Here is how I rank the top ten returning WCHA goalies for the up coming season.
1. Michale-Lee Teslak MTU .916 save % and 2.00 gaa
2. Rob Nolan MTU .910 save % 2.26 gaa
3. Peter Mannino DU .919 save % 2.29 gaa
4. Phil Lamoureux UND .913 save % 2.42 gaa
5. Shane Connelly UW .952 save % 1.11 gaa
6. Jeff Frazee UM .903 save % 2.35 gaa
7. Mike Zacharias MSU-M .892 % 3.02 gaa
8. Alex Stalock UMD .889 save % 3.16 gaa
9. Jon Olthuis UAA .883 save % 3.83 gaa
10. Jase Weslosky SCSU .899 save % 2.67 gaa
First off Connelley is no Brian Elliot but he does have the same goalie coach that Elliot had. The MTU tandem of Teslak and Nolan are the two headed monster that most teams would love to have on their team but dread having to face them. Jeff Frazee is going to get a sun burn on the back of his neck from the red light going off all season after the Gophers lost one of the best defensemen in the WCHA, David Fischer and Brian Schack are no where near the talent of Alex Goligoski.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Fall is on its Way...
Summer coming to an end
You can see the begining of fall coming but you can also feel the beginnig of the fall season in the air, I say this literally, as the farmers are harvesting their wheat and barley fields. My alergies have been killing me all week and I can't wait to it rains again to knock down some of this dust.
Incidently I was watching the weather channel this morning and I say 47 degrees as a low temperature, the drop of the puck is 44 days away. Summer is almost over and hockey season is on it's way. Here are a couple of things that I noticed while reading a recent College Hockey News article. Summer Session: North Dakota
First off from everything that I have heard around town and through the Blog Sphere is that Shea Hamilton will not be joining the Fighting Sioux because he was dismissed from the team last spring for undisclosed reasons. Apparently the news media wasn't given the press brief on that one or they just have a case of ADHD.
Also, what is up with the prediction: way to go out on a limb on that prediction. Come on the Sioux will finish anywhere from first place to fourth place. If the Sioux don’t finish in first or second in the WCHA this season I would believe the Sioux will have unachieved as a team.
You can see the begining of fall coming but you can also feel the beginnig of the fall season in the air, I say this literally, as the farmers are harvesting their wheat and barley fields. My alergies have been killing me all week and I can't wait to it rains again to knock down some of this dust.
Incidently I was watching the weather channel this morning and I say 47 degrees as a low temperature, the drop of the puck is 44 days away. Summer is almost over and hockey season is on it's way. Here are a couple of things that I noticed while reading a recent College Hockey News article. Summer Session: North Dakota
Head Coach: Dave Hakstol
2006-2007 record: 24-14-5 (13-10-5 WCHA) Third consecutive Frozen Four appearance
Key Returnees: Robbie Bina D SR., Kyle Radke D SR., Philippe Lamoureux G SR., Ryan Duncan F JR., T. J. Oshie F JR., Matt Watkins F JR., Taylor Chorney D JR. Joe Finley D JR., Chay Genoway D SO.
Key Losses: Jonathan Toews (early departure), Brian Lee (early departure), Chris Porter, Erik Fabian
When the 2006-07 season began there were many question marks surrounding the Fighting Sioux. Such questions early were about the scoring and some questions surrounded Philippe Lamoureux and if he could be an everyday goaltender. Those questions were answered early with the offense, but it was the second half that Lamoureux proved to be an everyday goaltender.
About the 2006-07 season, head coach Dave Hakstol said, "It was extremely competitive and very exciting."
Hakstol also mentioned that "The parity was extremely competitive," meaning that there were many teams that he felt could win it all during tournament time.
The team made the Frozen Four again by defeating Minnesota in one of the greatest NCAA regional games that was ever played. Although it lost to Boston College in the semis, Sioux fans can still be happy about the team's performance.
The season ended when Ryan Duncan won the Hobey Baker award. Duncan was part of the second half surge that helped the Fighting Sioux throughout that part of the year.
"There were a lot of factors for our good second half," Hakstol said. "The development of the underclassmen improved, the transition went well and we found an identity that helped us late in the year."
As for the 2007-08 season, the Fighting Sioux look to be loaded on all cylinders, even despite losing underclassmen Jonathan Toews and Brian Lee. Although the Sioux only have four seniors on the roster, there is plenty of leadership on the team with eight juniors on the 2007-08 roster.
As far as the recruiting class goes, Hakstol said, "It is a very solid class with a good core of guys."
Overall there are six members of the class of 2011. "There are high expectations about this freshman class," said Hakstol. "They have all contributed on their teams in the past."
With four USHL players and two BCHL players on the list of recruits. And another newcomer worth notice is former Alaska-Anchorage forward Shea Hamilton who will look to establish himself as a role player.
"This is no different than any other year," Hakstol said about the teams expectations. "Our No. 1 goal is to be there in March and April. We have a good core coming back, and we want to come with a good start right out of the gates."
Even though the Sioux lost two players to the NHL, this team is still loaded. Expect this team to look towards a fourth consecutive Frozen Four appearance.
Early season prediction: anywhere from first through fourth in the WCHA
First off from everything that I have heard around town and through the Blog Sphere is that Shea Hamilton will not be joining the Fighting Sioux because he was dismissed from the team last spring for undisclosed reasons. Apparently the news media wasn't given the press brief on that one or they just have a case of ADHD.
