This past weekend I took in all five games of the Final Five and realized what an awesome format the new Final Five is. It’s a shame that the new format will only last two more seasons before the almighty Big Ten Hockey Conference will ride off into the sunset with Wisconsin and Minnesota. I hope we can keep a semblance of the current format.
There were a “few things” that I really liked about the new tournament format. First, in the new format your team is only guaranteed to play in one game, that’s it, if your team loses it’s done and that team goes home for the weekend, under the old format if your team managed to win on Thursday night, that team would be guaranteed to play in two more games. Since there was no third place game this year, fans did not have to buy a ticket to a meaningless third place game that could have ended up being a clunker if one team was already out of the NCAA playoff picture.
Again, In my opinion I must emphasis that this year every game mattered, while both teams were in the NCAA tourney already, when both teams were asked at the post game press conference if this was a meaningless game, the media was corrected by both teams players and the head coaches that this was not a meaningless game. If you need to ask why it wasn’t a meaningless game, it was because a conference title and a tourney trophy and pride was on the line. Not many teams get to claim back to back Broadmoor Trophies and the Denver Pioneers had an opportunity to prevent that from happening, in the end they did not but the Fighting Sioux had to work for it as well.
In retrospect this was one of my favorite WCHA Final Fives not just because my favorite team won but because there were a lot of great story lines and great hockey, I also got to see the game from a different angle this time around. I applied for a received a press pass from the WCHA and I was able to see the back stage of the college hockey world, this was a valuable experience that I will never forget. I met some really cool people as well and hung out with some old friends as well. It was a great learning experience all the way around.
Beavers and Bulldogs
In the First game of the WCHA Final Five the BSU Beavers beat the UMD 3-2 in overtime to advance to the Semifinals of the WCHA Final Five. The UMD and BSU game wasn’t without controversy as the Bulldogs defenseman Brady Lamb was called for high sticking at 5:53 mark of OT period and the Beavers forward Matt Walters scored 19 seconds later on the only shot of the period for the BSU Beavers. The win for the Beavers game the life to fight another day, the loss for the Bulldogs sent them home to lick their wounds and get ready for the next round. At the post game press conference you could tell by UMD head Scott Sandelin’s body language has not very happy at all and almost in disbelief at what had just happened, I kind-of likened it to another giant that fell victim for the BSU Beavers, just ask the Cornell Big Red and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
The "victors" on the other hand gave us a look backward into the past; the upstart Beavers that made the Frozen Four two short years ago, the wide eyed kids from Bemidji that refused to go away, they knocked off the third and fourth teams in the WCHA and they were now setting their sights on the second place Pioneers.
Seawolves and Tigers
In the second game of the quarterfinals the Seawolves gave the C.C. Tigers everything they could handle as they out-shot the Tigers 23-16 and dominated the play for most of the game but the Seawolves suffered some of the worst puck luck I have ever watched in a hockey game. The UAA head coach summed it up well with this statement, "It doesn't feel right," said Shyiak. "I thought we earned the right to win by the way we played. I thought we played well, and we had some quality scoring chances early, but we didn't get any of them to go in. And all four of their goals went in off skates."
UAA Seawolves forward Tommy Grant proved once again that he was one of the most under rated forwards in the WCHA as he ended his WCHA career just as he started going 100 hundred miles an hour playing each shift if it was his last. I can see this kid getting a contract sometime in the near future because of the way he plays the game, I will miss watching Tommy Grant play in the WCHA.
DU and BSU
The second game the upstart BSU Beavers didn’t really go as well as they had wanted , the Beavers need to win two more games to return to the NCAA tourney for a third year in a row. That run ended at the hands of the DU Pioneers as the Pioneers who thrashed the Beavers 6-2. The game was close through two periods as the Beavers had out worked the Pioneers and were still tied going into the third period. In the third period, the Beavers failed to convert on a 5-3 power play the Pioneers scored four unanswered goals.
At the press conference, the wide-eyed Beaver players from a day before looked dejected, the reality that their season was finally over, and a fantastic run had come- to- an end, the giants from DU had ended the BSU Beavers first season in the WCHA.
While all season long I have e read comments about the BSU Beavers being a poor hockey team or not being very good, the Beavers in fact proved to be a team that was dangerous and not to be over looked. I told my buddy Scott that the BSU Beavers resembled their coach, intense, small in stature, hard working and they never stopped moving their feet. They are on top of you and they will never give up. I think by making the Final Five and winning a game, the BSU Beavers were successful in their first season and there will be better days ahead. I think the Beavers proved to the naysayers and fan bloggers that the Beavers did in fact belong in the WCHA.
With the loss the magical career of Matt Read came to an end, I only wish I could see him play more, Matt Read finished his college career with (65g-78a-143pts). Word has it that Read is close to signing a professional contract.
UND and C.C.
The Tigers and the Sioux were locked into a what I would call a pretty good defensive battle, Sophomore forward Danny Kristo scored a goal on his first shift in his first game back from the frostbite incident, I don’t know if you couldn’t write a better story line any, I mean does it get any better than that? Also, sophomore defenseman Andrew MacWilliam returned to the lineup from an undisclosed injury that had kept MacWilliam out of action for three games. MacWilliam looked fresh returning from the layoff and played like a man possessed. I would say that Andrew MacWilliam looked as good as I had seen him play all season long, MacWilliam known for being more of a physical bruising stay at home defenseman actually led a couple of nice rushes up ice. The Sioux won the game 4-3 on a goal from Hobey Baker finalist Matt Frattin.
DU and UND
The Sioux and the DU Pioneers took center stage to renew college hockey’s version of the Hatfield’s and McCoy’s feud. The game was testy and feisty from the start as both teams got after each other. The Sioux came out and looked like they were a little tight and the DU Pioneers got on the board first with a goal from Denver forward Dustin Jackson assisted by Kyle Ostrow and Anthony Maiani.
In the second period, the Fighting Sioux got their legs going and answered the Pioneer tally with a goal from Danny Kristo assisted by Taylor Dickin and Derrick LaPoint. Both teams exchanged good offensive scoring chances and sophomore goalie Aaron Dell kept the Sioux in the game with stellar goaltending. The Sioux finally took the lead on a weird goal by senior forward Brent Davidson as he scored from behind the red line, assisting on the Davidson goal were Kristo and LaPoint. Going into the third period the Sioux had something like a 20-0-2 record when leading after two periods so you had to think that Sioux had a good chance to win the game.
History in the making
In the third period with 2:13 remaining in the game the DU Pioneers scored to tie the game with a nice goal from Anthony Maiani assisting were Beau Bennett, Matt Donovan. The game was very entertaining through the first overtime and the game would remain tied until the 5:11 mark of the second overtime when Hobey Baker Finalist Matt Frattin scored the game winner assisting on the game winning goal were Chay Genoway and Evan Trupp. It was the first time the championship game of the Final Five had gone to overtime since the fluky Blake Wheeler goal in the 2007 Final Five. This was also the longest overtime game for a Final Five since 1993 when the WCHA went to the Final Five
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
You've got to be kidding me...
Student Costumes at Hill Murray Game Called Racist: MyFoxTWINCITIES.com
All I can say is, Wow!!! You have got to be kidding me?FOX 9 was at that game, and saw the Hill Murray students dressed as gorillas and a banana, a practice that the school’s principal said has been happing since last year regardless of what team they’re playing.
According to the principal, the costumes grew out of what’s called the “banana cheer.” Though she declined an on-camera interview, she did say that “if there were any malice, we would put a stop to it.”
Video shows the same students in the same costumes at the girls’ state tournament, when Hill Murray beat Alexandria.
Still, there were a number of Johnson parents on Friday night who did not know the costumes were typical, and instead took it to be a racial statement. A few of the players also said they were offended.
Yet, one father said he felt whether a person finds the costumes racist will depend on their perception of what they mean, and he equated the controversy with the one facing the University of North Dakota’s “Fighting Sioux” mascot -- which the NCAA is pressuring the school to drop
Nanne wants Gophers to add Minnesota hockey tournament
Charley Walters, pioneerpress.com ----- Lou Nanne, the former University of Minnesota All-American, said he likes that the Gophers will become part of an upstart Big Ten hockey conference in 2013-14 because of Big Ten Network exposure.Color me less than impressed
But, Nanne said this morning, he has an idea "that no one is talking about and that they should do. I would have a Minnesota tournament every year instead of that Christmas tournament they've got now with schools you've never heard of."
Such a holiday tournament would include St. Cloud State, Minnesota State Mankato and Bemidji State.
"That would give visibility and credibility to the Minnesota schools and build rivalries," he said. "Don't have Duluth in it, because Duluth would be on the non-conference schedule. I would maintain Duluth and North Dakota for two non-conference games a year. The (holiday tournament) would mean two more games for Minnesota.
"That would give you six (Gophers) games that should be a must. And they would, by far, draw better at the Christmas tournament. No one has thought about it, and they better start thinking about it."
Nanne, who owns four Gophers season tickets, intends to suggest the holiday tournament to Gophers athletic director Joel Maturi.
"I don't want to go watch the weaker schools from the East; I don't care about them," Nanne said. "I care about the Minnesota schools.
