Ben Blood on playing for the Sioux

s/t to a Tradition of Excellence, who had this on his blog today. Blood’s statement is a good endorsement of college hockey and the Fighting Sioux hockey program and their development of talent.

"There's a number of reasons," Blood said as to why he stayed in school. "One, to get an education. Two, because North Dakota is such a special place. There's nothing like playing in Ralph Engelstad Arena. We have a coaching staff that's second to none there, and they certainly know what they're doing when it comes to developing hockey players and moving them on to the next level."

The rugged 6-foot-4, 226-pound defenseman has already played in two games with the B-Sens, but is happy to get an introduction to the city and building where he expects to start next season.

"The play is definitely faster," he said. "Guys are bigger, smarter ... you've got to be more positionally sound out there. I think I just need to play a bit more and get used to it. It helps getting out here, getting used to the lifestyle so it's not really a culture shock next fall." [Press Connects]

First off, I am a fan of both the CHL and the NCAA hockey route, I think both are very good ways to make the NHL. Traditionally, the CHL (WHL, OHL, QMJHL) has produced the most hockey players from Canada who are currently playing in the NHL, that is a fact none of us can deny. That being said the NCAA has done a good job developing both American and Canadian born players for the NHL. All you have to do is look at the NHL rosters around the NHL.

Speaking of player development, Let's Play Hockey has an interesting article on the development of American hockey players and compared the CHL vs. the NCAA.

• 30 players from Minnesota left the U.S. to play primarily in the OHL or WHL. Of these players, only four have made it to the NHL for at least 41 games – Dustin Byfugloen, Peter Mueller, Kurt Sauer and Mike Sauer. During this same period, 30 Minnesota players who played NCAA hockey made it to the NHL for at least 41 games – David Tanabe, Jordan Leopold, Jeff Taffe, Paul Martin, Andrew Alberts, Mark Stuart, Brandon Bochenski, Zach Parise, Keith Ballard, Ryan Carter, Tim Gilbert, David Backes, Colin Stuart, Tim Conboy, Matt NIskanen, Jack Hillen, Kyle Okposo, Brian Lee, Alex Goligoski, Erik Johnson, Steve Wagner, Mike Lundin, Matt Smaby, Blake Wheeler, Matt Hendricks, Dan Sexton, Jamie McBain, Ryan McDonagh, Derek Stepan and Justin Braun.

Brendan Lemieux going to UND not OHL

In case anyone is confused Brendan Lemieux posted this on Twitter tonight.

Related articles

• More UND bolters to CHL? (RW77) (ndgoon.blogspot.com)

Nelson takes home some hardware

Fighting Sioux forward Brock Nelson has made the All-CHN second team.


2011-12 All-CHN Team
First Team
F Jack Connolly, Sr., Minnesota-Duluth
F Spencer Abbott, Sr., Maine
F Austin Smith, Sr., Colgate
D Justin Schultz, Jr., Wisconsin
D Brian Dumoulin, Jr., Boston College
G Shawn Hunwick, Sr., Michigan

Second Team

F Brock Nelson, So., North Dakota
F Reilly Smith, Jr., Miami
F Drew Shore, Jr., Denver
D Torey Krug, Jr., Michigan State
D Danny Biega, Jr., Harvard
G Troy Grosenick, So., Union

Rookie Team

F Kyle Rau, Minnesota
F Johnny Gaudreau, Boston College
F Scott Wilson, Mass.-Lowell
D Joey LaLeggia, Denver
D Patrick McNally, Harvard
G Frank Slubowski, Western Michigan

Aaron Dell will be just fine...

 Eric Hylden/Forum Communications Co.

This was in Ryan S. Clark’s hockey blog; I thought I would comment briefly. First pretty bold statements from the coach of the Fargo Force John Marks, especially when you’re talking about Fighting Sioux goaltender Aaron Dell who was an All-American goaltender during the 2010-11 season, Dell is also one of the better goaltenders to come through UND in probably the last ten seasons. During his time at UND Dell has an impressive 49-20-5 and 9 career shutouts.

Ryan S. Clarke, Slightly Chilled --- If losing to rival Minnesota on Sunday wasn’t bad, there’s even some more bad news for North Dakota goaltender Aaron Dell.

