Showing posts with label University of North Dakota. Show all posts
Showing posts with label University of North Dakota. Show all posts

Wednesday, June 08, 2016

My Top-Five Picks for a Frozen Four

English: National Collegiate Athletic Associat...
This past week, Brad Schlossman reported that the University of North Dakota will bid to host a future Frozen Four in St. Louis, Missouri. Here's my question where would you like to see a Frozen Four held?

After pondering this subject for a few days, I came up with my favorites. Here're my top-five choices.

1. I am a big fan Florida, and I love the Sun Shine State. So, I would like to see a Frozen Four held in the Florida Panthers home arena, the BB&T Center in Sunrise, Florida.

2. Staying in Florida, this past year's Frozen Four was a big success. So, I am cool with the Frozen Four going returning to Tampa Florida on a semi-regular basis. Obviously, UND also had success at Amalie Arena.

3. Last week, it was announced that Las Vegas is getting an NHL team. We were told it was a done deal. So, let's get the NCAA to change their mind about holding a NCAA championship in Las Vegas, Nevada. Currently, the NCAA doesn't hold championships in states where gambling is legal. T-Mobile Arena looks like a great place to hold a Frozen Four.

4. The Xcel Energy Center is another great venue to hold a Frozen Four in. There's not much more that I can add to that. While the weather in Minnesota can be dicey in April. It's a great hockey venue and the Frozen Four should return to the Xcel frequently.

5. Finally, I like the idea of holding a Frozen Four in Phoenix. Currently, the Coyotes play in Gila River Arena. That could change.

Saturday, April 09, 2016

It's Game Day: UND vs. QU



Good luck to the University of North Dakota hockey team as they go for eight. Here are some of the stories making the news today. Tonight, UND is looing to raise it's eighth banner.






Friday, April 08, 2016

Frozen Four: North Dakota 4 Denver 2



Tonight, the University of North Dakota won a Frozen Four semifinal for the first time since 2005. UND has exercised some demons and finally gotten over the hump in the Frozen Four. I will be posting more later tomorrow. (Here's the link to the goals for UND)

In my opinion, it looks better on paper, UND is now 2-9 in the last eight visits to the Frozen Four.




I want to address this. First, this is a penalty. It could've been a five-minute major. It wasn't. Nowhere did I say that it wasn't a penalty. I don't think that Trevor Olson hit the ice again after this penalty. I also wouldn't be surprised to see him in the stands on Saturday night. There's also a reason I muted this guy.










Saturday, March 26, 2016

Former Fighting Sioux Defenseman Mike Commodore with his Prediction



Today, former Fighting Sioux defenseman Mike Commodore took to Twitter to make his prediction on the North Dakota vs. Michigan game. Some of the responses by the Michigan fans are kind of funny, too.

Sunday, March 06, 2016

New York Times: The Sioux Nickname Is Gone, but North Dakota Hockey Fans Haven’t Moved On

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I was reading my facebook stream today when I came across this article from the New York Times. No matter where you stand on the nickname, this is a good read.

I predict, the Sioux jersey's and chants aren't going away anytime soon.

I am not sure if anyone should be shocked. You don't change 80 years of tradition and history overnight.

It's going to take a while to move on from the Fighting Sioux Nickname. I just ordered a new Fighting Sioux jersey. (Click to read the article)
When Sandelin opened his remarks with, “Always nice to be back among the Fighting Sioux fans,” he received immediate and prolonged applause.

“I knew that would get a rise,” he said, smiling.

Several minutes later, Sandelin concluded this way: “Once a Sioux, always a Sioux. I can still say that.”
Let's just say... there are more than 4,000 Sioux jersey's. That's not going to change anytime soon. I had a few of my fellow fans tell me that they're set for life. The Dacotah Legacy Collection is one way to keep those Fighting Sioux jersey's stocked up.
“When I go to that hockey game and I see 4,000 Fighting Sioux jerseys in a 12,000-seat arena, hear the chants and see the rituals and hear the booing and cheering and all that stuff, that bothers a lot of people at the university,” said the interim university president Ed Schafer, a former two-term governor and briefly the agriculture secretary under President George W. Bush.

