Lucia is such a bad coach that Garth Snow picks another Gopher recruit?

The move of the weekend from the 2008 NHL entry level draft that has me and others scratching their head is the fact that Islanders malcontent Garth Snow would actually have the audacity to take another Gopher recruit or player, especially after he had bad mouthed Gophers Coach Donny Lucia and said that Kyle Okposo wasn't developing under tDon's tutalidge. Ok, so now we are to believe that Snow isn't worried about Ness being on Lucia's team? Why the Change of heart? Could Garth Snow be talking about of both sides of his mouth?

I have seen some speculation on fan messages boards and on the internet that Snow just might be covering for Kyle Okposo who (from everything I heard and read, even Lou Nanne said that he expected Kyle to sign with the Islanders during the summer) wanted to sign last summer but the Islanders brass told him to stay in school. Seems as if Kyle never really wanted to remain in school anyways and should have just said so instead of allowing his coach to get bashed in the media. There is an unwritten rule in life to not burning any bridges.

OTTAWA — When the New York Islanders signed Kyle Okposo out of the University of Minnesota in the middle of the school year in December, Islanders General Manager Garth Snow justified the controversial move by criticizing the Gophers' program and specifically coach Don Lucia.

"Quite frankly, we weren't happy with the program there," Snow told the Star Tribune. "They have a responsibility to coach, to make Kyle a better player, and they were not doing that. ... We entrusted the coach there to turn him into a better hockey player, and it wasn't happening."

He added, "Whether it was Kyle or another player, until things change in that program we'd probably make the same decision."

Fast forward to the entry draft on Saturday: apparently Garth has had a change of heart.

Well, in Saturday's second round of the NHL draft, the Islanders took Gophers incoming freshman and Minnesota's Mr. Hockey, Roseau's Aaron Ness, with the 40th pick.

But Snow changed his tune Saturday, saying he blasted the Gophers because in a Star Tribune article the day before, "there were three people that took shots against our organization, against Kyle, and I wasn't going to sit idly by.

"Every situation is different. We're happy we got a good hockey player, and we support [Ness] getting his degree at the University of Minnesota."

Still, Ness said how long he stays at the university depends largely on the Islanders' wishes.

"Whenever they feel I'm ready and I feel I'm ready, let's get it going," Ness said. "I'll take this as it comes. As of now, I'm going to the U next year."

Reminded of Snow's thoughts of the Gophers and asked if that could affect his long-term stay at Minnesota, Ness said: "Yeah, I guess, maybe. I'll talk about it with them in the future."

By phone from the Twin Cities on Saturday, Lucia said he wasn't concerned the Islanders took Ness.

"They drafted a great kid, a great player, a world-class player," Lucia said. "I think Aaron has a great set of parents. They know and he knows there's growth to do as a player. It'll take time. So we look forward to having him at Minnesota.

"Whether it was the Islanders or anybody else, it was a smart pick. It's old news as far as I'm concerned."

Friday was a long day for Ness. He had to sit through the three-hour first round only not to hear his name.

"It was a little disappointing, just because of all the hype and stuff," Ness said. "But the bottom line is it's what you do after the draft. This is another step to hopefully getting there one day."
<-Read the rest of the story here->

Here is a little perspective.

I saw this comment posted on siouxsports.com and It got me thinking about something. While Ryan Duncan had a down year by his own standards he still had a better three season strech points wise than say a Blake Wheeler who according to the Boston Globe will sign an entry level deal on the first of July with the Boston Bruins. So what does Blake have that Duncan doesn't? Personally I would say 10 inches in height and the benefits of being drafted in the first round. Other than that nothing. As far as offensive creativity goes Ducan has a heck of lot more than an under achiever like Wheeler, however, like the writer says he is no Gerbe. Seriously folks, not many are like Nathan Gerbe.

Duncan didn't always play with Oshie and Toews at UND either. Lastly, there will be another Toews in the Fighting Sioux line up come fall so maybe just maybe there will version of the Toews, Duncan, ________...

WCHA-Fan said: The numbers are a big thing for teams. Yea Duncan is short, listed at 5'6" and just under 160lbs. But Nathan Gerbe is 5'5" and about 165lbs. The difference between those two is speed. Gerbe is a very quick player where as Duncan isn't the fastest guy out there and thats something that Duncan if he improved there would help him if he were to pursue an NHL deal next year.

As it sets up right now the Sioux are better with him because he will be a leader and most likely wearing the "C" next year. However, he won't have Oshie anymore, and his numbers did suffer without Toews last year. For the Sioux's sake I hope he has a good year next year. He was an asset to the Sioux, like you said, he did do a lot of time on the PK. Like I said in an earlier post, this season coming up will be a telling sign of how good Duncan is. I think a lot of NHL critics and even in the WCHA are going to look to him this year to put up numbers for this team. I said before that Duncan may have been the benefactor of having Oshie and Toews with him. This will be Duncan's "prove it" year. No Toews, No Oshie, lets see how he does. I don't think he will have a problem being a leader on the team, most likely wearing the "C" next year. Oshie and Toews proved how good they were, now its Duncan's turn.

Sioux recruits and where they were drafted.

According to the Grand Forks Herald; here is where the future Fighting Sioux were
selected.

Kristo went later in the second (No. 56) to Montreal.

Toews went in the third (No. 66) to the Islanders and Fienhage in the same round (No. 81) to Buffalo.

Sioux forward recruit Brett Hextall, who was not ranked by the NHL's Central Scouting Bureau, went 159th in the 6th round to the Phoenix Coyotes.

UND defensemen recruits Andrew MacWilliam 188th to the (Toronto Maple Leafs)
and Joe Gleason (Chicago Blackhawks) went 192nd respectively in the seventh round.

Check out Zack Parise on NHL Network online and Draft rankings

I found this this clip on the NHL channel while I was looking at some draft information. I really miss this kid's days of playing for Sioux. Forner Sioux start Zach Parise was always a good interview so this is clip is no different some good stuff. On a final note, Zach is right goalies are head cases.

North American Top-30 Ranked Skaters - FINAL
10 Wilson, Colin Boston University C 34 12 22 34 20 Read
23 Gardiner, Jake Minnetonka D 25 16 27 43 18
27 Ness, Aaron Roseau High D 25 23 37 60 12
28 Colborne, Joe Camrose C 55 33 57 90 48

Interesting blog on Blake Wheeler

Check out this blog post from Gerry Bourdeau on Blake going to the Bruins. I have to admit that has a Briuns fan I am not as excited about this pick up as other Bruins fans. I guess I have seen the kid play in college and he just didn't stick out as being the type of player worthy of a first round draft choice. Just for the record I felt that Kyle Okposso was worthy of a first round pick.

According to the Boston Globe (and this site), the Boston Bruins have agreed to terms with Blake Wheeler, a solid power-forward prospect with lots of size, skating ability and an interesting name which lends itself out nicely to puns. Wheel we see him in the NHL next year? There are no guarantees of that, but Bruin fans have to be happy about getting this 6’4”, 5th overall draftee (selected by Phoenix in 2004) who turns 22 in August. The best thing about this, other than the possibility that I’ll get to call someone a wheelman in this blog next year, is that it cost the Bruins nothing player-wise to acquire this young talent. Low risk and high reward: how can you go wrong with that? You can’t, is what I’m trying to say, in case you didn’t piece that together.

In any case, the Bruins must wait until July 1 to officially sign Flex Wheeler (look at that, a weight lifting reference – and you thought all I could do was sci-fi) even though he does not have a previous contract. In case Blake Wheeler has second thoughts about joining the Bruins, I would like to remind him that the number 18 appears to be free. This should be enticing for several reasons. Firstly, it is the inverse of fellow ex-Gopher, Phi Kessel’s number. Secondly, and more importantly, it could give him a cool nickname like “18 Wheeler” or even “Big Rig” and he could use that in all kinds of situations, even away from the rink.

Peter Chiarelli said he wanted to improve the forward core of this team by getting some bigger players. With Carl Soderberg agreeing to come over to North America next season, the acquisition of Matt Marquardt, and now this acquisition, it would seem Peter Chiarelli is well on the way to achieving his goal.

Tiger Wuss? Hardly...

There was a lot said about Tiger Woods saying that no one watches hockey. Nothing like telling everyone what is on your mind or how you feel about something.

JULIUS MASON: Mr. Woods, Julius Mason here. We're joined by about 75 of your closest friends and I think off the top of their head they have one burning question for you, Detroit or Pittsburgh tonight? In the Stanley Cup finals. (Laughter.)

TIGER WOODS: That's pretty good. I don't really care, let's talk about the Dodgers. (Laughter.)

