Goon's Rambling 6-26-2006

Toews is a Black Hawk
Toews is Highest UND pick in entry draft
Jonathon Toews became the highest pick ever in UND Fighting Sioux History history the previous high pick was former Fighting Sioux Player Jason Herter. So the Fighting Sioux have another 1st round draft choice.

Red Line Report on Toews
The most complete all around forward in this draft. Supremely skilled and creative center with great hands and touch around the net. A real sniper who has tremendous patience with puck around the crease. Has a wicked wrsit shot that he can pinpoint to any corner he wants--buries his chances. Excellent anticipation and the puck always seems to find him; has the knack for being in the right place at right time. Gets the puck to his wingers in great position. Was the youngest player in U.S. collegiate hockey, yet was a key member of top 10 club. Can play any style. Will muscle defenders off the puck down low, then drive out of the corners and make plays on net. Superb hockey intelligence in all three zones and is extremely aware and responsible defensively. Comes back deep to help out "D" and is good on faceoffs.
Projection: Complete two-way centre who scores.
Style compares to: Rod Brind'Amour

Is Toews the nexts to leave UND?
There is a good to decent chance that Toews could be the next Fighting Sioux hockey player to become a former Sioux Hockey Player. Goon's world is holding his breath and hoping he stays just one more season. Toews has been on record of saying that he doesn't want to bounce around from the Minors to the NHL and wouldn't mind playing at UND a little long. The Towes watch is officially on. Goon's plea to Toews: Please Jonathon Toews stay one more year in Grand Forks. We really would love to see you stay at UND.
Bruins Draft Kessel
Kessel A Bruin ugh
Goon's World is disappointed to announced that the Boston Bruins, a once storied original 6 team and former Stanley Cup Champion decided to draft Gopher cry baby and Prima Donna Phil Kessel in the 2006 entry draft. The Bruins used to 5th pick to take Phil. I can't say that I have ever been more disapointed in the Bruins Franchise. Well, except maybe the day that they traded Ray Bourque to Colorado.
Goon's Take on Bruins Signing Kessel
I know Gopher fans are going to be upset with me but I just can't stand Kessel. I mean really, every since his stupid press conference on where he was going to attend college WCHA fans had had to stomach all Kessel all the time.

In the Goon's opinion TJ Oshie was the better freshman in the WCHA and should have been the Rookie of the Year. Of course they ended up giving the award to Phil Kessel because the league had backed itself into a corner and had to give the award to Phil. The word out of Madison was that Jack Skille and Kessel don't get along and despise each other so Phil decided to go to Minnesota instead of the home town BADgers.

Realistically speaking, I know Phil Kessel is a good hockey player, its evident by the numbers he put up in the WCHA last season. However, I just think the wonder kid is an ass in my opinion, I don't know him personally but I just don't like how he carries himself.

Also, Mr Kessel need to learn that contrary to public belief the world doesn't revolve around Phil Kessel, and I am sure the Bruins will teach him soon enough that he is not above the organization he is playing for. Rumor is that Phil is going to sign and play pro hockey. Personally I hope he likes Providence Rhode Island (that is where the B's farm team is). Phil was quoted as saying I didn't dream about playing hockey in college I dreamed of playing hockey in the NHL. I am sure T-Don is happy with comment. Notice Mr Toews is a little more elegant in his speaking to the media. Ok to think that but you might want to word your responses a little better.

Goon's Ramblins 6-21-2006

Commie and The Canes Win the Stanley Cup
Commodore and the Canes win the Cup
The 2006 NHL season came to a thunderous end when the Canes KO'ed the Edmonton Oilers, what a series of hockey. This Stanley Cup in my opinion was one of the best Stanley Cups ever, and I saw everyone of the Oilers and Islanders cup wins during the 1980's and this series took the cake. This Stanley Cup series blew all of the rest of them away its not even close. In these series; there were up and down the ice action and not one bit of hooking and holding to be seen.

Some of the so called experts are going to say that this wasn't a good game for Hockey. I could also care less if the big time media in the big time markets like Toronto, New York and L.A. like it or not. As far as I am concerned CBC and OLN/NBC did a good job on the Television coverage.

Please Big Mike bring the Cup back to Grand Forks.

Hey Mike What do you say?
Goon's World is hoping Mike Commodore will bring the cup back to Grand Forks, ND like Eddie "the Eagle" Belfour did in 1999. Mike Commodore is going to be the 8th UND hockey player to have his name put on the Stanley Cup the great throphy in all of professional sports.

Not over yet
I suppose some could say that I am rushing it a bit because the series is not over. The Oilers are toast, stick a fork into them. Their title hopes when down the drain when Roli went down to a season ending injury in game one. The Oiler fans are going to wait for the cup to return to Edmonton because Canes are a team of destiny carried on the backs of Eric Staal and Rod Brind'Amour, Staal got going last night by assisting on two goals. The game is over on Wednesday night you can bet on it. The Canes do not want to go back to Edmonton, finish it on Wednesday night. Please I am going to lake on Friday night and I can't handle not being able to see the game if there is one.

Goon's Ramblings 6-11-2006

Check out this cool web site
Cane's Blog

If you go half way down the page you will see there is awesome clip on goalie Cam Ward and the way he has played, the Kid (he is only 22 years old) has been a stone wall in the playoffs after playing ok during the regular season. I am sure many of the Cane's fans are going Martin who? What a nice issue to have as a hockey club, you have two (2) top notch goalies that can play. I wonder if Carolina will be able to afford them both. Talk about a two headed monster

You heard it here first
Rob Brind'Amour is going to win the Conn Smyth, Brind’Amour is playing like a man that is possessed, he is on fire scoring big goals and winning key draws. Apparently Brind'Amour is also one of the physically fittest athletes in the NHL. When he used to be a Philadelphia Flyer I couldn't stand him but I have come to appreciate his effort and heart. Brind Amour is the prototypical leader/captain he is gritty and relentless.

Local Flavor of the North Country
These Stanley Cup playoffs have really been awesome, but the finals are even better. The Carolina Hurricanes sports three players with roots to the WCHA, Saint Cloud State Universities and Moorhead high school’s (Moorhead Minnesota) own Matt Cullen and St Paul’s Bret Hedican, who is also a Saint Cloud State University Husky Alum. The one most Sioux fans are most proud of is Mike Commodore, the man is a folk hero wherever he goes has gained star status in Carolina

Goon's Ramblings

From Charley Walters
Wild assistant general manager/player personnel Tommy Thompson on Friday in Toronto interviewed Erik Johnson of Bloomington, Phil Kessel of the Gophers, Kyle Okposo of St. Paul and Peter Mueller of Bloomington. All are expected to be among the top 12 players chosen in the June 24 NHL draft.

Johnson is expected to be the No. 1 overall pick, Kessel among the top five. The Wild have the Nos. 9 and 17 picks, and Mueller or Okposo could end up being the Wild's first pick. If the Oilers win the Stanley Cup, the Wild's No. 17 pick would become the No. 30 pick.

In his interview with the Wild, Kessel said he enjoyed his freshman season with the Gophers except for the disappointing season-ending upset playoff loss to Holy Cross and said playing for Team USA in the recent world championships improved his confidence.

Kessel said whether he returns for his sophomore season at Minnesota will depend on which team drafts him and that team's needs. The same for Johnson, who has committed to the Gophers.

Goon's Perspective on this
The quickest way to make a Gopher fan mad at you is to tell them that Erik Johnson will never wear an "M". You might even get a punch thrown at you. If Johnson doesn't make it to the University of Minnesota next season I think it could be devastating to the Gophers chances. The Gopher defense is not very good as it stands right now and they need a big man that plays a shut down game. Most of the Gophers defensemen are great wings disguised as D-Man, great on offense but have no idea where the blue line is.

I would not be surprised to see Kessel gone from the Gophers roster next season.
The NHL is changing to a skating game and Kessel's style suits the NHL game as it stands right now. The NHL is show casing skating teams that can get up and down the ice, not a bunch of poor skating Goon's the size of middle linebackers like Georges Laraque who add nothing to the game but to get into numerous fights and play three shifts a game adding nothing to the score sheets but PIMS.

Speaking of Georges Laraque
At the end of Wednesday's game, and the results all but in the books with the Canes leading 5-0, Edmonton Goon Georges Laraque laid one of the Carolina Players out with a dirty checking from behind hit (I believe it was one of the Adams boys). This hit was one of the cheapest hits I have seen during this season's Stanley Cup playoffs. There is no room for these types of hits in Hockey on any level. Checking from behind is a gutless, cheap, dangerous play. Erik Cole was taken out by the same kind of play by Pens defenseman Former B.C. Eagle Brooks Orpik. It was no mystery why big George was out on the ice for. Laraque was out there to start a fight and rally his team.

While I like fighting and think its part of hockey, act of violence like checking from behind, spearing, blatant high sticking have no room or place in hockey. I hope Commie gives Laraque his due and smacks him around a bit.

