Was USA forward Rocco Grimaldi sent a message?

Rocco Grimaldi (UND/FLA) in Team USA doghouse big time. Hasn't played a shift today. Sounds as if it's performance/attitude related.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) December 31, 2012

You kind of have to wonder if USA Forward Rocco Grimaldi was being sent a message by USA coach Phil Housley? To be honest with you, I haven't been impressed with very many of the players on team USA this year. It's obvious that Jacob Trouba is a men among boys and Seth Jones has looked pretty good to me, the rest of the team has been kind of underwhelming. There's no "I" in team so we will see what happens going forward. I don't think this version of team USA is all that strong anyways.

@tsnbobmckenzie 100% correct. They aren't happy with his "selfish" play. Either not seeing his teammates or not passing, either way,no bueno
— Julie Robenhymer (@JulieRobenhymer) December 31, 2012

@umdpenaltybox @tsnbobmckenzie Was kind of playing like it vs. Canada. Think he'll get some ice in QF though. Message sent.
— Chris Peters (@chrismpeters) December 31, 2012

WCHA Power Rankings 12/31/2012

Western Collegiate Hockey Association logo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Here are this week’s WCHA Power Rankings. This season, I will be doing the WCHA Power Rankings with Taylor Seibel who is a contributor of College Hockey Weekly.

1. Minnesota Gophers – (13-3-3, WCHA 6-3-3) – This past weekend, the Minnesota Gophers beat (4-0 W, 8-1 W) Air Force Academy and Boston College in their annual Mariucci Classic. The Gophers are off till January 8^th when they play the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in a single nonconference game.

2. University of North Dakota – (10-5-3, WCHA 7-2-3) – The Green and White have been off during the Christmas break and return to action this weekend against Holy Cross at Ralph Englestad Arena.

3. Denver University – (10-6-3, WCHA 7-4-3) – This past weekend, the Denver Pioneers beat (6-0 W) the Boston University Terriers in the Hall of Fame Game in Denver. The Pioneers snapped a horrid streak and now have a single win in their last nine games (1-5-3). This weekend, the Pioneers entertain ECAC Foe Cornell in an important two game series in Magness Arena.

4. Minnesota State Mankato – (12-6-2, WCHA 8-6-0) – This past weekend, the Mavericks won (3-1 W – 3-1 W) the UConn Hockey Classic in Storrs, Connecticut. This weekend, The Mavericks entertain Hockey East Foe Providence at the Verizon Wireless Center, in Mankato. While the Mavericks schedule might not be all that impressive on paper – they’re 43^rd in SOS – they have won nine of 10 games and would be a bubble team for the NCAA tourney if it was selection Sunday. It will be interesting to see how the second half of their season shakes out. The Mavericks toughest games during the second half of the season are against Minnesota and North Dakota and only play 7 out of the next 16 games away from the Verizon Wireless Center.

5. Saint Cloud State – (12-8-0, WCHA 9-5-0) – This past weekend, the Huskies had an unimpressive split (3-4 L – 2-1 w) ECAC foe Rensselaer at the National Hockey Center. This weekend, the Huskies entertain CCHA foe Northern Michigan.

6. Nebraska Omaha – (11-8-1, WCHA 7-4-1) – This past weekend, the Mavericks were swept (4-5 L – 1-3 L) by the Quinnipiac Bobcats. This weekend, the Mavericks entertain the Colorado College Tigers in a pivotal two game WCHA series, at the CenturyLink Center in Omaha, Nebraska.

7. Colorado College – (8-10-2, WCHA 5-6-1) – The Colorado College have been off during the Christmas break. This weekend, the Tigers travel to Omaha, Nebraska to play the Mavericks in an important two game WCHA series.

8. Michigan Tech – (6-10-3, WCHA 3-8-3) – This past weekend, the Huskies won (4-0 W – 4-0 W) the Great Lakes Invitational in Detroit Michigan. The Huskies snapped a seven game winless streak. This weekend, the Huskies are off.

9.  Wisconsin – (4-7-5, WCHA 2-5-5) – The Wisconsin Badgers have been off during the Christmas Break, This weekend, the Badgers travel to Anchorage, Alaska to play the UAA Seawolves.

10. Minnesota Duluth – (7-10-3, WCHA 5-6-3) – This past weekend, the UMD Bulldogs took fourth place  (0-1 L – 2-6 L)  in the Florida College losing to Maine and Ferris State. With their title this weekend, Maine has won the Florida College Classic seven times since 2000. This weekend, the Bulldogs are off.

