David Clarkson vs Milan Lucic

This was one of the better fights of the week, Devils tough guy David Clarkson vs Bruins new comer Milan Lucic. That part that I like was; notice that Lucic TKOs Clarkson he doesn't keep punching him. That in my opinion was a classy move, some tough guys would have kept punching their opponent.

Take off your shield

Here is a perfect example of what not to do during a fight, Wild forward Aaron Voros vs Sharks defenseman Kyle McLaren . I don't have a problem with the fight, I do have a problem with the player leaving his shield on.

This is a funny picture

I found this picture over on waiting for Stanley. While this picture is funny it really does a good job illustrating the kind of hockey player the Pens star Crosby become a diver, the queen of embellishment.

WCHA send letter of apology to SCSU

This has to be a first: Finally the WCHA has admitted that one of its ref's were in the wrong. Ok; but not so fast, I want the league to take it one further. I want to announce what type of punishment Randy Schmidt's will recieve. IMHO, this is the only way the league can keep any shred of credibility that it has left.

The text of the apology reads as follows:

"The Western Collegiate Hockey Association , after a further review of the situation, has acknowledged to St. Cloud State University that an error was made on interpretation of a goal that occurred in a game against the University of Denver on Dec. 7 at the National Hockey Center. "According to NCAA rules, a goal was improperly allowed after a video replay review and should not have counted.

"In acknowledging the error, however, rules do not permit any change in the outcome of a game."

C.C. Lands Colten St. Clair for 2010

Earlier this fall Brad Schlossman had a great story on how the ages of the recruits in college hockey keep getting younger and younger. Not to be out done, C.C. recently picked up a really good young hockey recruit. Did I mention the kid is only 15 years old (1992) and will come to Colorado College during the 2010 season.

I suppose there is a lot of pressure for these kids to commit to a college when they are young so they can concentrate on playing hockey, however, I think 15-16 years old is just too young to be committing to a school. Don't get me wrong, I have seen this kid play when he was in Grand Forks playing for the Junior Sioux two summers ago. From watching Colton play you can tell that he is definitely a top end talent for his age group, however, what happens if he doesn't get any better or get hurt? Is C.C. committed to him, do they have to honor the verbal. Should other teams honor the verbal?

COLTEN ST. CLAIR COMMITS TO COLORADO COLLEGE

PF Chang’s U18AAA forward Colten St. Clair gave a verbal commitment this past weekend to Head Coach Scott Owens to attend Colorado College and become a Tiger for the 2010 hockey season. While in Colorado Springs, Colorado for a tournament, St. Clair was extremely impressed with the Colorado College hockey program, the coaching staff and the academic environment.

Colten St.Clair said “Playing for the PF Chang’s U18 Midget Major Program has provided me with a great opportunity to compete and further my skill development at an elite level. It has been a dream of mine to play in the WCHA and ever since I was ten years old I wanted to be a Colorado College Tiger. Colorado College will provide me with an outstanding education while playing collegiate hockey at one of the finest programs in the country”.

The Director of the PF Chang’s Hockey Program and Head Coach Jim Johnson said that St. Clair has been the top rated 1992 forward from the State of Arizona and the Rocky Mountain District for the past year and is considered one of the top 1992 born players in the country. In addition this past summer at the USA Hockey 15 Select Festival in St. Cloud, Minnesota, St. Clair finished second in scoring amongst the top 1992 born prospects in the country. Coach Johnson said that after coaching many of elite players in North America over the past 10 years, he feels that Colten is an extremely gifted and skilled player that exemplifies the character, attitude and work ethic needed to be successful as a collegiate athlete.

Pens and Flyers last night.

This is one of the best fights that I have seen this year. Of course there is another act of thuggery perpetrated by a Philadelphia Flyer's hack. Watch Ben Eager hit Penguins tough guy George Laraque with a high dirty elbow, this leads to big George punching Eagers, while he is down on the ice, obvious penalty, however, when there is no penalty for Eager, Gary Roberts steps up takes things into his own hands and shows some leadership. This is a good fight and Roberts beats the living crap out of Ben Eagers. Wow...

Here is the first under card the of this game Ryan Whitney vs Jeff Carter and Colby Armstrong vs Scott Hartnel... Oh man what a good game. My only comments for the Whitney and Carter fight is that when your opponent hits the ground there shouldn't be any more punches throw, the fight is over.

Also former SCSU Huskie Ryan Malone gets into a pretty good scrap with Jason Smith

Oh yeah the Flyers won the game 8-2.

I called it.

I was right on in my prediction over on Siouxsports.com: on December 2nd 2007. I was pretty close to be spot on.

(The The Sicatoka said:) What do you bet it's Lil' Shep in GF next weekend. My Response was: You can bet on that one. Also, you can bank on Greg Sheppard being there. You can also count on this being one series where there will be four officials. Mark it down, you heard it here first. Also if the Sioux win big you can expect night number two to be a barrage of penalties for the Sioux.

Anyone want to bet? I know Redwing_77 isn't going to.

While I was wrong on my prediction about being a barrage of penalties. There were 4 officials one being Lil Sheppard and known Fighting Sioux hater Jon Campion.

This weeks picks

Friday

Colorado College @ St. Cloud State
Denver @ Alaska-Anchorage

Non-Conference:

Michigan Tech @ Northern Michigan
Minnesota State-Mankato @ Bemidji State


Saturday

Colorado College @ St. Cloud State
Denver @ Alaska-Anchorage

Non-Conference:

Northern Michigan @ Michigan Tech
Minnesota State-Mankato @ Bemidji State

Last weeks record 3-5
Record for the Year 45-33

Ramblings

There is no way C.C. is going to be caught by anyone, they are gone and have wrapped up the league title at mid-season. You might as well just send the Tigers the trophy now, good luck. I think the league office should call Minnesota, have them box up the trophy and send the McNaughton anchor to Colorado Springs this week, its yours you earned it.

Hey Schmidt get off your knees your blowing the game

I think SCSU fans should flood the league office with angry emails and calls protesting the goal that should have not been. There is no excuse for this type of stuff to ever happen. Even the Denver based FSNRM said that it shouldn't have been a goal.

Allowing that goal is a travesty and a social injustice, how in the hell in this day of video review can a league official blow this call this bad. There is no excuse for it. The NHL has a war room to make sure the right calls are made, so maybe the WCHA should as well.

