Jennifer Johnson, Grand Forks Herald -- Last month, UND Athletics Director Brian Faison said that he didn’t anticipate changes to the nickname affecting game attendance, and merchants have continued to sell their stockpiles of Fighting Sioux merchandise.
State Rep. Scott Louser, R-Minot, said at that time he anticipated the university’s progress toward a new nickname would be slow because of his plans to introduce a bill during the next legislative session. It would extend the waiting time the university has to choose a new nickname by 2½ years.
He wasn’t concerned the university would pick a new name ahead of his legislation.
“It’s not something they’re going to be able to put together in January and pick a name, I would think,” he’d said then.
Showing posts with label Fight Sioux. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fight Sioux. Show all posts
Friday, September 19, 2014
UPDATE: More on the Nickname Task Force
The Grand Forks Herald has updated their article from earlier today and this caught my eye. I guess, I am all for slowing down picking the name, too. Makes sense to me.
Friday, October 19, 2012
Hextall Style 2500
Mike Swainey from Redskin Warriors sent me this video via my Facebook page today - It's a video that former Miami Redhawk Andy Miele and former Fighting Sioux forward Brett Hextall appear in... I think this video is more for the ladies than the guys.
Friday, August 31, 2012
Compare and contrast - it's the same thing right?
During the Frozen Four in 2011 the poor guy in question see picture above; you've probably seen the video and pictures before got caught up in the moment and was taken to task by opposing fans that don't cheer for the Green and White.
I was tipped off about this little gem through an email - if you watch this Through These Doors video an at roughly the 5:32 mark of the video you will see a fan wearing lets say maroon colors sitting to the left of the stanchion in the front row flip off the Fighting Sioux players as they celebrate a goal against the Saint Cloud State Huskies.
The moral of the story is you never know when the camera is watching and don't do something that you might regret later. I would also say that no fan base is immune to this either.
Wednesday, August 01, 2012
Jutting to the UNO Mavericks?
Monday, July 23, 2012
Hakstol, 'Joe Gleason the epitome of a great teammate'
I don't know how any of us can think about hockey right now, when it's been this hot. I saw this video over on Brad Schlossman's blog and it got me thinking about Joe Gleason and his style of play - I call him the utility player because he does whatever is asked of him and has played every position but goal for the Fighting Sioux.
Recently, Gleason was at the Chicago Blackhawks prospects camp.
This is what UND head coach Dave Hakstol had to say when he was asked about Joe Gleason last season when asked about the junior forward's selfless play.
“Joe Gleason the epitome of a great teammate.”
“Joe is a proud guy and he obviously wants to play, he was recruited here as a defenseman, and both night this weekend he played defense, he played center and he played right wing. I guess I would describe it as invaluable in a team setting. He is doing whatever the teams needs, he not just going out and doing it, but going out and doing it well.”
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Kristo will sign next April after the NCAA Playoffs
After reading this article from the Montreal Gazette, it sounds like Kristo intends to sign with the Montreal Canadians after the UND’s season is over. According to the Sioux forward; Kristo and his teammates have some unfinished business to do.
Based on who UND returns to the lineup and who is coming in, Fighting Sioux hockey fans might have something to be excited about going into the season. What makes the prospects more exciting is an inspired Kristo on a mission and the spark that he could add to this team.
Taking it further, imagine Kristo with another off-season in the gym ready to lead the Fighting Sioux for the 2012-13 season.
Pat Hickey, The Gazette --- [Danny] Kristo said he envisions turning pro next April after what he hopes will be a successful season at North Dakota. The school was one of the top seeds in the NCAA tournament, but missed a berth in the Frozen Four when it was upset 1-0 by Minnesota in the Midwest Regional final.I guess we first need to correct a few incorrect points from the article, UND was beaten by Minnesota 5-2 in the 2012 West Regional Final and Michigan beat the UND 2-0 in the 2011 NCAA Frozen Four Semi-Final, other than that the mess is pretty good.
North Dakota did appear in the Frozen Four two years ago, but lost 1-0 to Michigan in the semifinals.
“I have some unfinished business in North Dakota,” said Kristo, who was Louis Leblanc’s linemate in the USHL. “The past three years we’ve been close, we’ve had a good team. We only lost three guys from last season, so we’re going to have a good team.”
