Great CBC video.

This video is a perfect example on why I love NHL Hockey coverage on CBC, this is heads tails above Versus or NBC. Living close to the Canadian Border I am able to get CBC as a part of my cable package.

More on UAF.

Alaska Nanooks Hockey Blog has an interesting blog article on the UAF's prospects of moving to the WCHA. The Nanooks blogger talked with the UAF AD Forrest Karr. There were two points from the article that really stuck out. Very interesting.

So this is where I have to ask what the WCHA sees in UNO? Why do they seem to be so interested in them? Forrest's response, "No idea...". I second that. The only thing that I can think of is the recruiting side of things. Omaha puts you right in that fine divider between USHL and the NAHL, which opens up a lot of recruitment opportunities for the coaching staff of the WCHA that they currently don't have

This is he other part of the blog post that sticks out for me as maybe the writting is on the wall. While the voting might not be over as some say. I will buy that. It does appear that expansion/realignment is going a certain direction.

But with all of the financial benefit to all parties involved, why are we riding the pine pony while UNO hogs all the WCHA ice time? I didn't have an answer, but Forrest Karr put it nicely. "Right now it doesn't make sense to jump into the mix as the WCHA is a long ways down the road already with UNO. The coaching staff (and I agree) would rather show loyalty to the CCHA and if for some reason a UNO-WCHA partnership does not work out, we will discuss further."

[Nanooks and the WCHA - The Saga Continues...]

Expansion talk.

Brad Elliott Schlossman has nice a blog article today about some of the things facing CHA member Alabama-Huntsville and their quest to get into the CCHA.
[University of North Dakota Hockey]

If Omaha departs the CCHA for the WCHA -- a move that is looking probable -- it would drop the CCHA to an odd number of 11 teams.

Alabama-Huntsville applied for membership in January and received a site visit from the CCHA a couple of weeks ago. The CCHA will vote on Huntsville's application in August. By then, it will know whether Omaha is on its way out.

Huntsville coach Danton Cole said today that he felt that the site visit went well. The CCHA had a few concerns and Cole said UAH is working to address those concerns "quickly."

"There is no guarantee on our future," Cole said, "regardless of what transpires with the other institutions over the summer. That being said, the university and our community are very proud of what we presented and what we have to offer the CCHA and college hockey."

Geographically, UAH isn't much different than Omaha is to the CCHA, and transportation wouldn't be all that bad. Bowling Green is a quick, three-hour drive to UAH. The Huntsville airport also has direct flights to Chicago, Detroit and Cincinnati -- which basically covers the CCHA.

The Anchorage Dail News has an article today saying that there is going to be an informal vote on expansion on next week. So WCHA fans are going to have the answer sooner rather than later. Interesting point is if league office gets expansion done before August we would have a new 12 team WCHA in 2010.
[WCHA likely to expand to 12]

UAA's hockey team is likely to get two new conference rivals in a year or two, and whether one of them is the Nanooks from up north will depend largely on a straw vote league members will take next week.

The 10-team Western Collegiate Hockey Association has all but decided to expand to 12 teams, either for the 2010-11 season or the 2011-12 season, commissioner Bruce McLeod said.

UAA athletic director Steve Cobb, one of four members of the WCHA's structure committee, thinks league members next week will vote informally on a proposal to admit both Bemidji and Omaha.

If that vote fails to show widespread support for both teams, or if Omaha decides it doesn't want to join the league, Fairbanks is expected to become a bigger part of the equation.

"Depending on how things go with Omaha, we'll consider Fairbanks," McLeod said.

The team everyone expects to gain admission is Bemidji State of Minnesota, the only school so far to formally apply for membership. Bemidji was an NCAA Frozen Four team this year, but its conference -- College Hockey America -- has disbanded.

But the WCHA wants an even number of teams, McLeod said. And so it has been talking with the University of Nebraska-Omaha, a member of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association that is a geographical fit for the WCHA.

The league has had several conversations with Omaha, McLeod said. The Mavericks recently hired head coach Dean Blais, a long-time WCHA coach who guided North Dakota to national championships in 1997 and 2000.

If Omaha decides it doesn't want to leave the CCHA, or if WCHA members decide Omaha isn't the best choice for its 12th team, Fairbanks will become a bigger part of the expansion conversation

"Bruce McLeod has asked us to sit back and wait to see what happens with Nebraska-Omaha," UAF athletic director Forrest Karr told the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner last week.

Two other schools that McLeod wouldn't name are also potential applicants for membership. But Cobb predicts the new members will come from two of three schools -- Bemidji, Omaha or Fairbanks.

Just when you think that MSU-Moorhead has little or no chance of starting up a division one hockey program the CCHA commissioner throws them a life line. Also, star2city posted the MSU-M business plan for expansion. It's mind numbing that college hockey cost that much.

Moorhead, Minn. (WDAY Sports) - MSU Moorhead has likely seen the door closed on it's WCHA hopes, but the Commissioner of the CCHA says his league may be willing to consider a startup program.

It's all speculation right now, but the dragons say if they can raise enough money they'll launch a program next year.

Nebraska Omaha is about to move to the WCHA, but that would open up a spot in the CCHA.

If the Dragons have hopes of getting in, they could boost their appeal by offering a travel subsidy

.

Tim Thomas wins the Vezina Trophy.

Former Vermont Catamounts and current Bruins goalie Tim Thomas was officially announced as the winner of the Vezina trophy tonight. It's a nice finish to a great season for Thomas. In my opinion I believe that Tim Thomas is the best American goalie in the NHL and will be one of the goalies for team USA in the 2010 olympics.

LAS VEGAS -- Tim Thomas has truly received his due.

The Boston Bruins goaltender was awarded the Vezina Trophy on Thursday, beating out Steve Mason of the Columbus Blue Jackets and Niklas Backstrom of the Minnesota Wild in voting by the NHL's 30 general managers.

The honour is especially meaningful to Thomas because it was only a few years ago that he figured his dream of playing in the NHL was dead. He never minds hearing about his rags-to-riches journey.

"It doesn't bother me that other people talk about it," said Thomas. "I'm 35 (years old). At 31, I was thinking to myself that I'm going to be playing in Finland for the rest of my career. This is a long way from where I was. ...

"This is a totally different level that I've been able to reach."

Thomas and partner Manny Fernandez also shared the Jennings Trophy after helping the Bruins post the lowest goals-against average in the NHL.

It was a good season in Beantown.

Dean Blais on with Dan Hammer.

Dan Hammer was on the Fan 740 talking with Dean Blais. From listening to Dean Blais during the interview it would appear he leaves little mystery where the Mavericks want to play and he isn't hiding the fact that there is a very good chance the Mavericka are heading to the WCHA, why would Blais say this if it isn't true? The man sounds kind of confident in the Mavericks conference of choice.

This is a quote from Blais, "I think they are going to be in the CCHA next year and the WCHA with Bemidji State the following year to make it a tweleve team league."

