Sioux hold to sweep Tigers, win 4-3.

Cross posted at INSIDE HOCKEY.

Grand Forks, ND – Looking at the stats this year, there seems to be a reoccurring theme, the Fighting Sioux get scored on first in most of their games, and after getting the first goal in Friday night’s game, the Fighting Sioux again added to their streak of having the first goal scored against them; after tonight's first Tiger goal, the Fighting Sioux have now been scored on first in 10 of 14 games.  

This time that stat didn’t matter, as the Fighting Sioux won the game in a gritty team effort, led by Fighting Sioux sophomore forward Brock Nelson (1g-2—3pts). The Fighting Sioux also survived a late surge by the Tigers in the closing seconds of the game, to hold on to win 4-3. Tonight's win, allowed the Fighting Sioux to get their first sweep of the 2011-12 season.

Much like Friday’s game, the score remained 0-0 for a very short time, this time it was the Colorado College Tigers that got on the scoreboard first as they scored .40 seconds into the game.  Tiger junior forward Rylan Schwartz scored on the first shot of the game, as he took a snap shot from the right circle that beat Fighting Sioux goalie Aaron Dell.

That would be the first of three goals on the night for the junior forward from Wilcox, Saskatchewan.  Schwartz also had a hat trick in Friday’s game for the Tigers.  It’s not very often that a team can have a player that gets a hat trick in back to back games, only to see his team lose both games.

Anyone that has watched the Colorado Tigers play, know that the Schwartz brothers are very good hockey players, dating back to last season, Rylan's younger brother Jaden Schwartz has scored (9g-22a—31pts) in the last 17 games he has played.

The Sioux would go on the power play at the 05:02 mark of the first period, with Tiger defenseman Aaron Harstad in the penalty box for roughing, the Fighting Sioux wasted little time cashing in on the man advantage; Brock Nelson took a pass from Corbin Knight and scored at the 05:07 mark of the first period, just five second into the power play. 

The Tigers would get their first shot on the power play, when Dillon Simpson was assessed a minor penalty for delay of game, at the 15:28 mark of the first period. The Tigers not to be outdone by the Fighting Sioux, scored eight seconds into their man advantage as Rylan Schwartz scored at 15:36 mark of the first period to give the Tigers a brief 2-1 lead.

The Sioux would tie the game four minutes and six second later at the 19:42 mark of the first period.  Sioux forward Derek Rodwell, who was camped in front of the Tiger net, tipped a Ben Blood blast from the point past Tiger goalie Joe Howe.  The Fighting Sioux outshot the Tigers 11-6 in the first period. 

Going into the second period of tonight’s game, Tiger forward Rylan Schwartz had scored seven goals in seven periods of hockey against the Fighting Sioux dating back to last season’s semi final game at the WCHA Final Five. That streak would end during the second period of tonight’s game as Schwartz was held off of the score sheet during the second period. 

The Fighting Sioux scored in the waning minutes of the second period, this time with 34.3 seconds remaining in the period.  Sioux forward Brock Nelson took the puck, raced into the into the offensive zone, passed the puck to Danny Kristo, who attempted a wrap around shot on the Tiger goal, that shot was saved by Tiger goalie Joe Howe, Knight picked up the rebound and shot the puck into the Tiger net, giving the Fighting Sioux a 3-2 lead. The Fighting Sioux outshot the Tigers 11-4 in the third period. 

The Fighting Sioux got into penalty trouble in the early minutes of the third period and started a parade to the penalty box; with Mario Lamoureux already in the box for a hooking, Ben Blood was assess a two minute minor for boarding. The Sioux would kill the two man advantage, that penalty kill seemed to give the Fighting Sioux momentum.  

Fighting Sioux goalie Aaron Dell was asked about killing the Tiger two man advantage in the third period, Dell said, “it was huge, we have had a hard time with five on threes this year, and that was the biggest kill of the game, it was a huge momentum swing there.”

The Sioux extended their lead to 4-2 at the 06:09 of the third period with a shorthanded goal from Danny Kristo.  The Tigers would close the gap to 4-3 at the 13:25 mark of the third period with another goal from Rylan Schwartz. 

The Fighting Sioux would survive a frantic finish by the Tigers at the end of the game to hang on for a 4-3 win to sweep the Tigers.  After the game Fighting Sioux head coach Dave Hakstol said, “that his team took a step forward tonight.”  Coach Hakstol said, “that he liked the overall play of his team.”

Box Score

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Beavers end streak, beat Sioux 1-0.

Image via Wikipedia

Bemidji Minnesota -- The Fighting Sioux hockey team rebounded nicely last night with a hard fought 5-2 win, after being swept two weekends ago by the Minnesota Gophers down in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Last night the Fighting Sioux went back to work and gutted out a hard fought win by scoring three goals in the final five minutes of the game to end a two game losing streak.

Fast forward to tonight; the Fighting Sioux looked to complete their first sweep of the season with a win in Bemidji against the Bemidji State Beavers. There would be no sweep as the Bemidji State Beavers beat the Fighting Sioux for first time in the modern era and ended an impressive streak of 19-0-1.

After the game Fighting Sioux head coach Dave Hakstol had this to say about his team’s effort, “we had a lot of people in the lineup that didn't provide their lot to their teammates.”

