Goon's World

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Is it time to stand and fight or give up the Fighting Sioux nickname.

North Dakota Fighting Sioux men's ice hockey

Image via WikipediaSomeone posted this article on Twitter and I don't think the meeting with the NCAA is going to do a thing. I can't see the NCAA changing their mind. There is no way that UND can sue the NCAA in court and I don't want UND to lose it's conference membership in the Big Sky Conference. I want to be able to watch UND and Montana State University or the University of Montana in FCS football. I am not going spend $25.00 dollars to watch a football game with UND against some crappy Division II team that they will blow out 55-0.

GRAND FORKS, N.D. -- North Dakota political leaders are asking the NCAA to back off and let the state's flagship university keep its Fighting Sioux name and logo, even at the risk of potential blacklisting and scorn by other universities and its own conference.

Lawmaker involvement is a strategy even some University of North Dakota boosters question, and is unique among schools forced to decide whether to drop American Indian nicknames deemed hostile and abusive or accept penalties for keeping them.

Fighting Sioux logo Some legislators have said they resent the nickname being characterized as hostile and abusive because the name and logo are treated with respect. Others have said the change is being rammed down their throats by the NCAA.

North Dakota's debate appeared to be resolved when the state Board of Higher Education agreed in 2009 to drop the Fighting Sioux logo and nickname and UND agreed to phase them out by this Aug. 15.

When I read this I have to wonder what Al Carlson thinks the NCAA is going to say? I can't see the NCAA telling the North Dakota delegation on August 12th, ah go ahead and keep the Fighting Sioux nickname, That is not going to happen and most of us know this.

The meeting was rescheduled for Aug. 12, just three days before the NCAA intends to impose sanctions on UND for the continued use of the Fighting Sioux nickname and a logo.

"We're looking for a final kind of clarity," school spokesman Peter Johnson said.

UND has not yet formed a committee to recommend a new logo. Rep. Al Carlson, the Fargo Republican who pushed for the new state law, said he's holding out hope the NCAA will reconsider.

"I think we have to explain to them why we passed the law," Carlson said.

History is not on UND's side.

I agree that History is not on our side. I am one of the biggest fans of the Fighting Sioux nickname there will ever be, I don’t want to change the Fighting Sioux nickname because the handing wringing p.c. liberal’s will have won the war without any fight from our elected leaders. I am also not happy that political correctness has stuck it’s nose in the University of North Dakota’s business and told us that our logo is “hostile and abusive” it’s not right and political correctness is ruining this once great nation. We have become a nation of whining ninny’s that think we have a God given right to not be offended. If a small group of people is offended by something we have to change it to appease these groups.

So it's UND's fault?

Image via WikipediaSo if you believe Chris from Western College Hockey the problems facing college hockey right now is all UND's fault. I would have to say, not hardly...I just hope there aren't any black helicopters landing in Chris' back yard.

A big part of the problem is that college hockey is too busy fighting and scheming against itself these days to even worry about fighting against the CHL. Why should JT Miller or Connor Murphy think playing in the WCHA or CCHA for the next two years is worth their time when their own schools made it pretty clear that those conferences aren't good enough? Even College Hockey Inc., which was designed to help present a unified message for college hockey, has been neutralized this summer, since they work directly under college hockey's conference commissioners, and thus have had to keep fairly quiet on the current reorganization. It's another instance of North Dakota thinking they could do things better on their own, and, at least initially, being wrong, and another consequence to the sport that was apparently overlooked in the 20 minutes of planning that went into the Secondary Six.

This summer has been a strange and sad juxtaposition of two competing leagues that both wanted to get more serious about their image and their brand. In college hockey, that meant a group of teams conspiring and holding a self-congratulatory press conference to say that they were better than the rest of college hockey, and ultimately, did more to sell the virtues of some old hotel in Colorado than it did to sell the game of college hockey, while in the OHL, particularly in their western division, it meant doubling their efforts to acquire the best players available. One of those strategies seems to have really worked well. The other, not so much.

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Sioux 3rd in INCH 10 for 12: The Teams

Image via WikipediaHere is the way the INCH 10 for 12 shakes out and I think that INCH has the Sioux way too high in this pre-season top 10. The Sioux lost a ton of offense from last season and the Fighting Sioux are 12 in the WCHA in returning points output.

