This should get you in the Mood; Sioux vs Goofs...

I never get sick of watching this replay, it has to be one of my favorite moments in Sioux hockey history. What makes this even sweeter, it was a week after this goal in the Final Five as Blake Wheeler scored a lucky goal.

I just can't believe that going into the Gophers and Sioux series there just isn't any energy oozing from this series at all, I know the Gophers suck this year and the Sioux might not be as good as years past, so Jeff Dubay tells us (Puffy), but this is the series most of us look forward to each year. In most series between the Goofs and Sioux you can spend all day sparing on the internet with Gophers fans but this year is different, most of them are hiding waiting to see how the first game goes. I thought I would include a few clips to get people in the mood.

Lets Review recent History:

This is the game that UND took off 40 minutes only to race back in the third period and beat the Gophers.

During the last series Sioux fans discovered what a hack Stu Bickel is as he butt ended a Sioux hockey player.

Who could forget Robbie Bina's 180 foot goal.

Last year during Saturday night's game at the John it wasn't even close as the Sioux ran the Gophers out of the building.

This never gets old either Marriucci West, I think not...

Sioux vs Gophers Week.

It's been way to tame around here it's time to take it up a notch. GPL and Sioux Sports have been like retirement communties, boring. Come on folks the Sioux are playing the brown and yellow vermin this weekend and there just isn't any energy in this series as of yet So lets dust off the attitudes.

HeidiSioux62 responds to the INCH podcast.

Here is an email that I got from HeidiSioux62 this morning. HeidiSioux said I could post it. I think she brings up good points/stats. I also listened to the INCH podcast in question; lets just say that they do make for some interesting points that will spark some interesting conversations, I also think they are highly biased towards the CCHA; go figure. I think that what they intended to do, spark conversation.

One of the guys (I didn't catch his name) goes so far to suggest that Miami will be the next National Champion. Why wouldn't they? Miami is destroying some really lousy teams that they were supposed to beat and have been doing it in semi impressive fashion. The coolest part of the show was the fan emails most of which were upset readers. I also think I heard MeaneGirl's email to the INCH guys taking them to task for not including the MTU Huskies in the INCH poll. Thanks to Heidi Sioux for submitting this post.
---------------------------------------------
Hey Goon,
I originally put this together because I was irritated with the INCH podcast and after reading your blog this morning I got irritated with the CCHA, so I added Miami, Michigan and Michigan State. According to these stats, the only teams that look even halfway credible vs the WCHA are New Hampshire (they've pretty much owned us) and [i]MAYBE[/i] Michigan (however I sure don't get the feeling that they are any better than the WCHA)
I am way too lazy to try to make this info coherent, but if you would like to use it in your blog or to leave comments on the CCHA bloggers' sites - GO FOR IT.
I hope you find this interesting.
HeidiSioux

Overall
WCHA vs outside conferences
23 wins - 17 losses (3 were OT losses) – 8 ties
WCHA vs Inch ranked teams 8-7-3
WCHA vs Miami – 0-1
St. Coud State looses in OT
WCHA vs Michigan State 2-0-2
Wisconsin 4-4 tied
Minnesota 3-3 tied
North Dakota wins 6-0
Michigan Tech wins 4-1

WCHA vs Michigan 1-2
Minnesota wins 4-3
Minnesota looses 5-1
Michigan Tech looses in OT

WCHA vs New Hampshire 1-3
CC looses 5-3
CC looses 4-2
North Dakota Wins 3-1
North Dakota looses 7-3

WCHA vs Notre Dame 1-1
Wisconsin Wins 4-1
Denver looses 4-3

WCHA vs Clarkson 1-1
S. Cloud State Wins 4-1
St. Cloud State looses 3-2

WCHA vs Boston College 0-0-1
North Dakota ties in fog out

WCHA vs Providence – did not play

WCHA vs Quinnipiac – did not play

UMass Lowell 2-0
Duluth Wins 1-0
Duluth Wins 4-1

WCHA vs Union – did not play

WCHA vs Niagara – did not play

WCHA vs Northeastern 1-0
North Dakota wins 3-0

WCHA individual team out of conference records
CC – 18-7-1 (15-4-1) 6 out of conference games played. 3 out of conference losses (one loss OT)
UND - 16-8-1 (13-7-0) 5 out of conference games played. 1 out of conference loss, 1 out of conference tie (fogout) (only 1 loss to unranked team on inch – Michigan Tech)
Denver - 18-6-0 (12-4-0) 8 out of conference games played. 2 out of conference losses
Minnesota Duluth - 10-8-6 (6-7-5) 6 out of conference games played. 1 out of conference loss, 1 out of conference tie
Wisconsin - 11-10-5 (7-8-3) 8 out of conference games played. 1 out of conference loss, 1 out of conference tie
Minnesota - 12-11-5 (6-9-3) 10 out of conference games played. 2 out of conference losses and 2 ties
Michigan Tech - 10-11-3 (6-8-2) 8 out of conference games played. 2 out of conference losses
Minnesota State Mankato - 11-10-4 (5-9-4) 7 out of conference games played. 2 out of conference losses (one OT loss)
St. Cloud - 11-12-3 (6-10-2) 8 out of conference games played. 2 out of conference losses, 1 out of conference tie (one OT loss)
Alaska Anchorage - 6-12-6 (2-12-4) 6 out of conference games played. 0 out of conference losses, 2 out of conference tie
Miami, Michigan, Michigan State out of conference records
(ranked teams according to USCHO)
Miami out of conference - 8- 0- 0
Miami vs ranked teams 1-0 (1 overtime win)

Vermont – not ranked
CANISIUS – not ranked
Rensselaer – not ranked
St. Cloud State (20) – Miami won in overtime

Michigan out of conference - 7- 1- 0
Michigan vs ranked teams 4-1 (one of the wins was an overtime)
Boston College (9)– Michigan won in overtime
Minnesota – (18) – Michigan lost
BOSTON UNIVERSITY – Not ranked
WISCONSIN (11) Michigan won
Minnesota (18) Michigan won
Providence (14) Michigan won
Michigan Tech Not ranked Michigan won in 2 OT

Michigan State out of conference - 4- 3- 2
Michigan State vs ranked teams 0-2-2
North Dakota (3) Michigan State lost 6-0
COLGATE – not ranked
MERCYHURST – not ranked
MINNESOTA (18) Tied
WISCONSIN (11) Tied
Michigan Tech – not ranked Michigan State lost
Providence (14) Michigan state lost

Wow; Scott Nichol vs Andrew Ference.

I was watching the Bruins game last night and this was a great fight. Check it out, both guys swinging down to the ice. This is the kind of fights that I appreciate the most ones that aren't scripted that just happen.

It gets a little old.

Did anyone notice that the CCHA apologists are getting a little defensive about people questioning the strength of their league? While no one is questioning the fact that there are three to four decent teams in the CCHA, the jury is still out on Notre Dame. It has become very apparent that the media pundants can't seem to see past the eastern time zone.

Paula Weston has this rant last week during her weekly picks. Classic.

How to Announce Your Presence with Authority in One Easy Step So, you’re playing in a league that some people call fluffy because the conference name doesn’t begin with a “W” and you rarely play regular-season games in New England.

Even though your fourth-place team from a year ago took the national championship. Even though your two first-place teams are Nos. 1 and 2 in the nation. Even though four of your top teams grace the top 10 nationally.

What’s a top team in such a conference to do?

Beat who you’re supposed to beat. Crush ‘em if you can.

The CCHA’s top three teams swept their competition last week in most convincing ways. Collectively, Michigan, Miami and Michigan State outscored Notre Dame, Lake Superior State and Ohio State 27-5.

Except for Michigan beating Notre Dame (8th RPI), I can admit that was remotely impressive, I am not impressed with them beating the likes of LSSU (45) and OSU (46). Infact the bottom feeders of the CCHA are sitting just below the likes of hockey powerhouses, RIT, RMU and Air Force. If you break this down even further the 10th place team in the WCHA is still ranked ahead of the 5th place team in the CCHA. How can that be if the CCHA is such a powerful league. Talk about stuffing your scheudle with a bunch of cup cakes. One could actually make the argument for the EZAC being more balanced than the CCHA.

