Sunday Links

I have to admit that It’s been tough waiting for this Thursday’s Frozen Four, the suspense is killing me. There has been a lot of stuff going on this week and I thought I would get you up to date if you haven’t seen the links and stories out there for this week’s upcoming Frozen Four.

The Fighting Sioux hockey team has been cleaning up in the individual awards.

Aaron Dell was awarded the INCH Goaltender of the Year and Matt Frattin was awarded the College Hockey News Player of the year.

Chay Genoway was on the Minnesota Wild Hockey Radio click here to listen to the podcast. [click to listen]

Julie Robenhymer of Hockey Buzz has a feature on Matt Frattin.



The New York Times has an awesome article about Matt Frattin. On New Path, Leading to Frozen Four... [click to view]

That was what Gilberto Frattin has been hoping to hear since those discussions in the family kitchen.

“I’m a little bit of an old-fashioned type of guy,” he said. “I believe that if you don’t bury your skeletons, they come back to haunt you.

“He made all of the right choices. I’d never take any credit for that. We just gave him support.”

From USCHO and my favorite pseudo reporter PCM; For North Dakota’s Goehring, it’s back to school — this time as teacher [click to view]

Miami Redhawk and Hobey Baker Hat Trick Finalist Andy Miele has signed a professional contract with the Winnipeg Jets Phoenix Coyotes. [click to view]

Does anyone see anything wrong with this paragraph?

The Wolverines must beat the team that eliminated them from the Frozen Four in 2007. Michigan suffered a 5-4 overtime loss to the Fighting Sioux that season and the teams have not met since then.

The University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux beat the Michigan Wolverines 8-5 in the Denver Regional. [box score]

Allen York the goalie for RPI that the Sioux beat last Saturday afternoon has signed a professional contract with the Springfield Falcons of the AHL and won two games this week. [Parting Schotts]

Roman Augustoviz from the Star Tribune has a great article about Matt Frattin; Tough love puts UND's Frattin on right path... [Click to view]

Virg Foss, the former beat writer for the Grand Forks Herald has a nice article in today's paper... Time will tell about this Sioux team [Grand Forks Herald]

University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux Notes: UND, Michigan tangle in Frozen Four semis [fightingsioux.com]

Some news about our Thursday night opponents the Michigan Ugly Helmets; Former walk-on goalie Shawn Hunwick leads Michigan back to Frozen Four [Detroit Free Press]

Here is a break down of the University of Michigan's Frozen Four history [Detroit Free Press]

2nd Annual Robbie Earl Memorial Diver of the Year Award - Frozen Water Division (Redwing77)

A Year in Review

This year is a relatively "down" year in terms of the field. The committee didn't really have any solid choices to fill a top 10. In fact, when considering writing the final run down to the winner of this prestigious award, we couldn't even put up a field of 3. So, what the heck, we're just going to go with the two contestants we have: Jacob Cepis (Sr. Forward - U Minnesota) and Defending 2010 winner Garrett Roe (Sr. Forward - SCSU).

The Challenger

Jacob Cepis, a native of Parma, Ohio came to the Twin Cities from 1.5 impressive years with Bowling Green State University of the CCHA. Well, maybe impressive is relative in this case because BGSU had only one decent player: Cepis. After 18 games and an "impressive" 5 points and 14 PIM, he decided to take his talents to the Twin Cities. Some say his talents were as a sniping, scoring forward citing his stellar rookie year with BGSU on a less than stellar team. Some say it is his showmanship. Well, he certainly opened eyes with the University of Minnesota. He was almost scoring at will, thanks to his ability to score when there wasn't enough players on the opposition to rub him out of the play. It is wondered whether or not he learned at BGSU or at Minnesota when you feel the need to score, wait for a opposing player to skate by you and then fall like you've been shot. In his first half season with Minnesota, he really burst onto this scene flopping all over the place. He nearly overtook Garrett Roe for the inaugural award. Some say it was because it was only because he played 21 of Minnesota's 39 games that season.

Some say his antics mimic the namesake of this award and therefore makes him most deserving. He brings more than merely diving and feigning injury. He has a feisty side to him as well, such as slashing opposing players when they are otherwise caught up and unable to defend themselves. He's always willing to jump into the fray provided that there is minimal chance of retaliation.

Many, including Goon consider Cepis to unseat Garrett Roe for this year's award.

The Defending Champion

Garrett Roe has had an impressive resume of being able to fool WCHA refs, sometimes at will, by flopping to the ice and feigning illegal contact having been received. He tenacity in this regard, opening up his teammate Ryan Lasch for his career season in St. Cloud made him the lock in 2010 for the inaugural award. He even had the reputation to feign serious injury and then be right back out on the ice during the powerplay.

This season, however, Lasch had graduated and Roe found himself in a different role. He was no longer the Robin to Lasch's Batman. His number of dives went down and some even argue that his ability to fool the refs diminished as well. When asked, sources cite the playoffs even last season, where Roe got called for Diving, something WCHA refs are among the most reluctant officials to call (probably because they don't know the difference between diving and a legit call). Such a setback probably left him a bit down in the race to start off his senior season.

Still, you don't win the award and then change completely overnight. He has certainly earned his place on this list once again.

The Winner is....

After much debate and asking around, we have to give the nod to...

Jacob Cepis, Senior Forward from the Golden Gophers of the University of Minnesota.

It was hard to give the award to someone other than Garrett Roe. He did such a great job and Cepis seems to be playing the role of "Johnny Come Lately," but you can't argue that Cepis just had more to prove in this category than Roe. Roe used to be the fall guy to Lasch. Cepis came in with the name on the back being just as important as the name on the front of his jersey. Roe's ability comes from the confidence that, by acting in this unethical fashion, you can get the advantage for your teammates. It was a flaw that Cepis doesn't have.

Congrats to Jacob Cepis. You'll be missed by Gopher fans everywhere but will inevitably fade into obscurity just like everyone else who wins this award.

David Backes get his 100th NHL goal.

Congrats to former MSU-M Maverick David Backes on getting his 100th career goal. Watching the goal it looked like who's who of college hockey alums, David Backes MSU, T.J. Oshie UND and Kevin Shattenkirk from BU.

Players not down with Winnipeg?

Illegal Curve Picture

So are the Winnipeg Jets fans really worried what some mediocre third line player at twilight of their hockey career a la Eric Belanger has to say about the city of Winnipeg? I hardly think so, the fact remains is that the NHL is drawing poorly in the desert and I can’t fore see crowds this putrid in Winnipeg. What do you think?

Toronto Sun --- While talk of possibly moving the Phoenix Coyotes to Winnipeg is getting most hockey fans excited, especially those in Winnipeg, Coyotes forward Eric Belanger is among the minority that are not thrilled with the idea.

While this is just the latest turn in the ongoing saga surrounding his team, Belanger isn't about to ignore the issue and hope it blows over.

He knows that the Coyotes' days in the dessert are likely numbered, but Belanger, who rarely minces words, doesn't see Winnipeg as a dream destination.

“The guys have been talking about it a bit more every day, and the one sure thing is that we want to play in Phoenix and not in Winnipeg,” said Belanger. “Personally, and I won't name any names, but I've chatted with guys that have played (in Winnipeg) and don't want to go back. There are reasons why hockey wasn't working in Winnipeg at the end, I don't see how that would have changed.”

Belanger, who has also played for the Los Angeles Kings, Carolina Hurricanes, Atlanta Thrashers, Minnesota Wild and Washington Capitals says he has nothing against the Winnipeg hockey fans that are desperate to see a team back in their city.

“There are good fans there, but Winnipeg is still Winnipeg,” Belanger said. “In January and February, I doubt that my family would follow me out there for a holiday.”

Character issue, a simple search on Google would have concluded other wise.

I was surfing the net tonight and perusing Twitter tonight when I came across Elliot Olshansky’s latest Hobey Watch blog post. I am not here to pick on Elliot I like his work for the most part but a simple search on Google.com would have refuted his claim. None of this season’s Hobey Hat Trick is squeaky clean and I have come to the conclusion that all of this years Hobey Baker Hat Trick Candidates are flawed, such is life…

Hobey Watch, USCHO.COM --- Neither Cam Atkinson or Andy Miele has ever had a disciplinary issue during three or more years of college hockey. If we’re comparing these players to one another in terms of how they fit into the various Hobey criteria, then I have to say that both Atkinson and Miele have a leg up on Frattin in the character department. It’s all well and good to learn from your mistakes, but that doesn’t put you on equal footing with people who never made those mistakes in the first place.