He added: “I look at it and say, What’s the alternative? What do the students have to turn to instead of that? We don’t have that right now.”
I had a conversation with someone this past weekend about the University getting the new logo right. They're convinced that the UND administration understands what is at stake. I am very skeptical.

Fighting Hawks

I want to clear a few things up. First, the official nickname of UND's sports team is Fighting Hawks. The writers that I know and have contact with use the nickname in their articles in one form or another. The TV channels that broadcast UND hockey use Fighting Hawks in their broadcast and in their graphics.

Back in 2012, UND asked the various media entities that cover UND sports to no longer use the Fighting Sioux nickname. I've complied with their request and Fighting Sioux is no longer used in writing about UND sports. UNLESS, I am writing about a player that wore the Fighting Sioux logo.

I have been told by a few readers that I shouldn't use the Fighting Hawks nickname. I disagree. I write for two syndicated blogs with thousands of readers. My managing editors would expect me to honor UND's request as well.

So, I have to comply with UND's wishes. I think it's a fair request on their part. I am not trying to shove the new nickname down anyone's throat. However, it's easier to write when the team you cover has a nickname. I never, ever stopped admiring the Fighting Sioux nickname, but I have to move on. That being said, Sioux forever.

Finally, I took my daughter to a game and sat in the stands, I was yelling Sioux just like everyone else.

Saturday, February 13, 2016

Haakenson: Put logo design on UND’s back burner

From the Letters to the Editor in today's paper. I have come to the conclusion that this guy is delusional.

The fact that UND has moved on with the Fighting Hawks nickname and the University hasn't paid any attention to him, should clue him in that UND doesn't care if he makes a claim to the Fighting Hawks tradename.
Also, the requirement in state law that UND must register the “Fighting Hawks" trade name with the secretary of state’s office has not been fulfilled. Stopping the logo process would give Interim President Ed Schafer and his staff time to address that requirement.

Schafer also could be the person to cure the dissension, unrest and division on the campus and at sporting events, simply be stopping the process and take the steps to find out if I am correct or they are.

If UND cannot register the trade name, "The Fighting Hawks” -- which already is owned by me -- then the university’s only choice will be to leave "ND" for North Dakota on uniforms and everything else, as it has been for three years.

Not only would that save money, but also it would please an overwhelming majority of students, alumni and residents.

Marlan “Hawk” Haakenson

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Sioux Shop Selling Dacotah Legacy Merchandise

Former FSSN logo used from 2003-2005
There's been some discussion about the REA selling merchandise with the Fighting Sioux nickname. Of course, there will be some that will not be happy about this.

I was told that the clothing with the Fighting Sioux logo has been going like hot cakes. This is your chance to get something new with the Fighting Sioux logo.

Today, when I was at the Ralph, it looked like they had just gotten a new shipment of goodies.
In addition to the University of North Dakota’s prudent decision to protect intellectual property, UND is required by 2007 settlement agreement with the NCAA to protect certain University trademarks. To protect these marks, the University must continue to use the marks and monitor unauthorized uses.

The first edition of the Dacotah Legacy Collection went on sale Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2013 and were sold exclusively at Scheels All Sports in Grand Forks and at the Sioux Shop at Ralph Engelstad Arena (REA). Since then, select commemorative items have been produced for exclusive sale at the Sioux Shop at REA. (UNDSports.com)
Rob Port of Sayanythingblog.com has a blog post about UND selling the merchandise bearing the Fighting Sioux logo. I am not sure why some are shocked by this, the University did say that they were going to do this from time-to-time to protect the trademark.


