Grand Forks Central Knights begin quest for title.

The Grand Fork Central Knights 21-3-0 begin their quest for a state title tonight at 6:00 pm at the Ralph Englestad Arena; their first hurdle will be the Bottineau Braves 15-8-1. Goon’s World would like to wish the Central Knights good luck and hope that they achieve the goal that they have been working for all season long – a North Dakota state hockey title. This Central Hockey team is deep and not many teams can match it's stretch through the forward lines or defensively.

Defense is Key

This past season the Central Knights limited their opponent’s goals and outscored their opponents an impressive 148-21. In addition, the Central Knights shut out their opponents 13times in 24 games. The blue line is paced by senior Danny Ray (10g-23a-33pts) and junior Paul Ladue (9g-23a-32pts). Seth Lang is the top starting goalie in the State of North Dakota with a 18-3-0 record, GAA .089 SV % of .936. The Central Knights have been limiting their oppostion to about 14 shots on goal a game. During the season the Central Knights never game up more than 4 goals a game and and only had 4 goals scored on them twice, during the course of the season the Central Knight's defense game up about 0.913 goals per game.

Paul LaDue (10g-23a-33pts), Danny Ray (9g-23a-32pts)
David Nelson (5g-12a-17pts), Jeremy O’Keefe (8g-12a-20pts)
Corey Zimmerman (1g-2a-3pts), Matt Walters (0g-2a-2pts)


Forwards

Luke Johnson (16g-28a-44pts), Casey Purpur (33g-27a-60pts), Johnny Simonson (14g-28a-44pts)
Aaron Hatt (9g-18a-27pts), Justin Moody (5g-15a-20pts), David Sayler (7p-8a-15pts)
Jordy Aamot (5g-15-a-20pts), Jared Sorlien (5g-4a-9pts), Brenden Gust (14g-17a-21pts)
Tyler Haug (2g-2a-4pts), Caleb Folson (4g-10a-14pts), Alec Lazur (1g-2a-3pts)

As you can see that Central is well balanced through the forward lines and you will not be able to just shut down one line. Central's top line has three players in the top ten of the North Dakota state scoring leaders.

[Central High Player Stats]

[Bottineau High Player Stats]

Geoffrion still not back.

Looks like Blake Geoffrion is still has lingering effects of the concussion he suffered during last Saturday night's game against the SCSU Huskies. Update: According to Andy Baggot the beat writter for the Wisconsin Badgers, Blake Geffrion will not play against Michigan Tech this weekend. Also, as of Wednesday there still has been no suspension handed down for the hit on Geoffrion.

Senior center and tri-captain Blake Geoffrion sat out a second day of practice Tuesday, raising the possibility that he won't be able to play for the UW men's hockey team in its WCHA series at Michigan Tech Friday and Saturday.

Geoffrion suffered a concussion when checked by St. Cloud State center Aaron Marvin during the second period of a WCHA encounter at the Kohl Center last Saturday. It was the second time this season Geoffrion has suffered such an injury.

"He wasn't good enough to skate today,'' UW coach Mike Eaves said of Geoffrion Tuesday. "He still had a headache today.''

Eaves outlined a series of steps that Geoffrion must make before he's cleared to play. Among them, he must be able to exercise without triggering a headache [read the rest of the article here]

How the times have changed

Check out this blog post by the Star Tribune Minnesota Gophers hockey beat writer. I would say that the times have sure changed. In my opinion as an outside observer that this post is very critical of a coach that once walked on water in the eyes of a lot of Gopher fans.

While I am no fan of the Gophers it does seem that there is a lynch mob mentality brewing in the Twin Cities. This is a hockey coach that has won 2 NCAA titles (back to back) and a couple of league titles. This isn't some some hack coach that teams have finished in the bottom of the league standings for five years in a row. Sure the Gophers have all the breaks but you can't win them all. If you want to assign blame, blame the players who are playing with little life. I can't imagine a reason why Lucia would let this reporter interview him? Feel free to chime in with your thoughts on the matter. Are Gopher fans being a little hard on their head coach? Should the Gopher fans blame the players as well? Would it make a difference if Patterson had played more games this season?

The Gophers' chances will be much better if coach Don Lucia changes his tactics and if the players play with desperation.

Lucia has to stop saying that goalie Alex Kangas has done his job if he gives up only two goals. His job -- especially at this time of the year -- is to play better than the other goalie. He might have to get a shutout sometime in the playoffs, or give up only one goal to win a game.

Kangas has played great at times that in the past and he has to go into games with the attitude that the opponent can't beat him. His mindset has to be that he will give up one fewer goal than the other goalie.

Coach Lucia has rarely asked me for advice -- OK never -- but he also has to stop saying this team has to win games 3-2, that it's not good enough to score more than three goals. In playoff hockey, the Gophers have to score as many goal as it takes to win.

If they get in a shootout with somebody, than they have to keep popping goals in. This team is a real mystery that way. It''s got talented offensive players who seem to do little for weeks at a time and then have one good game here and there. It's surprising Lucia has so much hair and it's not all white already. [Goal Gophers]

Puck Daddy picks Bruins as number one dissappointment

You know I have to agree with Ryan Lambert of Puck Daddy, the Boston Bruins have been a dismal and utter disappointment this season. After winning their division last season they are probably going to fall nothing short of an epic failure this season.

During the off season the Bruins lost their star offensive threat to the Toronto Maples Leafs and the Bruins front office failed to give the Bruins coach any replacement for the loss of Phil Kessel 36 goals. You can tell your team certain players will be expected to pick up the slack but it didn’t happen. The Bruins were also decimated by injuries and key players haven’t picked up the slack. I see the Bruins as a one series and done team, IF the make the playoffs.

1. The Boston Bruins

How do you go from 53 wins and a point away from the President's Trophy, with an eye-popping offense and a stifling defense to, well, this?

The Bruins are in the thick of the fight for a bottom-2 Eastern Conference playoff spot (meaning they'd be miles out of it if they played in the West) and can't seem to do anything all that well.

Let's talk about the forwards. Not one has 40 points. Really. Not one has 20 goals. Only four who have played in 30 or more games have a positive plus-minus. If it weren't for Marc Savard's(notes) 31 points in 37 games, no one would even be close to a point-a-game pace. Besides Savvy and Patrice Bergeron(notes), it's hard to think of anyone that hasn't at least been a disappointment at best, or a colossal, blown-up-on-the-launchpad disaster (hi, Milan Lucic(notes)!). The power play has dropped off by a solid five points as well.

And let's go over the defense. Zdeno Chara's(notes) a plus-6. Johnny Boychuk's(notes) a plus-3. That's it for positive plus-minus ratings there as well. Remember last year when the Bruins defensemen scored 50 goals? Yeah, they must not either, because they have 19 this year with a pretty similar D corps. And yeah, they're fifth in the league in goals against, but last year they were first.

A lot of that defensive slump, though, has to do with Tim Thomas(notes), who has been very mediocre pretty much all season, but only recently was benched by Claude Julien in favor of Tuukka Rask(notes), who, if he had more games, would be getting Steve Mason-type plaudits from pundits for his 2.08/.928 performance. Especially in front of a team as terribly disappointing as the Bruins have been this year. [Puck Daddy]

UND Misses Summit League scheduling window

Hum, I find this move predictable, look very carefully at this statement: "won't be considered until the "Fighting Sioux" nickname issue has been resolved." I think we know what that means. What we have now is a University President Robert Kelley lobbying the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education to drop the Fighting Sioux nickname immediately.

Let’s not kid ourselves, “RESOLVED” probably means dropped, nickname changed, no more Fighting Sioux nickname. Sioux fans our once proud name is going to be on the scrap heap of history soon. It appears that the Summit League has become a proxy for the NCAA, the first salvo has been fired over the bow, do as we say or else. I am sure Miles Brands is smiling today.

UND has missed it's opportunity to joining the Summit League this year.

UND president Robert Kelley says he talked with League commissioner Tom Douple over the last few days and learned UND has missed the scheduling window for the 2011-2012 season.

Kelley says 2012 will be the earliest they can play in Summit League conference play if they are even accepted.

They've applied but won't be considered until the "Fighting Sioux" nickname issue has been resolved.

Kelley say this was unexpected, they had hopes they would still make the window.

He says it shows the league won't wait for them even though they've said UND is a perfect fit.