Update on the Commodore Side Show
Just to keep everyone updated on the Commodore Side Show (ala former third liner Nate Miller from KFAN). Mike made a big play that probably saved a goal and turned the game around in Carolina’s Favor. With Edmonton leading the game 3-0 Mike Commodore had a huge shot block, in the ensuing play the puck was brought back up ice and resulted in the puck being deposited in the net by Rod Brind’Amour.

Rumors confirmed that Jordan Parise is going pro.

Chris Heisenberg is reporting that Parise will not coming back in the fall for his senior season as it has been rumored for some time now. The link to Heisenberg's site
Heisenberg states, "today brings confirmation (long rumored by the North Dakota fans) that Wellington Dukes goalie Anthony Grieco will be enrolling this August to back up Phil Lamoureux."

Parise is the fifth Fighting Sioux players to opt out for the pros.

Here is a look at Grieco's Numbers for the Wellington Dukes this past year:
Grieco played in 26 games posting a 17-4-3 record with GAA of 2.28 and impressive Save Percentage of .906 in an offensive minded league. Goon's World would like to welcome the latest addition to the Fighting Sioux Roster. As it stands today there should still be a good nucleous on defense to protect the Fighting Sioux Goal.

Random Thoughts: 6-2-06

Parise is better than Briggs
Here is an interesting post that I found on Rube Chat Post and it its a gem.

Here are Parise's and Briggs' numbers last year. If Praise is a suckhole the give me an honest opinion on Briggs. He was not in the top 20 goalies in the nation I know that. Remember that goal against HC where he stood there looking up while the puck was at his feet? That is your goaltender for next year. If he can't get it together it could be the same happy ending again.

Goaltending Leaders
Name, Yr GP W L T GA MIN GAA SH SV SV%
Jordan Parise, Jr 34 24 9 1 74 2017 2.20 6 968 .929


Goaltending Leaders
Name, Yr GP W L T GA MIN GAA SH SV SV%
Kellen Briggs, Jr 32 21 6 3 78 1832 2.55 3 737 .904

Commodore a Side Show
Yesterday on PA and Dubay, Former Golden Gopher 3rd Liner and Miracle Star Nate Miller reffered to Former Sioux Mike Commodore as a Side show. It was also added by Jeff Dubay that he was a clown's nose away from being Bozo.

Rumor Central: Jordan Parise is gone.

Parise Going Pro?
I have heard this rumor a few times in my travels around town that Jordan Parise is going to sign a pro contract on the first of July, which to me is mind blowing if you saw the way he played during the frozen four. So apparently there are 4 teams have interviewed Jordan and the word around rumor central is that Jordan is as good as gone, he is not coming back. I have been told it time to except the fact that Jordan is gone and he is not coming back to the fighting sioux in the fall.

New Goalie Coming in
To replace Jordan there is going to be a 6'2" Canadian coming in to replace Jordy. I am being told this kid is going to be a ringer, a shut down goalie that is a stud.
I sure hope this kid can play because I believe without Jordy or a good goalie UND will flounder with Phil in the nets. No offense to Sioux fans but over the past two seasons Phil has give us no indication that he is starter material. However, No matter how many short comings Phil has, he is still beter goaltender than Gopher resident sieve Kellen Briggs from the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers.

Check this out. Nick Name arguments. Classic.

I found this on line at: Sioux Sports It brings up some interesting points I never considered. Some of them are really good.
Join the Club
Dave Lawlor - Bellmore, N.Y.
Wall Street Journal Opinion

I have never understood the objection to using these names as mascots and team nicknames. The names are used to inspire pride, teamwork and inspiration. There is nothing degrading about it.

But if they are so degrading to these groups, why do not speak out for the other groups:

New Orleans Saints - offensive to Christians

New Jersey Devils - offensive to Satanic cults

Boston Celtics - offensive to the Irish

Minnesota Vikings - offensive to our Nordic brothers

Bruins, Tigers, Dolphins, Grizzlies, etc--all offensive to PETA

New England Patriots - offensive to all the America haters on the left!


Dallas Cowboys - offensive to Indians!

Calgary Flames - this is clearly offensive to the gay community

Edmonton Oilers - offensive to environmental wackos everywhere!!

Houston Texans - this is probably offensive to those who live in Texas!

New York Knicks - this is offensive to New Yorkers right now (but just because they're soooo bad)

Cincinnati Reds - offensive to our communist comrades out there

Los Angeles Dodgers - offensive to Bill Clinton and other draft dodgers!

Happy Memorial Day from Goon's World.

Happy Memorial Day:

Monday the 29th of May 2006 is Memorial Day. Memorial Day is a national holiday, however, to some it’s just an extra day off work, some use it to go to the lake, others it’s the Indianapolis 500. I will play in a golf tourney at Kings Walk golf course. Enjoy the day and remember to be safe. If you drink find a designated driver.

Lets not forget the real reason we have Memorial Day. Memorial Day was established to honor our nations hero’s who have fallen on the field of battle defending this great nation. On battlefield in far away places like Normandy Beach, Bastogne, Market Garden, Ardennes, Omaha Beach, Korea, Vietnam, Grenada, Panama, Kuwait, Ramadi, Karbala, Baghdad. Remember the Marines, Sailors, Airmen and Soldiers who are away from their families fighting for our country. Lets also not forget the police and fire fighters that had made the ultimate sacrifice protecting the communities they work and live in.

Lets also not forget that freedom is not free. Some people paid for our freedoms with their lives. Memorial Day should be a day of reflection, a moment of silence to remember the many men and women who gave their life in defense of this great nation.
Memorial Day Tribute to Veterans


Michael Hermanson
In conclusion Goon’s World would like to express our condolences to the family of
Specialist Michael L. Hermanson who was killed in action in Iraq on Tuesday, May 23. The Soldier was participating in a combat patrol mission. Specialist Hermanson was only 21 years old.

No. 474-06 IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 24, 2006 Media Contact: Army Public Affairs - (703) 692-2000
Public/Industry(703)428-0711

DoD Identifies Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was
supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Spc. Michael L. Hermanson, 21, of Fargo, N.D., died on May 23, in AL
Abayachi, Iraq, of injuries sustained when his RG-31 Mine Protected Vehicle
came under improvised explosive device, rocket propel grenade and enemy small
arms fire while on a route-clearing mission during combat operations.
Hermanson was assigned to the Army National Guard's 164th Engineer Battalion,
Minot, N.D.

For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs
at (703) 692-2000.

Calgary not big on College hockey players. Lucia and Calgary at odds.

Here is the link to the article seems like Calgary was contacting Chris Chucko during his college season and trying to sign him. In my opinion that is bush league.Lucia and Calgary Disagreement

Calgary should be ashamed of themelves.

Donny's take on the whole thing

My whole point was that they were calling him during the season and trying to get him to leave our program," Lucia said of his Star-Tribune comments. "That's what I was really disappointed about. If they want to sign him or any other player at the end of the year, that's the NHL's prerogative. In all the years I've coached, I've never had a team do that. I thought that was very unprofessional of them. We're coaching them at this level, and I think, for the most part, NHL teams should leave the player alone during the course of a season."



However the two clubs view it, the issue is not Kris Chucko. The controversy surrounding his signing simply presents an opportunity to examine the relationship between college hockey and the NHL, and the college game's place in the hockey world.

I used to have respect for Calgary as an organization, however, after this not anymore. I cheered the night they were eliminated from the Stanley Cup playoffs. In the future leave the kids alone until they finish their season. I think its sad how college hockey has become a revolving door. Two years and done. Sounds like a major junior team from Canada only its happening in a town near you in Grand Forks, Minneapolis, and Madison. I know its the chances you take recruiting the best talent.

More Departures. This time it may be more for the Gophers.

Frazee might be gone.
Fiona Quick from the Minnesota hockey Journel: is reporting that Gopher Goalie Jeff Frazee will leave the University of Minnesota program and the Gophers will bring in committed netminding prospect Alex Kangas early to fill his position. However, there is no absolute confirmation yet.

My only question is why report it if there is no definate press release as of yet.
I suppose he will go play in Major Juniors somewhere. When he was first signed it was pontificated that Jeff was going to be the shut down goalie the Gophers were looking for. Now they will look to Alex Kangas.

Now if we can get through the summer without too many more defections. Its starting to look like the Soviet Union during the 1980's.

Linkorama

Check out some of the other blogs that I read and what they have to say about the Round Table Discussion. I think you will find their perspectives interesting.
I will update them as they post the questions to the Ciskie Roundtable.

WCHA Blog
UAA Fan Blog
Ciske Blog
The DECC is stacked
Running with the Dogs
Wisconsin Hockey Blog

Round Table discussion. Improving the game.

The Voice of the UMD Bull Dawgs Bruce Ciske Ciske Bloghas posed a number of questions to college hockey bloggers on what part of the rules we would like to see changed to make college hockey a better sport to watch.

Has the college game truly seen in increase in stick work in recent years?

