(Video) UND vs. UMN

This video is kind of long, I included all five Gopher goals and two questionable penalty calls that didn't go UND's way. I also included 2 minutes of play following one UMN goal, to kind of give a picture of how last night's game went.

I have seen a lot of people pointing their fingers at UND goalie Clarke Saunders, I don't think you can fault him for at least three of the goals last night... On the short handed goal by Nate Condon was a back breaker and there two guys that had poor defensive efforts on that play that, can't happen.

Breaking down the Minnesota vs. North Dakota Rivalry

Fighting Sioux (Photo credit: twodolla)

This weekend, is the last regular season WCHA conference matchup between the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers and the University of North Dakota.

After this season, both teams will go their separate ways due to re-alignment, and it looks like it could be four years before the two teams play again in a regular season series.

General consensus is that North Dakota versus Minnesota series is one of the most storied rivalries in all of college hockey. Like I mentioned in the previous paragraph, this could be the last meeting for a while, unless, the two teams meet again in this year’s WCHA playoff and or NCAA playoffs in the future.

That could happen, based on recent history.

A lot of people that I have talked to aren’t very happy with the rivalry going dormant for a while. Personally, I don’t believe the spin coming out of the University of Minnesota why the University of Minnesota isn’t playing North Dakota. It’s a shame the two teams won’t be playing after this weekend for at least for four years.

If you ask the players from the two teams they will tell you that they like playing in this rivalry.

UND senior forward Danny Kristo who is originally from Eden Prairie, Minnesota, had this to say on playing against the Minnesota Golden Gophers.

“It’s such a great rivalry for college hockey,” Kristo said. “I think I am confident enough to say that both schools are power houses for college hockey. I think everyone looks forward to that game every single year and those series every single year. Fans included. I just think it’s kind of a downer. Over the next four years – I feel bad for some of the young guys that are committed here and guys that are committed at Minnesota that aren’t going to get to take part in that rivalry. Which is unfortunate, you know, leagues are changing, times are changing, so we really can’t do anything about it. Hopefully, four years from now, all the fans will still be involved in the rivalry. So hopefully, it will still be going strong.”

The Gopher players feel strongly about the rivalry as well. This is what Gopher forward Zach Budish had to say about playing against UND.

“I think there is always a little extra emotion when you’re playing North Dakota just because of the rivalry,” Budish said. “Most of the guys on our team grew up watching the Gophers and North Dakota play every year. It’s been a lot of back and forth, it’s been pretty even. In my three years here, I think we’re pretty much .500 against them and we’ve played them 15 times or so over the last three seasons. It will definitely be intense and we’ll expect two hard fought games.”

The fans will also miss the rivalry was well. I posed the question to a few of the Gophers fans that I converse with on a regular basis and this is some of the things that they like about the storied rivalry.

Billy Pederson, my neighbor that is a Gopher hockey fan had this to say. “I like the intensity this series brings on and off the ice. There is no other series that keeps me at the edge of my seat from the drop of the puck. For me, it’s because the hockey played between these two is remarkable and rivalry is so important to people in this area. “Gopher-Sioux” week has always been anticipated from the beginning of each season. Good natured ribbing on both sides lasts the whole season, and when it comes to game time, we all want bragging rights.”

Peterson also said, “I have huge respect for both programs. There have been great players on both sides of the ice for as far back as I can remember and that means a lot to us who live in this hockey-crazed area. To have this go away for however long it is, I know I won’t be the only person upset that this rivalry is “taking a break”. I don’t like it at all.”

Keith Westerhoff, a Gopher hockey fan that I come to know from going to the Final Five, had this to say about the rivalry, ”What I like: I mark this series down on the calendar as soon as the schedule comes out, it’s the one series of the year that I get the most pumped up for. I like that one team could be doing very well and the other not so well, but come the games it does not matter, any team can win on any given night. Despite the “incidents” that have happened over the years it just adds to the excitement, you always wait for something to top it. The trash talking between fan bases on the boards the week of is always entertaining as well.”

Keith went on to say, “What I’ll miss: The history obviously, you look at the games and battles these two teams have had over the years and it’s a shame that it will be coming to an end. So many great players have donned the jersey for both teams over the years, guys that grew up together and played together as kids and now battling against each other! This is easily in my mind the biggest rivalry in all of college hockey, but yet I see so many Gopher fans that are glad this rivalry is coming to an end, I just have to shake my head in disgust. I think most of all I’ll just miss the WCHA Final Five…….because most of the time it was Gopher fans and Sioux fans that always filled the place up, the trash talking walking to and from the arenas and just taking a lap around the concourse was always pretty awesome.

