he said this, "Already looking forward to my senior season @UNDmhockey #Hang9 #RollTribe,"

UND recruit Tyson Jost recently said this in an interview this past week, “I think in the back of my mind I always wanted to be a Fighting Sioux one day. I am here now, so, I am part of the group, can’t wait to get started. I am humbled and proud to be a part of it.”

UND's most noticeable programs still embraces the Fighting Sioux nickname. The national media, including ESPN, still refers to them as the Fighting Sioux. What can you do?

NHL Rule Book Humor

I sent this via text to my buddy the other night, but I think that it's appropriate. It's no mystery that the NHL refs call the games differently during the playoffs than they do during the regular season. The whistles get put away during the overtime periods.

Game-Ending Dust Up: Red Wings Justin Abdelkader Turtles

Detriot Red Wings forward Justin Abdelkader was real brave at the end of game two when he was punching Mike Blunden as he laid on his back. At the end of game three, Abdelkader was again out on the ice during a game-ending dustup. Abdelkader should have been suspended during game three escaped the NHL wheel of justice.

This time, Tampa Bay Lightning forward and resident tough guy Brian Boyle came looking to collect. This time, Abdelkader turtled. Luckily for Abdelkader, the ref was able to rescue him before he had his ass handed to him. Fans are already taking to Twitter to show their thoughts on Abdelkader.

Here is a closeup of Justin Abdelkader looking at @BriBrows22 pic.twitter.com/RpGelE1tXW

— Christine Gunn (@ChristineLRM) April 18, 2016

Did Justin Abdelkader Cross the Line?

I saw this on the NHL Network last night and wanted to comment. Hockey Fights said this, "Abdelkader received a game misconduct for being the aggressor in an altercation; Blunden a minor for roughing. Michael Blunden did not receive a fighting major."

Punching someone as they lay on the ice isn't a fair fight. I think the NHL should take a serious look at Abdelkader's actions. I am all for settling things on the ice, this goes beyond that. Sean Gentille from the Sporting News has an interesting take on this matter.

Justin Abdelkader could probably be suspended. You shouldn't drop MMA-style fists and elbows on a guy when he's on his back, like Mike Blunden was on Friday night

In my opinion, this breaks the hockey code. I know, according to some, there's no longer a hockey code. If you want to fight a guy challenge him to a fight and get after it. However, hitting him while he lays in a defenseless position. Did Abdelkader cross the line? Should he be suspended? According to the Detroit's MLive , he's expected to play.

NDSU Student Embarrassed by UND Hockey Team

Someone posted this story on Sioux Sports and if you want a good laugh,  you should read this article. However, seriously, you can't re-write history. I have no idea who John Lipp is? Other than he's a student from Moo U that writes for their student newspaper. He had this wonderful piece in yesterday's NDSU's The Spectrum online version.

That being said, I am thoroughly disappointed in the way North Dakota was represented on the national stage.

Issue one: the persistence of cheering for the Fighting Sioux. It is embarrassing to see a mascot, perceived by many to be racially insensitive at best, so emphatically championed during one of our state’s brief moments in the spotlight.

It was 16 years ago that a collection of faculty representing UND’s Indian Related Programs wrote the nickname was perceived as “promoting the oppression of Native people, and placing UND at great risk for practicing and promoting state-supported, institutionalized racism.”

Furthermore, you do us no favors with hashtags like #RollTribe, as any diversity scholar worth his or her salt can describe the racially and stereotypically-charged history of that word. And no matter how desperately you claim to be honoring the native peoples of this land, the reality is that you care more about a college mascot than the people it purportedly represents.

Where to begin? When the NDSU Football team won their fifth FCS NCAA football championship, the first thing their fans did was yell Sioux Sux. The chant was heard on national television. Seriously, that's more embarrassing than UND fans chanting "Let's Go Sioux" or "Sioux Forever". Guess what? No one thought about the Bison after #raising8. No one started the "F#*k the Bison" chant.

So, UND fans yelling Sioux at a sporting event embarrasses the state more than NDSU Bison athletes' voter registration fraud scandal? Or how about the NDSU athletes stealing from Best Buy? Even better, how about football players getting into a fight downtown Fargo, in the middle of the night? I know, I know, that guy started the fight, right? The story still made the national news.

He who lives in a glass house, shouldn't cast stones.

My NHL Bracket

During the NCAA hockey tourney, I didn’t pick a bracket, and UND went on to win the Frozen Four and an eighth NCAA title. This season, I thought I would stay out of the prediction business.

