Another blow to the morale of the Hakstol Haters Club of the Midwest (HHCM). Inside College Hockey named Dave Hakstol their INCH Coach of the Year. (link goes to INCH's article)
Hard not to give it to Hakstol, though I think Spencer Penrose winner Coach Daniels of Ferris State would certainly qualify, perhaps Union's head coach as well.
Hakstol started the year off with one top notch recruit bolting for the CHL and two failing to pass the NCAA Clearinghouse. Then one by one players start to get injured starting with Rocco Grimaldi and ending with Taylor Dickin.
I love the Sioux with all my heart but all these injuries and the inability to put 18 skaters on the ice made my expectations for the Sioux diminish and just hoped that our walk ons and spot players can make the most of their opportunities.
What happened was nothing short of coaching genius. The players bought into the system and they simply willed victory after victory. On Ice Leadership steps up and the coaches coach a masterpiece.
I've always been pro-Hakstol so I'll probably be accused of being biased.
Showing posts with label Redwing77.. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Redwing77.. Show all posts
Friday, April 13, 2012
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Redwing77's Frozen Four Opinion Piece!
My bracket is destroyed. Only BC's entry into the Frozen Four was accurate in my bracket. Kudos to those of you whose bracket isn't complete garbage.
Here are the matchups:
Ferris State vs. Union
Minnesota vs. Boston College
Before I break down each game and give my (worthless) predictions, I wish to opine thusly: I do not like these matchups. I think there is plenty of glamor and appeal among the general college hockey population for the Minny/BC tilt, but there isn't much appeal for the Union/Ferris State tilt (other than the humanistic approach). I would have loved to have seen:
Minnesota vs. Union
Ferris State vs. Boston College
I think this brings everyone to both games. Sure, it might be the ESPN-ization of the brackets (giving the best opportunity to see the two biggest schools face off for the title) but I think it has the most appeal.
But that's not how the brackets work so here's the breakdown:
Union vs. Ferris State:
Union is the #1 seed in this game. Ferris isn't. Ferris State is a true Cinderella story. Union's story is good too. Both are in uncharted territory. Either team wins and it will be either team's first Frozen Four NC game. Despite my disdain towards the matchup, these two teams seem to match up well talent wise. It will be a good game. Union's goaltender is a Hobey finalist. I think he's proven that he's worthy.
Prediction: I got burned for not going by the rankings so I will go with the rankings tonight. My heart is with Ferris state but.... I predict Union wins 3-2.
Minnesota vs. BC:
This would be a GREAT NC matchup... but it is just a semifinal matchup. BC has won 17 straight which is something (if you believe in that... as it didn't work well for UND). Minnesota is rolling right now, stunning opponents with novel concepts not seen in recent years (such as Team Defense). Minnesota scored 12 goals in St. Paul and only gave up what... 5?
BC comes in having scored 6 goals in the regional and giving up... ZERO GOALS.
This game MIGHT require OT. And this game could go either way.
Prediction: 17 game streak... 0 goals allowed in the NCAAs thus far. Hard to go against BC. I think BC wins 2-1. It's going to be a great game. However, I will say this: Whoever wins THIS game, wins the National Championship so... as you see below, all you have to do is replace BC with Minny if Minny wins this game and my prediction remains the same otherwise.
NC Game:
BC vs. Union:
Union does a great job just getting here.... and leaves proud but quietly.
BC does its best impression of the 2002? Minnesota NC team when it played UNH for the title.
Prediction: BC: 5 Union: 1
Here are the matchups:
Ferris State vs. Union
Minnesota vs. Boston College
Before I break down each game and give my (worthless) predictions, I wish to opine thusly: I do not like these matchups. I think there is plenty of glamor and appeal among the general college hockey population for the Minny/BC tilt, but there isn't much appeal for the Union/Ferris State tilt (other than the humanistic approach). I would have loved to have seen:
Minnesota vs. Union
Ferris State vs. Boston College
I think this brings everyone to both games. Sure, it might be the ESPN-ization of the brackets (giving the best opportunity to see the two biggest schools face off for the title) but I think it has the most appeal.
But that's not how the brackets work so here's the breakdown:
Union vs. Ferris State:
Union is the #1 seed in this game. Ferris isn't. Ferris State is a true Cinderella story. Union's story is good too. Both are in uncharted territory. Either team wins and it will be either team's first Frozen Four NC game. Despite my disdain towards the matchup, these two teams seem to match up well talent wise. It will be a good game. Union's goaltender is a Hobey finalist. I think he's proven that he's worthy.
Prediction: I got burned for not going by the rankings so I will go with the rankings tonight. My heart is with Ferris state but.... I predict Union wins 3-2.