1.Miami, 2010-11 record: 23-10-6, 16-7-5 CCHA
2. Notre Dame, 2010-11 record: 25-14-5, 18-7-3 CCHA
3. North Dakota, 2010-11 record: 32-9-3, 21-6-1 WCHA ...
Key returnees: Corban Knight, F, Jr. (14-30–44); Danny Kristo, F, Jr. (8-20–28); Brock Nelson, F, So. (8-13–21); Aaron Dell, G, Jr. (30-7-2, 1.79, .924) Key losses: Matt Frattin, F (36-24–60); Jason Gregoire, F (25-18–43); Brad Malone, F (16-24–40)
Not many teams can lose six of its seven top scorers from the previous season and still be considered a national title contender. But the Fighting Sioux reload, not rebuild. Plugging incoming freshman Rocco Grimaldi into a lineup that includes Knight, Kristo (who we expect to return to his rookie-year form), talented sophs Nelson and Derek Forbort, and INCH Goalie of the Year Dell should keep folks in Grand Forks buzzing about a spring trip to Tampa.
4. Yale, 2010-11 record: 28-7-1, 17-4-1 ECAC Hockey
5. Denver, 2010-11 record: 25-12-5, 17-8-3-2 WCHA
6. Union, 2010-11 record: 26-10-4, 17-3-2 ECAC Hockey
7. Boston University, 2010-11 record: 19-12-8, 15-6-6 Hockey East
8. Colorado College, 2010-11 record: 23-19-3, 13-13-2 WCHA
9. Minnesota, Duluth 2010-11 record: 26-10-6, 15-8-5 WCHA
10. Michigan, 2010-11 record: 29-11-4, 20-7-1-0 CCHA

WMU hockey scores critical style points with hiring of Andy Murray

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN - OCTOBER 03: Head Coach An...

Image by Getty Images via @daylifeHere is an other interesting article on the hiring of Andy Murray. I do think by hiring a former NHL coach Andy Murray proves that Western Michigan is committed to their college hockey program. I think it also proves that WMU is ready to make the next step to be a big time player on the national college hockey scene.

Former head coach Jeff Blashill got the WMU on the right track before leaving WMU after one season to join the Detroit Red Wings.

I have heard some say that Murray has never coached college hockey and that's true but he did serve as the head coach for Shattuck-St. Mary's School during the 1998–99 season.

KALAMAZOO — Western Michigan University did everything right last year in resurrecting its hockey program.

It added oomph to its commitment to the sport, struck gold in hiring its coach and then rewarded him handsomely when he delivered a season beyond anyone's dreams.

WMU, in the college hockey world, had arrived as a player. It was perfect timing, too, considering this summer of flux that's upsetting stomachs in a suddenly fragile sport.

Then the National Hockey League, the beloved Detroit Red Wings of all teams, robbed the Broncos of everything, tearing Jeff Blashill away earlier this month. It was a harsh reminder to a university that it has its limits.

Monday, WMU showed hockey — the NHL included — its growing teeth, flying in former St. Louis Blues and Los Angeles Kings coach Andy Murray to replace Blashill.

A news conference is scheduled for noon Tuesday.

This wasn't eye-for-an-eye retribution toward the NHL. But, perhaps for WMU, it feels a little like it — as satisfying as it is important. The Broncos' new currency — major program-like dollars (expected to be about $275,000 per year) — has lured a coach who would have been an unfathomable hire a year ago.

Monday, July 25, 2011

WMU stepping up to the big time.

Andy Murray was the head coach of the Blues fr...

Image via WikipediaWe kept hearing comments from the people associated with the NCHC that they wanted to form a college hockey conference with others that have the same level of commitment to college hockey. I think that Western Michigan University by hiring a big name coach like Andy Murray is making that commitment to move their college hockey program to the next tier in the college hockey world.

Earlier this month at the NCHC's first press conference UND head hockey coach Dave Hakstol said, 'there is not a final number, it's a matter of being able to add the right programs, programs that fit the mentality and the mind set of the current six institutions.' I think that by hiring Andy Murray WMU is saying we are committed to college hockey and could become an attractive option for the NCHC.

KALAMAZOO — If Western Michigan University was looking for a big name hockey coach to fill the giant shoes left by Jeff Blashill, it's done so, hiring a coach it never could have lured a year ago.

WMU has hired longtime NHL head coach Andy Murray to lead its hockey program, according to multiple sources.

It's expected that Blashill assistants Pat Ferschweiler and Rob Facca will remain in their posts. Both are already under contract for next season.

WMU has scheduled a press conference for noon Tuesday at the Seelye Center to announce Murray's hiring as head coach.

The university has elected not to comment on the coaching situation until Tuesday.

Sunday, July 24, 2011

From the yeah right department...

Image via WikipediaFirst Potter was against the accepting an invitation to the NCHC even though his school was never offered an invitation. Now Potter sounds like he is ready to listen if that invitation is extended, this is the problem with university presidents like St. Cloud State University President Earl H. Potter III they lack the leadership skills to lead...

Mick Hatten and David Unze; SC Times --- On July 13, the six-team National Collegiate Hockey Conference was introduced at a news conference in Colorado Springs, Colo. Colorado College, Denver College, University of Minnesota-Duluth, University of Nebraska-Omaha and University of North Dakota are the WCHA members headed for the NCHC, along with Miami University in Ohio out of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association.

