Ice Edge deal on thin ice? Prospective Coyotes ownership group misses deadline

This is an interesting turn of events. Actually, I hope this means that Winnepeg is back in the picture.

By Winnipeg Sun ---- Negotiations over the future of the Phoenix Coyotes have hit a snag, according to an Arizona newspaper.

An Arizona Republic article published Monday claims the group seeking to buy the NHL team — Ice Edge Holdings — has not complied with terms to provide the City of Glendale with financial documentation required as part of exclusive negotiations between the city and the prospective ownership group to hammer out a lease deal for the city-owned Jobing.com Arena.

Ice Edge has been granted the right to negotiate exclusively with the city as it attempts to purchase the team from the league, which bought the Coyotes out of bankruptcy last year.

The Arizona Republic report cited City of Glendale spokeswoman Julie Frisoni as saying Monday that Ice Edge failed more than five weeks ago to meet a deadline to submit some of the proof of its financing and the group had lost the right to negotiate exclusively as a result.

The 60-day period of exclusivity Ice Edge was granted to negotiate with the city is slated to end next Friday.

When contacted by QMI Agency Tuesday, Frisoni would not comment on the matter and said negotiations were continuing as planned with the deadline still in place.

When reached via e-mail on Tuesday, Ice Edge chief operating officer Daryl Jones said there are “no comments at this time.”

Glendale city council voted in May to cover up to $25 million in team losses if a buyer isn’t found in time for next season.

The NHL has given Glendale until the end of the year to complete an arena deal with a new owner.

The Wheels on the Bus... (RW77)

Are Falling Off...Falling Off.. Falling Off.. The Wheels on the Bus are Falling Off All Through Dinkytown.

Ok, maybe not Dinkytown but definitely inside the Mariucci Arena's Home Men's Hockey Locker Room.

FIRST ISSUE:

The biggest news is Sophomore Josh Birkholz, a former skater with the Fargo Force (USHL), screwed the pooch and was looking at, rumor has it, up to 7 weeks of suspension during the upcoming hockey season... So he bolted for the WHL. Again, rumor has it that the Everett Silvertips signed him. From there, the speculation gets even more out there. There was rumor of drug use by Birkholz as being the culprit. If that's the case (and I, the author, do not claim that it is true), then Birkholz made one of the stupidest mistakes of his LIFE thus far.

People harass UND for their players stupidity when it comes to underage drinking or drunken shenanigans when it occurs, but, though stupidity is stupidity, at least UND didn't have to deal with illegal substances... well... substances that are illegal regardless of how old you are anyways. At least in recent memory.

Where should UND fans stand on this issue? Though I enjoy pointing out the hypocrisy of the whole situation, I do not take pleasure in the misfortune of the Gophers team. I don't feel sorry for Birkholz. It's his bed. He's sleeping in it (and probably going to sleep comfortably if the violation of team rules wasn't the rumored drug use).

Lucia is getting run through the grinder on this issue (and the next) about this but I can't honestly see how this is his fault. Lucia cannot correct stupidity of this magnitude. No one can except for the stupid person him/herself should they desire to correct the issue.

But if you want to blame anyone, blame that incompetent buffoon John Hill. Why? Just because. He's losing Lucia's job for him.

SECOND ISSUE:

It now appears that Gopher Defenseman Nick Leddy will indeed sign with the Blackhawks.

Whatta ya know, Hillsy, you didn't blow it with him.... but Nick decided to bolt before Hill could compromise what progress Leddy's made.

I don't know what will happen with Leddy. Will he stick in the NHL? I am not too optimistic on this. If he does, he either played incredibly or the Hawks are in trouble more than they already are. Will he be sent to a MJ team? I don't know. I'm not sure I understand why an NHL team would waste a year's salary on sending a kid to a major junior team. If you're paying the guy, he should be either in the ECHL or AHL, imo, if he's not going to be in the NHL.

Oh, and Lucia is getting raked over the coals for this. He can't win. And he won't. This upcoming season, I don't see their defense getting any better than it was last year. I think their offense will be ok. I wonder if Lucia will do the right thing and start taking over certain duties that Hill oversees and, if Maturi gets ants in his pants to make some changes, I wonder if Lucia can put aside his friendship with Hill to do what is necessary: Cut the cord.

So who is going to be brought in to replace these two? Rumor has it that it will be Max Gardiner to replace Birkholz, and it looks pretty certain to be true to me. However, Seth Ambroz makes MUCH more sense.

We'll watch on...

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

UND gets the MJHL MVP: Taylor Dickin

He scored major points for the Selkirk team of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League and was named MVP. He's 21 years old... and he won't be eligible to play until January.

What does this mean for Holst? Why in the world can't Taylor Dickin, who I assume graduated High School at 18, be ready for college 3 years post graduation?

Brad Schlossman suggests that Dickin is the recruited walk on he heard about earlier this summer. With Holst not clearing the NCAA Clearinghouse yet, I wonder what Holst's status is?

The good news is that this is more interesting than NHL Free Agency this year.

Wheeler's arbitration case concludes

Hum, interesting comment(s) by Wheeler's agent.

"I think it was handled very professionally by both sides," said Matt Keator, Wheeler's agent. "Our interpretation of the marketplace is different from theirs, hence the disagreement. I think both sides handled it well, keeping it professionally. They pointed out Blake's shortcomings. We pointed out Blake's strengths. But Blake already knew his shortcomings. He knows what he needs to work on. There were no hurt feelings in what was said. It was not contentious at all."

Keator did not disclose any comparables that were discussed during the hearing. However, it's a good bet that Mason Raymond ( 25g-28a-53pts) ($2.55 million annual cap hit), Nikolai Kulemin (16g-20a-36pts)($2.35 million)and David Perron (20g-27a-47pts) ($2.15 million) were comparables brought up by both parties.

Because of his statistics over the last two seasons (83 points, 163 of a possible 164 games played, ample ice time in all situations), Wheeler's award could be in the $2.5 million range. Even if Wheeler's one-year award is costlier than the Bruins expected, they are highly unlikely to walk away from the 23-year-old left wing.[Boston Bruins Blog]

Again, I am not a Wheeler hater, however, I am also not a big fan of his game for a guy his size at 6'5" 205 pounds, Wheeler is a very soft player which was evident with his purse fight last season against Ryan O'Byrne. Not everyone has to be a bruzier I get that, he isn't a big time player either as he disappeared during the Stanley Cup playoffs especially during the series against the Flyers scoring (1g-1a-2pts) in 7 games.

Wheeler goes to arbitration

Former Gopher Blake Wheeler went to his arbitration hearing today. I hope the Bruins don't end up over paying this guy.

With the two sides failing to come to a last-minute agreement, Blake Wheeler and the Bruins have proceeded to arbitration. The hearing started at 9 a.m. in Toronto this morning.

Matt Keator, Wheeler's agent, will start the hearing with an affirmative case for Wheeler. The Bruins will then present a similar affirmative case for the club. Wheeler's camp will then have a chance to present a rebuttal case and closing argument. The Bruins will also issue a rebuttal case and closing argument. Both parties have a maximum of 90 minutes to present their cases. [Boston Globe]

According to Joe Haggerty's twitter post Wheeler's hearing went well.

Meh Free Agency News (RW77)

Ok, this free agency period is really really boring. I was hoping for more excitement, perhaps some movement. But, alas, it's just another typical off season.

There was some tidbits of news:

The NY Rangers are close to signing Frolov. This guy isn't anything special anymore. He was pretty dynamic pre-NHL and his rookie year. I thought he'd be an Anze Kopitar or an Alexander Semin type. Instead, his offensive production has decreased consistently the past 3 years. It will be interesting to see how he could possibly succeed in underachieving even worse than he did before. Then again, he's in the second best team to accomplish this feat as a forward (only Montreal's forwards can underachieve more).

Aron Aasham (sp?) is trying to return to Philly. The question is: Has Aasham reappeared yet from his Copperfield impersonation during the postseason?

Mason Raymond has done good. He just signed a 2 year contract with the Canucks. I knew he was good with tUMD and I think he may be the best recruit Sandelin ever got with the Bulldogs, imo.

Oh, and the only bit of excitement is more like a soap opera with bad acting. The Player's Association has filed a grievance on Kovalchuk's contract denial. The problem is, the PA is like Forest Griffin without any muscle or skill. Just a monkey looking posturing punch line thanks to the fact that they have no real head of the NHLPA and therefore, no real direction.

