Earl Strinden, Grand Forks, letter: ‘Yes’ on 4 to protect UND

One of UND’s most prominent Alumni Earl Strinden had this to say today on Measure 4. For those that don’t know Strinden – he is the former President of the of North Dakota Alumni Association and one of the heavy hitters around everything UND.  So when Earl talks people listen.

GRAND FORKS — I have admiration and great respect for the members of the Committee of Understanding and Respect and the Spirit Lake citizens who voted their support for the UND Fighting Sioux name and logo, as well as for those at the Standing Rock reservation who worked to give their members a vote.
The long debate and controversy on this issue has evolved to a situation where I believe it is in North Dakota’s best interest for there to be a “yes” vote on Measure 4 supporting the Legislature’s action returning control of this issue to UND.

The fallout of the limited NCAA sanctions is contagious as other universities such as Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa are boycotting UND athletic teams for athletic competition. A few weeks ago, the UND track team was disallowed from a prestigious track meet in Iowa. My low regard for this individual university action is irrelevant. We must deal with reality.

We carried this fight as far as we could without doing damage to UND, North Dakota and the Sioux people [Read the rest of Earl's letter]

Election day is June 12th - The measure as it appears on the ballot reads:  

This referendum measure concerns Senate Bill 2370 as passed by the Legislative Assembly in the November 2011 special session (Session Laws, Chapter 580). Senate Bill 2370 repealed section 15-10-46 of the North Dakota Century Code, which required the University of North Dakota to use the Fighting Sioux nickname and logo.

YES – means you approve Senate Bill 2370, the effect of which would allow the University of North Dakota to discontinue the Fighting Sioux nickname and logo.

NO – means you reject Senate Bill 2370, and would require the University of North Dakota to use the Fighting Sioux nickname and logo.

Spirit Lake nickname supporters to appeal

Here is the latest in the Fighting Sioux nickname – A notice of intent to appeal was filed with the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals this week by lawyer Reed Soderstrom – I am not a lawyer by any stretch of the imagination, nor did I stay in a Holiday Inn Express last night, but I cant see an appeals courting taking this case. I am going to predict that the appeal will be thrown out as well. Maybe one of our resident lawyers can give us some free legal advice...

Chuck Haga, Grand Forks Herald --- Fighting Sioux nickname supporters at the Spirit Lake Sioux Tribe have signaled they intend to appeal U.S. District Judge Ralph Erickson’s dismissal of their lawsuit against the National Collegiate Athletic Association. A notice of intent to appeal was filed with the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals this week by Reed Soderstrom, a Minot attorney who represents the pro-nickname Committee for Understanding and Respect, which sued the NCAA over its efforts to have UND drop the nickname and related Indian-head logo. The committee, authorized by Tribal Council action to speak for the tribe on matters relating to the nickname and logo, had sought at least $10 million in damages from the NCAA. It also sought reversal of the 2005 NCAA policy discouraging use of American Indian names and imagery by member schools.

I love the Fighting Sioux nickname, and there is no way that the school will ever be able to replace the Fighting Sioux nickname with anything that I consider to be acceptable, but I don’t see any way UND can keep the name “unless” the Spirit Lake Tribe wins it’s appeal against the NCAA, the cards are stacked against them this time as well. I also would love nothing more than to see the NCAA lose their law suit – I think they deserved to have that happen to them because I think they are a bunch of hypocrites. I am not holding my breath but I hope the Tribe wins.

Thomas and Schultz rumblings.

Goalie Tim Thomas, NHL Hockey player for the Boston Bruins (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

It's been a roller coaster season for Bruins' goalie Tim Thomas. It will be interesting to see if the Boston Bruins trade him or not. If I was the Boston Bruins General Manager I would make sure that I sign Tuuka Rask first before they even consider trading Thomas. The bad thing about trading Thomas is that it could come back to haunt the Bruins if he met his former team in the playoffs. I would rather watch him finish out his career in Boston with the Bruins.

Tim Thomas' Options

LeBrun: We know the Boston Bruins may potentially try and trade goaltender Tim Thomas when his no-trade clause evaporates on July 1 but among the other options I'm told Tim Thomas is considering is maybe not playing next season. I'm not saying that's going to happen for sure but I was told today that he's thinking about maybe taking the year off. It's been a stressful year for the 38-year-old, we all know about the White House controversy, and the Bruins have a #1 goalie-in-waiting in Tuukka Rask. [TSN.CA]

The Justin Schultz sweep stakes are a month away, it will be interesting to see where the highly sought after offensive defenseman goes.