He might not be starting by Christmas, according to Fargo Force coach John Marks. Marks said after his team’s 4-2 win on Saturday he believes Force goaltender Zane Gothberg (North Dakota) has a legit shot of taking over as the No. 1 next season.

“I predict before Christmas Zane is the starting goalie at UND,” Marks said. “Dell better watch himself. But I also know he could leave too. (North Dakota head coach) Dave Hakstol and (assistant) Carey Eades and the Sioux have a good goalie coming in and he’s going to be one of the better ones they’ve had come in the last few years.”

Also, if you have watched the Fighting Sioux on a regular basis, you will remember that Aaron Dell came in last season and took over the starting role from a goaltender that was a two time all WCHA goalie in Brad Eidsness.

This season when Eids looked like he had regained his form from his Freshman and Sophomore seasons and played some key minutes and got back on a roll again, the head coach Dave Hakstol still came back with Aaron Dell. So I do find these comments to be interesting. I would predict that Gothberg is going to have to earn his playing time and I would be shocked to see Dell get the majority of the starts next season unless he decides to sign a professional contract.

A chance to weigh in... What does UND need going forward?

Grand Forks Herald Picture

I could't agree more.

Coach Hakstol On the Fighting Sioux's season “Like I said, it’s impossible to try to, at this point in time, put the season into perspective. If we could sit down and do this in 48 hours, I probably would do a much better job of it. …A very proud group of men that really wouldn’t take no for an answer throughout the entire year. We gave ourselves a chance tonight. One of the questions was, ‘What happened tonight?’ We had a good first period. We didn’t make enough plays tonight. Once we got it back to 2-1, we made a mistake to allow it to go 3-1 without forcing Minnesota to make a great play, and that really turned the tide against us. Momentum’s a big thing in a hockey game. That was a huge momentum swing tonight. In terms of our season, I couldn’t ask more from a group of warriors.”

While none of us enjoy watching our team lose to end their season with another painful loss, the reality is that only one team will end their season with a win and a national title.

I have read a lot of comments on line from various fans talking about how this year’s team was a pleasure to watch and might have over achieved.

On the other side of the coin, we still have fans that no matter what head coach Dave Hakstol does it will never be good enough until the Fighting Sioux win the national title. Yep, it’s been 12 seasons since the Fighting Sioux last won a national title.  

During that same time frame three teams from the WCHA have won national titles - DU (X2), Minnesota (X2), UMD (1X) and Wisconsin (1X). Those teams have also missed the NCAA tourney when UND has not for the last ten seasons. The last time UND missed the NCAA tourney was 2001-02.

Until this season Minnesota has missed the NCAA tourney for three season in a row.

Here is your chance to weigh in with your thoughts on the season. I am kind of interested to hear what some of the fans have to say about the season a day after the Fighting Sioux lost to the hated Rodents in St. Paul.

What was your favorite memory of the past season?

What do you want to see next season?

What did you think about the new North Dakota Hockey Jersey’s?

Who stays and who goes?

What’s your thought on the coaching staff?

Sioux vs. Gophers lines - Loser goes home...

Minnesota’s Forward Lines

7 Kyle Rau – 27 Nick Bjugstad – 24 Zach Budish
11 Sam Warning – 19 Erik Haula– 21 Jake Hansen
16 Nate Condon–22 Travis Boyd – 9 Taylor Matson
14 Tom Serratore – 13 Nico Sacchetti – 17 Seth Ambroz

Minnesota Defense Parings

4 Seth Helgeson–12 Justin Holl
10 Ben Marshall–20 Mark Alt
6 Jake Parenteau–29 Nate Schmidt

Goalies 

35 Kent Patterson
1 Michael Shibrowski
30 Jake Kremer

Minnesota Players Stats 


Fighting Sioux Forward Lines

29 Brock Nelson–10 Corban Knight (A) –7 Danny Kristo
16 Mark MacMillan–27 Carter Rowney–15 Michael Parks
Stephane Pattyn 28 –9 Mario Lamoureux (C) – 20 Joe Gleason
8 Dan Senkbeil–13 Connor Gaarder– No forward.

