Badgers and Sioux Set to Face Off

Badgers and Sioux Part II



This weekend the Wisconsin Badgers travel to Ralph Engelstad Arena to play the 10th ranked Fighting Sioux in a pivotal WCHA series. To say this weekend series is important is an understatement. The Fighting Sioux must get points if they want to stay in the WCHA race. The Fighting Sioux also need wins to stay off the bubble in RPI/PWR rankings. Right now the Sioux sit in about 13th place and risk the change of staying home for the NCAA playoffs if they don’t start winning games.

As I stated earlier on USCHO: right the Fighting Sioux are not getting good play from their goaltending, there is no sugar coating it our special teams and goaltending suck, one could say that there is no where to go but up. On the penalty kill the Fighting Sioux are really having a down year as far as rankings on the penalty kill go, traditionally a strong point for Fighting Sioux hockey teams. Right now the Fighting Sioux are killing about 77.6% of the penalties they have taken that’s good for a 9th place ranking in the WCHA and a national ranking of 52nd over all in the NCAA rankings (there are only 58 teams in Division I hockey). In comparison WCHA teams like the C.C. Tigers are killing 88 percent of their penalties, while the Minnesota Golden Gophers are sitting at 87 percent. While the Sioux are killing 77.6 percent of their penalties which I stated is not very good. There is room for optimism, UND is ranked 7th in the nation on the power play so the Sioux can and will make the opposition pay for their mistakes.

The reason I am saying that the goaltending and defense have not been good this year is the Sioux have a poor goals against average, the Fighting Sioux have given up 4 or more goals 7 times in 15 games (if you count the game against the under 18 team). If that problem remains true to form this weekend the Fighting Sioux are going to be in trouble because the defensive minded Wisconsin Badgers do not give up 4 goals in a game very often, the chances of the Wisconsin Badgers giving up 5 or more goals in a game this weekend aren't very good at all. It’s paramount that UND stays out of the penalty box. The speedier Sioux are also going to have to get to Elliot early because the Badgers are not a run and gun team, and they don’t play that well when they are behind in a game. The Badgers also won't give up many offensive opportunities. The Badgers will plug up the neutral zone and fore check hard, the front of the Wisconsin net will be well guarded, almost like a fortress.

Check out Todd Milewski’s Article on this Weekend’s Series
Captial Times sports writer Todd Milewski seems to think the Badgers are more cut out for games played on NHL sized rinks. Todd Milewski Milewski also says that the Badgers are healthy for this series. Should be a good tilt.

Bruins Star Phil Kessel

Phil Kessel First NHL Goal

Check out Phil's first professional goal as a Boston Bruins.
Kessel Not Playing In WJC
Team USA will announce its IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship roster tonight, however Phil Kessel's name will not be on the list.

Sources tell TSN the Boston Bruins have informed USA Hockey that Kessel will not be released for the upcoming Championship.

Friday Night Fights, the Brawl that Wasn't.

Gophers and Mav's Friday night

After watching the Gophers and the Mavericks game on Saturday and then seeing a tape of the incident in question, I don't believe that Wheeler intentionally tried to hurt Tormey the defenseman from MSU-M Brian Killberg definitely checks Wheeler into Tormey, I am not sure that Wheeler had a chance to stop because of momentum. Come one we can hate the Gophers but to accuse them of this type of action might not make too much sense. From my perspective and having watched the tape a half dozen times I don’t’ see it, and I don’t thing that Wheeler would try to intentionally injure Tormey. I don’t believe from watching Wheeler for two years (I have seen most of his game on TV) that Blake is that type of hockey player (I can’t see tDon approving of these type of bush league tactics), also Wheeler hasn’t earned the rep of being that guy, its not like he is a thug a like another player that comes to mind.

Refs Have Another Strong Night
Not to hack on the refs in this game but I do think the refs blew a couple of calls here. Joe Kalisinki and Derek Peltier should have been given third man in penalties and a game misconduct or disqualification, I am not sure which one you give for third man in, since college hockey doesn’t have a lot of fighting. It’s also funny how tough Derek Peltier acts really tough as he jumps into the pile on top Browlee, that toughness lasts until the time Brownlee calls him on it and challenges Peltier to a fight, of course Derek turtles. Hey guys if your not going to fight, don’t challenge a guy to a fight and then stand there and yap at the guy, that is also bush league.

Check out This NHL Fight Tape.

The Best of Octobers NHL Fights

Some really good fights, check out Derrick "the Boggey Man" Boogaard's fight about 1:35 into the clip. See Phil Kessel get rocked by a check. The Boogard fight, now that is an awesome fight, you can see the players rapping their sticks on the ice in appreciation. Ah,who says fighting has no place in hockey, these people are dead wrong. The fans love to see a good scrap, last night during the Minnesota and Mankato games the two scrums/scraps brought the Marriuci fans to their feet. If anyone tells you other wise they are full of it.

North Dakota Department of Transportation to Put up New Signs.

ND Hockey Sign
The New Signs Are Up
Check out the new signs that are up in North Dakota, coming to a border town near you. Entering ND from Minnesota you will see the following signs. If you don't like the signs stay out. The gift that keeps giving and giving.

The Shot Heard Round the College Hockey World

How We Got Ben Blood.

Sioux get verbal from Shattucks Saint Marry Star.
In case you haven't seen it here is a Link I found from the UMD's penatly box. I was really impressed with the lengths UND goes to recruit players. We just don't take them out to center ice and ask them to sign like some has suggested.

Why am I impressed, UND signed a big time star in defenseman Ben Blood, he is 6’3” and you might say he is one of the big pieces to an NCAA title, I would call him a deal maker, the icing on the cake. I just hope we get to see him play more than two years and hopefully he becomes a part of a NCAA championship. This signing also proves how great recruiters Dave Hakstol and his staff really are. While some in the blogosphere were questioning his in coming class for next season. Some of us knew that the 2007-2008 class was a work in progress. This message speaks volumes of the type of hockey program UND has up in Grand Forks, ND. I always hear Goofer fans sneer about how UND is a bunch of Hacks and its a second rate program and who we are referred to as the Sue. This pretty much debunks all of those claims. Its an explanation of what happens when a recruit comes to UND.

Enjoy:
Penatly Box

Here is the story on Blood. Not to pour salt on the wound, but at least the first part about what they do... Say this for North Dakota: It doesn't rest on its laurels.

Yes it has, arguably, the most stunning building in all of college hockey. Yes it has a tremendous winning tradition, and yes, it sends many top talents to the NHL. But ask 17 year-old Shattuck St. Mary's senior defenseman Ben Blood, and he'll tell you the Fighting Sioux just don't open their doors and expect young recruits to simply say yes.

"When I took my official visit last weekend, my family and I were just blown away over how prepared they were," explains Blood, a native of Plymouth, Minnesota. "They really put effort into it. Not that the other schools I was considering didn't, but when I was there (in Grand Forks), they had an itinerary all mapped out for me.

I had a pre-game meal with the players, watched video, and met with the assistant coaches several times. They really kept the focus on me," adds Blood. "Then I had breakfast with all the coaches, (including head coach Dave Hakstol), and that's when they made me an offer." Offer made, offer accepted. Blood will join the Fighting Sioux next September, or no later than the fall after that. "They sold me, and that's why I'm going there," says Blood, who shoots left, and stands at 6-2 and 212 pounds.

"But even more than that, the guys are just tremendous there. They all have great character, and you see all the players that came before me, (Zach) Parise, (Drew) Stafford and alike. I knew I wanted to be a part of it, and perhaps one day become one of their players who make it to the NHL." Though highly ranked on many scouting lists--he's an A prospect per NHL Central Scouting, and 128th overall by Red Line Report-- Blood says he's keeping his focus on self improvement, and moreover, the team.

"Team is what we're taught more than anything else at Shattuck, and most of that goes to coach (Tom) Ward," says Blood. "Being here has helped me mature, become more of a man, and taught me the importance of being a team player." Blood is in his third season at Shattuck. Two years ago, a broken left leg limited him to about 30 games in his first season. "That was one of the hardest times of my life," Blood admits, "I couldn't do anything for almost four months, but I was determined to come back as best as I could." He has. An offensive minded and physical type, Blood has seven goals, 14 points and 70 PIMs in 21 games thus far this year.

"I think I'm a physical player, a decent skater with a better than average shot," says Blood in self-assessment, "what I really need to work on is my foot speed." While at summer hockey camp, Blood worked almost three hours a day on shooting. That type of effort, be it in season or off-season, is evenly matched by what he's done in school. A 3.4 GPA student, Blood's learned that success in the classroom usually translates into success on the ice.

