Quebec sports minister wants eliminate hockey brawls.

I guess she wants to have a kinder gentler brand of hockey. First off you will never eliminate fighting from hockey. Second, watch the stick work go up now as the result of them trying to eliminate fighting from hockey.

Provincial Sports Minister Michelle Courchesne said Wednesday she has obtained the support of her counterparts across Canada in her battle to end on-ice fights during junior hockey games.

Courchesne was spurred into action after being shocked by a punchout involving goalie Jonathan Roy, the son of hockey legend Patrick Roy, and player Bobby Nadeau during a Quebec Major Junior Hockey League playoff game earlier this year.

Roy was suspended for seven games after the incident.

"The ministers recognized right across Canada that it is no longer necessary to use fights as a marketing tool in 2008," Courchesne said after returning from a meeting of her counterparts in Victoria.

"We want to enjoy hockey."

She said a number of provincial politicians and amateur hockey associations are taking steps to eliminate fighting.

Courchesne is awaiting recommendations from the Quebec league but the province can legislate changes under the sports safety law if the league does not sufficiently address the issue.

Cool "Cup Raise" video from the NHL.

I found this video on You Tube today, check it out it is pretty sweet.

Here is the video from tonight's game; Stanley Cup Finals on NBC - Game Three TONIGHT 8PM EST.

Detroit not happy with Penguins.

Apparently the Detroit Red Wings are not very happy with Gary Roberts and the Pittsburgh Penguins and their antics at the end of game two. There should also be an Emmy awarded to Chris Osgood and his diving exhibition.

Penguins get physical against Red Wings
By ALAN ROBINSON
PITTSBURGH (AP)—Maybe the Pittsburgh Penguins should start showing more perspiration and less frustration.

The Penguins, shut out in the first two games of the Stanley Cup finals by Detroit, showed their exasperation at the end of Monday’s 3-0 loss in Game 2 with some borderline cheap shots on several Red Wings players.

Most prominent was Gary Roberts’ not well-disguised punch to the face of Johan Franzen, who was returning from a six-game layoff with concussion-like symptoms. Pavel Datsyuk also absorbed some punishment, no doubt sent by the Penguins to show they have some physicality to go with their so far invisible scoring talent.

The problem with such hits is they can motivate their opponent more than it does the team delivering them. Red Wings coach Mike Babcock promised again Tuesday that the Penguins haven’t seen the best of his team.

“I guess you’re trying to send a message or whatever,” Babcock said. “To me, the game’s going to be won in between the whistles. And you’re not going to back us off one inch. It’s impossible. You’re not going to back up Pavel. And you have to decide for your own team what you think helps you win.”

As for Franzen, Babcock likes that he has now played a game in the finals.

“We think we can be better. And we’re going to try to be better,” Babcock said. “Just the Mule getting a game under his belt, (he) should be a better hockey player the next game. And that should make us a better team.”

Toews going home to live with mom this summer.

I guess you can go home after spending a whirl wind season in the NHL. That is exactly what Former Sioux and current Chicago Blackhawk Jonathan Toews is going to do.

After a season in the spotlight, hometown hockey star Jonathan Toews is happy to return to Winnipeg for the summer -- even if it means moving back in with his folks.

"My mom always loves it when we come home," said Toews, who's just finished up his rookie season as a centre with the Chicaco Blackhawks. "Obviously, she misses us all year."

Toews arrived in Winnipeg on Monday for the first time since September, after competing with Team Canada in the IIHF World Hockey Championship in Quebec and Halifax.

"It's nice to be back home, and things have definitely changed for me around here," he said. "It's always one of those things you take in stride and enjoy."

Toews hopes to spend much of his summer in the city, catching up with friends and preparing for training. But it's not all rest and relaxation.

He'll also speak at an announcement this morning for the St. Boniface Hospital & Research Foundation's La Soirée Chocolatée Auction, a fundraiser chaired by his mother, Andrée Gilbert.

(read the whole story right here)

Linkorama: a few things.