During the NCAA playoffs, Grand Forks Herald hockey beat writer Brad Elliott Schlossman, had the famous coin. I should have borrowed it from him to make my SCP picks. That being said, for my NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs, I used no coin. I have decided that this will be the year of the Washington Capitals.

Now, I know I shouldn’t pick against the Flyers and wouldn’t it be fitting if Dave Hakstol’s team won the Stanley Cup the first year he coached them. Unfortunately, the Capitals are loaded and they will be this season’s Stanley Cup champion.

Grand Forks Herald Letter: Kudos to fans for vocal Fighting Sioux pride

By Barry Jackson Today at 6:00 a.m.

opinion Grand Forks,North Dakota 58203 http://www.grandforksherald.com/sites/all/themes/grandforksherald_theme/images/social_default_image.png Barry Jackson Grand Forks Herald http://www.grandforksherald.com LETTERS: Kudos to fans for vocal Fighting Sioux pride Grand Forks North Dakota 375 2nd Ave. N. 58203 UND's national championship is a well-deserved thumb-in-the-eye to the lords of political correctness, that band of arrogant, self-righteous, can't-mind-their-own-business do-gooders who coerced the NCAA into making UND drop the Fighting Sioux nickname.
The "Fighting Hawks"? Aren't we risking the wrath of PETA or the Audubon Society?
Barry Jackson
Gilbert, Ariz.

This letter to the editor was in today's Grand Forks Herald. Thoughts?

Fighting Hawks Can Wait

St Paul Pioneer Press sports writer Bob Sansevere interviewed UND forward Brock Boeser after the Frozen Four. One of the things that and one of the things that caught my eye was this. Boeser hits on something that has been a topic of discussion since UND picked Fighting Hawks as their official nickname. I’ve also had a few interesting conversations about the Fighting Hawks and Fighting Sioux nicknames.

Sansevere: There was a lot of controversy about North Dakota being called the Fighting Sioux. Do you like the Fighting Hawks nickname?

Boeser: It’s something not a lot of people like down here. Most people would have preferred the University of North Dakota with no nickname.

Sansevere: Fans were chanting “Let’s go Sioux” and “Sioux forever” in the championship game. Did you hear them?

Boeser: They’ll never change that. All the fans love the team, and there are die-hard Sioux fans.

During the nickname selection debacle, we were told that not having a nickname would be like continuing to use the Fighting Sioux nickname. If UND picked a nickname, the fans would get behind the new nickname. Yeah, that hasn't happened for the UND hockey fans. Some of the other programs have had a smoother transition to the new nickname.

So, this past weekend, the anti-no nickname crowd's theory was shot all to hell. Thousands of UND fans dressed in Fighting Sioux garb chanted "Let's Go Sioux" and "Sioux Forever". I didn't hear one "Let’s Go Hawks" cheer, you probably won't for a very long time.

Even the national media, for the most part still refers to UND as the Fighting Sioux. I am wondering how long before this goes away. It doesn't appear that it's going to happen anytime soon. Let's be clear, I am not suggesting that UND transition back to the Fighting Sioux nickname. It's not going to happen, ever. I am also not a member of the move on crowd either. I have bought two new Fighting Sioux Jersey's in the last year.

Let's not forget, UND wouldn't be able to host an NCAA regional in Fargo, ND if they still under NCAA sanctions and had the Fighting Sioux nickname. Don't forget, UND will again host another regional next season in Fargo. I also think that UND's other programs will eventually benefit from being able to not being under NCAA sanctions.

I am also surprised I haven't seen an editorial in the Grand Forks Herald complaining about the pro-Fighting Sioux nickname crowd chanting "Let's Go Sioux" and "Sioux Forever." And no, UND has a new nickname and the NCAA isn't going to sanction them because their fans are chanting the old nickname. If fans want to cheer Fighting Sioux and wear the old jersey's that protected under the first amendment. That's a line of bull s***.

In conclusion, I also find some irony that immediately after UND selected a new nickname, they went out and won an NCAA title with the new nickname. I don't know what to make of this? I just don't expect the new nickname to catch fire anytime soon. I also think the move on crowd can back off just a bit. I also think it's silly to boo your team every time you hear Fighting Hawks. Some day we might find some middle ground. But for now, all I can say is Fighting Hawks can wait.

