I'm going to leave the authentic recap to Goon as, due to professional obligations (that turned out were awful), I was unable to catch the first period. Upon reflection, I'm glad I didn't.
We lost this game. We made it close thanks to some stupid plays by the Gophers, but the Gophers won this one clean. I'm going to break down a few points as we go so it is going to be a bit choppy, but that's how it rolls tonight.
Team Defense
I rail on the Gophers for having abysmal Team D and maybe I've been only partially wrong on this one. They may not have bad Team D, they just have subpar coaching (Hill sucks, I don't care what happens this series or the rest of the season. There's nothing that can change this opinion) and are unbelievably inconsistent. Tonight, they showed a Team D scheme that, if they put this kind of effort on from day one, they'd be competing with UND and UMD for first place in the WCHA and would be ranked in the top 10 nationally. They blocked something like a million shots on goal (+ or - 999,950 shots) and really clogged up the front of their net. They gave UND very little. Mostly the center of the offensive zone just inside the blue line. I don't think many goals will be given up if you can't control the puck inside the faceoff circles.
Passing
I maintain that the Gophers are one, if not the best passing team in the WCHA. Their passes tonight always seemed to be crisp, tape to tape passes. If we didn't get a stick on it, it made it to its target. That is usually bad.
Penalties
As Goon stated, Hextall took incredibly stupid penalties. This might have been one if not the worst game Hextall has played in a Sioux jersey. Yeah, UND played with some fire in the second and third, but we always seemed to piss it away with penalties. Now, there were some good penalties in this game, such as two Minnesota took (Condon and Schmidt I think were the two) that basically prevented UND goals and the one Simpson took that prevented a sure Gopher breakaway. However, you cannot commit penalties on a good passing team that is playing desperation hockey and expect Dell to bail you out.
The Rivalry
Folks, I've said this so many times on message boards I've frequented and to various Sioux fan buddies: It doesn't matter what the records say. It doesn't matter what streaks are relevant when the puck drops. It doesn't matter what venue or when in the season it occurs. The Gophers always play their best hockey when facing North Dakota. Sometimes, it doesn't look like it because North Dakota comes ready to play and their will overpowers Minnesota. But 9 times out of 10, both teams bring their top games to the arena. Tonight, Minnesota played a great game AND they added desperation into the equation. Lucia said they absolutely needed points in Grand Forks and they earned it tonight hands down.
UND didn't exactly play poorly in the second and third, but they didn't play dominant consistently. When they did dominate, Patterson had things covered. Sachetti's game winner was just a great shot. I didn't see their first two goals.
The Scrum
There were good points and bad points. First off, that was a legal hit. I loved the look on Wehr's face though. He looked pissed. It was a shoulder to sternum shot that sent Wehrs flying back first into the boards. The dasher knocked Wehr's lid off and he sat there looking. The Gophers immediately started a scrum and went after everyone, including Chay Genoway.
This is where it got shady. Forget the Genoway business. I look at Malone's actions and then what happened to Forbort. First, Malone. He headlocked a Gopher player to the ice. Instead of letting go and facing off against those who are still in the scrum, he kept the headlock on. I don't know, maybe this is what you should do once initiating the headlock, but it didn't look clean to me. Speaking of dirty, scrum or not, you never double team guys. Genoway and Forbort were doubled teamed by Gopher players. If you want to fight or scrum, then go one on one. If you're going to scrum out, take on someone your own size. Apparently even the Gopher announcers were critical of the Gophers players scruming with Genoway. However, Captain or not, I think Genoway should've been more careful.
The smartest Sioux in the scrum? Corbin Knight. He was in the penalty box and the period was over when the scrum happened. He could have skated over but he didn't. He stayed in the penalty box and waited for the scrum to conclude before skating to the bench.
The officiating
Mediocre. And that's a compliment. Yes, UND did get something like 4 or 5 straight PKs, but UND earned every penalty they got called on. The Rodwell penalty was moronic (on Rodwell) and we already talked about Hextall. They did miss a horrendous penalty on a Gopher player for checking Hextall into the net well after the puck left the zone, but to my knowledge, that was really the only missed call I caught.
UND players of the Game
I don't know. I know who wasn't. It's not Hextall or Rodwell. I liked the play of Kristo and Trupp. I think Gregoire had a good game despite seeming a bit sluggish. I think I'd give Gregs the Sioux Player of the Game.
Player of the Game overall
....is probably Kent Patterson.
Tomorrow is an important game for UND. They need to win. This is a Minnesota team that lost to Union and Couldn't dominate a mediocre Ferris State. They're not going to let off the gas. UND has to bring it Saturday.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Gopher 3 - Sioux 2 (scrum video)
Gophers cashed in on their opportunities and the Sioux didn't. Can't win a game only playing forty minutes of a sixty minute game. Game two tomorrow night barring a massive blizzard or natural disaster. The Sioux have to play better and cut down on the knuckle headed penalties. Tonight, Brett Hextall took three stupid, ill advised penalties, that has to change tomorrow. If I was coaching this team he would be sitting in the stands tomorrow night.
Don't have much time tonight, have to work tomorrow morning, I will put something up tomorrow. I watched the video a few times and it's a text book legal check... Funny that the golden boys in maroon are going after the smallest guy on the ice Chay Genoway, Malone is the one that hit Wehrs... Like T.H. said none of them want anything to do with Malone or McWilliam.
[box score]
Bruins and Flyers
This is one of the better NHL Hockey games that I have watched in a very long time, it was an impressive offensive exhibition there were 12 goals were scored. I also think that these are the two teams that are going to be fighting it out for the Eastern Conference title for a trip to the Stanley Cup finals. You heard it here folks. On a side note; if you watch closely on the Nikolai Zherdev goal you will see that he was offsides.
INCH Chat dominated by UND fans...
Check out the latest INCH chat it was dominated by UND fans.
Terry F. ((Les Grandes Forches))
Gotta ask the question you don't want to hear, if the Sioux sweep the gophers this weekend, do they finally earn the tag of "better than Yale"?
Joe Gladziszewski (2:05 PM)
That's a question we'd love to hear, and I'll answer by saying that it probably won't change our minds that much. We evaluate teams after each weekend. North Dakota is playing at home against a .500 team. Union, second-best to Yale in ECAC Hockey, recently won at Minnesota. We keep an eye on all results, North Dakota and Yale are pretty even, and Yale has a decent test this weekend in a home-and-home against Brown. We'll see.
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Curt (Minnesota)
What are your guys expectations of the biggest rivalry in college hockey for this weekends series between Gophers and Sioux?
Mike Eidelbes (2:06 PM)
Minnesota has played pretty well at times this season, but they haven't been at North Dakota's level. It'll certainly be the most hostile environment the Gophers have seen to date. In order for them to get out of Grand Forks with any points, I think they'll have to get a huge performance from goalie Kent Patterson on one or both nights.
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K-Unit (UND)
Out of all of college hockey's areas, which team do you think is the toughest area to play at? Also, which fans do you think are the craziest about their team? ~GO SIOUX
Mike Eidelbes (2:11 PM)
If I didn't know better, I'd say you're trying to bait me. Each league has its toughest place to play--Cornell, Michigan, and, certainly, North Dakota. Maine might be tops on that list, however. Orono is impossible to get to and once you get there, you've got all those fans literally hanging over the ice making your life miserable. Ask the Fighting Sioux how that trip back in October went for them.
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Stat (Atlanta)
Will Matt Frattin's off ice issues of season's past make hobey baker voters look past him (like they did to former Nodak standout Brandon Bochenski) or will the fact that he leads the country in goals while playing the nations toughest schedule be enough to garner support? Also, Go Sioux, stomp the rodents!
Joe Gladziszewski (2:19 PM)
Man, good to see such excitement about North Dakota before the fans' favorite series of the year. Frattin's case is an interesting one. Some voters consider past indiscretions more highly than other voters. There's no doubt that Frattin has taken positive steps and is having a great season. Hobey or not, that should be applauded.
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cliffy (Grand Forks, ND)
I feel that the ECAC writers and fans are little sensitive when fans of other leagues question Yale and if they are a legit team. I would be willing to be that UND head coach Dave Hakstol would love to have a home and home series with Yale... The Sioux have traveled out east almost every season.
Joe Gladziszewski (2:32 PM)
I'm a longtime follower and writer on ECAC Hockey, and I don't know if it's over-sensitivity (funny, this coming from Grand Forks) but the dismissal of Yale by North Dakota fans doesn't add up. North Dakota has played home-and-home series with top teams in ECAC Hockey in the last two years, and both were splits against Cornell. Yale knocked North Dakota out of the NCAAs last year, and this year's Yale team is better. You'd think after those types of results, Sioux fans would maybe realize that there's some good hockey out here.
Extra security on tap for Sioux-Gopher hockey series
There will be extra law enforcement and security guards for this weekend's WCHA series between the Sioux and the Gophers. Last season there was a major incident between two fans that ended up sending a guy to the hospital with a head trauma. That incident sparked this blog post - Fan Behavior.
Grand Forks Herald --- In the shadow of a scuffle that left a hockey fan seriously injured last season, UND police and Ralph Engelstad Arena officials are beefing up security for the Sioux-Gopher games set for Friday and Saturday.
At both games, UND police will have three uniformed officers and two plainclothes officers in the arena. That’s three more officers than usual, Lt. Tracy Meidinger said.
“In the past, we’ve had a few problems,” he said. “This time, we’re trying to be a little more proactive and a little more visible.”
Meidinger said the additional officers come at the request of arena officials. “They’re interested in making sure this is safe, too,” he said.
Arena spokesman Chris Semrau said The Ralph typically has more than 20 of its own security officers at men’s hockey games. For this series, the arena will have four to six extra officers on duty.
“There’s a little greater attention paid to this weekend, but no major shift in approach,” Semrau said. “For the most part, fans behave very appropriately. There’s always a handful that may step out of line.”
After the UND-Minnesota hockey game Oct. 16, 2009, two fights broke out simultaneously on opposite sides of the arena, Meidinger said.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Feeling Minnesota
Tomorrow is the start of the “Rivalry” series with our heated conference opponent the Minnesota Golden Gophers. This series usually is a pair of very contested games where the penalty minutes can rack up into the historic levels. I would compare this rivalry to the Hatfield’s and McCoy’s feud. The Sioux players don't like the Gophers and the Gopher players don't like the Sioux.
Now, while I think that this series could go either way and the series have historically, I do believe the Fighting Sioux are hands down the better of the two teams. None the less, I don’t know how to read this weekend’s tilt, the Gophers haven’t been very good as of late, they sport an unimpressive and mediocre record of 9-8-3, The Gophers unimpressive record includes losses to EZAC team Union and CCHA cellar dweller Michigan State and they were also swept by a mediocre MSU-M team. Fighting Sioux hockey head coach Dave Hakstol has owned the Gophers during his tenure and has a record of 14-8-3 against the Gophers. This weekend, I predict UND gets three points against the Gophers.
Last season of the Fighting Sioux and Gophers
This series is historic because it will be the last time the Sioux will play the Gophers. Next season the Fighting Sioux we will probably become just the University of North Dakota. So in a sense it’s bitter sweet in my opinion.
The legislative action to attempt to keep the Fighting Sioux name is nothing more than grand standing, in my humble opinion and nothing will change what is already taking place, if anything I would ask the leaders of the great state of North Dakota where were you a few years back, it’s a little too late now, the ball is already rolling and don’t know how you could stop it accept by a law suit against the NCAA. Next season the Fighting Sioux will become the University of North Dakota.
Links
Dan Hammer and Chay Genoway [Click to listen]
Here is what Jacob C-Piss had to say about the rivalry. [Click to listen]
Alex Kangas talks about his upcoming surgery, his recovery will take four months. [Click to listen]
Coach Luica on the series between the Sioux and Gophers [click to listen]
PA and Cardinal discuss the Gophers and Sioux [Click to listen]
The latest INCH podcast [click to listen]
FanHouse's Top 10
1. North Dakota (16-5-2)
2. Yale (14-1)
3. New Hampshire (12-3-4)
4. Boston College (15-5)
5. Minnesota Duluth (14-4-3)
6. Denver (13-5-4)
7. Wisconsin (14-7-3)
8. Michigan (13-6-4)
9. Notre Dame (14-7-3)
10. Nebraska-Omaha (12
Now, while I think that this series could go either way and the series have historically, I do believe the Fighting Sioux are hands down the better of the two teams. None the less, I don’t know how to read this weekend’s tilt, the Gophers haven’t been very good as of late, they sport an unimpressive and mediocre record of 9-8-3, The Gophers unimpressive record includes losses to EZAC team Union and CCHA cellar dweller Michigan State and they were also swept by a mediocre MSU-M team. Fighting Sioux hockey head coach Dave Hakstol has owned the Gophers during his tenure and has a record of 14-8-3 against the Gophers. This weekend, I predict UND gets three points against the Gophers.
