Pacioretty forgoes eligibility and Signs with Montreal Canadiens

Just in hot off the presses from MGOBlue and the blog that Yost Built Super frosh Max Pacioretty has signed a professional contract with Les Habs. This is a big time loss for the Michigan Wolverines. It will be interesting to see what other big signing will happen as the summer progresses to the fall...

MONTREAL -- Canadiens General Manager Bob Gainey announced Thursday the signing of forward Max Pacioretty to a three-year contract (2008-09 to 2010-11). As per club policy, financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“Max Pacioretty is a young player with a lot of skills who has the potential to play in the NHL. We are very happy to have him under contract for years to come. We feel he is ready to make the jump to professional hockey, and we will make sure to provide him with all the resources which will benefit his long-term development as a player,’’ said Bob Gainey.

Pacioretty, a native of New Canaan, Connecticut, completed in 2007-08 his freshman season in the NCAA with the University of Michigan Wolverines of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA). The 19-year-old ranked fourth in scoring with the Wolverines with 39 points in 37 games (15 goals, 24 assists), posting a plus-31 rating along with 59 penalty minutes.

Pacioretty (6’02’’, 199 lbs) finished second on the team in plus-minus (+31) and powerplay goals (9). He also scored three game-winning goals and registered 109 shots on goal. The left winger was named the CCHA Rookie of the Year, and was named to the College Hockey News All-Rookie team and the CCHA All-Rookie team. He finished fifth in U.S. college hockey among rookies in points (39) and points per game (1.05). He was also Recipient of the Mickey and Wally Grant Scholarship for Men's Ice Hockey.

Pacioretty was a member of the US National team which finished fourth at the 2008 World Junior Championship presented in Czech Republic.

At the junior level, Pacioretty played two seasons with the United States Hockey League's Sioux City Musketeers from 2004 to 2006. In his second season, he scored 21 goals and 42 assists for 63 points in 60 games, which awarded him the USHL Rookie of the Year honours and a selection to the USHL All-Rookie team.

Max Pacioretty was a Canadiens’ first-round selection, 22nd overall in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.

Canes give Hagemo second chance (Finally good news)

I saw this posted over on Sioux Sports. This could turn out to be a happy ending for a kid that has had a tough time as of late. Now it is time for Hagemo to make something out of it.

Canes give Hagemo second chance
Luke DeCock, Staff Writer
RALEIGH - Nate Hagemo didn't know how badly he needed the game of hockey until he tried to go without it.
This week, hockey is trying to give something back to Hagemo.

The one-time Carolina Hurricanes prospect has had a long string of run-ins with the law since a shoulder injury derailed his hockey career almost three years ago, including an arrest less than two weeks ago while on probation.

This week, he's participating in the Hurricanes' prospect conditioning camp, his first taste of competitive hockey since October 2005 and the first scene in what he hopes will be the second act of his life.

"I got off track when I got hurt," Hagemo said Thursday after an on-ice session at the RecZone. "It was a big shock to me. For a while there, it was looking like I wasn't going to be able to play again. What happened with the shoulder, it wasn't so much what was physically wrong.

"There were a bunch of things I had to change in my life even to have the chance the Hurricanes are giving me now. For them to be giving me this opportunity, I couldn't be more grateful. It's really generous of them. It's great that people would give me a second chance."

Hagemo, 21, once ranked among the Hurricanes' most promising defensive prospects, a second-round draft pick after his freshman year at Minnesota, before a shoulder injury derailed his career and his life.

His shoulder is better. His life still needs some healing. The Hurricanes, who retain his NHL rights until June 2009, agreed at the request of Hagemo's agent, Neil Sheehy, to invite Hagemo to this four-day camp in an attempt to help.

"We got a call from the agent just recently," Hurricanes general manager Jim Rutherford said. "He's had some issues to deal with. ... We just felt we'd give him an opportunity if we can, help him out -- even just going forward with his life in the right direction, that would be good. Give him that last opportunity that he's missed over the last two years."

A humorous look at the Burke and Lowe Feud

Greg Wyshynski from Puck Daddy had this video linked on his site it is pretty funny.

If you haven't check out the Puck Daddy blog I highly recommend it, because it is a good read.

McCloud and Shepherd should take note.

Here is an interesting revelation from former Sioux Jonathan Toews on the difference between college and playing in the NHL. Seems that college is harder to score when you're being hooked and held up and down the ice. It is easier to make plays when you don't have people draped all over you.

Plenty of hype follows Oshie to St. Louis
Oshie admits he's nervous about coming to camp. It has nothing to do with his talent and everything to do with him not being familiar with the NHL game.

"I feel good, but I haven't skated with the big guns yet," Oshie said. "They told me to expect a faster game. The game is a lot different than it is in college. Once I adapt I should be OK. I think I'm just wondering if I will be able to keep up and be able to contribute."

It's not as if Oshie isn't clued in to the NHL game. One of his good friends is Chicago's Jonathan Toews, a former UND teammate. Oshie stayed in touch with Toews, the second runner-up for the Calder Trophy this past season, by picking his brain about the pro game.


"He's been one of the best college hockey players in the country. He has taken his team to the Frozen Four twice in a row as one of the best players on that team. Those are the things that build the expectation and I think he has those expectations for himself. We definitely have them, but it does come down to how he does in September."

Toews told Oshie that he found it to be easier for faster, skilled forwards to make plays in the NHL because of the restrictions on clutching and grabbing, which don't exist in the college game.

"At the college level, clutching and grabbing is a good play for a defenseman," Oshie said. "Johnny Toews was talking to me about how much easier it is to make plays (in the NHL) because you don't have guys all over you. In college, guys were all over him and that's why he didn't put up the big numbers."

Burke and Lowe ordered to play nice by the NHL

This is one of the more interesting stories to appear this summer, it is unfolding like a soap opera. This story also makes you ask is are we in second grade here or what? It is almost like Lowe took Bruke's Tonka truck and he is upset about it.

While I don't care for Brian Burke, mainly because the way he conducted himself after the Wild and Ducks playoff series in 2007, personally I think Brian Burke is a cry baby and does like to make outrageous statements. While this story just proves my point Burke might have a point; Kevin Lowe did over pay Dustin Penner and highly inflated the price of Thomas Vanek. Lets be honest with ourselves folks, there is no way Dustin Penner is worth 21 million dollars, Penner scored 23 goals in 82 games this season. That being said it is time to these two to move-on and stop with the purse fight.

Burke carefully responds to Lowe charges
Brian Burke says he will abide by the NHL's request to end his criticism of Kevin Lowe and the Edmonton Oilers, but the Anaheim Ducks general manager wanted the last word on Thursday.

In a careful, measured statement, Burke took aim at some of Lowe's recent stinging comments about three Ducks players and the Anaheim hockey market.

"There is no question in our mind or defiance about the league's authority here," Burke said in the statement first read to Ducks beat writers on a conference call and then posted on the NHL club's website. "We accept their authority to stop this and we intend to stop it.

"However, several things were said last Friday that I believe need to be addressed."

On Monday, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman warned both men to quit taking shots at each other or face significant fines.

Oilers spokesman J.J. Hebert said Thursday that the team would comply.

"We will be respecting the league's request and will not be discussing this matter any further," he said.

The public year-long spat between Burke and Lowe was resurrected on July 3. In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, the Ducks GM claimed a pair of offer sheets doled out by Lowe last summer set the tone for the madness of this year's market.

Burke's comments referred to Lowe's inking of Buffalo restricted free agent Thomas Vanek to a seven-year, $50-million US offer sheet, which the Sabres matched. Later, the Oilers signed Ducks forward Dustin Penner to a five-year deal worth $21.25 million US offer sheet, which drew Burke's ire based on the potential inflationary ripple effects the offer could have across the NHL.

Former Fighting Sioux Dave Tippett signs extension with Dallas Stars

Former Fighting Sioux hockey player Dave Tippett will be rewarded for his great job behind the Dallas Stars bench as he was signed to a two year extenstion.

FRISCO, Texas - The Dallas Stars rewarded Dave Tippett for another solid season, signing the head coach to a two-year contract extension Monday.

Tippett led the Stars to a 45-30-7 record in 2007-08 and a berth in the Western Conference final, where they fell in five games to the eventual Stanley Cup-champion Detroit Red Wings.

"Dave Tippett has done an exceptional job as head coach of this hockey club," co-general manager Les Jackson said in a statement. "We are looking forward to getting back to work in preparation for the 2008-09 season."

Tippett has a record of 235-127-48 in six seasons with the Stars, amassing the best winning percentage of any active coach in the NHL. Dallas has reached the playoffs every year under Tippett, who was named 19th head coach in franchise history May 21, 2002.

Did Snow push Ted Nolan out in New York.

I have been following the antics of Garth Snow since he took over the reigns of the New York Islanders and it would appear that maybe Garth Snow is just a moron and intent on running the Islanders into the ground. Ted Nolan is a good coach and I have to agree with him that the Islanders didn't have the tools to be successful that falls on the shoulders of the GM. Maybe Don Lucia is a good gauge of character?