Jerred Kline, Minnesota Gophers fan. “Both teams go balls to the wall no matter where they are ranking in the polls and WCHA. Fan base trash talk to see how far in the past each fan base will go back in history. It is the Best Rivalry in college hockey hands down. BC vs. BU not even a close second.

The players: they are probably best buds off the ice and off season, but when they are on the ice it is on and they can’t stand each other. Not even in the handshake line (Well Ben Blood and Finley/Wheeler at least)

Here is what one of my Twitter followers @scofarr , a UND fan, had to say about the rivalry.

I’m going to miss the banter back and forth with Gopher friends, a jacked up REA on a Friday night during introductions, [Jeff] Dubay ripping UND, the intense action on the ice, the shenanigans and scrums, and the endless argument about the which program is better. It’s really a shame that this is ending. Especially when alums on both sides think it should continue every year, including UM godfather of hockey, Lou Nanne.

This is what former Golden Gophers forward/defenseman Andy Brink had to say about the UND versus UMN series taking a break and whether he thought it was a bad decision to not continue the rivalry?

It’s hard to imagine UND and the Gophers not playing. It’s been such a good rivalry and very even. Being only 5 hours away from each other and both programs always being so good, obviously, it’s not good that they are not playing a series every year.”

Yesterday, during media day, this is what UND head coach Dave Hakstol had to say about the historic rivalry between the two teams.

“I love the series,” Hakstol said. “It brings the very best out of everybody.  It’s challenges everybody to be at their best. It brings a ton of passion on both sides. For sure that carries over to the fans on both sides. That’s what it should be all about in a rivalry series.”

This is what UND defenseman Joe Gleason formerly of Edina, Minnesota had to say on the rivalry between the Minnesota and the North Dakota.

“I wouldn’t have been a fan of North Dakota if they didn’t have come to Minnesota,” Gleason said. “As a kid growing up, that’s how I got to know who North Dakota was. That’s when I really started loving North Dakota. That was when my dad first brought me to a game; he said you have to watch this team play. It’s an unbelievable rivalry. It’s really cool to see. That’s when I really kind of fell in love with North Dakota as a kid, when they came to Mariucci [Arena]. So, I think that’s really unfortunate, for not just the guys here, but the kids coming up through the game that are still peewees, bantams and high schoolers. It’s a great game to watch. So, hopefully they can figure this out.”

Lastly, the Minnesota and North Dakota rivalry will always be a passionate and an emotional series for both sides involved.  When I see fans on either side say, ‘I won’t miss watching my team playing them’ I question whether these fans “truly” understand this series.

When these two team play, records and national rankings mean nothing – I have seen the Gophers ride into town on very long unbeaten streaks – only to watch them leave town with their tails between their legs. I can also remember UND being the better team, only to have Minnesota sweep them. This is the perfect series where stuff happens.

It’s a shame that this historic and heated rivalry can’t go forward at least for the next four years. However, there are many memories from games past that will have to keep the flame lit until these two teams meet again in the future.

Originally posted at the Hockey Writers - Combine.

Related articles

• Sioux nickname reason UND's not playing UMN (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• UND: The Weekend Ahead (1/18-1/19) (thehockeywriters.com)

Jan 27, 2007 UND 7 UMN 3 (video)

On January 27,, 2007 UND defenseman Robbie Bina scores this shorthanded highlight goal from deep inside the UND end, Bina was about a stride past the red end line. It appears that Frazee was not ready for Robbie's long shot on net as the puck goes through Frazee’s notorious five hole into the Minnesota Golden Gophers net. That goal would tie the game at 3-3, UND would go on to score five unanswered goals lead by former Sioux forward T.J. Oshie, to beat number one ranked Minnesota 7-3.

Related articles

• UND: The Weekend Ahead (1/18-1/19) (thehockeywriters.com)
• Minnesota hesitant to play North Dakota in hockey for now... (thehockeywriters.com)

Trupp goal versus Minnesota.

A little something to watch before bed. It's four+ days until UND versus UMN. It's a shame that this will be the last time UND plays UMN in a league game. I guess all good things must come to an end. Oh the memories... This goal was from February 1, 2008, the Fighting Sioux win at the 2:28 mark of overtime against the Golden Gophers on a great goal by Evan Trupp, assisting on this highlight masterpiece was Ryan Martens  

Related articles

• Week 14 Power Rankings (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• Video of the Minnesota vs. Notre Dame highlights (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• WHKY: The only way to a National Championship is through Minnesota (ndgoon.blogspot.com)

Edit: Week 14 Power Rankings

Western Collegiate Hockey Association logo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Here is the week 14 WCHA Power Rankings. This season, I have been doing the WCHA Power Rankings with Taylor Seibel who is a contributor of College Hockey Weekly.