Fighting Sioux Defensive Pairings

4 Derek Forbort – 24 Ben Blood
2 Andrew MacWilliam (A) – 5 Nick Mattson
18 Dillon Simpson–22 Andrew Panzarella

Fighting Sioux Goalies 

32 Aaron Dell 
31 Brad Eidsness
35 Tate Maris

UND Official Players Stats 

Radio: The games can be heard at 96.1 the Fox.
Television: ESPNU 208 DirecTV

A quick look at the regionals... Goon's Pontifications….

I was asked to provide my picks for this weekend’s regionals. I will take a look at the Frozen Four next weekend after all of the dust settles on the tourney.

Last weekend I went a perfect 5-0 and picked the Red Baron WCHA Final Five to a “T” but every dog has its day right. I don’t see that happening this weekend, because along the way stuff happens and picks get blown up, teams win that you don’t expect to win.

Northeast Regional

(1) Boston College
(4) Air Force
(2) MN-Duluth
(3) Maine

In the Northeast Regional; this is the region of death for the 2012 NCAA regionals. I also want to say, sorry Bulldog fans, I don’t see anyone beating Boston College this weekend; they are one of the best teams that I have seen play this season. That being said, I am willing to be proved wrong and would relish watching B.C. Eagles lose.

The Eagles are the fourth ranked defense and they are going to be hard to get past. Patrick Milner has been decent in goal for the Eagles and I also believe that Bulldogs senior goalie Kenny Reiter is the weak link on the Bulldogs hockey team. I thought that the UMD Bulldogs looked fast up front through the forward lines in the five games that I saw them play this season but I think goaltending and defense for the Bulldogs are going to have to be flawless to beat the Eagles.

I also think the Boston College Eagles are "probably" the best team in college hockey right now. The Boston College Eagles also come into the Northeast Regional on a roll, as they have won 15 games in a row.


West Regional

(2) Minnesota
(3) Boston University
(4) Western Michigan
(1) North Dakota

I am picking North Dakota to win the West Regional, big shock right? I am also still waiting for Dave from the Minneapolis Metro area to congratulate me for picking “the whole” WCHA Final Five correctly. Dave is the Gophers fan that called me a homer because I picked North Dakota to win the Red Barron WCHA Final Five. Hum!!! I guess I am wrong for not drinking the Gophers Kool-Aide. I have to give the Minnesota Gophers credit; they did play well for 31 minutes in last Friday’s game before the Sioux buried them.

Personally, I never bet against a team that is coached by Dave Hakstol. That being said, I also think that this is a pick-em regional and a bit of a crap shoot and anything could happen in this regional, nothing would surprise me one bit.

I also wouldn’t be surprised one bit if BU and WMU played for the regional championship Sunday. After reading the chat that Roman Augustoviz, (the beat writer for the Minneapolis Star and Tribune), had on his blog yesterday I found it funny that Gophers fans were looking past Boston University. I guess they don’t see any way that the Terriers beat them.

Trivia courtesy of Roman, UND Head Coach Dave Hakstol is 5-4 against the Gophers in the NCAA and WCHA playoffs.

2004: Gophers beat North Dakota 5-4 in Final Five championship game ... both advanced to NCAAs

2005: North Dakota beats Gophers 4-2 in Final Five championship game and 4-2 in Frozen Four semifinals in Columbus, Ohio ... Gophers' season over

2007 Gophers beat North Dakota 3-2 in overtime in Final Five championship game, but lose 2-3 in overtime in West Regional final in Denver ... Gophers' season over

2010: North Dakota beats Gophers 6-0, 2-4, 4-1 in first round of the WCHA playoffs ... Gophers' season over

East Regional

(1) Union
(4) Michigan State
(2) Miami
(3) Mass.-Lowell

I am probably going to get a bit of heat from Joe “Gladdy” Gladziszewski from Inside College Hockey, but this season will be no different than the others past, there is another ECAC team that is a number one seed. There will be another number one seed from the ECAC eliminated by the end of the weekend. Sorry, but I don’t see anyone getting past the Miami University RedHawks in this regional. The Miami RedHawks have righted the ship after a rough start at the beginning of the season. The Miami RedHawks have won 9/10 games since being swept by the Michigan Wolverines back on February 4th, 2012.

