Must seen interview with Tyler Bozak

I saw this Tyler Bozak interview over on DG's LetsGoDU hockey blog. Even if you're not a DU fan it's a must see.

A couple of the points that really hit home was how down to earth Bozak is but also how modest he is as a person. Folks, this was one of the best players in the WCHA this past season and barring injury would have run away with the scoring title in my opinion. Sounds like Bozak is a very good student and will go back and finish the rest of the year at Denver. The part that makes Bozak such an attractive prospect to the NHL is ability to play both ends of the ice. Toronto is going to be good again very soon they have picked up two top undrafted free agents and have been rumored to be going after Matt Gillroy from BU as well.

More of the Avery and Thomas incident.

This what Tim Thomas had to say about Sean "Sloppy Seconds" Avery smacking Tim Thomas to the back of his head with his Hockey stick as Thomas was stretching during a TV timeout. What part of that is socially unacceptable does Avery not understand?

"You look up and see who it is," recalled Thomas, "and you're like, 'You've got to be kidding me.' So it was just reflex."
---------snip-----------
Thomas decided to answer this one for himself. "There are some lines that can't be crossed," said Thomas, who graciously gave Avery credit for his gritty, and usually fair, play around the net during the times when there weren't TV timeouts. "He has a hard time figuring out what the lines are."

This is what the Rangers coach John Tortorella had to say about Tim Thomas after took matter into his own hands. Just for the record John I can't believe you think Thomas deserved an extra penalty, the reason he was the aggressor was that he was just whacked a goalie in a vulnerable position in the back of the head by one of your head cases Sean Avery.

Tortorella took issue after the game with the fact that the referees didn't come down harder on Thomas for jumping Avery. During the game's final TV timeout, Thomas had taken a knee between the circles when Avery skated by and raked the back of his head with his stick. Thomas chased after him, pushed him from behind and touched off a melee that ended up with matching minors for Avery (unsportsmanlike conduct) and Thomas (roughing).

"There has to be an extra one given to Thomas," Tortorella said, calling him "the aggressor" on the play, even though Avery - who dodged reporters after the game - could just as easily have put the Rangers shorthanded when they couldn't afford it.

Former Beaver Matt Climie gets first NHL start and win.

It's been a whirl wind week for the Bemidji State University Beaver hockey program first with the Beavers making the Frozen Four and now one of their former goalies Matt Clime got his first start in last night's game against the St Louis Blues. Clime also got a win in his first start with a 5-4 win in over-time against the Blues.

The big news of the morning was that 26-year-old Matt Climie will make his NHL debut tonight in goal for the Stars.

Climie, as you might expect, was excited about his chance in goal with the Stars. Climie was an emergency call-up Friday from Idaho, the Stars' East Coast Hockey League affiliate. Stars goalie Marty Turco suffered a lower-body injury Thursday against Calgary and is day-to-day. Climie said he received a call from the Stars late Thursday night saying he's going to be called up. He said he was told before this morning's skate that he would start tonight.

"My first start in the NHL, growing up in Canada, every kid dreams of playing in the NHL," Climie said. "I'm kind of overwhelmed."

Stars coach Dave Tippett said he's going with Climie tonight because he's the goalie that gives the Stars the best chance to win. I think you can read between the lines there for what that means for backup goalie Tobias Stephan and his future with the organization. Stephan will be an unrestricted free agent this summer and it's unlikely that the Stars will make him an offer. He's probably gone.
(Read the whole story here)

Thomas gives Sjostrom a waffle.

You had to wonder how long it would take before Sean "Sloppy Seconds" Avery would perform one of his bushleague acts. You have to know if you hit, whack, bump the oppositions goalie you're going to pay for it. Sjostrom got everything he deserves when he jumped Timmy Thomas. You have to love Jack Edwards from NESN he is my favorite homer.

Bruins clinch the top spot in the east.

So if you were a college hockey fan from the WCHA watching the Minnesota Gophers last year or the two seasons prior to that; would you've thought that Blake Wheeler would be a legitimate candidate for the Calder trophy. Would you have thought that Wheeler would score 20 goals and add 22 assist for 42 points in 76 games. Not in a million years. Today Wheeler scored the Bruins only goal as the Boston Bruins shut out the New Yorks Rangers and clinched the top spot in the East.

The State of the Wild.

Check out the latest zinger from Wild Blogger Michael Russo on the state of the Minnesota Wild. Russo really hit the bullseye with this article. The next step I would like to see is the Minneapolis media call for Wild owner Craig Leipold to sack Wild General Manager Doug Risebrough. It's time for Risebrough to go because he has been a miserable failure when it comes to running the Wild. This team is all his doing and he is the that the blame should be laid on. Russo is right as well as he should start looking at the Blues and Kings because that is who the Wild are going to be chasing next season.

The Wild Owner should have taken notice when Risebrough didn't want to trade James Sheppard for Olli Jokinen. Are you kidding me, Risebrough didn't want to trade young talent like James Sheppard, guys like James Sheppard are a dime a dozen in the NHL. There are hundreds of guys like him in the AHL and ECHL.

If the front office convinces owner Craig Leipold that this was a throw-away season solely because Gaborik was hurt, it's an injustice to everybody who paid a dime for tickets or merchandise.

If Leipold wants a reality check, just turn on the Center Ice package and watch St. Louis and Columbus and Chicago and Edmonton and even Phoenix and Los Angeles.

Think the Wild really has better young talent, a brighter future? Those teams are burgeoning with young, explosive talent, which is reason for real optimism there and pessimism here.

The Wild has James Sheppard, who's somehow untouchable like he's going to wake up tomorrow and become Jarome Iginla. Mikko Koivu and Brent Burns are good, cornerstone players.

But in the history of this organization, the Wild has developed one star, Gaborik -- and this week is likely his Minnesota swan song.

The Wild has sold out every game in franchise history, but it's not guaranteed to continue. Assistant GM Tommy Thompson knows this. He wasn't trying to critique the current state of affairs. But in an interview with me for the upcoming Hockey News Draft magazine, Thompson said the Wild must draft a "dynamic player ... with a little pizzazz" this June.

Another great read on T.J. Oshie.

Imagine the possibilities if former Fighting Sioux hockey and current St Louis Blue hockey player T.J. Oshie had not been hurt and played the whole season. I suspect he would have been one of the leading candidates for Rookie of the year. Check this article from the Sporting News on T.J. Oshie.

This, from a kid who is 5-11, 181 pounds -- not a thug, but a well-round skilled player who knows how to hit and hit hard.

After missing more than 20 games with a high ankle sprain earlier in the season, Oshie exploded onto the scene with highlight goals and hits. He's leveled opponents with big-time hits, like this one against Nash.

The Blue Jackets were angered about the hit. Blues fans went bonkers for it. Blues broadcaster Bernie Federko noted correctly Oshie did exactly what he should do.

"A player coming out of the penalty box is told to go directly to the puck," Federko said during last Saturday's telecast. "He caught Nash flatfooted."

Argue it all you want, but Oshie did glide into the hit. Had it been charging, he would have been called for a penalty.

A typical comment from cyberspace: "That homer announcer is dead wrong. Nash is on the ice and is fair game. There is no written law you can't check a team's superstar legally. I am also sick and tired of hockey players wanting to fight after someone who lays a legal hit on one of their teammates. It is part of the game," according to a post on Goon's World. By the title, take it with a grain of salt. But take it as a statement of fact as well.

"Paging Mr. Nash, Mr. Rick Nash. Please come pick up your pride at the customer service counter," wrote old friend Kevin Wheeler of KMOX Radio in St. Louis.
(Read the whole article right here)

Tim Thomas gets paid.

Former Vermont Catamount and current Boston Bruins goalie Tim Thomas signed a contract extension for 4 years and 20 million dollars. Just for comparision sake here is what some of the other goalies will be making next season. Bruins goalie Tim Thomas will be making 6 million next season the same amount as Niklas Backstrom. Also, you have to wonder if Thomas is probably the odds on favorite to be the man between the pipes in next year's Olympics.

Henrik Lundqvist ($6.875 million)
Roberto Luongo ($6.75 million)
Ryan Miller ($6.25 million)
Jean-Sebastien Giguere ($6 million)
Niklas Backstrom ($6 million)
Miikka Kiprusoff ($5.833 million)
Marty Turco ($5.7 million)
Tomas Vokoun ($5.7 million)
Cristobal Huet ($5.625 million)
Evgeni Nabokov ($5.375 million)
Martin Brodeur ($5.2 million)
Marc-Andre Fleury ($5 million)

(Source Bruin's Blog)

Note to WCHA commissioner make it work.

The WCHA commissioner and North Dakota faculty representative Sue Jeno made a site visit to Bemidji State University on Friday; this is one of the first steps in the right direction of getting BSU gaining membership into the WCHA. Now is a time for a steady hand and leadership as the WCHA makes the transition to a 11 or 12 team league.