Here's another tidbit: Today Nashville signed D Ryan Parent to a 2 year deal. He was traded (back) to Nashville from Philadelphia for Hamhuis. Good news, Philly fans! He didn't sign with Philly! (SARCASM). So, in essence, Philadelphia traded Parent for cap room... or nothing, whichever.

Life is so slow that NHL.com put up a story on Zetterberg's wedding. Seriously, good for the man. He married a model. No big deal. May they swim in 1 million fjords in perfect bliss and happiness.

DROP THE PUCK ALREADY!

A famous coach, a former model, sex in a restaurant and alleged extortion to be focus of trial

Not hockey related but it caught my interest.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - It started as a fling between a former model and a famous (and married) college basketball coach at the table of an Italian restaurant after closing time.

Now the woman, Karen Cunagin Sypher, heads to trial Monday on charges that she tried to extort University of Louisville coach Rick Pitino, allegedly demanding college tuition for her children, having her house paid off and $10 million for her silence.

The trial could sort out who's telling the truth in the sordid affair that dragged down the reputation of the coach, who leads one of the two biggest teams in basketball-mad Kentucky.

Prosecutors say they plan to use multiple witnesses, secretly recorded conversations and testimony from Pitino to prove that Sypher is guilty of multiple charges, including threatening communications with the intent to extort, lying to the FBI and retaliation against a witness.

My question is what is wrong with people today? First, I guess marriage vows means nothing anymore. Second, you're a head coach of a high profile college basketball program what the hell are you thinking? Morons!

A few Saturday morning links

Apparently Gopher coach Don Lucia is felling better.

Good news: Gophers men's hockey coach Don Lucia, who has suffered from sarcoidosis — an inflammation of skull lining that affects nerves — for the last 1 1/2 years, is back from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester apparently recovered from the disease. No longer does Lucia have to take steroid treatments and nerve drugs.

"I get to be myself again," he said this morning.

Here is an interesting perspective. This is how former Gopher "Hack" Tony Lucia and his father see him. I am sure Sioux fans would see him differently.

“I’m a hard-nosed player that brings his lunch pail to the rink every night and tries to give a good effort,” Lucia said when asked to describe his style of play. “I’m not going to be a flashy player, but I like to play a tough game whistle-to-whistle.”

According to Tony’s dad, Don, his son has always been a good leader with his teammates and passionate about hockey. In an exclusive interview with SJSHARKS.com, Don described Tony as a “gritty, smart, two-way player” who’s “always been willing to do whatever it takes to win.”
[NHL.com]

Former Wild Goon enforcer Derek Boogaard said he had a few teams pursing him during the free agency period.

Make no mistake, Boogaard's primary service still is to menace. The 6-foot-7, 260-pound left wing remains one of the top two or three most-feared enforcers in the NHL, which is why the Rangers' Glen Sather was one of what Boogaard said were about 10 general managers who came calling July 1, the first day of free agency.

"That's more (teams) than Gabby was dealing with last summer," said Boogaard, who shares agent Ron Salcer with Marian Gaborik, with whom Boogaard will be a teammate again. "Ronny was surprised; he told me he thought there would be four or five teams (interested)."

The Rangers have a lot of money invested in skill players such as forwards Gaborik and Chris Drury and goaltender Henry Lundqvist, and Sather said he was tired of them being pushed around. Boogaard believes he can help.
[Pioneer Press]

Boston Bruins Center David Krejci says he is, "on schedule to join his teammates for training camp." That is good news for the Boston Bruins who are very thin at the forward position. [Boston Globe]

UNO becoming a stop for old Gophers.

Former assistant hockey coach Mike Guentzel has a new job as an assistant coach in Omaha Nebraska. If anyone is counting that makes three coaches at UNO with ties to the University of Minnesota. The University of Nebraska Omaha will be in good hands with Guentzel, Blais and Hastings at the helm.

1.) Gophers Head coach Dean Blais UMN Alum 1970-1973.
2.) Mike Guentzel former assistant coach UMN and Alumni 1981-1985.
3.) Mike Hastings former assistant coach at UMN 2008-09.

It’s been a while — 16 years, to be exact — but Mike Guentzel is coming back to coach hockey in Omaha.

The former Omaha Lancers head coach will return as an assistant at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Guentzel was the Lancers’ head coach in 1992-93 and 1993-94, guiding the team to consecutive postseason championships in the United States Hockey League.

“I remember the passion the city of Omaha had for hockey from back in my Lancers days,’’ he said. “I’m looking forward to coming back.’’

Guentzel’s return will reunite him with UNO assistant Mike Hastings, who coached for the Lancers under Guentzel before eventually becoming the team’s head coach.

“Mike and I go way back,’’ Guentzel said. “I think it’s a great situation, and I’m looking forward to it.’’

A native of Grand Rapids, Minn., Guentzel played collegiately at Minnesota before beginning his coaching career as an assistant with the St. Paul Vulcans (now Tri-City Storm) of the USHL during the 1988-89 season. He then became head coach of the club for three seasons, leading them to the Junior “A” national title in 1991.

Guentzel then took over as the head coach for the Lancers and led them to a league-best 35-13-0 record and the Anderson Cup as regular-season champions during the 1992-93 season. Omaha also captured the Clark Cup as postseason champion that year, and repeated that feat during the 1993-94 season.

He had a winning record in all five seasons as a USHL head coach, posting a 151-80-8 mark.

Guentzel left the Lancers after the 1993-94 season and returned to his alma mater as an assistant coach at Minnesota, where in 14 seasons he helped the Gophers capture two NCAA titles. He left the Gophers to become an assistant at Colorado College in 2008-09 and was the head coach of the Des Moines Bucs of the USHL last season.

“It was disappointing that Des Moines missed the playoffs this year,’’ he said. “The team had won 12 games the year before, and we won 20 games this season.’’

Guentzel said he was looking forward to the opportunity to coach with UNO head coach Dean Blais. They were on opposing sides for several years in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) when Blais was the head coach at North Dakota and Guentzel was at Minnesota.[Omaha.com]

Links

Mike Guentzel Returns to Omaha To Join UNO Staff [Husker Mike]

Arbitration looms for Wheeler, Bruins

s/t puck Daddy for the Wheeler picture. Here is the latest news on the Blake Wheeler arbitration saga, the former Golden Gopher and Bruins forward is headed off to arbitration. Personally, I like the option where the Boston Bruins trade Blake Wheeler to another team because after watching Wheeler last season in the Stanley Cup Playoffs it was very evident the kid has little if any ability to score goals at crucial times in games.

Just a week before Bruins forward Blake Wheeler's July 27 arbitration hearing, there was no progress to report on contract talks between the restricted free agent and the club.

Late Tuesday afternoon, Wheeler's agent Matt Keator said the two sides would talk again this weekend but gave no indication that those talks would settle the matter.

"We'll talk to them again this weekend and see how that goes," Keator said. "But there's nothing new to report right now and if we can't reach an agreement this weekend, then we go to arbitration. That's fine and that's why they have the arbitration process."

Wheeler, who has 39 goals and 83 points in 163 games with the Bruins, made $2.8 million last season and almost certainly would get a raise through arbitration.

But even Wheeler's cap hit from 2009-10, combined with the signing of top pick Tyler Seguin to his entry-level deal, would put the Bruins over the $59.4 million salary cap. That is why there has been plenty of speculation that the Bruins may deal the winger who was drafted fifth overall by the Phoenix Coyotes in 2004. But Keator didn't seem to believe that would happen.

"I don't really know because that's a question for the Bruins, but I wouldn't think so," Keator said. "He's only 23 years old and has a bright future ahead of him. We're not concerned about that. We know the cap situation and we know Peter [Chiarelli, the Bruins' GM] is working hard to deal with it. But we can't worry about it because it's out of our control." [ESPN]

I honestly don't know how the Boston Bruins ended up signing Wheeler for 2.8 million either? That is a lot of money to give a player who has score in (39g-44a-83pts) in 163 NHL games.

While I am not a Blake Wheeler fan by any stretch, I am not a hater either. One could make the argument that the Boston Bruins already have a player like Blake Wheeler signed and on board in Joel Colborne (big not so physical player at a cheaper rate than 2.8+) who has a good to decent chance to make the Bruins this season.

A few things (College Hockey Related)

This past Friday I had a chance to participate in the Galen Nagle Golf Tourney at the Bemidji Town and Country Club and it was a great time and the tournament as always was run well and everything went off smoothly. If you get a chance to go over to Bemidiji and play the BTCC the course is in great shape. The fairways are some of the best I have ever hit a ball off of. Of course I am usually not in the fairway, but the woods aren’t bad either. :)

For the Galen Nagle golf tourney I played with Chase Schmidtt, Mike Williams, Scott Robbins, Scott Williams (TV voice of the Beavers Hockey Team) and we were one of the teams that didn't place. We couldn't putt.