Midwest Regional

(2) Ferris State
(3) Denver
(4) Cornell
(1) Michigan

I believe that this is Michigan’s regional to win. Having watched Michigan play in a few games on national television this season and after watching them sweep Miami earlier this season I am convinced they’re the second best team in the NCAA Field. That being said, nothing would please me more than watching the Michigan Wolverines lose but also watching Shawn Hunwick get lit up in the Midwest Regional Denver or Ferris State.

Ryan Duncan gets 45 stiches from skate blade

If you haven’t seen it, former Fighting Sioux forward Ryan Duncan caught a skate in the face causing 45 stitches. Ouch!!! That is definitely going to leave a mark and I can imagine he will have a scare from that laceration.  Picture was on Ryan’s twitter account at http://www.twitter.com/@rduncan16

Struggle of a long time Sioux fan... Kim McLeod

I was alerted to this story by  a person on Sioux Sports this past weekend and I was meaning to get to this story sooner but my life has been busier than heck the last week. A truely touching story. Kim will be in my thoughts and prayers.

The Dawg Blog --- Kim McLeod, a longtime hockey player, coach and die hard North Dakota fan had a surprise visit between periods while attending Friday nights DU-ND game. Some background first.

Kim has been fighting a very aggressive form of cancer for the last year. He has overcome numerous obstacles and surgery during this time. Many people have been supporting him. Because of his love for his North Dakota hockey team, over 30 friends and family flew in to be with Kim at this game. Dawg Nation, having heard of Kim’s battle just the week of the game stepped up to make the night even more special for Kim. With the help of DU and especially Coach Gwozdecky, the staff from North Dakota was made aware of Kim and his situation. North Dakota Coach Dave Hakstol told Kim’s story to the team on the plane as they passed around a ND hat to sign.

After the entire team signed the hat it was given to the Assistant AD Steve Brekke. Steve met up with Dawg nation representatives’ President Martin Richardson and Dennis Heaton after the first period. It gets better as the head AD from North Dakota Brian Faison joined them to present Kim his hat. Kim is known as the green beer guy at these games because he carries green food coloring with him to turn unsuspecting DU fans beers a North Dakota green. Kim did not disappoint and while carrying a green beer was approached by Marty who told him some guys from North Dakota wanted to see him. Kim recognized Brian and Steve and was totally in shock when they presented him with his signed hat. His eyes misted up as he kept repeating “I can’t believe it”. After some discussion Kim went back to his seat to cheer on his team. He was seen during the next intermission proudly showing off his hat with a smile and a sparkle in his eye.

Series ticket packages for WCHA first round on sale Tuesday, Feb. 28

Let's fill up the Ralph for the first round of the WCHA Playoffs.

Official Release

GRAND FORKS, N.D. – - Series ticket packages for North Dakota's Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) first-round playoff series will go on sale on Tuesday, Feb. 28 at 10 a.m. Central.

Ticket packages for both the general public and UND students go on sale beginning at 10 a.m. Tuesday. Student tickets will be available online only at Ticketmaster.com. General public ticket packages can be purchased by calling 1-800-745-3000, logging on to Ticketmaster.com or by visiting the UND Ticket Office at the Ralph Engelstad Arena. The ticket office is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

UND students will receive an e-mail with a keyword needed to purchase a series ticket passage. Student ticket packages will be held for students until the student pre-sale ends on Thursday, March 1 at 5 p.m. All unsold student tickets will then be released to the general public at 10 a.m. on Friday, March 2. Students may purchase up to four reserved seat tickets per UND student ID.

Series ticket packages are $40 for adults, $20 for youth and $14 for UND students.

Single-game WCHA first-round playoff tickets will go one sale on Tuesday, March 6 at 10 a.m. Single-game tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for youth and $7 for UND students. Single-game tickets are subject to availability.

The first round of the WCHA playoffs take place March 9, 10 and 11 (if necessary). Game times are 7:37 p.m. on Friday and 7:07 on Saturday and Sunday. All times Central. UND's first-round opponent has not yet been determined.

