UND president addresses North Dakota WDAY's Hot Talk.

Scott Hennen discusses the NCAA's decision with the UND president on WDAY's Hot Talk

Goon's World Official Stance on the issue.

The Goon's offical stance on the NCAA ruling on the Fighting Sioux logo.
I think just because the NCAA let FSU keep its name for NCAA Tourneys and UND not keep its name for NCAA Tourneys basically says there is a double standard and that since FSU is a huge school with a lot of money: plus the fact that their governor made a big stink in the beginning of the process basically then strong armed the the NCAA to back down, basically proves that if your a small school your going to not be ruled against favorably even if you have a letter from your name sake tribe. Correct me if I am wrong UND does have a letter from the Spirit lake Tribe basically stating they have the support of the Spirit Lake Sioux. Since no one from Fort Totten or from the Spirit Lake Tribe has ever rescinded that letter of support that should be enough to have any court slap The NCAA around.

However, this just proves the double standard and inconsistency of the NCAA and this ruling this should be enough for them to be slapped or sanctioned by a court of law. What good for one should be good for another school. Again, this is what happens when you let this P.C. crap get out of hand. It’s a sad day for this country that we as a nation are leading/heading this way, its liberalism run amuck. Apparently Americans have a constitutional right to not be offended. However, in looking at the constitution I can not find anywhere its written that we have that god given right to not be offended and that we have to be appeased if we are offended.

Lastly, Brand's liberalism is starting to show through with your basic class warfare, its jealousy and envy, the have-not’s are jealous of UND's standing in the College hockey world because of the Ralph Englestad Arena and the recruiting advantage it give the Fighting Sioux. Rightfully or wrongly Englestad when he built this arena shoved it down the NCAA and the PC name change crowd's throat, now we are paying for this. UND has to fight back and not let these clowns win. It’s about power and not giving in to a vocal minority. Brand is trying to leave a legacy and UND must fight this or be shoved to the side of the road.

This is not over and Brand has no way won. I just hope UND waits out the NCAA on this and does not compromise. Also, if UND eventually let the name change people pay for the changes to have the logos removed. Maybe it should cost Leigh Jeanoette his job at the University.


Goon's Message to Miles Brand.
Dear Miles Brand:
I think you have picked the wrong University to mess with. The great people of the state of North Dakota will not be pushed around by some hand wringing leftist snob like your self that has an axe to grind and a legacy to shore up. You’re a dying breed the left elitist college professor. A Dinosaur that should be freeze dried in some leftist university museum. The Alumni of the University of North Dakota will not back down and our administration will fight this out in the court. Bring it on.
Your exactly what is wrong with this country today.
Goon

NCAA Rules Against UND and the Fighting Sioux Name.

I believe this is the beginning of the law suit that UND is going to slap on the NCAA for its outrageous, ridiculous decision to allow some institutions like FSU to keep its logo while not allowing UND and others to use their logos. Incidentally, Florida State University displays one of the most outrageous stereotypical behavior of all the schools with Native Monikers (Flordia State has a white guy dressed like a Seminal Indian on a horse, which is ridden out to the center of the field with a burning spear in its hand and throws this spear into the turf with the approval of 70,000 screaming fans). To take a word from my former Sociology Professor Cliff Staples this is the biggest example of a of red face minstrels I have ever seen. Of course Little/Tiny University of North Dakota at Grand Forks will not be allowed to use its moniker during the NCAA playoffs. Hypocrites all of them.

As a White Guy I think we must continue this ridiculous behavior by saying that I am offended by Crusaders and Fighting Irish.

NCAA Decision

The Language reguarding the decision:
In denying the University of Illinois, Champaign, the University of North Dakota, and Indiana University of Pennsylvania appeals, the Executive Committee concluded that Native American references used by each university create hostile or abusive environments inconsistent with the NCAA constitution and inconsistent with the NCAA commitment to diversity, respect and sportsmanship.

Today’s decision means the University of Illinois, Champaign, the University of North Dakota and Indiana University of Pennsylvania will only be invited to participate in NCAA championships if they elect to do so without Native American references on their uniforms and associated athletic program activities. It also means these institutions will not be allowed to host NCAA championship events.

NCAA Rejects Final Sioux Nickname Appeal
CHN Article on the Story
If you look at this article you will see there are some inaccurate points in this article its states.

But after months of arguments and delays from North Dakota officials to continue using the Fighting Sioux nickname, the NCAA gave the most weight to the tribal chair of two local tribes who said their councils did not approve of the usage.

Didn't Spirt lake just give us approval to use the Fighting Sioux name?

