Tonight's UND Exhibition Game not on FCS

I've had a few people ask me if tonight's UND hockey game is on Fox College Sports. It will not be on FCS. Brad Schlossman had this on his blog this morning.

NOTE: Tonight’s game will be on Midco Sports Network. Before you ask, no, it will not be on FCS. Yes, UND, FCS and Midco are still working on an agreement so other games will be on FCS, but it is not done yet. I’m expecting something soon. Tonight’s game also will be on nchc.tv. Okay, so, let’s carry on….)

It does appear that UND games will make a return to Fox College Sports soon.

Interesting Tweets about the NCHC TV Deal

@MiamiO_Fan Not sure where you got that, but that's not accurate. We'll be announcing TV next week
— The NCHC (@TheNCHC) September 10, 2014

You have to love some of the fans from the NCHC. I wonder if there's a black helicopter landing in that fan's back yard. That being said, I really like the fact that the league engages the fans in a respectful and prompt manner. You can't say that about all of the leagues in college hockey.

@MiamiO_Fan Okay, he's just guessing. We'll have full TV schedule for release next week. Haven't announced anything yet...
— The NCHC (@TheNCHC) September 10, 2014

@gmonteith Only road games not included are non-conference road games
— The NCHC (@TheNCHC) September 11, 2014

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UND Hockey: Dave Hakstol Supports the Gentleman's Agreement

Edit: At the current time the video appears to have been taken down. If you watch the video, at the 1:24 mark of the video you will see Dave Hakstol's answer.

Head coach Dave Hakstol was asked by the host Dan Hammer if they will still adhere to the gentleman’s agreement.

“Yes we are,” Hakstol said. “We had probably a fifth of our group leave our meetings in Florida this spring. They spoke on the record that they will not be honoring the gentleman’s agreement. But we have always adhered to that (agreement), and we will continue to as we go through this transition flux period. There are a lot of things that are changing in the recruiting world of college hockey. We are going to be very thoughtful as will go through this transition, and make sure we’re doing things that are smart for the University of North Dakota and the University of North Dakota hockey program.”

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DU Hockey Staff Ice Bucket Challenge

The ice bucket challenge, come to the NCHC...

RT @MikeChambers: @DUCoachMonty and @DU_Hockey staff gets ALS ice bucket challenge from players http://t.co/VgKPiKYBG9…
— Denver Hockey (@DU_Hockey) August 18, 2014

Matt Greene with the Cup

Former University of North Dakota defensman Matt Greene brought the Stanley Cup back to Grand Forks, ND. There was a lot of people on hand today to see the Stanley Cup today.

As you can see from the pictures, the Stanley Cup is a very large trophy. It was a classy move by the former Fighting Sioux defenseman to bring the cup to Grand Forks.

Former captain Matt Greene and a special friend chat with @UNDMHockey radio voice Tim Hennessy. pic.twitter.com/ZJTgm0mXcC
— North Dakota MHockey (@UNDMHockey) August 12, 2014

UND Hockey: Popular anthem singer Lindquist retained full-time (Video)

This is very good news and a smart move by UND. Mark Lindquist sang a few national anthems last year and he was simply amazing.

GRAND FORKS, N.D. – UND Athletics and the Ralph Engelstad Arena are pleased to announce that Mark J. Lindquist has been retained as the full-time national anthem singer at UND men’s hockey games for the 2014-15 season. 

Lindquist’s talents were on display at multiple UND Athletics events during the 2013-14 season and his rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner” has become an anticipated portion of the North Dakota hockey game experience. With a significant amount of positive feedback from fans, as well as the desire to add to the unique experience of UND men’s hockey games at “The Ralph,” the decision was made to ensure a consistent performance of the national anthem.

Lindquist is a nationally-recognized speaker and world-touring entertainer who has performed live for over a half-a-million people throughout his career. As an actor, he has appeared in ABC’s “Lost,” CBS’ “Hawaii Five-O” and the Universal Studios movie “Battleship.” 

Currently, Mark travels the country performing the national anthem for collegiate and professional sports teams, delivers keynote addresses for businesses, associations, conferences and school assemblies, as well as educational financial seminars in cities across America. 

This summer, Mark has performed at the College World Series and will be performing at Fargo Redhawks and Minnesota Twins games in July, as well as for the Los Angeles Dodgers in August.