11. Bemidji State – (5-9-3, WCHA 4-7-3) – Last night, the Bemidji State Beavers lost (3-4) to Massachusetts in the first round of the Ledyard Bank Classic in Hanover, NH. Tonight, the Beavers play New Hampshire in the third place game of the Ledyard Bank Classic. This Weekend, the Beavers play a nonconference series against CCHA foe Western Michigan.

12. Alaska Anchorage – (3-9-4, WCHA 1-8-3) – The Seawolves have been off during the Christmas Break. This weekend, the Seawolves entertain the Wisconsin Badgers at the Sullivan Arena. The Seawolves have won one game in the last 12 games (1-8-3).

Taylor Seibel's WCHA Power Rankings

1. North Dakota – (10-5-3, 7-2-3 WCHA) – North Dakota has had several weeks off since their last game action, but going into the break, nobody was playing better hockey than UND.  Next week, Holy Cross comes to the Ralph to take on North Dakota in Non-Conference play.

2. Minnesota – (13-3-3, 6-3-3 WCHA) – Minnesota came up big in the Mariucci Classic this weekend, knocking off Air Force before destroying #1 Boston College 8-1.  The Gophers have gradually improved throughout the season, and appear to be on the verge of becoming the offensive juggernaut that many thought they would be at the beginning of the season.  Minnesota takes on Notre Dame next Tuesday in a key non-conference game.

3. St. Cloud State – (12-8-0, 9-5-0 WCHA) – The Huskies had some struggles against RPI this weekend in a split at home.  St. Cloud State should be in the mix for the MacNaughton in February and March, and they look to get back on track next weekend against Northern Michigan.

4. Denver – (10-6-3, 7-4-3 WCHA) – DU had been struggling mightily before Christmas, but they responded in a big way this weekend in a 6-0 trouncing of BU.  Juho Olkinuora has been on an impressive streak of late, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Denver finds their way back into the spotlight under Olkinuora’s guidance.  Next weekend, DU hosts Cornell in a critical non-conference series.

5. Minnesota State – (12-6-2, 8-6-0 WCHA) – Mankato was able to win the UConn Hockey Classic this weekend, beating both Brown and UConn by 3-1 scores.  The Mavs have won 9 of their last 10, and while their schedule has not been very impressive, they’ll have plenty of opportunities to show that they are for real in the second half of the season.  Providence comes to Mankato next weekend in non-conference action.

6. Nebraska Omaha – (11-8-1, 7-4-1 WCHA) – The Mavericks of Omaha had a disappointing weekend, getting swept at Quinnipiac.  Omaha has the talent to be a top 4 or 5 team in the WCHA, but they need to work on their consistency.  Next weekend, UNO hosts Colorado College in WCHA action.

7. Colorado College – (8-10-2, 5-6-1 WCHA) – The Tigers have not played since getting swept in St. Cloud a few weeks ago.  CC has a potent offense, but their goalie play and defense will need to improve if CC wants to be host a playoff series this season.  The Tigers travel to Omaha to take on the Mavs.

8. Michigan Tech – (6-10-3, 3-8-3 WCHA) – The Huskies completed a very impressive weekend of play in keeping both of their opponents off the scoreboard en route to winning their first Great Lakes Invitational since 1981.  Tech struggled in the first half of the season, but have a reasonable schedule to make a second half run and content for home ice.  Next weekend, Tech is off.

9. Minnesota Duluth – (7-10-3, 5-6-3 WCHA) – The Bulldogs struggled in their holiday performance, losing games to Maine and Ferris State, scoring only 2 goals on the weekend.  Duluth will need to get their offense going in the second half if they want to have a shot for home ice.  Next weekend, Duluth is off.

10. Wisconsin – (4-7-5, 2-5-5 WCHA) – Wisconsin did not play during the holidays.  Wisconsin had been playing significantly better hockey heading into the holidays.  If they can continue that play, they may be able to salvage the season.  Next weekend, the Badgers make the trek up to Anchorage to take on the Seawolves in WCHA play.

11. Bemidji State – (5-9-3, 4-7-3 WCHA) – The Beavers are currently playing in the Ledyard Bank 3^rd place game against UNH as I write this, but it does not appear that they will walk away from the weekend with a victory.  Next weekend, BSU squares off against Western Michigan.