There is an interesting twist to the Taylor Chorney story it appears that the Oiler are low balling Taylor. Hey most of us would love to see Chorney return for his senior year. Come on Oilers keep low balling Taylor.

The Oilers announced the roster for their annual prospect camp starting June 1st, and there was one name noticeably absent. North Dakota D-man Taylor Chorney, who did attend last year wasn't listed.

Now Chorney did injure his knee in the Fighting Sioux's final game during the NCAA Frozen Four tournament, but at the time it wasn't considered a serious injury and I'm told it's pretty much healed by now, so we should be able to rule that out.

I have spoken to several sources on this issue and have been told it is a contract issue, and that the agent is using whether Chorney comes to camp as a negotiating tactic.

I have also been told the first offer made was a little high and surprised the Oilers quite a bit.

I inadvertently snubbed a fellow Sioux blogger and I must bring attention to his new blog that first made its debut on the blog-sphere in February of 2008. Mikey Pat from MPH (Sioux) has some suggestions for the person that runs the music at the REA. Mike is right the music at the Ralph is bad and there needs to be some changes. Apparently Adam Burrish has a Good music selection.

So there has been many talk in the past couple weeks about improvements that can be made the the Fighting Sioux's home ice at the Ralph Englestad Arena. While surfing the Blackhawks website I came across iMixes which I've with celebrities from time to time. In that section you can find various players iMixes and what they have and listen to on their iPod. Just looking through them I found Adam Burish has the best lineup by far, but I found something else that was intriguing.

In the same section they had the music lineup for the home games at the United Center. Now I'm sure that not all the songs are on their, but their were a lot of good songs that I saw that might keep the crowd going. The REA needs to desperately change the music at the Ralph and I personally believe that this could be accomplished if REA management simply took a weekend trip to other NHL arenas around the country. People will complain that this is a college arena so you cannot hold them to NHL standards, but in my opinion the technology that we have at the Ralph requires it to be held to NHL standards. To catch the mix, check it out here

Also posted in the blog article is a pretty great video with some good music and awesome highlights from the Blackhawks this past season. With the some of the young stars Kane and Toews and mix of free agents the Hawks will be a force to be reckoned with next season. I just hope it isn't at the expense of the Wild.

Happy Memorial day...

Goon's World would like to thank the men and women serving their country in the military over seas and at home. It is this blogger's opinion that freedom does not come free. These colors do not run nor do they surrender.

Another color video tribute to the American Soldier.

Proper way to throw a golf club.

During the off season where there is no more hockey this is an important technique to know when you're having a tough day on the golf course.

Video of the Nicklas Lidstrom no-goal

Here is the video of the Nicklas Lidstrom non-goal from game one in the Stanley Cup playoffs. Honestly from a objective point of view this appears to be a bad call and if I had been the on ice official I would have called it a good goal.

While I am not a fan of Tomas Holmstrom and he does cross the line in crowding the net, but I don't know in this case, I have watched the video a quite a few times and this call was really flimsy and a ticky tacky call. If anything the NHL needs to let the defenseman have more lee way in clearing out the front of the net. In the old days Holmstrom would have been knocked out of the way by the defender.

Linkorama: New Fighting Sioux blog

I just recently found this new Fighting Sioux/Boston University hockey blog while surfing the net; UNDER REVIEW and there is an interesting article on Fighting Sioux recruit Garret Clarke. Apparently this kid's stock is really rising and the Moncton Wildcats of the QMJHL are interested in making him part of their team, for now it appears for now that Clarke is still going to go the Fargo Force of the USHL and then to the Fighting Sioux of the WCHA. I am not going to hold my breath waiting. Expect a full court press because the QMJHL doesn't care about any gentleman's agreement nor should they.

Tim Clarke, the father, gave a long pause and then seemed to choose his words carefully when asked why his son is returning to Moncton for the summer.

"His sister is going to school there and we still have a home there,'' he said. "He's going there to train and just hang out for a few weeks. That's about all I can really say to be honest.''

