ONTARIO, Calif. - For the Reign, they were just two games out of 73.
For Terry Wheaton, the only player in uniform who didn't play either Friday in Bakersfield or Saturday against Las Vegas, it was a dream come true.
The 42-year-old Corona resident knew it would be, almost as soon as he hung up the phone after telling coach Karl Taylor that prior business commitments would prevent him from serving as the team's emergency backup goaltender for the weekend.
"The more I thought about the opportunity," Wheaton said, "I called back and said, `I will be at practice Thursday morning and will reschedule my business meeting.' "
It sounds like a simple choice. But consider that Wheaton, a full-time oil field manager, had to postpone a trip to Libya just to take a few pucks in the chest before each game, then open and close the gate on the Reign bench for 60 minutes. He knew he wouldn't be allowed to see live game action unless starter Kellen Briggs suffered an injury that prevented him from staying in.
Still, once the puck dropped in Bakersfield, with his wife and two children among the 5,525 in attendance, "I had to pinch myself," Wheaton said.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
I guess you are never too old.
I guess this is an example of why you should never stop living your dreams. I would have to say that this is one of those feel good stories. The guy is supposed to go work on a oil field and ends up suiting up as a back up in a professional hockey league. Funny thing is that Wheaton is backing up former Gopher Kellin Briggs.
Doug Risebrough's latest blunder.
Check out the latest comment by Wild General Manager Doug Riesebrough talk about mismanaging a National Hockey League team. No one should wonder why the Wild are floundering and will miss the playoffs this season. Pouliot has been a bust since he has been with the Wild and should have been released.
The Road for the Wild gets even tougher as they will play 14 of 17 games on the road.
The Road for the Wild gets even tougher as they will play 14 of 17 games on the road.
Wild General Manager Doug Risebrough admitted keeping Pouliot on the roster following training camp was "a bad mistake."
"He wasn't ready," Risebrough said. "You get to a point when a player's not succeeding [with the Wild] ... it's better to put him down."
A few things.
There is the latest 4 X 4 by INCH and where INCH has predicted UND will end up in the post season. That would be one tough regional. I can't wait to see how the rest of the season plays out.
This is very good news for college hockey. The NCAA has decided to put reginoalization on hold for now. Lets hope cooler heads will prevail and this thing will get killed and die a slow painful death.
GRAND RAPIDS Midwest Regional 1. Notre Dame --- For a team that didn't lose a game for three months, the Irish's list of marquee wins — Boston College, Minnesota Duluth, Michigan — is surprisingly short.
2.Miami --- The home-and-home series against Ohio State to close the regular season could have some extra heft, don't you think? The RedHawks appear to have shaken their January swoon.
3. North Dakota --- To steal a phrase from ESPN's Chris Berman, nobody circles the wagons like the Sioux. Still, this team isn't that far removed from consecutive losses to Michigan State and Michigan Tech.
4. RIT --- There was a time not that long ago where it was unfathomable to put anyone other than Air Force in as the Atlantic Hockey auto-bid.
This is very good news for college hockey. The NCAA has decided to put reginoalization on hold for now. Lets hope cooler heads will prevail and this thing will get killed and die a slow painful death.
"Regionalization," or the NCAA's cost-cutting restrictions on placement of teams in the NCAA tournament bracket, has been put on hold for one year, according to Steve Cady, chair of the Men's Division I Ice Hockey Committee and associate athletic director at Miami.
Regionalization threatened to cause havoc with the bracket this year, as CHN previously examined in this article here.
The Championships/Sports Management Cabinet is voting this week on whether to make regionalization of brackets something that is mandated across most NCAA sports. If they do, Cady said it wouldn't take hold until next year.
But even then, because of the cooperation the committee received on delaying it until next year, Cady is optimistic that the more drastic regionalization proposals will not be passed, and instead hockey will be allowed its compromise proposal
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
First step in changing the name?
I believe this might be the first step in what some of us fear is coming, the changing of the Fighting Sioux nickname. I am not a fan of changing the name but I don't see how the University of North Dakota keeps the name. Stay tuned;I will keep up with this issue and post anything related to the Fighting Sioux name.
Grand Forks Lawyer to Chair ND Nickname Committee
2/17/2009
A 10-member committee has been formed to consider the future of the University of North Dakota`s Fighting Sioux nickname and logo.
Board of Higher Education member Grant Shaft will chair the group. Shaft is a Grand Forks attorney and former state legislator.
The group`s first meeting has not yet been scheduled.
The panel includes representatives from UND`s student body, members of the Standing Rock and Spirit Lake Sioux tribes and representatives of Sen. Byron Dorgan and Gov. John Hoeven.
The members are Shaft; Ryan Bernstein, Hoeven`s staff attorney; Robert Boyd, a UND vice president; Steve Burian, a UND alumnus who heads a Grand Forks civil engineering and consulting company; and Pam Gulleson, Dorgan`s state director.
Other members are Jody Hodgeson, general manager of the Ralph Engelstad Arena; Standing Rock Sioux tribal member Tom Iron; Spirit Lake reservation resident Erich Longie; UND law student Jeremiah Lunde; and UND student Celeste Melander.
Wild at the Trade dead line.
This is my latest crontibution at the illegal curve. If I was the General Manager for the Minnesota Wild.
3. Minnesota Wild (Courtesy of Eric from Goon’s World)
Needs:
1.) Top line forward: Someone in like Olli Jokinen.
2.) Second line forward: Someone along the lines of a player like Jason Blake.
3.) Another second or third line forward: Or maybe a rent-a-player like Keith Tkachuk. Simply:
The Wild are in dire need of offense and anything would be an improvement.
Who’s Available:
1.) Martin Skoula: This team has an over abundance on defense.
2.) Kim Johnsson: See above.
3.) Marian Gaborik: Wild can’t resign him so the team needs to get whatever they can for Gabby.
3. Minnesota Wild (Courtesy of Eric from Goon’s World)
Needs:
1.) Top line forward: Someone in like Olli Jokinen.
2.) Second line forward: Someone along the lines of a player like Jason Blake.
3.) Another second or third line forward: Or maybe a rent-a-player like Keith Tkachuk. Simply:
The Wild are in dire need of offense and anything would be an improvement.
Who’s Available:
1.) Martin Skoula: This team has an over abundance on defense.
2.) Kim Johnsson: See above.
3.) Marian Gaborik: Wild can’t resign him so the team needs to get whatever they can for Gabby.
Check out this Radio color guy.
A fellow Sioux fan sent me this audio clip. This guys is unbelieve able; it is the Florida Panthers Radio Voice Randy Moller, he sure beats the heck out of some of the various NHL and college hockey announcers. You will the call on a few of Keith Ballards goals.
Television great Rick Jeanneret from the Buffalo Sabres is pretty good as well. The May Day, May Day call is one of my saddest moments. One of my buddy is a Sabres fans and put this call on my answering machine after the series was over.
GM Place to host Olympic hockey.
There have been some questions on whether the 2010 Olympics were to be played on an Olympic sheet of ice or not. It is official that the 2010 games will be at GM place which is an NHL rink.
This will be the first Olympics to be played on a NHL size rink. Personally, I am excited and relieved that we don't have to watch the best hockey players in the game of hockey play on those God awful sheets of ice.
GM Place will host the ice hockey events in the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. These will be the first Olympic games to use NHL sized ice. This decision was made in order to maximize the potential crowds and revenue, instead of building a smaller, temporary venue with the international-size ice surface, as has been done for most other Winter Games. On July 2, 2003, 18,000 came to GM Place to hear the announcement that Vancouver got the games.
CHA is better than the AHA
This blog post is in response to this stupid comment
First off the CHA has been very competative in their 10 year history. The CHA actually had a team, Niagara make the 2000 NCAA tourney as an at large bid. The same can not be said about the AHA. Robert Morris and Niagara University actually have to cut scholarships to join the AHA, the CHA currently allows 18 scholarships the AHA is going to 12 next season. In my opinion that means the teams joining the AHA are taking a step down to join this league.
Record against the big 4.
AHA 11-40-5 (.241)
CCHA 24-24-8 (.500)
CHA 12-34-2 (.271)
ECACHL 20-37-4 (.361)
HEA 33-20-4 (.614)
WCHA 22-18-8 (.542)
The CHA's record versus the AHA is 5-2-1.
"The CHA is a billion times worse than Atlantic Hockey, no one who knows anything about hockey would say otherwise."This comment is so wrong in some many ways that I don't know where to begin? I can't let this stupidity go. Just for the record this comment is in response to a blog post.
First off the CHA has been very competative in their 10 year history. The CHA actually had a team, Niagara make the 2000 NCAA tourney as an at large bid. The same can not be said about the AHA. Robert Morris and Niagara University actually have to cut scholarships to join the AHA, the CHA currently allows 18 scholarships the AHA is going to 12 next season. In my opinion that means the teams joining the AHA are taking a step down to join this league.
Record against the big 4.
AHA 11-40-5 (.241)
CCHA 24-24-8 (.500)
CHA 12-34-2 (.271)
ECACHL 20-37-4 (.361)
HEA 33-20-4 (.614)
WCHA 22-18-8 (.542)
The CHA's record versus the AHA is 5-2-1.
Monday, February 16, 2009
A few things
Check out what Dan Barreiro has to say about the Golden Gophers about six minutes into the broadcast.
Here is what Fiona Quick has to say about Nate Hagemo's return to hockey. Sounds like Hagemo has run into some injury problems.
Who would thought this was possible? I got this from Fiona Quick's twitter. It kind of makes you wonder what the deal is? Why is it that Frazee isn't good enough to play with the Minnesota Gophers but is able to get it going with the Lowell Devils.
Former Fighting Sioux Star Zach Parise was named the first star of the week by the NHL.
Bruins Forward Michael Ryder has returned to practice after after having facial surgery. Ryder usually skates on a line with Blake Wheeler and David David
Here is what Fiona Quick has to say about Nate Hagemo's return to hockey. Sounds like Hagemo has run into some injury problems.
Nate Hagemo had two goals and two assists in 10 games with the Amarillo Gorillas and was considered one of their top defensemen when he was checked awkwardly into the end boards by Mississippi’s Brad Bonello during a game on December 20th. Hagemo reportedly was on the ice for some time before being assisted to the locker room. Hagemo suffered neck and back injuries, including a herniated lumbar disc. He was cleared to play by Amarillo's doctors in mid-January and placed on waivers and immediately claimed by the Tulsa Oilers but failed their physical so the transaction was canceled and he has been sent back to Amarillo until he can be cleared to play. He has been attempting a comeback this season following trouble with substance abuse and multiple arrests. Hagemo was told he may not recover from a previous shoulder injury but this new injury does not involve the shoulder. He is contributing to every off-ice event for the Gorillas, visiting schools and hospitals and helping in the team offices, while working on his rehabilitation hoping to avoid surgery.
Who would thought this was possible? I got this from Fiona Quick's twitter. It kind of makes you wonder what the deal is? Why is it that Frazee isn't good enough to play with the Minnesota Gophers but is able to get it going with the Lowell Devils.
Jeff Frazee, is now tied for fifth in the AHL with 20 wins (20-9-4) 2.59 Goals Against Average and .923 Save Percentage
Former Fighting Sioux Star Zach Parise was named the first star of the week by the NHL.
Bruins Forward Michael Ryder has returned to practice after after having facial surgery. Ryder usually skates on a line with Blake Wheeler and David David
Ryder, clipped by Antoine Vermette's stick 10 days ago in Ottawa, said he initially feared he suffered eye damage. His eye turned out to be fine--despite a couple of days of blurred vision--but Vermette's stick broke both nose cartilage and the sinus bone.
Derrick LaPoint out for the year. (Moron of the week)
All Sioux fans know Sioux defense man Derrick LaPoint is out for the remainder of the season with a broken leg. LaPoint is a good defenseman that plays the game straight up and clean. Goon's World would like to wish Derrick Lapoint a speedy recovery and hope to see you back next season.
I watched the tape of the incident and yikes I have to feel for Derrick. The video shows him laying on the ice and he tries to get up look at his leg and just lays back down. LaPoint is a lot braver than I am.
Moron of the Week
Here is my candidate for 'Moron of the week' it was posted over on the Badgers hockey blog and it's too bad we don't get to know who this anonymous Skippy is so we can expose him. I like how people have all the balls in the world when they can sit behind a fake screen name and say vile stuff like this. This person is a real piece of work. It almost makes me want to change this weekly award to douche bag of the week. So as long as it is a Sioux player this is fine with this clown. (clip to the incident) Way to stay classy.
I watched the tape of the incident and yikes I have to feel for Derrick. The video shows him laying on the ice and he tries to get up look at his leg and just lays back down. LaPoint is a lot braver than I am.
(read the whole story here) UND sophomore defenseman Derrick LaPoint will miss the rest of the season with a broken tibia and fibula, an injury he suffered during Saturday night’s 4-3 win over Minnesota State-Mankato.
The injury occurred midway through the first period when Mankato forward Trevor Bruess took LaPoint into the end wall with a hit from behind. LaPoint’s ankle rolled up and both bones were cleanly broken.
He was carted off on a stretcher and taken to the hospital. LaPoint had successful surgery Sunday morning.
Moron of the Week
Here is my candidate for 'Moron of the week' it was posted over on the Badgers hockey blog and it's too bad we don't get to know who this anonymous Skippy is so we can expose him. I like how people have all the balls in the world when they can sit behind a fake screen name and say vile stuff like this. This person is a real piece of work. It almost makes me want to change this weekly award to douche bag of the week. So as long as it is a Sioux player this is fine with this clown. (clip to the incident) Way to stay classy.
Anonymous said...
I can't feel much sympathy for an Sioux player, regardless of where they are from originally.