Dealing With Schultz

McKenzie: It's going to be very difficult for Anaheim Ducks general manager Bob Murray to make a deal involving defensive prospect Justin Schultz. He's certainly out there trying to make it happen and there's lots of teams interested. Every NHL team will want this guy when he becomes an unrestricted free agent, which is likely to happen before July 1 but I can see the Vancouver Canucks, Toronto Maple Leafs and Edmonton Oilers among others being extremely interested. But it's going to be tough for Murray to get anything for Schultz. It looks like he's going to unrestricted free agency.

The 1st Annual Northland Hockey Academy 4-Day Skills & Drills FULL DAY CAMP

The Northland Hockey Group presents…

The 1^st Annual Northland Hockey Academy 4-Day Skills & Drills FULL DAY CAMP

June 25-28, 2012 at the Sanford Center in Bemidji, Minnesota.

For boys and girls born from 1995-2005

MAIN INSTRUCTOR: Jeff Carlson and his staff

Director of Storm Hockey School (formerly Top Gun Hockey Camp since 2003, as well as other professional positions as a hockey instructor for summer camps, day camps, skills clinics and training schools since 1990.

Regional Coordinator/Instructor for Northern Edge Elite Hockey Schools since 2005.

President of Stonebriar Ice Hockey Association from 2003-2010, coaching several team from Mites thru Bantams, AA to house league levels. From 1995-2003, Head Coach/Asst Coach of several teams from Midget AA to Mite house league in New York City and Los Angeles metro areas.

GOALIE INSTRUCTOR: Scotty Buchholz

Former North Dakota All State Goalie!!!

The Academy will have a low instructor/player ratio!!!

LOCATION: SANFORD CENTER in BEMIDJI, MN (Home of the D1 Hockey Bemidji State Beavers)

Sanford Center - Bemidji

1111 Event Center Drive

Bemidji, MN 56601

INCLUDES: Many reasons to attend in 2012

12 hours of detailed on ice and 10+ hours of detailed Off-Ice instruction.

Four days of skating in the state of the art Sanford Center in Bemidji

Northland Hockey Academy Jersey

Lunch

Fun Galore

More

FEE: Low Price

Only $295 per player, Goalies are only $195 (Mail your check before June 15^th)

LIMITED: Be sure to register before June 18^th!!!

Each Camp Group is limited to 30 skaters and 4 goalies. We will have many instructors, plus goalie instructor for all On-Ice sessions.

FULL DAY CAMP: (Example only - Group 1)

8:00AM - Drop off

9:00-10:30AM – On-Ice

10:45-11:30PM – Plyometrics & Off-Ice Skills (stick handling, quick fee etc.)

11:30-12:00PM – Lunch (Provided by local vender - INCLUDED)

12:00-12:30PM – Instructional Video & Classroom Hockey Education

1:00- 2:30PM – On-Ice (Individual Skills: Stick Handling, Shooting, Passing, Checking)

2:45- 4:00PM – Plyometrics & Off-Ice Skills (stick handling, quick feet etc.)

4:00PM – Pick up

DORM STAY AVAILABLE: Need to travel we can help you out!!!

Available for only $22 per night or a tad more if you want breakfast and supper included. Lunch is provided by the Northland Hockey Academy.

HOW TO REGISTER: Register at www.northlandhockeygroup.com

HOW TO PAY: Mail a check by June 15^th so we receive it by June 18^th.

Mail to…

Northland Hockey Group

P.O. Box 490324

Blaine, Mn 55449

QUESTIONS?: Let us know.

We are confident that your child will love this camp!!!

Anze Kopitar's game winning goal

Here is the game winning goal in over time by the Los Angeles Kings forward Anze Kopitar. Kopitar shows his speed as he gets  behind the New Jersey Devils defense - it was off to the races - not much the goalie New Jersey Devils goalie Martin Brodeur could have done there. That was the ninth win on the road for the Los Angeles Kings during the Stanley Cup playoffs - the Kings have yet to lose in nine games that they have played on the road during the playoffs.

