NESN Feature on Kessel.

I included the video from last season's Stanley Cup playoffs because I think it was a break out game for Former Gopher Phil Kessel. This season Kessel has taken it up a notch and has become a big time goal score for the Boston Bruins and scored a boat load of goals against the Bruins hated rival the Montreal Canadians. This year the Bruins marched past the Hab's and into the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time since 1998-1999. Here is a nice story about Phil Kessel that was posted up on NESN.

For Kessel, what a difference a year can make
James Murphy ----- April 27th 2009

While Phil Kessel has learned much tougher lessons off the ice - battling and beating testicular cancer during his rookie season in 2006-07 — he learned a valuable lesson about life in the NHL in his first playoff experience last spring. After notching an assist in Game 1 of the Bruins’ first-round series against the Canadiens, Kessel was benched for the next three games. It wasn’t an enjoyable experience for the winger, but he handled it professionally.

“Obviously, I was mad,” Kessel said recently. “It was a tough situation. But I moved on from it and learned from it.”
Kessel put the benching behind him with three goals in Games 5 and 6, helping the Bruins force Game 7 after trailing 3-1 in the series. For the Bruins, that series was a lesson they could compete with their archrivals, which Boston proved with a sweep of Montreal this postseason.

For Kessel, last year’s series was a lesson that hard work pays off in the NHL, and that effort is required no matter how much talent and skill a player possesses. The latter is something Bruins coach Claude Julien made a point to convey to his budding star.

“That’s the thing that Phil understood at one point, that if coaches are on you a little more than maybe some other players, maybe it’s because we think that you’re capable of giving us more than some of those players,” Julien said during the Bruins-Canadiens series. “That comes with the territory. You want to be an elite player. You have to give us a little more. And he’s really understood that extremely well.”

Kessel’s understanding and acceptance of Julien’s criticism and coaching methods translated into a breakthrough season in 2008-09. The 2006 first-round draft pick lit the lamp 36 times and had 60 points during the regular season. Kessel has followed that up with four goals and six points in the playoffs. Counting the regular season, he will enter the second round in the midst of an eight-game points streak with nine goals and 13 points during that span

More on the Brashear hit on Betts.

TSN's Bob McKenzie has a follow up on the Brashear hit from yesterday's game. I think Bob is right that Brashear is going to get suspended like one poster said in the previous post this is a cheap hit and one could make the argument that there was an intent to injure by Brashear. Lets be clear Brashear has one role on the Capitals hockey team and it isn't to score goals.Donald Brashear's is a goon and his role is to beat people up and be an enforcer, now he can ad cheap shot artist to his repertoire.

It's just a hunch on my part, but I figure Donald Brashear will get a one-game suspension for his pre-game warm-up shove on New York Ranger Colton Orr and probably another one-game suspension for his hit on Ranger Blair Betts.

Which is all well and good, I suppose, but it doesn't really address the root issue on Brashear's hit on Betts, which apparently broke Bett's orbital bone and most definitely scrambled his brain, as evidenced by the video that shows an extremely groggy Betts having difficulty getting off the ice under his own power.
-------------------------

When a player such as Brashear comes from behind the play, and at the last minute swoops in laterally, to hit an unsuspecting, puck-less player in the head with a shoulder or an elbow or whatever and does significant damage to that player, that is precisely the type of hit the NHL must work to eliminate. And if it can't eliminate that type of hit, then it at least needs to eliminate the players who deliver those types of hits.

Plain and simple, it's a sneak attack and with devastating consequences.

Chicago's Ben Eager did it to Edmonton's Liam Reddox and got a three-game suspension.

Pittsburgh's Matt Cooke did it to Carolina's Scott Walker and got a two-game suspension.

This being the playoffs and all, Brashear will probably get a game or maybe two.

And that isn't nearly enough, not for these hits where the perpetrators come from the blind side and target an unsuspecting player with a head shot. And, please, don't give me the line about players needing to keep their heads up. This is not the same thing, not the same thing at all.

Funny Video on Simeon Varlamov.

Rookie goalie Simeon Varlamov is 20 years old and doesn't speak any English, in just Russian. I think the Washington Capitals are going to want to get him to English immersion classes very soon, because I could see this kid playing in the NHL for some time. It also doesn't look like he needs a razor very often.
(watch the video here)

Rangers want protection for Game 7 in D.C.

Check out the letter that Glen Sather the general manager of the New York Rangers wrote to Gary Bettman commissioner of the NHL. I think he has got a point. Fans that cross the line like the ones in Washington should be yanked out of their seats, drug out of the arena in handcuffs and charged with disorderly conduct. Spitting on the players is unacceptable.

Dear Gary:

In addition to your suspension of Coach Tortorella for his actions during last night's game, we respectfully request that you consider appropriate discipline in light of Washington's gross negligence in ensuring the safety of the personnel on the Rangers' bench, including Coach Tortorella, in the face of the Rangers' repeated requests for intervention against egregious fan misconduct during Game 5. As importantly, we would like the League's intervention to ensure that there are adequate security measures in place to protect our personnel in the event there is a Game 7 in Washington.

Neither the NHL nor either team has had the opportunity to conduct a full investigation or to interview all witnesses but the television coverage and the statements made by Rangers bench personnel make clear that Washington utterly failed in its security obligations to the Rangers, not to mention its own fans. The tension was evident from before the opening face-off. Throughout the game, several people seated immediately behind the visitors' bench took advantage of the looseness of the glass panels and the unusually wide gaps between the panels to assault the Rangers with some of the most obscene language imaginable. Because of the way the glass is installed, the patron sitting behind Coach Tortorella (the gray-haired, bearded man in the white T-Shirt) could literally scream into the coach's ear. According to Rangers trainer Jim Ramsay, one patron was screaming at the team, in graphic language, about whether Dan Girardi and Marc Staal have a sexual relationship. This was within earshot of several children seated nearby. Several other fans also made repeated homophobic remarks. Moreover, Mr. Ramsay reported that he and other bench personnel were spit on by one or more "fans" as they yelled through the gaps in the glass.

Your statement tonight referred to alerting security. In the first period, Mr. Ramsay warned the security guard stationed on the nearest stairwell (a large African-American man) that the situation was unacceptable and was likely to get ugly. No action was taken. The misconduct continued. In the second period, Mr. Ramsay warned a female security supervisor that some fans were out of control and that he was concerned that something unfortunate was going to happen. Although this supervisor was equipped with a radio, she apparently took no action, because the same fans were in their seats when the team returned to the bench for the third period. According to press accounts, no fans were ever ejected or permanently removed from their seats.

Washington's failure to respond to what its personnel knew — and were specifically warned — was a potentially dangerous situation contributed significantly to this unfortunate incident. Accordingly, we respectfully request that you consider imposing appropriate discipline on Washington for its knowing failure to protect the Rangers and prevent the situation from deteriorating into an incident that reflects badly on all of us. In addition, we must immediately discuss how Washington is going to handle security for any Game 7. Neither the Rangers nor the well-behaved Capitals fans should be forced to endure the extraordinary level of fan misconduct that Washington failed to prevent in Game 5.

Thank you for your consideration.

Glen

Donald Brashear hit on Blair Betts.

You can bet that the league office will be taking a look at this hit. Was it a cheap head shot? In my opinion it was definitely interference and a dirty hit that may knock a player out of the next game.

At the end of the video you will see Brashear and Orr talking before the game in the pregame warmups. I would imagine that could also lead to a game suspension. I expect game seven to be very exciting and full of drama.

Marleau goal.

(Watch the Marleau goal) Apparently the Ducks coach Randy Carlylewasn't happy with the Shark's goal in over time last night. I have watched the goal a few times and it's hard to tell if the Shark's player made contact with the goal tender or not. Even if there was contact with the goalie I am not sure it affected the goal.

“The reason the puck went in the net was their player pushed our goalie’s pad,” Carlyle said. “The puck was loose, their player pushed, and as he pushed, the goalie’s pad — the back of his foot, which is attached to the pad, the back of his skate, knocked the puck in the net. ... I think there needs to be some clarification, because in my view, they are not allowed to push the goaltender and the puck into the net.”

Tortorella suspended by the NHL.

It's fun to see the the drama that is the New York Rangers hockey team unfold. I would love to be a beat writer and follow this team because there is a lot of stuff going on with the New York Rangers. So the Rangers head coach John Tortorella will sit for game six. Of course the Rangers don't agree with the suspension but the NHL has been pretty clear with their instructions that players and or coaches can not have an altercations with fans.

NEW YORK -- The National Hockey League announced Saturday that New York Rangers coach John Tortorella has been suspended for one game for squirting a fan with water and throwing a water bottle that struck a fan during Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinal Series with the Washington Capitals on April 24 in Washington.