[Click here to listen]

Beavers Hockey Schedule

Here is the Bemidji State University Beavers 2009-2010 Hockey schedule.
They have a pretty impressive non-conference schedule, AFA (X2), NMU (x2), Minnesota (x2), OSU (x1), Miami (x1), MSUM (x2), WMU (x2), UMD (x2).
Oct. 9 Air Force 7:35
Oct. 10 Air Force 7:05
Oct. 23 at Northern Mich. 6:35
Oct. 24 at Northern Mich. 6:35
Oct. 30 at Ala.-Huntsville 7:35
Oct. 31 at Ala.-Huntsville 7:05
Nov. 6 Robert Morris 7:35
Nov. 7 Robert Morris 7:05
Nov. 14 at Minnesota 7:37
Nov. 15 at Minnesota 6:07
Nov. 20 Ala.-Huntsville 7:35
Nov. 21 Ala.-Huntsville 7:05
Nov. 27 Miami (Ohio)* 4:07
Nov. 28 Ohio State* 4:07
Dec. 4 Niagara 7:35
Dec. 5 Niagara 7:05
Dec. 11 MSU, Mankato 7:35
Dec. 12 MSU, Mankato 7:05
Jan. 2 at Western Mich. 7:30
Jan. 3 at Western Mich 4:00
Jan. 15 at Niagara 6:05
Jan. 16 at Niagara 6:05
Jan. 22 Minn.-Duluth 7:35
Jan. 23 at Minn.-Duluth 7:07
Jan. 29 Robert Morris 7:35
Jan. 30 Robert Morris 7:05
Feb. 12 at Robert Morris 7:35
Feb. 13 at Robert Morris 7:05
Feb. 19 Niagara 7:35
Feb. 20 Niagara 7:05
Feb. 26 at Neb.-Omaha 7:05
Feb. 27 at Neb.-Omaha 7:05
March 5 at Ala.-Huntsville 7:05
March 6 at Ala.-Huntsville 7:05
March 12-14 CHA Tournament TBA

* Subway Holiday Classic, Grand Forks N.D.

Humpday linkorama.

Here is an interesting story on Trev Alberts and him making noise for UNO. [Husker Extra]

Former Gopher Alex Goligoski just signed a contract with the Penguins. The Former Gopher Defenseman was the third-leading scorer amongst all NHL rookie defenseman last season with six goals and 14 assists in 45 games. [TSN]

Leafs General Manager Brian Burke is NOT interested in former Badger Dany Heatly. [TSN]

The Senator's general manager will deal his disgruntled forward Dany Heatly on his terms. [Slam Sports]
This season it's going to be hard to move the big ticket hockey players. [Spector]

If you want to listen to a really good hockey radio show, listen to the illegal Curves radio broadcast from 7:00 PM till 9:00 PM click here or here.

Apparently the Jim Balsillie group has plenty of fight left in them and they aren't going to give up yet. [Tornoto Sun]

Paul Allen talks hockey.

P.A. interviewed new Wild general manager Chuck Flethcer. Paul Allen also interviewed Gopher hockey player Jordan Schroeder, interesting stuff in the interview. Sounds like Schroeder isn't against moving on if it was the right situation.

During the second part of the hour P.A. asks Fletcher about the Gaborik situation and basically the GM says that we are going to want to see where they are at sooner rather than later. It doesn't sound like Fletcher is going to monkey around with Gabby very long. It also sounds like Fletcher plans on not having Gaborik back.

[click to listen to the podcast] [Paul Allen Show podcasts]

The Pens with the Cup

One of the greatest sport trophies in all of professional sports, Lord Stanley's Cup. Notice when a few of them pick the cup up they say ________ yeah... Twenty nine teams didn't win it. The Penguins made all the right moves at the trade dead line.

Check out this picture.

The new UNO marketing campaign is under way. Notice a familiar face to Sioux fans.
[props]

12 teams means more $.

One of my buddies who will go un-named emailed me this retort. It makes sense. Just for the record the Super Six idea gives one more team a chance to advance to Saint Paul in March, but it also means more money for all teams involved.

A 12 team WCHA league is NOT a money loser that deprives each team of $20,000.........Let us not forget if there were 12 teams in the WCHA there will be an additional first playoff series.............which means..........

In 2009 SCSU would have hosted a first round play off series and they would have sold 12K to 18K tickets at $30 a pop for $360,000 to $540,000 for the WCHA to be split 12 ways = meaning each team would have received an additional $25,000 to $40,000 after expenses

In 2008 WISCONSIN would have hosted a first round play off series and they would have sold 20K to 30K tickets at $30 a pop for $600,000 to $900,000 for the WCHA to be split 12 ways = meaning each team would have received an additional $40,000 to $70,000 after expenses

In 2007 WISCONSIN would have hosted a first round play off series and they would have sold 20K to 30K tickets at $30 a pop for $600,000 to $900,000 for the WCHA to be split 12 ways = meaning each team would have received an additional $40,000 to $70,000 after expenses

In 2006 SCSU would have hosted a first round play off series and they would have sold 12K to 18K tickets at $30 a pop for $360,000 to $540,000 for the WCHA to be split 12 ways = meaning each team would have received an additional $25,000 to $40,000 after expenses

SO, going to 12 teams is profitable, and does NOT come at a loss of revenue

12 team WCHA ALSO gives the WCHA another Super SIX playoff game, which is one more than a FINAL Five format for even more money to distribute......WCHA can charge more for XCEL playoff package Because there's another playoff game included.....two on Thursday instead of one Thursday night play-in game

Finally, as a rebuttal to the UAF proposal.........any team can already go to UAF every year and get the exemption NOW if they wish, and can then have two more home games for doing so......teams do not need UAF in their own conference to travel to UAF for an exemption........they can already do that NOW IF THEY WISH

12 team WCHA increases revenue, and even more with UNO because of potential for huge home playoff draws as well

Radio personality Jeff Dubay faces a year in jail

Jeff Dubay has apparently suffered a set back. Goon's World is pulling for Jeff Dubay and hopes he can get his act together and fight this thing. I actually ran into him at the Final Five in St. Paul and he looked like he was doing better.

Jeff Dubay, a former sports-talk radio personality, is facing jail time after failing to complete two substance abuse programs and repeatedly testing positive for cocaine use.

Dubay, 41, of Plymouth, was fired as a morning-show host at KFAN-AM after he was charged in mid-October with fifth-degree drug possession. He was placed in a yearlong diversion program, which could have resulted in the charge being dismissed. That program required him to perform 100 hours of community service, remain law abiding and comply with other conditions.

Dubay flunked out of that program but caught another break when he was accepted into Substance Abuse Court in March, according to Ramsey County District Court records.

According to the records, Dubay tested positive for cocaine on 12 occasions, the most recent June 6. He also failed to report for 11 urine tests since January. Those violations disqualified him from the Substance Abuse Court.

Dubay was arrested on June 10 and released on bail two days later. He will be sentenced July 21 by District Judge Joanne Smith. Sentencing guidelines call for him to spend a year in jail. [StarTribune]

Links to the Story

Fallen KFAN radio star Jeff Dubay flunks out of second drug diversion program. [Grand Forks, Herald]

Former radio host Jeff Dubay faces year in jail. [KSTP]

Dubay out of latest drug diversion program, faces prison sentence [Pioneer Press]

Sloppy Seconds on Late Night.

Props to Sean Leahy of Puck Daddy, for having the video of Sean "Sloppy Seconds" Avery, all I can say is wow, he is definitely marching to the beat of a different drum. Avery just kind of reminds you some of the Hollyweird crowd and he fits right in with them.

UAF discussion

There has been an interesting discussion on who the 12th team is going to be. There are a few people out there that want the UAF team to be the 12th team to be admitted to the WCHA. There have been a few great discussions on the blogsphere about this subject. I don't care which team is admitted, I prefer UNO because of their old affiliation in the now defunct NCC. That being said this discussion is all but over. There is a 95% - 5 % chance that UNO is going to be the 12th team. UAF is a fall back plan if UNO falls through.

