Round Table Discussion: Hot Stove League

Goon's World sent out questions to various college hockey bloggers and here are their answers to the question I asked them. First up is Lets Go Mav's

How has your summer been?

Summer has been CRAZY but nice. Summer is always filled with many activities and I love the warm weather. If it wasn't for college hockey, winter would be a total bust.

Aside from summer activities I've been crazy busy at work...so needless to say life for LGM is just nuts..thus, the lack of posting!

What are you doing to fill the void of no college hockey during the off
season?

I sew up all the holes my old Sioux and Jutting Voo Doo dolls so they're ready for all the poking and witchcraft for the upcoming season. Watch out Sioux players (and some fans? ha ha...I should make a Goon and Dirty voo doo doll)...I'm going to hex you and poke your little doll until you hurt!!

Ok, SO kidding. Yet, wouldn't that be fun to have voo doo dolls of all the opposing players (or coaches) you hate?!? It would be quite the conversation piece when people come over. Luckily for me, Jutting already looks like the Chuckie doll so I don't have to make one for him.

Now really...what do I do to fill the void? Is there anything to really fill that void? I miss hockey really bad! I do fill my time with a crazy 40 hour work week and try to keep my sanity at the same time, go to the lake, golf, spend time with my family, hang with friends, go on trips, soak up the sun, go see live music...you know, just about anything that's fun for a single 29 year old gal to do!

Are you excited about your team prospects for the upcoming season?

They're ok. Really, the incoming class isn't that big but I'm looking forward to seeing what some of them produce. I think Rylan Galiardi may be a pleasant surprise, if he plays anything like his brother TJ does. It'll be fun to see how he develops.

Really though, I'm more excited about our returning players. As long as Kalinski comes back, the Mavs should be in good shape.

What other sports do you watch during the off-season?

Twins baseball baby! It's all about the Twins in the summer. I try to watch as many of the games as possible and try to get to the dome for a few too. Thank god my friend's dad has SWEET season tickets...helping my trips to the Dome be more frequent!

In your opinion, will there be anymore players leaving early for the NHL/professional ranks?

Goon, how DARE you ask me this?!?!? Do you want me to start crying at the thought that Kalinski may be leaving? I'm staying positive that he's staying this year and I'm not letting myself even think about the NHL snatching him up. As of now, I would say he's the only Mav that could possibly go pro yet since Wagner already did.

As for other teams? Well, I would LOVE to see UND lose a bunch of their guys...such as Oshie. All the other teams get hit hard and then stupid UND gets to keep most of their guys. UGG! Sorry...had to throw the UND slam in there. Really though, it's about time UND loses some of their top players too!

Otherwise I think most of the players in the WCHA that are going to leave have already.

Which player defection do you think was the most costly to their team?

For MSU, Wagner was the only one to leave. His departure is not great for Maverick Hockey but for me personally it's like "don't let the door hit you on the ass on your way out!!" He was a jerk to me and for that, he's forever scorned.

For other WCHA teams, I think Duluth was hit bad. I feel for them, because their losses this year compare to MSU's last year (losing Backes and Carter). When you're an "underdog" school losing a few of your best guys hurt way more than it does for schools like UND, U of M, and WI. Those programs have better chances at recruiting players just as good as the ones leaving, so their players leaving don't hurt as much. Poor UMD...they're tough though, so they'll pull through it. If now, we all know runninwiththedogs will go up to their arena and make them skate lines until they puke. Can't you just imagine her screaming "AGAIN!!" at any Bulldog that gives up?!?

Other schools...I don't know. I can't keep up with all of the losses. I would say (off the top of my head) that these are the worst for them:

UND- Towes
U of M- Goli
WI- Skille
SCSU- Gordon
UAA- Lawson (HA! So kidding. That kid was a FREAK...and he didn't go pro anyways)

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Ryan Cardinal from the WCHA Blog answered the questions. His blog just came on line in recent past and it looks really good.

How has your summer been? (too long, too short, just right)

As much as I love the college hockey season, I enjoy summer because I feel it makes me appreciate the fall and winter more. That being said, now that we're within three months of the new season starting, I'm ready for summer to pass.

What are you doing to fill the void of no college hockey during the off
season?

Aside from joining the blogging community, I've passed the time by working, playing hockey and softball, and trying to enjoy summer weekends.

Are you excited about your team prospects for the upcoming season?

As a Gopher fan, there aren't too many seasons where you can't find reasons for optimism before the year starts. This year is no exception. There are some concerns, such as losing three key defensemen in Mike Vannelli, Alex Goligoski, and Erik Johnson, but they return all of their forwards from the second-half of the year and bring in a pair of high-end freshmen forwards in the form of Pat White and Mike Hoeffel. The freshmen defensemen (Stu Bickel, Kevin Wehrs, and Cade Fairchild) all have extensive junior hockey experience, so that should help in the transition to the college game, but there will no doubt be a learning curve.

As we saw from last year's Gopher team though, the forwards were much more responsible in the defensive end, especially when you compare them to recent groups of Gopher forwards, and hopefully that trend will continue this fall. Jeff Frazee has been somewhat inconsistent during his first two seasons, but as he showed late in the year last season in a pair of games against North Dakota, he's ready to step up and be "the man" between the pipes. Freshman Alex Kangas should be able to spot Frazee admirably, as by most accounts he should be one of the better first-year goalies in the country.

What other sports do you watch during the off-season?

I love watching the NHL playoffs after the college hockey season wraps up, and enjoy watching the Twins as well.

In your opinion, will there be anymore players leaving early for the NHL/professional ranks?

I hope not, since the Gophers are generally one of the teams that gets hit the hardest each year (along with the likes of North Dakota, Michigan, etc.) and logic would say players like Kyle Okposo and Blake Wheeler are some of the most NHL-ready prospects in the NCAA. With most NHL teams having already held their prospect camps, I don't think anyone else will bolt this year (knock on wood).

Which player defection do you think was the most costly to their team?

I think that Cory Schneider's decision to turn pro will really hurt Boston College. Obviously the position of goalie is the most important in hockey, and now BC has junior Adam Reasoner, who has less than six minutes of experience at the NCAA level, and a pair of freshmen (John Muse and Andrew Margolin), who both played at New England-area prep schools last year. The Eagles lost just two regulars off last year's team that of course lost in the title game to Michigan State, so they are no doubt solid on forward and defense, but I think that inexperience between the pipes could cost them come March.

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Here is Running with the Dogs answers to the questions.

How has your summer been?
Summer has essentially no meaning to worker bees like me. I'm not even taking a vacation this year.

What are you doing to fill the void of no college hockey during the off season?

I've done a little sailing, I'm working (obvs), and I've been running off and on. My softball season is over, which is kind of depressing. I've been posting sporadically on RWD, and I started a new blog, RWT, but those updates have gotten pretty sporadic, too. I'm writing the Great Canadian Novel.

Are you excited about your team prospects for the upcoming season?
I'm always excited for Bulldog hockey. I'm curious to see if we can make it at least into the middle ranks of the WCHA (7th or higher), but the season is so short, I look forward to every game. This will be the 4th season of RWD, and I can't wait to have actual content.

What other sports do you watch during the off-season?
I watch baseball, although I seem to be taking an extended All-Star Break. It should be noted that anyone who answers NASCAR is wrong: NASCAR is NOT a sport, you stupid hicks.

In your opinion, will there be anymore players leaving early for the NHL/professional ranks?
I think if players leave early, it will be because of team or personal issues rather than just a desire to move on. I certainly don't expect to see any more big name players leave.

Which player defection do you think was the most costly to their team? I think losing Matt Niskanen has hurt tUMD significantly. A PP QB is hard to replace, and he improved significantly throughout the year. He was one of My Guys as well, so on a personal level, I will miss him. Mason Raymond and Jon Toews were tough losses as well, but I think Nisky's departure has the biggest single impact. It's interesting that tDogs and tSioux have both lost an offensive defenceman and an electric forward. Obviously, one team is in a better position than the other, but it's notable parallel nonetheless.

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The UNH hockey blog weighed in. I think you might like his snappy answers. Incidently UND and UNH play this winter in a non-conference matchup.


How has your summer been? (too long, too short, just right)

Summer, summer... oh yeah, we call it the Fourth of July round these parts - realll pretty fireworks.

What are you doing to fill the void of no college hockey during the off
season?

What!? The season's over!? Shh!!! No one's supposed to know!

Are you excited about your team's prospects for the upcoming season?

Is there a reason why they call her Laura BUSH? I'm surprised no one's ever asked her that question in an interview - probably because of the really scary Secret Service agents all around. No, really, I've got two words for you - Regan. van Riemsdyk. That is SO two words! I'm excited to see Regan culminate his fantastic career - he's a fantastic goaltender (I at least attempt to play goal so I have a tremendous amount of RE-spect for the great goalies out there - ha, caught myself and didn't use fantastic again - ah damn!) and I enjoy watching someone so good at their craft.