From the Fargo Fish Wrapper.
Fargo Fish Wrapper weighs in on the Fighting Sioux Issue:

The committee found His Horse Is Thunder’s letter, stating the tribe maintains its stance opposing the “Fighting Sioux” nickname, “very helpful in reaching this conclusion,” Harrison said. We found that to be compelling,” he said.

The primary purpose of the restrictions of American Indian mascots, nicknames and imagery is to provide an environment of respect for and sensitivity to the dignity of every person, Harrison said.

The NCAA policy does not mandate that a university discontinue the use of its mascots, nicknames or imagery on campus.

However, the university will only be invited to participate in NCAA championships if they elect to do so without American Indian references on their uniforms and associated athletic program activities. It also means these institutions will not be allowed to host NCAA championship events.

More later.
Fighting Sioux fans Political Correctness run amuck from the left will not stand and the Alumni Organization and the UND legal team will not go down without a fight. Again I think The Univesity of North Dakota should tell Miles Brand and the NCAA to go EF themselves.

An Interesting Article to Check out on INCH.COM

INCH's 10 Questions for 2007

The Fighting Sioux name:
• What is the future of the Fighting Sioux nickname and logo at North Dakota?

The university’s “final” appeal is currently under review by the NCAA. But our hunch is that you could have resolution of who killed JFK before this is said and done.

Neither side has shown any inkling of backing down in the standoff. That hints, at some point, of a compromise, although what form it would take is anyone’s guess. Most likely, the Sioux would be prevented from hosting future regionals at Ralph Engelstad Arena, which would be a shame after a well attended event at the world’s most beautiful hockey rink this March.

Goon's World prediction:
First off, I think its funny that the most people ever to attend an NCAA hockey regional happened in Grand Forks, ND at the REA. That right NC-DOUBLE-ASS that’s REA the home of the hostile and abusive logo the Fighting Sioux (or as deemed by NCAA’s head ass Miles Brand). Miles Brand is looking more and more like a liberal p.c. hand wringing buffoon everyday. Did this moron work for Bill Clinton administration?

I think if UND's final appeal is thrown out shot down or whatever you want to call it, the University of North Dakota is going to Sue the pants off the NCAA, and win. The administration has basically said as much. I am so sick and tired of baffoons like Miles Brand, their political correctness run amuck. This P.C. crap is a perfect example of what is wrong with our country today, we bend over for every group that feels offended or some how wronged. I also believe this is the beginning of the demise of this great country. What next? We going to stop calling the terrorist fighting us terrorist because they feel offended. Mayb4e we should be offended by the term Crusaders because that is what UBL call us.

Finally even if we lose this appeal the University of North Dakota should tell Brand and the NCAA to go "ef" themselves. Or basically tell the NCAA UND will change our name Fighting Sioux when the other schools with Native Monikers change their names and logos. Its hypocritical and wrong to let one group have their while another group is told they can’t wear their uniforms. Miles Brand is an empty suit and you can see his flawed liberal agenda shinning through. I suppose P.C. morons Like John Hoff, Russell Mean and others are wringing their hands with tomorrows meeting in Indianapolis.

Old "Ralph" to be demolished?

The Ralph to be demolished?

An end of era is possibly just around the corner? I suppose you could say that I would have mixed emotions. I watched many of games in the old building and have had tickets since the new building has been open. Frankly the new building is a palace and may be on of the best arenas in the world of hockey either college or pro. I enjoy going to a game there as well as sitting in my leather seat drinking a cold Miller Lite. Life is good.

The old Ralph was like a comfortable old shoe. In my opinion the old Ralph didn’t look like much but it was a nice place to go to a game, with no beer. Not legally at least, one could find many empties in the bathrooms and in the garbage.

Fall 1993
When I came to UND in fall of 1993 the Sioux were on the last legs of the Gino Gasparini era and were anchored in the bottom of the WCHA standings going nowhere fast. Frankly the sucked and were a disgrace to the WCHA. The arena was playing to half full games and it wasn’t hard to get a seat. People were giving thickets away.

Dean Blais
However, this would soon change as the Blais era brought national prominence to the Fighting Sioux hockey program and the roar was back in the Engelstad Arena. Tickets were hard to come by and fans had to get to the arena early to get a good seat. During the Blais era the Fighting Sioux went on to win a couple of NCAA titles 1996-1997, 1999-2000 a Runner up in 2000-2001 and also numerous WCHA regular season titles 1996-1997, 1997-1998 and 1998-1999. Since the Fighting Sioux team moved into its new home the REA, starting with Blais have had some decent success as they won another WCHA title in 2003-2004 but were bounced out of the playoffs that season by eventual National Champion Denver.