12. Alaska Anchorage – (3-9-4, 1-8-3 WCHA) – The Seawolves did not play during the holidays.  UAA has shown flashes of greatness, but have not been able to consistently outplay their opponents.  Next weekend, UAA hosts Wisconsin in WCHA action.

Related articles

• WCHA Power Rankings: 12/16/12 (insidehockey.com)
• WCHA Power Rankings: 12/02/12 (insidehockey.com)
• WCHA Power Rankings: 11/25/2012 (insidehockey.com)
• WCHA Power Rankings: 11/11/2012 (insidehockey.com)

Clarification on the Nick Bjugstad goal

I just got off the phone with the head of officials… According to Greg Shepherd Head of Officials for the WCHA, the Boston goalie Parker Milner’s momentum carried him into the net; he wasn’t touched by the Minnesota players so that’s why it was called a goal. If Milner had been touched, it would have been ruled no goal. Now you know the rest of the story

Related articles

• Nick Bjugstad goal and Kyle Rau hit (ndgoon.blogspot.com)

Nick Bjugstad goal and Kyle Rau hit

Someone tell me why the goal by Nick Bjugstad is goal is not a violation of the rules.

83.6 Disallowed Goals - An apparent goal shall not be allowed by the Referee in any of the following cases:

• Any action by the attacking team that propels the goaltender into the goal with the puck.

Also, I know Brad Shepherd is the official, but you have to watch this. How does Kyle Rau not get an elbowing penalty on this play…? Unless, I am not seeing this video right, I agree with the B.C. penalty but I think the refs missed a call again. Discussion, tell me what you think.

Related articles

• Eriah Hayes Hit On Kyle Rau (ndgoon.blogspot.com)

Tale of two calls (McCabe & Hartman)

Speaking of bad calls, today, USA captain and Wisconsin Badgers defenseman Jake McCabe was kicked out of the game between the USA and Canada on this play. After watching the video numberous times, I can't find a penalty. In my opinion, McCabe was incorrectly given a two minute minor and a game misconduct for contact to the head. I don't see it. Do you?



Today, the team USA had two contact to the head penalties, the second one was this hit by Ryan Hartman on Canada's Ryan Murphy and that was a legitimate contact to the head. It will be interesting to see if Hartman ends up with a disciplinary hearing for his hit on Murphy.

Jarius Wright catch, Vikings get call to go their way

Minnesota receiver Jarius Wright catches the deflected pass from Christian Ponder or does he? After further review it appears that the refs blew the call. Green Bay didn't have any challenges left.

Congrats to Jerry York... Tonight will get win 926

I would like to congratulate Boston College head coach Jerry York who won his 925 game last night, that’s no small feat. York has been coaching since the 1972-73 season, when he was the head coach of the Clarkson Knight’s.

Over a span of 40+ years and 1579 games York has compiled an impressive record of (925-559-95).

York won his first NCAA title 12 years after he became a head coach in 1983-84, when he was the head coach of the Bowling Green Falcons.

Over the years, York's teams have compiled an impressive record 37 wins in the NCAA tournament. In his 19 years with the Eagle, York has won the Hockey East tournament nine times. York’s Eagles have also won five Beanpot titles – including the last three in a row.

Here is the link to the video of post-game press conference after his 925 win.

Prediction: tonight, I predict that York’s will get 926 against the Minnesota Gophers.

Men's Hockey Coaching Records

Examples of WCHA Officiating; inconsistency.

You make the call... Here is what I saw. First, you have a shoulder to shoulder hit that's called a elbow, that would lead to a power play goal by the Pioneers. Then, you get a legit call on the Scott Mayfield, that's a five minute major in my book. In my opinion, WCHA ref Don Adam made the right call on that play. Adam's side kick, Tim Walsh probably blew it as well as he could have given the BU players a five minute major and a game misconduct as well. That was dangerous hit and I would rather see the ref call a major on that play. What do you think?

UND Hockey traveling to Florida next year?

The FCC field looked good on paper, but only Cornell is over .500. Next year, COR and MNE will be joined by N Dakota and UNH.
— ELynah (@ELynah) December 30, 2012

What a field for a college hockey tourney if this ends up being true, the news breaking around here is UND Hockey might end up being in the Florida College Hockey Classic next season. Edit: Now, I am hearing both that UND is in this tourney and also that UND pulled out of this tourney. As soon as I get more  information I will post more. This would be a fun tourney to go to.

Check out these teams for next years 2013 Florida College Hockey Classic; Cornell, Maine, UND and New Hampshire.

