UND Hockey: A couple of numbers to look at this afternoon

Scoring Statistics (Individual)					GP	TGP	G	A	PTS
1	Ryan Walters	Nebraska Omaha	JR	F	29	29	17	24	41
2	Greg Carey	St. Lawrence	JR	F	27	27	19	21	40
3	Drew LeBlanc	St. Cloud State	SR	F	29	29	9	30	39
4	Corban Knight (FLA)	North Dakota	SR	F	28	29	12	26	38
5	Kyle Flanagan	St. Lawrence	SR	F	26	27	13	24	37
	Danny Kristo (MTL)	North Dakota	SR	F	27	29	17	20	37
7	Rylan Schwartz	Colorado College	SR	F	28	29	11	23	34
8	Johnny Gaudreau (CGY)	Boston College	SO	F	22	25	13	20	33
	Erik Haula (MIN)	Minnesota	JR	F	24	27	13	20	33
10	Kevin Goumas	New Hampshire	JR	F	25	25	10	22	32
	Mike Collins	Merrimack	JR	F	27	27	14	18	32

Here is the National Scoring race numbers, Corban Knight and Danny Kristo are both in the top ten nationally. Also, here is the historical numbers for UND before Christmas and after Christmas.

Year before Christmas -- After Christmas
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) 5-3-3 (.591)
Totals 91-62-15 (.586) 137-52-21 (.702)

(Video) UND vs. UNO

At the beginning of the video, I included the hit that Derek Forbort put on a UNO Maverick at the beginning of last night's game. There have been some that said that the UND defense is soft. I don't know if that is the case. Last night, I thought that Forbs was awesome during last night's game, and I also thought that Schmaltz played a solid game as well.

For the past three games, the UND defense has given up a grand total of one goal per game.

Also, I included all three goals by both teams as well as the Andrew MacWillam save at the end of the game. That was a big play to keep the game 2-1 in the waning minutes of the game. According to the post game interview on the radio, MacWillam was given the hard hat award by freshman goalie Zane Gothberg for that save.

A Brief Recap from Section 104 (RW77)

Hello again, Hockey faithful!

Last night was the indoor game (odd to distinguish two hockey games that way but anyways) for the UND vs. UNO game and I'd like to post my thoughts on the game.

First, disappointment for Real Life.  Due to circumstances that were outside of my control (but within control of students' parents involved... GRRR) I got out of work late so... I missed the first 10 minutes of the game and entered CenturyLink just in time to hear the goal announcement for Rocco's goal.  I was mad I was late to begin with but........

Second, I had awesome seats.  I was thinking it would be like 2 years ago where I was the lone Sioux jersey in a sea of red (stupid UNO ticket office gave me the wrong section).  In truth, I was awash in a sea of green.  Then again, it seemed to me that the UNO crowd comparison between this year and the last time the two teams faced off was quite different.  Seemed to be much less UNO fans than 2 years ago.  There was just under 10,000 in attendance which was interesting to me because the lower bowl looked mostly full.  There was no razzing by UNO or UND fans in my section although there were a lot of young kids and one foul mouthed Sioux fan two rows up from me.  Guess I get sensitive to such things when your normal job is that of an elementary school teacher.

Third, Kristo was good but Rocco was better.  Kristo's game was undoubtedly great (He was named First Star of the game) but I thought Rocco was making great plays all game long.  Honestly, though, the person I expected to notice more was Corbin Knight.  I don't have any stats and I noticed him on the ice, but he, to me, had a rather quiet night.  However, the UND player to me that stood out (bearing in mind I missed the first 10 minutes of the game) was Zane Gothberg.  He came up HUGE all night long in his positioning.  Very solid.  UND's defense took several plays off and got lucky several times (I noticed at least 2 times in the 2nd and 3rd periods where UNO players had open shots between the faceoff circles down low but whiffed on the shots as well as 5-7 wide open shots and a blown 2 on 1).  UND's defense seems more physical on TV than live... if that's even possible.

