Is this supposed to be funny Harrison Mooney?

So is this supposed to be funny? Is that really humorous to others? I am just wondering? I wonder if Harrison Moody would think it was funny if one of the Sedin Twins or Alex Burrows was on the receiving end of dirty elbow or hit from behind like Marchand was tonight?

In today’s game where concussions are prevalent as missing teeth, do we really want to make light of dirty hits like this? Puck Daddy used to be a good hockey blog before they hired this clown. [click to view]

It's a tough situation for Volchenkov. It's easy to elbow Marchand in the head, because a) he's so small and b) he really makes you want to. But it goes without saying that you're not allowed to do it, so while applaudable in some circles, it's suspendable in others.

Not funny dude. Having watched Matt Cooke end Marc Savard's career with a dirty elbow, I don't see anything funny about this dirty, bush-league hit what-so-ever.

Anton Volchenkov's dirty elbow on Brad Marchand

This is a dirty, bush-league hit and it’s a violation of the NHL’s rule 48. The Head is targeted; it’s pretty cut and dried. I am going to be very surprised and disappointed if Devils defenseman Anton Volchenkov isn’t given a 3-4 game suspension for this dirty and unnecessary hit on Boston Bruins forward Brad Marchand.

Seriously, there is no defending this hit. I don’t care what you think of Brad Marchand, this is not acceptable. These are the types of hits we’re trying to eliminate from all levels of hockey. Volchenkov is a repeat offender. Volchenkov was given a five minute major for elbowing and a game misconduct.

I expect the Brendan Shanahan and the Department of Player Safety to be giving Mr. Volchenkov a call tomorrow and I expect that Volchenkov will be getting suspended by the National Hockey League. What do you think?

Again, I predict a 3-4 game suspension.

No update on Brad Marchand from the Bruins. Claude Julien said he hadn't spoken to the doctors before he spoke to the media.
— Dan Rosen (@drosennhl) April 11, 2013

Phone hearing for Volchenkov this morning, FYI...
— Pierre LeBrun (@Real_ESPNLeBrun) April 11, 2013

NCAA FROZEN FOUR: Semifinals preview (Thursday 4/11)

The NCAA’s Frozen Four takes center stage at Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Semifinal 1

UMass Lowell 28-10-2 vs. Yale 20-12-3
Semifinal 3:30 p.m. (CT) ESPN2 (209 DirecTV/144 Dish)

UMass-Lowell’s offense is ranked #21 nationally and #3 defense.
Yale’s offense is ranked #26 nationally and #27 defense.

UMass River Hawks Fun Facts: On December 1, 2012, the UMass Lowell River Hawks were swept by the UNH Wildcats and the River Hawks looked like a team that was going nowhere with a 4-7-1 record. On December 8, 2012, the River Hawks started an incredible run, going unbeaten in 11 games (10-0-1). UMass Lowell went 24-3-1 then rest of the way, winning the Hockey East regular-season and tournament championship. Since December, UMass Lowell has been one of the best teams in the country.

Yale Bulldogs Fun Facts: The Yale Bulldogs was the last team to make the NCAA tourney. If the Michigan Wolverines had beaten Notre Dame and made the NCAA tourney, Yale would have stayed home. WCHA Dominance, Yale was 4-0 against the WCHA this season beating Colorado College Denver University and North Dakota.  Three of those games went to overtime.

Players to watch

River Hawks Forwards: Scott Wilson (16g-21a—37pts), Joseph Pendenza (14g-23a—37pts), Derek Arnold (13g-16a—29pts), Riley Wetmore (15g-11a—26pts), Josh Holmstrom (12g-12a—24pts). Defense: Chad Ruhwedel (7g-16a—23pts), Christian Folin (6g-15a—21pts), Joe Houk (0g-11a—11pts). Goalie: Connor Hellebuyck, 20-2-0, 1.31 GAA, .953 save percentage.

