Ice isnt' good at Ford Field

This is one of the reasons I was not excited about having the Frozen Four in an indoor football stadium in April. It will be interesting to see how this shakes out tonight. The Badgers played Michigan at Camp Randall on February 6th 2010. I read reports about the ice there as well so the Badgers might have the advantage this weekend.

DETROIT — Perhaps the biggest challenge in staging the NCAA Frozen Four inside a gigantic football stadium revealed itself in a 36-hour span earlier this week.

Dan Craig, the ice quality guru for the NHL, left Ford Field Monday night knowing the in-house temperature was 55 degrees and the humidity was at 40 percent. In other words, just about perfect.

When the four teams — the University of Wisconsin, Boston College, Miami (Ohio) and Rochester (N.Y.) Institute of Technology — showed up to practice on the temporary ice sheet Wednesday morning, the temperature was pushing 60 and the humidity was 62 percent.

“Humidity is not a friend,” Craig said.

That was evident during the four, one-hour practices. The ice was gooey and pucks bounced. The players weren’t impressed.

“It’s not the best ice,” RIT defenseman Dan Ringwald said after the first practice.

“It wasn’t great,” Miami winger Tommy Wingels said after the last practice.

So what will happen today when 30,000-plus fans show up?

“We know there’s a cold front moving in,” Craig said, “so I’ve been saying my prayers at night hoping it gets here a little quicker.”

Check out this Puck Daddy zinger.

Ryan Lambert of Puck Daddy had this “zinger” on RIT today in his blog post on the Frozen Four. I am sure that he is going to piss off a few of the RIT fans but he does have a valid point. RIT is from the AHA a league that was not very good this year in their nonconference schedule RIT went an unimpressive 0-6 against the teams they played out of their conference. This is the teams that RIT played in their non-conference schedule; Colgate L3-2 (15-15-6), St Lawrence L 3-1 (19-16-7), Clarkson L 5-3 (9-24-4), Niagara L 3-2 (12-20-4), MSU-M L 6-1, L 3-0 (16-20-3)… So excuse me if I am not impressed with RIT either.

But really, this tournament highlights that for all the talk of parity on a national level, that the little guys are catching up with the big dogs at long last, it's more like "Business As Usual Plus RIT."

I have nothing against RIT, except that I disagree with the mechanism by which they got into the tournament; it's nice that a team with such likeable players has made it this far, but this isn't their rodeo.
-----------(SNIP)--------------
So yes, I am looking forward to that title game between Wisconsin and the winner of BC/Miami, but not because I want RIT to lose. It's just silly to expect anything but that outcome. Obviously everyone said that prior to their squeaker against Denver and again before UNH's annual Chernobyl act, but these courageous Tigers have to run out of luck at some point, right?

Maybe you want to believe in the underdog; I don't begrudge that attitude. Just don't be surprised when the three teams that have been to eight Frozen Fours in the last five seasons keep right on winning.
-----------(SNIP)--------------

RIT (28-11-1)

Why the Tigers will be national champions: Jared DeMichiel is a hell of a goaltender and the whole team plays strong defense. They proved it against both Denver and UNH. They're also capable of an offensive explosion. In this tournament the Tigers proved they can play white-knuckle hockey and that they can win a laugher.

Why they're going home disappointed: They haven't proven they can play from behind. They never trailed in the regional, and actually scored just five minutes into the Denver game. I'm sure they had a few comeback wins in Atlantic Hockey, but the Frozen Four doesn't have any teams like Army or UConn. Unless they go up on Wisconsin early in the game (unlikely), it's probable they'll have to play with a deficit

[PUCK DADDY]

The Frozen Four coaches check in...

Our friends over at the Pipeline Show had the 3 out of the 4 Frozen Four coaches on their radio show last night.

Here is what the Miami Coach Enrico Blasi had to say... [Click to listen]

Here is what Boston College Eagles Coach Jerry York had to say... [click to listen]

Here is what Wisconsin Badgers coach Mike Eaves had to say... [Click to listen]

Apparently, RIT Coach Wayne Wilson was unavailable on Tuesday for interview.

Semi-Final Match-Ups (by Sioux 7)

Here we are the end of the season, down to four teams in the Motor City. It looks the NCAA got their wish, four teams from four conferences. There are three #1 seeds and one 4th seed in Detroit this week. If Denver would have won their regional, the frozen four would have had the top 4 rated teams at the end of season polls in Detroit.


Miami (OH) (29-7-7) vs Boston College (27-10-3)

The RedHawks won their first round game against Alabama-Huntsville, and then need two overtimes to dispatch league rival Michigan, to advance to Detroit. The Eagles beat Cornell in the first round and then won a wildly entertaining game, 9-7, against Yale to earn their trip to Detroit.

The Eagles will need to be much better defensively in this game, versus their last outing. Giving up 7 goals in a game, not often that happens and you still win the game. Miami has been atop the polls most of the season and have played well wearing the #1 target on their back. I don’t see any reason not to pick the RedHawks in this game, then again, a bad bounce here or there will end your season. REDHAWKS WIN


Wisconsin (27-10-4) vs RIT (28-11-1)

The Badgers disposed of Vermont in their first game and then beat SCSU in a rematch of the previous weeks WCHA Final Five, to advance to the Frozen Four. RIT started their run with a win over Denver, followed by a win over New Hampshire.

The Tigers are the Cinderella story of this year’s tournament; I know I’m stating the obvious with that remark. This is only RIT’s 5th year as a division one hockey program, so needless to say they are off to a good start. However, they now face a storied hockey program in the UW Badgers. By comparison the Badgers have 6 NCAA hockey titles, the fourth most (only Michigan-9, North Dakota-7, and Denver-7 have more). This is Bucky’s big chance to get to another title game this decade. After this season UW losses seven seniors and could possibly lose a few others to the pro’s, so next year could be a rebuilding season. I have to go with our conference in this tilt. WISCONSIN WINS

Frozen Four ice chips... (Updated with predictions)

Usually the Frozen Four is one of my favorite events in college hockey. This season I am having a hard time getting fired up for the Frozen Four. This season the Frozen Four is going to be played at a NFL venue, Ford Field. Color me unenthused. I would rather see the game at the Joe instead of Ford Field. Taking it further, I think playing a hockey game in a football field or outdoors on a baseball park or at a football stadium is a gimmick. That being said there is a good field of teams in the Frozen Four and I am going to be pulling for the Wisconsin Badgers 27-10-4 to bring home the hardware for the WCHA.

