Statement on the T.J. Oshie signing.

Here is a statement from Tim Oshie (T.J.'s father) on T.J. Oshie's signing with the St Louis Blues of the NHL. For Sioux fans this is both a sad day but yet a happy day as well. One of my favorie Sioux players is going to be playing in the NHL very soon. Good luck in the NHL T.J. Oshie.





Dear Friends & Family:

May 13th, 2008, marked a great day for T.J. Oshie, the Oshie Family, Seattle Junior Hockey Association, Warroad HS Warriors Hockey and the University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux.

T.J. signed his first professional contract with the St. Louis Blues organization. T.J., along with his agent Matt Oates and Blues President John Davidson, were part of the signing group assembled at the ScottTrade Center in St. Louis, MI.

A very special thanks goes out to Tina Oshie, Taylor Oshie and Tawni Oshie for all the years of running to the arena's throughout North America. The support and time you've given to T.J. as a mother, brother and sister is unparalleled. Hockey seems to bring our family closer together even when the 1,800 miles separates us. And to Aleah Oshie-Hangsleben, for always supporting her big brother at the Ralph Engelstad Arena.

Also, to the entire Oshie Family from Everett, WA; Stanwood, WA; Warroad, MN; Bemidji, MN, Minneapolis, MN, and abroad, thank you for your support over the years.

The Oshie Family would like to personally thank these incredible individuals who made this possible through their guidance, mentorship and leadership to T.J. Oshie:

Mike Murphy, SJHA; Rick Ellison, SJHA; Gord Whitaker, SJHA; The Beadle Family, SJHA; Cary Eades, Warroad HS / UND Fighting Sioux; Dennis Fermoyle, Warroad HS; Albert Hasbargen, Warroad HS; Craig Oftedahl, Warroad HS; Warren Keller, Warroad HS; Ramona Janzen, Warroad HS; Bill Kirkeby, Warroad HS; Scott Knutson, Warroad HS; Henry Boucha, Warroad; Dave Hakstol, UND Fighting Sioux; Dean Blais, UND Fighting Sioux; Brad Berry, UND Fighting Sioux; Dane Jackson, UND Fighting Sioux; Dino Grillo, MN Hockey Camps / O2K Worldwide Sports Mgmt; Chuck Grillo, MN Hockey Camps; Eustice King, O2K Worldwide Sports Mgmt.; Steve Reich, O2K Worldwide Sports Mgmt.; NW Admirals (SJHA) teammates and coaches; Warroad HS Warriors teammates and coaches; UND Fighting Sioux teammates.

I realize there are scores of other incredible individuals who've led the way for T.J. in his journey. To those people, a sincere thank you.

I've included a collection of URL links to simply click and enjoy. Thanks for helping make a dream come true!

T.J. Oshie Signs With St. Louis Blues (Fightingsioux.com / Dan Benson):

Blues Reach Deals With Oshie, Eller (St. Louis Blues Web Site):

Blues Agree To Terms With Oshie (Andy Strickland of Hockey Buzz / ESPN Radio):

Oshie Signs With St. Louis (GF Herald / Brad Schlossman):
Oshie, St. Louis Closing In On Deal (GF Herald / Brad Schlossman):
Oshie Press Conference May 14, 2008, @ 10:30 AM (CDT):

Oshie Dons A Blue Note (St. Louis Dispatch / Jeremy Rutherford):


Oshie Signs With Blues (College Hockey News Reports):

Kindest Regards,


Timothy Oshie
c/o Oshie Sports & Entertainment

Forney headed to USHL

Here has been an on going discussion on where all of these recruits are going to go and this kind of clears things up a bit as it has been announced that Michael Forney is head to the Green Bay Gamblers of the USHL. Coming out of Thief River Falls Minnesota High school Forney was a recruit that had a heck of a up side but that hasn't translated at all to the college game. Forney spent most of his freshman year hurt and didn't play that much this past season.

Forney headed to USHL
Brad Elliott Schlossman Grand Forks Herald

UND sophomore forward Michael Forney is headed to the United States Hockey League this fall with his future destination unknown.

Forney said he will play one year with the Green Bay Gamblers before returning to college. That college could be UND, but it's not a certainty.

I left on pretty good terms with coach (Dave) Hakstol and there's an option to come back," Forney said today. "I really enjoyed my time at UND but I was only playing a couple of games a year and I feel like I need to get a lot of games in."

Hakstol said the door is open for Forney's return.

"We talk about making decisions in terms of development, and I think developmentally, it's a good move," Hakstol said of Forney going to the USHL. "It will give Michael a chance to play a lot of games and a lot of minutes."

Forney came to UND from Thief River Falls, where he was a highly recruited player. The Atlanta Thrashers selected Forney in the third round of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft.

But Forney has struggled with injuries throughout his time at UND. He suffered a separated shoulder and an ankle fracture the summer before enrolling at the college. Doctors put screws in his ankle to repair it.

Shortly into his UND career, he suffered another separation and had to have shoulder surgery last summer.

Forney was bothered by the screws in his ankle during his sophomore year and had an operation to fix them a couple of weeks ago.

In his two seasons with the program, Forney has played 19 games (16 as a freshman, three as a sophomore), recording two assists.

"It really has been frustrating," Forney said. "But what doesn't kill you just makes you stronger. You have to be mentally tough."

Forney said he will spend the summer working out in Thief River Falls before reporting to Green Bay.

It would not be the first time a player left UND to go to the USHL before returning. Quinn Fylling played one season with the Sioux, then went to Sioux Falls for the 2001-02 season before finishing out his college career with UND.

Finnland cheats to beat USA in World Championship

It would appear that the WCHA loaned the IIHF their officials for the World Championship. There is just no excuse for this type of incompetence. A three year old could see that this should not have been a goal. So in essence the Finns and the American played to a 2-2 tie on May 11th 2008.

Phil Kessel has this to say on the goal: We saw it. It didn’t even go in the net,” American forward Phil Kessel said. “It hit the outside of the net and went through the net. I have no idea what they were looking at but I guess that is how it goes.”

NOTE: The IIHF formally acknowledged after the game that Koistinen's shot had, indeed, entered the side of the net and should not have counted, and the video-goal judge will not be working for the rest of the tournament.

David Backus beats the snot out of Anssi Salmela.

This is the end of the game Finland Vs. USA in IIHF World Hockey championships 2008. Looks like an NHL regular season game between Philly and Pittsburgh.

While there usually isn't fights in international hockey this is fight is a result of the Jussi Jokinen getting hammer into the boards by USA's Dustin Brown after the game had ended. I guess you could call it an old fashion American ass whopping. Notice the Finnish player Salmela doesn't want to drop his stick. Here is a description of the Backus and Salmela fight in English. Backus was suspended a game for fighting.

Here is a description of the end of the game melee/brawl.

At the end of the game there was a melee with players getting into physical confrontations, including a fight between David Backes and Anssi Salmela, who was bloodied. Both received match penalties.

"It's a hockey game you can't expect not to get hit out there," said Gilbert.

Matt Greene and Antti-Jussi Niemi both received leaving the bench penalties and game misconducts. Teemu Selanne was assessed roughing minors; Dustin Brown was assessed a checking to the head and neck minor and a misconduct.

For Jokinen, Backes, and Salmela, their match penalties draw an automatic one-game suspension. All three will miss their team's next game, and their actions are subject to automatic review which will take place on Tuesday, the day before the quarter-finals.

Jokinen and Salmela will be lost for Finland's next game against Canada to decide the winner of Group F. Backes will be lost for Team USA's game against Norway.

It's official Oshie signs on the dotted line.

I don't' think any of use were shocked with this announcement. I think I would have been more shocked if he was coming back for a fourth season.

It is finally official Fighting Sioux star T.J. Osie is now a professional hockey player with St Louis Blues. I guess that will mean that I have to get the hockey package next season again. That now makes 9 players from the WCHA that have left early for the professional ranks.

ST. LOUIS – St. Louis Blues President John Davidson announced today that the team has signed 2005 first round draft pick, T.J. Oshie.

“I am happy that the Blues have been patient with me over the past couple of years,” said Oshie. “I am now ready and proud to wear the Blue Note next season. I would like to thank my family, who have supported me all these years. I would also like to give a special thanks to all the programs, coaches, and all of my teammates who have made an impact on my life and hockey career.”

