UND junior-to-be Ryan Hill is transferring to DIII school University of Wisconsin-Superior (called the Yellowjackets). The defenseman hasn't played much in his time with UND so it is not all that surprising that he'd want to get some playing time. Kevin Pates of the Duluth News Tribute broke the story.
Apparently, Ryan transferred to be closer to family and to get increased playing time. He reminds me a lot of former Sioux Todd Alexander. USHL defenseman, overager, recruited walk on (if not outright walk on). Ryan has good size. But he's 23 years old. I'm sure he's itching to prove he has what it takes to compete at a high level at the collegiate level. The article states he investigated transferring to a DI school, but the year he'd have to sit out would be hard to take.
I wish Ryan the best of luck with the Yellowjackets, beat some heads together and get yourself a great degree.
Showing posts with label Analysis - College hockey. UND Fighting Sioux.. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Analysis - College hockey. UND Fighting Sioux.. Show all posts
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Sunday, October 03, 2010
UND 5, the OTHER Bisons 2
Holy Crap! We had to come from behind against the Bisons! Fire Hakstol! Bench Eidsness! Call a Priest to put our season 6 feet into the ground!
No, seriously, it was just an exhibition game, so I won't pontificate on our season based off of this game. However...
Jason Gregoire and Corbin Knight had great games offensively. Derek Forbort was head and shoulders the best freshman on the ice.
I didn't get as much out of this game than perhaps Goon did (however, I THINK I saw Goon on the FSSN feed for a fleet second...), but those three stood out the most to me.
Brock Nelson will eventually be pretty good, but he wasn't the best on the ice.
Also, Chay Genoway did ok, but he did have his rough moments.
I also thought the officials did a passable job tonight...except when it came to protecting the players safety. Derek LaPoint was checked into the boards from behind, no call. I thought for a second that Don Adam was officiating but I remembered that he wasn't. How'd I know? Because if he had, he'd've done two things in the aftermath of the play:
1. He would have called LaPoint for a 10 minute misconduct for telling him that he wasn't doing his job. (By the way, I found out Don Adam guest starred on South Park. You can see him right here.)
2. He would have found a way to give Manitoba the powerplay. He'd've probably added a 2 minute minor to LaPoint for unsportsmanlike conduct.
Manitoba actually played very well all things considered. Steve Christie played alright. He didn't do a great job on Malone's goal. Erb and Dudar did a decent job as well.
They Sioux looked like they hadn't played together at all in the first period (which, except for one practice and a handful of captain's practices, was true) but played better and better as the game wore on. I also thought the first period was also where they missed Kristo the most. Manitoba scored simply by throwing the puck on net. It deflected off of Blood's skate and voila. Danny Kristo isn't afraid to shoot the puck, which, up until that point, was basically what the Sioux seemed to need. No one shot the puck. They tried to be too cute and flashy.
Of course, I've always been a strong proponent of "when in doubt, shoot the puck" as well as the adages "No goals have ever been scored on a pass" and "The more you pass on the power play the more your opponent gets away with too many men on the ice." To further beat the dead horse, a garbage goal is just as good as a highlight reel goal and are much easier to come by.
Anyways, we've got a little work to do before we play Anchorage.
No, seriously, it was just an exhibition game, so I won't pontificate on our season based off of this game. However...
Jason Gregoire and Corbin Knight had great games offensively. Derek Forbort was head and shoulders the best freshman on the ice.
I didn't get as much out of this game than perhaps Goon did (however, I THINK I saw Goon on the FSSN feed for a fleet second...), but those three stood out the most to me.
Brock Nelson will eventually be pretty good, but he wasn't the best on the ice.
Also, Chay Genoway did ok, but he did have his rough moments.
I also thought the officials did a passable job tonight...except when it came to protecting the players safety. Derek LaPoint was checked into the boards from behind, no call. I thought for a second that Don Adam was officiating but I remembered that he wasn't. How'd I know? Because if he had, he'd've done two things in the aftermath of the play:
1. He would have called LaPoint for a 10 minute misconduct for telling him that he wasn't doing his job. (By the way, I found out Don Adam guest starred on South Park. You can see him right here.)
2. He would have found a way to give Manitoba the powerplay. He'd've probably added a 2 minute minor to LaPoint for unsportsmanlike conduct.
Manitoba actually played very well all things considered. Steve Christie played alright. He didn't do a great job on Malone's goal. Erb and Dudar did a decent job as well.
They Sioux looked like they hadn't played together at all in the first period (which, except for one practice and a handful of captain's practices, was true) but played better and better as the game wore on. I also thought the first period was also where they missed Kristo the most. Manitoba scored simply by throwing the puck on net. It deflected off of Blood's skate and voila. Danny Kristo isn't afraid to shoot the puck, which, up until that point, was basically what the Sioux seemed to need. No one shot the puck. They tried to be too cute and flashy.
Of course, I've always been a strong proponent of "when in doubt, shoot the puck" as well as the adages "No goals have ever been scored on a pass" and "The more you pass on the power play the more your opponent gets away with too many men on the ice." To further beat the dead horse, a garbage goal is just as good as a highlight reel goal and are much easier to come by.
Anyways, we've got a little work to do before we play Anchorage.
Sunday, May 09, 2010
Two Sioux may Bolt for Major Juniors (Redwing77)
Early Reports are filtering in that two Sioux players will be leaving UND to play Canadian Major Juniors.
The first one is New York Islander draftee David Toews. The second? Buffalo draftee Corey Fienhage.
To me, this is always a sad event even if it is justifiable.