Matchups

NCAA Semifinal (1): The Wisconsin Badgers (27-10-4, 17-8-3 WCHA) face off against RIT Tigers (28-11-1, 22-5-1 Atlantic Hockey) RIT is this season's NCAA Division 1 Hockey version of Cinderella and their glass slipper will be shattered as the Wisconsin Badgers will advance to Saturday’s title game in convincing fashion. Game is Thursday on ESPN 2 at 4:00PM CT.


NCAA Semifinal (2): The Miami University RedHawks (29-7-7, 21-2-5-2 CCHA) face off in the second game against the Boston College Eagles (27-10-3, 16-8-3 Hockey East) This game is a rematch of the March 25th 2007 game where the Eagles shut out the Miami RedHawks 4-0 in Manchester, NH and the rematch of the March 30th 2008 game where the Eagles won in O.T. 4-3 in Worcester, MA. First off the game will not be a home game for the Eagles (Worcester or Manchester) and I predict the RedHawks will get sweet revenge on the Boston College Eagles, the RedHawks defensive style of play will slow down the speedy Eagles and win 3-1. Game is Thursday on ESPN 2 at 7:30 PM CT.


Links

Detroit Free Press; Detroiter Cameron Burt comes full circle to play for title

Detroit Free Press; Breakout season takes RIT to Frozen Four

Detroit Free Press; Breaking down the Frozen Four at Ford Field

Madison.com; Lucas: Badgers seek Madtown to Motown hat trick

Madison.com; Game facts: Wisconsin vs. RIT

Madison.com; Geoffrion has grown into a great

RedHawkey; Only Miami playing in 2nd straight Frozen 4

The Oxford Press; RedHawks crave second chance at NCAA title

The Oxford Press; Miami coach: 'We’re all in this together’

The Oxford Press; RedHawks’ goaltending duo second to none

Boston.com; Miami facing another Boston roadblock

Boston.com; Eagles feathered their nest

Boston.com; Charged-up Gibbons gets BC back on line

RIT.edu; Hitting the ice—and the books—to the Frozen Four

DemocratandChronicle.com; Spirited sendoff for RIT Tigers

DemocratandChronicle.com; Cameron Burt, Scott Knowles at home for the Frozen Four

Keith Ballard scores on his own net.

Former Gopher Keith Ballard must feel bad after knocking the puck into his own net with his hand during tonight game against the Senators. [props]

John Scott works Dean Arsene

I don't know; the hit actually looks worse in slow motion than it does in real time. Former MTU Husky John Scott mops the ice with Edmonton Oiler Dean Arsene after his ill timed hit on his team mate James Sheppard. Scott show Arsene that he is not a very good fighter. Also, Arsene should be thankful that he fell down during the fight while getting the be-jesus beaten out of him and the ref finally stepped in before Scott could punch him again. Question: with the emergence of John Scott as the team goon it would appear that Derek Boogaard is expendable.

UND Fighting Sioux nickname petition to go before Tribal Council

This could be good news for the Fighting Sioux Nickname. I also think that is a good first step in keeping the Fighting Sioux nickname.

A petition seeking to put UND’s Fighting Sioux nickname on the ballot at the Standing Rock Sioux reservation is up before the Tribal Council today, according to a nickname supporter.

Archie Fool Bear, one of several supporters who gathered 1,004 signatures for the petition, said he believes the council reaction will be “pretty positive.” With that many signatures, he said, he wouldn’t think the council would deny voters their say.

In the last tribal election in September, voter turnout was about 1,900.

The tribe’s approval is necessary if UND is to keep the nickname as a condition of a settlement with the NCAA, which considers American Indian nicknames offensive. The other North Dakota Sioux tribe, the Spirit Lake Dakotah Nation, has approved the nickname after a 67 percent “yes” vote last year.

Nickname opponents there are seeking another vote to undo the approval.

At Standing Rock, nickname opponents are arguing the nickname isn’t worth the cost of a special election. No general election is scheduled this year.

Fool Bear said the tribe has money for a special election, and he feels the issue is important to voters.

The nickname is a topic of discussion for another government body this week, the State Board of Higher Education, which is meeting Thursday at Mayville State University. Board members have indicated they would’ve wanted to retire the nickname much earlier because UND wants to apply to join the Summit League athletic conference as soon as possible to enhance its Division I transition.

The league refuses to accept a membership application until the nickname issue is resolved.

The board took the position it did last fall because there had been no move at Standing Rock. But board members held off on a decision because of a lawsuit by nickname supporters at Spirit Lake, which went to the Supreme Court late last month. The court hasn’t issued an opinion yet.
[FARGO FISH WRAPPER]

Bryce Christianson leaves UAA.

Looks like we can update the early departures list, former UAA goalie Bryce Christianson has decided to forgo his college eligibility and sign a professional contract with the Stockton Thunder of the ECHL. Looks like the rumors we heard about Bryce leaving UAA.

Bryce Christianson, who played at University of Alaska-Anchorage, will serve as the emergency backup goalie behind Andrew Perugini. Springfield hasn't announced if it will send goalie Bryan Pitton back to Stockton. [Recordnet.com]

Alaska-Anchorage (2)
Lee Baldwin, Fr, D, New York Rangers
Bryce Christianson, Jr G, Stockton Thunder

Denver (2)
Joe Colborne, So, F, Boston Bruins
Patrick Wiercioch, So, D, Ottawa Senators

Minnesota (1)
Jordan Schroeder, So, F, Vancouver Canucks

Minnesota-Duluth (1)
Rob Bordson, Jr, F, Anaheim Ducks

Vandy signs with Oilers

I am kind of surprised it took as long as it did to get Chris VandeVelde signed, during last Tuesday's show on Coming Down the Pipe, VandeVelde said his agent was working on the contract and it was supposed to be done in the next couple of days. None the less VandeVelde is now moving on to the next stage of his hockey career. Here is the official announcement from the Oilers.