JULIUS MASON: Politically correct as always and that's what we ?

TIGER WOODS: I don't think anybody really watches hockey any more. (Laughter.)

While I was disappointed with Tiger Woods for making those silly statements about hockey, I do believe Tiger is a world class athlete has earned the right to speak out. For most of us Tiger Woods is a role model and based on that fact I did expect maybe just a little more from him. Come on Tiger the Dodgers suck and are just about as bad as the Kings in my opinion.

Personally I have a lot of respect for Tiger Woods whether he makes these silly comment or not. Face it; there is no denying the fact Tiger is the best golfers to ever lace up a pair of golf shoes, Tiger is the Wayne Greztky of golf. Bum knee or not he is one of the best athletes in the game of golf right now, the game of golf will suffer because of his absence. Few if any other golfers come even close to being as talented or as athletic as Tiger. Yes golfers are athletes. Very few of are probably even worthy of carrying his bag on the course.

Tiger will probably go down as one of the best the game of golf will ever know. In my opinion, no one can match Tiger's metal toughness or talent on the golf course. Not Phil, Sergio Ernie or Jack. That being said it was a mistake for Tiger to disrespect the game of hockey. Maybe we should send the Boggey man over the boards after him. Not!

Of course then ex-Boston Bruin Mike Milbury then responded by calling Tiger a Wuss.

You know what? I'm gonna change the name now. It's gonna be Tiger Wuss. Here's a guy that took about three months to get over a simple arthroscopic surgery. You look at [Pens forward] Ryan Malone. His face exploded with a slap shot last night - he's back out in 10 minutes!

"Keep your yap shut, Tiger, or I'll send a couple of wingers down there - [Pens forward] Gary Roberts - to tidy you up a little bit, meat head."

Now we find out that Tiger Woods was hurt more than he lead on. Tiger Woods announced today that he is done for the rest of the 2008 season.

Woods explained why today when he revealed he will have season-ending surgery to repair a torn ligament in his left knee that he injured 10 months ago.

He also suffered a double stress fracture of his left tibia two weeks before the U.S. Open, ignoring doctors' advice to take six weeks off to let it heal. And he still won the U.S. Open at Torrey Pines, going 91 holes over five days on a knee that was getting worse.

"Now, it is clear that the right thing to do is to listen to my doctors, follow through with this surgery and focus my attention on rehabilitating my knee," Woods said on his Web site.

Sioux recruits and their draft rankings

The NHL draft is on the 20th and 21st of June. Here is some info on the Sioux recruits and their draft rankings from TSN and NHL.com.

39. DANNY KRISTO
Comparable: Maxim Afinogenov

From TSN: One of the better skates in the draft, scouts like the young American's effort and rate him as a solid second-rounder.

From NHL Central Scouting: Danny is a strong kid, but not a very big, physical kid. He has very quick feet and he's very smart. He's clever with the puck, he can set people up and he can finish. Sometimes he can take himself away from his best assets - thinking and skating and using his hands – and he tries to knock big guys down and he physically can't, but he's got that bite to his game.

NHL.COM RANKINGS

Cory Fienhage North American Skater. Final Ranking: 36 Mid-term Ranking: 61 Eastview High,High-MN

Danny Kristo North American Skater. Final Ranking: 37 Mid-term Ranking: 40 USA U-18,USDP

David Toews North American Skater. Final Ranking: 79 Mid-term Ranking: 71

Here is the Central Scouting Releases Final Rankings

36. Cory Fienhage D Eastview (Minn.) H.S. North Dakota
37. Danny Kristo F U.S. NTDP North Dakota
79. David Toews F Shattuck St. Mary's (Minn) North Dakota
147. Andrew MacWilliam D Camrose (AJHL) North Dakota
178. Joe Gleason D Edina (Minn.) H.S. North Dakota

Wheeler is going to the Bruins.

The Bruins have won the Blake Wheeler sweepstakes and will sign him to a professional contract on the 1st of July. Yeah OK, good for Blake Wheeler. Personally I am happy for Blake but I don't ever see him playing in a Claude Julien system. If Brandon Bochenski isn't good enough to play for the Bruins how in the heck is Wheeler going to make the line up on a regular basis? Coach Julien is a task member that has no patience for players that don't work hard and give 100 percent on each shift. Just for the record Blake Wheeler wasn't half the player Brandon Bochenski was in college.

Blake Wheeler, the highly-sought winger from the University of Minnesota, has advised his agent to finalize terms of a contract with the Bruins, a two-year deal that won’t be made official until July 1, in keeping with NHL bylaws that govern the movement and signing of unrestricted free agents.

"More than 20 NHL teams were interested in Blake, and this was a very tough decision,’’ said Wellesley-based agent Matt Keator, who also represents Boston captain Zdeno Chara. "And ultimately it came down to a few things for Blake, but mostly that he was comfortable with where the Bruins were headed as an organization — how this year they brought along kids like David Krejci, Milan Lucic, and Mark Stuart. They’ve done a good job of developing kids, and he wants to continue along that line.’’

Boston general manager Peter Chiarelli, reached via email, wrote that he was pleased that Wheelers chose the Bruins. "Of course, ‘’ added Chiarelli, "we can’t sign him until July 1, but we look forward to getting him in the mix. Any time you can get a young player of Blake’s caliber with that blend of size and skill, you are very fortunate.’’

Wheeler, 21 years old and 6 feet 4 inches, 220 pounds, was drafted No. 5 overall by the Coyotes in 2004 and long has been considered a potential power forward in the NHL. Just over a month ago, in the wake of his junior season with the Golden Gophers, he announced that he would turn pro and intended to exercise the right to be a free agent if he could not come to contract terms with the Coyotes.

Only in rare instances do college players become free agents. But Wheeler, because he played a year of junior hockey before joining UMinn, was eligible to exercise his right to become UFA prior to July 1, because four years had lapsed since his draft day. Once officially a free agent as of June 8, he began to field bids from around the league, and just last week cut down to four teams — believed to be the Bruins, Canadiens, Rangers, and either the Devils or Wild.
<-Read the rest of the story here ->

Whew...

For the two people that haven't seen this; it appears that both our players are going no where and a case of the Halifax Mooseheads having them on their roster because they are both draft choices. Also the article posted on the Hockey News is wrong as well.

From BES: Both Malone and Cichy are draft picks of the Mooseheads, so apparently, by default they are putting them on the camp roster. Neither will be attending.

Posted by: Schlossman on Monday, June 16 12:17 PM

Update on Mike Cichy

Herald beat writer Brad Elliott Schlossman is reporting that Mike Cichy is still coming to UND in 2009. Sounds like the Halifax Moose might have a case of wishful thinking.

Q&A with Mike Cichy

Despite being the youngest player on his team, Mike Cichy led Tri-City in scoring with 16 goals, 29 assists and 45 points during his USHL rookie season. The 5-foot-11, 193-pound forward from New Hartford, Conn., scored two power-play goals, two shorthanded goals and a pair of game-winning goals.

He will come to UND in 2009.

Q. The Halifax Mooseheads have you on their training camp roster and another report says you are going there next season. Is that the case?
MIKE CICHY: No, I'm not going there. I think that is a bit of wishful thinking on their part. I already talked to Cary Eades, too, and told him that.

Did the Sioux lose a couple of recruits?

According to a few things that were posted on siouxsports.com this morning it appears that UND could have lost three recruits in one week. Starting with the Garrett Clarke Saga which was covered extensively to now hearing about these two new developments.

Mike Cichy, C, Tri-City Storm (USHL)
One of the best college-commits in the US, Cichy instead will be heading to the QMJHL for 2009-10. A dazzling puck-handler and playmaker, he could have an offensive explosion like Edmonton's Sam Gagner experienced. Doesn't turn 18 until after the draft.

Here is a roster that has Brad Malone on the Mooseheads, Halifax of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.


<----Update---->
Both Malone and Cichy are listed on the Moose Heads roster. I am sure we will soon find out if UND is losing both these palyers. Apparently it isn't a big deal for a player to be on a training camp roster and recently happned with a Gopher recruit Sam Lofquist ended up being on the OHL team London Knights roster last fall.

Ex-Gopher Ryan Potulny sign deal with Oilers

The Edmonton Oilers signed another ex-college hockey player yesterday as Ryan Potulny signed a one year contract. Edmonton has a roster that contains numerous ex-college hockey players on their roster this past season. Potulny joins Shawn Horcoff, Dustin Penner, Dwayne Roloson, Matt Greene, Andrew Cogliano, Tom Gilberton the Edmonton roster. Marty Reasoner, Curtiss Glencross were also on the roster this past season but are free agents and remains unsigned.

