Granato, North Dakota-Wisconsin Is a Must-Have on the Schedule

I agree with Badgers head coach Tony Granato. I think that the Wisconsin Badgers and the Fighting Hawks need to play ever single season, no matter what. He's couldn't be more right, this matchup is a must see series between two college hockey powerhouses. The fans want it and the coaches want it, too. The Badgers and Hawks will resume their series next season when UND travels to the Kohl Center.  

But if Badgers coach Tony Granato had it his way, this season would be the last where old rival North Dakota doesn’t appear on the schedule.

“I would like to play them every year,” he said. “For me, North Dakota-Wisconsin is a must-have on the schedule. There’s too much history. And they want the same, talking to their coaches.

“It’d be nice if they were in our league but they’re not, so let’s find a way to play them every year and keep that going.”

UW and North Dakota, longtime opponents when both were part of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, played non-conference series in Madison in November 2014 and in Grand Forks in November 2015 after the teams left for separate leagues in 2013. (Credit: Todd Milewski, Madison.com )

I think it's refreshing to have a new perspective and a new voice in Madison. Frankly, I do like the way Granato is thinking and he seems to be making all of the right moves and saying all the right things. Obviously, the Badgers have been bad for the past two seasons and he's got a lot of work to do moving forward. That being said, I don't think they're going to finish fifth in the Big Ten.

No, Women's Hockey Is Not on the Chopping Block

I've been following UND budget issues for sports, and by now you've probably read by now that there's was a $1.4 million shortfall for the 2015-16 fiscal year. There will be cuts to address that shortfall. According to the Grand Forks Herald, there would be up to eight sports falling to the budget knife. I've had a few people ask me if Women's hockey is going to be on the block. The answer is no.

Twelve sports — men's and women's hockey, men's and women's basketball, football, volleyball and men's and women's track and field and cross country — were identified at as programs UND is committed to sponsoring and appear to be safe from being cut.

That list of sports was given to Kenville in a previous meeting with Kennedy and Athletics Director Brian Faison, Kenville said. There was no discussion at Monday's IAC meeting about the eight sports listed as potentially being cut. (Grand Forks Herald)

I've been following this issue over on Sioux Sports. In one thread there were some openly begging the administration to cut women's hockey. Personally, I am very happy women's hockey isn't going to be cut, not going to happen as I predicted.

First, cutting women's hockey would be a horrible idea, the optics would be horrible and the university would take a beating on the national stage. Some that would see this as cutting a women's sport for the sole purpose of improving a men's sport. We've heard for years, that if UND spent more money on men's basketball and football they'd be better? That would only strengthen that argument. Second, women's hockey is one of the few sports where UND has an actual chance to win a division I national title. Lastly, women's hockey is an Olympic sport. UND has had quite a few players compete in international play and their efforts bring prestige to our university. Also, don't we want the area's daughters to have a place to play women's division on college hockey? I think we would.


Hockey 101: Women’s Hockey

UND Men’s HOCKEY 2016-17 National Television Schedule

The University of North Dakota hockey team has a massive, loyal fan base that lives in many states across the nation. While most of UND Hockey game are on NCHC.TV, not everyone wants to mess around with web based programs. This season, UND will have about 13-15 games on national television. This is good news for the fans that have either Dish Network or DirecTV (with the sports pack).  Also, ASN picked up a two away games that UND is playing in. There's a possibility that the list could grow by two. Last season, ASN televised a few UND hockey games.

Oct. 28 — at Minn. Duluth 7:07 p.m. TV: FSN North, Fox College Sports, nchc.tv. Tickets.

Nov. 4 — at Minnesota 7 p.m. TV: FS North, Fox College Sports. Tickets.

Nov. 5 — at Minnesota 8 p.m. TV: FS North, Fox College Sports. Tickets.

Nov. 18 — at St. Cloud St. 7:37 p.m. TV: FS North, nchc.tv. Tickets.

Dec. 3 — vs. Boston College in NYC 6:30 p.m. TV: CBS Sports Network. Tickets.

