A little perspective: Early Season Rankings.

USCHO.com poll

1. Miami (48) 11-1-0
2. Michigan (2) 11-1-0
3. Denver 8-2-0
4. Colorado College 7-3-0
5. Michigan State 8-3-0
6. UND 5-3-1
7. Clarkson 9-3-0
8. New Hampshire 6-2-1
9. Notre Dame 9-4-0
10. (tie) Massachusetts 5-2-4
10. (tie) St. Cloud State 6-2-2
12. Wisconsin 5-5-0
13. Minnesota 7-5-0
14. Boston College 3-3-5
15. Minnesota-Duluth 5-3-2
16. RPI 6-3-2
17. Niagara 8-3-0
18. Harvard 4-2-0
19. Michigan Tech 5-6-1
20. Northeastern 5-4-1

USA Today poll

1. Miami (26) 11-1-0
2. Michigan (8) 11-1-0
3. Denver 8-2-0
4. Colorado College 7-3-0
5. UND 5-3-1
6. Michigan State 8-3-0
7. Clarkson 9-3-0
8. New Hampshire 6-2-1
9. Notre Dame 9-4-0
10. Massachusetts 5-2-4
11. St. Cloud State 6-2-2
12. Minnesota-Duluth 5-3-2
13. Boston College 3-3-5
14. Wisconsin 5-5-0
15. Minnesota 7-5-0

Power Rankings From College Hockey News

1 Miami 24 11-1-0 .9167 1t .6487* 1
2 Michigan 23 11-1-0 .9167 1t .6428* 2
3t Colorado College 21 7-3-0 .7000 8t .6346 3
3t Denver 21 8-2-0 .8000 3 .6301* 4
3t New Hampshire 21 6-2-1 .7222 7 .6109 5
6 Minnesota-Duluth 19 5-3-2 .6000 17t .5947 6
7 North Dakota 18 5-3-1 .6111 16 .5845 7
8 Notre Dame 17 9-4-0 .6923 10 .5800* 8
9 Michigan State 16 8-3-0 .7273 5t .5796* 9
10 Clarkson 15 9-3-0 .7500 4 .5753 10
11 Harvard 14 4-2-0 .6667 11t .5549 11
12 Wisconsin 13 5-5-0 .5000 26t .5437 12
13 Minnesota 12 7-5-0 .5833 20 .5436 13
14t Niagara 10 8-3-0 .7273 5t .5434 14
14t Northeastern 10 5-4-1 .5500 24t .5433 15
16 Bowling Green 9 6-3-0 .6667 11t .5428 16
17t Massachusetts 8 5-2-4 .6364 14t .5424 17
17t Merrimack 8 6-4-1 .5909 19 .5398 18
19 St. Cloud State 6 6-2-2 .7000 8t .5369* 19
20 Rensselaer 5 6-3-2 .6364 14t .5358 20
21 Michigan Tech 4 5-6-1 .4583 32t .5289 21
22 Boston College 3 3-3-5 .5000 26t .5271 22
23 Robert Morris 2 6-3-1 .6500 13 .5245 23
24 Cornell 1 4-3-0 .5714 21 .5208 24
25 Princeton 0 3-3-0 .5000 26t .5135 25

These ranking (whether they be the RPI, USCHO and USA Today polls) are really nothing to get excited about this early in the season. They make for nice reading and give the bloggers something to talk about. My team the UND Fighting Sioux beat MSU Spartans and then they were swept last weekend by Miami of Ohio and the Spartans still stay above UND in the USCHO poll, no bias there. All I can say is whatever. Per Brad Schlossman the Fighting Sioux have played a hardier schedule so far this season and do not play an unranked team until the Sioux go to Mankato to play the Minnesota State University Mavericks.

Michigan State (5)
Boston College (14)
Northeastern (20)
Michigan Tech (19)
Colorado College (4)
Wisconsin (12)

On the flip side of that #1 Miami of Ohio has played a much easier schedule, one could say that their schedule doesn't look all that intimidating:

Vermont
Ohio State
Nebraska-Omaha
Northern Michigan
Notre Dame (8)
Michigan State (9)

Ohlund gets 4 games for vicious slash

During tonight's Minnesota Wild XM radio broadcast Wild color commentator Tom Reid asked Minnesota Wild enforcer and resident tough guy Derrick Boogaard if there was going to be any carryover from the Ohlund's vicious slash on Koivu. Boogaard's answer was, "no". While I believe that Boogey wasn't being forth coming, I also believe he can't say, "sure we are going to take a pound of flesh from the Canucks". I can only predict how this game is going to play out, I have this game circled on my calender. I am expecting a bloodbath on November 21st when the Wild play the Canucks.

Looking at the suspension 4 games seems very light for a vicious slash that broke a bone in Koivu's leg. I think that fact that Ohlund isn't a goon probably played the reason for the rather light suspension. If this had been one of the league thugs performing this act it would have been a 20 game suspension. That being said, there is no excuse for a player getting away with a slash like that and Ohlund should have gotten at least a 10-15 game suspension.

TORONTO(November 18, 2007)– Vancouver Canucks defenseman Mattias Ohlund has been suspended for four games, without pay, as a result of a slashing incident during NHL game #277 against the Minnesota Wild, Nov. 16.

Under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, and based on his average annual salary, Ohlund will forfeit $74,866.32. The money goes to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.

The incident occurred at 16:06 of the third period when Ohlund struck Minnesota player Mikko Koivu with a slash. He was assessed a slashing major and game misconduct. Koivu suffered a broken bone in his left leg on the play.

Ohlund will miss tonight’s game against Calgary, Nov. 20 in Edmonton, Nov. 21 in Minnesota and Nov. 23 in St. Louis. He will be eligible to return Nov. 25 at home against Chicago.

Zajac and Parise score for the Devils

I thought we would move on from the Wisconsin series, while there was lots to talk about, there is also nothing like beating a dead horse. That dog won't hunt anymore.

The other night I was watching the game between the Pens and the Devils and the NCAA/WCHA was well represented in this game. Zajac had the first New Jersey goal a beauty and Zach Parise chipped in with a goal and an assist. Parise is leading the Devils through 17 games with 5 goals and 9 assists for 14 points.

How dare someone be upset after being cross checked

This is the play that everyone has been talking about on the Internet, it is the Fighting Sioux goal by T.J. Oshie at the end of the first period; a momentum killer in my opinion. T.J. Oshie scores a nice goal then gets a vicious cross check by the Wisconsin Badgers resident thug/hack Davis Drewiske. The funny part is the announcers view of the game through their cardinal and white goggles.

This is how silly the Wisconsin television people sound: much to their amazement they can't see how a Sioux player can get upset after getting cross checked in the back of the head after scoring a goal. It's unheard of and bush league. The even funnier part is the guy explaining how the Sioux should be getting a another penalty as well (notice all the while that there are 3 Badger players and only 2 Sioux hockey players in the penalty box)

Jasper's Rink Looks at Joe Finley

I had this email sent to me by the Washinton Capital's Blogger Jaspers Rink it's a blog article about Big Joe Finley, sweet.

I can't believe the amount of press this series has gotten? Max Watkins, LOL, funny how the new paper writers in Madison, Wisconsin can't even get Matt Watkin's name right. Come on folks; all you have to do is look at the North Dakota team roster if you want to know how to spell his name. And they said that I have a spelling problem, I am also not writing for a media outlet. Maybe we should refer to Wisconin's super frosh Kyle Turris as Krissy Turris. Kind of has a nice ring to it.

----Here is the Article----

Thanks to the indispensable Inside College Hockey for pointing us to a bit of news regarding University of North Dakota blue liner and 2005 Caps first-rounder Joe Finley.

It seems that Finley's Fighting Sioux and the University of Wisconsin (the numbers one and five teams in the nation, respectively) had a fairly rough-and-tumble series in Madison this past weekend, with much of the attention focused on Badger super-frosh Kyle Turris (the third overall pick in this past summer's Entry Draft). As the Wisconsin State Journal describes it:

"In the first period of the series opener Friday, won 4-0 by UW, Turris was walloped at the offensive blue line by Fighting Sioux junior defenseman Joe Finley, a fellow NHL first-rounder (Washington) who is listed at 6-foot-7 and 245 pounds.