Call me a Halo I don't give a flying ef, this was a bad call by a veteran official. I could see this maybe if the guy was a rookie official. I mean no offense to Denver fans you run a good program but this win was tainted. Imagine if this had happened to the Goofs, Schmidt would have been fired immediately and the game would have been replayed. However, since this was SCSU all they got was an apology, Huskie fans should send Sheppard a big f'you. The fans of this league needs to have justice and the head of an official on a platter.

Linkorama: SCSU gets Hosed by the Refs.

More popular and funny pictures at Popular-Pics.com
Western College Hockey: "That Shouldn't Be A Goal" Now we know how DU swept the Huskies. Chris had this posted over on his blog. If I was the SCSU coach I would have gone postal and snapped. This is the crap that I have been talking about for years. This should not be a goal this is a disgrace and Schmidt should be fired, not suspended from his job he should be fired. I also believe it will be a travesty if Randy Schmidt should ever be allowed to ref another game in this league.

Gabby goes airborne

Wow, that was crazy, Lucky for Gaborik he wasn't hurt. If you think that Woog and Frank are biased homers on FSN, these two clowns from FSN Michigan/Detroit are the worst in hockey, well they aren't has bad as the Ducks announcers, but I digress. Listen two these two clowns. Look how far Hasek is out of the net, he is half way to the blue line.

You have got to be Kidding me.

I found this blatant example of stupidity that was posted over on GPL Thanks to Fire_Helmet_Guy 26 for posting it over on Sioux Sports: It was posted by some Skippy named CMC.

I sent an email to UND right after the game on Friday regarding the Holy Cross comment by the PA announcer. Here is their response:
Mr. Cliff,
Thanks for your note.

For anyone who found that comment offensive, I apologize on behalf of our arena and athletic program. Certainly no intentional slight or disrespect was intended to the University of Minnesota's outstanding men's hockey program. I do believe that the interaction between the two schools and programs is conducted with the highest degree of professionalism.

PA announcements and scoreboard announcements are meant to entertain the crowd. If you attend regular college or professional sporting events, I am sure you understand there are a certain amount of scoreboard displays, music, and inflections by the public address announcement that are for this purpose and serve to help create a "home ice (field or court) advantage." That is what the intention was with that particular announcement. These type of announcements are intended as friendly ways to get the crowd involved--nothing more.

However, we do understand your opinion, and the opinions of some others who may feel that this particular PA announcement was in poor taste. Therefore, we are sorry for any offense taken at this announcement and any subsequent misunderstanding that has resulted. Again, our sincerest apologies to those who might not have understood the intent of this announcement or to those who feel it should not have been made.

We will make every effort to be careful about our public address announcements in the future to avoid such misunderstandings.

We have a great deal of respect for the University of Minnesota and all of our opponents.

Thank you for your thoughts, and I hope this response helps alleviate some of your concerns.

Best wishes,
Dan Benson
Media Relations Director
University of North Dakota Athletics

First off I would apologize for nothing and this moron is not entitled to anything other than the game he witnessed. People like this guy is the reason our once great country is in decline and going to hell in a hand basket. We are a nation full of cry babies that complain about everyone and anything. The USA has become this hypersensitive, sniveling, whinny bunch of wussies. This is the same person that lodges a complaint about everything and everything at work. Get real and cry me a fricken river junior, grow a sack and stop crying you sniveling baby. We have way to many bravo males in the world, I just don't have time for these morons. I suppose this cry baby thinks he has the right to not be offended. It's funny your team lost to a 16 seed and it will still be funny ten years from now. The 1989 game is still funny to me. Chink!

Lastly if I was Dan I wouldn't have even responded to his email or I would have written something like this:

Here is the letter Dan should written to this hypersensitive clown.

Dear Mr Cliff, thank you for your letter. Sorry you were offended by the announcement of Holy Cross being off this weekend. Since you are so thinned skinned I would recommend you stay home next time and watch the game on the Minneapolis Sports Channel where you are less likely to be offended and will get a less objective broadcast that suits your pro gopher needs. Please don't bother ever coming back up to the REA anymore, we don't need you nor do we want your money. We will gladly sell the ticket you would have bought to a more deserving, less sensitive and gracious hockey fan. You give the many great gopher fans a bad name.

Sincerely,

Dan Benson

The aftermath of the weekend.

Herald Picture
The way I figure the Fighting Sioux should be rested after this weekend series with the Minnesota Gophers. In fact; if my math is right, I figure that out of 120 minutes of hockey the Fighting Sioux gave what I consider a grade A effort for 26 1/2minutes. Enough of the first half slow starts, its time for some leaders to take the bull by the horn and win. Enough excuses.

~After re-watching the Saturday night game thanks to DVR, it is hard to tell if the second goal against UND should have counted. It would appear that the Gophers were offsides, but even after rewinding the tape numberous few times its really hard to see who the puck bounced off of, it was a bang, bang play. If you watch the play from my television it does appear that call was blown, of course Gopher fans are going to say differently.

~The refs made the right call in not giving Lammy a penalty on the so called kick, however, in listening to Mazzocco you would have thought the kick was as bad as the Erik Westrum kicking incident from a few years back. Not even close! While it was a bush league move on Phil's part, it didn't warrant any more than possibly a two minute minor.

~I was wondering why FSN doesn't just give Frank Mazzocco a set of pompoms. That guy is the biggest cheer leader and has not one bone of objectivity in his body. I think FSN would be better if they had less Frank and more Woog. Woog I find amusing but Frank is a pompous in your face jerk.

Crawford ordered attack on Moore

TORONTO (AP) — Todd Bertuzzi's on-ice attack on Steve Moore might have been ordered by former Vancouver Canucks coach Marc Crawford, according to a report aired on CBC's "The National" Wednesday night.

Bertuzzi grabbed Moore from behind during a 2004 game, punched him on the side of his head and then landed on top of Moore, driving his head into the ice. The bloodied Colorado player was removed on a stretcher.

Moore sustained a broken neck and a concussion. He filed a lawsuit against Bertuzzi, the Canucks and their parent company in Ontario in February 2006.

A statement of claim filed in court by Moore's lawyer and obtained by CBC alleges that Crawford pointed to Moore's name and number on a board in the Canucks' locker room during the second intermission of that game and said "... (Moore) must pay the price."

