WCHA Issues One-Game Suspension to Wisconsin’s Little

The WCHA has suspended Ryan Little for this hit. In looking at the video, this is the type of hit that the NCAA is trying to eliminate and I have no issue with this suspension. I also can see why some from Badger Nation might be a little ornery as well.

In fact, Wisconsin has been on the wrong end of some really bad calls this season and I am going to let Andy Johnson of Bucky's Fifth Quarter explain the latest bad call against the Badgers.

While Khaira was certainly deserving of a penalty, the refs should have penalized him for a five minute major and ejected him from the contest. Video reviews clearly showed Khaira grabbing UW sophomore defenseman Jake McCabe from behind by the facemask and dropping him to the ice like it was a WWE wrestling match.

Jujhar Khaira was whistled for holding with 4:09 left to play in the third period. Wisconsin's Tyler Barnes would go on to score on the man advantage to tie things up at one.

While I applaud the WCHA for getting it right in this instance, there have been many instances where the league’s officials have been wrong as well.

If I have to use one word to explain the officiating on the ice in the WCHA this season I would use the term “brutal.”

Inconsistency has been plagued WCHA officials in recent times, causing many fans in attendance to scoff when the WCHA on ice officials skate on to the ice. We never know what they’re going to call or what they’re not going to call.

MADISON, Wis. – The men’s Western Collegiate Hockey Association today announced a one-game suspension to University of Wisconsin hockey player Ryan Little as a result of his actions in the December 8 game against Michigan Tech University.

Little’s suspension was determined after a review by the league office of an illegal check with 1:24 remaining in the overtime session and comes under the WCHA’s Supplementary Discipline Policy and Procedures.

Little will be required to serve the one-game suspension in Wisconsin’s next regularly scheduled contest on Thursday, December 13 vs Alabama-Huntsville.

Related articles

• Former Gophers Andy Brink's thought's on college hockey and the WCHA (thehockeywriters.com)
• WCHA Power Rankings: 12/09/12 (insidehockey.com)
• WCHA Web Media Poll: Week 9 (thehockeywriters.com)

How some of us voted

Andy Johnson of Bucky’s Fifth Quarter 

1. UMTC
2. UND
3. DU
4. UNO
5. SCSU
6. Kato
7. CC
 8. UW
 9. UMD
10. Tech
11. Bemidji
12. UAA

Chris Dilks of Western College Hockey 

1. Minnesota
2. North Dakota
3. Nebraska Omaha
4. Denver
5. Saint Cloud State
6. Minnesota State
7. Colorado College
8. Wisconsin
9. Minnesota Duluth
10. Michigan Tech
11. Bemidji State
12. Alaska Anchorage

My Picks that were posted on INSIDE HOCKEY

1. UND
2. Minnesota
3. Omaha
4. Denver
5. Saint Cloud
6. Colorado College
7. Minnesota State
8. Minnesota Duluth
9. Michigan Tech
10. Wisconsin
11. Bemidji State
12. Alaska Anchorage

I have had people ask me why I have put Mankato higher in my power rankings. First, Mankato has played a very weak schedule and has yet to beat more than one opponent with a winning record except Minnesota. DU swept Mankato that also played into the equation as well.  When they finally win a couple of games against higher opponents I will adjust my rankings accordingly. Also, Mankato has played the 43^rd hardest schedule. Dare I make the cupcake argument? 

Matthew Semisch Radio Free Omaha

1. Minnesota
2. Nebraska Omaha
3. Denver
4. North Dakota
5. Saint Cloud
6. Minnesota State
7. Colorado College
8. Michigan Tech
9. Minnesota Duluth
10. Wisconsin
11. Bemidji State
12. Alaska Anchorage

Troy Mills of the Beaver Pond

1. North Dakota
2. Denver
3. Minnesota
4. Nebraska-Omaha
5. St. Cloud State
6. Mankato
7. Colorado College
8. Michigan Tech
9. Wisconsin
10. Duluth
11. Bemidji State
12. Alaska-Anchorage

Tim Braun of Tech Hockey Guide

1. Minnesota
2. DU
3. UND
4. UNO
5. SCSU
6. C.C.
7. MSUM
8. MTU
9. UMD
10. UW
11. BSU
12. UAA

DU vs. UND WCHA's Version of the Hatfield's versus McCoy's

@goon48 U will be dissapointed. I don't have space to write about the fondness between @du_hockey and #UND. And I'm not traveling. Not happy
— Mike Chambers (@MChambersDP) December 5, 2012

I am disappointed to see that Mike Chambers from the Denver Post isn't going to be here for this weekend's series between DU and UND. Over the years, Chambers has written some great article on the historic rivalry.

So what is your favorite memory from this series?



Lately, one my favorite memories in this series is the goal by UND power forward Matt Frattin at the 05:11 mark of the second overtime in the 2011 Red Baron WCHA Final Five. UND would meet Denver again in the 2011 Midwest Regional Final in Green Bay, Wisconsin and beat Denver again 6-1, to advance to the Frozen Four.

Last season, UND would again go on to beat DU 4-0 in the 2012 Red Baron WCHA Final Five.

I think over the last 10 years this is the most heated of UND's rivals, I would say that UMN is number two and Wisconsin number three. What do you think?

I am looking forward to seeing the games this weekend and wondering who will be the on ice officials for this game and if we will see a dance on the dasher or not?