"Things escalated in the second game, which saw North Dakota gain a split with a 3-1 victory. Winger Max Watkins thumped Turris in the neutral zone, Finley literally tackled Turris along the right boards, senior defenseman Robbie Bina put a headlock on Turris in the corner and junior center Rylan Kaip made a point of trying to drive Turris to the ice during every faceoff."But while Big Joe may have been done, um, badgering Turris, his weekend wasn't quite complete. After the second game, Finley apparently went Jeff Gillooly on UW's mascot:"

UW official confirmed that Finley allegedly used his stick to smack Bucky Badger in the leg when the two passed one another on the runway to the dressing rooms Saturday night."Beating up on a future NHL superstar is one thing, but Finley had better be careful or he might just find himself with the last thing anyone needs-Pissed off Sandra O on his tail

This Weeks Predictions

Friday

Minnesota State-Mankato @ Denver
Alaska-Anchorage @ Minnesota
Michigan Tech @ Minnesota-Duluth
Wisconsin @ Colorado College

Saturday

Minnesota State-Mankato @ Denver
Alaska-Anchorage @ Minnesota
Michigan Tech @ Minnesota-Duluth
Wisconsin @ Colorado College


3-5 last week
28-14 on the year

Message board fallout from last weekend's series

This is in my opinion the save of the year so far; it would be very hard to top it. Lammy’s save last season in the NCAA playoffs was close to this. When I first saw the shot I said, "That’s a goal." However, after looking at the replay a few times it was obvious that it was an incredible save. One could make the argument that it was no small feat keeping that puck out of the open net. The Badger announcer was right it could have been a game changing save. I have to say that Bill Howard is a genius and he always has the Badger goalies ready to play game in and game out.

This is some funny stuff

I found this over on the BADger's fan message board known as Buckyville.COM, while I find this kind of stuff amusing, lets remember the Badgers are the same hockey team that had a player named Brad Winchester that decked a cop in a bar in Madison, Wisconsin, this is also the same Brad Winchester that is now known for his fighting skills in the NHL. Yep; Wisconsin has never had any goons on its teams in the past.

Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan. Those are where the goons come from. It should be no surprise that North Dakota has more players from these three provinces ( than any other team in college hockey. Hell, even North Dakota's goon coach is from Alberta.

The game they teach up there is not consistent with the rules and principles of college hockey and college athletics in general. Books, you mean I have to read books in order to play hockey? Wait, you mean I can't butt-end their best player in the jaw? Wait, you mean I can't slash their mascot on the unprotected shin? That's not how they teach hockey up in Saskatoon.

Rick Zaparniuk, Brad Cox, Howard Walker, Kevin Maxwell, Doug Smail, Dean Dachyshyn, Jim Archibald, Dave Donnelly, Ed Belfour, Lee Davidson, Garry Valk, Jason Herter, Russ Romaniuk, Dixon Ward, Teeder Wynne, Curtis Murphy, and Jason Ulmer are all past examples of players who had a lot of skill, but who also couldn't escape their goon tendencies. Over the past decade, UND has moved to more American-based players which has resulted in a lot of national success. This year, however, their roster is again chocked full of the kind of thugs that would make Gino Gasparini blush.

I wouldn't call Ed Belfour, Lee Davidson, Garry Valk, Jason Herter, Russ Romaniuk, Dixon Ward, Teeder Wynne, Curtis Murphy, and Jason Ulmer a bunch of jack booted thugs or goons.

Pollsters Show Love for the Dub. (Sioux 7)

In this weeks, Nov. 12, 2007 USCHO poll, the WCHA has 8 teams in the top 20.
The W has 80% of their teams ranked, I wonder if any other conference has had that distinction? (Little help from the C and HE) The only teams not ranked are MSU-Mankato and Alaska-Anchorage (AA is listed under "others receiving votes").

#4 - Denver
#5 - North Dakota
#7 - Colorado College
#9 - Wisconsin
#12 - Minnesota
#13 - St. Cloud State
#17 - UM-Duluth
#18 - Michigan Tech

I would like to believe that would give claim, at this time, to call the W the best league, top to bottom, in the country. The WCHA's non-conference record as a whole is 22-5-4 (.774) the break down by conference is:

vs AHA 1-0-1
vs CCHA 10-3-1
vs CHA 7-0-0
vs ECAC 1-0-0
vs HE 3-2-2

I know it is still early in the season, but we are over a month into it, so it isn't like a pre-season poll. Which by the way me pre-season poll looks a little topsy-turvy right now, but give me/them time...

This is my definition of a brawl

I have seen some refer to what happened at the end of Fridays game as being a brawl. Not even close. The water bottle incident is my text book definition of a brawl, funny how Sioux assistant coach Carey Eades was right in the middle of it. Listen to the Wisconsin announcers, "Eades has done it again".

I just found this on line.

According to the Wisconsin State Journal Joe Finley smacked the Bucky Badger mascot, I wonder if anything will come out of this incident or not...

Meanwhile, a UW official confirmed that Finley allegedly used his stick to smack Bucky Badger in the leg when the two passed one another on the runway to the dressing rooms Saturday night.

UW senior associate athletic director Vince Sweeney said Sunday he had not spoken with the student, who he identified as David Blanchard, but it was Sweeney's understanding that the alleged incident was unprovoked.

"We'll talk about it (today),'' Sweeney said. "We may pass it along to the (WCHA).''

Adam Wodon's take on the Sioux and Badgers

CHN/Wodon: North Dakota responded to getting shut out the night before. T.J. Oshie scored his sixth of the season in the win. But the story of the game was the full out line brawl in the third period. Every skater on the ice got a roughing and a misconduct -- that's 120 penalty minutes right there -- and North Dakota's Rylan Kaip got the extra roughing. Wisconsin's only goal came on the ensuing power play.

The Sioux and Badgers Rough it up.

Wow, what a way to end a very intense hockey game, almost playoff type hockey this weekend. I thought the coaches were going to start swinging at each other during the hand shake, thank God for DVR because I almost missed it. I would put my money on Hakstol to clean Mike Eave's clock but that is looking through kelly green colored glasses. While I can see how one could make the argument that there was no need for Kaip to charge Smith the way he did, so what? It's not like you couldn't see this thing whole incident coming, in the end it was nothing more than a harmless scrum, that's hockey and I like the fact that Kaip played with the game with an edge, the Sioux need that from their leaders. The Badger player Smith is lucky Kaip didn't pummel him, talk about a miss match.

There is no questing that Kyle Turris is a good player but he has lost some of my respect, Turris might want to think twice before he hacks another player with his stick. Turris is lucky that Jones who is known to be a little bit of a lose cannon, didn't go postal on him. Star player or not you can not slash an opposing player in that matter and not expect to be challenged for it.

By definition: Charging is
taking more than three strides before hitting an opponent. That is exactly what Kaip did. Kaip didn't blind side the Wisconsin player like some in the blogsphere have suggested. This hit although a penalty is not worthy of additional sanctions or punishment from the league or from the coaching staff. I will make a prediction that Hakstol will not discipline Rylan Kaip, nor does he need too.

Some perspective

Super Rookie Kyle Turris has 5 goals 9 assist for 14 points, however, he only has 2 assists in 4 WCHA games. In the WCHA teams are going to focus on Turris because the Badgers do not have a lot of offensive stars up front. Teams are going to be on Turris every night.

Linkorama: UND and UofW

There are a few links to the Weekend Hockey series with the Wisconsin Badgers.

Todd Milewski the Beat Writer for the Capital Times.

The Badger backers blog is also a place to read some good Badger intelligence but he hasn't updated his blog as of late but there is still a lot of time yet...

Another great source is the Hockey In Wisconsin Blog this site has a lot of great information on hockey happenings in Wisconsin.

The Wisconsin series is going to be a tough series as the Badger never play very well in the Kohl Center. For all those people that say the Badgers don't play a TRAP are delusional. Good news for Sioux fans Elliot is no longer with the Badgers and Shane Connelly isn't going to be confused with the second coming of Brian Elliot. Connelly is 5-3-2 with a GAA of 2.60 and a save percentage of .897. I am excited to see how Kyle Turris looks for the Badgers. Below are the Badgers lines according to Todd Milewski

Street-Turris-P. Johnson
Engel-Geoffrion-Grotting
Mitchell-Dolan-Ford
Davies-Bendickson-Turnbull
Gorowsky-Bohmbach-Bearson

Drewiske-Goloubef
Smith-Klubertanz
McDonagh-McBain
C. Johnson-Bardis

Are the wheels Coming off in Minneapolis

I found this post over on the Ciske Blog and Bruce brings up a very interesting points, the Gophers have been pretty consistent over the years and being in the bottom of the WCHA is an enigma. That being said, Ciske is right is also right, no one is going to give the Gophers a lot of empathy as well and we might tell their fans to enjoy the view from the other end.