Kelley says this points out the urgency of resolving the nickname issue quickly, so they don't miss out on other opportunities.

" We are seeing some doors start to close the scheduling has moved past us you know this is a long process there is no drop dead date in this the big concern I have is other schools are wanting to get into the Summit League."

Kelley says his concern could lead him to ask the league for a contingency plan to hold a spot for their application if the nickname issue is not solved in a reasonable time frame. [WDAZ]

In Seth the Knight's trust

I was reading my home town newspaper the Grand Forks Herald this morning and much to my amazement there was an very nice article about Grafton Park River goalie Dylan Offutt in the sports page. That's fine to write a nice article about the Grafton Park River goalie but this was a kid that as shelled in two previous games against the Knights 8-0. Offutt was outscored 17-2 in three games.

There is another goalies that has had a much more impressive season, Central Knights senior goalie Seth Lang has a GAA of 0.89 and a save percentage of .936 with 11 shutouts. If your not impressed with those numbers the Grand Forks Central Knights have 13 shutouts this season in 24 games.

I am not here to slam the Grand Forks Herald sport page because I think Brad Elliot Schlossman does a great job covering Fighting Sioux hockey. None the less the Herald coverage of high school sports in Grand Forks, ND that doesn’t relate to Red River High School is a bit to be desired. If Red River plays a hockey game it’s on the front page of the sports page, if the Central Knights play a hockey game it’s lucky to get three columns on the fifth page.

I not saying don’t cover Red River High school, I am just saying both schools should get equal coverage from the Herald and it’s just not the case. I like the kids from both schools they are great ambassadors for Grand Forks, ND. Does the herald really need to do a story on a kid from Grafton, ND that is the 15th ranked goalie in the state of North Dakota when the number one goalie in ND plays 6 blocks from the Grand Forks Heralds office?

Central Knights offensive Juggernaut

Not only is the defense getting the job done but the Central Knights can roll three lines and grind the opposition into the ground. Central has 10 players over 20 points and junior forward Casey Purpur is 2nd in the state of North Dakota with (33g-27a-60pts) in 24 games, freshman Luke Johnson is ranked 5th in the state in scoring with (16g-28a-44pts) and Johnny Simonson is ranked 9th with (14g-28a-42pts). You might never know this because little if anything has been written in the newspapers about this impressive high school hockey team. Central players Bottineau in the first round of the ND High School Hockey team on Thursday.

Grand Forks Central [21-3]
The Knights have won 11 of their last 12 games with their last loss coming on February 13th at home to Fargo South 4-1. The Knights have only allowed 21 goals in 24 games this season which is just under less than a goal per game and they average around 6-goals offensively. The Knights only allowed 1-goal and Seth Lang posted two shutouts in three games last weekend at the East Region Tournament so they are coming in very solid. This will be the first meeting between the two teams since at least 1993.

Bottineau [15-8-1]
The Braves are the story of the tournament so far as they have not played in a state tournament since 1993. David Hoff was the coach back then and he is still the Head Coach today so he has experience at state although it was many years ago. His Braves are somewhat young but can play and come in with a [4-1-1] mark over their last 6-games. Their only loss over the last 6-games was the 4-1 West Region opener to Bismarck High who went on to win the region title two days later. The Braves have not played G.F. Central for many, many years so no recent match up history to report.



2010 N.D. State Boy's High School Hockey Tournament

Thursday, February 25th: at Engelstad Main Arena - Grand Forks, N.D.
12:00 PM: #1W-Bismarck High vs #4E-West Fargo
2:30 PM: #2E-Fargo South vs #3W-Williston
6:00 PM #1E-G.F. Central vs #4W-Bottineau
8:30 PM #2W-Bismarck Century vs #3E-Grafton/Park River

You make the call. Suspend or not.

Like I said on the other post: I just watched the video when I got home from work at least 15 times and I just can't see an elbow in there, that is not saying it didn't possibly happen. The video quality for FSSN isn't very good to begin with; this is an ongoing issue. I have been hoping that FSSN decided to go to HD soon.

Since the video of the hit in question is not very good and it's grainy, even on my 40 inch television, I wouldn’t be able to make a definitive determination if there was in fact a questionable hit. I would also hope that the video quality is better than this if and when the WCHA league office decides to review game film and determine if they want hand down a suspension on the play or not.

To me from my perspective it looks like Connolly turns into the wall at the last moment and it appears to be a shoulder to shoulder check that looks like the check in question vaults him into the boards violently, possibly hitting his head on the boards? From the video I reviewed, it does not appear to be an elbow to the head of Mike Connolly from Corbin Knight. There was no call on the play from the refs on the play.

I don't know maybe this is a boarding or charging call? Based on that video which is not conclusive, I predict there will be no suspension from the WCHA. If there is another angle that has better video evidence, I would like to see it to make a determination. My personnel ruling is in complete not enough evidence.

I am in no way condoning hits to the head or endorsing hits to the head, if a Sioux player commits an act that is punishable or worthy of a suspension they should face the consequences. If the league decides that they want to suspend Knight, so be it, I would except the ruling. What would the league suspend him for one game? I am not sure that this hit rises to the level of the Genoway and Marvin incident. Marvin got a one game suspension. Do you think the WCHA will suspend Corbin Knight for this hit? What do you think?

Winger Mike Connolly is recovering from a concussion received in the final minutes of Saturday's game at North Dakota. Connolly took an elbow to the head from North Dakota's Corban Knight. The play was made along the side glass in UMD's defensive zone and Connolly hit the glass with the left side of his face, and has a bruise and black eye to show for it. He will be allowed to practice and play when his concussive symptoms are gone, he said. There was no penalty on the play. [Rink and Run]

Here are a few other links to blogs discussing the issue [Ciskie Blog], [Runin with the Dogs], [Rink and Run], [Sioux Yeah, Yeah]

Corban Knight HIt on Mike Connolly

Goon asked me to post this video of the Knight hit on Mike Connolly. The talk over on Sioux Sports is that Connolly suffered a concussion from an "elbow."

For the life of me I don't see Knights elbow come up. It looks like a routine check to me.

I saw the check live and was also surprised that "22" went down like that. I even thought that Knight got more of the boards than the body on that check.

I don't think it was a dirty hit and I hope that Mr. Connolly is back in the lineup soon.

Edit: I asked Whistler to post the hit, I have not seen the hit in question and tried to find it on the DVR before I went to work at 1530 hours this afternoon. I will hold off commenting on it till tomorrow morning.

Poll Monday (UND 8th in both)

USCHO.com Division I Men's Poll
[February 22, 2010]
1 Denver (39) 22- 6-4 988 2
2 Miami (11) 23- 5-6 957 1
3 Wisconsin 19- 8-4 887 3
4 St. Cloud State 20-10-4 829 4
5 Yale 18- 6-3 811 5
6 Bemidji State 21- 7-2 700 9
7 Boston College 18-10-2 668 8
8 North Dakota 16-11-5 638 11
9 Cornell 16- 8-3 551 10
10 Minnesota-Duluth 18-13-1 499 6
11 New Hampshire 15-10-5 498 13
12 Michigan State 18-11-5 452 12
13 Colorado College 17-12-3 435 7
14 Ferris State 19-11-4 371 14
15 Union 18- 8-6 368 16
16 Maine 15-12-3 245 15
17 Alaska 14- 9-9 211 20
18 Vermont 13-11-6 95 17
19 Nebraska-Omaha 17-13-6 88 NR
20 Boston University 14-13-3 73 19
Others Receiving Votes: Northern Michigan 34, Mass.-Lowell 27, RIT 25, Northeastern 19, Michigan 10, Massachusetts 7, Sacred Heart 7, Minnesota 4, Colgate 2, St. Lawrence 1

--------------------------------

USA TODAY/USA Hockey men's poll
[Feb. 22, 2010]
Team (First Place) Record Pts PR
1. Denver (28) 22-6-4 504 2
2. Miami (6) 23-5-6 480 1
3. Wisconsin 19-8-4 429 3
4. Yale 18-6-3 392 5
5. St. Cloud State 20-10-4 387 4
6. Bemidji State 21-7-2 311 7
7. Boston College 18-10-2 288 9
8. North Dakota 16-11-5 279 11
9. Cornell 16-8-3 200 10
10. New Hampshire 15-10-5 185 13
11. Minnesota Duluth 18-13-1 170 6
12. Colorado College 17-12-3 126 8
13. Michigan State 18-11-5 122 12
14. Ferris State 19-11-4 73 14
15. Union 18-8-6 68 NR

Others Receiving Votes: Maine 29, Alaska 19, Nebraska-Omaha 8, RIT 6, Northern Michigan 3, Sacred Heart 1.