David Toews never quite grew into being the type of player UND fans thought he'd become. However, that's not truly fair. It was no secret that David wasn't his older brother. It was also no secret that David plays a different style of game than Jonny. David still has some great skills, such as a good shot and stick handling, but couldn't crack the lineup. With the talent coming in, it would make it even more difficult for him to make the lineup. So, he's opting to the major juniors.
Brad Schlossman ponders whether or not he'll go to the WHL or the QMJHL. I, for one, hopes he goes to Brandon of the WHL, the team that drafted him in 2005. I hope the Q whithers and dies... ok, maybe not... well... I hope the trifecta of evil do anyways (Moncton of the QMJHL, London of the OHL, and Red Deer of the WHL). I think it just makes sense for David to play for a team close to home. [Link to the Grand Forks Herald Story]
Corey Fienhage is truly a hard luck case. He comes in early, gets railed by the fans (just like just about every defenseman who has come in young... Lee, Smaby, Finley are just a few like Corey). He never quite plays poorly. In fact, he played really well last season until inexplicably he gets benched in favor of Brent Davidson, a winger converted to D earlier that year.
How does that happen? Something must be going on in practice of off the ice, though I have no proof. There's no reports of attitude but there has been grumblings about work ethic.
It's too bad. I like Fienhage. I think he's a good, solid, defensive defenseman that has good size.
It's always tough to lose good guys but with only 2 seniors leaving, there's not a whole lot of playing time to be had.
Who will come in to replace them?
Well, in my opinion, I think no one should. We have an abundance of wingers and D now that Genoway is returning.
I've read that we have abotu 14 or 15 wingers (including Derek Rodwell) and 8 or 9 defensemen (including Forbort and Simpson).
If we did bring in one last winger, my choice would be Fargo Force forward Colton St. Clair. I would have thought Danny Mattson would be the guy but he's seemingly pulled a Mike Fink on us and has seemed to regress once leaving Minnesota High School.
I don't pretend to know how this is all going to work out, but in Hakstol I trust.
The first one is New York Islander draftee David Toews. The second? Buffalo draftee Corey Fienhage.
To me, this is always a sad event even if it is justifiable.
David Toews never quite grew into being the type of player UND fans thought he'd become. However, that's not truly fair. It was no secret that David wasn't his older brother. It was also no secret that David plays a different style of game than Jonny. David still has some great skills, such as a good shot and stick handling, but couldn't crack the lineup. With the talent coming in, it would make it even more difficult for him to make the lineup. So, he's opting to the major juniors.
Brad Schlossman ponders whether or not he'll go to the WHL or the QMJHL. I, for one, hopes he goes to Brandon of the WHL, the team that drafted him in 2005. I hope the Q whithers and dies... ok, maybe not... well... I hope the trifecta of evil do anyways (Moncton of the QMJHL, London of the OHL, and Red Deer of the WHL). I think it just makes sense for David to play for a team close to home. [Link to the Grand Forks Herald Story]
Corey Fienhage is truly a hard luck case. He comes in early, gets railed by the fans (just like just about every defenseman who has come in young... Lee, Smaby, Finley are just a few like Corey). He never quite plays poorly. In fact, he played really well last season until inexplicably he gets benched in favor of Brent Davidson, a winger converted to D earlier that year.
How does that happen? Something must be going on in practice of off the ice, though I have no proof. There's no reports of attitude but there has been grumblings about work ethic.
It's too bad. I like Fienhage. I think he's a good, solid, defensive defenseman that has good size.
It's always tough to lose good guys but with only 2 seniors leaving, there's not a whole lot of playing time to be had.
Who will come in to replace them?
Well, in my opinion, I think no one should. We have an abundance of wingers and D now that Genoway is returning.
I've read that we have abotu 14 or 15 wingers (including Derek Rodwell) and 8 or 9 defensemen (including Forbort and Simpson).
If we did bring in one last winger, my choice would be Fargo Force forward Colton St. Clair. I would have thought Danny Mattson would be the guy but he's seemingly pulled a Mike Fink on us and has seemed to regress once leaving Minnesota High School.
I don't pretend to know how this is all going to work out, but in Hakstol I trust.
Saturday, April 03, 2010
Goon's World - Goal of the Year, the future looks bright...
A week ago today the Fighting Sioux ended their season with an uninspiring effort against the Yale Bulldogs. I still scratching my head on the ending of the season for the Fighting Sioux. I like most Sioux fans hate losing, there is no medal for second and third place and I hope this painful loss burns hot in each and ever one of the Fighting Sioux players' gut during the offseason. I hope that the 2010-2010 Sioux take the mind set that they refuse to lose, be a bear to play against in all three zones. Do whatever it takes to be a winner. The more the league fans and teams bitch about you and your style of play the more you’re successful you will be. I think the 2010-2011 team has a chance to be one of the better Sioux teams in the last 10 seasons.
I think that ine the end the Sioux ran out of gas and their six games in nine days caught up with them. If anything it taught the Sioux a valuable lesson, put teams away when you have the chance early in the season. The Sioux were one point from not having to play in the Thursday play in game.
Watching this goal against the Yale Bulldogs makes me wonder; what is Matt Frattin’s upside? I think if Frattin had not been kicked off the team last summer the Fighting Sioux might be waving good bye to Matt Frattin in the offseason. Frattin had (11g-9a-19pts) in 24 games, and the points came in bunches Frattin was held scoreless in 10/24 games. Matt Frattin ended the season on a hot streak nine points in the last six games. I can only hope that we are watching Frattin light the league goalies up next season; most of Frattin's goals this past season were pretty highlight reel goals. This goal is the Goon's World goal of the season - unbelievable.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
More red meat stuff from Chambers.
