Ok UND fans, I need your help on this one. Which game winning goal was bigger in your opinion?
First we have the 2007 West Regional championship goal scored by Chris Porter. Porter scored the goal at 11:43 of the first overtime against none other then the hated Minnesota Golden Gophers. This would send the Sioux to the Frozen Four to face Boston College.
Now we have the most recent Connor Gaarder 2OT winner against Ferris State last weekend. This goal sent UND to their 20th Frozen Four in school history and the sixth one for head coach Dave Hakstol. Gaarder took the loose puck out front and shoved it five hole on the Hobey Baker finalist Motte to win the game for the good guys.
Let me hear your vote UND fans. Either comment your response here or send them to my Twitter handle @siouxhockey33. I know you all will have an opinion on this.
Showing posts with label Ferris State University. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ferris State University. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 01, 2014
Sunday, March 30, 2014
Connor Gaarder
Lets just take a quick glance at Connor Gaarder at UND.......
2011: Came on as a freshman walk on from Edina, Minnesota fighting for a roster spot.
2012: Sophomore season records first Hat Trick in NCAA career against Boston University
2014: Junior season scores the GWG against Ferris State in double OT to send UND into the Frozen Four
I'd say for a walk on, this kid has scored some pretty impressive goals, and pretty big goals at that. Not only does he score big goals, but when Connor Gaarder scores, he seems to do so in bunches.
2011: Came on as a freshman walk on from Edina, Minnesota fighting for a roster spot.
2012: Sophomore season records first Hat Trick in NCAA career against Boston University
2014: Junior season scores the GWG against Ferris State in double OT to send UND into the Frozen Four
I'd say for a walk on, this kid has scored some pretty impressive goals, and pretty big goals at that. Not only does he score big goals, but when Connor Gaarder scores, he seems to do so in bunches.
Thursday, December 12, 2013
(Video) MIchigan's Alex Kile Shootout Goal vs Ferris State
So, you don't like shootouts eh? This video might actually change your mind. Take a look at this dirty goal by Michigan's Alex Kile as he undresses the Ferris State goalie C.J. Motte. Michigan won the game 3-2 in the shootout.
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
2013-14 Mankato Free Press WCHA Men's Hockey Pre-Season Coaches Poll
2013-14 Mankato Free Press WCHA Men's Hockey Pre-Season Coaches Poll
Rank Team First Place Votes Points
1 Minnesota State 9 81
2 Ferris State – 65
3 Michigan Tech 1 64
4 Bowling Green – 58
5 Alaska – 54
6 Northern Michigan – 40
7 Bemidji State – 35
8 Lake Superior State – 25
9 Alaska Anchorage – 18
10 Alabama Huntsville – 10
Predicted order of finish (first-place votes in parenthesis). Based on a 9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 scale; coaches are not allowed to vote for their own team.
Rank Team First Place Votes Points
1 Minnesota State 9 81
2 Ferris State – 65
3 Michigan Tech 1 64
4 Bowling Green – 58
5 Alaska – 54
6 Northern Michigan – 40
7 Bemidji State – 35
8 Lake Superior State – 25
9 Alaska Anchorage – 18
10 Alabama Huntsville – 10
Predicted order of finish (first-place votes in parenthesis). Based on a 9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 scale; coaches are not allowed to vote for their own team.
Monday, January 28, 2013
Thursday, June 14, 2012
UAH not in WCHA plans?
If you read the press release from the WCHA that I received today, It would appear that WCHA is going ahead with a nine team league and it would appear that aren't interested in adding another team such as UAH, or at least during the first season.
2013-14 WCHA Men’s Membership Concludes Productive Meetings in DetroitMADISON, Wis. – The nine member teams that will make up the men’s Western Collegiate Hockey Association beginning in 2013-14 concluded a series of positive and productive meetings in Detroit this week and continue to move forward on a number of key issues.
“This is certainly an exciting time for the newly-integrated WCHA,” said Minnesota State University, Mankato President Richard Davenport, who is the chair of the league’s President’s Council. “Our meetings this week were spirited and full of camaraderie, and we are all looking forward to the 2013-14 season. Across the board we are 100% committed to putting a highly competitive product on the ice in the WCHA, to compete for championships, to give our student-athletes the best possible experience and to provide our fans with a great game-day experience. The WCHA brand is strong, historic and full of rich tradition and we will carry on that tremendous tradition and also build upon it.”
Among the many topics covered in the meetings,
• the membership discussed and approved a 28-game league schedule for 2013-14
• the membership discussed and approved a nine-team post-season tournament format
• the membership discussed and updated the league’s by-laws
• the membership discussed and continues to explore several potential venues for the annual WCHA Final Five playoff championship.
“We have accomplished a great deal and feel tremendously upbeat about where we are at as we look ahead to the 2013-14 season,” said WCHA Commissioner Bruce M. McLeod. “We have had very productive meetings with the coaches, athletic directors and presidents all present and we are united in moving forward to ensure the continued success of the WCHA and its member teams. We are also engaged in on-going discussions with various venues for our flagship event – the WCHA Final Five – and hope to finalize those championship plans as soon as possible.”
The league agreed on a change in governance that will have the Presidents Council act as the Board of Directors and the Athletic Directors serve as the Management Council. The President’s Council also created a Steering Committee to coordinate and handle major issues going forward. The Steering Committee consists of Minnesota State President Richard Davenport, Ferris State President Dave Eisler, Michigan Tech Athletic Director Suzanne Sanregret and Bowling Green State Athletic Director Greg Christopher.
Other topics of discussion at the meetings included expansion and identifying potential future member teams and future public relations and marketing initiatives to coincide with the 2013-14 campaign.
Founded in 1951 and home to a collegiate record 37 national championship teams, the men’s WCHA beginning in 2013-14 will consist of the University of Alaska Anchorage, the University of Alaska Fairbanks, Bemidji State University, Bowling Green State University, Ferris State University, Lake Superior State University, Michigan Technological University, Minnesota State University, Mankato, and Northern Michigan University.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
A week after the onslaught
 |
| Boston College Eagles men's ice hockey (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
After taking some time to let last weekend’s Frozen Four sink in; the first comment I want to make is that there is no shame in the Gophers or the Ferris State Bulldogs losing to the Boston College Eagles. The 2011-12 version of the Boston College Eagles is one of the best NCAA championship teams that I have seen for a very long time.
I was eviscerated by Gopher fans for my prediction that the Boston College Eagles would beat the Golden Gophers 5-1, I know I was off; the final score ended up being 6-1; silly me.
Losing to the Boston College Eagles should never be looked at as a "chock job" either, I think we can put that to bed right now.
Losing to the Boston College Eagles should never be looked at as a "chock job" either, I think we can put that to bed right now.
Let’s also not forget that Jerry York “will” be in the U.S. Hockey Hall of fame when he is done coaching, I would bet my next pay check on that.
Let’s break York’s impressive record down further.
Currently, coach York is the winingest active division I college hockey coach and he has been coaching for 40 seasons and started coaching during the 1972-73 season with the Clarkson Knights.
Coach York with 913 career wins and has a coaching record of 913-557-94 and an impressive record of 446-222-60 at Boston College.
York’s has led Boston College to ten Frozen Fours while he was the coach of the Eagles – 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010 and 2012. York’s Eagles have four Frozen Fours at Boston College since the 2000-01 season.
Overall, York’s teams have also won an impressive 5 NCAA championships.