February 15, 2009 9:40 PM
Poll Monday (Happy Presidents Day)
USCHO.com/CBS College Sports Division I Men's Poll
February 16, 2009
Team (First Place Votes) Record Points Last Poll
1 Boston University (44) 23-5-2 993 1
2 Notre Dame ( 6) 23-5-3 945 2
3 Michigan 23-9-0 905 4
4 Northeastern 20-8-2 815 3
5 Miami 18-8-4 783 7
6 Vermont 17-7-4 731 5
7 Yale 19-5-1 677 10
8 Denver 17-9-4 659 8
9 North Dakota 18-11-3 564 11
10 Princeton 18-7-0 560 9
11 Cornell 15-6-4 495 6
12 New Hampshire 14-9-5 420 12
13 Wisconsin 16-11-3 404 13
14 Minnesota 13-9-6 371 14
15 Minnesota-Duluth 15-9-6 256 17
16 Ohio State 18-10-4 211 16
17 Boston College 13-10-5 177 15
18 Colorado College 14-9-8 167 18
19 St. Cloud State 17-13-2 101 NR
20 St. Lawrence 16-11-3 92 NR
Others Receiving Votes: Dartmouth 91, Mass.-Lowell 21, RIT 18,
February 16, 2009
Team (First Place Votes) Record Points Last Poll
1 Boston University (44) 23-5-2 993 1
2 Notre Dame ( 6) 23-5-3 945 2
3 Michigan 23-9-0 905 4
4 Northeastern 20-8-2 815 3
5 Miami 18-8-4 783 7
6 Vermont 17-7-4 731 5
7 Yale 19-5-1 677 10
8 Denver 17-9-4 659 8
9 North Dakota 18-11-3 564 11
10 Princeton 18-7-0 560 9
11 Cornell 15-6-4 495 6
12 New Hampshire 14-9-5 420 12
13 Wisconsin 16-11-3 404 13
14 Minnesota 13-9-6 371 14
15 Minnesota-Duluth 15-9-6 256 17
16 Ohio State 18-10-4 211 16
17 Boston College 13-10-5 177 15
18 Colorado College 14-9-8 167 18
19 St. Cloud State 17-13-2 101 NR
20 St. Lawrence 16-11-3 92 NR
Others Receiving Votes: Dartmouth 91, Mass.-Lowell 21, RIT 18,
Air Force 16, Nebraska-Omaha 12, Alaska 5, Colgate 5,
Massachusetts 4, Alaska-Anchorage 2
--------
USA TODAY/USA Hockey men's poll
Feb. 16, 2009
Rank School (first-place votes) Record Points Last week
1 Boston University (31) 23-5-2 507 1
2 Notre Dame (3) 23-5-3 473 3
3 Michigan 23-9-0 448 4
4 Miami (Ohio) 18-8-4 391 6
5 Northeastern 20-8-2 369 2
6 Vermont 17-7-4 331 5
7 Yale 19-5-1 296 10
8 Denver 17-9-4 285 8
9 North Dakota 18-11-3 235 11
10 Princeton 18-7-0 205 9
11 Cornell 15-6-4 151 7
12 New Hampshire 14-9-5 133 12
13 Wisconsin 16-11-3 109 13
14 Minnesota 13-9-6 85 14
15 Ohio State 18-10-4 21 NR
Others receiving votes: University of Minnesota Duluth, 16; Colorado College, 12; Boston College, 7; Rochester Institute of Technology, 3; St. Lawrence University, 3.
--------
USA TODAY/USA Hockey men's poll
Feb. 16, 2009
Rank School (first-place votes) Record Points Last week
1 Boston University (31) 23-5-2 507 1
2 Notre Dame (3) 23-5-3 473 3
3 Michigan 23-9-0 448 4
4 Miami (Ohio) 18-8-4 391 6
5 Northeastern 20-8-2 369 2
6 Vermont 17-7-4 331 5
7 Yale 19-5-1 296 10
8 Denver 17-9-4 285 8
9 North Dakota 18-11-3 235 11
10 Princeton 18-7-0 205 9
11 Cornell 15-6-4 151 7
12 New Hampshire 14-9-5 133 12
13 Wisconsin 16-11-3 109 13
14 Minnesota 13-9-6 85 14
15 Ohio State 18-10-4 21 NR
Others receiving votes: University of Minnesota Duluth, 16; Colorado College, 12; Boston College, 7; Rochester Institute of Technology, 3; St. Lawrence University, 3.
INCH Power Rankings & Randomness
1. Boston University
2. Notre Dame
3. Michigan
4. Miami
5. Northeastern
6. Vermont
7. North Dakota
8. Denver
9. Yale
10. Princeton
11. Wisconsin
12. Cornell
13. New Hampshire
14. Minnesota
15. Ohio State
16. Minnesota Duluth
17. Colorado College
18. Boston College
19. St. Cloud State
20. St. Lawrence
Dropped out: Air Force, Niagara
Bubble-licious: Air Force, Dartmouth, RIT, Niagara, UMass Lowell
Analysis
First off happy president's day holiday. I guess I am almost shocked that UMD isn't higher in the INCH power rankings. After being out of the top ten most of the season UND has made it back.
I found this great quote in the Wild beat writer's Russo's Rant this morning some good stuff here.
2. Notre Dame
3. Michigan
4. Miami
5. Northeastern
6. Vermont
7. North Dakota
8. Denver
9. Yale
10. Princeton
11. Wisconsin
12. Cornell
13. New Hampshire
14. Minnesota
15. Ohio State
16. Minnesota Duluth
17. Colorado College
18. Boston College
19. St. Cloud State
20. St. Lawrence
Dropped out: Air Force, Niagara
Bubble-licious: Air Force, Dartmouth, RIT, Niagara, UMass Lowell
Analysis
First off happy president's day holiday. I guess I am almost shocked that UMD isn't higher in the INCH power rankings. After being out of the top ten most of the season UND has made it back.
I found this great quote in the Wild beat writer's Russo's Rant this morning some good stuff here.
attended the Gophers-Alaska Anchorage game last night. Just a bad hockey game. I was sitting with Senators GM Bryan Murray and assistant GM Tim Murray in the third, and Tim Murray said (and he said I can print this), “If anybody ever says again that the NHL should go to bigger rinks, come watch a bad college game.”
Of course the rodent fans are going to take issue with Russo but I think the big ice sucks because it takes some of the hitting out of the game and actually slows the game down. On a smaller sheet of ice the game comes at you faster. Go to the DECC and watch a game, the action is ussually fast and furious. I like a lot of other NHL fans think the olympic sheet of ice God awful, thank God the 2010 olympics in Vancover will be at GM place which has NHL ice.
REA tough place to play.
Check out this video that I found on Youtube, it would appear that the REA is becoming a very hostile place for opposing players.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Another weekend another incident.
Greg Shepherd was to attend both games this weekend at REA in case something out of the ordinary occurred in this weekend's series between the Mavericks and the Sioux. Well it happened again, color me surprised.
At the end of last night's game between UND and MSU-M Maverick player Geoff Irwin broke his carbon fiber stick slashing Darcy Zajac. In reviewing the replay WDAZ/Channel 23 did not catch the slash on film you can hear the stick being broken over Zajac on the tape. This is straight out of the federal league on slap shot and is utter bravo sierra. There is no room for that type of a reaction in ANY LEAGUE this is totally unacceptable, this wasn't a bow tie cross check this was a full swing tomahawk chop with a hockey stick. If that was the NHL it would be a minimum of two games. Lucky for Irwin the linesman Nate Freeman was able to rescue him before Zajac could exact his pound of flesh.
If Mullen was suspended by DU coach George Gwozdecky for his slash on UMD's Mike Connolly, this has to be a at least a 1-2 game suspension and it is time for Troy Jutting to man up and admit his player was wrong.
At the end of last night's game between UND and MSU-M Maverick player Geoff Irwin broke his carbon fiber stick slashing Darcy Zajac. In reviewing the replay WDAZ/Channel 23 did not catch the slash on film you can hear the stick being broken over Zajac on the tape. This is straight out of the federal league on slap shot and is utter bravo sierra. There is no room for that type of a reaction in ANY LEAGUE this is totally unacceptable, this wasn't a bow tie cross check this was a full swing tomahawk chop with a hockey stick. If that was the NHL it would be a minimum of two games. Lucky for Irwin the linesman Nate Freeman was able to rescue him before Zajac could exact his pound of flesh.
If Mullen was suspended by DU coach George Gwozdecky for his slash on UMD's Mike Connolly, this has to be a at least a 1-2 game suspension and it is time for Troy Jutting to man up and admit his player was wrong.
Scores from 2-14-2009.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Atlantic Hockey
American Int'l 1 at Canisius 5
Mercyhurst 7 at Connecticut 4
Air Force 1 at Bentley 4
RIT 3 at Holy Cross 1
Sacred Heart 1 at Army 3
Analysis
Yawn!
CCHA
Ohio State 1 at Michigan State 2
Nebraska-Omaha 2 at Michigan 4
Northern Michigan 2 at Notre Dame 5
Alaska 4 at Western Michigan 3
Miami 4 at Lake Superior 0
Ferris State 1 at Bowling Green 3
Analysis
No shootouts in the CCHA last night. Notre Dame keeps rolling along. Miami with the shut out.
CHA
Niagara 1 at Alabama-Huntsville 3
Bemidji State 0 at Robert Morris 3
Analysis
Big conference win for UAH. Bob Morris beats BSU, but don't worry BSU and RMU will play a few more against each other before the season is over.
ECAC
Cornell 2 at Harvard 4
Clarkson 3 at Quinnipiac 5
Yale 4 at Rensselaer 1
Colgate 1 at Dartmouth 0
St. Lawrence 3 at Princeton 1
Brown 1 at Union 3
Analysis
EZAC teams Cornell and Princeton are falling in the Pair Wise Rankings faster than a prom dress at an after prom party. This is what happens when your teams plays a small number of out of conference teams and then play conference games against the weak sisters of the poor each week. What is even worse is when your team loses to the weak sisters of the poor.
Hockey East
Boston College 4 at Mass.-Lowell 4 ot
Massachusetts 4 at Northeastern 1
Boston University 2 at Maine 2 ot
Vermont 4 at Merrimack 3
New Hampshire 4 at Providence 2
Analysis
Maine gets a point after getting run out of the building the night before by BU.
WCHA
Michigan Tech 2 at St. Cloud State 4
Minnesota State 3 at North Dakota 4
Alaska-Anchorage 2 at Minnesota 4
Analysis
Minnesota finally wins after not winning in 5 games. Make that the first place Sioux; UND defenseman Chay Genoway skated the puck from the end to end and fired a puck at Mankato goalie Mike Zacharias. The rebound deflected to the left to Gregoire, who put it in. North Dakota is tied with Wisconsin for the lowest goals against in league play. Hum, it appears that UND doesn't have too many issues with defense and goaltending.
Atlantic Hockey
American Int'l 1 at Canisius 5
Mercyhurst 7 at Connecticut 4
Air Force 1 at Bentley 4
RIT 3 at Holy Cross 1
Sacred Heart 1 at Army 3
Analysis
Yawn!
CCHA
Ohio State 1 at Michigan State 2
Nebraska-Omaha 2 at Michigan 4
Northern Michigan 2 at Notre Dame 5
Alaska 4 at Western Michigan 3
Miami 4 at Lake Superior 0
Ferris State 1 at Bowling Green 3
Analysis
No shootouts in the CCHA last night. Notre Dame keeps rolling along. Miami with the shut out.
CHA
Niagara 1 at Alabama-Huntsville 3
Bemidji State 0 at Robert Morris 3
Analysis
Big conference win for UAH. Bob Morris beats BSU, but don't worry BSU and RMU will play a few more against each other before the season is over.
ECAC
Cornell 2 at Harvard 4
Clarkson 3 at Quinnipiac 5
Yale 4 at Rensselaer 1
Colgate 1 at Dartmouth 0
St. Lawrence 3 at Princeton 1
Brown 1 at Union 3
Analysis
EZAC teams Cornell and Princeton are falling in the Pair Wise Rankings faster than a prom dress at an after prom party. This is what happens when your teams plays a small number of out of conference teams and then play conference games against the weak sisters of the poor each week. What is even worse is when your team loses to the weak sisters of the poor.
Hockey East
Boston College 4 at Mass.-Lowell 4 ot
Massachusetts 4 at Northeastern 1
Boston University 2 at Maine 2 ot
Vermont 4 at Merrimack 3
New Hampshire 4 at Providence 2
Analysis
Maine gets a point after getting run out of the building the night before by BU.
WCHA
Michigan Tech 2 at St. Cloud State 4
Minnesota State 3 at North Dakota 4
Alaska-Anchorage 2 at Minnesota 4
Analysis
Minnesota finally wins after not winning in 5 games. Make that the first place Sioux; UND defenseman Chay Genoway skated the puck from the end to end and fired a puck at Mankato goalie Mike Zacharias. The rebound deflected to the left to Gregoire, who put it in. North Dakota is tied with Wisconsin for the lowest goals against in league play. Hum, it appears that UND doesn't have too many issues with defense and goaltending.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Sioux 4 Purple Cows 3
First off I hope that Derrick LaPoint has a speedy recovery. From the video and the picture that I saw of the injury it does not look good for LaPoint. Derrick LaPoint has made some great strides in his development this season and has played pretty well after having a little bit of a tough start. The Fighting Sioux hockey team will miss LaPoint on the blue line.
This was a hard fought game between two teams that really don't like each other all that much. While I do like watching the Sioux and Mavericks play I don't like some of the antics that I saw this weekend. Trevor Buress needs to learn some respect for his fellow competitors, IF this kid ever makes it to the next level he is going to get it handed to him if he doesn't learn to play a little cleaner game.
I have no problem with players that play hard and get into an occasional fight but if you watch the NHL you don't see too many the NHL goon's doing the bush league moves Buress does on a nightly basis because eventually someone come calling and you have to pay the piper. What I say from Buress on Friday night was disgusting, that bush league leg check on Chay Genoway could have ended Chay's season. To Chay's credit he was able to get out of the way Buress in the nick of time and didn't absorb much of a dirty leg on leg check. I don't think I have seen Derick Boogaard or Milan Lucic try to leg check an oppostion player intentionally.
While I think UND was the better team this weekend I am not so sure I want the Sioux to see the Mavericks again this season. Hopefully the Mavericks move up so the Sioux don't have to play them until maybe St Paul.
The Mavericks are pretty fast and have a good amount of talent through the forward lines. Defensively, I think the Mavericks are a little small and they get caught up ice quite a bit but Mike Zacharias is an awesome goaltender and saved their bacon a lot this weekend. If it wasn't for Zacharias the score might have been more lopsided in UND's favor both nights.