Kristo said he takes some inspiration from former teammates who stayed at North Dakota for four years.
“Just a year ago at North Dakota, we had three seniors who decided to stay,” Kristo said. “You look at (Matt) Frattin, (Brad) Malone and (Chay) Genoway, and they all played in the NHL last season. There are different paths for everyone. It’s (a) pretty close-knit family at North Dakota and going back for one year will make me better.”
Kristo is one of the more entertaining players to listen to in the post-game media scrums This is just more classic Kristo right here.
“You never know until you get there, but I think was ready,” Kristo said. “With everything that was going on in the offseason, I didn’t know if someone (with the Canadiens) was going to get fired or there was going to be a new GM but, in the end, going back to school would be the right decision.”I think that there is a message here – Kristo talked to his former team mates that stayed all four years at UND instead of signing early to play in the professional rank and he decided that it was a good idea personally if he will return to Grand Forks to play his final season for the Fighting Sioux.
Sometimes I think that some of these college athletes are in a hurry to get to the next level and sometimes these athletes miss out on a great opportunity to play out their college eligibility as well as live the college experience. With the present CBA the money is going to be about the same whether they stay and play three or four season in college. One has to wonder if former Fighting Sioux forwards Jason Gregoire and Brett Hextall regret leaving early to play in the minors last season.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
AP - Tribe quiet as ND voters scrap Fighting Sioux name
Miami Herald - Walter Twinn, 69, who still speaks his native Dakota language, said there are only a handful of people on the reservation strongly opposed to the name. He cited a 1969 pipe ceremony held on the UND campus when a delegation from Standing Rock and at least one representative from Spirit Lake reportedly bestowed to the university permanent rights to use the nickname.This article brings up an issue – first what is the new nickname and what is it going to be – second, who is going to decide what the new nickname is going to be?
"UND has helped a lot of Indian students," Twinn said. "It should stay." The Standing Rock reservation straddles the North and South Dakota border and is home to about 9,000 people, more than half of whom live in North Dakota. Elections for tribal chairman typically draw up to 2,000 voters.
Lawrence Miller, an employee at the tribe's casino, said it makes little sense to change the name. However, he acknowledges that he didn't vote. "What are they going to call themselves, the Holsteins? Or the Cow Milkers?" Miller said.
Bubba Standing Bear, who spent Wednesday herding cows on horseback, said he would have approved the measure had he been old enough to vote. "To me it really doesn't matter. It's just a name," he said. "I didn't think it was disrespectful. I know a lot of the old people might not like it but I think it is respectful."
Erich Longie, an enrolled member of the Spirit Lake tribe who has been an outspoken critic against the nickname, said UND T-shirts and other giveaways encouraged about two-thirds of 1,100 members of that tribe to endorse the name in 2009. He said only 70 people on the Spirit Lake reservation voted Tuesday.
"They didn't have all the free stuff to pass out," Longie said. "It shows you how much people cared about the vote."
The name is in the process of eventually being changed, however, the road to finding an acceptable replacement for the Fighting Sioux nickname is going to be the next fight – we need to get out front and make sure that the school isn’t stuck with an unacceptable and downright stupid replacement nickname. We don’t need to think very hard to imagine some of the unacceptable replacement names that some have already suggested.
I am of the belief that nothing we select is ever going to be as good as the Fighting Sioux nickname that is the brutal reality. I have always said that if UND can’t be the Fighting Sioux than it should simply be “North Dakota” I know there are some that don’t like that idea. There are many UND fans that like that idea as well.
For the sake of the Alumni and school – the powers that be better tread lightly in selecting the next nickname for the University of North Dakota, there needs to be a cooling off period and the law that the state reverted back to says that no name will be selected until 2015.
There should be no hurry to select a new nickname – there are going to be some; especially the ones that wanted UND to lose the Fighting Sioux nickname in the first place, these people will try and push UND into selecting a new nickname immediately and they are going to push the issue. Those people need to have the brakes put on them. Any nickname going forward should have the input of the UND Alumni, current students and Faculty and Staff.
If not we are going to end up with a stupid nickname like “Sundogs” and we can’t let that happen.
