UAH not in WCHA plans?

If you read the press release from the WCHA that I received today, It would appear that WCHA is going ahead with a nine team league and it would appear that aren't interested in adding another team such as UAH, or at least during the first season.  

2013-14 WCHA Men’s Membership Concludes Productive Meetings in Detroit
MADISON, Wis. – The nine member teams that will make up the men’s Western Collegiate Hockey Association beginning in 2013-14 concluded a series of positive and productive meetings in Detroit this week and continue to move forward on a number of key issues.

“This is certainly an exciting time for the newly-integrated WCHA,” said Minnesota State University, Mankato President Richard Davenport, who is the chair of the league’s President’s Council. “Our meetings this week were spirited and full of camaraderie, and we are all looking forward to the 2013-14 season. Across the board we are 100% committed to putting a highly competitive product on the ice in the WCHA, to compete for championships, to give our student-athletes the best possible experience and to provide our fans with a great game-day experience. The WCHA brand is strong, historic and full of rich tradition and we will carry on that tremendous tradition and also build upon it.”

Among the many topics covered in the meetings,
    •    the membership discussed and approved a 28-game league schedule for 2013-14
    •    the membership discussed and approved a nine-team post-season tournament format
    •    the membership discussed and updated the league’s by-laws
    •    the membership discussed and continues to explore several potential venues for the annual WCHA Final Five playoff championship.

“We have accomplished a great deal and feel tremendously upbeat about where we are at as we look ahead to the 2013-14 season,” said WCHA Commissioner Bruce M. McLeod. “We have had very productive meetings with the coaches, athletic directors and presidents all present and we are united in moving forward to ensure the continued success of the WCHA and its member teams. We are also engaged in on-going discussions with various venues for our flagship event – the WCHA Final Five – and hope to finalize those championship plans as soon as possible.”

The league agreed on a change in governance that will have the Presidents Council act as the Board of Directors and the Athletic Directors serve as the Management Council. The President’s Council also created a Steering Committee to coordinate and handle major issues going forward. The Steering Committee consists of Minnesota State President Richard Davenport, Ferris State President Dave Eisler, Michigan Tech Athletic Director Suzanne Sanregret and Bowling Green State Athletic Director Greg Christopher.

Other topics of discussion at the meetings included expansion and identifying potential future member teams and future public relations and marketing initiatives to coincide with the 2013-14 campaign.

Founded in 1951 and home to a collegiate record 37 national championship teams, the men’s WCHA beginning in 2013-14 will consist of the University of Alaska Anchorage, the University of Alaska Fairbanks, Bemidji State University, Bowling Green State University, Ferris State University, Lake Superior State University, Michigan Technological University, Minnesota State University, Mankato, and Northern Michigan University.

AP - Tribe quiet as ND voters scrap Fighting Sioux name

I have been reading the articles relating to the Fighting Sioux nickname this morning and this article jumped out at me, written by James MacPherson and Dave Kolpack of the Fargo Forum, this article has been all over the internet today and made the Miami Herald as well.

Miami Herald - Walter Twinn, 69, who still speaks his native Dakota language, said there are only a handful of people on the reservation strongly opposed to the name. He cited a 1969 pipe ceremony held on the UND campus when a delegation from Standing Rock and at least one representative from Spirit Lake reportedly bestowed to the university permanent rights to use the nickname.

"UND has helped a lot of Indian students," Twinn said. "It should stay." The Standing Rock reservation straddles the North and South Dakota border and is home to about 9,000 people, more than half of whom live in North Dakota. Elections for tribal chairman typically draw up to 2,000 voters.

Lawrence Miller, an employee at the tribe's casino, said it makes little sense to change the name. However, he acknowledges that he didn't vote. "What are they going to call themselves, the Holsteins? Or the Cow Milkers?" Miller said.

Bubba Standing Bear, who spent Wednesday herding cows on horseback, said he would have approved the measure had he been old enough to vote. "To me it really doesn't matter. It's just a name," he said. "I didn't think it was disrespectful. I know a lot of the old people might not like it but I think it is respectful."

Erich Longie, an enrolled member of the Spirit Lake tribe who has been an outspoken critic against the nickname, said UND T-shirts and other giveaways encouraged about two-thirds of 1,100 members of that tribe to endorse the name in 2009. He said only 70 people on the Spirit Lake reservation voted Tuesday.

"They didn't have all the free stuff to pass out," Longie said. "It shows you how much people cared about the vote."

This article brings up an issue – first what is the new nickname and what is it going to be – second, who is going to decide what the new nickname is going to be?

The name is in the process of eventually being changed, however, the road to finding an acceptable replacement for the Fighting Sioux nickname is going to be the next fight – we need to get out front and make sure that the school isn’t stuck with an unacceptable and downright stupid replacement nickname. We don’t need to think very hard to imagine some of the unacceptable replacement names that some have already suggested.

I am of the belief that nothing we select is ever going to be as good as the Fighting Sioux nickname that is the brutal reality. I have always said that if UND can’t be the Fighting Sioux than it should simply be “North Dakota” I know there are some that don’t like that idea. There are many UND fans that like that idea as well.

