Sunday morning links

I can't believe all of the interesting hockey news that is out there this morning. It's a little over a month and a half before NHL training camps start on September 17th. The Regular season opens on October 7th 2010.

Here is an interesting story on Boston Bruins forward Mark Savard; Bruins Must Take Time Before Deciding on Whether to Trade Marc Savard [NESN] In my opinion trading Savard is a very bad idea.

Former Michigan Wolverine goalie Marty Turco is a free agent this summer after not being resigned by the Dallas stars and he won't be a Flyer, but would've loved to be one... [Pro Hockey Talk] I would have to think that Turco is going to be picked up by a team that needs to solidify their line up.

According to Marty Turco's agent; Agent: Marty Turco could have new team in 7-10 days. [ESPN.COM] It will be interesting to see if Turco signs with an NHL team this week. Rumor has it that Turco could be on his way to Chicago if the Blackhawks don’t resign their goalie Antti Niemi who just won his arbitration case.

I am sure that Redwing77 is pleased to know that the SJ Sharks have signed Devin Setoguchi to one-year deal [Pro Hockey Talk]

From the ESPN Bruins Blog; Wheeler: I wanted to be in Boston [ESPN.COM]

I think if I can just assert myself more physically, especially on the forecheck and things of that nature, it’s going to create a lot more opportunities for myself and the guys I’m playing with to get more offensive opportunities. Sometimes it’s about less is more, and when you kind of take a step back from things, it’s a little bit easier to notice where you may be able to improve on things.”

He also realizes he needs to let it rip more as he barrels down the wing. With Wheeler’s size, he should be able to get solid scoring chances from the wing.

"It's about getting comfortable with shooting farther away from the net," Wheeler said. "Anytime you put a shot on net anywhere from the top of the circles in, it's going to be a pretty good look. It's getting that mentality and getting comfortable with letting the puck go like that. It should really help me. I think I've been more of a passer in my first two years. I'd like to close the gap. I think working on that will really help."

Wheeler, Bruins avoided a fight in arbitration [Boston Globe]

There is a good chance that former Fighting Sioux hockey defenseman Rick Wilson could end up being the Wild's assistant coach. [Russo's Rants]

Here is another story on former Fighting Sioux defenseman Rick Wilson possibly being the Wild's new assistant coach. [Red Star and Sickle]

Gophers lose home-and-home series with Texas [Star and Tribune] It appears that the sticking point was the Big Ten Network.

"The Texas game is no longer on our schedule due to a contract impasse concerning video rights," Maturi, who negotiated with the Longhorns "for months," said Tuesday via e-mail. "... We had an agreement. Unfortunately, with our commitments to the BTN [Big Ten Network], there were issues we could not come to agreement on."

We keep hearing how the Big Ten Network is a big time money maker and what might be driving the Big Ten Hockey Conference discussion but in this situation the channel probably cost the Gophers a big pay day at the gates.

According to Tim Howe at the Fargo Hockey Examiner former Grand Forks Central High Goalie Seth Lang has the inside track to be the Force third goalie, if one is taken. [Fargo Hockey Examiner] According to people that were at the Force tryout this past week, say that Lang was every bit as good as Fighting Sioux recruit Zane Gothberg who was also at the try out camp.

Christmas Eve Linkorama

*Looks like former Sioux T.J. Oshie is skating again.

*Julie Robenhymer from HockeyBuzz.com said that some are calling Wheeler the best free agent pick up of the season. While Wheeler looks like he was a good pickup. Lets give it a few more months before we declare him a huge success in Boston, however, what Wheeler has done so far surprises me. After watching Blake Wheeler play in College I would have to say that I am actually shocked at Wheeler's performance. During his college days with the Gophers I thought he was a soft player that was just going through the motions but with the Bruins he has really fit in.

After being out most of last season Patrice Bergeron suffered another concussion.

Former Fighting Sioux hockey player Landon Wilson has three points in this last two games and recorded two assists against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Toronto's fan's favorite whipping boy Jason Blake also scored in the same game.

The Wild are holding Marian Gaborik out of practice and games but the Wild GM says it isn't because they are trying to trade him. Yeah! Uh, ok. Personally I am tired of this spoiled brat and the Wild can't dump him fast enough, don't let the door hit you in the ass Gabby.

Links to Cornell Hockey.

Tim V from the Lynah hockey Forum was kind enough to post some required reading for the weekend non conference match up with the Cornell Big Red. (Thanks Tim)

Here is the hockey blog from the Ithaca Journal


There is the Cornell Daily Sun (Cornell Student Newspaper)

Here is the blog that was linked earlier today Cornell hockey in North Dakota.

Here is a really nice read that I found in the Cornell Sun.

It’s a North Dakota Holiday for Men’s Hockey
For the second year in a row, the men’s hockey team will spend its Thanksgiving break playing in one of the premier hockey facilities in the country. After suffering a 6-3 loss last year at the hands of Boston University at New York City’s iconic Madison Square Garden, a more experienced Red (4-0-2) is looking for a better result during this vacation — this year, Cornell will head to Grand Forks, N.D., to face North Dakota, a school which has made it to the Frozen Four in each of the last four years.

The Fighting Sioux’s Ralph Engelstad Arena, which opened in 2001, has a capacity of over 11,000 and will host a pair of games with the Red — the first on Friday at 8:30 p.m. (EST) and the second 8 p.m. (EST) the next day.

Currently in seventh place in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, North Dakota has had a rocky going so far. The Fighting Sioux (4-7-1, 4-5-1 WCHA) started the season with three consecutive losses, including a season-opening defeat at then No. 9 Boston University, 5-1.

Tim Thomas' new mask...

I have always been a fan of goalie masks, they say a lot about the player that wears them. Here is the new mask that former Vermont Star Tim Thomas will wear for the Boston Bruins this season. Also, I found this new blog that covers the Boston Bruins hockey team called Hub Hockey it is a must see if you are a Boston Bruins fan.

