No one is above the Fray.

There are some that like to take joy in others school's troubles when their athletes run into trouble with the law. I just want to remind people that most schools that have division one programs will have their issues from time to time and that no school is squeaky clean, not even Denver.

For instance; the University of Minnesota has had issues with the football, Hockey and Basketballs teams, our neighbors to the south at North Dakota State University have had their share of incidents as well. Not even Denver University is above the fray and has had their troubles as well.

Longtime University of Denver men's lacrosse coach Jamie Munro resigned today, DU athletic director Peg Bradley-Doppes said.

Munro coached DU for 11 seasons, leading them four Great Western Lacrosse League championships and two NCAA tournament appearances. He leaves with a 91-70 career record. He was the Great Western coach of the year twice (2000 and '06).

"It's been a wonderful ride at DU," Munro said.

Murno's departure comes after a tumultuous season at DU. Three players were kicked off the team midseason. Ilija Gajic, a junior, was removed from the team last month after he was arrested for a fight at a bar in January. Gajic is the younger brother of Colorado Mammoth player Nenad Gajic and the older brother of DU freshman forward Alex Gajic.

Senior Brad Richardson and sophomore Jamie Lincoln were also removed from the team last month.

According to a report in the DU student newspaper, The Clarion, a woman was attacked Jan. 28 by a group of lacrosse players at a bar.

Another player, sophomore Brendan Deblois, was arraigned on charges from the same fight, the paper said. But he was not kicked off the team last month.

Only nine of 40 players on the DU roster last season played all 15 games.

A national search for Munro's replacement will start immediately, Bradley-Doppes said. Two of Munro's assistant coaches last season have other local lacrosse ties. Assistant coach Matt Brown also plays for the Denver Outlaws of Major League Lacrosse. And Jon Torpey is a former player with the Mammoth of the National Lacrosse League.

One might want to worry about their own school before they go sniffing around someone else's. Seems to me there are a lot more serious allegations here in the DU lacrosse player's incidents. The UND incident is about two guys getting drunk and throwing their stuff in the street not quite as serious as a bar fight. Just saying! In fact if you look that DG laid out you don’t seen any criminal charges for assault.

Zajac gets four year deal.

Former Fighting Sioux forward Travis Zajac got a nice raise and avoided arbitration.

The Devils have avoided Friday's arbitration hearing and re-signed restricted free agent center Travis Zajac to a four-year contract worth a total of $15.55 million

Zajac said it is a four-year deal, but would not divulge any other details of the contract.

Zajac, 24, is coming off a breakout season in which he posted career-highs with 20 goals, 42 assists, 62 points and a team-best plus-33 defensive rating.

"He's developed into a core player and getting him long-term I think is good for both him and his growth and for the organization," Lamoriello told me this morning.

Only Monday, Lamoriello said he it appeared as if the sides were headed to an arbitration hearing on Friday in Toronto, but these things have a way of working themselves out in the final days before the hearing and they reached adn agreement late Tuesday night. [Fire and Ice]

Here are some more details on Travis Zajac's new deal. I think the deal that Travis signed could be a gauge for other three year players looking for their first deal as a restricted free agent that scored 60 points the season before.

Zajac signed a four-year contract for a total of $15.55 million or an average -- and cap hit of -- $3,887,500. The new deal pays him $2.75 million in 2009-10, $3.5 million in 2010-11, $4.5 million in 2011-12 and $4.8 million in 2012-13. [Fire and Ice]

UND comes down on Frattin.

Per Grand Forks Herald Beat writer Brad Elliott Schlossman Fighting Sioux hockey coach Dave Hakstol has already announced his discipline for UND Junior Forward Matt Frattin. I want to applaud Coach Hakstol for dealing with this in a swift manner so it won't fester all summer long.

UND announced a minimum two-game suspension for Matt Frattin, along with an order to attend counseling, and it is reducing his scholarship money for the 2009-10 year following his arrest Tuesday night for disorderly conduct. [UND hockey Blog]

Finley, Frattin face disorderly conduct charges.

As most of you know by now Joe Finley and Matt Frattin had a run in with the law recently. It's in the newspapers around the region. I have already received numerous emails and phones calls from various people giving me their thoughts on the matter, before I even got out of bed this morning. Personally, I don't like commenting on conduct issues because a lot of times there is more to the story that what ends up in a police report/blotter or in the news paper.

Before you say, 'but, but Goon..." Yes! I know, this incident doesn't reflect well on Coach Hakstol, the University of North Dakota or the Fighting Sioux Hockey team. I am sure the Finley and Hakstol haters will have more ammunition to blast away now with this incident. I am sure there will be some in the media down in Fargo that will call for Frattin to be disciplined, suspended and or kicked off the UND hockey team. I’m also sure coach Hakstol will take care of this matter in a way that he sees fit. We may not hear what the actual punishment was, nor do we need to know the details. Again, this was a stupid incident and I am not defending it. I am also not going to spend all day condemning it as well.

Don’t get me wrong! I don't approve of this behavior, this is a silly incident that will be remembered long into next season, however, before you mean mouth these young men take this into account; did you ever get drunk and act stupid and have the cops called on you? When you were younger and alcohol was involved, did you ever do something like this? Did you ever get cited for underage drinking or a loud party or starting a fight? These guys make the same mistakes a lot of us have made but weren’t a member of the hockey team.

Julie Robenhymer on the Fighting Sioux name.

Julie Robenhymer from Hockey Buzz made her latest Hockey Buzz Tv show on saving the Fighting Sioux nickname. For having not attended UND or lived in North Dakota I will give her an "A". I might have hooked her up with a few things as well.

[click here to watch the video]

Phil Kessel on AM 640 Toronto.

Check out Phil Kessel on AM 640 in Toronto. I saw this story over on Puck Daddy and it doesn't sound like there is much going on. Also, Greg is right, "when he wasn't boring the will to live out of everyone within earshot." Phil is not the most prolific interview out there.

Goon's USA Olympic team.

Kyle from the Illegal Curve asked me to submit my USA Olympic team. Again this is just for fun, and not to be taken very seriously. This is just who "I" think will be selected to be on team USA. Also, if you read the post you I will see that I be writing a weekly college hockey post for the IC. I must say that I am honored to have been asked by Kyle.

Illegal Curve is pleased to announce that Goon of Goon’s World will be writing a weekly college hockey post on Illegal Curve starting this fall. In the mean time, he has agreed to post his version of Team USA for the upcoming 2010 Olympics. Enjoy!

Defense (Defence):
1. Brooks Orpik, San Francisco, CA, Pittsburgh Penguins
2. Rob Scuderi, Syosset, N.Y. Pittsburgh Penguins
3. Ryan Suter, Madison, Wis. Nashville Predators
4. Paul Martin, Minneapolis, Minn. New Jersey Devils
5. Ryan Whitney, Boston, Mass. Anaheim Ducks
6. Brian Rafalski, Dearborn, Mich. Detroit Red Wings
7. Tom Gilbert, Minneapolis, Minn. Edmonton Oilers


Forward:
1. Phil Kessel, Madison, Wis. Boston Bruins
2. Zach Parise, Minneapolis, Minn. New Jersey Devils
3. T.J. Oshie, Warroad, Minn. St. Louis Blues
4. Patrick Kane, Buffalo, N.Y. Chicago Blackhawks
5. David Backes, Minneapolis, Minn. St. Louis Blues
6. Jamie Langenbrunner, Cloquet, Minn. New Jersey Devils
7. Kyle Okposo, Paul, Minn. New York Islanders
8. Dustin Brown, Ithaca, N.Y. Los Angeles Kings
9. David Booth, Detroit, Mich. Florida Panthers
10. Scott Gomez, Anchorage, Alaska New York Rangers
11. Joe Pavelski, Stevens Point, Wis. San Jose Sharks
12. Paul Stastny, Quebec City, Quebec Colorado Avalanche
13. Chris Drury, Trumbull, Conn. New York Rangers


Goalie:
1. Ryan Miller, East Lansing, Mich. Buffalo Sabres
2. Tim Thomas, Flint, Mich. Boston Bruins
3. Jonathan Quick, Milford, Conn. Los Angeles Kings

Bruins Salary break down.

Here is the current break down of the Bruins salary cap situation. It would appear that someone is going to have to be moved to make room for Phil Kessel. I would suggest getting rid of one of the following players; Marco Sturm, Chuck Kobasew or Patrice Bergeron to make room for Kessel.
Forwards

Marc Savard, $5 million
Patrice Bergeron, $4.75 million
Michael Ryder, $4 million
David Krejci, $3.75 million
Marco Sturm, $3.5 million
Chuck Kobasew, $2,333,333 million
Glen Murray, $1,383,333 million (buyout)
Mark Recchi, $1 million
Blake Wheeler, $875,000
Milan Lucic, $850,000
Steve Begin, $850,000
Byron Bitz, $687,500
Peter Schaefer, $566,667 (buyout)
Shawn Thornton, $516,667

* Kessel is a restricted free agent.