Whew, UND Finishes on Top in Final USCHO Poll

Ha, we joked about this yesterday. I am sure that some of the eastern based/biased college hockey media had a tough time putting the University of North Dakota in the top spot of the final poll. That being said, this one was was a slam dunk and a no-brainer. In my humble opinion, think Denver should actually be number two.

Redwing77's Roster Pontifications

by Redwing77

Ok, the first truly successful (by haters' expectations) season since 2000 is over.  And with the afterglow comes the aftermath.  I got to wondering, with the CBS line's dominance, what the team was going to look like next year.  Sorry folks, the CBS line is gone.  Caggiula is a senior and surely Schmaltz and Boeser will sign (more on that later).  So who's coming in and who's leaving?

Let's look:
Here's what I'm doing.  I'm going to list each player who isn't a senior currently by position with a number in parentheses.  The number in parentheses represents my OPINION as to the likelihood of them being an early departure with 1 being almost certainly coming back to 10 which is "only came back on the plane to sign autographs and pack his room up."  Please note that I have no inside information.  This is PURE guesswork on my part.

Goaltenders:
Matej Tomek (3*)
Matt Hyrinkiw (1)
Cam Johnson (2)
Ryan Anderson (1)

Defensemen
Troy Stecher (8)
Tucker Poolman (5)
Keaton Thompson (6)
Paul LaDue (9)
Gage Ausmus (3)
Danys Chartrand (1)
Christian Wolanin (1)
Hayden Shaw (1)

Forwards
Nick Schmaltz (9)
Jonny Simonson (1)
Trevor Olson (1)
Mike Gornall (2*)
Austin Poganski (1)
Brock Boeser (9)
Chris Wilkie (1)
Shane Gersich (1)
Rhett Gardner (1)
Joel Janatuinen (1)
Luke Johnson (1)

The Asterisks
Ok, here's where I deviated a bit.  The two asterisks were on goaltender Matej Tomek and forward Mike Gornall.  If they leave, it would be to transfer, not to go pro.  Gornall is very unlikely, but still... pretty fairly touted forward at the beginning of the season that saw almost no game time.  Tomek only saw game time during exhibitions.  Gornall will probably not transfer because I believe he's a recruited walk on?  But as for Tomek...  this is a kid who is not going to supplant Johnson unless Johnson gets injured.  This means that, assuming Johnson plays well and doesn't turn pro early, Tomek's only shot at being the #1 will come when he's a junior.  For being as highly touted as he was coming into UND, I'm not sure he's going to want to sit around that long.  I'm not sure if UND will push Hyrnkiw down the depth chart because of his strong play this year either.  That's why I'm thinking Tomek may transfer.

The 8s and 9s

I'm told Stecher and LaDue leaving early is almost a certainty.  I can believe LaDue leaving early.  He's older than average and LA was trying hard to get him last year.  Stecher?  He's undrafted and, though he's very good, I'm not sure he's a "jump straight to the NHL" type UFA prospect.  He might come back next year.

Let's face it.  Schmaltz came back to win it all.  They won it all.  Good luck in Chicago, Nick.

Boeser was flat out dominant as a freshman this year.  Only Kyle Conner, imo, did better as a freshman.  I think there's a strong possibility both Boeser and Conner turn pro this offseason.  I think Boeser was a man amongst boys this year and with Vancouver being, well, desperate, they may rush things with Brock.

The outliers
There are three outliers in Keaton Thompson, Tucker Poolman, and Gage Ausmus.  I know that Thompson and Poolman were heavily courted by their teams last year.  I think, now that they've won it all, there will be more pressure brought upon them to sign.  As for Gage, I have no  real reason other than a pure hunch.  I think Gage is the most likely to return of the three.  Poolman next, as he'll probably want to play a year with his brother.

Who's Coming?

Forwards
Cole Smith - As Brad said, he looks to be a Coltyn Sanderson replacement
Ludvig Hoff - Nice forward for Lincoln.  Had 100 points this year.  Not a Boeser or Schmaltz type.  More like perhaps a Wilkie or even Poganski.  Not all that physical but can score.
Tyson Jost - by the hype around him, he's the next Boeser I guess.
Dixon Bowen - Don't know much about him except that he spurned the Fargo Force to join Penticton
Zach Yon - was Fargo's 2nd leading scorer before being traded this year.  With Waterloo, he seemed to me as more of a playmaker rather than scorer.  Schmaltz replacement?