As a fan of team that has been beaten by the Eagles, let me just say I seen this act before and I really didn’t enjoy it very much. I am sure the Ferris State and Minnesota fans felt the same way a week later.
Let me just say that, the Boston College Eagles are a very good hockey team that plays well in all three zones on the ice and we need to give credit where credit. There is no shame losing to the Eagles.
This season’s version of the Boston College Eagles won an unprecedented 19 games in a row and during that winning streak the Eagles didn’t give up more than three goals in any game. That’s impressive in any hockey league.
The last game the Eagles lost was when they were swept by the Maine Black Bears back on January 27-28 when the Eagles lost both games of a weekend series in Orono, Maine (3-4 L, 4-7 L). Since the late January display of mediocrity the Eagles were flawless.
After being swept by the Black Bears, the Eagles record stood at 14-10-1 and looked like they were an average bubble team and they were in the Pairwise Rankings. We all know how that turned out.
My question is, will team’s finally change the way they recruit (fast forwards, some of them under sized and a very mobile defense corps, that play both ends of the ice well) based on the way the Eagles have steamrolled the opposition when they get to the Frozen Four?
Just for the record, Boston College only had 9 NHL draft choices on their team as opposed to the Minnesota Gophers who had 17.
Just for the record, Boston College only had 9 NHL draft choices on their team as opposed to the Minnesota Gophers who had 17.
Monday, April 09, 2012
2011-12 AHCA/CCM Hockey Men’s Division 1
Here are the 2011-12 East and West All Americans teams.
All-American Teams
All-American West First Team
Goalie: Taylor Nelson, Sr., Ferris State University (Regina, SK)
Defense: Torey Krug, Jr., Michigan State University (Livonia, MI)
Defense: Justin Schultz, Jr., University of Wisconsin* (West Kelowna, BC)
Forward: Jack Connolly, Sr., University of Minnesota Duluth*# (Duluth, MN)
Forward: Jaden Schwartz, So., Colorado College (Wilcox, SK)
Forward: Reilly Smith, Jr., Miami University (Mimico, ON)
All-American East First Team
Goalie: Troy Grosenick, So., Union College (Brookfield, WI)
Defense: Danny Biega, Jr., Harvard University (Montreal, QC)
Defense: Brian Dumoulin, Jr., Boston College* (Biddeford, ME)
Forward: Spencer Abbott, Sr., University of Maine (Hamilton, ON)
Forward: Alex Killorn, Sr., Harvard University (Montreal, QC)
Forward: Austin Smith, Sr., Colgate University (Dallas, TX)
All-American West Second Team
Goalie: Kent Patterson, Sr., University of Minnesota (Plymouth, MN)
Defense: Chad Billins, Sr., Ferris State University (Marysville, MI)
Defense: Dan DeKeyser, So., Western Michigan University (Clay Township, MI)
Forward: Nick Bjugstad, So., University of Minnesota (Blaine, MN)
Forward: J.T. Brown, So., University of Minnesota Duluth (Burnsville, MN)
Forward: Jason Zucker, So., University of Denver (Las Vegas, NV)
All-American East Second Team
Goalie: Joe Cannata, Sr., Merrimack College (Wakefield, MA)
Defense: Mat Bodie, So., Union College (East St. Paul, MB)
Defense: Tim Kirby, Sr., U.S. Air Force Academy (Austin, MN)
Forward: Barry Almeida, Sr., Boston College (Springfield, MA)
Forward: Brian O’Neill, Sr., Yale University (Yardley, PA)
Forward: Jeremy Welsh, Jr., Union College (Bayfield, ON)
* First Team in 2010-11; # Second Team in 2009-10
University of Denver defenseman Joey LaLeggia was named the sixth annual HCA National Division I Rookie of the Year award.
Wednesday, April 04, 2012
Goon's Frozen Four review
Much like Sioux7 my brackets for the
NCAA Hockey Tourney were totally busted as I got only one out of four brackets
right, usually I am able to pick two of the four correctly.
Just for the record, my Frozen Four brackets included Michigan, Miami, Boston College and North Dakota.
I confess as a college hockey fan I
am not all that excited with this season’s Frozen Four field, to be honest with
you it bores me. This Frozen Four could end up being as bad as the 2010 Frozen
Four that was at Four Field where Boston College ran through the field like a
hot knife through butter. I could see the same thing happening again this season.
Unfortunately, the two best teams
are in the same bracket and the attractive match-up is Minnesota and Boston College;
other than that, nothing really jumps out at me in this season’s Frozen Four.
In one bracket we have what I would consider a snooze feast between Union
College and Ferris State, and there are others that agree with me.
Game
time for the first game between Union College (26-7-7) and Ferris State
(25-11-5) is 3:30 p.m. Central Standard Time Thursday. The game is on ESPNU (DirecTV208 and Dish
Network148)
My
prediction is that the Ferris State University Bulldogs, who are lead by head hockey coach Bob Daniels, who incidentally was awarded the 2012 Spencer Penrose Award, will end Union’s magical season in
a boring non-eventful game if you’re still awake by the end of the game you
will see Ferris State win in a trap feast 2-1 game.
Both
teams Union and Ferris State have never been in the Frozen Four so one of these
two teams is going to make the championship game of the Frozen Four for the
first time in their team’s history.
Fun and interesting facts about Ferris State and Union: The Bulldogs and Dutchman's rosters contain NO NHL Draft picks, there
is not a single one on either team, that is almost unheard of in today’s
college hockey world. Just for the record, Union college has , Boston College has 9 and Minnesota has 17 NHL draft Choices.
In the evening title it’s the Boston College Eagles (31-10-1)
vs. the Minnesota Golden Gophers (28-13-1) at 7:00 p.m. Central Standard Time
Thursday. The game is on ESPN2
( DirecTV and 209 Dish Network 144)
This
season’s Frozen Four prohibitive favorite, Boston College is a team that has
three solid forward lines that could be most teams first line on any team. The Gophers
are also loaded through the forward lines as well. Here are the lines that both teams used in their last games.
Boston College Forward Lines
Barry Almeida (22g-16—38pts) – Bill Arnold
(17g-17a—34pts) – Steven Whitney (13g-22a—35pts)
Chris Kreider
(22g-21a—41pts) – Kevin Hayes 6g-20a—26tps) – Destry Straight (3g-6a—9pts)
Johnn Gaudreau
(20g-21a—41pts) – Pat Mullane (10g-26a—36pts) – Paul Carey (15g-12a—27pts)
Minnesota
Gophers Forward Lines
Kyle Rau (18g-25a—43pts) – Nick Bjugstad 25g-17a—42pts)
– Zach Budish (12g-23a—35)
Sam Warning
(6g-9a—15pts) – Erik Haula (20g-28a—48pts) – Jake Hansen (15g-22a—37pts)
Nate Condon (11g-19a—30tps)
– Travis Boyd (1g-8-a—9pts) – Taylor Matson (8g-15a—23pts)
Goalies
Boston College goalie Parker Milner, 27-5-0,
1.70 goals against average and a .935 save percentage. It would be an understatement to say
that Milner has been on fire as of late, during the Eagles' current 17-game winning
streak, Milner has been flawless and sports a 17-0-0 record and an impressive 1.11
goals-against average with a mind popping .960 save percentage.
Minnesota goalie Kent Patterson, 28-13-1, 2.23 goals against average and a .911 save percentage. I have seen Gopher fans make the argument that Patterson has been the has been the MVP for the Golden Gophers.
As
Sioux7 laid out in his blog post, both teams are similar statistically and I do
expect that special teams will have a major factor in this game’s outcome.