Defensemen

Zdeno Chara, $7.5 million
Dennis Wideman, $3.875 million
Aaron Ward, $2.5 million
Matt Hunwick, $1.45 million
Andrew Ference, $1.4 million
Mark Stuart, $1.3 million

Goalies

Tim Thomas, $5 million
Tuukka Rask, $850,000

Current cap hit: $53,937,500.

ANALYSIS: The Bruins have $2,862,500 of cap space under the $56.8 million ceiling with Kessel yet to sign. If Kessel decides to lower his contract demands and re-sign, the Bruins would have to clear some salary under the ceiling. The Bruins can go 10 percent over the cap ($62,480,000) prior to the start of the regular season, but this route is considered risky. [Boston Globe]

Sheryl Crow in a Beaver jersey...

My buddy Scott went to the Moon Dance in Walker, Minnesota last Thursday and during the oncore rocker Sherly Crow wore a Bemidji State University Beaver jersey. Sign me up for a new jersey. Holy Cow!

props to [Sherly Crow] and [Brian Schultz]

B's Re-sign Defenseman Matt Hunwick

The Bruins re-signed their promising young defenseman Matt Hunwick (Michigan), the argument was made that if the Bruins had Hunwick during the Carolina series they might have won. It will be interesting to see what he signed for. Hunwick was the top scoring rookie defenseman this past season. Now the Bruins front office needs to focus their efforts on signing super forward Phil "the Thrill" Kessel (Minnesota).

BOSTON, MA – Boston Bruins General Manager Peter Chiarelli announced today that the club has signed defenseman Matt Hunwick to a multi-year contract extension. Per club policy, terms of the deal will not be disclosed.

Hunwick registered six goals, 21 assists and a plus/minus rating of +15 in 53 games during his rookie season in 2008-09. His 27 points placed him third amongst Bruins defensemen and he scored his first NHL goal on November 17, 2008 against the Maple Leafs. Hunwick played forward in six games last year and posted 1-1-2 totals while skating up front.

He played in one postseason game for the Bruins before being sidelined with a spleen injury that forced him to miss the rest of the playoffs.

The 24-year-old native of Warren, Michigan was originally drafted by the Bruins in the seventh round (224th overall) in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. He made his NHL debut with the Bruins on November 10, 2007 against the Buffalo Sabres and recorded his first career point on December 10, 2007 against the Toronto Maple Leafs. He played in 13 games for Boston during the 2007-08 campaign and registered one assist.

Hunwick spent most of the 2007-2008 season with the Providence Bruins notching two goals and 21 assists in 55 regular season games. Prior to joining the Bruins, Hunwick played four years of collegiate hockey for the University of Michigan with 24-73-97 totals and 256 penalty minutes in 163 career games.

Oshie Sports Celebrity Benefit and Golf Tournament

Time to sign up for the Oshie Sports Celebrity Golf Tourney. Just mailed my entry fee in today, I am psyched.

For Immediate Press Release
Monday, July 20, 2009

Oshie Sports Celebrity Benefit and Golf Tournament
July 29-30, 2009
Grand Forks, ND

Grand Forks, ND: On Wednesday, July 29th and Thursday, July 30th, 2009, we will be hosting the 2009 - 3rd Annual Oshie Sports Celebrity Benefit and Golf Tournament. Attached you'll find the 2009 Registration / Sponsorship Packet along with some pictures from the 2008 event here in Grand Forks. We invite you to look it over and contact me via e-mail or cell phone at (360) 722-1784.

If your respective media outlet is interested in features please contact me immediately at the credentials below. The final list of Celebrities will be announced on Tuesday, July 28, 2009.

Celebrity interviews will be conducted on Wednesday, July 29th at the King's Walk G.C. starting at 11:30 a.m. near the Club House .. and also at the Rydell - GM Auto Center after 8:30 p.m.

On Thursday, July 30th, the Celebrity Field will ensamble at 11:30 a.m. for interviews once again near the King's Walk Clubhouse. Post tournament interviews will take place at the conclusion of the event

The event will feature a "Celebrity Skins Match" on the afternoon of July 29th which will allow the business leaders to purchase a 4-some at $200.00 plus the cost of golf / carts for the group.

Later that night, "A Meet The Celebrities Autograph Session" will take place from 6:30 - 8 p.m. at the Rydell - GM Auto Center Cadillac Showroom in Grand Forks, ND. This special event is open to the general public and will give the fans a chance to meet the guys up front and personal in a very special setting inside the Rydell-GM Auto Center Cadillac Showroom in Grand Forks.

Each person will receive a commemorative 2009 Oshie Celebrity Golf placard for autograph purposes as our compliments. If the general public wants special items signed such as jerseys, pucks, pictures, or other memorablia, there is a $5.00 per item charged upon entry. This special event will directly benefit the EGF / GF Youth Hockey BlueLine Clubs under the Oshie Scholarship Fund.

The 3nd Annual Oshie Sports Celebrity Golf Tournament will be held on Thursday, July 30th, at the magnificent links-style King's Walk Golf Course. This Arnold Palmer designed golf course is one of the best courses in North Dakota.

The cost per foursome will remain $500.00 and your team will receive:

- One team of 4 golfers (plus celebrity) for golf / cart at King's Walk Golf Course on Thursday, July 30th, 2009.
- Complimentary gift for each golfer
- Company or players names recognized in program
- Complimentary hamburger upon registration
- A 12:15 P.M. Pre-Tourney Meeting With PGA Professional Dan Tannahill .. Then 12:30 P.M Shotgun Start
- Complimentary dinner / appetizers at completion of tournament
- Team prize packages
- Live Auction @ Post Awards Ceremony

If you have any questions regarding this event, please contact Timothy Oshie at (360) 722-1784 or simply e-mail to oshiesports@gmail.com.

Here are the credentials snip-its of all 2009 - 3rd Annual Oshie Celebrity Golf Tournament Invitees **Subject To Change At Anytime**:

T.J. Oshie (St. Louis Blues / UND) HOST
Jonathan Toews (Chicago Blackhawks / UND)
Dave Hakstol (UND Fighting Sioux Head Coach)
Cary Eades (UND Fighting Sioux Associate Head Coach)
Dane Jackson (UND Fighting Sioux Assistant Coach)
Taylor Chorney (Edmonton Oilers / UND)
Marc Chorney (NHL / UND)
Scotty Hartnell (Philadelphia Flyers)
Kyle Okposo (New York Islanders)
David Backes (St. Louis Blues)
Matt Niskanen (Dallas Stars)
Colby Genoway (Manitoba Moose / UND)
Karl Goehring (Manitoba Moose / UND)
Dave Christian ('80 Olympic USA Miracle Team / NHL / UND)
Kyle Radke (Idaho Steelheads / UND)
Phil Lamoureux (Alaska Aces / UND)
Nick Fuher (UND)
Scotty Johnson (UMD / NHL Retired Goal Judge)
Ginny Christian ('56 Olympic USA Team / UND)
Billy Christian ('60 Olympic Gold Medal Team USA)
Andrew Kozek (UND Fighting Sioux / Atlanta Thrashers Draft Choice)
Landon Wilson (Dallas Stars / UND)
Brad Miller (UND / Austin ECHL)
Erik Fabian (Alaska Aces / UND)
Matt Smaby (Tampa Bay Lightning / UND)
David Hale (Phoenix Coyotes / UND)

+ More Names To Come

Teams / Individual registrations plus Hole Sponsorships are still being accepted for this years event. Hope you are having a great summer 2009 !!

Kindest Regards,



Timothy W. Oshie
c/o Oshie Sports & Media
420 N. 8th Street
Grand Forks, ND 58203
(360) 722-1784 Cell #
oshiesports@gmail.com

Blackhawks' Jonathan Toews more relaxed in captain role.

Here is a nice Jonathan Toews video that was on the Chicago Tribune web site.

Colborne: I'm a different player than last year

Joe Colborne is a poised young man, I have been impressed with his demeanor during the Boston Bruins prospects camp and I think he will make a good addition for the Boston Bruins in a year or two.

More Kessel rumors from Kevin Paul Dupont.

I sometimes wonder if Kevin Paul Dupont is trying to invent a story where there might not be one. It almost seems like KPD is trying to wish Kessel out of Boston. So if the Kessel and Chiarelli camps are not talking to KPD, who is he talking to in regards to Phil Kessel's contract status? It would be interesting to see who that anonymous NHL general manager is?