The Oilers remained busy on Monday as they also signed NCAA prospect Chris Vande Velde.

The 23-year old Vande Velde will report to the Oilers' AHL affiliate in Springfield this weekend. The University of North Dakota product was chosen in the fourth round, 97th overall by the Oilers in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft. In 43 games for the Fighting Sioux this season, the Moorhead, Minnesota native had 18 goals and 17 assists.
[TSN.COM]

Maple Leafs' frat pack...

Here is another interesting story from the Toronto Star about former college hockey star Tyler Bozak (DU), Viktor Stalberg (UVMJ) and Christian Hanson (ND), this is a different story than the hard hitting one by Damien Cox in yesterday's Toronto Star.

Three university kids, each 24 and single, come to the big city to make it in Canada's most fanatical hockey market. They become fast friends, share an apartment and, just to stretch credulity even further, end up playing together on a line with the Maple Leafs.

Imagine the hijinks? Kind of a new-age Slap Shot. Except with players who have mad skills, instead of anger management issues. There'd even be a Hanson in it.

Nah, who'd ever believe that?

"It really is unusual isn't it?" says Christian Hanson. "We all came from college. We all have the same birth year and we all signed within a week of one another. Then we all lived together over the summer. Now it so happens we're back together. I don't know if that happens too often."

No, it could be an NHL first. But the Frat Pack – the line of Tyler Bozak, Viktor Stalberg and Hanson that earned a catchy nickname and a lot of media attention at training camp – was reunited by Leafs coach Ron Wilson last week and he was impressed enough that he mused about keeping them together as a unit next season.

In roughly seven periods in their latest incarnation, they've scored three goals – all from Stalberg – with six points.

"I think we have all the different skills you need on a line really," says Stalberg. "Tyler is obviously the brains behind most things. He's a real good playmaker and a smart guy out there. He wins a lot of faceoffs and gets the puck in our hands with a lot of speed. Christian is a big guy who wins a lot of battles; gets pucks out and is pretty solid defensively. I think I can help out with my speed, find ways to get open and put pucks in the back of the net." [Read the rest of the story here]

Wild screwed by Burrow's antics

It would appear that Canucks hack Alex Burrows is the NHL version of Garrett Roe and Jacob Cepis. There needs to be something done about players that embellish and dive. I suggest suspensions and fines for repeat offenders like Burrows.

After the Wild shockingly forced overtime on goals by Cody Almond and Antti Miettinen 23 seconds apart in the final 42 seconds of the third period, Alex Burrows, the king embellisher in the NHL, drew a bogus penalty in overtime when he lifted Greg Zanon's stick into his own face and then shot his head back like he was nailed by a Matt Cooke elbow.

Zanon was called for high-sticking even though Burrows essentially high-sticked himself. It's clear as day on video.

The refs bit, the Canucks got a 4-on-3 power play and the Canucks won it on Sami Salo's blast through traffic. So, basically, Burrows -- as is his reputation -- once again made a pair of refs look bad.

Now, this was not an easy call. In real time, the refs see Zanon's stick in Burrows' face, so it's hard to blame LaRue and Meier. So here's the solution: Burrows is a known diver, an embellisher and really I'm amazed refs ever give him the benefit of the doubt. So if I was reffing, I'd just err on the side of -- Alex Burrows is embellishing yet again, so sorry pal. Tough luck. You're now the boy that cried wolf. Stephane Auger tried to tell him that earlier this season (Auger felt Burrows made him look bad on a dive in Nashville), which was Auger's mistake.
[Russo's Rants]

Phil Kessel vs Kris Russell

Stick salute to Maple Leafs Zone. Here is the video of a Phil Kessel only NHL fight that happened back in December of 2009, it would appear that Phil Kessel learned how to fight from the same people that taught Blake Wheeler and Erik Johnson how to fight. Should we say that they are not very good at it.

R.J. Umberger on the Captials.

Check out what former OSU Buckeye R.J. Umberger had to say about the Washington Captials last night.

Blue Jackets left winger R.J. Umberger had some rather frank words to say about the Washington Capitals after a 3-2 Capitals win over the Blue Jackets tonight in Nationwide Arena:

Umberger is not known as a smack talker. He probably didn't think his words would incense the Caps' fanbase or members of their front office. Typically, he's brutally honest, even blunt.

Here's what Umberger said:

“I don’t think any team in the West would be overmatched by them,” Umberger said. “They play the wrong way. They want to be moving all the time. They float around in their zone, looking for breakaways and odd-man rushes.

“A good defensive team is going to beat them (in the playoffs). If you eliminate your turnovers and keep them off the power play, they’re going to get frustrated because they’re in their zone a lot.”
[Blue Jackets Extra]

Leafs still not ready to compete

Check out this article. There are a few zingers and it's kind of what we have seen with different teams in divsion one college hockey, this article also kind of reminds me of certain WCHA teams that like to play offense but don't like to hit or play a gritter style hockey. To make it at the next level you have to play in all three zones of the rink.

In Viktor Stalberg (UMV), Christian Hanson (Notre Dame) and newly signed Brayden Irwin (UVM), the Leafs had some size in the lineup, but none of those players yet have a solid concept of how to use their bulk at the NHL level.

To some degree, that can be taught.

But all those players were U.S. college stars who found their way to the Leafs mostly by being talented offensive players in the NCAA, not by being nasty pieces of work.

It's fine to be well over 6 feet tall and 200 pounds, but quite another to go into a corner with the likes of Chara, Denis Wideman or Johnny Boychuk and emerge unbruised and/or with the puck.

That's why the coming summer is so important to the Leafs beyond what the unrestricted free-agent market may offer. Forwards like Tyler Bozak (DU), Stalberg, Hanson, Irwin, Luca Caputi and Nazem Kadri will all need to apply themselves to become more thorough professionals and harder players to compete against.

If any decide to treat the off-season as a holiday, they won't be in the NHL next fall. [The Star]

The book on Kessel seems to be the same where ever he goes, all flash and offense no grit, doesn't hit or back check. Plays one way.