“This has not been a surprise, but it has offered very difficult questions for us to deal with,” Potter said. “The WCHA as a league never sat down together and talked about its future. The five who left never said to the rest of us that they were thinking about it.”

St. Cloud State never asked to join the NCHC and was not invited, Potter said. He changed his tone a bit last week after previously saying St. Cloud State wouldn’t accept an invitation to the NCHC if one were extended. He’s committed to be the best partner in the WCHA that he can be, he said, but the uncertainty that permeates college hockey has him keeping his options open.

“I have to stay in a position where I’m working very hard for success with the WCHA but never get stubborn about our position and always be open to looking at our options as things change,” he said.

Anyone troubled by this statement? “This has not been a surprise, but it has offered very difficult questions for us to deal with,” Potter said. “The WCHA as a league never sat down together and talked about its future. The five who left never said to the rest of us that they were thinking about it.” If I was a fan of the teams staying in the WCHA I would be.

Friday, July 22, 2011

Jets new logo unveiled.


Winnipeg Jets Hockey Team NHL.COM

The Winnipeg Jets have released their new logo and I must say that I am disappointed. I like the old Winnipeg Jets logo they had back in 1996 before the team moved to Phoenix and became the Coyotes.

Fighting Sioux nickname meeting with NCAA rescheduled for Aug. 12

University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux athl...

Image via Wikipedia
Here is the latest from the meeting between the NCAA and the UND delegation.

BISMARCK — A meeting between North Dakota and NCAA officials to discuss the University of North Dakota's Fighting Sioux nickname has been rescheduled for Aug. 12.

It's being held in the association's headquarters in Indianapolis. It is set three days before the NCAA intends to sanction the university for continuing to use its Fighting Sioux nickname and an American Indian head logo.

The NCAA considers the name and logo offensive, but a new state law says UND has to use them.

The meeting had been set for Monday, but it was postponed because of the death of the North Dakota Senate's Republican majority leader, Bob Stenehjem (STEN'-jum).

State Board of Higher Education president Grant Shaft says the meeting is likely to be in the afternoon.

Versus may be interested in college hockey TV package

When the news about the new college hockey conference the National Collegiate Hockey Conference first broke; there was a story written by Duluth News Tribune writer Kevin Pates that mentioned the possibility of the television channel Versus being in the mix. Many hockey fans and self professed experts were skeptical about this development; it appears that just maybe the rest of this story is emerging… Now Ken Schott has this story in his blog today. Stay tuned.

Ken Schott; Parting Schotts --- There could be a national college hockey package coming to Versus this season.

Numerous sources have indicated that Versus is discussing the possibility of televising regular-season college hockey games, beginning in January. What conferences would be involved, or what night the games would be shown (either Friday or Saturday) is unclear right now. Versus, part of the NBC Sports Group, is the cable home of the NHL. A few months ago, the NBC Sports Group signed a 10-year deal to keep the NHL on NBC and Versus.

A Versus spokesman declined comment.

New Jets Logo?

Stick tap Hockey Mode. Rumor has it that this is the new Jets logo. Honestly, I have have to admit that I sure hope not.

Things that make you go huh?

This is the latest shot across the bow... Not sure what the motivation is? Really!!! McLeod is kidding right, he isn’t sure what the motivation is? How confident are you in WCHA Commissioner Bruce McLeod if your school is one of the teams left behind in the WCHA when the B1G and NCHC kicks off?

Mick Hatten; SC Times --- “I just never thought we’d get here and I never thought we’d be like (Division I) football and basketball,” said Bruce McLeod, who has been WCHA commissioner since 1994. “You understand with those cases that there’s millions and millions of dollars involved.

“I’m not sure what the motivation is,” he said of hockey. “It’s turned into much more of a business — I need to take care of me. I’m just surprised we got here.”

There will be 59 schools that will compete in Division I hockey for the 2013-14 season. That’s minute compared to Division I men’s college basketball (335) and less than half of the number of teams in the Football Bowl Series (120).
That is part of why the shock may seem greater in hockey. It’s a pretty tight-knit sport and why people who have been around it a long time are having a tough time wrapping their heads around all the movement, including why five WCHA teams left to form the National Collegiate Hockey Conference.
“No one can really explain why all this really happened,” said Craig Dahl, St. Cloud State’s Division I coach from 1988-2005. “I don’t think the coaches were all that fired up about it.

“For whatever reason, a couple schools decided the league wasn’t going to be big time enough for them and decided to move in a different direction, look sideways at the tradition of the league. They could care less about the smaller schools in the league. They’re only worried about their situation.”

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Will the Gophers want to duck the Sioux?

A faceoff between the University of North Dako...