Last season of the Fighting Sioux and Gophers
This series is historic because it will be the last time the Sioux will play the Gophers. Next season the Fighting Sioux we will probably become just the University of North Dakota. So in a sense it’s bitter sweet in my opinion.
The legislative action to attempt to keep the Fighting Sioux name is nothing more than grand standing, in my humble opinion and nothing will change what is already taking place, if anything I would ask the leaders of the great state of North Dakota where were you a few years back, it’s a little too late now, the ball is already rolling and don’t know how you could stop it accept by a law suit against the NCAA. Next season the Fighting Sioux will become the University of North Dakota.
Links
Dan Hammer and Chay Genoway [Click to listen]
Here is what Jacob C-Piss had to say about the rivalry. [Click to listen]
Alex Kangas talks about his upcoming surgery, his recovery will take four months. [Click to listen]
Coach Luica on the series between the Sioux and Gophers [click to listen]
PA and Cardinal discuss the Gophers and Sioux [Click to listen]
The latest INCH podcast [click to listen]
FanHouse's Top 10
1. North Dakota (16-5-2)
2. Yale (14-1)
3. New Hampshire (12-3-4)
4. Boston College (15-5)
5. Minnesota Duluth (14-4-3)
6. Denver (13-5-4)
7. Wisconsin (14-7-3)
8. Michigan (13-6-4)
9. Notre Dame (14-7-3)
10. Nebraska-Omaha (12
Thank You Kessel
ota |
| Image courtesy of NESN |
Weekend Match-Ups (by Sioux 7)
Here we are mid-January, the dead of winter, but it’s the heart of college hockey season. Everyone has now played 14 league games that means we are half way done with this season. Well let’s get down to business.
WCHA standings
TEAM……………...W-L-T...Pts
1. North Dakota………11-3-0…22
2. Denver……………...9-3-2…20
2. Minnesota-Duluth....9-3-2…20
4. Nebraska-Omaha….9-4-1…19
5. Colorado College…..8-6-0…16
6. Minnesota…………..6-6-2…14
6. Wisconsin…………..6-6-2…14
8. St. Cloud State….....5-8-1…11
9. Alaska-Anchorage...4-8-2…10
9. Minnesota State…...4-8-2…10
11. Bemidji State……….4-9-1…9
12. Michigan Tech……..1-12-1…3
WCHA
#6 Denver @ Minnesota State
Last weekend the Mavericks swept American International in Mankato and the Pioneers enjoyed a free weekend.
This will be the first and only meeting between these two teams this year. The Pioneers are on a roll, they are 9-1-2 in their last 11 games, and the lone loss was to UMD. The Mavericks are heating up too, they are riding a 4 game winning streak, and are 8-2-0 in their last 10 games with both losses coming at the hands of UND. MSUM might have an advantage on Friday, being they played last weekend and DU did not. These teams have had some wild games in past seasons and I would like to see some more of them. This time of year points are becoming a valuable commodity, for DU they are in the title hunt and MSUM is in a race for home playoff ice. I’m going with the Mavericks on Friday night and the Pioneers on Saturday. SPLIT
Bemidji State @ #11 Nebraska-Omaha
Last weekend the Beavers split with Alabama-Huntsville and the UNO Mavericks enjoyed a weekend off.
Back in early December these teams played a series in Bemidji with the Beavers coming out on top with a sweep. I’m sure the Mavericks want to return the favor this week. BSU got off to a slow start this season, but have been picking up steam (6-3-0 in their last 9 games) as they have progressed through the WCHA season. UNO got off to a blistering start (8-1-1) to the season and has cooled down of late going 3-5-0 in their last 8 games. The Beavers in the midst of playing 10 out of 14 games on the road, ouch, maybe. BSU can start to be road-warriors with picking up some points this weekend. UNO needs points too, if they are to keep pace with the other top teams, considering they play at UND next week. The Mavericks will need to shake the rust off quickly to get some wins, but that is easier said than done. SPLIT.
Minnesota @ #2 North Dakota
Last weekend the Gophers beat the USA Under-18 team and the Sioux (well that’s what we still get to call them for at least another few months) swept Robert Morris in Grand Forks.
The Gophers are struggling this season, owning an even record in league play to this point. The GoGo’s are 2-4-2 in their last 8 games, however the wins came at the expense of Michigan and UMD, both ranked in the top ten. The last few trips to Grand Forks for Minnesota have been, well, let’s just say it has not been good for them. The Sioux have been on a steady boil the first half and are currently on a 7 game winning and 9 game unbeaten streaks. The Sioux have been stingy on defense allowing only one goal in the past three games. UND’s stiff defense coupled with the Gophers offensive inconsistencies could spell trouble for the Mariucci-land fans. However, this is a big rivalry for both teams, so I would expect the GoGo’s to be up for this series… should? In the end, I think the Sioux are playing too well for the Gophers to handle them right now. SIOUX SWEEP
#9 Wisconsin @ #5 Minnesota-Duluth
Last weekend the Badgers swept Canisius in Madison and the Bulldogs beat the USA Under-18 team.
These teams met in Madison back in mid-November with UMD winning both games in overtime. Those of you may remember that the refs blew one of those games in OT. The buffoons (as Goon so lovingly calls them) messed up again, when they didn’t call a hooking penalty on UMD that directly resulted in them scoring the overtime winner. The Bulldogs have cooled their heels going 3-3-1 in their last 7 games. Meanwhile the Badgers have been heating up, they are riding a 7 game winning streak. This should be one of the hotly contested series of the week. UW is looking to climb up the standing and try and put some space between them and the rest of the WCHA middle pack. UMD is in their own dog fight, only two points out of first and tied with DU for second. SPLIT.
#17 Colorado College @ Alaska Anchorage
Both teams were on bye-weeks last weekend. The Seawolves last played games back on December 10-11 when they hosted DU in Anchorage (UAA lost Friday and tied Saturday). The Tigers last played December 29-30 against Michigan State and Michigan at the Great Lakes Invitational (they beat MSU and lost to UM).
The Tigers have been quietly playing good hockey, sitting in fifth place, since they are not in the thick of the McNaughton cup race, they are not really on anyone’s radar, in my opinion. The Seawolves find themselves still in the race for a home ice playoff spot. It currently looks like an even record could net a team a home ice series. Back in October the Tigers defeated the Seawolves in a non-conference game during the Alaska Gold Rush Tournament. It is always a long trip up to the great state of Alaska, which can affect a team. SPLIT
NON-CONFERENCE
St. Lawrence (6-10-3 overall) @ Michigan Tech (3-15-2 overall)
Last weekend the MTU Huskies were swept by the SCSU Huskies in St. Cloud.
Let’s give everyone a little background on St. Lawrence. The university was founded in 1856 in Canton, NY, the enrollment is about 2,000, colors are scarlet and brown, and they are coached by Joe Marsh (he has been their coach for 26 seasons).
I always like to pick WCHA teams to win non-conference games because it is good for everyone in the WCHA. I just hope Tech can make us all proud this weekend and get a win or two. (We all need to cheer for MTU this weekend) HUSKIES SWEEP
BYE Week
St. Cloud St.
WCHA standings
TEAM……………...W-L-T...Pts
1. North Dakota………11-3-0…22
2. Denver……………...9-3-2…20
2. Minnesota-Duluth....9-3-2…20
4. Nebraska-Omaha….9-4-1…19
5. Colorado College…..8-6-0…16
6. Minnesota…………..6-6-2…14
6. Wisconsin…………..6-6-2…14
8. St. Cloud State….....5-8-1…11
9. Alaska-Anchorage...4-8-2…10
9. Minnesota State…...4-8-2…10
11. Bemidji State……….4-9-1…9
12. Michigan Tech……..1-12-1…3
WCHA
#6 Denver @ Minnesota State
Last weekend the Mavericks swept American International in Mankato and the Pioneers enjoyed a free weekend.
This will be the first and only meeting between these two teams this year. The Pioneers are on a roll, they are 9-1-2 in their last 11 games, and the lone loss was to UMD. The Mavericks are heating up too, they are riding a 4 game winning streak, and are 8-2-0 in their last 10 games with both losses coming at the hands of UND. MSUM might have an advantage on Friday, being they played last weekend and DU did not. These teams have had some wild games in past seasons and I would like to see some more of them. This time of year points are becoming a valuable commodity, for DU they are in the title hunt and MSUM is in a race for home playoff ice. I’m going with the Mavericks on Friday night and the Pioneers on Saturday. SPLIT
Bemidji State @ #11 Nebraska-Omaha
Last weekend the Beavers split with Alabama-Huntsville and the UNO Mavericks enjoyed a weekend off.
Back in early December these teams played a series in Bemidji with the Beavers coming out on top with a sweep. I’m sure the Mavericks want to return the favor this week. BSU got off to a slow start this season, but have been picking up steam (6-3-0 in their last 9 games) as they have progressed through the WCHA season. UNO got off to a blistering start (8-1-1) to the season and has cooled down of late going 3-5-0 in their last 8 games. The Beavers in the midst of playing 10 out of 14 games on the road, ouch, maybe. BSU can start to be road-warriors with picking up some points this weekend. UNO needs points too, if they are to keep pace with the other top teams, considering they play at UND next week. The Mavericks will need to shake the rust off quickly to get some wins, but that is easier said than done. SPLIT.
Minnesota @ #2 North Dakota
Last weekend the Gophers beat the USA Under-18 team and the Sioux (well that’s what we still get to call them for at least another few months) swept Robert Morris in Grand Forks.
The Gophers are struggling this season, owning an even record in league play to this point. The GoGo’s are 2-4-2 in their last 8 games, however the wins came at the expense of Michigan and UMD, both ranked in the top ten. The last few trips to Grand Forks for Minnesota have been, well, let’s just say it has not been good for them. The Sioux have been on a steady boil the first half and are currently on a 7 game winning and 9 game unbeaten streaks. The Sioux have been stingy on defense allowing only one goal in the past three games. UND’s stiff defense coupled with the Gophers offensive inconsistencies could spell trouble for the Mariucci-land fans. However, this is a big rivalry for both teams, so I would expect the GoGo’s to be up for this series… should? In the end, I think the Sioux are playing too well for the Gophers to handle them right now. SIOUX SWEEP
#9 Wisconsin @ #5 Minnesota-Duluth
Last weekend the Badgers swept Canisius in Madison and the Bulldogs beat the USA Under-18 team.
These teams met in Madison back in mid-November with UMD winning both games in overtime. Those of you may remember that the refs blew one of those games in OT. The buffoons (as Goon so lovingly calls them) messed up again, when they didn’t call a hooking penalty on UMD that directly resulted in them scoring the overtime winner. The Bulldogs have cooled their heels going 3-3-1 in their last 7 games. Meanwhile the Badgers have been heating up, they are riding a 7 game winning streak. This should be one of the hotly contested series of the week. UW is looking to climb up the standing and try and put some space between them and the rest of the WCHA middle pack. UMD is in their own dog fight, only two points out of first and tied with DU for second. SPLIT.
#17 Colorado College @ Alaska Anchorage
Both teams were on bye-weeks last weekend. The Seawolves last played games back on December 10-11 when they hosted DU in Anchorage (UAA lost Friday and tied Saturday). The Tigers last played December 29-30 against Michigan State and Michigan at the Great Lakes Invitational (they beat MSU and lost to UM).