Bulldogs Forwards: Kenny Agostino (17g-23a—40pts), Andrew Miller (16g-21a—37pts), Antoine Laganiere (14g-13a—27pts). Defense: Tommy Fallen (7g-16a—23pts), Ryan Obuchowski (3g-9a-12pts), Gus Young (2g-6a—8pts). Goalies Jeff Malcolm 18-6-2, 2.35 GAA, .916 save percentage.

UMass Lowell River Hawks Official athletics page

Yale Bulldogs Official athletics page

Semifinal 2

Quinnipiac 29-7-5 vs. St. Cloud State 25-15-1
Semifinal 7:00 p.m. (CT) ESPN2 (209 DirecTV/144 Dish)
St. Cloud’s offense is ranked #2 nationally and #15 defense.
Quinnipiac’s offense ranked #18 nationally and #1 defense.

Saint Cloud State Huskies Fun stats: Saint Cloud State’s Drew LeBlanc (13g-37a—50pts) is the highest scoring players left in the NCAA tourney.  Saint Cloud State freshman Jonny Brodzinski’s 22 goals lead the nation for rookies.

Quinnipiac Bobcats Fun Facts: This season the Quinnipiac Bobcats never lost more than two games in a row and they only did this one time. Also, the Bobcats never lost more than three games during a month (March).

Players to watch

Quinnipiac Bobcats forwards:  Mathew Peca (15g-15a—30), Jeremy Langlois (12g-18a—30pts), Jordan Samuels-Thomas (16g-11a—27pts), Kellen Jones (12g-14a—26pts), Connor Jones (12g-14a—26pts). Defense: Mike Dalhuisen (8g-8a—16pts), Loren Barron (3g-13a—16pts), Zach Davies (2g-13a—15pts). Goaltender: Eric Hartzell 29-6-5, 1.55 GAA, .933 save percentage.

Huskies Forwards: Drew LeBlanc (13g-37a—50pts), Nic Dowd(14g-25a—39pts), Jonny Brodzinski (22g-11a—33pts), Kalle Kossila (15g-18a—33pts), Ben Hanowski (17g-14a—31pts). Defense:  Nick Jensen 4g-27a—31pts), Andrew Prochno (5g-23a—28tps), Ethan Prow (3g-12a—15pts). Goalie: Ryan Faragher 24-13-1, 2.22 GAA, .916 save percentage.

Quinnipiac Bobcats Official athletics page

Saint Cloud Official athletics page

Cross-posted at The Hockey Writers - Combine.

Related articles

• NCAA FROZEN FOUR: Semifinals preview (Thursday 4/11) (thehockeywriters.com)
• FROZEN FOUR Semifinals preview (Thursday 4/11) (getrealhockey.com)

It's on Zach Parise vs. Jonathan Toews

Tonight on NBCSN at 7:00 p.m. (C.T.).

Is the Sabres’ Thomas Vanek headed to the Minnesota Wild in the offseason?

The Minnesota Wild are once again a franchise on the rise, after the moves they made in the offseason. Actually, the Wild have a chance to go deep in the Stanley Cup playoffs, based on these recent moves.

Wild GM Chuck Fletcher went out and picked up Jason Pominville at the trade deadline and the newly acquired forward is now playing on the top line with Zach Parise and Mikko Koivu. Recent news stories around the Internet are starting to suggest that the Minnesota Wild could be a destination for Vanek during the offseason.

Michael Russo of the Star and Tribune is suggesting that Wild forward Dany Heatley might be heading for the scrap heap of history as well, as an amnesty buyout. The Minnesota Wild are beginning to look like a who’s who from the WCHA, which would even make the Wild more exciting to the home town fans.

Jim Matheson, Edmonton Journal – So the Buffalo Sabres off-loaded captain Jason Pominville, one of their three core players, to the Minnesota Wild one year before he becomes an unrestricted free agent.