Who said this statement?

Here is a question for the great hockey minds. Who made this statement.

"We talk about it — I tell (the players) every week that we can't take foolish, selfish penalties," said unnamed WCHA coach, 12-9-3 overall in his first season as head coach. "North Dakota, they're notorious for roughing it up.

If you see a fight in our league, chances are they're involved. It's a source of pride for them. They try to get nasty and get in your face. That's the way they like to play, aggressive. We've got to be ready for that."

Thanks a million

I would like the thank the people that read our blog, we just surpassed 1,000,000 hits. My wife wanted to know if I was responsible for 900,000 of them. Goon’s World started in December 31st of 2005. This article covering former Gopher Phil Kessel's draft combine was the most ever viewed blog post.

INCH Power Rankings.

As always I include the INCH power rankings. Now we are to believe that Yale is the third ranked team in the power rankings. I don't think so.
1. Denver
2. Miami
3. Yale
4. Wisconsin
5. St. Cloud State
6. North Dakota Maybe Mario Lamoureux should drop the gloves more often. After serving a one-game suspension Friday for his pre-empted tete-a-tete with St. Cloud State's Aaron Marvin, he returned to the lineup Saturday and scored twice in the Fighting Sioux's 5-1 win over Minnesota Duluth.
16-11-5 (11-10-3 WCHA) LAST WEEK: W vs. Minnesota Duluth, 5-2; W vs. Minnesota Duluth, 5-1. THIS WEEK: at Colorado College, at Colorado College
7. Cornell
9. Bemidji State
10. Union
11. Boston College
12. Minnesota Duluth
13. Colorado College
14. Ferris State
15. New Hampshire
17. Nebraska-Omaha
18. Alaska
19. RIT
20. Boston University

Dropped out: Rensselaer, Northern Michigan
Bubble-licious: Rensselaer, Northern Michigan, Northeastern

USA Olympic Roster

USA OLYMPIC ROSTER

So, I’m watching the US Olympic hockey team, and thinking, I recognize a lot of those names from college. So I look up the USA roster, which is made up of 23 guys, and this is what I see.

WCHA
1. Zach Parise ----------- U. North Dakota
2. Paul Stastny ---------- Denver U.
3. Phil Kessel ------------ U. Minnesota
4. Erik Johnson --------- U. Minnesota
5. Ryan Malone --------- St. Cloud State
6. Joe Pavelski ---------- U. Wisconsin
7. Brian Rafalski -------- U. Wisconsin
8. Ryan Suter ------------ U. Wisconsin
9. David Backes --------- MN State – Mankato

CCHA
10. Jack Johnson -------- U. Michigan
11. Ryan Miller ----------- Michigan St.
12. Ryan Kesler --------- Ohio St.

Hockey East
13. Chris Drury ----------- Boston U.
14. Ryan Whitney ------- Boston U.
15. Brooks Orpik --------- Boston College
16. Jonathan Quick --- U. Mass-Amherst


That would be 9 guys that played in the WCHA are now playing for team USA, or 39% of them, if my math is correct. Plus you have 3 from the CCHA and 4 from HE. I think it is easy to see that college hockey does produce numerous great hockey talents. In total that would be 16-out-of-23 with ties to college hockey, or 70%, not too shabby. Oh, and there are also some college guys on team Canada too, eh.

USA Prevails 5 - 3

The speech from the movie Miracle still kind of fits today even thirty years later. Yeah; I watched the game.

Fast forward till today; leading up to the game we have heard how great the Canadians are and don't get me wrong the Canadians are a good team. The Russians are a good team; the Swedes have a good team as well. Team USA is going down without a fight. I think the thing that makes me happy is the fact that team USA just put four goals past one of the best goalies in the world. Two of the goals were scored by former Wisconsin Badger Brian Rafalski who was a former NHL team mate of Martin Brodeur’s. Maybe Rafalski know’s Marty’s weaknesses? If Brodeur has any?

You have to wonder if the Canadians just thought they were going to win. I must say that the last two minutes of the game were some of the best hockey I have seen in a long time. Former MSU goalie Ryan Miller was a brick wall and nothing short of awesome keeping the American in the game when the Canadians were pressing all over Team USA in the closing minutes. I guess you could say it was Miller Time.

GAME SUMMARY

SCORING
CAN 1 1 1 - 0
USA 2 1 2 - 0

First Period

1. USA, Rafalski (Suter , Langenbrunner) :41
2. CAN, Staal (Seabrook, Toews) 8:53
3. USA, Rafalski (Unassisted) 9:15

Penalties - Getzlaf CAN (interference) 3:41, Pavelski USA (high sticking) 6:07.

Second Period

4. CAN, Heatley (Toews, Weber) 3:32
5. USA, Drury (Ryan, Backes) 16:46

Penalties - Staal CAN (holding) 19:06

Third Period

6. USA, Langenbrunner (Rafalski, Suter) 7:09 (PPG)
7. CAN, Crosby (Nash, Keith) 16:51 (PPG)
8. USA, Kesler (Parise) 19:15 (ENG)

Penalties - Crosby CAN (high-sticking) 1:44, Perry CAN (slashing) 6:05, Kane USA (hooking) 10:49, E. Johnson USA (tripping) 14:56.

SHOTS ON GOAL
CAN 19 12 14 - 45
USA 6 13 3 - 22

Goaltenders (goals-shots against) - CAN: Brodeur (L, 4-22); USA: Miller (W, 3-45).

Power plays (goals-chances) - CAN: 1-4; USA: 1-4.

CHN hits it out of the park.

If you have not seen this article from the College Hockey News; you have got to read it because Adam Wodon really hits it out of the park. This article is a lot like the zinger Virg Foss wrote for the Grand Forks Herald last week. Kind of saying the same things many of us are saying only this is from a writer from the outside looking in at the WCHA. The view can't be that impressive. I know from a fan of the WCHA I can look at the ECAC and say that I would rather have Paul Stewart supervising our officials than Greg Shepherd.

I mean it's a serious question and should be addressed. Take the ECAC; Paul Stewart was a beloved NHL official, Greg Shepherd is not. My question is do we hold the WCHA officials and leadership culpable if a player gets hurt on their watch? There are no teeth to the WCHA's suspensions or discipline, If I am a player I can do about just about anything on the ice and only get a one game suspension.

We have been pretty critical of the WCHA officiating over the years, and rightly so. Actually, in general, offciating at the college level isn't the best, but that's to be expected, actually, and there's not much you can do about it. On that score, we rarely harp on officiating. But the WCHA seems to have this "let them play" atmosphere that, on the one hand, fans have loved vis-a-vis the other conferences, then deplored because it escalates into things like this.

Of course, it's not just this. The WCHA has bungled so many video review calls in recent years, I've lost count.

The issues stem from the top, and the leadership in the conference does not seem very interesting in cracking down on anything. When the other leagues all announced a crackdown on obstruction a number of years ago, for example, the WCHA remained very Laissez-faire about it. Well, that's one thing, but when the league keeps a hands off approach to any discipline of any kind, things start to snowball into instances like this.

Again, forget whether we should indict Aaron Marvin in particular. I just want to know how in the world that play is not a "contact to the head" penalty, a rule that was put in specifically to take the guesswork out of things by ruling any hit to the head, intentional or not, an infraction.

As players have become bigger, faster and stronger over the years, the potential for head injuries has exponentially increased. That is why more and more protective measures have been put in place. But that only works if these things are enforced. Bungling a video review call is one thing — being non-chalent about enforcing hits to the head calls is something that can put players' careers, or lives, in jeopardy. [Read the Whole Article]

History repeats itself Aaron Marvin hit on Blake Geoffrion

Color me surprised?!? So does this hit reach the threshold where the WCHA might decide to suspend Mr. Marvin for this hit? I would love to hear what that buffoon WCHA Commissioner Bruce McLeod has to say on this matter.