Related articles

• DU and UND set to take center stage (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• UND: The Weekend Ahead (12/7-12/8) (thehockeywriters.com)

WCHA Power Rankings (10/21/12)

Here is this week’s, the WCHA Power Rankings. This season, I will be doing the WCHA Power Rankings for Inside Hockey with Taylor Seibel who is a contributor of College Hockey Weekly.

1.  Minnesota Gophers – (3-1-0, WCHA 1-1-0) – This past weekend, the Minnesota Gophers split their weekend series with Michigan Tech (2-5 L – 3-2 W) in Houghton, Michigan.  This weekend, the Gophers have an exhibition game with the US National Development Under 18 team on Friday night.

2. Denver University – (2-0-0, WCHA 0-0-0) – This past weekend, the Pioneers beat nonconference foes University of Mass-Lowell and Air Force Academy (5-1 W – 5-2) at Magness Arena. This weekend, the Pioneers entertain Michigan Tech in WCHA action.

3. University of North Dakota – (1-1-0, WCHA 0-0-0) – This past weekend, UND traveled to Fairbanks Alaska to play in the Brice Alaska Goal Rush Tourney, where they won their first game against of the tourney against the UAA Seawolves 5-0 W, then lost in the championship game against the UA Nanooks 1-2 L. This weekend, the Green and White entertain UAA Seawolves in WCHA action.

4. Colorado College – (3-1-0, WCHA 0-0-0) – This past weekend, the Tigers spit their weekend nonconference games. In their first game, the Tigers beat Atlantic Hockey foe Air Force Academy 6-2, the following night the Tigers lost to Hockey East Foe University of Mass-Lowell 1-3.  This weekend, the Tigers travel to Ithaca, New York to play nonconference foe Cornell University of the ECAC.

5. Minnesota Duluth – (2-2-0, WCHA 0-0-0) – This past weekend, UMD Bulldogs split their weekend series with CCHA foe Notre Dame at the new Compton Family Ice Arena in South Bend Indiana (3-1 W – 1-4 L). This weekend, the Bull Dogs entertain the Wisconsin Badgers in WCHA action.

6. Michigan Tech – (2-2-0, WCHA 0-0-0) – This past weekend, the Huskies split their weekend series against the high flying Minnesota Gophers (5-2 W – 2-3 L) at the John J. MacInnes Student Ice Arena. This weekend, the Huskies travel to Denver to play the Pioneers in WCHA action.

7. Nebraska Omaha – (2-2-0, WCHA 0-0-0) – This past weekend, the Red Mavericks split their weekend series with the Northern Michigan Wildcats (5-2 – 1-2 L) in Omaha, Nebraska. This weekend, the Mavericks stay home to host the Bemidji State Beavers in WCHA action.

8. Saint Cloud State – (2-2-0, WCHA 0-0-0) – This past weekend, the Huskies swept the Alabama Huntsville Chargers (8-3 W – 4-0W) at the National Hockey Center.  This weekend, the Huskies entertain the Minnesota State Mavericks in WCHA action.

9. Wisconsin – (0-2-0, WCHA 0-0-0) – This past weekend, the Badgers were idle. This weekend, the Badgers travel to Duluth to play the University of Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs in a crucial WCHA series at Amsoil Arena.

10. Minnesota State Mankato – (2-0-2, WCHA 0-0-0) – This past weekend, the Purple Mavericks beat and tied the Rensselaer Engineers (3-3 T – 4-3 W O.T.) at the Verizon Wireless Center, in Mankato, Minnesota. This weekend, the Mavericks travel to Saint Cloud to play the Huskies
11. Bemidji State – (1-1-0, WCHA) – This past weekend, the Beavers split their weekend series with the Lakers of Lake Superior State University (0-2 L – 5-0 W). This weekend, the Beavers travel to Nebraska, Omaha to play the UNO Mavericks.

12. Alaska Anchorage – (2-1-1, WCHA 0-0-0) – This past weekend, the Seawolves Traveled to the Brice Alaska Goal Rush Tourney, where the Seawolves lost to UND 0-5 L and beat Merrimack College 6-3. This weekend, the Seawolves travel to Grand Forks to play UND in WCHA action.

Here is Taylor Seibel’s power rankings for the WCHA.

1. Minnesota – (3-1-0, 1-1-0 WCHA) – Despite nearly getting swept in Houghton, Minnesota stays at #1 on my list.  Michigan Tech is a very strong team that should get plenty of victories over top teams this season.  However, Minnesota will have to fix some of their defensive miscues if they want to keep the top spot.  Up next for the Gophers is Canisius on Sunday.  
                                             
2. North Dakota – (1-1-0, 0-0-0 WCHA) – North Dakota played very well in a 5-0 victory on Friday.  Then on Saturday, UND laid an egg.  Now, certainly there are plenty of excuses that could be used to explain the loss, but at the end of the day a top team should win that game.  UND will have a chance to get back on track next weekend as they open up WCHA play against Anchorage.

 3. Denver – (2-0-0, 0-0-0 WCHA) – Denver looked shaky coming into the season, but put everything together this weekend, as they beat Lowell 5-1 on Friday and followed that up with a 5-2 victory over Air Force.  Denver begins WCHA play next weekend as they host Michigan Tech in what should be a great early season contest.