Also, what is up with the prediction: way to go out on a limb on that prediction. Come on the Sioux will finish anywhere from first place to fourth place. If the Sioux don’t finish in first or second in the WCHA this season I would believe the Sioux will have unachieved as a team.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Ecklund from Hockey Buzz gives Porter Some love.
Ecklund from Hockey Buzz had some nice things to say about former fighting Sioux hockey player.
Check it out the article
Check it out the article
a guy that you may not had heard of
Chris Porter.
Chris is a Left Wing from UND, who was drafted by Chicago two drafts ago yet has been unable to come to terms with the Hawks, so as of this past Wednesday he became a UFA.
Chris is a solid two-way player who has displayed great leadership in his college career, and according to one source, "He is getting some pretty impressive contract offers from a few teams..."
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Is the NHL coming back to ESPN?
Look who’s talking: ESPN, NHL
For hockey fans that were upset with cable sport network ESPN after they decided not to cover the NHL after the lock out. Finally; have been given a glimmer of hope. Please God let this be true. In other words there is hope for the hockey fans that long for the NHL to be on ESPN again. OK boys; now let get this done and make it happen.
League approaches net about bringing games back as soon as ’08-’09
One of the biggest complaints I have heard about the television channel Versus is that no one seems to gets the sports channel, its usually part of an extended cable package. In addition, compared to other sports channels Versus is unavailable to a lot of house holds in the USA for what ever reason. In the USA we don’t have the luxury of having all the sports channels like Canada does to watch the NHL on a nightly basis. For instance Canada has TSN, Rogers Sports Net as well as CBC on the Saturday night during the season and nightly through out the NHL playoffs.
It’s hard for People to be fans of a sport that aren't able to watch except for a couple nights a week. That is why I purchased the hockey package NHL center ice so I could watch the hockey teams that I wanted to see play. That is tough if you’re trying to sell a product to household in the USA. While I do get Versus on my cable package a lot of people I know or have talked to don't get Versus, so they were able to watch the NHL. For instance Sioux7 who lives in Fargo, ND was not able to see this season at his house on his cable package and had to go to a bar if he wanted to watch the game. I don't know about you but I am allergic to cigarette smoke and I don't want to sit in a smoky bar to watch a hockey game.
For hockey fans that were upset with cable sport network ESPN after they decided not to cover the NHL after the lock out. Finally; have been given a glimmer of hope. Please God let this be true. In other words there is hope for the hockey fans that long for the NHL to be on ESPN again. OK boys; now let get this done and make it happen.
League approaches net about bringing games back as soon as ’08-’09
The NHL and ESPN are in discussions about bringing the league’s games back to ESPN2 as soon as the 2008-09 season.
Multiple sources described the conversations as preliminary. The two started talking the week of July 16 when the NHL approached ESPN about NBC’s nine-game regular-season schedule, plus the playoffs. NBC holds the rights to air the coming season as part of a revenue-sharing agreement, and the network holds a one-year option for the 2008-09 season.
A return to ESPN could boost the league’s profile on the network’s news shows. Some
say coverage of the league by ESPN has fallen considerably since the network’s contract expired. It’s not certain that NBC would exercise that option, given the sport’s tepid ratings on the network. Regular-season ratings on NBC averaged a 0.9 during the 2006-07 season and a 1.0 during the 2007-08 season over nine telecasts.
The key to this whole scenario is Versus, which holds cable exclusivity to all of the league’s games through 2011 and is paying the league a rights fee in excess of $70 million annually. Sources close to the Comcast-owned network, however, indicated that Versus would be willing to waive that clause, but only if it gets something in return — either a lower rights fee, a stronger schedule or a deal extension.
Sources say the conversations are happening at the highest levels and include NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and ESPN executive vice president of content John Skipper.
The talks with ESPN mark a turnaround from three years ago, when Mark Shapiro, then-executive vice president of programming and production, publicly questioned the value of having the league on TV — remarks that still make league executives bristle. The arrival of Skipper in October 2005 could allow both sides to overcome that, as sources close to the league believe that Skipper values hockey more than Shapiro.
The NHL has faced immense criticism from hockey fans and media for its relationship with Versus, which is in about 71 million homes and sometimes difficult to locate. The first year of the NHL’s relationship with Versus was marked by complaints over the network’s limited distribution in markets such as Buffalo and Anaheim, as well as in hotels around the country.
Ever since, owners and team officials privately have pushed for a return to ESPN, which is in 92 million homes and a staple in bars, restaurants and hotels across the country, but few believed such a move would happen because of Versus’ cable exclusivity.
A return to ESPN could boost the league’s profile on the network’s news shows. According to an ESPN study of its 1 a.m. “SportsCenter” program, the show featured 29 fewer minutes of NHL coverage in March 2007 than in March 2004, the last year ESPN aired NHL games. That amounts to a 28 percent decline in hockey’s allotment of airtime, ESPN ombudsman Le Anne Schreiber wrote in May.
The move would mark a change at Versus, as well, which is open to giving up its cable exclusivity if it can tap into ESPN’s marketing prowess. Over the past two years, Versus executives have complained privately that ESPN ignored their network. They are hoping for a situation that mirrors the NBA, where ESPN and TNT push viewers to each network’s games.