I also predict that if the Gophers loose at least a game this weekend the wheels are going to come off in Minneapolis. I have say that I have enjoyed reading Gopher Puck Live this past week as they Gopher fans have tried to keep things calm and not panic. For the people that think the Gophers are just going to steam roll the Mavericks they dead wrong. The Mavericks are a hard nosed team that played like a wounded animal that has been cornered and are not going to be intimated by a team still trying to get the puck out of their own end. Also this is the first home game for the Mavs so they are going to be keyed up.

Speaking of hockey...the Gophers are 0-4 in the WCHA. This has not happened since, well, ever. And I doubt that anyone around the league will be singing songs of sympathy for UMTC. Minnesota hasn't finished outside the top five in the league since 1997-1998, when Doug Woog was still the coach. That was also the last time they missed the Final Five. They're due.

Fighting in Hockey

First off that is a great fight. I stumbled across this clip on Chris Dilk's Western College Hockey 2. Chris is questioning whether fighting has a place in Hockey.

Personally I think that If a players knows he has to fight if he committed an egregious act, actually polices the game of hockey and keeps that players honest. If I whack player "A" or commit an act of thuggery I know that I am going to have to look over my shoulder. I know sooner or later that a goon/though guy is going to be there to re-arrange my face, while it sounds like frontier justice it's worked in the NHL for year. If actions have consequences I am going to mind my P's and Q's. It's called the code and is used to police the game and keep players honest. I believe that because of the lack of fighting in college hockey the game is actually more dirty.

If the NCAA wanted to clean up the college game i.e. the stick work, running the goalie and the acts of thuggery in college hockey; I would suggest getting rid of the full face shield and game disqualification penalty. I think that if a player only received a game misconduct for fighting college hockey, the players could police the game and get rid of the face washes and stick work. If a player has consequences for egregious acts and he knows what he does on the ice has consequences he is going to be less apt to be a hack...

Who said Gopher hockey players can't read: Kessel reads to the kids.

I couldn't help my self on this one. LoL, who said that Gopher hockey player can't read? I might get a bunch of flack for this. But I couldn't resist after the University of Minnesota got into trouble with their basketball team not doing their own home work. I know. wrong sport. Honestly, this is one of those nice feel good stories. All joking aside it is nice to see these professional athlete giving something back to the community.

Charlestown, MA -- Boston Bruins leading goal scorer Phil Kessel launched ReadBoston's Reading Trail Program on Monday, November 5 at the John F. Kennedy Family Service Center in Charlestown.

"I enjoyed it," said Kessel after meeting the children. "I had a lot of fun."

The Reading Trail Program is an early literacy program designed to increase reading at home and in childcare settings. Kessel read to preschool students and passed out a free book (I Stink, the story of the garbage truck) to each child in attendance.

"It was a good time. (The children) behaved themselves well and they listened," said Kessel, who although nervous beforehand, was very, very pleased with the event, afterward.

This year, the Boston Bruins are partnering with ReadBoston and will participate in a number of events throughout the coming months. In addition to Kessel's appearance on Monday, the Bruins will provide Reading Trail Programs with customized "trail guides" to track the number of books each child reads; those children who complete their trail guides will receive a Bruins bookmark.

Asked if he would be volunteering to read again, Phil gave an emphatic shake of the head and a loud "Yes." The children and their teachers appreciated the gesture and he was given the latest (if not the most important) standing "O" of his career and the kids waved their new book and said "Thank you, Phil."

Mayor Thomas M. Menino and other city leaders founded ReadBoston in 1995 with a simple, ambitious mission: to ensure that every child in Boston can read at grade level by the third grade. ReadBoston is making great strides to achieve its goal by forming partnerships with city organizations committed to children's literacy, and by funneling resources, innovative programs, books and best practices into Boston neighborhoods.

Kessel and the 7-5-1 Bruins are in the midst of a nine-game stretch where the Bruins face only their Northeast Division rivals - with three scheduled against the Sabres and two games each against the Maple Leafs, Senators and Canadiens - over the next three weeks.

Here is some Perspective

GOALIES: W L OT Sv% GAA
T. Thomas 5 3 1 .949 1.65
M. Fernandez 2 2 0 .832 3.93
Manny Fernandez was supposed to be the big name starter that was going to give the Bruins some stability in net, instead it has been Tim Thomas so far. While things will probably come around a bit for Manny Fernandez by the second half of the season. The Boston goaltender is currently on he disable list and nursing an knee injury. Actually if you look at Manny's numbers on the season so far they look very AHL like.

This is the definition of cheap

I was watching this game last week and I thought Andre Roy definitely does not respect the code, this my friends is the definition of cheap and is nothing more than a bush league hack move. Andre Roy checks the guy which is fine and then before Clarkson can get his bearings starts firing hay makers at a defenseless player.

I have watched a few of the New Jersey games this year and I think David Clarkson brings more to the table than Cam Janssen because Clarkson actually have 1 goal and 3 assists for four points on the season.

Linkorama: Twelve to Four the Difference#links

UAA Hockey Fan Blog: Twelve to Four the Difference#links

I found this post over on Donald's UAA fan Blog. I found the exchange on the comments to be rather amusing. I wondering how long before the Gopher fans will be calling Donald a Halo?

For some perspective

I was wondering if there was any differential in how the power plays are broken down with a couple of teams. So I decided to take a look: Minnesota has received 40 power plays while their opposition has received 35 power plays. Donald's team UAA has had 32 power plays while the opposition has had 44 power plays. Finally UND has had 35 power plays will their oppostion has had 34. Granted UND has only played two WCHA theories but so far it seems as if the Seawolves are getting the shaft if you will...

The Polls are out: UND 3 or 4

USCHO.COM

1. Miami (49)
2. Michigan
3. UND
4. Michigan State (1)
5. Denver
6. New Hampshire
7. Boston College
8. Clarkson
9. Colorado College
10. Wisconsin
11. Maine
12. Notre Dame
13. Michigan Tech
14. Minnesota
15. Minnesota-Duluth
16. RPI
17. St. Cloud State
18. Princeton
19. Niagara
20. UMass

USA Today

1. Miami
2. Michigan
3. Michigan State
4. UND
5. Denver
6. Boston College
7. New Hampshire
8. Clarkson
9. Colorado College
10. Wisconsin
11. Maine
12. Notre Dame
13. Michigan Tech
14. Minnesota
15. Minnesota-Duluth


First off this polls are about as meaningless as a Rosie O'Donnell and her 9/11 truth theory, these polls make very interesting reads but it's just way too early in the season to infer anything from them. I almost think hockey should wait till after the Christmas break before they release the rankings. The BCS in college football waits until they have a certain number of games before they make any inferences. Championships are won in March and April and you win nothing except points and pride for wins in November, December and January.

While these polls make good water cooler discussion material but honestly, does any one think that if Clarkson was in the WCHA or Hockey East would be above Maine, Michigan Tech, Minnesota or Minnesota Duluth for that matter. They could be but I doubt it. How did that first round bid work out for them last season? That doesn't mean I don't like Clarkson University beause they are year in and year out a top team in the ECAC but they are not a hockey powerhouse in the East.

Also, I guess the USA today forgot that UND pasted MSU pretty good in the hockey hall a fame game. Anyone that doesn't think Denver is playing great hockey right now is delusional and they are are my pick for number #1 right now. I would like to see how they are doing later in the season with the younger players. Denver is looking really good to get back on top in the future if they can keep their top players.

Anthony Grieco leaves school.

What has been speculated all morning over on Sioux Sports and on Ryan Cardinal's WCHA blog is now official as Grand Forks Herald hockey writer
Brad Schlossman is reporting that Tony Grieco is leaving school and heading to the OHL.

Grieco headed to OHL By Brad Schlossman

Anthony Grieco, UND's backup goaltender, has left school and returned to Ontario, where he will play in the Ontario Hockey League, his father said Monday.

Grieco, an 18-year-old sophomore from Brampton, Ont., had not played this season for the Sioux. He saw action in eight games as a rookie, posting a 3-2-1 mark with a 3.49 goals-against average and .884 save percentage.

Grieco's father, Charlie, said it was essential for his son to get playing time as he recovered from a knee injury that he suffered at the end of last season.

"He needed some playing time or his skill level would be deteriorating," Charlie said.

Anthony will play for the Mississauga St. Michael's Majors, a team that drafted him in the 10th round in the 2004 OHL draft.

Anthony will play for the Mississauga St. Michael's Majors, a team that drafted him in the 10th round in the 2004 OHL draft.

Grieco drove through the night Sunday to return to Ontario, where he began practicing with the Majors this afternoon.

"He's built some really great relationships (at UND), so it was pretty emotional," Charlie said.

The departure leaves UND with two goaltenders starter Jean-Philippe Lamoureux and backup Aaron Walski. Lamoureux has started 32 consecutive games for the Sioux dating back to last season and was named the national player of the month in October by the Hockey Commissioners' Association.