In an accompanying document, Moore's lawyer claims Crawford's statement was disclosed by Bertuzzi while under oath, and by Canucks general manager Dave Nonis.

I heard about this today on my way home from work on XM204. This is a serious alegation if true. I tend to believe it is true. I believe that Marc Crawford should be suspended from coaching in the National Hockey League for at least one calender year. This is a disgrace to the game and to the Canucks.

J.P. Lamoureux steals the show.

Last night Jean-Philippe Lamoureux was Mr. Clutch has he had 37 saves in the 4-2 victory over Minnesota. While in the past I have questioned Phil's muster, last night Lamoureux was the reason the Sioux won the game. The Sioux were totally out shot 1-15 before UND got a second shot on net. In the end the shots kind of evened out and the Sioux ended up only being out shot 30-39. This is one of the few times you will see a team play for 20 minutes and win/steal a game.

A few things

~First off to Gopher fans that thought the Holy Cross announcement lacked class, so what get over it. While it could have back fired on the Sioux and in turn fired up the Gophers it was funny. The Gophers lost to a 16 seed at our regional. The Sioux are going to hear about it forever.

~To the morons that threw a bunch of crap on the ice, grow the f up. Your selfishness could have cost the home team a penalty and a power play goal. The people that littered the ice should be kicked out of the arena for good. The REA is a nice arena and not a sewer. So grow up and stop crapping all over the ice like that.

The Boogey man breaking glass.

One of my friends sent me this awesome youtube clip in an email. Wow, I am not sure what else we could say about it... One could say that Derek Boogaard breaks glass the hard way.

IIHF Shrinks Its Rinks

I found this story On Frozen Blog

By The OFB Team
The International Ice Hockey Federation has decided to adopt North American dimensions for all of its tournaments from 2008-2012. On one level, this move is mere pragmatics: the 2008 World Junior and senior World Championships as well as the 2010 Olympics are being contested in Canada. These events require multiple sheets of ice to contest their respective tournaments, and Canada, as much as it loves all forms of hockey, wasn’t likely to fund construction of scores of international-sized sheets of ice (deconstructing existing rows of seats as well) for tourneys lasting a merely couple of weeks. Interestingly, though, the IIHF is applying this decision to all of its tournaments contested around the globe.

An obvious interpretation is that the international governing body wants more physical hockey: smaller sheets mean more body contact. But that doesn’t appear to be the decisive factor here. The IIHF apparently studied North American pro hockey with an eye toward its high profile tourneys here and found that 70 percent of the play (in the NHL at least) takes place in the two end zones. The IIHF apparently likes that.

The other obvious discussion point with this news is whether Canadian and American teams will enjoy an advantage. On the surface (pun intended), it would appear so. But the guess here is that so many European players — particularly the ones likely to be selected for national teams — have been competing for significant portions of their careers in North America, on the smaller sheets, negating any significant advantage.

This is really good news in my opinion. I hate those Olympic sheets of ice, I could never understand why some of the teams in the WCHA played on these God awful rinks. I think Olympic sheets of ice hinder physical play and think the bigger sheets of ice actually slow the game down making the game less exciting to watch. Take the DEC in Duluth for instance, it is a smaller ice and things happen a lot faster on a rink that size.

License to kill gophers

May it's Sioux vs Gophers week and the message board fodder this week has been really weak. Oh well, this is one of my all time funny links.

The Stats for Lucia.

Someone sent me this in a email today and brought this to my attention. Wow, at first I must admit that I didn't really pay attention to those graphs (I am qualitative guy), but after analyzing the numbers it would appear that the mighty have fallen substantially. Talk about a power outage; Goals per game around the 2005-2006 time frame was 4.12. Now fast forward to present day 2007 and that number has dropped to 2.5. Wow; that stat is eye popping, when your team known for offensive prowess is only scoring 2.5 goals per game there isn't much room for error. Then you look down in the Gopher net and see Frazee standing there, I can see how people would be concerned. Yikes!

Power play

Another bread and butter of the Gophers was their vaunted power play in 2006-2007 the Gophers were scoring at a 22.4% clip. In other words you wanted to stay out of the penalty box when your team was playing the Gophers. Fast forward to present day 2007 the Gophers are scoring at 11.6% clip on the power play. I guess that the refs are going to have to double the penalties against the Sioux this weekend.

Parise Goes Bruin Hunting.

I am sitting in my living room last night watching the Bruins and Devils game and when the Bruins went up 3-0, I decided to call Sioux_7 and B.J. to rub it in. I figured there was no way the Bruins would choke away a three goal lead in the Claude Julian defensive system. Boy was I wrong. It was Parise that took the Devils on his back and went to work. When it was all said and done Zach Parise was 2-2-4 and a +3 for the night. Seems Julian forgot to have his Bruins check Parise.

Bruins Starter Tim Thomas Hurt

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY -- Boston Bruins goaltender Tim Thomas left Wednesday's game against the New Jersey Devils with 1:10 remaining in the third period with an apparent ankle injury. Rookie Tuukka Rask replaced Thomas with the game tied at 3-3.

Bruins acquire G Auld from Coyotes

BOSTON-- In desperate need of help between the pipes, the Boston Bruins on Thursday acquired goaltender Alex Auld from the Phoenix Coyotes for right wing Nate DiCasmirro and a 2009 fifth-round draft pick.

In my opinion, the Boston Bruins got the short end of this deal. I can't believe the general manager for the Bruins would make this deal. The Bruins lose a 5 round draft choice for a proven second rate goalie. Nice! I have a hard time believing that Alex Auld is the best option out there.

Bochenski in the Bruins Dog House

It would appear that former UND Fighting Sioux forward Brandon Bochenski might be looking for a new home soon. After missing the last two games as a healthy scratch it appears that Bochenski's welcome in Boston is coming to and end. Bochenski has given Julian little reason to keep him in the line up; Bo has 0 goals and 4 assists in 15 games. For what ever reason Bochenski has become Claude Julian's whipping boy in Boston. Since Bochenski isn't scoring any goals or beating anyone up ala Milan Lucic, Bochenski is sitting.

Halos are us.

Amy's Picure
There has been a lot of discussion on whether the University of Minnesota get the better of the calls from the Refs in the WCHA. It is the personal opinion of this writer that they do. I know others that feel the same way. While some think it's blatant whining I think it is a legitimate discussion. Fans of other teams in the WCHA have brought this up as well. Gophers fans then turn around and call other fans in the league especially Sioux fans "Halos". I guarantee if the Gophers put up with the calls the Fighting Sioux take their fans would complain like ours.