The thing that troubles me the most is all of the excuse making I hear from the WCHA commissioner Bruce McLeod, to quote the one time beat writer for the Fighting Sioux Virg Foss, “make it work.” If McLeod can’t make it work maybe the member schools of the WCHA should consider another person for the Commissioner's job. IIRC the commissioner’s contract is up for renewal this year and maybe the league needs to go in another direction if McLeod can’t offer stable leadership. Maybe there is someone that can make it work. I don’t think the WCHA wants to be the league that killed 2008-2009 Division one Hockey’s version of Cinderella.

With BSU the sole applicant, it would leave the WCHA an 11-team league which would present scheduling problems. Not in the math, McLeod said, but in producing a fair and equitable balance among the big and smaller schools in the league.

“I have put together an 11-team 28-game schedule for three years out,” he said. “You can put it together. … But there’s no model to it.”

The WCHA already plays an imbalanced schedule because home-and-home games aren’t available to all teams. The 10-team, 28-game imbalanced schedule takes four years to work it out so that all teams play home and away an equal number of times. A 12-team, 28-game schedule takes five years.

“I have yet to figure out a way – I’ve been in NHL offices, every place I can to try to find some model that works with some fairness, some balance to it and I have yet to come up with it,” he said.

The schedule he does have has some teams with two games on the road three years in a row to the same school.

“It’s not fair to the institutions that are in the league right now, that they have no idea what their opponents' schedule is going to look like from year to year,” he said. “It has no recognition of traditional opponents we have in the league.”

Many think that a step backward, McLeod said.

Better than an 11-team league is a 12-team league, he said, and it appears work continues to gain another application.

“Obviously the answer to an 11-team league is a 12-team league,” he said. “We are doing a lot of homework in that area. … There are some interests. I can’t mention them, but there are definitively possibilities for us but we have to come up with the right circumstances, the right way to approach, etc. etc.”

McLeod says he hopes BSU can get an answer this spring, right at the WCHA’s annual meeting. “That may or may not happen, depending on some things that are still in the works regarding some of the things we’re hoping for in a little bit.”
(read the whole story here)

NMU to stay in the CCHA.

It had been speculated that NMU might jump to the WCHA, but that rumor has been shot down. I agree with the NMU blogger, I think NMU would be a great addition to the WCHA and would be a natural rival with MTU. I think NMU fans should email and call the NMU athletic department.

NMU Decides to Stay in CCHA --- Rob Balmes
Much to the chagrin of many Wildcat fans, the NMU President, Board, and Athletic Director decided to remain in the CCHA, turning down an offer to rejoin the WCHA. I personally believe it is a terrible mistake, but respect the decision. Fans should now petition the CCHA to open a dialogue and not be bullied by Michigan and Michigan State to have cross-over interleague play every season. They have their nice little deal to play Wisconsin and Minnesota every season. The dream is dead, NMU remains a Central member.

Will all of the Hobey Hat Trick be signed this spring?

You have to wonder if after the Frozen Four is done next weekend will all of the Hobey Baker Hat Trick players be signed to professional contracts? Colin Wilson, Boston University a Sophomore (13g - 27a – 40) will probably get some pressure from the Nashville Predators to sign and Matt Gilroy Boston University a Senior defenseman
(5g - 16a – 21) is said to be one of the more sought after free agents after Tyler Bozek who just signed a professional contract today with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

4/03/2009 --- The Pittsburgh Penguins have signed free agent goalie Brad Thiessen from Northeastern University.

Thiessen is one of three finalists for the Hobey Baker award as the top college hockey player for the 2008-09 season.

The Aldergrove, BC native finished fourth in the nation in victories with a record of 25-12-4. He recorded six shutouts in 41 games with a save percentage of .931 and goals-against average of 2.11.

The 23-year-old was named the best goaltender and Player of the Year in Hockey East.

The winner of the Bozak sweepstakes is? The Leafs.

Sounds like Brian Burke got his man and is going to go after Boston University senior defensman Matt Gilroy as well as soon as the NCAA playoffs are over. It looks like the Maple Leafs are on the road to recovery and making the right steps to right the ship after a futile existence the last three seasons no Stanley Cup playoff; actually that will be four seasons after this current season is officially over. So look for the Maple Leafs to make some improvement.

So if your a Leaf aka a Make Me Laugh Fan things are starting to look up your general manager just got DU's Tyler Bozak and Notre Dame's Christian Hanson to sign professional contracts. Tyler Bozak was one of the most sought after undrafted free agents because he is a complete forward that plays both ends of the ice and will make an impact in the NHL.

Another Piece of the Puzzle
The Maple Leafs, having more success off the ice in recent days than they enjoyed all season, have outfought several other clubs for the right to sign talented Denver University forward Tyler Bozak.

Bozak, 23, has told the Leafs they are his preferred destination for his first NHL contract, with a contract expected to be signed sometime today. The Leafs are believed to have outmaneuvered Ottawa, Colorado and Anaheim, among other clubs, to sign the U.S. collegiate star. Tyler Bozak had 18 goals in 41 games with Denver in 2007-08.

After signing Christian Hanson of Notre Dame, who will make his NHL debut tonight in Philly, earlier this week, snaring Bozak gives the Leafs two of the top U.S. collegiate free agents available, with Boston University defenceman Matt Gilroy still on Brian Burke's radar.

Quite clearly, these free agents are looking at the Leafs and seeing opportunity for immediate NHL work based on the club's lack of depth at every position. This week, in a way, has turned into the draft before the draft for the Leafs, who desperately need to add prospects to their bare talent cupboard.

Bozak, a native of Regina who played his junior hockey in B.C. before heading to Denver, is thought to have more of an offensive upside than Hanson, but is smaller and missed most of the past season with a knee injury. Both are skill players, and Burke undoubtedly made it clear to both that he intends to add muscle around them to make their introduction to NHL competition easier.

Getting both players, meanwhile, is in part a credit to the stability the Leafs are enjoying these days.

So the list is updated over on the UND hockey blog.
Early departures in the WCHA (7)

Alaska-Anchorage (1)
Paul Crowder, jr, forward, N.Y. Rangers

Colorado College (2)
Brian Connelly, jr, defenseman, Chicago Blackhawks
Richard Bachman, so, goaltender, Dallas Stars

Denver (1)
Tyler Bozak, so, forward, Toronto Maple Leafs

Minnesota (1)
Ryan Stoa, jr, forward, Colorado Avalanche

MSU-Mankato (1)
Trevor Bruess, jr, forward, Washington Capitals

Wisconsin (1)
Jamie McBain, jr, defenseman, Carolina Hurricanes

David Backes scores 4 goals in one game.

I have to admit that I am getting more and more excited about the St Louis Blues and the great young team that they have. I mean look at the players. Tonight former MSU-M Maverick star David Backes scored four (4) goals in one game. Backed scored a natural hat trick and then scored the game winning goal. That is impressive in my book. You have to wonder if anyone will want to face tem in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The team they beat the Detroit Redwings.


(Goal 2)

(Goal 3)

(Goal 4)

NCAA upsets show why more teams necessary

Here was an interesting article that was in the THN.COM However the article is devoid of a few key facts. Lets clear up a couple of things up. First off; Robert Morris, Niagara have already found a conference the AHA and BSU and UAH are still looking for a new conference to call home. Second; Air Force was playing in their third straight NCAA regional they have never advanced to the Frozen Four.

The University of Findlay (Ohio) Oilers were the basketball team in question and hey, congratulations on your first national title.

But with Air Force beating Michigan and Bemidji State (Minn.) trouncing Notre Dame and Cornell in the Frozen Four tournament over the weekend, I couldn’t help but think of those players who suited up for the Oilers on the ice from 1999 to 2004, when Findlay was a member of College Hockey America (CHA), the dwindling conference that has also produced the Bemidji State Beavers. Those same Beavers are angling to join the powerhouse WCHA, leaving the CHA with just three members (Robert Morris, Niagara and Alabama-Huntsville). And based on the way the Beavers handled No. 1 Notre Dame and highly rated Cornell, it’s obvious the team knows how to compete with the big boys.

Findlay hockey died because of budget constraints, an all-too-familiar refrain these days, but a rough one when you read between the lines: the school would rather have a Division II basketball team than a Division I hockey team. In essence, they’d rather play Cal Poly Pomona on the hardwood than Notre Dame on the ice.

But hey – not my decision.

American college athletics are so exciting because of the atmospheres and because of the rivalries (think Wisconsin-Minnesota or Boston College-Boston U.). I’ve said this before, but it needs to be said again: More big schools are needed in NCAA hockey.

The talent is there. Powerhouses such as Wisconsin often over recruit and some players end up playing at Division III schools for a year until a roster spot opens up. And as we’ve seen with Air Force and Bemidji State, hockey is finding its Gonzagas and George Masons. The Falcons of Air Force, for example, were playing in their third straight Frozen Four tournament coming out of the Atlantic Hockey conference.

Big Joe Finley Signs.

