Goon's World

Friday, January 27, 2012

Putting on the Foil – Friday Links

It’s Friday, so that means there is a lot of college hockey news to be read and sift through. It’s also the All Star break so there won’t be a lot of NHL news this weekend, except for the All Star game. Frankly, I find the All Star Game to be boring.

Bruce Ciskie has a nice article; Jack Connolly Marches Toward History.

Here is this weeks Through These Doors episode 12. If you watch the video you will see UND defenseman Andrew MacWilliam wearing the yellow jersey, that is the jersey that they give the players that are injured.

Tyler Buckentine and Brian Halverson of USCHO have their weekly WCHA picks. And you can see from their analysis neither the Badgers nor UND are setting the world on fire.

Wisconsin (12-10-2, 7-9-2 WCHA) at No. 18 North Dakota (13-10-2, 9-9-0 WCHA)

Tyler: The Badgers have won five of six but not against any strong teams and their first road win of the year came Jan. 13 at Minnesota State. The Mavericks blanked UW the next night. Also, the Badgers’ power play is failing the past five games (2-for-14). UW’s 1-6-1 road record doesn’t look good going into Grand Forks this weekend. UND sweep

Brian: The Badgers, who swept UND in Madison in Oct. (5-3, 5-4) have won six of the last 10 meetings overall (6-3-1) and are 6-1-1 in Grand Forks since the 2005-06 season. But Wisconsin is just 1-6-1 on the road in 2011-12 with its only win coming at Minnesota State two weeks ago. Penalty killing has been a staple of success in recent weeks for both UW (82.5 percent in last 13 games) and UND (90 percent in last nine and 83.7 percent overall) but UND’S power play inefficiency lately (5.2 percent in its last five games) is alarming. I think Wisconsin finds a way to pick up a road split.

Roman Augustoviz invited Brian Halverson to be his guest prognosticator, so here are their picks for this weekend’s series between UW vs. UND at the Roman Empire.

Wisconsin (12-10-2, 7-9-2 WCHA) at No. 18 North Dakota (13-10-2, 9-9-0 WCHA)

Brian: The Badgers, who swept UND in Madison in Oct. (5-3, 5-4) have won six of the last 10 meetings overall (6-3-1) and are 6-1-1 in Grand Forks since the 2005-06 season. But Wisconsin is just 1-6-1 on the road in 2011-12 with its only win coming at Minnesota State two weeks ago. Penalty killing has been a staple of success in recent weeks for both UW (82.5 percent in last 13 games) and UND (90 percent in last nine and 83.7 percent overall) but UND'S power play inefficiency lately (5.2 percent in its last five games) is alarming. Wisconsin finds a way to pick up a road win. … SPLIT

Roman: Huge series for home ice in first round of WCHA playoffs down the road. UND is in sixth place, last spot for home ice, the Badgers are ninth, but just two points behind the team without a nickname. Badgers freshman goalie Joel Rumpel is 4-1 with a 1.01 GAA and two shutouts in his last five games. Justin Schultz has a team-leading 12 goals and could become first D-man to lead Badgers in goals for a season. … UND SWEEP

At Tradition of Excellence has his Fighting Sioux vs. Wisconsin: Notes and Links

Brad Elliott Schlossman has his Friday morning reading links up...Brad also has a nice articlea about the Knight Line. Today we also find out that the, Water bottle game turns 30 this weekend.

Inside Hockey has it’s UW and UND series notes.

Andy Baggot the beat writer for the Wisconsin Badgers has his series preview up. UW men's hockey preview: Badgers vs. No. 18 North Dakota

Bucky's 5th Quarter: Take Five With UND Beat Writer Brad Elliott Schlossman.

Mike Chambers of the Denver Post says that Ryder, Brittain have joined trip to Alaska...

Goon’s Weekly WCHA Picks 1/27 – 1/28

Fri 01/27/12
Michigan Tech at Minnesota Duluth 7:07 p.m. CT (TV-My9)
St. Cloud State at Minnesota 7:07 p.m. CT (TV-BTN)
Minnesota State at Bemidji State 7:37 p.m. CT (TV-LPT)
Wisconsin at North Dakota 7:37 p.m. CT (TV-FSSN,FCSc)
Denver at Alaska Anchorage 7:07 p.m. AT (TV-GCI)

Sat 01/28/12
Minnesota at St. Cloud State 7:07 p.m. CT (TV-FSn,Charter)
Minnesota State at Bemidji State 7:07 p.m. CT (TV-LPT)
Michigan Tech at Minnesota Duluth 7:07 p.m. CT (TV-My9)
Wisconsin at North Dakota 7:07 p.m. CT (TV-FSSN,FCSc)
Denver at Alaska Anchorage 7:07 p.m. AT (TV-GCI)

Minnesota at St. Cloud State – UMN Sweep
Minnesota State at Bemidji State – Split
Michigan Tech at Minnesota Duluth – UMD Sweep
Wisconsin at North Dakota – Split
Denver at Alaska Anchorage – DU Sweep

Last Week 11-0 Record for the season 105-60

Thursday, January 26, 2012

The Big Sky is Coming to Root Sports

I found this video on line and this should get you in the mood for Big Sky Football coming this fall. It’s going to be nice watching the teams in the Big Sky foes coming to the Alerus Center as opposed to watching the University of Sioux Falls or some other NAIA or Divsion II school.