UND vs. DU game 2

Tonight's game is on 683 DirecTV. 
Radio:  UND 96.1 (KQHT-FM) – The Fox.

Webcast: There will be no webcasts this weekend.  

TV Saturday: Root Sports Rocky Mountain – 683 DirecTV


Fighting Sioux Forward Lines

29 Brock Nelson–10 Corban Knight (A) –7 Danny Kristo
16 Mark MacMillan–27 Carter Rowney–15 Michael Parks
Stephane Pattyn 28 –9 Mario Lamoureux (C) – 20 Joe Gleason
8 Dan Senkbeil–13 Connor Gaarder– No forward.

UND Defensive Pairings. 

4 Derek Forbort – 24 Ben Blood
2 Andrew MacWilliam (A) – 5 Nick Mattson
18 Dillon Simpson–22 Andrew Panzarella

UND Goalies 

31 Brad Eidsness
35 Tate Maris
UND Official Players Stats 

UND Injuries: Forwards Rocco Grimaldi (season knee surgery), Brendan O’Donnell (season ending surgery), and Derek Rodwell (season shoulder surgery) are out.

Denver’s Forward Lines

12 Ty Loney–15 Drew Shore–18 Luke Salazar
17 Jason Zucker–23 Nick Shore–11 Chris Knowlton
37 Nate Dewhurst–26 Shawn Ostrow–8 Dustin Jackson
14 Larkin Jacobson–25 Matt Tabrum–10 Daniel Doremus

Denver Defensive Pairings

7 Paul Phillips–2 Scott Mayfield
24 John Ryder–4 Josiah Didier
21 Joey LaLeggia–5 John Lee

Denver Goalies

31 Juho Olkinuora

1 Sam Brittain
33 Adam Murray

Denver players stats 

Referees: Todd Anderson, Brad Shepherd
Linesmen: Bob Keltie, Tim Swiader

Chambers; Stakes are high in University of Denver-North Dakota hockey series

From the opposition media guy; Mike Chambers who covers the Denver Pioneers and writes for the Denver Post and usually has some red meat articles to stir up the masses and enflame the UND hockey fan base. This article is almost too tame.

Mike Chambers, Denver Post --- Each team has four regular-season games remaining. DU needs one victory and a Michigan Tech loss to clinch home-ice advantage for the first-round, best-of-three WCHA playoffs March 9-11. The Sioux could finish anywhere from first to ninth.

The league's top six teams host the bottom six, with the winners advancing to the WCHA Final Five on March 15-17 at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minn. The top four seeds in St. Paul will get a quarterfinal bye in the second year of the six-team format. (The name remained the same because there are five games.)

A year ago, North Dakota beat DU 3-2 in double overtime in the Final Five championship game. The following week, the Sioux eliminated the Pioneers 6-1 in an NCAA Tournament regional title game in Green Bay, Wis.

Friday's game at DU is the first this season between the storied programs and bitter rivals.

Related articles

• WCHA Power Rankings - February 21 (insidehockey.com)
• Goon's WCHA Power Rankings 2/19/2012 (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• WCHA Power Rankings - February 13 (insidehockey.com)
• Chambers; Stakes are high in University of Denver-North Dakota hockey series (ndgoon.blogspot.com)

Through These Doors Episode 14

Another awesome job by the guys at UNDsports.com

No UND Mens Hockey, time to head to the Ralph for UND Women's hockey

Since there is no Men’s UND hockey this weekend, if you live in Grand Forks, ND you can watch the UND women live at the Ralph Englestad Arena this weekend and record these collee hockey games on your DVR and get your of college hockey. This is the last regular season home game for the UND women of the season as well.

Starting in 2013-14 CBS Sports network will become the home to NCHC Hockey I thought I would include this press release that they sent me in my email.

Number 18-ranked Miami at Number 7-ranked Michigan highlights college hockey action on CBS Sports Network

CBS Sports Network airs a slate of three college hockey games this weekend, highlighted by *No. 18-ranked Miami at No. 7-ranked Michigan on Saturday, Feb. 4 (7:30 PM, ET). Ben Holden and Dave Starman handle the call, along with Shireen Saski reporting rink side from Yost Ice Arena in Ann Arbor, Mich.