The Phil Kessel contract talks, if the sides are indeed still talking, have not progressed.

Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli slams down the Cone of Silence at the mere mention of No. 81, and agent Wade Arnott - not nearly as chatty as his boss, Don Meehan - has politely refused a handful of opportunities to comment on his client, a restricted free agent with no arbitration rights.

So, with about eight weeks to go before the start of training camp, here’s how it’s shaping up for the 21-year-old winger, who potted 36 goals last season. Kessel can:

►Cut a one-year deal, accepting only a slight bump over his 2008-09 wages, and use it as a bridge to arbitration as of next July 1. If he popped in another 36 goals or more in 2009-10, he could ring up the Causeway cash drawer for $5 million per year or more next summer. Remember, the players who scored more than Kessel last year will average $6.5 million in the coming season.

►Take something akin to David Krejci money (three years/$11.25 million), forget about finances for 36 months, and come to the table in the spring of 2012, ideally with a more mature and proven overall game.

►Force his way out of town, either by requesting a trade or refusing to sign, leading Chiarelli to deal away a non-performing asset (probably at the post-Olympic trading deadline).

►Wait for a Group 2 offer sheet, of which there have been none this summer, nearly three weeks into the free agency process.

“Kessel is an interesting, exciting player, and he had a very good year,’’ said another NHL GM, insisting on anonymity for fear of being slapped with tampering charges. “But from the outside, I wonder if he’ll get from the level of good player to great player. And great players are those who, by themselves, can lead the team when they are on the ice. In other words, just by being out there you alone can make the team have a better chance of winning. Kessel hasn’t proved that yet.

“Don’t get me wrong, he’s a brilliant offensive guy, but he still has to show more before he proves he’s an elite player worthy of elite money.’’

And why no offer sheets thus far around the league?

“People are running scared for a variety of reasons,’’ said the GM. “First of all, with [Dustin] Penner [whom the Oilers plucked off Anaheim’s roster in August 2007], the results aren’t there. And the cap [$56.8 million for the upcoming season] is expected to come down. I’m a little surprised that there haven’t been offer sheets to some lower-end players, but teams probably figure that the other team will match it, and then all you’ve done in the process is made an enemy . . . why create the monster?’’ [Boston Globe]

More on the Dany Heatley saga.

Here is another interesting article on disgruntled Ottawa Senators forward Dany Heatley. The more this plays out in the media, the more Dany doesn't look very good in this whole mess. If Heatly goes back to the Senators you got to think his team mates aren't going to be all that happy with him either.

That‘s been Dany Heatley‘s response to a few questions as of late. The obvious being Ottawa Senators general manager Bryan Murray asking him to waive his no-trade clause to join the Edmonton Oilers in late June, a deal that would have landed the Senators a package of forwards Dustin Penner and Andrew Cogliano as well as defenceman Ladislav Smid in return.

Heatley, who requested a trade out of the nation‘s capital the previous week, had until midnight on July 1 to accept or refuse the trade, but instead let the deadline pass without comment. Fast forward a few weeks, and Heatley still isn‘t talking.
Not to teammates, at least not captain Daniel Alfredsson, and not to the media.
Not by phone and not in person. Several calls from media to the Senators sniper have gone unanswered, with messages not returned. Desperate times call for desperate measures, and, in this case, a Tuesday afternoon visit to Heatley‘s off-season home on Okanagan Lake in West Kelowna. A long and winding road to get there – not knowing whether he‘d be home or whether he‘d agree to an interview – it was certainly worth a shot.

Upon arriving, the back gate was open and seemingly welcoming. A portable basketball net was visible from the top of a downhill driveway, and a nice ski boat was docked just feet from the front yard. Fittingly, the 28-year-old former 50-goal scorer answered the door of his multi-million-dollar pad adorned in board shorts, a golf shirt and sunglasses. Then came the questions: Dany, I‘m so and so from The Daily Courier, was hoping I could shoot the breeze on some hockey stuff with you?
“Not right now, man. Sorry, I‘m just about to take off, actually,” said Heatley, pleasant but clearly surprised to see a reporter standing there. OK, fair enough, could we set something up for later on, maybe later in the week or next week?
“You know what, I‘ll take your card and I‘ll give you a call or have someone give you a call. We‘ll be in touch.” And so ended a rather anticlimactic encounter.
It didn‘t end with a flat out no, but by no means was it a guaranteed yes. More like a definite maybe, a response Steve Tambellini and the Oilers can relate to.
That proposed deal isn‘t dead, according to various reports, nor is this interview.
Or is it? Stay tuned. [Kelowna Daily Courier]

Big Joe Finley as a Forward.

On Frozen Blog has an interesting clip about big Joe Finley playing wing. It would be interesting to see if that experiment gets a bigger look during training camp.

- It was a brief experiment but it really intrigued me: Joe Finley at forward. He has good north-south speed for his size, and was willing/eager to go in deep on the forecheck. He also was immobile in one instance in front of the crease, taking a rebound and feeding it across the crease to set up a teammate for a scoring chance as a defender struggled in vain to move the big Minnesotan. It's just one and a half scrimmages in Rookie Camp, but it wouldn't bother me at all if Finley was tried on the wing a bit in Hershey. He's a good interview, as well, and gives at least as good as he gets with a microphone in front of him.

UND nickname proponents hope for Standing Rock referendum

I have been out of pocket for the day and a half and there wasn't an Internet hook up next to the campfire last night. All I can say to the Standing Rock members is keep fighting the good fight, KEEP putting pressure on the Ron His Horse is Thunder. Don't let a few talk for the whole tribe.

Standing Rock supporters of UND’s Fighting Sioux nickname continue to hope that they can get the issue on the ballot as a referendum within the next two months.

Archie Fool Bear, a nickname proponent, said his group is still gathering signatures to persuade the Tribal Council to give tribal members a say.

In May 2008, the council voted to ban any nickname referendum indefinitely. In May of this year, some members of the council tried to reverse that but were narrowly defeated, Fool Bear said.

That proves to him, he said, that not the entire council is intent on blocking a vote. If he can get enough signatures together, he could talk to some opposing council members and see if they’d change their mind, he said.

So, contrary to nickname supporters’ earlier expectations, the Tribal Council appears to be central to the nickname issue.

For UND to retain the nickname, which opponents say is racist and creates a hostile campus environment, the Tribal Councils of both the namesake tribes in the state must approve. The State Board of Higher Education in May added another requirement: a 30-year agreement to keep the nickname from both councils. The deadline, the board said, is Oct. 1.

Eunice Davidson, a nickname supporter in the Spirit Lake Dakotah Nation, said the Tribal Council there hasn’t approved the nickname yet, though she expects it’ll happen soon. She and other supporters got the issue on the ballot in April, and 67.3 percent of voters approved. [Grand Forks Herald]

Pictures from the Galen Nagle.

I played in yesterday's Galen Nagle Memorial golf tourney and it was a lot of fun. My golf game was another thing, let’s just say that it was not very good, the way my driver worked yesterday I should have deposited into Lake Bemidji. Spoke briefly with the BSU coach Tom Serratore and told him that I was excited that the Beavers have been accepted to play in the WCHA.

Standing Rock Tribal Chairman Narrowly Advances to General Election

You do have to wonder if his narrow vitory has to do with his lack of flexibility on the Fighting Sioux nick name issue? Ron His Horse Is Thunder is stifling the democratic process by not letting the the members of the Standing Rock tribe vote on the Fighting Sioux nick name. What is he afraid of?

Unofficial Results: Cassie Walder, WDAZ, Published Thursday, July 16, 2009
Unofficial election results show current chairman of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe in Fort Yates, North Dakota, narrowly advancing to the tribe’s September general election. Current chairman Ron His Horse Is Thunder was not the top vote-getter in Wednesday night's primary election. Early morning unofficial result tallies show only two votes carried His Horse Is Thunder as one of the two candidates advancing. His top challenger, former tribal chairman Charles Murphy, topped His Horse Is Thunder with 567 votes from the tribes 8 precincts. But it was current tribal vice-chair Avis Little Eagle who was the most immediate threat to His Horse Is Thunder, receiving 221 votes. Just two less than His Horse Is Thunder's 223 vote total. Again, these results were unofficial at press time. If certified, both His Horse Is Thunder and Murphy will move forward to the tribe’s September general election.


His Horse Is Thunder has repeatedly held his opposition to the University of North Dakota’s use of the Fighting Sioux nickname and logo. Though Standing Rock supporters of the nickname have called for a tribe-wide vote, His Horse Is Thunder has maintained such a vote would not be binding. He said the Sioux nickname issue was not a driving force in the primary election run-off. Though several candidates running for the tribal chairman's spot were vocal in their support of UND's use of the nickname, top vote-getter Charles Murphy has not spoken about it.