Finally it was fun to talk to a few of the people from Mankato this weekend, they traveled pretty well. It was fun to meet Dan Myers and his girl friend and also talk to Heather and Amy as well. Amy wanted me to wear a purple cow jersey to the game tonight but I don't think I could ever wear any thing that is purple in color let alone a purple hockey jersey. I just don't know if purple is my color. Last time I owned anything with purple the Viking's quarter back took a knee and a field goal kicker missed an easy field goal, yeah so much for the 15-1 season. I actually threw my Viking's hat out after that day.
I would like to wish everyone a happy Valentine's Day.
Box Score
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1st Period (20:00)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MNS-1 James Gaulrapp (2-Holding) NDK 0x1 3:34
NDK-1 Brad Malone (2-Hooking) MNS 1x1 10:31
NDK-2 Joe Finley (2-Cross-Checking) MNS 1x2 11:46
MNS 1 - 0 6x4 PP Geoff Irwin (10) (Kael Mouillierat, Kurt Davis) 11:57
MNS: 19,9,22,23,21,G1 NDK: 20,11,5,G31
MNS-2 Rylan Galiardi (2-Holding) NDK 0x2 13:00
MNS-3 BENCH (2-TOO MANY PLAYERS ON ICE) (Served by Justin Jokinen) NDK 0x3 15:14
MNS-4 Jason Wiley (2-High-Sticking) NDK 0x4 17:32
NDK 1 - 1 6x6 Matt Watkins (5) (Andrew Kozek, Darcy Zajac) 19:57
NDK (+): 20,10,11,2,25,G31 MNS (-): 5,12,17,18,20,G1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2nd Period (20:00)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MNS-5 Rylan Galiardi (2-Holding) NDK 1x5 1:02
NDK 2 - 1 6x5 PP Ryan Duncan (13) (Chris VandeVelde, Ryan Martens) 1:53
NDK: 16,29,8,14,25,G31 MNS: 19,5,15,17,G1
MNS-6 Cameron Cooper (2-Roughing) NDK 1x6 2:05
NDK-3 Jason Gregoire (2-Interference) MNS 1x3 3:07
MNS-7 Andrew Sackrison (2-Tripping) NDK 1x7 9:58
MNS-8 Rylan Galiardi (2-High-Sticking) NDK 1x8 15:40
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3rd Period (20:00)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MNS 2 - 2 6x6 Geoff Irwin (11) (Kael Mouillierat) 0:53
MNS (+): 19,9,17,23,3,G1 NDK (-): 14,20,2,8,11,G31
NDK-4 Chay Genoway (2-Interference) MNS 1x4 1:34
MNS-9 Blake Friesen (2-Hooking) NDK 1x9 8:52
MNS 3 - 2 5x6 SH Trevor Bruess (11) (Kael Mouillierat, Ben Youds) 10:47
MNS (+): 23,9,5,3,G1 NDK (-): 2,17,21,19,5,G31
MNS-10 Brian Kilburg (2-Interference) NDK 2x10 12:58
NDK 3 - 3 6x5 PP Chris VandeVelde (10) (Ryan Martens, Ryan Duncan) 13:40
NDK: 14,8,16,29,25,G31 MNS: 10,18,5,17,G1
MNS-11 Mike Louwerse (2-Roughing) 15:46
NDK-5 Evan Trupp (2-Roughing) 15:46
NDK 4 - 3 5x5 GW LL Jason Gregoire (11) (Chay Genoway, Jake Marto) 17:08
NDK (+): 17,5,25,16,G31 MNS (-): 19,4,20,22,G1
Timeout - Minnesota State 19:56
MNS-12 Geoff Irwin (2-Roughing) 20:00
MNS-13 Geoff Irwin (5-Slashing) 20:00
NDK-6 Darcy Zajac (2-Roughing) 20:00
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
End of Game
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This was a hard fought game between two teams that really don't like each other all that much. While I do like watching the Sioux and Mavericks play I don't like some of the antics that I saw this weekend. Trevor Buress needs to learn some respect for his fellow competitors, IF this kid ever makes it to the next level he is going to get it handed to him if he doesn't learn to play a little cleaner game.
I have no problem with players that play hard and get into an occasional fight but if you watch the NHL you don't see too many the NHL goon's doing the bush league moves Buress does on a nightly basis because eventually someone come calling and you have to pay the piper. What I say from Buress on Friday night was disgusting, that bush league leg check on Chay Genoway could have ended Chay's season. To Chay's credit he was able to get out of the way Buress in the nick of time and didn't absorb much of a dirty leg on leg check. I don't think I have seen Derick Boogaard or Milan Lucic try to leg check an oppostion player intentionally.
While I think UND was the better team this weekend I am not so sure I want the Sioux to see the Mavericks again this season. Hopefully the Mavericks move up so the Sioux don't have to play them until maybe St Paul.
The Mavericks are pretty fast and have a good amount of talent through the forward lines. Defensively, I think the Mavericks are a little small and they get caught up ice quite a bit but Mike Zacharias is an awesome goaltender and saved their bacon a lot this weekend. If it wasn't for Zacharias the score might have been more lopsided in UND's favor both nights.
Finally it was fun to talk to a few of the people from Mankato this weekend, they traveled pretty well. It was fun to meet Dan Myers and his girl friend and also talk to Heather and Amy as well. Amy wanted me to wear a purple cow jersey to the game tonight but I don't think I could ever wear any thing that is purple in color let alone a purple hockey jersey. I just don't know if purple is my color. Last time I owned anything with purple the Viking's quarter back took a knee and a field goal kicker missed an easy field goal, yeah so much for the 15-1 season. I actually threw my Viking's hat out after that day.
I would like to wish everyone a happy Valentine's Day.
Box Score
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1st Period (20:00)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MNS-1 James Gaulrapp (2-Holding) NDK 0x1 3:34
NDK-1 Brad Malone (2-Hooking) MNS 1x1 10:31
NDK-2 Joe Finley (2-Cross-Checking) MNS 1x2 11:46
MNS 1 - 0 6x4 PP Geoff Irwin (10) (Kael Mouillierat, Kurt Davis) 11:57
MNS: 19,9,22,23,21,G1 NDK: 20,11,5,G31
MNS-2 Rylan Galiardi (2-Holding) NDK 0x2 13:00
MNS-3 BENCH (2-TOO MANY PLAYERS ON ICE) (Served by Justin Jokinen) NDK 0x3 15:14
MNS-4 Jason Wiley (2-High-Sticking) NDK 0x4 17:32
NDK 1 - 1 6x6 Matt Watkins (5) (Andrew Kozek, Darcy Zajac) 19:57
NDK (+): 20,10,11,2,25,G31 MNS (-): 5,12,17,18,20,G1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2nd Period (20:00)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MNS-5 Rylan Galiardi (2-Holding) NDK 1x5 1:02
NDK 2 - 1 6x5 PP Ryan Duncan (13) (Chris VandeVelde, Ryan Martens) 1:53
NDK: 16,29,8,14,25,G31 MNS: 19,5,15,17,G1
MNS-6 Cameron Cooper (2-Roughing) NDK 1x6 2:05
NDK-3 Jason Gregoire (2-Interference) MNS 1x3 3:07
MNS-7 Andrew Sackrison (2-Tripping) NDK 1x7 9:58
MNS-8 Rylan Galiardi (2-High-Sticking) NDK 1x8 15:40
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3rd Period (20:00)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MNS 2 - 2 6x6 Geoff Irwin (11) (Kael Mouillierat) 0:53
MNS (+): 19,9,17,23,3,G1 NDK (-): 14,20,2,8,11,G31
NDK-4 Chay Genoway (2-Interference) MNS 1x4 1:34
MNS-9 Blake Friesen (2-Hooking) NDK 1x9 8:52
MNS 3 - 2 5x6 SH Trevor Bruess (11) (Kael Mouillierat, Ben Youds) 10:47
MNS (+): 23,9,5,3,G1 NDK (-): 2,17,21,19,5,G31
MNS-10 Brian Kilburg (2-Interference) NDK 2x10 12:58
NDK 3 - 3 6x5 PP Chris VandeVelde (10) (Ryan Martens, Ryan Duncan) 13:40
NDK: 14,8,16,29,25,G31 MNS: 10,18,5,17,G1
MNS-11 Mike Louwerse (2-Roughing) 15:46
NDK-5 Evan Trupp (2-Roughing) 15:46
NDK 4 - 3 5x5 GW LL Jason Gregoire (11) (Chay Genoway, Jake Marto) 17:08
NDK (+): 17,5,25,16,G31 MNS (-): 19,4,20,22,G1
Timeout - Minnesota State 19:56
MNS-12 Geoff Irwin (2-Roughing) 20:00
MNS-13 Geoff Irwin (5-Slashing) 20:00
NDK-6 Darcy Zajac (2-Roughing) 20:00
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End of Game
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Region of Death III.
Jason Moy has his latest Bracket Prediction up at USCHO.COM and talk about another bracket of death much like the 2006 REA regional, but also the 2007 Denver Regional.
West Regional (Minneapolis)
13 North Dakota vs. 3 Michigan (What, again?)
11 Minnesota-Duluth vs. 5 Northeastern
West Regional (Minneapolis)
13 North Dakota vs. 3 Michigan (What, again?)
11 Minnesota-Duluth vs. 5 Northeastern
Scores from February 13, 2009
Friday, February 13, 2009
Atlantic Hockey
Army 4 at Sacred Heart 3
Mercyhurst 6 at Connecticut 3
Air Force 3 at Bentley 2
RIT 6 at Holy Cross 0
American Int'l 0 at Canisius 3
CCHA
Ohio State 1 at Michigan State 1 ot: MSU wins shootout
Miami 2 at Lake Superior 1
Ferris State 3 at Bowling Green 2
Nebraska-Omaha 3 at Michigan 8
Northern Michigan 5 at Notre Dame 9
Alaska 0 at Western Michigan 3
CHA
Niagara 4 at Alabama-Huntsville 2
ECAC
Cornell 4 at Dartmouth 5 ot
Clarkson 3 at Princeton 5
Brown 3 at Rensselaer 4
Colgate 2 at Harvard 3
St. Lawrence 4 at Quinnipiac 3 ot
Yale 4 at Union 2
Hockey East
Northeastern 5 at Massachusetts 3
Boston University 7 at Maine 2
Vermont 2 at Merrimack 3
Providence 4 at New Hampshire 4 ot
Mass.-Lowell 6 at Boston College 0
Analysis
If the NCAA playoffs started today the defending NCAA champ the Boston College Eagles would be out of the NCAA tourney. Boston College goalie John Muse has not been impressive this season here is the line on Muse 13-10-4 GAA 2.89 SV% 0.899. Boston University's rolled again as Colin Wilson has three goals and an assist for a four point game for the Terriers.
WCHA
Michigan Tech 2 at St. Cloud State 3
Alaska-Anchorage 2 at Minnesota 2 ot
Minnesota State 1 at North Dakota 4
Denver 3 at Colorado College 3 ot
Analysis
Colorado College watched their 3-2 lead against DU dissolved in the third period. With the Tie the Tigers keep the Gold Pan. Minnesota found out that Alaska isn't going to go quietly into the night as the Seawolves had to score a goal to secure a tie in the game. Also, Gopher forward Jay Barriball missed a chance to win the game in over time.
Another brawl that's not UND's fault...
It's seems that it just isn't the WCHA league games that scrums, fight and incidents happen in. Check out Adam Wodon's description of what happened between Maine and BU last night. Hockey is a very fast emotional game and fights are going to happen from time to time.
Atlantic Hockey
Army 4 at Sacred Heart 3
Mercyhurst 6 at Connecticut 3
Air Force 3 at Bentley 2
RIT 6 at Holy Cross 0
American Int'l 0 at Canisius 3
CCHA
Ohio State 1 at Michigan State 1 ot: MSU wins shootout
Miami 2 at Lake Superior 1
Ferris State 3 at Bowling Green 2
Nebraska-Omaha 3 at Michigan 8
Northern Michigan 5 at Notre Dame 9
Alaska 0 at Western Michigan 3
CHA
Niagara 4 at Alabama-Huntsville 2
ECAC
Cornell 4 at Dartmouth 5 ot
Clarkson 3 at Princeton 5
Brown 3 at Rensselaer 4
Colgate 2 at Harvard 3
St. Lawrence 4 at Quinnipiac 3 ot
Yale 4 at Union 2
Hockey East
Northeastern 5 at Massachusetts 3
Boston University 7 at Maine 2
Vermont 2 at Merrimack 3
Providence 4 at New Hampshire 4 ot
Mass.-Lowell 6 at Boston College 0
Analysis
If the NCAA playoffs started today the defending NCAA champ the Boston College Eagles would be out of the NCAA tourney. Boston College goalie John Muse has not been impressive this season here is the line on Muse 13-10-4 GAA 2.89 SV% 0.899. Boston University's rolled again as Colin Wilson has three goals and an assist for a four point game for the Terriers.
WCHA
Michigan Tech 2 at St. Cloud State 3
Alaska-Anchorage 2 at Minnesota 2 ot
Minnesota State 1 at North Dakota 4
Denver 3 at Colorado College 3 ot
Analysis
Colorado College watched their 3-2 lead against DU dissolved in the third period. With the Tie the Tigers keep the Gold Pan. Minnesota found out that Alaska isn't going to go quietly into the night as the Seawolves had to score a goal to secure a tie in the game. Also, Gopher forward Jay Barriball missed a chance to win the game in over time.
Another brawl that's not UND's fault...
It's seems that it just isn't the WCHA league games that scrums, fight and incidents happen in. Check out Adam Wodon's description of what happened between Maine and BU last night. Hockey is a very fast emotional game and fights are going to happen from time to time.