The oft-winded Kessel, meanwhile, delivered a disappointing performance in a game crying out for him to assert himself. When the Leafs resume competition next fall, they will need Kessel to be a much fitter, grittier athlete.

Happy Easter - Few things...

According to Guy Flaming from the Pipeline show, Vandy is close to getting his contract signed. It will be interesting to see how Chris VandeVelde does in the professional ranks.

The Pipeline Show has learned that the contract between the Edmonton Oilers and prospect Chris Vande Velde is to be settled on Sunday. The timing sounds a bit odd considering the holiday but since the deal was apparently very close to being inked on Tuesday evening, it's already a bit overdue.

The Springfield Falcons have just three games remaining on their schedule this season, the next coming on Friday night in Providence. In fact, the AHL club completes its Oilers affiliation next weekend with three games in three days finishing at home on Sunday against Manchester.

According to Stanley Cup of Chowder former DU Pioneer Joe Colborne had two points in his professional debute.

- Joe Colborne had 2 assists in his pro debut on Friday night for the Providence Bruins. The Baby B's beat the Worcester Sharks 3-1 .

Apparently the Philadelphia Flyers and Make Me Laughs are interested in former Cornell goalie Ben Scrivens.

Philadelphia and Toronto among the NHL teams with interest in Cornell goaltender Ben Scrivens.

The talk of having an NHL franchise return to Winnipeg is not going away and keeps popping up in the Canadian media and blogspehere almost daily. I am telling the nay sayers that an NHL team returning to Winnipeg is a possibility.

In some ways, if the Coyotes do stay in Phoenix — and that’s still an if when you’re dealing with politicians and lease concessions until the transaction between the NHL and either Ice Edge or Jerry Reinsdorf is signed, sealed and delivered — it will only help Winnipeg’s chances in the long run.

How can it help Winnipeg’s chances, you rightfully ask?

That’s simple. Chipman and company are playing the game the way the NHL want it to be played.

That means no outlandish quotes in the press and no season ticket deposits being accepted before the NHL has rubber stamped a move.

Chipman has succeeded on that front, to the point the NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly went on record saying discussions have been held with Chipman and billionaire David Thomson for quite some time and that Winnipeg could be a viable market, should the need arise down the road.

There was always something about the prospect of the Coyotes returning to their birthplace that intrigued many in this city — and province, for that matter.

You know, the theory that this could right a past wrong.
[Winnipeg Sun]

Phil Kessel Looking to end jinx against former team Saturday

I have to admit that I have enjoyed watching Phil Kessel have no success against his former team and I love hearing the boos and the Kessel jeers every time he steps on the ice or touches the puck against the Boston Bruins at the TD North Garden. I have watched every game (the wonders of NHL Center Ice) and I am not bitter but I do wish this would have ended better, it was kind of a buzz kill going into the season. I know that some day I will forget about this trade if the Boston Bruins end up with a top notch first round draft choice like Taylor Hall. Kessel’s absence this season caused a huge hole in the Bruins’ offensive scheme that they were unable to replace.

There hasn't been a drop off for Phil Kessel’s play this season, some thought his numbers would fall off when he didn't have Marc Savard to pass him the puck, however, that is not the case and his numbers this season are pretty similar to last season point totals. This season Kessel missed 12 games because of the shoulder surgery and only has 5 points less than last season’s numbers (30g-25a-55pts) compared to last season (36g-24a-60pts). I think with a full season Kessel could very well score 40-50 goals, I think that is what hurts Boston the most and I think he was worth the money he was asking for.

Now, there's no question Phil Kessel is a gifted sniper.

Most of the time.

Just not when it comes to playing the Boston Bruins, because against his former team, Kessel is remarkably less than ordinary.

In five games this season against Boston, Kessel has zero goals and one assist. This despite 16 shots and an average of 19 minutes, 55 seconds of ice time a game, most among Toronto forwards. But he's a minus-4, worst on the team.

"I'd like to get (a goal), but sometimes they don't come," said Kessel. "I've had a bunch of chances, I've had three or four breakaways on them and I haven't been able to score yet. It's one of those things where it's just not going in."

Kessel has a chance to break his goose-egg Saturday night when the Bruins – who are in the playoff hunt – come to town for the final time this season. Kessel insists he doesn't take any particular pleasure in watching Boston stumble to the finish line.

"We're going to play to win," said Kessel. "But they're going to be there. They're a good enough team to be there."

The Leafs have a much better record in games when Kessel scores, 15-7-2. That the Leafs have a winning record against the Bruins – 3-2-0 – suggests to coach Ron Wilson the team isn't a one-trick pony, that there is more to Toronto's offence than just Kessel.

"I'm sure the Bruins would be cognizant of his strengths and what he likes to do and try to take that away," said Wilson. "It's nice to win games when Phil doesn't score. I want Phil to score every game. But if he doesn't (and we win) that's just showing we're starting to develop some of our other guys and do some of the right things that creates offence for guys who aren't as naturally gifted as Phil."

That includes Tyler Bozak, who thrived when playing with Kessel at the beginning of February and hasn't slowed down since being reunited with Christian Hanson and Viktor Stalberg.

"He has the ability to make anybody he plays with better," Wilson said of Bozak. "He's playing with two other rookies and he looks better than he did two weeks ago with (Nikolai) Kulemin and Kessel.
[The Star]

Leafs owe their GM huge effort vs. Bruins

Here is an interesting article from the Star on the Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brian Burke. The man has went through a lot and is taking a beating over the Phil Kessel trade that sent two first round draft picks to the Boston Bruins. Kessel has had a rough go of it against his former team getting a measly assist in five games.

From a human point of view, of course, it's been an awful year for Burke, who stood behind his 21-year-old son Brendan last fall when the young man decided to publicly declare his homosexuality, and then buried Brendan this past winter after a terrible accident that killed his son and an 18-year-old friend.

He not only kept doing his Toronto job through that nightmare, but he led Team USA into the Vancouver Olympics as well, answering questions every day along the way while fighting back the urge to burst into tears at the mention of Brendan's name.