For the sake of the Alumni and school – the powers that be better tread lightly in selecting the next nickname for the University of North Dakota, there needs to be a cooling off period and the law that the state reverted back to says that no name will be selected until 2015.

There should be no hurry to select a new nickname – there are going to be some; especially the ones that wanted UND to lose the Fighting Sioux nickname in the first place, these people will try and push UND into selecting a new nickname immediately and they are going to push the issue. Those people need to have the brakes put on them. Any nickname going forward should have the input of the UND Alumni, current students and Faculty and Staff.

If not we are going to end up with a stupid nickname like “Sundogs” and we can’t let that happen.

ND SBoHE directs UND to retire Fighting Sioux nickname

So it begins again, the retirement of the Fighting Sioux nickname is back on after the Measure four vote revealed that a majority of voters in North Dakota voted 1113,684 (Yes) to 55,114 (No) to allow UND to retire the Fighting Sioux nickname again.

Associated Press, FARGO — The state Board of Higher Education has directed the University of North Dakota to retire its Fighting Sioux nickname.

State residents voted overwhelmingly earlier this week to uphold the Legislature's repeal of a state law requiring the school to use the nickname. The moniker that the NCAA finds offensive had been brought out of retirement for a second time while the measure was decided.

Board President Grant Shaft, of Grand Forks, says there's not much more that can be said about the issue that hasn't been said already.

UND will be asked to report its progress at a later date.

As we found out before, when the Fighting Sioux nickname was first retired from January 1st until about February 7th 2012 – when 17,000 petitions were handed in at the State Capital in Bismarck, ND forcing UND to become the Fighting Sioux again – that’s it’s going to take some time getting used to not being the Fighting Sioux anymore. After Tuesday's vote, UND once again becomes the school formally known as the Fighting Sioux. Don’t expect fans to just change overnight, UND has been the Fighting Sioux for 80+ years.

That being said, you’re also going to hear and the home of the Sioux at the end of the national anthem, and you’re going to see Fighting Sioux jersey’s and gear for a very long time. The reality is that UND isn’t going to have a new nickname until 2015.

Dell and Kristo at the Habs development camp

The Habs are having their development camp and you will see some familiar names on the Hab’s development camp roster. Fighting Sioux fans don't need to worry because Danny Kristo has said that he will return to UND for his senior season. Aaron Dell is said to not be coming back and will be signing a professional contract this summer - as of right now - Dell has to make his intentions know or has yet to sign a professional contract.

FORWARDS
Olivier Archambault, Alexander Avstin, Alain Berger, Michaël Bournival, Michael Cichy, Philip Desimone, Gabriel Dumont, Brendan Gallagher, Patrick Holland, Danny Kristo, Louis Leblanc, Philippe Lefebvre, Mark MacMillan, Joonas Nattinen, Daniel Pribyl, Steven Quailer, Ian Schultz, Dustin Walsh

DEFENSEMEN
Nathan Beaulieu, Josiah Didier, Darren Dietz, Morgan Ellis, Greg Pateryn, Joe Stejskal, Joe Sullivan, Jarred Tinordi.

GOALIES
Aaron Dell ,Peter Delmas, Brandon Maxwell , Robert Mayer, Joseph Quattrocchi , Cody Reichard

Here are a few observations from the first day of the Habs development camp from All Habs.

There was confirmation of things we already knew:

• Daniel Pribyl and Alexander Avtsin are magicians with the puck.
• Danny Kristo has explosive acceleration.
• Nathan Beaulieu is very smooth.
• Brendan Gallagher‘s switch goes ‘ON’ the moment his skates touch the ice.

And there were a few initial impressions that we will keep our eyes on:

• Patrick Holland may be a better skater than advertised.
• Darren Dietz looks much more confident this year.
• Aaron Dell turned heads with his goaltending at least year’s camp but may be challenged this year by Brandon Maxwell.
• Cody Reichard looked competent in goal with a good glove hand despite his try-out status.
• If this team had a captain, it would be Jarred Tinordi, hands down. Solid leadership qualities.

The group of missing players included Collin Sullivan, Peter Delmas, Morgan Ellis and Dustin Walsh.  They did not participate in Wednesday’s practise.

Nanne on Barreiro's show

Dan Barreiro had former North Stars General Manager Lou Nanne on his radio show bumper to bumper on Tuesday and was talking about the Stanley Cup Playoffs and hockey and of course Zach Parise.

It would appear that Nanne seems to think that Parise and Sutter have a good chance on being members of the Minnesota Wild. I think we will have to wait and see...

(Video) 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs Montage

There are a lot of story lines from the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs - the defending Stanley Cup Champions went out in the first round with hardly a whimper. The Bruins found out that their all world goalie Tim Thomas had probably played his final game with the Boston Bruins.

The unlikeable team in the NHL the Vancouver Canuncks were knocked out of the playoffs in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs - that was the second year in a row that the Canucks were beaten by the Stanley Cup Champion during the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

An American team captain Dustin Brown accepted the Stanley Cup from the commissioner of the NHL Gary Bettman.

The last three Conn Smythe Trophy winners (Jonathan Towes (UND), Tim Thomas (UVM) and Jonathan Quick (UMASS) all played Division I college hockey.