Image via WikipediaHere is my Thursday afternoon discussion; I have been thinking about this subject and I am throwing out there for discussion purposes. I decided to expound on the subject after seeing the story linked below from yesterday's St. Cloud Times.

I do believe that the Minnesota Golden Gophers hockey team is going to want to play the UND Fighting Sioux on a regular basis for financial reasons, it's advantageous to both programs to continue the storied rivalry, next to the Badgers, the UND Fighting Sioux are one of the top rivals of the Minnesota Golden Gopher's, it's a fact. Before you throw the Fighting Sioux nickname out there, the nick name issue will be resolved before the NCHC conference plays it's first game (just a prediction, UND is not going to give up a chance to pay in the Big Sky Conference). I don't care what the so called self described experts say, (I am sure we know who these people are), UMN needs UND too. Let's not kid ourselves, UND is going to sell more tickets than a match up against OSU, MSU-M and or SCSU.

Mick Hatton; Saint Cloud Times --- The University of Minnesota men’s hockey team is in preliminary discussions with St. Cloud State, Bemidji State and Minnesota State-Mankato about playing nonconference games and a tournament both on an annual basis, according to Gophers coach Don Lucia.

Lucia said he has talked with Huskies coach Bob Motzko, Beavers coach Tom Serratore and Mavericks coach Troy Jutting about the Gophers playing games against their programs beginning in 2013-14, which is the first season that the Gophers and Wisconsin leave the Western Collegiate Hockey Association for the Big Ten Conference.

Lucia also said that he plans to talk with Minnesota-Duluth coach Scott Sandelin about the same arrangement with the Bulldogs, who also leave the WCHA after the 2012-13 season and will join the newly formed National Collegiate Hockey Conference.

“We have 14 nonleague games to work with and our goal is to play those (four) teams every year,” Lucia said. “It would be good for our program, all the other programs and for the state of Minnesota.

“I think it’s a win-win for everyone, for our fans and the proximity of playing each other. We should continue playing each other.”

So when the nickname issue is worked out do you think the Gophers and Sioux will play on a "semi-regular" basis? I do, because it's beneficial to both parties.

Gophers want to play state teams

Stomper, Minnesota State University - mascot

Image via WikipediaIt will be interesting to see what kind of arrangements these various teams will come up with as we get closer to the 2013-2014 season. I would imagine that other teams will have simular tourneys and arrangements. It will also be a good way to schedule nonconference games and spread the wealth around.

Mick Hatten; St Cloud Times --- The University of Minnesota men’s hockey team is in preliminary discussions with St. Cloud State, Bemidji State and Minnesota State-Mankato about playing nonconference games and a tournament both on an annual basis, according to Gophers coach Don Lucia.

Lucia said he has talked with Huskies coach Bob Motzko, Beavers coach Tom Serratore and Mavericks coach Troy Jutting about the Gophers playing games against their programs beginning in 2013-14, which is the first season that the Gophers and Wisconsin leave the Western Collegiate Hockey Association for the Big Ten Conference.

Lucia also said that he plans to talk with Minnesota-Duluth coach Scott Sandelin about the same arrangement with the Bulldogs, who also leave the WCHA after the 2012-13 season and will join the newly formed National Collegiate Hockey Conference.

“We have 14 nonleague games to work with and our goal is to play those (four) teams every year,” Lucia said. “It would be good for our program, all the other programs and for the state of Minnesota.

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

UPDATE: Shaft: NCAA meeting about Fighting Sioux nickname postponed

Image via Wikipedia
The meeting on the 25th of July has been postponed.

Ryan Johnson, Grand Forks Herald ---- UPDATE: North Dakota GOP Senate leader's death leaves questions A meeting with NCAA officials about UND’s Fighting Sioux nickname and logo has been postponed because of the death of North Dakota Senate Majority Leader Bob Stenehjem, officials said Wednesday.

The meeting was scheduled to take place Monday in Indianapolis.

But Grant Shaft, president of the State Board of Higher Education, said the meeting was postponed after Stenehjem’s funeral arrangements were set for the same day.

“We’re in the process of contacting the NCAA to let them know that we will have to postpone the meeting,” he said. “They’ll provide us with some alternate dates and I should have those in a day or two.”

Stenehjem was among several state officials expected to attend the meeting, including his brother, Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem, as well as House Majority Leader Al Carlson, North Dakota University System Chancellor William Goetz and UND President Robert Kelley.

Shaft said NCAA officials were contacted Monday shortly after Stenehjem was killed in a single-vehicle rollover accident in Alaska and were told that the visit might have to be delayed.

“My understanding was the NCAA was fine with that and very understanding,” he said.

Fighting Sioux nickname meeting may face snag

Image via Wikipedia Here is the latest news.

