Ok, not related to Sioux hockey. Not even related to the NHL Interests of Goon (Boston), the region (Minnesota), or me (Detroit). This relates to the game I'm just watching right now on NHL Network: The NY Rangers vs. the Washington Capitols.
The game was out of hand. The Rangers were winning 6-0. Semin shoots the puck and hits Ovechkin in the knee. He goes down. THE CROWD CHEERS.
Ok, you know what? I boo every time Ovechkin and Crosby touch the puck. I boo ESPN and NHL Network every time they say their names. But cheering when one gets injured? I don't think that's classy... at least in that context. I cheer Pittsburgh without Crosby and Washington without Ovechkin because it forces the commentators are forced to NOT cream their shorts every time those two step on the ice. In other words, they're forced to recognize that these teams and the NHL are more than these two players (great or otherwise).
I'm sick as all get out of "Sid the Kid" or "Alexander the Great" or their newest incarnation: "The Great Eight." It's like calling LeBron "King James." King James is a version of the Bible. King James wasn't a basketball player.
It's never appropriate to cheer an injury. Injuries suck. There were some DU trolls on USCHO.com Fan Forum back when Paukovich hit Bina that gloated about it. Those people drove us UND fans nuts. I guess the scale of this one really set me off. The WHOLE ARENA cheered!!!!
On the flip side, like I hinted at above, I'm finding myself somewhat sympathetic. I can't be the only one who is simply sick to his stomach over the fact that the NHL seems to be Crosby and Ovechkin and nothing else. It's no wonder why they do little to promote the league and their televised games unless either the Capitols or the Penguins are one of the two teams playing. It seems often enough that the other teams in the NHL are afterthoughts. After Ovechkin got injured, the analysts went on and on about how the Great Eight got injured and this and that and seemed to be crying over how the Rangers fans could possibly fail to see how awesome Ovechkin is and become rabid fans of his. The commentators simply can't get it into their heads that no matter how good Ovechkin and Crosby are, they're still going to love their teams more. They'll nod and say "Yeah, they're pretty good," but they won't get all heavy breathing over them. It's almost as if you aren't their fans, you're obviously a clueless fan.
There's now a DVD being put out about Ovechkin! The height of egotism! But, hey, let Bettman pave the road towards the NHL's demise. No, not many in the front office would acknowledge such a thought because the NHL has been on a slight upward trend lately. They'd probably cite Crosby and Ovechkin as two of the reasons. But people don't see the long term big picture here. Bettman is carbon copying his mentor, David Stern (or maybe its his predecessor). The NHL and Crosby/Ovechkin absolutely REEKS of the NBA and Michael Jordan. Now... look at the trend. What happened to the NBA when Jordan retired?
The NBA went down the toilet. Why? Because their only recognizable player was gone. Now, look at what is happening with Crosby and Ovechkin. It's a few years away, sure, but what are you seeing the NHL doing to promote the league outside of Crosby and Ovechkin hype? Very little, if anything. So, when Crosby and Ovechkin depart the NHL, do you think the NHL will continue to trend upward? Will the popularity even out? Nope. I predict that the NHL will decline back into the irrelevance produced by the lockout. And the NHL is STILL recovering from that.
The NHL needs to do more to promote THE LEAGUE and all of its players rather than a select few. It's a tough proposition, for sure, but gimmick games and the Dynamic Duo isn't going to do it. ESPN is at the level of caring that they don't even bother to have the anchor people even study the basics of hockey. Hockey isn't relevant to ESPN and that's a direct statement towards the state of the game. Bettman isn't doing it. He thinks of us as no better than the NBA. Perhaps we can not hope to be more popular than the NBA overall and we definitely will not overtake Football, but we should try like hell to promote at every level. We should be trying to make some players from EVERY team visible to at least their regional fan base. We should have commentators that spend as much time ranting and raving praises towards players ON the ice as they do Crosby and Ovechkin. We should be pushing that EVERY team in the NHL is important, not just Pittsburgh or Washington. Oh, and by the way, it's not because a Red Wing is also mentioned as an "and by the way"
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Sioux and Mavericks deuce
The lines have been posted for today's game. Sophomore Joe Gleason is in and Brent Davidson is out of the line up. The WCHA GAA leader Aaron Dell will be in net again this afternoon for the Fighting Sioux. The Purple cows from Mankato will be going with Austin Lee in net.
UND’s lines
19 Evan Trupp–22 Brad Malone–21 Matt Frattin
25 Jake Marto–10 Corban Knight–7 Danny Kristo
11 Derek Rodwell–9 Mario Lamoureux–27 Carter Rowney
8 Mike Cichy–29 Brock Nelson–20 Joe Gleason
24 Ben Blood–5 Chay Genoway
2 Andrew MacWilliam–4 Derek Forbort
3 Derrick LaPoint–18 Dillon Simpson
32 Aaron Dell
31 Brad Eidsness
[link to the stats]
MSU-Mankato’s lines
23 Michael Dorr–9 Mike Louwerse–25 Eriah Hayes
29 Eli Zuck–12 Rylan Galiardi–11 Corey Leivermann
15 J.P. Burkemper–19 Zach Lehrke–14 Justin Jokinen
24 Adam Mueller–26 Joe Schiller–7 John McInnis
16 Tyler Elbrecht–5 Ben Youds
28 Channing Boe–22 Kurt Davis
3 Cameron Cooper–17 Evan Mosey
1 Austin Lee
30 Phil Cook
35 Evan Karambelas
[link to MSUM stats]
UND’s lines
19 Evan Trupp–22 Brad Malone–21 Matt Frattin
25 Jake Marto–10 Corban Knight–7 Danny Kristo
11 Derek Rodwell–9 Mario Lamoureux–27 Carter Rowney
8 Mike Cichy–29 Brock Nelson–20 Joe Gleason
24 Ben Blood–5 Chay Genoway
2 Andrew MacWilliam–4 Derek Forbort
3 Derrick LaPoint–18 Dillon Simpson
32 Aaron Dell
31 Brad Eidsness
[link to the stats]
MSU-Mankato’s lines
23 Michael Dorr–9 Mike Louwerse–25 Eriah Hayes
29 Eli Zuck–12 Rylan Galiardi–11 Corey Leivermann
15 J.P. Burkemper–19 Zach Lehrke–14 Justin Jokinen
24 Adam Mueller–26 Joe Schiller–7 John McInnis
16 Tyler Elbrecht–5 Ben Youds
28 Channing Boe–22 Kurt Davis
3 Cameron Cooper–17 Evan Mosey
1 Austin Lee
30 Phil Cook
35 Evan Karambelas
[link to MSUM stats]
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Bruins trade Sturm to L.A. for 'nothing'...
The Boston Bruins needed to clear some cap space and they did so by trading one of their best defensive forwards Marco Sturm for future considerations to the L.A. Kings.
BOSTON, MA – Bruins General Manager Peter Chiarelli announced today that Boston has traded forward Marco Sturm to the Los Angeles Kings for future considerations. The trade is contingent upon Sturm passing a physical conducted by Los Angeles’ medical staff.I have seen where some think that the Boston Bruins will probably get some thing like a fifth round draft choice for the German. In my opinion the Bruins basically get nothing in return for him for a guy that scored 187 points in 300+ games. I would think the Bruins could have gotten something for a guy that scores 20 goals a season on a consistent basis.
2010-11 marked Sturm’s 14th NHL season and sixth with the Bruins. The Dingolfing, Germany native is a veteran of 855 NHL games with 234 goals, 232 assists and 466 points and is the NHL’s all-time leader in those categories for German-born players.
In his Bruins career, the 32-year-old skated in 302 games with 106 goals and 87 assists for 193 points. He began this season on injured reserve after suffering a knee injury in Game One of the Bruins/Flyers Eastern Conference Semifinal series on Saturday, May 1, 2010.
The 21st overall pick in the 1996 NHL Entry Draft, Sturm was acquired by the Bruins from San Jose with Wayne Primeau and Brad Stuart for Joe Thornton on November 30, 2005.
The Sky is the limit for the Sioux in 2011...
I have dusted off an old tweet by Jayson Hajdu that he posted last January 12th. So I updated his numbers.
@UNDSID Jayson Hajdu --- UND is 49-36-9 before Christmas under Hakstol and 84-33-14 after. In 07-08, the Sioux won an amazing 20 games after the break.So as of today the Sioux are now 61-41-11 before Christmas under Head Coach Dave Hakstol. With an impressive record in the first half of the season and the Sioux being a traditionally strong team in the second half the sky is the limit for this squad.
Sioux and Mavericks postponed till tomorrow
Well it's now official according to the MSU-M SID.
Mankato, Minn. --- Officials have announced that due to severe weather conditions in south central Minnesota, the Minnesota State vs. University of North Dakota men's hockey game, originally to be played Saturday beginning at 7:07 p.m., will now be played Sunday at 4:00 p.m.
The decision was made jointly after discussions were held with the Western Collegiate Hockey Association office and athletic administrators from both schools.
Linus Omark shootout goal
Check out this goal by Linus Omark the rookie from Sweden was playing in his first NHL game and he scored this highlight goal beauty to help the Edmonton Oilers win the shootout against the Tampa Bay Lighting.
Saturday Morning pontifications...
Edit: With his 16 goal of the season Fighting Sioux forward Matt Frattin is the leading goal scorer in the NCAA and second in the WCHA as well. Jason Zucker of Denver University has the leads the WCHA with 14 goals. As I mentioned last night, Frattin has 44 goals, 39 assist for 83 points for his career. Baring injury or some unforeseen issue; it's not a stretch that Matt Frattin will probably reach 100 points for his career if he stays on his current pace, as of right now he only need 17 points to break the 100 point mark.
Chay Genoway is regaining his scoring touch as leads all defenseman in the WCHA with (3g-10a-13pts).
Sophomore defenseman Aaron Dell is leading the WCHA with a 1.93.
Ryan Cardinal from Gopher Puck Live talks about college hockey on KFAN yesterday. [Click to listen]
Tonight's hockey game between the Minnesota Gophers and the Bulldogs has been postponed till tomorrow at 4:00 PM.
Due to the severe weather in the Twin Cities area, the men's hockey game scheduled for 7 p.m. tonight has been postpned. The game has been rescheduled for 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 12. Saturday tickets are good for Sunday.
Sounds like the Phoenix Coyotes might not become the Winnipeg Jets after all. Apparently they actually found someone stupid enough to buy the Coyotes and keep them in the Desert.
Coyotes suitor may get $100M Glendale deal covers most of team's price [Winnipeg Free Press]
THN.com Blog: Potential new owner doesn't make Phoenix a hockey market [Hockey News]
Former Michigan Wolverine defenseman Steven Kampfer will be making his second NHL start with the Boston Bruins. [Bruins Hockey Blog]
Tonight there is a silent auction taking place before and during the game. It's located on the 1st level of the Verizon Center in a banquet room. Make sure to check it out! There will be lots of hockey gear (including Sioux stuff.....like a Team USA Parise jersey!). The auction is being held by a family of a young hockey player that died from Leukemia several years ago. The money raised goes towards scholarships for kids to play hockey and juvenile cancer research. It's a great cause people, so I want to see all of you there and bidding on stuff! In addition to hockey items there will be lots of other stuff, like Twins tickets. Come check it out, it's a great place to pick up some nice Christmas presents! Help me get the word out on Sioux Sports and with other Sioux fans about the auction.
Former UND defenseman Matt Green is a shot blocking machine for the LA Kings.
Mentality Key In Getting The Greene Light To Block Shots [NHL.COM]
There has been some discussion about the Frattin hit on Andrew Sackrison. While as I mentioned earlier the video sucked it didn't appear to be a dirty hit. Here is what the Mankato beat writer Puckato had to say on the hit...
Notes: The Mavericks lost Andrew Sackrison for the game when he was hit by Frattin in the first period. Frattin was called for interference on the play. Sackrison received 10 stitches on his chin. No word on his return for Saturday. ... WCHA commissioner Bruce McLeod attended the game.Just for the record not every big hit or hit that results in a penalty where someone is hurt, shaken up is going to lead to a suspension or should it. I am afraid that the refs are going to call five minute penalties and a game misconduct every time someone is laid out on the ice with a vicious check.
Here is the Strength of Schedule rankings for games to date. Eight of the top ten teams are from the WCHA.
North Dakota 1 245.3
Bemidji State 2 230.9
Denver 3 205.0
Michigan Tech 4 197.7
Alaska-Anchorage 5 183.9
Minnesota-Duluth 6 182.9
Boston College 7 174.3
Notre Dame 8 173.9
Wisconsin 9 172.6
St. Cloud State 10 162.1
Yale 31 112.5
Sioux Hockey is the Biggest Joke on Earth!! (by LGM)- UPDATED!!
Nice title, huh? I totally did that to make fans mad so they would click on my post for sure:) I have some important information to get out to the Sioux fans attending tonight's game. Tonight there is a silent auction taking place before and during the game. It's located on the 1st level of the Verizon Center in a banquet room. Make sure to check it out! There will be lots of hockey gear (including Sioux stuff.....like a Team USA Parise jersey!). The auction is being held by a family of a young hockey player that died from Leukemia several years ago. The money raised goes towards scholarships for kids to play hockey and juvenile cancer research. It's a great cause people, so I want to see all of you there and bidding on stuff! In addition to hockey items there will be lots of other stuff, like Twins tickets. Come check it out, it's a great place to pick up some nice Christmas presents! Help me get the word out on Sioux Sports and with other Sioux fans about the auction.
Speaking of the auction, I'm thining of stealing my friend's game worn Marvin jersey for Sioux fans to bid on....since I know many of them would want it and wear it with PRIDE!! :) It's the one in the picture on this post...fancy, huh?
Ok, now that I hopefully got your attention about the auction I'll move onto a game summary.
So, the Mavs lost 4-3. It was a way closer game. Really, the Mavs played with or at times better than the Sioux for all but 7 minutes of the game. Of course in the 7 minutes the Sioux took advantage of the Mavs.
I was completely shocked when the Mavs scored first and then almost fell over when they had a 2-0 lead. Of course that meant "Ole Bitch!" text messages to Goon. Gotta rub it in, since I knew it wouldn't last.
For the most part the game was pretty clean. There were a few cheap shots from the usual Sioux suspects (MacWilliam & Blood) and some scrum going on. Oddly the Mav mixing it up with them was Ben Youds. That's very unlike him so obviously the Sioux were getting under Youds' skin...so that could make tonight's game interesting.
The only play I had a real issue with was when Frattin did a dirty hit on Andy Sackrison. The refs called it interference, which it so was not. However, we all know the refs never get the calls right. I haven't heard an update on Sackrison but I have a feeling he'll be out of tonight's game. This makes LGM a very unhappy gal, since she's a big Sackrison fan. Dirty little Frattin. I should go find him and kick his butt!
Of course Lammy was up to his typical jawjacking and cheap hits after the whistle. If our student section really knew details of hockey they would chant "Brad Miller Time Sucks!" and have signs just to annoy that kid. However, that would require knowing about hockey and not beer!!
Let's see...what else to summarize? Perhaps I should have written this last night when it was all fresh in my mind! Um, well the reffing....well, wasn't BAD. That's saying a lot. Of course they missed some stuff and called some BS calls each way but overall didn't do a horrid job. That's good because it made for a good hockey game that wasn't stop and go and overly dirty.
