Forney not coming back to UND.

We get news today that former Fighting Sioux forward Michael Forney will not be returning to UND but instead giving up his final two years of eligibility to play with the AHL team the Chicago Wolves. There was a chance that he might return to UND for his Junior season. While at UND Forney never really got going offensively and suffered a couple of injuries that held him out of the line up.

Michael Forney wrestled with the decision for three months.

Should he sign with the Atlanta Thrashers or return to UND, where he spent two injury-plagued years before rediscovering his game in the United States Hockey League?

The answer came on Monday morning.

Forney signed a multiyear, two-way contract with the Thrashers, giving up his final two years of college eligibility.

The Thief River Falls native is expected to start his pro career with the American Hockey League’s Chicago Wolves this fall, possibly alongside former UND teammates Rylan Kaip and Andrew Kozek. [Grand Forks Herald]

Another great read on T.J. Oshie.

Imagine the possibilities if former Fighting Sioux hockey and current St Louis Blue hockey player T.J. Oshie had not been hurt and played the whole season. I suspect he would have been one of the leading candidates for Rookie of the year. Check this article from the Sporting News on T.J. Oshie.

This, from a kid who is 5-11, 181 pounds -- not a thug, but a well-round skilled player who knows how to hit and hit hard.

After missing more than 20 games with a high ankle sprain earlier in the season, Oshie exploded onto the scene with highlight goals and hits. He's leveled opponents with big-time hits, like this one against Nash.

The Blue Jackets were angered about the hit. Blues fans went bonkers for it. Blues broadcaster Bernie Federko noted correctly Oshie did exactly what he should do.

"A player coming out of the penalty box is told to go directly to the puck," Federko said during last Saturday's telecast. "He caught Nash flatfooted."

Argue it all you want, but Oshie did glide into the hit. Had it been charging, he would have been called for a penalty.

A typical comment from cyberspace: "That homer announcer is dead wrong. Nash is on the ice and is fair game. There is no written law you can't check a team's superstar legally. I am also sick and tired of hockey players wanting to fight after someone who lays a legal hit on one of their teammates. It is part of the game," according to a post on Goon's World. By the title, take it with a grain of salt. But take it as a statement of fact as well.

"Paging Mr. Nash, Mr. Rick Nash. Please come pick up your pride at the customer service counter," wrote old friend Kevin Wheeler of KMOX Radio in St. Louis.
(Read the whole article right here)

T.J. Oshie Named NHL rookie of the month.

Former Fighting Sioux Hockey player T.J. Oshie was named the NHL Rookie of the Month for March, Oshie edged out former Badger Brian Elliot and Former Gopher Kyle Okposo for the award. If T.J. Oshie wouldn't have gotten hurt this season I could see him making a push for Rookie of the year in the NHL.

NEW YORK -- St. Louis center T.J. Oshie, who helped spark the Blues' playoff surge by recording 13 points (four goals, nine assists) and a +6 rating in 14 games, has been named the NHL Rookie of the Month for March.

Oshie edged Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos (8-7--15 in 15 games), Toronto Maple Leafs center Mikhail Grabovski (5-9--14 in 13 games), New York Islanders right wing Kyle Okposo (5-8--13 in 13 games), Ottawa Senators goaltender Brian Elliott (9-3-0, 2.57 goals-against average), Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Steve Mason (8-4-2, 2.46 GAA) and Nashville Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne (7-2-3, 2.53 GAA) for the award.

Oshie tallied points in nine games as the Blues posted a 9-4-1 record and climbed from 12th to ninth in the Western Conference standings. He recorded an assist and a +3 rating in a 5-2 victory over Dallas Mar. 10, notched a goal and an assist in a 5-2 loss to Detroit Mar. 14 and notched a pair of assists in a 5-3 win over Minnesota Mar. 15. Forming a 'Kid Line' with fellow rookie Patrik Berglund and second-year David Perron, Oshie tallied a goal and an assist and was named First Star in a 4-2 victory over Vancouver Mar. 26 and registered 1-1--2 and a +3 rating in a 5-2 win at Columbus Mar. 29 that gave the Blues a sweep of the weekend home-and-home series.