The first period of today's game was reminiscent of a title fight where both teams felt each other out and tested their opponent’s defense but got few opportunities to score. Both teams played tight defensive hockey and gave up very few scoring opportunities. The Beavers outshot the Sioux 6-5 in the first period. 

In the Second period the Beavers came out on fire and applied pressure early and kept the puck in the Fighting Sioux end. The Beavers tested Fighting Sioux goalie Aaron Dell with a pair of glorious scoring opportunities that he smartly turned aside.

At the 7:56 mark of the second period the Fighting Sioux went down two men when Andrew MacWilliam took a penalty for interference and Mark MacMilliam was called for holding.

The Beavers attacked the Fighting Sioux net and cashed in on the power play at the 09:08 mark of the second period when Beavers defenseman Brad Hunt took a hard shot that Aaron Dell saved. Beaver forward Jordan George was Johnny on the spot and shot the rebound into the Sioux net to give the Beavers a one goal lead.

After the power play goal by the Beavers, the Fighting Sioux applied pressure on the Beaver net but could not get anything past Beaver goalie Dan Bakala. The Beavers outshot the Sioux 11-10 in the middle period.

The Beavers started out the third period with a breakaway from forward Jamie MacQueen, as he raced in on Fighting Sioux goalie Aaron Dell only to have Dell rob him.

At the 07:21 mark of the third period, the Beavers defenseman Matt Carlson would be called for a five minute major and a game misconduct for planting Fighting Sioux forward Mario Lamoureux into the end boards. The Fighting Sioux were unable to cash in on the five minute power play.

The Fighting Sioux would get a few opportunities to tie the score, but they were unable to get one past the Bemidji goalie Dan Bakala. The Beavers frustrated the Fighting Sioux all night long by getting in the passing lanes and taking away the Fighting Sioux's time and space. In the third period the Beavers defense collapsed around the Beaver goal and didn't give the Fighting Sioux much to look at. 

Beaver goalie Dan Bakala credited his forwards fore-check for tonight’s win,  “our forwards were kind of getting in the way of the shots from their defense and that is where most of their shots were coming from, not to many times you’re going to score from the blue line and that is where most of their shots came from.”

After the game Beavers head coach Tom Serratore had this to day about his team ending the 40 year losing streak against the Sioux, “we played 60 good minutes of hockey, we earned the victory and killed nine minutes of penalties, we did a very good job killing those nine minutes, the kids showed a lot of resiliency. I thought it was a hard fought victory and the boys earned it and I was proud of how they competed. 

Cross Posted at INSIDE Hockey

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Sioux extend streak against Beavers 5-2

Bemidji, MN. -- Coming into tonight's game, the University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux had won one game in six and were coming off a bye week. They were looking to get back on track after being swept at the hands of the high flying Minnesota Gophers.

The Sioux have never lost to the Bemidji State University Beavers in the modern era 19-0-1, sporting a 14-0-1 mark in the last 15 games. The Sioux extended that streak to 15-0-1 tonight with a goal from Captain Mario Lamoureux.

The Fighting Sioux have never lost a hockey game when Mario Lamoureux scores a goal. The steak was extended to 13-0-0 when Lamoureux has scored the game winning goal for the Fighting Sioux tonight.

When Lamoureux was asked about his ability to score timely goals he said, "When I score I hope that they're big goals, and I just try to go out to play the same way and bury some goals and help the team win, it's more coincidence."

So far this season, it would be safe to say that the Fighting Sioux have suffered their share of setbacks and on Friday the Sioux learned that their highly touted freshman forward Roco Grimaldi had another setback in his recovery and would not play this weekend, and would be out an addtional six to eight weeks.

The Bemidji State Beavers broke through first at the 02:11 mark of the first period. Beaver forward Brance Orban took a feed from Mitch Cain and shot the puck past an un-expecting Aaron Dell. That was the eighth time in 11 games that the Fighting Sioux had given up the first goal of the game.

The Sioux would go on the power play at the 06:43 mark of the first period, when Beavers forward Shea Walters was assessed a two-minute penalty for hooking. The Sioux would waste little time on the ensuing power play, scoring six seconds later with a goal from Corbin Knight. Knight took a loose puck from behind the Beaver net, cut in front of the Beaver net, and shot the puck past Beaver goalie Dan Bakala. The Beavers outshot the Fighting Sioux 11-7 in the first period.

The Sioux took the lead at the 04:30 mark of the second period when freshman forward Brendan O'Donnell took a loose puck that was lying in the crease and shot the puck past Bakala to give the Sioux a 2-1 lead. That was the first career goal for O'Donnell, who had just returned after missing that last six games with a lower body injury.

The Fighting Sioux seemed to pick up their play during the second period and outshot the Beavers 14-8. Both teams exchanged grade "A" scoring chances in the second period but both goalies stood tall and didn?'t let anything else by them.

The Sioux came out flat in the third period and the Beavers capitalized on the Fighting Sioux's sloppy play in the defensive zone. This allowed the Beavers to tie the game at the 01:12 mark of the third period with a nifty goal from Shea Walter, who took a cross-ice feed from Brady Wacker and shot the puck past the Sioux goalie, Dell, who was trying to get over to cover the post.