This guy must love baiting the UND faithful because he sure seems to like to write the red meat blog articles about UND. It’s almost like he has UND derangement syndrome. Just for the record any WCHA team is going to put up a big fight if they are facing the prospects of getting no points during a season against a team. This why I like Brad Schlossman because I feel he is more objective and even handed than this guy. We can only hope for a full scale war tonight with our favorite dance partner the Denver Pioneers.
Grand Forks — Here are some leftover quotes from DU coach George Gwozdecky and goalie Marc Cheverie after last night’s 2-0 Pioneers’ win over the Fighting Sioux — the first win at Engelstad Arena for any current DU player. The teams conclude their two-game set tonight, in what I think has the makings of a full-scale war. The Sioux, 1-3-1 in their past five games, are falling out of the WCHA race and even the NCAA Tournament picture. They are 0-3 against DU this season, having previously been swept by the Pios in November (the first time UND was swept by anybody in three years).[Denver Post Hockey Blog]Here are some interesting notes from the other side without the red meat.
Grand Forks — Last night’s game here was a terrific college hockey environment. Great sold-out crowd of nearly 12,000 and DU played extraordinarily well at times. The first period was probably the best stretch of hockey I’ve seen this year since, well, the last time these teams met in November. Back-and-forth, great skill. However, both teams skated off at the buzzer a little frustrated. The Sioux, despite creating a ton of good chances, were blanked for the second time in three games, and fell to 0-3 against DU this season (two shutouts). The Pios, despite a great start, were on their heels in the final 40 minutes — the product of killing off nine power plays — and perhaps lucky to get the full two points.
– North Dakota is scoreless on its last 28 power plays. Without injured stars Chay Genoway and Brett Hextall, who hasn’t played since Jan. 3 (leg injury), the Sioux are just 2-of-36 with the man-advantage. Still, the Sioux move the puck well on the power play. Their problem last night was ineffective finishing around the net, and, of course, DU goalie Marc Cheverie.
[Denver Post Hockey Blog]
Saturday, January 09, 2010
Sioux sweep Mavs out of town 3-2.
Like Tim Hennessy's said in the post game comments not a very exciting game to watch but a win is a win.
[Post game Comments here]
This was the first sweep the Fighting Sioux hockey team had since the Michigan Tech series in Houghton, Michigan on November 6th and 7th 2009 when the Sioux beat the Michigan Tech Huskies 4-1 and 4-2. Four points is four points and you have to beat the teams behind you in the standings if you want to have a chance to move up in the standings.
This is the type of game UND needs to win, if they want to be successful in the second half of the season. These were also the types of games they were not winning during the first half of the season. The Fighting Sioux raced to a two goal lead before giving up a goal to Geoff Irwin with a minute left in the first period.
Neither the Fighting Sioux nor the Mavericks scored during the second period and then both teams traded goals in the third period. Jason Gregoire scored his tweleth goal of the season and Channing Boe scored sixth goal for the Mavericks in the third period to make it interesting, UND was able to hold on for the 3-2 victory.
Jason Gregiore was hot again tonight as he scored to more goals and four on the weekend. Matt Frattin got his first two assists of the season and he is starting to find his grove and it is only a matter of time before he starts finding the back of the net.
For the most part this was a pretty tame and clean series. In fact I was expecting more from these two teams. For the most part both teams just played hockey and didn’t get involved in any extra bravo sierra. Of course the Sioux and the Gophers play next weekend so all bets are off.
[Box score]
--------------------------------------------------------
1st Period (20:00)
--------------------------------------------------------
NDK 1 - 0 6x6 LL Jason Gregoire (11) (Matt Frattin, Derrick LaPoint) 3:29
NDK (+): 17,21,3,29,25,G31 MNS (-): 5,15,19,16,9,G1
NDK 2 - 0 6x6 Michael Cichy (2) (David Toews, Corey Fienhage) 4:38
NDK (+): 8,18,4,11,24,G31 MNS (-): 7,18,28,9,22,G1
NDK-1 Ben Blood (2-Tripping) MNS 0x1 6:38
NDK-2 Ben Blood (2-Interference) MNS 1x2 18:20
MNS 1 - 2 6x5 PP Geoff Irwin (6) (Kael Mouillierat, Ben Youds) 19:00
MNS: 19,9,5,10,15,G1 NDK: 25,2,9,11,G31
--------------------------------------------------------
2nd Period (20:00)
--------------------------------------------------------
MNS-1 Ben Youds (2-Roughing) 6:43
MNS-2 Ben Youds (2-HITTING AFTER WHISTLE) NDK 0x1 6:43
NDK-3 Michael Cichy (2-Roughing) 6:43
NDK-4 Brad Malone (2-Cross-Checking) MNS 1x3 8:05
MNS-3 Kael Mouillierat (2-CONTACT TO THE HEAD) NDK 0x2 16:38
--------------------------------------------------------
3rd Period (20:00)
--------------------------------------------------------
MNS-4 Ben Youds (2-Interference) NDK 1x3 8:18
NDK 3 - 1 6x5 PP GW Jason Gregoire (12) (Matt Frattin, Jake Marto) 9:42
NDK: 17,21,25,7,29,G31 MNS: 15,16,19,22,G1
MNS 2 - 3 6x6 Channing Boe (2) (unassisted) 14:36
MNS (+): 28,22,15,19,25,G1 NDK (-): 21,8,11,24,18,G31
MNS-5 Kael Mouillierat (2-Cross-Checking) NDK 1x4 19:32
Timeout - Minnesota State 19:32
--------------------------------------------------------
End of Game
Monday, January 04, 2010
Sioux 3 Irish 3
The Fighting Sioux ended the game in a 3-3 tie; the tourney was then decided by the most exciting way to break a tie in hockey, the shoot out. Unfortunately the Shootout went to the Fighting Irish. Like coach Hakstol said, the shoot out really means nothing as far as national stats go. If you listen to the post game interview you will hear Coach Hakstol say that he liked the way his team played tonight, he thought they put up a good effort.