Fourth, I trust the Turgeon hit as Goon stated to be questionable on TV but live in real time at the arena, it definitely looked like a major.  They didn't show the replay so I just assumed at the time that it was legit.  The officials must have thought it was a bit harsh because I do not recall UND having another PowerPlay the remainder of the game, just 2 bouts of 4 on 4.  I counted 2 interference/tripping noncalls on UNO and 1 on UND throughout the night.  The interference call on Forbort (live without replay) seemed questionable.  Overall, though, I thought Todd Anderson did ok... He kept the major penalty delay down to 10 minutes instead of his usual 20 minutes.  Again, maybe it was being there that tempered my usual rage vs. the stripes.

Fifth, big props to CenturyLink!  They played Gungnam Style a grand total of 0 times while I was in attendance!  I probably missed it.  I'm not crying about it.

Finally, I look forward to today.  It's going to be fun, but cold.  I just hope I can see them playing hockey instead of two differently colored sets of helmets skating back and forth.

Related articles

• North Dakota Stomps Wisconsin (insidehockey.com)
• UND completes the sweep with late goal from Danny Kristo (thehockeywriters.com)

Shawn Ostrow pounds Eamonn McDermott in the head.

This is text book contact to the head. I don't like five minute majors at the end of the game, that end up only being game misconducts. I think that Shawn Ostrow should be sitting tomorrow night for his dirty hit on Eamonn McDermott.

Nolan Zajac goal that was waved off.

The Denver Pioneers thought they had the go ahead goal at the 1:45 mark of the third period, or did they. After further review, the on-ice officials correctly ruled that Denver forward David Makowski had interfered with Colorado College Tiger's goalie Joe Howe.

UND: what could have been

New Jersey Devils (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Now that the NHL is back in full swing, a few young players are starting to make their NHL debut with their clubs. Some of the names are kind of familiar. There are two that might stick out for North Dakota Hockey fans.

During the last two seasons, the University of North Dakota Hockey team had two highly coveted recruits (J.T. Miller and Stefan Matteau) decommit from the team and decide to go a different route.

Obviously, UND fans were a little miffed at these two young men for changing their mind and going a different route.

While I was disappointed at first, that neither of these two kids honored their commitment, I am not longer upset about it. Here’s why. Neither of these kids would’ve been here that long anyways, and in the long run it ended up working out for the best anyways.

In August, right before the 2011-12 season, J.T. Miller decommitted from UND, and signed a signed with the Plymouth Whalers of the Ontario Hockey League. Miller’s decommit put UND in a precarious situation. Without Miller, UND immediately became a different type of team.

Because Miller changed his mind at the last minute, UND wasn’t able to just go get another player of Miller’s skill set. Players like that aren’t just a dime a dozen.

In response to the last minute defection, UND picked up a walk-on recruit named Connor Gaarder from the Coulee region Chill of the NAHL.

In 61 games with the Plymouth Whalers, Miller scored (25g-37a—62) and after his season with the Whalers was over, Miller played in eight games during the Calder Cup playoffs for the Connecticut Whale of the AHL.

This past week, Miller was called up to the New York Rangers and scored during last night’s game against the New York Islanders. Miller scored the first two goals of his NHL career leading the Rangers to a 4-1 victory.

In retrospect, Miller would have been at UND for a single season, while losing him last summer was as setback and he would have been a great addition to UND’s depleted lineup. UND found a way to win without him.

Last January, USDT U18 recruit Stefan Matteau, who had originally committed to play at the University of North Dakota, decommitted from UND, and decided to play for the Blainville-Boisbraind Armada of theQuebec Major Junior Hockey League.

This was the second high profile player in as many years to decomitt from UND and go to the Canadian Hockey League.

Of course the UND fan base was upset. But UND nation was not alone; these defections have also happened to the University of Michigan and Miami University as well.

Matteau had a strong start to the season with the Armada (18g-10a—28pts) in 35 games and was invited to the New Jersey Devils camp once the NHL lockout was settled and has started the season.

Matteau ended up playing in the Devils first five games of the season before being a healthy scratch for the next four games in a row.

The New Jersey Devils could have sent Matteau back to Blainville-Boisbraind, but instead he remained with the New Jersey Devils and last night he was skating on a line with former Fighting Sioux forward Travis Zajac and Ilya Kovalchuk to start the game.

Looking back, I think it’s safe to say that Matteau is another player that wouldn’t have been here very long, in the end his decommitment to UND might not be such a bad thing.