Then the other stuff started. ... At 8:21, Will O'Neill, who had just scored, got into it with Wilson. Wilson only got two for roughing, but O'Neill got a fighting major and Game DQ. Fifty seconds later, Maine's Mike Branwell was called for spearing on BU's Brandon Yip, and also got a Game DQ. Yip received a double minor. ... After Kevin Shattenkirk's goal making it 7-2, things got even worse. At 14:12, Maine's Jeff Dimmen was cited for a hit from behind, which BU's Brian Strait took exception to, leading to a fight between the two. Both were ejected and given Game DQs. Finally, at 18:20, BU's Eric Gryba and Maine's Jeffrey Marshall got into a scrap, but "only" got roughing minors and 10-minute misconducts. ... That's three game disqualifications for Maine, in case you lost count, meaning those three players must sit Saturday's rematch. ... “That’s not what we’re about and there’s no excuse for that,” said Maine coach Tim Whitehead about the three DQs.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Sioux 4 - Purple Cows 1
The Fighting Sioux's road to the NCAA tourney is not going to be a gimme or a slam dunk, they are going to have to work for it. The Fighting Sioux must keep winning if they want to play past the WCHA playoffs. Tonight was the first step in the right direction on a long road. The road to the NCAA playoffs doesn't get easier and the Mavericks will come out tomorrow guns blazing. The Sioux must be ready and can't take a shift off, they must play a complete disciplined game like they did tonight. If the Fighting Sioux can continue their pace and their current path they could very well finish a top of the WCHA. Tomorrow night the Sioux can not get wrapped up in the after the whistle bravo sierra.
The effort tonight was impressive as the Fighting Sioux out worked, out hustled and pretty much had their way with the Mavericks tonight. If it wasn't for Mike Zacharias the score could have been 10-1. The Fighting Sioux had the Mavericks on their heals all night and improved their record to 9-1-1 in the last 11 games against the Minnesota State University Mavericks.
Tonight I was even more impressed with the play of LGM's favorite Sioux player Big Joe Finley who had missed 16 games at the beginning of the season with a head injury. Big Joe has come back to the line up and been a major force on the blue line. I would have to say that the last three series Big Joe has taken a big leadership role on the ice for the Fighting Sioux.
Brad Miller was impressive with his two goals on the evening. It nice to see Miller chipping in after missing many games the first three years of his UND hockey career. There will be more tomorrow, I have to work in the morning.
Box Score
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1st Period (20:00)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MNS-1 Zach Harrison (2-Interference) NDK 0x1 0:16
NDK-1 Brett Hextall (2-Roughing) MNS 0x1 8:52
NDK-2 Matt Watkins (2-Boarding) MNS 0x2 9:38
MNS-2 James Gaulrapp (2-Hooking) NDK 1x2 14:39
NDK 1 - 0 6x5 PP LL Brad Miller (5) (Jake Marto, Ryan Duncan) 15:26
NDK: 14,25,16,26,29,G31 MNS: 19,12,17,5,G1
MNS-3 Nick Canzanello (2-Holding) NDK 2x3 17:40
MNS-4 Trevor Bruess (2-Kneeing) NDK 2x4 19:32
NDK 2 - 0 6x4 PP GW Brad Miller (6) (Brett Hextall, Chris VandeVelde) 19:39
NDK: 14,26,29,16,5,G31 MNS: 4,19,22,G1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2nd Period (20:00)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MNS-5 Trevor Bruess (2-Boarding) NDK 2x5 1:47
NDK 3 - 0 6x6 Evan Trupp (6) (unassisted) 6:05
NDK (+): 29,21,19,24,14,G31 MNS (-): 5,12,16,3,20,G1
NDK-3 Matt Watkins (2-Tripping) MNS 0x3 9:06
MNS-6 Cameron Cooper (2-Interference) NDK 2x6 13:57
NDK-4 Darcy Zajac (2-Interference) MNS 0x4 18:14
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3rd Period (20:00)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MNS-7 Trevor Bruess (2-High-Sticking) NDK 2x7 0:30
MNS 1 - 3 5x6 SH Geoff Irwin (9) (unassisted) 0:59
MNS (+): 19,22,4,15,G1 NDK (-): 17,21,8,19,5,G31
NDK-5 Brad Malone (2-Unsportsmanlike Conduct) MNS 0x5 3:58
NDK 4 - 1 6x6 Andrew Kozek (7) (Joe Finley, Brad Malone) 10:28
NDK (+): 10,2,22,5,9,G31 MNS (-): 18,15,10,2,17,G1
NDK-6 Matt Frattin (2-Hooking) MNS 0x6 11:08
MNS-8 Nick Canzanello (2-Roughing) 18:57
MNS-9 Nick Canzanello (2-Roughing) 18:57
MNS-10 Ben Youds (5-High-Sticking) 18:57
NDK-7 Mario Lamoureux (2-Roughing) 18:57
NDK-8 Mario Lamoureux (2-Roughing) 18:57
NDK-9 Brad Malone (2-Unsportsmanlike Conduct) 18:57
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
End of Game
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The effort tonight was impressive as the Fighting Sioux out worked, out hustled and pretty much had their way with the Mavericks tonight. If it wasn't for Mike Zacharias the score could have been 10-1. The Fighting Sioux had the Mavericks on their heals all night and improved their record to 9-1-1 in the last 11 games against the Minnesota State University Mavericks.
Tonight I was even more impressed with the play of LGM's favorite Sioux player Big Joe Finley who had missed 16 games at the beginning of the season with a head injury. Big Joe has come back to the line up and been a major force on the blue line. I would have to say that the last three series Big Joe has taken a big leadership role on the ice for the Fighting Sioux.
Brad Miller was impressive with his two goals on the evening. It nice to see Miller chipping in after missing many games the first three years of his UND hockey career. There will be more tomorrow, I have to work in the morning.
Box Score
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1st Period (20:00)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MNS-1 Zach Harrison (2-Interference) NDK 0x1 0:16
NDK-1 Brett Hextall (2-Roughing) MNS 0x1 8:52
NDK-2 Matt Watkins (2-Boarding) MNS 0x2 9:38
MNS-2 James Gaulrapp (2-Hooking) NDK 1x2 14:39
NDK 1 - 0 6x5 PP LL Brad Miller (5) (Jake Marto, Ryan Duncan) 15:26
NDK: 14,25,16,26,29,G31 MNS: 19,12,17,5,G1
MNS-3 Nick Canzanello (2-Holding) NDK 2x3 17:40
MNS-4 Trevor Bruess (2-Kneeing) NDK 2x4 19:32
NDK 2 - 0 6x4 PP GW Brad Miller (6) (Brett Hextall, Chris VandeVelde) 19:39
NDK: 14,26,29,16,5,G31 MNS: 4,19,22,G1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2nd Period (20:00)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MNS-5 Trevor Bruess (2-Boarding) NDK 2x5 1:47
NDK 3 - 0 6x6 Evan Trupp (6) (unassisted) 6:05
NDK (+): 29,21,19,24,14,G31 MNS (-): 5,12,16,3,20,G1
NDK-3 Matt Watkins (2-Tripping) MNS 0x3 9:06
MNS-6 Cameron Cooper (2-Interference) NDK 2x6 13:57
NDK-4 Darcy Zajac (2-Interference) MNS 0x4 18:14
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3rd Period (20:00)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MNS-7 Trevor Bruess (2-High-Sticking) NDK 2x7 0:30
MNS 1 - 3 5x6 SH Geoff Irwin (9) (unassisted) 0:59
MNS (+): 19,22,4,15,G1 NDK (-): 17,21,8,19,5,G31
NDK-5 Brad Malone (2-Unsportsmanlike Conduct) MNS 0x5 3:58
NDK 4 - 1 6x6 Andrew Kozek (7) (Joe Finley, Brad Malone) 10:28
NDK (+): 10,2,22,5,9,G31 MNS (-): 18,15,10,2,17,G1
NDK-6 Matt Frattin (2-Hooking) MNS 0x6 11:08
MNS-8 Nick Canzanello (2-Roughing) 18:57
MNS-9 Nick Canzanello (2-Roughing) 18:57
MNS-10 Ben Youds (5-High-Sticking) 18:57
NDK-7 Mario Lamoureux (2-Roughing) 18:57
NDK-8 Mario Lamoureux (2-Roughing) 18:57
NDK-9 Brad Malone (2-Unsportsmanlike Conduct) 18:57
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
End of Game
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A sample of the fans.
Just so you know its not just me that upset with the refs and officials in this league check out this all American post from Brad's blog. All I can say is Bravo, well said. Time for some hockey the bye week is officially over. Props to AZ SIOUX for selling me my new Retro 1987 Fighting Sioux hockey jersey. Man do I miss those jerseys.
The WCHA, and the commissioner, is a joke. How can a coach who obviously is the "wine and dine" of the WCHA coaching fraternity (GWOZ) interrupt a pivotal league game for over 5-7 minutes and not get suspended by the league. It's obvious where the league derives from (Colorado) and the bias towards other programs. The WCHA has flown by the seat of their pants for quite some time. The officials leader, Sheppard, prances around the (10) arenas like he's a military general and yet his officiers (refs) continue to be gut-less when it comes to cleaning this league up. In the dictionary, the definition of the WCHA would go something like this:
A league in the NCAA that lets a few coaches dictate (GWOZ) and (LUCY .. we get the prime time games in the Final Five even if we are 5th seed) ... a league without leadership that lets the respective institutions dictate coaching suspensions ... where the ref's have called the games like the old Federal League in Slapshot and where the superstars bolt to the NHL after frosh, soph and jr. seasons like the famous quote, "I'm as mad as hell and I won't take it anymore" on the lack of protecting it's most prized athletes .. the league where USA Hockey dictates the Post Season Awards Banquet (WCHA) so that the athletes USA Hockey pulls from HS programs are glorified .. the league where in some years the best four teams play each other in a regional now and not see the greatest teams match-up in the Frozen Four .. the league where if they had it their way they'd just keep in the McNaughton Cup in Colorado and celebrate w/ DU or CC after the presentations.
The WCHA should visit North Dakota and Figthing Sioux name. Look at how it's program prides itself in the "family" of tradition and honor which are first, and foremost. But the NCAA and WCHA are against the name because most white people know what's best for the Native American. Just like the treaties of the 1800's and the Catholic Board Schools of the 20th century.
C'mon. And this league is what governs the pride of NCAA hockey.
Posted by: Yosemite Sam on Friday, February 13 2:08 PM
McLeod speaks
When I read this article this morning it made my blood boil. I have to give props for Fighting Sioux beat writer Brad E. Schlossman for writing this story and getting it out in the open for the public to read. It is also time for the WCHA to update its rules and have a standard that is more acceptable. The NHL makes swift and just decision that don't make five days to make. This is unacceptable. The league office appears that it doesn’t want to make the hard decisions. Maybe it is time the WCHA hires someone who will make just and fair decisions that are consistent.
To take a page from Redwing_77’s book; it is time for Bruce McLeod and Greg Shepherd to be relieved of their duties at the WCHA league office. When his contract is up for renewal it's time to send him a pink slip and put a new leadership in their place.
Is McLeod kidding? The league decided to give a player a private reprimand for his bush league and gutless attack on another player and received nothing else, after the Gophers coach Don Lucia failed to suspend Brian “the Hack” Schack. If I was George Gwozdecky I would be very unhappy with the league office right now. One coach manned up while the other one made excuses for bad behavior. My respect for Gwoz has gone up three fold.
If the league office is not going to suspend a player for such a blatant bush league attack, at least give that player a harsher public rebuke. Nothing! The sound of silence was deafening. Last season Kyle Radke got an extra game disqualification for his two fight game against the Denver Pioneers last season. If you watched the game between Minnesota and Mankato you will see that Schack was actually punching two different Gopher players with his helmet and gloves on during the same game that he was given a game disqualification in.
Like one fellow Sioux fans from New York said, “They're just gearing up to really stick it to the Sioux when ANYTHING out of the ordinary happens....Hak better have his boys on a short lease for the rest of the year, or suspensions will come fast and furious with the Sioux's reputation.” Just for the record WCHA head of officials Greg Shepherd will be at both games this weekend. Gee I wonder what the potential response would be if there is an incident this weekend? I would be willing to bet that it will be swift, harsh and not some bush league private reprimand.
I wonder what the leagues response would have been if the offending player had been wearing green and white during the Brian Schack incident? I would be willing to bet that the response would not be the kids gloves treatment Don Luica’s hack received.
To take a page from Redwing_77’s book; it is time for Bruce McLeod and Greg Shepherd to be relieved of their duties at the WCHA league office. When his contract is up for renewal it's time to send him a pink slip and put a new leadership in their place.
Is McLeod kidding? The league decided to give a player a private reprimand for his bush league and gutless attack on another player and received nothing else, after the Gophers coach Don Lucia failed to suspend Brian “the Hack” Schack. If I was George Gwozdecky I would be very unhappy with the league office right now. One coach manned up while the other one made excuses for bad behavior. My respect for Gwoz has gone up three fold.
If the league office is not going to suspend a player for such a blatant bush league attack, at least give that player a harsher public rebuke. Nothing! The sound of silence was deafening. Last season Kyle Radke got an extra game disqualification for his two fight game against the Denver Pioneers last season. If you watched the game between Minnesota and Mankato you will see that Schack was actually punching two different Gopher players with his helmet and gloves on during the same game that he was given a game disqualification in.
Like one fellow Sioux fans from New York said, “They're just gearing up to really stick it to the Sioux when ANYTHING out of the ordinary happens....Hak better have his boys on a short lease for the rest of the year, or suspensions will come fast and furious with the Sioux's reputation.” Just for the record WCHA head of officials Greg Shepherd will be at both games this weekend. Gee I wonder what the potential response would be if there is an incident this weekend? I would be willing to bet that it will be swift, harsh and not some bush league private reprimand.
I wonder what the leagues response would have been if the offending player had been wearing green and white during the Brian Schack incident? I would be willing to bet that the response would not be the kids gloves treatment Don Luica’s hack received.
Men's hockey: WCHA commish talks suspensions
Brad Elliott --- Schlossman Grand Forks Herald
Western Collegiate Hockey Association commissioner Bruce McLeod has the executive power to issue immediate suspensions, but he said this week he would prefer to follow guidelines in the league handbook.
Those guidelines — seen as a negotiation — are starting to come under fire after the league has had to deal with a misconduct issue for the third week in a row.
Denver defenseman Patrick Mullen was suspended Thursday for one game because of a slash at the end of last Saturday’s game on Minnesota-Duluth forward Mike Connolly.
----------(snip)----------
Two weeks ago, McLeod said the league examined Minnesota defenseman Brian Schack’s attack on MSU-Mankato’s Channing Boe. With Boe facing the ice and without a helmet, Schack punched him during a scrum. Boe suffered a broken bone in his leg and is likely out for the season.