Dec. 10 — WESTERN MICH. 7:07 p.m. TV: Midco SN, Fox College Sports, nchc.tv. Tickets.

Jan. 14 — MIAMI 7:07 p.m. TV: Midco SN, Fox College Sports, nchc.tv. Tickets.

Jan. 20 — MINN. DULUTH 7:37 p.m. TV: CBS Sports Network. Tickets.

Jan. 21 — MINN. DULUTH 7:07 p.m. TV: Midco SN, Fox College Sports, nchc.tv. Tickets.

Feb. 3 — ST. CLOUD ST. 7:37 p.m. TV: CBS Sports Network. Tickets.

Feb. 4 — ST. CLOUD ST. 7:07 p.m. TV: Midco SN, Fox College Sports, nchc.tv. Tickets.

Feb. 17 — at Western Mich. 6 p.m. TV: CBS Sports Network. Tickets.

Feb. 25 — OMAHA 7:07 p.m. TV: Midco SN, Fox College Sports, nchc.tv. Tickets.

March 17-18 — NCHC Frozen Faceoff (Minneapolis) TV: CBS Sports Network. Tickets.

March 24-26 — NCAA West Regional (Fargo). TV: ESPNU, ESPN2 or ESPN3. Tickets TBA.

April 6-8 — NCAA Frozen Four (Chicago). TV: ESPN, ESPN2. Ticket info.

Let's Hang a Banner - Line UND vs. MB

The big question everyone probably wants to know; who's Boeser going to play with. This will be the first NCAA Banner hanging in the new Ralph Engelstad Arena (okay, I know it's 15 years old now). The line to watch will be Brock Boeser, Tyson Jost and Shane Gersich.

The new Heavy Line second version; Joel Janatuinen, Rhett Gardner and Austin Poganski.

No Ryder Cup for Red River Valley Residents

PGA golf fans living in the Red River Valley, will not be able to watch the second round of the Ryder Cup today. Instead, you have to watch the Thundering Herd play against Illinois State. Checking out social media, a few of the people I follow are less than thrilled.

KVLY announced on its Facebook page Friday afternoon that it will not air Saturday's coverage of the Ryder Cup.

Instead, KVLY will broadcast the Bison football game against Illinois State.

KVLY said it offered to carry the Ryder Cup on one of its alternate channels, but NBC refused. (Grand Forks Herald)

This isn't the first time something like this has happened. Recently, KVLY usurped a Blackhawks Stanley Cup Playoff game with the NDSU Spring Football game.

Drake Caggiula Two Times

Last night, former UND and rookie Edmonton Oilers forward Drake Caggiula scored two goals against the Vancouver Canucks. Caggiula's first goal was a result of being in the right place at the right time and picking up the change in front of the net. (Caggiula First goal) Caggiula's second goal was a thing of beauty. (Caggiula one-timer).

One-timer equalizer. 👌 #NHLPreseason pic.twitter.com/J8FY5l80cf

— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) September 29, 2016

#BigRig ➡️ #TheDrake 🚨 #NHLPreseason pic.twitter.com/ZObfoSDnay

— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) September 29, 2016

On the other end of the ice, former UND defensemen and current Vancouver Canucks rookie Troy Stecher had a remarkable three-point night. Here's the video of his goal. (Stecher Goal)

"I grew up watching the Canucks and coming here, it was a different feeling being on the other side of it." – @troystecher pic.twitter.com/IfksetocL3

— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) September 29, 2016

.@troystecher has a three point performance in his #Canucks debut at Rogers Arena. https://t.co/TBk2BeUjYq pic.twitter.com/EhOSuui3AS

— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) September 29, 2016

Minnesota vs. North Dakota Series on FSN

Good afternoon, there's some very good news for college hockey fans,  The Gophers, and the F'N Hawks will resume their historic series on November 4-5, 2016. Both games will be on Fox Sports North. For example, if you live in Texas and you have DirecTV (sports pack required) or Dish Network, you will be able to watch the series.