There is no queston, this is definitely a questionable hit, watching the video one could make the argument that Marvin is trying to head hunt Geoffrion on an open ice hit. Let's not forget Geoffrion is also in a vulnerable position as well. Of course there was no penalty called on the play, no one should be remotely surprised either based on the gong show that is Brad Shepherd, Todd Anderson were reffing this game. More buffoonery in action from the WCHA, but hey there wasn’t any fights, can’t have that, but you can have another all-American and Hobey Baker Candidate possibly injured on another questionable and dirty hit. Some day Marvin will have to answer for his questionable play by the hockey code. If anything this latest transgression basically makes McLeod look like a bigger moron for suspending Mario but acting as if Marvin was the victim.

It’s funny how history repeats itself again. This hit has cause quite the stir in Badger land. This wasn't a hit where a smaller player was hit by a bigger player either. Also, Mr Garrett Roe was gooning it up this weekend as well as he took 9 minutes in penalties in the third period of tonight's game. Roe is such a punk in my opinion.

(STC-9 Garrett Roe (2-Roughing) 18:51,
STC-10 Garrett Roe (2-CONTACT TO THE HEAD) 18:51
STC-11 Garrett Roe (5-Cross-Checking) WIS 2x8

This is what Chuck Swartz from 60 Minutes,No Alibis, No Regrets had to say about the Marvin hit. It will be interested to see how long it takes for some SCSU fan to defend this hit.

Senior Captain Blake Geoffrion had a major scare in tonight's game when he took a dirty check from St. Cloud State goon Aaron Marvin to the head. Now, Wisconsin isn't the cleanest team in the league, that's for sure...but I have no patience for hits to the head and this was as blatant as it can get.

Sioux sweep Dogs 5-1

The UMD Bulldogs have a record of 1-10-1 against the Fighting Sioux in the Ralph Engelstad Arena their last twelve games this weekend proved to be no better for the UMD Bulldogs. The REA has become a house of horror for the Bulldogs. If it wasn't for the puck in the net goal in duluth, the Fighting Sioux might have gone 4-0 against the Bulldogs for the season.

Air Tight Defense

The UND Fighting Sioux have the top rated defense in the WCHA and third overall nationally and have been tough to score goals against this season. Adding to their statistics this weekend the UND Fighting Sioux only gave up three goals the whole weekend to the UMD Bulldogs and UMD is no slouch when it comes to scoring goals.

What was impressive to me this weekend was that the Fighting Sioux held UMD Bulldogs to three goals all weekend, the UMD Bulldogs were 17th over nationally in scoring. What was even more impressive was the Fighting Sioux shutting down the Connolly boys (no they are not related) to a measly and impressive one point each - Mike Connolly (1g-0a-1pts) and Jack Connolly (0g-1a-1pts). That is no small feat because they are nice impressive dynamic offensive pair of players. The Sioux also held the talented Justin Fontaine (1g-0a-1pts). So basically the Fighting Sioux defense was able to limit the 4th and 5th (X2) best players in the WCHA to one point each.

Tough stretch for the Dogs

It is almost like the two teams are going different directions. UND has won three straight and UMD is kind of hit a tough stretch and kind of cooling off after starting out so hot.

The loss kept No. 9 UMD (18-13-1 and 14-9-1) in a tailspin, going 2-6 the last eight games and 1-10-1 the last 12 on North Dakota ice. The Bulldogs dropped to fourth in the league, four points ahead of North Dakota and Colorado College. [Rink and Run]

Second half surge?

The Sioux have a three game winning streak and are FINALLY scoring goals again (8 + 5 + 5 = 18 goals) in the last three games. While I am not ready to announce that everything is ok with the Fighting Sioux and they are off and running again towards the Frozen Four, it does appear that the Sioux may have righted the ship and peaking at the right time.

Brett Hextall has been impressive and has scored (8g-3a-11pts) in his last 7 games. It appears that Frats is back, Matt Frattin is also starting to chip in offensively and actually scored the last two goals of the second SCSU game and the first one of the first SCSU game.

[Box Score]

Saturday pontifications

Here is an up date on the Bemidji Regional Event Center will be the new home of the BSU Beavers. The Sioux and Beavers will open the new BREC next season the 15th and 16th of October 2010. This will also be the Beavers first home WCHA series.

The Fighting Sioux will also play UMD in the Hall of Fame game December 30th 2010 in the new DECC. Next season is going to be an exciting time in the WCHA, there will be two new teams; two teams in the WCHA will be opening brand new hockey arenas. Incidently, the UND Fighting Sioux will be opening both of these new buildings. Let's hope UND can prove to be good guests by starting both teams off with loses. :) Obviously, that is easier said than done because both teams are tough to beat on their home ice.

Julie Robenhymer brings luck to the Fighting Sioux

Julie Robenhymer from hockey buzz attended last night's hockey game between the Sioux and the Bulldogs. I tweeted this after the Sioux went up 2-0.

@JulieRobenhymer you seem to have brought some luck to the Sioux.

Here was her reply.

RT @goon48 you seem to have brought some luck to the Sioux - yet to be seen!! they're 0-6 in games I've attended, although none at home...

Yeah we can't lose all the games she watches UND play in right? You have to figure the law of averages will pick up for the Sioux right? Now they are 1-6 with the former Miss New Jersey watching us.

UND power play on fire

Since Brett Hextall returned from his leg injury last weekend the Fighting Sioux's power play has recovered from their 0-32 winter doldrums to go an impressive 8/17 in the last three games. Also, Hextall himself has been on fire scoring 10 points in his last 6 games.


Closing an Arena

My Friends Scott Williams and Moose Richards from the Hockey Show break down the final series in the John Glas Field House, against the Niagara University Purple Eagles. Close one down and open another one. The guys are right the John Glas Field House is not adequate for division one hockey. [Click to listen]

Redwing 77: A Situation McLeod would never know (nor for that matter, would Shepherd)

I just found this article and I thought I would share it. Nathan Fournier of the World of Junior Hockey Blog posted this article of the QMJHL's recent upholding of Patrice Cormier's suspension. Apparently this is a very legal-style process with examinations, cross examinations, and so on. I wonder if the QMJHL Commissioner, as the judge in this apparent courtroom drama, wore a black robe?

Anyways, the crux of the article is thus: Patrice Cormier committed an illegal act that was of the most severe and heinous order. Upon review of the facts, there was no reason to doubt or alter the initial discipline board's decision. Of course, Cormier can appeal again to independent arbitration. (I expect him to do that)

So, Patrice Cormier, YOU SIT YOU SIT YOU SIT! (Courtesy: Sioux student section among others)

Here's the direct quote from QMJHL Commissioner Gilles Courteau:

"After hearing the testimonies, examining the evidence and meticulously analyzing the facts, I believe that Patrice Cormier’s gesture was very violent and susceptible of inflicting severe damage to the victim. The decision rendered by the Disciplinary Prefect follows the principals outlined by the League’s Board of Governors in the fall of 2008 regarding the elimination of gratuitous violence. Furthermore, the decision is consistent with the need to establish new and more severe disciplinary standards to dissuade players from taking these actions."

"Consequently, I declare that the Disciplinary Prefect’s decision to suspend Patrice Cormier is justified, reasonable and consistent with the League’s new policy."

NOW: To tie this into WCHA Hockey: Could you imagine McLeod saying that he'd like to impose some sort of stance such as the one the Q's Board of Governors took in 2008?

I can.

Do you think McLeod has the cohones to ENFORCE it like the Q's Discipline Board and now the Commissioner did?

Absolutely....not.

It would mean suspending a player for more than 2 games. It would also mean forming some sort of commission to enable the player's voice to be heard as well as the coach and AD of both schools. To be fair, that would probably benefit Gwozdecky. Then again.... I don't believe he ever has to worry about suspensions anyways.

To be honest, I don't think a discipline board is necessary in the WCHA. As aggravating as cheap hits are, the WCHA is lucky enough to not have them as too often an occurrence. But Virg Foss is right. The WCHA, and perhaps even the NCAA, doesn't have the safety of the players in mind.

I don't know what the answer is. I'm reluctant to allow fighting in NCAA hockey as I don't believe that fighting will always occur at the "right" times. That's a growing problem even in leagues that allow fighting. But at the same time, the officials, who have to step up if fighting isn't allowed, aren't stepping up.