Minnesota
ranks
1st in team offense with a 3.67 avg/gm
8th in team defense with a 2.21 avg/gam
5th on the Power Play at 23.24% (43/185)
36th on the Penalty Kill at 81.0% (149/184)
1st in team offense with a 3.67 avg/gm
8th in team defense with a 2.21 avg/gam
5th on the Power Play at 23.24% (43/185)
36th on the Penalty Kill at 81.0% (149/184)
Boston College ranks
6th in team offense with a 3.50 avg/gm
2nd in team defense with a 2.07 avg/gam
11th on the Power Play at 21.55% (39/181)
3rd on the Penalty Kill at 88.0% (162/184)
6th in team offense with a 3.50 avg/gm
2nd in team defense with a 2.07 avg/gam
11th on the Power Play at 21.55% (39/181)
3rd on the Penalty Kill at 88.0% (162/184)
I also predict that the Boston College Eagles will win their programs fifth NCAA Title by a 6-3 score against the Ferris State Bulldogs.
Frozen Four Match-Ups (by Sioux 7)
It looks like a really blew my frozen four picks from two weeks ago. I had picked Union, Maine, Michigan, and North Dakota to make it, well at least I got one right. How about the fact the we have four teams from four different conferences this year, last year it was just the WCHA (UMD, UND) and CCHA (UM, ND) in the frozen four.
Here we are, Tampa Florida, none the less; not exactly what I call hockey country. Anyway here are the team’s backgrounds and information as well as my best guesses as to the winners. .
SEMI-FINAL #1
#3 Union (26-7-7)
Union got to the Frozen Four by beating Michigan State and UMass-Lowell in the East Regional (Bridgeport, CT) two weeks ago.
The Dutchmen are 6-0-0 on neutral sites and 10-5-3 on the road this season. Union is on a seven game win streak that helped them capture the ECAC hockey crown. The Dutchmen have only lost two games in the 2012 calendar year (Brown and Cornell).
This is Union’s first trip to the Frozen Four, they are 2-1 all time in the NCAA tournament. They lost to Minnesota-Duluth in their first ever NCAA game last year, and UMD went on to win the title last year.
Union ranks
4th in team offense with a 3.55 avg/gm
1st in team defense with a 1.80 avg/gam
4th on the Power Play at 24.34% (46/189)
10th on the Penalty Kill at 84.8% (128/151)
#6 Ferris State (25-11-5)
The Bulldogs got to this point by beating Denver and Cornell in the Midwest Regional (Green Bay, WI) two weeks ago.
The Bulldogs are 0-1-0 on neutral ice and 8-6-3 on the road this season. FSU has won three of its last four games.
This is Ferris State’s first trip to the Frozen Four; they are 3-1 all time in the NCAA tournament, 2-0 this year and 1-1 in 2003, losing to Minnesota that year.
Ferris State ranks
21st in team offense with a 2.93 avg/gm
5st in team defense with a 2.17 avg/gam
25th on the Power Play at 19.17% (37/193)
6th on the Penalty Kill at 85.8% (157/183)
UNION versus FERRIS STATE
The all time series between Union and FSU is all Dutchmen, they are 4-0-0, and those games were all played in 2006 and 2007, in Big Rapids and Schenectady respectively.
Going with the numbers on these teams it favors Union, going with that logic I'm going with the Dutchmen to advance to the Final. UNION WINS
SEMI-FINAL #2
#1 Boston College (31-10-1)
The Eagles got to Tampa by beating Air Force and Minnesota-Duluth in the Northeast Regional (Worcester, MA) two weeks ago.
The Eagles are 8-1-0 on neutral ice and are 10-6-0 on the road this season. The Eagle come into Tampa on a 17-game winning streak, their last loss was on January 21st to Maine.
This is Boston College’s 23rd trip to the Frozen Four; they have won the NCAA Hockey Title 4 times – 1949, 2001, 2008, 2010. The Eagles are owners of a 43-38 all-time NCAA tourney record.
Boston College ranks
6th in team offense with a 3.50 avg/gm
2nd in team defense with a 2.07 avg/gam
11th on the Power Play at 21.55% (39/181)
3rd on the Penalty Kill at 88.0% (162/184)
#8 Minnesota (28-13-1)
The Gopher got to the Frozen Four by beating Boston University and North Dakota in the West Regional (St. Paul, MN) two weeks ago.
The Gophers are 2-1-0 on neutral ice and are 9-6-1 on the road this season, and have now two in a row and five of their last six games.
This is Minnesota’s 20th trip to the Frozen Four; they have won the NCAA Hockey Title 5 times – 1974, 1976, 1979, 2002, 2003. The Gophers are owners of a 52-33 all-time NCAA tourney record.
Minnesota ranks
1st in team offense with a 3.67 avg/gm
8th in team defense with a 2.21 avg/gam
5th on the Power Play at 23.24% (43/185)
36th on the Penalty Kill at 81.0% (149/184)
BOSTON COLLEGE versus MINNESOTA
The all time series between Eagles and Gophers is at 27 games with Minnesota leading 14-11-2. They have met nine of those times in the playoffs with the Eagles holding a 5-4 edge. These teams are 1-1-0 in neutral-site games, one in 1954 (14-1 Gophers) and 2008 (5-2 Eagles).
Last year the semi-finals were similar in that one game was between teams that did have all the hardware (UMD v ND) and the other was two storied progams (UMich v UND). Could this game be like that one? Where the favorite team plays well and gets dumped by a hot goalie? Can Patterson stone wall the Eagles? I think he can, but will he? EAGLES WIN
CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
If, and that's a big if, my semi-final predictions are correct, that would be a Union and BC final. I'm going for the new kids on the block.
DUTCHMEN National Champions
Here we are, Tampa Florida, none the less; not exactly what I call hockey country. Anyway here are the team’s backgrounds and information as well as my best guesses as to the winners. .
SEMI-FINAL #1
#3 Union (26-7-7)
Union got to the Frozen Four by beating Michigan State and UMass-Lowell in the East Regional (Bridgeport, CT) two weeks ago.
The Dutchmen are 6-0-0 on neutral sites and 10-5-3 on the road this season. Union is on a seven game win streak that helped them capture the ECAC hockey crown. The Dutchmen have only lost two games in the 2012 calendar year (Brown and Cornell).
This is Union’s first trip to the Frozen Four, they are 2-1 all time in the NCAA tournament. They lost to Minnesota-Duluth in their first ever NCAA game last year, and UMD went on to win the title last year.
Union ranks
4th in team offense with a 3.55 avg/gm
1st in team defense with a 1.80 avg/gam
4th on the Power Play at 24.34% (46/189)
10th on the Penalty Kill at 84.8% (128/151)
#6 Ferris State (25-11-5)
The Bulldogs got to this point by beating Denver and Cornell in the Midwest Regional (Green Bay, WI) two weeks ago.
The Bulldogs are 0-1-0 on neutral ice and 8-6-3 on the road this season. FSU has won three of its last four games.
This is Ferris State’s first trip to the Frozen Four; they are 3-1 all time in the NCAA tournament, 2-0 this year and 1-1 in 2003, losing to Minnesota that year.
Ferris State ranks
21st in team offense with a 2.93 avg/gm
5st in team defense with a 2.17 avg/gam
25th on the Power Play at 19.17% (37/193)
6th on the Penalty Kill at 85.8% (157/183)
UNION versus FERRIS STATE
The all time series between Union and FSU is all Dutchmen, they are 4-0-0, and those games were all played in 2006 and 2007, in Big Rapids and Schenectady respectively.