Oshie is the fifth player to be named NHL Rookie of the Month this season, joining Columbus Blue Jackets center Derick Brassard (October), Blue Jackets goaltender Steve Mason (November and December), Anaheim Ducks right wing Bobby Ryan (January) and Nashville Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne (February).

Kozek signs with the Chicago Wolves.

Goon's World will have a fond memories of former Fighting Sioux forward Andrew Kozek
I included the game winning goal from last years West Regional against the Badgers.
I would like to wish Kozek good luck in the next step of his hockey career.

( Chicago Wolves Press Release)--- The Chicago Wolves have signed left wing Andrew Kozek to an Amateur Tryout Contract (ATO).

The 22-year-old forward posted an assist in the University of North Dakota’s 6-5 overtime loss to the University of New Hampshire in the first round of the NCAA Men’s Ice Hockey Tournament on Saturday, and tallied eight goals, 20 points and 40 penalty minutes in 38 games with UND (WCHA) this season.

Overall, the Sicamous, British Columbia, native racked up 38 goals, 27 assists and 65 points in 167 career matchups with the Fighting Sioux, spanning four seasons (2005 to 2009). The Atlanta Thrashers second choice, 53rd overall, in the 2005 National Hockey League Entry Draft, KOZEK also spent two seasons with the Surrey Eagles (BCHL) prior to joining UND, recording 67 goals 71 assists and 138 points in 118 matchups from 2003 to 2005.

KOZEK will be available to make his professional debut when the Wolves take on the Peoria Rivermen at Carver Arena on Wednesday at 7 p.m.

TJ Oshie Hit On Rick Nash

Check out this video of T.J. Oshie's hit on Rick Nash. T.J. Oshie didn't score any points but his impact was felt. That homer announcer is dead wrong Nash is on the ice and is fair game. There is no written law you can't check a teams superstar legally. I am also sick and tired of hockey players wanting to fight after someone who lays a legal hit on one of their teamates. It is part of the game. Inicendtly Oshie scored the Blues first game in today's game.

Sabres prospect on Eidsness and Fienhage

This is what Kris Baker of the Sabres prospects had to say about Fighting Sioux goalie Brad Eidsness and Fighting Sioux defenseman Corey Fienahage.

12 - Brad Eidsness, G, North Dakota Fighting Sioux (WCHA), 2007 5th round (139th overall)

Leading the NCAA in minutes played through January, the freshman netminder walked into the starting gig in Grand Forks and demonstrated quick adjustment on the rugged WCHA learning curve. With inconsistency plaguing the Sioux early in the season, Eidsness has battled his way to an impressive 20 wins, earning WCHA Rookie of the Weeks honors three times while hanging among the top-5 in goals against and save percentage all season.

The reigning MVP of the Junior "A" AJHL, Eidsness plays a tight butterfly style with quick side-to-side movement, and has penchant for the big save. He's an excellent reader of the developing play, and with better rebound control, the 5'11 backstop has the ability to be a top-tier goaltender in the NCAA ranks as a sophomore.

20 - Corey Fienhage, RHD, North Dakota Fighting Sioux (WCHA), 2008 3rd round (81st overall)

Unlike his Sioux teammate Eidsness, Fienhage did not enjoy a developmental season of Junior "A" before hitting the collegiate ranks. Thought to be heading to Indiana (USHL) in 2008-09, Taylor Chorney's early departure to the Edmonton Oilers opened up the scholarship spot for the 6'3, 214-pound Fienhage to enter college immediately.

The jump from Minnesota high school to the WCHA takes some time, and Fienhage, 18, has struggled some with the pace of the game. Stout and aggressive with good foot speed, the athletic rearguard still made a rugged statement with 28 PIM in his nine appearances. The encouraging sign is the nature of the calls - six roughing minors, one high stick, one check from behind, a misconduct from a fight, and another for interference.

He wasn't intimidated, and he wasn't taking hooking and tripping calls as one would expect from an inexperienced defender. Aside from Weber, the former high school safety's fierce demeanor represents the best option for toughness in the Sabres pipeline.

So while on the surface the WCHA freshman may appear to be a disappointment to most Sabre fans, a season of limited exposure while letting the pace marinate in practice was almost foreseeable. Dressing in roughly a quarter of his teams contests, the rookie has earned the praise of coaches with his continued hard work in practices.