Schack was issued a private reprimand but was given no additional suspension (he sat out one game because of a game disqualification penalty).
----------(snip)----------
“Obviously, we’re concerned about these incidents,” McLeod said. “I think we had seven game disqualifications last weekend for different reasons. I don’t think it’s ever happened like that. So there’s definitely a concern.
“But I have to be darn careful. In Patrick Mullen’s incident, just because he was the last one, doesn’t mean he should take the cumulative effect of all of the incidents. I try real hard to take each decision on its own.”
Thursday, February 12, 2009
What is this?
Look what my wife had my Daughter dressed up in; a purple cows outfit.
Abby got that shirt from one of our friends who went to MSU-M UND game last winter.
I am going to have to get my house in order. :)
Which one of these coaches is not like the other?
Lets compare and contrast the two coaches. Here is Denver University coach George Gwozdecky response after one of his player viciously slashed UMD Bulldog Mike Connelly. I think I have a lot more respect for this coach.
Here is Don Lucia's response after Brian Schack's Todd Bertuzzi style attack on Channing Boe. Does Lucia suspend Brian "the Hack" Schack? Nope!
GG: If you look at the WCHA and the philosophy on that, most of the time, the WCHA will look to the schools to make the decision first. If they agree with the school, it goes along. If they don't, they'll add or change (the suspension).
It was a pretty hard swing with the stick. The action and the intent are two things you have to look at. If you look at what Patrick did immediately after contact was made -- if he was looking at injuring (UMD's Mike Connelly) he would've stood there or went after him. But immediately he sprinted down the ice, knowing only a second or two was left in the game. ... No question his intent, as he said, was to deny Connelly from getting the puck. He went about it the wrong way, but the one thing that was probably in my mind, (the intent was) not worth any further suspension.
CHN: Is it a good idea for the league to leave it up to teams to impose their own discipline?
Here is Don Lucia's response after Brian Schack's Todd Bertuzzi style attack on Channing Boe. Does Lucia suspend Brian "the Hack" Schack? Nope!
“That’s not the way we like to play,” Lucia said, “but in some of our kids’ defense, Brian Schack included — and I’ve said it, at some point, we got to protect our own players, too. Brian did that and that’s to his credit.
“Now I am going to sit down with Brian about what happened on Friday night because I did think he did cross the line a little bit on Friday night. I am going to talk to him about that and show him the video of the play because you don’t want to be in a situation where somebody is vulnerable and they can get hurt.
Mullen suspended.
It is official that Denvers Patrick Mullen has been suspended by the league office for his slash on Mike Connolly.
Here is what Denver coach George Gwozdecky had to say about the incident. Interesting selection of words.
DENVER – The University of Denver has suspended senior defenseman Patrick Mullen (Pittsburgh, Pa.) one game for his slashing incident that occurred at the end of the Pioneers’ 4-2 loss at Minnesota Duluth on Feb. 7.
Mullen was assessed a five-minute major penalty for slashing and a 10-minute game misconduct penalty at the 20:00 mark of the third period at Minnesota Duluth on Feb. 7.
In addition to the suspension, Mullen has met with DU Senior Associate Director of Athletics Ron Grahame and head coach George Gwozdecky to explain his actions and discuss the seriousness of the circumstances.
“A hockey player is responsible for his stick,” Gwozdecky said. “Patrick’s reckless action with his stick at the end of the Duluth game warrants a one-game suspension.”
Mullen, who will serve his one-game suspension at Colorado College on Friday, Feb. 13, will also be required to meet with WCHA Commissioner Bruce McLeod to discuss the incident.
Here is what Denver coach George Gwozdecky had to say about the incident. Interesting selection of words.
"It was a pretty hard swing with the stick," Gwozdecky said. "The action and the intent are two things you have to look at. If you look at what Patrick did immediately after contact was made -- if he was looking at injuring (Connelly) he would've stood there or went after him. But immediately he sprinted down the ice, knowing only a second or two was left in the game. ... No question his intent, as he said, was to deny Connellyl from getting the puck. He went about it the wrong way, but the one thing that was probably in my mind, (the intent was) not worth any further suspsension."
Mav's and Sioux
Here is a look at the records. While its true that the Mavericks are tough (like playing against a corned, wounded animal) UND has been pretty successful against the Mavericks.
UND vs. Minnesota State
All-Time Series
All-Time: UND leads 29-10-7 (.707)
In Grand Forks: UND leads 17-6-3 (.712)
In Mankato: UND leads 12-4-4 (.700)
Neutral: None
Last 10: UND leads 8-1-1 (.850) - See Below
Date Location Result Note
10-27-06 Mankato W, 5-4
10-28-06 Mankato W, 8-5
02-09-07 Grand Forks W, 8-4
02-10-07 Grand Forks T, 4-4 Overtime
03-09-07 Grand Forks W, 5-2 WCHA 1st round
03-10-07 Grand Forks W, 2-1 WCHA 1st round
01-18-08 Mankato W, 2-1
01-19-08 Mankato W, 5-3
10-17-08 Mankato L, 1-5
10-18-08 Mankato W, 4-3
UND vs. Minnesota State
All-Time Series
All-Time: UND leads 29-10-7 (.707)
In Grand Forks: UND leads 17-6-3 (.712)
In Mankato: UND leads 12-4-4 (.700)
Neutral: None
Last 10: UND leads 8-1-1 (.850) - See Below
Date Location Result Note
10-27-06 Mankato W, 5-4
10-28-06 Mankato W, 8-5
02-09-07 Grand Forks W, 8-4
02-10-07 Grand Forks T, 4-4 Overtime
03-09-07 Grand Forks W, 5-2 WCHA 1st round
03-10-07 Grand Forks W, 2-1 WCHA 1st round
01-18-08 Mankato W, 2-1
01-19-08 Mankato W, 5-3
10-17-08 Mankato L, 1-5
10-18-08 Mankato W, 4-3
Valentine's Weekend Games (Sioux 7)
WCHA Standings
1 Denver.....................13-7-2...28
1 Wisconsin.................13-7-2...28
3 North Dakota.............11-6-3...25
4 Colorado College........10-8-4...24
5 Minnesota-Duluth........9-8-5...23
6 St. Cloud State..........10-11-1...21
6 Minnesota..................9-8-3...21
8 Minnesota State........9-11-2...20
9 Alaska-Anchorage......7-11-4...18
10 Michigan Tech.........1-15-6....8
Everyone in the league has played 22-games, except UND and UM 20-games, out of the regular season 28-games. That means most teams only have 12 more points available. Michigan Tech is first to know they will be on the road for the first round of WCHA playoffs.
Michigan Tech at St. Cloud State
It's the Huskies versus the Huskies! (I wonder if Michael Vick will be watching) In this dog fight the SCSU Huskies are looking to make a push into the top half of the WCHA, and get their record to over .500 in conference play. The MTU Huskies are just trying to finish the year strong. They are in the doghouse, 10th place, and it's very unlikely they will get out of it. For MTU to get out they would need to win their last six games and have UAA loss their last six games, not good odds. SCSU is 3-2-1 in their last six games while MTU 0-2-4 in their last six games. MTU has been shut-out 7 times this year and for them to get some wins they need their big dogs to do some scoring. SCSU has been "okay" as of late, but with a pair of wins against their doggie counterparts, they can say they are on their way up. I'm going to take the red and white Huskies of SCSU over the black and yellow Huskies. SCSU 3pts.
Alaska-Anchorage at #14 Minnesota
The Gophers look to be hemorrhaging going 2-6-0 in their last eight games, and the Seawolves are doing okay going 2-2-2 in their last six games. Both teams are still in the hunt for home ice, more so for Minnesota being only 2pts out of 5th place, while Alaska is 5pts out. The Seawolves can put the league on notice if they get some points this weekend at the expense of the Gophers. UAA would also seal MTU's 10th place finish by getting 2pts. The Gopher have CC, UMD, and MTU series left after this weekend, not a bunch of "easy" games as some announcers have said. That could add some fuel to the Gophers opponents, as if some of them don't smell blood in the water already. I'm going to take a split in this series.
Minnesota State at #11 North Dakota
Both teams are looking for points, MSUM needs them to try and get to the top half of the league and the Sioux want them to keep pace for the WCHA title and secure home ice. Both teams were off last weekend, so that keeps them even as far as a little rust might go. The Sioux have only lost one game(SCSU) in 2009, and only lost one home game(Cornell) since late November giving them a home season record of 9-3-1. MSUM has a 6-6-3 road record this season. The Mavericks and Sioux split their WCHA season opening series in Mankato, back in October. If the Sioux sweep the Mavericks this weekend, it would put UND in the drivers seat for the WCHA title while dealing the Mavericks a big blow and putting them in a tough spot to try and reach a top half finish. Sioux get a sweet sweep for Valentine's day :)
#8 Denver at #18 Colorado College (1-game)
This game has WCHA, NCAA, and Gold Pan implications riding on it. DU looks to hold on to the top spot in the WCHA with a win and CC wants to keep in the top half. The earlier meetings this season resulted in a Tigers win and a tie. A tie would mean CC retains the GP for another year, a DU win, well its a tie series 1-1-1, and we have to wait until the last weekend to see the out come. Since 2009 the Pioneers are 4-4-2 and the Tigers are 3-3-2, unless they tie someone will be over .500 and someone under it. Neither team has an easy schedule to finish out the year, so this game could be the turning point for one team. I'm go on a limb and going to call this game a tie.
#17 UMD and #13 UW are off this weekend.
1 Denver.....................13-7-2...28
1 Wisconsin.................13-7-2...28
3 North Dakota.............11-6-3...25
4 Colorado College........10-8-4...24
5 Minnesota-Duluth........9-8-5...23
6 St. Cloud State..........10-11-1...21
6 Minnesota..................9-8-3...21
8 Minnesota State........9-11-2...20
9 Alaska-Anchorage......7-11-4...18
10 Michigan Tech.........1-15-6....8
Everyone in the league has played 22-games, except UND and UM 20-games, out of the regular season 28-games. That means most teams only have 12 more points available. Michigan Tech is first to know they will be on the road for the first round of WCHA playoffs.
Michigan Tech at St. Cloud State
It's the Huskies versus the Huskies! (I wonder if Michael Vick will be watching) In this dog fight the SCSU Huskies are looking to make a push into the top half of the WCHA, and get their record to over .500 in conference play. The MTU Huskies are just trying to finish the year strong. They are in the doghouse, 10th place, and it's very unlikely they will get out of it. For MTU to get out they would need to win their last six games and have UAA loss their last six games, not good odds. SCSU is 3-2-1 in their last six games while MTU 0-2-4 in their last six games. MTU has been shut-out 7 times this year and for them to get some wins they need their big dogs to do some scoring. SCSU has been "okay" as of late, but with a pair of wins against their doggie counterparts, they can say they are on their way up. I'm going to take the red and white Huskies of SCSU over the black and yellow Huskies. SCSU 3pts.
Alaska-Anchorage at #14 Minnesota
The Gophers look to be hemorrhaging going 2-6-0 in their last eight games, and the Seawolves are doing okay going 2-2-2 in their last six games. Both teams are still in the hunt for home ice, more so for Minnesota being only 2pts out of 5th place, while Alaska is 5pts out. The Seawolves can put the league on notice if they get some points this weekend at the expense of the Gophers. UAA would also seal MTU's 10th place finish by getting 2pts. The Gopher have CC, UMD, and MTU series left after this weekend, not a bunch of "easy" games as some announcers have said. That could add some fuel to the Gophers opponents, as if some of them don't smell blood in the water already. I'm going to take a split in this series.
Minnesota State at #11 North Dakota
Both teams are looking for points, MSUM needs them to try and get to the top half of the league and the Sioux want them to keep pace for the WCHA title and secure home ice. Both teams were off last weekend, so that keeps them even as far as a little rust might go. The Sioux have only lost one game(SCSU) in 2009, and only lost one home game(Cornell) since late November giving them a home season record of 9-3-1. MSUM has a 6-6-3 road record this season. The Mavericks and Sioux split their WCHA season opening series in Mankato, back in October. If the Sioux sweep the Mavericks this weekend, it would put UND in the drivers seat for the WCHA title while dealing the Mavericks a big blow and putting them in a tough spot to try and reach a top half finish. Sioux get a sweet sweep for Valentine's day :)
#8 Denver at #18 Colorado College (1-game)
This game has WCHA, NCAA, and Gold Pan implications riding on it. DU looks to hold on to the top spot in the WCHA with a win and CC wants to keep in the top half. The earlier meetings this season resulted in a Tigers win and a tie. A tie would mean CC retains the GP for another year, a DU win, well its a tie series 1-1-1, and we have to wait until the last weekend to see the out come. Since 2009 the Pioneers are 4-4-2 and the Tigers are 3-3-2, unless they tie someone will be over .500 and someone under it. Neither team has an easy schedule to finish out the year, so this game could be the turning point for one team. I'm go on a limb and going to call this game a tie.
#17 UMD and #13 UW are off this weekend.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Update on Mullen Incident
Here is the latest on the incident. What is there to be dicussed either give him a game(s) suspension or not. Like I had mentioned earlier, I was shocked that the WCHA failed to discipline Schack the hack who committed an egregious act, this is not to say that I condone this act of thuggery either, because I don't. What is to keep Denver from saying, "you have got to be kidding me?" You don't suspend Schack but you're going to sanction my player? In my opinion while slashing someone is not acceptable and should be punished, it is also not acceptable to jump someone from behind and beat them while they lay on the ice without their helmet. Both are classless acts and need to be punished.
According to the Sioux fan's favorite Denver Post beat writer Mike Chambers it appears that Mullen will likely be suspended. So if my team is the Sioux Fighters is Denver the slashing hacks? Seems to be a pattern developing here.
(read the whole article here) Game officials Brad Shepherd and C.J. Beaurline gave Mullen a five-minute slashing major penalty and a 10-minute game misconduct at the conclusion of the game. They then asked Greg Shepherd and league commissioner Bruce McLeod to view a video replay of the incident to see if additional penalties were required.