It'll be great to see him on senior night and to watch him get his diploma. van Riemsdyk promises to be something I've never seen on the Whittemore Center ice - a big man who continuously gets the puck to the back of the net. Yet again - it is always great to watch a dominant player at their game. Really looking forward to seeing the entire freshmen class and the entire team just seems like it will be mature and ready to play - we're bringing the PAIN!

What other sports do you watch during the off-season?

There are other sports???

In your opinion, will there be anymore players leaving early for the
NHL/professional ranks?

It doesn't seem like it. There was a fire sale this past spring. Plus it's harder for the pros to take advantage of these impressionable youngsters in the fall when they're geared up for the upcoming season and not reeling from last season's final loss, looking for consolation, lonely, heartbroken - just looking for someone who'll listen to their pain... and give them actual, cold, hard cash! Yeah baby!

Which player defection do you think was the most costly to their team?

How 'bout - which player's departure hit you like a kick to the crotch from your first girlfriend when she dumped you on April Fools and you thought it was a joke - until she kicked you in the crotch and it made you just crumple to the floor and cry like a little baby... No. I'm okay. I don't want to talk about it. Oh, not just my team... well, I would have to say Schneider leaving BC. This is a team that didn't even really have a backup all year. Plus, have you seen their tuition!?

Go 'Cats!

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Western College Hockey answers the questions

How has your summer been? (too long, too short, just right)

My summer has been pretty good. There are always a lot of fun things to do, but ever since I moved to Minnesota, I've hated the heat, so that part kind of sucks.

What are you doing to fill the void of no college hockey during the off
season?

The best part about summer is that there are always a lot of very good hockey events to go to. It's not the same as going to a college hockey game, but it's fun to see a lot of different players, and there's nothing better than sitting in a cold rink on a really hot day.

Are you excited about your team prospects for the upcoming season?

Always. I'll admit Mankato's odds are a bit longer than some other teams, but anything can happen.

What other sports do you watch during the off-season?

I've been following the Twins on TV and the Tigers over the internet this summer. It's not great, but it gets me through the summer.

In your opinion, will there be anymore players leaving early for the
NHL/professional ranks?

Someone will probably sign towards the end of the summer once most of the free agents sign and teams figure out they may need an extra guy or two.

Which player defection do you think was the most costly to their team?

Steve Wagner probably would have played 55 minutes a night if he had stayed in Mankato, but he was ready to go. Jonathan Toews was probably the best player. I'd say Cory Schnieder was the biggest loss. BC will have two freshmen goalies, and while they're talented, there's a pretty steep learning curve in college hockey.

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I thought I would take a stab at the questions as well.


How has your summer been? (too long, too short, just right)

I look forward to every summer as a time to enjoy the out doors. This summer I bought a new pair of rollerblades and have begun to get out on the blades again. I have also played about 20 rounds of golf and incidentally I just returned from a golf tourney where my record was a horrible 0-5 in match play. One of the rounds I played in was a mercy killing as my partner and I were closed out 7 and 6 in match play. Two of the losses in this tourney went down to the last couple of holes. I basically threw one match away three putting on the 16th hole missing two puts from two feet and in... I haven’t played as much golf as I would like because my schedule has not allowed it to happen. Kind of sucks since golf memberships are so expensive.

The flip side of summer being over half over is that soon I will be duck hunting again. Dakota is ready for the upcoming season.


What are you doing to fill the void of no college hockey during the off
season?

Running with the dogs is going to kill me but I have filled the void by going to quite a few stock car races this summer. The greatest show on dirt the World of Outlaws recently came to Grand Forks and Fargo and so I took in both races as well as the World of Outlaws Late Models the second week of June. Sioux7 and I took the Saturday night World of Outlaws in the race in Fargo. On my other blog ND Red Neckyou can check out some of the pictures I have taken of the races I have been too this summer. I have also watched the first three seasons of 24 and season four is on the way as I just ordered it from Amazon.com.

I do watch baseball but I have sort of become board with the thriftiness of Minnesota Twins owner Carl Pohlad. Don’t get me wrong I am a fan of the Minnesota Twins but as a twins fan I am tired of being the brides maid I would like to see the Twins do more than be competitive and win a division title. I would like to have the twins win another world series.

Are you excited about your team's prospects for the upcoming season?

I am excited about the Sioux this season mostly because of the unselfishness of UND’s star players to turn down professional contracts to take another shot at an NCAA title. As we know in life there are no givens except death and taxes but the Sioux have a good chance of winning a national title if they can play as a team. There are a few players that feel they have some unfinished business and made a pact to return to take another shot at an NCAA title. For that sacrifice I applaud, Chorney, Finley, Duncan and Oshie, they all could have taken the money and ran.

What other sports do you watch during the off-season?

Golf, Baseball, NASCAR and the outdoor life channel. For those who question whether race car drivers are athletes; let me ask you this question. Could you drive an automobile 500 miles at 195 miles an hours in a hundred degree heat and not get dehydrated? Most of us would tire out at 100 miles. To race a car you have to be in good shape. There are no fat boys in NASCAR or the WoO…

In your opinion, will there be anymore players leaving early for the
NHL/professional ranks?

God I hope so, I am sick and tired of watching these players be coaxed out of college to spend a bunch of years in the minor before making the big leagues. I don’t believe this B.S. that some professional teams think that the NCAA doesn’t develop players well enough for the professional ranks. I guess Matt Green, Travis Zajac, Zach Parise, Paul Martin, Keith Ballard, Dany Heatley didn’t develop in college.

Which player defection do you think was the most costly to their team?
UND was hit hard by Lee and Towes leaving but it was expected that J.T. was going to leave so it wasn't a shocker, it was more of matter of when he was going to sign. Lee wanted to go, and I wished he would have stayed but that is just the way things go. Lee's loss is a big loss, but he Sioux will get past it.

I think that Goligoski leaving Minnesota is a big blow to the Gophers. Goligoski was a class act and was no doubt an awesome hockey player. You can’t just go out and recruit a three year veteran of the WCHA wars, no one with Goli’s experience and talent. In my opinion Alex Goligoski was a top ten player in the NCAA and more than likely an All-American hockey player yet again.

Corey Schneider leaving at B.C. puts the Boston College Eagles in a precarious situation, none of their goalies have played more than a couple of game in college.

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Goon's World team member Sioux07 took at stab at the questions

How has your summer been? (too long, too short, just right)

Summer is just the right length here, “three months of bad sledding”, so to speak.

What are you doing to fill the void of no college hockey during the off
season?

It has been good, it has gone by quickly with trips for work and 2 weeks for vacationing in Europe, aahhh, Europe. Then all the other weeks, World of Outlaws with THE GOON. Tubing the Otter Tail River, helping neighbors paint there houses (I still have to paint mine :o ) Doing the Fargo street fair last weekend and watch the RedHawks play baseball. It has gone by quick I tell you. Another month or so and college football will be underway, my second favorite sport after hockey.

Are you excited about your team prospects for the upcoming season?

I’m more excited then a fat lady at a Ricky Martin concert.

What other sports do you watch during the off-season?

Does Pro Wrestling count ;) There are not that many sports going on in the summer months.

In your opinion, will there be anymore players leaving early for the
NHL/professional ranks?

I don’t think so, it is getting a little late in the year for that.

Which player defection do you think was the most costly to their team?

Defection, your talking about the Russians (the “ex” communists), and the trading of players from there to NHL right ;) I think they should let there players leave to play in the NHL, they are a democracy now, right.

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Another Hockey East Blogger from For Here Men are Men this is the Boston College Eagles blog and he weighed in with his answers to the questions.

How has your summer been? (too long, too short, just right)
Waaaaaaaaaay too long.

What are you doing to fill the void of no college hockey during the off season?

-Drinking
-Working entirely too much
-Preparing for the upcoming football season
-Watching a lot of soccer and baseball
-Did I mention drinking??

Are you excited about your team prospects for the upcoming season?

Very. Cory Schneider's departure will be the albatross around the team's neck during the preseason, but we've got two very talented young goalies coming in. They won't replace him, but who can?? We'll have a lot of firepower up front and should have a rock-solid defense; the freshman goalies will be in good hands and there's no reason we can't make another run at the national title.
What other sports do you watch during the off-season?
Football (college and pro), soccer, NHL, some baseball. I also watch a lot of college hoops but other than three games it's played entirely during the college hockey season.


In your opinion, will there be anymore players leaving early for the
NHL/professional ranks?