[UNO to WCHA Quicker Than Expected?] and [ANCHORAGE FAN REALLY WANTS UAF IN WCHA]

The Key is right here as Moose Richards points out over on Chris Dilk's blog. You can listen to the Commish Bruce McLeod tell us that. Check it out the blog the "Hockey Show" Moose and Scott have had the WCHA Commissioner Bruce McLeod on their show numerous times through out the process.

Note how he says they are “targeting one institution” (read UNO), and that when I asked about all the other schools (NMU, UAF, MSU- Moorhead) he only talked in casual terms about them (saying that they haven’t gone “too far down the road” on UAF). I don’t think that Bruce would be negotiation with that one school if he thought they wouldn’t be voted in, seeing as the WCHA is committed to expanding to 12 schools.

Moose

First post of the rest of the summer. (Linkorama)

Wild beat writer and blogger Mike Russo is reporting that former Gopher Todd Richards is going to be the next coach of the Wild. Also, in the same article Tom Lynn assistant general manager is out in Minnesota. This might be a signal to Marian Gaborik that the Wild are serious about getting him back. Apparently Gabby isnt' a fan of Lynn.

According to multiple NHL sources, San Jose Sharks assistant coach Todd Richards will become the second Wild coach in history. A news conference to “introduce the Wild’s new head coach” will be made by new GM Chuck Fletcher on Tuesday at noon at Gate 1 of Xcel Energy Center. [Russo's Rants]

Jim Balsille was rejected today by a Arizona bankruptcy today. Balsille will not be allowed to buy the Phoenix Coyotes and move them to Hamilton. I am sure Buffalo Sabres fans are breathing a sigh of relief.

PHOENIX -- Jim Balsillie's attempt to bring the Phoenix Coyotes to Hamilton has been rejected by an Arizona bankruptcy judge.

Redfield T. Baum's much anticipated ruling came down Monday night, nearly a week after a dramatic hearing in his Phoenix court.

In the 21-page document he said the court didn't believe there was enough time to resolve all the various issues before the sale of the insolvent team to Balsillie for US$212.5 million that was due to close June 29.

That nullifies the proposed June 22 auction for the team and other related deadlines. Other links to the story. [The Globe and Mail] [illegal curve] [Puck Daddy] [AZcentral.com] [Five For Howling]

Apparently some of the Red Wings are upset with Sidney Crosby for not getting to the hand shake line in a prompt fashion. [StarTribune.com] [Detroit AP] [Fan House] [Detroit Free Press]

Dean Blais on the radio in Omaha.

Check out Dean Blais on Omaha's KOZN Unsportsmanlike Conduct with Kevin and Damon. I miss listening to Blais break down hockey like he did when he was here with UND. Some interesting comments on the differene between the NHL, College and Junior.

Gatorade What's G?

Sean Leahy of Puck Daddy had this posted on his Twitter. It's a pretty sweet Gatorade commercial. Wow, what a run this has been a very exciting Stanley Cup playoffs the first two rounds were unbelievable and then after a so so third round the Finals were awesome. As I was playing some very bad golf today I was comtemplating what I was going to do with the rest of the summer now that hockey is over. I feel a void already.

UNO Maverick players impressed with new coach.

Sounds like the UNO players were impressed with their new coach. They should be impressed they're are getting a legend and big time coach to lead their hockey team. There are still many in Grand Forks, North Dakota and Minneapolis, Minnesota that would love to have Blais coach their favorite hockey team. Also, the media that covers him will have a good time covering Blais and there will be some interesting quotes in the paper to read as well. I enjoyed reading some of them this past season in the Fargo Forum. As for run and gun, aka Race Horse Hockey, as a Sioux fan we saw a few of the 6-5, 8-7 games and I also as a fan don't mind it either.

Growing up a Minnesota Golden Gophers fan, UNO forward Dan Swanson saw plenty of Dean Blais in WCHA games with North Dakota.

“I respected him,” Swanson said. “I can’t say I wasn’t cheering against him a few nights, but that’s changed now. It’s just exciting to think about what the possibilities are here for UNO.”

Swanson was one of many University of Nebraska at Omaha hockey players who dropped in to see their new coach at Friday’s introductory press conference. What they saw on the podium, and later when meeting him in person, is one of the most prominent figures in college hockey.

Goalie Jeremie Dupont, who grew up in Ontario, isn’t quite as familiar with United States college hockey history, but it didn’t take long to get up to speed.

Advertising“We all know he has a very extensive background and that’s exciting for us,” he said. “First impression is that he seems really confident, really self-assured and just has an air of success about him. As a player you can’t help but respect that and want to play for him.”

Defenseman Mark Bernier, the team captain, said Blais will spark conversation among more than just his teammates.

“It’s a big-time name,” he said. “And if you look at his record and history, it’s great for us. It’s going to get a lot of attention from our fan base, and it’s going to get a lot of attention from our competitors. They’ll say, ‘Wow, these guys are serious.’”

Nick Fohr, a UNO assistant coach, has plenty to remember of Blais. He grew up in Grand Forks, N.D., where his dad runs the visitors’ penalty box at Engelstad Arena.

“Dean is a legend up there,” Fohr said. “I grew up watching games — I never missed one. I know what Dean is about, how he runs the game and what he expects. I just hope I get a chance to work for him.”

Blais has a reputation for having teams play a fast-paced, offensive-minded style.

“I don’t mind winning 8-7 games,” Blais said. “I know the goaltenders hate it.”

Dupont said he had no problem with Blais’ style.

“I still think he expects a lot out of his players,” he said. “Just because you’re scoring a lot of goals doesn’t mean you give up hope on defense. All I want to do is win games anyway. It doesn’t matter if it’s 5-4 or 1-0. We want to win games, and that’s why they brought him in.”

Blais’ style works for other Mavs, too.

[Omaha.com]

Saku Koivu to the Wild?

I hope this isn't the big splash the Wild Ownership is talking about. I would expect them to land a big time free agent to replace their out going self centered forward Marian Gaborik. This move would be one of the needed pieces of the puzzle but I hope not the only big deal the Wild make.

It would appear C Saku Koivu's days with the Canadiens are finished. The Habs' captain will likely test the UFA market, although talk has resurfaced that he's going to pack his bags for Minnesota to play with brother Mikko. The Habs, meanwhile, are trying to sign D Mike Komisarek and RW Alexei Kovalev. Komisarek is expected to test the market, while Kovalev is expected to stay in Montreal ... The Stars' hiring of coach Marc Crawford has left hockey types mystified. Crawford coached Team Canada at the 1988 Olympics, when he selected the likes of Joe Nieuwendyk (now his boss in Dallas) ahead of Wayne Gretzky in the shootout during the semi-final loss to the Czech Republic. [CANOE]

The NHL Season is over.

Paul from Kuklas Korner had this video posted on his blog and this season was one of the most exciting Stanley Cup Finals I have ever watched. This video is definitely a perfect exclamation point to a great season. No my team didn't win the Stanley Cup but twenty nine teams didn't win the Stanley Cup so I am not alone, none the less, at least someone other than the Redwings did win the Cup this season.

The NHL is the greatest game on the planet is now the season is over for the summer. The NHL and NCAA division one hockey will return in October. The big question is; what the hell are we going to do for 3 1/2 months? I guess I can perfect my really bad golf game and train my dog for the up coming duck season. I bought a Trek 4500 and that has gotten a lot of use. I plan to play in a couple of golf tourney's and plan to play the Galen Nagle Friday, July 17 at the Bemidji Town and Country Club.

I predicted that the Penguins would win the series in six games so I was off by one. Marc-Andre Fleury was amazing and stopped the Redwings in the closing seconds from tying the game. For the Redwings the finger pointing will begin.