The incident occurred 6:33 into the third period.

Tortorella will miss the Rangers' game Sunday afternoon against Washington at Madison Square Garden.

"While it is a difficult decision to suspend a coach at this point in a playoff series, it has been made clear to all of our players, coaches and other bench personnel that the National Hockey League cannot -- and will not -- tolerate any physical contact with fans,” NHL Senior Executive Vice President and Director of Hockey Operations Colin Campbell said. "We do not take this action lightly. It is the result of an entire day of investigation and evaluation that included the retrieval and review of videotape of the incident and discussions with Mr. Tortorella, other Rangers' bench personnel and a number of other people, including the security personnel at the Verizon Center.

"That investigation revealed that Mr. Tortorella squirted a fan with water before Mr. Tortorella was doused with a beverage.

VIEWPOINT: Nickname speaks to warriorship

There has been a lot of debate on wether UND should keep the Fighting Sioux name or not and I think this letter from a former UND student of Native American decent kind of sums it up pretty well.

After the pro nick name vote this past week at Spirit Lake Nation there was a few comments by a anti-nick name opponents that said the Native Americans that voted for the Fighting Sioux nick name just haven't been educated. (Article Cited) Well this person went to UND and he is proud of the Fighting Sioux logo and nick name.

CROOKSTON — UND should keep the Fighting Sioux name and logo, and the tribes should be proud to support the effort.

When I was a young man coming from Fort Yates, N.D., I was proud that the college I was going to attend had the name “Sioux.” I thought that spoke to the legacy of the Indian and his presence then and now, and I find the present-day logo to be much more positive than some of the caricatures I have seen in different tribal and Bureau of Indian Affairs offices over the years.

The name Fighting Sioux, for me, speaks to the warriorship needed to make a place for one’s self in the modern world. Warriors are proud men and women whose primary responsibility is to the well-being and continuing existence of the people. Warriors fought elements, nature and, when necessary, other warriors to provide sustenance, shelter and safety to the camp.

I think we have a strong chance here to correct the movie image of the whooping, vengeful savage that so many people have. We have a chance to show the truth and strength of warrior spirit.

This logo is a respectful representation of a young warrior, one who is aware of his responsibilities as he looks to the future. And isn’t that the desired goal of the complete university experience?

I am sorry that former President Charles Kupchella and his passionate defense of the name left the university. I think the tribes need to step into the gap and fight for the right to exist in image and reality.

I find the political correctness of the current situation misguided, frustrating and harmful. What puzzles me most is the stance the two reservation councils have taken. I was raised by parents from the boarding-school days who were not allowed to speak their language at their school and were punished for being Indian by being made to kneel on broomsticks. Those parents raised me not to deny my heritage but to be proud of it and not let anyone to diminish my right to be here.

For centuries, we have been subjected to disease and killings and hidden away on reservations that could not sustain us. Let’s be honest: History shows the goal of the now dominant culture has been to rid the land of us. Even at the Minnesota Uprising, the goal was to “leave no Indian alive.”

My warrior grandfathers tried to ensure the continued proud existence of our culture and people. Chief Strike the Ree went to Washington to try to get fair treatment and establish an understanding of equality. Chief Rain in the Face used his fighting skills to keep settlers from entering the sacred Black Hills and fought to protect lands and people and culture at the Last Battle.

But remember our strong responsible leaders, Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull? Both were killed by Indian police sent by white officers of the U.S. Calvary. Now, we are being duped into doing it to ourselves again: Kill the image. Kill the name. Then nobody has to remember we exist as a strong, accomplished and modern people with a history to be proud of.

The rules of political correctness are just another pox-infested blanket being offered to help us wipe ourselves off the face of the Earth. It means nobody has to admit to eliminating the Indian because we took the blanket into our own hands.

When I see or hear the name Fighting Sioux, I smile. I smile because people are reminded every day of a people who refuse to give up and go away.

The only thing offensive here is how political correctness has stolen the fight out of the tribal councils.

Keep the name. Keep the logo. Keep the legacy.

Uken is a member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe.

Torts in hot water?

I have to agree with the television announcers, this fan has drank way to many beers. You would think at some point he would realize that and cut himself off. Ironically the coach of the Rangers who has been preaching discipline and the same coach that benched bad boy Sean "Sloppy Seconds" Avery for his lack of discipline may get some form of disciplinary action from the league office himself for throwing a water bottle at the beligerant fan behind the bench.

WASHINGTON -- John Tortorella faces disciplinary action from the NHL after throwing a water bottle from the Rangers' bench into the stands at 6:33 of the third period of last night's Game 5, 4-0 defeat to the Caps.

The head coach, who would not answer questions about the incident, could be suspended by commissioner Gary Bettman for tomorrow afternoon's Game 6 at the Garden. The Rangers' public relations representative threatened to end last night's postgame press conference if questions on the subject continued.

Tortorella, who may have thought he had been doused by a beer or spat upon during a television timeout, wheeled toward the stands and threw a bottle over the high glass protecting the bench.

With his suit jacket wet, Tortorella then grabbed a stick out of the hands of Aaron Voros and appeared ready to joust with a spectator before he assistant coach Jim Schoenfeld grabbed him.

Security guards and D.C. police arrived on the scene, and though they escorted a few fans away from their seats, no one was ejected. There does not appear to be video evidence of what provoked Tortorella.

Ovechkin's sick goal.

This goal by Alex Ovechkin is unbelievable. I believe it is worthy of an ESPY. I don't think it's a stretch to say that Ovechkin is the best hockey player in the NHL right now. I am sure that there will be some Penguins fans that will disagree with my assessment but the visual evidence is right here.

WASHINGTON -- Whether he was trying to contain his excitement or simply was just completely aware of the situation, Alex Ovechkin was a bit self-deprecating when he met with the media at the podium after Friday's 4-0 playoff win over the New York Rangers.

Ovechkin might have just scored one of the greatest goals in playoff history (at least in terms of highlight-reel merit) in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals, but he used works like "lucky" and "terrible" when asked to describe what happened.

Here it is: First, Ovechkin gets around Chris Drury at the top of the attacking zone. Next, he slides the puck through Derek Morris' skates and as it comes out on the other side, kicks it slightly forward with his left skate. He regains possession, but now he starts to fall down.

No big deal.

Creative contracts.

Here is an interesting take on way of working players salaries in under the cap. The Bruins might have to do this to keep two of their young guns David Krejci and Phil Kessel. Both players are going to get fat contracts after having great seasons.

The Boston Bruins meanwhile are a team which has over $47 million committed to next season’s payroll but have two quality forwards in Phil Kessel and David Krejci set to become restricted free agents.

If both seek raises over $4 million per season – and given their performances this season it would be reasonable to expect they will– retaining Kessel and Krejci could put a serious squeeze on the Bruins remaining cap space next season.

The front-loaded contract would address that problem. The Bruins could re-sign these two to affordable salaries, lock up both well beyond their eligibility age for unrestricted free agency and provide the Bruins with a more affordable cap hit next season.

Of course lengthy deals do come with risk. The player might no longer be an effective performer by the tail end of the deal, or certainly not one worth the cap space he’ll be eating up by that time.
(read the rest of the article)

Sean Avery a scratch tonight.

Here is what is really funny John Tortorella benches Sean Avery to send him a messagne and the Capitals score two goals in the first period and another one in the second period so far. Yeah how is that working for you Torts?

In yet another sign that John Tortorella is in total charge, the Rangers head coach scratched Sean Avery, a game after his two egregious third-period penalties almost cost the Rangers dearly in Game 5. Aaron Voros is in, not sure of the lines yet, expect Voros to play on the fourth... Avery had dressed in all 22 games---including the four playoff games---since being summoned from Hartford in early March, but apparently Tortorella lost his patience.
(from the Blue notes)

Is Saku Koivu going to be a Wild?

One of the things we kept hearing this season was the speculation that Saku Koivu might want to be a member of the Minnesota Wild joining his brother Mikko. From reading his comment it sounds like Saku wants to remain a member of the Habs. My next question is; do the Wild need another third line forward that is past his prime?

Koivu said if his vision of the future meshed with that of the team, he expected to have a deal, ideally for two of three seasons, before he becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He added that if there’s no deal before the deadline, he will probably be playing elsewhere next season.

When Koivu was asked if joining his younger brother, Mikko, in Minnesota was an option, he said: “It would be amazing in one way to play with him on the same team. But on the other hand, he’s at the point where he has his own career. He’s making a name for himself and in some ways, it’s easier for him and I’d like to keep it that way. But it’s tempting to think about playing on the same NHL team with him and having some success.”
(Read the Whole Article here)

Who do the Bruins want next?