"Coach Ward always says he can tell which guys are struggling academically by how they play and how they practice," Blood explains. "If things aren't going well off the ice, that can easily reflect on what happens once you get to the rink." What parent wouldn't be proud of that! "It isn't cheap, but sending him to Shattuck was the best thing we could have done," beams Mike Blood, Ben's father. "It's been an excellent experience for him, and for us. Shattuck's challenged him academically, he's made great friendships, and the hockey atmosphere is second to none." Aside from Ben, the middle child, Mike and Carol Blood also have two daughters, one of whom, Erin, is a junior blue liner at Boston College. Last Saturday, Erin scored the game-winning goal in a 5-4 holiday tournament victory over Wayne State. "I've always been proud and looked up to her," says brother Ben. "When she committed to Boston College, I thought, that's just what I want to do, play college hockey."

Blood also considered schools like Minnesota, Minnesota-Duluth and St. Cloud. As for North Dakota, if he doesn't join the Sioux next fall, he'll likely play a year in Des Moines, which holds his USHL rights. "Everyone's told me not to worry about it and just focus on the team," says Blood. "If it's next year, fine, but if not, that's ok too. All I have to do is keep working hard, and things I'm sure will work out."

Sioux Split Weekend Series with C.C. Tigers

Sioux Split with C.C.
While I wasn’t able to see Friday’s game against the C.C. Tigers which the Sioux lost 4-3 giving up a lead in the third period (I was hunting Pheasants in South Dakota) I did manage to see Saturday’s impressive win against the C.C. Tigers on tape Sunday night. I can say I was very impressed with the Fighting Sioux's effort in Saturday’s game, it was a gritty win. In breaking down the game I thought the first period of Saturday’s game was a defining moment in the Fighting Sioux’s young season; the Sioux got balanced scoring and rock solid defense, a winning combination. Saturday's first period was one of the best in the 2006-2007 season, the Figthing Sioux must build on that effort.

The Tigers scored first but then the speedy Sioux turned the game around jumped all over the Tigers by buzzing the opposition net and keeping the shots off of junior goaltender Philippe Lamoureux. Saturday's tilt was also the best defensive effort of the season, as the Sioux defense limited the Tigers offense to only 17 shots on net. They also only gave up two goals one late in the third period when the game had been decided.

In net Phil looked decent (not great) in playing for the second time in 6+ weeks after missing 6 starts with an undiscolsed leg injury, but it is something to build on. Saturday's effort is something to build on in the march towards the NCAA tourney. To have a decent chance to win the Sioux defense needs to limit the oppostion’s shots to around 20 per game and the offense needs get 30+ on net. The Sioux cycled the puck and got the puck out of the defensive zone all night limiting odd man rushes and shot in close.

Another key to being successfull is for the Sioux also to stay out of the penatly box and avoid taking knuckle headed penalties at key times. The Sioux did that on Saturday night from what I saw they kept the Tigers off of the score sheet on the power play. On the flip side of that the Sioux gave up two power play goals in the third period of Friday’s game, unacceptable if they want to have a successfull season. On the year the Sioux have been killing penatlies at about a 76% clip that must get better if they are going to make some noise in the second half of the season. Teams with good power plays are going to captialized on powerplay opportunities if they don’t limit the amount of penalties taken.

Lammy’s Time to Shine?
If Fighting Sioux goalie Phil Lamoureux is going to be the go to guy in the Sioux net, the Grieco experience was met with mixed results, Phil is going to have to take the bull by the horns, he must play beter in the net, he has to make big saves at critical times. So one could say that there is no time like the present to get hot. The Fighting Sioux must get good goaltending from all our goaltenders, right now the results have been mixed but the season is still young.

Crucial Time in the Season
The next four WCHA games are at home as the Sioux play the goal challenged Wisconsin Badgers and the upstart MTU Huskies, the Fighting Sioux must get points, losing is not acceptable, the Sioux must dig down and find a way to gut out wins. The Sioux probably need to get 6 out of 8 points to stay in the WCHA race and off of the RPI/PWR bubble, they currently sit at about 14th place and would probably be sitting at home if the playoffs started today. It starts with timely goaltending, staying out of the penalty box and playing solid defensively, the scoring will take care of itself.

This Weekend Match Up.

Lost Weekend.
Last weekend is over the Sioux were swept in Anchorage putting up a goose egg in two games in the win column, incidentally it was the second time they have been swept in a two game series this season. While I didn’t listen to Friday’s game (I went deer hunting Saturday and had to get up early) it was apparent that the Sioux had issues both in goal and took some untimely penalties at crucial times. Saturday I had the misfortune of both watching the game via the UAA Internet broad cast and I also listened to the broadcast on the radio. In my opinion the Sioux played well but failed to get much needed good goaltending but also failed to bury numerous opportunities in close when they had the chance. During last weekend’s games UND’s top forwards T. J. Oshie and Jonathon Toews seemed to be snake bitten and missed many glorious opportunities.

While some have and had a hard time scoring goals, but it’s time to move on and focus on the task at hand, get wins and gain momentum. The Sioux hockey team needs to score goals in bunches and keep the Tigers off the scoreboard. The game starts from the goaltenders out. The Defense must get in the shooting lanes and keep the front of the net clear so the goalie can see the puck, pick up the rebounds and cycle the puck.

Lammy to Play?

It appears that Lammy might be healthy enough to play in goal this weekend in the series against the Colorado College Tigers. Phil suffered an undisclosed lower leg injury in practice during the week of the Mankato series and has been on the shelf for the past 6 games. Tony Grieco has played in his abscence and had mixed results posting a 3-2-1 record with a .880 save percentage and a goals against average of 3.68.

Brad is reporting via his blog that Philippe Lamoureux should play in this weekend's series against the C.C. Tigers. http://www.areavoices.com/undhockey/

UND coach Dave Hakstol said Wednesday that he expects Philippe
Lamoureux to be available for this weekend's series against Colorado
College. Lamoureux has been bothered by a leg injury he suffered a month ago in practice. He's missed the last six games, which have all been started by freshman Anthony Grieco. Hakstol said he hasn't decided who will start this weekend.

Topic for Discussion-The Controversial Gopher Goal.

Check out this goal

This past weekend in the game between the Minnesota Gophers and the Wisconsin Badgers there was a goal that has been the topic of much debate. Tony Lucia scores his first goal of his career in a Gopher uniform. To some the goal will be seen as being controversial goal. Over on Western College hockey this topic has stirred much debate, to date there have been 79 posts on the subject. I believe Western College Hockey blogger Chris hits the nail right on the head with his analysis of the goal in question. I believe just as the author does the goal should have been at least reviewed by the on ice offical and ruled no goal because the Badger goalie Elliot was interferred with before the puck was shot into the net.
http://westerncollegehockey.blogspot.com/2006/11/you-make-call.html Here is what Chris had to say about the goal.

When I saw this happen in real time, I said, "They've gotta take that back." But referee Marco Hunt chose to not even review the play.The 2005 Points of Emphasis memo says "Anytime an opposing player prevents the goalkeeper from preventing a goal, interference must be called."It's quite obvious that Michael Carman runs into goalie Brian Elliott and prevents him from preventing the goal. The question is whether Carman interfered with Elliott or if he was pushed into Elliott. My feeling after watching the play if that even if Carman is pushed a little bit, he certainly doesn't try to avoid Elliott, and after he makes contact with Elliott, he turns his shoulders towards Elliott and tries to make a play of the puck. He obviously comes no where near the puck, and instead ends up taking Elliott out of the play. The other thing is that if Carman is pushed, at some point after the Wisconsin defender makes contact with him, Carman should speed up as he gains momentum from the push, and I don't really think that ever happens. Really, if the Wisconsin defender keeps his hands down, it's probably an easy call to make. I personally probably wouldn't have allowed the goal, but whatever we decide is irrelevant. What's most important here is that it was an extremely close and questionable play at a key moment in the game, and the officials didn't even bother to look at it.

Differing opinions.
Whether you agree that the goal should have counted or not it’s not hard to see how some have come to the conclusion the goal shouldn’t have counted. It’s not about hating a team as some have suggested, it’s about the on ice officials making the right call in a crucial game at a crucial time. The rules are pretty cut and dried. Sure the defender make some minor contact with the gopher forward Carman but it’s not enough to warrant taking out the Badger goalie. In fact the Gopher forward makes no effort to avoid contact with the Badger goalie what so ever. It would have been different if the Badger defenseman had blatantly crosschecked and whipped out the Gopher Carmen causing him to barrel into Elliot but that doesn’t happen in my opinion. To quote Woog from the broadcast, “oh man somebody came through took a piece.” It appears even Wooger saw it.

Something to think About.

Lights Action Camera
This past Thursday the University of North Dakota and the NCAA finally had their day in court as UND and the State of North Dakota filed an injunction against the NCAA. This injunction will allow the University of North Dakota football team to host an NCAA Division II playoff game.