What about goalie Ryan Miller and Thomas Vanek, the Sabres’ best natural scorer? They’re out the door, too, probably this summer.

Miller, who frankly hasn’t been the same goalie since his stellar work at the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver, which coincided with his Vezina Trophy-winning season, wants to join a team closer to where his actress wife Noureen DeWolf is working — namely Los Angeles.

Vanek has made no secret that he’s not up for a rebuild.

Trading him will be easier because there are more teams in the hunt for his services. Minnesota might jump in for him, too.

He lives in Minnesota, where he attended college, in the summer.

I know it’s early, but I wonder if there was a way for the Wild to pick up the Sabres forward Drew Stafford as well? I might be getting ahead of myself. I just can’t seem to hide my giddiness.

Av's Brad Malone's first NHL goal against the Calgary Flames

Former Fighting Sioux forward Brad Malone scores his first goal of his NHL career for the Colorado Avalanche against the Calgary Flames. That is the third point in 15 NHL games for Brad Malone (1g-2a—3pts).

Wow! Things have gotten bad in Minnesota

On occasion, I will visit the Gopher Puck Live webpage for a good laugh, and today I got a good laugh. Apparently, this picture was in one of the posts, of a thread titled Gophers Off-Season 2013. From reading the message board, I gleaned that Hammy of GPL podcast fame, is upset that Former Notre Dame Alumnus and current head coach Don Lucia would dare wear a Fighting Irish Jersey to his son’s hockey game.  

You coach another team...

You recruit against this team whose jersey you are wearing...

What the hell are you doing?

I understand family comes first in life but wearing the colors/jersey of another team while employed by a competing program is disloyal to our fans IMO. That annoys me.

Like I have said in the past, I am not an apologist for the Minnesota Gophers coaching staff, but this is kind of petty, and family does comes first, especially when your teams season is over.

Having been to a few post game pressers, these hockey coaches are under a lot of pressure and put their heart and souls into their seasons. I am not going to fault a guy for taking a minute to enjoy his son’s hockey game.

(Video) Charlie Coyle scores his sixth goal of the year against the Blue Jackets

Minnesota Wild forward Charlie Coyle is up and coming forward in the NHL, the former Boston University Terrier and 2011 WJC star has been welcome addition to the Minnesota Wild this season and he scored his 6th goal of the season on the power play. In 27 games with the Wild, Coyle has (6g-3a—9pts).

Minnesota beat the Columbus Blue Jackets 3-0.

(Video) John Scott boards Stephen Gionta

Mr. Anger management Buffalo forward/defenseman John Scott drives a much smaller Stephen Gionta into the boards with what can only be seen as a knuckleheaded penalty, and of course all Gionta can do is laugh about it.

Sure, why not!

I guess it’s funny and no one got hurt, but it’s was a dangerous play by the Sabers goon John Scott. In my opinion, Scott is nothing more than a cement head, but also an insurance policy, to use only in case of an emergency.

Looking at the stats sheet, you will see that Scott adds little in the way of offense and rarely takes a regular shift on the ice, unless the Sabres are ahead or need Scott's toughness. In 26 games for the Sabres Scott has an unimpressive line of (0g-0a—0pts) 52 minutes in penalties and is averaging 4.25 minutes of ice time. According to hockeyfight.com, Scott has also been in 6 fights and has won them all, but has had a tough time finding anyone to dance with as of late.

Scott became necessary for the Buffalo Sabres when Boston Bruins forward Milan Lucic ran over the Sabres goalie Ryan Miller last year and the Buffalo Sabres did nothing in response. After the non-response to Lucic running over Ryan Miller, the Sabers were seen as being a weak and gutless team by the rest of the NHL.

Jason Pominville's scores his first goal from Zach Parise

I am sure that the Buffalo Sabre fans aren't going to be too pleased with this goal but, newly acquired Wild forward Jason Pominville's scores this beautiful goal, his first wearing a uniform for the Minnesota Wild. Chalk up a nice set up from former Fighting Sioux forward Zach Parise. Pominville had a (1g-1a—2pts)tonight against the Bluejackets.