The league’s talks with ESPN come as it is negotiating with cable and satellite operators for carriage of its planned NHL Network and its out-of-market Center Ice package. Cable sources describe the negotiations as progressing smoothly, with the league taking a page from Major League Baseball by tying carriage of its planned channel with the renewal of Center Ice.
Some well-placed cable sources were skeptical that the league would be able to launch a 24-hour U.S. channel by this fall, given that the NHL hasn’t appointed anybody to run the channel yet and the NHL season begins in just three months.
Sources close to the league say that will not be a problem because it will rely heavily on an NHL Network that already exists — Canada’s version. The U.S. channel will have a look and feel similar to the Canadian one. The planned channel will have 50 live games in 2007-08. Most of the content will be identical to what appears in Canada, although it will be repackaged with some U.S.-based programming, sources said.
An internal team of five to seven people also has been assigned to work on the channel when it arrives in the U.S. The team will be led by Jody Shapiro, former vice president of business development at NBA TV, and Patti Fallick, group vice president of NHL Productions.
The league has hired Ascent Media Network Services to manage and distribute the channel. A subsidiary of publicly traded Ascent Media Group, the company has offices in Stamford, Conn., from which it will maintain the new network’s satellite signal, advertising insertions and other aspects of NHL Network. The company currently works with YES Network and the NFL Network.
The league wants the widest distribution possible for the new network and wants to stay away from sports tiers. It will continue to pursue the strategy used by MLB during its Extra Innings negotiations in hopes of avoiding sports-tier placement, but executives with several of the biggest cable operators have said they would only carry the NHL Network on a sports tier
One of the biggest complaints I have heard about the television channel Versus is that no one seems to gets the sports channel, its usually part of an extended cable package. In addition, compared to other sports channels Versus is unavailable to a lot of house holds in the USA for what ever reason. In the USA we don’t have the luxury of having all the sports channels like Canada does to watch the NHL on a nightly basis. For instance Canada has TSN, Rogers Sports Net as well as CBC on the Saturday night during the season and nightly through out the NHL playoffs.
It’s hard for People to be fans of a sport that aren't able to watch except for a couple nights a week. That is why I purchased the hockey package NHL center ice so I could watch the hockey teams that I wanted to see play. That is tough if you’re trying to sell a product to household in the USA. While I do get Versus on my cable package a lot of people I know or have talked to don't get Versus, so they were able to watch the NHL. For instance Sioux7 who lives in Fargo, ND was not able to see this season at his house on his cable package and had to go to a bar if he wanted to watch the game. I don't know about you but I am allergic to cigarette smoke and I don't want to sit in a smoky bar to watch a hockey game.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
UAA Hockey Fan Blog: Looks at the WCHA race.
UAA Hockey Fan Blog: Donald looks at the teams
Although I do enjoy reading Donald's rants on a regular basis; I actually have to repectfully take issue with what Donald said. I am sure he is also not going to be happy that I picked his Seawolves to finish last in the WCHA again this season. Maybe we can have a blogger summit on our picks and where our teams will end up by season end.
While I have never been a big fan of Lamoureux (I think for a goalie he is too emotional and excitable) I don't think he is a bad goalie either. I am actually a Grieco guy and I hope that he can recover from a few bad performances after looking good against the SCSU Huskies.
Also, I do think that Lamoureux's deficiencies can be over looked by the fact that UND returns if not the top defensive unit in the conference, one of the top two or three defensive units. The only team I think that might be better than UND's is Michigan Techs defensive unit. Wisconsin is good but they no longer have the stone wall Brian Elliot between the pipes.
UND will be a participant in the NCAA tourney this season. Just a hunch...
Although I do enjoy reading Donald's rants on a regular basis; I actually have to repectfully take issue with what Donald said. I am sure he is also not going to be happy that I picked his Seawolves to finish last in the WCHA again this season. Maybe we can have a blogger summit on our picks and where our teams will end up by season end.
University of North Dakota
I definitely underestimated UND last season. I guess what I really missed badly was the performance of Hobey Baker winner Ryan Duncan. I didn't even mention the guys name in my preview. I certainly wouldn't have pegged them as a Frozen Four participant. But there's definitely something to be said for their continued excellent 2nd half performances. It was a trait of the team under Dean Blais and it has continued under Dave Hakstol. Goal tending in my mind is a big question in Grand Forks. Lamoureux played 37 games last season and would have played more but for an early season injury. Consider me a Lammy skeptic. There'll be a lot of pressure on him to play a lot of games this coming season and while he had good numbers I'm attributing much of that to team defense and limiting quality shots. Lots of folks would disagree with me about Lammy. They have a bit of a tougher schedule this year as well, though that isn't reason enough to downplay their chances. This squad has the potential to finish in the top half of the league (lots of people expect them to win the league) but I believe last year was exceptional and unlikely repeatable. I'm not sure they'll be an NCAA participant. Sue me
While I have never been a big fan of Lamoureux (I think for a goalie he is too emotional and excitable) I don't think he is a bad goalie either. I am actually a Grieco guy and I hope that he can recover from a few bad performances after looking good against the SCSU Huskies.
Also, I do think that Lamoureux's deficiencies can be over looked by the fact that UND returns if not the top defensive unit in the conference, one of the top two or three defensive units. The only team I think that might be better than UND's is Michigan Techs defensive unit. Wisconsin is good but they no longer have the stone wall Brian Elliot between the pipes.