"The team is playing solid and Phil has been playing well," Charlie said. "Being there a year and a half, (Anthony) needed playing time."

Grieco was a late addition to the roster last summer. He signed a letter of intent in June, just weeks before goaltender Jordan Parise freed up a roster spot by signing with the New Jersey Devils.

Grieco had been courted by the Majors throughout his tenure at UND, Charlie said.

Goon's World Perspective on the matter

While Grieco's numbers were not eye popping nor were they all-American like, I really did like what I saw with this kid. During the short tenure Grieco was here I thought he showed glimpses of greatness and promise, however, his juicy rebounds and a big five hole were also a big problem. I think Grieco's play against SCSU Huskies last season was huge as Grieco got 2 big wins against the Huskies while Phil was out, I also believe that it sort of saved UND's bacon. I can also see his side of this, the kid is young he wanted to play and decided to go to the OHL who wants his services. I also think he was rushed into the Fighting Sioux line up before we was ready or mature enough to handle the WCHA grind. It also seems that his mental prep wasn't very good. I believe that UND (who I liken to the FSU of college hockey) needs to employ a full time goalie coach, I believe that it would be very beneficial for the younger less seasoned goalies in the future. I wonder if UND could pry Howard away from the Badgers?

Funny thing Grieco is the first Fighting Sioux goalie over 6 feet in some time. Now the Sioux have an interesting dilemma, do they recruit a goalie and bring him in during the Christmas break Ala Josh Siembieda. What happens if Phil gets hurt? If I am not mistaken your supposed to have two goalies on the bench. Is Walski going to be able to carry the load if Phil gets hurt?

NHL "U"

UND in the NHL posed a question over on Siouxsports (or whine about everything as some gopher fans call it) and UND in the NHL is looking at adding a new sig line to his posts on Siouxsports. I think this is a no brainer, but the picture sums up UND hockey accurately. NHL "U" My other suggestion is if you want to work on the farm you go to NDSU if you want to play in the NHL you go to UND.

One could make the argument that UND is the gateway to the NHL, or NHL U because of all the great NHL players that UND has produced over the years. The current crop of NHL playing in the NHL is pretty impressive. To a take a plug from an NCAA ad on CSTV 314 Sioux hockey players get jobs in a hockey while others are going pro in something else.

David Hale CAL
Brandon Bochenski BOS
Travis Zajac NJ
Zach Parise NJ
Ryan Johnson STL
Jason Blake TOR
Matt Smayby TAM
Matt Greene EMD
Jonathon Toews CHI
Mike Commodore CAR
Drew Stafford BUF

Monday morning Ramblings

Sioux_7 can thank Marty for emailing me this very funny picture. So what the hell, I thought I would post it on the blog. For those of us that live in Fargo and Grand Forks, area have seen the goofy commercial on local television; chips are free dinner is extra. You also gotta love Paradiso because you get your meal free on your birthday, and they let you wear that silly hat as well.

Friday

St. Cloud State @ Michigan Tech - SCSU
Minnesota @ Minnesota State-Mankato - MSU-M
Minnesota-Duluth @ Colorado College - Tigers
North Dakota @ Wisconsin - Sioux

Saturday

St. Cloud State @ Michigan Tech - Tie
Minnesota State-Mankato @ Minnesota - Gophers
Minnesota-Duluth @ Colorado College - tie
North Dakota @ Wisconsin - Badgers

Last week in my Picks I went 8-2
25-9 for the year.

What did he say?

In watching the end of the Gophers and Pioneers hockey game when Doug Woog started pontificating about how Tyler Bozak was the difference in the game with this hat trick, the score was 3-1 at the time. I thought, well yeah duh. I mean really you can't make this stuff up, it's classic Wooger... I suppose when your team is 0-4 in the WCHA and your favorite team is not playing well it probably can be a little painful to announce a game. Your right Doug Tyler Bozak had a great game, but how abou the Goaltending, Mannino was awesome or mention the lack of a game plan by the Gophers.

Over on Win Twins the SCSU and Twins Blogger gave her angle on the Gophers misfortunes.

HAH! Tweedle Dee (Frank Mazzocco) had the gall to say "Looking at the standings from the WCHA this morning, most people are probably wondering if they were printed upside down!" Umm, no, the rest of us in the WCHA are well aware that Minnesota is at the bottom with the big old goose egg, and frankly, we're laughing our ASSES off about it! :)

I have to admit that I enjoy a Gophers loss like the rest of us, in fact I think its funny to listen Frank and Doug spin each miserable painful loss. While it's fun watching the Gophers take it on the chin, I do have a hard time believing that the Gophers are as bad as their record. That being said, I do also see the Gophers losing a game to the Mavericks this weekend. Look for the refs to get the Gophers the split on Saturday night.

Anonymous

You have to love these anonymous trolls that go around on the Internet posting meaningless, hateful and spiteful drivel on other people's blogs. Of course these anonymous cowards never will put a name or a face to the bravo sierra that they post. In essence they are posting graffiti and vandalizing people's blog, simple mind give people simple thrills. Thanks to this kind of mindless juvenile behavior is the reason media blogger(s) like Mike McFeely have decided to shut the comments section of their blogs down instead of wading through meaningless moron-athons. Maybe this is the reason Gopher Blogger Hammy has never actually allowed comments on his blog.

The TJ Oshie hit Prosser

Thanks for RedFrog of ND for posting this video, I was at work and only caught a glimpse of this hit, I would refer to this has as a bone crushing hit game changing hit and it's plays like this that has the NHL drueling. Wow, is all I can say...

Jean-Philippe Lamoureux of North Dakota Named National College Hockey Player of the Month

Finally Lammy gets some love in the form of an award. I think this is well deserved award for a killer month of hockey, who would have thought it was possible after watching him play last season.

I actually thought Phil was going to get the defensive player of the week, but the Minnesota State Mankato goalie Mike Zacharias the Mankato State goalie Mike Zacharias was just as deserving of the award as well.

MADISON, Wis.-- University of North Dakota senior netminder Jean-Philippe Lamoureux was named the National College Hockey Player of the Month on Friday afternoon, as announced by the Hockey Commissioner's Association. Lamoureux has been a huge reason for the early season success of the third-ranked North Dakota Fighting Sioux. He has posted four shutouts in the team's first five games in October, becoming the first WCHA player in history to accomplish that feat.

Lamoureux, a Grand Forks, N.D. native, posted a 3-1-1 record last month with a miniscule 0.43 GAA and a .983 save percentage, both of which rank second in the nation. He is a major reason that the UND team ranks first in the nation in team defense allowing only 0.60 goals per game. He currently has started 30 consecutive games dating back to last season, during that time he owns a 20-5-5 record with a 1.93 GAA and a .931 save percentage. He began the season shutting out his opponents for 185:17 in three games against Boston College, Michigan Tech and Northeastern.

Some of the highlights of Lamoureux's month include a 23-save shutout of defending national champion Michigan State in the season opener on Oct. 13 in the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Game. Lamoureux also recorded a season-high 31 saves in the 3-0 victory at Northeastern on Oct. 20. in Boston.

A clip of the Green injury.

This video is not for the faint of heart. I hurt after watching this video. I must add that when I saw it the first time it didn't look as bad as it does in slow motion. I wish Matt Greene a speedy recovery.

Matt Greene out for Three months with a broken Ankle.

This is not good news for Matt Greene

Rash of injuries to defence corps testing Oilers early in the season
Canadian Press Oct 31, 2007, 7:33 PM EDT

EDMONTON - The talk when training camp began was that depth on the blue line might be the Edmonton Oilers' ace-in-the-hole this season.

That's a card the Oilers are going to have to play now as they've lost third-year rearguard Matt Greene to a broken left ankle that will keep him out of the line-up as long as three months.

Greene, injured in the second period of a 2-1 loss to Detroit Tuesday, will need surgery. He joins Sheldon Souray, out since Oct. 10 with a sprained left shoulder, and Joni Pitkanen, out another month after surgery to repair damaged knee cartilage, on the shelf.

With all of that, coach Craig MacTavish summoned his best poker face Wednesday.

"These (comments) could come back to haunt me and I don't normally throw these out there, but I'm not all that worried about the injuries on the back end," MacTavish said.

"From what I've seen, with (who) we have healthy, we're going to be able to overcome it."

Canucks Re-Assign Mason Raymond

I saw this article over on Waiting for Stanley It looks as if Mason Raymond will be playing a few games with the Manitoba Moose. Sounds as if Raymond has made an impression on Vancover fans.

Former Bull Dog Mason Raymond sent down.