“It's such an honor to become a consistent part of such a storied hockey program. The national anthem is my favorite song to sing and I am proud to bring my rendition to UND Athletics and the Ralph Engelstad Arena,” said Lindquist.

Lindquist makes his home in Fargo, N.D., and co-founded Breath Is Limited Motivational Speaking LLC as his way of bringing a message of hope, passion, perseverance and joy to people all over the world (www.BreathIsLimited.com). He is also a partner at The 7 Mindsets out of Atlanta, Ga. 

Lindquist is a former sergeant in the United States Air Force and an Afghanistan war veteran who grew up in Ortonville, Minn.

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Zane Gothberg is going Camping with the Bruins

Joe Haggerty of CSNNE had this to say about UND goalie Zane Gothberg who's going to the Boston Bruins development camp. Notice, Haggerty referred to the University of North Dakota as the Fighting Sioux.

Joe Haggerty, CSNNE.Com --- Zane Gothberg – Goaltender, 2010 sixth round pick (165th overall): Gothberg helped lead the University of North Dakota to the Frozen Four, and set a school record with his .926 save percentage last season. The longtime development camp attendee should be one of the standouts after his 1.99 goals against average and three shutouts in 33 games for the Fighting Sioux last season.

B's ready to welcome plenty of hockey promise to development camp. Here's a rundown on 23-player roster http://t.co/aoBGbrxHfO #BruinsTalk
— Joe Haggerty (@HackswithHaggs) July 8, 2014

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UND Hockey LOI's

Cameron Johnson (Waterloo Black Hawks) has signed a National Letter of Intent with the University of North Dakota for 2014-2015
— Hockey Commitments (@hockeycommits) June 23, 2014

It's getting closer to the college hockey opener. In a 103 days, UND will be back on the ice again. For those keeping track at home, that's just under 3 1/2 months away. So, it's never very long until hockey season.

Trevor Olson (Sioux City Musketeers) has signed a National Letter of Intent with the University of North Dakota for 2014-2015
— Hockey Commitments (@hockeycommits) June 23, 2014

Austin Poganski (Tri City Storm) has signed a National Letter of Intent with the University of North Dakota for 2014-2015
— Hockey Commitments (@hockeycommits) June 23, 2014

Tucker Poolman (Omaha Lancers) has signed a National Letter of Intent with the University of North Dakota for 2014-2015
— Hockey Commitments (@hockeycommits) June 23, 2014

Nick Schmaltz (Green Bay Gamblers) has signed a National Letter of Intent with the University of North Dakota for 2014-2015
— Hockey Commitments (@hockeycommits) June 23, 2014

John Simonson (Lincoln Stars) has signed a National Letter of Intent with the University of North Dakota for 2014-2015
— Hockey Commitments (@hockeycommits) June 23, 2014

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UND Hockey: Semi-Committed recruits (Ryan Mantha)

Semi-committed recruits, I am going to give a s/t to my buddy Mafia Man for this one. If I was the coaching staff, obviously I am not, I would consider pulling this kids scholarship offer. Frankly I am bored reading his various quotes about how he's going to wait and see.

Does this kid not realize that 31 percent of the NHL is a former college hockey player, that's only going to increase in the future. If this doesn't think he's going to develop at UND, he's crazy. Dave Hakstol and his staff are highly regarded by the NHL coaches and General Managers.

Nate Sager, Buzzing the Net -- (Ryan) Mantha's next port of call could be contingent on which NHL organization takes a chance on him at the NHL draft this weekend in Philadelphia. The big defender is uncommitted to a NCAA school for this season. The Muskegon Lumberjacks have his USHL rights, while the Ontario Hockey League's Niagara IceDogs recently traded two priority selection picks for his rights."

"North Dakota has eight D returning," Mantha says. "I don't want to sit, I want to continue to develop. I'm keeping my options open right now. They haven't told me to go back. That's something I have to decide over the summer.

"I think they're going to decide," he says of a NHL franchise having influence on the decision of where to play as an 18-year-old. "Some teams say they won't but I think if someone has input on what is best for me, I'll really consider it."