Jordan Schmaltz on the Pipleline show...

Prized UND recruit Jordan Schmaltz was on the Pipeline show with Guy Flaming and Dean Millard.

[click to listen] -USHL Top Prospects Game, the Green Bay Gamblers d-man Jordan Schmaltz talks about going to UND.

When Asked by the Dean Millard, "Do you have any ambition about to Windsor [OHL], or whatever might happen or you 100 percent going to North Dakota?"

“I am 100 percent going to North Dakota," said Jordan Schmaltz. “That’s the place I want to go and that’s the place that is going to develop me the best, I believe."

Weekend Match-Ups (by Sioux 7)

Looking at the calendar this is the last weekend of action in January. We all know that means the season is winding down, put the stakes are going up. After this weekend it basically leaves us the month of February in the regular season. The teams are so bunched up in the middle of standings it should be another great race for home ice in the first round of the WCHA playoffs.

WCHA STANDINGS

Team………………………W-L-T………Points
1. Minnesota………………13-5-0…..……26
2. Minnesota-Duluth……..11-3-2….…….24
3. Colorado College……..11-7-0………..22
4. Nebraska-Omaha………9-6-3……….. 21
5. Denver……………………8-5-3………..19
6. North Dakota……….…...9-9-0….……..18
7. Michigan Tech………….8-7-1…….…..17
7. St. Cloud St……………. 7-8-3……….. 17
9. Wisconsin……………....7-9-2…..…….14
10. Bemidji State….……….5-9-2…………12
11. Minnesota State………4-13-1…………9
12. Alaska-Anchorage…...3-14-1…………7

WCHA Games

Minnesota State @ Bemidji State
Last weekend the MSUM Mavericks split with the UNO Mavericks in Mankato, and the Beavers enjoyed a weekend off.

Since the calendar flipped over to 2012 the Mavericks are holding their own, going 3-3-0 in January. The Beavers have a good record this year at the Sanford Center, owning a 8-3-1 record at home. Both teams are need of points. If they want to climb the standings and make run at home ice for the first round. The Beavers look to have a better shot at hosting, since they have more points currently and two games in hand on the Mavericks. The Mavericks haven’t been to good on the road, their last WCHA road win came back on November 5 versus MTU. MSUM fans would probably say they are due for a WCHA road win. SPLIT

Wisconsin Badgers @ #18 North Dakota
Last weekend Badgers swept the UAA Seawolves at the Kohl Center in Madison and North Dakota split with the SCSU Huskies in St. Cloud.

Earlier this season the Sioux visited the Badgers in Madison and left there with no points. UND will be looking to return the favor this weekend in Grand Forks. North Dakota has suffered numerous injuries this season, making everyone step up their game night in and night out. If they can stay healthy down the stretch here, they could make a run up the standings. This would help to secure home ice in the first round. Meanwhile, the Badgers are in what most are calling a rebuilding year. NORTH DAKOTA SWEEP

St. Cloud State vs #3 Minnesota
Last weekend Huskies split with North Dakota in St. Cloud and the Gophers split with CC Tigers in Minneapolis.

This is a home-home series with the opener in Minneapolis and the finale in St. Cloud. The Gophers have dropped the last few Friday night games they played and this weekend it is even more important for the gophers to win on Friday, with Saturday’s game in St. Cloud. The Huskies have been a bit inconsistent this season, so it is hard to predict which team will show up on which night. SPLIT

#15 Denver @ Alaska-Anchorage
Last weekend the Seawolves were swept by the Badgers in Madison and the Pioneers had a weekend off to rest up.

The Pioneers take the big airplane ride this weekend up to scenic Alaska. The Seawolves have not played in front of the home town fans since December 3-4 (vs. North Dakota). I’m sure the players and fans are chomping at the bit to play a game at the Sully. The Seawolves have been lighting the lamp this year, but have been surrendering a few too many as well. If the Pioneers can take the lead and make UAA play from behind they could leave Anchorage with some points. SPLIT

Michigan Tech @ #1 Minnesota-Duluth
Last weekend Huskies lost their one game against Northern Michigan in Houghton and the Bulldogs swept the UAH Chargers in Duluth.

Tech hits the road this weekend and will be on it six of their next eight games. The Huskies last road trip was to Minneapolis, where they split with the Gophers. MTU will have to avoid getting into a shoot out with the Bulldogs, UMD packs to much firepower for the Huskies to match. The Bulldogs will need to put shots up on the Huskies; they have allowed five goals or more in six games this season. The Huskies have shown they can take on the top powers this year, so don’t be too surprised if they leave Duluth with a point or two. BULLDOGS 3-pts.

BYE WEEK
#12 Colorado College
Nebraska-Omaha

UW vs. UND series notes

The University of North Dakota entertains the Wisconsin Badgers at Ralph Englestad Arena January 27-28, 2012.

Game Time: 7:37 pm Friday, 7:07 pm Saturday.