Mike Commodore versus Matt Greene

Someone posted this over on Sioux Sports. I was wondering when was the last time two Fighting Sioux alumni went toe to toe in an NHL match up? It would probably be a good sports trivia question that could be up on the tv screen at a sports bar in Grand Forks somewhere.

While they were never team mates they probably have crossed paths during the off season at UND. Mike Commodore played for the Fighting Sioux from 1997-2000. Matt Green played for the Fighting Sioux from 2002 - 2005.

Former Sioux Bob Joyce and Landon Wilson

I was bored and surfing the Internet when I found these interesting post of two former Sioux. The first one is from Boston Bruins Legends

Bob Joyce
A product of Saskatchewan's famous Notre Dame Hounds, Joyce joined the University of North Dakota in 1984 where he quickly established himself as on of the best hockey players in American college hockey. By 1986-87 he scored 52 goals in 48 games, earning a berth on the WCHA First All-Star Team, NCAA West First All-American Team, and NCAA All-Tournament Team.

Joyce dropped out of school a year earlier in order to play under Dave King with the Canadian National team. It was a great opportunity for Joyce to learn to play under one of the best coaches in hockey, and also gave him a chance to play for his country in the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, Canada. Joyce learned the defensive aspects of the game under King and his skating improved on the big ice surface. He scored 12 goals and 10 assists in IIHF sanctioned events and appeared in 4 Olympic matches, scoring one goal.

Bob was Boston's 4th choice, 82nd overall in the 1984 Entry Draft. He joined the Bruins after the 1988 Olympics, scoring 7 goals and 5 assists in only 15 games. He added 8 more goals and 6 assists in 23 playoff contests helping the Bruins advance to the Stanley Cup finals against the mighty Edmonton Oilers. Along side Joyce was another Bruin prospect who also played in the Olympics. New Englander Craig Janney had a strong Olympic tournament for Team USA and chipped in 7 goals and 16 points in his 15 post-Olympic NHL games. He also added 16 points in the playoffs.
(Read the whole article here)

Here is another article on a former Fighting Sioux hockey player Landon Wilson. I had forgotten that Landon Wilson had been traded for some big time players. Wilson was traded for Wendel Clark, IIRC Landon was traded away from the Leafs before he ever left the Fighting Sioux. I am just hoping that Landon Wilson can make a contribution with the Dallas Stars.

What the heck happened to … Landon Wilson?
Landon Wilson came to the Boston Bruins from the Colorado Avalanche along with Anders Myrvold for B’s first-round choice (Robyn Regehr) in 1998 Entry Draft on November 22, 1996.

What a trade!

It wasn’t the first time that Wilson was dealt in a deal involving a big-name talent. On June 28, 1994, he was traded to Quebec by Toronto with Wendel Clark, Sylvain Lefebvre and Toronto’s first-round choice (Jeffrey Kealty) in 1994 Entry Draft for Mats Sundin, Garth Butcher, Todd Warriner and Philadelphia’s first-round choice (previously acquired, later traded to Washington - Washington selected Nolan Baumgartner) in 1994 Entry Draft.

In 130 games in a B’s uniform, Wilson totaled 12 goals and 21 assists.

Wilson missed the majority of 2002-03 season recovering from eye injury he suffered in game against the Washington Capitals on Dec. 13, 2002. He was partially-blinded in one eye when a flying puck collided with his face while he was not wearing a visor.

The former first-round pick of the Maple Leafs then went on to play for the Phoenix Coyotes and Pittsburgh Penguins before bringing his game over seas to Finland and Switzerland.

Last season, with Lugano of the Swiss-A league, Wilson potted 13 goals to go with seven assists in 30 games. In three seasons in the Swiss-A league, Wilson has 60 goals and 32 assists (92 points) in 101 games.

Bochenski's quest to play for all 30 teams.

Running with the Dog's favorite blogger BES is reporting that former Sioux star Brandon Bochenski is moving to the Tampa Bay area after he signed a contract with the Tampa Bay lighting. I wonder how many cell phone numbers Brandon Bochenski has had?