Elliot Olshansky goes off on the WCHA fans for even thinking about questioning the strenght of the paper tiger the CCHA.

A few thoughts before I start with the Rankings for this week: I'm getting sick and tired of certain people - and by "certain people" I mean fans of certain WCHA teams - using strength of schedule as a reason why a CCHA team shouldn't be No. 1 in the country. They say it as if poll voters merely look at results, records, and statistics when filling out their ballots, so that the argument for Miami or Michigan is easier to assault. "Well, sure Miami has the top offense in the country. Look whom they've been scoring on!" "Of course Michigan has only lost three times this season. They haven't played anyone!" I'll you this, folks: I drove past a lot of farms during my travels in Ohio earlier this month, and those farms would have a fine use for thinking like that: fertilizer.

It's not just whether a team wins or loses, but how and why they win or lose. Records are nice, but it's the talents, abilities, and discipline that produced those records that determine what kind of a team it is and just how good it is. That's what I look at when I watch teams to determine the Rink Rat Rankings, and I'd imagine it's what a number of the poll voters look at, too. And based on my evaluations of the teams - NOT THEIR RECORDS - this is how I see the Rink Rat Rankings.

I could fertilized most of the farm land in North Dakota and half of South Dakota with some of the stuff I have read from self appointed hockey experts. It is a two way street.

Jim Dahl from Siouxsports points out an interesting fact about Miami's strenght of schedule and how it affects their RPI.

Combined with the extension of the negative win exemption to the regular season, the easiest path to the top of the RPI seems to be schedule creampuffs and beat them. Miami currently has a comical 8 games thrown out of their RPI calculation for being negative wins, and 6 of the remaining 8 would currently be thrown out if won.

This weeks picks: Misc Ramblings/Rants

Last week one could say that I had trouble with my picks, in fact I had a reverse crystal ball. If I picked your team to win you lost and vice versa. The only pick I was right on was the Sioux and UAA, not that was all that difficult of a pick, the Seawolves had only won two games in WCHA action.

I am not sure if my picking the SCSU to beat the MSU-M Mavericks jinxed the SCSU Huskies or not. I just want to let Heather from WinTwins blog know that it wasn't done on purpose, or with malice. I am sure that she is also in mourning today as the Minnesota Twinkies traded away all-star pitcher Johan Santana. Another botched pick was MTU and C.C.; honestly, I didn't see MTU beating beating the C.C. Tigers but hey I am not going to complain either. Big win for the Huskies, I am thinking they might come back to the pack a little in the second half. Fast forward to this weekend; I also don't see the Huskies losing to the UAA Seawolves, Why? I have a beer riding on that game with Sioux7. Logic tells me that UND should beat the Gophers but I won't be shocked with a couple of sister kissing or a split.

Friday:
Michigan Tech at Alaska-Anchorage - MTU
Denver at Minnesota State - DU
North Dakota at Minnesota - Sioux
Minnesota-Duluth at Wisconsin - Badgers
Clarkson at Colorado College - Tigers

Saturday:
Michigan Tech at Alaska-Anchorage - TIE
Denver at Minnesota State - DU
North Dakota at Minnesota - Sioux
Minnesota-Duluth at Wisconsin - Bulldogs
Clarkson at Colorado College - Tigers

Last week 3-7
For the Season 85-59

Nate Hagemo update...

This was on today's Star Trib web site. I would also caution people that everyone in this country is innocent until proven guilty.

By PAUL WALSH and DAVID CHANEN---Star Tribune A once rising young hockey star who had his career derailed by injury during his freshman season with the University of Minnesota sat in the Hennepin County jail for three days suspected of felony drug possession.

Nate Hagemo, 21, was jailed without bail from midday Saturday until early this afternoon on suspicion of possessing a controlled substance while in a south Minneapolis neighborhood.

Police have yet to forward the case to prosecutors for charges.

This Weeks Match-Ups (Sioux 7)

This week's BIG series is Duluth vs. Wisconsin.

These teams are currently tied for 4th place with 17-pts. UW is coming off a 3pt weekend against the struggling Gophers, and Duluth is coming off a 4pt weekend against UMass-Lowell. Judging by the pollsters, UML was/is a better team than UM. So with that in mind, also remember these games are in Mad-town. I think UW is going to have a little hangover from besting the Gophers last weekend, and drop Fridays game to Duluth, but will rebound and win on Saturday. I know not to ballsy calling a split, but that is what I think will happen, and come Sunday the will still be tied for 4th place.


The BIG rivals game this week is the Sioux vs. Gophers.

These teams split earlier in the season in Grand Forks. Since then these two teams have been going in different directions, UND up and UM down. Last season UND went into Minneapolis and got 4-points. The Gophers are reeling right now and the Sioux are on a 7 game win streak. I see the Sioux continuing the HOT streak and handing the Gophers another slice of humble pie this weekend. If the Gophers fail to get any points this weekend it will put them behind the 8-ball for trying to get home ice for the first round of the WCHA playoffs.



The OMG did you see those games this week, Denver vs. Mankato.

Over the past couple of years these teams have done some of the impossible against each other. (Earlier this season DU bested MSU-M twice in Denver)

Lets take a look back at history in some high scoring affairs with these two teams.

Dec. 20, 2003 Mankato 8 --- Denver 7 (Mankato trailed 6-1 after the first period)
Feb. 14, 2004 Mankato 7 --- Denver 9
Feb. 25, 2005 Mankato 8 --- Denver 5
Feb. 10, 2006 Mankato 4 --- Denver 7

I would love to see another wild game like the one in 2003, but that was a December game, this weekends game will be in February. But as you can see Feb. has been a wild month for these to teams, wink wink, nudge nudge ;) With numbers like these I say this could be the most entertaining games of the weekend, so I'm playing it safe with predicting a split, these two are just to wild when they get together in February.


The next series it MTU Huskies vs the UAA Seawolves.

UAA got swept by UND last weekend, and MTU got swept by UND 3 weeks ago. The trend I noticed is that teams that have been swept by UND as of late have gone on to get 3 or 4 points in there next series, hmm, will that hold true this weekend. UAA played well enough to beat UND on Saturday night, but were robbed by a white guy in a goalie mask. MTU beat up on CC last weekend, the number one team, point wise, in our league. UAA will be wanting to take out some vengance after last Saturday, so the will on Friday by beating the Huskies, and on Saturday, the Dogs will have there day of revenge. Splitsville here we come.

St. Cloud is on a bye week.

#6 CC is hosting #10 Clarkson (Potsdam, NY) Golden Knigts from the ECAC, in Colorado Spring for a pair of games.

The UAA goal that was waved off.

I actually don't know why that isn't a goal? According to Lammy the UAA player batted it in with his hand/fist. I don't know.

Former Gophers Nate Hagemo arrested in MPLS.

WCCO Picture
I found this story on line this past weekend, this folks is a sad story. Goon's World hopes Nate Can get his act together.

Fmr. Gopher Hockey Player Arrested In Minneapolis
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) ―
A former Gopher hockey player was arrested in Minneapolis Saturday afternoon when neighbors called to report a car parked in an area known for vehicle to vehicle drug transactions.

Officers went to the scene and identified Nathan Hagemo, 21, along with one other person in the car, and received consent to search the vehicle.

Inside the vehicle, officers found paraphernalia of a drug user.

Hagemo is a former University of Minnesota Gopher hockey player and was later drafted by the Carolina Hurricanes in 2005 but had to retire before playing due to a shoulder injury.

Goon's What if?

I played around with the numbers and this is what I came up with.
I now owe Sioux7 a beer after totally picking the C.C. and MTU series wrong.
MTU basically bitch slapped the Tigers this weekend.

1 CC 28 42
2 UND 28 38
2 Denver 28 38
4 MTech 28 30
5 UW 28 27
6 UMN 28 26
7 UMD 28 23
8 Mankato 28 23
9 SCSU 28 22
10 AA 28 11

Taylor Chorney on this Tuesday's @ the Rink” chats on CSTV.com

This week Fighting Sioux Junior defenseman Taylor Chorney will appearing on “Tuesday's @ the Rink” chats on CSTV.com. Sioux fans are encouraged to log on at 1pm central standard time to ask Taylor a question http://www.cstv.com/chat/012608aaa.html actually if your impatient you can submit questions in advance because the chat rooms that are open right now.