Here are the Bruin's records against team they could face in the next round. The Bruins have had good luck against all teams they could face in the second round. It would be fun to see Lucic beating up on Sean "Sloppy Seconds" Avery if he hasn't been banished to the press box by the time the second round comes around. If the Bruins face off against the Flyers it would bring the Patrice Bergeron against Randy Jones matchup.

Bruins vs. Rangers (2-1-1)
Bruins vs. Hurricanes (4-0-0)
Bruins vs. Penguins (2-1-1)
Bruins vs. Flyers (2-1-1)

Don Cherry on Avery.

This was posted over on KuklasKorner.com Don Cherry was less than impressed after last night's game. You have to wonder if Sloppy Seconds is running out of rope to hang himself. What is the point of playing Avery if he keeps taking really stupid penalties. Why not play within the rules Avery? Running people and chopping them in the face is bush league. I guess you can't get a leopard to change his spots eh?

Oshie and Backes to the Worlds

Nice to see a couple of former WCHA players get to play for their country at the World Championships. Now that the St Louis Blues have been eliminated from the Stanley Cup Playoffs Backes and Oshie will give the USA some more offense. Oshie and Backes will join former WCHA stars, Keith Ballard Minnesota, Matt Niskanen UMD, Ryan Suter Wisconsin, Jason Blake UND, Kyle Okposo Minnesota, Drew Stafford UND, Colin Stuart, Colorado College.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- St. Louis Blues forwards David Backes and T.J. Oshie have been added to the 2009 U.S. Men's National Team roster for the 2009 World Championships.

Team USA will compete in the tournament in Berne and Zurich-Kloten, Switzerland April 24-May 10.

Backes posted career highs in points (54), goals (31), assists (23), power-play goals (6), shorthanded goals (2) and shots (208) in 82 games for the Blues this season. Backes also added 1 goal and 2 assists in four playoff games.

Backes is making his third consecutive IIHF Men's World Championship appearance, having played in the tournament in 2007 and 2008. In 2008, he tallied one assist in six games, while he notched three points (1-2) in seven games in 2007.

Oshie skated in 57 regular-season games with the Blues during his rookie season. His 39 points (14-25) ranked ninth among all NHL rookies and he finished third among rookies in points per game. Additionally, Oshie skated in all four Blues playoff games.

Oshie will be making his first IIHF Men's World Championship appearance. Oshie previously represented the U.S. at the 2006 IIHF World Junior Championship, scoring one goal in seven games.

Team USA will begin play in the 2009 IIHF Men's World Championship Saturday (April 25) at 10:15 a.m. EDT against Latvia. The United States will play two additional preliminary-round games against Austria (April 27) and Sweden (April 29) before the qualification round begins.

Wild Banged up

Check the list of walking wounded for the Minnesota Wild seems like most of them will be rehabing injuires for a good part of the summer. They will be lucky to field a full team next fall. You have to wonder if the push to make the playoffs took a big toll on the Wild. I don't know how they could have competed if they had made the playoffs.

Look at this rehab list as of now:

Niklas Backstrom — out four to six months following hip surgery Friday

Brent Burns — post-concussion syndrome and shoulder surgery Thursday that will require four months to heal.

Andrew Brunette — reconstructive knee surgery, out four to six months

Derek Boogaard — shoulder surgery Tuesday, out two months

Pierre-Marc Bouchard — concussion

(the way the B’s are dropping, Marc-Andre Bergeron better be careful walking across the street)

Nick Schultz — concussion

Tyler Cuma — still recovering from knee surgery

Oops, forgot Dan Fritsche - broken collarbone

Oh, and I forgot a fairly major one: Mikko Koivu — sprained knee
(Read Mike Russo's whole blog post here)

A couple of Ivy League Alum drop the mitts.

This was the best fight that I have seen during the Stanley Cup playoffs. Doug Murray is from Cornell and George Parros is a Princeton grad. Who says the Ivy League players can't fight? When the playoffs begin you see less fight and more of the unnecessary crap like face washes and stick work.

Komisarek and Lucic.

You would think after a while that Michael Komisarek would get tired of getting his ass kicked by Milan Lucic. Since Komisarek is done for the season I don't expect him to get a suspension for breaking a stick over Lucic's face.

Was Kessel offsides?

Phil Kessel scored his fourth goal of the series as the Boston Bruins buried the Montreal Canadians finishing the sweep. This is the first time since 1998-1999 season that the Bruins have advanced to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. So it was nice after 10 years to see the Habs get closed out in (4) four games.

It appears that on the third Bruin goal Phil Kessel was offsides when he crossed the blue line. Seriously, it wouldn't have mattered because after the Habs scored the first goal the Bruins scored four unanswered goals.

Wheeler is not a Calder Trophy candidate.

Ironically Blake Wheeler (21-24-45) was beat out by Chicago's Kris Versteeg who was a Bruins prospect until the Bruins traded him to Chicago for former Fighting Sioux star Brandon Bochenski. I also wonder if the Bruin's GM would regret that move or not?

Blake Wheeler was not among the three finalists announced today for the Calder Trophy as the league's Rookie of the Year. The three finalists are Anaheim's Bobby Ryan (36-31-67), Chicago's Kris Versteeg (22-31-53), and Columbus's Steve Mason (Record 33-20-7 GAA 2.29 Sv%.916).

Wheeler (21 goals) got off to a hot start, but his stick cooled off in the second half. Mason is considered the favorite to win the award.

Wheeler could still make the All-Rookie Team and receive a $212,500 bonus.

GF Herald Employee Says Wearing Sioux Logo Like Being in Blackface

Goon invited me to post here now and then. Usually I blog politics at SayAnythingblog.com. While that's a strong political blog, it doesn't necessarily get to many UND athletics or hockey fans.

Thanks for the invite. Here's my first post on Goon's excellent hockey blog.



I wish the opposition, like Grand Forks Herald employee Tu Uyen Tran, would realize they lost the racism angle when they lost yesterday's vote.

There were tons of people [tribe members] wearing Fighting Sioux gear, too, which impressed me. I tried to envision what nickname opponents must think seeing that and it would be like a black man in blackface.

Give up the whole you know better than us meme. You don't. You ignored the UND commissioned survey that showed strong support for the name. You ignored the Sports Illustrated poll that showed the same thing.

Now, after smearing someone who's been so generous to the community who's no longer around to defend themselves this guy is smearing everyone (and it's a lot of people) who proudly wear the Fighting Sioux logo.

To address the issue, no it's nothing like blackface. We wear the Sioux logo with pride. The blackface was meant to belittle and demean black people. It's not that hard to understand.

Time will tell if the majority on the reservation and in the community get their way. However it's time the Herald and the other self appointed elites drop the whole racist meme.

Video of Ryan Bayda's goal.

Former Sioux and current Carolina Hurrican Ryan Bayda doesn't score a lot of goals playing for the Huricanes on the fourth line but this is a pretty goal. Make that Bayda's second goal of the series against the Devils.

Strong support for Fighting Sioux name at Spirit Lake .

Well that is kind of how I expected the vote to go today. It also kind of reaffirms the Sports Illustrated poll that came out a few years back that the anti-logo people tried to shoot holes in. I am now hoping that the Standing Rock Tribal council will let their members be allowed to have a vote on Fighting Sioux name. Of course the anti-Fighting Sioux logo people will continue to fight but they were handed an pretty resounding defeat tonight. It will be interesting to see how the anti-logo people spin this. This also doesn't mean anything if the Standing Rock Tribe is not allowed to vote by Ron His Horse Thunder. Then in essence we are still back at at square one with the NCAA and Myles Brand breathing down UND's neck.

Spirit Lake voters overwhelmingly support UND’s Fighting Sioux nickname
By: Tu-Uyen Tran ---- Grand Forks Herald

The Herald is still trying to verify the results with election judges. But nickname supporter Eunice Davidson said her source at the ballot counting site said the unofficial results are 774 “yes” and 378 “no,” giving the nickname 67 percent of the vote.

Nickname opponents had portrayed the issue as a battle against racism, but voters simply did not see it that way. Some said they had heard what opponents had to say and it did not sway them.

UND needs the blessings of the Spirit Lake and Standing Rock Sioux tribes to keep the nickname as part of its settlement with the NCAA, which opposes Indian mascots.

Nickname supporters in Standing Rock are working to get that tribe to support the nickname, too, but the Tribal Council has resisted a referendum.