UND will be a participant in the NCAA tourney this season. Just a hunch...
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Goon's WCHA Pre-Season poll
Goon and Abby watching TV.I know it's like 8 day short of two months before the college hockey season begins but since I was at home from work today watching/parenting my new born daughter and being there was a break in the action I decided that now is good to get my pre-season WCHA poll out there.
While this poll might be out a little early I can already see the beginning of the change of seasons. Just around the corner is the North Dakota resident Duck hunting opener is only 5 weeks away. In anticipation of that historic opener the other night I went out with my buddy and his kid to scout for waterfowl and get the dog in the water. I can hardly wait. I am ready to put the golf clubs away for the winter, clean up the shot gun and cheer the Sioux to another run at an NCAA title. Well maybe not just yet but soon enough, I really like fall golf because the courses aren't as crowded.
1.) Sioux
2.) Gophers
3.) SCSU
4.) DU
5.) UW
6.) C.C.
7.) Tech
8.) MSU-M
9.) UMD
10.) UAA
The past three season the Sioux have pretty much proved that winning the league title is nice but is not as important as doing well when the playoffs start. I have watched a few UND teams win the league title only to get bounced in the NCAA tourney. Don't get me wrong, while league titles are nice to have, Frozen Fours and NCAA titles are what I believe is the key to success in any college hockey program. In Dave Hakstols first three seasons UND has finished secon, third and third respectively. Not too bad of a job for the young Fighting Sioux coach. I do however, expect that one of these years the Sioux will realize greatness again and win the NCAA title under Hak's watch.
Sioux the Favorites
While I believe that UND returns the most of all the teams in the WCHA winning the league title is not a given and if the Sioux finish a little lower it should not be a shock to anyone. The WCHA top to bottom is the toughest league in all of college hockey. The battle tested Sioux have the experience but seem they seem to do better when they are in second through fifth place. This season I would like to see the Sioux get off to a better start before the second half so they don't have to expend as much energy making a run at number 8.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Jim we hardly knew you. Gophers lose another player to the NHL.
Earlier this week there was an article posted in a Ottawa Citizen that stated that Gopher Forward Jim O'Brien was going to forgo his last three years of college eligibility and sign a professional contract with the Ottawa Senators. Gopher coach Don Lucia even went on record and said that There is nothing to that story," Lucia said. "Everybody else is coming back Well I guess even the head coach was in the dark: its official, Senators Sign 2007 First-Round Pick Jim O'Brien
OTTAWA - Ottawa Senators general manager Bryan Murray announced today that the club has signed centre Jim O’Brien to an entry-level contract. He will be at the Senators training camp, starting on Sept. 13.
O’Brien, who recently attended the Senators’ development camp in late June and early July, was the club’s first pick, 29th overall, in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft in Columbus, Ohio. He was still recovering from April 30 surgery to fix an injury to his left shoulder and was unable to take part in any on-ice sessions during the camp.
In his freshman year with the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers in 2006-07, the 18-year-old was the youngest player in all of Division I college hockey. After scoring seven goals and adding eight assists in 43 games with the Golden Gophers, O’Brien then added seven points (three goals and four assists) in seven games as the United States captured the silver medal at the 2007 IIHF World Under-18 Championship in April. Team USA lost 6-5 in the final to Team Russia.
Minnesota took the 2006-07 WCHA regular-season conference title with 18 wins, seven losses and three ties. After defeating the North Dakota Fighting Sioux 3-2 for the WCHA Broadmoor Trophy Championship on March 17, Minnesota would eventually go on to lose 3-2 in overtime to the Fighting Sioux in the NCAA West regional final on March 25.
Prior to joining the Golden Gophers, O’Brien spent two seasons with the U.S. national team development program in Ann Arbor, Mich. In 2005-06, he recorded 17 goals, 24 assists and 76 penalty minutes in 51 games with the under-18 squad. O’Brien had three goals and one assists in six games as Team USA beat Finland 3-1 for the gold medal at the 2006 IIHF World Under-18 Championship. In 2004-05, O’Brien suited up with the under-17 team, posting 34 points (16-18) and 51 penalty minutes in 54 games.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Bochenski selling Women's Cloths.
I found this story on the Cardinal's WCHA Blog and when I first read the story I thought you have to be kidding. Former Fighting Sioux Brandon "Bucks" Bochenski who now is a member of the rough and tumble Boston Bruin's owns a store for high end women's clothing with his fiancé Jen. Yeah, OK... I got to thinking why not? Good luck to Bochenski and his wife on their business venture.
Bochenski is owner of women’s clothing boutique.
Brandon, who will be tying-the-knot early this month to Jen, his fiancé, has had his hands full with wedding planning. And the young winger is still boarding flights back to the Hub of Hockey to run children’s street hockey clinics, and making calls to season ticket holders. He even appeared as a special guest at the Bruins recent Launch Party.
And when Brandon is back home in the suburb of Woodbury, Minnesota - a short ride from Minneapolis and St. Paul - this big-bad Bruin is the proud owner of Elodie (pronounced: el-o-DEE), a designer women’s clothing boutique.
Yes you read that correctly.
“It was originally Jen’s idea, obviously, to do designer women’s fashion,” Bochenski chuckled.