Oshie, 21, was the Blues first selection, 24th overall, in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft. A native of Everett, Washington, Oshie has spent the last three seasons at the University of North Dakota, leading the Fighting Sioux to three consecutive NCAA Frozen Four appearances.

The 6-0, 192-pound center was a first team All-WCHA selection and Top 10 Hobey Baker Award finalist this past season, finishing with a team leading 45 points (18 goals, 27 assists) in 42 games played.

Oshie finished his three-year career at North Dakota, registering 142 points (59 goals, 83 assists) in 129 career games. His 142 career points ranks him 30th all-time in North Dakota history.

Early departures in the WCHA

North Dakota (1)
F T.J. Osie

Minnesota (2)
G Jeff Frazee, junior
F Blake Wheeler, junior

Wisconsin (1)
F Kyle Turris, freshman

MSU-Mankato (1)
F Jon Kalinski, junior

Michigan Tech (1)
G Michael-Lee Teslak, junior

Minnesota-Duluth (1)
D Jason Garrison, junior

St. Cloud State (1)
F Andreas Nodl, sophomore

Denver (1)
D Chris Butler, junior

Andy Strickland: Oshie signing with the Blues.

These are probably some of the moves we are going see from T.J. Oshie in the NHL. Honesty; I can't say that I am surprised that Oshie is going to sign with the Blues and it's probably time for Oshie to move on to the NHL. I will never fault these kids for wanting to play hockey for a living. Think about this: if you were told that you could make 800,000.00+ a year playing a sport or game you would take it in a minutes no regrets. I can only say that I am excited for T.J. and he will represent the University of North Dakota in a possitive light.

Personally T.J. Oshie was one of my all-time Fighting Sioux favorites. T.J. Oshie is the complete player that can hit and score while being hooked, held and slashed up and down the ice.

The Blues have finalized entry level deals with 2007 first round pick Lars Eller and 2005 first rounder TJ Oshie.

Oshie arrived in St. Louis on Monday and is expected to finalize his deal on Tuesday as well.

An official announcement will be made by the club on Tuesday and the players will be introduced to the local media on Wednesday.

Oshie has been working out with Blues prospect Chris Porter at Shattuck St. Mary's prep over the last few weeks.

Versus looking into Puck tracking

I saw this story over on the center ice blog. All I can say NOOOOOOOO. I am going to be very unhappy if they go to a versus version of the fox glow puck. The Fox glow puck was a joke and should not be replicated. I have seen the argument that some of the newer fans to the game can't track the puck and it makes it difficult for them to follow the game. I would rather not compromise the integrity of the game just to please a few novice fans or to attract a few more. Hockey is a regional/niche sport and I don't want it to become a side show just to get more viewers.

Versus might take shot at puck tracking for NHL telecasts
By Michael McCarthy, USA TODAY
The NHL and cable TV partner Versus are talking about introducing "puck-tracking" technology as early as the 2008-09 season, executives from the network and the league told USA TODAY.

Tracking would make it easier for TV viewers to follow the fast-moving puck. But the idea brought back memories of Fox's "glowing puck" experiment from 1996-98. It got mixed reviews, with some players and coaches complaining the internal electronics of the "FoxTrax" puck made it play differently. When ABC picked up the NHL's broadcast rights in 1998, the idea was junked.

Marty Ehrlich, executive producer at Versus, has been pushing for a new puck-tracking system with NHL executives. If Versus gets the OK, it would test puck tracking on its studio show before trying it during a game, he says. There would not be any computer chips embedded in pucks, at least at first.

"We're looking to track the evolution of a play," says Ehrlich. While puck tracking is on his "wish list," he admits it's still a "sore subject" with hockey purists. "There's people who looked at it as a great success at Fox. A lot looked at it as a dismal failure."

Marc Fein, Versus' senior vice president of programming, says puck tracking could be a great tool to trace the pinpoint passing of NHL stars. "You could see how they thread the needle," he says. NBC and other networks employ tracking technology to trace the flight of shots on golf telecasts. The Golf Channel, Versus' sister Comcast network, recently won its first Sports Emmy for its AimPoint technology, which predicts the break of a putt, Fein notes.

John Shannon, the NHL's senior vice president of programming, says the league's open to another attempt at puck tracking — as long as it doesn't compromise the integrity of the game. "The one thing you have to admire is Fox's ingenuity at the time. It was great promotion for the game," he says.

More Wheeler News.

Onyx from the Coyotes Hip Check blog game me a heads up to this bit of news. This was basically the same thing that Brad Schlossman said on the University of North Dakota Hockey blog.

While I am not ready to call Wheeler a bust just yet his numbers at the University of Minnesota have not been eye popping or numbers that you would expect from a players selected 5th over-all. I think it will be interesting to see if what professional teams will step up and offer him a contract if the Yotes do not sign him.

Wheeler set to become a dealer

Blake Wheeler, a 6-foot-5-inch defenseman chosen fifth overall by Phoenix in the 2004 draft, served the Coyotes with a 30-day notice Friday, formalizing his intention to become an unrestricted free agent, as allowed by the CBA.

According to Wheeler's Boston-based agent, Matt Keator, the Coyotes have the next four weeks to sign Wheeler, who has chosen not to return for his senior year at the University of Minnesota, or he'll be free to sign with any of the other 29 NHL teams.

The new CBA, signed out of the 2004-05 lockout, allows clubs to retain a player's draft rights for only four years. Under typical circumstances, unsigned US college players can become free agents as of Aug. 15 in their senior years. But in cases such as Wheeler's, in which a player was drafted four years earlier and has chosen not to return to college, the 30-day notice provides the out.

"Part of what makes this a bit different is the fact that Blake played in Green Bay [USHL] his first year after the draft," explained Keator. "He's been a bit of a late bloomer physically, too. But now he's 6-5, 210 pounds, a man ready to play in a man's game. He's a smart, two-way defenseman with some upside on offense.

"It's the right move for him. And, hey, he could still end up signing with Phoenix, or they could decide to trade his rights. This sort of speeds up the process, that's all."

Wheeler, 21, is eligible to sign a two-year entry-level deal, one that likely will pay him the maximum $875,000 per year. He played on the Gophers' 2005-06 squad with Phil Kessel, who turned pro after being drafted No. 5 overall by the Bruins in June 2006. In 127 games with Minnesota, Wheeler scored 42 goals and collected 96 points.

Wheeler's departure brings to 10 the number of Gophers to leave college early since the end of 2005-06. Just this past season, Kyle Okposo bolted in December to join the Islanders, and Jeff Frazee hooked on with New Jersey upon the completion of his college season. Kessel packed up after his freshman year.Co

What? There is no fighting in the playoffs...

This was a great fight! Did you notice you didn't hear anyone booing the fight between Scottie Upshall and Tyler Kennedy? I would call this fight pretty close maybe a draw.

Here is one of the problems with recruiting verbals

Hey all of us were young and know how kids change their minds, this is one of the down falls of excepting a verbal commitment from a kid that is 14, 15 or 16 a lot can happen between the verbal and his arrival to campus. This is also one of the pitfalls of being a top program and recruiting young blue chip talent; these recruits will and do change their mind. It also appears taht he is being badgered hard by the major junior teams from Canada. I don't blame them, a verbal to a college team means nothing. I would predict this kid will never play for the Irish and would be a one to two year player at best in college anyways.

Could Irish lose recruit?
STEVE WOZNIAK
Losing committed recruits is usually reserved for teams that have just had a woeful season or dismissed a coach, not teams that have just played for a national championship.

But that may be the case with Notre Dame hockey and the strange saga of Cam Fowler.

Fowler, a defenseman who was recently pegged by The Hockey News as the likely No. 1 overall draft pick in the 2010 NHL Draft, committed to the Irish back in the fall of 2006, when he just 14 years old. At the time, Fowler spoke glowingly of Irish coach Jeff Jackson and his staff, and the potential for greatness that there was for the Windsor, Ontario, native on the South Bend campus.

Now 16 and playing with the U.S. National Team Development Program — Fowler has dual citizenship — the defensive wunderkind has been pulled in a number of directions, most recently by Canadian junior teams convinced they could steal his services for a year or two.

Last year, it was the Kitchener Rangers of the Ontario Hockey League that took aim at Fowler, picking him in the first round of that league’s draft. For a year, Fowler held steadfast, restating his commitments both to the USNTDP and Notre Dame.