 4. Michigan Tech – (2-2-0, 1-1-0 WCHA) – The Huskies move up to #4 for me after a very impressive weekend.  Tech split a series with the consensus #1 team in the country, and they dominated stretches of the weekend.  Tech could have very well swept the series if not for some impressive goaltending by Minnesota’s Adam Wilcox.  Michigan Tech travels to Denver this weekend.

5. SCSU – (2-2-0, 0-0-0 WCHA) – St. Cloud was able to handle Alabama Huntsville this past weekend getting the sweep.  The Huskies’ defense shut down the Chargers in getting the shutout, and they will have to keep that up if they wish to compete for the MacNaughton Cup this season.  SCSU hosts Minnesota State Mankato this weekend in WCHA play.

 6. Wisconsin – (0-2-0, 0-0-0 WCHA) – The Badgers did not play this weekend, but they received some decent news that star Freshman Nic Kerdiles’ suspension would be reduced to 10 games (as opposed to the whole season).  We’ll see if Kerdiles still decides to stay at Wisconsin, but hopefully he can provide a boost for the Badgers.  Wisconsin travels to Duluth to take on the Bulldogs this weekend in WCHA play.

 7. Minnesota Duluth – (2-2-0, 0-0-0 WCHA) – Duluth traveled to South Bend and split a Thursday-Friday series with the Irish.  Duluth has shown flashes of brilliance that could very well land them in the top half of my rankings sooner than later.  Duluth hosts Wisconsin in WCHA play next weekend.

 8. Colorado College – (3-1-0, 0-0-0 WCHA) – The Tigers beat local rival Air Force on Friday before falling to Doug Carr and the Massachusetts Lowell Riverhawks on Saturday.  Lowell is a very strong team, so nothing to get too worked up about down in the Springs.  CC continues their non-conference schedule next weekend, as they travel to Cornell.

 9. Nebraska Omaha – (2-2-0, 0-0-0 WCHA) – Another weekend, another split for the Mavericks.  This time, UNO split a series against Northern Michigan.  Early on, UNO has been very inconsistent, scoring 10 goals in their 2 wins, but only 3 in their 2 losses.  Next weekend, UNO will look to cure those inconsistencies as they host Bemidji State.

 10. Minnesota State – (2-0-2, 0-0-0 WCHA) – The Mavericks proved that they continue to be the cardiac kids, as they came back to tie and beat ECAC foe RPI this past weekend.  Mankato has the talent and coaching to make a significant rise up these rankings, and that could very well start next weekend as the Mavericks travel to St. Cloud to take on the Huskies.

11. Bemidji State – (1-1-0, 0-0-0 WCHA) – The Beavers met up with future WCHA foe Lake Superior State in Bemidji this weekend and managed to split, losing 2-0 on Friday before turning the tables and shutting out the Lakers 5-0 on Saturday.  The Beavers will need strong defensive performances like they had on Saturday if they wish to challenge for home ice this season.  Bemidji travels to Omaha next weekend to take on UNO.

 12. Alaska Anchorage – (2-1-1, 0-0-0 WCHA) – Anchorage was soundly defeated by North Dakota on Friday at the Alaska Goal Rush 5-0, but the Seawolves responded nicely with a 6-3 victory over Merrimack on Friday.  The Seawolves look to get some revenge next weekend as they travel to Grand Forks to take on North Dakota, this time in WCHA play.

Related articles

• WCHA Power Rankings (10/14/12) (insidehockey.com)
• WCHA 2012-13 Season Preview (insidehockey.com)
• Results of the Tech Hockey Guide WCHA Web Media Poll (thehockeywriters.com)

Results of the WCHA Web Media Poll week 1

Cross Posted at The Hockey Writers - Combine.

The results of the Week one WCHA Web Media poll have been tallied and this how the poll shook out. The first three teams were unanimous, all 12 voters picked Minnesota 1, North Dakota 2 and Denver 3.

Wisconsin was the biggest mover as they dropped from 4th to 9th.

	Team	Pts	Previous	Record	High	Low
1)	Minnesota (12)	144	1	2-0-0	1	1
2)	North Dakota	132	2	0-0-0	2	2
3)	Denver	120	3	0-0-0	3	3
4)	Minnesota Duluth	90	6	1-1-0	4	9
5)	Colorado College	89	7	2-0-0	4	9
6)	Nebraska Omaha	79	9	1-1-0	4	9
7)	St. Cloud State	66	5	0-2-0	4	10
8)	Michigan Tech	64	8	1-1-0	5	10
9)	Wisconsin	53	4	0-2-0	4	12
10)	Minnesota State	47	10	1-0-1	5	11
11)	Bemidji State	27	11	0-0-0	8	12
12)	Alaska Anchorage	25	12	1-0-1	6	12

Representing Name Publication Twitter

Alaska-Anchorage, Taylor Hall College Hockey News @thall907
Bemidji State, Troy Mills The Beaver Pond
Colorado College, Joe Paisley, Paisley Hockey @Paisleyhockey
Denver, Mike Chambers, Denver Post @MChambersDP
Michigan Tech, Tim Braun, Tech Hockey Guide @TBraunTHG
Minnesota, Dan Myers, Minnesota Hockey Magazine @1DanMyers
Minnesota Duluth, Bruce Ciskie, The Ciskie Blog @BruceCiskie
Minnesota State, Chris Dilks, Western College Hockey @ChrisDilks
Nebraska-Omaha, Matt Semisch, Radio Free Omaha @matthewsemisch
North Dakota, Eric Burton The Hockey Writers Combine and Goon's World @goon48
St. Cloud State, Jeremy Larson, Husky Hockey Time @jclarson02
Wisconsin, Andy Johnson, Bucky’s 5th Quarter @andyjohnsonB5Q