Edmonton Oilers Press Release--The Edmonton Oilers have signed centre Ryan Potulny to a one-year contract.

The 6’0”, 180 pound native of Grand Forks, North Dakota was acquired by the Oilers on June 6th from the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for defenceman Danny Syvret.

Potulny split the 2007-08 season between Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Phantoms, the Flyers’ American Hockey League affiliate. In his second full season as a professional, the 23-year-old forward scored one assist in seven NHL games with the Flyers and registered 21 goals and 26 assists for 47 points in 58 games for the Phantoms.

Because of the GOP Convention the Wild to hold training camp in Grand Forks, ND

Brad Elliott Schlossman from the Grand Forks Herald is reporting that the Minnesota Wild will be holding training camp at the REA. I believe this is a good thing and hopefully we will be able to attend some of the training camp activities.

Blake awarded Masterton Trophy

Goon's world would like to congratulate Jason Blake for winning the Masterton trophy last night at the NHL awards. Blake is the second former WCHA player in a row to win the award.

TORONTO – An emotional Jason Blake – a former Moorhead High School standout – won the Bill Masterton Trophy at the NHL awards on Thursday as the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey. The Toronto Maple Leafs winger was diagnosed with leukemia just before the start of the regular season but never missed a game.

Has the bleeding stopped

I was looking at this list of Brad's and wondering if there is anyone else in the WCHA? So we have 10 underclassmen leaving so far this summer that doesn't seem as bad as years past. The summer of 2006 was a brutal year for players leaving early. Maybe just maybe the new CBA will now keep underclassmen in college longer? Well; probably not but it doesn't hurt to be optimistic.
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

North Dakota (2)
F T.J. Oshie
D Taylor Chorney*

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

Denver (1)
D Chris Butler, junior

The list of players leaving from summer 2006

UND (5)
Travis Zajac, sophomore
Matt Smaby, junior
Drew Stafford, junior
Rastislav Spirko, sophomore
Jordan Parise, junior

Minnesota (4)
Kris Chucko, sophomore
Danny Irmen, junior
Ryan Potulny, junior
Phil Kessel, Freshman

Mankato (3)
David Backes, junior
Kyle Peto, junior
Ryan Carter, sophomore

Wisconsin (2)
Robbie Earl, junior
Joe Pavelski, sophomore

Denver (2)
Matt Carle, junior
Paul Stastny, sophomore

Joe Finley to return to UND Senior Season

A couple of season's ago the Fighting Sioux experienced a mass exodus of players as they lost an unprecedented 5 underclassmen (Travis Zajac, Jordan Parise, Matt Smaby, Drew Stafford and Rastislav Spirko). Fast forward to this offseason; it would appear the Sioux losses stand at two players (Taylor Chorney and T.J. Oshie). While the two players we lost are big contributers it would appear that the losses are not going to be as bad as it could have. So I guess you can say that Fighting Sioux fans got some great news today as it was announced that Joe Finley plans on coming back to UND for his senior season. While Finley fans will be excited to know we get big Joe for one more season; I am sure there will be a few of the haters will say that big Joe is nothing more than a goon, he has slow foot speed, plus minus numbers mean nothing or a is just a pylon. The haters are just going to have to get over it.

Finley plans to return
Brad Elliott Schlossman Grand Forks Herald

UND’s goaltenders, who have a combined one college start under their belts, got some help Tuesday night.

Western Collegiate Hockey Association plus-minus leader Joe Finley said he called UND coach Dave Hakstol to say he plans to return for his senior season.

Finley, a defenseman who was a first-round draft pick of the Washington Capitals, has led the Sioux in plus-minus the last two seasons and led the league with a plus-24 rating as a junior.
The Edina, Minn., native also contributed offensively. He scored four goals and added 11 assists last year, more than doubling his output from his first two seasons.

In case you're wondering why I am excited to see big Joe return to the Fighting Sioux, here are some of the high lights from Big Joe career at UND.

Big Joe scoring against the Denver Pioneers...

Big Joe making Alex Kangas look like a silly.

Big Joe introduing himself to Jacke Skille...

The Garrett Clarke saga

I personally don't know much about this kid, however, it sounds like the Fighting Sioux are going to be better off without this kid,from how this story has developed Garrett sounds like a drama queen. This is beginning to sound like a staged soap opera.

Garrett Clarke, a defenceman from Moncton, was claimed sixth overall by the Lewiston MAINEiacs. He stated all along that he would play junior A in the U.S. for the next two seasons and then move on to suit up for the University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux.

That was just a smokescreen to make other teams shy away from him so that he would still be available come Lewiston's turn to pick. He admitted that he had been speaking to Lewiston for about six months and that he had committed to go there well in advance of the draft.

Clarke played this season for the Russell Stover under-18 team in Kansas City. He was fifth best in the QMJHL central scouting rankings. International Scouting Services rated him as the second best offensive defenceman available.

He didn't show up for the top prospects presentation on Friday. He said all along that he wouldn't be attending the draft, but then came out of hiding in the Zamboni tunnel when Lewiston announced his name.

Links to the saga

Times Transcipt article

WCH on Garrett Clarke (some of the comments are hilarious)

Johnson follows Red's lead - Ice Hockey

If you're not a regular on Sioux Sports Cardinal posted a pretty interesting article about Jack "JMFJ" Johnson and his timing of his signing a professional contract with the LA Kings. It was obvious that Jack Johnson was ready to sign a professional contract because he made the jump for the CCHA to the NHL and has yet to play a game in the minors. This is the way you would like to see players leave the college game. Recently players like Phil Kessel, Jonathan Toews, Erik Johnson have left the college game and went directly to the NHL. I am hoping T.J. Oshie and Taylor Chorney are the next ones to make that jump.

Education important

It is an interesting story that also talks about Red Berenson's philosophy not going to the professional ranks if you're just going to be playing in the minors like the AHL. I think the crux of the article is the importance of finishing school and getting an education. You only play hockey so long before you on the outside looking in. Good stuff; I hope student athletes thinking about making the jump think long and hard before you leave school. The article is a year old but it has a really good message.

Johnson follows Red's lead
By Ian Robinson, Daily Sports Writer on 3/29/07

Berenson commends Johnson for holding out as long he did. When the coach was in school, there were no agents.

"Once a year they would (tell me) that I should leave school, that I would never be a hockey player if I stayed in school and so on," Berenson said. "But I didn't listen to them."

Forty years later, things are different. Berenson says NHL teams have been "all over Johnson."

"The biggest thing to me was that Red supported it," Jack Johnson, Sr. said Sunday. "He told him, you're doing the right thing."

Johnson is also deciding at the right time.

Berenson now has time to find another player to fill Johnson's roster spot, and the Kings want Johnson playing with them in the NHL.

"Jack is leaving at the right time for a spot in the NHL," Bacon said. "Other players have not done that."

Berenson's two complaints about players leaving early are when the player doesn't show a commitment to academics and when the player leaves college to spend two or three years in the minor leagues.

He doesn't see either of these things happening with Johnson.

Johnson has already registered for spring classes and plans on completing his Michigan degree over the next few years.

"He's coming back, he's going to get a degree from Michigan," Johnson, Sr. said. "That's the No. 1 thing, too. He promised Red he will graduate."

It's often said that Berenson takes more pride in how his players fare off the ice. When Berenson played hockey, most professional careers lasted just a few years. He continually looked to the future by earning both a BBA and an MBA from the Michigan Business School.

Pens players not happy with coach.

I have seen this written a few places. Look for the Penguins to get rid of their head coach coach. I doubt the Penguins want to lose Malkin, Staal and Orpik, of the three Orpik is probably gone because he is a free agent on July 1st.

There is a brewing problem between Penguins coach Michel Therrien and some of his players -- a number of them despise playing for him. No one will choose the Stanley Cup final as a forum to call out their coach but there are far too many whispers out there that too many players can't stand working for -- or with-- Therrien. If that isn't an issue to be dealt with immediately, it is certainly something that will grow with time. If that isn't an issue to be dealt with immediately, it is certainly something that will grow with time.

Brooks Orpik, the free agent defenceman who will be coveted by many teams after July 1, has told people he will not re-sign in Pittsburgh if Therrien is the coach. Jordan Staal, the terrific young player who lives in the shadow of Crosby and Evgeni Malkin -- but is poised to bust out as one of the most complete centres in hockey -- is another Therrien complainer.

Ouch Ryan Malone breaks his nose

Here is a video of the play that former SCSU Husky Ryan Malone breaks his nose. Ouch! Ryan Malone is one tough hockey player and is a free agent on July 1st. When teams are looking to sign free agents it might be plays like this that will help them make up their mind, toughness like this also give fellow players inspiration. I am hoping the GM of the Minnesota Wild was watching this game.