Linkorama: UND and C.C.

There are some really good Blogs to read for the up coming hockey series.

I really like this blog Support Colorado College Hockey You can definately get some good music when you there as well.

I am not so sure if this person (RWD tells me the author is a he) is still posting or not because there hasn't been any action so far this season. This blog has had some good posts in the past. C.C. hockey Blog

The Gazette appears to have two hockey blog sites Tiger Den
I believe that this is the official one Mucking in the corner

Linkorama: Check out this B.C. blog

I like reading other people's blogs to see how they think. If you are interested in reading a different perspective from the other side of the ice check out this blogFor Here Men are Men. This Hockey East blog talks about the B.C. Eagles. In this particular post he talks about the Eagles and their up coming season and how tough the Eagles schedule is to start the off season. They played Michigan, followed by RPI and now they play the Sioux. Its no mystery that mnch like the Sioux the Eagles always have a target on their back. Everyone wants to beat them and those teams brings their "A" game when they play the Boston College Eagles.

Finally, we get to the schedule. It ain't easy. We jump right into the fray with Michigan followed by RPI or Minnesota, then come back to Chestnut Hill for a home tilt against North Dakota in what has become college hockey's best intersectional rivalry.

I have to agree with him the Sioux and Eagles is one of those rivalries that you mark off on your calender. It think this weekend this will be the spot light game of the week. Playoff hockey in October.

UAA Hockey Fan Blog: Looks at the WCHA race.

UAA Hockey Fan Blog: Donald looks at the teams

Although I do enjoy reading Donald's rants on a regular basis; I actually have to repectfully take issue with what Donald said. I am sure he is also not going to be happy that I picked his Seawolves to finish last in the WCHA again this season. Maybe we can have a blogger summit on our picks and where our teams will end up by season end.

University of North Dakota

I definitely underestimated UND last season. I guess what I really missed badly was the performance of Hobey Baker winner Ryan Duncan. I didn't even mention the guys name in my preview. I certainly wouldn't have pegged them as a Frozen Four participant. But there's definitely something to be said for their continued excellent 2nd half performances. It was a trait of the team under Dean Blais and it has continued under Dave Hakstol. Goal tending in my mind is a big question in Grand Forks. Lamoureux played 37 games last season and would have played more but for an early season injury. Consider me a Lammy skeptic. There'll be a lot of pressure on him to play a lot of games this coming season and while he had good numbers I'm attributing much of that to team defense and limiting quality shots. Lots of folks would disagree with me about Lammy. They have a bit of a tougher schedule this year as well, though that isn't reason enough to downplay their chances. This squad has the potential to finish in the top half of the league (lots of people expect them to win the league) but I believe last year was exceptional and unlikely repeatable. I'm not sure they'll be an NCAA participant. Sue me

While I have never been a big fan of Lamoureux (I think for a goalie he is too emotional and excitable) I don't think he is a bad goalie either. I am actually a Grieco guy and I hope that he can recover from a few bad performances after looking good against the SCSU Huskies.

Also, I do think that Lamoureux's deficiencies can be over looked by the fact that UND returns if not the top defensive unit in the conference, one of the top two or three defensive units. The only team I think that might be better than UND's is Michigan Techs defensive unit. Wisconsin is good but they no longer have the stone wall Brian Elliot between the pipes.

UND will be a participant in the NCAA tourney this season. Just a hunch...

Round Table Discussion: Hot Stove League

Goon's World sent out questions to various college hockey bloggers and here are their answers to the question I asked them. First up is Lets Go Mav's

How has your summer been?

Summer has been CRAZY but nice. Summer is always filled with many activities and I love the warm weather. If it wasn't for college hockey, winter would be a total bust.

Aside from summer activities I've been crazy busy at work...so needless to say life for LGM is just nuts..thus, the lack of posting!

What are you doing to fill the void of no college hockey during the off
season?

I sew up all the holes my old Sioux and Jutting Voo Doo dolls so they're ready for all the poking and witchcraft for the upcoming season. Watch out Sioux players (and some fans? ha ha...I should make a Goon and Dirty voo doo doll)...I'm going to hex you and poke your little doll until you hurt!!

Ok, SO kidding. Yet, wouldn't that be fun to have voo doo dolls of all the opposing players (or coaches) you hate?!? It would be quite the conversation piece when people come over. Luckily for me, Jutting already looks like the Chuckie doll so I don't have to make one for him.

Now really...what do I do to fill the void? Is there anything to really fill that void? I miss hockey really bad! I do fill my time with a crazy 40 hour work week and try to keep my sanity at the same time, go to the lake, golf, spend time with my family, hang with friends, go on trips, soak up the sun, go see live music...you know, just about anything that's fun for a single 29 year old gal to do!

Are you excited about your team prospects for the upcoming season?

They're ok. Really, the incoming class isn't that big but I'm looking forward to seeing what some of them produce. I think Rylan Galiardi may be a pleasant surprise, if he plays anything like his brother TJ does. It'll be fun to see how he develops.

Really though, I'm more excited about our returning players. As long as Kalinski comes back, the Mavs should be in good shape.

What other sports do you watch during the off-season?

Twins baseball baby! It's all about the Twins in the summer. I try to watch as many of the games as possible and try to get to the dome for a few too. Thank god my friend's dad has SWEET season tickets...helping my trips to the Dome be more frequent!

In your opinion, will there be anymore players leaving early for the NHL/professional ranks?

Goon, how DARE you ask me this?!?!? Do you want me to start crying at the thought that Kalinski may be leaving? I'm staying positive that he's staying this year and I'm not letting myself even think about the NHL snatching him up. As of now, I would say he's the only Mav that could possibly go pro yet since Wagner already did.

As for other teams? Well, I would LOVE to see UND lose a bunch of their guys...such as Oshie. All the other teams get hit hard and then stupid UND gets to keep most of their guys. UGG! Sorry...had to throw the UND slam in there. Really though, it's about time UND loses some of their top players too!