Related articles

• Results of the Tech Hockey Guide WCHA Web Media Poll (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• WCHA Power Rankings (10/14/12) (insidehockey.com)
• WCHA Power Rankings (10/14/12) (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• Results of the 3rd Annual WCHA Blogger & Website Preseason Poll (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• Results of the 94X WCHA PRESEASON MEDIA POLL (ndgoon.blogspot.com)

Kerdiles to appeal suspension

According to Andy Johnson of Bucky's Fifth Quarter the NCAA will hear the appeal of the suspension of Nic Kerdiles next week on October 18th, 2012. Wisconsin officials are confirming the same thing.

If you haven't heard, Wisconsin's appeal of a one-year suspension by the NCAA of freshman Nic Kerdiles will be heard next Thursday, Oct 18th
— Andy Johnson (@AndyJohnsonB5Q) October 12, 2012

Wisconsin officials confirm NCAA will not hear Nic Kerdiles appeal this week. No specific timetable for when NCAA will act.
— Andy Baggot (@AndyBaggotWSJ) October 11, 2012

Related articles

• Wisconsin freshman Nic Kerdiles suspended for one year by the NCAA (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• Wisconsin freshman Nic Kerdiles suspended for one year by the NCAA (thehockeywriters.com)
• Nic Kerdiles suspended, NCAA still doesn't get it (sbnation.com)
• NCAA Officially Rules Kerdiles Ineligible for Season, Wisconsin Appealing [Updated] (unitedstatesofhockey.com)
• UW Frosh Kerdiles Faces Eligibility Issues, Social Media to Blame? [Updated] (unitedstatesofhockey.com)

Wisconsin freshman Nic Kerdiles suspended for one year by the NCAA

Bucky Badger 2003-Present (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Originally posted at the Hockey Writers - Combine. 

While I was on my vacation at the beginning of this week – a major story broke on Badgers freshman forward Nic Kerdiles.

Kerdiles is a highly touted incoming freshman forward and was one of the better players on the U.S. National Under-18 Team last season; unfortunately, he has been suspended by the NCAA for one year.

According to Andy Baggott, beat writer for the Wisconsin Badgers; the University of Wisconsin men’s hockey team could end up losing their highly talented freshman winger Nic Kerdiles for a year for a violation of the NCAA’s amateurism rules.

Multiple sources in the NHL and college hockey indicate the NCAA acted on photos and postings made public via social media that involve an agent and took place leading up to the NHL Entry Draft in June.

It’s not clear what specific issues led the NCAA to rule against Kerdiles, an 18-year-old from Irvine, Calif., but the Bucky’s 5th Quarter website culled a photo from an agent’s Twitter account that showed Kerdiles and two of the agent’s clients holding glasses that advertised a specific energy drink.

The photo could be construed as Kerdiles being marketed by the representative as well as being used to promote a specific product.

The agent who posted the energy drink photo, Toronto-based Ian Pulver of Pulver Sports, didn’t return a phone call seeking comment Monday.

This would be a major hit for the Wisconsin Badgers, according to Andy Johnson of Bucky’s Fifth quarter, Kerdiles is one of the top incoming recruits in the country this season and was expected to challenge for a spot on the Badgers top line.  Losing Kerdiles would be a major hit for the Wisconsin Badgers who have been picked by some to finish in the upper half of the WCHA standings this season.

Of course the University of Wisconsin is appealing this unprecedented decision. According to a tweet by Baggott the NCAA isn’t even going to hear Wisconsin’s Appeal this week.

Wisconsin officials confirm NCAA will not hear Nic Kerdiles appeal this week. No specific timetable for when NCAA will act.
— Andy Baggot (@AndyBaggotWSJ) October 11, 2012

Here is the kicker, you would think since Kerdiles has been suspended by the NCAA he could just go back and hone his skills in junior hockey and serve his suspension while he’s playing Junior hockey – he can’t – Kerdiles has to serve the suspension on the Wisconsin campus.

So, it would appear that a blue chip player like Nic Kerdiles isn’t going to sit idle for a season – the home town Anaheim Ducks who drafted Kerdiles in the second round 36^th overall aren’t going to want him to sit around idle for a season, waiting to play Division I college hockey.

Appeal hearing for suspended Wisconsin forward Nic Kerdiles expected Thurs. WHL's Kelowna Rockets and NHL's Anaheim Ducks watching closely.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) October 9, 2012

I would imagine that the Ducks are going to want him to continue playing hockey and you have to wonder if the CHL will be Kerdiles’ next destination.  Kerdiles rights are owned by the  Kelowna Rockets of the Western Hockey League.

It will be interesting to see how this story develops.