Minnesota vs. BC:
This would be a GREAT NC matchup... but it is just a semifinal matchup. BC has won 17 straight which is something (if you believe in that... as it didn't work well for UND). Minnesota is rolling right now, stunning opponents with novel concepts not seen in recent years (such as Team Defense). Minnesota scored 12 goals in St. Paul and only gave up what... 5?
BC comes in having scored 6 goals in the regional and giving up... ZERO GOALS.
This game MIGHT require OT. And this game could go either way.
Prediction: 17 game streak... 0 goals allowed in the NCAAs thus far. Hard to go against BC. I think BC wins 2-1. It's going to be a great game. However, I will say this: Whoever wins THIS game, wins the National Championship so... as you see below, all you have to do is replace BC with Minny if Minny wins this game and my prediction remains the same otherwise.
NC Game:
BC vs. Union:
Union does a great job just getting here.... and leaves proud but quietly.
BC does its best impression of the 2002? Minnesota NC team when it played UNH for the title.
Prediction: BC: 5 Union: 1
Friday, April 16, 2010
Redwing77's Nickname Musings
I thought about posting this as a response but it is rather too long for a comment so...
Isn't it intriguing how outlooks change?
When this whole ordeal started, it was the NCAA and the tribes that were the "enemy" and the SBoHE and UND Admin the White Knights.
HA! Looks like the enemy was not outside our own tent but in it!
The Tribes wanted their say. They almost got it. The SBoHE took their say away from them.
Where does this put each party?
NCAA - Brand is laughing from his grave. Franklin is smiling because he surely believes that if UND had just caved initially, then UND would have not been in such a predicament (not true) and now he gets to say "I warned you" AND get his and Brand's way.
SBoHE - They get their moment of "glory." They'll forever be remembered in both a well spun positive light "Bringing enlightened thought and conscious compassion to an embattled and beleaguered populace through the elimination of a caustic reminder of such a plight" and a negative one NDSU and its debacle. In truth, they got their glory. They got their names in the papers. They'll be remembered in one way or another.
UND Admin - In truth, they could fight it and look bad to those who can fire them, they can be indifferent and tempt negative response from the people who can fire them, or they can support the SBoHE blindly and be lauded by the State Board as champions of cooperation and collaboration. They are reprehensible, but they are politicians so... we should've known this was going to be the path they chose.
The Tribes - Screwed. HA! History repeats itself. They're now ignored, sentenced to a plight that could mean less public awareness, and no longer have any leverage for any sort of vocal power outside of the reservation. AND it is not of their doing. So, they get the added "bonus" of being lumped into the SBoHE as the enemy because they "Started it."
Talk about a clusterfu**
Where do we go from here?
Well, I've always been a fan of the University of North Dakota Fighting Cavalry, as the 1st Cavalry Division has part of its history and makeup in North Dakota, and not just the Custer reference.
It sounds cool. It has no Native American imagery or symbolism. And since the military has always been a part of North Dakota and Grand Forks (despite that being Air Force really) it would be really nice.
We can keep kelly green and have almost a camo color scheme. Or we can go into the face of everyone and go Union Blue, Gold, and White or Gray.
Or we can go with no nickname at all. I like this one. PLUS we have the unis already made up (admittedly, this is a women's hockey shot but I can't find a better picture).
Then we get rid of that statue outside of the Ralph. Instead, put up a statue of Teddy Roosevelt with some "inspiring" quotes of his... such as:
"I don't go so far as to think that the only good Indians are dead Indians, but I believe nine out of ten are, and I shouldn't inquire too closely into the case of the tenth. The most vicious cowboy has more moral principle than the average Indian." - Theodore Roosevelt
In conclusion, when I do think about the NCAA, I think of the hand gesture "You're #1." However, I give them that gesture without using my thumb, pinky, index, or ring fingers. Think about it. As for the nickname, I'm going to see how it plays out, and move on accordingly. I'll still be a fan of UND hockey.
Isn't it intriguing how outlooks change?
When this whole ordeal started, it was the NCAA and the tribes that were the "enemy" and the SBoHE and UND Admin the White Knights.
HA! Looks like the enemy was not outside our own tent but in it!
The Tribes wanted their say. They almost got it. The SBoHE took their say away from them.
Where does this put each party?
NCAA - Brand is laughing from his grave. Franklin is smiling because he surely believes that if UND had just caved initially, then UND would have not been in such a predicament (not true) and now he gets to say "I warned you" AND get his and Brand's way.
SBoHE - They get their moment of "glory." They'll forever be remembered in both a well spun positive light "Bringing enlightened thought and conscious compassion to an embattled and beleaguered populace through the elimination of a caustic reminder of such a plight" and a negative one NDSU and its debacle. In truth, they got their glory. They got their names in the papers. They'll be remembered in one way or another.
