Badgers Recruit Kyle Turris

I found this clip on-line, another great BCHL player that will be playing in the WCHA. This is the prized recruit Wisconsin picked up in the past season that will be playing for the Badgers in fall of 2007. This kid is going to be a dandy player. I predict he will be in Wisconsin two season max.

Silly Season

This time of season there is a lot of rumors floating around the Internet, a lot of them are down right silly or ridiculous so I refer to this time of year as the silly season, when people have too much time on their hands so they spend it scanning the Internet for rumors and innuendo. The one that a few have put out there is that Oshie will change his mind and go pro since Jonathan Toews signed with Chicago Black Hawks. Right, that is what I call a case of huge wishfull thinking by mostly Gopher fans who know that it's only a matter of time before Kyle Okoposo signs with the Islanders, that leaves some huge holes in the Gophers line up. Sioux don't worry it's not going to happen Sioux fans.

Another rumor I read was that Jason Gregoire has changed his mind and decided to go to UND instead of UND. There are some that have suggested that Hakstol was actively recruiting a player after he had verbally committed to another team. I doubt Hakstol would resort to a bush league tactic such as that. Even if he did it would eventually come back to haunt him.

Hot Stove: Jay Miller and John Kordic

Ah yes... the old Bruins and Habs games, seemed like everyone of these games were an instant classic. Here are some great fights from some great games. Now, with the pathetic state of both teams the rivalry has become somewhat stale and even boring. John Kordic was the proto-typical goon playing in 244 games scoring 17 goals 18 assist for a total of 35 points. The amazing number is the 997 minutes in penalties. Incidentally John Kordic was killed in a Hotel Room a police officers in Lorette, Quebec. Kordic was 27 years old.

Ex-New Hampshire Wildcat Jay Miller was a little more talented hockey player playing in 446 games scoring 40 goals 44 assists and 84 points he logged an impressive 1723 minutes in the penalty box.

Hot Stove: Lyndon Byers vs David Mackey

With the new kinder, gentler NHL it seems the tough guys are becoming a thing of the past, now guys just hack each other with their stick or board their opponent. Lyndon Byers was one of my favorite Bruins, the man would fight with anyone and was a half way decent energy line person. You also got to love the Bruins old third jersey's.

Byers and Giles

Goon's World Tribute to Jonathan Toews

Hey J.T. where going to miss you:

This post is a tribute to Sioux Forward Jonathan Toews who signed a professional contract this past week. While most of us weren't shocked that he signed a professional contract his leaving still smarts none the less. Watching some of these clips should bring back some good memories of Jonathan Toews. Fighting Sioux fans will miss Toews because he is such a dynamic player. It doesn't take much of a hockey genius to see that Toews has the offensive touch, the nose for defensive, the knack for anticipating where his team mares are going to be and his ability to make a pass or shot that could change a hockey game.

Minnesota Gopher Goalie Jeff Frazee isn't going to miss Jonathan Toews as he lit him up during the 2007 World Junior Tourney. I would be willing to bet that Jeff Frazee when to Blarney's after Toews announced that he had signed a professional contract had a few long island teas.

Jonathan Toews with the wrap around versus Holy Cross in the West Regional in 2006.


J.T. the potty mouth

The Quest for 8

October 13 - Hall of Fame Game UND - MSU
October 19 – UND @ Boston College "the Dirty Eagles"
October 20 – UND @ Northeastern
October 26 – UND @ MTU
October 27 – UND @ MTU
November 2 – Colorado College - UND
November 3 – Colorado College - UND
November 9 – UND @ BADgers
November 10 – UND @ BADgers
November 23 – UMD - UND
November 24 – UMD - UND
November 30 – UND @ DU
December 1 – UND @ DU
December 7 – Gophers - UND
December 8 - Gophers – UND
December 28 – UNH - UND
December 29 – UNH – UND
January 4 – UND @ SCSU
January 5 – UND @ SCSU
January 11 – MTU - UND
January 12 – MTU - UND
January 18 – UND @ Mav’s
January 19 – UND @ Mav’s
January 25 – UAA – UND
January 26 – UAA – UND
February 1 – UND @ Gophers
February 2 – UND @ Gophers
February 15 – DU – UND
February 16 – DU – UND
February 23 – BSU – UND
February 24 – BSU – UND
February 29 – UND @ UMD
March 1 – UND @ UMD
March 7 – SCSU – UND
March 8 – SCSU – UND
March (14-16) - 1st Round WCHA Playoffs
March 20/21/22 - WCHA Final Five
March 28/29/30 - NCAA Regionals
April 10/12 - NCAA Frozen Four @ Denver