Going with the numbers on these teams it favors Union, going with that logic I'm going with the Dutchmen to advance to the Final. UNION WINS
SEMI-FINAL #2
#1 Boston College (31-10-1)
The Eagles got to Tampa by beating Air Force and Minnesota-Duluth in the Northeast Regional (Worcester, MA) two weeks ago.
The Eagles are 8-1-0 on neutral ice and are 10-6-0 on the road this season. The Eagle come into Tampa on a 17-game winning streak, their last loss was on January 21st to Maine.
This is Boston College’s 23rd trip to the Frozen Four; they have won the NCAA Hockey Title 4 times – 1949, 2001, 2008, 2010. The Eagles are owners of a 43-38 all-time NCAA tourney record.
Boston College ranks
6th in team offense with a 3.50 avg/gm
2nd in team defense with a 2.07 avg/gam
11th on the Power Play at 21.55% (39/181)
3rd on the Penalty Kill at 88.0% (162/184)
#8 Minnesota (28-13-1)
The Gopher got to the Frozen Four by beating Boston University and North Dakota in the West Regional (St. Paul, MN) two weeks ago.
The Gophers are 2-1-0 on neutral ice and are 9-6-1 on the road this season, and have now two in a row and five of their last six games.
This is Minnesota’s 20th trip to the Frozen Four; they have won the NCAA Hockey Title 5 times – 1974, 1976, 1979, 2002, 2003. The Gophers are owners of a 52-33 all-time NCAA tourney record.
Minnesota ranks
1st in team offense with a 3.67 avg/gm
8th in team defense with a 2.21 avg/gam
5th on the Power Play at 23.24% (43/185)
36th on the Penalty Kill at 81.0% (149/184)
BOSTON COLLEGE versus MINNESOTA
The all time series between Eagles and Gophers is at 27 games with Minnesota leading 14-11-2. They have met nine of those times in the playoffs with the Eagles holding a 5-4 edge. These teams are 1-1-0 in neutral-site games, one in 1954 (14-1 Gophers) and 2008 (5-2 Eagles).
Last year the semi-finals were similar in that one game was between teams that did have all the hardware (UMD v ND) and the other was two storied progams (UMich v UND). Could this game be like that one? Where the favorite team plays well and gets dumped by a hot goalie? Can Patterson stone wall the Eagles? I think he can, but will he? EAGLES WIN
CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
If, and that's a big if, my semi-final predictions are correct, that would be a Union and BC final. I'm going for the new kids on the block.
DUTCHMEN National Champions
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Redwing77's Frozen Four Opinion Piece!
My bracket is destroyed. Only BC's entry into the Frozen Four was accurate in my bracket. Kudos to those of you whose bracket isn't complete garbage.
Here are the matchups:
Ferris State vs. Union
Minnesota vs. Boston College
Before I break down each game and give my (worthless) predictions, I wish to opine thusly: I do not like these matchups. I think there is plenty of glamor and appeal among the general college hockey population for the Minny/BC tilt, but there isn't much appeal for the Union/Ferris State tilt (other than the humanistic approach). I would have loved to have seen:
Minnesota vs. Union
Ferris State vs. Boston College
I think this brings everyone to both games. Sure, it might be the ESPN-ization of the brackets (giving the best opportunity to see the two biggest schools face off for the title) but I think it has the most appeal.
But that's not how the brackets work so here's the breakdown:
Union vs. Ferris State:
Union is the #1 seed in this game. Ferris isn't. Ferris State is a true Cinderella story. Union's story is good too. Both are in uncharted territory. Either team wins and it will be either team's first Frozen Four NC game. Despite my disdain towards the matchup, these two teams seem to match up well talent wise. It will be a good game. Union's goaltender is a Hobey finalist. I think he's proven that he's worthy.
Prediction: I got burned for not going by the rankings so I will go with the rankings tonight. My heart is with Ferris state but.... I predict Union wins 3-2.
Minnesota vs. BC:
This would be a GREAT NC matchup... but it is just a semifinal matchup. BC has won 17 straight which is something (if you believe in that... as it didn't work well for UND). Minnesota is rolling right now, stunning opponents with novel concepts not seen in recent years (such as Team Defense). Minnesota scored 12 goals in St. Paul and only gave up what... 5?
BC comes in having scored 6 goals in the regional and giving up... ZERO GOALS.
This game MIGHT require OT. And this game could go either way.
Prediction: 17 game streak... 0 goals allowed in the NCAAs thus far. Hard to go against BC. I think BC wins 2-1. It's going to be a great game. However, I will say this: Whoever wins THIS game, wins the National Championship so... as you see below, all you have to do is replace BC with Minny if Minny wins this game and my prediction remains the same otherwise.
NC Game:
BC vs. Union:
Union does a great job just getting here.... and leaves proud but quietly.
BC does its best impression of the 2002? Minnesota NC team when it played UNH for the title.
Prediction: BC: 5 Union: 1
Here are the matchups:
Ferris State vs. Union
Minnesota vs. Boston College
Before I break down each game and give my (worthless) predictions, I wish to opine thusly: I do not like these matchups. I think there is plenty of glamor and appeal among the general college hockey population for the Minny/BC tilt, but there isn't much appeal for the Union/Ferris State tilt (other than the humanistic approach). I would have loved to have seen:
Minnesota vs. Union
Ferris State vs. Boston College
I think this brings everyone to both games. Sure, it might be the ESPN-ization of the brackets (giving the best opportunity to see the two biggest schools face off for the title) but I think it has the most appeal.
But that's not how the brackets work so here's the breakdown:
Union vs. Ferris State:
Union is the #1 seed in this game. Ferris isn't. Ferris State is a true Cinderella story. Union's story is good too. Both are in uncharted territory. Either team wins and it will be either team's first Frozen Four NC game. Despite my disdain towards the matchup, these two teams seem to match up well talent wise. It will be a good game. Union's goaltender is a Hobey finalist. I think he's proven that he's worthy.
Prediction: I got burned for not going by the rankings so I will go with the rankings tonight. My heart is with Ferris state but.... I predict Union wins 3-2.
Minnesota vs. BC:
This would be a GREAT NC matchup... but it is just a semifinal matchup. BC has won 17 straight which is something (if you believe in that... as it didn't work well for UND). Minnesota is rolling right now, stunning opponents with novel concepts not seen in recent years (such as Team Defense). Minnesota scored 12 goals in St. Paul and only gave up what... 5?
BC comes in having scored 6 goals in the regional and giving up... ZERO GOALS.
This game MIGHT require OT. And this game could go either way.
Prediction: 17 game streak... 0 goals allowed in the NCAAs thus far. Hard to go against BC. I think BC wins 2-1. It's going to be a great game. However, I will say this: Whoever wins THIS game, wins the National Championship so... as you see below, all you have to do is replace BC with Minny if Minny wins this game and my prediction remains the same otherwise.
NC Game:
BC vs. Union:
Union does a great job just getting here.... and leaves proud but quietly.
BC does its best impression of the 2002? Minnesota NC team when it played UNH for the title.
Prediction: BC: 5 Union: 1
Friday, March 23, 2012
Bracketbuster #1 (Redwing77)
Ok, the NCAAs just begun and well.... some upsets are already happening.
Ferris State vs. Denver:
I chose: Denver
Result? 2-1 Ferris State
I thought Denver would come out firing but apparently Ferris State knew how to handle it. Ferris State wins only their second NCAA tourney game EVER. However, in the end, I think this game was at least a good one. The others? Not so much.