Matt Greene became the 12th former Fighting Sioux hockey player to get his name on the Stanley Cup, here are the other 11 former Fighting Sioux hockey players to get their name on the Stanley Cup. s/t @UNDSID

UND's Stanley Cup Champions
Craig Ludwig, Montreal, 1985-86
Geoff Smith, Edmonton, 1989-90
Jay Caufield, Pittsburgh, 1990-91
Jay Caufield, Pittsburgh, 1991-92
Troy Murray, Colorado, 1995-96
Ed Belfour, Dallas, 1998-99
Tony Hrkac, Dallas, 1998-99
Craig Ludwig, Dallas, 1998-99
Rick Wilson, Dallas, 1998-99 (assistant coach)
Brad Bombardir, New Jersey, 1999-00
Mike Commodore, Carolina, 2005-06
Jonathan Toews, Chicago, 2009-10 (Conn Smythe Trophy winner)
Matt Greene, Los Angeles, 2011-12

The Stanley Cup Finals featured three players that played their college hockey at the University of North Dakota - Matt Greene L.A. Kings, Zach Parise and Travis Zajac New Jersey.

Stanley Cup Playoffs Tribute 2012

While my favorite team didn't win the Stanley Cup this season, the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs was an exciting championship. The Los Angeles Kings steam rolled the opposition and were a miserable team to play against. The New Jersey Devils were persistent, disciplined and played physical hockey and they didn't let the opposition goad them into silly unnecessary penalties.

Going forward, lets hope there isn't a work stoppage and that they NHL season can start on time, I am not very positive about this happening but I am not going to give up hope. I am not sure the sport can afford to have another season off - there are as many as six teams that might not survive is there is a lock out.

UND’s Brad Eidsness Named Recipients of WCHA Post-Graduate Scholarships for 2012-13

MADISON, Wis. – The Western Collegiate Hockey Association today (June 13, 2012) announced that seniors Brittany Toor of St. Cloud State University, Montana Vichorek of Bemidji State University, and Brad Eidsness of the University of North Dakota are the recipients of annual WCHA Post-Graduate Scholarships for 2012-13.

               

“We are both exceedingly pleased and tremendously proud to announce our latest WCHA Post-Graduate Scholarship winners in Brittany Toor, Montana Vichorek and Brad Eidsness,” said Commissioner Bruce M. McLeod and Associate Commissioner Sara R. Martin in a joint statement. “Representative of the best of collegiate athletics, these three outstanding student-athletes add another distinguished chapter to the league’s long-standing tradition of recognizing and honoring it’s players both on and off the ice.

               

“The WCHA has been blessed  to have had Montana, Brittany and Brad competing in the league on the ice at the highest levels the past four seasons as well as making their mark in the classroom and setting the stage for future success. Today we salute their tremendous accomplishments and on behalf of the entire Association, we wish them all the best in their future endeavors.”

               

Eidsness, a senior goaltender at North Dakota who hails from Chestermere, Alberta, competed in 104 collegiate games and 5,871 minutes between the pipes while compiling an impressive 58-27-10 record, a 2.41 goals-against average, a .906 saves percentage and five shutouts. In his final campaign in 2011-12, he was 8-3-1 with a 2.17 GAA and .919 SV%. His 58 career victories rank third all-time at UND and he is fourth all-time in career games played by a goaltender, fifth in career goals-against average, sixth in career saves percentage and tied for fifth in shutouts. He was a member of North Dakota’s WCHA regular season championship teams in both 2008-09 and 2010-11 and of UND’s record three consecutive WCHA Final Five championship clubs in 2009-10, 2010-11 and 2011-12, earning all-tournament team honors as a junior.

               

Over his four seasons, Eidsness has earned numerous honors, including the prestigious WCHA Outstanding Student-Athlete of the Year Award as a senior. (The WCHA Outstanding Student-Athlete of the Year Award is determined from nominations made by the member institutions and the nominee must be a senior student-athlete, must consistently display outstanding sportsmanship on and off the ice, must be a good student making satisfactory progress toward a degree; and must be a good hockey player who has performed consistently as a regular member of the team.) He is also a three-time WCHA Scholar-Athlete, a three-time member of the All-WCHA Academic Team, was a 2011-12 Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award nominee, was a 2011 NCAA Elite 88 Award recipient, was UND’s Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year in 2011-12, earned All-WCHA Second Team honors in 2009-10, both All-WCHA Third Team and All-WCHA Rookie Team honors in 2008-09, and was UND’s Rookie Athlete of the Year (male) in 2008-09.

               

Over the course of his four years at UND, he not only stayed on track with progress towards a degree but also completed both a Bachelor of Business Administration degree and a Master of Business Administration degree. Eidsness graduated Magna Cum Laude with a 3.779 cumulative GPA in undergraduate work and has a 3.625 cumulative GPA in graduate school. His leadership activities included the UND Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) from 2008-12 and the UND Master of Business Administration Student Association (MBASA).

               

“Brad is an outstanding young man who has become a leader, not only on his team but also across our campus,” said head coach Dave Hakstol. “His athletic performance and abilities are second to none and his dedication to his sport, his team, and his academics is that of a unique and first class character.