"That's what this is all about, maintaining Minnesota rivalries somehow. But I really hope that they work in traditional rivalries with North
Dakota and Duluth and Denver and Colorado. North Dakota and Duluth are the biggest rivalries we've had."
One scenario that I can see is in the future, I think the Big Ten Schools are going to fill their schedules with teams that aren’t as hard to beat, shall we call them cupcakes because face it, their conference schedule is going to be tough in the Strength of Schedule department and they are going to need rack up some wins after beating the hell out of each other to possibly to make the NCAA tourney and might have to line their non conference schedule with less challenging opponents
One thing I would've liked to have seen when then Big Ten Schools made their big annoucement would've been for the WCHA and CCHA athletic directors to tell the Big Ten Schools to tell them, "don’t let the door hit you in the ass on the way out." I would have liked to seen the Bruce McLeod tell the Big Ten Schools Minnesota and Wisconsin whatever and or nice knowing you and good luck. I would rather not have the commissioner falling all over himself. In the next breath as soon as possible I would have called for a meeting with the head of the CCHA Tom Anastos to set up discussion about forming a new super conference between the WCHA and the CCHA.
I mean seriously, what we are really doing here; the way I see it, college hockey is adding one college hockey team in PSU, this is a team who has never played a single friggen division one hockey game ever and we are now going to possibly sacrifice up to five CCHA teams, FSU, LSSU, WMU, BGSU and or NMU so the BTHC can have 40+ hockey games on their beloved BTN. I am not anti Big Ten but why not put a little more thought into it.
WDAZ to Broadcast Fighting Sioux Hockey Game With RPI
Grand Forks, ND --- WDAZ and all North Dakota ABC network stations will televise the UND men's hockey game against RPI, Saturday at 12:30 p.m. in the NCAA Midwest Regional in Green Bay.
The North Dakota ABC network includes:
WDAY-TV Channel 6.1 in Fargo.
WDAZ-TV, Channel 8.1 in Devils Lake/Grand Forks.
KBMY-TV, Channel 17.1 in Bismarck.
KMCY-TV, Channel 14.1 in Minot.
KXMA-TV, Channel 2.2 in Dickinson.
KXMD-TV, Channel 11.2 in Williston.
If UND wins, it will play either Denver or Western Michigan in Sunday’s regional championship. That game will be broadcast at 4:30 p.m. on ESPNU, which is available on Midcontinent digital cable in Grand Forks on channel 320.
Regional and national television options have not been announced yet.
Where have you been NHL? Finally Cooke gets some justice...
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| Picture from http://www.puckinghockey.com |
DETROIT --There is only anecdotal evidence that controversial Penguins winger Matt Cooke has found enlightenment after his latest nasty hit -- an elbow to the head of New York Rangers defenseman Ryan McDonagh on Sunday that led the NHL to suspend him Monday through Round 1 of the Stanley Cup playoffs.And now after “uber hack” has been suspended and he can’t play for the rest of the regular season and for one series into the NHL playoffs we are to believe that Matt Cooke has finally had an epiphany and seen the light and will now finally play within the rules of the game? Really Matt? Forgive me if I am coming off as being a little bit cynical but the proof is in the pudding and I have seen a lot of foul dishes of pudding served up by Matt Cooke... I also wonder if these masters of thuggery had been punished in the past like they deserved, maybe they wouldn’t still be doing these questionable things. Matt Cooke has felt the sting that he deserved a long time ago and the next time he screws up he should be banished for even longer. I just don’t trust anything this psychopath says until he proves us wrong and Cooke has a long ways to go to prove us wrong. As it stands right now I hold Cooke in a very low regard on the same level as the dog excrement that you scrap off of your shoe - that's pretty low.
"After the game with me, and when I saw him at the airport and the ride in, he said all the right things," Penguins general manager Ray Shero said yesterday of Cooke. "He takes full responsibility. He sent Ryan McDonagh a text.
"The words are great, but it's going to be your actions when you come back as a player and still be a productive player in the league. That's going to be up to Matt Cooke."
Cooke, who has been suspended five times overall and four in three seasons with the Penguins, has defended himself in previous disciplinary hearings with NHL Hockey Operations. He didn't take that tact Toronto yesterday.
"In the past, I've been very defensive and have argued my point," he said. "The (Players Association) talks, they argue their point; and your agent gets on and defends you a lot.
"I realize and understand more so now than ever that I need to change. That was what I wanted my message to be.
Monday, March 21, 2011
BSU and DU pictures
Goon's World would like to thank Corrie Block for the photos of the BSU and DU game.
Pittsburgh's UberGoon Matt Cooke gets Unpaid Leave
A stunned Matt Cooke gets some time to reflect.
Matt Cooke has been suspended the rest of the regular season (10 games) AND the first round of the playoffs. With any luck, Pittsburgh will get ousted in the first round and Cooke can just take the time off he deserves.
NHL Network blowhard and former NHL Career Backup Kevin Weekes actually made a decent point. He talked about how playing in the NHL is a privilege and Cooke just doesn't get it despite being sat down and talked to by just about everyone in power from Byslma to Campbell. Perhaps even Gary Bettman himself. Heck, when the guy who works on the financials between the team and your agent says "Heck yeah, the suspension was a great idea!" COULD you possibly ignore it again? Weekes is right on. I bet no reader of this blog nor any hockey player, coach, or fan could post in this comment section the name of ONE minor league player in Pittsburgh's system or free agent CHLer or free agent NCAA grad who wouldn't jump at the chance to take Cooke's slot on the Pens.
Take away his illegal hits and incredible lack of anything resembling a brain and he's actually a pretty decent hockey player. He can score. He can play gritty. He can win faceoffs. He can fight. He just can't play the game legally.
Look, illegal hits will happen. Injuries and concussions will happen too. But when you go out and do such a thing on a repetitive basis, then you are showing a different attitude than what is in the spirit of the game. It's because of this that I think that he's an unbelievable idiot. I can understand the vehement anger regarding Chara's hit, but his was the first incident this season and I HIGHLY doubt he'd repeat this if given the opportunity to. But Cooke's earlier hit on Tyutin was rationalized by saying that Tyutin didn't protect himself. He is already famous for injuring Marc Savard and saying that he was only "trying to make his presence known."
An Interesting Rule Change
Speaking of Penguins and GM meetings... I'm watching the DET vs. PIT debacle (or PIT Domination if you are a PIT fan or hate the Wings, whichever) and during the intermission, one of the intermission commentators suggested that a suspended player's slot should be forfeited by the team for the duration of the suspension. So, instead of 23 players on the active roster, Pittsburgh would only be allowed 22 until the second round of the playoffs.
The NHLPA wouldn't like that much, but I can't see the fans or the League being against it. It would certainly harm the team as much as it hurts the player.
I'm for it.
Redwing77's F5 Final Impressions
It's been a very long time but I have finally visited the XCel. My first Final 5 game. I still consider myself not having been to the Final 5 because I didn't get to see every game. However, here are my impressions:
The Fans
I sat around a wide variety of fans. Mostly were Sioux fans, but I sat next to two Gopher fans, in front of two SCSU fans, and talked to a few others. Oddly enough, the people who were the coldest were the two Sioux fans in front of me from Lincoln, NE. Stupid of me to consider we had something to talk about since I live in Omaha, NE. Oh well. Oddly enough, I spent most of my time talking to the Gopher fan and the Sioux fans behind me and to my right. I had fun even though I didn't get to put any faces to any of the names I see on USCHO, SS.com, or Schlossman's blog and here. As for Goon, he'll just owe me a drink for blowing me off this summer.
Talking to the Gopher fan, he was a fun guy despite him yelling Hobey Baker whenever Brittain made a save. However, it was all in fun anyways. I talked to him about the Gophers and he agreed with me about Hill. I didn't expect him to disagree with me though. Oh well.
The Seats
My seats, fans excluded, sucked. I had absolutely NO sightline to the far end of the rink. That meant that I only saw ONE goal, Frattin's game winner, live. The rest I saw on the jumbotron. In the end, with the up and down hockey we witnessed in the Broadmoor game (as I call it), I had a lot of trouble following the puck.
The Venue
XCel is nice. Unfortunately, I got screwed by the woman in front of me for the TShirts but oh well. She ordered one TShirt so, thinking she was done, I placed my order for 1. There were only three left. She turned to me and said "Hey, wait a minute, I'm not done!" And she took all 3 TShirts remaining. What a... Oh well. Not XCel's fault but certainly turned my mood slightly bitter postgame.
The Game
Denver came ready to play and they took it to us. Yes, we had one good period (2nd period), one half-good period (3rd period) and put it in the net in the end, but they had an OT that, by my opinion, was just Aaron Dell away from putting us away something like 3 or 4 times over.
Davidson's goal to put us ahead was SUPER soft. Brittain will have nightmares on that goal. Sam Brittain was DU's POTG for sure (and was awarded as such). Like I said, UND dominated in certain stretches but not for any too impressive stretch of time. Brittain stood on his head. If he stays hot into the NCAAs this could be trouble. Oh, and Zucker is fast. His play on Kristo would have been the Play of the Game, imo, if Brittain hadn't made that save on Knight.
UND didn't play poorly by any stretches, but they did get a bit careless at times. Failure to clear when they could have resulted in the first goal and chasing the puck caused the second. Aaron Dell isn't unbeatable but we should do better to protect him.