LGM's favorite former Fighting Sioux hockey player Joe Finley has signed an entry level professional contract with the Washington Capitals organization. Goon's World would like to congratulate Big Joe and wish him good luck in the next step in his hockey career. I have enjoyed watching Finley play for UND the last four seasons.

04/02/2009 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – April 2, 2009

Capitals Sign Defenseman Joe Finley

ARLINGTON, Va. – The Washington Capitals have signed defenseman Joe Finley to a two-year entry-level contract beginning next season, vice president and general manager George McPhee announced today. In keeping with club policy terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Finley, 21, will join the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League (AHL) on Monday.

Finley skated in 27 games for the University of North Dakota this year and recorded two goals and eight assists. He missed 16 games with an injury.

The 6'7", 240-pound Edina, Minn., native was a four-time letter winner for North Dakota and helped the Fighting Sioux advance to the Frozen Four in each of his first three years of college. He recorded 35 points (seven goals, 28 assists) in 154 career games and led the team in plus/minus during his sophomore and junior years. He was named to the All-WCHA Academic Team three times.

He played one season with the Sioux Falls Stampede of the United States Hockey League before college and recorded 13 points (three goals, 10 assists) and 181 penalty minutes in 55 games.

Finley was Washington's first-round choice, 27th overall, in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft.

T.J. Oshie Named NHL rookie of the month.

Former Fighting Sioux Hockey player T.J. Oshie was named the NHL Rookie of the Month for March, Oshie edged out former Badger Brian Elliot and Former Gopher Kyle Okposo for the award. If T.J. Oshie wouldn't have gotten hurt this season I could see him making a push for Rookie of the year in the NHL.

NEW YORK -- St. Louis center T.J. Oshie, who helped spark the Blues' playoff surge by recording 13 points (four goals, nine assists) and a +6 rating in 14 games, has been named the NHL Rookie of the Month for March.

Oshie edged Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos (8-7--15 in 15 games), Toronto Maple Leafs center Mikhail Grabovski (5-9--14 in 13 games), New York Islanders right wing Kyle Okposo (5-8--13 in 13 games), Ottawa Senators goaltender Brian Elliott (9-3-0, 2.57 goals-against average), Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Steve Mason (8-4-2, 2.46 GAA) and Nashville Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne (7-2-3, 2.53 GAA) for the award.

Oshie tallied points in nine games as the Blues posted a 9-4-1 record and climbed from 12th to ninth in the Western Conference standings. He recorded an assist and a +3 rating in a 5-2 victory over Dallas Mar. 10, notched a goal and an assist in a 5-2 loss to Detroit Mar. 14 and notched a pair of assists in a 5-3 win over Minnesota Mar. 15. Forming a 'Kid Line' with fellow rookie Patrik Berglund and second-year David Perron, Oshie tallied a goal and an assist and was named First Star in a 4-2 victory over Vancouver Mar. 26 and registered 1-1--2 and a +3 rating in a 5-2 win at Columbus Mar. 29 that gave the Blues a sweep of the weekend home-and-home series.

Oshie is the fifth player to be named NHL Rookie of the Month this season, joining Columbus Blue Jackets center Derick Brassard (October), Blue Jackets goaltender Steve Mason (November and December), Anaheim Ducks right wing Bobby Ryan (January) and Nashville Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne (February).

Hobey Hat trick announced.

Here is the 2008-2009 Hobey Hat Trick.

The hat trick includes Junior goalie Brad Thiessen from Northeastern, Boston University senior defenseman Matt Gilroy and BU sophomore forward Colin Wilson.

This is why I like the shootout

I hear a lot of people railing against the shootout and how some people don't
want to see NCAA Division one hockey to adopt the shootout across the board
well it is goals/moves like this that make the shootout an exciting option for me.

Serratore for Spencer Penrose. Why not?

Here are the finalist for the 2008-2009 Spencer Penrose finalists. I would like to see the award go to Tom Serratore coach of the Bemidji State University Beavers because I think he is the most deserving of the award.

Coach Serratore has gotten the more out of less with his hockey team. I mean think about it this way, the BSU Beavers have (1) one player that is drafted by an NHL team (Chris Peluso (PIT) JR) the Notre Dame Fighting Irish had (8) eight players, you tell me what team under achieved there. So what we are saying while BSU had one drafted player other teams have 5-15 drafted players and couldn't make the Frozen Four or even get out of the first round game of their regional.

Breaking it down further the BSU Beavers weren't even in the top 25 of the Pair Wise Rankings yet they beat the 2nd and 12th ranked teams, in fact the Beavers beat the number two ranked team that was at the top of the rankings most of the season and went something like 20 games without a loss.

Keith Allain, Yale*
Enrico Blasi, Miami#@
Greg Cronin, Northeastern*
Dallas Ferguson, Alaska*
Dave Hakstol, North Dakota*
Jack Parker, Boston University#@
Tom Serratore, Bemidji State*#
Kevin Sneddon, Vermont#
Ryan Soderquist, Bentley*

* Conference coach of the year
# NCAA Frozen Four participant
@ Previous winner

Recent winners

2000 Joe Marsh, St. Lawrence
2001 Dean Blais, North Dakota
2002 Tim Whitehead, Maine
2003 Bob Daniels, Ferris State
2004 Scott Sandelin, Minnesota-Duluth
2005 George Gwozdecky, Denver
2006 Enrico Blasi, Miami
2007 Jeff Jackson, Notre Dame
2008 Red Berenson, Michigan

2009-2010 schedule is up

2009-2010 UND Fighting Sioux tenative schedule has been posted. Brad Schlossman posted an article about the schedule as well.

Oct. 3 -- MANITOBA (ex)(CIS)
Oct. 9 -- MERRIMACK (HOCKEY EAST)
Oct. 10 -- MERRIMACK (HOCKEY EAST)
Oct. 16 -- MINNESOTA
Oct. 17 -- MINNESOTA
Oct. 23 -- at Anchorage
Oct. 24 -- at Anchorage
Nov. 6 -- at Mich. Tech
Nov. 7 -- at Mich. Tech
Nov. 13 -- ST. CLOUD
Nov. 14 -- ST. CLOUD
Nov. 20 -- at Denver
Nov. 21 -- at Denver
Nov. 27 -- MIAMI (CCHA)
Nov. 28 -- OHIO STATE (CCHA)
Dec. 4 -- at Duluth
Dec. 5 -- at Duluth
Dec. 11 -- WISCONSIN
Dec. 12 -- WISCONSIN
Dec. 19 -- US WORLD JR (ex)
Jan. 1 -- at Notre Dame tour.(TBD)
Jan. 2 -- at Notre Dame tour. (TBD)
Jan. 8 -- MSU-MANKATO
Jan. 9 -- MSU-MANKATO
Jan. 15 -- at Minnesota
Jan. 16 -- at Minnesota
Jan. 22 -- at Cornell (ECAC)
Jan. 23 -- at Cornell (ECAC)
Jan. 29 -- DENVER
Jan. 30 -- DENVER
Feb. 12 -- at St. Cloud
Feb. 13 -- at St. Cloud
Feb. 19 -- DULUTH
Feb. 20 -- DULUTH
Feb. 26 -- at Colo. Coll.
Feb. 27 -- at Colo. Coll.
Mar. 5 -- MICH. TECH
Mar. 6 -- MICH. TECH
Mar. 12-13 -- WCHA first round
Mar. 18-20 -- WCHA Final Five
Mar. 26-28 -- NCAA regionals
Apr. 8-10 -- Frozen Four

James van Riemsdyk signs with the Flyers.

The UNH Wildcats were handed a bit of bad news todoay when they found out that their super star forward James van Riemsdyke will forgo his college eligibility to play for the Philadelphia Flyer's. Based on his play and his WJC tourney no one should be surprised. I expect JVR to make an immediate impact in the NHL.

DURHAM – Going, going, gone.

Sophomore center James van Riemsdyk informed University of New Hampshire hockey coach Dick Umile Wednesday morning that he had signed a contract with the Philadelphia Flyers, ending the tenure of one of the highest-profile recruits to ever wear a UNH uniform.

The 6-foot-3, 205-pound Van Riemsdyk returned home to New Jersey on Tuesday and finalized plans with his parents and family advisor, Umile said, adding that it was no surprise.

“I think we all knew there was a good possibility it was going to happen, but nothing’s official until it happens,” said Umile, who called van Riemsdyk a “joy to coach” and said he supports his decision to turn pro.

The No. 2 overall pick by the Flyers in the 2007 NHL draft, van Riemsdyk upset some people in Philly by returning to UNH for his sophomore season.

The Wildcats’ season ended Sunday, one step short of the Frozen Four, when they were nipped by top-ranked Boston University, 2-1, in the Northeast Regional final in Manchester. They finished 20-13-5.

Van Riemsdyk issued a statement through UNH Wednesday that read, in part: “It has been my lifelong dream to one day play in the NHL. … UNH has played a crucial role in preparing me for this important next step in my hockey career and I shall be forever grateful. I fully intend to complete my academic obligations for the current second semester.”

