Picture of the Day

Leaving the Ralph.

A photo posted by Eric J. Burton (@eric.burton.94801) on Jan 3, 2016 at 7:40pm PST

Fast and Furious

There is all kinds of hockey news today.

Boston Bruins forward David Krejci (hip) has resumed skating and plans on playing in October. That is good news for the Bruins.
[Boston Globe]

Alexander Ovechkin has a tramp stamp, or what ever you call it on a dude. [Puck Daddy]

Yawn! Boring! Marco Sturm is staking with out limitations and should be fine for this season. [Boston Globe]

Former Badger Kyle Turris has added 10 pounds in the off season.

The Dany Heatly saga goes on. Sens consider drop-dead for Heatley trade: Murray [Ottawa Sun]

Former Fighting Sioux hockey player Ryan Bayda hopes he can get a one way contract. Apparently the Canes want to give him a two way contract. [Roto World]

According to the Michael Russo Twitter page the Wild are interested in Jonathan Cheechoo. He would look good in the Wild's new third jersey.

Here is what Chara had to say on the Phil Kessel Matter.

On the Phil Kessel situation, Chara didn’t want to cause any controversy with his take on the restricted free agent’s ongoing contract situation.

“It’s part of the thing that every player has to realize and decide what he wants to do,” Chara said. “And obviously the rest of it is up to the management and Phil. So as a player I can’t really wish anything more than have both sides be happy. But we’ll see what’s going to happen.” [The Bruins Blog]

Is the Kessel Saga ending a conclusion? [NESN.COM]

But last Friday, we may have seen the gates open once again. San Jose is rumored to be a suitor for both players and cleared some cap space by trading defensemen Christian Ehrhoff and Brad Lukowich to the Canucks. Many around the league feel this may be a precursor to a bigger deal, possibly for Heatley or Kessel.

Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun reported Sunday that the Sharks could actually be preparing to make an offer sheet to Kessel. The Bruins are on record as saying they would match any offer sheets made to the restricted free agent -- though, on occasion, general manager Peter Chiarelli has slipped in the “within reason” when saying he would match. So unless Sharks GM Doug Wilson decides to throw a ridiculous contract at Kessel, expect the Bruins to match any offer sheet thrown down by him.

There were also rumors this past week that the Rangers and Devils have interest in Kessel, but sources with both teams denied that. Chiarelli was on vacation last week and unavailable for comment while a call to Kessel’s agent, Wade Arnott, went unreturned through the weekend.

Derrick LaPoint out for the year. (Moron of the week)

All Sioux fans know Sioux defense man Derrick LaPoint is out for the remainder of the season with a broken leg. LaPoint is a good defenseman that plays the game straight up and clean. Goon's World would like to wish Derrick Lapoint a speedy recovery and hope to see you back next season.

I watched the tape of the incident and yikes I have to feel for Derrick. The video shows him laying on the ice and he tries to get up look at his leg and just lays back down. LaPoint is a lot braver than I am.

(read the whole story here) UND sophomore defenseman Derrick LaPoint will miss the rest of the season with a broken tibia and fibula, an injury he suffered during Saturday night’s 4-3 win over Minnesota State-Mankato.

The injury occurred midway through the first period when Mankato forward Trevor Bruess took LaPoint into the end wall with a hit from behind. LaPoint’s ankle rolled up and both bones were cleanly broken.

He was carted off on a stretcher and taken to the hospital. LaPoint had successful surgery Sunday morning.

Moron of the Week

Here is my candidate for 'Moron of the week' it was posted over on the Badgers hockey blog and it's too bad we don't get to know who this anonymous Skippy is so we can expose him. I like how people have all the balls in the world when they can sit behind a fake screen name and say vile stuff like this. This person is a real piece of work. It almost makes me want to change this weekly award to douche bag of the week. So as long as it is a Sioux player this is fine with this clown. (clip to the incident) Way to stay classy.

Anonymous said...
I can't feel much sympathy for an Sioux player, regardless of where they are from originally.

February 15, 2009 9:40 PM

Linkorama from the UND and C.C. game

Here are a few things from last nights game. First off, the Sioux win is a result of a good hockey team that started slow and is finally finding its identity, not because of a C.C. let down from the DU series. That has to be one of the most condescending things I read today.

UNDER REVIEW talks about the good and the bad from last nights game.

Sioux Yeah Yeah! Calls the win Huge. I agree that it was a big time win.

According to Brad Elliott Schlossman the Sioux are really beat up on the blue line.

This is the WCHA on the win last night.

North Dakota 3, Colorado College 1
The Fighting Sioux got three goals from three different players as they defeated Colorado College 3-1 in Colorado Springs. Darcy Zajac scored the game's first goal 10minutes in and UND led 1-0 after one. The Sioux extended their lead to 3-0 after two on goals by Brent Davidson and Brett Hextall. Bill Sweatt broke up the shutout with CC's only goal with under two minutes to play. Brad Eidsness made 29 saves in the win for North Dakota. Richard Bachman stopped 26 shots for CC.

Orwick's Huge Win in the Mountains.

Uncaged on their first loss of the season. The Tigers are having trouble scoring goals this season. With the players they have returned and with the new rules you think the Tigers would thrive under that system.

Eye of the Tigers described UND's goals as "dirty". Dirty Goals win games in my opinion. Nice to see the Sioux with some grit.

Here is what Adam Wodon from College Hockey News has to say on the UND win last night.

Here is what SabresProspects.com had to say on two of UND's players.