If you don't believe me, all you have to do is watch some of the great UND hockey players currently playing in the NHL. The last three Stanley Cups have a former UND hockey players' name on it. After watching what happened with Adam Tambellini last season, I would walk away from anyone that isn't 100 percent all in. Playing time at the University of North Dakota is earned. I have watched enough practices to know that.

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Z is for Zane (Gothberg)

What a really nice story by WDAZ's Dan Corey on UND sophomore goalie Zane Gothberg. I think this really shows how the younger kids look up to the UND hockey players as well.

Z Is For Zane: The story of Zane Gothberg and his incredible friendship with a Thief River Falls second grade class. http://t.co/EUDdZJIV5K
— Dan Corey (@DanCorey8) May 8, 2014

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Rocco Grimaldi signs with NHL’s Florida Panthers

#159977402 / gettyimages.com

Rocco Grimaldi was an absolute gem to cover, and I am going to miss him. Grimaldi is an electrifying player that can change a game with his speed and offensive imagination. Good luck to him.

GRAND FORKS, N.D. – University of North Dakota sophomore forward Rocco Grimaldi has signed an entry level contract with the National Hockey League’s Florida Panthers and will forgo his final two years of collegiate eligibility. The Panthers selected Grimaldi in the second round (33d overall) of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.

Grimaldi led North Dakota in points (39) and goals (17) in 42 games in 2013-14, establishing career highs in both categories. He was named the Most Outstanding Player of the 2014 NCAA Midwest Regional in Cincinnati after recording his first collegiate hat trick in UND’s semifinal win over Wisconsin. His performance helped lead UND to its 20th appearance in the NCAA Frozen Four.

The 5-foot-6, 172-pound Grimaldi also earned Academic All-NCHC honors in 2013-14 and won the team’s Virg Foss 3-Star Award for accumulating the most 3-star voting points during the regular season.

In 2012-13, Grimaldi was named to the All-WCHA Rookie Team and was voted UND’s Rookie of the Year after leading all WCHA rookies in points (36) and assists (23), while also topping the nation’s rookies with 147 shots on goal. That same season, Grimaldi helped lead the United States to a gold medal at the 2013 IIHF World Junior Championship in Russia. He was named U.S. Player of the Game in the gold medal win over Sweden after scoring both the game-tying and game-winning goals.

Grimaldi’s initial freshman season at UND in 2011-12 was cut short after just four games due to a season-ending knee injury. He finished his collegiate career with 31 goals and 46 assists and a plus-22 rating in 86 games.

A native of Rossmoor, Calif., Grimaldi is UND’s second player to sign an NHL contract since the end of the 2013-14 season, joining senior defenseman Dillon Simpson, who signed with the Edmonton Oilers.

.@RGrimaldi23 Agrees to Entry-Level Contract with #FlaPanthers http://t.co/r6H0hW61kF
— Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) May 7, 2014

UND Hockey: Schmaltz, Gothberg and Parks to return to UND for the 2014-15 season

RT @UNDSID: Sophomore defenseman Jordan Schmaltz and junior forward Michael Parks have both confirmed that they'll return to UND next year.
— North Dakota MHockey (@UNDMHockey) April 16, 2014

Can also now confirm that goalie Zane Gothberg will be back for his junior season. @UNDMHockey
— Jayson Hajdu (@UNDSID) April 16, 2014

Some good news for UND... I would imagine that Jordan Schmaltz would like to play with his brother Nick. Nice to see the staring goalie Zane Gothberg return as well. Now, we wait on Rocco Grimaldi's decision.

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CHN Early top 10 for 2014-15

early top 10 for 2014-15 1. Minnesota 2. N. Dakota 3. Michigan 4. BC 5. Miami 6. Providence 7. Union 8. Minnesota St. 9. Colgate 10. Maine
— College Hockey News (@chnews) April 15,2014

Looks like College Hockey News thinks highly of the University of North Dakota hockey team going into next season. I am sure the returning players had something to do with this.

Zane Gothberg had a 1.76 GAA and .934 SV% in March/April and led the nation in starts (11), minutes played (681:17) and saves (284).
— North Dakota MHockey (@UNDMHockey) April 15, 2014

UND Season over.... Much to be thankful for

Seal of the University of North Dakota (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

One of my friend on facebook posted this... I think this sums it up best. 