Tickets are hard to come by for BREC Opener

Word on the street is that don’t expect to get tickets for the opening series between the BSU Beavers and the UND Fighting Sioux at the new BREC, they are going to be hard to come by. The building seats 4000-5000 people and the BSU ticket office has sold 80% of the building already. Also, there will be about 500 tickets set aside for BSU students as well as 400 tickets for UND. So it’s going to be tough getting a seat to see the Beavers and the Sioux open the new building. According to the Beavers Head Coach Tom Serratore the series is going to be a sell out.

TV coverage of BSU and UND series?

There is some hope though. What I am hoping for is that the games will be picked up by FSSN channel 23 on Midco.net. Recently; Midco.net moved into the Bemidji, Minnesota market, so it's not outside the realm of possibility that FSSN 23 could possibly pick up the broadcast(s) for one or both games so Sioux fans will be able to see the game. This past season UND both games were picked up between the Sioux and the Bulldogs. I think as we get closer to the series fans should flood the Midco office with emails and phone calls.

Links

Scott and Moose from the award winning Hockey Show cover the new rules and the BREC [Hockey Show]

The George Pelawa Calgary Flames Foundation Education Fund was unveiled last Friday at the 13th annual Galen Nagle Memorial Golf Tournament in Bemidji. [Times Colonist]

The official 2010-2011 Fighting Sioux hockey roster has been posted on line.
[Fighting Sioux]

The Minnesota Gopher hockey programs seems to be in full melt down mode already and it's not even October yet. [Goal Gophers] and [Goal Gophers]

Leddy turns heads at Blackhawks camp but not offered contract [Goal Gophers]

Bemidji State men's hockey: Offseason routine 'business as usual' ahead of first WCHA season [Bemidji Pioneer]

In the near future Goon's World will be returning to [MVN.COM]

Lundar resident faces charges over 911 calls

You really cant make this stuff up. It's almost comical, if he wasn't breaking the law, it also sounds like this guy might want to stop drinking, sober up and got some much needed sleep.

WINNIPEG — At least one local hockey fan thinks it’s criminal the Winnipeg Jets haven’t returned home.

A 33-year-old resident of Lundar, Manitoba is facing numerous charges after allegedly making a series of 911 calls which included demanding RCMP officers somehow bring the National Hockey League back to the province.

"He began the conversation by saying he wanted the Jets back. He was quite upset about it," a justice source told the Free Press on Wednesday. The incident occurred last year but was never reported publicly by police. The Free Press uncovered details this week through court documents.

The potential return of the NHL has been a hot topic in recent years, with many believing it’s a matter of when, not if, Winnipeg gets a team back. And while the subject usually triggers passionate debate, this is believed to be the first time it has ever prompted police action.

The emergency dispatcher politely told the angry caller there was nothing she could do to help him and reminded him that he was tying up a valuable resource before hanging up. But the man continued to phone back, claiming he had a lot on his mind.

"He had apparently been drinking and told police he hadn’t slept in days. He started talking about world conglomerates, things like that. He was hallucinating, obviously," said the source.

NHL says not so fast on Kovalchuk's contract.

A person asked me on Twitter yesterday what I thought of the Ilya Kovalchuk's contract. I said, ‘I bet the NHL looks at Kovy's deal.’ Apparently, that was a good prediction as the league has rejected the Kovalchuk’s contract. This was also confirmed by Fire and Ice.

Tuesday night REJECTION: The NHL has rejected the Kovalchuk contract for salary-cap circumvention. The Devils have declined comment, but now this gets interesting. As I outlined below Monday, the intent of this contract was clear, but it seemed to me to be legal under the laws of the CBA. There is a provision in the CBA, however, that prohibits teams from circumventing the intent of the rules.

Where does this go from here? Humorously, the league waited to make its decision well after the theater of the news conference earlier today.

The problem that I see is the league allowed numerous other contracts that were similar in intent, from Chris Pronger to Roberto Luongo. The league has warned teams that if they continued to construct contracts like this, there would be consequences. This is a clear message by the NHL, but I see a little duel on the horizon. [Russo's Rants]

Is Nick Leddy the next one and done...

According to Gopher hockey fan Hammy's twitter rumor has it another Gopher hockey player is going to leave early.

Don't be surprised if you hear about a player departure soon. Not good news.

Over on Sioux Sports a few have posted they think it's Nick Leddy who was traded by the Wild to Chicago in the Kim "Yawnson" Johnsson trade. This is one problem with recruiting players that are number one draft choices, teams love to get them into their system as soon as possible. I getting a little tired of watching these college players leave after one season. No offense to Leddy but he didn't exactly light the WCHA up last year in thirty games he had (3g-8a-11pts)and was hardly what I would call a dominating player.

Among those that participated, Bowman specifically singled out several for their play -- including 19-year old center Brandon Pirri and 19-year old offensive college defenseman Nick Leddy -- both taken early in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. Pirri was the Hawks' second pick of the draft (No. 59), while Leddy was taken with the 16th pick by Minnesota and then traded to the Hawks during the past season along with veteran Kim Johnsson.

Leddy, who said he had to discuss with his parents whether he should return to the University of Minnesota for his sophomore season, was the first player Bowman mentioned on Monday.

"Nick Leddy was excellent," he said. "This is the first time we've seen him here in Chicago. (We) saw him perform during the (college) season, but boy he's really smooth out there. I think he's going to be with the Blackhawks for many years. It's exciting to see that [www.NHL.com]

Canes Sign Riley Nash to Entry-Level Contract

The Coming Down the Pipe blog correctly predicted that former Cornell Big Red Star Riley Nash wouldn't be an Edmonton Oiler when Guy Flaming said, "Edmonton supporters might be best to prepare themselves for the possibility that Nash might never be seen wearing the orange and blue." That prediction was finally realized today when Nash decided to forgo his finally year of college eligibility to sign with the Hurricanes. Nash was traded to Carolina Hurricanes on June 26th, 2010. It also appears that Nash was ready to sign a professional contract if it wasn't the Edmonton Oilers.

RALEIGH, NC – Jason Karmanos, Vice President and Assistant General Manager of the National Hockey League’s Carolina Hurricanes, today announced that the team has signed center Riley Nash to a three-year, entry-level contract. At the NHL level, the deal will pay Nash $550,000 in 2010-11, $600,000 in 2011-12, and $700,000 in 2012-13. He will be paid $65,000 on the AHL level in all three seasons, and receives a signing bonus of $262,500.

“Riley has excellent playmaking ability from the center position, and was a consistent point-producer at Cornell,” said Karmanos. “He'll have an opportunity during training camp to earn a spot on our NHL roster.”

Nash, 21, completed his third season at Cornell University in 2009-10, scoring 12 goals and earning 23 assists (35 points) in 30 games. The Consort, Alb., native led Cornell in assists, and ranked tied for second on the team in scoring. In three seasons with the Big Red, Nash (6’1”, 191 lbs.) has scored 37 goals and earned 65 assists (102 points) in 102 collegiate games. Originally selected by Edmonton in the first round, 21st overall, in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, Carolina acquired Nash on June 26, in exchange for Ottawa’s second-round pick, 46th overall, in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft

Check out this blog post from Copper and Blue. Just for the record I don't think Riley Nash is overrated, if anything the Hurricanes got him pretty cheap. I can also see why Oliers fans might be upset with Nash as well.

News today that reluctant would-never-have-been Oiler Riley Nash has signed with the Carolina Hurricanes with an extremely modest entry-level contract the team has actually released details of.

Well. It's good to know that he was totally staying in Cornell because he cares about school and because the Oilers were offering him an unfavourable contract. Because leaving school early to sign a typical second-round entry-level deal right after being traded would make him look like a bit of a tool.

Mind you, I also think Nash is hilariously overrated as a prospect, so I can be sarcastic. I think the Oilers were wrong to draft him and right to be rid of him.

Drama queen Ilya Kovalchuk staying with Devils...

It's about fricken time. Finally, the drama queen Lebron James Ilya Kovalchuk has signed a contract with the New Jersey Devils. Now that Kovalchuk is going to sign with the New Jersey Devils, you have to wonder how the heck the New Jersey Devils are going to find cap space to sign former Fighting Sioux forward Zach Parise next season? The Devils are probably going to have to trade players on this season’s roster to make room for Kovalchuk. Now that this block buster signing is over other teams can move forward with their free agency moves.

The waiting is finally over.

