Goon's World

Thursday, February 02, 2012

Goon’s WCHA Power Rankings 1/29/2012

Here is this weeks WCHA Power Rankings, Zack Friedli has a previous engagement this week, so here is this week's Inside Hockey WCHA Power Rankings.

1. Minnesota – (15-5-0 WCHA, 19-9-1) Minnesota swept the Saint Cloud State Huskies in a home and home series (2-1 W, 3-2 W) this past weekend. The Minnesota Gophers limited the SCSU Huskies to 25 shots on net for the weekend. This weekend the Gophers are idle.

2. Minnesota Duluth – (11-4-3 WCHA, 17-5-4) The Bulldogs tied and lost (4-4 T, 0-5 L) against Michigan Tech University this past weekend at Amsoil Arena in Duluth, Minnesota. This weekend the Bulldogs travel to Anchorage, Alaska to play the UAA Seawolves.

3. Colorado College – (11-7-0 WCHA, 14-9-1) The Tigers were idle this past weekend. This weekend the Tigers have a home and home series with their cross state rivals the Denver Pioneers.

4. Denver – (10-5-3 WCHA, 15-8-3). The Pioneers swept the Seawolves this past weekend in Anchorage Alaska (4-2 W, 6-3 W). Saturday, sophomore goalie Sam Brittain returned from a knee injury; started in goal and got the win in net for the Pioneers. This weekend the Pioneers have a home and home series with their cross state rivals the Colorado College Tigers.

4. North Dakota – (11-9-0, 15-10-2) The University of North Dakota swept the Badgers at the Ralph Englestad Area this past weekend (5-3 W, 4-2 W). UND is idle this weekend. The University of North Dakota has been hit by the Injury Ninja and the following players are currently out of the lineup for UND. Here is the list, Rocco Grimaldi (knee, season), Brendan O’Donnell (shoulder) and Derek Rodwell (shoulder, season).

6. Nebraska-Omaha – (9-6-3 WCHA, 12-10-4) The Mavericks were idle this past weekend. This weekend the Mavericks entertain the Bemidji State Beavers.

7. Michigan Tech – (9-7-2 WCHA, 12-12-2) The Michigan Tech Huskies look three of four points (4-4 T, 5-0 W) against the Bulldogs at Amsoil arena in Duluth, Minnesota. This weekend Michigan Tech travels to Mankato to play the Minnesota State Mavericks.

8. Bemidji State – (6-10-2 WCHA, 12-12-2) The Beavers split their weekend series with the Minnesota State Mavericks (2-1 W, 2-5 L) at the Sanford Center. This weekend the Beavers travel to Omaha to play the University of Nebraska Omaha Mavericks.

9. Wisconsin – (7-10-2 WCHA, 12-12-2) The Wisconsin Badgers have an impressive 11-4-1 record at Kohl Center. After being swept by University of North Dakota this past weekend (2-5 L, 2-4 L) in Grand Forks, the Badgers have an unimpressive 1-8-1 record away from the Kohl Center. This weekend the Badgers look to improve on their home record against the depleted Saint Cloud State Huskies.

10. St. Cloud State – (7-10-3 WCHA, 10-14-4) The Huskies were swept by the Gophers (1-2 L, 2-3 L) this past weekend. This weekend the Huskies travel to Wisconsin to take on the Badgers. Huskies junior goalie Mike Lee returned from injury and played Friday night for the Huskies. The Huskies has been hit by the Injury Ninja as they have lost forward Travis Novak to a lower body injury on Friday night and are still without their top forward Drew LeBlanc (broken leg).

11. Minnesota State – (5-14-1 WCHA, 9-18-1) The Minnesota State Mavericks split their series with the Bemidji State Beavers (1-2, L, 5-2 W). The Mavericks entertain the Michigan Tech Huskies in Mankato, Minnesota.

12. Alaska-Anchorage – (3-16-1 WCHA, 6-16-2) The Seawolves were swept (2-4 L, 3-6 L) by the Denver Pioneers in Anchorage Alaska this past weekend. This weekend the Seawolves entertain Minnesota Duluth. Anchorage has lost seven games in a row and has not won since December 9, 2011.

UND's newest recruit Adam Tambellini

Weekend Match-Ups (by Sioux 7)

How about a top ten list? I haven’t done one of those in while.