This far past the draft, most likely not.
Which player defection do you think was the most costly to their team?
Schneider is the best player to leave early but the most costly in my opinion would have to be Mike Santorelli from Northern Michigan. They'll have an incredibly hard time replacing him.

Blais McDonald to stay coach at Lowell

This article was written by Adam Wodon on college hockey news. While I have a great amount of respect for Adam Wodon I must take issue with some of the things that are written in this article.

Lowell Exercises its 'Right'

by Adam Wodon/Managing Editor

I had originally written this article to suggest that the firing of Massachusetts-Lowell coach Blaise MacDonald would be entirely justified.

Soon thereafter, however, Lowell officials, and University of Massachusetts chancellor Marty Meehan, decided to reinstate MacDonald. This followed a suspension after he was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, failed multiple field sobriety tests, and two Breathalyzer tests found MacDonald at almost three times the legal limit.


Either way Lowell went, it could receive criticism or praise.

The original thought was that a DUI offense, while bad, is a pardon-able offense. But as new facts came to light, things looked grim for MacDonald. Police found four beers and a bottle of Absolut vodka in his car. His car looked like it had hit a tree or bush. And more.

First off: I am not going to say that I am a fan of drunk driving because I am not, drunk drivers kill 1,000's of innocent people every year on America's highways, however, what does this have to do with the offense. The offense was drunk driving; (OUI, DUI etc), the least of McDonald's worries is an open bottle in his vehicle, or the brand of the alchol that he drank. Regardless, if threshold of drunk driving is a BAC of .08 or .10; that fact is that offender committed a crime regardless if he drank wine, vodka, beer or whiskey. The fact of this incident was not the contents of the car (open bottles) but the BAC of the driver of that vehicle was too high.

Article Continued: However, it's easy to sit here from a distance, in cold detachment, and suggest that MacDonald should be fired. It's another thing to be his friend for 18 years, and see MacDonald lead a program that has had nary a discipline problem, and has the highest cumulative grade point average of any men's program at the school. That's the issue Lowell AD Dana Skinner faced, and he chose to keep MacDonald.

Thirteen years ago, Michigan made a similar choice when it retained Red Berenson, even though the now-legendary college coach was stopped for DUI and public urination. It certainly can't be said that Michigan is a renegade program by any stretch.

Coaches like to talk about "learning moments" and if handled right, they can turn their own embarrassing episodes into them.

Lowell had an even tougher decision, considering MacDonald's won-loss record at the school is not nearly as sparkling as Berenson's, even at the time, before Berenson had won his two national titles.

Unfairly or not, when you factor in what in many people's eyes has been an underachieving record at Lowell, MacDonald's dismissal seemed even more justified. MacDonald has been known as fun to be around, a glib interview, fiery — in other words, everything his predecessor, Tim Whitehead, was not known for. But that hasn't translated into any more success than Whitehead, who has gone on to prove himself at Maine.

But that only makes this decision by Lowell more palatable. After all, it didn't retain a cretin because he wins — like basketball's Bob Huggins.

So if Lowell believes it can live with MacDonald as its coach, and actually get positives from it, then it's their prerogative to make that decision.

Of course, this couldn't have come at a worse time, the program already embroiled in controversy and fighting for its very existence throughout the spring. Then, just as the program gets a reprieve, and it's announced that all 375 Club seat packages had been sold (meeting a goal), the DUI happens.

So MacDonald has a recruiting mess on his hands, partially, now, of his own making. Perhaps, in a perverse way, that will be his penance.

To quote the Caveman from the Geico comerical. WHAT? I honestly don't know what the point of this article is? The University made a decision to keep a hockey coach that in my mind is a good guy that made a bad mistake. It happens people. I am sure most of us know someone that got a driving under the influence charge. Lets give Blaise McDonald the benefit of the doubt, McDonald has apologized for his mistake and we should move on and let his action speak for himself. I doubt that this incident is going to affect Lowell's recruiting as much as the chance that the hockey team folding because of state budgetary constraints, that in my opinion would be more detrimental recruiting than a one time incident.

Honestly, I think that we can be assured that if this happened again McDonald would be out on his ear in a New York Minute. Lastly, comparing this incident to Red Berernson's incident 13 years ago, what does that incident have to do with this incident? Each are separate incidents that have no bearing on the other. If anything Red's incident was worse, public urination (basically you have a offense of drunken disorderly conduct and a DWI). Besides, on the recruiting front; Michigan is a big ten school with a winning history and 9 national titles making it a much easier sell than University of Massachusetts's Lowell is a state school in Massachusetts that is a middle of the road hockey team that doesn't even make the NCAA tourney on a regular basis. In fact your comparing apples to oranges. I could see why maybe Blais McDonald's record isn't as good as Red's.

Face it we are human being make and we move on. Some mistakes are worse than others, I would be willing to bet that McDonald isn't going to be the last one to make this mistake. I would also be willing to bet that there have been 150 OUI/DUI/DWI's in Lowell, MA since this incident and none have probably gotten the press this one incident has.

Boogey Man signed for three years.

EKLUND From Hockey Buzz is reporting that the Boogey Man has signed a three year contract with the Minnesota Wild. If anyone is confused about the impact the Boogey Man has on a game watch this clip. it was rumored that the Edmonton Oilers were looking to sign the Boogey Man. Lets just say that the Goon is very happy about this move the Wild could not afford to not resign Derrick. Yeah...

Only Parise Remains Unsigned.

The List of Former Fighting Sioux Hockey Players that are UFA's got even shorter as
Matt Jones signed a new contract/deal with the Phoenix Coyotes of the national hockey league. Zach Parise is the only Former Sioux UFA (NHL Player) that still needs to sign a new contract. I would imagine that the Devils will do everything in their power to make sure that they sgin

From the Coyotes Site

Jones, 23, played 45 games with the Coyotes last season, registering 1-6-7 and 39 penalty minutes (PIM). The 6-foot, 215-pound defenseman also collected 0-2-2 and 23 PIM in 24 games with the San Antonio Rampage (AHL) last season.

Matt Jones Phoenix Coyotes; recently resigned with the Coyotes
Jason Blake NY Islanders; signed a new contract with the Leafs
Matt Greene resigned with the Edmonton Oilers
Zach Parise New Jersey Devils; (remains unsigned)
David Hale Resigned with his current team the Calgary Flames
Brandon Bochenski Resigned with his current team the Boston Bruins

Minnesota in the CCHA?

NHL.COM

Here is a funny clip that I found in the article: Funny stuff, I didn't know the Gophers moved over to the CCHA, must have happened during the middle of the night. Well you can't fault the NHL writers since they really don't know much about college hockey. All silliness aside this wasn't a bad news article about Blake Wheeler.

Wheeler grows into 6-foot-3 frame

But then Wheeler’s body caught up with his skills. This past season, Wheeler had 18 goals and 38 points for the Golden Gophers, who claimed the CCHA regular-season title and the Final Five postseason crown before falling short of a national championship.

It appears that Wheelers development is coming alone nicely, it takes a while longer for big guys. So I wonder if he is next WCHA player to forgo his eligibility and sign a professional contract. While he is probably going no where, I can't see him staying past next season if he has a good junior campaign.

Blues Blogger gives Duncan and Oshie props

Duncan and Oshie Shine

Here is an Interesting Perspective by Andy Strickland that I found on hockeybuzz.com. I think it's safe to say that we are lucky to have Dunc and Oshie back for this season and I would expect Oshie to be gone after the season is over. I find it funny that some of the Blues fans are having a tough time understanding why these kids are coming back for their Junior season.

Oshine makes the first team

STRICKEE AWARDS!

First Team-

LW- Michal Birner (Tremendous shot and scoring touch. Versatile player which will help him adjust to the next level. Should score 20-25 in the AHL this season)

C-T.J. Oshie (Should come out now but his headed back to UND. Thinks the game like an NHL’er. Plays the game with passion.)

RW- David Backes (Has the ability to score 20 in the NHL this year.)

D- Erik Johnson ( Makes plays NHL D-man execute with regularity. Needs to play with the best players in the world.)

D- Roman Polak (When he hits you he’s tries to hurt you. Polak is going to be a top four D-man in the NHL for 12-15 years. He’s ok with waiting a year, he’ll play 30 minutes a game in Peoria this season.)

G- Marek Schwarz (cat like reflexes/ tremendous athlete and competitor. This kids has the determination to be a star.)

Ryan Duncan makes the second team

Second Team-

LW- Ryan Duncan (loves to go high glove side, all this kid does is score. Can get feisty if his buttons are pushed)

Jason Blake Photo

Waiting for Stanley had this Blake Picture I must agree with what he had to say. While Blake brings offense to the Maple Leafs in the end it will not translate into the Leafs getting into the playoffs.

