The Time is now. (WCHA expansion)

I don't think the WCHA can just sit by and watch four teams wither on the vine. College hockey is going to have to re-align or risk losing at large bids for the NCAA tourney. I don’t think any of us want to go through that. Losing four bids would affect a lot of our teams and some teams may never make the tourney if it came down to that.

I believe that BSU is the perfect fit for the WCHA; the league can find a second team, this has been discussed in much detail. BSU is a perfect fit for the WCHA as they are geographically between UMD and UND. The Beavers are 3 1/2 hours from Saint Cloud and 4 hours from the University of Minnesota and 320 from Mankato. Sure there is going to be push back from some of the teams but maybe they should take a look inward before they think about denying BSU a chance to play in this league.

Seriously! Mankato, SCSU and UMD you guys were looking for a conference for your sports teams after the NCC folded. Do you think UMD could have won the NCAA Division II football championship without a conference? Nope! It could be your school looking for a conference to play in. Something must be done and soon. BSU is college hockey in my opinion; they have won unprecedented 13 national championships (NAIA, NCAA Division II and III). Yeah I am biased as you can tell part of me has a BSU Beaver tattooed to it. You could say that I bleed green and white. Go Sioux and Go Beavers.

MADISON, Wis. – As a result of a unanimous vote of it’s membership, taken at league meetings being held today in conjunction with the NCAA Convention in Washington, D.C., the Western Collegiate Hockey Association has lifted the current moratorium on expansion. The lifting of the moratorium will remain in effect until March 31, 2009.

The lifting of the moratorium on expansion means the WCHA can entertain membership applications from any interested institutions who meet the league’s criteria for membership. Meeting the criteria for membership does not, however, guarantee admittance into the Association.

Review of any applications for membership received by the league office by March 31 would then take place at the league’s spring meeting April 26-28 in Marco Island, Fla. A vote on membership may take place at that time or may be delayed pending receipt and review of additional pertinent information.

Membership admittance requires a 75% majority vote of the current membership, there is one vote per member institution and the vote is cast by the institutional Faculty Athletic Representatives

OHL over reacts.

I believe the OHL has over reacted. The league has decided that if you take your helmet off before or during a fight you will be suspended for a game. I think it is a stupid rule. Fighting is a part of hockey. This rule isn't going to stop guys from ripping their opponents helmet off.

OHL bans helmet removal in fighting
TORONTO (CP) -- The Ontario Hockey League has instituted a game misconduct and an automatic one-game suspension for players who remove their helmets or undo their chinstraps before or during fights.

The OHL, one of Canada's three top juniors leagues, previously fined a team $100 when a player took off his helmet to fight.

But when 21-year-old senior league defenseman Don Sanderson died Jan. 2 after striking his head on the ice during an on-ice fight, OHL commissioner David Branch said his league had to look at stiffer sanctions.

Sanderson played for of the Whitby Dunlops, who are a senior men's AAA league and not part of the OHL.

"I would suggest to you the fine isn't working. It's not enough of a deterrent," Branch said then. "The issue of removal of helmets for the purpose of fighting is something we must address in a much stronger fashion."

Also under the new rules, if a player removes his helmet and releases his chinstrap to fight and the opposing player doesn't, the former gets an additional two-minute minor penalty in addition to the game misconduct and game suspension.

INCH Chat

Here is the latest from The boys at INCH. I actually am thinking about serving Jess Meyers some barbequed crow when he his predictions go dead wrong. I seriously don't expect the Sioux to win the NCAA title this season but I do expect them to make a run at the NCAA tourney. So basically we are to believe the win over UND is a fluke or does Minnesota suck too? What is it Jess?

Billy (Atlanta): Here come the Sioux (I hope)...Nodak is 9-2-0 since the start of December and 4-0 in 2009. What are you thoughts from last weekends spanking of Minnesota, aaaaaand what Sioux team do you foresee heading down the stretch, the back to back 6 goal scoring (20 in the last four) team or the GLI Sioux who couldn't beat my sister and only managed 2 goals on the weekend?

Jess Myers: History tells us that the six-goal version is the one we'll see from now until the opening game of the Frozen Four, when it will all go horribly wrong and Boston College will cruise into the championship game. But more to the point, I stick by my November and December contention that North Dakota is OK, but just OK. They're part of that huge muddle in the middle of the WCHA, and are in the hunt for home ice, but not a lock for home ice.
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Robert/Denver/CO: Will North Dakota make its annual second half (of the season) run and go deep into the playoffs?


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Mark: Fargo, ND: Do you see the UND Fighting Sioux making another second half run, especially with the destruction of the gophers this last weekend or do you think they will still take 7th place in the WCHA?

Jess Myers: I'm someone who admits it when I have it all wrong. But sorry Sioux fans, I'm not convinced just yet that my 7th place prediction was too far off. Of course, after winning four in a row, the folks who bleed
green are certainly convinced that those picking the Sioux in the top five nationally were right on the mark. The key to the recent success North Dakota has had is the improved defensive play, and the on-going maturity of some talented freshmen. In previous years, the second-half surges by North Dakota followed first halves in which they underachieved. If it happens this year it will mean overachieving in the second half.
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Burke is scouting college hockey players.

Props to the illegalcurve.com for this article. Note to Sioux fans if you see Brian Burke in the REA don't let him near the Sioux locker room. You can bet if Tyler Bozak has a successful recovery he is going to get some fat contract offers.

(read the Toronto Star article right here) --- Burke, set to move into his new Toronto house in the next two weeks, caught only the third period of the Nashville loss, having spent most of the evening in Boston carefully watching defenceman Matt Gilroy of the Boston University Terriers, probably the most sought-after U.S. college free agent available this spring.

If fans wonder what exactly Burke is doing these days, there's your answer. Looking for players.

Along with Tyler Bozak of Denver University and Notre Dame centre Christian Hanson, son of Dave Hanson of the famed Hanson Brothers from the movie Slap Shot, the 24-year-old Gilroy might be ready to step right into an NHL lineup this spring.

Weekend Match-ups (Sioux 7)

Before I get into this weeks games, lets take a quick look at the WCHA's meetings at the NCAA convention. It looks like the league will vote on whether or not to lift the moratorium on expansion. Of course, if they vote to lift it, the Beavers of Bemidji State will be extremely happy. Since lifting the moratorium would give them a chance at getting into the WCHA. Just something to keep in the back of your heads, now onto this weekends games.


WCHA Standings
1 Denver...................11-4-1...23
2 Wisconsin............... 9-5-2...20
3 Colorado College...... 8-6-2...18
4 North Dakota.......... 8-5-1...17
4 Minnesota.............. 7-4-3...17
6 Minnesota-Duluth..... 5-6-5...15
7 St. Cloud State........ 7-7-0...14
7 Minnesota State...... 6-8-2...14
9 Alaska-Anchorage..... 4-8-2...10
10 Michigan Tech....... 1-13-2...4


#11 Colorado College at #16 Wisconsin
Can CC win another Friday night game? Can UW hold onto 2nd place in the league, just ahead of CC? These questions will be answered this weekend :) UW sweep UAA last weekend at Anchorage (7-9-2 overall), but got sweep the week before by ex-WCHA member Northern Michigan (6-13-3 overall). UW has only 2 wins over teams, that currently have winning records (UND and UMich). CC wants to prove this weekend that they fully intend to win for the McNaughton Cup, for a second year in a row. I think the Badgers have been beating the "lesser" teams and struggling with good teams. I think everyone could agree that CC is a good team. The Tigers sweep.


St. Cloud State at/home #7 Minnesota
SCSU is coming off a sweep of the UMD, and UM is coming home being swept by UND. With this cold weather, I would bet Huskies wouldn't mind it at all, with their big fur coats, they would be just fine. I think the same goes for their team, some more points this weekend and they will be eyeing a top half finish. For the Gophers, losing a pair this weekend, could sent them into the bottom half. If the Gophers don't get some points, I think the team might feel as ill as their coach :( Get will soon Coach Lucia! I'm going to call it a split.


Alaska-Anchorage at Minnesota State
UAA trails MSUM by 4pts in the standing, but has 2 games in hand on them, can the Seawolves move into a tie with the Mavericks, and pass them up. Or will the Mavericks get some more wins and distance themselves from the 9th place Seawolves?
The Purple Pucksters entered the Christmas break on a 6 game losing skid, but since the New Year are 2-1. UAA has lost it's last 4 games, all to UW, but a month apart between the series. MSUM took 3pts from the Seawolves in Anchorage earlier this season, and no doubt the Seawolves would like to return the favor. I think UAA grabs some points, SPLIT.


#17 North Dakota at Michigan Tech
The Sioux appear to have started their now customary second half run, going 8-2 in their last 10. However, both losses where at the GLI and one was to MTU. MTU on the other hand has only 3 wins since the 1st of November, 2 versus Northern Michigan and 1 versus UND. I see the win over UND as a blip in the Sioux system. The Sioux where firing on all cylinders last weekend, and the Gophers were not helping themselves, which makes them look even worse. The Sioux are healthy going into the 2nd half, Trupp is back, as well as Finley. I see more points in the Sioux future, put those shovels away and break out the brooms, again, Sioux Sweep.