Virg Foss (article here) said that the officials got reprimanded the last time UND was involved in a fight because they were allowed to fight. So, they stepped in on Lamoreaux and Marvin before it could have been settled. Well... now what?

It's now coming to the point that there SHOULD be a push by member schools to force the WCHA to take a hard stance on this topic: Either push the NCAA to allow fighting and structure the rules about fighting accordingly OR officials and the league disciplinary stance must be stepped up to protect the players at all costs. It seems to me, the only realistic and consistent way to do that is to take the judgment out of the hands of the officials. That means crackdown. It destroys the integrity of the game by forcing the hands of those officiating, sure, but when the officials cannot be trusted to make the right decisions for a variety of reasons (already covered) over time (aka a trend), it becomes a necessity (the Bina rule wasn't a new invention, remember).

I just hope something happens before someone gets another season ending injury of the cheap shot variety.

Hextall paces UND 5 UMD 2

This goal was the one that broke the UMD Bulldogs back the Sioux were killing a five on three power play and Hextall came out of the penalty box and Derrick LaPoint caught with a nice pass that sent Hextall in on a break away. Hextall's other goal was a thing of beauty as well.

The Sioux played a good game in all three zones of the ice tonight and never really were challeged once UND got a 3-0 lead. In the last two game the Sioux have scored 13 goals.

[Box Score]

Letter to the commissioner

This is an email a friend of mine sent to the league commissioner of the WCAH after the brutal, questionable ruling where Mario Lamoureaux was suspened for one game for almost getting in a fight with Aaron Marvin.

Mr. Bruce McLeod.....what a disappointment! Giving Mario Lamoureaux a one-game suspension and not Aaron Marvin is simply sad and an injustice. Marvin's actions on the ice were not one bit different than those of Lamoureaux's. How do you justify a different penalty for the same action? How disappointing your judgment has become in the past few years. Simply disappointing! Your hatred for certain teams and love for other certain teams has become blatantly obvious...I believe it's time you sharpen up your resume and seek new employment.

As a fan of college hockey for 39 years and a former collegiate player, I can honestly say what you are doing is ruining the game. I go to games to watch good, hard-nosed hockey. What I have been watching these past couple of years is officiating. As you will probably agree, officiating should not get noticed in a good game. I have not been to a game in the WCHA in several years where I don't noticed how bad the officiating is. You own this result!

Here is the response that Bruce McLeod sent him. Now this guy never identifies his team that he follows and this is the reply that McLeod gives him. Mind you, this is an impressive response.

Dear Sir - Sorry you feel that way - Hope you will continue to support Sioux Hockey !!

NCAA Hockey 101.

Ryan Lambert from Puck Daddy interviewed me for the pop quiz this week.

POP QUIZ

In which I ask a blogger five questions about the team they follow. This week, Goon from Goon's World and about a million other places, was kind enough to share his thoughts on the entire landscape of college hockey.

1) What has Miami done the last few years to be so mind-bogglingly successful (short of an actual postseason title, obviously)?

I think you could answer this question in two words; Enrico Blasi. Blasi is a very good coach and he expects a lot out of his players and has been very successful on the ice. I would say that he is recruiting the right mix of players and they are buying into what he is telling them. Color me impressed.

2) Who is the best rookie in the country right now?

Statically it's Stephane Da Costa from Merrimack College (13g-22a-35pts), that being said, putting on my homer glasses and having the opportunity to watch BSU a few times this season I have been impressed with Jordan George from BSU (13g-17a-30pts) I think Jordan George is a diamond in the rough and this recruit is a testament of thetype of recruiter Tom Serratore is. WCHA beware. I would say that George is my rookie of the year candidate.

3) Given the WCHA is about to send the most teams of any conference to the NCAAs (right now I've got six teams going), how likely is an All-WCHA Frozen Four?

I don't think we will ever see another Frozen Four with all 4 team being from the WCHA. In 2005 there were a lot of people that were less than thrilled about the WCHA getting four teams in the Frozen Four. I also think the 2008 Midwest Regional in Madison where you had DU; Wisconsin, UND and Princeton in the same regional was kind of a preview of what will happen if you have five or more teams in the NCAA tourney from a single league. This season there is going to be a bracket or two where there will be WCHA teams doubled up, especially if there are six WCHA teams in the tourney.

4) Do you feel as though we've seen a significant rise in the number of dirty hits or suspensions in college hockey this year?

Loaded question: No and not enough or lengthy suspensions, in my opinion. This is a hot-button issue with many college hockey fans. Untilthe NCAA decides to really get serious about protecting the players you are going to see more incidents like the Aaron Marvin hit on Chay Genoway. Seriously, what's to stop a team from just going out and taking a run a star player with the intent of injuring him if you're only going to have the offending player get suspended for flimsy one or two game suspension? There needs to be a set standard for discipline in NCAA division one hockey, no more smoke filled room decisions, there needs to be more transparency.

A perfect example of how bad the officiating is in college hockey; the one-game suspension to Aaron Marvin is an absolute joke and a travesty, and the WCHA should be ashamed. Let's break it down even more: the league gave Marvin a one-game suspension for knocking out a Hobey Baker candidate and potential All-American for the season on a dirty checking from behind penalty, that the refs actually penalized the wrong player on, the league officials had to review the tape between periods to get the right player.

The Marvin hit on Genoway would probably net at least 2-4 games in the NHL, even with the inconsistency of the Colin Campbell's Wheel of Justice and probably longer in the QMJHL.

In my favorite league it's going to take a player really getting seriously hurt and carried off the ice on a gurney before the WCHA will finally get serious about disciplining the players that commit egregious penalties on the ice, I think the leagues head of officials is culpable for what has transpired on the ice this season because their disciplinary rulings have no teeth to them.

5) With only six points separating second from seventh in Hockey East, who do you think comes out as the league's representatives in the NCAA tournament.

I think it's going to be Boston College because UNH's out of conference record is brutal and is going to kill them in the end, the Wildcats are1-5-1, Boston College is 5-2 in out of conference play.

How about a lifetime DQ for WCHA leadership

For those that haven't seen this article Virg Foss hits it out of the park and is spot on in his assessment of the WCHA league office. This is another example of the where the league office miss managed another on ice incident, shall we say epic fail.

In the movie “Forrest Gump,” one of Forrest’s famous quotes is “stupid is as stupid does.”

Somehow, Thursday’s decision by the Western Collegiate Hockey Association to suspend UND’s Mario Lamoureux for one game for violating the league’s rules “code of conduct and sportsmanship” brings that line to mind.

If a remake of that classic movie is ever made, I’d cast WCHA commissioner Bruce McLeod and supervisor of officials Greg Shepherd in lead roles.

Simply put, the ruling by league leadership to suspend Lamoureux for one game for coming within 20 feet of St. Cloud State’s Aaron Marvin and NOT throwing a single punch ranks as the dumbest decision I’ve seen in my 40-plus years of following the WCHA.

Let’s set the table with this short recap. Marvin knocked UND captain Chay Genoway out — likely for the year — two weeks into the WCHA season with a violent, illegal hit from behind. His hit left Genoway struggling with post-concussion syndrome even today and who knows how long into the future.

For that, Marvin got a one-game suspension from the WCHA, just like Denver’s Geoff Paukovich did for breaking the neck of UND’s Robbie Bina a few seasons ago with another illegal hit.

Now Lamoureux, for not throwing a single punch, draws the same single-game suspension?

Marvin’s illegal hit certainly altered the direction of UND’s promising season. Worse yet, it changed the life of Genoway, a fine young man and perhaps the country’s best college player.

We all knew there would be payback coming for Marvin. Since the league doesn’t protect its players, Lamoureux was simply following the unwritten player code found throughout hockey of standing up for each other.

With the teams set up for a faceoff at St. Cloud State last weekend, Lamoureux came off the bench to replace a player lined up across from Marvin. As the puck was being dropped, Lamoureux dropped his gloves, shed his helmet and challenged Marvin to a fight.

Marvin knew payback was coming. He manned up to it by dropping his gloves and removing his helmet as well. If the officials had let that go, the matter would have been settled. Both players would have been ejected, and the deal done with. Now most certainly it will linger into next season.[Grand Forks Herald]

McLeod's incoherent statement

UND Hockey beat writer Brad Elliott Schlossman, has a new article up on the Herald's web site and this is what stuck out with me. The November incident has nothing to do with last weekend's games. More bumbling buffoonery from Bruce McLeod, maybe it would be better if he didn't say anything. The comments for this article is going to be fun to watch as well.