Break down of the Schedule

The Sioux only play the Mavericks twice in Mankato next season unless of course; UND draws the Mavericks in the WCHA playoffs either in the first round or at the Final Five. If the Mavericks and Sioux actually played in the Final Five it would probably be the first time there was an actual fighting major at the Final Five. Incidentally, if that happens, that would make three years in a row we played the Mavericks in the playoffs, I have come to enjoy the yearly dance with the Mavericks in the playoffs.

Speaking of match-ups UND, Michigan and Minnesota have end up in the same regional two years in a row? Anyone want to go for a third? Listen folks I am going on record and saying this will not happen again next season. If that happened I would be willing to predict that if that happened Lucia and Red would snap and come unglued. I would love to be a fly on the wall when that phone conversation is going on, what do you mean you put us in UND’s regional bracket again.

After only playing the Gophers 2 times during the regular season the Fighting Sioux get to play the Gophers four times next season. This should prove to be a heated four games this year after the Gophers were swept at home in January and knocked out of the NCAA playoffs by the Fighting Sioux. Early rumor I have heard is that Don Adam has requested WCHA official John Champion ref all four games that the Sioux and the Gophers play this season. Seems that the 23-10-penalty differential in favor of the Gophers from the season series last January wasn’t a big enough in the Gophers favor. This season my unnamed source is telling me that Sioux fans can expect a bigger penalty margin; this time the margin will be some where in the neighborhood of 45-10 in favor of the Gophers when the two teams play in Marriucci Arena during their February series. There will also be a subsequent memo addressing this issue later in the year.

This season the Sioux finally get the UMD Bull Dogs four times again, rumor has it that the Minnesota legislature is close to approving a new arena for the Bull Dogs, we will see if it gets signed into law. Also, UND doesn’t travel to UAA, so I can say with confidence that the Sioux will not be swept in Anchorage two years in a row by the Sea wolves.

Break down of the Non-Conference Schedule

The annual slap down of the BSU Beavers will be in February 23 and 24, should be a lot of fun. Shall we say that the line has been cast? Don and Gary will be filling my email box with flames and I am sure that the Beavers homer television announcer will be giving me call also soon. Just kidding boys.

One match up I am excited about is that Hockey East power house UNH comes to the REA in December 28 and 29 and rumor has it that Bob Norton of NESN is coming as well and is starting a new web page of HockeyEast4theHobey.com.

Also UND plays B.C. and North Eastern in October, maybe this time the Sioux can fare better against Hockey East. Last season UND went 0-3.

The hit everyone is talking about.

Detroit Red Wings Tomas Holmstrom is nailed along the boards by Rob Niedermayer & Chris Pronger of the Anaheim Ducks in Round 3, Game 3 of the 2006/2007 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Honda Center in Anaheim. Rob Niedermayer was ejected from the game drawing a 5 Min Major while initially Pronger wasn't given a penalty. Today the League handed down a one game suspension to Anaheim Ducks player Chris Pronger's for his role in the hit on Holmstrom. One of the arugments that came out of the penaltiy was that if Holmstrom had been wearing his helment correctly there wouldn't have been an injury. During the game it was noted that Holmstrom's helment came off 4 times.

It's Official Toews is Gone.

NHL.COM photo

It has just been announced May 16, 2007, 5:05 PM EDT Black Hawks Sign Toews to 3 Year Deal

The Chicago Blackhawks have agreed to terms with highly touted forward Jonathan Toews on a three-year, entry-level contract.