Wednesday, February 03, 2016

SME Inc. it Is

The University of North Dakota has picked SME Inc. to design the Fighting Hawks Logo. SME Inc. is a company out of New York City. According to SEM's web page, they've worked with the Minnesota Wild.

Personally, I don't care who designs the Fighting Hawks logo. That being said, this very crucial time in the nickname transition. I am concerned about the Fighting Hawks logo and what it will look like.
The university’s Graphic Identity RFP Evaluation and Recommendation Team chose New York-based SME Inc. Tuesday after three firms made their pitch to design the logo. Pending final approval from UND interim President Ed Schafer, the company is expected to design the logo by this summer so the school can implement it in the fall.

“It’s an important next step, and it’s been a short but very engaged process,” said UND Athletic Director Brian Faison, who served as a co-chairman for the committee. “It’s nice to get to this point, absolutely.”

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Grand Forks Herald: Schafer says UND nickname 'solved'

Former North Dakota Governor Ed Schafer is now the University of North Dakota's interim president. Schafer will be the interim president for about six months. Of course, with a different person at the top, some have questioned whether Schafer would allow another nickname vote.

There will not be another nickname vote. Not going to happen. I think this is the right move. UND spent a bunch of money to get us this nickname.
John Hageman and Anna Burleson , Grand Forks Herald -- But Schafer didn't leave any openings for the university to revisit the nickname issue Tuesday.

"That issue has been settled," he said. "The process went through, and in my opinion, whether you like the name or not, whether you supported the Fighting Sioux or not, the reality is we're beyond that. It hindered the university for many years, and the reality is we have a stake in the ground, we have a new nickname, we're moving forward, we have a chosen nickname and we're going to make value to that name."
UND is now moving forward with the selection of a new logo and moniker. I think this is key. If UND fans are to accept the new nickname, there needs to be a logo that fans can get behind and support. I keep hearing what UND can't have. Blow the selection and design of the logo and you will do a lot of damage.

Of course, there's going to be fans that don't like the new nickname. There were so many other better options not considered for the nickname.

I don't think many of us wanted to lose the Fighting Sioux nickname, but it's gone and it's not coming back. Booing the new nickname is counter productive in my humble opinion.

If UND had remained the Fighting Sioux, there would have been no chance UND would have ever hosted a regional. UND will again host a regional next spring in the Scheels Arena.

Is Fighting Hawks the best nickname? Nope. There are like 40 other schools that are some version of Hawks in their nickname. That being said, I think that Fighting Hawks was the best of the five horrible choices.

Sunday, January 17, 2016

UND 5, UNO 1 (Video Highlights)


The University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks beat the University of Nebraska-Omaha Mavericks 5-1 to gain the series split. With the win, UND improves to 19-3-2, 10-2-0 in the NCHC.

This season, UND has given up four or more goals three times and has a 0-2-1 record. In the last 12 games, UND is 10-2-0.

In 10 games at home against UNO, UND has a 5-4-1 record.

Saturday, January 02, 2016

UAH vs. UND Game 2 Lines



UND freshman Mike Gornall makes his collegiate debut tonight. UND forward Rhett Gardner is out with an injury. Cam Johnson is looking to extend is shutout streak. Johnson needs about 97 minutes to break former Lake Superior State Laker and Boston Bruins goalie Blaine Lacher 375.01.


Friday, December 11, 2015

WHKY: Second period Shelby shuts out Badgers

GRAND FORKS, N.D. --

The University of North Dakota spoiled Wisconsin's 18-game winning streak on Friday with a shut-out win. For the second time this season the Fighting Hawks downed the No. 1 ranked team in the country in an attempt to gain traction on the season.

UND got on the board with a power play goal from Layla Marvin during about a little a little over 12 minutes into the first. Four minutes later Vilma Tanksanen put the Hawks up 2-0 with assist from Rebekah Kolstad and Tanja Eisenschmid.

Shelby Amsley-Benzie faced a flurry of 15 shots during the second period. The Badgers dominated offensively, but weren't able to produce results in the form of goals.