Union vs. Michigan State
I chose: MSU
Result? 3-1 Union
Union has played few challenging opponents. Michigan State has played barely well enough to get in. I guess it stands to reason then, since neither team is clear cut as a favorite, that you'd go with seeding, but I just do not believe that the ECACHL deserves as much respect as the East Coast media gives it. If Union had to play a team like Western Michigan in the opening round, I'm not so sure they win. That being said, in the last 5 years, the ECACHL is 5-0 in the opening round of the NCAA Tourney. And they are 0-5 in the second round. I'd say that's going to continue but...
UMass Lowell vs. Miami
I chose: Miami
Result? 4-3 UMass in OT
Miami gave up a Powerplay, shorthanded, and 2 5 on 5 goals. They looked absolutely PATHETIC for the first 45 minutes of the game. They keep trying to make pretty plays to score goals while UMass keeps trying to score goals merely by jumping on Miami mistakes and just throwing the puck on net. Knapp has looked pathetic. I cannot believe that Blasi is kept him in. Goal #1 was the only goal Knapp wasn't at least partially at fault for. Goal #2 was on a short handed breakaway that beat him 5 hole. 5 hole goals coming head on is just a sign of poor anticipation. It should be the hardest goal in hockey to get unless the goaltender is moving laterally. Goal #3 was plain and simple out of position crap goal bad goaltending. Yeah, it was 2 on 1 but it beat him short side when Knapp had plenty of time to get into position. He correctly anticipated the pass but he just did not cover the post.
Luckily for Miami, they ended up tying the game. They went to OT and then.... Knapp rears his ugly head again! Wetmore scores a goal that NEVER EVER EVER would have gone in had Knapp held the post. He ends up making the initial save off his right side and bounces back to Wetmore who taps it through Knapp and into the net. It was a squibbler and barely got in but it got in. That means, ladies and gentlemen, that 2 of UMass' 4 goals were WEAK, 1 was a fluke, and the other was perhaps somewhat unavoidable.
Tough for Miami to lose in the first round but.... any half-assed decent playoff team worth its salt would have beaten Miami anyways. Can't expect to suck for 45 minutes, be given a 5 minute major at the end of regulation and 1:26 of it in OT, fail to score on it, and still expect to win the game. Ok, ok, to be fair, Miami did a good job in the regulation side of the major powerplay and Doug Carr saved UMass' bacon but every other Miami Powerplay up til then was a Clinic in awful special teams.
Goon may disagree but I believe this marks the downturn of Miami. They've peaked. Sure, they'll get their share of talent, but I think this current squad has ended its stretch run of post season dominance. They'll have to regroup (or reload as it may) and see if they can catch another great run. They're not going to get anywhere with this current squad without some serious infusion of talent.
UMass and Union in the Final? SNOOOOOOOOORE!!!!!! I wonder where this Regional ranks in the list of "worst regionals in NCAA Tourney history?"
If UND being a #2 seed would have gotten them into this regional, they should have thrown the WCHA title game.
Michigan vs. Cornell
I predicted: Michigan
Result? 3-2 Cornell in OT
This game was pretty good... if you enjoyed special teams. We had one ejection (contact to the head major on Cornell) and a barrel full of minors. I'm not sure what Shafer had to say postgame but it probably won't be much because Cornell won. Had they lost though....
I'm not sure what to think about this game overall. Cornell plays a GOD AWFUL style of hockey (one of the major reasons why I despised the Wild under Risebrough/Lemaire). Sure, the trap works, but it makes for a pisspoor hockey game to watch... which I think everyone knew because either everyone sat on the Camera side of the arena or the arena was MAYBE 40% capacity. It just wasn't fun. Michigan, if you consider scoring chances, had the more dominant game but Cornell put the game away in OT.
Rarely do I root for Cinderella stories such as UMass or Ferris State but... I'll be rooting for them tomorrow because I don't believe the trap has any place in bigtime hockey and I wouldn't want boring hockey in Tampa.
So... let's hope no more surprises!
Ferris State vs. Denver:
I chose: Denver
Result? 2-1 Ferris State
I thought Denver would come out firing but apparently Ferris State knew how to handle it. Ferris State wins only their second NCAA tourney game EVER. However, in the end, I think this game was at least a good one. The others? Not so much.
Union vs. Michigan State
I chose: MSU
Result? 3-1 Union
Union has played few challenging opponents. Michigan State has played barely well enough to get in. I guess it stands to reason then, since neither team is clear cut as a favorite, that you'd go with seeding, but I just do not believe that the ECACHL deserves as much respect as the East Coast media gives it. If Union had to play a team like Western Michigan in the opening round, I'm not so sure they win. That being said, in the last 5 years, the ECACHL is 5-0 in the opening round of the NCAA Tourney. And they are 0-5 in the second round. I'd say that's going to continue but...
UMass Lowell vs. Miami
I chose: Miami
Result? 4-3 UMass in OT
Miami gave up a Powerplay, shorthanded, and 2 5 on 5 goals. They looked absolutely PATHETIC for the first 45 minutes of the game. They keep trying to make pretty plays to score goals while UMass keeps trying to score goals merely by jumping on Miami mistakes and just throwing the puck on net. Knapp has looked pathetic. I cannot believe that Blasi is kept him in. Goal #1 was the only goal Knapp wasn't at least partially at fault for. Goal #2 was on a short handed breakaway that beat him 5 hole. 5 hole goals coming head on is just a sign of poor anticipation. It should be the hardest goal in hockey to get unless the goaltender is moving laterally. Goal #3 was plain and simple out of position crap goal bad goaltending. Yeah, it was 2 on 1 but it beat him short side when Knapp had plenty of time to get into position. He correctly anticipated the pass but he just did not cover the post.
Luckily for Miami, they ended up tying the game. They went to OT and then.... Knapp rears his ugly head again! Wetmore scores a goal that NEVER EVER EVER would have gone in had Knapp held the post. He ends up making the initial save off his right side and bounces back to Wetmore who taps it through Knapp and into the net. It was a squibbler and barely got in but it got in. That means, ladies and gentlemen, that 2 of UMass' 4 goals were WEAK, 1 was a fluke, and the other was perhaps somewhat unavoidable.
Tough for Miami to lose in the first round but.... any half-assed decent playoff team worth its salt would have beaten Miami anyways. Can't expect to suck for 45 minutes, be given a 5 minute major at the end of regulation and 1:26 of it in OT, fail to score on it, and still expect to win the game. Ok, ok, to be fair, Miami did a good job in the regulation side of the major powerplay and Doug Carr saved UMass' bacon but every other Miami Powerplay up til then was a Clinic in awful special teams.
Goon may disagree but I believe this marks the downturn of Miami. They've peaked. Sure, they'll get their share of talent, but I think this current squad has ended its stretch run of post season dominance. They'll have to regroup (or reload as it may) and see if they can catch another great run. They're not going to get anywhere with this current squad without some serious infusion of talent.
UMass and Union in the Final? SNOOOOOOOOORE!!!!!! I wonder where this Regional ranks in the list of "worst regionals in NCAA Tourney history?"
If UND being a #2 seed would have gotten them into this regional, they should have thrown the WCHA title game.
Michigan vs. Cornell
I predicted: Michigan
Result? 3-2 Cornell in OT
This game was pretty good... if you enjoyed special teams. We had one ejection (contact to the head major on Cornell) and a barrel full of minors. I'm not sure what Shafer had to say postgame but it probably won't be much because Cornell won. Had they lost though....