NON-CONFERENCE

Bemidji State at Minnesota-Duluth
Both the Bulldogs and the Beavers enter this weekend on 3 game losing skids, so both want to get back into the win column. BSU is wanting to have a strong showing against, which could be a conference foe in a couple of years, the Bulldogs. The Beavers own a 6-4 record agains the Bulldogs in their last 10 games. I'm going the safe way call on the series, SPLIT.


#4 Denver is on a bye week

Pronger hit on Zach Parise.

This is the Chris Pronger elbow on Zach Parise that everyone was talking about, by the way the NHL is not going. Pronger has been suspended 8 times by the NHL for his bush league tactics. I think the NHL was wrong in not suspending Pronger and should have given him a game. Doesn't the NHL want to limit head shots?

I am going to say not...

I saw this God awful hockey jersey over on Puck Daddy I am going to say I wouldn't be caught dead wearing that thing. First it is dissing the great 8 Alex Ovechkin and second its a Crapitals jersey. Two wrongs don't make a right. Talk about the cult of personality. Yesh!

You also have to wonder if this clowns ears are cold he is wearing a stocking cap in doors.

Seems you forgot part of the story.

First off; this isn't the first time I have been disappointed with the Herald's coverage of local sports, (I am not unhappy with the Fighting Sioux Hockey coverage) more specifically I am unhappy with the high school hockey coverage of this newspaper.

Last night Seth Lang making his first start in a month after sitting out with a lower body injury makes a return to the ice for the Central Knights and plays a really great game in net for the Central squad. Nary is a word mentioned about his performance by the coach and or the Heralds reporter that filed the story. WTF? I guess the goalie holding his team in the game at a crucial point in the game is not important?

Hockey is supposed to be one of the biggest sports in Grand Forks, North Dakota and the Herald finds the Basketball game between Red River and Central more important and places the story on the front page of the sports page. A Hockey game between the defending state champion and the Central Knights is placed on the third page of the sports page.

This is the reason many of us have canceled our Herald news paper subscriptions in the past. The only reason I renewed my subscription was I was tired of driving to Valley Dairy in the cold to pick up the newspaper on Sundays. I may have to rethink my decision because I can read the paper on line.

Boys hockey: Central tops Spoilers
Virg Foss Grand Forks Herald
Published Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Sophomore Jordy Aamot can’t recall if he’s ever scored a shorthanded goal. It’s likely he’s never been part of a goal eight seconds into the game, either.

All that changed Tuesday night in Fido Purpur Arena.

Aamot’s assist on Jake Plutowski’s goal eight seconds into the game and his shorthanded breakaway goal at 2 minutes, 18 seconds of the second period were key in Grand Forks Central’s 5-2 North Dakota East Region boys hockey victory over Grafton-Park River.

One of Central’s top players, Casey Purpur, was called for a five-minute major and game misconduct for checking from behind at 15:27 of the opening period.

Just seven seconds later, Grafton’s Ryan Mohagen banged in a rebound on the ensuing power play to tie the game.

Injuries pile up in Boston. (Kessel out)

Boston got some bad news as their star forward Phil Kessel has mono. Lets hope that Phil won't be out too long. The Northeast division leading Bruins are starting to rack up the injuries --- Patrice Bergeron concussion, Manny Fernandez wrist, Milian Lucic upper body injury, Andrew Ference broken leg, Aaron Ward unknown.

Boston, MA (Sports Network) - The Boston Bruins placed forward Phil Kessel on injured reserve Monday, as the emerging young star is battling mononucleosis.

Kessel had played in all 42 of Boston's games this season, posting a team-best 24 goals with 17 assists for the top club in the Eastern Conference

More bad news Marco Strum is out for the year after surgury on his knee.

Boston, MA (Sports Network) - Boston Bruins forward Marco Sturm underwent successful surgery Tuesday to repair the meniscus and ACL in his left knee.

Sturm will miss the remainder of the season after recording 13 points in 19 games this season for the Eastern Conference-leading Bruins. Sturm led the team last season with 27 goals.

In 11 seasons with the Sharks and Bruins, Sturm has 212 goals and 429 points, eclipsing the 20-goal mark in each of the previous six years.

Lucia doesn't have cancer.

Here is some good news that just came out. While the Sioux and Gophers are heated rivals and even after all of the stuff that went on out on the ice we are all human beings. We wish tDon a speedy recovery.

"I don't have cancer."

So said University of Minnesota men's hockey coach Don Lucia, speaking extensively today for the first time about the undetermined illness that has forced him to miss four games in the past two weeks and has spawned numerous rumors.

Lucia, who has "one more round of tests" from doctors scheduled Wednesday, added, "The good thing is right now it sounds like the nasty stuff has been eliminated, and they're trying to pinpoint what type of treatment plan."

Since falling ill on Dec. 27, Lucia has been forced to deal with a private and uncertain medical situation while also being a daily topic of discussion in the media because of his public persona.

NCAA Round up. (Going Five Hole)

Here is the weekly NCAA round up posted at Sean Leahy's Going Five Hole

There aren’t a lot of great College Hockey match-ups to watch this week that really do anything for me. I want to return to a point that I touched on earlier this season, the perceived strength of Princeton, Cornell and Air Farce Academy all of these team have or are ranked pretty high in the college hockey rankings for most of the season. I believe that these teams are not as good as some would like to believe.

Air Farce Academy: At the beginning of the season Air Farce was the talk of college hockey going an impressive 13-0-0, this schedule was at the expense of the cup cakes teams and the weak sister of the poor. During that 13-0-0 streak the Falcons had one semi-impressive win a 4-1 victory at Colorado College, the next night they were beaten by Denver University. Rightfully so, Air Farce has since fallen off after a fast start and has since gone 2-4-1 pretty much squelching any premature talk of the Falcons going to the frozen four, but I digress. See, I told you so.

Cornell University: Sure it’s a nice story that Cornell is 11-1-3 but seriously folks who have they beaten? Cornell has played the least games out of anyone in the top 20 and has a very questionable schedule the rest of the way, its stuffed full of horrible teams except Princeton if you believe the hockey pundits. I see another number one seed exiting the first round NCAA tourney early, ala Clarkson two seasons ago.

If Cornell is such a national power house why did they lose 7-3 to North Dakota? According to the hockey experts like INCH the Fighting Sioux are a mediocre team. The Big Red won the next game 2-1 because UND had a goal waved off on a very questionable call (Cornell should have given props to the WCHA official that gift wrapped them the game). The Big Red also played SCSU in the Florida College Classic Championship. In the first game of the tourney the Big Red were out shot 38-26 and barely beat SCSU 3-2. SCSU was all over the Big Red in the third period and the Big Red escaped with the win thanks to Cornell goalie Ben Scrivens.

In the Championship game of the Florida College Classic the Big Red needed a shootout to beat a poor Colgate team (6-9-5) in the championship game. So; either Colgate is one of the best 6-9-5 hockey teams in division one hockey or Cornell is highly over rated. I am thinking the later.

Princeton University: During the past 2 weekends the 5th ranked Princeton Tigers (13-5-0) lost three games in a row, two of these games to very questionable teams; Union 11-8-1 and Rensselaer 4-15-2. This weeks the same two teams play media darling Cornell University. It will be interesting to see if Cornell can escape with a victory. I could also see RMU beating Princeton in two weeks when the two teams play in a single nonconference game.

Goon’s Top Ten

1 Notre Dame
2 Boston University
3 Northeastern
4 Denver
5. Michigan
6. Ohio State University
7. Vermont
8. Boston College
9. New Hampshire
10. Colorado College

Subject: Dear Abby... (hockey joke)

I had this sent to me in an email and I think it is funny on this cold winter day.


Dear Abby,

I have never written to you before, but I really need your advice. I
have suspected for some time now that my wife has been cheating on me.
The usual signs; phone rings but if I answer, the caller hangs up.
My wife has been going out with "the girls" a lot recently although
when I ask their names, she always says, "just some friends from work,
you don't know them". I try to stay awake and look out for her when
she comes home, but I usually fall asleep. Anyway, I have never
broached the subject with my wife.

I think deep down I just did not want to know the truth, but last night she went out again and I decided to finally check on her. Around midnight, I hid in the garage behind my hockey equipment so I could get a good view of the whole street when she arrived home from a night out with the girls. When she got out of the car she was buttoning up her blouse, and she took her panties out of her purse and slipped them on. It was at that moment, crouching behind my hockey gear, that I noticed a hairline crack where the blade meets the graphite shaft on my new one piece hockey stick. Is this something I can fix myself or should I take it back to the pro-shop where I bought it?

A few things from the Sioux Gophers series.

I re-watched both games today while my car was in the shop. Here is a couple things that I noticed.

*The last time that the Gophers had 6 or more goals scored against them was 1-27-2007(North Dakota 7-3) that was 80 games ago. The Sioux accomplished that feat two nightS in a row.

*The Rug said, "that UND has a dismal power play." Yep the Fighting Sioux are so bad that they are ranked 12th nationally.

*Woogism -- Woog said "it would be a 5-4 game during the radio show at the Long Haul Saloon; I don't know how Minnesota gets four. "Instant classic right there."