ND SBoHE directs UND to retire Fighting Sioux nickname
Associated Press, FARGO — The state Board of Higher Education has directed the University of North Dakota to retire its Fighting Sioux nickname.As we found out before, when the Fighting Sioux nickname was first retired from January 1st until about February 7th 2012 – when 17,000 petitions were handed in at the State Capital in Bismarck, ND forcing UND to become the Fighting Sioux again – that’s it’s going to take some time getting used to not being the Fighting Sioux anymore. After Tuesday's vote, UND once again becomes the school formally known as the Fighting Sioux. Don’t expect fans to just change overnight, UND has been the Fighting Sioux for 80+ years.
State residents voted overwhelmingly earlier this week to uphold the Legislature's repeal of a state law requiring the school to use the nickname. The moniker that the NCAA finds offensive had been brought out of retirement for a second time while the measure was decided.
Board President Grant Shaft, of Grand Forks, says there's not much more that can be said about the issue that hasn't been said already.
UND will be asked to report its progress at a later date.
That being said, you’re also going to hear and the home of the Sioux at the end of the national anthem, and you’re going to see Fighting Sioux jersey’s and gear for a very long time. The reality is that UND isn’t going to have a new nickname until 2015.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
A look at the numbers - Measure 4
Fargo, ND (WDAY TV) - It has been a hot-button issue for years. The much talked about, much debated Fighting Sioux nickname debate. Voters are trying to decide, once and for all, whether to retire it or keep it and risk sanction by the NCAA.I was only able to find one county Billings that voted for the Fighting Sioux nickname No 150 - Yes 148. Another head scratcher was the low turnout at the Spirit Lake Tribe’s voting stations yesterday. According to WDAZ there were only 50 ballots counted by early yesterday afternoon – my question is where were the voters from the Spirit Lake Tribe yesterday?
Yes: 113,684 (67.35%)
No: 55,114 (32.65%)
426/426 Precincts reporting
A "Yes" vote retires the nickname. A "No" vote requires U-N-D to keep it.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
North Dakota Voters let UND retire Fighting Sioux nickname
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| University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux athletic logo (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
First off, I it was very hard for me to vote yes on measure 4 because I do not believe that the Fighting Sioux nickname is racist or hostile and abusive.
That being said, the NCAA has UND over a barrel and they hold all of the cards because the NCAA writes the rules and controls college athletics - UND can play by those rules or the University or face NCAA Sanctions (as it currently is). One final options is that UND can go join another governing body - the option is not feasible.
I like many think that the NCAA is an out of control organization that needs to be reeled in because they have over stepped their bounds and put there nose where it doesn't belong. None the less, lets not forget that the North Dakota State Attorney General signed a settlement agreement with the NCAA and UND is expected to abide by that settlement agreement.
Contrary to Majority Leader Al Carlson's delusions of grandeur, the NCAA wasn't going to bend and they have pointed to the Settlement Agreement time and time again. The good people of Sioux county have finally weighed in on the issue and have voted to retire the Fighting Sioux nickname. That in it's self doesn't make sense since 1000+ people from the Standing Rock Tribe signed the petitions to bring measure 4 to a voted.
But I digress.
If UND had retained the Fighting Sioux nickname our sports teams would not be able to play the University of Minnesota, the University of Wisconsin, Iowa, South Dakota State and possibly the other school North Dakota State University during the regular season play because of the Fighting Sioux logo.
While playing Iowa might not seem like that big of a deal to some fans, not being able to play the Badgers and the Gophers in any sport is a big deal and would end up proving costly for the University of North Dakota in the end. Who doesn't want to see UND beat Wisconsin and Minnesota whenever we get a chance.
In my opinion this is a sad day me and it has been an emotional roller coaster - I love the Fighting Sioux nickname and it's one of the best logos and nicknames in all of college sport, nothing we replace the nickname will ever be as good as the Fighting Sioux nickname. I will wear my Sioux logos with pride until they wear out.
Rob Port of Sayanything blog had this to say of the vote.
It was a valiant fight, but it’s time for the Sioux nickname to go. Barring a vote on the Standing Rock reservation, or the Spirit Lake Sioux getting the NCAA to back down with their lawsuit, the people of North Dakota have spoken. It’s time for the name to go.
Statement from UND President Robert Kelley About Vote on Measure 4
We are appreciative that voters took the time to listen and to understand the issues and the importance of allowing the University to move forward. We also understand how deeply this has affected all of us.