In my opinion there is too much stick work in college hockey and it does affect the game quite a bit. In my opinion there is way too much stick work/stick swinging in NCAA hockey. I think a lot of it has to do with the full shield/mask and the disqualification penalty for fighting. If a player knows he is going to get clobbered for using his stick they are going to think twice about high sticking someone. Stick work is dangerous and there is no room for it in college hockey.

Although the NCAA would never approve of this, I am all for getting rid of the DQ penalty for fighting and giving the players only a five minute major and a game misconduct for fighting. I laugh when I hear people say that fighting is not part of the game of hockey but it is. That way a player wouldn't be punished so severely for fighting and it would allow the game to police itself, allow some fighting in college hockey and I think that the amount of stick work would go down in the NCAA. I think the amount of stick work would go down in the NCAA.

Do officials do a good job of calling "clutch-and-grab" infractions consistently?
I feel that the officials in the college hockey do not do a good job of calling the clutching and grabbing, hooking and holding and interference. It is the Goon's opinion that WCHA officials allow way too much interference. If you watched WCHA hockey on a regular basis you would see that certain teams even the national champion Wisconsin Badgers do quite a bit of the clutching and grabbing that goes uncalled and is basically over looked.

Earlier this winter I asked the head of the WCHA officials one time why the WCHA couldn't call the game like the NHL is right now. Sheppard's response to my question was that the league coaches would never go for it. What I am a little confused here. The WCHA will not call the game the way its supposed be called because the coaches will never go for it.

This adds to confusion that hooking, holding, obstruction is some how confused with smart defensive hockey and being a system. In the Goon's opinion this is horrible a line of thinking. In my humble opinion Is what is wrong with college hockey today. It also means your team can not skate with the uptempo teams like the Gophers, Sioux, Tigers, Eagles, Pioneers and this is your teams only hope of winning. If you're a coach and your team can't play the game the way its suppose to you might need to recruit some players that can skate. Get quicker defenseman or a goalie that can stop a ton of shots.

Here is an example of hockey the way it is suppose to be played. The Buffalo Sabres are a team made up of role players that can all skate. Gone are the Rob Rays and Brad Mays. Each player is awesome on their skates. They ran the Flyers right out of the building for 6 games. Philly was lucky to win two games. This is the way that college hockey should be played. Not some of the crap we say the last couple of years.

A perfect example of hockey that is hard to watch is rewind to the Cornell and Wisconsin game. That was god aweful hockey. No offense to the champs to the East but I just don't want to watch that crap. That is what the NHL was two years ago before they decided to start calling the game the way is supposed to be called. , God awful hockey to watch.

What do you think of the "checking from behind" crackdown?

I think the checking from behind penalty has to be cleaned up a bit. The rule book needs to be tweaked a bit to be more flexible. I have see the 5 minute major CFB penalty called when in fact it should have only been a two minute minor. The refs took it too far and called hits that weren't checking from behind-checking from behind. I don't have a problem with the league calling more CFB penalties but please lets make sure that it was actally a penatly. This is a sore spot for me and not going to waste a lot of time talking about it since the Fighting Sioux seemed to get called for this a lot in the last season and I think a lot of them weren't warranted.

What NHL rules change would you like to see adopted in college hockey, and which one do you want college hockey to stay away from?

The only thing I really want from college hockey is that I would like to see the game called the way its suppose to be called. Please call the penalties like the NHL, the game has sped up a lot. No longer are you seeing the neutral zone trap as much. That is horrible hockey to watch.

I would also like to see the 4x4 overtime followed by a shoot out. Why not. Its exciting hockey. I know hockey purist hate it but once you get to overtime I think both team should be rewarded with at least one point. Even in the NCAA.


What do you think of the increased use of replay in college hockey?

I would like to see the NCAA tweak this policy too. Use more than one camera angle, I was watching a game where Michigan scored a goal but since the replay didn't have the right angle a sure goal was ruled a no goal, the puck was clearly in the net. The puck did in fact go into the net, everyone saw it except the replay officials. What a shame it could have cost Michigan a trip to the playoffs. The NCAA needs to get this right.

What is one random change you'd like to see made in hockey?

I have been accussed of being off message a lot so here goes I have pretty much covered this alreay. The fighting penalties this should not be confused with promoting fighting but making the penalties more realistic. Fighting happens in hockey people need to realize this. The threat of getting your but kicked for committing an agregious act should get players to play smarter and maybe cause them to look over their shoulder next time they commit a dirty act. Change the DQ to a game disqualificaiton.

Battle of the Titans; Sabres and Canes. Goon's World Predicts the series.

Series Preview
The battle of the century is about to take place starting on Saturday at 2:00 pm eastern time at the Royal Bank of Canada Center in North Carolina . The new NHL is benefiting both teams. The Hurricanes are playing the highflying Buffalo Sabres. Both teams are loaded with talented players that can flat out skate and score goals in bunches. Make a mistake against either team and they will bury the opposition. That Buffalo Sabres are relentless, and they don’t give up many chances in the defensive zone, ask the Senators who are now playing golf at a local golf course in the Ottawa.

The Sabres
The Sabres feature a well balanced offensive attack. They are lead by Chris Drury 6 goals and 7 assists for 13 points and Daniel Briere 4 goals and 9 assists for 13 points. Drury is known for scoring big goals in big games and scored the winning goal in game one of against the Senators. In goal former Michigan State star Ryan Miller has been rock solid posting a .921 save percentage.

The Canes
The Hurricanes are lead by Eric Staal who has 5 goals and 10 assists for 15 points 2nd in scoring during the NHL playoffs and Rod Brind’amore who has 6 goals and 5 assists for 11 points. Cam Ward took over for Martin Gerber in game three of the first round against the Montreal and has gone 8-1 in 9 starts posting a .930 save percentage.

The prediction
I believe the Hurricanes will win the series in 6 games. This will be an exciting hard fought series with a lot of up and down the ice action. The team that stays out of the penalty box and limits the number of stupid penalties will win and this series. The Hurricanes scored 5 power play goals in game one of their series against the New Jersey Devils.

Commodore and the Canes shut down Devils.

What appeared to an intriguing match up for Sioux fan’s. A virtual can’t lose series from the beginning. True hockey fans were not cheated as in fact it did end up being a very good series to watch, well I suppose if you’re a Hurricanes fan. From the other side of the coin, if you are a Devils Fan the series didn’t live up to the billing. The series included Fighting Sioux hockey players Mike Commodore on the Carolina Hurricanes. On the Devils Zach Parise and David Hale.

Fan favorite Mike Commodore and Parise seemed to be joined at the hip at times during the series as big Mike made the going tough for Zach Parise. Mike Commodore also was glued to Brian Gionta as he seemed to be on the ice every time Gionta came off the Devils bench.

In the end the New Jersey Devils were manhandled by the faster skating Hurricanes. Goaltending was important in the series and Rookie Cam Ward continued his brilliance has he has won 7 of 9 games he has started.

Ice Chipping
This is For Gopher fans (more specifically my brother’s buddy Bert; but also add the other rodent fans who seem to have no sense of reality when it comes to seeing things outside of the maroon and gold goggles) that have been chirping about how great pretty boy Thomas Vanek is and how he is so much better than Zach Parise. Hey Vanek is so valuable that he was a healthy scratch for games two and three. I think we must look at the playoff numbers and compare the two players: Zach Parise never missed a game during the 2006 playoffs, Thomas Vanek was a healthy scratch 2 out of the 5 games that the Sabres played against the Sens. Zach had one goal and two assists in 9 games compared to Vanek’s 1 goal in 8 games. ach played on numberous lines and played on the power play. Vanek did not. I guess we can say that Parise > Vanek. I know this is a little pre-mature since Zach season is over and the Sabres have at least on more round against the Carolina Hurricanes.

Awesome perspective from a Sioux fan on UND chances next season.

I found this post on Sioux Sports and its awesome. It sums up the Fighting Sioux's chances for next season. There has been way too much negativity coming from message boards around the net. I think its time for Sioux fans to take a deep breath and have some faith in the coaching staff as well as the team that Sioux still have in place. This is priceless and very well written.
This is a quote from Siouxnami...

To steal from a complete idiot...

"All the negativity in this town sucks, Zach Parise, Travis Zajac, Drew Stafford, and Matt Smaby aren't going to walk through that door..."

Turnover
The Fighting Sioux are what they are, they are a team that every year fills their team with some of the best talent in college hockey. As a result, this talent matures and moves on to the next level. Because this talent has success at the next level, more talent comes. Players leaving early is a reality, live with it and quit whining. Would you really tell a 20 year old, "no risk financial security for the rest of your life for a trophy?" When one does come back, surprisingly, enjoy it, don't expect it.

I have been outspoken about people posting stuff that is speculation. Sure some has turned out to be true, but timelines and facts have been wrong, meaning your facts are flawed at best and outright lies at worst. Those of you posting BS, let it go...

Right after the season, I said that if everyone stayed, next seasons team could be one of the best ever. It didn't happen. Oh well, we will have to settle for another very good Sioux team.