The Refs
Meh. I think they called a pretty decent game until the 3rd period when they were starting to let some overt penalties go. The first OT had some incredible noncalls in it. Oh well. It happens.
The Keys to Come
RPI is next. They aren't in the tourney because someone from the ECACHLMAO had to go besides Yale. They are good. VERY good. They have a Hobey finalist on the team. I believe it is his second time as a finalist. Unfortunately, that's as much as I know about RPI. Oh, they're no Holy Cross. They've been to the NCAAs before and have a pretty solid result at least once. We respect them and worry about DU after that.
DU will have no problem, in my opinion, with WMU. It could even turn into a laugher.
The #4 with the best chance to go all the way this year is UNH. CC is good, but won't be able to beat BC. I wish Air Force would beat Yale, especially since Air Force has already beaten them once this season... but I don't anticipate it happening. If Air Force doesn't beat Yale, I predict UMD will.
Notre Dame is also a #3 that has a great chance to make the Frozen Four. DU is the best #2, imo. Merrimack and Union... no offense, but... Thanks for playing.
I want Blais and Co. to beat Michigan badly but I think they'll be focused and ready to go after laying a steaming turd vs. WMU. Nevertheless, go Mavs.
There aren't any "easy" brackets this year. I guess the closest would be Yale's bracket. The hardest bracket is either Green Bay or St. Louis. It really depends upon how well Michigan and UNO play.
The Fans
I sat around a wide variety of fans. Mostly were Sioux fans, but I sat next to two Gopher fans, in front of two SCSU fans, and talked to a few others. Oddly enough, the people who were the coldest were the two Sioux fans in front of me from Lincoln, NE. Stupid of me to consider we had something to talk about since I live in Omaha, NE. Oh well. Oddly enough, I spent most of my time talking to the Gopher fan and the Sioux fans behind me and to my right. I had fun even though I didn't get to put any faces to any of the names I see on USCHO, SS.com, or Schlossman's blog and here. As for Goon, he'll just owe me a drink for blowing me off this summer.
Talking to the Gopher fan, he was a fun guy despite him yelling Hobey Baker whenever Brittain made a save. However, it was all in fun anyways. I talked to him about the Gophers and he agreed with me about Hill. I didn't expect him to disagree with me though. Oh well.
The Seats
My seats, fans excluded, sucked. I had absolutely NO sightline to the far end of the rink. That meant that I only saw ONE goal, Frattin's game winner, live. The rest I saw on the jumbotron. In the end, with the up and down hockey we witnessed in the Broadmoor game (as I call it), I had a lot of trouble following the puck.
The Venue
XCel is nice. Unfortunately, I got screwed by the woman in front of me for the TShirts but oh well. She ordered one TShirt so, thinking she was done, I placed my order for 1. There were only three left. She turned to me and said "Hey, wait a minute, I'm not done!" And she took all 3 TShirts remaining. What a... Oh well. Not XCel's fault but certainly turned my mood slightly bitter postgame.
The Game
Denver came ready to play and they took it to us. Yes, we had one good period (2nd period), one half-good period (3rd period) and put it in the net in the end, but they had an OT that, by my opinion, was just Aaron Dell away from putting us away something like 3 or 4 times over.
Davidson's goal to put us ahead was SUPER soft. Brittain will have nightmares on that goal. Sam Brittain was DU's POTG for sure (and was awarded as such). Like I said, UND dominated in certain stretches but not for any too impressive stretch of time. Brittain stood on his head. If he stays hot into the NCAAs this could be trouble. Oh, and Zucker is fast. His play on Kristo would have been the Play of the Game, imo, if Brittain hadn't made that save on Knight.
UND didn't play poorly by any stretches, but they did get a bit careless at times. Failure to clear when they could have resulted in the first goal and chasing the puck caused the second. Aaron Dell isn't unbeatable but we should do better to protect him.
The Refs
Meh. I think they called a pretty decent game until the 3rd period when they were starting to let some overt penalties go. The first OT had some incredible noncalls in it. Oh well. It happens.
The Keys to Come
RPI is next. They aren't in the tourney because someone from the ECACHLMAO had to go besides Yale. They are good. VERY good. They have a Hobey finalist on the team. I believe it is his second time as a finalist. Unfortunately, that's as much as I know about RPI. Oh, they're no Holy Cross. They've been to the NCAAs before and have a pretty solid result at least once. We respect them and worry about DU after that.
DU will have no problem, in my opinion, with WMU. It could even turn into a laugher.
The #4 with the best chance to go all the way this year is UNH. CC is good, but won't be able to beat BC. I wish Air Force would beat Yale, especially since Air Force has already beaten them once this season... but I don't anticipate it happening. If Air Force doesn't beat Yale, I predict UMD will.
Notre Dame is also a #3 that has a great chance to make the Frozen Four. DU is the best #2, imo. Merrimack and Union... no offense, but... Thanks for playing.
I want Blais and Co. to beat Michigan badly but I think they'll be focused and ready to go after laying a steaming turd vs. WMU. Nevertheless, go Mavs.
There aren't any "easy" brackets this year. I guess the closest would be Yale's bracket. The hardest bracket is either Green Bay or St. Louis. It really depends upon how well Michigan and UNO play.
Poll Monday - UND number one in both polls. Links!!!
USCHO.com Division I Men's Poll
[March 21, 2011]
1. North Dakota (37) 30- 8-3 985 1
2. Boston College ( 7) 30- 7-1 951 2
3. Yale ( 5) 27- 6-1 901 3
4. Miami ( 1) 23- 9-6 841 6
5. Denver 24-11-5 780 5
6. Michigan 26-10-4 748 4
7. Merrimack 25- 9-4 732 7
8. Union 26- 9-4 605 9
9. Notre Dame 23-13-5 546 8
10. Western Michigan 19-12-10 539 12
11. Minnesota-Duluth 22-10-6 509 11
12. New Hampshire 21-10-6 507 10
13. Colorado College 22-18-3 419 13
14. Nebraska-Omaha 21-15-2 342 14
15. Dartmouth 19-12-3 243 15
16. Rensselaer 20-12-5 227 18
17. Boston University 19-12-8 196 16
18. Maine 17-12-7 140 17
19. Cornell 16-15-3 92 20
20. Air Force 20-11-6 75 NR
Others Receiving Votes: Wisconsin 67, Minnesota 25, Alaska-Anchorage 8, Bemidji State 5, Ferris State 5, Rochester Institute of Technology 4, Northeastern 3, Princeton 3, St. Cloud State 2
_______________________________________
USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine Men's College Hockey Poll
[March 21, 2011]
1. University of North Dakota 503 (27) 1 30- 8-3
2. Boston College 480 (6) 2 30- 7-1
3. Yale University 441 (1) 3 27- 6-1
4. Miami University 402 6 23- 9-6
5. University of Denver 353 5 24-11-5
6. University of Michigan 349 4 26-10-4
7. Merrimack College 320 7 25- 9-4
8. Union College 246 T-8 26- 9-4
9. University of Notre Dame 197 T-8 23-13-5
10. Western Michigan University 192 12 19-12-10
11. University of New Hampshire 181 10 21-10-6
12. University of Minnesota Duluth 176 11 22-10-6
13. Colorado College 125 13 22-18-3
14. University of Nebraska Omaha 72 14 21-15-2
15. Rensselaer 28 NR 20-12-5
Others receiving votes: Dartmouth College 12, Boston University 2, United States Air Force Academy 1.
Links to the Big Ten Hockey Announcement
Denver Post
Big Ten Officially Announces Hockey Conference [College Hockey New]
WCHA Issues Statement Regarding Today's Announcement from Big Ten Conference [WCHA.COM]
Men's Hockey Recommended as Big Ten Sport [Gopher Sports]
[March 21, 2011]
1. North Dakota (37) 30- 8-3 985 1
2. Boston College ( 7) 30- 7-1 951 2
3. Yale ( 5) 27- 6-1 901 3
4. Miami ( 1) 23- 9-6 841 6
5. Denver 24-11-5 780 5
6. Michigan 26-10-4 748 4
7. Merrimack 25- 9-4 732 7
8. Union 26- 9-4 605 9
9. Notre Dame 23-13-5 546 8
10. Western Michigan 19-12-10 539 12
11. Minnesota-Duluth 22-10-6 509 11
12. New Hampshire 21-10-6 507 10
13. Colorado College 22-18-3 419 13
14. Nebraska-Omaha 21-15-2 342 14
15. Dartmouth 19-12-3 243 15
16. Rensselaer 20-12-5 227 18
17. Boston University 19-12-8 196 16
18. Maine 17-12-7 140 17
19. Cornell 16-15-3 92 20
20. Air Force 20-11-6 75 NR
Others Receiving Votes: Wisconsin 67, Minnesota 25, Alaska-Anchorage 8, Bemidji State 5, Ferris State 5, Rochester Institute of Technology 4, Northeastern 3, Princeton 3, St. Cloud State 2
_______________________________________
USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine Men's College Hockey Poll
[March 21, 2011]
1. University of North Dakota 503 (27) 1 30- 8-3
2. Boston College 480 (6) 2 30- 7-1
3. Yale University 441 (1) 3 27- 6-1
4. Miami University 402 6 23- 9-6
5. University of Denver 353 5 24-11-5
6. University of Michigan 349 4 26-10-4
7. Merrimack College 320 7 25- 9-4
8. Union College 246 T-8 26- 9-4
9. University of Notre Dame 197 T-8 23-13-5
10. Western Michigan University 192 12 19-12-10
11. University of New Hampshire 181 10 21-10-6
12. University of Minnesota Duluth 176 11 22-10-6
13. Colorado College 125 13 22-18-3
14. University of Nebraska Omaha 72 14 21-15-2
15. Rensselaer 28 NR 20-12-5
Others receiving votes: Dartmouth College 12, Boston University 2, United States Air Force Academy 1.