So, we'll see what tonight brings. I'm not really expecting the Mavs to win but if they play like last night, it's possible. To win though they need to do two things different, not let Genoway skate circles around them and not let big ass Sioux players camp out in front of Cook. I hate when they let players camp out in front of the goalie. Ugh! For some reason the Mav D always let the other teams do that. It's GOT to stop. That's exactly why the Sioux got a couple of goals. It's damn hard to see with some big dude in front of you!
Ok, that's all I have for today.....GO MAVS!
Ok, now that I hopefully got your attention about the auction I'll move onto a game summary.
So, the Mavs lost 4-3. It was a way closer game. Really, the Mavs played with or at times better than the Sioux for all but 7 minutes of the game. Of course in the 7 minutes the Sioux took advantage of the Mavs.
I was completely shocked when the Mavs scored first and then almost fell over when they had a 2-0 lead. Of course that meant "Ole Bitch!" text messages to Goon. Gotta rub it in, since I knew it wouldn't last.
For the most part the game was pretty clean. There were a few cheap shots from the usual Sioux suspects (MacWilliam & Blood) and some scrum going on. Oddly the Mav mixing it up with them was Ben Youds. That's very unlike him so obviously the Sioux were getting under Youds' skin...so that could make tonight's game interesting.
The only play I had a real issue with was when Frattin did a dirty hit on Andy Sackrison. The refs called it interference, which it so was not. However, we all know the refs never get the calls right. I haven't heard an update on Sackrison but I have a feeling he'll be out of tonight's game. This makes LGM a very unhappy gal, since she's a big Sackrison fan. Dirty little Frattin. I should go find him and kick his butt!
Of course Lammy was up to his typical jawjacking and cheap hits after the whistle. If our student section really knew details of hockey they would chant "Brad Miller Time Sucks!" and have signs just to annoy that kid. However, that would require knowing about hockey and not beer!!
Let's see...what else to summarize? Perhaps I should have written this last night when it was all fresh in my mind! Um, well the reffing....well, wasn't BAD. That's saying a lot. Of course they missed some stuff and called some BS calls each way but overall didn't do a horrid job. That's good because it made for a good hockey game that wasn't stop and go and overly dirty.
So, we'll see what tonight brings. I'm not really expecting the Mavs to win but if they play like last night, it's possible. To win though they need to do two things different, not let Genoway skate circles around them and not let big ass Sioux players camp out in front of Cook. I hate when they let players camp out in front of the goalie. Ugh! For some reason the Mav D always let the other teams do that. It's GOT to stop. That's exactly why the Sioux got a couple of goals. It's damn hard to see with some big dude in front of you!
Ok, that's all I have for today.....GO MAVS!
Oh and for the Sioux fans (ahem, GOON!) that think the Frattin hit was clean on Sackrison, Sackrison got 10 stitches in his chin from the hit to the head. Really clean there buddy! Don't be surprised if he gets a suspension for it, as McLeod is at the games this weekend and watching things. Ya know, if you can't get it right the first time let the bigger dumbass come in and hand out punishment later!
Sioux 4 Purple Cows 3
Thanks to B2tvNetwork I was able to see the game, for this I am very thankful. Thanks to B2tvNetwork, the broadcast wasn't very good, you really couldn't see the puck or the numbers on the players very well. From what I could deduced from the broadcast it also looked like the ice wasn't very good tonight as well, the puck appeared to be bouncing and the players from both teams looked like they were tripping over the blue lines.
It would be an understatement if I said that the Fighting Sioux came out sluggish to start the first period of tonight's game. The Sioux got behind early as the Mavericks forward Eriah Hayes score just 48 seconds into the first period. Things weren’t looking much better as the Mavericks senior defenseman Kurt Davis followed up the Hayes goal his 5th goal of the year at the 6:47 mark of the first period.
The Mavericks then took three straight untimely penalties and the Sioux finally cashed in on a 6 on 4 power play with a goal by senior defenseman Chay Genoway at 19:16 mark of the first period. From there the Fighting Sioux were out shot and out played in the second period by the Mavericks before the Sioux finally got their feet moving and methodically took over the game and scored three more goals in the third period. Mankato scored late in the game to make it close at 4-3 but couldn't get the game tying goal.
Fast start for the Sioux?
With the win the Fighting Sioux are temporarily in first place in the WCHA standings. Also, with the win the Sioux have one of the best start under head hockey coach Dave Hakstol.
Matt Frattin on Fire
Fighting Sioux forward Matt Frattin has been on fire since the second game of the Wisconsin series in Madison, Wisconsin on November 13th, 2010. Frattin has scored (8g-7a-15pts) in eight games. Frattin now has (44g-39a-83pts) for his career and has a chance a good chance of cracking the 100 point mark for his career if he keeps playing at this pace.
[Official Box Score]
Goon's three stars of the game
1.) Matt Frattin, UND (1g-2a-3pts)
2.) Brad Malone, UND (0g-2a-2pts)
3.) Corbin Knight, UND (0g-2a-2pts)
Friday, December 10, 2010
Lines for Sioux and Mavs
In a previous blog post by Redwing77, we discussed this weekend’s Fighting Sioux line up; as Fighting Sioux Hockey coach Dave Hakstol had mentioned during the Wednesday Fighting Sioux Coaches Show that the line up would be the same as last weekend. That's the line up that the Sioux coaches have posted for tonight's game... I suppose this is the line up we will see for this weekend's games barring any unforeseen injuries... Genoway and Nelson are in the line up and like last weekend Brett Hextall and Jason Gregiore are out of the line up again tonight. Here is the line up card as posted by Brad Schlossman.
UND’s lines
19 Evan Trupp–22 Brad Malone–21 Matt Frattin
25 Jake Marto–10 Corban Knight–7 Danny Kristo
15 Brent Davidson–9 Mario Lamoureux–27 Carter Rowney
8 Mike Cichy–29 Brock Nelson–11 Derek Rodwell
24 Ben Blood–5 Chay Genoway
2 Andrew MacWilliam–4 Derek Forbort
3 Derrick LaPoint–18 Dillon Simpson
32 Aaron Dell
31 Brad Eidsness
MSU-Mankato’s lines
23 Michael Dorr–21 Andrew Sackrison–25 Eriah Hayes
20 Chase Grant–12 Rylan Galiardi–9 Mike Louwerse
15 J.P. Burkemper–29 Eli Zuck–14 Justin Jokinen
24 Adam Mueller–26 Joe Schiller–11 Corey Leivermann
16 Tyler Elbrecht–5 Ben Youds
28 Channing Boe–22 Kurt Davis
3 Cameron Cooper–2 Josh Nelson
30 Phil Cook
1 Austin Lee
35 Evan Karambelas
UND’s lines
19 Evan Trupp–22 Brad Malone–21 Matt Frattin
25 Jake Marto–10 Corban Knight–7 Danny Kristo
15 Brent Davidson–9 Mario Lamoureux–27 Carter Rowney
8 Mike Cichy–29 Brock Nelson–11 Derek Rodwell
24 Ben Blood–5 Chay Genoway
2 Andrew MacWilliam–4 Derek Forbort
3 Derrick LaPoint–18 Dillon Simpson
32 Aaron Dell
31 Brad Eidsness
MSU-Mankato’s lines
23 Michael Dorr–21 Andrew Sackrison–25 Eriah Hayes
20 Chase Grant–12 Rylan Galiardi–9 Mike Louwerse
15 J.P. Burkemper–29 Eli Zuck–14 Justin Jokinen
24 Adam Mueller–26 Joe Schiller–11 Corey Leivermann
16 Tyler Elbrecht–5 Ben Youds
28 Channing Boe–22 Kurt Davis
3 Cameron Cooper–2 Josh Nelson
30 Phil Cook
1 Austin Lee
35 Evan Karambelas
Hot or Not (by LGM)
For old times sake I decided to do a Hot or Not. While many people get all jacked up about it, it's just plain old good humor and done in fun. Lighten up Sioux fans and don't take the post too seriously!! Also, please tell your fearful leader Hak to take the coat hanger out of his suit coat before putting it on. Seriously, could that guy look more stiff?!?
HOT:
Jason Gregoire- finally a nice looking boy on the Sioux roster!
Brett Hextall- ah, the reason the ladies really watch Brad Miller Time.
Brad Eidsness- not bad, but I'm sure he's weird as hell since he's a goalie.
JUST OK:
Andrew MacWilliam- there's nothing special or hideous about this kid. One of my funniest Sioux stories involves him though. Last year at the SCSU/MSU playoffs I was sitting by a NHL scout. I had put WCHA mobile on his Blackberry for him and I was showing him how to use it. Anyways, so we were looking at the scores and he said "Big Ben Blood scored for UND." I said "Yeah, he's a big kid alright. He said "And mean!" and I said "And dumb! Seriously, how many times has that kid been hit in the head?!?" I then went on to say "but, he's not as big of a goon as that MacWilliam kid...what a hack!" That's when the scout said "oh yeah, he's ours!" OOPS!
Derek Forbort- this guy has nothing special about him, other than he's trying to rock a faux Justin Bieber sideswept hairstyle!
Mario Lamoureux- the only good thing about Lammy is when he wears tight shirts on Brad Miller Time. Nice faux hawk by the way. Give it up, there's only one blonde hockey player that can rock that look, and that's Chris Clarky!
Dillon Simpson- are hockey players even allowed to style their hair as much as this kid does?
Evan Trupp- kinda looks young, like he probably still plays with matchbox cars in his free time!
Ryan Hill- this kid oddly looks a little like Channing Boe. Perhaps they're long lost cousins?
NOT:
Derrick LaPoint- I think we've found the brother to the creepy actor that plays the brother of Rachael McAdams in The Wedding Crashers.
Chay Genoway- is this Hak's long lost son?
Danny Kristo- perhaps he's a long lost Jutting relative?
Mike Cichy- ha! Pretty sure this kid is trying to be like "The Situation". Nice look on his face.
Corban Knight- why is his face lopsided?
Derek Rodwell- yikes, looks like he waxes his eyebrows. Just imagine how he would look if he didn't!
Brett Bruneteau- looks like this kid is trying to pull off some Vince Vaughn look with the hair...very unsuccessful!
Brent Davidson- good thing the pictures are taken of their fronts only, so you can see his big hunchback. Seriously, did they pick him up as an extra on the set of the "Monsters"?
Joe Gleason- you know it's a bad sign when people can tell how big your nose is from a front facing picture! Though, he does a nice howling impression of his dog on "Brad Miller Time"!
Matt Frattin- he looks like an extra from an 80's movie.
Brad Malone- don't kid yourself, this kid has changed his name. His real last name is Jutting. Just look at the face and hair...he's a Juttz for sure!
Ben Blood- HA! You can see how dumb this kid is just by looking at him. Look into his eyes...all you see is blank space!
Jake Marto- pretty sure he's part albino.
Carter Rowney- did this kid smoke a bowl before the pictures?!? I bet he wants an Easy Bake Oven for Christmas! :)
Brock Nelson- ok, now we know who Carter was smoking up with before pictures! WOW!
Aaron Dell- um, was this picture taken at the morgue? He looks like a corpse.
Tate Maris- ick. Seriously, what happened to the days when the Sioux had lots of good looking boys?
So, there ya have it folks....the famous Hot or Not. The Sioux did not fare well this year at all. They need to step up their game in the looks department!
Now...bring on the haters in the comments!! :)
HOT:
Jason Gregoire- finally a nice looking boy on the Sioux roster!
Brett Hextall- ah, the reason the ladies really watch Brad Miller Time.
Brad Eidsness- not bad, but I'm sure he's weird as hell since he's a goalie.
JUST OK:
Andrew MacWilliam- there's nothing special or hideous about this kid. One of my funniest Sioux stories involves him though. Last year at the SCSU/MSU playoffs I was sitting by a NHL scout. I had put WCHA mobile on his Blackberry for him and I was showing him how to use it. Anyways, so we were looking at the scores and he said "Big Ben Blood scored for UND." I said "Yeah, he's a big kid alright. He said "And mean!" and I said "And dumb! Seriously, how many times has that kid been hit in the head?!?" I then went on to say "but, he's not as big of a goon as that MacWilliam kid...what a hack!" That's when the scout said "oh yeah, he's ours!" OOPS!
Derek Forbort- this guy has nothing special about him, other than he's trying to rock a faux Justin Bieber sideswept hairstyle!
Mario Lamoureux- the only good thing about Lammy is when he wears tight shirts on Brad Miller Time. Nice faux hawk by the way. Give it up, there's only one blonde hockey player that can rock that look, and that's Chris Clarky!
Dillon Simpson- are hockey players even allowed to style their hair as much as this kid does?
Evan Trupp- kinda looks young, like he probably still plays with matchbox cars in his free time!
Ryan Hill- this kid oddly looks a little like Channing Boe. Perhaps they're long lost cousins?
NOT:
Derrick LaPoint- I think we've found the brother to the creepy actor that plays the brother of Rachael McAdams in The Wedding Crashers.
Chay Genoway- is this Hak's long lost son?
Danny Kristo- perhaps he's a long lost Jutting relative?
Mike Cichy- ha! Pretty sure this kid is trying to be like "The Situation". Nice look on his face.
Corban Knight- why is his face lopsided?
Derek Rodwell- yikes, looks like he waxes his eyebrows. Just imagine how he would look if he didn't!
Brett Bruneteau- looks like this kid is trying to pull off some Vince Vaughn look with the hair...very unsuccessful!
Brent Davidson- good thing the pictures are taken of their fronts only, so you can see his big hunchback. Seriously, did they pick him up as an extra on the set of the "Monsters"?
Joe Gleason- you know it's a bad sign when people can tell how big your nose is from a front facing picture! Though, he does a nice howling impression of his dog on "Brad Miller Time"!
Matt Frattin- he looks like an extra from an 80's movie.
Brad Malone- don't kid yourself, this kid has changed his name. His real last name is Jutting. Just look at the face and hair...he's a Juttz for sure!
Ben Blood- HA! You can see how dumb this kid is just by looking at him. Look into his eyes...all you see is blank space!
Jake Marto- pretty sure he's part albino.
Carter Rowney- did this kid smoke a bowl before the pictures?!? I bet he wants an Easy Bake Oven for Christmas! :)
Brock Nelson- ok, now we know who Carter was smoking up with before pictures! WOW!
Aaron Dell- um, was this picture taken at the morgue? He looks like a corpse.
Tate Maris- ick. Seriously, what happened to the days when the Sioux had lots of good looking boys?
So, there ya have it folks....the famous Hot or Not. The Sioux did not fare well this year at all. They need to step up their game in the looks department!
Now...bring on the haters in the comments!! :)
Sioux and Mavericks ready to dance...
This video should get you in the mood for tonight's WCHA series between the UND Fighting Sioux and the
This is the first time the Mavericks and the Fighting Sioux have played in Mankato since 2008. That was also the last time the Sioux lost a game to the Mavericks.
There is a history between the two teams and the games are always entertaining. I don't think we are going to see two players face off and drop the mitts at the drop of the puck. [click to view UND's Kaip vs MSUM Trevor Bruess]
Tonight's game is not on TV and can be viewed by logging on to the B2TV Network.
[ Click to watch the game]. Each game will cost you 7 dollars to watch.
