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

Goon Steps into the Fray

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


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

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

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

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

3. What is a great season for your team?

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

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

Not doing the things that stated in number three.

5. What is an unacceptable season for your team?

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

Stafford to sit in Game 5

This sucks

The Buffalo Sabres blogger CUATRO DE MAYOT is reporting that:

Paille and Stafford will sit this one out.

Max and Goose are back in the fold.

Game 5 Lines, in no particular order:


Briere -Connolly -Kotalik

Hecht -Drury -Zubrus

Vanek -Roy -Afinogenov

Mair -Gaustad -Pominville

Lindy Ruff has contemplated his team's bevy of assets, and, he feels like these groupings will give him the best chance to win on Friday night

Personally, I hate that Drew Stafford is the man left standing when the music stops. The NoDak Rookie has been a constant source of inspiration for his teammates, and he has ben playing well.

He's the newbie, and this time, seniority wins out.

Cogliano Leaving School, Chorney Won't

Listen to Andrew Cogliano's Radio interview with Dan Tencer

Here is an interesting article written by Dan Tencer that was posted over on HOCKEYBUZZ

Just got off the phone with Cogs...it was a tough decision for him, but the Oilers made him an offer he couldn't refuse. He was set to be one of the go-to guys with the Wolverines this year, but when an NHL team demonstrates that they want you as much as the Oilers did...well, he wasn't about to turn down the 3-year deal.

Hear the full interview with Andrew by going here:
The Link
Both he and Oilers Assistant GM Scott Howson will be guests in the 1st hour of Inside Sports on 630 CHED tonight for those of you in Edmonton.

As far as Taylor Chorney is concerned, the Oilers expect him to stay with the University of North Dakota for at least another season.

Great news for Sioux fans and nice to see that the Oiler folks know that Taylor is staying in college for at least another year. With Andrew Gogliano getting a contract it will be interesting to see who will be the next college hockey player to forgo their college hockey eligibility and sign a professional contract. It's seems to be only a matter of time before Jonathon Toews forgoes his college hockey eligibility and signs a professional hockey contract.

Blast from the Past: Neely TKO's Ruff.

I was over on YouTube today when I came across some videos from the past. This is a clip that brings back some really good memories. This was the same NHL hockey player that scored 50 goals in 49 games. That player would be former Boston Bruin Cam Neely, who arguably was one of my favorite NHL hockey players of all time, current Sioux hockey player T.J. Oshie reminds me a little of Cam. Cam Neely was an awesome hockey player, he was the protype right wing, check, fight score. Cam Neely's brillant career was cut short by bush league knee check from the dirty Swede Ulf Samuelsson. Former Bruins coach and CBC legend .Don Cherry weighs in on Ulf Samuelsson.

Here is an awesome tribute to Wham Bam Cam Neely Some great plays, one of them is where Cam drives Claude the Fraud head through the boards during a game between the Bruins and Devils. Tribute .number two

Cam Neely Fight Videos

Neely and Claude Lemieux

Neely and McGill

Neely and McRae

Great Hockey Fight Neil Sauter vs. Mario Lamoureux 05/06

Check out this fight

I found this awesome fight video over on The Matt Wellens NMU Hockey Blog I would have to say that this is a great fight.

Phil's Brother Mario in Action

Is Eaves Leaving Wisconsin?

Rumor has it: Eaves to New Jersey
There was a rumor floating around about the blogsphere of the possibility of Badger Head Coach Mike Eaves going to New Jersey to coach. Rumors well are rumors, they are what they are. Be that it may, however, rumors are fun to discuss and think about.

From the Hockey in Wisconsin Blog Wisconsin Hockey Blog

Today I heard from reliable sources that University of Wisconsin head coach Mike Eaves is slated to take over the head coaching duties for the New Jersey Devils next season.

I wish I had more information on it but at this time I don't. Eaves has always ran an NHL type system at Wisconsin and the characteristics between styles of Wisconsin and New Jersey aren't that far off. He seems like the perfect fit with General Manager Lou Lamoriello.

Keep in mind that the sources were quoted as being extremely reliable but at this point it needs to be treated as a rumor and not fact yet.

Edit: If Eaves were to leave there are a few names I would hope are being throw out there...:

Dean Blais (Recently left his job at Columbus I believe)
Mark Johnson (Best player in Wisconsin Hockey history, has won back to back titles with the Wisconsin women)
Mark Osiecki (Current Badger top assistant coach)
Anyone else want to throw any new names out there?

I personally don't think it would be that much of a stretch to see Mike Eaves could be coaching in the NHL. Why not New Jersey? New Jersey would be a perfect fit for his defensive system that the Badgers play. Mike Eaves could take a less talented team and turn them into a Stanley Cup Champion. Seriously, It would be god awful hockey to watch but it would be successful.

For all of those that think Dean Blais is going to coach again; especially for WCHA rivals of his hold team are dreaming. I don't think it is going to happen. Just a hunch. Blais was asked recently on a radio show in Fargo, ND if he would ever coach college hockey again and he said no. Blais said, "he doesn't like the travel associated with recruting."

Men's hockey: Eaves rumors appear unfounded
ANDY BAGGOT
abaggot@madison.com
A hot, but unfounded, rumor making the rounds at the American Hockey Coaches Association Convention in Marco Island, Fla., late this week involves University of Wisconsin men's coach Mike Eaves.

New Jersey is in the market for a new coach and the buzz had general manager Lou Lamoriello -- currently the interm coach after he fired Claude Julien earlier this month -- looking to bring Eaves to the NHL.

It makes some sense. Eaves has a NHL background as a player and assistant coach. The Devils are an organization that features a slew of college players. Even Lamoriello has strong ties to the college game, having coached at Providence.

And while Eaves has a five-year contract and a compensation package in excess of $300,000 at UW -- rewards for leading the Badgers to the 2006 NCAA title -- he has never completely closed the door to returning to the NHL.

Eaves didn't return a message left on his cell phone Sunday night, but multiple sources indicated the rumor is just that.

One source said he didn't know if Eaves had been contacted by Lamoriello, but the source said Eaves was aware of the rumor and dismissed it.

The UW coach who could be on the move is assistant Kevin Patrick, who is among the finalists for the opening at Alaska Fairbanks.

I wouldn't look to far into this rumor either way, but it wouldn't surprise me if it turned out to be true. I am sure an offer came from the New Jersey Devils, Mike Eaves would probably listen to it and weigh his options. I am sure most college coaches would, its an opportunity to go to the next level. Just because a person denies something as being false doesn't always make it ture. All of us that are fans of hockey know that things can change and fast.

Backstrom to be traded at the Draft?

Tell me it isn't So

EK from Hockey Buzz is reporting this:

The Wild are in a very tough spot with Backstrom and may try to execute a sign and trade at the draft with Backstrom I am told....With money tied up in the competent Fernandez, this Wild team is in a bind with Backstrom a UFA...For Wild fans who don't like this idea, think of the Sharks with Toskala and Nabokov. Any team willing to pick up the Nabokov salary and give up a pretty decent player + a backup could have had Nabokov after Toskala's playoff run last year...This playoffs, Nabokov is in the running for MVP...so could Fernandez next year.

If this rumor of Backstrom being traded during the draft turns out to be true this would be a horrible move, absolutely brutal. I believe that Nicholas Backstrom has more upside than Manny Fernandez. Seriously, we don't even know if Manny can get healthy enough to play next season after suffering a knee injury before the playoffs. Although the playoffs aren't over yet I have to say that I hate the off season.

Zach Parise's pre-game Interview Before game 2.

I have alway thought that Zach Parise was good interview, not only does the kid have skills on the ice but he is smooth with the mike in front of him.

Travis Zajac and his post game interview as he talks about the game winning goal in the second overtime.

J.P. Parise talks about his son Zach Check out the video of Zach 31st goal of the season. Sweet Goal.