BISMARCK — A planned meeting with NCAA officials next week about the University of North Dakota's Fighting Sioux nickname may hit a snag because of the death of North Dakota Senate Republican majority leader Bob Stenehjem.

Stenehjem was killed in a rollover accident in Alaska. His funeral hasn't been scheduled but it's likely to be close to Monday's date for the NCAA meeting in Indianapolis.

Gov. Jack Dalrymple and state House Republican majority leader Al Carlson plan to attend the meeting. But Carlson says it should be postponed if Bob Stenehjem's funeral is on the same day.

The issue revisited - Is Chris Osgood worthy of the Hall of Fame?

Back on December 28th, 2010 I asked the question if Detroit Redwings goalie Chris Osgood worthy of being in the Hall of Fame? I still believe that Osgood belongs in the hall of fame. Let the debate begin... Tell me what you think.

I think the table has been set for the discussion that is about to follow. Chris Osgood is 10th all time in wins, most of the people above him on the list are in the Hockey Hall of Fame. Lets break it down further - (3) Thee Stanley Cups 1997, 1998, 2008, (401) four hundred wins, Osgood has played in 744 NHL game has a .905 save percentage and a 2.49 goals against average, in the Stanley Cup Playoffs Osgood has played in 129 games .916 save percentage and a goals against average of 2.09. Just for comparison sake Grant Fuhr played in 868 games had a not so impressive 3.38 goals against average and .887 save percentage and he was inducted into the hall of game in 2003. In my opinion it kind of sounds like Osgood had a NHL Hall of Fame career to me...

1 MARTIN BRODEUR 607
2 Patrick Roy 551
3 Ed Belfour 484
4 Curtis Joseph 454
5 Terry Sawchuk 447
6 Jacques Plante 437
7 Tony Esposito 423
8 Glenn Hall 407
9 Grant Fuhr 403
10 CHRIS OSGOOD 401

Detroit Red Wings sign G Ty Conklin

Image via WikipediaYesterday Redwing77 said this.

It's no surprise that Detroit wants to sign another goaltender to backup Howard and MacDonald. I'd love to see someone signed who can compete with MacDonald for the #2 spot. MacCollom isn't ready yet.

Here are a few goaltenders I'd love to see Detroit look at (all UFAs):
Ty Conklin
Brent Krahn
Pascal Leclaire
Justin Pogge
Hannu Toivonen

Looks like Redwing77 got his wish as his favorite team the Detroit Redwings signed former UNH star Ty Conklin to a one year deal. Personally, I think that Conklin is a serviceable backup that can step in and play valuable minutes when the starter needs a break or suffers an injury.

DETROIT - The Detroit Red Wings have signed goaltender Ty Conklin to a one-year contract.

The move Wednesday comes a day after veteran Chris Osgood announced his retirement, leaving the Red Wings needing a backup for starting goalie Jimmy Howard.

Conklin started 20 games for the St. Louis Blues last season, going 8-8-4 with a 3.22 goals-against average.

The 35-year-old Conklin has played eight seasons in the NHL with Edmonton, Columbus, Buffalo, Pittsburgh, Detroit and St. Louis. He was with the Red Wings in 2008-09, going 25-11-2 with a 2.51 GAA.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Tuesday evening free for all

I have been reading a lot of comments from fans of the programs that weren’t invited to join the NCHC or the B1G. First off I understand the anger that some fans are experiencing. This is a scary time for college hockey and I believe all of the schools that are not in the B1G are nervous about their college hockey team’s future, I think that’s understandable.

I have to admit that I am nervous as well and like everyone else I am trying to make some sense out of all of this. First off, UND and DU fans seem to be getting a lot of undeserved flak from other college hockey fans, this anger is misdirected and the fans of these two fan bases are not culpable. I mean let’s be serious; the NCHC was formed by the athletic directors of the six charter member schools (UND, DU, UMD, MU, UNO, C.C.). To suggest that only UND and DU is driving this bus is misguided and wrong, why is it that the other schools aren’t receiving some blow back as well? Also, if you have a concern contact one of the AD’s from the various schools in the NCHC, let them know how you feel.

The day the WCHA and the CCHA died?

In my opinion, I also don't think that those schools were wrong to look into the prospects of the new league; I think the WCHA and the CCHA basically died the day the BTHC decided to make their own league, “WE” will never have what we once had. This is why we have the drastic changes that are happening right now. Let’s not kid ourselves it’s easy for a fan of one of the schools in BTHC to lecture the NCHC fans by telling us that the WCHA would have been fine and there was no reason to start another conference even though our schools are not going to be there. Does that not stink of elitism? Maybe, maybe not, I do think that mind set is short sighted to suggest one group of teams is OK to move forward and improve their lot in college hockey while the others are not and accused of ruining the college hockey landscape. I even read on line today that LSSU can blame UND for their plight, WTF? No I don’t think so.