Enter Hakstol
During the Dave Hakstol era The Fighting Sioux have become a fixture at the Frozen Four as Dave Hakstol has guided his team to the frozen four twice in his first two seasons of coaching. Both teams started out tough, both team barely a bubble team losing a fair number of games at the REA before salvaging the season and going on torrid runs at the end of the season to make the NCAA Frozen four. During the 2005-2006 campaign the Fighting Sioux lost 9 games in the REA being swept by eventual NCAA champ Wisconsin, First Round Regional Loser Minnesota as well as Final Fiver Runner Up Saint Cloud State University. During the 2004-2005 season the Sioux lost 6 games. The 2005-2006 team had a better winning percentage on the road that they had at home, going 11-5-1 on the road and 15-9-0 at home.

During the NCAA West Regional Championship games the roar returned to the Ralph as the new arena was rocking. This proved to be a hostile environment for opposing teams as the Sioux cruised to the west regional championships pasting Michigan 5-1 and Holy Cross 5-2 to advance to the NCAA Frozen Four were they lost to the Boston College Eagles. The Gophers also found it tough sledding at they lost to the Holy Cross Crusaders 4-3 in overtime.


Seen and heard at the “Ralph” during the regionals

A massive crowd was both seen and heard at the Ralph. The announced attendance for each game was 11,153, breaking the previous single-game attendance record for a West or Midwest Regional of 9,540 set at Minnesota’s Mariucci Arena in 2003.


There was never any doubt. Buoyed by a boisterous Ralph Engelstad Arena crowd and Minnesota’s stunning loss to Holy Cross, the Fighting Sioux of North Dakota stormed onto the ice for Friday’s NCAA West Regional showdown with Michigan and marched off with a succinct, convincing and workmanlike 5-1 victory, knowing full well the opportunity that lay ahead of them.

Schedule for the 2006-2007 Season. The NCAA title chase begins.

Here is a look at next season schedule.
Only two at Minnesota.
Four against the BADgers.
Start out the season with QU.
No Subway Holiday Classic again.

Posted on USCHO by a poster:

Oct. 1 Manitoba (Exhibition)
Oct. 6 Quinnipiac
Oct. 7 Quinnipiac
Oct. 13 At Wisconsin
Oct. 14 At Wisconsin
Oct. 20 Maine
Oct. 21 Maine
Oct. 27 At Mankato State
Oct. 28 At Mankato State
Nov. 3 St. Cloud State
Nov. 4 St. Cloud State
Nov. 17 At UAA
Nov. 18 At UAA
Nov. 24 Colorado College
Nov. 25 Colorado College
Dec. 2 US 18's (NTDP)
Dec. 8 Wisconsin
Dec. 9 Wisconsin
Dec. 15 Michigan Tech
Dec. 16 Michigan Tech
Dec. 29 At Dartmouth Tourney
Dec. 30 At Dartmouth Tourney
Jan. 5 At Colorado College
Jan. 6 At Colorado College
Jan. 12 UAA
Jan. 13 UAA
Jan. 19 At Bemidji
Jan. 20 Bemidji
Jan. 26 At Minnesota
Jan. 27 At Minnesota
Feb. 9 Mankato State
Feb. 10 Mankato State
Feb. 16 Duluth
Feb. 17 Duluth
Feb. 23 at Denver
Feb. 24 At Denver
Mar. 2 At St. Cloud
Mar. 3 At St. Cloud

I guess we can retire this one.

Image Retired by Goon's World:

Here at Goon's world we have decided to no longer use this picture. It has been officially retired by Goon's World. Dakota and I have decided that it is no longer current and out of date. I guess it would say one week and counting. Yeah, Gopher fans it looks like the Badgers got the last laugh.
Note:This picture was a shot at the Badgers from an unknown Gopher fan. Since the Badgers have won the NCAA title its no longer needed or necessary. So to the moth balls it goes.
Congrats from the Goon:
Congratulations Badgers on the winning the NCAA title. Maybe it will be 23 years before the Goofs win another title. We can only hope. Kessel who? I will take a Skille over a Kessel any day.

The Early Departures: The National Champions experience them also.