So now we are to believe the Wild like college kids?

When I was reading Wild blogger Mike Russo's blog post today this part of article really jumped out at me. It's no mystery that Wild general manager Doug Risebrough doesn't like college hockey players very much, if he did he would have more of them on his roster. Seriously! If Doug Risebrough really like ex-college hockey players why aren't there more ex-college hockey players on the Wild roster? While the Wild have 15 ex-collegiate hockey players on their farm club none of them are on the fast track to playing for the big club.

I think this is a legitimate question since there are many opportunities to get a good look at college hockey players living in the state of hockey. The Minnesota Wild have one collegiate hockey player on their team John Scott and he is from Edmonton Alberta, also the Wild have one American on their team Dan Fritsche who played his amateur hockey in the OHL and he is going to be a career third or fourth line player. I love the Minnesota Wild but Risebrough is doing a horrible job managing this franchise.

Also ran into Canucks bruiser Darcy Hordichuk, and he interviewed me rather than vice versa regarding a 6-foot-8 former Michigan Tech (who says the Wild dislikes college kids?) dude named John Scott. Apparently Hordichuk’s thinking he may need to “go” with the towering blue-liner, and by “go,” I mean fight if you catch my drift.

I talked to Scott a lot this morning about his fighting. He openly says that he’s a “bad fighter,” and it’s something he might need to address this summer by taking boxing lessons. Being a college kid, he never had to fight. He openly admits he hates fighting but knows at 6-8, it’s something he’s going to have to do if he’s going to be a regular in this league.
(read the whole blog here)

Houston Aeros roster 2008-2009.
Nolan Schaefer Providence College
Krys Kolanos, Boston College
Marco Rosa, Merrimack college
Brandon Rogers, Michigan
Danny Irmen, Minnesota
Jason Deitsch, St Norbert College
Bryan Lundbohm, North Dakota
Robbie Earl, Wisconsin
Jason Ryznar, Michigan
Mike Hamilton, Maine
Jon Insana, Michigan State
Tony Hrkac, North Dakota
John Adams, Boston College
Ryan Lang, University of Alaska Fairbanks

Bolts a bunch of hacks

After watching the game between the Bruins and the Lighting it would appear that Tampa Bay is a bunch of hacks, the stick swinging in this game was ridiculous. Check out the fight video of Milan Lucic as he buries Josef Melichar who was stupid enough to hit him up high with a bush league high hit. A whole lot of nasty is what Blues GM John Davidson called Lucic. Also, on the injury front Phil Kessel is still out of the line up until at least next week.

By Kevin Paul Dupont, Globe Staff April 1, 2009 01:30 PM
Lots of stick work--and an abundance of shattered sticks--in last night's game.

''I guess you are right,'' said Milan Lucic, pulling up his sleeves to show slices in both forearms from enemy hacks. ''You saw that a lot of that in the old NHL, but not so much today.''

Julien kept to his minimal updates on the injured likes of Phil Kessel and Shawn Thornton. Kessel, he said, won't play until, next week. Thornton is considered day-to-day with a minor injury.

Genoway returning for senior season.

Brad Elliott Schlossman beat writer for the Fighting Sioux hockey team is reporting that WCHA defenseman of the year Chay Genoway will return for his senior season at UND. This is very good news for the Fighting Sioux hockey team, Chay brings a lot of on the ice leadership that should help some of the younger Sioux defenders. I would suspect that he will be a good candidate for wearing the "C". Your staying for another week just made a lot of Sioux fan's week a lot better. Now if we can only talk Vandy into staying we will be set.

The UND men’s hockey team will have to replace a pair of senior alternate captains on defense for next season, but it won’t have to replace the reigning Western Collegiate Hockey Association defensive player of the year.

Chay Genoway has decided that he won’t entertain any pro offers this offseason and he will be back at UND for his senior year.

“There was interest, but I didn’t want to take it any further,” Genoway said. “There is a time and place for some guys to go. But for me, everything points back to coming back to this program. I want to cherish another year here. I’m not ready to leave this place. It’s too special of a place. If I had the chance to play here for 10 years, I would.

“I’ve talked to guys who have moved on and they always say that this is their favorite place they’ve ever played, even at the pro level. I think we’re going to have a good team next year and I’m really excited about it.”

Genoway is an undrafted free agent, but NHL teams will have to wait another year to get a crack at the 5-foot-8, 165-pound dynamic, offensive defenseman.
(read the whole story right here)

BSU makes history.

This past weekend there was a whirlwind of excitement surrounding the NCAA Division one hockey tourney as the Bemidji State University Beavers qualified for the Frozen Four by beating a couple impressive highly favored foes. The flat bellied experts predicted that there was no way the Beavers could win and said that the Beavers would be a one and done team. The Beavers would have none of that and went along their merry way busting brackets and breaking the Notre Dame Fighting Irish’s and Cornell Big Red heart’s. It was a story book ending to an incredible weekend of college hockey.

BSU fans Giddy

Much of this week I have spent a fair amount of talking to my friends from Bemidji State Nation about their team’s historic series of events. You can hear the excitement in their voices as they get ready for the upcoming Frozen Four. As a UND fan I know how exciting it can be leading up the Frozen Four as the four years prior my team was in the big dance on the big stage.

I can't blame the BSU fans for being giddy, this is an exciting time. I have to admit being from Bemidji and having attended BSU for two years and being a member of the 1992 BSU football team I am giddy as hell. I also lived in Bemidji I want to see the Beavers win it all. I have to admit that I am sick and tired of seeing the hockey pundits and ESPN be cheer for the big schools like BU, B.C. Notre Dame, and Michigan school’s (2x). I think it is time for another small school to win the whole thing that doesn’t reside in on the East Coast or Michigan. So the only thing that would top this magical run by BSU would be a NCAA title. Is it possible, yeah it is…

Historic Run

The BSU Beavers became the first 16 seed to make the Frozen Four. Three number one seeds went down to defeat and only one Boston University won both of their games. The other three number one seeds didn't even win their first game. Compare and contrast the two Cinderella team's wins; the Falcons scored two relatively quick goals against Michigan and then were very lucky they were able to hang on to their lead as Michigan was all over them in the third period but could not score a goal. You almost have to wonder if AFA had Plexiglas on the front of the net.

On the other hand the Beavers flat out dominated one very good hockey team and another defensive powerhouse for 6 periods of hockey. There wasn’t any score a couple of goals and then go into a defensive shell. It was attack and counter attack. So yeah it’s historic probably because it has never happened until this past weekend. The BSU plan was very simple get pucks deep and skate very hard for 30 second and get off the ice. So simply yet the opposition was unable to answer Serratore’s game plan.

Puck Daddy on BSU

Greg Wyshynski of Puck Daddy kind of sums up the significance of BSU making the big dance. This story is very similar to the 1980 Olympic victory, kind of David versus Goliath

Sometimes, it takes a miracle for hockey to receive mainstream sports attention. Like back in 1980, when a bunch of college kids from the U.S. shocked the Olympic world by defeating the Russians; or like in 2009, when a bunch of college kids from Bemidji State University upset Notre Dame and Cornell to qualify for the 2009 NCAA Frozen Four in Washington, DC next weekend.

Bemidji what now? The question is being asked around the sports world as the liberal arts university from northern Minnesota -- home to around 5,000 students -- enters the semifinals of college hockey's Div. I championship tournament for the first time, in what some are calling "the equivalent of Morehead State going to the Final Four."

Kozek signs with the Chicago Wolves.

Goon's World will have a fond memories of former Fighting Sioux forward Andrew Kozek
I included the game winning goal from last years West Regional against the Badgers.
I would like to wish Kozek good luck in the next step of his hockey career.

( Chicago Wolves Press Release)--- The Chicago Wolves have signed left wing Andrew Kozek to an Amateur Tryout Contract (ATO).

The 22-year-old forward posted an assist in the University of North Dakota’s 6-5 overtime loss to the University of New Hampshire in the first round of the NCAA Men’s Ice Hockey Tournament on Saturday, and tallied eight goals, 20 points and 40 penalty minutes in 38 games with UND (WCHA) this season.

Overall, the Sicamous, British Columbia, native racked up 38 goals, 27 assists and 65 points in 167 career matchups with the Fighting Sioux, spanning four seasons (2005 to 2009). The Atlanta Thrashers second choice, 53rd overall, in the 2005 National Hockey League Entry Draft, KOZEK also spent two seasons with the Surrey Eagles (BCHL) prior to joining UND, recording 67 goals 71 assists and 138 points in 118 matchups from 2003 to 2005.

KOZEK will be available to make his professional debut when the Wolves take on the Peoria Rivermen at Carver Arena on Wednesday at 7 p.m.

UNH loses Ryan Bourque to the QMJHL

Like father like son Ray Bourque's kid Ryan Bourque is going to play in the QMJHL and has backed out of his verbal commitment to UNH. Sounds like a significant loss for the Wildcats. You have to wonder how solid the Bourque's commitment to the Wildcats was? What is more interesting is the comments following this blog post and the debate on whether the NCAA versus CHL debate.