Since I was interested in seeing how the calls have shook out this season, I decided to break down the numbers and take a look. As most of you know I think the officials in the WCHA suck plain and simple. I also wouldn't be surprised to see the UND vs Minnesota series have 4 game officials with a combination of Campion, Adam and Lil Sheppard on the ice for the calling of the games. We are due 2/3 one of these three clowns.

Minnesota vs C.C.11-9 in favor of Minnesota
Minnesota vs DU 9-11 in favor of Denver
Minnesota vs Mankato 10-6 in favor of Minnesota
Minnesota vs UAA 11-6 in favor of Minnesota
Minnesota vs MTU 9-6 in favor of Minnesota

UND vs MTU 10-12 in favor of MTU
UND vs C.C. 10-9 in favor of UND
UND vs Wisconsin 9-11 in favor of Wisconsin
UND vs UMD 6-9 in favor of Duluth
UND vs DU 9-12 in favor of Denver

Out of 5 series the Gophers have been on the short side of the ledger once. On the flip side of that equation, the Sioux in five series the Sioux have had the numbers break in their favor just once. Af far as this year goes I would have to say that UND hasn't had it too bad with the officals I think last season was worse. The only complaint I have is during the Denver series T.J. Oshie was viciously hacked right in front of the official only to have the offical over look it. The officals have to make that call.

Here is another example of how other fans feel about the officating in this league.
MeG the Tech hockey blogger was not happy of the calls that were made this past weekend in Saturdays game against the Gophers:

Saturday 1 December 2007: Why we lost - getting our early goal taken back by minimal goaltender interference kind of knocked the wind out of my team. Combine that with how UMN scored soon after that to take first official blood and a poorly called "checking from behind" penalty called on Malcolm Gwilliam after he hit some guy in the side. Even though Tech was able to kill all five minutes of the penalty, it was quite an exhausting task, plus we were down a man. And lastly.... why we lost: the Gophers wanted the two points more than anything and they were fully ready to earn them.. and that they did.

I could care less if some one calls MeG or I a halo. I say big deal, however, you have to admit from a objective stand point that Michigan Tech got screwed on the goal being waived off. To make an obseration that was a horse bleep call by Don Adam. If there was any interference on the Minnesota goalie it was minimal and hard to see. What made it a horse bleep call was the fact that Don Adam didn't even have the balls to waive it off himself, he had to call over his counter part and confer with him. Come on Don if it was such a blatant goalie interference you should have just made the call. Either it is goal or not a goal, make the call and lets move on, lets not spend 5 minutes reviewing the goal looking for some thing that didn't happen.

This week's picks

First off Win Twins has asked me to stop jinxing her Huskies. So I have decided to honor her request. So will predict a sweep of the Huskies by the DU Pioneers. I would have to admit that this would be a fun series to watch if I was not wrapped up in the UND - UMN series. I must let it be known that I do believe in Reverse Psychology, I am not opposed to the Huskies taking two versus the Pioneers but a split will do.

Friday

Wisconsin @ Minnesota State-Mankato
Alaska-Anchorage @ Minnesota-Duluth
Minnesota @ North Dakota
Denver @ St. Cloud State

Saturday

Wisconsin @ Minnesota State-Mankato
Alaska-Anchorage @ Minnesota-Duluth
Minnesota @ North Dakota
Denver @ St. Cloud State

Last Week's Picks 4-6
For the Year 42-28

The World Junior Roster is Sioux-less

Here is the Roster for the 2008 USA WJC Team

Goaltenders (2)
Joe Palmer (Ohio St.)
Jeremy Smith (Plymouth - OHL).

Defensemen (8)
Jonathon Blum (Vancouver - WHL)
Ian Cole (Notre Dame)
Cade Fairchild (Minnesota)
Jamie McBain (Wisconsin)
Kevin Montgomery (London - OHL)
Bobby Sanguinetti (Owen Sound - OHL)
Brian Strait (BU)
Chris Summers (Michigan).

Forwards (12)
Mike Carman (Minnesota);
Ryan Flynn (Minnesota)
Blake Geoffrion (Wisconsin)
Kyle Okposo (Minnesota)
Max Pacioretty (Michigan)
Rhett Rakhshani (Denver)
Tyler Ruegsegger (Denver)
Matt Rust (Michigan)
Jordan Schroeder (U.S. Under-18 Team)
Billy Sweatt (Colorado College)
James VanRiemsdyk (UNH)
Colin Wilson (BU).

*Head Coach*: John Hynes (U.S. Under-18 Team) Assistant Coaches: Keith
Allain (Yale) and Patrick Foley (Harvard).

First off It is nice to see that there are not Fighting Sioux on the roster, that is actually a first since 2002 there won't be a Fighting Sioux player on USA or Canada's World Junior team.

It is unforunate Sioux fans will not get to see Van Riemsdyk (sp) play when the Wild Cats invade the Ralph in December. One can wonder if he won't be in the NHL next season as well. Second with 4 gophers making the team USA roster it is a guarentee that we will hear the excuse about how the Gopher players that played in the WJC are tired. Heck expect this excuse the rest of the second half. Funny how you never hear the other teams in the league use that excuse after their players return from the World Junior Championship.

So who's the real Sieve?

I hear a lot of Gopher fans referring to Jean-Philippe Lamoureux as a sieve. As a matter of fact it seems as if the Fighting Sioux's starting goalie is well liked by opposing fans around the WCHA. One of my fellow bloggers referred to him as a drama queen. Yeah! Lets take look at the numbers and see if Jean-Philippe Lamoureux is really the great sieve others fans around the league are taking about.

Lamoureux has played in all 13 games this season. Lamoureux has a record of 7-5-1 and a 1.51 GAA with a save percentage of .940, these are hardly the numbers of a sieve. It would appear that those numbers are not the statistics of a sieve.
Jeff Long Island Frazee on the other hand has played in 11 games and has a record of 6-5-0 with a GAA of 2.72 and not so good save percentage of .896. They say you want to be above .900 to be successful in the WCHA.

Things that never get old

My all time favorite Gopher meltdown moment you just can't talk about sieves without bringing up Kellen Brigg's name. That being said I would never buy a Holy Cross Jersey.