Jamie Langenbrunner's 2nd OT Goal

Game two Devils and Senators. Zajac assists on the Game Winner

The 2007 Stanley Cup playoffs have been nothing short than phenomenal; with each game there has been more non-stop action, it’s hard to even leave the room for fear that you miss another great play. While I have never been a Devils fan, I did catch myself cheering for them last night as they played the Senators. Last night. The goal at the end of the first period was unbelievable and wouldn’t you know it that the coach of the Ottawa Senators Brian Murray was complaining about the timekeeper being slow to start the clock. Actually Brian Murray has done a lot of whinning during the NHL playoffs this season. Well, the goal was reviewed by the league office in Toronto; their ruling on the play was that it a a good goal… Count it; and with out question I agree that goal should have counted.

The thing I thought was most interesting about this game was Martin Brodeur was wearing all new goalie pads for this game. According to the television announcers Marty scrapped his goalie equipment after the game one loss. Apparently Marty has ten sets of pads and decided to wear a new pair of leg pad that only had been worn 10 times. Of Course true to form Brodeur and wins the game for the Devils. No Fighting Sioux hockey players scored goals last night but Travis Zajac did assist on the winning goal. Whew, the Devils needed that game to stay in it. Now all they have to do is win one game in Ottawa.

Devils and Sens Game 1.

This wasn't the game I thought it was going to be. The Sens get four goals in the first period and it looked like they were going to run the Devils out of the Building, this was the first time since 2001 playoffs that Brodeur gives up that many goals in one period during the playoffs.

Watch Danney Heatley's goal, he injures his ankle on the play you can see it when he celebrates the goal with his team mates. Zach Parise was huge in this game as he got a goal and an assist during the games. In fact the Four Devils goals were scored by former college hockey players: Parise and Zajac UND, Gionta B.C. and Andy Greene Miami.

Look for the Devils to come out in game team like a wounder animal fighting for its life.

Buffalo's game five win, the Knock out Game. Oh yeah Stafford a goal.

I guess I can't say enough about Buffalo Sabres, they are the real deal and my Pick to win the Stanley Cup this season, so there will be another Fighting Sioux hockey player on the Stanley Cup. This video pretty much shows how they dismantled the Islanders in the knock out game. It's evident that Speed kills. Former Gopher Thomas Vanek and Drew Stafford both get a goal.

Check out this Horrible call on Zajac

Are you kidding me, the ref incorrectly gave Travis Zajac a diving call on his failed break away attempt, I probably would have given Zajac a penalty shot if had been officating the game . Are you kidding me? The ref should get a day off for that bad call. I understand why the league is trying to crack down on diving because there is a lot of it in the game of hockey. In the NCAA Robbie Earl made an art out of diving to try and draw penalties.

Zach in Action

This is a great illustration of what hard work does for your team. Zach going hard to the net down low doesn't score but puts his team on the power play after being cross checked from behind.

Check out this video Zach's Goal against the Rangers and post game interview on Feburary 20th against the Rangers. This is a sweet goal. Wow, this kid is impressive. Makes a Sioux fan proud everytime they say Zach Parise former Fighting Sioux hockey player.

Goon's Letter to the WCHA Head of Officials.

Here is a letter that I sent to the head of officials for the WCHA.

Dear Mr Sheppard,

I was woundering if the WCHA is going to install the new NHL rules. After watching hockey this past season I believe that the WCHA is falling behind the NHL and is in a way becoming hard to watch by there being too much obstruction, hooking and holding. Now would be a perfect time to install the new rules all the way and allow the high end talented teams to display their speed and offensive fire power.

Sincerely,

The Goon

Here is the response that I got

Goon,
It is not up to the WCHA about the rules Its up to all the coaches and the coaches are ok with the way the rules are written right now,will they change the who knows can we as officials do a better job maybe we will try. Thanks for your input. Greg Shepherd


Interesting response

Like the Whistler said, Greg must have been drunk when he wrote his reply to me. So are the coaches happy with the officating? So happy they are speaking off record about the calls and state of the reffing. Well it's the offseason so now is a good time to find something to talk about.

ROUND 2 (Ring the Bell) - by SIOUX 7

Well the first round came to an end with Vancouver ending Dallas season with a 2-1 win last night.

Now a look at the 2nd round match-ups.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Buffalo Sabres(1) vs New York Rangers(6)
- This should be another quick series for the Sabres, they easily dispatched the Islanders in 5 games and I think they will do the same to the other New York team. Buffalo has too much depth for the Rangers to handle. Buffalo now has all their players back from various injuries through out the regular season. The only way the Ranger can hope to get past the Sabres is for Henrik Lundqvist to pitch a couple of shut-outs. In the end, the Sabres will slash-up the Rangers in 6.

New Jersey(2) vs Ottawa Senators(4)
- This should be a good tough series, they have met many times in the playoffs, so there is a bit of a rivalry here. This series will go to the goalies, if Brodeur can return to his usually stellar playoff form, i.e. the last two games against Tampa Bay, the Devils will advance to the Eastern Conference Championship Series. If, Brodeur plays like he did in the first games against Tampa, the Devils will find themselves in a big hole, that they will not be able to climb back out of. Ottawa has more offensive power than the Devils and probably a little better set of defense men too. But, we all know that a goalie that can get hot in the playoffs can steal games and then steal the series. This will be another 6-game series, with the Devils vetoing the Senators bid for a Stanley Cup.


WESTERN CONFERENCE

Detroit Red Wings (1) vs San Jose Sharks(5)
- Well Detroit fans finally have some good news, they made it out of the first round for a change. This will be a much harder series for Detroit to win. San Jose has much more offense than Calgary, which will be too much for the Wings to handle over a 7 game series. Hasek is good goalie, he was a great goalie, he has just lost a move or two and the age is showing. That is why I will predict the Sharks to take a big bite out of the Wings in game 6, chomp chomp chomp, mmm tasty.

Anaheim (Mighty) Ducks(2) vs Vancouver Canucks(3)
- Vancouver ended the first round, ending Dallas' bid to try and shake that playoff gorilla off there backs, maybe next year. This too should be a good series, if the Canucks Roberto Loungo is in his world (.950 save percentage) he will be tough to beat. You could steal the old saying, "Only God saves more than Luongo." But if the Ducks find a spicket and Luongo starts to leak, the Canucks hopes could disappear faster than Goon's beer on a Saturday night. The Ducks have a well balanced team from top to bottom. They have arguably the 2 best defense men in the league with Niedemeyer and Pronger, one offensively minded the other a menace to forwards society. With all that balance, I have to go with Anaheim flying over Vancouver in 6-games.

The Video is up from Brad May Sucker Punch on the Wild's Kim Johnsson

Again I have touched on this before in another blog article; from the video you can see what May did was inexcusable and I don't believe that Johnsson should have to accept May's apology, it was a gutless act and there is no excuse for what May did. I mean I could see if it was Derrick Boogaard or some other know fighter/tough guy but he suckered Kim Johnsson isn't known for being a fighter and only had 64 minutes in penalties on the season while May has appeared in 868 career NHL games, scoring 123-152=275 points with 2,027 penalty minutes (PIM), not exactly Lady Byng numbers.

Here is another clip of that game four on 4-17-07 clip. I have to say that the homer announcers for the Anaheim Duck's are a coupld of clowns if they think that Kim Johnsson was turtling, how can that be when your hit with a sucker punched? This is the same sucker punch that cause Kim to suffer a concussion and miss game five of the series. I am not sure where these two clowns cans say something stupid like that.

The Pen's Sign their own Boogey man

The Pen's Sign the Boogey Man's Brother

I heard about this today on my way to get coffee. Pens Sign Aaron Boogaard

xecutive Vice President and General Manager Ray Shero announced Monday that the Pittsburgh Penguins have signed forward Aaron Boogaard to a three-year NHL Entry Level contract.