This would be the sixth NHL team that Bo has played for, the past three season Bochenski has played for: 1.) Ottawa Senators, 2.) Chicago Blackhawks, 3.) Boston Bruins, 4.) Anaheim Ducks and 5.) Nashville Predators and now 6.) Tampa Bay...

The 64,000 dollar question is will be if Brandon Bochenski can stay with the same team for more than half a season. Bochenski has a great shot and tons of offensive talent, his play in the defensive zone is not a strong point of his game and he will have to get better if he wants to play in the NHL.

Ex-Fighting Sioux star Taylor Chorney signs 3 year deal

Here is the official announcement from the Edmonton Oilers home page. Goon's World would like to wish Taylor good luck at the next level and make us proud. While I hate to see players leave early for the professional ranks, Chorney like T.J. Oshie had accomplished all they could at the college level and it is time to move on to the next level.

Edmonton Oilers Press Release Jul 3, 2008, 2:00 PM EDT Chorney Kevin Prendergast, the Edmonton Oilers Vice President of Hockey Operations, announced today that the team has signed defenceman Taylor Chorney to a three-year entry level contract.

“Taylor brings a mature leadership quality to our organization,” stated Prendergast. “His past success in college and on the world stage will certainly be a benefit to him in the next step of his career.”

Chorney, the Oilers’ second choice (36th overall) in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft, completed his third season of collegiate hockey with the University of North Dakota in 2007-08. In 43 games with the Fighting Sioux, the 6’0”, 196 pound native of Hastings, Minnesota finished sixth in team scoring with 24 points, netting three goals and 21 assists in 43 games.

A two-time Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) all-star, the 21-year-old defenceman was named to the conference’s first all-star team and helped lead North Dakota to the NCAA Frozen Four tournament this season. Chorney was named to the American Hockey Coaches Association second team west All-American team in 2006-07 after scoring 8-23-31 with 48 penalty minutes in 39 games.

During his three seasons with the Fighting Sioux, Chorney scored 14-59-73 with 126 penalty minutes in 126 games.

Not only was he a standout talent with North Dakota, Chorney also was a key member with Team USA on the international stage. He played for the United States at the 2006 and 2007 IIHF World Junior Championships and captained the 2007 team to a bronze medal with a 2-1 victory over Sweden. Chorney was also chosen as captain of the United States Under-17 and Under-18 national teams.

Chorney, who skated at the Oilers Development Camp in June, will return to Edmonton in September for the team’s training camp.


SEASON TEAM LEAGUE GP G A PTS PM
2005-06 U of North Dakota WCHA 44 3 15 18 54
2006-07 U of North Dakota WCHA 39 8 23 31 48
2007-08 U of North Dakota WCHA 43 3 21 24 24
COLLEGIATE TOTALS 126 14 59 73 126

Eric Smith on Mike Commodore

Here is an interesting comment I found on Former Sioux Mike Commodore from Blue Jackets hockey blogger Eric Smith and what Commodores sighing means to the Columbus Blue Jackets. I guess Smith hasn't seen Commodore play much or isn't aware of the presence he brings to the ice.

Later in the day, Howson got another player to pull the trigger in one Mike Commodore. The 5 year, 18.75 million dollar contract obviously helped Mr. Commodore with his decision. Did the Jackets over pay for Commodore? Probably but this is expected as we currently only have cash and hope to help lure free agents. Commodore fills another need that the Jackets had identified in needing at least 2 blueliners. The 6'5", 230 pounder won't bring offense to the backend but he will bring his physical presence that fills the hole that was left with the departure of Adam Foote. At 28 years old, we should be getting the best 5 years of Commodores career but we will have to wait and see on that.

First off your going to love having Commodore on your hockey team, by having Commodore on their team the Blue Jackets just got a lot tougher. You also got to love the red mass of hair.

Former Sioux Mike Commodore headed to Columbus

Mike Commodore is the next former Fighting Sioux hockey player to join the multi millionare club as he signed a fat contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

TSN.CA STAFF -- The Columbus Blue Jackets have taken a big step to adding some experience of the blueline.

Columbus has agreed to a 5-year, $18.75 million contract with defencemen Mike Commodore.

The native of Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta was acquired by the Ottawa Senators at the trade deadline from Carolina for Joe Corvo and Patrick Eaves in order to add some playoff experience.