My second all time favorite Gopher sieve out moments this one never gets old. I will take a trip to the frozen four over a Final Five victory any day.

Former Gopher Keith Ballard fights Colby Armstrong

Seems that the former Lake of the Woods Bear and former Golden Gopher Keith Ballard has a nose for trouble, or he seems to be around where the action is happening. Ballard has also gotten in a quite few high energy fights the last couple of seasons, in fact there is a whole bunch of them on You Tube. I have to admit that I like his style of play. While he can be an agitator he isn't afraid to drop the gloves and fight. While Ballard is not a very big player, he is tough.

I also found this Keith Ballard Montageon You Tube.

Flyers Hack Cote the Next one to sit.

I wonder if anyone else is getting bored with the Flyer's and their dirty antics? I am beginning to believe that these suspensions are not an accident and if there is another incident like these the Flyers will be writing a check to the league office. One could make the argument that the Broad street Bullies are back. I don't think it is a stretch to ask the question; are the Flyer's are a dirty team? Their actions on the ice seem to reflect that theme. The Flyers have had their fair share of suspensions this season (5). Every week it seems like the NHL is reviewing a new incident committed by a Flyer's player.

TORONTO- Philadelphia Flyers hack/forward Riley Cote has been suspended for three games, without pay, as a result of being assessed a match penalty for attempt to injure during NHL game #376 against the Dallas Stars Dec. 1, the National Hockey League announced today.

Cote was assessed a match penalty for elbowing Dallas defenseman and former UMD Bull Dog Matt Niskanen at 17:46 of the third period.

Under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, and based on his average annual salary, Cote will forfeit $8,021.40. The money goes to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.

Cote will miss Philadelphia's next three games -- Dec. 5 at Minnesota, Dec. 7 at Colorado and Dec. 11 vs. Pittsburgh. He will be eligible to return Dec. 13 vs. Montreal.

Flyer's Wall of Shame

First it started out with super hack Steve Downey's dirty hit on Dean McAmmond.

Lets not forget Jesse Boulerice's vicious crosscheck on Canucks player Ryan Kesler.

Randy Jones hit on Patrice Bergeron, Patrice is yet to return back to the Bruins line up.

Scott Hartnell's dirty hit on Boston Bruins Defenseman Andrew Alberts

3 Second in...

I really like this guy Wild forward Aaron Voros. Voros isn't afraid to drop the mitts and fight, but he also scored the winning goal. It took three seconds for Jeff Cowan vs Aaron Voros to drop the mitts and fight it out. If Voros keeps playing like this why would the Wild need to keep Derek Boogaard or Todd Fedoruk.

Sioux vs Gophers Week.

This is the series that Sioux fans usually mark off on their calender, the weekend series against the Minnesota Golden Gophers. You know, the one where Gopher fans try to tell us that Sioux aren't one of the Gophers rivals. Yeah, um, ok, whatever.

Right back at you

Of course Gopher fans not to be out done by Sioux fans will allude to this game, you know the one that preceded the Sioux win in Denver at the Final Five. Of course I say whatever floats your boat, you can have that win. I will take third place nationally over the Broadmoor Trophy any day.

Lets just say that it is time to get it on: During this series records seem to mean little if anything, but there is a lot of material fro the series like the 180 foot Robbie Bina Goal Time for the Sioux to take back the Ralph and start racking up some home wins. The Sioux need to sweep this weekend.

Record versus the Gophers last 3 seasons:

~2006-2007 3-1 (Including 1-1 in the Playoffs)
~2005-2006 1-3 (Swept at home by the Gophers)
~2004-2005 3-1 (Including 2-0 in Playoffs)
~The most important stat is 7 > 5

A few things from last night.

Just a few thing that I noticed from last nights game. It seems that Sioux fans have been through this routine before. It is almost like a bad dream or the movie Ground Hog Day. This is Dave Hakstol's fourth season as coach of the Fighting Sioux and for what ever reason the boys just don't go out do what it takes to win early in the season. We get it that championships are won in March and April but it is easier to win them if you win more than you lose in November and December. Last night the goal tending was awesome and the forwards didn't show up.

`First off shoot the puck. The goal doesn't have to be pretty to count. Get the puck on net and then drive to the net. if someone is in your way drive through them.

`Defensemen are supposed play defense and help in the defensive zone, see goalie. Odd man rushes can cause goalie to give up goals. The Fighting Sioux defensemen need to thank their goaile for saving their ass last night. This could have been a 5-0 game.

`What the hell is a obstruction penalty. I hate to keep harping on the officiating but the league needs to start evaluating some of the clown they have calling the games. Mason company was god awful last night.

`Denver's offensive skill is amazing. They will be lucky if they can keep them all in the off season.


Fighting Sioux 23 posted this stat on USCHO

Under Hakstol, North Dakota's record...
First Half*: 38-29-5 (24-26-2 WCHA) .5625 Win %
Second Half**: 46-21-7 (22-14-6 WCHA) .6689 Win %

* - Games played BEFORE Christmas Day
** - Games played AFTER Christmas Day

Finally...a judge that makes sense

I got this joke from a friend of mine.

Unprecedented, finally

Minneapolis, MN(AP) - A seven-year-old Bloomington, Minnesota boy was at the center of a Hennipen County courtroom drama yesterday when he challenged a court ruling over who should have custody of him. The boy has a history of being beaten by his parents and the judge initially awarded custody to his aunt, in keeping with child custody law and regulations requiring that family unity be maintained to the degree possible. The boy surprised the court when he proclaimed that his aunt beat him more than his parents and he adamantly refused to live with her. When the judge then suggested that he live with his grandparents, the boy cried out they also beat him. After considering the remainder of the immediate family and learning that domestic violence was apparently a way of life among them, the judge took the unprecedented step of allowing the boy to propose who should have custody of him. After two recesses to check legal references and confer with child welfare re officials, the judge granted temporary custody to the Minnesota Golden Gopher Mens Hockey Team, whom the boy firmly believes are not capable of beating anyone.

Interesting Perspective:

Here is an interesting perspctive that I found on Collegehockey News.

WCHA Evening Out After Years of Player Exodus
by Brad Salmen/CHN Reporter

The 2005 collective bargaining agreement between the NHL and the players' union that ended the 2004 lockout might have an unintended consequence — leveling the playing field in the WCHA.