Also present at the county Court house in Grand Forks on Thursday were the anti-name protesters. There seems to be a direct correlation between news cameras and protesters being present. It’s almost like the protesters had a scanner in their possession and they monitor it to see when the media is around, whenever the media shows up the protester do to. The protesters did not disappoint us Thursday there were out in full force, anti-Fighting Sioux name signs in hand. That’s not the funny thing, on Thursday I was going to shoot my deer rifle before the North Dakota deer-hunting opener when I realized I was low on rifle shells, as all hunters know you can’t shoot your rifle without having an ample supple of shells. So I decided to head to Cabela’s in East Grand Forks to purchase some more shells for my rifle. I decided to drive by the county courthouse on my way to Cabela’s to see if there were any protesters out and about. When I drove by the courthouse there was not one single protester anywhere to be seen, nor did I see any signs. An hour later my buddy Langer drives by the courthouse and calls me on his cell phone to say that the protesters are out there on the courthouse lawn. Hum, that’s funny I told him they weren’t there an hour ago.

An Interesting Perspective
There has been much written on this subject, in fact we have beat this one to death. It’s all over the Internet; of course everyone has an opinion on the matter. We all know the old sayings about opinions, they are like ___holes, everyone’s got one and they all stink. I think that there is one perspective that really hits home the crux of this argument Katherine Kersten a Star Tribune writer that has a conservative slant to her writings really touched on the facts in a recent article that appeared in the November 13th Star and Tribune. Here are a few of her points that I thought were really interesting. It really paints a different picture than what we have been led to believe.
Katherine Kersten

Fool Bear himself voted for such a resolution in 2005. “They told us just negative things — that UND was a racist place,” he explains. Now, he says, he believes that he and others were fed a bill of goods.

“When I went around to my constituents on the reservation,” says Fool Bear, “a majority of people said, ‘Why can’t we vote on it?’ “Most tribal members would support the name if they got the chance,” adds Joe White Mountain, another committee member.
That would be consistent with Indians’ views nationally. In a 2002 Sports Illustrated poll, 81 percent of Native American respondents said no when asked whether high school and college teams should stop using Indian nicknames.

Members of the Standing Rock judicial committee visited UND early in 2006 to assess the situation for themselves. “We spoke to everyone, from students on the street to people at the gas station,” says Fool Bear. “Not one gave us any evidence of racism. We went to a hockey game, and they talked about the courage and integrity of the Sioux people. We looked at each other like, ‘Wow, we don’t even honor our Sioux warriors or veterans like this on the reservation.’ ”

White Mountain recalls the committee’s meeting with a UND group that opposes the name. “I asked them, ‘What tribe do you belong to?’ ” he says. “Not one was a Sioux Indian.”This group insisted that the name promotes racism on campus,” adds Fool Bear. “I told them, ‘Put any instances of abuse in writing.’ Today, I’m still waiting — I haven’t gotten one complaint.”

Hum. That’s an interesting perspective that we just can’t ignore. No one was able to give him any instances of racism. So who is telling the truth? So if UND is such a bad place why do we have one of the largest American Indians programs in the country? I like the part where he talks to a group of students and none of them are Sioux. More to come I am sure. April 24th is a long time from now and it will be interesting to see how this shakes out.

UND is granted Injuncton by Court.

UND Wins Battle In Court.
UND Wins Injunction
UND took its first step in defeating the NCAA in court by winning an injunction against the NCAA. This is good news because it means UND's Football, and Basketball teams will not be affected by the NCAA stupid policy. So we should see at least one Football game at the Al before we have to go to GVSU and beat the Lakers. Well lets not get ahead of ourselves.

Looking at the Mound of Paper Work in the Lawsuit UND vs NCAA.

Breaking down the Lawsuit
The past few nights while working on the night shift, I have been picking through some of the paper work that makes up the lawsuit, UND vs NCAA. I figured, why not? I am sick and tired of listening to the Democrats bragging about their win on November 7th. All I can say is whoopee. The Democrats will be a minority party in two years if they try to enact their ridiculous policies they have been talking about the last few nights.

But, I digress, like I mentioned I have been picking through some of the paper work on UND’s lawsuit against the NCAA, there is mountains and mountains of paper work and I have been watching the lawyers talk about some of the different things they have seen I the law suit. Let me tell you these lawyer gurus have a whole different language, its kind of like when the office tech guys try to explain something to you about computers and you wonder what language they just spoke to you in. The more they talk the more they confuse the common folk, however, that is why we need good lawyers to weed through the legal mumble jumble and make the right decisions for this lawsuit. I would imagine this why they get paid the big dollars. For that I am thankful for. I know I have a lot of confidence in the UND legal team to take the necessary step to insure our Fighting Sioux logo is protected and not put on the scrap heap of history.

I know I am really glad this thing is finally going to court. Enough is enough. It’s time to put this issue to bed, and beat the NCAA in court. One person mentioned why it wasn’t moved to Federal Court. I honestly think that the reason the NCAA’s didn’t try to move the case to federal court is that may their case isn’t that good. Maybe the NCAA is afraid to take it to the Federal Court. Time will tell.

Mounds of Paper Work
In looking at the mounds of paper work that make up this lawsuit. I did find something that I found interesting. On page 19 in the foot notes its states talks about how UND has the approval of one name sake tribe and of course the disapproval of a few others. However they granted CMU the right to keep their name after 5 Michigan Chippewa tribes opposed the CMU name. That my friends is blatant hypocrisy by the NCAA, its little facts like this that is going to bury the NCAA and cost them millions of dollars.
_______________________________
For the reason set forth in its opening memorandum, the Spirit Lake Tribe Resolution No. A05-01-041, which is still in effect, satisfies the Executive Committee’s equirement that only on '"name sake' tribe consent to UND's use of the Sioux name and imagery. The NCAA attempts to distinguish UND's situation from CMU's by stating that it "received no Resolutions or other official statements in opposition from Chippewa Tribes in connection with use of the name by CMU" (emphasis added) while not denying that it has been on actual notice that in fact five other Chippewa Tribes in Michigan actually do oppose CMU's use of the name, which UND pointed out to the NCAA in its Nov. 4th 2005 memo. (Def. NACD's Mem. Opp"n to Pl.'s Mot. for Prelim. Inj. at 41-42). The NCAA's disparate treatment of CMU and UND constitutes bad faith.
________________________________

Finally, I think this is very a good point that needs to be exposed more, and in the end may prove to be a very compelling argument that used against the NCAA in court. It is also probably just one many things that the UND legal team will use to prove that the NCAA is not applying this policy evenly and honestly. Also it has been stated earlier that the University of Utah has not held up its end of the deal to keep the nickname Utes. I am sure there is more to follow.

PC Nazi's: SCSU Media Department Scratches Sioux off Jersey.

The Evidence 

SCSU Media Department Sensors Sioux
It was revealed this past weekend that the SCSU's Media Department scratched the words Sioux off of Tony Grieco's jersey for a picture it used for its webpage. A blatant display of disrespect for the Sioux name. Look closely at Grieco's jersey you will see what I am talking about. This is what happens when you get poltical correctness runs a muck. 

Grieco Honored this week.

Tony Grieco Named Rookie of the Week
University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux Freshman goalie Tony Grieco won Rookie of the week award after strong performance this past weekend against the SCSU Huskies, Grieco was stellar in net as he kicked out 53 of 56 shots and allowed the Sioux to take three out of four points against the high flying SCSU Huskies. Goon's World would like to give its congrats to Grieco. Grieco Wins WCHA Rookie of the Week
Red Baron/WCHA Rookie of the Week
Anthony Grieco
Fr., G, North Dakota
MADISON, Wis. - Anthony Grieco, a first-year goaltender at the University of North Dakota, has been named Red Baron WCHA Rookie of the Week for Nov. 7-12 as a result of his strong performance in a victory and tie against visiting league-rival St. Cloud State. A 6-1, 187-pound freshman from Brampton, Ontario, Grieco stopped 27 of 28 shots on goal last Friday (Nov. 3) in a 3-1 Fighting Sioux win over the Huskies to win his third consecutive game. Grieco then stopped 26 of 28 opponent shots on goal last Saturday (Nov. 4) in a 2-2 overtime tie against SCSU, with the win and tie extending his unbeaten streak to four games (3-0-1) and helping league-leading UND pick up three points in the WCHA standings.

For the weekend, 17 of Grieco's saves came on the power-play, as the Sioux killed 11-of-12 St. Cloud State man-advantage attempts. Grieco had an overall weekend save percentage of .946, stopping 53 of 56 shots. The last Sioux net minder to start his career with a four-game unbeaten streak was Jordan Parise, who had an 11-game unbeaten streak to start his career in 2003-04. On the 2006-07 season, Grieco sports a 3-0-1 record, a 2.94 goals-against average, and a .902 saves percentage.

When a Penalty is Not a Penalty. Sioux Tie Huskies 2-2.

