Carlson: Pre-special session resumption of Sioux nickname transition 'slap in face' of N.D. Legislature

Image via WikipediaThis is the news of the day on the Fighting Sioux logo retirement. I woke up this morning to find this news story in the Daily Plains, apparently Fargo Republican/ Representative and Former NDSU Graduate Al Carlson has told UND to stand down on the Fighting Sioux logo retirement and not retire the Fighting Sioux logo until the law has been repealed.

Chuck Haga; Grand Forks Herald --- Rep. Al Carlson, R-Fargo, has written to UND President Robert Kelley and the president of the State Board of Higher Education, objecting to the board’s action Aug. 15 directing Kelley to have the anticipated transition from the Fighting Sioux nickname “substantially complete” by the end of the year.

Carlson, the House majority leader and author of a law that says UND’s athletic teams shall be known as the Fighting Sioux, called the board’s action “a slap in the face” of the Legislature.

“When we pass a law, you’re supposed to abide by the law until it’s changed,” he said Monday.

Here is a copy of the Al Carlson letter in question. You can also click on this link to read the letter as well.

Related articles

• Couple of Fighting Sioux nickname issues... (mvn.com)
• NCAA "Willing to Reconsider" Settlement Demands for Refitting Ralph Engelstad Fighting Sioux Arena. (mvn.com)
• Fighting Sioux logo links... (mvn.com)
• Representative Al Carlson will not sponsor reversal of nickname decision (mvn.com)

Why not Mikael Granlund...

This is the latest highlight in the career of Wild super prospect Mikael Granlund, this time it's another shootout goal from last weekend. I must say that this goal doesn't require a lot of narration but damn this kid is good and shows us a glimpse of the things to come... Seriously? I can't believe that he isn't ready to play for the Minnesota Wild this season. Maybe someone please tell me the logic why Wild prospect Mikael Granlund isn't going to be playing for the Wild this season?

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• Which rookies are going to make the jump to the NHL next year? (prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com)

Sunday evening fodder.

Image via WikipediaWhile I was on the Internet tonight I discovered a very interesting  blog post; If you haven't seen the blog post in question, it's worth a read. According to the Western Michigan beat writer David Drew, who has a very good beat writer blog I might add, Western Michigan doesn't pull any punches on what College Hockey league the athletic department  wants to be a member of. I would say that the the WCHA is WMU's second choice as far as hockey leagues go. The only thing I would tell the Western Michigan athletic department is I wouldn't burn the WCHA bridge just yet.

David Drew; Mlive.com --- The Broncos have a standing invitation from the newly merged CCHA/Western Collegiate Hockey Association, but it shouldn't be their top choice.

WMU has a chance to save a few travel dollars and enjoy quick and consistent success in the 2013-14 WCHA, a league of mostly Division II schools, but the move won't entice fans or bring the same national attention as the NCHC, which is also likely to have a better TV deal.

As a member of the NCHC, WMU would have to spend more on travel and pay nonleague foes more to come to Lawson. The Bemidji States of the world know their value in filling out opponents' schedule increases in 2013.

But by bringing in Murray, an NHL veteran, paying him top dollar ($300,000 annually) and keeping two critical assistants, WMU's commitment to hockey is clear.

"This university recognized that the potential, out of all of our sports, of getting to the Frozen Four and winning a national championship is very real, and the investment in that is very real," Beauregard said.

Brad Schlossman, the North Dakota hockey beat writer for the Grand Forks Herald, said he's heard around the NCHC that WMU is in the mix as a candidate for membership.

Smart Kid.... This from Charlie Walters aka Shooter, you can't make this stuff up.

One 16-year-old local hockey player who's headed for the U.S. National Development Program in Ann Arbor, Mich., said he's already narrowed his college choices to Minnesota-Duluth and North Dakota and is passing on the Gophers because they're moving to what he considers an inferior conference - the Big Ten - in 2013.

Related articles

• WCHA to expand... (mvn.com)
• LSSU, FSU and UAF join the WCHA for the 2013-2014 season. (mvn.com)
• WMU stepping up to the big time. (mvn.com)
• What's up SCSU? (mvn.com)
• Hump Day Links... (mvn.com)

Harvey Uken Letter to the editor

Image via WikipediaIf you haven't read Harvey Uken's letter to the editor, it's worth a look... Harvey makes some good points and before you attack him for his point of view, Harvey is native American.

Other athletic conferences were “oh so pleased” when UND wanted to join. But when the NCAA talked sanctions, those conferences got scared and ran away. I admit that I don’t understand how the money flows or why so many are so frightened of one group; but, I do know that being held hostage is not right.