I mean seriously we all know what Matt Frattin did... All you have to do is look it up on google.com and you will see the lawn Mower throwing inicident, after he was arrested for DUI in Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2009 Frattin was dismissed from the Fighting Sioux hockey team.

Andy Miele had his own issues as well and he had to work on an academic issue to get into Miami.

“It was an academic issue that we needed to clear up,” Miami coach Enrico Blasi said. “Once the NCAA gave us the go-ahead, we brought him in in January. We thought he could help us make a run, which he did, and he knew he’d sacrifice a year on the back end, but it was well worth having him come in early.”

Miele made an immediate impact with the RedHawks, posting six goals and eight assists in 18 games in his shortened freshman season.

B.C. Eagle Cam Atkinson isn't squeaky clean either some might say that he had some anger management issues to work on earlier in his college career.

ASSAULT
Thomas Atkinson, 50, and his two sons Cam Atkinson, 19, and Tommy Atkinson, 20, were arrested Aug. 19 and charged with breach of peace. According to police, the senior Atkinson was driving and attempting to make a left-hand turn from Sheephill Road onto East Putnam Avenue when he was cut off by three teens on bicycles. Atkinson reportedly began exchanging profanities with one of the teens as they all rode onto East Putnam Avenue. When they all reached the McDonald’s parking lot in Riverside, Atkinson reportedly contacted his sons, Cam and Tommy, and they responded to the scene to confront the teens. The two younger Atkinsons allegedly began kicking and punching the boy who had gotten into the argument with their father, injuring the boy’s forehead. Cam and Tommy Atkinson were also charged with third degree assault. The men were released on promises to appear and are due in court Aug. 27.

Spirit Lake Member not invited to April 22nd Meeting.



According to the Grand Forks Herald, ND State and UND officials will meet with the president Mark Emmert of the NCAA on April 22 in Bismarck at site to be determined whether the athletics association is open to revising its position regarding the Fighting Sioux nickname and Indian-head logo. The Spirit Lake tribe has not been invited to this meeting, this is unacceptable in my opinion, I want the NCAA to tell the Spirit Lake Member that supported UND’s use of the Fighting Sioux logo by a 67% margin tell them that the Fighting Sioux Logo is hostile and abusive.

Tribes not invited, but maybe later

When the law was passed, NCAA officials said the policy on usage of American Indian names and imagery stands and the North Dakota law was a “state matter,” and they declined further comment. But many nickname champions have suggested that the NCAA may be willing to reevaluate UND’s status in light of the legislative action, the Spirit Lake Sioux Tribe’s endorsement and evidence of strong support for the nickname among some of the people at Standing Rock.

After Shaft said on Wednesday that he was trying to arrange a meeting with the NCAA and the state and UND officials, several nickname supporters asked why representatives of Spirit Lake and Standing Rock would not be included.

“Until we have these initial contacts and learn where the NCAA stands now, what opportunities there may be for something different, this is not the time to have the tribes at the table,” Shaft said today. “But if there does appear to be room to work with the NCAA, then we will engage the tribes in the talks.”

Lucic works Rosehill

Jay Rosehill vs Milan Lucic, that was a good fight between two heavy weights, Lucic makes a statement that you can't just take gratuitous hacks at the Bruins players without having to answer the bell. Some pundits would say that you don't want your top goal scorer fighting because if Milan Lucic (30g-30a-60pts) breaks a hand he will be on the shelf for the Stanley Cup playoffs, but Lucic has been known for his epic fights in the past.

Despite nickname dispute, NCAA sells Sioux merchandise in online store

But of course they will… So; I want to make sure that I am getting this right, the Fighting Sioux logo is considered to be hostile and abusive by the NCAA, but they are still going to sell jerseys and merchandise with the Fighting Sioux logo anyways. So they are putting dollars signs above principle? I wonder if the NCAA feels dirty for doing this? No I can’t see how anyone would consider that to be hypocritical…

FARGO – Forgive fans of the University of North Dakota if they’re feeling short-changed by the NCAA these days.

With the UND men’s hockey team playing in next week’s Frozen Four, the NCAA’s online store is selling Fighting Sioux apparel. The decision has some wondering how the NCAA can promote selling the apparel yet reached a settlement with the university to retire the logo and nickname.

The NCAA determined the logo and nickname to be offensive to Native Americans.
“According to the NCAA, they feel the Sioux nickname is hostile and abusive,” said 28-year-old Grand Forks resident Jake Bondy, “So why would they sell hostile and abusive gear? It would be like me selling Fords and telling people how bad Chevys are and then I went out and bought a brand new Chevy.”

The NCAA, college athletics’ governing body, and UND have had a long-standing battle over the nickname and logo. The end result was that UND and the NCAA agreed to retire the nickname and logo on Aug. 15.

“The university is authorized as part of the court settlement agreement until the deadline, which includes the use of that logo as part of the championship product,” Christianson wrote.

When asked if the NCAA was hypocritical for selling Fighting Sioux apparel on its Web site, Christianson wrote, “It is not hypocritical – it is part of the settlement.”

A phone call was made to North Dakota’s athletic department seeking comment from athletic director Brian Faison, who was not available.

Spirit Lake Sioux Tribe Hoping to Give Input to NCAA

I have to agree with Tony Delorme, why not let the Spirit Lake Sioux have a seat at the table? If my memory serves me right, Spirit Lake had a vote that was 67% in favor of the Fighting Sioux name? I think it would be interesting to see Members from the Spirit Lake Sioux at the meeting and tell representatives from the NCAA that they are in favor of the Fighting Sioux nickname and they don’t think it’s hostile and abusive. I would also love to be at the table and see what the NCAA members reaction would be.

WDAZ.COM --- Some Spirit Lake tribal members are wondering what their role will be in the latest UND Fighting Sioux Nickname development.

The North Dakota State Board of Higher Education is hoping to set up meetings with the NCAA on legislative developments regarding the Fighting Sioux nickname and logo.

Representatives from the tribe say they feel a little disrespected that they have not been asked to be involved with the NCAA.

The tribe did take a vote on keeping the Fighting Sioux Nickname and Logo and it did pass.

Tony Delorme with the Spirit Lake Nation says there were mixed feelings after the vote from the Senate came in, but the tribes and the state are coming together for something they believe in and the tribes could make a difference with the NCAA.

Blues forward T.J. Oshie to donate both pay checks to charities.



picture by zimbo.com

 I think it’s a nice touch for a hockey player that has had a rough week. Seriously, I don’t know why T.J. Oshie missed practice nor do I really care. Oshie made a mistake and paid for it by missing two games due to a suspension, manning up to his mistake he donated the money he was supposed to make to a St. Louis Blues Charity.

ST. LOUIS (AP) -- T.J. Oshie ended a two-game suspension Thursday, apologizing to his St. Louis Blues teammates, the organization and its fans for missing a practice.

Oshie was back on the ice at the team's practice facility after being disciplined by the team for missing a workout Monday in what the Blues called an unexcused absence.

"I was irresponsible. I made a mistake," Oshie said in his first public comments. "I realize that. It was my full responsibility to get here (on Monday) and get here on time."

The 24-year-old center met with Blues general manager Doug Armstrong, coach Davis Payne and his teammates Thursday morning, and will be in the lineup when the Blues host the Calgary Flames on Friday night.

"The toughest thing for me was sitting at home and watching my teammates play a game," said Oshie, who also missed 31 games this season with a broken ankle. "... This morning was the first time I've seen them and I had a smile on my face. From here on out, I'm trying to move forward."

Oshie missed Tuesday's 3-2 shootout loss at home against Minnesota and Wednesday night's 10-3 victory in Detroit.

"We're very comfortable that (Oshie) understands the severity of missing practice," Armstrong said. "He accepts his two-game absence from the team. We've moved on and T.J.'s ready to move on and we'll have him back in the lineup tomorrow.

Oshie was paid for the two games he missed, but he has decided to donate both checks, one to the Blues' 14 Fund and the other to Dream Factory of St. Louis, a pair of charities run by the franchise.

"I want to let people know I did get paid for the two games that I missed," Oshie said. "I don't think that that's right."

John Scott, I will kick the bleep out of him...