New York Islanders announce Ted Nolan out as their head coach
UNIONDALE, N.Y. - The New York Islanders fired head coach Ted Nolan on Monday, citing "philosophical differences."

Nolan, who led the Islanders to a 75-68-21 record in his two years behind the bench, had another year remaining on his contract.

"Ted has helped us achieve some success over the last two seasons, however it has become clear that we have philosophical differences and have decided together to part ways,"

general manager Garth Snow said in a release. "Since last season and continuing into the summer, I have realized we do not share the same philosophies."

There had been a growing rift between Nolan and Snow throughout last season when the Islanders failed to make the playoffs. Snow said he felt the team was underachieving while Nolan countered that he lacked adequate personnel.

The NCAA approves proposed changes.

The new rules that were proposed earlier this spring have now been approved by the NCAA ice hockey committee. Seriously, I will believe it when I see it because; it is just like any other rule or law. A governing body can make all the rules they want to, however, for the new rules to be affective, they need to be enforced or the new rules will be useless. I am thinking the latter is going to happen in the WCHA. While some people don't like it when people refer to the WCHA as being the Western Obstruction League (copy right PCM), or complain about the officiating in the WCHA is very poor and is not working anymore. The WCHA and the NCAA hockey have become less watchable. The brutal reality is that the obstruction in the WCHA is so bad that it has caused the WCHA to become the Neutral Trap Zone league or the no scoring league. I don’t go to a hockey game to watch teams obstruct, hack and slash the opposition’s star players up and down the ice I come to watch fast paced exciting action with a lot of hard hitting and an occasional scrap.

Ok, the rules are on the book but the 64,000.00 question is; will the WCHA leader ship be able to put the new rules into action. I believe it can not happen until the WCHA leadership gets out of this incorrect/incoherent mind set that the status quo in the WCHA is half the reason scoring is down last year? A player no matter how skilled he is can not score with a gorilla I mean an opposing player is draped all over him. The laws of physics won’t allow it. An offensive player must be allowed to move freely without being obstructed. Obstruction by the rules books is not allowed and needs to be called.

Lastly, I think the officials in the WCHA are the worst in division one hockey. Personally, I do not believe that the WCHA has enough qualified or quality officials to be able to have two competent officials to ref each game. So it is time for the WCHA to get on board or prepare to hear more complaining and complaints from the fans in the WCHA.

NCAA approves changes to rules
Brad Elliott Schlossman Grand Forks Herald
Published Friday, July 11, 2008

The rules changes in college hockey are now official. There will be two referees and two linesmen on the ice next season and they have been instructed to be stricter in protecting the puck carrier from obstruction, the NCAA announced Thursday.


Not allowing a team to change lines after icing the puck. If a defensive-zone team knocks the net off, it won’t be allowed to change, either.

- Icing will be waved off if the referee determines a pass is attainable by a player on the attacking side of the red line. “Attainable” is defined as a pass on the ice and within a stick-length of the player.

- The NCAA is recommending, but not requiring, all arenas to increase the size of the offensive zone. It is asking arenas to move the goal line 11 feet from the end boards. It is currently 15 feet away. The NCAA wants the offensive zone to be 64 feet.

“The committee believes game officials have held a strong standard of obstruction fouls away from the puck carrier in recent seasons,” the NCAA stated in a release. “In reviewing how the game is being called at other levels, it has become apparent that more emphasis needs to be placed on the puck carrier and allowing players to showcase offensive creativity and skill.”

The Western Collegiate Hockey Association set a scoring futility mark for the fourth consecutive season in 2007-08. But several changes have been made to try to change that trend. Others are:

Adding an “embellishment” penalty.

- Clarifying pucks that go in off of skates. They are to be allowed unless it is controlled, kicked or guided into the net with a skate. If the player is in the act of stopping, it is OK. When in doubt, a goal will be disallowed.

- Delaying an offsides whistle if the goalie plays the puck. In the past, the whistle was automatically blown right away.

- Forcing all players, including backup goaltenders, to wear helmets on the bench

No Sioux on the hot list.

Gandalf The Red from Sixty Minutes, No Alibis, No Regrets had a blog post that linked a story from the Hockey News on what college hockey players are on the hot list, sorry Sioux fans none of our recruits or current players made the list but that was to be expected. This list doesn't always guarantee future success either. Also this list is not to be confused with the hot or not list. :) Sorry Amy I couldn't help myself.

While it is no mystery or secret to anyone that the CHL produces a lot of NHL talent and players, college hockey has done pretty good for themselves as of late. This is an impressive list of players. How abou the Badgers on defense? It isn't going to matter who plays net for them, that is going to be an impressive group for a few years to come; Justin Schultz, Patrick Wiercioch, Cody Goloubef, Jamie McBain, Ryan McDonagh, Jake Gardiner and Patrick Wiercioch.

The pending $64000.00 question of this up coming season will be whether Colin Wilson plays with the BU terriers and if Zac Dalpe plays for tOSU Buckeyes. My money says that Wilson will be wearing that God awful Jersey of the Nashville Predators. Stay tuned folks.

1. Colin Wilson, C – Boston University Terriers (Hockey East): As the son of an NHLer, Wilson had a good model in preparing for a career in elite hockey.

“My dad told me you have to be physically ready at 14,” said Colin, channeling the advice he received from his father, Carey, who played for the Flames, Whalers and Rangers.

With that in mind, Colin hit the gym early and often as a teen and the results were reflected in his selection seventh overall by Nashville at the NHL draft this year.

“I can be a first- or second-line center,” Wilson noted. “But I can also work as a third- or fourth-liner, that’s why I think they took me.”

That and a heap of skill, of course. The 6-foot-1, 215-pound Terrier notched 35 points in 37 games as a freshman at B.U. and will likely return to improve on that mark next season.

Joining Wilson is a murderer’s row of future NHL talent, including fellow 2008 draftees Corey Trivino, David Warsofsky and Grant Rollheiser. Wilson will also faceoff against workout buddy and Boston College Eagles recruit Jimmy Hayes. So is fraternizing with the enemy going to end?

“When I’m with my buddies, we’re really tight, so we can do things like that,” Wilson said. “But it’ll be fun playing against him – B.U. and B.C. for the Beanpot (tournament trophy).”

One thing is for sure, there won’t be many Eagles having fun when they face the tenacious Wilson.

Drafted seventh overall by Nashville in 2008.

2. James van Riemsdyk, LW – New Hampshire Wildcats (Hockey East): The players drafted around him – Patrick Kane and Kyle Turris – both saw NHL action this season, but that’s no reason to believe JVR won’t be joining them one day; his Flyers team just had a bit more depth to rely on. In the meantime, the 6-foot-3, 190-pound left winger will continue to hone his game in New Hampshire, where he put up 34 points in 31 games as a freshman. Drafted second overall by Philadelphia in 2007.

3. Richard Bachman, G – Colorado College Tigers (WCHA): So what exactly will this kid do for an encore? Bachman was lightning in net for the Tigers this season, posting the best record in the conference (.729 winning percentage) and the second-best goals-against average (1.85) and save percentage (.931). The next and only mission is a Frozen Four title. Drafted 120th overall by Dallas in 2006.

4. Max Pacioretty, LW – Michigan Wolverines (CCHA): With his former linemates Kevin Porter and Chad Kolarik off to Phoenix (well, more likely San Antonio) next year, Pacioretty will have to continue his good work in Ann Arbor if the Wolverines are to remain the cream of the CCHA crop. After earning 39 points in 37 games as a frosh, Pacioretty should be up to the task. Drafted 22nd overall by Montreal in 2007.

5. Patrick Wiercioch, D – Wisconsin Badgers (WCHA): Like Wilson, Wiercioch will be surrounded by talent next year, especially by his fellow blueliners. Along with Wiercioch, who had a breakout playoffs with the USHL’s Omaha Lancers this year, the Badgers will line up NHL picks Jamie McBain, Cody Goloubef, Ryan McDonagh and Jake Gardiner. Drafted 42nd overall by Ottawa in 2008.

6. Corey Trivino, C – Boston University Terriers (Hockey East): Trivino raised his profile at the Under-18s, where he was a point-a-game player for the gold-medal winning Canadians. He’ll once again get a shot to shine next year, moving his superior playmaking game to Boston. Drafted 36th overall by the New York Islanders in 2008.

7. Daultan Leveille, C – Michigan State Spartans (CCHA): Everyone’s favorite out-of-nowhere draft pick, Leveille rode his otherworldly speed to a first round selection this year and will showcase said skating wizardry in East Lansing next fall. Drafted 29th overall by Atlanta in 2008.