Otherwise I think most of the players in the WCHA that are going to leave have already.

Which player defection do you think was the most costly to their team?

For MSU, Wagner was the only one to leave. His departure is not great for Maverick Hockey but for me personally it's like "don't let the door hit you on the ass on your way out!!" He was a jerk to me and for that, he's forever scorned.

For other WCHA teams, I think Duluth was hit bad. I feel for them, because their losses this year compare to MSU's last year (losing Backes and Carter). When you're an "underdog" school losing a few of your best guys hurt way more than it does for schools like UND, U of M, and WI. Those programs have better chances at recruiting players just as good as the ones leaving, so their players leaving don't hurt as much. Poor UMD...they're tough though, so they'll pull through it. If now, we all know runninwiththedogs will go up to their arena and make them skate lines until they puke. Can't you just imagine her screaming "AGAIN!!" at any Bulldog that gives up?!?

Other schools...I don't know. I can't keep up with all of the losses. I would say (off the top of my head) that these are the worst for them:

UND- Towes
U of M- Goli
WI- Skille
SCSU- Gordon
UAA- Lawson (HA! So kidding. That kid was a FREAK...and he didn't go pro anyways)

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Ryan Cardinal from the WCHA Blog answered the questions. His blog just came on line in recent past and it looks really good.

How has your summer been? (too long, too short, just right)

As much as I love the college hockey season, I enjoy summer because I feel it makes me appreciate the fall and winter more. That being said, now that we're within three months of the new season starting, I'm ready for summer to pass.

What are you doing to fill the void of no college hockey during the off
season?

Aside from joining the blogging community, I've passed the time by working, playing hockey and softball, and trying to enjoy summer weekends.

Are you excited about your team prospects for the upcoming season?

As a Gopher fan, there aren't too many seasons where you can't find reasons for optimism before the year starts. This year is no exception. There are some concerns, such as losing three key defensemen in Mike Vannelli, Alex Goligoski, and Erik Johnson, but they return all of their forwards from the second-half of the year and bring in a pair of high-end freshmen forwards in the form of Pat White and Mike Hoeffel. The freshmen defensemen (Stu Bickel, Kevin Wehrs, and Cade Fairchild) all have extensive junior hockey experience, so that should help in the transition to the college game, but there will no doubt be a learning curve.

As we saw from last year's Gopher team though, the forwards were much more responsible in the defensive end, especially when you compare them to recent groups of Gopher forwards, and hopefully that trend will continue this fall. Jeff Frazee has been somewhat inconsistent during his first two seasons, but as he showed late in the year last season in a pair of games against North Dakota, he's ready to step up and be "the man" between the pipes. Freshman Alex Kangas should be able to spot Frazee admirably, as by most accounts he should be one of the better first-year goalies in the country.

What other sports do you watch during the off-season?

I love watching the NHL playoffs after the college hockey season wraps up, and enjoy watching the Twins as well.

In your opinion, will there be anymore players leaving early for the NHL/professional ranks?

I hope not, since the Gophers are generally one of the teams that gets hit the hardest each year (along with the likes of North Dakota, Michigan, etc.) and logic would say players like Kyle Okposo and Blake Wheeler are some of the most NHL-ready prospects in the NCAA. With most NHL teams having already held their prospect camps, I don't think anyone else will bolt this year (knock on wood).

Which player defection do you think was the most costly to their team?

I think that Cory Schneider's decision to turn pro will really hurt Boston College. Obviously the position of goalie is the most important in hockey, and now BC has junior Adam Reasoner, who has less than six minutes of experience at the NCAA level, and a pair of freshmen (John Muse and Andrew Margolin), who both played at New England-area prep schools last year. The Eagles lost just two regulars off last year's team that of course lost in the title game to Michigan State, so they are no doubt solid on forward and defense, but I think that inexperience between the pipes could cost them come March.

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Here is Running with the Dogs answers to the questions.

How has your summer been?
Summer has essentially no meaning to worker bees like me. I'm not even taking a vacation this year.

What are you doing to fill the void of no college hockey during the off season?

I've done a little sailing, I'm working (obvs), and I've been running off and on. My softball season is over, which is kind of depressing. I've been posting sporadically on RWD, and I started a new blog, RWT, but those updates have gotten pretty sporadic, too. I'm writing the Great Canadian Novel.

Are you excited about your team prospects for the upcoming season?
I'm always excited for Bulldog hockey. I'm curious to see if we can make it at least into the middle ranks of the WCHA (7th or higher), but the season is so short, I look forward to every game. This will be the 4th season of RWD, and I can't wait to have actual content.

What other sports do you watch during the off-season?
I watch baseball, although I seem to be taking an extended All-Star Break. It should be noted that anyone who answers NASCAR is wrong: NASCAR is NOT a sport, you stupid hicks.

In your opinion, will there be anymore players leaving early for the NHL/professional ranks?
I think if players leave early, it will be because of team or personal issues rather than just a desire to move on. I certainly don't expect to see any more big name players leave.

Which player defection do you think was the most costly to their team? I think losing Matt Niskanen has hurt tUMD significantly. A PP QB is hard to replace, and he improved significantly throughout the year. He was one of My Guys as well, so on a personal level, I will miss him. Mason Raymond and Jon Toews were tough losses as well, but I think Nisky's departure has the biggest single impact. It's interesting that tDogs and tSioux have both lost an offensive defenceman and an electric forward. Obviously, one team is in a better position than the other, but it's notable parallel nonetheless.

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The UNH hockey blog weighed in. I think you might like his snappy answers. Incidently UND and UNH play this winter in a non-conference matchup.


How has your summer been? (too long, too short, just right)

Summer, summer... oh yeah, we call it the Fourth of July round these parts - realll pretty fireworks.

What are you doing to fill the void of no college hockey during the off
season?

What!? The season's over!? Shh!!! No one's supposed to know!

Are you excited about your team's prospects for the upcoming season?