Tonight on the radio broadcast Tim Hennessy said, ‘What the Sioux got out there isn’t doing that bad.’ I think that is a good way to summarize this weekend. Think about it; our best forward Danny Kristo is at the WJC in Saskatoon. Our best defensive forward Darcy Zajac is out with an injury and in addition to that our All American Defenseman Chay Genoway is on the shelf and we still get a win and a tie in a holiday tourney. I think I will dwell on the positive and not focuse on the negatives.
I by nature don't stay mad long or like a lot of negativity, I think there is a lot to be positive about, this team has a lot going for it. I also think UND is sitting pretty well nationally, the Fighting Sioux sit at 10th in the all important Pairwise, the Fighting Sioux have an out of conference record of 4-0-2. The Fighting Sioux still have a chance to move up in the standings and get home ice for the WCHA playoffs.
During the pre-game of tonight’s radio broadcast Zajac kind of predicted that there is a good chance he might be back for this next weekend series. I would have to think there is about a 50-50 to 60-40 chance the Fighting Sioux have his services for next weekend. That would be a huge lift on the penalty kill.
[Box Score]
--------------------------------------------------------
1st Period (20:00)
--------------------------------------------------------
NDK-1 Mario Lamoureux (2-CTH ROUGHING) NDM 1x1 3:13
NDM 1 - 0 6x5 PP Ben Ryan (4) (Ian Cole, Nick Larson) 3:59
NDM: 19,28,26,4,9,G32 NDK: 3,19,22,25,G31
NDK-2 Brad Malone (2-Holding) (Served by Michael Cichy) 10:01
NDK-3 Brad Malone (10-Misconduct) 10:01
NDM-1 Sean Lorenz (2-Cross-Checking) 10:01
NDK-4 Matt Frattin (2-Hooking) NDM 1x2 11:43
NDK 1 - 1 6x6 Chris VandeVelde (6) (Jason Gregoire, Derrick LaPoint) 16:54
NDK (+): 29,17,20,21,25,G31 NDM (-): 15,17,24,26,28,G32
--------------------------------------------------------
2nd Period (20:00)
--------------------------------------------------------
NDM-2 Brett Blatchford (2-Interference) NDK 1x1 0:24
NDM-3 Teddy Ruth (2-Tripping) NDK 1x2 1:54
NDK 2 - 1 6x4 PP Brett Hextall (8) (Jake Marto, Joe Gleason) 2:15
NDK: 26,25,20,17,19,G31 NDM: 2,9,28,G32
NDK-5 Ben Blood (2-Tripping) NDM 1x3 5:18
NDM-4 Nick Larson (2-Goaltender Interference) NDK 1x3 5:52
NDK 3 - 1 6x6 Brett Bruneteau (1) (Mario Lamoureux, Carter Rowney) 8:47
NDK (+): 13,9,3,24,27,G31 NDM (-): 2,6,15,24,27,G32
NDM 2 - 3 6x6 Kevin Deeth (2) (Ryan Guentzel, Brett Blatchford) 12:22
NDM (+): 21,27,3,22,33,G32 NDK (-): 3,9,13,25,27,G31
NDK-6 Matt Frattin (2-CTH ROUGHING) NDM 1x4 14:04
--------------------------------------------------------
3rd Period (20:00)
--------------------------------------------------------
NDM 3 - 3 6x6 GT Billy Maday (7) (Christiaan Minella, Joe Lavin) 1:36
NDM (+): 17,15,16,3,28,G32 NDK (-): 8,18,20,21,24,G31
NDK-7 Ben Blood (2-GRASPING THE FACEMASK) 3:57
NDM-5 Kevin Deeth (2-Roughing) 3:57
NDM-6 Kevin Deeth (2-Boarding) NDK 1x4 15:47
--------------------------------------------------------
Overtime (5:00)
--------------------------------------------------------
End of Game
Saturday, January 02, 2010
Sioux skate past Purple Eagles 3-1.
There were a couple of themes to this game. It was the first time the Sioux had played a meaningful game in 21 days and the boys might have been a little rusty. It was also the first game Matt Frattin had played since Northeast Regional Semifinal game against UNH on March 28th 2009.
Frattin has rejoined the Fighting Sioux this week after satisfying Coach Hakstol’s expectations and changing his off ice behavior(those are my words that I inferred from listening to everyone involved talk this week). Frattin had been suspended indefinitely or basically expelled from the team pending further review at a later after being arrested last summer for two alcohol related incidents in very short period of time. That review at a later date ended up being this week, so Frattin had been given a life line by the Fighting Sioux coaching staff. It's up to him to make the best of it and to keep his nose clean and out of trouble. I am hoping Frattin can chip in 5-10 goals in the second half of the season.
Not burying the shots?
I read on line were some people are worried about the Sioux getting more goals after putting 40 shots on the opposition net. Sometimes an opposition goalie gets hot and it’s impossible to get a few more shots past him, as we know from the past UND has a target on it’s back every time they play. Everyone wants to take a piece of the Fighting Sioux. That’s the way it is, look how many times the Wild’s goaltender Niklas Backstrom has held the Wild in a game when they should have lost or had no business winning.
As I write this blog post, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish have made easy work of EZAC opponent Colgate smoking them 5-2 in the other semi final game so the Fighting Sioux will play the Fighting Irish tomorrow night in the championship game of the Shillelagh Tournament.