During a recent UND hockey media day, I had a conversation with someone about the makeup of the current North Dakota hockey roster and how it could have looked if these two players had actually made it to North Dakota. It’s something to think about.

Cross Posted at the Hockey Writers Combine... 

Tony Turgeon hit on Dan Senkbeil

At the two minute mark of the second period, Omaha Maverick defenseman Tony Turgeon was given a five minute major for contact to the head when he hit UND forward Dan Senkbeil with this check. Turgeon was also assessed a two minute minor penalty for crosschecking and a given a game misconduct. I don’t know, I don’t think this was the right call. What do you think? I don’t like the fact that the WCHA is taking the big hits out of the game.

To be honest with you, the way that Jimmer was dancing around, at first, I thought he took one under the belt, if you know what I mean?

What a terrible call in Omaha against Tony Turgeon. Just brutal. Instant replay if you think someone might warrant ejection.
— John Buccigross (@Buccigross) February 9, 2013

UND vs. UNO game one lines

North Dakota Forward Lines

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

North Dakota Defense Pairings

2 Andrew MacWilliam (C)–18 Dillon Simpson
4 Derek Forbort–24 Jordan Schmaltz
5 Nick Mattson–20 Joe Gleason

North Dakota Goalies

31 Zane Gothberg
33 Clarke Saunders

Nebraska-Omaha Forward Lines

11 Nick Seeler–14 Dominic Zombo–21 Matt White (A)
23 Johnnie Searfoss–25 Brent Gwidt (C) –28 Brian O’Rourke
17 Ryan Walters–15 Josh Archibald–13 Zahn Raubenheimer
19 Tanner Lane–27 Aaron Pearce–22 Andrew Schmit

Nebraska-Omaha Defense Pairings

8 Jaycob Megna–3 Andrej Sustr
2 Brian Cooper–24 Bryce Aneloski
4 Tony Turgeon–7 Michael Young

Nebraska-Omaha Goalies

29 Dayn Belfour
30 John Faulkner (A)

Refs: Don Adam, Todd Anderson
Linesmen: Chad Evers, Scott Fitzpatrick 

Paul Ladue practices at the TD Ameritrade Park

Future UND defenseman and former Grand Forks Central Star Paul Ladue (players in the black uni on the right) practices at TD Ameritrade Park in Omaha, Nebraska. Ladue is currently with the Lincoln Stars of the USHL.

Jamal Mayers vs. Raffi Torres

This is one of the things that I like about the NHL. The players sort things out on the ice and settle things like men.

Last season, during the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Raffi Torres steam rolled Marian Hossa with a dirty and dangerous hit. Hossa suffered a concussion and Torres was suspended for 25 games.

Torres appealed the suspension, and the NHL reduced his suspension to 21 games. Torres is now back playing with the Coyotes after serving his long ban.

I guess you could say that we all knew that this day would come, and the first time that the Phoenix Coyotes played the Chicago Blackhawks, Torres would have to answer the bell against the one of the Blackhawks players. The hockey code demanded it. 

 Torres didn't turtle, he answered the bell, and did quite well against Jamal Mayers.

Clayton Stoner hammers Alex Burrows

Minnesota Wild Defenseman Clayton Stoner lays the woods to Vancouver Canucks forward fraud Alex Burrows. This a textbook legal hit. So far through one period this is the only bright spot for the Minnesota Wild.

Sneak Peek from Omaha

Heres a sneak peak of the rink for the outdoor game in Omaha twitter.com/bodonnell21/st…
— Brendan O'Donnell (@bodonnell21) February 7, 2013

Here is a sneak peek from Brendan O'Donnell's twitter feed.

NCHC working diligently with the Target Center

One of the concerns for the NCHC going forward is the Target Center being a basketball facility, and that the ice has been poor in the Target center in the past. Well, it looks like the NCHC leadership is cognisant of these concerns and appears to working on this.

Bruce Ciskie, the radio voice of UMD Bulldogs, interview Jim Scherr Commissioner of the NCHC.

On Target Center and the planning for next year's inaugural NCHC Tournament:

"The arena and their leadership has been fantastic in working with us. As everyone knows, they haven't traditionally hosted a lot of hockey events. We're working very close with them and their operations staff on making sure that all the equipment is upgraded, and the quality of ice, and the quality of the venue, and everything that goes into it to making sure it's an incredible experience for our teams and is on par with the very best in the country.