Is there a reason why they call her Laura BUSH? I'm surprised no one's ever asked her that question in an interview - probably because of the really scary Secret Service agents all around. No, really, I've got two words for you - Regan. van Riemsdyk. That is SO two words! I'm excited to see Regan culminate his fantastic career - he's a fantastic goaltender (I at least attempt to play goal so I have a tremendous amount of RE-spect for the great goalies out there - ha, caught myself and didn't use fantastic again - ah damn!) and I enjoy watching someone so good at their craft.

It'll be great to see him on senior night and to watch him get his diploma. van Riemsdyk promises to be something I've never seen on the Whittemore Center ice - a big man who continuously gets the puck to the back of the net. Yet again - it is always great to watch a dominant player at their game. Really looking forward to seeing the entire freshmen class and the entire team just seems like it will be mature and ready to play - we're bringing the PAIN!

What other sports do you watch during the off-season?

There are other sports???

In your opinion, will there be anymore players leaving early for the
NHL/professional ranks?

It doesn't seem like it. There was a fire sale this past spring. Plus it's harder for the pros to take advantage of these impressionable youngsters in the fall when they're geared up for the upcoming season and not reeling from last season's final loss, looking for consolation, lonely, heartbroken - just looking for someone who'll listen to their pain... and give them actual, cold, hard cash! Yeah baby!

Which player defection do you think was the most costly to their team?

How 'bout - which player's departure hit you like a kick to the crotch from your first girlfriend when she dumped you on April Fools and you thought it was a joke - until she kicked you in the crotch and it made you just crumple to the floor and cry like a little baby... No. I'm okay. I don't want to talk about it. Oh, not just my team... well, I would have to say Schneider leaving BC. This is a team that didn't even really have a backup all year. Plus, have you seen their tuition!?

Go 'Cats!

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Western College Hockey answers the questions

How has your summer been? (too long, too short, just right)

My summer has been pretty good. There are always a lot of fun things to do, but ever since I moved to Minnesota, I've hated the heat, so that part kind of sucks.

What are you doing to fill the void of no college hockey during the off
season?

The best part about summer is that there are always a lot of very good hockey events to go to. It's not the same as going to a college hockey game, but it's fun to see a lot of different players, and there's nothing better than sitting in a cold rink on a really hot day.

Are you excited about your team prospects for the upcoming season?

Always. I'll admit Mankato's odds are a bit longer than some other teams, but anything can happen.

What other sports do you watch during the off-season?

I've been following the Twins on TV and the Tigers over the internet this summer. It's not great, but it gets me through the summer.

In your opinion, will there be anymore players leaving early for the
NHL/professional ranks?

Someone will probably sign towards the end of the summer once most of the free agents sign and teams figure out they may need an extra guy or two.

Which player defection do you think was the most costly to their team?

Steve Wagner probably would have played 55 minutes a night if he had stayed in Mankato, but he was ready to go. Jonathan Toews was probably the best player. I'd say Cory Schnieder was the biggest loss. BC will have two freshmen goalies, and while they're talented, there's a pretty steep learning curve in college hockey.

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I thought I would take a stab at the questions as well.


How has your summer been? (too long, too short, just right)

I look forward to every summer as a time to enjoy the out doors. This summer I bought a new pair of rollerblades and have begun to get out on the blades again. I have also played about 20 rounds of golf and incidentally I just returned from a golf tourney where my record was a horrible 0-5 in match play. One of the rounds I played in was a mercy killing as my partner and I were closed out 7 and 6 in match play. Two of the losses in this tourney went down to the last couple of holes. I basically threw one match away three putting on the 16th hole missing two puts from two feet and in... I haven’t played as much golf as I would like because my schedule has not allowed it to happen. Kind of sucks since golf memberships are so expensive.

The flip side of summer being over half over is that soon I will be duck hunting again. Dakota is ready for the upcoming season.


What are you doing to fill the void of no college hockey during the off
season?

Running with the dogs is going to kill me but I have filled the void by going to quite a few stock car races this summer. The greatest show on dirt the World of Outlaws recently came to Grand Forks and Fargo and so I took in both races as well as the World of Outlaws Late Models the second week of June. Sioux7 and I took the Saturday night World of Outlaws in the race in Fargo. On my other blog ND Red Neckyou can check out some of the pictures I have taken of the races I have been too this summer. I have also watched the first three seasons of 24 and season four is on the way as I just ordered it from Amazon.com.

I do watch baseball but I have sort of become board with the thriftiness of Minnesota Twins owner Carl Pohlad. Don’t get me wrong I am a fan of the Minnesota Twins but as a twins fan I am tired of being the brides maid I would like to see the Twins do more than be competitive and win a division title. I would like to have the twins win another world series.

Are you excited about your team's prospects for the upcoming season?

I am excited about the Sioux this season mostly because of the unselfishness of UND’s star players to turn down professional contracts to take another shot at an NCAA title. As we know in life there are no givens except death and taxes but the Sioux have a good chance of winning a national title if they can play as a team. There are a few players that feel they have some unfinished business and made a pact to return to take another shot at an NCAA title. For that sacrifice I applaud, Chorney, Finley, Duncan and Oshie, they all could have taken the money and ran.

What other sports do you watch during the off-season?

Golf, Baseball, NASCAR and the outdoor life channel. For those who question whether race car drivers are athletes; let me ask you this question. Could you drive an automobile 500 miles at 195 miles an hours in a hundred degree heat and not get dehydrated? Most of us would tire out at 100 miles. To race a car you have to be in good shape. There are no fat boys in NASCAR or the WoO…

In your opinion, will there be anymore players leaving early for the
NHL/professional ranks?

God I hope so, I am sick and tired of watching these players be coaxed out of college to spend a bunch of years in the minor before making the big leagues. I don’t believe this B.S. that some professional teams think that the NCAA doesn’t develop players well enough for the professional ranks. I guess Matt Green, Travis Zajac, Zach Parise, Paul Martin, Keith Ballard, Dany Heatley didn’t develop in college.