Erik Haula has signed with the Minnesota Wild

#Gophers forward Erik Haula has signed an entry-level contract with the Minnesota Wild.
— Gopher Hockey (@GopherHockey) April 7, 2013

It's been a tough spring for the Minnesota Gophers as they have lost a ton of offensive scoring from last season's team that went 26-9-5 and finished tied for first in the WCHA.

#Gopher captain Zach Budish has signed a amateur tryout deal with the Milwaukee Admirals. gophersports.com/sports/m-hocke…
— Gopher Hockey (@GopherHockey) April 3, 2013

The Gophers have now lost 5 juniors from their lineup that was the third ranked offense in the NCAA this past season. Nate Schmidt (9g-23a—32pts), Zach Budish (14g-22a—32pts), Nick Bjugstad (21g-15a—36pts), Erik Haula (16g-35a—51pts), Mark Alt (0g-7a—7pts). If math is correct that is 158 points from the Minnesota Gophers lineup.

#Gophers Nate Schmidt has signed a 2-year entry level deal with the @washcaps.
— Gopher Hockey (@GopherHockey) April 2, 2013

According to @weissfcMark Alt has signed with Philadelphia.
— GPL (@GopherPuckLive) April 5, 2013

2013 NCAA Division I College Hockey Frozen Four Television Schedule (4/11, 4/13)

Here is next weekend’s National College Hockey television schedule. The NCAA’s Frozen Four takes center stage at Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Starting on Thursday evening, there will be two semifinal games, as usual the semifinal games on Thursday will be on ESPN2.

The two winning teams will advance and play in the championship game on Saturday night at 6:00 p.m. central on ESPN.

In my opinion, this is most wonderful time of the year. It’s also very stressful. There is a finality, which surrounds the college hockey tourney. Seasons and careers end, with losses in the National tourney.   In a one game tourney, the best team doesn’t always win.

Some the players that are playing in this tourney will someday end up in the NHL.

Check your local cable television guide for channels.

Thu.	Apr. 11	UMass Lowell vs. Yale	ESPN2	3:30 p.m.	209 / 144
Thu.	Apr. 11	Quinnipiac vs. Saint Cloud	ESPN2	7:00 p.m.	209 / 144
Sat.	Apr. 13	NCAA Championship	ESPN	6:00 p.m.	206 / 140

All times are Central Standard Time.

 Cross-Posted at the Hockey Writers Combine. 

Related articles

• 2013 NCAA Division I College Hockey Frozen Four Television Schedule (4/11, 4/13) (thehockeywriters.com)
• UMass Lowell Blanks UNH, Advances to First Ever Frozen Four (insidehockey.com)

UND recruit Christian Evers drafted by the London Knights

With the 99th overall pick, the London Knights are pleased to select Christian Evers in the 5th Round of the 2013 #OHLDraft!
— The London Knights (@GoLondonKnights) April 6, 2013

Being a high profile program, the University of North Dakota Hockey team has had some of their highly sought recruits decommit and go a different route.

It’s been highly documented as of late.

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.

In 61 games with the Plymouth Whalers, Miller scored (25g-37a—62). 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 season, Miller was called up to the New York Rangers and scored two goals, leading the Rangers to a 4-1 victory.

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 the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.

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.

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.

Matteau has played 17 games with the New Jersey Devils this season, scoring (1g-2a—3pts). On the March 17, 2013, Matteau was returned to his junior team Blainville-Boisbraind Armada and has scored (1g-4a—5pts) in 6 QMJHL playoff games.

In April of 2012, Miles Koules announced that he had decommitted from the University of North Dakota and was going to be a member of the Medicine Hat Tigers of the WHL. In his first season with Medicine Hat, Koules recorded (19g-21a—40pts) in 69 games for the Tigers.