Left wing Ilya Kovalchuk has decided to re-sign with the Devils, his agent, the team announced this morning.

The team will hold a news conference at 1 p.m. Tuesday at Prudential Center to make the official announcement.

No contract details were available, initially. Ilya’s excited to be continuing his career with New Jersey and knows first-hand the team’s dedication and commitment to winning,” Kovalchuk’s agent Jay Grossman said in a release posted on his agency’s website.

Kovalchuk, 27, had been an unrestricted free agent since noon on July 1. The Devils acquired Kovalchuk, a two-time 52-goal scorer, from Atlanta on Feb. 4 (along with defenseman Anssi Salmela) for defenseman Johnny Oduya, right wing Niclas Bergors, prospect Patrice Cormier and the Devils’ 2010 first-round draft pick.

Assuming Kovlachuk’s salary is for more than $3.5 million – he made $7.5 million last season– the Devils will have to move players to get under the $59.4 million salary cap before the start of the regular season. Teams can go as high as 10 percent over the cap until the start of the regular season.
[Fire and Ice]

Links to the Story

Ilya Kovalchuk signs with Devils [NJ.COM]

Kovalchuk, Devils agree to deal [ESPN.COM]

Done Deal-ya: Kovalchuk returns [devils.nhl.com]

BREAKING: Ilya Kovalchuk Re-Signs with the New Jersey Devils [inlouwetrust.com]

Kovalchuk's decision: He's a New Jersey Devil again [Puck Daddy]

Kovalchuk inks deal with the Devils [Globe and Mail]

Kovalchuk deals with the Devils [CBC.CA]

Ilya Kovalchuk chooses Devils over Los Angeles Kings [NJ.COM]

Koivu > Toews?

I thought you might be interested in reading this. For comparison sake Jonathan Toews NHL totals are (222 games 83 goals 108 assists 191 points) and Mikko Koivu (NHL totals 362 games 79 goals 176 assist 255 points). So if you break this down further, Jonathan Toews 22 has scored 191 points in 222 games in three NHL seasons, that means he scores in 8 out of 10 games he plays in. On the other side of the coin the older Mikko Koivu 27 has scored 255 points in 362 games in five NHL seasons, which means that Koivu has actually only scored in 7 out of 10 games that he plays in.

Yes, Koivu has a larger cap hit than Pavel Datsyuk, Nicklas Backstrom, Jonathan Toews and Henrik Sedin. Yes, his stats may not necessarily define him as a “superstar” type player but, then again, neither have Toews’.

In fact, Koivu has put up better numbers than Toews over the last few seasons with less talent surrounding him—something that likely was at the forefront of these discussions when comparables were involved.

What Koivu brings to the squad, however, is so much more than just numbers-based value.

The fact of the matter is that the Wild would be lost without their captain. Koivu is the cornerstone of their team at even strength, on the penalty kill and on the powerplay.

The Wild’s offense not only runs through Koivu, but their forecheck and backcheck does as well.[Wild Nation]

While I am a Wild fan I think that Jonathan Toews has a bigger upside than Koivu. If I was the general manager of the Minnesota Wild and had a chance to either have Koivu or Toews on my team I would take the younger Toews.

Russo on former Sioux player Rick Wilson

Apparently former Fighting Sioux hockey player Rick Wilson is in the running to be an assistant coach for the Minnesota Wild.

Rick Wilson, the former North Stars and longtime Dallas Stars assistant/associate coach, is a finalist for the Wild assistant job, multiple sources confirm. Wilson, a former UND and NHL defenseman, has been an NHL assistant for 20 years with the Islanders, Kings, North Stars, Stars and last season, Tampa Bay.

Wilson has two more years on his deal with the Lightning, but the Tampa Tribune's Erik Erlendsson tells me GM Steve Yzerman told Wilson at the draft that while the Lightning sorts out the coaching staff, he was free to seek employment elsewhere.

Wilson, 59, has worked with a gazillion NHL head coaches, winning a Cup in Dallas alongside Kent Hitchcock, and working alongside everybody from Al Arbour to Bob Gainey to Dave Tippett. He was an assistant with the North Stars/Stars from 1992-2008, spending part of the 2001-02 season as Dallas' interim coach.

I heard from several coaches that know him this afternoon, and they say "fabulous coach" and "Great hire. Would be a great hire as well."
[Russo's Rants]

Wild show Koivu the money.

While I was on my vacation the Minnesota Wild resigned Mikko Koivu to a long term deal. Some might say that the Wild over paided him. What do you think? Here are Koivu's NHL totals (362 games 79 goals 176 assists = 255 points)

Just for comparison sake Alexander Ovechkin is making 9,000,000.00 a year, while Crosby and Malkin are making 8,700,000.00 a year and Koivu is creeping up into that territory of the elite highest paid players in the NHL by making 6.75 million year. While I believe that Mikko Koivu is a very good two way player, he isn't an elite NHL hockey player.

Captain Mikko Koivu signed a US$47.25 million, seven-year contract extension Thursday, keeping the versatile centre with the team through the 2017-18 season.

"You could argue quite persuasively that he's the best player to ever play for the Minnesota Wild," said general manager Chuck Fletcher, who watched the organization's original first-round draft pick, sniper Marian Gaborik, leave for riches and the New York Rangers as a free agent last summer.

The Wild weren't about to let Koivu get that far, and the 27-year-old Finn was quite happy to stay with the team that took him in the first round in 2001, one draft after Gaborik.

Fletcher went so far as to call this deal a "monumental signing" and an "historic day" for the franchise. Koivu, picked as the Wild's first permanent captain last October, had 22 goals and 49 assists last season. In addition to being a leader in the locker-room, Koivu is arguably their best offensive player and best defensive forward. [TSN.CA]

Joe Finley interview at the Capitals develpment camp.

Former Fighting Sioux defenseman Joe Finley was interviewed at the Capitals Development camp. As usual Joe proves to be a pretty good interviewee. s/t to On Frozen Blog

Fighting Sioux Hockey Family loses Perry "NAKO" Nakonechny

I just got home from my vacation to find out that Former Fighting Sioux hockey player Perry Nakonechny has passed away after a long courageous battle with cancer. This is the message on Perry's Caring Bridge page.

Perry died this afternoon just after 12:00. His breathing eased and a tear slipped from his eye. We were with him as he left the pain of this world and entered the kingdom of heaven. Now we hold him in our hearts

Perry is a great guy and he will be missed by many people that have been touched by his infectious personality. Please remember Perry in your thoughts and prays.


Remembering the 'consummate teammate' Former Sioux player Perry Nakonechny dies at age 47 [Grand Forks Herald]

El Rocco coming to UND Campus in 2011 and Random Notes (RW77)

Rocco Grimaldi Commits to Sioux

US NTDP standout forward Rocco Grimaldi committed to UND according to UND blogger and Herald Sports Writer Brad Schlossman.

He was deciding between Notre Dame and Denver before selecting UND as his final destination before the pros.

Right away, the guy reminds me of someone.... Ah yes. Ryan Duncan. Why? Because he's 5'6" and 160 pounds, which, IIRC, is right about Duncan's size. However, what he also does is remind people about a certain BC standout that had UND's goat...ahm... Nathan Gerbe anyone?

Rocco's hometown is listed in Michigan but he's actually from California. He has done well for himself everywhere he's been at, winning the championship for his midget team (Little Caesar's AAA Midget), winning the U-17 tourney, and the U-18 tourney.

He had 20 points in 32 games with the NTDP this year, including a team high six goals on the powerplay. He was also the top scorer in the U17 Challenge.

He served as Team Captain as well, which is another standup quality for the young man.

Here's the USHL link

Random College Notes:

-- UND's roster will be finalized this month. Most of the pontifications on this blog and the Siouxsports.com forums have pretty much nailed what's expected already so no surprises are expected.

-- Four Frozen Four Sites have been announced. 2011 is Minnesota's home ice advantage XCel Energy Center, 2012 is Tampa (whooo! That's going to be as packed as that sell out was in Anaheim a few years back!), 2013 in Pittsburgh and 2014 in Philly. Boston snubbed again. The good news is maybe ESPN can entice Sidney Crosby to come to the show in Pittsburgh so they can find something OTHER than college hockey to talk about (aka Edwards and Moriarty with Doug Flutie in 2000)

-- Chay Genoway is working out but not yet cleared medically to play... to the knowledge of Brad Schlossman (who I believe will be the first person outside of UND's Athletic Department, UND's players and coaches, Chay's friends and family to be notified)

NHL News and Notes:

-- HEY GUESS WHAT! A Canadian news agency proposed to televise the Ilya Kovalchuk "decision" in, yup, an hour long special. No, I'm not being cynical or making this crap up. Thank you LeBron. I hope you get burned big time.