[Box Score]
---------------------------------------------------------
1st Period (20:00)
---------------------------------------------------------
NIA-1 Jason Beattie (2-CTH ELBOWING) NDK 1x1 7:48
NDK 1 - 0 6x5 PP LL Brett Hextall (7) (Evan Trupp, Jake Marto) 8:05
NDK: 26,19,20,22,25,G31 NIA: 5,7,9,22,G33
NDK-1 Ben Blood (2-Interference) NIA 0x1 8:53
NDK 2 - 0 6x6 GW Carter Rowney (1) (Brett Bruneteau, Mario Lamoureux) 13:50
NDK (+): 13,9,4,20,27,G31 NIA (-): 3,19,24,27,28,G33
---------------------------------------------------------
2nd Period (20:00)
---------------------------------------------------------
NDK-2 Corey Fienhage (2-CTH ROUGHING) NIA 0x2 3:12
NDK-3 Brett Hextall (2-Slashing) NIA 0x3 9:29
NDK-4 Michael Cichy (2-Boarding) NIA 0x4 14:02
NIA-2 Marc Zanette (2-O-HOLDING) NDK 1x2 17:06
NDK-5 David Toews (2-Hooking) NIA 0x5 18:16
---------------------------------------------------------
3rd Period (20:00)
---------------------------------------------------------
NIA-3 Egor Mironov (2-Charging) NDK 1x3 8:31
NIA 1 - 2 6x6 Ryan Olidis (10) (Chris Moran, C.J. Chartrain) 11:04
NIA (+): 11,21,12,4,10,G33 NDK (-): 2,4,9,13,27,G31
NDK 3 - 1 6x6 Evan Trupp (5) (Brett Hextall) 16:49
NDK (+): 19,26,2,22,24,G31 NIA (-): 4,7,19,23,24,G33
---------------------------------------------------------
End of Game
Their press release said what?
Check out the title to this game summary. Please! The Sioux bombed your goalie for 40 shots and you were lucky it wasn’t 6-1 or 8-1. Maybe the Niagara goalie should sue his defense for non support, because they left him out to dry all week. The game wasn’t as close as the score would indicate and I didn't think that the Purple Eagles would get back into the game or win it.
Frattin has rejoined the Fighting Sioux this week after satisfying Coach Hakstol’s expectations and changing his off ice behavior(those are my words that I inferred from listening to everyone involved talk this week). Frattin had been suspended indefinitely or basically expelled from the team pending further review at a later after being arrested last summer for two alcohol related incidents in very short period of time. That review at a later date ended up being this week, so Frattin had been given a life line by the Fighting Sioux coaching staff. It's up to him to make the best of it and to keep his nose clean and out of trouble. I am hoping Frattin can chip in 5-10 goals in the second half of the season.
Not burying the shots?
I read on line were some people are worried about the Sioux getting more goals after putting 40 shots on the opposition net. Sometimes an opposition goalie gets hot and it’s impossible to get a few more shots past him, as we know from the past UND has a target on it’s back every time they play. Everyone wants to take a piece of the Fighting Sioux. That’s the way it is, look how many times the Wild’s goaltender Niklas Backstrom has held the Wild in a game when they should have lost or had no business winning.
As I write this blog post, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish have made easy work of EZAC opponent Colgate smoking them 5-2 in the other semi final game so the Fighting Sioux will play the Fighting Irish tomorrow night in the championship game of the Shillelagh Tournament.
[Box Score]
---------------------------------------------------------
1st Period (20:00)
---------------------------------------------------------
NIA-1 Jason Beattie (2-CTH ELBOWING) NDK 1x1 7:48
NDK 1 - 0 6x5 PP LL Brett Hextall (7) (Evan Trupp, Jake Marto) 8:05
NDK: 26,19,20,22,25,G31 NIA: 5,7,9,22,G33
NDK-1 Ben Blood (2-Interference) NIA 0x1 8:53
NDK 2 - 0 6x6 GW Carter Rowney (1) (Brett Bruneteau, Mario Lamoureux) 13:50
NDK (+): 13,9,4,20,27,G31 NIA (-): 3,19,24,27,28,G33
---------------------------------------------------------
2nd Period (20:00)
---------------------------------------------------------
NDK-2 Corey Fienhage (2-CTH ROUGHING) NIA 0x2 3:12
NDK-3 Brett Hextall (2-Slashing) NIA 0x3 9:29
NDK-4 Michael Cichy (2-Boarding) NIA 0x4 14:02
NIA-2 Marc Zanette (2-O-HOLDING) NDK 1x2 17:06
NDK-5 David Toews (2-Hooking) NIA 0x5 18:16
---------------------------------------------------------
3rd Period (20:00)
---------------------------------------------------------
NIA-3 Egor Mironov (2-Charging) NDK 1x3 8:31
NIA 1 - 2 6x6 Ryan Olidis (10) (Chris Moran, C.J. Chartrain) 11:04
NIA (+): 11,21,12,4,10,G33 NDK (-): 2,4,9,13,27,G31
NDK 3 - 1 6x6 Evan Trupp (5) (Brett Hextall) 16:49
NDK (+): 19,26,2,22,24,G31 NIA (-): 4,7,19,23,24,G33
---------------------------------------------------------
End of Game
Their press release said what?
Check out the title to this game summary. Please! The Sioux bombed your goalie for 40 shots and you were lucky it wasn’t 6-1 or 8-1. Maybe the Niagara goalie should sue his defense for non support, because they left him out to dry all week. The game wasn’t as close as the score would indicate and I didn't think that the Purple Eagles would get back into the game or win it.