Kitchener last week returned Fowler to the draft pool in exchange for a compensatory pick. Then Fowler’s hometown Windsor Spitfires took Fowler, confident that they could convince Fowler to abandon the NCAA for an NHL-bound trek through Canadian juniors.

So far, no go. Fowler is staying in Ann Arbor with the USNTDP for next season. Beyond that, though, his camp has refused to say what will happen.

Nope; this article isn't bulletin board material

Check out this article. I wouldn't think this article would fire up the Flyers one bit. I would think they Penguins beat writers wouldn't want to stir up the sleeping giants. If I was the Penguins coach I would make a quick call over to the Gazette and tell the guy to shut the heck up.

If Penguins keep this up, Flyers will be cast aside quickly
It isn't too early to talk sweep
Saturday, May 10, 2008

By Ron Cook, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Is it too late to pick the Penguins in three games?

OK, enough with the wise-guy stuff, but, really, is there any reason to think the series with the Philadelphia Flyers will go more than four?

I don't see one.

Reality hit the Flyers hard at Mellon Arena last night when the Penguins swarmed them with their world-class talent and won Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals, 4-2. It will rock 'em even harder this morning when they wake up and realize it won't be any easier in the three games ahead without their best player, defenseman Kimmo Timonen.

Talk about your one-two punches.

It's hard to imagine the Flyers getting back up

Game one: Evgeni Malkin short handed against the Flyers

This goal is unbelievable, I wounder how many times we are going to see it repeated by hockey players of all levels.

First off you will see Richards absolutely pound Malkin into the boards, that was a 10 ten bell hit. Malkin dusts himself off gets back in the play in time to take a well timed pass from Sergi Gonchar blasts the puck past Biron. That goal was a thing of beauty and be up for an ESPY in my opinion.

Mike Ribeiro's slash on Chris Osgood

Last night at the end of the game between the Stars and the Red wings you saw a brawl almost break out. At the end of the game you will Mike Ribeiro skate by Chris Osgood and then skate back and slash Chris Osgood in the middle of his chest protector, after the slash Osgood drops to the ice like he has been shot. If you look closely at the tape from TSN you will see that Osgood attempt to butt end Ribeiro with the his goalie stick. Frankly if there is going to be a suspension both men should have to sit in my opinion. Stick fouls can not be tolerated and both men acted like spoiled children in this incident and I would make them sit IF I were the league commissioner.

Jacques Lemaire to coach the Wild next season.

(Jim Mone, Associated Press)

I am not so sure this is great news for Wild Fans? Jacques Lemaire the only coach to ever coach the Minnesota Wild will return to coach the Minnesota Wild next season. After watching the Wild struggle through the playoffs I thought maybe it was a good time for the Wild to make a move and hire a new coach.

Jacques Lemaire has decided to come back for an eighth season as the coach of the Minnesota Wild. The Wild have become stale and boring to watch and have had trouble beating the elite teams in the NHL.

Lemaire, 62, announced his decision to return behind the Wild bench in a news release Saturday.

"When you are younger, it's a lot easier to make a decision. At the end of the year, I said I wanted to ask questions of [general manager] Doug Risebrough. I wanted to make sure my boss is happy with the work I am doing and with the way I manage the team. This is what we talked about in our meetings. I am reassured of my work and I want to coach again," said Lemaire.

"My satisfaction behind the bench is getting the team to play the best it can, individually and as a group. Success will come with that."

Lemaire, the only coach in the franchise's history, has been in charge of the Wild since 2000.

Under Lemaire, Minnesota posted a 44-28-10 record during the 2007-08 regular season en route to winning the Northwest Division and finishing third overall in the Western Conference.

But that success did not carry over into the playoffs, as the Wild were eliminated in the first round by the Colorado Avalanche.

Nate Hagemo trial date set.

In the on going sad saga of Nate Hagemo things only see to get worse for this young man, if he doesn't plead guilty he will be going to trial in September. While the Gophers are one of our hated rivals I would never wish these kind of problems on anyone. I only hope that Nate gets things right for himself and seeks help. I am pulling for him.

Trial set for troubled former U hockey standout
By PAUL WALSH, Star Tribune

One-time Minnesota hockey phenom Nate Hagemo, whose fast track to the NHL crumbled with a career-ending injury, goes on trial Monday for one of three criminal incidents in a four-month stretch in Minneapolis.

In the meantime, felony drug possession charges loom over Hagemo, 22, involving the discovery of suspected heroin in his car early this year, and police say he ran a red light in another incident last November that seriously injured a bicyclist.

Barring a last-minute plea, Hagemo, of Edina, will be tried from the incident in September, when he allegedly drove his pickup truck into a parked car on Lyndale Avenue in south Minneapolis, appeared to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs and fought paramedics as they tried to put him on a gurney.

He was charged with refusing a sobriety test (a gross misdemeanor), and careless driving and disorderly conduct (misdemeanors).

According to the criminal complaint:

Police at scene said Hagemo "had bloodshot and watery eyes, and appeared unsteady in walking." Paramedics also told police that he had track marks on his arms, possibly from using needles. Medical staff at the hospital where Hagemo was taken said he had taken heroin three days ago. On advice of counsel, he refused blood and urine tests.

A search of Hagemo's vehicle uncovered a drug kit that included a rubber hose, cotton swabs and an alcohol wipe.

(Read the rest of the story here)

Blake Wheeler is gone at Minnesota.

The silly season continues, Wheeler is going to forgo his senior season at the University of Minnesota to sign a professional contract with the Phoenix Coyotes. I am kind of sad because we will no longer be able to see the re-match between big Joe Finley and Blake Wheeler.

According to a UM press release

Minnesota junior forward Blake Wheeler has withdrawn from the university to pursue a career in professional hockey. Wheeler, who was a 2004 first-round draft pick by the Phoenix Coyotes, has 30 days to sign with the team. Following the 30 days, if the two parties do not reach an agreement, Wheeler will become a free agent. He is the 10th Minnesota player to leave college early for the professional ranks since the end of the 2005-06 season. Wheeler is also the third Gopher this season to leave the program after Kyle Okposo signed with the New York Islanders in December and Jeff Frazee signed

Early departures in the WCHA

Minnesota (2)
G Jeff Frazee, junior
F Blake Wheeler, junior

Wisconsin (1)
F Kyle Turris, freshman

MSU-Mankato (1)
F Jon Kalinski, junior

Michigan Tech (1)
G Michael-Lee Teslak, junior

Minnesota-Duluth (1)
D Jason Garrison, junior

St. Cloud State (1)
F Andreas Nodl, sophomore

Denver (1)
D Chris Butler, junior

Former Sioux Jason Blake finalist for the Masterton Trophy

Former WCHA stars Chris Chelios (Badgers) and Jason Blake (Fighting Sioux)along with Fernando Pisani were named as finalists for the Masterton Trophy. Last year Phil Kessel (Gophers) won the award. Phil Kessel was diagnosed with testicular cancer mid season and missed 12 games.

NEW YORK (May 9, 2008) -- Left wing Jason Blake of the Toronto Maple Leafs, defenseman Chris Chelios of the Detroit Red Wings and right wing Fernando Pisani of the Edmonton Oilers are the finalists for the 2008 Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, the Professional Hockey Writers' Association (PHWA) announced today.

The award, under the trusteeship of the PHWA, is presented annually to the National Hockey League player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.

In October, Blake was diagnosed with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), a rare but treatable form of cancer. Nonetheless, the Hibbing, Minn. native completed the season as one of only three players to appear in all 82 Maple Leafs games. Blake hosted a leukemia awareness night at Air Canada Centre in January and donated $1,000 per goal and $500 per assist during the month to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada.

Former Buckeye R.J. Umberger is on fire.

Former Ohio State Buckeye R.J. Umberger has been on a roll scoring wise he has played in 12 playoff games scoring 9 goals 2 assist for 11 points that is an impressive run.

R.J. the Penguin killer

First, the Plum native had six goals and 11 points in the eight 2007-08 regular-season meetings between the teams and has eight goals, 18 points in 23 career games against the Penguins.

"More than anything, it's the amount of emotion you have inside," Umberger said of playing against the Penguins, a team he grew up watching and rooting for, particularly Hall of Fame center and now team owner Mario Lemieux.

Flyer's and Penguins stuff...

Here is a interesting picture that I found over yardbarker.