Maybe it is time to recognize that the NCAA has too much power. Maybe we’ve lost sight of the sport for the love of money, power and prestige.

As a Yankton Sioux who grew up on the Rosebud and Standing Rock reservations, I’ve been puzzled about how the present-day leaders can turn their backs on the grandfathers’ covenant to UND. The Fighting Sioux name was given a blessing by the Elders, something I was taught not to take lightly.

In this politically correct world, let’s not lose sight of what’s going on here: the diminishing of the Indian, as in “out of sight, out of mind.”

I was raised to be proud of my Sioux heritage. My grandfathers are Baptiste Lambert, Struck the Ree, Rain In The Face, Wabasha and Burnt Thigh, among others. They were strong men and proud warriors, men who stood unwavering by what they believed.

But now, once again, the dominant culture is saying the Sioux name and logo are bad. Being Sioux is not bad. The logo shows a proud, focused warrior. What is there to be ashamed of?

I have yet to be convinced that the FIghting Sioux name and logo are harmful in any way. And at every game, the name of my people is shouted in the spirit of pride of belonging to something good. How great is that?
Harvey Uken

Couple of Fighting Sioux nickname issues...

The Grand Forks Herald made mention of this L.A. Times article in today's paper and it's worth a look... My personal opinion of the article was that the L.A. Times oped comes off as being condescending, elitist and down right rude.

L.A. Times ---- Unlike 19th century U.S. officials, the North Dakota Board of Higher Education knows how to honor an agreement. It decided to retire the Fighting Sioux mascot. But then the North Dakota Legislature upset that amicable resolution by passing a law mandating that the university keep the old mascot. As a result, the university's athletics program faces various NCAA sanctions and might be excluded from the Big Sky Conference, which it had planned to join.

This is a 21st century conflict, so of course there also are lawsuits. Some members of the Spirit Lake tribe sued to keep the mascot, but their case was thrown out of court. A group of Native American students at the university sued to get rid of the name and accompanying logo of a young Sioux man. Written into the new state law is a provision that calls for suing the NCAA if it imposes any penalties.

Many of the legislators are alumni who understandably cling to this symbol of their college years, but reason should come before sentiment, and the law should be repealed. Lawmakers should have gotten more out of their college experience than the "fighting" part.

ND State Representative Mike Schatz (R-New England) was on with Rob Port on KNOX on Friday 8-26-11 and Rob and Mike Schatz spoke on the Fighting Sioux issue... [Click to listen]

Related articles

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• Former Sioux football players Jim Kleinsasser weighs in... (mvn.com)
• NCAA "Willing to Reconsider" Settlement Demands for Refitting Ralph Engelstad Fighting Sioux Arena. (mvn.com)

LSSU, FSU and UAF join the WCHA for the 2013-2014 season.

Image via WikipediaYesterday we found out that the WCHA had extended invitations to the 5 CCHA schools (LSSU, FSU, WMU, BGSU and UAF) to join the WCHA. Today it was announced that LSSU, UAF and FSU have accepted bids to join the WCHA for the 2013-2014 season. WMU, BGSU have also been given invitations to join the WCHA but have yet to accept invitations.

It has been rumored that both schools are weighing their options and that  BGSU, WMU might be trying to get into the newly formed NCHC. It's been kind of difficult to gauge what BGSU is going to do but this blog post on Falcon Fodder by John Wagner might shed some light on the situation or maybe not.

Western Michigan University had said in the past that the school was waiting to see what the conference the Notre Dame Fighting Irish was going to join before they made an a decision, now according to their athletic director Kathy Beauregard WMU is going do what is best for WMU.

Western Michigan’s Director of Athletics said Friday the school is no longer waiting for Notre Dame to decide first on a future conference affiliation.

“We did that at the time for all the right reasons because we certainly do care about them being a partner with us in the CCHA,” Beauregard said of her prior statements about being committed to trying to follow Notre Dame wherever the Irish end up. “Right now, it’s time for us to make the best decision for Western Michigan University. [David Drew, Mlive.com]

Two former CCHA schools must improve arenas

The WCHA has requested that LSSU and FSU make improvement to their hockey arenas according to Matt Wellens of the Mining Journal and apparently both teams have agreed to upgrade their facilities.

According to NMU President Less Wong, the WCHA did request that LSSU and Ferris upgrade their arenas - Taffy Abel Arena in Sault Ste. Marie and Ewigleben Ice Arena in Big Rapids - and both athletic departments agreed to make improvements.

