Saint Cloud takes a bite out of UND.

Seal of the University of North Dakota (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Grand Forks, ND – Fresh off getting only a single point in their weekend series against the Minnesota Gophers last weekend, you would’ve thought that the University of North Dakota Hockey team would come out of the gates with a lot of fire and playing with a purpose.

Tonight, that was not the case. In fact, nothing went right for the University of North Dakota hockey team.

Tonight’s opponents, the Saint Cloud State Huskies were the ones that looked like they were the fifth ranked team in the nation, as they came out of the gates with a purpose, and raced to a 2-0 lead with goals from forwards Johnny Brodzinski and Ben Hanowski.  Not only was UND outplayed, but UND was also out shoot 7-3 in the first period as well.

Coming into tonight’s game, UND had a record of 5-3-3 when the opposition scores the first goal. Make that 5-4-3 with the 3-1 loss to the Saint Cloud State Huskies tonight.

The Second period didn’t start out well for North Dakota either, as they continued to stand around and watch the Huskies make plays. It’s not a stretch to say that UND was beaten to the puck for two and half periods of hockey. The Huskies would out shoot UND 11-5 during the second period.

The game just didn’t get much better in the third period as they would watch the Huskies extend the lead to 3-0 with another goal from the talented freshman Johnny Brodzinski’s.

After the game, Saint Cloud State Husky head coach Bob Moztko was impressed with the play of his freshman forward Brodzinski.

“I am not sure how many shots that he had tonight,” Motzko said. “I didn’t see, but he had eight or nine shots on goal. When he [Brodzinski] shoots the puck people are going to start see that it’s a big league shot, and it’s just deadly – he’s a big strong kid – he gets open, he reminds me of a kid [Matt Frattin] they had here a couple of years ago – a kid that shot every time he had the puck.”

North Dakota would break Husky goalie Ryan Faragher’s shutout bid at the 13:49 mark of the third period with a power play goal from freshman forward Rocco Grimaldi. That was all of the closer UND would get as the Huskies would hang on for the win with UND pressing in the waning minutes of the third, but they were unable to get anything past Faragher.

While Rocco Grimaldi was the only UND hockey player to get a puck past the rangy Husky goalie Faragher, Grimaldi didn’t spend much time relishing his ninth goal of the season.

“It just wasn’t our game,” Grimaldi said. “I can’t even put a finger on it what we did wrong. Just no one starting with myself, no one was inspired to play the game. That can’t happen; we just have to forget now that it’s over and done with and move on tomorrow we need those two points tomorrow.”

The game was rather clean as both team combined for a grand total of five minor penalties for 10 minutes in penalties.  UND was 1/1 on the power play and the Huskies were unable to cash in on their two power play opportunities.

After the game, Saint Cloud State Husky coach Bob Motzko seemed rather pleased with his team’s effort.

“Our guys blocked a lot of shots tonight,” Motzko said. “You’ve got to give yourself a chance here to play good defense,” “Ryan [Faragher] made a few key saves when he had to.”

Tonight, Corban Knight’s 19 game point streak came to an end. This was only the third game in the last 24 that Knight didn’t at least have a point. Breaking it down further, this was also the first time all season long that Knight and Kristo didn’t have a single point.

There really is no way to sugar coat tonight’s game. It was not a good effort at all for the North Dakota Hockey team, and the head coach Dave Hakstol was not pleased with his team’s effort. “We didn’t play very well tonight,” Hakstol said. “ We got our tails kicked in our own building.”

North Dakota is known for it's second half surges, currently has a 3-3-1 record in it's last seven games.

Cross Posted at the Hockey Writers - Combine.