“Shelby was lights out and that’s a big part of [the win]. I thought everyone contributed and played well with a lot of passion,” Head coach Brian Idalski said.

Wisconsin was also able to hold off the Hawks' offense to two shots during the second.

“You know what I told the team?” Idalski said about second period. “That’s the great thing about hockey and having three periods. As soon as it’s over, it’s done, it has no bearing. It doesn’t matter. We were good in the first. Second, we got hemmed in, we turned pucks over too much. I said, 'That’s over, let’s go back to what we were doing in the first; keep things simple, manage the game a little bit.' We did that and grinded it out in the third.”

North Dakota was able to rebound in the third period which included a second assist for Eisenschmid on the third goal of the evening by Becca Kohler.

The Fighting Hawks improved to 11-6-2 overall and 8-5-1 in the WCHA. 

Tonight's game marks Amsley-Benzie's fifth shut-out of the year. The Fighting Hawks will attempt to sweep the Badgers Saturday afternoon at 4:07 p.m. at the Ralph Engelstad Arena.  

Wednesday, December 02, 2015

Blast from the Past: UND Beats DU in the 2011 Final Five



It seems like yesterday. On Saturday, March 19, 2011, at Xcel Energy Center, the University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux defeated their bitter rivals the Denver Pioneers 3-2 in double overtime. With the win, UND won the WCHA playoff title and the auto bid to the 2011 NCAA tourney.



The game was tight. UND was outshot by the Pioneers, but Aaron Dell held down the fort for the Fighting Sioux. The game would go to two overtimes.

And then at the 5:11 mark of the second overtime, Matt Frattin picked up a rebound off of Chay Genoway and deposited the puck in the net. Game over!

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

UND Votes: Fighting Hawks it Is.


First, I can say, not everyone is going to be happy. For a nickname that received a lot of votes, there are still a lot of unhappy people. 

Also, I am not sure why we had to wait for two more days after the vote was over  

But I digress.

Finally, After not having a nickname for three years, and after three nickname votes...In my humble opinion, the last one was unnecessary. After having a bunch of nickname meetings and committees, UND has a new nickname.  I think this was the best choice of five bad nickname choices. I think eventually we will just be the Hawks.


Total votes: 27,378
  • Fighting Hawks: 15,670 votes (57.24 percent)
  • Roughriders: 11,708 votes (42.76 percent)





Friday, October 30, 2015

(Video Highlights): UND Beats UMN 4-3

Video

The University of North Dakota Women's team beat the No. 1 University of Minnesota 4-3. UND was led by Meghan Dufault (2g-1a—3pts) and Amy Menke (2g-0a—2pts). UND goalie Shelby Amsley-Benzie got the win in net and improved to (4-1-1).

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Down to Three Nicknames; Who Are You Voting For?

Every time I go on vacation or head to the hunting shack for some R&R, there's usually some form of breaking news. This weekend was no different. So, were playing catch up here.

Sunday, I was in transit when the nickname story broke. While I am at the shack, for the most part, I am offline, I don't normally take my computer with me. It's my time to get off the grid and do nothing. I did bring my iPad with me, but I didn't use it.

As most of you know, the University of North Dakota now has three final names to choose from. After holding a vote, the Sundogs nickname option has been added to the dustbin of history. For this, I am thankful. As we suggested, Sundogs wasn't a popular choice. Yet, it ended up being a choice for the voters to ponder.

Fighting Hawks: 6,960 votes; 31.20 percent
Roughriders: 4,687 votes; 21.01 percent
Nodaks: 4,571 votes; 20.49 percent
North Stars: 3,231 votes; 14.48 percent
Sundogs: 2,858 votes; 12.81 percent

As before, I will be voting for the nickname Fighting Hawks. No, UND won't be using the logo that some have passed around on the internet. The Chicago Blackhawks already own that logo. Second, it would probably never get past the anti-native American nickname crowd.