The Flyer's got some bad news today when they learned that defenseman Kimmo Timonen, was diagnosed with a blood clot in his ankle, effectively ending his season. Timonen is a big part of the Flyer's blue line so this is a big loss.

Philly beat writer Phil Sheridan wrote an interesting article about the rivalry with Pittsburgh. You will find an interesting description of the Flyer's, however, these are the opinion of a Penguins fan. Scary eh? It sounds almost like the same stuff Sioux fans have seen written about their favorite college hockey team. The Fighting Sioux are a bunch of thugs, the Fighting Sioux are a bunch of classless goons.

The Flyer's [sic] have always played dirty and it starts with Clark's [sic] mentality. Maybe it's just a coincidence that the league has had it with them, too."

And this: "Once again old time hockey Neanderthals Holmgren and Clarke will find out that talent and toughness beats the cowardly dirty play of a bunch of knuckle-dragging hacks."

Several e-mailers suggested that Philadelphia fans deserve that 25-year championship drought because of their lack of class. There is a curious blend of self-righteousness - the Flyer's are thugs! - and aggressiveness - our team can beat up your team! - at work here.

If the Flyers knock someone down, they're Broad Street Bullies throwbacks. If Georges Laraque or Gary Roberts does it, then it's part of the game.

Picture of the Bemidji regional events center

Gopher hockey beat writer Roman Augustoviz has a picture posted of the new Bemidji regional events center and also discusses the BSU and UMD arena. Maybe we can get a UMD fan to come up with a new picture or plans for the UMD arena.

Bemidji, home of Bemidji State the proposed arena for the university's Beavers will be off campus, on the undeveloped south shore of Lake Bemidji. It will be part of a regional events center expected to stimulate economic development. State dollars for the project: $20 million.

Duluth, home of the University of Minnesota Duluth. The Bulldogs play in the WCHA's oldest arena, the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center. The first green or environmentally friendly arena anywhere will be built beside the DECC. State dollars: $38 million.

WCHA Commissioner looking into a WCHA network

First off; I would love to be able to watch other WCHA teams besides the Gophers and Sioux on cable television. Occasionally from my living room (I have digital III cable from Mid-Continent) you can see a BADgers or Denver Pioneers game on the Fox College Sports channels, but most of the time it is the Gophers staring Wooger and "the Rug". Second; I am happy that it that the WCHA network will not be ran like the Big Ten Network. The Big Ten Network is one of the most unavailable networks on TV next to ESPNU. The only place I can see it is at work on DishTV.

Picture hasn't cleared up yet, but WCHA network's in play
Conference Commissioner Bruce McLeod confirmed "we are relatively early in the process but are investigating a WCHA television network." The venture was a topic of discussion at the league meetings last month in Marco Island, Fla.

The mention of such a channel is sure to draw comparisons to the Big Ten Network, which has yet to get significant cable distribution in Minnesota and has upset many fans of Gophers football and men's and women's basketball teams.

But McLeod said a WCHA channel would not be "a Big Ten thing," adding, "we are approaching it very differently." The league -- home to four Minnesota universities in men's hockey -- has had talks with several cable companies, including Comcast, Charter and Mediacom, the three largest operators in Minnesota. No discussions have taken place with DirecTV or Dish Network.

Boston College's mighty mite signs with Buffalo

Durig the Frozen Four the Boston college Eagles led by Nathan Gerbe shredded the Fighting Sioux's defense and made them look like a bunch of pylons. Two days later Gerbe was just as impressive as he helped his team win a national title against Notre Dame. For fans of these two teams this is great news.

Goon's World is excited about watching Gerbe play in the NHL and would like to wish him good luck. Nathan Gerbe small on stature is a big time player with explosive offensive talent that will give opposition defenses fits. I think that Gerbe could have the same impact Martin St Louis has in Tampa Bay.

Gerbe signs with Sabres
by John Vogl -- News Sports Reporter

Nathan Gerbe has decided to leave college and has signed with the Buffalo Sabres, the team announced late this afternoon.

Gerbe, the Boston College junior who led the Eagles to the national championship last month, is in Buffalo today for a physical.

"As of yesterday, we really weren't sure which way it was going to go," said Jordan Neumann, Gerbe's agent. "We really had a flurry in the late afternoon."

The 20-year-old Gerbe told The News last week he was "50-50" on whether to turn pro or finish school. But he held his own during his first stint with NHL-level talent, and that may have convinced him to make the jump. He trained with the United States' world championship team, and he had a goal and an assist during an exhibition against Sweden.

"Toward the end of the year [with Boston College] and during his time with the World Championship team he really felt he was ready to go," Neumann added.

Nabokov robs Richards

Check out Evgeni Nabokov's save on Brad Richards during last night game. Great camera work.

Is Charley Waters on crack?

Here is the latest Charley Walters rumor. I wonder how much truth there is to this little rumor? I wonder if he has been smoking the pipe or hitting the scotch again?

There's whispering that the Big Ten Network might make it financially prudent for Big Ten hockey schools to reconsider their status in the WCHA. And talk continues that Alaska Anchorage could be leaving the WCHA because of transportation costs, which the school pays for visiting teams.

I don't see this happening and I suppose the UAA fans will be packing his email box with flames. Seriously what league are they going to play in? I have read and heard from Gophers fans that Shooter isn't all that accurate. UAA isn't going anywhere.

Yawn, anyone else bored with the Big Ten Hockey conference talk? Seriously? Okay, say there is a BIG TEN hockey conference; so what? Who cares? Contrary to a few elitist fans from a handful of schools this isn't going to kill the rest of college hockey. There is still going to be other good schools that don't reside in the Big Ten (6-10).

Do you think Michigan, Michigan State Wisconsin and Minnesota are going to like kicking the snot out of each other for 4-6 games each? Talk about getting stale and boring. Lastly; who is the 6th, 7th or 8th team going to be?

WCHA coaches push for changes

Today was a great news day for college hockey, after a brief lull in the news. Brad has another great article that also covers the annual coaches meeting. The title of his article is pretty funny WCHA coaches push for change. Seems the league office is the one that is being resistant to change and doesn't want to change the STATUS QUO.

In the past year I have talked to a lot of fans from many different teams that are sick and tired of watching their star players being mugged, brutalized, raped and slashed up and down the ice. If you're a star player(s)and you have a chance to score goals in a league like the CCHA where the games are called more tighter or be constantly brutalized in a league like the WCHA; where are you going to want to play? It hasn't come down to this yet but it could if the league office doesn't get its head out of its fourth point of contact. The only reason I can see the WCHA commish not wanting to call the games like the NHL is that McCloud is afraid the have nots won't be able to keep up on the ice with the have mores. This is a possibility.

The time has come for the Bruce McCloud and his sorry band of officials to step into the 21st century, the fans should not have to accept mediocrity anymore. The days of bush league hockey is over.

During last weekend’s American Hockey Coaches Association meetings in Florida, coaches expressed their interest in a two-referee system and tighter calls when it comes to obstruction.

They hope that will lead to faster-paced, higher-scoring games. The end result of the talks won’t be known for another month, when the NCAA rules committee meets and decides on what changes to make for the upcoming season. But it’s clear where the WCHA stands on the issue.

“We were overwhelmingly in favor of two-and-two (two referees, two linesmen),” UND coach Dave Hakstol said. “It gives us a better opportunity to do some things. We had a lot of great discussions about trying to take the hooking, holding and obstruction out of the game. We talked about the NHL rule of not being able to change (lines) after icing the puck.

“You need a two-and-two system to be able to do that.”

WCHA commissioner Bruce McLeod said he clearly sensed a movement toward the NHL standard of calling penalties, although nobody wanted to duplicate the NHL standard.

College hockey has been stricter on checking from behind calls than the NHL, and coaches don’t want to see that change. But they would like to see stick-work eliminated.

RECRUITMENT: When is a verbal a verbal?

Check out Brad Elliott Schlossman's article in today's Grand Forks Herald. The article address the verbal commitment and the gentleman's agreement that the WCHA has in place.

Apparently Don Lucia is not happy with the idea that once a team get a verbal from a recruit they are basically hands off for the other coaches to recruit them. I think it is a great idea Denver's Coach George Gwozdecky does as well. It think the gist of it is that Lucia has lost some great recruits from the MPLS/St Paul area that committed early that he would love to have another crack at. I know UND has a few of those coveted recruits. I has said this before, I am not sure that Lucia wants to go there. I like the staus quo; I could also see a few of his prized recruits possibly changing their mind and deciding to go some where else.