The Tigers have been quietly playing good hockey, sitting in fifth place, since they are not in the thick of the McNaughton cup race, they are not really on anyone’s radar, in my opinion. The Seawolves find themselves still in the race for a home ice playoff spot. It currently looks like an even record could net a team a home ice series. Back in October the Tigers defeated the Seawolves in a non-conference game during the Alaska Gold Rush Tournament. It is always a long trip up to the great state of Alaska, which can affect a team. SPLIT
NON-CONFERENCE
St. Lawrence (6-10-3 overall) @ Michigan Tech (3-15-2 overall)
Last weekend the MTU Huskies were swept by the SCSU Huskies in St. Cloud.
Let’s give everyone a little background on St. Lawrence. The university was founded in 1856 in Canton, NY, the enrollment is about 2,000, colors are scarlet and brown, and they are coached by Joe Marsh (he has been their coach for 26 seasons).
I always like to pick WCHA teams to win non-conference games because it is good for everyone in the WCHA. I just hope Tech can make us all proud this weekend and get a win or two. (We all need to cheer for MTU this weekend) HUSKIES SWEEP
BYE Week
St. Cloud St.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Injuries end Alex Kangas' college hockey career...
As a Sioux fan I am saddened by the departure of Alex Kangas from the college hockey ranks, his career has ended due to a lower body injury. Alex Kangas has sure been good to the Fighting Sioux. According to Roman from Goal Gophers Kangas is one of the better goaltenders to ever put on a UM jersey.
Kangas Ranks
1st: in save percentage, .912
3rd all time: in minutes played, 6,359,
3rd all time: in saves, 2,802,
3rd all time: in games, 108;
3rd all time: in consecutive starts, 51 in freshman and sophomore seasons.
4th all time: goals-against average, 2.56
Sweet shootout goal by Mason Raymond’s
Check out this sweet shootout goal by former UMD Bulldog forward Mason Raymond. Apparently the Islanders goalie Kevin Poulin thought it was a showoff move… If the NHL is going to continue to use the shootout to decide games players are going to find creative ways to score goals.
So you don't like our refs?
I found this comment over on INCH's first shift to be interesting. All I would say is welcome to the club buddy; most of us in the WCHA nation aren't all that thrilled with the quality of our officials either.
In the first half I can only think of three games when we were in the box a lot, the game against Brown and two games at St. Cloud, but we were a road team against the WCHA in those.”
One of the topics of conversations in last week’s ECAC Hockey notebook was that Quinnipiac is among the least-penalized teams in the nation. Bobcats head coach Rand Pecknold offered the above reflection on the first half of the season with a chuckle months after the fact. It’s not a criticism of the officials, but we felt it was worthy to share simply for the reason that a number of other coaches and fans are probably saying, “Yeah, I’ve seen that movie before.”
A few things on hump day...
Here is this weeks review from Goal Gophers. I personally can’t fault Roman on this because he is not the first one to get the town or the school location of the Fighting Sioux wrong. During the 2008 Final Five the WCHA had hand outs with UND being NDSU… EDIT: Roman has since changed it but I will leave it up so you can see it. Enjoy!
Putting the wraps on the SCSU incident
While there seems to be more stuff coming out from the SCSU incident in Florida, I have had a few people basically say so what? Adults over 21 can drink, so what’s the big deal? I say this, “look at it from this angle.”
While it’s legal for people older than 21 to drink, if the older teammates are bringing the beer or alcohol back to the hotel rooms and giving it to other students that aren't 21, then it becomes a legal problem... The fact that someone showed up in an area emergency room is in it’s self a problem.
There are other things to think of as well, if you’re part of an prestigious or public organization you're in the public eye 24/7 whether you want to admit it or not, and you’ll always be under observation and public scrutiny. Everything you do is up for review, by the media and fans a like, that’s part of being an adult in the real world... The fact that the SCSU athletic department and hockey team has tried to covet this incident up makes it more suspicious because there is no transparency, what the heck are they really hiding?
Let’s put the foot on the other shoe, can you imagine if this had been the UND Fighting Sioux hockey team and it was coach Hakstol’s and his assistants that were driving the team van but also if this had been the Sioux players that were kicked off of the team or had been in trouble? There would be all kinds of blow back from an event like this, like there was from past events. I can think of a couple of different fan bases that would have had a field day with it. Fans are still making jokes about elevators and or lawn mower tossing’s.
What do think the impression or reports would have been like if the Fighting Sioux Hockey team was loading up on beer on the team bus or van with the coach driving after a hockey tourney? I can only imagine it would have been a major media circus. It gives the appearance that the coaches are sanctioning the behavior… It would probably be different it the bus had been a hotel bus or a taxi that a player had rented. Also the SCSU coaches are state employees of the Minnesota State and College and University system so wouldn’t that vehicle they are driving be under state control and then you’re opening up a whole other can of worms. I know from my college football days this wouldn't have been acceptable.
Here is an update on former Fighting Sioux forward David Toews.
Gophers at North Dakota
The No. 2-rated Sioux are on an nine-game unbeaten streak (8-0-1) and twice last season completely manhandled the Gophers in the first game of a series in Grand Forks. But this is a desperate U of M team, one that was up and down the first half of the season. One with only one proven college goalie that's healthy.
After 4-0 and 6-0 drubbings last season, the Gophers tied and won the next game. So give the opener to the Sioux, and the maroon and gold win on Saturday. That would make for a happy bus ride home. Gophers coach Don Lucia said his team needs points from the trip to Fargo. So to sum up, at the Ralph these teams will ... Split
Putting the wraps on the SCSU incident
While there seems to be more stuff coming out from the SCSU incident in Florida, I have had a few people basically say so what? Adults over 21 can drink, so what’s the big deal? I say this, “look at it from this angle.”
While it’s legal for people older than 21 to drink, if the older teammates are bringing the beer or alcohol back to the hotel rooms and giving it to other students that aren't 21, then it becomes a legal problem... The fact that someone showed up in an area emergency room is in it’s self a problem.
There are other things to think of as well, if you’re part of an prestigious or public organization you're in the public eye 24/7 whether you want to admit it or not, and you’ll always be under observation and public scrutiny. Everything you do is up for review, by the media and fans a like, that’s part of being an adult in the real world... The fact that the SCSU athletic department and hockey team has tried to covet this incident up makes it more suspicious because there is no transparency, what the heck are they really hiding?
Let’s put the foot on the other shoe, can you imagine if this had been the UND Fighting Sioux hockey team and it was coach Hakstol’s and his assistants that were driving the team van but also if this had been the Sioux players that were kicked off of the team or had been in trouble? There would be all kinds of blow back from an event like this, like there was from past events. I can think of a couple of different fan bases that would have had a field day with it. Fans are still making jokes about elevators and or lawn mower tossing’s.
What do think the impression or reports would have been like if the Fighting Sioux Hockey team was loading up on beer on the team bus or van with the coach driving after a hockey tourney? I can only imagine it would have been a major media circus. It gives the appearance that the coaches are sanctioning the behavior… It would probably be different it the bus had been a hotel bus or a taxi that a player had rented. Also the SCSU coaches are state employees of the Minnesota State and College and University system so wouldn’t that vehicle they are driving be under state control and then you’re opening up a whole other can of worms. I know from my college football days this wouldn't have been acceptable.
Here is an update on former Fighting Sioux forward David Toews.
The Prospect Park --- David Toews (NYI 2008 3rd) was the only prospect to see action on Tuesday night and it was yet another heartbreaking loss for Toew's Brandon Wheat Kings as they fell to the WHL's best team the Saskatoon Blades 5-4 in the shootout.
Toews registered his 10th goal of the season as Brandon make a great third period comeback from down 4-1 only to fall short. Got to feel bad for Toews as while he is doing his best, it is hard when you are playing on a last place team.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Aaron Dell is WCHA defensive player of the week
For a second time this season Fighting Sioux SOPHOMORE goalie Aaron Dell has been named the WCHA defensive player of the week. It would be an understatement that Dell was impressive last weekend giving up only one goal in sixty four shots and was about 19 seconds away of having three shutouts in a row.
WCHA.COM ---- University of North Dakota goaltender Aaron Dell, who came within :20 seconds of posting back-to-back shutouts in two victories over visiting Robert Morris and also extended his shutout streak to 224:31 – the second longest mark in school history – has been named the Red Baron® WCHA Defensive Player of the Week for Jan. 11, 2011. He also earned the award on Nov. 16 for his performance at Wisconsin.
A 6-0, 190-pound sophomore from Airdrie, Alberta, Dell stopped 63 of 64 shots on goal in the series for a .984 saves percentage, recorded five shutout periods, blanked the Colonials on all nine of their power-play opportunities, and earned the No. 2 star of the game in each contest. He stopped all 32 shots in North Dakota's 8-0 win last Friday (Jan. 7) for his second straight shutout. He then lost his bid for a third straight shutout with just :20 seconds left in the third period on Saturday (Jan. 8) when Robert Morris scored an extra-attacker goal. Dell finished the game with 30 saves as the Sioux prevailed 2-1 to run their unbeaten streak to nine games at 8-0-1. Robert Morris' late goal last Saturday ended Dell's shutout streak at 224 :31 seconds, the second longest in school history and just 25 minutes shy of a 57-year old school record.
Potter: Senior SCSU hockey players 'crossed the line'
Now we know the rest of the story. Sounds like there was a big party down in Florida after the SCSU Huskies won their holiday tourney the Florida College Classic and the president of SCSU doesn't blame the coaches for the incident in Florida. Porter says he is proud of them. Apparently the beat writer for the Florida Everblades Naples News Woody Wommack saw the SCSU Huskies loading up the team vans with beer. I am not an expert with NCAA rules but I can't imagine the NCAA looking to fondly at this incident.
Potter also told the paper that he's "proud of my coaches. I'm proud of my athletic director. We had a couple young men, who are seniors and should have known better, and they crossed the line."
This is where things get interesting for me. Following the tournament's championship game, I finished my work and was headed home. I stopped for gas at the new Race Trac gas station near the intersection of Daniels and I-75. Also there were three 15-passenger vans carrying the entire St. Cloud State team.
As I filled my car up with gas, I watched player after player leave the store with beer and get into the vans. I figured the team was celebrating the tournament victory, but I also wondered how team officials, who were driving the vans, could allow players to buy large amounts of beer and bring them on the team van.
Normally, I would keep this information to myself, the team won the tournament and they wanted to blow off some steam. But for the St. Cloud State president to put all the blame on the players and say his staff was innocent is a little irresponsible.
What do you think? Are you happy the Everblades signed Mosey or do you think they should stay away from players with sketchy backgrounds?
Lucia: North Dakota is nation's best college hockey team
How dare Golden Gophers head coach Donny Lucia say that UND is the best hockey team in the nation. I guess he didn't get the memo? Lol!!!
Goal Gophers ---- Gophers coach Don Lucia said North Dakota fans will fill the Ralph and make it a tough place for his team to win.
"They give their team a great advantage," Lucia said on Monday during his weekly radio show on WCCO. "There is no question the games will be sold out. They will be all excited that we are coming in because we are their greatest rival. But beyond that, they have a very good team.
"I really, truly believe, they are the best team in the country. They've got all facets of what you are looking for: good goaltending, a big, strong, vetereran D-corps and a group of forwards that can score and can play physical, too.
"They have a bunch of guys that decided that we all are going to come back because they felt that this team could win a national title. And I am sure for this group that anything less will be a disappointment for them. They are kind of geared up for it this year."
The Fighting Sioux were picked to win the WCHA regular-season title and, at the halfway mark, are in first place by two points over UMD and Denver. North Dak
More Matt Frattin goals...
This is an awesome video that is making it's way around the Internet right now. Like I said in another blog post; "Golden Gopher goalies, you can watch all of the film you want, it’s not going to make a difference, you're going to be in the butterfly and Matt Frattin is going to release his howitzer and all you're going to feel is the puck zinging by your ear as you wave at the puck. Then we will hear the horn and see the fireworks going off."
Keith Ballad hit on Drew Miller
Since it's Gopher vs Sioux week I thought I would include a check by former Golden Gopher Keith Ballard as he give former MSU Spartan Drew Miller a ride with a marvelous hip check. Unfortunately for the Gophers none of the current Gopher defensemen or forwards can hit like this.
Little Caesars AAA Hockey Tournament info...
My friend Kyle wanted me to pass this information along.