No. 6 North Dakota Squeaks By Men's Hockey, 3-1
HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILL. - A third period rally by the Niagara men's hockey team (3-11-2, 1-3-1 CHA) fell a tad short, dropping a close 3-1 decision to the No. 6 North Dakota Fighting Sioux (10-6-3, 6-6-2 WCHA) in the opening round of the 2010 Shillelagh Tournament.
With Niagara down 2-0 halfway through the period, the Purps would dent the scoreboard to come within one. Senior Ryan Olidis (Uxbridge, Ont.) picked up a bouncing puck due to a Chris Moran (Buffalo, N.Y.) shot, spun around and fired it low past Fighting Sioux netminder Brad Eidsness to come within one. The goal extended the point-scoring streaks of both Olidis and Moran to 10 games, but it wasn't enough as the Fighting Sioux would net another insurence marker with four minutes left to round out scoring.
The Purple Eagles are back in action against either No. 20 Notre Dame or Colgate on Sunday,
Moving forward, hockey today.
The Sioux play a meaningful game for the first time in 21 days. I actually thought the exhibition against the USA WJC team was a meaningful game because it let them play at a high level before the Christmas Break.
The UND defense is ranked 7th nationally with a GA of 2.17 that is 39 goals against in 18 games.
The UND offense is ranked 20th nationally with 58 goals in 18 games for 3.22.
The Fighting Sioux are ranked 9th nationally on the power play 25/106 23.6%.
The Fighting Sioux are ranked 10th on the penalty kill 83/ 96 86.5.
In combined special teams the Fighting Sioux are ranked 9th nationally 108/202 53.5.
Unfortunately UND is ranked 1st in penalty minutes nationally. But if you look below you will see that 5 of the top ten teams are in the WCHA so that might be more of a statement of how bad the WCHA officials are.
1 North Dakota 18 385 21.4
2 Ferris State 18 384 21.3
3 Alaska Anchorage 18 372 20.7
4 Wisconsin 18 354 19.7
5 Canisius 20 374 18.7
6 Minnesota Duluth 18 329 18.3
7 Miami 20 360 18.0
8 Michigan Tech 19 330 17.4
9 Michigan 20 347 17.4
10 Mercyhurst 20 345 17.2
[College hockey stats]
Frattin Revisited
I have seen where a few people think Coach Hakstol’s reinstatement of Matt Frattin to the Fighting Sioux hockey team as an act of desperation. My response to these people is hardly. I also don't think in his six seasons of coaching the Sioux hockey team I have seen Coach Hakstol act in a desperate manner.
I believe it was a calculated move, based on an analysis of the situation. From reading the newspapers and listening to the double speak and innuendo you can see where Hakstol gave Frattin some very tough benchmarks to accomplish and Matt took the hard road. Matt could have probably just signed a contract and played in the ECHL but he chose to recommit himself to the Fighting Sioux hockey team. I would also think that Matt had to make some difficult life changing moves to become eligible to compete with the Fighting Sioux again this season. Here is why I say this. Read what Coach Hakstol said this week.
The UND defense is ranked 7th nationally with a GA of 2.17 that is 39 goals against in 18 games.
The UND offense is ranked 20th nationally with 58 goals in 18 games for 3.22.
The Fighting Sioux are ranked 9th nationally on the power play 25/106 23.6%.
The Fighting Sioux are ranked 10th on the penalty kill 83/ 96 86.5.
In combined special teams the Fighting Sioux are ranked 9th nationally 108/202 53.5.
Unfortunately UND is ranked 1st in penalty minutes nationally. But if you look below you will see that 5 of the top ten teams are in the WCHA so that might be more of a statement of how bad the WCHA officials are.
1 North Dakota 18 385 21.4
2 Ferris State 18 384 21.3
3 Alaska Anchorage 18 372 20.7
4 Wisconsin 18 354 19.7
5 Canisius 20 374 18.7
6 Minnesota Duluth 18 329 18.3
7 Miami 20 360 18.0
8 Michigan Tech 19 330 17.4
9 Michigan 20 347 17.4
10 Mercyhurst 20 345 17.2
[College hockey stats]
Frattin Revisited
I have seen where a few people think Coach Hakstol’s reinstatement of Matt Frattin to the Fighting Sioux hockey team as an act of desperation. My response to these people is hardly. I also don't think in his six seasons of coaching the Sioux hockey team I have seen Coach Hakstol act in a desperate manner.
I believe it was a calculated move, based on an analysis of the situation. From reading the newspapers and listening to the double speak and innuendo you can see where Hakstol gave Frattin some very tough benchmarks to accomplish and Matt took the hard road. Matt could have probably just signed a contract and played in the ECHL but he chose to recommit himself to the Fighting Sioux hockey team. I would also think that Matt had to make some difficult life changing moves to become eligible to compete with the Fighting Sioux again this season. Here is why I say this. Read what Coach Hakstol said this week.
Hakstol said four months ago, he didn’t think Frattin would return this season and the door wasn’t open for him at that time.I think we can read into responsibility as took step to address issues that they coaching staff felt he needed to take care of. I will leave it at that.
“He changed that with his actions,” Hakstol said, “and with the method he’s gone about taking responsibility. Accountability is a big thing with this program and Matt has been very accountable to earn his way back here.”
Saturday, December 19, 2009
USA 4 UND 2
Here is the way I look at it. The Fighting Sioux just played the best American players aged 18-20 in Hockey and played pretty well against them for three periods of hockey. Remember every one of these kids have been drafted or will be drafted and you have first and second round draft choices playing on third and fourth lines. Let’s also not forget that the Fighting Sioux had three of their better players out of the line up as well. I think for Fighting Sioux fans you have a lot to be positive about. I also included video evidence of Brad Eidsness stoning Jordan Schroeder. The Fighting Sioux goalies played well tonight in my opinion.