-- Philly re-signed thug cave-man intellectual equal Danny Carcillo today. I don't know how much he was paid, but whatever it was, even if it was one penny above league minimum, it was too much.

-- Modano may not end up in Detroit after all. Looks like bygones will be bygones and the Wild may sign him. It's nice to know that Modano can turn the other page after Risebrough gave him the middle finger when Modano all but volunteered to play for the Wild after the lockout and Risebrough said no.

-- Niemi's arbitration date has been set. He's looking about somewhere around $3 million+ a season thanks to STL and Halak. It will be very interesting to see what the Hawks do.

More Moves and More Bad News for Chicago (RW77)

Former Sioux Get Pro Contracts

Former Sioux Alternative Captain Darcy Zajac signed a 2 year deal with the Albany River Rats of the American Hockey League (AHL). Albany is currently the AHL Affiliate of Darcy's older brother's team, the New Jersey Devils. This isn't an NHL deal so it would take another contract for him to play with the Devils, but it does give Darcy some notice by Lamoriello, a GM who has been very favorable to UND and college hockey in general.

Former Sioux Goaltender JP Lamoureaux signed a 1 year agreement with Abbotsford of the AHL. Abbotsford is part of the Calgary Flames organization. I wish the best for JPL but I don't have any expectations that it could develop into an NHL contract. Calgary is run by Brent Sutter, a guy who is almost as notorious as being anti-NCAA as the people who run Moncton of the QMJHL, London of the OHL, and the staff of the Atlanta Thrashers (see the situation with current UML recruit drafted by the Thrashers who are pressuring him to go MJ). Despite this, I hope he does a great job with Abbottsford and that gets him some notice.

Chicago's Situation Gets More Tense

Today Chicago GM Stan Bowman said that they'd match San Jose's offer to Niclas Hjalmarrssen for 4 years $14 million, but that means someone else has to go. The Hawks are dangling Brian Campbell out there but they will probably move Patrick Sharp instead due to contract issues.

This is too bad, but not unexpected. I'm not expecting much from the Hawks next year. The I attrition is simply too high. This is the result of terrible cap management and poor GM decision making, which is tough for me to swallow because I think so highly of Dave Tallon.

I think they had to, but what really hurts now is that they can't get out of Christobal Huet's abomination of a contract. And he's not going to give that money back. And I don't blame him. Stupid is as stupid does and Tallon was retarded.

I just don't see the Hawks being effective without their big guns. Toews and Kane will still be there, but gone will be Versteeg, Ladd, and either Sharp, Campbell, or both. Then there's the mess about Niemi.

I wouldn't be surprised now if Niemi walks if arbitration asks for too much. It'll be too bad that they couldn't get compensatory draft picks when Niemi walks though.

Gone Fishing - Vacation time...

Gone Fishing - I need a vacation! So this week we are going to put Goon’s World on a summer vacation as well. I am off to go Walleye fishing in Devils Lake 12-15 July and I will be staying at my hunting shack north of Devils Lake, ND with Sioux7 and a few other friends of mine. Everyone needs decompression time.

I am ready for a vacation and I am pretty much just going to have fun and go where the wind blows me. I am excited to also be playing in the Galen Nagle Golf Tourney on Friday July, 16 2010. A long time ago I had the pleasure of meeting Galen and he was a definitely a quality guy. I think the Galen Nagle Golf tourney is a nice touch and a great honor to an awesome guy. Hopefully, this season our team can place again.

Recently I started playing some more golf and I have been playing a few rounds of golf at Lincoln Park Golf Course so I could get used to playing at a course that is lined with trees like Bemidji Town and Country Club. Of course Lincoln is not even comparable to the BTCC but Kings Walk has no trees that come into play on the course. If your ball is laying next to a to one of the four tree at Kings Walk your probably not having a very good day of golf, you might not even be in bounds.

While I am in Bemidji I am supposed to get a tour of the new BREC if time permits. If I am able to get in there and take a toure I will post some pictures up on the blog. Last time I was in Bemidji I forgot to take my camera so I wasn't able to get any pictures of the BREC from the outside.

This week if anything significant happens; Redwing77 will post something on the Goon’s World. I know we are waiting to hear where Ilya Kovalchuk is going to end up. The more this thing drags on the more with Kovaluchuk the more the other major transactions are kind of on the back burner until this things gets worked out.

Please also remember former Fighting Sioux hockey player Perry Nakonechny in your thoughts and prayers. Nako was a member on the 1987 NCAA Championship team. Perry has foughyt a tough fight against cancer and it sounds like he isn't doing well. I have known Perry for about 10 years from days at Valley Golf and Kings Walk and he is a quality guy as well.

Our warrior is nearing the end of his battle. He has fought with strength and courage. He is resting peacefully now as he prepares to accept the trophy of eternal life in heaven. Please don't think he lost his battle with cancer. It is clear to me that he is a champion.

Mike Modano to the Wild?

Having grown up in Minnesota during my youth and being a rabid Minnesota North Stars fans until Norm “Greed” Green up and moved the team to Dallas; I would welcome a return of Mike Modano to the Minnesota Wild. From reading the rumor mill on line it would appear that Modano is also being courted by the Detroit Redwings and San Jose Sharks; Modano being from Livonia, Michigan would also make the Redwings a logical place to finish his hockey career, if he didn't sign with the Minnesota Wild.

The door has officially been opened for future Hall of Famer Mike Modano to perhaps finish his NHL career in the place it started.

Wild GM Chuck Fletcher said Friday that he spoke with Modano this week about the Wild's interest in signing the former North Stars center to a free-agent contract.

"We're interested in speaking to Mike about his future plans," Fletcher said. "We obviously have interest in doing anything that will make our team better, and we just want to sit down with him and see if there's a mutual fit." [Red Star and Sickle]

I think Modano would bring leadership to the Wild locker room as well as add speed and needed points to the Wild’s unimpressive line up. What do you think? Do you like the idea of the Wild attempting to get Modano to end his career in Minnesota?

The list of UFA transactions so far. (updated - 07/10/2010)

Here is the updated UFA tracker, not much has gone on as of late because free agency is pretty much at a stand still as teams are vying for Ilya Kovalchuk who is the NHL version of LeBbron James.