Defensemen:
Colton Poolman - Same as Bowen.  Also younger brother to Tucker Pooman.
Gabe Bast - Don't know much about him either.
Andrew Peski - Played for Tri City.  Didn't notice him much, which might not be a bad thing considering he's a defenseman.
Christian Evers - Played for Lincoln.  He's been injured lately.  Don't know exactly with what.  He's a defensive defenseman.  He seemed pretty solid in that regard.

The "Might be" coming:
Collin Adams (F) and Casey Johnson (D).  Of the two, I think Adams has the best shot at coming in the fall due to numbers.

Summation
UND loses 4 senior forwards and then has another speculated 2 forwards and possibly up to 4 D leaving early for the pros.  There are 5 incoming forwards (1 extra not counting Adams without early departures, 1 short if both Boeser and Schmaltz leave) and 4 defensemen coming in (all extra if there are no early departures).

So what happens if only LaDue and Stecher bolt?  I'm pretty sure that Boeser and Schmaltz will go pro, so perhaps we use that extra slot for one of the 2 extra D coming in.  Does this mean that some of the "less high profile" UND players transfer (such as Gornall and/or Chartrand)?  Maybe it will all be moot.  Or more likely yet, there's another scenario that Berry and crew know about that I don't.

It'll be interesting to see who steps up next year to fill in for the loss of the top line.  I like our depth and goaltending.  It should be interesting... if opening day could just hurry up and get here.

Yes, UND Finishes On Top of the Pairwise Rankings

Last night on Twitter, someone asked the question if UND would finish the season on top of the Pairwise Ranking and the final USCHO rankings. That question caught my interest. So I had to take a look. Well, so far, so good. UND did finish the season on top of the rankings. The final USCHO poll "should" come out tomorrow.

UND Raises No. 8

For the first time in 16 years, the University of NorthDakota is college hockey's National Champion. The 2015-16 team will probably go down as one of the best in UND's storied history. Frozen Four MVP Drake Caggiula will have UND fans will be talking about him 20 from now. 

One historical fact, UND head coach Brad Berry is the first rookie head coach to win an NCAA title his first season. 

Finally, UND wins it all. What had become a yearly punch line, is now again a reality. UND had been to the NCAA’s Frozen Four in 2001, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2011, 2014 and 2015 only to come up short each time. With all of the talented players that have come through the doors of the Ralph, none of them had won it all. Until this season.There's some good news, this year, there will not be a thread suggesting UND fire the head coach. 

From day one, this team has been on a mission. They’ve been focused on one thing. Winning an NCAA title. They talked about it on a weekly basis. 

Think about this, 60 teams started the season with the goal of winning an NCAA title. Only one team will end their season with that important win. Last night, the 2015-16 UND hockey team did that. They accomplished the one thing that eluded this team for 16 years.The closed the deal. 

How special was this team? They were at the top of the NCAA in a lot of offensive and defensive categories. They had one of the best possession numbers in the country all season long. UND started the season with 11 freshmen. They were one of the youngest teams in the NCAA. 

In the NCAA playoffs, UND outscored their opponents 20-7. That’s impressive based on who they played. Their path to the national title went through some tough teams with great players: they went through Northeastern, Michigan, Denver and finally Quinnipiac. No one can say that got an easy game. 

In conclusion: what makes this win even more special is how the national hockey media fawned all over Quinnipiac all season long, week in, week out. But in the end, UND proved that they were the best team in the nation. 

I honestly think that the three best teams that I saw this season were in the NCHC, SCSU, UND, and Denver. I also think that UMD was a very tough team that could have beaten Boston College in their regional final. 

Frozen Four Lines: North Dakota vs. Quinnipiac

Quinnipiac (32-3-7)

Forward Lines

7 Sam Anas-26 Travis St. Denis-16 Landon Smith
24 Bo Pieper-19 Tanner MacMaster-12 Thomas Aldworth
39 Andrew Taverner-23 Tommy Schutt-17 K.J. Tiefenwerth
18 Soren Jonzzon-11 Tim Clifton-22 Scott Davidson

Defense Parings

6 Devon Toews-27 Kevin McKernan
13 Chase Priskie-4 Connor Clifton
14 Derek Smith-8 Alex Miner-Barron

Goalies

34 Michael Garteig
29 Sean Lawrence
35 Jacob Meyers

North Dakota (33-6-4)

Forward Lines

9 Drake Caggiula-8 Nick Schmaltz-16 Brock Boeser
29 Bryn Chyzyk-22 Rhett Gardner-14 Austin Poganski
25 Joel Janatuinen-26 Coltyn Sanderson-17 Colten St. Clair
19 Shane Gersich-10 Johnny Simonson-11 Trevor Olson

Defense Parings

3 Tucker Poolman-6 Paul LaDue
20 Gage Ausmus-2 Troy Stecher
24 Christian Wolanin-4 Keaton Thompson

Goalies

33 Cam Johnson
30 Matt Hrynkiw

There will be some lineup changes for UND. First, as we feared, Luke Johnson is out, he was wearing a very big brace (see screen shot from snap chat video). That doesn't look good. Tonight, UND will miss Johnson's faceoff prowess. 