               

“He is a very talented young man, with his strongest qualities involving his work ethic, focus and drive to achieve success in all areas of his life. I have been fortunate enough to be a part of this young man’s life … to watch as he has evolved as a man by growing through both daunting adversity and great success. He is committed to doing his best and doing it the right way, with honor. He has been an incredible leader for our team and a teammate that other players think very highly of.”

               

In addition to his stellar work on the ice and in the classroom, Eidsness has also been active on campus as a team representative to SAAC and has been routinely involved in community service. His contributions include the Sioux Kids Club events, the Northland Rescue Mission – Pucks for Plates, annual food drives, the National Honor Society, fan fests, and speaking engagements at a number of different area events.

               

“Brad has applied for admission to law schools at both the University of Calgary and the University of Victoria and hopes to combine his love of hockey with his business acumen,” said UND Faculty Athletic Representative Sue Jeno, who nominated him for the WCHA Post-Graduate Scholarship. “The life lessons learned from participation in collegiate sports have provided him with the ability to work effectively with different types of people, to get along well with people from many varied backgrounds and beliefs, and to recognize when attention needs to be given to different individuals and to relationships. He has also learned that adversity can be as valuable as success in maintaining focus on a goal.”

                 

                 

Brad Berry returns to UND

~Official Press Release~

GRAND FORKS, N.D. – University of North Dakota head men’s hockey coach Dave Hakstol announced today that Brad Berry has been hired as an assistant coach. Berry’s primary responsibilities will include coaching and developing the team’s defensemen.

It will be the second stint on the UND coaching staff for Berry, who previously served as the program’s associate head coach from 2004-06 and assistant coach from 2000-04. He was also a defenseman at UND from 1983-86. Berry returns to Grand Forks from the National Hockey League’s Columbus Blue Jackets, with whom he spent the past two seasons as an assistant coach.

“I’m very happy to bring Brad aboard as part of our coaching staff. He’s an outstanding coach and person, and will be a tremendous resource for the development of our players,” said Hakstol.

While with the Blue Jackets, Berry coached the team’s defensemen and managed both the power-play and penalty kill. Prior to joining the Blue Jackets, Berry doubled as the director of The Hockey Academy in Grand Forks and as a part-time scout with the NHL’s Vancouver Canucks. He was an assistant coach with the American Hockey League’s Manitoba Moose from 2006-08.

Before embarking on his professional coaching career, Berry spent six seasons on the UND coaching staff, including his last two as associate head coach under Hakstol. Overseeing the team’s defensemen and penalty kill, Berry helped guide UND to NCAA Frozen Four appearances in 2001, 2005 and 2008, Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) regular season titles in 2001 and 2004 and a WCHA playoff championship in 2006.

“I’m excited to come back and work with Dave and (assistant coach) Dane (Jackson), and once again be a part of UND Athletics,” said Berry.

Berry was a standout defenseman at UND from 1983-86, collecting 74 points (12 goals, 62 assists) in 112 collegiate games. He also represented Canada at the 1985 International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) World Junior Hockey Championship. A second-round draft pick (29^th overall) of the Winnipeg Jets in 1983, Berry went on to play in 241 NHL games over eight years, including stints with Winnipeg, Minnesota and Dallas. His professional playing career also included stints in the Swedish Elite League and the International Hockey League. While with the IHL’s Michigan K-Wings, Berry was a three-time IHL All-Star and was named the K-Wings’ Defenseman of the Year three times.

After his playing career ended, Berry was a professional scout with the 1999-00 Dallas Stars team that won the Stanley Cup.

A native of Bashaw, Alberta, Berry’s family includes his wife, Suzanne, daughters, Brianna and Brooke, and son, Bauer.

A look at the numbers - Measure 4

This morning I have been looking at the numbers from last night’s and there really isn’t much to glean from them other than this voted ended up being “less” close than I thought it would. I don't think that I was the only one that was expecting a closer vote. I personally was expecting more like a 54-46 split than a vote of yes (67.35%) – No 55,114 (32.65%).

Fargo, ND (WDAY TV) - It has been a hot-button issue for years. The much talked about, much debated Fighting Sioux nickname debate. Voters are trying to decide, once and for all, whether to retire it or keep it and risk sanction by the NCAA.

Yes: 113,684 (67.35%)

No: 55,114 (32.65%)

426/426 Precincts reporting

A "Yes" vote retires the nickname. A "No" vote requires U-N-D to keep it.

I was only able to find one county Billings that voted for the Fighting Sioux nickname No 150 - Yes 148.  Another head scratcher was the low turnout at the Spirit Lake Tribe’s voting stations yesterday. According to WDAZ there were only 50 ballots counted by early yesterday afternoon – my question is where were the voters from the Spirit Lake Tribe yesterday?

Nanne – ‘Good chance Parise’ signs with the Wild

First off, color me cynical, if not almost suspicious that Lou Nanne is on record after conveniently talking to the Wild Wild owner Craig Leipold that he believes that Parise is going to sign with the Minnesota Wild.