Jul 7 Lebda, Brett D Detroit Toronto $2.9M 2 $1.45M
Jul 7 Corvo, Joe D Washington Carolina $4.5M 2 $2.25M - Western Michigan
Jul 7 Niedermayer, Rob C New Jersey Buffalo $1.15M 1 $1.15M
Jul 6 Boulton, Eric LW Atlanta Atlanta $650K 1 $650K
Jul 6 Stone, Ryan C Edmonton Calgary $500K 1 $500K
Jul 5 Clark, Brett D Colorado Tampa Bay $3.2M 2 $1.6M
Jul 3 Giroux, Alexandre LW Washington Edmonton $500K 1 $500K
Jul 2 Mitchell, John C Toronto Toronto $750K 1 $750K
Jul 2 Quincey, Kyle D Colorado Colorado n/a 2 n/a
Jul 2 Winnik, Daniel C Colorado Colorado n/a 2 n/a - New Hampshire
Jul 2 Montoya, Al G Phoenix Phoenix n/a 1 n/a
Jul 2 Lepisto, Sami D Phoenix Phoenix n/a 1 n/a
Jul 2 Craig, Ryan C Tampa Bay Pittsburgh $500K 1 $500K
Jul 2 Andrew Ebbett n/a Minnesota Phoenix n/a 1 n/a-Michigan
Jul 2 Lombardi, Matthew C Phoenix Nashville $10.5M 3 $3.5M
Jul 2 Winchester, Brad LW St. Louis St. Louis $700K 1 $700K-UW
Jul 2 MacIntyre, Steve LW Florida Edmonton $500K 1 $500K
Jul 2 Konopka, Zenon RW Tampa Bay NY Islanders n/a 1 n/a
Jul 2 Parenteau, P.A. RW NY Rangers NY Islanders $600K 1 $600K
Jul 2 Jurcina, Milan D Washington NY Islanders $1M 1 $1M
Jul 2 Eaton, Mark D Pittsburgh NY Islanders $5M 2 $2.5M-Notre Dame
Jul 2 Higgins, Christopher RW Calgary Florida $1.6M 1 $1.6M-Yale
Jul 2 McCormick, Cody C Buffalo Buffalo $500K 1 $500K
Jul 2 Strudwick, Jason D Edmonton Edmonton n/a 1 n/a
Jul 2 Kubina, Pavel D Atlanta Tampa Bay $7.7M 2 $3.85M
Jul 2 Jackman, Tim RW NY Islanders Calgary n/a 2 n/a-MSU-M
Jul 2 Ivanans, Raitis RW Los Angeles Calgary n/a 2 n/a
Jul 1 Prospal, Vaclav LW NY Rangers NY Rangers $2.1M 1 $2.1M
Jul 1 Scott, John n/a Minnesota Chicago $1M 1 $1M-MTU
Jul 1 Boyd, Dustin C Montreal Montreal $650K 1 $650K
Jul 1 Nystrom, Eric LW Calgary Minnesota $4.2M 3 $1.4M-Michigan
Jul 1 Reich, Jeremy LW NY Islanders Boston n/a 1 n/a
Jul 1 Raycroft, Andrew G Vancouver Dallas $1.3M 2 $650K
Jul 1 Cullen, Matt C Ottawa Minnesota $10.5M 3 $3.5M-SCSU
Jul 1 Burish, Adam LW Chicago Dallas $2.3M 2 $1.15M-UW
Jul 1 Koivu, Saku C Anaheim Anaheim $5M 2 $2.5M
Jul 1 Tambellini, Jeff LW NY Islanders Vancouver $500K 1 $500K-Michigan
Jul 1 Leopold, Jordan D Pittsburgh Buffalo $9M 3 $3M-Minnesota
Jul 1 Hamhuis, Dan D Pittsburgh Vancouver $27M 6 $4.5M
Jul 1 Volchenkov, Anton D Ottawa New Jersey $25.5M 6 $4.25M
Jul 1 Jokinen, Olli C NY Rangers Calgary $6M 2 $3M
Jul 1 Mason, Chris G St. Louis Atlanta $3.7M 2 $1.85M
Jul 1 Foster, Kurtis D Tampa Bay Edmonton $3.6M 2 $1.8M
Jul 1 Tallinder, Henrik D Buffalo New Jersey $13.5M 4 $3.375M
Jul 1 Sanford, Curtis G Montreal Montreal $550K 1 $550K
Jul 1 Whitney, Ray RW Carolina Phoenix $6M 2 $3M
Jul 1 Lydman, Toni D Buffalo Anaheim $9M 3 $3M
Jul 1 Martin, Paul D New Jersey Pittsburgh $25M 5 $5M -Minnesota
Jul 1 Boogaard, Derek LW Minnesota NY Rangers $6.5M 4 $1.625M
Jul 1 Ellis, Dan G Montreal Tampa Bay $3M 2 $1.5M
Jul 1 Shelley, Jody RW NY Rangers Philadelphia $3.3M 3 $1.1M
Jul 1 Morris, Derek D Phoenix Phoenix $11M 4 $2.75M
Jul 1 Malhotra, Manny C San Jose Vancouver $7.5M 3 $2.5M
Jul 1 O'Donnell, Sean D Los Angeles Philadelphia $1M 1 $1M
Jul 1 Perrault, Joel C Phoenix Vancouver $510K 1 $510K
Jul 1 Niittymaki, Antero G Tampa Bay San Jose $4M 2 $2M
Jul 1 Armstrong, Colby RW Atlanta Toronto $9M 3 $3M
Jul 1 Auld, Alex G NY Rangers Montreal $1M 1 $1M
Jul 1 Michalek, Zbynek D Phoenix Pittsburgh $20M 5 $4M
Jul 1 Tanguay, Alex RW Tampa Bay Calgary $1.7M 1 $1.7M
Jul 1 Gonchar, Sergei D Pittsburgh Ottawa $16.5M 3 $5.5M
Jul 1 Paille, Dan LW Boston Boston $2.15M 2 $1.075M
Jul 1 Biron, Martin G NY Islanders NY Rangers $1.75M 2 $875K
Jun 30 Leighton, Michael G Philadelphia Philadelphia $3.1M 2 $1.55M
Jun 29 Barch, Krys LW Dallas Dallas $1.675M 2 $837.5K
Jun 26 Wallin, Niclas D San Jose San Jose $2.5M 1 $2.5M
Jun 26 Nichol, Scott C San Jose San Jose $760K 1 $760K
Jun 25 Recchi, Mark RW Boston Boston $1M 1 $1M
Jun 24 Boychuk, Johnny D Boston Boston $3.75M 2 $1.875M
Jun 24 Marleau, Patrick LW San Jose San Jose $27.6M 4 $6.9M
Jun 22 Plekanec, Tomas C Montreal Montreal $30M 6 $5M
Jun 22 Darche, Mathieu RW Montreal Montreal $550K 1 $550K
Jun 22 Cooke, Matt LW Pittsburgh Pittsburgh $5.4M 3 $1.8M
Jun 21 Pyatt, Taylor LW Phoenix Phoenix $2M 2 $1M
Jun 17 Aucoin, Adrian D Phoenix Phoenix $4M 2 $2M
Jun 17 Bouillon, Francis D Nashville Nashville $2.7M 2 $1.35M
Jun 16 Bertuzzi, Todd RW Detroit Detroit $3.875M 2 $1.9375M
Jun 15 Rome, Aaron D Vancouver Vancouver $1.5M 2 $750K
Jun 14 Backlund, Johan G Philadelphia Philadelphia $1.6M 2 $800K

A Quick bit of news (RW77)

A little news today on the NHL side of things with one WCHA connection:

David Fischer...bababa BUST!

Just in case you weren't aware of it, former Gopher Defenseman David Fischer is a first round bust. He was a bust in Minnesota and Canadians GM Gauthier confirmed that he's an NHL bust as well. He told David's representative that they have no intention of signing him and will get a compensatory pick in the 2011 Entry Draft (20th pick of the second round to correlate with the draft position of Fischer).

This isn't all that surprising. Fischer never played as well as he did prior to Minnesota. He never improved. He just was a big body and no appreciable talent beyond his stellar years prior to playing for the Gophers.

This year seems to be the year of Finger Pointing. Whose fault is it about Fischer's stalling in development? In this case, I think Minnesota is off the hook. Fischer's freshman year wasn't stellar to begin with. I truly think he came to Minnesota peaked out developmentally and the coaching staff couldn't do a darn thing.

Will another team sign him? Maybe to a minor league deal. He'd certainly be cheap.

If I were Fischer's representative and David wanted to continue playing hockey, I'd look overseas. Try to get into the Finnish Elite League or perhaps the KHL.

I feel for David as a person. It wasn't his fault that the Canadiens saw something in him that wasn't there.


Blackhawks Situation Update

The San Jose Sharks just signed off Niclas Hjalmarrssen to a 4 year $14 million contract. The Hawks have 7 days to match it or they'll get San Jose's 1st and 3rd round picks in the 2011 draft.

This is nothing more than the cap mess rearing its ugly head again.

And it gets worse.

Rumors have been circulating that they may even drop Antti Niemi if the Arbitration goes bad for the Hawks.

I'm not sure how bad this would be overall. Niemi played well, but he still was the weakest link to the Hawks Cup run. Losing Hjalmarrssen seems to be the worst scenario.

The problem is timing. If the Hawks knew what arbitration would bring before the 7 days were up, it would more than likely have a huge impact on what they decide to do regarding Niemi and Hjalmarrssen.

The question is: could they find another diamond in the rough overseas? If so, then letting Niemi go might be ok. You throw your chips in with Toivonen and bring in that diamond from overseas. Huet is done regardless. I can't see them wanting to keep that sieve around even if Niemi is gone.

I guess what I'm saying is that I think the Hawks have to match the offer sheet laid by San Jose. Defensemen are at a premium this offseason and I think that they can recover better in goaltending than defense.

We'll see what happens. I just hope Bowman doesn't change his mind and decide to drop Niemi and throw his chips in on Huet. They already did that twice and failed both times.

Controversial icing rule shelved

I keep seeing various newspaper articles and blog posts that state, "NCAA coaches were unanimously opposed to the icing proposal." Fair enough Karr let’s put a name and a face to the coaches that are in favor of this ridiculous rule. I think that Forrest Karr was embarrassed and is looking to save some face. The 35-0 from three conferences (AHA, CCHA, WCHA) looks pretty unanimous to me and I have yet to see anyone quoted from the coaching ranks that’s in favor of this moronic rule. It’s time to put up or shut up, who are the coachs in favor of this icing rule.

College hockey coaches kept throwing punches, and the NCAA rules committee finally tapped out.

The NCAA announced Thursday that a proposed rules change, one that would forbid college hockey teams from legally icing the puck while shorthanded, has been pulled off the table.