Gothberg and Schmaltz make All-USHL First Team

Two UND Fighting Sioux incoming freshman recruits Zane Gothberg and Jordan Schmaltz have made the All-USHL first team.

All-USHL First Team

Zane Gothberg (G), Fargo Force

The goaltender from Thief River Falls, Minnesota posted a 26-16-4 record with USHL best .921 SV%. His 2.22 GAA was the second best mark in the League. Gothberg led the USHL with seven shutouts which shattered the Fargo Force season record held by Mike Lee (2008-09). The 19-year-old put together a nine-game winning streak from December 30th to January 21st, compiling a 1.43 GAA and .947 SV% with two shutouts over that stretch. Gothberg was the co-winner of the USHL Goaltender of the Year. He is a 2010 NHL Draft pick of the Boston Bruins and will play hockey next season at the University of North Dakota.

USHL stats - Zane Gothberg

Jordan Schmaltz (D), Green Bay Gamblers

The 18-year-old from Verona, Wisconsin tied for second in scoring among all USHL defensemen with 41 points (10g, 31a) in 55 regular season games. After starting the season with the Sioux City Musketeers, he was acquired by the Gamblers and put up 35 points (7g, 28a) and a plus-15 rating in 46 games. He added seven points (2g, 5a) and a plus-10 rating in 12 playoff games. Schmaltz is the first player since the 1994-95 season (Scott Swanson, Omaha Lancers) to be named All-USHL First Team in consecutive seasons. A top prospect for the 2012 NHL Draft, the defenseman is committed to the University of North Dakota.

USHL stats - Jordan Schmaltz

NHL wants to take a look at hybrid icing

Original NHL logo, used until 2005. A version of the logo features it in the shape of a hockey puck. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I think this is a great idea for the NHL to look at the hybrid icing rule that is currently in use in the NCAA and USHL. If used correctly could prevent unnecessary injuries that are caused by the touch- up- icing.

New York --- Hybrid icing is the standard at the NCAA level and in the United States Hockey League. For next season, the NHL is expected to ask the AHL to use hybrid icing, which involves a linesman determining the winner of a race to the closest faceoff circle instead of who touches the puck first on plays in which the puck is sent the length of the ice from the defending team's side of the center-ice red line.

"We like it. We want to make sure we're not moving too quick," Detroit GM Ken Holland said. "We'd like to move it to the American League. We'd like to get it to the best league in the world below the National Hockey League and evaluate it with those players. Obviously it's in college and some other players [use it], but those players aren't nearly as good as the ones we're dealing with. I think there was one player injured this year on an icing. Obviously, we'd like zero, but it is one -- it is not 10, it is not 20."

The GMs remain divided on the issue, so observing the results in the AHL could provide better clarity before making a final decision on it for NHL games.

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Parise's and the Devils tough night

Here is the New Jersey Devils beat writer’s perspective on Zach Parise’s game one of the Stanley Cup Finals – Parise like the rest of the Devils looked like they were a little flat and maybe they were holding their sticks a little tight as well.

Mike Vorkunov, The Star-Ledger --- There was Zach Parise sprawling around the Kings net, desperate for any chance to finally make his mark on the opening game of the Stanley Cup Finals.

The Devils’ captain had been quiet to that point, outplayed by Dustin Brown – his counterpart. Brown hadn’t scored but at least he threw his body around, setting the tone for a rough and rumbling Game 1. All Parise had done to that point was two shots on goal, one of which had accidentally slid off of his stick and to the goal.

But there he was, his opportunity waiting, as the puck stayed in front of Jonathan Quick. And all Parise could muster was to stick his glove out, from the outside of the net, and knock the puck in over the goal line. For a moment the Prudential Center erupted.

One thing that was evident last night was that the Devils didn’t bury their offensive opportunities when they had a chance.  Devils forward David Clarkson had two grade “A” scoring opportunities early in the game from the slot, only to shoot the puck over the Kings net.

Another NHL Lockout?

The possibility of the NHL having another lockout is looking more and more like a reality. I don’t believe we will see a season long lock out like we did during the 2004-05 season. There is also a possibility that if there is a lockout there are a half dozen teams that might not survive if there is a lockout.