However, Jen didn’t have to twist Brandon’s arm to get him in on the deal. Bockenski, who studied business while playing hockey at the University of North Dakota, has always wanted to start a company of his own.
“I always enjoyed business in school," said Bo. "I thought that being an entrepreneur and starting something from scratch like this would be fun.
"I obviously had other envisions of what the company would be (laughs), but I get the same basic structure here, so it’s fun.”
The future Mr. and Mrs. Bochenski are no slouches when it comes to running a business either; they both did their homework before starting up. They knew the competition they would get from other popular female clothing stores in the area would be stiff, so they intentionally tailored their shop to high-end designer fashion - a true niche market -- just like you learn about in Intro to Business.
Brandon also understood the importance of both timing and location.
The 1,200 square foot shop only took a month to really take-off, as Brandon and Jen officially opened the door in mid-November of 2006 - just in time for the holiday rush. And now with the summer and warmer weather, Elodie is reaping the benefit of its location in an outdoor mall (similar to those prominent to Florida, Phoenix, and California).
The name on the other hand, wasn’t as strategically picked.
“Well, Jen originally wanted a name that had meaning, but it ended up with no meaning,” explained Brandon. “It just sounds nice and memorable. She found the word on the internet actually.
"It is a French name, and we figured it kind of went along with that high-end, New York style of the store.
"So it sounded fancy and it wasn’t taken,” joked Brandon.
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Hot stove league: Phil the thrill Kessel highlights
I was on youtube tonight looking around and I didn't realize how many high light goals that Phil Kessel had in his short hockey career. It is amazing some of the goals this kid has scored and the impact he has had on the game of hockey. Love him or hate him he is an amazing talent. Now that he is a Boston Bruins I can dig his work. The first one is a goal where Phil picks the pocket of a Sabres defender and makes Ryan Miller look sick.
In this clip Kessel wins a shoot out earlier during last season ending three games on three chance in the shootout. Check it out
This one is a thing of beauty Kessel from behind the net against Ole the Goalie
The goal in question. I kind of wonder many hockey message avatars ended up with the picture of Phil Kessel cupping his ear after scoring a goal in madtown.
First NHL goal for Kessel against the Sabres
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
It's Official, Paukovich gone...
This had been rumored but I guess this makes it official, this is a press release from the Edmonton Oilers Web Page
OILERS SIGN THREE
BRODZIAK, ROY & PAUKOVICH INK CONTRACTS
The Edmonton Oilers have signed centre Kyle Brodziak and defenceman Mathieu Roy to two-year contracts and left winger Geoff Paukovich to a three-year entry level contract.
The 6’2”, 198-pound Brodziak split the 2006-07 season between the Oilers and the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the American Hockey League. Brodziak, 23, appeared in six games for the Oilers last season and scored one point, netting his first career Oilers/NHL point with a goal versus the St. Louis Blues on March 17th. With Wilkes-Barre, Brodziak scored 24-32-56 with 44 PIM in 62 games, tying for second on the Penguins’ scoring list. He was second in goals and fourth in assists. The Oilers 9th choice in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, Brodziak has scored 1-0-1 with 6 PIM in 16 career games with Edmonton since making his NHL debut in 2005-06.
Roy appeared in 16 games with the Oilers in 2006-07, scoring his first two NHL goals and registering 30 penalty minutes. After beginning the season with the AHL’s Hamilton Bulldogs, the 6’2”, 214-pound blueliner was recalled to the Oilers on two occasions during the season and scored his first career Oilers/NHL goal at San Jose on January 10th. The 23-year-old (he turns 24 on August 10th) native of St-Martin De Beauce, Quebec scored his second goal on March 29th at St. Louis. With Hamilton, Roy scored 6-12-18 with 40 PIM in 31 games.
Paukovich begins his professional career with Edmonton following three seasons of collegiate hockey with the University of Denver Pioneers, where he was a teammate with fellow Oilers draft pick, Glenn Fisher. The 6’4”, 208-pound native of Englewood, Colorado played in 39 of the Pioneers’ 40 games in 2006-07, scoring 17 points on eight goals and nine assists. He was second on Denver with 65 penalty minutes and finished his career 11th on the Pioneers’ all-time penalty list with 257 minutes. Paukovich was a member of Denver’s NCAA national championship team as a freshman, scoring a career-high 12-10-22 in 41 games in 2004-05.
Significant WCHA Player Defections
Here is a break down of the significant WCHA players that have forgone their college elgibility to move to the professional/junior hockey ranks. For the most part all of the teams in the WCHA with the exception of MTU and Collerado College have had players forgo their college elgibiligy and move on to the professional ranks. This is not to say that other teams didn't lose players for various reasons. For instance MTU dismissed Phil Axtell from the team for undisclosed reasons, and according to the UAA fan blog Nate Lawson has left school.
Edmonton: Signed F Geoff Paukovich* (Denver)
Anaheim: Signed F Ryan Dingle* (Denver)
Calgary Hitman (WHL) Keith Seabrook* (Denver)
St. Louis: Signed D Erik Johnson* (Minnesota)
Pittsburgh: Signed D Alex Goligoski* (Minnesota)
Ottawa: Signed D Brian Lee* (North Dakota)
Chicago: Signed F Jonathan Toews* (North Dakota)
Los Angeles: Signed D Joe Piskula* (Wisconsin)
Chicago: Signed F Jack Skille* (Wisconsin)
Washington: Signed F Andrew Gordon* (St. Cloud State)
St. Louis: Signed D Steve Wagner* (Minnesota State)
Vancouver: Signed F Mason Raymond* (Minnesota Duluth)
Dallas: Signed D Matt Niskanen* (Minnesota Duluth)
Idaho: Signed F Jay Beagle* (Alaska Anchorage)
Are there any more players leaving early?