Bourque to skip UNH, head to QMJHL

Like his father, the youngest Bourque will play in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.

Ryan Bourque, a Boxford native and son of Bruins legend and NHL Hall of Famer Ray Bourque, will forgo a verbal commitment to the University of New Hampshire to suit up for the Quebec Remparts of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League next season.

Bourque, 18, was Quebec's seventh-round choice in last year's junior draft. He was ranked 61st among North American skaters in this year's NHL Central Scouting midseason rankings. He will have up to three years of junior eligibility. The Remparts' owner, general manager and coach is NHL Hall of Famer Patrick Roy, a former teammate of Ray Bourque's with the Colorado Avalanche.

US Under-18 team coach Ron Rolston said Bourque is an elite player in his age group who will be productive at the next level.

"He does everything for us, and he provides leadership," said Rolston. "He'll be a valuable asset to Quebec."

A 5-foot-8, 165-pound left wing, Bourque played the last two seasons with the U.S. National Team Development Program. He had 19 goals and 24 assists in 47 games this year, second on the Under-18 team. He will play for the US in the Under-18 World Championships, which begin April 9.

Ray Bourque played three seasons for the now-defunct Sorel (later Verdun) Eperviers, or Blackhawks, of the QMJHL.

Kessel still out.

Bruins fans will be disappointed to know that Phil Kessel is still out of the Bruins line up with the dreaded undisclosed injury. Sounds like a shoulder injury. According to the Boston Globe hockey blogger it appears to be a shoulder injury.

Kessel out again
Phil Kessel will miss his third consecutive game with an undisclosed injury tonight when the Bruins take on the Lightning at TD Banknorth Garden. Coach Claude Julien said Kessel is expected to resume practicing later in the week and get back in the lineup next week. It is suspected that it’s a shoulder injury that’s keeping Kessel sidelined, but Julien wasn’t even giving up the vicinity of the injury.

“It’s our job to protect guys,” said Julien with a grin, “and it’s your job to expose them.”…. Manny Fernandez was the first goalie off the ice at the morning skate, indicating he’ll play again tonight. Julien has said that he’s going to at least try to get Fernandez on track.

Today is the dead line to apply for WCHA membership

First thing that I would say is hopefully someone will step up and apply for the 12th spot in the WCHA. Eleven teams would be hard to schedule, unless the NCAA lets the WCHA and other leagues add more games to their schedules, I can't see the NCAA doing that.

Also, I am surprised that UAH hasn't at least put in an application to the WCHA, who knows maybe they will today. You have to wonder if UAH will apply later if their quest to get into the CCHA isn't successful. Holding pattern probably, it's a horrible time to get everyone focusing on conference expansion when there are still teams playing in college hockey. It will be interesting to see how this plays out and where the domino's fall.

Bemidji State is sole WCHA applicant The Western Collegiate Hockey Association’s window for accepting new applicants will close today, and Bemidji State is the only school that has applied.

The Beavers are desperate to find a league, because their current home of College Hockey America will be down to two teams after next season and will disband. Sustaining a college hockey program without a conference would be nearly impossible.

Bemidji State seems to be a natural fit for the WCHA because of its close proximity to the other schools, but the WCHA has 10 teams and an odd number would present scheduling issues.

“It is problematic,” WCHA commissioner Bruce McLeod said of the possibility of an 11-team league. “And if we end up with 11, the Association will have to make a decision on the pros and cons of an 11-team league.”

McLeod and UND faculty representative Sue Jeno will make a site visit to Bemidji State on Friday on behalf of the league. BSU officials will then present their case for admission to every WCHA school during April’s American Hockey Coaches’ Association meetings in Florida.

The faculty representatives of the 10 memberschools could vote (eight of 10 votes are needed for acceptance) on whether to allow Bemidji State at that time, but there’s a strong possibility that they won’t.

Muddy waters

“There are a few things going on that have kind of muddied the water in Division I a little bit,” McLeod said. “There are all kinds of scenarios out there. There could be a domino effect if things happen in other places.”

McLeod said he couldn’t elaborate on the other behind-the-scenes happenings around the country.

“I can’t talk about individual schools and what’s going on,” he said. “But there are some circumstances that could affect things.”

Here is an interesting article from the University Chronicle Student newspaper. I thought this statement was kind of funny.

Speaking of 11th member, if Bemidji State were to join the WCHA, then the conference faces a numbers problem that would have to change with addition or subtraction. And neither are feasible options.

Kyle's suggestion is to bring in Nebraska-Omaha, which makes sense geographically. But would the WCHA want to bring in a lower-tier member of the CCHA, and a team that cannot fill 50 percent of their arena?

Plus, UNO head coach Mike Kemp said as recently as January 2009 that the Mavericks are not interested in joining the WCHA.

Is Van Riemsdyk moving up?

With articles like this you have to wonder if JVR is one of the next collegiate hockey players to forgo the rest of his eligibility to make a living playing hockey in the NHL? Based on his play in college this season it wouldn't be a stretch to think van Riemsdyke (12g-23a-40 points) could play in the NHL right now.

In Van Riemsdyk, Flyers Might Still Have an Ace Up Their Sleeve
With van Riemsdyk’s University of New Hampshire eliminated from the NCAA postseason on Sunday, he is free to leave college behind and join the professional ranks at any time.

Van Riemsdyk was already given a long look in training camp this past Sept. before he ultimately opted to return to UNH for his sophomore year.

The Flyers were reportedly miffed at his decision not to turn pro, but the move worked out for van Riemsdyk, as he led the Wildcats in scoring and cemented his reputation as the top prospect in college hockey.

He also starred again at the World Junior Championship for Team USA, finishing seventh in scoring after leading the entire tournament the previous year.

His recent body of work speaks for itself, and he is clearly ready to take the step to the NHL. But the decision about whether or not to ink his first professional contract within the next few weeks will rest with van Riemsdyk alone, as Flyers GM Paul Holmgren has made it clear that he will not pressure his top prospect to sign.


Not only would his turning pro give the Flyers a shot in the arm for the rest of the season, but the move makes financial sense for van Riemsdyk, whose stock will never be higher than it is now. And with the salary cap slated to go down in the coming years, he and all young players should strike while the iron is hot.

In an ideal situation, the Flyers would bring the second overall pick of the 2007 draft into the fold for the final three or four games of the regular season as a trial run.

And even if they did not have full confidence in throwing him into the playoff machine, regular practice with the team and witnessing the intensity of the games in person could only help his growth.

Wild in the running for Jokinen?

Apparently the Minnesota Wild are in the running for Olli Jokinen but I can't believe that the Doug Risebrough would be smart enough to pull it off based on some of his past moves and last summer decided that he wouldn't trade James Sheppard for Olli Jokinen. I would like to see Jokinen in a Wild uniform, he would look good skating on the same line as Mikko Koivu, especially if Gabby doesn't resign with the Wild.

Olli Jokinen's name is still connected to the Montreal Canadiens. Jokinen is believed to be being considered by at least four teams around the National Hockey League: the Canadiens, the Columbus Blue Jackets, the Calgary Flames and the Minnesota Wild. Don Maloney and the Phoenix Coyotes have a decision to make - is the price in return as good right now as it should be to make that move or do you wait until the draft? But the Montreal Canadiens are believed to be very much in the mix.

The Ending of the UND and UNH game.

A friend of mine sent me this video (he is a Gopher fan) and I thought I would post it up. No clue why? This should burn in the returning Fighting Sioux player's memory for the rest of the summer and motivate them to come back even stronger. Everytime you go to the weight room or go for a skate. I have always said what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.

Former Sioux Taylor Chorney gets the call from the Oilers.

Former Fighting Sioux defenseman Taylor Chorney gets the call from the Edmonton Oilers after an injury to Ladislav Smid. (click here for the press release).

Smid placed on Injured Reserve; Chorney recalled from Springfield Smid's broken hand results in first recall of the season for Chorney Edmonton Oilers.

General Manager Steve Tambellini announced today the Edmonton Oilers have placed defenceman Ladislav Smid on the NHL Injured Reserve List and recalled defenceman Taylor Chorney from the Springfield Falcons.

Smid suffered a fractured left hand in the second period of Edmonton’s 3-2 loss to the Minnesota Wild at Rexall Place on Sunday, March 29th. He scored 11 assists with 57 penalty minutes in 60 games for Edmonton prior to the injury.

This will be the first recall of the season for Chorney, who was the Oilers’ second choice (36th overall) in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft. The 6’0”, 196 pound native of Thunder Bay, Ontario made his professional debut with Springfield this season after signing a three-year NHL entry level contract with the Oilers on July 3, 2008.

The 21-year-old blueliner has scored 5-16-21 with 22 penalty minutes in 68 games with Springfield this season to lead Falcons defencemen in scoring and rank seventh on the team. A major part of the Falcons’ powerplay, he has scored 3-10-13 with the man advantage to rank third in powerplay scoring.