*Gophers fan like to call Sioux fans "halos" because they think Sioux fans whine about the officials excessively. I watched the two games on FSN twice each. Doug and the Rug spent a lot of time talking about how the refs weren't calling the new rules and complaining about the officials not making calls. I dont' know how many times I heard there's a hook, or there is a high stick. So, do we call them halos as well?

*3 coaches have lead their team to 4 straight frozen fours: Jack Parker, BU; Doug Woog, UMN and Dave Hakstol, UND.

Here is a break down of the Fighting Sioux records the last four and half seasons.
before Christmas 2008-2009 9-10-1 | after Christmas 4-0
before Christmas 2007-2008 9-7-1 | after Christmas 19-4-3
before Christmas 2006-2007 10-10-1 | after Christmas 15-4-4
before Christmas 2005-2006 13-8-1 | after Christmas 16-8-0
before Christmas 2004-2005 13-8-2 | after Christmas 12-8-3
The last five years before Christmas the Fighting Sioux have a .503 winning percentage and after Christmas the Sioux are have a winning percentage of 700 percent.

Poll Monday (Sioux ranked 17)

USCHO.com/CBS College Sports Division I Men's Poll
January 12, 2009

Team (First Place Votes) Record Points Last Poll
1 Notre Dame (46) 18-3-2 993 1
2 Boston University ( 2) 14-4-1 943 2
3 Northeastern 14-4-2 868 4
4 Denver 15-6-2 827 5
5 Cornell ( 2) 11-1-3 790 8
6 Michigan 15-7-0 692 10
7 Minnesota 10-5-5 674 3
8 Vermont 12-4-3 669 12
9 Miami 12-7-3 525 6
10 Princeton 13-5-0 510 7
11 Colorado College 12-7-5 483 10
12 Boston College 9-6-3 474 9
13 New Hampshire 10-6-4 420 13
14 Ohio State 15-6-1 380 16
15 Air Farce 15-4-1 295 14
16 Wisconsin 12-9-3 235 17
17 North Dakota 13-10-1 173 NR
18 Dartmouth 10-6-0 161 15
19 Yale 11-4-0 114 NR
20 Nebraska-Omaha 13-7-3 108 18
Others Receiving Votes: St. Cloud State 48, Minnesota State 30, Quinnipiac 24, Alaska 22, Maine 15, Minnesota-Duluth 8, Michigan State 7, Union 5, RIT 4, Massachusetts 2, Ferris State 1

Notre Dame has gone 16-0-2 in their last 18 games. UND moves up with it's sweep of the Gophers. Surprisingly media darling Princeton hasn't fallen further by losing to couple of cup cakes over the weekend. Cornell still at 5, I don't get it? Cornell hasn't even played 15 games yet.

USA TODAY/USA Hockey men's poll
Jan. 12, 2009
Rank School (first-place votes) Record Points Last week

1 Notre Dame (30) 18-3-2 501 1
2 Boston University (2) 14-4-1 475 2
3 Northeastern 14-4-2 421 4
4 Denver 15-6-2 389 7
5 Cornell (2) 11-1-3 385 6
6 Michigan 15-7-0 323 11
7 Vermont 12-4-3 317 10
8 Minnesota 10-5-5 275 3
9 Miami (Ohio) 12-7-3 199 8
10 Princeton 13-5-0 180 5
11.11 Colorado College 12-7-5 158 12
12 Boston College 9-6-3 135 9
13 New Hampshire 10-6-4 129 13
14 Ohio State 15-6-1 95 15
15 Air Farce 15-4-1 46 14
Others receiving votes: University of Wisconsin, 18; Yale University, 9; University of North Dakota, 8; Quinnipiac University, 6; University of Maine, 4; Dartmouth College, 3; University of Nebraska Omaha, 3; Rochester Institute of Technology, 1.

Sioux finally crack the INCH power rankings

INCH Power Rankings
January 11th 2009

1. Notre Dame
2. Boston University
3. Cornell
4. Denver
5. Northeastern
6. Vermont
7. Michigan
8. Minnesota
9. Princeton
10. Boston College
11. Miami
12. Ohio State
13. Colorado College
14. Air Farce
15. New Hampshire
16. Dartmouth
17. Wisconsin
18. North Dakota
19. Yale
20. Nebraska-Omaha

Dropped out: Quinnipiac, Minnesota Duluth
Bubble-licious: Quinnipiac, St. Cloud State

Some of us had wondered if UND sweeps the Gophers would they actually make the INCH power rankings or not. We did it. With the Sweep this weekend the Fighting Sioux have moved up to 17th in the (Pairwise Rankings). The Sioux need to keep winning against the REAL HUSKIES this weekend. QUinnipiac dropped out of the Power Rankings and is still bubble-licious why isn't UMD?

Chay Genoway for Hobey.

The voting for the Hobey Baker Memorial Award has started fan voting on line. Sioux fans here is your chance to vote for Fighting Sioux defenseman Chay Genoway. I know there are a few people that are going to roll their eyes and say Chay isn't a legitimate candidate but looking at the numbers I believe he is. Genoway is tied for 4th place in points nantionals with often mentioned Kurt Davis. Like the Habs fans I plan on stuffing the ballot box. No! I am not a fan of the Montreal Canadians.


Points Per Game (Defensemen): GP G- A- P P/GM
1 Greg Flynn Air Force SR D 20 4-20-24 1.20
2 Jamie McBain (CAR) Wisconsin JR D 24 5-23-28 1.17
3 Eddie Del Grosso Nebraska-Omaha JR D 22 5-19-24 1.09
4 Kurt Davis Minnesota State SO D 23 5-18-23 1.00
Brad Miller North Dakota SR D/F 22 4-18-22 1.00
Chay Genoway North Dakota JR D 23 2-21-23 1.00
7 Dan Ringwald RIT JR D 22 2-19-21 0.95
8 Cade Fairchild (STL) Minnesota SO D 18 4-13-17 0.94
9 Garrett Raboin St. Cloud State JR D 22 6-14-20 0.91
10 Patrick Wiercioch (OTT) Denver FR D 19 7-10-17 0.89

Matt Hunwick schools Justin Williams.

Sioux7 and I watched this game yesterday and this was supposed to be former Michigan star and Boston Bruins rookie Matt Hunwick's first NHL fight. One punch hay maker. I guess you can expect a fight when you're team is being run out of the building.

Sour Grapes from Hill.

Props to Sioux sports for this video. This is why I love it when the Sioux beat the Gophers. Their sport channel plays right into the whole the Sioux is a bunch of goons when it was clear all weekend long that their players were the ones initiating the after the Whistle stuff. So now we are to believe that spears are actually a little tap and some how acceptable. What class act John Hill is did you mean that Trupp was faking or embellishing. All this does if Fire up the Sioux more for the next game. No wonder UAA fans hate this guy.

Here is some of the video from the weekend example one Stoa the sore loser.

The incident where Hill thinks Trupp is embellishing.

What's Kessel worth?

With former Golden Gophers Phil Kessel in a contract year one of the question is what will Kessel sign for? The Bruins are going to have to show him the money. I also think that Kessel is a more complete player than Staal.

Kessel makes fast progress
Jordan Staal's new deal in Pittsburgh - $16 million for the next four years - will be the starting point for Kessel's talks with the Bruins. Selected second overall in the '06draft, just three slots ahead of Kessel, Staal, on the day he agreed to the deal, had career numbers of 52-39-91 in 204 games. Kessel's numbers the same day: 54-52 -106 in 192 games, and Kessel this season has made his mark as a bona fide game-breaker. The bet here is that Kessel gets a two-year pact that averages upward of $5 million, or gets pushed out to five years/$30 million. Quite a turnaround for a kid who suited up for only four of seven playoff games last spring.

Goon's illegal curve article.

Here is the latest article I wrote for the illegalcurve.com

Minnesota Wild: Courtesy of Goon’s World

The Minnesota Wild were mired in a tough stretch during the month of December going 4-9-1. Early on it became very apparent to the fans that the Wild didn’t have enough firepower up front to win on a regular basis. Then to kick off the New Year, the Wild found out that their top star Marian Gaborik was going to be out 10-14 weeks after surgery on his hip.

This revelation was made after a lot of tension between the Wild management and Marian Gaborik, because no one was able to figure out what was wrong with Gaborik. Then it was announced right during the Christmas break that Gaborik was going to be held out of a few games and practice to rest Marian’s beat up and fragile body. Then January 2nd, it was announced that Marian Gaborik was going to have surgery on his hip at the recommendation of his doctor.

Gabby had successful hip surgery on January 5th. There is a lot of speculation that we may have seen Marian’s last days in a Wild uniform. Most of us believe that Gaborik’s time in Minnesota has come to an end. I, like a lot of fans, have grown tired of Gaborik’s self-centered ungratefulness. I don’t understand where Gaborik gets this selfishness, because he has been treated well in Minnesota. I am also bored with Gaborik’s attitude; he won’t play unless he is 100%. Gaborik is one of the most prolific players when he is healthy, but the guy is made out of glass and is easily injured. The fact that he turned down $80+ million to stay with the Wild makes me upset more as a Wild fan. In my mind, general manager Doug Risebrough couldn’t get rid of Gaborik fast enough to make me happy. It’s time for this prima donna to move on.