"Chicago is a city with a great history and it's a great hockey city," the 19-year-old Toews said in a statement. "The Blackhawks are an Original Six team with a great hockey tradition. I'm looking forward to playing for the Chicago Blackhawks fans."

He was Chicago's first pick, third overall, in last June's NHL entry draft.

"Jonathan Toews is an exciting player that Blackhawk fans are going to enjoy watching," Hawks GM Dale Tallon said in a statement. "He has been an outstanding player at the collegiate level for two years, he's won two gold medals playing for Team Canada in the world junior championships the past two years, and was a member of gold medal winning Team Canada in the recently completed world championships in Moscow.

"He has shown leadership and the ability to compete at all levels. We're excited to welcome him to the Blackhawk family."

Toews had seven points (2-5) in nine games for world champion Canada in Moscow.

"I was very impressed by the way he played in the world championships," said Blackhawks head coach Denis Savard. "Jonathan is a heart and soul kid. He looks like he's been very well coached. He is a solid two-way player with lots of skill."

The Winnipeg native had four goals and three assists at the world under-20 championship in Sweden earlier this year, and was named to the tournament's all-star team. He is the first Canadian-born player to ever win a gold medal in both the world junior championship and the world championship in the same year.

Toews also played at the University of North Dakota this season, scoring 18 goals and adding 28 assists in 34 games.

This how things go. When I turned my computer off still no news on the signing, went on a walk with the dog, came back from walk with dog, showered went to work. Logged on to the internet and there it was. Officially this is the first early departure.

Are there any more?

This isn't saying that the Sioux aren't going to be hit with any more departures, there could be more, however, from what Sioux fans have been told; there may only be one more possible departure Sophmore defensemen Brian Lee. If I am not mistaken from what I have heard and read Sioux fans should find him for a couple of weeks.

The Toews Watch Update: Ok, I am confused

Ok, I admit I am confused

To take a phrase from Glen Beck this is what we do know: Sioux Forward Jonathon Toews is still a member of the North Dakota Fighting Sioux hockey team, that's as of this moment. This could change at any time. However, Eklund from hockeybuzz.com--
Ouch, I stubbed my Toews!

For those of you unaware, Jonathan Toews name is pronounced "Taves," not Toes...I continue to hear that a deal has indeed already been struck with Toews and the Hawks, and in today's story with the Daily Herald, Tim Sassone writes, The Jonathan Toews era is about to begin for the Blackhawks. Not since Jeremy Roenick decided college wasn't for him after attending a few classes in 1988 has the arrival of a Hawks rookie been so anticipated. Hawks general manager Dale Tallon says he is close to signing the 19-year-old Toews, the third player taken in the 2006 draft. How close? It could happen in the next couple weeks. Toews apparently has decided to leave the University of North Dakota and accept what could be millions from the Hawks, who desperately need him to be Roenick-like in ability and fan appeal. If Toews was undecided over going pro, his head-turning effort in the recent World Championships as the only non-NHL player on Canada let him know he was ready for the big time.

"Why Two Weeks Eklund?" you may ask. I am told it is all about marketing and timing...but it is in fact done.

Really; the Hawks are going to pay Toews millions. The Rookie max is $850,000.00 per season per the CBA, that would mean his contract would be filled with incentives. The rookie max signing bonus is also something like $85,000.00. To get millions it would be as a result of incentives.

Toews close to signing a deal
By Tim Sassone

Hawks general manager Dale Tallon says he is close to signing the 19-year-old Toews, the third player taken in the 2006 draft. How close? It could happen in the next couple weeks.

Toews apparently has decided to leave the University of North Dakota and accept what could be millions from the Hawks, who desperately need him to be Roenick-like in ability and fan appeal.

If Toews was undecided over going pro, his head-turning effort in the recent World Championships as the only non-NHL player on Canada let him know he was ready for the big time.

Tallon said he wasn't surprised by the performance, which impressed many with his poise and offensive skills.

"I think he's going to be better as a pro than he was in college," Tallon said. "I don't think he got enough credit for his offense because of how good he is defensively.