NEWARK, N.J. - NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and NHLPA executive director Donald Fehr confirmed on Wednesday that their sides hope to begin discussions on a new collective agreement in the next few weeks.

This was one of several topics Bettman spoke about in his annual pre-Stanley Cup final state-of-the-union address. Fehr was in attendance to listen to Bettman speak in the bowels of the Prudential Center and afterwards the NHLPA boss held his own Q-and-A session with reporters.

It was ironic that Bettman announced in his session that the league enjoyed record revenues of $3.3-billion US this season. Yet, there is a strong possibility that the 2012-13 NHL season will not begin on time because of prolonged CBA fight.

So as we watch the Stanley Cup Finals between the New Jersey Devils and the Los Angeles Kings – there is a possibility that this could be the only NHL hockey we have for a long time.

Game one in the books - Kings up 1-0

Game one of the Stanley Cup Final between the Los Angeles Kings and the New Jersey Devils is in the book, the Kings won game one by a score of 2-1 on an overtime goal from forward Anze Kopitar at the 08:13 mark of overtime.Game two is on Saturday June 5th at 07:00 PM on NBC.

None of the former Fighting Sioux hockey players Travis Zajac, Zach Parise or Matt Greene showed up in the box score in last night's game.

NHL to re-look at their obstruction fouls in off-season

When I saw this tweet from TSN's Darren Dreger today, I thought it's a little late to the party but I welcome the discussion in the off-season.  This is a long time coming and some tweeks need to be made to the NHL game.

In my opinion there has been way too much obstruction, hooking, holding and stick fouls in this seasons Stanley Cup Playoffs and the officiating has degraded from last year to this season. The later in the game the more a players can get away with on the ice

Other items on the agenda:

Hooking, holding and interference: Instead of holding a research and development camp this year, the NHL will hold a meeting of GMs, coaches, players and referees in August in Toronto. It will focus on the standard of enforcement of hooking, holding and interference penalties.

Some GMs complained the standard slipped this season, but Campbell said they needed to discuss the matter in the off-season, when people could put aside their self-interest and speak in more detail. [Nick Cotsonika, Puck Daddy ]

Open Thread - Stanley Cup Finals - Who do you like and why?

Finally the Stanley Cup Finals kick off tonight between the Eastern Conference Champion the New Jersey Devils (48-28-6 – 12-6 SCP) against the Western Conference Champion the Los Angeles Kings (40-27-15 – 12-3 SCP) – both teams include at least one ex-Fighting Sioux hockey players; Devils (Travis Zajac and Zach Parise) Kings (Matt Greene).

My Prediction – I think that the Los Angeles Kings are going to win the Series in six games; I believe that the Kings fore-check and their defense is going to give the Devils forwards fits like the other teams that were defeated by the Kings in the earlier round.

Feel free to chime in with your predictions…

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Parise's press conference

Check this out, former Fighting Sioux and current New Jersey Devils forward Zach Parise is a hot commodity off the ice as well as two reporters almost end up slugging it out over positioning at the press conference.

Here is a great description of the incident from via Jill Painter of Inside the Kings,

There was a big scrum around Devils winger Zach Parise, and Parise almost had to break up a fight between reporters. The two men were jockeying for position with their tape recorder and microphone, respectively, when one yelled ``Stop it!’’ while Parise was talking.

The reporter smacked his notebook against the microphone, then used the spirals to run it down the microphone to impair the sound. Eventually, Parise was hit in the face by the microphone.

``Do we need to start this over?’’ Parise asked the men.

If they were wearing gloves, they would’ve dropped them right there.

Related articles

• CSN: Parise mum on his impending free agency

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Frattin done for the season

The Toronto Marlies got some bad news today when they learned that former Fighting Sioux forward Matt Frattin has suffered a knee injury and will need surgery. That's a big loss for the Marlies because Frattin is tied for the lead in scoring for the Toronto Marlies with (10g-3a-13 pts). Frattin is a restricted free agent and will need to be signed in the off-season.

Lance Hornby,Toronto Sun --- Winger Matt Frattin, who was a force physically and on the scoresheet, will be lost for the rest of the American Hockey League playoffs with a knee injury that will require surgery.

Frattin, who has a league post-season best 10 goals and shares the team lead with 13 points, was hurt in Game 5 of the Western Final in a bold play to score an empty netter to eliminate the Oklahoma City Barons. Frattin crashed into the net in a race for the puck.