A two-time Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) all-star, Chorney played three seasons of college hockey with the University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux, scoring 14-59-73 with 126 penalty minutes in 126 games between 2005-06 and 2007-08.

The Edmonton Oilers 30th Anniversary Season is presented in part by the Rexall Family of Pharmacies, Bell, Molson Canadian, ATB Financial and Ford.

This is my definition of a brawl.

Boosh gave me a heads up on this great hockey fight video. Wow, check out Dustin Byfuglien as he punches Canucks goalie/prima Donna Roberto Luongo. Nice to see Alex Burrows getting his ass kicked I can't stand that hack. Also, this is not the definition of a staged fight, this was a result of a play on the ice and emotions boiling over.

Tom Serratore on Paul Allen's show.

Paul Allen is on vacation and in his absence Kevin Gorg interviewed Beavers coach Tom Serratore during the final hour of the Paul Allen show today. Coach Serratore is on with Kevin Gorg with about 9:30 left in the podcast. (Click here to listen to the interview)

Avery and Brodeur meet again.

EDIT: Tonight the Rangers and the Devils will face off tonight in Madison Square Garden. This will be the first time Sean "Sloppy Seconds" Avery will face Martin Brodeur as Ranger. As Cornelius Hardenbergh mentioned, Avery did meet Brodeur when he was with the Dallas Stars. Last season we probably all remember the stick screening incident last year during the Stanley Cup playoffs and then the Avery Rule. Tune in tonight on Versus to watch the game.

Sean Avery will face the Devils for the first time in a Rangers uniform since last season's first-round playoff meeting, when the agitator parked himself in front of the Devils' net on a power play with his back to the action before waiving his arms and stick in Brodeur's face.

WSJ on College Hockey.

The Wall Street Journal is an awesome newspaper when it comes to stories on business and politics but now they have a really nice article on Why You Should Have Watched Hockey. Wow can well all exhale now? What a weekend and now we will have to wait two weeks while round ball steals the show. Basketball is boring.

NCAA Hockey
If only Jim Valvano had coached college hockey. Then the phrase "survive and advance" -- which the late North Carolina State basketball coach used to describe college basketball's grueling tournament -- would be where it truly belongs.

There is arguably no major event in sports more chaotic than the Division I hockey tournament. By its nature, hockey is more capricious than basketball and football, since one player (the goalie) can have an outsized impact -- for better or worse -- on a single game's outcome.

Baseball is similar, because of the pitcher's influence. But unlike baseball's double-elimination College World Series, the college hockey tournament is a one-and-done event, like basketball.

Result: Three of the four No. 1 seeds in this year's tournament didn't even survive their first games over the weekend. Michigan fell to Air Force, 2-0, due almost entirely to the play of Falcons goaltender Andrew Volkening (Michigan took 43 shots to Air Force's 13); Denver lost to Miami University, 4-2; and Notre Dame was buried by Bemidji State, 5-1.

Denver's loss and even Michigan's actually weren't that shocking -- Air Force, which subsequently was eliminated Saturday by Vermont, came within an eyelash of first-round upsets the previous two years -- but Notre Dame's defeat was the equivalent of Radford dismissing North Carolina by double digits.

Notre Dame, which led the nation in winning percentage and goals-against average, was facing the country's 37th-best team, according to the Ratings Percentage Index ranking system. There are only 58 teams in Division I. But Notre Dame goalie Jordan Pearce got rattled early, giving up the opening goal after a strange bounce off the boards, and the chaos was underway. (Read the whole article here)

Tim Thomas with a highlight save.

Check out this save from former Vermont star Tim Thomas as my Boston Bruins beat the dirty Flyers today 4-3. I remember a few weeks ago people were chirping about how the Bruins were falling and how they had run out of gas and that the Devils and Capitals were going to pass the Bruins in the standings and in about a week's time the Bruins go out and beat the Flyers and the Devils. Look Eastern Division the Bruins have awaken from their late season slumber.

1. Boston Bruins 106 Won 3
2. Washington Capitals 99 Won 1
3. New Jersey Devils 98 Lost 4
4. Philadelphia Flyers 92 Lost 1
5. Carolina Hurricanes 91 Won 6
6. Pittsburgh Penguins 90 Won 2

Oshie finishes his checks. Oshie and Nash II...

Props to Sean Leahy of puck daddy and Tim Oshie for sending me the two video clips of T.J. Oshie's monster hits on Blue Jackets star Rick Nash this past weekend. I was watching the game in question this afternoon and the Columbus announcers were really getting under my skin. Seriously, I don't see an elbow anywhere in that hit. The FSN Ohio homers are almost as bad as the guys from the Ducks. That is called finishing a check. I hate to admit it but after watching the blue a few times this season I have to concede that they are a team on the rise. I like watching teams that former Sioux hockey players play on but I can not under any circumstances cheer for New Jersey, Chicago but I could cheer for Saint Louis.

2009 Miracle On Ice.

All week long we heard comments from pundits, experts other teams fans that said BSU didn't belong in the NCAA tourney. Hum! I read where some moron said that BSU kept Minnesota out of the NCAA tourney. Yep they did and they are going to the Frozen Four. They also kept Cornell and Notre Dame out of the Frozen Four in D.C.

BSU got no respect

Last week while I was out walking the my dog I was listening to podcast from a college hockey web page I won't mention (let me give you a hint they start with INCH). You could almost hear the contempt and snickers from one hockey writer on the podcast he said BSU had no chance to wining their regional. Won't even be close. I believe this is the same Hockey East writer that said UNH had no chance of winning a game in their regional. That would make a nice charity event in Durham, NH. We could witness a mass apology to a UNH fan base and have a fundraiser all at the same time.

There is a reason they play the games nothing in life is a given, just ask the Sioux, Pioneers, Big Red and Wolverines. Since the 2006 regional anything is possible. I was there in person when I saw Holy Cross take down a number one seed in Minnesota. Yeah! Your damn right I cheered. I am still smiling. All it takes is one bounce, one penalty, one shot and your season is over. There are no second chances like the NHL where you play seven game series. In a one and done tourney anything is possible and you have to expect the unexpected, you can never disrespect your opponent or over look them.

Did I expect the Beavers to be here? Not really but you can't doubt a team coach by Tom Seratorre he is a first class coach and I believe that he is worthy of the Spencer Penrose Award. Seratorre is one of those coaches that can get a lot out of his players. Also, the Scofield, Read, Francis is as good as any line you will see in college hockey. I still believe to this day that BSU gave the Sioux more of a fight than the Gophers when the Sioux pounded them in Grand Forks in January.

BSU a program built on pride This pretty much sums up their program very well.

It was the first NCAA tournament win in Division I, although the Bemidji State program has a long history in other classifications.

"We're the winningest program in college hockey, and that does carry over," Serratore said. "Our players are very proud."

But Bemidji State accomplished this amid a cloud of uncertainty over its future, and perhaps this win takes on higher meaning as a result. The CHA will disband after next year, and next season's automatic NCAA bid is in question. Where Bemidji State will land after that, if anywhere, is up in the air.

"I hope we'll get our automatic bid next year. It would be a travesty if we didn't," Serratore said. "Our kids and our programs have done nothing to put ourselves in that situation. I hope the powers that be recognize that and give us one more year of an automatic bid."

Clearly, Bemidji State has shown it belongs. (read the rest of the article here)

That does bring up another question for the NCAA. Will you give the CHA one more autobid? It is the right thing to do. Time to man up NCAA and let the CHA have one more year of an auto bid. It gives their teams something to play for. Two of the four remaining have a home a 2010-2011. BSU and UAH are in the process of applying for membership in a major conference.

DU's Bozek and BU Gilroy draw attention.

I saw this over on DG's blog I was really impressed with Matt Gilroy during yesterday's game with tOSU, being in the West I have not had much of a chance to watch him play. Holy Cow! Matt Gilroy is everything the pundits have said and more. Tyler Bozak is the complete forward that plays both ends of the ice. I am hoping the Bruins offer him a contract he would fit will in Claude Julien's defensive system.

The Denver Pioneers are among the NCAA's early casualties as the top seeded team in the regional west bracket lost to Miami 4-2 on Friday and were eliminated from the tournament.

Denver's loss will spark frenzy this week in the NHL as league managers attempt to persuade highly touted Pioneers forward Tyler Bozak to sign his first pro contract.

All six Canadian NHL teams have significant interest in the 23 year old Regina, Saskatchewan native and his advisor, Wade Arnott of Newport Sports Management tells TSN there is a good chance Bozak will agree to terms and sign with an NHL team this week.

However, interest in Bozak is extensive with as many as 25 teams believed to be poised to make their pitch.

In the meantime, Hobey Baker finalist Matt Gilroy will also draw a lot of NHL attention this weekend.

Gilroy's B.U Terriers will face Ohio State on Saturday and if the Buckeyes can keep the trend of upsets in tact, Gilroy will join Bozak as the most sought after college free agents.