Freshman
I've got news for you. Maybe the greatest freshman class ever (considering both quantity AND quality) will be back and improved. All those freshman D will be much better. Do you remember what happened to Travis Roach between his Freshman and Sophamore year? By the 2007 tournements this D should be awesome on both ends of the ice.

The forwards, WOW, lets not be delusional, we probably have Toews and Oshie for 1 more year. Enjoy it. These guys are awesome. Duncan will continure to improve. Kozek, Watkins, and Miller, have shown flashes of what they can do. Lets not forget that Miller was recovering from a severe injury this year. They would be the first line on alot of teams. I expect a coming out party for these guys next season.

Solid lines, D and goaltending

Our D should be much improved even with the loss of Smaby. Finley, will be playing what should be his freshman year and will be physical. Chorney, Lee, and Jones will improve on what can only be considered as outstanding Freshman seasons. Radke played the game of his life against BC, and I look for that to continue. One of my favorite players (obvious to anyone that has seen my sig for the last year+) Robbie Bina will be back with heart and fire. Alexander and Marto?? look to be worthy backups at worst.

We have 2 great goaltenders, as I have seen nothing to lead me to believe that Parise is leaving. Phill has played well in general, he just hasn't gotten the goal support.

Our forwards should be great, despite the losses. I don't know what the lines will be but in terms of personal:

Oshie-Toews-Duncan (name me a better line in college hockey)
Kozek-Kaip-Fabian (a talented hard-nosed physical line)
Watkins-Porter-Vandevelde
Forney-Miller-Zajac#2

Wow, look at that talent. At this point I am still guessing that Forney will come, given his immense talent. We would have an AWESOME first line, a ferocious and talented checking line. An all-NHL draft pick line featuring Porter (who I think will explode this year) And a very stron 4th line that can play with anyone. Not bad for a reloading year.

Oh yeah, and we have one hell of a good coaching staff as well...

NHLs in the Ralph
I don't think that we appreciate enough, how many times we see 6 guys with NHL talent on the ice at one time for the Sioux. Maybe this season, we can enjoy it, because it will happen alot. Guys with at minimum the potential to play in the NHL include:

Parise
Phil
Oshie
Toews
Kozek
Watkins
Porter
Finley
Lee
Chorney
Jones
Radke
Vandevelde
Forney

NOT TOO SHABBY!!!

Awesome recruits.

Hey folks, the pipeline is NOT running dry! We have 2 more high round NHL picks in the works with Forney and LaPoint, not to mention Trupp who will also likely be drafted. North Dakota has a history of not only bringing in first class players, but first class people as well. Have you ever heard of the team underperforming, because of issues in the locker room? Many great programs have had this issue.

I'm sure that we will continue to get great recruts for 2007 and beyond. All of these great players are potential recruits for UND for one reason or another:

Ben Blood-D Shattuck St.Mary's 6'1 180 3-15-89
Jeff Foss-D Moorhead 6'2 180 12-12-88 (another Moorhead kid)
Mario Lamoureux-LC Tri-City (USHL) 5'11 180 6-18-88
Colin Wilson-LC USNDPT U-18 Team 5'11 180 10-20-89 (I think Vegas said he is from Winipeg)
Jason Gregoire-LW Winnipeg So.Blues (MJHL) 5'11 175 2-24-89 (Vegas?)
David Toews-LC Colorado Outlaws 5'11 170 6-7-90
Kelsey Tessier-C Colorado Outlaws 5'8 150 1-16-90
Jordy Murray-RC Shattuck St.Mary's 5'8 155 1-8-90
Wade Poplawski-D Winnipeg (MJHL) 5'11 180 8-12-86 61-4-36-40-93 2003 Manitoba U17 Team
Ben Winnett-RW Salmon Arm (BCHL) 6' 175 4-3-89 60-18-31-49-31
Aaron Marvin-C/LW Warroad 6'3 180 5-27-88
Brad Malone

This will keep the wild ride going. Enjoy...

And finally

Every where the Sioux travel they can expect a lift from the fans. Pound for pound we travel better than anyone else in the nation. We are passionate about our team and will support them regardless of the circumstances. (No, I'm not talking about you losers that post crap and whine here or sit on your hands at the Ralph). But there is a huge legion of support for our team, and this legion will only continue to grow because we are the best tradition in college hockey bar none!

So this is why I am excite for the 2006/2007 season and beyond. Fighting Sioux fans, be loud and proud for your team.

Mass Exodus continues at North Dakota. Spirko Gone.

Mass Exodus continues at North Dakota. Spirko Gone.
Sparky Said:
Spirko, who hails from Slovakia, scored 11 goals and added 21 assists as a sophomore last season. According to teammates, Spirko generally kept to himself and had said that playing so far from home was sometimes difficult.

The Losses Keep Coming For the Fighting Sioux.
North Dakota lost its fourth underclassman of the offseason today when sophomore forward Rastislav Spirko decided to leave school and return to his native Slovakia.

Goon’s Perspective on this:
I am probably going to get flamed for this but here goes: Spirko not coming back next season is a loss, but his loss is not insurmountable, next season Sioux fans won’t even remember his name. The Fighting Sioux can play good hockey without Spirko and have a ton of talent to pick up the slack, players that want to be at UND.
Don’t get me wrong I think Sparky was a good player but in my opinion it takes a commitment from the player, and if that player doesn’t want to be here at UND, is unhappy or home sick then it’s a bad situation for all concerned. If Sparky doesn’t want to be here at North Dakota then Sparky should go home, or play in Europe or wherever. From my perspective it seems almost kind of whinny. The players coming in next season will pick up the slack for Spirko. I know what its like to be a young man 4,000 miles away from home, its tough. When I was 19 years old I was stationed in Stuttgart Germany while I served in the US Army, it’s a change that takes some time getting used to.

Goon’s World would like to wish Spirko good luck, however, I think your giving up a hell of an opportunity, the exposure you would gained from playing at UND could have landed you a big time contract in the AHL/NHL eventually, however, your home sickness or money problems caused you to decide to go back to Europe to play hockey, good luck to you. My question is: Why not bring your girl friend to the USA and have her live here with you?

Goon Said Earlier this Week
I don't think this team will miss a beat like one person said earlier have some faith in the players we have on the team. As Sioux fans we have only seen the tip of the ice burg with Oshie and Toews, beside I believe Toews will be a better player than Stafford ever was in the years to come. Take the Money and run Drew we will be fine without you, who can fault you. I think the boys coming in next fall are going to be pretty good too. Lets not lose faith its only May. Although we are all depressed we need to take a deep breath. May I suggest playing some golf. Check this place out. Dan in the club house will set you up with a tee time.
King's Walk

Finally, Don't let the trolls on the various fan message boards that claim to have credible information get you down. Players are going to leave. People talk in this town and there is enough Fighting Sioux Gossip to go around. There is no denieing it. They are nothing more than gossip hounds that have nothing better to do than troll and listen to lockerroom gossip. Sometimes they come trough, sometimes they get lucky and sometimes they are wrong.


The Links:
CHN Spirko Gone
INCH Article

GF Herald Blog

Drew Stafford is gone, Junior Forward signs with Sabres.

Yesterday the Fighting Sioux lost another talented player as Drew Stafford signed a pro contract with the Buffalo Sabres, I know my friend Lucky is happy about this, but I can't share is joy. If my week couldn't get any worse it went from crappy to the pits... Lets see what has happened in the last week: The weather sucks it has in the thirties at night the past week, the NCAA shot down UND's appeal, frankly, I wonder if they even read the damn appeal, then I have to swallow this. I think Daniel Powter's song bad day really sums up the past week:

You stand in the line just to hit a new low
You're faking a smile with the coffee to go
You tell me your life's been way off line
You're falling to pieces everytime
And I don't need no carryin' on
Cause you had a bad day

You're taking one down
You sing a sad song just to turn it around
You say you don't know
You tell me don't lie
You work at a smile and you go for a ride
You had a bad day
The camera don't lie
You're coming back down and you really don't mind
You had a bad day

Now people would say Goon this was pretty much expected that Drew would sign in the off-season and should be a shock to no one. So they say. Drew has gone from being a serious flight risk to gone from the team. I have seen it written on the various fan message boards that there is no way UND can make a run at the National tile will all the loses they have suffered in the off season. Who wants to bet? I think that defeatist thinking is not very realistic and its down right depressing... Although the loss of Stafford is not minor, the Fighting Sioux played without Drew through the WCHA playoffs and dismantled Wisconsin in the Final Five Championship game. I think we have seen a glimpse of the future without Drew.

Goon's World would like to thank Drew Stafford for all the good memories you have given us over the last three years, it has been fun watching you develop as a player and score some amazing goals. On one final note I am happy that I don't have to worry about you making your living as a singer.

UND players that have signed in the off season:
May 3 Buffalo: Signed F Drew Stafford* (North Dakota)
April 13 New Jersey: Signed F Travis Zajac* (North Dakota)
April 13 Tampa Bay: Signed D Matt Smaby* (North Dakota)

Inside College hockey link to Stafford signing

News Release from the Sabres Site

UND president addresses North Dakota WDAY's Hot Talk.