8. Joe Colborne, C – Denver Pioneers (WCHA): The potential for dominance is why Colborne will be well served by a couple of seasons with the Pios. The 6-foot-5 lad is growing into his power forward frame and learning under coach George Gwozdecky will be a boon to Colborne’s development. Drafted 16th overall by Boston in 2008.

9. Aaron Ness, D – Minnesota Golden Gophers (WCHA) : Slick blueliner Ness will take his game to the big stage in Minnesota next season, where his offensive gifts and hockey IQ will be a great asset to the always dangerous Gophers. Drafted 40th overall by the New York Islanders in 2008.

10. Zac Dalpe, RW – Ohio State Buckeyes (CCHA) : Though Dalpe seemed really amped about going to OSU, rumblings are still out there that he could bolt for Plymouth of the Ontario League. For the Buckeye’s sake, let’s hope it’s all bluster, because Dalpe has a boatload of skill. Drafted 45th overall by Carolina in 2008.

Sioux Women's golf team excels on the course and in the classroom

Kory Wallen, UND Athletics
Normally Goon's World is dedicated almost entirely to the NHL and Fighting Sioux hockey, however, this story is worth a look. The Sioux women's golf team coached coached by King's Walk assistant pro Dan Frei was as impressive on the course as they were in the classroom. Goon's World salutes you and offer it's congratulations.

No small feat

While some may over look these women's accomplishments or brush it aside and say what is the big deal? I personally know from being a former college athlete myself, that playing in sports and carrying a +3.50 grade point average is no easy feat. Heck my GPA never made it past 3.2 the two years that I was in college sports. I also didn't study occupational theraphy, I know that course work is hard.

GRAND FORKS, N.D.--The University of North Dakota’s Kelli Dahle, Amanda Kaler, Kristi Lucken and Natalie Ruppert have been named to the 2007-08 National Golf Coaches Association (NGCA) Division II All-American Scholar Team.

UND’s four selections were the third-most of any school in Division II, trailing only the five selections from Rollins College and the University of Indianapolis.

In order to be nominated for the NGCA All-American Scholar Team, student-athletes must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of at least 3.50 and must have competed in at least 66% of her team’s regularly schedule competitive rounds during the year.

Dahle, a junior from Bemidji, Minn., was UND’s top finisher at the NCAA Division II Northwest Region championship and carries a 3.89 GPA in elementary education.

Kaler completed her junior season by earning a berth on the 2007-08 Academic All-North Central Conference At-Large team. The Fargo, N.D., native, who has a 3.71 GPA in political science, was an All-NCC first team selection last fall.

Lucken, a Fosston, Minn., native, was UND’s top finisher in three spring meets and carries a 3.93 GPA in occupational therapy.

Ruppert enjoyed a strong senior year during which she was named to the All-NCC first team and earned her third straight selection to the NCC Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll. The Minot, N.D., native had a 3.60 GPA and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.

Tying up a few loose ends. (serious)

Sprig from Siouxsports.com is reporting that FSSN has reached a 1 year deal with WDAZ. That is good news for those that watch Sioux Hockey on the Satellite.

We have reached agreement on a one-year extension of the current contract, so it takes us only through the 2008-09 school year. All home men's hockey games will be televised, along with two road men's hockey games, and one home men's football game.

That is good news for the people that don't live in Grand Forks, ND or in North Dakota. If you don't have a satellight dish and you want to purchase one so you can watch all of the Sioux Hockey Home games go to this web site satellight system .

Sad News

Bob a Sioux fan from Wisconsin found out on June 20th 2008 that his 3 year old child Will has Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia, this is a tough time and this story brings tears to my eyes because it could be anyone of our kids. Our kids are our future and our most precious gifts.

So in this trying time Bob needs our support in the form of prayers and donations to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Bochenski's quest to play for all 30 teams.

Running with the Dog's favorite blogger BES is reporting that former Sioux star Brandon Bochenski is moving to the Tampa Bay area after he signed a contract with the Tampa Bay lighting. I wonder how many cell phone numbers Brandon Bochenski has had?

This would be the sixth NHL team that Bo has played for, the past three season Bochenski has played for: 1.) Ottawa Senators, 2.) Chicago Blackhawks, 3.) Boston Bruins, 4.) Anaheim Ducks and 5.) Nashville Predators and now 6.) Tampa Bay...

The 64,000 dollar question is will be if Brandon Bochenski can stay with the same team for more than half a season. Bochenski has a great shot and tons of offensive talent, his play in the defensive zone is not a strong point of his game and he will have to get better if he wants to play in the NHL.

More on the NCAA rule changes.

Recently the NCAA released a statement from the Ice Hockey committee; in this press release there was a few of the proposed changes to the NCAA tourney selection criteria. This is to be voted on in the fall by the cabinet. As of right now nothing is set in stone or has become "the rules" as of yet? However, I can't remember the last time proposed changes like this were dismissed en mass? So I would suppose there is a good chance of these proposed changes will become part of the 2008-2009 rule book. Here is one of the proposed changes that has prompted a little discussion in the past weeks.

The committee also recommended to the cabinet that all six hockey conferences – College Hockey America, Atlantic Hockey, ECAC Hockey, Hockey East Association, Central Collegiate Hockey Association and Western Collegiate Hockey Association – receive automatic bids to the championship. College Hockey America does not meet standards for an automatic bid, since it falls below minimum sports-sponsorship requirements with four teams, but the committee decided that for the good of the sport and the championship, it would continue to provide automatic qualification to the winner of College Hockey America’s postseason tournament. The decision will be reviewed by the cabinet in the fall.

I think that is a good idea to let the CHA keep it's auto bid because until one of the established division one hockey conferences steps up and proposes a positive solution to this problem, at the current time no one has a clue what to do with the CHA teams. No one has come up with a viable idea as of yet. I think the NCAA should and will allow the CHA to continue to operate as a division one hockey conference until a solution is reached on what to do with the four teams left in this division. Millsy hits the main points of this topic in his post on USCHO.COM

But, without the auto bid, what other carrots do these teams have to dangle in front of a recruit? Recruiting in the CHA is already a challenge, and without the auto bid to dangle out there, it will get that much harder. Without the higher level recruits, it will be next to impossible to knock off teams in the "Big Four".

What is frustrating is that everyone knows what the problem is, but no one outside of the CHA wants to help with a solution. They all just bury their heads in the sand hoping someone else will take care of the problem. Eventually, this problem will go away, but it won't be a positive for college hockey.
Millsy

There are a few solutions to this problem, not all of them are positive. First off; the NCAA could come out and say hey if you don't help these teams out and find a home for them in existing conferences the NCAA could start pulling at large bids to the NCAA tourney, watch people move then. (not really positive)

The NCAA could also just out right deny the CHA from being allowed to keep its auto bid and the league would die a quick painful death. (not positive)

A league could stand up and find a way to accommodate these four teams or come up with a scheduling alliance, or just allow them to join their league. (best option)

I hope in the future we won't still be talking about this issue. It will be interesting to see how this shakes out. Anyone want to start the Bemidji to the WCHA argument again?

Is Joe Finley the next whipping boy?

Fighting Sioux senior to be Joe Finley has consistently been the Sioux's +/- (plus minus) leader his three seasons at UND, however, much like his former team mate Brian Lee, Finley has gotten the ire of a good number of Sioux fans. Why? I don't know why? Heck Brian Lee was so bad that he ended up playing for the Ottawa Senators in the Stanley Cup playoffs. I guess that is why we are fans and not general managers.

This is merely speculation but I suppose maybe big Joe just isn't tough enough for some Sioux fans. It is possible that Joe just doesn't score enough goals or isn't a fast enough skater. I guess Joe isn't going to be able to satisfy a fair number of Fighting Sioux hockey fans, no matter what he does on the ice. So Goon's World is going to hand out some leafy spurge to the Sioux fans that don't appreciate Joe Finley, the Sioux will be better with Joe Finley in the line up.

I personally am happy as hell that Big Joe is coming back to the Fighting Sioux for one more season, it is not every day that a player plays four years for their college team when they are a high end draft choice, but hey I will take it. Contrary to what some of the hockey geniuses say UND is a better team with big Joe. SJHovey sums it up best on USCHO.COM so mascots beware big Joe is coming back for his senior season.

Any UND fan who is not overjoyed with having Joe return is a fool, imho. You don't lead the team in +/- without playing extremely good defense. Even if he's not constantly punching someone's lights out, i.e. Commordore or Greene, just having someone of that size out there can be intimidating and important. I believe that Joe's play is directly responsible for the outstanding play we saw out of Genoway last year.

I also firmly believe that Chay's late season injury affected him more than we thought in the playoffs. After his return neither his puckhandling nor shot was as effective as before the injury and lead to some problems for that defensive pairing.

The two of them will be the best defensive tandem in the WCHA this coming season, bar none.