A Spirit Lake nickname opponent, Terry Morgan, said his group will continue to fight the nickname, but he’s not sure how yet

Jeremy Morin to the OHL.

From the World of Junior Hockey Blog. This is what most were saying in the first place so now we can get back to our regularly scheduled programing. It had been mentioed that Morin was looking at going the NCAA route (UND and BU) but he had OHL written all over him.

Press Release

Fresh off of winning a Gold Medal at the 2009 IIHF World Under-18 Championship in Fargo, North Dakota, Jeremy Morin has signed an Ontario Hockey League contract with the Kitchener Rangers.

Morin led team U.S.A. with six goals in seven games, placing him tied for fourth in over-all tournament scoring.

At six-foot-one and 192 pounds, Jeremy is a right-shot left winger who has played the last two seasons with the U.S. National Team Development Program in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Burish, "I hope to have a beer with him after the season."

I suppose if Burish breaks anymore sticks over his buddies upper body their friendship might be in jeopardy. LOL. This next game is going to get rough and this is what makes the playoffs exciting and fun to watch. I also want to know why Burish doesn't get suspended but Lucic does? Seems to be a little inconsistency here. To break a stick Burish had to hit him pretty damn hard.

The status of Bourque, whose name just kept popping up Tuesday, may be gamesmanship on the part of Keenan, who said the winger from Lac La Biche, Alta., was "day to day to day as a result of the incident last night."

The Flames head coach insisted Monday that Burish injured Bourque with a "blatant" cross-check to the face, although replays showed the stick broke over Bourque's chest and shoulder. Bourque was not made available to the media Tuesday to clarify his status.

"I don't think I crossed the line," Burish said. "I did what needed to be done. It's playoff hockey. It's the same reason they're hitting our guys and they come at me and the same reason I'm going at them.

"Mike Keenan called it a cross-check to the head. It wasn't too close to the head. I think he was wrong."

Burish and Bourque were Blackhawks teammates last year before Bourque's trade to Calgary. They also played together at Wisconsin.

"I'm still going to hopefully have a beer with him after the season is done, but he's not my friend on the ice," Burish said.
(Read the whole article here)

Gainey to Habs fans to stop booing the US anthem.

I am not sure why the Hab's fans feel the need to boo the American Anthem, I don't see a logical reason to do this. If anything it lacks class and is uncalled for. The same crap happened last year during the Flyers and Habs series. Hey Habs fans have some class stop booing the United States National Anthem.

BROSSARD, Quebec (AP)—Bob Gainey is asking Montreal Canadiens fans to stop booing the United States national anthem.

Just because the hometown team is on the verge of being swept out of the Eastern Conference playoffs by the Boston Bruins, fans shouldn’t take out their frustration on their neighbor to the south.

Gainey, the coach and general manager of the struggling Canadiens, urged those who booed Monday during “The Star Spangled Banner” before Game 3 to find other ways to voice their support for Montreal.

“I feel like there’s a confusion there with our fans,” Gainey said Tuesday. “They feel like booing the anthem is supporting our team, in that the anthem represents the Boston team.

“And I think if they could separate those two things, then we could respect the anthem of the United States of America and they could still participate loudly in whatever way they want to disrupt the Bruins.”

Many fans booed the U.S. anthem at the Bell Centre on Monday night, even though others tried to drown them out with chants of “Go Habs Go.”

Similar booing has been heard during the playoffs in recent years. In the past, the Canadiens responded with a taped appeal on the scoreboard from Hall of Famer Jean Beliveau, asking fans to respect the anthems of the U.S. and Canada. That curtailed the booing somewhat at subsequent games.

Burish cross check on Bourque

Props to Greg Wyshynski of Puck Daddy for the video. I watched this transpire at the end of last night's game. It was interesting to see two former Wisconsin Badgers getting after it as they had dropped proverbial gloves and were ready to go. The only thing stopping the fight was the ref stepped in and broke up the fight. If I was the Chicago coach I would have sent Burish out as well. That's hockey.

Adam Burish and Rene Bourque were actually team mates at Wisconsin as well at Chicago last season.

The league will probably look at this to determine if there should be a suspension or not. In my opinion I don't believe one is warranted, come on hockey is a physical sport.

Sean Avery punches Simeon Varlamov

I am so glad that Sean Avery is back in the NHL it gives us something to talk about and he is quite entertaining to watch. I guess you could also say that Sean "sloppy seconds" Avery is up to his old tricks again taking an impressive 4 minors and a ten minute misconduct.

The more entertaining fact is Avery is talking smack to a person that speak no english at all.

Bruins put Habs on the brink.

Nothing would be more pleasing to me than to see the Boston Bruins beat/eliminate the Montreal Canadiens in their 100th year of existence. For the Boston Bruins Phil Kessel remains hot against the Habs as he got his third goal of the series and his seventh goal in 5 games against the Hab's. Actually make that ten point in his last five games against Les Habs.

Now it's a matter of how many games it takes the Bruins to close out the Habs. This season the Bruins have owned the Hab's going 8-0-1 losing one game in a shootout.

Pictures from U-18 Medal Games

I went to the medal games in yesterday's U-18 IIHF championship and I have to say that that I watched two very good hockey games. The first game with Canada was very interesting as the Canadans squandered a 4-1 lead then lost the game in a shootout.

UMD's recruit Dylan Olson was on team Canada and I was impressed with him, he is going to be a very good player in the WCHA for the short time he will be with the Dogs. Dylan Olson is big and skates well and some NHL team will call his name during the entry draft (either this year or next).

Sioux recruit Nick Mattson will be a nice addition to the Fighting Sioux blue line in 2010. I like his game he doesn't try to do to much and is smart with the puck.

The Urban Plains Center is nice but it isn't even in the same league as the REA. I told Sioux7 we are spoiled as Sioux fans to have the facility that we have. When they finish the landscaping of the UPC it will be a nice place. While the UPC isn't the REA it is better building than most college hockey buildings. It is going to be interesting to see if MSU-M will try to make a go of it.

Lucic sentence one game.

Boston Bruins forward Milan Lucic has been suspended for one game by the NHL for his cross check on Hab's hack/punk Maxim Lapierre.

NHL: Lucic suspended for 1 game
Posted by Gary Dzen ---- Boston.com
Milan Lucic has been suspended for one game for the match penalty he received in a 5-1 win against the Montreal Canadiens Saturday night. Lucic will miss Game 3 against the Canadiens Monday at the Bell Centre.

Lucic received the penalty in Game 2 after he checked Maxim Lapierre in the head with his stick in front of Canadiens goalie Jaroslav Halak with 4:32 remaining in Game 2.

"While it is unclear whether Lucic's glove or stick makes contact with Lapierre, what is clear is that he delivered a reckless and forceful blow to the head of his opponent," said NHL senior executive vice president of hockey operations Colin Campbell in a statement.

Byron Bitz, a healthy scratch in Games 1 and 2, will be in the lineup for Game 3. Bitz will most likely skate with Shawn Thornton and Stephane Yelle on the fourth line. Blake Wheeler, who was on the fourth line for the first two games, should take Lucic's spot on the third line.

Herald practices gutter journalism.

Our friend the Whistler from sayanythingblog.com has an interesting article on the city beats Tu-Uyen Tran and his shameful example of gutter journalism.

The Herald “reporter” says that the person who brought this up has an affidavit that this happened, but can’t find it right now. I realize that they are claiming that they are only reporting on the accusation, not the underlying baseless charge. But the fact is that this is a smear put on by the Editor and reporter of the Grand Forks Herald.

The Herald’s also been reporting unfounded accusations that the Ralph Engelstad Arena people have been flooding the reservation with money to pass this referendum. Of course the Herald’s reporter hasn’t been able to come up with any examples so once again he’s stuck reporting what the opponents say. It seems to me that the reporter could at least bother to find out how that money is supposedly being spent.

I guess trying to confirm a news story isn’t important when you’re on a moral crusade.

Not only is Ralph Engelstad the largest benefactor ever for a North Dakota college, his gift was one of the top gifts at the time of his death and is probably still in the top ten for the country.

I wish I was paying for a subscription to the Herald because if I was I’d be canceling it Monday morning.

Update: I’ve never done this before but I want to ask the Grand Forks Readers to send this story around. To do so you can click on the share button right under the title of the post. We need to show the Herald were outraged by the smear.
(Read the whole article right here)

Here is a hint to the second rate city beat writer Tu-Uyen Tran if you don't have a signed affidavit that someone claims they have it doesn't exist and until you have this alleged affidavit it in your hot little hand it doesn't exist and it's nothing more than tabloid conjecture. I would think ethically you shouldn't have wrote this story. This is nothing more than a dirty rumor or an urban legend that isn't going to be confirmed or never will be, but don't worry you got that story out.