Has Clarke, his parents or the family advisor already met with Moncton and worked out a deal for him to suit up here next season?

"We're still tied to Fargo in the USHL and the University of North Dakota at this time,'' said the father. "We'll have to see what happens over the next couple of weeks.

"There's a lot of interest in him, but I really can't say who we've met with and who we haven't. There's a lot of (QMJHL) teams that have made offers. As it stands today, we're still focused on the commitments that he's made to Fargo and the University of North Dakota.

"Will that change in two weeks or a month or two months? It's difficult to say at this point. I'm not at liberty to say whether or not he would consider Moncton or any other (QMJHL) team for that matter.''

Moncton head coach and director of hockey operations Danny Flynn was asked about the possibility of making Clarke the first overall pick in the draft.

"We've spoken to his representative, Allain Roy, four or five times and we've been told that he's definitely going to pursue U.S. college hockey,'' he said. "I've seen him play enough to know that he's a very talented player.

Rolston and Gaborik rumors

Here are some of the latest rumors from Eklund The Anonymous Hockey Blogger. I have seen this guy right like once and that was during the Toews signing, go figure.

First off, IF the Wild trade Marian Gaborik they better get a boat load of draft choices and prospects; in my opinion Boston has little to give in the way of prospects. If the Minnesota Wild trades the face of their organization away, Minnesota Wild fans will not be very forgiving if the organization doesn’t get a lot in return. Gaborik although a often hurt player I a dynamic offensive player that does bring a lot to the table, replacing his 40-50 goals in the line up would be very hard. I am all for getting rid of perimeter player PMB. I don't see the Wild trading Gabby.

As a Bruins fan I would love to see Hossa and Gaborik on the same team along with Savard, however, wouldn't the Wild also be in the mix as well? Brian Rolston is one of my favorite all-time American born players in the NHL and I would love to see him end his career with the Minnesota Wild.

Rolston
A few sources are telling me that Brian Rolston, one of the more attractive UFAs due to his solid two-way play, is looking likely to return to Minnesota. That is not to say that other teams aren't going to make pitches that may make this decision a tough one for Brian, but most of my sources are leaning towards Brian returning due to the fact he really loves playing in Minnesota.

Gaborik
Although some sources are saying pretty much the same thing regarding Gaborik's desire to remain a "Wild" (?) reports are that some very serious trade offers may make things complicated including a mega offer from a "team in the Northeast" that I believe to be either Buffalo or Boston. There is one scenario where Boston would attempt to unite Hossa and Gaborik in Boston.

Umberger for Suter?
From all I am hearing Jeff Carter wants to and will indeed be a Flyer for years to come. However, the Flyers are in an interesting spot with RJ. While it is hard to imagine a Vanek-like offer sheet coming in for RJ, it is entirely possible that Holmgren and Poile (two long-time friends) could make a move that would clear up issues for each of them.

The ref screws the Red Wings once again.

This is becoming a reoccuring theme, it is like ground hog day. One could say, "that the more thing change the more things stay the same." Game one Stanley Cup playoffs the Detroit Red Wings have another goal called off by the on ice officials. There will be a disscussion about goalie interference in the off season, you can bet on it. I am still tring to find video of the non-goal.

Same ref, same bad call? Wings get goal taken away

Detroit Red Wings left wing Tomas Holmstrom has made a career of being an aggressive presence in front of the net.

But for the second time in as many playoff series, a referee thought Holmstrom was a bit too aggressive around the goal.

The Wings thought they went up 1-0 with 15:20 into the game because Nicklas Lidstrom put the puck in the net, only it was called off by referee Dan O'Halloran, who ruled Tomas Holmstrom had interfered with Marc-Andre Fleury.

Holmstrom's stick did make contact with Fleury, but certainly not in any way that impaired Fleury from making a save.

Holmstrom said he hadn't seen replays but "I heard it was a bad call. Fleury was outside the paint and was coming out to me, and what can you do? For sure it helps when you win the game."