In my humble opinion, there are three tiers that are starting to emerge in the WCHA. You have the first tier; this is the top six teams that all have at least 12 wins in their over-all record. You also have a middle tier of three teams (Minnesota State, Minnesota Duluth and Colorado College) . Then you have a bottom tier of three teams (Bemidji State, Michigan State and Alaska Anchorage).

Also, Bemidji State, Minnesota, North Dakota and Saint Cloud have only played 14 games while the rest of the league has played 16 league games.

1. Minnesota Gophers – (16-3-3, WCHA 8-3-3) – This past week, the Minnesota Gophers beat the Notre Dame Fighting Irish 4-1 at Mariucci Arena. Then, this past weekend, the Gophers sweep (4-3 W – 7-1 W) the UAA Seawolves.  The Gophers entertain UND in a pivotal two game WCHA series.

2. University of North Dakota – (13-5-3, WCHA 8-3-3) – This past weekend, UND split (3-4 L – 5-3 W) their series with the Colorado College Tigers at the Ralph Englestad Arena. This weekend the Green and White travel to Mariucci Arena to play the Gophers in an important two game conference series.

3. Denver University – (13-6-4, WCHA 8-4-4) – This past weekend, the Denver Pioneers took three points (7-4 W – 3-3 T) against the University of Nebraska Omaha Mavericks at Magness Arena. This weekend, the Pioneers travel to Saint Cloud to play the Huskies at the National Hockey Center.

4. Nebraska Omaha – (13-9-2, WCHA 9-5-2) – This past weekend, the Mavericks took one point (4-7 L – 3-3 T) against the Denver Pioneers at Magness Arena. This weekend, the Mavericks are off.

5. Saint Cloud State – (12-10-0, WCHA 9-5-0) – This past weekend, the Huskies were off. This weekend, the Huskies entertain the Denver Pioneers at the national hockey center.

6.  Wisconsin – (8-7-5, WCHA 6-5-5) – This past weekend, the Wisconsin Badgers swept (5-3 W – 1-0 W) Minnesota State Mavericks at the Verizon Wireless Center Mankato Minnesota

7. Minnesota State Mankato – (14-8-2, WCHA 8-8-0) – This past weekend, the Mavericks were swept (3-4 O.T. L – 1-2 O.T. L) by the Wisconsin Badgers at the Verizon Wireless Center in Mankato, Minnesota. This weekend, the Maverick travels to Alaska Anchorage to play the Seawolves.

8. Minnesota Duluth – (9-10-3, WCHA 7-6-3) – This past weekend, the Bulldogs swept (1-0 W – 5-4 W) the Michigan Tech Huskies at Amsoil Arena.  This weekend, the Bulldogs travel to Colorado College to play the Tigers at World Arena.

 9. Colorado College – (9-12-2, WCHA 6-9-1) – This past weekend, the Colorado College Tigers split (4-3 W – 3-5 L) their series with UND. This weekend, the Tigers entertain the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs at the World Arena.

 10. Michigan Tech – (6-12-3, WCHA 3-10-3) – This past weekend, the Huskies were swept (0-1 L – 4-5 L) by the Bulldogs at Amsoil Arena. This weekend, the Huskies entertain the Bemidji State Beavers at John J. MacInnes Student Ice Arena.

11. Bemidji State – (5-11-4, WCHA 4-7-3) – This past weekend, the Beavers were off. This weekend, the Beavers travel to Houghton, Michigan to play the Huskies at the John J. MacInnes Student Ice Arena.

12. Alaska Anchorage – (3-13-4, WCHA 1-12-3) – This past weekend, Seawolves were swept (3-5 L – 0-1 L) by the Minnesota Gophers at Marriucci Arena. This weekend, the Seawolves entertain Minnesota State at the Sullivan Arena. The Huskies are mired in horrible streak and have won one game in the last 16 games (1-12-3).

Taylor Seibel's WCHA Power Rankings

1. Minnesota – (16-3-3, 8-3-3 WCHA) – The Gophers outclassed Notre Dame on Tuesday before sweeping Alaska Anchorage this weekend.  Minnesota is playing their best, most consistent hockey of the season (with a slight exception for Friday’s game against UAA).  Next weekend, the Gophers host North Dakota in a crucial WCHA series for both sides.