While it appears that the gentlemen’s agreement will remain in place this year, it might not stay that way for long.

“It’s kind of a mess right now,” Western Collegiate Hockey Association commissioner Bruce McLeod said. “It’s a highly debated topic. Emotions are pretty strong about it.”

Minnesota’s Don Lucia is one coach who has publicly stated that he wants to do away with verbal commitments.

“And he’s got a few allies,” McLeod said. “It’s not a majority. But the problem is that the three or four guys talking about (recruiting committed players) are the leaders, the more veteran coaches. That’s what has caused a commotion more than anything.”

Lucia said that some Hockey East schools pushed a new gentleman’s agreement that would allow schools to contact verbally committed players until May 1 of their junior year. The thinking is that the recruiting age would go back up under this type of system.

“The whole issue here is ninth- and 10th-graders,” Lucia said. “What’s going on right now is not good for the players, colleges or anybody. It shouldn’t be a race to see who can first discover and get a ninth-grader.”

Gwozdecky, the most veteran coach in the WCHA, is on the other side of the issue. He says he’d hate to see the day when coaches are recruiting committed players.

Rangers not happy with the reffing?

I thought this was as funny picture; one description that I thought of right away was give me my purse back. Another one that came to mind; you just caused me to break a nail. Don't get me wrong this has been a great series to watch but there has been a lot of whining by both teams. When did hockey players become such cry babies?

From watching this series and reading the New York papers and blog it appears that the Rangers hockey team is not happy with the officiating in this series so far. As a non-partisan it would appear that the reffing has been OK, but there is ground for improvement. Some have suggested that the Penguins star power is dictating the way the game is being reffed.

RANGERS NEED REFS TO LET 'EM PLAY
By LARRY BROOKS
STAR TREATMENT: The problem isn't that Sidney Crosby, talking with ref Bill McCreary, works officials, it's that some officals are influenced by star power. The Rangers can't afford that to happen in Game 5.

May 3, 2008 -- This is where we came in, with the Rangers New York Rangers needing a victory in Pittsburgh, and with the Rangers needing the game officials to allow them to play the kind of game that will translate into a victory.

None of the Rangers will touch the subject now, and why would they following the storm that was whipped up last week when officiating was front and center among topics of conversation?

It is, however, a fact that the Blue shirts must be allowed to knock down Sidney Crosby, Evegni Malkin and Marian Hossa just as they did in Thursday's playoff deathbed of a 3-0 Game 4 victory at the Garden in order to survive tomorrow afternoon's Game 5 at the Igloo.

I think the article ilustrates why the NCAA needs to crack down on ugly obstruction and let the offense players decide the game. Goal scoring puts butts in seat and not some defensive battle between two goalies. Most fans I know do not want to watch a 1-0 game. I watch hockey for the action on ice, hard hititng and goal scoreing. That is why they have the top 10 goals of week in the NHL. The goal is like the home run in baseball. I am tired of seeing trap feasts. I think it is a matter of time before college hockey will finally decide to show case the offensive talent it has.

Scoring Erupts in the Playoffs:
By JEFF Z. KLEIN and LEW SERVISS

Goal scoring is up substantially this spring. The league’s stricter enforcement of obstruction rules, now in its third season, seems to be accomplishing its objective of opening up play.

“Certainly over the last three years, play has gotten much more open,” said Neil Smith, a former Rangers general manager and a current commentator for Versus. “Referees are making sure players can’t obstruct or hook, and they’re making calls at every point during the game.”

Smith said that a couple of things stood out about the games he had seen this spring. “The speed is very impressive now,” he said. “The way play changes hands and goes back and forth so quickly, that’s something that has really impressed me.”
For Goalies, Small Is Good

The rise in goal scoring is one reason goaltenders no longer dominate the conversation the way they once did; the average save percentage in the playoffs through Thursday, .915, was the second lowest of the decade.

But if you look at the handful of goalies who are doing well and carrying their teams deep into the playoffs, a pattern emerges.

Former Badger Joe Pavelski forces game 6.

Former Badger star Joel Pavelski scored 3:55 into the first overtime to force a game 6 against the Dallas Stars in Dallas. During the Stanley Cup playoffs the former Badger Pavelski has been impressive playing in 12 games, scoring 5 goals and adding 4assists for 9 points for a plus +4.

CURRENT POSTSEASON NOTES:
- T-2nd in the League lead in game-winning goals (3)
- Has one point in eight out of the 12 games this playoffs (5-4=9)

Brendan Morrow scores or not.

The Sharks were lucky to win last night. Here is the video from Brendan Morrow's NO-goal that was disallowed. I kind of wonder why it was called a no goal? Look good to me last night and when I watched the video today.

Coyotes close to signing Wheeler

Here is a story that keeps popping up this off-season. It would appear that Gophers Blake Wheeler is close to signing a contract with the Phoenix Coyotes. It is fun watching some Gopher fans try to tell everyone that Blake is coming back

Minnesota Gophers junior forward Blake Wheeler and the Phoenix Coyotes, who hold his NHL rights, appear to be moving closer to a contract agreement that will be worth more than $500,000 over two years.

Malkin slew-foots Paul Mara in game 5.

The conclusion of last night game between the Rangers and the Penguins was exciting to say the least. Pittsburgh super star Evgeni Malkin's slew footed Paul Mara almost causing full out brawl. While I have to admit that I have enjoyed watching this series (I am not a rabid fan of either team) this has been nothing short of exciting, with up and down the ice action.

I am also very excited that the Rangers on the verge of being eliminated, I can't stand Jaromir Jagr I think he is a cry baby and a prima donna. I am also happy that he is on the verg of playing some where other than the NHL. That being said the latest move by Evgeni Malkin was nothing less than a bush league cheap shot that I would expect from a second rate thug like Sean Avery and not a super star like Malkin.

This is a perfect example why I think that the NHL needs to do away this is the instigator rules. Malkin is a great hockey player but he should have paid for his bush league move on Paul Mara.

Here is Kristie Ackert's from the New York Daily News perpecitive on the Malkin slew foot.

With 13.6 seconds left Thursday night in Game 4, young Penguins star Evgeni Malkin finally showed some frustration.

As he and Paul Mara raced back toward the Rangers' net, Malkin kicked the legs out from under the defenseman while pushing him back with his arm. Malkin was whistled for a 10-minute misconduct penalty, capping the frustration of the Penguins' first loss in the playoffs.

"He did it twice - right at their blue line going into their zone and then right in our zone right in front of the ref," said Mara, who also received a 10-minute misconduct plus an extra minor penalty for roughing. "That's a classless act by a superstar. And there's no need for that in our game. We're up (3-0) and it's not like it's a little slew-foot - it's a full kick if you watch the replay. There's no need for that in our game."

Hockey Buzz blogger Scott Gallof thinks Crosby is a diver. Read his comments below, he is right hockey fans are going to get sick of Crosby's diving and the league office should warn him as well. I think that his diving should be rewarded with a 2 minute unsportsman like penalty for diving.

The Rangers need to make a statement in this afternoon's game. Forget all this Crosby cradled by the NHL nonsense, let the Penguins' coach Michel Therrien prattle on and on from his gamesmanship soapbox pulpit. Of course Crosby dives, and with the refs giving him the benefit of the doubt, if you were him, wouldn't you? I can respect a guy who will do what it takes for his team to win. It's the same argument I made for Avery with all the stick waving shenanigans in the last series. It's up for the refs and the league to crack down on him, and that is really outside the control if the Rangers. Someday that gravy train will come to a screeching halt for Crosby.

The Vancouver Canucks Version of at we still have hockey.

Recently there was a video spoofing the University of North Dakota, titled we still have hockey. It has been said that this video was might be the work of a NDSU Bison fan, I have not gotten confirmation of this.

The video was pulled almost immediately after the University of North Dakota had a ugly incident involving a UND student of Jewish decent in a UND residence hall. Kuklaskorner has a video posted with the same scene only from the 2005 German movie the Downfall, also known as In the Bunker. This time the clip spoofs the Vancouver Canuck's and their lack of success.