The rules committee instead will allow for further experimentation with the change during exhibition games in 2010-11 and 2011-12.

If adopted, the rule would have altered a critical and long-standing tactic in killing penalties, and it could have made it almost impossible for shorthanded teams to change lines.

When the proposed change was moved forward in June, coaches across the country bashed the amendment. The University of Nebraska at Omaha’s Dean Blais, as well as most of his colleagues in the WCHA, came out strongly against the proposal.

Forrest Karr, outgoing chair of the rules committee and athletic director at the University of Alaska, said in a statement that the committee valued the feedback it received from coaches.

“Responses indicate that, while several coaches like the concept, there are concerns about the potential for unintended consequences,” Karr said in the release.

Karr has strongly refuted the assertion that NCAA coaches were unanimously opposed to the icing proposal.

But coaches certainly were not shy about going on the record with their outrage over the idea. WCHA coaches had voted 12-0 against the proposal when it was discussed during the league’s annual meetings in April.

“It’s ridiculous,” Blais told The World-Herald on June 25. “What more do you want? You’re already on the power play, but then the other team gets the puck — what are they supposed to do with it? It sounds like whoever was involved with that rule and pushed it through, I don’t think they understand the game very well.” [Mavericks Today]

Video from the Probert Funeral

Former tough guy Bob Probert was laid to rest today. R.I.P. Probie.

Roster for Wild's development camp set

Here is the roster for the Minnesota Wild's development camp. There is a nice mix of players from college hockey on this year’s roster. Here is the official link.

Forwards (21)

75 Cody Almond
42 J.T. Barnett
59 Brandon Buck
51 Brett Bulmer
49 Darian Dziurzynski
52 Justin Fontaine - Minnesota-Duluth
72 Kristopher Foucault
18 Colton Gillies
56 Anthony Hamburg
60 Erik Haula - Minnesota
46 Tyler Johnson
54 Petr Kalus
57 Dylen McKinlay
47 Johan Larsson
45 Carson McMillan
79 Jarod Palmer - Miami University
48 Chad Rau - Colorado College
68 Matt Read - Bemidji State
58 Jere Sallinen
63 Casey Wellman - UMASS
62 Jason Zucker - DU

Defensemen (11)

53 Josh Caron
71 Tyler Cuma
73 Justin Falk
61 Bjorn Krupp
65 Sean Lorenz - Notre Dame
67 Kyle Medvec - University of Vermont
74 Maxim Noreau
78 Nate Prosser - Colorado College
64 Marco Scandella
76 Cameron Schilling - Miami University
41 Jared Spurgeon

Goaltenders (4)

31 Dennis Endras
43 Johan Gustafsson
50 Matt Hackett
70 Darcy Kuemp
[s/t Russo's Rants]

What part of no do they not understand? (more on the NCAA rules)

I really think hockey fans and coaches need to stand up against the rule change that penalizes a team for icing the puck during a penalty kill. What part of "NO" do they not understand? We do not want them to come back to this rule in the future not in 2012-2013 or 2015-2016. A team skating down a man or two (5-4 or 5-3 or 4-3) is being penalized enough. Hockey fans and coaches don't want this rule. I also think we need to put a face to this proposal. I think Hockey fans have a right to know who is pushing for this stupid rule change.

The NCAA Ice Hockey Rules Committee’s proposal met with largely negative reaction from coaches, so it will be used in exhibition games only during the two-year cycle of the next rule book, which starts with the coming season.

The committee will then have experience to work with in determining whether the rule will be implemented starting with the 2012-13 season.
[Read more]

Nagle’s memory lives on in golf tournament

If you looking for a good golf tourney to play in I recommend the Galen Nagle at the Bemidji Town and Country Club this is a very fun tourney to play in. I will again be playing with Scott Williams the Voice of the BSU Beaver Hockey team again next Friday, of course we will be going out in the later tee time. There is no way in heck I am going to play in a golf tourney at seven A.M.

Current Beaver coach Tom Serratore remembers Nagle, not only for his on-ice contributions but also for what he accomplished off the ice.

“Galen epitomized what Beaver hockey is all about,” Serratore said. “Galen was a walk-on to the hockey program but he made the team by working hard and never complaining. During his senior year Galen finally got his opportunity and he truly deserved the right to play in that national championship game.

“Galen earned the respect of everyone for how he handled what he went through and how he battled,” Serratore continued. “Galen was always positive and upbeat. He was a wonderful guy and anyone who knew him became a better person.”

Nagle’s off-ice battle was against cancer. There were times everyone, including Nagle, thought that the battle had been won. In the end, however, Nagle lost the battle in 1996 at the age of 34.

“Galen’s legacy keeps going,” Serratore said. “When we talk about Beaver hockey we are talking about Galen.”

Among the ways the BSU hockey program continues to reap the benefits of Nagle’s influence is the annual Galen Nagle Memorial Golf Tournament. The 13th edition is July 16 at the Bemidji Town & Country Club and everyone is welcome.

Sponsored by Sanford-MeritCare, the tournament is designed to generate money for the Galen Nagle Endowment Fund and the BSU men’s hockey program.

“Registrations are going well,” said Jake Bluhm who is the Beaver Pride coordinator. “But there still is time to register.”

The tournament format includes five-person teams which will play a scramble. The teams can choose to tee off at 7:35 a.m. or 12:35 a.m. and golfers may register as a team or as an individual.

In the latter case, tournament committee members will assign the golfer to a team.

Each fivesome will be given a handicap and those figures will be used to determine the team’s tournament score.

The $100 entry fee includes 18 holes of scramble golf, dinner, beer and brats on the course, the opportunity to win door prizes and team prizes plus the chance to win prizes for closest to the pin, long drive, long putt and a hole-in-one.

Many BSU hockey alumni make this tournament an annual event but everyone is invited to play.

“This tournament attracts great people and that’s what makes it so much fun,” Serratore said. “It’s never been designed as strictly an alumni event although many former Beavers play in it. The Nagle is all about people who have a passion for Beaver hockey. It gives people the chance to be part of the program and stay connected to what is happening with Beaver hockey.”

People who can’t make it for the golf are still welcome to participate in the live auction beginning after the 6:30 p.m. dinner.

A wide variety of items will be for sale and the list will include something for everyone.

“Galen represented the epitome of what Beaver hockey stands for,” Fitzgerald said. “He would do anything for anybody and this tournament is one way we can continue that philosophy.”

To register or for more information call the BSU Foundation at 755-2294 or 1-888-234-5718.

Registrations also can be made on-line through the BSU Foundation website by clicking on “alumni” and “events.” [Bemidji Pioneer]

NHL News (sorta) and LeBron James

Ok, I'm lying about LeBron James.

I'll let all those basketball rubes inflate his ego beyond all precedence. He needs it. I disliked Kobe because of his antics in Colorado but now... well. I don't see how anyone can be a LeBron fan. Not even Jordan had this kind of ego. So much for LeBron being likable. At least, after tonight, ESPN can return to normalcy... waiting to hear what Brett Favre has in mind.

Anyways, similar to LeBron, everyone's waiting for Ilya Kovalchuk to hold a press conference to let us know how well orchestrated his obliteration of the fun of the early free agency period has played out.

Seriously, I hope he joins Evgeni Nabokov in SKA St Petersburg of the KHL. Leave the egos to the NBA and NFL.

Nabokov left for the KHL and with him, goes the best free agent goaltender on the market. I know he never quite did well in the playoffs. I know his work ethic was questioned at times. I know his inconsistency as the season wore on. However, I give you this for consideration: Watch San Jose this season. They'll be ok, but not as good as they were with Nabokov. Why? Because I think Nabokov meant more to the Sharks than most people realized. And when that happens, failure happens. The Hawks didn't win because of Niemi. In fact, I think Niemi was their weakest link (and he played well so...). The Pens didn't win their cup because of Fleury. Fleury is still the weakest goaltender still playing today whose name is on the Cup... I know I know, Chris Osgood sucks, but he's got an excuse. HE'S OLD!

Rumor Nabokov got paid $24 million over 4 years with the KHL. Good for him. No way was he going to get that kind of money in the NHL.

This leaves the Flyers looking for a #1 goaltender. They've shown interest in Tim Thomas, but that fell through. They showed interest in Nabokov, but that's out of the question. They are left with Michael Leighton and Brian Boucher. They did great last post season but I doubt they'll repeat even with the dynamic defense Philly has put together.

So where does that leave them? They could stand pat (and they may have to) or they could go after Marty Turco (which is basically Turco's only shot at being the #1 at this point) or they could do what Chicago and Minnesota have done in finding a hidden gem in the Finnish Elite League.