Let's not let facts get into the way of a good story right. I would be willing to bet that you have no intentions of getting the signed affidavit that doesn't exist it either. Another point is your just trying to cloud the waters and muck up the story so eventually UND will be forced to change the name, but hey you had the story that got everyone riled up.

I also find it funny that that when the anti-name change crowd begins to lose the debate of ideas they resorts to dirty tricks and tactis the Herald city beat reporter plays right into their hands. If it wasn't for the coverage of the Sioux hockey beat writer I would cancel this rag and never pay another dime for this leftist rag. Mike Jacobs is a second rate editor at a back water newspaper and is by far one of the worst editors in the state of North Dakota that never lets facts get in the way of a good story. Maybe the people of Grand Forks should boycott the Grand Forks Herald?

The origins

It’s difficult to convey the impact of the alleged Engelstad quote containing the racial epithet, but the Herald is choosing not to repeat it because the newspaper cannot verify its origin.

Terry Morgan, another anti-nickname organizer, said Friday that opponents had a “signed affidavit” from a witness who allegedly heard the damning quote but that he’d have to find it.

The Herald could not reach him Saturday to see if he found the document.

Morgan said the witness was a white bartender who served two men in 1997. The men said terrible things about Indians in the course of a conversation about the Fighting Sioux nickname. The bartender thought one of the men was Ralph Engelstad and checked with his manager, who verified it was.

Morgan noted that the bartender said he was proud of the nickname until he heard those words.

Jody Hodgson, the general manager of Ralph Engelstad Arena and a representative of the foundation, questioned the timing of the allegation. This quote was spoken 12 years ago, he said, but it is just now emerging in the middle of a contentious political campaign.

Milan Lucic to the principals office.

TSN is reporting that Milan Lucic is being sent to Colin Campbell's office for a hearing for his cross check to the chops on Lapierre's with 4:00 + minutes left in the game. Maybe while the Bruins are at the league office they should show some of the game film of Hab's hack Mike Komisarek and how he is trying to gouge the Bruins player's eyes out. While the cross check may or may not warrant a suspension (it probably does) Komisarek is going to blind someone or hurt their eyes with his bush league face scrapes. I thought it was only the Gophers players that did these bush league moves. (tongue in cheek)

TSN ---- Sources say Boston Bruins forward Milan Lucic will have a disciplinary hearing with NHL disciplinarian Colin Campbell today.

The exact time of the hearing hasn't been set.

Lucic received a minor and match penalty for crosschecking Montreal's Maxim Lapierre in the neck and head late in the third period of Boston's 5-1 win over the Canadiens.

Following Game 2, the Bruins, hoping to avoid losing one of their stars to suspension, submitted a video clip to Campbell they believe shows Lucic's gloved hand striking Lapierre's neck and head before his stick.

It will be up to Campbell to decide whether all of the factors, including the time of the game, score and Lucic's reaction to Lapierre, who approached the Boston forward in defense of Montreal's Mathieu Schneider add up to a suspension.

Bruins go up 2-0 on the Habs. (Lucic suspension coming)

Nothing pleases me more than watching the Habs go down to defeat against the Bruins.
It has been a long time since the Big Bad Bruins have played this well or this physical. This years team is big, fast and agressive and when they play their game they are very hard to beat.

Lucic to be suspended? It would appear that a suspension is coming for Milan Lucic.

While the Bruins hold all the momentum now that they are up 2-0 in the series, they likely will be without sparkplug Milan Lucic for Game 3, if not longer, for a third period incident in which Lucic cross-checked Montreal’s Maxim Lapierre in the face. Lucic received a two-minute cross checking minor and match penalty on the play.

“(The match penalty) means he is automatically suspended, pending a review,”league disciplinarian Colin Campbell said in an email to Sun Media after the game.

Lapierre shrugged his shoulders when asked about the incident.

“It’s not my business to say if there will be one or not,” Lapierre said, sporting a gash on the bridge of his nose where the stick of Lucic made contact. “In the playoffs, you give some, you get some ... This time I got mine.

“He tried to cross check (Mathieu Schneider). We needed to show them that we have plenty of team unity.”

Lucic was not made available to the media after the game.

So does Lucic get suspended?

This happened at the end of the game and you have to wonder if Lucic will get suspended for a game by the NHL for his vicious high cross check on Maxim Lapierre. Not that Lapierre didn't deserve it, because he did I am hoping the league doesn't suspend Lucic based on the fact that Lapierre came flying at Lucic.

The Montreal Canadians are getting their asses handed to them by the Bruins and their frustration is starting to show and the lack of class by the Canadians as well. Mike Komisarek is also begging for a beat down and his bush league face washes and it has become tiresome and one of the Bruins need to answer the bell.

Josh Gorges vs Patrice Bergeron

This series has been nasty. Patrice Bergeron is not known for his fighting skills knocks the crap out of Josh Gorges. That is the second time in less than two weeks that Gorges has had the snot knocked out of him by a Boston Bruins. Shane Hnidy also had his way with him as well.

More unflattering things about Risebrough.

Minnesota Wild beat writer Mike Russo has a few more interesting revelations that make you really shake your head and wonder how Risebrough could get away with this stuff for so long. You can not play a player with a concussion and you hope that Brent Burns doesn't have any long term effects because of him playing with a concussion. Sinus infection? Give me a break the team trainer needs to be sent packing as well.

Burns, 24, was injured in practice Jan. 26 but wasn't shut down until March 7. He is still affected with severe postconcussion syndrome.

"I met with Brent in L.A. [March 6]," Salcer said. "We're having lunch with him and [fellow client Derek Boogaard] and he's telling me about when he hit his head six weeks earlier. So I'm listening to him, and I'm incredulous listening to him.

"He's telling me how, 'Ronny, I'm an avid reader and I'm not able to read on the bus anymore. I get headaches that go all around my head. I can't sleep. During the game, I'm not focusing. I feel like everything is happening, but I'm reacting slow. I go, 'Brent, are you kidding me? You've got a concussion. You cannot play. You cannot play anymore!'

He's so loyal to the team, he was afraid. He said, 'I don't want to tell them that. I don't want to burn a bridge.' I said, 'Burn a bridge? They just exploded one on you. You cannot play.'"

Burns was shut down the next day.

There you go Wild fans the General Manager didn't re-open negotiations with Gaborik's agent said that the Wild didn't even open negotiations, how the hell are they going to sign him if you don't at least make an offer to sign him? This doesn't make sense at all. The old school general manager that treats players like piece of meat are over.

Salcer said this all comes back to Risebrough.

"It starts at the top. He's the manager, and he's got that old-school, you've-got-to-play-through-everything [attitude]," Salcer said. "They did the same thing to Marian before he had hip surgery."

With Risebrough and coach Jacques Lemaire gone, Salcer was asked if this would sway Gaborik to returning.

"I called Tom Lynn personally in November, spoke with Tom and said, 'Would you be interested in reopening negotiations with Marian?' I'm still waiting for him to return that phone call. I never heard back ever," Salcer said.

"That's in November. And so, the season went. And now when you look at July 1 on the horizon where we can talk to every team in the league, certainly we have to take that opportunity very seriously and we will. Having said that, should the organization want to call me, we'll listen to and explore anything. But we certainly see July 1 in the landscape here."

Is James Sheppard a bust?

There is this mind set that we have to give James Sheppard a break because he is young and needs to grow. Under Doug Risebrough he was untouchable. I don't see anything in this kids play that leads me to believe that he is going to come to camp next season and light it up. Just think the Wild could have had Olli Jokinen (29g-28a-57pts) but Rishebrough wouldn't trade Sheppard to get him, Sheppard was untouchable.

Now that Doug Risebrough is finished with the Wild lets look at some of the players drafted after Sheppard in the 2006 entry draft.

9. James Sheppard Minnesota 160 games (9g-34a-43pts)
10. Michael Frolik Florida 79 games (21g-24a-45pts)
12. Bryan Little Atlanta 127 games (37g-30a-67pts)
25. Patrik Berglund St. Louis 76 games (21g-26g-47pts)
28. Nick Foligno Ottawa 126 games (23g-18a-41pts)
44. Nikolai Kulemin Toronto 73 games (15g-16a-31pts)
50. Milan Lucic Boston 149 games (25g-44a-69pts)

Yep Mike Komisarek is still a hack.

I am going to say this is one of the dirtier things that I have seen in some time. Check it out; this is at the end of the game time clock at 0:00 and watch where Bruins defenseman Matt Hunwick gets his eye gouged by his a fellow former Wolverine Mike Komisarek. This is why Bruins fans hate Mike Komisarek and he is public enemy number one in Boston. This should make for an exciting game two tomorrow night.