  

Three Blind Mice
At the end of tonight’s game the refs blew it. Now before we work over the officials for their poor performance, most know I hold the refs in the WCHA in very low regard, I think they do a horrible job; tonight’s debacle just reinforced that opinion. For most of the season the officials are having trouble. Tonight’s latest issue was the ability to count the number of players a penalized team can have on the ice when they are short handed. Even most of the 5 years olds in the arena can figure this out. Here is the scenario; a SCSU player get called for the hook on the Sioux forwards as he is on a break away heading towards the opposition net (it should have been a penalty shot by the way) so that player is sent to the penalty box, so after much discussion you think the SCSU Huskies would have 4 players and a goalie on the ice. NOPE, not even close, with 11,000 fans screaming that there are too many Husky players on the ice the games goes on and one second ticks off the clock game over. Come on officials can you get it right?

Clueless Fan of the Week
This was posted on Brad’s blog on Saturday. It’s funnier that hell.
Brad's Blog

I am very disappointed in GF this morning... I guess we have never watched a good goalie in our lives. Yes Greico is 3-0 but he is not a very good goalie. Mark my words, when the Sioux play a team that gets to him he will be destroyed. I watched him for the first time last night and he cant control the rebounds, has no idea where the puck is, and looks behind him every time he saves a puck. Grieco will never be the number one goalie for the Sioux; he should still be playing juniors. I have heard from many sources...Sioux players in fact that Walksi is better.... interesting what happens when u get some money to play for a team. I thought politics would be gone at this level of hockey but i guess not...

This is classic stuff here, I would be willing to bet it’s a Gopher fan or one of the locals that stumbled into Brad’s blog full to the gills and wrote this to rile people up. I think it is funny; I even corrected his grammatical errors to make it more readable. Lets look at the Grecio numbers far.

Freshman Anthony Grieco has started in 4 games: his record is 3-0-1 his GAA is 2.94 and he has a save percent of 902. Grieco’s numbers are better than Phil Lamoureux’s who is 3-3, his GAA is 2.53 and his save percentage is .899. Funny thing is, there were fans that said the same things after Aaron Schwitzer after he had played his fist couple games. I can still remember the nay Sayers saying Schwitzer was no good. You have to see his positioning its horrible; every save he makes is an adventure. The kid went on to win an NCAA title. I remember after three season people were still saying Parise sucks. I think as fans we have too high of expectations of the goaltenders.

Oh Yeah the Sioux win
I went off on a tangent and forgot what I was here for in the first place, that was to talk about a Sioux tie. I have to say that I was very impressed with the Sioux and their play this weekend. The Fighting Sioux played their natural rival this weekend and took three points from them. No easy task in my opinion because SCSU is a good hockey team (please don’t tell Skeeterman I said that). Don’t look now it appears that Bobby Goepfert is back on track and ready to take the WCHA by storm again, Goepfert was back in net lucky rabbit foot in pocket and kicking out pucks left and right. I wonder if the Coach at Providence ever regrets kicking Bobby off the Providence Hockey team? It definitely appears that SCSU got the better part of that deal. The guy is amazing.

It appears that Bobby has broken in his new pads (which my buddy Seth tells me that they are Itech Prodigy’s and they are supposed to the be next hot thing in goalie equipment) by the way the look very expensive and very nice. Much better than last years pads.
The Goepfert Line from Saturday’s game

Bobby Goepfert (65:00 T) 9 13 14 4 = 40 (2 GA)

Sioux Take Game One 3-1

  
Sioux Start Slow
Last night I looked at my buddy and said, "wow the Sioux are playing not to lose." They didn’t lose and they slow start didn’t bury them as super freshman goalie Anthony Grieco bailed the boys out stopping 15 first period saves and then stopped numerous point blank shots later in the waning minutes of the game as UND cruised to a 3-1 victory.

This is a big time character win for one the young Fighting Sioux hockey team, first by beating Bobby Goepfert who is one of the best goalies in NCAA division one hockey. This win is a huge emotional lift for the young Sioux team that is still searching for a identity early in the season. However, the Sioux are starting to establish themselves as hard working, hard skating team.

Last year the Sioux only beat him twice last season, once in Saint Cloud and once at the end of the year when it mattered most during the WCHA Final Five. Last season SCSU came into the REA and stole two hard fought games leaving a bad taste in Sioux fans mouth, with the win last night assures the Fighting Sioux of a split, winning again to night would be big and losing in not acceptable.

Last night UND scrapped out a big win against a tough team that plays with a chip on their shoulder, they come to play every night. Lastly, getting points last night was key in the WCHA race, and a win or a tie tonight would put the Sioux in good position going in to the bye weekend.

When Something is Objectionable.

To Link or Not to Link
Linkorama Continued:
On October 29, 2006 I Posted a Link to a blog of a Mankato fan, shall we say was objectionable. Actually I couldn’t believe some of the stuff that was written on here about Fighting Sioux fans. Here is a post that I got on my Blog today:
Ok Goon...feel free to take the link to my blog off of your blog. I've read enough of your friend's comments. I actually took what you said about UND fans into consideration but with the more posts I see...the more it cements my opinion.

My blog is just a little 'ol blog for my friends and family to enjoy...I don't need it to be linked to people that are going to smear it with nastiness, stupidity, and comments that don't even make sense.

That's exactly why my blog isn't all about the WCHA, Mavs, stats...it's a little hockey, a little my personal life, a little twins...etc. More of a personal thing than a sounding board for rabid hockey fans.

Thanks.

We Have a Decision

Well after putting much thought into this decision: (drum roll please) I have decided to leave the link to your blog up on Goon’s World for the time being, but hey I can do this since this is my site. One could say this is about proving a point. Enjoy the traffic; Goon’s world has done quite well lately. Goon’s World had 3959 hits during the month of October, the most of any month since Goon’s World joined the Blogsphere back in March of 2006. But don’t worry the link will be gone in a few days after I have posted more articles on the blog and the linkorama to will be kicked off of the front page only to be stuck in the archives forever.

My advice to you in the future is don’t insult a whole group of people if you don’t want them coming back to post on objectionable things on your blog. Seriously, most Sioux fans I know or associate with are very respectful people and fun to hang out with. Most of them have real jobs in the professional field and aren’t what you described on your blog. Lastly, most of the Sioux Fans that I know don’t shout profanity-laced tirades in opposing team’s buildings nor do they do it in their own building. In fact most of us are in our middle ages and have long left these objectionable behaviors behind and have grown up.

It’s called net etiquette but it’s also about being a good neighbor and acting in a responsible way in the Internet community. I know I have been burned a few times by not engaging my brain before I have written something and posted it on line. My advice to you is think before you write something, especially when your attacking a whole specific group of people. You made your bed now sleep in it; eventually the posters you despise and hold in contempt will go away. Posting on line is like a shooting a missile on the battlefield once it has been released it is not coming back. As blogers we have to be careful and responsible. Now you are going to pay the consequences for insulting a group of people.

Writing this type of stuff does nobody any good:
Example of what I am talking about:

I hate UND. I know hate is a strong word, but it's appropriate here. I seriously hate UND hockey, their fans, and their program. They are the BIGGEST whiners out there. They're the most rude fans when they come to our arena and walk around all smug and think they're SO much better than Mankato fans and players. Total disrespect is all they show, and it's annoying as hell. Sure, we didn't have some jack-hole give us millions of dollars to build a new hockey arena and to buy players...but that doesn't make us peons. OR for the Sioux fans to say that the Mavs don't belong in the WCHA. Screw off.

We deserve to be there just as much as you...just minus the money. Plus, you seem to forget that the Mavs are good at taking away important wins from teams (yep, though people may hate Lucia...he's figured this out and always says to not underestimate the Mavs, as they'll take games from you if you do...ask CC from 2 years ago, SCSU and UW last year...). UND doesn't get this though, and when they do lose then we see crazy actions, like when Parise stormed the Maverick bench last season and then refused to leave the ice when he got burned on the OT goal by Rankin. Get over it! You lost and that's that...no matter how much you whine or try to buy your way in the WCHA...it's not always going to work.

In Conclusion:
I do not know the woman that writes this web page nor have I had much if any interaction with her on the Internet. Personally I hold no grudge against her and I am sure she is probably a really nice person that mean no harm to anyone, that being said. Please think next time before you insult the whole fan base of the University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux

Go Fighting Sioux

Linkorama part Two.

Check out Kevin's Blog on the Huskies
Kevin Allenspach Huskie Blog

Some interesting stuff here. On the Sioux being Swept in REA a few weeks back.

North Dakota, regardless of the $100 million the late Ralph Engelstad spent, has always been an intimidating place to play. Well, the top-ranked Maine Black Bears may have stirred up a hornets' nest for the next team to visit there -- St. Cloud State.
Maine swept the Sioux, 6-2 and 3-1, on Friday and Saturday. North Dakota allowed a five-goal second period in the opener and the Black Bears' Michel Leveille scored two goals in the rematch.