Links to the Big Ten Hockey Announcement
Denver Post
Big Ten Officially Announces Hockey Conference [College Hockey New]
WCHA Issues Statement Regarding Today's Announcement from Big Ten Conference [WCHA.COM]
Men's Hockey Recommended as Big Ten Sport [Gopher Sports]
WCHA IN AWE OF SIOUX FANS --- Doug Spencer, WCHA associate commissioner for public relations, said Monday that he was "totally in awe of the contgent of fans representing North Dakota. In all my years, I have never seen anything like that. It was remarkable support."
Spencer has worked at Final Fives (and Final Fours) since 1988.
He said preliminary reports indicate the Final Five average about 140 more fans per session that last year. He said that was quite a development, considering three of the six teams were from so far away, Alaska Anchorage, Denver and Colorado College.
Matt Frattin's Broadmoor Winning Goal
What's cool is that it went from Trupp (senior) to Gennoway (senior) to a pile of guys that were tied up with Brad Malone (senior) to Matt Frattin (senior) who buried it.
Men's Ice Hockey To Be Recommended As Official Big Ten Sport Beginning With 2013-14 Academic Year
There it is, the official announcement, it's not like it was a big shocker to anyone, coming soon to a half empty arena near you, the Big Ten Hockey Farce. I talked to a lot of Gopher hockey fans this winter and even this weekend; I don’t think I talked to anyone that was really in favor of the Gophers and the Badgers joining the Big Ten Hockey Conference. What is wrong with the status quo now? Personally, I think it’s a horrible idea and it could have damaging effects for the smaller schools in the CCHA that are hanging on by a thread.
Some of the questions that are out there are; will the WCHA pluck Notre Dame and Miami from the CCHA or will there be a super conference with the remaining CCHA and WCHA schools? One thing that needs to be address is that the University of Alabama Huntsville is going to need a conference to play in as well, so they don't go belly up. It has been confirmed on numerous Fighting Sioux weekly chats from Sioux Hockey beat writer Brad Schlossman of the Grand Forks Herald that the WCHA is going to go after Notre Dame and Miami. That is one option as well.
One of the first things I thought about this past weekend was the Xcel Energy Center and how full the building was with green and white jerseys connected to Fighting Sioux fans, 57000+ plus fans attended the WCHA Final Five. I also think that UND making the final game of the WCHA Final Five saved the WCHA’s bacon, they could have taken a bath if the Sioux had lost to the C.C. Tigers. Could you fathom how many people would have been in the building for a C.C. and DU title game, I would say there would have been 5000-10000 fans probably.
Some of the questions that are out there are; will the WCHA pluck Notre Dame and Miami from the CCHA or will there be a super conference with the remaining CCHA and WCHA schools? One thing that needs to be address is that the University of Alabama Huntsville is going to need a conference to play in as well, so they don't go belly up. It has been confirmed on numerous Fighting Sioux weekly chats from Sioux Hockey beat writer Brad Schlossman of the Grand Forks Herald that the WCHA is going to go after Notre Dame and Miami. That is one option as well.
One of the first things I thought about this past weekend was the Xcel Energy Center and how full the building was with green and white jerseys connected to Fighting Sioux fans, 57000+ plus fans attended the WCHA Final Five. I also think that UND making the final game of the WCHA Final Five saved the WCHA’s bacon, they could have taken a bath if the Sioux had lost to the C.C. Tigers. Could you fathom how many people would have been in the building for a C.C. and DU title game, I would say there would have been 5000-10000 fans probably.
Park Ridge, Ill. - The directors of athletics of Big Ten institutions which sponsor men's ice hockey unanimously announce their intention to recommend to the Big Ten Council of Presidents/Chancellors in June the establishment of men's ice hockey as an official conference sport for the 2013-14 academic year with participation by Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Ohio State, Penn State and Wisconsin.
The recommendation includes both the establishment of the inaugural Big Ten Men's Ice Hockey Tournament in March of 2014, with the winner earning the conference's automatic bid to the NCAA Men's Ice Hockey Championship, and a 20-game conference schedule with each team playing the other five schools four times (two home games and two away games). In addition, the Big Ten's men's ice hockey programs will continue to proactively work to maintain a strong schedule of non-conference competition with the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) and Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA).
In September of 2010, Penn State announced the establishment of men's and women's ice hockey programs set to begin competition in the 2012-13 academic year, giving the Big Ten six institutions sponsoring men's ice hockey. Big Ten rules allow for a conference championship when six institutions sponsor a program in any given sport.
Since Penn State's announcement, the conference has researched and investigated the establishment of men's ice hockey as a conference sport. The conference has sought input and communicated both internally with conference chancellors, presidents, administrators and coaches, and externally with members of the hockey community, including the CCHA and WCHA.
With the addition of Nebraska on July 1, 2011, the broad-based athletic programs of the 12 Big Ten institutions will sponsor 298 teams with more than 9,500 men and women student-athletes competing for Big Ten Championships. The conference currently features 25 official conference sports, 12 for men and 13 for women. The last official conference sport established by the Big Ten was women's rowing in the 1999-2000 academic year.
Pictures from day one of the WCHA Final Five.
Pictures from day one of the WCHA Final Five by photographer Corrie Block. I will get day two and three up as soon as I get the pictures.
T.V. Schedule for the NCAA Division one Hockey Tourney
Here is the Television Schedule for the NCAA Division 1 Ice Hockey Tourney. 206, 208 and 209 is Direct TV and 141 is Dish Network.
Fri. March 25 NCAA East Regional ESPNU 3 p.m. 208 / 141
Fri. March 25 NCAA West Regional ESPNU/ESPN3.com 5:30 p.m. 208 / 141
Fri. March 25 NCAA East Regional ESPNU 6:30 p.m. 208 / 141
Fri. March 25 NCAA West Regional ESPNU 9 p.m. 208 / 141
Sat. March 26 NCAA Midwest Regional ESPNU/ESPN3.com 1:30 p.m. 208 / 141
Sat. March 26 NCAA Northeast Regional ESPNU 4 p.m. 208 / 141
Sat. March 26 NCAA Midwest Regional ESPNU/ESPN3.com 5 p.m. 208 / 141
Sat. March 26 NCAA East Regional Final ESPNU 6:30 p.m. 208 / 141
Sat. March 26 NCAA Northeast Regional ESPNU/ESPN3.com 7:30 p.m. 208 / 141
Sat. March 26 NCAA West Regional ESPNU 9 p.m. 208 / 141
Sun. March 27 NCAA Midwest Regional Final ESPNU 5:30 p.m. 208 / 141
Sun. March 27 NCAA Northeast Regional Final ESPNU 8 p.m. 208 / 141
Thurs. April 7 NCAA Semifinal ESPN2 5 p.m. 209 / 144
Thurs. April 7 NCAA Semifinal ESPN2 8:30 p.m. 209 / 144
Sat. April 9 NCAA Championship ESPN 7 p.m. 206 / 140
Unfortunately, Midcontinent Communications does not offer you access to ESPN3.com
Fri. March 25 NCAA East Regional ESPNU 3 p.m. 208 / 141
Fri. March 25 NCAA West Regional ESPNU/ESPN3.com 5:30 p.m. 208 / 141
Fri. March 25 NCAA East Regional ESPNU 6:30 p.m. 208 / 141
Fri. March 25 NCAA West Regional ESPNU 9 p.m. 208 / 141
Sat. March 26 NCAA Midwest Regional ESPNU/ESPN3.com 1:30 p.m. 208 / 141
Sat. March 26 NCAA Northeast Regional ESPNU 4 p.m. 208 / 141
Sat. March 26 NCAA Midwest Regional ESPNU/ESPN3.com 5 p.m. 208 / 141
Sat. March 26 NCAA East Regional Final ESPNU 6:30 p.m. 208 / 141
Sat. March 26 NCAA Northeast Regional ESPNU/ESPN3.com 7:30 p.m. 208 / 141
Sat. March 26 NCAA West Regional ESPNU 9 p.m. 208 / 141
Sun. March 27 NCAA Midwest Regional Final ESPNU 5:30 p.m. 208 / 141
Sun. March 27 NCAA Northeast Regional Final ESPNU 8 p.m. 208 / 141
Thurs. April 7 NCAA Semifinal ESPN2 5 p.m. 209 / 144
Thurs. April 7 NCAA Semifinal ESPN2 8:30 p.m. 209 / 144
Sat. April 9 NCAA Championship ESPN 7 p.m. 206 / 140
Unfortunately, Midcontinent Communications does not offer you access to ESPN3.com
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Goon's on 1310 KNOX - Monday from 2:00 – 3:00 PM
Call in 701-775-5559, 1-866-KNOX-1310, email: Live@KNOXRADIO.com
Uber Hack Matt Cooke is up to his old tricks.