CBS Chicago Image

Ah yes; the former MTU Huskies defenseman and former Wild pylon John Scott, the guy that is only redeeming quality is that he is really good at beating the crap out of someone, this is the same defenseman that has virtually no foot speed what-so-ever that ends up being a healthy scratch more times than not against the quicker teams in the NHL. Here at Goon's World we also know him as Mr. Anger Management, the former MTU Husky that threatened to beat the crap out of someone who accused him of running into their car, which he did. A real class act. Just for the record Scott has played so well this season that he hasn't been in the Blackhawks lineup since 3/20/2011.  s/t Rosies Hockey.

chicagobreakingsports.com --- Shawn Thornton received around 40 stitches above his eye Tuesday, accused the Chicago Blackhawks of razzing him from the bench and labeled the Hawks a team that will "chirp a lot," then reiterated Thursday on Boston radio that he and his Boston Bruins squad have a long memory.

Apparently, them's fighting words.

"He said that? That's fine. He can say what he wants," Hawks enforcer John Scott said Thursday of Thornton's team-of-chirpers assessment. "He's going after some of our littlest guys on our team to start a fight. He's trying to challenge (Fernando) Pisani to a fight. What's that say about him?

"He's Mr. Tough Guy and he's trying to challenge Pisani. If I'm in the lineup, he's more than welcome to come chirp at me. I'll kick the (bleep) out of him."

Early departures - the "silly season" is upon us

You can keep up with all of the early departures here. Here is one of the bigger early departures, Merrimack College lost their top sophomore forward Stephane Da Coasta as he he will forego his final two seasons of eligibility and signed a entry level deal with the hapless last place Ottawa Senators.

Warrior Rink Rat --- Merrimack sophomore Stephane Da Costa will forego his final two years of NCAA eligibility after signing a contract with the Ottawa Senators on Thursday, according to multiple sources.

The Parisian-born center scored 90 points in 67 games with Merrimack College from 2009-11.

Da Costa will become the first Merrimack player since Matt Foy in 2007-08 to play in the NHL.

Da Costa is expected to make his NHL debut on Saturday (7 p.m.) against the Toronto Maple Leafs in Ottawa.

The Denver Pioneers got some bad news of their own as they were informed that Sophomore defenseman Matt Donovan has signed an entry level deal with the New York Islanders.

NHL.COM ---- On Wednesday morning, the New York Islanders signed yet another one of their 2008 draft selections to an entry-level contract. Matt Donovan, who spent the last two seasons defending the blue-line at the University of Denver, inked his deal.

“I’m very, very excited,” Donovan said when reached by phone. “I hope that I can play the same game that I’ve played my whole life, continue to play solid defensively and hopefully contribute offensively as well.”

While his entry-level deal will not kick in until the 2011-12 season, Donovan will report to the Bridgeport Sound Tigers immediately, where he will play the remainder of the 2010-11 season with the Islanders American Hockey League affiliate on an Amateur Tryout Contract.

“Starting now will just help me get my feet wet in my professional hockey career,” Donovan said. “It will help me figure out where I am and where need to be (talent and endurance wise), which will really help me figure out how hard I need to work this summer to make it to the Island.”

Alexandria Blizzard win the Central division of the NAHL

The Alexandria Blizzard won the Central Division of the NAHL this past weekend and on the team from Alexandria are a few local players,  from Grand Forks, ND  -  Casey Purpur and Paul LaDue, from West Fargo, ND Tyler Swanson. Also, on the team from Williston, ND Jordan Nelson and Adam Knocknemus from Roseau, MN.

Calgary’s Matt Stajan scores, or does he? No goal...

I was watching this game last night and I thought from what I could see that puck appeared to be laying on Emery's inside the net, this should have been a goal in my opinion, I think the video review booth in this case blew it. I like the idea of having a chip in the puck then you would know for sure if the puck was in the net for not.

Globe and Mail --- The first blow was the goal that wasn’t. The Flames crowded Anaheim goalie Ray Emery and swiped away at the puck then began celebrating as if they had scored. Replays showed the puck was somewhere in Emery’s possession as he fell backwards into his net. Ducks’ captain Ryan Getzlaf reached in and pulled the puck away then, when asked about his handiwork during a second-period intermission, said he did nothing of the sort. “Wasn’t me,” he protested.

After a six-minute delay, referee Gord Dwyer announced the puck didn’t completely cross the line. Flames’ fans quickly let their inner most feelings known.

“I’m telling you it was in. That’s all I can say,” said Calgary’s Matt Stajan, who was in on the action. “It’s too bad they got it wrong. We can’t blame the season on that. but it was a big momentum change.”

“Everybody was scrambling,” Getzlaf said afterwards. “They did a great job taking as long as they could to get (the call) right.”

Unknown Hawks player yaps at Bruins' Thornton as he leaves the ice

I am scratching my head on why the Blackhawks players would yap at Sean Thornton as he was leaving the ice with a huge gash in his face. Nothing but class there. Like I said in another post, "the Hawks players are lucky they were saved by the ref."

ESPN.COM ---- Referee Don Van Massenhoven assisted Thornton off the ice. As the two skated past the Blackhawks bench, a Chicago player shouted something at Thornton, and the Bruins’ pugilist took exception. He attempted to get past the ref and at the bench, but he was held back before exiting the ice.

“Something was said,” Thornton said. “Obviously I can’t swear when I talk to [the media]. There was some stuff said that I’m not happy about. I’m going to find out who it was and I will deal with it in my own way.”

Thornton said Van Massenhoven also was upset by the comments coming from the Chicago bench.

“He heard it,” Thornton said. “He didn’t know who it was either. He actually yelled at their bench. I appreciate it. Those guys on their team chirp a lot. I don’t know if it is right when someone’s face is half across the other side of their face, but it’s a tough game and people have to live with their actions. If you guys ever find out who it is, don’t be afraid to send me a Christmas card.”

Check out this video, Shaw Thornton gets cut

I was watching this game last night and I was kind of amazed by Shawn Thornton's tenacity and toughness. After being cut in the face by a skate blade most players would've just skated off the ice and down the tunnel to receive repairs. Someone on the Blackhawks bench said something and Thornton took issue with it and was ready to go toe to toe with one of the Blackhawks. Lucky for the Blackhawks player there was an official escorting Thornton to the Bruins' players bench. The cut required 40 stitches and Shawn Thornton will be OK.

Matt Frattin a Hobey Hat trick finalist

The Hobey Baker Hat Trick finalist were announced today, they are; Boston College junior forward Cam Atkinson, University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux forward senior forward Matt Frattin, and Miami University senior forward Andy Miele.

fightingsioux.com ---- Matt Frattin, the 2010-11 Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) Player of the Year, leads the nation with 36 goals and ranks second nationally with 60 points. The Edmonton, Alberta, native was also named to the All-WCHA First Team after winning the WCHA scoring race with 40 points in 28 league games.

The first Fighting Sioux to score as many as 36 goals since 1990-91, Frattin enters the NCAA Frozen Four with five more goals than any other Division I player, and nine more than any other WCHA player. He has scored an NCAA-leading 22 goals in 22 games away from home, with 11 of those coming in the third period or overtime. Two weeks ago at the WCHA Final Five, he scored both game-winning goals in leading the Sioux to their second straight Broadmoor Trophy as WCHA playoff champions. In all, Frattin was in on nine of 14 game-deciding goals in February and March when UND went 13-0-1 and captured WCHA regular season and playoff championships.

Frattin brings a career-long 15-game point streak into the Frozen Four, having amassed 16 goals and 29 points during that stretch. He also put together two of the five longest goal-scoring streaks in UND history, scoring in nine straight games from Jan. 29 to March 26, and in eight straight games from Nov. 27 to Jan. 8.

Frattin's 40 points during league play were the most by a Sioux since Jeff Panzer (49 points) and Bryan Lundbohm (40) in 2000-01, enabling him to become UND's first WCHA scoring champion since Ryan Duncan in 2006-07. His 33 goals are the most by a Sioux since All-American Brandon Bochenski scored 35 in 2002-03, and he has scored 44 goals in his last 52 games.

A recreation and tourism studies major with a 3.0-plus grade point average, Frattin was named to his second All-WCHA Academic Team earlier this month. He was also named to UND's Athletics Director's Fall 2010 Honor Roll.

Frattin has been

Brett Hull blames T.J. Oshies teammates.

Sports Illustrated

I was reading this article in the stltoday.com tonight and I have to admit that I kind of agree with Brett Hull. You've thought that one of his teammates would've given him a call on his cell or stopped by the house to see if he is ok.

This afternoon, Hull said that he didn't want to speculate on why Blues forward T.J. Oshie missed Monday's practice, but the Hall of Famer does know where he would point the finger.