Second: Colten St. Clair will take Johnson's place in the lineup. There’s no way he could play. Hopefully, he will be ready next season. Haden Shaw is out and Christian Wolanin takes his place in the lineup. There are two (Coltyn and Colten) on the third line.  

It will be interesting to see if UND tests the injured shoulder of Bobcats forward Sam Anas'. If I was UND, they should check him, legally, every chance they get. 

Former UND Hockey Players Check In

Tonight's the night! Good luck @UNDmhockey in the @NCAAIceHockey National Championship Game #believeitearnitraiseit

— Ryan Duncan (@rduncan16) April 9, 2016

Good luck to @UNDmhockey today in the national championship game, bring it home buiis! #siouxyeahyeah

— Mark MacMillan (@EasyMac_16) April 9, 2016

Good luck @UNDmhockey in the national title game. Future Hawk leading the way! #FrozenFour https://t.co/VNAW9Sd8IR

— Jonathan Toews (@JonathanToews) April 9, 2016

#LFG #RollTribe #hang8 pic.twitter.com/WRqZnd69wW

— Danny Kristo (@dkristo7) April 8, 2016

I love this picture. So fitting.

A bet is a bet! Pay the man. @UNDmhockey @Scooter_Von @Buccigross @umichhockey pic.twitter.com/bhtWKaWVWb

— Danny Kristo (@dkristo7) March 29, 2016

Congrats @UNDmhockey on making it to the National Championship Game! One more job to do! #finishit #raise8

— Mitch MacMillan (@Mitch_Mac89) April 8, 2016

@BradBerry29 @myUND Get Er Done Men #Wearefamily pic.twitter.com/Cv8jjm2MR0

— craig ludwig (@taz3311) April 8, 2016

Good luck to the Sioux boys at the #FrozenFour #hang8 #tonguesout pic.twitter.com/b1mYfmpltb

— Brendan O'Donnell (@bodonnell21) April 7, 2016

Good luck tonight Fighting Sioux!! I'll be battling from Germany for the 2:30am puck drop! @UNDmhockey

— Brad Miller (@Bradm14) April 7, 2016

Yeah baby!!! Go Sioux!!! 1 more!!! @UNDmhockey

— Derrick LaPoint (@d_lapoint) April 8, 2016

Best of luck to @UNDmhockey the FIGHTING SIOUX in the frozen four. #letsgetthelegsgoing #letsgetthemittsgoing

— Matt Frattin (@Matt_Frattin) April 7, 2016

Good luck to @UNDmhockey in the National Championship game tonight!!! Have fun and play hard!#SiouxYeahYeah

— TJ Oshie (@TJOshie77) April 9, 2016

UNITED IN GREEN!!!!!!!!#BelieveIt-EarnIt-RaiseIt pic.twitter.com/AoyvjPrDDi

— Brad Berry (@BradBerry29) April 9, 2016

Good luck to the Sioux boys tonight in the National Championship game! #Hang8 #FightingSiouxForever

— Rocco Grimaldi (@RGrimaldi23) April 9, 2016

It's Game Day: UND vs. QU

A photo posted by Drake Caggiula (@dcaggiula94) on Apr 9, 2016 at 7:13am PDT

Good luck to the University of North Dakota hockey team as they go for eight. Here are some of the stories making the news today. Tonight, UND is looing to raise it's eighth banner.

Saturday Morning Reading by @schlossman of the @gfherald: https://t.co/jimbsDsG1I

— North Dakota MHockey (@UNDmhockey) April 9, 2016

7 Players to Watch in the National Championship https://t.co/KuMNv02usP #THW

— The Hockey Writers (@TheHockeyWriter) April 9, 2016

Frozen Four Rewind: North Dakota vs. Denver - https://t.co/3GNAYAwoy9 #hockey #THW pic.twitter.com/YjmhHtPN3B

— The Hockey Writers (@TheHockeyWriter) April 9, 2016

Good luck @UNDmhockey in the national title game. Future Hawk leading the way! #FrozenFour https://t.co/VNAW9Sd8IR

— Jonathan Toews (@JonathanToews) April 9, 2016

Michigan, North Dakota both have four 2015-16 All-Americans https://t.co/Pcl6sMVs1H

— USCHO.com (@USCHO) April 8, 2016

#FrozenFour Blog: North Dakota's Berry looks back to the call that changed his career path https://t.co/Y2pogZR7m1

— USCHO.com (@USCHO) April 8, 2016

Alex Tuch: Stay in School

Now that the Boston College Eagles season is over, there's going to be extensive chatter on whether Alex Tuch should sign with the Minnesota Wild.