Marvin, a Warroad, Minn., native, was suspended one game in November for that hit — the same punishment leveled at Lamoureux on Thursday.

McLeod said he didn’t want to compare the suspensions.

“I don’t want to comment on that,” he said. “That’s an apples and oranges deal. You have to take the initial suspension to Marvin into context. A lot has changed in hockey since then.”

UND is a bunch of goons?

The UAA fan blog had an interesting point on UND being highly penalized and a bunch of goons, 5 of the top 20 most penalized players are from UND. I am not shocked. If you peruse the numbers you will also notice that the highest penalized WCHA player is from the SCSU Huskies. Yep, our buddy the cheater Chris Hepp is ranked third in NCAA penalty minutes. I also expected to see more MSU-M Mavericks in the top 25. Looks like UMD brings a goon or two to Grand Forks, ND as well. Mario Lamoureux's 28 penalty minutes in one games skewed his numbers a bit.

3 Chris Hepp St. Cloud State D Jr 32 0 1 1 0.0313 94 0 0 0 0
9 Mario Lamoureux North Dakota F So 30 3 5 8 0.2667 79 1 0 0 5
11 Ben Blood North Dakota D So 30 3 5 8 0.2667 72 0 2 0 1
12 Andrew MacWilliam North Dakota D Fr 30 0 3 3 0.1000 71 0 0 0 4
15 Brett Hextall North Dakota F So 21 9 5 14 0.6667 70 0 6 0 -3
Jordan Fulton Minnesota-Duluth W Sr 30 2 7 9 0.3000 70 0 0 0 -2
17 Brad Malone North Dakota F Jr 30 7 9 16 0.5333 68 1 0 1 4
21 Kevin Clark Alaska-Anchorage F Sr 28 16 11 27 0.9643 67 1 5 2 -10
25 Aaron Marvin St. Cloud State F Jr 31 4 6 10 0.3226 65 1 0 1 0
31 Craig Smith Wisconsin F Fr 27 4 19 23 0.8519 60 0 0 0 13
43 John Kivisto Michigan Tech D/F Sr 28 4 7 11 0.3929 55 0 2 0 -14
44 Chad Huttel Minnesota-Duluth D Jr 24 1 1 2 0.0833 54 0 0 0 9
Chris Crowell Alaska-Anchorage F Fr 23 0 0 0 0.0000 54 0 0 0 -7
48 Kael Mouillierat Minnesota State F Sr 29 9 7 16 0.5517 52 3 5 0 -2
Mike Louwerse Minnesota State F So 27 5 4 9 0.3333 52 1 2 0 -5

The SCSU perspective on this suspesions.

For those that haven't seen this I included the Saint Cloud times perspective on this matter. I think McLeod has a case of wishful thinking if thinks this matter is over.

This is the second league action against St. Cloud State in three weeks and the third of the season. Motzko received a league reprimand for his actions toward an official following a 6-4 loss Jan. 30 at Colorado College. And Aaron Marvin was suspended one game for a Nov. 13 hit from behind on Sioux captain Chay Genoway that ignited the situation that resurfaced Saturday.

"Unfortunately, I can't win when it comes to talking about what happened," Motzko said on his radio show Monday when talking about the Lamoureux-Marvin conflict. "We're in a position (in the standings) where we can't afford to lose anyone. All I can say is I'm really glad Aaron Marvin is going to play Friday. It gives us a better chance to win."

Lamoureux, a sophomore forward, was suspended for “violating the WCHA Code of Conduct/Sportsmanship Rules.” Late in the first period, he tried to instigate an altercation with Marvin. The two dropped their gloves and removed their helmets to fight, only the two linesmen jumped in and pinioned their arms before the could throw any punches. Each received a double-minor for unsportsmanlike conduct and a 10-minute misconduct. Both later acknowledged the intention was to settle the dispute brewing since Marvin hit Genoway, causing a concussion that has kept the latter off the ice since.

“We have addressed this with both parties,” WCHA commissioner Bruce McLeod said Thursday. “I know Mario Lamoureux may have said he doesn’t feel that way, but we have assurances from both teams that this is something we’re putting behind us.” [SC Times]

Weekend Match-Ups (by Sioux 7)

The Goon and I were at last Saturday’s game in St. Cloud. Needless to say we enjoyed the game, 8 goals, a few little scuffles, and what would have been a fight, if the linesman wouldn’t have stepped in before it started. The city of SC is fun place to visit, and we enjoyed visiting with various SC fans before and after the game. I would recommend visiting SCSU for a game, if you have the chance.

The Playoff picture is starting to clear up after last week. It appears that DU, UMD, UW, and SCSU will be at home for the first round of the playoffs. It also appears that UAA, MSU-M, and MTU will be on the road. The only question is if either UND or possibly UM can catch CC for the 5th and last home ice spot. CC has to play the Gophers this weekend and the Sioux the following weekend, so both teams have a chance to take points from the Tigers.


CURRENT WCHA STANDINGS

TEAM…………………..GP….W-L-T…PTS
1 Denver….……………......22….14-4-4….32
2 St. Cloud State…..…..24….14-7-3….31
3 Minnesota-Duluth…....22….14-7-1….29
3 Wisconsin…………….....22….13-6-3….29
5 Colorado College……...22….11-8-3….25
6 North Dakota…………...22….9-10-3….21
7 Minnesota…………….....22….8-12-2….18
7 Alaska-Anchorage…...24….8-14-2….18
9 Minnesota State……...22….6-15-1….13
10 Michigan Tech……....22….4-18-0….8


WCHA
#6 Minnesota-Duluth at #11 North Dakota
Last weekend the Bulldogs were enjoying their last bye weekend and the Sioux split a series with the Huskies in St. Cloud.

Earlier this season the Bulldogs and the Sioux split in Duluth. This will also be the 4th team the Sioux will be playing after they had a bye week. The Sioux are looking to keep the momentum going after their 8-1 stomping of SCSU. UND needs to get all the points they can to try and grab the final home ice spot. UMD also wants points to try and catch the MacNaughton Cup. I would like to think that Saturday’s win will be the turning point of the season and the Sioux will now go on a tear. The Bulldogs have cooled off as of late, going 2-4-0 in their last 6 games. I’m going to with my team this weekend, SIOUX SWEEP.


#7 Colorado College at Minnesota
Last weekend the Tigers were resting up on an off weekend and the Gophers were swept by DU in Denver. (On an odd side note, this is first week in the Chinese New Year, and it is now “The Year of the Tiger”.)

The Tigers have cooled off in league play, going 3-5-0 in their last 8 WCHA games. Meanwhile the Gophers have never really heated up this season and have gone 2-5-1 in their last 8 games. The UM has a losing record (7-8-1) at home this season, which is odd, even for this version of the Gophers. The Gophers need to sweep the Tigers if they want to catch them in the standings. Being a Sioux fan, I need to cheer for the Gophers in these games (Friday at 6pm, Saturday at 3pm, odd times…) so that UND can catch up to CC. I’m going to call this my upset special of the week, heck maybe the season and I’m probably going to regret making this call. GOPHERS SWEEP.


#4 St. Cloud State at #3 Wisconsin
Last weekend the Huskies split at home with UND and the Badgers swept the Mavericks in the Kohl Center.

Back in November these teams split in St. Cloud, with each team winning 4-1. The Huskies have only lost twice since the beginning of 2010, and are 2-2-1 in their last five games. Could it be that SCSU is starting to cool off? After this weekend SCSU will only have two games left, against MSUM. So the Huskies need points to hold off UW in the standings. The Badgers also have only lost twice since the New Year, and are 5-1-0 in their last 6 games. UW is a stellar 12-2-3 at home this season, and SCSU is 9-6-0 on the road. The Badgers are leading the league in scoring, and also goal differential (they are a +32). BADGERS 3pts.


Michigan Tech at #2 Denver
Last weekend the Huskies were taking a mid-winter break and the Pioneers swept the Gophers in Denver.