The two teams would exchange scoring opportunities until the Fighting Sioux broke the tie with a goal at the 15:22 mark of the third period, when Fighting Sioux Captain Mario Lamoureux snaped a shot from the faceoff circle to give the Sioux a 3-2 lead. Picking up the assist on Lamoureux's game winning goal were Ben Blood and Joe Gleason.

The Fighting Sioux extended their lead to two with another snap shot from the same faceoff circle, this time it was Brock Nelson at the 18:30 mark of the third period. Nelson would score again, this time an empty net goal a minute and one second later. The Sioux outshot the Beavers 15-6 in the third period.

Box Score

Cross Posted at INSIDE HOCKEY.

Goon's WCHA Power Rankings 11/06

The rumor of my demise have been greatly exaggerated... Here are picks for this weeks WCHA power rankings that I submit with Zach Friedli. I have been out hunting since last Friday so I am still catching up the happenings of last weekend's games. The Power Rankings will be posted on Inside Hockey later today or tomorrow.

1. Minnesota
2. Duluth
3. Denver
4. Colorado College
5. Nebraska Omaha
6. Michigan Tech
7. Wisconsin
8. Saint Cloud
9. North Dakota
10. Bemidji State
11. Alaska Anchorage
12. Minnesota State

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41st annual Grand Forks Herald WCHA coaches poll

Image via WikipediaHere is the much awaited WCHA coaches poll.
Coaches poll
1. Denver (7) 115
2. UND (4) 110
3. Colorado College (1) 105
4. Omaha 89
5. Duluth 75
6. Minnesota 74
7. St. Cloud State 61
8. Wisconsin 54
9. Anchorage 36
10. Bemidji State 30
11. MSU-Mankato 29
12. Michigan Tech 14

Preseason player of the year
Jaden Schwartz, Colorado College (8)
Justin Schultz, Wisconsin (2)
Terry Broadhurst, Omaha (1)
Jack Connolly, Minnesota-Duluth (1)

Preseason rookie of the year
Rocco Grimaldi, UND (10)
Joey LaLeggia, Denver (1)
Jayson Megna, Omaha (1)

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Waiting to Exhale, the WCHA is Back

This season I will be writing for Inside Hockey with a big blog from out east run by Tim Rosenthal… I will be one of the WCHA writers this season. Here was the first article that I submitted.

The whirl wind summer that saw a bunch of realignment in college hockey has finally come to an end and now college hockey fans can worry about... watching college hockey games as the hockey season is once again upon us. Most college hockey teams have already started their captain’s practices and college hockey coaches are allowed by NCAA rules to practice for two hours each week with their teams until October 1st 2011.

The college hockey season will officially kick off their exhibition games during the first weekend of October. The following weekend all 12 WCHA teams WCHA teams will kick off their non-conference and preseason tourney games. Here is the link composite WCHA schedule for the 2011-12 season. [Link to the composite WCHA schedule]

Re-alignment almost set?

As mentioned in the preceding paragraph; this past summer has been a whirl wind for college hockey fans of the WCHA with the defections of teams to the B1G (Wisconsin, Minnesota) and the defections of teams to the newly formed and National Collegiate Hockey Conference (Colorado College, Denver University, University of Minnesota Duluth, University of Nebraska Omaha and University of North Dakota), the WCHA in its present form will change after the 2012-13 season.

Starting in 2013-14 the WCHA will consist of the following teams, University of Alaska Anchorage, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Bemidji State University, Ferris State University, Lake Superior State University, Michigan Tech University, Minnesota State University Mankato, Northern Michigan University, and Saint Cloud State University. Two other schools have been given invitations to join the WCHA from the CCHA, Western Michigan University and Bowling Green State University have been given invitations to join the WCHA but neither school has accepted or declined the invitation at this point. The WCHA would like to add WMU and BGSU as members to the WCHA because without either school, none of the schools in the WCHA are Division I in any other sport besides hockey.

Teams bolting for super conferences:

We already have an idea what the new WCHA will look like; there may be an addition or subtraction in the future. Based on the moves that have taken place this summer, it also appears that there will no longer be a CCHA. While re-alignment is almost over for the WCHA there are still a few moves yet to be played out. While holding up the show for most of the summer, Notre Dame has yet to pick a home for its college hockey team; there have been rumblings that the Fighting Irish are close to selecting a conference. Stay with me now; there are three or four scenarios in play for them right now, Notre Dame could join the NCHC, Hockey East, go independent or join the Big Ten. The later scenario has surfaced in the last week or so.

Big Ten driving re-alignment:

Due to a very generous donation from PSU alumnus Terry Pegula; Penn State University will now have a college hockey team to start the 2012-13 college hockey season. Peulla opened his rather large wallet and wrote Penn State a check for 88 million to help the Nittany Lions build Pegula Ice arena. That donation rocked the college hockey world, now that the Big Ten “will have” six teams that play college hockey, they are required by conference rules to have a B1G hockey conference. The addition of one college hockey team set the ball in motion for a very chaotic summer. The Big Ten Schools that used to be in both the WCHA and the CCHA are now going to form the Big Ten Hockey Conference.