In NCAA play, Brad Eidsness made 29 saves as visiting North Dakota defeated #1 Colorado College, 3-1. Eidsness, who moved to 3-2 on the year, made many great saves to earn the W and should be back between the pipes when the two clubs play it back on Saturday. Freshman defenseman Corey Fienhage did not travel with the club for the weekend set.

Badgers and Sioux the match up.

This weekend's action between the University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux 1-3-0 and the Wisconsin Badgers 0-5-1 in the grand scheme of things might actually prove to be a pivotal game for both teams. You want your team to win now so you don't have to worry about every win and loss later on in the season. Even though it is early in the season the Fighting Sioux do not want to go 1-5-0. It would be a big hole for them to dig themselves out of.

Anything less than 2 points for either team this weekend could end up being very devastating in the grand scheme of things, however, if you go on past history it would appear that the Sioux don't really get interested in winning before the first of the year. I would like to see this trend change.


Links to this weekend's series

Sioux Yeah Yeah! breaks down this weekend's series...

Dirty insults the whole state of Wisconsin.

CHN's Tale of the tape

Know your enemy: Sixty Minutes. No Alibis. No Regrets.

BADger Beat: Former Badgers Sieve Mike Valley is working with the Wisconsin goalies.

Simply Put... Sioux focused.

RWD's favorite media blogger Brad Elliott Schlossman informs us that Matt Watkins is healthy and Finely is day to day...



According to Todd D. Milewski -- the Badgers line up will look like this.
Murray-Geoffrion-Davies
P. Johnson-Thurber-Stepan
Mitchell-Turnbull-Dolan
Gorowsky-Bohmbach

Smith-McBain
McDonagh-Little
Springer-Gardiner
Goloubef

Connelly
Gudmandson

We are 1 We are North Dakota

fightingsioux.com
This is the new promotional picture for the Fighting Sioux hockey team. I am not sold on the new marketing slogan, I liked the old marketing slogan the Force of the North better, it had a much better ring to it, it just caught your attention. My next question what are we copying Marshall University. My last comment was can't they find a better place to take a picture than the bus tunnel at REA? It portrays a dreary, blah kind of feeling, why not put the picture in the REA at center ice?

Color me surprised; I thought it was only UND that did these things?

To take a page from our favorite Western College hockey blogger color me surprised. This can't be. Seems things got a little rough between the Badgers and the Huskies this past weekend.

Hey; I thought it was only the Sioux got involved in these things? From what I read, it sounds like there was a lot of after the whistle stuff this past weeekend. What is the common denominator now? Red uniforms? The Badgers? According to the SCSU coach Bob Motzko his team is a bunch of saints and never gets involved in stuff like this. Heck his boys don't even know what to do in these types of situations. Here is a thought; how about the common denominator that it is a league game and things get heated.

Roe and the Huskies better be ready to be hit next weekend

I am telling you right now that UND is going to check Roe and the skilled Huskies up and down the ice next weekend. The Fighting Sioux are going to hit Roe hard every chance they get the Huskies can bank on it. That is hockey and that the way the Sioux play.

SCSU hockey: Winless no more
By Kevin Allenspach

Garrett Roe has a talent, something every bit as valuable as his abundant ability to score goals and set up others.

Those aptitudes alone are enough to make you want him on your side. He has another forte, though, that merely makes you glad you don’t have to play against him. Just ask the Wisconsin Badgers.

Roe can agitate, and the way he affected St. Cloud State’s 3-2 victory on Saturday at the National Hockey Center was right out of his stylebook.

Trailing by a goal, Roe drew a penalty late in the second period that resulted in a 5-on-3 power play for St. Cloud State.

Roe subsequently hammered a shot off the shoulder of goalie Shane Connelly to tie it, and Matt Hartman netted the winner 36 seconds later during the man advantage Roe created.

“If I play without and edge out there, you wouldn’t notice me afterward, you wouldn’t notice me on the forecheck, the backcheck, in the D-zone, on faceoffs, and you wouldn’t notice any points, either,” said Roe

Roe goaded the Badgers into two first-period penalties and then gave them the opportunity to go ahead with an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty of his own.

(Read the rest of the article here)

More Garrett Roe

"I think I said we played a 'nice' game then, too," Motzko said. "That's the way it was again. They bring out the nice in us, I guess."

Except for Garrett Roe, who took exception to John Mitchell's hit at the SCSU blue line late in the second.

Roe, who thought he was kneed, got up and stalked Mitchell, eventually catching him with a hit from behind into the boards in front of the Badgers' bench.

Exit Roe for a major penalty and the closest the Huskies came thereafter was John Swanson's 20-foot shot that clanked the left post and the crossbar before bouncing out in the final minute.

The tumult and the shouting

Saturday's 3-2 victory was in the books, the Huskies had dispatched their 14-game winless streak against Wisconsin, and yet the Badgers wanted some more. Blake Geoffrion precipitated a scrum that involved many players from both benches just as they were emptying for the post series handshake. Both coaches came on the ice and started pitching their players out of danger, and referee Derek Shepherd wisely preempted the tradition and sent each team directly to their dressing rooms. Not before Matt Stephenson will remember Senior Night for the couple of good whacks he got in on Geoffrion, though.