Without approval from both the Standing Rock and Spirit Lake Sioux tribes and a 30-year contract granting UND use of the nickname by October 1 of this year, the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education will retire the nickname. The Spirit Lake tribe voted in support of the nickname this spring. However, the Spirit Lake tribal council has not granted a 30-year approval for nickname use. Tonight's Standing Rock election results will be certified tomorrow.

Grand Forks Native becomes Gophers assistant coach.

Former Grand Forks North Dakota Native and Grand Forks Red River High hockey player Grant Potulny is now the assistant coach for the Minnesota Golden Gophers. If you think about this; Grant was one of the first non-Minnesotans to play for the University of Minnesota since probably John Blue and then was a big reason the Gophers won the first of two back to back NCAA titles. So the University has come full circle.

Two recent University of Minnesota men’s hockey standouts have been added to the Gophers’ coaching staff for the 2009-10 season.

Grant Potulny, who was named a volunteer assistant coach in May, has been elevated to a full-time position following a national search process. In addition, Justin Johnson has been named the team’s volunteer goaltending coach. Both were members of Minnesota’s national championship teams in 2002 and 2003 with Potulny serving as a team captain each year.

“I’m excited to bring both Grant and Justin back into the program,” Minnesota coach Don Lucia said. “They were both part of our two national championship teams and have a great understanding of what it takes to win at that level. They are proud alums and committed and excited to be back as a part of Gopher hockey.”

“It was just six years ago that I was in the same spots as these guys,” Potulny said of the current Gophers’ team. “Don and John (Hill) do an amazing job and I think I bring some youthful energy as somebody who can bring a different element to what we’re doing already.”

Potulny, 29, has served as the interim assistant coach for the past month since the resignation of Mike Hastings. He has been playing professionally since his career with the Gophers that spanned from 2000-04. He was an assistant captain as a sophomore for Minnesota’s 2002 national championship team and then captained the team the following two years, including the Gophers’ 2003 national title squad.

“Those were the best four years of my life,” Potulny said of his days with the Gophers. “I truly believe that every kid who comes to Minnesota should have a chance to play in the Frozen Four and I’d love to help make that happen.”

“As a three-year captain, Grant was a tremendous leader and was well respected by his teammates,” Lucia said. “As an interim assistant coach over the past month, I’ve had the opportunity to watch him interact with players and coaches at our model camp and select-16 festival and coach at the select-17 festival in New York. I have had numerous people come up to me and tell me how impressed they were with Grant. He will bring instant credibility based on what he did as a player and captain here and bring new insights after playing professionally the past five years.”

Potulny recently retired from pro hockey after battling injuries throughout his career. He was injured most of this past season, which he spent with the Tampa Bay Lightning’s American Hockey League affiliate in Norfolk (Va.). He competed three full seasons with the Ottawa Senators’ AHL affiliate in Binghamton (N.Y.) from 2004-07 before spending one season each with the Washington Capitals’ affiliate in Hershey (Pa.) and the Edmonton Oilers’ affiliate in Springfield (Mass.).

Potulny played in 146 games for the Gophers, totaling 68 goals and 48 assists for 116 points. He is best-known for scoring the overtime game-winning goal in Minnesota’s 4-3 win over Maine in the 2002 national championship game at the Xcel Energy Center.

Johnson, 28, was a volunteer assistant coach at St. Cloud State the past three seasons. Johnson was a four-year letterwinner for the Gophers from 2002-05, posting a 2.88 goals against average and 22-8-3 career record. He was named to the all-tournament team at the 2003 Western Collegiate Hockey Association Final Five after stopping 50 of 54 shots. Johnson was a three-time recipient of the team’s community service award.

“I felt it was extremely important that we have somebody who can work with the goaltenders and Justin has been working with goalies since he graduated,” Lucia said. “Also working with Mental Edge, he can bring added insights to players and coaches on the psychological aspects of the game. Justin has worked in the WCHA over the last three years and has an understanding of what it takes to compete as a player and coach at this level.”

“It’s almost like coming home for me,” Johnson said. “With the talent they have all around and in net it’s going to be an exciting season and I’m really looking forward to it.

“I’ve known Kent (Patterson) since he was a Pee Wee in camps and we have a great relationship,” he added. “Being at St. Cloud, we did a lot of film analysis on Alex (Kangas) and figuring out how to beat him. He’s an outstanding goalie and I’m very familiar with his game as well.”

In addition to his coaching duties, Johnson has instructed at former Gopher Robb Stauber’s Goalcrease and The Mental Edge, which mentors athletes of all ages and abilities by developing mental toughness skills. He has published an interactive and customized preparation manual for hockey goalies titled “GameDay.”
[Gopher Sports]

Joe Finley on Trevor Bruess.

Former Fighting Sioux hockey players Joe Finley on Trevor Trevor Bruess. I am sure Sioux fans will find this interesting. Yeah I was rolling my eyes as well, but I digress. I suppose we won't see another replay of the Paukovich and Green incident. [Click here to listen to big Joe]

Listening to Big Joe talk nice about Trevor Bruess almost makes me ill, I know, I know, big Joe probably can't say Trevor Bruess was a hack when we played against MSU-M. Trevor tried to take out the knees of one of our best defensive players.

Peter Chiarelli quiet on Phil Kessel rumors.

The waiting game continues, I wonder if there is a way that Krejci can convince Kessel to sign a contract. It would be interesting to see what kind of a qualifying offer Kessel was offered?

“I don’t comment on rumors,” B’s general manager Peter Chiarelli said.

The right winger’s name has been floated in potential trades for a second straight offseason. The most notable this year was a draft night deal with Toronto that would have sent defenseman Tomas Kaberle to the Bruins.

The 21-year-old Kessel became a restricted free agent July 1. He has stayed in Boston this summer after undergoing shoulder surgery following the B’s Game 7 second-round playoff loss to Carolina.

Center David Krejci, who is rehabbing from May hip surgery, has spent almost every day with Kessel this offseason and hopes the sides can reach a contract agreement.

“Obviously I would love to have him on the team again next year,” Krejci said. “We are best friends on the team, and you don’t want to see guys like that walk away. I hope he’ll get a deal done. I don’t know what’s going to happen. That’s out of my reach. I’ll hope for the best and hope he stays here and everything is going to work out.”

Krejci said Kessel wants to return but hasn’t gotten too involved with the contract situation.

“We’re together every day, and this is the one thing we don’t really talk about that much,” Krejci said. “Obviously we talk, but there is some stuff that is private. He’s one of my best friends on the team, and some stuff he would like to just keep between us, especially about a contract.” [Boston Herald]

Holy Cow! Check out this letter to the editor.

This was a letter to the editor in the Bemidji Pioneer. The only thing I can say is that you've got to be kidding me. The city of Bemidji held a city wide referendum, voted and approved the construction of the BREC, yet this guy thinks it taking to food of the tables of people that haven't even been born yet. Yeah! Also, how the hell does this guy know if the center is going to turn a profit or not? Apparently this economic theorist isn't aware of the financial impact the WCHA have on his community.

WCHA not biggest news

Arrogance, pompous, egotistical and self-serving were the first words that came to mind after reading Tom Serratore’s comments about BSU men’s hockey team being accepted into the WCHA. To say that “There’s not any news that has ever impacted this community and university like being inducted into this prestigious conference,” is lunacy. Throughout the history of this community and the university there have been numerous events that have made a huge impact on the lives of people living in this area and beyond. Perhaps the largest of these would be the actually founding of the university (Bemidji State Normal School.)

Followed by the school’s evolution from elementary teacher training to the multi-disciplined institute of higher learning that it is today. (If Cass Lake had gotten its way, there would be no college hockey in Bemidji.) Mr. Serratore seems to be suffering from extreme shortsightedness. He is correct in one statement. “There are people who aren’t born yet who will be impacted by the WCHA.” Since getting into the WCHA was contingent on BSU getting a new hockey rink, (event center) and by many accounts the new hockey rink/event center will never turn a profit, the yet unborn will be impacted by having to subsidize the center.

Matt Havumaki

Bemidji

WCHA Moves a Wash for College Hockey

This almost sounds like sour grapes by the CCHA. The WCHA stepped up to the plate and helped save BSU, now someone can step to the plate and take some leadership. This is what happens when your last to the party. The CCHA knew this was coming and sat by an let it happen.

It's almost seems like the CCHA is looking down their nose at UAH. The NCAA division one hockey CAN NOT allow any more teams to fall by the way side or division one hockey risks losing at large bids for the NCAA Hockey tourney, that is a lose, lose situation for everyone concerned. My question is; did you want to just sit by the way side and let two programs disband? No one else has come up with a suggestion or a solution. The fact remains that Danton Cole is a good coach with a solid hockey back ground that will do a good job getting UAH competitive in the CCHA. Seriously, he couldn't do any worse than some of the teams that were in the bottom half of that CCHA league standings last season. Plese tell me these teams aren't looking are looking down their noses at UAH. Now is not the time to be petty, it's the time for solutions and what is best for college hockey.