Jean-Philippe Lamoureux steals the show

Whew, one could imagine that the Fighting Sioux should be well rested going into next weekend's series with the Minnesota Gophers. Maybe they were already thinking about next weekend's series as they look uninterested in playing hockey.

The Sioux scored two quick goals chased the UAA starter Bryce Christianson from the net and then basically took the rest of the game off and barely escaped with a 3-1 win. The Sioux were out shot 36-12 by the Seawolves. Tonight win was all UND's goal tender Jean-Philippe Lamoureux as he made numerous saves stole a game that the Sioux had no business winning. The Sioux also benefited from a goal that was waved off after a lengthy review. I am actually surprised that it was waved off. I wonder if we will be seeing another apology letter from the WCHA home office. UND has now won 7 WCHA games in a row.

It would be an understatement to say that they were they were out worked for 2/3 of the game by the pesky UAA Seawolves.

Scoring Summary

First Period

North Dakota-1 T.J. Oshie (Ryan Duncan, Robbie Bina) 3:45
North Dakota-2 Matt Watkins (Chris VandeVelde) GWG 8:23

Second Period

Alaska-Anchorage-1 Merit Waldrop (unassisted) 4x4 12:41

Third Period

North Dakota-3 Chris VandeVelde (T.J. Oshie, Ryan Duncan)

Goaltender(s)
Alaska-Anchorage-1 Jon Olthuis (50:51 N) 2 3 4 9 (1 GA)
Alaska-Anchorage-2 Bryce Christianson (08:23 L) 1 1 (2 GA)
North Dakota-1 Jean-Philippe Lamoureux (60:00 W) 9 15 11 35 (1 GA)

A look at the numbers: Why the doom and gloom?

I was looking at the National stats for the Fighting Sioux hockey team and UND is really doing pretty well. I hear a lot of people saying UND isn't very good this season or they haven't played that well. I have hear some say that the goaltending has not been as good or that the fighting Sioux haven't been very consistent. What kind of measuring stick are we measuring the Sioux by? What are we using for a gauge. I think UND is getting better at the right time and has played the toughest schedule per the strength of schedule. Remember the Sioux are not playing a bunch of cup cakes they are playing a first rate schedule week in and week out. As a team you will see that UND is pretty balanced.


Points Per Game:
37.) T.J. Oshie (STL) North Dakota JR F 23 11-13-24 1.04
45.) Ryan Duncan North Dakota JR F 24 10-14-24 1.00

Assists Per Game:
16.)Robbie Bina North Dakota SR D 24 18 0.75

Power Play Goals:
14.)T.J. Oshie (STL) North Dakota JR F 23 0.26 6

Short-Handed Goals:
9.) Ryan Duncan North Dakota JR F 24 0.08 2

Points Per Game (Defensemen):
5 Robbie Bina North Dakota SR D 24 2-18-20 0.83
7 Taylor Chorney (EDM) North Dakota JR D 24 2-17-19 0.79
10 Chay Genoway North Dakota SO D 21 5-11-16 0.76

Goals Against Average:
1.) Jeff Zatkoff (LAK) Miami JR 1298:20 32 1.48
2.) Richard Bachman (DAL) Colorado College FR 1204:39 32 1.59
3.) Billy Sauer (COA) Michigan JR 1401:56 39 1.67
4.) Michael-Lee Teslak Michigan Tech JR 693:44 20 1.73
5.) Matt Climie Bemidji State SR 972:39 29 1.79
6 Jean-Philippe Lamoureux North Dakota SR 1407:30 43 1.83

Save Percentage:
1.) Richard Bachman (DAL) Colorado College FR 507 32 .941
2.) Jeff Zatkoff (LAK) Miami JR 482 32 .938
3.) Billy Sauer (COA) Michigan JR 576 39 .937
4.) Michael-Lee Teslak Michigan Tech JR 282 20 .934
5.) Carter Hutton UMass Lowell SO 230 17 .931
6.) Ben Scrivens Cornell SO 419 31 .931
7.) Billy Blase Yale SO 387 29 .930
8.) Jean-Philippe Lamoureux North Dakota SR 567 43 .930

Scoring Offense: Games Goals G/GM
1.) Miami 27 116 4.30
2.) Michigan 25 99 3.96
3.) Boston College 23 85 3.70
4.) Robert Morris 21 75 3.57
5.) New Hampshire 22 76 3.45
6.) Boston University 23 78 3.39
7.) Michigan State 26 88 3.38
8.) Colorado College 25 83 3.32
9.) North Dakota 24 79 3.29

Scoring Defense: Games Goals G/GM
1.) Miami 27 41 1.52
2.) Michigan 25 43 1.72
3.) Notre Dame 29 59 2.03
4.) North Dakota 24 49 2.04

Scoring Margin: Games GF GF/G GA GA/G Margin
1.) Miami 27 116 4.30 41 1.52 2.78
2.) Michigan 25 99 3.96 43 1.72 2.24
3.) Boston College 23 85 3.70 53 2.30 1.39
4.) North Dakota 24 79 3.29 49 2.04 1.25

Sioux beat UAA 3-1

Tonight UND won a game in which the opposition scored first. UND spotted the Seawolves a 1-0 lead then scored the next 3 goals and cruised to a 3-1 win. Jean-Philippe Lamoureux was steady in another win and has now only given up 12 goals in 7 games. Actually in the last 4 out of 5 games has only given up 1 goal.
Box Score
First Period

Alaska-Anchorage-1 Shane Lovdahl (Jared Tuton, Tommy Grant) 14:17
North Dakota-1 T.J. Oshie (Andrew Kozek, Ryan Duncan) 18:27

Second Period

North Dakota-2 Evan Trupp (Chay Genoway, Joe Finley) GWG PPG 16:22

Third Period

North Dakota-3 Andrew Kozek (T.J. Oshie, Taylor Chorney) 7:21

Classic Implosion.

Sioux fans you have to check out this blog post over at UAA Hockey Fan Blog while I get what Donald was trying to say and he is entitled to this under the 1st ammendment, the comments that come after are down right funny.

All Star Weekend.

Hockey fans don't forget to watch the NHL's All-Star Game on Sunday, January 27th at 5pm CT on Versus. Watch the following former NCAA College hockey players take on the world's best.

Eastern Conference
Timothy Jr. Thomas Vermont
Martin St. Louis Vermont
Rick DiPietro BU

Western Conference
Shawn Horcoff Michigan State

Is there a bigger hack than Steve Downie?

In the latest Downine caper; hack Steve Downie claws/scratches David Clarkson in a fight the other night. The first gutless move by Downie was that he left his face shield on during the fight, that should an automatic 2 minute minor, second Clarkson but you also gougne Clarkson with your finger nails. It would be an understatement to say that Downie is a piece of work. Good to see Clarkson get in a couple of good shots.

Random thoughts.

UND recruit David Toews is ranked 27th in the latest ISS Top 30 2008 prospects for January. I know I am very excited to see another Toews playing for the Sioux.

Top WCHA freshman Scorers

Garrett Roe Freshman 15 games 8g-11a-19 pts
Tyler Bozak Freshman 16 games 8g-8a-16 pts
Kyle Turis Freshman 14 games 4g-8a-12 pts
Matt Frattin Freshman 18 games 2g-7a-9 pts

Schmidt suspended.

Adam Wodon The college hockey news is reporting that Randy Schmidt has been Suspened for at least a week This is a good start folks, unfortunately Schmidt still has a job he should be fired.

WCHA commissioner Bruce McLeod has acknowledged that league referee Randy Schmidt has been removed from his assignment for this weekend's game, and is currently on official suspension.

Speculation began because Schmidt did not officiate any games last weekend, following a pair of incidents for which the WCHA sent out letters of apology for mistakes made by the officials during games Schmidt was involved in.

"He wasn't scheduled to work last week, but he was scheduled to work this week," McLeod said. "He's under a suspension right now, and now we deal with it and make a final decision on the long term. ... He was taken off this weekend's series."

Also WCHA Todd Anderson Also got himself in trouble this past weekend.

McLeod had another officiating incident this past weekend, when referee Todd Anderson grabbed Minnesota-Duluth forward Michael Gergen by the jersey in order to discuss something with him. According to the Duluth News-Tribune, McLeod was at the game and told Anderson that it was unacceptable for him to have grabbed a player. But Anderson was not further reprimanded.