Malone joked Wednesday before Game Six that his wife might leave him because his puss was so ugly after Penguins teammate Hal Gill nailed with a slap shot him two nights earlier. A few stitches along the right side joined faded black eyes from a beak previously busted in the series opener against the Red Wings.

But there he was, having been treated and released from the Pens' medical room after the second period, ready for the third. And there he was in the third overtime, parked outside the crease and screening Chris Osgood for the winner in a 4-3 victory. There he was Wednesday, knowing that playing with an ugly nose was better than not playing.

And that's what made his nose so pretty.

"It could have been a lot worse, so I'm definitely thankful," Malone said before Game Six in the Igloo. "A broken nose, a swollen lip and some chipped teeth are a pretty good scenario for a puck in the face."

Malone's schnozz evolved into more than a breathing instrument during the finals. It became a symbol for the Penguins. They were beat up and knocked down, but they were willing to pay the price until they were knocked out. Malone underscored the collective personality of a team that refused to quit.

"Anybody in this room would be doing the same thing," Malone said. "You never know when you're going to back in the Stanley Cup finals. You have to make sure that you're doing whatever you can to help out."

No, you never really do know.

Ottawa barely made the playoffs this season after losing in the finals last year. Edmonton hasn't reached the postseason since losing to Carolina two years ago. Buffalo won the Presidents' Trophy last season and missed the playoffs this year. Pittsburgh should have a good team for a long time, but you never know.

Ask Ottawa. Ask Edmonton.

Ask Buffalo.

Detroit was the better team going into this series, and it seemed a matter of time before it was confirmed. The Red Wings had more talent, more depth and more experience. Pittsburgh could have surrendered after two games getting thumped twice to start the series. But with players like Malone, the Pens kept coming.

East Amherst defenseman Brooks Orpik has played the best hockey of his career. Sergei Gonchar suffered back spasms in Game Five, spent nearly three full periods in the dressing room and returned eight minutes into the third overtime and helped set up Petr Sykora's winner. It sends a strong message to both teams.

"It motivates you," winger Maxime Talbot said. "[Malone] is a warrior out there, and now he's marked for life. But the way he came back was definitely big. You look at him when you're on the bench and you're like, "Wow.' Same thing with Gonch. It gives you a lot of energy."

Malone probably played his final game in the Igloo as a member of the Penguins on Wednesday night. He's coming off a career year with 27 goals and 51 points while flanking superstar Sidney Crosby, and he's expected to draw attention when he becomes an unrestricted free agent July 1.

A few things.

What to do now that the season is over? Here are a few interesting things I found.
As pointed out by Davyd83 five ex-college hockey players got their name on the cup; two Badgers, one Husky, one Wildcat and Fighting Irish.

Chris Chelios and Brian Rafalski (Wisconsin), Mark Hartigan (St Cloud), Brett Lebda (Notre Dame) and Dallas Drake (Northern Michigan) add their names to the Stanley Cup with the Detroit Red Wings win over Pittsburgh. Drake now has both an NCAA Title (Northern Michigan, '91) and a Stanley Cup (Detroit '08) to his credit.

Here is the list of potential free agents

There are a lot of potential free agents on the list from the WCHA. I apologize is I missed anyone.

Curtis Glencross, UAA

Joey Crabb, Brett Sterling, Mark Stuart, Curtis McElhinney, Toby Petersen, Marty Sertich, Noah Clarke, Mark Cullen, Matt Zaba, C.C.

Ryan Caldwell, Kevin Doell, Brett Skinner, Mark Rycroft, Adam Berkhoel, Gabe Gauthier, Glenn Fisher, Wade Dubielewicz, Connor James, DU

David Backes, Minnesota State Mankato

Brett Engelhardt, John Scott, Andrew Hutchinson, MTU

Danny Irmen, Wyatt Smith, Barry Tallackson, Jeff Taffe, John Pohl, Chris Harrington, *Ryan Potulny, Minnesota

Junior Lessard, Craig Weller, Minnesota Duluth

Bret Hedican, Tim Conboy, Joe Jensen, Nate DiCasmirro, Jeff Finger, Mark Hartigan, Ryan Malone, SCSU

Brandon Bochenski, Ryan Bayda, Mike Commodore, Ryan Johnson, Jordan Parise, David Hale, Travis Roach, Matt Jones, Colby Genoway, UND

Curtis Joseph, Rene Bourque, Alex Brooks, Matt Hussey, Sean Hill, Brad Winchester, Ryan Suter, Chris Chelios, Joe Piskula, Joe Pavelski, Wisconsin

*Recently traded to Edmonton.

Hockey News hot list.

Former Fighting Sioux Taylor Chorney made the Hot List, not to be confused with the hot or not list. Sounds like Hockey East has a few awesome recruits coming in. I only included the ones that are relevant to college hockey and the WCHA.

The Hot List: Combing through the combine

1. Colin Wilson, C – Boston U. Terriers (Hockey East): You can read my draft combine blog for the gory details, but Wilson essentially owned the day, powering through drills and doing it all with a confident grin. If anyone helped his draft stock, it was Wilson. Draft eligible in 2008.

6. Jimmy Hayes, RW – Lincoln Stars (USHL): The Boston College commit had a fantastic combine, which should help his draft status. Currently pegged as a late second- or third-rounder, expect him to go a bit higher now. Draft eligible in 2008.

7. Alex Goligoski, D – Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (AHL): While the Big Pens duel Detroit for the Stanley Cup, the Baby Pens are taking on Chicago for the Calder Cup and Goligoski is front and center. Though his team is down 2-0 in the series, the defenseman has already set an AHL record for most points by a blueliner in one post-season with 26, including points on all six Wilkes-Barre goals in the final so far. Drafted 61st overall by Pittsburgh in 2004.

9. Taylor Chorney, D – North Dakota Fighting Sioux (WCHA): Technically, Chorney’s NCAA days are done. The standout defenseman has been confirmed for the Edmonton Oilers development camp on the weekend and a signing is imminent. Drafted 36th overall by Edmonton in 2005.

10. Aaron Ness, D – Roseau Rams (Minn. HS): Ness showed just how fit a 5-foot-10, 170-pound teenager can be at the draft combine and likely quelled any fears NHL teams had about his size. The University of Minnesota commit can skate and stickhandle with the best of them and is likely a mid to late first-rounder. Draft eligible in 2008.

13. Tim Kennedy, LW – Michigan State Spartans (CCHA): Another new Sabres signee, Kennedy led the Spartans in all major offensive categories this season. The 5-foot-9 winger also led State in scoring the previous year and is originally from Buffalo, so now he gets a homecoming. Drafted 181st overall by Washington in 2005.

Tiger Wuss?

This is what Mike Milbury had to say about Tiger Wood's comment on hockey. I have always been a fan of Mike Milbury he tells it like he sees it, unvarnished and unfiltered.

You know what? I'm gonna change the name now. It's gonna be Tiger Wuss. Here's a guy that took about three months to get over a simple arthroscopic surgery. You look at [Pens forward] Ryan Malone. His face exploded with a slap shot last night - he's back out in 10 minutes!

"Keep your yap shut, Tiger, or I'll send a couple of wingers down there - [Pens forward] Gary Roberts - to tidy you up a little bit, meat head." No doubt Tiger has doubled his personal security.

NCAA Rule Changes.

I have seen this article a few places and the rule changes don't surprise me. What does it mean for WCHA fans? In the WCHA the Rules will change on paper but the status quo is not going to change. You will see no changes except that fact that there are now two men in strips wearing the orange band.

In other words, the fans in the WCHA are going to see two officials calling the same horrible game the same way they did last season before the rules were changed. If you think I am wrong, fine! I am here to tell you that you have been for warned.

INDIANAPOLIS — The NCAA Ice Hockey Rules Committee mandated the use of the two-referee, two-linesman system for all levels of NCAA hockey this season.

The decision was part of an emphasis for the committee on allowing players to "use their speed and skill to create scoring opportunities."

All rules proposals must be approved by the Playing Rules Oversight Panel, which meets July 2 via conference call.

"The committee strongly believes that having one officiating system for all levels of college hockey is the right decision," said John Harrington, secretary-editor of the committee and outgoing head coach at St. John's. "In today's game, two referees and two linesmen are necessary to properly enforce our rules."