Who's the "Boss" 

When news of the formation of the new NCHC broke there was a lot of discussion about the commissioner of the WCHA Bruce McLeod and there were a few teams in the current WCHA that said they have a problem and or issues with the WCHA Commissioner Bruce McLeod. With those teams gone; going forward it would appear as if the much maligned WCHA Commissioner Bruce McLeod is going to survive at least for now as the commissioner of the WCHA. I found this statement by WCHA Commissioner Bruce McLeod in the St. Cloud Times article by Mick Hatten to be very interesting, it's almost in your face, reading this newspaper article, there is no question who is driving this expansion.

On Thursday, McLeod clarified why Tuesday’s meeting wasn’t about a merger.

“This is really an invitation to join the WCHA, and there’s a real difference there,” McLeod said. “There’s a lot of sensitives to it on both sides of the fence.

“We’re going to be called the WCHA, and this is not some kind of merger.”

Personally, I think in 2013-2014 the WCHA needs to start fresh with a new face at the helm of the WCHA, I would suggest that the WCHA look at former UND head coach and USHL Commissioner Gino Gaspini, whose currently serving as a special adviser for SCSU athletics for SCSU President Earl H. Potter II.

So going forward here is what the new WCHA will look like "so far" for the 2013-2014 season.

SCSU
BSU
UAA
UAF
LSSU
NMU
FSU
MTU
MSU-M

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WCHA to expand...

Image via Wikipedia

It was the crazy summer that just got crazier.

Today there was a major announcement by the WCHA, the league has extended invitations for membership in the WCHA to five CCHA teams, the teams are as follows - University Alaska Fairbanks, Bowling Green State University, Ferris State University, Lake Superior State University, Western Michigan University. The teams that were extended invitations to join the WCHA have been given 30 days to respond.

Everyone waiting for Notre Dame

It would appear that we are all waiting for Notre Dame to see what they are going to do next. WMU was extended an invitation by the WCHA and the WMU Broncos have been waiting around to see what Notre Dame is going to do before they made a decision. According to Adam Wodon of College Hockey News Western Michigan University seems to be the least likely of the five to join the WCHA.

Western Michigan is the one CCHA school of the remaining five least likely to join the WCHA. It is waiting for Notre Dame's decision to see if it can join the Irish wherever they go. The wrinkle will be if the WCHA puts a time limit on Western Michigan's acceptance, and force them to commit for a certain number of years.

Bowling Green could balk as well, figuring it could go to the NCHC with Western Michigan if Notre Dame chooses Hockey East. However, it's difficult to wait for Notre Dame, not knowing when a decision is coming.

Here is the official press release from the WCHA...

MADISON, Wis. – On behalf of the presidents of the six member teams that will comprise Western Collegiate Hockey Association membership following the 2012-13 season, the WCHA today (August 25, 2011) extended invitations to five Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) member institutions to join the WCHA beginning with the 2013-14 season. Those CCHA institutions that were extended membership invitations are University of Alaska Fairbanks, Bowling Green State University, Ferris State University, Lake Superior State University and Western Michigan University.

As it stands currently, the six teams that will constitute the WCHA following the 2012-13 season are University of Alaska Anchorage, Bemidji State University, Michigan Technological University, Minnesota State University, Mankato, St. Cloud State University and Northern Michigan University, which accepted an offer to join the WCHA beginning in 2013-14 back on July 20.

"On behalf of those presidents who remain committed to the WCHA in 2013-14 and beyond, I am excited to announce that we have unanimously voted to invite these five CCHA members to join our conference," said Dr. Richard Davenport, President of Minnesota State University, Mankato. "These schools bring a proud history and tradition with them from the CCHA that will only serve to enhance the already strong reputation of the WCHA.

"We are committed to creating stability for the conference and believe by inviting these institutions we will create one of the strongest conferences in the nation," added Dr. Davenport. "This is one of the main reasons presidents voted today to invite CCHA member institutions to join our conference. Also, as presidents, we are committed to providing the best college hockey opportunities in the country for our student-athletes."

"This is truly a significant and quite remarkable twist in what has been a period of great consternation and transition in the college hockey world," said WCHA Commissioner Bruce M. McLeod. "On behalf of the WCHA, we couldn't be more excited and pleased to extend these invitations to Alaska Fairbanks, Bowling Green, Ferris State, Lake Superior State and Western Michigan."

The WCHA and CCHA held a joint meeting in Chicago earlier this week, working from an agenda that included the sharing of institutional and hockey program information (including financial, facilities, community support, staffing and travel), scheduling and championship scenarios, and membership and league affiliation (including league size, automatic qualifiers, etc).