"I looked over and I saw (Matt Hartman) on his back and Geoffrion was taking liberties," said Stephenson, who got a double-minor with Geoffrion. "I just came over to make sure it didn't get out of hand. First, they went after (Nate Dey) and that started the whole brouhaha. I looked over and I saw Geoffrion swinging. I went over and put my stick on him to let him know I was there and he turned around and punched me right in the stomach. One thing led to another and I was on top of him. I haven't been in one of those since juniors, and my last line brawl I was on the bottom."

Huskies coach Bob Motzko waded into the fray, afraid he would lose personnel for next weekend's series at North Dakota.

"Our guys never get into that, they don't know what to do," Motzko said. "I had to get out there and remind them we've got two more games to play."

Random thoughts.

This was posted by FargoSioux on Sioux sports the betting lines from Bally's in Las Vegas. This is what the gambling folks think the betting lines for this season's Frozen Four are going to be. Even the betting gurus have been fooled by Miami. It will be interesting to see how the paper tigers do during the NCAA tourney.


Teams of note:

Michigan 13/5
North Dakota 3/1
Boston College 7/2
Miami 7/2
Denver 4/1
Colorado College 6/1
Michigan St. 7/1
New Hampshire 7/1
Notre Dame 8/1

Other WCHA schools:

Wisconsin 10/1
Minnesota 30/1
St. Cloud 40/1
Mankato 50/1
Michigan Tech 60/1

Up dated WCHA standings

1 Colorado College 39 19-5-1 / 24-8-1
2 North Dakota 33 16-7-1 / 21-8-2
3 Denver 33 16-8-1 /22-10-1
4 Wisconsin 27 11-11-5 / 15-13-7
5 MSU-Mankato 24 10-11-4 / 16-13-4
6 St Cloud St 24 11-12-2 / 16-14-3
7 Minnesota 21 7-11-7 / 13-13-9
8 Minnesota-Duluth 21 8-11-5 / 12-12-6
9 Michigan Tech 18 7-14-4 / 11-17-5
10 Alaska Anchorage 12 3-18-6 / 7-18-8

I don't see any scenario where UND catches the Tigers, call me a realist. There is a slim glimmer of hope, but it is fading fast and I am not going to hold my breath waiting. First off MSU-M would have to beat the Tigers tonight, this is very possible but C.C. has lost just one game at home all season long. UND then has to win every game from here on out no ties or loses.

The league might as well FEDEX the Tigers the cup now because the race is over. Let them have the McNaughten Cup. Some have likened the McNaughten Cup an anchor because it is so hard to win then after after winning the cup some teams have gone out and laid an egg in the NCAA playoffs. A few teams come to mind off the top of my head. The last time the Sioux won the NCAA title, the fighting Sioux lost the battle for the cup with Wisconsin but won the Final Five and the NCAA title, the Badgers got bounced in the regional. I will take an NCAA title over a league title any day. This season feels a lot like the 2000 season.

I believe if the Tigers won today, they would sew up at least a tie for the championship because they would have 41 points and all UND can get is 41 points as well. That would mean that C.C. would have to lose both games next weekend against DU and I don't' see that happening. Anything is possible but I don't see it happening.

Goon's updated what-if.

CC 28 43
UND 28 41
Denver 28 37
UW 28 27
Mankato 28 26
SCSU 28 26
UMD 28 23
UMN 28 23
MTech 28 20
AA 28 14

Projected first round match ups

C.C. vs UAA
UND vs MTU
DU vs UMN
UW vs UMD
MSU-M vs SCSU

Final Five: C.C., UND, DU, UMD, MSU-M

This weekend's series with the Bull Dogs

Here are some good links for this weekend's series between the Bull Dogs and the Fighting Sioux. UND travels to the DECC for a pair of games on Saturday and Sunday at 2:07pm. Drunk Hockey guy covers why the games are on Saturday and Sunday. It does seem curious that the games are scheduled for when they are. I guess I am watching the first two periods at work on Saturday and Sunday. Thank God for DVR as well.

The Beat Writers.

Grand Forks Herald reporter Writer Brad Elliott Schlossman

Duluth News Tribune sports writer Kevin Pates

Apparently Dave Berger's prediction hit a cord with the UMD sports writerKevin Pates.

UMD Bloggers

Bruce Ciskie the radio voice of the Minnesota Duluth Bull Dogs also has a blog. While Bruce covers hockey he does have more of an eclectic perspective and covers a wide variety of sports.

Celebrity blogger Donna aka Running with the Dogs also has a cool blog.

USAF Bull Dog The DECC is Stacked is also an eclectic blog that covers many sports including the UMD Bull Dog hockey team.

Here is an interesting comment from the INCH/ESPN CHAT about college hockey

Landon, Littleton, CO: I was wondering if you had any insight into the success the Fighting Sioux have had finishing the regular season the past two seasons? Which include: Since Jan 1st in 2008: 12-1-1 with a 13 game unbeaten streak and counting. In 2007 after Jan 1st: 10-2-5 with an 11 game unbeaten streak! Their success has also come while playing in the toughest conference in the nation! Thanks for the thoughts.

Jess Myers: There are two ways to look at it: Either praise them for playing great after New Year's Day, or question why (with the same players) it takes the Sioux half the season to get things going. Last season there was a team meeting during which the players challenged each other to play better, and the result was a trip to the Frozen Four. This year, even in the midst of all those splits early in the season, coach Dave Hakstol knew they weren't far away from putting it all together, and when they did finally click, it was to be expected. In any case, they're better off with late-season surges than conference rivals like Denver and Alaska Anchorage, who have had late-season struggles in recent years.