That being said, I also don’t think it’s wrong to be just a little bit excited about the prospects of having our teams play in a new league as well. I am going to be honest here and say that I am torn, I love the WCHA in it’s “current” 12 team configuration, last season’s Final Five in Saint Paul, Minnesota was a blast, I enjoyed sitting in the press box of the Xcel Energy Center and reporting on the game, however, minus the Gophers and Badges the WCHA is just not as attractive of a league without the two Big Ten Schools. The CCHA looks even worse minus Michigan and Michigan State; I can see why Northern Michigan, Western Michigan and Notre Dame are looking at other options. All I can say is can we blame them and no one seems to be angry with them; at least right now.

Holding on to the status quo

I just don’t know how college hockey fans are supposed to process all of this and I do believe that there are going to be some hurt feeling when it’s all said and done. When I said that this stuff makes my chest hurt, I am being serious, there are too many variables out there, no one knows how this is going to end now that the proverbial genie is out of the bottle.

To a certain degree I believe that human being are afraid of change and want to hang on to the status quo as long as they can, I get that, I am the same way, I don’t want to lose the current WCHA either, so I guess I will have to enjoy the last two seasons before the seismic shift in the college hockey landscape.

Who do we really blame?

Moving forward there are two more years till the final Crescendo in the WCHA as we know it, two years are an eternity in college hockey a lot can still happen between now and then. I am hoping we can all get along and contrary to public believe there is a lot of blame to go around for why all these changes are happening, it’s short sighted to just blame UND and DU, there are more factors driving these changes than UND and DU wanting to improve their lot. DU and UND are just a small part of the equation, there are many other factors out there driving these changes in college hockey, there are teams in the breakaway five that unhappy with the WCHA commissioner Bruce McLeod, there are also teams that aren’t all on the same page when it comes to vision on where they believe they want college hockey to go. There are other teams that aren’t as committed financially to college hockey as some of the other schools. Finally you can add the Big Ten Hockey Conference to this equation, there are all kinds of things going on.

I also think it’s funny that very few actually blame Terry Pegula and his act of kindness to donate 88 million dollars to Penn State University so that they could get the ball moving on Division I hockey. Also, I do remember something happening back during the summer of 2009 when a certain AD in the WCHA from Wisconsin was looking to improve his schools lot and wanted to play Michigan and Michigan State more in college hockey... s/t to Gandalf The Red and 60 Minutes...

There were several conference calls between the Big 10 schools w/ varsity hockey along w/ Big 10 commissioner Jim Delany to discuss the creation of a BTHC. There was support for the idea including UW in the form of UW senior associate athletic director Sean Frazier and AD Barry Alvarez. Joel Maturi (gopher AD) spoke out strongly against it, and for probably the only time in world history I agree w/ a ground squirrel.

So I wonder if some of these fans want to amend their statement and still say that it’s all UND and DU’s fault and that UND and DU are killing College hockey. It's more complicated than that.

That’s why I find it funny that no one is blaming Wisconsin A.D. Barry Alvarez and Big Ten Commissioner James E. Delany for any of this mess, didn’t Barry Alvarez inquire two seasons ago about having a BTHC? Or are fans just to blinded by their hate for everything UND? I think the later might be true. What do you think?

Detroit Red Wings Offseason Notes (Redwing77)

Since we're talking NY Islanders prospects (what a goal!) and all, I thought I'd chime in about what's going on in Motown.

Former UW defenseman Brian Rafalski and All American Mike Modano have retired. I would have liked to see someone like Chay Genoway get a sniff from the Red Wings to replace Rafalski because I feel Genoway is just as good with the puck.

However, the Wings did sign Ian White to replace Rafalski. I don't feel he's as good as Brian but he'll do.

Also, Chris Osgood just announced his retirement. This is a VERY good thing. The Wings would have had to pay him too much (anything above veteran minimum for him is too much) to bring him back to be a backup. I thought Joey MacDonald played very well in the backup roll last year.

Nevertheless, Osgood had a stellar career and will certainly get HOF consideration. I'm not sure if he'll make it in, but I'll be rooting for him. He retires with 401 career wins. That's good for 10th all time. Not too shabby. He's also 4th all time in career playoff shutouts with 15.

Good luck running the Detroit Goaltending scouting and development program, Chris. And good luck with your golf game. Mine stinks.

What's next?

It's no surprise that Detroit wants to sign another goaltender to back up Howard and MacDonald. I'd love to see someone signed who can compete with MacDonald for the #2 spot. MacCollom isn't ready yet.