I personally think in the WCHA the extra officials could be a serious detriment to the game of college hockey, especially in the WCHA. Maybe the other leagues can do it but I don’t expect much from the WCHA. I am being serious folks. Present day the leadership in the WCHA can't seem to find enough competent officials for one official per game, how in the hell are they going to be able to find two competent and qualified to refs to have two per game? Not with current WCHA leaders Greg Shepherd and Bruce McCloud in charge of the league. The first thing they need to do is admit there is a problem and they see no problem from their perspective. The leagues can not double the work force in the WCHA without seriously damaging the integrity of the games in the WCHA. Maybe the CCHA will loan us a few of their league officials.

Protection of the puck carrier and faceoff protocols were identified as the committee's points of emphasis. The committee believes officials have properly handled obstruction away from the puck, but believes the puck carrier must be afforded more opportunities to make offensive plays.
In the area of faceoffs, the committee will continue to emphasize the administration of the line change procedure and increase the enforcement of interference and obstruction fouls immediately after a faceoff.

Yeah ok! The league officals are now going to enforce the obstruction because they got an memo from the NCAA rules committee. I don't believe it. I mean seriously, the WCHA didn't call the obstruction last year; what makes anyone think they will improve with two officials on the ice?

The committee forwarded several major proposals intended to enhance the game:

* Goals scored by kicking. In the aftermath of the controversy in last April's NCAA championship game, where a Notre Dame goal was disallowed, the committee spent a considerable amount of time discussing goals that are scored with the use of the skate. To make this rule as clear as possible, the group proposed adjustments to its rules that will allow all goals scored as a result of deflections. This will include deflections off an attacking player who is in the act of stopping, provided neither skate is used to direct the puck into the net. Pucks that are directed or kicked with the skate moving toward the goal will not be allowed.

* Shootout. Last year, the committee said it was moving towards eliminating ties from college hockey. But after considerable time for feedback from coaches, there was little consensus on what the change should be, or if there should be any. Thus, the committee voted to maintain the traditional game structure (60 minutes, followed by a five-minute overtime), but will allow interested conferences to use shootouts at their discretion. This will in no way alter national rankings or the NCAA championship selection process.

* Icing. The committee approved a proposal dealing with icing. The rule will not allow a team that ices the puck to change its on-ice personnel.

* Faceoff locations. Starting next season, all faceoffs will be conducted at one of the nine faceoff spots.

A full listing of the committee's proposals will be distributed to the NCAA membership for comment. The Playing Rules Oversight Panel will consider these changes and membership feedback before final implementation.

I like the icing rule that will make the NCAA more like the NHL. Also, expect push back from the WCHA league office, as the league commish and head of officials don't see any problem with the status quo and will not enforce the rules as they are written. Expect the status quo to remain the same.


Others take on the issue

Blog that Yost Built

Western College Hockey

Mlive.com

The goal that kicked butt.

This is the goal from last night game that broke the Penguins back. I am sure that the young goaltender Fleury would have liked to have that goal back. It was almost like the puck sat out in the open for quite some time before it was hit into his own net by Fleury's back side.

The fans think the Penguins are a bunch of whiners
There seems to be a reoccurring theme that Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins are a bunch of cry babies and have taken quite a few shots for the press and blog-sphere this spring. I like Sidney Crosby and I think he is an exciting player but his antics have grated on some fans. As far as the Pens coaching whining about the obstruction, I am by no means a Redwings fan but I didn't see the obstruction the Pens were complaining about. If they want to see obstruction watch a WCHA game.

PITTSBURG, PA (Sportsman’s Daily Wire Service) -- As the final second ticked off the clock, the Detroit Red Wings poured onto the Mellon Arena ice to begin celebrating their 3-2victory, claiming their fourth Stanley Cup in 11 years.

While Penguins players slowly began their dirge-like procession to the losing locker room, their star forward, twenty-year old Sidney Crosby, stubbornly refused to acknowledge that the series was, by every reasonable measure other than his own, over.

“I admire the way our opponents have competed, they’re disciplined and talented and deserve to be one of the two last teams standing,” he graciously acknowledged. “But the final scores don’t give the complete picture, nor does the fact we were outscored 17-10 over the course of the series, particularly when you consider how many more scoring opportunities we had but didn’t cash in

.”
The Redwings fans aren't giving the Penguins any love either.

Here is another good story about the Penguins and Sid the kid being a bunch of cry babies.

Penguins enjoy fine whine
PITTSBURGH - The Pittsburgh Penguins knew the Detroit Red Wings would block their path to winning the Stanley Cup finals. Maybe just not this much.

Penguins coach Michel Therrien all but begged the on-ice officials again yesterday to enforce the obstruction rules, arguing that one of his team’s greatest strengths is being taken away by the Red Wings’ defensive tactics.

“It’s something that we base our team with, speed,” Therrien said. “And if we can . . . use our speed, we’re going to get effect.”
----snip-----
Therrien complained about the lack of obstruction enforcement before the Penguins’ 3-2 victory in Game 3 Wednesday, though it wasn’t apparent if his campaign was successful. The Penguins had only three power-play opportunities, though Sidney Crosby scored one of his two goals following Niklas Kronvall’s hooking penalty early in the second period.

Therrien pleaded again yesterday for more open ice, especially with Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Marian Hossa finding it difficult to get through the neutral zone compared to previous playoff rounds.

“If there’s obstruction, there’s obstruction,” Therrien said. “When I see about 13, 14 (video) clips . . . that I could tell there should be a penalty regarding the (rule) book, I know how it is. I’m not expecting that they’re going to call 14.

“(But) I’m expecting next game, the obstruction calls, they’re going to call it. I still believe there’s some space to improve again. When you break down the game, you’ll see that there’s a few times they should have been called. And calls are important. You need those calls.”

Stanley Cup on Guiding Light?

They even have a Lord Stanley's Cup in a scene of a soap opera the Guiding light. What next? I suppose we will see the Stanley Cup on the Family Guy. I knew there was a reason I don't watch these stupid shows.

The Stanley Cup, the oldest and most revered trophy in all professional sports, made its "acting" debut on the set of the longest-running television show in broadcast history, "Guiding Light."

Hockey punk Sean Avery reports for duty at Vogue

This doesn't even sound right. Sean Avery a hockey player who makes his money beating up other players tough guys is working for Vouge magazine. Seriously!

REPORTING FOR DUTY: Sean Avery started his internship at Vogue on Monday, and already staffers at Condé Nast Publications Inc. are buzzing about the New York Ranger star's presence at 4 Times Square. Observers say he's involved in all sections of the magazine, including features and accessories, and attends edit meetings. And while Avery pulled down $2 million last year with the Rangers, he's earning minimum wage for his time at Vogue, a magazine spokesman confirmed, denying speculation Avery was being paid $5,000 for his summer job. While Vogue has been mum on the specifics of Avery's internship, insiders say there's been talk of the hockey hard man attending the couture shows in Europe next month along with Vogue editor in chief Anna Wintour and editors André Leon Talley, Hamish Bowles and Sally Singer (which would be sure to raise the eyebrows of jealous Voguettes). No word yet on if he'll be filing reviews on the shows, or, like tennis star (and Wintour favorite) Roger Federer, appearing on an upcoming cover of Vogue or Men's Vogue.

Will we see Chelios tonight?

Here is the reason we haven't seen the former Wisconsin Badger's star defensemanChris Chelios in the Stanley Cup finals. You have to wonder if we will see Chelios tonight.

The blue-liner sat out of Detroit's series-clinching win against the Dallas Stars with a leg injury and even though Chelios believes he can play, head coach Mike Babcock chose not to reinsert him into the lineup for Game 1.

"I don't think I'll be playing the first game," said Chelios. "Whether it's superstition or not, they're not changing [anything]. We played a really good game to close out the last series.

"I'm good to go. I'm ready to go."

Tiger Bashes Hockey.

Yesterday Tiger took a shot at the sport of hockey and basically said that no one watches the sport and no one cars about hockey. Way to endure yourself to the hockey fans. I have to admit that I am a big time Tiger Woods fan I am miffed at his comments. Also, his comments make him look like a pompous elitist out of touch jerk. Many hockey players of all levels are also golfers and fans of this great sport. So whats up with that?

Tiger Woods scoffs at Stanley Cup final:
Woods, the world's No. 1 golfer, told reporters Monday that he had no preference when it comes to who captures the Stanley Cup, the Detroit Red Wings or Pittsburgh Penguins.

"I don't really care," he said. "Let's talk about the Dodgers.

"I don't think anybody really watches hockey any more."

Here was an interesting take I found on the subject from Taking one for the team.

Quite a bold stance from a guy who is about as PC as they come. This is a bit surprising to me that he would say that considering a lot of hockey players are big into golf. Then again, Tiger is a big a-hole so I doubt any of them hang with him. Except for maybe Sean Avery.