This past November, Brendan Lemieux, son of former NHL pest Claude Lemieux, left the Green Bay Gamblers of the USHL, decomitted from the University of North Dakota, and decided to play with the Barrie Colts of the Ontario Hockey League. In 42 games with the Colts, Lemieux scored an unimpressive (6g-8a—14pts).

We’re not done yet!

UND has two other recruits that have been drafted by the OHL clubs. Nick Schmaltz brother of current defenseman Jordan Schmaltz was drafted by the Windsor Spitfires last spring. Nick has not ruled out going to the Spitfires.

Also, today, UND recruit Christian Evers was drafted in the 5th round by the London Knights in the OHL Draft. Lets just say, UND fans are a little worried, based on past experience, if Evers will ever make it to UND. Evers is an impressive kid who is 6’4” and 200 pounds who will turn 16 on May 25, 2013. So you have to think, that the London Knights, will be hard after Christian Evers, to sign with them.

Evers had an impressive year with the Omaha AAA Hockey Club 16U team, scoring (17g-42—59pts) in 67 games. Evers tweeted this on his twitter account today.  So, only time will tell.

Can't wait to be apart of UND in a few years. That's what I mean when I said "Can't wait for things to play out." #SorryForTheConfusion
— Christian Evers (@CEvers97) April 6, 2013

Cross-posted at the Hockey Writers Combine.

Related articles

• UND recruit Christian Evers drafted by the London Knights (thehockeywriters.com)
• UND Recruit Evers Drafted by Knights (insidehockey.com)

David Krejci hit on Brendan Gallagher and Alexei Emelin collides with Milan Lucic

I find it funny that Canadiens defenseman Francis Bouillon tries to fight David Krejci for his nice hit on Brendan Gallagher, but of course the minute that Boston Bruins Andrew Ference steps in for Krejci, Bouillon acts like your typical Montreal Canadien and drops to the ice and wants nothing to do with Ference.

How about this attempted hit by Canadiens defenseman Alexei Emelin on Milan Lucic? Yeah, that didn't work well for him, did it?

Related articles

• Fight night in Boston (Lucic vs. Prust) Chara works Alexei Emelin after his dirty hit (ndgoon.blogspot.com)

Christian Evers drafted by the London Knights

With the 99th overall pick, the London Knights are pleased to select Christian Evers in the 5th Round of the 2013 #OHLDraft!
— The London Knights (@GoLondonKnights) April 6, 2013

Well, this is an interesting development. I do think this is a concern, because the Hunter brothers have shown little concern for college commitments in the past. This should give UND hockey fans some grounds for concern.

@nate_dogg34 you don't have anything to worry about Sioux fans. #SiouxNation
— Christian Evers (@CEvers97) April 6, 2013

Check out the old Jaromir Jagr picture

Here's Jaromir Jagr's entry in the 1990 THN Draft Preview...23 years later. twitter.com/kluedeke29/sta…
— Kirk Luedeke (@kluedeke29) April 6, 2013

s/t to @kluedeke29 and @BruinsDaily 

TSN.CA NCAA PLAYER RANKINGS

Over the TSN.CA web site, they have the NCAA Hockey Player rankings. Seven of the top 20 players are WCHA players and two of the top 20 are from UND. It's also interesting, that there are a lot of free agent goalies in the top 20 as well. I would expect Eric Hartzell from QU to get a free agent offer as soon as his team is done with the Frozen Four.

UND's Derek Forbort signs with the L.A. Kings

@derek4bort played 3yrs NCAA at #UNDHockey & hopefully long #NHL career #LAKings. Future starts 2moro flying #AHL Manchester @monarchshockey
— Ben Hankinson (@benhankinson) April 6, 2013

LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Kings have signed defenseman Derek Forbort to a three-year entry level contract, Kings President/General Manager Dean Lombardi announced today.