The league and the University of Denver have discussed the situation since Monday, and the matter was being resolved Wednesday, said Nielson. An official statement from the WCHA is expected Thursday, said Greg Shepherd.
According to the Sioux fan's favorite Denver Post beat writer Mike Chambers it appears that Mullen will likely be suspended. So if my team is the Sioux Fighters is Denver the slashing hacks? Seems to be a pattern developing here.
DU senior defenseman Patrick Mullen is likely to join sophomore blue-liner Chris Nutini (upper-body injury) in the press box Friday night when the Pioneers visit Colorado College in a key WCHA game at the World Arena.
Mullen took a slashing major and game misconduct in the waning seconds of Saturday’s 4-2 loss at Minnesota-Duluth. Apparently that wasn’t enough, given that the game ended before his punishment began.
“It has not yet been established. There is a good chance he will be suspended (but) we haven’t determined yet how long the suspension will be,” DU coach George Gwozdecky said before practice Wednesday.
I don't think so.
I found this over blog post over on the McFeely State of Mind. I think it is a remotely interesting question but I have to say definitely not. My next response is; so what? The NDSU Bison make the NCAA tourney IF they win their league. Most people didn't even know where the Summit league was until NDSU joined. In my opinion the Summit League is about as storied as the MAC in football. Yawn! Boring!
If the NDSU Bison win a couple of games in the NCAA tourney (very big IF) then maybe its a semi interesting story state wide, however, until then worry about qualifying for the NCAA tourney. Outside of Fargo, ND NDSU Basketball is really a non-story. I could care less what the Bison are doing. Most hockey fans that I know or associate with aren't interested in your college basketball team.
I don't think NDSU basketball is EVER going to be as big as UND Fighting Sioux hockey. Face it NDSU fans; Fighting Sioux hockey has a following that not many teams in College Hockey enjoy let alone NDSU basketball. Making the NCAA tourney once isn't equal in state history in terms of biggest achievments. Are you going to compare that to any of the 7 NCAA Division one hockey titles, or one of the 13 WCHA regular season championships? What other teams fans travel like Sioux fans. Maybe Gopher fans?
Does everything have to be a contest between UND and NDSU? NDSU had a chance to go the hockey route and decided not to.
If the NDSU Bison win a couple of games in the NCAA tourney (very big IF) then maybe its a semi interesting story state wide, however, until then worry about qualifying for the NCAA tourney. Outside of Fargo, ND NDSU Basketball is really a non-story. I could care less what the Bison are doing. Most hockey fans that I know or associate with aren't interested in your college basketball team.
I don't think NDSU basketball is EVER going to be as big as UND Fighting Sioux hockey. Face it NDSU fans; Fighting Sioux hockey has a following that not many teams in College Hockey enjoy let alone NDSU basketball. Making the NCAA tourney once isn't equal in state history in terms of biggest achievments. Are you going to compare that to any of the 7 NCAA Division one hockey titles, or one of the 13 WCHA regular season championships? What other teams fans travel like Sioux fans. Maybe Gopher fans?
Does everything have to be a contest between UND and NDSU? NDSU had a chance to go the hockey route and decided not to.
(Check it out): Bison in NCAAs biggest sports story ever in N.D.?
Steve Hallstrom of WDAY-TV and I hashed this over yesterday on the radio: If (and I emphasize IF) the North Dakota State men's basketball team qualifies for the NCAA basketball tournament by winning the Summit League tournament in a few weeks, where does it rank in state history in terms of biggest achievments?
I think it becomes the biggest sports story ever in the state. The NCAA tourney is the second largest sporting event in this nation (behind the Super Bowl) and the Bison making the Dance would be a national story (first-time eligible team making it to the big time out of frozen North Dakota, etc.). The magnitude of the NCAA tourney trumps everything else.
University of North Dakota hockey fans will likely take issue.
WCHA is not consistent in their rulings.
Chris Dilks over at Western College Hockey reports that Denver University’s Joe Mullen faces a suspension for his slash on Bulldog forward Mike Connolly.
Kevin Pates from Rink and Run reports that Mullen may recieve a one game suspension for his stick work on Mike Connolly.
Seems that the WCHA is a little inconsistent in their rulings, first for not giving Brian Schack an additional suspension for his Todd Bertuzzi style attack on Channing Boe and then they MAY give Mullen an game suspension for his slash on Mike Connolly. This doesn't pass the smell test. I guess your better off attacking someone from behind than hitting them with your stick?
Kevin Pates from Rink and Run reports that Mullen may recieve a one game suspension for his stick work on Mike Connolly.
University of Denver defenseman Patrick Mullen may be suspended for a game or more for using his stick to hit the arm of Minnesota Duluth freshman winger Mike Connolly in the final seconds of last Saturday’s Western Collegiate Hockey Association men’s game at the DECC.
Mullen's fate was being decided by WCHA and Denver officials Tuesday, said supervisor of officials Greg Shepherd from St. Paul. The Denver senior, the son of NHL Hall of Famer, Joe Mullen, is expected to receive the ruling today.
Connolly, from Calgary, Alberta, had pushed the puck toward an empty Denver net with two seconds to play in a 4-2 UMD victory. He then fell to the ice and Mullen wound up and hit Connolly's arm with his stick, which earned Mullen a five-minute slashing major penalty and a 10-minute game misconduct from referees Brad Shepherd and C.J. Beaurline at the game’s conclusion.
On Sunday, the referees asked Greg Shepherd (Brad's father) and WCHA commissioner Bruce McLeod to look at the incident on video tape. The league has since recommended a sanction to Denver, regarding Mullen, and is waiting to hear if the school has accepted the punishment, said Greg Shepherd.
Seems that the WCHA is a little inconsistent in their rulings, first for not giving Brian Schack an additional suspension for his Todd Bertuzzi style attack on Channing Boe and then they MAY give Mullen an game suspension for his slash on Mike Connolly. This doesn't pass the smell test. I guess your better off attacking someone from behind than hitting them with your stick?
Linkorama. (Jeff Dubay sighting)
On this snowy day in Grand Forks there is really not very much happening today in the hockey world.
Sean Avery reported to the Hartford Wolf Pack.
Former Boston Bruin Joe Thornton returned to Boston to play his old team. Incidentally, the Boston Bruins got spanked by the Sharks 5-2. Bruins forward Chuck Kobasew was also injured during last night's game.
A group of Spirit Lake tribal members plans to ask the tribal council to hold a reservation wide referendum on UND’s Fighting Sioux nickname.
The Central Knights Hockey team blew a 4 goals lead to lose 6-5 to Warroad.
Minnesota Wild coach Jacques Lemaire was taken out in practice by Antti Miettinen, I wonder how long it it will be before they call for coaches to wear helmets and full equipment?
We have a Jeff Dubay sighting! According to Roman Augustoviz: Ex-KFAN radio personality Jeff Dubay is now a columnist for GopherIllustrated.com. Here is Jeff Dubay's column is on the Gophers hockey team’s struggles. Clink on the link for Puffy's column latest article. Goon's World hopes Jeff continues make progress in his recovery.
Sean Avery reported to the Hartford Wolf Pack.
Former Boston Bruin Joe Thornton returned to Boston to play his old team. Incidentally, the Boston Bruins got spanked by the Sharks 5-2. Bruins forward Chuck Kobasew was also injured during last night's game.
A group of Spirit Lake tribal members plans to ask the tribal council to hold a reservation wide referendum on UND’s Fighting Sioux nickname.
The Central Knights Hockey team blew a 4 goals lead to lose 6-5 to Warroad.
Minnesota Wild coach Jacques Lemaire was taken out in practice by Antti Miettinen, I wonder how long it it will be before they call for coaches to wear helmets and full equipment?
We have a Jeff Dubay sighting! According to Roman Augustoviz: Ex-KFAN radio personality Jeff Dubay is now a columnist for GopherIllustrated.com. Here is Jeff Dubay's column is on the Gophers hockey team’s struggles. Clink on the link for Puffy's column latest article. Goon's World hopes Jeff continues make progress in his recovery.
While I have pointed out that a bad February doesn't always mean gloom and doom, the Gophers do have two legitimate concerns that are a result of their recent slide. They are now in a somewhat precarious position in the WCHA standings and home ice for the first round is far from a lock. The other concern is their PairWise ranking has put them on the bubble for the NCAA tournament. These are major concerns but not reason for panic. There are still plenty of games left to remedy both situations. While anything is possible at this point, I expect the Gophers to finish in the top five of the WCHA and top 13 of the Pairwise. That should be enough to get to the Final Five in St. Paul and the West Regional of the NCAA tournament on their home ice. Am I sure? No way. But they will show us soon enough.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Avery to the Rangers?
I have to admit that I am intrigued by this move. While it is no mystery a lot of hockey fans believe that Sean Avery is a punk and at times a classless hack. Sean Avery does bring some excitement and drama to the NHL, last season the NHL made a rule specifically for him after his antics against the New Jersey Devils during the NHL Stanley Cup playoffs. Avery know for his fighting skills is also a decent hockey player.
Avery 'Packs for return to Broadway
BY Michael Obernauer --- DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER
Sean Avery passed through waivers like an invisible man Monday, and Tuesday, he could show up in the Rangers' backyard, if not quite in their organization.
Avery is expected to join the Rangers' AHL affiliate in Hartford on Tuesday, the next step on a comeback road that seems bound to merge with Broadway. Avery still would be under the Dallas Stars' umbrella once he's placed with the Wolfpack, however. The next and final step in Avery's return to the NHL would be Dallas recalling him and exposing him to reentry waivers, where in all likelihood he would be available for the Rangers to claim at half-price, with the Stars sharing the tab.
How to spot a photo shop.
Our friend Amy over at Lets Go Mav's has been having a hell of a time today at Sioux7's and my expense. LOL... I guess I better be careful what I do this winter at the Final Five.
Here is another example of the latest episode on how to spot a photo shop. Obviously it is not me.
I wonder what the odds are that Amy gets into a sparring match with a Sioux fan(s) this weekend? Remember according to the last few coaches to come to REA, the place is a mad house.
Ouch that is going to leave a mark.
I saw this over on Puck Daddy and the call of this play by the announcers is pretty funny. If your a goalie and you have gotten to this point where you checking cups of your opponet you have lost focus. Maybe that is why the Redwings won the game 8-3.
Monday, February 09, 2009
Bad News for Blake Wheeler and David Krejci's line mate.
The Boston Bruins forward Michael Ryder had surgery today. Lets hope he isn't out of the line up very long. Ryder has been playing on a line with David Krejci and Blake Wheeler.
BOSTON—- Boston Bruins center Michael Ryder, signed as a free agent during the offseason to add scoring punch, underwent surgery for a broken facial bone.
The team said the 28-year-old Ryder had surgery Monday for the injury suffered in a game at Ottawa on Feb. 5.
Ryder, who played for the Canadiens the previous four seasons, missed Saturday's game against the Philadelphia Flyers, when coach Claude Julien said he would be out "indefinitely" and that further tests would be conducted Monday.
Ryder has 19 goals and 17 assists this season.
Are the wheels coming off the bus in Minneapolis?
This article was in the Grand Forks Herald today. I thought of a scenario where UND makes the NCAA playoffs and UMN doesn't. While it might a slight stretch since UMN schedule is relatively easy (according to Doug Woog) I could see the NCAA sending the Sioux to the West Regional in Minneapolis to pick up the slack left by Minnesota not being there. I know UND fans would travel well for this regional. Lastly, wouldn't it be nice to see the Fighting Sioux exercise the demons from losing to Ferris State in the 2003 regionals. Everything could be made all right by having the Fighting Sioux skating around the Mariucci Arena with the 2009 West Regional Hockey Championship Trophy.
Gophers defensemen need to clear the crease and the surrounding area. Kangas had guys bumping him all night. A couple of times, he was found beneath a big pile. The Gophers need to face the incoming traffic and steer it away.
“We have to box out,” Lucia agreed. “We need to play better, coach better. It’s so frustrating our last three games have been by one goal, one goal, one goal.”
On offense, they have to shoot the dang puck. Never mind trying to make the perfect pass. Shoot it and make sure it’s on net. Slam it and jam it. Several times Saturday the Gophers had plenty of traffic in front of Badgers goaltender Shane Connelly. They waited too long. They missed the net. They didn’t get good wood on it.
I’m not telling Lucia anything he doesn’t know. No doubt he will address these things with his players. Perhaps his main task is to convey a sense of urgency. It is possible the Gophers could miss the NCAA playoffs for the first time in nine years. I’m not saying it’s likely, but it is possible.
Once ranked No. 1 in the country, they have slid into the bottom half of the WCHA standings. Surely they will fall out of the national top 10 when the next poll is released.
There should be a whole lot of motivation wrapped up in all of that.
(Read the whole article here)
Rangers might be getting the Star's sloppy seconds...
Looks like Mr. Avery is going to back to Broadway. Personally I think while Avery is a punk, however, Avery is a good hockey player that needs to focus more on hockey and less on the antics that come with Sean Avery. I think Sean Avery will do well in New York where he can fit in better than he did in Dallas. If I was the Rangers management I would put a very tight leash on him.
The last week of February, that's when you should expect to see Sean Avery in a Rangers uniform, assuming all goes well in the rehabilitation and waiver processes designed to bring the winger back home to the only NHL city in which he can play.
It can't come soon enough for a team that is in need of shock treatment to avert a complete breakdown in the wake of Friday's colossally humiliating 10-2 defeat in Dallas that extended the losing streak to a season-high four games (0-3-1).
Just like that, the Rangers are somehow just six points up on the ninth-place Hurricanes and 10th-place Penguins, with one game in hand on Pittsburgh. Just like that, the Rangers are no sure thing.
Just like that, the Rangers need Avery as much as he needs them, even if they all don't know it.
Make no mistake, Rangers management neither waved Avery's name around the room like a red flag to threaten and motivate the team (this isn't high school) nor asked for the players' permission to proceed with the plan (this isn't high school), by which No. 16 would be re-acquired on re-entry waivers after first clearing regular waivers then being assigned as Stars' property to the AHL Wolf Pack for a couple of weeks of conditioning.