Related articles

• UND: The Weekend Ahead (1/25-1/26) (thehockeywriters.com)

North Dakota vs. Saint Cloud game one lines

North Dakota Forward Lines

25 Mitch MacMillan–10 Corban Knight (A) –7 Danny Kristo (A)
16 Mark MacMillan–27 Carter Rowney (A) –15 Michael Parks
9 Drake Caggiula–28 Stephane Pattyn–19 Rocco Grimaldi
8 Dan Senkbeil–17 Colten St. Clair–11 Derek Rodwell

North Dakota Defense Pairings

2 Andrew MacWilliam–20 Joe Gleason
18 Dillon Simpson–22 Andrew Panzarella
4 Derek Forbort–24 Jordan Schmaltz

North Dakota Goalies

31 Zane Gothberg
33 Clarke Saunders
35 Tate Maris

Not Playing: Nick Mattson (5), Connor Gaarder (13), Bryn Chyzyk (29), Coltyn Sanderson (26)

Saint Cloud State Huskies Forward Lines

10 Ben Hanowski (C) –19 Drew LeBlanc (C) –11 Kalle Kossila
16 Jimmy Murray–26 Nic Dowd–22 Jonny Brodzinski
37 Joe Rehkamp–8 Cory Thorson–21 Brooks Bertsch
9 Joey Benik–13 David Morley–17 Joey Holka

Saint Cloud State Defensive Pairings

28 Andrew Prochno–14 Nick Jensen (A)
7 Kevin Gravel–12 Ethan Prow
40 Tim Daly–4 Taylor Johnson

St. Cloud State Goalies

29 Ryan Faragher
33 Joseph Phillippi

WCHA Officials: Referees Brett Klosowski (31), Craig Welker (23), Linesmen Andy Carton, (92), Nathan Freeman (78)

Is Nail Yakupov’s goal celebration over the top?

Check out this goal by Edmonton Oilers rookie forward Nail Yakupov. There is a school of thought that the NHL is starting to look like the European soccer leagues with some of the over the top celebrations of the players after they score a goal.

I don't know what to think... I don't like showing up an opponent. I get it the kid is excited as well.

Alexander Ovechkin took some heat after he scored a goal and then dropped it to the ice and acted like it was too hot to pick up.

UND vs. SCSU links

This weekend is a pivotal WCHA matchup between the SCSU Huskies and North Dakota. I know, I know… it’s tough not to refer to our team as the Fighting Sioux.

Jayson Hajdu has the pre-Christmas and post-Christmas records for the University of North Dakota under UND head coach Dave Hakstol. The question remains, will there be another second half run for the UND hockey team or will they keep their current pace of sub .700? Currently, they are playing at a .625 clip.

Year Before Xmas After Xmas

2004-05 13-7-2 (.636) 12-8-3 (.587)

2005-06 12-7-1 (.625) 17-9-0 (.654)

2006-07 7-10-1 (.417) 17-4-4 (.760)

2007-08 8-6-1 (.567) 20-5-3 (.768)

2008-09 9-8-1 (.528) 15-7-3 (.660)

2009-10 9-6-3 (.583) 16-7-2 (.680)

2010-11 13-5-2 (.700) 19-4-1 (.813)

2011-12 9-8-1 (.528) 17-5-2 (.750)

2012-13 10-5-3 (.639) 3-2-1 (.583)

Totals 91-62-15 (.586) 135-51-19 (.705)

North Dakota head coach Dave Hakstol has a 22-10-6 (.657) record against the SCSU Huskies.

Senior Forward Corban Knight has had at least a point a game (7g-11a—18pts) against the Huskies during his career at UND.

Mick Hatton beat writer for the Saint Cloud Times has his pre-series articles up today and you can read them by clicking on these links. [Click to view], [click to view] and [click to view].

The Huskies have had a long 10 game home stretch and now they will go on the road for eight of their next 12 games.

Here are a few articles that might pique your interest. [Click to view], [my series notes]

Brad Elliot Schlossman has his breakdown of the WCHA race.

Brad also has a gem about how the NCHC is keeping an eye on possible officials for next season. I can tell you that I have talked to many college hockey fans would like to have/see a Shepherd free NCHC. Enough is enough.

The men play the Huskies in Grand Forks and the women are in St. Cloud to play the Huskies in a crucial WCHA series, to date, the women have kind of underperformed or failed to meet pre-season expectations. Now it appears that a starting goalie is beginning to emerge for the women's team.