Its now official Robbie Earl has signed a professional contract with Toronto. Earl has left the National Champions the Wisconsin Badgers for the greener pastures of the NHL. The diving king has signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs (this season version is the "make me laughs") Frozen Four MVP, who was raised in Westchester, will report to American Hockey League's Toronto Marlies just in time for next week's playoff opener. It is a tough hit taken by the Badgers. The Goon wishes him good luck and hopes he has a prosperous career in the NHL (which incidentally is a no diving league.)
Dive Earl Dive




Earl Left off Marlies Playoff roster
Marlies Sign Earl

Goon’s World Season Ending Review:

College Hockey Rountable discussion
Off Season Roundtable Discussion
Goon’s World Season Ending Review:
This is the way I see it as the Sioux ended a week ago Thursday.
Most of us are still smarting from the loss to the Boston College Eagles and now have to process the loss of Matt Smaby and Travis Zajac.

Goon’s Summary of the Fighting Sioux Season:
The Fighting Sioux played 10 freshmen in the line up on a regular basis, although these freshmen are very talented, two of these wonder kids should have still been in high school. So they were very young, super frosh Jonathan Toews and Joe Finley accelerated their studies just to play college hockey for UND and for that Sioux fans are thankful.

Season Ending
If you would have told me that this team was going to the Frozen Four I would have seen your nuts, we are too young. Once the Fighting Sioux got to the Frozen Four I expected them to win it all. So the way the season ended was a nice surprise and not a choke job like some in Minneapolis have suggest, I do think it was a lot opportunity. So for the Gophers fans that have called the Sioux loss in Milwaukee to B.C. Eagles a choke job. I would like to remind those Gopher fans/nay Sayers that at least the Fighting Sioux team didn’t lose to Holy Cross. Ouch.

Off Season Improvements Needed
The Fighting Sioux will need to get another Goaltender either this season or the season after next. If Jordan Parise leaves Fighting Sioux during the off season the Fighting Sioux staff will have to get a goaltender during the summer. I don’t see Parise leaving during the summer but you never know, there is a need for goaltending in the NHL this season. I would like to see the Sioux go after a big shut down goalie like Brian Elliot. You know the type of goalie that is impossible to score on and leads the league in goals against average. DU has had one the year they won their first title in 2004 and Wisconsin had one this year. Although some Sioux fans are going to be upset with me I could see another situation that happened in 2001 when the Sioux had goaltending issues with Andy Kohler. They didn’t really bring in a tested goalie and when Andy faltered they ended up using Brandt and when Brandt was average Blais coaxed a kid to come in during the Chirstmas Break to play for the Fighting Sioux. Josh Siembida ended up leaving the team because his scholarship was pulled and ended up stuck on the bench in Quinnipiac University. Some are going to ask me why I feel this way. I am sure Philippe Lamoureux is a nice kid but I don’t have a lot of confidence in his abilities. I don’t see him being the shut down goalie that UND needs to win a national title. Jordan Parise is.

Early Defections to the NHL/Pros
This is what UND Fighting Sioux have lost so far during the off season, they will probably lose at least one more player but you never know.
Gone
Travis Zajac ends his 2 year career with 38 goals and 48 assists for 86 points in 91 games. In my opinion are pretty impressive numbers.
Matt Smaby played in 129 games over three seasons for UND, scoring six goals and recording 23 assists for 29 points. He had a career-best 19 points (four goals, 15 assists)
this past season. Smaby’s psychical part of his game will be missed the most the kid is a monster.
All but Gone
Although its not a done deal I do expect Drew Stafford to be gone after the season is over. The Sabres are going to try and entice him with a lofty signing bonus, I don’t know about you bit if someone dangled 450,000.00 in front of me with the prospect of making at least 70,000 a year you would take the money too. So Sioux fans can accept the fact that Drew is already gone. Sounds like a clip from Band of Brothers. When captain Spears told Private Bly he should except the fact that he was already dead.
Goon’s Go to Guys Next Season.
Even with the early defections the Fighting Sioux hockey team should be a powerhouse in the WCHA next season. The opposition has seen a glimpse of the future and the potential the Fighting Sioux have. Opposing coaches should prepare to lose. The Fighting Sioux are loaded with talent and have a pretty good class coming in next season, most of us hope that Darcy Zajac is half as good as his brother Travis. I expect Jonathan Toews, TJ Oshie to have huge seasons next years possibly one or both players getting 50-60 points season. Oshie could break the 40 goal mark with Toews right behind him. Kessel who? Ryan Duncan is a small player that plays with a big heart, on most teams he would be the top scorer, next season he is probably third or fourth. Most of us won’t complain. Andrew Kozek is going to be a scoring threat/machine and he will score from anywhere the kid has an amazing wrist shot that is wicked.