He has hung in there better than the Leafs. Well, now's a chance for the Leafs, to a man, to win one for their boss, a GM who has been known throughout his career as an executive for whom players like to play. As mentioned, beating the Bruins won't change the fact Boston owns the Leafs' top pick in the June draft.

And having Taylor Hall and Tyler Seguin going head-to-head in a high profile OHL playoff series – even NHL.com is covering it – certainly brings the commodities the Leafs sacrificed into even sharper relief.

Kessel, then, might want to deliver an inspired effort. For five years, this 22-year-old from Madison, Wisc., has been alternately praised and panned. It was once suggested that if he'd been eligible for the 2005 draft, Kessel would have competed with Sidney Crosby for top billing.

Instead, he slipped in the rankings amidst widespread criticism of his game and personality and was taken fifth overall in 2006. In Boston, he struggled enough to be benched in his first-ever NHL playoff spring, but then rebounded well last season after a 35-goal campaign by scoring six goals in 11 playoff games with a bum shoulder that required surgery.

This is a player who has inspired either admiration or sneers for years, but Burke staked his reputation on the belief Kessel will be a star in Toronto.

On Saturday night, Kessel would be well-served to deliver a performance indicating an appreciation for that.

This season, Kessel has not fared well against his former Bruin teammates, who have seemed to delight in making his life miserable after he essentially declared he didn't want to play with them any longer. He has one measly assist in five games, three of them Boston victories.

Saturday night on national TV is the final chance Kessel will have this season to shine in the spotlight. To prove he has been worth all the fuss.
[The Star]

Goon's World - Goal of the Year, the future looks bright...

A week ago today the Fighting Sioux ended their season with an uninspiring effort against the Yale Bulldogs. I still scratching my head on the ending of the season for the Fighting Sioux. I like most Sioux fans hate losing, there is no medal for second and third place and I hope this painful loss burns hot in each and ever one of the Fighting Sioux players' gut during the offseason. I hope that the 2010-2010 Sioux take the mind set that they refuse to lose, be a bear to play against in all three zones. Do whatever it takes to be a winner. The more the league fans and teams bitch about you and your style of play the more you’re successful you will be. I think the 2010-2011 team has a chance to be one of the better Sioux teams in the last 10 seasons.

I think that ine the end the Sioux ran out of gas and their six games in nine days caught up with them. If anything it taught the Sioux a valuable lesson, put teams away when you have the chance early in the season. The Sioux were one point from not having to play in the Thursday play in game.

Watching this goal against the Yale Bulldogs makes me wonder; what is Matt Frattin’s upside? I think if Frattin had not been kicked off the team last summer the Fighting Sioux might be waving good bye to Matt Frattin in the offseason. Frattin had (11g-9a-19pts) in 24 games, and the points came in bunches Frattin was held scoreless in 10/24 games. Matt Frattin ended the season on a hot streak nine points in the last six games. I can only hope that we are watching Frattin light the league goalies up next season; most of Frattin's goals this past season were pretty highlight reel goals. This goal is the Goon's World goal of the season - unbelievable.

Yeah like we didn't already know - The Wild Suck...

Like someone said on facebook earlier today the Wild are officially out of the playoffs. I could have told you that in October when the Wild went an unimpressive 4-9 for the month of October and it was a hole they couldn't get out of. I think most of the blame can be laid at the feat of former General Manager Doug Risebrough.

The result left them cold, just as losses always do. Despite rallying from a two-goal deficit, the Wild fell 3-2 to San Jose on Friday night, officially eliminating it from playoff contention.

This time, though, the players could leave Xcel Energy Center with a much warmer feeling about the impression they made. On fan appreciation night, their first priority was to atone for the lousy effort on Wednesday that provoked a chorus of boos from their faithful and a none-too-subtle message from their coach. [Star and Tribune]

What a night for Jason Blake

Check out this night that former Fighting Sioux Jason Blake had for the Anaheim Ducks on March 31st, 2010, Blake had (1g-4a-5pts), Blake has (5g-7a-12pts) in 20 games since coming over to the ducks. Blake also with his five point night tied a franchise record.

Jason Blake has another assist in tonight's game against the Vancouver Canucks.

My candidate for "Moron of the Week"

I found this little nugget of wisdom on Brad’s blog tonight when I was surfing. Maybe there should be a law that you shouldn't post on an Internet webpage or site when you’re drunk. If you can’t legally drive you can’t post either. :) Also, posting in all caps is rude because it's construed as shouting. Wow!

FINEHAGE IS JUST ANOTHER RECRUIT THAT HASN'T PROGESSED UNDER HAK'S STAFF. FINEHAGE, CICHY, TOEWS, BRUNOTOE, GREICO, AND DELL...NOT TO MENTION FINK. EVEN GUYS THAT STAYED THAT DIDN'T GET BETTER FROM YEAR ONE TO YEAR FOUR LIKE KOZEK, WATKINS, AND JONES.

THE PROBLEM RIGHT NOW IS AVERAGE RECRUITING AND GUYS NOT DEVELOPING THROUGHOUT THE YEARS (WAS KOZEK BETTER OR WORSE AS A FRESHY VERSUS A SENIOR)?

BIGGEST LOST RECRUIT IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS?

TONY HRKAC NOT BEING HIRED AS AN ASS. COACH A FEW YEARS BACK!!!!! THINK OF THE RECRUITING AND TEACHING A GUY LIKE THAT COULD HAVE BROUGHT TO UND?

Posted by: FIRG VOSS REPORTING on Tuesday, March 30 3:14 PM

Thrashers' Armstrong suspended for two games

The NHL decided that this hit in question will cause Colby Armstrong to sit for two games. I think it's the right decision and reinforces the fact that you can't hit your opponent in the head without suffering the consequences. It will be interesting going forward to see if the Colin Campbell wheel of just will spin equally in cases where the league stars like Crosby or Ovechkin are involved?

TORONTO – Atlanta Thrashers forward Colby Armstrong has been suspended for two games, without pay, for using his elbow to deliver a blow to the head of Washington Capitals forward Mathieu Perreault in NHL game #1152 last night.

Under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, and based on his average annual salary, Armstrong will forfeit $24,870.47. The money goes to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.