Thoughts from one Beaver fan about the upcoming weekend in SiouxLand

This is frome one of my friends in Bemidji

Always thought the whole UND Fighting Sioux identity was positive, in good taste, and a source of great pride (and still do)

Many Beaver fans pull for UND aside from this weekend because UND Puck has treated BSU very neighborly in scheduling so that BSU may continue to develop as an NCAA DI program......along with being so close to Grand Forks.....and BSU gets a fair number of coaches from UND ranks

Seems like the Beavers are the opponent that jump-starts the Sioux annual drive to the FF.....but this year, the Beavs will try to avoid being road-kill, as the Sioux Train has already left the station and continue to build up speed (and PMs)

The Beavs have one point to show for the D-I era vs. the Sioux, and that was, as I said, when playing the Sioux before turning their past seasons around.....not sure what we're gonna see when playing the UND at the top of their game

Last dances with Dub squads in CO, (DU=2-4, CC-4-5), OrlandO and Frosh Dalton tended cages.....wonder if Climes will see action.

Hope the Green & White stay outta the box.....will make for more entertaining afternoons for BSU Fans

Most Importantly......From the "Did You Know?" Dept: Goon is a Beaver & has a tattoo to prove it. He's actually a Sioux only in his after life, that is, after his Bemidji State University life! He even tailgates with Beaver fans in Bemidji for Beaver Hockey Games! Long-Live Goon!

Safe & Fun Weekend Everyone!

bottom feeder

Its better to be the hammer than the nail (2nd addition)

Dustin Strand has a saying on the back of his DTRA Midwest Modified, "If It Doesn't Make you Whine It Aint Mine." I think that saying goes a long way in explaining how the Fighting Sioux's season is going. The Sioux are 10-0-1 in their last 11 games and have caused a wake of destruction on their way to the top of the WCHA standings.

With each weekend comes new complaints about UND's rough and tumble style of play. It almost makes you think we should change the UND Fighting Sioux team name to Murder INC. Funny thing was no one was really complaining about the Fighting Sioux until the Sioux got hot and went on a 11 game unbeaten streak. Also, I have not heard a lot of complaining about UND from its non-conference opponents.

The one complain that I find the to be the most humorous is big Joe Finley legal check on DU player Marcuzzi.

dggoddard "Clean hits" that result in concussions are not acceptable IMO. The hit needs to be looked at by the league office.

Yeah! Right, now fans want the WCHA to suspend people for legal hits, they don't even suspend people for illegal hits. I don't think that is going to happen, and it shouldn't. No one seemed that concerned Brady Murray or Jason Blake were hurt by legal hits. Injuries are a part of the game.

This should be taken as a badge of honor. I am actually glad that UND has finally gotten the moxie back, when the Ralph first opened teams seemed too giddy or comfortable coming in to play the Sioux. Teams should not want to come play the Sioux whether it is in the REA or in the other team's rink. I think Hakstol and company have the Sioux going in the right direction. Seems the better they get the more complaints they get.

Puck Swami said; think it's even a bit more than just 'not backing down' or 'sticking together'. Many teams have that. With UND, there are escalating levels of a more proactive violent edge to the Sioux game that all is about violence as intimidation.

Here's how..What makes the Sioux so effective over the years is that they have three more advanced levels of pro-active violence that they can draw upon to intimidate and win. It starts at Level 1 "check-them-cleanly-but-violently-all-the-way-through-the-boards philosophy (Kris Porter/Matt Smaby/Mike Commodore)" that tries to establish the Sioux as masters of the physical domain. Nobody checks harder than UND, and this is often enough to keep opponents in check.

If that's not enough to win, the Sioux will then often go to Level II, which is a more irritating, psychological/physical escalation. This of this level as a "stick-em-in the-nuts" or "bump em in their face after the whistle" - a kind of old school, brute force intimidation. This is the kind of play we see from guys like Mike Prprich or a Joe Finley. The message here is "don't mess with us or we'll hurt you, badly. ." Level II pushes the line from legal to illegal, but it's highly effective.

If that doesn't do the job, the Sioux have no problems going to Level III, which is good, old-fashioned, beat-down punch you in the face until you bleed. This is the domain of a Jim Archibald or Kyle Radke.

The Sioux can, and do, recruit players that can fit all three levels, and escalate this up the chain as needed to win. And they do it better than anyone else.

Chris from Western College Hockey has created a flame feast with his post; color me surprised.

The Gophers fans didn't want to be left out so they got into the act as well.

Mite Hockey brawl.

A friend of mine sent me this story in an email with the quip that they must be future UND fighting Sioux players. Typical Gopher fan.

From Geulph Ontario Canada. Kids as young as eight years old, along with their coaches, duke it out on ice after a hockey game between the two teams. Global National's Lauren McNabb reports...

This is the definition of cheap

I was watching this game last week and I thought Andre Roy definitely does not respect the code, this my friends is the definition of cheap and is nothing more than a bush league hack move. Andre Roy checks the guy which is fine and then before Clarkson can get his bearings starts firing hay makers at a defenseless player.

I have watched a few of the New Jersey games this year and I think David Clarkson brings more to the table than Cam Janssen because Clarkson actually have 1 goal and 3 assists for four points on the season.

NEW RULES... (by Sioux 7)

I've read some articles this summer about some possible new rules changes in college hockey.

The one I liked the best is switching to a 2 ref and 1 linesman system. Which keeps the number of zebras on the ice to 3. The NCAA is going to be more like the NHL then, in terms of referee's. I think this will help eliminate some of the hooking and holding (clutch and grab) done by some teams in the league. Thus making the game move along faster and we can see the speed and talent some of the kids really have.