The Canadians are not a bunch of goons... Nor are they dirty

One of the early story lines to emerge from the World Juniors is that the Canadians have been accused by the Slovaks and the Russians as being dirty. Apparently, the European players/teams don’t take to kindly to their opposition laying the big hits to them.

First off, let’s not forget that hockey is a physical game and a contact sport that is also played by men.  Hockey is one of the fastest games in the world and everything is at full speed. People get hurt in hockey as well. Contrary to what some fans think, hockey is a game of intimidation and getting the best of your opponent.

The fact that the Slovaks and the Russians are complaining about the Canadians might mean that the Canadians have gotten in their heads just a bit. You can bet that Russia’s Nail Yakupov will be looking over his shoulder every time he steps on the ice against the Canadians.

Teams that are successful, are teams that are hard to play against and play on the edge of the rule book. If you think I am kidding, go back and watch how the Ducks and the Bruins won the Stanley Cup, they knocked the hell out of their opponents and played with an edge.  

The Canadians are finding out that the physical brand of hockey is not always conducive with International play.

One could argue that Canadians may have crossed a line a bit with their hits. I am going to say, so what? I don’t care what hockey league you play in, you have to be aware who’s on the ice at all times. You don’t go into the corner with your head down.  I also have seen some embellishment from some of the European players as well.

The Canadians have had their fair share of game misconducts and suspensions. Again, live the sword and you die by the sword. The Canadians have also paid for their transgressions, with suspensions to two of their players, Boone Jenner and J.C. Lipon.    When the Canadians play against the Americans on Sunday they will only have 11 forwards available to them.

Finally, I don’t think that you will hear the American whining about the big, bad Canadians and how dirty they are… I do expect that the American s are aware of the big hitters on team Canada and will be ready for them.  It’s also time for the other players in the WJC to sack up, this is hockey…

Anthony Camara hits on Slovakia’s Patrik Luza

Canada's J.C. Lipon pounds Tomas Mikus 

Canada’s Boone Jenner hit on Jesper Petterson 

IIHF suspends Canada's J.C. Lipon for one game.

This hit will cause team Canada to play with only 11 forwards when they play the Americans on Sunday Morning. Two teams have now accused the Canadians of playing dirty. First it was the Russian's Nail Yakupov. Today it was the Slovakians that said the Canadians are dirty.

Like I mentioned earlier today, Slovak Center Tomas Mikus didn't like being run over by J.C. Lipon, “I think, in my eyes, the two hits were dirty,” said Slovak center Tomas Mikus. “It’s not good in a world championship. We accept clear hits but the hands were too high.“Really dirty.” I guess the IIHF found it dirty enough to warrant a one game suspension.

J.C. Lipon suspended one game by IIHF. Won't be eligible to play vs USA on Sunday.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) December 29, 2012

The IIHF has suspended Canada's JC Lipon one game for his hit on Slovakia's Tomas Mikus. #WJC2013
— Sunaya Sapurji (@sunayas) December 29, 2012

Related articles

• Slovakia's Tomas Mikus pounded in the head by Canada's J.C. Lipon (ndgoon.blogspot.com)

One Goal; Follow up interview with Allison Davis O'Keefe

Allison Davis O’Keefe – One Goal

Allison Davis O’Keefe author of the book One Goal, agreed to answer a few questions I had about her amazing book. Here what Allison had to say about the book, her answers will also answer a few questions you might have had about the book.

Recently, I listened to the interview you did with Tim Hennessey on 96.1 between periods of a Michigan Tech and UND hockey game. You had some interesting points that I would like to expand on.

The first question I would like to ask you is; how hard was it to gain access to the Fighting Sioux hockey team and the coaching staff?  

It was hard. I am not from this community so I honestly didn’t realize how private the team can be.  They are a tight-knit group, a band of brothers, if you will, and they protect one another.  Hockey players also have many superstitions – ‘routine’ they will call it – and anything or anybody who challenges the norm is greeted with healthy suspicion.

Was it hard to convince Dave Hakstol to let you photograph him and his team?

 Yes. I think Coach Hakstol is fiercely protective of his team and he didn’t want anything to distract them from their goal.  Coach Hakstol is a naturally private person and I think that instinct extends to his team.  I, like his players, had to gain his trust and confidence; the doors weren’t flung open, even after he had agreed to allow the project to move forward.

How long did it take to get that in?

I have been asking Coach Hakstol to photograph the team in one way or another for a number of years. I think he finally agreed because it was to be the last year of the Fighting Sioux. But frankly, the book is about much more than that.