Gilroy is a 24 year old defenseman who because of his age qualifies for unrestricted free agency, while Bozak's first NHL contract will include all entry level restrictions. (link to the story)

TJ Oshie Hit On Rick Nash

Check out this video of T.J. Oshie's hit on Rick Nash. T.J. Oshie didn't score any points but his impact was felt. That homer announcer is dead wrong Nash is on the ice and is fair game. There is no written law you can't check a teams superstar legally. I am also sick and tired of hockey players wanting to fight after someone who lays a legal hit on one of their teamates. It is part of the game. Inicendtly Oshie scored the Blues first game in today's game.

Kind of what we thought the Sioux were banged up.

Brad Elliott Schlossman confirmed what Scotty D and I talked about a recent game Vandy had a shoulder injury you could see it on the ice if you watched him close enough. Some of the other guys injuries were new.

•Usually after the season is over we start to hear about injuries that guys were playing with. Coach Dave Hakstol didn't want to say anything about them, saying that every team plays with injuries and it's part of the game. But I was able to get a few things from others: Chris VandeVelde has been playing with a separated shoulder for three weeks. Joe Finley has been playing with a separated shoulder for even longer. Brett Hextall has been playing with a broken foot for over a month. Evan Trupp has an injury other than his shoulder. And there could be more. I don't think there will be any questioning of this team's "heart."

EDIT: NO where in this article is it written that I have blamed yesterday's loss on injuries. Hockey is a team game and all must being doing their assignments if they are to be successful.

Beavers dance to the Midwest regional finals.

Bemdji State did what UND, Michigan, DU, OSU, Yale, Northeastern, Notre Dame couldn't do, they won their first game in their regional. What was even more amazing was that BSU was the four seed playing one odds on favorites to go to the final game of the Frozen Four. In fact the so called experts at INCH suggested that Notre Dame and BU just play 7 games and they would decide the championship in a best of 7 games series. Yeah how did that prediction work out for you.

The Bemidji State Beavers would not be denied and BSU shot that pontifications of the pundits all to hell. The Beavers had a plan and were never behind in this game nor did the Irish ever really challenge the Beavers either. The Beavers came in a the absolute under dog and whopped the number one seeds ass for three periods, it wasn't the kind of game where a less talented team scores a couple of goals then hangs on. THhe Beavers scored, attacked and counter attacked.

Today's match up was your basic David versus Goliath if you believe the pundits, no one game them a chance at all...

INCH --- SUNDAY STORYLINE

Did you hear the one about the Catholic hockey team that played on a Sunday? No? Well, you’re about to. Notre Dame should get past a Bemidji State team that has fared reasonably well against a collection of non-conference foes from the WCHA this season, but the Beavers haven’t seen anyone like the Irish. The Cornell-Northeastern match up, while it may not yield many goals, is intriguing in the sense that the two teams are awfully similar in many ways. With two of the country’s better goalies in tow, this game may break on which team converts on the few golden opportunities it’ll get.

Notre Dame’s versatility is quite remarkable. You’d think a team with the skill of the Fighting Irish would loathe playing against one like Cornell or Northeastern, clubs that prefer to proceed at a more controlled pace, but Notre Dame is quite adept at grinding out wins. The odds of either the Big Red or the Huskies bouncing the Irish in regional final aren’t very good, but the blueprint for upsetting Notre Dame has at its core a Herculean effort from either Ben Scrivens or Brad Thiessen.

So I guess the hockey writers will have to re-write the script. The Beavers are one game from going to the Frozen Four and the favorites are going home.

I also don't want to hear another person tell me that BSU doesn't belong in the tourney or that they took a bid away from a more deserving team. The Beavers took one of the top teams in the country on for 60 minutes and whooped that ass. I also don't want to hear anyone tell me that the AHA is better. What BSU did was more impressive than AFA beating Michigan. Lastly, why would I pump the tires of BSU Hockey? I attended BSU for two years and was a football player on the 1992 squad. I have a Beaver tattooed to my right calf. Yeah! I bleed green and white (Beavers and Sioux).

UMD and Princeton video.

They should call this the game that no one saw. The game was on ESPNU and a lot of cable providers don't have this channel in their line up. Props to Sean Leahy of Puck Daddy for providing a nice write up on how the first days number one seeds went crumbling down. Now you can add a two seed North Dakota to the list of high seeds that went crumbling down.

I hope UMD can finish the run to the Frozen Four because it would get a WCHA team to the Frozen Four if they win today and maybe get some of the UMD fans off their coach's tail. I have read a lot of stuff on line on how UMD fans were not happy with Sandelin and how they wanted a coaching change. UMD is the last team standing in the WCHA. Scott Sandelin is a great coach and his team grit and determination has showed the last few weeks.

To cap off an eventful first day, the game of night was certainly between Minnesota-Duluth and Princeton. Down two goals with under a minute remaining in their season, Minnesota-Duluth scored twice, with 39 seconds left and then tied things up with just 0.8 seconds remaining to force overtime. In the extra frame, Mike Connolly scored 13:39 into overtime to lift the Bulldogs to the West Regional final against Miami of Ohio tonight.

UNH 6 UND 5

The first thing that came to mind was haven't we seen this before? (probably not if you have midco.net) Last night UMD scored two goals in 39 seconds to win the game against Princeton. Today the Wildcast scored two goals in almost the same time frame (45 seconds).

Holding leads late in the game has usually been one of the Fighting Sioux's strong points, however, today defensively the Fighting Sioux looked like bunch of green road cones. This game was a tough pill to swallow and I hope the Sioux players that return let it burn in hard in their memory and motivate them to play better. Today's loss should remind them they can't take a shift off for a moment, or your season can end. The goaltending was great for most of the year but it was god awful today, next season Aaron Dell an all star in the AJHL will probably challenge Eidsness for playing time and push him to be better. Brad Eidsness (24-12-4)gaa 2.55 and 9.06 save percentage was a freshman goalie this season and played well and he will be better next season.

Our bread in butter usually is our defense and our defense failed to take away UNH's space and it ended up costing them at the end of the third period and in the over time. Sioux also didn't have an answer for Jerry Pollastrone who assisted on botht he game tying and game winning goal, I have to tip my hat to that kid because he was simply amazing. For the Sioux Jason Gregoire and Brad Malone gave us a glimsp of the future as they were the stars of the game in the losing effort.

Eight Men out

I am going to have to say that this senior class was the epitome of hard work and determination and I am going to miss them. Career over for Finely, Walski, Duncan, Jones, Watkins, Miller, Martens and Kozek, thanks for the memories. Now we sit and wait and wonder who from the underclassmen will decide to take the next step and sign a professional contract. You would have think that Chris VandeVelde and Genoway are going to be flight risks and the ones that could recieve some interest.

(BOX SCORE)
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1st Period (20:00)
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NDK-1 Matt Watkins (2-Hooking) UNH 1x1 2:03
UNH 1 - 0 6x5 PP Mike Sislo (19) (James van Riemsdyk, Jamie Fritsch) 2:34
UNH: 19,21,2,11,5,G29 NDK: 2,16,17,5,G31
NDK 1 - 1 6x6 Jason Gregoire (12) (unassisted) 3:34
NDK (+): 17,26,16,2,5,G31 UNH (-): 17,5,28,10,22,G29
NDK-2 Ryan Duncan (2-Slashing) UNH 1x2 4:54
UNH-1 Thomas Fortney (2-Hooking) NDK 0x1 8:11
UNH-2 Greg Collins (2-Tripping) NDK 0x2 9:40
UNH-3 Blake Kessel (2-HITTING AFTER WHISTLE) 12:17
NDK-3 Matt Watkins (2-HITTING AFTER WHISTLE) 12:17
NDK 2 - 1 5x5 Brad Malone (5) (Andrew Kozek) 13:55
NDK (+): 22,10,6,25,G31 UNH (-): 2,8,9,24,G29
NDK-4 Brad Malone (2-Boarding) UNH 1x3 16:32

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2nd Period (20:00)
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UNH-4 Phil DeSimone (2-High-Sticking) NDK 0x3 2:16
NDK-5 Brad Miller (2-Cross-Checking) UNH 1x4 2:39
UNH 2 - 2 5x5 Jerry Pollastrone (6) (Kevin Kapstad) 4:08
UNH (+): 11,5,4,9,G29 NDK (-): 29,21,5,2,G31
UNH 3 - 2 6x6 Peter LeBlanc (13) (Greg Collins, Bobby Butler) 7:21
UNH (+): 9,8,12,28,5,G29 NDK (-): 9,19,8,25,6,G31
NDK 3 - 3 6x6 Ryan Duncan (20) (Brett Hextall, Jason Gregoire) 9:47
NDK (+): 16,26,17,5,2,G31 UNH (-): 5,11,21,19,28,G29
UNH-5 Damon Kipp (2-O-INTERFERENCE) NDK 0x4 11:08
NDK 4 - 3 6x6 Evan Trupp (8) (Brad Malone, Matt Frattin) 17:06
NDK (+): 19,22,21,25,6,G31 UNH (-): 9,18,16,24,20,G29
NDK-6 Darcy Zajac (2-Boarding) UNH 1x5 17:20

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3rd Period (20:00)
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NDK 5 - 3 6x6 Chris VandeVelde (17) (Matt Frattin) 9:08
NDK (+): 29,21,22,2,5,G31 UNH (-): 11,12,8,4,2,G29
UNH 4 - 5 6x6 Greg Collins (8) (Damon Kipp, Thomas Fortney) 11:00
UNH (+): 8,4,17,2,9,G29 NDK (-): 2,5,29,22,21,G31
Timeout - New Hampshire 18:48
UNH 5 - 5 6x6 EA Thomas Fortney (3) (Jerry Pollastrone, Mike Sislo) 19:59
UNH (+): 9,17,11,21,19,5 NDK (-): 29,2,16,5,20,G31

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Overtime (0:45)
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UNH 6 - 5 6x6 GW LL Peter LeBlanc (14) (Jerry Pollastrone, Mike Sislo) 0:45
UNH (+): 9,11,19,21,5,G29 NDK (-): 5,2,22,21,29,G31

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End of Game

Watkins will play.