I am not of Jewish decent I come from a mixture of European nationalities, (Czech, Dutch, German English, Welsh and a few other I can't remember) one might say that the the Goon is a Hines 57. Personally to me their is nothing funny about Hitler, the third Reich or the Holocaust, 6+ million Jewish people died at the hands of Hitler and the third Reich. I am not a prude or someone that you would call a PC zealot but I would like to know why people think these type of spoofs are funny?

Hey Greg Shepherd the Jig is up.

I thought this was an interesting article that I thought that needed to be passed on. The Hockey East coaches came up with some good ideas during their spring coaches meeting down in Florida. The Hockey East coaches voted 7-0-3 to ref their games more like the NHL.

The Maine Coach Tim Whitehead said: The league’s coaches voted 7-0-3 in favor of adopting the more stringent NHL standards on hooks, holding, high sticks and interference.

Whitehead explained they want to encourage scoring since it has been "down consistently the last 10 years."

Agreed. You want to showcase your skilled players.

Enough is enough; I think that this is the way the NCAA should go with the officiating of their games. The NCAA should not give the different leagues lee-way to call the games any other way. Set the standard and enforce it.

I agree with the Maine coach it is time for the NCAA to show case its talent, the college game has taken a step back in the last 3-4 years. I can't imagine that a lot of fans want to see defensive systems and 1-0 game, fans want to see goals being scored. I am sick and tired of watching the college game degrade to the product we saw this last season, clutching and grabing up and down the ice. Now is the time for all of the NCAA leagues to ref their games like the NHL. Lets get some race horse hockey going.

I suppose you're going to have some push back. However, I would hope that there wouldn't be a senario where you have one league reffing game one way and then some other league(s) reffing their games another way. It time for Greg Shepherd and the WCHA front office to take note. Division one hockey is eventually going to call start their games more like the NHL. It is time to get on board and get with the 21st century.

Team Canada has 8 former College hockey players on World Championship roster.

I didn't mean to slight team Canada and as the Rink Rat brought up there are 8 former college hockey players on team Canada

Duncan Keith (Mich. State - went to WHL in soph. year, though)
Patrick Sharp (Vermont)
Chris Kunitz (Ferris State)
Dany Heatley (Wisconsin)
Jon Toews (I think you know)
Kyle Turris (Wisconsin)
Jamal Mayers (Western Michigan)
Martin St. Louis (Vermont)

The Emmy Goes to Carey Price.

While it is no mystery that I am not a fan of Philly thug Steve Downie, I have to stick up for him in this instance. Watch the performance by Habs goaltender Carey Price; his performance is worthy of receiving an Emmy, Hollywood would be pleased. I saw this game on Sunday and if you watch the video it would appear as if Downie didn't even tough Price. I am sick and tired of the diving that is taking place in the NHL. This once great league is starting to look like the Swedish Ice Hockey Federation.

Blast from the past: Hextal and Chelios

After watching Habs go down in defeat tonight I thought I would dust off an clip of the Habs and Flyers during the 1989 Wales Conference Finals. I wonder if any of the current Habs or Flyers remembers this series.

Just a little someting to think about Sioux fans; we are getting Ron Hextal's kid here at UND in the fall, I hope he is half as intense as his father.

Seems that others are getting tired with Sid the Kid and his antics.

I would imagine that Boosh will like this picture. Seems that Rangers are not the only ones that are fed up with Crosby's diving antics. While I think Crosby is a good hockey player he does get a little tiresome.

Eklund the Anonymous Hockey Blogger: A Plea to Stop Booing Anthems From Broad Street to rue Sainte-Catherine.

I have read on the Internet where the Hab's fans were booing the American anthem before the games in Montreal between the Canadians and Flyers. I think this is a very classless act and makes me hate the Montreal Canadians even more, I despise that team and cheer against them when ever they play. The Boston Bruins fan's had the correct response to the classless Hab's fans that booed the American anthem in 2006. The Bruins fans did not stoop to the classless Hab's fan level, instead they stood cheered through out the anthem.

Here is what Eklund the anonymous hockey blogger had to say abou the issue.

In game 1 in Montreal I didn't really hear the booing of the American Anthem, but I did hear a lot of talking through it. In Game 2 I did...Both REALLY bothered me as an American, but even more so as a hockey fan.

I truly hope that there aren't some idiots who take the eye for an eye mentality in Philly tonight.

But I fear there will be, so I implore those of you heading down...If you are near someone who begins to boo the anthem tonight: shut them up.
Hockey is NOT about politics. It is our escape from such things. There are real problems in this world of ours. Real issues that I have with both of our Governments. I am very active politically and express those views elsewhere. I encourage all to do the same. Make a difference with your government...

But NOT HERE.
This is just hockey. And as far as I'm concerned there are no borders in North America in Hockey. We are all Hockeyans. It is our religion and where you live, your status, or the colour of your skin has no bearing on it whatsoever. If you love hockey you are my brother or sister.

In America especially, since hockey has NEVER really been mainstream, we Hockeyans have been FORCED to stick together. We are connected by a bond stronger than politics and lobbyists. Hockey is the biggest cult sport in American history. And if you love it you are all in...

American Hockeyans take a deeper offense to the Anthem being boo'd because let's face it..We grew up rooting for our players in Canada Cups wearing that big Maple Leaf...still my favorite jersey of all time. I sat and cheered for Bobby Clarke and other Flyers against the Russians time and time again. (read the whole blog here)

I like Eklund plea to the fans in Philly do not stoop to that level.

Durno and Harrington drop the mitts.

Nothing like seeing a couple of former WCHA players dance together on the ice. Former Golden Gopher Chris Harrington and Michigan Tech Husky Chris Durno get into a fight during a AHL playoff game on April 18th. Chris Durno plays for the San Antonio Rampage and Chris Harrington plays for the Toronto Marlies. True to form the Gopher looks for the ref to rescue him.

Here is an interesting discription of the fight.

After San Antonio’s Chris Durno thumped the Marlies’ Chris Harrington in a fight before the puck was even dropped to start the period, the Rampage tallied three goals in just 3:12.

NCAA coaches concerned about players leaving early

Here is an on going debate that is proving to be pretty interesting and is worth taking a look at, however, the NCAA coaches should tread lightly and proceed very carefully with this issue. The college coaches do not have a lot to bargin with and could do more damage than good. Honestly, I would rather see my team have a player like Toews or Oshie play two to three year than not have them at all. By having these types of blue chip hockey players might be enough to give my team a chance to win a national title. There also doesn't need to be any new rules made by the NCAA, unless the NHL is going to compensate the NCAA team they have just taken the player from.

4/24/2008
NCAA coaches are meeting this week in Naples, Florida and NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly and NHLPA Executive Director Paul Kelly are there to listen to their concerns, among them, the increased numbers of underclassmen leaving the college ranks to turn pro.

Prior to the start of the 2006-2007 NHL season, 33 players with college eligibility signed NHL contracts, up from 19 prior to the lockout.

So far this season, 16 players have agreed to NHL deals; the most noteworthy being Kyle Turris, who finished his freshman season in Wisconsin before agreeing to a contract with the Phoenix Coyotes.

Unlike Turris, New York Islanders forward Kyle Okposo made his decision to leave the Minnesota Golden Gophers in December, a move that is still regarded as highly unusual.

The manner in which some NHL teams deal with colleges and college players is also a huge area of concern, specific to unsigned or undrafted unrestricted free agent sophomores who in some cases are hounded to distraction by NHL teams hoping to sign him.

The league and Players' Association agreed a protocol to discourage this needs to be considered.

Unlike the CHL and the IIHF, the NCAA doesn't receive financial compensation from the NHL, primarily because the NCAA won't allow it. However, there was discussion with college coaches on implementing a development fee whereby NHL teams would have to provide compensation to college teams if they pull a player out early.

Because of the salary cap, NHL teams are using young players to keep costs down, while there is also incentive for these players to get into the NHL as quickly as possible to burn through the financial restrictions of the entry-level contract.

It's unlikely any changes will take effect by next season.

Did they just say that. Leave it to the AP.

Tom Szczerbowski-US PRESSWIRE


Here is a funny head line Flyer's want to skate faster. That is like saying if we score more goals we will win. Danny Briere is right if the Flyer's don't move their feet in this series they are going to get run out of the building by speedy Habs.

Center Daniel Briere said that he and his teammates need to bring up their tempo Saturday night in Game 2.