All the time Yale
Keeping with everything Yale here is the link to the Podcast with Ken Schotts who is one of the best in the business for the ECAC and one of our favorite ECAC USCHO writers Brian Sullivan. [Click to listen to the podcast]
Thursday, December 09, 2010
Weekend Match-Ups (by Sioux 7)
There was a full stale of WCHA series last weekend and we have a full slate again this weekend. The biggest surprise last weekend, in my book, was the Beavers sweeping the UNO Mavericks in Bemidji. Another surprise was the MSU Mavericks sweeping the visiting Gophers. MSUM made the most of coming home after not playing in front of the home town crowd since Oct. 23rd. The middle of the standings is jam packed this week, with only 2 points separating 5th from 10th place. A sweep by any of those teams this weekend would help them in the race for home ice after Christmas break.
There is only one WCHA series next week, so how about a Top Twelve list this week?
12. The number of drinks I had last Friday night :)
11. Years since the league last expanded (MSUM in 99-00)
10. Number of sub-par refs in the league
9. The number of wins both UMD and UND
8. Number of losses MTU has in the WCHA season
7. Number of NCAA titles North Dakota and Denver each have
6. Is how many teams will be in St. Paul come March 17th 2011
6. The number of tie games this season in the WCHA
4. WCHA teams in the USCHO top ten poll
3. Points is all MTU has this season
2. “Number 2” is often associated with refereeing in this league
1. Where UMD is sitting in this week’s WCHA standings
WCHA standings
TEAM……………...W-L-T...Pts
1. Minnesota-Duluth....9-2-1…19
2. North Dakota………9-3-0…18
3. Denver……………...8-3-1…17
4. Nebraska-Omaha…6-3-1…13
5. Minnesota…………..5-6-1…11
6. Colorado College…..5-5-0…10
6. Minnesota State…...4-6-2…10
6. Wisconsin…………..4-6-2…10
9. Alaska-Anchorage...4-7-1…9
9. Bemidji State……….4-7-1…9
11. St. Cloud State….....3-6-1…7
12. Michigan Tech……..1-8-1…3
WCHA
#9 Denver @ Alaska Anchorage
Last weekend the Pioneers split with the Bulldogs in Duluth and the Seawolves split with Wisconsin in Anchorage.
The Pioneers have a 3-3-1 record on the road this year and the Seawolves have a 3-3-2 record at home in the Sullivan Arena. The Seawolves have had problems scoring goals this season they have only netted 24 goals in 12 WCHA games, or 2.0 goals per game. The Pioneers just need to play solid defense and limit UAA’s chances and they should come out of Alaska with some points. The Seawolves have to find ways to score when they get the opportunity, if they want to stay in the middle of the pack. UAA always plays well at home and it’s a long trip for visiting teams.
SPLIT
Bemidji State @ #16 Wisconsin
Last weekend the Beavers swept the UNO Mavericks in Bemidji and the Badgers split with the Seawolves in Anchorage.
These teams are only separated by one point in the standings and both are on the wrong side of five hundred. The Beavers should have plenty of confidence heading into the weekend after their surprising wins over UNO, I just hope they aren’t over-confident. The Beavers only have one road win and that was over SCSU in overtime. The Badgers need to get some home wins, one for the points and two for their fans. After this series, UW only has 3 (MSUM, UM, CC) more WCHA home series (which are after Christmas break).
BADGERS 3-pts
Colorado College @ St. Cloud State
Last weekend the Tigers swept the MTU Huskies in Houghton and the SCSU Huskies were swept by the Sioux in Grand Forks.
Last year when these two played in Colorado Springs they split SCSU won 5-4 and then CC won 6-4. I hope this year there are many goals scored, why, because they are fun and exciting games to watch. The Huskies are getting in desperate need of points, if they want to keep in the race for home ice come March. The Tigers are right in the thick of things, in the standings, with points and they have two games in hand on the other teams around them. The Huskies need to find some ways of generating more offense, and if they can do that they should win some more games and start climbing the standings.
SPLIT
Michigan Tech @ #10 Nebraska-Omaha (Thursday/Friday)
Last weekend the Huskies were swept by the Tigers in Houghton and the Mavericks were swept by the Beavers in Bemidji.
Is their trouble in Omaha, has their luck run out, was it too good to be true? The Mavericks have lost 3 of their last 4 games. The good news is they are playing the worst team in the league; it looks like their luck may have already returned. UNO needs to put goals on the scoreboard this weekend since they only have 2 in their last 3 games. The Huskies have given up a league high 47 goals in 10 games, you do the math for goals against average. Sorry Tech fans but it looks like your beloved Huskies will remain in the basement over the Christmas break.
MAVERICKS Sweep
#2 Minnesota-Duluth @ Minnesota
Last weekend the Bulldogs split with the Pioneers in Duluth and the Gophers were sweep by the MSU-Mavericks in Mankato.
The Gophers need to get off to a good start in these games if they want to win, that means they can’t afford to spot the Bulldogs a two or three goal lead in the first period. If the Gophers can do that, they should be able to compete and maybe beat the Bulldogs. For the visiting Bulldogs, they want just the opposite, get a few quick goals get the crowd out of it, and put it on cruise control. These are last games for the Gophers before Christmas they don’t play again until New Years Eve, after these games. That said they need some points to solidify their place in the standings before Christmas. The Gophers need to play good defense and get some timely saves this weekend for them to get a home win or two.
SPLIT
#5 North Dakota @ Minnesota State
Last weekend the Sioux swept the SCSU Huskies in Grand Forks and Mavericks swept the Gophers in Mankato.
The Mavericks have an overall home record at 3-1-2 and the Sioux are good on the road, 5-3-1 overall (2 loses at Maine). However, records don’t always tell you the whole story. The Sioux got their first home sweep of the season last weekend, while missing 2/3 of their top line. UND has typically had slow starts to the season under coach Hakstol, but not this year. And if they go on a second half run, which has been the norm the past few years, they could win the WCHA’s MacNaughton Cup come March. The Sioux need to play their game this weekend, solid defense, puck control, and good passing, if they want to continue their winning ways. The Mavericks need their goalie to have another spectacular weekend, if they want to win. They also need to generate some offensive chances, since UND is leading the league in goals allowed.
SIOUX 3-pts
There is only one WCHA series next week, so how about a Top Twelve list this week?
12. The number of drinks I had last Friday night :)
11. Years since the league last expanded (MSUM in 99-00)
10. Number of sub-par refs in the league
9. The number of wins both UMD and UND
8. Number of losses MTU has in the WCHA season
7. Number of NCAA titles North Dakota and Denver each have
6. Is how many teams will be in St. Paul come March 17th 2011
6. The number of tie games this season in the WCHA
4. WCHA teams in the USCHO top ten poll
3. Points is all MTU has this season
2. “Number 2” is often associated with refereeing in this league
1. Where UMD is sitting in this week’s WCHA standings
WCHA standings
TEAM……………...W-L-T...Pts
1. Minnesota-Duluth....9-2-1…19
2. North Dakota………9-3-0…18
3. Denver……………...8-3-1…17
4. Nebraska-Omaha…6-3-1…13
5. Minnesota…………..5-6-1…11
6. Colorado College…..5-5-0…10
6. Minnesota State…...4-6-2…10
6. Wisconsin…………..4-6-2…10
9. Alaska-Anchorage...4-7-1…9
9. Bemidji State……….4-7-1…9
11. St. Cloud State….....3-6-1…7
12. Michigan Tech……..1-8-1…3
WCHA
#9 Denver @ Alaska Anchorage
Last weekend the Pioneers split with the Bulldogs in Duluth and the Seawolves split with Wisconsin in Anchorage.
The Pioneers have a 3-3-1 record on the road this year and the Seawolves have a 3-3-2 record at home in the Sullivan Arena. The Seawolves have had problems scoring goals this season they have only netted 24 goals in 12 WCHA games, or 2.0 goals per game. The Pioneers just need to play solid defense and limit UAA’s chances and they should come out of Alaska with some points. The Seawolves have to find ways to score when they get the opportunity, if they want to stay in the middle of the pack. UAA always plays well at home and it’s a long trip for visiting teams.
SPLIT
Bemidji State @ #16 Wisconsin
Last weekend the Beavers swept the UNO Mavericks in Bemidji and the Badgers split with the Seawolves in Anchorage.
These teams are only separated by one point in the standings and both are on the wrong side of five hundred. The Beavers should have plenty of confidence heading into the weekend after their surprising wins over UNO, I just hope they aren’t over-confident. The Beavers only have one road win and that was over SCSU in overtime. The Badgers need to get some home wins, one for the points and two for their fans. After this series, UW only has 3 (MSUM, UM, CC) more WCHA home series (which are after Christmas break).
BADGERS 3-pts
Colorado College @ St. Cloud State
Last weekend the Tigers swept the MTU Huskies in Houghton and the SCSU Huskies were swept by the Sioux in Grand Forks.
Last year when these two played in Colorado Springs they split SCSU won 5-4 and then CC won 6-4. I hope this year there are many goals scored, why, because they are fun and exciting games to watch. The Huskies are getting in desperate need of points, if they want to keep in the race for home ice come March. The Tigers are right in the thick of things, in the standings, with points and they have two games in hand on the other teams around them. The Huskies need to find some ways of generating more offense, and if they can do that they should win some more games and start climbing the standings.
SPLIT
Michigan Tech @ #10 Nebraska-Omaha (Thursday/Friday)
Last weekend the Huskies were swept by the Tigers in Houghton and the Mavericks were swept by the Beavers in Bemidji.
Is their trouble in Omaha, has their luck run out, was it too good to be true? The Mavericks have lost 3 of their last 4 games. The good news is they are playing the worst team in the league; it looks like their luck may have already returned. UNO needs to put goals on the scoreboard this weekend since they only have 2 in their last 3 games. The Huskies have given up a league high 47 goals in 10 games, you do the math for goals against average. Sorry Tech fans but it looks like your beloved Huskies will remain in the basement over the Christmas break.
MAVERICKS Sweep
#2 Minnesota-Duluth @ Minnesota
Last weekend the Bulldogs split with the Pioneers in Duluth and the Gophers were sweep by the MSU-Mavericks in Mankato.
The Gophers need to get off to a good start in these games if they want to win, that means they can’t afford to spot the Bulldogs a two or three goal lead in the first period. If the Gophers can do that, they should be able to compete and maybe beat the Bulldogs. For the visiting Bulldogs, they want just the opposite, get a few quick goals get the crowd out of it, and put it on cruise control. These are last games for the Gophers before Christmas they don’t play again until New Years Eve, after these games. That said they need some points to solidify their place in the standings before Christmas. The Gophers need to play good defense and get some timely saves this weekend for them to get a home win or two.
SPLIT
#5 North Dakota @ Minnesota State
Last weekend the Sioux swept the SCSU Huskies in Grand Forks and Mavericks swept the Gophers in Mankato.
The Mavericks have an overall home record at 3-1-2 and the Sioux are good on the road, 5-3-1 overall (2 loses at Maine). However, records don’t always tell you the whole story. The Sioux got their first home sweep of the season last weekend, while missing 2/3 of their top line. UND has typically had slow starts to the season under coach Hakstol, but not this year. And if they go on a second half run, which has been the norm the past few years, they could win the WCHA’s MacNaughton Cup come March. The Sioux need to play their game this weekend, solid defense, puck control, and good passing, if they want to continue their winning ways. The Mavericks need their goalie to have another spectacular weekend, if they want to win. They also need to generate some offensive chances, since UND is leading the league in goals allowed.
SIOUX 3-pts
Thursday morning ramblings… Outdoor games and Yale
Wow! There is going to be another college hockey game aka the "Big Chill" that will be played outdoors on Saturday at 3:00 pm Eastern Standard time at the Big House in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Yawn! Boring! I can’t be the only one that is bored with this concept, hockey wasn't made to be played in a football stadium.
I mean seriously folks, I want to watch a game in a massive football stadium, when it’s cold and I can’t see the ice or the puck very well because I am watching the game with 85,000 of my closest friends up in the clouds. I think we have played these outdoor games Ad nauseam. I am actually surprised that no one has suggested the Sioux play a hockey game in Memorial Stadium with its about a bazillion below zero. I wonder if your beer freezes.
If you're interested in watching the game, this farce will be on the Big Ten Network on Saturday at 2:00 pm North Dakota time. Here is the link(s) to the story [click to read]
There is a lot of discussion on the internet about whether Yale is a good team or not and worthy of the number one ranking. Ok, first off Yale has beaten the schedule they have been given, kudos to them; however, let’s look at who the Yale Bulldogs have beaten this season – Brown (24.4990) , Dartmouth (21.9230), Princeton (17.3212), Quinnipiac (12.9341), Colorado College (30.4469), Cornell (11.5612), Colgate (9.4471), Sacred Heart (7.7867), Rensselaer (22.8393), Union (21.3074) and Vermont (28.7114). The Yale Bulldogs lost to a very bad Air Force Academy (13.3756).
So let me get this right the pollsters are impressed with Yale beating up on the weak sisters of the poor and have ranked them number one in all three polls/rankings because of this. Go back and look at the Yale Bulldogs Strength of Schedule of the teams that they have played to date. I would like to see what kind of numbers power house teams like UMD, UND, DU, BU and Boston College could rack up against that line up of cup cakes. I don't know how anyone can say it with a straight face that the aforementioned schedule is a good schedule.
Ken Schott one of the best beat writers in the ECAC; has gone so far to say that he thinks Yale is going to be in the Frozen Four. That's a pretty bold statment to make based on who Yale has played this season.
I also think that people are basing what happened in last years NCAA tourney as a gauge of what could happen in this years tourney. I don't know if you can do that. It is what it is; when the Sioux played Yale last year in the playoffs, the UND Fighting Sioux had played six games in nine days when they faced the Yale Bulldogs who had lost in their conference homes series and didn't play for two weeks and were well rested. I think if UND has played two less games that game would have had a very different result, the Sioux also started to come back in the third period and just missed on a couple of opportunities to tie the game up. Who knows what happens if that games goes to overtime?
Just for the record here is the Strength of Schedule for the 2010-2011 season so far.
Strength of schedules:
Yale. 31/ 19.7909
UMD 4/ 35.4840
UNH 23/ 23.7116
BC 6/ 32.3048
UND 1/ 50.0000
DU 2/ 40.6433
I mean seriously folks, I want to watch a game in a massive football stadium, when it’s cold and I can’t see the ice or the puck very well because I am watching the game with 85,000 of my closest friends up in the clouds. I think we have played these outdoor games Ad nauseam. I am actually surprised that no one has suggested the Sioux play a hockey game in Memorial Stadium with its about a bazillion below zero. I wonder if your beer freezes.
If you're interested in watching the game, this farce will be on the Big Ten Network on Saturday at 2:00 pm North Dakota time. Here is the link(s) to the story [click to read]
There is a lot of discussion on the internet about whether Yale is a good team or not and worthy of the number one ranking. Ok, first off Yale has beaten the schedule they have been given, kudos to them; however, let’s look at who the Yale Bulldogs have beaten this season – Brown (24.4990) , Dartmouth (21.9230), Princeton (17.3212), Quinnipiac (12.9341), Colorado College (30.4469), Cornell (11.5612), Colgate (9.4471), Sacred Heart (7.7867), Rensselaer (22.8393), Union (21.3074) and Vermont (28.7114). The Yale Bulldogs lost to a very bad Air Force Academy (13.3756).