I could go on and on here about what a jerk Tiger (and seriously, you're a grown man, do we really need to call you Tiger?) is, but I'm not going to waste my time. Woods has probably never seen a hockey game in his life and should really just keep his mouth shut on this topic. Stick to complaining about people making noises on the course and bossing around your caddy Tiger. Leave all the talk about real sports to the people who have a clue.

And for the record, the only person I know who watches golf is my dad, and only because it's "good to sleep through".

Personally, I love to watch golf because it is a nice way to relax on a Sunday afternoon, I also love the sport of golf, however, I could see why some people would not want to watch a bunch of spoiled social elites playing on the top courses in the USA and in the World. The same courses that most of us would love to play can't afford or would not be allowed to play on because of our lowly social status. I would love to have a crack at 18 holes on Augusta National. The Superintendent would probably have a heart attack. There would probably be a wake of beer cans and fowl language. :)

New Tide Campaign.

A buddy of mine sent me this in an email.

John Tortorella fired as coach of the Bolts.

This is the John Tortorella that I will remember. It would appear that the Tampa Bay Lightning seem to be paving the way for Barry Melrose to the be coach of the Tampa Bay lighting as John Tortorella relieved of his duties as the coach of the Lighting yesterday.

Lightning fire coach
TAMPA, FLA.-- John Tortorella was fired yesterday as coach of the Tampa Bay Lightning, four years after leading the team to its only Stanley Cup title. He had one season remaining on his contract. The Lightning were 239-222-36-38 and made the playoffs four times in 6 1/2 seasons under Tortorella, who took over a perennial last-place team in January 2001 and -- along with stars Vinny Lecavalier, Martin St. Louis and Brad Richards -- helped transform it into a championship contender in three years.

Vandy and Chorney at the Oilers Development Camp

Here is a nice story and video of North Dakota Fighting Sioux hockey players defenseman Taylor Chorney (former) and forward Chris Vande Velde (current). The story is a nice read and portrays both kids in a positive light. Both kids class acts in my opinion. It's too bad the Fighting Sioux are losing Taylor Chorney and I imagine that the Sioux will probably lose Chris Vande Velde after next season. That seems to be the modus operandi for most higher draft choices now.

It was particularly memorable considering Chorney’s father Marc suited up for the Sioux from 1978 through 1981.

“I grew up a Fighting Sioux fan my whole life and for me to be able to play a couple seasons there and get to know the people around the town of Grand Forks was a great experience.

“Everything I did up there was a positive experience. If I could spend another five years there I probably would. College is a fun time but it's probably best for me that I get everything squared away here, move on and start my career as a professional.”
-----snip-----
For Chorney, this is his second year at Development Camp but first with fellow Fighting Sioux teammate Chris Vande Velde.

“Having Vandy around is big. He's a good guy, I got to know him a lot this year. He's a good hockey player, too and I think he'll be a part of this organization down the road too.”

Vande Velde made huge strides at UND putting up career numbers with 15 goals and 32 points in 43 games to rank third on the team in his sophomore season.

“I played with more confidence and was put on better lines,” said Vande Velde of his success. “I was playing with TJ Oshie and Ryan Duncan who are elite players. That helped as well. I was playing with more confidence, got more points, scored more goals. It was a fun year. “

Vande Velde also played on the first power play unit and killed penalties as part of his added responsibilities. He had three goals and nine points in 38 games in his freshman season the year before.
(Read the whold article here)

NHL Getting a Spring League?

This would be an awesome deal. I also think the writer is right; you wouldn't see the College hockey players that were drafted in it because of eligibility issues. I am sure it would be play in on a NHL summer league team and you would be done.

By Nathan Fournier | June 3rd, 2008 The NBA has the summer league for rookies, MLB has Fall Baseball, and could the NHL have something similar? The Bleacher Report is reporting that it’s on the table at the GM’s meetings. TSN’s Darren Dreger is also reporting this.

Mike Barnett the former Phoenix Cayotes GM has proposed this. It would last four weeks and one scenario on the table will determine a champion. Each NHL club will fill their team with drafted players still playing in the CHL, some young AHLers, players from Europe, and undrafted free agents. I think you won’t see NCAA players just the simple fact of eligiblity issues. Players would have to pay their own way to maintain NCAA eligible.

Of course there are issues with the NHLPA, where will they play the games and money. The perfect place if they can get the ice time is the New England Sports Center in Marlborough, Massachusetts. The place has five rinks under one roof. I’ve been to this place and you can have five games going and fans can see them all. I know the place is pretty booked in the summer. I think there are a few other places in North America with a complex like this too.

The writer from the Bleacher Report mentions injuries that might happend. For starters, there are a couple of prospect tournaments that some teams take part in already. Most if not all teams have their own seperate rookie camps. They include games. Lastly, NHL teams will most likely not put there 1st round picks in this just for exactly for this reason. They might practice but most of them might not play. All the other players, they play in summer tournaments all the time. It’s nothing new to their NHL and Junior clubs.

This type of league is meant for the mid round prospects to get in a few more games. Maybe we will see a high profile pick play in a league like this.

Overall I like this concept. Hopefully it gets passed and maybe the NHL Network will broadcast so the fans can see the future.

Olli Jokinen to the Wild?

Here is a rumor that is gaining some traction on the Internet. All I can say if Mark Parish it has been nice knowing you. The Wild GM can not continue to flounder around and he has to make some decent moves to keep the Wild in the hunt. I can only dream of the possibilities or Gabby and Oli on the same line.

Jokinen talks may be heating up
By Brian Biggane
(read the whole article right here)
With the league holding its General Managers meetings in Detroit today, there are reports that several teams are lining up to talk to Jacques Martin about Panthers captain Olli Jokinen.

Eklund reports on hockeybuzz.com that Calgary, Minnesota and Vancouver could be among the frontrunners in offering what he terms “MAJOR packages to get Olli to move north.”

We wrote back in early April about the Calgary and Vancouver rumors. Of course, Mike Keenan and Jokinen still have a fondness for one another and the Flames are likely to lose their top center if Daymond Langkow becomes an unrestricted free agent July 1. Jokinen would certainly be considered an upgrade on Langkow and finally give Jarome Iginla a top center to play alongside.

Vancouver is only a few weeks into the regime of new GM Mike Gillis, but major moves are anticipated. And remember, Scott Mellanby just became a consultant to Gillis. Mellanby and Jokinen played together and the two have a mutual admiration.

Minnesota is a newcomer to the mix but after a couple of playoff disappointments there’s a sense the Wild want to make changes. Brian Rolston is headed for UFA status and GM Doug Risebrough may want to make a statement to convince him to stick around.

So what might be coming the other way? Calgary has an excellent blueline and might be willing to offer a high-end guy who could play alongside Jay Bouwmeester, thus perhaps enticing Bouw to sign that long-term deal Martin has been dangling for months. Vancouver may have soured on the Sedin twins; there were rumors Martin tried to get both for Jokinen at the trade deadline. Minnesota? Start with Mark Parrish, throw in a first-round draft pick and you’re in the ballpark.

So you say there is a chance?

Last night I was fussing, fuming and swearing about the prospects of the dirty Redwings winning another Stanley Cup. There wasn't much time left and I started getting ready to head to the gym to work out when Maxime Talbot scored the game tying goal. Wow, what a game, even if the Redwings had one. I kept telling the TV all night long just one more game, one more game. You just never know what can happen. In professional sports like the NHL anything can happen can happen if you don't bury your chances. The best way for this season to end would a 7th game in Detroit Rock City.

Ryan Malone has to make SCSU fans beam with pride. Malone is becoming one of my favorite NHL players that didn't play for the Fighting Sioux.

NHL talks about the no touch icing rule.

This would be a good thing if the NHL changed this rule. The rule might not happen this year or next but it will happen eventually.

DETROIT - Don’t expect to see no-touch icing in the NHL in the near future.

The concept was discussed once again at Monday’s GM meetings in Detroit, but it will not be passed on to the board of governors as a recommendation for next season.

“Many GMs are still very concerned about maintaining the flow of games,” said Florida GM Jacques Martin. “If you watched the games in the World Championship and junior games, there are many stoppages because of icing.”

Martin and Chicago GM Dale Tallon both said the GMs are recommending referees crack down on contact between players chasing the loose puck.

Detroit GM Ken Holland said there was talk about injury disclosure. Holland said he doesn’t mind disclosing injuries through most of the regular season, but is against it late in the regular season and also in playoffs.

“I think too much information could put a player’s health at risk,” Holland said.

An example of Holland’s concern came in this year’s Stanley Cup final when Pittsburgh’s Gary Roberts took a shot at Detroit’s Johan Franzen’s head.