Not to be out done and in response to the Big Ten hockey conference formation; Miami University from the CCHA decided to join North Dakota, Denver University, Colorado College University Nebraska Omaha to form the NCHC. The NCHC schools have been trying to lure Notre Dame to become a member of the six team super conference. WMU is also said to be very interested in joining the NCHC, and they have spent the summer trying to convince the NCHC that they would be a worthy suitor in the NCHC. If WMU is unable to join the NCHC they will probably join the WCHA. BGSU has yet to make decision but are leaning towards joining the WCHA.
There have been rumblings that if Notre Dames doesn’t join the NCHC that SCSU “might” get an invite to the NCHC but at this time they are still on the outside looking in. This move would stink with hypocrisy especially after Saint Cloud State University President Dr Earl H. Potter III said he wouldn’t join the NCHC even if his school was offered a spot in the conference. Potter has since backed off this statement.

How will things shake out?

While I don’t get a vote in the WCHA media pre-season poll, this is how I think the standings will shake out for the 2011-12 season. The top six – seven teams in the WCHA are pretty equal and could finish anywhere from first to seventh. Like last season, we could see one or both B1G schools failing to make the Final Five once again. I believe Denver, Colorado College and North Dakota are cream of the crop in the WCHA this season. In the future I will break down the teams to watch in the WCHA.

1. Denver
2. Colorado College
3. North Dakota
4. Minnesota
5. Nebraska-Omaha
6. Wisconsin
6. Minnesota-Duluth
8. Alaska-Anchorage
9. St. Cloud State
10. Bemidji State
11. Michigan Tech
12.MinnesotaState

WCHA to expand...

Image via Wikipedia

It was the crazy summer that just got crazier.

Today there was a major announcement by the WCHA, the league has extended invitations for membership in the WCHA to five CCHA teams, the teams are as follows - University Alaska Fairbanks, Bowling Green State University, Ferris State University, Lake Superior State University, Western Michigan University. The teams that were extended invitations to join the WCHA have been given 30 days to respond.

Everyone waiting for Notre Dame

It would appear that we are all waiting for Notre Dame to see what they are going to do next. WMU was extended an invitation by the WCHA and the WMU Broncos have been waiting around to see what Notre Dame is going to do before they made a decision. According to Adam Wodon of College Hockey News Western Michigan University seems to be the least likely of the five to join the WCHA.

Western Michigan is the one CCHA school of the remaining five least likely to join the WCHA. It is waiting for Notre Dame's decision to see if it can join the Irish wherever they go. The wrinkle will be if the WCHA puts a time limit on Western Michigan's acceptance, and force them to commit for a certain number of years.

Bowling Green could balk as well, figuring it could go to the NCHC with Western Michigan if Notre Dame chooses Hockey East. However, it's difficult to wait for Notre Dame, not knowing when a decision is coming.

Here is the official press release from the WCHA...

MADISON, Wis. – On behalf of the presidents of the six member teams that will comprise Western Collegiate Hockey Association membership following the 2012-13 season, the WCHA today (August 25, 2011) extended invitations to five Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) member institutions to join the WCHA beginning with the 2013-14 season. Those CCHA institutions that were extended membership invitations are University of Alaska Fairbanks, Bowling Green State University, Ferris State University, Lake Superior State University and Western Michigan University.

As it stands currently, the six teams that will constitute the WCHA following the 2012-13 season are University of Alaska Anchorage, Bemidji State University, Michigan Technological University, Minnesota State University, Mankato, St. Cloud State University and Northern Michigan University, which accepted an offer to join the WCHA beginning in 2013-14 back on July 20.

"On behalf of those presidents who remain committed to the WCHA in 2013-14 and beyond, I am excited to announce that we have unanimously voted to invite these five CCHA members to join our conference," said Dr. Richard Davenport, President of Minnesota State University, Mankato. "These schools bring a proud history and tradition with them from the CCHA that will only serve to enhance the already strong reputation of the WCHA.

"We are committed to creating stability for the conference and believe by inviting these institutions we will create one of the strongest conferences in the nation," added Dr. Davenport. "This is one of the main reasons presidents voted today to invite CCHA member institutions to join our conference. Also, as presidents, we are committed to providing the best college hockey opportunities in the country for our student-athletes."

"This is truly a significant and quite remarkable twist in what has been a period of great consternation and transition in the college hockey world," said WCHA Commissioner Bruce M. McLeod. "On behalf of the WCHA, we couldn't be more excited and pleased to extend these invitations to Alaska Fairbanks, Bowling Green, Ferris State, Lake Superior State and Western Michigan."

The WCHA and CCHA held a joint meeting in Chicago earlier this week, working from an agenda that included the sharing of institutional and hockey program information (including financial, facilities, community support, staffing and travel), scheduling and championship scenarios, and membership and league affiliation (including league size, automatic qualifiers, etc).

"During what were very informative and productive meetings in Chicago, and as we worked our way through the agenda, it became clear that all of these great institutions share a commonality in that every one of them is 100% committed to the sport of collegiate ice hockey," said McLeod, "and that they also share a great deal philosophically both athletically and academically," said McLeod. "From there, the idea of coming together was a natural progression."