I also think it is funny that Marian Hossa didn't get his cup, if he had only stayed in Pittsburgh he might be drinking champagne right now. Marian Hossa turned down a big contract with the Penguins and signed in the off season with the Detroit Red Wings, because the prima donna believed, the Wings gave him the best chance to win the Stanley Cup. Maybe Marian should talk to his Buddy and fellow Slovak Marian Gaborik and let him know the grass isn't always greener on the other side. Gaborik another selfish, self centered, prima donna Slovak will test the free agency market July 1st. Maybe they can package the two spoiled brats together on a team that can fit them under the cap. Hello LA Kings?

Evgeni Malkin was the best playing in the Stanley Cup playoffs and deserving of the Conn Smythe trophy. Malkin is the first Russian to ever win the Conn Smythe.

Check out the lastest Hockey Show.

Check out the latest addition of the Hockey Show. At the current time there is no iTunes link and Moose said he would get it back up next season.

Moose interviews Doug McLeod and they talk about adding a twelfth team and the possibility that they could have this deal done even by July 1st. This interview was completed before Dean Blais was hired in Omaha. There is lots of good stuff that was discussed in this podcast.

UNO to the WCHA?

Lets Play Hockey is reporting that Mavericks will accept the WCHA's offer to switch conferences from the CCHA. This would be good news for Bemidji State University.

UPDATE: Here is a response to the rumor that membership was tied into Blais coming to UNO.

Both Blais and Alberts unequivocally denied a Internet-blog-driven rumor that assurances of moving to the WCHA was part of Blais' contract negotiations.

"I'm not that powerful, come on," Blais said, chuckling. "No, I feel lucky to have a job sometimes. I didn't put any demands on that."

"We never broached that topic," Alberts said.

Blais said there are pros and cons to switching. [College Hockey New]

Race Horse Hockey lands in Omaha.

I hope the fans in Omaha love run and gun hockey because Dean Blais will be named the coach of the UNO Mavericks. With the selection of Blais as head coach UNO signals they are serious about hanging a banner from the rafters of their rink. I also think this will play well with UNO moving to the WCHA. IMHO, I would rather see Blais coaching UNO than Minnesota.

Dean Blais, one of the biggest names in college hockey coaching, will be introduced as UNO’s new coach in a 2 p.m. press conference Friday, according to sources with knowledge of the hire.

Blais led North Dakota to two national championships and a runner-up finish in a five-year stretch between 1997 and 2001. He took the Fighting Sioux to seven NCAA tournaments in 10 seasons, compiled a 262-115-33 record, won five regular-season Western Collegiate Hockey Association championships and two WCHA tournament titles.

He left North Dakota for the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets, for whom he worked in player development and as associate head coach. He then returned to North Dakota and spent last year as the head coach and general manager of the Fargo Force, the United States Hockey League expansion team that beat the Omaha Lancers in the playoffs and reached the Clark Cup finals.

The UNO position came open last month, when Athletic Director Trev Alberts promoted Mike Kemp to associate athletic director. Kemp, the only coach in the program’s 12-year history was 194-223-57 in his career, including 15-17-8 last season. UNO has made one trip to the NCAA tournament. [Omaha.com]

UNO Mavericks plan to name new coach today

You have to wonder who the new coach of the Mavericks are going to be? It will be interesting to see who will become the second head coach in the Mavericks division one hockey history.

The University of Nebraska at Omaha will announce the selection of its new hockey coach at a press conference Friday at 2 p.m. at the Scott Conference Center, said Dave Ahlers, sports information director.

Mike Kemp stepped down as coach on May 14 to become an associate athletic director at UNO. Kemp was on the committee that picked the new coach [Omaha.com]

Dany Heatley fire storm.

When Wisconsin Badger Dany Heatley asked to be traded from the Senators started a shit fire storm. I found some interesting articles about this heat subject on line and it's not pretty folks. Personally, I have no idea what kind of guy Dany Heatly in my opinion he is one of the better hockey players to come out of division one college hockey. Mike Chen has this zinger on Dany Heatly. Check it out there are some interesting accusations from an unnamed source.

That little bit of snark made me recall a story an old acquaintance told me. In the summer of 2000, I took a little precursor from joining the corporate world by being a bartender at The Phoenix in London’s business district. The pub was part of a program where new and graduating students could work abroad with a temporary visa, so my coworkers were a motley crew of international 20somethings. One of the guys had just graduated from University of Wisconsin, the same school as Dany Heatley.

As Heatley had just been drafted second overall, I asked my coworker if he knew him. The fellow, who shall remain safely anonymous, laughed and shook his head. “That guy’s an idiot.”

A few further questions and I got a pretty good picture of what Heatley’s “education” was like: play hockey, smoke pot, copy homework from people my coworker knew, and repeat. A lot. Apparently, hearing the phrase, “Hey, bro, can I copy your homework?” wasn’t exactly out of the ordinary, nor was the stench of certain smoked herb from his clothes. I can’t totally remember if Heatley was bumming all his homework off my coworker’s roommate or his friend, but apparently my coworker saw quite a bit of him and he never really deviated from this caveman mentality.

This is all hearsay, of course, based on someone that I knew for only a few weeks. And of course, it’s not like pro athletes have a history of being extremely studious or brilliant in the fields of science, business, or engineering. But whenever people talk about Heatley’s supposed leadership skills or I hear him mumble through a post-game interview, all I can think of is, “Hey, bro, can I copy your homework?”

Don Brennan from Sun Media refers to Heatly as self centered, spoiled and spineless

Damien Cox from the Star pulls no punches with this article.

Mr. Me First ---- Talk to Dany Heatley once and you understand you're not talking to a MENSA candidate.

That's okay. As probably more a few coaches have told Heatley along the way: don't think, it just hurts the team.

But where Heatley really kept his synapses in reserve this time was his timing concerning a request to have his hockey contract traded to another NHL club.

I get the part where he doesn't want to live in Ottawa. Neither would I. I get the part where after being allowed to freelance continuously during his years as a heroic Senator he might chafe at the notion of being asked to play a larger team game.

Geez, if he'd known he'd have to play in three zones he'd have asked for more money.

No, the part where I don't get Heatley's timing is when it comes to the fact that just about every Canadian hockey player is trying to be on their best behaviour these days in hopes that Steve Yzerman might find them worthy of being part of the Olympic effort next winter.

Instead, Heatley is painting himself as a me-first individual to Yzerman, a guy who played through all the hard years in Detroit and never played for any other club even when it meant taking less money at the end of his career.

Agent: Kessel’s first priority is to get a deal done with Boston

Looks like Phil Kessel wants to remain a Boston Bruin. I also think the Bruins need to try very hard to find a way to get him signed. Again to the people that suggest that the Bruins don't need Kessel and that Marco Sturm is coming back is flawed logic. Sturm has never scored more than 56 points (27-29-56 in 80 games during 2007-2008) in any season during his NHL career and Kessel scored (36-24-60 points) in 70 games this season while missing tweleve games due to injury and illness. Kessel is a RFA so the Bruins will have a chance to match any offers Kessel might receive after July 1st. General Manager Peter Chiarelli is on records as saying the Bruins will match any offer sheets

Reports have been swirling over the last few days that Bruins General Manager Peter Chiarelli and the agent for 21-year-old B’s sniper Phil Kessel are pretty far apart in negotiations, and that a trade of Kessel this summer could be a certainty if that contractual chasm isn’t bridged.