"I don't know what the reason is, why he missed," Hull said. "But to me, I put less blame on him and blame his teammates. When we played together ... (Kelly Chase), (Adam Oates) and (Brendan Shanahan) ... we took care of each other. That never would have happened. Someone would have been at his house getting him up and getting him to practice.

"So to me, I would blame more the teammates than I would him. You've got to take care of each other, especially that team. They're so young. They've got such an opportunity to bond together and be a great team. There's so much talent there. They've got to take care of each other in those situations off the ice."

So you want tickets? Be prepared to pay.

Stub Hub Frozen Four Tickets

I have a bunch of people asking me about tickets, I know no one with tickets that are trying to sell theirs but here is a good place to go if your interested in going to the Frozen Four, it's going to cost you a lot of money though. I am sitting this one out but I am watching the Frozen Four in my brother-in-laws basement where we watched the UND Fighting Sioux go 2-0 this past weekend. [Check out this link for Stub Hub], [Tennessee Ticket Company]

UND Head Coach Dave Hakstol a finalist for the Spencer Penrose Award

2011 AHCA Men’s Ice Hockey Spencer Penrose Award Candidates

Red Berenson, Michigan— NCAA Semifinalist*
Dean Blais, Nebraska Omaha—WCHA Coach of the Year*
Dave Hakstol, North Dakota— NCAA Semifinalist
Jeff Jackson, Notre Dame—CCHA Coach of the Year and NCAA Semifinalist*
Nate Leaman, Union—ECAC Coach of the Year
Paul Pearl, Holy Cross—AHA Coach of the Year
Scott Sandelin, Minnesota Duluth— NCAA Semifinalist*
Jerry York, Boston College—HE Coach of the Year*
* Past Spencer Penrose Award Winner

Compare and contrast - What's the difference?

I know I am going to take some flak from fellow Sioux fans but watch the DU coach and what he says during the press conference. Seriously, say what you want about George Gwozdecky but I believe the man is a class act, to start the press conference he gives credit to his opponent… This seems to be a reoccurring theme. I had a chance to see him speak at two press conferences during the Final Five and in both instances coach Gwozdecky gave credit and kudos to the opposing team that his own team just played, Coach Hakstol did as well in both cases. Check out what Coach Hakstol had to say after Yale beat UND last year in the regional. [click to watch]

Now watch this press conference. Do you hear the coach from Yale give the UMD Bulldogs any credit? When I was in college one of my old football coaches said you win with class and you lose with class, you give your opponent credit as well. Yale didn't lose because of the officiating, they lost because UMD was the better team.

EDIT: Todd Bertuzzi elbows Ryan Johnson

The right call was made in this situation (5 minute major and game misconduct) as the Redwing's Todd Bertuzzi elbows former Fighting Sioux forward and current Chicago Blackhawk Ryan Johnson. I don't think that a suspension is coming from the NHL, but who knows with the NHL. Bertuzzi is a repeat offender so the league might take that into consideration.

Bertuzzi will not be suspended for his hit on Ryan Johnson. [detroitnews.com]

Monday Links...

There are some nice stories out there that are worth looking at on this Monday evening after an awesome weekend of hockey. Go Fighting Sioux…

Julie Robenhymer from Hockey Buzz has a great blog post on the NCAA tourney. Breaking Down the Brackets - How The Frozen Four Got There...[Click to view]

Looks like Merrimack College forward Stephane Da Costa will not be returning to college in the fall. [Click to view] That's a huge loss for Merrimack College.

Tim Boger from the Dakota Student has a blog post about the Sioux being half way to pay dirt. Good stuff there... [Click to view]

Kevin Pates has an article about the UMD and Yale game. College hockey: Penalty proved key for UMD's run to the Frozen Four [Click to view]

Without a Peer refered to UND as a runway truck... [Click to view]

Our Favorite USCHO writer Brian Sullivan has an article on Yale’s misfortune during the Regional; Yale pays the penalty and sees its season end. This article sounds more like sour grapes to me. From my perspective the hit was a penalty and the ref made the correct call, lets also be real, UMD out played Yale. Got to like how there is no credit given to UMD for their victory, that unacceptable in my opinion. Also, sounds like major league whining to me. [Click to view Article]

It sounds like Michigan junior defenseman Brandon Burlon will be returning for the Frozen Four for the Ugly Helmets Michgian Wolverines [Click to view]

The College Hockey blog has the Frozen Four by the Numbers. [Click to view]

More whining and lack of class from the Yale Daily. Hopes dashed in Bridgeport...[Click to view]

USA TODAY/USA Hockey men's poll

USA TODAY/USA Hockey men's poll
[March 28, 2010]
1 North Dakota (34) 32-8-3 510 1
2 Michigan 28-10-4 462 6
3 Minnesota Duluth 24-10-6 418 12
4 Notre Dame 25-13-5 394 9
5 Boston College 30-8-1 378 2
6 Yale 28-7-1 330 3
7 Denver 25-12-5 302 5
8 Miami (Ohio) 23-10-6 282 4
9 New Hamsphire 22-11-6 230 11
10 Merrimack 25-10-4 200 7
11 Colorado College 23-19-3 186 13
12 Union 26-10-4 134 8
13 Western Michigan 19-13-10 128 10
14 Nebraska Omaha 21-16-2 94 14
15 Rensselaer 20-13-5 16 15
Others receiving votes: Dartmouth 10; Boston University 4; Rochester Institute of Technology 1; Air Force 1.

Blood Check on Zucker

Here's a video of Big Ben Blood taking out Jason Zucker with a textbook body check.



Ben Blood is leading the country in plus minus. His 36 is far better than the next guy on the list, Notre Dame's Sean Lorenz who is at 29.

Matt Frattin is #3 at 28.

Blood has been a rock for us on defense, but he hasn't gotten the national attention that he's deserved.

Goon's in studio on 1310 KNOX - Tuesday from 4:30 – 5:00 PM

Listen to the Goon live at 4:30 pm – 5:00 pm on 1310 AM KNOX on Tuesday March 29th, 2011. R.J. and the Goon will be talking about last weekend NCAA Regional tourney... If you live out of town you can listen live by clicking on this web link... [Click to Listen]

Call in 701-775-5559, 1-866-KNOX-1310, email: Live@KNOXRADIO.com

Fire Hakstol… err wait a minute. Sioux 6 DU 1...

I was told by a friend tonight in an email that I should get the "Fire Hak!" thread going again. I laughed pretty hard when I read that email. Just think after losing to the UNO Mavericks 8-4 that there were fans that wanted the head coach of the Fighting Sioux fired for not winning that game and thought that if the Sioux didn't win the Frozen Four that would also be ground for Hakstol's termination. I would bet any money that those same fans that were calling for Mr. Hakstol's head are now firmly on board the Hakstol bandwagon at this very moment as the Sioux are once again going to the Frozen Four. But I digress... Not many coaches in the WCHA can claim to have the success that Dave Hakstol does.

The Fighting Sioux with the victory last night against the Denver Pioneers are making their fifth trip in seven seasons to the Frozen Four. Not a bad coaching job for Dave Hakstol and his staff. There were a lot of doubters in the Fighting Sioux fan base, but I never doubted this coach or this group of hockey players.

Good goaltending

There were people that questioned the goaltender Aaron Dell and said that he wasn’t very good. Those people were proven dead wrong as Aaron Dell took the reins from two year starter Brad Eidsness and won his 30th game of the season (30-6-2, 1.81 GAA and .924 sv%) with the win last night surpassed former NHL All Star and Fighting Sioux goalie Eddie “the Eagle” Belfour… Nationally, Dell is tied for first in the nation with 6 shutouts, number one in winning percentage, eight in save percentage, number one in goals against average. So I ask the doubters, how they can say that Aaron Dell isn’t very good goaltender?” Me personally, I would rather have Dell than any other goalie in the WCHA right now. Where would this team be if the Fighting Sioux didn’t have Aaron Dell, Brad Eidsness is a shell of his former self and couldn’t stop a beach ball earlier this season?

Balanced scoring

The Fighting Sioux were the second highest scoring team in the nation, second only to the EZAC team Yale, who was number one. You know how I feel about that stat so we will leave it at that, it is what it is, Yale racked up points playing a less than impressive schedule (44th SOS) the Fighting Sioux picked up their points playing the seventh toughest schedule. Breaking down the Sioux stats sheet, there are fifteen players on the Sioux roster with ten or more points, three players with twenty or more points, six players with thirty or more points, five players with forty or more points and one player with sixty points. That is some pretty good scoring dept.

