Jason Gregoire to turn pro...

Hockey Futures image

Got home from my bike ride about 2:50 this afternoon almost instantaneously got a text message from Sioux Rube asking me if Gregoire had left (decided to sign a professional contract)? I then I went to the computer to see if any news was breaking on the subject and in fact it was true… Junior forward Jason Gregoire is going to forego his senior year of eligibility with the University of North Dakota to sign a professional contract… That is a big blow to the Fighting Sioux hockey team because Gregoire is one of the best two way forwards in the WCHA. I don't think anyone is really shocked because it had been rumored for some time that Gregs was going to leave and sign, however, it's a sad day for Sioux fans non-the-less. This is what Jason Gregoire tweeted on Twitter today - Always a tough decision to leave a place you love but I will never forget grand forks and the sioux family. Thanks for a memorable 3 years. Finally this as well - You guys truly are the best! #siouxforlife... Personally, I am going to miss watching him play in the green and white because he is an offensively and dynamic hockey player that will be greatly missed.

Brad Schlossman; UND Hockey Blog ---- Jason Gregoire has withdrawn from school and will sign an NHL contract this summer.

Because he’s four years removed from his draft year, Gregoire is allowed to take advantage of a loophole in the NHL’s Collective Bargaining Agreement that allows him to withdraw and become a free agent if he’s not signed within 30 days by the team that drafted him.

Gregoire was drafted by the New York Islanders and said it’s very much a possibility that he will sign with them, but he’s keeping his options open and he’s looking to get more information.

Minnesota’s Blake Wheeler is the only other college player known to have taken advantage of this loophole. Most players aren’t able to do it, because they don’t play a year of juniors after they were drafted.

“I hold the Islanders in the highest regard,” Gregoire said. “In no way, shape or form have I ruled them out. I just don’t have all of the information right now to make a decision.

“I think very highly of them and they think the same of me. They know what’s going to happen as far as me keeping my options open. We’ll talk some more. If they are the best option, I will go with them.”

Denver Post condones Malone headline.

As you know the Denver Post is known for using objectionable titles like this; Avalanche signs Brad Malone, whose hit broke the neck of DU's Martin, to their sports section articles. This is my example of drive-by-journalism at it's best by their beat writers. Is the Denver Post hurting this bad for readers?

This is why I think Sioux fans are lucky; we are blessed a great beat writer in Brad Schlossman and you would never seen anything classless like this come from him or anyone at the Grand Forks Herald in their sports department. You sure as heck wouldn't see it from Virg Foss...

-----Original Message-----
From: [mailto:thegoon48@gra.midco.net]
Sent: Thursday, April 14, 2011 2:01 PM
To: Mailbags
Subject: Avalanche Question

Name: Eric B

email: thegoon48@gra.midco.net

hometown: Grand Forks, ND

Question: Why would the Denver Post try to stir up discontent with
Fighting Sioux fans with their latest title; Avalanche signs Brad
Malone, whose hit broke the neck of DU's Martin... Is that really
necessary?


------------------------------
Here is the response to that email...

Hey Eric, I'm gonna sneak in here to answer this because it's a good
question. And Adrian wasn't involved in that headline. I'd like to
answer you, because I know North Dakota fans were upset.

We here actually talked about the story you're referencing when it hit,
because Colorado went through a similar situation with Steve Moore. But
for the context of Brad Malone's signing, that is how most fans in this
area know him. Fans in North Dakota know him differently. The Avs sign
players all the time, and often they're unknown at first to a majority
of NHL fans. But for Malone, readers in Colorado actually have a context
for him.

Also, I'm sure UND fans see something subjective in that headline. But
to be honest, we don't care one way or the other about DU rivalries, in
so far as who wins. And we're not interested in stirring up UND fans.
But for the Malone hit on Jesse Martin, it was penalized and Martin
broke his neck. Those are facts. Thus the headline.

I hope this lends some perspective. Thank you for the question. I'll
make sure Adrian sees it too ... -Nick

Nick Groke
Sports online editor
The Denver Post
303-954-1015
ngroke@denverpost.com

UND MEN’S HOCKEY: Bemidji State gets its wish

Not everyone thinks the UND Fighting Sioux hockey team or UND Fighting Sioux hockey Coach Dave Hakstol are rude. Just for the record if I get out of bed tomorrow I am going to luncheon at the BREC at 1130 am where I can listen to both coaches speak about this weekend's match up and the new hockey arena.

Grand Forks Herald --- (Serratore said) “We respect their program so much,” said Serratore, who is entering his 10th season as head coach of the Beavers. “They came and played us at the John Glas Fieldhouse when we were emerging as a D-I program. I look at those guys as great ambassadors to the game.

“They were the only team we really wanted to open up with. I’m glad that they can share this event with us.”

There’s no doubt that UND had a role in helping the Bemidji State program to this day. It was former Sioux coach Bob Peters who led the Beavers through NAIA, NCAA Division III and NCAA Division II levels before hitting the big time. He will drop a ceremonial first puck tonight.

In 2001, UND became the first national powerhouse to travel to Bemidji to play in a two-game, Division I series. The Sioux made subsequent trips to Bemidji in 2005, 2007 and 2008.

UND also lobbied in support of Bemidji State’s acceptance into the WCHA when it appeared the Beavers had no other conference options.

“They took care of us,” Serratore said.

So, when the WCHA released the 2010-11 schedule, Serratore publicly thanked the league for accommodating Bemidji State’s request.

Tonight, reality sinks in for the Beavers.