10 – 8-oz beers the Goon & Sioux 7 drank at the Fargo Force hockey game
9 – Unanswered goals the MTU Huskies scored last weekend in Duluth
8 – Teams that will be in NCHC in 2013
7 – Sioux 7’s number
6 – The number of teams in top and the bottom half of the league
5 – Points that separate 2nd from 7th place in the WCHA
4 – What Goon yells while golfing
3 – Teams that don’t have any ties in league games
2 – Teams that realistically have a chance to win the McNaughton Cup
1 – The position the Gophers occupy this week

WCHA STANDINGS

Team………………………W-L-T………Points
1. Minnesota………………15-5-0…..……30
2. Minnesota-Duluth……..11-4-3….…….25
3. Denver…………………..10-5-3………..23
4. Colorado College………11-7-0………..22
4. North Dakota……….…...11-9-0….…….22
6. Nebraska-Omaha…….…9-6-3………..21
7. Michigan Tech………….9-7-2…….…..20
8. St. Cloud St……………. 7-10-3……….17
9. Wisconsin……………....7-11-2…..…….16
10. Bemidji State….……….6-10-2…………14
11. Minnesota State………5-14-1…………11
12. Alaska-Anchorage…...3-16-1…………7

WCHA Games

Michigan Tech @ Minnesota State
Last weekend the Huskies took 3 points from the Bulldogs in Duluth and the Mavericks split with the Beavers in Bemidji.

These guys played each other back in early November, with the Huskies winning Friday’s game 1-0 and the Mavericks taking Saturday’s game 6-3. MTU is staying right in the middle of the pack and is eyeing a home ice playoff spot. A Huskies sweep this weekend would keep them in mix and leap them into the top half of the league. The Mavericks are ten points out of sixth place with eight games to go. Hate to say it, but it looks like they will be on the road in the first round of the playoffs (just an “early” prediction). Tech should be full of confidence after, shall we say, beating up on the number one team in the country last weekend. HUSKIES SWEEP

St. Cloud State @ Wisconsin
Last weekend the Huskies were swept by the Gophers in a home-and-home series and the Badgers were swept by North Dakota in Grand Forks.

Both teams are both reeling after last weekend and need points, if they want to keep their hopes alive for home ice in the first round. The Badgers need to find a way to put offensive pressure on the Huskies. SCSU has dropped their last three games and have gone 2-5-0 in their last 7 games. The Huskies need to get their sled back on their rails, before their bye weekend, next week. The Badgers also have next weekend off, so they too would like to go into that with their heads held high. SPLIT

#13 Denver vs #11 Colorado College
Last weekend the Pioneers swept the UAA Seawolves in Anchorage and the Tigers had had a weekend off to rest up and prepare for their arch-rivals.

Gold Pan Games 3 and 4, let’s look back and refresh our memories, game 1, Nov. 12, DU wins 5-4, game 2, Dec. 2, CC wins 4-3 OT. Friday’s game in Denver and Saturday’s is in Colorado Springs. Don’t look now, but the Pioneers have quietly put together a 5 game winning streak. Of course, some will say, they should have given the teams they have played (UAH, BSU, and UAA). Meanwhile the Tigers are 2-2-1 over their last 5 games. Not only be rivals, but that they are also separated by one point in the standings, just adds that much more to the mix. SPLIT

#1 Minnesota-Duluth @ Alaska-Anchorage
Last weekend Bulldogs got one point against the MTU Huskies in Duluth and the Seawolves were swept by the Pioneers in Anchorage.

After last weekends, blip on the UMD radar, they will be heading up to the Sullivan arena in Anchorage. The trip might give the Bulldogs they time they need to work things out, might… The Seawolves will no doubt be looking at tape this week and try to emulate the MTU Huskies. On paper this series weighs heavily in the Bulldogs favor, but that is paper, the games are played on ice. SPLIT

Bemidji State @ Nebraska-Omaha
Last weekend Beavers split with the MSUM Mavericks in Bemidji and the UNO Mavericks were off.

Back in mid-November these teams met in Bemidji with the Mavericks take three points back to Omaha. Last season the Beavers had UNO’s number, but it looks like the tide might be changing. The Beavers, as of late, are only scoring about twice a game, which is not good, if you want to win games. BSU needs to get the offensive attack going this weekend if they want to leave Omaha with some points. The Mavericks will no doubt try to punch some more holes in the Beavers dam, I mean defense. Perhaps BSU can have their goaltenders rustle up some points for the team this weekend. SPLIT

BYE WEEK
#2 Minnesota
#17 North Dakota

Dustin Byfuglien likely to go to trial on impaired charges in Minnesota

Here is the latest news in the Dustin Byfuglien case. It will be interesting to see how this unfolds. This kind of looks like a Mexican Standoff to me.

WINNIPEG — Winnipeg Jets defenseman Dustin Byfuglien will probably go to trial on charges that he operated a boat on a Minnesota lake while he was impaired.