The puck drops with a doubleheader on Friday, Feb. 3 beginning with Providence at New Hampshire (7:30 PM, ET). Eric Frede, Dave Starman and Shireen Saski announce. RIT at Air Force (10:00 PM, ET) follows from Cadet Ice Arena in Colorado Springs, Colo. Matt McConnell and Jim Paradise call the action.

For more information, including a full programming schedule and how to get CBS Sports Network, go to CBS Sports Network.

EDIT: Game Information - Friday's game on FCS and Midco.net
Friday (7:07 p.m.) and Saturday (7:07 p.m.) Ralph Engelstad Arena - Grand Forks, N.D.

TELEVISION (Friday): UND Sports Network and Midco Sports Net3 (ch. 323), Fox College Sports Central

WEBCAST: www.UNDSports.com

Radio/Audio - : The Fan 1440 AM (Saturday and Sunday)/WDAY 970 AM (Sunday)
www.UNDSports.com

LIVE STATS: www.UNDSports.com

UND Freshman Connor Gaarder named WCHA Rookie of the Week

Valley News Live

GRAND FORKS, N.D. –North Dakota freshman forward Connor Gaarder (pronounced ‘gorder’) has been named Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) Rookie of the Week for his performance in UND’s non-conference series with Harvard last weekend.

Gaarder collected four points and was a +3 in the series to help lead UND to a win and a tie against the Crimson. In Saturday’s 7-3 win, Gaarder had a power-play goal and two assists for the first multi-point game of his career. One night earlier, the Edina, Minn., native scored his first collegiate goal to put UND ahead 4-1 in an eventual 4-4 overtime tie.

Gaarder now has six points (2g, 4a) in his last five games after opening his career with one assist in his first six games. He became the second UND freshman to earn WCHA Rookie of the Week honors this season, joining forward Brendan O’Donnell, who was honored on Dec. 6.

Denver junior forward Drew Shore was named WCHA Offensive Player of the Week, while DU freshman goalie Juho Olkinuora was named WCHA Rookie of the Week.

UND’s WCHA Players of the Week

Nov. 29: Brock Nelson (Co-Offensive)
Dec. 6: Brock Nelson (Offensive), Brendan O’Donnell (Rookie)
Dec. 13: Aaron Dell (Defensive)
Jan. 4: Connor Gaarder (Rookie)

Harvard vs. UND shot charts game one

The Fighting Sioux came out in the first period with a lot of energy and had a lot of nice chances in the slot. There were a couple of shots close in that Sioux forwards had an open net and whiffed on the shot and or heeled the shot.

From the fun stats department; Fighting Sioux freshman defenseman Nick Mattson became the first UND defenseman to score a shorthanded goal since October 16, 2009. With all of the offensive defensemen that graced the Sioux roster during that time period it was hard to believe that it had been 25 and a half months since Derrick LaPoint scored a short handed goal against the Minnesota Golden Gophers.

Looking at the shot chart in the third period you can see why Fighting Sioux hockey coach Dave Hackstol was not all that pleased with his teams effort in the third period.

After the game, Fighting Sioux head coach Dave Hakstol was not very happy with his team’s effort in the third period and said that his team went out soft in the third period. "We had three shots on goal fifteen minutes into the third period. We didn’t go out and play hard in the third period and that is what cost us the game." Coach Hakstol also said that he thought, "the team didn’t play well in the third period..." He thought "they were on their heels and had their heads up their rear ends.“

• Dating back to last season Harvard has scored at least one power play goal in their last 15 games. Harvard scored on their first power play in last night’s game. Ha
• Harvard has trailed 17 times this season and come back to tie the score 14 times. Harvard tied the score in last night’s game two more times.
• The Crimson take a five game unbeaten streak into tonight’s game.
• Until last night Harvard had outscored their opponents 19-11 in the second period. Last night the Fighting Sioux outscored them 4-1.
• The Harvard Crimson are seeking their first win against a WCHA team since December 30^th, 2006.
• The Fighting Sioux have been looking for balanced scoring. Last night, no named Brock Nelson (14g-8a—22pts), Danny Kristo (9g-11a—20pts)  or Corbin Knight (6-15a—21pts) scored a goal for the Fighting Sioux.
• Harvard’s Alex Lillorn was 17-4 in the faceoff circle last night.
• Fighting Sioux freshman Mark MacMillan went 9-6 in the faceoff circle last night.