For a period of 10 years or so, beginning in the mid-1990s, the WCHA seemed to be split into three tiers — call them the "haves", the "have-somes," and the "have-nots." Minnesota, Wisconsin, and North Dakota, which indisputably have the biggest and most lavish facilities, were invariably in the top five of the league, while Colorado College, Denver and St. Cloud St. battled for the last two home-ice first-round WCHA playoff spots. Lesser-funded Minnesota St., Alaska-Anchorage, Michigan Tech and Minnesota-Duluth, meanwhile, occasionally crept into that top tier, but a simple season-by-season analysis shows that more often than not, they finished in the bottom half of the league.

Then came the 2004 NHL lockout, and the new collective bargaining agreement between the league and the players' union.

The agreement, which established a salary cap and capped the rookie maximum salary, also contained an important provision linking players' salaries to overall league revenues. As a result, the focus for both sides became increasing those revenues, which in turn put more pressure than ever on franchises to field competitive teams.

The result of this pressure trickled down to the American Hockey League (AHL), the premier minor league for the NHL. Instead of suiting some older, former NHL players as they had in the past, most of the AHL teams began courting more younger players to groom for the NHL.

There was another effect: Instead of the reduced rookie maximum making it less enticing for players to leave, it actually made it less risky for NHL teams to pursue them, so they went after college players more aggressively, and college players have not shown any reluctance to go.

Therein lies the rub, especially for the WCHA. While all six NCAA Division I hockey leagues saw an increase in underclassmen leaving before their senior year, a record 12 WCHA underclassmen signed pro contracts after last season, more than the rest of Division I combined.

It's no coincidence that the majority of those players — nine of the 12 — were from the aforementioned "haves" and "have somes." And the result of that mass exodus has led to a 2007-08 season that just might be the most competitive WCHA season in years.

"It used to be, there were two divisions, or three tiers (in the WCHA)," said St. Cloud St. coach Bob Motzko. "But in the last few years, it keeps melting more and more. There are no 'surprises' in the league anymore."

Consider: Colorado College (8-2-0 in the WCHA) was not one of the teams to lose an underclassman to early signing, and has raced to the top of the division after being picked seventh in the preseason Grand Forks Herald WCHA Coaches' poll. Ditto Michigan Tech (currently fourth place in the WCHA) and Alaska-Anchorage, who in a rare occurrence split at Minnesota two weekends ago. But Wisconsin, North Dakota and Minnesota, those three top-tier teams, all lost two players pre-graduation, and this season all three have struggled.

It's not pandemic; as always in hockey, there are X-factors. Denver, back-to-back NCAA champions in 2004-05, has not missed a beat without Geoff Paukovich and Ryan Dingle, and currently reside in second place. And Minnesota-Duluth lost two underclassmen as well (Mason Raymond and Matt Niskanen), but behind the surprising goaltending of Alex Stalock is in third.

Nevertheless, the increased loss of underclassmen prompted WCHA commissioner Bruce McLeod and three other NCAA Division I League commissioners to write a letter to NHL commissioner Gary Bettman regarding the matter earlier this year.

Their concern, said McLeod, was not the impact on the league standings; on the contrary, he said, having more parity only helps the league overall. Instead, he said, the concern stems from having more players leave without graduating, which is not only bad for the athletes who may or may not have a career in the NHL, but also might affect graduation rates, a factor in NCAA scholarship administration.

"Since the bargaining agreement, (the WCHA) has had an influx of high-end players, which is great for the league — we enjoy having them when they do come here," said McLeod. However, he said, "it's a good news-bad new situation. Teams that recruit these top-end players find themselves struggling to fill their positions when they leave early, and teams that don't are able to get leadership from their senior players."

Ultimately, he said, the league's interests lie with the players. While McLeod said the dialogue with Bettman did not result in any concrete solutions, just starting that conversation is a good step forward.

"The goal is to graduate as many players as we can," said McLeod. "We have to be careful. I'm not sure we want to institute rules like they have in football (where a player cannot leave until after his junior year). But a number of coaches have expressed their concerns, and we're sympathetic to that."

The Departed

Twelve WCHA players signed NHL contracts last spring and summer rather than return for their final seasons of college hockey. Here's the list:

Denver: F-Geoff Paukovich (Edmonton Oilers), F-Ryan Dingle* (Anaheim Ducks).

Minnesota: D-Alex Goligoski (Pittsburgh Penguins), D-Erik Johnson (St. Louis Blues).

Minnesota Duluth: D-Matt Niskanen (Dallas Stars), F-Mason Raymond (Vancouver Canucks).

Minnesota State: D-Steve Wagner* (St. Louis Blues).

North Dakota: F-Jonathan Toews (Chicago Blackhawks), D-Brian Lee (Ottawa Senators).

St. Cloud State: F-Andrew Gordon (Washington Capitals).

Wisconsin: D-Joe Piskula* (Los Angeles Kings), F-Jack Skille (Chicago Blackhawks).

I am not so sure I would call DU, C.C. and SCSU the have some because all three team play in relatively nice new top of the line hockey arenas and all three teams pick up just as many of the high profile recruits as the so called top tier teams. If anything I would call them the Have more light. Look at the players that Denver University has right now, Denver's sophomore class is as good if not better than any one class in the country. Same with SCSU the Huskies always have players that rank up near if not the top of the league in points. I do agree with the have-nots part of this article.

Here is something you wont' see this weekend againt DU.

Here is something you won't see against DU, or at least I don't see it happening. Both combatants are now gone from their respective teams and I believe that we have finally moved on. Time for Sioux fans to focus on the rivalry; Paukovich is no longer there to kick around. While in the past this series always had the makings of being a blood bath the last couple of years, I don't think this will happen anymore. Both teams are skilled and can get up and down the ice. I am predicting that both teams will probably concentrate on the game. There is no longer any need for retribution, there is also no longer any need to even scores. Time to play some WCHA hockey.

Series against Denver: UND leads the all-time series with Denver 125-108-7. The Sioux have earned splits against the Pioneers in their last two series in the mile high city, winning 6-2 and losing 7-3 on Feb. 24-25, 2006, and losing 4-3 in overtime and winning 3-0 on Feb. 23-24, 2007. In its last 14 games against the Pioneers in Denver, UND is 10-3-1. Overall, UND and Denver are 3-3-0 in their last six meetings.