The NHL player's defense lawyer, Mitch Robinson, said today he was unable to reach a plea agreement with the prosecutor in the case.

"We discussed what a fair resolution would be and we were miles apart," Robinson said.

Byfuglien did not appear in court. He was with his team in Tampa Bay, where he was expected to return to the ice after a knee injury in December.

Robinson said the case is to be back in Hennepin County court on April 19, and he expects a trial date will be set for June.

Goon’s Weekly WCHA Picks 2/3 – 2/4

Fri 02/03/12

St. Cloud State at Wisconsin 7:07 p.m. CT (TV-BTN)
Bemidji State at Nebraska Omaha 7:37 p.m. CT
Michigan Tech at Minnesota State 7:37 p.m. CT
Colorado College at Denver 7:37 p.m. MT (TV-Root)
Minnesota Duluth at Alaska Anchorage 7:07 p.m. AT (TV-GCI)

Sat 02/04/12

Bemidji State at Nebraska Omaha 7:07 p.m. CT
Michigan Tech at Minnesota State 7:07 p.m. CT
Denver at Colorado College 7:07 p.m. MT
St. Cloud State at Wisconsin 8:07 p.m. CT (TV-Wisc,Charter)
Minnesota Duluth at Alaska Anchorage 7:07 p.m. AT (TV-GCI)

Bemidji State at Nebraska Omaha – Split
Michigan Tech at Minnesota State – Split
Denver at Colorado College – Split
St. Cloud State at Wisconsin – Badgers Sweep
Minnesota Duluth at Alaska Anchorage – Bulldogs Sweep

Last Week 7-3 Record for the season 112-63

Wednesday, February 01, 2012

Hakstol says college teams at disadvantage in recruiting wars with CHL

Image via WikipediaIf you haven't read this blog post by Roman Augustoviz, it's worth a look... Whether we want to admit it or not UND head coach Dave Hakstol is right, the NCAA teams have their hands tied behind their back and they are at a serious disadvantage when it comes to recruiting battles for the top blue chip recruits with the Canadian Hockey League teams.

Roman Augustoviz, The Roman Emprie --- Even though it was Minnesota week in ~~Fargo~~ [Grand Forks, ND], Hakstol spend a good deal of time talking about recruiting to the several hundred people at the luncheon. And he appears ready to lead a coaches' charge to weaken the CHL's ability to keep recruiting signed players.

"We lost a recruit this week," Hakstol said. "I don't want to talk about the young man and the family. I don't think that is a classy thing to do. Those things remain where they belong, and that is behind closed doors.

"We lost a pretty good potential player to our program. We lost one last summer as well. My mentality right now -- there is a good recruiting battle. It is fun when you get into recruiting battles with Wisconsin, Boston College, Michigan, with Duluth, with Minnesota.

"You go into those things and you are fully armed with the things you do well. And you can tell your story. Kids make good decisions after they take time to find the right spot for them.

"Now we have a second recruiting battle with the CHL," Hakstol said. "We are going in with our hands absolutely tied behind our backs. It's a one-way battle. We are not able to go up and recruit those players. [If] the CHL can get a young man to play one game or not even to play a game, just sign a contract. That player can no longer play college hockey.

Just to clear one point up, incase anyone is wondering J.T. Miller and Stefan Matteau are both American players and played on the USA Under 18 USDT. Also, J.T. Miller was on the last USA WJC team.

The CHL vs. NCAA recruiting battle hasn't affected the Gophers much. They don't recruit Canadian players as much as UND does.

Hab's whining again...

Here is the latest dust up on the ice. This time the Montreal Canadians players are whining and complaining about something that the Buffalo Sabres forward Paul Gaustad said on the ice, and after further review, it would appear that Max Pacioretty said something stupid to Gaustad first and got a response and got a quick response back. In my opinion it sounds like Pacioretty got PWND in this case, and maybe he should just keep his mouth shut.

Buffalo, NY (WGR 550) -- Right after Pat Kaleta scored into the empty net Tuesday in Montreal to ice the game, he did his arm pumping goal celebration down the slot. Max Pacioretty took exception and started talking trash as he does all game. His target this time was Paul Gaustad. Pacioretty asked him “Where’s Lucic” with Gaustad countering “Where’s Chara” in reference to the hit Chara put on Pacioretty into the glass last year that started a near riot in the city of Montreal and almost ended his career.

Seriously, Pacioretty you ran your mouth to Buffalo's Gaustad and asked him where Lucic was and he smartly replied, there is no reason for the Hab's to get upset with Gaustad. I think it's fair game. Time to Habs to stop whining and start act like men.