Some of the other rule changes they have mentioned is the goalie trapezoid. Where the only place they can play the puck behind the goal line is in that "box" area. Another is the touch up icing call. Now it is an automatic icing and they might change it to like the NHL, where it is a race to the puck.

Last, but not least, is overtime, and all sorts of options. One they mentioned is doing OT for 5-minutes and then a shoot-out. Second was 5-on-5 OT for 5-minutes, then a 4-on-4 for 5-minutes and then a shoot-out. Personally this is one of my hot buttons, I'm too much of a purist and like ties. Yes, the shoot-out is fun to watch in the NHL, but not for college. They have 82 games in the NHL, college has between 30-40 games, depending on your schedule and playoffs. In my opinion they could actually drop a few games from the NHL schedule to give the players a little more rest and thus perform better. If two teams play 65 minutes and it is tied, call it a TIE, not got to a shoot-out or some other "different odd-ball way" to decide a winner. The only option I'm open to is extending OT like a playoff game. After the 3rd period, take a 15-minute intermission, and then put 20-minutes up on the clock and start period number 4, and keep on going until their is a winner.

Round Table Discussion: Hot Stove League

Goon's World sent out questions to various college hockey bloggers and here are their answers to the question I asked them. First up is Lets Go Mav's

How has your summer been?

Summer has been CRAZY but nice. Summer is always filled with many activities and I love the warm weather. If it wasn't for college hockey, winter would be a total bust.

Aside from summer activities I've been crazy busy at work...so needless to say life for LGM is just nuts..thus, the lack of posting!

What are you doing to fill the void of no college hockey during the off
season?

I sew up all the holes my old Sioux and Jutting Voo Doo dolls so they're ready for all the poking and witchcraft for the upcoming season. Watch out Sioux players (and some fans? ha ha...I should make a Goon and Dirty voo doo doll)...I'm going to hex you and poke your little doll until you hurt!!

Ok, SO kidding. Yet, wouldn't that be fun to have voo doo dolls of all the opposing players (or coaches) you hate?!? It would be quite the conversation piece when people come over. Luckily for me, Jutting already looks like the Chuckie doll so I don't have to make one for him.

Now really...what do I do to fill the void? Is there anything to really fill that void? I miss hockey really bad! I do fill my time with a crazy 40 hour work week and try to keep my sanity at the same time, go to the lake, golf, spend time with my family, hang with friends, go on trips, soak up the sun, go see live music...you know, just about anything that's fun for a single 29 year old gal to do!

Are you excited about your team prospects for the upcoming season?

They're ok. Really, the incoming class isn't that big but I'm looking forward to seeing what some of them produce. I think Rylan Galiardi may be a pleasant surprise, if he plays anything like his brother TJ does. It'll be fun to see how he develops.

Really though, I'm more excited about our returning players. As long as Kalinski comes back, the Mavs should be in good shape.

What other sports do you watch during the off-season?

Twins baseball baby! It's all about the Twins in the summer. I try to watch as many of the games as possible and try to get to the dome for a few too. Thank god my friend's dad has SWEET season tickets...helping my trips to the Dome be more frequent!

In your opinion, will there be anymore players leaving early for the NHL/professional ranks?

Goon, how DARE you ask me this?!?!? Do you want me to start crying at the thought that Kalinski may be leaving? I'm staying positive that he's staying this year and I'm not letting myself even think about the NHL snatching him up. As of now, I would say he's the only Mav that could possibly go pro yet since Wagner already did.

As for other teams? Well, I would LOVE to see UND lose a bunch of their guys...such as Oshie. All the other teams get hit hard and then stupid UND gets to keep most of their guys. UGG! Sorry...had to throw the UND slam in there. Really though, it's about time UND loses some of their top players too!

Otherwise I think most of the players in the WCHA that are going to leave have already.

Which player defection do you think was the most costly to their team?

For MSU, Wagner was the only one to leave. His departure is not great for Maverick Hockey but for me personally it's like "don't let the door hit you on the ass on your way out!!" He was a jerk to me and for that, he's forever scorned.

For other WCHA teams, I think Duluth was hit bad. I feel for them, because their losses this year compare to MSU's last year (losing Backes and Carter). When you're an "underdog" school losing a few of your best guys hurt way more than it does for schools like UND, U of M, and WI. Those programs have better chances at recruiting players just as good as the ones leaving, so their players leaving don't hurt as much. Poor UMD...they're tough though, so they'll pull through it. If now, we all know runninwiththedogs will go up to their arena and make them skate lines until they puke. Can't you just imagine her screaming "AGAIN!!" at any Bulldog that gives up?!?

Other schools...I don't know. I can't keep up with all of the losses. I would say (off the top of my head) that these are the worst for them:

UND- Towes
U of M- Goli
WI- Skille
SCSU- Gordon
UAA- Lawson (HA! So kidding. That kid was a FREAK...and he didn't go pro anyways)

---------------------------
Ryan Cardinal from the WCHA Blog answered the questions. His blog just came on line in recent past and it looks really good.

How has your summer been? (too long, too short, just right)

As much as I love the college hockey season, I enjoy summer because I feel it makes me appreciate the fall and winter more. That being said, now that we're within three months of the new season starting, I'm ready for summer to pass.

What are you doing to fill the void of no college hockey during the off
season?

Aside from joining the blogging community, I've passed the time by working, playing hockey and softball, and trying to enjoy summer weekends.