Whenever I read Mario Lemieux’s comments about the league protecting it’s players I have to wonder if Mario is oblivious to the fact that on roster of the team he owns is one of the dirtiest and most despised players currently playing in the NHL. It seems like almost every week we are talking about “uber douche” Matt Cooke and his on ice transgressions. It’s time for the NHL to suspend this worthless P.O.S. before he kills someone or paralyzes someone for life, enough is enough.
“We, as a league, must do a better job of protecting the integrity of the game and the safety of our players. We must make it clear that those kinds of actions will not be tolerated and will be met with meaningful disciplinary action.Today we have Matt Cooke driving his elbow into Ryan McDonagh’s head. Seriously! There is no excuse for that play, there is no reason that Matt Cooke should play again during the regular season, I also believe that Matt Cooke should be suspended for the first round of the playoffs for this latest escapade. I also believe that Ken Daneyko is right when he says “that the NHL [should declare] open season for one week on Matt Cooke. You won't get suspended. Then we'll see if he'll continue [his behavior] for the rest of the season or his career." Also, if Mario had any cojones he would suspend Matt Cooke for the rest of the year to send a message that he is serious about player safety, if not he has egg on his face.
“If the events relating to Friday night reflect the state of the league, I need to re-think whether I want to be a part of it.”
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Edit - UND 3 DU 2 Double O.T.
You can listen to the audio of tonight's game on this link. UND is 131-115-8 all time against DU, this season 1-1 record, tonight's game is the rubber match. Current Pairwise UND 29-8-3 vs DU 24-10-5...
UND Forward Lines
*19 Evan Trupp 22 Brad Malone 21 Matt Frattin
25 Jake Marto 10 Corban Knight 26 Brett Hextal
14 Talor Kickin 29 Brock Nelson 7 Danny Kristo
15 Brent Davidson 9 Mario Lamoureux 20 Joe Gleason
Defense pairing
*4 Derek Forbort 24 Ben Blood
2 Andrew MacWilliam 5 Chay Genoway
3 Derick Lapoint 18 Dillon Simpson
Goalies
*32 Aaron Dell
31 Brad Eidsness
[UND Players Stats]
DU Pioneers Forward Lines
*17 Jason Zucker 15 Drew Shore 18 Luke Salazar
22 Jarrod Mermis 23 Nick Shore 9 Beau Bennett
16 Anthony Maiani 19 Kyle Ostrow 8 Dustin Jackson
11 Chris Knowlton 37 Nate Dewhurst 26 Shawn Ostrow
Defense pairing
4 Matt Donovan 10 David Makowski
*24 John Ryder 6 Chris Nutini
7 Paul Phillips 5 John Lee
Goalies
*1 Sam Brittain
33 Adam Murray
[DU Players Stats]
DU Goal 1, at 5:06 mark of the first period Dustin Jackson 5(Beau Bennett 16, Anthony Maiani 28). 1-0 DU...
UND goal 1, at the 2:32 mark of the second Danny Kristo scores his 7 goal of the year assisted by (Taylor Dicken 1, and Derrick LaPoint 8). - Two goals in two games for Kristo since his return from Frostbite. 1-1 tie game
UND goal 2 , Brent Davidson at the 8:18 from (Danny Kristo 18, and Derrick LaPoint 9). Davidson shot the puck behind the goal line and Britain kicked it into his own net. 2-1 UND. Stats - Kristo (1g-1a-2pts) Derrick LaPoint (0g-2a-2pts)
DU goal 2 at 17:47 mark of the third period by Anthony Maiani 8,from (Beau Bennett 16, and Matt Donovan 22). 2-2 score.
Shots on goal 42 DU and 36 UND
Penalties
9/18 minutes for UND
7/14 minutes for DU
--------- Over Time ----------
1st O.T. No Scoring
2nd O.T. UND goal 4, Matt Frattin score his 35th goal at the 5:11 mark assisted by (Chay Genoway 26 and Evan Trupp 21) ending the longest games in Final Five History... This was the first time since the 2007 WCHA Final Five that the Championship game had gone to overtime when Blake Wheeler scored a highlight goal against Jean-Philippe Lamoureux.
Goon's Three Stars of the Game
1.) Matt Frattin UND, scored the game winner, 35th goal of the season.
2.) Aaron Dell UND, 40 saves for the Fighting Sioux.
3.) Sam Brittain, DU 33 saves in the loss.
UND and C.C. post game press conference...
This from last night's press conference. Here is the link to the DU post game press conference as well. [Click to view]
Evan Trupp's Slick move...
This is an unbelievable move. Evan Trupp's stick handling display brought the Xcel Energy Center to it's feet and energized Sioux fans. When asked about the Trupp Play Matt Frattin had this to say, “I was breaking to the net there and I didn’t know what to do. I didn’t know if I should pull up or what. He’s been doing things like that. . . he did something like that last year at the Final Five, too. He’s got a creative side. ”
Nelson's Checking From Behind
Here's the video of Brock Nelson's checking from behind penalty last night.
So what do you think? Did Guentzel embellish?
My opinion is that Nelson gave him a little tap, Guentzel felt it coming and dropped to his knees and took the hit. You don't go down like that when you know there's a guy right there.
That being said I don't blame Don Adam (the devil incarnate)a bit for making the call. I don't know what else he was supposed to do. From Nelson's shoulders you can see that he gave Guentzel s shot and with contact like that to the boards the call had to be made.
So what do you think? Did Guentzel embellish?
My opinion is that Nelson gave him a little tap, Guentzel felt it coming and dropped to his knees and took the hit. You don't go down like that when you know there's a guy right there.
That being said I don't blame Don Adam (the devil incarnate)a bit for making the call. I don't know what else he was supposed to do. From Nelson's shoulders you can see that he gave Guentzel s shot and with contact like that to the boards the call had to be made.
Kristo Scores; Sioux win 4-3
In the fourth game of the WCHA Final Five, the Xcel Energy Center finally came to life as the Sioux fans showed-up in full force and brought down the roof on the Xcel energy center. It almost appeared to be a home game for the Fighting Sioux. I actually think in retrospect that the WCHA is relieved that UND made the final game against their heated rival the DU Pioneers.
The Fighting Sioux got on the board first; setting the table for a great story line, in his first shift back from suffering from frostbite, Danny Kristo scored at the 2:24 mark of the first period to give the Fighting Sioux a 1-0 lead. Later in the first period, with Corbin Knight off for high sticking, at the 17:06 of the first period, C.C. score 18 seconds into the power play at the 17:24 mark with a goal from Rylan Schwartz (assisted by Gabe Guentzel and Jaden Schwartz). The Sioux out-shot the Tigers 15-7 in the first period.
In the second period, the C.C. Tigers scored at the 5:14 mark with a goal from Rylan Schwartz assisted by Ryan Lowery and Jaden Schwartz to pull ahead 2-1con the scoreboard. The Sioux and the Tigers played an even period of hockey with each team getting 8 shots on goal. The Fighting Sioux would even the game at the 14:55 mark of the second period with a goal from Senior forward Brent Davidson assisting on the goal were Andrew MacWilliam and Joe Gleason.
The Sioux were put in a hairy situation in the third period. At the 6:41 mark UND forward Brock Nelson was assessed a 5-minute major and a game misconduct for checking Gabe Guentzel from behind. The Sioux gained momentum at the 8:30 mark of the third period, when CC took a penalty. Sioux forward Matt Frattin was hooked down by Rylan Schwartz. The hook resulted in Frattin sliding into the Tigers goalie Joe Howe and Brad Malone scoring into an empty net. After further review the goal counted.
At the 11:10 mark of the third period Tiger forward Rylan Schwartz scored his second goal of the game. Rylan was assisted by his brother Jaden Schwartz and Nick Dineen, thus making up for his penalty that led to the third Fighting Sioux goal. UND's goal at the 14:20 mark of the third period was scored by Matt Frattin. It was Frattin's 34th goal of the year, with assists going to Evan Trupp and Ben Blood. Frattin’s goal sent the Xcel Energy Center into a wild frenzy with a Hobey Baker chant echoing through out the arena.
It got interesting at the 17:06 mark of the third period when MacWilliam was assessed a 2 minute penalty for cross-checking. The Sioux survived by successfully kill the penalty.
With the Victory, the UND Fighting Sioux become the first team in four seasons to win the MacNaughton Cup and then win their first game at the Final Five. The Last three teams had lost CC in 2008, UND in 2009 and DU in 2010.
Scott Owens on the Fighting Sioux.
"They are old, they are big and strong and they come at you."
[Box Score]
The Fighting Sioux got on the board first; setting the table for a great story line, in his first shift back from suffering from frostbite, Danny Kristo scored at the 2:24 mark of the first period to give the Fighting Sioux a 1-0 lead. Later in the first period, with Corbin Knight off for high sticking, at the 17:06 of the first period, C.C. score 18 seconds into the power play at the 17:24 mark with a goal from Rylan Schwartz (assisted by Gabe Guentzel and Jaden Schwartz). The Sioux out-shot the Tigers 15-7 in the first period.