Franzen missed action in the final because of concussion-like symptoms.

Opinion: Hockey doesn't belong to Canada alone

As I write this article the Penguins just scored and are now up 2-0 in game 5. Please God let there is a game 6 back in Pittsburgh, I am not ready for the NHL season to end for the summer just yet. I am not sure I am ready for 100+ baseball games either. Go Pens, and beat the dirty Redwings.

Hockey is our game as well.

My father emailed me this Adam Proteau blog post from the Hockey News. I like what Proteau has to say, just for the record I don't think this article is anti-Canadian either. Seriously, have Canadians become that hypersensitive? The comments after in response to the article are even more comical. Everyone take a deep breath. Talk about shooting the messenger full of holes.

As an American who lives close to the Canadian border; I always laughed at the Canadians that said hockey is our game! Really! Funny thing is; hockey is also my favorite game. Lets face it, many American that I know love the game of hockey just as much as the Candians. I don't think that is an awful thing. Does it make Canadians any more passonate about the game of hockey? Also, I think there is enough hockey to go around for us all. I am passionate about the game of hockey as if it was my religion. In heaven there might not be any beer but I am convinced God is a hockey fan. Is there a first Lutheran church of the NHL?

Like millions of others in the know, I see the NHL playoffs for exactly what it is: the greatest sports tournament on the planet. But there’s one aspect of the Stanley Cup chase that grows more embarrassing with every year.

I refer to the “Bring the Cup back to Canada because it’s our game and nobody else's, especially the soft Europeans and frigid Russians and easily-pleased Swedes and largely-disinterested Americans” routine. That’s right – the same act that has the preposterous “No team with a European captain will ever win the Cup” corollary.

It is bloated, blinded, bleating hyper-nationalism – and frankly, it’s gotten sooooo old to me.

Honestly, I just don’t get it. The game is a global phenomenon, played by men and women from all walks of life. Why isn’t that sufficient progress for some Canadians? Which of Canada’s countless national insecurities dictates that allowing other nations into our oh-so exclusive club will somehow cheapen the experience?

Besides, don’t Canadians take great pleasure in pointing out the downside of the type of King-Kong-style, ain’t-we-great, chest thumping normally found in America? Isn’t it enough every other country on Earth would have to turn into hockey factories and pump out elite-level NHLers for decades before they could come close to matching Canada’s impact on the game?

Apparently not. Apparently, too many Canucks have been brainwashed into believing the big lies perpetrated every Saturday night, during every first intermission on Hockey Night In Canada.

Those poor souls have been convinced the game is a divider, not a uniter; that the “Them” in “Us vs. Them” are to be incessantly mocked, derided and sissified; that Canadians were, are, and will forever be, the straw that stirs the sport.

Pompous and delusional in the extreme, I know. Luckily, those falsehoods can be laid to rest once and for all simply by taking a brief look at the favorites to win the NHL’s individual player awards this season.
(Read the rest of the article)

Taylor Chorney is moving on.

This shouldn't really be a shock to anyone and I don't personally know anyone who is shocked by the news. It's all but a done deal and there should be something official Monday or Tuesday. Taylor Chorney for his career played in 126 games scoring 14 goals 59 assists for 69 points. Chorney's leadership and poise will be missed on the Fighting Sioux blueline.

Brad Elliott Schlossman Grand Forks Herald
Published Sunday, June 01, 2008
UND junior defenseman Taylor Chorney has agreed in principle to terms with the Edmonton Oilers and is expected to sign a three-year, entry-level contract on Monday or Tuesday.

Chorney, who earned second team All-American honors and first team all-Western Collegiate Hockey Association honors during his college career, flew to Edmonton today for the team's development camp. He is expected to undergo a physical before finalizing the deal.

Oiller sign top prospect; is Chorney next?

There was a rumor/post that seems to be sprouting legs over on Sioux sports that Chorney has signed a professional contract. I don't doubt this because we have heard since the end of the season that Chorney was not coming back to UND and that he wanted to sign a professional contract. None of us would be shocked by the news and I would imagine that the story is true. All we can do is wish Taylor Chorney good luck and thank him for his three years of service. I think he was a pretty good defenseman that has a lot of potential to play at the next level.

Oilers sign Defenceman Hrabal to a two-year deal
Jim Matheson, The Edmonton Journal
Published: Saturday, May 31, 2008
EDMONTON - It's standing room only on the Edmonton blue-line these days, but that didn't stop the Oilers from adding another promising youngster Friday.

The team announced the signing of Czech defender Josef Hrabal to a two-year entry-level contract.

"There's a lot of similarities to (Denis) Grebeshkov ... Josef is a bit of a riverboat gambler, too," said Kevin Prendergast, the Oilers vice-president of hockey operations
---snip---
While Hrabal will be here for the main camp, highly rated defence prospect Taylor Chorney likely won't be at the Oilers development camp, which starts Sunday at Millennium Place in Sherwood Park.

Chorney wants to leave the University of North Dakota a year early, but his adviser is playing hardball with the Oilers over a contract.

"He was the 35th player picked (Round 2, 2005) but he wants first-round money," said Prendergast.

Chorney's dad, Marc, played briefly in the NHL for the Pittsburgh Penguins and Los Angeles Kings.

"We've told Taylor to just come to the camp," Prendergast said. "It's not an audition. It's just to help him get better. He's the first player we've had who won't come because he doesn't have a contract."
(read the whole story here)

Melrose Place? It appears it might be true.

Sounds like there might actually be something to this story. I found this on-line tonight and as it appears that Barry Melrose might very well be the next head coach of the Tampa Bay Lighting. This has the possibility of being a interesting story and Melrose would add a lot of color, mullets and flair to the Tampa Bay organization.

Melrose Place? Drama Surrounds Bolts' Coaching Spot
By CARTER GADDIS and ERIK ERLENDSSON
The Tampa Tribune
Published: May 31, 2008
John Tortorella's tenure as the Lightning's coach will end when Oren Koules is approved as the team's new owner next month, according to a source close to the Lightning.

For more than a month, speculation has centered on ESPN commentator and former Los Angeles Kings coach Barry Melrose as a replacement if Tortorella does not coach Tampa Bay in the final season of his contract.

The Toronto Star reported Friday that Melrose will be paid $2 million annually.

Melrose, who has worked at ESPN since 1996 and last coached in the NHL in 1995, gave a soft denial Friday during an appearance on ESPN's "SportsCenter."

"This is no different than any of the last 10 years," said Melrose, who was seen in Koules' company Monday in Detroit during the Stanley Cup finals. "I've been contacted by a handful of clubs every year since joining ESPN. My desire to coach again has never been a secret, but I love what I do at ESPN. ... I want to coach again in the NHL. But nothing's going on. Uh, I work for ESPN and I'm very happy working for ESPN."

Tortorella, who replaced Steve Ludzik as Lightning coach in 2001 and guided the team to a Stanley Cup championship in 2004, declined to comment through a team spokesman Friday.

At the end of this past season, Tortorella discussed the possibility of stepping down with General Manager Jay Feaster after the Lightning failed to make the playoffs for the first time since 2002. Feaster rejected the notion, and Tortorella, the all-time leader in NHL victories among American-born coaches, went on to coach Team USA in the World Hockey Championships.

(Read the rest of the story here)

Devils sign Anssi Salmela

The New Jersey Devils signed defenseman Anssi Salmela this the same guy that David Backes beat the snot out of during he 2008 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championships. It makes me wonder if Backes and Salmela will take another dance this next season? Gary Betteman announced this past winter that "every team will play every other team at least once."
Hopefully next time Salmela gets into a fight on the ice he will learn to drop his stick.

Devils sign defenseman Anssi Salmela New Jersey Devils May 30, 2008, 12:24 PM EDT newjerseydevils.com – The Devils today signed defenseman Anssi Salmela to his first North American contract. The announcement was made by Devils’ President/CEO/ General Manager Lou Lamoriello. As per club policy, no further terms were disclosed.

Salmela, 23, recorded 16 goals and 16 assists for 32 points while appearing in all 56 games with Tappara (Fin.) in 2007-08. Among defensemen, his 16 goals scored were tops in the Finnish League. Salmela returned to Tappara this past season after spending nearly two years with the Pelicans (Fin.).

The 5-11, 190-lb. defenseman previously played two-plus seasons with Tappara beginning in 2003-04. Salmela’s Finnish League totals show 36 goals and 42 assists for 78 points and 208 penalty minutes in 226 appearances. His European teammates included former Devils’ forward Janne Ojanen (Tappara) and current prospect Vili Sopanen (Pelicans).