Price described Gaustad as a “guy who likes to run his mouth” and the Buffalo player reportedly asked Pacioretty: “Where’s Chara?” That was a reference to Boston defenceman Zdeno Chara’s hit that ended Pacioretty’s season last spring. [Montreal Gazette]

Me personally, I have never been a fan of talking smack on the ice and chirping your opponent, it happens a lot in Football and Hockey and there are times when some of it's funny and other times where players say thing to each other that isn't needed and unnecessary. As a player if you say stupid to your opponent you open yourself up for return smack.

Seidenberg's crazy goal.

Check out this crazy goal by Bruins defenseman Dennis Seidenberg as he takes a slap shot on net from center ice and beats Ottawa Senators' goalie Craig Anderson. If you're the goaltending coach from the Senators you can't be happy with this effort by Anderson. That was the game winning goal as well.

WCHA Rookie of the Week Josefine Jakobsen • Freshman, Forward, University of North Dakota

Image via WikipediaFor Official Release

University of North Dakota forward Josefine Jakobsen, who contributed five scoring points in a two-game conference road series split at Ohio State last weekend, has been honored as the WCHA Women's Rookie of the Week for Feb. 1.

A freshman center from Aalborg, Denmark, Jakobsen scored one goal and added four assists as visiting and No. 5-ranked North Dakota split their league series with the Buckeyes at the OSU Ice Rink in Columbus. After figuring in on both of her team's goals in a 6-2 setback last Friday (Jan. 27) with two assists, Jakobsen was an offensive catalyst on Saturday (Jan. 28) with a goal and two more assists, including one on teammate Kelsey Ketcher's game-winning power-play tally at 9:46 of the second period, as North Dakota stormed back for a 5-2 victory.

Playing in all 27 of UND's games this season, Jakobsen is the top scoring freshman in the WCHA overall and ranks fourth on her team in scoring with 24 points (7g, 17a).

Also nominated: Whitney Wivoda, F, BSU; Rachel Ramsey, D, UM; Kari Schmitt, D, OSU.

More on the NCHC TV package

Image via WikipediaAs we know from yesterday's press release, CBS College Sports announced that the NCHC will have a new TV package. That's definitely a positive. However, that also means that UND will no longer have their games on FCS after next season. So people with DirecTV "might not" be able to see UND hockey games after 2012-13.

Official Press Release

CBS Sports Network has agreed to a multi-year agreement with the new National Collegiate Hockey Conference, beginning in the 2013-2014 season. CBS Sports Network will be the exclusive national television partner for the conference, which will feature eight of the nation’s top college hockey programs. The announcement was made today by Dan Weinberg, Senior Vice President, Programming, CBS Sports Network, and Jim Scherr, Commissioner of the National.

The agreement calls for a minimum of 18 conference games, including the National’s semifinal and championship contests. Currently six teams that will be in the new conference are ranked in the USCHO.com Top 20 poll.

Personally, I am not going to worry about it right now, because a lot can happen between now the the start of the 2013-14 season. I also believe that the University of North Dakota will come up with some kind of a solution before the start of NCHC play. Also, all home games are available on UNDSPORTS.COM

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

CBS SPORTS NETWORK SIGNS MULTI-YEAR DEAL WITH NCHC

Image via WikipediaOfficial Press Release

CBS Sports Network has agreed to a multi-year agreement with the new National Collegiate Hockey Conference, beginning in the 2013-2014 season. CBS Sports Network will be the exclusive national television partner for the conference, which will feature eight of the nation’s top college hockey programs. The announcement was made today by Dan Weinberg, Senior Vice President, Programming, CBS Sports Network, and Jim Scherr, Commissioner of the National.

The agreement calls for a minimum of 18 conference games, including the National’s semifinal and championship contests. Currently six teams that will be in the new conference are ranked in the USCHO.com Top 20 poll.

“With top teams and passionate fan bases, the National is poised to be an elite college hockey conference, and we’re thrilled to be the national television partner,” said Weinberg. “College hockey has been a staple of our programming and we’re pleased to expand our coverage and further serve fans with compelling and competitive conference action.”

“We are delighted to be associated with the preeminent national broadcaster of college hockey,” said Scherr. “It is our goal to be the premier single-sport conference in intercollegiate athletics and the unmatched exposure and production quality that will be provided by CBS Sports Network will contribute significantly to realizing that vision.”

Currently, CBS Sports Network’s comprehensive college hockey coverage includes action from Hockey East, ECAC, CCHA, WCHA and Atlantic Hockey.