Lastly, according to sources, first-round pick Alex Tuch will take a few days to let the emotions die down before deciding with his family and advisor if he should turn pro with the Wild.(Mike Russo, Russo's Rants)

Here's some advice, stay school. After listening to many ex-college hockey players talk about how they wished they had stayed in college for another year. What's the hurry?

Last night, during the pre-game former Fighting Sioux All-American Zach Parise, talked about how he wished he'd stayed in college for another year. Can you imagine if he had?

Frozen Four: North Dakota 4 Denver 2

Tonight, the University of North Dakota won a Frozen Four semifinal for the first time since 2005. UND has exercised some demons and finally gotten over the hump in the Frozen Four. I will be posting more later tomorrow. (Here's the link to the goals for UND)

In my opinion, it looks better on paper, UND is now 2-9 in the last eight visits to the Frozen Four.

Only if @goon48 says it is https://t.co/DwjR3gsTyf

— GOHUSKIESWOOOOO (@GOHUSKIESWOOOOO) April 8, 2016

I want to address this. First, this is a penalty. It could've been a five-minute major. It wasn't. Nowhere did I say that it wasn't a penalty. I don't think that Trevor Olson hit the ice again after this penalty. I also wouldn't be surprised to see him in the stands on Saturday night. There's also a reason I muted this guy.

North Dakota beats Denver in the final minute to advance to its 13th Frozen Four Championship game. pic.twitter.com/p2cmE7DZLn

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 8, 2016

Whoops, They did it again.

One of my Facebook friends had this on her Facebook page today. Seriously, why does this happen all of the time? EDIT: This was an unlicensed vender, but still.

Mike McFeely on UND Hockey and NDSU Football

It must be that time of year again. Checking the calendar, it's the month of April and the Bison Football vs. UND hockey comparison is again making the newspapers and blogs. Everyone's favorite Fargo Radio host Mike McFeely has this interesting blog post this morning.

Honestly, I have never really liked UND fans calling NDSU's football program JV. First, let's not forget, UND also has a JV football team and UND third-year head coach Bubba is doing a great job resurrecting a team that was left for dead after the last head coach ran the program into the ground. Now, checking the results the last five years, their JV football team is better than ours.

UND's record isn't even .500 and the Bison have won back-to-back-to-back-to-back-to-back NCAA FCS championships. That's pretty impressive in any league. While I don't care for the NDSU football team, I must tip my hat to them. They're a powerhouse in FCS football. I suspect that Bubba will have UND's football team playing at an elite level in the not too distant future.

During the football season, UND hockey fans derisively refer to the Bison as a junior varsity or “JV” team because they compete in the Football Championship Subdivision of NCAA Division I, not the highest level of Football Bowl Subdivision. FBS is home of big-time conferences like the Big Ten, Big 12, Southeastern Conference, etc. (McFeely)

On the flip side of the coin, we have this argument.

During the hockey season, Bison fans belittle UND hockey as a team competing in a low-profile sport relatively few Americans care about. They point to dismal attendance at NCAA regional sites, low TV ratings and the small number of Division I hockey programs and say, “Hockey is a regional niche sport that few outside passionate hockey towns care about. UND is a big fish in a really small pond.”

Let's face facts, hockey is a unique sport, it's the one sport where a division III school can beat the big boys. Rarely if ever, does this happen in FBS college football. I am not sure that NDSU would ever beat Michigan in football, but UND did so in hockey.

Two weeks ago, while wearing a Fighting Sioux jersey at the MTS Centre in Winnipeg, I had many Jets fans come up and complement my jersey. I doubt that few Canadians know who the NDSU Bison are. I wonder if we should just go to our corners and agree to disagree? I don't think we will ever move on until we do.

(Video) Oliver "Butch" Mousseau Eulogy by Don Adam

A classy eulogy by NCHC head of OFficals Don Adam.