"This is our rink, we want to make it the toughest place to play and you can't do that by getting swept in your own barn," Sioux assistant captain Erik Fabian told the Grand Forks Herald. "We want it to burn ... but the sun's going to come up tomorrow and we've just got to learn from it."

North Dakota plays at Minnesota State-Mankato this week before getting a chance to determine whether Maine's sweep was a blip or symptomatic of something more.

Linkorama.

Check out this blog
Lets Go Mav's Web Page
I found this blog tonight, apparently this person doesn't like UND or its fans. It happens. I suppose this person is really not going to like our team after we took two games from their team this past weekend, from the sounds of the radio broadcast it also appears that the Sioux hockey team had a large showing of fans.

If anything I think most Sioux fans respect MSU-M and the hard nosed hockey their teams plays, I know I have learn to respect the battles they give our team each season. I belevery game agaisnt them is a battle. I believe the reason for the big battles between the two teams is when Mankato was entering the WCHA former Fighting Sioux Head Coach Dean Blais made sure the Mavericks were on the schedule, I also believe of all the WCHA teams the Fighting Sioux have played MSU-M the most. Maybe there is a history of bad blood between the teams fans, who knows. In my opinion life is too short to be unhappy.

Huskies up Next for the Fighting Sioux

Bobby Goepfert
Time for the Sioux to Kick Some Husky Ass: Bobby and the Huskies up next
Two weeks ago after being swept by a veteran Maine Black Bears team Sioux Assitant Captain Erik Fabian said ”This is our rink, we want to make it the toughest place to play and you can't do that by getting swept in your own barn, We want it to burn tonight. But the sun's going to come up tomorrow and we've just got to learn from it."
Cliché maybe: but Erik Fabian is right, its time for this young talented Sioux hockey team to start taking back the REA and make teams not want to play up here. In fact teams should dread playing here. Last year the Huskies came into REA and laid two pain-staking losses on the Fighting Sioux. Maybe the theme for this weekend is time for some payback. Sioux are coming off a couple of high scoring road wins over upstart Minnesota State University Mankato Mavericks: 5-4 Friday and 8-5 on Saturday, are going to have to stay out of the penalty box and clamp down on the stupid, selfish, knucklehead penalties if they want to take points this weekend. Being swept this weekend in not acceptable. If the Sioux don’t cut down on taking untimely penalties SCSU is going to burry the Sioux because SCSU is always tough on the power play and will take advantage of all opportunities given to them. If Bobby is tough in net and goals are going to be tough to come by is Bobby gets hot.

SCSU is going to be a tough team to face. SCSU plays a defensive systems that starts from the goaltender and works it way out to the forwards. Lets say it starts with preseason all-American goaltender Bobby Goepfert, but it doesn’t end there. The Huskies aren’t as one-dimensional as they have been in the past. The Huskies under second year head coach Bob Motzko have a new found offensive punch lead by junior Andrew Gordon 4 goals 1 assist for 5 points and super frosh Andreas Nodl 3 goals and 5 assists for 8 points.

Tony Grecio Makes First Starts in Goal for Sioux

Last weekend 17 year old Freshman Tony Grecio made his first two starts in a Fighting Sioux uniform due to an unspecific lower body injury to Phil Lameroux. Two wins in by a rookie goaltender in Mankato (a tough place to play in) are character-building experiences and win is a win, no matter how Grecio looked getting it done. Some have said he looked shaky but I think we should hold judgment on young Grecio’s performance until he gets some more games under his belt.

Starter for this Weekend Series Unknown

It’s unknown who will be the starter in goal this weekend against SCSU. Whoever plays in net this weekend is going to have to be ready to make timely saves and keep the Fighting Sioux hockey team in the game. Untimely poor efforts by Sioux goaltending this weekend will kill whatever momentum the Sioux gained after sweeping the Mavericks. The Sioux are going to need to play with a chip on their shoulder and be ready to do the things needed to score dirty goals inside the paint.

Lammy Out with Injury, Grecio next?

  Lammy
Line Up Shuffles this Weekend
The injury bug has hit the UND Fighting Sioux this past week as Phil Lamoureux went down with an undisclosed injury during Tuesday’s practice and super sophomore Jonathon Toews remains on the shelf after suffering an undisclosed upper body injury (damn HIPAA Laws) during last Fridays game against the Maine Black Bears. HIPAA The coaching staff must now decide who is going to start between the pipes for the Fighting Sioux this weekend against the MSUM Mavericks. I say the logical bet is Tony Grecio. While injuries are a part of the game, these set backs couldn’t have come at a worse time. The team is still searching for an identity after losing three games in a row to Frozen Four finalists.

Who Starts in Goal For the Sioux
Who starts for the Sioux in goal for this weekend’s series? This seems to be the $64,000.00 question that loaming over the coaches head. This is a subject that has been discussed in much detail by the bloggers around the Internet Brad’s Blog the last couple of days. There are various opinions on who should start in net for the Sioux and why? Some of these feelings seem to based on emotion: some had said lets see what Walski can do, he played junior hockey, he can’t be that bad. Some still remember Walski’s 73-save performance during the North Dakota State High School Hockey Playoffs. I am not so sure that starting Walski is the right move when the Sioux desperately need points in a bad way. This weekend’s series may prove to be a pivotal series early as the Sioux need points if they want to be in the mix come March as they make another march towards the NCAA playoffs. Anything less than three points this weekend is unacceptable.

I think that its time to see what the young heralded freshman goaltender can do. One could ask the question. What possibly could be a better opportunity to get Tony Grecio’s feet wet then having him play this weekend? What a test; having Tony play in a hostile environment against a hard hosed opponent. There is no time like the present. Lets see what the kid can do.

Lost Weekend. Sioux Fail to Beat Black Bears.

Lost Weekend:
Not Since the Sioux were beat by Mankato 6-0 December 1st 2001 had Sioux fans witnessed such a one sided affair at home. One could make the argument that this past weekend was eerily similar to last season’s sweep of the Sioux by Wisconsin Badgers, when the younger Sioux lost a pair of one-sided games 4-2 to the Wisconsin Badgers; who at the time were another junior and senior laden team. Just like Wisconsin the Maine Black Bears are an older experienced and pretty talented hockey team, and they took advantage of the Sioux’s youth all weekend.

The Black Bears used their battle-hardened experience to dismantle and keep the Sioux at bay all weekend. The Maine Black Bears came into our house and kicked our ass all weekend. Untimely penalties, poor passing by forwards, defensive lapses, poor goaltending cost the Sioux both games and the weekend series this poor showing also left fans disgusted and leaving for the exits early. I remember even chanting a beat the traffic as our section emptied early. Leaving a few of us to ponder the future of this young squad. If the Fighting Sioux keep playing like this it’s going to be a very long season.

Saturday Better But Not Much
Losing at home in our barn sucks, although the Sioux played better on Saturday night the result was the same. Sioux minus Sophomore Jonathon Toews put up a full 60-minute effort only to lose 3-1 but weren’t able to crack the mountain of a goalie Ben Bishop. Fire plug TJ Oshie briefly gave the fans something to cheer about on Saturday as he light up Maine giant Danis-Pepin by checking him into the Sioux players bench.

Post Game Comments by Hakstol
While listening to the radio Saturday night after the game the voice of the Fighting Sioux radio announcer Tim Hennesy basically asked Dave Hakstol if he would be giving Michel Leveille any props for his play this weekend. Hakstol said no that he didn’t like the way he played the game. When I heard this on the radio during the post game interview I thought that was interesting, but it kind of reminds me of a former Golden Gopher player Jeff “after the Whistle” Taffe good player but...

From SiouxSports.com 7>4 Sums up the weekend incident:

What Hakstol said about the Maine player is no different than what coaches were saying about Jeff Taffe a few years ago. Great player but a cheap shot. I didn't see either game, but I would tend to trust Hakstol's judgement based on his history. That said, it doesn't matter. They kicked our butts twice in our own house. Period.

Finally From the Captain Erik Fabian

This is our rink, we want to make it the toughest place to play and you can't do that by getting swept in your own barn," Sioux assistant captain Erik Fabian said. "We want it to burn tonight. But the sun's going to come up tomorrow and we've just got to learn from it."

I really like what Fabian said, this is our house and we need to make team hate to play here. The last thing we want is the opposing teams come in here and be licking their lips at the thought of playing in the REA.

Will the Real Sioux Team Stand Up.

I would have to say since I have been a Fighting Sioux fan last night shellacking at the hands of the Black Bears was an all time low. These are the type of memories that leave a very bad taste in you mouth. I think it would be an understatement to say that last night’s game was brutal, unacceptable and horrible. While I wouldn’t blame the loss on officiating, we do deserve to see a better effort on the part of the officials. High sticks that lead to goals are not acceptable in any leagues, however, like the guy sitting next to me said, “the Sioux had three chances to get it out of the zone before it was put in the net.