"He's sneaky with his skills. He has awareness of where the puck is going to be instead of where it was. Not a lot of guys can figure that out."

If Toews is the real deal, the Hawks could have a dynamic new look, assuming the prospect they pick first overall in the draft can play right away and Tallon signs the right free agents.

This is what I find confusing. If Toews told Brad Schlossman that he hasn't made a decision yet. Where are all of these other writers getting their information from? Seems like an honest question.
Tallon trying to get Blackhawks settled
By Bob Foltman
Tribune staff reporter

On a day when the Blackhawks announced the signing of a new assistant coach and one of their prospects, two key questions remain unanswered—but perhaps not for much longer—regarding Jonathan Toews and Michal Handzus.

Of perhaps the most significance, Hawks general manager Dale Tallon said Tuesday he hopes to sign Toews, the highly touted first-round pick from last summer, perhaps this week.
-----snip--------
Some thought if Toews had a strong tournament that would seal his decision to leave the University of North Dakota and join the Hawks. Pat Brisson, Toews' family adviser, did not return a phone message.

Oh well we will see. Like I have said many times, him signing isn't and wouldn't be a shock to any of us here in Grand Forks. The fact that he has taken this long to sign a professional contract give most of us just a small flicker of hope. With or without Toews the Sioux will be the favorite to win the WCHA tilte and would be a factor in the end for an NCAA title. The fact that the family advisor didn't return the call might mean something.

Lastly if it sounds like I am not excited about Toews playing for the Chicago Black Hawks; I am not. If this was any other team say like the Wild, the Boston Bruins, Phoneix, or Toronto Maple Leafs, or any other NHL organization I would probably be estactic, I would be very happy for Toews. We are talking about the Chicago Black Hawks, an second rate organization that has been run into the ground to by a horrible owner Bill Wirtz. Chicago is going to use Toews to try to sell seasons and put butts in seats in the form of ticket packages. You can't even watch a Chicago Black Hawks game on TV becaus of the black outs that hang over every Chicago home games. It's sad.

Interesting Fact I found in the article linked above and another reason to stay in school longer.

Maybe time for Plan C?
Brophy joins the endless list of future Hawks prospects.

Tallon called the first-round elimination of Norfolk in the American Hockey League playoffs very disappointing. The Hawks were counting on a long postseason run in which their prospects would get a taste of winning.

Instead, whispers that their prospects may not be as good as the Hawks had hoped may have gained some validity. Jack Skille,the seventh overall pick in 2005, played in just three of the six games with no points. Troy Brouwer,who had 41 goals in the regular season, had just one goal and one point in six games and was a minus-4.

The leading scorer in the series for Norfolk was Jonas Nordqvist,25, with seven points. He was followed by five points each from Carl Corazzini,28, and Craig MacDonald,30, neither of whom would be considered prospects at this point in their careers.

Is Toews Gone?

TSN Picture
EK from hockeybuzz.com is reporting that Toews has signed. Kind of funny since TSN and NHL.comand don't have anything iknformation on the Toews signing as of yet.

UPDATE: Brad Schlossman Grand Forks Herald sports writer for the North Dakota Fighting Sioux has confirmed that Toews has not signed a contract as of yet and the rumor was incorrect.

I got off the phone with Toews a little bit ago and he was surprised to hear about the report. After seeing it for himself he said, "Jeez, I can confirm that's not true."

Toews just returned home yesterday and will finally get his first real chance to go over the decision with his parents in the coming days. It has been a whirlwind for him since the final couple weeks of the season.

Unfortunately, many rumors get tossed around at this time of year. Many people dislike the use of anonymous sources because of accuracy issues. Well, in this instance, not only is the source anonymous... so is the reporter.

The best place to hear it from will be Jonathan himself. He is always completely honest about everything. He didn't mislead anyone last year when he was going through the same process. He'll be open about everything again this year, too.

Also, many have wondered about the lengthy period of class he missed to go to Moscow. Toews said that his teachers have been very helpful and are giving him extensions, allowing him to take incompletes for now while he makes up the work.