"During what were very informative and productive meetings in Chicago, and as we worked our way through the agenda, it became clear that all of these great institutions share a commonality in that every one of them is 100% committed to the sport of collegiate ice hockey," said McLeod, "and that they also share a great deal philosophically both athletically and academically," said McLeod. "From there, the idea of coming together was a natural progression."

"This invitation represents a tremendous opportunity for the remaining members of both leagues," said CCHA Commissioner Fred Pletsch. "Their collective commitment to Division I hockey was evident in Chicago and the synergy created by last Tuesday's meeting will help all involved chart a course that is right for their respective program and provide further stability to college hockey's evolving landscape."

As a condition of this potential membership process moving forward, the WCHA-member presidents set a 30-day response timeline for acceptance. The WCHA and CCHA have also agreed to continue to hold regular talks to address such topics as by-laws, scheduling, tournament scenarios, finances and additional membership.

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• What's up SCSU? (mvn.com)
• WCHA commish has no guarantees for MSU Moorhead (mvn.com)
• Report: University of Denver, Colorado College hockey leaving WCHA in 2013 (denverpost.com)
• College Hockey's New 'Super Conferences': Are They Good Or Bad For The Game? (sbnation.com)

Hump Day Links...

Image via Wikipedia
Here’s the video from CBS Sports Network that takes a look at the University of Michigan's home Yost Arena. [Click to view]

In case anyone is wondering MSU-M is still moving forward with hockey exploration. [WDAY.COM]

I know this is a little old but, USCHO explains the NCAA’s tweak to common opponents criteria for NCAA Ice Hockey tournament selection. [USCHO.COM]

If approved, the criteria will be scored by adding the winning percentages against individual opponents. In the past, teams were compared by their overall record against common opponents. (See sidebar for example.)

The change would mean that a team that has a 5–0 record against a common opponent gets the same amount of points as a team with a 1–0 record against the same opponent.

Conversely, going 0–1 against a team would mean the same as going 0–5, decreasing the negative impact on a team’s score.

The results against common opponents is one of four criteria by which teams under consideration for the NCAA tournament (those with a Ratings Percentage Index of .500 or better) are compared to all other teams under consideration. The others are head-to-head competition, record against teams under consideration if both teams have played at least 10 such games and the RPI.

Mick Hatten has an article about the recent meeting between the WCHA and the CCHA... St. Cloud State hockey: WCHA, CCHA weigh the options [Click to view] I find the comments to be more entertaining than the article... The thing that I find hilarious is that some SCSU fans think the reason the Huskies didn't get into the NCHC was because of their former university president Roy Sagio and his stance against the Fighting Sioux nickname and logo. I guess we have silent black helicopters landing in SCSU fans back yards.

Yesterday the Grand Forks Herald had their weekly chat and there was a few tid bits on Fighting Sioux hockey and the new NCHC. [Click to view]

The College Hockey Blog ranked the University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux 4th in their yearly pre-season rankings. [TCHB.COM]

Debating the Ranking --- While there was some discussion on whether the TCHB’s ranking of UND is too high, I do think that we could make the argument for UND being ranked where they are. I don't think it's a stretch to say that they could end up finishing in the top three this season. While UND lost 6/7 of their top scorers the Fighting Sioux do return one of the best defensive corps in the WCHA if not the nation. Senior defenseman Ben Blood and junior defenseman Andrew McWilliams would probably been a top pairing on anyone’s team in college hockey.

In net for the Fighting Sioux --- Aaron Dell is one of the best goaltenders in the WCHA and is probably in the top ten nationally. There is an old cliché that championships start with defense and goaltending. Add to UND's rock solid defense corps; UND's forwards Danny Kristo, Corbin Knight, Brock Nelson are set to have a break out season as well, add new comers Rocco Grimaldi and Mark MacMillan who are both highly regarded as well. There is an old saying that UND's doesn't rebuild they reload.

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• NCAA "Willing to Reconsider" Settlement Demands for Refitting Ralph Engelstad Fighting Sioux Arena. (mvn.com)
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• Will the Gophers want to duck the Sioux? (mvn.com)
• WCHA and CCHA league meet in Chicago (mvn.com)

NCAA “Willing to Reconsider” Settlement Demands for Refitting Ralph Engelstad Fighting Sioux Arena.

Image via Wikipedia Here is some of the discussion that Scott Hennen had with Jody Hodgson on August 23rd, 2011 on the Fighting Sioux logo and the meeting with the NCAA.