It kind of makes you wonder with roughly 60 days until the college hockey season begins if there are going to be any more player defections in the WCHA this summer. There is a rumor circulating around the blogsphere that Gopher underclassmen Jim O'Brienis thinking about leaving school and signing with the Senators. Some of these players I can see leaving but this one kind of puzzles me since O'Brien he is barely 18 years old. In case anyone forgot this kid he did leave an impression on the WCHA goalies and he did seem to be around the action that was in front of the net.
O'Brien to Sign?
Look for Ottawa's top 2007 draft pick, Jim O'Brien, to sign with the Senators and forego the balance of his college career. O'Brien, a 6-2 centre drafted 29th overall, was the youngest player in college hockey last season, as a 17-year-old with the University of Minnesota. A source says O'Brien, now 18, is leaning toward turning professional.
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
The Player Sioux Fans love to Hate, Geoff Paukovich Signs with the Oilers
Much to the chagrin of Fighting Sioux hockey fans Lets Go DU is reporting that DU bad boy Geoff Paukovich is forgoing his senior year of college to sign an professional contract with the Edmonton Oilers.
For Sioux fans this is a bitter sweet moment because we will never get to see Pauko get his due, at least in the college ranks. Geoff Paukovich will be remembered most for his dirty hit on beloved Sioux defender Robbie Bina that nearly left Bina paralized during the 2005 semi final game of the WCHA Final Five. It's not an understatement to say that he won't be missed in Grand Forks, ND.
Most Sioux fans will remember Geoff Paukovich for his being on the wrong end of a vicious cup check from Sioux tough guy Mike Prpich.
Goon's World would like to wish Geoff good luck in the professional ranks. My advice to Paukovich is to clean up his act and play hockey straight up, because if you cheap someone at the next level you won't be able to hide behind the refs and turtle, someone along the way will come to collect...
Saturday, August 04, 2007
Dog Days of Summer
DakotaIt seems that this time of year ("the dog days of summer") is where the hockey happenings come to a screeching halt. For the most part that is true. There are roughly 2 months and three days till the puck drop on the Fighting Sioux's run to championship number "8".
Currently I am experiencing a serious void that every summer brings. Summer is the three months of every year that means no hockey and a few outrageous restricted free agent National Hockey League signings. Now I am not a person to complain a lot, I bitch just as much as the next person but not excessively, but seriously, what do I have to complain about? I am still above ground at least I think I am, I have played a fair amount of some really bad golf this summer. Add to that, I have also experienced the addition of a new family member to my family and watched three World of Outlaws shows, I know it's not hockey but it does fill the void.
Burke Fails to Match the Oilers offer sheet on Penner
While this long hot summer has gone on there have been some interesting developments in the professional hockey world. The one that caught my eye the most was the Edmonton Oilers signing Ducks free agent Dustin Penner to an outrageous and silly offer sheet for 5 years and 4.3 million per year. The Ducks Executive Vice President/General Manager Brian Burke decided not to match and wasn't very happy with the move. Seriously folks, not matching the contract was a smart move by Burke.
Brian Burke's comments on the deal
will not be announcing whether or not we will match the offer sheet to Dustin Penner. I’m coming back to Anaheim on Sunday and conferring with ownership.
Kevin Lowe has been in Penticton. I certainly think this could have waited until Monday. I think it was a classless move, timing-wise. I was not notified of this until Dustin Penner’s agent faxed it in. I would have thought Kevin would have notified me.I thought that was gutless.
I have no problem with offer sheets. They’re part of the CBA [Collective Bargaining Agreement]. But in my opinion, Edmonton has offered a mostly inflated salary for a player, and I think it’s an act of desperation for a general manager who is fighting to keep his job.
Offer sheets are a part of the CBA and I have no problem with that. If you can identify a player and pay him appropriately and make him an offer, that’s fine. At some point, the deals you make, the offers you extend, whether the team matches it or not, impacts all 30 teams, including your own. It’s a five-year deal for a lot of money. I’ll let you guys evaluate the deal. It should be pretty clear why I’m irate.
Seriously folks lets break this offer sheet down; that is a lot of cash 21.25 million dollars for a second tier player. Are you kidding me? This a second year professional player that scored 29 goals in 2006-07, adding 16 assists for 45 points in 82 games. Would someone please tell me why we lost a whole season of hockey squabling about the CBA because the owners in the NHL said they were suffering finacially. Kevin Lowe and the Oilers in two swift moves this summer have put the NHL down the slippery slope again of over paying free agent hockey players.
From the HockeyBuzz.com Daniel Tolensky's blog
Penner will be tied for the 75th highest paid player in the league next year with Bobby Holik, Tomas Kaberle, Mike Modano, Mattias Norstrom and Henrik Lundqvist.
-----snip-----
Does Penner's name really look out of place on this list?