Television: UND Sports Network, MidcoSN3, FCS Central (Fri.), FCS Pacific (Sat.), DirecTV 617 (Fri.), DirecTV 623 (Sat.), FSN+, theScore (Fri. game tape delayed on Sat.).

Radio: The games can be heard at 96.1 the Fox and for Wisconsin Badger fans on 1310 WIBA AM locally in Madison or for free online at BadgerSportsNetwork.com.

Internet: Both games at UNDSports.com.

Records and Rankings: University of North Dakota (13-10-2 overall, 9-9-0 WCHA); UND is ranked 18^th in the USCHO poll. North Dakota split with the Saint Cloud State Huskies last weekend (3-1 L, 3-2 W). Official Release

The Wisconsin Badgers (12-10-2, 7-9-2 WCHA) posted a (4-0 W, 3-2 W) sweep over Alaska Anchorage last weekend. The Badgers are unranked in the USCHO and USA Today Polls. Official Release

Series History: The Wisconsin Badgers lead the all-time series against UND 86-62-11 (.575). The University of North Dakota has only won three times in the last 10 games against the Wisconsin Badgers going 3-6-1. UND was swept by the Badgers (5-3 and 5-4) in Madison, Wisconsin earlier this season.

Players to Watch:

For UND: Forwards: Danny Kristo (12g-15a—27pts), Corbin Knight (8g-16a—24pts) and Brock Nelson (17g-10a—27pts), Carter Rowney (8g-7a—15pts). Defense: Nick Mattson (5g-8a—13pts), Dillion Simpson, (0g-12a—11pts), Ben Blood (2g-9a—11pts). Goaltenders: Aaron Dell .895 save percentage and a 2.80 goals against average. Brad Eidsness .919 save percentage and a 2.38 goals against average.

UND Injuries: Forward Rocco Grimaldi is out (season knee surgery), Brendan O’Donnell out, defenseman Derek Forbort questionable; Derek Rodwell is out (season shoulder surgery)

For UW: Forwards: Mark Zengerle (10g-28a—38pst), Tyler Barnes (8g-12a—20pts), Michael Mersch (8g-12—20tps). Defense: Justin Schultz (12g-25a—37pts). Goaltender: Joel Rumpel .920 save percentage and a 2.44 goals against average.

Other games in the WCHA: Saint Cloud at Minnesota (Friday), Minnesota at Saint Cloud (Saturday), Denver at Alaska Anchorage, Michigan Tech at Minnesota Duluth, Minnesota State at Bemidji State. Idle Colorado College, Nebraska Omaha

Cross Posted at INSIDE HOCKEY.

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

A few things...

In case you haven't seen this video, it's the Justin Schultz Highlight video that someone posted on Youtube. Schultz is one of the best defensemen in the country and would be my pick for the Hobey Baker Memorial Award if I had a vote. Schultz would probably be playing in the NHL right now if he had decided to for-go his junior year of eligibility.

You can bet that UND will be aware of Schultz whenever he's on the ice and will probably have someone checking him at all times. Obviously, it will be hard to shut down Schultz's offensive production, but you can bet that UND will put their best players on Schultz to slow him down.

Speaking of Justin Schultz – the Junior Defenseman from the Wisconsin Badgers was named the Red Baron® WCHA Defensive Player of the Week this past week. Schultz scored (1g-4a—5pts) in helping his team beat the UAA Seawolves (4-0 W, 3-2 W) in Madison Wisconsin. Schultz is second on the Badgers in scoring with (12g-25a—37pts).

Coming into this weekend’s series the Wisconsin Badgers lead the all-time series against UND 86-62-11 (.575). UND has had some tough sledding as of late against the Badgers as they have only won three times in the last 10 games going an unimpressive 3-6-1.

It looks like this will probably be the top two forward lines for the Wisconsin Badgers and they have been together for four games; LW 16 Joseph LaBate (5g-13a—18pts)- C 9 Mark Zengerle (10g-28a—38pst) RW 7 Tyler Barnes (8g-12a—20pts) and from looking at the line sheets this appears to be the second line for the Badgers - LW 8 Matt Paape (4g-4a—8pts) - C 23 Derek Lee (4g-6a—10pts) - RW 25 Michael Mersch (8g-12—20tps)

Compare and contrast this was what the top line for UND has been most of the season; LW 29 Brock Nelson (17g-10a—27pts) - C 10 Corban Knight (8g-16a—24pts)- RW 7 Danny Kristo (12g-15a—27pts) and this was the second line last weekend LW 16 Mark MacMillan (4g-6a—10pts) - C 27 Carter Rowney (8g-7a—15pts) - RW 15 Michael Parks (4g-3a—7pts).

Who is hot for UND; freshman forward Michael Parks has points in four out of his last six games. Corbin Knight broke a five game scoreless streak by recording a (2g-1a—3 pts) in Saturday's game against Saint Cloud.

Another reason to hate the Vancouver Canucks

Image via WikipediaI mean really?!? Cory Schneider is a good goalie and a very serviceable back up to the Canucks head case Robert Luongo, but he isn't even close to the stature of Boston Bruins goalie Tim Thomas. I guess as a Bruins fan, I can just chalk it up as another reason to hate the Vancouver Canucks hockey team.