So let me get this right the pollsters are impressed with Yale beating up on the weak sisters of the poor and have ranked them number one in all three polls/rankings because of this. Go back and look at the Yale Bulldogs Strength of Schedule of the teams that they have played to date. I would like to see what kind of numbers power house teams like UMD, UND, DU, BU and Boston College could rack up against that line up of cup cakes. I don't know how anyone can say it with a straight face that the aforementioned schedule is a good schedule.
Ken Schott one of the best beat writers in the ECAC; has gone so far to say that he thinks Yale is going to be in the Frozen Four. That's a pretty bold statment to make based on who Yale has played this season.
Yale came close to making the Frozen Four last season. The Bulldogs have an outstanding offense, and they are tough to start. But the one area of the Bulldogs' game that held them back was their defense, and their goaltending, in particular. Yale used four goalies last season, and none of them established themselves as the go-to guy. The lack of a No. 1 goalie hurt the Bulldogs in their Northeast Regional championship game against Boston College. Yale scored seven goals, but three of its goalies couldn't stop the Eagles from getting nine goals and advancing to the Frozen Four, where they won the title.Love his work, but I am going to have to respectfully disagree with him. I think Yale will be another ECAC team that will be selected as a number one seed in the NCAA tourney that ends up being a first round one and done bust, like Clarkson was in 2007 NCAA tourney. I really think that until a team from the ECAC "actually" wins an NCAA tourney and starts beating legit big time teams from the WCHA, CCHA and or Hockey East on a regular basis they will never really be looked at as anything but the EZAC. I also think that analogy is fair as well.
Yale was a solid pick to win the ECACH regular-season title in the coaches and media polls. But I couldn't help but think if goaltending would be a problem again for the Bulldogs.
Well, after watching Yale's 5-0 dismantling of Union on Sunday at Ingalls Rink, I am not afraid to predict this: The Bulldogs will play in the Frozen Four in April.
I also think that people are basing what happened in last years NCAA tourney as a gauge of what could happen in this years tourney. I don't know if you can do that. It is what it is; when the Sioux played Yale last year in the playoffs, the UND Fighting Sioux had played six games in nine days when they faced the Yale Bulldogs who had lost in their conference homes series and didn't play for two weeks and were well rested. I think if UND has played two less games that game would have had a very different result, the Sioux also started to come back in the third period and just missed on a couple of opportunities to tie the game up. Who knows what happens if that games goes to overtime?
Just for the record here is the Strength of Schedule for the 2010-2011 season so far.
Strength of schedules:
Yale. 31/ 19.7909
UMD 4/ 35.4840
UNH 23/ 23.7116
BC 6/ 32.3048
UND 1/ 50.0000
DU 2/ 40.6433
Wednesday, December 08, 2010
Redwing77's MSUM vs. UND Pontifications
Instead of simply making this a comment on the previous blog post, I decided to react to it AND give my thoughts on the upcoming series.
The Mav Sweep Video React
This is what I saw when I watched the video:
1. Most of the Mav goals came out of Gopher defensive breakdowns. Good teams capitalize on opposition mistakes and the Mavs did that. However, our defense is much better than Minnesota's. Jutting won't have the ability to walk into the arena on Friday knowing that John "Sucks at all things Hockey" Hill will not be there. If Jutting plays us like they played Minnesota, we'll beat them hands down.
2. 2 of the goals that were scored were flat out weak. The one on Friday where Kangas(?) was hugging the post was weak as all get out and the one on Saturday where Patterson decided not to simply smother the puck but rather attempt to pick it up simply elevated the puck enough for the Mavs player to lift it over his shoulder and into the net. W-E-A-K. Hopefully Patterson at least got an assist on the goal.
3. MSUM came into the season with the media convinced that their defense and goaltending are going to be average and their offense nonexistent. I was convinced of this as well. I don't feel like they'll be competing for home ice by the end of the season. However, they're not as bad as what was forecast...at least at this time.
UND SHOULD sweep MSUM but that doesn't mean much. UND has had tendencies the past few years to not take "bottom dwellers" all that seriously. UAA has gotten the better of UND several times because of this. And MSUM could benefit from that this weekend if UND isn't careful. The matter will be made easier by Gregoire and Hextall being out.
If Nelson and Genoway are also out, things will get a bit rocky. You can't sit here and say that losing your top D, top F, top gritty forward, and an up and coming freshman won't affect the team. However, if we do lose, it won't be because of injuries. Our team is too stacked for that excuse.
Assuming Nelson and Genoway are out, here's what I'd expect:
19 Evan Trupp–22 Brad Malone–21 Matt Frattin
11 Derek Rodwell*–10 Corban Knight–7 Danny Kristo
15 Brent Davidson–9 Mario Lamoureux–27 Carter Rowney
13 Brett Bruneteau*-8 Mike Cichy*-20 Joe Gleason
24 Ben Blood - 4 Derek Forbort
3 Derrick LaPoint - 25 Jake Marto
2 Andrew MacWilliam - 18 Dillon Simpson
32 Aaron Dell
31 Brad Eidsness
* - Note: Ok, I'm not really sure who would play left wing on the second line. It would either be Cichy or they'd fit someone in. I like Rodwell and I think he'd be a good fit if he can play left wing. Since Cichy played left wing this season in the past, it would be an easy fit. If Cichy did move up to the 2nd line, then 4th line center would be a question mark. I thought Cichy and Bruneteau have played center in the past (either at UND or in juniors) but I can't remember. So, it just as easily could be either of the two taking faceoffs.
I have no information about Nelson or Genoway and I'm optimistic (while being in the dark) that both will play. However, I'm not sure how strong our 4th line will be if Nelson is out. Yeah, his offensive numbers haven't been outstanding, but he's played solid.
My prediction: Too variable at this time to guess. however, like I said, we should be able to sweep them. However, MSUM's home arena has given us fits in the past and MSUM is playing very well right now.
Thoughts?
The Mav Sweep Video React
This is what I saw when I watched the video:
1. Most of the Mav goals came out of Gopher defensive breakdowns. Good teams capitalize on opposition mistakes and the Mavs did that. However, our defense is much better than Minnesota's. Jutting won't have the ability to walk into the arena on Friday knowing that John "Sucks at all things Hockey" Hill will not be there. If Jutting plays us like they played Minnesota, we'll beat them hands down.
2. 2 of the goals that were scored were flat out weak. The one on Friday where Kangas(?) was hugging the post was weak as all get out and the one on Saturday where Patterson decided not to simply smother the puck but rather attempt to pick it up simply elevated the puck enough for the Mavs player to lift it over his shoulder and into the net. W-E-A-K. Hopefully Patterson at least got an assist on the goal.
3. MSUM came into the season with the media convinced that their defense and goaltending are going to be average and their offense nonexistent. I was convinced of this as well. I don't feel like they'll be competing for home ice by the end of the season. However, they're not as bad as what was forecast...at least at this time.
UND SHOULD sweep MSUM but that doesn't mean much. UND has had tendencies the past few years to not take "bottom dwellers" all that seriously. UAA has gotten the better of UND several times because of this. And MSUM could benefit from that this weekend if UND isn't careful. The matter will be made easier by Gregoire and Hextall being out.
If Nelson and Genoway are also out, things will get a bit rocky. You can't sit here and say that losing your top D, top F, top gritty forward, and an up and coming freshman won't affect the team. However, if we do lose, it won't be because of injuries. Our team is too stacked for that excuse.
Assuming Nelson and Genoway are out, here's what I'd expect:
19 Evan Trupp–22 Brad Malone–21 Matt Frattin
11 Derek Rodwell*–10 Corban Knight–7 Danny Kristo
15 Brent Davidson–9 Mario Lamoureux–27 Carter Rowney
13 Brett Bruneteau*-8 Mike Cichy*-20 Joe Gleason
24 Ben Blood - 4 Derek Forbort
3 Derrick LaPoint - 25 Jake Marto
2 Andrew MacWilliam - 18 Dillon Simpson
32 Aaron Dell
31 Brad Eidsness
* - Note: Ok, I'm not really sure who would play left wing on the second line. It would either be Cichy or they'd fit someone in. I like Rodwell and I think he'd be a good fit if he can play left wing. Since Cichy played left wing this season in the past, it would be an easy fit. If Cichy did move up to the 2nd line, then 4th line center would be a question mark. I thought Cichy and Bruneteau have played center in the past (either at UND or in juniors) but I can't remember. So, it just as easily could be either of the two taking faceoffs.
I have no information about Nelson or Genoway and I'm optimistic (while being in the dark) that both will play. However, I'm not sure how strong our 4th line will be if Nelson is out. Yeah, his offensive numbers haven't been outstanding, but he's played solid.
My prediction: Too variable at this time to guess. however, like I said, we should be able to sweep them. However, MSUM's home arena has given us fits in the past and MSUM is playing very well right now.
Thoughts?
Sioux and Mavericks up next...
[s/t Puckato] Here are some highlights of the UND Fighting Sioux's next opponent the Minnesota State University Mankato Mavericks, aka the Purple Cows. I expect the Sioux forwards to get more opportunities in the slot than the Gopher forwards did and I expect the Sioux will get the Maverick goaltender Phil Cook's feet moving more than the Gophers did this past weekend. This should get you in the mood for this weekend's series.
The Sioux have had a successful winning streak against the Mavericks as of late the Sioux have won 5 straight, and have an impressive 12-1-1 record against the Mavericks the last 14 games. Do records mean anything this weekend? Nope! Not at all. It does not guarantee success for this weekend series against the Mavericks, however, the Sioux should be ready for tough opponent that plays every game like it’s a wounded animal. The Sioux better expect to be ready for a buzz saw where ever inch of the ice is contested. I also think that anything less that 3-4 points is unacceptable.
Tuesday, December 07, 2010
Some highlights from Saturday's UNO and BSU game
I found this video over on the BSU hockey beat writers blog. Play by play by Scott Williams and Eric Monsrud from Lakeland Public Television. I think it's only fitting that UNO who won a game against UND with no time left on the clock got scored on with no time left in the second period against the BSU Beavers. Here is some highlights from last Saturday's game between the BSU Beavers and UNO Mavericks.
Canadian WJC Selection camp roster released.
Four NCAA players made Canadian WJC selection camp Roster. So we have a Redhawk, a Bulldog, Fighting Irish and a Tiger. It will be interesting to see how many of them make the final roster.
Goalies
JP Anderson Toronto, Ont. Mississauga (OHL)
Calvin Pickard Winnipeg, Man. Seattle (WHL)
Olivier Roy Causapscal, Que. Acadie-Bathurst (QMJHL)
Mark Visentin Waterdown, Ont. Niagara (OHL)
Defense
Tyson Barrie Victoria, B.C. Kelowna (WHL)
Jared Cowen * Allan, Sask. Spokane (WHL)
Simon Desprès Laval, Que. Saint John (QMJHL)
Ryan Ellis ** Freelton, Ont. Windsor (OHL)
Brandon Gormley Murray River, P.E.I. Moncton (QMJHL)
Erik Gudbranson Orleans, Ont. Kingston (OHL)
Brayden McNabb Davidson, Sask. Kootenay (WHL)
Ryan Murphy Aurora, Ont. Kitchener (OHL)
Ryan Murray White City, Sask. Everett (WHL)
Dylan Olsen Calgary, Alta. Minnesota-Duluth (NCAA)
Mark Pysyk Sherwood Park, Alta. Edmonton (WHL)
Calvin de Haan * Carp, Ont. Oshawa (OHL)
Forward
Carter Ashton Saskatoon, Sask. Regina (WHL)
Michaël Bournival Shawinigan-Sud, Que. Shawinigan (QMJHL)
Casey Cizikas Mississauga, Ont. Mississauga St. Michael's (OHL)
Brett Connolly Port Hardy, B.C. Prince George (WHL)
Sean Couturier Bathurst, N.B. Drummondville (QMJHL)
Cody Eakin Winnipeg, Man. Swift Current (WHL)
Marcus Foligno Sudbury, Ont. Sudbury (OHL)
Brendan Gallagher Delta, B.C. Vancouver (WHL)
Curtis Hamilton Kelowna, B.C. Saskatoon (WHL)
Joey Hishon Stratford, Ont. Owen Sound (OHL)
Quinton Howden Oak Bank, Man. Moose Jaw (WHL)
Ryan Howse Prince George, B.C. Chilliwack (WHL)
Ryan Johansen Port Moody, B.C. Portland (WHL)
Zack Kassian LaSalle, Ont. Windsor (OHL)
Louis Leblanc Point-Claire, Que. Montreal (QMJHL)
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins Burnaby, B.C. Red Deer (WHL)
Brandon Pirri Toronto, Ont. Rockford (AHL)
Brad Ross Lethbridge, Alta. Portland (WHL)
Brayden Schenn Saskatoon, Sask. Brandon (WHL)
Jaden Schwartz Colorado College (NCAA)
Riley Sheahan St. Catharines, Ont. Notre Dame (NCAA)
Reilly Smith Mimico, Ont. Miami University (NCAA)
Linden Vey Wakaw, Sask. Medcine Hat (WHL) LA ’09 (4, 96)
Garrett Wilson Elmvale, Ont. Owen Sound (OHL)
Goalies
JP Anderson Toronto, Ont. Mississauga (OHL)
Calvin Pickard Winnipeg, Man. Seattle (WHL)
Olivier Roy Causapscal, Que. Acadie-Bathurst (QMJHL)
Mark Visentin Waterdown, Ont. Niagara (OHL)
Defense
Tyson Barrie Victoria, B.C. Kelowna (WHL)
Jared Cowen * Allan, Sask. Spokane (WHL)
Simon Desprès Laval, Que. Saint John (QMJHL)
Ryan Ellis ** Freelton, Ont. Windsor (OHL)
Brandon Gormley Murray River, P.E.I. Moncton (QMJHL)
Erik Gudbranson Orleans, Ont. Kingston (OHL)
Brayden McNabb Davidson, Sask. Kootenay (WHL)
Ryan Murphy Aurora, Ont. Kitchener (OHL)
Ryan Murray White City, Sask. Everett (WHL)
Dylan Olsen Calgary, Alta. Minnesota-Duluth (NCAA)
Mark Pysyk Sherwood Park, Alta. Edmonton (WHL)
Calvin de Haan * Carp, Ont. Oshawa (OHL)
Forward
Carter Ashton Saskatoon, Sask. Regina (WHL)
Michaël Bournival Shawinigan-Sud, Que. Shawinigan (QMJHL)
Casey Cizikas Mississauga, Ont. Mississauga St. Michael's (OHL)
Brett Connolly Port Hardy, B.C. Prince George (WHL)
Sean Couturier Bathurst, N.B. Drummondville (QMJHL)
Cody Eakin Winnipeg, Man. Swift Current (WHL)
Marcus Foligno Sudbury, Ont. Sudbury (OHL)
Brendan Gallagher Delta, B.C. Vancouver (WHL)
Curtis Hamilton Kelowna, B.C. Saskatoon (WHL)
Joey Hishon Stratford, Ont. Owen Sound (OHL)
Quinton Howden Oak Bank, Man. Moose Jaw (WHL)
Ryan Howse Prince George, B.C. Chilliwack (WHL)
Ryan Johansen Port Moody, B.C. Portland (WHL)
Zack Kassian LaSalle, Ont. Windsor (OHL)
Louis Leblanc Point-Claire, Que. Montreal (QMJHL)
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins Burnaby, B.C. Red Deer (WHL)
Brandon Pirri Toronto, Ont. Rockford (AHL)
Brad Ross Lethbridge, Alta. Portland (WHL)
Brayden Schenn Saskatoon, Sask. Brandon (WHL)
Jaden Schwartz Colorado College (NCAA)
Riley Sheahan St. Catharines, Ont. Notre Dame (NCAA)
Reilly Smith Mimico, Ont. Miami University (NCAA)
Linden Vey Wakaw, Sask. Medcine Hat (WHL) LA ’09 (4, 96)
Garrett Wilson Elmvale, Ont. Owen Sound (OHL)
Forbort and Nelson make 2011 U.S. National Junior Team Preliminary Roster
Here is the Preliminary roster for the 2011 WJC roster. Brock Nelson, Derek Forbort and future Fighting Sioux forward Rocco Grimaldi will be on the Preliminary Roster.