Ooo, look at Jason Blake posing in front of a collage of Leaf greats. Toronto sure has a grandiose way of introducing players. Too bad that doesn't translate into playoff success.

Oshie shines and now ready to lead the Sioux to eight

STLtoday Picture

Prediction for T.J. Oshie; There has been much speculation around the blog sphere and the Internet that T.J. Oshie will be convinced to change his mind and sign a professional contract with the St Louis Blues. Most of this speculation is from Blues fans and Gopher fans. I believe that it is just a case of wishful thinking. You heard it hear first that T.J. Oshie is coming back to UND for his junior season for the Fighting Sioux.

Camp wraps up on a high Note

By Jeremy Rutherford
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
As team President John Davidson and coach Andy Murray found their seats in the upper rows, fans rose to their feet and applauded. "I thought it was for Bob Plager," Murray joked.

In the finale of the weeklong development camp, the Blue team edged the Gold 4-3 at the IceZone. But it was the overflow crowd, estimated at 3,000, that garnered most of the attention Friday.

"Oh man ... that was exciting," Davidson said. "That was flat-out exciting. I feel bad for the people that couldn't get in, but it's just a small venue. We even looked into trying to add some bleachers at the end of the arena, but it's against fire regulations ... just couldn't do it. To see the support by the city, how quickly it's growing, people are knowledgeable and they appreciate everything, it was about as good as it gets."
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Friday was the last chance to see many of the 40-something prospects who attended the camp. Many will return to Sweden or Canada, or head back to college, in the case of T.J. Oshie.

Oshie was hands-down the best player at the camp, but he has decided to play his junior season at the University of North Dakota next season.

When Davidson was asked this week what he hopes Oshie takes home from this camp, he quipped: "I was hoping maybe an NHL contract after watching him practice. This kid is a player. When you see young players come in, you try to compare them to somebody. The way he worked out there and the way he could finish, it reminded me of Brian Sutter. I saw a guy that worked his tail off every single time he was on the ice.

"To see that, you sort of go, 'Hmmm ... boy he'd look good if he'd maybe stick around a little longer.' But no, he's going to go back to college from what we understand, and good for him. If he wants to change his mind, give me a call. Call collect. Whatever he wants to do."

Oshie laughed when told of Davidson's comments.

"Well, I like that they want me," he said. "But it also means a lot that they're behind my decision to go back to school

<

Great News to start the day off.

UND Signs another Toews

It wouldn't be a stretch to say that Sioux fans have been waiting for this announcement for most of the summer, that day finally came as Brad Schlossman, Herald Staff Writer is reporting that UND has signed Jonathan Toew's younger brother, David Toews. David joins a long list of brothers to play for the University of North Dakota. Welcome aboard David.

Lets break down the Brother Teams to play at UND:

1.) Johnson Brothers (Corey, Greg and Ryan)
2.) Jones Brothers
3.) Parise Brothers
4.) Murphy Brothers
5.) Panzer "Division" Brothers
6.) Hoogstein Brothers
7.) Zajac Brothers
8.) Hale Brothers
9.) Johnsons (Chad and Steve)
10.) Now the Toews Brothers
11.) Cristian Brothers (Dave and Eddie)
12.) Marvins (thanks Brian)
13.) Genoway's (thanks RWD's)
14.) David and Bryan Lundbohm
15.) Ulmers, Jeff and Jason (thanks Sioux7)

I have only really watched UND since about 1991 so if I missed someone its not on purpose. (Edit)More have been added.

Off Line playing Golf.


The Goons is taking a well deserved golf vacation as I will be decompressing on the golf course playing in a tourney my buddies hold every year. I should be getting a great look at the woods and long grass as I have not idea what it is like the hit the ball from the fairway.

Text book way to run over a goalie

I found this while surfing youtube today. This is the text book way to run over the opposing goalie as perpetrated by Ben Gordon. Goalies beware when Gordon is in the neighborhood.

Hot off the Presses: Goligoski is Gone

According to Mark Rosen of WCCO Alex Goligoski the all American all WCHA defenseman for the Golden Gophers will forgo his Senior year at the University of Minnesota and sign a professional contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins. This is a huge loss for the Gophers. There had been much discussion on this subject over on Sioux Sports an Gopher Puck Live for the past few weeks.

I can emphasize with Gopher fans it sucks to lose top players, however, as a fan of these programs that get a majority of the top blue chip players we can expect it almost every season.

EDIT:
----------This makes it a little more official---------

Gophers' Goligoski signs with Penguins
BY CHARLEY WALTERS
Pioneer Press
Article Last Updated: 07/10/2007 09:49:39 PM CDT

Alex Goligoski, who would have been a senior next season for the University of Minnesota men's hockey team, on Tuesday signed a contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The deal is for two years. If Goligoski, 21, plays in the NHL, he'll make $500,000 in salary the first season, $600,000 the second season. With bonuses, the contract could be worth nearly $2 million if he plays two complete seasons in the NHL.

The former Grand Rapids (Minn.) High School defenseman is coming off shoulder surgery late last season, and he played hurt most of the season. He passed a physical in Pittsburgh on Monday.

Steve Downie takes on his own team mate in practice

Check out this fight that happened during 2005 season at a (CHL) Windsor Spitfires practice. The fight is between this season's 56th over all draft choice of the Chicago Black Hawks Akim Aliu and the Canadian hockey play most Americans hockey fans love to hate Steve Downie. The reason for the fight goes back to a hazing incident where Aliu didn't want to be hazed and Downie taking exception to him not wanting to be hazed. Aliu lost three teeth during the incident.

While apparently most in the Canadian media took Steve Downies side most of us on the other side of the border remember Downie for his cheap antics and the guy that Jack Johnson elbowed during the 2006 world Junior Tourney, also, the player that continued his antics during the 2007 World Junior Tourney.

Here are some of your classic Steve Downie moments/snap or how about this one where Ducks Player Corey Perry works over Steve Downie while the lines man tries to separate the two combatants... I knew there was a reason I admired Corey Perry.

Sioux Sign Monster Forward

The Fighting Sioux signed Brent Davidson, a 6'4" 225 pound 20-year-old forward from the Neepawa Natives of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League, to play for the Sioux during the 2007-2008 season. Davidson scored 36 goals and added 43 assists for 79 points in 59 games for the Neepawa Natives last season. With the age of Davidson I would imagine Sioux fans will again hear about the 25 year old Canadians on the UND roster, but wait? Didn't the Gophers just sign a 20 year old forward as well?

You gotta to love the Neepa Natives logo:


quote from Dave McIntosh:

Davidson, a 20-year-old forward for the Neepawa Natives in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League, is described as a late bloomer like Penner, who was cut from the MJHL three times, played two seasons at Minot State University-Bottineau and wound up winning the Stanley Cup with Anaheim this summer.

“Are you familiar with Dustin Penner?” asked Neepawa executive board member Dave McIntosh. “Yeah, Brent is 20 years old, which is older than most players North Dakota gets. But I want you to call me back in two years. He's a diamond in the rough. He's going to make North Dakota's coaches look real good.”

Toews Impresses

Al Cimaglia Gives Toews some Love

I found this article on Hockeybuzz.com seems that Jonathan Toews is wooing the on lookers in Chicago with his effort during the prospects camp. If Toews goes to Chicago and makes the team out of camp and has a solid season his leaving won't be as
hard to stomach.

I went to watch the prospects scrimmage at the Edge yesterday. Not everyone participates in every scrimmage, so no Blunden, Bolland, Brouwer, and Burish for me to watch. It is a grueling daily routine for these young guys as they drill in the morning and then do a full 2 period scrimmage and then conclude with a shootout in the early afternoon.

If Toews winds up not being a true standout player, I will never spend another minute of my time trying to evaluate and figure out the future potential of young prospects. He is a load on his skates and will only get stronger. I stood right on the goal line and watched him in the post-game shootout. He made about four moves in a space of 24 inches and tucked the puck in for a goal. To be honest I still don’t know how he could have gotten the puck across the line, there are appeared to be no space. The only worry for him this year will be that of injury, and maybe fatigue later on in the winter.

Do fans go to far?

Brad Schlossman's hockey blog has an interesting story about the Brian Lee's signing a professional contract and the response that has his signing has brought on by the some of "the Fans". I guess you could say that Brian Lee's leaving for the professional ranks has brought out a curious and in some cases classless response by some of the fans and I am sure that not all of them are Sioux fans some of them are from trolls that like to stir things up.

While it is not out of line to offer legitimate criticisms of a hockey players play and I believe that Brian's play while he was at UND was worthy of some critique. Some this stuff that was written was not constructive criticism or anything to do with debate and discussion; some of this stuff was pretty classless and of poor taste and really over the top. If you haven't seen it check out some of the stuff that was posted on the Herald Site.