Kessel’s agent Wade Arnott checked in with the Big Bad Blog on Tuesday afternoon, refuted the notion that the sides are at an impasse, and in fact stated that he and Chiarelli have just recently opened up contract discussions. The negotiations began in earnest this week following Kessel’s surgery to repair a torn labrum and torn rotator cuff in his right shoulder.

Kessel, a restricted free agent able to receive offer sheets from other teams if he’s still unsigned on July 1, has made it clear to Arnott that he wants to remain with the team that drafted him fifth overall in the first round back in the 2006 draft.

“We’re in the early, early stages,” said Arnott of the negotiations. “We’re just beginning to chat now. Everything in our industry is still deadline-oriented and Phil is a restricted free agent, so it doesn’t surprise me (that discussions have only just begun). In addition to that, the priority was the surgery on his shoulder. Now that he’s recovering nicely from that I guess Peter has decided that now is the time to turn his attention to Phil.”
-----snip-----
My instructions from Phil are that my first priority is to try and get a deal done with Boston,” said Arnott, who also indicated that Kessel’s recovery from shoulder surgery is going well, but that the young winger is likely to miss a month next season. “His interests lie in remaining in Boston, and we’re going to see if we can get that done first.”

Chiarelli recently indicated that he views Kessel an important part of the Bruins hockey club, but that he wouldn’t feel “rushed” or “hurried” by a July 1 date that allows the speedy young winger to begin courting offers from other teams. The danger is that an opposing team will see an opportunity to strike the Bruins with a blow by inking Kessel to an expensive offer sheet — as the Edmonton Oilers did to the tune of seven years and $50 million with Buffalo Sabres RFA Tomas Vanek prior to the 2007-08 season. The salary cap-strapped B’s would be forced to match the offer — and begin trading off other assets in a position of desperation – or watch Kessel sign with somebody else and potentially blossom into a 40-50 goal scorer.
[Big Bad Blog](props)

Western College Hockey on Danny Mattson.

Here is what WCH had to say about Sioux recruit Danny Mattson. This is one kid that I can't wait to see play for UND.

Name: Danny Mattson
Team: Academy of Holy Angels(Minnesota HS)
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 174 lbs.
2008-2009 stats: 25 games, 22 goals, 49 assists, 71 points
Prospect Info:
Danny Mattson first made a name for himself when he made the then number one ranked Academy of Holy Angels hockey team as a 9th grader. Throughout his high school career, the talent that surrounded Mattson graduated, and the quality of Holy Angels' team dipped a bit, but that never stopped Mattson from being one of the most talented players in the state of Minnesota.

Mattson isn't the biggest player, but makes up for his lack of size with good speed and an incredible offensive awareness and playmaking ability that makes other players around him better. During the 2007 USA Hockey National Select 17 Festival, Mattson was paired on a line with Calgary draft pick Mitch Wahl, and the two combined to dominate the camp. As a senior, Mattson was able to dole out assists at a rate of nearly two per game. This passing ability is the key to his success at the next level, as he likely won't be able to blow shots past goaltenders, but as long as he keeps making those around better players, he should be a valuable asset.

Mattson has committed to play hockey at the University of North Dakota, but it was recently announced that first, he will spend a year with the Omaha Lancers of the USHL to hone his craft and gain another year of maturity before heading the Grand Forks.

Strengths: Offensive awareness, passing, skating

Needs to Improve: Strength, defensive play

Dave Tippet fired in Dallas

Former Fighting Sioux hockey player and Dallas Star head coach Dave Tippet has been fired by the Dallas Stars. Tippet was a member of the 1982 Fighting Sioux NCAA championship team. Recently Joe Nieuwendyk (Cornell) took over for Brent Hull (UMD) and Les Jackson who have been reassigned in the Dallas Star organization.

After six seasons behind the bench in Dallas, the Stars have fired head coach Dave Tippett.

The move comes on the heels of the team naming former Stars' player Joe Nieuwendyk general manager earlier in the month.

While no successor has been named, sources say that the Stars have asked for permission to talk to former Los Angeles Kings coach Marc Crawford, who remains under contract to the Kings. It's not clear at this point whether Crawford has been hired to take Tippet's place or is merely a candidate.

Picked to be a potential Stanley Cup contender this past off-season, the Stars struggled mightily this year, having their season de-railed by the controversy caused by Sean Avery's comments and his subsequent banishment from the team.

The Stars finished the season in 12th spot in the Western Conference and missed the playoffs for the first time during Tippett tenure in the Lone Star state. [TSN]

Dean Blais on the UNO coaching position (kind of).

I found this story while reading the Mavpuck.com message board. Blais said that he wouldn't comment whether he had an interest in the Maverick coaching job and that was as far as he is going to go. With the possibility of Blais being in the mix, one has to wonder if he is their front runner for the coaching vacancy? Blais is a high profile coach that could take UNO to the next level. If Dean Blais became the coach of UNO that would make Maverick Hockey race horse hockey.

Trev Alberts and Mike Kemp have been busy.

The University of Nebraska at Omaha's athletic director and associate athletic director were expected back in Omaha late Tuesday after meeting with six potential hockey coaches in interviews in two separate locations on a three-day trip, Alberts said.

“We had a chance to sit down with some candidates and it was very, very productive,” Alberts said. “We've sat down with some extremely competent, dynamic candidates.”

Alberts declined to reveal any of the candidates who have been interviewed to replace Kemp as the Mavericks' second-ever head coach.

Among those UNO is believed to be interested in are former North Dakota coach Dean Blais, Colorado College assistant Mike Guentzel, Minnesota assistant Mike Hastings, Minnesota-Duluth assistant Steve Rohlik and Boston University assistant David Quinn. Guentzel and Hastings are former Omaha Lancers coaches, while Rohlik and Quinn are former UNO assistants.

Blais, reached by telephone Tuesday, deflected questions about the vacancy and whether he has had an interest in it.

“I think you're better off talking to Trev Alberts,” Blais said. “I'm not going to get myself into a ‘he said, they said.'” [omaha.com]

Latest rumor about re-alignment.

This is a rumor that is starting to make it's way onto the internet. Looks like UNO could have some competition for the final spot in the WCHA. While it does seem logical, I think UNO is the better fit. It will be interesting to see how this plays out. Of course UAA would be for it, because they are their heated in state rival.

QUESTION --- Rumors have circulated around the Internet, as well as the UAF community, that the Alaska Nanooks hockey team may be moving from the CCHA to the WCHA. Is this true?

RESPONSE --- From Forrest Karr, UAF Athletics and Recreation director

We are working with both conferences to explore affiliation with the WCHA for a number of reasons including the potential to increase revenue, reduce team travel costs, reduce team travel subsidies and the opportunity to play four league games each year against our natural in-state rival.

Chancellor Rogers will be briefed on May 27. If he decides to move forward, students, faculty, staff and the greater Fairbanks community will all be invited to open forums for discussion and input.

Kessel wants 5 Million a year.

I was afraid this was going to happen. First to the Bruins fans that are suggesting that Marco Sturm can take up Kessel slack are delirious. I have seen that post a few times in various places on internet fan pages and blogs and it defies logic. Sturm has never scored 30 goals in a season for Boston or anyone. Also, Sturm is 30 years old and Kessel is only 21. Just for the Record Zach Parise who was the third highest goal score this season is currently making 2,500,000.00 a season (45 GOALS - 49 ASSISTS - 94 POINTS) so $5 million a year might be a little high because I don't think Kessel is in Parie's league.