The 6-3, 245-pound Boogaard has spent the past five seasons in the Western Hockey League (WHL) totaling 54 points (26g, 28a) in 273 games played, while collecting 589 penalty minutes. He tallied 173 penalty minutes while notching career highs in goals (10), assists (11), and points (21) in 69 games with the Tri-City Americans this season. Boogaard also scored his first-career playoff goal when he netted the game-winner in a 2-1 victory in game two of a playoff series vs. the Seattle Thunderbirds.

The native of Regina, Saskatchewan was originally drafted in the sixth round (175th pick overall) of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft by the Minnesota Wild. Aaron’s older brother, Derek, is a left wing for the Minnesota Wild.

Aaron Boogaard is currently on an amateur tryout agreement with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.

Bad Blood Between the Wild and Ducks

Series is over but verbal jabs are not

I found this article in today's Star and Tribune seems that there is a lot of bad blood between the two teams that will probably boil over into next season. I have posted a few of the incidents from the series.

The Western Conference quarterfinals officially ended Thursday when the Anaheim Ducks bid adieu to the Wild in five games, but parting shots took place Saturday between both clubs, particularly the teams' general managers -- the Wild's Doug Risebrough and the Ducks' Brian Burke.

The detonation again had to do with Anaheim's Brad May, who called Kim Johnsson on Friday to apologize for leaving the Wild defenseman concussed with a surprise punch to Johnsson's left eye. It was an apology not accepted, if you read between the lines.

Risebrough, who said, "May's probably made a lot of those calls," insinuated that actions like May's follow Burke around, a subtle reminder that Todd Bertuzzi broke Steve Moore's neck when Burke managed the Canucks.

"They started whining after Game 1, they whined after Game 2 ... after Game 3 ... after Game 4 ... after Game 5," Burke said by phone. "I suspect after Games 6 and 7, we'd be treated to more whining. There's a right way and a wrong way to lose. The right way is to give credit where credit is due and acknowledge that the best team is still playing.

"But this is embarrassing."

Series-long tensions erupted during the Wild's Game 4 victory over Anaheim. Near the end, a scrum broke out. As Johnsson skated, May, claiming to be "defending myself, my space on the ice," skated right to left so that Johnsson couldn't get by. He grabbed the nonpugilist and decked him.

"I'm disappointed ... that stuff like that can happen," said Johnsson, who thought his cheekbone was broken. "I feel that's not the right way to do it. If he wants to fight, at least tell me that he's going to do something so I can protect myself."

Asked if he accepted May's apology, Johnsson said: "He apologized, but let's leave it at that. I don't want to say what he said or what I said."

Johnsson is feeling better, but Risebrough said he wouldn't be able to play in the "near future." Risebrough also has been told that May broke his hand during the incident; Burke denies that.

First off what May did was inexcusable and I don't believe that Johnsson should have to accept May's apology, it was a gutless act and there is no excuse for what May did. I mean I could see if it was Derrick Boogaard or some other know fighter/tough guy but he suckered Kim Johnsson isn't known for being a fighter and only had 64 minutes in penalties on the season while May has appeared in 868 career NHL games, scoring 123-152=275 points with 2,027 penalty minutes (PIM), not exactly Lady Byng numbers.

In my opinion May violated the Code: Like Johnsson said he was sucker punched and not even given a chance to respond to May. Sucker punching him proves nothing, he one of the Wild's cleaner players. Brad May has never been anything more than a second rate goon so his gutless action are no surprise to me at all.

"It's probably worthwhile for the league to find out how accurate it is," Risebrough said. "As an ex-player, I know if a guy hit me and he broke his hand, he hit me pretty hard. It does tell you the impact, and it certainly does tell you, which is contrary to what Anaheim broadcaster [Brian Hayward] said, that Johnsson didn't turtle. He was knocked out."

A skirmish between the teams broke out during Game 5 warmups, after Derek Boogaard admittedly elbowed defenseman Chris Pronger.

"Yeah, I did," Boogaard said. "He crossed over the red line, so I got in his way just on their side of the ice and then he shot a puck at me. And then [George] Parros came flying over the line. It just escalated from there."

After the game, when both teams lined up to shake hands, Risebrough kept Boogaard from joining, because "I did not trust what they were going to do." Wild coach Jacques Lemaire and his assistants also didn't shake hands with the Ducks coaches, which angered Burke.

"The reason is very simple," Lemaire said. "[Burke] started first to say his team is bigger, tougher, they had more fights and all that [stuff] before the playoffs, and I didn't appreciate it. Then ... what May did, that's the reason I didn't shake."

Risebrough said that it's time "to hold general managers accountable for how their teams play. Some of these things follow general managers around."I'm at a loss of how to respond," Burke said. "I don't even know what that means. This was a warriors' series. I have not heard one person from Minnesota praise how hard my team worked, how good our special teams were. It's certainly an ungracious way to lose. When they came back from 3-1 [to beat Vancouver in 2003], go back and see if I bellyached like this."

Again when I read this article I got quite the chuckle out of all this, it sounds like whinning by a couple of school girls. Almost as bad as WCHA fans whinning about one teams fans not giving another team props for winning. Lets not be confused; this was a hard fought series that could have gone either way. The best team won in my opinion and the Wild are now off to the golf course. During this series there was a lot of rough and tough action, it was playoff hockey. That being said; blatant cheap shots and acts of goonery toward skilled pacifist players, is unacceptable, especially when one of the combatants is a one-dimensional goon that adds little if anything to the score sheet except PIMS. Rightfully so the league suspended Brad May for three games.

Don't get me wrong I love playoff hockey. During the NHL Stanley Cup playoffs rivalries develop and the fan are entertained, watching acts of thugery are not entertainment. All I can say is boo hoo, do you want a Kleenex Burke?

The Slash that cost Jamie Mclennan 5 games.

In this video you will see Jamie Mclennan slash Detroit forward Johan Franzen of the Red Wings. The Detroit Red Wings had been in Calgary's goalies crease all game, while I don't approve of this action, I do believe something had to be done to send a message. From watching a lot of hockey over the years, I think it was safe to say that Playfair sent McLennan out to send a message. I am not sure this was the intended result. Stay tuned for tonight's game as it should be interesting. I would be willing to bet that the league office will be talking to both teams before tonight's games to remind them of the consequences if things get out of hand.

It's things like this that give hockey a bad name, almost on cue the national sports media was playing this incident on their highlights today. While not a regular part of the NHL acts like this do happen. The league acted quickly giving McClennan a 5 game suspension.
Story on the NHL Site

NEW YORK (AP)-The NHL came down hard Sunday on Calgary, suspending goalie Jamie McLennan for five games and fining coach Jim Playfair $25,000 and the team $100,000 for actions late in Game 5 of the Flames' first-round series against the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday.

McLennan was given a match penalty for slashing Detroit's Johan Franzen in the midsection at 17:01 of the third period, one of four penalties the Flames were assessed for aggressive and illegal use of the stick (slashing or cross-checking) in the closing minutes of the Red Wings' 5-1 victory.

"In our pre-playoff conference calls with the coaches and general managers of the respective organizations, we addressed a number of topics and one of them was actions late in the game when the score was out of hand," NHL disciplinarian Colin Campbell said. "The coach and the organization must be held accountable for the players' actions."

McLennan's suspension was to begin with Game 6 Sunday night in Calgary. Detroit led the series 3-2.

Check out the John Tortorella interview on CBC

I saw this on CBC the other night. This is some classic stuff, its no wonder we don't see this more often where the coaches don't upset with stupid questions from moronic reporters. It was obvious that Tortorella didn't want to answer stupid rhetorical questions, even telling on of the reporters to get the F' out of here, in return the reporter tells him to F' off as well.