FOX Sports North will broadcast 17 regular-season Gopher Hockey games including the regular-season home opener vs. St. Cloud State on Oct. 21, both games in the North Dakota series on Nov. 4-5 and the regular-season finale vs. Michigan State on March 11.

Per Big Ten release, UND-Minnesota game times will be at 7 p.m. Friday, 8 p.m. Saturday (on Fox Sports North).

— Brad E. Schlossman (@SchlossmanGF) September 26, 2016

The Oilers New Mascot - Hunter

Speaking of mascots, that the heck is this thing? It looks like a Bobcat.

#Oilers fans, meet Hunter: our first-ever mascot! 😺 pic.twitter.com/T1phDV73P3

— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) September 26, 2016

UND Starts out at Number 1

Preseason USCHO.com Division I Men's Poll

September 26, 2016

	Team	(First Place Votes)	Record	Points	Last Poll
1	North Dakota	(43)	34- 6-4	993	1
2	Quinnipiac	( 1)	32- 4-7	856	2
3	Denver		25-10-6	848	4
4	Boston University	( 5)	21-13-5	774	14
5	Boston College	( 1)	28- 8-5	641	3
6	Minnesota-Duluth		19-16-5	621	9
7	St. Cloud State		31- 9-1	569	5
8	Massachusetts-Lowell		26-10-5	535	7
9	Notre Dame		19-11-7	502	13
10	Providence		27- 7-4	476	7
11	Michigan		25- 8-5	470	6
12	Harvard		19-11-4	422	10
13	Minnesota		20-17-0	404	NR
14	Bowling Green		22-14-6	370	NR
15	Northeastern		22-15-5	361	12
16	St. Lawrence		19-14-4	336	18
17	Michigan Tech		23- 9-5	285	16
18	Yale		19- 9-4	283	11
19	Minnesota State		21-13-7	153	17
20	Ferris State		20-15-6	126	15
Others receiving votes: Cornell 92, Nebraska-Omaha 85, Penn State 63, Clarkson 62, Rochester Institute of Technology 62, Ohio State 33, Air Force 17, Vermont 16, Miami 11, Wisconsin 10, Dartmouth 6, Robert Morris 6, Michigan State 5.

UND starts out the 2016-17 season ranked first in the USCHO Preseason Poll. UND is also picked to finish first in the NCHC preseason media poll. Four NCHC teams make up the USCHO poll. 

Last week, the NCHC released the preseason Media Poll. 

2016-17 NCHC Preseason Poll
North Dakota – 235 points (25 first-place votes)
Denver – 200 (3)
Minnesota Duluth – 173 (2)
St. Cloud State – 155
Omaha – 119
Miami – 96
Western Michigan – 65
Colorado College – 37

David Backes not Impressed with Phil Kessel's Tweet

Last night, after Team Canada beat Team USA 4-2, Phil Kessel tweeted this. Apparently, some didn't like Kessel's tweet.
 

From Puck Daddy:

“It’s disappointing. It’s almost to say that we were coasting or don’t care, weren’t representing our countries as well as we could have and for other guys that have worn the jersey, it’s disappointing,” Team USA forward David Backes said. “I understand there’s hard feelings if you weren’t picked for the team or if whatever, but the comments are, I think – as a team guy and as a guy that stands by my teammates, win lose or draw, it’s a little distasteful and aggravating but everyone’s got a Twitter account and you can have freedom of speech to say whatever you want and so be it. But those comments don’t get lost in the fray and those comments are there and have been read and I think will be remembered when whatever happens going forward happens going forward.”

First, I thought Kessel's tweet was spot on. During the first two games, I thought Team USA looked slow, uninspired and old. They lost all of the 50/50 battles. Team USA didn't look like they even wanted there. Finally, I am more than disappointed with the team that built to beat Canada.

Herald Letter: New logo conspicuous by its absence at UND

Yesterday, while reading the Grand Forks Herald letters to the editor, I came across this interesting letter. Mr. Johnson isn't the first one to ask this question. When Brad Schlossman tweeted the picture of the ice going in, missing was the new logo. There were a few tweets back asking where and when the new logo was going to be at center ice.