I think it funny how some people are down right brave when they can post something and not put your name or face to the offensive comments. I also believe that as a society we have lost our civility and it's down right sad. People on the Internet have gotten to the point of out right hostility to anyone or any thing that they disagree with. Debate and and constructive criticism are healthy and there is nothing wrong with it, however, malicious comments with no content and purpose other than to be hurtful and out of line.

Updated UFA list.

The List of Fighting Sioux UFA's

Matt Jones Phoenix Coyotes
Jason Blake NY Islanders Signed with Toronto
Matt Greene Resigned with the Edmonton Oilers
Zach Parise New Jersey Devils
David Hale Resigned with the Calgary Flames
Brandon Bochenski Resigned with the Boston Bruins

If Wild Fan didn't hate the Ducks before, they have even more reason now...

If Wild fans didn't have enough reason to hate the Ducks before they just signed bad boy goon and resident thugh Todd Bertuzzi, so much for the new NHL eh? I wonder if the Wild GM will add two more goons to counter the move. Boogey man is going to have lots of dancing partners when they play the Ducks.

U Mass Lowell Coach Suspened for DUI arrest

Found this story on-line today, interesting to say the least. I would hope that the University doesn't fire McDonald for a DUI. Hopefully UMass Lowell will give him an opportunity to make things right. This isn't good either for a program that is barely hanging on and we shouldn't down play the seriousness of this incident.

Click Me

LOWELL -- UMass Lowell head hockey coach Blaise MacDonald was suspended indefinitely yesterday as the result of his Friday arrest on drunken-driving charges.

MacDonald's blood-alcohol level was more than three times the legal limit of .08 percent when he was found sleeping in the driver's seat of his Toyota Land Cruiser at 8:58 p.m. in Chelmsford, according to police. The vehicle was blocking the entrance to the Woodland Square Condominiums at 262 Littleton Road.

The 43-year-old coach's suspension interrupts a high point for the nationally known Division I hockey program. After staving off the threat of losing its hockey team this year, the university recently sold out 350 premium club season tickets in a campaign to boost enthusiasm for the team.

Although his suspension is effective immediately, MacDonald, who lives in Westford, will still receive an internal university disciplinary hearing.

responsibility to encourage lawful and healthy behavior among all members of the campus community," UMass Lowell spokeswoman Patti McCafferty said in a written statement. "As role models, coaches must behave responsibly and set the appropriate example for our students."

Chelmsford police spotted MacDonald's vehicle after another driver reported it crossing over the oncoming lane of traffic several times on Littleton Road. The motorist also reported seeing MacDonald turning around near the trailer park at 270 Littleton Road.

According to police, MacDonald's speech was slurred and he had difficulty standing up. His eyes were red and glassy and his breath smelled of alcohol.

There was also fresh damage to the front bumper of his vehicle, which police said looked like it had been struck by a small tree or shrub. Police also found four beers and a 750 milliliter bottle of Absolut vodka inside the vehicle.

At the Chelmsford police station, MacDonald was given two Breathalyzer tests. He blew .23 percent on the first and .25 percent on the second, according to police. The legal limit is .08.

MacDonald was held overnight and released early Saturday evening on personal recognizance, said Chelmsford Police Chief Kevin Murphy. He was arraigned yesterday morning in Lowell District Court.

A native of Billerica, MacDonald was named the fifth coach of the UMass Lowell hockey team on April 6, 2001. He came to Lowell from Niagara University in New York, where he was a head hockey coach for five years. MacDonald earned $167,209 from UMass Lowell in 2006.

Messages left on MacDonald's cell phone, at his home and office were not returned yesterday.

Marty Meehan, who was on campus yesterday visiting with faculty and students in his first official day on the job as UMass Lowell chancellor, declined comment beyond the university's statement.

But MacDonald's suspension makes it likely UMass Lowell will need to find a new head hockey coach, at least in the interim, before the start of next season.

This is the second time this year a prominent Lowell coach has been suspended due to a drunken-driving arrest.

Lowell High School baseball coach Dan Graham, 31, was arrested on March 17 and charged with operating under the influence of alcohol on the Lowell Connector, just two days after replacing longtime coach George Cunha.

After his arrest, Superintendent of Schools Karla Brooks Baehr suspended Graham without pay for the remainder of the season. He is expected to return to coaching next year.

Life is about choices and mistakes, this is not a good choice for a role model to make. It's obvious that McDonald has screwed up in this case. I would hope that the University give McDonald one more chance.

It's Official Canucks sign Cory Schneider

The early signing continue and this one I don't feel so bad about: Sioux fans will not have to watch Cory Schneider give up 4+ goals again the Fighting Sioux and still beat the Fighting Sioux. Hopefully there will be a some good carma when the Sioux play the Eagles in the future.

Cool Clip that I found on Waiting for Stanley: Johnson (aka JMFJ) nearly decapitates the BC goalie

The list is growing for early signings:

Here are the significant departures so far this offseason
MSU Jim McKenzie Jr. Signed with Senators (NHL)
Boston College Cory Schneider Jr. Signed with Vancover (NHL)
Northern Michigan Mike Santorelli Jr. Signed with Nashville (NHL)
Dartmouth David Jones Jr. Signed with Colorado (NHL)
Michigan Andrew Cogliano So. Signed with Edmonton (NHL)
Maine Teddy Purcell Fr. Signed with Los Angeles (NHL)
Minnesota Erik Johnson Fr. Signed with St. Louis (NHL)
New Hampshire Trevor Smith So. Signed with Islanders (NHL)
Alaska Fairbanks Darcy Campbell Jr. Signed with Columbus (NHL)
Massachusetts Jonathan Quick So. Signed with Los Angeles (NHL)
Clarkson Shawn Weller Jr. Signed with Ottawa (NHL)
SCSU Andrew Gordan Jr. Signed with the Washington (NHL)
Michigan Jack Johnson So. Signed with Los Angeles (NHL)
Alaska-Anchorage Jay Beagle So. Signed with Idaho (ECHL)
Denver Ryan Dingle Jr. Signed with Anaheim (NHL)
Wisconsin Joe Piskula Jr. Signed with Los Angeles (NHL)
Minnesota St. Steve Wagner So. Signed with St. Louis (NHL)
Wisconsin Jack Skille So. Signed with Chicago (NHL)
Vermont Torrey Mitchell So. Signed with San Jose (NHL)
Western Mich. Mark Letestu Signed with Pittsburgh (NHL)
Alaska Fairbanks Kyle Greentree So. Signed with Philadelphia (NHL)
Minn.-Duluth Matt Niskanen So. Signed with Dallas (NHL)
Minn.-Duluth Mason Raymond So. Signed with Vancouver (NHL)
BGSU Jonathan Matsumoto So. Signed with Philadelphia (NHL)
Union T.J. Fox So. Signed with San Jose (NHL)
UND Jonathan Toews So. Signed with Chicago (NHL)
UND Brian Lee So. Signed with the Senators (NHL)

It's Official Brian Lee has signed with the Senators

Lee Gone

BRIEFLY: The Senators will announce today the signing of D Brian Lee, their No. 1 pick (ninth overall) in the 2005 draft, along with 2004 fifth-round pick RW Jim McKenzie. Lee went to North Dakota last season, while McKenzie attended Michigan State.

While originally it was up in the air what Lee was going to do, the final nail in the coffin was the Sen's losing Tom Preissing as he signed a nice free agent deal with the LA King's.

2007 - 2008 Hockey Schedule (by Sioux 7)

Oct 7 Manitoba (exhibition)
Oct 13 Michigan St. (US Hall of Fame Game)
Oct 19 @ Boston College
Oct 20 @ Northeastern
Oct 26-27 @ MICHIGAN TECH

Nov 2-3 COLORADO COLLEGE
Nov 9-10 @ WISCONSIN
Nov 23-24 MINNESOTA-DULUTH
Nov 30 -1 @DENVER

Dec 7-8 MINNESOTA
Dec 28-29 New Hampshire

Jan 4-5 @ ST. CLOUD ST.
Jan 11-12 MICHIGAN TECH
Jan 18-19 @ MANKATO ST.
Jan 25-26 ALASKA-ANCHORAGE

Feb 1-2 @ MINNESOTA
Feb 15-16 DENVER
Feb 23-24 Bemidji St.

Mar 1-2 @ MINNESOTA-DULUTH
Mar 7-8 ST. CLOUD ST.