Related articles

• Frattin Scores two as Marlies win

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Marlies injury situation



Toronto Star

 Here is the latest on the Toronto Marlies injury situation. Sound familiar? Sounds a lot like this year’s version of the UND Fighting Sioux – major injury problems – as it stands now, it looks like it could be all in for Marlies as well. Those that can dress could end up playing for the Marlies. The Marlies won their series with the OKC Barons, but it looks like the series victory came with a high cost.

TORONTO -- Forwards Mike Zigomanis, Nazem Kadri and Matt Frattin and defencemen Jesse Blacker, Korbinian Holzer and Mark Fraser all skipped practice with various injuries while wingers Marcel Mueller and Carter Ashton skated, but not on the team's top four lines.

Though Eakins said it was a good sign to have Ashton and Mueller at the rink, he wouldn't give details of the injuries or a timeline for when anyone would return to the lineup.

"Right now, anybody that wasn't on the ice is hurt and they'll play when they're healed," he said.

Despite missing some of their top-six forwards, and their top shut-down defensive pair, an optimistic Eakins believes things could be a lot worse for Toronto.

"We've probably got four or five guys who are playing extremely hurt and for those guys not to pack it in is huge," he said. "I don't know what we would do right now without the guys that are totally hurt, and off the ice, and the guys that are just hanging in there."

Bad news for the Marlies?

If forward Matt Frattin is hurt it could be a big hit for the Toronto Marlies.

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Happy Memorial Day

Personally, Memorial Day is one of my favorite holidays – Memorial Day is a day for reflection and an opportunity to honor our fallen heros – we should also not forget that freedom is not free – freedom comes with an expensive price tag.

As the editor Goon’s World; I would like to take this time to honor our nation’s veterans that gave their life in defense of this great nation, we should never forget. Also, if you get the chance today thank a veteran for his service to our country.

Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice. Moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue. -Senator Barry Goldwater

The patriot's blood is the seed of Freedom's tree.  ~Thomas Campbell

I am also honored to have served with many great men and women during my time in the military.  

Everybody wants Zach

CBS New York

Former Fighting Sioux and current New Jersey Devils forward Zach Parise is going to be one of the most sought after free agents in some time. Parise is going to be able to command a very hefty raise this summer and there are going to be teams lined up to pay him that hefty salary.

Jim Matheson, edmontonjournal.com --- Has there been a hotter ticket than New Jersey Devils forward Zach Parise on the free-agent stage in the last 10 years?

You can see how badly he wants to win, the pistons pumping as he hunts down a loose puck in the neutral zone and sends it into the open net to ensure the Game 5 win for the Devils at Madison Square Garden.

He’s the engine that drives the Devils, with due respect to the big wheel Ilya Kovalchuk, who is much better than I thought he’d ever be when they gave him that lifetime contract as a free agent.

But how can there be room for both players next season and beyond when the Devils ownership is an absolute mess and Parise can easily get $8 million US on the open market?

The Devils have no wiggle room because Elias ($6 million) and Dainius Zubrus ($3.4 million) aren’t unrestricted free agents until July 2013, the same with Marek Zidlicky on defence.

There are four scenarios: Parise stays in New Jersey; he goes to Detroit, where the Red Wings will sell him on playing with Pavel Datsyuk, he slides over to the New York Rangers; or Parise, who turns 28 in July, goes home to suit up for the Minnesota Wild.

One can only speculate where Parise going after the July 1st when free agent can begin signing contracts with other clubs. You can bet that the Wild are going to be in the running and Michael Russo has basically stated that the Wild will give him the money he wants if he decided to come to Minnesota. With all of the young recruits in the pipeline ready to step up for the Wild this “might” be enough to convinced Parise to say yes to the Minnesota Wild. Or not! I guess we will find out around July, 1st?

In Minnesota, the citizenry are awash with expectations that Parise might want to come home. His dad, J.P., runs the hockey program at the exclusive Shattuck St. Mary’s prep school and Parise’s girlfriend is from North Dakota and one of J.P.’s best friends is former North Stars GM Lou Nanne, who holds significant sway in that area. But then again, plenty of NHLers don’t want the pressure of playing before friends and family.

Please Zach come to the state of hockey…