Vancouver, B.C. - Vancouver Canucks Senior Vice President and General Manager Dave Nonis announced today that left wing Mason Raymond has been re-assigned to the Manitoba Moose of the AHL.

Raymond, 22, has played in nine games for the Canucks in 2007-08, recording his first NHL point (0-1-1) on October 5, 2007 versus San Jose. He has played in one game for the Moose and recorded two assists.

The Calgary, Alberta native spent the 2006-07 season with the University of Minnesota-Duluth and the Manitoba Moose. He registered 46 points (14-32-46) in 39 games with Minnesota and four points (2-2-4) in 11 games with Manitoba. In the post-season, Raymond recorded one assist in 13 AHL playoff games.

The 6’0”, 182-pound forward was originally drafted by the Canucks in the 2005 Entry Draft, 51st overall.

Linkorama: UND and C.C.

There are some really good Blogs to read for the up coming hockey series.

I really like this blog Support Colorado College Hockey You can definately get some good music when you there as well.

I am not so sure if this person (RWD tells me the author is a he) is still posting or not because there hasn't been any action so far this season. This blog has had some good posts in the past. C.C. hockey Blog

The Gazette appears to have two hockey blog sites Tiger Den
I believe that this is the official one Mucking in the corner

Happy Halloween: Musings

I came home from walking the dog and my wife was putting this thing on our daughter. Yikes, I said you have to be kidding me? I aks her, what do you want her to look like the great punkin? Actually after looking at the picture I decided that I would share it with the four people that read this blog... It is amazing what ten dollars can buy. I suppose we can use it during the Thanksgiving season.

I found this new blog that had me linked up. Czech hockey on and it was pretty interesting.

I found a couple of interesting points of note.

(1.) Former Gopher Thomas Vanek has been named the Austrian Sportsman of they Year.

Vanek sorgt für eine Premiere
Nicole Hosp und Thomas Vanek sind Österreichs Sportlerin und Sportler des Jahres. Der NHL-Star sorgte damit für eine Premiere: Noch nie in der Geschichte der 1949 eingeführten Ehrung konnte ein Eishockey-Spieler die Wahl für sich entscheiden. Hosp dagegen landete bei der von Sports Media Austria, der Vereinigung der österreichischen Sportjournalisten, durchgeführten Wahl einen Favoritensieg. Den Titel der Mannschaft des Jahres sicherte sich das ÖFB-U20-Team, das ebenfalls für ein Novum sorgte.

(2.) Check out this Hockey Chick apparently according to the article is supposed to be a girl friend of Jaromir Jagr. ---edit---This woman is also a CZECH model not a slut.

Flawed argument

There are a few points in Doreen Little Bird's aritcle that I must take issue with this article


Grand Forks Herald columnist Doreen says:

Several people asked why Ron His Horse Is Thunder, tribal chairman for the Standing Rock Nation, was speaking for the Lakota people. The answer is that he, like North Dakota Gov. John Hoeven, is the elected leader of the Lakota and their spokesman.

Collectively, Standing Rock does not seem to like what happens to their children who attend UND and the disrespect aimed at them. The tribe has said no.

Some of the Internet comments were repetitious. Some were excellent and well-thought-out, talking about the negotiations and even scolding the writers who made awful comments.

But it was those “awful” comments that astounded me. Some were full of bile, bigotry and racism. The NCAA was correct when it said that the nickname and logo created an abusive and hostile environment, I thought as I read those comments.

In some cases, the comments were even threatening. Some of them made the hair on the back of my neck stand up. It made me afraid for the young people at UND.

First off; this is a tactic the pro name change crowd is famous for: true to forum, Doreen has leveled some serious allegations and basciallt have given nothing in the way of evidence, where are the police reports. What do we have, other than Internet posts by nameless people which can not prove what their identity is we may or may not even know if theey are Sioux fans. For all we know they could be fans of other teams like the Gophers, Bison or_________ team. These post could be from trouble makers that don't even follow sports.

I keep hearing who UND is a hostile and abusive place but no one can ever given an credible evidence. If there are incidents lets see the specific incidents laid out for us, you must have a police report or something other than an implied or infered action? We can discuss acedotal evidence till we are blue in the face but it does not count when you are leveling serious charges like this.


Katherine Kersten also had a blog article on this subject on November 13th 2006 that addressed these same issues Yellowbird has brought up. So who are we to believe? I would think that Kersten's article is more credible that Yellowbirds, just my hmo.

Fool Bear himself voted for such a resolution in 2005. “They told us just negative things — that UND was a racist place,” he explains. Now, he says, he believes that he and others were fed a bill of goods.

“When I went around to my constituents on the reservation,” says Fool Bear, “a majority of people said, ‘Why can’t we vote on it?’ “Most tribal members would support the name if they got the chance,” adds Joe White Mountain, another committee member.

More from this article on the issue:

Members of the Standing Rock judicial committee visited UND early in 2006 to assess the situation for themselves. “We spoke to everyone, from students on the street to people at the gas station,” says Fool Bear. “Not one gave us any evidence of racism. We went to a hockey game, and they talked about the courage and integrity of the Sioux people. We looked at each other like, ‘Wow, we don’t even honor our Sioux warriors or veterans like this on the reservation.’ ”

White Mountain recalls the committee’s meeting with a UND group that opposes the name. “I asked them, ‘What tribe do you belong to?’ ” he says. “Not one was a Sioux Indian.”This group insisted that the name promotes racism on campus,” adds Fool Bear. “I told them, ‘Put any instances of abuse in writing.’ Today, I’m still waiting — I haven’t gotten one complaint.”

Who wins between UND and Miami

A Hypothetical

I saw tis over on Brad Schlossman's Hockey blog. It does prove to be a great discussion that was posted over on CSTV.COM. This is really the issue with teams that start out fast out of the gates and the polls eat it up. Don't get me wrong, this article does bring up a very interesting discussion who wins between Miami and UND? It does matter what time of year it is played as well. Feasting on horrible teams to pad your record really doesn't do you any justice when you have to play the tough teams to win titles in March and April. Let me help you out. Polls schmolls.

tim (cleveland): Miami vs North Dakota at a neutral site. Who do you think comes out the winner and by how much? Thanks.

Ken Schott: What month? Now or April?

Dave Starman: I'd take NoDak - 1.5.

Elliot Olshansky: With or without Nathan Davis? Is this the real Jean-Philippe Lamoureux? So many questions I'd have.

Ken Schott: I think I would take ND right now, but if Davis can regain his scoring touch when he comes back, I may change my mind.

Antoine Pitts: I'd have to take North Dakota. It's still hard to believe that with all of that talent up there, North Dakota hasn't won the national title recently.

Ken Schott: I can't wait to see Miami when they come to RPI for two games in December.

Dave Starman: Lamoureux is pretty darn good.

Ken Schott: He can stop pucks in fog just as well on clear ice.

Dave Starman: They have a first unit that rivals Minnesota's two years ago, every one on the unit can score, they can all one-time it, and they are as mobile as an air battalion.

Antoine Pitts: I'm saying 5-2 North Dakota.

Elliot Olshansky: I'm saying one-goal instant classic. I like both of these teams. A lot. Hard-working, skilled, well-coached, great individual players like Davis, Jones, Oshie and Duncan, guys who play both ways...I really hope we get this game in March or April.

Ken Schott: 3-2 ND in four overtimes.

Dave Starman: Bina is a general out there, Miami doesn't have a 1-2 on defense that rivals Chorney and Bina, no disrespect to their players. Oshie is a game breaker, Duncan is great. They have grit, and they'll beat the hell out of you in the process because no one finishes hits like these guys....they remind me of the Calgary Flames in the late 80's early 90's...they just beat people up.

Elliot Olshansky: I don't know Dave, I think Ryan Jones, just for starters, can give some of the Sioux a run for their money in the finishing hits department.

Dave Starman: Yes, but how about the other 17 skaters? No one hits 1-18 like the Sioux do except maybe Wisconsin, and that's not really Wisco's identity yet this season.

Elliot Olshansky: Haven't seen the RedHawks. I'll see them when Ken does. I want to see this big kid, Vaive.

Ken Schott: If we're talking finishing hits, RPI could be a team no one once to play. They have some defensemen that can pound you. Peter Merth crushes people.

Dave Starman: I totally agree with Ken...RPI can bang. I like the way they play. Give them a full season to find their identity and they'll be a tough out in March. Real good goaltending!

It is obvious that Dave Starman is a bigger fan of the Sioux than Elliot Olshansky is and he does bring up some legitimate quesions about Phil Lamoureux who has 4 shout outs in 5 games. Horrible goalies don't put up numbers like that.