Related articles

• Nic Kerdiles suspended, NCAA still doesn't get it (sbnation.com)
• NCAA Officially Rules Kerdiles Ineligible for Season, Wisconsin Appealing [Updated] (unitedstatesofhockey.com)
• UW Frosh Kerdiles Faces Eligibility Issues, Social Media to Blame? [Updated] (unitedstatesofhockey.com)

UND Women second in the WCHA Coaches' poll

2012-13 WCHA Head Coaches’ Pre-Season Poll
Rk Team (1st place votes) Points
1 Minnesota (6) 48
2 North Dakota (1) 40
Wisconsin (1) 40
4 Minnesota Duluth 32
5 Ohio State 24
6 Bemidji State 19
7 Minnesota State 12
8 St. Cloud State 9
(Note: coaches could not vote for their own teams in the poll and points were awarded on a 7-6-5-4-3-2-1 system)

WCHA Pre-Season Player of the Year (votes)Brianna Decker, Sr., F, Wisconsin (4); Amanda Kessel, Jr., F, Minnesota (2) and Jocelyne Lamoureux, Sr., F, North Dakota (2).

WCHA Pre-Season Rookie of the Year (votes)Hannah Brandt, Fr., D, Minnesota (8).

Related articles

• Results of the 94X WCHA PRESEASON MEDIA POLL (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• Pre-Season Predictions (by Sioux 7) (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• WCHA 2012-13 Season Preview (insidehockey.com)
• "O Captain! My Captain!" - UND picks Mac to be captain (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• UND's Andrew MacWilliam and Nate Ewell on the Pipeline show (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• WCHA 2012-13 season preview (thehockeywriters.com)

UND Women's Hockey - 2012-13

The UND Women's 2012-13 schedule was released today.

Fri, Oct 05   Minnesota State *  Grand Forks, N.D.    7:07 p.m. 

Sat, Oct 06   Minnesota State *  Grand Forks, N.D.    2:07 p.m. 

Fri, Oct 12   Ohio State *  at Columbus, Ohio    7:07 p.m. 

Sat, Oct 13   Ohio State *  at Columbus, Ohio    4:07 p.m. 

Fri, Oct 19   St. Cloud State *  Grand Forks, N.D.    7:07 p.m. 

Sat, Oct 20   St. Cloud State *  Grand Forks, N.D.    7:07 p.m. 

Sat, Oct 27   Minnesota *  Grand Forks, N.D.    2:07 p.m. 

Sun, Oct 28   Minnesota *  Grand Forks, N.D.    2:07 p.m. 

Fri, Nov 02   Clarkson  Grand Forks, N.D.    2:07 p.m. 

Sat, Nov 03   Clarkson  Grand Forks, N.D.    2:07 p.m. 

Sat, Nov 17   Bemidji State *  at Bemidji, Minn.    2:07 p.m. 

Sun, Nov 18   Bemidji State *  at Bemidji, Minn.    2:07 p.m. 

Fri, Nov 23   Minnesota Duluth *  Grand Forks, N.D.    7:07 p.m. 

Sat, Nov 24   Minnesota Duluth *  Grand Forks, N.D.    7:07 p.m. 

Fri, Nov 30   RIT  Grand Forks, N.D.    7:07 p.m. 

Sat, Dec 01   RIT  Grand Forks, N.D.    7:07 p.m. 

Sat, Dec 08   Wisconsin *  at Madison, Wis.    2:07 p.m. 

Sun, Dec 09   Wisconsin *  at Madison, Wis.    2:07 p.m. 

Fri, Jan 04   Lindenwood  at St. Charles, Mo.    7:00 p.m. 

Sat, Jan 05   Lindenwood  at St. Charles, Mo.    2:00 p.m. 

Fri, Jan 11   Minnesota *  at Minneapolis, Minn.    6:07 p.m. 

Sat, Jan 12   Minnesota *  at Minneapolis, Minn.    4:07 p.m. 

Fri, Jan 18   Wisconsin *  Grand Forks, N.D.    7:07 p.m. 

Sat, Jan 19   Wisconsin *  Grand Forks, N.D.    7:07 p.m.  

Fri, Jan 25   St. Cloud State *  at St. Cloud, Minn.    7:07 p.m. 

Sat, Jan 26   St. Cloud State *  at St. Cloud, Minn.    2:07 p.m. 

Fri, Feb 01   Minnesota State *  at Mankato, Minn.    7:07 p.m. 

Sat, Feb 02   Minnesota State *  at Mankato, Minn.    3:07 p.m. 

Fri, Feb 08   Bemidji State *  Grand Forks, N.D.    7:07 p.m. 

Sat, Feb 09   Bemidji State *  Grand Forks, N.D.    7:07 p.m. 

Fri, Feb 15   Ohio State *  Grand Forks, N.D.    7:07 p.m. 

Sat, Feb 16   Ohio State *  Grand Forks, N.D.    7:07 p.m. 

Fri, Feb 22   Minnesota Duluth *  at Duluth, Minn.    7:07 p.m. 

Sat, Feb 23   Minnesota Duluth *  at Duluth, Minn.    4:07 p.m. 

Fri, Mar 01   WCHA First Round  TBA    TBA 

Sat, Mar 02   WCHA First Round  TBA    TBA 

Sun, Mar 03   WCHA First Round (if nec.)  TBA    TBA 

Fri, Mar 08   WCHA Final Face-Off Semifinals  at Minneapolis, Minn.    TBA 

Sat, Mar 09   WCHA Final Face-Off Championship  at Minneapolis, Minn.    7:07 p.m. 

Fri, Mar 15   NCAA Regionals  TBA    TBA 

Fri, Mar 22   NCAA Frozen Four Semifinals  at Minneapolis, Minn.    TBA 

Sun, Mar 24   NCAA Frozen Four Championship  at Minneapolis, Minn.    TBA 

University of North Dakota Tentative 2012‐2013 Midco Sports Network Live Broadcast Schedule

Here is the tentative  Midco Sports Net Live Broadcast Schedule.