"So we're working very diligently with Target Center on that, and they've been great to work with. That's number one, making sure for the teams that the locker rooms and the ice and the ice access and conditions for play are great.

"Second, is we want to fill the house. We want to make sure that our teams are playing in front of a strong crowd. The XCel Center and the WCHA and the Final Five have done great, and we'll have some strong competition every other year from the Big Ten. Filling the house is a big priority, so we're working with them on the right promotions for the tournament."

A couple of UND hockey players garner WCHA Honors

UND Woman’s Forward JOSEFINE JAKOBSEN; WCHA CO-OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

MADISON, WI. – A pair of high-scoring forwards, Josefine Jakobsen of the University of North Dakota and Amanda Kessel of the University of Minnesota, have been named WCHA Women’s co-Offensive Players of the Week for February 6.

Jakobsen, a sophomore from Aalborg, Denmark, put together a nine-point weekend with two three-goal hat tricks to power visiting North Dakota to a two-game conference road sweep at Minnesota State. In a 4-2 victory last Friday (Feb. 1), Jakobsen scored three goals, including a shorthanded game-winner, and was the No. 1 Star of the Game. Then last Saturday (Feb. 2), she came back with six more points, including another hat trick and an assist on the game-winner, to again earn No. 1 Star of the Game honors as UND prevailed by an 8-2 count. In addition to her nine points, she had 13 shots on goal and earned a +6 plus/minus rating. In 28 games this season, Jakobsen has 36 points (14g, 22a).

Freshman netminder Gothberg garners weekly WCHA honors

Stopped 50 of 52 shots in UND’s 3-point weekend

GRAND FORKS, N.D. – University of North Dakota freshman goaltender Zane Gothberg has been named Red Baron Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) Rookie of the Week for his performance in last weekend’s series against Wisconsin, the league announced today.

Starting both games of a weekend series for the first time in his collegiate career, Gothberg stopped 50 of 52 shots as North Dakota claimed three of four WCHA points from the Badgers. On Friday, the Thief River Falls, Minn., native stopped 29 of 30 shots in a 1-1 overtime tie. He was perfect in the third period and overtime, when UND was outshot 10-4 and 4-0, respectively. On Saturday, Gothberg came within 6 minutes, 30 seconds, of his first career shutout and helped UND end a 5-game winless skid that was the program’s longest in a decade. He finished the night with 21 saves in a 4-1 victory.

For the weekend, Gothberg posted a miniscule 0.96 goals against average with a .962 save percentage and was named the game’s second star both nights.

In nine starts this season, Gothberg is 4-3-2 with a 2.62 goals against average and a .910 save percentage.

St. Cloud State senior forward Drew LeBlanc was named WCHA Offensive Player of the Week, while Denver sophomore goalie Juho Olkinuora was named WCHA Defensive Player of the Week.

UND (14-8-6, 9-5-6 WCHA) visits No. 14 Nebraska Omaha on Friday and Saturday. Saturday’s game will be played outdoors at TD Ameritrade Park, the home of the College World Series, in an outdoor doubleheader billed as the “Mutual of Omaha Battles on Ice.”

UND’s WCHA Players of the Week

Nov. 20: Danny Kristo (Offensive)

Dec. 11:   Carter Rowney (Offensive)

Dec. 11:   Rocco Grimaldi (co-Rookie)

Dec. 18:   Corban Knight (Offensive)

Jan. 8:     Corban Knight (co-Offensive)

Feb. 5:     Zane Gothberg (Rookie)

UND: The Weekend Ahead (2/8-2/9)

This weekend, the University of North Dakota travels to Omaha, Nebraska to play the Nebraska Omaha Mavericks in a pivotal two game WCHA series at CenturyLink Center (Friday) and the TD Ameritrade Park (Saturday).

Matchup: North Dakota (14-8-6, 9-5-6 WCHA) #7 versus #14 Nebraska Omaha (16-10-5, 12-6-2 WCHA).

Dates: February 8-9, 2013

Times: February 8: 6:37p.m. (CT); February 8: 4:07 p.m. (CT)

Radio:  UND 96.1 (KQHT-FM) – The Fox.