Rewind to last spring; in retrospect the season ending debacle in Denver was painful to watch as Fighting Sioux fans, however, teams don't lose 6-1 because of one player. Teams lose 6-1 because they lost as a team; colectively as a group the Fighting Sioux did not play well and lost. So because the team did not play very that day and you can not single out one player to blame on the lost, the Fighting Sioux all played bad. Lets just hope that bad taste still lingers in their mouths.

Go Fighting Sioux...

Wild sign Owen Nolan

When I read that the Wild had signed had signed 36 year old Owen Nolan to a 2 year contract worth 5.5 Million. I have to admit that I was torn because in his hay day Nolan was one heck of a hockey player; now Nolan is much older that has a 1000+ NHL games under his belt and looks more like a guy that should be looking for his AARP card than a player looking forward to playing another 2 seasons with the Minnesota Wild. The up side of Owen Nolan is no matter how old he is he will add grit to the Wild soft Euro dominated line up, especialy after my favorite NHL GM let all of his tougher roll players leave during this off season...

I don't know if this is a smart deal or not and only time will tell. Check out some of the comments from the fans they like me are less than impress with the Wild GM Doug Risebrough's more this off season. I think a couple of these fans really nail less than impressed with the situation and that is how I feel about his whole situation.

Risebrough's humor...
the only thing worse than DR and his off season moves is the gullible sporting public that might get fooled into thinking that things look bright for 08-09. We are on our way down next season. Do any of us honestly think that the team of 18,000will remain much longer? The economy is in a shambles, corporate sales will be down, and the common guy can't afford the tix or the gas down to the Ex'. Team of 10,000 is more like it; especially when we don't make the playoffs.

This guy also hits it on the head. Who's is going to score goals this season?

Still not impressed...
Who is going to win faceoffs??? Who is going to score??? Anything other than a Western Conference Finals appearence is a bad season in my opinion. This roster will be lucky to make it past the 1st round of the playoffs...(AGAIN!!!) DR is a solid GM to get a bottom progam to respectability. But he is not the guy to get us to the highest level. Can someone in Wild management please start thinking creatively???

Happy fourth of July for Goon's World.

Happy Fourth of July from Goon's World. Also, I would like to salute the American soldiers serving in harms way. God Bless America.

Cross posted at Goon's North Dakota Red Neck

Brian Lee turning heads in Ottawa

It appears that Brian Lee is making quite the impression at his second team's development camp. With the Senators losing Wade Redden to free agency expect former Fighting Sioux defenseman Brian Lee to play a bigger part with Otwawa Senators next season. I have to admit that I am very excited for Brian Lee, when Brian was here with the fighting Sioux Lee had a lot of doubters and people that focused on every mistake the kid made. When he left for the NHL there were all kinds of rude comments about Lee. It is nice to see one of our former players doing well. I guess Lee could ask the naysayers, "how do you like me now?"

Blueliner's stock rises as Senators get ready for life without stalwart Redden
By DON BRENNAN
For how long depends on the wooing abilities of GM Bryan Murray, but the Senators will have a couple of holes in their top four blue-line corps as of noon tomorrow.

At 12:01 p.m., Brian Lee will officially move into one of those slots on the depth chart -- and will stay there until Murray lands a better defenceman and signs restricted free agent Andrej Meszaros.

From looking like the neighbourhood paperboy when Ottawa made him its first pick (ninth overall) of the 2005 NHL draft -- and even a little too beanpole-lish upon his elevation from Binghamton for the Senators' final six games and playoffs last season -- Lee has carried a large and looming presence among the prospects during the team's development camp.

Off the ice, with the tan and long blond hair, he'll offer an appealing contrast to the team's female followers who are already missing Wade Redden, a stalwart the Senators hope Lee can help replace.

"I think I play a little bit like Wade," Lee said when asked what style and contribution he'll ultimately bring to the table. "Good first pass, solid defensively. I hope someday to be as smooth playing offence as he is, as smart offensively as he is."

Make no mistake, at just 21 and with only one season of pro hockey under his belt, the 6-foot-3 University of North Dakota product shouldn't immediately be expected to make anybody forget about Redden. And he knows it.

"I think there's a great D-corps here and I think all the guys will help kind of fill that void, because Wade is such a great player," said Lee, who had three goals and 25 points in 55 games with the Baby Sens. "I'm sure (management) will try and get somebody new, who will be a great player as well.
<-Read the rest of the story here->

Goehring to the Moose

Sioux fans will be able to watch former Sioux goaltender Karl Goehring play for the Manitoba Moose of the American hockey league. The Moose play about 145 miles away from Grand Forks, ND in Winnipeg MB, I suppose Sioux7 and I are going to have to make the trek up to see him play for the Moose, if the price of gas doesn't get too far out of wack. Karl was one of the best goalies to ever play for the University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux posting 15 shutouts in a 118 games for the Fighting Sioux hockey team.

Moose sign Karl Goehring

Manitoba Moose Press Release

The Manitoba Moose, the AHL affiliate of the Vancouver Canucks, announced they have signed goaltender Karl Goehring to an American Hockey League contract.

Goehring, 29, appeared in 26 games last season with the Syracuse Crunch where he posted a 2.12 goals against average, a .930 save percentage, with a 15-8-2 record as well two shutouts. The Apple Valley, MN native was named the AHL’s Goaltender of the Month for March after going 7-0-1 in eight games with a 1.59 goals against average and .951 save percentage. During that period, he was named the AHL’s Player of the Week for the week ending March 2/08. In the post-season, Goehring helped the Crunch eliminate the Moose in six games, and posted a 7-6 record throughout the playoffs with a 2.39 goals against average and a .922 save percentage.

Goehring has played in 247 AHL games in his seven-year career with Syracuse, San Antonio, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, and Norfolk. He has a career goals against average of 2.66 with a save percentage of .913 and an overall record of 104-103-20. However, he is currently the all-time leader amongst Crunch goalies in games played (174), wins (78), and second in shutouts (10). He was selected to the 2003 AHL All-Star Classic in Portland where as a member of the PlanetUSA All-Stars, he tied for the top goalie award in the skills competition.

Goehring was also a member of the NCAA Champion North Dakota Fighting Sioux in 2000 where he was named to the Frozen Four All-Tournament Team as well as a first team All-American.

Landon Wilson to play for Dallas Stars.

I just came across this story over on hockeyfights.com, apparently former Fighting Sioux hockey player Landon Wilson is going to get one more chance to play in the NHL as the Dallas Stars have signed him to a two way contract.

Stars sign four minor-leaguers, including Landon Wilson
11:48 AM Thu, Jul 03, 2008
Mike Heika
The Stars signed four minor leaguers today, including Landon Wilson. The son of Stars associate coach Rick Wilson, Landon, 33, left the game because of a serious eye injury. He has been playing in Europe the last four seasons, and co-GM Les Jackson said they are bringing him as a potential NHL player and a guy they would like to keep in the organization for a while. He will probably be a Mike Keane type in Austin for a few years and then try to work his way into coaching.

Wilson, 33, has played the last four seasons in Europe, including the 2006-07 and 2007-08 campaigns with HC Lugano in the Swiss Elite League. In 30 games with Lugano last season, Wilson collected 20 points (13 goals, 7 assists) and 67 penalty minutes, and the previous season, he notched 31 points (20 goals, 11 assists) and 67 PIM.

Landon Wilson's NHL numbers: he has played in 348 games scoring 51 goals, and adding 60 assists for a career points total: 111 points. Landon Wilson has also spent 331 minutes in the sin bin.

Links to the Story:
Hockey News

Brad's Blog

NHL.COM story

Hale storm in the desert

Former Fighting Sioux defenseman David Hale has signed a two year contract with the Phoenix Coyotes. Hale is a stay at home defenseman that will add toughness to the Coyotes line up that is not afraid to stand up for a team mate.

GLENDALE, ARIZONA --- Phoenix Coyotes General Manager Don Maloney announced today that the Coyotes have signed defenseman David Hale to a two-year contract. As per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Hale, 27, recorded two assists and 46 penalty minutes (PIM) in 58 regular season games with the Calgary Flames last season. He also appeared six playoff games for Calgary.

The 6-foot-1, 208-pound Hale began the 2006-07 season with New Jersey and appeared in 43 games for the Devils before being traded to Calgary on Feb. 27, 2007. Following the trade, he played in 11 regular season games and two playoff contests for Calgary.

In 215 career NHL games with New Jersey and Calgary, Hale has recorded 11 assists, 175 PIM and a plus-17 rating. The Colorado Springs, Colorado native has also collected two assists and 20 PIM in 17 career playoff games.

Hale was originally drafted by New Jersey in the first round (22nd overall) of the 2000 Entry Draft. He played three seasons of collegiate hockey at the University of North Dakota where he registered 10-16-26 and 191 PIM in 104 games. He was named a Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) Third Team All-Star following his junior year and played in the 2001 NCAA National Championship Game as a freshman.

Wyatt Smith Struck by Lightning.