Hum; seems that there are few people in hockey world and as well as Canada that have an aweful case of wishful thinking, in fact my advice to the Hawks back up and let him make his decision. Toews is a tight college team that has a good chance of winning an NCAA title, the only thing Chicago has a chance of is finishing in the bottom half of the league standings . Seriously folks, the decision will be coming soon I am sure. It kind of makes a person wonder who was behind this rumor and how accurate it was.

Team Canada Wins the Gold in the World Championship

This was the IIHF World Hockey championship that no one got to see in the USA, which in my opinion is a disgrace. Current Fighting Sioux Johnathon Toews and former Fighting Sioux Mike Commodore were on the championship team.

Thornton vs Danny Markov

As far as I know this is the only fight there has been during the third round of the playoffs. There has been a lot of stick work but not many fights. This one didn't last long either.

More Ranting and Raving about Towes.

Al Cimaglia on Toews

I try not to get too excited about future Blackhawk Jonathan Toews, but it is impossible. At 19 he is able to more then hold his own with NHL men and never seems to get rattled. I knew when watching Toews during some college games that he was very strong on his skates, but that was against 18-21 year old youngsters. So I always wondered if he would be able to go strong into the corners with NHL players, and that answer has been clearly shown in the last couple of weeks. Toews continues to impress and plays like someone far older then 19, he is a special talent. Now he needs to sign a NHL contract and the Hawks need to design an effective team for next year. I thought Toews could be a 2nd line or maybe a checking line center to start out. Now it appears that he can be a legitimate 1st line center and play alongside Havlat. I would love for the Hawks to pick up a big strong winger who also would be good in the corners, someone like Taylor Pyatt. I think the Hawks would be best served to look to sign two or three 2nd tier free agents. On the radar screen could be a defenseman with some offensive skill, a strong faceoff center, and a tough winger like Pyatt.

Toews has to be signed right after this tourney is finished, so the team building can move forward.

Again everyday that Sioux had Toews for was a gift, much like Zach Parise being a Fighting Sioux was too. However, wouldn't it be awesome if Toews decided to come back for one more year of college, heres to hoping T.J.'s team mates are putting a lot of heat on him. Toews is a special player and I am predicting when he does go pro he will have about the same impact that Jordan Staal had in Pittsburg.

Waiting for a Decision

TSN Photo
I Was listening to radio show Gretzkys on XM-204 in the car on the way home from work this afternoon and I don't know what it is with Bob McKenzie from TSN but he seems to be this big time cheer leader for Jonathon Toews; hey bob we get it, Toews kid can play hockey. To listen to Mckenzie talk on the radio show its appears to all but a done deal on Toews signing with Chicago. Realistically speaking it’s basically what we have been feeling all along up here in Grand Forks. I have said a few times over on Sioux Sports that we should just accept that fact he is already gone, thanks for the two years and good luck Jonathon. The fact that he isn't signed yet does say a few things. 1.) the decision isn't as done of a deal as some have suggested. 2.) Maybe Chicago is low-balling him or not giving him the contract that he thinks he deserves. 3.) Maybe there is a lot of pressure from teammates.

I am not much of an optimist when it comes to talented players staying in school when the big money is being dangled in front of them. I suppose you can take the delay in the signing two ways; Toews really hasn't made up his mind and the media pundits are trying to sway Jonathon into making a decision, or maybe this is really a tough decision; add to that some players already decided to come back for another season might be making a once cut and dried decision that much harder. Maybe it’s not easy telling your fellow team mates that you don’t want to come back for another shot at an NCAA title. It's a stretch, I know. I’m a realist and I don’t see him coming back for next season, but I wouldn’t complain if he did in fact decided to come back. Could you imagine him and Trupp on the same team?

Personally, I want to get this over with so we can worry about something else this summer, whatever the decision is so be it. This the only thing I could see is Toews wants another crack at an NCAA title and possibly another kick at the can with the Canadian WJC. Three gold’s in a row by a player would be unprecedented.