GRAND FORKS, ND – But despite the fact that the NCAA would not budge on its stance to retire the Fighting Sioux nickname and logo, Hodgson said they did agree to reconsider requests for amending the settlement’s demands for retrofitting the arena to meet the NCAA’s design standards.

“I don’t think anybody in the issue has won,” said Hodgson, “and I personally don’t believe anyone benefits if we further complicate the issue by defacing the building and all of the issues that would come with that, the least of which is not the financial considerations.”

Changes to the facility have been estimated at over $1 million to meet the settlement’s specifications.

Hodgson, a passionate Fighting Sioux supporter, said that reality of the NCAA’s demands did not fully hit him until he was walking out of the NCAA meeting. Many nickname supporters are now pushing the position that no new nickname be adopted, even if the Fighting Sioux must be retired.

I like many Sioux fans would like to see the “No Nickname and Logo” movement pick up some steam. There is no way that we can replace the Fighting Sioux logo and nickname with anything that is remotely acceptable. There are going to be some people that are going to suggest ridiculous nicknames like Sundogs... Those nicknames are not going to be popular and you’re going to end up upsetting large swaths of people.

New glass goes in at Jobing.com Arena

Here is the new glass they were testing at the research and development camp last week. What do you guys think? If the new glass prevents injuries I am all for it.

Fighting Sioux logo links...

Image via Wikipedia There has been a lot of breaking news today on the Fighting Sioux nickname and logo and the transition that lies ahead. I am going to try and keep up with the news as it breaks as best as I can. The first story that caught my eye was this one about current Fighting Sioux logo designer Bennett Brien as he weighted in on the Fighting Sioux logo today.

“It’s not a logo,” he said. “It’s a symbol.”

And the symbolism of the Native American man depicted in his design has been misunderstood, he said.

“His gaze is really focused and determined. You need that in life, no matter who you are, when you’re searching for truth,” Brien said.

“The feathers stand for the brave and honorable things you do in life, whether you are a Sioux warrior from before or a student today trying to get an education or anyone making a sacrifice to do good.”(Chuck Haga; Grand Forks Herald)

It would appear that the Grand Forks members of the North Dakota legislature are ready to vote in favor to change the Fighting Sioux nickname law.

After a state delegation failed this month to negotiate a change in the NCAA’s posture concerning the nickname, Gov. Jack Dalrymple said he will ask the Legislature to repeal or amend the new law and turn authority over the issue to the State Board of Higher Education.

This time, the Grand Forks delegation appears likely to be unanimous. (Chuck Haga; Grand Forks Herald)

North Dakota House Member, Mike Schatz from district 36 (New England, N.D.), wrote a letter to the editor explaining why he won't vote for the Nickname Repeal Law. Representative Schatz made an interesting point on the Fighting Sioux logo and asks the question, who is going to pay for UND to change the Fighting Sioux logo?

It has been estimated that the cost of changing the logo could be $20 million. Who is going to pay that sum? The Board of Higher Education does not have that authority without legislative approval nor does UND. Is the NCAA going to donate back its profits from the sale of Sioux merchandise to cover the expense? Are we going to allow ourselves to be blackmailed into doing something that 80 percent of the people don’t want to do?

Scott Hennen had Jody Hodgson the General Manager of the REA on his radio show today and they talked about the future of the Fighting Sioux nickname and logo. Jody Hodgson is in favor of no nickname and UND just being "North Dakota" for the time being. [Click to listen to the segment]

Forum Sioux Survey...

Here is a non-scientific survey that the Fargo Forum had on some of the issues surround the Fighting Sioux nickname. It's worth a look if you haven't seen it.

Related articles

• Representative Al Carlson will not sponsor reversal of nickname decision (mvn.com)
• Another Mike Chambers drive by shooting on former Fighting Sioux forward Brad Malone... (mvn.com)
• Former Sioux football players Jim Kleinsasser weighs in... (mvn.com)
• The NCAA a bunch of hypocrites? (mvn.com)
• 2011-12 UND TV Schedule (mvn.com)

NCHC picks conference HQ...

Here is the official statement regarding the NCHC's selection of a headquarters office in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

COLORADO SPRINGS - The new National Collegiate Hockey Conference, which will begin competition in the 2013-14 season, announced today that it will locate its headquarters office in Colorado Springs.

The athletic directors of the Conference's six founding institutions accepted an invitation from El Pomar Foundation and determined the Conference's first commissioner and staff will operate all functions of league administration from the Colorado Springs office in the Copper Building (1631 Mesa Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO, 80906), adjacent to the grounds of the world-famous Broadmoor Hotel. The conference's six founding members are Colorado College, University of Denver, Miami University, 2011 NCAA champion University of Minnesota Duluth, University of Nebraska Omaha and University of North Dakota.