The WCHA has talked a lot about doing what is best for college hockey. But while adding Bemidji State -- after BSU had run out of options to keep its program viable -- was certainly a gracious and strong move by the WCHA to benefit Bemidji State, its effect on college hockey as a whole is more neutral if it negatively impacts the CCHA.

McLeod tried to sell it, saying that UNO's move can be an overall benefit to college hockey as a whole, because the chain reaction effect could result in saving Alabama-Huntsville as well.

"I have a long relationshp with Tom, and we openly discussed this, including three weeks ago in San Antonio at meetings of the (NCAA) championships committee," McLeod said. "Tom is first class all the way. As an individual, I have nothing but good things to say.

"Having said that, we went into this process above board, to do it the right way best we could. Part of that was keeping Tom informed. I hope he would say we followed through on that. It's clear he didn't want to lose Omaha. It speaks to their caliber. And actually, he made some other suggestions to me -- why not think about these things.

"I've proven in the past with involvement getting the WCHA going -- I work for the WCHA -- but I need to step back and look at what's best for college hockey in general. Hopefully if it (WCHA expansion) worked out with Omaha or someone else, that would open a slot (for Alabama-Huntsville). That may not have be the same caliber or attractiveness (as UNO), but that we could save another program. ... I hope that happens."

Still, there is no question that the CCHA takes a hit -- at least in the short term -- from this switch. No offense to Albama-Huntsville, but its program, and the commitment to the program, do not currently approach what Nebraska-Omaha is. [college hockey news]

Update: To quote the article: But CCHA people have been understandably irked by the WCHA's insistence that this is "best for college hockey." I still stand by my comments, “No one else has come up with a suggestion or a solution.” Tell me who else has taken the leadership? While everyone involved might not be happy with UNO moving to the WCHA it solve a problem no one else wanted to tackle.

New UNO Hockey Coach Selects Successor

[props] I had read where some Gopher fans were questioning why Mike Hastings would want to leave the University of Minnesota to go coach at the University of Nebraska Omaha. I this is probably the reason why. There are only 58 teams in Division one hockey and Hastings might have seen this as his best shot to be a head coach at the Division one level. When Blais left UND he strongly suggested Dave Hakstol be picked head coach, the rest is history. It is nice to see Blais back coaching in College hockey again.

OMAHA, Neb. -- The new University of Nebraska-Omaha hockey coach, on the job less than a week, has already picked his successor, thus ensuring the long-term future of the program's leadership.

Coach Dean Blais hired former Lancers coach Mike Hastings to be his associate head coach. Blais himself was just hired last month to succeed the program's first coach, Mike Kemp.

Blais said Hastings will be a good "go-between" for Blais and the players.

"He knows the guys better than I do," Blais said, acknowledging that he did not know if that was a good or bad thing. He does know that his successor will come from his staff.

"When I'm gone, he'll take over and we won't miss a beat," Blais said.

That is when the time comes, though. Blais is so new to the city that he said he still learning his way around.

"Only been lost a couple of times," Blais said.

His potential successor is not thinking about anything but the present.

"It's a thought that's down the road, but … we need to work on making sure we're as good as we can be when we play that first exhibition game in the season," Hastings said.

More on the Heatley saga.

You have to wonder how this is going to play out, once the Gennie is out of the bottle you have to think it would be very hard to put it back in. Even Heatley's line mate can't get a hold of him. As good of a player as Heatly is I can't say that I would like to see him in a Wild uniform.

OTTAWA — Reporters and others unable to reach Dany Heatley shouldn't feel bad.

The captain of the Ottawa Senators is in the same boat, failing to connect with a player who has been his linemate for the better part of four NHL seasons.

On Tuesday, for the first time since Heatley's controversial trade demand, Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson spoke to a handful of Ottawa media via conference call. Alfredsson was speaking from Paris, where he is attending NHL Players' Association meetings.

Alfredsson admitted he hasn't even spoken to Heatley during this firestorm, though he has "tried to reach him a few times." As the team leader, Alfredsson wants to talk with Heatley to see if there is something that can be worked out between the high-scoring winger and the hockey club, some issue beyond the publicized concern with head coach Cory Clouston.

Joe Finley talks while attending Capitals camp.

[props] Here is the NHL video of Joe Finley at the NHL Washington Capitals development camp yesterday. I think Joe Finley is a well spoken young man and a good interview, it was interesting to hear his take on the slashing of Bucky the Badger. Just for the record during the 2004-2005 USHL season Joe Finley got into eleven fights [hockey fights].

Jumbo Joe Colborne.

Looks like Joe Colborne made quite the impression at the Bruins prospect camp this past week. There have been a few comparisons to former Bruins Joe Thornton, the only thing that concerns me is I hope he is a better player in the NHL playoffs.

Hawks Fire GM.

This is the latest fire storm in the NHL. I logged onto my Twitter account when I got home from work and this is what I saw from numerous tweets.

Blackhawks fire GM Tallon ---- TFP has confirmed that the Chicago Blackhawks fired general manager Dale Tallon late Monday and an official announcement will be made on Tuesday.
TFP Columnist and Comcast Chicago anchor Josh Mora has also confirmed that Stan Bowman, the club's assistant GM, will be taking over as GM.

Tallon was named the eighth GM in team history on June 21, 2005. Prior to becoming GM, he served as assistant GM, and was the club's director of player personnel from 1998-2002.

Tallon's job had reportedly been on the fence since the Hawks season had ended.

Sources close to the situation tell TFP "the embarrassment over the negative publicity of the contract situation (regarding the club's restricted free agents) was the clinching blow."

The Blackhawks were believed to be late in notifying the agents of their main RFAs that they had received qualifying offers. As a result, the Hawks had signed those players, including Cam Barker and Kris Versteeg, to new contracts.
[The Fourth Period] confirmed by the [Daily Herald]

Galen Nagle Golf Tournament

I found this over on Brian Schultz's blog. I will be playing in this tourney again this Friday @1200. I played in this tourney two years ago and it was a lot of fun. The Bemidji Town and Country Club is a very nice course, although after playing Kings Walk there are also too many trees. Back in the early 1990's I had the pleasure of meeting Galen Nagel when I worked at Castle Highland golf course in Bemidji. Galen was one of the nicest people you could ever meet.

Galen Nagle Golf Tournament
This Friday, the BSU men's hockey team will hold their annual golf tournament fundraiser. The event is named in honor of Galen Nagle...a former Beaver goalie. Shotgun start at noon at the Bemidji Country Club...with dinner and auction to follow.


Bemidji State University and the Galen Nagle Memorial Fund Committee have established a memorial scholarship fund in honor of the former Beaver hockey standout, designed to support the Bemidji State hockey program.

Galen W. Nagle was a goaltender for the Beaver hockey team from 1980-’84, and served as a coach and teacher in the state of Minnesota for several years before losing his life to cancer Oct. 18, 1996 at the age of 34. “Galen exemplified Beaver hockey,” said former Bemidji State coach R.H. “Bob” Peters. “Hard work, dedication and loyalty were inherent to his character, and through his efforts, he became a vital part of our team.”

Nagle and the 1984 Beaver hockey team made college hockey history with a perfect 31-0-0 season en route to the school’s first NCAA Division II National Championship. An All-Tournament selection from the 1984 Division II Championship, Nagle completed his Bemidji State hockey goaltending career with an 8-1 victory in the title game.

Initially a walk-on at Bemidji State, Nagle’s determination and willingness to give forged a special bond with teammates and coaches. He never lost a game in goal for Bemidji State, posting a 22-0-0 career record with three shutouts. He allowed just 37 goals in his career, leaving Bemidji State as the program’s all-time leader in save percentage (.9308) and goals-against average (2.039) - career records which still stand today for players with at least 1,000 minutes in goal. “Galen considered it a privilege and an honor to be a part of the team, and conversely, we valued his contribution to the team,” Peters said. “He has had a lasting impact on the lives of the people he touched, and we will always remember him.”

A 1984 graduate of Bemidji State, Nagle taught industrial arts at Scotts- Highland Middle School in Apple Valley for several years and coached in hockey programs at Rosemount, Holy Angels Academy, Richfield, Bloomington, Wayzata and Thief River Falls. He also served as the chief goalie instructor for Coach Peters’ Bemidji International Hockey Camp at BSU.