Mar 14-16 WCHA PLAYOFFS - First Round
Mar 20-22 WCHA FINAL FIVE (St. Paul, Minnesota)
Mar 28-30 NCAA Regionals
Apr 10-12 NCAA FROZEN FOUR (Denver, Colorado)

As you may notice the team has 3 breaks in the schedule. The first break is in mid-November. The second break in mid-December, with back-to-back weekends with no games just before Christmas. And the final third break in early February.

I think they have good schedule and terms of having time off, it is spread around in the middle of the season. We also have a good schedule in terms of home/away games, there are no big road stretches or no big home stands either. However, I think we have a tough schedule, playing UM, SCSU, DU and MTU four games each.

We only play the following WCHA teams in one series this upcoming season: Wisconsin, Colorado College, Alaska, and Mankato St.

Charges against Fighting Sioux player Dropped...

Bina's Charges Dismissed

GRAND FORKS, N.D. — A judge has dismissed misdemeanor charges against North Dakota's Robbie Bina. Bina was accused of "aiding the escape" of two teammates who were being held in a police car.

The judge ruled that the players — Jonathan Toews and T.J. Oshie — were not attempting to escape, but just talking to Bina, 24.

The incident took place at a bar in Grand Forks on Jan. 28. Oshie and Toews were cited for being minors in a bar, a charge to which they later pleaded guilty.

Bina pleaded not guilty of trying to escape custody. He could have faced up to 30 days in jail and a one-thousand-dollar fine.

Oshie and Toews were placed on probation and ordered to perform community service.

Rush To Judgement?

Just to refresh everyone's memory one Fargo Forum sports writer posted the following article below lambasting David Hakstol and UND in its dealing with the Judy's Bar incident earlier this year. To so called media pundets and certain hand wringing fans around the league were demanding that Hakstol punish the three players involved in the incident. I does appear in this case that UND Fighting Sioux head coach David Hakstol made the right decision. Funny how things work out eh? That darn Hakstol always seems to come out looking smarter all of the time doesn't he? While some were over reacting, Coach Hakstol showed calm and restraint. But of course this is all water under the bridge now. We really can't fault the media for doing their job and reporting an incident involving a Fighting Sioux hockey player. Agian just to refresh everyone's memory. For your viewing pleasure read away:

Discipline U

As per my column in Friday's Forum, what do you all think of University of North Dakota hockey coach Dave Hakstol's fumbling of the Taverngate situation?

To refresh: Three Sioux players -- T.J. Oshie, Jonathan Toews and Robbie Bina -- were cited Jan. 28 by Grand Forks police. Oshie and Toews were charged with being minors in a bar. Bina was hit with a more serious charge of escaping custody for opening the door of a cop car.

They are minor charges. Nobody is saying Oshie and Toews murdered anybody. Bina's charge seems to stem from youthful stupidity (and perhaps a sense of entitlement from being a Sioux hockey player in Grand Forks). Hey, if you were ever a college student, you've probably been there.
But unless something changes before tonight's WCHA game against Minnesota State Mankato, it appears Hakstol is not going to discipline the players in any meaningful way. Maybe he'll surprise everybody with a suspension or two, but it sure doesn't look that way.

How does Hakstol get away with it? He's had three players who were publicly cited for breaking the law and there is no penalty, other than the lame-o "internal handling" of the situation?

The answer, I guess, is simple enough: This is UND hockey and this is Grand Forks, where UND hockey rules.

Whaddya think, folks? Do you agree with me that a one-game suspension for Toews and Oshie and a two-game suspension for Bina is warranted? There has to be some price to pay, doesn't there?

Fire away.

I wonder if any kind of a retraction. I would probably bet that there will not be one coming anytime soon from Forum sports writer Mike McFeely? Also, don't expect to see one on his blog. McFeely isn't the only one that had a good time with this incident, there were other.

Back from Europe (by Sioux 7)

I was on vacation for a couple of weeks, during that time I was in England, France, and Italy.

I did see most of the famous places in the big cities of London, Paris, and Rome. If you ever get the chance to travel overseas, I highly recommend it is a excellent experience (this was my 3rd trip to Europe). Here are a couple of pictures of some of the famous places I saw.













Stonehenge



Big Ben w/ the London Eye in the back ground



The Eiffel Tower in Paris



The Colesium in Rome

Random thoughts

I would like to expand on this topic that I posted on at USCHO.COM...

Originally Posted by jk on USCHO.Com
Couple things about Lee.
However, I had pretty much the same thoughts on Okposo, and I think his recent decision (rather, the decision made for him by the NYI) might be a sign that teams are starting to see the value in leaving players in college. So now I think there is a chance that he might return.

My Post:
I am glad that not all the GM's in the NHL are anti College and in a hurry to yank these kids out of college. As we can see the WCHA has done a pretty good job preparing kids for the NHL. Insert example: Matt Carle, Zach Parise, Phil Kessel etc...

I was re-listening to the interview that Puffy did with tDon on KFAN after the Gopher's season was ended by the Sioux in March (Yeah I know). Basically Universityh of Minnesota head coach Don Lucia said something that really hit home. Maybe it was pointed at some of his players as well. His message was: your time in school for the most part is fun and a very short, don't make any rash decision. Once you sign your contract your an employee and its not always as fun as it's perceived to be. It's not all glamour and its a business.
You have to love the i-Pod option.

the Player only gets 4 years to play and then your career is over. Don went on to say that he has never heard a player regret leaving college too late, but has heard a few say they left way too early. he mentioned Jake Taylor and how he would have like to re-thought his decision. Then tDon made reference to former all-American Jordan Leopold and how he came back his fourth year and hit the jack pot... NCAA, Hobey Baker...

I guess it's up to the player and we will move on eventually no matter what Lee's decision is... The fact it's taken so long makes it more and more nerve racking. Sioux fans want to know who is going to be there when the puck drops on October 7th...

The Break Down

There are few top players (Schneider, B.C.; Goligoski, Minnesota; Lee, UND) in college hockey are deciding if they want to make the next step and sign a professional contract and start getting paid to play hockey, a child home dream of many of these players. Each of the players has a little different situation.

Brian Lee probably has no chance to make the Senators opening day roster and has basically shown an interest to sign a professional contract even though the senators have been on record and hinted he should go back to school and work on his development.

The Canucks want to sign Cory Schneider, he is probably destined to the back up role or more than likely is off to tend goal for the Manitoba Moose due to Canucks having a top flight goalie Roberto Luongo as their starter for the next three years. The mind set of many hockey pundents is that Cory could develop more in the AHL than in the NCAA. Also some have suggested that the Canucks could trade Cory for a top UFA that can make an immediate impact on the Canucks team.

Goligoski seems to have the best chance to make the pens if his off season injury/surgery heals in time to play in the fall. Of course Gophers fans are holding their breath and basically coming up with all the reason why Goli should come back tot the Gophers. Pittsburg is not going to risk losing Goligoski to another team and will make a serious push to get him locked up to a entry level contract...

The move on to the next level means they will forgo the rest of their college eligibility. One would believe this is a tough decision due to the fact these players have taken so long to make the decision.

A BU hockey fan's hockey picture.

I found this great picture over on USCHO. As a college hockey fan you got to love the BU and B.C. rivalry. Its pretty much a given that B.C. fans are almost just as hated as our rivals to the South in Minnesoda. The BU and BC rivalry seems like its more heated than the Fighting Sioux and Gophers, at least we can sit in the bar after the game and drink a beer without killing each other Fuck'em up, Fuck'em up, BC SUCKS . It's a picture that was posted from a Boston University fan. Ah yes; enjoying your rivals misfortune.

A couple of rumors.

The New England Sports Network reported during the Boston Red Sox pre-game show last night that Boston College Eagles goalie and Sioux Nemesis Corey Schneider is going to sign with the Vancover Canucks. I guess the Fighting Sioux won't have Corey Schneider around to score on anymore.

Ecklund from HockeyBuzz.com is reporting that Willie Mitchell is headed back to Minnesota. Although a lot of what Ecklund reports doesn't come true this is a free agent pick up that I would really applaud and hope happens.

Here is an interesting story on Toby Peterson

I found this story on line about former C.C. Tiger's player Toby Peterson and current Edmonton Oiler. Toby talks about his day to day life and dealing with type 1 diabetes. While living with diabetes can't be easy, imagine living with the diabetes and while playing hockey in the NHL. That would have to be even be more challenging. Toby actually plays the game wearing an insulin pump. Toby Peterson played at C.C. from 1996-2000 scoring 128 point in 138 games.

Ben Blood Video

I found this video of Sioux recruit Ben Blood on line. To say that I am excited about him being a Fighting Sioux is an understatement. The Senator's fans are rightfully excited as well...