"This invitation represents a tremendous opportunity for the remaining members of both leagues," said CCHA Commissioner Fred Pletsch. "Their collective commitment to Division I hockey was evident in Chicago and the synergy created by last Tuesday's meeting will help all involved chart a course that is right for their respective program and provide further stability to college hockey's evolving landscape."

As a condition of this potential membership process moving forward, the WCHA-member presidents set a 30-day response timeline for acceptance. The WCHA and CCHA have also agreed to continue to hold regular talks to address such topics as by-laws, scheduling, tournament scenarios, finances and additional membership.

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Official Fighting Sioux Hockey Schedule

Image via WikipediaThe "official" Fighting Sioux hockey schedule is finally out for the season. Looking at the schedule the Sioux will play the Wisconsin Badgers, Minnesota Golden Gopher, Saint Cloud State Huskies and the

Sat, Oct 01 Regina (Exh.)Grand Forks, N.D. 7:07 p.m.
Ice Breaker Tournament
Fri, Oct 07 Air Force - Grand Forks, N.D. 7:37 p.m.
Sat, Oct 08 B.C. Eagles or MSU Spartans - Grand Forks, N.D. 7:37 p.m.
Fri, Oct 14 Maine - Grand Forks, N.D. 7:37 p.m.
Sat, Oct 15 Maine - Grand Forks, N.D. 7:07 p.m.
Fri, Oct 21 Wisconsin * - at Madison, Wis. 7:07 p.m.
Sat, Oct 22 Wisconsin * - at Madison, Wis. 7:07 p.m.
Fri, Oct 28 St. Cloud State * - Grand Forks, N.D. 7:37 p.m.
Sat, Oct 29 St. Cloud State * - Grand Forks, N.D. 7:07 p.m.
Fri, Nov 04 Minnesota * - at Minneapolis, Minn. TBA
Sat, Nov 05 Minnesota * - at Minneapolis, Minn. TBA
Sat, Nov 19 Bemidji State * - at Bemidji, Minn. 7:07 p.m.
Sun, Nov 20 Bemidji State * - at Bemidji, Minn. 5:07 p.m.
Fri, Nov 25 Colorado College * - Grand Forks, N.D. 7:37 p.m.
Sat, Nov 26 Colorado College * - Grand Forks, N.D. 7:07 p.m.
Fri, Dec 02 Alaska Anchorage * - at Anchorage, Alaska 10:07 p.m.
Sat, Dec 03 Alaska Anchorage * - at Anchorage, Alaska 10:07 p.m.
Fri, Dec 09 Nebraska Omaha * - Grand Forks, N.D. 7:37 p.m.
Sat, Dec 10 Nebraska Omaha * - Grand Forks, N.D. 7:07 p.m.
Sat, Dec 17 Russian Red Stars (Exh.) Grand Forks, N.D. 7:07 p.m.
Fri, Dec 30 Harvard - Grand Forks, N.D. 7:07 p.m.
Sat, Dec 31 Harvard - Grand Forks, N.D. 7:37 p.m.
Sat, Jan 07 Clarkson - at Winnipeg, Manitoba 7:07 p.m.
Fri, Jan 13 Minnesota * - Grand Forks, N.D. 7:37 p.m.
Sat, Jan 14 Minnesota * - Grand Forks, N.D. 7:07 p.m.
Fri, Jan 20 St. Cloud State * - at St. Cloud, Minn. 7:37 p.m.
Sat, Jan 21 St. Cloud State * -  at St. Cloud, Minn. 7:07 p.m.
Fri, Jan 27 Wisconsin * - Grand Forks, N.D. 7:37 p.m.
Sat, Jan 28 Wisconsin * -Grand Forks, N.D. 7:07 p.m.
Fri, Feb 10 Minnesota Duluth * - at Duluth, Minn. 7:07 p.m.
Sat, Feb 11 Minnesota Duluth * - at Duluth, Minn. 7:07 p.m.
Fri, Feb 17 Michigan Tech * - Houghton, Mich. 7:37 p.m.
Sat, Feb 18 Michigan Tech * - Houghton, Mich. 7:07 p.m.
Fri, Feb 24 Denver * - at Denver, Colo. 8:37 p.m.
Sat, Feb 25 Denver * - at Denver, Colo. 8:07 p.m.
Fri, Mar 02 Minnesota State * - Grand Forks, N.D. 7:37 p.m.
Sat, Mar 03 Minnesota State * - Grand Forks, N.D. 7:37 p.m.
Fri, Mar 09 - Sun, Mar 11 WCHA Playoffs (First Round) at TBD TBA
Thu, Mar 15 - Sat, Mar 17 Red Baron WCHA Final Five at St. Paul, Minn. TBA
Fri, Mar 23 NCAA Regionals at TBD TBA
Thu, Apr 05 NCAA Frozen Four at Tampa, Fla. TBA

Official press release from the UND SID.

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The WCHA response...

Image via WikipediaBetter late than never eh? I have been very disappointed in the WCHA's response to the National Collegiate Hockey Conference. This is the WCHA's official response.