According to the Ottawa Sun, Bruins leading goal scorer and current restricted free agent Phil Kessel is seeking a $5 million a year contract. The Bruins, however, aren’t willing to dish out such loot for Kessel, who underwent successful shoulder surgery earlier this offseason following a career year in which he scored 36 goals and 24 assists in 70 games.

Bruce Garrioch of ottawasun.com writes: “The Bruins and F Phil Kessel appear to be far apart on a contract. Coming off an entry-level salary of $850,000, Kessel wants a huge raise to $5 million per season. It appears GM Peter Chiarelli wants Kessel to accept a similar deal C David Krejci inked earlier this week — $11.25 million over three years. If Kessel won’t budge, he could be moved.”

Boston is already paying forwards Marc Savard $5 million, Patrice Bergeron $4.75 million, and Marco Sturm $3.5 million as well as Krejci, who will make $3.75 per year [NESN]

Is Lemaire and the NZT coming back to the Devils?

Brent Sutter has resigned his duties as head coach of the New Jersey Devils. Let the speculation begin. It's concievable that Jacques Lemaire could be the next coach of the New Jersey Devils. First thing that comes to mind is that god awful neutral zone trap that the Devils won a Stanley Cup with Lemaire as the coach. Lou Nannie has also speculated about this subject on KFAN's Bumper to Bumper as well, by saying he wouldn't be surprised if Sutter resigned, quite coaching the Devils Lou Lamoriello might hire Lemaire as coach since they get along so well and both have a lot of respect for each other.

The worst kept secret in hockey — or worst kept speculation in hockey — literally since last winter appears to be coming into fruition. According to CTV in Calgary, Brent Sutter will step down as the coach of the Devils today.

Sutter’s tenure there ended in devastating fashion. In Game 7 back in April, the Carolina Hurricanes went from being 1:20 away from their season ending to ending the season of the Devils with 32 seconds left.

I’d expect that Jacques Lemaire will at least get a phone call to see if he’s interested in returning to Jersey.

Lemaire, who has yet to sign on as a consultant in Tampa for some reason, made it crystal clear after he left Minnesota that he does want to coach again. But he also made it crystal clear that if he ever were to coach again, it has to be for a general manager he has a relationship with. And he said it has to be on the East coast.

Well, there aren’t a lot of options with so many limitations.

Lemaire coached the Devils from 1993-98, winning a Cup there in the lockout-shortened 1994-95 season. He and GM Lou Lamoriello still have great mutual respect for each other, proof by the hour they spent in the stands chatting each other up when the Wild was there in March.

Only time will tell, but this has been my gut feeling from the moment Lemaire said he wanted to coach again after the season finale in Columbus. Just to make clear, this is pure conjecture though. [Russo's Rants]

Former Badger Dany Heatley wants out of Ottawa.

I wonder if the new general manager of the Minnesota Wild Chuck Fletcher is paying attention? This is the type of player Minnesota needs high end talent to replace the departing Marin Gaborik. I know there are a few in the state of hockey that might cringe a bit at the prospects of a former Badger playing for the State of Hockey but I would definitely welcome it.

Dany Heatley wants out of Ottawa: Is there a fit here?According to ESPN's E. J. Hradek: "Ottawa GM Bryan Murray, who, according to those sources, has been notified of Heatley's desire for a change of scenery, is mulling his options. Murray could retool the Senators' roster by moving Heatley. Of course, any trading partner would have to have the budget room necessary to accommodate the remaining five years of Heatley's deal, which counts for $7.5 million against the cap. Heatley is thought to be interested in a move to the Western Conference."

If he can be lured out of Canada to the East, could the Rangers cobble a package anchored with Scott Gomez? Is Ottawa on Gomer's no-trade list? Assume Rangers would have to sweeten with prospect and a pick, right? [Newsday.com]

Links to the story

[Puck Daddy]

[ESPN: E.J. Hradek]

[Pension Puppets Plan]

[TSN]

Rev. David Nichols, Tolna, N.D.: Board acts ethically by jettisoning nickname.

Here is the latest from the anti-nick name crowd. This was in today's Grand Forks Herald, as ussual the Herald didn't allow comments to this post. It would appear that the it's the Herald's modus operandi in cases where a writer writes something about the Fighting Sioux name. My response is, yawn!

TOLNA, N.D. — The North Dakota Board of Higher Education recently voted to prohibit UND from using Fighting Sioux as its nickname. As a Christian who strives to follow the commands and ethics of the Prince of Peace, I was encouraged and delighted with the board’s decision.

Non-Indian schools and universities have no moral bases for using the names or images of American Indian people for their corporate agendas. The dominant Anglo-Saxon culture has, for generations, manipulated and exploited the indigenous people of this continent for our economic gain.

Nicknames and logos are little more than mass-marketing tools that are used nationwide by schools and sports teams to create billion-dollar commercial brand allegiances among consumers.

Institutions of higher education such as UND morally discredit themselves when they stoop to using racial stereotypes as mass-marketing techniques.

None of us likes being labeled or told who we are. God made diversity to be the founding principle of creation. We show reverence for God’s works when we respect each other’s differences and let our neighbors define themselves and create their own destiny.

I’ve heard too many white folks defending the Fighting Sioux nickname by saying it’s “a good and proud role model for the Indians to have.” This simply is us telling another race of people what’s good for them.

We would be insulted if anyone did the same to us. Imagine our reaction if an Indian school created a Farming Rednecks nickname. The Fighting Sioux nickname should be as offensive to our moral sensibilities as a Farming Redneck or Dancing Negroes nickname would be.

The North Dakota Board of Higher Education’s decision returns UND to an ethical standard it lost when it traded its Flickertail nickname for an offensive racial stereotype. By doing so, the board models for a generation of students the ethical demand of Christ to love and respect your neighbor as yourself.

David Nichols

Rev. Nichols is the pastor of Morning Star Parish

Bolts fans get a reprieve.

Florida fans won't have to suffer through the mind numbingly boring and listless neutral zone trap. Jacques Lemaire has said no to coaching the Lightning. You have to wonder if Lemaire is sick of coaching after last season?

Jacques Lemaire says thanks but no thanks to Lightning
The Lightning's flirtation with Jacques Lemaire has come to an end, and apparently on good terms. Tampa Bay wanted to hire the former Wild coach as a senior consultant. But Lemaire said on Monday he has told Lightning GM Brian Lawton he has another offer that has gained his interest and which he is pursuing.

"Brian showed a lot of interest and I was pleased about that," Lemaire said. "He told me he really wanted me to be part of the organization. He was very patient."

Lemaire, 63, who lives in Palmetto, stepped down as Wild coach after the season. He would not say with what team to which he was talking, but the New York Times reported he might be hired, perhaps as an assistant, by the Canadiens, the team with which he won eight Stanley Cups as a player.

Lemaire said he likely would give Lawton a call to see if the Lightning position was still available if the other situation fell through, but as it stands now, Lemaire said, "I don't think Brian thinks I'm going to be there." [Tampabay.com]

College Hockey realignment fodder.

I saw the link to this article when I was perusing the College Hockey News. Seriously, I came to UND in 1993 and Gopher fans were talking about the Big Ten hockey conference. Fast forward 16 years and this discussion of a Big Ten Hockey Conference still comes up every year with no Big Ten Conference in site. I say let the Big Ten Schools have their Big Ten Hockey conference, I mean talk is cheap. Even if there was a Big Ten Hockey Conference; guess what? The WCHA would still be here and would still be viable, the CCHA wouldn't look as good. If that day ever comes I am sure there would be some serious realignment in college hockey.