I hate the Officials in this league.
I honestly think the WCHA should look at getting rid of Don Adam and some of the other clowns they have working as on ice officials in this league. I am tired of the status quo: We aren’t going to call the game the way it supposed to be called because the coaches wont like it. Seriously, I am not kidding you. Last year while Greg Sheppard was waiting to take a flight out of Grand Forks after a weekend series one of the NWA workers and myself were talking to Greg and I asked him when the WCHA was going to start calling the games like they do in the NHL and Greg told us that it would never happened because the coaches would go for it. Are you telling me the coaches want the Bull Shit we saw on the ice last night? Adams and Albers not control of the game at the drop of the puck.

Poor Effort
Last night effort will not win an award for anything; there will be no moral victories, only negativity. Last night’s effort is not Sioux pride is all about? These are not the type of performances that win league titles or Broadmoor cups. It was a very hard game to watch.


Evening of Upsets:
It appears that there are a few more teams dropping in the rankings come Monday Morning. The old saying goes championships are not won in October, November and December, nor are they won in January. Let the chips fall where they may now. Sure it would be nice to see us sweep Maine but UND needs a split, 4-2 for they schedule they have had early with a young team would be a huge lift for the team. I just hope Hakstol can hold the team together and put together another run like last season. Winning is everything and losing sucks.

From USCHO front page: Notre Dame began a remarkable evening of upsets by throttling last season’s national runner-up, top-ranked Boston College, 7-1 on Chestnut Hill. Ouch, good showing by the number one team in the nation All American Goalie Cory Schnider Rocked The victors in that title tilt, No. 2 Wisconsin, gave up a late goal at home and had to settle for a tie with the upstart Bulldogs of Minnesota-Duluth.Up Stat Bull Dogs Meanwhile, third ranked North Dakota – buoyed by their success in Madison last weekend -– came home to welcome No. 4 Maine. The Black Bears (who previously beat Minnesota in their home state) were again unpleasant guests, riding five second-period goals to a surprisingly easy 6-2 victory. In the other showdown, No. 9 Miami bested fifth-ranked Michigan -– its first win at Yost Arena in a dozen years -– while Michigan Tech stunned host Vermont in overtime and RPI shocked No. 11 Denver atop the Rocky Mountains.

USCHO Poll for the Week is out. 10-16-2006

1 Boston College (31) 1-0-0 781 1
2 Wisconsin ( 3) 2-1-1 700 2
3 North Dakota ( 4) 3-1-0 693 5
4 Maine 3-0-0 650 7
5 Michigan ( 2) 2-0-0 643 6
6 Boston University 0-0-1 594 3
7 Minnesota 2-1-0 548 8
8 Michigan State 1-1-0 522 4
9 Miami 3-1-0 467 9
10 Vermont 2-0-1 376 10
11 Denver 2-2-0 340 11
12 New Hampshire 0-0-0 320 13
13 Harvard 0-0-0 317 12
14 Cornell 0-0-0 264 14
15 Clarkson 3-0-1 252 17
16 Colorado College 3-0-1 250 15
17 St. Cloud State 1-1-0 245 16
18 Dartmouth 0-0-0 128 18
19 Nebraska-Omaha 0-0-2 70 NR
20 Colgate 2-2-0

Interesting ratings that mean absolutely nothing: I think it's way to early to even have rankings. B.C. has played one game against a horrible North Eastern University team and they are the consensus number one pick, that's funny. Not that I don't think they should garner some attention, I say let them have the curse of being the number one, it means nothing in October and November or January for that matter. Again another funny joke, the Ivy/EZAC schools, Harvard and schools haven't played game yet and they crack the top 15. What's a matter no money in the budget to schedule non-conference games. Fellow EZAC member Clarkson has managed to play four games so far. That is asinine in my opinion.

Linkorama.Logo Politics.

NC-ASS I mean NC$$ no its NCAA.
Here is an interesting perspective/read from a pompous NCAA official. I guess the world perspective looks differently when you live in an ivory tower.
NCAA Link

North Dakota sues NCAA. In a move I think we all anticipated, North Dakota sued the NCAA on Friday to challenge its restrictions of the Fighting Sioux nickname. I was thinking about this last night before I went to bed, and while I understand the frustration of the North Dakota administration and fans, I can’t help thinking that the institution is suing itself.

The NCAA executive committee, which is comprised of presidents and chancellors from member colleges and universities, is the body responsible for imposing restrictions on Native American mascots and imagery. By filing suit on the Association, North Dakota is asking for remuneration from the NCAA’s coffers, which go to support North Dakota and the other 1,000 or so schools in the structure. If North Dakota wins, there would be less money for the NCAA to spread out among its members. Just a thought.

Can we say whiner. Maybe the NCAA should have considered this before they enacted their screwed up policy. Here are some of the responses this guys letter got. Some of them really make for some interesting reading: This one is from an anonymous reader.

After further reading, I am even more unimpressed with the tone of the NCAA. Their representative (according to the cited story) stated "We are planning on aggressively defending our right and our responsibility, quite frankly, to conduct our own NCAA championships in an environment free of racial
stereotyping."

Is that so? So when the tomahawk chop shows up during the annual basketball playoffs, that wouldn't be racial stereotyping?

Oops, I bet the NCAA didn’t see that response coming. The NCAA really does have egg on their face. Think about this for just a minute. Florida State University has a mascot that happens to be a white guy dressed as a Seminole Indian mounted on a horse, the mascot rides his horse out on to the football field. When reaching midfield he throws a flaming spear into the turf of the stadium to the applause of thousand in the crowd. All which is very stereotypical. One could make the argument that this is a red faced minstrel. Of course none of which is considered hostile and abusive behavior. But at the NCAA headquarters UND logo’s is. Does anyone see the hypocrisy of this at all? None of these behaviors will ever be seen at a UND sporting event. Sure the pro-name change crowd will say there is, but no one has seen it. Personally I have never seen a tomahawk chop or heard Cherokee Autumn played at a UND sporting event. There are no war dances or flaming spears. None.

Next classic response: From USCHCO's Own.

I couldn't help but notice last March that when the NCAA sponsored the West Regional hockey tournament at the University of North Dakota's Ralph Engelstad Arena, video advertisements for Pontiac -- the association's official sponsor -- frequently ran on the arena's big-screen scoreboard.
Who was Pontiac? He was the chief of the Ottawa Indian tribe. What does Pontiac use for logo? It’s a stylized arrowhead.

Keep in mind that this tournament was held in an arena in which the NCAA once insisted could not happen until all Fighting Sioux references were covered up. And yet the NCAA has no problem accepting money from a car manufacturer that uses an American Indian name and image to promote its products.
Any objective person who spends time studying this issue will be astounded by the hypocrisy of those who claim to be against all forms of racial stereotyping.
Posted by: Patrick C. Miller

These responses just prove how stupid this policy is. There it is in black and white the hypocrisy of the NCAA and their ridiculous policy. I am sure there is more to follow.

On the Recruiting Front
I Was Linked back to one of my earlier posts:Western College Hockey Blog I personally don’t have a problem with what Chris said, (its his opinion and we live in a free world) I do, however, find it interesting, since we are still relatively early in the 2007-2008 recruiting period. The Fighting Sioux’s recruiting class size will also depend on how many more players defect to the pros at seasons end. I would say lets see what happens once the cards are all laid on the table. From what I have read UND still has a few irons in the fire. On a final not, Goon’s world is thankful for the great coverage that Western College Hockey provides to the college hockey blog sphere.

Linkorama.

Apparently Chris from WCHA
has hit a sore spot with UND fans.

North Dakota's 2007 recruiting class was a little behind the other top teams in the WCHA in terms of numbers and quality, but landing one of the top remaining forward recruits is a huge boost.

No offense to Chris but the UND 2007-2008 is pretty good with Trupp and Malone, I am sure Hak will have a few more surprises.

Sioux Finish of Sweep of Undermaned Bobcats.

Sioux Run by Quinnipiac University again

The story line this past weekend was the play of the Prairie Fire Line or is it the TOD, no maybe its the DOT line, or could we call it the ODT line? I kind of like the ODT line too. Is that oppositional defiant terror line? Probably not.

Jonathon Toews, T.J. Oshie, Ryan Duncan where nothing short of amazing, there are just not enough words that could used to explain their play this past weekend. There is also another story line that didn’t get much mention or barely any press: the play of the QU goalie Bud Fisher. The kid was nothing short of awesome and stood his ground well as the Toews, Oshie, Duncan camped out in front of his net all weekend and put a lot of shots on net. Some unfairly slighted Fisher and wanted to give credit to the Quinnipiac University hockey team, but it was apparent from the start of the first game they were over matched, one could say the Bobcats were out of their league. In the end it was the stellar play of sophomore goalie Bug Fisher that kept the two teams close. If not for In Bud the Bobcats trust the games would have been 10-1 and 11-2.