Poll Monday. (another candidate for moron of the week)
USCHO Poll --- February 9, 2009
Team (First Place Votes) Record Points Last Poll
1 Boston University (49) 21-5-1 999 1
2 Notre Dame ( 1) 21-5-3 912 2
3 Northeastern 19-6-2 897 3
4 Michigan 21-9-0 847 4
5 Vermont 16-6-4 791 7
6 Cornell 15-4-4 688 5
7 Miami 16-8-4 668 8
8 Denver 17-9-3 650 6
9 Princeton 17-6-0 622 10
10 Yale 17-5-1 507 14
11 North Dakota 16-11-3 405 13
12 New Hampshire 13-9-4 402 11
13 Wisconsin 16-11-3 389 16
14 Minnesota 12-9-5 360 9
15 Boston College 12-9-4 346 12
16 Ohio State 18-9-3 335 15
17 Minnesota-Duluth 15-9-6 235 17
18 Colorado College 14-9-7 211 18
19 Dartmouth 12-8-3 89 19
20 Air Force 19-7-2 47 NR
Others Receiving Votes: St. Cloud State 34, Minnesota State 19,
Team (First Place Votes) Record Points Last Poll
1 Boston University (49) 21-5-1 999 1
2 Notre Dame ( 1) 21-5-3 912 2
3 Northeastern 19-6-2 897 3
4 Michigan 21-9-0 847 4
5 Vermont 16-6-4 791 7
6 Cornell 15-4-4 688 5
7 Miami 16-8-4 668 8
8 Denver 17-9-3 650 6
9 Princeton 17-6-0 622 10
10 Yale 17-5-1 507 14
11 North Dakota 16-11-3 405 13
12 New Hampshire 13-9-4 402 11
13 Wisconsin 16-11-3 389 16
14 Minnesota 12-9-5 360 9
15 Boston College 12-9-4 346 12
16 Ohio State 18-9-3 335 15
17 Minnesota-Duluth 15-9-6 235 17
18 Colorado College 14-9-7 211 18
19 Dartmouth 12-8-3 89 19
20 Air Force 19-7-2 47 NR
Others Receiving Votes: St. Cloud State 34, Minnesota State 19,
St. Lawrence 17, Alaska 8, Niagara 8, RIT 5, Mass.-Lowell 4,
Massachusetts 2, Union 2, Clarkson 1
-------------------
USA TODAY/USA Hockey men's poll
Feb. 9, 2009
Rank School (first-place votes) Record Points Last week
1 Boston University (34) 21-5-1 510 1
2 Northeastern 19-6-2 451 3
3 Notre Dame 21-5-3 450 2
4 Michigan 21-9-0 402 4
5 Vermont 16-6-4 380 7
6 Miami (Ohio) 16-8-4 310 6
7 Cornell 15-4-4 294 5
8 Denver 17-9-3 268 8
9 Princeton 17-6-0 263 10
10 Yale 17-5-1 191 14
11 North Dakota 16-11-3 130 13
12 New Hampshire 13-9-4 122 11
13 Wisconsin 16-11-3 92 NR
14 Minnesota 12-9-5 72 9
15 Boston College 12-9-4 67 12
Others receiving votes: The Ohio State University, 51; Colorado College, 13;
-------------------
USA TODAY/USA Hockey men's poll
Feb. 9, 2009
Rank School (first-place votes) Record Points Last week
1 Boston University (34) 21-5-1 510 1
2 Northeastern 19-6-2 451 3
3 Notre Dame 21-5-3 450 2
4 Michigan 21-9-0 402 4
5 Vermont 16-6-4 380 7
6 Miami (Ohio) 16-8-4 310 6
7 Cornell 15-4-4 294 5
8 Denver 17-9-3 268 8
9 Princeton 17-6-0 263 10
10 Yale 17-5-1 191 14
11 North Dakota 16-11-3 130 13
12 New Hampshire 13-9-4 122 11
13 Wisconsin 16-11-3 92 NR
14 Minnesota 12-9-5 72 9
15 Boston College 12-9-4 67 12
Others receiving votes: The Ohio State University, 51; Colorado College, 13;
University of Minnesota Duluth, 13; U.S. Air Force Academy, 1.
-------------------
INCH Power Rankings
1. Boston University
2. Notre Dame
3. Michigan
4. Northeastern
5. Vermont
6. Miami
7. Princeton
8. Denver
9. Cornell
10. North Dakota
11. Wisconsin
12. Yale
13. Ohio State
14. New Hampshire
15. Minnesota
16. Boston College
17. Colorado College
18. Minnesota Duluth
19. Air Force
20. Niagara
Dropped out: St. Lawrence, RIT
Bubble-licious: RIT, Alaska, Dartmouth
Analysis: Big Tumble by Minnesota Golden Gophers. I thought it was funny that UMD didn't go up further in the rankings after beating DU at the DECC this weekend.
Another Moron of the Week candidate
I want to know what kind of people write this type of garbage? I dare anonymous Skippys to be brave enough to say this to "Big Joe's face." Check out this latest from the Finley haters.
-------------------
INCH Power Rankings
1. Boston University
2. Notre Dame
3. Michigan
4. Northeastern
5. Vermont
6. Miami
7. Princeton
8. Denver
9. Cornell
10. North Dakota
11. Wisconsin
12. Yale
13. Ohio State
14. New Hampshire
15. Minnesota
16. Boston College
17. Colorado College
18. Minnesota Duluth
19. Air Force
20. Niagara
Dropped out: St. Lawrence, RIT
Bubble-licious: RIT, Alaska, Dartmouth
Analysis: Big Tumble by Minnesota Golden Gophers. I thought it was funny that UMD didn't go up further in the rankings after beating DU at the DECC this weekend.
Another Moron of the Week candidate
I want to know what kind of people write this type of garbage? I dare anonymous Skippys to be brave enough to say this to "Big Joe's face." Check out this latest from the Finley haters.
Finley is a huge DB! He acts likes he's so tough. He, in my opinion, is one of THE worst d-men to ever play at UND? I hope whoever drafted him in the 1st round is already fired.
Posted by: AO on Monday, February 09 12:03 PM
Sunday, February 08, 2009
Reporting of local hockey?
Grand Forks Central went to Devils Lake, ND on Saturday night and this is all that appeared in today's Grand Forks Herald. By the way Central won the game 7-1 but hardly a mention of the game. When I used to live Bemidji and International Falls, Minnesota, High School hockey got a lot more coverage than it does in Grand Forks, ND. This is supposed to be a hockey town and this is the best coverage we can get. A lot of people are interested in high school but there is hardly any coverage in the local news paper. Lets hear about some of the Central and Red River hockey players.
Boys hockey: John Simonson scored two goals to lead Grand Forks Central to a 7-1 East Region victory against homestanding Devils Lake on Friday. Justin Moody, Jake Plutowski, Brenden Gust, Jared Sorlien and David Sayler also scored for the Knights. “We got off to a great start with three goals in the first five minutes,” Central coach Tony Bina said. “We set the tone early.” Tanner Spicer had three assists for Central. Tyler Roed scored for the Firebirds. The Knights had a 42-18 edge in shots on goal. “It was a good team effort,” Bina said. “We’re rolling three lines. We’re pretty deep.”
Bits and pieces: MSU-M Mavericks come to town.
It is fitting that the Fighting Sioux and the Mavericks go head to head on Valentines day weekend, pick your dance partner. Expect this weekend's series to be a hard fought and a very contested series. Since there is some history with the two teams there is a good chance that there might be a few scraps... (example one) (example two) I also predict you will not see any bush league incidents likes the ones that happen down in Mankato and Minneapolis. Both teams will man up and go head to head.
The Wheels are coming off in Mpls
I have to admit that I am enjoying another implosion down in the Twin Cites. Below is a great illustration on how the Gophers last 8 games have gone. Wow, the Gophers are giving up a lot of goals right now and the fan base in Minneapolis is starting to get restless. The Problem is not Alex Kangas it is the road cones on the Gophers defense that is having problems.
Check out some of the comments here and here. So this season we have had the Jersey excuse, the WJC excuse and the coach excuse and I am now seeing the goalie excuse emerge. What I have failed to see mentioned is maybe the opposition is better than the Gophers.
Moron of the Week
This poster right here qualifies as the moron of the week. Check out the same tired logic Sioux fans have suffered through over the years. Just for the record the Minnesota squad he refers to is 3rd nationally in penalty minutes while the Sioux are 12th over all.
The Wheels are coming off in Mpls
I have to admit that I am enjoying another implosion down in the Twin Cites. Below is a great illustration on how the Gophers last 8 games have gone. Wow, the Gophers are giving up a lot of goals right now and the fan base in Minneapolis is starting to get restless. The Problem is not Alex Kangas it is the road cones on the Gophers defense that is having problems.
Check out some of the comments here and here. So this season we have had the Jersey excuse, the WJC excuse and the coach excuse and I am now seeing the goalie excuse emerge. What I have failed to see mentioned is maybe the opposition is better than the Gophers.
Here's the deal: Since coach Don Lucia skipped his team's trip to North Dakota to get his medical condition checked, the Gophers have given up 36 goals in eight games, lost six times and dropped like a stone from second place in the conference into a tie with St. Cloud for sixth. Worse: That would become seventh if the Huskies won their late game Saturday night at Alaska Anchorage.
Lucia's health is OK. The Gophers' health? Hard to say.
"We've got to make the game fun again," Stoa said. "When you get frustrated, it turns into a grind."
Stoa shook his head when asked if Lucia's illness caused this team to veer off course after starting with a 7-0-4 record and climbing to No. 1 in the national polls on Nov. 21, then holding fairly steady.
"It's an excuse you can throw out there," he said, "but it comes down to going out there and getting your work done. Put pucks in the net. There are always distractions: School, the coach getting sick and all that stuff is just excuses.
Moron of the Week
This poster right here qualifies as the moron of the week. Check out the same tired logic Sioux fans have suffered through over the years. Just for the record the Minnesota squad he refers to is 3rd nationally in penalty minutes while the Sioux are 12th over all.
sooperthanksfora sking said: The obvious point is that the Gophers, as usual are not physical enough. It's time to offer scholarships to more than just the top three or four offensive defenseman from every graduating class. There are guys out there that can skate, and knock guys on their butts. I am a huge fan of coach Lucia, but it's time for him to adapt a little bit to what the rest of the league is doing to his team. I'm not talking obout turning the Gophers into a bunch of classless clowns like fighting siouxage, but rather finding a balance between the skilled players that they can get at will, and some guys that will come in here and stick up for those guys, and keep the goons from other teams off of their goalie.
Saturday, February 07, 2009
Nothing to do but go to hockey in Grand Forks.
Here is the latest jab at UND from Goal Gophers. Yawn! Hey Roman maybe some of us live up here because we don't like the urban sprawl of the metro area and we don't have to put up with wall to wall skippy's in traffic every day. I live two miles from work. I can watch all the hockey I want from my living room. Funny I managed to catch your squad get run over by the Badgers this weekend. Lets see that is 2-4 in your last six games. Lastly, if North Dakota is such a horrible place how come there are so many blue license plates up here in October?
The students on both ends of Mariucci on Friday night wore gold. They got the message. The other fans? Not so much. That was a poor Gold Out. I’m not exactly sure where the blame lies?
Partly, I think, the U did not seem to do a very good job of getting the word out. True, they handed out some gold T-shirts last weekend. But I did not hear the Gold weekend promoted on TV or radio or at Mariucci much? Maybe I live in a cave/
There was a gold pom pom in all 10,000-some seats when fans arrived Friday night. That looked kind of cool. But once the game began, there were only splashes of gold in the public seats.
Contrast that to Grand Forks, N.D., a couple of weeks back. Those fans really responded to the White Out there. Maybe 90 percent wore white. Of course, there is little else to focus on in NoDak. No pro sports — Wild, Wolves — or major college basketball like Tubby’s tubs. The Fighting Sioux are the big sports story in town, I get that.
Lucia says there's not enough respect between players
Props to 60 minutes for this great article from Todd D. Milewski. Hum, I wonder which team Don Lucia is referring to in this article? I will give you a couple of clues. This will some how come back to being UND fault. Mark my words. Funny when an NHL scout is disgusted with the play in the WCHA our league has degraded to an unacceptable level. Funny that one of the teams that tries to pride its self in being above the fray and having a clean image is part of the problem.
I am going to cut Todd some slack because he forgot to mention that Even Trupp was butt ended by a Gopher’s player Tony Luica in front of the Gophers bench. This was the same event that Gopher Coach John Hill said Trupp was acting on. So, Lucia and Jones agreed to fight per the code face to face before Tony Lucia decided he wanted nothing to do with Jones and decided to turtle. Funny how that fact Lucia agreed to fight Jones keeps getting left out of the discussion when Zach Jones actions are mentioned.
Here is the deal I have no problem with Lucia whining about the officiating in the WCHA, the fans, the players and the coaches know the officiating in this leagues sucks but all ten teams have to put up with the same officiating. Last night the game between the Badgers and the Gophers was called tight, when I switched over to the DU and UMD game I saw more of the same, holding, obstruction and slashing. It is about consistency in the officiating and the WCHA is not calling their games in consistent manner, other than in a consistently horrible manner.
On the respect issue your teams seems to have been the most deficient this season. Attacking a player Todd Bertuzzi style because he hit one of your players from behind has nothing to do with respect. At least have enough respect to let the player you’re fighting defend himself. Antithesis of lack of respect is what Shack did to Boe. If your players come in with their sticks high and face wash the opposition how do you expect the other players in the league to respond to your players act? Your offending player is going to get a bow tie cross check or popped back. Don’t stand there amazed that some one dared respond to a bush league tactic. If I am a player and you cross check me in the face I am going to hit you back. That is hockey.
No matter how Lucia or Gwozdecky spin this it isn’t about the big bad Sioux. It’s about players that don’t have respect for the opposition players and haven’t played in a league where if you cheap shot someone during the play or after the whistle you’re going to pay for it. Lucia can recruit all the junior hockey players the USA and Canada that he wants his players are going to have to learn what is acceptable and not acceptable. Butt ending a player in front of a players bench, attacking an opposition player from behind, cross checks and face washes after the whistle are not acceptable and teams are going to respond to your players.