Which player defection do you think was the most costly to their team?
UND was hit hard by Lee and Towes leaving but it was expected that J.T. was going to leave so it wasn't a shocker, it was more of matter of when he was going to sign. Lee wanted to go, and I wished he would have stayed but that is just the way things go. Lee's loss is a big loss, but he Sioux will get past it.

I think that Goligoski leaving Minnesota is a big blow to the Gophers. Goligoski was a class act and was no doubt an awesome hockey player. You can’t just go out and recruit a three year veteran of the WCHA wars, no one with Goli’s experience and talent. In my opinion Alex Goligoski was a top ten player in the NCAA and more than likely an All-American hockey player yet again.

Corey Schneider leaving at B.C. puts the Boston College Eagles in a precarious situation, none of their goalies have played more than a couple of game in college.

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Goon's World team member Sioux07 took at stab at the questions

How has your summer been? (too long, too short, just right)

Summer is just the right length here, “three months of bad sledding”, so to speak.

What are you doing to fill the void of no college hockey during the off
season?

It has been good, it has gone by quickly with trips for work and 2 weeks for vacationing in Europe, aahhh, Europe. Then all the other weeks, World of Outlaws with THE GOON. Tubing the Otter Tail River, helping neighbors paint there houses (I still have to paint mine :o ) Doing the Fargo street fair last weekend and watch the RedHawks play baseball. It has gone by quick I tell you. Another month or so and college football will be underway, my second favorite sport after hockey.

Are you excited about your team prospects for the upcoming season?

I’m more excited then a fat lady at a Ricky Martin concert.

What other sports do you watch during the off-season?

Does Pro Wrestling count ;) There are not that many sports going on in the summer months.

In your opinion, will there be anymore players leaving early for the
NHL/professional ranks?

I don’t think so, it is getting a little late in the year for that.

Which player defection do you think was the most costly to their team?

Defection, your talking about the Russians (the “ex” communists), and the trading of players from there to NHL right ;) I think they should let there players leave to play in the NHL, they are a democracy now, right.

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Another Hockey East Blogger from For Here Men are Men this is the Boston College Eagles blog and he weighed in with his answers to the questions.

How has your summer been? (too long, too short, just right)
Waaaaaaaaaay too long.

What are you doing to fill the void of no college hockey during the off season?

-Drinking
-Working entirely too much
-Preparing for the upcoming football season
-Watching a lot of soccer and baseball
-Did I mention drinking??

Are you excited about your team prospects for the upcoming season?

Very. Cory Schneider's departure will be the albatross around the team's neck during the preseason, but we've got two very talented young goalies coming in. They won't replace him, but who can?? We'll have a lot of firepower up front and should have a rock-solid defense; the freshman goalies will be in good hands and there's no reason we can't make another run at the national title.
What other sports do you watch during the off-season?
Football (college and pro), soccer, NHL, some baseball. I also watch a lot of college hoops but other than three games it's played entirely during the college hockey season.


In your opinion, will there be anymore players leaving early for the
NHL/professional ranks?

This far past the draft, most likely not.
Which player defection do you think was the most costly to their team?
Schneider is the best player to leave early but the most costly in my opinion would have to be Mike Santorelli from Northern Michigan. They'll have an incredibly hard time replacing him.

Introducing a New Blog: Drun Roll Please

Dirty's Diatribe

There is a new blog in the making the it's appearance on the Hockey Blogsphere and this blog is written by the one and only cape wearing Dirty. Also, since Amy from Lets Go Mav's said I was slighting Dirty, that wasn't the case (Truth is last night it was really late and I didn't have a chance to read his article and get it on line)

Dirty, Dirty, Dirty

Dirty, who's famous (or should I say infamous?!?) on USCHO has started his own BLOG and also took time out of his busy schedule of posting on USCHO to answer my questions.

Below are his answers...in typical Dirty fashion. Enjoy!

TEAM NAME: University of North Dakota

HOW DID YOU GET THE NICKNAME DIRTY: Don’t you read RWD’s blog? You ask her to contribute to your blog when you don’t even read hers? Seems kind of selfish of you. (I read it all the time but I can't be expected to remember every little detail!!)

BEST FORWARD: Keeway Gaboo. Yes he plays for UND. Look it up if you really want to know. (This is some stupid name for TJ Oshie..."stupid little asshead" works better for me though!)

BEST DEFENSEMAN: Taylor Chorney

YOUR PERSONAL FAVORITE PLAYER & WHY: The Oshie. He is The Oshie, no further explanation is necessary.

YOUR PREDICTION FOR YOUR TEAM CAPTAINS IN 2008: Robbie Bina – A Kyle Radke – A Taylor Chorney – C

WHY ARE YOU A FAN OF YOUR TEAM: Beause the Hrkac Circus is the greatest line in the history of college hockey. I grew up in East Grand Forks and went to school at UND. Also Justin Dubermann, as said by Scott Hennan, is the greatest name in the history of college hockey.

BEST ARENA SONG: Fight on Sioux

BEST TRADITION YOUR TEAM HAS: Being almost as big of goons as the Mankato Normal School. I mean the Mankato State Teachers College. I mean Mankato State College. I mean Mankato State University. I mean Minnesota State University-Mankato. (If Dirty thinks our players are Goons, he should get his butt to Kato and see the fight I can put up. I may be a girl but I'm scrappy and could kick his ass. Oh, and for the record it was only "Mankato State University AND Minnesota State University, Mankato" when I went to school there! Sorry...I'll try to find some rich old bigot to donate money to our school to FORCE us to keep a name!)

YOUR PREDICTION FOR THE UPCOMING SEASON: The Maloney Pony makes a fool out of CPZ. (This is some weird bet between Dirty and MeanEgirl)

THE TEAM IN THE WCHA YOU DESPISE THE MOST: Denver Pioneers

YOUR SECOND FAVORITE TEAM IN THE WCHA: Once again, don’t you read RWD’s blog? Michigan Tech. Duh.