Go to Guys
As I wrote in a Goon’s World Exclusive earlier this spring the success of the Fighting Sioux hockey team lies with it star goaltender Jordan Parise with Phil on the bench with a clip board in his hands. As I said earlier Jordan Parise is the man and he must bounce back from the debacle that was in the Semis at the Frozen Four. The defense must shut down teams high-flying offensive teams like the Boston College Eagles and keep the puck to the outside. Smash everything in site. Joe Finely is that guy. The kid is the next monster to patrol the blue line.

Expectations are High for Next Season
Next season the expectations are going to be high for the Fighting Sioux hockey team and with all of our talent will probably be one of the best teams in years to skate out onto the ice at the REA. The saying Expect to Win should be the slogan of the Fighting Sioux hockey team. The fans are not going accept anything other than a national championship banner.

Early Departures Part II. Matt Smaby is offically gone.

Matt Smaby has signed with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Good luck I will miss the way you play the game. I will miss your bone crushing hits and the grit and determination that you played the game with. Your heart and sole will be void in next season campaign. Today is a sad day as Sioux fans learned that first Zajac and now Smaby, I suppose Drew Stafford will be the next member of the Sioux to fatten this wallet. Smaby Gone

The Early Departures begin, Zajac Signs with Devils.

Travis Zajac is gone.

Its official Travis Zajac is the first Fighting Sioux player to sign a professional contract. Zajac signed a 3 year contract with the New Jersey Devils. Personally I hate this time of year, each year right after the Fighting Sioux finish with the NCAA playoffs we immediately wonder who is going to go pro. Two years ago with was Zach Parise (one of the hardest moments for me in Sioux Sports, it took weeks to recover from it), last year surprisingly Brady Murray went pro (his loss not as significant and was hardly missed). This year it was Zajac and Smaby probably to follow and maybe Stafford. Sometimes the speculation begins before the last second has ticked off of the scoreboard. Why we ask? Because UND is the pinnacle of college hockey we have come to expect that yearly we will love our players to the NHL, because UND recruits the best division one athletes. Yearly we are going to experience this because the NHL is continuing to take our top players long before they have finished their college eligibility.

New Jersey is also famous for taking college hockey players, their roster includes Former Sioux: David Hale, Zach Parise, Travis Zajac Gophers: Paul Martin, Erik Rasmussen Wolverines: John Madden, Eagles: Brian Gionta, Badgers: Brian Rafalski, Terriers: Jay Pondolfo. I used to hate New Jersey being a Boston Bruins fan, however, I have learned to like to watch them play. The Devils are a young team with a lot of heart and some good talent. Its roster resembles that of an NCAA all-star game.

Smaby Gone
The Grand Forks Herald is reporting that; captain Matt Smaby also is believed to be close to signing a deal with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Smaby was selected in the second round of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft by the Lightning.

Tim Hennessy is reporting on the radio this morning that Smaby's departure is "imminent."
Goon’s Perspective:
NOOOOOOOOOO I really love Matt Smaby’s play and it has gotten better each year, the kid is a monster and is going to be a force in the NHL. I guess I will become a Tampa Bay fan. With Tampa’s poor goaltending his play is going to be a plus. Look for him to be in the NHL by the middle of next season. Matt Smaby’s loss In my opinion affects the Fighting Sioux the most. Defense from the goalie out is the first and foremost important task and Matt’s play has gotten better by the moment.

Stafford gone yet?
I talked to someone yesterday that asked Drew Stafford if he was going to sign with Buffalo and apparently Drew said that Buffalo has talked to him but nothing there was nothing for sure yet.

Dar’s Perspective From Sioux Sports
.A fan named DAR's Perspective on Zajac Leaveing

Goon’s Reply:
Respectfully I must disagree with your logic DAR. For the record I believe that this person is not a true Sioux fan, possibly a Gopher fan. Or a Sioux fan that is still smarting from the loss. First off your assuming now that since we will lose these players UND is going to be very good next season and the cupboard is bare. I think this is hardly the case, especially with this team. Even with what we will lose, we will be gaining some amazing players and having some amazing players returning I think UND is going to be just as strong and if not better. Imagine Toews with a summer in the weight room same with Lee and Oshie. You see what I am getting at. I Hope Fighting Sioux fans don’t abandon ship because of a few defections to the pros. The opposition has seen what the Fighting Sioux can do this season and if I was a coach in Denver Minnesota, Colorado or Wisconsin I would be a little worried already. I just hope Hak doesn’t put a lot of stock in winning the McNaughten Anchor. Focus on the championship and getting ready for the playoffs, make sure you in the top three at the end of the season and a 1, 2, seed in the pair wise. My only other message to Sioux fans is be strong and don't worry UND is going to be an awesome hockey team. It was the BADgers time this season, next year will be our time.

