Hey Gabby just say it!

I am getting sick and tired of Gaborik and his agent stringing the Wild along, just say it, you're not coming back. It would be interesting to see if Fletcher has made an offer to the much injured "prima donna". I think the Wild might want to look into tampering allegation if Gaborik does in fact end up in Vancouver, I am not sure how one would prove that? Zanstorm has an interesting take on the prospects of Gabby playing in Vancouver- 'If Gillis were to sign Gaborik, I hope I'm not around a gun when I'm drunk in the near future. Yeah I could imagine the two injury-prone Slovaks on the Canucks. No bloody thanks.'

Yeah, I can imagine the two Slovaks would both miss quite a few games playing for the Canucks. Pavol Demitra hasn't played a full 82 game season since 2001-2002 season. Marián Gáborík is no better and is known for being a oft injuried player missing a bunch of games the last 4 season (131). During his NHL hockey career Marián Gáborík has only played 81 games in a season once that was 2002-2003. So yeah if you want to play in Vancouver by all means pack your bags. The Canucks are also taking a big time gamble based on his injury status. So it does puzzles me why Gaborik turned down such a big contract offer from the Wild? Gabby has to know he more than likely he isn't going to get such an from another team.

Marian Gaborik’s agent said he has not “closed the door on the Wild.”

But amid an unsubstantiated report out of Vancouver that Gaborik’s already bought a home there, it’s clear it won’t be easy to get Gaborik to pass up the lure of free agency this close to the market opening.

“You never know what can happen,” agent Ron Salcer said Tuesday. “Right now, the only team we can talk to is the Minnesota Wild. I don’t like to say anything’s a foregone conclusion [that he’s leaving] because until July 1, it’s not going to be.

“But free agency is very enticing. To find out what’s available out there in a free market with 29 other teams would be interesting. But you never burn bridges and you wait to see what happens. So we’ll see where it goes.”

But with the strong likelihood of losing the franchise’s all-time leading scorer, Wild GM Chuck Fletcher continues to hold trade talks with several teams, including Ottawa regarding two-time 50-goal scorer Dany Heatley, as the Draft approaches Friday and Saturday. [Startribune.com]

Jacques Lemaire named assistant coach for Canada's 2010 men's Olympic hockey team.

I found this interesting nugget over on from the rink, it appears that former Minnesota Wild Coach Jacques Lemaire will be an assist coach on Canada's 2010 men's Olympic hockey team. Congrats to Jacques Lemaire.

Lindy Ruff, Ken Hitchcock and Jacques Lemaire will be assistant coaches to Mike Babcock on Canada's 2010 men's Olympic hockey team, sources tell CTVOlympics.ca.

The team's executive director, Steve Yzerman, is expected to officially introduce all four coaches in a news conference Thursday morning in Montreal, including Red Wings coach Mike Babcock as head coach.

Hitchcock, coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets, was an associate coach for Team Canada in 2002, when it won gold in Salt Lake City, and in 2006 in Turin, Italy, when Canada finished seventh. Last summer, he coached Canada to a silver medal in the IIHF World Hockey Championship in Halifax. He won a Stanley Cup with the Dallas Stars in 1999.

Ruff, coach of the Buffalo Sabres, recently coached Team Canada to a silver medal at the World Championship in Switzerland. It was the first ever national team assignment for the longest-tenured coach in the NHL. He won the Jack Adams Award in 2005 as the NHL's top coach of the year.


This will be the first Olympic experience for Lemaire, former Minnesota Wild coach, who won eight Stanley Cups as a player with the Montreal Canadiens and one with the 1995 New Jersey Devils. He is a two-time Jack Adams award winner.

[CTV]

Hasting to be UNO assistant.

Fiona Quick, and Ryan Cardinal from Gopher Puck Live is reporting that Mike Hasting is going to be Dean Blais' assistant coach. If Fiona Quick is right, it looks like former Gopher Scott Bell is going to be Lucia's assistant coach. Ironic thing is that the Star Tribune's Gopher Hockey beat writer is no where to found on the subject.