Commodore played 67 games in 2007-08 and scored three goals and added 11 assists.

Blake awarded Masterton Trophy

Goon's world would like to congratulate Jason Blake for winning the Masterton trophy last night at the NHL awards. Blake is the second former WCHA player in a row to win the award.

TORONTO – An emotional Jason Blake – a former Moorhead High School standout – won the Bill Masterton Trophy at the NHL awards on Thursday as the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey. The Toronto Maple Leafs winger was diagnosed with leukemia just before the start of the regular season but never missed a game.

Former Sioux Jonathan Toews is finalist for the Calder.

Former Fighting Sioux star Jonathan Toews has been selected as a finalist for the Calder trophy. Towes played with UND from 2005-2007 playing in 76 games scoring 40 goals and 45 assists for 85 points.

NEW YORK -- They were 1-2-3 in the NHL's rookie scoring race and they are the final three contenders for the Calder Trophy.

Forwards Patrick Kane, Nicklas Backstrom and Jonathan Toews were announced as the finalists for the rookie award Wednesday, the cream of the crop in a season where many fresh faces made a strong case for themselves.

Kane led all NHL rookies with 72 points (21-51) in 82 games, the 19-year-old native of Buffalo, N.Y., making a smooth transition from the junior ranks to the pros after being taken first overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in last June's NHL entry draft.

His Blackhawks linemate Toews will join him June 12 in Toronto for the NHL awards show, the Winnipeg native finishing third in rookie scoring with 54 points (24-30) despite being limited to 64 games because of a knee injury. Chicago's third overall pick in the 2006 NHL entry draft turns 20 next Tuesday.

Backstrom, taken one pick behind Toews in 2006, was second in NHL rookie scoring with 69 points (14-55) in 82 games with the Washington Capitals. The 20-year-old Swede was second among rookie forwards with a plus-13 rating, reflective of his all-around game. Backstrom could give the Caps two Calder Trophy winners in three seasons after Alex Ovechkin took home the award in 2005-06.

The last Blackhawk to win the Calder was goaltender and Former Fighting Sioux Ed Belfour in 1990-91.

Two former Sioux's NHL season ends.

Two former Fighting Sioux defenseman had their NHL seasons ended last night; the two players were Mike Commodore and Brian Lee, both men play for the Ottawa Senators. In classic fashion the Ottawa Senators were dismantled by the high octane Pittsburgh Penguins in four games. The early exit by the Senators is leaving many in Ottawa to ponder what the hell happened. At the beginning of the Season the Senators were the NHL best team as the Senators got out to an amazing 15-2 start and then stumbled down the stretch.

Former Fighting Sioux Brian Lee played in all 4 playoff games for the Senators; recording no goals no assists and was a minus one. The fact that Brian Lee played in all for of Ottawa Stanley Cup playoffs games is probably a strong statement on how the Senator's organization feels about this young man. This was Brian Lee's first NHL Stanley Cup playoffs.

Former Fighting Sioux Mike Commodore came to the Senators from the Hurricanes at the trade dead line and played in all four playoff games as well recording zero goals and two assists for two points and was a minus one as well. Commodore a veterans of two Stanley finals with Calgary (loss) and Carolina (win) has played in forty nine (49) Stanley cup games scoring two goals and six assists for eight points and is a plus one.

More on Bochenski

Found this in the: Boston Globe Newspaper

Staying prepared

Neither Brandon Bochenski nor Jeremy Reich have suited up yet for a regular-season game. ‘’I’ve talked to those guys,’’ said head coach Claude Julien. ‘’I’ve told them to stay ready.’’ During today’s workout, Bochenski and Reich both work as extras on a line that is comprised of P.J. Axelssson, Thornton and Metropolit.

In everything that I have read this season makes me believe that Bruins Coach Claude Julien has penciled Bochenski in as being a fourth line player. Which is puzzling in my opinion? I am also going to go on record as saying that I am not a fan of Julien one bit, there is a reason he has been fired from all of these places he has coached. First off; what the heck is he doing Phil Kessel; Phil is not a third line player. I also don’t get the reasoning of having Bochenski and his $600,000.00 sitting out for every game. If Bochenski is a extra piece trade him away for a player to be name later and give this kid a chance to play on someone else’s team.