Zajac’s Numbers
Travis Zajac ends his career with 38 goals and 48 assists for 86 points, there is no doubt if he would have stayed he would have had amazing numbers for his career and finished up the Sioux all time points list, he will be missed but life will go on. I wish him well and hope that his NHL career is successful and he help lead the Devils to the NHL title. As we know in life nothing is a given and you must play the cards that are dealt to you. I would have a hard time turning down 400,000 + in signing bonuses to stay in college for another year

Season over as Bucky Wins the NCAA title.

The college hockey season is now officially over as the Wisconsin BADgers have won the NCAA title their teams 6th. The BADgers beat the upstart Bostn College Eagles 2-1 in what I would classify as a ho hum game. Not real exciting but not boring by any stretch of the imagination. I am torn because I felt it should have been my team in the end that was playing the BADgers. However, it was not to be. Dive Robbie Earl Dive was named the Frozen Fous most outstanding player, that in its self is a disgrace Earl did score a goal but should have been given a couple of unsportman like conducts for his diving exhibition. Also, I believe that Brian Elliot was the reason the BADgers won the game.

Frozen Four Final Game. Wisconsin and B.C.

One More Game:
Wisconsin and Boston College 6:00p.m. @ Kohl Center East
The goalies will be big in this game again. If you don’t have strong goaltending and give up odd man rushes your team is toast. Cory Schneider the Boston College Eagles Goalie is one key to the Eagles winning the game this evening. Cory is going to have to do better than letting in 5 goals if the Eagles are going to beat the Pesky Wisconsin Badgers. The Wisconsin have a very strong defense and will shut down the scoring lanes if the opposition doesn’t crash the net and play with speed, the Eagles forwards are going to have to get Elliot’s feet moving to beat him because he doesn’t leave a lot of net to shoot at. During the NCAA playoffs the Wisconsin Badgers have only given up 2 goals shutting out Bemidji State 4-0 and Cornell 1-0.
Today is the final day
Wisconsin Badgers Goalie Brian Elliot is the key to the Badgers winning the Frozen Four. When Elliot got hurt in the middle of the season the Badges looked human, with him in the line up they are a better team. Brian leads the nations in GAA and save percentage and is a serious flight risk to sign with the NHL after the season is over. The Ottawa Senator owns his rights. I just have a hunch that the Senators will definitely be throwing money his way after his season is over.

Goon World’s Consensus:
Both Dakota and the Goon pick Wisconsin to win this game and keep the NCAA title in the WCHA for another season. The WCHA is the best league in college hockey and will show the rest of the college hockey world that again the WCHA is the premier league in college hockey.

Sioux Shut Out on All-Americans

The Fighting Sioux hockey team landed no one on the All American team.
First Team
West
G Brian Elliott, Jr., Wisconsin (Newmarket, Ont.)
D Matt Carle, Jr., Denver* (Anchorage, Alaska)
D Andy Greene, Sr., Miami# (Trenton, Mich.)
F Scott Parse, Jr., Nebraska-Omaha (Portage, Mich.)
F Ryan Potulny, Jr., Minnesota (Grand Forks, N.D.)
F Brett Sterling, Sr., Colorado College* (Pasadena, Calif.)
Second Team
West
G Bobby Goepfert, Jr., St. Cloud State (Kings Park, N.Y.)
D Tom Gilbert, Sr., Wisconsin (Bloomington, Minn.)
D Nathan Oystrick, Sr., Northern Michigan (Regina, Sask.)
F David Backes, Jr., Minnesota State (Blaine, Minn.)
F Joe Pavelski, So., Wisconsin (Plover, Wis.)
F Paul Stastny, So., Denver (St. Louis, Mo.)

Season Comes to an End at the Hands of the Eagles.