Tuesday's vote allows us to focus our attention on our students as we continue to build exceptional programs in all areas of the University. We appreciate the support that has been expressed for the University of North Dakota over the past several weeks, and especially for UND Athletics. It is support that will continue to be important as we build a great future for the University and for UND Athletics.
We will continue to work with the State Board of Higher Education, the North Dakota University System, and the leadership in athletics as we move forward.
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Poll on Ballot Measure four, 59 percent will vote yes.
Posted above is a screen shot of the Ballot Measure 4 polling numbers. A state wide poll was conducted by a national polling firm, Mason-Dixon during last week. It would appear that the Yes vote on ballot measure four has almost 60 percent of the vote, but we will wait and see how Tuesday's vote turns out. A lot of things can happen and it would be interesting to see how they conducted their poll on. Polls conducted on likely voters are more accurate than a simple poll of potential voters.
Based on the numbers it would appear that women voters are more in favor of a the University of North Dakota dropping the Fighting Sioux nickname than men; Republicans seem to be more in favor of UND retaining the Fighting Sioux nickname than Democrats and Independants.
Friday, June 08, 2012
MacWilliam "has" shoulder surgery
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| Frattrick Tumblr |
Brad Elliot Schlossman, University of North Dakota Hockey --- UND defenseman Andrew MacWilliam has had surgery on his shoulder.Speaks to the type of hockey player that the UND Fighting Sioux coaching staff recruit – this past season there were an incredible amount of games lost to injury – but the Fighting Sioux where still able to qualify for the NCAA Tourney and secure a number one seed. I had heard that one of the Fighting Sioux defenseman had played the Minnesota series with a separated shoulder.
MacWilliam played about the last two months of the season with an ongoing dislocated shoulder issue, according to a source.
The senior-to-be is expected to be one of UND’s top players next season and a candidate to be one of the captains. At this point, it is unclear whether MacWilliam will be able to play in the season opener, but it is possible.
Tuesday, June 05, 2012
Herald - UND coaches will tour state to talk nickname
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| University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux athletic logo (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
Tom Miller, Grand Forks Herald --- UND athletic director Brian Faison and five of his head coaches will hit the road this morning to attend press conferences in Fargo, Bismarck and Minot in hopes of spreading the word about the consequences of retaining the Fighting Sioux nickname and logo.Next Tuesday June 12th voters will go to the polls to decide four ballot measures as well as primary candidates for Senate, Congress and Governor.
The trip comes one week before a statewide vote on Measure 4, which would allow the university to retire the nickname and logo.
“This is an opportunity for us to have our coaches available to answer questions about Measure 4 and how it affects their programs,” Faison said. “The most important thing is these individuals are the ones who have to deal with the consequences on a day-to-day basis. This is a good opportunity to communicate about the facts.”
Friday, June 01, 2012
Tim O’Keefe, Grand Forks, letter: Facts explain Alumni Association’s choice
GRAND FORKS — There has been conjecture and criticism of the unanimous decision by the management and board of the UND Alumni Association and Foundation to lead the effort to educate North Dakota voters about the importance of voting “yes” on Measure 4, which would let UND to retire the Fighting Sioux name.
The decision came after considerable discussion and due process and was based on these factors:
** Election laws prevent UND personnel from advocating a position in a political vote, rendering the university defenseless in a situation threatening the future for its students.
** Student Senate, Staff Senate, Faculty Senate, UND administration, the Athletic Department and all 17 head coaches, along with the UND Alumni Association and Foundation, are unanimous in their support of “Yes” on Measure 4.
The strength of unanimity in our group is a powerful answer to those who have questioned our integrity and credibility.
** Student-athlete recruiting is a cutthroat business, and negative recruiting is a reality. [Read the rest of the letter]
Since Tim O’keefe has kicked off his campaign to retire the Fighting Sioux nickname, Okeefe has taken a beating from some. O’keefe has been called a sell out and others have said that he was forced to come out against the nickname by the University of North Dakota administration.
Tuesday, April 03, 2012
Nelson signs with Islanders and Big Mac to return.
I will post any updates that come up. It's turning out to be a busy news day for the Fighting Sioux.
There have been 8 players to forgo their college eligibility this season in the WCHA this season.