MADISON, Wis. – The Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) today issued the following statement from Commissioner Bruce M. McLeod in response to the announcement that five current men's league member teams will depart following the 2012-13 season to form a new hockey conference that will begin play in 2013-14. Those teams are Colorado College, Denver, Minnesota Duluth, Nebraska Omaha and North Dakota.

"Obviously it's a tough day for the WCHA and a sad one for me personally," said McLeod, "and it's one that is not easy to put into perspective. We wish everyone well, but make no mistake, the Western Collegiate Hockey Association is not going away. The league will proudly mark it's 60th season this fall and we will continue to operate as a full-fledged Association and continue to do business the way we always have – in a first-class and forward-thinking manner.

"The history of the WCHA includes numerous eras of expansion and contraction but what has remained constant has been our success – both on and off the ice. Our remaining member institutions – Alaska Anchorage, Bemidji State, Michigan Tech, Minnesota State and St. Cloud State – are absolutely committed to both Division 1 hockey and the WCHA and as an Association we will continue – as we always have – to provide a first-class product. We remain firm in our belief both that the game of college hockey is the best there is and that the WCHA will always be at the forefront of doing what is in the best interests of our sport. We look forward to promoting and enhancing the student-athlete experience, building on positive relationships with our local communities and fans, exciting rivalries and battling for championships.

"As regards to our future," said McLeod, "the WCHA has a short-term plan that we will implement immediately. In the long-term, we will continue to formulate a strategic approach that will ensure the well-being of this Association and it's member teams for the long run. As a group, we remain committed and we are 100% confident our future remains bright."

The WCHA, home to a record 37 national championships teams since it's founding in 1951, will continue to operate as a 12-team conference for the upcoming 2011-12 and 2012-13 seasons. Current members consist of University of Alaska Anchorage, Bemidji State University, Colorado College, University of Denver, Michigan Technological University, University of Minnesota, University of Minnesota Duluth, Minnesota State University, University of Nebraska Omaha, University of North Dakota, St. Cloud State University and University of Wisconsin.

Earlier this year (March 21) the Big Ten announced the formation of a new Div. 1 men's hockey conference that will begin play in 2013-14 and include current WCHA-members Minnesota and Wisconsin.

New Conference and Redwing77's Musings Part Two

Conference Teams Musings

When this was announced with Miami in the mix, I thought "Well, all eyes are now on Notre Dame." And then Coach Blashill left WMU. So, we're back to six looking at eight. I'm no longer certain that WMU is in the mix. Blashill would have made it a shoe in, and yeah, it's saying a lot that a coach can make a break a team's chances at conference alignment. So, where do we go?

I was thinking go get Notre Dame for #7 and perhaps SCSU or BSU for #8. Now, scratch SCSU out. I'm not sure why SCSU attracts so many weirdos in high administrative positions but Potter channeled Saigo and voila, welcome to Weirdoville. What's mystifying is that Gino Gasparini is advising SCSU. I would have thought that a positive towards inclusion. Guess Not. Giving the benefit of the doubt, perhaps SCSU wanted to be the big fish in the small pond instead of being maligned at times of being Minnesota's Jan Brady. SCSU fans will not be heard saying "Marsha Marsha Marsha!" in 2013-2014, that's for sure.

As for BSU, look at the intangibles: They've been very competitive as of late. They have a HIGH quality head coach in Serratore. They have brand new state of the art facilities. They have a positive rapport with the current Super League members (except Miami, of which BSU has a neutral stance). Also, without BSU, they only have one Minnesota school: tUMD.

I'd love to see Notre Dame and BSU round out the eight. I don't see going up to ten, which I'd think the next two teams would be WMU and... who? I'd say SCSU but... well...

League Name

Please please please please please please (how many more pleases can I say?) dump the name "College Hockey Super League." I hate it. It's too pretentious and arrogant. It's too bad the MCHA is taken (it's a DIII league) because the Midwest College Hockey Association would be a great name. Perhaps go back in time and call us the Western Collegiate Hockey League (WCHL)?

I keep up coming up with already existing hockey leagues. What do you all suggest?

League Leadership

I know Goon seems to think Gino Gasparini would be a shoe in for the new commissioner but I'm not so sure he'd take the job even if he was offered. He walked away from the USHL when the USHL was willing to give him whatever he wanted. He'd be a good candidate for sure, but I just don't see him taking it. I'm not connected enough with Hockey Administration to know who would be a good candidate to run this league.

I just hope they don't hire a politician to run the league like they did with McLeod. I guess if I wanted to be completely unrealistic, the person I'd love to have is Lou Lamoriello. He has been a DI head coach and he was the HEA Commissioner for a while before bolting for the NHL. However, Lou is as likely to leave New Jersey for this job as I am likely to leave Omaha to buy the LA Dodgers. I'll give McCourt $1000 for the team but otherwise I'm broke.