[Box Score]
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1st Period (20:00)
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NDK-1 Mario Lamoureux (2-Boarding) U20 0x1 5:03
U20-1 Brian Lashoff (2-Holding) NDK 0x1 10:04
NDK-2 BENCH (2-Too Many Players) (Served by Michael Cichy) U20 0x2 15:07
U20-2 Jerry D'Amigo (2-Roughing) 16:17
NDK-3 Brett Hextall (2-Roughing) 16:17
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2nd Period (20:00)
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NDK-4 Ben Blood (2-Tripping) U20 1x3 6:04
U20 1 - 0 6x5 PP Chris Kreider (Cam Fowler, Derek Stepan) 6:51
U20: 20,24,21,19,4,G30 NDK: 19,25,22,3,G31
U20-3 John Ramage (2-HITTING AFTER WHISTLE) 7:03
NDK-5 Corban Knight (2-HITTING AFTER WHISTLE) 7:03
U20-4 Chris Brown (2-Interference) NDK 0x2 12:59
U20-5 Jeremy Morin (2-Holding) NDK 1x3 17:06
NDK 1 - 1 6x5 PP Evan Trupp (Brad Malone, Jake Marto) 17:37
NDK: 19,22,25,20,26,G32 U20: 2,21,28,8,G1
U20-6 Tyler Johnson (2-Boarding) NDK 1x4 18:46
U20-7 David Warsofsky (2-Unsportsmanlike Conduct) 19:16
NDK-6 Brett Hextall (2-Unsportsmanlike Conduct) 19:16
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3rd Period (20:00)
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NDK-7 Ben Blood (2-CONTACT TO THE HEAD) U20 1x4 1:35
U20 2 - 1 6x6 LL Chris Kreider (Matt Donovan, Cam Fowler) 3:36
U20 (+): 20,4,24,21,19,G1
U20-8 Chris Brown (2-Hooking) NDK 1x5 5:40
U20 3 - 1 6x6 GW Jason Zucker (Philip McRae) 8:57
U20 (+): 16,9,4,7,22,G1 NDK (-): 9,28,18,4,8,G32
U20-9 Chris Kreider (2-Slashing) NDK 1x6 10:58
NDK 2 - 3 6x6 EA Evan Trupp (Jake Marto) 19:11
NDK (+): 19,20,18,22,25,10 U20 (-): 25,19,26,24,18,G1
Timeout - North Dakota 19:11
U20 4 - 2 6x6 EN Danny Kristo (Derek Stepan, Jerry D'Amigo) 19:43
U20 (+): 8,21,29,5,4,G1 NDK (-): 10,25,17,22,19,26
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End of Game
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Wednesday, December 09, 2009
Stand up and Cheer and make some noise.
I think this is a really good idea, its time for people to get up and make some noise. There are times when the arena can be a little dead. This will be the last time to see the Sioux play in WCHA action this year, so it’s time to set the tone going into the second half of the season. The next time the Fighting Sioux play will be on New Years weekend in the Notre Dame Shillelagh Tourney against Niagara University.
GRAND FORKS, N.D. -- The third-ranked Fighting Sioux men's hockey program is asking its fans to take the name of the University's fight song to heart and "Stand up and Cheer" at the beginning of the first period until the first whistle of each game.
UND athletics recently solicited feedback from its fans in an effort to enhance the gameday experience at Fighting Sioux home games. Many new initiatives have already been implemented as a result and the "Stand Up and Cheer" initiative was suggested during an open forum involving UND athletics and UND students.
The "Stand Up and Cheer" initiative is similar to the longtime UND basketball tradition in which Sioux fans remain on their feet until the opposing team scores its first points of the game.
UND's men's hockey team will host WCHA rival and 11th-ranked Wisconsin on Friday and Saturday at Ralph Engelstad Arena. The puck drops at 7:37 p.m. on Friday and 7:07 on Saturday.
- Go Sioux -
Saturday, December 05, 2009
UND 4 UMD 2
I didn't see the game last night because I was in Bemidji MN watching the BSU Beavers run over the Niagara University Purple Eagles. [Box Score]. During the Beaver game I was getting updates via text message. Thank You LGM. When I found out that Zajac had scored I knew UND was on it's way to victory, just a hunch. If I recall correctly UND has only lost one game when Darcy Zajac has scored a goal.
I think the most impressive point to come out of this game is that the Fighting Sioux defense was able to keep the Danberg, Mike Connolly and Jack Connolly line off of the score board. This has been one of the most prolific lines in college hockey this season so far.