The 2005-2006 Fighting Sioux hockey season came to a thundering end as the Fighting Sioux came up short to the Boston College Eagles 6-5 in the first semi finals game. The Sioux went down 3-0 after one period and just couldn't get back into the game. The Sioux held the play in the first period as they out shot the Eagles 12-5 but were down 3-0 on the scoreboard where it mattered the most. The Fighting Sioux didn’t give up and fought it out to the end but their effort wasn’t enough as Boston College avenged a 6-3 loss to the Sioux during last season’s NCAA regional in Worcester, MA. Commonly referred to by this author as the Bean Pot II. The Fighting Sioux finished one win short of 30 and have a lot of promise for the future. If the Fighting Sioux can keep some of their talented freshman and sophomores I believe the rest of the league will get to know the Fighting Sioux all too well.
Never Quit
The theme for the Fighting Sioux during the 2005-2006 season was never give up, never quit, fight to the end. The Fighting Sioux never gave up during the game and they kept coming at the Eagles till the end of the game, but the Eagles kept scoring goals, getting three of them from senior and Hobey Baker finalist Chris Collins. Fighting Sioux goalie Jordan Parise who back stopped the team during the recent run, and was something like 6-2 in the NCAA playoffs looked human in this game as it was apparent from the start that he didn’t have his “A” game, but so did the rest of his Fighting Sioux teammates. Junior forward Drew Stafford was invisible for most of the game and in the end the Boston College team looked like a team on a mission.

Cory Schneider on the Victory
It was on our minds," said BC goaltender Cory Schneider. "They ended our season last year so it felt good to return the favor. The game was eerily similar to last year's game. It's a good feeling, but revenge isn't our primary factor. We're trying to win the whole thing."

Questions that Remain
Some of the questions that remain for next season; who will turn pro and who will stay for another season? Many of us are holding our breath and wondering. I am sure we will find out in the next few days or over the course of the summer. As a fan of a top program we expect these things to happen. I believe that we have seen the last of Junior Defenseman Matt Smaby and Junior Forward Drew Stafford both will probably sign professional contracts and be gone. I hate it when these kids leave college but I can’t fault them one bit, the NHL will throw big money at these guys. Matt Smaby is a bruising defenseman that probably has Tampa Bay drooling all over it’s self by his play this past season, his leaving will leave a huge hole in the Fighting Sioux defense. I am hoping St. Louis doesn’t get impatient and try to lure T. J. Oshie from the Fighting Sioux before he plays his sophomore season. Also, I hope the fact that Darcy Zajac will be enough to entice his brother Travis to stay one more season as of now according the Grand Forks Herald Travis says he is staying.

Goon's World Exclusive: Dakota's prediction for the Frozen Four.

Goon’s World Exclusive
Goon’s World sat down with Dakota Hunter to hear his picks for the Frozen Four in Milwaukee Wisconsin.

GW: Tell hockey fans a little about yourself?
Dakota I am Yellow Lab and I was born at Windsor Kennels in Crookston Minnesota in November of 2003 Windsor Kennels that is owned by Chris Boeger, he was also my trainer.
GW: Are you a hunter?
Dakota Yes, for sure, I love Hunting Pheasants, Duck, Geese and Sharpies. I would hunt 24/7 365 days a year.
GW: What kind of hunting do you prefer?
Dakota Pheasants for sure they are much more fun to retrieve they put up a pretty good fight and I can run around a lot. Duck hunting is fun if they are landing in the decoys but I hate sitting for long periods of time.
GW: Is the Goon a good shot?
Dakota Goon isn’t too of a shot bad and he has a fair number of misses last season but he did shoot a lot of ducks last year, however, I did hear a lot of no bird calls last season. His brother Chad is pretty decent too, but I spend a lot of time racing Doak for downed birds.
GW: Now to the Hockey. Who do you like in the final game of the Frozen Four?
Dakota I like the Fighting Sioux hockey team, I watch them a lot with Goon when the Sioux are on the road. They are peaking at the right time and their defense is mean and nasty. The offense is clicking on all cylinders and I like the way the Sioux cycle the puck and keep the pressure in the offensive zone.
GW: Which team do you like the least in the Frozen Four.
Dakota As you know hunting dogs stick their noses in places they shouldn’t go when they are in the field hunting sometimes and I would have to say Badgers.
GW: Why Badgers?
GW: Badgers are mean aggressive animals that aren’t friends to dogs. They can do a lot of damage to Labs or other flushing dogs. The Wisconsin Badgers are a tough team that plays with a mean streak.
GW: Which Player on the Badgers do you like the most?
Dakota: I like Brian Elliot. He is a good goaltenders so the Sioux if they play the Badgers are going to have to get to him early and often.
GW: Which player do you like the least on the Badgers?
Dakota: Robbie Earl he is a diver. Earl is like a fish out of water flopping all over the ice.
GW: Which Fighting Sioux player do you like the most?
Dakota: I like the all but I like Jordan Parise, he is an awesome goaltender. If I was a hockey player I would like to be a goalie, they get to catch the puck a lot and I like fetching. I also like Matt Smaby on defene Matt is a monster that is an aggressive defenseman that smashes people. I also like Mike Prpich because he is one of the leaders of the pack and never gives up. It’s kind of like hunting you never give up on a retrieve.
GW: Who do you like in the second game of the Frozen Four?
Dakota: I like the Badgers over the Maine Black Bears. Both are tough teams but I think the Badgers will benefit from the home crowd. Some are referring to the Bradley Center as Kohl Center east.
GW: Who do you like to win the Frozen Four?
Dakota: Like the Goon I am a serious Fighting Sioux homer and I have to say Fighting Sioux. I will be there in the living room watching the game with daddy. The Fighting Sioux also have a good record when I watch the games. Last year’s final in the Frozen Four in Columbus was tough to stomach and I want UND to hang another banner at the REA. I think that would be 8 of them.
GW: There you have it the picks for the Frozen Four.