Wild and Duck Pre-game

Although thsi series didn't go the way Wild fans would have hoped, the playoff series between the Ducks and Wild did seem to open a few more wounds. This should make the rivalry between the Ducks and Wild even a little more fun to watch next season and beyond.

This series proved that although Derrick Boogaard contributes nothing in the way of points on the scoreboard, his presence makes the opposition think about the Boogey many whenever he is on the ice.

Cool Oshie Video

Check out this Cool Video
I was looking around on YouTube today for a video that someone had asked me if I had seen when I came across this beauty, this is from the 2005 Minnesota High School Hockey tourney. I wonder if T.J. can do that with a sand wedge and a golf ball?
Move Over Tiger Woods

Oshie and Toews Plead Guilty

Today in some less than flattering news from the UND hockey program; Two of UND's top players T.J. Oshie and Jonathon Toews pleaded guilty to guilty today for minor on premises: Read the Whole Story Right Here

Two of the UND hockey players charged after being caught at a Grand Forks tavern on Jan. 28 changed their underage drinking pleas to guilty today as part of a plea agreement.

Jonathan Toews, 18, and T.J. Oshie, 20, pleaded guilty to minor not allowed on liquor premises, a Class B misdemeanor. The two were charged after Grand Forks police responded to a call at Judy's Tavern, where Toews and Oshie were part of a group that included another UND hockey player, Robbie Bina.

I am sure this story will end up on Damian Goddard's bad boy page, lol. Since this is the off-season I am sure that we will see a big deal made out of this story. As I had mentioned before I won't be adding much more to it, because in my opinion it is a nonstory. Now finally we can all get some closure on this issue and move on, I am sure the Bison Fans and Kevin McFeely will have a field day with it, this too will pass.

Erik Johnson Signs With Blues & Johnson Quip

EJ Whines about PT
This caught my eye when I was reading this blog article. Johnson claims he didn't expect to be playing behind a senior and a junior. This is the reason the Gophers were bounced from the NCAA playoffs early the last two seasons. Its the me, me, me attitude of putting personal gain ahead of team goals. I think actually the Gophers will be better without EJ.

Many people including Johnson were taken back by the lack of playing time he received from the Minnesota coaching staff. Johnson didn’t expect to be playing behind a senior and a junior d-man. Johnson will tell you he thrives when he’s the guy. He admits he doesn’t play as good as he can when he’s not the premier guy. Johnson credits US Development coach John Hynes for giving him the confidence to take on this type of pressure. Johnson and Hynes butted heads and engaged in a few verbal wars in his first year with the program, but By the time Johnson left for Minnesota he had had grown an enormous amount of respect for Hynes.

When Johnson met with the Minnesota coaching staff following the season they suggested that he return for another year but Johnson feels turning pro will allow him to develop at the necessary pace. Johnson signed an entry level contract that was pretty easy to negotiate. He will earn $850,000 and can make an additional $850,000 in A bonuses and another two million in B bonuses.

Brett Burns gets dirty

Bret Burns had never had a fight during his NHL Career until the Ducks and Wild playoff series this season. Brent Burns has really picked up his game and become a force to be reckoned with on the blue line. Someone one was joking that he has more fights than the Wild's tough guy the Boogey man, Derrick Boogaard.


In this fight Chris Kunitz pulls Brent Burns hairs. I mean come on grown men don't pull the opposition players hair.

The Fans Cheer for Boogaard

Listen to these homer announcers, I do like the Wild announcers much better than these two clowns. The Ducks have no moral ground to stand on when they are talking about teams being cheap. Brad May is one of the biggest hacks to ever play the game of hockey. His sucker punch on Johnsson just proves my point, three games isn't enough he should be banned from further playoff play this season if the Ducks move on. I believe Derrick Boogaard had a big hand in last nights win and the fans show their apciation. It was funny when Derrick pointed to the ice and said, it's easy to talk boys why don't you step out on the ice for a little meeting. This is why I love the playoffs.

The Terrible Two's

As many of my friends, and the folks who sat around me at the UND games know, I started to call Brain Lee (#22) and Joe Finley (#2) the terrible two's. They earned this nickname accordingly so, with there less than stellar first half of the season play, aka pylons. (As a footnote, Finley's play the second half of the season was incredibly improved.) Then I received this picture courtesy of "Marty the Party" and could not stop laughing at it. IF I THINK HE IS A PYLON, HIS TEAM MATE DOESN'T IMPROVE HIS IMAGE ANY WITH THIS PICTURE.

Point of interest, the opinion is that of Sioux_7 and not the Goon

Colby Armstrong KOs Patrick Eaves

While you can decide on your own what you think of the hit, this is a good example of why you keep your head up when Colby Armstrong is on the ice. Although he is not very big Armstrong is known for bone crushing checks. In my opinion this is a legal hit. I might be questionable, but it's a lot cleaner than the hit that Chris Neal put on Drury earlier in the season. Then in the after math Dean McAmmond then decides to pick a fight with Max Talbot who works McAmmond pretty good.

Eventually some day Colby will get tagged by someone that will be looking to light him up like he has done to others. Some have predicted that Chris Neil will come looking for him before then end of this series. I wonder if anyone will come to his aid. Live by the sword and you die by the sword.

Matt Green and Brandon Bochenski Make the USA

Sioux Land Two on Team USA

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.– USA Hockey today named the first 18 players to its U.S. Men’s National Team that will compete at the 2007 International Ice Hockey Federation World Championship in Moscow, Russia, April 27-May 13.

2007 United States Men’s National Ice Hockey Team
GOALTENDERS (3)
42 Robert Esche Whitesboro, N.Y. Philadelphia Flyers (NHL)
47 John Grahame Denver, Colo. Carolina Hurricanes (NHL) LSSU
1 Cory Schneider Marblehead, Mass. Boston College (NCAA)BC

DEFENSEMEN (5)
41 Andrew Alberts Boston Bruins (NHL) BC
44 Keith Ballard Phoenix Coyotes (NHL) UofM
5 Matt Greene Edmonton Oilers (NHL) UND
3 Jack Johnson Los Angeles Kings (NHL) Michigan
2 Brian Pothier Washington Capitals (NHL) RPI

FORWARDS (10)
39 Tyler Arnason Colorado Avalanche (NHL) SCSU
10 Brandon Bochenski Boston Bruins (NHL) UND
17 Chris Clark Washington Capitals (NHL)Clarkson
26 Erik Cole Carolina Hurricanes (NHL)Clarkson
16 Nathan Davis Miami (Ohio) University (NCAA)
8 Phil Kessel Boston Bruins (NHL) UofM
59 Chad LaRose Carolina Hurricanes (NHL)
20 Toby Petersen Edmonton Oilers (NHL) CC
11 Paul Stastny Colorado Avalanche (NHL)DU
12 Lee Stempniak St. Louis Blues (NHL) Dartmouth

A Nice Break down from the WCHA. 2 Sioux, 2 Gophers, 1 Tigers, 1 Huskie, 1 Pioneer. It's good to see our league get that kind of notice.

Hostile and Abusive?

I shouldn't give this site any more traffic; but check out the Double-A Zone. They have posted a picture of the Fighting Sioux hockey team on the players bench but ironically the Fighting Sioux are photographed from behind, I guess they Josh doesen't want to show the Fighting Sioux logo. There is also a nice

The Pylon of the Week.

The envelope please

Tonight during the Wild game Martin Skoula looked like a pylon as he was defending against a short handed rush by Ryan Getzlaf, there is no excuse for this type of soft play. I think it's time for Skoula to sit and someone else to play. If the Wild don't get their act together they are going to be golfing soon.
Martin Skoula

Here is a prediction

I doubt the Sioux and Gophers will be in the same regional with Michigan for three years in a row. Let's just say there will be no more regions of death. If that happened could you imagine the whinning Red and tDon would do, Red failed to give the Fighting Sioux any credit when the Fighting Sioux dismantled his Michigan team during the West Regional, instead deciding to blame his team loss on the officating. I could see these two high profile coaches snapping if that happened to be the case. I know it's way too early to predict these type of thing but those three teams will not be in the same regional again for some time.