The Hockey Academy at The Ralph Engelstad Arena will once again be hosting the Little Caesars North American Classic AAA Hockey Tournament, to be held the weekend of January 20th to the 23rd. Some of the best midget AAA programs in Canada and the US will be featured, including Shattuck-St. Mary’s and Little Caesars from Detroit, MI. Both programs produce a great many collegiate players and future NHL’ers, and have a history of providing recruits for the Fighting Sioux.
Other teams participating include; Alliance Bulldogs (Dallas, TX), Thunder Bay Kings, Pursuit of Excellence (British Columbia), Edge Academy (Alberta), Okanagan Hockey Academy (British Columbia), Marquette Electricians, Capital Center Pride (Lansing, MI) and the Northwest Regulators (Salt Lake City, UT).
There are several Fighting Sioux connections with the teams, as former Sioux Dixon Ward coaches the Okanagan Hockey Academy team and James Greene (father of former Sioux captain Matt Greene) is the manager of the Capital Center Pride. In addition to the Sioux connections, there are two Grand Forks players coming back to play, with Jake Davidson skating with Shattuck-St. Mary’s and Mitchell Byrne tending the nets for the Northwest Regulators.
Admission to this event is free, and Reebok will be on hand to display samples of their new equipment lines. Come out and watch some great hockey and see the next generation of college hockey players live!
The Hockey Academy at The Ralph Engelstad Arena will once again be hosting the Little Caesars North American Classic AAA Hockey Tournament, to be held the weekend of January 20th to the 23rd. Some of the best midget AAA programs in Canada and the US will be featured, including Shattuck-St. Mary’s and Little Caesars from Detroit, MI. Both programs produce a great many collegiate players and future NHL’ers, and have a history of providing recruits for the Fighting Sioux.
Other teams participating include; Alliance Bulldogs (Dallas, TX), Thunder Bay Kings, Pursuit of Excellence (British Columbia), Edge Academy (Alberta), Okanagan Hockey Academy (British Columbia), Marquette Electricians, Capital Center Pride (Lansing, MI) and the Northwest Regulators (Salt Lake City, UT).
There are several Fighting Sioux connections with the teams, as former Sioux Dixon Ward coaches the Okanagan Hockey Academy team and James Greene (father of former Sioux captain Matt Greene) is the manager of the Capital Center Pride. In addition to the Sioux connections, there are two Grand Forks players coming back to play, with Jake Davidson skating with Shattuck-St. Mary’s and Mitchell Byrne tending the nets for the Northwest Regulators.
Admission to this event is free, and Reebok will be on hand to display samples of their new equipment lines. Come out and watch some great hockey and see the next generation of college hockey players live!
They said what?
You have got to be kidding me Aaron Dell is a Sophomore, you could have gotten that from checking the roster at College Hockey News... Edit: The author has since changed his post but this is the same guy that RWD took issue with earlier this season for another post he wrote.
The Fighting Sioux have scored four or more goals 13 times, the Fighting Sioux are ranked 5th in the nation offensively and are ranked 12th nationally on defensive, I am not sure how you can come to any conclusion other than they are good, based on their strength of schedule of the games that they have played. The Fighting Sioux are one of the best defensive teams in the country, this was achieved by playing WCHA teams, there is no shame in losing to UNO, DU and UMD who are all in the top ten of the PWR. I mean seriously; the Fighting Sioux outscored their opponent last week 10-1 and won the last three games by a combined score of 15-1, how is that not flashy?
Edit: Here is the comment that I find amusing, they (Yale) aren’t putting up big numbers against bottom-of-the-barrel teams. Really? What's your definition of bottom-of-the-barrel? Let’s review some of the teams they have played; Sacred Heart 3-13-5, Vermont 3-11-4, Brown 5-6-4, Colgate 3-16-1, Holy Cross 7-11-2, Harvard 3-11-0. They lost to Air Force Academy 8-8-3.
2. North Dakota (16-5-2, 11-3-0 WCHA)This article is incoherent, UND has played the toughest schedule to date and compiled a record of 16-5-2 and have the most wins in division I hockey. What do you mean, "they aren't flashy?" What the hell is that? You're not going to be flashy playing WCHA teams, every game is a war.
Have there ever been questions about North Dakota’s legitimacy? The team is not flashy on offense, nor defense, but the returns of seniors Matt Frattin and Chay Genoway have given way for the Sioux’s younger stars, such as Danny Kristo, to have off-nights once in a while without having to worry about the offense suffering. And for the most part, freshman goalie Aaron Dell has been sturdy when it has. They’ve split weekends with league foes Denver, Minnesota-Duluth, and Nebraska-Omaha, but have edged all three in the standings. In those three losses, they’ve been outscored 7-2, which is a cause for concern heading forward, but the Sioux are atop the WCHA standings, and with a history of second-half domination, there’s little reason to believe that will change.[Click to read]
The Fighting Sioux have scored four or more goals 13 times, the Fighting Sioux are ranked 5th in the nation offensively and are ranked 12th nationally on defensive, I am not sure how you can come to any conclusion other than they are good, based on their strength of schedule of the games that they have played. The Fighting Sioux are one of the best defensive teams in the country, this was achieved by playing WCHA teams, there is no shame in losing to UNO, DU and UMD who are all in the top ten of the PWR. I mean seriously; the Fighting Sioux outscored their opponent last week 10-1 and won the last three games by a combined score of 15-1, how is that not flashy?
Edit: Here is the comment that I find amusing, they (Yale) aren’t putting up big numbers against bottom-of-the-barrel teams. Really? What's your definition of bottom-of-the-barrel? Let’s review some of the teams they have played; Sacred Heart 3-13-5, Vermont 3-11-4, Brown 5-6-4, Colgate 3-16-1, Holy Cross 7-11-2, Harvard 3-11-0. They lost to Air Force Academy 8-8-3.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Who is the biggest diver in college hockey; we have a winner...
Ordered by number of votes:
1. Jacob Cepis (7 votes)
1. Garrett Roe (4 votes)
3. Brett Hextall (2 votes)
4. Harry Zolnierczyk (Brown), J. Connelly (tUMD), C. Smith and J Murray (UW), J. Barriball (UMN), Mike Lee (SCSU) (all with 1 vote each)
Poll Monday; Sioux second in both polls
USCHO.com Division I Men's Poll
[January 10, 2011]
1 Yale (45) 14-1-0
2 North Dakota ( 2) 16-5-2
3 Boston College ( 3) 15-5-0
4 New Hampshire 12-3-4
5 Minnesota-Duluth 14-4-3
6 Denver 13-5-4
7 Michigan 13-6-4
8 Notre Dame 14-7-3
9 Wisconsin 14-7-3
10 Rensselaer 12-5-3
11 Nebraska-Omaha 12-7-1
12 Miami 11-8-3
13 Maine 9-6-4
14 Union 13-6-3
15 Merrimack 10-4-4
16 Boston University 9-5-6
17 Colorado College 12-9-1
18 Western Michigan 11-6-5
19 Ferris State 11-8-4
20 Alaska 9-7-4
Others Receiving Votes: Princeton 44, Ohio State 36, Dartmouth 26, Minnesota State 20, Clarkson 4, Robert Morris 4, Minnesota 3, Rochester Institute of Technology 1, St. Cloud State 1
____________________
USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine Men's College Hockey Poll
[January 10, 2011]
1 Yale University 14-1-0
2 University of North Dakota 16-5-2
3 Boston College 15-5-0
4 University of New Hampshire 12-3-4
5 University of Minnesota Duluth 14-4-3
6 University of Denver 13-5-4
7 University of Michigan 13-6-4
8 University of Notre Dame 14-7-3
9 Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 12-5-3
10 University of Nebraska Omaha 12-7-1
11 University of Wisconsin 14-7-3
12 Miami University 11-8-3
13 Union College 13-6-3
14 University of Maine 9-6-4
15 Merrimack College 10-4-4
Others receiving votes: Boston University 53, Western Michigan University 10, Colorado College 8, The Ohio State University 3, Dartmouth College 1.
[January 10, 2011]
1 Yale (45) 14-1-0
2 North Dakota ( 2) 16-5-2
3 Boston College ( 3) 15-5-0
4 New Hampshire 12-3-4
5 Minnesota-Duluth 14-4-3
6 Denver 13-5-4
7 Michigan 13-6-4
8 Notre Dame 14-7-3
9 Wisconsin 14-7-3
10 Rensselaer 12-5-3
11 Nebraska-Omaha 12-7-1
12 Miami 11-8-3
13 Maine 9-6-4
14 Union 13-6-3
15 Merrimack 10-4-4
16 Boston University 9-5-6
17 Colorado College 12-9-1
18 Western Michigan 11-6-5
19 Ferris State 11-8-4
20 Alaska 9-7-4
Others Receiving Votes: Princeton 44, Ohio State 36, Dartmouth 26, Minnesota State 20, Clarkson 4, Robert Morris 4, Minnesota 3, Rochester Institute of Technology 1, St. Cloud State 1
____________________
USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine Men's College Hockey Poll
[January 10, 2011]
1 Yale University 14-1-0
2 University of North Dakota 16-5-2
3 Boston College 15-5-0
4 University of New Hampshire 12-3-4
5 University of Minnesota Duluth 14-4-3
6 University of Denver 13-5-4
7 University of Michigan 13-6-4
8 University of Notre Dame 14-7-3
9 Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 12-5-3
10 University of Nebraska Omaha 12-7-1
11 University of Wisconsin 14-7-3
12 Miami University 11-8-3
13 Union College 13-6-3
14 University of Maine 9-6-4
15 Merrimack College 10-4-4
Others receiving votes: Boston University 53, Western Michigan University 10, Colorado College 8, The Ohio State University 3, Dartmouth College 1.
Sunday, January 09, 2011
INCH Power Rankings
1. Yale
2. North Dakota — The Fighting Sioux have won seven straight games, are unbeaten (8-0-1) in their last nine, and are 11-1-1 since a Nov. 6 loss to Minnesota Duluth. WCHA series against Minnesota, Nebraska-Omaha, and Colorado College precede an early February bye weekend. 16-5-2 (11-3-0 WCHA) LAST WEEK: W vs. Robert Morris, 8-0; W vs. Robert Morris, 2-1. THIS WEEK: vs. Minnesota, vs. Minnesota
3. New Hampshire
4. Boston College
5. Minnesota Duluth
6. Denver
7. Michigan
8. Rensselaer
9. Nebraska-Omaha
10. Union
11. Notre Dame
12. Merrimack
13. Wisconsin
14. Miami
15. Maine
16. Boston University
17. Western Michigan
18. Ohio State
19. Colorado College
20. Alaska
Dropped out: Robert Morris, Clarkson
Bubble-licious: Dartmouth, Ferris State, Princeton, RIT, Robert Morris
As always I post the INCH Power Rankings because they are interesting and fun to look at, I like the INCH staff and what they bring to the table. Like I have said in the past the only poll that matters is the PWR after the conference tourneys, there are no trophies for racking up wins in November, December and January...
In this week’s power ranking I don’t think that there are a lot of surprises here.... The INCH Rankings will mirror the USA and USCHO polls that will come out later today. Recently, there has been a national debate amongst college hockey fans on whether Yale is legit or for real? Yep, the Yale Bulldogs are the best in the ECAC, there is no doubt about it. Recently, the ECAC fans have gotten defensive when making a case for the ECAC.
Personally, being a western hockey fan and a WCHA guy, I think that right now, the UND Fighting Sioux are one of "the best teams" in the nation right now today as I write this, the Fighting Sioux have played by far the toughest schedule in college hockey and went an impressive 16-5-2 and the Fighting Sioux has lost one league game on the road. In case anyone is confused they buried the UMD Bulldogs 5-0 on December 30th, who is also one of the better teams in the WCHA. This is the same UMD Bulldog team that went out to Postdam, New York and took the Clarkson Knights to the woodshed.