	WCHA Games								Overall
	GP	W	L	T	Pts	GF	GA		W	L	T	GF	GA
Minnesota	16	9	3	4	22	56	39		17	3	4	93	45
St. Cloud State	16	11	5	0	22	55	36		14	10	0	80	61
Nebraska Omaha	16	9	5	2	20	59	49		13	9	2	88	67
North Dakota	16	8	4	4	20	57	46		13	7	4	81	64
Denver	18	8	6	4	20	57	54		13	8	4	85	67
Minnesota Duluth	18	8	7	3	19	50	51		10	11	3	64	68
Minnesota State	18	9	8	1	19	55	46		15	8	3	82	60
Wisconsin	16	6	5	5	17	35	36		9	8	5	49	45
Colorado College	18	7	10	1	15	60	66		10	14	2	88	94
Bemidji State	16	4	8	4	12	36	49		5	12	5	48	66
Michigan Tech	18	4	10	4	12	44	61		7	12	4	63	71
Alaska Anchorage	18	1	13	4	6	31	62		3	14	5	42	73

Matt Frattin's slick goal against the Islanders

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matt Frattin didn't make the Maple Leafs roster out of camp but was the first one called up with the injury to Joffrey Lupul. Frattin was called up and dressed for tonight's game. One could say that Frattin made the most of his 2013 NHL season debut scoring(1g-2a--3tps).

Dion Phaneuf blast John Tavares from behind.

Not a good hit by Maple Leafs defenseman Dion Phaneauf on Islanders forward John Tavares. I am also shocked that there was no penalty on the play as the referee was standing where he could see the play.

Rangers Stu Bickel vs. Flyers Tom Sestito

As a Boston Bruins hockey fan, this is one fight that I was very happy to see. In my opinion, Tom Sestito is waste of skin and if the Flyers want waste roster spot on this guy more power to him. Making a case for Stu Bickel, at least he can be used in the third defensive paring if need be.

Lastly, in this case, I am glad that the fourth line forward Sestito was able to pull off the legal check this time. The guy is an absolute mountain of a man, and you have to keep your head on a swivel when he is on the ice.

Good news! Stay out of @tomsestito23 way next time “@murphyslaw74: Agent: Nathan Horton healthy, ready to play espn.go.com/blog/boston/br…”
— Scott Norton (@NortonSports) November 10, 2012

(Video) UAH Press Conference, Jan. 24, 2013

Here is the video of the UAH press conference. It will be interesting going forward to see what happens to the UAH Chargers hockey program going forward. I don't see a reason why they can't compete in the new nWCHA.

Did the Minnesota and North Dakota series become more tame?

Ralph Engelstad Arena 

The Minnesota and North Dakota hockey series is one of the best rivalries in college hockey.

Unfortunately, this past weekend was the final regular season WCHA series between the University of Minnesota and The University of North Dakota. There will be no more of these regular season battles.

The Rivalry has been likened by some as the modern day version of the Hatfield’s and McCoy’s feud.

All a person has to do is go on YouTube.comand search for Sioux and Gophers and there are literally hours of video of scrums, dustups and fights.

From a historical perspective, last weekend’s series between there UND and UMN was rather tame.  There were no major dust-ups or line brawls. Both teams were whistled for a combined miniscule total of 64 minutes in penalties over the course of a two game series.

What’s even more shocking, there were no major penalties called against either team all weekend long, not a single one.

I thought UND was a bunch of knuckle dragging Neanderthal goons? Looking at the numbers it’s safe to assume that North Dakota is not anymore.

This weekend’s penalty minutes were tame compared to last season’s series at the Ralph Engelstad Arenabetween UND and UMN on

English: Logo for the University of Minnesota (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

January 13-14, 2012. Minnesota and North Dakota amassed 105 minutes in penalties. There were also two major penalties called during that weekend series, with each team garnering a five minute major penalty.