Goalies
G 1 Jack Cambpell^ Port Huron, Mich. Windsor Spitfires (OHL)
G 29 Andy Iles Ithaca, N.Y. Cornell Univ. (ECACH)
Defense
D 2 Adam Clendening Niagara Falls, N.Y. Boston Univ. (HEA)
D 4 Brian Dumoulin Biddeford, Maine Boston College (HEA)
D 25 Justin Faulk South St. Paul, Minn. Univ. of Minnesota Duluth (WCHA)
D 12 Jon Merrill Brighton, Mich. Univ. of Michigan (CCHA)
D 28 Jamie Oleksiak Boston, Mass. Northeastern Univ. (HEA)
D 21 John Ramage^ Chesterfield, Mo. Univ. of Wisconsin (WCHA)
D 5 Philip Samuelsson Scottsdale, Ariz. Boston College (HEA)
D 18 Patrick Wey Pittsburgh, Pa. Boston College (HEA)
Forward
F 27 Nick Bjugstad Blaine, Minn. Univ. of Minnesota (WCHA)
F 17 Ryan Bourque^ Boxford, Mass. Quebec Remparts (QMJHL)
F 13 Connor Brickley Everett, Mass. Univ. of Vermont (HEA)
F 10 Chris Brown Mound, Texas Univ. of Michigan (CCHA)
F 24 Mitch Callahan Whittier, Calif. Kelowna Rockets (WHL)
F 3 Charlie Coyle East Weymouth, Mass. Boston Univ. (HEA)
F 9 Jerry D'Amigo^ Binghamton, N.Y. Toronto Marlies (AHL)
F 26 Emerson Etem Long Beach, Calif. Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)
F 11 Jeremy Morin^ Auburn, N.Y. Rockford IceHogs (AHL)
F 23 Kyle Palmieri^ Montvale, N.J. Syracuse Crunch (AHL)
F 22 Brandon Saad Gibsonia, Pa. Saginaw Spirit (OHL)
F 15 Drew Shore Denver, Colo. Univ. of Denver (WCHA)
F 16 Jason Zucker^ Las Vegas, Nev. Univ. of Denver (WCHA)
Goalies
G 1 Jack Cambpell^ Port Huron, Mich. Windsor Spitfires (OHL)
G 29 Andy Iles Ithaca, N.Y. Cornell Univ. (ECACH)
Defense
D 2 Adam Clendening Niagara Falls, N.Y. Boston Univ. (HEA)
D 4 Brian Dumoulin Biddeford, Maine Boston College (HEA)
D 25 Justin Faulk South St. Paul, Minn. Univ. of Minnesota Duluth (WCHA)
D 7 Derek Forbort Duluth, Minn. Univ. of North Dakota (WCHA)
D 6 Nick Leddy Eden Prairie, Minn. Rockford IceHogs (AHL)D 12 Jon Merrill Brighton, Mich. Univ. of Michigan (CCHA)
D 28 Jamie Oleksiak Boston, Mass. Northeastern Univ. (HEA)
D 21 John Ramage^ Chesterfield, Mo. Univ. of Wisconsin (WCHA)
D 5 Philip Samuelsson Scottsdale, Ariz. Boston College (HEA)
D 18 Patrick Wey Pittsburgh, Pa. Boston College (HEA)
Forward
F 27 Nick Bjugstad Blaine, Minn. Univ. of Minnesota (WCHA)
F 17 Ryan Bourque^ Boxford, Mass. Quebec Remparts (QMJHL)
F 13 Connor Brickley Everett, Mass. Univ. of Vermont (HEA)
F 10 Chris Brown Mound, Texas Univ. of Michigan (CCHA)
F 24 Mitch Callahan Whittier, Calif. Kelowna Rockets (WHL)
F 3 Charlie Coyle East Weymouth, Mass. Boston Univ. (HEA)
F 9 Jerry D'Amigo^ Binghamton, N.Y. Toronto Marlies (AHL)
F 26 Emerson Etem Long Beach, Calif. Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)
F 14 Rocco Grimaldi Rossmoor, Calif. U.S. NTDP U-18 (USHL)
F 19 Chris Kreider^ Boxford, Mass. Boston College (HEA)F 11 Jeremy Morin^ Auburn, N.Y. Rockford IceHogs (AHL)
F 8 Brock Nelson Minneapolis, Minn. Univ. of North Dakota (WCHA)
F 20 Matt Nieto Long Beach, Calif. Boston Univ. (HEA)F 23 Kyle Palmieri^ Montvale, N.J. Syracuse Crunch (AHL)
F 22 Brandon Saad Gibsonia, Pa. Saginaw Spirit (OHL)
F 15 Drew Shore Denver, Colo. Univ. of Denver (WCHA)
F 16 Jason Zucker^ Las Vegas, Nev. Univ. of Denver (WCHA)
Monday, December 06, 2010
Sioux and the Landcows are on B2 this weekend.
The UND Fighting Sioux will be on the B2 Network this weekend. [Link to the Games]
Minnesota State vs. North Dakota
Hockey
12/10/2010 7:37:00 PM CST
Minnesota State vs. North Dakota
Hockey
12/11/2010 7:07:00 PM CST
That is good news for fans that can't make the trek to Mankato.
Minnesota State vs. North Dakota
Hockey
12/10/2010 7:37:00 PM CST
Minnesota State vs. North Dakota
Hockey
12/11/2010 7:07:00 PM CST
That is good news for fans that can't make the trek to Mankato.
Poll Monday - Hum interesting!
USCHO.com Division I Men's Poll
[December 6, 2010]
1 Yale (34) 10-1-0 973 2
2 Minnesota-Duluth (13) 12-2-2 950 1
3 New Hampshire 9-2-4 882 5
4 Boston College ( 3) 11-5-0 819 8
5 North Dakota 11-5-2 814 7
6 Miami 10-5-3 683 6
7 Boston University 7-3-5 678 2
8 Maine 7-3-4 676 9
9 Denver 11-5-2 601 10
10 Nebraska-Omaha 9-4-1 585 4
11 Notre Dame 10-5-2 499 12
12 Michigan 9-5-4 454 11
13 Union 8-3-3 412 13
14 Alaska 8-5-3 348 14
15 Rensselaer 8-4-3 260 16
16 Wisconsin 8-7-3 243 15
17 Merrimack 7-4-4 210 18
18 Ferris State 8-6-3 113 20
19 Dartmouth 6-3-1 98 NR
20 Western Michigan 7-5-4 60 19
Others Receiving Votes: Clarkson 42, Minnesota 30, Robert Morris 23, Colorado College 17, Minnesota State 9, Northern Michigan 8, Michigan State 4, Bemidji State 3, Princeton 3, Providence 2, Niagara 1
__________________________________
USA TODAY/USA Hockey Men's poll
[Dec. 6, 2010]
1. Yale (24) 10-1-0
2. Minnesota Duluth (9) 12-2-0
3. New Hampshire 9-2-4 5
4. Boston College (1) 11-5-0
5. North Dakota 11-5-2
6. Maine 7-3-4
7. Boston University 7-3-5
8. Miami (Ohio) 10-5-3
9. Nebraska-Omaha 9-4-1
10. Denver 11-5-2
11. Notre Dame 10-5-2
12. Michigan 9-5-4
13. Union 8-3-3
14. Alaska 8-5-3
15. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 8-4-3
Others receiving votes: University of Wisconsin, 17; Merrimack College, 13; Dartmouth College, 3; University of Minnesota, 2; Robert Morris University, 2; Bemidji State University, 1.
Analysis - This was the conversation or debate on Twitter yesterday that caught my eye posted by Brad Schlossman on Twitter. I do think the Boise State argument fits this scenario well, lose one game and Yale will take a serious drop in the polls. I guess they can ride the pony for now, until it comes up lame.
[December 6, 2010]
1 Yale (34) 10-1-0 973 2
2 Minnesota-Duluth (13) 12-2-2 950 1
3 New Hampshire 9-2-4 882 5
4 Boston College ( 3) 11-5-0 819 8
5 North Dakota 11-5-2 814 7
6 Miami 10-5-3 683 6
7 Boston University 7-3-5 678 2
8 Maine 7-3-4 676 9
9 Denver 11-5-2 601 10
10 Nebraska-Omaha 9-4-1 585 4
11 Notre Dame 10-5-2 499 12
12 Michigan 9-5-4 454 11
13 Union 8-3-3 412 13
14 Alaska 8-5-3 348 14
15 Rensselaer 8-4-3 260 16
16 Wisconsin 8-7-3 243 15
17 Merrimack 7-4-4 210 18
18 Ferris State 8-6-3 113 20
19 Dartmouth 6-3-1 98 NR
20 Western Michigan 7-5-4 60 19
Others Receiving Votes: Clarkson 42, Minnesota 30, Robert Morris 23, Colorado College 17, Minnesota State 9, Northern Michigan 8, Michigan State 4, Bemidji State 3, Princeton 3, Providence 2, Niagara 1
__________________________________
USA TODAY/USA Hockey Men's poll
[Dec. 6, 2010]
1. Yale (24) 10-1-0
2. Minnesota Duluth (9) 12-2-0
3. New Hampshire 9-2-4 5
4. Boston College (1) 11-5-0
5. North Dakota 11-5-2
6. Maine 7-3-4
7. Boston University 7-3-5
8. Miami (Ohio) 10-5-3
9. Nebraska-Omaha 9-4-1
10. Denver 11-5-2
11. Notre Dame 10-5-2
12. Michigan 9-5-4
13. Union 8-3-3
14. Alaska 8-5-3
15. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 8-4-3
Others receiving votes: University of Wisconsin, 17; Merrimack College, 13; Dartmouth College, 3; University of Minnesota, 2; Robert Morris University, 2; Bemidji State University, 1.
Analysis - This was the conversation or debate on Twitter yesterday that caught my eye posted by Brad Schlossman on Twitter. I do think the Boise State argument fits this scenario well, lose one game and Yale will take a serious drop in the polls. I guess they can ride the pony for now, until it comes up lame.
@Schlossmangf @puckato @bruceciskie Yale is hockey's Boise St. Yes they can beat anyone, but they have the luxury of not playing good teams every week.Ok, one of my friends posted on my face book that my head was going to explode because Yale is the number one team in the country. While I am not a self professed Yale hater, I don’t think they are the number one team in the country. I think UND, DU or UMD could run the table on the schedule they have played to date so far, Brown, Dartmouth, Princeton, Quinnipiac, Colorado College, Air Force, Cornell, Colgate, Sacred Heart, RPI and Union. Are you kidding me? The Bulldogs lost to Air Force Academy as well. What do you think teams like B.C., BU, ND, UND, DU and UMD could do against a schedule like that? What do you think?
@puckato replied - Right now, I'm leaning: 1. UMD, 2. Yale, 3. UNH, 4. UND, 5. Denver, then some combo of BC, BU, Maine
Tim Thomas; how do you like this?
Check out this save by Tim Thomas against the Toronto Maple Leafs. This save is nothing short of amazing. Last season Tim Thomas had what I would describe as a rough season and the Boston Bruins fans want to put Thomas on the scrap heap of history... This season Tim Thomas has bounced back into top form and has pile up some eye popping numbers so far this season 13-2-2 1.46 GAA and a save percentage of .956, not bad eh...
INCH Power Rankings
As always for a good laugh I included the INCH Power Rankings. OK! This is a little much, so now we have the team that has played one of the weakest SOS in the country in the top 20 at 21.1915 and now after they finally beat a team in the top 15 we should believe that they are one of the best team in college hockey? Right... What would their record be if they played the teams in the WCHA, CCHA or Hockey East?
1. Yale
2. Minnesota Duluth
3. Maine
4. North Dakota
5. New Hampshire
6. Boston College
7. Nebraska-Omaha
8. Boston University
9. Union
10. Miami
11. Michigan
12. Denver
13. Notre Dame
14. Alaska
15. Rensselaer
16. Wisconsin
17. Merrimack
18. Ferris State
19. Dartmouth
20. Robert Morris
Dropped out: Minnesota, Western Michigan
Bubble-licious: Niagara, Northern Michigan, Princeton
1. Yale
2. Minnesota Duluth
3. Maine
4. North Dakota
5. New Hampshire
6. Boston College
7. Nebraska-Omaha
8. Boston University
9. Union
10. Miami
11. Michigan
12. Denver
13. Notre Dame
14. Alaska
15. Rensselaer
16. Wisconsin
17. Merrimack
18. Ferris State
19. Dartmouth
20. Robert Morris
Dropped out: Minnesota, Western Michigan
Bubble-licious: Niagara, Northern Michigan, Princeton
Sunday, December 05, 2010
They said what? You have got to be kidding me? Nah!
To piggy back on what Let’s Go Mavs had to say; I find this article remotely entertaining, laughable and I have to pass it on; it's a must read by Goal Gophers. I mean honestly; you can't be serious with that? I wonder if Chris Miller wrote that with a straight face. Thanks for giving me something to laugh about today. Look at the Gopher's roster what do the not so Golden Gophers have, something like 19 NHL draft picks on their roster and none of them can score on a consistent basis? The problem is that the Gophers might have too many top of the line players and don’t have enough roll players and grinders. At lower levels most of them knew how to score goals. That being said, not every players has to be a first round draft choice on your roster, you need to have some grit and role players.
duffer golfer I know a sandbagging when I see one, actually, that’s not a sandbagging that’s a ____ storm. In fact I think I smell Barbra Streisand or err, insert your own adjective, you know what I mean? Again, I am going to call shenanigans on that article. Can you shovel it any faster and harder? I mean really; the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers get the first pick of best of the blue chip hockey players that live in the state of Minnesota… The Gophers also get to select the best players they want from the Minneapolis Metro area, that play for the USDT under 17 and under 18 teams before the other teams in the WCHA even get to take a look at them. Look at their roster again, if you don’t believe me… It's stuffed full of kids that were once super stars for their high school and or junior teams.
So what’s the problem? Don’t get me wrong Donny Lucia is a good hockey coach and is going through a bit of a rough stretch. You don't win two national titles in Division I college hockey being a stiff or a classic buffoon. Success has been Donny’s biggest nemesis; he has a great college arena that is usually full of adoring, cheering, rabid fans. The University has a killer television package and he can get all of the best players. I doubt he even has to work all that hard to get great players to commit to his program. The other league coaches are the ones that have to coach and work harder and do more with less. They have all the perceived advantages that other teams don't have. Or do they?
The problem is; Donny Lucia has recruited too many pretty boy/entitlement players that take the “me first” attitude and don’t grasp the concept of being a third line player, getting their nose dirty, blocking shots and or biding their time till they get their chance to play on the third line. Half of these kids on the Gophers roster already have one foot out the door to the NHL and are just there because they are told that’s the place to be till they get to step out on the ice as an NHL player.