Total Domination

Tonight after the first period I thought the Sioux did to the Pioneers what they did to the RPI Engineers, they beat them with their dept, the Pioneers were basically playing three lines to the Sioux rolling four lines and in the end the Sioux took the Pioneers to the wood shed.

An unnamed radio personality was complaining on twitter tonight about the Fighting Sioux still having their top players out on the power play at the end of the game. Like one of my old football coaches said, if you don’t want to get scored on play better defense, the time in the game is relevant. What the hell is the Fighting Sioux coaching staff supposed to do? UND isn’t a one line wonder like some teams and they are deep through the forward lines and the Pioneers were hacking away at the Sioux at the end of the game so I don’t blame Hakstol and co for putting the better guys out on the power play at the end of the game. The best cure for getting a team to stop taking penalties is to score on them on the power play. Just for the record Brett Hextall and Jason Gregoire are second line players. Yeah I know, they would be first line players on other teams in the WCHA.

Goon's three stars of the game
1.) Chay Genoway (0g-3a-3pts)
2.) Aaron Dell 1 GAA
3.) Brad Malone (1g-1a-2pts)

[Box Score]

Regionals Wrap Up (Redwing77)

It turns out I didn't do too badly after all.

I batted .500 on the Frozen Four lineup. I hit with UMD and UND and missed with Michigan and Notre Dame. For the record, I had UMD, UND, BC, and Miami.

UND vs. DU:

I was very nervous for this game because I believe that very few coaches know how to unravel UND's game plan. Gwozdecky and Blais do. York of BC have had luck in this as well. So, as you probably can guess, UNO, DU, and BC aren't teams I wanted UND to face off in the playoffs. And, from what I've read, I think UND still shouldn't have had to.

I agree with Michigan's blogger (link missing) who stated that DU and Michigan should have swapped regionals. Of course, then it would be UND vs. DU in the Frozen Four but oh well.

I was very impressed in this game with UND.

As for the Resch Center: They're only slightly better than Ford Field and that arena in Indiana. I think I've noticed ponds in rural Minnesota that had better quality ice. Actually, if I went to North Central Nebraska, I might find a few ponds in December that would rival the Resch Center.

My three stars:

First Star: Aaron Dell
Second Star: Brad Malone
Third Star: Chay Genoway

My All Regional Team:

Matt Frattin - UND
Jason Zucker - DU
Brad Malone - UND
Chay Genoway - UND
Matt Donovan - DU
Aaron Dell - UND

Tourney MVP: Aaron Dell - UND

Update: I can't find the actual All Tourney Team, but I now know that Genoway, Malone, Dell, and Trupp represented UND with Dell winning MVP.

Commentators for the Midwest Regional:

I don't know what to take of Paradise and whatshisface. During the RPI game they spent almost the entire first period apologizing for RPI and acted as if almost consoling RPI fans to prepare for the worst like UND is a big bad bully about to steal their milk money and give them a wedgie. Then UND starts scoring and suddenly their alter ego takes over and they're all chipper and happy about the goals.

DU/UND they spent almost the entire game blathering about whatever. They actually tuned out the Brock Nelson goal entirely. At least the cameraman paid attention. Look, I know what a 6-1 game looks like but every goal in this matchup mattered. It would have been nice if the commentators understood that.

CC vs. Michigan:

Michigan and CC both looked slow, but Michigan looked better and that's all that was needed to beat CC. CC was on borrowed time and made it much further than I originally thought they would. That being said, only UNH can match CC in terms of lethality among #4 seeds.

UNH vs. Notre Dame:

This game was boring... if you like offense. UNH tried to bring a fast game to the ice and Notre Dame kept slowing it down. Mike Johnson (goaltender, Notre Dame) played an awesome game and was named Player of the Game for it. I wouldn't be surprised if he was also the tourney MVP for that regional.

The Frozen Four matchup:

UND vs. Michigan:

Michigan is no slouch. They aren't great, but they're no slouch. Shawn Hunwick (UM goaltender) has played great... a lot better than I thought he would. Michigan does have some scoring but I think their offense is much like DU in that they really don't have any dynamic scoring. They're pretty balanced overall, but pretty easy to outmuscle. If UND plays a fast but physical game, much like they did today against DU, keeps the front of the net clear, and takes care of rebounds both on offense and defense, I think UND wins.

On paper, UND wins. In reality? Still a toss up.

My prediction: UND wins. No percentage on this one. I'm a Sioux fan. No one should expect any different in this category.

End Thought:

Don't know if I should be happy that Notre Dame won or sad that UNH lost. With Notre Dame in the tourney, you have ZERO Eastern teams. That's a good thing. With Notre Dame in there, you have two big schools (Michigan and Notre Dame) and two little schools comparatively (UND and UMD). I wonder how the coverage will work. Will they pull the Eastern Team Red Carpet act on Notre Dame and Michigan and poo-poo UND and UMD or will they play it equal or what?

Yeah!!! Blame the Sioux.

You've got to be kidding me??? I can't believe he would even say this, what a buffoon for even writing it. This is the beat writer that asks DU Head Coach George Gwozdecky what time RIT is playing at the press conference after his team has just beat C.C. in the WCHA Final Five. Surprisingly it was legit eh?

GREEN BAY, Wis. — After defeating Western Michigan 3-2 in double OT Saturday and faced with a relatively short rest period before this afternoon’s regional championship game against top-ranked North Dakota, the Denver Pioneers had trouble sleeping. They awoke twice at the Aloft Green Bay Hotel because of fire alarms, at about 7 and 8:30 a.m., according to DU radio guy Jay Stickney.

Yeah, your first reaction is to blame the over-indulged Sioux fan, and there are lots of them here, but apparently it was legit. Stickney said he checked with the front desk people and they said there were problems in the kitchen. Nobody had to evacuate the hotel, just exit their rooms and hang out in the hallway for short periods.

Something to ponder on Sunday morning; ECAC Hockey...

So after Union, Yale and RPI went an impressive 1-3 in the NCAA tourney this past weekend, can we now again call the ECAC the EZAC again? All season long we heard how tough the ECAC was top to bottom. The ECAC fans were upset with the rest of the college hockey world for rolling our eyes at this suggestion. We had seen this drill before. After watching Yale rack up wins against a list of unimpressive teams, we were lectured by the “Eastern college hockey pundits” that Yale was one of the best college teams in the country and they’re going to be punching their ticket to the Frozen Four in March. #epicfail #notwinning

I ask you, has anything actually changed? But I digress. After watching Yale play two games, I don’t think that Yale was even the best team in their conference. I had the opportunity to watch Union play three or four times this season, I believe that Union was best team in the ECAC. The Dutchmen gave UMD more of a fight that Yale did. Before someone jumps down my throat I saw the O’Neill hit on Jake Hendrickson that was a penalty and worthy of a major penalty and the refs made the right call in that situation.

Let’s think about this, Duluth (the fourth place team in the WCHA) rolled through Yale like a hot knife through butter. Almost true to form; and right on script, the ECAC teams were all gone by the end of the NCAA regionals. That right, the ECAC went 1-3 in their four NCAA games played. So I ask you college hockey fans, has anything really changed? NCAA titles are won and lost in March and April, there is no trophy for being number one in the pairwise during regular season nor is a there a trophy for having the most wins in January and February.

I had a debate recently with a person that had said top to bottom that the ECAC was most balanced league in all of college hockey. I immediately took issue with what this man had said; I told his argument was highly flawed and flat out wrong. Of course the man was perplexed that I would even question his logic.

Going forward I think my argument has been proven to be right with the results of this post season. All you have to do is look at what the WCHA has done this post season and what has transpired, the 10th place team in the WCHA took out the third place team and the fourth place team in the WCHA playoffs.

I honestly think after watching the tourney to this point that the WCHA has proved to be the toughest league top to bottom; think about this, how often does the 6th place team in any league take out the defending NCAA champion in the NCAA tourney? That doesn’t happen very often. Think about this, when the regular season ended the C.C. Tigers finished in 6th place in the WCHA standings and had to go to a third game against the Wisconsin Badgers to make the WCHA Final Five. The Tigers were also a bubble team and were one of the last teams in.

The Eagles were no cupcake and the Tiger took them down and hung an 8 spot on their team. Their goaltender had gone an impressive 8-0-0 in the NCAA tourney. That’s no small accomplishment in my opinion; the Eagles were the team that had won NCAA titles in two out the last three NCAA’s. The next night the Tigers played tough against Michigan. UMD took two of the anointed best teams that the ECAC had to offer and chewed them up and spit them out.