2. North Dakota – (13-6-3, 8-3-3 WCHA) – North Dakota struggled to a split this weekend against Colorado College.  A lackluster performance on Friday led Coach Hakstol to make significant changes in his lineup for Saturday.  It worked, as North Dakota squeaked by the Tigers 5-3.  Next weekend, UND travels to Mariucci to take on rival Minnesota.

3. Denver – (13-6-4, 8-4-4 WCHA) – The Pioneers played inconsistent hockey this weekend against Nebraska Omaha, but managed to walk away from the series with 3 points.  Denver now is tied with UNO with 20 points to lead the WCHA.  Next weekend, the Pioneers take on the Huskies of SCSU in St. Cloud.

4. Nebraska Omaha – (13-9-2, 9-5-2 WCHA) – The Mavericks played well enough to sweep Denver this weekend, but were only able to manage a draw on Saturday.  However, UNO still is tied with Denver for the WCHA lead with 20 points.  Next weekend, UNO is off.

5. Wisconsin – (8-7-5, 6-5-5 WCHA) – The Badgers just might be the hottest team in the WCHA right now.  Since the addition of Nic Kerdiles to the lineup, Wisconsin is 7-0-3.  This weekend, the Badgers traveled to Mankato and swept the Mavericks with 2 overtime victories…the program’s first OT victories in conference in over 6 years.  Next weekend, Wisconsin hosts Miami in a key non-conference series for the Badgers.

6. St. Cloud State – (12-10-0, 9-5-0 WCHA) – The Huskies were off this weekend, and hopefully they were able to recover and get healthy for the stretch run in WCHA play.  Currently a “bubble” team for the NCAA Tournament, the Huskies host Conference leader Denver in a key WCHA series next weekend.

7. Minnesota State – (14-8-2, 8-8-0 WCHA) – Luck was simply not on their side this weekend, as the Mavericks were swept in heartbreaking fashion by the visiting Wisconsin Badgers.  Mankato dropped both games in OT, but still look like a solid contender for home ice advantage.  Next weekend, the Mavs make the trek up north to take on the Alaska Anchorage Seawolves in WCHA play.

8. Colorado College – (9-13-2, 6-9-1 WCHA) – The Tigers finally ended their winless streak with a 4-3 victory over North Dakota in Grand Forks on Friday, and nearly pulled off another point or two on Saturday before succumbing to UND 5-3.  The Tigers are capable of making a push for home ice, but will need to keep playing hungry.  Next weekend, CC hosts Minnesota Duluth in conference action.

9. Minnesota Duluth – (9-10-3, 7-6-3 WCHA) – The Bulldogs used a key sweep over Michigan Tech this weekend to soar into the top 6 in conference play, and are amazingly only 3 points out of first place.  If Duluth can continue getting solid defense and timely scoring, they should find themselves at home for the first round of the WCHA tournament.  Next weekend, Duluth travels to WCHA foe Colorado College.

10. Michigan Tech – (6-12-3, 3-10-3 WCHA) – The Huskies’ chances of home ice took a serious hit this weekend, as they were swept by the Duluth Bulldogs.  In order to make a push for home ice in the second half, it will likely require a sweep of their home games.  Next weekend provides the Huskies their chance to get that goal started on the right foot as Tech hosts Bemidji State in conference play.

11. Bemidji State – (5-10-4, 4-7-3 WCHA) – The Beavers from Bemidji were off this weekend, and now find themselves six points out of the top 6, but with 2 games in hand on each of the four teams in front of them.  Next weekend, Bemidji travels to Houghton to take on Tech in WCHA play.

12. Alaska Anchorage – (3-13-4, 1-12-3 WCHA) – A disappointing result after a great 55 minutes of play on Friday was the beginning of a not so fun weekend for the Seawolves, as UAA was swept by Minnesota at Mariucci.  Anchorage looks to right the ship next weekend, as they host Minnesota Duluth in WCHA action.

UND vs. Minnesota Week... It's on... Let the fun begin...

It's here and it's on... This will be the final WCHA series between the two teams, before they go their separate ways. So after this season, there will be no more after regular season games, for at least four years. I wouldn't be surprised it that last longer.

If UND plays Minnesota during the next four seasons it will be during the NCAA tourney. So I expect there will be some pleasantries exchanged this weekend.



This is one of my favorite memories of recent time. I still think they should call that famous corner Wehrs Corner like some have suggest. I wonder if Kevin Wehr still has night mares of that corner.



I still giggle when I hear Frank Mazzocco say, "This Fighting Sioux teams is bringing some old time hockey back to the WCHA." Also, in retrospect, I think Woog and Mazzocco are better than the current Gopher television announcers that are employed by FSN. I never thought I would say this but I think it's true.