The Vegas Lines are up.

Here are the latest odds on College Hockey, as of 12/26/07. The order is
Team Name, @ = 12/26 odds, was = opening odds (10/13)
Boston College @ 15/1 was 3/1
North Dakota @ 5/1 was 7/2
Michigan State @ 6/1 was 4/1
Miami, Ohio @ 5/2 was 5/1
Clarkson @ 9/1 was 7/1
New Hampshire @ 10/1 was 8/1
Minnesota @ 12/1 was 10/1
Notre Dame @ 18/1 was 12/1
Michigan @ 7/2 was 15/1
Boston University @ 25/1 was 18/1
Maine @ 25/1 was 25/1
Quinnipiac @ 30/1 was 25/1
Colorado College @ 6/1 was 30/1
Wisconsin @ 18/1 was 30/1
Denver @ 5/1 was 30/1
Michigan Tech @ 25/1 was 40/1
St. Cloud State @ 40/1 was 40/1
Massachusetts @ 25.1 was 40/1
St. Lawrence @ 50/1 was 40/1
Dartmouth @ 60/1 was 50/1
Cornell @ 80/1 was 60/1
Ohio State @ 100/1 was 60/1
Vermont @ 100/1 was 75/1
Northeastern @ 40/1 was 75/1
Air Force @ 80/1 was 75/1
Lake Superior State @ 75/1 was 75/1
Harvard @ 100/1 was 85/1
Providence @ 75/1 was 100/1
R.P.I. @ 125/1 was 100/1
Mass-Lowell @ 125/1 was 100/1
Connecticut @ 125/1 was 100/1
Mankato State @ 125/1 was 100/1
FIELD (all others) @ 50/1 was 75/1

Miami 5/2 right as if they actually played anyone.
Michigan is a good bet as well as UND and BC.

What is a Seawolf?

This week in WCHA hockey the Fighting Sioux are playing the University of Alaska Anchorage Seawolves. When I ask people I know what a Seawolf is; no one has any clue what a Seawolf is? I can't for the life of me find the definition on the internet of what a SeaWolf actually is. I did fine one place on the internet where a Killer Whale is also known a Seawolf.

-------Edit----------
Per Mr. Burns post: A Seawolf is UAA’s athletics teams were originally known as the Sourdoughs, but the university adopted the Seawolf moniker in 1977 when it elevated its program to the NCAA Division II level.

The name Seawolf represents a mythical sea creature that, according to Tlingit Indian legend, brings good luck to anyone fortunate enough to view it. The exact nature or shape of the Seawolf, however, is left to the imagination, thus the creature has been depicted in many forms throughout the years.

The Seawolf logo of today was designed and introduced in 1985 by Clark Mishler & Associates in cooperation with a university committee. It represents an adaptation of a more traditional Alaska totemic-like characterization of the mythical Seawolf.

Tim Gleason vs Tim Jackman

Former MSU Mankato Maverick and current New York Islander Tim Jackman fights with Carolina Hurricane Tim Gleason. Jackman left Makato after the 2001-2002 season forgoing his final two years of college eligibility. Lets score it as a draw. Tim Jackman's NHL numbers are as follows: 59 games 2 goals 5 assist 7 points and 93 minutes in penalties. Seems Tim has a high penalties minutes for 59 NHL games.

This weeks match-ups (Sioux 7)

This week in the WCHA, in my opinion, is the start of the race for home ice in the first round. Lets take a look at the match-ups that have the most riding on them.

1. The "Border Battle" or The "Battle to get to .500" - Minnesota at Wisconsin

It is different this year, both teams have identical records in the WCHA, 6-8-2, and are tied for 5th place with each other and St. Cloud. Obviously getting a sweep in this series will go a long way for trying to grab that last home ice playoff spot. The trick is trying to predict the outcome, UW should have gotten 3-out-of-4 points from DU, and well UM just took 3pts from UMD... since DU has been the better team for most of the season, so I'm going with UW taking 3pts this weekend.

Odd question of the series, do Badgers hybernate over the winter? (just wondering)


2. St. Cloud vs MSU-Mankato

This too is a big series, SCSU is in that menage a trois with UM and UW. Mankato is also in the hunt, only 4pts back of the 5th place tie. If the Huskies can coral the cows for two games, it would help to keep the pack on pace for a home ice playoff spot. However, if the Mavericks can stampede the dogs, they would be tied with them for either 6th or 7th place depending on what MTU does. Since it is a what I like to call a ho-ho series (home and home), I will say each ho team will win, thus a split.


3. Colorado College at Michigan Tech

CC has a big point lead, where they are not likely to fall from the top 3 or from the top spot, but you never know... MTU has the luxury of being at home and having two games in hand on the teams right ahead of them, UM, UW, SCSU. It the Dogs can beat up the Cats for two games and get 4pts, they would have the inside track for home ice (having 2-games in hand). CC has been still playing very well, but they only beat Bemidji and Air Force by one goal each. Hmm, they could be do to be swept, plus, if I'm not mistaken, it is the Winter Carnival at MTU. Also, MTU had last week off to prepare for this series, so this is my "upset special" the Huskies will need to put down the snow shovels and pick up their brooms as they mush all over the kitty kats.


4. Ache-orage at North Dakota -- do you like the spelling :)

AA has not won a WCHA game since 12/8/07 at UMD. They did play UW tough last weekend, a 2-1 L, and a 4-4 T, not to bad. Unfortunately, it seems as if UND has gotten on its hot streak in the second half, just like the past couple of years. As the Goon stated the Sioux have won 5-games, all WCHA games, in a row now. The Seawolves are trying to dodge harpoons this year and the Sioux are hot right now, Sioux Sweep Seawolves.


Duluth is playing a pair of games at U-Mass-Lowell this weekend, and Denver has a bye week.


If there are 4 sets of sweeps this weekend it will help to clear up the play off picture. If it is splitsville, it just makes next weeks game that much more important.

Commodore and Malone

I just found this fight on line tonight when I was looking for a replay of Mike Commodore's goal. If your a Sioux fan you have to love this fight. Two WCHA boys duking it out, great conference representation; Mike Commodore UND v Ryan Malone SCSU and of course I score the fight in Commies favor.

This weeks picks: Misc Ramblings/Rants

FRIDAY
Colorado College at Michigan Tech
Minnesota at Wisconsin
St. Cloud State at Minnesota State
Alaska-Anchorage at North Dakota

Non-Conference:
Minnesota-Duluth at Mass.- Lowell

SATURDAY
Colorado College at Michigan Tech
Minnesota at Wisconsin
Minnesota State at St. Cloud State
Alaska-Anchorage at North Dakota

Non-Conference:
Minnesota-Duluth at Mass.- Lowell

Picks last week 8-2
For the Year 82-52

~A fan from Mankato last week made the comment, "that Kaip is nothing more than a goon", however, in looking at the numbers that said goon has one more goal that Mankato's top scoring forward. That same forward had the misfortune of deciding to fight Kaip on Friday night's game.

~UND has won 5 WCHA games in a row for the first time since 2004.

~LGM's favorite UND goalie has given up 8 goals in the past 5 games.

Interesting Perspective: Canada and the NCAA

Here is an interesting perspective on the CIS schools joining the NCAA. Sounds like not all involved think it will be a great idea nor will their schools see or make a lot of the big dollars that some of the big schools in the major college sports are enjoying. DUH! I also don't think it is going to be all doom and gloom like some are suggesting. Sure there will be more competition for the top Canadian athletes but I also think top hockey schools like Michigan, Minnesota, UND, Wisconsin, Michigan State are still going to get the pick of the top recruits. So what if they have to work a little harder. Somethings in life are worth the extra effort.

Newbould said a school such as the University of British Columbia, which has spearheaded the push to join the NCAA, would dwarf every Division II college in terms of enrolment, but that wouldn't necessarily guarantee success. “The competition is really good,” he said. “Any Canadian school coming to the States is going to have to work hard.”

The biggest difference, he said, would come in how scholarships are awarded. While NCAA scholarships allow for compensation for room and board in addition to tuition and fees, they are limited in number by sport-specific caps. And aside from marquee Division I sports such as football and basketball, teams are under tight financial constraints.