"I don't think we skated as well as we did in the Washington series," Briere said. "We did in stretches but not consistently enough (Thursday) night to get us the win and that's one area we have to improve and get our legs moving instead of trying to make plays standing still."

Series Prediction: Habs in 5 games. The Flyer's will not be able to keep up.

Goalie masks.

I found this interesting article on the various goaltender's masks over on the fan house. Check out all of the art work. It is nice to see the former NCAA stars: Rick DiPietro, Tim Thomas, Ryan Miller, Marty Turco and Ed Belfour's

The first picture is former Michigan State goalie and Hobey Baker Winner Ryan Miller mask.

Goalie Ryan Miller #30 of the Buffalo Sabres looks on during a preseason game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at HSBC Arena on September 30, 2006 in Buffalo, New York

Former University of Vermont and current Boston Bruins all star goalie Tim Thomas.

Boston Bruins net minder Tim Thomas used to wear this cage with a "Beware of Bear" sign on the side, but he has changed his mask this season to reflect the team's uniform change.

Here former BU star Rick DiPietro's mask is in my opinion one of the nicest goalie masks in the NHL. Dipietro's mask has a very patriot theme to it.

NHL Goalie Masks: Rick DiPietro
Massachusetts native Rick DiPietro honors U.S. veterans with his patriotic mask. The goalie's dad says "It honors the flag and honors my service. It means a lot to me as a father."

Fighting Sioux fans will remember this guys mask. This is the mask that Eddie the Eagles first wore when he broke into the NHL

Eagle Mask
Throughout his career, Belfour has worn masks featuring an eagle on either side of his helmet. When asked why an eagle, he stated "I've always liked the eagle as a bird. It is a strong figure representing individuality, leadership, confidence, and outstanding vision. Its hunting and aggression are characteristics I admire, So when I was thinking of what I wanted on my mask, the eagle was a natural choice". Belfour's eagle has changed dramatically, from a rough Native looking style in Chicago, to a fierce competitive image in Dallas, while the background always features his current team's colours. On the chin, there is an image of the logo for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, a charity very close to Eddie's heart, and the back plate highlights Eddie's passion for speed and restored cars. The car on the back is a 1941 Willys, along with the words Carman Racing, which is the name of Ed's Car customization and restoration shop in Freeland, Michigan. Upon seeing Belfour's eagle mask for the first time, Mike Keenan, his head coach when he started in the NHL, nicknamed him "The Eagle".[5]

Rangers talking smack before game one.

Picture from the New York Post

While I do not have a dog in this fight, now that all of my favorite NHL teams have been ceremoniously eliminated from the Stanley Cup playoffs, that doesn't mean that I am not interested in the games. The series that intrigues me the most is the one between the Pittsburg Penguins and the New York Rangers. Sounds like Jagr not to be out done by team punk Sean Avery has put a shot across the Pens bow. One could say that the rhetoric is heating up before game one.

Jagr says that : Sidney not in Mario's league if that isn't bulletin board material I don't know what is?

"With all due respect for [Sidney] Crosby and [Evgeni] Malkin, I don't think they are Mario Lemieux," said Jagr, preparing to go to Pittsburgh, his first NHL home, for tomorrow's night second-round opener between the Rangers New York Rangers and Penguins.

"I say that with all due respect because the game has changed.

"The gap between the best and worst players on a team [today] is very small. The gap between Mario and the rest of the guys when I was in Pittsburgh was so huge he was able to score 20 points in one series. I don't think those kids are able to do it. If I am wrong I am going to apologize and [say], 'Great job.'

I don't know about you, but I think Sid the Kid is a pretty good hockey player and Malkin isn't too bad himself. If the Rangers don't check the Malkin Crosby line they will be buried by the speedier Penguins. I have picked them to win the Stanley Cup.

I guess that Sioux fans aren't the only one that complain about the refs. Brendan Shanahan is basically calling the refs out before the series start and calling Sidney Crosby a diver... I guess what ever it takes to get the upper hand?

When the Rangers played their March 30-31 home-and-home against the Penguins, Crosby contested essentially every penalty call either made against the Penguins or those he believed should have been made against the Blueshirts. There was widespread belief that No. 87 and his teammates dived repeatedly in matches that were officiated according to "Crosby Rules."

"I'd like to believe that bias doesn't exist," Shanahan said. "Some people might argue the league wants Crosby to advance, but others might argue that it would be a greater benefit to have a team from New York in the conference finals.

"But the refereeing is something we are not going to focus on. I'd hope we can keep that out of our room, entirely."

2008 United States Men’s National Ice Hockey Team Roster

Here is the roster for the 2008 team USA Men's National team roster. It is impressive from the perspective of a college hockey fan, even more impressive is that three are a lot of WCHA players on the USA team roster.

The Break down: (3) Fighting Sioux, three (3) Gophers and two (2) Badgers and one (1) Maverick on the USA team.

GOALTENDERS (3)
Craig Anderson, Park Ridge, Ill. Florida Panthers (NHL)
Robert Esche, Utica, N.Y. Ak Bars Kazan (Russia)
Tim Thomas, Flint, Mich. Boston Bruins (NHL) Univ of Vermont

DEFENSEMEN (7)
Keith Ballard, Baudette, Minn. Phoenix Coyotes (NHL) UMN
Tom Gilbert, Minneapolis, Minn. Edmonton Oilers (NHL)UW
Tim Gleason, Clawson, Mich. Carolina Hurricanes (NHL)
Matt Greene, Grand Ledge, Mich. Edmonton Oilers (NHL) UND
Paul Martin, Minneapolis, Minn. New Jersey Devils (NHL) UMN
Mark Stuart, Rochester, Minn. Boston Bruins (NHL) C.C.
James Wisniewski, Canton, Mich. Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)

FORWARDS (13)
David Backes, Minneapolis, Minn. St. Louis Blues (NHL) MSU-M
David Booth, Detroit, Mich. Florida Panthers (NHL) MSU
Dustin Brown, Ithaca, N.Y. L.A. Kings (NHL)
Adam Burish, Madison, Wis. Chicago Blackhawks (NHL) UW
Jeff Halpern, Potomac, Md. Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL) Princeton
Patrick Kane, Buffalo, N.Y. Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)
Phil Kessel, Madison, Wis. Boston Bruins (NHL) UMN
Peter Mueller, Bloomington, Minn. Phoenix Coyotes (NHL)
Patrick O’Sullivan, Winston-Salem, N.C. L.A. Kings (NHL)
Zach Parise, Minneapolis, Minn. New Jersey Devils (NHL) UND
Jason Pominville, Buffalo, N.Y. Buffalo Sabres (NHL)
Drew Stafford, Milwaukee, Wis. Buffalo Sabres (NHL) UND
Lee Stempniak, West Seneca, N.Y. St. Louis Blues (NHL) Dartmouth

Sean Avery to work at Vogue.

It appears that Rangers tuff guy Sean Avery is going to work at Vogue this summer. I wonder if this will come up on the ice in the next series. If I was Pens tough guy Georges Laraque I might mention it.

Avery’s more conventional provocation techniques, such as trash-talking, wife-slagging, face-rubbing, slew-footing, slashing, diving, and flopping, may irritate his adversaries even more on account of his unconventional off-ice persona. Not for Avery the typical prairie-boy self-effacement of the hockey man. He has said that he finds sports, and athletes, boring, and that he’d like to be an editor of a fashion magazine. (He’s planning to do a summer internship at Vogue.) Unlike most hockey players, he sees nothing wrong with the fact that he likes to “smell nice occasionally.”

He has said that he prizes his black patent-leather Yves Saint Laurent high-tops, “a lovely cashmere throw from a friend who works at Calvin Klein,” and his Philippe Starck machine-gun-shaped lamp (“It lets you know there’s a man living in the house”). For a while, he wore black nail polish on one hand—“my fighting hand.” He told one magazine, “Sometimes I’ll wear a scarf to the game and my teammates have no idea what to do.” He is a conspicuous dater of starlets, such as Elisha Cuthbert, and was recently linked, by rumor, to Mary-Kate Olsen, and, in error, to the alleged Manhattan madam Kristin Davis. He’s sort of a puckhead’s Dennis Rodman, except that there’s more fox in his crazy. He does research on his opponents and tailors his intra-whistle banter accordingly. Avery is a skilled player, agitations aside, but not so skilled that it would explain how much better the Rangers do with him than without him. The discrepancy testifies to the genius of the idiot.