I am hoping that when the nickname vote is finally over, the University tasks Bennett Brien with designing UND's new logo. It would be the smart thing to do and it "could" help with the healing process.

I think Fighting Hawks the best option of three unattractive nickname choices. As a taxpayer in North Dakota, I am disappointed in the nickname choices the committee came up with. I think there were many good choices that weren't considered. That being said, I hold no ill will towards the nickname committee, they're solid people.

Finally, like my good friend Jackie, I am worn out. I am ready to move on, reluctantly, but nonetheless, I am ready to move on. I can accept any of the three remaining nicknames, but I would rather not be the UND Rough Riders, I think Rough Riders shows very little creativity. But in the grand scheme of things, it's a hell of a lot better than Sundogs, Flicker Tails, and North Stars.

In today's world, you have the right to not be offended. Eventually, someone is going to be offended by the Rough Riders nickname and we could end up back where we are right now.

Lastly, I am also tired of the fighting, finger-pointing, and name-calling among UND fans. We can't continue to be in a constant state of conflict. We're in this together.

Earlier this past month, I wrote this: and Puck Daddy quoted me.
I know I have said this 100 times. I love the Fighting Sioux nickname. I also realize that this fight should have taken place about 5-7 years ago. It seems like some have been late to the party. The Fighting Sioux nickname is gone and not coming back. If UND had refused to change the Fighting Sioux nickname, there's no way that UND would be able to host an NCAA regional.

… I am pro-Fighting Sioux nickname, I will always be. I am worn out with the argument surrounding the nickname. I am (reluctantly) ready to move on, I will vote for a nickname in October. That being said, I will always wear my Fighting Sioux gear with pride when the opportunity arises. Last Wednesday, I wore a golf shirt with the Fighting Sioux logo on it to the hockey presser. I didn't even realize I was wearing it. Just came out of the wash that way.

Saturday, October 24, 2015

A Goaltending Conundrum (RW77)

by Redwing77

Today, as I tediously tracked the Vermont score from the North Dakota iPhone App (I was with company and couldn't tune in), a viewer chimed in and remarked:

"Wouldn't it be interesting when Cam Johnson returns to be the third string goaltender."

I'm not sure this was tongue in cheek or serious, but let's pretend the poster was serious.

My response would be:  A-wha?

There's no doubt in my mind that Matt Hyrnkiw has played fantastically and far exceeded EVERYONE'S (except perhaps the coaches and players) expectations.  I will not take that away from him.  I hope he continues to shine (He's now helped sweep Vermont).

That being said, he was brought in as a practice goaltender.  The accurate statement would be "Wouldn't it be interesting to see the fans reaction when Matt goes from starter back to third stringer once Matej and Cam return?"

There is NO DOUBT in my mind that Johnson and Tomek are destined to be the feature goaltenders this season and Matt's career as a starter will last only until either Johnson or Tomek are once again at 100%.  After all, 3 games started does not mean a goaltending controversy... especially when the goaltenders being usurped all all injured.  This isn't Anthony Hammond usurping Robin Lehner and Craig Anderson here.  Also, wins and ties against BSU and UVM are hardly quality wins.  I'm curious how well the team would play if they were facing a lot tougher opponent... say a Denver, a UNO, or even a Miami (OH).

Like I said:  This isn't to flame Matt or berate him in any way.  It's just a plain fact.

I don't expect him to return to third stringer overnight, though.  What Matt's play DOES do for UND is allow the trainers to bring Cam and Matej back to health fully before getting them on the ice.  I wouldn't be shocked to see Matt start a game with Cam (or Matej, whomever is healthy first) as backup before ceding the starting role back to Cam or Matej (most likely Cam at this point).

Matt's a cinderella story.  A very pleasant surprise.  Surely we lucked out to have him as our #3 with the ability to step up under very unusual circumstances and step up in a big way.