Scott Hennen discusses the NCAA's decision with the UND president on WDAY's Hot Talk

Goon's World Official Stance on the issue.

The Goon's offical stance on the NCAA ruling on the Fighting Sioux logo.
I think just because the NCAA let FSU keep its name for NCAA Tourneys and UND not keep its name for NCAA Tourneys basically says there is a double standard and that since FSU is a huge school with a lot of money: plus the fact that their governor made a big stink in the beginning of the process basically then strong armed the the NCAA to back down, basically proves that if your a small school your going to not be ruled against favorably even if you have a letter from your name sake tribe. Correct me if I am wrong UND does have a letter from the Spirit lake Tribe basically stating they have the support of the Spirit Lake Sioux. Since no one from Fort Totten or from the Spirit Lake Tribe has ever rescinded that letter of support that should be enough to have any court slap The NCAA around.

However, this just proves the double standard and inconsistency of the NCAA and this ruling this should be enough for them to be slapped or sanctioned by a court of law. What good for one should be good for another school. Again, this is what happens when you let this P.C. crap get out of hand. It’s a sad day for this country that we as a nation are leading/heading this way, its liberalism run amuck. Apparently Americans have a constitutional right to not be offended. However, in looking at the constitution I can not find anywhere its written that we have that god given right to not be offended and that we have to be appeased if we are offended.

Lastly, Brand's liberalism is starting to show through with your basic class warfare, its jealousy and envy, the have-not’s are jealous of UND's standing in the College hockey world because of the Ralph Englestad Arena and the recruiting advantage it give the Fighting Sioux. Rightfully or wrongly Englestad when he built this arena shoved it down the NCAA and the PC name change crowd's throat, now we are paying for this. UND has to fight back and not let these clowns win. It’s about power and not giving in to a vocal minority. Brand is trying to leave a legacy and UND must fight this or be shoved to the side of the road.

This is not over and Brand has no way won. I just hope UND waits out the NCAA on this and does not compromise. Also, if UND eventually let the name change people pay for the changes to have the logos removed. Maybe it should cost Leigh Jeanoette his job at the University.


Goon's Message to Miles Brand.
Dear Miles Brand:
I think you have picked the wrong University to mess with. The great people of the state of North Dakota will not be pushed around by some hand wringing leftist snob like your self that has an axe to grind and a legacy to shore up. You’re a dying breed the left elitist college professor. A Dinosaur that should be freeze dried in some leftist university museum. The Alumni of the University of North Dakota will not back down and our administration will fight this out in the court. Bring it on.
Your exactly what is wrong with this country today.
Goon

NCAA Rules Against UND and the Fighting Sioux Name.

I believe this is the beginning of the law suit that UND is going to slap on the NCAA for its outrageous, ridiculous decision to allow some institutions like FSU to keep its logo while not allowing UND and others to use their logos. Incidentally, Florida State University displays one of the most outrageous stereotypical behavior of all the schools with Native Monikers (Flordia State has a white guy dressed like a Seminal Indian on a horse, which is ridden out to the center of the field with a burning spear in its hand and throws this spear into the turf with the approval of 70,000 screaming fans). To take a word from my former Sociology Professor Cliff Staples this is the biggest example of a of red face minstrels I have ever seen. Of course Little/Tiny University of North Dakota at Grand Forks will not be allowed to use its moniker during the NCAA playoffs. Hypocrites all of them.

As a White Guy I think we must continue this ridiculous behavior by saying that I am offended by Crusaders and Fighting Irish.

NCAA Decision

The Language reguarding the decision:
In denying the University of Illinois, Champaign, the University of North Dakota, and Indiana University of Pennsylvania appeals, the Executive Committee concluded that Native American references used by each university create hostile or abusive environments inconsistent with the NCAA constitution and inconsistent with the NCAA commitment to diversity, respect and sportsmanship.

Today’s decision means the University of Illinois, Champaign, the University of North Dakota and Indiana University of Pennsylvania will only be invited to participate in NCAA championships if they elect to do so without Native American references on their uniforms and associated athletic program activities. It also means these institutions will not be allowed to host NCAA championship events.

NCAA Rejects Final Sioux Nickname Appeal
CHN Article on the Story
If you look at this article you will see there are some inaccurate points in this article its states.

But after months of arguments and delays from North Dakota officials to continue using the Fighting Sioux nickname, the NCAA gave the most weight to the tribal chair of two local tribes who said their councils did not approve of the usage.

Didn't Spirt lake just give us approval to use the Fighting Sioux name?

From the Fargo Fish Wrapper.
Fargo Fish Wrapper weighs in on the Fighting Sioux Issue:

The committee found His Horse Is Thunder’s letter, stating the tribe maintains its stance opposing the “Fighting Sioux” nickname, “very helpful in reaching this conclusion,” Harrison said. We found that to be compelling,” he said.

The primary purpose of the restrictions of American Indian mascots, nicknames and imagery is to provide an environment of respect for and sensitivity to the dignity of every person, Harrison said.

The NCAA policy does not mandate that a university discontinue the use of its mascots, nicknames or imagery on campus.

However, the university will only be invited to participate in NCAA championships if they elect to do so without American Indian references on their uniforms and associated athletic program activities. It also means these institutions will not be allowed to host NCAA championship events.

More later.
Fighting Sioux fans Political Correctness run amuck from the left will not stand and the Alumni Organization and the UND legal team will not go down without a fight. Again I think The Univesity of North Dakota should tell Miles Brand and the NCAA to go EF themselves.

An Interesting Article to Check out on INCH.COM

INCH's 10 Questions for 2007

The Fighting Sioux name:
• What is the future of the Fighting Sioux nickname and logo at North Dakota?

The university’s “final” appeal is currently under review by the NCAA. But our hunch is that you could have resolution of who killed JFK before this is said and done.

Neither side has shown any inkling of backing down in the standoff. That hints, at some point, of a compromise, although what form it would take is anyone’s guess. Most likely, the Sioux would be prevented from hosting future regionals at Ralph Engelstad Arena, which would be a shame after a well attended event at the world’s most beautiful hockey rink this March.

Goon's World prediction:
First off, I think its funny that the most people ever to attend an NCAA hockey regional happened in Grand Forks, ND at the REA. That right NC-DOUBLE-ASS that’s REA the home of the hostile and abusive logo the Fighting Sioux (or as deemed by NCAA’s head ass Miles Brand). Miles Brand is looking more and more like a liberal p.c. hand wringing buffoon everyday. Did this moron work for Bill Clinton administration?

I think if UND's final appeal is thrown out shot down or whatever you want to call it, the University of North Dakota is going to Sue the pants off the NCAA, and win. The administration has basically said as much. I am so sick and tired of baffoons like Miles Brand, their political correctness run amuck. This P.C. crap is a perfect example of what is wrong with our country today, we bend over for every group that feels offended or some how wronged. I also believe this is the beginning of the demise of this great country. What next? We going to stop calling the terrorist fighting us terrorist because they feel offended. Mayb4e we should be offended by the term Crusaders because that is what UBL call us.

Finally even if we lose this appeal the University of North Dakota should tell Brand and the NCAA to go "ef" themselves. Or basically tell the NCAA UND will change our name Fighting Sioux when the other schools with Native Monikers change their names and logos. Its hypocritical and wrong to let one group have their while another group is told they can’t wear their uniforms. Miles Brand is an empty suit and you can see his flawed liberal agenda shinning through. I suppose P.C. morons Like John Hoff, Russell Mean and others are wringing their hands with tomorrows meeting in Indianapolis.

Old "Ralph" to be demolished?

The Ralph to be demolished?

An end of era is possibly just around the corner? I suppose you could say that I would have mixed emotions. I watched many of games in the old building and have had tickets since the new building has been open. Frankly the new building is a palace and may be on of the best arenas in the world of hockey either college or pro. I enjoy going to a game there as well as sitting in my leather seat drinking a cold Miller Lite. Life is good.

The old Ralph was like a comfortable old shoe. In my opinion the old Ralph didn’t look like much but it was a nice place to go to a game, with no beer. Not legally at least, one could find many empties in the bathrooms and in the garbage.

Fall 1993
When I came to UND in fall of 1993 the Sioux were on the last legs of the Gino Gasparini era and were anchored in the bottom of the WCHA standings going nowhere fast. Frankly the sucked and were a disgrace to the WCHA. The arena was playing to half full games and it wasn’t hard to get a seat. People were giving thickets away.

Dean Blais
However, this would soon change as the Blais era brought national prominence to the Fighting Sioux hockey program and the roar was back in the Engelstad Arena. Tickets were hard to come by and fans had to get to the arena early to get a good seat. During the Blais era the Fighting Sioux went on to win a couple of NCAA titles 1996-1997, 1999-2000 a Runner up in 2000-2001 and also numerous WCHA regular season titles 1996-1997, 1997-1998 and 1998-1999. Since the Fighting Sioux team moved into its new home the REA, starting with Blais have had some decent success as they won another WCHA title in 2003-2004 but were bounced out of the playoffs that season by eventual National Champion Denver.