"El Pomar founders Spencer and Julie Penrose were enthusiastic supporters of college hockey in Colorado Springs and the trustees of El Pomar are pleased to honor that legacy by supporting the National Collegiate Hockey Conference as it establishes a headquarters here," said William J. Hybl, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of El Pomar Foundation. "Colorado Springs benefits greatly from the presence of numerous sports-related organizations and we believe this new endeavor will add to an already important economic component of our city."

"We are very grateful to Bill Hybl and El Pomar Foundation for their enthusiastic interest in the National Collegiate Hockey Conference," said Brian Faison, Director of Athletics at North Dakota. "The Foundation's track record of support for higher education, nonprofits and amateur sports has been exemplary, and we are proud to be working with them to provide the best collegiate hockey competition in the country. It's an ideal setting with unmatched advantages that will create a perfect environment for everything we hope to achieve and to represent."

Colorado Springs is a popular location for sports organization headquarters including the United States Olympic Committee, U.S. Paralympics, the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association and 21 national sports governing bodies.

"We're very happy that the National Collegiate Hockey Conference has chosen to join USA Hockey and the entire amateur sports community by headquartering in Colorado Springs," said Dave Ogrean, Executive Director of USA Hockey. "We look forward to working with the Conference office and the six outstanding founding school progams that continue to develop the game at the college level."

The Conference has a number of other organizational initiatives that are underway including the national search for the Conference's first Commissioner, a process for identifying and evaluating prospective additional members and evaluating possible venues for the Conference's championship tournament.

Related articles

• New hockey conference to base in Colorado Springs (denverpost.com)
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WCHA and CCHA league meet in Chicago

Image via WikipediaHere is the official release from today's meeting. Absent from the meeting was Notre Dame.

CHICAGO, Ill. – Members of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) and the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) met jointly today (Aug. 23) in Chicago, working from an agenda that included sharing information about each other, engaging in productive discussions about the challenges that each institution and each conference face, and seeking common ground to work together for the betterment of the parties involved and of college hockey in general.

In issuing a joint statement, WCHA Commissioner Bruce McLeod and CCHA Commissioner Fred Pletsch said, “This was an important and productive meeting, for all involved parties. We asked everyone in attendance to be open, honest and frank in discussing their concerns, hopes and visions for the future of their respective programs. We recognize that where there is change there is also opportunity. We plan to continue our discussions in the future and to continue to explore all options.

“One crucial thing that came out of the joint meeting today was the word ‘commitment’. All of these institutions are totally committed to fielding the most competitive and successful programs possible and to provide the best possible experience for their student-athletes.”

Topics discussed in the joint meeting agenda included sharing of institutional and hockey program information (including financial, facilities, community support, staffing and travel), scheduling and championship scenarios, and membership and league affiliation (including league size, automatic qualifiers, etc).

In attendance at the joint meeting were administrators from the University of Alaska Anchorage, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Bemidji State University, Bowling Green State University, Ferris State University, Lake Superior State University, Michigan Technological University, Minnesota State University, Mankato, Northern Michigan University, St. Cloud State University and Western Michigan University.
[UAA Sports Information]

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Another Mike Chambers drive by shooting on former Fighting Sioux forward Brad Malone...

As a Sioux fan I have to ask is there is something wrong with Mike Chambers? Is he going to always refer to Brad Malone as the guy that broke Jesse Martin's neck every time he does a story or blog post on former Fighting Sioux forward Brad Malone? Seriously? What relevance does it have in regards to this discussion? In my humble opinion nothing. This is the same beat writer that asked George Gwozdecky about RIT after the Pioneers won their first game at the Final Five...

Mike Chambers; Denver Post ---- The Avs selected Malone in the fourth round (105th overall) of the 2007 draft. Malone played four years at North Dakota and served as the first-line center last season, when the Sioux were ranked No. 1 nationally most of the year and advanced to the Frozen Four. He (Malone) had 16 goals and 40 points in 43 games last season, a campaign marred by his controversial hit that nearly killed DU senior Jesse Martin on Oct. 30 in Grand Forks.

Malone is perceived as a third- or fourth-line grinder in the NHL, a gritty guy with good hands (fighting?) and decent wheels. Nicknamed “Pony,” he was one of the most popular players at UND.

What's the point, is Chambers trying to incite the Sioux faithful because of a sagging readership? What does he want to have happen to Brad Malone, does he wish him ill well? I had the pleasure of meeting Brad Malone at a golf tourney two season ago and I have to say that he was a very nice person and don't get the vilification of Brad Malone. Can we move on?