Nagle was born to Richard and Marlys June 18, 1962 in Baudette, Minn. He and his family moved to Bemidji in 1979, and he graduated from Bemidji High School in 1980. The annual golf tournament was inaugurated in his honor Aug. 7, 1998.

Hope to see you there!

More on Lemaire to New Jersey.

This is going to be an interesting story as it plays out. In fact it will be more exciting that the Devils on ice play, next season. It’s almost like Lemaire is trying to remake himself, see I can coach an offensive team. As a Wild fan, we all know that Jacques Lemaire can coach a NHL team to play stifling air tight defense (some call it boring, I might say that as well).

Breaking it down further; under Lemaire the Wild and Devils played "a lot of defense" and during the same time these Jacques Lemaire coach teams lacked offensive imagination. Some might say that under Lemaire the Devils and Wild games were nothing more than a trap feast that weren’t very exciting to watch, I have heard this claim from many fans. Personally, I also struggled through a majority of the 82 Wild games last season myself. If you think I am over playing this argument, see the proof backing up my argument, I challenge you to go watch a few of last season games if you can find the video. These games will cure insomnia and you won’t need Nyquil.

Lastly, In my 20+ years of watching the NHL the 1995 Stanley Cup finals in my opinion were the most boring NHL hockey that I have ever watched. I honestly don’t want to witness it again. That Devils team that was coach by Lemaire.

Now that he has the gig, what can be expected of Lemaire behind the Devils bench?

First of all, he wants to coach beyond one season. He made that clear today, and barring a Lamoriellian hasty coaching decision, one imagines Lemaire will be given that opportunity.

He also steadfastly rejected the notion that his arrival portends a statistic decline for Devils star Zach Parise(notes), who is one of the best offensive standouts the organization has ever produced.

"I don't know what I'm going to put in [as a coach] that would stop any of the players from performing at their best," said Lemaire.

For those wondering how that philosophy jibes with Lemaire's system stifling a player like Marian Gaborik(notes) with the Wild, know this: He believes Parise and other Devils on this team to be outstanding two-way players. So overstressing defense, smothering an offensive game for the sake of the system ... it's not something Lemaire sees happening with Parise.

(A former Devils player told me the same thing at the Draft, claiming that Parise's numbers could actually improve with Lemaire behind the pine.)

One area where Lemaire could help the team is on the blue line, where assistant coach Mario Tremblay joins the Devils as the man in charge of the defense on the bench. They got the most out of Wild defenseman who might be considered journeymen on other teams; the Devils defense isn't the star-studded collection Lemaire had during his first stint, but it's a solid enough group that could be even better than what Sutter squeezed out of them.

Lemaire is back in New Jersey because he still has the itch and wants to win another ring:

"You want to have a chance to win the Cup. In my situation, this would be a great thing, to have a chance."

One gets the same vibe from Lamoriello in bringing back Lemaire, bringing back Brian Rolston(notes), bringing back Brendan Shanahan(notes) and the others. Time's running short for all of these veterans who have dedicated themselves to The Game and to the franchise. When Marty Brodeur is 37 and the next name on the potential starting goalie chart is Jeff Frazee(notes), there's a win-now vibe in place.
[Puck Daddy]

Lemaire to coach Devils

Former Wild coach Jacques Lemaire will be back coaching the New Jersey Devils. Also interesting blog post by Russo, notice he brings up a really good question on whether Parise’s growth and under more restricted system, will he be hindered? You have to wonder if he will score 94 points in the Lemaire system. How would Zajac and Parise feel about playing in a system restrictive system.

Onto Lemaire:

“I never did close the door on coaching. I said my time in Minnesota is over.”

“I had a great time in New Jersey in the 90s. I had some great memories and I hope to get some more.”

Not easy writing all this on blackberry. My laptop’s in the shop. Also, I don’t speak French.

“I never thought I’d be back. The five years I thought I’d cherish the rest of my life. But the situation right now is perfect for me.”

On Parise’s growth and under more restricted system, will he be hindered? “I don’t know what would be put in that’ll stop any player to perform at their best. He’s a kid that works offensively and defensively. … I’m not the coach that will stop any guys to perform and do what they’re good at.”

On Rolston: “He’s a guy that has to be put in the right situation. I’m not saying Brent didn’t do this, but he’s a guy we have to demand a little more. That’s my intention. That’s what we did in Minny and we’ll try to repeat that.”

Lou approached him before the draft.

“It would be a great thing to have a chance to win the Cup. I want to be part of this. If there’s a chance, I’d love to get another one.”

On Tremblay: “He’ll be in charge of the defense. I’ve been nine years with him and I think he’s a great complement of myself. He’s fun for the players. He knows how to deal with them in practices.” [russo's rants]

Lemaire to coach Zajac and Parise?

In a way I almost feel sorry for the New Jersey Devils. While Lemaire will be a hall of fame coach some day his style of play is BORING.

Devils to name a head coach today. The Devils have scheduled a 1:30 p.m. conference all today to make "a major announcement."

It is expected that they name a head coach at that time.

All signs point to Jacques Lemaire [Fire and Ice]

VIEWPOINT: Spirit Lake in support of Standing Rock

Here is an interesting letter to the editor that was in this weekend’s Grand Forks Herald. The writers bring up some very valid points that have been over looked by the pro-change crowd. These writers are right a very small group of people referred to by the letter writers, 'as very small but vocal group of malcontents' have put UND on the verge of changing the University of North Dakota’s historic nick name.

SPIRIT LAKE NATION -- On April 21, 2009, the people of the Spirit Lake Sioux Tribe exercised our Democratic rights and privileges as free Americans and participated in a vote to determine the fate of the UND Fighting Sioux nickname. The vote was a landslide in support of keeping the name and logo in place as it has been for more than 80 years, and yet the controversy and opposition we continue to encounter remains surprisingly desperate from a very small but vocal group of malcontents.

In the time since the vote, the leaders of the movement to put the issue on the ballot have reflected on just what has happened and what it means to them. In retrospect, the battle that is now behind the Spirit Lake people has charged the residents with pride, respect and a feeling of self determination that is still strong. The vote has given us all a taste of freedom and a renewed appreciation for democracy. It has also given our people a feeling of unity as we stood together and accomplished our goal.

The matter of the name is far from resolved as a result of this vote, but the success of the Spirit Lake people to speak their own mind and determine their own fate has spurred kindred Sioux people in the state to pursue a similar course of action on the Standing Rock Reservation.

The Spirit Lake Committee for Understanding and Respect was determined from the start to keep the focus on the issue and conduct our campaign in a manner that would leave no room for criticism or condemnation. It has been difficult, especially when members were accused of things like taking money from “The Ralph," or fraudulently obtaining signatures for petitions. This treatment was not limited to the committee members only, but the Engelstad Family Foundation and even Ralph Engelstad himself was dragged through the muck. The internet news forums prior to the vote abounded with emotionally charged missives from both sides of the issue which often overlooked the point of the issue completely. While we appreciate support from any who offer it, we have and will continue to conduct ourselves and our activities in a manner of understanding and respect, just like our committee name says, and encourage our supporters to do likewise.

In reference to the 1969 naming ceremony conducted on the campus of the University of North Dakota when Standing Rock tribal leaders officially blessed the University’s use of the Sioux name, there can be no retractions or dismissals. This ceremony was conducted as a pipe ceremony and a pipe ceremony can never be undone or taken back. Spiritual leaders are the only ones who should talk about these matters and they will not discuss this in public and very seldom in private, because the pipe (c’anunpa) is far too sacred for public discussion. For example, when our chiefs signed a treaty and gave their word with the pipe, individual chiefs could later have a change of heart but the treaty still stands.

Why is it so easy for the ND State Board of Higher Education to change their agreement to allow the ND Sioux Tribes until November, 2010 to approve or disapprove the UND nickname? Is it because treaties are made to be broken?

We want to be remembered by our grandchildren and great grandchildren as Dakota Sioux who fought for the right to be proud of our name in spite of the vicious onslaught by people who let their prejudice overwhelm their sense of pride and dignity. We encourage all of our youth to strive for an education so that they can help their people and become true representatives of the “Fighting Sioux."

The ND State Board of Higher Education will make the ultimate decision regarding the continued use of the “Fighting Sioux“ nickname and logo. The settlement agreement between the State and the NCAA says that the two ND Sioux Tribes must give their approval in order for the University to retain the name and logo. This decision can only be made by the people of Standing Rock and Spirit Lake Sioux tribes and no one else. The news media has given far too much attention to the outcries of a small group of disgruntled faculty and Native students at UND who are neither Sioux nor from the Spirit Lake or Standing Rock reservations.

We would like to take this opportunity to convey our thoughts and feelings to our brothers and sisters of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. We support the right of the people at Standing Rock to be heard and we support their efforts to have a say in the Fighting Sioux name and logo debate.