UND Admin - In truth, they could fight it and look bad to those who can fire them, they can be indifferent and tempt negative response from the people who can fire them, or they can support the SBoHE blindly and be lauded by the State Board as champions of cooperation and collaboration. They are reprehensible, but they are politicians so... we should've known this was going to be the path they chose.
The Tribes - Screwed. HA! History repeats itself. They're now ignored, sentenced to a plight that could mean less public awareness, and no longer have any leverage for any sort of vocal power outside of the reservation. AND it is not of their doing. So, they get the added "bonus" of being lumped into the SBoHE as the enemy because they "Started it."
Talk about a clusterfu**
Where do we go from here?
Well, I've always been a fan of the University of North Dakota Fighting Cavalry, as the 1st Cavalry Division has part of its history and makeup in North Dakota, and not just the Custer reference.
It sounds cool. It has no Native American imagery or symbolism. And since the military has always been a part of North Dakota and Grand Forks (despite that being Air Force really) it would be really nice.
We can keep kelly green and have almost a camo color scheme. Or we can go into the face of everyone and go Union Blue, Gold, and White or Gray.
Or we can go with no nickname at all. I like this one. PLUS we have the unis already made up (admittedly, this is a women's hockey shot but I can't find a better picture).
Then we get rid of that statue outside of the Ralph. Instead, put up a statue of Teddy Roosevelt with some "inspiring" quotes of his... such as:
"I don't go so far as to think that the only good Indians are dead Indians, but I believe nine out of ten are, and I shouldn't inquire too closely into the case of the tenth. The most vicious cowboy has more moral principle than the average Indian." - Theodore Roosevelt
In conclusion, when I do think about the NCAA, I think of the hand gesture "You're #1." However, I give them that gesture without using my thumb, pinky, index, or ring fingers. Think about it. As for the nickname, I'm going to see how it plays out, and move on accordingly. I'll still be a fan of UND hockey.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Another Sad Day at the Ralph
Today, the Sioux lost 4-2 thanks to some timely diving and some lackluster play. True, the Sioux had their chances, but when they were down a goal in the third period, they did not even attempt to ratchet up the intensity.
Here's a case in point: Cepis scores on the Power Play and we respond by playing "whatever" hockey. It seemed like the Sioux were saying "we'll take care of them tomorrow then." Well, let me tell you, the arrogance of that stance is so outstanding it would be hilarious to look on their faces tomorrow as the Gophers keep their season alive... if it wasn't the Sioux being the victims.
When you are down a goal, especially in a playoff game in the 3rd period, you NEVER play back. You ALWAYS ratchet up the intensity. You play aggressive and if they burn you for taking chances, so be it. This DID NOT HAPPEN TONIGHT.
We shot the puck on net plenty of times. However, we crashed the net almost not at all.
Ok, the officiating:
Last night, the officiating was pretty good. Not perfect, but pretty good. They let go what they should have let go and called what they should have called. They even called unsportsmanlike conduct penalties, even one on Cepis, something unheard of in the past.
This game REEKED of situational officiating and institutional-enforced parity. They wanted a series. They got one. They want Minnesota in the Final Five and they can't outright give it to them, but they can facilitate it as much as humanly possible.
Tonight, the officials called the rule book on the Sioux. They made exceptions left and right for the underdog Gophers. Yeah, you got me right critics of my anti-officiating bias. I'm not going to sit here and say that the Sioux are angels. I'm not going to say they never commit a penalty.
I will say that, with the exception of the Cepis dives, every penalty called against UND was legit, or at least reasonably called. However, constantly I witnessed the refs giving a free pass to the Gophers for crap we got called for earlier in the game! What's the deal. Call it both ways or don't call it at all. PERIOD.
True, the officiating is terrible with PLENTY of missed calls and bogus calls for both sides. However, if Hakstol doesn't opt to push for new officials tomorrow, then his sanity will be called into question. That being said, I doubt Daddy dumbarse will stand by and let his darling little boy be criticized by a goon and his clan.
My players of the game:
First Star: The Refs. They led UMN in points with 2.
Second Star: Alex Kangas
Third Star: Brett Hextall because he wasn't afraid to shoot the puck.
The League got what it wanted tonight. Now, I hope they come back pissed off and ready to actually make something of themselves.
End Rant
Here's a case in point: Cepis scores on the Power Play and we respond by playing "whatever" hockey. It seemed like the Sioux were saying "we'll take care of them tomorrow then." Well, let me tell you, the arrogance of that stance is so outstanding it would be hilarious to look on their faces tomorrow as the Gophers keep their season alive... if it wasn't the Sioux being the victims.
When you are down a goal, especially in a playoff game in the 3rd period, you NEVER play back. You ALWAYS ratchet up the intensity. You play aggressive and if they burn you for taking chances, so be it. This DID NOT HAPPEN TONIGHT.