Next; sure Miami is 6-0 and ranked first but who the hell have they played that strikes fear in you... They beat UNO, Vermont and Ohio State, not much of a schedule if you ask me. In fact Miami schedule is stacked with patsy teams and they only play 2 game with MSU, 2 games with Michigan and 2 with Notre Dame, I wouldn't be surprised to see Miami highly ranked through most of the season only to get bounced again in the first round.

Fri 10/12/2007 W 2 Vermont (nc) 1
Sat 10/13/2007 W 4 Vermont (nc) 1
Fri 10/19/2007 W 5 @ Ohio State 1
Sun 10/21/2007 W 5 Ohio State 1
Fri 10/26/2007 W 7 Nebraska-Omaha 2
Sat 10/27/2007 W 5 Nebraska-Omaha 2

The Latest Poll

The Sioux drop to third in the INCH college hockey poll... First off let Miami have the rankings, we will see where they end up at in the end, championships are won in March and April.

October 29, 2007

No. Team (First-place votes) Points Last Poll
1. Miami (30) 506 2
2. Michigan 446 3
3. North Dakota (2) 433 1
4. New Hampshire (1) 430 6
5. Boston College 385 5
6. Michigan State 323 9
7. Denver 250 7
8. Minnesota 247 10
9. Wisconsin 235 11
10. Colorado College 219 4
11. Clarkson 174 8
12. Maine 143 13
13. Notre Dame 99 12
14. Michigan Tech 97 15
15. Minnesota Duluth 47 NR

Goon's Picks for the Week

This Weekend's Game

Conference

Denver @ Minnesota Split
Alaska-Anchorage @ St. Cloud State SCSU Sweep
Michigan Tech @ Wisconsin Split
Colorado College @ North Dakota Split

Non-Conference:

Minnesota State-Mankato @ Alabama-Huntsville Mav's Sweep

Last Week's Picks 8-2
Record for the years 17-7

The last ugly incident in the NHL.

The first thing that comes to mind are the Philadelphia Flyers a bunch of goons?
This is the third player from their team to perform a questionable play.

I would be willing to bet that Randy Jones will get suspended for at least 5 games for this act of agression, just a hunch. My neck hurts just from watching this bush league move.

Here is the statement reguarding Bruins Statement Regarding Patrice Bergeron

Boston Bruins

Statement Regarding Patrice Bergeron from Dr. Bertram Zarins:
“After initially losing consciousness on the ice, Patrice has regained consciousness and has been taken to Massachusetts General Hospital where he is undergoing a series of tests.

Patrice has sustained a concussion and a broken nose. The initial x-rays and CT scan have not shown any other serious injury to his head or neck, and he has full feeling and motion in all of his extremities.

We will continue to monitor Patrice and await the final results of his medical studies.”

I am not the only one that hates the logo Settlement.

I believe this is the kind of reaction you get when your elected political leaders jam something down your throats. Here are the results of an informal poll over Jim Dahl's Siouxsports.com

8% Yes
84% No - UND gave up too much
1% No - The NCAA gave up too much
5% I'm not sure - yet
Total votes: 967

I think the results from this poll are very telling, 8% approve of settlement, thats down from 9 percent earlier today, it probably will drop lower. who answered the question hate the North Dakota attorney generals settlement with the NCAA. While the results are not very scientific they are telling.

Is Lammy a Sieve?

There has been a lot of talk on various fan web pages around the internet about Phil Lamoureux being a sieve: Some fans have even posted a tribute to the UND goalie

Lets break down Lammy's season so far. Honestly, these aren't the numbers of a Sieve

Dave Berger does a good job of breaking down Lamoureux's performance so far: Oh, and by the way, in his first five games, senior goaltender Jean-Philippe Lamoureux has posted four shutouts to go along with a .983 save percentage and a goals-against average of 0.43. Lamoureux had four career shutouts in his first three seasons at UND.

Friends this is my definition of a Sieve or this is a good illustation of a less than stellar goalie performance can we say sieve

Just for the record, as many of you know. I am not a big carry the flag Phil Lamoureux guy, nor is he one of the more beloved players in the WCHA, however, you have to give credit where credit is due. If Phil isn't given the WCHA Defensive player of the week that in my opinion will be a travesty.

Linkorama: UND and MTU

MeG and the boys over on the MTU hockey blog is really loving life and are quite happy with their teams win over the Sioux last night in Houghton, Michigan. Hey; why shouldn't Tech fans be happy with a win over the Fighting Sioux. In fact, the Huskies have won three in a row over UND after going like 12 in a row without a win against the Sioux. They had to win sometime right?

All in good fun; I find their web page fun to read. The Michigan Tech Hockey blog also brought up a rought spot from last season's horrible run where UND lost 6/7 right before the Christmas break. If I remember right, after getting swept by Tech UND got red hot and made another run to the NCAA Frozen Four. Hey congrats to at least a split.

I am happy that the MTU is having a good season and has started out strong. Also, remember championships are won in March and April and wins in October mean nothing if you don't. That doesn't excuse a poor effort tonight nor does it give UND an excuse/permission to lose. UND needs to prove they aren't a bunch of pretty boys that don't like the get their jersey's dirty.

Kessel and Toews light the lamp.

Boston and Chicago game was one of those must watch games and what a game it was. Both Kessel and Toews were on fire for this game and provided most of their teams offense. I am blessed to have NHL center ice and glad that I had the chance to watch this game because it turned out to be one of the best of the year. I think it would be safe to say that It appears Phil Kessel and John Toews are going score a lot of goals this season, Kessel already has 5 goals and 2 assists and 7 points (which is good for 2nd on the Bruins in total points). Kessels point total isn't bad because Boston is a team that is still searching to find offense. On the other side of the ice Jonathan Toews is fourth in scoring for the Black Hawks with 4 goals and 4 assists for 8 points and averaging a point per game.

Kessel's two goals were of the spectacular variety and it appears that Phil is making great strives in stepping up his game during his second season, I would probably expect Kessel to score 50+ points this season.

Also during the game Toews 4th goal of the season was a thing of beauty as well, while it wasn't quite as good as his highlite real against the av's it did leave Boston's Bruins goalie looking for answers...

Catching up, down again...

I am having way too much trouble with my home computer, First it I had some USB ports and my DVD/Disk drive replace. Then I had yet another computer malfunction, my mother board on my computer went down so down to the geek squad. Got my computer home after two visits to the geek squad and my computer stop working it wouldn't even turn on. So I took my computer back to the Geek Squad for a third visit. This time I decided to go and buy a new lap top, so I won't have to do without a computer when my main one is down. I am hoping that I eventually will be able to get my old one warrantied out and replace with a new lap top.

Don't fret, I have been killing he time by hunting and killing ducks. This year has been yet another banner season of ducks hunting, and yet another visit to the vet as well. I swear I spend a lot of money there as well.

Settlement with the NCAA

In case you haven't heard UND settled it's law suit out of court with the NCAA, I think the settlement is unacceptable. My first question is this is what you get for $900,000.00? This settlement is a damn travesty, a fricken joke. Basically what is going to happen is that UND is going to change it's Fighting Sioux name sometime between the year 2009 and 2011, they will never get the approval from the Standing Rock Sioux tribe, never.

I never thought I would see this day but this is a sad day in UND history. Whey did UND take the cae to court if you were going to setttle for this horrible settlement. Ralph Englestad is probably rolling over in his grave as we speak. I am sick to my stomach. Basically UND caved to the vocal minority of liberal political hack/punks that are jamming political correctness down our troats. I think this settlement is a piece of shit and I will never ever vote for the Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem ever again he has lost my vote for ever, and I hope other republicans will follow suit. I will leave that section blank because I will not vote for a democrat under any circumstances.

Here are the highlights: from Jim Dahl's blog.

*UND has until November 30, 2010, to obtain namesake approval for its nickname and imagery Approval is only of the form of affirmative support from both the Standing Rock Tribe and Spirit Lake Tribe.

*The NCAA pledges not to contact any Sioux tribes with any attempts to influence them to provide or not to provide support for UND The Spirit Lake Tribe’s 2000 resolution is recognized and will count, but only if an individual authorized to speak on behalf of the tribe affirmatively supports UND’s current use of the nickname and imagery.

*The Standing Rock Tribe’s support must come in the form of a written resolution of approval adopted by any means authorized by Standing Rock’s Constitution
Absent namesake approval, UND will announce a a transition to a new nickname within 30 days Such a transition must be accomplished by Aug. 15, 2011.

*If the name is changed, imagery must be removed from any venue used to host an NCAA championship except: historical images, images embedded in architecture, items which will ultimately be replaced because of wear and tear.