[Box Score]
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1st Period (20:00)
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MND-1 Brady Lamb (2-Interference) NDK 0x1 1:04
NDK-1 Brad Malone (2-Interference) MND 0x1 2:03
NDK-2 Brad Malone (10-Misconduct) 4:15
MND 1 - 0 6x6 Drew Akins (3) (Mike Seidel, Jordan Fulton) 8:32
MND (+): 7,17,23,26,6,G35 NDK (-): 18,2,27,19,24,G31
MND-2 Mike Seidel (2-Hooking) NDK 0x2 8:48
NDK-3 Brett Hextall (2-Interference) MND 0x2 16:08
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2nd Period (20:00)
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MND-3 Jordan Fulton (2-Holding the Stick) NDK 0x3 2:27
NDK 1 - 1 6x6 Darcy Zajac (4) (unassisted) 4:44
NDK (+): 11,20,9,17,3,G31 MND (-): 37,8,19,2,21,G35
MND-4 Keegan Flaherty (2-Holding) NDK 0x4 7:19
NDK 2 - 1 6x6 LL Ben Blood (2) (unassisted) 13:33
NDK (+): 24,2,13,27,10,G31 MND (-): 7,6,23,37,4,G35
MND-5 Mike Connolly (2-CONTACT TO THE HEAD) NDK 1x5 18:11
NDK 3 - 1 6x5 PP GW Jason Gregoire (7) (Chris VandeVelde, Brett Hextall) 18:56
NDK: 17,29,26,7,25,G31 MND: 2,8,14,11,G35
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3rd Period (20:00)
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NDK-4 Evan Trupp (2-Tripping) MND 0x3 1:37
MND 2 - 3 6x6 Kyle Schmidt (5) (Mike Seidel, Drew Akins) 3:53
MND (+): 11,17,7,24,4,G35 NDK (-): 22,19,26,24,3,G31
MND-6 Dylan Olsen (2-Cross-Checking) NDK 1x6 11:04
NDK-5 Joe Gleason (2-Slashing) MND 0x4 15:22
NDK 4 - 2 6x6 EN Jason Gregoire (8) (unassisted) 19:07
NDK (+): 17,24,26,2,22,G31
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End of Game
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I think the most impressive point to come out of this game is that the Fighting Sioux defense was able to keep the Danberg, Mike Connolly and Jack Connolly line off of the score board. This has been one of the most prolific lines in college hockey this season so far.
[Box Score]
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1st Period (20:00)
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MND-1 Brady Lamb (2-Interference) NDK 0x1 1:04
NDK-1 Brad Malone (2-Interference) MND 0x1 2:03
NDK-2 Brad Malone (10-Misconduct) 4:15
MND 1 - 0 6x6 Drew Akins (3) (Mike Seidel, Jordan Fulton) 8:32
MND (+): 7,17,23,26,6,G35 NDK (-): 18,2,27,19,24,G31
MND-2 Mike Seidel (2-Hooking) NDK 0x2 8:48
NDK-3 Brett Hextall (2-Interference) MND 0x2 16:08
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2nd Period (20:00)
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MND-3 Jordan Fulton (2-Holding the Stick) NDK 0x3 2:27
NDK 1 - 1 6x6 Darcy Zajac (4) (unassisted) 4:44
NDK (+): 11,20,9,17,3,G31 MND (-): 37,8,19,2,21,G35
MND-4 Keegan Flaherty (2-Holding) NDK 0x4 7:19
NDK 2 - 1 6x6 LL Ben Blood (2) (unassisted) 13:33
NDK (+): 24,2,13,27,10,G31 MND (-): 7,6,23,37,4,G35
MND-5 Mike Connolly (2-CONTACT TO THE HEAD) NDK 1x5 18:11
NDK 3 - 1 6x5 PP GW Jason Gregoire (7) (Chris VandeVelde, Brett Hextall) 18:56
NDK: 17,29,26,7,25,G31 MND: 2,8,14,11,G35
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3rd Period (20:00)
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NDK-4 Evan Trupp (2-Tripping) MND 0x3 1:37
MND 2 - 3 6x6 Kyle Schmidt (5) (Mike Seidel, Drew Akins) 3:53
MND (+): 11,17,7,24,4,G35 NDK (-): 22,19,26,24,3,G31
MND-6 Dylan Olsen (2-Cross-Checking) NDK 1x6 11:04
NDK-5 Joe Gleason (2-Slashing) MND 0x4 15:22
NDK 4 - 2 6x6 EN Jason Gregoire (8) (unassisted) 19:07
NDK (+): 17,24,26,2,22,G31
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End of Game
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Thursday, December 03, 2009
Wednesday press conference.
It's always fun to listen to Ben Blood talk. Blood said that he likes playing with MacWilliam. When asked What the Miami players were saying to you on the ice Blood said he couldn't really say other than they were trying to get into his head. On UMD, they were one of my least favorite teams to play against they play hard. Blood is also growing his hair out.
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
Kristo Red Baron® WCHA Rookie of the Week
UND Fighting Sioux freshman Danny Kristo has been awarded the Red Baron WCHA Rookie of the week for his play last weekend in the Subway Holiday Classic.
Danny Kristo, Fr., F, North Dakota
Danny Kristo, a first-year right winger at the University of North Dakota, is the Red Baron® WCHA Rookie of the Week for Dec. 1, 2009 as a result of his outstanding performance in the Subway Holiday Classic tournament held in Grand Forks over the Thanksgiving weekend.
A 5-11, 180-pound freshman from Eden Prairie, Minn., and a draftee of the NHL’s Montreal Canadiens, Kristo earned most valuable player honors at UND’s Subway Holiday Classic, lifting the Sioux to a 4-1 win over Ohio State on Nov. 27 and a 5-5 overtime tie with top-ranked Miami on Nov. 28.
Kristo, who was also named to the all-tournament team, racked up four points on the weekend, including a two-goal, one-assist performance against No. 1 Miami. He also scored a key third period goal against Ohio State to put the Sioux up 3-1.
Against Miami, Kristo assisted on UND’s first goal to tie the game 1-1, scored its second goal to make it 2-2, then scored again in the third period to give the Sioux a 5-3 lead. Kristo’s four-point weekend enabled him to move into the team scoring lead with 13 points (5g, 8a) and into a tie for the WCHA rookie scoring lead.
Also nominated this week were: William Rapuzzi, F, CC; Chris Knowlton, F, DU; Austin Lee, G, MSU; and David Eddy, F, SCSU. [WCHA.COM]
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