Former Minnesota Gopher and Minnesota Wild player Wyatt Smith is on his way to the Tampa Bay lighting. During the past week the Tampa Bay lightning have been very active on the free agent market. Earlier this week the Bolts signed former SCSU star Ryan Malone to a nice contract.

Tampa, FL (Sports Network) - The Tampa Bay Lightning signed free agent center Wyatt Smith to a one-year, two-way contract on Thursday.

The 31-year-old Smith split his time between the Avalanche and Lake Erie of the American Hockey League last season. He had three assists in 25 games with Colorado, and appeared in one playoff game for the club.

The 5-foot-11, 205-pounder has scored 10 goals and tallied 22 assists in 221 career NHL games with Colorado, the Minnesota Wild, New York Islanders, Nashville Predators and Phoenix Coyotes.

The Minnesota product was originally drafted

Ex-Fighting Sioux star Taylor Chorney signs 3 year deal

Here is the official announcement from the Edmonton Oilers home page. Goon's World would like to wish Taylor good luck at the next level and make us proud. While I hate to see players leave early for the professional ranks, Chorney like T.J. Oshie had accomplished all they could at the college level and it is time to move on to the next level.

Edmonton Oilers Press Release Jul 3, 2008, 2:00 PM EDT Chorney Kevin Prendergast, the Edmonton Oilers Vice President of Hockey Operations, announced today that the team has signed defenceman Taylor Chorney to a three-year entry level contract.

“Taylor brings a mature leadership quality to our organization,” stated Prendergast. “His past success in college and on the world stage will certainly be a benefit to him in the next step of his career.”

Chorney, the Oilers’ second choice (36th overall) in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft, completed his third season of collegiate hockey with the University of North Dakota in 2007-08. In 43 games with the Fighting Sioux, the 6’0”, 196 pound native of Hastings, Minnesota finished sixth in team scoring with 24 points, netting three goals and 21 assists in 43 games.

A two-time Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) all-star, the 21-year-old defenceman was named to the conference’s first all-star team and helped lead North Dakota to the NCAA Frozen Four tournament this season. Chorney was named to the American Hockey Coaches Association second team west All-American team in 2006-07 after scoring 8-23-31 with 48 penalty minutes in 39 games.

During his three seasons with the Fighting Sioux, Chorney scored 14-59-73 with 126 penalty minutes in 126 games.

Not only was he a standout talent with North Dakota, Chorney also was a key member with Team USA on the international stage. He played for the United States at the 2006 and 2007 IIHF World Junior Championships and captained the 2007 team to a bronze medal with a 2-1 victory over Sweden. Chorney was also chosen as captain of the United States Under-17 and Under-18 national teams.

Chorney, who skated at the Oilers Development Camp in June, will return to Edmonton in September for the team’s training camp.


SEASON TEAM LEAGUE GP G A PTS PM
2005-06 U of North Dakota WCHA 44 3 15 18 54
2006-07 U of North Dakota WCHA 39 8 23 31 48
2007-08 U of North Dakota WCHA 43 3 21 24 24
COLLEGIATE TOTALS 126 14 59 73 126

The Hockey committee proposes changes

After all the complaining about the Wisconsin Badgers getting into the national tourney last spring with a sub .500 record, you could just about predict this rule change was coming down the pike.

Personally, I thought it was kind of weak that the Badgers made the tourney with a sub .500 record but after the Badgers made the tourney based on the selection criteria the NCAA had set forth, I wasn't as upset about them making the tourney. Add to the equation that the Badgers beat the Pioneers and almost beat the Sioux for the regional championship made it appeared in at least my opinion that the Badgers deserved to participate in their own regional.

Hockey committee changes selection criteria
July 01, 2008
The Division I Men’s Ice Hockey Committee is recommending that teams must compile a record of .500 or above in the regular season to be considered for championship selection.

The change reflects policy in other Division I sports, such as men’s and women’s soccer, softball and women’s volleyball. The ice hockey committee endorsed the change at its annual meeting last month after a general discussion about last year’s championship, in which a team with a sub-.500 record was selected for an at-large bid. After garnering feedback from the coaches association and conference offices, the committee decided that requiring a .500 record for selection would be best for the sport and the future of the championship.

The change will go before the Division I Championships/Sport Management Cabinet for a final decision in September.

The committee also recommended to the cabinet that all six hockey conferences – College Hockey America, Atlantic Hockey, ECAC Hockey, Hockey East Association, Central Collegiate Hockey Association and Western Collegiate Hockey Association – receive automatic bids to the championship. College Hockey America does not meet standards for an automatic bid, since it falls below minimum sports-sponsorship requirements with four teams, but the committee decided that for the good of the sport and the championship, it would continue to provide automatic qualification to the winner of College Hockey America’s postseason tournament. The decision will be reviewed by the cabinet in the fall.

In other discussions, the committee:

•Will recommend Midwest and West regional sites for 2010 and 2011 to the Championships/Sport Management Cabinet this summer.

•Selected game times for the 2009 Frozen Four. Semifinal games will be at 5 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., Eastern time, April 9. The championship game is at 7 p.m. Eastern time, April 11.

•Decided timeouts at the championship will be two minutes from whistle to puck drop.

•Selected Steve Cady, senior associate athletics director at Miami (Ohio), as committee chair.

Redwings pick up Marian Hossa

Crap; if the Redwings were already great they just got a lot better by signing free agent gem Marian Hossa. Hossa just signed a deal to go play in Detroit Rock City. Marian Hossa was one of the most sought after free agents stars during this off season free agency sweepstakes.

DETROIT – The Red Wings’ inability to get secondary scoring last season was constantly scrutinized in the media.

That issue was put to rest Wednesday – the second day of free agency – when the Red Wings signed superstar right wing Marian Hossa to a one-year contract.

Hossa, 29, helped the Pittsburgh Penguins reach the 2008 Stanley Cup finals, where they lost to the Red Wings in six games.

In 10 NHL seasons, Hossa has scored 299 goals and 349 assists with a plus-85 rating.

It’s believed that the Edmonton Oilers were also suitors in the Hossa sweepstakes, with a reported offer of as much as $9 million for the Czechoslovakian star.

The Penguins acquired Hossa and Pascal Dupuis at the February trade deadline from Atlanta for three young stars -- Colby Armstrong, Erik Christensen and Angelo Esposito, and a 2008 first-round pick (Dalton Leveille).

Dupuis signed a three-year contract worth more than $4 million to stay in Pittsburgh.

Eric Smith on Mike Commodore

Here is an interesting comment I found on Former Sioux Mike Commodore from Blue Jackets hockey blogger Eric Smith and what Commodores sighing means to the Columbus Blue Jackets. I guess Smith hasn't seen Commodore play much or isn't aware of the presence he brings to the ice.

Later in the day, Howson got another player to pull the trigger in one Mike Commodore. The 5 year, 18.75 million dollar contract obviously helped Mr. Commodore with his decision. Did the Jackets over pay for Commodore? Probably but this is expected as we currently only have cash and hope to help lure free agents. Commodore fills another need that the Jackets had identified in needing at least 2 blueliners. The 6'5", 230 pounder won't bring offense to the backend but he will bring his physical presence that fills the hole that was left with the departure of Adam Foote. At 28 years old, we should be getting the best 5 years of Commodores career but we will have to wait and see on that.

First off your going to love having Commodore on your hockey team, by having Commodore on their team the Blue Jackets just got a lot tougher. You also got to love the red mass of hair.

Anaheim Ducks sign Gophers defenseman Stu Bickel

Watch the youtube video: This is the reason why many Sioux fans like myself will not miss Stu Bickel, the kid in my opinion is a blatant hack. Watch the butt end by Stu Bickel on the small Sioux forward Brad Miller, that is a dirty bush league move that should have warranted a match penatly.

So don't expect any of us to shed a tear for the former Gopher player. Good bye and good riddance.

Stu Bickel, a 21-year-old defenseman who became a fixture on the University of Minnesota roster as a freshman last season, signed a three-year free-agent pro contract with the NHL's Anaheim Ducks today and will be leaving the Gophers.

Bickel, a converted forward, is a 6-foot-3, 210-pounder from Chanhassen who had one goal and six assists in 45 games for Minnesota.

Undrafted by any NHL team, Bickel said the Ducks came after him with an offer that "was hard to turn down."

"He had a great year for us," Gophers coach Don Lucia said. "We're going to miss him."

Early departures in the WCHA

Minnesota (3)
G Jeff Frazee, junior
F Blake Wheeler, junior
D Stu Bickel, freshman

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

Blues match Vancouver's offer on David Backes

The St Louis Blues have matched Vacouvers offer sheet so I guess T.J. Oshie will get a chance to play with former Minnesota State University Mankato Maverick David Backes after all. However, it is a sad shame that Keith Ballard was traded away from the Yotes and is now playing in the east with the Florida Panthers so we won't get to see as many dances between Backes and Ballard.

VANCOUVER - The St. Louis Blues retained forward David Backes on Tuesday by quickly matching the US$7.5-million, three-year offer sheet the young forward signed with the Vancouver Canucks.