Goon's World Play of the Year: Lammy's Big Save

This was the save that everyone was talking about. This save even made the top ten plays of the day on ESPN high lites. I believe that you could probably call it the play of the year in college hockey in my opinion.

Message board fodder on Toews

Some interesting reads

There has been some interesting things written on the Internet since the Sioux and Jonathon Toews finished their season. The speculation about what Jonathon Toews is going to do could fill many reams of paper. It's no mystery that Jonathon Toews is a great player who is barely 19 and just finished his sophomore season at UND.

There is a lot of excitement amongst Black Hawk fans; rightfully so. Toews is a dynamic player and will go on and make an impact in the NHL. From what I have read many of the Chicago Black Hawks fans are already penciling him to the lineup or making the assumption that Toews is gone and will sign a professional contract as well.

Now mind you; these fans KNOW NO MORE than Fighting Sioux fans do, they probably know less that us up here in Grand Forks. I doubt many of them have actually seen the kid play, but they are making the same assumption many of us are as well. While I think that Toews will in fact be leaving the Fighting Sioux during the summer, I don't think he is going to make the instant impact the fans in Chicago think he is. Toews might even start the season in Rockford, Il.

Look to what other talented players from the college ranks have done in their first year of professional hockey. Phil Kessel is the first player that comes to mind Phil a simular talent has a whopping 29 points in 71 games. I just hope the Chicago fans aren't putting undue pressure on this kid and expecting too much from him.

This is what I am talking about
This is what Joe Six Pack is writing about in Chicagoland. I would be willing to bet Tallon is happy this guy isn't on staff. I don't think he even has a clue how much Drury is going to cost for Buffalo to sign. I can see at least 4-5 million to resign him. Chicago isn't known to be big spenders.

Havlat-Toews-Cherpanov
Ruutu-Drury-Skille
Bourque-Bolland-Makarov
Bickell-Hamilton-Brouwer


1)anything to sign Drury, Overpay who cares, he plays in ever aspect of the game, dump aucoins 4 mill. Put Ruutu and Skille together and watch them produce on both sides.

2)Draft Cherepanov, he broke the greatest russians totals as a rookie this year...he led WJC in points and goals , Havlat Toews and Cherepanov could possibly be the most potent line the Hawks have ever seen touch the ice.

3)Keep bourque around good bang for the buck type of player, play him with the likes of Makarov and Bolland and this young line could shine bright. Makarov is a poster boy for the NHL nowadays, I've watched him play, he;s pretty shifty and skilled.

First off you have to take this stuff with a grain of salt, Let be real, Buffalo isn't going to let Drury go and look for Buffalo to sign Drury and Daniel Briere when the season is over. Look for Skille to be in the Chicago farm system all season long. There is no way he is going to do much in the NHL. Skille was barely a factor with the Badgers in the WCHA. Lets get real, Jack Skille scored 39 points in two seasons at Wisconsin, Toews had 86 in two seasons.

Finally the only person that knows what Jonathon Toews is going to do is Jonathon Toews and the Towes family and probably his fellow team-mates. Bloggers in Chicago or St Louis can tell us what they think he is going to do or pontificate on what Toews is going to do but honestly they don't know for sure until you read the press clipping of the impending announcement. If Toews comes back to the Sioux the D.O.T. will probably go down as one of the most prolific lines in college hockey history.

Detroit Dismantles the Flames

I was listening to XM-204 tonight on my way home from work and the ice cap boys got me thinking about first round upsets. I think its safe to say after watching tonight game it looks like Calgary isn't going to be the team to knock off a top seed in this year Stanley Cup playoffs.

Detroit as of late has been known for their early exits. Last season the Edmonton Oilers beat the Red Wings in the first round. The Red Wings went home to play golf and the Edmonton Oilers went to the Cup finals before losing to the Canes in the Stanley Cup finals.

Tonight it appears that the Detroit Red Wings want to make it further than the first round as they absolutely destroyed a usually very defensive Calgary team. Detroit out shot the Flames 46-20 and got a well-balanced attack from the whole line up. If it wasn't for Miikka Kiprusoff the game could have been 10-1.

I think this might be Detroit’s last chance to make some noise in the Stanley Cup playoffs with the team it has right now. If the Red Wings don’t win it all this year this may be the last hurrah for many of the Red Wing’s players many of them are ready to start collecting social security.

Kind of makes you wonder if the Flames wasted all of their energy making the playoffs or are the Wings that good? It is a question that many of us are going to be asking as the playoffs play out.

Former Fighting Sioux hockey player David Hale played 10:13 and looked solid all game.

Oh by the way incase anyone is confused Hockey Town in Warroad Minnesota.

FSN Fails to Show the Wild Game

Wild Game Missing on the TV Dial

Last night I was waiting to watch the Minnesota Wild against the Anaheim Ducks. So I turn to television to FSN at 9:30 pm and to my amazement I see that the Twins game is still on. Ok, I am sure as soon as the game is over FSN will switch over the Wild and Ducks. So I was wrong.

In a game that no one saw on Television the Ducks beat the Wild 2-1.

Here are some Highlights to the game no one saw out side of MPLS

Sour grapes by the homer Anaheim announcers, the play was close to being offsides but wasn't in my opinion.

Gaborik Nominated For Bill Masterton Trophy

Marian Gaborik was named the Minnesota' Wild's nominee for the Bill Masterton Trophy, given to the NHL player who best exemplifies perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey. The Twin Cities chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association (PHWA) announced today the nomination of Minnesota Wild right wing Marian Gaborik for the National Hockey League’s (NHL) Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy. The award is presented annually to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.

Gaborik, 25 (2/24/82), has recorded 51 points (28-23=51) in 44 games and ranks first on the team with seven GWGs, second in goals, tied for fourth with a +9 rating and fifth in scoring despite missing 34 games due to a serious groin injury suffered Oct. 20 at Anaheim. His hard work and dedication to treating the injury allowed Gaborik to return to the lineup Jan. 6 and help lead the Wild to the playoffs for the second time in franchise history. Minnesota is 18-1-2 in games he has scored a goal this season and 30-8-6 in contests he has played in. The Trencin, Slovakia-native has not gone more than three straight games without a point since a four-game pointless streak Jan. 16-21, 2004. Gaborik was the Wild’s first-ever pick in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft (third overall) and is the team’s all-time leader scorer with 325 points (162-163=325) in 404 games.

A nice honor for a dynamic player. It's obvious from watching the Wild this past season when Gabby is in the line the Wild have a great chance of winning the game. When he was hurt the Wild struggled with their team indentity. Good to see him get noticed for his efforts on the ice.

Michigan State National Champs

Are they the best team?

First off Goon's World would like to congratulate the Michigan State Spartans for winning the NCAA title. Also I would like to congratulate the Spartans for keeping the National title in the west, and not allowing a Eastern team to win the National Title. State was the last team standing when it counted the most. The Spartans won the title fair and square and the Michigan State Spartans did what they had to do to hang a banner next fall.

I though I would chime in on this subject. I have seen a few things written this week that I think are funny but are also down right silly. Check out this rant from USCHO.COM

Happy Wrote on USCHO:I think you are very wrong. MSU got the easiest draw, and they won. The discussions happen because other teams had a much harder draw, and got eliminated. MSU completely avoided having to play any of the teams from the region of death, which happened to included all the west's skating first team all-Americans, and the Hobey winner. hey, I won $100 betting on the FF, and I would have bet much more that if MSU and Michigan would have traded places in the west, MSU would not have got out of Denver either. UND knew how to beat MN, but MN had already shown they knew how to beat MSU. I consider them the last man standing, not the best team.