But on the side of Director of League Officiating.... I'd love the CHSL to adopt a pro style of officiating. Using NCAA and USA Hockey guidelines, the CHSL should be officiated as close to the NHL style as is realistically feasible. It is true that this would cause certain problems, namely compatibility with how other leagues call the game, but it still would be nice to be known as a league that competes with MJ, Europe, and the USHL when it comes to developing NHL caliber officiating talent. To do that, I think we should make a big splash... and go after arguably the most respected name in officiating: Bill McCreary. He may be Canadian, but that's hardly a drawback. He's available (he just retired). He knows hockey and how games SHOULD be called. The whole thing with USA Hockey is something that can be developed, especially since USA hockey is on the upswing and there are resources such as College Hockey, Inc. available to help. The bottom line, no one knows what an NHL style called game looks like and what good officiating talent looks like better than a guy who has been around the top tier of hockey for 20+ years.

Weekend in review

I will include these pictures from this past weekend again. Also, Eric Stromgren from the Bemidji Pioneer has some really nice photos on his blog as well as in the Bemidji Pioneer.

This past weekend I was one of the lucky ones that was able to take in the historic first ever WCHA hockey series between the BSU Beavers and the UND Fighting Sioux at the “new” BREC in Bemidji. My first impression of the BREC is 100% positive and you can mark me down as being impressed with the layout of the building and the grounds. Bemidji gets an “A” for their new building.

From what I can see in my first viewing of the BREC; its an amazing and impressive facility that will even the playing field for the BSU Beavers hockey team as far as recruitment goes, it’s definitely an up grade from the John S Glas Field House.

In walking around in the bowels of the arena I was impressed with the player’s area, the BREC has something like 4 locker rooms; an impressive weight room, that unfortunately I didn’t get a picture of the weight room, none the less, the weight room had equipment that was top of the line. In today’s recruiting environment, those amenities are important features when recruiting players in the WCHA.

BREC fan friendly

While The BREC has a lot of amenities and will give BSU the edge when going for prized recruits in the future; there are also a lot of nice fan friendly amenities that will make the BREC an attractive option for future road trips and improve the hockey viewing experience for the college hockey fan. Like I said before this is not your daddy’s John S Glas Field House college hockey experience anymore, the two arenas don’t compare 46,000,000.00 > 970,000.00.

Based on what I saw last weekend the BREC has room for about 4373 fans (even though I have read somewhere that it seats 4,700) people and it’s the perfect size for a town like Bemidji that has a population that is roughly about 10,000 people. From what I saw the BREC has good site lines and I didn’t hear any complaints from fans about not being able to see the game.

One thing that caught my eye was that the Student section is positioned right behind the visiting goalie for two of the three periods and with their seating configuration allows the BSU student section to stand for the whole game if they would like, because they are not blocking the view of anyone behind them. In other words, they didn’t build luxury suites behind the student section. So that eliminates one problem there.

I was down by the Zamboni door where the Sioux players were leaving the ice surface after the pregame warm ups and it was interesting to see the BSU student section giving the Sioux players the business as they left the ice. The language coming from the stands was probably PG-13 and probably not as coarse as I thought it would be. The Sioux players seemed to enjoy it and smile as they walked off the ice. I have to admit that it was fun to watch the exchange.

The club seating and suite area is really nice and has a few amenities that really stood out to me as well. The club seating area seat approximately 200 fans in seat in the west end of the arena, that area is finished off with a nice bar, which incidentally serves more than Miller Beer products. One person that I know told me that the loneliest person was the Miller Lite beer stand in the lobby out side of the lower bowl of the arena. There is also leather couches in the club seating area to sit on between periods. The rest room facilities in the Club/Suite level area were nice and not crowded at all.

Bemidiji Regional Event Center

Over the weekend many people twittered me and sent me text messages asking me what I thought about the new BREC. Personally, I am excited about the new facility and I will reiterate what I said earlier, the Bemidji Regional Event Center is an improved high end version of the of the United Plains Center or what will now be called the Scheels Arena in Fargo, ND. The city of Bemidji did the BREC right and didn’t do it on the cheap, and they also laid the ground work for some nice expansion in the future.

Eventually, there is going to be a Holiday Inn Express built that will be connected to the BREC. So a person will be able to attend a hockey game and stay right there on the Grounds of the Bemidji Regional Events Center. That would be a plus in the winter when the weather turns bad.

As I mentioned in a paragraph above, one of the amenities from the BREC that I think the fans appreciated was that there is a bigger selection of adult beverages in the lobby of the lower bowl of the arena. Seriously, if you’re a fan that like to consume a beer or two there are more options than Miller Beer products. Also, you can get a mixed drink if you so chose without having to go to an arena bar. The one issue I saw with the mixed drink stand was there appeared to be only one mixed drink stand on the lower level causing long lines to purchase said mixed drink. It’s a minor issue and not a deal breaker. I was also able to purchase a Dunn Brother’s Coffee in the lobby of the BREC. I thought that was a really nice touch.

BSU a first class organization

First, I want to preface this last paragraph to say that I would like to thank the Bemidji Sports Information Director Brad Folkestad for his hospitality and thank him for giving me press credentials and an opportunity to report on the historic first WCHA series between the BSU Beavers and the UND Fighting Sioux.

It was a pleasure to be a part of what transpired this past weekend, BSU is a first class organization that does everything with class and has a lot of pride as an organization. I attended BSU in the early 1990’s before I transferred to UND and BSU is definitely one of my favorite teams and a town that I still consider home, I also graduate from BHS in 1985. I will always fondly remember the campus and town of Bemidji. I will always remember this weekend positively as long as I live.