Frankly if I was a player with a lot of talent like Toews and was looking at the prospect of playing for the Chicago Black hawks, mind you this is the same team that is owned by Bill Wirtz, I would look at it as Chicago as being a professional purgatory and wouldn't be in any hurry to sign. Chicago a once proud hockey franchise has been run into the ground.

It's almost like Canada is starving for another star and have anointed Toews as the next one.

Toews Impresses

There were a few eyebrows raised when Team Canada chose Chicago Blackhawks prospect Jonathan Toews for its World Championship squad.

But the way this young player has performed in the tournament shouldn't be a surprise.

The first time I saw Jonathan Toews in action was at Hockey Canada's summer evaluation camp in preparation for the 2006 World Junior Hockey Championship in Vancouver. I was blown away by how he played in those scrimmages.

I thought that Jonathan Toews was Bryan Trottier.

Everything that Toews has done since then has led me to believe that this is a very good comparison. He is a complete hockey player when you factor in his offensive and defensive play, pressure and physical play. He is the complete and total package.

Off the ice, he is fluently bi-lingual, and has the character to be a great star. Ten years from now, we'll still be talking about him - as the NHL's most complete player.

Don Cherry is Coming to NBC, to make Debut during Stanley Cup

For those of you that have never had the pleasure of watching CBC's hockey night in Canada won't have to buy a satellite dish to watch Don Cherry this season. Starting during the Stanley Cup finals on NBC you will be able to watch Canadian icon Don Cherry. Don Cherry has taken his fair share of hits for his candid opinion, straight talk and his disdain for the European hockey players.

In a way I am pretty excited about it. I can't wait for the stuffed shirted, pc lefties take on this guy, Don isn't going to sugar coat anything. Some have looked at it as NBC's attempt to get hockey's rating up in the states. In a way he is kind of Canada's version of Rush Limbaugh, maybe not as polished but just as conservative. However, instead of politics he talks about hockey, but he does do a good job attacking leftist Canadians and the P.C. Nazis.

Cherry to make U.S. debut on NBC
Posted: April 10, 2007
Associated Press

NEW YORK -- Don Cherry is bringing his loud mouth and louder outfits south of the border.

The outspoken former coach of the Boston Bruins, who has been a fixture on CBC's "Hockey Night In Canada' telecasts for more than 25 years, will make his U.S. broadcasting debut as part of NBC's Stanley Cup playoff telecasts, the network announced Tuesday.

"A lot of people have written that what I say up here I would never get away with it down in the States," said Cherry, the Bruins' coach from the 1974-75 season until the 1978-79 campaign. "I'll just go on and do what I have to do.

"In the States, they wanted me to go on one time in Pittsburgh. Jaromir Jagr, it was when he had long hair and he was with Mario Lemieux and I said, 'There's Mario and his daughter.' It didn't go over too good. That was my last time in the States."

Cherry will be teamed with Brett Hull, the never-shy former player who is in his first season with NBC.

"Better get some plaids," Cherry said.

Hull will also to contribute to CBC's coverage in Canada.

"He tells it like it is," Hull said of Cherry. "If they did it on a regular basis, he would be just as popular down here as he is up there. Part of the thing that's missing, not with just hockey, but in all coverage in the American sports world, is some personality. I think that's why you see a guy like Terry Bradshaw, as popular as he is.

"He's not just Mr. P.C., going, 'That was a nice catch and throw."'

Classic Don Cherry
Take a look at some of these clips. Some classic Don Cherry, enjoy.
Coach's Corner - 3/24/07
Don Cherry - on women at hockey games
Don Cherry On Uflie
Don Cherry on Hitting
Coach's Corner - Dion Phaneuf
playoffs coaches corner Apr 11
Coaches Corner and The Stanley Cup in Afghanistan

Future Sioux?

This is the team that competed and won in the Ice Palace Cup last weekend. Kids from Grand Forks, ND are as follows; goalie Seth Lang wearing the RBK goalie pads, (hint good chance he will be Central High School's starting goalie soon), next to him Brock Dahl. Second row Casey Purpur (Grand Kid of Cliff Fido Purpur, future Central Star) Jordan Aamot is next to him. Also on the team are Paul LaDue and Aaron Hatt. It's possible these kids could be future Stars for the Fighting Sioux.