Judd Zulgad, 1500ESPN.com --- Former North Stars president and general manager Lou Nanne confirmed as much on Tuesday during his weekly appearance on "Reusse and Mackey" on 1500 ESPN. Nanne said that after talking to Wild owner Craig Leipold last week he believes, "the Wild are going to throw the kitchen sink" at the winger in order to land him.

Nanne said he thinks the fact the financially strapped Devils lost in the Cup finals make it less likely that Parise will stick with that organization. Parise has spent his seven-year NHL career with New Jersey and served as the team's captain.

"I was under the belief that he would have to win the Cup to come to Minnesota until I talked to Craig Leipold last week," Nanne said. "I've gotta tell you, the Wild are going to throw the kitchen sink at him. I think there's a good chance he ends up in Minnesota, because I don't see anybody in the National Hockey League willing to give as much to Parise as the Wild are going to be willing to give. So I would not be surprised if Zach Parise came home."

Nanne went on to say that the Wild will pursue Parise and Nashville defenseman Ryan Suter, who also will be a free agent on July 1.

When Parise asked about his future the Devils captain wasn’t ready to talk about the issue.

“I’m not going to talk about that,” the Devils captain said. “I’m not going to talk about that.”

Now that the Stanley Cup Finals are over the six-10 million dollar question is where is former Fighting Sioux All-American forward Zach Parise is going to sign after the July first? I have seen where the Rangers, Redwings, Wild, Bruins and Kings as potential teams where he might end up. I wouldn’t rule New Jersey out either; apparently the New Jersey Devils made 32 million dollars into their coffers off of their Stanley Cup Playoff run.

North Dakota Voters let UND retire Fighting Sioux nickname

University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux athletic logo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The  people of the State of North Dakota voted today to retire the Fighting Sioux nickname - this is a bitter sweet day for many of us who love the Fighting Sioux nickname and the logo - but as you can tell by the election results that  most recognize that the cost of keeping the Fighting Sioux name is too great and will  great harm to the University of North Dakota eventually.

First off, I it was very hard for me to vote yes on measure 4 because I do not believe that the Fighting Sioux nickname is racist or hostile and abusive.

That being said, the NCAA has UND over a barrel and they hold all of the cards because the NCAA writes the rules and controls college athletics - UND can play by those rules or the University or face NCAA Sanctions (as it currently is). One final options is that UND can go join another governing body - the option is not feasible.

I like many think that the NCAA is an out of control organization that needs to be reeled in because they have over stepped their bounds and put there nose where it doesn't belong.  None the less, lets not forget that the North Dakota State Attorney General signed a settlement agreement with the NCAA and UND is expected to abide by that settlement agreement.

Contrary to Majority Leader Al Carlson's delusions of grandeur, the NCAA wasn't going to bend and they have pointed to the Settlement Agreement time and time again.  The good people of Sioux county have finally weighed in on the issue and have voted to retire the Fighting Sioux nickname. That in it's self doesn't make sense since 1000+ people from the Standing Rock Tribe signed the petitions to bring measure 4 to a voted.

But I digress.

If UND had retained the Fighting Sioux nickname our sports teams would not be able to play the University of Minnesota, the University of Wisconsin, Iowa, South Dakota State and possibly the other school North Dakota State University during the regular season play because of the Fighting Sioux logo.

While playing Iowa might not seem like that big of a deal to some fans, not being able to play the Badgers and the Gophers in any sport is a big deal and would end up proving costly for the University of North Dakota in the end. Who doesn't want to see UND beat Wisconsin and Minnesota whenever we get a chance.

In my opinion this is a sad day me and it has been an emotional roller coaster - I love the Fighting Sioux nickname and it's one of the best logos and nicknames in all of college sport, nothing we replace the nickname will ever be as good as the Fighting Sioux nickname. I will wear my Sioux logos with pride until they wear out. 

Rob Port of Sayanything blog had this to say of the vote.

It was a valiant fight, but it’s time for the Sioux nickname to go. Barring a vote on the Standing Rock reservation, or the Spirit Lake Sioux getting the NCAA to back down with their lawsuit, the people of North Dakota have spoken. It’s time for the name to go.

Statement from UND President Robert Kelley About Vote on Measure 4

We are appreciative that voters took the time to listen and to understand the issues and the importance of allowing the University to move forward. We also understand how deeply this has affected all of us.

Tuesday's vote allows us to focus our attention on our students as we continue to build exceptional programs in all areas of the University. We appreciate the support that has been expressed for the University of North Dakota over the past several weeks, and especially for UND Athletics. It is support that will continue to be important as we build a great future for the University and for UND Athletics.

We will continue to work with the State Board of Higher Education, the North Dakota University System, and the leadership in athletics as we move forward.

Where's Zach Parise going - Is it The L.A. Kings?

English: Zach Parise (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

So it's begins - the push by 29 NHL teams to convince former Fighting Sioux forward and current Devils star Zach Parise to sign a multi year, multi million dollar contract.

Parise is soon to be unrestricted free agent and is going to draw a lot of interest from many teams. This question is how much cap space to the Los Angeles Kings actually have? According to Cap Geek, the L.A. Kings have four guys (Mike Richards, Anze Kopitar, Jeff Carter and Drew Doughty) locked up in about 24 million dollars in salary.