Aug. 30 SD School of Mines /Tech UND 7:00 PM Football
Sept. 8 Portland State UND 6:00 PM Football
Sept. 13 Montana State UND 7:00 PM Volleyball
Sept. 29 Cal Poly UND 6:00 PM Football
Oct. 1 Northern Colorado UND 7:00 PM Volleyball
Oct. 6 Canadian Exhibition UND 7:00 PM Hockey (men)
Oct. 12 USA Exhibition UND 7:30 PM Hockey (men)
Oct. 13 Northern Arizona UND 3:00 PM Football
Oct. 26 Anchorage UND 7:00 PM Hockey (men)
Oct. 27 Anchorage UND 7:30 PM Hockey (men)
Oct. 27 Minnesota (tape delay) UND 2:00 PM Hockey (women)
Oct. 28 Minnesota UND 2:00 PM Hockey (women)
Nov. 2 Boston University UND 7:30pm Hockey (men)
Nov. 3 Southern Utah UND 1:00 PM Football
Nov. 3 Boston University UND 7:00 PM Hockey (men)
Nov. 8 Portland State UND 7:00 PM Volleyball
Nov. 16 UMD UND 7:30 PM Hockey (men)
Nov. 17 UMD UND 7:00 PM Hockey (men)
Dec. 5 University of Missouri ‐KC UND 7:00 PM Basketball (men)
Dec. 7 Denver University UND 7:30 PM Hockey (men)
Dec. 8 Denver University UND 7:00 PM Hockey (men)
Jan. 4 Holy Cross UND 7:30 PM Hockey (men)
Jan. 5 Holy Cross UND 7:00 PM Hockey (men)
Jan. 11 Colorado College UND 7:30 PM Hockey (men)
Jan. 12 Colorado College UND 7:00 PM Hockey (men)
Jan. 17 E. Washington UND 7:00 PM Basketball (men)
Jan. 18 Wisconsin UND 7:00pm Hockey (women)
Jan. 19 Wisconsin UND 7:00 PM Hockey (women)
Jan. 25 St. Cloud State UND 7:30 PM Hockey (men)
Jan. 26 St. Cloud State UND 7:00 PM Hockey (men)
Feb. 1 Wisconsin UND 7:30 PM Hockey (men)
Feb. 2 Wisconsin UND 7:00 PM Hockey (men)
Feb. 7 Montana State UND 7:00 PM Basketball (women)
Feb. 9 Montana UND 2:00 PM Basketball (women)
Feb. 14 Sacramento State UND 7:00 PM Basketball (men)
Feb. 16 Northern Arizona UND 2:00 PM Basketball (men)
Feb. 21 Northern Colorado UND 7:00 PM Basketball (women)
Feb. 28 Portland State UND 7:00 PM Basketball (women)
Mar. 1 Bemidji State UND 7:30 PM Hockey (men)
Mar. 2 Bemidji State UND 7:00 PM Hockey (men)
Mar. 15‐17 WCHA Playoffs UND 7:30 PM Hockey (men)

Wisconsin's Justin Schultz moving on

None of us in the college hockey world are probably very shocked by this announcement. Personally, I really enjoyed watching Justin Schultz play three season at the University of Wisconsin and he could have signed a professional contract after last season, it was admirable that he choose to come back and play a third season with the Wisconsin Badgers.

For everything Wisconsin Badgers check out Chuck Schwartz.

Goon's weekly WCHA Picks 2/17 - 2/18

Fri 02/17/12
Bemidji State at Minnesota 7:07 p.m. CT (TV-FSn)
Denver at Wisconsin 7:07 p.m. CT (TV-FSw,Wisc)
Alaska Anchorage at St. Cloud State 7:37 p.m. CT (TV-Charter)
Minnesota Duluth at Minnesota State 7:37 p.m. CT
Michigan Tech at North Dakota 7:37 p.m. CT (TV-FSSN,FCSc)
Nebraska Omaha at Colorado College 8:07 p.m. MT (TV-CBSSN)

Sat 02/18/12
Alaska Anchorage at St. Cloud State 7:07 p.m. CT (TV-Charter)
Bemidji State at Minnesota 7:07 p.m. CT (TV-FSn)
Denver at Wisconsin 7:07 p.m. CT (TV-FSw,Wisc)
Minnesota Duluth at Minnesota State 7:07 p.m. CT
Michigan Tech at North Dakota 7:07 p.m. CT (TV-FSSN,FCSc)
Nebraska Omaha at Colorado College 7:07 p.m. MT

Alaska Anchorage at St. Cloud State – SCSU Sweep
Bemidji State at Minnesota – Split
Denver at Wisconsin – DU Sweep
Minnesota Duluth at Minnesota State – UMD Sweep
Michigan Tech at North Dakota – Split
Nebraska Omaha at Colorado College – Split

Last Week 4-6 Record for the season 121-74

Here are some interesting stats from @UNDSID on the Sioux's record after the first of the year...