Who knows.

In Detroit news, the Wings resigned former MSU Spartan Drew Miller and former Shattuck product Patrick Eaves. But they lost Lebda to the Maple Leafs.

They've made waves by going after Mike Modano, but I don't know if that's going to come to fruition.

I've maintained they need to get younger. And Modano isn't young.

They still have Meech, Abdelkader, and Helm unsigned and only $4.3 million to do it. If Modano signs with the Wings, ESPN suggests that it will cost at least $1 million. Abdelkader is going to be a multi year deal and could cost a pretty penny.

Unless they fail to sign the youth, this offseason is going to be long for a Red Wing fan.

NCAA decides against making icing a penalty during power plays

Redwing77 touched on this subject earlier today and I must say that today is a very good day for college hockey. College hockey fan have dodged a major screw up. Finally, there is some sanity over at the NC$$. This is what Forrest Karr had to say on the matter.

“The committee appreciates the membership feedback and values the opinions of coaches and administrators,” Rules Committee chair Forrest Karr said. “Responses indicate that while several coaches like the concept, there are concerns about the potential unintended consequences. By using the rule in exhibition games over the next two seasons, the committee will have more concrete information.”

Who are these coaches that like this ridiculous rule? To be honest with you I am very happy that Forrest Karr is no longer the Rules Committee Chairman. I do think the Division 1 hockey coaches will watch the NCAA Ice Hockey Rules Committee more closely from here on out.

As noted in an earlier blog post The WCHA, AHA and CCHA coaches were against this rule from the start voting something like 35-0 to reject these rules. I am very happy that the NCAA Ice Hockey Rules Committee Tyrants members has decided to not make it illegal to ice the puck while a team is killing a penalty, this was a bad rule and would have had negative effects on the game of college hockey. Thanks to the outrage of college hockey fans and Division one coaches this rule was rejected as it should have been.

CHN Staff Report --- The controversial rule proposal that would call icing even when a team is shorthanded, has been pulled, according to the NCAA.

However, the rule will be experimented with during exhibition games.

The rule proposal, part of a complete package put forth by the NCAA Ice Hockey Rules Committee, was met with fierce opposition when it was announced, leading to the idea being revisited.

All rules have to be formally approved by the NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel.

“The committee appreciates the membership feedback and values the opinions of coaches and administrators,” Forrest Karr, outgoing chair of the committee and athletic director at Alaska, said in a statement. “Responses indicate that while several coaches like the concept, there are concerns about the potential for unintended consequences.”

The rule will be in effect for exhibition games for two years, which is the normal cycle for rules changes.

The Oversight Panel meets via conference call July 29 to formalize the various rules changes.

Links to the Story:

NCAA decides against making icing a penalty during power plays [Red Star and Sickle]

NCAA Rescinds Icing Proposal [INCH]

Rules committee rescinds icing rule [UND Hockey Blog]

Hockey: NCAA rescinds icing rule [Grand Forks Herald]

NCAA Committee Regains Senses, Repeals Controversial Change [The Ciske Blog]

Icing Rule Dies; All Others Pass [Western College Hockey]

NCAA hockey rules committee backs off proposed icing rule [Parting Schotts]

Icing Rule Rescinded and College Hockey Rumors (RW77)

Today word came down that the biggest idiot suggestion of the last 100 years of hockey will not be implemented whole scale after all.

Forest Karr, the outgoing Rules Committee Stooge, lamented that, despite some support for it (aka, the idiots who know nothing of the sport) the icing rule will not be implemented.

For those who have been hiding under a rock, let me explain. The NCAA Ice Hockey Rules Committee, headed by UAF AD Forest Karr, proposed a list of 22 rules to be put into "law" starting the 2010-2011 season. These laws would be in the books for a minimum of two years. Most of the rules were good. Some were so-so. One was bad. One was downright disastrous.

I won't go into the good or so so rule changes because who cares. They either do good for the game or don't hurt the game. The bad rule apparently will be adopted. This rule is when a team gets called for a penalty, and the team not penalized scores with the extra attacker on the ice, they still get a power play. This is a bad rule but this happens so rarely that I feel that it won't make much of a difference.

The disastrous rule was the rule that, when killing a penalty, icing is still in play. And, like in the NHL, a team that ices the puck cannot change players. This is ridiculously bad.

Forest Karr insists that the outcry wasn't unanimously opposed to it, but all of the DI Men's coaches were opposed to it (except for Rules committee Super Stooge John Hill. Apparently ruining the Minnesota Hockey Program and pulling the carpet out from under Lucia isn't enough for that ***hole). Therefore, there are some seriously stupid coaches in DII/DIII Hockey and the Women's Hockey coaches, by supporting this rule, aren't legitimizing the sport any either.

Anyways, the pressure was so great that Forest Karr decided to go back to what he should have done to begin with: Talk to those who directly interact with the game and its players. The coaches said "HELL NO" and the rule was dropped.

Doesn't stop Karr from lamenting the fact though. He did manage to request that the rule be required in exhibition games.

Anyways.... it didn't pass. Thank GOD.

===========

In other news: UW drew a breath of relief as Jake Gardiner decided not to leave college yet. Then again.... McDonagh said he was coming back too.

Oh yeah, Jordy Murray might pull a Brady Murray. At the time Brady left, rumor had it that Brady and father Andy, weren't overly impressed with UND. Maybe that was a hater at the time, because I can't find any proof anymore of such a thing, but... Jordy may bolt for Europe.

If he does, UW would lose their top returning scorer. Looks like Boredom Central is on its way back. I can already feel the snores coming on when thinking of UW's hockey. Too bad. Just when they were getting interesting. At least Gudbranson will be happy. Trap style hockey will make him look like an amazing goaltender rather than a mediocre one that got lucky until the NC game last year.

City to fete Stanley-Cup-winning local Jonathan Toews this Sunday

s/t Puck Daddy, Former Fighting Sioux forward Jonathan Toews will be bringing the Cup to Winnipeg. Sounds like he is going to have a lake name after him as well. I was kind of hoping he was going to bring the Stanley Cup back to Grand Forks, ND as well. However, I have heard nothing to leads me to believe that it's going to happen.

WINNIPEG - The City of Winnipeg will honour Chicago Blackhawks Captain Jonathan Toews on Sunday with an event at city hall, a parade in St. Vital and a party at Dakota Community Club.

Mayor Sam Katz will host the leader of the Stanley Cup-winning ’hawks at city hall at 11 .m. on Sunday, July 11.

A parade will then run from Ecole Christine-Lesperance to Dakota Community Club from 1 to 2 p.m., followed by a celebration at the community centre.

"It’s no secret I’m a big fan of Jonathan Toews," Katz said, calling the Conn Smythe trophy-winner a hero and a great role model.

The mayor said Premier Greg Selinger and senior Manitoba MP Vic Toews – no relation to Jonathan – will also be invited.

The Stanley Cup will be here with Toews.

In honor of Bob Probert; June 5, 1965 - July 5 2010

I thought I would add this video montage to honor former Redwings and Blackhawks tough guy Bob Probert. Man Bob Probert could throw em, and was one of the toughest to ever lace the skates up. Unlike a lot of tough guys in the game today, Bob Probert wasn't some a dimensional goon like Derek Boogaard or Colton Orr that was only good at beating people up. Bob Probert had soft hands and could score goal, Probert score 29 goals during the 1987 - 1988 season.

Early Departures list - 16 and Counting

s/t to UND hockey blog. The list of early departures from the WCHA is now at 16. Wisconsin and Denver have been hit the hardest as seven players from those teams have signed professional contracts.

Wisconsin Badgers - 4
Cody Goloubef, Jr, D, Columbus Blue Jackets
Brendan Smith, Jr, D, Detroit Red Wings
Derek Stepan, So, F, New York Rangers
Ryan McDonagh, Jr, D, New York Rangers

Denver Pioneers - 3
Joe Colborne, So, F, Boston Bruins
Patrick Wiercioch, So, D, Ottawa Senators
Marc Cheverie, Jr, G, Florida Panthers

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

Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs - 2
Rob Bordson, Jr, F, Anaheim Ducks
Brady Hjelle, So, G, junior A

MSU-Mankato Mavericks - 2
Kevin Murdock, Fr, G, junior A
Tyler Pitlick, Fr, F, WHL

UND Fighting Sioux - 2
Corey Fienhage, So, D, WHL
David Toews, So, F, WHL

Minnesota Gophers - 1
Jordan Schroeder, So, F, Vancouver Canucks