I'm not sure what to think about this game overall. Cornell plays a GOD AWFUL style of hockey (one of the major reasons why I despised the Wild under Risebrough/Lemaire). Sure, the trap works, but it makes for a pisspoor hockey game to watch... which I think everyone knew because either everyone sat on the Camera side of the arena or the arena was MAYBE 40% capacity. It just wasn't fun. Michigan, if you consider scoring chances, had the more dominant game but Cornell put the game away in OT.
Rarely do I root for Cinderella stories such as UMass or Ferris State but... I'll be rooting for them tomorrow because I don't believe the trap has any place in bigtime hockey and I wouldn't want boring hockey in Tampa.
So... let's hope no more surprises!
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Redwing77's NCAA Tourney Bracket Pick'em Part Two
Here's the final installment. I'm not going to predict the Frozen Four outcomes until the teams have been set.
Midwest Regional:
This is about as difficult as the West. It features Michigan, Ferris State, Denver, and Cornell. Since I haven't seen 3 of the 4 teams in this bracket play, I'm going to be brief.
Ferris State vs. DU:
Ferris State is a Cinderella story. They came out of nowhere to choke away the CCHA tourney by losing in the first round.
DU is a tough team mad as all get out after getting embarrassed vs. UND in the WCHA Tourney championship.
Prediction: Feel good Ferris State. You made the tourney. Bad news: DU destroys you.
Michigan vs. Cornell:
SNOOOOOOOOOOOZEFEST. Cornell historically plays a boring style of hockey. Michigan is cold and calculating. If Shawn Hunwick shows up like he did vs. UND a year ago, Michigan wins easy. If he lets in weak goals like he did vs. WMU, then oops.
Prediction: Michigan wins.
Regional Final: Michigan vs. DU. I think DU stuns the #1 seed in this Regional.
East Regional:
This is the easiest bracket in the tourney by a LONG SHOT. If you could believe in a team like Union, it would be easy to think they'll walk into the Frozen Four however....
Union vs. Michigan State:
Union is a team that hasn't really played many quality teams. They've played a few ranked opponents. They've played nonconference ranked opponents in DU, CC, WMU, Michigan, and Merrimack. Against those opponents, they have a 2-2-2 record. Their wins were against Merrimack and Michigan.
Michigan State is an interesting story in that they squeaked in by the hairs on their chinny chin chin. If it was any other opponent I wouldn't give Michigan State a sniff at a win.
However....I'm not sold on either team doing anything, but since I have to pick a team...
Prediction: I predict upset city. Michigan State wins in OT. Union becomes the only #1 to fall in the first round.
Miami vs. Mass Lowell:
UMass is another Cinderella story. They've seemingly come out of nowhere. And that's where they're going in this NCAA tourney.
Miami: Been here done it before. Miami has been very inconsistent looking downright pathetic vs. WMU in the CCHA tourney. However, Blasi always watches his team drop one in their shorts before the NCAAs and well, things turn out alright.
Prediction: Miami wins.
Regional Final: I may not be sold on Union/MSU outcome but I am sold on this: If Miami beats UMass Lowell, they go to the Frozen Four.
I also predict that this Regional will be the most poorly attended.
Frozen Four Wrap Up:
Using my predictions: I think the final four teams will be BC, Minnesota, Miami, and DU.
Since I'm not sold on any teams but BC and Miami listed above, I'll wait until the Frozen Four is set to make my predictions.
Midwest Regional:
This is about as difficult as the West. It features Michigan, Ferris State, Denver, and Cornell. Since I haven't seen 3 of the 4 teams in this bracket play, I'm going to be brief.
Ferris State vs. DU:
Ferris State is a Cinderella story. They came out of nowhere to choke away the CCHA tourney by losing in the first round.
DU is a tough team mad as all get out after getting embarrassed vs. UND in the WCHA Tourney championship.
Prediction: Feel good Ferris State. You made the tourney. Bad news: DU destroys you.
Michigan vs. Cornell:
SNOOOOOOOOOOOZEFEST. Cornell historically plays a boring style of hockey. Michigan is cold and calculating. If Shawn Hunwick shows up like he did vs. UND a year ago, Michigan wins easy. If he lets in weak goals like he did vs. WMU, then oops.
Prediction: Michigan wins.
Regional Final: Michigan vs. DU. I think DU stuns the #1 seed in this Regional.
East Regional:
This is the easiest bracket in the tourney by a LONG SHOT. If you could believe in a team like Union, it would be easy to think they'll walk into the Frozen Four however....
Union vs. Michigan State:
Union is a team that hasn't really played many quality teams. They've played a few ranked opponents. They've played nonconference ranked opponents in DU, CC, WMU, Michigan, and Merrimack. Against those opponents, they have a 2-2-2 record. Their wins were against Merrimack and Michigan.
Michigan State is an interesting story in that they squeaked in by the hairs on their chinny chin chin. If it was any other opponent I wouldn't give Michigan State a sniff at a win.
However....I'm not sold on either team doing anything, but since I have to pick a team...
Prediction: I predict upset city. Michigan State wins in OT. Union becomes the only #1 to fall in the first round.
Miami vs. Mass Lowell:
UMass is another Cinderella story. They've seemingly come out of nowhere. And that's where they're going in this NCAA tourney.
Miami: Been here done it before. Miami has been very inconsistent looking downright pathetic vs. WMU in the CCHA tourney. However, Blasi always watches his team drop one in their shorts before the NCAAs and well, things turn out alright.
Prediction: Miami wins.
Regional Final: I may not be sold on Union/MSU outcome but I am sold on this: If Miami beats UMass Lowell, they go to the Frozen Four.
I also predict that this Regional will be the most poorly attended.
Frozen Four Wrap Up:
Using my predictions: I think the final four teams will be BC, Minnesota, Miami, and DU.
Since I'm not sold on any teams but BC and Miami listed above, I'll wait until the Frozen Four is set to make my predictions.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Random Stuff (RW77)
I haven't posted in a while and I know how you all miss me.... Ok, maybe not but here's a few things that have piqued my interest lately...
In the area of WTF.... Ferris State University.
True, this the third straight good year they've had, but last year they barely finished above .500 and suddenly they're at a .700 win percentage? #1 in the Nation? They could be paper tigers but I'm less inclined to think of them like a Union based on the following criteria:
1. They won their division and their division isn't a cupcake conference like AHA.
2. They play a full schedule rather than a wonky won likle the ECACHLMAO
3. It's late in the season. No one cares who is number one (except the stat hounds) early in the season. We have something like 3 regular season games left now. To be #1 at this time in a major conference means something.
I'm not saying that Ferris State is going to win the Frozen Four or even win 1 round of the NCAAs. I'm saying it's quite an accomplishment for a team who has never been #1 ever.
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In sadder news, Concordia University (Wisconsin) announced that Tony Hrkac will not return. In his defense.... well, there isn't much. In the 129 games CUW has played since they started the program in 2007, all of which under Head Coach Hrkac, they've amassed.... 10 wins. TOTAL.
They were 10-109-10. I don't care who you are. It's awfully tough to keep a job with a record like that. Here is the link. [USCHO.COM]
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In a more cynical twist:
The Minnesota Wild completed a trade yesterday with the New Jersey Devils. The Wild trade away Zidlicky and get Kurtis Foster (D), Nick Palmieri (F), Stephane "Pe-U" Veillieux, and a 2nd round draft pick (in actuality, Washington's 2nd round pick).