TV Friday: NBC Sports Network, channel 220 DirecTV

TV Saturday: Midco Sports Network, Cox Communications

Webcast: AmericaOneSports.com

SERIES HISTORY: All-Time: The Series is tied between UND and UNO 3-3. In Grand Forks, ND the series is tied 2-2. In Omaha, the series is tied 1-1.

Players to Watch:

North Dakota: Forwards: Corbin Knight (12g-24a—36pts), Danny Kristo (16g-19a—35pts), Rocco Grimaldi (9g-13a—22pts), Mark MacMillan (9g-9a—18pts), Carter Rowney (6g-10a—16pts), Drake Caggiula (6g-6a—12pts).  Defense:  Dillon Simpson (2g-14a—16pts), Derek Forbort (4g-8a—12pts), Joe Gleason (4g-9a—13pts) Jordan Schmaltz (1g-6a—7pts) Andrew MacWilliam (1g-5a—6pts). Goaltenders: Clarke Saunders 10-5-4, 2.34 GAA, .914 save percentage, Zane Gothberg 4-3-2, 2.62 GAA, .910 save percentage.

Nebraska-Omaha: Ryan Walters (16g-24a—40pts), Josh Archibald (15g-12a—27pts), Dominic Zombo (9g-17a—26pts), Matt White (14g-11a—25pts), Johnnie Searfoss (8g-8a—16pts), Defense:  Andrej Sustr (7g-13a—20pts) Bryce Aneloski (4g-11a—15pts). Goalie: John Falkner 15-5-2, 2.72 GAA, .897 save percentage.

UND Officials Web Page

UNO Official Web Page

Cross Posted at the Hockey Writers Combine...

Weekend Match-Ups (by Donn)

Western Collegiate Hockey Association logo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

We have a full slate of WCHA games this week with all 12 teams in action against each other.  Most teams are down to their last 8 league games coming into this weekend.  The numbers are starting to show who is likely to be on the top half or bottom half of the bracket. A month from now the regular season will wrap up the WCHA as we have known it for about half a century.  The numbers are looking good for the top 4 teams to host first round games, and they will most likely be hosting the current bottom 4 teams.  That leaves the middle 4 teams to sort things out and fight it out for the last two home series.

WCHA STANDINGS 2012-2013

Team………………………W-L-T………Points

1. St. Cloud St……………14-5-1…….….29
2. Nebraska-Omaha….....12-6-2…....…..26
3. Denver…………..……..10-6-4……......24
3. Minnesota……………...10-4-4……..…24
3. North Dakota.………..…9-5-6…….…..24
6. Wisconsin…....…………8-6-6………...22
7. Minnesota State……….10-9-1.…...….21
8. Minnesota-Duluth….…..8-9-3…………19
9. Colorado College ……..7-10-3..…..….17
10. Michigan Tech………..5-11-4…..……14
11. Bemidji State……..…..4-12-4......……12
12. Alaska-Anchorage…...1-15-6…...……8

WCHA Games

Colorado College vs #9 Denver

Last weekend the Tigers tied the Seawolves twice (2-2ot, 3-3ot) in Anchorage and the Pioneers swept the Bulldogs (3-0, 4-3) in Duluth.

The Gold Pan is looking to move up to Denver this season.  Back in mid-November the Pioneers swept the Tigers with a 6-5 win on the road and a 6-2 in Magness Arena.  All DU needs is a tie or win this weekend to capture the Gold Pan.  The Pioneers have been streaky as of late, but appear to be heading in the upward direction.  The Tigers have been chasing their tail since the calendar flipped to December, since then they have just 2 wins.  But like we all know you can throw the records and recent game outcomes out the window for rivalry games. SPLIT

Alaska-Anchorage @ Michigan Tech

Last weekend the Seawolves tied the Tigers twice (2-2ot, 3-3ot) in Anchorage and the Huskies split with the UNO Mavericks (4-3L, 2-1Wot) in Omaha.