In the second period, the C.C. Tigers scored at the 5:14 mark with a goal from Rylan Schwartz assisted by Ryan Lowery and Jaden Schwartz to pull ahead 2-1con the scoreboard. The Sioux and the Tigers played an even period of hockey with each team getting 8 shots on goal. The Fighting Sioux would even the game at the 14:55 mark of the second period with a goal from Senior forward Brent Davidson assisting on the goal were Andrew MacWilliam and Joe Gleason.
The Sioux were put in a hairy situation in the third period. At the 6:41 mark UND forward Brock Nelson was assessed a 5-minute major and a game misconduct for checking Gabe Guentzel from behind. The Sioux gained momentum at the 8:30 mark of the third period, when CC took a penalty. Sioux forward Matt Frattin was hooked down by Rylan Schwartz. The hook resulted in Frattin sliding into the Tigers goalie Joe Howe and Brad Malone scoring into an empty net. After further review the goal counted.
At the 11:10 mark of the third period Tiger forward Rylan Schwartz scored his second goal of the game. Rylan was assisted by his brother Jaden Schwartz and Nick Dineen, thus making up for his penalty that led to the third Fighting Sioux goal. UND's goal at the 14:20 mark of the third period was scored by Matt Frattin. It was Frattin's 34th goal of the year, with assists going to Evan Trupp and Ben Blood. Frattin’s goal sent the Xcel Energy Center into a wild frenzy with a Hobey Baker chant echoing through out the arena.
It got interesting at the 17:06 mark of the third period when MacWilliam was assessed a 2 minute penalty for cross-checking. The Sioux survived by successfully kill the penalty.
With the Victory, the UND Fighting Sioux become the first team in four seasons to win the MacNaughton Cup and then win their first game at the Final Five. The Last three teams had lost CC in 2008, UND in 2009 and DU in 2010.
Scott Owens on the Fighting Sioux.
"They are old, they are big and strong and they come at you."
[Box Score]
Friday, March 18, 2011
Denver ends BSU’s season 6-2; Pioneers advances.
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| Photo by Eric Stromgren, Bemidji Pioneer |
During the first period there was hope for the BSU Beavers. The Beaver came out and they were taking the game to the DU Pioneers, the Beavers had a strong forecheck and they were racing through the neutral zone with speed and they were getting pucks deep past the Denver Pioneers defenders. The Beavers were also generating chances down low and ended the first period with a 2-1 lead. Going into the second period it still looked like the Beavers were in the game and had a chance.
The Beavers had a great opportunity going into the third period as the Pioneers had two players whistled for minor penalties ( Nutini 18:31 and Maiani 19:57) in the closing minutes of the second period, the Beavers had a five-on-three power play for 29 seconds to open play in the third period. The Beavers couldn’t cash in on the five on three power play and it seemed to change the game around for the Pioneers. The Pioneers put the Beavers into hibernation as they scored four goals in third period to (Nick Shore, Jarroad Mermis, Luke Salazar and Kyle Ostrow) cruse to a 6-2 score and end the Beavers magical run in the WCHA playoffs.
[Box Score]
Eric Stromgren, Bemidji Pioneer
Post game quotes...
George Gwozdecky Head Coach, DU...
"First I want to compliment our opponent today. They had a tremendous postseason run. Sam Brittain made some tremendous saves in the first couple of periods to keep the game close for us and killing off the five-on-three to start the third period was an emotional boost for us and we fed off of that. [Bemidji State] was a challenging opponent for us."
On tomorrow's championship game and the importance of playing well heading into the NCAA Tourney...
"Both teams, CC and North Dakota, like to get up and down the ice. They like to attack from end to end. They're going to force you. They're going to forcheck you hard. Both have very good penalty units and both have very good power plays. They're very similar in a lot of ways. Whoever we face, we know it's going to be a major challenge for us.
Over the corse of the past 10-12 games, we've been counting this down as a team and trying to get all of us to realize how important [it is] to be ready to play, emotionally and physically, to the best of our ability at this time of year. The one thing that really helps is to be healthy."
Just for the record Gwozdecky said that 9 of the Pioneers has surgery after their season was over last year.
University of North Dakota to Hold Firm on Board’s Direction, Despite Legislature Ruling
GRAND FORKS, ND: Even though North Dakota Governor Jack Dalrymple signed a bill on Tuesday that would sanction the use of the Fighting Sioux logo for UND’s athletic teams, school officials will still uphold the Board of Higher Education’s earlier decision to drop the contentious Indian head logo…at least for now.
Speaking yesterday on the Scott Hennen Show, University of North Dakota spokesman Peter Johnson clarifies the University’s official position regarding the new bill:
“I dictate to the Board what the Board’s position is and they have not yet met to officially alter their position. So that got out in a way that caused me some problems and hassles. But in no way shape or form did we intend to thumb our nose at the legislature. But unfortunately, that’s how it sounded and it sounded that I was doing that.”
Listen
Mr. Johnson’s latest comments address charges from critics who characterize the Board of Higher Education’s reaction as defiant to the legislature’s authority and the rule of law.
The House passed the bill on a 65-28 vote. The Senate passed it on a 28-15 vote.
USA Hockey names Blais as coach for 2012 WJC
Former UND Fighting Sioux and current UNO Maverick head coach Dean Blais has been named head coach of team USA for the 2012 USA WJC.
NHL.COM --- USA Hockey will once again turn to Dean Blais to lead the U.S. National Junior Team to international prominence when the 2012 IIHF World Junior Championship is held in Alberta, Canada.
It marks the third time Blais, currently the head coach at the University of Nebraska-Omaha, will be behind the bench for Team USA at the WJC. USA Hockey announced Blais as coach on Friday prior to the first semifinal game of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association Final Five at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minn.
The remainder of the coaching staff will be announced at a later date and prior to USA Hockey's National Junior Evaluation Camp, Aug. 6-13, in Lake Placid, N.Y.
"I'm extremely honored to coach this team," Blais said. "It's really exciting to see how far hockey has come in our country. We now go into the World Juniors expecting to win and that will be our mind set from the summer camp right through the tournament next December and January in Edmonton and Calgary."
After leading Team USA to a sixth-place finish at the 1994 WJC in the Czech Republic, Blais was given the reigns once again in 2010 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. He'd lead the U.S. to five regulation wins, one overtime victory and one OT loss, capping the tournament with a memorable 6-5 overtime victory over host Canada in the gold-medal contest. It was the second gold won by the U.S. in the WJC and first since 2004 when Mike Eaves was at the helm.
Live Blog DU and BSU
We are going to give it a try yesterday the wireless was a bit questionable in the Xcel Energy Center but we will give it a go.
College Hockey Links
Brad Malone was interviewed by Mike Chambers yesterday. [part 1], [part 2], [part 3]
Here is the list of 2011 Hobey Baker Finalists
Matt Frattin, UND
Jack Connolly, UMD
Justin Schultz, University of Wisconsin
Cam Atkinson, BC
Paul Thompson, New Hampshire
Chase Polacek, RPI
Carter Camper, Miami University
Andy Miele, Miami University
Gustav Nyquist, University of Maine
Paul Zanette, Niagara University
Kristo happy to be back
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| FIGHTINGSIOUX.COM |
There is a bible verse from John 8:32, “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Back when the incident first surfaced there were many rumors out there floating around Grand Forks, ND and on the Internet. Most of them were various degrees of a student athlete being in an intoxicated state. I guess there are a few people out there that owe Danny Kristo an apology eh? Brad Schlossman from the Grand Forks Herald has an interesting interview with Kristo and none of the stories that I heard jive with Danny’s take on the incident. Kristo said that “No alcohol was involved,” where are all the prognosticators today?
Brad Elliott Schlossman, Grand Forks Herald ---“No alcohol was involved,” Kristo said. “I was not drunk. I know there are rumors going around about that. I did make some poor decisions that night, like not wearing socks and a pair of tennis shoes when it’s 30 below in Grand Forks. That’s not very smart. I did have some bad judgments on that night, but alcohol was not one of them.”
The incident
Kristo said he was home alone at his apartment, located across the street from the Alerus Center and behind Ray Richards Golf Course at about 9 p.m., when he decided to walk to a girl’s apartment located about seven-tenths of a mile away.
Kristo couldn’t drive because his car was at Ralph Engelstad Arena. He left it there the night before, opting to ride home with his roommates, Matt Frattin and Evan Trupp, when the team returned home from a road trip to Colorado College.
“We always carpool,” he said.
So, Kristo decided to take a shortcut across Ray Richards Golf Course to the girl’s apartment, which was located near the new Red Pepper location on 42nd Street. Kristo said he walked that path many times before.
This time, he wasn’t properly clothed for the cold temperatures. Kristo said he was wearing tennis shoes, no socks, sweatpants and a hooded sweatshirt. He had a stocking hat on, but no gloves or mittens.
There was a significant amount of snow on the course, but Kristo said it was iced over and he could walk on top of it.
“As I was walking, I hit some powder,” Kristo said. “My right foot dug way in there. It was almost waist deep. My left foot was still on top of the snow. I pulled my foot up and my shoe was off. I pulled out my phone (for light) to scan the snow. I couldn’t find it. It was dark in the middle of the course. My foot started getting really cold and I was digging pretty hard with my hands and I couldn’t find it.