Forbort, 21, was selected by the Kings in the first round (15th overall) of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. The 6-5, 207-pounder is a native of Duluth, Minnesota.

Forbort has played the last three seasons for the University of North Dakota. This year he played in 42 games and recorded 17 points (4-13=17) and 22 penalty minutes. In 2011-12 he played in 35 games (13 points) and in 2010-11 he played in 38 games (15 points).

He also has experience with the U.S. National Dev. Team and the U.S. Nat. Under-18 Team. For the U.S. he earned a bronze medal at the 2011 World Junior Championships and a gold medal at the 2010 WJC-U18 event.

The Kings host the Edmonton Oilers tomorrow, Saturday, at STAPLES Center at 1 p.m. The game will air on FOX Sports West and KTLK AM 1150 with pregame shows beginning at 12:30 p.m.

OHL Hockey; Greyhounds defenseman Chris Buonomo hits Owen Sounds forward Kurtis Gabriel

Via @craig_ripley, here's one check-to-head in the #OHL didn't deem suspendable, Chris Buonomo on Kurtis Gabriel. youtube.com/watch?v=_O6F4W…
— Neate Sager (@neatebuzzthenet) April 6, 2013

Looks like the OHL has their problems as well in the player safety department, this is a head scratcher to me. That's a blatant hit to the head that happened during game four of the OHL playoffs, between the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds and the Owen Sound Attack. There was no penalty called on the play. There will also be no additional supplemental discipline handed down by the OHL. Unbelievable!

Derek Forbort to sign with Kings soon

Source says Derek Forbort signing with Kings is imminent. Could happen as soon as today. Three-year deal.
— Schlossman (@SchlossmanGF) April 5, 2013

I don't think this is a big shock to any of us that follow the UND hockey team, first round draft choices don't usually stay more than two to three seasons. As Grand Forks Herald beat writer Brad Schlossman had said in a recent blog post, the Kings don't want to take the risk of losing their first round draft choice.


The Mass exodus continues in Minneapolis.

So far the Gophers have lost Alt, Bjugstad, Schmidt, Budish to the pros and Larson who is transferring out.… Haula is most likely next.
— GPL (@GopherPuckLive) April 5, 2013

Related articles

• Some interesting tweets from today - early departures and signings (ndgoon.blogspot.com)

Dillon Simpson to return for his senior season

For the number of you who seem to think I may be planning on leaving UND, I'm not going anywhere #senioryear
— Dillon Simpson (@Simmer18) April 4, 2013

UND Hockey fans breathed a sigh of relief today, as they got some really good news, soon to be senior defenseman Dillon Simpson tweeted that he will return for his senior year on his twitter account today. I  would have to think that Simpson would be a good candidate to wear a letter for UND next season. Simpson was the leading point scorer for defensmen last season with (5g-19a—24pts). In 114 games at North Dakota Simpson has scored (9g-43a—52pts).

Related articles

• Goon's 2012-13 Blogger All-WCHA Awards Poll (ndgoon.blogspot.com)

(Video) End of the Wild and Sharks game

Since when is it now permissible to cross-check your opponent multiple times in the NHL? The refs in this game should be punished the NHL’s head of officials for their performance at the end of this game. After re-watching this video, I am more upset because the NHL officials are supposed to be the best in the world and should be held to a higher standard. This is kind of bushleague officiating is unacceptable, and their not calling penalties led to this ugly incident.

If you don't believe me, go back and watch the video again.

I included the play leading up to the exchange between Heatley and Marc-Edouard Vlasic. If the refs were doing their job, you might not have the play leading up to the slashes in question, because the players in question might have already been sitting in the penalty box. I am also not opposed to the NHL’s Department of Players Safety giving  Minnesota's Heatley a fine as well, after re-watching the video a few times, because if he connects with Vlasic, he could have done a lot of damage as well.