Goon's Weekly Picks 12/29 - 12/31

Thu 12/29/11
Michigan State vs Michigan Tech 4:06 p.m. ET GLI (Detroit, MI)
Western Michigan at St. Cloud State 7:07 p.m. CT (TV-Charter)

Fri 12/30/11
Michigan/B.C. vs Michigan Tech 4:06/7:36 p.m. ET GLI(TV-Champ:FCSa)
Niagara at Minnesota 7:07 p.m. CT Mariucci Classic (Minneapolis, MN)
Western Michigan at St. Cloud State 7:07 p.m. CT (TV-Charter)
Bowling Green at Bemidji State 7:37 p.m. CT (TV-LPT)
Harvard at North Dakota 7:37 p.m. CT (TV-FSSN,FCSc)
Quinnipiac at Nebraska Omaha 7:37 p.m. CT
USA Under-18 Team at Minnesota State 7:37 p.m. CT Exhibition
Air Force at Colorado College 7:37 p.m. MT
Union at Denver 7:37 p.m. MT

Sat 12/31/11
Quinnipiac at Nebraska Omaha 2:07 p.m. CT
Norestrn/Princeton at Minnesota 6:07 p.m. CT Mariucci 3rd/Champ
Denver at Air Force 6:05 p.m. MT
Bowling Green at Bemidji State 7:07 p.m. CT (TV-LPT)
Harvard at North Dakota 7:07 p.m. CT (TV-FSSN,FCSc)
USA Under-18 Team at Wisconsin 8:07 p.m. CT Exhibition
Union at Colorado College 7:07 p.m. MT


Michigan State vs Michigan Tech - MSU Win
Western Michigan at St. Cloud State - Split
Minnesota vs.  Niagara - UMN Win
Bowling Green at Bemidji State - BSU Sweep
Harvard at North Dakota - UND Sweep
Quinnipiac at Nebraska Omaha - Split
Air Force at Colorado College - C.C. Win
Union at Denver - DU Win
USA Under-18 Team at Minnesota State - MSU Win
Michigan/B.C. vs Michigan Tech  - Michigan/B.C. Win
USA Under-18 Team at Wisconsin - Badgers Win
Princeton/Northeastern vs. Minnesota - UMN Win
Denver at Air Force - DU Win
Union at Colorado College - C.C. Win

Last Week 6-1 Record for the season 67-48

RADIO: 96.1 The Fox • WEBCAST: http://www.undsports.com/
TV: Fighting Sioux Sports Network, Fox College Sports Central, MidcoSN3,
DirecTV 617 (Friday), DirecTV 623 (Saturday)

Related articles

• WCHA Power Rankings - December 12 (insidehockey.com)
• WCHA Power Rankings - December 5 (insidehockey.com)
• WCHA Power Rankings - November 21 (insidehockey.com)
• WCHA Power Rankings - November 28 (insidehockey.com)
• WCHA Power Rankings - November 13 (insidehockey.com)

Taking a look on Friday morning.

	Minnesota	1497.	.9180	3	17-3-0	0.8500	5.667	1	299.3
8	Minnesota-Duluth	331.7	.7415	18t	9-8-1	0.5278	1.118	2	298.5
1	Wisconsin	3426.	.9620	2	17-1-0	0.9444	17.000	3	293.7
4	North Dakota	422.6	.7805	13	12-7-1	0.6250	1.667	4	260.0
10	Bemidji State	284.0	.7144	15t	9-7-2	0.5556	1.250	5	229.9
21	Minnesota State	76.35	.4412	31	4-12-0	0.2500	0.333	6	212.1
11	Ohio State	254.4	.6942	15t	9-7-2	0.5556	1.250	7	205.9
6	Harvard	365.2	.7575	10	8-4-0	0.6667	2.000	8	193.4
13	Boston University	186.0	.6328	20	10-9-1	0.5250	1.105	9	169.1
14	Dartmouth	175.7	.6212	17	6-5-1	0.5417	1.182	10	150.6

Per the Division I Women College Hockey KRACH , the WCHA has the strongest Strength of Schedule again this season, if you take a look you'll see that six of the top 10 teams are from the WCHA. Thanks Millsy.