Here are a few goaltenders I'd love to see Detroit look at (all UFAs):

Ty Conklin
Brent Krahn
Pascal Leclaire
Justin Pogge
Hannu Toivonen

Only Conklin is really established as an NHL backup. The others might not pan out at all, but Leclaire and Toivonen intrigue me. Leclaire has the potential to be a great backup in the NHL but has been plagued by injury and playing for bad teams. Toivonen is a Finnish player and I argue that only San Jose has as good luck with Scandinavian players as Detroit. Krahn (along with Leclaire and Toivonen) are all former 1st round picks. I think Conklin is the only one on this list that would demand a higher price tag than the others. And I don't think Detroit needs to pay a lot for a backup.

Notice I did not put Ray Emery on this list. I don't like the guy. He probably has the most talent of the available goaltenders out there, but his head isn't screwed on tight enough and he is very inconsistent with his work ethic. Maybe he would work out with Detroit and undoubtedly Ray will get signed somewhere, but I don't think Motown needs a distraction like Emery.

Ryan Strome shootout goal.

Check out this sick goal by New York Islanders prospect Ryan Strome, who was the No. 5 overall pick in the 2011 NHL Draft. The video was taken at the New York Islanders development camp at the Nassau Coliseum over the weekend. Ryan Strome is known for highlight goals [click to view].

WCHA commish has no guarantees for MSU Moorhead

Image via WikipediaBut of course!!! Maybe I am looking at this the wrong way but wouldn't it be better for McLeod to encourage MSU-M? Don't the powers that be want more teams in college hockey?

Ryan S. Clark, Forum Communications — If one thing has held true in college hockey lately, there are no guarantees.

That is the point Western Collegiate Hockey Association commissioner Bruce McLeod made Monday in regards to Minnesota State Moorhead’s attempt at starting a Division I ice hockey program.

“It is really tough to make a commitment … and if I could tell Moorhead in three years you’ll be in the WCHA I would, but in these circumstances, I cannot even come close to that,” McLeod said. “I cannot make promises, but at the same time I’d love to encourage that the Fargo-Moorhead area is really fine.”

McLeod used the WCHA as a prism to explain college hockey’s changing landscape with newly formed conferences coming into play — leaving current conferences to form a new shape.

Schools like MSUM could play a role if it is able to raise the money needed to fund a program.

MSUM officials said last Friday the school is hoping to raise $22 million in a self-imposed three-month window to fund Division I hockey for both men and women. The feeling has been for some time that if MSUM added hockey, its preferred destination would be the WCHA.

McLeod said he hasn’t been in contact with MSUM officials lately.

“We’ve had some contact via email,” he said. “And some direct phone calls, but I cannot tell you when but it has been a few months ago.”

Blake Wheeler re-signs with the Jets...

Image via Wikipedia The Winnipeg Jets have re-signed former Boston Bruins and Minnesota Golden Gopher Blake Wheeler to a two year deal . In my opinion; I believe the Jets have overpaid Blake Wheeler who is set to be paid 2.5+ million a year. Wheeler has never scored more than 45 points in a season (21g-24a-45pts) and the knock on Blake Wheeler is he is a 6'5" player that plays like he is 5'8".

TSN.COM ---- The Winnipeg Jets were busy on Monday signing seven players including right-winger Blake Wheeler to new contract. Wheeler signed a two-year deal worth $5.1 million total.

Wheeler scored seven goals and 17 points in 23 games with the Thrashers last season after being acquired in a trade with the Boston Bruins. He scored 18 goals and 44 points in 81 games overall last year.

The Thrashers acquired the 24-year-old from the Bruins on Feb. 28, 2011, along with defenceman Mark Stuart in exchange for centre Rich Peverley and defenceman Boris Valabik.

Monday, July 18, 2011

Kyle Radke re-signs with the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees...

Image via WikipediaMy Friend Kevin sent me an email with this story. Former Fighting Sioux forward/defenseman Kyle Radke has re-signed with the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees of the Central Hockey League.

Killer Bee Hockey ---- The Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees of the Central Hockey League, under the leadership of General Manager and Head Coach Terry Ruskowski are happy to announce their first signing 2011-12 campaign. The Killer Bees have retained the services of defenseman Kyle Radke for the 2011-12 season.

Radke was one of the key members of the Killer Bees defense last season appearing in 62 games before an injury sidelined him for the playoffs. A highly-skilled, stay-at-home defensemen Radke also added four goals and 12 assists while racking up 171 penalty minutes.

“Playing against Kyle was never fun for me last season. He is a good skater, gritty in the corners, and very responsible defensively. I think Kyle will only continue to get better with his second year with the Killer Bees,” said Bees coach Terry Ruskowski.

Radke’s best offensive performance last season came December 21st against Laredo where Radke assisted on three of the Killer Bees goals. At the end of the season Radke was awarded the Fan Favorite Award as voted by the fans in arena and online.