In Division II, for instance, scholarships are limited to the equivalent of 36 a team in football and 13.5 in men's ice hockey. In some sports, such as men's volleyball, where only 4.5 scholarships are available for each team, many CIS programs would have more athletes receiving scholarships than Division I NCAA programs.

UBC athletic director Bob Philip has said a big motivation for joining the NCAA would be to keep more athletes in Canada. An estimated 1,500 Canadians are competing at U.S. colleges.
But competing in Division II would not necessarily help ease that drain, Newbould said.

“The kids are not getting a free ride coming down from Canada in Division II, and very few in Division I do,” he said. “It sounds more glorious than it is in that sense.

“A baseball player's only going to get one-third of a scholarship. Basketball and football in Division I, sure, that's the big time. TV, full rides, everything – but even the other Division I sports, it's not that way. A lot of students that are going to school on an athletic scholarship, they're still paying a portion of their education.”

Even if UBC opts to join Division I after a few years, as the pilot program would allow, Newbould said there's no guarantee a Canadian school could woo a top athlete away from the U.S. juggernauts. UBC's current athletic budget is small, even by the standards of top-spending Canadian universities, and would be minuscule compared with the big machines fielding top Division I teams.

Former SCSU Husky Tim Conboy on his first NHL game

This is a funny story about Tim Conboy's first NHL game. This story is like it was straight out of the movie Slap shot. SCSU hockey writer Kevin Allenspach interviews Tim Conboy on his first NHL game.

On his first time on NHL ice: "It was during a TV timeout that they first sent me out there," Conboy said. "There was a faceoff in our zone and so I skate down and take my position. (Colorado enforcer) Scott Parker looks over at me and he says 'Conboy, we're gonna go.' I'm like, 'No, I'm not going to fight you. This is my first NHL game.' He's like 'It doesn't matter, we're gonna go.' He even moved over to where he was lined up next to me and said 'We're gonna go, whether you like it or not.' We were winning 1-0 but they were out shooting us pretty bad at that point. It actually helped (having the fight) because I got five minutes in the box to settle down my nerves. I re-cooped a bit and was fine after that."

On the fight: "I didn't do too bad, but he clearly won," Conboy said. "I got a few licks in, but all I can say is I'm alive to talk about it and I don't have any broken bones. The rest of the game went pretty well, but it was bittersweet. I'd have given up anything I did for a win."

On where he goes from here: "It's out of my hands whether they'll bring me back soon or ever, but I'm going to use this experience as something to strive for," Conboy said.

Ole

While most Sioux fans that I know hate that song, Sioux fan's whoop it up after the sweep in Mankato Saturday night. OLE!

Western Michigan and Bowling Green Brawl

This past Friday night Western Michigan and Bowling Green had an all out brawl after Bowling Green's scored a 2nd empty-net goal. Now there will be those that say, "oh there is no room in hockey for fighting". Yep notice you don't hear on person booing. All 10 combantants were suspened for the next game.

Kessel in the shoot out

Wow, Phil Kessel in the open one on one with the goalie, my money is on Phil Kessel. Check out Chara's impersonation of Brian Rolston.

Burish vs Laperriere

Here is a pretty decent fight between Former Badger Adam Burish vs Av's goon Ian Laperriere. This fight took place in the game between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Colorado Avalanche on Jan 18, 2008.

Over on Hockeyfights.com I scored the fight as a slight edge to Laperriere. On could say that the former Wisconsin Badger Adam Burish has been racking up the penalty minutes, Burish has been in an impressive 8 fights and is leading his team in penalty minutes with 120.

Sioux sweep again

Finally the Sioux get the sweep on the road 23 games into the season and with the win move into 5th in the PWR rankings. The wins did not come easy, the Sioux had to work for them as they gutted out a couple of tough wins in a hostile building against a tough hard working team this weekend further solidifying their hold on third place. Over on USCHO I saw some various fans saying that the Sioux were handed Friday nights game by the refs. Sorry that claim is unfounded. Of course I am going to say that I a Sioux fan. In my opinion I believe the refs got the calls right. First off; you can not run over a goalie to score a goal, it is not legal in any league. Second; on the Mankato goal that was waved off because the net was off before the puck went into the net; even the Mankato television crew said that the net was off before the puck went in the net, that fact does hurts your argument.
Fast forward to Saturday night, on the Mankato goal that was waved off tonight, the net came off a split second before the puck crossed the line. From the replay you could see that was a tough call to make; but the refs made the right call. I think the Mav's are going to make some noise before it looks like the refs made the right call when it was all said and done. On the people that said Kaip is nothing more than a hack and goon, that so called goon has more goals than Maverick's top scorer he fought. That is also the same Maverick forward that looked like a pro taking off his helmets and gloves during Friday's fight. They agreed to fight before the face off. This is the same angle that was feeding Kaip punches will Kaip stood there and took it. That is almost as classless as Downie punching Blake while the refs holding him.
The Sioux score 7 goals on the weekend, 5 were on the power play, 1 was short handed and one was even strength. While last nights game was a grinding game, tonight's game seemed more wide open. I think over the next couple of weeks your going to see the UND defense tighten up. The Mavericks definitely take the puck to the net and finish their checks.

Pictures of this weekend's game: UND and MSU-M

My friend Marty that sits next to us at the homes games at the Ralph went to this weekends games in Mankato, and here are some of the pictures that he was kind enough to seen us the pictures.
I also watched the game tonight and UND has not won 5 WCHA games in a row in a WCHA season since 2004 according to the Mankato charter broadcast team. This is a fact that I did not know and I have asked a few Sioux fans that didn't know this as well.

Kaip whips Bruess

Wow, what a fight! This fight was long over due and you almost knew that it would come to a head during this series. Last season during a game between UND and MSU-M Maverick forward Trevor Bruess was feeding Rylan Kaip with punches, Kaip looked over to the bench to get permission to fight. Permission to engage Bruess in a fight was not granted by coach Hakstol; one could speculated that Hakstol realized that Kaip had already received a DQ for fighting earlier in the season, hence, was not given the green light to fight Bruess. They say hind sight is 20/20 and this moved turned out to be a good move on Kaips part because another fight would have caused Kaip to sit out for two games for getting in a second fight on the season. Tonight's fight was done at the right time.

Here are some of the pictures of the fight that my buddy Marty emailed to me. I must say what a trooper, being the super fan Marty is, he was able to get the pictures to me quickly, also kudos to his wife Garland for having the camera on hand so she could photograph the fight as it happened in real time. After the game and Marty went back to his room and emailed me the pictures from his hotel room in Mankato.

These are really some nice pictures, I am sure these are going to cost a beer or two.

11 Reason why Frazee Sucks

I recieved this in an email from the almost defunct Hockey_L. It is from the blogNihilist in Golf Pants Catchy name for a blog.
11. Actually enjoys hearing the "Sieve!" chant

10. Distracted by bearded economics professor in stands who kept baring his chest

9. Distracted by concern that racist graffiti on SCSU campus hasn't attracted enough media attention

8. Angry that Doug Woog is no longer coach, he could really use $500 under his hat

7. Wanted to see if he could get Coach Lucia to give him "the look"

6. His thoughts were consumed by his upcoming midterms in biochemistry and Elizabethan poetry

5. Was busy admiring the architecture of the National Concrete Center

4. Was busy daydreaming about how super-awesome Barak Obama is

3. Distracted by his new girlfriend in the stands, Ashlee Simpson

2. Distracted by concern that maybe Garth Snowe was right: his development is being retarded

1. He just sucks

Matt Greene Activated from IR

Good to see that Former Sioux Matt Greene will be back soon and playing in the NHL after recovering from a broken leg he suffered in a game on October 30th.

The Edmonton Oilers have activated defenceman Matt Greene from the NHL Injured Reserve list and assigned him to the Springfield Falcons of the American Hockey League on a conditioning assignment.

Greene has missed the Oilers last 34 games (November 2nd to January 15th) after suffering a fractured left fibula and ligament damage in his left ankle on October 30th in a game versus the Detroit Red Wings at Rexall Place. The 6'3", 223 pound defenceman had scored one assist with 11 penalty minutes in 13 games for the Oilers this season prior to the injury.

It's Official: WCHA rules on game.