Was there ever time the head coach said, not today?

There was never a time when he said ‘not today’, no.  The agreement was open access and the team gradually accepted that.  As a photojournalist who has covered Capitol Hill and presidential campaigns, you know when to put the camera down and build a relationship, build trust, and when you absolutely can’t miss the shot.  I knew when not attend a meeting and he knew, for the most part, that I was there. I tried to use a level of discretion in the process while still capturing every aspect of team life.

I have heard people make comments about you being related to head coach via marriage and that was the reason you were able to gain access, but that’s not true?  

Coach Hakstol is married to my husband’s cousin – and, honestly, I think all that gained me was the ability to broach the subject of this project with him.  I had to earn his trust, his team’s trust, and the staff’s trust.  Without that, I would have been shut out and shut down two games into the season.  And I made it clear from the beginning that this is a work of photojournalism; I’d shoot what I saw with no interference.  To his credit, Coach Hakstol was true to that agreement. Not once did he ask to see the pictures before they were published.  And he didn’t see the final book until after it was off the printing press and on sale.

How were you received by the players?

At first the players were confused as to why I was there all the time.

There were whispers of ‘who is this person’ and ‘why is she crouched on the ground, taking photos while we board the bus’? They had questions.

I remember at an away game in Madison early in the season, Jason Gregoire turned as he loaded his bag on the team bus and said, “What are you doing here?”

But over time they all got used to it, and would make fun of me, or joke about getting ‘face time’.

I was also pregnant with my daughter during the entire season so toward the end it was a little comical watching me walk on the ice after the Final Five or the regional NCAA tournament.

It got harder to get up and down and move quickly with two cameras, a bag of lenses; some of the guys would help me up and wonder aloud if it was doctor-approved for a pregnant woman to walk on the ice.

How were you received by the UND assistant coaches?

Coach Jackson is hilarious – at one of the Thursday night steak dinners I mentioned how much I enjoyed the HBO series leading up to the Winter Classic and how much I admired the access they got.

Jackson picked up on my not-too-subtle hint and said, “Alli, what do you want? Let’s do it.”

I was busted. They all knew why I had brought it up (keep in mind I had to make sure to watch SportsCenter just to know what the heck they were always talking about) but from that point forward, I didn’t really ask to go in the locker room; I just did.

I one thing I noticed is that you did a real good job of showing the different sides of Coach Hakstol; how did that play out?

Time. It is just true that with any extended photography/documentary project, it takes time to show various sides of a person. I slowly would ask for a little more – “how about I start the day at your house and go to work with you.” But he didn’t think anyone would want to see that stuff so at first he thought it was a little weird. There is a photo that is not in the book of him driving to work while holding a mug of coffee. Despite numerous travel-mug-gifts, he still always drives to work with a mug of coffee. I don’t even think it fits in the cup holder. But that is routine. And I was interested in things like that. I think everyone sees a very stoic serious Coach – which is accurate – but for someone who is arguably a community leader and who feels a responsibility to the town that his team represents there is a lot more going on behind the scenes.

What was your impression of the 2010-11 season?

Expectations and pressure.  It seems the Fighting Sioux are always expected to win and win big but this season in particular came with an elevated level of destiny. And I can’t truly imagine what that must feel like.  They put pressure on themselves and I do think they had fun together that season but I would say that one of the lessons learned that year was that there is a value in recognizing your accomplishments along the way. At a recent UND Fan Luncheon, Coach Hakstol, in speaking about the book, said that in ten years he would bring the 2010-2011 team together for a reunion. And they would truly relish in all of their personal and professional accomplishments – something, perhaps, they didn’t do enough of in the moment.  One of the things that I think is lost in coverage of Coach Hakstol is his strong influence on these ‘young men’ as he calls them. He may have to be a disciplinarian and a coach but he truly has an effect on their lives. And Coach Hakstol knows that it is more important to be a good human being, a good man, in life than it is to focus on wins and losses.

Impression of the UND fan base and Ralph Englestad Arena?

The saying, you won’t believe it until you see it is never more true than at the Ralph Englestad Arena. I would go back to New York, hang out with my friends, meet a photo editor, and try to describe what I was trying to accomplish with this project and I genuinely couldn’t find the words.

You did a good job reflecting on the seniors on the 2010-11 Fighting Sioux hockey team; what was your impression of the class of 2011? Who stuck the most of the class?