Are you excited about your team prospects for the upcoming season?

As a Gopher fan, there aren't too many seasons where you can't find reasons for optimism before the year starts. This year is no exception. There are some concerns, such as losing three key defensemen in Mike Vannelli, Alex Goligoski, and Erik Johnson, but they return all of their forwards from the second-half of the year and bring in a pair of high-end freshmen forwards in the form of Pat White and Mike Hoeffel. The freshmen defensemen (Stu Bickel, Kevin Wehrs, and Cade Fairchild) all have extensive junior hockey experience, so that should help in the transition to the college game, but there will no doubt be a learning curve.

As we saw from last year's Gopher team though, the forwards were much more responsible in the defensive end, especially when you compare them to recent groups of Gopher forwards, and hopefully that trend will continue this fall. Jeff Frazee has been somewhat inconsistent during his first two seasons, but as he showed late in the year last season in a pair of games against North Dakota, he's ready to step up and be "the man" between the pipes. Freshman Alex Kangas should be able to spot Frazee admirably, as by most accounts he should be one of the better first-year goalies in the country.

What other sports do you watch during the off-season?

I love watching the NHL playoffs after the college hockey season wraps up, and enjoy watching the Twins as well.

In your opinion, will there be anymore players leaving early for the NHL/professional ranks?

I hope not, since the Gophers are generally one of the teams that gets hit the hardest each year (along with the likes of North Dakota, Michigan, etc.) and logic would say players like Kyle Okposo and Blake Wheeler are some of the most NHL-ready prospects in the NCAA. With most NHL teams having already held their prospect camps, I don't think anyone else will bolt this year (knock on wood).

Which player defection do you think was the most costly to their team?

I think that Cory Schneider's decision to turn pro will really hurt Boston College. Obviously the position of goalie is the most important in hockey, and now BC has junior Adam Reasoner, who has less than six minutes of experience at the NCAA level, and a pair of freshmen (John Muse and Andrew Margolin), who both played at New England-area prep schools last year. The Eagles lost just two regulars off last year's team that of course lost in the title game to Michigan State, so they are no doubt solid on forward and defense, but I think that inexperience between the pipes could cost them come March.

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Here is Running with the Dogs answers to the questions.

How has your summer been?
Summer has essentially no meaning to worker bees like me. I'm not even taking a vacation this year.

What are you doing to fill the void of no college hockey during the off season?

I've done a little sailing, I'm working (obvs), and I've been running off and on. My softball season is over, which is kind of depressing. I've been posting sporadically on RWD, and I started a new blog, RWT, but those updates have gotten pretty sporadic, too. I'm writing the Great Canadian Novel.

Are you excited about your team prospects for the upcoming season?
I'm always excited for Bulldog hockey. I'm curious to see if we can make it at least into the middle ranks of the WCHA (7th or higher), but the season is so short, I look forward to every game. This will be the 4th season of RWD, and I can't wait to have actual content.

What other sports do you watch during the off-season?
I watch baseball, although I seem to be taking an extended All-Star Break. It should be noted that anyone who answers NASCAR is wrong: NASCAR is NOT a sport, you stupid hicks.

In your opinion, will there be anymore players leaving early for the NHL/professional ranks?
I think if players leave early, it will be because of team or personal issues rather than just a desire to move on. I certainly don't expect to see any more big name players leave.

Which player defection do you think was the most costly to their team? I think losing Matt Niskanen has hurt tUMD significantly. A PP QB is hard to replace, and he improved significantly throughout the year. He was one of My Guys as well, so on a personal level, I will miss him. Mason Raymond and Jon Toews were tough losses as well, but I think Nisky's departure has the biggest single impact. It's interesting that tDogs and tSioux have both lost an offensive defenceman and an electric forward. Obviously, one team is in a better position than the other, but it's notable parallel nonetheless.

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The UNH hockey blog weighed in. I think you might like his snappy answers. Incidently UND and UNH play this winter in a non-conference matchup.


How has your summer been? (too long, too short, just right)

Summer, summer... oh yeah, we call it the Fourth of July round these parts - realll pretty fireworks.

What are you doing to fill the void of no college hockey during the off
season?

What!? The season's over!? Shh!!! No one's supposed to know!

Are you excited about your team's prospects for the upcoming season?

Is there a reason why they call her Laura BUSH? I'm surprised no one's ever asked her that question in an interview - probably because of the really scary Secret Service agents all around. No, really, I've got two words for you - Regan. van Riemsdyk. That is SO two words! I'm excited to see Regan culminate his fantastic career - he's a fantastic goaltender (I at least attempt to play goal so I have a tremendous amount of RE-spect for the great goalies out there - ha, caught myself and didn't use fantastic again - ah damn!) and I enjoy watching someone so good at their craft.

It'll be great to see him on senior night and to watch him get his diploma. van Riemsdyk promises to be something I've never seen on the Whittemore Center ice - a big man who continuously gets the puck to the back of the net. Yet again - it is always great to watch a dominant player at their game. Really looking forward to seeing the entire freshmen class and the entire team just seems like it will be mature and ready to play - we're bringing the PAIN!

What other sports do you watch during the off-season?

There are other sports???

In your opinion, will there be anymore players leaving early for the
NHL/professional ranks?

It doesn't seem like it. There was a fire sale this past spring. Plus it's harder for the pros to take advantage of these impressionable youngsters in the fall when they're geared up for the upcoming season and not reeling from last season's final loss, looking for consolation, lonely, heartbroken - just looking for someone who'll listen to their pain... and give them actual, cold, hard cash! Yeah baby!