Sioux 6 RPI 0

Today was the first game of the Midwest Regional and the Fighting Sioux came out and put the woods to the RPI Engineers, the game was tight checking and close for the first period and the Sioux only led the game by one after one period, the Sioux eventually wore down the Engineers with their dept and broke open the game with four goals in the third period. The Sioux got one more goal in the third period to ice the game away. It was apparent as the game wore on that UND and RPI are no t on the same page are there is a huge difference between the two teams talent wise.

Nelson Knocked out of the game

There was one area of concern as RPI Josh Rabbani knocked Brock Nelson out literally and then Nelson was helped off of the ice by the trainer. In reviewing the video of the hit I would say that it could have been called a charge or interference. There was no penalty on the call and the Sioux went down the ice and scored. I do think that Brock Nelson has to keep his head up in that situation especially with a big physical team like RPI that tried to play physical against UND but to no avail.

Scoring for the Fighting Sioux were Brad Malone (2X), Danny Kristo, Jason Gregoire, Matt Frattin. Since coming back from frostbite, Danny Kristo has been on fire scoring (3g-2a-5tps) in his last three games. Kristo started out the season snake bitten and could hit water if he was standing in a boat in the middle of a lake. During the second half of the season, his fortunes have changed, Kristo has been on a scoring tear, if my math is right, Kristo had 1 goal, 4 assists and 5 points on November 26, since that date, Kristo has been red hot scoring (7g-15a-22pts).

Since coming back from his frostbite episode, It's almost like his frostbite incident has caused Kristo to refocus his efforts and play like a man that is possessed, his goal today was an awesome and the toe drag move was one for the highlight reels.

[Box Score]

Goon's three stars of the game
1.) Brad Malone (2g-0a-2pts)
2.) Danny Kristo (1g-1a-2pts)
3.) Aaron Dell shutout

Bracket Busting is legal

I think it would be an understatement if I said, “that my brackets are busted.” Actually, my brackets are now a piece of smoking rubble, I got one pick right the last two days. I am not doing very well I have only gotten on pick right and that was UND beating smoking RPI like a cheap cigar. I virtually have no chance of winning my pick-em contest that my buddy entered me into. #epicfail...

Controversy in St Louis

Last night there was a lot of controversy about the Michigan game winner against UNO, of course the ugly helmet fans are happy about this decision, why wouldn’t they be? Seriously, their team lives to fight reviewing everything that I have seen on the goal, I still think the refs made the wrong call on that goal review... That’s my opinion and I am not changing it. It should not take almost 10 minutes to review a goal, I am sorry if you can’t figure it out in 2-5 minutes it’s time to wave the goal off and get back to playing the game.

Ref that made call fired by the NHL

The ref that was part of controversial call is a disgraced and fired NHL/AHL referee. Harry Dumas who was fired by the NHL/AHL during the summer of 2006, I am not making that point up. So let me get this straight; in the biggest games of the year, the NCAA is using an on ice official that was fired by the NHL, that is not something to be proud of, that means this guy wasn’t very good, yet he is good enough to ref and NCAA Division 1 hockey game? How?!? I don’t like this precedent at all, you can’t tell me we don’t have other competent officials that haven’t been fired from the NHL or AHL that could call these regional games. [The Hockey Blog], [Hockey Refs] ... As a college hockey fan I find this to be unacceptable. But of course, Secretary Rules Editor Steve Piotrowski released this statement after the game.

"The officials' initial on-ice call was no goal. There was reasonable evidence to believe the puck had completely crossed the goal line. The play was stopped at the next non-advantage situation to allow an opportunity for the on-ice referees to review the video. Following video review, the on-ice referees determined through conclusive video evidence that the puck had completely crossed the goal line and exited the net by way of the goalie's leg pad."

What I find eve more puzzling is that Steve Piotrowski is from the CCHA so of course he is going to stick up for one of his member schools that benefited from the controversial ruling. The thing that really sticks in my craw is that it took the on ice officials almost 10 minutes to make the call, in my opinion that's unacceptable, if you don't see conclusive evidence that it's a goal in 2-5 minutes it's not there, no review should take that long, either there is visual evidence or there is not.

Ode to the Blown Bracket (Redwing77)

It's only the first day! But yup. My brackets shot to hell...sorta.

Union vs. UMD - Got this one right. Union shows that, though they are a good program, they haven't played anyone. UMD has had a tough schedule having to play teams like UND, DU, CC, UW, and UNO.

Yale vs. AFA - Unfortunately, I got this one right. I know I said unfortunately, because I know deep down AFA could have beat Yale. Yale is just like Union... Talented, but have played nobody. They're a lot like the SDSU of college hockey. Sure SDSU was something like 30 and 3 in this year's basketball season but they played nobody and UCONN destroyed them. The AHA somehow manages to be a weaker conference than the ECACHLMAO and they still took Yale to OT.

Yale vs. UMD - UMD easy. This will be the only bracket that will go according to my prediction. UMD will win because Yale hasn't played a team like UMD all season long. The Bulldogs of Yale bowing out to not even the best WCHA team would be epic and awesome.

UMich vs. UNO - I can't honestly remember who I picked for this matchup. However, I believe I picked UNO. When I went to the gym, UNO was up 2-0. And then they fell prey to the reason why I thought they would fall eventually: Not enough firepower to keep up with the big powers. Michigan is NOT a great team. They laid an egg to a slightly above average WMU team and it took the refs to give them the game vs. UNO. And I don't care about the blown call: UNO should have won this game so that the call wouldn't have had to be blown in the first place.

BC vs. CC - This game I went INCREDIBLY wrong and I let everyone who listened in to 1310 am this afternoon know how wrong I was. Who knew BC would score 4 goals and lose? Who thought CC would score EIGHT goals? You know what this reminds me of? Last year. UND vs. Yale. BC was totally looking forward to Michigan. Now they can look forward to Michigan without the pressure of actually having to play them. I guess Howe came up for them but 4 goals does not a great goaltender makes.

CC vs. Michigan - Well, I lose regardless in this bracket so I'm going to give the feel good props to CC. Michigan SHOULD win this game but BC SHOULD have won tonight so.. There you go.

This NCAA tourney isn't like the basketball tourney where #1s and #2s are dropping like flies... but year in and year out we learn that there is a reason why they play the games.

I just hope we don't pull a 2011 BC and RPI doesn't pull a 2011 CC. And maybe Goon wasn't smoking something when he predicted WMU beating DU. I don't know. I still have it UND vs. DU.

After further review the refs blow call, Michigan goal in O.T.

In reviewing this controversial goal it's my belief that the one ice officials Harry Dumas, Chip McDonald made the wrong call and in my opinion should never be allowed to ref a NCAA Division one tourney game ever again, it should not take 9 ½ minutes to review a goal. In my opinion this is a bitter pill for UNO to swallow and the refs are culpable in my opinion.

Former Badger Ryan Suter kicks puck into own net - video

Check it out

Friday afternoon Links - NCAA Hockey

Today is the opening day of the NCAA tourney and there is a lot of stuff going on.

Mile High City looks at the NCAA tourney from the Colorado Avalanche perspective. 

I have to question the timing of this article as Jesse Martin feels snubbed by Sioux ...

BC hockey takes new route toward NCAA title [ESPN.COM]

According to a tweet from Mike McMahon; Gustav Nyquist leaves Maine, signing with Detroit Red Wings last night. Here is the article to the signing.

UND Hockey; Gregoire, others still question marks [Click to read article]

Without a Peer looks at RPI's opponent the Fighting Sioux; WAP also looks at the Fighting Sioux logo as well. Here is the link to the Without a Peer podcast. [Click to listen]

INCH has their Midwest Regional preview, Mike Eidelbes picks the Sioux to win the regional.

Goon's in studio on 1310 KNOX - Friday from 4:15 – 5:00 PM

Listen to the Goon live at 4:30 pm – 5:00 pm on 1310 AM KNOX on Tuesday March 29th, 2011. R.J. and the Goon will be talking about last weekend NCAA Regional tourney and the up coming Frozen Four in the Xcel Energy Center April 7th and 9th ... If you live out of town you can listen live by clicking on this web link...[Click to Listen]

Call in 701-775-5559, 1-866-KNOX-1310, email: Live@KNOXRADIO.com

Brad Schlossman on Slap Schotts

If you haven't heard it yet Kevin Pates of the Duluth News Tribune and Brad Schlossman the Grand Forks Herald were on "Slap Schotts" [Fox Sports AM 980]Listen to Brad and Ken Schott break down the series between RPI and UND.