I will attempt to answer this without sounding too sentimental – the seniors are simply a great group of guys.  You will not meet someone who works harder, is more humble, and kind than Chay Genoway. And the group that started together and went all four years on the team together were like true brothers.

Who were the characters on the team that stuck out for you?

Brad Malone is a character – there was always something happening with him. I think Brent Davidson grew so much as a player that year. That was cool to watch. I went with Jake Marto and Chay Genoway when they volunteered at the Grand Forks Senior Center. They really felt like a part of the community and it was humbling to see how well they were received.  That was a unique bunch – a great team – and I truly enjoyed getting to know each of them as individuals.

What happened to the pictures that didn’t make it into the book?

There are a number of images that I really like that didn’t make it into the book. I will likely put some on my website, allisondavisokeefe.com. The other thing that didn’t make it into the book was a lot of the content from my interviews with Coach Hakstol. We sat down a number of times over the course of the season and afterward. Those interviews are audio-only and I would like to share them in some way. The two most telling are the ones from the day after the Frozen Four loss and the one we did the following season.

Is there any way that you will do a second book? 

No, it is unlikely that there will be a second book.  This was a one-shot chance.

Is there plans for a follow book on another UND hockey team? Or another school?

No, I have no plans to do this with another hockey team. I hope that documenting the 2010-2011 season opened the door for others to document UND hockey. Peter Bottoni, Matt Schill and the team working on “Through These Doors” is fantastic.

I would like to thank Allison Davis O’Keefe for taking the time to answer my questions. Make sure to check out her book “One Goal” because it’s worth every penny.

Originally posted at the Hockey Writers - Combine.

Related articles

• Book Review: One Goal, From a UND Hockey Fan's Perspective (thehockeywriters.com)
• Why not Corban Knight for the Hobey Baker? (thehockeywriters.com)

Kirill Kapustin crosscheck on Blake Pietila

One more video today... Check out this cross check by Russia's forward Kirill Kapustin on USA forward Blake Pietila. Kapustin was given a two minute minor and a 10 minute misconduct, it should have been a five minute major and a game misconduct.These are the dangerous hits that hockey is trying to remove from the game of hockey.

I got to admit that I had to scratch my head when one of the announcers (whose name escapes me) said, "It didn't look like he got him all that hard." Which is absolutely false you can hear Pietila hitting the board with a pretty good clunk.

Slovakia's Richard Buri hits Canada's Dougie Hamilton

In one of the odd plays of the day, Slovakia's defenseman Richard Buri hits Canada's defensema Dougie Hamilton. Buri was only given a two minute minor on the play. Team Canada scored on the ensuing power play with a goal by Morgan Rielly assisting on the goal were Mark Schiefele and Oliers star Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.

Hamilton is a Boston Bruins first round draft choice who was picked ninth overall during the 2011 NHL entry draft. Hamilton plays for the Niagara Ice Dogs of the Ontario Hockey League.

Slovakia's Tomas Mikus pounded in the head by Canada's J.C. Lipon

Apparently this hit by Canada's J.C. Lipon on Tomas Mikus will get an extra look by the International Ice Hockey Federation and there is a chance that Lipon could face supplementary punishment. That would be a big loss for the Canadians since they are already short handed with the loss of Boone Jenner who was suspended for three games by the IIHF. apparently, Mikus was none too happy with J.C. Lipon.

“In my eyes the two hits were dirty. It’s not good in the world championships. We accept clear hits but the hands were too high. Really dirty,” said Tomas Mikus, who was on the receiving end of a first period hit by J.C. Lipon.

It will be interesting to see if Lipon does in fact get suspended by the IIHF and if he does, for how long? Former NHL Official Dan Marouelli and WCHA Assistant to the Commissioner Jeff Sauer will be conducting Lipon's Disciplinary hearing. If Lipon is suspended Canada will be down for 11 forwards during the USA and Canada game.

J.C. Lipon's disciplinary hearing with IIHF two-man committee (Dan Marouelli and Jeff Sauer) scheduled for 9 am (Ufa time) Saturday.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) December 28, 2012

Canada's Anthony Camara Destroys Slovakia's Patrik Luza

Canada Anthony Camara recieved a five minute major and a game misconduct for charging for his hit on Slovakia's Patrik Luza. The IIHF will not have a hearing for Camara.

My question to hockey fans is, do you think this hit warrants any supplemental discipline? I think the right call was made for this hit. I looking at the hit, I do think that charging is a good call, Camara kept his elbows down and didn't hit Luza in the head.