Fans in Minnesota not happy

To top all of this off, there is a building tension between the Wild management and the Wild fans. The fans actually started booing the Minnesota Wild during a recent game at the Xcel Energy Center. Michael Russo wrote a nice article on the state of the fan base in the Twin Cities on December 31st in the Star Tribune. Russo’s article took the Wild management to task for their mismanagement of the team and basically became the sounding board of what the fans are feeling. There are lot of us that are unhappy with the way the Wild have been managed. To some of us, the only way to make this situation better is to get rid of the head coach Jacques Lemaire as well as Risebrough. The team has grown stagnant under these two men and it is time for change.

Last year the Wild had a chance to get Ollie Jokinen, but Risebrough didn’t want to give up Pierre Marc Bouchard (7-12-19 in 36 games) or James Sheppard (2-6-8 in 39 games) to get Jokinen. For whatever reason, Risebrough deemed these two underachievers as untouchable and not on the trading block. Who in their right mind would make such a statement? These players have been an utter disappointment this season. How would Jokinen look in a Wild uniform? I bet with him in the lineup, the Wild would have won five more games.

Wild’s winning ways

Since December 31th the Minnesota Wild have gone 3-1, losing in a shootout to the Detroit Redwings and beating San Jose, Boston and Colorado. Two of these teams are the best hockey teams in the NHL. During the last four games the Wild have given up a grand total of four goals and shut out their last two opponents. I think the reason for the turnaround is that the Wild players have accepted the fact that they aren’t going to have the services of Gaborik and the return of Owen Nolan to the lineup. If there has been a bright spot to this season it has been the play of Nolan when he has been healthy. The Wild are going to need more than one bright spot if they are going to qualify for the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Seems like everytime I talk/write about the Wild they start losing. Yikes!

Scores from 01-10-2009

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Atlantic Hockey
Mercyhurst 3 at Army 4
Bentley 4 at Canisius 3
Holy Cross 5 at American Int'l 1
Connecticut 4 at RIT 7

Analysis
Yawn! The Strenght of Schedule of the AHA: Canisius 58, Army 57, American Int'l 56, Holy Cross 55, RIT 54, Mercyhurst 53, Bently 52, Connectiut 51, Sacred Heart 50, Air Farce 49... That is not impressive folks.

CCHA
Alaska 0 at Notre Dame 3
Ferris State 4 at Western Michigan 2
Ohio State 4 at Bowling Green 3 ot
Miami 1 at Michigan 5
Northern Michigan 3 at Nebraska-Omaha 2

Analysis
Michigan is on fire right now and the Redhawks have lost 3 straight games. The big question; who is number one again this week. I say Notre Dame for now until they prove other wise, the Irish are 16-0-2 their last 18 games . tOSU keeps winning and are 10-0 their last ten games.

CHA
Robert Morris 2 at Alabama-Huntsville 2 ot

ECAC
Yale 6 at Harvard 2
Rensselaer 5 at Princeton 1
Brown 1 at Dartmouth 5
Union 4 at Quinnipiac 2

Analysis
I have said this before and I will say this again; Princeton is over rated and proves it by losing to two mediocre teams this weekend Union (SOS 37) and Rensselaer (SOS 49).

Hockey East
Northeastern 2 at Merrimack 1
Boston College 2 at Vermont 4
Maine 1 at Boston University 4
Mass.-Lowell 2 at Providence 4
Massachusetts 2 at New Hampshire 3 ot

Analysis
Boston College gets one point on the weekend.

WCHA
Minnesota-Duluth 3 at St. Cloud State 6
Michigan Tech 1 at Denver 3
Wisconsin 6 at Alaska-Anchorage 3
Minnesota 1 at North Dakota 6
Minnesota State 3 at Colorado College 1

Analysis
I am not sure if I jinxed the Bull Dogs or not but Sioux7 got that prediction right, I guess Donna is going to de-friend the both of us on Facebook. Wisconsin sweeps UAA and now the question; are the Seawolves poised for a second half disappearing act? The real Huskies stay cold. Up next UND, I am going to talk to Sioux7 and have him hold off making any grand prediction on the UND series, this series scares me more than the Gophers series. MSU-M wins against C.C. and Amy from Lets-go-Mavs gets down from the ledge.

Non-Conference
Clarkson 1 at St. Lawrence 5
Niagara 1 at Cornell 2

Yep still smiling.

I think this Gopher player R.J. Anderson summed it up the best.

"They came to a war with guns, and we came with butter knives," Gophers defenseman R.J. Anderson said. "They beat us up and down the ice every shift all weekend. They deserved to win."

At the beginning of the week, "I said if the Gophers over look the Fighting Sioux and are as over confident as their fans were going into this series the Sioux will bury them." To take a page from GWB's book; "Mission accomplished." Hum, this seems awfully familiar. Since the Sioux started the season 5-8-1 they have gone 8-2.

A few observations

*Like Scotty D said, "Kangas has gone Frazee." The Sioux lit his ass up by hanging 11 goals on a very good goalie.

*While waiting for my wife to use the bathroom after the game someone walked by me wearing a Holy Cross Jersey. Hum, maybe I might have to agree with the Gophers fans. Like I told Sioux7 I think those jerseys have run their course and maybe it is time to move on. Maybe it is time to sell them Holy Cross Jerseys on EBay.

*UND is 11-6-1 during the Hakstol era against the Minnesota Gophers.

*I want to give the REA arena leafy spurge for the the captions next to Gopher's goalie Alex Kangas head that said, what's a sieve? Also, the caption that said, "I wish I had played for the Sioux." I have to say not cool; both of these comments lacked class. We are the University of North Dakota, we are better program than that.

I like anyone want our team to bury the dirty Gophers every chance we get, especially after some of their antics on and off the ice this past weekend. I want our team to hang ten goals on the Gophers every time they play. Great programs win and lose with class, you won't hear one of the Fighting Sioux coaches saying the there is no such thing as sportmanship during this series (John Hill on FSN Saturday night). With the Sioux sweeping the Gophers series this past weekend and watching the FSN broadcast crew and their antics makes this just makes the win even more special.

*Went back and listened to the Beyond the Pond podcast and Pat Micheletti gave the Sioux a lot of props. Coaching staff is outstanding. Dave Hakstol and Cary Eades don't panic. They stay consistent in what they do.

*From the Forum's Mike McFeely: From Minnesota’s perspective, the larger worry is its defense. The Gopher defensemen looked overwhelmed and slow all weekend, often offering little aid to their goaltenders. Too many odd-man rushes, too many turnovers at the blue line, too many rebound chances, too few Sioux players being cleared from in front of the net. (from a guy that doesn't like the Sioux or their fans hit the nail on the head).

*Ryan Duncan had three goals on the weekend and now leads the team with 10 goals.

*Jason Gregoire was clutch this weekend scoring three goals and adding an assist. Gregoire is now 8-8-16 in 24 games this season.

*Brad Eidsness was big on Saturday night and is now 13-7-1 with a goals against average of 2.62 and a save percentage of .908. Not too bad for a freshman goalie.

*Evan Trupp started the year out slow but has 10 points in 8 games (4-6-10).

Season on: Sioux 6 Gophers 1

I have a smile on my face is going to take surgery to remove. This completes the perfect weekend. Nothing pleases me more than watching the Sioux sweep/beat the golden rodents. Well except for shooting green head Mallards that is pretty fun too.

At the beginning of this week true to form we heard from Gopher fans and Mike Eidelbes of INCH that Minnesota would sweep North Dakota. It wasn't even going to be close. Sioux fans heard from numerous cocky Gopher fans how Minnesota was going to run North Dakota out of the building. We also heard the same old tired crap about REA being Marriucci West. While I heard these claims I told people to have faith. I also predicted that UND would probably get at least three points this weekend. My friend Doug sent me a text message that said, BSU put up a bigger fight than the Gophers. That my friends is true.

I went back and watched the tape of the game again, Wooger and the Rug were pretty subdued. It was fun to see the classic Jones snap. My question to Sioux fans; is there a bigger hack than Ryan Flynn? Seriously! I would say that this is something the young Sioux can build on and save their season. More tomorrow I am going to bed, I have to work in the morning.

Question?

Do the Sioux make the Polls/Power Rankings after this weekend's sweep of the number three team in the nation? Are the Gophers over rated or are the Sioux better than they are being given credit for? I said this before; this team is better than they are being given credit for. It may not show up in the polls now but I still think the Sioux can make a run. The WCHA is wide open and down this season, due to players leaving early. Also, as far as WCHA teams go UMD gave us the toughest fight so far this season. With the Win tonight UND moved from 23 to 18 in the Pair Wise rankings.