In years past, there were single periods that surpassed that penalty minute total of 64 minutes.

North Dakota Senior Defenseman MacWillam was asked about this past weekend’s games and if they were as tame as they appeared on the television.

“It has been in the past,” MacWillam said. “I think that hockey is changing a little bit. You can’t have the big hits anymore. So I think that might have contributed to some of it. It’s still heated between the whistles. It’s a little different than playing I assume. But that bitter rivalry is still there.”

UND Junior Defenseman Dillon Simpson who has played in the series for three seasons, had this to say about this past weekend’s series as well.

UND forward Mitch MacMillan
Eric Classen, UND Sports

“On the ice there is a lot of stuff on the ice going on,” Simpson said. “Maybe not as much open to the fans as you can see. But it’s always heated when we play those guys, and it was rough, a lot of big hits but nothing out of control. I think for us we were more focused, we needed to two wins big time. We were trying to stay out of the box and try to make it a game. It was still rough and still a tough series but at the same time nothing outrageous happened.”

One could make the argument that the players do adjust to the way the game is being called.

When Simpson was asked about his thoughts on not playing the Minnesota Gophers next season, he went on to say.

“It sucks, this is the biggest rivalry I think in college hockey”, Simpson said. “This is the most fun that I have playing on the weekends. It kind of sucks! Who knows if we will see them down the line this year, but it’s not fun not being able to play them next year.”

 Originally Posted at the Hockey Writers - Combine...

Related articles

• Breaking down the Minnesota vs. North Dakota Rivalry (thehockeywriters.com)
• One step back, before we move forward (UND vs. UMN) (thehockeywriters.com)
• UND: The Weekend Ahead (1/25-1/26) (thehockeywriters.com)

Related articles

NCAA Investigates Its Investigators

Wow! So now it appears that the NCAA is in need of a internal affairs division. There are days that I wished the NCAA was disbanded or at least weakened. The NCAA is not a law enforcement agency, its an athletic association.

Inside Higher ED --- NCAA does not have subpoena power and thus lacks the authority to compel testimony under oath, Emmert said, meaning the Miami investigation turned up evidence that shouldn’t have been accessible. Further, whoever hired Shapiro’s lawyer apparently did not have clearance to do so, because Emmert said the decision did not go through the NCAA’s general counsel as procedure requires.

Reminding everyone of his own demands of athletic programs to show integrity, Emmert expressed his disgust with the conduct of his own staff, two of whom are no longer employed there.

“I’ve certainly never seen anything like this, and I don’t want to see it again,” Emmert said, adding that the conduct was “deeply disturbing” and he felt “deeply disappointed and frustrated and even angry.”

These new developments could be good news for Miami, however, which was widely expected to face harsh punishment from the NCAA. Emmert said that whatever evidence was obtained through the lawyer (a “small portion” of all the evidence that’s been gathered, he said) will be thrown out, and the investigation of Miami will not be extended or redone. The investigation of the enforcement division, to be conducted by an external law firm, will apply to “the current issue” of the Miami case as well as the enforcement’s overall policies and practices The NCAA will not deliver Miami’s notice of allegations -- the document that contains its formal charges -- until after the law firm has completed its work, which Emmert hopes happens in one to two weeks.

 I also don't want the Federal Government getting involved in running the NCAA 's regulatory process, like the  writer below suggests. Seriously, do we want federal law enforcement agents being pulled out of the field to investigate NCAA violations and allegations? Investigations are a law enforcement function. Moreover, the federal government screws up everything it runs and touches, and that's not what we need. I also don't think that the average fans wants the Feds screwing up the NCAA as well. Whats next? Wire taps on boosters and fans? 

Let the federal government take over the NCAA’s regulatory process, writes John Infante, NCAA expert for the athletic recruiting website Athnet and author of the Bylaw Blog: “There is really only one organization that can enforce the NCAA’s rules substantially better than the NCAA. There is also only one organization that can force institutions to go along with an expanded enforcement program. Luckily, it is the same organization: the federal government.”