~Last Year in Denver T.J. Oshie and Ryan Duncan both had great weekends recording 5 points each for the weekend against DU. No small feat since DU is a defensive juggernaut. Look for the Pioneers to check these two guys pretty hard. Oshie is probably going to think there is Denver Pioneer in his jersey by the end of the weekend.

~To the people that said that Oshie and Duncan are having horrible seasons. How? Both players have average a point a game against top competition. They aren't feasting on second tier bottom dwelling teams.

~Offensive defenseman, Robbie Bina 11 points and Taylor Chorney 9 both have made a huge impact in the offensive zone this season.

Danny Heatley Makes the Hockey Dirt Hall of Shame

I was kind of shocked by this selection. Former Badger Danny Heatly makes the Hockey Dirt Hall of Shame. This is the response that I posted on this subject at the Hockey Dirt web page:

I am not so sure I would put Danny Heatly on the list.

Sure he was the driver in an accident that killed team mate Dan Snyder, the Snyder family forgave Heatly and to include him in the same list as a bunch of criminals is a disservice.

*I am not for putting Former WCHA hockey player Danny Heatley on this list that includes criminals and thugs. If people disagree with this they should go to this web-page and sound off at the Hockey Dirt site.

Building the NHL Hall of Shame

While the NHL badly trails the NFL, NBA and MLB when it comes to producing and harboring disreputable characters, the passing of Blackhawks owner Bill Wirtz is a reminder that the NHL has had and its share of crooks. Anyone unfamiliar with the Wirtz story might want to get their hands on Mark Weinberg's biography: Career Misconduct.

Wirtz, like fellow felon Harold Ballard, is among the (dis-)Honoured Members of the Hockey Hall of Fame. Another of hockey's most disreputable figures, Alan Eagleson, has thankfully been expelled from the Hall.

Hockeydirt proposes that Wirtz, Ballard and Eagleson be nominated as the founding members of the NHL Hall of Shame.

Who else "deserves" to be recognized as hockey's most infamous characters? We're looking for idea. Here are a few possibilities:

Todd Bertuzzi

Dino Ciccarelli

Mike Danton

Dany Heatley

Wayne Maki

Marty McSorley

Dan Quinn

Who else deserves consideration?

I can see Danton, Bertuzzi, McSorley all three are thugs, but some of the other ones, well its up for discussion...

Wayne Maki, In a preseason game on September 21, 1969, Maki and Boston Bruins defensemen "Terrible" Ted Green engaged in a bloody, violent stick-swinging fight; Green was hit in the head and suffered a fractured skull and a brain injury. Maki was eventually sent down to the Buffalo Bisons of the AHL. Later commentators have rated Maki's attack as one of the most vicious attacks in league history.

Mike Danton, In spring 2004, two days after the Blues were eliminated from the Stanley Cup playoffs, Danton was arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit murder. On July 16, 2004, he pled guilty to attempting to hire a hitman, who was actually a police dispatcher, to murder David Frost, his agent. To this day, however, Frost denies that he was the target.

Dino Ciccarelli's, career featured several controversial moments, both on and off the ice. In 1987 he pleaded guilty to indecent exposure and received probation. Then on January 6, 1988, in a game played at Maple Leaf Gardens, Ciccarelli attacked Maple Leafs defenceman Luke Richardson with his stick. As a result of this incident, Ciccarelli was convicted of assault, fined $1000, and sentenced to one day in jail.

After retiring, Ciccarelli allegedly had several physical altercations with members of the media. Some have criticized the Hockey Hall of Fame for focusing on issues other than hockey for his exclusion, but others point out that the induction committee has maintained such integrity in order to avoid tarnishing such an honour.

Dan Quinn, was traded to the Vancouver Canucks in 1990, and that started a period where Quinn played for 7 teams in 5 years. In the middle of it, in 1992, Quinn was alleged to have raped a woman at a party. He was released by the Minnesota North Stars, the team he was playing for at the time. The police did not decide to press charges, and Quinn was back in the NHL the next season.

Aaron Voros pounds Jiri Novotny

This is a sweet bone crushing hit and I am not sure why the Blue Jackets playes were getting upset about it, because it is not a dirty hit. I could see this reaction if the hit was dirty. This just proves why you need to keep your head up and on a swivel at all times when your on the ice. Novotny gets planted as Voros keeps his elbows down. From the video it is very apparent that Voros doesn't take more than three steps, he just came from the penalty box so it is definately not charging. If anything Novotny is guilty of skating with his head down; a Cardinal sin. As a player you have to be aware of where you are at all times on the ice.

This weeks picks

Friday

North Dakota @ DU - UND
St. Cloud State @ Wisconsin - SCSU
Michigan Tech @ Minnesota - MTU
Colorado College @ Alaska-Anchorage -CC
Minnesota-Duluth @ Minnesota State-Mankato -TIE

Saturday

North Dakota @ Denver - DU
St. Cloud State @ Wisconsin - SCSU
Michigan Tech @ Minnesota - TIE
Colorado College @ Alaska-Anchorage - C.C.
Minnesota-Duluth @ Minnesota State-Mankato - Duluth

Last week 5-5
Year 38-22

Scott Hartnell hits Andrew Alberts from behind

The Philadelphia Flyer's are at the heart of another questionable hit. This time another Bruin is on the recieving end a cheap hit.

-----UPDATE-----

TORONTO -- Philadelphia Flyers forward Scott Hartnell has been suspended for two games, without pay, as a result of being assessed a game misconduct during NHL game #342 against the Boston Bruins on Nov. 26, the National Hockey League announced today.

"It appears that Mr. Hartnell was attempting to let up on delivering a check to an opponent that was in a vulnerable position," said NHL Senior Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations Colin Campbell. "However, at the point of contact, he did deliver a blow to the head of Mr. Alberts that resulted in an injury."

Under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, and based on his average annual salary, Hartnell will forfeit $44,919.78. The money goes to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.

Hartnell was assessed a major penalty for boarding and a game misconduct for a hit on Boston defenseman Andrew Alberts at 14:22 of the second period.

Hartnell will miss Wednesday's game at Carolina and Dec. 1 against Dallas. He will be eligible to return Dec. 5 at Minnesota.