UND's new nickname is the Fighting Hawks. So, why is UND not getting behind it and painting in on the ice at Ralph Engelstad Arena—or on the basketball or volleyball floor at Betty Engelstad Arena—or on the football field at the Alerus Center?

Instead, those facilities are using the interlocking ND logo, which is being phased out. Why? Does UND not even like the Fighting Hawks logo?

The university wants all the fans to get on board with the new logo, but the school itself has not even fully embraced it.

J.R. Johnson

Grand Forks

From what I have heard and read, the new logo isn't going to be on any playing surface this season. However, we're to expect to see it there during the 2017-18 season.

ASN to Broadcast 10 NCHC GAMES in 2016-17

Today, the National Collegiate Hockey Conference announced that American Sports Network will carry 10 of the league's games. This is very good news, it gives the NCHC more exposure on the national level.

For UND fans that don't live in the area or like to watch hockey games through an Internet hookup will be able to see two more of their games on TV via cable or a satellite dish (DirecTV or DISH).

Per the NCHC:

Games selected to air on ASN are centered on member institutions that have limited local/regional television exposure from their home venues. With that in mind, CC and WMU each host a trio of ASN games, while Omaha will host two ASN broadcasts and Denver and Miami will each have one ASN telecast originate from their arena. Eight of the 10 games ASN will air are conference games with only two non-conference contests on the slate. 

“The announcement of 10 additional NCHC distributed games through American Sports Network speaks to our commitment toward national exposure,” NCHC Commissioner Josh Fenton said in an official press release. “We appreciate ASN’s partnership with our conference and their overall coverage given to college hockey. We look forward to another great year on their network.”

2016-17 NCHC ASN Television Schedule

Date	Game	Time (ET)
Fri., Oct. 21, 2016	Vermont at Omaha	8:00 p.m.
Fri., Nov. 4, 2016	Miami at Western Michigan	7:00 p.m.
Fri., Nov. 11, 2016	St. Cloud State at Colorado College	9:30 p.m.
Fri., Nov. 18, 2016	Air Force at Western Michigan	7:00 p.m.
Fri., Dec. 9, 2016	Minnesota Duluth at Denver	9:00 p.m.
Sat., Jan. 7, 2017	North Dakota at Omaha	8:00 p.m.
Fri., Jan. 13, 2017	Denver at Western Michigan	6:30 p.m.
Fri., Jan. 13, 2017	Omaha at Colorado College	9:00 p.m.
Sat., Jan. 28, 2017	North Dakota at Colorado College	8:00 p.m.
Sat., Feb. 18, 2017	Denver at Miami	8:00 p.m.

Jake Brandt Returns to Midco Sports Network for UND Hockey Games

Another hockey season is almost upon us. Like last season, former University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux goalie Jake Brandt will do color for hockey games broadcast on Midco Sports Network.

Ram & UND hockey alum Jake Brandt will be back doing color for UND hockey games; article from @SchlossmanGF pic.twitter.com/KPmL65pvpt

— Roseau Ram (@RoseauRam) September 15, 2016

Not so Fast

It appears the Holy Cross to Hockey East rumor might be a bit premature.

Re: Holy Cross, HC is not on the verge of happening but has been discussed by HE members. League meets again next week.

— Mike McMahon (@MikeMcMahonCHN) September 15, 2016

My gut feeling right now is that HEA will be an 11-team league for 2017-18. https://t.co/XemqmyjgOg

— Mike McMahon (@MikeMcMahonCHN) September 15, 2016

Also told that HC was one of several things discussed, including remaining at 11 & there are plans in place for that.

— Mike McMahon (@MikeMcMahonCHN) September 15, 2016

Holy Cross to Hockey East?

Looks like college hockey realignment might not be done after all. According to Bill Ballou of the Worcester Telegram, the Holy Cross Crusaders could be headed to Hockey East.