Todd D. Milewski is reporting that it is now official the game from last Friday night between the DU Pioneers and the Badgers will not change, there will be no point given to the Badgers, even though they tied the game before regulation time expired.

I don't think anyone thought the game result would change, however, this now puts the refs in the WCHA on notice, they must do better. Horrible isn't going to be good enough anymore, the league officials must do a better job and the fans deserve better and we should demand better. Excuses from the league office saying that there is nothing wrong with the job being done on the ice is unacceptable. The WCHA officials must make the right calls or face further scrutiny. The coaches should also speak up at the league meeting in the spring.

I believe now the status quo might finally change, the reason being; one of the Big Ten schools in the WCHA has finally been a victim of and lost a game because of poor officiating and the changes will be made, you can bank on it. I pitty the fool; I mean offical that makes the next mistake. I do expect some head to roll, it should be Randy Schmidt's. Can you imagine if this blown call had happened to the Minnesota Gophers? An official would have gotten a public rebuke and suspension following by a firing. Remember what happen to Jay Kleven for making a correct call?

The league's response is more of the same old tired crap, the WCHA admits its incompetent ref made a mistake, his second one on the season, however, the league is also is telling Wisconsin don't go away mad just go away.

Here's the official wording from the WCHA:

In response to the letter of protest filed with the Western Collegiate Hockey Association from the University of Wisconsin regarding the circumstances surrounding the Wisconsin vs Denver intercollegiate hockey game on Friday, Jan. 11, Bill Hudson, WCHA Chair, and the member Faculty Athletic Representatives made the following decision:

After a review of both the NCAA Ice Hockey Rules and Interpretations book and the WCHA Handbook, the above has confirmed Commissioner McLeod's interpretation/decision and affirmed that it is not the prerogative of the Association to change the outcome of a game.

In the 2006-08 NCAA Men's and Women's Ice Hockey Rules and Interpretations book, under Rule 6/Playing Rules, HR-81, SECTION 39: Protests are not recognized or allowed.

Further, under Rule 5/Officials and Officiating Systems, SECTION 3: The duties of the referee(s) are as follows:
under a. The referee(s) decision is final; there is no appeal.

In the WCHA Handbook, Code of Regulations:
1. Playing Rules
a. NCAA playing rules will govern play in all intercollegiate ice hockey games. Conferences and individual institutions are prohibited from modifying any playing rules except by permission of the NCAA Ice Hockey Rules Committee.

The WCHA earlier acknowledged the error that was made and regrets the circumstance. This decision is final and the matter is considered closed.

My Question on CSTV: The Writers' Round Table

Here is a question I posed for the CSTV round table. The writers didn't go where I was hoping they would go, they kind of danced around the issue and didn't answer my question like I had hoped. No one is denying the fact; Miami and Michigan are good to decent teams, however, how battle tested are they? The strength of schedule of the CCHA isn't very impressive.

Miami will have played basically three teams in the top ten Michigan State University and Michigan (02-08-2008) and Notre Dame by the second week of February. The rest of their schedule is very week and almost laughable. Michigan has beaten Minnesota, Wisconsin and B.C. but Minnesota and Wisconsin are down this year so Michigan has to date played one team in the top ten. So I say again; what is so impressive about racking up a majority of your 21 wins against the likes of these teams. I will break it down for you using the KRACH Rankings, that's 4 wins against UNO #30, 2 wins against Canisus the #54, 3 wins against OSU #44, 2 wins against NMU #36, 1 win against Alaska #40, 2 wins against 32 Vermont, 1 win against BGSU #26 and 2 wins against Rensselaer #43. Include loses against #40 Alaska and #26 BGSU. Again; why are those 16 wins impressive?

Eric Grand Forks, ND: Are the Pundents giving the CCHA getting way too much credit? If you look at the Srenght of Schedule for two of the top teams in the CCHA; Michigan has played the 31st toughest schedule, while Miami has played the 28th toughest schedule. Why are these teams still impressive?
Paula Weston: The "pundents" giving the CCHA too much credit? Because the two best teams in the country are Miami and Michigan, and three of the four top 10 teams are CCHA teams?
Elliot Olshansky: I say it all the time...hockey games are played on sheets of ice, not sheets of paper, and having seen Michigan and Miami, these teams look like the No. 1 and No. 2 teams.
Paula Weston: It's not just the press that votes in the polls. I'd be willing to wager that many, many coaches around the country would say that Miami and Michigan are the top two teams in the nation right now.
Paula Weston: And while hockey games are played on sheets of ice and not paper, RinkRat, you would be out of work if people didn't want to see the endless banter about our sport.
Elliot Olshansky: Of course, I tend to like Miami a bit more than most, because I do still wonder about some of those Michigan freshmen hitting the wall.
Paula Weston: It's always foolish to underestimate Michigan. I think that may be the one true thing I've learned covering hockey these last dozen years.

This week's picks

Friday

North Dakota at Minnesota State
Wisconsin at Alaska-Anchorage
Minnesota at Minnesota-Duluth

Non-Conference:

Denver at Air Force
Bemidji State at Colorado College

Saturday

North Dakota at Minnesota State
Wisconsin at Alaska-Anchorage
Minnesota at Minnesota-Duluth

Non-Conference:

Bemidji State at Denver
Air Force at Colorado College

Last weeks Picks 7-3
For the Season 74-50

Say it isn't so: the WCHA has a credibility problem

WCHA Ref Todd Anderson
No, stop, it can't be true. I think this is a serious issue that is finally coming to a head, however, it took one of the Big Ten Schools getting screwed over before anyone finally decided to take a stand. Maybe now we can get something to finally stick the league office. Like Kevin Allenspach
said no one cared when it happened to SCSU. Let me tell you Kevin we got your back, there are many of us that are steaming mad about it and we want some heads to roll, we will not go away and we will keep bringing the issue up.

Tom Oates: WCHA wants to be big-time, but still acts small
It has won five of the last six NCAA titles, nine of its 10 teams were ranked in the top 20 poll just last week and its programs are regularly raided for talent by the NHL.

But if the Western Collegiate Hockey Association is, as it often proclaims, the premier men's college hockey league in the nation, why does it routinely act like it is a municipal softball league in McFarland?

Why do its bylaws fail to cover crisis situations? Why can't its referees get calls right even with television replays? Why do its leaders vanish when people need answers the most?

A better question is this: How can anyone take college hockey seriously when its premier league is run like a mom-and-pop store in a Wal-Mart world?

The latest blow to the WCHA's image came Friday night when referee Randy Schmidt disallowed a last-second, game-tying goal by the University of Wisconsin in a 3-2 loss at Denver. By now you know the gory details, so I'll spare you the explanation. Let's just say that Schmidt had college hockey's most advanced TV replay capability at his disposal and failed to use it properly.

Schmidt apparently was the only person in the arena who couldn't figure out that UW had scored, a notion that was confirmed the next day when the WCHA admitted he had made a mistake, saying, "The league regrets the error, and acknowledges that the goal should have counted."

WCHA officials thought that would end the issue, which shows how out of touch they really are. Sorry, but it's not that easy to dismiss such an egregious error, in part because the same referee had been involved in a similar incident earlier this season and in part because the loss of even one point could damage UW's NCAA tournament chances in a year when it hosts an NCAA regional.

"It would appear from what people ... on the street are saying, the league's image right now is a little tainted," UW coach Mike Eaves said Monday.

Eaves was choosing his words carefully, but the league's soiled image and lack of leadership and vision was on display again Saturday night when, incredibly, Schmidt was allowed to referee the second game of the series. League officials made that decision even though they had another crew doing a series in nearby Colorado Springs and could easily have switched the two.

But that's not the only bush-league action by the WCHA recently. Two weeks ago, UW had to play a key series against Colorado College without three of its best players, who, like others in the league, were participating in the World Junior Championships. Predictably, UW couldn't buy a goal in the series, losing twice by a combined score of 5-1.

Can you imagine any other college sport scheduling league games when it knew its teams would be losing their best players to another competition?

Meanwhile, UW has appealed to the WCHA to declare Friday's game a tie, which, at this late date, is a reasonable solution. A better solution would have been to play an overtime period the next day.

Unfortunately, league officials couldn't or wouldn't make that decision. No surprise there, which is why the WCHA needs this word of advice: If you want to be big league, start acting like it.