Jeff Jackson not a fan of the Big Ten Hockey Conference

Looks like you can mark down Notre Dame Fighting Irish head hockey coach Jeff Jackson as not being a fan of the Big Ten Hockey Conference. If you haven't seen it, WSBT.COM has good article that is worth taking a look at. I do think Jackson brings up some of the issues that others are concerned about.

SOUTH BEND -- And in Jackson’s opinion, the changes that will soon come are not a promising circumstance for the game at all.

"I think what the Big Ten is doing could potentially have a negative impact on college hockey," Jackson said. "I think it's great that Penn State is adding college hockey. I think it's great that the Big Ten is going to be allowed to play each other more often. I think that's great for college hockey. But separating themselves from our league and the WCHA could have a pretty profound effect on college hockey in general."

Jackson's worries are not so much about the effects on Notre Dame, so much they are about the impact the potential changes will have on smaller schools, and the overall health of the game at the college level.

"My roots are from a small school up in the (Michigan upper peninsula)," Jackson said. "I coached 10 years at Lake Superior State. And I think one of the worst things that could happen is that teams don't go up there and play anymore. Because it could be the death nail of their program. And I don't think anybody wants to see that.

"Notre Dame is going to be fine. It's just a matter of us reviewing everything, making sure what's in the best interest of our University and our hockey program."

NCAA 1st Round Match-Ups - (by Sioux 7)

The playoffs have reached the big show now with the start of the NCAA tournament this weekend. Let’s take a look at all the first round match-ups. Sorry these analyses are not very in depth, but I dont' have much first hand knowlegde of the non-WCHA teams.


EAST REGIONAL (Bridgeport, CT)
#1 Yale (27-6-1) vs #16 Air Force (20-11-6)The Bulldogs and the Falcons have played each other this year, back in mid-November. Yale led the game 3-0 before the Falcons rallied for a 4-3 win in Colorado Springs.

Many fans think that Yale is overrated, well, after this weekend they will know, win or lose. Last year the Bulldogs upended the Sioux in the first round, now the Falcons will be looking to upset the higher seed. YALE WINS 4-2


#8 Union (26-9-4) vs #9 Minnesota-Duluth (22-10-6)These teams have two common opponents this year, Minnesota and Bemidji State. The Dutchman beat the Gophers in Minneapolis with a 3-2 OT victory on New Year’s Eve, and then lost to BSU on New Year’s Day by a 3-1 score. The Bulldogs went 1-1-1 versus the Beavers on the season, winning and tying in Bemidji back in October and losing to them in the Final 5. UMD went 1-1-2 versus the Gophers on the season. Take that info for what it’s worth. Since this is the 8-vs-9 seed, whoever wins, it won’t be an upset. BULLDOGS WIN 5-4


REGION FINAL – YALE/AFA vs UNION/UMD winners
If my predictions end up being right, I’m going to go with Yale over UMD.


NORTHEAST REGIONAL (Manchester, NH)
#6 Merrimack (25-9-4) vs #11 Notre DameMerrimack was excellent at home this season posting a 14-2-1 record, and they were good on the road too, 10-6-3. With this game only being about an hour from home, I like their odds of winning this game. The Irish are 9-5-2 away from South Bend this year. Since I haven’t seen either of these teams play this year, I’m taking the easy way out and going with the higher seed. MERRIMACK WINS 3-2.


#4 Miami (OH) vs #13 New Hampshire (21-10-6)The Wildcats are 11-4-4 at home this season and are 10-4-2 away, even though they are the host institution; it isn’t at their home arena. The RedHawks are 7-5-4 away from Oxford this season. I saw one of their games this year and they have speed and skill on their forward lines. I think Miami’s depth will be the key in this game, even though this will really be a “home game” for UNH. MIAMI WINS 4-2


REGION FINAL – MC/ND vs Miami/UNH winners
If my predictions end up being right, I’m going to go with Miami over Merrimack.



MIDWEST REGIONAL (Green Bay, WI)
#2 North Dakota vs #15 RensselaerThe Sioux return to the tournament keeping their coach’s perfect attendance record at the NCAA intact (7 in a row). RPI has not been in the tourney since 1995, but they do have history, they have two national championships, ’54 and ’85. (UND has seven, ’59, ’63, ‘80, ‘82, ‘87, ’97, ’00.) The Sioux are led by the Magnificent Seven, their seven seniors. After an early exit from last year’s tournament, they are looking for some redemption. NORTH DAKOTA WINS 4-2


#7 Denver vs #10 Western MichiganWestern Michigan is only 5-6-7 away from Kalamazoo this season, and the Pioneers aren’t much better going 7-6-3 away from Denver. The Pioneers lost a heart-breaker to the Sioux in the Final 5 Championship game in double overtime. The question will be, how much do they have left in the tank after that? Last year DU was a number one seed and lost in the first round. The Broncos have been a pleasant surprise this year in the CCHA. No doubt both teams will come out swinging, and we’ll just have to wait and see who is still standing. WMU WINS 3-2


REGION FINAL – UNC/RPI vs DU/WMU winners
If my predictions end up being right, I’m going to go with North Dakota over Western Michigan.


WEST REGIONAL (St. Louis, MO)
#5 Michigan vs #12 Nebraska-OmahaThese teams met earlier this season, mid-October, in Ann Arbor with the teams splitting that series 4-2 UNO in the opener and UM winning 6-1 in the closer. Obviously these two are familiar foes, since UNO played in the CCHA for about a decade. The Wolverines are 7-6-3 on the road this year and the Mavericks are 8-9-1 away from Omaha. Dean Blais know how to coach, as does Red Berenson, so this should be on helluva game to watch. MICHIGAN WINS 4-3.

#3 Boston College vs #14 Colorado CollegeThis is the Eagles time of year, they won it all last year in Detroit, and three years ago too. The Tigers are back to the tourney again this year, and their coach has been here many times before. CC has an excellent top line, as does BC. Looking after that, BC has the edge, especially in goal tending; their starter hasn’t lost a game in the NCAA tournament. That said, people may say he is due to have a bad game this year, and the Tigers are hoping it is this one. In the one and done format anything can happen, but I don’t think it will be in this round. BC WINS 4-2


REGION FINAL – UM/UNO vs BC/CC winners
If my predictions end up being right, I’m going to go with Michigan over Boston College.

Bruce McLeod on the Fan 740.

Here is the interview in question [Click to listen]

Listen to what Bruce McLeod says he is basically saying in so many words, we aren't interested in adding Minnesota State University Moorhead. In a nice way he is saying don't call us, we'll call you.

NCAA has no shame, still selling Fighting Sioux logo

If you haven't seen this letter to the editor it’s worth a read, it was posted in today’s letters to the editor in the Grand Forks Herald. I think it's hypocritical as well, the NCAA want to ban the Fighting Sioux logo because the NCAA say it’s hostile and abusive but then NCAA is still making money off of the Fighting Sioux logo. Shameful!!!

GRAND FORKS — In 2005, the NCAA made a decision that schools with tribal logos and/or nicknames — including UND — were to be sanctioned, originally because they were deemed “hostile and abusive.”

Those sanctions would not allow UND or other schools like it to use tribal names or logos in post-season play nor could they host post-season championships.

Asking universities to do away with these logos — even suing schools and threatening them with sanctions — is a bold move. Therefore, the NCAA as an organization certainly should not be promoting let alone profiting off of the very logos it is against.

But the NCAA has not stopped selling the logoed wear of the schools that it has sanctioned. Hundreds of UND items are available on the NCAA’s website, www.shopncaasports.com. This at a time when the Sioux men’s hockey team will be participating in a prominent NCAA-sanctioned event.

Despite threats of the UND logo going away, the cost of Sioux apparel is up, and the rise doesn’t appear to be stopping. But go into any local retailer, and these items are flying off the shelves. Sioux apparel continues to rank among the hottest sellers.

It is interesting that the NCAA has not taken a hard stance on this and stated that regardless of the position of the school, the organization would be the first to stop selling the logoed apparel.

Has anyone associated with UND, the State Board of Higher Education or even the North Dakota attorney general’s office discussed this with the NCAA? Why is the organization profiting off of something it is so against?

Jennifer Dame

How are the Sioux supposed to act?