“I looked back at my apartment and I looked to the apartment I was going to. I was closer to the apartment I was going to. My foot and my hands were starting to lose feeling and I knew I had to get there pretty quick. So, I pretty much ran there with one shoe on.”
UND team physician Greg Greek said frostbite doesn’t take long to set in when it is that cold.
“With those conditions? It doesn’t take more than a few minutes, if that,” Greek said.
Kristo, who also sustained frostbite on the hand he used to dig in the snow, said his foot was white when he got to the apartment. He wrapped it up and called Frattin and Trupp to tell them what had happened. They immediately went to the girl’s apartment.
“My first reaction was that I don’t know what to think,” Kristo said. “I knew I had to warm it up, but you don’t know many people who have had frostbite.”
Kristo told his teammates that he didn’t have feeling in his foot and they decided to take him to the hospital. Frattin threw Kristo (whose foot was wrapped) on his shoulders and carried him to the car and got Kristo to Altru.
Semi-Final Match-Ups (by Sioux 7)
The play-in game have come and gone. The Beavers won in overtime over the Bulldogs in the afternoon game, and the Tigers ousted the Seawolves in the the evening game.
Bemidji State vs Denver
I was impressed with the overall defensive play of the Beavers yesterday. Other than the short-handed goal, I don't remember them giving up an glaring odd-man rushed. This game really comes down to which Denver team shows up. Last weekend they had to come from behind both games to win, this time of year you don't want to make a living doing that. The Pioneers need to score first and force the Beavers to try and generate offense. If the Beavers score first they will gain confidence and can/could play a more of a defensive style game. I would like to see the Beavers pull off another upset, but the Pioneers have too much depth. DU WINS 3-2
Colorado College vs North Dakota
I was not impressed with the Tigers yesterday. The Seawolves had some great scoring opportunities early in the game and didn't capitalize on them. If UAA would have scored on one of them, I feel they would have won the game. The Sioux will have to adjust to someone other than Michigan Tech, since they played them the last two weekends. If the Sioux play there standard game, speed and solid defense, they should be victorious. SIOUX WIN 4-2
PS - Attendance seems be down this year, it was fairly empty in the arena, especially in the evening game. Without the Gophers in the tournament this year, the atmosphere is not all that good, in my opinion.
Bemidji State vs Denver
I was impressed with the overall defensive play of the Beavers yesterday. Other than the short-handed goal, I don't remember them giving up an glaring odd-man rushed. This game really comes down to which Denver team shows up. Last weekend they had to come from behind both games to win, this time of year you don't want to make a living doing that. The Pioneers need to score first and force the Beavers to try and generate offense. If the Beavers score first they will gain confidence and can/could play a more of a defensive style game. I would like to see the Beavers pull off another upset, but the Pioneers have too much depth. DU WINS 3-2
Colorado College vs North Dakota
I was not impressed with the Tigers yesterday. The Seawolves had some great scoring opportunities early in the game and didn't capitalize on them. If UAA would have scored on one of them, I feel they would have won the game. The Sioux will have to adjust to someone other than Michigan Tech, since they played them the last two weekends. If the Sioux play there standard game, speed and solid defense, they should be victorious. SIOUX WIN 4-2
PS - Attendance seems be down this year, it was fairly empty in the arena, especially in the evening game. Without the Gophers in the tournament this year, the atmosphere is not all that good, in my opinion.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Goon is such a man's man
Nothing says I'm a man like having a make up bag in your bathroom. Yes people, this is Goon's bag!!
Beavers 3 Bulldogs 2 O.T.
The Bemidji State Beavers have proven to be giant killers as of late, after traveling to Omaha, Nebraska and beating the third place UNO Mavericks during the first round of the WCHA playoffs, the Beavers went into tonight’s game having everything to gain and nothing to lose. Their task is to secure an auto qualifier in NCAA tourney. Based on their Pairwise ranking and their record 15-17-5 the BSU Beavers are going to have to win the WCHA Final Five if they want to make the NCAA tourney.
Tonight with the win against the UMD Bulldogs the Beavers were successful in the first step of a long journey. The BSU Beavers now live to fight another night as they will play the Denver Pioneers tomorrow afternoon at 2:07 pm. Denver swept the Beavers back in November 3-1 and 4-2 at home. So if the Beavers want to move on to the next round of the Final Five they are going to have to go through the second place Pioneers. If the Beavers beat Denver they are going then have to play the winner of the UND-CC game; albeit a tall order but not impossible.
BSU down 2-1 going into the third period when senior forward Matt Read scored the eqfualizer at the 0:28 mark of the third period to send the game to overtime. The Beavers beat the fourth place UMD Bulldogs 3-2 in overtime as Shea Walters scored at the 06:12 mark of the first overtime to send the Bulldogs packing and the Beavers to the semis. It was the first goal of the season for the junior forward from Hibbing, Minnesota.
Quotes from the post game press conference
Mike Connelly, UMD Junior Forward
"We came in and we did what we had to do, take the lead, got the second one. We came into the third period with a 2-1 lead. We came out pretty flat and we were never able to recover. Our record shows that we've been [to overtime] quite a bit. I think we are all comfortable in overtime, but tonight obviously wasn't our night, mainly because of a lack of effort from the players. We need to regroup and get ready for the next weekend."
Scott Sandelin UMD Head Coach
On not having to play (potentially) three games in three days before the NCAA tourney...
"The one thing about this team all year is that when they've had their backs against the wall, they've responded the right way every time and I expect our team to do the same. For us it gives us some time to rest a little bit. We have some guys that are banged up, hurt, sick and that stuff. It's no excuse. They've played because they came here to win this tournament. We have another chance, so hopefully our guys can continue to do what they've done all year.
-------------
Shea Walters BSU Junior Forward
On his game winning goal in overtime...
"It was a big win off the draw. It got kicked up to Dan MacIntyre who made a nice pass across and [Jamie McQueen] had a nice screen in front fortunately it went in. I just wanted to get it on net as quick as I could."
Tom Serratore BSU Head Coach
On the game...
"First off, I'm just proud of the guys. It was a tough game. I felt in the second period that we didn't have good legs. I thought UMD took it to us, but we were only down one goal [heading into the period]. Read converting in the first minute of the third period really elevated our play. It was a great 3rd period and we were fortunate to get the last bounce in overtime."
Tonight with the win against the UMD Bulldogs the Beavers were successful in the first step of a long journey. The BSU Beavers now live to fight another night as they will play the Denver Pioneers tomorrow afternoon at 2:07 pm. Denver swept the Beavers back in November 3-1 and 4-2 at home. So if the Beavers want to move on to the next round of the Final Five they are going to have to go through the second place Pioneers. If the Beavers beat Denver they are going then have to play the winner of the UND-CC game; albeit a tall order but not impossible.
BSU down 2-1 going into the third period when senior forward Matt Read scored the eqfualizer at the 0:28 mark of the third period to send the game to overtime. The Beavers beat the fourth place UMD Bulldogs 3-2 in overtime as Shea Walters scored at the 06:12 mark of the first overtime to send the Bulldogs packing and the Beavers to the semis. It was the first goal of the season for the junior forward from Hibbing, Minnesota.
Quotes from the post game press conference
Mike Connelly, UMD Junior Forward
"We came in and we did what we had to do, take the lead, got the second one. We came into the third period with a 2-1 lead. We came out pretty flat and we were never able to recover. Our record shows that we've been [to overtime] quite a bit. I think we are all comfortable in overtime, but tonight obviously wasn't our night, mainly because of a lack of effort from the players. We need to regroup and get ready for the next weekend."
Scott Sandelin UMD Head Coach
On not having to play (potentially) three games in three days before the NCAA tourney...
"The one thing about this team all year is that when they've had their backs against the wall, they've responded the right way every time and I expect our team to do the same. For us it gives us some time to rest a little bit. We have some guys that are banged up, hurt, sick and that stuff. It's no excuse. They've played because they came here to win this tournament. We have another chance, so hopefully our guys can continue to do what they've done all year.
-------------
Shea Walters BSU Junior Forward
On his game winning goal in overtime...
"It was a big win off the draw. It got kicked up to Dan MacIntyre who made a nice pass across and [Jamie McQueen] had a nice screen in front fortunately it went in. I just wanted to get it on net as quick as I could."
Tom Serratore BSU Head Coach
On the game...
"First off, I'm just proud of the guys. It was a tough game. I felt in the second period that we didn't have good legs. I thought UMD took it to us, but we were only down one goal [heading into the period]. Read converting in the first minute of the third period really elevated our play. It was a great 3rd period and we were fortunate to get the last bounce in overtime."
Ness signs contract with N.Y. Islanders
This is one of those moves I would classify as being a head scratcher of the silly season, the underperforming Aaron Ness has decided to fore go his final year of eligibility to sign with the hapless New York Islanders.
Roman Augustoviz, Goal Gophers - Junior defenseman Aaron Ness on Wednesday signed a three-year entry level NHL contract with the New York Islanders.
The Islanders took him in the second round of the 2008 NHL draft. The 5-10, 177-pound Ness scored two goals and had 12 assists for 14 points this past season with the Gophers.