Brad Elliott Schlossman has the lines up and Matt Watkins is going to play.
UND's lines

17 Jason Gregoire--16 Ryan Duncan--26 Brett Hextall
22 Brad Malone--29 Chris VandeVelde--21 Matt Frattin
20 Matt Watkins--11 Darcy Zajac--10 Andrew Kozek
19 Evan Trupp--9 Mario Lamoureux--8 Ryan Martens

2 Joe Finley--5 Chay Genoway
6 Zach Jones--25 Jake Marto
24 Ben Blood--14 Brad Miller

31 Brad Eidsness
30 Aaron Walski

New Hampshire's lines

11 Jerry Pollastrone--21 James vanRiemsdyk--19 Mike Sislo
8 Greg Collins--9 Peter LeBlanc--12 Bobby Butler
16 Greg Manz--39 Phil DeSimone--20 Paul Thompson
10 Alan Thompson--17 Thomas Fortney--22 Steve Moses

5 Kevin Kapstad--28 Blake Kessel
2 Jamie Fritsch--4 Damon Kipp
18 Nick Krates--24 Matt Campanale

29 Brian Foster
30 Matt DiGirolamo

Whos next? Early Departures.

Denver University season ended with a 4-2 loss to the Miami Red Hawks. Honestly I have to say that was a little shocked about the result because of all the fire power that DU has up front. As the Pioneers season ends the next question is who will DU lose to the NHL? The Pioneers have a few awesome players on their roster and their NHL teams might come calling and sign them.

DU hockey beat writer Mike Chambers touches on this subject a bit in his latest blog post. Just a hunch but Tyler Bozak is probably gone, Bozak is going to be one of the most sought after undrafted free agents and someone is going to offer him a contract to play on their team. Next, you have to wonder about Patrick Wiercioch that kid is really an awesome defensive player that has impressed me everytime I have watched him play. Lastly, you have to wonder what the Bruins are going to do with Joe Colborne, who happens to be a draft pick of my favorite team. I think he would look really good with a spoked B on his chest.

- We’re going to miss Tyler Bozak. He’s out the past 21 games but leads the Pios with a goal and a helper, both on the power play. I talked to Tyler about his looming decision, but it’s just not newsworthy stuff. No matter what he says about the possibility of coming back, you just know this 23-year-old is ready for the next level.

– Patrick Wiercioch. I think it’s 50-50 for the freshman defenseman. I spoke to him and his thoughts are in the main story. I’ve heard Ottawa is wooing him, so if he stays he might have to go against the Sens’ wishes.

– Joe Colborne. I also talked to the freshman wing about this, as well as his dad a couple weeks ago, and I think he’s 90-10 in favor of staying. He made huge progress this year and knows he could be a NCAA big-timer as a sophomore. Plus, I’m sure the Bruins are pleased with his development so for under Gwoz.

Silly Season continues, Bachman gone.

The WCHA continues it's trend of being raided by the NHL as the Colorado College Tigers lost their sophomore goaltender Richard Bachman who signed a professional contract with the Dallas Stars. For the Tigers this is a major loss because Bachman was one of the better goaltenders in the WCHA. This departure wasn't as shocking as others because of the play of Marty Turco in net for the Dallas Stars.

FRISCO, Tex. – The Dallas Stars announced today that the club has signed goaltender Richard Bachman to a three-year entry-level contract. Bachman recently wrapped up a two-year career at Colorado College, and will forego his final two seasons of eligibility with the Tigers.


Richard Bachman
“Richard had an outstanding, highly-decorated career at Colorado College, and he’s ready to take the next step into the professional ranks,” said Dallas Stars Co-General Manager Les Jackson. “He has an outstanding set of fundamentals and a very bright future ahead of him, and we look forward to his continued development in our organization.”

Bachman, 21, appeared in 35 games for Colorado College as a sophomore in 2008-09, posting a 14-11-10 record with a .914 save percentage, a 2.63 goals-against-average and three shutouts.

As a freshman in 2007-08, the Salt Lake City native was named the National Rookie of the Year by the HCA (Hockey Commissioner’s Association) and Inside College Hockey magazine, and became just the second player ever to be named WCHA Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year in the same season. The 5-11, 170-pound goaltender also earned First Team West All-America and First Team All-WCHA honors, and was named to College Hockey News' All-Rookie Team.

Early departures in the WCHA (6)

Alaska-Anchorage (1)
Paul Crowder, jr, forward, N.Y. Rangers

Colorado College (2)
Brian Connelly, jr, defenseman, Chicago Blackhawks
Richard Bachman, so, goaltender, Dallas Stars

Minnesota (1)
Ryan Stoa, jr, forward, Colorado Avalanche

MSU-Mankato (1)
Trevor Bruess, jr, forward, Washington Capitals

Wisconsin (1)
Jamie McBain, jr, defenseman, Carolina Hurricanes

Latest Hockey Show.

Check out the latest version of the hockey show, the Mayor of Bemidji Richard Lehmann was on with Moose and Scott and Lehmann sounds like a Mayor that really knows his college hockey. Also, Moose interviewed the coach of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and he sounded like a really good interview.
(Click here for the Hockey Show) If you have an iPod and want to listen on iTunes (click here).

Air Force Holy Crosses Michigan

Holy Cow! I honestly can't believe it. Cue the hot goalie cliche'. Air Force just beat Michigan 2-0. Michigan put a lot of rubber on Andrew Volkening and he didn't let anything go by. That just busted everyone's brackets. Nice to see the kid from Grand Forks, ND Jacques Lamoureux score the goal for the Falcons.

Box Score
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1st Period (20:00)
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AFA-1 Josh Frider (2-CTH ELBOWING) MIC 0x1 3:32
AFA-2 Greg Flynn (2-Cross-Checking) MIC 0x2 4:13
MIC-1 Luke Glendening (2-Tripping) AFA 0x1 7:02
MIC-2 Brian Lebler (2-Charging) AFA 0x2 9:42
MIC-3 Travis Turnbull (2-Hooking) AFA 1x3 13:33
AFA 1 - 0 6x5 PP GW LL Derrick Burnett (8) (Jeff Hajner, Greg Flynn) 15:18
AFA: 17,26,23,12,4,G1 MIC: 23,6,5,29,G35
AFA-3 Brad Sellers (2-Slashing) MIC 0x3 15:55
MIC-4 Matt Rust (2-Slashing) AFA 1x4 19:17

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2nd Period (20:00)
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MIC-5 Travis Turnbull (2-Charging) AFA 1x5 2:01
AFA-4 Josh Frider (2-Interference) MIC 0x4 3:51
AFA 2 - 0 6x6 Jacques Lamoureux (33) (Matt Fairchild, Greg Flynn) 7:02
AFA (+): 21,12,23,19,25,G1 MIC (-): 26,22,17,19,34,G35
AFA-5 Greg Flynn (2-Slashing) 13:21
MIC-6 David Wohlberg (2-Diving) 13:21
AFA-6 Scott Kozlak (2-Holding) MIC 0x5 15:09
AFA-7 Sean Bertsch (2-High-Sticking) MIC 0x6 19:53

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3rd Period (20:00)
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AFA-8 Greg Flynn (2-O-INTERFERENCE) MIC 0x7 2:08
MIC-7 Carl Hagelin (2-Holding) AFA 1x6 13:58
Timeout - Air Force 17:24

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End of Game

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Kessel out for the weekend.

Bruins forward Phil Kessel is out of the line up with weekend as he has an undisclosed injury. If we find out what the injury is we will let you know.

Winger Phil Kessel will miss a weekend road swing with an undisclosed injury, said coach Claude Julien after today's practice.

Kessel stands to miss that games against Toronto (tomorrow) and Philadelphia (Sunday). In keeping with the club's close-to-the-vest policy regarding injuries, Julien did not offer any details.