Monday, January 30, 2012

Poll Monday - UND up to 17th in USCHO Poll

USCHO.com Division I Men's Poll
1 Minnesota-Duluth (28) 17- 5-4 959 1
2 Minnesota (21) 19- 9-1 918 3
3 Boston University 15- 8-1 799 2
4 Merrimack 14- 5-5 784 5
5 Boston College 16-10-1 777 7
6 Ferris State ( 1) 17- 8-3 716 10
7 Michigan 15- 9-4 689 8
8 Notre Dame 15-10-3 673 4
9 Massachusetts-Lowell 16- 7-0 596 11
10 Ohio State 14- 8-5 531 6
11 Colorado College 14- 9-1 451 12
11 Union 15- 6-6 451 14
13 Denver 15- 8-3 383 15
14 Cornell 11- 6-4 338 9
15 Maine 14- 8-3 326 20
16 Western Michigan 13-10-5 290 13
17 North Dakota 15-10-2 227 18
18 Miami 15-11-2 220 17
19 Northern Michigan 12- 9-5 111 19
20 Colgate 14- 9-3 87 NR
Others receiving votes: Michigan State 69, Lake Superior 52, Rochester Institute of Technology 15, Nebraska-Omaha 10, Michigan Tech 5, Quinnipiac 5, Harvard

USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine Men's College Hockey Poll
1 University of Minnesota 475 (18) 3 19-9-1
2 University of Minnesota Duluth 473 (16) 1 17-5-4
3 Boston University 394 2 15-8-1
4 Merrimack College 376 5 14-5-5
5 Boston College 332 8 16-10-1
6 University of Notre Dame 320 4 15-10-3
7 Ferris State University 317 12 17-8-3
8 University of Michigan 278 9 15-9-4
9 UMass Lowell 250 11 16-7-0
10 Ohio State University 178 7 14-8-5
11 Colorado College 150 10 14-9-1
12 Union College 128 13 15-6-6
13 University of Denver 118 15 15-8-3
14 Cornell University 108 6 11-6-4
15 University of Maine 60 NR 14-8-3
Others receiving votes: Western Michigan University 44, Miami University 34, University of North Dakota 24, Northern Michigan University 12, Colgate University 7, Rochester Institute of Technology 2.

INCH Power Rankings

1. Minnesota Duluth
2. Minnesota
3. Merrimack
4. Union
5. Boston University
6. UMass Lowell
7. Notre Dame
8. Boston College
9. Denver
10. Cornell
11. Colorado College
12. Michigan
13. Ferris State
14. Maine
15. Ohio State
16. Miami
17. North Dakota
18. Western Michigan
19. Colgate
20. Nebraska-Omaha

Dropped out: Quinnipiac

Bubble-licious: Harvard, Lake Superior State, Quinnipiac, RIT

As always I include the INCH Power Rankings because I find them amusing. Here is the Pairwise Rankings as well.

Sunday, January 29, 2012

Happy Birthday Stephane Pattyn - clutch goal wins it.

The score sheet will read - Stephane Pattyn (1) (Mario Lamoureux, Joe Gleason). Big time goal by a trio of character/role players for the Fighting Sioux hockey team. You couldn't have scripted this game ending any better, the birthday boy Stephane "the General" Pattyn scores the game winner on his 21st birthday. I have to admit that this was my favorite play of the weekend. Third line utility players that will do anything for their team to win a hockey game.

Jack Todd is dead wrong

Wow!!! So this is supposed to be journalism? I want to make sure I read that right. If you disagree with the president of the United States Barrack Obama you're a racist? So Jack Todd is suggesting that Tim Thomas is a racist for not attending the White House Celebration? What a buffoon. David Webb who is a leader in the Tea Party that happens to be black, talked about this subject on his radio show recently.

Jack Todd, Montreal Gazette --- Thomas’s decision to skip a team visit to the White House because he buys the garbage pumped out by Glenn Beck and his ilk was bad enough. But then, having pulled a highly public stunt to call attention to his whacko politics, Thomas blamed the media for paying attention.

Look, if this cretin wants to stand outside the White House and spew his drivel, that’s free speech. But standing up the president? All that does is show that Thomas has the class of a swamp-rat.

What’s worse, you know Thomas would not have done this with the liberal Democrat Bill Clinton in the White House. Truth is, he felt free to dis Barack Obama, because Obama is black.

At least he accomplished one thing: Thomas earned himself a lifetime membership in the MMQB’s zeros section, right next to Jeffrey Loria and David Samson. May he suffer many a groin pull for the rest of his sorry career.