O'Halloran, of course, was also the guy who, when the Wings played Anaheim in Detroit on Feb. 10, called off a Lidstrom goal after ruling that Holmstrom had interfered with Ducks goalie Jean-Sebastien Giguere. Referee Kelly Sutherland called off a Pavel Datsyuk goal in Game 4 of the third-round series against Dallas, ruling Holmstrom's posterior violated Marty Turco's airspace, even though replays showed Holmstrom wasn't even in the blue paint.

Back up and running.

I want to thank everyone for their kind words, support and emails during this tough week. The funeral service at Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church in Prior Lake Minnesota was unbelievable, they are a first class organization and very supportive.

Shepherd of the lake is also one of the biggest Lutheran churches I have ever worshiped at, I thought my church in Grand Forks was big. My mother sang in the choir at the church in Prior Lake so my sisters requested that the choir sing at her funeral. The Shepherd of the lake choir was unbelievable and a them being at the funeral was a nice touch.

Taking a short break

Goon's world will be taking a short break for a few days because of an unexpected death in the family. My mother passed away unexpectedly this week and I will be spending time with my family. Grandma Sue will be missed by all.

Chris Simon to Russia

It would appear that Chris Simon's playing days in the NHL are over, I suppose there are playing in the NHL breathing a sigh of relief. I guess this means that we aren't going to have to witness anymore long suspensions or melt downs on the ice. Simon missed thirty games this season for stopping on another player with his skate. In the end it appears that Simon acquisition at the trade deadline was one of the Wild's poorer moves in their short history.

To Russia with Love: Chris Simon
B.D. Gallof
It is really no surprise that Chris Simon's NHL career, at least at this juncture ends, while he continues onward in what used to be called the Russian Super League. Gazprom, a natural gas extracting company with a value of $304 billion has rebranded the league the Continental Hockey League in order to position it to compete with the NHL. So, this league, controlled by a firm who is allowed to have security forces much greater than most other Russian companies, adds two players who had horrendous years to its fold: perennial goalie backup John Grahame and former Islander pugilist, Chris Simon.

Well, I guess all big things have to start small, eh?

Alexei Zhamnov is GM of Vityaz Podolsk Chekhov, and played one year with Simon back in the NHL. He adds him to the bouillabaisse of "talent" of Oleg Kvasha (aka Master of the Hockey Universe), and other barn-burners like Igor Radulov and Alexander Korolyuk.

Well, I guess one silver lining is that one can hope he pounds Alexei Yashin into a pulp.

Yashin, meanwhile, with his agent seem to be playing the angles to create a market for him to come back to the NHL. Some teams are purported to be interested. Just like they were when he signed to play in Russia.

Blast from the past.

Check out this fight from February 11th, 2003, it lasted a total of one punch. You have to wonder if Jesse Boulerice regretted getting involved in this fight. Boulerice took a swipe at Downey before he floored him with one hay-maker. Wow...

The latest Patrick Reusse article.

Seems that Patrick Reusse is enflaming the masses down in Minneapolis again because he isn't spitting out the company line again. You know; Don Lucia is great, Don Lucia is God, Don Lucia is the top coach in the WCHA.

Seriously! Everyone knows that Mike Guentzel quit on his own accord and wasn't pushed out; there is no way a class act such as Don Lucia would force a great coach like Mike Guentzel out. Why couldn’t it happen?

The funny thing is every once in a while when there isn't much as far as real news going on in the Twin Cities Partick Reusse will put a shot across the bow of the Gopher hockey team. I don’t blame him it sells newspapers and people respond to it. Like obedient sheep the Gopher faithful take offense to it. I think people forgot to mention that it was an opinion piece. What is more funny is the comments that follow Reusse's articles.

Mainstream media. That's what they call us, right?

Apparently, the plan here in the mainstream has been to accept the tall tale that Mike Guentzel willingly resigned after 14 seasons as a Gophers hockey assistant, even though it's an open topic of conversation in WCHA circles and among former Gophers that he was forced out by coach Don Lucia.