Team USA defenseman Jacob Trouba's game tying goal against Russia

Here is the game tying goal by Michigan and team USA defenseman Jacob Trouba with the game tying at the 13:20 mark of the second period. Trouba has been one of the USA's best players so far during the WJC.

What's wrong with this picture?

Looking at this screen shot, what's wrong with this picture? The WCHA's nonconference record is unimpressive this year against the other conferences.

Related articles

• WCHA Power Rankings: 12/09/12 (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• WCHA Power Rankings: 12/16/12 (insidehockey.com)

Vote in the Greatest Sioux Hockey Jersey

Don't forget to vote in the Greatest Sioux jersey ever.  The Sioux Jersey Blog is hosting the vote and you can vote by clicking on this link. Below is the brackets... To be honest with you, I like the recent jersey's the most but I also have a 1959 authentic that I bought a couple of years ago. So go voice your opinion.

USA 8 Germany 2 (Video)

Great to see USA win today... Honestly, Germany is a really bad hockey team and I don't know what we can glean from the USA beating them 8-0 or Canada routing them 9-3? I am sure the Germans will again be in relegation round.

Both the USA and the Canadians were the far better teams and the Germans just don't have the talent that those teams have.

Players that stuck out for me for the Americans were defensemen Seth Jones and Jacob Trouba, they were men among boys, both will be big time players in the NHL probably next season.

The most impressive line for team USA, was the line of Sean Kuraly (Dublin, Ohio/Miami Univ.), Alex Galchenyuk (Milwaukee, Wis./Sarnia Sting) and Reilly Barber (Livonia, Mich./Miami Univ.) this line racked up an impressive three goals and five assists for eight points.

Weekend Match-Ups (by Sioux 7)

Western Collegiate Hockey Association logo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Welcome to the holiday break and holiday tournament time!  Just before Christmas there were a few WCHA series that ended in sweeps, SCSU swept the visiting CC Tigers, the Bulldogs swept the Seawolves in Anchorage, and UND swept MTU in Houghton, and the Beavers almost swept the Pioneers, win and tied.  The other WCHA series saw the Mavericks split with the Mavericks, both MSUM and UNO got wins against each other.  The Badgers also got a sweep, and their first home win(s) of the season, against the lowly UAH Chargers.

WCHA STANDINGS 2012-2013

Team………………………W-L-T………Points

1. St. Cloud St………….…9-5-0………….18
2. North Dakota.………..…7-2-3…..……...17
2. Denver…………..………7-4-3………....17
4. Minnesota State……….8-6-0.…...…….16
5. Minnesota………………6-3-3………….15
5. Nebraska-Omaha………7-4-1……........15
7. Minnesota-Duluth….…..5-6-3…………..13
8. Colorado College ……..5-6-1..….……..11
8. Bemidji State……..…….4-7-3..…….......11
10. Wisconsin…....…………2-5-5………......9
10. Michigan Tech………….3-8-3……….….9
12. Alaska-Anchorage…......1-8-3…...….…..5

Non Conference Games

Rensselaer @ #16 St. Could St. (Thu/Fri)

The Huskies enter the holiday season atop the WCHA.  I’m guessing if you would have placed a bet in Vegas on that in October, you’d be a little or a lot richer. In my preseason predictions I have them finishing fifth, so they have been the surprise team of the first half. 

The RPI Engineers are 4-6-4 overall this season, and are 1-5-2 in the ECAC, SCSU is 11-7-0 overall, with an 8-2-0 record in the National Hockey Center.  I don’t think the Huskies will end 2012 with a loss, they will say good bye to 2012 with a pair of wins.  HUSKIES SWEEP

#6 Boston U @ #14 Denver (Sat Only)

The Pioneers enter this game, winless in their last eight outings, going 0-5-3 during their drought. DU’s last win was against their rivals CC on November 17^th.  The Pioneers are 9-6-3 overall and the Terriers are 10-5-0 overall.  I’ve see both teams play UND in Grand Forks this year.  And I’ll say it, BU looked better than DU in the game they play at The Ralph.  I have to go with the visitors here.  TERRIERS WIN

#12 Nebraska-Omaha @ #9 Quinnipiac (Sat/Sun)

The Bobcats enter this weekend on a 10 game unbeaten streak, or a four game winning streak, they are 9-0-1 over that long span.  QU is 5-2-1 at home in Hamden, Connecticut, and UNO is 4-2-0 away from Omaha this season.  The Bobcats are 12-3-2 overall, but remember they play in the ECAC, and the Mavericks are 11-6-1 overall.