Looking at the standings this match-up might happen again come March 12th. The Huskies are a pretty solid lock for the 10-spot in the league and DU has the inside track for winning the league. DU has to take it one game at a time, and not look past MTU. DU just has to play their game and they should take all the points this weekend. For the Huskies, they need to find ways to score; they are averaging just over 2 goals per game, while they surrender over 4 goals per game. In these games of worst versus first, I’m going with first. PIONEERS SWEEP.


Alaska-Anchorage at Minnesota State
Last weekend the Seawolves were on their bye week and the Mavericks were swept in Wisconsin by the Badgers.

UAA still is alive for home ice, but that dream is on life support. More likely is that UAA can try and grab 7th place in the league from the Gophers and put MSUM into 9th. The Seawolves seem to have a little trend going on this season, lose Friday and win Saturday. After this weekend UAA will only have 2 league games left, so they need to get as many points as they can on this road trip. The Mavericks have quietly slipped away from my radar. The only thing they got going for them is they are ahead of Tech. I’m going call this series a SPLIT.

WCHA suspends UND's Lamoureux, SCSU's Hepp

Here is the latest update. This is turning into a debacle; Mario and Hepp will be suspended for a game stemming from last weekend's series with the SCSU Huskies. Orginally It sounded like the league originally only wanted to suspend Lamoureux but it sounds like UND sent a tape to the league office showing Chris Hepp coming off the player’s bench to engage MacWilliam. This is basically another display of stupidity from the WCHA; this ruling by the WCHA makes them look like a Kangaroo Court. If you think I am joking look it up, This ruling just confirms how most of us feel about Shepherd and McLeod, buffoonery in action. Props to our friend 60 Minutes.

Grand Forks Herald: The WCHA has suspended UND forward Mario Lamoureux and St. Cloud State forward Chriss Hepp for one game for "their actions" during Saturday night's game.

Lamoureux challenged St. Cloud State forward Aaron Marvin to a fight in the first period. Both players dropped their gloves, but no punches were thrown.

Hepp left the bench to join an altercation in the third period.

Will Mario get suspended and not Hepp or Marvin?

This was on Brad's twitter this morning. If this is true this it’s an utter joke. The message that I got from this that it's ok to leave a bench to engage in a scrum (worthy of a 10 game suspension in the NHL) but to drop the gloves and then not even fight is worthy of a 1 game suspension? This is the same length of suspension for a CFB that caused an injury to the oppostion player. Are you kidding me? Mind you the other player involved in this discussion was more than willingly, dropped his gloves and was more than willing to fight but was stopped by the refs. Said player actually dropped his gloves a little earlier than Mario.

@SchlossmanGF Word is that the WCHA is looking to suspend Lamoureux for one game, but UND is appealing. Official decision Thursday. about 5 hours ago from TweetDeck Retweeted by you and 1 other
--------------------
SchlossmanGF : @KVSCHockey Source was uncertain about Marvin or Hepp, but thought they might be OK to play this weekend. Should know Thursday afternoon. about 5 hours ago from TweetDeck

Winnipeg not outside the realm of possibilities

For those people that keep saying that the NHL won’t return to Winnipeg, you might want to return to this article from last season. There have also been discussions about moving the NHL back to Quebec City and Winnipeg.  

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman has allegedly said he would rather see the Phoenix Coyotes move to Winnipeg than Hamilton, according to documents filed in the team's bankruptcy court case.

Earl Scudder, a lawyer who works for Coyotes majority owner Jerry Moyes, filed an affidavit Friday that said Bettman told him this last month when told there was a buyer interested in buying the team and moving it to southern Ontario.

According to The Canadian Press news agency, Bettman allegedly told Scudder that Hamilton's Copps Coliseum isn't an ideal destination because it's over 30 years old, saying "if the team did return to Canada, it would be Winnipeg," according to the filed document.

The statement went on to say the only way Bettman would allow a second NHL team in southern Ontario was through expansion.

Winnipeg lost its NHL club in 1996 when the Jets moved to Phoenix.
[Read the story here]

North Dakota Fighting Sioux Defenseman Corey Fienhage Talks to Die by the Blade

Sophomore defenseman Fighting Sioux defenseman Corey Fienhage was interviewed by Sabres Hockey Blog. I think you will find his answers interesting.

Corey Fienhage was a 3rd round draft pick (#81 overall) of the Buffalo Sabres in the 2008 entry draft. Fienhage is a defenseman for the North Dakota Fighting Sioux on the WCHA. He played in only nine games as a freshman but this season, his sophomore campaign, he has played in 21 games and has become a regular on the Sioux blueline.

Fienhage fits the profile of a fan favorite in Buffalo. He is a big body defenseman (6'3" - 215 lbs.) that isn't afraid to play a physical style. I had an opportunity to catch up with him this week and talk about his season and his future in the Sabres organization.

Diebytheblade: Let's begin by talking about this season at North Dakota. It has been kind of an up and down season for the team. Why do you think the team as been so inconsistent?

Corey Fienhage: We are playing really well now. We lost our captain early on in the season and it was tough to get going without him. At first goals were tough to come by but now we are scoring goals and it's all about the effort now.

Diebytheblade: Tell me about playing in the WCHA. It seems there is never an easy weekend in that conference. Does it ever get overwhelming knowing that every weekend you are playing against a top 10 team?

Corey Fienhage: The mentality is that we are going to win every game. It is a tough conference but that is what is exciting about it.

Diebytheblade:Do you think playing a difficult regular season schedule helps the team in the long run and when you play out of conference games?

Corey Fienhage: The East Coast teams are pretty good as well. Playing in the WCHA is a lot of fun but there are good teams in the east as well.

Diebytheblade:You chose to take the NCAA route by attending North Dakota. Was NCAA hockey always your first choice or did you consider playing Canadian major junior hockey?

Corey Fienhage: That was always what I wanted to do. I first started playing hockey in Alabama because I lived in Tennessee. Since I moved to Minnesota and started playing high school hockey, I wanted to play NCAA and I wanted to play in the WCHA. [Die By the Blade]

Little room for error.

Bruce Ciskie the radio voice of the UMD Bulldogs kind of lays out a scenario that shows how little room for error the Fighting Sioux hockey team has the rest of the way forward. The UND Fighting Sioux need a sweep this weekend and three out of four points next weekend to gain home ice. It doesn't look like UND is going to catch the Bulldogs unless they go on a late season swoon.

Heading into this weekend's two-game series at North Dakota, the Bulldogs have an eight-point lead over the sixth-place Fighting Sioux. Each team has six league games left, for a total of 12 available points.

That means UMD's "magic number" for home-ice advantage in the WCHA playoffs is six points. Any combination of six points accumulated by UMD or lost by North Dakota will give the Bulldogs a coveted home-ice position.

This could happen this weekend. UMD getting a win and a tie in Grand Forks would give them a ten-point lead on the Sioux with four games to go. It would be impossible for North Dakota to catch UMD, as they could only pick up eight points over the rest of the season.

If the Bulldogs just get a split, they would only need one win or two ties in their last four games to clinch home ice.

It's not time to buy your playoff tickets yet, UMD fans, but we're getting real close [Ciske Blog]

Thrasher to Winnipeg?

If an NHL franchise relocated to Winnipeg this would be a dream come true for me, NHL Hockey 150 miles from Grand Fork, ND. I knew there was a reason that I applied for my passport and passport card this past winter so I can go to Winnipeg and watch the Jets play hockey in the Peg again. I know, I know, it’s not close to being done but it keeps getting thrown around every once in a while, so I figure eventually something will stick. I have been holding out hope since the Jets left Winnipeg that they would someday return to Winnipeg, Manitoba. This was also discussed on the Pipe Line Show as well.

A group based in Toronto is looking at purchasing the NHL's struggling Atlanta Thrashers and moving them to Winnipeg, according to a Hockey Night in Canada analyst.

Despite the report, local shinny fans hoping for the return of the National Hockey League shouldn't start budgeting for season tickets just yet. Don Waddell, executive vice-president and general manager of the Thrashers, called the reports "completely false", according to the team's website co-ordinator.

Al Strachan, an analyst on CBC's Hockey Night in Canada, said during the show's Hot Stove segment that a group of wealthy individuals in Toronto are interested in buying the team and moving it to Winnipeg to play at the downtown MTS Centre.

"There's still a lot of work to be done, but there's a lot of work that has been done already," he said during the broadcast.

MTS Centre is home to the American Hockey League's Manitoba Moose. A spokesman for Moose governor and True North Sports and Entertainment chairman Mark Chipman declined comment on the report.