Enter Hakstol
During the Dave Hakstol era The Fighting Sioux have become a fixture at the Frozen Four as Dave Hakstol has guided his team to the frozen four twice in his first two seasons of coaching. Both teams started out tough, both team barely a bubble team losing a fair number of games at the REA before salvaging the season and going on torrid runs at the end of the season to make the NCAA Frozen four. During the 2005-2006 campaign the Fighting Sioux lost 9 games in the REA being swept by eventual NCAA champ Wisconsin, First Round Regional Loser Minnesota as well as Final Fiver Runner Up Saint Cloud State University. During the 2004-2005 season the Sioux lost 6 games. The 2005-2006 team had a better winning percentage on the road that they had at home, going 11-5-1 on the road and 15-9-0 at home.

During the NCAA West Regional Championship games the roar returned to the Ralph as the new arena was rocking. This proved to be a hostile environment for opposing teams as the Sioux cruised to the west regional championships pasting Michigan 5-1 and Holy Cross 5-2 to advance to the NCAA Frozen Four were they lost to the Boston College Eagles. The Gophers also found it tough sledding at they lost to the Holy Cross Crusaders 4-3 in overtime.


Seen and heard at the “Ralph” during the regionals

A massive crowd was both seen and heard at the Ralph. The announced attendance for each game was 11,153, breaking the previous single-game attendance record for a West or Midwest Regional of 9,540 set at Minnesota’s Mariucci Arena in 2003.


There was never any doubt. Buoyed by a boisterous Ralph Engelstad Arena crowd and Minnesota’s stunning loss to Holy Cross, the Fighting Sioux of North Dakota stormed onto the ice for Friday’s NCAA West Regional showdown with Michigan and marched off with a succinct, convincing and workmanlike 5-1 victory, knowing full well the opportunity that lay ahead of them.

Schedule for the 2006-2007 Season. The NCAA title chase begins.

Here is a look at next season schedule.
Only two at Minnesota.
Four against the BADgers.
Start out the season with QU.
No Subway Holiday Classic again.

Posted on USCHO by a poster:

Oct. 1 Manitoba (Exhibition)
Oct. 6 Quinnipiac
Oct. 7 Quinnipiac
Oct. 13 At Wisconsin
Oct. 14 At Wisconsin
Oct. 20 Maine
Oct. 21 Maine
Oct. 27 At Mankato State
Oct. 28 At Mankato State
Nov. 3 St. Cloud State
Nov. 4 St. Cloud State
Nov. 17 At UAA
Nov. 18 At UAA
Nov. 24 Colorado College
Nov. 25 Colorado College
Dec. 2 US 18's (NTDP)
Dec. 8 Wisconsin
Dec. 9 Wisconsin
Dec. 15 Michigan Tech
Dec. 16 Michigan Tech
Dec. 29 At Dartmouth Tourney
Dec. 30 At Dartmouth Tourney
Jan. 5 At Colorado College
Jan. 6 At Colorado College
Jan. 12 UAA
Jan. 13 UAA
Jan. 19 At Bemidji
Jan. 20 Bemidji
Jan. 26 At Minnesota
Jan. 27 At Minnesota
Feb. 9 Mankato State
Feb. 10 Mankato State
Feb. 16 Duluth
Feb. 17 Duluth
Feb. 23 at Denver
Feb. 24 At Denver
Mar. 2 At St. Cloud
Mar. 3 At St. Cloud

I guess we can retire this one.

Image Retired by Goon's World:

Here at Goon's world we have decided to no longer use this picture. It has been officially retired by Goon's World. Dakota and I have decided that it is no longer current and out of date. I guess it would say one week and counting. Yeah, Gopher fans it looks like the Badgers got the last laugh.
Note:This picture was a shot at the Badgers from an unknown Gopher fan. Since the Badgers have won the NCAA title its no longer needed or necessary. So to the moth balls it goes.
Congrats from the Goon:
Congratulations Badgers on the winning the NCAA title. Maybe it will be 23 years before the Goofs win another title. We can only hope. Kessel who? I will take a Skille over a Kessel any day.

The Early Departures: The National Champions experience them also.

Its now official Robbie Earl has signed a professional contract with Toronto. Earl has left the National Champions the Wisconsin Badgers for the greener pastures of the NHL. The diving king has signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs (this season version is the "make me laughs") Frozen Four MVP, who was raised in Westchester, will report to American Hockey League's Toronto Marlies just in time for next week's playoff opener. It is a tough hit taken by the Badgers. The Goon wishes him good luck and hopes he has a prosperous career in the NHL (which incidentally is a no diving league.)
Dive Earl Dive




Earl Left off Marlies Playoff roster
Marlies Sign Earl

Goon’s World Season Ending Review:

College Hockey Rountable discussion
Off Season Roundtable Discussion
Goon’s World Season Ending Review:
This is the way I see it as the Sioux ended a week ago Thursday.
Most of us are still smarting from the loss to the Boston College Eagles and now have to process the loss of Matt Smaby and Travis Zajac.

Goon’s Summary of the Fighting Sioux Season:
The Fighting Sioux played 10 freshmen in the line up on a regular basis, although these freshmen are very talented, two of these wonder kids should have still been in high school. So they were very young, super frosh Jonathan Toews and Joe Finley accelerated their studies just to play college hockey for UND and for that Sioux fans are thankful.

Season Ending
If you would have told me that this team was going to the Frozen Four I would have seen your nuts, we are too young. Once the Fighting Sioux got to the Frozen Four I expected them to win it all. So the way the season ended was a nice surprise and not a choke job like some in Minneapolis have suggest, I do think it was a lot opportunity. So for the Gophers fans that have called the Sioux loss in Milwaukee to B.C. Eagles a choke job. I would like to remind those Gopher fans/nay Sayers that at least the Fighting Sioux team didn’t lose to Holy Cross. Ouch.

Off Season Improvements Needed
The Fighting Sioux will need to get another Goaltender either this season or the season after next. If Jordan Parise leaves Fighting Sioux during the off season the Fighting Sioux staff will have to get a goaltender during the summer. I don’t see Parise leaving during the summer but you never know, there is a need for goaltending in the NHL this season. I would like to see the Sioux go after a big shut down goalie like Brian Elliot. You know the type of goalie that is impossible to score on and leads the league in goals against average. DU has had one the year they won their first title in 2004 and Wisconsin had one this year. Although some Sioux fans are going to be upset with me I could see another situation that happened in 2001 when the Sioux had goaltending issues with Andy Kohler. They didn’t really bring in a tested goalie and when Andy faltered they ended up using Brandt and when Brandt was average Blais coaxed a kid to come in during the Chirstmas Break to play for the Fighting Sioux. Josh Siembida ended up leaving the team because his scholarship was pulled and ended up stuck on the bench in Quinnipiac University. Some are going to ask me why I feel this way. I am sure Philippe Lamoureux is a nice kid but I don’t have a lot of confidence in his abilities. I don’t see him being the shut down goalie that UND needs to win a national title. Jordan Parise is.

Early Defections to the NHL/Pros
This is what UND Fighting Sioux have lost so far during the off season, they will probably lose at least one more player but you never know.
Gone
Travis Zajac ends his 2 year career with 38 goals and 48 assists for 86 points in 91 games. In my opinion are pretty impressive numbers.
Matt Smaby played in 129 games over three seasons for UND, scoring six goals and recording 23 assists for 29 points. He had a career-best 19 points (four goals, 15 assists)
this past season. Smaby’s psychical part of his game will be missed the most the kid is a monster.
All but Gone
Although its not a done deal I do expect Drew Stafford to be gone after the season is over. The Sabres are going to try and entice him with a lofty signing bonus, I don’t know about you bit if someone dangled 450,000.00 in front of me with the prospect of making at least 70,000 a year you would take the money too. So Sioux fans can accept the fact that Drew is already gone. Sounds like a clip from Band of Brothers. When captain Spears told Private Bly he should except the fact that he was already dead.
Goon’s Go to Guys Next Season.
Even with the early defections the Fighting Sioux hockey team should be a powerhouse in the WCHA next season. The opposition has seen a glimpse of the future and the potential the Fighting Sioux have. Opposing coaches should prepare to lose. The Fighting Sioux are loaded with talent and have a pretty good class coming in next season, most of us hope that Darcy Zajac is half as good as his brother Travis. I expect Jonathan Toews, TJ Oshie to have huge seasons next years possibly one or both players getting 50-60 points season. Oshie could break the 40 goal mark with Toews right behind him. Kessel who? Ryan Duncan is a small player that plays with a big heart, on most teams he would be the top scorer, next season he is probably third or fourth. Most of us won’t complain. Andrew Kozek is going to be a scoring threat/machine and he will score from anywhere the kid has an amazing wrist shot that is wicked.