The end of the Colin Campbell Wheel of Justice.

It would appear that the Colin Campbell Wheel of Justice has finally been retired, this is good news because it will probably finally silence the conspiracy theorists who thought that Colin Campbell was in the tank for the Boston Bruins.

Nicholas J. Cotsonika, Yahoo.com --- The NHL has a new disciplinarian: Brendan Shanahan(notes). It has rewritten the rules regarding boarding and illegal checks to the head, broadening their scope. And now, every time Shanahan and his colleagues announce a suspension, they will release a video simultaneously explaining what they saw, everything they deliberated and why they settled on that certain sanction. It might be on a case-by-case basis, but they hope to release a video after each disciplinary hearing, not just each suspension, so they can give an explanation when they decide not to take action, too.

I think going forward that the NHL under the direction of Brendan Shanahan is going to be run more smoothly and be more transparent when making their disciplinary decisions than the league did under Colin Campbell… In the past Colin Campbell’s decisions seem to lack consistency and where far from transparent and most of the time Campbell's decisions just left people scratching their heads.

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Bigger NHL Rinks?

Image via WikipediaThis is a horrible idea; in my opinion there is no reason to increase the size of the ice in the NHL, as we have seen in the college game, bigger ice surfaces take hitting out of the game. Also, most NHL teams aren’t going to want to take out seats out of their arenas to increase the size of the ice surface, it’s an economic issue, that means less seats and less money for those arenas/teams.

Toronto Sun --- To my way of thinking, the NHL could increase goal-scoring and make the game more exciting with one simple change, without having to constantly tinker and retool. (And when a league is constantly retooling, it sends out the message, unfortunately, that there’s something profoundly wrong with the game).

Yes, I’ve harped on this before, but it’s necessary harp: The NHL should increase the size of the ice. Not even the length of the ice, just the width. More ice, more room to move, more creativity, more goals. More goals, more excitement, more fans.

I’m not a math guy, but that seems to be a winning equation. Still, opponents of the idea, including some very good friends of mine who write and broadcast hockey for a living, argue that changing the ice dimensions would result in a boring game, because there would be less hitting, as there is in European pro hockey.

Related articles

• The obvious reason why the NHL won't switch to a larger ice surface (prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com)
• NHL changes coming? (mvn.com)
• NHL Experiments With New Rules at Offseason Camp (nytimes.com)
• NHL Video: The 15 Best Player and Coach Tantrums in Hockey History (bleacherreport.com)
• Shallower nets, hi-def net cameras tested for NHL (thestar.com)
• Why the NHL Doesn't Dare Play an Exhibition Game in Hamilton (bleacherreport.com)
• Sidney Crosby suffers setback, may miss start of season (ctv.ca)

Sunday night humor

 One of my twitter friends sent me this tweet and I thought I was would share it with you.

Representative Al Carlson will not sponsor reversal of nickname decision

Image via WikipediaThis is breaking news on the Fighting Sioux nickname... Carlson won't introduce legislation that would repeal his law that required the University of North Dakota to be called the Fighting Sioux, on the other hand Carlson will not obstruct anyone that decides to introduce legislation to retire the Fighting Sioux nickname either.

Fargo Forum --- When asked this week if he would introduce legislation to undo the law, Carlson said he wouldn’t.

“I’m principled enough to know that I’m not going to do that,” said Carlson, who sponsored the controversial law that took effect this month.

However, Carlson said he also won’t discourage anyone else from submitting legislation to amend or repeal the law and said he would go along with what must be done.

“I’m not here to obstruct the process or to hurt UND,” he said. “We’re not going to damage the university.”

The New NHL Net...

This is the video from the NHL introducing the new net that the NHL has been experimenting with during the Research and Development camp this past week in Toronto Ontario. There is a decent chance that we might  see this new net during NHL regular season. The more I read about this new net the more that I like it, if this helps make a more definitive ruling on goals I am all for it.

TSN.COM ---- The new design of net comes with a 40-inch frame as opposed to the traditional 44 inches. It also features a clear plastic strip along the top, thinner mesh and a built-in high definition camera -- changes that should make the job easier for the league's video review room.

There will also likely be a new "verification line" that runs three inches behind the goal-line and can be used to determine if a puck completely entered the net.

Since the changes to the net won't directly impact the rulebook, the procedure for implementing them is still being ironed out. They'll be used during training camps and exhibition games before the hockey operations department makes a decision on whether they'll be on display in the regular season.