(Box Score)

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1st Period (20:00)
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NDK 1 - 0 6x6 LL Chris VandeVelde (8) (Evan Trupp, Matt Frattin) 1:38
NDK (+): 29,19,21,25,14,G31 MIN (-): 7,13,14,2,28,G33
MIN-1 Nick Larson (2-Roughing) 2:12
NDK-1 Brad Malone (2-Roughing) 2:12
NDK-2 Jason Gregoire (2-Slashing) MIN 0x1 3:39
MIN-2 Justin Bostrom (2-Hooking) NDK 0x1 8:46
MIN-3 Brian Schack (2-Roughing) 11:57
MIN-4 Brian Schack (2-Instigating) NDK 0x2 11:57
NDK-3 Brad Malone (2-Roughing) 11:57
NDK 2 - 0 6x6 GW Ryan Duncan (9) (Brett Hextall, Joe Finley) 14:49
NDK (+): 16,22,26,2,5,G31 MIN (-): 12,3,26,19,13,G33

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2nd Period (20:00)
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NDK 3 - 0 6x6 Andrew Kozek (5) (David Toews) 11:08
NDK (+): 10,18,22,25,3,G31 MIN (-): 18,27,3,21,15,G33
NDK 4 - 0 6x6 Jason Gregoire (8) (Brett Hextall, Chay Genoway) 12:11
NDK (+): 17,26,5,16,2,G31 MIN (-): 26,19,28,12,2,G33
NDK 5 - 0 6x6 David Toews (4) (Andrew Kozek, Brad Malone) 14:58
NDK (+): 18,10,22,25,3,G31 MIN (-): 3,19,26,28,12,G33

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3rd Period (20:00)
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MIN-5 BENCH (2-TOO MANY PLAYERS ON ICE) (Served by Brian Schack) NDK 1x3 4:56
MIN-6 Jay Barriball (2-Slashing) 6:02
MIN-7 Jay Barriball (10-Misconduct) 6:02
MIN-8 Jay Barriball (2-Roughing) NDK 1x4 6:02
NDK-4 Brett Hextall (2-Roughing) 6:02
NDK-5 Brett Hextall (10-Misconduct) 6:02
NDK 6 - 0 6x4 PP Ryan Duncan (10) (Brad Miller, Chay Genoway) 6:12
NDK: 16,14,5,29,18,G31 MIN: 22,28,16,G35
MIN-9 Ryan Flynn (2-Cross-Checking) NDK 1x5 8:11
MIN-10 Brian Schack (2-Roughing) 9:41
MIN-11 Brian Schack (2-Roughing) 9:41
MIN-12 Brian Schack (10-Misconduct) 9:41
MIN-13 Tony Lucia (2-Roughing) 9:41
MIN-14 Tony Lucia (2-Roughing) 9:41
NDK-6 Matt Frattin (2-Roughing) 9:41
NDK-7 Matt Frattin (2-Roughing) 9:41
NDK-8 Matt Frattin (10-Misconduct) 9:41
NDK-9 Brad Malone (2-Roughing) 9:41
NDK-10 Brad Malone (2-Roughing) 9:41
NDK-11 Zach Jones (10-Misconduct) 9:41
NDK-12 Zach Jones (2-Unsportsmanlike Conduct) (Served by David Toews) MIN 0x2 9:41
NDK-13 Andrew Kozek (2-HITTING AFTER WHISTLE) MIN 0x3 10:09
MIN 1 - 6 6x6 Cade Fairchild (4) (Ryan Flynn, Jordan Schroeder) 12:10
MIN (+): 28,22,19,3,16,G35 NDK (-): 17,11,10,3,18,G31
NDK-14 Andrew Kozek (2-Hooking) MIN 0x4 16:43
MIN-15 Cade Fairchild (2-Hooking) NDK 1x6 17:28

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End of Game

Sioux 6 - Gophers 3

The Fighting Sioux fans were urged to wear white t-shirts this weekend by Fighting Sioux captain Ryan Ducan. The white out by the fans ended up being a smashing success, and the night ended up being a white wash for the Gophers as the Sioux ran the Gophers out of the rink on the way to a 6-3 butt kicking.

The Sioux were dominating from the drop of the first puck to the game’s final horn. If one had not watched the game the box score illustrates how dominate the Sioux were; the edge in shots after two periods of hockey was 37-12 and goals 4-1.

Positives from the game

The play of Evan Trupp (1-1-2) and Jason Gregoire (2-1-3) these two players were the difference in the game. Big time player score big goal at just right time. Evan Trupp's shorthanded goal got the rolling Sioux in the second period as they scored four goals.

The Sioux win the game and get no points from Brad Miller or Chay Genoway while both players didn't figure in the scoring they both chipped in solid play in the defensive zone, Genoway was a +2 on the night.

Box Score

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1st Period (20:00)
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MIN-1 Ryan Flynn (2-Cross-Checking) 12:05
NDK-1 Brett Hextall (2-HITTING AFTER WHISTLE) 12:05
MIN-2 Sam Lofquist (2-High-Sticking) NDK 0x1 16:38
NDK-2 Brad Malone (2-Cross-Checking) MIN 0x1 20:00

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2nd Period (20:00)
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NDK 1 - 0 5x6 SH LL Evan Trupp (4) (unassisted) 1:17
NDK (+): 19,5,29,2,G31 MIN (-): 28,29,26,11,19,G33
MIN-3 R.J. Anderson (2-Hooking) NDK 1x2 3:28
NDK 2 - 0 6x5 PP Jason Gregoire (6) (Evan Trupp, Matt Frattin) 5:13
NDK: 17,19,21,5,14,G31 MIN: 19,28,12,10,G33
MIN 1 - 2 6x6 Ryan Stoa (12) (Sam Lofquist, Cade Fairchild) 7:41
MIN (+): 29,3,28,19,26,G33 NDK (-): 26,2,22,17,5,G31
MIN-4 R.J. Anderson (2-Holding) NDK 1x3 8:21
NDK 3 - 1 6x6 Ryan Duncan (8) (Jason Gregoire, Brett Hextall) 11:25
NDK (+): 16,17,26,5,25,G31 MIN (-): 29,28,3,26,19,G33
NDK-3 Jake Marto (2-High-Sticking) MIN 0x2 14:11
NDK 4 - 1 6x6 GW Jason Gregoire (7) (unassisted) 17:29
NDK (+): 17,26,16,5,2,G31 MIN (-): 19,28,10,29,26,G33
MIN-5 Jay Barriball (2-Cross-Checking) 17:29
MIN-6 Jay Barriball (10-Misconduct) (Served by Patrick White) 17:29
NDK-4 Joe Finley (2-Unsportsmanlike Conduct) 17:29

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3rd Period (20:00)
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MIN 2 - 4 6x6 Ryan Stoa (13) (Cade Fairchild, Jordan Schroeder) 4:29
MIN (+): 29,28,19,10,22,G33 NDK (-): 17,6,16,26,14,G31
NDK-5 Chris VandeVelde (2-Hooking) MIN 0x3 5:38
NDK 5 - 2 6x6 Andrew Kozek (4) (Chris VandeVelde) 8:46 NDK (+): 10,29,21,25,3,G31 MIN (-): 7,13,28,3,11,G33
NDK 6 - 2 6x6 Ryan Martens (9) (Joe Finley, Darcy Zajac) 9:48
NDK (+): 8,2,11,20,5,G31 MIN (-): 12,22,6,2,16,G33
MIN 3 - 6 6x6 Jordan Schroeder (8) (Jay Barriball, Ryan Stoa) 12:24
MIN (+): 19,26,29,10,28,G35 NDK (-): 16,5,26,2,20,G31
MIN-7 Jordan Schroeder (2-Roughing) 18:05
MIN-8 Cade Fairchild (2-Roughing) 18:05
MIN-9 Cade Fairchild (2-Roughing) 18:05
MIN-10 Ryan Stoa (2-Roughing) 18:05
MIN-11 Ryan Stoa (2-Roughing) NDK 1x4 18:05
MIN-12 Ryan Stoa (2-Roughing) 18:05
NDK-6 Chay Genoway (2-Roughing) 18:05
NDK-7 Darcy Zajac (2-Roughing) 18:05
NDK-8 Darcy Zajac (2-Roughing) 18:05
NDK-9 Brett Hextall (2-Roughing) 18:05
MIN-13 R.J. Anderson (2-Roughing) 18:17
NDK-10 Andrew Kozek (2-Unsportsmanlike Conduct) 18:17

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End of Game
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What about Norse?

With the Fighting Sioux logo debate up front and center with the dust up from the Summit league’s decision to not consider UND until the nickname issue is behind it.
As well all know this is should not be an issue because UND has to change their name/logo if the University can not get approval by both tribes. The issue is not going away and its time to consider the inevitable. Life without the Fighting Sioux nick name and logo. like I have said in the past the name is gone there is no way we can fight off political correctness gone amuck. It is just a matter of time before the name is gone for good.

I an not happy with the fact that there will no longer be a Fighting Sioux name/logo connected to the University of North Dakota. I have made my feeling known, I am on record of being against this change, this is a train we can not stop. I like a lot of fans are tired of fighting the battle with the people in the pro-name change crowd. The cards are against us and we can not win.

Maybe it is time to consider some new names to replace the Fighting Sioux with. My suggestion is Norse. Why not? North Dakota and Minnesota have one of the biggest populations of people of Scandinavian decent in the USA.

Sioux player's perspective on the Sioux vs Gopher series.

This was in today's Red Star and Sickle. Only 8 1/2 hours unitl game time.

* Best quote from a Sioux player on this weekend’s series: “When you see the M on their jerseys, something kind of just boils a little bit in your blood.” — junior defenseman Chay Genoway

* Sioux junior forward Chris VandeVelde of Moorhead said his favorite memory of past series with the Gophers was the North Dakota sweep of the U at Mariucci his freshman year. “Obviously it’s a rivalry,” he said. “Both teams are going to want it really bad. They are a play-making team, very talented. They have some high-end guys over there.”