The first step in the right direction

This have become a hot topic on the various hockey fan message boards. I have heard a lot of fans saying that BSU wouldn't add anything to the WCHA. First off that is silly in my opinion, first off they become a natural rival with UND, UMD, MSU-M and SCSU right away. All four team have played or play BSU on regular basis already. Lets not forget the fact the teams are a very short 2-3 hour drive away, well, Mankato is a little further away from Bemidji.

In this instance I applaud the WCHA for stepping up and helping a fellow hockey team out. I think it is the right thing to do. It also give BSU some time to get its arena all sowed up and ready to go.

WCHA to help Beavers

Bruce McLeod, Western Collegiate Hockey Association commissioner, told me Sunday night that the league and Bemidji State have an agreement in place that will help the Beavers with their future men's hockey scheduling.

Bemidji State's request to the league at the NCAA Convention in Nashville on Sunday is because College Hockey America is shrinking. If nothing changes, it will have only four teams next season -- Bemidij State, Alabama-Huntsville, Niagara and Robert Morris.

The WCHA was reportedly considering a four-year unbalanced schedule that would ensure Bemidji State had 12 games vs. WCHA teams each season, six home, six away. But a particular number of games might not be in the agreement. A source also said BSU was told it needs to get a new arena built if the alliance is going to work.

"We do have an agreement, but we're just kind of working out the final details," McLeod said in a telephone interview Sunday night.

The 10-team WCHA has had a moratorium on expansion since Minnesota State Mankato was admitted in 1996-97.

Jon Quistgaard, BSU president, said a statement will be released Monday.

"I think it was a positive meeting," Quistgaard said in a telephone interview. "We really appreciated the opportunity to be able to talk about our situation and what our goals are and our vision. ... I think we all came away from the meting better informed."

WOW, Barch and May

This was a great hockey fight. It is no mystery why the Ducks are the top penalized team in the NHL. One could make the argument that the Ducks are the west coast version of the Broad Street Bullies.

I have been watching the Ducks more since Brandon Bochenski got traded from Bruins to the Ducks, it is amazing the amount of college players that are on the Ducks; Drew Miller Michigan State, Brandon Bochenski North Dakota, Ryan Carter Mankato, Chris Kunitz Ferris State, George Parros Princeton, Dough Weight Lake State. That is is an impressive list of college hockey all stars folks.

Wisconsin files an appeal with the WCHA.

Here is an article written by Andy Baggot: The University of Wisconsin has filed a formal appeal with the WCHA

We've not heard the last about that controversial loss the University of Wisconsin men's hockey team suffered over the weekend.

The school took the unusual step of filing an official appeal with the Western Collegiate Hockey Association late Monday afternoon, seeking, at minimum, a review of the procedures and circumstances surrounding a 3-2 loss Friday at Denver.

"I think we have to go through the due process," UW coach Mike Eaves said Monday afternoon during his weekly press conference. "We would not be diligent in not doing that."

UW senior associate athletic director Shawn Eichorst, who accompanied the Badgers on the trip to Denver; UW associate AD Sean Frazier, who oversees men's hockey; UW associate AD Steve Waterfield, who oversees rules compliance; and Linda Baumann, the UW Athletic Board representative to the WCHA, are involved in the process.

According to WCHA bylaws, the school had 48 hours from the end of the series to file an appeal. The league has 36 hours to respond to it.

Here is a response from the WCHA that I find troubling.

WCHA commissioner Bruce McLeod has not returned multiple phone calls since issuing a three-paragraph statement Saturday acknowledging that a mistake had been made.

Doug Spencer, the WCHA associate director for public relations, said Monday that McLeod was traveling between Nashville, Tenn. — where McLeod was attending the NCAA convention — and his home in Denver. Spencer has worked with the league for 22 years and couldn't recall a step like this being taken by a school.

"We acknowledged our error," he said. "Everybody regrets what happened, but we move forward."

I say we move forward with terminations and letters of reprimand. I think more schools should take this approach, it is the only way that the league will ever fix the problems it has. The WCHA is a first class league with second or third rate on ice officials. This is where I encourage fans to start sending letter to the WCHA League office. Am I the only one that finds this tone and attitude troubling, these problems need to be address then fixed. The league after recognizing that their official has made a mistake should suspended him indefinitely pending an investigation. After that investigation has been conducted, they should force Schmidt to write a formal letter of apology and tender his resignation. Lastly, I hope UND would have the same response if they had a colossal event like this happen to the Fighting Sioux.

Lets Go Mav's makes an appearance on Goon's world

This has become a yearly tradition; well ok, two years in a row. Here is what the Lets Go Mav's hockey blogger had to say.

Why do you hate the Fighting Sioux and Sioux fans so much?

Because I have never met one in person that is decent. They tend to come to our arena with a huge chip on our shoulder and smart off that the Mavs don't belong in the WCHA and that our arena sucks and so on. It's annoying and rude! Most opposing fans come to Mankato and think it's a good time because our fans are pretty friendly and they can enjoy adult beverages at the game. The other fans figure out we're fun but the Sioux fans are too stuck on themselves and are busy knocking us to have a good time. Also, their obsession with "everyone being jealous of us" gets old. As does the 7>5 thing and their overall arrogance.

Can’t we all just get along and be friends?

No, we can't!! :) Not until I see more respect. You know how most people like people until they do something to make them dislike them? Well, LGM is the opposite. I dislike people until they earn my liking. I'm just weird like that...so don't go looking for free friendships out of this girl!!

Name your Favorite Mankato State hockey memory?
Back to back weekend sweeps of SCSU and Wisconsin a couple of years ago. No! Wait...I take it back. I say the game that the Mavs won for the 1st time at the NHC when Clarky was in goal. Best time EVER!! I was sick of going to that arena and watching SCSU pound us. That game was SWEET and for me, started the Clarky obsession:)

Who is your favorite current MSU-M player?

Well, I can't go with just one! My top two are my boys Berge and Kalinski. Love them both! Closely followed by Zacharias, Kilburg, and Hot RJ.

Who is your Favorite Former MSU-M player?

Again, I have to go with two of them. Overall favorite would be Chris Clark. Love that kid. He is one of the greatest guys you'll ever meet. So nice, friendly, and a good role model for the kids. Second would be David Backes. All American Golden Boy, smarty pants (held a 4.0 all through college), and overall good guy. He's also doing awesome in the NHL, so that's great too. Plus, I did sort of spill some beer on his mom way back in the day and promised to cheer for him "as long as he played hockey" so I'm upholding my end of the deal. Good thing he's a good guy or that would be a hard promise to keep!

Why do you think Jutting is such a bad coach?

Ugg. Loaded question. Do you really have that much time?!? I'll just state a few. First off, he treats everyone like dirt basically. Has no respect for players, parents, fans, other coaches, his peers....the list goes on and on. He's SO narcissistic it makes me want to puke. He's a total embarrassment to MSU.
Second, he runs crappy plays over and over (such as his stupid power play) and never realizes that maybe it's HIS way that sucks but instead blames the players year after year. Third, he always slams our players some way in the media. Even when he's trying to give a compliment, he ends up slamming someone. Drives me NUTS!!

Who is your Favorite NHL team(s)?

I'm not really into the NHL. I'll go with the Wild.

Who is your Favorite NHL player?

Steve Wagner. HA!!! Kidding. David Backes of course!!

What is your favorite NHL Jersey?

I like the Flyer's jerseys. I can't wait for Kalinski and Nodl to play for the Flyer's so Heather and I can get matching jerseys of our boys!! It'll be the first time ever for us to agree on hockey!

Who is a bigger hack Matt Demarci or Stu Bickel?

Stu Bickel. Wouldn't you be a hack too if you had all that pent up aggression from having that name?!?

Which Arena do you like the best MSU-M Midwest wireless center or REA?

I've never been to REA...next year!!! That's my plan at least. For the record it's the ALLTEL Center now!! The Alltel is ok but I really do wish we had a "real" hockey arena. Maybe some day!

What are your predictions for this weekend Series?

Well, my boys let me down a bit last weekend. No clue what was up with them but they were just off. I'm thinking positively this weekend and I say a split. Mavs win Friday, Sioux win Saturday.