Ness, 20, will join the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, the Islanders' AHL affiliate for the rest of their hockey season.
In his three-year career, Ness played in 111 games and had six goals and 37 assists for 43 points.
Ness said he was ready to take the next step in his hockey career. "I've still got to make improvements in a lot of areas," Ness said, "But my dream it to play in the NHL and this is best opportunity to keep progressing."
He was it was his decision to leave the university, not the Islanders' pressing him. "After three years, I had a lot of fun and got a lot better," Ness said. "But I asked around to see what I had to do.
"I had a great three years," Ness said. "And realistically, if I had to do it all over again," Ness said, "I would do the same thing. I had great coaches, great fans. Everything is put on a platter for you to succeed. I would have wanted to do better in the playoffs, to go further, but it happens."
Bruins' Marchand suspended for two games
The Wheels of justice have spun and Brad Marchand received a two game suspension from the NHL and will miss the next two games against the Predators and the Leafs.
TORONTO – Boston Bruins forward Brad Marchand has been suspended for two games and will forfeit $6,330.64 in salary for delivering an elbow to the head area of Columbus Blue Jackets player R.J. Umberger in NHL game #1044 Tuesday night, the National Hockey League announced today.
Marchand's fine is based on his average annual salary and is calculated under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement. The money goes to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund.
The incident occurred at 11:40 of the second period when Marchand approached Umberger from behind and struck him in the neck and side of the head with his elbow. No penalty was assessed on the play.
Marchand will miss the Bruins' next two games -- tonight at Nashville and March 19 at Toronto. He will be eligible to return March 22 against New Jersey.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Dany Heatley elbows Steve Ott
First off I am not a fan of Steve Ott and his antics and I think he is a disgusting puke and his hit from Dany Heatley is probably about karma and in a way I am sure that he probably had it coming and deserved this based on all of the questionable things that Steve Ott does on the ice, however, the rules are the rules and Former Wisconsin Badger Dany Heatley did elbow Steve Ott in the face and was suspended for two games by the NHL.
Here are a few examples of Ott's Thuggery...
Steve Ott Runs Campbell.
Steve Ott hits Jordan Leopold with cheap shot
Steve Ott spears an L.A. King
Brad Marchand hit on R.J. Umberger
Brad Marchand of the Boston Bruins has a disciplinary hearing with the NHLfor this hit on R.J. Umberger in last night game against the Columbus Blue Jackets. In my opinion it's a violation of rule 48 and worthy of a suspension from the NHL.
48.1 Illegal Check to the Head – A lateral or blind side hit to an opponent where the head is targeted and/or the principal point of contact is not permitted.
Final Five Play-in Match-Ups (by Sioux 7)
This is year it is a different format, since we have 6 teams, instead of 5. Now we have two play-in games on Thursday, and eliminated the third place game (which normal took place on Saturday afternoon).
Every team in St. Paul has a chance at the Broadmoor Championship and the NCAA auto-bid to the tournament. Three teams, UND, DU, and UMD are all but guaranteed a spot in the NCAA tournament, so the remaining three teams have more to lose this weekend.
Note - There will be a total of three Broadmoor Trophies. The largest will be on permanent display at the Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul in conjunction with the WCHA Final Five, one will be a traveling trophy, and one will be given to the winning team each year as a permanent addition to their display case.
WCHA 2010-11 FINAL standings
TEAM……………..…....W-L-T...Pts1. North Dakota…...…….21-6-1…43
2. Denver……..……...……17-8-3…37
3. Nebraska-Omaha.…..17-9-2…36
4. Minnesota-Duluth......15-8-5…35
5. Minnesota…….....…...13-10-5…31
6. Colorado College…....13-13-2…28
7. Wisconsin……….....….12-13-3…27
8. Alaska-Anchorage…12-14-2…26
8. St. Cloud State….......11-13-4…26
10. Bemidji State…….….8-15-5…21
10. Minnesota State…...8-16-4…20
12. Michigan Tech………2-24-2…6
(Numbers are current PairWise Rank)
Bemidji St. vs #6 Minnesota-Duluth(season series UMD wins 1-0-1)
Last weekend the Beavers swept the UNO Mavericks in Omaha and the Bulldogs swept the SCSU Huskies in Duluth.
These teams played a pair of games in Bemidji back at the end of October, with the Bulldogs winning a 3-2 in OT and the rematch ended in a 1-1 tie.
The Beavers will be the underdog in this series, something they are use to this year. Other than beating up on UNO this season, the Beavers have had a hard time against the other top teams in the WCHA. Perhaps BSU needs to pretend they are playing UNO again this weekend? The Bulldogs dispatched a hot SCSU Husky team last weekend, granted it was a sweep, but going into a 3rd overtime on Saturday night is almost like playing 3 games. That coupled with a short off week, could be a factor in Thursday afternoons game. The Beavers need to continue to ride the stellar goaltending they got last weekend into St. Paul, if they want to advance. Giving up that many shots game in and game out will eventually catch up with a team, BSU hopes that isn’t this weekend. UMD appears to have righted their ship after it was listing a little toward the end of the regular season. If BSU can keep UMD’s top line off the score sheet they should be able to win. If UMD can get some goals into the net and get a lead they can open up the offense and try to bury the Beavers. BULLDOGS WIN
#20 Alaska-Anchorage vs #13 Colorado College(season series UAA wins 3-2-0)
Last weekend the Seawolves swept the UM Gophers in Minneapolis and the Tigers won their series with the Badgers in Colorado Springs.
These teams played have played 5 times this season. First time these teams met this season was in October in Fairbanks Alaska with the Tigers winning that game. In mid-November they met in Colorado Springs with the teams splitting, a 4-3 OT win for UAA and a 2-0 CC win. Then they met in Anchorage in mid-January with the Seawolves sweeping the Tigers, by 4-1 and 2-1 scores.
The Seawolves are riding a season best 5-game winning streak at the moment. The Tigers were the only team to play a 3-game series last weekend. This marks the 2nd time UAA has made the Final 5. The last time was March of 2004 and then like now, they play the CC Tigers. Back in 2004 the Seawolves beat the CC Tigers in the play-in game and then fell to UND and UMD. The Tigers had to come from behind twice to advance to this point, some might call it luck, some might say they rose to the occasion. Whichever way you put, I think they are living dangerously and don’t want to do it a third time. It is also hard to believe that UAA is heating up at the right time of year, they are getting goals and limiting their opponents scoring opportunities. The Tigers need to win to secure up their place in the pairwise and the NCAA picture. The Seawolves need to win this game and one or two more to get into the tournament; obviously if they win the Broadmoor they get the auto-bid. SEAWOLVES WIN
#2 North DakotaLast weekend the Sioux swept the MTU Huskies in Grand Forks.
The Fighting Sioux will play the winner of the UAA-CC game on Friday night.
On the season, UND is 2-0-1 versus UAA, and is 1-1-0 versus CC.
#6 DenverLast weekend the Pioneers swept the MSUM Mavericks in Denver.
The Pioneers will play the winner of the BSU-UMD game on Friday afternoon.
On the season, DU is 1-1-0 versus UMD, and is 2-0-0 versus BSU.
Also to note, UNO is currently tied with CC for 13th in the Pairwise rankings. So barring some major upsets getting auto-bids, the Mavericks have a good shot at getting into the NCAA tournament.
Ex-Gopher Cepis signs with Lake Erie Monsters
Goal Gophers --- Jacob Cepis, who finished as the Gophers' leading scorer, has signed with the Lake Erie Monsters of the American Hockey League.
"They called me right away," said Cepis, who practiced with the Monsters on Tuesday. "They are 10 minutes away from my home. I am super excited to play some games this weekend."
Cepis is from Parma, Ohio. The Monsters' arena is in Cleveland.
Lake Erie has three games this weekend and 13 left total in the regular season.
"Their head coach [Dave Quinn] recruited me when I went to Minnesota," Cepis said. "He was an assistant at BU."
That's Boston University. This is Quinn's second season at Lake Erie coach.
Cepis finished with 12 goals and 17 assists for 29 points for the Gophers. He wore No. 17 as a Gophers, but that number was taken on the Monsters so he is No. 38.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Gopher fans are really going to be happy now; Minnesota Gophers AD Joel Maturi, hockey coach Don Lucia talking contract extension
Minnesota athletics director Joel Maturi is working on a contract extension for Don Lucia, and the men's hockey coach said this afternoon there is no doubt he will sign it.
"I want to be here, and someday when I leave here, I want to leave when it's going good," Lucia said this afternoon. "I want to win another national title; I don't want to just make the Frozen Four. I want to walk away when we're on top, and I want to get that back. That's my goal."
Lucia led the Gophers to back-to-back NCAA titles in 2001-02 and 2002-03 but has struggled to keep pace in a new era of college hockey, one in which top players are lured early to pro hockey by NHL clubs looking to save money.
Minnesota's season ended last weekend with a first-round loss to Alaska Anchorage in the WCHA playoffs, marking the third straight year the Gophers (16-14-6) failed to make the NCAA tournament, and the second straight year they missed the WHCA Final Five, which starts Thursday at Xcel Energy Center.
Maturi and Lucia met Monday and for the first time discussed an extension. Lucia has one year left on his contract.
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