To win the title you have to beat the best. This years Frozen Four was stacked. It's obvious that UND, B.C. and Maine were good teams or they wouldn't have been in St Louis. Michigan State won regional which some have argued was a patsy and an easy draw, that folks is just sour grapes. State won their regional and qualified for the frozen four. Michigan State beat a veteran Maine team fair and square and then beat offensive Juggernaut Boston College to get the title.

I wonder if that poster is saying that Maine and B.C. are a couple of patsies? Lets break this down further; Maine didn't lose to a WCHA team all season as the Black Bears went 4-0 against one of the toughest leagues in college hockey. That's no small feat in my opinion. B.C. won their regional and their league title and were ridding a 13 game unbeaten streak when they played State, so I can't say that they are a bunch of hacks either. I know Happy writes some funny and silly stuff and I like most enjoy his work but his logic is flawed. Let's also not be confused Happy is is a partisan Gopher fan. So it is what it is. Lets give credit where credit is due.

Duncan and Chorney will return for Junior Year

Really Good News

Herald Article on Duncan and Chorney
Two of the Fighting Sioux hockey star players have announced that they are going to return for the 2007-2008 season. There is is a huge sigh of relief in Grand Forks today. Ryan Duncan and Taylor Chorney have decided to put their professional careers on hold and return to their college team. During a time of season know for depressing announcements, this is really good news and their presence on the team will welcomed with open arms.


Expect some Defections

The Fighting Sioux are still waiting for decisions of super sophomores T.J. Oshie and Jonathon Toews, I am sure we will get their decision soon. I think in all reality we can expect Toews to announce that he is going to forgo his final two years of eligibility to play for the Chicago Black Hawks. I would also imagine T.J. Oshie must be at least 50/50 on whether he is going to return or not. I am hoping that Oshie will return for one more season. I don't know if the Sioux will lose anyone else.

Sabres favorites in the Stanley Cup

Sabres ready to win it all

The NCAA championship is over, 16 teams have slugged it out for 82 games and earned the right to play for the Stanley Cup. Although I am a Bruins and Minnesota Wild fan, I am picking the Buffalo Sabres to win the Stanley Cup. They start their series against the New York Islanders that qualified for the Stanley Cup playoffs on the last day of the seaosn. The first round match up will feature former Fighting Sioux players Jason Blake and Drew Stafford.

In my opinion the Sabres are the total package, the Sabres roll 4 lines and have 6 players that have scored 20 or more goals, that is not a small feat in today's NHL. The Sabres are a smaller team that has florished under the new rules of the NHL. The Sabres are quick and fast and can score goals in bunches.

A look back at the Frozen Four (Fighting Sioux goals)

When you look back at this season one thing to remember the Fighting Sioux by is their ability to score goals in bunches, also the Fighting Sioux had a never quit attitude, never say die. Anyone that suggests that the Fighting Sioux gave up in their semi final game is wrong. The Fighting Sioux hockey team competed to the end, Boston College is a good hockey team and deserved to win that hockey game. With the defections that will take place in the off season its safe to say that this team will look a lot different when they open the season in the fall. The Fighting Sioux hockey team will miss Eric Fabian's heart, Chris Porter grit and leadership and big time goals and finally Scott Foyt's dedication. Personally I think you have to admire a guy that comes to practice everyday and know your probably not going to get to play as much as maybe he would have liked. To me that speaks of his character. Foyt should make one hell of a lawyer.

So this is a sweet replay of the goals the Fighting Sioux hockey team scored at the Frozen Four. Video Courtesy of RedFrogND.

Jack Johnson get into two Fights in his last Game of the Season

You have to love Jack Johnson's spirit or JMFJ as the Michigan fans call him. Heck this is a feat the Boogey man would be proud of. Only thing; Jack if your going to wear the face shield I would recommend taking off your helmet before you drop the gloves and get into the fight. You can get 2 additional minutes for fighting with a face shield. I also think Johnson is a good enough player that he isn't going to have to fight all the time but you do have to admire his grit for sticking up for his goalie that was run over in a cheap hit.

You Make the Call:

Thanks to the Whistler for him posting this video

The call in question happened during Thursday nights NCAA semi final game. I believe this play should have never resulted in a penalty. If you watch the replay you will see that Barry Melrose agrees with this analysis by saying that Finley kept his elbow down and it was probably the difference in the size of the players.

I will say that I don't blame the loss on the officials the B.C. Eagles deserved to win this game and the Sioux took some untimely and undisciplined penalties that were legitimate penalties, this was a blown call and should have never been a penalty. The ref also missed a few other penalties; add the checking from behind on Duncan at center ice right in front of the players bench, the bush league interference call against Porter in the first period. It is my opinion that the ref has got to get those calls right. Apparently Shegos is the CCHA's version of Don Adam or Don Champion.

Derrick Sheppard is reffing the National Championship game with in itself is laughable, however, that being said at least you know what your going to get with Derrick.

The Oshie and Toews Watch

The Watch is Officially on

I hate this time of year more than the ending of the Waterfowl season. For the past three plus season the UND Fighting Sioux have enjoyed great success followed by a mass defection of skilled players. I found this article on HockeyBuzz.COMand its got a pretty interesting perspective on some of the WCHA's top players; sounds like T.J. Oshie is sitting about 50/50 on going pro while Jonathon Toews and Eric Johnson are gone. I know its a blog but EK runs a pretty credible blog and he appears on XM-204 all of the time. I suppose we can take it for what it's worth. Or as Hakstol likes to say, "it is what it is."

If you happen to run into Black Hawks super prospect Jonathan Toews in the next few days don’t be surprised if he is still wearing his North Dakota uniform.

With Thursday night’s loss to Boston College likely being his final game playing for the Fighting Sioux, Toews couldn't take off his jersey after the game. He sat in his stall with his head buried in his lap for several minutes while still wearing his equipment. Some of his teammates were already headed to the bus before Toews even took off an elbow pad.

When Toews was attending Shattuck-St. mary's with Taylor Chorney, Ryan Duncan, and Chay Genoway they all decided they would attend the same University and play together. The fact that it looks like Toews will leave without a national championship is difficult for him to accept

Toews is smart enough to say he owes it to his teammates to not think about next season. It does him no good to come out and say I'm off to Chicago to play in the NHL.

Sometimes we forget these kids get attached to the college lifestyle and their friends. It’s not that easy to just cut the cord and turn pro no matter how good you are. When Toews was attending Shattuck-St. mary's with Taylor Chorney, Ryan Duncan, and Chay Genoway they all decided they would attend the same University and play together. The fact that it looks like Toews will leave without a national championship is going to be difficult for him to accept

But let's face it, he’s gone.

The better question is what his pal T.J. Oshie will do.

I found it interesting when Oshie told me his decision will no question be impacted by whatever choice Toews makes. Oshie plans on being as committed as ever in the gym this summer with hopes of adding ten pounds of muscle. He will certainly need to add strength to play in the NHL.

I get mixed signals from the Blues on Oshie. While they all agree Oshie is going to develop into an impact player at the NHL level, some think another year in school wouldn’t hurt. Others have told me playing in the NHL next season will be a non-issue for Oshie.

All I know is this; Oshie is really excited to play for the St. Louis Blues. He couldn’t get the smile off his face when I brought up the team that made him a first round pick in 2005. He loved being inside the Blues building. Oshie is so far removed from St. Louis he has no idea how high he is thought of among Blues management and fans. He didn’t even attend the draft the year he was selected, so he has had little face time with anybody from the city or the Blues organization.

This was the first time Oshie had ever been to St. Louis. He said it was really special to finally put a face with the city. Oshie added that seeing fans walking the streets wearing Blues jerseys while driving to the rink was an unbelievable experience. When I spoke to Oshie following UND’s loss to BC he had not bumped into Larry Pleau or John Davidson while in St. Louis.