When Bruce M. McLeod's contract comes up for renewal it is time for the WCHA schools to go in a different directions. Shepherd and McLeod need to be gone, the league needs to have a house cleaning starting at the top. There is no way this will change until the people at the top are gone and the member schools decide that the status quo is no longer acceptable. To take a phrase from an old platoon sergeant of mine; "good enough isn't good enough." We are constantly seeking excellence.
MINNEAPOLIS -- How ugly did things get last Friday night at the Alltel Center in Mankato, Minn? Minnesota coach Don Lucia, whose team got thumped 6-2 by Minnesota State in a game featuring 94 penalty minutes, four major penalties and two disqualifications, said a member of his coaching staff heard afterward from an NHL scout who told of being disgusted watching the game.
"That's not a good indictment," Lucia said.
Nor was this assessment of the state of the college game by Lucia: "I don't think we're protecting the players," he said. "I don't think there's enough respect between players in how they play the game. And I think that has to be looked at."
-----------(snip)-----------
"What we have to do is look at, as a league, do we have repeat offenders? Are there certain guys that have multiple major penalties on certain teams? And if they do, it should be addressed from a league standpoint with multiple-game suspensions."
In each of the last four weekends, there has been some form of multiple-player scuffle in a WCHA game.
On Jan. 23, with host North Dakota pulling away from Denver in the third period, a scrap resulted in 42 penalty minutes.
At the end of the first period at the Kohl Center on Jan. 17, Wisconsin's John Mitchell was penalized for igniting a brawl that resulted in 38 penalty minutes.
And on Jan. 10, with host North Dakota on the verge of a sweep of the Gophers, Sioux defenseman Zach Jones, with his helmet and gloves off, appeared ready to throw punches before being restrained by linesman -- and former Michigan Tech captain -- Matt Ulwelling. That resulted in 48 penalty minutes.
I am going to cut Todd some slack because he forgot to mention that Even Trupp was butt ended by a Gopher’s player Tony Luica in front of the Gophers bench. This was the same event that Gopher Coach John Hill said Trupp was acting on. So, Lucia and Jones agreed to fight per the code face to face before Tony Lucia decided he wanted nothing to do with Jones and decided to turtle. Funny how that fact Lucia agreed to fight Jones keeps getting left out of the discussion when Zach Jones actions are mentioned.
Here is the deal I have no problem with Lucia whining about the officiating in the WCHA, the fans, the players and the coaches know the officiating in this leagues sucks but all ten teams have to put up with the same officiating. Last night the game between the Badgers and the Gophers was called tight, when I switched over to the DU and UMD game I saw more of the same, holding, obstruction and slashing. It is about consistency in the officiating and the WCHA is not calling their games in consistent manner, other than in a consistently horrible manner.
On the respect issue your teams seems to have been the most deficient this season. Attacking a player Todd Bertuzzi style because he hit one of your players from behind has nothing to do with respect. At least have enough respect to let the player you’re fighting defend himself. Antithesis of lack of respect is what Shack did to Boe. If your players come in with their sticks high and face wash the opposition how do you expect the other players in the league to respond to your players act? Your offending player is going to get a bow tie cross check or popped back. Don’t stand there amazed that some one dared respond to a bush league tactic. If I am a player and you cross check me in the face I am going to hit you back. That is hockey.
No matter how Lucia or Gwozdecky spin this it isn’t about the big bad Sioux. It’s about players that don’t have respect for the opposition players and haven’t played in a league where if you cheap shot someone during the play or after the whistle you’re going to pay for it. Lucia can recruit all the junior hockey players the USA and Canada that he wants his players are going to have to learn what is acceptable and not acceptable. Butt ending a player in front of a players bench, attacking an opposition player from behind, cross checks and face washes after the whistle are not acceptable and teams are going to respond to your players.
When Bruce M. McLeod's contract comes up for renewal it is time for the WCHA schools to go in a different directions. Shepherd and McLeod need to be gone, the league needs to have a house cleaning starting at the top. There is no way this will change until the people at the top are gone and the member schools decide that the status quo is no longer acceptable. To take a phrase from an old platoon sergeant of mine; "good enough isn't good enough." We are constantly seeking excellence.
Spirit Lake member want vote on Fighting Sioux.
Well this is an interesting turn of events that isn't going to go over well with the pro-name change crowd. The Spirit Lake members want to vote on ‘Fighting Sioux’ nickname, why not? I would hope that the members of the tribe at Standing rock would pressure Ron His Horse Thunder and call for a vote as well. Stay tuned folks, it will be interesting to see how this turns out.
While in the end I think the Fighting Sioux name is all but gone, one should exhaust all attempts before the University decides its next move. What is the hurry? Why not have a vote on the issue at the tribal level? I have always said that I would like to see the two Sioux tribes that UND needs approval from to keep the Fighting Sioux vote on whether they want UND to change the name or not. What harm does it do to have a vote? I also think that Ron "His Horse" Thunder is not letting the issue go to a vote because he knows he would lose if the vote was actually conducted. I think the reason Ron His Horse Thunder doesn't want a vote because it takes the power out of his hands and puts it in the hands of the people.
Spirit Lake members want vote on ‘Fighting Sioux’ nickname
By Sue Kraft Fischer - Lifestyles Editor
UND’s Fighting Sioux nickname continues to draw criticism, but some members of the Spirit Lake Tribe are in favor of the name — and they would like to see a vote of the people before any final decisions are made.
------------(snip)-----------
Those in attendance agreed the name was given to the tribe as an insult, but insist their ancestors turned it into something to be proud of.
“We’re trying to save the Fighting Sioux nickname,” said supporter Eunice Davidson. “It was placed upon us and our ancestors made it a good thing.”
Fellow supporter Oliver Gourd agreed, “Our veterans went to war and fought for our country under the Sioux name.”
“They took that name and turned it into something respectful,” Davidson added.
“Before we officially sign off and approve the name, we want to make sure our kids are protected,” he said.
“It’s a win-win situation,” added Gourd. “They use the name, we get the scholarships — I don’t know why other tribes are against it.”
Friday, February 06, 2009
Avery to the Rangers.
Here is an interesting story: it would appear that bad boy Sean Avery might be on his way back to the Rangers. The Rangers must be lacking in the toughness department if they are willing to take Avery back. The Rangers have Colton Orr but he is about as one dimensional as they come, Avery is tough, he can fight and has good offensive skills. Avery has also proved to be a pretty good agitator, but isn't dirty like some of the other leagues agitators, ala Matt Cooke.
Lastly, I do believe Sean Avery is a talented hockey player and there is probably a place in the NHL for Sean Avery if he would just stop all of the extra antics both on the ice and off. So if he goes to the Rangers does that mean the Rangers are getting the Dallas Stars sloppy seconds?
Lastly, I do believe Sean Avery is a talented hockey player and there is probably a place in the NHL for Sean Avery if he would just stop all of the extra antics both on the ice and off. So if he goes to the Rangers does that mean the Rangers are getting the Dallas Stars sloppy seconds?
GM Glen Sather, who accompanied the Rangers to Dallas for tonight's game, is expected to speak to Stars' co-GM Les Jackson today about a timetable under which Dallas would put Avery on waivers and then, presuming that he clears, assign him to the Wolf Pack.
Before accepting Avery in Hartford on waivers, Sather will need to reach an agreement with Jackson about the Stars then placing the winger on re-entry waivers at the Rangers' request. That would be the final stage of the three-step process under which the Blueshirts would re-acquire Avery for one-half of the remainder of the four-year, $15.5 million contract he signed with Dallas in July.
That means the Rangers would be responsible for $1,937,500 in salary and cap charges for the next three seasons, and the pro-rated percentage this year from the date Avery would join the team.
Did Lucia Suspend Schack?
The line up is posted over on Gopher-luv-feast.com and public enemy number one Brian the Hack Schack was not on today's Gopher line card. So did Lucia do the right thing and suspend Brian Schack or with Fischer back from an injury is Schack a victim of the numbers game since is the least talented of the Gophers defensemen. If Brian the Hack Shack was supspended I applaud coach Lucia's decision.
Calling the game more closely
Notice after last weekend melt down in Minneapolis and Mankato the WCHA refs Marco Hunt and Derek Shepherd are calling the game in Minneapolis more closer to the vest. It would appear that Lucia's discussion with the refs this weekend might have gotten the leagues attention that they need to do a better job officiating.
Stoa - Schroeder - Barriball
Hoeffel - Carman - Hansen
Bostrom - White - Flynn
Fisher - Sacchetti - Miller
Ness - Fischer
Fairchild - Anderson
Wehrs - Lofquist
Kangas
Patterson
Kremer
Calling the game more closely
Notice after last weekend melt down in Minneapolis and Mankato the WCHA refs Marco Hunt and Derek Shepherd are calling the game in Minneapolis more closer to the vest. It would appear that Lucia's discussion with the refs this weekend might have gotten the leagues attention that they need to do a better job officiating.
Stoa - Schroeder - Barriball
Hoeffel - Carman - Hansen
Bostrom - White - Flynn
Fisher - Sacchetti - Miller
Ness - Fischer
Fairchild - Anderson
Wehrs - Lofquist
Kangas
Patterson
Kremer
The Hockey show.
Listen to the latest from the Hockey Show. Moose and Scott talk about the possibility of Colorado State getting college hockey team. Here is the link to the web page for that story. Also Moose and Scott talk about the Channing Boe and Brian Schack incident at about 1725 into the broadcast. Moose said, "After seeing the replay I can see how Don Lucia can defense what Brian Schack did."
To listen to the show (click here)if you have an iPod you can click here to listen to the broadcast (on iTunes)
Fighting Sioux to play Miami RedHawks. (edited)
According to post from a fan on MiamiHawk talk.com the Miami RedHawks are coming to UND to play a in Thanksgiving Weekend Showcase. This means that the RedHawks will play one game against the Fighting Sioux Hockey team next thanksgiving weekend. I am excited that I will finally get to see the Fighting Sioux beat the RedHawks in REA. Maybe the swoonskies from SCSU can finally beat the RedHawks.
Bringing this thread back to hockey scheduling....
At the Red & White Club luncheon yesterday, Coach Blasi again explained the out of conference plans. He mentioned the Thanksgiving trip to North Dakota, hosting St. Cloud, going to New Hampshire, and playing home and home with Robert Morris, with the game in the Burgh to be the one game RMU annually plays at Mellon Arena. It would be after Christmas some time. He made it sound like all of that will take place next season. He's mentioned all of this before, including the return trips with those schools, except the only 'news' to me was the mention of RMU. I'm not sure how it works with the number of O-O-C games available.
Sioux coaches show.
Here is the latest Fighting Sioux Coaches show.
Notes from the Fighting Sioux coaches show
Coach Hakstol called in from his Hyundai Sonata in Alberta Canada. Swig asked coach Hakstol how they keep track of all the UND recruits. Coach Hakstol said when he worked for Dean Blais and they didn’t work on future recruits at all. Now, basically the majority of the recruiting is done on future recruits. Coach Hakstol keeps a depth chart and keeps track where they are from year to year.
Coach Hakstol talked about the ins and outs of recruiting players. Brandon Bochenski’s name came up and Hakstol talked about the knock on Bochenski was his skating but he put the puck in the net every time he touched the puck.
Coach Hakstol likes his d-corps. They have been pretty darn good. The team needs to raise the level of play. Up front it has been someone different every night, everyone is playing well. Zajac lines needs to continue to except the grinding /energy line role. Duncan’s line has been really good both ways.
Notes from the Fighting Sioux coaches show
Coach Hakstol called in from his Hyundai Sonata in Alberta Canada. Swig asked coach Hakstol how they keep track of all the UND recruits. Coach Hakstol said when he worked for Dean Blais and they didn’t work on future recruits at all. Now, basically the majority of the recruiting is done on future recruits. Coach Hakstol keeps a depth chart and keeps track where they are from year to year.
Coach Hakstol talked about the ins and outs of recruiting players. Brandon Bochenski’s name came up and Hakstol talked about the knock on Bochenski was his skating but he put the puck in the net every time he touched the puck.
Coach Hakstol likes his d-corps. They have been pretty darn good. The team needs to raise the level of play. Up front it has been someone different every night, everyone is playing well. Zajac lines needs to continue to except the grinding /energy line role. Duncan’s line has been really good both ways.
Thursday, February 05, 2009
Chay Genoway third in online fan Hobey voting.
Sioux fans don't forget to go online and vote for Chay Genoway for Hobey Baker.Chay has slipped to third place in the voting.
15158: Mark Magnowski - Princeton - Jr - F
14081: Juliano Pagliero - Niagara - Sr - G
12509: Chay Genoway - North Dakota - Jr - D
9788: Ted Cook - Niagara - Sr - F
9063: Brock McBride - St. Lawrence - Sr - F
8573: Everett Sheen - Holy Cross - So. - F
7802: Jacques Lamoureux - Air Force - So - F
6305: Brad Thiessen - Northeastern - Jr - G
6301: James van Riemsdyk - New Hampshire - So - F
6098: Dan Ringwald - RIT - Jr - D
5825: Cory Conacher - Canisius - So - F
5818: James Marcou - Massachusetts - So - F
4705: Ryan Lasch - St. Cloud State - Jr - F
4329: Jordan Pearce - Notre Dame - Sr - G
4010: Ben Scrivens - Cornell - Jr - G
3335: Vince Rocco - Niagara - Sr - F
1936: Brett Wilson - Princeton - Sr - F
15158: Mark Magnowski - Princeton - Jr - F
14081: Juliano Pagliero - Niagara - Sr - G
12509: Chay Genoway - North Dakota - Jr - D
9788: Ted Cook - Niagara - Sr - F
9063: Brock McBride - St. Lawrence - Sr - F
8573: Everett Sheen - Holy Cross - So. - F
7802: Jacques Lamoureux - Air Force - So - F
6305: Brad Thiessen - Northeastern - Jr - G
6301: James van Riemsdyk - New Hampshire - So - F
6098: Dan Ringwald - RIT - Jr - D
5825: Cory Conacher - Canisius - So - F
5818: James Marcou - Massachusetts - So - F
4705: Ryan Lasch - St. Cloud State - Jr - F
4329: Jordan Pearce - Notre Dame - Sr - G
4010: Ben Scrivens - Cornell - Jr - G
3335: Vince Rocco - Niagara - Sr - F
1936: Brett Wilson - Princeton - Sr - F
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