Which player defection do you think was the most costly to their team?

How 'bout - which player's departure hit you like a kick to the crotch from your first girlfriend when she dumped you on April Fools and you thought it was a joke - until she kicked you in the crotch and it made you just crumple to the floor and cry like a little baby... No. I'm okay. I don't want to talk about it. Oh, not just my team... well, I would have to say Schneider leaving BC. This is a team that didn't even really have a backup all year. Plus, have you seen their tuition!?

Go 'Cats!

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Western College Hockey answers the questions

How has your summer been? (too long, too short, just right)

My summer has been pretty good. There are always a lot of fun things to do, but ever since I moved to Minnesota, I've hated the heat, so that part kind of sucks.

What are you doing to fill the void of no college hockey during the off
season?

The best part about summer is that there are always a lot of very good hockey events to go to. It's not the same as going to a college hockey game, but it's fun to see a lot of different players, and there's nothing better than sitting in a cold rink on a really hot day.

Are you excited about your team prospects for the upcoming season?

Always. I'll admit Mankato's odds are a bit longer than some other teams, but anything can happen.

What other sports do you watch during the off-season?

I've been following the Twins on TV and the Tigers over the internet this summer. It's not great, but it gets me through the summer.

In your opinion, will there be anymore players leaving early for the
NHL/professional ranks?

Someone will probably sign towards the end of the summer once most of the free agents sign and teams figure out they may need an extra guy or two.

Which player defection do you think was the most costly to their team?

Steve Wagner probably would have played 55 minutes a night if he had stayed in Mankato, but he was ready to go. Jonathan Toews was probably the best player. I'd say Cory Schnieder was the biggest loss. BC will have two freshmen goalies, and while they're talented, there's a pretty steep learning curve in college hockey.

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I thought I would take a stab at the questions as well.


How has your summer been? (too long, too short, just right)

I look forward to every summer as a time to enjoy the out doors. This summer I bought a new pair of rollerblades and have begun to get out on the blades again. I have also played about 20 rounds of golf and incidentally I just returned from a golf tourney where my record was a horrible 0-5 in match play. One of the rounds I played in was a mercy killing as my partner and I were closed out 7 and 6 in match play. Two of the losses in this tourney went down to the last couple of holes. I basically threw one match away three putting on the 16th hole missing two puts from two feet and in... I haven’t played as much golf as I would like because my schedule has not allowed it to happen. Kind of sucks since golf memberships are so expensive.

The flip side of summer being over half over is that soon I will be duck hunting again. Dakota is ready for the upcoming season.


What are you doing to fill the void of no college hockey during the off
season?

Running with the dogs is going to kill me but I have filled the void by going to quite a few stock car races this summer. The greatest show on dirt the World of Outlaws recently came to Grand Forks and Fargo and so I took in both races as well as the World of Outlaws Late Models the second week of June. Sioux7 and I took the Saturday night World of Outlaws in the race in Fargo. On my other blog ND Red Neckyou can check out some of the pictures I have taken of the races I have been too this summer. I have also watched the first three seasons of 24 and season four is on the way as I just ordered it from Amazon.com.

I do watch baseball but I have sort of become board with the thriftiness of Minnesota Twins owner Carl Pohlad. Don’t get me wrong I am a fan of the Minnesota Twins but as a twins fan I am tired of being the brides maid I would like to see the Twins do more than be competitive and win a division title. I would like to have the twins win another world series.

Are you excited about your team's prospects for the upcoming season?

I am excited about the Sioux this season mostly because of the unselfishness of UND’s star players to turn down professional contracts to take another shot at an NCAA title. As we know in life there are no givens except death and taxes but the Sioux have a good chance of winning a national title if they can play as a team. There are a few players that feel they have some unfinished business and made a pact to return to take another shot at an NCAA title. For that sacrifice I applaud, Chorney, Finley, Duncan and Oshie, they all could have taken the money and ran.

What other sports do you watch during the off-season?

Golf, Baseball, NASCAR and the outdoor life channel. For those who question whether race car drivers are athletes; let me ask you this question. Could you drive an automobile 500 miles at 195 miles an hours in a hundred degree heat and not get dehydrated? Most of us would tire out at 100 miles. To race a car you have to be in good shape. There are no fat boys in NASCAR or the WoO…

In your opinion, will there be anymore players leaving early for the
NHL/professional ranks?

God I hope so, I am sick and tired of watching these players be coaxed out of college to spend a bunch of years in the minor before making the big leagues. I don’t believe this B.S. that some professional teams think that the NCAA doesn’t develop players well enough for the professional ranks. I guess Matt Green, Travis Zajac, Zach Parise, Paul Martin, Keith Ballard, Dany Heatley didn’t develop in college.

Which player defection do you think was the most costly to their team?
UND was hit hard by Lee and Towes leaving but it was expected that J.T. was going to leave so it wasn't a shocker, it was more of matter of when he was going to sign. Lee wanted to go, and I wished he would have stayed but that is just the way things go. Lee's loss is a big loss, but he Sioux will get past it.

I think that Goligoski leaving Minnesota is a big blow to the Gophers. Goligoski was a class act and was no doubt an awesome hockey player. You can’t just go out and recruit a three year veteran of the WCHA wars, no one with Goli’s experience and talent. In my opinion Alex Goligoski was a top ten player in the NCAA and more than likely an All-American hockey player yet again.