Guentzel can't confirm this to media members, of course. The 45-year-old has aspirations to run a Division I program, and publicly admitting that Lucia chose him as the scapegoat for the horrendous 2007-08 season would not be helpful in that pursuit.

There's no doubt that the Lucia ego is sufficiently large that he's not going to blame a seventh-place finish in the WCHA on his own stewardship. And since The Don is joined at the hip with John Hill, his other assistant, that left Guentzel to take the fall. (Read the whole story here)

This is one of my favorite comments on the article.

Such short memories
Somehow the Don's critics have forgotten how he recruited a guy with below average skating skills named Grant Potulny. He certainly was not a prima-donna but the Don saw his leadership skills and character and Grant became the best captain the Gophers had in many years and led them to 2 NCAA championships. I agree with the Don that it's easy to be a good coach with good players - check the record at CC. However, to make the personable and hard working Guentzel a scapegoat (if that is indeed the case!) is not a class act.

Which one of these should have been a goal.

n reviewing the goals from the Detroit and Dallas series; it appears that this goal looks like the one that should have been waved off, because it does appear that the Detroit forward Holmstrom interfered with Marty Turco as opposed to first Detroit goal that was taken back in game 4 on Thursday night. One might suggest that it was a make up call.

One has to wonder what affect it would have had on the series if these goals had been called correctly? It may not have mattered either.

Cool NHL on versus commercial.

I had someone at work ask me the other day if hockey was over yet? His next question was; why is the hockey season so long. I told him that there is still a series and half left in the season. This NHL on Versus commercial kind of sums up what the off season is like, boring, the back of a lawn chair.

Personally I wish hockey season was 10 month long, the off season is way too long in my opinion. A guy can only hit bad golf shots so long before you become board with the whole thing.

Ducan to return to North Dakota

When I heard that Ryan Ducan the 2007 Hobey Baker Memorial trophy winner was coming back to UND I was ecstatic. I think it will help UND a lot having one of their top offensive stars back in the line up next season. I am already hoping and dreaming that next season the Fighting Sioux coaches put Ducan on a line with David Toews and Evan Trupp. That line could probably score 75-100 goals.

Duncan to return for senior season
Brad Elliott Schlossman
After Ryan Duncan won the 2007 Hobey Baker Memorial Award, some thought there wasn’t anything left for him to accomplish in college hockey.

To the contrary, the standout winger will have several milestones sitting in front of him this fall, when he returns for his senior season.

Duncan has informed UND that he will be back to complete his college career rather than sign a free-agent pro contract.

That means he will have a chance to further solidify himself among the program’s best.

Despite playing in an era when scoring is at a record low, the 5-foot-6, 159-pound forward from Calgary only needs 20 points to move into the top 20 in all-time scoring at UND. He currently ranks 38th with 133 points.

Duncan also could break the Western Collegiate Hockey Association’s record for most consecutive games played. Duncan has never missed a game at UND, playing 132 in a row. His former teammate, Chris Porter, holds the record at 175.

Duncan could become the first player ever to win the Hobey Baker Award twice and just the third player in the last decade to leave college hockey with both the Hobey and a national championship trophy, which has eluded Duncan’s Sioux teams.

“He’s already created a lot of great memories,” UND coach Dave Hakstol said earlier this season.

Malone and Hatcher

I caught the tail end of this game tonight and it was pretty exciting finish and the festivities at the end of the game will probably set the tone for game 5. I wonder if Upshaw will receive any additional punishment for his charge on Staal. WOW what an ending; Malone and Hatcher fight was pretty good as well as the Crosby and Richards stick fight just after the face off.

Former SCSU Husky Ryan Malone is quickly becoming one of my favorite hockey players. I like what Malone brings to the table he is a tough hockey players and has the ability to chip in offensively as well. I would love to see him in a Wild or Bruins jersey.

Prediction: I think that Philly is done next game in Pittsburgh. The Flyers do not have the horses to run and gun with the high flying Penguins.

Jason Blake wants to stay with Leafs.