Scott Hartnell - $25.2 mil ($4.2 x 6)
Brenden Morrow - $24.6 mil ($4.1 x 6)
Derek Roy - $24 mil ($4 x 6)
Nathan Horton - $24 mil ($4 x 6)
Ryan Whitney - $24 mil ($4 x 6)
Dustin Penner - $21.5 mil ($4.3 x 5)
Jason Blake - $20 mil ($4 x 5)
Michael Nylander - $19.5 mil ($4.875 x 4)
Cory Sarich - $18 mil ($3.8 x 5)
Michael Handzus - $16 mil ($4 mil x 4)
I would have to say that Penner looks to be over paid. Even from the perspective of a Sioux fan there is no way Penner belongs in the that group of free agents as Parise and Blake, in fact he isn't even close to being worth as much if any thing Zach should have held out for more money.
Thursday, August 02, 2007
The Last of the Sioux Free Agents Signed.
The List of Fighting Sioux UFA's
Matt Jones Phoenix Coyotes Re-signed with the Coyotes
Jason Blake NY Islanders Signed with Toronto
Matt Greene Resigned with the Edmonton Oilers
Zach Parise New Jersey Devils re-signs with New Jersey
David Hale Re-signed with the Calgary Flames
Brandon Bochenski Re-signed with the Boston Bruins
Zach's contract
Zach Parise signed a 4 year, $12.5 million contract with the New Jersey Devils on August 1st. Now I am not saying that 12.5 million dollars is chump change because it is not, however, I actually kind of shocked because I thought his contract would have been more money based on the season he had this past year Parise had 31 goals and 31 assists.
Matt Jones Phoenix Coyotes Re-signed with the Coyotes
Jason Blake NY Islanders Signed with Toronto
Matt Greene Resigned with the Edmonton Oilers
Zach Parise New Jersey Devils re-signs with New Jersey
David Hale Re-signed with the Calgary Flames
Brandon Bochenski Re-signed with the Boston Bruins
Zach's contract
Zach Parise signed a 4 year, $12.5 million contract with the New Jersey Devils on August 1st. Now I am not saying that 12.5 million dollars is chump change because it is not, however, I actually kind of shocked because I thought his contract would have been more money based on the season he had this past year Parise had 31 goals and 31 assists.
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Football the last year of the NCC (by Sioux7)
As well as being a hockey fanatic, I'm also a big college football fan. I've always liked the big D-I games on Saturday afternoons. I have also followed some I-AA as well, like Montana, and it hurts to say it, but NDSU as well. Since UND's last season in the NCC is going to get underway in a few weeks, I decided to post the schedule, so without further adeiu,
I remember going to the last game every played at the old Memorial Stadium, which I loved. It has tormented me for years that we play in the "Alerus" indoor stadium. Football is best when played OUTSIDE, not in a d*%# dome. Look at all the D-I major and even mid-major teams, they all play outside. I would like to see UND move back to the old Memorial Stadium, I would go the games every Saturday, like I use too.
With the upcoming move to I-AA, they want to have stadiums that seat 15,000+ The old stadium has seating for 10,000, but they could easily add seating at one end or add on to the seating on the East side of the stadium. Don't add lights to the stadium either, afternoon is best, especially on a sunny fall day in good ol' North Dakota.
The NCC conference will be no longer exist at the end of the season. UND and USD are going onward and upward a division, forcing the other teams to jump to other conferences. Nebraska-Omaha is going to join the MIAA, which is a good conference and with the addition of UNO, the MIAA will most likely be the new best conference, after the official fall of the NCC. All the other teams, MSU-Mankato, Minnesota-Duluth, Augustana, and St. Cloud St will all join the NSIC (Northern Sun Interathletic Conference). That will create a new twist in there league, 14 teams, they are almost forced to split the conference into a North/South or East/West format, with 7-teams in each.
The landscape in D-II football is changing, but after this season, I don't know how much of it I will follow anymore... on to D-I ready-or-not.
Aug 23rd 8:00 pm Humboldt State
Sep 8th 7:00 pm Southern Utah
Sep 15th 2:00 pm Central Washington
Sep 22nd 7:00 pm Western Washington
Sep 29th 2:00 pm Augustana
Oct 6th 4:00 pm Minnesota State
Oct 13th 2:00 pm Nebraska-Omaha
Oct 27th 2:00 pm Minnesota-Duluth
Nov 3rd 2:00 pm St. Cloud
Nov 10th 3:00 pm South Dakota
(BOLD are home games)
I remember going to the last game every played at the old Memorial Stadium, which I loved. It has tormented me for years that we play in the "Alerus" indoor stadium. Football is best when played OUTSIDE, not in a d*%# dome. Look at all the D-I major and even mid-major teams, they all play outside. I would like to see UND move back to the old Memorial Stadium, I would go the games every Saturday, like I use too.
With the upcoming move to I-AA, they want to have stadiums that seat 15,000+ The old stadium has seating for 10,000, but they could easily add seating at one end or add on to the seating on the East side of the stadium. Don't add lights to the stadium either, afternoon is best, especially on a sunny fall day in good ol' North Dakota.
The NCC conference will be no longer exist at the end of the season. UND and USD are going onward and upward a division, forcing the other teams to jump to other conferences. Nebraska-Omaha is going to join the MIAA, which is a good conference and with the addition of UNO, the MIAA will most likely be the new best conference, after the official fall of the NCC. All the other teams, MSU-Mankato, Minnesota-Duluth, Augustana, and St. Cloud St will all join the NSIC (Northern Sun Interathletic Conference). That will create a new twist in there league, 14 teams, they are almost forced to split the conference into a North/South or East/West format, with 7-teams in each.
