Bemidji State Pictures: The Victory

 

John Glas Field House Just before game time

The past two season the Beavers and the Sioux have played in a home and home series. The past two years I was lucky enough to get tickets and go to Bemidji to watch the games in the John Glas Field House. The atmosphere in the arena was amazing. Incidently, Bemidji is tentatively scheduled to get a new arena in the fall of 2009 or 2010. I only hope that Seratore tries to schedule the Sioux to open the new building. It would be a fitting way to open the new building.
Phil Pre-Game
I wouldn't have wanted to be any where else but Bemidji on Friday night. The game in the Glas brought back memories of the old REA. The fans are right on top of the ice in the Glas, and your able to see the action up close and personal. I was also lucky enough to be sitting in the end of the arena where the Fighting Sioux scored all three of their goals. What the John Glas lacks in amenities it gain in crowd atmosphere, if only we could a little of that back in the new REA.
Oshie Stopped in close The Sioux came out buzzing and played with intensity Friday night. I would have to say that it was probably one the best periods of hockey on the year for the Fighting Sioux. In Fridays game the Fighting Sioux played with the same grit that they displayed last Saturday night and had an edge and swagge. This is the type of play that it takes to win close games and to be successful.

Unknown Sioux player checking someone
Bob Woback and another Beaver fan
Beaver?
World Famous Corner Bar

College Hockey Bracketology.

College Hockey Bracketology.

I have been looking through the latest Bracketology article on USCHOThe Link to the article and I think its funny to read how the so called flat belly experts think UND isn’t going to put it together and make the NCAA tourney, lets just say this is a work in progress. Actually if the Fighting Sioux can pull things together and get on a mini run they can still qualify for the NCAA playoffs. The reason being is the teams they face are sitting pretty high in the PWR and RPI rankings the Fighting Sioux sit tied in 14th place after blowing in the first part of the season. The Sioux play next weekend at Minnesota, February 23rd at Denver and March 2nd and 3rd at SCSU at least 3 or 4 wins against those three teams or a least a sweep of one of the three would really set up the Fighting Sioux nicely in getting them closer to the NCAA playoffs. Third or fourth place in the WCHA standings is not out of the question.

In looking at the numbers more closely I don’t think the ECAC (aka the EZAC) warrants two or three teams getting into the playoffs some team have only played nine league games and that is a joke in my opinion. I also don’t think that Hockey East will not put 6 teams in the NCAA tourney, talk about an east coast bias. Anyone want to put odds on UNH folding in the NCAA playoffs?

I think when push comes to shove; the ECAC gets 1 team and the Hockey East is going to get 4 or 5 bids for the NCAA tourney. This the time of year where teams go on runs and teams get hot and others cool off. I am hoping the WCHA proves once again that they are the pride of college hockey. The last five titles have gone to the WCHA and I would like to see it stay that way as long as the Gophers don’t win it. Just kidding, no really.

The Time is now

I don’t like to use a lot of clichés, it’s just not my style, however, I am going to string a few of them together. Lets try these on for style. There is no time like the present. Just win baby. It’s a marathon not a sprint, or at least in this case it’s a middle distance 10 Kilometer race. The Time for Fighting Sioux hockey team to make a move is now.

If the Fighting Sioux finish in the lower half of the WCHA standings fail in the WCHA playoffs and don’t make the NCAA playoffs, Dave Hakstol is going to have some serious questions to answer. I know the Fighting Sioux lost a lot of talented players but so did Minnesota, one could make the argument that Minnesota lost more than the Sioux. I read a post over on Siouxsports.com From Skateshattrick Here are some of the major points of this post that I think hit the mark. This person bring up some legitimate questions that are going to be hanging out there in the off season if this season doesn’t have a happy ending.
Snip----------

4. I'm so tired of hearing how we lost all these great players. Guess what? So did everyone else. UM lost its top 4 scorers in Potulny, Kessel, Irmen and Harrington. Denver lost 3 of its top 4 scorers with Matt Carle (the best player in the country last year), Gabe Gauthier, and Paul Stastny. UW lost its top 5 scorers with Pavelski, Earl, Burish, Gilbert and MacMurchy. CC lost Joey Grubb and its 2 Hobey candidates, Marty Sertich and Brett Sterling. Other than SCSU, UND arguably had the most returning. Yes, UND lost Stafford, Zajac, Spirko and Smaby, but they returned their 3, 4 and 5 scorers in Oshie, Toews and Duncan.

We have almost no contribution from our freshmen class. UM has Barriball (26 points), Okposo (24), E. Johnson (15), Flynn (9), Carman (9), Lucia (8), O'Brien (6) and Schack (6). Denver has Brock Trotter (26), Rakhshani (24), Ruegsegger (22)and Gifford (10). CC has Connelly (14) and Sweatt (12). SCSU's leading scorers are freshmen. What does UND have? Other than Chay Genoway's respectable 13 points, we have Zajac with 4, Forney with 2 and Vande Velde with 1. That is pathetic.

6. If Toews (who cannot score because he gets keyed on and has no help) leaves as expected, and TJ leaves as well, what do we have left?? The sophomore class other than Toews, Oshie, Duncan and Chorney has been a major disappointment, and this freshman class looks weak. We better have a great incoming freshmen class next year, or the Sioux are going to find themselves in the lower half of the league.

7. Let's take the kids gloves off and quit blowing smoke up everyone's collective Asses, shall we? It is unacceptable for the Sioux not to be in the top 1/2 of the WCHA every year, making the NCAA tournament and competing for a national championship. We have the facilities, the tradition and success, and what every recruit wants--a proven track record of winning and of players making it to the next level.

8. So tell me, what excuse is there EVER for losing to AAU and MTU in the same year and getting swept at home by MTU??? The answer is none. We still have more talent than AAU and MTU combined. They would kill to have Jonathan Toews, let alone TJ Oshie, Ryan Duncan and Taylor Chorney. Name a player on either team (with the possible exception of Justin Bourne) who would even skate on the first line?? The answer is none.

9. What is the problem? Well, as politically incorrect and blasphemous as it is to say this, the bucks stops the chief or head coach. They underachieved last year for most of the year with the most talented team in the country, and this year is pathetic. I'm not saying that he needs to be fired, but that situation needs to be closely monitored. There is no way on earth that Duke in BB, Ohio State or USC in football or Michigan or Minnesota in hockey would put up with this garbage. It's bad enough getting swept by UW and Maine at home, but MTU is a new low.

Introducing the Hockey Show

There is a new college hockey blog of note The Hockey Show the blog is run by Scott Williams and Moose Richards of KBUN sports radio 1450 am out of Bemidji Minnesota. Scott Williams is the Television Voice of the BSU Beavers hockey team and Moose Richards is the Sports Director of KBUN.

The Hockey Show, which currently airs every Friday at 5 p.m. Central Time durring the Bemidji State University hockey season (October through early April) on KBUN-AM in Bemidji, Minnesota. The show typically concentrates on BSU hockey (with coaches interviews with Beaver Head Coach Tom Serratore and BSU's opponents Head Coach), but also features discussions about the College Hockey America conference, and Division-I college hockey as a whole.

If your making your way over to Bemidji on Friday you can listen to the Hockey Show on 1450am KBUN. Rumor has it that Hakstol will be interviewed by Scott.

Rock Star Robbie Bina gets Defensive player of the week.

Robbie Bina
This is well deserved

WCHA Link This past week as I left the arena I was wondering if Robbie Bina would finally get the defensive player of the week for his work this past weekend, four points by a defenseman in a weekend series is pretty impressive in the Goon's opinion, the fact that Robbie is playing hockey again is even more impressive. It was a good weekend for Fighting Sioux hockey players as Bina and Duncan were given the Defensive and offensive players of the week respectively in the WCHA.


Bina's write up

MADISON, Wisc. - Robbie Bina, a veteran defenseman at the University of North Dakota who played a key role at both ends of the ice in a WCHA series against Alaska Anchorage last weekend, has been named Red Baron WCHA Defensive Player of the Week for Jan. 16-22, 2007.

Duncan's write up

MADISON, Wisc. - University of North Dakota left winger Ryan Duncan, who helped his team to three points in a weekend conference series against visiting Alaska Anchorage, has been named Red Baron WCHA Offensive Player of the Week for Jan. 16-22, 2007. He also earned the honor on Jan. 2.

This Brings new meaning to word Hockey Groupie

This is a really funny video from MAD TV that I found over on one of the On an NHL fan blog site Waiting for Stanley. There are two parts that are really funny that brings new meaning to the word hockey groupie. The first thing she does is she puts a dirty protective cup under chin. That was funny. It is even more funny when she stands in net as one of the players fires a slap shot through her wickets.

A look at the Series ahead.

BSU vs UND
UND has an all time record of 11-1-1 against Bemidji State.
Bemidji has a 12-7-3 record 6-1-2 home 6-6-1 on the road
Bemidji is 7-2-3 in the CHA

UND is 11-11-2 over all 5-7-2 at home and 6-4 on the road.
UND is 7-9-2 in the WCHA
Stats
UND Numbers g g a pts
16 Ryan Duncan 24 17 10 27
7 T.J. Oshie 24 6 14 20
14 Brad Miller 22 8 9 17
24 Chris Porter 24 5 11 16
9 Jonathan Toews 15 4 11 15
22 Brian Lee 20 1 13 14
5 Chay Genoway 24 4 9 13
4 Taylor Chorney 20 2 11 13

BSU Numbers
8 Travis Winter 22 8 14 22
11 Rob Sirianni 22 8 10 18
22 Blaine Jarvis 22 8 8 16
14 Tyler Scofield 16 3 10 13
21 Luke Erickson 12 10 2 12
20 Joey Moggach 16 1 11 12
13 Matt Pope 22 5 6 11
27 Ryan Miller 18 3 7 10

Goal Tenders
UND W-L GAA SAV
Phil Lamoureux 8-9-1 2.35 .909
Tony Grieco 3-2-1 3.49 .884

BSU
Orlando Alamano 3-2-0 2.69 .912
Matt Climie 9-3-3 2.70 .912
Lane Sedevie 0-2-0 9.19 .787

No Tickets Available

The word from Bemidji is that the arena is sold out for the Friday game. I wonder if they will break any fire codes this season as there was definitely no seats left when the buck dropped last season for the Friday game.

Reason for Optimism

After all of the poor play of the Fighting Sioux (its been documented extensively on this blog) and out right sucking during the first half of the 2006-2007 hockey season the Fighting Sioux now sit tied for 14th in the Pairwise Rankings. In fact the Fighting Sioux are currently tied with Vermont and which by seasons end hopefully will finish above Vermont. The best cure for finishing higher in the RPI and PWR rankings is to keep winning hockey games.

The Kaip Fight.

In case you haven't seen the Fight between Anderson and Kaip its up on YouTube now. Thanks Vegas Sioux. This is why I think fighting has a place in hockey, even college hockey. The game was getting really chippy and after Anderson and Kaip's fight the boys settled down and played hockey.

Check out this NHL Video, Good Memories from the Past

This video pretty much sums up why I think Hockey is one of the coolest games.
Hard hitting, goal scoring and timely saves. Check out the Dominator.


Check out this video also, this shows how crazy Candians get about their team, I wish REA was half this crazy during a game.

No Sister Kissing Tonight

In Bina we Trust

Quietly the Fighting Sioux hockey team has gone on a modest streak; going 4-1-1 in their last four games losing only a one-goal game to the C.C. Tigers last week. The Fighting Sioux allowed no UAA power play goals this weekend going 0-10 on the penalty kill, that in it’s self is a major accomplishment for this young Sioux team trying to find an identity. No seriously that’s not a typo. North Dakota is now ranked 35th over all on the penalty kill after hovering around 54th earlier in the season. With the win tonight and the Gophers beating the Badgers, the Sioux sit in 5th place in the WCHA standings with in striking distance of the C.C. Tigers.

If I had to pick a player this season that I thought was deserving of the come back player of the year I would pick Robbie Bina. Bina sat out last season on a medical red shirt after being injured in the 2005 Final Five from a dirty hit from Jeff Paukovich, we won’t review the hit in question at this time because it’s in the past, we will focus on the positives look to the future. This season Bina has come out and played like a man possessed. Bina has proved to be dependable with the puck in the defensive zone but is also contributing in the offensive zone as well getting 4 goals and 8 assists for 12 points in 24 games. Bina’s goal tonight was a thing of beauty as he shot the puck from the point as the UAA goalie was screened and blew the puck past UAA goalie Nate Lawson. In my opinion Bina is starting to gain rock star status in Grand Forks with each goal and point he gets. Every points seems to be an encore of the last point recorded. Ok, I am convinced, what are you going to do next Robbie.

Off to Bemidji to Play the Beavers

This weekend the Sioux play a home and home with the BSU Beavers. This is a pivotal series and taking 4 points against the Beavers is a must. I am making the trip and hope the boys won’t let me down; my buddies from Bemidji will never let me down if the Sioux lose a game in Bemidji. The Beavers must get on the scoreboard early and often and quite the rabid John Glas Field House fans.

Bemidji Hockey Media

If you have a chance check out the Beavers and Sioux telecast on Friday night in Bemidji its on KBSU TV 17 in Bemidji. Scott Williams is the voice of the BSU Beavers calls the game for all Beavers homes games. Moose Richards and Scott Williams also do the hockey show on KBUN 1450 in the afternoon on Fridays, if you get a chance to hear the show I recommend listening to the boys they do a nice show and they are one of the areas few sports shows that talk ONLY about college hockey.

Linkorama for BSU hockey:
BSU Hockey
Millsy's Beaver Pond

A Tie that feels like a loss.

Kissing your Sister.

They say that a tie is like kissing your ugly sister, I must agree. The fact is that tie no matter how painful to watch; wasn’t a loss, however, it doesn’t feel much better than a loss. I can’t imagine being that locker room after a debacle like that. Bring on the shootout.

One could make the argument that the margin of error is getting smaller as each non-win piles up on the 2006-2007 version of the Fighting Sioux. Last nights game caused me to feel all kinds of emotions. At first I was disappointed that the Sioux gave up yet another first period goal in Englestad Arena; then I was excited as the Fighting Sioux took a 2-1 and 3-1 lead. Then I felt like having an anxiety attack as the 2nd Alaska goal went in, I knew it was a matter of time before the roof was going come down on the Sioux once again.

Disappointing:

When the season is over I believe that the 2006-2007 Fighting Sioux team will go down as a team that didn’t. Let me explain. This years Fighting Sioux team doesn’t protect its goalie, among other things. They don’t score goals but that is for another blog entry. Last night Joe Finley had a chance to knock the crap out of a UAA player that was hacking the shit out of his goalie. What did big Joe do? Just about nothing. Big Joe stood there and gave the guy a love tap, then skated backwards. Joe your 6’-f'n-7” and weigh 250 pounds, please knock the snot out of the guy that’s hacking your goalie. In fact Joe could you please hit someone? Please. I have no idea what the hell Washington saw in this guy but could you sign him when the season is over?

We are talking about basic concepts here; there is no focus from the players on the task at hand. If I were a player I would not have a hard time getting ready for this game. It’s a simple concept about pride and effort. UAA spanked you on their home ice and this is the response you have for the Seawolves. Pathetic is the first word that comes to mind when I think of this game. I am not saying UAA is a bad team because they aren’t; their coach is a whopping 3-1-1 against UND since he took the UAA job. Heck the UAA coach might want to schedule 6 games a year against the listless Sioux.

This season all long we have heard how TJ Oshie and Jonathon Toews are going to the NHL after the season is over; we have been told by the pun dents and bathroom lawyers that there are no way these two guys make it past the snow melt. That might be true but how about finishing the business at hand first boys.

I want to know what happened to the player that played at the WJC, this is the same kid that made Jeff Frazee look sick in the shoot out. I just want to know if the Fighting Sioux can have him for the rest of the season before he signs on the dotted line with the Norfolk Admirals. If you can’t score in college how the hell are you going to score in the NHL? The players are bigger and faster and the goalies are better.

The Probable Playoff Scenario

This is what is probably going to happen to the Fighting Sioux if they don’t start winning some hockey games like right now they are going to end up in 6th place in the WCHA standings; that’s if they are lucky enough to finish that high. That is probably going to give them a date with the Wisconsin Badgers in first round of the WCHA playoffs. I personally do not like that match up at all and don’t see us getting past this series if we don’t start playing hockey the way it’s supposed to be played. I am not kidding around; the Fighting Sioux do not match up well against the Badgers in Madison or Grand Forks. Think about it.

Boogard and Godard 01-09-07

The Boogey Man gets beat by AHLer Derrick Godard. This was Boogards first fight since 11-14-06. The Boogey man didn't return to the game.

Zach Makes the Cut Again this Week.

Check out the plays of the week.
Walski make Manny look sick on the shoot out. Who says Shootouts are boring? Also, check out Zach Parise's goal at about fifty five seconds in, Zach with the spinarama. Later on in the video; Zach and the New Jersey Devils get robbed. Sid the Kid also makes good on a tap in goal.

Linkorama

Links around the Blogsphere:
Lets Go Mavs says that I have been slacking this week. Yep I have, so I decided that I had to do something. Truth be told there is lots of time at night to write but when you in the middle of an 8 over-nights (midnight shift) in a row blogging comes second.

I did find Donalds UAA Fan Blog most recent blog article to be interesting.
Donalds claim is that its the worst blog article ever. UAA Blog

So having started out three times to write something about this series and then deleting all of them I figured I'd just write and whatever comes out is what you're stuck reading. I started a typical UND has "this and that" as I've been doing most of the year at midweek. But it was boring stuff. Here's UND's stats. I was going to write about UAA's lines and how Charlie Kronschnabel's injury has affected them (he'll likely return against UofM). Not that it's necessarily boring but it didn't come out sounding like I wanted it to sound, so I deleted it. I thought about writing about Lawson and Olthuis but if I write about a goaltender and he gets pulled or blown out then how stupid will I feel? I could write about the freshman but we all know they've been playing great and developing just as they should. I could write about the upperclassmen stepping up from last year but how often can you read me saying that same stuff.

Chris Dilks deals with the Referee incident. Wester College Hockey
I would have to say that I agree with Chris on his analysis of the situation. I am sure that a ruling and a suspension is coming soon. I also believe that Campion should have not gotten into a shouting match with a league coach after a game, very unprofessional in my opinion.

Jon Campion should also be disciplined, but I'm not holding my breath. We're supposed to believe that the league's officials are completely impartial. Coaches aren't even allowed to mention officiating without suffering some sort of reprimand because to do so would imply that officials play some factor in the outcome of the game. It's the Great Lie that we'd all like to believe, but see proven false every weekend. And now we're supposed to believe that Jon Campion was completely impartial this past weekend when less than 10 minutes after the game, he was engaged in a heated argument with one of the coaches? It's one thing for Means to yell at him, but for Campion to respond to it, which it sounds like he did, that's completely unprofessional and unacceptable.

Celebrating Mediocrity agrees with me on the shootout as an option for settling games. Celebrating Mediocrity I really like this piece this person writes on the shoot out and I agree.

The problem with Wodon and other hockey purists is that they want the game to grow, but refuse to open their minds to change. They expect the rest of the world to all of a sudden open their eyes and see hockey the way we all see it.

Well I'm sorry purists but its not going to happen. If you want the sport to grow, you will have to except change.

College hockey, like professional hockey, is a business. It is a business that can not survive on the support of the purists alone. Most of us do not even pay to go to college hockey games. We are in the press box, eating free food.

UAA and UND part II

Important Weekend Ahead

This weekend the 20th ranked Fighting Sioux face the upstart UAA Sea Wolves in an important WCHA match up. One could say that this is the first of many defining moments for the second half the WCHA season, getting points is a must, losing any games at home is UNACCEPTABLE. Earlier this season UAA swept the Fighting Sioux in the series up in Anchorage Alaska. I would imagine that the past series will be on the minds of Sioux hockey players. Hopefully this weekend results will be a little different than the last time we played UAA. One could even say that this series might be about payback. UAA plays an uptempo game and the Sioux will have to have their feet moving this weekend if they want to be successful.

A look at the Numbers:

Offensively Ryan Duncan is ranked 70th nationally in points per game
Defensively Brian Lee is ranked 20th nationally in points per game
Defensively Taylor Chorney is ranked 38th nationally in points per game
In Goaltending Philippe Lamoureux is ranked 24th nationally in GAA
In Goaltending Philippe Lamoureux is ranked 39th nationally in Save %
The Fighting Sioux are ranked 29th nationally in goals per game
The Fighting Sioux are ranked 17th nationally on the Power Play at 19.8%
The Fighting Sioux are ranked 45th nationally on the Penalty Kill at 80%

While the numbers aren’t great they have improved and there is only one way to go but up.

Linkorama:UAA Blog

If you want to see the UAA perspective on the UAA hockey team go to Donald’s UAA fan blog. I think Donald has an interesting perspective of what is going on up in the last frontier. One would say that UAA is much improved this season and has played the WCHA tough, and could make some serious noise in the WCHA playoffs. I would bet teams aren't looking past them this season. Just ask the Fighting Sioux

Donald chimed in on his view of penalty shots:

begin rant
Deciding any team sporting event by using a single element of the game in some sort of last resort attempt to appease "the mob" is an affront on many levels. A tie is a valid result. It says two teams were equal. I'm well aware there are players that like it. I'm already well aware that "the mob" likes it. Implementing shootouts may be inevitable with the prevailing fan attitude much more akin to Goon's than mine but that doesn't mean it won't lessen the game. Lessen? No ... It invalidates the rest of the game. You take 65 minutes of hockey where neither team deserves to lose and condense it to 10 one-on-ones? There's no reason for the actual game at all. Let's just have 2 hours of shootouts. Let's eliminate the teams who played one game 150% better than they've ever played from going home with a well-earned tie against a 43 time National Champion with 5 future NHL snipers. Those programs should just all fold. That'll leave the NCAA with about 15 - 20 teams full of shootout experts.

I'm so far beyond disgust with the prospect that ultimately it could affect my status as a fan of the game. College Hockey is the last sport that I follow regularly (English Premerie League intermittently). I gave up on Baseball as a teen, I stopped watching all Basketball in the mid 80's, and pro Football is a steriod-ridden joke. I guess I could start a Fulham FC Blog? At least the EPL understands the relevance of ties. I honestly don't know how enthusiastic I could be about being a fan when/if that crap comes to be. It's time for a last stand I say. Whoever is in charge of drawing a line and saying, "NO! we will not let you cross this line!" ... needs to get to drawing the damn line and rallying the troops with a stirring "But it will not be this day ..." battle speech. No to the Shootout? Not just No ... fuck no. There must be someone in a position of authority somewhere who can at least be given the opportunity to express that "purists" don't want this crap in the game they love. Adam Wodon better be right when he thinks they'll be an outcry.

The Clock is Ticking on UND's Season...

There is no Time Like the Present:
I was looking at the number for this years addition of the Fighting Sioux and the numbers nationally are not very good, in fact they are dismal. This is probably the reason they have lost 11 games so far this season and sit out of the playoff hunt and in 8th place in the WCHA.

One could say that the margin of error is very thin and it pains rabid Sioux fans like myself to witness what we have seen on the ice this season. The time has come for someone to step up and score goals and that has not happened as of late. Last night another solid effort in net was wasted, incidently Phil is now sitting at a .900 save%. The defense has stepped up now is the time for the Sioux forwards to take notice and score some goals.

A Look at the Numbers
The Fighting Sioux are ranked: 35th in the nation in winning%.
The Fighting Sioux are ranked: 45th in the nation on the Penalty Kill.
The Fighting Sioux are ranked: 17th on the Power Play we were 7th.
The Fighting Sioux Forward Ryan Duncan is ranked 62nd nationally in Points per game.
The Fighting Sioux Forward Ryan Duncan is ranked 13th nationally in goals.
The Fighting Sioux Forward Ryan Duncan is ranked 3rd nationally in PP goals
Looks like the Ryan Duncan show, other need to step up and help out.

How would this kid Look in a Fighting Sioux Uniform?

In case anyone is wondering a few years back it discussed how then BCHL hockey player was interested in attending the University of North Dakota, it was discussed over on Sioux Sports, but after UND showed no interest in Les Reany he chose Niagara, just out for interest sake he has played in twenty one games; scored 14 goals and 21 assist for 35 points. That 1.67 per game and ranked second nationally, I just can’t see where this kid would fit into our line up.

Kessel is Back Rehabing in Providence.

Kessel Rehabing for Return to the Boston Bruins Lineup.
With the Boston Bruins stuck in a three game losing streak the return of Phil would be a welcome addition to the Bruins line up.

From the AP.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) -Boston Bruins rookie Phil Kessel started a brief conditioning stint in the AHL on Friday night, one month after surgery to treat testicular cancer.
Kessel saw action on three lines and played on special teams during the Providence Bruins' 2-1 loss to Worcester.

"I felt good, my body felt fine," said Kessel, the No. 5 pick in last year's NHL draft. "I was in better shape playing during the season, but what can you do? I was resting and got back here ... and worked hard to get back in shape."

Kessel is expected to be recalled by the Bruins after Providence plays at Manchester on Saturday and at home against Springfield on Sunday, Boston general manager Peter Chiarelli said.

"At just 19 years old and in his first season in the NHL, it would be difficult for Phil to come right back to Boston in the middle of the season, after being off the ice for a month," Chiarelli said. "These few games in Providence will help Phil readjust to the speed of the NHL so that he is ready to join Boston on Monday morning."


Kessel already got positive feedback from Providence coach Scott Gordon. I've got to think he felt relatively good because he was up and down the ice all night," Gordon said.

Kessel learned he had testicular cancer shortly before playing in a Dec. 9 game against New Jersey. He underwent surgery three days later to remove his right testicle.

"I couldn't believe it," Kessel said last month. "It was tough. I had a hard time with it."

Edit:
Phil Kessl has played two games in his rehab stint with the Providence Bruins getting a goal in two games. A good start to getting back up and running with the Boston Bruins.

Who Says Shootouts are Boring?

How can you not Like Shootouts?


Who says shootouts are the wrong way to settle a hockey game? Are you kidding me? Did you see yesterday's game? If this isn’t exciting you might want to check your pulse to see if you’re still alive or you want to see a game go 5 overtimes; boring. Don't tell me about hockey purism, that bunk. Funny thing, the Pundits are already starting to weight in on the USA and Canada Shootout. Thank God college hockey gets back in full swing this weekend. They have had too much time on their hands during the holidays.

Adam Wodon chimes in with his disgust for the Shootout: Wodon Weighs in

It doesn't matter whether it's regular season or the playoffs. The same sick, empty feeling remains the same. Sure, we've become desensitized somewhat to the regular-season shootout in the NHL and minor leagues by this point. And, with greater battles to fight in college hockey, many of us have just chosen to ignore the regular-season shootout for now.

But if it comes to college hockey, watch out. Guns will be blazing. And finally, there's the point. This is being discussed in college hockey. Apparently, there is a directive to discuss ways that ties will be eliminated in college hockey in the future.

If that happens, there will be an outcry like college hockey hasn't heard before.
Even most proponents of shootouts in regular-season college hockey probably agree that deciding today's ultra-important World Junior game with one was wrong. But don't stop there. Let the empty feeling of today's events be a lesson to college hockey administrators everywhere — that, at least for anyone with a soul, the same feeling pervades even if it's during the regular season.
Yes, shootouts stink.

Come on, that couldn't be further from the truth.

First off Adam couldn’t be further from the truth. With current state of the NCAA hockey I doubt there is going to be any out cry if the shootout is put into play. Apparently by 2008-2009 the NCAA is going to put this rule into effect. NCAA Hockey Rules page 10

Back to the shootout; the players in this contest know from the opening faceoff that if the game is tied at the end of regulation and overtime they will settle the game with a shootout, end of story. That is the way it is, get over it move one and go back to your cushy job on College Sports Television. We lost; Toews single handedly dismantled Frazee and made him look silly. I only hope when the Sioux play the Gophers in January that Toews makes Frazee and Briggs look silly.
Back to the argument; there is this line of thought that some how the NHL is not as exciting to watch as college hockey, that is utter non-sense. Have you watched an NHL game as of late Adam? Seriously? Also the WCHA has become horrible and unbearable to watch. There are still teams in college hockey that run the now defunct Neutral Zone Trap. If college hockey played the game with the new rules these teams would be run out of the building and would not flourish under the new rules. I doubt some of these teams could put together a shootout line up that could score.

So if it’s good enough for the NHL its damn sure good enough for college hockey. So that argument is utter bull; the NHL flourishing under the new rules that include the shootout and a crack down on enforcement of the rules as they are written. God forbid that college hockey finally come out of the stone age and join the 21st century. There is no calling the game by the scoreboard in the NHL (a penalty in the first period is a penalty in the third period); this is a prevalent practice in WCHA hockey.

The second flaw in Adam’s logic is some how college hockey is pure and fun to watch and shouldn’t be ruined with a shootout and that there is nothing wrong with a tie. I think all ties should be decided in college just like the NHL, if you lose in O.T. you get a point period seems fair enough to me. If the game is still tied after 5 minutes go to the shootout. I wouldn’t mind being on the edge of my seat in the REA. Lately nothing has brought me out of my seat except another trip to the bathroom or another run to the beer line. The game needs some work.

Donald Chimes in with his view on Shoot out
UAA Hockey Blog

Double A Zone Respone:

Josh Has Answered the Question
Read Josh's Response:
I have to admit, I didn’t think that any of the questions asked in the most recent post about mascots were meant to be answered. They seem to be rhetorical in nature because any answer I give isn’t going to be in line with all of your passionate beliefs.

My personal opinion about mascots isn’t directly in accordance with the NCAA position taken by the Executive Committee. For instance, I don’t see much of a difference between Fighting Sioux and Fighting Irish. I know leprechauns aren’t real, but the word “fighting” seems hostile to me. That’s my personal opinion, but the Executive Committee, which is comprised of presidents and chancellors, doesn’t agree with me.

With regard to the questions about Pontiac and Theodore Roosevelt, I can only share my personal thoughts. I do believe there’s a difference between a car company and a sports mascot imitating an American Indian. Teddy Roosevelt was responsible for the establishment of the NCAA, and I see no reason we can’t have an award named in his honor.

You all are going to disagree with me and that’s certainly fine. You’re all passionate, believe the Executive Committee made a poor decision and are looking for hypocrisy in every nook and cranny of the NCAA. I understand the points being made, but personally feel that we’re discussing different situations.

I am not walking a company line – I agree that there are inconsistencies. I can’t imagine how North Dakota fans are feeling and I won’t try to put it in words. I am confident, however, that there are folks up there who are offended by the use of the Fighting Sioux moniker, and I think it’s important to remember that they should have a say as well.


Posted by: Josh Centor | January 3, 2007 02:40 PM
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Basically we are back to the belief that if a small number of people are offended by the name or logo that some how a small minority of people should be able to exact it's will on the majority. I guess we are back to the notion that you have a constitional right to not be offended. Yikes.

Jerry Hatch Responds Again:

I don't think anyone is trying to prevent anyone in North Dakota from having a say. But it certainly appears that those people are in a very small minority. The comparison of the "Fighting Sioux" with the "Fighting Irish" is certainly a valid one, but perhaps not this discussion. Comparing the Sioux logo to the Florida State Seminole logo, plus the horse and rider at the game, plus the fans painted in the stands, many of them doing the "tomahawk chop" and I fail to see how one can be declared hostile and abusive, and the other not. It simply makes NO sense. Nor does overlooking the Aztecs for consideration. I don't recall hearing that anyone asked the Nahua about that. Too many exceptions have been made for poorly designed reasons. The NCAA should just eliminate this policy.

When discussing the car company Pontiac, you should be aware that Pontiac sells its trademarked Indian Head logo on all kinds of products as "OFFICIAL PONTIAC MERCHANDISE." Money does speak louder than words apparently.
Posted by: Jerry Hatch | January 3, 2007 04:39 PM
-----------------------------------------------------
I kind of like this guy.

The Vegas Lines are up for the NCAA Tourney.

Here is the Line for the NCAA Hockey Tourney
5/2 - Minnesota
5/1 - New Hampshire
6/1 - Maine
7/1 - Notre Dame Fighting Irish
7/1 - St. Cloud State
8/1 - Colorado College
10/1 - Miami, Ohio
12/1 - Boston College (dropped from 9/1)
15/1 - Vermont
18/1 - Michigan
20/1 - Clarkson
22/1 - Denver
22/1 - Boston University
25/1 - Cornell
30/1 - Massachusetts
30/1 - Michigan State
30/1 - North Dakota Fighting Sioux
40/1 - Lake Superior State
40/1 - Wisconsin - Defending Champion
50/1 - Dartmouth
50/1 - Alaska-Anchorage
60/1 - Bemidji State
60/1 - Quinnipiac
75/1 - Niagara
10/1 - FIELD (All others)

I am going to Vegas in March to place my bet.
Goon's World odds on the Gophers and Briggs imploding during the NCAA and WCHA playoffs 20/1.

Josh From the Double A Zone, Fails to answer the Questions.

NCAA's Double Zone
Here is the orginal article:
The Double-A Zone has set the record straight when misinformation about the NCAA infiltrates major media. We have discussed and lauded committee decisions; we have also criticized them.

There haven’t been too many dull moments during the past 365 days and we look forward to expanding our coverage and continuing our spirited conversations during 2007.

Here is my response to Josh from the Double A Zone

So who is going to set the record straight for the NCAA, seems they got quite a few of their facts wrong with the nickname debate.

Sioux fans were wondering if your were going to respond to any of the questions we posted for you?

Posted by: Goon | January 2, 2007 05:22 PM

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Here is a response to my comment from Jerry Hatch.

When you have no answers to the questions, I don't think a response will be made!

Posted by: Jerry Hatch | January 3, 2007 11:23 AM

Taylor Chorney Recieves award from INCH

Chorney Makes the Cut
Fighting Sioux defenseman Taylor Chorney has made the INCH's First Half All-WCHA Team. Some more Gee-Whiz reading that I don't mind at all. INCHLink Taylor is a solid defensman and the Fighting Sioux will need him to continue his solid play in the second half of the season if the Fighting Sioux are to make another second half run to the NCAA and WCHA playoffs.

Stats of Interest:
While sitting in the stands recently while the Sioux were being swept by the Wisconsin Badgers a guy that sits next to me told me that Hakstol had not a very good coaching record against the likes of Wisconsin and Minnesota since he has been the head coach at UND. Here is a break down of Hak's record against his two WCHA rivals.

Minnesota: 4-4-0
Wisconsin: 4-7-1

Hakstols Sioux may not have the best regular season record against the Badgers, however, when it matters the most Coach Hakstol has beaten the Badgers twice during the WCHA playoffs at the Final Five. They say the creme rises to the top during defining moments.

Against Minnesota Coach Hakstol has a .500 record against the Minnesota Gophers, however, he does have a winning record against the Gophers during the playoffs winning twice in the 2004-2005 season.

The Goals of the Week. A couple of Former Sioux light the lamp

These are some awesome goals

Zach Parise and Jason Blake light the lamp. Peter Bondra gets his 500th of his career. The Wild Finish in St. Paul as the Wild beat the dead things.

Sioux and Dartmouth Game thread.

UND Fighting Sioux and Dartmouth Big Green

First period Underway:

Score in the first period short handed, finally a goal by a third or fourth line. It took 18 games for the Sioux to score a short-handed goal. Rylan Kiap with the short-handed goal. Even though it was a special teams goal, Brad's Blog has Kaip on the third line with Martens and Fabian, so Sioux fans will take it. The third and fourth lines could make some noise tonight. It would be key if the Sioux want to win the game in convincing fashion.

Penalty to Chay Genoway at 5:57 of the first.
Penalty Shot: awarded to the Sioux. Oshie misses on the penalty shot, Oshie was flexing his hand before the penalty shot, just hoping he isn't hurt again. I suppose we shouldn't worry that much since "the Oshie" has a huge threshold for pain.

Sioux with the parade to the box. Now they are down 5 on 3 for 1:18. Can we say it's time to tighten it up and stop taking stupid selfish penalties.

There is a 7 second delay between the Internet broadcast and the radio broadcast.

More Penalties: Zajac and Lewis at 17:15 of the first period, matching roughing minors 4 on 4 play. The officials for this game must be from the ECAC because there has been a parade to the penalty box all night.

Sioux fourth line was buzzing around the Dartmouth net.

After One Period.
Fighting Sioux up 1-0. Fighting Sioux looking strong and keep a lot of the shots to the outside. There were no assists on Kaip's goal his first of the year and only the fourth goal of his fighting Sioux career.

Second Period: UND gets the power play right away.
Short handed goal for Dartmouth by Jones his 7th goal of the season as he walks by Scott Foyt. Make that an unassisted shorthanded goal by Dartmouth. Second period is not been kind to UND.

Sioux look to be working on a second period stumble again as Dartmouth looking better in the period.

Only 14 shots on net half way through the game, that's only a pitiful 7 shots for each team, this has not been a very exciting game so far.

Another penalty at 9:13 of the second period as Duncan making the trip to the box.

Sioux kill off the penalty and Dartmouth now in the Penalty box. Now is the time for a power play goal for the Fighting Sioux. The Sioux came into the game scoring 21% on the power play but are 0-3 so on the power play so far for the game.

Make that 0-4 on the power play. The Sioux are looking like they are little disorganized so far in the game; maybe it’s the fact that they haven’t played a game in about two weeks. Power play is not clicking. There have only been 10 shots on goal for each team so far.

Big Joe Finley takes a stupid crosschecking penalty, although in reviewing the penalty it looked pretty weak to me.

Oh my God, another fricken penalty at a really bad time as the Sioux are down 5-3 with a boarding penalty to Jones. The assistant referee made the call from way across the ice. Hak is not happy with the call. This is a big kill coming up. Now is not the time to implode. Lets kill the penalty boys.

Sioux only down one man as Finley back on the ice. Johnson from Dartmouth pulls down Genoway, penalty Dartmouth. Sioux will get the power play in 26 seconds. Lammy making some big saves to keep the Sioux in the game. Scratch that PP as Kyle Radke with another untimely stupid penalty. Sioux have been penalized 8 times in the game already, with one period to go. Dartmouth's Glass runs into Lammy so the Sioux will have a 4-3 power play.

End of the Second Period
Sioux will have a 4-3 power play to start the third period.
UND's Lamoureux with 11 saves Dartmouth's Devine with 9 saves after two periods of play.

Third Period Underway:
Sioux come out on fire; Sioux were on the power play again 5 on 4. Scratch that Kyle Radke takes another stupid penalty only 1:25 into the third period.

Sioux kill the penalty. Sioux are buzzing the Dartmouth net again.
Forney with a penalty, come on guys we are playing with fire. Even though Dartmouth is 11/95 on the power play.

Glass is going to get a penalty for ramming into Lamoureux. Holy cow the refs need to let the boys play some hockey. There has been a rash of penalties; there is absolutely no flow at all to this game. We are playing 4 on 4 hockey again, unless there is another parade to the penalty box again, as the referee continues to call the game very tight.

Sioux Score:
Bina scores from Duncan and Oshie on a beautiful goal. That is the third goal of the season for Robbie Bina.

My God; another penalty to Matt Watkins, the 11th of the game at 7:26 of the third period. These clowns in the ECAC can't call a game to save their lives.

Fighting Sioux Andrew Kozek Scores:
That is number 4 on the year for Andrew Kozek finally gets off the snide, assist on the goal to Chris Porter. Finally; that is what I am talking about. On the night that makes two goals 4 on 4 goals in the third period.

I have decided to give up reporting Penalties just too many to call at with 5:49 left in the third period. There are just too many to report. In fact as I write there is no one in the penalty boxes. Cross your fingers folks. UND hasn't given up any power play goals to the Big Green so far and that should bring UND's penalty kill numbers up. Looking at the silver lining in this.

Sioux Score an Empty Net Goal:
Duncan his 12th of the year assist from TJ Oshie. All UND goals were scored either 4 on 4 or short-handed. The first two short handed goal of the year.

Keys to the win:
Limit power play goals by the opposition there were non-score tonight. Dartmouth was about 0-13 on the night. The Fighting Sioux will have to limit the amount of penalties they take if they want to be successful. The Fighting Sioux needed to get good defense from the defensive core; that happened tonight for the first time in a long time.

Goaltending Proves to be the Key to the Game: The Sioux got very solid goaltending from their starter tonight. It must happen every night for the Sioux to win in the second half of the season.

Intangibles; I know this win is against a weaker team from a weak division but it stops a 4 game losing streak where the Sioux had lost 7 out of 8 games. This is something the coaching staff can build on and get the confidence of this team going again.

Scores from tonight:
Clarkson Beating Wisconsin 4-1
SCSU beats UNION 6-2
UMD getting beat by OSU 4-1
Minnesota beating Cup Cake Alabama Huntsville 3-0
SLU beats BU 4-3 in OT on a penalty shot.

Season's Greating From a Gopher fan.

Anti Sue?

Satnu's Church
Hum, I not sure I want to touch this one. I don't want to be struck down by a higher power in the next thunderstorm. The Golden Nation has a way of coming up with interesting posts, some border on demented. It almost seems like the author has a Sioux fixation. Thats fine. Satnu's work gives me something to laugh about during what has turned out to be one of the roughest seasons on record for Fighting Sioux fans during the last 10 seasons. In a way it's kind of funny because I have a bunch of buddies that keep telling me this all the time, I keep telling them 7>5. I am not sure if the sign is legit or not it could be an urban legend, or someone with a photo shop program and I also the authors church is in Cambridge England.

Personally, I am not so sure I would want to defile a Church sign like this but to each his own.

Check out these Fugly Uniforms.

New Hockey Uniforms: Yuck
These are for the five people that haven't seen these uniforms yet. When I first saw this I thought it was a joke, but these are some ugly jerseys. The new Jerseys for maine are the worst. Yuck, you have to be kidding me.

Miller Takes on the Double A-Zone: This is Some Classic Stuff.

Pat Miller in the Zone:
I wonder if the NC$$ ever feels like it picked the wrong fight, when it deemed the University of North Dakota’s Fighting Sioux name hostile and abusive... Seriously I bet the NCAA never expected some of the responses they have gotten from Sioux fans since the NCAA picked a fight with UND. Give them hell Pat Miller.
Double A Zone
Minnesota takes a stand. Minnesota athletics director Joel Maturi announced that the school will not compete against North Dakota in any sport other than men’s or women’s ice hockey because of its Fighting Sioux nickname. Both schools compete in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, and I assume that’s why the Gophers will keep playing North Dakota on the ice. While the NCAA has come under much criticism for the Executive Committee’s policy restricting the use of Native American mascots, nicknames and imagery, this reinforces that there are plenty of people who work in higher education who don’t condone the use of racially sensitive monikers in the athletics arena. Maturi isn’t the first to take a stand and likely won’t be the last.

Patrick Millers Response:

So when's the NCAA going to dump Pontiac as a sponsor? That's the auto manufacturer that uses the name of a famous American Indian chief for profit and a stylized arrowhead logo for marketing purposes. Or are economic factors more important than high-minded principles to the NCAA?

When is the NCAA going to change the name of its Theodore Roosevelt Award? After all, it was Roosevelt who once said: "I suppose I should be ashamed to say that I take the Western view of the Indian. I don't go so far as to think that the only good Indians are dead Indians, but I believe nine out of every ten are, and I shouldn't like to inquire too closely into the case of the tenth." Why does the NCAA continue to honor a man who engaged in hate speech and advocated the genocide of American Indians?

Of course, Minnesota itself is an American Indian word. The University of Minnesota rests upon land once occupied by the Santee Sioux tribe, a tribe forced off its land by broken treaties at the point of a gun. Other Sioux tribes in Minnesota suffered the same fate. Many of their ancestors now live in North Dakota and attend UND because of its 25+ programs for American Indians. Perhaps the good citizens of Minnesota could better display their sensitivity and sense of social justice by returning that stolen property to its original owners.

If you think that the the University of Minnesota, which has four times the number of students as UND, actually enrolls more American Indian students that its "hostile and abusive" neighbor to the west, you'd be wrong. The hypocrisy displayed by the NCAA and the University of Minnesota on this issue is nothing short of stunning.

We will all be patiently waiting for Josh to respond to Miller’s comments I doubt one will be forth coming any time soon. Hey, we will wait. Mostly likely Josh will take the high road, and fail to answer Pat’s comments. Probably just blow them off as more UND anti NCAA rhetoric. Sadly the NCAA continues to sit in its ivory tower and look down on people, wringing their hands and trying to rid the college athletic world of social injustices. The sad part is that look like a bunch of elitist boobs. There is an old saying about not throwing stones when you live in glass houses.

Here is another comment from a fan that I thought was interesting, but it does add to the discussion. Read and enjoy:

What a fine stand to take. But wait a second, oops, he seems to have forgotten that wrestling competed against Central Michigan....the Chippewas. And, oops, forgot to check that pesky Golf schedule on their web page....where they played in the "Fighting Illini Invitational." You want an example of a stand? Find someone who isn't also a hypocrite.

Lucky for Minnesota their football team won't be good enough to meet Florida State anytime soon.... Imagine the backpedaling he’d have to do then!
Posted by: Jerry Hatch

Someone should call Maturi and ask him to explain this policy and aske him why the University of Minnesota can play CMU in golf but not UND in basketball. Seems like the University of Minnesota pretty much violated its own policy they were beating their chest about. Finally, be happy Gopher fans that your team doesn’t have to play mighty FSU in Football. Realistically speaking, your team barely beat the NDSU Bison a provisional member of Division 1AA (and a very good one I might add also) what makes you think your team can win a game against a legitimate 1-A football opponent. But Hey your moral fiber won't allow you to play the Sioux. Thats your loss by the way.

The point of contention for me and other UND fans is that one name/mascot is good for one some schools and under the same types of circumstances another name is not good for other schools, mostly schools that aren't as big and as powerful as FSU. Because of this flawed policy some schools remain on the list, while other schools do not. I hate to cloud the issue with fact but:

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.

EDIT: My Response, I wrote this response to poster by the name of Scott who had posted on the NCAA blog.

Scott,
A long time ago Minnesota couldn’t beat Denver in college hockey and some speculated it was because DU used too many 25-year-old Canadians… The Gophers decided not to schedule Denver for some time (that made them look petty IMHO). However, Minnesota won’t be so silly this time around, for one it would make them look petty just like they did when they wouldn’t play DU in hockey, but the real reason the University of Minnesota doesn't want to forgo playing the UND Fighting Sioux is because they would be cutting off their nose to spite their face, they would lose too much money.

Don’t let the Gopher administrators fool you…UND is one of their biggest rivals in hockey. So when the Fighting SIOUX play the University of Minnesota they play the games in arenas packed to the rafters. Almost every game between UND and UMN that I can remember has been sold out. Second UMN doesn't want to forfeit the games. If some ridiculous school doesn’t want to play UND one of the other sports so be it, it’s their loss. However, notice no one is saying hey, we don’t want to play UND in hockey. The athletic director apologized to her minions for scheduling UND in hockey (a move that she has since been lambasted for) but notice she didn’t pull UND invitation, because she knows UND is a big draw in college hockey and will pack her arena.

When this is all said and done we will really find out that political correctness run amuck will be met with severe pushback from the rest of the non-liberal elites. The majority of people are sick of liberal social engineering. The Minnesota issue just proves how far out of touch with the rest of mainstream society the NCAA and hand wringing liberal elites are.

Posted by: Goon | December 27, 2006 01:02 PM

I am betting Josh won't comment on any of the 6 responses that have been posted to his blog entry.

WJC Tourney Under Way.

USA Loses to Germany in OT.
USA gets of to a bad start in the WJC tourney as team USA loses to weak sister Germany. Team Germany scores in the over time to shock USA 2-1. Wouldn’t you know it, Fighting Sioux defensemen, Brian Lee and Taylor Chorney were on the ice when the Germans scored the game-winning goal? Lee staying consistent and continuing to play poorly looked like a pylon as the player from German skated right by Lee like he was standing still.

Finland Shocked by Belerus
The shocker of the WJC after one day is Belarus beat team Finland and top goalie Tuukka Rask, it has been said that Rask is one of the top goalie in the WJC tourney this season and a future of the Boston Bruins. Rask gave up 4 goals on 11 shots.

Get all the updates on the WJC at TSN WJC, IIHF, Brad's Blog, Team Canada, USA Hockey

UNDHOCKEY Blog has picked team USA to win the WJC Tourney.
My Response: Yeah, not this year. I don't see it happening the USA team made a lot of good plays but failed to click offensively against a lesser team like Germany. Also, the USA players were rather selfish with the puck in the offensive end. Soon to be NHL player Kyle Okposo was awesome as he drew like 5 penalties on his own with his quick feet and tireless efforts.

Rules Changes for WJC
The WJC has now followed the NHL and gone to the 4 on 4 for overtime followed by a shoot out if the game is still tied. Also the WJC tourney is calling the game like it should be called. I think it is time for college hockey to follow suit.

At the Half Way Point.

A look at the Standings for the WCHA Version II

Goon's World Projected Final WCHA Standing
1. Minnesota
2. North Dakota
3. Denver
4. Wisconsin
5. Colorado College
6. Minnesota-Duluth
6. St. Cloud
8. Minnesota State
9. Michigan Tech
10. Alaska-Anchorage

Here are the actual points after the first half of the season.
Standing as of 12-24-2006
1.) Minnesota 21 points
2.) Denver 18 points
3.) C.C. 16 points
4.) SCSU 15 points
5.) UAA 14 points
6.) MTU 14 points
7.) Wisconsin 12 points
8.) UND 11 points
9.) MSUM 10 points
10.) UMD 06 points

Things are shaking out in ways I didn't think would happen.
Should be an interesting second half.
Edit: Here is the Preseason Grand Forks Herald Coaches Poll
1. (tie) Minnesota (5) 74
1. (tie) Wisconsin (3) 74
3. North Dakota (2) 66
4. Denver 55
5. St. Cloud State 48
6. Minnesota Duluth 45
7. Colorado College 37
8. Michigan Tech 19
9. Minnesota State, Mankato 18
10. Alaska Anchorage 14

Pierre-Marc Bouchard Penatly Shot against Habby.

This was an awesome penatly(some would say contriversial) shot in the Wild's win against the Chicago Black Hawks on December 5th, 2006. Infact it turned out to be the winning goal in the shoot out against the Black Hawks. This season Pierre-Marc Bouchard has been improving almost by the week as he is second on the Wild with 25 points in 35 games. When it is all said and done this will probably turn out to be a top 10 clip.

Brian Rolston

He Did What?
I am a huge Minnesota Wild Fan and I have watched them play religiously the past two seasons. Actually, it would be an huge understatement if I told you that I watched a lot of hockey this season. Ah the beauty of NHL Center Ice.

There is no question about it Brian Rolston is an All-Star-Hockey player, his value to the Minnesota Wild is very high. It would be a crying shame if he isn't on the All-Star team this season. There is no doubt that when the Wild signeed Rolston as a free agent from the Boston Bruins it was an awesome addition to the Wild's line up. It was a very smart move by the Wild Brass. Check out these clips, Rolston has a slap shot that is out of this world. How would you like to be a goalie facing one of these shots? Lastly, Rolston is one of my favorite players I just how the Wild keep him locked up and in a Wild uniform. Maria who? Enjoy.

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year.

US Marines
Merry Christmas from the Goon

First off, lets not forget our men and women fighting for Freedom in the Middle East, being a former US Army soldier myself, I know how tough it is to be away from family and friends during the holidays. Guarding our nations interests around the world is a twenty four seven, 365-day a year job. The mission doesn’t stop for the holidays. Whether you agree with the politics of the war or not, our soldiers don’t get enough credit for the hard work they do. May each and every one of our soldiers, sailor marines and airmen be in all of our thoughts and prayers, till they all come home. Lets kick some Taliban and Al-Quaida ass.

Dug a Pretty Hole

This first half of the season has been tough to swallow for rabid Sioux fans; what we have seen during the first half of the season is not Fighting Sioux hockey . Fighting Sioux hockey traditionally has been scoring timely goals, having a strong stingy defense and getting good solid goaltending from its goaltender. Of the three things listed, none has come to fruition this season as of yet. The time is now, there is no tomorrow.

While I am not giving up yet, key word is yet; I figure to make a run at the playoffs the Fighting Sioux are going to have to win 13-16 and only lose about 4-5 games, getting swept at home or on the road is not acceptable. Sounds easy enough, right? Not the way the Sioux played in the first half of the season. Nothing comes easy in this world. The road to the playoff is going to be very tough if the Fighting Sioux doesn’t get their act together and fast. Finishing in the top five is a must if the Fighting Sioux are to be successful at all.

The Schedule reads like this: The Sioux play C.C. on the 5th and 6th of January, minus Toews, Lee and Chorney (all are at Sweden for the WJC), then back at home against UAA on the 12th and 13th of January (0-2 this season against UAA), a home and home series against BSU Beavers on the 19th and 20th of January before they finish the month against the red hot UMN Gophers (lets hope they are over confident). I figure they have to go at least 6-2 or 5-3 to have a chance, anything less and it is going to be curtains for the Sioux’s playoff chances.

Take the Team Canada Hockey Challenge.

Check this out
Check out this fantasy sports game Fantasy Sports Network
I played it last year during the World Juniors tourney and it is a lot of Fun. Straight from the Site: It's simple: before each round, make your picks for the winners of each game. Every time you guess right, you rack up points. At the end of it all, you could WIN the Grand Prize: a Bubble Hockey Table, or a bunch of other cool prizes! Take the Challenge.

Another Memory from the Past

Drew Makes Good on Penalty Shot.

How big would this kid be if he was still in a Fighting Sioux uniform. This is Drew scoring on a penatly shot in overtime against Maine in the 2004-2005 season. Big players make big plays when the game in on the line. Drew we miss you here in North Dakota. Unforunately I am a RABBID Bruin's fan and it pains me very much to see Drew wearing a Buffalo Sabres uniform.

All I want for Christmas!!!

Letter To Santa Christmas Tree

Dear Santa,
I am sending you my Christmas wish list for the 2006-2007 Fighting Sioux hockey season.

1.)Solid Goaltending each and every night, any save percentage above .900% would be appreciated, all we are asking for is just a few more saves per game and one less goal per game being scored against our team.
2.)Solid defense is a must; we want a defensive core that limits the opposition to fewer than 25 shots per game, and defensemen that pounds the living daylights out of the opposition in when they decided to skate in front of our goal.
3.)Consistent Goal scoring each and every weekend from all four lines.
4.)A couple of 20 goals scores, two will be fine but more would be appreciated.
5.)A top five finish in the WCHA standing and a home WCHA playoff series.
6.)Penalty Killing percentage of 85%, 77% is not getting it done.
7.)A berth in the Final Five in March.
8.)A berth in the NCAA playoffs.
9.)If possible a NCAA Frozen Four Berth.
10.)National Championship number 8

In conclusion Sioux fans aren’t asking for too much we just want a winning team and a successful season, please grant us our Christmas wishes, we aren’t asking for too much just joy and happiness in the new year. GO FIGHTING SIOUX.
P.S. Please put lumps of Coal in the Gophers stockings.

Respectfully,

The Goon

Check Out These Saves.

These are some Awesome Saves

Sioux Hit Rock Bottom.

Losing Skid hits 3 Games
A listless Fighting Sioux hockey team lost 3-1 to the upstart and improved Michigan Huskies, in WCHA action. The loss was the Fighting Sioux’s sixth loss in the past seven games and hence, the third loss in row for the Fighting Sioux. If one had to use one single word to describe the Fighting Sioux effort the past three games it would be: UNACCEPTABLE. This is not Fighting Sioux hockey. Fighting Sioux hockey is about effort and out working opponents, it's about winning battles and pushing people around. Fighting Sioux hockey is about winning ugly and scoring dirty goals. The MTU Huskies out worked the Fighting Sioux for 50 of 60 minutes, and it showed on the scoreboard in the end. The Sioux put on a valiant effort in the final 1.32 of the game; finally getting a single goal past Nolan. One must ask where was that at in the second period when you were MIA.

Big Problems in Goal
Also, Fighting Sioux junior goalie Phil Lamoureux continues his slide towards goaltending mediocre, losing for the third game in a row. Since Phil Lamoureux has regained his starting duties the Fighting Sioux have taken (2) TWO league points. Please? Can someone please tell me why he is still the starting goaltender? At this point in the season I don’t’ think Grieco could do any worse than Phil, at least rotate the two goalies until someone estasblishes as the go to guy. Phil isn't lighting the world on fire. I am almost ready to start the call for Walski, could he do any worse, I guess he could. In fact you can put me in the anybody but Phil camp. Give me Grieco or Walski. If your not going to play Grieco what did you bring him here for? If anything you rushed him into the league dominated by upper classmen. I also can't believe this was the best recruit that the Fighting Sioux could get, are you kidding me? In case you haven't taken a look in rafters lately this isn't Canisus College, this is the University of North Datkota the FSU of college hockey, one of the bench mark programs in division one hockey. We should have young talented goalies lined up to play for our school.

I am tired of hearing the same thing week after week, year after year: Phil is a good goalie that hasn’t gotten any offensive support, Phil hasn’t been given a fair shake (when Jordan Parise was here), the offense isn’t scoring for him, its obvious Phil isn’t cutting the mustard, the goals he let in were the defenses fault. Two of the three goals scored last night could have been stopped by a bantam “A” goalie; in fact I know one the Fighting Sioux should consider picking up. Seth are you ready to go in yet?

If the Sioux coaching staff is smart they should start combing western Canada for a shut down, stud goalie and I suggest sooner rather than later. Lets hope that the Coaching staff will not accept losing and the status quo, it's not about hurting people's feelings it's about winning hockey games. Fighting Sioux hockey is not entitlement hockey, and Sioux hockey team needs goaltending help bad.

The was for the most part last nights game was a hard game to watch, when MTU scored the third goal, I thought the stands were going to clear out for good as the fair-weather Sioux fans headed for the exits, some of which won’t be back tonight. That isn’t a bad thing. I was there to the brutal end and booing at Fighting Sioux’s effort. Something are going to have to change or the season will be lost.

Mid Term Stats Report: A Breaking Down the Numbers

The Fighting Sioux by the Numbers Nationally.

The Fighting Sioux are ranked 4th nationally on the power play scoring on 23% of their power plays.

The Fighting Sioux are ranked 54th out of 59 teams nationally in penalty killing at 77.3% (that has to improve to at least 85 percent).

The Fighting Sioux are ranked 37th nationally in penalty minutes taken at 17.3 minutes a game by the Fighting Sioux.

The Fighting Sioux are ranked 37th nationally in goals scoring that works out to 3.19 goals per game.

The Fighting Sioux are ranked 24th nationally in goals scored against with 3.19 per game.

In winning percentage by Sioux goaltenders.
Fighting Sioux goalie Philippe Lamoureux is ranked 51st nationally out of 78 goalies in winning percentage with a .400 percent winning percentage.

Fighting Sioux goalie goalie Tony Grieco is ranked 25th nationally out of 78 goalies with a .583 winning percentage.

Something to Cheer You Up.

Better Days Ahead
Looking at this tape should make Sioux fans feel a lot better, one could say that we have seen better times up here in Title Town (Grand Forks, ND), I know the season is far from over. Good times lie ahead for the Fighting Sioux Hockey team. My father sent me an email this past week that said son, "it's only a game" My response to him was "Bull Feathers". Fans of other programs can say its only a game. Winning at UND is a way of life.

Check out Big Mike Prpich's fight during the hall of fame game, it was also Jordy first game as a fighting Sioux. I hope we can see more Andrew Kozek's pattened wrist shot for a goal, aned finally the boys lifting the throphy in St. Paul at the final five, yep I was there. Haven't missed a final five in 8 years.

Hey Sioux Fans Remember this Kid? Sparky Where Have You Gone?

Sparky Makes Briggs Look Sick
When I first heard that Spirko was leaving the team I thought oh well if he doesn't want to be here, fine, so be it. After watching this years fighting Sioux hockey team struggle through the first 16 games it's apparently our offense is like a toothless tiger, UND needs an offensive spark. How big would this kid be in the Fighting Sioux line up right now? I am sure he would have tallied a few goals and made other goalies, not just Kellen Briggs look sick. Enjoy the Video and Sparky we hardly knew you.

Classic Don Cherry.

Think Don Likes the Refs
Don Cherry is a sports icon in my opinion, the former Boston Bruins coach has a show every Saturday night on CBC, his rants are classic. Although I am not a Canadian I appreciate his points on life. Don is a patriot and calls the game of hockey as he sees it. I really like the part where he breaks down the Drake hit as opposed to the the Ovechkin hit.

Andrew Alberts Big Hit
Former Boston College Eagle Alberts talks about the officating and how it's inconsistant from night to night. In this clip former fighting Sioux player Zach Parise gets into a scrum in front of the net with a bunch of Boston Bruins defenders.

Listen To Rick Generett the Voice of the Sabres.

This guys is awesome
I think he is one of the best announcers in all of hockey. My favorite one is when a Sabre scores a goale top shelf, Rick say, "up in the top self where momma keeps the cookies". Enjoy the clips its classic stuff from a future hall a fame announcer. Or at least in Goon's world. Listening to Rick sure beats listening to Frank Mazzocco.


Here is some more classic Rick Generett. Unforunately they are playing the Hurricanes in this clip again, no I am not picking on the Canes but it seems that Carolina has had trouble with Buffalo this season. Buffalo was really skating well and the announcer was really getting into the game. This guy makes watching hockey games fun. The best one is Paul Gaustad his third goal in the last three games the Goose is really honking.

I Think This Sums it up Pretty Well.

This was a Post on Sioux Sports.Com

Fans of this program go into every season expecting to win every game, and ending up in the Frozen Four. We expect to bring in top-flight talent, and have them perform every game, for a full 60 minutes. It's the way it is, and it's the type of thing that sets better programs apart from the rest. We do not settle for mediocrity, sorry-ass excuses or losing seasons. Leave that to other programs. Most fans of this team are very hockey savvy, and alot of the comments made here and at REA, while they may make you cry, are made with the expectation that we should win every f'ing game played, especially in our own barn. Even if this team had no losses, and was winning by 6 point margins every night, we would still critique the team, the coaches, the ice, the refs, the crowd, etc. Moreover, few things irritate me more than certain posters engaging in the mental masturbation of accusing other fans of being "fair weather" or "bandwagon jumpers" when they express their frustration with this team, engage in debates about certain players or otherwise coach from the couch.

It would be an understatement if I said there had been some negativity this past week over on SiouxSports.com. Because there has. However, most of the criticism pointed in the direction of the Fighting Sioux hockey team is justified. What is happening on the ice is not Fighting Sioux hockey. What happening on the ice maybe be acceptable at other schools but this is NOT ACCEPTABLE AT UNVERSITY OF NORTH DAKOTA. But I digress; sugar coating this past weekend effort makes it worse. I read where were one fans said lets look at the positive. Yep your right lets look at how Robbie Bina scored a beautiful big goal during a crucial time in the game only to have that effort pissed away by stupid penalties and poor goaltending.

Fair Weather Fans

As a fan I can’t accept what I have seen on the ice so far, this is not Fighting Sioux hockey. On the flip side of that criticizing the Fighting Sioux hockey team does not make you a fair weather fan either, people that are suggesting this are dead wrong. In fact they are being moronic. Most of us hard-core fans (like myself and my buddies) will be sitting in the stands long after the fair weather fans have gotten off their hands and vacated the arena or simply have left the REA bars in the arena after the second period. That is fine with me, let the fair weather fans leave and make some room for the people that actually want to watch the game.

Are You A Fair Weather Fan?

When I say fair weather fans, you know the ones. These are the fans that are chatting on their cell phones will we are trying to watch the game, these are the fans that are standing in the bar when we game is going on. These are the ones leaving the game with 12 minutes to go in the third period. Who needs them? Let them give up there tickets to people that actually want to see a hockey game in the best arena in college hockey.

It Takes 60 Minutes to Win A hockey Game

Last weekend the Fighting Sioux hockey team failed to play 60 minutes of hockey each game and was incidentally swept by the Wisconsin Badgers in a crucial WCHA series. The Fighting Sioux took knuckle headed penalties at the wrong time and got horrible goaltending from Phil Lamoureux. Someone on the coaching staff needs to face facts and sit Phil down hand him the clipboard and tell him this is where he is going to be sitting until he is needed again. Being bench has happened to Sioux goaltenders with better numbers than the ones Phil is sporting right now, can we say Toby and Jake. Hell I would take Jake back right now. He played a lot better than this. The Fighting Sioux coaching staff need to realize it time to do an extensive search for a goaltender that can play, someone like Jordan Parise they can build the team around. Possibly someone has to split time with Grieco next season and establish himself as the starting goalie of the future.

Phil Is No Jordan Parise

If you look at the Goaltending issues of the Fighting Sioux, there are a lot of problems that need to be addressed. It is very apparent that the Fighting Sioux miss super star and all world goalie Jordan Parise, and coach Brad Berry. The kid was an awesome goalie who only got better as the season wore on. Phil is nowhere near the goalie Jordy was. Last season I heard grumbling last season on how some of the fans has said that Phil had not been given a fair shake and that Parise didn’t deserve the starting position. Wow, were those fans way off the mark.

There have been discussions on how Grieco play hasn’t been very good. There has been a lot of discussion on how the young goalie leaves huge rebounds and gives up soft goals (and he has), and that Phil was the much better goaltender of the two. I am going to cut Grieco some slack because he is freshman and will probably get better; I have seen some amazing moves out of this kid, he has, however let in some really weak goals at crucial times. Ala the game in Anchorage comes to mind. On the flip side; Phil is supposed to be the starting goaltender of the Nationally Ranked Fighting Sioux. The time has come for Phil to drive the team to national prominence. The only thing Lammy has done is backstop a team to the bottom of the standings and out of the national rankings. Now UND is in jeopardy of missing the playoffs sitting on the wrong side of the PWR/RPI rankings with a losing record. Not acceptable. Letting in 4 or more goals in 8 games this season. UND has given up four goals or more for three out of the last four games. Winning only one game.

Neither goaltender’s efforts have earned them another start but someone has to play, I guess we could play Walski but I don’t see him playing any better than the other two since he is the practice goalie. In Grieco’s defense he is a freshman and has played just as well or better than Phil in my opinion. Lets break down the numbers: Grieco has actually got 7out of a possible 12 points, while Phil has got 2 out of a possible 12 points, that is not good even using Gopher math. Phil is supposed to be the starting goaltender and he hasn’t proven he deserves to have that title. If I had to rate the Sioux’s effort this past weekend I would rank it a 5/10. There were glimpses of greatness followed by piss poor efforts, mental breakdowns kill us every game. These mistakes must end or we will be sitting in the bottom of the standings watching the Gophers skate away with another WCHA title.

Linkorama: A Trip Around the Hockey Blogs.

Links
I have not posted an article on how the Sioux being spanked by the upstart Wisconsin Badgers Saturday night, but I probably will. I just don't feel like typing a bunch of negative stuff, on how the goaltending sucks and how our team plays undisciplined and takes bad penalties at key times during the game. I guess I could discuss how Oshie and Toews are getting hooked and held up and down the ice while the officials stand there watching the play oblivious as if nothing just happened. Pretty sure the WJC officials aren’t going to be this bad.

I don't need an anxiety attack over something none of us can control. I trust the UND administration they will not let the UND hockey program slide into oblivion. Also I believe that Hakstol will get it together and a least get the team to play competitive by the end of the season. I have to admit that I have added to the negativity, but I must ask some of the fans that are saying there is too much negativity on Sioux Sports, my first question is have you watched the team play this year, honestly, I am not talking about watching from the bar in the REA. Have you seen how bad the goaltending and defense sucked this past weekend.

Maybe the Vikings will put me in a good mood. Then I see that Brad Johnson is starting. I can feel my Blood pressure going up already. Oh My God, the Vikings actually scored a touch down. Wow as I edit this they are up 20-0, oops make that 20-7 I hope that doesn’t mean we are going to have to put up with Brad Johnson for another week?

RWD is feeling a little down after seeing her dogs get swept this weekend. Hang in there RWD we know what its like. Our series of futility is coming soon to the DECC.

RWD
Lets Go DU reports a Brawl between the UAA Seawolves and C.C. Tigers, during this past weekend's series. Sounds like some old time hockey in Collorado Springs this past weekend.
Lets Go DU

The Wisconsin Hockey Blog accuses UND of being a good hockey team. Yikes, now ylur have really jinked us. Also, the Wisconsin hockey blog breaks down Saturday's game. Yep that is 2 sweeps in a row by the Badgers over the Sioux in the REA. Maybe their fans will want to call it Kohl center west like the cocky Gopher fans. Doubt it, Wisconsin fans actually have class.

Wisconsin Hockey

Certainly, North Dakota is young and has its share of problems, especially in net. And they were decimated by early defections in the offseason. But North Dakota is still a very, very good team, with great speed and extremely talented, so to go into their building and pick up a sweep and also win 3 of 4 on the year is a great accomplishment for a Badger team that needs some momentum. In fact, the Badgers have now won 4 straight games at Ralph Engelstad Arena.

UAA's Fan Blog
UAA fan blog discusses the horrible state of officiating in the "WCHA". No say it isn't so. No, that can't be. Looks like Sioux fans aren't the only ones that seem to believe that the officals in this league suck. A ref making a bad call at a cruical time in the game. Carefull or the Gopher fans will start calling UAA fans Halo's too.

A split with a good team has some satisfaction but (and I bet you knew there'd be a but) it's greatly tempered by the interference call on UAA with a little over 90 seconds left in the game. Whatever. Some dipshit referee decides he'd like to have an impact instead of letting the players decide the game on the ice. Nothing you can do about it. We've seen across the league an increase in the tendency of linesmen to make calls. It was part of the points of emphasis that linesman would be required to make certain calls. I obviously didn't see the game but will stipulate that the "Too Many Men" call is one of those that linesman should be calling. Sure ... even in OT. But less than 20 seconds after killing that; referee "Mozart" Hunt hits the Seawolves with an "interference" penalty (when players are contesting the puck on a face off)? It wasn't the first "interference" penalty like that Hunt called on the night (at 16:36 of the 3rd period Billy Sweat of CC was called for "interference" on an almost identical situation during a faceoff). UAA scored on that power play to tie the game. But like I said ... whatever. It's not the first time in the WCHA that a ref has interjected himself like a clown in an opera and it won't be the last.

ECAC has Worse Officating that the "W"

This is an interesting article I found on Kevin Allenspach's blog. Apparently the ECAC has worse officating than the WCHA. Interesting. From
Colgate speaks out on ReffingKevin Allenspach's Blog

The SCSU mens' hockey team beat Colgate 3-1 on Friday night, but the Raiders had some interesting things to say afterward.
Coach Don Vaughan on the fact that his team had just two power-play chances after having 180 in 17 games in the eastern time zone: "I thought it was absolutely great. It's the most 5-on-5 hockey we've played this year. It was refreshing. There's a lot less flow to the game (in the ECACHL) with all the special teams stuff. We've had 180. (SCSU) has had, what, 70? You can take it from there."

Not a Good Effort as Badgers Win 4-3.

Not a Strong Night
Last night game was not fun to watch. It would be an understatement to say that last night’s effort was not acceptable; in fact there was no effort from the home team, the team played with no fire and no emotion. Tim Hennesy touched on it during his post game show. Frankly, this is not the kind of results we expect from a benchmark program or from a Fighting Sioux hockey team. Sure they are young but everyone’s team is young in the WCHA this year. There should be no sugar coating last night’s game, it was horrible effort and a tough game to watch, as the Fighting Sioux team gave up another lead in the second period in yet another game as the Wisconsin Badgers scored three goals in the middle frame.

Breaking the game down:
The offense was ok in the game getting three goals against an all American goalie. In most cases three goals against Brian Elliot should be enough to win most games against the Badgers. The defense played ok but gave up an odd man rush that led to a goal during an important time in the game. The goaltending grade for last night would be C- or D+. Frankly the team let the fans down again last night. No one is playing with passion and fire and if they don’t find some chemistry soon we will sitting in the bottom half of the league standings. The improvement starts with the leadership and the team.

Found this Fighting Sioux Fight Tape. Rory's Fight

Mcmahon and Vanelli
Does this clip bring back some memories or what, I can't remember the last time we saw a fight at the REA. Mcmahon and Vanelli going toe to toe a couple of years back in the Ralph. The Sioux got shelled in the game but McMahon got the best of Vanelli.McMahon and Vanelli Fight