The Canucks tried to pluck the 24-year-old winger away from the Blues just hours after he became a restricted free agent. The Blues had seven days to match the offer or let him go for a compensatory second-round pick, but wasted little time in deciding to keep Backes.

"(Chairman and Principle Owner) Dave Checketts was very supportive of this decision to sign David," Blues president John Davidson said in a statement. "David is a major part of our youth movement in St. Louis and we expect him to play a huge role as we move forward."

Backes spent parts of the past two seasons with the Blues, who selected him in the second round of the 2003 draft. He set career highs with 13 goals and 31 points in 72games last season, while also leading the team with 240 hits. His new contract includes a $1-million signing bonus along with $1.5 million in salary this coming season. He'll earn $2.5 million each of the following two years.

Offer sheets took centre stage last summer after Edmonton lured Dustin Penner away from Anaheim and touched off an exchange of heated words between Ducks general manager Brian Burke and Oilers counterpart Kevin Lowe.

Edmonton also signed Thomas Vanek to an offer sheet last year that Buffalo matched.

The Canucks agreed to terms Tuesday with forward Darcy Hordichuk on a two-year contract. The physical 27-year-old winger had one goal, three points and 60 penalty minutes in 45 games with the Nashville Predators last season

Rolston signs with the NJ Devils

This is the free agent deal that really chaps my ass. Lets just say that I am not happy camper today; and I am sure there are other Wild fans that aren't very happy with the Wild management for letting Brian Rolston go.

All spring long we have heard how Brian Rolston isn't worth the money he was asking, apparently General Manager Lou Lamoriello (a better hockey mind that Risebrough) thinks that that Brian Rolston is worth 5 million dollars a year and isn't too much for a player that has one of the hardest slap shots in hockey. Look at the numbers folks; in three years in Minnesota Brain Rolston scored 96 goals assisted on 106 goals for 202 points in 241 games. Very few Wild players can say that during the last three season they have scored 202 points, Marian Gaborik has only scored 206. Lets just say that I am not a happy camper today. So now the Wild line up is short 30+ goals next season; I ask Doug Risebrough who is going to pick up the slack? Sure isn't going to be Pierre-Marc Bouchard who is a soft perimeter player that WON'T go into the dirty areas to score a goal.

Seriously Doug Risebrough; there is no reason Rolston shouldn't be a Minnesota Wild. everyone in the Wild's Division got better this off season and the Wild are going to be hard pressed to repeat as division champs this season. It will be interesting to see what the stumbling bumbling general manager

TSN.CA STAFF -- The New Jersey Devils have signed free agent forward Brian Rolston to a four-year, $20 million contract.

The 34-year-old native of Flint, Mich., scored 31 goals and collected 59 points in 81 games with the Minnesota Wild last season.

Rolston, who played three seasons with the Wild, was picked 11th overall by the New Jersey Devils in the 1991 NHL Entry Draft. He was a member of the 1995 Stanley Cup champion New Jersey team coached by current Wild head coach Jacques Lemaire, and signed with the Wild in 2004 after four seasons between Colorado and Boston.

The six-foot-two, 210-pound right-winger has 286 goals and 348 assists in 977 career NHL games with the Wild, Devils, Colorado Avalanche and Boston Bruins.

Former Sioux Mike Commodore headed to Columbus

Mike Commodore is the next former Fighting Sioux hockey player to join the multi millionare club as he signed a fat contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

TSN.CA STAFF -- The Columbus Blue Jackets have taken a big step to adding some experience of the blueline.

Columbus has agreed to a 5-year, $18.75 million contract with defencemen Mike Commodore.

The native of Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta was acquired by the Ottawa Senators at the trade deadline from Carolina for Joe Corvo and Patrick Eaves in order to add some playoff experience.

Commodore played 67 games in 2007-08 and scored three goals and added 11 assists.

2nd most exciting time of the year...

It has been a crazy day for signings on the free agent market. There have been quite a few former college hockey players moving around and signing free agent deals. First off; former Miami star and power forward Ryan Jones will not get a chance to play for the Minnesota Wild, big shock here. I think this might come back to haunt the Wild.

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Marek Zidlicky is on the move.

The Minnesota Wild acquired the 31-year-old defenceman from the Nashville Predators on Tuesday for prospect Ryan Jones and a second-round draft pick.

Zidlicky had spent his entire NHL career with the Predators.

The former Czech Olympian had five goals and 43 points in 79 games with the Preds last season.

Jones was a fifth-round pick in 2004 by Minnesota. He was the leading scorer for Miami University of Ohio last season before signing a pro contract and playing four playoff games with Houston of the American Hockey League.

"Ryan Jones is a big and powerful young forward that adds size and skill to our organization," said Nashville GM David Poile.

It looks like T.J. Oshie will never get a chance to play with former Minnesota State University Mankato star (now probably former St Louis Blue player) David Backus. According to TSN Backus has been signed to a nice offer sheet by the Vancover Canucks. I guess in a way it is surprising he signed for that much money.

Vancover 7/1/2008 -- The Vancouver Canucks are the first team out of the gate in the restricted free agent market signing forward David Backes to a three-year $7.5 million offer sheet.

The St. Louis Blues have seven days to match the offer or he goes to Vancouver. The Blues would then receive a second-round pick as compensation.

Backes, 24, was selected by Blues 62nd overall in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft.

In 121 games with St. Louis, he has 23 goals and 54 points.

In the been there and done that category; former Wisconsin Star Curtis Joseph is going back to the Toronto Maple Leafs again.

SPORTSNET.CA -- Toronto Maple Leaf fans can expect at least one familiar face next season. Sources are telling Sportsnet that goaltender Curtis Joseph has agreed to a one-year deal with his former club.

Joseph spent four solid seasons with the Leafs, from 1998-2002 but left via free agency when he signed with the Detroit Red Wings.

In nine appearances with the Calgary Flames last season, Joseph went 3-2 as a back-up to Miikka Kiprusoff.

Former Badger Rene Bourque is headed to the Calgary Flames.

SPORTSNET.CA -- The Calgary Flames have acquired left winger Rene Bourque from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for a conditional second round draft choice, the team announced Tuesday.

"Rene is a young player with size who will play in our top nine forwards," Flames general manager Darryl Sutter said. "He will be an important part of the remaking of our left side along with other young players already under contract."

Bourque, a native of Lac La Biche, AB, completed his third season with the Blackhawks in 07-08, recording 24 points from 10 goals and 14 assists. The 6’3", 213lb winger has notched 75 points in 183 career NHL games. Bourque was originally signed as a free agent by Chicago on July 29, 2004 following a four year career with the University of Wisconsin (WCHA). He played his first year of professional hockey in 04-05 with Chicago’s AHL affiliate in Norfolk where he established team highs in goals (33), assists (27) and points (60). For his efforts, Bourque was named to the AHL All-Star Game and was the recipient of the Dudley "Red" Garrett Memorial Award as the AHL’s most outstanding rookie

The Edmonton Oilers have been really busy today as they made their third trade in past few days sending former Clarkson and Carolina star Eric Cole to the Oiles.

THE CANADIAN PRESS -- The Oilers acquired winger Erik Cole and centre Gilbert Brule in separate trades on Tuesday.

Cole arrives from the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for defenseman Joni Pitkanen. The 29-year-old Cole had spent his entire career in Carolina and helped that team to its seven-game Stanley Cup win over the Oilers in 2006.

Brule was drafted sixth overall by Columbus in 2005 and has yet to develop into a consistent NHL player. He comes to Edmonton in exchange for rugged winger Raffi Torres.

The Oilers have made three trades in a matter of days. They acquired defenceman Lubomir Visnovsky from Los Angeles on Sunday in exchange for forward Jarret Stoll and defenceman Matt Greene.

Cole had 22 goals and 51 points in 73 games for Carolina last season. He leaves the Hurricanes with the third-best franchise total in goals (129) and sixth-best total in points (280).

Brule is coming off a year in which he had just one goal and nine points in 61 games for the Jackets.

Torres had been with Edmonton since 2004 and was limited to just 32 games last season after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during a game in December.

Pitkanen lasted just one season with the Oilers after coming over in a trade from Philadelphia last summer. He had eight goals and 26 points in 63 games.

Fomer UNH goaltender Ty Conklin is getting a new deal to play in Detroit.

DETROIT -- Also Tuesday, the Red Wings agreed to terms with goaltender Ty Conklin on a $750,000, one-year contract.

Former Saint Cloud State star and ex-Pittsburgh Penguin Ryan Malone got a huge deal with the Tampa Bay Lighting. Ryan Malone was acquired via trade with Pittsburgh - June 29; Signed a seven-year, $31.5 million contract on June 30

It's officical Wheeler signs with the B's

Joe Finley's hand shake dance partner has officially signed with the Boston Bruins today. The former 1st round draft choice of the Phoenix Coyotes Blake Wheeler joins former Gopher teammate Phil Kessel on the Bruins roster. It will be interesting to see if Wheeler can make the Bruins roster or if he will play in the Providence Bruins. It is going to be tough; the Bruins second year head coach Claude Julien has shown little patience for one dimensional players.