The Seawolves have not won a game since Dec-1, and that was against SCSU.  However, the bright side for UAA is they are now on a two game unbeaten streak.  The down side is they only have six league games left, and after MTU, they play at UNO and end the year at DU (they play in-state rival Alaska in between those series).  The Huskies are 2-1-1 in their last four WCHA games.  MTU can relegate the Seawolves to a 12^th place finish this year, if they can sweep them this year.  If the Huskies can sweep they can try and avoid the top teams in the first round of the league playoffs.  HUSKIES SWEEP

#1 Minnesota @ #8 St. Could St. 
Last weekend the Gophers were off and the Huskies swept the Beavers (4-0, 4-1) in Bemidji.

This is the most important series this weekend, in terms of seeing who will be the controlling their McNaughton Cup title destiny.  Even though SCSU lead UM by five points UM has two games in pocket.  If the Huskies sweep they control their own fate for winning the league.  If UM gets a sweep, they can win the league title, but might need a little help?  SCSU has series at CC, home with MTU, and at UW after this weekend, so they have a favorable schedule to end the season.  With the teams being red hot in 2013, I don’t see anyone losing twice this weekend.  SPLIT

#11 Minnesota State @ Minnesota-Duluth

Last weekend the Mavericks were on a bye and the Bulldogs were swept by the Pioneers (3-0, 4-3) in Duluth.

The Mavericks after a bye weekend find themselves in the bottom half of the standings only two points ahead of the Bulldogs.  The Mavericks have been scoring more goals this year and have been rewarded with more wins.  They need to continue to score three or more a game to give them the opportunity to win.  MSUM can put UMD in the rear view mirror, if they get four points out of Amsoil arena, and improve their chances of getting home ice in the first round.  The Bulldogs still to have hopes of a first round series at home, but need some help to get there.  MAVERICKS 3-pts

#7 North Dakota @ #14 Nebraska-Omaha

Last weekend NoDak took three points from the Badgers (1-1ot, 4-1) in Grand Forks and the Mavericks split the MTU Huskies (4-3W, 2-1Lot) in Omaha.

NoDak plays six of their last eight games on the road.  It starts this weekend with a special game on Saturday, they are playing outside.  With these two teams separated by two points it should be a battle for every inch of ice, well at least of it doesn’t melt outside.  I just hope the weather doesn’t play too much of a factor.  Coach Blais will get welcome his former team to Omaha once again this weekend, NoDak is hoping his team will be a gracious host and give them points this weekend.  SPLIT

Bemidji St. @ #19 Wisconsin

Last weekend the Beavers were swept by the SCSU Huskies (4-0, 4-1) in Bemidji and the Badgers got a point from NoDak (1-1ot, 4-1) in Grand Forks.

The Badgers are currently holding the last home ice playoff spot, but only by a point.  The Beavers are 10 points behind the Badgers for the spot and with only eight games left, which is a pretty tall task.  However, the industrious Beavers can damn up the Badgers chances of getting home ice with taking points out of Madison this weekend.  The Badgers have been, well, awful at the Kohl Center this season, granted they are 5-5-2 their but, those 2 wins are Huntsville and 2 are the Seawolves.  I’m expecting a couple of very low scoring games in Madison this weekend.  I’d be surprised if there was more than four total goals were scored per game.  With that in mind, a bounce here or there could easily determine the winner of these games.  SPLIT  

This weekend outlook - a fan perspective (RW77)

As life has been kicking my tail up and down as of late (thanks work and grad school), I'll leave the statistical comparisons and intel stuff to Goon.  However, as someone who lives in Omaha and is attending this weekend's festivities, I wanted to share with all of you my expectations and some recommendations.

First, Omaha.  Omaha is a nice town with good people.  Downtown is a cool area.  The Old Market is fun to walk in good weather.  Food is excellent.  I don't eat down there a lot, since I live about as far away from Downtown Omaha as one can get and still be in the Metro area (it seems anyways).  But here's a few recommendations:  First, sushi.  Blue is a great stop for sushi.  Enjoy classic pub cuisine with new age flair?  How about M's Pub?  I love this place.  The spinach salad with the hot bacon dressing is incredible and that's just the opener!  Prices are decent. 

If you are into salads but the rest of you prefer soups or pizza or even hot sandwiches, then Ingredient is the place to go.  They have an ingredient menu the size of a small van for their salads and their portion sizes are excellent.  It's a bit steep if you are going just for a salad but the taste is fantastic.