The Providence --- Cory Schneider, an American from Marblehead, Massachusetts, a suburb of Boston, was one Canuck willing to weigh in, and his message was simple. Thomas should have sucked it up and gone to the White House.

“I’m not that religious but if I had the chance to meet the Pope, it’d be pretty cool,” Schneider said.
”I don’t believe in everything the Catholic church does, but I’d still show up to the Vatican and say Hi to the Pope.

“I have no problem with his personal beliefs, but (Thomas) can suck it up for an hour, say Hi and be with the team, and avoid all of this.

“Respect the (Presidency). He plays for Team USA and he has no problem making millions of dollars in the USA but he can’t go say Hi to the President.

WCHA Offensive Player of the Week Jocelyne Lamoureux

#17 Jocelyne Lamoureux, #6 Laura Gersten

Image by SaraMelikian via FlickrMADISON, Wis. – University of North Dakota forward Jocelyne Lamoureux, who scored five goals, produced nine scoring points and earned a +9 plus/minus rating while helping her team to a two-game home-ice conference sweep over St. Cloud State last weekend, has been named the WCHA Women’s Offensive Player of the Week for Jan. 25. This marks the second time this season she has received the weekly honor (also on Nov. 9).

A junior center from Grand Forks, N.D., Lamoureux scored as pair of goals and assisted on three others for five points last Friday evening (Jan. 20) to earn second star of the game honors as North Dakota blanked the Huskies 10-0 at Ralph Engelstad Arena. Then last Saturday night (Jan. 21), Lamoureux came back to net a three-goal hat trick and one assist for four points and earn first star of the game accolades as UND completed the sweep over SCSU with a 9-0 triumph. In addition to her nine points in the series, she fired 17 shots on goal, including 14 in game two.

Lamoureux’s nine-point weekend elevated her into the national scoring lead with 62 points (25g, 37a) in 25 games played and a nation’s best 2.48 points per game.

Also nominated: Emily West, F, UM; Haley Irwin, F, UMD; Ally Tarr, F, OSU; Brooke Ammerman, F, UW.

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

(Video) Matt Cooke is at it again.

It will be interesting to see how long Matt Cooke gets for his latest act of of stupidity. For the most part Cooke had played it straight up this season, only drawing only 16 penalty minutes in 49 games and had for the most part stayed clear of the dirty play until his recent slew foot on Brad Richards on 1/19/2012.

If you need to have your memory refreshed on the type of hockey player that Matt Cooke is, take a look at this blog post Matt Cooke: A History of Violence; you will see that Matt Cooke's has a resume of being a dangerous, despicable hockey player, that has for the most part been one of the dirtiest players in the league during his NHL career.

DU get some some good news... Brittain & Ryder back

Image via WikipediaIt appears that the Denver Pioneers have gotten some good news as two of their key players have returned from injury. It will be interesting to see how well Sam Brittain plays.

Mike Chambers, Denver Post --- Two of the University of Denver's most important defenders are close to returning to a depleted lineup. Pioneers coach George Gwozdecky said sophomore goalie Sam Brittain and senior defenseman John Ryder were cleared to practice Monday and are probable for this weekend's two-game series at Alaska-Anchorage.

Brittain, who took over as the program's No. 1 goalie as a freshman last season, has missed the entire season after undergoing major knee surgery June 17. Ryder, DU's fiercest hitter, suffered a fractured knee cap in November and has missed the past 13 games.

Organizing the new WCHA

Image via WikipediaOr maybe we should call it re-organizing the WCHA.

It looks like the newly reformatted WCHA is going to have a 28 game schedule starting in 2013-14. One of the main things that the new WCHA is also working on is travel to the Alaska schools. For obvious reasons, having both Alaska schools in the same conference is going to cause travel costs to go up.

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner --- The revamped WCHA is set to play a 28-game conference schedule during the regular season.

“I think it’s a good thing and it will put us in a strong position,” Karr said Saturday night at the Carlson Center following the Nanooks’ 3-1 win over Bowling Green. “Some of the other conferences may be playing fewer games.”

The administrators of the new WCHA are also considering a plan which teams would come twice in the same season to the 49th State to play the Nanooks and UAA either once out of every five years or twice out of every five years.

“They’re going to come up to Anchorage in the first semester and Fairbanks in the second semester, or vice versa,” Karr said.

There is a possibility, too, of an opponent coming to Alaska to face the Nanooks and UAA during the break for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.

There is also an advantage of traveling to Alaska as well, if your team travels to Anchorage or Fairbankds your favorite college hockey team can add two extra games to their schedule, for a team like UND or Minnesota, that can mean a lot more money in the bank.

Looks like the WCHA is also going to add a 10th team and there is a chance that it could be UAH, this was discussed on the Pipeline Show last weekend. Geof Morris from UAHHockey.com, was on the Pipeline Show laid out the problems facing UAH, their situation is not pretty.

“We’re hoping to get to 10 schools as soon as possible,” Karr added.

Among schools under consideration to become the 10th member of the new WCHA are Wisconsin-Green Bay, Iowa State, Minnesota State Moorhead and Alabama-Huntsville.