According to multiple sources, Holy Cross has been approached about replacing Notre Dame in Hockey East when the Fighting Irish leave after this winter. That move would require the Crusaders to play their home games at the DCU Center.

And in the event the change in leagues occurs, Holy Cross would be sharing the building with the new Worcester Railers of the ECHL.

The Railers are scheduled to begin play in October, 2017.

“We became aware of it (Monday),” said ECHL commissioner Brian McKenna, “and we’re very concerned about it. Beyond that, we don’t care to comment further.”

Neither Holy Cross athletic director Nathan Pine nor Railers owner Cliff Rucker would comment about the Crusaders’ possible move to Hockey East and the DCU Center.

Got to love the duck by the DCU Center staff. Where there's smoke, there's fire. For those that haven't heard, former Michigan Tec head coach Jamie Russel is going to be the head coach of the new ECHL team.

Sandy Dunn, general manager of the DCU Center, referred all questions to Holy Cross. However, in an interview during the NCAA hockey tournament in the building in March, Dunn was asked if the DCU was ready to play host to the Crusaders should they need a bigger home.

Ryan Anderson's New Goalie Mask

Thoughts on Ryan Anderson's new goalie mask? Courtesy of headstronggrafx. I live in Grand Forks, and I have started to see the community embrace the new Fighting Hawks logo.

Now before you bite my head off.

I see the new logo around town, more and more. While a big percentage of hockey fans' aren't on board or with the new logo, the other sports programs that aren't hockey (players and fans) seem to be embracing the new logo. I have to say, I thought that the new logo looked okay on the football helmets. I also love the new uniforms. I see kids wearing the new logo on the way to school. I talked to a manager at Scheels and he said that the new clothing with the Fighting Hawks logo is moving off of the shelves.

Ryan Anderson | North Dakota Fighting Hawks @undmhockey @bauerhockey @badgerairbrush @satabydanam @custompaintsinc

A photo posted by Jason Livery's (@headstronggrafx) on Sep 10, 2016 at 10:49am PDT

Torts, "I'm not backing off."

At first, when I read this, I didn't think it would be an issue. That being said, Torts reiterated again today that he's not backing off. Don't stand for the national anthem and you won't play for team USA.

“There is no chance an anthem and a flag should come into any type of situation where you are trying to make a point,” Tortorella told Aaron Portzline Wednesday. “It’s probably the most disrespectful thing you can do as a U.S. citizen is to bring that in because that’s our symbol. (I’m) all for express yourself. That’s what is so great. Everybody does. But no chance when it comes to the flag an anthem. No chance.”

“I have no problem (with it),'" Seth Jones told the Columbus Dispatch. "You’re not going to see anything from any of us with Torts, so I have no problem with that.”

While many fans and media aren't a fan of the firey coach from the Columbus Blue Jackets, no one can accuse him of being wishy washy. He's sticking to his guns.

“Understand: I’m not criticizing anybody for stepping up and putting their thoughts out there about things. I’m the furthest thing away from being anything political,” Tortorella told SportsNet.

“This is your anthem. This is your flag. That shouldn’t come into play for a second. Not what these people do.”

Check out what former UMD Bulldog forward J.T. Brown tweeted on the matter.

"I'm not backing off."

John Tortorella reiterates that he'd bench players who don't stand for the national anthem: https://t.co/Uh6N29jPEn

— ESPN (@espn) September 7, 2016

I interviewed Team USA coach John Tortorella today. His message remains the same. You... https://t.co/FuSXz1gv9W pic.twitter.com/9mSscIdQY5

— Linda Cohn (@lindacohn) September 7, 2016

Wouldn't benching a black man for taking a stance only further prove Kap's point of oppression? But hey 🐸☕️ https://t.co/p6aUjXYlq4

— Jt brownov (@JTBrown23) September 7, 2016

Fighting Hawks not Flying at Center Ice

The 2016-17 college hockey season is almost upon us. Finally, the ice is going back in the Ralph and the #neverfightinghawks fans will be happy. At least for this season, there will not be a Fighting Hawks logo at center ice this season.