Shot Charts for UND vs. UW 1/28/2012

s/t to @StatsOnCrack

Coach Dave Hakstol was impressed with his team’s effort after the game. What was even more impressive was that his team shut down the Badgers’ Mark Zengerle and Justin Schultz all weekend.

“They had some opportunities — they’re great players — but overall, we worked hard to try to minimize those. I thought we did a good job at that,” Hakstol said. “I thought we did a better job of that tonight than we did last night, especially with Schultz. The way he jumps up, and jumps into the play.”

Hakstol was also pleased with the series sweep of the Badgers.

“A needed result,” Hakstol said. “We knew coming in that we got to sit with this result for two weeks. We got a bye week next week, so we wanted to make sure that we put our best effort on the ice tonight, and I thought we did that top to bottom.”

“We had to grind out the first two periods again, and we came out of that with a one goal lead. I thought we played an outstanding third period, we kept our foot on the gas, we pushed pucks, we took away time and space and I don’t think we gave up a grade ‘A’ chance.”

This is what head coach Dave Hakstol had to say when he was asked about Joe Gleason.

“Joe Gleason the epitome of a great teammate.”

“Joe is a proud guy and he obviously wants to play, he was recruited here as a defenseman, and both night this weekend he played defense, he played center and he played right wing. I guess I would describe it as invaluable in a team setting. He is doing whatever the teams needs, he not just going out and doing it, but going out and doing it well.”

Controversial non call in St Cloud

While I was at the Sioux game versus the Badgers, and my twitter blew up and this the goal by the Huskies was the play that set the Gopher fans off.

So did the refs blow the call? Is this indicative of WCHA officiating? It looks like Nate Condon was hacked and pulled down causing an opportunity going the other way and Ben Hanowski scores on Patterson.

Here is what the Star Tribune had to say on the matter.

Even so, the Huskies scored the only goal of the first period. One second Nate Condon had a near breakaway for the Gophers before being separated from the puck.

The next, SCSU had an odd-man rush that ended with Ben Hanowski sliding the puck underneath Gophers goalie Kent Patterson.

Gophers coach Don Lucia chewed out the referee who dared skate over to the visitors' bench. Lucia wanted a hooking call on Condon's rush.

Saturday, January 28, 2012

UND sweeps out UW

Grand Forks, ND---There is an old saying in hockey that you sweep at home and split on the road. On Saturday night, the University of North Dakota was looking for that allusive sweep against the Wisconsin Badgers. Sweeps at home have been hard to come by as of late for UND.

At the Wednesday media day, UND head coach Dave Hakstol talked about splits not being good enough anymore, they needed to get wins.

After 26 games, UND has a grand total of two series sweeps (At UAA and C.C. home). Coming into this weekend's series against the Badgers, UND was ranked 19^th in the Pairwise Ranking and looking to move up.

In hockey there is one way to move up in the Pairwise Ranking. Your team has to string together wins, and in this case UND needs to start turning their series splits into sweeps if they want to secure an at-large bid to the NCAA tourney, because they are running out of games. Unfortunately, UND has gotten splits the last three WCHA series.

The Badgers came into tonight's series finale with a horrid road record of 1-7-1, so you had to like UND's chances of getting the series sweep on Saturday Night.

UND's fortunes would change tonight with a 4-2 win against the Wisconsin Badgers. UND was led by the trio of Brock Nelson, Ben Blood and Danny Kristo. Al three players had two points on the evening.

Another emerging story is the offensive contributions of junior defenseman Andrew MacWilliam. Over the course of his hockey career at UND,Andrew MacWilliam has not been known for his scoring prowess, until recently. It took him 102 games to score his first career goal; it only took him five more games to get his second career goal.

Macwilliams goal was what I would classify as a timely goal, and a good response to a fluky play that lead to the Badgers first goal.

Macwilliam was going for a puck that looked like it was going to be icing on the Badgers, when Badger forward Keegan Meuer appeared to trip MacWIlliam, who fell on the play. Meuer grabbed and shot the puck past UND goalie Brad Eidsness.

Macwilliam would get the last laugh as he would score the go ahead goal at the 02:05 mark of the second period, with a blast from outside of the blue line that went in top shelf of the Badger net.

After the game MacWilliam had this to say about his second career goal. "The first thing we said when I scored that goal, that's karma, so I guess I got it back and we came out even. It happens, they obviously didn’t see it. They [refs] didn't make the call, it happens. We have to forget about it going in between periods there and regroup, and that is what we did there and we came out with hard effort the rest of the game."
Coach Hakstol was impressed with his team's effort after the game. What was even more impressive was that his team shut down the Badgers Mark Zengerle and Justin Schultz all weekend long.