Fisher is the one that deserved most of the credit for keeping the score as low as they were. Seriously, lets try not confuse the issue with facts, but if it wasn’t for Fisher the scores of these past weekends games would have really been out of hand as Fisher was under attack all weekend. The QU defense had no answer for the speedier Sioux forwards. All four lines showed great speed and prowess.

If Quinnipiac was a WCHA team they would be near or at the bottom of the standings, there is a big difference in the two teams. The difference between the two leagues is very apparent the EZAC doesn’t have the high end players that the WCHA does, but there is nothing wrong with that it’s just a fact.

This Weekend’s Series
This past week I have seen fans predicting sweeps in Madison this weekend. I am not sure that is realistic since many Sioux teams have gone to Madison, only a few have swept the Badgers. While nothing would be more satisfying that winning in Madison or well Minneapolis it just doesn’t happen very often. The Sioux also haven’t fared well in Madison as of late as they have gone 2-4-0 in their last 6 trips.

The last time the Sioux have gone to Madison and swept a series was March 7th and 8th of 2003, when the Sioux beat the listless Badgers 5-2 and 5-0 in a two game series. Incidentally, this was also the last time the Sioux have won a game in Madison. While this series this weekend is important series, it’s the first WCHA games of the year. Its not the end of the world if the Sioux get beat. I think its imperative that Sioux fans not put an undue pressure on this young team. Seriously, I am as guilty of this as anyone else, because they will not be hitting their stride until later in the season. As we know championships are not won in October and November, they are won in March and April.

Sioux Ring Up Quinnipiac University as the Bobcats prove no match for Speedy Sioux.

The Fighting Sioux Ring Up Bobcats
The Quinnipiac University Bobcats proved to be no match for the Fighting Sioux in Friday's opening game of the 2006-2007 Season. The Speedy Sioux buzzed the QU net and put 38 shots on the Bobcat net. If it wasn’t for their stellar play of sophomore goalie Bud Fischer early in the game, the score could have been 10-1. On the other side of the ice Sioux goalie Phil Lamoureux looked stellar and poised in his first game as the go to guy between the pipes for the Fighting Sioux.

Familiar Name:
The game saw all four UND forward lines score goals. The fans also watched a talented new comer with a familiar name: the much talked about brother of former Sioux Player Travis Zajac Darcy Zajac scored 2 goals in his first collegiate game in a Fighting Sioux uniform showing glimpses of speed and offensive prowess. Also, little used Brad Miller who played 15 games last year as a freshman scored a pretty goal and chipped in two assists as he tripled his career totals in points as a Fighting Sioux hockey player.

Super sophomores Jonathon Toews and T.J. Oshie were nothing short of phenomenal as they buzzed the opposition net all night and kept the Sioux fans on the edge of their seats.

UND Officially Sues the NCAA.

Time to Drop the Gloves and Knock Out the NCAA
UND Sues the NCAA
They have been talking about this for some time. Finally its time to stop talking and bring some closure to this issue.

The Story from ESPN

FARGO, N.D. -- State officials filed a lawsuit Friday against the NCAA to challenge its restrictions on the University of North Dakota's Fighting Sioux nickname.

Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem said the lawsuit, filed in Northeast Central District Court in Grand Forks, alleges a breach of contract by the NCAA, a breach of good faith and illegal restraint of trade.

Stenehjem said the lawsuit seeks to allow the University of North Dakota to use the nickname throughout the school year without being sanctioned in possible postseason play, along with unspecified money damages.

The NCAA has banned the use of some American Indian nicknames and logo in postseason tournaments, saying they are hostile and abusive.

Stenehjem said the NCAA overstepped its bounds.
"This is about a process to be followed by the NCAA," he said.
"Frankly, I don't think that anybody, regardless of how they feel about the result, should be satisfied or pleased with the process," Stenehjem said.

The NCAA has 20 days to respond after it is served with the lawsuit, the attorney general said.

NCAA officials were not immediately available for comment. NCAA President Myles Brand has said the NCAA will defend its policy "to the utmost."

The state Board of Higher Education voted in June to file the lawsuit after two North Dakota appeals were rejected.

"This action by the NCAA keeps me from doing what the Board of Higher Education says we should do here," UND President Charles Kupchella said. He said the NCAA process was unfair and wrong.
Other schools initially deemed to have unsuitable nicknames by the NCAA have won the right to use their monikers on appeal. They include the Florida State University Seminoles, the Central Michigan University Chippewas and the University of Utah Utes.

A number of Indian students want UND to drop the nickname and logo. One official with the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe wrote a letter supporting the university, but another opposed the nickname.

A branch of the University of North Dakota Alumni Association set up a fund to help pay for the lawsuit after the state board of education said it must be financed with private money.

Finally
I like the fact that the University of North Dakota has finally filed the lawsuit. Sioux Fans have talked about this law suit till we were blue in the face. Now is the time to take action, so possibly we don't lose any NCAA football games. We must do what ever it takes to defend this historic monkier, if UND decides to change it should be done on our terms not account of some dill weed in Indiana.

I like the fact that the State of North Dakota filed this law suit on Friday. Last year the NCAA did the same to us. The NCAA announced their new policy on a Friday, then had no one around that could explain the new policy. However I am sure the State of North Dakota will be more polite than the NCAA was to us.

However, I would have loved to have the State of ND file this at the end of the day say at about 5:00pm and let the NCAA have all weekend chew on this. That was the rude way it was done to us. Honestly, the national media had all weekend to talk about this new policy before the affected schools could respond to the policy change. It was like having the NCAA stick a finger in our eye. Its time to be the one sticking our finger in someone's eye.

Shall we use the cliche, the shoe is on the other foot now. This lawsuit is the right stand, because someone has to make a stand against the hand wringing leftists, who should be freeze dried or doing time. But I digress, unforunately in America there is small group of hypersensative people in our midst that feel they have the God give right to not be offended, they belong to the entitlement society. I am sorry the world doesn't work that way. This lawsuit is the step in the right direction, its a statement against extremist liberalism and political correctness run amuck. It also proves that the vocal minorities (Left Wing College Proffessors included)shouldn't be able to just influnce policy just because it offends them or some small group of people. I mean we have seen the protest against the name, its a small vocal minority.

Lets Go North Dakota, lets kick some NCAA ass, lets show the NCAA and its top exec Miles Brand that they picked on the wrong school. Lets show the NCAA North Dakota's Can Do Spirit and the grit of the Rough Rider State.

Brand's Response to the Lawsuit
NCAA President Myles Brand has said the NCAA will defend its policy "to the utmost."

More Links on Story:
Fox News Story on the UND's Sueing the NCAA
Sudeo Reporter PCM
USA Today Story

Sioux Getting Some Love in the Latest Gee Whiz Polls.

Sioux Get Some Recognition in Latest National Gee Whiz Polls
After being wrongfully snubbed by CHN last week by their pre-season all-American polls, The Fighting Sioux finally got some deserved love as two of their premiere players have finally received some well deserved recognition from Inside College Hockey, and much to my dismay; yes Cory Schneider is still a second team pre season all-American. On another note Fighting Sioux Freshman Michael Forney is on the preseason All Rookie team. Minnesota is looking like the preseason favorite in the WCHA.
UND lands Two on Pre-Season All American Teams.

UND third in INCH Power Rankings Poll
1. Boston College (Frozen Four Runner-up)
2. Minnesota (WCHA Regular Season Champs)
3. UND (Final Five Champs & Frozen Four)
4. Michigan State
5. Boston University
6. Michigan
7. Wisconsin (Defending NCAA Champ)
8. Miami (?)
9. Denver
10.Maine (Frozen Four)

USCHO WCHA Standings
USCHO
USCHO 2006/07 STANDINGS PREDICTION
1. MINNESOTA
2. NORTH DAKOTA
3. WISCONSIN
4. ST. CLOUD
5. DENVER
6. DULUTH
7. COLORADO COLLEGE
8. MINNESOTA STATE
9. MICHIGAN TECH
10. ALASKA ANCHORAGE

CHN WCHA StandingsCHN

1. Minnesota
2. UND
3. Wisconsin
4. Denver
5. SCSU
6. UMD
7. C.C.
8. Minnesota State
9. U.A.A.
10.Michigan Tech

Kessel Looks to Start Season with Bruins.

 
Kessel To Start Season with Team
It appears that Phil Kessel has made the final roster cuts with the Boston Bruins.

“We have a great team here, a great bunch of guys, and I am having a lot of fun…you learn a lot from great players and playing in games…I feel pretty comfortable.” Forward, Phil Kessel, on training camp, thus far

In Other Bruins News The Boston Bruins have name Zedano Chara their captain for the 2006-2007 season.
Zedano Is Named Captin
  

Grand Forks Herald's Coaches Poll.