YOUR FAVORITE WCHA ARENA (BESIDES YOUR OWN!): tDECCWCHA

COACH YOU HAVE THE MOST RESPECT FOR: Troy Jutting. Any man who can overcome starring in a movie with Cher, deserves my respect (Ok, this almost made me pee my pants! Awesome answer!!)

OPPOSING WCHA PLAYER YOU DESPISE THE MOST: Geoff Paukovich. Take note Goon, I can properly spell Paukovich’s first name. (Be nice, Goon sometimes has grammar and spelling issues. He works nights and is republican, so his brain doesn't work right!)

BEST JERSEYS: Grand Rapids High School. You didn’t say anything about it having to be a WCHA team. (I guess I need to be more specific for the slow kids...)

WORST JERSEYS: Mankato. They have improved though since that wretched NY Rangers style jersey a few years ago. (Smart talk coming from a guy who wants Hollywood's jersey SO bad!)

SHOULD THE WCHA HAVE ALLOWED BEMIDJI TO JOIN: Sure. Another whipping boy from Minnesota is always welcome. Plus the Glas Fieldhouse is awesome. I love going to places that are fire hazard death traps.

WHICH TEAMS WILL FINISH IN THE TOP 3 IN THE WCHA: Gophers, Sioux, Pioneers

PREDICTIONS ON THE 5 TEAMS TO MAKE THE 2008 FINAL 5: Gophers, Sioux, Pioneers, Tech and Tigers

MOST ANNOYING WCHA FORWARD EVER & WHY: Dan Kronick. When he’s on the ice, I can’t see past his chin.

MOST ANNOYING WCHA DEFENSEMAN EVER & WHY: Nate Metcalf. No reason, I just wanted to mention the guy I graduated with who played for the Mavs.

HOTTEST MALE WCHA PLAYER: Robby Nolan. (What?!?! I thought Hollywood was his mancrush....)

BEST BLOGGER: dggoddard. I mean Let’sGoMavs. Whew that was close. (Damn right I'm better than dggoddard!! Ok...so kidding. Many bloggers put me to shame!)

BEST POSTER ON USCHO: [cf]authentic. Oops, I misread. I thought you said biggest a-hole.

JUSTIFY WHY UND DOESN'T SUCK AND WHY I SHOULD ACTUALLY LIKE THEIR FANS: I can’t justify either, especially the fans part. A lot of UND fans, like [cf]authentic, are a bunch of jerkoffs.

AND, JUST FOR ME….

THE MAVERICK PLAYER YOU LIKE THE MOST & WHY: This question is completely unnecessary for me to answer. Much like Highlander, there can be only one. (yes, we all know Dirty has a mancrush on Hollywood....it kinda freaks me out actually!)

THE MAVERICK PLAYER YOU LIKE THE LEAST & WHY: Kurtis Kisio. He wouldn’t tell me how Hollywood got his hair so awesome. Plus he spells his name with a K and that’s just dumb. Kelly should be stripped of his NHL stats for that. (Ouch! and I thought that I was rough on Kisio!)

WHAT IS YOUR JUSTIFICATION FOR BEING SO OFF THE WALL THAT YOU THINK CHRIS CLARK LIKES YOU BETTER THAN ME: Among the many reasons is that I am willing to go with the Hollywood hairstyle. That’s devotion right there and I know Chris appreciates it. (and how would Dirty know if I had the mohawk or not? Maybe I do!! Maybe Hollywood frosted it for me...hmm....)

WILL YOU BE VISITING THE MWCC THIS COMING SEASON? (AND IF NOT START EXPLAINING WHY): Maybe. Depends if I can get work off. And if I can get free tickets. And if I can get a free place to stay. If all these things happen, I’ll be there with bells on. Provided I can find suitable bells. (Well, please have SOMETHING on. We don't need a naked Dirty at the MWCC. Oh, and be sure to let us know if you're coming so Hollywood has time to get the restraining order!)

Sioux _7 Makes an appearance on Lets Go Mav's

Check it out

Answers from Sioux_7
(Note Sioux_& is the guy hidding in the back)
Goon's buddy, Sioux_7 wanted to get in on the action with my questions....so with no further delay, here are his answers!! (Can you believe I'm letting this many Sioux fans write on my blog? I must be getting nicer in the off season!!)


TEAM NAME: FIGHTING SIOUX

BEST FORWARD: T.J. OSHIE (Oshie is a tool...that kid drives me nuts!)

BEST DEFENSEMAN: TAYLOR CHORNEY (JOE FINLEY GETS MY MOST IMPROVED D-MAN AWARD.)

YOUR PERSONAL FAVORITE PLAYER & WHY: T.J. OSHIE, HE PLAYS A COMPLETE GAME ALL THE WAY AROUND. GOOD PUCK HANDLING SKILLS, GOOD DEFENSE IN HIS OWN END, AND HE GIVES 100% EVERY TIME HE IS ON THE ICE.

YOUR PREDICTION FOR YOUR TEAM CAPTAINS IN 2008: C-ROBBIE BINA, A-T.J. OSHIE, A-TAYLOR CHORNEY

WHY ARE YOU A FAN OF YOUR TEAM: I’M A PROUD UND ALUMNI, I ATTEND COLLEGE THERE FOR 6+ YEARS AND EARNED A B.S. IN CHEMICAL ENGINEERING, AND MINORS IN MATH AND CHEMISTRY. (holy crap he must be smart....but it did take six years....)

BEST ARENA SONG: AT THE OLD RALPH I LIKED THE OLD SONG, “SNAP YOUR FINGERS, SNAP YOUR NECK” BY PRONG. AT THE NEW ENGELSTAD, IT WOULD BE “SEVEN NATION ARMY” BY THE WHITE STRIPES.