Where do the Mav’s finish in this seasons standings?

7th. I wish higher, because home ice would be awesome but with our lack of points as of now and looking at what's ahead it could be tough. Who knows though...the WCHA is so screwy this year!

Why don’t you think Racing is a sport?

Because if you're sitting your ass in a car it's not physical enough to be a sport. I'm from small town MN where everyone goes to "the races" 2 nights of a weekend in the summer and live and die by NASCAR and I think they're all hicks. They're like "hockey? What's hockey? Bring on Jeff Gordon!" A friend of mine went to Bristol the other year and was excited about it. I ripped on her forever about it!! Racing is not a sport. Never was. Never will be.

Is hunting a sport?

I think hunting is a "different" sport. Since there's strategy and the person is out in the woods moving around and stuff to kill some animal, I can see how it's a form of a sport, but not something I would traditionally call a sport.

What is your favorite Breed of Dog?

Honestly, I'm not much of an dog gal. Cripes, I'm not much of an animal gal to be truthful. They're dirty, smell, and are just a pain. Plus, most animals are unpredictable. That would explain why I'm petrified of cows!!
If I had to choose a dog though, it would be a Shih tzu. They're so cute and cuddly! I like the little lap dogs that you can carry around in your purse:) Not that I would do that. Oh, well maybe to my brother's new dog though. They just got a Min-Pin and he would kick my ass for putting it in a girly purse...so that would be worth it! Ha ha! Maybe I'll put a little tu-tu on Stanley and carry him around in my purse just to annoy my brother.

Would you rather own a Lab or Bull Dog?

Oh my god! Are you psychic that these are the two breeds I hate the most?!? I have two college friends that have one of each. God...when I go to the one's house and see Gunner (stupid slobbering lab that eyes me up like I'm a pheasant or something) coming at me I freak. Then again, when I go to the others and fat, ugly, slobbery, annoying Romeo (the Bulldog) come at me I freak too. I'll go with hating the Bulldog more because the last time I saw that stupid dog he was drooling on my foot and sneezed on my leg. YUCK! So...I guess the lab wins...but barely.

Short but sweet: Ed Jovanovski vs Aaron Voros

While this fight didn't last very long Ed Jovanovski and Aaron Voros threw some big hay makers. Notice both men landed some really good shots.

It's no mystery that former Univesity of Alaska-Fairbanks Nanook Aaron Voros has been a welcome addition to the Minnesota Wild since he was picked up in the last season from New Jersey Devils organization.
Voros Hockey Data Base Numbers

Former SCSU Husky Tim Conboy drops the mits.

Former SCSU Husky Tim Conboy gets in a fight with Colorado Av's tough guy Scott Parker in his first NHL game.

Its better to be the hammer than the nail

Don Cherry would be happy with this hit because it is a sweet hit that is worthy of being in a rock em sock em hockey videos. This is the type of hockey UND needs to play to be successful in the playoffs. Nice to see T.J. Oshie getting after it, I think he bounced back nicely after his screw up a couple of weeks back. This is the little things a team has to do to be successful. I can't wait for this weekends games against the Minnesota State Mankato Mavericks, its going to be more of the same type of play.

How Sweep it is... Sioux take game two 4-1...

Finally; the Fighting Sioux seal the deal and finally get a sweep for the weekend. It only took the Fighting Sioux 21 games into the season before they finally got a two game sweep and they did it in impressive style holding MTU to 2 goals on the weekend and under 20 shots both nights.

Unfortunately, I didn't see the first period and a half because I was at Altru health in urgent care with my daughter who is suffering from the croop. Sioux7 was nice enough to give me an update while I was sitting in the hospital.

I got home from the hospital just in time to turn on the television and see Chris VandeVelde score a pretty goal. Wow; did that kid have a good series or what? There were a few players that really stepped up this weekend: Chris VandeVelde had 1 goal and 2 assists for 3 points. Also, Taylor Chorney chipped in 2 goals and 2 assists for 4 points, Freshman Evan Trupp who is starting to emerge as an impact player we read about had two points on the weekend as well.

MTU is a good team that will be heard from before the season is over, I would not want to have to play them in the WCHA playoffs.

Box Score
First Period

North Dakota-1 Kyle Radke (Taylor Chorney, Robbie Bina) 7:21
North Dakota-2 Chay Genoway (Jean-Philippe Lamoureux) GWG PPG 14:11

Second Period

North Dakota-3 Chris VandeVelde (Evan Trupp) 15:04

Third Period

Michigan Tech-1 Drew Dobson (John Schwarz, Jordan Baker) 2:49
North Dakota-4 Taylor Chorney (T.J. Oshie, Ryan Duncan) PPG 9:28
Goaltender Saves
Michigan Tech-1 Rob Nolan (59:56 L) 5 8 4 17 (4 GA)
North Dakota-1 Jean-Philippe Lamoureux (60:00 W) 6 5 6 17 (1 GA)

Referee(s): Jon Campion
Asst. Referee(s): Nathan Freeman, Kile Bergren

~UND is 2nd in Goals for in the WCHA, C.C. has more and they have played two more games.

~UND is 3rd in the WCHA in goals against.

~UND is 6th in the Pairwise.

WCHA ADMITS ERROR IN WISCONSIN GOAL DISPUTE

This seems to be a reoccuring theme in the WCHA this season and it seems to be involving the same on ice officials.

by Adam Wodon/Managing Editor

The WCHA has officially admitted error by its officiating crew in disallowing a Wisconsin goal that would have tied Friday's game against Denver as time expired.

It marks the second time this year that the WCHA has apologized for an error by its officials — and both times the referee was Randy Schmidt.

The next statement the WCHA should issue is Randy Schmidt has been relieved from his reffing duties in the WCHA and will no longer be allowed to ref games in the WCHA ever again. The WCHA should not and can no longer tolerate this kind of incompetence by its on the ice officials.

The league could have made this right, the proper response should have been to have a 5 minute period of overtime before this evenings game. I think short of firing Schmidt that is the only way they could saved face in this incident. While I don't blame DU, hey they got the win they do have two tainted wins.

Hey Schmidt get off your knees your blowing the game

I want to hear why this is not a goal, I want to hear something other than an apology. If I was the Badgers coach Mike Eaves I would be calling the league office and demanding that the WCHA league office review this goal and then give the Badgers coach a reason why it wasn't called a goal. There should have been an overtime in this game. Then the Greg Sheppard and Bruce McCloud should fire Randy Schmidt because he has no business reffing games in the WCHA or pee wees.

Sioux beat MTU 4-1

Tonight the Fighting Sioux played well and got the win against a hard working hockey team. MTU is a big skilled team back stopped by two great goaltenderss that plays a strong defensive game I think they are the best in the WCHA. For the half of the game this was a boring hockey game and picked up the second half of the game.

The Sioux beat the MTU Huskies to the puck all night and did the things they have to do to be successful, go into the dirty areas and get the puck. The Sioux played with that edge that I saw against Wisconsin Badgers and the Fighting Sioxu also played great team defense limiting the Huskies to 15 shots. One could say that they took a page out of MTU's book. I look forward to reading how UND is a bunch of hacks that, to me that means the Fighting Sioux played their game tonight.

Goon's three stars of the game
1.) Evan Trupp
2.) Chris VandeVelde
3.) Big Joe Finley

Box Score

First Period

North Dakota-1 Evan Trupp (Matt Frattin, Jake Marto) 17:10

Second Period

Michigan Tech-1 Peter Rouleau (Deron Cousens, Drew Dobson) 0:46
North Dakota-2 Joe Finley (Chay Genoway, Chris VandeVelde) GWG 10:53
North Dakota-3 Matt Watkins (Taylor Chorney, Chris VandeVelde) 11:50

Third Period

North Dakota-4 Taylor Chorney (T.J. Oshie, Ryan Duncan) PPG 1:24
Goaltender Saves
Michigan Tech-1 Rob Nolan (60:00 L) 9 3 11 23 (4 GA)
North Dakota-1 Jean-Philippe Lamoureux (59:46 W) 6 1 7 14 (1 GA)

Referee(s): Jon Campion (wouldn't you know it)
Asst. Referee(s): Nathan Freeman, Kile Bergren

Links for the Series

Mining Gazette

Tech Hockey Blog

Boosh Factor