Matt Gilroy signs with Rangers.

Former BU star and Hobey Baker Memorial winner Matt Gilroy has signed a professional contract with the New York Rangers.

TSN ----- Boston University free agent defenceman Matt Gilroy has signed a two-year deal worth $3.5 million with the New York Rangers.

It is a one-way contract however, he is not eligible to play for the Rangers in this year's playoffs. He will be eligible for free agency in three years.

Last week, Gilroy was named the winner of the Hobey Baker Award as the best U.S. college hockey player.

He followed that with a victory over Miami of Ohio in the national championship game at the NCAA's Frozen Four tournament.

One of the most sought-after free agent players, Gilroy scored eight goals and added 29 assists for 37 points in 45 games this past season.

BU's Wilson signs with the Preds.

It's offical BU's super star Colin Wilson has signed an entry level professional contract with the Nashville Predators. Ussually it is the WCHA that gets hit hard in the off season but this is the third underclass man to leave Hockey East in the last two weeks (James van Riemsdyk Flyers, Colin Wilson Predators and Viktor Stahlberg Leafs).

Predators sign top prospect Wilson
By John Glennon • THE TENNESSEAN • April 17, 2009

The Predators have signed top prospect Colin Wilson to a three-year entry-level contract.

Terms of the deal weren’t immediately available, but it’s likely that Wilson will receive the maximum allowed for an entry-level contract.

Wilson, who just finished his sophomore season at Boston University, will leave Sunday for the World Championship in Switzerland. He’ll be playing there for the U.S. team and under the watch of Predators general manager David Poile, who’s an associate GM for Team USA.

A finalist this season for the Hobey Baker award as college hockey’s best player, Wilson is likely to challenge for an NHL roster spot at Nashville’s training camp this fall.

He helped Boston University win the NCAA championship earlier this month, posting a team-best 55 points (17 goals, 38 assists) in 43 games.

The 6-foot-1, 213-pound Wilson was the seventh overall pick in the 2008 draft.

The Canucks are a bunch of whimps.

This one is way too funny the Canucks are crying about the St. Louis Blues skating through Roberto Luongo's crease and spraying him with snow. This is hockey and it's game played by men not a bunch of girls. Come on Roberto your 6+ feet tall be a man not some sniveling junior high girl.

Well, if you are one who thinks the game has tamed down perhaps too much over the years, the latest round of whining out of Vancouver will make you laugh.

After Game 1 Canucks coach Alain Vigneault complained that the St. Louis Blues weren't just skating through Roberto Luongo's crease and bumping into him a couple of times, they were spraying him with (gasp!) snow.

"I'm embarrassed to talk about that. It's ridiculous. Nonsense," said St. Louis winger Keith Tkachuk. "There is no way our game plan is to go out and try to spray their goalie. You have to stop on the puck - just in case he tries to play it.

"You can tell the game has changed over my 17-year career, when you complain about something like that. As opposed to runnin' someone from behind or starting a brawl."

Vigneault did not want to address the situation again on Thursday. He said on Wednesday that he would talk to the league about his concerns.

Risebrough gong show is over.

As WCHA Dominates mentioned earlier, Leipold had decided a month a go that Risebrough was gone, this is right decision and it couldn't have been made a minute too soon. I will be tossing back a few beers this weekend to celebrate this event. This feels like Christmas in April

These are some of the questions/answers that MICHAEL RUSSO has come up with. As you can see Russo has touch on a lot of the issues the team of 18,000 were also frustrated with. One of them is the inaction of Risebrough and his willingness not to trade a couple of players to make the team better. Josh Harding could have gotten the Wild a top player at the dead line.

It would have been interesting to see what Harding would have gotten from the Redwings in a trade at the dead line. From reading all of the rumors it would appear James Sheppard is a cancer, a prima donna and needs to go. I would also like to see some players from the area that could help the Wild.

When did owner Craig Leipold decide?

A month ago, but he didn't want to disrupt a potential playoff run.

Does Leipold have a candidate in mind?

He has compiled a list, and was solicited by candidates Thursday.

How does this affect the hiring of a coach?

The new GM will determine the new coach and style of coach he wants, and this will be Priority No. 1.

In the past, James Sheppard and Josh Harding have been untouchable in trades. Has that changed?

Leipold said it was important to get "new eyes" in here, which usually means new opinions.

It's official Risebrough is gone.

I have to say that I am giddy as well. Today is a good day. The Wild will be better for this move. I would like to see the Wild hire a GM that is more user friendly, one that likes draft players from the CHL and the NCAA.

Wild owner Craig Leipold thanked the Wild GM, but decided a change at the top was in order.

By MICHAEL RUSSO, Star Tribune --- Last update: April 16, 2009 - 12:40 PM

Wild GM Doug Risebrough has been fired by owner Craig Leipold, in a surprise decision annouced by the team today.

The Wild, in an annoucement released to the media just after noon, said Risebrough's contract will not be renewed "beyond the 2008-2009 season."

“The entire Minnesota Wild organization is forever indebted to Doug for his substantial efforts in establishing this franchise’s solid foundation and winning tradition,” said Leipold in the statement. “The positive impact of Doug’s service will be felt for many years to come. We wish Doug the very best.”

The search for a new General Manager will begin immediately. The first order of business for the incoming General Manager will be to select the Team’s next Head Coach.

Until a replacement is found, Assistant General Manager Tom Lynn, will be acting-general manager, the team said.

Is Risebrough gone?

Props to BigGreyAnt41 Michael Russo is a good blogger and I can't see him printing this without being true. This would make my whole summer. Risebrough has done a horrible job running the Wild and it's time for him to go. Out next should be James Sheppard.

Sources: Risebrough fired as Wild GM According to two outside NHL sources, Wild GM Doug Risebrough has been fired by owner Craig Leipold.

By MICHAEL RUSSO, Star Tribune ---- Last update: April 16, 2009 - 12:04 PM
According to two outside NHL sources, Wild GM Doug Risebrough has been fired by owner Craig Leipold.

The report has not yet been confirmed by members of the Wild organization.

Come back to startribune.com for more details.

Show us the money MSU-M

We keep hearing a lot of talk about MSU-M has the money to start and support a division one hockey program. First thing that comes to mind is the line from the movie Jerry McGuire, "show me the money." Talk is cheap it takes a lot of money to sustain a hockey program. It will cost the university even more money if they are going to run both a woman's and men's program.

I also disagree with the comment that their program would be on the level of a North Dakota or Minnesota, I think that is a ridiculous statement. It takes a long time to develop a hockey program and they would be lucky to get to the same level of an SCSU, MSU-M Mankato or a BSU.

Now comes Minnesota State University Moorhead with an intriguing proposal to add Division I men’s and women’s hockey to its sports programs. MSUM is serious about taking the plunge if all the pieces of the D-I puzzle can be put into place. It’s very early in the process, but a couple of the major pieces – affiliation with the Western Collegiate Hockey Association and playing at the new Urban Plains Center – appear to be sliding into place.

But there is a much bigger piece: money, at least $10 million in external funding, said MSUM President Edna Szymanski. The president said a D-I hockey program could be very good for the school in terms of profile and student recruiting, but she said MSUM will not proceed unless the money is on the table.

Which brings us back to the intensity and dedication of hockey fans: The $10 million would have to come from sources other than public higher education appropriations. Private money will fund the hockey venture. MSUM Athletic Director Doug Peters says at this point getting a program up and running has a 50-50 chance. But it is unlikely the school would have gone public without some sort of commitment from a heavy hitter, or two or three, regarding the $10 million.

Make no mistake about it: D-I hockey at MSUM would mean world-class hockey in the style of the University of North Dakota Sioux and the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers would come to town. Collegiate hockey does not get any better. It would be a huge coup for obsessive fans and a high-quality sports attraction for casual fans.

It’s worth a look. It’s worth a hard-headed, eyes-wide-open analysis. When all is said and done, it will mean one of two things: another successful D-I sport for Fargo-Moorhead or another indication Fargo is not a hockey town.
(read the whole article here)

Habs want to play the Bruins.

Check this quote posted below. This should be up in the Bruins locker room either written on the black board or posted on the bulletin board. It would be interesting to see who this unnamed player was. Funny that they would say this to a former Bruin's players as well.