"They had some opportunities, they're great players, but overall, we worked hard to try to minimize those. I thought we did a good job at that," Hakstol said. "I thought we did a better job of that tonight, than we did last night, especially with Schultz. The way he jumps up, and jumps into the play."

The coach was pleased with the series sweep of the Badgers.

"Yeah a needed result. We knew coming in that we got to sit with this result for two weeks. We got a bye week next week. So we wanted to make sure that we put our best effort on the ice tonight, and I thought we did that top to bottom. We had to grind out the first two periods again, and we came out of that with a one goal lead. I thought we played an outstanding third period, we kept our foot on the gas, we pushed pucks, we took away time and space and I don't think we gave up a grade 'A' chance."

A sweep has been a long time coming for UND.

With the win tonight UND recorded their first series sweep at home since November 25-26, 2011, when UND beat C.C. (7-6 and 4-3). This was also the first series sweep against Wisconsin at home for UND since November 22-23, 2002. With the series sweep against the Badgers, UND improved their record to 5-6-1 in the last 12 games against this opponent.

Box Score

Cross Posted at Inside Hockey...

UND vs. UW game 4 lines

UND’s Forward lines

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

Defense Parings

18 Dillon Simpson–24 Ben Blood
2 Andrew MacWilliam (A) –5 Nick Mattson
22 Andrew Panzarella - 4 Derek Forbort

UND Goalies

31 Brad Eidsness
32 Aaron Dell

Out: Derrick Rodwell, Roco Grimaldi, Brendan O'Donnel

UND Players Stats

Tentative Badger Forward lines

21 Brendan Woods–9 Mark Zengerle–7 Tyler Barnes
20 Ryan Little–16 Joseph LaBate–25 Michael Mersch
8 Matt Paape–14 Jefferson Dahl–18 Sean Little
26 Brad Navin–12 Keegan Meuer–13 Gavin Hartzog

Badgers Defensive Paring

27 Frankie Simonelli - 6 Justin Schultz (A)
19 Jake McCabe - 55 John Ramage (C)
4 Eric Springer - 24 Joe Faust

Badger Goalies

33 Joel Rumpel
30 Landon Peterson

Referees: for tonight's game: Jonathan Morrison, Tom Sterns
Linesemen: Nathan Freeman, Justin Hill

Wisconsin Player Stats

Did Cherry bite the hand that feeds him?

I am a big fan of Don Cherry, his colorful cloths and his straight talk is a quality that isn’t real prevalent in today age.

Cherry is kind of the Rush Limbaugh of NHL hockey and he can be a bit of a polarizing figure. Like Limbaugh, most fans either like him or can’t stand him there doesn’t seem to be any middle ground.

Joe Warmington, Toronto Sun — Has Toronto Maple Leafs boss Brian Burke had enough of Don Cherry?

An insider told QMI Agency Burke is tired of Cherry criticizing his team — in particular, his coach — and he is contemplating asking for a meeting with CBC brass to complain.

“He is furious at the comment Cherry made about Ron Wilson not applauding for the troops and for other things too,” said an insider. “He is fiercely loyal to his guys.”

On Jan. 14, Cherry mentioned during a broadcast that visiting New York Ranger coach John Tortorella applauded when the troops were introduced at a recent Armed Forced appreciation game at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto.

He also called a clapping Leafs assistant coach Rob Zettler “a good Canadian boy.”

But he said Wilson and other coaches “couldn’t have cared less.”

The Leafs president responded to an e-mail asking him if there had “been a formal complaint,” but chose to not get into the fray.

“No comment,” Burke said in a return e-mail. “All-star weekend (is) hardly the time or place for a beef like this.”

Brian Burke is a big boy and you have to wonder if he is being a bit thin skinned. Burke like Cherry has been know for his off the cuff comments as well.

Also, did Don Cherry bite the hand that feeds him? You have t wonder sometime if CBC will eventually throw Cherry under the bus or will they continue to employ the controversial figure. I am hoping the later.

UND vs. UW shot charts

Looking at the shot charts from last night’s games, you can see that UND’s defense limited Wisconsin to 17 shots on net. That’s no small feat based on some of the players that they have in their lineup.

The most impressive fact of the night was that UND kept All World/WCHA defenseman Justin Schultz off of the score sheet. Schultz got "zero" points last night and that's no small feat. Schultz has been held pointless only six times in 25 games this season.

In the third period Wisconsin only had three shots on net. That's pretty good play by UND’s defense.