So, Minnesota trades one of its only major trade bait players for two former Wild players, a 2nd round pick, and a mediocre young forward in Palmieri.
It makes no sense to me to go out and get a grinder D, grinder Forward, and a young winger. If you wanted grinding forwards, just call down to Houston. You have a minor league system FULL of them. Why get Veillieux? He's worthless offensively. And last I checked, Minnesota needed scorers. Well, at least Veilleux is fresh. According to NJDevils.com, he's only played 1 game this year. Kindof dovetails into my claims that even in Stephane's prime (he's 30 now), he wouldn't crack most of the NHL rosters on a nightly basis. Oh well.
This was a BAD trade, regardless of 1 for 1 value. It reminds me so much of Risebrough it is scary. Zidlicky was the only player outside of the blockbuster players (Koivu, Harding, Backstrom, maybe Heatley) that the Wild could trade to get scoring forwards and they didn't get one. Palmieri is young, but he's a lot like a Latendresse or Brunette in terms of offense. Seeing how Brunette is a Blackhawk and Latendresse is injured, maybe that's why they got Palmieri? I just feel like the Wild could have gotten Palmieri for less than Zidlicky and then traded Zidlicky for a scorer.
Then again, I wouldn't be afraid at this point to go overkill and trade a player like Zidlicky for a scorer even if Zidlicky, value wise, was superior to that of the scorer in question. The Wild need to score goals and well, they're not going to get that with this trade. They're not even building towards it.
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Last thing.
Though I expect Dell will start tonight, I take great pride in pointing out that Eidsness seems to be returning to form. He did fantastic last night, even with the last 3 minutes being scary. 2 of the 3 goals they scored were no doubter nothing you can do types (Shore's and Zucker's). The third was just sniping. I think Eids could have been in better position for that one but it was a good shot.
In any case, I am sure the Eidsness haters are having a field day with the last 3 minutes of the game, but I don't care. Eidsness has shown this season that he's come to play. And though I don't think we can truly say "Bench Dell for Eidsness" I can't truly say "Thanks Eids, now back to Dell" either.
I'd love to see the JPL/JPar arrangement come into place. Eidsness takes Fridays and Dell takes Saturdays. It's really late in the season to implement such a thing, but I think it should be done.
In any case, however longer the ride goes with this team, I'm all in. They have enough injuries to make it believable that winning is too hard to come by. There's no shame in having a down season due to injury. However, this team plays with a different attitude from other teams: They just go out and have fun with the system Hakstol has put in place. They're not the most talented UND team. Heck, I'd be hard to put them in the top 10 even. But they play with cohesion and support each other much better than in previous years. And from what I hear, the locker room is a different place than in previous years.
In the area of WTF.... Ferris State University.
True, this the third straight good year they've had, but last year they barely finished above .500 and suddenly they're at a .700 win percentage? #1 in the Nation? They could be paper tigers but I'm less inclined to think of them like a Union based on the following criteria:
1. They won their division and their division isn't a cupcake conference like AHA.
2. They play a full schedule rather than a wonky won likle the ECACHLMAO
3. It's late in the season. No one cares who is number one (except the stat hounds) early in the season. We have something like 3 regular season games left now. To be #1 at this time in a major conference means something.
I'm not saying that Ferris State is going to win the Frozen Four or even win 1 round of the NCAAs. I'm saying it's quite an accomplishment for a team who has never been #1 ever.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
In sadder news, Concordia University (Wisconsin) announced that Tony Hrkac will not return. In his defense.... well, there isn't much. In the 129 games CUW has played since they started the program in 2007, all of which under Head Coach Hrkac, they've amassed.... 10 wins. TOTAL.
They were 10-109-10. I don't care who you are. It's awfully tough to keep a job with a record like that. Here is the link. [USCHO.COM]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
In a more cynical twist:
The Minnesota Wild completed a trade yesterday with the New Jersey Devils. The Wild trade away Zidlicky and get Kurtis Foster (D), Nick Palmieri (F), Stephane "Pe-U" Veillieux, and a 2nd round draft pick (in actuality, Washington's 2nd round pick).
So, Minnesota trades one of its only major trade bait players for two former Wild players, a 2nd round pick, and a mediocre young forward in Palmieri.
It makes no sense to me to go out and get a grinder D, grinder Forward, and a young winger. If you wanted grinding forwards, just call down to Houston. You have a minor league system FULL of them. Why get Veillieux? He's worthless offensively. And last I checked, Minnesota needed scorers. Well, at least Veilleux is fresh. According to NJDevils.com, he's only played 1 game this year. Kindof dovetails into my claims that even in Stephane's prime (he's 30 now), he wouldn't crack most of the NHL rosters on a nightly basis. Oh well.
This was a BAD trade, regardless of 1 for 1 value. It reminds me so much of Risebrough it is scary. Zidlicky was the only player outside of the blockbuster players (Koivu, Harding, Backstrom, maybe Heatley) that the Wild could trade to get scoring forwards and they didn't get one. Palmieri is young, but he's a lot like a Latendresse or Brunette in terms of offense. Seeing how Brunette is a Blackhawk and Latendresse is injured, maybe that's why they got Palmieri? I just feel like the Wild could have gotten Palmieri for less than Zidlicky and then traded Zidlicky for a scorer.
Then again, I wouldn't be afraid at this point to go overkill and trade a player like Zidlicky for a scorer even if Zidlicky, value wise, was superior to that of the scorer in question. The Wild need to score goals and well, they're not going to get that with this trade. They're not even building towards it.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Last thing.
Though I expect Dell will start tonight, I take great pride in pointing out that Eidsness seems to be returning to form. He did fantastic last night, even with the last 3 minutes being scary. 2 of the 3 goals they scored were no doubter nothing you can do types (Shore's and Zucker's). The third was just sniping. I think Eids could have been in better position for that one but it was a good shot.
In any case, I am sure the Eidsness haters are having a field day with the last 3 minutes of the game, but I don't care. Eidsness has shown this season that he's come to play. And though I don't think we can truly say "Bench Dell for Eidsness" I can't truly say "Thanks Eids, now back to Dell" either.
I'd love to see the JPL/JPar arrangement come into place. Eidsness takes Fridays and Dell takes Saturdays. It's really late in the season to implement such a thing, but I think it should be done.
In any case, however longer the ride goes with this team, I'm all in. They have enough injuries to make it believable that winning is too hard to come by. There's no shame in having a down season due to injury. However, this team plays with a different attitude from other teams: They just go out and have fun with the system Hakstol has put in place. They're not the most talented UND team. Heck, I'd be hard to put them in the top 10 even. But they play with cohesion and support each other much better than in previous years. And from what I hear, the locker room is a different place than in previous years.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
INCH Power Rankings
As always I include the INCH Power Rankings because they are ussually good for a chuckle or two. I find this week's just as amusing as some of the other additions of the INCH Power Rankings. Really 4 ECAC teams in the top 20?