Year Before After
2004-05 13-7-2 (.636) 12-8-3 (.587)
2005-06 12-7-1 (.625) 17-9-0 (.654)
2006-07 7-10-1 (.417) 17-4-4 (.760)
2007-08 8-6-1 (.567) 20-5-3 (.768)
2008-09 9-8-1 (.528) 15-7-3 (.660)
2009-10 9-6-3 (.583) 16-7-2 (.680)
2010-11 13-5-2 (.700) 19-4-1 (.813)
2011-12 9-8-1 (.528) 7-3-1 (.682)
Totals 80-57-12 (.577) 122-47-17 (.702)

UND has been particularly effective once the calendar turns to February. Over the previous three seasons, the Sioux have gone 26-5-1 (.828) from February to April, and 77-24-12 (.735) overall in those months during Hakstol's entire tenure. - Jayson Hajdu

Related articles

• WCHA Power Rankings - February 13 (insidehockey.com)
• Goon's WCHA Power Rankings 2/12/2012 (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• WCHA at the mid point. (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• WCHA Power Rankings - Super Bowl Sunday (insidehockey.com)
• WCHA Power Rankings (2/2/12) (insidehockey.com)

Goon’s Weekly WCHA Picks 2/3 – 2/4

Fri 02/03/12

St. Cloud State at Wisconsin 7:07 p.m. CT (TV-BTN)
Bemidji State at Nebraska Omaha 7:37 p.m. CT
Michigan Tech at Minnesota State 7:37 p.m. CT
Colorado College at Denver 7:37 p.m. MT (TV-Root)
Minnesota Duluth at Alaska Anchorage 7:07 p.m. AT (TV-GCI)

Sat 02/04/12

Bemidji State at Nebraska Omaha 7:07 p.m. CT
Michigan Tech at Minnesota State 7:07 p.m. CT
Denver at Colorado College 7:07 p.m. MT
St. Cloud State at Wisconsin 8:07 p.m. CT (TV-Wisc,Charter)
Minnesota Duluth at Alaska Anchorage 7:07 p.m. AT (TV-GCI)



Bemidji State at Nebraska Omaha – Split
Michigan Tech at Minnesota State  – Split
Denver at Colorado College – Split
St. Cloud State at Wisconsin – Badgers Sweep
Minnesota Duluth at Alaska Anchorage – Bulldogs Sweep


Last Week 7-3 Record for the season 112-63

UND vs. UW game 4 lines

UND’s Forward lines

29 Brock Nelson–10 Corban Knight (A) –7 Danny Kristo
16 Mark MacMillan–27 Carter Rowney–15 Michael Parks
Stephane Pattyn 28 –9 Mario Lamoureux (C) – 13 Connor Gaarder
8 Dan Senkbeil–28 – Joe Gleason  – 14 Taylor Dickin

Defense Parings

18 Dillon Simpson–24 Ben Blood
2 Andrew MacWilliam (A) –5 Nick Mattson
22 Andrew Panzarella - 4 Derek Forbort


UND Goalies

31 Brad Eidsness
32 Aaron Dell


Out: Derrick Rodwell, Roco Grimaldi, Brendan O'Donnel

UND Players Stats

Tentative Badger Forward lines

21 Brendan Woods–9 Mark Zengerle–7 Tyler Barnes
20 Ryan Little–16 Joseph LaBate–25 Michael Mersch
8 Matt Paape–14 Jefferson Dahl–18 Sean Little
26 Brad Navin–12 Keegan Meuer–13 Gavin Hartzog

Badgers Defensive Paring 

27 Frankie Simonelli - 6 Justin Schultz (A)
19 Jake McCabe - 55 John Ramage (C)
4 Eric Springer - 24 Joe Faust

Badger Goalies   

33 Joel Rumpel
30 Landon Peterson

Referees: for tonight's game:  Jonathan Morrison, Tom Sterns
Linesemen: Nathan Freeman, Justin Hill

Television: UND Sports Network, MidcoSN3, FCS Pacific, DirecTV 623 (Sat.), FSN+.

Radio: The games can be heard at 96.1 the Fox and for Wisconsin Badger fans on 1310 WIBA AM locally
in Madison or for free online at BadgerSportsNetwork.com.

Internet:  Both games at UNDSports.com.

Related articles

• Series Notes: UND vs. UW (insidehockey.com)
• Birthday boy wins it for UND versus UW (insidehockey.com)

Wisconsin Player Stats

Birthday boy wins it for UND versus UW

Grand Forks, ND – A UND student held up a sign that said, "If you don't squirt, you won't get hurt." That sign was in reference to a game that took place between these same two teams almost thirty years ago.

Over the years Wisconsin and North Dakota have played in some historic battles. The two teams have played against each other for League and an NCAA title.

The two teams have played in many games that were highly contested. Over the years there have been a few punches thrown, some good scrums after the whistle, and a few all out brawls.

Tonight’s game wasn’t quite as exciting as some of the epic battles of the past, but UND was able to grind out a 5-3 victory at the Ralph. It wasn’t really that exciting of a game to watch and was really a chess match. There weren’t a lot of opportunities for either team to score.

The head coach for UND, Dave Hakstol, kind of saw it the same way.

“Both teams played it real tight and close to the vest and looking for a power play opportunity or a power play goal, or one opportunity to win it", Coach Hakstol said. “Fortunately we came up with that opportunities, it was a good play by our captain Mario Lamoureux.”

At times the game was a bit boring as a good share of the play was spent in the neutral zone.

The game winning goal was scored by freshman forward Stephane Pattyn who was incidentally celebrating his 21^st birthday. It was the first career goal for the freshman forward.