I'm so proud of University of North Dakota Men's Hockey. For how the season was going by Christmas break, did **ANY** UND fan think they'd even make the big tourney? Or even the 2nd round of the NCHCs? No way. Nobody saw this coming. I'll forever be as big of a fan as I've ever been. To the four Seniors, thank you so much. Clarke Saunders, Mitch Mac, Derek Rodwell, and Dillon Simpson... Thank you so, so much, and I wish you the best of luck in your future careers off and on ice careers. To the coaches and the rest of the team, thank you for being such great student athletes. I wish I could shake every single one of your hands.

Man... it's going to be a long 5 months and 3 weeks without Tim Hennessy and Steve Olsen echoing through my house. SIOUX FOREVER.

All in all, it was a good season, and I don't think we should hang our heads about this. #rolltribe and go UNION...

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UND Hockey: Bench Celly

See told you Hakstol was smiling. MT: NCAA Hockey: UND hockey Embraces Underdog Role - http://t.co/QeB4biyAcP … #THW pic.twitter.com/xTufJO9Ww7
— Eric J. Burton THW (@goon48) April 3, 2014

There's visual evidence of UND head coach Dave Hakstol smiling.

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UND vs. FSU Lines (NCAA Midwest Regional)

North Dakota Forward Lines

9 Drake Caggiula–16 Mark MacMillan–15 Michael Parks
28 Stephane Pattyn–19 Rocco Grimaldi–27 Luke Johnson
21 Brendan O’Donnell–13 Connor Gaarder–11 Derek Rodwell
29 Bryn Chyzyk–17 Colten St. Clair–22 Andrew Panzarella

North Dakota Defense Pairings

18 Dillon Simpson–24 Jordan Schmaltz
5 Nick Mattson–6 Paul LaDue
4 Keaton Thompson–2 Troy Stecher

UND Goalies

31 Zane Gothberg
33 Clarke Saunders

Ferris Forward Lines

21 Justin Buzzeo–6 Kyle Schempp–16 Garrett Thompson
18 Andy Huff–8 Cory Kane–20 Gerald Mayhew
17 Jared VanWormer–11 Kenny Babinski–9 Chad McDonald
22 Matt Robertson–19 Justin DeMartino–28 Seth Adams

Ferris Defense Pairings

2 Scott Czarnowczan–3 Travis White
23 Brandon Anselmini–10 Ryan Lowney
25 Sean O’Rourke–7 Jason Binkley

Ferris Goalies

30 C.J. Motte
29 Charles Williams
31 Trace Pennoc

Edit: UND 5 UW 2 (Video)

Tonight, UND beat a very good Wisconsin team 5-2. Wisconsin came into tonight's game with nine seniors on their roster. UND played tonight's game with two seniors in their lineup captain Dillon Simpson and Derek Rodwell. Senior goalie Clark Saunders was the backup goalie and Mitch MacMillan was a healthy scratch. To put it in perspective, UND beat a very good veteran team. The Badgers were built to go deep into the NCAA playoffs and their season was cut short. 

This past week, I read a lot of blog posts and newspaper articles, and no one gave UND much of a chance of winning this game. Big night for UND sophomore forward Rocco Grimaldi, who scored (3g-0a—3pts). According to UNDSID Jayson Hajdu, Grimaldi had played in 83 games and never scored two goals in a game. Looks like he saved his best effort for one of the most important games of his UND hockey career.

The following players also had a big night for UND, junior forwards Mike Parks (1g-1a—2pts), Mark MacMillan (1g-2a—3pts). UND will play Ferris State tomorrow night for a chance to go to the Frozen Four.

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General Pattyn 'Play Sioux Hockey'

@GeneralPattyn28 your intuition and spirit are correct...SIOUX hockey. https://t.co/c1d42NPCID
— Katie O'Keefe-Hale (@KOKeefeHale) March 28, 2014

Got to love the General. The guys solid and will probably be your team captain next season.

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North Dakota's Drake Caggiula blasts Miami's Sean Kuraly

Thoughts on this hit... UND forward Drake Caggiula absolutely blasts Miami's Sean Kuraly with a clean hard, legal check. There is not elbow to the head. I don't buy it, the guy had the puck, before he was checked. Caggiula didn't charge him. It's another example of blown call. At the end of the press conference. WMU head coach Andy Murray said, "The league needs better officiating." I think it's a bad call by the official.

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