Steve Simmons,Toronto Sun --- Up next for the Los Angeles Kings: First, a parade. Then, the pursuit of free agent Zach Parise come July 1.

These Kings have no intention of winning just one Stanley Cup. They want more. And they are not in any kind of salary cap conundrum, the way past winners have found themselves . They won’t have to dish off quality players - or any players really - the way the Chicago Blackhawks did after winning two years ago.

And while they won’t say so because they can’t legally say so, the captain of the New Jersey Devils is No. 1 on their off-season shopping list.

They want Parise, as do many teams, and they want him badly.

Parise fits perfectly into the Kings’ ultra-competitive philosophy, led by general manager Dean Lombardi and his able assistant, Ron Hextall. What they determined on their way to the Stanley Cup was what so many have known already. But until you witness it up close, experience it with your players - that fine line between success and failure often comes down to little more than effort

The Stanley Cup Playoffs are over and now comes the question - where is Zach going to sign - it seems like very day there is another rumor or pontification by a blogger or hockey writer on where Zach is going to sign when free agency begins.

NCHC - "very specific discussions" on ice quality

One of the “major” concerns for NCHC fans about the conference signing a five year deal with the Target Center in Minneapolis for the NCHC tourney has been ice conditions  – historically the Target Center has had the propensity to have very bad ice – which is a buzz kill in hockey.  You can't skate on slush very well.

More specifically the WCHA held the Final Five at the Target Center during the 1998-99 and 1999-00 seasons and the ice condition was really poor, also there are some bad sight lines as well for hockey because the Target Center is a basketball only arena for the most part – hockey is not played on a regular basis at the Target Center.

Eric Stromgren/CHN Writer --- The Target Center has been criticized as a hockey venue from ice quality to fan sight lines, something officials addressed in the press conference and with the media afterword.

Scherr said there have been "very specific discussions" on ice quality.

Mattson has worked at the Target Center since the building opened and said past problems could be attributed to quick turnaround times required from the staff. Ice before the state high school tournaments in 1999 and 2000 were put in a few days before the tournament, Mattson recalled.

"We know we've got to get it made earlier, give it a proper amount of time to get it ready, get it skated on and get it roughed up — that's a challenge we're up for," Mattson said.

Mattson said ice will likely be made in mid-February to avoid potential problems and the Timberwolves would play above the ice with the court placed on a "deck."

I have seen it mentioned in a couple of newspapers that the NCHC has a opt out clause with the Target Center if the conference is not happy with the Target Center but I have yet to see it mentioned in the latest press releases that I have received from the NCHC.

Matt Greene goal against the Devils game 6

Congratulations to former Fighting Sioux defenseman Matt Greene and the Los Angeles Kings as they won the Stanley Cup four games to two over the New Jersey Devils  - with the Kings win tonight Greene became the 12th former Fighting Sioux hockey player to have his name inscribed on the Stanley Cup.  Greene was able to put some icing on the cake as he scored an unassisted goal at the 16:30 mark of the third period to push the lead to 6-1.

Dustin Brown Drops the F-Bomb

You never know what's going to come out of someone's mouth at the moment of extreme excitement. Dustin Brown you earned it and it was funny to see that Pierre McQuire didn't even blink and continued on with his interview.

Brown exclaimed, "You never know, that's why we F'N play."

Ouch! Alec Martinez hit on Travis Zajac

This was a hard legal hit by former Miami RedHawk and current Los Angeles Kings defenseman Alex Martinez put a monstrous hit on former Fighting Sioux and current New Jersey Devils forward Travis Zajac during the 05:22 mark of the second period. I think it's going to be safe to say that both teams are going to take a couple of day to heal after this series is over.

Bernier's ill advised CFB on Scuderi

This is the shot heard round the hockey world tonight. This check from behind by New Jersey Devils forward Steve Bernier on Kings Defenseman Rob Scuderi that lead to a five minute major and a game misconduct for Bernier - the Kings pounced on the opportunity and they were able to bury the Devils on the major power play as they got three goals in five minutes - in essence putting the game out of reach for the Devils before the game was 20 minutes old.

There were some on twitter that said Scuderi took a dive go back and watch the video - there is no way that Scuderi dove on that play, he missed the rest of the period and was in the Kings locker room.

Latendresse calls himself symptom-free, wants to stay

This is is one of those stories of what could've been - Guillaume Latendresse came to the Minnesota Wild via trade that sent Benoit Pouliot to the Montreal Canadians on On November 23, 2009 and started out on fire scoring 25 goals in his first 55 games in a Minnesota Wild uniform before he was then out of the line up for the past two seasons with a myriad of injuries... There seems to be a lot of risk with this potential signing.

One of the biggest concern is Lattendresse had a concussion last season and missed most of last season and as we have seen with the Pittsburgh Penguins super star Sidney Crosby, Boston Bruins forward Marc Savard and with the Minnesota Wild's Pierre-Marc Bouchard concussion are can return again and linger for some time. All three players suffered multiple concussions and the Bruins Savard's is no longer in the NHL and Bouchard could soon join Savard in the retirement line if he doesn't get healthy but also stay healthy. 