Ben Blood Video

The Universal Cynic: Ben Blood: Potential marketing bonanza

Here is an interesting perspective on UND recruit Ben Blood who was selected by the Ottawa Senators in the fourth round, 120 overall. It appears that the Senators are looking for a big tough rugged defenseman to counter big tough teams like the Ducks:

The Universal Cynic: Ben Blood: Potential marketing bonanza

Brian Murray wants the Sens to be tougher, so how can you go wrong with a kid with a moniker straight out of a B-movie slasher flick?

In the fourth round of the '07 Entry Draft, newly minted GM Bryan Murray and his think tank took Ben Blood -- a 6'3", 212 lb. left-handed defenseman originally from Shattuck St. Mary's, however, Blood was recruited by the University of North Dakota late last year. The blueliner could join the Fighting Sioux as early as September, which means he would be playing alongside '05 first round pick Brian Lee (assuming Lee stays in school).

Brian Lee has been knocked in the past for his soft play, but it doesn't look like that will be an issue for Blood -- he comes with a physical game and an offensive presence. Ben played in 63 games in 2006-07 for Shattuck St. Mary's, finishing with 36 points (11 G, 23 A) and 144 PIM (he had only 32 in 2005-'06).

The Best hits from the Stanley Cup Finals

I will have to say that this years finals was full of hard hits and physical play, I hope that continues. Also, its nice to see Chris Neil actually making a legal hit as well... I didn't know that guy knew how to make a hit that wasn't a elbow to the head of the oppostion player.

Ex-NHL Official to head the ECAC Officials

This is a big time story

Former NHL official Paul Stewart is going to head the ECAC officials. I think this is a great move for the ECAC and I almost wish the WCHA would follow suit, I am sure fellow siouxsports.com reader/contributer Redwing_77 does as well, both of us are not fans of the current WCHA head of officials. One could say that I am jealous with envy. It should be no mystery that if I could change one thing in college hockey it would be the accoutability of the on ice officials.

For those that have watched NHL hockey know that Paul Stewart is a class act and a great hockey mind and is one of them most beloved officials ever in the NHL. It is the opinion of this blogger that NCAA Division 1 College hockey is a high profile sport and should have the very best personnel officiating the games. We should not accept any less as college hockey fans.

ALBANY, N.Y. — ECAC Hockey has again changed its Supervisor of Officials, but this time may have landed someone with staying power.

Paul Stewart, a one-time National Hockey League referee and former player at Penn, was named by the league.

"We are thrilled that Paul will join our League staff," said ECAC Hockey Commissioner Steve Hagwell. "His reputation and standing within the hockey community is incomparable, and his wealth of experience as a player and on-ice official at the highest levels of the sport provide tremendous leadership, knowledge and expertise that surely will enhance the League."
---------snip---------
Stewart competed in the ECAC for Penn from 1973-75 and then enjoyed a professional career that included the NHL and World Hockey Association (WHA). Stewart assumes the leadership role of an officiating staff that comprised more than 40 officials in 2006-07.

"The vitality and school spirit that hockey brings to our college campuses is electric. ECAC Hockey has long been known for its combination of athletic and academic excellence," Stewart said. "My role is to assist our staff, coaches, players, and administration in elevating the standards of officiating to even more consistent and higher levels of quality. It is a responsibility that I have prepared my entire life for. In being give this opportunity I add another spoke to a life in hockey for which I am honored to be a part."

WCHA Departures: Who is Next?

So Who is Next?

So are the Gophers the next WCHA team to lose another star player? The Pens want to meet with Minnesota defenseman Alex Goligoski this week. It's no mystery that Goli is an awesome defensive prospect with a great upside on the offensive side of the ice. It is my opinion that Alex is one of the best in the WCHA if not the NCAA. Goligoski would also fit nicely into the Pens up tempo style of play.

Penguins to meet with prospect Goligoski
By Rob Rossi
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Tuesday, June 19, 2007

The Penguins could have a firm grasp on the immediate future of prospect Alex Goligoski after the prized University of Minnesota defenseman meets Tuesday with team officials in the Twin Cities. Goligoski, the club's second-round pick (61st overall) in the 2004 entry draft, will meet general manager Ray Shero for the first time this morning. Assistant general manager Chuck Fletcher also will attend the face-to-face meeting -- perhaps an indication that the team expects to learn from Goligoski, 21, his intentions for the upcoming season.

Goligoski, a left-handed offensive-minded defenseman, scored 25 goals and recorded 98 points in 118 games over the past three seasons with Minnesota. However, he has informed college coaches and teammates that he wishes to decide soon whether to return for his final year of eligibility or turn pro.

Considered one of the top defensemen in collegiate hockey, Goligoski, a second-team All-American, would seem a long shot to play in the NHL next season. But he would rate a serious contender to play for the Penguins' AHL affiliate in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.

Nothing on Brian Lee

The Goon is predicting that Brian Lee will be announcing this week that he is returning for another season of hockey at the University of North Dakota.

The Senators have a deep prospect group on defense led by 2005 ninth overall pick Brian Lee, who will likely play another season with University of North Dakota before turning pro...

The Following Sioux Players are UFA's

The List of Fighting Sioux UFA's

Matt Jones Phoenix Coyotes
Jason Blake NY Islanders
Made 1,558,000 during the 2006-2007 season
Ecklund from hockey buzz has Jason going back to the Islanders
Matt Greene Edmonton Oilers
Zach Parise New Jersey Devils
Zach made 703,000 in 2006-2007 expect a big pay day.
David Hale Calgary Flames
Brandon Bochenski Boston Bruins
Brandon is locked up in Boston has he has signed a one year deal with the Bruins.

The month of Firings?

Let the Firings Begin

The Boston Bruins gave Dave Lewis his walking papers this week after only one season of coaching the Bruins and also according to the Toronto Sun, the Ottawa Senators have fired general manager John Muckler. I guess Muckler will no longer be trying to sign Brian Lee eh?

My first question to the Bruins is why did they wait so long to fire Lewis, especially with the draft coming up? Now in an contrast of the two situations: John Muckler takes his team to the Stanley Cup finals and still gets fired while Dave Lewis for the most part was inaffective the whole season as the coach of the Boston Bruins going 1-10-1 down the stretch, that is only three points out of a possible 24 points.

Muckler Gone
Muckler wouldn't discuss the issue with the paper, directing all inquiries to Senators owner Eugene Melnyk.

"I haven't been told anything," Muckler told the Sun when asked about potential changes.

But two senior NHL executives told Sun Media they believe Melnyk gave Muckler his walking papers on Friday.

Related Info
Something is imminent in Ottawa
Senators president Roy Mlakar told the newspaper that Muckler's future will be decided by ''the end of the weekend

Former Gopher Phil Kessel wins the Masterton

Former Golden Gophers and Bruins Rookie Phil "the Thrill" Kessel picked up the Masterton throphy at the National Hockey League awards show. It was the first time that a rookie has been awarded the award.

A Posstive from a season of Negatives

In a season where not too many things went right for the Boston Bruins, it's good to see a Bruins player get reconized for something other than being on a losing team and missing the playoffs yet again.


The Story Link

The Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy is awarded annually to the NHL player who “best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to the game of hockey” by the Professional Hockey Writers' Association. The Trophy was first presented by the PHWA in 1968 to commemorate the late William Masterton, a player for the Minnesota North Stars, who died on January 15, 1968 after sustaining an injury on the ice.

“I am honored to be named this year's recipient of the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy,” said Kessel. "The list of players who have received this award in the past is incredible, and I am a little shocked to be included in such a prestigious group.

"I am fortunate to be surrounded by many great people who all helped me through last season, especially my family, my friends and my teammates, as well as the entire Boston Bruins medical staff.

"To Bruins fans everywhere, I would like to say 'thanks' for all of your kind words and support. You were in my corner from game one, and I am very excited about being a member of the Bruins organization for years to come.”

Kessel, who was selected fifth overall by the Bruins in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, played one season of college hockey at the University of Minnesota before joining Boston last fall.

The highly regarded 19-year old forward from Madison, Wisconsin was off to a productive start to his rookie campaign when he was diagnosed with embryonal testicular carcinoma, or testicular cancer, on December 9, 2006. On December 11, Kessel underwent surgery to remove the cancer, and on December 16, 2006 was announced cancer-free by Bruins team physician, Dr. David Judge.

Three weeks after surgery Kessel was back to practicing with the team, and returned to Bruins line-up on January 9, 2007 in Ottawa versus the Senators.

So is Lee Moving on?

Still no official news on the Brian Lee front other than this:Article that was Posted on Sioux Sports

* In addition, Muckler said team officials are "attempting to sign" defenseman Brian Lee, the ninth overall pick in 2005, and right wing Jim McKenzie, a fifth-round pick in 2004.