* Senior defenseman Brad Miller of North Dakota on the rivalry with the Gophers: “It for sure will be heated.” … He was asked if there may be any carryover from the last game they played when 17 penalties were called and 160 minutes of penalties were assessed. “To forsee any incidents like that, I don’t know,” he said.

INCH Chat.

The INCH Chat is going on right now as we speak. It seems like the Sioux don't even need to bother showing up to play this weekend, since the Sioux are so bad this season. Hell, since the boys from INCH aren't giving the Sioux a chance maybe I should just sell my tickets and stay home and sit in the living room and drink beer. These clowns wonder why Sioux fans take issue with them. LOL... Records mean nothing in this series and if either team fails to respect their opponent they will get buried.

Reggie (Orlando): Who do ya like this weekend? Minnesota or UND?
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William (Atlanta): Although there has been a lot of great stuff going on lately (world juniors, some great holiday tournament matchups, etc) I am curious to how you guys at INCH view the Sioux Gopher series this weekend. This series has produced some great moments the last few years (Wheeler's spectacular goal, Trupp's Diving Goal and Bina's 180 foot shot), do you foresee any memorable moments coming out of this particular series?

Mike Eidelbes: (2:44 PM ET ) This is one of those series that is predictably unpredictable, but I think the Gophers will get a boost by finally getting the whole band back together from injuries (Barriball, Carman) and the WJC (Fairchild, Hoeffel, Schroeder). Even without Don Lucia behind the bench, Minnesota will sweep the Fighting Sioux. NoDak was awful in losses to Michigan State and Michigan Tech at the GLI, and Bemidji State gave them all they could handle.

The heated rival, The Gophers come to town.

Dave Berger has a interesting piece on the Sioux vs Gophers matchup.

Here are some fan’s opinions on both sides of the Sioux/Gopher rivalry:

“Proximity. UM is the closest elite team to UND. Going to games in Grand Forks, you would see tons of Gopher fans, and that always makes for a heated atmosphere.” OETKB

“I hate the way (North Dakota) steals all of our home grown talent.” Go4er

“(The Gophers) always get the night games at the Final Five - that makes lots of UND fans angry.” dj_hoime

“From the maroon and gold side of things - I’ve come to love the intensity of this rivalry and put this matchup at the top of all rivalries in college sports today.” hoop

And one that sums up what all of us are thinking:

“It comes down to one thing at the end of the day - the scoreboard. Is it 7:30 yet?” Go4er...

This is one of my favorite rivalries that the Fighting Sioux play the Wisconsin BADgers are my second favorite rivalry, Denver University is number three, I find that Denver fans are the more reasonable of the three. Badger fans are a lot of fun as well.

As a rabid Sioux fan nothing is more offensive to me and other Sioux fans than the hated Golden Rodent, maroon and gold and that cheesy “ M”. Their fans come up the Ralph and act like they own the place, maybe why that is why the Holy Cross defeat is so funny. No I didn't by a Holy Cross shirt, but I used to go to their football games when I lived in Massachusetts. I am not sure the Gopher football team could beat them either. I don’t care to this day the Gopher defeat to the Holy Cross is funny to me and I could care less if anyone takes issue with it. I have never seen a fan bass leave town so fast. Actually, I think Minnesota is one of the few WCHA teams to have the honor of losing to both RIT and Holy Cross.

Of my Brother and sisters there are five us, only two of us like the Fighting Sioux, my sister Kim is also a 1992 graduate of the University of North Dakota. One of my sisters is married to a former Golden Gopher Hockey player; some refer to as the golden golfer. I know the question you are going to ask; No I don’t hate my family members. I can’t help it they make poor choices in their sports teams. I also don’t hate Gophers fans, it’s like democrats and republican we are all Americans. Living in a border town we are surrounded by Gopher Fans and have many friends that also make poor choices in their sports teams. I like the Gopher football team but hate the Hockey team. Some have said that makes no sense, I can’t explain it.

I just want the Sioux to crush the Gophers and beat them up doing it. I want to see the Sioux send their chirping fans home down I-29 and I-94 with their tails between their legs. The Sioux have had a lot of success lately playing the Gophers as they are 9-6-1 since Dave Hakstol took over the Fighting Sioux reigns. Who is going to win this weekend I don’t have a clue, while I did make the prediction of three points for the Sioux I believe a split or two ties could happen as well.




(If you take offense to this article your too thin skinned)

Zach Parise makes the Eastern All Star Team.

Former Fighting Sioux and New Jersey Devils star Zach Parise has made the NHL All Star Game's Eastern squad as a reserve. Former Sioux Jonathan Toews made the Western Squad as a starter.

Other Former WCHA players making the Eastern Roster are former Wisconsin Badger Danny Heatly Ottawa Senaters and Former Golden Gopher Thomas Vanek Buffalo Sabres.

Weekend Series (Sioux 7)

Welcome back hockey fans, I hope every one had Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. We are now entering the second half of the season. The standings are close, like they are every year, only MTU is really out of the running for a top 5 finish. Depending on how the games end this weekend, you could 7 teams with .500 records or better in the league!


Minnesota State(5-7-2) at #10 Colorado College(7-5-2)

Both of these teams have had hit a little bit of a bump in road, but MSUM started off January with a win against UNO. CC has not played a game since Dec.20, a win over Sacred Heart. CC is 3-4-3 his season on the road, and MSUM is 5-5-0 at home. I think CC will show some rust on Friday night and pounce back Saturday. I'm calling this series a split.


#20 Minnesota-Duluth(5-4-5) at St. Cloud State(5-7-0)

These teams met for 1 game back on Nov. 1, with the Bulldogs winning 5-1. Since then UMD has only 1 road win (at CC) and SCSU has lost only 1 at home game. In this battle of the dogs, I'm going with the fuzzy/furry breed, Husky Sweep.


Michigan Tech(1-11-2) at #5 Denver(9-4-1)

On paper this looks like it should be a Boom for Boone, but MTU is not going to go quietly. I think the Huskies will want revenge for the 6-0 and 6-1 lossed to DU in early December in Houghton. I'm going with the Friday upset, MTU over DU, and DU rebounds on Saturday, with a win.


#17 Wisconsin(7-5-2) at Alaska-Anchorage(4-6-2)

It has been a MONTH since the Seawolves have played a series, or a game. The last games they played were against... Wisconsin. How about that back-to-back series with the same team. In that series UW won both games in Madison, but this is a new and UAA should be really well rested. I just hope UAA isn't so rusty they forgot how to play hockey. UW is now on a 3-game winless streak, not how you want to start off the new year. I think the boys from Anchorage will show some tarnish on Friday, but rebound nicely on Saturday, splitsville.


#3 Minnesota(7-2-3) at North Dakota(6-5-1)

Our get well soon wishes go out to Coach Lucia, hope you feel better :)

UND is hoping to continue their winning ways the second half of the season, which has been the M.O. the last few years. If the Sioux sweep the Gophers, they would be tied in the standings. UM is also coming off a weekend pair of wins. This is the only scheduled meeting between UND and UM this season, so it is that much more important for both schools. UM has been the more consistent team, whereas UND has been a more Dr. Jeykll and Mr. Hyde team the first half. Suprising fact of the series - neither has been swept this season. So with that I'm calling this a split.

TOM COCHRANE- Big League (about a former Sioux)

I was checking my stats from my blog tonight and I came across this link, it brought me back down memory lane: Tom Cochrane a Canadian wrote this song about former Sioux Hockey recruit George Pelawa. I like I mentioned earlier I had the opportunity to know big George Pelawa I played football with him in High School at Bemidji High School and he was as special athlete, God definately blessed him with unbelievable athletic gifts.

George Pelawa (1968-1986) was a high school hockey right winger[1] from Bemidji, Minnesota. Pelawa was named Minnesota Mr. Hockey in 1986 as the top high-school player in the state, beating out (among others) future National Hockey League player Lance Pitlick for the award.[2] He was drafted in the first round, 16th overall, by the Calgary Flames in the 1986 NHL Entry Draft.[3]
Pelawa, who had planned to play for collegiately for the University of North Dakota,[4] was killed in an automobile accident just months after the draft.[1] Tom Cochrane's song "Big League" is rumoured to be about Pelawa. Cochrane says the lyrics are based on a true story, but does not assert the song is about Pelawa.[5] The Flames, meanwhile, honor Pelawa by offering a scholarship to Bemidji High School students in his name.[6]

A few things Sioux and Gophers.

The weather forcast for Sioux vs Gophers weekend looks really rough. I guess you can't expect any less for a Sioux and Gopher weekend in Grand Forks, ND. Thank God this isn't an outdoor game. I hope no one ever proposes that idea up here. JUST TOO COLD.

Friday: Areas of blowing snow and a chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 11. North northwest wind between 9 and 17 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of snow before midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around -8. North northwest wind 9 to 16 mph becoming west southwest. Winds could gust as high as 23 mph.

Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 6.

Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around -7.

Sunday: A slight chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 10.