Corey Schneider leaving at B.C. puts the Boston College Eagles in a precarious situation, none of their goalies have played more than a couple of game in college.

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Goon's World team member Sioux07 took at stab at the questions

How has your summer been? (too long, too short, just right)

Summer is just the right length here, “three months of bad sledding”, so to speak.

What are you doing to fill the void of no college hockey during the off
season?

It has been good, it has gone by quickly with trips for work and 2 weeks for vacationing in Europe, aahhh, Europe. Then all the other weeks, World of Outlaws with THE GOON. Tubing the Otter Tail River, helping neighbors paint there houses (I still have to paint mine :o ) Doing the Fargo street fair last weekend and watch the RedHawks play baseball. It has gone by quick I tell you. Another month or so and college football will be underway, my second favorite sport after hockey.

Are you excited about your team prospects for the upcoming season?

I’m more excited then a fat lady at a Ricky Martin concert.

What other sports do you watch during the off-season?

Does Pro Wrestling count ;) There are not that many sports going on in the summer months.

In your opinion, will there be anymore players leaving early for the
NHL/professional ranks?

I don’t think so, it is getting a little late in the year for that.

Which player defection do you think was the most costly to their team?

Defection, your talking about the Russians (the “ex” communists), and the trading of players from there to NHL right ;) I think they should let there players leave to play in the NHL, they are a democracy now, right.

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Another Hockey East Blogger from For Here Men are Men this is the Boston College Eagles blog and he weighed in with his answers to the questions.

How has your summer been? (too long, too short, just right)
Waaaaaaaaaay too long.

What are you doing to fill the void of no college hockey during the off season?

-Drinking
-Working entirely too much
-Preparing for the upcoming football season
-Watching a lot of soccer and baseball
-Did I mention drinking??

Are you excited about your team prospects for the upcoming season?

Very. Cory Schneider's departure will be the albatross around the team's neck during the preseason, but we've got two very talented young goalies coming in. They won't replace him, but who can?? We'll have a lot of firepower up front and should have a rock-solid defense; the freshman goalies will be in good hands and there's no reason we can't make another run at the national title.
What other sports do you watch during the off-season?
Football (college and pro), soccer, NHL, some baseball. I also watch a lot of college hoops but other than three games it's played entirely during the college hockey season.


In your opinion, will there be anymore players leaving early for the
NHL/professional ranks?

This far past the draft, most likely not.
Which player defection do you think was the most costly to their team?
Schneider is the best player to leave early but the most costly in my opinion would have to be Mike Santorelli from Northern Michigan. They'll have an incredibly hard time replacing him.

Random thoughts

I would like to expand on this topic that I posted on at USCHO.COM...

Originally Posted by jk on USCHO.Com
Couple things about Lee.
However, I had pretty much the same thoughts on Okposo, and I think his recent decision (rather, the decision made for him by the NYI) might be a sign that teams are starting to see the value in leaving players in college. So now I think there is a chance that he might return.

My Post:
I am glad that not all the GM's in the NHL are anti College and in a hurry to yank these kids out of college. As we can see the WCHA has done a pretty good job preparing kids for the NHL. Insert example: Matt Carle, Zach Parise, Phil Kessel etc...

I was re-listening to the interview that Puffy did with tDon on KFAN after the Gopher's season was ended by the Sioux in March (Yeah I know). Basically Universityh of Minnesota head coach Don Lucia said something that really hit home. Maybe it was pointed at some of his players as well. His message was: your time in school for the most part is fun and a very short, don't make any rash decision. Once you sign your contract your an employee and its not always as fun as it's perceived to be. It's not all glamour and its a business.
You have to love the i-Pod option.

the Player only gets 4 years to play and then your career is over. Don went on to say that he has never heard a player regret leaving college too late, but has heard a few say they left way too early. he mentioned Jake Taylor and how he would have like to re-thought his decision. Then tDon made reference to former all-American Jordan Leopold and how he came back his fourth year and hit the jack pot... NCAA, Hobey Baker...

I guess it's up to the player and we will move on eventually no matter what Lee's decision is... The fact it's taken so long makes it more and more nerve racking. Sioux fans want to know who is going to be there when the puck drops on October 7th...

The Break Down

There are few top players (Schneider, B.C.; Goligoski, Minnesota; Lee, UND) in college hockey are deciding if they want to make the next step and sign a professional contract and start getting paid to play hockey, a child home dream of many of these players. Each of the players has a little different situation.

Brian Lee probably has no chance to make the Senators opening day roster and has basically shown an interest to sign a professional contract even though the senators have been on record and hinted he should go back to school and work on his development.

The Canucks want to sign Cory Schneider, he is probably destined to the back up role or more than likely is off to tend goal for the Manitoba Moose due to Canucks having a top flight goalie Roberto Luongo as their starter for the next three years. The mind set of many hockey pundents is that Cory could develop more in the AHL than in the NCAA. Also some have suggested that the Canucks could trade Cory for a top UFA that can make an immediate impact on the Canucks team.

Goligoski seems to have the best chance to make the pens if his off season injury/surgery heals in time to play in the fall. Of course Gophers fans are holding their breath and basically coming up with all the reason why Goli should come back tot the Gophers. Pittsburg is not going to risk losing Goligoski to another team and will make a serious push to get him locked up to a entry level contract...

The move on to the next level means they will forgo the rest of their college eligibility. One would believe this is a tough decision due to the fact these players have taken so long to make the decision.