The 6-foot-3, 190-pound Lee just wrapped up his sophomore season with the University of North Dakota, and Muckler said there's a "possibility" he could come out early. McKenzie had 12 goals and 18 assists as a junior with Michigan State last season.

Maybe this is why we haven't heard too much on Brian Lee lately. Like I have said in many instances I would like to see him come back to the Fighting Sioux and make a run at a national championship, I believe that UND will be that good this season with what they have retained in the off season, however, thats is up to Brian Lee to decide and if he leaves, so be it. I believe that most Sioux fans (including Sioux_7) would welcome Brian back with open arms but if he wants to go pro hey good luck to you Brian and get the money while you can. Life is about decisions and I can't fault a kid for wanting to take the money, heck if someone told me hey you could make 200,000.00 if you sign on the dotted line I would do it in a nano second.

Also, with Derrick Lapoint coming in this fall and the emergence of Chay Genoway frankly the Sioux won't miss a beat without Brian.

Alright lets make a decision: Waiting on Brian Lee

You would probably know if you read siouxsports.com that much maligned Sioux sophomore defenseman Brian Lee is supposed to let Sioux fans know if he is going to sign a professional contract or not soon, however, there is still has been no official decision announced as of yet. OK, many of us would like to know what your decision is going to be. So whats it going to be? Inquiring minds want to know.

Should I stay or should I go now?

There have been quite a few people discussion the Brian Lee situation and if he is going to sign a professional contract or not. Frankly, there is nothing else to talk about, on the flip side of that equation, last season Fighting Sioux fans were discussion how many players that home town team was going to lose. This season we are talking about how players aren't leaving and where are we going to put everyone. I have heard through the rumor mill that the Senators have told Lee that he needs to stay in school.

The Sioux will be fine

The Fighting Sioux will be fine this season regardless if they lose Brian Lee or not, especially with Derrick Lapoint coming in fall. While most of us will welcome Brian Lee back with open arms. In his two season with the Fighting Sioux Brian Lee drafted in the first round (9th overall) by the Senators in 2005 Per Wikipedia has show both glimpses of greatness but also a propensity to be a little bit of a soft defensive player and at times has proven to be a defensive liability. Oh course based on Lee's age these problems could be attributed to this age.

Introducing a New Blog: Drun Roll Please

Dirty's Diatribe

There is a new blog in the making the it's appearance on the Hockey Blogsphere and this blog is written by the one and only cape wearing Dirty. Also, since Amy from Lets Go Mav's said I was slighting Dirty, that wasn't the case (Truth is last night it was really late and I didn't have a chance to read his article and get it on line)

Dirty, Dirty, Dirty

Dirty, who's famous (or should I say infamous?!?) on USCHO has started his own BLOG and also took time out of his busy schedule of posting on USCHO to answer my questions.

Below are his answers...in typical Dirty fashion. Enjoy!

TEAM NAME: University of North Dakota

HOW DID YOU GET THE NICKNAME DIRTY: Don’t you read RWD’s blog? You ask her to contribute to your blog when you don’t even read hers? Seems kind of selfish of you. (I read it all the time but I can't be expected to remember every little detail!!)

BEST FORWARD: Keeway Gaboo. Yes he plays for UND. Look it up if you really want to know. (This is some stupid name for TJ Oshie..."stupid little asshead" works better for me though!)

BEST DEFENSEMAN: Taylor Chorney

YOUR PERSONAL FAVORITE PLAYER & WHY: The Oshie. He is The Oshie, no further explanation is necessary.

YOUR PREDICTION FOR YOUR TEAM CAPTAINS IN 2008: Robbie Bina – A Kyle Radke – A Taylor Chorney – C

WHY ARE YOU A FAN OF YOUR TEAM: Beause the Hrkac Circus is the greatest line in the history of college hockey. I grew up in East Grand Forks and went to school at UND. Also Justin Dubermann, as said by Scott Hennan, is the greatest name in the history of college hockey.

BEST ARENA SONG: Fight on Sioux

BEST TRADITION YOUR TEAM HAS: Being almost as big of goons as the Mankato Normal School. I mean the Mankato State Teachers College. I mean Mankato State College. I mean Mankato State University. I mean Minnesota State University-Mankato. (If Dirty thinks our players are Goons, he should get his butt to Kato and see the fight I can put up. I may be a girl but I'm scrappy and could kick his ass. Oh, and for the record it was only "Mankato State University AND Minnesota State University, Mankato" when I went to school there! Sorry...I'll try to find some rich old bigot to donate money to our school to FORCE us to keep a name!)

YOUR PREDICTION FOR THE UPCOMING SEASON: The Maloney Pony makes a fool out of CPZ. (This is some weird bet between Dirty and MeanEgirl)

THE TEAM IN THE WCHA YOU DESPISE THE MOST: Denver Pioneers

YOUR SECOND FAVORITE TEAM IN THE WCHA: Once again, don’t you read RWD’s blog? Michigan Tech. Duh.

YOUR FAVORITE WCHA ARENA (BESIDES YOUR OWN!): tDECCWCHA

COACH YOU HAVE THE MOST RESPECT FOR: Troy Jutting. Any man who can overcome starring in a movie with Cher, deserves my respect (Ok, this almost made me pee my pants! Awesome answer!!)

OPPOSING WCHA PLAYER YOU DESPISE THE MOST: Geoff Paukovich. Take note Goon, I can properly spell Paukovich’s first name. (Be nice, Goon sometimes has grammar and spelling issues. He works nights and is republican, so his brain doesn't work right!)

BEST JERSEYS: Grand Rapids High School. You didn’t say anything about it having to be a WCHA team. (I guess I need to be more specific for the slow kids...)

WORST JERSEYS: Mankato. They have improved though since that wretched NY Rangers style jersey a few years ago. (Smart talk coming from a guy who wants Hollywood's jersey SO bad!)

SHOULD THE WCHA HAVE ALLOWED BEMIDJI TO JOIN: Sure. Another whipping boy from Minnesota is always welcome. Plus the Glas Fieldhouse is awesome. I love going to places that are fire hazard death traps.

WHICH TEAMS WILL FINISH IN THE TOP 3 IN THE WCHA: Gophers, Sioux, Pioneers

PREDICTIONS ON THE 5 TEAMS TO MAKE THE 2008 FINAL 5: Gophers, Sioux, Pioneers, Tech and Tigers

MOST ANNOYING WCHA FORWARD EVER & WHY: Dan Kronick. When he’s on the ice, I can’t see past his chin.

MOST ANNOYING WCHA DEFENSEMAN EVER & WHY: Nate Metcalf. No reason, I just wanted to mention the guy I graduated with who played for the Mavs.

HOTTEST MALE WCHA PLAYER: Robby Nolan. (What?!?! I thought Hollywood was his mancrush....)

BEST BLOGGER: dggoddard. I mean Let’sGoMavs. Whew that was close. (Damn right I'm better than dggoddard!! Ok...so kidding. Many bloggers put me to shame!)

BEST POSTER ON USCHO: [cf]authentic. Oops, I misread. I thought you said biggest a-hole.

JUSTIFY WHY UND DOESN'T SUCK AND WHY I SHOULD ACTUALLY LIKE THEIR FANS: I can’t justify either, especially the fans part. A lot of UND fans, like [cf]authentic, are a bunch of jerkoffs.

AND, JUST FOR ME….

THE MAVERICK PLAYER YOU LIKE THE MOST & WHY: This question is completely unnecessary for me to answer. Much like Highlander, there can be only one. (yes, we all know Dirty has a mancrush on Hollywood....it kinda freaks me out actually!)

THE MAVERICK PLAYER YOU LIKE THE LEAST & WHY: Kurtis Kisio. He wouldn’t tell me how Hollywood got his hair so awesome. Plus he spells his name with a K and that’s just dumb. Kelly should be stripped of his NHL stats for that. (Ouch! and I thought that I was rough on Kisio!)

WHAT IS YOUR JUSTIFICATION FOR BEING SO OFF THE WALL THAT YOU THINK CHRIS CLARK LIKES YOU BETTER THAN ME: Among the many reasons is that I am willing to go with the Hollywood hairstyle. That’s devotion right there and I know Chris appreciates it. (and how would Dirty know if I had the mohawk or not? Maybe I do!! Maybe Hollywood frosted it for me...hmm....)

WILL YOU BE VISITING THE MWCC THIS COMING SEASON? (AND IF NOT START EXPLAINING WHY): Maybe. Depends if I can get work off. And if I can get free tickets. And if I can get a free place to stay. If all these things happen, I’ll be there with bells on. Provided I can find suitable bells. (Well, please have SOMETHING on. We don't need a naked Dirty at the MWCC. Oh, and be sure to let us know if you're coming so Hollywood has time to get the restraining order!)