The landscape in D-II football is changing, but after this season, I don't know how much of it I will follow anymore... on to D-I ready-or-not.
Monday, July 30, 2007
Hot Stove Hockey: A trip down Memory Lane
The
Wild Puck Banter had a clip from the 2003 Stanley Cup Playoffs that sent the Av's to the golf course and Patrick Roy into retirement. Unfortunately there won't be any great hockey moments this season because the Wild brass have decided to nickle and dime the fans by going on a shoe string budget and failing to pick up any key free agents.
New addition to the Goon's World Team
Goon's Wife and Abby JoI have been slacking, the dog days of summer. I guess you could say that there is a good reason for the lack of posting right now. Add to the fact that there really is nothing of note going on right now in the hockey world as far as news goes. I guess there is one exception; the Edmonton Oilers have been over inflating the price of RFAs.
Whew! I guess I can say that it has been a busy and emotional week. First off I got news last weekend that a good friend of mine passed away a week ago this last Friday. So I traveled to Bemidji to attend his funeral on Thursday, that was a tough one as my friend was only 34 years old. I guess that puts things into perspective that there are lot more important thing in life than sports. Fast forward to Friday morning: My wife and I added a new member to our family as we adopted a new born baby girl. My wife and I named our new addition to our family Abby Jo. Whew... Everyone keeps telling me that my life will change forever, today is the first day the baby has been home so I guess I will give you an update later in the week.
I will warn everyone right now (this is for family members and my jokester friends) my daughter will NOT wear anything that has a Green Bay Paker, a Minnesota Gopher, a cheesy "M" or a dirty Bison any where on it. Any thing with Sioux, Beavers, Mavericks, Wild and Vikings is acceptable though.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
NEW RULES... (by Sioux 7)
I've read some articles this summer about some possible new rules changes in college hockey.
The one I liked the best is switching to a 2 ref and 1 linesman system. Which keeps the number of zebras on the ice to 3. The NCAA is going to be more like the NHL then, in terms of referee's. I think this will help eliminate some of the hooking and holding (clutch and grab) done by some teams in the league. Thus making the game move along faster and we can see the speed and talent some of the kids really have.
Some of the other rule changes they have mentioned is the goalie trapezoid. Where the only place they can play the puck behind the goal line is in that "box" area. Another is the touch up icing call. Now it is an automatic icing and they might change it to like the NHL, where it is a race to the puck.
Last, but not least, is overtime, and all sorts of options. One they mentioned is doing OT for 5-minutes and then a shoot-out. Second was 5-on-5 OT for 5-minutes, then a 4-on-4 for 5-minutes and then a shoot-out. Personally this is one of my hot buttons, I'm too much of a purist and like ties. Yes, the shoot-out is fun to watch in the NHL, but not for college. They have 82 games in the NHL, college has between 30-40 games, depending on your schedule and playoffs. In my opinion they could actually drop a few games from the NHL schedule to give the players a little more rest and thus perform better. If two teams play 65 minutes and it is tied, call it a TIE, not got to a shoot-out or some other "different odd-ball way" to decide a winner. The only option I'm open to is extending OT like a playoff game. After the 3rd period, take a 15-minute intermission, and then put 20-minutes up on the clock and start period number 4, and keep on going until their is a winner.
The one I liked the best is switching to a 2 ref and 1 linesman system. Which keeps the number of zebras on the ice to 3. The NCAA is going to be more like the NHL then, in terms of referee's. I think this will help eliminate some of the hooking and holding (clutch and grab) done by some teams in the league. Thus making the game move along faster and we can see the speed and talent some of the kids really have.
Some of the other rule changes they have mentioned is the goalie trapezoid. Where the only place they can play the puck behind the goal line is in that "box" area. Another is the touch up icing call. Now it is an automatic icing and they might change it to like the NHL, where it is a race to the puck.
Last, but not least, is overtime, and all sorts of options. One they mentioned is doing OT for 5-minutes and then a shoot-out. Second was 5-on-5 OT for 5-minutes, then a 4-on-4 for 5-minutes and then a shoot-out. Personally this is one of my hot buttons, I'm too much of a purist and like ties. Yes, the shoot-out is fun to watch in the NHL, but not for college. They have 82 games in the NHL, college has between 30-40 games, depending on your schedule and playoffs. In my opinion they could actually drop a few games from the NHL schedule to give the players a little more rest and thus perform better. If two teams play 65 minutes and it is tied, call it a TIE, not got to a shoot-out or some other "different odd-ball way" to decide a winner. The only option I'm open to is extending OT like a playoff game. After the 3rd period, take a 15-minute intermission, and then put 20-minutes up on the clock and start period number 4, and keep on going until their is a winner.
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.
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.
Sunday, July 22, 2007
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.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
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...
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
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
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Minnesota in the CCHA?
NHL.COMHere 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.
Monday, July 16, 2007
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
Ryan Duncan makes the second team
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.
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Oshie shines and now ready to lead the Sioux to eight
STLtoday PicturePrediction 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
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Thursday, July 12, 2007
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.
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.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
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.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
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---------
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.
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:
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.”
Sunday, July 08, 2007
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 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.
Thursday, July 05, 2007
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.
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
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
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
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