Oshie spoke to Erik Johson recently and plans on talking to him again before he makes his decision.

Speaking of Johnson, he has not told the Blues what his intentions are for next season but sources very close to Johnson say he has decided to leave Minnesota.

Both Johnson and Oshie plan on attending the Blues Prospect camp in July.

Oshie will take his time to collect his thoughts and decide on his future.

First off I like the line of thinking when some suggest that T.J. Oshie needs another year in the college game. Who am I to stand in the way. As most Sioux hockey fans know there are numerous rumors flying around that T.J. will stay in college for one more year. Some have even quoted his father as saying that. Others are saying mark T.J. off next season's roster because he is as good as gone already. I am sure the truth lies somewhere in between. I crossing my fingers and wearing out my knees praying that Oshie stays because he is an amazing player with God given talents. I find it amusing that Oshie has not bumped into the the team leadership as of yet, that could be a good sign or it could me that he was more focused on the task at hand. Stay tuned we will see how this shakes out.

Also, looks like Maine Coach Tim Whitehead might want to recruit another goalie

That’s not exactly the case for Maine goaltender Ben Bishop. He doesn’t need any time.

He wants to turn pro now. He says he’s ready and he’s hoping the Blues feel the same way.

Bishop is confident he can make the transition, but I have the feeling the Blues want him to wait.

First of all it’s a valid question to ask if he is even ready, but also would it make sense to have him play a handful of games backing up Marek Schwarz in Peoria next season? If the Blues wait a year or two Bishop could jump in and be the number one guy in Peoria right away.

A big question heading into this off-season will be if Davidson picks up the phone and offers the 6’7 Bishop a contract.

Bishop was decent Thursday night. Michigan State was successful in creating traffic in front of him and the bounces went the Spartans way as a result.

He has impressive athletic ability for a goaltender his size and handles the puck efficiently.

That would be a huge loss for Maine as Bishop is a shut down goalie that makes a living frustrating the opposition. I don't get it though, college was the best time of my life and these kids have a life time to make money. The money is going to be there if they stay one or two more years. Just ask Jordan Leopold, he stayed all four season, won a Hobey Baker and a National title and has been a solid player I believe because of him staying his final season in the WCHA/NCAA.

Backus and Ballard square off

Looks like David Backus is going to get to be getting a Christmas card from Keith Ballard. Lets Go Mav's is going to love this one. All in all it was a really good scrap. From watching both players when they played in the WCHA I can tell you that they are both very tough hockey players. This is also in my opinion is a perfect example of a good fight. As far as I can see It wasn't stagged and it was a result of spirited play that was decided on the ice.

Its Official Ryan Duncan is the Hobey Baker Memorial Winner

Hobey Duncan

I feel that Ryan Duncan is a very deserving recipient of this prestigious award. It's a great honor for a awesome hockey player that plays in the toughest league in college hockey. Although I am sure that the award it's probably a bitter sweet feeling and I am sure Ryan would trade in his Hobey Baker Memorial Award for a NCAA title I think it's great to see a Fighting Sioux hockey player finally receive this award. While some will poo-poo Duncan winning the award and will say that he isn't even the best player on his team, Duncan was the most valuable player in the WCHA this season.

REMEMBER THE SEASON

HAVE YOU BEEN DRINKING?

Drinking and driving the ZAMBONI is legal in New Jersey. Who would have know this fact.

Here is the link to the story from CNN too, so it is not a hoax.

New Jersey Zamboni Story on CNN

I wonder how he gets to work, does he drive a car? Oh my, if he does, I'm glad I live in Fargo...

This Should get you into the mood

The Stanley Cup playoffs are starting in five days and the Wild are going to be right in the thick of it. I look forward to this time of year every years. It's like two months of church every night.

Season Over

GF Herald Picture

2/3 of a Boring game

I told the my buddy watching the game with me in the third period that it doesn't look good (the game was tied 2-2 at time). B.C. outplayed the Sioux in the third period and the defense was giving up too many chances. I could sense that the end of the season was coming. In the end the Fighting Sioux took way too many penalties and had too many missed opportunities.

Then the roof fell in on the Fighting Sioux at the end of the game as they gave up two empty net goals. The empty net goal that really chapped my ass was the one where Brian Lee dogged it and was beat back to the puck in the defensive zone by two Boston College Eagle players, that in my opinion is really inexcusable. That can not happen, you can not as a player let yourself get beat when your season is on the line. I am sure Hakstal will use that as a learning experience.

Third Again

For the second season in a row the Fighting Sioux finished in third place. It woud be an understatement to say that it's been an interesting and exciting season. After being swept in the MTU series th Fighting Sioux hockey team had a record of 7-10-1 and in danger of missing the NCAA playoffs, something unheard of in Grand Forks, ND. Then the Sioux took the bull by the horns and went something like 16-3-4. I told my wife I am tired of the boys being the brides maid and watching them finishing in 2nd or 3rd place, while I have enjoyed making the Frozen Four a yearly event, I like many Fighting Sioux fans want to see the Fighting Sioux win an NCAA title and soon. It's been too long, 7 long years since the Sioux last won the NCAA title. Also, I want to be able to write 8 > 5.

Half of the Field is set

USCHO.COM photo
MSU tops Maine

The Spartans beat the Black Bears in game one 4-2. Kind of a boring game; Maine came out like gang busters and then MSU shut them down after that using the trap. I am not too upset with the results because I would honestly love to see an all western final with UND and MSU repeating the 1987 title game. First things first; UND has a tough task ahead of them when they face off against the Eagles tonight.

I am biased and I just don't want to see a Eastern team win the NCAA title. While most Sioux fans respect the Eagles and they are a heated rival, I want to see the WCHA retain the title as the NCAA champions.

Hats off to Maine they are a good team that plays a solid game of hockey. I really didn't see any flaws in their game other than they needed to be more balanced on offense. It baffled me to see Maine fans calling for their coach's head earlier in the season. In my opinion Maine's coach is doing a pretty good job, he has taken his teams to the NCAA Frozen Four two years in a row.

The Scouting Report

Courtesy of the Boston Herald
Scouting the Eagles and the Sioux

Scouting report: BC vs. N. Dakota
By Herald sports staff
Thursday, April 5, 2007 - Updated: 05:17 AM EST

TONIGHT - 8:07, Scottrade Center, St. Louis. TV - ESPN2. Radio - WWZN-AM (1510).

RECORDS

BC is 28-11-1. North Dakota is 24-13-5.

WHO’S HURT

Both teams are healthy.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

For BC, forwards Brock Bradford, Benn Ferriero, Nathan Gerbe, Joe Rooney; defensemen Brian Boyle, Mike Brennan and Brett Motherwell; and goaltender Cory Schneider. For ND, forwards Ryan Duncan, T.J. Oshie, Jonathan Toews, Chris Porter; defensemen Robbie Bina, Taylor Chorney and Brian Lee; and goaltender Phillippe Lamoureux.

BOTTOM LINE

The Eagles are on roll with nation’s best 12-game winning streak. The Fighting Sioux look for payback for last year’s national semifinal loss. Schneider, though, could prove difference

Colorado College Tiger Hockey: On the eve of the 'Four

Colorado College Tiger Hockey: On the eve of the 'Four

There appears to be a new blog call Support C.C. Tigers Hockey and this blog has a sweet new look. There is also a really nice article on tonights Frozen Four. So check out the blog and the article about the Frozen Four. I also added the blog to my liks section...