Michael Russo, Star Tribune --- Latendresse, after being treated by a concussion specialist in Georgia who uses a contraption called a "GyroStim," has declared himself symptom-free from a concussion that destroyed his 2011-12 campaign. He said he can return to being the thunderous power forward who scored 25 goals in 55 games after a November 2009 trade from Montreal.

"It's like I never had any concussion," Latendresse said from his home in Montreal. "I feel 100 percent. I'm doing training like before. I have nothing. I can't even remember when my last headache was." But that doesn't mean the Wild will re-sign Latendresse. While collecting $5 million, Latendresse has played only 27 of 162 games over the past two seasons because of injuries.

The Wild would have to tender him a qualifying offer of $2.5 million by June 25 to retain his rights and make him a restricted free agent. That's unlikely. "I know I won't get a qualifying offer," Latendresse said. "I'm 100 percent sure about that. It's pretty obvious with my last two years."

This would be a perfect player for the Minnesota Wild to sign to a one year contract that based on incentives. If Latendresse isn't healthy you fail to re-sign him in the off-season.

For all of your Minnesota Wild Ticket needs you can purchase tickets on this link See Minnesota Wild games.

National Collegiate Hockey Conference - To hold conference tourney at Target Center

NATIONAL COLLEGIATE HOCKEY CONFERENCE

                                                                       

MINNEAPOLIS, MN, June 11, 2012 -- The National Collegiate Hockey Conference will conduct its NCAA Division I men’s ice hockey championship tournament at Target Center in Minneapolis beginning in 2014 to conclude its inaugural season.

NCHC Commissioner Jim Scherr and Target Center Vice President and General Manager Steve Mattson were joined by Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak in making the announcement today of a five-year agreement at a news conference at the arena.

The winners of the conference quarterfinals, which will be played on the home ice of the top four regular-season finishers in the eight-team league, will qualify to come to Minneapolis for the NCHC Championship at Target Center.  CBS Sports Network, the Conference’s national television partner, will televise the tournament’s two semifinal games and the championship game.  A third-place game also will be played at Target Center.  The dates and times for the games of the NCHC Championship at Target Center will be announced at a later date.

“We welcome the opportunity to host the National Collegiate Hockey Conference Championship tournament for five years beginning in 2014.  This is very significant for our city,” said Mayor Rybak.  “We also will be proud to showcase a revitalized Target Center, which competes with any arena in America for top sports attractions.  The tournament’s games over a March weekend will be a significant economic benefit to the hospitality community in Minneapolis, from hotels to restaurants and other businesses.”

The agreement between the NCHC and Target Center is the second major announcement in the last month for Minnesota’s preeminent sports and entertainment arena, following news that the home of the NBA’s Timberwolves and WNBA’s 2011 World Champion Lynx will undergo a multi-million dollar renovation over the next several years.

“The athletic directors and coaches of our member institutions are pleased that we will present our men’s ice hockey championship at a first-class venue in one of the nation’s best markets for college ice hockey,” said Scherr.  “It is our goal to become an outstanding college ice hockey conference in every way, and this announcement is in keeping with that goal.”

“We are thrilled to have such an exciting event come to our building and our city,” said Mattson.  “Those in attendance each year and the millions watching on CBS Sports Network will surely be impressed not only with the exceptional talent on the ice representing a great college hockey conference, but with what Target Center offers as a first-class sports and entertainment facility.”

During its 21-year history, Target Center has hosted an array of outstanding ice hockey events, including National Hockey League regular-season and pre-season games, International Hockey League games, four University of Minnesota “Border Battle” showdowns against Wisconsin, WCHA Final Five tournaments, Minnesota State High School tournaments, and United States Olympic Team exhibition games.

“Target Center and Minneapolis have a solid reputation for making teams and fans feel welcome,” said Scott Sandelin, head coach of the 2011 NCAA national champion University of Minnesota Duluth.  “Our conference’s players, coaches and loyal fans will have a great home for our tournament in a city with a great history of supporting college ice hockey.”

About Target Center:

Located in the heart of downtown Minneapolis’ vibrant Warehouse District and adjacent to Target Field, Target Center opened its doors in 1990 and is best known as the home of the NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves and the WNBA’s Minnesota Lynx.  The arena, owned by the City of Minneapolis and operated by AEG, attracts more than 1 million visitors a year thanks to its professional basketball teams, sporting events such as college and high school hockey and high school basketball and entertainment events including major concerts, family shows and other attractions.

About the National Collegiate Hockey Conference:

The National Collegiate Hockey Conference is the eight-school, Division I men’s hockey conference that will start play in the 2013-14 season.  The NCHC’s member institutions are: Colorado College, University of Denver, Miami University, University of Minnesota Duluth, University of Nebraska Omaha, University of North Dakota, St. Cloud State University and Western Michigan University.  Since 2000, the National Collegiate Hockey Conference has produced four NCAA Champions, 14 NCAA Frozen Four appearances, 12 conference regular-season championships and 12 conference tournament championships.  All eight members have been participants in the NCAA Ice Hockey Championship tournament at least once since 2010, including five teams in 2012. 