Don't leave the arena early after the last game, there still could be some fire works in the hand shake line as well. I am kind of sad this is the last regulars season between the two teams. I also think that it's sad that he two schools are going to let this historic rivalry cool off. In my opinion, there is no reason for the two teams not to play.

I like many UND fans would love to see the two team meet every year.

Related articles

• Brutal call against UND's Andrew MacWilliam (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• Former Gophers Andy Brink's thought's on college hockey and the WCHA (thehockeywriters.com)

(Video) Tyler Currier hit on Zach Budish

Tough way to lose a hockey game – UAA’s Tyler Currier was given a five minute major and a game misconduct for this hit on Minnesota Gophers forward Zach Budish at the 15:52 mark of the third period and the Gophers used that major penalty to cash in on the power play and win the game 4-3. [Click to view video]

This is a penalty, there is no question about it, however, Budish turns at the last second. Currier is already committed on the check and it would be impossible for him to pull up, what do you expect him to do? If Buidish doesn’t turn his back, the check in question is a shoulder to shoulder check. It’s the opinion of this writer that Budish also laid on the ice and sold the penalty pretty well. I don't think this hit was worthy of a five minue major. (Video by CJZero).

Video of the Minnesota vs. Notre Dame highlights

Here are the highlights of tonight's game between the number one ranked Minnesota Golden Gophers and the number two ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish. It's a good win for the Minnesota Gophers because it's bumps their Pairwise ranking up. It's also the fifth win in the last six games for the Minnesota Gophers.

The Hobey Baker Fan vote count so far.

While it's fun to vote in the fan vote for the Hobey Baker Memorial. The fan vote only counts for 1 percent of the vote total in each phase. That being said, UND fans don't forget to vote for Corban Knight.

Related articles

• Why not Corban Knight for the Hobey Baker? (thehockeywriters.com)

What's wrong with this picture?

Looking at this screen shot, what's wrong with this picture? The WCHA's nonconference record is unimpressive this year against the other conferences.

Related articles

• WCHA Power Rankings: 12/09/12 (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• WCHA Power Rankings: 12/16/12 (insidehockey.com)

WCHA Issues One-Game Suspension to Wisconsin’s Little

The WCHA has suspended Ryan Little for this hit. In looking at the video, this is the type of hit that the NCAA is trying to eliminate and I have no issue with this suspension. I also can see why some from Badger Nation might be a little ornery as well.

In fact, Wisconsin has been on the wrong end of some really bad calls this season and I am going to let Andy Johnson of Bucky's Fifth Quarter explain the latest bad call against the Badgers.

While Khaira was certainly deserving of a penalty, the refs should have penalized him for a five minute major and ejected him from the contest. Video reviews clearly showed Khaira grabbing UW sophomore defenseman Jake McCabe from behind by the facemask and dropping him to the ice like it was a WWE wrestling match.

Jujhar Khaira was whistled for holding with 4:09 left to play in the third period. Wisconsin's Tyler Barnes would go on to score on the man advantage to tie things up at one.

While I applaud the WCHA for getting it right in this instance, there have been many instances where the league’s officials have been wrong as well.

If I have to use one word to explain the officiating on the ice in the WCHA this season I would use the term “brutal.”

Inconsistency has been plagued WCHA officials in recent times, causing many fans in attendance to scoff when the WCHA on ice officials skate on to the ice. We never know what they’re going to call or what they’re not going to call.

MADISON, Wis. – The men’s Western Collegiate Hockey Association today announced a one-game suspension to University of Wisconsin hockey player Ryan Little as a result of his actions in the December 8 game against Michigan Tech University.

Little’s suspension was determined after a review by the league office of an illegal check with 1:24 remaining in the overtime session and comes under the WCHA’s Supplementary Discipline Policy and Procedures.

Little will be required to serve the one-game suspension in Wisconsin’s next regularly scheduled contest on Thursday, December 13 vs Alabama-Huntsville.

Related articles

• Former Gophers Andy Brink's thought's on college hockey and the WCHA (thehockeywriters.com)
• WCHA Power Rankings: 12/09/12 (insidehockey.com)
• WCHA Web Media Poll: Week 9 (thehockeywriters.com)

Former Gophers Andy Brink’s thought’s on college hockey and the WCHA

English: Logo for the University of Minnesota (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Which the formation of the Big Ten Hockey Conference and the formation of the NCHC, the WCHA is going to have a very different look to it starting for the 2013-14 season. I had the opportunity to interview Former Golden Gopher forward Andy Brink and you’re going to find that he has some interesting things to say.