Armstrong was assessed no penalty for the hit, which occurred 12:40 into the second period. Perreault was injured on the play but returned later in the game.

Armstrong will miss Saturday's game at Pittsburgh and Tuesday’s home game vs. New Jersey. He will be eligible to return April 9 at Washington.

Colby Armstrong hit on Mathieu Perreault

I was watching the Caps and Thrashers game last night and I was surprised this wasn't a penalty this is the type of hits that the league wants to eliminate from the NHL. Here is what Sean Leahy of Puck daddy had to say about the hit.

Colby Armstrong laid another in a long line of questionable hits on Mathieu Perreault of the Capitals. The Thrashers forward was not penalized for the blow to the head, but was sent to the box after his post-whistle scrum with Shaone Morrisonn:

It's true I felt the same way when I say that hit; Armstrong is famous for catching players in vulnerable positions and laying questionable devastating hits on them. I watched two games last night and saw two hits that the NHL wants to eliminate. It doesn't appear that the players are getting the message or have even watched the video on the hits to the head. You can lay someone out with a clean devastating hit without head hunting them and trying to take them out.

Tanner Glass Hit on Jeff Halpern

This is the types of hits that the NHL is trying to eliminate hits to the head apparently Glass didn't get the memo. I applaud former Fighting Sioux Matt Green for stepping in and challenging tough guy Tanner Glass who has been in 15 fights this season.

Future Fighting Sioux goalie Gothberg invited to NHL Scouting Combine

Future Fighting Sioux and Fargo Force goalie Zane Gothberg has been invited to the NHL scouting combine. That is a nice honor for the future Sioux player. I am excited about UND getting an elite goaltender that have so desperately need.

[Fargo Force Blog] --- Future Force goalie Gothberg invited to NHL Scouting Combine The top 100 players available for the 2010 Entry Draft will meet in Toronto at the end of May for the annual NHL Scouting Combine.

To be recognized as a top 100 player available for the 2010 NHL Entry Draft is an impressive feat. Future Fargo Force goaltender, 1st round pick for the Force in 2009, Zane Gothberg has been invited to the NHL Scouting Combine. The Thief River Falls netminder was 16-7-1, boasted a .922 save percentage, 1.83 goals against average and three shutouts in his final year with the Prowlers. Zane Gothberg is a University of North Dakota recruit.

Senators sign Wiercioch to entry-level contract

The mass exodus at Denver University continues as they lose another underclassman to the NHL. Wiercioch is an elite player and I don't think this signing surprises anyone. First round draft choices don't stay in school for four seasons very often, unless they want to test the free agency market. The big question mark for Denver University is whether Marc Cheverie is going to sign a professional contract with the Florida Panthers or not?

OTTAWA - Ottawa Senators general manager Bryan Murray announced today that the club has signed defenceman Patrick Wiercioch to a three-year entry-level contract.

Wiercioch, 19, was the Senators’ second-round pick (42nd overall) in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. A native of Burnaby, B.C., he concluded his second season at the Western Collegiate Athletic Conference’s University of Denver on March 26 when the Pioneers fell to the Rochester Institute of Technology in the National Collegiate Athletic Association East Regional semifinals. In 39 games with Denver this season, the 6-4, 190-pound Wiercioch scored six goals and 21 assists while adding 34 penalty minutes.

In his rookie season at Denver, Wiercioch scored 12 goals and added 23 assists for 35 points in 36 games. For his efforts he was named to the all-WCHA second team and all-WCHA rookie team. His 12 goals led all NCAA rookie defencemen and ranked third among all NCAA defencemen.

Prior to his arrival in Denver, Wiercioch played one season for the Omaha Lancers of the United States Hockey League, where he scored three goals and 18 assists in 40 games. In the 2006-07 season he scored nine goals and added 16 assists for the Burnaby Express of the British Columbia Hockey League, where he was recognized as the league’s rookie of the year.

Ryan Kesler hit on Derek Morris

This hit into the boards gets you a five minute major and a game misconduct [Box Score]. I don't have a problem with that call. When you first watch the hit it looks like legit and legal hit but after viewing the video a few times it worthy of a penalty.

Composite Schedule

Yager posted the composite WCHA schedule for next season over on USCHO.COM. The Schedule is starting to fill in for the 2010 - 2011 season.

NDSU doesn't want to play UND every year in football

This argument makes no sense at all. The UND NDSU match up would bring way more people to the games than a game with Montana, Montana State, or Georgia Sourthern. I have to wonder if this petty bickering  has something to do with UND not wanting to schedule NDSU when they moved up to division one? This should be a slamb dunk without much thought. Remember you can't have sucks without NDSU...

The North Dakota Board of Higher Education normally doesn’t get involved in athletic matters like scheduling, either.

Taylor insists on the every-other-year format because NDSU’s nine-team Missouri Valley Football Conference gives the Bison four home and four away league games. As for the three non-conference games, NDSU annually schedules one road guarantee game leaving two open dates. The school would prefer those to be at home as much as possible.

“We put something on the table that works for us,” Taylor said. “Is it the perfect scenario for them? No, but it gets the game going. For them to draw that line of having it every year, then they have my answer.”

Plus, Taylor said, scheduling UND every year would eliminate games against the likes of Montana, Montana State and Georgia Southern. Division I Football Championship Subdivision programs are allowed to schedule 11 games most years.

“Based on the way we’re scheduled in football, I can’t get there,” Taylor said of a yearly game. “He has different challenges where he can. He’s more flexible.”

UND plays in the five-team Great West Conference, which leaves seven potential non-conference dates. [Fargo Fish Wrapper]

Redwing77's Frozen Four Breakdown and Prediction (HA!)

Ok, I posted something similar on Siouxsports.com, but I'm going to reiterate it here. I'm going to break down the four remaining teams and give my predictions for each.

University of Wisconsin Badgers

This team is the best overall team coming into Detroit. They have solid defense and an offense that can skate with the best of them. They're lead by Hobey Hat Trick-er Blake Geoffrion. They also have a defensive genius in the coaching ranks in Mike Eaves. Yes, I say genius despite the fact that for years his style of hockey was "put em to sleep then score... THEY'LL NEVER KNOW WHAT HIT'EM!" They face RIT (a team I'll break down next) and will skate easier than the other predicted winner into the National Championship game.