2011-2012 WCHA STANDINGS

		WCHA Games								Overall
		GP	W	L	T	Pts	GF	GA		W	L	T	GF	GA
1	Minnesota	14	11	3	0	22	51	28		14	5	1	83	41
	Minnesota Duluth	14	10	2	2	22	59	32		12	3	3	73	44
3	Nebraska Omaha	14	7	4	3	17	46	43		9	8	3	62	60
4	Colorado College	12	7	5	0	14	51	45		9	5	0	59	47
	North Dakota	14	7	7	0	14	39	37		9	8	1	51	50
6	Denver	12	5	4	3	13	43	38		7	6	3	55	48
	Michigan Tech	14	6	7	1	13	41	43		9	8	1	53	51
8	Bemidji State	14	5	7	2	12	36	46		7	9	2	47	56
9	St. Cloud State	12	4	5	3	11	36	37		6	8	4	57	58
10	Wisconsin	14	4	8	2	10	40	50		7	9	2	57	59
11	Alaska Anchorage	14	3	10	1	7	29	54		6	10	2	46	63
12	Minnesota State	12	2	9	1	5	34	52		5	12	1	52	67

Here is the WCHA standings with one more weekend of play before the holiday break.

Here Jim Rich and this week in the WCHA.

Here is this weeks Gopher Puck Live Post Cast.

Here is this weeks Cardinal's Country Clomp Feast on KFAN.

Boston University has lost two players in the last week. First; BU forward Corey Trivino was dismissed from the team after he was arrested for showing up at a woman's dorm roon, he then pushed his way into her room, where he then started kissing her and fondling her against her will. Also, Charlie Coyle has left the team for academic reason and will report to the QMJHL’s Saint John Sea Dogs.

Year Before After
2004-05 13-7-2 (.636) 12-8-3 (.587)
2005-06 12-7-1 (.625) 17-9-0 (.654)
2006-07 7-10-1 (.417) 17-4-4 (.760)
2007-08 8-6-1 (.567) 20-5-3 (.768)
2008-09 9-8-1 (.528) 15-7-3 (.660)
2009-10 9-6-3 (.583) 16-7-2 (.680)
2010-11 13-5-2 (.700) 19-4-1 (.813)
2011-12 9-8-1 (.528) ?
Totals 80-57-12 (.577) 116-44-16 (.705)

The Fighting Sioux are known for their second half surges under Fighting Sioux head coach Dave Hakstol. So are the Sioux posed for a second half run?

2	Minnesota-Duluth	379.0	.7794	2t	12-3-3	0.7500	3.000	18	135.3
8	Minnesota	264.0	.7141	4	14-5-1	0.7250	2.636	28	105.6
18	Colorado College	170.0	.6221	12	9-5-0	0.6429	1.800	33	98.42
20	Denver	149.8	.5937	25t	7-6-3	0.5312	1.133	20	133.2
22	North Dakota	141.2	.5802	27t	9-8-1	0.5278	1.118	23	127.1
27	Bemidji State	122.2	.5469	38t	7-9-2	0.4444	0.800	11	151.0
28	Wisconsin	116.1	.5349	38t	7-9-2	0.4444	0.800	15	143.4
29	Nebraska-Omaha	108.7	.5196	30	9-8-3	0.5250	1.105	32	98.85
30	Michigan Tech	108.7	.5195	27t	9-8-1	0.5278	1.118	34	97.82
34	St. Cloud State	95.05	.4881	38t	6-8-4	0.4444	0.800	26	117.4
36	Alaska-Anchorage	77.07	.4394	46	6-10-2	0.3889	0.636	24	118.2

According to the Men's Division I KRACH, the BSU Beavers have played the toughest schedule to date in the WCHA.