What do you think?

Weekend Match-Ups (by Donn)

First I would like to thank the UW Badgers for splitting with Miami, the Goon now owes me a beer!  Second I would like to thank the Minnesota announcer, McCloud, for on Friday night, the used the “S” word, and admitted it would take time to get over using the word Sioux, dang, I said it too.

WCHA STANDINGS 2012-2013

Team………………………W-L-T………Points

1. Minnesota………………9-3-4…………22
1. St. Cloud St………….…11-5-0……….22
3. North Dakota.………..…8-4-4…….…..20
3. Denver…………..……...8-6-4…….......20
3. Nebraska-Omaha…......9-5-2…..…..…20
6. Minnesota State……….9-8-1.…...……19
6. Minnesota-Duluth….…..8-7-3…………19
6. Wisconsin…....…………6-5-5………....17
9. Colorado College ……..7-10-1..….……15
10. Bemidji State……..…..4-8-4......……..12
11. Michigan Tech………..4-10-4…..….…12
12. Alaska-Anchorage…....1-13-4…...…….5

WCHA Games

#13 Nebraska-Omaha @ Bemidji St.

Last weekend the Mavericks had a bye and the Beavers got a point from the MTU Huskies (4-0, 2-2ot) in Houghton.

Ever since these teams joined the WCHA the Beavers seem to have gotten UNO’s number.  But they say the past performance doesn’t predict the future, and that does hold the truth, but not the whole truth.  The Mavericks might be a little rusty after a free weekend.  UNO should be hungry for points this weekend; their last action saw them get a point from the Pioneers in Denver.  Way back in October these teams met in Omaha with the first night ending in a 3-3 tie and rematch went to BSU 3-2.  The Beavers are on a tough streak, going winless in their last six games.  This will most likely be the last series these teams play in while, unless they meet in the WCHA playoffs.  If the Beavers can muster some goals they can be the Mavericks, if their offense falls flat, uh-oh.  SPLIT

#14 Minnesota State @ #1 Minnesota

Last weekend the Mavericks took three points from the Seawolves (3-3ot, 4-0) in Anchorage and the Gophers took three points from NoDak (5-1, 4-4) in Minneapolis.

This is a split series, Friday Minneapolis, Saturday Mankato, between these two in-state rivals.  These teams met back in early November, with the home teams winning in those games, Gophers 3-2 at home, and the Mavericks 5-3 in Mankato.  Both teams have been scoring goals this year, so I’m predicting a couple of high scoring affairs.  The Gophers just can’t afford to have a NoDak let down after last weekend.  SPLIT

#16 St. Could St.  @ #5 North Dakota

Last weekend the Huskies swept the Pioneers (5-2, 5-1) in St. Cloud and NoDak took a point from the Gophers (5-1, 4-4ot) in Minneapolis.

This is the second series this year between these two “McLeod WCHA Rivals” the first go around was in November in St. Cloud, with UND winning the opener 3-0, and Huskies returning the favor in the closer with a 5-2 win.  With as close as the top half of standings are points are getting more and more important, and both clubs have their eyes on the top spot.  NoDak is looking to back on track this weekend for their prototypical second half run up the standings.  The Huskies are trying to be the top dog in league after losing that title shortly into 2013.  SPLIT

Alaska-Anchorage @ #20 Wisconsin

Last weekend the Seawolves got a point from the MSUM Mavericks (3-3ot, 4-0) in Anchorage and the Badgers split with the Miami RedHawks (1-0W, 2-1L) in Madison.

This is the second time this month that these two teams square off against each other.  Three weeks ago the Badgers swept the Seawolves in Anchorage by scores of 5-3 and 1-0.  The Badgers are on a red hot (or cardinal hot, if you prefer) stretch, only losing once in the past 13 games, going 8-4-1.  Let’s face the facts; UAA is just the opposite, ice cold, going winless in their last 10 with only one tie in there, 0-9-1.  I’m taking the obvious choice here.  BADGERS SWEEP

Exhibition

US U-18 team @ Minnesota-Duluth

Last weekend the Bulldogs split with the CC Tigers (3-2W, 5-1L) in Colorado Springs.