University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux
Brock Nelson, sophomore, Forward, New York Islanders
Colorado College Tigers
Jaden Schwartz, sophomore, Forward, St. Louis Blues
Denver University Pioneers
Drew Shore, Junior Forward, Florida Panthers
Jason Zucker, sophomore, Forward, Minnesota Wild
Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs
J.T. Brown, sophomore, Forward, Tampa Bay Lightning
Nebraska-Omaha Mavericks
Terry Broadhurst, Junior Forward, Chicago Blackhawks
St. Cloud State Huskies
David Eddy, Junior Forward, Calgary Flames
Mike Lee, Junior Goalie, Phoenix Coyotes
Related articles
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Dell backstops Sioux to 4-0 victory over the Pioneers
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| Image via Wikipedia |
St. Paul Minn. – Back in November, who would have thought that the Fighting Sioux would face off against Denver University and win the championship game of the Red Baron WCHA Final Five?
Especially on Sunday the 20th of November 2011. The Fighting Sioux had just suffered an unimpressive 1-0 loss to the Bemidji State Beavers at the Sandford Center in Bemidji, Minnesota. After that loss, the Fighting Sioux had a lackluster record of 4-7-1 overall and 1-5 in the WCHA. That record was good for 11th place in the WCHA standings.
After the game, the Fighting Sioux took the two hour bus trip down highway two back to Grand Forks, they regrouped and on Monday morning the Fighting Sioux coaching staff conducted a bag skate on the Fighting Sioux hockey team at six o’clock.
Since that early morning bag skate, the Fighting Sioux have gone an impressive 21-5-2. That is the best overall record in Divison I hockey since November 26 , 2011.
Coming into the game, the Denver Pioneers had played five games in eight days and there was the question of fatigue, the last three games the Pioneers played in, had gone to overtime including yesterday’s double overtime win against the University of Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs. You had to wonder how much was left in the tank for the Pioneers.
The Sioux would test the Pioneers tired legs early and often.
The Fighting Sioux got on the board first and broke the 0-0 dead lock at the 17:43 mark of the first period when sophomore Brock Nelson scored his 27th goal on the power play.
Before the public address could announce the first goal, the Fighting Sioux would score again with a goal from junior forward Carter Rowney at the 18:29 mark of the first period. That was the 18th goal of the season for Rowney.
The Fighting Sioux never looked back as they added a power play goal by Michael Parks in the second period and a shorthanded goal in the third period by Mark MacMillan.
Pioneers Head Coach George Gwozdecky was very complimentary of the Fighting Sioux after the game.
“Congratulations to North Dakota,” Gwozdecky said. “They did a nice job tonight, they are a good defending champion, they took advantage of a couple of leg weary defensemen and they did a nice job. They were better than us, pretty much in every area of the game and they are a good champion.”
The Sioux took advantage of the Denver Pioneers being a step slower and they kept moving their feet and making plays.
In the third period, the Fighting Sioux didn’t miss a beat, with Carter Rowney in the box for cross checking the Sioux cashed in shorthanded as well with a goal from Mark MacMillan to seal the game for the Fighting Sioux.
Goaltending was the story in this game as Fighting Sioux junior goalie Aaron Dell was the difference stopping all 22 shots that he faced, to record his second shutout of the season. Dell ended up securing a spot on the all-tournament team and was also awarded the WCHA Final Five tournament MVP.
With tonight’s win, the Fighting Sioux have won three Broadmoor Trophies in a row for the Fighting Sioux. No other WCHA team has ever done that.
Overall, Fighting Sioux head coach Dave Hakstol seemed pleased his team’s effort after the game.
“I am really proud of my team,” Hakstol said. “We tried to come into today and play a complete hockey game, right from the drop of the puck, try and play 60 minutes, third game in three days, energy levels aren’t going to be necessarily at the top end. We won the game through small details, plus one, five on five, we score two power play goals and a short hander, and we got very good goaltending. That’s a pretty good formula for a playoff time especially going in to a championship game.
“Denver has been one heck of a run here, in terms of the battles they have been through; maybe they ran out of gas just a little bit with the amount of hockey that they played. That was one of the things that we had try to exploit if we possibly could by being a really tough team to play against. We are proud to be Broadmoor Cup Champions.”
With the win tonight, the Fighting Sioux improve to 25-12-3 and will find out where they are going in the first round of the WCHA tourney.
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