University of MN assistant coach Mike Hastings is leaving to become Assoc coach at University of Nebraska Omaha w/Dean Blais
--------
University of Minnesota alumnus and current Hamline University head coach Scott Bell should be the primary candidate for U of MN vacancy [Quick facts] and [Minnesota Hockey Journal]

This might help the Bruins.

This could be a good move to give the Bruins more space to work under the cap and maybe allow them to keep their talented forward Phil Kessel. During the last two seasons Peter Schaefer was an utter disappointment and dead weight for the Boston Bruins.

There is belief the Maple Leafs have been zeroing in on New York Rangers defenceman Wade Redden and forward Peter Schaefer of the Boston Bruins.

Schaefer, 31, was buried in the minors by the Bruins last season because of salary cap concerns. He has one more year on his contract at $2.3-million (U.S.). Redden, 32, was signed to a six-year, $39-million unrestricted free-agent deal last summer, and the Rangers would not be averse to moving him. [the Bruins Blog] and [Globe and Mail]

More on Heatly to the Wild.

I dunno? I think Heatley could replace the offensive void that Gaborik will leave when he signs a free agent deal somewhere else. With Heatley asking for a trade from his second team he comes off as being a spoiled prima donna that gave up on his team mates for a second time because it wasn't going his way in Ottawa. On the other hand, I would be for any deal that ships first round bust James Sheppard out of town. I have seen nothing from him that leads me to believe that he was worthy of a first round draft choice.

As soon as Heatley’s trade demand went public, it likely weakened the Senators’ ability to get maximum return.

“This is going to be a tough deal for the Senators to make,” a league executive said yesterday. “Dany Heatley is a good player, but he’s not a great player and he’s certainly created a lot of questions about his character because this is the second time in his career he has asked for a trade.”

Sources say the Kings, Minnesota Wild, St. Louis Blues, Edmonton Oilers and Canucks are the most interested teams. The Wild, Oilers and Canucks weren’t on Heatley’s list, but he might be willing to be flexible to get out of Ottawa.

“The issue is you’re not going to get back as good a player as Heatley,” said the executive. “This deal isn’t easy to sell because the player wants out and Bryan Murray is going to have a tough time telling people that his team has improved (after a trade).”

The Kings would like to move winger Alexander Frolov and defenceman Jack Johnson, but the Senators have concerns with both players. Johnson has fired his agent and there is talk he is seeking $5.5 million per season on a long-term deal, while Frolov may not fit into the Senators’ system. The Kings might be willing to offer centre Jarret Stoll, who is scheduled to make $3.6 million next season. Stoll had 18 goals and 23 assists in 74 games last year.

Wild GM Chuck Fletcher, who just took over from the fired Doug Risebrough, has a close relationship with Murray. They have talked about Heatley. It’s believed the Wild could offer centre James Sheppard, defenceman Tyler Cuma or winger Cal Clutterbuck. Minnesota is also trying to move defenceman Marek Zidlicky, centre Eric Belanger and winger Derek Boogaard.

The executive noted not many teams have the ability to make the deal for Heatley and plenty of GMs are probably just “kicking tires” with Murray to see if they can get Heatley for nothing.

“There are so many teams that are up against it and they can’t afford to take on the $7.5 million per season on that contract,” said the executive. “The issue for the Senators is 50-goal scorers don’t come along very often and if you’ve got one, you want to keep him.” [ottawasun.com]

The WCHA Staw Poll.

Here is what Moose of the Hockey Show had to say on the Straw Poll over on USHCO.COM

I just got off the phone with Bruce McLeod, and the conference call is set for tomorrow night. There have been concessions made for UNO, re: entrance fees and reveue, and that is what will be discussed with the WCHA AD's tomorrow. If the "straw poll" is favorable, UNO will submit a letter, and the FAR's will schedule a vote. If the straw poll is not favorable, new terms will be set forth to renegotiate with UNO, or attention will turn to UAF. No timetable was given for the second part of this (FAR vote). This was just a casual conversation I had, so I didn't record it for the web or radio broadcast.

Moose

Dany Heatley's list of teams.