Pictures from the Final Five

Found these Pictures in the Camera 
I was cleaning up my mess when I realized that I had some pictures from the Final Five that I hadn't done anything with. I would have had more if I hadn't reformated my disk during the Thursday night game. Basically deleting my pictures from my Vegas Vacation. There was some great pictures from the Grand Canyon that no longer exist. Thank God my wife has basically the same ones. If you click on the image you can get a better look at the picture.
 
 
 

Former DU Pioneer Goalie Wade Dubielewicz Resigns with Islanders

Former DU star Wade Dubielewicz was (like most of us can spell that without looking it up on line) was resigned by the New York Islanders. Looks like Mike Dunham might be done (no pun intended)on long island. Dubie was one of the major reasons the Islanders made the playoffs earlier this spring when their starting goalie Rick DiPietro went down with a concussion Wade stepped in and went 4-0. The contract is a one way deal too.

In case anyone forgot about this game at the end of the season, wining their final game to get into the playoffs, with Dubielwicz stoning the Devils in the shootout. The Shootout

The New York Islanders have signed goaltender Wade Dubielewicz, who led the team to a playoff berth this season with four straight wins in the final week, to a one-way NHL contract for 2007-08. The man they call "Dubie" is expected to share the nets next season with Islanders No. 1 goaltender Rick DiPietro.

"Wade really earned this opportunity," said Islanders general manager Garth Snow. "He has developed steadily with each season in Bridgeport and played well whenever the Islanders needed him. And, of course, Wade's play down the stretch was instrumental in our team making the playoffs. We're very excited that he'll be an Islander next season."

Dubielewicz was named NHL's First Star of the Week for the last week of the regular season by earning four wins in four games, including two in the shootout. For the week Dubielewicz was 4-0 with a 1.93 GAA and a .934 save percentage. Prior to this season the 28-year old Dubielewicz played in 9 games for the Islanders.

Over four full seasons with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers – the Islanders' American Hockey League affiliate – Dubielewicz was 58-52-8 with a 2.48 GAA and a .919 save percentage and 13 shutouts.

"I've been a part of the Islanders family my entire pro career and I had no interest in going anywhere else," said Dubielewicz. "My family and I are thrilled at the opportunity Garth Snow and Ted Nolan have given me, and I'm very appreciative of that. I'd also like to thank everyone involved with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers for helping me along the way. Although it's a big plus knowing I'll be an Islander next year, my plan is to come to camp in the best shape of my life and be ready for a great season for our team."

Senators paste Devils and move on

Another game that lack High Lites

If there had been any highlights in this game I would have posted them.
Sen's and Devils Lows Lites

I made a bold prediction earlier the year right before the Stanley Cup Playoffs that there would be another Fighting Sioux hockey player to have his name engraved on the on the Stanley Cup. That prediction took a serious hit with the New Jersey Devils losing in the second round to the Ottawa Senators, as Zach Parise's and Travis Zajac's team was enliminated.

Actually when the second round of the playoffs began I would have bet a great deal of money in Vegas that the Senators would go down to in 5 or 6 games to the New Jersey Devils. Seriously, the Senators had Ray Emery a unproven playoff goalies facing off against basically one of the best playoff goalies in NHL history, right behind Patrick Roy in my opinion. Funny thing happened Broudeur looked average and Ray Emery faced little if any tough shots.

Whey the Reversal?

The Senators beat the Devils at their own game. The Senators lined up at the blue line and made it impossible to get inside the Senators defensive zone. The Senators also cashed in on New Jerseys turnovers. The bigges problem I see with Devils is they don't have that feared defensemen they once had anymore the Devils also aren't as physical as they used to be; The Devils no longer have Kenny Daneko or Scott Stevens no longer patrol the blue line. If I was a offensive player playing against the Devils I am not going to fear Paul Martin Richard Matvichuk, Andy Greene, Brian Rafalski. I know that I can get in front of Martin Brodeur without getting my head knocked off. The Senators spent all day in front of Brodeur and they didn't pay for it.