The goal in question.

I haven't seen much written on Sammi Kapanen goal but I believe that the second Flyer goal in game 7 was a result of goalie interference and should not have been a goal, there also should have been a 2 minute penalty as well...

This was a discription through the eyes of a Philly fan of the goal in question that gave Philly the lead in the game.

With the score tied 1-1 after one, both teams raced up and down the ice in a wildly entertaining second period, each scoring once.

The Flyers took their first lead of the game just about midway through regulation. Patrick Thoresen and Shaone Morrisonn both went for a puck in front of Cristobal Huet, and Morrisonn ended up knocking his goaltender out of the crease. Meanwhile, Sami Kapanen slapped in a loose puck for his second goal of the playoffs, much to the chagrin of the sold out Washington crowd.

Apparently the NHL officials thought it was a good goal.

Kapanen's goal was effectively an empty-netter and surely will be a topic of discussion.

Right before a loose puck made its way to Kapanen, Philadelphia's Patrick Thoresen gave Shaone Morrisonn a shove, and the Washington defenseman plowed into Huet, knocking the goalie off his skates. The NHL posted an explanation on the Web, saying Thoresen legally body checked Morrisonn and no Philadelphia player made contact with Huet.

Parise father and son share hatred of Rangers

Here is a story that I thought was interesting; both the Parise men hate the New York Rangers; yep so do I. Don't despair Ranger haters the Pittsburgh Penguins are going to dispatch them in next round of the Eastern Conference semis.

J.P. Parise was already a seasoned NHL veteran when he stepped onto the Madison Square Garden ice for the first time as an Islander, midway through the 1974-75 season.

"One guy leaned over the glass ... I mean, what he said to me, you can't print that stuff," he said. "From then on, I got much more satisfaction beating those guys than anybody else."

The animosity has softened 33 years later. Parise, now 66, is content to watch his son hear the name-calling and stir up his own hatred of the Rangers. Zach Parise, in fact, said just that after the Devils finally got on the board with a 4-3 overtime win in Game 3 on Sunday.

"We always disliked the Rangers ... but we have to start hating them more," Zach Perhaps that wasn't too difficult for J.P.'s youngest son. Zach had his two front teeth knocked out by Christian Backman's stick in Game 2 on Friday, April 11 - 33 years to the day since J.P. put the Islanders on the map by scoring 11 seconds into overtime in Madison Square Garden to give the Isles their first playoff win in their third year of existence.

Not exactly the stirring way to commemorate his dad's biggest moment of this tri-state rivalry. But the Parise father and son, it's worth pointing out, haven't lost to the Rangers in the playoffs. J.P. was dealt away from the Isles to Cleveland in the 1977-78 season, a year before the on-the-rise Islanders were beaten in the semifinals by the upstart Rangers.
Parise said. (Read the rest of the article here).

Zach Parise added to team USA

Former Fighting Sioux star Zach Parise and current New Jersey Devils player Zach Parise was added to team USA.

When the U.S. competes in the upcoming International Ice Hockey World Championships in Halifax and Quebec City next month, the roster will have a decidedly Minnesotan-flavour to it.

According to the Star Tribune, former Fighting Sioux Zach Parise and former Minnesota Golden Gopher Paul Martin, both of the New Jersey Devils and both natives of the state of Minnesota, have been added to the national team roster.

They will join other Minnesotans and former WCHA players; Tom Gilbert (Wisconsin Badges/Edmonton Oilers); Keith Ballard (Minnesota Golden Gophers/Phoenix Coyotes); David Backes (MSU-M Mavericks/St. Louis Blues); and Peter Mueller (Phoenix Coyotes).

The IIHF World Championship runs from May 2-18.

Former Sioux Jonathan Toews is finalist for the Calder.

Former Fighting Sioux star Jonathan Toews has been selected as a finalist for the Calder trophy. Towes played with UND from 2005-2007 playing in 76 games scoring 40 goals and 45 assists for 85 points.

NEW YORK -- They were 1-2-3 in the NHL's rookie scoring race and they are the final three contenders for the Calder Trophy.

Forwards Patrick Kane, Nicklas Backstrom and Jonathan Toews were announced as the finalists for the rookie award Wednesday, the cream of the crop in a season where many fresh faces made a strong case for themselves.

Kane led all NHL rookies with 72 points (21-51) in 82 games, the 19-year-old native of Buffalo, N.Y., making a smooth transition from the junior ranks to the pros after being taken first overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in last June's NHL entry draft.

His Blackhawks linemate Toews will join him June 12 in Toronto for the NHL awards show, the Winnipeg native finishing third in rookie scoring with 54 points (24-30) despite being limited to 64 games because of a knee injury. Chicago's third overall pick in the 2006 NHL entry draft turns 20 next Tuesday.

Backstrom, taken one pick behind Toews in 2006, was second in NHL rookie scoring with 69 points (14-55) in 82 games with the Washington Capitals. The 20-year-old Swede was second among rookie forwards with a plus-13 rating, reflective of his all-around game. Backstrom could give the Caps two Calder Trophy winners in three seasons after Alex Ovechkin took home the award in 2005-06.

The last Blackhawk to win the Calder was goaltender and Former Fighting Sioux Ed Belfour in 1990-91.

Rioting in the streets in Montreal

This is what happened after the Montreal Canadians beat the Bruins in game seven, they had a riot in the streets of Montreal. It almost reminds me of when the Minnesota Golden Gophers won the NCAA title in 2003. I never understood the logic after your team wins a series or a championship you rush out into the street and burn and break things. Talk about selfish.

Marty Brodeur refuses to shake Sean Avery's hand

Kostroun/AP


There has been an on going feud between Rangers Buffoon Sean Avery and future hall of fame goalie Martin Brodeur. It may have started back in Feburary with Avery taking a blatant run at Martin Brodeur and it seems to have only gotten worse with the face guarding incident during the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Lets talk about class; Sean Avery although a decent hockey player is a punk and doesn't know when to shut his big mouth and isn't worthy of sniffing Brodeur's dirty jock strap. Martin Brodeur on the other hand is a world class goalie and a future hall of fame goalie that has won multiple Stanley Cups and post season awards. Martin Brodeur is a guy you would build a championship hockey team around. In contrast to Brodeur Sean Avery is a loud mouth punk that holds the media in disdain and is disrespectful to his fellow competitors. Avery is also quickly becoming that guy that no one wants to be associated with.

Marty Brodeur: No shake for Sean Avery
BY KRISTIE ACKERT
DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER
Martin Brodeur didn't shake Sean Avery's hand after the Rangers-Devils series ended.
The bitter feud between Rangers instigator Sean Avery and Devils goalie Martin Brodeur continued to the bitter end of their teams' playoff series. The two skated by each other in the post-series handshake line without shaking hands after the Rangers ousted the Devils, 5-3, at the Rock Friday night.

"I shook everyone's hand, everyone but one," Brodeur said without mentioning Avery by name. "I don't care how he feels about it."

Avery, who forced the NHL to add a rule to deal with his Game 3 faceguarding technique to screen Brodeur, used the handshake slight as a chance to fire another verbal barb at Brodeur.

"Everyone talks about how much class I don't have," said Avery. "I guess he forgot to shake my hand." Avery added: "Of course, I was going to shake his hand."

The feud goes way back. Avery has called Brodeur a whiner and takes verbal and physical shots at him during games every chance he gets. But he scored three goals in the series and had two assists. He also was called for three goalie interference penalties. "It was not an easy series, that's for sure," Brodeur said. "They did a great job of getting to me, getting in front of me and making my life tough out there." "I think to some degree, as the series went on, he looked tired mentally," Devils coach Brent Sutter said of Brodeur.

More Avery.

Check out this comment this is a classic example of what not to say after you win a series.

Meanwhile, members of that ‘talentless lineup’ have at least a championship ring on their fingers. Also, Mr. Avery, calling a three-time Stanley Cup winning goalie in Martin Brodeur, “Fatso” on national television, does not sit well with many of his fans and his peers. Respect off the ice, is something Marty has earned. Calling him ’fatso’ does not garner you the respect that you yearn. Although you deny it, we all know you want it. Who would not?

Is Gerbe going to sign?

LetsGoSabres.com is reporting that Nathan Gerbe is expected to forgo his senior season by signing a professional contract this Spring.