Internationally, Salmela represented Finland at the 2004 World Junior Championship and, most recently, the 2008 World Championship in Quebec City, Que., and Halifax, N.S.

The Return of Melrose place?

This could turn out to be an interesting turn of events.

The hockey news is reporting that According to various media reports, ESPN analyst Barry Melrose will replace John Tortorella as head coach of the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Melrose, 51, last stood behind an NHL bench during the 1994-95 season with the Los Angles Kings.

More on the Wheeler saga.

Here is an interesting story I found on the continuing Blake Wheeler drama over on the the Hockey news blog. The blog post even mentions what I thought might be a possibility for Blake Wheeler. It could be quite possible that Blake Wheeler might want to play for the home town team the Minnesota Wild. It will be interesting to see how this story plays out in the next month or two. When you read into this story more it would appear that making money isn't the most important part of Blakes decision.

(Read the whole story here)
Over the course of a three-year entry-level deal, that means Wheeler is potentially leaving $225,000 on the table.

“He isn’t chasing the money,” said Wheeler’s agent Matt Keator. “It’s about choosing where you want to play and where you want to live. It’s not about the money and I think that’s refreshing.”

Maloney did not return phone calls Thursday night, but perhaps he can take solace in the fact that the Coyotes will receive the 35th overall pick as compensation in what is regarded as a very deep draft.

Other executives around the league were baffled by Wheeler’s decision, given that the Coyotes seem to have some promising young players and seem headed in the right direction under head coach Wayne Gretzky. All things being equal – in fact more lucrative financially under his first contract – it seems strange to some hockey people that Wheeler would spurn the Coyotes.

“The only thing I can think of is that he wants to sign with the Minnesota Wild because he’s from there,” one executive said.

The 6-foot-4, 219-pound right winger was drafted after his junior year in high school and since then, has played three seasons at the University of Minnesota. But he dropped out of university after this season and under provisions of the CBA, Wheeler had the right to inform the Coyotes they had 30 days to sign him or he became an unrestricted free agent, something he did May 9.

the Hockey World morns the loss of Luc Bourdon

The hockey world suffered a loss on May 29th 2008 when up and coming star Luc Bourdon was killed tragically in a motorcycle accident. Bourdon was only 21 years old.

Crash cuts a promising hockey career very short
By: Tim Campbell

Luc Bourdon, a promising prospect and maturing defenceman for the Vancouver Canucks and Manitoba Moose, was killed Thursday in a motorcycle-truck crash near Bourdon's hometown in northeastern New Brunswick.

Bourdon, 21, just 31 days after his final game of the AHL playoffs, was driving a motorcycle near the town of Lamèque, N.B., when it hit a tractor-trailer head-on at about 12:30 p.m. AT. Several news reports said it was a windy day in the area.

Links to the story:

News of Luc Bourdon's death makes hockey take backseat at Cup final

CANUCKS BLUELINER BOURDON KILLED IN MOTORCYCLE CRASH

Moment of Silence to be observed for Bourdon

What the heck is Wheeler thinking?

Coyotes General Manager Don Maloney has got to be shaking his head on this one, because it doesn't make any sense to me either. Maybe it makes sense to someone else? You really have to wounder what is going through Wheeler's mind? When you're offered a contract/job personally I like the take the one where I am going to make more money, but maybe Wheeler didn't want to play for the Yotes. Per Brad Schlossman: If Blake Wheeler had signed with Phoenix Coyotes, he could have signed for $984,200 with a $295,260 signing bonus. Now, the most Wheeler can sign for is $875,000 with and a $87,500 signing bonus.

Seriously, you have to wonder if Blake learned anything during his time in college classes? I suppose there could be more to this and we aren't getting all of the details. You have to wonder what his agent/family advisor is thinking? Just for the record Blake Wheeler was drafted ahead of Travis Zajac and Drew Stafford.

Yotes losing Wheeler to free agency
by Dave Vest - May. 29, 2008 09:00 PM
The Arizona Republic
The Coyotes shocked the NHL community when they selected Blake Wheeler, a 17-year-old high school player from Minnesota, with the fifth overall pick of the 2004 draft.

Nearly four years later, Wheeler has shocked the Coyotes by deciding not to sign with them, thus becoming an unrestricted free agent.

"I'm actually quite stunned," Coyotes General Manager Don Maloney said Thursday. "Quite frankly, we made him an offer significantly better than any other contract he can get (right now). But that's his choice. I think (he's received) bad advice, and I think he's making a big mistake because of the commitment we've made to our young players and the young players we're prepared to invest in."

Matt Keator, Wheeler's agent, issued a statement Thursday in response to a news release that the Coyotes issued earlier in the day. It read: "We appreciate the Coyotes offering the maximum amount. There is no question that they wanted to sign Blake and made every effort to do so but there was more than money involved in this decision. Per the NHL Collective Bargaining Agreement, it is Blake's right to pursue Unrestricted Free Agency. Most players wait until their late 20s to become Unrestricted and choose where they will live and play. Blake now has the opportunity at age 21, which is the biggest reason for him pursuing this route at this point in his career."

In a later e-mail, Keator added: "I did not expect Don to be pleased with this decision but he is a veteran hockey man and I am sure he will move forward with his rebuilding of the franchise just fine without Blake. Most people find it refreshing in this case that a professional player is not chasing the money but instead exercising his right to choose where he wants to play for a living."

Keator said Wheeler would not comment publicly until he signs with another team.

Coyotes coach Wayne Gretzky could not be reached, but Maloney said Gretzky recently phoned Keator.

"The last thing we want in our organization are people that don't want to be here, and the last thing we're going to do here is beg people to play for us," Maloney said.

"We are very happy with the compensatory pick we will receive for Blake not signing, which will be the fifth pick in the second round (of this year's draft). This is a very deep draft, and we now have five picks in the first two rounds, which is very exciting."

Interesting perspective on hockey goons.

Here is an interesting story that I found on hockey goons. Check out this hockey player Jon "Nasty" Mirasty.
This is actually the first time I have heard of this guy but he seems to be an impressive specimen that was in 18 fights this season. Mirasty is also not known for his offensive prowess: 55 games 1 goals 2 assists for 3 points and 180 minutes in penalties.

No one takes the bait. Not Gillies, a former NHLer who missed 20 games of the current AHL season after breaking his hand against Mirasty's skull. Not Joel Rechlicz, an up-and-coming enforcer Mirasty pummeled the last time they tangled. In fact, Rechlicz won't even look at Mirasty, and when he finally sneaks a peek through the Plexiglas separating the Syracuse and Albany benches, the result is swift and strange: River Rats coach Tom Rowe grabs Rechlicz's helmet with both hands, then points his head toward the ice.

"Look at that," Cochrane mutters. "I knew it."

The whole scene is wrong. Gillies owes Mirasty a fight. Rechlicz owes Mirasty a fight. That's the code, the unwritten order that has governed hockey fighting since just about forever. They know. Everyone knows.

There should be blood. Only there isn't. So Cochrane smells a rat. Namely, me. His theory goes like this: Another fight fan, Peatycap, knew I
would be in Syracuse to see Mirasty fight. Peatycap got excited and posted a note on the message boards. Cochrane told him to take it down. Too late. Somebody associated with Albany saw the note and told Rowe, who in turn has ordered his players not to fight ... out of sheer spite.

Mark Messier tongue tied.

This is funny.

Michel Therrien calls Osgood a diver.

If you watch the video you will see the Osgood dive at the beginning. That was a blatant dive and should get an Emmy for his acting job. I think the Penguins coach has a point Osgood has done a lot of diving during the Stanley Cup Playoffs. I think from watching the playoffs this spring I would come to the same conclusion; it is a valid point, however, one could also make the same argument about Sidney Crosby. Frankly, well the opposition has. The Rangers made some of the same complaints, they said the officials were not letting the Rangers hit Crosby and that Crosby was diving all over the ice.

Now let’s be serious. Make no mistake about it, Chris Osgood is a decent goaltender, he is definitely not the all world goalie that Patrick Roy was, but no many are, but Osgood does have a Stanley Cup on his resume. Lets be honest; Osgood has flailed around on the ice and acted like a spoiled cry baby during the playoffs. In fact I have lost some respect for him because of his antics.

Just for the Record

I have held UND goalies to the same standard that I am holding Osgood to. I hate diving and I believe diving cheapens the game of hockey. I held Jean-Phillippe Lamoureux to account as well.

Make no mistake about it, there is no doubt that Jean-Phillippe Lamoureux has played good this season, the numbers speak for themselves 1.88 GAA and a .932 save % but I am getting tired of watching these embellishments with each minor bump he receives from the opposition. Frankly, the jig is up the refs are watching you, and you were called on it this weekend.