2. North Dakota — The Fighting Sioux have won seven straight games, are unbeaten (8-0-1) in their last nine, and are 11-1-1 since a Nov. 6 loss to Minnesota Duluth. WCHA series against Minnesota, Nebraska-Omaha, and Colorado College precede an early February bye weekend. 16-5-2 (11-3-0 WCHA) LAST WEEK: W vs. Robert Morris, 8-0; W vs. Robert Morris, 2-1. THIS WEEK: vs. Minnesota, vs. Minnesota
3. New Hampshire
4. Boston College
5. Minnesota Duluth
6. Denver
7. Michigan
8. Rensselaer
9. Nebraska-Omaha
10. Union
11. Notre Dame
12. Merrimack
13. Wisconsin
14. Miami
15. Maine
16. Boston University
17. Western Michigan
18. Ohio State
19. Colorado College
20. Alaska
Dropped out: Robert Morris, Clarkson
Bubble-licious: Dartmouth, Ferris State, Princeton, RIT, Robert Morris
As always I post the INCH Power Rankings because they are interesting and fun to look at, I like the INCH staff and what they bring to the table. Like I have said in the past the only poll that matters is the PWR after the conference tourneys, there are no trophies for racking up wins in November, December and January...
In this week’s power ranking I don’t think that there are a lot of surprises here.... The INCH Rankings will mirror the USA and USCHO polls that will come out later today. Recently, there has been a national debate amongst college hockey fans on whether Yale is legit or for real? Yep, the Yale Bulldogs are the best in the ECAC, there is no doubt about it. Recently, the ECAC fans have gotten defensive when making a case for the ECAC.
Personally, being a western hockey fan and a WCHA guy, I think that right now, the UND Fighting Sioux are one of "the best teams" in the nation right now today as I write this, the Fighting Sioux have played by far the toughest schedule in college hockey and went an impressive 16-5-2 and the Fighting Sioux has lost one league game on the road. In case anyone is confused they buried the UMD Bulldogs 5-0 on December 30th, who is also one of the better teams in the WCHA. This is the same UMD Bulldog team that went out to Postdam, New York and took the Clarkson Knights to the woodshed.
Cal Clutterbuck blows up Stephane Robidas
I had the misfortune of watching tonight’s game between the Minnesota Wild and the Dallas Stars. This is was one of the few highlight from tonight’s game, the Minnesota Wild’s came out and looked like a bunch of pylons and left their goalie out to dry all night long. Having NHL center I was able to watch the game from the Dallas Stars cable network FSN Southwest, these two guys Ralph Strangis and Daryl Reaugh were absolutely brutal, they are worse than the two homers from the Duck FSN crew, these two guys were continuously whining about Cal Clutterbuck and his how he loves to check, almost as bad as Clutterbuck's other fan... None the less, hockey is a contact sport and hitting is legal and part of the game and if you don’t want to get hit, avoid the check…
Scores from Saturday, January 8 2011 and links...
AHA
Air Force 2 at Sacred Heart 4
Mercyhurst 9 at Connecticut 4
Niagara 1 at Holy Cross 5
RIT 5 at Army 2
CCHA
Ferris State 3 at Bowling Green 1
Miami 2 at Ohio State 5
Notre Dame 3 at Northern Michigan 1
Michigan State 0 at Michigan 4
Western Michigan 2 at Alaska 0
ECAC
Brown 1 at Dartmouth 3
Clarkson 1 at Union 8
Cornell 3 at Quinnipiac 2 OT
St. Lawrence 3 at Rensselaer 5
Yale 4 at Harvard 2
Hockey East
Maine 1 at Merrimack 7
Boston College 3 at Providence 1
UMass Lowell 1 at Northeastern 3
New Hampshire 3 at Massachusetts 1
WCHA
Michigan Tech 1 at St. Cloud State 5
Nonconference
Bemidji State 3 at Alab-Huntsville 4
American Int'l 2 at Minnesota State 5
Canisius 5 at Wisconsin 6 OT
Robert Morris 1 at North Dakota 2
Exhibition
USA Under-18 Team 1 at Minnesota Duluth 4
From the INCH Chat Friday 7 January.
Apparently Gopher's sieve Alex Kangas' career might be over at UMN.
College Hockey news has more on Yale forward Chris Cahill; Eligibility of Yale Player Questioned...
Air Force 2 at Sacred Heart 4
Mercyhurst 9 at Connecticut 4
Niagara 1 at Holy Cross 5
RIT 5 at Army 2
CCHA
Ferris State 3 at Bowling Green 1
Miami 2 at Ohio State 5
Notre Dame 3 at Northern Michigan 1
Michigan State 0 at Michigan 4
Western Michigan 2 at Alaska 0
ECAC
Brown 1 at Dartmouth 3
Clarkson 1 at Union 8
Cornell 3 at Quinnipiac 2 OT
St. Lawrence 3 at Rensselaer 5
Yale 4 at Harvard 2
Hockey East
Maine 1 at Merrimack 7
Boston College 3 at Providence 1
UMass Lowell 1 at Northeastern 3
New Hampshire 3 at Massachusetts 1
WCHA
Michigan Tech 1 at St. Cloud State 5
Nonconference
Bemidji State 3 at Alab-Huntsville 4
American Int'l 2 at Minnesota State 5
Canisius 5 at Wisconsin 6 OT
Robert Morris 1 at North Dakota 2
Exhibition
USA Under-18 Team 1 at Minnesota Duluth 4
From the INCH Chat Friday 7 January.
Matt (Chokio, MN)
Tell me that the Fighting Sioux are not the best team in the nation right now? Yale??? C'mon man I know they have only one loss but look at who they have played!
Joe Gladziszewski--- (2:26 PM)
The Fighting Sioux are not the best team in the nation right now. There. OK, as the Yale doubters have become more vocal in recent weeks (especially in regard to the schedule) let's put forth a little bit of a defense for the Bulldogs. Sure, their schedule hasn't been as difficult as some other teams. They also have four fewer losses than North Dakota. There are schedule limitations that every Ivy League team faces. If Yale could play 6-10 more games, they'd take on some bigger series for sure. But in that limit, they did travel to Colorado College and Air Force. They're not dodging people, they're handcuffed by some rules. And the results are convincing. Not a lot of one-goal squeakers in there.
_____________________________________
Chris (Boston)
Prediction. Yale will not win a single postseason tournament this year.
Joe Gladziszewski --- (2:30 PM)
Daring prediction, considering that the maximum number of teams that can do that is six out of 58
Apparently Gopher's sieve Alex Kangas' career might be over at UMN.
College Hockey news has more on Yale forward Chris Cahill; Eligibility of Yale Player Questioned...
NoDak vs. Minny pontifications (Redwing77)
Since my posts are so often misconstrued as being those of Goon's, I'll come right out and say that Goon didn't write this. He probably will wish he did though. I spell better than him. (:D)
Just the Facts Jack
The University of North Dakota enters this series on fire. They've had a great first half with only a few hiccups along the way. They're very highly ranked and busy living up to the preseason hype. Sophomore goaltender Aaron Dell has been a surprise and Matt Frattin has been on fire. Corbin Knight has emerged as the scorer that many had thought him capable of when UND got his committment out of the AJHL.
It has been discussed here, I believe, that cohesion is a big factor in UND's success. This team does play like a team. Everyone seems to know his place and his role and, though perfection isn't there (nor do I expect it will be), they work hard and try to get as close to it as possible.
The University of Minnesota enters this series after whalloping the U-18 team. They're operating barely above water as they are just one game over .500 overall. They're better on the road (they're sub-.500 at home). Coach Lucia has come out with having some emotional issues apparently, but whatever it takes to take the heat off of the most incompetent coach in DI hockey (John Hill), I guess tDon will do whatever it takes. Baffles me as to why though.
The Gophers play a finesse style of hockey that can be dangerous if they are able to execute their game plan without too much disruptions or mistakes on their part. Though it is true that they've had a lot more down seasons than most of us (even those of us who dislike the Gophers with a passion) can believe. Looking at their talent, one would wonder what in the world is going on in the Twin Cities that could make all that talent underperform. Again, I look to Hill.
My take Jake
You can argue that special teams and goaltending have been questionable for the Gophers as of late, but I don't think so. I still maintain that Kangas is a good goaltender who has been hung out to dry more often than would be acceptable to maintain sanity. There is no doubt as to why his numbers have declined or his performance deteriorated as of late. It sometimes seems as though Kangas has to steal the game in order for the Gophers to win. The result of this complex that Kangas has been put through, Kent Patterson, who has been abysmal vs. the Sioux, has wrested the starting role away from Kangas.
My take is thus: The Gophers will go nowhere without Team Defense. Their Team D the past few years has been nothing short of a punchline. You get physical on them and they fall apart and eventually fold in on themselves much like a flimsy Wal-Mart folding chair at fat camp.
Look, they're a lot more talented than they've shown on the ice. Only a moron would disagree with that. They just can't put it together. This is a function of leadership and personnel. And again, I return to Hill. I'm going to do a bit of assuming when I say that Hill has a large hand in recruiting (much like Hakstol did when Blais was coaching at UND). They seem to have the opinion that the best on the table is better than the best for the team. For example, UND jumped at Robbie Bina because of the way he played the game and what he brought in leadership. I don't see Minnesota recruiting this type of player because he's nowhere on the radar of any NHL teams nor does he have the hype etc. that players like Leddy, Ness, Fairchild, etc. had/have. Personnel wise, they just don't seem to hold much faith in role players and lunch pail type players.
I really feel that the Gophers don't have any Lamoreauxs, Martos, Davidsons, Genoways, Hextalls, Malones, Rowneys, or Rodwells. They only seek out players like Knight, Gregoire, Frattin, and Kristo. Sure, I love players like Kristo, Knight, Gregoire, and all. I loved having Parise, Panzer, Toews, Oshie, Bochenski, Stafford, and so on but they don't work if you don't have a full team behind you and a team concept.
What to expect
I expect a tightly checked game. I expect a lot of hits and a lot of penalties. I think the officials will switch off. Friday night, UND gets the benefit of the doubt. Saturday, the officiating is much more swung to the other side. I think that hits that were legal on Friday won't be legal on Saturday. I also feel like diving could make its appearance in the game.
Leading 2011 Robbie Earl Memorial Frozen Water Freestyle Diving Candidate Jacob Cepis is swiftly running away with the award after defending champion Garrett Roe seemingly hitting a regression in his diving abilities. Look for Cepis to firm up at least a berth as a finalist this weekend as he heads to Grand Forks.
Expect big hits, crying Gopher fans, complaining Sioux fans (regarding what is sure to be a plethora of missed calls and buffoonery by the officials). The river will the thawed out in a good stretch in case a Sioux or Gopher player is to be sent down the river after making a bad play or not being as much of a fan favorite as he should be compared to fans preconceptions and draft position.
UND wins on Friday
UMN wins on Saturday
Fire Hakstol threads appear 12:01am Sunday.
This post will update as the week goes on so stay tuned!
Just the Facts Jack
The University of North Dakota enters this series on fire. They've had a great first half with only a few hiccups along the way. They're very highly ranked and busy living up to the preseason hype. Sophomore goaltender Aaron Dell has been a surprise and Matt Frattin has been on fire. Corbin Knight has emerged as the scorer that many had thought him capable of when UND got his committment out of the AJHL.
It has been discussed here, I believe, that cohesion is a big factor in UND's success. This team does play like a team. Everyone seems to know his place and his role and, though perfection isn't there (nor do I expect it will be), they work hard and try to get as close to it as possible.
The University of Minnesota enters this series after whalloping the U-18 team. They're operating barely above water as they are just one game over .500 overall. They're better on the road (they're sub-.500 at home). Coach Lucia has come out with having some emotional issues apparently, but whatever it takes to take the heat off of the most incompetent coach in DI hockey (John Hill), I guess tDon will do whatever it takes. Baffles me as to why though.
The Gophers play a finesse style of hockey that can be dangerous if they are able to execute their game plan without too much disruptions or mistakes on their part. Though it is true that they've had a lot more down seasons than most of us (even those of us who dislike the Gophers with a passion) can believe. Looking at their talent, one would wonder what in the world is going on in the Twin Cities that could make all that talent underperform. Again, I look to Hill.
My take Jake
You can argue that special teams and goaltending have been questionable for the Gophers as of late, but I don't think so. I still maintain that Kangas is a good goaltender who has been hung out to dry more often than would be acceptable to maintain sanity. There is no doubt as to why his numbers have declined or his performance deteriorated as of late. It sometimes seems as though Kangas has to steal the game in order for the Gophers to win. The result of this complex that Kangas has been put through, Kent Patterson, who has been abysmal vs. the Sioux, has wrested the starting role away from Kangas.