Officials at Wisconsin-Green Bay, Iowa State and Minnesota State Moorhead have discussed adding Division I hockey to their athletic programs.

DQ Cup Redux?

This seems to be the talk of twitter this afternoon, seems like some fans aren't very excited about it as well. There is a little thing about perception.

Roman Augustoviz, Roman Empire --- In 2013-14 the five Division I hockey programs in Minnesota -- now all in the WCHA -- will be in three different conferences.

But those same five teams are near finalizing an agreement to play in a four-team tournament in late January at the Xcel Energy Center, according to Gophers athletic director Joel Maturi.

"We are very close to getting it done," Maturi said. "It will be at the Xcel, that is what we are considering right now."

Maturi said on Saturday that all those schools have all agreed to the general format, but nothing has been signed. Presumably the Gophers would be in the field every year, and three of the other four Minnesota teams.

"We have to work out the finances and make sure everybody agrees to what it is," Maturi said, "and move forward."

Me personally, I agree with others that think it's a bit narcissistic on Minnesota's part, because the Gophers can have their cake and eat it too. The officials at Minnesota will claim that they are helping the have nots in out state Minnesota and will still be able to have their precious 20 home games at Mariucci Arena. Call it what you want, this is all about Gophers.

Let's not kid our selves, the chances of a BSU or a Minnesota State getting the Gophers to come to the Sanford center or the Verizon Wireless Center will still only happen maybe once every four or five years if they are lucky.

The gloves are off part II - UND and UW week

I have to admit that this is one of my favorite match ups, if not my favorite rivalry games and according to Andy Baggot of Madison.com it looks like there will be a continuance of the Sioux vs. Badgers rivalry after next season when both teams join their new leagues.

UW coach Mike Eaves said non-conference scheduling parameters are still being drawn up for the new Big Ten, so any non-conference discussions are on hold.

But there have already been discussions between the schools about committing to a series every year when the new leagues debut. That's how much the rivalry means to those involved. [Madison.com]

I know the Fighting Sioux nickname is gone, but for now, at least for this weekend, I will call it the Sioux Badgers on this blog. I mean what the heck. I think we could get away with it, because the Fighting Sioux name is still on the front of the jerseys, for at least a little bit longer. I am already compliant the articles have submitted for Inside Hockey.

I am excited that UND and UW are looking into continue this historic rivalry after the B1G and NCHC come to fruition. There have been some great battles over the years between the two teams. Also, Wisconsin fans are some of the greatest college hockey fans and they get it, they're awesome. When both teams go their separate ways, I am definitely going to miss seeing the Badgers at the Final Five and discussing hockey with the fans from Wisconsin.

Of course the hockey on the ice hasn't been like the UND vs. UW match ups of the 1980's for obvious reasons, the progressive DQ rule for fighting has probably played a role in that.

None the less, there have been some heated and highly contested battles over the years between the two teams. Who can forget the Steve Reinprecht, David Hukalo and Dany Heatly line, that was "one of" the most prolific lines that I had ever witnessed in college hockey.

Of course there was the Jeff Panzer, Bryon Lundbohm and Ryan Bayda line which was also pretty darn good themselves. You can check out the Wisconsin Badger's side of the discussion with Chuck Schwartz at Bucky' Fifth Quarter.

Monday, January 23, 2012

Alex Ovechkin suspended three games...

Nice to see that the NHL Senior VP Player Safety - Brendan Shanahan have the guts to suspend one of it's star players like Alex Ovechkin for his actions on the ice, this is the right call and thank God Shanny didn't waiver and decided that Ovechkin needed to be suspended for this reckless hit.

Steven Tyler slaughters the National Anthem

I watched this last night in disbelief. While Steven Tyler's rendition of the National anthem wasn't quite as bad or as disgusting as the Roseann Barr travesty. That being said, that was brutal and unacceptable. There are many times we see people sing the national anthem and try to make it an American Idol event, it's not. Sing it right or go home.

The national anthem and flag means many things, for many people. There has been a lot of blood spilled over the years to keep this country free, many veterans that gave their lives also in defense of this great nation, many died to keep this country free from tyranny. Steven Tyler's singing of the national anthem last night was a national disgrace.

Poll Monday - UND 18th in USCHO Poll

INCH Power Rankings

1. Minnesota Duluth
2. Boston University
3. Minnesota
4. Merrimack
5. Cornell
6. Notre Dame
7. Union
8. Ohio State
9. Boston College
10. UMass Lowell
11. Colorado College
12. Denver
13. Michigan
14. Miami
15. Western Michigan
16. Ferris State
17. Maine
18. North Dakota - 2 With a 6-2 loss to Minnesota on Jan. 14 and Friday’s 3-1 loss at St. Cloud State, North Dakota dropped consecutive games for this first time since being swept by the Gophers in Minneapolis Nov. 4-5. 13-10-2 (9-9-0 WCHA) LAST WEEK: L at St. Cloud State, 3-1; W at St. Cloud State, 3-2. THIS WEEK: vs. Wisconsin, vs. Wisconsin
19. Nebraska-Omaha
20. Quinnipiac

As always I include the INCH Power Rankings because I find them entertaining and thought provoking.