Go Fighting Sioux. Bring Home Number 8

Go North Dakota Fighting Sioux. Let's win and hang another banner in the rafters!!!

The Goaltenders. B.C. and UND

The Goalies that will back stop the two teams.
The Tail of the two Goalies
Fighting Sioux's Goalie
Jordan Parise
University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux
5’11 190
Parise 24-8-1, 2.08 GAA, .933 SV%
A shut down goalie with a big heart and a nose for big games. Determined to prove that he is one of the best in the NCAA. Comes up with huge saves at the right time.

It is that drive and determination that has helped Parise become one of the greatest goaltenders in UND history. He is the school's career leader in save percentage (.919) and goals against average (2.09).

B.C.'s Goalie
Cory Schneider
Boston College Eagles
6’2” 195
schneider 23-12-2, 2.03 GAA, .930 SV%


Will Cory remember the 6-3 game in last years championship game of the Bean Pot II. In my opinion Cory is a decent goalie with good numbers that will be out to prove the nay Sayers like me wrong. Schneider is hot at the right and will be put to the test by the Fighting Sioux’s speedy forwards. The Sioux will crash the net and pick up the loose change and jump on any opportunity thrown their way. Every Goal score is a high light goal.
Corey Schneider on the Fighting Sioux
It was tough last year," BC goalie Cory Schneider said. "They were big and strong, and they just outmuscled us all over the ice. We were a little intimidated, a little afraid to lose. They just came out harder than we did."

Spring time is upon us.
I love this time of year, the NCAA playoffs in hockey are winding down, and spring is FINALLY in the air after a long brutal winter. The NHL (last year referred to by many as the no hockey league) is back in full swing with the playoffs are just around the corner, I don’t care that they will probably go into June, I wouldn’t have it any other way. The mid spring marathon is about to begin, so I must conserve my strength for the long haul and drink plenty of liquids. What hockey fan wouldn’t love this kind of entertainment that is about to transpire?

First things first: I have to admit that I just can’t wait for Thursday’s afternoon game, I am like a young kid in 5th period history class that is so boring that I just can’t pay attention and nothing else matters right now. Baseball can wait there are 160+ games left In the season, politics don’t matter November is a long way off and my one vote doesn’t really matter either. Did I mention that I just can’t wait till Thursday afternoon? I can’t wait till I can sit down in my living room on my day off and watch the NCAA Frozen Four semifinals, no interruptions, I will probably not answer the phone anyways, unless your asking for directions and bringing beer, your offering me a top position for $100,000.00 a year or you telling me I just won the Powerball and you need an address to send the check too. Oh yeah, my dog Dakota will probably be at my side, who’s luck must continue.

On this Thursday afternoon I will be watching two highly skilled teams go head to head for the right to play Saturday night for college hockey’s top prize, the Division 1 NCAA hockey championship. The Sioux are on a roll winning 6 straight, Jordy is hot and Toews and Oshie are on fire. Stafford is dreaming of ways to set up his line mates and make them famous.

Quote of the week
Jordan Parise, “Hard work beats skill when skill doesn't work hard.”

Open Letter To Fighting Sioux Forward Drew Stafford: Please Stay for Your Senior Year.

Dear Drew,
As a Rabid Fighting Sioux fan I must say that I hoping you will stay for your senior year of college hockey, this past season has been a blast watching you lead the nation in short handed goals. Your play has been nothing short of fabulous,and awesome coming up huge in important times. When the Fighting Sioux played Mankato earlier in the season, the play got chippy and you rallied the boys on the bench and settled them down, the team responded behind you and got out of the game without any more players taking stupid penatlies. It been fun watching you lead the Fighting Sioux hockey team. The money will be there after next season. One reason would be to see if you can lead your team to another NCAA Frozen Four.
Signed,

Goon