Rochester Institute of Technology Tigers

Well, as Brad Schlossman beat me to it, I'll credit him with it. RIT is DEFINITELY this year's Bemidji State University. They've had a tough road and brought the show to Detroit. I must say that I'm impressed with them. They are the most dangerous team in the Frozen Four. WHY? Not because they've got firepower up front. No, their D and goaltending isn't anywhere near that of Miami or UW's. Because THEY HAVE NO EXPECTATIONS ON THEM. They can go out on the ice and just play and have fun. Of course they're going to try to win. A brainless retard would argue otherwise. But they have not weight of tradition in DI excellence like BC and UW. They have no weight of "this year for sure" like Miami. They've proved that they can compete. They proved they're relevant for a weaker conference team. I thought this would be Air Force, but that's not turned out. They can go out against Wisconsin and get destroyed 115-0 and it won't matter. They've done nearly as much as anyone dreamed. If they win it all...wow.... watch for a lot of crowing from the AHA fanbase of roughly....100 people East of Colorado Springs.

Miami University of Ohio

They come into Detroit having the best goaltender in the Frozen Four...and the second best goaltender in the Frozen Four. They are just as cohesive a team as Wisconsin and have a pretty darn good defense to match. The problem is, they give up a TON of quality scoring chances. This is the team that let a slumping UND team score 5 on them. Michigan had chance after chance after chance after chance in their regional final. Knapp bailed them out once... I don't think he can bail them out a second time. That being said, this is 1 or 1a in terms of the strength of the Frozen Four field as a whole (Wisconsin the other 1). Oh, did I mention that they're coached by the best coach in the CCHA? Or maybe one of the top 5 coaches in DI hockey in Enrico Blasi? OH! And let's not forget they're on a mission. This is a driven team. VERY dangerous.

Boston College

They get the award for "Can you Believe it, mom? I'm here!" as they played what was probably the worst regional final in the last 10 years against YALE and STILL won. Muse looked like an incredible sieve. I still can't believe BC is a 1 seed. Discounting the scores, they had the easiest path thanks to UND's loss, to the Frozen Four. They're main advantage? The media. Their biggest disadvantage? If the media could've chosen, their matchup with Miami would have been for the NC.

The predictions

If I understand it right, the semis feature RIT vs. UW and BC vs. Miami.

I can't see RIT winning. I think the RIT vs UW game will be a better game overall. UW wins 4-2.

I can't see BC sticking around for more than 30 minutes. Miami wins 6-2.

The final then puts Miami vs. UW. A lot of Red and White on the ice. I actually think this would be a great matchup. Defense is great. Offense pretty darn good too. However, I have to say Miami would be favored in net. This will be a game of conversion on mistakes and special teams.

UW ekes it out 3-2.

There ya go folks.

UNO Mavericks extend Blais' contract for two years

For all of those people that think Dean Blais is going to ride into Minneapolis on a white horse and lead Minnesota to the Promised Land think again. Today the University of Omaha Nebraska just locked him up till the 2014-2015 season. That doesn't look like a coach that is looking to go some where else. [Audio of Trev on 1620 AM the Zone ]

We are thrilled by the progress the team made under Dean's leadership in his first season as head coach," said Alberts. "By extending his contract, we hope to bring further stability to the position and give Dean and his staff a better opportunity to put their mark on the program through recruiting and player development."

Blais led the Mavericks to a 20-16-6 record in 2009-10 including a record of 13-12-3-2 in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association, good for a sixth-place finish. It was the fourth 20-win season in UNO history and the first since the 2005-06 season. The Mavericks won the opening round of the CCHA playoffs with a 2-0 series win over Bowling Green before losing to Ferris State, 2-0, in the second-round series. Eleven UNO players had career years in 2009-10.

"The university is clearly committed to the success of the hockey program, and I am committed to the job we began here last season," said Blais. "My wife and I have come to enjoy Omaha and with this extension, I anticipate being able to finish my head coaching career here at UNO."

Blais is just the second head coach in UNO hockey history, following Mike Kemp who started the program in 1996 and became an associate athletic director at UNO in 2009. Blais is a two-time winner of the Spencer Penrose Memorial Award given to the top coach in Division I men's college hockey. The native of International Falls, Minn. guided the University of North Dakota to national championships in 1997 and 2000 and Western Collegiate Hockey Association championships in 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001 and 2004. He was named the WCHA Coach of the Year in 1997, 1999 and 2001.

In January of 2010, Blais guided the U.S. National Junior Team to a Gold Medal in the 2010 IIHF World Junior Championship, just the second gold medal ever earned by the U.S. squad. During the 2008-09 season, Blais was named 2009 United States Hockey League Coach of the Year after guiding the expansion Fargo Force to the Clark Cup Finals, emblematic of playoff supremacy in the USHL.

Blais worked in the National Hockey League as an assistant coach and Director of Player Development for the Columbus Blue Jackets from 2005-07.

Also today, UNO Chancellor John Christensen announced that Alberts has agreed in principle to a contract extension through the 2014-2015 academic year. Alberts was named to the position on April 29, 2009, succeeding David Miller. In addition to hiring Blais, Alberts is responsible for the move by the hockey team from the CCHA to the WCHA beginning with the 2010-2011 season.

"Trev has done an outstanding job in his relatively short time leading the athletic department," said Dr. Christensen. "He has defined a clear vision for UNO athletics and has worked proactively to achieve that goal.

"By extending his contract to run concurrently with Dean's, we have brought stability to the department and put both men in position to continue to build our hockey program." [Mav Puck] [Omaha.com]

The Pipeline Show - Brock Nelson and Vandy

The Pipeline Show 1260 AM Edmonton with Dean Millard and Guy Flaming is a first class hockey show that hits on many issues surrounding the NHL as well as college and junior hockey.

Listen to what Brock Nelson had to say about his future and when we might see him in a Fighting Sioux hockey jersey.  [Click to listen]

Listen to Chris VandeVelde and his plans for the Future. Also Cornell Big Red Forward and Oiler's first round draft choice Riley Nash discusses his future with the Oilers. [Click to listen]

The Bruins ink two 1st rounders...