Boston, MA - Boston Bruins General Manager Peter Chiarelli announced Tuesday that the club has signed forward Blake Wheeler to an entry-level contract. Per club policy, terms of the deal will not be disclosed.

Wheeler, a Plymouth, Minnesota native, has spent the last three seasons playing for the University of Minnesota. In his 2007-2008 season, he led the team in scoring with 15-20-35 totals in 44 games, and was named to the third team, All-WCHA. Originally drafted in the first round (5th overall) by the Phoenix Coyotes in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, he will forego his senior season to enter the NHL. He did not sign with the Coyotes and became an unrestricted free agent.

The 6-4, 215 pound 21-year-old leaves the Gophers with career 42-54-96 totals in 127 games. In the 2006-2007 postseason, he earned the Tom Mohr Playoff MVP Award after tallying four goals and one assist. As a freshman, he recorded 9-14-23 totals at Minnesota, skating alongside fellow Bruin Phil Kessel. In 2005-2006 he also skated for the USA in the IIHF World Junior Championships, where he played in all seven games and scored two goals against Finland.

Before attending the University of Minnesota, Wheeler spent one season in the USHL with the Green Bay Gamblers, and led the team in scoring by notching 19 goals and 28 assists in 58 games. .

Wheeler is expected to attend the Bruins Development Camp which will be held July 8 -July 12 at Ristuccia Arena in Wilmington, MA.

Matt Greene traded to the Kings

Thanks to Boosh for the heads up, it appears that his favorite player former Fighting Sioux defenseman Matt Greene has been traded to tinsel town.

The Edmonton Oilers have acquired defenceman Lubomir Visnovsky from the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for defenceman Matt Greene and forward Jarret Stoll.

Oilers’ General Manager Kevin Lowe says, “Although it is tough to see good players and good people move on, we feel we’ve made a step towards improving our overall offense. Lubomir is a world-class defencemen who has been one of the premier offensive defencemen over the past five years.”

Sean Avery's day at the office

I found a few interesting stores on Rangers thug/though guy Sean Avery over on The Rangers Report. First off everything in this article makes me ask is this a hockey player or a fashion model want a be? Also, I must add it's like traffic accident you know you shouldn't look but you do anyways.

Until there is more definitive news on Sean Avery’s hockey career—he does still play hockey, doesn’t he?—or unless he lacerates his spleen again, is linked to more call girls, or becomes engaged to one of the Bush sisters, this will be my last Sean Avery post for some time.

But for those of you who can’t get enough Avery, and that would seem to include Sean Avery himself, (check out this video)

What did I learn from the video? It does appear that Sean Avery has recovered from the spleen injury. I also found out that I actually have something in common with Sean Avery; I have the same pair of the Adidas Bounce shoes that Avery does. I might add that after six and a half months they are already starting to fall apart.
Men's Vogue picture
It would appear that Sean Avery is a fashion designer trapped in hockey goon's body. I mean check out this post:

I don't watch sports. I don't read about sports. Generally, other than spending a lot of time in dressing rooms both at home and on the road, I don't hang out with other athletes. Over breakfast in hotels when the Rangers are on the road, I read the Style section in The New York Times. Some people question whether I'm straight; others give me compliments. Some women find it a turn-on. My teammates are very supportive and cool about my interest in fashion — sometimes they even ask for my advice on what to wear. But I'd be lying to you if I said that I don't take some verbal abuse from opposing players for the clothes I wear, or for my interest in something — "fashion" — that I think sounds a little frightening to narrow-minded blockheads. I also realize that this isn't necessarily their fault — they think it's what they're supposed to think.

Earlier this year — just before the playoffs, actually — I wrote to the editor in chief of Vogue, Anna Wintour, and expressed my desire to intern for the magazine once my team won the Stanley Cup. After just a couple of days I got the answer I was looking for.

But first, of course, the playoffs: The Rangers had a great first round against the Devils in mid-April. (I caused my usual controversy with what I thought was an innovative technique to distract the Devils' goalie, Martin Brodeur; apparently the NHL thought this was too innovative, and created a new rule to prevent players from blocking or interfering with a goalie — some call it the "Sean Avery Rule" — to make sure it never happens again.) In the second round we played a strong Pittsburgh Penguins team. In the first period of the third game of the series, I lacerated my spleen. I finished the game, but pretty soon internal bleeding and a few other bad things led to a rough week. The Rangers lost the series against the Penguins, and all of a sudden I had some time off. This is where the fun starts.

The year in pictures

On a cold rainy summer day I was fooling around with my Picasa Web Album and I decided to come up with a compilation of photos from the past year in hockey blogging. Credit must go out to the various sports photographers from the Grand Forks Herald, Amy from Lets Go Mavs and Heather from Win Twins. Also, I must give a plug to Marty and Garlynn. The recruit pictures of Finehage and Blood are professionally done by Kori a friend of Jake's Place, lastly from personal collection of unprofessionally taken pictures.

Sioux recruit Danny Kristo

Here is an interesting article on Sioux recruit Danny Kristo who is coming to UND in the fall of 2009. The article talks about Kristo being drafted by the Montreal Canadians and how the Les Habs are becoming a destination for players born and bred in the Gopher state of Minnesota. I can just imagine the Minnesota fans saying Montreal Minnesota's Pride on ice, LOL. Personally, I am really excited about Danny Kristo coming to the University of North Dakota and playing for the Fighting Sioux (or what ever name they come up with for the University of North Dakota Hockey team). Kristo is part of an incoming class of very talented and highly regarded recruits.

Les Habitants: America's Team on Draft Day
Last Friday night, the Montreal Canadians -- excuse me, les Canadiens de Montréal -- used their first pick in the NHL's annual Entry Draft to select Edina, Minnesota's Danny Kristo. It was a largely unremarkable pick, except for the fact that it was the third consecutive year in which the Habs drafted a Minnesotan with their initial selection (last year they nabbed St. Paul's Ryan McDonagh 12th overall and in 2006 they snagged Minneapolis-born David Fischer with the 20th pick).

"Just a coincidence," according to director of player personnel Trevor Timmins.

It's probably also a coincidence that the Kristo pick marked the sixth time this decade that Montreal has called an American-born player's name as their first pick (Ron Hainsey, Mike Komisarek and Christopher Higgins, drafted between 2000 and 2002, round out the Yankee half-dozen), and that the Habs took Americans with three of their five picks in this year's draft and with five of their nine picks last year (including first-rounders McDonagh and Max Pacioretty).

Coincidences aside, it's clear that the Habs aren't afraid to go south of the border for help of late (much to the chagrin of some of their fans and members of the local media). Upon being drafted last year, Pacioretty noted that it "seems like the Canadiens have a lot of confidence in U.S.-born players." Apparently so -- the "Bleu, Blanc et Rouge" has hardly (if ever) looked as red, white and blue as it might in the near future.

Here is what Danny Kristo had to say on committing to the University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux. Yeah you got to love a kid that is a big fan of T.J. Oshie, you're are not alone kid, many of us are big fans of the Oshie.

When asked about committing to the Fighting Sioux, Kristo’s face lit up. “I am finishing up my junior year in high school, so I still have one more year. But I am definitely going to go there.” Kristo also considered staying in his home state and playing for the University of Minnesota, but after visiting both schools chose North Dakota. Although he seemed very sincere in being willing to give Minnesota a real look, Kristo did admit that “I just always wanted to play for the Fighting Sioux. My idol growing up played there and I always wanted to be like him.”

The fact that Oshie has now signed a professional contract and will not return to North Dakota did nothing to lessen Kristo’s resolve to attend North Dakota. When asked what did he want to work on prior to getting to college, the winger answered, “in the off-season, I am going to work in the weight room, putting on a couple of pounds. On the ice, I want to get more explosive, work on my shot and on my skating — you can never be too good of a skater.”

The Return of Melrose place: Wes Walz is going too.

I have to admit that I am really excited about Barry Melrose being the next coach of the Tampa Bay Lighting. Also, former Wild defensive star/specialist Wes Walz is also going to be behind the Tampa Bay Lighting bench as Barry Melrose's assistant coach along with former Yotes assistant Rick Tocchet. While I loved listening to Melrose a analyst for ESPN I think Barry will bring a lot of excitement behind the bench in Tampa Bay.

Melrose leaves booth to become Lightning coachBy FRED GOODALL,Associated Press
Posted: 2008-06-24 17:19:18
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) - When the Tampa Bay Lightning called, Barry Melrose was eager to listen. Out of coaching for 13 years, he missed the passion and competition of the NHL. Countless hours of watching games as a television analyst intensified his desire to return to the bench, and it didn't hurt that he'd be able to work with talent like Vincent Lecavalier and Steve Stamkos.