*The NCAA will issue a statement to its members that application of its nickname policy to UND has been suspended, and that no institution should use it as a factor in regular season scheduling against UND.

*If UND is removed from the list of institutions subject to the policy, it will be allowed to play regular season contests at venues it does not own that have not complied with the policy (venues it owns must comply with the policy, and championships will not be hosted at non-owned venues which do not comply)

*The NCAA will issue a statement that it recognizes UND is a leading institution in educating Native Americans and that it did not make any specific findings about a hostile or abusive environment on UND’s campus.

Jean-Philippe Lamoureux wins Player of the week.

What does a guy have to do to get the player of the week award? I while I doubt that Phil Lamoureux is worried about silly things like awards, he can leave that to the fans like me, let’s take a look at the 2007-2008 addition of the goalie named Phil Lamoureux; Phil starts the season 2-0-1 stops 78/78 shots and gets snubbed for player of the week by the WCHA. How? I don’t have a clue. Maybe it’s a vast conspiracy against the Fighting Sioux?

In case anyone is keeping score, that’s the Fighting Sioux playing two top tens teams and not giving up a goal in 5 periods of hockey. Phil can’t help it that B.C.’s arena sucks and they had to cancel the game after two periods of hockey. Phil stopped many quality chances and it appeared that he couldn’t see the puck very well in holding B.C. off the board in two periods of hockey.

Let’s break this down further against B.C. and Northeastern Phil stopped may top quality chances brings home three points for the Sioux and doesn't get even a sniff.

This weeks Goon's World player of the Week: Is Jean Philippe Lamoureux from the University of North Dakota.

Goon’s Worlds picks:
UMD and DU Split
MSUM – UAA Split
UND and MTU UND 3 points
BSU and SCSU SCSU Sweep
OSU and Minnesota Minnesota Sweep.

Last week I went 9-5 in my picks.

UND plays MTU next

This week the UND Fighting Sioux play the upstart Michigan Tech Huskies and I think that anything less than 2 points for this weekend’s series is unacceptable. I would hope The Fighting Sioux goes into Houghton Michigan and plays hard, it’s time to lay down some smack on the MTU Huskies, especially after they embarrassed the Sioux last season in the REA. There is no excuse for the Sioux not coming out on fire and hitting and hustling and out working the Huskies. I am one of those people that realize that MTU is improved but I also don't believe all the hype. To take a phrase from the Fighting Sioux coach it is what it is. Sure the Huskies are a 4-7 place team in the WCHA, but UND should win against the Huskies, there is no excuse for losing. Getting swept by this team last season was unacceptable and the Sioux should have a bad taste in their mouth and should play with an edge this weekend.

PCM from Sioux sports on the Matchup this weekend.

I know MTU is better than they've been in recent years, but what have they done this season? They lost to Northern Michigan, a CCHA team picked to finish near the bottom of its conference, and had difficulty beating Lake Superior State, another CCHA team expected to finish near the bottom of the league. They swept MS-Mankato at home, a team the WCHA coaches picked to finish 9th in the league. So while I don't think the Sioux should take the Huskies for granted, I don't think we should be in great fear of them, either.

I would have to say that I agree with PCM on this one. Sure no one doubts that MTU isn't a good team, but they aren't world beaters either and they did lose to a NMU, team that is not very good this season.

For the Four people that haven't seen this goal.

Wow, I actually just watched that goal again for like the second time. Seems like the more you watch the play the more you think: Wow, that is one hell of an awesome move. When Toews first announced that he was going to the NHL I thought ok, he will probably be on the third line and play 10-15 minutes a game. After after watching a few of the Black Hawks games, I believe that JT and Pat Kane are the face and future of the Chicago Black Hawk's. That being said I don't think the Hawks make the playoff this season, the west is too loaded, but the future looks bright.

Tale of the Tape for the Young Rookies

Pat Kane 8gp 1g - 8a for 9 points leads the team.
Jon Toews 6gp 2g -4a for 6 points fourth on the team.

Grand Forks Life: The Fargo Farce

There is a pretty good debate starting at the Grand Forks Life Blog on the fighting Sioux name.

Grand Forks Life: The Fargo Farce

In case anyone is wondering the Force is UND's marketing campaign, it started first with the football team and then it was used with all of the Sports teams at UND. For the people that are experiencing a case of wishful thinking UND isn't going to change the Fighting Sioux name to the Force; I mean lets get real people, why would UND spend millions of alumni dollars if the school was just going to turn around and change the Fighting Sioux name. Honestly, for one it makes no sense economically what so ever. I would basically violate anything that is practical.

Lastly, If UND decides to change the Fighting Sioux name it will be because the Board of Higher Education in North Dakota deems its the move UND will make. Realistically speaking the next UND president will have little if any imput on the matter. If UND is going to change the name I am sure the Board of Higher Ed, the Students and the Alumni will decide what the next name will be. Don't count on that happening any time soon.

Sioux play 2/3 of a game and get the tie.

Gong Show in Boston

If I was part of the administration at Boston College I would be very embarrassed today. What happened last night on national television was a debacle, a gong show and there is no excuse for it, this is utterly unacceptable.

If you had to describe how I feel today the word disappointed would be the first thing to come to mind. I waited all week for the watch up of the fall in college hockey. The Boston College Eagles and the UND Fighting Sioux were renewing the rivalry and the match up was supposed to be a must see game of the week.

In the end the game was a non-starter and ended up being a fog bowl and had to be called after two periods due to the safety reasons of the athletes involved. Before this game I thought of Boston College as being one of the bench mark teams in Hockey East, on further review they have some major issues with their hockey facility that should be fixed before UND makes the trip out east. One could describe this as being unacceptable.

If I was Hakstol I would tell Jerry York thanks for the invite but we aren’t coming back until you get your arena in order, or suggest playing the game at an alternative site like the TD Bank Garden. Hell I bet this doesn’t happen at the University of Mass Lowell and it should happen at a bench mark school like Boston College.

In the face of a debacle there is something possitive, our goaltending has been great so far as Lammy has faced 47 shots and not let a goal in as of yet, in fact many of these saves have been of the high quality type.

BOSTON- For the second time in two seasons, a game at Boston College was called because of poor ice conditions, and once again it came in front of a national TV audience.

The game between Boston College and North Dakota on Friday was halted after two periods with the game tied, 0-0. It will go down as an official game, a tie for both teams.

Last season, a game between BC and Boston University was halted in the first period because humid conditions caused fog and poor ice. That game was resumed from where it left off and finished at a later date.

In this case, the game was official, and was declared complete. A power outage caused a delay to the start of the game. Reports indicate that de-humidifying machines, brought in to Conte Forum in anticipation of the humid conditions, contributed to the power failure. Later there was another brief outage.

Power was eventually restored, but the foggy conditions forced the game to be halted. The final decision came during the second intermission, during a meeting with the two game referees and Hockey East commissioner Joe Bertagna.

Bertagna indicated that the "safety of the athletes was the most important concern." He said that consideration was given to starting the period, and then seeing how things went. But he said there was concern a team would score a quick goal, and then officials would be put in position of having to call a game without giving the trailing team an opportunity to respond.

Temperatures were unseasonably warm throughout the Northeast on Friday, and it was raining most of the day.

North Dakota (1-0-1) heads down the road to Northeastern on Saturday. BC (1-1-1) is off until Sunday, when it plays at Vermont.

This Post is the 500th post of Goon's World

More on Bochenski

Found this in the: Boston Globe Newspaper

Staying prepared

Neither Brandon Bochenski nor Jeremy Reich have suited up yet for a regular-season game. ‘’I’ve talked to those guys,’’ said head coach Claude Julien. ‘’I’ve told them to stay ready.’’ During today’s workout, Bochenski and Reich both work as extras on a line that is comprised of P.J. Axelssson, Thornton and Metropolit.

In everything that I have read this season makes me believe that Bruins Coach Claude Julien has penciled Bochenski in as being a fourth line player. Which is puzzling in my opinion? I am also going to go on record as saying that I am not a fan of Julien one bit, there is a reason he has been fired from all of these places he has coached. First off; what the heck is he doing Phil Kessel; Phil is not a third line player. I also don’t get the reasoning of having Bochenski and his $600,000.00 sitting out for every game. If Bochenski is a extra piece trade him away for a player to be name later and give this kid a chance to play on someone else’s team.

WILMINGTON — The Black & Gold returned to full-squad workouts here today after wrapping up their 3-2 road trip over the weekend.