The ice is being painted at The Ralph. pic.twitter.com/8UjqQR95h3

— Brad E. Schlossman (@SchlossmanGF) September 6, 2016

Torts, Stand For Anthem or Don't Play

Today, team USA World Cup of hockey head coach John Tortorella was asked what would happen if one of his players took up Colin Kaepernick's cause and failed to stand for the National Anthem. Some will like his response, won't.

“If any of my players sit on the bench for the national anthem, they will sit there the rest of the game,” Tortorella said.

So, if the USA players don't stand for the national anthem they will sit.

Ex-@NYRangers coach Torts warns Team USA: Stand for anthem or sit out World Cup of Hockey https://t.co/FBc1HxuQGM pic.twitter.com/oLKUx6mlgS

— NY Daily News Sports (@NYDNSports) September 6, 2016

I know I'm the minority on this but I dislike Torts appearing to dismiss the validity of the protest here pic.twitter.com/xarNiNE5TL

— Christian LaFontaine (@LaFontaine_CD) September 6, 2016

makes sense torts is wrong on this. he is wrong on everything else and he's one of those "i don't say 'battle' because of the troops" dorks.

— septemberl (@twolinepass) September 6, 2016

Collin Kaepernick's Stand, He Refuses to Stand

I am sitting here alone at work on Labor Day I am looking through some of my friends Facebook posts. Of course, there’s the usual, Hillary Clinton and Donald J. Trump posts.

There’s been one topic that hasn’t’ died and seems to have a life of its own. You know the one, the San Franciso backup quarterback Collin Kaepernick’s and his refusal to stand for the national anthem. Last week, Kaepernick made the following statement when asked why he wouldn’t stand for the national anthem.

"I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color," Kaepernick told NFL Media in an exclusive interview after the game. "To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder."

This week, President Barrack Obama weighed in on Kaepernick’s position.

“[H]e’s following his constitutional right to make a statement,” President Obama said at a press conference in Hangzhou, China. “I think there’s a long history of sports figures doing so. ”The president added, “I don’t doubt his sincerity. I think he cares about some real, legitimate issues that have to be talked about. And if nothing else, he’s generated some conversation around some topics that need to be talked about it.”

Like I have said in the past, I am not all that fussed about Kaepernick's refusal to stand for the national anthem. As an American, he has that right to take this stand, or in this case, not to stand. Whether we like it or not, it’s protected speech under the first amendment.

It doesn't matter if we have a pen and a phone. We're a nation of laws. We can’t pick and choose what amendments or  laws we like to follow. As a constitutional conservative, I am not offended by this man's opinion. Do I agree with it? Nope. But it's not about me.

This is America, people are allowed to have differing opinions. We also have the right to "respectfully" disagree with these folks. Not everyone is going to see the world the same way or have the same personal experience. In my case, I have no idea what it's like to be a rich person or a minority.

There’s another side to this story. Kaepernick has also worn socks that depict cops as pigs. This move has offended police and law enforcement officers nationwide.

Now, the Santa Clara Police Officers Association (their police department's union) has come out and said some of their officers aren't going to work the San Francisco 49ers games.

"I'm already hearing it this week that next week on Monday Night Football, some officers are not going to work," said Frank Saunders, president of the Santa Clara Police Officers Association.

Before you go off on these police officers and say that they’re ducking their responsibilities and disregarding safety, they're not. They're exercising their first amendment rights. Like Kaepernick, they also have the same protected speech. They have choice to not work these events, this isn’t mandatory overtime. This is an overtime gig to supplement their incomes. They’re also exercising their freedom of speech by failing to sign up for the overtime shifts. There will be other officers that will take those shifts.

This is the beauty of America, you can’t pick and choose. It's hypocritical to approve of one’s protected first amendment speech and then turn around and say, “Hey! They can’t do that.” Everyone is protected under the first amendment, whether you like it or not. Live with it. In other words, the law enforcement officers that Kaepernick attacks can also turn around let him know their feelings about his actions. That's life.