It had been speculated last week that former Fighting Sioux Jason Blake might want out of Toronto and would welcome a trade to another club. Apparently that rumor isn't true.

The agent for Maple Leafs winger Jason Blake disputed a published report last week that his client is unhappy and wouldn't object to a trade.

"Jason called me after that story came out and assured he wants to win in Toronto," Minneapolis-based Neil Sheehy said. "He didn't say anything in the story that (general manager) Cliff Fletcher hasn't said before, that the Leafs could be looking to make changes and I've spoken to Cliff to (underline) that."

But Blake was a disappointment in the first of a five-year, $20-million US contract, scoring just 15 times. That deal makes it almost impossible to move him (the Leafs tried unsuccessfully last season) or buy him out.

Pavel Datsyuk's no goal.

This past season I thought the officials in the WCHA had a tough year, but it appears that even the best officials in the top hockey league make mistakes as well. This was definitely a horrible call, it was ruled that Tomas Holmstrom interfered with Dallas goalie Marty Turco on the play. If you look at the video you will see that Holmstrom wasn't even in the blue paint and made no contact with the Dallas goalie. While I am no fan of the Redwings, you could put me in the category of being a Redwing hater there is no excuse for making bad calls like this.

the blog that Yost Built was less than pleased with the call.

If anyone that is reading this article lives in southwest Madison and has young children, I apologize for teaching them some new words tonight. I had, shall we say, an unpleasant reaction to another example of stunning incompetance by the NHL and its officials tonight.

With the score 0-0 late in the second period of Game 4 between the Red Wings and Stars, Datsyuk put a shot past Turco to give Detroit the lead. Or so we thought. Kelly Sutherland immediately waived the goal off, saying that Tomas Holmstrom interfered with Turco's ability to make the save--that his butt was in the crease. How can I put this gently....Sutherland was completely and utterly WRONG. Holmstrom was clearly outside the crease and Turco, despite his comments to the contrary, had every chance to make the save. The only bit of "interfering" that Holmstrom did was blocking Turco's view, which is kind of his job (and completely legal provided he's not in the crease or going Sean Avery on the goalie).

To add to the hilarity, the Stars scored just a couple minutes later when Loui Eriksson showed everybody what it really means to be in the crease. Not surprisingly--especially with Dan O'Halloran down at that end of the ice--no one seemed to care that he was basically on top of Osgood, or that they had waived off a goal for a man in the crease just a few moments earlier.

Update on Nate Hagemo

Here is the latest on the Nate Hagemo story. Let's hope Hapemo can get his life together and beat this problem. This is a sad story.

Ex-U player Hagemo gets strict probation
To avoid the workhouse, the former hockey player must stick to a list of drug-related rules. He still faces other charges.
By PAUL WALSH, Star Tribune

Nate Hagemo, the troubled former Gophers hockey prodigy whose numerous run-ins with the law followed an injury that derailed his NHL dreams, has been sentenced to probation and ordered to abide by a slew of conditions to avoid incarceration.

Meanwhile, the Minneapolis city attorney's office said Wednesday afternoon that it will investigate a traffic accident last fall involving Hagemo in which police say he ran a red light and struck and seriously injured a bicyclist. He has yet to be cited in that case.

Hagemo, 22, of Edina, pleaded guilty Tuesday and was sentenced in Hennepin County District Court to three years' probation for failing to submit to chemical testing after a traffic accident in September in Minneapolis. Careless driving and disorderly conduct charges were dismissed.

To avoid a year in the workhouse, Hagemo must attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings three times a week, abstain from illicit drugs and alcohol, submit to random drug testing, complete alcohol assessment and have no traffic-related violations. He also was ordered to pay a fine and court fees totaling $525.

Also Tuesday, Hagemo pleaded guilty to careless driving stemming from another crash in December in Minneapolis. Police say he drove his pickup through a red light at E. 38th Street and Portland Avenue S. He was given a year's probation in that case and has 30 days in the workhouse hanging over him should he violate any terms of that probation. A driving after revocation charge was dropped.

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?