Since this in an “unofficial” game I will “unofficial” pick a winner, no wait, I won’t pick a winner, or they are both winners…  TIE

BYE WEEK

Colorado College
#10 Denver
Michigan Tech

Related articles

• Weekend Match-Ups (by Sioux 7) (ndgoon.blogspot.com)

Adam McQuaid pounds Brian Boyle

Boston Bruins defenseman Adam McQuaid and New York Rangers forward Brian Boyle are two big boys and this was a pretty good fight in my opinion. This is one thing that I like about the NHL, something happens on the ice and it's settled the players on the ice and not the officials. I score the fight a win by McQuaid. Unfortunately, the Boston Bruins are losing 2-0 after one period of hockey.

The Final round is here for the Great Sioux Jersey Ever

Introducing the final round of the Greatest Sioux Jersey Ever Tourney. The Sioux Jersey blog is now taking votes for the championship round at the Sioux-Jersey blog. [Click to vote]

Mitch MacMillan on Roe comments

Some people are pretenders and just run from adversity. Especially guys who flake and transfer schools midseason. #bestofluck #kidding
— Garrett Roe (@theroeboat13) January 11, 2012

This is what North Dakota forward Mitch MacMillan had to say on Garrett Roe’s tweet from last year.

“I don’t know, some guys supported me,” MacMillan said. “And some guys … I mean, I didn’t even… that’s was the first time I’ve heard of Garrett Roe saying anything. I don’t know, but each person has their own opinion. I did what I had to do for me, to further my hockey career, whether they didn’t like that or not that’s their own thing to deal with.”

Garrett Roe's comments were directed at Mitch MacMillan after he transferred to UND during the Christmas break of last season.

Brayden Schenn is the first player suspended

Well that didn't take lone. Just three days into the lockout shortened 2013 season, Philadelphia Flyers forward Brayden Schenn is the first player suspended by Brendan Shannahan. Actually, I have no problem with the suspension and this suspension should set the tone going forward.

After 247 days, the @nhlshanahan account is back in use. The lockout is officially over!
— Michael Russo (@Russostrib) January 23, 2013

UND: The Weekend Ahead (1/25-1/26)

This weekend, the University of North Dakota entertains Saint Cloud State University Huskies in an important two game WCHA series at Ralph Engelstad Arena.

Matchup: North Dakota (13-7-4, 8-4-4 WCHA) #5 versus #16 Saint Cloud State (14-10-3, 11-5-0 WCHA).

Dates: January 25-26, 2013

Times: Jan. 25: 7:37p.m. (CT); Jan. 26: 7:07 p.m. (CT)

Radio:  UND 96.1 (KQHT-FM) – The Fox.

TV: Midco Sports Network, FOX College Sports Central, DirecTV 623

Webcast: UNDSports.com

SERIES HISTORY: The University of North Dakota leads the all-time series against the Saint Cloud State Huskies 60-32-11 record (.636). North Dakota holds an impressive 30-13-5 (.677) record against the Huskies in Grand Forks, ND. North Dakota split their series (3-0 W – 2-5 L) with the Huskies on November 9 and 10, 2012, at the National Hockey center.  UND holds a 6-3-1 record against the Huskies during the last 10 games.

Players to Watch:

North Dakota: Forwards: Danny Kristo (14g-17a—31pts), Rocco Grimaldi (8g-11a—19pts), Mark MacMillan (8g-9a—17pts), Corbin Knight (11g-22a—33pts), Drake Caggiula (6g-6a—12pts). Defense:  Dillon Simpson (2g-12a—14pts), Derek Forbort (4g-8a—12pts), Joe Gleason (3g-8a—11pts) Jordan Schmaltz (1g-6a—7pts) Andrew MacWilliam (1g-5a—6pts). Goaltenders: Clarke Saunders 10-5-3, 2.37 GAA, .915 save percentage, Zane Gothberg 3-2-1, 3.11 GAA, .895 save percentage.