BEST TRADITION YOUR TEAM HAS: THE WINNING NCAA/WCHA TITLES IS NICE, AND I ENJOY SING THE “IN HEAVEN THERE IS NO BEER” SONG. (Why is "winning" the standard Sioux answer? It's annoying and makes me taste a little throw up when I read it. Hello! Traditions are songs, actions...things like that. Not just winning....ugg, Sioux fan arrogance! There's my rant, sorry had to get it out because Goon said the same thing and it's just arrogant!)

YOUR PREDICTION FOR THE UPCOMING SEASON: A TOP 3 FINISH IN THE LEAGUE, WITH ANOTHER TRIP TO THE NCAA TOURNEY IN MARCH/APRIL.

THE TEAM IN THE WCHA YOU DESPISE THE MOST: GOPHERS, THOSE LITTLE DIRTY RODENTS.

YOUR SECOND FAVORITE TEAM IN THE WCHA: DULUTH , I DON’T KNOW IF IT IS THE TOWN (QUITE SCENIC IT IS) OR MY FRIENDS THERE, OR SANDELIN IS AN OLD UND GUY OR SOMETHING, BUT I LIKE DULUTH .

YOUR FAVORITE WCHA ARENA (BESIDES YOUR OWN!): I’VE ONLY BEEN TO UMD’S AND SCSU’S FOR GAMES… I WILL CALL IT A TIE

WCHA COACH YOU HAVE THE MOST RESPECT FOR: I WOULD HAVE TO SAY GEORGE GWOZDECKY. SINCE PAUKOVICH WAS SUSPENDED ONE GAME BY THE LEAUGE, FOR THE HIT ON BINA THAT BROKE HIS NECK, HE GAME HIM ONE EXTRA GAME SUSPENSION. CLASSY MOVE J

OPPOSING WCHA PLAYER YOU DESPISE THE MOST: “IF YOU DON’T HAVE ANYTHING NICE TO SAY, DON’T SAY ANYTHING AT ALL.”

BEST JERSEYS : THE NEW BLACK SIOUX SWEATERS, OF COURSE. THE ONE THAT’S NOT A UND SWEATER WOULD HAVE TO GO TO… COLORADO COLLEGE , I LIKE THE TIGER HEAD. (WHAT IS UP WITH DENVER ’S LOGO? THEY HAVE SOME HAWK HEAD? WHAT DOES THAT HAVE TO DO WITH BEING A PIONEER?)

WORST JERSEYS: OH, I’M GOING TO HAVE TO SAY IT’S BETWEEN, ALASKA AND MANKATO . I DON’T CARE FOR THOSE PARTICULAR SHADES. ( WISCONSIN ’S ISN’T UGLY, BUT IT IS TOO PLAIN, CALL IN VANILLA. SCSU JUST COPIED MONTREAL , AND MINNESOTA ’S IS SORTA PLAIN TOO.) (Hello! Mankato's jerseys are one hundred times better than UAA's!!)

SHOULD THE WCHA HAVE ALLOWED BEMIDJI TO JOIN: I HAVE TOUCHED ON THIS SUBJECT BEFORE ON “GOON’S WORLD”. I WOULDN’T MIND SEEING THEM IN THE LEAGUE, IT MAKES SENSE FOR A GEOGRAPHICAL REASON. BUT I WANT TO SAVE THE OTHER TEAMS IN THE CHA AS WELL. WITH THAT MIND, I WOULD LIKE TO SEE A RESTRUCTURING IN A COUPLE OF THE COLLEGE HOCKEY LEAGUES, TO EVEN OUT THE CONFERENCES WITH ABOUT EQUAL AMOUNTS OF TEAMS IN EACH, THE WCHA, CCHA, AND CHA.

WHICH TEAMS WILL FINISH IN THE TOP 3 IN THE WCHA: UND, UM, SCSU

PREDICTIONS ON THE 5 TEAMS TO MAKE THE 2008 FINAL 5: UND, DU, MTU, SCSU, UMD (NO GOPHERS)

AND, JUST FOR ME….

THE MAVERICK PLAYER YOU LIKE THE MOST & WHY: BROWNLEE, I REMEMBER HIM, HE WAS A SOLID D-MAN

THE MAVERICK PLAYER YOU LIKE THE LEAST & WHY: “DON’T HATE THE PLAYER, HATE THE JUTTING” (Brilliant saying!! Told you he was smart!)

WILL YOU BE VISITING THE MWCC THIS COMING SEASON? (AND IF NOT START EXPLAINING WHY): I WOULD LIKE TO GO TO A GAME THERE, AS WELL AS ALL THE OTHER ARENA’S IN THE LEAGUE. I WILL HAVE CHECK WITH THE GOON AND MAYBE MAKE A TRIP IF IT WORKS OUT. (See, Goon needs to get his ass to Kato and bring Sioux_7 with him. Maybe they'll be able to change my opinion of Sioux fans!!)

Linkorama: Goon's makes an appearnace on Lets Go Mavs

Recently the Lets Go Mav's blogger asked her fellow WCHA bloggers a few questions here are my answer that I gave.


TEAM NAME:

The University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux

BEST FORWARD(s)
T.J. Oshie and Ryan Duncan

BEST DEFENSEMAN:
Taylor Chorney, Taylor could really be on his way to Edmonton to play for the Oiler’s if he wanted to.

YOUR PERSONAL FAVORITE PLAYER & WHY:
I like T.J. Oshie because I think he is the complete player, score and play defense. Oshie doesn’t skate around the opposition he skates through the opposition, he is tough, T.J. played half the season with a broken thumb, ouch! Oshie reminds me of my favorite ex-professional hockey player Cam “Bam” Neely

YOUR PREDICTION FOR YOUR TEAM CAPTAINS IN 2008:
Robbie Bina (a), Taylor Chorney (C) (a)____________someone.

WHY ARE YOU A FAN OF YOUR TEAM:
I graduated from the University of North Dakota with a BA and an MA in Sociology; I am probably the only Republican with a Masters in Sociology. I bleed Green and White and the sight of maroon and gold make me want to throw up.