The lines looked familiar, picking up from where they left off in San Jose:
Marco Sturm-Patrice Bergeron-Glen Murray
Peter Schaefer-Marc Savard-Chuck Kobasew
Milan Lucic-David Krejci-Phil Kessel
P.J. Axelsson-Glen Metropolot-Shawn Thornton
Extras, also in uniform: Jeremy Reich and Brandon Bochenski

The D’ pairings:

Andrew Alberts-Andrew Ference (the Two Drews)
Mark Stuart-Dennis Wideman
Zdeno Chara-Aaron Ward
Extra man: Bobby Allen
Tim Thomas and Manny Fernandez were the goalies

Also it is puzzling that the Bruins wouldn’t play Manny Fernandez more? While Manny had a couple of games that were very Manny like he is still a top line goalie in my opinion. While I believe that Tim Thomas is a decent back up goalie he has proved the last two seasons he is nothing more than a mediocre starting goalie. Manny needs to play on a regular basis or he isn’t going to be very happy and could end up being a distraction to the Bruins

Linkorama: Check out this B.C. blog

I like reading other people's blogs to see how they think. If you are interested in reading a different perspective from the other side of the ice check out this blogFor Here Men are Men. This Hockey East blog talks about the B.C. Eagles. In this particular post he talks about the Eagles and their up coming season and how tough the Eagles schedule is to start the off season. They played Michigan, followed by RPI and now they play the Sioux. Its no mystery that mnch like the Sioux the Eagles always have a target on their back. Everyone wants to beat them and those teams brings their "A" game when they play the Boston College Eagles.

Finally, we get to the schedule. It ain't easy. We jump right into the fray with Michigan followed by RPI or Minnesota, then come back to Chestnut Hill for a home tilt against North Dakota in what has become college hockey's best intersectional rivalry.

I have to agree with him the Sioux and Eagles is one of those rivalries that you mark off on your calender. It think this weekend this will be the spot light game of the week. Playoff hockey in October.

Boring hockey

I found this over on article over on
Chris Dilk's blog:

Notre Dame hosted Denver tonight, in the first game of a two-game series. The game was moved to Thursday because Notre Dame's football team(and I use the term football team extremely loosely) has a football game to lose on Saturday.

Denver jumped out to a quick 1-0 lead off a Kyle Ostrow goal, and led 2-1 after the first period, but Notre Dame dominated the second period, outshooting Denver 9-3, and scoring twice to take the lead. Notre Dame extended their lead by a goal in the third period when freshman Ben Ryan scored on the powerplay. Denver answered back 32 seconds later, but could not get any closer.

Notre Dame goalie Jordan Pearce made 17 saves, while Denver's Peter Mannino made 14.

My first comment is is that the first period of hockey? That can not be for the whole game. My first though on that game was I thank God that I didn't have to watch that defense feast. Honestly, who likes to watch that type of hockey? I guess no one unless you are fan of the Wisconsin Badgers or the Cornell Big Red. Recently on Sioux Sports Redwing77 said that the Wild play a boring style of hockey. While appreciate Redwings's post I don't think he could be further from the truth. Check out the link below and then tell me how anyone can call the Wild hockey games boring hockey?




Ovechkin now has 100 goals for his short NHL career

Alexander Ovechkin got 100 goals in 167 games. For the people that aren't math wiz's, that is 100 goals in 2 season plus 7 games this year.

Cool Hockey Picture(s)

I found this picture over on the
Win Twins blog I don't know if Heather took the picture herself or she found it on the Internet but it is a really cool picture, I mean I can appreciate it even if it is a picture of SCSU hockey players. The two players Nodal and Lasch are two of the more exciting players in the WCHA. Check out Win Twins blog she focuses on the now out of the playoffs and golfing Minnesota Twins, however, the blog isn't just about baseball it also a WCHA/SCSU hockey.


I have to say that this picture is really funny, its of the famous Michigan Tech Fan MeanGirl. This picture was part of a blog that I found this over on Amy's Lets Go Mav's, I have to say hey MeG nice shoes. While I am a big fan of Adidas, I wonder if she bought the last pair of gold and black Adidas. Should we say that they are not my color. This is the same Mean Girl that was given a rough time by a bunch of drunk rude Gopher Fans.

Where are they Now: Winchester mixing it up in the NHL

I found this clip on YouTube, seems as if Brad Winchester has found a calling in the NHL. I am sure that Sioux fans will remember the former Badger player that got into trouble in February 2003 for allegedly punched Madison Police Officer Caleb Bedford several times in the nose at 2:20 a.m., leaving Bedford with a bloody nose, after Bedford physically restrained Winchester. Officers arrived at 2:20 a.m. to 529 N. Lake St. to break up a fight involving between eight and 10 people outside the Kollege Klub, in Madison Wisconsin. Now Winchester is getting paid handsomely to hit people and seems as if he is pretty good at it as well.

I remember when Winchester was playing with the Badgers and saying this guy is nothing more than a goon or a heathen; yep these clips prove it; Brad Winchester is a goon, and a pretty good one at that. Here is a good fight against Bruins new comer and punching bag Milan Lucic seems this is one of reasons that keeping Brandon Bochenski in the stands wearing a suit and out of the line up for the Boston Bruins. Maybe Bochenski should go out and beat someone up as soon as he cracks the Boston Line up.

Here is a classy move by Winchester, this a fight from game on March 12th 2007 when Winchester was with the Edmonton Oilers in this fight Winchester he jumps LA Kings tough guy Raitis Ivanans.
This is from the same March 12th 2007 game, another great short fight from the same game from last season Thornton and Winchester I have to give it to Winchester he is sure stacking up the fights on YouTube.

Goon's WCHA picks for the 19-20 October

Goon's Picks for the Weekend

MSU-Mankato and Michigan Tech Tech Sweeps Sorry Amy.
UND and B.C. Fighting Sioux win
UND and North Eastern Fighting Sioux win
C.C. and Minnesota Split
SCSU and UMD Split
Wisconsin and RMU Wisconsin Sweep
Denver and Notre Dame DU Sweep
UAA and Alaska Fairbanks Split We are wondering if Donald sobers up by Monday Morning?

Sweet Goal


I have read where there are people wondering where the Fighting Sioux's goals are going to come from this season, I belive that this is only the beginning of many more from number 29.

Bochenski not cracking the line up in Boston

As a Bruins fan I can not understand why recycled coach Claude Julian isn't playing Former Sioux Brandon Bochenski. Boston Bruins Blogger Gerry Bourdeau weighs in on the matter as well.

As a side note, I am upset that Dennis Wideman and Brandon Bochenski were not in the line-up. I understand there isn’t room for everyone on the roster but I would’ve sat Allen and Kobasew in favour of Bochenski and Wideman. We’re talking potential and offense here. I’m sure coach Julien has his reasons for his decisions and I am anxious to see what the next game’s line-up will look like.

I have to say that I am anxious as well to see if Brandon Bochenski cracks the line up soon or what if anything are the Bruins going to do with the young Bochenski, Brandon is due to make 600,000.00 and that is a lot of cash to be sitting in the press box. The Bruins have played 5 games and he has been a healthy scratch in each game. This is Bochenski's third NHL team and it appears that he has already worn out his welcome in Boston.

Boogaard gets even with May

I was watching the replay of the Wild and Ducks on my DVR this afternoon when I was very happy to see this fight happen. Some will say, “that fighting has no place in hockey”. Well Folks these people are dead wrong. The May vs. Boogaard fight is a direct result of the Brad May’s cheap gutless sucker punch of Wild defenseman Kim Johnsson.

In this instance the code worked well both men dropped the gloves and settled this thing on the ice. Brad May while he might be a classless hack knew eventually that he was going to have to pay for this egregious act against a defenseless unsuspecting competitor/player and fought instead of turtling.

The reason the Miller goal was waved off.

Kudos to the ND redfrog from Sioux Sports for posting this video. When this goal was first waved off I thought it was a brutal call (I was sober by the way not clouded by alcohol) but after reviewing this video I would say that video evidence proves that the refs made the right call. Far be it from me to want to compliment the refs.

Video replay shows that Kyle Radke definitely interfered with the MSU player in front of the net. I also wouldn't have been shocked if it had been ruled a good goal.

Two Ref System (EDIT)

This season the WCHA will be experimenting with the 2-and-2 officiating system during the 2007-08 season in about 60 games, in both the men's league and the women's league. (Thanks PCM for the correction) I personally think the two ref system is going to slow the flow of the game down and in essence your going to have a parade to the penalty box. Stay tuned as the season unfolds. I guess if the two ref system can work in the NHL, there is no reason this transition can't be successful in the WCHA/NCAA.

Speaking of horse bleep calls: here is the video of Oshie check from behind penalty while that should have been a penalty, it didn't warrent a 5 and a game in my opinion'.