In the ever changing world of college athletics who knows how the landscape will look for the 59 Division I hockey schools as soon as 16 months from now.

Will the CCHA still have 12 members (Nebraska Omaha is likely to switch to the WCHA)? Will the three Big Ten schools - Michigan, Michigan State and Ohio State - still be in the league or will they be a part of a modified conference including Minnesota, Wisconsin and maybe even Notre Dame? Such a Big Ten hockey set up would provide more programming for the Big Ten Network and the idea is reportedly being pushed by Wisconsin and others. Would a CCHA still exist with the other eight teams? Will Alabama Huntsville still have a team if it doesn't find a new league and its application to the CCHA is iffy at best. Where will the two Alaska schools end up? Will Bowling Green and others finally succumb to the economics of their sport? These and more are all issues to determine after the coming season.
[Lansing State Journal]

Huh, he said what?

This is what the game of professional hockey has degraded to? Nah! I just swung my stick at the puck and just happened to hit his injured foot. Oops.

DETROIT -- Pittsburgh forward Maxime Talbot said he wasn't deliberately targeting Pavel Datsyuk's injured foot when he slashed the Detroit Red Wings forward in the skate during the Penguins' second-period meltdown Saturday.

"He can say whatever he wants,'' Talbot said. "I went for the puck and his foot was there.''

Datsyuk actually didn't accuse him of that, saying he didn't know if Talbot was targeting his foot.

"I don't know,'' Datsyuk said. "I'm happy (Penguins) have penalty, five-on-three.''

Red Wings coach Mike Babcock would not comment on it.

"The bottom line is they're doing what they can to win and we're doing what we can to win,'' Babcock said.

Said Penguins coach Dan Bylsma: "Max is a physical player and it's not the only check he finished tonight. I don't even know what foot it is for Pavel.''

The Penguins lost their composure in the second period and started hacking and whacking anything in red and white

Marian Gaborik's injury list.

Here's what teams will have to ponder when they think about when offering oft-injured Wild free agent Marian Gaborik a contract. These are the injuries that Gabby has suffered over the course of his NHL career. Gaborik has played in 502 (219 goals - 218 assists - 437 pts)

22-Mar-09 Missed 38 games (hip surgery).
24-Dec-08 Groin, sidelined indefinitely.
17-Dec-08 Missed 27 games (back injury).
16-Oct-08 Back injury, day-to-day.
15-Nov-07 Missed 3 games (groin).
05-Nov-07 Groin, day-to-day.
01-Nov-07 Missed 2 games (groin).
27-Oct-07 Groin, day-to-day.
06-Jan-07 Missed 34 games (groin strain).
02-Jan-07 Groin strain, day-to-day.
21-Oct-06 Groin strain, sidelined indefinitely.
05-Jul-06 Re-signed as a restricted free agent by the Minnesota Wild to a three-year contract.
23-Nov-05 Missed 11 games (hip flexor).
25-Oct-05 Hip flexor, sidelined indefinitely.
19-Oct-05 Missed 6 games (groin).
04-Oct-05 Groin, mid-October.
28-Sep-05 Groin, day-to-day.
02-Feb-04 Missed 5 games (hip flexor).
22-Jan-04 Hip flexor, day-to-day.
31-Oct-03 Re-signed by the Minnesota Wild to a multi-year contract.
30-Jun-03 Minnesota Wild tendered a qualifying offer.
17-Dec-02 Missed 1 game (flu).
15-Dec-02 Flu, day-to-day.
28-Dec-01 Missed 3 games (groin).
22-Dec-01 Groin, day-to-day.
07-Oct-01 Missed 1 game (hernia).
01-Oct-01 Hernia, day-to-day.
08-Apr-01 Missed the last 4 games of the regular season (abdominal strain).
02-Apr-01 Abdominal strain, day-to-day.
30-Nov-00 Missed 6 games (left leg injury).
17-Nov-00 Left leg injury, day-to-day.
[TSN]

Wild shopping Harding and Boogaard?

The rumors are starting already, the Wild appear to looking to move the Boogey man and Josh Harding. Under Doug Risebrough Harding was basically looked at as being untouchable. While I love watching Derek Boogard pound the snot out of another goon, the Wild probably would like to see a player that does more than play 5:00 minutes a game and wave his fingers at opponents they have just cheap shoted one of the Wilds skilled players.

Wild look to deal Harding

Minnesota has targeted four teams - the Edmonton Oilers, Colorado Avalanche, Detroit Red Wings and the Philadelphia Flyers - to try and trade backup goalie Josh Harding, who had a 2.21 goals-against average and .929 save percentage in 19 games in the 2008-09 season.

The 2002 second-round draft pick played for Rob Daum when he coached the Wild's AHL farm club in Houston, should they need a scouting report.

The Wild will try to get a second-line forward back for Harding, who turns 25 on June 18.

The Wild will likely try and move slugger Derek Boogaard to an Eastern Conference team at the draft because he's an unrestricted free agent on July 1, 2010. Plus, they want a tough guy who can play more than Boogaard's five minutes a game.

If you're handicapping the Wild's search for head coach, San Jose assistant Todd Richards would be No. 1 because new general manager Chuck Fletcher has a history with him in the Pittsburgh Penguins organization, with Craig MacTavish being No. 2.
[Canada.com]

Bettman claims Argo owners expressed interest in Coyotes

When I read the statement that the each group has "indicated an interest in operating the franchise in Phoenix" I would be concerned especially if I were a Coyotes fan. Sure they may say that now but what stops them from saying two years from now "we have made a go of this, the team has lost way too much money and the NHL won't work in the Phoenix area. Strike up the we are moving the team to _______." The Argo's owners are from Southern Ontario area and what is to stop them from pulling up the stakes and still moving the team to Hamilton?

Paul Waldie -------- Globe and Mail Update, Sunday, Jun. 07, 2009.
The co-owners of the CFL's Toronto Argonauts are declining to comment on their interest in buying the Phoenix Coyotes and keeping the club in Phoenix.

NHL Commission Gary Bettman revealed in a court filing Friday night that the league has received a “preliminary background application” from four potential buyers for the Coyotes including Howard Sokolowski and David Cynamon, co-owners of the Argonauts. The other applications have come from Jerry Reinsdorf, owner of the Chicago White Sox and Chicago Bulls, as well as current Coyotes co-owner John Breslow and another unidentified Phoenix businessman.

Bettman said each group has “indicated an interest in operating the franchise in Phoenix.”

Bettman did not provide details of the proposals, citing confidentiality issues, and said the league is reviewing each application.

More lecturing from Fargo on the Fighting Sioux name.

As a Sioux fan living in Grand Forks, ND I always love when our friends from the Fargo Forum like to take the moral high ground and preach to us from their high horse. This instance is no different. It's another one of these my school/town is better than yours. Have we not been down this road before? Some might say it's the same old tired argument of Fargo versus Grand Forks, NDSU versus UND. I suppose I should put in the obligatory shot across the bow by saing, "you can’t have sucks without NDSU." But I digress.

I guarantee if the shoe were on the other foot and someone wanted to build NDSU a new basket ball arena to replace the one they have now and NDSU had some issue with their sports team's nick name I would be willing to bet the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education would have stepped in for NDSU and ran the defletion. Yeah; like NDSU wouldn’t taken a new sports complex if they had been in the same situation. If they say otherwise they are full of what they are shoveling in Fargo. This is just more of the same jealous of Grand Forks because our facilities aren’t as nice as theirs.