The Denver Pioneers have lost Joe Colborne to the Boston Bruins. I don't think anyone is shocked by the decision. It will be interesting to see if Colborne can make the Bruins out of training camp like former Gopher Blake Wheeler did? Here is what Naoko Funayama had of NESN had on her twitter today...

Couple of 1st rounders are signed by the Bruins to entry-level contracts: Joe Colborne (2008, 16th overall) and Jordan Caron (2009, 25th) [NaokoFunayama]

Links to the Story

Bruins Blog; Four prospects in the fold...

Boston Herald; Joe Colborne inks 3-year deal

Denver Post; DU’s Colborne reportedly signs with Bruins

Sophomore forward Joe Colborne has reportedly signed with the Boston Bruins, forgoing his final two years of eligibility at DU. Great kid, great talent, but c’mon, he never really deserved to advance this fast.

Big Joe, the Bruins’ first-round draft pick in 2008 (16th overall), is a very affable young man, and a proven NCAA sniper (team-high 22 goals this season). Problem is, he never learned how to play the tough game that is college hockey. He was fast-tracked, almost cheated, like giving a smart student straight A’s just because he’s smart. Apparently the 6-foot-5, 210-pound Colborne, his family and the B’s think he will become tough in the AHL or turn Gretzky-like in the NHL, and he won’t need to bang. I hope so. But there’s only one Gretzky, and I was hoping to watch the toughness come out next season at DU.

Flyers' hack Carcillo suspended 2 games

Flyers' hack Daniel Carcillo and tough guy want a be has been given a two game suspension by the NHL for his attempted decapitation of Devils tough guy David Clarkson. At first I thought this suspension might have been handed out based on the players past reputation and prior acts (the guy is a hack and a gutless puke) but in looking at the video I don't have a problem with the two game suspension, I think the suspension is just about right, even though the Flyers' GM Paul Holmgren is disappointed and thinks the suspension is not warranted; Of course he does.

If Carcillo really wanted to fight David Clarkson, why did he come high with his stick with his gloves still on? Look at the video again Carcillo is a gutless puke that doesn’t fight the leagues tough guys very often and he didn't want to fight Clarkson either.

The NHL has suspended Flyers forward Daniel Carcillo for two games for a hit on the New Jersey Devils' David Clarkson on Sunday.

At 15:14 of the third period of Sunday's game, Carcillo and Clarkson came together, and during some pushing and shoving, Carcillo high-sticked Clarkson in the face, opening a cut.

Carcillo was assessed a match penalty, which brought automatic League review.

"I am disappointed in this decision by the League office," said Flyers General Manager Paul Holmgren. "This was clearly an accidental high stick and I do not believe a match penalty (for intent to injure) was the call that was warranted."

Carcillo is fourth in the NHL with 196 penalty minutes, but he also has 11 goals and 20 points in 72 games and has played a large portion of the season on the Flyers' top line, with Mike Richards and Simon Gagne. He also leads the team with 181 hits.

Carcillo will miss games Thursday against the Islanders and Saturday against the Canadiens. This is his second suspension of the season, following [NHL.COM]

Weekly Meaningless Polls?

I know it's a little late and I don't see what the point is having a power ranking or a poll after the season is over and there are only four teams left but it does give us something to talk about for the next two weeks.

As always I include the INCH power rankings.

1. Miami
2. Wisconsin
3. Boston College
4. Denver
5. St. Cloud State
6. Yale
7. North Dakota 2 The Sioux lose two key seniors in forwards Chris VandeVelde and Darcy Zajac, but if defenseman Chay Genoway comes back after missing most of the past season due to injury, NoDak should start next season among the top five in the preseason polls.
25-13-5 LAST WEEK: L vs. Yale, 3-2 (NCAA Northeast Regional).
8. Cornell
9. RIT
10. Michigan
11. Northern Michigan
12. Union
13. New Hampshire
14. Bemidji State
15. Ferris State
16. Minnesota Duluth
17. Michigan State
18. Alaska
19. Vermont
20. Maine

Dropped out: None

Bubble-licious: None
-------------------------
USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine Poll
[March 29, 2010]
1. Miami
2. Wisconsin
3. Boston College
4. St. Cloud State
5. Denver
6. Yale
7. North Dakota
8. Michigan
9. RIT
10. Cornell
11. New Hampshire
12. Bemidji State
13. Northern Michigan
14. Ferris State
15. Alaska

DU’s Cheverie likely to sign with Panthers

It wouldn't surprise me one bit if Marc Cheverie left DU after the season he had this past season. At the current time Cheverie’s stock couldn't be higher and after his performance this season I would bet willing to bet that Florida doesn't want to risk losing him.

From what I’m hearing, DU has a better chance of losing junior goalie Marc Cheverie than sophomores Joe Colborne and Patrick Wiercioch. In fact, I’ve heard Cheverie will definitely forgo his final year of collegiate eligibility and sign with the Florida Panthers.

Colborne (drafted 16th overall by Boston in 2008) and Wiercioch (42nd by Ottawa in 2008) might not be physically ready for the challenges of the NHL, but Chevy is, and Florida – which drafted him in the seventh round in 2006 – must sign him now or risk losing him to free agency.

That means another 6-foot-3 goalie that prefers No. 1 on his sweater will succeed Chevy, or at least try to succeed Chevy in a platoon system with sophomore-to-be Adam Murray. In coach George Gwozdecky’s 16-year tenure at DU, Murray was the first 18-year-old goalie to join the program as a freshman. Sam Brittian will be the second. [Denver Post hockey blog]

Former Yale forward Sean Backman signed by Stars

Sean Backman has signed a professional contract with the Dallas Stars.

DALLAS—The Dallas Stars have signed former Yale forward Sean Backman to a one-year contract.

The 23-year-old Backman was a three-time all-Ivy League choice at Yale, where he was second on the team and 13th nationally with 21 goals last season. He scored 126 points in 122 games during his four-year Yale career.

Backman led Yale in scoring his first two seasons. He played with the Green Bay Gamblers of the United States Hockey League before playing for Yale. [Boston Globe]