My take is thus: The Gophers will go nowhere without Team Defense. Their Team D the past few years has been nothing short of a punchline. You get physical on them and they fall apart and eventually fold in on themselves much like a flimsy Wal-Mart folding chair at fat camp.
Look, they're a lot more talented than they've shown on the ice. Only a moron would disagree with that. They just can't put it together. This is a function of leadership and personnel. And again, I return to Hill. I'm going to do a bit of assuming when I say that Hill has a large hand in recruiting (much like Hakstol did when Blais was coaching at UND). They seem to have the opinion that the best on the table is better than the best for the team. For example, UND jumped at Robbie Bina because of the way he played the game and what he brought in leadership. I don't see Minnesota recruiting this type of player because he's nowhere on the radar of any NHL teams nor does he have the hype etc. that players like Leddy, Ness, Fairchild, etc. had/have. Personnel wise, they just don't seem to hold much faith in role players and lunch pail type players.
I really feel that the Gophers don't have any Lamoreauxs, Martos, Davidsons, Genoways, Hextalls, Malones, Rowneys, or Rodwells. They only seek out players like Knight, Gregoire, Frattin, and Kristo. Sure, I love players like Kristo, Knight, Gregoire, and all. I loved having Parise, Panzer, Toews, Oshie, Bochenski, Stafford, and so on but they don't work if you don't have a full team behind you and a team concept.
What to expect
I expect a tightly checked game. I expect a lot of hits and a lot of penalties. I think the officials will switch off. Friday night, UND gets the benefit of the doubt. Saturday, the officiating is much more swung to the other side. I think that hits that were legal on Friday won't be legal on Saturday. I also feel like diving could make its appearance in the game.
Leading 2011 Robbie Earl Memorial Frozen Water Freestyle Diving Candidate Jacob Cepis is swiftly running away with the award after defending champion Garrett Roe seemingly hitting a regression in his diving abilities. Look for Cepis to firm up at least a berth as a finalist this weekend as he heads to Grand Forks.
Expect big hits, crying Gopher fans, complaining Sioux fans (regarding what is sure to be a plethora of missed calls and buffoonery by the officials). The river will the thawed out in a good stretch in case a Sioux or Gopher player is to be sent down the river after making a bad play or not being as much of a fan favorite as he should be compared to fans preconceptions and draft position.
UND wins on Friday
UMN wins on Saturday
Fire Hakstol threads appear 12:01am Sunday.
This post will update as the week goes on so stay tuned!
Tom Kostopoulos suspended 6 games for this hit...
For this hit Tom Kostopoulos was suspended 6 games by Colin Campbell... There is no excuse for these types of hit in any league of hockey, I am all for hitting but the Redwings Defender Brad Stuart didn't even have the puck when he was freight trained... Tom Kostopoulos is not known for his offensive prowess and has (4g-4a-8pts) points in 43 games.
NHL.COM----Calgary Flames forward Tom Kostopoulos has been suspended for six games and will forfeit $29,569.92 in salary for delivering a blow to the head of Detroit Red Wings defenseman Brad Stuart in NHL game #609 on January 7, the National Hockey League announced today.
"A number of factors were considered in reaching this decision," said NHL Senior Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations Colin Campbell. "Kostopoulos delivered a blow to the head of an unsuspecting and vulnerable player. As well, he targeted the head of his opponent and, while the hit was not from the blindside, the head was the principle point of contact. The fact that Brad Stuart was not in possession of the puck when the blow was delivered and the serious nature of the player's injury were also considered in my decision."
Gopher goalies beware - Matt Frattin is in the house...
Golden Gopher goalies, you can watch all of the film you want, it’s not going to make a difference, you're going to be in the butterfly and Matt Frattin is going to release his howitzer and all you're going to feel is the puck zinging by your ear as you wave at the puck. Then we will hear the horn and see the fireworks going off. Here is the video of the goal that Matt Frattin scored on Friday night... Matt Frattin is leading the nation with 20 goals in 23 games for the season.
We can finally turn the page on our nonconference schedule where the Sioux went 5-2-2 and return to league play. This week the much hated and our heated rival the Minnesota Golden Gophers come to the Ralph Englestad arena riding an unimpressive record of 1-3-2 in their last 6 games. Fresh of their unimpressive 3rd play tie in the annual Dodge Holiday Cupcake Classic, where the Minnesota Golden Gophers lost to Union and tied Ferris State University. Gopher head coach Don Lucia even decided that he has seen enough and canceled the shootout.
If you have seen it Ryan Cardinal of the Gopher Puck Live has this little paragraph on the up coming series between the Gophers and the Sioux.
Next weekend, Minnesota kicks off the second half of their schedule in a big way as they head to Grand Forks to take on the first place Fighting Sioux. It will be the first meeting of the season between the two rivals, and the last since the Sioux ended Minnesota’s season last March in Grand Forks.
The Sioux are playing Robert Morris at home this weekend but have just one loss in their last 11 games and have played the toughest schedule in the nation. They have upperclassmen and depth up and down their lineup, so this will be the best team Minnesota has played all season long. Big games have brought out the best in the Gophers at times this year (wins vs. UMD and Michigan come to mind) but the Sioux have absolutely owned Minnesota over the last five years or so, and the Gophers cannot afford a pointless weekend at the Ralph.
Arguably the biggest key to success for the Gophers will be matching the intensity the Sioux are sure to bring to the table, which is a big reason they have had a ton of success vs. the Maroon and Gold in recent years.
Saturday, January 08, 2011
WCHA Buffoons Blow Another Replay
How many is this now? I thought that the instant replay was supposed to be used to get it right rather than making things worse.
Anyway this video has the Trupp goal that was disallowed by the buffoons on ice, otherwise know as Adam and Mason. The first view of the disallowed goal is clear that the puck was in the net BEFORE the whistle blew.
As you can see the puck went DIRECTLY into the net. There is no conceivable way that the referee could have blown the whistle before the puck went in.
The referee was on the side of the net the puck went in. Because of that he may not have seen the puck go in. But the goal judge certainly did. Why do we even have goal judges.
Coach Hakstol said he was told by Buffoon Adam that they weren't sure enough the puck went in before the whistle. Well the overhead camera is definitive and they certainly should have a feel for how fast the puck went into the net.
Anyway, just to cheer you up, we won the game. The difference maker is at the end of the tape which was Matt Frattin's goal of beauty. It won't go down as the game winning goal, but there's no doubt that this was the crucial play.
Goon documented the WCHA buffoons screwing up the instant replays over the Thanksgiving weekend.
Here's one where Buffoon Anderson disallowed a Frattin goal that was called a goal on ice.
Here's where the Buffoon officiating crew allowed a goal that was disallowed on ice to tie the game.
And here's the Buffoon head of officials' lame excuse for their buffoonery. As was pointed out by PCM, there is no way they can say the Notre Dame player didn't interfere with our goalie without calling a penalty.
Sioux 2 Colonials 1
First off much different game tonight, it was a tight checking playoff style hockey game. I also thought I detected the Fighting Sioux playing the 1-2-2 at times this weekend. This is the type of game that UND is going to get in the WCHA and NCAA playoffs. The WCHA officials in this game tonight were downright brutal; especially Don Adam, the Sioux appeared to have scored a goal in the third period but the goal was waved off by Don Adam. There was no reason what so ever that goal should have been waved off. None… But I digress, also tonight, Matt Frattin was breaking in on the RMU goalie and the Colonials player yanked down no call by the officials. While we are on the subject of Matt Frattin, he scored his nation leading 20th goal of the season; it was a big time goal by a big time money player.
I would also like to know why the officials let the RMU Colonials hook and hold the Sioux up and down the ice, it was brutal, I would like to know what the WCHA officials consider obstruction? Also, the refs need to stop yapping at the players, either call them for a penalty or leave them alone… Again bad night for the video review and the guys in stripes.
Dell should be defensive player of the week
I thought the Fighting Sioux looked a step off tonight as well, it appeared that they just were at the top of their game and their goaltender Aaron Dell really bailed them out, there is no reason Dell shouldn’t be the defensive player of the week, he was nothing short of brilliant this weekend. Dell was impressive on the weekend as he stopped 61/62 shots this weekend and lowered his GAA to 1.92 and improved his save percentage to .922, that’s pretty respectable… Those are pretty good numbers for the sophomore goalie who had gone 224 minutes without giving up a goal. It’s also a testament of the defense whose letting Dell see the puck and clearing rebounds… The defense is also cutting down on turnovers.
[Box Score]
Goon's three stars of the game
1.) Aaron Dell - 1 goal against
2.) Matt Frattin
3.) Eric Levine
I would also like to know why the officials let the RMU Colonials hook and hold the Sioux up and down the ice, it was brutal, I would like to know what the WCHA officials consider obstruction? Also, the refs need to stop yapping at the players, either call them for a penalty or leave them alone… Again bad night for the video review and the guys in stripes.
Dell should be defensive player of the week
I thought the Fighting Sioux looked a step off tonight as well, it appeared that they just were at the top of their game and their goaltender Aaron Dell really bailed them out, there is no reason Dell shouldn’t be the defensive player of the week, he was nothing short of brilliant this weekend. Dell was impressive on the weekend as he stopped 61/62 shots this weekend and lowered his GAA to 1.92 and improved his save percentage to .922, that’s pretty respectable… Those are pretty good numbers for the sophomore goalie who had gone 224 minutes without giving up a goal. It’s also a testament of the defense whose letting Dell see the puck and clearing rebounds… The defense is also cutting down on turnovers.
[Box Score]
Goon's three stars of the game
1.) Aaron Dell - 1 goal against
2.) Matt Frattin
3.) Eric Levine
Sioux Smoke RMU 8-0
Sioux get some puck luck
Last night’s game was one of those contests where everything went right for the Sioux and the RMU Colonials not so much. I think it would be an accurate statement if I said the Fighting Sioux got a lot of puck luck as well. Everything went the Sioux’s way last night. The first Fighting Sioux goal was shot by Corbin Knight and that went in off the RMU defenseman in front of the net, the second goal was by Fighting Sioux forward Brock Nelson who going hard to net while being tied up by a RMU defenseman and the puck went off Brock Nelson’s foot, there was no distinct kicking motion and the rout was on…
Dude we got a Dell
There have been a lot of positives that Sioux can take out of last night’s game. The Sioux goaltender Aaron Dell got his second straight shutout of the season and has played 164.51 minutes of shutout hockey, the shutout last night was his third of the season and the fourth of his short Fighting Sioux hockey career. The line on Aaron Dell is 14-4-1 1.97 and a save percentage of 9.18 and is 7-0-1 in his last 8 games.