San Jose’s Marc-Edouard Vlasic sticks the Wild’s Dany Heatley

First off, Jose Sharks defenseman Marc-Edouard Vlasic needs to be suspended for a very long time by the Department of Player Safety for his vicious attack on Wild forward Dany Heatley. There is no way you can justify this attack. Sounds like Heatley could be out of the line-up for a while. Michael Russo does a pretty good job of drawing this up. S/t for the video by Andy Johnson.

Vlasic slashed Heatley across the top of the back. Heatley got up and tried to connect with his stick and missed. Vlasic then two-handed Heatley across the forearm and jumped him. Vlasic got the shirt over top Heatley’s head, lifted him and then violently one-last time drove him down to the ice. That appears to be when Heatley got hurt. He skated to the exit in pain.

Some interesting tweets from today - early departures and signings

#LAKings GM Dean Lombardi confirms the plan is to try and get 2010 first rd pick defenseman Derek Forbort inked in the next few days.
— The Mayor John Hoven (@mayorNHL) April 3, 2013

Lombardi not talking SCSU players, they're still playing in NCAA tourney.
— The Mayor John Hoven (@mayorNHL) April 3, 2013

#LAKings Lombardi also says he'll be mtg w/ several other college prospects- namely Michael Mersch and Nick Shore- to see about signing.
— The Mayor John Hoven (@mayorNHL) April 3, 2013

Nick Bjugstad has signed with the @flapanthers. Mass exodus from the U right now #gophers. As of yesterday, Erik Haula wasn't imminent
— Michael Russo (@Russostrib) April 3, 2013

#Gophers RT @flapanthers: Tallon spoke to media. Said @nbjugstad72 will practice with #FlaPanthers Friday and make NHL debut Saturday.
— Gopher Hockey (@GopherHockey) April 3, 2013

Leafs very high on this guy RT @koshtorontosun: #Leafs sign D Andrew MacWilliam, chosen 188th overall in 2008. 4 seasons at North Dakota
— Kevin McGran (@kevin_mcgran) April 3, 2013

MacWilliam, Kristo sign NHL deals with rivals Leafs, Habs bit.ly/14P9gLD
— Schlossman (@SchlossmanGF) April 4, 2013

Kristo's cap hit will be $875,000 ($65,000 AHL salary). Signing bonus of $87,500. Other bonuses possible as well.
— Schlossman (@SchlossmanGF) April 3, 2013

Related articles

• UND 2012-13 hockey season post-mortem (thehockeywriters.com)

News story from Denver's Channel 9 on Gwozdecky firing

I think many of us are still in a state of shock that George Gwozdecky was let go in Denver. You can bet that this firing will come back to haunt the Denver University administration some day.

I get the feeling DU will regret not retaining George as head coach.
— Eric J. Burton (@goon48) April 2, 2013

Patrice Bergeron leave games against Senators

The Boston Bruins won their game last night against the Senators but it came with a cost. The Boston Bruins might have lost their best two-way forward Patrice Bergeron to a head injury. Bergeron was hit and simply dropped his stick and skated off of the ice.

Fluto Shinzawa, Globe Staff --- Bergeron was injured during a race for the puck with Colin Greening. When reaching for the puck, Greening clipped the left side of Bergeron’s head with his elbow. Bergeron dropped his stick, paused, then skated toward the bench.

Bergeron played only 9:06. He is the Bruins' best all-around forward and one of the three most important players on the team.

Obviously, Boston Bruins fans have concerns about Patrice Bergeron, because of his past concussion issues and hopefully this was just a precaution.

Brad Malone vs Rich Clune

According to Hockeyfights.com, that the first NHL fight of former fighting Sioux forward Brad Malone's NHL career. Malone has been in eight, AHL fights during the course of his hockey career. Rich Clune of the Nashville Predators on the other hand, has been in 10 fights this season.