Matt is destined for great things and I'm sure is living the dream as a starting goaltender for a top tier NCAA powerhouse hockey team.  But he knows his role and he'll do whatever he can to fulfill that role.

I think the overall aftermath will be that you will see Hyrnkiw more than previously as primary backup for Johnson or Tomek (with one or the other taking a turn in the press box when healthy).

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

UND Nickname Vote: Court denies request to stop UND nickname vote

The group that filed the lawsuit to stop the nickname vote has failed. I can't imagine that there can be anything thing else standing in the way of the nickname vote. And as I write this, somehow karma will find a way to screw up the nickname vote. Now, the court has spoken and wasted no time throwing out this lawsuit. What nickname do we end up with?
Anna Burleson, Grand Forks Herald – A Fargo judge has denied a request for a preliminary injunction that would have stopped the University of North Dakota's nickname vote. Court denies request to stop UND nickname vote.

Plaintiffs Lavonne Alberts, Rich Becker and William Le Caine requested in a complaint filed Thursday that the vote stop until UND or North Dakota are voting options and the state's Sioux tribes are included as eligible voters.

A judge denied the request Monday, citing a lack of evidence showing the vote would cause irreparable harm.

"We appreciate the decision of the courts," UND spokesman Peter Johnson said. "The voting process will continue, and we look forward to the results of the vote."

Becker, a Republican state representative from Grand Forks, said he had been told by legal counsel the case's hearing was short.

"We obviously will regroup and consider what our options are," he said.
I must say that I agree with Rich Becker. There really are some bad nickname choices. Some are worse than others. I also think it's silly to not vote. At least you can have a hand in voting against the less attractive nicknames. I am sure you can figure out which one on your own.
"It is so obvious these five names inspire nobody really and they're trying to make lemonade out of a lemon," Becker said. "It is what it is. We're disappointed but the sun will come up tomorrow and we'll see what we're going to do next."

Friday, October 16, 2015

Breaking News: Lawsuit filed to stop nickname vote; UND says it won't affect process

Just when you think it can't get any weirder, now a lawsuit has been filed to stop the nickname vote. No idea how this turns out, but UND is going ahead with the vote.

Per the Grand Forks Herald:
A lawsuit was filed in district court in Grand Forks Thursday in an attempt to stop UND's upcoming nickname vote, though for now the vote will continue as planned.

Plaintiffs Lavonne Alberts, Rich Becker and William Le Caine requested in their complaint that the vote be stopped and held only when UND or North Dakota is on the ballot and members of the Standing Rock and Spirit Lake Sioux tribes are allowed to participate.

UND spokesman Peter Johnson said in an email that the school is aware of what had been filed.

"The university intends to move forward with the nickname vote as planned beginning on Oct. 19 unless otherwise directed by the courts," he said.

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Be on the Lookout: Link For the Nickname Vote Should be in Your Email

I got this email today. So, you'll want to check your email.

This email contains a link to cast a single vote for a nickname for the University of North Dakota.

The link is included at the end of this email.  Please read the following information first.

PLEASE RETAIN THIS EMAIL UNTIL THE VOTING PERIOD BEGINS.  You will need the link contained in this email in order to vote.

Voting begins on Monday, October 19 at 8:00 a.m. Central Time, and closes at 11:59 p.m. midnight, Central Time on Friday, October 23.

During the voting period, you will open this email and click the link, which will take you to the voting site.  You will only be able to vote once.  You will be asked to choose from the following potential nicknames:

Fighting Hawks
Nodaks
North Stars
Roughriders
Sundogs

Please note that the voting link will not work until 8:00 a.m. Central Time Monday, October 19, and it also will not work after the voting period closes on Friday, October 23, at 11:59 p.m. Central Time.  You must vote during this period.

If you experience technical difficulties during the voting process, please contact the helpline at 701-777-2731.

Here is your link: UND Nickname Vote
Or copy and paste the URL below into your internet browser: