Check out this B.C. fan Blog

Check out this blog

I found this blog For Here Men are Men it offers a really good perspective on the B.C. Eagles and it also has some great press links from the Boston area newspapers about the up coming game with the Boston College Eagles. While I hate the Boston Globe political leanings they do have one of the best sports pages in the USA.

Sioux Hockey a Relgious Experience

Like most of us didn't already know this, but this is a nice aritcle from the Belleville News-Democrat I must add that it is a horrible name for a news paper, but I digress.

ST. LOUIS - Ryan Johnson knows there will be a lot of North Dakota green at the NCAA Frozen Four hockey tournament in St. Louis this week.

The St. Louis Blues winger still speaks in reverent terms of his 1 1/2 seasons with the North Dakota Fighting Sioux, who face Boston College on Thursday in the semifinals at Scottrade Center.

"It's a religion," was the first thing that came to Johnson's mind when asked about a tradition that includes three straight Frozen Four appearances and five in the last eight years. "In Grand Forks, with the beautiful facility they have and the support the city gives that team. It's unbelievable.

"There's not many other colleges in college hockey that have the tradition and history this program has."

Ex-Blue Tony Hrkac and Johnson's brother, former NHL player Greg Johnson, each were All-Americans with the Fighting Sioux, who won their first national championship in 1959. Hrkac played for UND's 1987 national champs while Los Angeles Lakers coach. Phil Jackson is another famous North Dakota alumnus

Ryan Johnson will have to miss the Frozen Four tournament with the Blues on a season-ending road trip this week.

"I would have loved to be here to watch the games," Johnson said. "I know the coaching staff very well and that would have been a blast, but I'll still be cheering them on in spirit."

Men's and women's hockey are the only Division I sports at North Dakota, where the home arena is the opulent 11,406-seat Ralph Engelstad Arena.

Named for its benevolent donor who spent $104 million to make it happen, the arena -- which opened in 2001 -- includes padded leather seats for all spectators, state-of-the-art training facilities and just about anything else you can think of.

" It's the only Division I sport at the university, it's the focal point," Johnson said. "It's just incredible the following that school gets."

Funny Joke

I have seen this joke a few times

I saw this joke on the Internet yesterday and Sioux_7 sent it to me in my email. I think it sums think up pretty well and its funnier than hell.

When I get to Heaven

It's 40 years from now, and most of the coaches we know and love have passed on to their Better Reward.... Red Berenson, Dave Hakstol, George Gwozdecky, Jerry York, Mike Eaves, etc.

Today, Don Lucia arrives in Heaven. God takes Don on a little tour of the place. They jump in a beautiful gold Cadillac, with God at the wheel, and cruise through a neighborhood of attractive homes bordering a golf course.

"There's Red Berenson's house," says God, as he points to a beautiful 10-room home painted maize and blue, with Michigan flags fluttering in a row down the long, luxurious drive. "Wow, that's nice," says Don. "And look over there: that's Mike Eaves' place." God nods towards a beautiful red and white 10-room home with a gorgeous lawn and Wisconsin flags festooning a long beautiful drive. "Very tasteful," says Don.

One by one, God points out similar homes belonging to coaches, all in beautiful settings. They finally arrive at Don's house, which is also a beautiful 10-room house, maroon with gold trim, with Gopher flags lining the drive, just as beautiful as the rest. "Gee, it's gorgeous," Don says.

They get out of the car, walk up the steps, and Don oohs and ahs over the house. But as he stands on the steps admiring the lawn, for the first time he notices the mansion across the street. It's huge and luxurious--at least 50 rooms, and is painted in the most beautiful Green and White color Don has ever seen, the lawn is so beautifully landscaped it nearly takes his breath away. But what really catches his eye is the larger-than-life-size bronze Sioux statue on a 6-foot tall granite
pedestal, and a huge line of UND flags lining the longest drive that they've seen all day, and it's paved with pure gold bricks.

"Hey, God?" Don asks tentatively. "I don't mean to seem ungrateful, but why do Red, Mike and I get 10-room houses, but Dave Hakstol gets such a huge gorgeous mansion?"

"Don," says God, "that's not Dave's house: that's MY house."

Final Thoughts

Lastly, let hope Hakstal is still around in 40 years by my math he would only be like 78, but the joke is funny. Typical tDon complaining about something.

Coach Hakstal Should show the team this video

2006-2007 Boston College Eagles Men's Ice Hockey Team



I think Hakstol should show the team this video is from a B.C. Eagle. Just viewing something like this should be enough to fire them up the team even more. Not that is should take anything to fire up the team at this time of year. If a hockey player is having a tough time getting fired up in April they might not have a pulse.

I thought it was an interesting perspective. Obviously there are a few references to the UND and B.C. game in 2001 the winning goal, which in hockey terms was nothing short of amazing. I still get choked up when I see that goal because that could have been UND's back to back national title. One last thing 7>2.

New Jersey Fires Coach: Are Kidding me?

Lou Cans Head Coach with 1 week left

Imagine this; you are a coach in the NHL. Your team is going to finish 1st or 2nd in your conference. Your team is currently sitting in first in your division. Lastly, your division team has won 4 out of 5 game and you lose your job. Don't forget that three of your best players were hurt and just returning to the line up. Claude Julian was fired from his job on Monday by the New Jersey Devils GM Lou Lamoriello
this is almost as silly as the Bruins trading Joe Thornton to San Jose and getting three mediocre players in their return. That is another issue though. I thought this was an April Fool's joke when I first read it. So I buzzed over to http://hockeybuzz.com to confirm it. This is down right silly.

Here is what Lou had to say

Lou...

"When you are in my position you know things that other people don't and I have to make my decisions based on that.
I must live up to your responsibility to do what I think is necessary."

"This is not a problem that has just come in the last few games."

"I don't like the direction the team was going in...not ready for playoffs...too relaxed."

"The decision came down to what is right for the New Jersey Devils to have the best chance at success and you make the move for that reason. It is not personal, it is my responsibility to make the moves that I think will do that."

"Julien will remain in the organization"

"I saw things nobody else did"

"The team was not in right frame of mind."

Julien will remain in the organization, yeah right. Look for Claude to run out the door when no one is looking.

Jack Johnson makes the High Lite Reels

I had the pleasure of watching Jack Johnson's first game as a LA King. Welcome to the NHL kid. I am sure the folks in Vancover liked that hit. I also watched Jack's game tonight but the Kings got worked pretty hard by the San Jose Sharks, Johnson got a lot of playing time but didn't really stand out all that much.

Kessel's from Bochenski future stars and a blast from the past.

Kind of makes WCHA fans smile as Bucks sets up Phil. Both Bochenski and Kessel were all the offense the Bruins got as Sid the kid beat the Bruins 4-2. I think it is a glimpse of the future as the Bruins are golfing starting April 11th.


Sanderson to Orr in 1970 in St Lois to win the Stanley Cup.

Three Sioux goals vs Minnesota

Again Props to the RedFrogND, he sure knows how to put the video together. I just cant or don't get sick of watching the overtime goal. I would have to say that it's one of those top 20 historic goals. The goal celebration in overtime is priceless, notice there are no jersey pops. Wow what can these guys do for an encore...


Check out this video, this one is pretty good. Although he doesn't score a lot of goals; Kaip score big goals at important times of big games. Fabian and Porter ooze leadership, when they are gone their absence will be noticed.

Matt Greene Miked up on March 21st.

Check this out. This is some good stuff. Matt Green known for his bone crushing checks during his playing days at UND is still laying out the opposition with bruising hits. I noticed that Matt has finally shed the wooden sticks for carbon fiber like everyone else.

Coach of the Year Nominations are up

Spencer Penrose Finalists
Dave Burkholder, Niagara*
Rick Comley, Michigan State#@
Dave Hakstol, North Dakota#
Jeff Jackson, Notre Dame*
Joe Marsh, St. Lawrence*@
Bob Motzko, St. Cloud State*
Brian Riley, Army*
Jamie Russell, Michigan Tech*
Dick Umile, New Hampshire*@
Tim Whitehead, Maine#@
Jerry York, Boston College#@

* Conference Coach of the Year
# NCAA "Frozen Four" Participant
@ Previous Winner of the Spencer Penrose Award


Per USCHO

I think that Hakstol would be a good candidate for this award, I am sure that isn't shocking to anyone. Coach Hakstol has taken the Fighting Sioux to three straight teams to the Frozen Four unprecedented in UND school history. Of course UND fans would take a national title over winning the Hobey Baker and the Spencer Penrose award.

Stafford Highlites

A few High Lites I found on YouTube

Drew Stafford does what it takes to get the job done, standing up to a noted tough guy who's MO is to hurt people, after he cheap shotted Super Star Chris Drury. Chris Neil has openly admitted to this in public. I hadn't seen this goal one till today when someone posted it on SiouxSports.com.


It would be an understatement to say the former Fighting Sioux is making an huge impact on the Sabres team. Injuries have allowed him to stay in the line up. Looks like they are going to have a hard time keeping him out of the line up if he keeps playing like this. Like the TSN announcer said he doesn't want to give up his spot. Do you blame him?


Drew's first NHL Goal as he score against the Flyers. Incidently the Flyers have been scored on a lot this year.

Honestly this is a dandy goal against the hated Senators.

Colin Cambell says League should look at Fighting

The Fighting Debate in Hockey

Tood Fedoruk Shouldn't fight

It didn't take long for this issue to come up. If you page down you can see incident in question: Not so tough guy Todd Fedoruk starts a fight with really tough guy Colton Orr. In picking the fight with the wrong tough guy; Todd Fedoruk and gets pummeled and now some in the league think it is time to look at fighting. By the way that is the second beating that Todd Fedoruk too this season. The first one put him in the hospital with a face reconstruction. Funny thing is that it took a total of three punches to know this guy out twice. I am thinking maybe Todd should consider a new career choice. I mean honestly, your going to get killed.

On the heels of the frightening Fedoruk incident, Colin Campbell, the NHL's Senior Vice President, told Canadian Press that it's time to look at whether fighting has a place in the NHL.

"I think you have to ask the question because of what's happening out there," Campbell told CP. "It's incumbent on me, because of my position, to ask the question. ... I think if you discussed this even three or four years ago you would have got pooh-poohed out of the game.

"But now I think because of the size of our players, where we're at in sports and in life, I think we have to look at it."

Boogaard, Minnesota's 6-7, 250-pound fighter, says the fans' reaction -- the crowd was cheering and standing -- when he fought St. Louis' D.J. King on Thursday "shows it's meant to be in the game."If you take fighting out of hockey, it might be exciting for 10, 30 games, and then the rinks will start emptying," Boogaard said.

But Campbell counters, "We've had two players carried out on stretchers because of fair, consenting fights. ... It scares you. ... I think we have to ask the question, is the risk worth it?"

St. Louis Blues President John Davidson, in the Twin Cities for Thursday's game against the Wild, wonders, too, saying, "It needs to be looked at. Seeing fighters fight fighters for the sake of a fight is kind of silly. ... These guys are huge now. Look at Boogaard. I mean, I'm worried. I don't want to see somebody get hurt or worse. It's scary. It's nice to be ahead of the curve instead of behind it."

Gary Bettman Disagrees with Collin Cambell

I have to give Gary Bettmen props here for remaining calm when others have wanted to run off the deep end. I am also glad to know that the league hasn't discussed removing fighting from the game.

Commissioner Gary Bettman says fighting is part of hockey and believes some people have been "running off a little too fast on this topic."

"My view on fighting hasn't changed," he told the Canadian Press. "We've never taken active steps or considered eliminating fighting from the game. I've always taken the view that it's a part of the game and it rises and lowers based on what the game dictates." While Bettman seemed OK with the game's current stand on fighting, he's concerned about the larger safety issues.

David Lebrun suggests an Alternative

AN ALTERNATIVE TO BANNING FIGHTING IN THE NHL

The recent injuries and general consensus that we will someday watch a player die on the ice as a result of a fight are not to be taken lightly.

But I believe it is the recent influx of super-heavyweights and their willingness and desire to compete for an imaginary NHL heavyweight title that is causing the problems. These players have taken the role of fighting in hockey right out of the game.


My suggestion for the NHL is to impose a new rule that would limit a player's fight total throughout the course of a single season. If coupled with a serious suspension for exceeding the fight limit AND the abolition of the instigator rule, this new rule would pressure the enforcers to fight only when it is necessary��" To protect star players and punish players who have crossed the line by attempting to injure or taking cheap shots etc... Under the new rule, the instigator rule would be rendered useless (as if it already isn't), and players would not be punished for policing the game (and essentially cleaning up the game). And players would not be fighting incessantly either.


I believe this new rule would have several impacts on the NHL. It would decrease the amount of fighting and injuries caused by fighting. And it would ELEVATE the excitement of fighting, since most fights would be spirited, justified and fans would see scores settled within games--players being held accountable for their hits. I also believe the new rule would eventually curve the number of super-goons, since teams would opt to be policed by players who can contribute to the score with their ice-time, since fighting would not be as prevalent.

The alarmist opinion that we should abolish fighting is frightening. The NHL needs to recognize both the value of fighting, and the reason why so many super-fighters have infiltrated and tarnished the hockey-fight's reputation.

Fighting has a Purpose in Hockey

The debate about fighting having a place in the NHL and professional hockey is never ending debate. This debate seems to have nine lives and will never die as long as fighting is allowed in the NHL. I think most of the debate about fighting is a result of people not knowing a lot about the game of hockey. It never fails; you see an act like the above mention incident, then there is a firestorm of negative press that follows. Then there are people that want to immediately ban fighting from the NHL. First off if you don’t understand why fighting is part of hockey then you maybe you shouldn’t be a fan of fighting.

Fighting is a necessary tool and is a big part of the game of hockey. There is a code in hockey if you commit an egregious act in a hockey game you will be held accountable for your actions. Hockey players police themselves. It’s called the code. That means if you take a run at a skilled player that is looked at as being questionable you will be met on the ice challenged for this egregious act. In other words it’s designed to keep the players honest.

Now the problem is the instigator penalty, if you start a fight and it’s deemed you started that fight you can be kicked out of the game. Get too many instigator penalties and you can be suspended by the league. It’s been argued that the instigator rule in hockey has caused more problems than it’s prevented. Now the league decided to enact another rule that might actually be facilitating the injuring of the leagues skilled players. Now with 5 minutes or less in the third period if you get into a fight and get tagged with the instigator penalty you can actually get suspended for the next game and cause your coach to get fined $10,000. So now there won’t be any fight but players will think they have the green light to go after the skilled players in the NHL. I witnessed this in Boston one night while the Wild were playing the Bruins.

Boston Bruins to be sold?

Heard on XM-204

There is a rumor that the Boston Bruins might have been sold, this was according to a Boston Bruins fan this morning on XM-204. While nothing has been confirmed in the media as of yet, it would be a dream come true as the Bruins have gone from being a first rate original 6 team to the laughing stock of the North East Division. The Bruins owner is worth one 1 Billion dollars according to Forbes.com but runs his team as if it is an after thought.

Hobey Duncan

Duncan makes the Final Cut

It was officially announced that Fighting Sioux super sophomore Ryan Duncan has made the final cut to three of the Hobey Baker Memorial award. Just making that list is a huge honor. There was a rumor floating around over on USCHO that John Curry from BU was going to be the hands down favorite because of all the Minnesota voters wanting a local kid to be the Hobey Baker winner. I guess one can't get their info for from fan message boards eh? LOL. That is probably true but there probably wasn't enough votes to put him over the top.

The candidates are as follows per the Hobey Baker site

1. Eric Ehn, Air Force
2. David Brown, Notre Dame
3. Ryan Duncan, North Dakota

The Silly Season-Lets see who signs next

End of the Season Chaos

The minute the off-season begins the same damn thing happens every year, its just like clock workand you could set your watch by it. Makes you wonder if these professional teams are faxing the players contract offers as they are showering after the game. It’s no secret that the NCAA Division one hockey is stuffed full of future NHL talent and seems the minute these kid’s college season ends the professional team that owns their rights swarm down on these kids like vultures. Personally, I wish these professional teams would back off a bit and give the kids some air. Every time Chicago’s general Manager Dale Tallon is on XM-204 NHL center ice the hosts are asking Tallon when he is going to sign Jonathon Toews. I am actually sick and tired of hearing about it every day of the week. Incidental, most of us have already accepted that fact that Toews is gone when the season is over, if your a Sioux fan and you haven't your delusional. So take a picture of the 2006-2007 because you can bet next years team is going to look a whole lot different.

As I think back to all of the players that have left UND early in the last few years one could assemble a pretty good team that would go deep into the NCAA tourney. Actually, I still have gotten over the day that Zach Parise went pro. What made it even worse was the fact he went to the New Jersey Devils. To top it all off Zajac also play for the evil empire the hated New Jersey Devils. In case you haven't noticed I am recovering Bruins fan and detest the Devils, that ok I still watch them play anyways.

You really can't blame these young stars for taking the money which isn't bad and all you can do is wish them well. I know most of us wish they would stay all four years but it isn't realistic anymore. What can you do, hold them at gun point. Look at it this way; if you were sitting at your desk or cubical at work and someone came up to you and said, we will pay you 850,000.00 to work 6 months at the most, we would all be gone and we would take the money in a heart beat. There would be a vapor trail behind me if I was given that opportunity.

In Minneapolis, I like how tDon is dealing with the possibility of having another slough of early departures. I kind of admire this approach. This off season Luica is telling his players let me know what your plans are with in next 60 days. You really can't blame Lucia one bit. I pretty sure he probably doesn’t want to be scrambling during the summer to fill the holes departing players have left. Last summer super frosh Phil Kessel signed late in the summer causing Jay Bariball to come early. The move worked out well for Lucia but it would have been a disaster rushing a kid in to college that could have benefited from another year of junior hockey.

I also can't blame him the three mentioned players are stud hockey players and with them the Gophers are strong without them, well they are still good but more beatable.

The Gophers are on hold as three of their best players -- defensemen Alex Goligoski and Erik Johnson and forward Kyle Okposo -- decide whether to sign professional contracts or return for another season.

Lucia has vowed to make the decision of all three known sooner rather than later. He said he has made calls to some advisors to get a sense of where things stand.

"I'm going to sit down with the players and find out where they are at," Lucia said. "I'm not going to wait until July to find out like we have in the past. I would like things to be settled in the next 60 days."

Lucia said he believes all three players would be best served by returning for another season. Johnson and Okposo are freshmen. Goligoski is a junior, but Lucia said he believes Goligoski needs to get stronger before he's ready for the NHL.

Father knows best

I think these young men should take former Sioux player Mark Chourney's advice stay in school.

The excitement of pro hockey wears off quickly when you know it's a business," Marc Chorney said. "Once you turn pro, you can't go back to your college days. It's hard to tell that to a young person when the opportunity is right there in front of him and it's his dream to play in the NHL.

"Among those I know who played college and pro hockey, it's unanimous that the longer you can stay in school, grow up and mature, the better player you'll be when you turn pro," Marc said. "I tell that to everybody, not just my son."

After four years at UND, Marc graduated with a business degree. Today, he owns a company that manufactures hardwood flooring for semi trailers and operates three plants in the U.S. and one in Canada. He and his wife Lynn know what they'd like their son to do, although they haven't discussed it with him yet.

"As parents, our preference is for him to go back to school," Marc said. "The big reason for him to go to Shattuck and to North Dakota was to get a good education. It's ultimately his decision, but I'm hopeful that he feels the same way I do."

While Taylor Chorney concentrates on preparing for UND's upcoming game with Michigan, he makes it clear that when the season is done, he'll give serious consideration to his father's advice.

Mike Santorelli Turns the Money down

Here is an interesting story Mike Santorelli decides to stay in school for now. Kind of like last summer when Brian Elliot could have went pro after last season, what was there to prove he had already won a title, but he decided to return for his senior year. If Mike returns you can bet that NMU will prove to be a strong team in the CCHA. I would love to see them finish at the top of the CCHA.

Northern Michigan junior forward Mike Santorelli finished tied for second in the nation in goals scored with North Dakota's Ryan Duncan. Ted Cook of Niagara was the goal scoring champion at 32 goals and the trio were the only to surpass the 30 goal mark this season.

Santorelli has yet to sign with the Nashville Predators or its AHL affiliate, the Milwaukee Admirals. A source who will remain nameless reported that Santorelli turned down the first offer from the organization.

Santorelli was unable to comment on the situation last week when I spoke with him concerning his future as a pro but he would talk about the possibility of returning and the advantage of staying in college.

“The season just finished on Saturday night so I don’t know where things are going yet. I can’t really comment on that,” Santorelli said about going pro. “College is a great place and it is another year to mature as a player to get bigger, stronger and quicker.”

Yay for insight! NMU head coach Walt Kyle had a little more to say and while during the season, he has been pretty open about Santorelli leaving, he did say last week that he believes Santorelli could return.

Drew Stafford Scores in one of the Best games of the Year

A Game for the Ages

Former Fighting Sioux Drew Stafford scored a sweet goal in one of the best games that I have watched all season.Actually it was the game winning goal in a wild hockey game. This is the way hockey should be played, it's a no brainer. College hockey needs to get it right just like the NHL has. Stafford got goal number 12 on the year, incidently Stafford has been on fire as he has 5 points in his last 5 games scoreing 4 goals and 1 assist. I guess Stafford doesn't want to get sent down again.

Jersey Pops, this is funny

I saw this over on Sioux sports, if your a Sioux fan it's probably funny, if your a Gopher fan it's probably not as funny as it was last week. Personally, I could care less if the Gophers players want to do their stupid little jersey pops after they score a goal. Some fans have suggested that its bad sportsmanship. I think its just plain stupid, but what ever floats your boat.

In years past; if a player did that in the NHL during the 1970's or 1980's they probably would have gotten their head knocked off by an opposing player. If you think I am crazy listen to Phil Esposito in the afternoons on XM-204. Its about respect for your fellow opponent. It kind of explains today's generation; the gen Y boys, look at me. One could make the argument that it's almost kind of like Terrel Owens when he does his stupid dances after he scores a touch down, the moral of the story is act like you done it before.

This is short satirical video but this is a great response to that. How do you like that jersey pop now? Notice when the Sioux players score a goal they don't do the stupid jersey pop. Actually I saw it once by Taylor Chorney but it was in our house. I have not seen it since and I am sure one of the Sioux coaches would have took them aside and said son, "we don't do that at UND, if you want to do that go play for Minnesota." Just a little observation from what I seen.

3 is an Awesome Number

Its all about the number three

I guess good things come in three.

* Hakstal has been the coach of the Fighting Sioux for three seasons
* Hakstal has led the Fighting Sioux to 3 straight NCAA Frozen Four appearances
* 3 was the number of goals that Oshie had on Saturday night
* 3 was the number of goals that Porter had during the regional
* 3 was the number of assists that Duncan had on Saturday night
* 3 wins against The Golden Gophers this season (3-1 overall)
* 3 was the winning teams score of the last two games between the two teams 3-2
* 3 was the number of times Sioux and Gophers have played in the NCAA tourney with UND holding the edge 2-1
* If the Sioux win the NCAA title they will have 3 more NCAA titles than the Gophers
Now lets get 8 NCAA titles.

The Defections continue. Jack Johnson Signing with LA Kings

Jack Johnson the next to go

I found this when I was reading the Michigan Daily. Apparently the Los Angles Kings Will are in the process of signing their top prospectJack Johnson There is nothing on NHL.Com as of right now there hasn't been an official press release but I am sure there will be something announced tonight or tomorrow.

Sophomore will play for L.A. Kings Tuesday
By Amber Colvin, Daily Sports Editor
3/23/07

DENVER, March 25 - Michigan star defenseman Jack Johnson is negotiating a contract with the Los Angeles Kings today, ending speculation of whether the sophomore would forgo his two remaining years of eligibility.

Johnson confirmed his departure in an exclusive interview with The Michigan Daily this afternoon.

"I thought I was ready for a new challenge," Johnson said. "With all my close friends, the seniors, gone now and everything, I thought it was time for me to pretty much go for a new challenge."

Following Michigan's 8-5 loss to North Dakota Saturday night in the NCAA West Regional semifinals in Denver, the team flew back to Ann Arbor, but Johnson and his family stayed behind. Johnson's agent, Pat Brisson, and Kings general manager Dean Lombardi worked out the details of the contract.

"I'll be flying from Denver to Los Angeles," Johnson said. "Every thing's done except for they're negotiating bonuses."

What a ride it has been.

On the video I have to give props to the RedFrogND for his stellar video that he puts together each and every week dud you are truly unbelievable. I think this video really sums up the Fighting Sioux 2006-2007 season well.

Now the first round of the NCAA regional playoffs starts for the Fighting Sioux starts tonight at 6:30 p.m in Denver, Colorado the scene of Zack Parise’s last game as a Fighting Sioux hockey player. No matter what happens tonight I have to say this has been an exciting season from January on, where the Sioux went 15-3-4, that’s pretty impressive for a team stuffed with freshmen and sophomores going 3-1-1 against the Gophers and the Huskies during that time.

While I wasn’t too happy with the Sioux at the beginning of the season some of the madness is starting to make sense. SCSU proved that winning at the beginning of the season means nothing if you can’t seal the deal at the end of the season.

I don’t have any grand predictions and I am just going to watch the games and see how it shakes up. The Sioux are in a death region and to be the best you have to beat the best. It’s a shame that it has to end this way but lets get it on.

Tech Still Sucks: NCAA Tournament Predicitions

Tech Still Sucks: NCAA Tournament Predictions
Tech Still Sucks picks their NCAA Brackets. Two of the three writers pick UND to beat the Gophers, none of them picks the Sioux to win the championship. I just hope we can prove them wrong and get championship number 8. In fact two of three have the Notre Dame Fighting Irish winning their first ever NCAA title. I am surprised the Gopher fans haven't been over there to cause a ruckus yet?

Orr-Fedoruk

You would have thought that Todd Fedoruk had learned his lesson earlier in the season when Derrick Boogaard kicked his ass; this time around, Todd Fedoruk picks a fight with New York Ranger tough guy Colton Orr who in turns kicks his ass.Both Fights there is a total of about 3 punches thrown.

In looking at both videos it appears that Fedoruk precipitated both fights and was knocked out of both of them. Come on Todd there is taking one for the team, but maybe you should find a new profession because your getting killed.

Don't get me wrong I like a good fight but there are good fights and there are bad fights. These two probably could be classified as bad fights.

Waiting for Stanley had a good perspective on this fight and I agree with what he is saying about the NHL and its regards to fighting. Enjoy

As soon as you start bringing the moral code of human rights into the fighting in the NHL and become sensitive to potential injury, you are pretty much asking for fighting to be eliminated all together, or at least that will be the end result. But I get this sickening feeling that fighting in the NHL is going the way of the dinosaur anyway. Colin Campbell is already looking into it and is concerned.
And in a game that is losing alot of it's physicality already with the new rules, that is a god-damned shame. Alot of the essence that is and always has been NHL hockey is going down the toilet.

And the most ironic thing is: if Fedoruk plays again, guaranteed he will tussle with a Derek Boogaard or a Colton Orr once again. Why? Because he WANTS to. So why is this incident even such a big deal? Let it go. Stop being so damned sensitive! Todd Fedoruk isn't sensitive about is he?

Drew Stafford Gets two.

Drew Stafford got his 10th and 11th goals of the year as the Buffalo Sabres rolled over the Washington Craptials. The Sabres made Kolzig look like a rented bantam "C" goalie. While I have never been a fan of the Buffalo Sabres they do play a type of hockey that I really wish was prevalent in college hockey.

Farwell to the Sioux Seniors

This year's Fighting Sioux senior class consists of three players Scott Foyt, Chris Porter and Eric Fabian. These guys are the heart and soul and the leaders of the 2006-2007 Fighting Sioux squad. These guys are the players that provide grit and do the things that need to be done to be successful. Video is courtesy of REDFROG

College Hockey News Give UND a little of Love

The Latest Awards from CHN

For the most part College Hockey News doesn't seem to give UND a lot of luv, however, CHN did give some well deserved recognition to three Fighting Sioux hockey players. On this occasion I personally don't have a problem with the selections and getting noticed when there are so many top end players this season is a pretty big deal. The envelop please.

First Team All-CHN
F T.J. Hensick, Michigan, Sr.
F Ryan Duncan, North Dakota, So.
F Nathan Davis, Miami, Jr.
D Jack Johnson, Michigan, So.
D Alex Goligoski, Minnesota, Jr.
G David Brown, Notre Dame, Sr.

2nd Team All-CHN
F Scott Parse, Nebraska-Omaha, Sr.
F Brian Boyle, Boston College, Sr.
F David Jones, Dartmouth, Jr.
D Matt Gilroy, Boston University, So.
D Drew Bagnall, St. Lawrence, Sr.
G Bobby Goepfert, St. Cloud State, Sr.
G John Curry, Boston University, Sr.

Honorable Mention: Matt Hunwick (Mich.), Trevor Smith (UNH), Kevin Porter (Michigan), Cory Schneider (BC), Kevin Regan (UNH), Mike Santorelli (NMU), Jonathan Toews (NoDak), Mark Matheson (UMass), Reid Cashman (QU), Ryan Jones (Miami), Nathan Gerbe (BC)

All-CHN Rookie Team
F Andreas Nodl, St. Cloud State
F Teddy Purcell Maine
F Kyle Okposo, Minnesota
D Erik Johnson, Minnesota
D Kyle Lawson, Notre Dame
G Brad Thiessen, Northeastern

Honorable Mention: Mark Letestu (WMU), Brandon Wong (QU), Alex Petizian (SLU), Ryan Thang (N.D.), Kevin Deeth (N.D.), Mike McKenzie (SLU), Chay Genoway (N. Dakota)

The Mass Defections are Starting Already.

Spring Signing Period

The bleeding has already started as another group of college hockey underclassmen are forgoing their college eligibility to sign professional contracts. Personally I don't blame these kids if someone came up to me waving an 85,000.00 signing bonus in front of my nose I would have hard time turning it down. Most of us would have a hard time turning down a chance to get paid to play a game.

This is just a few of the Defections

Wisconsin suffers a hugh loss as Joe Piskula signs a contract with the LA Kings and will play with the Manchester Monarchs. Piskula is a great defensive player that will be missed by the Badgers next season.

The UMD Bulldogs took two hits as the Super SophomoresMatt Niskanen and Mason Raymond Signed professional Contracts. Miskanen signed with the Dallas Stars and will join the Iowa Stars. Raymond signed with the Vancover Canucks and will join the Manitoba Moose.

Alaska Nanooks Junior and leading scorer Kyle Greentreethe leading scorer for the Alaska Nanooks the past three seasons, has decided to forgo his senior collegiate season to sign with the Philadelphia Flyers, Inside College Hockey has learned. The deal is expected to be announced in the coming days.

Let's Go Mav's is smoking made that Minnesota State University Mankato's Steve Wagnersigned with St. Louis and will begin play in Peoria Illinois with the Rivermen.

As teams are eliminated from the post season you will be seeing press releases of players signing professional contracts.

Comley isn't going to win any friends with the CHA

Check out his zinger

I wouldn't say that Rick Comley is totally off the mark, however, he isn't going to win any friends in the CHA either. Also, kind of makes you wonder by Comley's comments if the CCHA is going to be willing to pick up Wayne State which isn't a CHA powerhouse, but they did win their tourney fair and square. Hey they won their league, also the AHA hasn't traditionally done real weal against the CHA so whats one more game.

"What I would like to see is a play-in game [between the CHA and Atlantic Hockey]. The CHA should not have an automatic bid under any circumstance whatsoever. They should have a play-in opportunity."

Good for Eaves

From the same article with the Comley quip comes a piece from Wisconsin Coach Mike Eaves. I think this is well said and I agree with him 100%. Mike is right; how can the strongest conference top to bottom who's teams were ranked 1-10 in strenght of schedule only get 3 teams in the NCAA's? While Hockey East gets 5 teams and the much weaker CCHA gets four teams in? Many WCHA fan's are asking the same thing? Just to prove how much a farce the RPI is. CCHA league champ Notre Dame's strength of Schedule was around 40th most of the second half of the season. This is the same champion that lost to 8th place Mankato as well as CHA new comer Robert Morris University but still was awarded a number one seed for the NCAA tourney. That is a joke in my opinion.

One team on the wrong side of the picks Sunday was Wisconsin, which will not have the chance to defend its national championship. Head coach Mike Eaves expected as much, but was unhappy with a result that saw just three WCHA teams get in.

"It was disappointing. We knew it was a slim chance, but still to see the teams on the wall was disappointing," said Eaves.

"It sure would be interesting to talk to someone on the committee. Because how does the WCHA only get three teams in there? To me, that's the biggest question that I have. You get past our own disappointment, and I look at our league and how strong our league is."

Jordin Tootoo the Latest to get Suspended by the NHL

A Black eye


There is no place in hockey for this type of crap, this is the kind of crap that gives hockey a bad name. Not a week after the Chris Simon another hockey player is disciplined by the NHL. Tootoo checks Madano then when a player comes to his aid and Tootoo sucker punches him. In that case Tootoo was challenged he should have dropped the gloves and squared off with Robidas.

Robidas was knocked unconscious on the play late in the third period of Saturday night's 3-2 win by the Predators at Nashville.

Robidas, who was coming to the defence of star centre Mike Modano, was assessed a minor for charging on the play, and Tootoo received a double-minor for roughing.

Robidas was carried off the ice on a stretcher and was taken to hospital. He's out at least a week after sustaining a concussion.

Related Info
Tootoo, 24, has (3) three goals, (4) four assists and 104 penalty minutes in 61 games this season. Robidas, 30, has 17 assists and 82 penalty minutes in 71 games this season.

Check out this article

Western College Hockey: Fun With Numbers

Chris plays with the numbers on WCHA officials, while he doesn't name a specific official it isn't hard to tell who he is talking about. I think this pretty much backs up the Wistlers theory.

While I don't know exactly which official he is talking about my guess is Team X is the Gophers and Ref Y is John Campion. The reason I say this is that during the series between the Mavs and the Gophers the had 26 power play opportunities while the Mavericks only had 15. Also when the Sioux played the Gophers Minnesota had 27 power play opportunities while UND had 10.

The Fighting Sioux show how to Dismantle a top 5 Team

A thing of Beauty

Everyone talks about the championship game between UND and UMN being a game to remember I think other wise; most of those fans making those claims are Gopher fans. I actually thought Saturday's game was less than exciting and ranked just behind the MTU and Wisconsin game on Thursday night.

I had the pleasure to Witness the game live between the Sioux and Huskies on Friday afternoon. Friday's game was a text book example of how to play championship hockey, it was the best I have seen UND play in two season. The game plan UND used was also a text book example of how to cycle the puck, fore check and generate offense, and put the opponent away. It was an amazing game to watch.

Intangibles

Chris Porter showed us how valuable seniors can be by scoring a timely goal to put the final nails in the coffin. Although he doesn't score a ton of goals his 172 games is a testament of the type of player he is. Next season it will be evident that Porter is no longer part of the team. Since day one I have liked his game.

Goal tending and defense wins games if not championships. The Huskies left Bobby out to dry all game long. In fact Bobby should have sued his defensive corps for non-support. Even an all-American goal tender can get shelled if he gets little if any support from his blue liners. I don't see the Huskies going far if they continue to play like this.

Chris Vande Velde showed us a glimsp of the future, the kid is going to be a power forward. I like what I saw on Friday afternoon.

NCAA Tourney Picks

The
NCAA Hockey Bracket Challenge is up again on Sioux sports. Get you picks in. Naturally I am picking the Sioux. No big shock there.

The Weekend that Wasn't

The Weekend in Review 

This past weekend the Sioux put up a decent effort and came up just a little short. Friday against the Huskies I thought the Sioux owned SCSU, lets just say that the Sioux pasted the Huskies and it wasn't even close. The DOT line made Bobby look Briggs like.

The Fighting Sioux were were all over the Huskies from the drop of the puck till the last whistle. The Sioux got balanced scoring and that was key to winning the game against the Huskies.

Against the Gophers the Sioux got out of their rhythm from the drop of the puck as they took stupid penalty after stupid penalty. The denfense game up a few soft goals and the Sioux just seemed to be a step behind the Gophers all game. If the Sioux could have picked it up they could have won this game but the Fighting Sioux spent too much of their game trying to even scores and running their mouths. The Sioux played undisciplined in Saturday's game.
 

The Brackets for the NCAA Tourney

Northeast Regional, Manchester, N.H.

(1) New Hampshire vs. (4) Miami
(2) Boston College vs. (3) St. Lawrence

The North East is a tough bracket and it really doesn't favor any team in my opinion. If there is a favorite I would have to say that it is the Eagles. It will be like a home game for the Wild Cats but the Eagles will prevail in the end.

East Regional, Rochester, N.Y.

(1) Clarkson vs. (4) Massachusetts
(2) St. Cloud vs. (3)Maine

SCSU has the easiest bracket, however it's not a given they can win their first game. This will be another one and done for the SCSU Huskies. Talk about a bracket I would love to see UND in. I am picking Maine in this bracket. This is the easiest bracket to the Frozen Four.

Midwest Regional, Grand Rapids, Mich.

(1) Notre Dame vs. (4) Alabama-Huntsville
(2) Boston Univ. vs. (3) Michigan State

Just as I predicted earlier there would be a Michigan school in Grand Rapids. The Michigan schools travel well in the state of Michigan and State fans will pack the arena. Personally, I think the NCAA selection committee is trying to make sure that HE and the CCHA gets a team or two into the tourney because the NCAA is tired of seeing the WCHA win the national championship year after year.

West Regional, Denver

(1) Minnesota vs. (4) Air Force 2:30 p.m. Saturday
(2) Michigan vs. (3) UND 6:30 p.m. Saturday

Satnu has called this the Death Match Regional, I have to agree with his assessment. This regional is brutal to say the least, its like the committee had a bad hangover and decided lets sock it too the traditional powers this year. Incidently, this regional looks just like last years REA regional minus Holy Cross. I like UND's chances of winning this regional, winning is possible and you have to beat the best to be the best. Also, not having to play Michigan in the state of Michigan is huge in my opinion. No excuses, time to strap it on for the Sioux and stop taking knuckle headed penatlies. If you would have asked me if UND would be a three seed in the NCAA tourney back in December I would have told you that your high.

Whoever wins this regional will be the eventual NCAA champion. I just hope finally UND can get number 8. I think 8 > 5 sounds better than 7 > 5.

This is what happens when you lose a bet

 

I normally don't wear a Gophers jersey, nor would I ever buy one but I lost a bet and keeping true to my word I posed for a picuture wearing the hated Gopher Jersey. Let it be known that right after the picture I took it off immediately. I was affraid that I was going to break out in hives. All in good fun right?

This is a good example of horrible Defense

The Sioux really blew it last night. This is also a text book example of how to not play defensive hockey, especially in over time. The puck is turned over by Chorney in the defensive zone, Matt Watkins whiffs and fails to get control of the puck in the defensive zone, the puck is shot down the ice and finally Lee fails to stop the shot by Wheeler, I am not so sure if Lee could have anyway. Lastly, I wouldn't fault Lammy because of the folly of mistakes that took place before shot, but he wasn't in position to make the save and if he had been standing up maybe he could have saved it. Overall a poor effort by the Fighting Sioux last night. Not all that concerned though you could put that in the Oh well category.

Sioux get some love in the WCHA Season ending Awards

The Envelope Please

WCHA Awards

*Player of the Year*
Ryan Duncan, So, F, North Dakota

*Outstanding Student-Athlete of the Year*
Lee Sweatt, Sr, D, Colorado College

*Defensive Player of the Year*
Alex Goligoski, Jr, D, Minnesota

*Rookie of the Year*
Andreas Nodl, Fr, F, St. Cloud State

*Coach of the Year*
Bob Motzko, St. Cloud State
Jamie Russell, Michigan Tech

*Scoring Champion*
Ryan Duncan, So, F, North Dakota

*WCHA Goaltending Champion*
Brian Elliott, Sr, G, Wisconsin

*2006-07 All-WCHA First Team*
F Ryan Duncan, North Dakota
F Mason Raymond, Minnesota-Duluth
F Andrew Gordon, St. Cloud State
D Alex Goligoski, Minnesota
D Matt Niskanen, Minnesota-Duluth
G Bobby Goepfert, St. Cloud State

*2006-07 All-WCHA Second Team*
F Jonathan Toews, North Dakota
F Travis Morin, Minnesota State
F Kyle Okposo, Minnesota
D Mike Vannelli, Minnesota
D Taylor Chorney, North Dakota
G Brian Elliott, Wisconsin

*2006-07 All-WCHA Third Team*
F Andreas Nodl, St. Cloud State
F T.J. Oshie, North Dakota
F Ryan Dingle, Denver
D Lee Sweatt, Colorado College
D Steve Wagner, Minnesota State
G Michael-Lee Teslak, Michigan Tech

*2006-07 All-WCHA Rookie Team*
F Andreas Nodl, St. Cloud State
F Kyle Okposo, Minnesota
F Ryan Lasch, St. Cloud State
D Erik Johnson, Minnesota
D Jamie McBain, Wisconsin
G Alex Stalock, Minnesota-Duluth

The Awards were a lot better than last year when UND basically took it in the shorts. I really believe that Taylor Chorney should have been a first team player.

Duncan Make the Cut

Ryan Duncan makes the Hobey Baker Top Ten.

Boston University's John Curry
Notre Dame's David Brown
St. Cloud State's Bobby Goepfert
St. Lawrence's Drew Bagnall
Miami's Nathan Davis
Michigan's T.J. Hensick
WCHA Player of the Year Ryan Duncan (North Dakota)
Air Force's Eric Ehn
Dartmouth's David Jones
UNO's Scott Parse

I guess I could say that I was shocked that there were only 2 candidates from the WCHA, surprisingly no Gophers and some how Brian Elliot was left off of the list. Definately an East Coast bias.

Jutting Staying in Mankato

Jutting gets a new deal

CHN Staff Report

MANKATO, Minn. — Minnesota State coach Troy Jutting, whose was in the last year of his contract, reached an agreement in principle today on an extension that will keep him behind the Mavericks' bench. According to the school, a few remaining details will be finalized when Jutting meets with athletic director Kevin Buisman early next week.

Maverick fans can rest assured they have a coach at least for the time being. I know there are fans in Mankato that aren't going to be happy but in my opinion its the right thing to do. Jutting's teams have hard competative and working and fun to watch play.

Bruins and Redwings

Bochenski got two assist and the Bruins beat the Red Wings 6-3. Bochenski has 5 points in the last five games. Not too bad for a player that the Chicago Black Hawks found no use for. I just don't get it one bit. Since coming to Boston all Bo has done is score points. I guess the Boston Bruins got the best of that deal. I am going to get me a black Bruins jersey with a number 10 on the back, thank God Zhamanov didn't put any bad mojo in that number.

I believe that for Bochenski to be successful he had to be on one of the top lines playing with top end players. Phil Kessel is the same way, since he has been on one of the top lines and not mired on the fourth line, Phil has been pumping in points on a steady basis as well. The future for the Burins is really bright. I suppose there is a reason that Chicago is mired in the bottom half of the standings.

Goon's Final Five Predictions

Thursday Night Play in game:
I believe this game will be an ugly game with little if any action. Wisconsin needs to win the tourney to get in the NCAA's I pick the Huskies over the Badgers in an ugly 1-0 game.

Friday Afternoon UND and the SCSU Swoonskies, I will take the Sioux in ot 4-3. The Sioux are hot and will continue the streak.

Minnesota rule

Golden "Chokers" Gophers against upstart MTU Huskies I am taking the Huskies in another 5-4 game.

Saturday Afternoon

Gophers finally beat the Swoonskies 4-1 and break a losing streak at the X-Cel Energy Center.

Saturday Evening

Sioux over the MTU Huskies in a Rvenge Match 4-2

I believe the MTU Huskies will make the tourney as a at Large Bid. Wisconsin is one and done. Sorry Badgers.

Chris Simon is a thug.

This kind of stuff has no room in hockey and the NHL has rightfully suspended Chris Simon for the rest of the season and into the playoffs. So that means if the Islanders make the playoffs and go a couple of rounds, Simon would be able to return next season. If the Islanders miss the playoffs Simon will miss more games next season as well.

Western College Hockey: New Commitments

Western College Hockey and Chris Heisenberg are reporting Western College Hockey: New Commitments

The Sioux steal a big time recruit out of the Gophers back yard, as the Sioux get Joe Gleason from Edina. I can't wait to hear the Gopher fans say oh well Gleason wasn't on the Gopher's radar and the Gopher's are set on defense didn't want him anyway...

Bo is Money in Boston

Clips of the Bruins and Wild game. Bochenski with the only Bruin's goal in the contest as the Wild won the game 2-1 Typical Bochenski goal in the paint picking up the trash. Bochenski followed up that game with a two point game against the Red Wings. Bocheski's numbers on the season 11 goals and 8 assist for 19 points in 28 games.

Vegas

Vacationin in Las Vegas for 4 days and hockey isn't king in the the Silver State, we are probably going to an ECHL game on Tuesday. I have needing a hockey fix becasue there has been some hockey on the tube in the sports book but it appears to be an after thought. I did manage to win actually win a three team parlay but realized I had paid $5.00 to win 9.15, incidently it's about the only money I won the whole time I have been here. When it comes to gambling a person would be more successful if you just take your money you were going to spend in a slot machine and throw it into the street, you would get the same results and your chances of winning are better. It appears that DU and C.C. are probably out of the national tourney again this season. That's the breaks for the WCHA beating up on each other all season long.

Interesting Article on ESPN and the NHL

I found this article on Off Wing Opinion

This is an interesting perspective about ESPN and the NHL

looks like we are going to be stuck with Versus for sometime to come. This is why I went and purchased NHL center ice I didn't want to be at the mercy of the local cable company now I can pick the games that I want to see.

Lucia with PA and Dubay

Lucia trying to keep it together

Check out this interview that took place today on
KFAN 1130 PA and Dubay

You have got to hear this interview; it’s interesting to say the least. It's hard to win when you don't get good goaltending. Lucia on the Erik Johnson interview, " there will be no more interviews that don't relate to college hockey”. “With the Internet today you say something and it’s all over.” “No talk with personal advisors we need to focus on our team and on the moment right now.” Sunday morning we sent a message to our players.

Moronic Fans at the John.

The MTU fans (Mean Girl and Boosh) from the Michigan Tech Blog ran into some real classy Minnesoda fans this past weekend. In the day of the world wide web and the internet this stuff could come back to haunt these folks. Imagine your future employer is close to picking you for a job and they come across this stuff. It's a deal breaker. Fat, drunk and stupid is no way to go through life son.

Check out this Goofy Bochenski Video.

This video is odd, I found it on YouTube. This is from Bochenskis days as a Lincoln Star. Wouldn't you know it Brandon scored his first NHL goal against his current team the Boston Bruins. Figures it's against Andrew Raycroft.

March 7 Bracketology is up

Jason Moy has his latest Brackets up on
USCHO

West Regional:

St. Lawrence vs. St. Cloud
Denver vs. Clarkson

Midwest Regional:

Sacred Heart vs. Minnesota
Michigan vs. Boston University

East Regional:

Niagara vs. Notre Dame
Boston College vs. Miami

Northeast Regional:

Michigan State vs. New Hampshire
Maine vs. North Dakota

I could see the NCAA committee doubling up a WCHA team or two to make sure they don't have another all WCHA Frozen Four. The East Regional is the weakest in my opinion and would all but assure the Eagles a trip to the Frozen Four. The West Regional isn't all that strong and I could see the Huskies making the trip.

Moy Predicts that

Teams that are in no matter what:
North Dakota and up.

Here are my first team WCHA Picks

1st Team:
F Ryan Duncan (North Dakota) 22-17-39 (1.39ppg)
F Jonathan Toews (North Dakota) 8-20-29 (1.27ppg)
F TJ Oshie (North Dakota) 10-16-26 (0.93ppg)
D Alex Goligoski (Minnesota) 4-16-20 (0.71ppg)
D Taylor Chorney (North Dakota) 5-14-19 (0.73ppg)
G Bobby Goepfert (St. Cloud State) 2.19 gaa, .929 sv%

Call me a homer but this is what I think they should be.
I am sure the Sioux will at best have two players on the first, second and third team.

Mav's and Sioux part III

Scoreboard
The second season begins this weekend

The Sioux's quest for an 8th national title begins when the Sioux face off against the Minnesota State Mankato Mavericks. This weekend's match up will be a battle. Let's just say that it will be another one of those hard nosed games where there will be some very rugged play and probably a good fight or two. These two teams will not let us down. Rest assured you can expect a parade to the penalty box, as both teams are known to take a high number of penalties, however, that is just my personnel prediction. I could be wrong, but its not likely. Last time the two teams hooked up there were two fights, one at center ice and a ton of penalty minutes.

Wheres the Goalie
This weekend's series will be one of those times to strap it on tight and be ready to play some old time hockey. Jutting's team's are tough and they never seem to be intimidated. Make no mistake about it the Mavericks are not a pushover and are a tough draw for the first round of the WCHA playoffs. The Mavericks are a team that will fight for every inch and will give the opposition nothing. In a way I kind of admire the Maverick's style of play.

I am not sure why this is but the Mav's always seem to bring their "A" game when they play the Sioux.


Skilled players

The Mavericks have a couple of awesome and skilled players in Morin and Kalinski. Look for Kalinski because the kid has a knack for scoring short handed goals, he can also fly and will be one of the faster players on the ice this weekend. The Sioux must be aware of him when they are killing a penalty. Travis Morin is well Travis Morin, a four year senior that always seems to score at the right time. The Sioux must not let him roam free this weekend.

Predicting the outcome

The Sioux should win but they must not disrespect the Mavericks or they will be watching the Final Five on TV. They need to take care of the defensive zone and score timely goals. Gut tells me Sioux in two but this series could go three games. Get your ice packs ready.

The way it all ended

This the Final Regulars season WCHA Standings

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

Goon's Pre-Season Picks Projected
Final League Standing

1. Minnesota (=)
2. North Dakota (-1)
3. Denver (-1)
4. Wisconsin (-3)
5. Colorado College (=)
6. Minnesota-Duluth (-3)
6. St. Cloud (+4)
8. Minnesota State (=)
9. Michigan Tech (+3)
10. Alaska-Anchorage (=)

I picked 4/10 right not too bad for an amateur. I called Minnesota, Minnesota State and Achorage right, I tottally missed the boat on the Huskies, Badgers and Bull Dogs.

More Bockenski, as Bruins beat the Habs.

Brandon Bochenski has lit the lamp at every level he has played at. Check out Brandon's sweet goal at 2:27 into the YouTube video as Bochenski rips it past Habs goalie Halak on the short side.

The Bruins and Devils.

The game looked like a former college hockey allstar game. Parise and Zajac were held scoreless and Bochenski and Kessel had multi point games. Any time the Devils lose it's alright with me. When the Bruins beat them it's a bonus.

Erik Johnson grumbling in Minnesota.

Check it out

Here is part of the text from a John Buccigross and Erik Johnson interview that is on the ESPN NHL web page. Honestly; I am sure none of us will be shocked if the goes to the NHL right after the Gophers season comes to a screeching halt but I do find it interesting.

Q: Will you be playing in the NHL next season?


A: Let me first start off by saying that I think it was a great choice to come to Minnesota this year. It was a great steppingstone. But next year, I really think I need to make the jump in competition in order to keep developing the way I want to. I think here at Minnesota, I could have been used more effectively in the system, so that has been frustrating. But, overall, it has been a fun time and I have really enjoyed my time here and I desperately want to win a national title. Next year will be decided after the season, though.

[Sounds like a St. Louis real estate agent is going to get a nice commission within a few months.]


Q: Have you stopped going to class?


A: Many times, I have been really close to stopping, but no, I am there pretty regularly. My classes are somewhat interesting, and it gives me something to do other than hockey. After hockey is over, it will be tough.

[Wow! Honesty! How rare. I like these nonpackaged answers. Hopefully, IMG won't get a hold of you. This not-going-to-class thing in college happens a lot in every sport. If a student-athlete knows he or she is not going to return to school the following year, they usually stop going to class. I'm not one to cast stones. If I was in the same situation, I would do the same thing. Hang out in my dorm room, go to the cafeteria and enjoy college life.]


Q: Will you fight in the NHL?


A: I certainly am not going to be a player where all I am looking for is to fight just to fight. But when it comes to fighting or standing up for a teammate or sending a message to an opposing team, then that is something I would fight for.

Sign the Petition to get the NHL back on ESPN.

Here is the link
Seems like fans are not happy with the Versus coverage of the NHL and are starting a petition to get the NHL back on ESPN.
Sign it here

Goon's Predictions for the First Round.

For the six people who haven't seen them

10 UAA @ 1 UMTC in two games

9 UMD @ 2 SCSU in two games

8 MSUM @ 3 Fighting Sioux in two games

7 UW @ 4 DU in three games

6 MTU @ 5 CC in three games

Prediction:

The Gophers will get the best official that the WCHA can offer, who that is I don't have a clue? The Seawolves will be called for every infraction they commmit (hookings, holding and obstructions) this will be so the league can assure it's so called percieved top draw will make the big tourney. Also, look for DU to be called for everything as well this next weekend. I bet if we look at the Penalty numbers I will be right too. Minnesota and Wisconsin will have the lion's share of the power play opportunities.

Check this out.

Check out this article from the South Bend Tribune

You can build a team, you can grow a program in a building like this," he said, "but to sustain an elite program, to sustain it, you definitely need upgraded facilities."

North Dakota, Miami and defending NCAA champion Wisconsin are three programs on the rise after years of mediocrity. It's no coincidence that each school recently bestowed a new shiny arena on its hockey team.

Of Course when I see something that isn't quite right I have to make sure it gets corrected. Here is my letter to this guy

Dear Steve;

While you wrote a nice article and your right ND needs a new arena to replace
the dump they play in right now, North Dakota has missed the NCAA playoffs just
once in the last ten years, during that time winning two NCAA titles. They haven been mediocre for at least 11 years. In fact they were on the rise about 4 years before they moved into their new arena.

Goon

The Last Time? Sioux and Huskies.

Bobby

The Last Time the Fighting Sioux Face Bobby Goepfert

This weekend’s series has huge implications in the final standings of the WCHA; also this weekend’s tilt could solidify a NCAA tourney berth for the Fighting Sioux, according to some of the experts the Sioux would need a huge meltdown to not make the NCAA tourney now.

Also, I found a silver lining to this weekend's series between the Fighting Sioux and the SCSU Huskies; this weekend series could be the last time the Fighting Sioux have to face all world goalie Bobby Goepfert. In my opinion Bobby Goepfert is an awesome goaltender that usually doesn’t give up a lot of weak goals. To score against him the Sioux are going to have to bring their “A” game.

In the two years against Goepfert the Fighting Sioux have had moderate to limited success against Goepfert. Against Bobby the Sioux are are 3-3-1. The most goals the Sioux have ever laid on Goepfert were five during last season’s Final Five in St Paul.

Realistically, I don’t see the Sioux getting five goals either night on Goepfert unless the D.O.T. line is allowed to roam free and that won’t happen.
Score

Comparing the goalies

Here are the stats of this weekend’s probable starters.

Philippe Lamoureux, Jr GP-28 15-10-3 GAA 2.36 SV% .911

VS

Bobby Goepfert, Sr GP-27 15-6-6 GAA 2.11 SV% .931

Rumors about REA False if UND Changed the Name

Rumors not True

Just as I expected the rumors not true there has been this urban legend around Grand Forks, ND that basically said if UND changed the name Fighting Sioux the arena would be razed. Not True:

From the Dakota Stupid:

Since the arena has opened its doors, the rumors have remained, however. Many people now think that a logo or nickname change would result in UND's loss of the REA, a claim that was also emphatically denied.

"I have never heard any conversation that would lead me to believe that anything like that would happen," said Bob Gallager, UND's vice president for finance and operations.
"There's no truth to the rumors. It's a $100 million facility. It's not very realistic that they would kick out the school and leave it empty."

Kupchella also said these rumors are false, saying that the "agreement is the agreement. We would never have agreed if things like that were in there."

Jody Hodgson, general manager of the REA, said the Engelstad family remains committed to the university, but neither they, nor arena officials have plans to kick UND out if the nickname and logo were changed.

"As always, the REA will work with UND on this issue," he said.

Just as I suspected. Now we can move on and argue about something else.

This is just too funny to pass up.

What games did the Wooger watch?

Hey checkout this Link

This is classic Wooger. I realize it’s from the week before but I wonder if he would say this after the Huskies dismantled his Golden Gopher hockey team 5-1 and 5-3?

Minnesota got good goal tending last weekend, particularly on Saturday night. If you are going to win later in the season it’s not just what you get from your top dogs, but what also what everyone else can contribute. In order to win you have to get some production from the young guys. Right now Minnesota needs more steady production out of the ‘go to’ guys.

That is funny, no really it is. In Friday's game Jeff Frazee was nothing short of horrible and couldn't stop a beach ball. Lets not forget that the Minnesota defensive corps left him high and dry. On Saturday Briggsieve was only a little bit better, as the Gophers gave up a third period lead.

Gopher fans; I am not so sure we aren't watching another implosion happen right before our very eyes in Gooferville? Get your act together Gophers; Sioux fans need Minnesota to take at least 3/4 points from MTU this weekend but I don't think the Gophers can do it unless they start playing with some pride, and playing some defensive hockey. Frankly, I am not so sure they can win one game this weekend.

28 Feb Bracketology

Jason Moy predicts the Brackets

West Regional

16 Sacred Heart vs. 1 Minnesota
10 Michigan vs. 8 Denver

Midwest Regional

13 Colorado College vs. 3 Notre Dame
11 Miami vs. 6 Boston University

Northeast Regional

15 Niagara vs. 2 New Hampshire
9 North Dakota vs. 7 Maine

East Regional

14 St. Lawrence vs. 4 St. Cloud
12 Boston College vs. 5 Clarkson

First off if the Brackets shake out this way SCSU will be in the Frozen Four, you can mark it down right here, with a weak bracket like that SCSU would have a legit chance of winning it all. I also Like UND's chances of winning their regional as well. C.C. has a chance against a weak field as well but its hard to say which BU team would show up.

However, lets get realistic. Could you imagine the whining if Minnesota actually had to play in DU's regional? Face it he Gophes are prime for the picking as well, and they would fold like a cheap tent against the DU pioneers. You can also bet on there being a shit storm, tDon would make Woog's 1997 tantrum look minor. who knows maybe the committee will throw tDon a bone/pacifier and send him to Grand Rapids. I can hear it right now, that's not fair we are a number one seed and we are stuck in that brutal regional, while Notre Dame has an easy pass...

That beings said, the committee is not going to have a bracket in Grand Rapids Michigan without a Michigan team. The NC$$ is about money and would bet a lot of money Michigan will be in Grand Rapids so I suppose you could Miami to Denver and put Michigan in Grand Rapids.

Corrected Brackets.

Midwest Regional

13 Colorado College vs. 3 Notre Dame
10 Michigan vs. 6 Boston University

West Regional

16 Sacred Heart vs. 1 Minnesota
11 Miami vs. 8 Denver

The NHL Plays of the Week

No former Sioux hockey players this week. Interesting though, Kessel gets robbed, Former Huskie Ryan Malone Lamps the times for a hat trick scoring the each goal in the first minute of each period. Peter Forsberg starts earning that money they are paying him. Minnesota Wild forward Marian Gaborik scores a pretty goal.

Goon's Prediction

The way it shakes out?
I played theWhat if Calculator

Team GP Pts
UMN 28 41
SCSU 28 36
Denver 28 32
UND 28 30
CC 28 27
UW 28 26
MTech 28 25
Mankato 28 25
UMD 28 21
AA 28 17

How do we get here:
The Gophers take 4 from MTU
DU gets three points from C.C.(anything can happen here)
UMD and Wisconsin split (possible)
UND and SCSU *Since the Christmas break, UND is 11-2-2 (.781) and SCSU is 10-3-3 (.719) From PCM Sioux Sports

Lucia Says he is Sorry

Ice intelligence

Read the whole article right here at St Cloud Times Article

A nice play with words

All week we talked about playing smart," said Huskies sophomore John Swanson, who snapped a 10-game pointless streak with two assists. "Keep your feet moving and keep your stick on their stick and try to avoid taking penalties."

On the same day a Twin Cities newspaper quoted Gophers coach Don Lucia as saying it was easier to get a player into St. Cloud State than Minnesota academically, his team came out and matched its worst margin of defeat this season.

The Huskies, ranked fourth and fifth in the national polls, also sent the message that they can keep up offensively with any team in the nation. The No. 2 Gophers had the second-best offense in the country coming in.

"I've never played in front of a crowd like this before and you could tell before the game there was a buzz in the locker room," said Lasch, who was goalless in the past three series and scored as often Friday as he had in the past 17 games. "It was different. I can't explain it, but everyone had a jump in their step."

The second-place Huskies used it to move five points behind the first-place Gophers with three WCHA regular-season games remaining.

Another implosion coming?

By the time Brocklehurst capped it, the Dogg Pound was in vintage form. The students chanted "Overrated!" and "Husky Rejects!" among other unprintable words that have also rankled Lucia. Afterward, Gophers assistant Mike Guentzel could be heard screaming at his team in the dressing room. Lucia declined to reiterate the comments he made about St. Cloud State's academic reputation.

"I don't want to go there," Lucia said. "I did talk to (Motzko)."

Huskies athletic director Morris Kurtz said Lucia apologized.

"They were gracious enough to accept our apology, so we're certainly gracious enough to accept theirs," Kurtz said, referring to a scene the last time Minnesota played in St. Cloud when several giveaway novelty fans landed on the ice. This time they were replaced by several actual dead gophers.

"I've been to a few, and I don't remember one like this," Swanson, a St. Cloud Tech graduate, said of the Huskies-Gophers games at the Hockey Center. "You know it's going to be a good night when you drive down to the rink and the line is already out the ticket office. Then when you come out for warm-ups the student sections are already full. It makes the game that much more intense."

Tonight is sure to repeat, and with a win the Huskies can claim a cup of their own away from Minnesota: The DQ Cup, given to the state school with the best winning percentage among others in the WCHA.

"We haven't won anything yet," Gophers captain Mike Vannelli said. "We didn't play with a sense of desperation. We didn't play hard and we didn't play smart Gopher hockey. Some things needed to be said (by Guentzel) and it's better to air our dirty laundry now than in a few weeks."

Don't Say That

I was told along time ago that you never publicly talk down your opponent and give them fuel for the fire. It's called bulletin board material and Donny gave the Huskies a bunch of it this past week. I believe Don Lucia's comments about SCSU fired them up even more. One must wonder if another implosion is coming to a rink near the Twin Cities?

Round Two Sens and Sabres

This actually was a pretty exciting game. Chris Neil with another dirty hit on a Buffalo player. It's been reported that Neil admitted to wanting to go out and injury people with his hits. Stay tuned it could get even better.

Lucia is Whinning Again.

Come on tDon

Seems this past week Lucia seems to have had foot in mouth disease.
First tDon said that:

When it comes to rivalries, I would say they are third right now," Gophers coach Don Lucia said. "I don't think they will ever surpass Wisconsin and North Dakota because there is so much history involved with those schools."

"It's not very expensive to go to school at St. Cloud," Lucia said. "If Denver gives a kid a half-scholarship, it still costs the player $20,000. At St. Cloud, a half-scholarship costs the kid $5,000.

"And it's a lot easier to get a kid into St. Cloud [academically] than it is to get a kid into here. As long as you are [an academic] qualifier, you can get into school there."

Now tDon is complaining about the behavior of the fans in the stands at Saint Cloud State University. More tDon Whinning

Much to the Gophers' displeasure, a number of hand-held, battery-operated fans handed out prior to the Nov. 11 game ended up thrown in the direction of the Gophers. Gophers coach Don Lucia said it wasn't the first time the Gophers had been subjected to such behavior in St. Cloud, adding, "We're sick of it."

Lucia met briefly with Kurtz after the game and said something had to be done.

"We were disappointed because we had hired extra security and we wanted to provide a wonderful atmosphere for home and visiting fans," Kurtz said. "We did not expect the giveaways to end up on the ice with the extra security we hired."

Kurtz said six fans were caught throwing the fans on the ice. Four were St. Cloud State students and two were students from the University of Minnesota.

"We dealt with our students and sent the two IDs to the University of Minnesota," Kurtz said.

Kurtz said he apologized to Lucia and Gophers athletic director Joel Maturi. But Lucia said he still expects Huskies fans to "cross the line" with abusive language.

"It's as bad there as anywhere," Lucia said. "The fans are great, they're into it, they pack the place. I just don't like the swearing and all the stuff that goes with it.

"A 12-year-old kid who is there shouldn't be subjected to that. Too many times, as administrators, we look the other way. And I think that's wrong."

The funny part of this article is that two of the 6 students caught throwing stuff on the ice were UMN fans. This is classic stuff here. In reviewing tDon's comments this week it would appear that this was a tough week for him. My advice to the Minnesota coach is shut up and play some hockey. I am also wondering if his comments about getting into SCSU had anything to do with inspiring the Huskies as they shredded the Gophers hockey team this past weekend. I would be willing to bet that Hakston won't be giving the Huskies any bulletin board marterial this week nor will he be insulting the SCSU students or their fans.