Goon’s Three Stars of the game
1)Aaron Dell, UND no goals against
2)Corban Knight, UND ( 2g-1a-3pts)
3)Jake Marto, UND ( 1g-2a-3pts)
RWD's favorite beat writer Brad Schlossman [UND Hockey Blog]
Pseudo USCHO reporter and writer; Nelson tallies two goals for Fighting Sioux
Timothy Boger; Nelson, Forbort keep rolling as UND rolls RMU
Division 1 College Hockey Stats
Matt Frattin leading the nation in goals with 19
Chay Genoway is 5th in the nation for points by defenseman (4g-16a-20pts)
Fighting Sioux goalie Aaron Dell is 8th in the nation in GAA 1.97
UND is ranked 5th in the nation for goal scoring 82 goals 3.73
UND is ranked 13th in the nation defensively 53 goals against 2.41
KRACH, PWR
[Box Score]
Scores from 01/07/2010
Atlantic Hockey
Niagara 5 at Holy Cross 2
Air Force 5 at Sacred Heart 5 OT
Mercyhurst 1 at Connecticut 3
RIT 1 at Army 1 OT
CCHA
Ferris State 4 at Bowling Green 1
Western Michigan 2 at Alaska 2 OT
Miami 0 at Ohio State 1
Michigan 3 at Michigan State 4 OT
Notre Dame 8 at Northern Michigan 1
ECAC
Brown 4 at Harvard 3
Colgate 1 at Quinnipiac 3
Clarkson 3 at Rensselaer 2 OT
Yale 2 at Dartmouth 1
Cornell 2 at Princeton 1
Hockey East
Northeastern 5 at Massachusetts 3
UMass Lowell 2 at New Hampshire 5
Providence 1 at Boston College 4
WCHA
Michigan Tech 0 at St. Cloud State 3
NON-Conference
Bemidji State 3 at Alab-Huntsville 1
Canisius 0 at Wisconsin 3
American Int'l 0 at Minnesota State 1
Robert Morris 0 at North Dakota 8
Exhibtion
USA Under-18 Team 0 at Minnesota 9
Niagara 5 at Holy Cross 2
Air Force 5 at Sacred Heart 5 OT
Mercyhurst 1 at Connecticut 3
RIT 1 at Army 1 OT
CCHA
Ferris State 4 at Bowling Green 1
Western Michigan 2 at Alaska 2 OT
Miami 0 at Ohio State 1
Michigan 3 at Michigan State 4 OT
Notre Dame 8 at Northern Michigan 1
ECAC
Brown 4 at Harvard 3
Colgate 1 at Quinnipiac 3
Clarkson 3 at Rensselaer 2 OT
Yale 2 at Dartmouth 1
Cornell 2 at Princeton 1
Hockey East
Northeastern 5 at Massachusetts 3
UMass Lowell 2 at New Hampshire 5
Providence 1 at Boston College 4
WCHA
Michigan Tech 0 at St. Cloud State 3
NON-Conference
Bemidji State 3 at Alab-Huntsville 1
Canisius 0 at Wisconsin 3
American Int'l 0 at Minnesota State 1
Robert Morris 0 at North Dakota 8
Exhibtion
USA Under-18 Team 0 at Minnesota 9
Friday, January 07, 2011
Benoit Pouliot dipsy doodle shootout goal
I know there are a lot of hockey fans that don't like the shootout and think it's a shame or even a sham that the NHL uses a skills competition to decide the fate of a hockey game but check out this sick "dipsy doodle" by former Wild forward Benoit Pouliot as he fakes the Penguins goalie Brent Johnson out of his jock.
Victor Hedman hit on Sidney Crosby
The face of the Pittsburgh Penguins Sidney Crosby was injured on Wednesday January 5th by this hit from behind by Lightning defenseman/tree trunk Victor Hedman, while it's not a "dirty hit" it was definitely a boarding penalty. Crosby has been diagnosed with a concussion and could miss a week.
Thursday, January 06, 2011
A couple of things
This is the shot that everyone is talking about; Sioux Falls Stampede defenseman Andrew Prochnoas shots the puck "so hard" and it breaks when it hits the pipe... I like the question so if half of the puck went into the net does it count? I have never seen something like that before.
The Saint Cloud Times has "finally" released a story telling us saying that Tony Mosey has been kicked off the SCSU Huskies... Really? You're kidding right? Never saw that one coming. Say it isn't so? As one SCSU fan said in the article comments section, "How come I find out more about SCSU hockey from competitors blog than the beat writer???" I have to agree, that was something I said this week as well, what is the SCSU hockey team hiding? There's not a lot of transparency there... Not sure what the SCSU Husky hockey is trying to hide? I think the SCSU hockey team looks worse for trying to keep all of this quite instead just coming out and saying, 'hey our players screwed up.' I just think it makes the SCSU hockey team looks worse by trying to be all mum on it.
ScTimes.com ---- St. Cloud State men’s hockey player Tony Mosey has been dismissed from the team for a violation of team rules, Huskies head coach Bob Motzko. said.
Mosey, a senior forward from Prior Lake, played his last game for the Huskies on Dec. 29 against Cornell at the Florida College Classic in Estero, Fla. He was not in the lineup on Dec. 30 when the team played Miami (Ohio) in the tournament.
“Any time that you’re in a situation where you’re going to lose one of your players and teammates, it’s very difficult,” Motzko said. “We’ve crossed the midway point of our season, and we want to build on what we accomplished in Florida.
“We wish Tony the best. We’re going to help him in any way we can toward graduation.”
Motzko declined to state what rule was violated.
Weekend Match-Ups (by Sioux 7)
Welcome to 2011 and the second half of the WCHA. We are easing into the New Year, with only one conference match-up and four teams with the weekend off. I hope all of the Goon’s World readers had a nice holiday season, I did. Well, except for the two blizzards over the New Year’s weekend, we now have plenty of snow in the Fargo area. Well let’s get down to hockey again.
WCHA standings
TEAM……………...W-L-T...Pts
1. North Dakota………11-3-0…22
2. Denver……………...9-3-2…20
2. Minnesota-Duluth....9-3-2…20
4. Nebraska-Omaha….9-4-1…19
5. Colorado College…..8-6-0…16
6. Minnesota…………..6-6-2…14
6. Wisconsin…………..6-6-2…14
8. Alaska-Anchorage...4-8-2…10
8. Minnesota State…...4-8-2…10
10. Bemidji State……….4-9-1…9
11. St. Cloud State….....3-8-1…7
12. Michigan Tech……..1-10-1…3
WCHA
Michigan Tech @ St. Cloud St.
During the Holiday break the MTU Huskies lost to Michigan and Michigan State at the Great Lakes Invitational and the SCSU Huskies beat Cornell and Miami (OH) at the Florida College Classic.
This is a big series, especially for SCSU. They can leap into the middle of the pack with a sweep and back into contention for home ice in the playoffs. For MTU, they could spoil SCSU’s second half start by taking some points on the road. SCSU might have turned the corner over Christmas break, with getting a pair of wins in Florida. Of course, in the win over Miami, SCSU was outshot 31-11, and they won the game 4-3. The MTU Huskies have now dropped 13 games in a row, not a good streak to have. But, like all streaks they do come to an end, some time. MTU would like that streak to end this weekend and start a winning streak. I’m going to say both Huskies get some points this weekend. (PS - SCSU lost some players over semester break) SPLIT
NON-CONFERENCE
American Int’l (4-9-0 overall) @ Minnesota State
Over the Holidays the Mavericks beat Notre Dame and Brown at the Shillelagh Tournament in Chicago.
I don’t know what to say about this non-conference match up other than, who is American International? Here is a little background on them, they are located in Springfield, Massachusetts, nick-named the Yellow Jackets, have an enrollment of 1,200 students. SPLIT.
Bemidji State @ Alabama-Huntsville (2-18-2)
During the Holiday break the Beavers beat Ferris State and Union at the Mariucci Classic in Minneapolis.
These two teams will re-new their old CHA rivalry this weekend with a pair of games. The Beavers look to be headed in the right direction after a lack luster two months of the season. BSU has been beating ranked teams (UNO, FSU, U) in the last month. UAH is now an independent this year, hopefully they will get into a conference (CCHA or AHA) for the 2011-12 season. The Chargers will start out 2011 with a heavy dose of WCHA opponents. So don’t expect their win total to sky-rocket anytime soon. I have to go with our newest WCHA brother in these contests. BEAVERS SWEEP
Robert Morris (12-5-2 overall) @ #2 North Dakota
During the Christmas break the Sioux beat the UMD Bulldogs in Duluth to spoil the opening of the new AMSOIL arena.
This will be the last season that the Sioux will be the Sioux, so lets hope they do us proud these last few months. Now on to the Colonials from Robert Morris, if you are wondering about them, here is some background on them. They are located in Moon Township, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania have an enrollment of 5,100 students and play their home games at Island Sports Center. RMU is in the Atlantic Hockey division (they use to be in the CHA) where they are currently in second place (behind RIT). They have been coached by Derek Schooley since they started their program in 2004-05. I don’t think the Sioux will have much trouble with the colonials this weekend as long as they don’t overlook them. SIOUX SWEEP
Canisius (6-8-4 overall) @ #13 Wisconsin
During the Christmas break the Badgers beat UMass twice in Madison.
I’m guessing most of the Badger faithful are still reeling from their Rose Bowl loss to TCU. But don’t fear, the football crowd can now spend more time enjoying the hockey games. A couple more non-conference wins could help the Badgers in the pairwise rankings later this year. UW controls their own fate in the WCHA but need to pick up some more momentum heading into the second half. And I think they will keep the puck-a-sliding this weekend. BADGERS SWEEP
USA-U18 @ Minnesota (Friday)
During the Holiday break the Gophers lost to Union and tied the Ferris State Bulldogs in the Mariucci Classic in Minneapolis.
Since this is an exhibition it doesn’t show up on the record books or poll computers. But for the Gophers this is a very important game. They need to work out some kinks in their game before they start the WCHA games next weekend. A win and the Gophers get some positive re-enforcement, a loss and uh-oh there is trouble in Mariucci-land.
USA-U18 @ #5 Minnesota-Duluth (Saturday)
During the Holiday breaks the Bulldogs lost to the Sioux in the opening of their new arena in Duluth. They also played Claskson on January 3-4 and swept them.
This game is also an exhibition game, so nothing counts. UMD has lost Dylan Olson, academics weren’t going so well, and well he left for the AHL (at least that's the story I heard).
BYE Week
#18 Colorado College
#12 Nebraska-Omaha
#6 Denver
Alaska Anchorage
WCHA standings
TEAM……………...W-L-T...Pts
1. North Dakota………11-3-0…22
2. Denver……………...9-3-2…20
2. Minnesota-Duluth....9-3-2…20
4. Nebraska-Omaha….9-4-1…19
5. Colorado College…..8-6-0…16
6. Minnesota…………..6-6-2…14
6. Wisconsin…………..6-6-2…14
8. Alaska-Anchorage...4-8-2…10
8. Minnesota State…...4-8-2…10
10. Bemidji State……….4-9-1…9
11. St. Cloud State….....3-8-1…7
12. Michigan Tech……..1-10-1…3
WCHA
Michigan Tech @ St. Cloud St.
During the Holiday break the MTU Huskies lost to Michigan and Michigan State at the Great Lakes Invitational and the SCSU Huskies beat Cornell and Miami (OH) at the Florida College Classic.
This is a big series, especially for SCSU. They can leap into the middle of the pack with a sweep and back into contention for home ice in the playoffs. For MTU, they could spoil SCSU’s second half start by taking some points on the road. SCSU might have turned the corner over Christmas break, with getting a pair of wins in Florida. Of course, in the win over Miami, SCSU was outshot 31-11, and they won the game 4-3. The MTU Huskies have now dropped 13 games in a row, not a good streak to have. But, like all streaks they do come to an end, some time. MTU would like that streak to end this weekend and start a winning streak. I’m going to say both Huskies get some points this weekend. (PS - SCSU lost some players over semester break) SPLIT
NON-CONFERENCE
American Int’l (4-9-0 overall) @ Minnesota State
Over the Holidays the Mavericks beat Notre Dame and Brown at the Shillelagh Tournament in Chicago.
I don’t know what to say about this non-conference match up other than, who is American International? Here is a little background on them, they are located in Springfield, Massachusetts, nick-named the Yellow Jackets, have an enrollment of 1,200 students. SPLIT.
Bemidji State @ Alabama-Huntsville (2-18-2)
During the Holiday break the Beavers beat Ferris State and Union at the Mariucci Classic in Minneapolis.
These two teams will re-new their old CHA rivalry this weekend with a pair of games. The Beavers look to be headed in the right direction after a lack luster two months of the season. BSU has been beating ranked teams (UNO, FSU, U) in the last month. UAH is now an independent this year, hopefully they will get into a conference (CCHA or AHA) for the 2011-12 season. The Chargers will start out 2011 with a heavy dose of WCHA opponents. So don’t expect their win total to sky-rocket anytime soon. I have to go with our newest WCHA brother in these contests. BEAVERS SWEEP
Robert Morris (12-5-2 overall) @ #2 North Dakota
During the Christmas break the Sioux beat the UMD Bulldogs in Duluth to spoil the opening of the new AMSOIL arena.
This will be the last season that the Sioux will be the Sioux, so lets hope they do us proud these last few months. Now on to the Colonials from Robert Morris, if you are wondering about them, here is some background on them. They are located in Moon Township, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania have an enrollment of 5,100 students and play their home games at Island Sports Center. RMU is in the Atlantic Hockey division (they use to be in the CHA) where they are currently in second place (behind RIT). They have been coached by Derek Schooley since they started their program in 2004-05. I don’t think the Sioux will have much trouble with the colonials this weekend as long as they don’t overlook them. SIOUX SWEEP
Canisius (6-8-4 overall) @ #13 Wisconsin
During the Christmas break the Badgers beat UMass twice in Madison.