I am puzzled on how the Sioux are supposed to act when they win a conference trophy? Are they supposed to over celebrate? Dance around the arena, possibly go to the lobby of the Xcel Energy Center and sing their school song? The boys at INCH took issue with UND as well. From what I can tell is that the Fighting Sioux aren't satisfied with being the league regular season and post season champs, the Fighting Sioux want more, they want another trophy. Some programs might look at winning a Conference Trophy as successful season but I think for this team anything less than going to the Frozen Four will be seen as being unsuccessful season.

Without a Peer --- Let there be no doubt as to which team in this matchup has the pressure on them. Anything short of the national championship for North Dakota, especially given their dismissive demeanors after winning the MacNaughton and the Broadmoor, will be a failure. The Engineers, while they surely are going to go for the win, are merely happy to still be playing. That alone, or even combined with the elements above, isn't going to suddenly make RPI favorites, but there's something to be said for the freedom that comes with using house money.

Felger & Mazz: Mark Recchi On The Canadiens, Pacioretty

If you haven't heard this radio/audio clip it's worth a listen.

The hiring of Anastos is an interesting turn of events

I have been reading this story all day and into the night and my Bravo Sierra detector is in full force... The more I read this story the more it doesn't smell right. Who the hell hires a league commissioner to coach a high profile division one college hockey program? Especially, when the coach hasn't coached a hockey game in 20 years? This hiring makes no sense what-so-ever. I would think the game has changed in the last twenty years as well.

USCHO.COM --- In the press conference Wednesday announcing his hiring, Anastos said it himself: “It’s not every day a commissioner’s hired to come coach a team.”

I’d take that one step further. It’s not every day that someone whose last college coaching experience was nearly 20 years ago is hired as a head coach at a high-profile university.

That’s one question I have. Why did Michigan State choose someone with no recent direct college hockey coaching experience?

MSU athletic director Mark Hollis took everyone through his hiring process at the press conference. “I’ve had the opportunity to meet with so many people — people from the hockey world, people from the athletic world, and people from the business world, talking about what it takes to be a great leader, what it takes to be a great coach, and frankly what it takes to be a great Spartan. Through it all we started with 20-plus names.”

Twenty? Really?

“In the end,” said Hollis, “Tom Anastos jumped to the forefront on all the characteristics I believe take a true leader. I think when I step back and I look, any time I hire a coach I step back and look at my three children, and I think, ‘Who would I entrust my three children with to be a mentor?’ And that was a big factor in hiring Tom Anastos.”

Okay.

“I believe that we have to create a culture here,” said Hollis, “where folks in the NHL — scouts, general managers — believe that we’re giving our kids everything possible to train, develop not only to play in the NHL but for a life beyond, and that’s what Tom Anastos believes in.”

I am on board with this. There’s no question that NCAA hockey needs to compete harder with major junior Canadian hockey for college-eligible players. No question. From what Anastos has said on several occasions, I know that he’s passionate about keeping college-eligible players in college.

Final Five pictures from DU and UND

Again, I want to thank Corrie Block my photographe for the final five.

Canadiens embellished Pacioretty's concussion, says Recchi

Nothing like throwing some gas on the fire. This is a story that is breaking on the internet tonight, here is the audio to the interview in question that everyone is talking about, [click to listen]

Fluto Shinzawa, Globe Staff ---In an interview with 98.5 The Sports Hub this afternoon, Mark Recchi emphasized how thankful he was that Max Pacioretty is recovering from the March 8 hit that left him with a fractured vertebra and a severe concussion. Pacioretty could play in the playoffs.
But Recchi speculated that the Canadiens embellished the nature of Pacioretty's concussion to prompt the league to suspend Zdeno Chara.

"He does obviously have a fractured vertebra, but the concussion is obviously really a non-factor," said Recchi, citing how Pacioretty attended a movie several days after the hit. "In maybe a day or two -- maybe a day he felt it -- but he was fine a couple days later. They were trying to get Zdeno suspended and they embellished it a little bit. In terms of that side, they're doing whatever they could to get him suspended. I think the league sent a message that it was a hockey play. That's the important thing and people have to understand. If they deemed it something that was serious, they suspended Matt Cooke up to 17 games for a head shot. They're serious about protecting the players now. That was an interference play at worst. The partitions got in the way. I don't think Zdeno is to blame for that."

Before everyone jumps on Boston Bruins forward Marc Recchi, just for the record Recchis isn’t known for being a dirty player and he is hardly a goon or a thug and Recchi does bring up some good points. I have to admit that I thought the same thing when I heard the announcement last week on Pacioretty. My first reaction was, I thought he was done for the season and that was a chance that his career was in jeopardy. Now we are hearing that Max Pacioretty has made this incredible recover in a very short period of time. Hum!

You can color me skeptical… That does sound a little fishy to me.

Edit; MSU plucks Anastos from the CCHA.

This has turned into a crazy story; apparently MSU went after Tom Anastos and he had no clue they were interested in hiring him as the head coach of the MSU Spartans. Personally, I can see how when this story first broke that some including me would look at this cynically… Look the CCHA isn’t a very attractive league minus Michigan State and Michigan. I could personally care less about tOSU because they have done nothing notable during their college hockey existence. I wouldn't have blamed him if he did in fact bail on the CCHA. I still wonder how the fans over at Save UAH Hockey  feel about this move; are they cheering Tom Anastos leaving the CCHA leadership post?

The State News --- MSU’s new hockey coach will be former Spartan and current CCHA Commissioner Tom Anastos.

Anastos said in a release he is excited about returning to MSU.

“The expectations I have for our program will be to compete annually for conference and national championships,” Anastos said. “That was the expectation when I was here as a player and as an assistant coach, and I don’t believe it should be any different in my role as head coach. … I am excited to get started, to hire a staff, and to get myself re-acclimated within the MSU community.”

MSU has been looking for a new coach since Rick Comley announced his retirement on Jan. 25.

MSU Athletics Director Mark Hollis said in a release Anastos brings the passion needed to coach a hockey program like MSU.

“He can attract high-caliber talent and develop those players into those who are attractive to the National Hockey League. He places a premium on education, and the drive and desire to compete for championships,” Hollis said. “Hockey is important in the state of Michigan, and it is also important to Michigan State. We will continue to provide the resources to appropriately support this program, and to best prepare our student-athletes for their personal future … in the NHL and the business world.”

They said what? Picture included

This was in the INCH first shift. Apparently the boys at INCH are not impressed with the UND Fighting Sioux hockey team not touching/picking up the Broadmoor trophy.

Here at INCH, we get mildly perturbed when teams refuse to take possession of championship trophies — such as North Dakota after winning the Broadmoor Trophy Saturday — based on some absurd hockey superstition stating that the only touchable hardware is handed out following the final game of the season. Nonsense! Winning a league championship is an impressive achievement and should be embraced, especially in the WCHA. We often hear how great the WCHA is and how difficult it is to win in that league. To turn around and act like it’s not that big a deal is inconsistent, at best.

Personally, I know why some teams do this, the last time the Sioux won the MacNaughton Cup they touched the cup and lost their next two games at the Final Five and then lost their first round game of the NCAA tourney to UNH. This season the Fighting Sioux didn't touch the MacNaughton Cup and they won the Broadmoor, some teams just don't touch the trophy. Just for the Record Sidney Crosby touched the league trophy and they cup. It seems that not touching is working for them so far.



photo by Corrie Block



INCH Power Rankings

gAs always I include the INCH Power Rankings, for a fifth week in a row the Fighting Sioux are on top of the rankings.

INCH Power Rankings
[March 23, 2011]
1. North Dakota — The Fighting Sioux have played 60 NCAA Tournament games in their program’s history. They’ve won 40 of them for a .667 winning percentage, tops among all schools, and only Minnesota (50), Michigan (47), and Boston College (41) have more total tournament victories. 30-8-3 LAST WEEK: W vs. Colorado College, 4-3; W vs. Denver, 3-2 2ot (WCHA Final Five). THIS WEEK: vs. Rensselaer (NCAA Midwest Regional)
2. Boston College
3. Miami
4. Yale
5. Michigan
6. Merrimack
7. Union
8. Denver
9. New Hampshire
10. Western Michigan
11. Colorado College
12. Minnesota Duluth
13. Notre Dame
14. Dartmouth
15. Nebraska-Omaha
16. Boston University
17. Air Force
18. RIT
19. Rensselaer
20. Wisconsin
Dropped out: None
Bubble-licious: None