There's a ton more.  I'm sure some readers here would add in even more and I encourage any who have partaken downtown cuisine to jump in.

If you are looking for something to do Saturday Morning (or early afternoon if you aren't going to the Lancers vs. Stars USHL game), going to the Durham Museum is a must see.  It's nicely located near or just adjacent to the Old Market and it's pretty decently priced.  You can also go to the zoo.  Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo is the best zoo in the world as far as I'm concerned.  I think it's ranked #1 or #2 among Zoos in the US.

The forecast is calling for 30s to 40s and a good chance of rain and snow.  So pack accordingly.

Friday Night's Game:

This will be a typical affair being that it is in the CenturyLink (formerly the Qwest) Center.  If you are feeling generous, my coworker's brother owns a parking lot right across the street (literally) from the front entrance.  It is on 9th and Capitol.  Cost to park is $8 or so.  Most expensive I've ever seen it is $10.

Saturday's Game:

Honestly, if UND wasn't playing, I wouldn't go.  I dislike outdoor games.  Goon is right to think that he'll get a better look at the game watching it on TV.  The worst aspect of the game is that there is no such thing as a good seat in the house.  I've been to TD Ameritrade many times for football and it's the same deal.  You are far away.  The difference with hockey is that if you want elevation to look down at the ice you are going to get even further away.  Following the puck live will be tricky.  It is, however, a very nice facility with above average plastic seating (not good for bad backs but not the worst) and the typical horribly overpriced but decent food. 

I also expect for the conditions to be less than perfect.  You can tell me about how technically sound the outdoor rink structures are but in the end, hockey isn't meant to be played on a surface like a baseball field/football field like TD Ameritrade Park.  I expect the puck to bounce all over the place right away in the game.  I also expect a lot of falling players due to catching edges and ice imperfections.

As a fan, I also expect to be buried among people who are there for the event rather than any semblance of caring for the game.  Omaha is very much an event town.  Nevertheless, I'll go and see the boys fight hard.

I'm hoping for 3 points but a split isn't out of the question.  I also believe that the outdoor game will be VERY sloppy.

Stern says Target Center needs upgrades

What do you make out this? I like many were under the impression that these upgrades were going to take place and were to start soon. I will be interesting to see how this plays out. The NCHC conference tourney is supposed to be in the Target Center starting in 2014.

Joan Niesen, Fox Sports --- The real reason for Stern's visit is to meet Thursday with Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak about the proposed renovations to the Target Center, which were part of the Minnesota Vikings' stadium bill but have been held up in recent months due to financial concerns. Stern was open with his opinion that the Target Center has fallen behind much of the rest of the league's facilities and that something needs to be done about the state of the arena. He sees those improvements as going hand-in-hand with the team's long-term viability in Minnesota.

In addition, Stern said that there's no sense undergoing a refurbishment unless the plan includes a pledge to continue to maintain the arena. He compared what he'd like to see done with that of the renovations to Detroit's Palace at Auburn Hills, which opened in 1988, and Phoenix's U.S. Airways Center, which opened in 1992. Both arenas have been renovated and kept current throughout their existence, unlike the Target Center, which opened in 1990.

How some of us voted in the WCHA Web Media Poll

Each week, 12 of us participate in the WCHA Web Media Poll put on by the Tech Hockey Guide.

Matthew Semisch, Radio Free Omaha
1. Minnesota
2. St. Cloud State
3. North Dakota
4. Nebraska-Omaha
5. Denver
6. Wisconsin
7. Minnesota State
8. Minnesota Duluth
9. Michigan Tech
10. Colorado College
11. Bemidji State
12. Alaska Anchorage

                

Troy Mills, The Beaver Pond
1. St. Cloud State
2. Minnesota
3. North Dakota
4.  Denver
5. Nebraska-Omaha
6. Wisconsin
7. Minnesota State
8. Colorado College
9. Minnesota Duluth
10. Michigan Tech
11. Bemidji State
12. Alaska Anchorage

Tim Braun, Tech Hockey Guide
1. Minnesota
2. Saint Cloud State
3. North Dakota
4. Nebraska-Omaha
5. Denver
6. Minnesota State
7. Wisconsin
8. Minnesota Duluth
9. Michigan Tech
10. Colorado College
11. Bemidji State
12. Alaska Anchorage