You played with the Minnesota Gophers from 1992-1996. What team in the WCHA did you consider to be your biggest rival? Why?

 My freshman and sophomore years Wisconsin was our biggest rival. They were more talented than us but we had their number. One of our coaches, Bill Butters, made it clear that we never lose to Wisconsin. My junior and senior years, CC was our biggest rival. They were really good and played with confidence. We had great games with them.

What is your feeling about this being the last season in the present form of the WCHA? Who do you hate more Michigan or Michigan State?

 The WCHA was the best league in college hockey. Anyone could win on any given night. Every weekend you had to play well to win regardless of the opponent. I,  personally, disliked Michigan the most. But that’s because they were difficult to beat. They had a lot of talent and played hard.

What is your favorite memory playing in the WCHA?

 What I reflect on most fondly was winning on the road. There was no better feeling than winning in Engelstad, The DECC, Dane County Coliseum and the other arenas that we played in. When you win on the road in the WCHA you really feel like you have accomplished something. Every building was fun to play in and each team had loyal fans that were very vocal.

Favorite NCAA Hockey Memory?

 My favorite memory NCAA Memory is from before I played. I grew up in Bemidji and grew up a Sioux fan. I remember going to Sioux games as a kid and still have a Sioux #20 Bob Joyce jersey. UND’s 1987 NCAA Championship is my fondest memory because I followed that team really close. There were also 2 players from my hometown on their roster and George Pelawa (from Bemidji) would have been a big part of that team had he not died in a car accident in the fall of ’86.

What do you think of Minnesota not playing UND in hockey for the next four seasons? Do you think it’s a bad decision to not continue the rivalry?

 It’s hard to imagine UND and the Gophers not playing. It’s been such a good rivalry and very even. Being only 5 hours away from each other and both programs always being so good, obviously, it’s not good that they are not playing a series every year.

Thoughts on the College Hockey re-alignment and the Gophers going to the Big Ten Hockey Conference? Good or bad for College Hockey?

 I don’t know. Things change. There are so many good young players now and so many opportunities for kids to get better that I think College Hockey will be really good no matter what. Kids today are faster and stronger and learning the game at a earlier age. For those kids that are late bloomers, there are many opportunities to develop at an older age in different junior leagues. College Hockey will benefit from this and I think we will see more parity throughout college hockey.

Favorite Opposition player during your time with the Gophers? Favorite arena to play in?

 Even though I only played against him for 1 year, Greg Johnson, from UND was my favorite player to play against. He was good at everything and relentless. I think he had 5 assists against us in one game at Engelstad my freshman year. Chris Marinucci from UMD was also really good and similar to Greg Johnson. Old Engelstad and Old Mariucci were the 2 best rinks to play in. They both had character and a lot of history and were really loud.

You have are a co-owners of Breakaway Hockey with former Golden Gophers and Buffalo Sabres great Dave Snuggerud and you see a lot of great players come through the ranks. One of your former students at Breakaway Hockey is Nick Mattson who plays for the University of North Dakota. What’s your thought’s on his first year and a half in the WCHA playing for UND? Also, what are his strengths on the ice.

 Nick is a great kid. Very motivated and loves hockey. Was always at the outdoor rink improving his skills and having fun. Was always trying to improve. I know Nick is capable of being a very good offensive and two way defenseman in college hockey. It takes confidence to perform well consistently and I think Nick has been very good through his first year and a half in the league. I know he will get better and better because he is smart and motivated. Also, I have always respected how nice he is off the rink to others, he comes from great parents! Besides his skating and puck skills, Nick’s biggest asset is his vision and his ability to be “calm” with the puck.

*Disclosure; Andy Brink is my brother-in-law and while played for the Maroon and Gold, I am very proud to have him as a member of my family. Brink has been a good ambassador to the game of hockey and he is making differences in the lives of youngsters on and off the ice.

Originally posted at the Hockey Writers Combine... 

Brianna Decker Goal vs North Dakota

This was a beautiful goal by Wisconsin Badgers's Brianna Decker, unfortunately it was scored against UND.  Decker is one of the top women's players in the WCHA and I have to give credit where credit is due.

WCHA Power Rankings: 12/09/12

Here’s this week’s WCHA Power Rankings. This season, I will be doing the WCHA Power Rankings with Taylor Seibel who is a contributor of College Hockey Weekly.

I think that the Denver Pioneers came crashing down to earth this past weekend.  Again, I think that you could swap any of the top five to six teams in the league as well, there are also seven teams separated by just two points.