Not everyone can be on the first line, first power play unit, some one has to play on the third line and or go in the corners and do the dirty little things that make teams successful, like killing penalties and being a defensive forward.
Again, look at the little things that Mario Lamoureux does for the Sioux on the ice that very rarely gets noticed by the casual fair weather hockey fans. When I was talking to a SCSU fan in the Liffey bar last season during the Final Five all he could do was belittle a role player like Mario Lamoureux. That's the same player that kills penalties, takes face offs in key time of big games and does the gritty things that help teams win games. The SCSU fan that I was talking to got mad at me because I wouldn't admit that Mario was just a worthless goon that would be lucky to play on the SCSU Huskies, that Hakstol inadvertently sent over the player's bench wall to go fight their almighty second line player Aaron Marvin... Obviously, this guy I was talking too was very intoxicated;and I might add a mountain of a man and I could tell that it just wasn't getting through to his thick skull. I excused myself from the conversation and left this mouth breather behind before he threw me over the bar for failing to see his point of view. One could say that logical reasoning and alcoholic beverages just don’t mix. I am also not getting into a fight in a bar over a hockey game, yeah that would be fun trying to explain that one to my boss and or wife, I am sure they would have been less than impressed with me.
If you think I am full of it go back and watch the video from last night’s game. That third/fourth line player did all of the little things that helped the Sioux win. Mario along with a few of the other Sioux players also took the SCSU Huskies off their game and he caused some of them to lose their mind, they were taking runs at him and he kept playing hard to the whistle. I would also rather have one less disgruntled blue chip hockey player on my roster that’s only going to play 7 – 10 minutes a game and have a rugged third or fourth line player that knows his role and does the little things that help my team be successful.
I definitely appreciate and like those types of less heralded hockey players, because they are so valuable to their respective teams. That’s what the Gophers and to a certain extent the SCSU Huskies lack from their team. I can assure you that Dean Blais’ teams have these types of role players as well as George Gwozdecky and Tom Serratore.
Every year there are two or three Gopher players that move on because they were getting “screwed” by coach Lucia and his staff. I would say that the Gophers need more players like Jay Barriball that know what sacrifice is all about…
Add to that they have a major league bubbling buffoon coaching the defense in Jon Hill. I don’t see how any one can say that he is an up grade over their beloved and respected former assistant coach Mike Guentzel, I no idea why they keep Hill around, but I am thankful for it, because as long as he is around coaching the Gophers defense they are going to continue to fail.
In conclusion; this article isn’t really a shot at the beat writers from Goal Gophers because I think for the most part they do a good job covering their team and they give me much reading enjoyment. It’s more of a refutation of a mind set that is out there in college hockey. I mean I know the Star and Tribune can’t be overly critical of their team or they could lose access to the coaching staff and not be able to report on their team as closely as they would like.
Also, I would love to hear what Minnesota or fans from other teams that play more of finesse style game think… College hockey is changing to a game that is starting to mirror the NHL. I think the up and down the ice finesse style of hockey is a thing of the past. If you want to watch that style of hockey, Europe might be the place for you to go.
The game is faster, the players are stronger, the game is more violent and there is less room to roam out there. Even if the refs call the obstruction on the ice correctly. Gone are the days of skating up and down the ice taking shots on net untouched, every inch of the ice is contested. There is little room for self centered primadonnas that only think of themselves.
 |
| Picture from College Fanz |
Not sure how many of the Gophers' 50 shots I'd say were "Grade A" but on probably three or four of their best chances they didn't even get the puck on net. Nick Bjugstad broke his stick on a one-timer with a yawning net in the first period, and Taylor Matson and Jake Hansen were both flummoxed in the third when they were late arrivers in the zone, got great set ups and just missed the net badly.Being a weekend
Jay Barriball had two breakaways, said he was happy with the shots he got, but was just stopped.
Mike Hoeffel returned after sitting out Friday with the flu and might have been a step slow. Jacob Cepis was noticeable and Bjugstad had two especially dominant shifts. He's a big kid and when he gets some experience he should have dominant stretches.
But, that's what they say about a lot of Gophers. Problem now is putting the puck in the net. Maybe there aren't a lot of natural goal-scorers on the team ... maybe that's been a problem for quite a while.[Read th whole Story here]
So what’s the problem? Don’t get me wrong Donny Lucia is a good hockey coach and is going through a bit of a rough stretch. You don't win two national titles in Division I college hockey being a stiff or a classic buffoon. Success has been Donny’s biggest nemesis; he has a great college arena that is usually full of adoring, cheering, rabid fans. The University has a killer television package and he can get all of the best players. I doubt he even has to work all that hard to get great players to commit to his program. The other league coaches are the ones that have to coach and work harder and do more with less. They have all the perceived advantages that other teams don't have. Or do they?
The problem is; Donny Lucia has recruited too many pretty boy/entitlement players that take the “me first” attitude and don’t grasp the concept of being a third line player, getting their nose dirty, blocking shots and or biding their time till they get their chance to play on the third line. Half of these kids on the Gophers roster already have one foot out the door to the NHL and are just there because they are told that’s the place to be till they get to step out on the ice as an NHL player.
Not everyone can be on the first line, first power play unit, some one has to play on the third line and or go in the corners and do the dirty little things that make teams successful, like killing penalties and being a defensive forward.
Again, look at the little things that Mario Lamoureux does for the Sioux on the ice that very rarely gets noticed by the casual fair weather hockey fans. When I was talking to a SCSU fan in the Liffey bar last season during the Final Five all he could do was belittle a role player like Mario Lamoureux. That's the same player that kills penalties, takes face offs in key time of big games and does the gritty things that help teams win games. The SCSU fan that I was talking to got mad at me because I wouldn't admit that Mario was just a worthless goon that would be lucky to play on the SCSU Huskies, that Hakstol inadvertently sent over the player's bench wall to go fight their almighty second line player Aaron Marvin... Obviously, this guy I was talking too was very intoxicated;and I might add a mountain of a man and I could tell that it just wasn't getting through to his thick skull. I excused myself from the conversation and left this mouth breather behind before he threw me over the bar for failing to see his point of view. One could say that logical reasoning and alcoholic beverages just don’t mix. I am also not getting into a fight in a bar over a hockey game, yeah that would be fun trying to explain that one to my boss and or wife, I am sure they would have been less than impressed with me.
If you think I am full of it go back and watch the video from last night’s game. That third/fourth line player did all of the little things that helped the Sioux win. Mario along with a few of the other Sioux players also took the SCSU Huskies off their game and he caused some of them to lose their mind, they were taking runs at him and he kept playing hard to the whistle. I would also rather have one less disgruntled blue chip hockey player on my roster that’s only going to play 7 – 10 minutes a game and have a rugged third or fourth line player that knows his role and does the little things that help my team be successful.
I definitely appreciate and like those types of less heralded hockey players, because they are so valuable to their respective teams. That’s what the Gophers and to a certain extent the SCSU Huskies lack from their team. I can assure you that Dean Blais’ teams have these types of role players as well as George Gwozdecky and Tom Serratore.
Every year there are two or three Gopher players that move on because they were getting “screwed” by coach Lucia and his staff. I would say that the Gophers need more players like Jay Barriball that know what sacrifice is all about…
Add to that they have a major league bubbling buffoon coaching the defense in Jon Hill. I don’t see how any one can say that he is an up grade over their beloved and respected former assistant coach Mike Guentzel, I no idea why they keep Hill around, but I am thankful for it, because as long as he is around coaching the Gophers defense they are going to continue to fail.
In conclusion; this article isn’t really a shot at the beat writers from Goal Gophers because I think for the most part they do a good job covering their team and they give me much reading enjoyment. It’s more of a refutation of a mind set that is out there in college hockey. I mean I know the Star and Tribune can’t be overly critical of their team or they could lose access to the coaching staff and not be able to report on their team as closely as they would like.
Also, I would love to hear what Minnesota or fans from other teams that play more of finesse style game think… College hockey is changing to a game that is starting to mirror the NHL. I think the up and down the ice finesse style of hockey is a thing of the past. If you want to watch that style of hockey, Europe might be the place for you to go.
The game is faster, the players are stronger, the game is more violent and there is less room to roam out there. Even if the refs call the obstruction on the ice correctly. Gone are the days of skating up and down the ice taking shots on net untouched, every inch of the ice is contested. There is little room for self centered primadonnas that only think of themselves.
MN's "Pride on Ice" is officially the "Pathetic on Ice" (by LGM)
Oh how the mighty have fallen in Gopher land. Do you hear all of the thuds in Minnesota? Yes folks, that is the sound of fans falling off the Gopher bandwagon left and right. Let's face it, it's easy to be a Gopher fan....you can stop at the local Super America store and buy a knock off jersey and watch the games on TV and learn to spell and twist your wrist. Super tough! How man of them are REAL fans though? How many have even been to Mariucci? I would argue that the majority have not. Pathetic, just like their team.
I'm a die hard Maverick fan, as everyone knows. I'm also a very honest fan and I'll be the first to say that the Mavericks are bad this year. I would go as far to say that they pretty much suck. This weekend was no exception. The Mavs did not play great and they EASILY swept the Gophers. If I was a Gopher fan I would be burning all of my Gopher stuff today.
Not only was their play embarrassing last night, the way their players acted was even worse. Seriously, is there a bigger punk in the league than Cepis? Christ, that kid was either running his mouth non-stop, taking dives, or taking cheap shots. Sadly, this is the type of hockey that Don Lucia has been endorsing for the past few years. I'm not a violent person but by the end of the 1st period of the weekend I was ready to go down to the ice and smack that kid. I'm all for the agitator in hockey but when you throw in the diving and cheap shots to the head and knees, that's just being a punk.
Sonic the Hedgehog...oops, I mean Don Lucia....used the excuse that Maverick goalie Phil Cook is the only reason the Goofs lost. Ok, so Cook had 49 saves but I'll tell you right now that only 15 of them were quality ones. The Gophers lobbed shots right into his glove or stomach and had some of the weakest shots possible. Also, I would argue that the guy counting shots on goal was very generous with the Gophers. I'm not sure who does shots on goals in Mankato but I've always said he sucks at his job. He's always WAY off and having to change it mid-game. A perfect example of that is when the Mavs got a goal on Friday night and no credit for a shot? Hmm...not sure how that works.
Anyways, so Donny is full of excuses after the sweep and won't say the real deal...so I will. Don sucks as a coach, the team if full of a bunch of primadonnas, and they're a bunch of cheap ass goons. Plain and simple.
So, how's that for analysis? I know Goon always has all these stats and stuff on his blog but that's just not my deal. So, if you were looking for stats and not Gopher ripping...you're reading the wrong post:) Oh hell, who am I kidding? You're a bunch of Sioux fans, of course you want to Gopher ripping.
It was a glorious weekend in Mankato with a beautiful sweep. Hopefully the Mavs can take some of that momentum into this weekend but I'm not holding my breath. I'm more than a bit worried for the weekend and am expecting the Sioux to put up double digits on one of the nights. Hopefully I'm wrong and the Mavs can get some points but I won't hold my breath:(
I'm a die hard Maverick fan, as everyone knows. I'm also a very honest fan and I'll be the first to say that the Mavericks are bad this year. I would go as far to say that they pretty much suck. This weekend was no exception. The Mavs did not play great and they EASILY swept the Gophers. If I was a Gopher fan I would be burning all of my Gopher stuff today.
Not only was their play embarrassing last night, the way their players acted was even worse. Seriously, is there a bigger punk in the league than Cepis? Christ, that kid was either running his mouth non-stop, taking dives, or taking cheap shots. Sadly, this is the type of hockey that Don Lucia has been endorsing for the past few years. I'm not a violent person but by the end of the 1st period of the weekend I was ready to go down to the ice and smack that kid. I'm all for the agitator in hockey but when you throw in the diving and cheap shots to the head and knees, that's just being a punk.
Sonic the Hedgehog...oops, I mean Don Lucia....used the excuse that Maverick goalie Phil Cook is the only reason the Goofs lost. Ok, so Cook had 49 saves but I'll tell you right now that only 15 of them were quality ones. The Gophers lobbed shots right into his glove or stomach and had some of the weakest shots possible. Also, I would argue that the guy counting shots on goal was very generous with the Gophers. I'm not sure who does shots on goals in Mankato but I've always said he sucks at his job. He's always WAY off and having to change it mid-game. A perfect example of that is when the Mavs got a goal on Friday night and no credit for a shot? Hmm...not sure how that works.
Anyways, so Donny is full of excuses after the sweep and won't say the real deal...so I will. Don sucks as a coach, the team if full of a bunch of primadonnas, and they're a bunch of cheap ass goons. Plain and simple.
So, how's that for analysis? I know Goon always has all these stats and stuff on his blog but that's just not my deal. So, if you were looking for stats and not Gopher ripping...you're reading the wrong post:) Oh hell, who am I kidding? You're a bunch of Sioux fans, of course you want to Gopher ripping.
It was a glorious weekend in Mankato with a beautiful sweep. Hopefully the Mavs can take some of that momentum into this weekend but I'm not holding my breath. I'm more than a bit worried for the weekend and am expecting the Sioux to put up double digits on one of the nights. Hopefully I'm wrong and the Mavs can get some points but I won't hold my breath:(
College Hockey Scores 12/04/2010 - Sunday morning pontifications.
AHA Hockey
RIT 2 at American Int'l 6
Bentley 1 at Robert Morris 5
Connecticut 8 at Niagara 5
Holy Cross 6 at Air Force 7
Mercyhurst 2 at Sacred Heart 3
CCHA
ECAC
Rensselaer 6 at Brown 2
Clarkson 5 at Quinnipiac 3
Bowling Green 1 at Lake Superior 1 OT
Ferris State 1 at Michigan State 0 OT
Michigan 2 at Ohio State 1
Notre Dame 2 at Miami 5
Western Michigan 4 at Northern Michigan 4 OT
Hockey East
UMass Lowell 2 at Massachusetts 5
Maine 5 at Providence 0
Northeastern 2 at Merrimack 1
Boston University 2 at Boston College 5
UMass Lowell 2 at Massachusetts 5
WCHA
Colorado College 5 at Michigan Tech 0
Denver 1 at Minnesota Duluth 2
Minnesota 1 at Minnesota State 2
St. Cloud State 2 at North Dakota 6
Nebraska-Omaha 1 at Bemidji State 3
Wisconsin 3 at Alaska Anchorage 1
NON-Conference
Alab-Huntsville 2 at Cornell 2 OT
Colgate 3 at Army 0
Links to the Sioux and Huskies Series
My favorite Pseudo USCHO reporter [USCHO]
Sioux flatten Huskies [Saint Cloud Times]
WCHA in depth: Face shields gain support [Saint Cloud Times]
Men's hockey: Black sweater sweep [Grand Forks Herald]
North Dakota 6, St. Cloud State 2 [Saint Cloud Times]
Analysis – Wow! What a character win for the UND Fighting Sioux hockey team. With the sweep last night the Fighting Sioux get their first home sweep for the 2010-2011 season, their first at home since last March 5th and 6th against the Michigan Tech Huskies. What’s more impressive is the fact the Sioux were playing minus two key first line players, Brett Hextall and Jason Gregoire, both are key top flight players that play on the power play and penalty kill. Maybe that’s why the power play looked a little disjointed this weekend.