Props to Puck Daddy; this is the list of teams that Dany Heatly wants to be traded to, notice that Minnesota Wild are not one of his teams that he wants to be traded to. Big whew! I don't think I want him on the Wild as well, as a matter of fact I am sick and tired of self center athletes and would like to see the Wild start out fresh. Also, the Boston Bruins do not have room under the cap to sign Heatley so he can take that team off of his list. The Bruins would have to give up the farm to get Heatley and I don't know if they would like to mess up the locker room chemistry with a distraction like Heatley.

• According to Sun Media, the wishlist Dany Heatley(notes) provided the Ottawa Senators: "Sources told Sun Media the Los Angeles Kings, New York Rangers, San Jose Sharks, Detroit Red Wings, Chicago Blackhawks, Vancouver Canucks and Boston Bruins were among the teams submitted to Murray by Heatley's agents J.P. Barry and Stacey McAlpine." It's good to want things. [Sun Media]

Ray Bourque to the Bruins?

Here is an interesting article that I found on line. It seems like a good fit. [Bruins Offer Coaching, Front-Office, Playing Position To Ray Bourque]

BOSTON—Citing continued leadership problems at the executive and strategic levels, as well as the fact that they could use a little help on defense, Boston Bruins owner Jeremy Jacobs expressed interest in signing former All-Star captain Ray Bourque to help the struggling Bruins "in a variety of ways." "In addition to being a favorite of fans here in Boston, Ray Bourque is a proven champion," Jacobs said, referring to Bourque's 21 years with the Bruins and his brief stint with the Stanley Cup-winning Colorado Avalanche. "I believe the leadership, vision, and motivation he exhibited during two decades as a professional hockey player will translate extremely well to his new roles as head coach, general manager, and hockey player." The 45-year-old Bourque announced he is considering the offer, but will weigh it against the opportunity recently offered to him to become concessions, lighting, and entertainment director for Boston's TD Banknorth Garden.

UPDATE: I recieved an email from someone that informed me that this story is false.

Kessel denies 5 million dollar demand.

Boston Bruins forward and former Gopher Phil Kessel is denying a report from the reported by the Ottawa Sun that he is demanding five million dollars a year. Kessel also said that he wants to remain a Boston Bruin. That could also probably shoot down the rumor from hockeybuzz.com that Boston isn’t looking to give Phil Kessel an offer even matching the $3.75 they gave teammate David Krejci, meaning that Kessel will likely be moved.

FRANKLIN — After Phil Kessel finished fielding the creampuff questions from precocious fifth-graders here at the John F. Kennedy Elementary School yesterday, the Bruins forward got down to the harder stuff with a couple reporters.

No, he said, he and his agent, Wade Arnott, have not asked for $5 million a year during negotiations with the Bruins on a new contract, as was reported by the Ottawa Sun.

Yes, his first priority is to remain with the Bruins rather than play elsewhere, although he will become a restricted free agent in a little less than two weeks (July 1) if no agreement is struck with Boston before then.

And yes, his left shoulder is coming along nicely some four weeks after surgery to repair a torn labrum, but even the notoriously fast-healing Kessel doubts he’ll be ready for the start of the regular season in early October.

No to the 'staged fight' rule.

I have to say that I applaud this rule, it’s the right decision. Thank God sanity crept back into the equation and we didn’t create some rule based on a hasty decision. While it was unfortunate that a player was killed in a fight last winter, the same thing could happen with a check from behind or an open ice hit. It was a freak accident.

I was once accused by an unnamed person of relishing a good fight. Yep, you got me, guilty as charged. I have yet to go to a hockey game witness a fight and see people head for the exits, I have seen them stand and cheer though. Fighting polices the game and keep the so called “agitators” in check.

LAS VEGAS -- It appears the "staged fights" rule recommended by the NHL's 30 GMs will not see the light of day.

The players discussed it at their meeting here this week and they recommended to their members on the competition committee to vote against it. The committee needs seven of 10 votes to pass a new rule and won't get them if all five players vote "no" next Thursday when the group meets in Montreal.

The union brought in a number of tough guys Wednesday and they shared their universal thumbs-down on the "staged fights" rule proposition.