Sunday, January 22, 2012

North Dakota vs St. Cloud State game two highlights

Pretty slick game two highlights from the SCSU's Joel Larsen and Husky All-Access.

Video of Tom Sestito hits on Steven Kampfer and on Nathan Horton

Tom Sestito is a known for his ability to rack up penalty minutes, today Sestito put two questionable hits on two Boston Bruin's players, both Bruins players were hit a long time after they had gotten rid of the puck.

Tom Sestito's questionable, late hit on Nathan Horton was the reason Horton had to miss the rest of the hockey game. Here is what Boston Bruins head coach Claude Julian had to say on the hit.

"He was kept out for the obvious [reasons]," Bruins coach Claude Julien said after the game. "It was kind of a head injury. He's just being reevaluated right now. That's basically all we know and that's as far as we've gone with the evaluation." [NESN.COM]

It would not be an understatement to say that this was a nasty game and there were three fights and a six fighting majors handed out during today's game. Milan Lucic worked over Tom Sestito at the 01:24 mark of the first period.

So does the NHL suspend Ovechkin for hit on Zbynek Michalek?

I don't like this hit one bit. Unless my eyes are playing tricks on me, it looks like Alex Ovechkin left his feet to hit Zbynek Michalek with a hit to the head. There is no logical reason to allow these types of dirty, dangerous hits.

So doe the NHL have the intestinal fortitude to suspend for a game or two one of its stars? I think the NHL has to suspend Ovechkin for this dirty hit. This is the type of hits that the league wants to get rid of?

48.1 Illegal Check to the Head – A hit resulting in contact with an opponent's head where the head is targeted and the principal point of contact is not permitted. However, in determining whether such a hit should have been permitted, the circumstances of the hit, including whether the opponent put himself in a vulnerable position immediately prior to or simultaneously with the hit or the head contact on an otherwise legal body check was avoidable, can be considered.

The NHL Suspends Andrew Ference for three games

Brendan Shanahan the NHL's Senior VP Player Safety has suspended Bruins defenseman Andrew Ference for three games for a dangerous hit on former Wisconsin Badger Ryan McDonagh. I believe this is the right call and it will be interesting to see if Shanahan is consistent with his ruling in the future.

I always laugh when I see fans of other NHL teams saying that the Boston Bruins get all of the breaks from the NHL, they are now the most suspended team by the NHL. Apparently, the charge that Colin Campbell's son Greg Campbell plays for the Boston Bruins and because of that fact, they get away with bloody murder. That theory has had holes hot through and isn't holding up anymore.

NEW YORK -- Boston Bruins defenseman Andrew Ference has been suspended for three games without pay for boarding New York Rangers defenseman Ryan McDonagh during NHL Game #699 in Boston on Saturday, Jan. 21, the National Hockey League's Department of Player Safety announced today.

Under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, and based on his average annual salary, Ference will forfeit $36,486.48. The money goes to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund.

The incident occurred at 1:50 of overtime. A major penalty and game misconduct for charging were assessed on the play.

Goon’s WCHA Power Rankings 1/22/2012

This is my weekly WCHA Power Rankings for INSIDE HOCKEY, Zack Friedli from Hockey State of Mind was out of town he didn't do a weekly WCHA Power Rankings.

1. Minnesota Duluth – (11-3-2 WCHA, 17-4-3) The Bulldogs swept the University of Alabama Huntsville Chargers (2-1 W, 4-3 W) in Duluth this past weekend. This weekend the Bulldogs entertain the Michigan Tech Huskies. Barring a complete meltdown it looks like the Bulldogs are hitting on all cylinders and are the best team in the WCHA

2. Minnesota – (13-5-0 WCHA, 17-9-1) Minnesota split with Colorado College Tigers (1-2 L, 2-1 W) at Mariucci Arena. This weekend the Gophers have a home and home series with the Saint Cloud State Huskies, Minnesota has lost 4 of their last 6 games.

3. Colorado College – (11-7-0 WCHA, 14-9-1) The Tigers split their weekend series with the Minnesota Gophers (2-1 W, 1-2 L). This weekend the Tigers are off.

4. Denver – (8-5-3 WCHA, 13-8-3). The Pioneers were off this past weekend. This weekend the Denver Pioneers make the trek to Alaska Anchorage to play the Seawolves.

5. North Dakota – (9-9-0, 13-10-2) The University of North Dakota split with Saint Cloud at the National Hockey Center (1-3 L, 3-2 W). This weekend UND entertains the Wisconsin Badgers. The University of North Dakota has been hit by the Injury Ninja and the following players are “currently out” of the line up for UND. Here is the list, Rocco Grimaldi (knee, season), Derek Forbort (lower body, day to day), Brendan O'Donnell (shoulder) and Derek Rodwell (shoulder, season).

6. Nebraska-Omaha – (9-6-3 WCHA, 12-10-4) The Mavericks split with Minnesota State this past weekend in Mankato (1-2 O.T. L, 5-4 O.T. W). The Mavericks are off this weekend.