I think that people forget how big of a hole UND has dug it’s self out. UND started out the season going an unimpressive 3-7-1. Since the lack luster loss on November 20th, 2011 in Bemidji, Minnesota UND has gone an impressive 10-3-1.

Friday, January 27, 2012

Birthday boy wins it for UND versus UW

Grand Forks, ND – A UND student held up a sign that said, "If you don't squirt, you won't get hurt." That sign was in reference to a game that took place between these same two teams almost thirty years ago.

Over the years Wisconsin and North Dakota have played in some historic battles. The two teams have played against each other for League and an NCAA title.

The two teams have played in many games that were highly contested. Over the years there have been a few punches thrown, some good scrums after the whistle, and a few all out brawls.

Tonight’s game wasn’t quite as exciting as some of the epic battles of the past, but UND was able to grind out a 5-3 victory at the Ralph. It wasn’t really that exciting of a game to watch and was really a chess match. There weren’t a lot of opportunities for either team to score.

The head coach for UND, Dave Hakstol, kind of saw it the same way.

“Both teams played it real tight and close to the vest and looking for a power play opportunity or a power play goal, or one opportunity to win it", Coach Hakstol said. “Fortunately we came up with that opportunities, it was a good play by our captain Mario Lamoureux.”

At times the game was a bit boring as a good share of the play was spent in the neutral zone.

The game winning goal was scored by freshman forward Stephane Pattyn who was incidentally celebrating his 21^st birthday. It was the first career goal for the freshman forward.

When Pattyn was asked about his game winning goal, this is what he had to say. “That was really nice. Mario [Lamoureux] made an unbelievable play. It all started with Joe [Gleason] using his speed. I guess Mario just saw me back door I was wide open and the goalie was nowhere to be seen, and all I had to do was tap it in. That just shows how hard of a worker Mario is, his leadership and his poise on that play. I will take credit for it, but that was all Mario for sure.”

Brock Nelson was able to cement the win by scoring an empty net goal for UND. Nelson, with that goal would finish the night with 2 goals.

As the WCHA, in its current form, winds down after the 2012-13 season, UND and UW will no longer play in league games anymore. North Dakota and Wisconsin will leave the WCHA and go to the NCHC and the B1G respectively. This means that once again, there will be no more historic WCHA battles between UND and UW after 2012-13 season.

Another weekend, another historic match up in the WCHA. This seems to be the story line this season.
Coming into the weekend, UND’s power play had been less than spectacular, having scored only two goals on 17 opportunities. UND was able to break out of that power play funk and score on its first two power plays of the game.

While the UND defense did give up three goals on the night, UND was able to keep Wisconsin's pre-season All-WCHA defenseman Justin Schultz off the score sheet. That is no small task, as Schultz has points in 19 of 25 games played this season.

With the loss, the Badgers dropped to 1-7-1 on the road this season. Wisconsin is 11-4-1 at home. Coming into the game, Wisconsin had lost only one time in the last seven games.

With the win, UND improved its record to 14-10-2, 10-9-0 in the WCHA. The two teams play again tomorrow night.

Box Score

UND vs. UW game 3 lines

UND’s Forward lines

29 Brock Nelson–10 Corban Knight (A) –7 Danny Kristo
16 Mark MacMillan–27 Carter Rowney–15 Michael Parks
Stephane Pattyn 28 –9 Mario Lamoureux (C) – 13 Connor Gaarder
8 Dan Senkbeil–28 - No Center – 14 Taylor Dickin

Defense Parings

18 Dillon Simpson–24 Ben Blood
2 Andrew MacWilliam (A) –5 Nick Mattson
22 Andrew Panzarella- Joe Gleason
4 Derek Forbort

UND Goalies

32 Aaron Dell
31 Brad Eidsness

Out: Derek Forbort, Derrick Rodwell, Roco Grimaldi, Brendan O'Donnel

UND Players Stats

Tentative Badger Forward lines

F   16 Joseph LaBate - 9 Zengerle - 7 Tyler Barnes
F    8 Matt Paape - 23 Derek Lee - 25 Michael Mersch
F    26 Brad Navin - 14 Jefferson Dahl - 18 Sean Little
F    21 Brendan Woods - 12 Keegan Meuer - 20 Ryan Little (A)

Badgers Defensive Paring

D   27 Frankie Simonelli - 6 Justin Schultz (A)
D    19 Jake McCabe - 55 John Ramage (C)

D    4 Eric Springer - 24 Joe Faust

Badger Goalies

33 Joel Rumpel
30 Landon Peterson

Referees: for tonight's game: Jonathan Morrison, Tom Sterns
Linesemen: Nathan Freeman, Justin Hill

Wisconsin Player Stats

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.

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