"They gave the group a pretty clear message," said NHL Players' Association executive Glenn Healy. "What's the code? What are the rules of engagement? Everyone talks about it, but what is it? So we had these guys come in and talk about it.

"We're about safety, but we also understand that if a fight breaks out in a game, Gandhi isn't leaving; he's going to stay and watch it. We understand that it's part of our sport, it cleans up our sport, it polices our sport, and it's entertainment. Goals, saves, fights -- thank you."

Hockey tough sell to new Canadians.

I found the link to this article over on the illegal curve I believe this goes back to the argument that hockey is a niche sport and doesn’t always translate to all cultures, demographics as well as parts of the USA and or Canada. If you’re an immigrant from China, South Asia, Middle East or the Caribbean, hockey is not a native sport to those countries nor are there many hockey arenas. If you’re from one of these parts of the world, your probably going to be a soccer player.

When Bas Balkissoon moved to Scarborough 34 years ago, hockey was the sport of choice for the mostly white community. But since then, the MPP for Scarborough-Rouge River has watched the community's taste in sports change as new immigrants from China, South Asia and the Caribbean settled there.

"Most of them are from non-hockey-playing countries, where cricket, soccer and badminton are the kind of sports they're familiar with," said Balkissoon, who emigrated from Trinidad in 1970.

"I doubt you could do anything to make hockey a mainstream sport in the community in this area."

The cost of hockey is prohibitive, he said, noting that most immigrants can't afford to pay $1,000 every winter to put a child in a hockey program. In contrast, a summer of soccer costs as little as $100.

Hockey fanatics like Egypt native Nour Abdelwahed, 15, say lowering the cost of equipment would be the best way to lure apprehensive youngsters. The Grade 10 student at David and Mary Thomson Collegiate Institute can skate but only plays street hockey because ice hockey gear is beyond his parents' budget. He thinks more accessible and reasonably priced equipment would allow local leagues to thrive.

"It's not just too high for new immigrants, it's everybody," he said.
[The Star]

Wild interested in Heatley?

Mike Russo has said that the new Wild GM has talked to the Senators GM about acquiring former Wisconsin Badger and current disgruntled Senator Dany Heatley. While Heatley is a dominating hockey players and one of the better forwards in the NHL, I would hope that Heatly wouldn’t come here. I think it could be a potential cancer in the locker room. That is all the Wild need is another potential hockey player that is unhappy in Minnesota, ala Marian Gaborik. This is also the second team that he has asked for a trade from.

With the State of the Wilds cap and who they have on the roster I don’t think the Wild could find enough talent on the Wild’s roster to trade to the Senators to get Heatly anyways. I do have one suggestion if the Wild Management could dump James Sheppard and the ever soft perimeter player Pierre-Marc Bouchard I would be all for it.

Fletcher expects trade talks to intensify this week. He has spoken to all 29 other teams about a variety of hopeful fits. He even has talked several times to Ottawa GM Bryan Murray about two-time 50-goal scorer Dany Heatley, who has asked to be traded and could be by Friday night.

Mr Hockey, 'people should cut Sid The Kid some slack.'

I have to agree with Gordy Howe, cut Sidney Crosby some slack. I honestly don't think Sidney Crosby snubbed the Red Wings players on purpose, I think he got caught up with the interviews and the exuberance of the moment. Drew from the illegal curve also has some advice for Chris Draper, spend a dollar and buy some class. I have to agree hockey is played by men not a bunch of hypersenstive sorority girls.

TORONTO - Mr. Hockey says people should cut Sid The Kid some slack.

Hockey legend Gordie Howe doesn't believe Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby intentionally failed to shake hands with some Detroit players after Game 7 of the Stanley Cup final.

Howe said Crosby's natural shyness combined with getting caught up in the emotion of winning an NHL championship resulted in Crosby getting in line to shake hands after some Red Wings had left the ice.

"He got caught up," Howe said Thursday after serving as the Queen's Plate honorary drawmaster at Woodbine Racetrack. "He will mature.

"He's a good kid."

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]