7. St. Cloud State – (7-8-3 WCHA, 10-12-4) The Huskies split their weekend series with North Dakota (3-1 W, 2-3 L). The Huskies have a home and home series with the Minnesota Gophers. The Huskies could get Mike Lee and Drew LeBlanc back from injuries soon.

8. Michigan Tech – (8-7-1 WCHA, 11-12-1) The Michigan Tech Huskies lost to Northern Michigan. The Huskies travel to Duluth to play the high flying Bulldogs. Tech is 2-4-0 in their last six games.

8. Wisconsin – (7-9-2 WCHA, 12-10-2) The Wisconsin Badgers have an impressive 11-4-1 record at home and after sweeping Alaska Anchorage at home (4-0 W, 3-2 W), the Badgers have a less than unimpressive 1-6-1 record away from the Kohl Center. This weekend the Badgers travel to Grand Forks, ND to play North Dakota.

10. Bemidji State – (5-9-2 WCHA, 11-11-2) The Beavers are off this weekend. This weekend the Beavers entertain the Minnesota State Mavericks.

11. Minnesota State – (4-13-1 WCHA, 8-17-1) The Minnesota State Mavericks split their series with the Nebraska Omaha Mavericks (0-4 L, 3-0 W). The Mavericks travel to Bemidji State to play the Beavers.

12. Alaska-Anchorage – (3-14-1 WCHA, 6-14-2) The Seawolves were swept by the Wisconsin Badgers in Madison (2-6 L, 4-6 L). This weekend the Seawolves entertain the Denver Pioneers in Anchorage Alaska. Anchorage has lost five games in a row and has not won since December 9^th, 2011.

Saturday, January 21, 2012

And Now for Something Completely Different (RW77)

Ok, it's not often that I go off on a tangent... ok, that's a lie, but still...

Today I went to my first ever USHL game. It was between Omaha and Lincoln. It was a fun time and it featured all kinds of hockey. Good hockey, Bad hockey, stupid hockey, questionable hockey, and two fat guys carrying flags running (ok, waddling) around the arena (ok, 4 or 5 sections worth before they got tired and gave up) after a goal.

I went because it would be a fun time, but I also got to see two future UND players in Luke Johnson (Lincoln's #27) and Paul Ladue (Lincoln's #6). But let's go with what I saw before I run down those two.

The First Period was a period of great goaltending by Lincoln and Omaha, great forechecking by Omaha, and pretty solid defense on both sides. Lincoln's Goaltender was better than Omaha's in the first period based upon the fact that Lincoln had to stop 2 clean breakaways and a 2 on 1 in the last 10 minutes of the first period. Omaha was tested but not to the extent that Lincoln was.

The second period featured ALL but one of the goals, all but 1 of the goals in the second period came on the powerplay, and some of the worst hockey I've ever seen in my life (and I've watched some pretty bad hockey). I love the fact that fighting is allowed and I love the fact that the USHL uses the half shield (something I'm growing more and more in favor of for DI hockey). The officiating was pretty heavily in favor of Omaha, but that being said: 1. Lincoln played like crap discipline-wise from the second period on to the end of the game and 2. It still was better than WCHA officiating.

However, Lincoln ends up drawing a cross check or roughing or charging penalty against Omaha... or so it seemed.. .because what happens? An all out brawl capped by a goaltender fight at center ice. Most of the fights were just hugging and tug o war matches. The goaltender fight was actually very VERY good. Lincoln's goaltender "won" the fight and, unlike the skaters, there was actually no animosity between goaltenders after the fight (they fist bumped after it was broken up). However, after a nearly 15 minute delay while the penalties were assessed, Lincoln not only ended up NOT getting a short 5 second 4 on 4 and then a 1:55 PP out of it, OMAHA ended up getting the powerplay (a 5 second 5 on 3)! To make matters more interesting: In the scrum, both goaltenders were given 5 minute majors and a game misconduct. Omaha had 3 players get 5 min. majors and game misconducts and 2 plain 5 minute fighting majors. Lincoln ended up getting ALL FOUR SKATERS getting 5 minute majors and game misconducts. The Omaha roughing penalty was assessed ON LINCOLN and Lincoln ended up getting called for instigating. Luckily, Lincoln killed it off.

Nevertheless, Lincoln was still in the game down 2 to 1. The period ended after Lincoln tried to push too hard and gave up a 3 on 1 goal.

Well, that awful period aside, Lincoln could still claw its way back from 3-1 to make it interesting right? Well, almost. You see, the Lincoln backup was pretty shakey but the Omaha backup was actually pretty solid. Add into the fact that things got RIDICULOUSLY STUPID for Lincoln in the 3rd period.

You see, midway or so through the 3rd period, Lincoln's #16 and Omaha's #15 were assessed 2 minutes for delay of game. Offsetting penalties no doubt right? Nope. #16 ends up pushing and shoving the ref! WHAT A MORON! Then, to make matters worse, as he was ejected from the game, he started egging on and taunting the fans! Who is this guy? I hope Chad Johnson sits him down immediately post game and reams him a new arsehole. In fact, I'd make the whole team skate.

As a random note: Omaha wants to shut down the Omaha Civic Auditorium due to the fact that it would take about $29 million to make it not a suckhole. After tonight: I agree. That place is a dump.