The Spirit Lake Nation Tribal Council respected the wishes of their people and understood that this issue was far too big and far too personal for just a small group of people to decide. This issue is not a political pawn. This issue is a very personal and individual matter that requires the input of each member of the tribe.

The vote at Spirit Lake gave our people an opportunity to tell the world how the Fighting Sioux name and logo makes each individual tribal member feel. The people of the Spirit Lake Sioux tribe clearly told the world they feel good about the Fighting Sioux name and logo.

No matter what side of the issue they were on, almost unanimously, the people of Spirit Lake Sioux tribe are grateful for the opportunity to voice their opinion and respect the outcome of the people’s vote. We ask for our many relatives at Standing Rock to be given the same opportunity. Let’s put this issue to rest once and for all and get on with the task of tackling the real issues that impact us in Indian country.

Our people are a people of consensus and the only way for this matter to be resolved is to give the people a chance to voice their individual opinions on this very personal matter. We are willing to live with the results of such a vote, whatever the result may be.

This letter was also signed by Spirit Lake Committee for Understand and Respect members Demus McDonald, Frank Black Cloud, Oliver Gourd, Eunice Davidson, Alex Yankton and Renita DeLorme.

Gopher fans are you worried?

From everything I have read this week; I think if Jordan Schroeder was offered the entry level max, I think there is a good chance Schroeder might sign it. Seriously, I mean read the things Schroeder is saying. Schroeder isn't ruling out signing, he isn't ruling out returning either. Interesting statements from him, if I was a Gopher's fan I would be a little nervous about Schroeder until he is in the line opening night.

Schroeder's father John is paying the shot for him to attend the Canucks camp to protect his NCAA eligibility. Schroeder, 19 on Sept. 29, is determined to get his (dad's) money's worth.

"I wanted to come here and show the organization that I'm very interested [in them] and to pay my dues even though it cost our family," he said. "Paying our way up here was worth it. Seeing the city and getting to know all the prospects was definitely worth it."

Schroeder will almost certainly return to the Golden Gophers for another season and, if so, he won't be attending full rookie and main camp in September. After that, who knows? The Canucks could come calling with a contract offer at any time.
[ The Vancouver Sun]

Gaborik setting his goals high.

I think most Wild fans are probably rolling their eyes when they hear Gaborik talk about how he is going to score a bunch of goals during this up coming season. Then all you have to do is look at his list of injuries and if Cornelius Hardenbergh's math is right Gabby has missed 154 games during his NHL Hockey career.

"I'm not worried about that, though. I don't think it will be a problem."

Gaborik scored 13 goals in 17 games for the Wild while missing most of last season with a labrum injury that was surgically repaired on Jan. 5 by Dr. Marc Philippon. Entering what should be his prime years, the 27-year-old winger has scored 123 goals in 207 games over the last four years. That equates to an 82-game pace of 49 goals.

"I'm very confident that the problems with my health are in the past and that if I'm healthy, I can produce the way I expect to," said Gaborik, who traveled here from his home in Trencin, Slovakia, to search for an apartment in Manhattan.

"This is going to be a big change for me after only playing in Minnesota for [eight] years, but I'm very excited about the challenge. I'm going to try to do what I do best, which is to try to make a difference on the ice every time I'm out there.

"I try to be the best player every game." [New York Post]

Dalton could be a keeper...

Here is a nice story on former BSU Goalie Matt Dalton. It will be interesting to see where he ends up playing this season.

WILMINGTON - Most of the interest that NCAA teams showed in Matt Dalton disappeared when the goalie’s self-admitted “academic issues’’ came to light.

“Being from Canada, my high school classes weren’t going to work,’’ said the Clinton, Ontario, native. “I didn’t find that out until my second-to-last year of juniors. So I had to do a full year of university while I was in juniors just to get eligible for NCAAs. That scared a lot of schools off. I was talking to a lot of schools at the time. Once all the academic issues came out, it was like they all quit talking.’’

As Dalton prepares for his first year as a pro goalie, it appears he’s getting the last laugh on the spooked schools.

Dalton has been one of three goalies at Ristuccia Arena this week for development camp (Adam Courchaine and Michael Hutchinson are the others). The 23-year-old is in the Boston fold for the next two seasons, aiming to become the latest unorthodox netminder to make it in Black-and-Gold. Like Tim Thomas, Dalton isn’t committed to following the butterfly style that has become the norm.

“A modified butterfly goalie, maybe?’’ Dalton said. “I don’t think I’m a true butterfly goalie like a lot of the French-Canadian goalies. But I do butterfly quite a bit.’’

The 6-foot-1-inch, 194-pound Dalton considers himself more of a track-and-react goalie. This week, Dalton has put his style to the test against the prospects’ shots. Dalton holds his glove up and out (Courchaine and Hutchinson keep their catchers closer to their bodies) and tries to make himself as big as possible.

“I think I play my best when I’m tracking the puck well and reacting,’’ Dalton said. “More reacting than dropping down into a butterfly. It’s different with every person. It’s something that I found works well for me.’’

It's no mystery where Kevin Paul Dupont stands.

It never ceases to amaze me how Boston Globe Sports Writer KPD is always out there waving the trade Kessel flag. This article comes right after the Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli says that 'Phil Kessel will be back.' I believe this also the rumors he is talking about from that interview on NESN.

No progress in GM Peter Chiarelli’s attempts to strike a new deal with 36-goal scorer Phil Kessel. If an offer sheet is coming from another club, it’s not likely to be made until close to the season opener in October, at which time the Bruins, with little or no cap room left by then, would be forced to let him go or frantically dump salary. Unlike the summer, when clubs are allowed to go 10 percent over the $56.8 million salary cap, there is no overage allowed once the season starts. It’s far more likely that Kessel will be signed in the next few weeks or traded well before the start of October. Restricted free agents who fail to sign by Dec. 1 are forced to sit out the remainder of the season . . . The Ducks and Bruins once might have discussed a Kessel-for-Bobby Ryan swap. Ryan, the No. 2 pick in the ’05 draft, was a finalist last season for Rookie of the Year . . .
[Boston Globe]

Kessel’s faults may scare off bidders

Here is another interesting article on why Kessel remains unsigned by any team. This approach does seem to make sense. There hasn't been any offers from other clubs and the Bruins can just sit and wait and if there is an offer they match it. I wonder how long this game of cat and mouse is going to go on?

While Phil Kessel continues to swing gently in the barely stirring breezes of restricted free agency, the Bruins go calmly about the rest of their business these days, unconcerned that their leading goal-scorer of last season could be tempted by some outrageous offer sheet at any moment.

That may be disconcerting to some in Bruins Nation, but there’s a very good reason general manager Peter Chiarelli has been so willing to let Kessel dangle out there like some oversized carrot on a string for the last week and a half: Because he knows it’s unlikely “Phil the Thrill” will get an offer the B’s can’t match.

Though Kessel scored a team-high 36 goals in just 70 games last season, there seem to be enough questions about the 21-year-old forward’s leaky defense, his lack of a physical game, and his allegedly weak role in the team dynamic, as well as the NHL’s shaky economic and salary-cap climate, to dissuade any team from bidding more than $5 million a year or so for the former University of Minnesota star.

And while Chiarelli might feel Kessel is worth more along the lines of a David Krejci ($3.75 million a year) than, say, a Brian Gionta ($5 million a year from Montreal), the Boston GM wouldn’t hesitate to match either offer. If you’re thinking match-and-trade, forget it — the NHL prohibits trading a player for one year after matching an offer to him — but that doesn’t mean Chiarelli couldn’t unload someone else to make space available.

There’s also the compensation issue for Kessel’s suitors to consider. If they offer him more than $6 million a year (actually, over $6,026,867) and the Bruins don’t match, Boston would get two first-round draft picks, a second-rounder and a third-rounder. If the offer is more than $7.5 million, the compensation would be four first-round picks.

Rest assured there’s not a GM alive who thinks Kessel is worth that much in salary and damages.

On the other hand, the one thing the Bruins lack is a go-to offensive guy, someone they can count on to put the puck in the net in the clutch, a take-over-the-game player. And Kessel could be that guy.

The B’s were right to give up on Joe Thornton because of his frequent malaise and his playoff paralysis, but Kessel has shown signs of being someone they can lean on in the postseason. Besides his 66 goals in three seasons, Kessel has 15 points (including nine goals) in 15 playoff games, with a plus-8 rating.

That’s something he and the Bruins can, and should, build on.
[Telegram.com]

Pontifications on the Bruins that make sense.

Now I am seeing something that makes sense in regards to Phil Kessel and him not signing a contract as of yet, however, I personally would rather see Marco Sturm go and the Bruins keep Chuck Kobasew.