At the time in question the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education’s decision to usurp then-UND president Charles Kupchella, it was the right decision because President Kupchellas was not known for his great leadership skills was totally screwing up and in this situation. The board basically did him a favor so he didn’t have to fall on his sword. The Board probably saved his job as well. Seriously folks, it’s easy to sit in a glass house like Fredrick’s and Monday morning quarterback and this exactly what he is doing.

A belated redemption for UND ---- By: Martin Fredricks , West Fargo
A sad day for North Dakota,” Kris Engelstad McGarry called it. With all due respect to McGarry, many North Dakotans view it as a day of redemption when some sense was restored to a state that thrives on common sense.

McGarry, daughter of the late Ralph Engelstad, referred to the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education’s May 14 decision to accelerate the deadline for tribal approval of the University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux nickname. If the two North Dakota Sioux tribes do not approve 30-year agreements to support continued use of the name by October, UND must begin transitioning to a new moniker and symbol.

It is a belated redemption because the current board has taken a positive step to correct the action of the board of December 2000. That board inserted itself into the nickname/logo debate the day after Engelstad sent the now infamous “Dear Chuck” letter to then-UND president Charles Kupchella.

In the Dec. 20, 2000, letter, Engelstad wrote that he would halt work on the half-completed Ralph Engelstad Arena, what was destined to become the home of the UND hockey team, if the Sioux name and logo were not retained. At the time, he had invested $35 million into the $85 million project. He sent copies of the letter to members of the Board of Higher Education, which was set to meet the next day.

“Please do not consider this letter a threat in any manner, as it is not intended to be,” Engelstad wrote.

We North Dakotans tend to call things the way we see them, and that was what we call a threat. It was a strong one, at that, a gun held to the head of Kupchella, UND and North Dakota as a whole. When the board voted unanimously to retain the Sioux name and logo, it gave him the ammunition.

That was the real sad day for North Dakota, regardless of how you feel about the name issue. And there really is no need to add anything to that discussion.

What many North Dakotans didn’t like was the intimidation, and our loss of self-respect was even worse. Do as I say, Engelstad clearly told us, or you won’t get your hockey arena. This, to people who have fended for ourselves for generations. Who was Engelstad to tell us what we could or could not do? Surely, if UND needed a new arena that badly, funds could be raised in other ways from other people.

Unfortunately, the board apparently saw it another way and, with its 8-0 vote, sent a return letter to Engelstad with our pride enclosed.

By all accounts, the Engelstad Arena is a marvel, a monument to UND, its hockey team and Engelstad himself. But it cost us much more than the money it took to build.

In her comments, McGarry said she was not surprised by the “lack of conviction” of the state board and UND President Robert Kelly in fighting for the Sioux name and logo. On the contrary, their actions demonstrated a return to conviction, a restoration of the pride that will not allow North Dakota to be bullied, regardless of how much money is at stake. [link to the article]

From the comments this is one of the best ones that I have seen. I see I am not the only one that feels this way.

Garfield L. ---- Moorhead, MN 06/07/2009 8:56 AM

Its actually round 2 of und and the state board selling out. The Summit league snubs them and all of a sudden its a mad scramble to get the name changed so they can get into the Summit. Its a replay of the mad scramble to keep the name after Ralph's letter. Nothing like throwing away 80 years of tradition to get into one of the country's worst conferences. I find the whole thing comical. I also agree with John B - I don' t think there was any "we" anything.

Four groups apply to keep Coyotes in the desert.

Well it looks like there are a few groups stepping forward to keep the troubled Coyotes in the Phoenix area. The group that is co-owners of the Canadian Football League's Toronto Argonauts, Howard Sokolowski and David Cynamon, should send warning signals as maybe an attempt to put a NHL franchise in southern Ontario, Canada. This is a mess and needs to be resolved quickly.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman says he has four potential buyers willing to keep the Coyotes in Glendale.

All four have submitted preliminary applications for league review, Bettman said in a Bankruptcy Court filing Friday.

The applicants include two previously reported possibilities: a group of investors that includes Chicago White Sox and Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf, and Coyotes minority owner John Breslow.

A third application was made by co-owners of the Canadian Football League's Toronto Argonauts, Howard Sokolowski and David Cynamon.

A fourth applicant is an unnamed Phoenix businessman, who requested anonymity pending due diligence, according to court documents.

The offers, combined with fan loyalty demonstrated by the Save the Coyotes group and a willingness from Glendale to participate in an "enhanced partnership" make relocation premature, Bettman said.

U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Redfield Baum on Tuesday is expected to hear arguments on relocation, as Coyotes owner Jerry Moyes seeks to have the court allow him to sell the team to Jim Balsillie for $212.5 million.

Balsillie's offer is contingent upon moving the team to Hamilton, Ontario. [NHL: 4 apply to keep Coyotes here]

Check out Basile.

Check out the Jim Basile interview from thespec.com he is defiantly brash, confident and maybe a little arrogant. Also, when it is all said and done I DON'T think he will be an owner of an NHL hockey team. I think Basile feels he is entitled to owning an NHL franchise and is going about it the wrong way, if the other twenty nine owners don't want him to join the club he isn't going to be in. Keep spending millions Basile, it's good for the economy.

More Blais Speculation.

I saw this story over on Husker Mike's blog. Some interesting speculation on who would be the next coach of UNO hockey team. It would appear that Blais can basically stand back and wait for the best offer, it would appear that he has a few options to chose from. Blais can stay at Fargo, apply for the UNO job, or wait. If Blais takes the UNO job they would be a national contender in after a couple of recruiting cycles. I would rather see Blais at UND or UNO than Minnesota.

QUICK SPECULATION There has been much talk about Dean Blais, just named head coach of the 2010 US National Junior team, being asked to take the reigns at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. However, there has been equal talk that he is waiting for the job at the University of Minnesota to open up.

There is a large, and growing contingent of power players in Minnesota hockey who would like to see Blais, a Gopher alumnus, behind the bench of Minnesota. There is little chance that Joel Maturi would make a move before Don Lucia's contract expires. However with the number of players leaving the program for other schools, leaving for the pros early, poor academic performance, lagging attendance, instability with assistant coaches and a failure to win, there will be increased pressure sooner rather than later and Blais would be a considered a candidate if he is available.

Other primary candidates would be current Hamline head coach Scott Bell or USHL coach Kevin Hartzell. While UNO is thought to be interested in Blais it also unlikely that they can afford what Blais would be used to as a salary. Mike Guentzel, Dave Quinn and Mike Hastings remain the most likely candidates, unless Blais wants back into the college game sooner rather than later. Another option would be if Dave Hakstol has aspirations to move into the ranks of professional coaching and then Blais could move back to the University of North Dakota bench. Pure conjecture, but not out of the realm of possibility considering Hakstol's background in the professional game and the coaches being hired in the ECHL and AHL and as assistant coaches in the NHL currently.

Risebrough to Florida?

More power to the Florida Panters ownership. Hey if the Panters fans want a team that will be poorly managed, a boring on the ice product, a team that is focused on defense first and with a roster filled with a bunch of cast offs, then Doug Riesbough is probably your man for the job. I would hope they Panters would use better judgement than that. If your questioning think I am over stating it look at the Wild and Flames when Risebrough managed them.

Risebrough to Florida?
Former Wild GM Doug Risebrough is expected to be a front-runner for the Florida Panthers' GM position.

Former Panthers President Bill Torrey has been asked to lead the GM search, and it's believed that Risebrough's received support from two of Torrey's confidants -- former North Stars GM Lou Nanne and current Rangers GM Glen Sather.