I’m guessing most of the Badger faithful are still reeling from their Rose Bowl loss to TCU. But don’t fear, the football crowd can now spend more time enjoying the hockey games. A couple more non-conference wins could help the Badgers in the pairwise rankings later this year. UW controls their own fate in the WCHA but need to pick up some more momentum heading into the second half. And I think they will keep the puck-a-sliding this weekend. BADGERS SWEEP
USA-U18 @ Minnesota (Friday)
During the Holiday break the Gophers lost to Union and tied the Ferris State Bulldogs in the Mariucci Classic in Minneapolis.
Since this is an exhibition it doesn’t show up on the record books or poll computers. But for the Gophers this is a very important game. They need to work out some kinks in their game before they start the WCHA games next weekend. A win and the Gophers get some positive re-enforcement, a loss and uh-oh there is trouble in Mariucci-land.
USA-U18 @ #5 Minnesota-Duluth (Saturday)
During the Holiday breaks the Bulldogs lost to the Sioux in the opening of their new arena in Duluth. They also played Claskson on January 3-4 and swept them.
This game is also an exhibition game, so nothing counts. UMD has lost Dylan Olson, academics weren’t going so well, and well he left for the AHL (at least that's the story I heard).
BYE Week
#18 Colorado College
#12 Nebraska-Omaha
#6 Denver
Alaska Anchorage
The Russian Bear has awaken...
Wow what a game for the World Junior Championship gold! I think a lot of people assumed, including me; hey I admit that I am guilty, that we would be hearing Oh Canada at the end of the game… I guess this is why we play the games right?
I think in the days going forward that there are going to be a lot of hockey minds that are going to over analyze this game, it was a great game to watch that ended up being historic for one team and painful for the nation to our north… I think the reasons the Canadians lost this game in the end was that the Canadians stopped doing the things that made them successful in the first two periods, in the 16 minutes that will come to be known as the historic collapse the Canadians failed to eliminate turnovers, get the pucks deep, answer the Russians counter attack and be smart defensively in their own zone. The Canadians lost because the got away from doing the basics.
Seriously folks! When it’s all said and done and the hockey minds have analyzed this game and picked it apart ad nauseam the real reasons the Canadians lost this game in the third period is that the Canadians got away from doing the hockey basics, it’s that simple. The Canadians rested on their laurels and it came back to bite them in the ass...
I think at times as a sports fan you’ve just got to take it all in and enjoy the moment but I don’t know if I could ever relish a Russian win in anything. I was a soldier during the cold war and the Russian were our sworn enemy and to this day I still don’t like them. I will cheer for the Swedes if they are playing the Russians. I was also wondering if I was the only ones that thought the Russian celebration at the end of the game was grating or over the top?
I also enjoy the fact that since the inception of the KHL there are a lot less Russians playing in the NHL. Don’t get me wrong, I think that Ovechkin is a great hockey player; one of the best in the world and I would have him on my team any day but I would rather see the North American hockey players playing in the NHL… I know there are lots of other fans like me that feel the same way as well. Maybe it’s good to have a villain in the black hat and I think this year it’s team Russia.
In conclusion; the much maligned American from New Jersey and former Division I college hockey coach and TSN analyst Pierre McGuire called Team Canada loss the greatest collapse in international hockey… While some might enjoy the Canadian collapse in the third period, because some perceived the Canadian fans and their players to be cocky and arrogant, I would much rather see the Canadians win the WJC than the Russians. See you next year…
I think in the days going forward that there are going to be a lot of hockey minds that are going to over analyze this game, it was a great game to watch that ended up being historic for one team and painful for the nation to our north… I think the reasons the Canadians lost this game in the end was that the Canadians stopped doing the things that made them successful in the first two periods, in the 16 minutes that will come to be known as the historic collapse the Canadians failed to eliminate turnovers, get the pucks deep, answer the Russians counter attack and be smart defensively in their own zone. The Canadians lost because the got away from doing the basics.
Seriously folks! When it’s all said and done and the hockey minds have analyzed this game and picked it apart ad nauseam the real reasons the Canadians lost this game in the third period is that the Canadians got away from doing the hockey basics, it’s that simple. The Canadians rested on their laurels and it came back to bite them in the ass...
I think at times as a sports fan you’ve just got to take it all in and enjoy the moment but I don’t know if I could ever relish a Russian win in anything. I was a soldier during the cold war and the Russian were our sworn enemy and to this day I still don’t like them. I will cheer for the Swedes if they are playing the Russians. I was also wondering if I was the only ones that thought the Russian celebration at the end of the game was grating or over the top?
I also enjoy the fact that since the inception of the KHL there are a lot less Russians playing in the NHL. Don’t get me wrong, I think that Ovechkin is a great hockey player; one of the best in the world and I would have him on my team any day but I would rather see the North American hockey players playing in the NHL… I know there are lots of other fans like me that feel the same way as well. Maybe it’s good to have a villain in the black hat and I think this year it’s team Russia.
In conclusion; the much maligned American from New Jersey and former Division I college hockey coach and TSN analyst Pierre McGuire called Team Canada loss the greatest collapse in international hockey… While some might enjoy the Canadian collapse in the third period, because some perceived the Canadian fans and their players to be cocky and arrogant, I would much rather see the Canadians win the WJC than the Russians. See you next year…
Boston Bruins practice at Havard...
I thought this was funny when I read it and I tried to put it up last night but blogger was down...
Russo's Rants --- The Wild attended Hahvahd for an afternoon practice at Bright Hockey Center, home of Alexander Fallstrom, the Swedish-born, former Shattuck-St Mary's forward drafted by the Wild and eventually traded to the Bruins for Chuck Kobasew.
Kobasew, who played one year at Boston College, where he won the Beanpot and some other somewhat major tournament by beating North Dakota, will play in Boston on Thursday for the first time since being traded to Minnesota in October 2009.
Russian team to drunk and obnoxious to fly...
You might be a Russian if you're too drunk to fly... You can't make this stuff up. Wow! This is one of those stories that are made for a reality television show...
Buffalo New --- Oh, what a party it must have been for the Russian hockey team after their big win over Canada on Wednesday.
But it apparently caught up with the World Junior Hockey champions. They were kicked off a flight from Buffalo Niagara International Airport early this morning after sources said disruptive behavior after a night of celebration posed a safety threat.
"The crew of a flight from Buffalo to Atlanta denied boarding to 30 passengers as a result of unruly behavior," said Delta spokeswoman Susan Elliott. "This was an effort to ensure safe operation of the flight. They will be rebooked on a future flight."
Elliott would not confirm that the 30 passengers were members of the Russian team, but airport sources said it appeared the tournament champions were still celebrating when the incident occurred around 6 a.m. today.
Wednesday, January 05, 2011
Steven Stamkos falls down on the penalty shot...
Can we classify this in the #epicfail department... Holy Cow, I have never seen anything like that before.
USA World Junior Team Wins Bronze
I was stuck at work and couldn't watch the game. But the US followed up their great Gold Medal year with a respectable 3rd place finish.
The US only lost one game in the tournament which is as good as anyone can do.
I'm not disappointed at all and I hope that we can all be proud what the team accomplished this year on the international stage.
The United States will not be going home empty handed as they have capture the bronze by beating Sweden 4-2 at the World Junior Hockey Championship.
It is the first time ever that the Americans have won medals in consecutive tournaments after defeating Canada for the gold last year in Saskatoon and Regina.
Chris Kreider scored twice while Jack Campbell made 34 saves to clinch the victory for the States.
The teams one loss was to Canada, who just plain was a better team Monday night.
Former Fighting Sioux Defenseman Commodore Requests Trade
Here's what Commodore said:
"(Arniel) doesn't want to play me. Obviously, he doesn't want to play me. After wins, losses ... it doesn't matter. Obviously, I'm the seventh guy in his mind. So, I'm going to take care of myself, be a good teammate, work hard, practice hard and keep myself ready for whatever comes in the future."
Blue Jackets coach Scott Arniel reiterated his stance yesterday.
"I don't have him in our top six," Arniel said. "He feels he should be, which is why he asked for the trade. I understand that.
"This isn't personal. This has to do with hockey skills. How you play the game, how you are with your teammates, how you work off the ice. It's not personal. He's just not in our top six."
Howson would not comment publicly on the trade demand, but both he and Arniel said Commodore has not been a poor teammate and has not been a distraction in the dressing room.
This is the latest detour in what has been a winding road since Commodore signed a five-year, $18.75 million contract on July 1, 2008. A no-trade clause covered the first two years of the deal, but lifted last July 1.
Wednesday Linkorama - Break over time to get to work
On Wednesday there is a lot of news worthy stuff going in the college hockey world.
Elliot Olshansky has a really really nice article at NCAA.COM that talks about the Fighting Sioux's first half success during the month of December... [NCAA.COM]
Let's Go DU Hockey Blog has a funny blog post; SCSU Bad Boyz Throw Party-Get Kicked Off Team SCSU Bad Boyz Throw Party-Get Kicked Off Team [Let's Go DU]
The writers at INCH have an interesting quip about the ratings...
If you look at the official SCSU Hockey Roster you will see it's devoid of the Mosey, Johnson and Hepp names... [SCSU Hockey Roster]
KVSC has the Less sanitized version of the SCSU dismissals of the two SCSU bad boyz... [Click to read article]
Elliot Olshansky has a really really nice article at NCAA.COM that talks about the Fighting Sioux's first half success during the month of December... [NCAA.COM]
Let's Go DU Hockey Blog has a funny blog post; SCSU Bad Boyz Throw Party-Get Kicked Off Team SCSU Bad Boyz Throw Party-Get Kicked Off Team [Let's Go DU]
The writers at INCH have an interesting quip about the ratings...
We accept that many people will dissent against Yale’s standing atop the INCH Power Rankings and both voter-driven polls as they are currently published, but there’s something else that should be considered. Many of those same dissenting voices have traditionally pointed to polls “that matter” or are derived from mathematical calculations based on results and opponents. Well, looky here—Yale happens to be ranked first in both the PairWise and KRACH. Citing those as the most reliable measures when they show WCHA or Hockey East dominance and ignoring it in favor of blaming voters when Yale reigns doesn’t align.Here is the SCSU beat writer's sanitized version of Chris Hepp leaving the Huskies, er, dismissal from the Husky team and signing a professional ECHL contract. I find it laughable that Garrett Roe said, "said he was surprised by Hepp’s decision." Sure Garrett, take another dive... Nothing on the Tony Mosey dismissal yet... [Click to read article]
If you look at the official SCSU Hockey Roster you will see it's devoid of the Mosey, Johnson and Hepp names... [SCSU Hockey Roster]
KVSC has the Less sanitized version of the SCSU dismissals of the two SCSU bad boyz... [Click to read article]
Amid this news, rumors are flowing on internet message boards about a possible off-ice incident while in Florida that lead to Hepp's or Mosey’s dismissal and potential repercussions for more players. This has not been confirmed by KVSC, and SCSU Athletic Media Relations has no news or information at this time regarding those rumors.According to Don Lucia Union is a good old team, or at least they are recruiting older players... [Goal Gophers]
Clayton Stoner first NHL goal...
If you didn't watch the Wild game on Versus last night; check out Clayton Stoner's first NHL goal, you just don't see goals like this very often. Chalk up a game winning goal for Clayton Stoner as well...
Tuesday, January 04, 2011
SCSU Huskies having a hell of a week...
The 23-year-old Hepp joins Idaho from the college ranks at St. Cloud State, the same school that produced Steelhead forward John Swanson and goaltender Jase Weselosky. Hepp was an alternate captain, appearing in 20 games for the Huskies this season before turning professional. He also played junior hockey for the Omaha Lancers of the USHL, where he was a teammate of Mark Olver, the son of former Steelheads head coach John Olver.Over the past summer it was revealed on the internet that Tony Mosey had been charged with a felon charge for running over a parked cars and damaging them. On twitter todayChuck Swartz had in one of his tweets that Chris Hepp was charged with possession of marijuana last September… You would think that since these two players were not kicked off the team for past incidents they might have cleaned up their act, but they didn’t.
Hepp will be in uniform Tuesday night when the team takes on the Utah Grizzlies, wearing number 3.
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