1. Merrimack
2. Notre Dame
3. Boston College
4. Minnesota
5. Minnesota Duluth
6. Colorado College
7. Ferris State
8. Ohio State
9. Union
10. Colgate
11. Denver
12. Yale
13. Western Michigan
14. Lake Superior State
15. Boston University
16. Miami
17. Cornell
18. Michigan State
19. Michigan Tech
20. Nebraska-Omaha
Dropped out: Michigan
Bubble-licious: Clarkson, UMass Lowell, Michigan
1. Merrimack
2. Notre Dame
3. Boston College
4. Minnesota
5. Minnesota Duluth
6. Colorado College
7. Ferris State
8. Ohio State
9. Union
10. Colgate
11. Denver
12. Yale
13. Western Michigan
14. Lake Superior State
15. Boston University
16. Miami
17. Cornell
18. Michigan State
19. Michigan Tech
20. Nebraska-Omaha
Dropped out: Michigan
Bubble-licious: Clarkson, UMass Lowell, Michigan
Monday, November 14, 2011
INCH Power Rankings
As always I include the INCH Power Ranking because I find them thought provoking and well interesting. My first question is, why is BU ranked only 20th after schooling B.C. yesterday? There are five teams from the ECAC in the power rankings. Alright!
1. Merrimack
2. Minnesota
3. Boston College
4. Colorado College
5. Yale
6. Ferris State
7. Notre Dame
8. Michigan
9. Western Michigan
10. Minnesota Duluth
11. Denver
12. Union
13. Ohio State
14. Lake Superior State
15. Colgate
16. Michigan Tech
17. Providence
18. Cornell
19. Dartmouth
20. Boston University
Dropped out: Quinnipiac, Clarkson, Northern Michigan
Bubbelicious: Clarkson, UMass-Lowell, Nebraska-Omaha, New Hampshire, Quinnipiac
1. Merrimack
2. Minnesota
3. Boston College
4. Colorado College
5. Yale
6. Ferris State
7. Notre Dame
8. Michigan
9. Western Michigan
10. Minnesota Duluth
11. Denver
12. Union
13. Ohio State
14. Lake Superior State
15. Colgate
16. Michigan Tech
17. Providence
18. Cornell
19. Dartmouth
20. Boston University
Dropped out: Quinnipiac, Clarkson, Northern Michigan
Bubbelicious: Clarkson, UMass-Lowell, Nebraska-Omaha, New Hampshire, Quinnipiac
Monday, October 17, 2011
INCH Power Rankings
1. Boston College
2. Colorado College
3. Yale
4. Michigan
5. Denver
6. Minnesota
7. Union
8. North Dakota
9. Miami
10. Merrimack
11. Notre Dame
12. Western Michigan
13. Boston University
14. Colgate
15. Dartmouth
16. Alaska Anchorage
17. RIT
18. Providence
19. Michigan Tech
20. Ferris State
Dropped out: Minnesota Duluth, New Hampshire, Maine, Alaska, Air Force
Bubble-licious: Alaska, Bowling Green, Lake Superior State, Quinnipiac
Tuesday, October 04, 2011
BGSU Hockey To Join WCHA Beginning In 2013-14
Image via WikipediaHere is the official press release from Bowling Green State University. It's a good pick up for the WCHA because they now get a school that is Division I in all sports. BOWLING GREEN, Ohio— The Bowling Green State University Department of Athletics has accepted an invitation to join the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) for the 2013-2014 season.
“I’d like to thank the presidents of the institutions in the WCHA for extending this invitation,” BGSU President Dr. Mary Ellen Mazey said. “Our University and our hockey program has many similarities to the current WCHA members and we are excited to join with these schools in two years.”
The offer came on behalf of the presidents representing the WCHA teams that will comprise the Western Collegiate Hockey Association membership following the 2012-13 season. Offers were also extended to fellow Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) institutions Alaska Fairbanks, Ferris State University, Lake Superior State University and Western Michigan University. Alaska Fairbanks, Ferris State and Lake Superior State announced their intentions to accept the invitation.
Along with its CCHA brethren, Bowling Green will join Alaska-Anchorage, Bemidji State, Michigan Tech, Minnesota State, and Northern Michigan in the WCHA.
“The WCHA is a great fit for BGSU,” Director of Athletics Greg Christopher said. “WCHA teams are committed to the highest level of college hockey and competing for championships, just as we are at Bowling Green."
Bowling Green has played in the CCHA since its creation in 1971, and is the only founding institution to never leave the
conference.
The CCHA has yielded national collegiate champions, Hobey Baker award winners, and Stanley Cup champions in roughly 40 years of existence. CCHA players have combined for 174 All-American honors, including 88 First-Team selections. Bowling Green defenseman Ken Morrow was the CCHA's first First-Team All-American in 1978.
As a member of the CCHA, Bowling Green has produced seven conference regular season championships, five conference tournament championships, nine NCAA tournament appearances, two frozen four appearances, and one national championship (1984).
The Falcons have also yielded two Hobey Baker Award winners (George McPhee and Brian Holzinger) as members of the CCHA.
“We’re building our program to compete for championships,” Head Coach Chris Bergeron said. “I’m excited about the
direction our program is headed and the league we are moving towards because of the opportunities it provides for us to continue to develop BGSU hockey.”
The shift in the hockey landscape started in March when the Big Ten announced that it would form a new conference for the 2013-14 season. Along with Minnesota, Wisconsin, and newly formed Penn State, the new conference will include current CCHA members Michigan, Michigan State, and Ohio State.
The creation of a second conference in July marked even more change for the CCHA, as reigning tournament champion Miami announced it would depart for the newly formed National Collegiate Hockey Conference in 2013. The rest of the conference will be made up of former WCHA schools including North Dakota, Minnesota-Duluth, Denver, Colorado College, St. Cloud State, and Nebraska-Omaha.
“We are committed to two more years in the CCHA,” Christopher said. “As one of the founding institutions of the league, Bowling Green hockey and the CCHA have been synonymous with each other. We will continue to build this program over the next two years to reach our goals when we begin play in the WCHA.”
Like the CCHA, the WCHA has been synonymous with college hockey success for decades. Since its inception in 1951, teams representing the WCHA have earned a record 37 NCAA championships, finished as the national runner-up 27 times, and qualified for at least one berth in the NCAA Men's Frozen Four in 55 of 59 seasons overall.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Blame the NCHC crowd...
Image via WikipediaWow, I am not sure what the point of this article is, Ferris State University has a new conference and honestly the new refabbed WCHA would probably be a more attractive option than the CCHA with the left overs. Also, I find it funny that the FSU beat writer assigns no blame what-so-ever to Notre Dame, why not? If anyone is acting in an arrogant and elite manner it would also be the Fighting Irish, have they not abandoned the CCHA for greener pastures? They also showed no interest in joining the WCHA..Sandy Gholston; MLive.com --- No, I lay blame squarely at the feet of the six schools (Denver, Colorado College, North Dakota, Nebraska-Omaha, Miami and Minnesota Duluth) who formed the National Collegiate Hockey Conference (and, to a slightly lesser degree, the two schools (St. Cloud State University and Western Michigan University) who most recently pledged their hockey programs to this new conference after being extended invitations.
Those first six are to blame for, in all likelihood, jumping at the change to further define an unsavory class structure in college hockey that divides the perceived elites from those who are considered lesser programs. Once the Big Ten formed a league for hockey, one has to think these schools saw the situation as the floodgates opening to elitism in the sport. The Big Ten was destined to be viewed as an elite league in college hockey with strong television and general media exposure.
The schools that formed the NCHC felt they could not be considered elite if they were playing what they may have perceived as lesser schools (the institutions that they broke away from in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association and the Western Collegiate Hockey Association). So, gripped by an unattractive blend of envy (for the future status of the Big Ten) and arrogance (believing they are somehow above schools like Ferris State University, Lake Superior State University, Minnesota State University and others), the schools that formed the NCHC broke off from those two packs.
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