Go to Guys
As I wrote in a Goon’s World Exclusive earlier this spring the success of the Fighting Sioux hockey team lies with it star goaltender Jordan Parise with Phil on the bench with a clip board in his hands. As I said earlier Jordan Parise is the man and he must bounce back from the debacle that was in the Semis at the Frozen Four. The defense must shut down teams high-flying offensive teams like the Boston College Eagles and keep the puck to the outside. Smash everything in site. Joe Finely is that guy. The kid is the next monster to patrol the blue line.

Expectations are High for Next Season
Next season the expectations are going to be high for the Fighting Sioux hockey team and with all of our talent will probably be one of the best teams in years to skate out onto the ice at the REA. The saying Expect to Win should be the slogan of the Fighting Sioux hockey team. The fans are not going accept anything other than a national championship banner.

Early Departures Part II. Matt Smaby is offically gone.

Matt Smaby has signed with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Good luck I will miss the way you play the game. I will miss your bone crushing hits and the grit and determination that you played the game with. Your heart and sole will be void in next season campaign. Today is a sad day as Sioux fans learned that first Zajac and now Smaby, I suppose Drew Stafford will be the next member of the Sioux to fatten this wallet. Smaby Gone

The Early Departures begin, Zajac Signs with Devils.

Travis Zajac is gone.

Its official Travis Zajac is the first Fighting Sioux player to sign a professional contract. Zajac signed a 3 year contract with the New Jersey Devils. Personally I hate this time of year, each year right after the Fighting Sioux finish with the NCAA playoffs we immediately wonder who is going to go pro. Two years ago with was Zach Parise (one of the hardest moments for me in Sioux Sports, it took weeks to recover from it), last year surprisingly Brady Murray went pro (his loss not as significant and was hardly missed). This year it was Zajac and Smaby probably to follow and maybe Stafford. Sometimes the speculation begins before the last second has ticked off of the scoreboard. Why we ask? Because UND is the pinnacle of college hockey we have come to expect that yearly we will love our players to the NHL, because UND recruits the best division one athletes. Yearly we are going to experience this because the NHL is continuing to take our top players long before they have finished their college eligibility.

New Jersey is also famous for taking college hockey players, their roster includes Former Sioux: David Hale, Zach Parise, Travis Zajac Gophers: Paul Martin, Erik Rasmussen Wolverines: John Madden, Eagles: Brian Gionta, Badgers: Brian Rafalski, Terriers: Jay Pondolfo. I used to hate New Jersey being a Boston Bruins fan, however, I have learned to like to watch them play. The Devils are a young team with a lot of heart and some good talent. Its roster resembles that of an NCAA all-star game.

Smaby Gone
The Grand Forks Herald is reporting that; captain Matt Smaby also is believed to be close to signing a deal with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Smaby was selected in the second round of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft by the Lightning.

Tim Hennessy is reporting on the radio this morning that Smaby's departure is "imminent."
Goon’s Perspective:
NOOOOOOOOOO I really love Matt Smaby’s play and it has gotten better each year, the kid is a monster and is going to be a force in the NHL. I guess I will become a Tampa Bay fan. With Tampa’s poor goaltending his play is going to be a plus. Look for him to be in the NHL by the middle of next season. Matt Smaby’s loss In my opinion affects the Fighting Sioux the most. Defense from the goalie out is the first and foremost important task and Matt’s play has gotten better by the moment.

Stafford gone yet?
I talked to someone yesterday that asked Drew Stafford if he was going to sign with Buffalo and apparently Drew said that Buffalo has talked to him but nothing there was nothing for sure yet.

Dar’s Perspective From Sioux Sports
.A fan named DAR's Perspective on Zajac Leaveing

Goon’s Reply:
Respectfully I must disagree with your logic DAR. For the record I believe that this person is not a true Sioux fan, possibly a Gopher fan. Or a Sioux fan that is still smarting from the loss. First off your assuming now that since we will lose these players UND is going to be very good next season and the cupboard is bare. I think this is hardly the case, especially with this team. Even with what we will lose, we will be gaining some amazing players and having some amazing players returning I think UND is going to be just as strong and if not better. Imagine Toews with a summer in the weight room same with Lee and Oshie. You see what I am getting at. I Hope Fighting Sioux fans don’t abandon ship because of a few defections to the pros. The opposition has seen what the Fighting Sioux can do this season and if I was a coach in Denver Minnesota, Colorado or Wisconsin I would be a little worried already. I just hope Hak doesn’t put a lot of stock in winning the McNaughten Anchor. Focus on the championship and getting ready for the playoffs, make sure you in the top three at the end of the season and a 1, 2, seed in the pair wise. My only other message to Sioux fans is be strong and don't worry UND is going to be an awesome hockey team. It was the BADgers time this season, next year will be our time.

Zajac’s Numbers
Travis Zajac ends his career with 38 goals and 48 assists for 86 points, there is no doubt if he would have stayed he would have had amazing numbers for his career and finished up the Sioux all time points list, he will be missed but life will go on. I wish him well and hope that his NHL career is successful and he help lead the Devils to the NHL title. As we know in life nothing is a given and you must play the cards that are dealt to you. I would have a hard time turning down 400,000 + in signing bonuses to stay in college for another year

Season over as Bucky Wins the NCAA title.

The college hockey season is now officially over as the Wisconsin BADgers have won the NCAA title their teams 6th. The BADgers beat the upstart Bostn College Eagles 2-1 in what I would classify as a ho hum game. Not real exciting but not boring by any stretch of the imagination. I am torn because I felt it should have been my team in the end that was playing the BADgers. However, it was not to be. Dive Robbie Earl Dive was named the Frozen Fous most outstanding player, that in its self is a disgrace Earl did score a goal but should have been given a couple of unsportman like conducts for his diving exhibition. Also, I believe that Brian Elliot was the reason the BADgers won the game.

Frozen Four Final Game. Wisconsin and B.C.

One More Game:
Wisconsin and Boston College 6:00p.m. @ Kohl Center East
The goalies will be big in this game again. If you don’t have strong goaltending and give up odd man rushes your team is toast. Cory Schneider the Boston College Eagles Goalie is one key to the Eagles winning the game this evening. Cory is going to have to do better than letting in 5 goals if the Eagles are going to beat the Pesky Wisconsin Badgers. The Wisconsin have a very strong defense and will shut down the scoring lanes if the opposition doesn’t crash the net and play with speed, the Eagles forwards are going to have to get Elliot’s feet moving to beat him because he doesn’t leave a lot of net to shoot at. During the NCAA playoffs the Wisconsin Badgers have only given up 2 goals shutting out Bemidji State 4-0 and Cornell 1-0.
Today is the final day
Wisconsin Badgers Goalie Brian Elliot is the key to the Badgers winning the Frozen Four. When Elliot got hurt in the middle of the season the Badges looked human, with him in the line up they are a better team. Brian leads the nations in GAA and save percentage and is a serious flight risk to sign with the NHL after the season is over. The Ottawa Senator owns his rights. I just have a hunch that the Senators will definitely be throwing money his way after his season is over.

Goon World’s Consensus:
Both Dakota and the Goon pick Wisconsin to win this game and keep the NCAA title in the WCHA for another season. The WCHA is the best league in college hockey and will show the rest of the college hockey world that again the WCHA is the premier league in college hockey.

Sioux Shut Out on All-Americans

The Fighting Sioux hockey team landed no one on the All American team.
First Team
West
G Brian Elliott, Jr., Wisconsin (Newmarket, Ont.)
D Matt Carle, Jr., Denver* (Anchorage, Alaska)
D Andy Greene, Sr., Miami# (Trenton, Mich.)
F Scott Parse, Jr., Nebraska-Omaha (Portage, Mich.)
F Ryan Potulny, Jr., Minnesota (Grand Forks, N.D.)
F Brett Sterling, Sr., Colorado College* (Pasadena, Calif.)
Second Team
West
G Bobby Goepfert, Jr., St. Cloud State (Kings Park, N.Y.)
D Tom Gilbert, Sr., Wisconsin (Bloomington, Minn.)
D Nathan Oystrick, Sr., Northern Michigan (Regina, Sask.)
F David Backes, Jr., Minnesota State (Blaine, Minn.)
F Joe Pavelski, So., Wisconsin (Plover, Wis.)
F Paul Stastny, So., Denver (St. Louis, Mo.)

Season Comes to an End at the Hands of the Eagles.