1. University of North Dakota – (8-5-3, WCHA 5-2-3) – This past weekend, UND took (2-2 T – 6-3 W) three points in their series with the Denver Pioneers. This weekend, the University of North Dakota travels to Houghton Michigan to play the Tech Huskies in an important two game WCHA series.

2. Minnesota Gophers – (11-3-3, WCHA 6-3-3) – This past weekend, the Minnesota Gophers took three points (4-2 W – 4-4 T) in their weekend series with the Colorado College Tigers, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. This weekend, the Gophers are off.

3. Nebraska Omaha – (10-5-1, WCHA 6-3-1) – This past weekend, the Mavericks split (6-5 W – 1-2 L) their weekend series against the Saint Cloud State Huskies at the National Hockey Center.  This weekend, the Mavericks entertain the Minnesota State Mavericks at the Century Link Center in Omaha, Nebraska in an important two game series.  

4. Denver University – (9-5-2, WCHA 7-3-2) – This past weekend, the Denver Pioneers took (1-1 T – 1-3 L) a single point from the University of North Dakota. This weekend the Pioneers travel to Bemidji, MN to play the Bemidji State Beavers in an important two game WCHA series. Denver is has a record of 0-4-2 in the last six games, that is the Denver Pioneers worst winless streak in 13 seasons, dating back to the 1999-2000 season.

5. Saint Cloud State – (9-7-0, WCHA 7-5-0) – This past weekend, the Huskies split (5-6 L – 2-1 w) their weekend series with the Nebraska Omaha Mavericks at the National Hockey center. This weekend the Huskies entertain the Colorado College Tigers at the National Hockey Center.

6. Colorado College – (8-8-2, WCHA 5-4-1) – This past weekend, the Colorado College Tigers took (2-4 W – 4-4 T) a single point in their weekend series against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at the World Arena in Colorado Spring Colorado. This weekend the Tigers travel to the National Hockey Center to play the Saint Cloud State Huskies.

7.) Minnesota State Mankato – (9-5-2, WCHA 7-5-0) – This past weekend, the Mavericks swept (3-1 W – 3-0 W) the hapless University of Anchorage Alaska Seawolves at the Verizon Wireless Center.  This weekend the Mavericks travel to Omaha to play the University of Nebraska Omaha in an important two game WCHA series. While the Mavericks have a winning record, the Mavericks have played a very easy schedule and have only beat one team (Minnesota) with a winning record.

8. Minnesota Duluth – (5-8-3, WCHA 3-6-3) – This past weekend, the UMD Bulldogs split (4-2W – 2-1 L) their weekend series with the Bemidji State Beavers in a two game series at Amsoil Arena. This weekend, the Bulldogs travel to Anchorage Alaska to play the University of Alaska Anchorage in an important two game series in Sullivan Arena.

9.  Michigan Tech – (4-8-3, WCHA 3-6-3) – This past weekend, the Huskies took (1-1 T – 3-3 T) two points Wisconsin Badgers. This weekend, the Huskies entertain the University of North Dakota in an important to game series at the MacInnes Student Ice Arena in Houghton, Michigan.

10. Wisconsin – (2-7-5, WCHA 2-5-5) – This past weekend, the Badgers took two points (1-1 T – 3-3 T) from the Michigan Tech Huskies. This weekend the Badgers entertain the University of Alabama Huntsville in a two game nonconference series at the Kohl Center in Madison Wisconsin. How bad is the Wisconsin Badgers offense? The Badgers have scored 26 goals in 14 games.

11. Bemidji State – (4-8-2, WCHA 3-7-2) – This past weekend, the Bemidji State Beavers split  (0-3 L – 1-6 W) their weekend series with the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs at Amsoil Arena. This weekend, entertain the Denver Pioneers at Sanford Center in Bemidji, MN.

12. Alaska Anchorage – (3-7-4, WCHA 1-6-3) – This past weekend, the Seawolves were (1-3 L – 0-3 W) swept by the Minnesota State Mavericks in Mankato, Minnesota at the Verizon Wireless Center. This weekend, the Seawolves return home to entertain the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs at Sullivan Arena. This past weekend, was the first time that the Seawolves have failed to pick up at least a point in a weekend series.

Taylor Seibel’s WCHA Power Rankings.

1. North Dakota – (8-5-3, 5-2-3 WCHA) – North Dakota took 3 points from arch rival Denver on the weekend, and move up to the #1 spot in my WCHA Rankings.  UND dominated play in the third period and OT on Friday, but were robbed of a point by the DU goalie.  On Saturday, North Dakota continued their solid play to get the win.  Next weekend, North Dakota travels to Michigan Tech with a chance to have the WCHA lead at the Christmas break.