“I’m looking forward to the Valley cooling off a bit so that we can play hockey again. It will be good to see the faces that became so familiar to around the rink last year,” said Radke.

LSSU Lakers face crucial decisions...

Image via WikipediaPeter Pietrangelo; Sault Ste. Marie Evening News has this article in today's newspaper. This is definitely a doom and gloom scenario. There is time for a solution, there are two years before the Big Ten and NCHC start play.

Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. — If Lake Superior finds its place in the rapidly shifting world of college hockey, in five years it will be competitive for a spot in the NCAA tournament for the first time in 15 years.

But if LSSU gets it wrong, it will be the end of Laker hockey. There is no middle ground.

The WCHA has no interest in taking the CCHA's leftovers — LSSU, Ferris St. and Bowling Green — and without a conference with an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament, the Lakers will find it almost impossible to schedule enough home games to fund the program.

LSSU is never going to be competitive on a yearly basis with the Michigans, Notre Dames and North Dakotas of the world; it has neither the money nor the cachet to keep up with the sport's big spenders like the Big Ten or the newly-formed National Collegiate Hockey Conference. While LSSU has enjoyed a relatively problem-free ride with the CCHA for nearly 40 years, those days are numbered. Going forward, here are LSSU's choices:

• Attempt to join the WCHA. This solution would be good for LSSU athletically, but neither competitively nor financially. And the WCHA doesn't seem to be open to a school that isn't a good geographic fit. This will not happen.

• Attempt to join an already-established conference. Atlantic Hockey already has 12 teams — and the Lakers would have to drop six scholarships to join. The NCHC, ECAC and Hockey East are also out of the question. Again, not going to happen.
• Go on as an independent. The only current independent team is Alabama-Huntsville. The Chargers played just 10 home games last year and have 12 home games this year (two are against the U.S. U-18 program). LSSU couldn't make enough money in this arrangement and would have even more difficulty drawing recruits.

• Attempt to salvage the CCHA. If Alaska stays, the CCHA could get Alabama-Huntsville on board to make a five-team conference. Then just one more team would have to be recruited. Mercyhurst, Niagara, Canisius, Robert Morris and Rochester Institute of Technology could be viable candidates, both geographically and competitively. If Alaska bolts for the WCHA, then two teams would have to be recruited to join.

Former Sioux defenseman Chay Genoway; Working It Out

Image via WikipediaIt sounds like Chay Genoway made quite the impression this past week at the Minnesota Wild development camp. It would be awesome to see a player like Chay Genoway make it to the NHL.

Minnesota Wild --- At 5-foot-9, 177 pounds, Chay Genoway doesn’t look like your prototypical NHL defensemen.
But looks are often deceiving.

At the Minnesota Wild Development Camp, the recent free agent signee out of the University of North Dakota is doing what he can to show that height is just a number, and strength knows no limits.

Genoway’s off-ice strength testing has been as impressive as his coast-to-coast goal in Saturday’s scrimmage. Word has it that after piling up the most consecutive pushups among the prospects, he immediately started his pull ups and tallied the highest number of those.

“He is quite strong physically,” said Kirk Olson, the Wild’s recently hired strength and conditioning coach, whose first order of business was working out the prospects this week. “He has a low center of gravity and is hard to knock off his feet.”

If anyone knows size isn’t always relative to strength, it’s Genoway. The former UND captain is showing that he arrived at camp ready to make a run at a professional career.

“I’ve been doing the normal summer time stuff, like lifting weights and conditioning,” Genoway said. “But I also tried to get on the ice more than usual this summer so it wouldn’t be too strenuous on things like the groin or hip-flexors, like the ice can be when you jump right to it.”

In his first camp, at 23 years old, Genoway was one of the elder statesmen. His development as a player is advanced compared to his younger counterparts, and he knows the importance of making a good first impression.

The last paragraph caught my attention because of what has transpired this past week at the University of North Dakota; as most college hockey fans know the Fighting Sioux had a commitment from J.T. Miller, who was drafted in the first round of the NHL draft by the New York Rangers, to play at UND... Then for some unknown reason J.T. Miller decides with less than a month and a half before the school year is about to start that he would rather play for the Plymouth Whalers of the OHL. If one of Miller's concerns is player development, playing at UND wouldn't hinder his development.

Maybe this is a stretch, but I think one could make the inference that Chay's development at UND helped him made an impression on the Minnesota Wild management, the Wild coaching staff and the fans of the Minnesota Wild that attended the Wild Development Camp.

Chay Genoway's sweet goal...

Someone asked me if I had the video of former Fighting Sioux defenseman Chay Genoway's goal that he scored during the Minnesota Wild development camp that was held last week. Well, I finally have found the video in question, Chay's goal is around the 36 second mark of the video. Reminds me of the goal that Chay scored against the UNO Mavericks last season.

Goon's World Extras

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

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