Since being swept by the Maine Black Bears in Orono, Maine the UND Fighting Sioux Hockey team has gone a respectable 8-3-1. Albeit, playing the toughest strength of schedule in college hockey to date. The Sioux have played series/games against nationally ranked opponents; Alaska 14th, (1-0-0), Maine 9th, (0-2-0), UMD 1st, (1-1-0), DU 10th, (1-1-0), Wisconsin 15th, (2-0-0), UNO 4th, (1-1-0), Notre Dame 12th, (1-0-1), compiling a 7-5-1 record. The Fighting Sioux have an awesome record on Friday night’s 7-1-1 (only loss was against Maine 7-3) and the Sioux wanted to get a sweep at home for the first time this season. Mission accomplished, with the win on Saturday night the Fighting Sioux evened their record to 4-4-1.
Updated - WCHA Standings
1. Minnesota-Duluth 9-2-1 - 12-2-2 19 PTS
2. North Dakota 9-3-0 - 11-5-2 18 PTS
3. Denver 8-3-1 - 11-5-2 17 PTS
4. Nebraska-Omaha 6-3-1 - 9-4-1 13 PTS
5. Minnesota 12 5-6-1 11 39-39 16 8-7-1 54-52
6. Colorado College 5-5-0 - 8-7-1 10 PTS
Minnesota State 4-6-2 - 6-6-4 10 PTS
Wisconsin 4-6-2 - 8-7-3 10 PTS
9. Alaska-Anchorage 4-7-1 - 5-9-2 9 PTS
Bemidji State 4-7-1 - 5-8-1 9 PTS
11. St. Cloud State 3-6-1 - 5-9-2 7 PTS
12. Michigan Tech 1-8-1 - 3-8-2 3 PTS
 |
| Photo courtesy of John Stennes, Grand Forks Herald |
RIT 2 at American Int'l 6
Bentley 1 at Robert Morris 5
Connecticut 8 at Niagara 5
Holy Cross 6 at Air Force 7
Mercyhurst 2 at Sacred Heart 3
CCHA
ECAC
Rensselaer 6 at Brown 2
Clarkson 5 at Quinnipiac 3
Bowling Green 1 at Lake Superior 1 OT
Ferris State 1 at Michigan State 0 OT
Michigan 2 at Ohio State 1
Notre Dame 2 at Miami 5
Western Michigan 4 at Northern Michigan 4 OT
Hockey East
UMass Lowell 2 at Massachusetts 5
Maine 5 at Providence 0
Northeastern 2 at Merrimack 1
Boston University 2 at Boston College 5
UMass Lowell 2 at Massachusetts 5
WCHA
Colorado College 5 at Michigan Tech 0
Denver 1 at Minnesota Duluth 2
Minnesota 1 at Minnesota State 2
St. Cloud State 2 at North Dakota 6
Nebraska-Omaha 1 at Bemidji State 3
Wisconsin 3 at Alaska Anchorage 1
NON-Conference
Alab-Huntsville 2 at Cornell 2 OT
Colgate 3 at Army 0
Links to the Sioux and Huskies Series
My favorite Pseudo USCHO reporter [USCHO]
Sioux flatten Huskies [Saint Cloud Times]
WCHA in depth: Face shields gain support [Saint Cloud Times]
Men's hockey: Black sweater sweep [Grand Forks Herald]
North Dakota 6, St. Cloud State 2 [Saint Cloud Times]
Analysis – Wow! What a character win for the UND Fighting Sioux hockey team. With the sweep last night the Fighting Sioux get their first home sweep for the 2010-2011 season, their first at home since last March 5th and 6th against the Michigan Tech Huskies. What’s more impressive is the fact the Sioux were playing minus two key first line players, Brett Hextall and Jason Gregoire, both are key top flight players that play on the power play and penalty kill. Maybe that’s why the power play looked a little disjointed this weekend.
Since being swept by the Maine Black Bears in Orono, Maine the UND Fighting Sioux Hockey team has gone a respectable 8-3-1. Albeit, playing the toughest strength of schedule in college hockey to date. The Sioux have played series/games against nationally ranked opponents; Alaska 14th, (1-0-0), Maine 9th, (0-2-0), UMD 1st, (1-1-0), DU 10th, (1-1-0), Wisconsin 15th, (2-0-0), UNO 4th, (1-1-0), Notre Dame 12th, (1-0-1), compiling a 7-5-1 record. The Fighting Sioux have an awesome record on Friday night’s 7-1-1 (only loss was against Maine 7-3) and the Sioux wanted to get a sweep at home for the first time this season. Mission accomplished, with the win on Saturday night the Fighting Sioux evened their record to 4-4-1.
Stats - UND Fighting Sioux senior forward Matt Frattin is tied with Paul Zanette of Niagara for the national goal scoring lead with 15... Frattin is also second behind Jason Zucker for the WCHA goal scoring title... The Denver Pioneers fans better enjoy their young player Jason Zucker because with the Wild struggling on offense and not having much of anything in the cupboard I could see Zucker getting signed by the Minnesota Wild after a couple of seasons.
Aaron Dell is quickly becoming a very dependable starter between the pipes for the Fighting Sioux… Dell is leading the WCHA with a 1.82 goals against average. Some of that is a direct reflection of the Fighting Sioux being the top defensive team in the WCHA.
Fighting Sioux are no goons
Contrary to public opinion, the Fighting Sioux not a bunch of blood thirsty knuckle dragging goons – currently the Fighting Sioux are the seventh penalized team in the WCHA only taking 12.8 minutes a game. The Sioux are also the top penalty killing team in the WCHA killing penalties at a rate of 90.7… On the other hand their power play is not so good ranked 7th in the WCHA scoring on 16.7 % of the power play opportunities.
Updated - WCHA Standings
1. Minnesota-Duluth 9-2-1 - 12-2-2 19 PTS
2. North Dakota 9-3-0 - 11-5-2 18 PTS
3. Denver 8-3-1 - 11-5-2 17 PTS
4. Nebraska-Omaha 6-3-1 - 9-4-1 13 PTS
5. Minnesota 12 5-6-1 11 39-39 16 8-7-1 54-52
6. Colorado College 5-5-0 - 8-7-1 10 PTS
Minnesota State 4-6-2 - 6-6-4 10 PTS
Wisconsin 4-6-2 - 8-7-3 10 PTS
9. Alaska-Anchorage 4-7-1 - 5-9-2 9 PTS
Bemidji State 4-7-1 - 5-8-1 9 PTS
11. St. Cloud State 3-6-1 - 5-9-2 7 PTS
12. Michigan Tech 1-8-1 - 3-8-2 3 PTS
Saturday, December 04, 2010
Sioux 6 - Huskies 2
This goal should drive the SCSU fans nuts, the fourth line center went (1g-1a-2pts) on the evening… The Fighting Sioux put a six goals past the SCSU Huskies at the Ralph Englestad Arena tonight to sweep the SCSU Huskies... The Fighting Sioux were all business as they donned the Black jerseys, a rarity at home, according to Brad Schlossman this was only the second time they did this, the other time was 2002 in honor of the Fighting Sioux alum Ralph Englestad. The record wearing the black jersey is 22-1-2.
This game wasn’t very close at all; the Sioux had four goals before the 13:00 minute mark of the first period, and kind of cruised the rest of the way. The Sioux have won four straight games against the Huskies (8-1, 5-4, 3-1, 6-2).
The Sioux took the Huskies off of their game because they were worried about all the extra stuff that didn’t happen this weekend, score a mental victory for the Sioux. The Huskies looked disinterested and they were looking over their shoulders all weekend long.
Goon's Three Stars of the game
1.) Matt Frattin, UND (1g-2a-3pts)
2.) Mario Lamoureux UND (1g-1a-2pts)
3.) Danny Kristo (0g-2a-2pts)
[Box Score]
____________________________
1st Period (20:00)
____________________________
NDK 1 - 0 6x6 LL Evan Trupp (5) (Matt Frattin, Brad Malone) 5:57
NDK (+): 19,21,22,24,5,G32 STC (-): 12,14,18,13,10,G41
NDK 2 - 0 6x6 Derrick LaPoint (1) (Derek Rodwell, Michael Cichy) 6:24
NDK (+): 3,11,8,29,18,G32 STC (-): 28,6,21,10,7,G41
NDK 3 - 0 6x6 GW Brent Davidson (1) (Chay Genoway, Mario Lamoureux) 8:24
NDK (+): 15,5,2,27,9,G32 STC (-): 6,12,7,17,13,G41
STC-1 Oliver Lauridsen (2-Roughing) 9:19
NDK-1 Derek Rodwell (2-Slashing) 9:19
NDK 4 - 0 5x5 Matt Frattin (15) (Jake Marto, Aaron Dell) 10:50
NDK (+): 21,25,4,19,G32 STC (-): 6,12,19,7,G30
NDK 5 - 0 6x6 Corban Knight (9) (Danny Kristo) 16:21
NDK (+): 10,7,5,25,24,G32 STC (-): 11,6,9,7,27,G30
STC-2 Oliver Lauridsen (2-Cross-Checking) NDK 0x1 17:03
____________________________
2nd Period (20:00)
____________________________
STC-3 Garrett Roe (2-Roughing) 0:05
NDK-2 Corban Knight (2-Roughing) 0:05
NDK-3 Andrew MacWilliam (2-Interference) STC 0x1 1:04
NDK-4 Jake Marto (2-Hooking) STC 0x2 5:36
STC-4 Cam Reid (2-Slashing) NDK 0x2 9:54
NDK-5 Corban Knight (2-Holding) STC 0x3 11:00
STC-5 Taylor Johnson (2-Slashing) NDK 0x3 13:53
NDK-6 Jake Marto (2-Boarding) STC 0x4 17:37
____________________________
3rd Period (20:00)
____________________________
STC 1 - 5 6x6 Mitch MacMillan (2) (Brian Volpei, Nick Jensen) 3:58
STC (+): 28,21,14,18,10,G41 NDK (-): 7,25,3,18,10,G32
STC-6 Travis Novak (2-High-Sticking) NDK 0x4 4:43
STC-7 Taylor Johnson (2-Hooking) NDK 0x5 4:43
STC-8 Taylor Johnson (2-Interference) NDK 0x6 7:41
NDK 6 - 1 6x6 Mario Lamoureux (1) (Matt Frattin, Danny Kristo) 9:41
NDK (+): 9,21,7,24,19,G32
STC 2 - 6 6x6 Travis Novak (3) (Taylor Johnson, Oliver Lauridsen) 12:35
STC (+): 12,4,25,13,17,G41 NDK (-): 4,27,19,22,2,G32
NDK-7 Mario Lamoureux (2-Slashing) STC 0x5 16:07
____________________________
End of Game
UPSET ALERT!!!!! (Redwing77) UPDATED!!!!!!!
Ok, not really but....
2010 Robbie Earl Memorial Freestyle Frozen Water Diving Champion Garrett Roe is losing his edge. Roe, famous for the Fish Flop and the Triple Roll Belly Flop with a Cage Gainor failed to dupe any of the officials into awarding SCSU with a single powerplay last night. He didn't garner a choking performance... he didn't even attempt to dive. When is the last time Greg Louganis stepped up to the edge of the diving board and just turned around and walked down the ladder?
Is Roe losing his touch? Does this mean WCHA newcomer Jacob Cepis (Minnesota) will usurp Roe's crown? Can outside candidate Jason Zucker (DU) take the crown? Or will it be a yet unnamed player from else-WCHA?
I know what you may be thinking: "Aww, Roe's too good to let this get him down, he'll dive tonight. After UND only got called for 1 penalty last night, WCHA officiating will come through." Or perhaps you are thinking "Roe doesn't have Lasch and Nodl and other guys like that to use his diving talent for to make his loss of dignity and ethical existence worthwhile." Perhaps. Or perhaps you live in a Husky red dream world and claim that Roe has never dove or embellished in his collegiate career. Well, we'll leave the consumption of paint thinner to residents of the fine state of Wisconsin.
Diving is illegal in most forms of hockey but I still doubt the officials in the WCHA could recognize a dive or an embellishment if it happened to smack them in the junk. Yes, I know Zucker got called for diving early this season but I think it is a fluke.
I can understand why Roe or any WCHA player would wish to embellish. It's a player's way of helping the officials understand what an illegal play looks like. It's not the players' fault that embellishment is a problem in the WCHA. It's the officiating. If you don't call it, then it must be legal. Trust me. If a team goes out there and starts cross checking everyone in sight, they'll get called for a penalty and they'll either adapt and stop doing it or they'll spend the rest of the game in the box. If they don't get called, then the refs must allow it and they'll do it the whole game long.
The issue isn't a vendetta or a conspiracy. The issue is the WCHA administration and their hiring practices. The game has gotten too fast for the officials. They are consistently 1-2 steps behind the play. They simply aren't as fast as they need to be. We can go back and forth about what we could do but it is a waste of time under the current regime.
So... this award will continue to be given by this blog for however long as the officials can't understand how to call the whole rulebook.
UPDATE!
Much like the BCS Standings, beat writers have written in their early season vote on the Robbie Earl Memorial Trophy and, though the full standings aren't available yet, we broke the news here first folks:
If the award were to be handed out on Monday by the WCHA, Minnesota's Jacob Cepis would usurp Garrett Roe!
Neither Cepis nor Roe were available for comment. Stay tuned!
2010 Robbie Earl Memorial Freestyle Frozen Water Diving Champion Garrett Roe is losing his edge. Roe, famous for the Fish Flop and the Triple Roll Belly Flop with a Cage Gainor failed to dupe any of the officials into awarding SCSU with a single powerplay last night. He didn't garner a choking performance... he didn't even attempt to dive. When is the last time Greg Louganis stepped up to the edge of the diving board and just turned around and walked down the ladder?
Is Roe losing his touch? Does this mean WCHA newcomer Jacob Cepis (Minnesota) will usurp Roe's crown? Can outside candidate Jason Zucker (DU) take the crown? Or will it be a yet unnamed player from else-WCHA?
I know what you may be thinking: "Aww, Roe's too good to let this get him down, he'll dive tonight. After UND only got called for 1 penalty last night, WCHA officiating will come through." Or perhaps you are thinking "Roe doesn't have Lasch and Nodl and other guys like that to use his diving talent for to make his loss of dignity and ethical existence worthwhile." Perhaps. Or perhaps you live in a Husky red dream world and claim that Roe has never dove or embellished in his collegiate career. Well, we'll leave the consumption of paint thinner to residents of the fine state of Wisconsin.
Diving is illegal in most forms of hockey but I still doubt the officials in the WCHA could recognize a dive or an embellishment if it happened to smack them in the junk. Yes, I know Zucker got called for diving early this season but I think it is a fluke.
I can understand why Roe or any WCHA player would wish to embellish. It's a player's way of helping the officials understand what an illegal play looks like. It's not the players' fault that embellishment is a problem in the WCHA. It's the officiating. If you don't call it, then it must be legal. Trust me. If a team goes out there and starts cross checking everyone in sight, they'll get called for a penalty and they'll either adapt and stop doing it or they'll spend the rest of the game in the box. If they don't get called, then the refs must allow it and they'll do it the whole game long.
The issue isn't a vendetta or a conspiracy. The issue is the WCHA administration and their hiring practices. The game has gotten too fast for the officials. They are consistently 1-2 steps behind the play. They simply aren't as fast as they need to be. We can go back and forth about what we could do but it is a waste of time under the current regime.