WILMINGTON — The Black & Gold returned to full-squad workouts here today after wrapping up their 3-2 road trip over the weekend.

The lines looked familiar, picking up from where they left off in San Jose:
Marco Sturm-Patrice Bergeron-Glen Murray
Peter Schaefer-Marc Savard-Chuck Kobasew
Milan Lucic-David Krejci-Phil Kessel
P.J. Axelsson-Glen Metropolot-Shawn Thornton
Extras, also in uniform: Jeremy Reich and Brandon Bochenski

The D’ pairings:

Andrew Alberts-Andrew Ference (the Two Drews)
Mark Stuart-Dennis Wideman
Zdeno Chara-Aaron Ward
Extra man: Bobby Allen
Tim Thomas and Manny Fernandez were the goalies

Also it is puzzling that the Bruins wouldn’t play Manny Fernandez more? While Manny had a couple of games that were very Manny like he is still a top line goalie in my opinion. While I believe that Tim Thomas is a decent back up goalie he has proved the last two seasons he is nothing more than a mediocre starting goalie. Manny needs to play on a regular basis or he isn’t going to be very happy and could end up being a distraction to the Bruins

Ecklund from Hockey Buzz gives Porter Some love.

Ecklund from Hockey Buzz had some nice things to say about former fighting Sioux hockey player.
Check it out the article

a guy that you may not had heard of

Chris Porter.
Chris is a Left Wing from UND, who was drafted by Chicago two drafts ago yet has been unable to come to terms with the Hawks, so as of this past Wednesday he became a UFA.

Chris is a solid two-way player who has displayed great leadership in his college career, and according to one source, "He is getting some pretty impressive contract offers from a few teams..."

Bochenski selling Women's Cloths.

I found this story on the Cardinal's WCHA Blog and when I first read the story I thought you have to be kidding. Former Fighting Sioux Brandon "Bucks" Bochenski who now is a member of the rough and tumble Boston Bruin's owns a store for high end women's clothing with his fiancé Jen. Yeah, OK... I got to thinking why not? Good luck to Bochenski and his wife on their business venture.

Bochenski is owner of women’s clothing boutique.

Brandon, who will be tying-the-knot early this month to Jen, his fiancé, has had his hands full with wedding planning. And the young winger is still boarding flights back to the Hub of Hockey to run children’s street hockey clinics, and making calls to season ticket holders. He even appeared as a special guest at the Bruins recent Launch Party.

And when Brandon is back home in the suburb of Woodbury, Minnesota - a short ride from Minneapolis and St. Paul - this big-bad Bruin is the proud owner of Elodie (pronounced: el-o-DEE), a designer women’s clothing boutique.

Yes you read that correctly.

“It was originally Jen’s idea, obviously, to do designer women’s fashion,” Bochenski chuckled.

However, Jen didn’t have to twist Brandon’s arm to get him in on the deal. Bockenski, who studied business while playing hockey at the University of North Dakota, has always wanted to start a company of his own.

“I always enjoyed business in school," said Bo. "I thought that being an entrepreneur and starting something from scratch like this would be fun.

"I obviously had other envisions of what the company would be (laughs), but I get the same basic structure here, so it’s fun.”

The future Mr. and Mrs. Bochenski are no slouches when it comes to running a business either; they both did their homework before starting up. They knew the competition they would get from other popular female clothing stores in the area would be stiff, so they intentionally tailored their shop to high-end designer fashion - a true niche market -- just like you learn about in Intro to Business.

Brandon also understood the importance of both timing and location.

The 1,200 square foot shop only took a month to really take-off, as Brandon and Jen officially opened the door in mid-November of 2006 - just in time for the holiday rush. And now with the summer and warmer weather, Elodie is reaping the benefit of its location in an outdoor mall (similar to those prominent to Florida, Phoenix, and California).

The name on the other hand, wasn’t as strategically picked.

“Well, Jen originally wanted a name that had meaning, but it ended up with no meaning,” explained Brandon. “It just sounds nice and memorable. She found the word on the internet actually.

"It is a French name, and we figured it kind of went along with that high-end, New York style of the store.

"So it sounded fancy and it wasn’t taken,” joked Brandon.