The 2005-2006 Fighting Sioux hockey season came to a thundering end as the Fighting Sioux came up short to the Boston College Eagles 6-5 in the first semi finals game. The Sioux went down 3-0 after one period and just couldn't get back into the game. The Sioux held the play in the first period as they out shot the Eagles 12-5 but were down 3-0 on the scoreboard where it mattered the most. The Fighting Sioux didn’t give up and fought it out to the end but their effort wasn’t enough as Boston College avenged a 6-3 loss to the Sioux during last season’s NCAA regional in Worcester, MA. Commonly referred to by this author as the Bean Pot II. The Fighting Sioux finished one win short of 30 and have a lot of promise for the future. If the Fighting Sioux can keep some of their talented freshman and sophomores I believe the rest of the league will get to know the Fighting Sioux all too well.
Never Quit
The theme for the Fighting Sioux during the 2005-2006 season was never give up, never quit, fight to the end. The Fighting Sioux never gave up during the game and they kept coming at the Eagles till the end of the game, but the Eagles kept scoring goals, getting three of them from senior and Hobey Baker finalist Chris Collins. Fighting Sioux goalie Jordan Parise who back stopped the team during the recent run, and was something like 6-2 in the NCAA playoffs looked human in this game as it was apparent from the start that he didn’t have his “A” game, but so did the rest of his Fighting Sioux teammates. Junior forward Drew Stafford was invisible for most of the game and in the end the Boston College team looked like a team on a mission.

Cory Schneider on the Victory
It was on our minds," said BC goaltender Cory Schneider. "They ended our season last year so it felt good to return the favor. The game was eerily similar to last year's game. It's a good feeling, but revenge isn't our primary factor. We're trying to win the whole thing."

Questions that Remain
Some of the questions that remain for next season; who will turn pro and who will stay for another season? Many of us are holding our breath and wondering. I am sure we will find out in the next few days or over the course of the summer. As a fan of a top program we expect these things to happen. I believe that we have seen the last of Junior Defenseman Matt Smaby and Junior Forward Drew Stafford both will probably sign professional contracts and be gone. I hate it when these kids leave college but I can’t fault them one bit, the NHL will throw big money at these guys. Matt Smaby is a bruising defenseman that probably has Tampa Bay drooling all over it’s self by his play this past season, his leaving will leave a huge hole in the Fighting Sioux defense. I am hoping St. Louis doesn’t get impatient and try to lure T. J. Oshie from the Fighting Sioux before he plays his sophomore season. Also, I hope the fact that Darcy Zajac will be enough to entice his brother Travis to stay one more season as of now according the Grand Forks Herald Travis says he is staying.

Goon's World Exclusive: Dakota's prediction for the Frozen Four.

Goon’s World Exclusive
Goon’s World sat down with Dakota Hunter to hear his picks for the Frozen Four in Milwaukee Wisconsin.

GW: Tell hockey fans a little about yourself?
Dakota I am Yellow Lab and I was born at Windsor Kennels in Crookston Minnesota in November of 2003 Windsor Kennels that is owned by Chris Boeger, he was also my trainer.
GW: Are you a hunter?
Dakota Yes, for sure, I love Hunting Pheasants, Duck, Geese and Sharpies. I would hunt 24/7 365 days a year.
GW: What kind of hunting do you prefer?
Dakota Pheasants for sure they are much more fun to retrieve they put up a pretty good fight and I can run around a lot. Duck hunting is fun if they are landing in the decoys but I hate sitting for long periods of time.
GW: Is the Goon a good shot?
Dakota Goon isn’t too of a shot bad and he has a fair number of misses last season but he did shoot a lot of ducks last year, however, I did hear a lot of no bird calls last season. His brother Chad is pretty decent too, but I spend a lot of time racing Doak for downed birds.
GW: Now to the Hockey. Who do you like in the final game of the Frozen Four?
Dakota I like the Fighting Sioux hockey team, I watch them a lot with Goon when the Sioux are on the road. They are peaking at the right time and their defense is mean and nasty. The offense is clicking on all cylinders and I like the way the Sioux cycle the puck and keep the pressure in the offensive zone.
GW: Which team do you like the least in the Frozen Four.
Dakota As you know hunting dogs stick their noses in places they shouldn’t go when they are in the field hunting sometimes and I would have to say Badgers.
GW: Why Badgers?
GW: Badgers are mean aggressive animals that aren’t friends to dogs. They can do a lot of damage to Labs or other flushing dogs. The Wisconsin Badgers are a tough team that plays with a mean streak.
GW: Which Player on the Badgers do you like the most?
Dakota: I like Brian Elliot. He is a good goaltenders so the Sioux if they play the Badgers are going to have to get to him early and often.
GW: Which player do you like the least on the Badgers?
Dakota: Robbie Earl he is a diver. Earl is like a fish out of water flopping all over the ice.
GW: Which Fighting Sioux player do you like the most?
Dakota: I like the all but I like Jordan Parise, he is an awesome goaltender. If I was a hockey player I would like to be a goalie, they get to catch the puck a lot and I like fetching. I also like Matt Smaby on defene Matt is a monster that is an aggressive defenseman that smashes people. I also like Mike Prpich because he is one of the leaders of the pack and never gives up. It’s kind of like hunting you never give up on a retrieve.
GW: Who do you like in the second game of the Frozen Four?
Dakota: I like the Badgers over the Maine Black Bears. Both are tough teams but I think the Badgers will benefit from the home crowd. Some are referring to the Bradley Center as Kohl Center east.
GW: Who do you like to win the Frozen Four?
Dakota: Like the Goon I am a serious Fighting Sioux homer and I have to say Fighting Sioux. I will be there in the living room watching the game with daddy. The Fighting Sioux also have a good record when I watch the games. Last year’s final in the Frozen Four in Columbus was tough to stomach and I want UND to hang another banner at the REA. I think that would be 8 of them.
GW: There you have it the picks for the Frozen Four.

Go Fighting Sioux. Bring Home Number 8

Go North Dakota Fighting Sioux. Let's win and hang another banner in the rafters!!!

The Goaltenders. B.C. and UND

The Goalies that will back stop the two teams.
The Tail of the two Goalies
Fighting Sioux's Goalie
Jordan Parise
University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux
5’11 190
Parise 24-8-1, 2.08 GAA, .933 SV%
A shut down goalie with a big heart and a nose for big games. Determined to prove that he is one of the best in the NCAA. Comes up with huge saves at the right time.

It is that drive and determination that has helped Parise become one of the greatest goaltenders in UND history. He is the school's career leader in save percentage (.919) and goals against average (2.09).

B.C.'s Goalie
Cory Schneider
Boston College Eagles
6’2” 195
schneider 23-12-2, 2.03 GAA, .930 SV%


Will Cory remember the 6-3 game in last years championship game of the Bean Pot II. In my opinion Cory is a decent goalie with good numbers that will be out to prove the nay Sayers like me wrong. Schneider is hot at the right and will be put to the test by the Fighting Sioux’s speedy forwards. The Sioux will crash the net and pick up the loose change and jump on any opportunity thrown their way. Every Goal score is a high light goal.
Corey Schneider on the Fighting Sioux
It was tough last year," BC goalie Cory Schneider said. "They were big and strong, and they just outmuscled us all over the ice. We were a little intimidated, a little afraid to lose. They just came out harder than we did."

Spring time is upon us.
I love this time of year, the NCAA playoffs in hockey are winding down, and spring is FINALLY in the air after a long brutal winter. The NHL (last year referred to by many as the no hockey league) is back in full swing with the playoffs are just around the corner, I don’t care that they will probably go into June, I wouldn’t have it any other way. The mid spring marathon is about to begin, so I must conserve my strength for the long haul and drink plenty of liquids. What hockey fan wouldn’t love this kind of entertainment that is about to transpire?

First things first: I have to admit that I just can’t wait for Thursday’s afternoon game, I am like a young kid in 5th period history class that is so boring that I just can’t pay attention and nothing else matters right now. Baseball can wait there are 160+ games left In the season, politics don’t matter November is a long way off and my one vote doesn’t really matter either. Did I mention that I just can’t wait till Thursday afternoon? I can’t wait till I can sit down in my living room on my day off and watch the NCAA Frozen Four semifinals, no interruptions, I will probably not answer the phone anyways, unless your asking for directions and bringing beer, your offering me a top position for $100,000.00 a year or you telling me I just won the Powerball and you need an address to send the check too. Oh yeah, my dog Dakota will probably be at my side, who’s luck must continue.

On this Thursday afternoon I will be watching two highly skilled teams go head to head for the right to play Saturday night for college hockey’s top prize, the Division 1 NCAA hockey championship. The Sioux are on a roll winning 6 straight, Jordy is hot and Toews and Oshie are on fire. Stafford is dreaming of ways to set up his line mates and make them famous.

Quote of the week
Jordan Parise, “Hard work beats skill when skill doesn't work hard.”

Open Letter To Fighting Sioux Forward Drew Stafford: Please Stay for Your Senior Year.

Dear Drew,
As a Rabid Fighting Sioux fan I must say that I hoping you will stay for your senior year of college hockey, this past season has been a blast watching you lead the nation in short handed goals. Your play has been nothing short of fabulous,and awesome coming up huge in important times. When the Fighting Sioux played Mankato earlier in the season, the play got chippy and you rallied the boys on the bench and settled them down, the team responded behind you and got out of the game without any more players taking stupid penatlies. It been fun watching you lead the Fighting Sioux hockey team. The money will be there after next season. One reason would be to see if you can lead your team to another NCAA Frozen Four.
Signed,

Goon