WCHA Preview Part II

Here's the second installment of the Preview. Sorry it's been so long. Today we will be previewing UNO, BSU, and CC.

University of Nebraska Omaha Mavericks

2009 - 2010 Overall Record: 20-16-6 Conference Record (CCHA): 13-12-3 (7-4-3 NC record)

Key Losses: Nick Fanto, Jeric Agosta, Eddie Del Grosso
Key Returners: Matt Ambroz, Terry Broadhurst, John Faulkner, John Kemp, Joey Martin, Eric Olimb, Rich Purslow
Key Recruits: Matt White, Tony Turgeon, Brock Montpetit

A newcomer to the WCHA, one might claim that a team would go down before it goes up. To be sure, UNO will not be competing for the McNaughton it is inaugural year in the WCHA, but it won't be playing the McNaughton winner in the WCHA Play In game either. They come to the WCHA after finishing in the middle of the CCHA. However, I feel that they could probably have finished higher if it weren't for some bad luck and inconsistency in net.

They join the WCHA with one of the, if not THE, best coaching trios in the WCHA in Dean Blais, Mike Hastings, and Mike Guentzel. So, if they do finish in the bottom half of the WCHA this year, and history repeats itself with Blais, UNO won't stay there long. They also boast a very nice arena, despite it not being a truly hockey dedicated facility in the Qwest Center.

Problem is, Omaha isn't exactly a hockey hotbed despite boasting a nice hockey history (Hockey legend Gordy Howe began his pro career in Omaha) and a quality USHL team that has produced UND players Brett Bruneteau and Danny Kristo (among others).

However, they do have some quality players coming in to play with USHL Player of the Year Matt White on campus right now. John Faulkner can be a great netminder provided he can find consistency. He'll need it with a lot of untested players behind him in Bengstrom and Taffe. This is a team of lunch pail type players. They're not going to be flashy. They will be playing vintage Dean Blais hockey. That means they won't be a cakewalk. And I think they have a possibility of surprising quite a few.

Predicted Finish: Hard to say, but without any clear cut power and inconsistent goaltending, I'm putting them 9th. However, they could finish as high as 6th (ahead of BSU, CC, and even UMN).

Bemidji State University Beavers

Overall Record: 23-10-4 CHA Conference Record: 14-3-1 (9-7-3 NC Record)

Key Losses: Tyler Lehrke, Kyle Hardwick, Chris McKelvie
Key Returners: Matt Read, Brad Hunt, Dan Bakala, Mathieu Dugas, Jordan George
Key Recruits: Radislav Illo, Drew Fisher

The biggest news about BSU is that they come to the WCHA with having two NCAA Tourney visits in the last 2 years, including one trip to the Frozen Four under their belts. They've only put 2 goaltenders in the NHL in the last 3 years as well (Matt Climie and Matt Dalton). Funny you don't hear that much about a team coming from a "throw away" league such as the CHA. They also come to the WCHA with a Hobey Candidate in Matt Read.

Bemidji isn't top heavy, but they are kings at strategy and experience. They were dominant in the CHA and was decent in non conference play. However, the 9-7-3 record gives a good indicator of where to expect BSU this season, as they don't lose a whole lot in talent due to the pros or graduation. They have a real dynamic recruit coming into Bemidji in Radislav Illo. They also have experience coming into a depth/grinder position in Drew Fisher. Couple that with a couple of Swedish defensemen and some wingers from the NAHL (Ladd and Jubinville) and possibly USHL forward Matt Cain.

I expect that they'll more than likely be right in the mix in the middle of the WCHA pack. Tom Serratore is an excellent coach. If Chay Genoway doesn't get the Hobey, I'd love to see Matt Read get it. Like UNO, BSU's playing style is very complimentary to the WCHA and they should fit right in. However, whether they have a big future or not is up in the air. They did briefly get a big time recruit in Franko but he bolted for a career in the WHL.

Time will tell.

Predicted Finish: 8th (could be as high as 6th and as low as 9th)

Colorado College Tigers

Overall Record: 19-17-3 WCHA Record: 12-13-3 (7-4-0 NC Record)

Key Losses: Nate Prosser, Mike Testuide, Addison DeBoer, Brian McMillin, Bill Sweatt
Key Returners: Joe Howe, Rylan Schwartz, Andrew Hamberg
Key Recruits: Jaden Schwartz, Dakota Eveland, Eamon McDermott

This team lives and dies by Joe Howe. So when the freshman goaltender started out on fire, life was good. However, Joe Howe succumbed to the biggest problem freshmen goaltenders face: they're freshmen. He cooled off and so did the Tigers.

The Tigers bring in Eveland and Schwartz hoping to bring scoring to the team, but this team will need everyone to step up. There was even message board scuttlebutt (which means it's hardly worth mentioning) that Scotty Owens could be on the hot seat if things don't improve.

Unfortunately, the WCHA is again deep this year and there's not much room for CC to go up unless Joe Howe can pull a Marc Cheverie or Peter Mannino and simply be unbeatable for the majority of the season. I don't see them having enough of a team depth in scoring to be able to crack the top 5.

Predicted Finish: 7th

Next: UMN, UW, and DU