2 games, you have got to be kidding me. All this thug gets is two games for a dirty questionable hit on a player in a vulnerable position. I think the reason that Hartnell only gets 2 games for this cheap hit is the fact that he isn't a so called goon or tough guy with a shady reputation. The fact that the Bruins were playing the Flyer's for the first time after Randy Jones' questionable hit hit on Patrice Bergeron October 27th now witness this silly act. The league needs to take a pound of flesh from the Philadelphia Flyer's management, now a team that has had a player suspended: 25, 20, 6 and 2 game respectively. The Flyer's organization needs to be held accountable for the acts of its players.

Former Badger Adam Burish vs Byron Ritchie

This is a great fight that I first saw this morning over on the NHL network. I didn't realize that Burish was that great of a fighter, but he can hold his own...

What?

I am not sure what prompted this post: but here is Donna's post after Friday's game on Running with the Dogs I guess she is saying that Sioux fans are a bunch of halo's who complain about the refs. That's ok, I am fine with that. I actually thought it was funny. Also, Goon's world is a huge fan of Donna's work and would never let an article stand in the way.

UMD 3, Ref Complainers 8

What kind of a fanbase whines about officiating when their team wins by 5 goals? UND Blogger Goon should be ashamed of himself. Evidently, Sioux fans are only satisfied when zero penalties are called on the Sioux and their opponent is down 2 men for the entire game. Plus, since the UND PP was pretty much crap last night, I would think they wouldn't want to showcase that too much. Not that they'd ever give our PK any credit.

Yeah, I know, I sound like a sore loser right now. It's not that. I just hate playing this series. I resent the implication by many of the UND fans that we don't even deserve to play their team, that we should just roll over and die because our team is worthless and the only team worth their time is UMTC, with whom they are obsessed. I really wish that tDogs could have shown that we were better than that, and for moments during the game, they did. I felt like I developed acute bipolar disorder during the course of the game.

I went to the game on Friday and this is what I had to say on Sioux sports about the Refs:

I am thinking tomorrow night we are going to see a tight checking trap feast/game. Anything can happen with that buffoon reffing the games. The 3-0 lead then came the reffing by the score board calls

First off I don't nor do I claim to speak for Sioux fans. I speak for the Goon and the Goon only. First off, I am never going to give props to the officials because I believe the officials in this league suck, period, I will not sugar coat my feelings towards the refs, nor will I ever hide my disdain for them.

On the post. OK I admit; that is my work and I spelled Buffoon wrong originally in my post on Sioux sports, however, I don't think what I posted was that far off the mark, in my perspective it was true. There is no doubt that UND came out pretty strong and took the game to UMD. The Sioux got a 2 quick goals and it looked as if the Sioux were going to be off to the races. It would be an accurate assessment to say that they were clicking on all eight cylinders. Realistically speaking I also know that the last Sioux goal was a fluke. Call it what you want it was a weak goal or a bag goal. The funny part is that it was scored by a player that was sitting on the bench by the time it puck crossed the goal line. So what? It is better to be lucky than good.

That being said, it also doesn't take a rocket scientist to say that the calls made after that third goal by referee Todd Anderson were based on the scoreboard. I dare anyone to tell me differently. In fact I turned to my buddy that I was sitting next and said just that. I will stand by my comments that Todd Anderson is a clown or buffoon and that he is one of the worst refs in Division one hockey, almost as bad as Don "I make shit up as I go" Adam.

Lastly, I don't think Sioux fans believe that no-one is worthy of playing the Sioux except the Golden Chokers. First off; I believe that most of the Sioux fans that I know appreciate most if not all of the WCHA teams and love watching whoever they are playing. This is the WCHA not the EZAC. Teams must bring it every night and there are no nights off...

This isn't much of a Fight: Shelley and the Boogey man

It is shame this is considered a fight. It's also a shame that the refs stepped in that quickly.

Here is a nice fight compulation.

In the WCHA there are no nights off.

1 Miami 12
2 Colorado College 1
3 Michigan 21
4 Denver 5
5 New Hampshire 6
6 North Dakota 3
7 Notre Dame 10
8 Minnesota-Duluth 2
9 Michigan State 17
10 Minnesota 7
11 St. Cloud State 18
12 Wisconsin 4
13 Northeastern 11
14 Michigan Tech 8
15 Niagara 37
16 Harvard 35
17 Bowling Green 20
18 Robert Morris 29
19 Clarkson 34
20 Boston College 13
21 Merrimack 25
22 Massachusetts 31
23 Alaska-Anchorage 27
24 Northern Michigan 9
25 Vermont 15

Just to illustrate just how tough the WCHA conference is right now, the WCHA has spots 1-5 locked up in strenght of schedule. Not surprising; UNH is ranked 6th, then Minnesota is 7th and Michigan Tech is ranked 8th. That is a statement on how teams have to come ready to play in night in, night out.

On the flip side of that CCHA conference teams strenght of schedule is not as hard as the WCHA; Miami of Ohio's scheudle is ranked 12th, Michigan state's schedule is ranked 17th and the University of Michigan is 21st.

Clarkson Unviersity's schedule is ranked a cup cake like 34th.

A few things

First off; why are the Minnesota State University Mavericks always the recipient of a high light goal from the leagues opposing teams? This is the goal that everyone is talking about from this past weekend.

It's too bad that college hockey games are not more available in your cable packages like NHL Center ice is, I really believe that there needs to be a nationwide NCAA Hockey Center ice. Last season there were a few of Denver University and Univesity of Wisconsin games on FCS but I have yet to see one because of all the College football games that are on fox sports net on Saturday nights.


Kessel=Money

Former Gopher and current Boston Bruins forward Phil Kessel has scored 7 goals all were scored during Bruins wins.

Zdeno Chara works over Guillaume Latendresse

Ouch, I am not so sure that Latendresse should have challenged Chara, in retrospect it seemed stupid. I would love to see Chara fight more but I would rather not see him hitting players up high like that as well.

Goon's picks for the week

Friday

DU at C.C.
UMD at UND
SCSU at Clarkson
Minnesota at Michigan State
Wisconsin at Michigan

Saturday

C.C. at DU
UMD at UND
SCSU at Clarkson
Wisconsin at Michigan State
Minnesota at Michigan

I hope I have not given SCSU any bad mojo for this weekend. I want SCSU to go out to Clarkson and spank the Knights and show the college hockey pollsters that the WCHA is for real and stacked top to bottom. I think that Clarkson's ranking is a little high.

Picks last week: 5-3
Year 33-17

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...