Eric J. Burton, Goon’s World.
1. Minnesota
2. Saint Cloud State
3. North Dakota
4. Nebraska-Omaha
5. Denver
6. Minnesota State
7. Wisconsin
8. Colorado College
9. Minnesota Duluth
10. Michigan Tech
11. Bemidji State
12. Alaska Anchorage

Andy Johnson, Bucky’s Fifth Quarter
1. Minnesota
2. Saint Cloud
3. North Dakota
4. Denver
5. Nebraska-Omaha
6. Wisconsin
7. Minnesota State
8. Minnesota Duluth
9. Colorado College
10. Michigan Tech
11. Bemidji State
12. Alaska Anchorage

Bismarck Century's Alec Rauhauser's scores a nifty goal

Check out this goal by Alec Rauhauser of Bismarck Century, it's a lot like the lacrosse style goal that former Michigan Wolverine Mike Legg's scored against the Gophers. Rauhauser is third in the state of North Dakota in scoring with (19g-26a—45pts) before tonight's game. Tonight, Bismarck Century beat Bismarck High 5-4 in overtime and Rauhauser scored (3g-2a—5pts). s/t @JasonBrekke

Center ice logo is in

Logo on the ice in Omaha! Looking good. Thx to @jsparanoiv for the photo twitter.com/JSparanoIV/sta…
— Katie O'Keefe-Hale (@KOKeefeHale) February 6, 2013

I wish I was going, but I can probably see better sitting in front of a television set.

This weekend's NCAA Division one television schedule

Here is this weekend’s National College Hockey television schedule. There is a full slate of college hockey on television again this weekend. Check your television guide for times in your local area.

This weekend, there will also be two college hockey games that will be available in Canada, fans north of the border, should check your local television guides as well.

In the state of Minnesota and North Dakota, fans of the University of North Dakota hockey team will be able to watch the Mutual of Omaha Battles on Ice between the Nebraska-Omaha and North Dakota on the Midco Sports Network at 4:00 p.m. (CT).

Maverick fans in the Omaha, Nebraska area will be able to watch the outdoor game on Cox Communications. As of right now, temperatures at game time should be in the mid to upper-40s with a light rain. 

	Date			Network	Time	Channel
Fri.	Feb. 8		North Dakota at Nebraska-Omaha	NBC Sports Net.	6:30 p.m.	603 / 159
Fri.	Feb. 8		Michigan at Notre Dame	CBS Sports Net.	6:30 p.m.	613 / 158 (C)
Fri.	Feb. 8		Minnesota at St. Cloud State	FSN +	7:30 p.m.	657/444
Fri.	Feb. 8		Colorado College at Denver	ROOT Sports	8:30 p.m.	683 / 414
Sat.	Feb. 9		North Dakota at Nebraska-Omaha	Midco/Cox	4:07 p.m.	Check listing
Sat.	Feb. 9		Massachusetts at Merrimack	NESN	3:00 p.m.	628/434
Sat.	Feb. 9		Minnesota at St. Cloud State	FSN +	7:00 p.m.	657/444
Sun.	Feb. 10		Providence at New Hampshire	CBS Sports Net.	4:00 p.m.	613 / 158 (C)
Mon	Feb. 11		Harvard vs. Boston University	NESN	3.30 p.m.	628/434
Mon	Feb. 11		Boston College vs. North Eastern	NESN	6:30 p.m.	628/434

*NESN = New England Sports Network, FCS = Fox College Sports, FSN+ = Fox Sports North-Plus, NBCSN = NBC Sports Network, DirecTV requires the “Sports Pack” to view the Regional sports Networks, *Cox = Cox Communications, *Midco = Midcontinent Sports Network (Grand Forks, North Dakota), (C) Denotes games available in Canada. All times are Central Standard Time.

Cross Posted at the Hockey Writers - Combine...

(Video) Marvelous North Dakota Hockey

This is a nice video that was taken by Marv Leier, during last weekend's game between Wisconsin and North Dakota. Leier films the game footage for Midco from his perch between the players benches. I bet he could tell us a story or two about some of the things that he has seen and heard.