Interestingly enough, former Bruins scrapper P.J. Stock works as a TV analyst for CBC’s “Hockey Night in Canada” and said prior to Saturday night’s Canadiens game that an unnamed Habs player told Stock that the Canadiens preferred to play the B’s rather than face Alexander Ovechkin and the second-seeded Washington Capitals. According to Stock, the Canadiens believe that they can do damage against Boston’s second and third D pairings. That doesn’t exactly scream out the sort of cliched athlete-speak you normally hear from hockey teams prior to a playoff series. Let the war of words — and gloved fists — begin.

Here is why this unamed Hab's logic is flawed. 1.) The Habs have not beat the Bruins in regulation this season. 2.) The Bruins defense has played well against the Habs. The Canadians have scored something like a whopping 12 goals in 6 games that isn't very good. 3.) The Bruins aren't starved for offense as they have seven players with 20 goals or more.

This should worry logo supporters.

This statement should worry Sioux fans that want to keep the Fighting Sioux name. I interpret this as a plea to get the name/logo issue solved (Fighting Sioux name changed very quickly) so we can get into the less than stellar Summit League. There is a lot of pressure from the football and basketball cabal to change the name so they can find a conference.

Personally, I would like to see UND still try to get into the Big Sky Conference because I feel there are better more attractive teams in the BSC than the Summit. I think that the nick name committee should be allowed to see transpires at Standing Rock and Spirit Lake before the University moves with their decision. Again, the Fighting Sioux should not be changed on a whim but after all avenues have been exhausted with the two tribes. The university and the State board of higher education owe it to the people that helped fund the lawsuit with their donations. If not; please tell me why they spent a million plus suing the NCAA if the University was going to just change the name anyways? It isn't just about football and basketball. I also don't believe that the University needs to rush change the name and undo the work of Sam Dupris who seems to be making progress with his out reach to the two Sioux tribes.

USD to announce Summit League acceptance today
“From my perspective, it’s been urgent all along,” Faison said. “It isn’t any less urgent. There’s a new committee and they’re in the process of going through their work.

“Obviously it makes it even more problematic in terms of our league affiliation,” UND athletic director Brian Faison said. “We’ll have lost an important part of that conference.”

On Tuesday, the Summit’s Presidents Council voted unanimously to invite the school into the conference beginning July 1, 2011, according to an e-mail sent to Summit League member schools. USD will not compete in team tournaments that season, the last that the Coyotes are ineligible for NCAA postseason competitions.

In 2012-13 USD will be an active member of NCAA Division I and will participate in Summit League tournaments.

USD announced it would lift its athletic programs from NCAA Division II to Division I in 2006 and is now competing as a Division I independent. UND is in the same situation.

USD and South Dakota State, a member of the Summit League, will resume head-to-head competitions in sports other than football by fall 2011. The in-state rivals have not competed against each other in most sports since SDSU left Division II after the 2003-04 season.

The same is true for North Dakota State, a member of the Summit League, and UND.

So South Dakota’s good fortune means UND’s ability to resolve the nickname and logo issue quickly has heightened.

“From my perspective, it’s been urgent all along,” Faison said. “It isn’t any less urgent. There’s a new committee and they’re in the process of going through their work.

But again that’s a time line that we don’t really control. All we can do is encourage that they go as quickly as they can, and I’m sure they are.”

Faison said the nickname and logo issue has affected many UND programs. The University of Minnesota, for instance, won’t play UND in sports hosted by the school.

Faison said the Sioux might have been able to get the Gophers on the schedule for football, if the issue had been resolved.

The Gophers play South Dakota State this year, South Dakota in 2010 and NDSU in 2011.

Minnesota plans to play at least one BCS opponent every year while also committing to play Football Championship Subdivision (formerly Division I-AA) opponents from the region.

“If we would have had things resolved, I think we could have been in the mix,” Faison said.

It’s hurting other programs, too. They can’t get games or competitions against Minnesota. It means fewer opportunities to compete close to home, Faison said.

“At this point we need to get the nickname and logo issue resolved so we can move on,” he said.

Komisarek "you must be in control of your emotions.

Former Michigan Star Mike Komisarek is public enemy #1 to Bruins and their fans but he is right. In the Stanley Cup Playoffs you have to play with controlled recklessnes, meaning you can not lose your mind. You must pick your time and place to exact revenge. Use also must use your head and don't put your team in a bad situation.

The Canadiens defenceman got a generous taste of Boston leather last Thursday, his face massaged by the gauntlets of Milan Lucic and used as a speed bag by Zdeno Chara in a boxing match that earned the Bruins captain a double minor for roughing, a great non-call in a game teeming with them.

Komisarek must play on the edge. He’s an imposing presence who must ticket the Bruins for parking – even idling – in front of the Canadiens net. He must win the battles, or at least wage ruggedly good ones, on the walls in Montreal’s zone.

“Controlled recklessness,” Komisarek called it Monday as his team set up three days of practice shop in Brossard. “You have to be in control of your emotions and intensity.”

Stanley Cup playoffs begin tonight.

East

Montreal at Boston, I predict the Bruins will win in 5 games.
NY Rangers at Washington, I predict the Caps will win in 6 games
Carolina at New Jersey I predict the Canes to win in 7 games.
Philadelphia at Pittsburgh I predict the Pittsburgh in 6 games.

West

Anaheim at San Jose, I predict the Sharks will win in 5 games.
Columbus at Detroit, I predict the Blue Jackets will win in 7 games.
St. Louis at Vancouver, I predict the Canucks will win in 7 games.
Calgary at Chicago, I predict the Blackhawks will win in 7 games.

3-2-1 points systems?

Our friend Kyle from the illegalcurve.com has an idea for points in NHL hockey games. Personally, I think that the NHL will never take this approach because there would be less parity in the leagues and teams would be out of the races for a playoff spots earlier in the season and would effect attendance and the over-all dollar. The idea does make you think though. Makes you think how long the Wild would have been in the race with this system?

I thought I could gain some traction for a 3-2-1 system of points. Since I am now a lame duck, I doubt this idea will go anywhere but thought I should share it with readers to get some feedback.

The idea is certainly not new or original by any means, but merely stems by the growing dislike of the “loser point”. My proposal was to change the points system for wins to a 3-2-1 system. 3 points for a regulation win, 2 points for an overtime win and 1 point for a shootout win. Losing teams would be awarded no points. The idea behind this is to not only eliminate the loser point, but to give teams incentives to win games in regulation. I believe this was the NHL’s original intent when it instituted the shootout and the loser point.

Tavares is No. 1 target for Burke

In a way you kinda have to admire Burke's bravado but there is no way in hell the Islanders are going to give up John Tavares, not in a million years. Also, what does Burke have to bargain with, there is not a lot of talent on the Leafs.

TORONTO -- The Maple Leafs are going to aggressively pursue a top NHL entry draft spot, perhaps even the No. 1 position, says GM Brian Burke.

Going into the draft lottery Tuesday night, Toronto was seventh in the selection order and could move up a maximum of four spots if it wins the weighted draw.

Burke intends to be wheeling and dealing before the top teen talent is dispersed in Montreal with an eye on landing highly touted forward John Tavares.

"We'll immediately attempt to move up," Burke said during a news conference Tuesday morning. "We're going to talk to everyone between us and the first pick and see what the landscape is.

This is the type of General Manager the Minnesota Wild need to hire. I also think there are a few players on the Wild that feel they are entitled as well and don't respect the game, or think the name on the back of the jersey is more important than the logo on the front. After reading all of the crap that James Sheppard has pulled this past season with the Wild a good GM would have shipped his ass off to Houston faster in a New York Minute. Untouchable, I don't know what Risebrough sees in James Sheppard because he has done nothing in his two shorts years for the Wild. Ryan Jones the player they traded away to Nashville is developing at a faster rate than James Sheppard. Ryan Jones has scored two less goals than James Sheppard in 114 less games. Tell me who you would rather have traded last summer?

Burke said he and head coach Ron Wilson have progressed in their attempt to end the "culture of entitlement" some players feel when they play for the Leafs.

"Anyone who thinks he's on this roster because he has a contract is sadly mistaken," he said, adding a mention that the buyout option kicks in July 1.

Joe Finley's first professional fight.

Former Sioux Joe Finley probably was a little rusty and hasn't fought for a while. First off the announcer needs to work on reading the rosters, it's not that hard to do. I mean seriously, it's Joe Finley and not Jeff Finley. Second, politely and professionally my ass, the goon whacked him two more times with Joe's jersey pulled over his head.

Bruins in 6?

Neil from the illegal curve predicts that the Bruins will win in 6. I am going to say Bruins in 5 because Boston has not lost to the Habs in regulation all season and they for the most part have dominated them. Bruins beat them in Offense, Defense and goaltending.