We shot the puck on net plenty of times. However, we crashed the net almost not at all.
Ok, the officiating:
Last night, the officiating was pretty good. Not perfect, but pretty good. They let go what they should have let go and called what they should have called. They even called unsportsmanlike conduct penalties, even one on Cepis, something unheard of in the past.
This game REEKED of situational officiating and institutional-enforced parity. They wanted a series. They got one. They want Minnesota in the Final Five and they can't outright give it to them, but they can facilitate it as much as humanly possible.
Tonight, the officials called the rule book on the Sioux. They made exceptions left and right for the underdog Gophers. Yeah, you got me right critics of my anti-officiating bias. I'm not going to sit here and say that the Sioux are angels. I'm not going to say they never commit a penalty.
I will say that, with the exception of the Cepis dives, every penalty called against UND was legit, or at least reasonably called. However, constantly I witnessed the refs giving a free pass to the Gophers for crap we got called for earlier in the game! What's the deal. Call it both ways or don't call it at all. PERIOD.
True, the officiating is terrible with PLENTY of missed calls and bogus calls for both sides. However, if Hakstol doesn't opt to push for new officials tomorrow, then his sanity will be called into question. That being said, I doubt Daddy dumbarse will stand by and let his darling little boy be criticized by a goon and his clan.
My players of the game:
First Star: The Refs. They led UMN in points with 2.
Second Star: Alex Kangas
Third Star: Brett Hextall because he wasn't afraid to shoot the puck.
The League got what it wanted tonight. Now, I hope they come back pissed off and ready to actually make something of themselves.
End Rant
Saturday, March 06, 2010
The NHL Trade Deadline and the Red Wings (Redwing77)
Just like the Wild, the Red Wings didn't do much. They made two trades, a bubble player/prospect for another and a veteran washout for a younger winger. Neither look to be an impact player for this year and probably next year as well.
It was very disappointing that we couldn't make a move on a goaltender. I would have LOVED to see Halak in Red Wing red... or better yet, make true the rumors around Tomas Vokoun and bring him to Motown.
I think Howard is going to be a good goaltender, but I'm not sold on him as a #1.
I am sold on the fact that "WasGood" is done. At least he's done as a #1 goaltender in Detroit. Not a bad career for him.
Detroit, though, is with Chicago and New Jersey in that they're not exactly swimming in cap space. Only making it worse is the fact that there is a HUGE question in depth after the current NHL goaltending duo. McCallum might be a good one, but he's a ways out and facing an upward battle after looking dismal in the 2008-9 World Juniors. Daniel Larsson has seen sparing time in the NHL and looks to be the only one even remotely close to NHL ready. Other than McCallom, the Wings have two former NCAA goaltenders in Notre Dame's Jordan Pearce and Yale's Alec Richards in their ECHL affiliate. Neither are NHL material yet...if at all.
Overall, there are teams that are hit by the injury bug and play ok despite it... Detroit isn't one of them. What makes it worse is that they SHOULD have been able to. Osgood SHOULD have been a good #1 goaltender...but he wasn't. Datsyuk and Zetterberg SHOULD have been as dynamic as they've been the past two years... they're still good but they're not.
Oh well. Hopefully Chicago can get Huet and Niemi to play out of their minds so I can see Toews do well at least.
It was very disappointing that we couldn't make a move on a goaltender. I would have LOVED to see Halak in Red Wing red... or better yet, make true the rumors around Tomas Vokoun and bring him to Motown.
I think Howard is going to be a good goaltender, but I'm not sold on him as a #1.
I am sold on the fact that "WasGood" is done. At least he's done as a #1 goaltender in Detroit. Not a bad career for him.
Detroit, though, is with Chicago and New Jersey in that they're not exactly swimming in cap space. Only making it worse is the fact that there is a HUGE question in depth after the current NHL goaltending duo. McCallum might be a good one, but he's a ways out and facing an upward battle after looking dismal in the 2008-9 World Juniors. Daniel Larsson has seen sparing time in the NHL and looks to be the only one even remotely close to NHL ready. Other than McCallom, the Wings have two former NCAA goaltenders in Notre Dame's Jordan Pearce and Yale's Alec Richards in their ECHL affiliate. Neither are NHL material yet...if at all.
Overall, there are teams that are hit by the injury bug and play ok despite it... Detroit isn't one of them. What makes it worse is that they SHOULD have been able to. Osgood SHOULD have been a good #1 goaltender...but he wasn't. Datsyuk and Zetterberg SHOULD have been as dynamic as they've been the past two years... they're still good but they're not.
Oh well. Hopefully Chicago can get Huet and Niemi to play out of their minds so I can see Toews do well at least.
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