"They approached me. I couldn't wait to say yes," Melrose said Tuesday after the Lightning's new owners made the league's worst-kept secret official: the former Los Angeles Kings coach was the choice to replace John Tortorella.

"Watching successful teams, and watching teams that work and watching teams that don't work, it just reinforced what I believe in and how I coached, and the way we're going to play here. You don't win by accident. You don't lose by accident. There are reasons certain teams win all the time, and there's a reason certain teams lose all the time."

Melrose estimates he watched about 90 percent of Tampa Bay's games on TV last season. What he saw was a team that lost its zest under the hard-driving Tortorella, who led the club to its only Stanley Cup title four years ago.

The Lightning not only missed the playoffs for the first time since 2002, they finished last in the NHL with a league-worst 31-42-9 record.

"I think what happened here is just a group that lost their passion in the second part of the season. That's why you win," Melrose said. "You out-work other teams, you out-want other teams. When you lose that fire and lose that passion, it's very hard to compete in the NHL."

Tortorella helped transform a perennial last-place team into a champion. But his demanding, in-your-face style wore on players, especially younger ones who new owners Oren Koules and Len Barrie believe can benefit by playing for Melrose.

"When you talk to people in the league, the talent is here," Koules said, adding that he's banking on Melrose being someone who can get everyone on the team "pulling in the same direction."

Two of Melrose's assistants will be Rick Tocchet and Wes Walz. The Lightning are pursuing a third.

A major priority next season will be improving defensively.

Is Kessel on the trading block?

It appears that Phil Kessel might be on the trading block in Boston. The Bruins are rumored to be in the running for Marian Hossa and they would need to trade some salary to get Hossa.

The Bruins owe right wing Glen Murray $4.15 million and goalie Manny Fernandez $4.3 million this coming season while less-expensive players like forwards P.J. Axelsson and Phil Kessel [stats] are rumored to be on the trading block, which could also open valuable cap space.

"We do have some commitments out there, contractual commitments that put us at cap number that we can’t go after a $10 million (a year) player," Chiarelli added. "In that sense, if we decided to go after a $10 million player, we’d be in trouble."

A new cap figure for all NHL teams is expected to be announced shortly. The signing period for signing unrestricted free agents, such as Hossa, begins July 1 and teams like the Bruins are attempting to clear cap space in order to sign them.

"I’m not feeling squeezed but we’d have to move some money around to go after a really, really marquee player," Chiarelli said.

Former WCHA players get big deals.

Recently the WCHA has been known for developing some great NHL talent; Jonathan Toews, Matt Carle, Zach Parise, Paul Martin, Ryan Malone, Matt Greene, Mike Commodore, Travis Zajac, Danny Heatley, Phil Kessel and Erik Johnson, Matt Cullen, Paul Stastny, Jason Blake just to name a few (please do not feel slighted if I forgot a player from your favorite team college hockey team). Recently two WCHA alumni players Mark Stuart (C.C. Tigers) and Ryan Sutter (Wisconsin Badgers) got really nice deals for their respective NHL clubs.

Defenseman Mark Stuart re-signed Tuesday with the Boston Bruins for two years and $2.6 million US.

Stuart, 24, was slated to become a restricted free agent on July 1.

He will make $1.1 million US next season and $1.5 million US in 2009-10.

Stuart was paid $942,400 US last season, when he posted four goals and four assists for eight points with a plus-2 rating in 82 games.

The Rochester, Minn., native has compiled five goals and 11 points with a plus-8 rating in 114 NHL games since he was drafted 21st overall by Boston in 2003.

Recenly Ryan Suter got one of the sweeter deals when he signed with the Nashville Predators for 14 million dollars, wow...

The Nashville Predators made a big commitment to former Badger and former first round selection Ryan Suter today with a 14 million dollar deal. The deal is for 4 seasons.

"We have a great core to build on and to be one of the best in the National Hockey League," Predators general manager David Poile said. "Usually, when you have the best defense, I think that gives you a real good chance to compete for the prize, and that's ultimately what we want to do. That's why we're here today, and that's why we've taken another step in signing one of our core players in Ryan Suter."

Suter had a career high 31 points last season for the Predators. In his one and only season at Wisconsin he had 19 points in 39 games to go along with 93 penalty minutes.

Oh yeah they almost forgot: charges against Oshie dropped

The Grand Forks Herald, WDAZ and a certain sports writer in Fargo that writes for he Forum couldn't rush fast enough to get the news out that Fighting Sioux forward T.J. Oshie and Mike Radja from UNH were cited for disorderly conduct on the weekend of December 30th 2007. The media was falling all over themselves trying to get this story out in the news paper and on the evening news. It was disgusting how these young men were tarred and feathered before this case ever went to trial. One could say that the media has egg on their face.

Fast forward to present day. I will be the first to admit that it's a legitimate news story when one the area's sports star is caught doing something wrong, however, it's also a news story when the charges against the accused are dropped. Seriously folks why did the press take it's time finally getting the news out? I knew about this story a month ago and the paper is just deciding to let us know one month later that the charges against T.J. Oshie were dismissed. Oh yeah; the charges against UNH star Mike Radja were dismissed as well on June 9th, 2008. To add injury to insult the Grand Forks Herald buried the story on page 6 of section A, I guess they felt it wasn't worthy of being a front page news story. Disgusting!

Disorderly conduct charge against Oshie dismissed
Herald Staff Report
Published Tuesday, June 24, 2008
A misdemeanor charge of disorderly conduct against former UND hockey player T.J. Oshie was dismissed last month, according to court documents.

Oshie and Mike Radja, a hockey player from New Hampshire, were arrested in the early morning hours of Dec. 30 and charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly urinating in an elevator in a building at 100 N. Third St. in downtown Grand Forks, according to court documents. The two were part of a group of people trapped in the elevator.

The charge against Oshie was dismissed May 23, as part of a “compromise,” according to the court file. According to the North Dakota Century Code, a misdemeanor charge can be resolved through compromise if the injured person — in this case, the property owner — has legal remedy through a civil action, or if they say they’ve been compensated for whatever injury was incurred. A compromise isn’t possible under statute if the offense was against a judge or a law

enforcement officer, if it was committed with the intent to commit a felony or if it’s a case of domestic violence.

The charge against Radja was dismissed June 9, according to court records.

Oshie, who signed a three-year deal with the St. Louis Blues in May, was one of 10 Hobey Baker Memorial Award finalists as a UND junior and was named a first-team All-American by the American Hockey Coaches Association.

Linkorama: draft postmortem.

The draft is over and we are now completely in the summer mode. Now we can concentrate on rumor innuendo and really bad golf shots.

Lets Go DU had this interesting tid bit on the Bruins first round draft choice.

Maguire added that Colborne, who will attend the University of Denver this fall, is at least three years away from making the NHL. Draft guru Bob McKenzie, another of the TSN cognoscenti, categorized Colborne as "a home run or a strikeout," and added that Colborne's speech and mannerisms are very reminiscent of Thornton.

By the view of Boston general manager Peter Chiarelli, Colborne is likely a couple of years away from cracking the lineup, but he and his staff are impressed by the big kid's hard shot and ability to put the puck in the net.

"I think the comparison to Joe is fair, in a sense," noted Chiarelli, commenting a few minutes after selecting Colborne. "He's big and rangy, like Joe. But Joe is more of a passer, and this kid is a pretty good finisher . . . he really snaps off a hard wrist shot, with a really impressive release."

Chiarelli said he tried to move up in the draft, with an eye on acquiring one of the top handful of picks, but his talks were all but finished by Thursday night. His target all along, said Chiarelli, was Colborne.

Great a Joe Thornton Reference we all know how that worked out for Boston, they liked him so much that the traded him to the Sharks. Even with the Thornton comparision I am very happy that Joe is a member of the Boston Bruins and they can take him as soon as they would like. :)

The College Hockey Recruit Exchange says that no uncommitted players were drafted in this years entry draft.

Though five ranked North American players from the Final CSS Rankings were college eligible yet uncommitted, none were drafted. Anders Lee was the highest ranked skater on that list, but the fact that he hasn't committed to a college yet may have scared away some NHL clubs who may be under the impression that Lee would rather pursue a carreer in football.

It wold appear that the future Wisconsin Badgers defenseman had a really good draft.

Remarkably, four Wisconsin defensemen were taken in the top 43 picks of the draft — Jake Gardiner, the only first rounder at No. 17 overall, Cody Goloubef (No. 37), Patrick Wiercioch (42) and Justin Schultz (43). Of those, only Goloubef played for the Badgers last year.

So you can bet your bottom dollar that it's going to continue being really fun to watch the Fighting Sioux play the Badgers, defensive systems, defensive systems. Shall we say that the Wisconsin coach Mike Eaves is a defensive guru and with Bill Howard starts from the goaltender out.