So... this award will continue to be given by this blog for however long as the officials can't understand how to call the whole rulebook.
UPDATE!
Much like the BCS Standings, beat writers have written in their early season vote on the Robbie Earl Memorial Trophy and, though the full standings aren't available yet, we broke the news here first folks:
If the award were to be handed out on Monday by the WCHA, Minnesota's Jacob Cepis would usurp Garrett Roe!
Neither Cepis nor Roe were available for comment. Stay tuned!
College Hockey Scores from 12/03/2010
AHA Hockey
Bentley 2 at Robert Morris 2 OT
Connecticut 3 at Niagara 4 OT
Holy Cross 1 at Air Force 1 OT
Mercyhurst 6 at Sacred Heart 2
RIT 4 at American Int'l 0
CCHA
Michigan 2 at Ohio State 3 OT
Notre Dame 5 at Miami 4
Western Michigan 1 at Northern Michigan 3
Bowling Green 1 at Lake Superior 1 OT
Michigan State 3 at Ferris State 2
ECAC
Rensselaer 2 at Yale 4
St. Lawrence 6 at Quinnipiac 4
Union 4 at Brown 3
Clarkson 5 at Princeton 3
Hockey East
Merrimack 2 at Northeastern 1
Maine 3 at Providence 3 OT
Boston College 9 at Boston University 5
WCHA
Minnesota 2 at Minnesota State 3
St. Cloud State 1 at North Dakota 3
Nebraska-Omaha 0 at Bemidji State 3
Denver 5 at Minnesota Duluth 4 OT
Wisconsin 1 at Alaska Anchorage 2
Colorado College 7 at Michigan Tech 3
NON Conference
Alab-Huntsville 1 at Cornell 3
Analysis
It would be an understatement if you said last night was a wild and crazy night in college hockey. There were seven games that went to over time. The UMD Bulldogs finally proved it was human as the Bulldogs lost a game in over time to DU Pioneers. The UNO Mavericks came back to earth as they lost to BSU Beaver 3-0. Miami University was beaten by the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and finally, it looks like the goalies had a rough night as B.C. Eagles beat the BU Terriers 9-5.
Minnesota 2 at Minnesota State 3 – I don’t know what to make out of the Gophers this season, one weekend they are beating the Wolverines of Michigan the next week they are losing to the Mavericks. Apparently a snow storm in Mankato really had no bearing on attendance as 4000+ showed up to watch the Mavericks beat the Gophers. Maverick forward Adam Mueller scored the game winning goal at the 6;29 mark of the Second period as the Mavericks held on to beat the Gophers . [Puckato] and [Goal Gophers]
Nebraska-Omaha 0 at Bemidji State 3 – Do you see a pattern developing here? Dan Bakala shutout the UNO Mavericks 3-0, the Beavers also won two games in a row by shutout (3-0 X2). The BSU Beavers have won 4 games on the season and three of them have been by shutout. This was the first time all season that the Mavericks had been shutout. You can also bet that the BSU Beavers had better be ready for UNO Maverick’s best effort tonight because if we know Maverick coach Dean Blais today’s pre game skate will not be pretty and he will have his team ready for the rematch. [BSU beat writer blog] and [Mavericks Today]
Denver 5 at Minnesota Duluth 4 OT – If last night proved anything, it proved that the UMD Bulldogs who had been sub human in overtime going an impressive 5-0-2 in extra hockey session. The DU Pioneers finally proved that the Bulldogs don’t wear an “S” on their chest or capes and that they are capable of losing in overtime. [RINK and RUN] and [Let's Go DU] and [Runnin with the Dogs]
Wisconsin 1 at Alaska Anchorage 2 – I am sure that a certain UAA fan blogger soiled himself as the UAA Seawolves senior forward Tommy Grant scored at the 19:51 mark of the third period to finally beat the Wisconsin Badgers in Anchorage, Alaska. It was the first time in 12 games (11-0-1) that the UAA Seawolves had beaten the Wisconsin Badgers. The Seawolves with the win last night are now currently holding sixth in the WCHA. With twelve teams in the league this season if the season ended today the Seawolves would host the C.C. Tigers. I know it’s early and let’s not get ahead of ourselves. [Delusion of Grandeur complete with customary f’bomb], [Doyle Woody, ADN] and [Madison.com]
Colorado College 7 at Michigan Tech 3 – After starting out the season going 3-0-2 the MTU Huskies lost for the seventh game in a row. With the win the C.C. Tigers even their record to 7-7-1. Tiger’s freshman Jaden Scwartz continued his torrid pace as he add 4 assists on the night to bring his season stats total to (9g-13a-22pts). [Eye of the Tigers] and [Mining Gazette]
Bentley 2 at Robert Morris 2 OT
Connecticut 3 at Niagara 4 OT
Holy Cross 1 at Air Force 1 OT
Mercyhurst 6 at Sacred Heart 2
RIT 4 at American Int'l 0
CCHA
Michigan 2 at Ohio State 3 OT
Notre Dame 5 at Miami 4
Western Michigan 1 at Northern Michigan 3
Bowling Green 1 at Lake Superior 1 OT
Michigan State 3 at Ferris State 2
ECAC
Rensselaer 2 at Yale 4
St. Lawrence 6 at Quinnipiac 4
Union 4 at Brown 3
Clarkson 5 at Princeton 3
Hockey East
Merrimack 2 at Northeastern 1
Maine 3 at Providence 3 OT
Boston College 9 at Boston University 5
WCHA
Minnesota 2 at Minnesota State 3
St. Cloud State 1 at North Dakota 3
Nebraska-Omaha 0 at Bemidji State 3
Denver 5 at Minnesota Duluth 4 OT
Wisconsin 1 at Alaska Anchorage 2
Colorado College 7 at Michigan Tech 3
NON Conference
Alab-Huntsville 1 at Cornell 3
Analysis
It would be an understatement if you said last night was a wild and crazy night in college hockey. There were seven games that went to over time. The UMD Bulldogs finally proved it was human as the Bulldogs lost a game in over time to DU Pioneers. The UNO Mavericks came back to earth as they lost to BSU Beaver 3-0. Miami University was beaten by the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and finally, it looks like the goalies had a rough night as B.C. Eagles beat the BU Terriers 9-5.
Minnesota 2 at Minnesota State 3 – I don’t know what to make out of the Gophers this season, one weekend they are beating the Wolverines of Michigan the next week they are losing to the Mavericks. Apparently a snow storm in Mankato really had no bearing on attendance as 4000+ showed up to watch the Mavericks beat the Gophers. Maverick forward Adam Mueller scored the game winning goal at the 6;29 mark of the Second period as the Mavericks held on to beat the Gophers . [Puckato] and [Goal Gophers]
Nebraska-Omaha 0 at Bemidji State 3 – Do you see a pattern developing here? Dan Bakala shutout the UNO Mavericks 3-0, the Beavers also won two games in a row by shutout (3-0 X2). The BSU Beavers have won 4 games on the season and three of them have been by shutout. This was the first time all season that the Mavericks had been shutout. You can also bet that the BSU Beavers had better be ready for UNO Maverick’s best effort tonight because if we know Maverick coach Dean Blais today’s pre game skate will not be pretty and he will have his team ready for the rematch. [BSU beat writer blog] and [Mavericks Today]
Denver 5 at Minnesota Duluth 4 OT – If last night proved anything, it proved that the UMD Bulldogs who had been sub human in overtime going an impressive 5-0-2 in extra hockey session. The DU Pioneers finally proved that the Bulldogs don’t wear an “S” on their chest or capes and that they are capable of losing in overtime. [RINK and RUN] and [Let's Go DU] and [Runnin with the Dogs]
Wisconsin 1 at Alaska Anchorage 2 – I am sure that a certain UAA fan blogger soiled himself as the UAA Seawolves senior forward Tommy Grant scored at the 19:51 mark of the third period to finally beat the Wisconsin Badgers in Anchorage, Alaska. It was the first time in 12 games (11-0-1) that the UAA Seawolves had beaten the Wisconsin Badgers. The Seawolves with the win last night are now currently holding sixth in the WCHA. With twelve teams in the league this season if the season ended today the Seawolves would host the C.C. Tigers. I know it’s early and let’s not get ahead of ourselves. [Delusion of Grandeur complete with customary f’bomb], [Doyle Woody, ADN] and [Madison.com]
Colorado College 7 at Michigan Tech 3 – After starting out the season going 3-0-2 the MTU Huskies lost for the seventh game in a row. With the win the C.C. Tigers even their record to 7-7-1. Tiger’s freshman Jaden Scwartz continued his torrid pace as he add 4 assists on the night to bring his season stats total to (9g-13a-22pts). [Eye of the Tigers] and [Mining Gazette]
Sioux 3 Huskies 1
I was in transit back from West Virginia and in stead of watching Friday night’s game in the stands I was stuck on the snowy tarmac/the gate of MSP airport getting updates from my Blackberry. Actually not all was lost; I was able to listen to most of the first period on my laptop before I boarded my plane. When I got home I was able to watch the game from my DVR. All in all it was a long day.
Hakstol wins 100th game
UND Fighting Sioux head hockey coach Dave Hakstol got his 100 career win as the coach of the Fighting Sioux... Congratulations Dave Hakstol! The Sioux had to deal with adversity as two of their first line forwards were out with an injury. The toughest one to absorb is junior forward Jason Gregoire because he is one of the best two way forwards in the game. Brett Hextall is a big loss as well but he had been in a rut and hadn’t scored a point in 9 games. I am hoping when Hextall returns from his injury that he takes off with a vengeance.
Areas of concern
While I think this year’s version of the Fighting Sioux hockey is the best complete UND hockey team led by coach Hakstol (pre-new year) I have seen in some time, however, there are a few areas of concern, UND is getting production from only one line. More players need to step up their play and be heard on the score sheet.
Sophomore Danny Kristo who scored (15g-21a-36pts) last season has (1g-4a-5pts) this season so far and hasn’t scored a point in two straight games, Danny needs to pick it up and start scoring goals and making plays. Brett Hextall (14g-12a-26pts) last season and (2g-4a-6pts) and hasn’t scored a point in nine games before the injury. Michael Cichy highly regarded and has shown us a glimpse of what is yet to come needs to be consistent and step up his play.
Goon's Three Stars of the game
1.) Aaron Dell Goalie
2.) Brad Malone (2g-1a-3pts)
3.) Matt Frattin (1g-1a-2pts)
Links to the series
My favorite Pseudo reporter from USCHO. [USCHO]
RWD's favorite UND Beat Writer [UND Hockey]
College Hockey News game summary [College Hockey New]
Saint Cloud State Media blog [Saint Cloud Times]
Official Fighting Sioux Hockey team site [Fighting Sioux]
Game highlights from the Sioux and SCSU 12/03/2010 [Click to watch]
[Box Score]
_________________________________
1st Period (20:00)
_________________________________
STC-1 Nick Jensen (2-Interference) NDK 0x1 5:39
STC 1 - 0 6x6 Drew LeBlanc (6) (Brett Barta) 13:53
STC (+): 19,6,23,7,16,G30 NDK (-): 21,18,22,19,3,G32
STC-2 Travis Novak (2-Boarding) NDK 0x2 18:17
_________________________________
2nd Period (20:00)
_________________________________
NDK 1 - 1 6x6 Matt Frattin (14) (Brad Malone) 0:18
NDK (+): 21,22,19,5,24,G32 STC (-): 10,17,7,6,12,G30
STC-3 Chris Hepp (2-Hooking) NDK 0x3 9:04
STC-4 Chris Hepp (2-Tripping) NDK 0x4 11:12
_________________________________
3rd Period (20:00)
_________________________________
NDK 2 - 1 6x6 GW LL Brad Malone (3) (Evan Trupp, Matt Frattin) 6:23
NDK (+): 22,19,21,3,18,G32 STC (-): 25,19,14,26,23,G30
NDK-1 Derrick LaPoint (2-Tripping) STC 0x1 13:01
NDK 3 - 1 6x6 Brad Malone (4) (Chay Genoway, Ben Blood) 15:04
NDK (+): 22,5,24,10,3,G32 STC (-): 19,6,11,23,10,G30
STC-5 Jordy Christian (2-Cross-Checking) NDK 0x5 18:48
_________________________________
End of Game
Hakstol wins 100th game
UND Fighting Sioux head hockey coach Dave Hakstol got his 100 career win as the coach of the Fighting Sioux... Congratulations Dave Hakstol! The Sioux had to deal with adversity as two of their first line forwards were out with an injury. The toughest one to absorb is junior forward Jason Gregoire because he is one of the best two way forwards in the game. Brett Hextall is a big loss as well but he had been in a rut and hadn’t scored a point in 9 games. I am hoping when Hextall returns from his injury that he takes off with a vengeance.
Areas of concern
While I think this year’s version of the Fighting Sioux hockey is the best complete UND hockey team led by coach Hakstol (pre-new year) I have seen in some time, however, there are a few areas of concern, UND is getting production from only one line. More players need to step up their play and be heard on the score sheet.
Sophomore Danny Kristo who scored (15g-21a-36pts) last season has (1g-4a-5pts) this season so far and hasn’t scored a point in two straight games, Danny needs to pick it up and start scoring goals and making plays. Brett Hextall (14g-12a-26pts) last season and (2g-4a-6pts) and hasn’t scored a point in nine games before the injury. Michael Cichy highly regarded and has shown us a glimpse of what is yet to come needs to be consistent and step up his play.
Goon's Three Stars of the game
1.) Aaron Dell Goalie
2.) Brad Malone (2g-1a-3pts)
3.) Matt Frattin (1g-1a-2pts)
Links to the series
My favorite Pseudo reporter from USCHO. [USCHO]
RWD's favorite UND Beat Writer [UND Hockey]
College Hockey News game summary [College Hockey New]
Saint Cloud State Media blog [Saint Cloud Times]
Official Fighting Sioux Hockey team site [Fighting Sioux]
Game highlights from the Sioux and SCSU 12/03/2010 [Click to watch]
[Box Score]
_________________________________
1st Period (20:00)
_________________________________
STC-1 Nick Jensen (2-Interference) NDK 0x1 5:39
STC 1 - 0 6x6 Drew LeBlanc (6) (Brett Barta) 13:53
STC (+): 19,6,23,7,16,G30 NDK (-): 21,18,22,19,3,G32
STC-2 Travis Novak (2-Boarding) NDK 0x2 18:17
_________________________________
2nd Period (20:00)
_________________________________
NDK 1 - 1 6x6 Matt Frattin (14) (Brad Malone) 0:18
NDK (+): 21,22,19,5,24,G32 STC (-): 10,17,7,6,12,G30
STC-3 Chris Hepp (2-Hooking) NDK 0x3 9:04
STC-4 Chris Hepp (2-Tripping) NDK 0x4 11:12
_________________________________
3rd Period (20:00)
_________________________________
NDK 2 - 1 6x6 GW LL Brad Malone (3) (Evan Trupp, Matt Frattin) 6:23
NDK (+): 22,19,21,3,18,G32 STC (-): 25,19,14,26,23,G30
NDK-1 Derrick LaPoint (2-Tripping) STC 0x1 13:01
NDK 3 - 1 6x6 Brad Malone (4) (Chay Genoway, Ben Blood) 15:04
NDK (+): 22,5,24,10,3,G32 STC (-): 19,6,11,23,10,G30
STC-5 Jordy Christian (2-Cross-Checking) NDK 0x5 18:48
_________________________________
End of Game
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