When Pattyn was asked about his game winning goal, this is what he had to say. “That was really nice. Mario [Lamoureux] made an unbelievable play. It all started with Joe [Gleason] using his speed. I guess Mario just saw me back door I was wide open and the goalie was nowhere to be seen, and all I had to do was tap it in. That just shows how hard of a worker Mario is, his leadership and his poise on that play. I will take credit for it, but that was all Mario for sure.”

Brock Nelson was able to cement the win by scoring an empty net goal for UND. Nelson, with that goal would finish the night with 2 goals.

As the WCHA, in its current form, winds down after the 2012-13 season, UND and UW will no longer play in league games anymore. North Dakota and Wisconsin will leave the WCHA and go to the NCHC and the B1G respectively. This means that once again, there will be no more historic WCHA battles between UND and UW after 2012-13 season.

Another weekend, another historic match up in the WCHA. This seems to be the story line this season.
Coming into the weekend, UND’s power play had been less than spectacular, having scored only two goals on 17 opportunities. UND was able to break out of that power play funk and score on its first two power plays of the game.

While the UND defense did give up three goals on the night, UND was able to keep Wisconsin's pre-season All-WCHA defenseman Justin Schultz off the score sheet. That is no small task, as Schultz has points in 19 of 25 games played this season.

With the loss, the Badgers dropped to 1-7-1 on the road this season. Wisconsin is 11-4-1 at home. Coming into the game, Wisconsin had lost only one time in the last seven games.

With the win, UND improved its record to 14-10-2, 10-9-0 in the WCHA. The two teams play again tomorrow night.

 Box Score

Related articles

• Series Notes: UND vs. UW (insidehockey.com)
• North Dakota edges Minnesota (insidehockey.com)
• UND Freshman Connor Gaarder named WCHA Rookie of the Week (mvn.com)

The gloves are off part II - UND and UW week

I have to admit that this is one of my favorite match ups, if not my favorite rivalry games and according to Andy Baggot of Madison.com it looks like there will be a continuance of the Sioux vs. Badgers rivalry after next season when both teams join their new leagues.

UW coach Mike Eaves said non-conference scheduling parameters are still being drawn up for the new Big Ten, so any non-conference discussions are on hold.

But there have already been discussions between the schools about committing to a series every year when the new leagues debut. That's how much the rivalry means to those involved. [Madison.com]

I know the Fighting Sioux nickname is gone, but for now, at least for this weekend, I will call it the Sioux Badgers on this blog. I mean what the heck.  I think we could get away with it, because the Fighting Sioux name is still on the front of the jerseys, for at least a little bit longer. I am already compliant the articles have submitted for Inside Hockey. 

I am excited that UND and UW are looking into continue this historic rivalry after the B1G and NCHC come to fruition. There have been some great battles over the years between the two teams. Also, Wisconsin fans are some of the greatest college hockey fans and they get it, they're awesome. When both teams go their separate ways, I am definitely going to miss seeing the Badgers at the Final Five and discussing hockey with the fans from Wisconsin.



Of course the hockey on the ice hasn't been like the UND vs. UW match ups of the 1980's for obvious reasons, the progressive DQ rule for fighting has probably played a role in that.

None the less,  there have been some heated and highly contested battles over the years between the two teams. Who can forget the Steve Reinprecht, David Hukalo and Dany Heatly line, that was "one of" the most prolific lines that I had ever witnessed in college hockey.

Of course there was the Jeff Panzer, Bryon Lundbohm  and Ryan Bayda line which was also pretty darn good themselves. You can check out the Wisconsin Badger's side of the discussion with Chuck Schwartz at Bucky' Fifth Quarter.

Michael Mersch penalty.

At the .50 second mark on [this video] above you will see the check that the Wisconsin Badgers forward Michael Mersch put on Minnesota Gophers forward Kyle Rau.

This check in question would end the night for the Badgers Mersch as he was given a five minute major for contact to the head and a game misconduct. In watching the video, I honestly don't understand how that hit could be a five and a game. To me it looked like a legal check. Here is what Jess Meyers had to say on the hit.

The score was tied 1-1 in the second when the Badgers missed a golden opportunity to take the lead, misfiring with two white jerseys alone in front of Patterson. Just seconds later, Wisconsin's Michael Mersch leveled Kyle Rau along the boards and drew an iffy call for contact to the head. Mersch was tossed from the game, and the Gophers got a five-minute power play. While they did not score on the extended man-advantage, the Gophers captured momentum that they would not relinquish.

The Gophers were unable to score on the five minute power play. The Badgers head coach Mike Eaves looked highly agitated with the Todd Anderson call and gave Anderson an earful at the Wisconsin Badgers players bench. 

Goon's WCHA Power Rankings 11/06

The rumor of my demise have been greatly exaggerated... Here are picks for this weeks WCHA power rankings that I submit with Zach Friedli. I have been out hunting since last Friday so I am still catching up the happenings of last weekend's games. The Power Rankings will be posted on Inside Hockey later today or tomorrow.

1. Minnesota
2. Duluth
3. Denver
4. Colorado College
5. Nebraska Omaha
6. Michigan Tech
7. Wisconsin
8. Saint Cloud
9. North Dakota
10. Bemidji State
11. Alaska Anchorage
12. Minnesota State

Related articles

• WCHA Power Rankings: November 1st (insidehockey.com)
• Minnesota Duluth-Bemidji State Preview (insidehockey.com)
• What's up SCSU? (mvn.com)