Prediction:

Overall, the Bruins’ offense (especially on the power play), should be the difference maker. As we all know, special teams is always of upmost importance come playoff time. The Habs may have a chance if Price catches fire and steals the series, but the likely outcome will be the B’s heading to the second round and Price heading to Crescent St. for a smoke.

Bruins in 6

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Game winning goal BU and Miami

Check out this game winning goal. This an incredible ending to one of the most exciting NCAA FROZEN FOURS that I have ever seen.

Vandy 75/25 staying at UND.

Someone had this posted over on Sioux Sports; man I hope Chris VandeVelde comes back for his senior season at UND. This would be some welcome news if it turns out to be true this is some really good news for the Fighting Sioux. This season VandeVelde scored some big goals at crucial times in important games.

VandeVelde ‘75 percent’ on staying with Sioux
VandeVelde said Friday that there is about a 75-percent chance he will stay with the Sioux instead of signing with the Edmonton Oilers. The Oilers drafted the forward in the fourth round of the 2005 NHL draft.

The decision will be made in the next two weeks, VandeVelde said.

“I still have holes in my game that I think I can get better,” he said. “… I think (staying) would help me out.”

BU wins the 2009 NCAA title.

I was on Face book last night after watching the NCAA title game and people were instant messaging me and telling me they were unhappy with the results of the game. Personally, I have to say that I am not all that unhappy with the results; I think the best team in division one hockey won last night (21-1-3 since Jan. 15) and last played in a game that will go down in history as being one of the most exciting NCAA division one finals ever. This was one of the most exciting finals that I have ever witnessed. The Miami Redhawks had the game in the proverbial bag when they were up 3-1 with about 3:24 to go and lost the game.

If BSU wasn’t going to be the winner in the NCAA tourney I would rather see BU win the tourney than Miami or Vermont. I am not into the whole underdog thing, it’s just me. In my opinion, Boston University was the best team in hockey all season long and played the game of hockey the way it should be. The Terriers were fast up front and could score in bunches and were fun to watch. In the era of the neutral zone trap, college hockey has become less watchable than the NHL and this year’s version of Boston University is a breath of fresh air because they attack and counter attack. It just seemed that no lead was possible when playing BU as they found another gear, shifted and won the game when they needed to. Colin Wilson is and awesome player and is probably going to make an immediate impact with the Nashville preditors.

Defensively I thought the BU Terrier were really impressive and I could see why NHL teams are drooling at the prospects of getting free agent Matt Gilroy, he would be a nice addition to any team’s defensive corps. On the blue line the players that stuck out the most for me were Matt Gilroy, Kevin Shattenkirk, Colby Cohen.

This season Boston University was at the top or near the top nationally in a lot of categories: 1st in scoring offense, 3rd in scoring defense, 1st in scoring margin, 12th in penalty minutes, 2nd in power play, 12th penalty kill. So there victory is no fluke.

More on the Fighting Sioux name.

I found some interesting points/things in a series of articles in the Grand Forks Herald regarding the Fighting Sioux name and logo. I think we have basically pinned down the major issue here. The anti-logo crowd had gained a lot of traction, their vocal minority was moving the ball forward and they were on the verge of getting the name changed, then the roof fell in on them. These people have basically had their own way for so long. The anti-logo crowd has thrown a lot of stuff out there rarely been challenged by the media.

Now the tide is starting to turn against them, and frankly they don’t like it. Notice the part of the article that mentions that the Spirit Lake nickname supporters, for example, have done an informal survey of tribal members that found an overwhelming majority approve the nickname and logo. Hum! Kind of throws a curveball to the people the anti-logo crowd and to the NCAA’s argument, I guess the people that call themselves Sioux don’t find the name hostile and abusive. Memo to Myles Brand and the hand wringing P.C. Nazi’s, are you hearing the people you claim to represent?

So basically one could read from this is the people that are know as the Sioux don’t want UND to change the Fighting Sioux name. So what does this do to the anti-logo crowd, they are not happy. I look at this way the anti-logo crowd is being beat at their own game and it starting to piss them off, because they are accusing the pro-name crowd of doing the some the same thing they do themselves. They are talking to people and informing them of their side of the issue. The anti-logo people are also trying to blame REA on the matter.

What’s at stake

There’s a lot at stake with the referendums because they may be the last best hope for the nickname.

A 2007 settlement between UND and the NCAA requires the university to win the blessings of the state’s two Sioux tribes to continue using the Fighting Sioux nickname and Indian head logo.

The NCAA considers the use of Indian nicknames in collegiate sports to be derogatory, but it could make an exception if the tribes’ leadership or their enrolled members approve.

Tribal leaders on both reservations have been largely hostile or ambivalent toward the nickname. The Standing Rock Tribal Council, for example, has both opposed the nickname and banned referendums on its use.

Tribal members, though, tend to favor the nickname, and supporters have turned to them. The Spirit Lake nickname supporters, for example, have done an informal survey of tribal members that found an overwhelming majority approve the nickname and logo.

The Spirit Lake survey confirms what Dupris had earlier discovered for the Ralph.

Jody Hodgson, the arena’s general manager, said Dupris’ most valuable role was helping his organization to understand the attitudes of tribal members and why they support or oppose the nickname.

Spirit Lake nickname opponents are scrambling to turn the tide, sending campaigners out to talk to voters, whom they feel do not fully understand what supporters say is the racially charged atmosphere on campus because of the nickname and logo.

In the meantime, Standing Rock supporters are seeking their own referendum

The accusations

Erich Longie, a longtime nickname opponent who’s now fighting the Spirit Lake referendum, is one of many who think the Ralph’s involvement is much deeper than just gathering information.

He theorized that the arena is paying the supporters to talk to their relatives and persuade them to vote for the nickname, using the traditional method of campaigning on the reservation. If that’s the case, he said, “that’s insidious. A small group gets paid, and the majority group that votes for it gets nothing.”
(Read the whole article here)

This is what the Herald editor Mike Jacobs had to say on the issue. It's pretty clear that is for changing the Fighting Sioux name.

Politics in native communities are notoriously complex in North Dakota and elsewhere. The normal means of gauging political opinion might be brought to bear — polling, for example — but since there’s little data about their reliability, there’s little reason to trust them.

So, the issue is in a kind of suspended animation, pending these referendums.

What are we to expect?

While it’s impossible to know for sure, it’s possible that the name might be supported in these referendums.

But will that resolve the issue?

Almost certainly not.

Opponents see this as a moral issue, remember, and they’re not likely to give it up no matter the election results this time around. They’ll continue to raise the issue on campus and in native communities.

That means that the issue will fester — until the name is changed.

It seems to me that this is the political reality and that the best move is to give up the name. That’s the only way to put the issue decisively behind us, and to move on.

This is the position that the Herald has held pretty consistently put forward in its editorials, and that it repeated as recently as January.
(read the whole story here)

Jacques Lemair is done as Wild coach.

Mike Russo is confirming what many thought might happen, Wild Coach Jacques Lemair is stepping down as the head coach of the Minnesota Wild. Lemaire is the only coach the Wild have ever known. In away I wish it was the General Manager Doug Risebrough that was announcing his resignation/retirement, because he has screwed up this team in a bad way. Good luck Jacques, you're a hall of fame player. Holy Cow this didn't take long. The thing that really kills me is that the Wild scored 14 goals in two games, there were times during this season were the Wild didn't score that many goals in two weeks. Where art thou?

Jacques Lemaire, the only coach the Wild’s ever known, has coached his final game with the Wild.

With clear signs before the game that Lemaire was indeed done, Lemaire finally confirmed it after the Wild’s 6-3 win.

“I think it’s time for the players to get a new coach and myself look at other stuff.”

With you coach elsewhere? “I’ll see. It’s exciting. It’s an exciting job. I was behind the bench there just before the game there, and I felt I was getting really tight because it’s something I’ve done for 15 years and I like it and I have to go.”

Lets get it on. Bruins and Habs.

This should get the Bruins fans charged up for the Stanley Cup playoffs, the Bruins owe the Habs after losing to them in seven games last season. This season the Bruins have not lost in regulation to the hated Habs from Montreal. To take a page from Jack Edwards book, "We have beaten them and we have beaten them up." The need to play smart and pick their places to even scores.

NHL --- Pittsburgh's 3-1 victory at Montreal on Saturday night has set up all four Eastern Conference pairings in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Montreal's loss assured that the Canadiens will finish eighth. That earned the Canadiens an opening-round matchup with first-place Boston -- a repeat of last year's first round, in which the Canadiens outlasted the Bruins 4-3. The teams have met 31 times in the playoffs, with Montreal winning 24 times. The Bruins finish their season Sunday on the road against the New York Islanders.