The big Bruins news of the week, however, has to with general manager Peter Chiarelli’s comments on NESN last night. When prompted to speak about current Restricted Free Agent and Bruins’ best goal scorer Phil Kessel’s contract status, Chiarelli stated that Kessel will be back with the Bruins.

Obviously, with the amount of trade rumors circling around Kessel, it is rather surprising that suddenly Chiarelli has come out and said Kessel will be back. Chiarelli even went so far as to say it’s a shame that the rumors get out and that Kessel is a good player and person. Perhaps he is trying to mend some wounds before Kessel’s official return?

That said, until a contract is signed, we can’t be certain of Kessel’s status. Should Kessel return for any price between $3.5 million and $4.5 million, it looks as if one player will have to be traded. With Kessel’s return, the Bruins would have 10 forwards of top-9 skill level. One can safely assume that Marc Savard, Milan Lucic, David Krecji, Mark Recchi, Blake Wheeler, Patrice Bergeron and Michael Ryder will return.

That leaves one of Marco Sturm and Chuck Kobasew left.

Trading either of these forwards will clear up the necessary space. Although trading Sturm and his 3.5 million dollar contract would make more sense than trading Kobasew’s cap-friendly contract, Sturm has a no trade clause. Chiarelli could ask Sturm to waive it, but, as of now, barring a major trade, it would seem Kobasew is on his way out. [Insidehockey.com]

Chiarelli: Phil Kessel will be back

This news should make Bruins fans more at ease. I have been on record in the past as saying Phil Kessel is a core member of the Boston Bruins and unless the Bruins management can get someone to score 35-50 goals from somewhere else they are going to need to resign him. I don't want to hear that Marco Sturm or Patrice Bergeron will pick up the slack because they won't, they are not as dynamic and as pure as a goal scorer as Phil Kessel.

3rd Annual Oshie Sports Celebrity Golf Tournament

<<<<<<< Announcement >>>>>>>>>
On Wednesday, July 29th and Thursday, July 30th, 2009, we will be holding the 3rd Annual Oshie Sports Celebrity Benefit and Golf Tournament.

The event will feature a "Celebrity Shoot-Out" on the afternoon of July 29th which will allow the business leaders to purchase a 4-some at $200.00 plus the cost of golf / carts for the group. Later that night, "A Meet The Celebrities" autograph session will take place from 6:30 - 8 p.m. at the Rydell GM Auto Center Cadillac Showroom in Grand Forks, ND.

The 3nd Annual Oshie Sports Celebrity Golf Tournament will be held on Thursday, July 30th, at the magnificent links-style King's Walk Golf Course. This Arnold Palmer designed golf course is one of the best courses in North Dakota.

The cost per foursome will remain $500.00 and your team will receive:

- One team of 4 golfers (plus celebrity) for golf / cart at King's Walk Golf Course on Thursday, July 30th, 2009.
- Complimentary gift for each golfer
- Company or players names recognized in program
- Complimentary hamburger upon registration
- Complimentary dinner / appetizers at completion of tournament
- Team prize packages
- Live Auction @ Post Awards Ceremony

Here is a credentials snip-its of all the 2009 - 3rd Annual Oshie Celebrity Golf Tournament Invitees:

T.J. Oshie (St. Louis Blues / UND) HOST
Zach Parise (New Jersey Devils / UND)
Jonathan Toews (Chicago Blackhawks / UND)
Dean Blais (Head Coach University of Nebraska - Omaha)
Taylor Chorney (Edmonton Oilers / UND)
Marc Chorney (NHL / UND)
Kyle Okposo (New York Islanders / UM)
Blake Wheeler (Boston Bruins / UM)
David Backes (St. Louis Blues / UM Mankato)
Patrik Berglund (St. Louis Blues)
Matt Niskanen (Dallas Stars / UM-Duluth)
Jordan Parise (UND / Lowell Devils AHL)
Chris Porter (St. Louis Blues / UND)
Matt Jones (Phoenix Coyotes / UND)
Colby Genoway (Manitoba Moose / UND)
Karl Goehring (Manitoba Moose / UND)
Dave Christian ('80 Olympic USA Miracle Team / NHL / UND)
Dave Hakstol (UND Fighting Sioux Head Coach)
Cary Eades (UND Fighting Sioux Associate Head Coach)
Dane Jackson (UND Fighting Sioux Assitant Coach)
Kyle Radke (Idaho Steelheads / UND)
Phil Lamoureux (Alaska Aces / UND)
Nick Fuher (UND)
Mike "Lefty" Curran ('72 Olympic USA Team / MN North Stars / UND)
Ginny Christian ('56 Olympic USA Team / UND)
Billy Christian ('60 Olympic Gold Medal Team USA)
Andrew Kozek (UND Fighting Sioux / Atlanta Thrashers Draft Choice)
Landon Wilson (Dallas Stars / UND)
Brad Miller (UND / Austin ECHL)
Matt Smaby (Tampa Bay Lightning / UND)
David Hale (Phoenix Coyotes / UND)
Dustin Byfulien (Chicago Blackhawks)
Zach Jones (UND Fighting Sioux)

There will be only ONE flight of 36 teams in the tournament. We anticipate a 12:30 p.m. shotgun start for the golf scramble. Due to the very high demand for teams, we will fill the 36 slots on a first-come, first-served basis. We must receive payment in full to reserve your team. Please fill out the enclosed form and mail it with your check to the credentials below.

If you have any questions regarding this event, please contact Timothy Oshie at (360) 722-1784 or simply e-mail to oshiesports@gmail.com.

Kindest Regards,



Timothy W. Oshie

***Oshie Sports Celebrity Golf Tournament Invitees's and subject to change at any time.

Im not the only one that thinks Skoula is a Pylon.

While reading the blog HockeyWilderness I came across this most accurate description of Martin Skoula and Marc-Andre Bergeron. The two Players (Pylons) are defensive zone nightmares, and I would hate to think how many times Skoula coughed the puck up in the defensive zone that led to a game tying or game winning goal. I think the Wild should also ban anyone else from ever wearing the number 41 again. Good bye and good riddance.

On defense, Fletcher jettisoned the human pylon Martin Skoula, the only man more entertaining, in that painful kind of way, than the Three Stooges. Gone also is Marc-Andre Bergeron, who played minutes only when there was little or no chance of him screwing anything up. In their places are Greg Zannon and Shane Hnidy. Tow defensive minded d-men. They were needed to be able to unleash the talents of Brent Burns, Kim Johnnson, and hopefully, Marek Zidlicky. Bringing in two guys that have shown they have a nose for keeping the puck out of the net allows the guys who have a nose for putting the puck in the net to do so.
[HockeyWilderness.com]

Canucks prospect Patrick White told no more 'Mr. Nice Guy'

Here is another interesting article on a Cancucks prospect and current Minnesota Golden Gopher Patrick White. It's articles like this that are going to make people question a certain coach down in Minneapolis, MN. Personally, like I said before I think Lucia is doing a great job as the coach of the Minnesota Gophers.

Patrick White has gone from the Vancouver Canucks' No. 1 pick in the 2007 NHL entry draft to No. 1 whipping boy when it comes to scrutinizing the club's draft history this decade.

Canucks fans see red every time David Perron's name is mentioned, as the St. Louis winger who's scored 28 NHL goals already and made the Blues right out of junior two seasons ago was selected one spot after White (26th overall) in 2007. Comparisons won't get any easier, as the Canucks' top pick last month, Jordan Schroeder at 22nd overall, is one of White's teammates at University of Minnesota. Schroeder, a dynamic centre, was one of the top scorers in points per game (1.29) in U.S. college hockey last season as a first-year player, finishing with a dazzling 13-27-40 in 32 games.

White, also a centre, had 7-8-15 in his second season with the Gophers on the heels of a 6-4-10 rookie season.

But is it fair to rag on White, who's here this week as part of the Canucks' five-day summer prospects camp?

He was projected by NHL Central Scouting as a second-rounder and surprised some onlookers when the Canucks, under then-GM Dave Nonis, picked the former Minnesota high school star so high.

Is he another blown first-rounder? Or is there still a chance he could one day wear the Orca on his chest?

The Canucks certainly haven't given up on White, particularly because he's still just 20 years old.

"He's still a young player," said Canucks assistant GM Laurence Gilman. "Different players develop at different rates."

Don Lucia, White's coach at University of Minnesota, also thinks the jury is still out on the 6-foot-1, 195-pounder.

"The biggest issue is he's got to learn to compete harder one on one," said Lucia. "He's a really nice kid, great student, comes from a wonderful family, but ‘Mr. Nice Guy' has got to go away when he steps on the ice. When he learns to battle consistently he'll take a step as a player. That's been his struggle over two years. We've talked to him about it. He understands it."