2. Minnesota – (11-3-3, 6-3-3 WCHA) – The Gophers outplayed Colorado College on the weekend, and if not for a furious rally by the Tigers in the third on Saturday to tie the game, Minnesota would have likely earned their first conference sweep of the season.  The Gophers are off next weekend, and do not play again until after Christmas when they host the Mariucci Classic.

3. Denver – (9-5-2, 7-3-2 WCHA) – Denver played very well on Friday in the first 40 minutes, and goalie Juho Olkinuora was absolutely amazing in net in the final 20 and OT to steal a point for the Pioneers.  DU kept it close on Saturday, but were unable to get the win.  Denver is now winless in their last 6, going 0-4-2 in that stretch.  Denver travels to Bemidji State next weekend.

4. Nebraska Omaha – (10-5-1, 6-3-1 WCHA) – UNO played two one-goal games, winning a barn-burner 6-5 on Friday, before dropping a close 2-1 contest on Saturday against St. Cloud State.  With the split, Omaha remains in contention for the WCHA lead going into Christmas.  The Mavs host…The Mavs of Minnesota State next weekend in a key WCHA series.

5. St. Cloud State – (9-7-0, 7-5-0 WCHA) – SCSU managed yet another split, their fifth in a row, with a 2-1 victory on Saturday against Omaha.  The Huskies fell on Friday 6-5 despite a hat trick from David Morley and outshooting the Mavericks 34-27.  St. Cloud hosts Colorado College next weekend.

6. Minnesota State – (9-5-2, 7-5-0 WCHA) – The Mavs are on a hot streak.  Since dropping five of their first six WCHA conference games, Mankato has rolled of six straight wins, allowing a total of six goals in those games.  This weekend, Minnesota State rolled Alaska Anchorage in a sweep, winning 3-1 on Friday, and 3-0 on Saturday.  Minnesota State looks continue their hot streak against UNO in Omaha next weekend.

7. Colorado College – (8-8-2, 5-4-1 WCHA) – The Tigers played well at times against Minnesota, but were only able to salvage 1 point on the weekend, thanks to a furious rally from a 4-1 deficit on Saturday.  The Tigers have only won once in their last 8 games, going 1-5-2 in that stretch.  CC has another difficult task next weekend, as the Tigers travel to St. Cloud to take on the Huskies.

8. Minnesota Duluth – (5-8-3, 3-6-3 WCHA) – The Bulldogs split with in-state rival Bemidji State this weekend, winning 4-2 on Friday before falling 2-1 on Saturday.  The Bulldogs are 3-2-1 in conference play after a disastrous 0-4-2 start.  Next weekend, the Bulldogs travel up north to take on the Alaska Anchorage Seawolves.

9. Michigan Tech – (4-8-3, 3-6-3 WCHA) – The Huskies traveled to Madison to take on the Badgers this weekend, and played two nail biters, both of which ended in ties.  Michigan Tech has had an inconsistent season, and is 2-7-3 in their last 12 games, including 0-2-3 in their last five.  The Huskies will have another opportunity to prove themselves, as North Dakota is coming to Houghton next weekend.

10. Wisconsin – (2-7-5, 2-5-5 WCHA) – The Badgers were able to take 2 points from a drama-filled weekend against Tech.  The Badgers and Huskies played to a 1-1 tie on Friday, and then followed that with a 3-3 draw on Saturday.  That pushes Wisconsin’s unbeaten streak to 4 games, and after starting the season 1-5-2 in conference play, the Badgers are 1-0-3 in their last four.  Wisconsin hosts Alabama Huntsville in a Thursday-Friday non-conference series

11. Bemidji State – (4-8-2, 3-7-2 WCHA) – The Beavers were able to salvage a split at Duluth this weekend, winning a close 2-1 contest on Saturday.  Bemidji State has struggled offensively this season, going over 3 goals in conference play just twice in 12 tries.  The Beavers will look to get an offensive boost next weekend, but they will have to play very well to do so because Denver will be the Beaver’s guest next weekend.

12. Alaska Anchorage – (3-7-4, 1-6-3 WCHA) – Alaska Anchorage’s road woes continued this past weekend, as the Seawolves were swept in Mankato.  UAA is now 0-4-2 on the road in WCHA play.  Fortunately for the Seawolves, they won’t have to travel next weekend.  The Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs are making the trek north to take on Anchorage next weekend.