Saint Cloud State Huskies: Forwards: Drew LeBlanc (7g-27a—34pts), Nic Dowd (11g-15a—26pts), Kalle Kossila (11g-10a—21pts), Ben Hanowski (7g-12a—19pts), Defense:  Nick Jensen (3g-16a—19pts) Andrew Prochno (2g-12a—14pts). Goalies: Ryan Faragher 13-8-0, 2.29 GAA, .911 save percentage, Joe Phillippi 1-0-0, 3.00 GAA, .842 save percentage, Rasmus Reijola 0-2-0, 5.14 GAA, .804 save percentage.

UND Official Web Page

SCSU Official Web Page

 

Cross Posted at the Hockey Writers - Combine.

One step back, before we move forward (UND vs. UMN)

Goldy Gopher, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities mascot. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

This is the big story that is making it’s way around Twitter this afternoon. From the looks of it, Minnesota Gophers beat writer Roman Augustoviz must have listened to Gophers head coach Don Lucia on WCCO radio last night. So, after a great weekend of hockey and after being asked about the rivalry probably hundreds of times, I guess he’s tired of being asked about the rivalry.

Roman Empire — Gophers coach Don Lucia used his weekly radio show on Monday to defend himself from critics complaining that North Dakota won’t be on the U’s schedule the next three seasons.

“We have a rule at the University of Minnesota — not put in by me — but by the regents that we can not play a team with an Indian nickname,” Lucia said. “And for years, this controversy with North Dakota and the nickname has been going on. And it has been fought in the courts and everything else.

“And it did not get settled until this summer. Well — if you want to put the blame on me for not waiting to find out whether it was going to get settled or not, then so be it. I can accept that fact.

“I wasn’t going to wait. When the conferences all broke up a couple of years ago. And we were heading into all these new conferences, it was kind of a frenzy and free-for-all for scheduling nonconference games. And when we had the opportunity to schedule some good opponents — I could have waited, but I chose not to wait. But I wanted to ensure we had a good schedule for our fans and our team.”

Whether you believe their company line or not, that’s up to you. It is what it is. This is what the Gophers head coach is saying, and he’s sticking to it. Hey whatever, we could discuss this till we are blue in the face if we want, but Lucia isn’t giving in. That being said, I can tell you that many in the UND fan-base are cynical. If you read some of the newspaper articles and hockey sites from this past weekend, you will see that not everyone was buying into this either. [click to view] and [click to view]

But I digress.

I have to admit that I am sad that this past weekend was the last regular season conference match-up between the two teams, maybe for some time. Such is life. Life is full of disappointments. I do think some fans are a bit delusional if they think that they can just replace the historic UND vs. UMN series with another random series against another hockey team and get the same intensity that this historic series has.

While there are currently no future games scheduled between the two teams, at least in the immediate future, there’s a very good chance that the two teams could meet again in the NCAA Playoffs. History tells us that there is a very good chance the two teams will see each other again, probably in the next year or two. Both teams have a history, and have met three times in the last eight years in the NCAA tourney, with UND holding a 2-1 edge.

It’s also a shame that a once great hockey conference is going to be a shell of it’s former self starting next season, but that is really something we can no longer control as well. These types of decisions are made by the folks that are paid big money to make these kinds of decisions, and they don’t always do what the fans want.

Finally, I also think that the players are going to miss this historic series as well. If  you don’t believe me, all you have to do is look at the comments from Gopher forward Nate Condon who was named WCHA Offensive Player of the week after he had a five point (2g-3a—5pts) weekend against UND.

Condon on his wknd: "It's good...especially since it's against (UND). If I can score that against them every time it would make my year."
— Nate Wells (@gopherstate) January 22, 2013

I guess for now, the series will have to wait, and all we can do is hope that cooler heads prevail. I think eventually the rivalry will resume play, sooner rather than later.

Originally posted at the Hockey Writers - Combine.