For those going to the Long Haul Saloon in Friday morning There is going to be a star studded line up in attendance. I think Jess Myers is calling in but the other guys like Hennessey, the Wooger and Gorg should be live. I always wondered why the Rug doesn't show up at these things? I recommend going for the breakfast the food at the Long Haul is really good, their eggs and omlets are second to none.

FRIDAY: **LIVE FROM LONG HAUL SALOON/TRUCK STOP IN GRAND FORKS** Hockey Heaven for those who care. UND VOX TIM HENNESSEY around 9:25 a.m. on-site. JESS MYERS of insidecollegehockey.com at 10:05 a.m. Former coach DOUG WOOG in the second hour and in person. KENT HRBEK on the death of Carl Pohlad around 11:05 a.m. FSN North's KEVIN GORG around 11:40 a.m. on Wild-Philly and Gophs-UND

Close series

Four of the last six games between the Sioux and Gophers have gone to over time.
In those 4 games that went to overtime UND is 2-1-1. While I predicted a win and tie I wouldn't be surprised if both games ended in a tie.

Clearing a few things up

I wrote an article on the Bruins and Wild game last night title Bruins 0 - Wild 1 (Kessel and Wheeler pointless). A Gopher fan took issue with it and thought it was a slight against the Gophers. He shouldn’t have. It isn’t like that. Frankly, contrary to public belief it’s not always about the Gophers. Not that I don’t like banter with Gophers fans, because I do, that makes the Final Five fun. Some people just take it way too far and wear their feeling on their sleeves. Frankly, some of the most fun I have had is drinking with Badger fans at the final five; they are not all up in your face about their team all the time either. We didn’t talk about hockey that much we talked about shooting green head mallards, hunting and our bird dogs. We also talked about the Packer football more than we did about hockey.

Lastly, I watch close to a 100 NHL games every season on NHL center ice and if you have followed the Bruins you will know that the Kessel, Savard and Lucic line is one of the more prolific lines in the NHL. Shutting them down is no easy task and the Wild shut them down cold. Also, the line with Wheeler, Krejci, and Ryder line has been on fire as well.

Its official biting someone is only worth two games.

Its official: Saying sloppy seconds is more offensive that biting your opponent on the ice during an NHL hockey game. WTF is that? Is our society so far out of whack that we are to be more offended by some one's crude statements about a former girl friend than biting someone on the ice? I think it's time to remove Colin Campbell and Gary Bettman from the league office because they have their priorities out of whack. We have Randy Jones putting Bruins star Patrice Bergeron out for the Season he get 2 games. That's it. What the hell is wrong with the league office?

Then Marko Ruutu lies about it on camera they should suspend him more games for lacking integrity. Marko Ruutu is a gutless thug that goes around the ice taking liberties with the opposition team's skilled players. Some day he is going to get his and I can't wait for the replay between Buffalo and Ottawa. This why I don't shed a tear when I see these agitators get beat up in a fight on the ice.

(Press Release from the NHL):
Ottawa's Ruutu suspended two games Wednesday, Ottawa's Jarkko Ruutu has been suspended for two games by the NHL for a biting incident that occurred in Tuesday night's loss to Buffalo.

Ruutu was suspended after a Wednesday morning's disciplinary hearing with NHL Senior Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations Colin Campbell, a phone conversation between the two parties that began at 11:30 a.m.

In Tuesday's incident, Ruutu bit the gloved thumb of Buffalo's Andrew Peters, breaking the skin's surface, during a first-period altercation at the 13:13 mark.

Wednessday Linkorama.

I think Wheeler made the right move by deciding to not play for Phoenix and signing with the Boston Bruins. Also a smart move to not play for the Wild either. If Wheeler had signed to play with the Wild he could have been stuck with the Areos down in Houston playing in the AHL. From past experience the Wild don't have a lot of ex-NCAA college hockey players currently on their roster. I think that is unforunate based on all the ex-college players currently playing in the NHL from the upper Midwest.

BOSTON - Like virtually every NHL team, the Wild went after former Gophers forward and Breck School star Blake Wheeler last summer.

But Wheeler, a native of Plymouth, never considered playing for his hometown Wild.

Wheeler, 22, didn't want the pressure of playing in Minnesota. He wanted a new life experience, and after signing with the Boston Bruins, he's enjoying a stellar rookie year with 13 goals, 12 assists and a plus-22 before Tuesday's game against the Wild.

"Being a hometown kid, I'd love to stay in Minnesota my whole life, but after my three years at the U, I think it was important for me to get out of my comfort zone and experience new things,"

Former Sioux Jonathan Toews is on the Western All-Star team. Toews also scored two goals in last nights win as Chicago beat Phoenix 6-0.

According to XM-204 today there is a good chance that former Fighting Sioux and current New Jersey Devil Zach Parise could be on the Eastern Division's All-Star team when the reserves are announced tomorrow.

From today Paul Allen broadcast: PA from KFAN 1130 and _______ will be at the Long Haul Saloon in Grand Forks, North Dakota for their 9-12 show on Friday. It looks like it could be Doug Woog, Kevin Gorg and Tim Hennesey.

Jarko Ruutu has rabies.

This has to be a big time suspension. The NHL decided that sloppy seconds warrants 6 games then this move by one of the biggest, guttless, classless hacks in the NHL has to be supsended 10 games. In my opinion this is way more disgusting than saying something vile and disgusting, like sloppy seconds. Think about this Jarko Ruutu bit Buffalo Sabres tough guy Andrew Peters. I don't know about you but I find that absolutely offensive.

Bruins 0 - Wild 1 (Kessel and Wheeler pointless)

I guess I can't lose when two of my favorite teams face off on the same sheet of ice. Of course one of my favorite teams is going to win and the other is going to lose, but I still win either way. What was impressive is that the Bruins known for scoring goals this season were shut down cold.

Tonight The Minnesota Wild played their patiented air tight defense, and made the game exciting even when it was only a 1-0 game. Both Goal tenders (Fernandez and Backstrom ) were awesome. What does this mean? Basically once Marian Gaborik announced that he was having surgery on his hip and would be on the shelf for the Wild, they have gone 3-0-1 against some of the best teams in the NHL. My interpretation of that is Gaborik was a distraction to the team and once it was clear he isn't probably coming back, they Wild went out and played better without him.

When I first saw their schedule I thought there was a good possibility that they could go 0-4. After the Wild play the Flyers their schedule gets a little easier.

Think of this, the Wild shut down the high flying Boston Bruins lead by Phil Kessel, Milan Lucic and Mark Savard two of three players are two of the more dynamic offensive players in the North Eastern Division. Lucic is becoming one of the grittiest power forwards in the NHL. (Of course Parise and Vanek have been awesome too). Just saying its no small feat. Check out Wild blog extrodinare Mike Russos comments on the win. I guess the Wild like to play against the leagues best, even without Gabby.

In the past four games, the Wild’s played three division leaders, three of the best teams in the NHL (I’m not including Colorado obviously) and the Wild’s 3-0-1 in the past four.

Two of those wins have come against the two best teams in each conference — first San Jose, and now Boston, the highest-scoring team in the NHL who hadn’t been shut out all season.

As James Sheppard said, “We needed to play against the best teams in the league to get us to find our true game.”

Until tonight. Niklas Backstrom again sparkled for his second consecutive shutout. He’s now got five and 14 in his career. He’s got 19 wins, a 2.14 goals against average and .929 save percentage. Seems like All-Star worthy numbers to me.
(check out the rest of Mike Russo's article)

NCAA Round up.

Here is the latest blog article that I wrote for Sean Leahy's Going Five Hole.

Top Match ups

Michigan versus Miami

In a key CCHA matchup, the Miami RedHawks 12-5-3 travels to Ann Arbor to play the Michigan Wolverines 13-7-0. Michigan is coming off the GLI championship while Miami limps into Ann Arbor after going 0-2 losing to two of the worst teams in division one hockey Clarkson and Army at the Ohio Hockey Classic.

Prediction: Miami swept the Wolverines earlier in Oxford Ohio 2-0, 2-1 but I don’t expect the same results this time. Michigan is playing better hockey and Miami is going to be reeling from losing two games to two horrible teams. Michigan wins 4-1 and 5-2 behind as strong goaltending performance of starting goaltender Bryan Hogan 11-1-0 1.95 GAA and sv% .917.

Minnesota Golden Gophers versus the North Dakota Fighting Sioux

The Minnesota Golden Gophers 10-3-5 travel to Ralph Engelstad Arena to play a two game series against their heated rival the Fighting Sioux 11-10-1. For the Sioux they must get at least two-three points to stay in the race for an NCAA playoff bid.

It may only be January but this game already will have a playoff feel to it, every game, every series is going to be a must win if they the Fighting Sioux want to be successful in the second half of the season and make another run to the NCAA playoffs.

These games are extra important to the Sioux because they are fighting to get home ice for the WCHA playoffs as well. Both teams are also playing for pride and don’t want to be on the losing end of the score board. Records mean nothing going into this series; in fact you can throw them out the window. For the Gophers they are eyeing the top spot in the WCHA standings as well as solidifying an NCAA playoff berth.