Go Fighting Sioux


Goon

Frozen Four has Arrived

Spring Classic

This time of year is nothing short of awesome; with the onset of April comes the NCAA Frozen Four as college hockey takes the center stage. The Sioux have made the Frozen Four for a third time in a row as the Fighting Sioux invade Scott Trade Center in St Louis, home of the St Louis Blues and former MSU-M Star David Backus. Hopefully the third time is a charm. Why is this an exciting time of year? Next week starting on Wednesday the NHL's Stanley Cup starts as 16 teams will battle for the Stanley Cup. March also starts a marathon of hockey until about June 1st and it doesn't get any better than that.

This year there will be no grand prediction for this weekend's Frozen Four, frankly last season because I blew it, and I am not going out on a line to make any predictions. There will also be no column written by my lab Dakota, he has officially retired to concentrate on hunting and being a house dog. My dog has a winning percentage of about .750 so he will definitely be laying at my feet as I watch the Sioux game tonight.

This year the Sioux started slow and finished strong just like the previous two seasons. The Sioux were 7-10-1 18 games into the season and looked as if they were at the crossroads of the season. To say I was concerned at the half way point would be an understatement, but they made believers out of us again. The Sioux got healthy and kicked it in losing only one game in regulation in 2007.


Goon's World adds new Team Member

Sioux_7 joins Goon's World Team and will be posting blog entries from time to time. Earlier this year he was a guest writer and tackled the re-alignment issue. I am sure Sioux_7 will touch on some of those issues such as well as other hot button issues. I look forward to seeing some of his work. I go to all the home games with Sioux_7 and he is also one of my hunting buddies. Together Sioux_7, his brother and I have shot many holes in the sky in pursuit of the elusive Green Head Mallard.

Link to the Frozen Four

Mankato's Travis Morin on this decision to stay for his senior year of school. looks like Travis made the right decision. I wish more pro teams would have this approach let the athlete stay in school and graduate with their senior class.

HF: Why did you not turn pro last year and go back for your senior year?
TM: Actually Washington thought it would be better for me to go back and spend another year in Mankato. That’s what they wanted and I was all for it. Looking back on it I’m happy I did go back, finish my senior year there with my classmates. We had a pretty good season up there and I wouldn’t have changed it for anything.

The tale of two Johnson's, it's an interesting story of two highly skilled young defensemen.

When Michigan fell in the NCAA hockey tournament, defenseman Jack Johnson stayed behind in Denver and tried to strike a deal to join the Los Angeles Kings immediately.

He hoped to play the final six Kings games of the season, then return to Ann Arbor to finish school.

Erik Johnson wasn’t as eager to leave Minnesota after the Golden Gophers fell to North Dakota.

“It hurts to have it go down this way,” Johnson told the St. Paul Pioneer-Press, “but we can always look forward to next year.”

The Blues are highly interesting in signing Johnson for next season and getting him prepared for his first NHL training camp. College is a great play to develop skills — especially in a quality program like Minnesota — but Johnson is clearly ready for the next test.

In the past, the Blues signed top collegiate stars like Tony Hrkac and Petr Sejna (two Hobey Baker Award winners) and put them right to work.

SIOUX7 Makes his Debut

FROZEN FOUR PREDICTIONS.

The afternoon tilt will feature the Maine Blackbears vs the Michigan State Spartans. Both programs have good hockey roots, Maine has been in the playoffs for many years now, and MSU has always been a contender. Maine got to the FF by beating St. Cloud State in the first round by a score of 4-1, they held SCSU scoreless of 9-power play opportunities. In the 2nd round they got a "re-match" against UMass, they had just lost 4 games to them to end the regular and HE playoff season. But the game that counted, Maine got revenge and they won. MSU got to the FF by first taking out Boston U, BU had been struggling down the stretch and it showed against the Spartans, and well, you know the story, MSU advanced. Then MSU had to play the No. 1 team in the polls, Notre Dame, not a traditional hockey power. MSU got tons of help from a Huntsville Alabama team that took the Irish to 2-overtimes the day before. All that bonus hockey came back to haunt the Irish as they didn't seem to have the jump that MSU had all game, but Notre Dame didn't give up after falling down by 2-0 score they got a goal, but alas that was the only one they got and MSU advanced by a score of 2-1.

The Big key to this game will be BIG BEN, if can play well and not injure/stress his groin again Maine has a chance of winning. MSU will have to try and take advantage of Big Ben's weakness, they need to make him move, especially side-to-side, if they can do that and get quality shots, they should win the game. I think this will be a low scoring affair, with any power play goals going a long way in determining the winner. I will pick the Spartans of MSU to win the game 3-2.

The evening match up, is being billed as THEE game. Arguably the 2 hottest teams in the country entering the tourney, these two teams are developing quite a history in the playoffs the last 10-years. It seems if these guys where meant to play each other...(yes, I'm in suggesting that there was some type of conspericy in the NCAA tourney selection of teams and seeding process. They do use a formula, but at some point the human factor has to come into play, it is after all humans that do play the games, not the computer) I could ramble on and on about how good each team is and all there strenghts, but I won't. It is the weakness that will need to be exploited by both teams in order to win. BC will need to stay away from the penalty box and UND will have to have Phil (the goalie) play and excellent game. That simple. With that I will now put on my green goggles for my prediction, SIOUX 4-2 (the 4 is an empty netter), that is what my crystal ball has told me :)

Boston Globe article: got to love Cory's honesty

I found this article on theBoston Globe Sports Page I love this kids honesty. I am excited about this game and it should prove to be a horse race between two very fast and skilled teams. Last years game left a horrible taste in my mouth so I hope the Fighting Sioux can turn the tables on the B.C. Eagles. Both teams are offensive focused teams that know how to run and gun and get up and down the ice. It’s definitely exciting hockey. I watched the Eagles play the Wisconsin Badgers earlier in the season and the defensive minded Badgers couldn't keep up with the speedy Eagles. Lets hope we don't have to watch the neutral zone trap this weekend.

There’s nothing standing between Boston College goaltender Cory Schneider and a trip to the 2007 NCAA championship game.

Well, nothing but what the Marblehead native calls the best line in the country - North Dakota sophomores Ryan Duncan, Jonathan Toews and T.J. Oshie. Grand Forks’ finest have combined for 97 points in the last 20 games.

Schneider and his BC mates - winners of their last 12 games - will try to slow the Fighting Sioux’ sizzling trio tomorrow (8 p.m.) in the semifinals of the 2007 NCAA Frozen Four in St. Louis.

“It’s probably the best line in the country - best line we’ll see all year,” said Schneider after BC practiced at Kelley Rink and before the team boarded a plane for St. Louis yesterday. “We’ve got to get the right matchups out there and just limit their speed, don’t let them beat us 1-on-1, keep them to the outside.”

The red-hot Schneider (14-1-0 with a 1.54 goals-against average and .948 save percentage in his last 15 games) has the benefit of experience playing with and against some of the Sioux snipers in international competitions.

The junior graduate of Phillips Andover also has the benefit of endless hours of video the BC coaching staff has allowed him and his cohorts to peruse over the week and a half since winning the Northeast Regional title.

“We spend a lot of time (watching video) - just seeing what their tendencies are, their offensive strengths, weakness, defenses, goaltending, special teams. (We’re) breaking it all down and seeing if we can exploit anything to our advantage and just prepare ourselves for all of their weapons,” said Schneider, who has started all 40 games for the Eagles this season.

So is Fighting Staged? Duh.

Here is an interesting perspective. Watch be George Laraque and the L.A. Kings tough guy Ivanans agree to a fight after the face off then commence to kicking each others ass. Notice the fans as they cheer in approval. Last night during the Wild Game when Radivojevic and Thorson had a spontaneous and great fight that resulted from the Wild players going hard to the net.

As long as fighting is in the game there will continue to be these discussions. I believe fighting is part of the game and isn't going to go away anytime soon. Lets call it a necessary evil. Those that think fighting isn't part of hockey live under a rock and are in denial and I also suggest that they stick to other sports like figure skating.