About CBS Sports Network:     

                                                                

CBS Sports Network (CBSSN) is the 24-hour cable destination of CBS Sports.  The Network covers more than 340 live games annually, showcasing 30 men’s and women’s sports, in addition to a variety of studio shows, documentaries and original programs.  CBSSN’s live programming is highlighted by college sports including teams from the Mountain West, Conference USA, Atlantic 10, Patriot League, the United States Naval Academy and the United States Military Academy, as well as Major League Lacrosse, National Lacrosse League and the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing series.  CBSSN’s daily programming includes ROME hosted by veteran sports personality Jim Rome and the Tim Brando Show. The Network also is the home of Professional Bull Riders (PBR).  CBS Sports Network is available across the country through local cable, video and telco providers including Verizon FiOS Channel 94 and AT&T U-Verse Channel 643 (1643 in HD) and via satellite on DirecTV Channel 613 and Dish Network Channel 158. For more information, including a full programming schedule and how to get CBS Sports Network, go to www.cbssportsnetwork.com.

###

Target Center Contact:      

Robb Leer (612) 701-0608

National Collegiate Hockey Conference Contact:

Larry Rubin, The Goldwater Group/Stafford Sports (215) 850-7012

Monday Links - hockey almost over for the summer.

There are a few stories of interest today on the internet about Stanley Cup Finals.

There is one thing that we know – the Stanley Cup Playoffs are going to last one or two more games and then the NHL will be in full summer mode. This season Stanley Cup Finals has been one of the most uneventful playoff series in a very long time. There has been nothing in the way of big hits that need extra scrutiny or villains like the Canucks Alex Burrows that need to be vilified.

Can Devils captain Zach Parise heat up?

After checking in with seven goals and 14 points in the first 17 games of this postseason, the production has dropped off for Parise. He doesn't have a point in five games and has a plus-minus rating of minus-five in this stretch.

"Zach's game is so much more than the stat line," Devils coach Peter DeBoer. "He's the heartbeat of our team. He's the identity of our team. He forechecks, he back-checks, he kills penalties, plays in all situations. He really is our barometer. He's the guy that makes us go, whether he's scoring or not. "Again, I don't measure his game on goals and assists. He's creating opportunities. They're eventually going to go in. He's had these type of situations before. It's tough out there right now for anybody to score. But I'm not concerned about his game. I know it's going to come." Parise twisted his left ankle in the third period of Game 4 and briefly missed some time. But he practiced on Friday and will play. DeBoer will not make any changes to his lineup. That means veteran defenceman Henrik Tallinder and forward Petr Sykora will suit up again. [Tim Wharnsby,CBC.CA]

With the win on Saturday night the Devils All-World goalie and future hall of famer added to his already
impressive total. In my opinion Martin Brodeur is one of the best goalie in my lifetime.

Brodeur has won three Stanley Cups, two Olympic gold medals, four Vezina Trophies and a Calder Trophy. He is the only goalie to put together eight 40-win seasons and no netminder has played in more games (1,191), won more (656) and recorded more shutouts (163).

With his victory on Saturday, Brodeur recorded his 17th win in a Stanley Cup final to move into a tie with New York Islanders great Billy Smith on the all-time final wins list.

25 - Jacques Plante, Montreal
24 - Ken Dryden, Montreal
21 - Turk Broda, Toronto
19 - Terry Sawchuk, Detroit (17), Toronto (2)
18 - Patrick Roy, Montreal (10), Colorado (8)
17 - Martin Brodeur, New Jersey; Billy Smith, N.Y. Islanders [Tim Wharnsby,CBC.CA]

Here is a good article by Mark Spector - Kings a distracted team

It would appear that the Phoenix Coyotes are going to be staying in Glendale, Arizona. I know, I know, we have heard this one before – it will be interesting to see how this story plays out and if the Yotes are finally going to stay in Phoenix area.

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- The Phoenix Coyotes' long wait for an owner might finally be over.

Glendale's City Council approved a 20-year lease agreement for Jobing.com Arena on Friday, clearing the last major hurdle in the sale of the Coyotes to a group led by former San Jose Sharks CEO Greg Jamison.

The council ratified the 20-year, nearly $325 million agreement by a 4-2 vote after a sometimes-contentious six-hour meeting attended by Jamison, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly.

"We've been doing this a long time," Bettman said. "We believe this team, the Coyotes, can be here with a new ownership in place and should be here."

One of the questions facing the Kings and Devils is fatigue - Kings Fighting Fatigue, as Well as Devils

Apparently Jaromir Jagr is coming back for another season in the NHL and is close to resigning with the Flyers...

The New Jersey Devils Power Less Play went 0-15 before Parise scored on Saturday night for the Devils to give them a 1-0 lead in game 5.

Stanley Cup finals hot topic: Give 3 reasons why Devils will win Game 6

The New Jersey Devils are still in a tough spot being down three games to two.

Tom Gulitti, Fire and Ice --- “I don’t see any reason why we should be overconfident or satisfied,” Devils captain Zach Parise said. “We’re still down 3-2. We’re still in the same spot we were. One loss and we’re done. I think just having gotten a couple wins, we’re playing with more confidence, but I don’t think that’s making us feel overconfident.

We still know how great of a team they are and how much better we need to play to make this thing even go further.