BEST ARENA SONG:
Saturday night is all right for fighting.

BEST TRADITION YOUR TEAM HAS:
A tradition of winning (7 Titles NCAA titles and 13 WCHA titles) and competing for the NCAA/WCHA title every season.
Recently Lets Go Mav's asked her fellow blogers some questions. Here are my answers to the questions Amy asked us.

YOUR PREDICTION FOR THE UPCOMING SEASON:
Finish high in the WCHA standings. Sweep the Mav’s, beat them in the first round of the playoff and go to the Frozen Four. He, He, He… That one is for the Blog author.

THE TEAM IN THE WCHA YOU DESPISE THE MOST:
No Doubt the Minnesota Golden Gophers, I also despise the DU pioneers also, I think based on the rivalry between the two programs the last 4-5 years. Despise the teams don’t hate their fans.

YOUR SECOND FAVORITE TEAM IN THE WCHA:
I am a closet Mavericks fan. I guess the reason I am is that they never give up and they keep coming at what ever team they play.

YOUR FAVORITE WCHA ARENA (BESIDES YOUR OWN!):
Actually I have only been to SCSU (that place sucks there is a reason they call it the concrete center), Duluth and Minnesota, Minnesota was like a morgue when I went there. UMD was a fun place to see a game but the arena needs to be moth balled.


WCHA COACH YOU HAVE THE MOST RESPECT FOR:
Bob Motzko the coach of the Huskies and Scott Sandelin from Duluth, I also started to appreciate Troy Jutting more recently just because I think he has really done a decent job at MSU-M, I believe the man can coach and I think he will take that program to the next level if the fans in Mankato give him a chance.


OPPOSING WCHA PLAYER YOU DESPISE THE MOST:
Jeff Paukovich, no explanation needed.

BEST JERSEYS:
Fighting Sioux

WORST JERSEYS:
Wisconsin Badgers, come on you’re a big ten school at least come up with a better uniform than that.

SHOULD THE WCHA HAVE ALLOWED BEMIDJI TO JOIN:
Yes, I went to school at BSU for two years and I think that if they can get a new arena why shouldn’t they be allowed to compete in the WCHA. The Beaver hockey Program is a storied program and basically I would say that BSU is the Michigan Tech of Division II and III.

WHICH TEAMS WILL FINISH IN THE TOP 3 IN THE WCHA:
It’s really too early to tell we haven’t even gotten into the dog days of summer as of yet. A lot can happen over the summer.

Linkorama: Goon's World makes an appearance on RWD's

Goon Steps into the Fray

Here are the questions for the article that I contributed to:
RWD's Article Obviously for editing purposes RWD didn't have room for all of the article. RWD's asked some really good questions that deserve answers. I would also like to thank her for having the opportunity to contribute to her blog, I would never consider it stooping. Besides I have a bad back from my bad golf game so I do as little stooping as possible. Goon's World is a big fan of Donna's RWD blog. Oh by the way; I believe that Red Necks are just missunderstood but also it's a full time job.


Running with the Dogs want my feedback/thoughts on the season that just
finished:

1. Are you satisfied with the season your team had? Why/why not?
Satisfied: I think based on the personnel losses that the Fighting Sioux
suffered during the off-season, the Sioux lost: Drew Stafford, Spirko, Jordan Parise, Matt Smaby and Travis Zajac (two of those guys are playing in the Stanley Cup playoffs). Think about this? Can you imagine how good this team could have been if all of the horses would had been back in the stable for the 2006-2007 season? Sioux fans are probably talking about how good the Sioux were during the 2006-2007 on their way to winning banner number 8. So I don’t think you can say this season was that bad. It wouldn’t have been a shocker if the UND Fighting Sioux had finished in the middle of the WCHA say in 6th place and home for the playoffs.

Based on how the season ended you really have to give credit to Head Coach Dave Hakstol, the man might be one of the better coaches in the league if not the country. It wouldn’t have been an understatement to say that the Sioux started out pretty bad, they were 7-10-1 at the Christmas Break. The rest of the season the Fighting Sioux lost one game in regulation as they finished the second half of the season like 17-4-4. Championships are won in February, March and April so the Sioux managed to turn it around and make a run when it counted the most. It doesn’t matter what you do at the beginning of the season if you can’t play your best at playoff time. So as a Rabid Sioux fan I can’t be disappointed in a season that ends in the
semifinals of a third consecutive trip to the Frozen Four.

2. What does it take for you to be satisfied with your team's season?
To be competitive, to never say die to give 100 percent every night. I think as PCM said over on Sioux Sports; that UND fans are spoiled. In the whole grand Scheme of things UND is comparable in hockey as football is to Florida or Florida State. Our program is that good and we expect it every year and I am not so sure all of the fans appreciate the fact that our team is so good almost year after year, it takes a lot to keep a program at such a high level for so long. Yeah were spoiled rotten, my buddies over in Bemidji say that same thing. Based on what happened this season I am 90 percent satisfied. I want to see the Sioux win another national title in the near
future but losing this season didn’t smart as bad as it did in 2004.

3. What is a great season for your team?

Finishing at or near the top of the league, making the final five and going
to the NCAA playoffs and hopefully to another frozen four.

4. What is do you consider to be a bad season for your team?

Not doing the things that stated in number three.

5. What is an unacceptable season for your team?

I remember going to games at the end of the Gino Gasperini era. This was when I first got to Grand Forks. It was really hard to stay interested in the team, but I still didn’t miss many games, I suppose maybe three games from 1993-1995. During these lean years hard any body went to the games, you could hear a pin drop and it wasn’t uncommon to have one more picture of beer at the Down Under instead of going to the game on time, it was like so what if you miss the drop of the puck. Those years sucked. Then when Blaiser turned the team around the swagger returned and you couldn’t get a ticket. Coach Blais raised the bar and expectations in this town, so there is a very fine line with what is acceptable in this town.