The Votes are in.
The Grand Forks Herald had its 36th annual Grand Forks Herald
WCHA preseason coaches' poll

1. (tie) Minnesota (5) 74

1. (tie) Wisconsin (3) 74

3. UND (2) 66

4. Denver 55

5. St. Cloud St. 48

6. Minn. Duluth 45

7. Colorado College 37

8. Michigan Tech 19

9. MSU-Mankato 18

10. Alaska Anchorage 14
Beauty Contests

Player of the year

Brian Elliott, G, Wisconsin, 6 votes

Jonathan Toews, F, UND, 2

T.J. Oshie, F, UND, 2

Rookie of the year

Erik Johnson, D, Minnesota, 4 votes

Kyle Okposo, F, Minnesota, 3

Alex Stalock, G, Duluth, 2

Brock Trotter, F, Denver, 1

Goon's Analysis
I personally I don't have a problem with this poll(drum roll please). It's pretty much a given that the Wisconsin Badgers were going to get the pre-season number one spot after winning the NCAA title last season. Also, since the Gophers won the McNaughten Cup last season before doing nothing else the rest of the season, should be logical selection at number one. Also, I say let these teams have the kiss of death, when ever someone is picked to finish in the top spot of the league they end up finishing further down the list. I am all for UND flying under the radar this season for a change.

It is not much of a stretch to say that the Golden Rodents have probably the best recruiting class on paper in the NCAA. I know we can also say that NCAA titles are won on the ice and not in some stupid meaningless poll. Games are also not won on paper. But I digress, Wisconsin will be a top five team but will have trouble scoring goals as Thee Wisconsin Hockey Blog addresses the issue.
Wisconsin Hockey Blog pretty much sums it up:

Joe Pavelski, 56 pts. Robbie Earl, 50 pts. Adam Burish, 32 pts. Tom Gilbert, 31 pts. Ryan MacMurchy, 25 pts. And there you have it - the 5 top scorers on the team, worth a combined total of 194 points. The production will be hard to replace, and it's also the reason that the defending national champions are not considered to be serious players in the WCHA title race this year.

Frankly, that offense is going to need to come from someplace. The highest returning scorers on the team are senior Ross Carlson (23 pts), sophomore Jack Skille (21 pts), and junior Kyle Klubertanz (21 pts). Those three guys are going to have to step up their offense to probably around 100 points or so combined in order to give the Badgers the top of the lineup juice they need to stay competitive. That's about a 50% increase over what they had this year.

This should be a very good season as finally we can talk about something else beside what CHN and INCH worthless polls.

Even the Iraqis Know the Deal.

NDSU SUCKS
Check this picture out.
This was sent to me from a buddy. I have no idea where he got the picture from but I like it. Personally I miss the UND Vs. NDSU rivarly, it has been too quite around here since we stopped playing the boys to the south. I am hoping that UND goes division IAA so we can start beating the Dirty Bison again.
Never forget you can't spell suck with out SU

Goon's Rambling 9-28-2006.

These People Can't Be serious
CHN
Here are the College Hockey News picks for pre-season all American.
First Team. I have no issues with this First team. Duh Elliot is a shut down goalie and back stopped the Badgers to the NCAA title. Without Brian Elliot no way Wisconsin wins that tourney at least not with Shane Connelly in net.

First Team

F - Brian Boyle, Sr., Boston College
F - Scott Parse, Sr., Nebraska-Omaha
F - T.J. Oshie, So., North Dakota
D - Matt Hunwick, Sr., Michigan
D - Kyle Klubertanz, Jr., Wisconsin
G - Brian Elliott, Sr., Wisconsin

Second team.
F - Michel Leveille, Sr., Maine
F - T.J. Hensick, Sr., Michigan
F - Ryan Dingle, Jr., Denver
D - Alex Goligoski, Jr., Minnesota
D - Brett Motherwell, So., Boston College
G - Cory Schneider, Jr., Boston College
Players to watch according to CHN. F - Jonathan Toews, So., North Dakota - Oshie's passed him, slightly, but Toews remains a force to be reckoned with.
Are you kidding me?
What kind of crap is this? That has to be the understatement of the summer, if not the year. I guess the number three pick in the NHL draft this summer is worthy of being a pre-season All American, or not at least by CHN standards? What a joke. Are you serious? How is Toews not at least a second teamer? I suppose they don’t want to slight a more important B.C. or Michigan player the two teams are littered with them.
Lets Go Further
CHN has Cory Schneider listed at the second team All American. You can’t be serious, that is almost as funny as Al Montoya being one of the top American goalies in his age group, I don’t see any NHL teams beating his door down to sign him. I think it is a stretch to say that Schneider is the second best goalie in the NCAA. It’s obvious that CHN like INCH isn’t going to give UND any love so maybe we should just give up all hope on this site. Like I said these poll are nothing more than a beauty pageant or a popularity contest, they make good gee whiz reading. Its no secret that college hockey has an east coast biases, its well documented, they have for years even though its been proved that the WCHA is the strongest league in the NCAA right now. I figure CHN had to pick at least one of the two UND players so they picked Oshie. Not sure of the logic on this one. Or they close their eyes and threw a dart and the dart landed on Oshie.

Here is one of my responses
I posted this as a follow up to a message on Sioux Sports that was written by Farce PoohbahThe Link

I think you (Farce Poohbah)summed it up pretty well, even after being gone for a few days. I am sick and tired of fans expecting us to take this crap laying down. Notice its always from the people that were well represented In the polls. The Fighting Sioux are over looked year after year. Why. Because we aren't a gasp, a Big Ten team nor are we a big school. There seems to be this so called bias towards the bigger schools especially Michigan, Wisconsin, Michigan State, Minnesota and Boston College as well as an east coast bias.

Farce Poobah, I think you mentioned what a lot of us have been saying in this thread in one shape or another. However, some have taken issue with it. I guess one can’t call a spade a spade. Thanks for bringing up the numbers. For those of us that numbers savvy or good at math 14/81 is equal to 83%. Those are hardly All-American numbers. Nor are they very good at all. I think one can make the argument: Schneider is a good goalie (there is no question about it) but it has been proven that he fails to show up when it matters the most. Shall we say at key times like during the NCAA tourney? If he Corey do it in the big games how the heck is he ever going to play in the NHL? There are no Merrimac’s or Providence’s in the NHL.

Face it the Sioux have lit Schneider up in the past. Schneider was hardly sharp during last years semi final against UND (yep our goalie had a bad game too). Cory was also shredded for 6 goals by UND during the East regional in 2005. Or should we say when UND won the NCAA's version of the Bean Pot. Schneider lost big in his own back yard. Yep that makes me thing he is an All-American material. Of course not, but these things are decided long before they get to the playoffs. They base these numbers on regular season play. That is why I think some of these polls are a joke. I also think its funny when I see someone from Quinnipac or Mercy Hurst in the top ten of the NCAA scoring when they have been feasting on cup cakes all season. It just proves my theory that UND is definitely not Merrimack College, Vermont College, or University of Mass Lowell.

Back to the Pre-Season all-Big Ten poll. Michigan's name is all over the pre-season all Americans polls from CHN, So is Boston College. I am wondering if CHN and INCH know there are teams west of Minneapolis. What are Sioux fans to gleam out of last season's NCAA tourney; are the so-called self appointed geniuses telling us it had to be a fluke? The CCHA put four teams in the tourney last season, which in my opinion was too many, only to have one of them make it to the second round.

So in conclusion: UND has one all-American candidate and he is from the same team UND bounced Michigan out of the NCAA tourney last season. What are we to gleam from this poll that the last season was a fluke? I mean these are the same guys that were on the Michigan team last year in the poll this season. If last season proved anything it was nice to see Michigan out the safe confines of the state of Michigan, where they were one and done. I would like to see this happen more often.

Wake Me up When September Ends.

Wake me up when its over
It’s Upon Us.
Ah yes the August heat has come and gone, September is almost over and the yearly right of passage Ducktober is upon us. The golf clubs are ready to be put away for yet another season. I am not sure that is a bad thing, because God knows there can’t be many good shots left in them for the season. Actually it was a pretty good golf season as I played decent golf for most of the summer, to revisit an old cliché a bad day of golf is better than a good day at work. But I digress. A good day of golf doesn’t come close to a good day of hunting.
Dakota sporting a new hunting vest
The Waterfowl season opens in North Dakota for residents Saturday at first light. I think Green Day said it best “Summer has come and passed the innocent can never last wake me up when September ends.” With the beginning of Ducktober also comes college and NHL hockey season’s openers. It just doesn’t get any better than this. This is the time I year I look forward to the most. It’s just too bad October and November aren’t 6 months long.

In Case anyone is confused.

Goalie

In case anyone is confused let me refresh your memory.

Sieve