Goaltending is going to be key for this series for the Gophers they have a solid goaltender in sophomore Alex Kangas who has a record of (10-3-5), with a 2.19 goals against average and a save percentage of .921. For the Fighting Sioux rookie goalie Brad Eidsness has a record of (11-7-1), with a goals against average of 2.68 with a save percentage of .907. The success of both teams depends on these two goaltenders.

Top scorers for the Sioux are: Brad Miller 4-17-21, Chay Genoway 2-19-21, Chris VandeVelde 7-9-16, Ryan Martens 8-7-15.

Top Scorers for the Golden Gophers are; Ryan Stoa 11-12-23, Jordan Schroeder 7-14-21, Jay Barriball 6-10-16


Prediction: The Sioux have a 9-6-1 record the last 16 games against the Gophers. The Fighting Sioux win on Friday 3-2 and the Gophers and Sioux tie on Saturday night 3-3.

Goon’s Top Ten

1. Notre Dame
2. Boston University
3. Minnesota
4. Northeastern
5. Denver
6. Miami
7. Boston College
8. Colorado College
9. Michigan
10. Vermont

White out at the Ralph.

Don't forget to get your t shirt for this upcoming series. They are roughly $13.00 with tax at the REA Sioux shop. I was just there and they lots of t-shirts left. I know there are some that don't want to buy anything with the Gophers logo on it, well then wear a white shirt of some kind. One solution I do have is you can take a sharpie marker and cross the big maroon M out.

Reffing Assignments

Mark my words: for reffing assignments we will get one or more of the following officials: Shepherd, Hunt Todd Anderson and or Donn Adam. I am personally think it
will be the combination of Marco Hunt and Derrick Shepherd. Look for Greg Shepherd to be at one or both games as well this weekend. I wounder if we will run into Greg and his officating crew in the bars this weekend?

Here is how Landon Wilson got hurt.

This is the fight that caused the injury to Former Fighting Sioux hockey player Landon Wilson. That looked painful and Wilson landed on his side causing a rib injury that could keep him out of action for a few weeks. Dustin Penner kind of made Wilson look like a rag doll in that exchange.

Wilson has rib injury
Landon Wilson will likely miss a few weeks of action while recovering from a rib injury, according to the Dallas Morning News. He is just relieved he did not suffer another concussion and said, "I've had a few dings in my career up there, so it's good not to get another one. I think I'm fortunate."
Our View: The club will have a better idea regarding a timetable for his return following an official diagnosis. The 33-year-old winger held little fantasy value with only two goals and six assists over 19 games this season.

Trip down memory lane.

I have to say that I wait for this match up every year. Its one of the more exciting series of the year, you know what your going to get when the hated "M" comes to town.

Of course over the years there have been a few great memories between our two storied hockey programs. The first video shown above is still funny to this day. I have only seen one other goal that was scored from that distance and it was by former Bruin defenseman Ray Bourque from about the same distance against a team that I can no longer recall. Here are some of my favorites from YouTube.COM

This video never gets old either.

This one seems like yesterday in the region of death.

In case you don't get to listen to Doug and the Rug very often here is a sample of the two in rare fashion explaining an awesome goal.

Here is a sick move by T.J. Oshie, how would he look in a Sioux uniform this weekend?

Nothing like a good fight between two willing combatants. It is a know fact that Gopher players don't liek to drop the gloves very often. Unless they are standing behind their coach in the hand shake line. Honestly, I don't expect too much of this kind of stuff this weekend. This Fighting Sioux hockey team doesn't ussually play that type of game.

Poll Monday (yawn)

USA TODAY/USA Hockey men's poll
Jan. 5, 2009
Rank School (first-place votes) Record Points Last week
1 Notre Dame (32) 16-3-2 504 1
2 Boston University (1) 13-4-1 472 3
3 Minnesota 10-3-5 435 4
4 Northeastern 12-4-2 360 6
5 Princeton 13-3-0 332 8
6 Cornell (1) 9-1-3 316 9
7 Denver 13-6-2 309 5
8 Miami (Ohio) 12-5-3 277 2
9 Boston College 9-5-2 261 7
10 Vermont 11-4-2 218 13
11 Michigan 13-7-0 200 11
12 Colorado College 11-6-5 164 10
13 New Hampshire 9-6-3 74 14
14 Air Farce 15-4-1 50 12
15 Ohio State 13-6-1 38 NR
Others receiving votes: Quinnipiac University, 18; Dartmouth College, 14; University of Maine, 8; University of Nebraska Omaha, 8: University of Wisconsin, 8; Yale University, 6; University of North Dakota, 4; University of Alaska, 2; Michigan State University, 2.

USCHO.com/CBS College Sports Division I Men's Poll
January 5, 2009
Team (First Place Votes) Record Points Last Poll
1 Notre Dame (47) 16-3-2 994 1
2 Boston University ( 2) 13-4-1 940 3
3 Minnesota 10-3-5 886 4
4 Northeastern 12-4-2 782 6
5 Denver 13-6-2 720 5
6 Miami 12-5-3 697 2
7 Princeton 13-3-0 690 8
8 Cornell ( 1) 9-1-3 673 10
9 Boston College 9-5-2 660 7
10 Colorado College 11-6-5 534 9
10 Michigan 13-7-0 534 12
12 Vermont 11-4-2 513 13
13 New Hampshire 9-6-3 298 15
14 Air Farce 15-4-1 288 11
15 Dartmouth 9-5-0 198 20
16 Ohio State 13-6-1 197 NR
17 Wisconsin 10-9-3 153 14
18 Nebraska-Omaha 12-6-3 130 16
19 Alaska 10-6-4 123 18
20 Minnesota-Duluth 9-5-6 118 NR
Others Receiving Votes: Quinnipiac 111, North Dakota 88, Minnesota State 86, Yale 33, Maine 30, Massachusetts 8, St. Cloud State 7, Michigan State 6, Niagara 3

Morons are us aka "INCH"
(Link to their Power Ranking)
1. Notre Dame
2. Boston University
3. Minnesota
4. Cornell
5. Denver
6. Northeastern
7. Princeton
8. Vermont
9. Miami
10. Boston College
11. Michigan
12. Colorado College
13. Ohio State
14. Dartmouth
15. Air Farce
16. New Hampshire
17. Quinnipiac
18. Wisconsin
19. Minnesota Duluth
20. Nebraska-Omaha
Dropped out: Minnesota State, Alaska
Bubble-licious: Yale, Alaska

Analysis
So we are to believe that Cornell and Princeton are better hockey teams than Denver University. I am going to say Barbara Streisand. Give me a break with that ranking. I want what the posters are smoking because I want some of that. Miami loses to two of the worst teams in Division one hockey and hardly falls, The BADgers lose two games to a crappy NMU team and they still stay in the poll. Minnesota State wins a game against UNO and all they get are votes.

You have got to be kidding me?

I have been astonished at some of the comments that fans write on Brad Elliott Schlossman's blog here is the latest gem.

wonder if eids will get another courtesy start from hak tonight......

I know everyone thinks hes better than walski but the reason he is playing is because he is drafted and hak is stroking the NHL guys....look at finley how many mistakes did he make his first two years because he is drafted

Oh Eids quit looking at the shoot clock every time you make a save.....if your that worried about your stats...maybe you shouldn't be the starter.........or you know the guy dressing behind you is better than you??????

Posted by: ?????????? on Saturday, January 03 10:23 AM

I wounder where they find these classless skippy's? It is easy to sit behind a anonymous name and say vile and hateful things about people when you don't have to pay for your comments. If you were to walk into a bar and say some of the things people do on message board you would be liable to get punched. Some people are just never happy unless they are constantly bitching and breaking people down. I still want to see a few of the guys tell Finley to his face that he sucks. Heck I will drive them to the arena to see big Joe Finley teach them some manners.

You have to wounder if this guys is another member of the Walski was robbed fan club? I don't know or maybe he is one of Walski's buddies. Here is some perspective: the Fighting Sioux won the game and they also won the series folks, yet people want to pick our starting goaltender and defense apart. Of the three goals scored two of them were grade "A" shots. The one goal was Brad Eidsness fault because he failed to cover his pipe, even Nikolas Bakstrom does that some times. As Brad points out Eidsness is 11-7-1 with a 2.68 GAA and .907 sv%, while Walski is 0-3 with 3.99 and .796. I am not sure why there should be any confusion. It is obvious that this guy didn't do well in his math classes.

Corey Perry elbow on Claude Giroux

Here is the latest act of aggression in the NHL. Duck player Corey Perry received a 4games suspension for this brutal cheap shot. I think the league should have given him a 5-7 game suspension. I personally believe that these types of hits have no place in hockey. You can really light a player up legally without trying to knock their head off with your elbow.

Ducks' Perry suspended for four games --- News NEW YORK: Anaheim Ducks forward Corey Perry has been suspended for four games, without pay, for elbowing Philadelphia Flyers forward Claude Giroux during the third period of NHL Game #564 Friday night, the National Hockey League announced.

Under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, and based on his average annual salary, Perry will forfeit $114,516.12. The money goes to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.

Perry will miss Anaheim's game against Phoenix Jan. 4, the home-and-home series against Los Angeles Jan. 6 and 8, and versus Tampa Bay Jan. 9. He will be eligible to return Jan. 11 against New Jersey.