Given both teams rankings it should be a good series, but in the end, I see the WCHA standing tall.  MAVERICKS SWEEP

Florida College Classic (Fri/Sat)

Minnesota-Duluth vs Maine

Up to this point in the season both UMD and UMaine fans have to be disappointed with their records, Maine is 2-11-2 overall and UMD is 7-8-3 overall.  The Bulldogs got a sweep last weekend at the expensive to the UAA Seawolves.  Since both are on the road, I’m going to go with the better record.  BULLDOGS WIN

Minnesota-Duluth vs #19 Ferris St. / #11 Cornell

Ferris St is 7-7-3 overall and Cornell is 6-3-2 overall, and I would like to a Bulldogs versus Bulldogs match-up, with the boys from Duluth winning.  Or if UMD plays the Big Red, the Bulldogs might have some scoring woes, so I’ll go with a TIE.

Mariucci Classic (Sat/Sun)

Air Force @ Minnesota

The Gophers enter their tournament with an 11-3-3 overall record, 6-1-1 at home, and the Falcons are 5-7-4 overall, 3-4-3 on the road, this season.  The Gophers better not be looking past Air Force and towards Sunday’s game with Boston College.  If UM isn’t too rusty from the two weekends off they should dispatch the Falcons.  GOPHERS WIN

#1 Boston College @ #4 Minnesota

This should be the match-up of the weekend; the Eagles enter the tournament with a 11-2-1 overall record, and are 4-2-1 on the road.  These teams met last April in the Frozen Four with the Eagles winning their semi-final game easily over the Gophers by a 6-1 score.  No doubt the Gophers remember that and will want some redemption this weekend at home against a partisan crowd.  Unfortunately I don’t think they will get the revenge they are seeking.  EAGLES WIN

In case you’re wondering the other team in the Mariucci tournament the UAH Chargers.

Great Lakes Invitational (Sat/Sun)

Michigan Tech vs Michigan

The Huskies started the season winning two of three games, and it looked promising, and then the runners came of the sled, ugh.  The upside is that UM is not doing so well this year either, the Wolverines are 6-9-2 overall, and the Huskies are 4-10-3 overall.  Being an in-state rival though, you can over look all the records.  I’m going with the mild upset.  HUSKIES WIN

#8 WMU/MSU vs Michigan Tech

WMU is 11-4-1 overall, and MSU is 5-10-2 overall, I’m going with WMU over MSU.  So we have the Broncos versus the Huskies and Michigan v Michigan State in the other game.  If my predictions are right, I’m saying the Broncos bust the Huskies in their game.  BRONCOS WIN

UConn Hockey Classic (Sat/Sun)

Brown vs #18 Minnesota State

The Mavericks had their seven game winning streak snapped the last game before the Christmas break.  MSUM has overall record of 10-6-2 this season and the Brown Bears have an overall record of 3-5-4, and are 0-3-4 in the ECAC.  The Bears have yet to score more than three goals in a single game, so the key for the Bears will be play solid defense and get some timely goaltending.  The Mavericks have found their scoring touch during their long winning streak and if they can tickle the twine they should win this came.  MAVERICKS WIN

AIC/Connecticut vs #18 Minnesota State

AIC is 4-8-3 overall and 1-6-3 in Atlantic Hockey this year, and Connecticut is 4-7-2 overall and 3-6-1 in Atlantic Hockey.  Since I don’t know much about either American International or Connecticut, I’m going off their records, UConn wins over AIC.  But looking at them versus MSUM, I have to go with the WCHA.  MAVERICKS WIN

Ledyard Bank Classic (Sun/Mon)

Bemidji St. vs Massachusetts

The Beavers have to have some confidence in their game after tying and beating Denver just before Christmas.  BSU is now on a three game unbeaten streak, and own a 5-8-3 overall record.  The Minutemen are on a three game losing streak and are 5-9-2 overall.  Given the almost identical records overall, it should be a close game, but the Beavers heating up; I’m giving them the nod.  BEAVERS WIN

#2 UNH / #10 Dartmouth vs Bemidji St.

Even with the Beavers playing well as of late, the depth of either UNH or DU, will prove just too much for them to overcome.  BSU drops this game.

BYE WEEK

Alaska-Anchorage
Colorado College
#7 North Dakota
Wisconsin

Related articles

• Weekend Match-Ups (by Sioux 7) (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• WCHA Power Rankings: 12/16/12 (insidehockey.com)

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