Related articles

• NHL changes coming? (mvn.com)
• Shallower nets, hi-def net cameras tested for NHL (thestar.com)
• NHL's first big change from Camp Shanny could be to the nets (prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com)

UND working out details on timeline for transition to new logo

Image via WikipediaIn case you haven't seen this article it's worth a look, apparently the NCAA is more worried about UND transitioning away from the nickname and logo and retiring it than if our teams wear it this year... I find that interesting.

Dave Kolpack, Associated Press---  The higher education board has directed Kelley to "substantially complete" the process of retiring the nickname by the end of December. That doesn't necessarily mean that the Indian head logo will be gone from all uniforms by then, Shaft said.

"For instance, we know that through the ordering process, we probably won't have different hockey uniforms until well after Christmas break," he said. "The NCAA has indicated that those aren't the types of things they're worried about. They just wanted a solid commitment that the logo was being retired."

Some sports have already moved away from the Indian head illustration. The football team is using an interlocking "ND" that has been a secondary logo for several years.

Related articles

• The NCAA a bunch of hypocrites? (mvn.com)
• UND to resume planning process for retirement of nickname and logo (mvn.com)
• It's official...NDBoHE again votes to drop UND's Sioux nickname, logo (mvn.com)
• More from the meeting... (mvn.com)
• Fighting Sioux nickname meeting with NCAA rescheduled for Aug. 12 (mvn.com)
• NCAA won't budge (mvn.com)

UND merchandise on NCAA site....

The University of North Dakota was put on the NCAA sanctions August 15th and the NCAA transitioned away from selling UND Fighting Sioux merchandise on it's webpage. It almost appears that the NCAA has stopped selling UND merchandise. Last night and this morning while doing a search of the NCAA site with North Dakota, UND and University of North Dakota the only thing that comes up is the God awful NDSU Bison merchandise.

Related articles

• The NCAA a bunch of hypocrites? (mvn.com)
• University of North Dakota Faces Sanctions (indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com)
• Fighting Sioux nickname meeting with NCAA rescheduled for Aug. 12 (mvn.com)
• Former Sioux football players Jim Kleinsasser weighs in... (mvn.com)
• UND to resume planning process for retirement of nickname and logo (mvn.com)
• NCAA won't budge (mvn.com)
• A couple of Links (mvn.com)

NHL changes coming?

Image via WikipediaThis week in Toronto, the NHL has been experimenting with some different things to tweak the NHL game. Apparently the dept of the nets is one thing that the NHL is experimenting with. The changes to the nets sizes in the NHL could come as early as this season.

TORONTO -- After using a shallower model over two days at the research and development camp, league executive Brendan Shanahan indicated that the new nets will likely find their way into NHL arenas soon.

"I think that the shallow nets are something that I'd really like to try in at least an exhibition game and see how players react to it," Shanahan said Thursday.

The new design is 40 inches deep as opposed to the traditional 44 inches. It also features a clear plastic strip along the top and thinner mesh -- changes intended to make video review decisions easier.

Shanahan also liked a new "verification line" that runs three inches behind the goal-line and can be used in video review to help determine if a puck completely entered the net.

The NHL Is also thinking about going to the hybrid icing rule, this is basically the same rule that the NCAA went to last season. Of course this rule change didn't go as smoothly as planned, there were a lot of calls where the play should have been called icing and wasn't, the WCHA officials had a tough time with this new rule change and I don't think it's an understatement to say that there was a lot of confusion with the Hybrid Icing rule. I would hope the NHL officials can do a better job calling this than the NCAA/WCHA officials because the NHL officials are full time officials.

The Globe and Mail ---- Under the hybrid rule, the linesmen will have to make a judgment call. When the puck is fired down the ice and icing is indicated, the closest linesman has to determine, by the time the first player reaches the faceoff dot, which player is going to win the race. If it is the attacking player, icing is waved off and the race for the puck continues. If it is the defending player, the whistle is blown to stop the play.

If the NHL adopts the hybrid icing rule you could see a lot less collisions at the end boards contesting icing and it could help prevent injuries like the one that where former Wild Defenseman Kurtis foster suffered when he was planted into the boards racing for an icing.

Related articles

• Prospects brighten sessions as NHL puts rules proposals to the test (aol.sportingnews.com)
• NHL experiments with penalty kill at camp (canada.com)
• NHL considering immediate change to nets (cbc.ca)
• 2011 NHL RDO Camp: Today's schedule, curved glass, faceoff tweaks and the green line (prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com)
• NHL will look at all angles of the game in Research, Development and Orientation camp (aol.sportingnews.com)