Strachan said the Toronto group has a lot of money and is willing to follow the "proper channels" in buying and moving an NHL team.

Canadian Jim Balsillie recently failed in a bid to purchase the Phoenix Coyotes and move the NHL team to southern Ontario. The BlackBerry billionaire -- who has tried unsuccessfully to acquire three NHL teams -- has been accused of circumventing league rules and procedures for buying and moving a team. [Winnipeg Sun]

WCHA Officiating is a Joke!

Cross Posted from Say Anything Blog.



Last November Goon wrote an article about the dirty hit that injured the Fighting Sioux Captain Chay Genoway. Genoway got a concussion in the dirtiest hit I've ever seen in person and is still unable to even practice with the team.

Aaron Marvin, the player that delivered the hit wasn't even originally leveled with a penalty. Only during the period break was he assessed a game misconduct that's supposed to be automatic for an hit from behind. Before the Saturday night game against the Sioux the league gave him a paltry one game suspension for a hit that has probably ended the season and maybe the career of a player picked as a preseason favorite for All American.

This last weekend the Sioux played against the perpetrator of this cheapshot when we traveled to St. Cloud Minnesota. We lost by one goal on Friday night in a game that Marvin delivered an high stick to one of the Sioux players head.

On Saturday night we blew the Huskies out of their building with a 8 to 1 victory. In this game Marvin, the dirtiest player in the league attempted to run another player's head into the boards.



Fortunately the Sioux player felt him coming and braced himself for the hit. Instead of the Sioux player perhaps being injured, Marvin wound up getting dumped.

NCAA rules are very strict on hits from behind (the reason being in the link to Goon's post I already mentioned.) The officials aren't to have any discretion on how they call these infractions. This is what the rules say:

Hitting From Behind
SECTION 23. a. A player shall not push, charge, cross-check or body check an opponent from behind in open ice.
PENALTY—Minor or major at the discretion of the referee.

and

b. Hitting from behind into the side boards, end boards or goal cage is a flagrant violation.
RULE 6 / PLAYING RULES HR-73
PENALTY—Major and game misconduct or disqualification at the discretion of the referee.
Note: The committee reminds coaches and players that the responsibility remains with the player approaching an opponent along the boards in this rule. While players turning to draw penalties are a concern, the positive change in behavior the committee observed outweighs this issue. Any penalty in relation to this rule along the boards or into the goal cage must be a major penalty and a game misconduct or disqualification.

So obviously Marvin, the dirtiest player in the league, should have been penalized. No, the officials on the ice assessed a two minute elbowing penalty against the Sioux player. I challenge you to look at the video again. While Blood did raise his elbow in the process of bracing himself for the dirty hit, Marvin hit Blood with his shoulder between Blood's shoulder blades. Can someone PLEASE explain how you can deliver an elbow to someone in that position?

We have the dirtiest player in the league, delivering another intent to injure penalty and the official calls a penalty on the other guy. I doubt that the officials on the ice will be disciplined for their incompetence. WCHA leadership fully endorses incompetence and in this case the senior referee is the son of the head of officials.

I guess since it was a blowout we can laugh about it.

While we have the best college hockey teams in the country, the WCHA leadership and on-ice officials are a joke.

Thanks to the contributors at Sioux Sports for providing the links to the video and the text of the NCAA rulebook.

Troy Brouwer vs Anton Stralman (Stralman hit on Kane)

Holy Cow! I think Stralman actually caught Kane in the cup with his knee. If you watch the video at the end, that's what it looks like to me. Also, you can see Kane smiling at 38 seconds into the video. Another fight for a legal hit.

Poll Monday Sioux remain 11th

USCHO/CBS COLLEGE SPORTS POLL
Team (First Place) Record Pts PR
[02-15-2010]
1. Miami (45) 22-4-6 995 1
2. Denver (5) 20-6-4 954 2
3. Wisconsin 18-7-4 899 3
4. St. Cloud State 19-9-4 797 4
5. Yale 16-6-3 778 6
6. Minnesota Duluth 18-11-1 674 7
7. Colorado College 17-10-3 648 9
8. Boston College 17-9-2 644 10
9. Bemidji State 19-7-2 643 5
10. Cornell 14-7-3 577 8
11. North Dakota 14-11-5 496 11
12. Michigan State 17-10-5 475 13
13. New Hampshire 14-10-4 429 15
14. Ferris State 18-10-4 347 14
15. Maine 14-11-3 265 12
16. Union 16-8-6 230 16
17. Vermont 13-10-5 156 17
18. Massachusetts 16-13-0 105 18
19. Boston University 13-12-3 98 NR
20. Alaska 12-9-9 68 NR

Others Receiving Votes: Mass.-Lowell 57, Nebraska-Omaha 46, Northern Michigan 36, Northeastern 28, Michigan 22, RIT 21, Rensselaer 7, Sacred Heart 4, St. Lawrence 1.

USA TODAY/USA HOCKEY MAGAZINE POLL
Team (First Place) Record Pts PR
[02-15-2010]
1. Miami (32) 22-4-6 508 1
2. Denver (2) 20-6-4 478 2
3. Wisconsin 18-7-4 441 3
4. St. Cloud State 19-9-4 379 4
5. Yale 16-6-3 369 7
6. Minnesota Duluth 18-11-1 297 8
7. Bemidji State 19-7-2 281 5
8. Colorado College 17-10-3 273 9
9. Boston College 17-9-2 262 10
10. Cornell 14-7-3 231 6
11. North Dakota 14-11-5 162 11
12. Michigan State 17-10-5 140 14
13. New Hampshire 14-10-4 123 15
14. Ferris State 18-10-4 56 13
15. Maine 14-11-3 29 12

Others Receiving Votes: Union 14, Vermont 13, Massachusetts 10, Nebraska-Omaha 8, Boston University 3, RIT 3.

Mac and Hepp (Suspension coming?)

If you watch the video you will see that the Huskies player Chris Hepp clearly came off of the SCSU player’s bench to engage Andrew MacWilliam. It will be interesting to see if Greg Shepherd has the stones to suspend Hepp. If this was the NHL Chris Hepp would be getting a lengthy ten game suspension for leaving the bench to engage in an altercation.

70.10 Fines and Suspensions – The first player or goalkeeper to leave the
players’ or penalty bench during an altercation or for the purpose of
starting an altercation from either or both teams shall be suspended
automatically without pay for the next ten (10) regular League and/or
Play-off games of his team.

The NCAA rule book isn't very specific in this regard but it appears that Hepp should have been given a game disqualificaton (page 79)for leaving the players bench.

f. A player may not leave the players’ bench or penalty bench at any time during an altercation. Substitutions made before the altercation shall be permitted provided the players substituting do not enter the altercation. For purposes of this rule, an altercation is considered to be concluded when the referee enters the referee’s crease or, in the absence of penalties, signals a faceoff location.
PENALTY—Disqualification.

INCH Power Rankings

As always I include the INCH Power Rankings to give you something to look at on Monday morning. Yep we are to believe that Yale is the 4th best team in the country? I dont' think so, I would love to see my favorite team play them in the first round of the NCAA tourney. Breaking down the special teams play this past weekend; UND went 1-3 on power play on [Friday night] and 4/7 on [Saturday night] UND also had a short handed goal on Saturday so 5/8 goals scored were on special teams on Saturday night.

1. Miami
2. Denver
3. Wisconsin
4. Yale
5. St. Cloud State
6. Colorado College
7. Cornell
8. Michigan State
9. Minnesota Duluth
10. North Dakota 1 The Fighting Sioux power play, which had failed to score in each of its last 32 man-advantage opportunities entering last weekend’s series at St. Cloud State, connected five times in 10 chances against the Huskies. 14-11-5 (9-10-3 WCHA) LAST WEEK: L at St. Cloud State, 4-3; W at St. Cloud State, 8-1. THIS WEEK: vs. Minnesota Duluth, vs. Minnesota Duluth
11. Boston College
12. Bemidji State
13. Union
14. Ferris State
15. Maine
16. New Hampshire
17. Nebraska-Omaha
18. Rensselaer
19. Boston University
20. Northern Michigan
Dropped out: St. Lawrence, Michigan, Massachusetts
Bubble-licious: Alaska, Northeastern, RIT, St. Lawrence