Now to the UND recruits:

Paul Ladue - He played pretty solid...until he participated in that line brawl and got kicked out of the game. He didn't instigate or anything and I don't think he was one of the lippy Lincoln Stars, but he didn't do Lincoln any favors by getting kicked out. He played a lot of minutes up until then including on the 5 on 3s.

Luke Johnson - I hope he's 16 because he played like a 16 year old. He was pretty invisible for most of the game. He did have one pretty good chance late in the 3rd period but missed.

All in all, Omaha wasn't saints on the ice. They were yappy and could have gotten called a lot more than they actually did, but it didn't matter because Lincoln played far more undisciplined. So I got it all.

SCSU 3 UND 1

Not much you can say about last night’s game other than former Bismarck Bobcat goalie Ryan Faragher was solid in net again for the SCSU Huskies as Saint Cloud State University beat the University of North Dakota 3-1.

I thought UND played pretty well and had some decent chances and showed great speed through the neutral zone. Defensively, I thought they played well in the back end. The forwards just couldn't bury their opportunities when they had them; you're not going to win many games scoring only one goal per game.

The UND forwards are also going to have to catch Faragher who is 6'2" moving because he can stop most of what he sees.

I thought that last night's game was a decent game to watch. I must admit that I am not a big fan of the B2 broadcasts, and I hope when the NCHC start play in 2013-14, that we will be able to see most, if not all of the games on television.

Back to the game, let's give credit where credit is due. Faragher was definitely the difference in the game. Every time UND put a decent shot on net, Faragher was able to see the puck and was in position to make the save. UND didn't get as many chances down low as they could've as well. They are going to need to get a body to the net to cause some confusion in front of Faragher.

The "big story" coming out of Saint Cloud is that Mike Lee is healing nicely and due to return. I don't know how Faragher isn't going to keep getting starts for the SCSU Huskies when Mike Lee returns to the line up for the Huskies.

Quickly the young Freshman goalie Ryan Faragher is becoming a nemesis for UND. In his first season at SCSU, he is now 2-1 against UND. Faragher has been impressive in both wins against UND this season as he made more than 84 saves and gave up only one goal in the two wins.

Injured starting goalie Mike Lee has never beaten UND and is 0-4-1 during his career at SCSU against UND, but it doesn't seem to matter for the Huskies because they have Faragher waiting in the wings.

Box Score

Cross Posted at INSIDE HOCKEY...

Friday, January 20, 2012

P.K. Subban slewfoots Chris Kunitz

Hum! Another game, another P.K. Subban atrocity by the Habs defenseman, well maybe not, but I think this is the same thing that Boston Bruins forward Brad Marchand got fined for when he slew footed Matt Niskanen. Last week the Habs ~~punk~~ Subban hit Boston Bruins forward David Krecji in the head with a questionable high hit . I am starting to see a pattern here, Subban is starting to turn into quite the goon.

UND vs. SCSU

UND’s Forward lines

29 Brock Nelson–10 Corban Knight (A) –7 Danny Kristo
16 Mark MacMillan–27 Carter Rowney–15 Michael Parks
13 Connor Gaarder–9 Mario Lamoureux (C) –20 Joe Gleason
8 Dan Senkbeil–28 Stephane Pattyn–14 Taylor Dickin

Defense Parings

18 Dillon Simpson–24 Ben Blood
2 Andrew MacWilliam (A) –5 Nick Mattson
22 Andrew Panzarella
UND Goalies
31 Brad Eidsness
32 Aaron Dell

UND Starting goalie: Brad Eidsness with the start, 3-1-0 record with a 2.48 GAA, and .915 SV%.

UND Scratches: Rcco Grimaldi, Derek Forbort, Brendan O’Donnell, Derek Rodwell

WCHA officials: Todd Anderson, Brad Shepherd, Tony Czech and Jeff Schultz

UND player stats

SCSU Forward lines

10 Ben Hanowski–12 Travis Novak–11 Jared Festler
8 Cory Thorson–26 Nic Dowd–22 David Eddy
27 Nick Oliver–13 Jordy Christian–21 Brooks Bertsch
18 Garrett Milan–16 Joe Rehkamp–17 Joey Holka

SCSU Defense Pairings

28 Andrew Prochno–14 Nick Jensen
7 Kevin Gravel–40 Tim Daly
4 Taylor Johnson–2 Jarrod Rabey
SCSU Goalies

29 Ryan Faragher
33 Joe Phillippi
36 Nate Hardy

SCSU Starting Goalie: Ryan Faragher (7-9-3, 2.83 GAA, .909 SV%)

SCSU Players stats

Game Time: 7:37 pm Friday, 7:07 pm Saturday.

Television: Charter (Channel 87 in St. Cloud viewing area), Comcast St. Paul (Channel 13), Comcast Minneapolis (Channel 23). No local TV in Grand Forks, ND.

Radio: he games can be heard at 96.1 the Fox and on KNSI FM 103.3/AM 1450

Internet: America One Broadcast

Goon's World Extras

Friday, January 27, 2012

Thursday, January 26, 2012

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