Goalie Tired?

Martin Brodeur had another allstar season. Check out these numbers Brodeur played in 78 out of a possible 82 season games logging 4697 minutes winning 48 games and suffering 23 loses with a gaa of 2.18 and a save percentage of .922. Those are phenominal numbers. They guy also played in basically 95% of his teams games. That is too much for a guy that is 34 years old.

NJ Devils Picture


Parise Named to Team USA
Article

newjerseydevils.com – Zach Parise has been named to the 2007 U.S. Men’s National Team, USA Hockey announced today.

Team USA faces Finland this Thursday in the quarterfinal round of the 2007 International Ice Hockey Federation World Championship in Moscow, Russia.

This season, Parise set career-highs in goals (31), assists (31) and points (62) while playing in all 82 regular-season games with the Devils. He added 10 points (7g, 3a) in 11 games during the 2007 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Parise will be making his second IIHF World Championship appearance, having recorded two assists in three games with the U.S. Men’s National Team in 2005.

Parise has previously won gold medals with the U.S. National Under-18 Team at the 2002 IIHF World Under-18 Championship and the U.S. National Junior Team at the 2004 IIHF World Junior Championship. He also competed with Team USA at the 2003 IIHF World Junior Championship.

Wings Move on Sharks head to the Golf Course

I was actually surprised that the Sharks went down with hardly a whimper last night as the normally high flying San Jose Sharks were shut out by soon to be senior citizen Dominic Hasek, the Red Wings defense was great but the sharks didn't do much to make the Wings work for this game. I have to say that last nights games really didn't keep my attention, I had to struggle to watch this game. I was disappointed and miffed. The Sharks losing in the semis for a second year in a row, I had them penciled in for going to the conference finals.

Ryan Garner touches on a few of the issues that affected the San Jose Sharks during their second round match up with the Red Wings.
Ryan Garner Article

Well, the Sharks aren't the Rangers, and offered up an embarrassing effort on home ice in Game 6. There wasn't any desperation, nobody stepped up, and we saw a performance that only reinforced San Jose's reputation as playoff chumps, lacking heart and determination. Sure, there were spurts of effort. Michalek would flash through the neutral zone or Clowe would press the forecheck at times, but there wasn't any sustained pressure, and nothing close to a flurry down the stretch. I can only remember two quality scoring chances, Grier's empty net and Bernier's breakaway. I think that says it all, the fact San Jose's two best chances came from a third-line penalty-killing grinder and a young fourth-line winger. Forwards on San Jose's top two lines combined for only 7 shots, while the bottom two lines had 18. That's just not right.

I've received several frustrated e-mails tonight calling for heads to roll, and Patrick Marleau is getting the most blame, with Joe Thornton close behind. Marleau went six consecutive games without a point, finishing the series -5. What happened to him?? The captain is the go-to guy for everything, and if he's the worst player on the ice it takes everyone else off the hook. They don't have anything to build on, no example to live up to. It's unfortunate the past 10 days will have a permanent effect on Marleau's career, adding to the pressure and doubt he'll have to overcome next season.

Thornton didn't have a single shot on goal, didn't record a hit, won only 38% of his faceoffs, and finished the night -2. What happened?? Clearly he's one of the most talented players in the world, but if that's the performance you get with the season on the line maybe that $6.66 million salary could be put to better use somewhere else. I'm just throwing it out there.

When your front line center and super star player Joe Thornton isn't a factor on the score sheet and on the board in big games your chances of winning goes way down, frankly you not going to be very good. It seems that yearly big Joe does a disappearing act during the Stanley Cup playoffs. It was such a issue that I believe lead to Thronton going to San Jose. Joe Thornton needs to be hitting every, winning face offs and scoring goals, without doing these things he is 6.6 million dollar anchor. Over on XM-204 today some of the fans in San Jose were calling for the coaches head. I think it is premature but if there are many more tent foldings early in the the playoffs the coaches heads may roll.

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.