Time for the NHL to go to the hybrid icing like the NCAA

Time for the NHL to reconsider their stance on the touch up icing. This could be prevented if the NHL adopts the Hybrid Icing, like the NCAA currently has. I think it's a no-brainier. Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Joni Pitkanen hits leg first into the end boards racing for the puck, Pitkanen is then taken off the ice on a stretcher.

UND’s Hakstol: “regionals pinnacle of our season and should be played in a great atmosphere.”

und v. usa (Photo credit: intersubjectiv)

This past weekend, UND played in the NCAAWest Regional tourney in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  If you watched the games you will see that the games were sparsely attended,just like I had predicted.

So the NCAA wants the teams to play in empty arena’s posing as quite mausoleums during prayer time.

Come to think of it, I have probably been to churches that are louder than last week’s West and Midwest regionals.

The announced attendance for Friday’s game between Niagara and UND was 2289 and for Saturday’s game, the announced attendance was 1918 fans.

Seriously!

If mathematically challenged, that’s a grand total for 4207 fans to see the NCAA West Regional hockey games for the weekend. My words, “that’s pathetic.” The NCAA should be ashamed. There are high school hockey tourneys in North Dakota that have more people attend them then this regional.

Today was the last press conference of the year for UND hockey head coach Dave Hakstol was asked about his thought on the NCAA tourney being played in building with atmospheres like last weekend’s regional in Grand Rapids, Michigan?

“The pinnacle of our season should be played in a great atmosphere,” Hakstol said. “I think the players that are involved in the national tournament deserve that. “I think It’s something that has garnered a fair amount of discussion over the last couple of year, but no action.” We have to fix things. We’re not doing this the right way at the regional level – to play in front of… I saw a stat within out program we had 5500 people on a live chat, and there was maybe 1500 people in a building watching a great hockey game between Yale and North Dakota on Saturday night. That’s not right. That’s the pinnacle and that’s the spotlight of our season. Yeah, we have to change things. Certainly, I would like to work towards doing that, sooner, rather than later. The best regionals that I have been involved in, that I can remember, atmosphere wise, was here, in 05-06, where we hosted, competitive environment. The regional in Minnesota; last year at the Xcel Energy Center; in front of 10,000 people, we came up one game short. Great atmosphere to play in, spotlight event, the way the national tournament game should feel. Third one would have been; at the Kohl Center, where the University of Wisconsin hosted. We had the good fortune of coming out of that regional. That was a tough game, there was about 15,000 people cheering against us and 1,000 of our fans with us, but that was atmosphere, and that’s the stage that our national tournament should be played on, we need to get back to one shape or form. “

It’s pretty clear that the UND’s head coach would rather play in a raucous, loud arena filled with passionate fans, even if they’re another fan bases’  than an empty arena, in a nameless town with empty seats posing as fans for the sake of having a regional championship at a neutral site, in an empty building on Saturday in March.  I agree.

Cross-posted at the Hockey Writers-Combine.

Danny Kristo News

Hamilton Bulldogs (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Here is some Danny Kristo news that I found on a Montreal Canadian's blog, I had to use Google Translate because most of us "don't" speak french. [click for the link]

Season that second-round pick in 2008 and ends in the NCAA if we are to believe his remarks in an interview with Radio-Canada, Kristo wants to take his career in the organization of Canadians. Negotiations have even begun. We guess he will join the Hamilton Bulldogs to finish the season there.

In 38 games this season in North Dakota, Kristo has 51 points, including 25 goals. He was a finalist for the Hobey Baker awarded to the player by college excellence in the United States.

And do not go into a criminal because at age 21 and he offered beer to his teammates 18, 19 years in a party

Related articles

• UND's Knight, Kristo among Hobey Baker Award Top 10 finalists (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• 2012-2013 Hobey Baker Award Preview (thehockeywriters.com)
• Stoykewych shocks UND in OT. (getrealhockey.com)
• UND Hockey: What Happened, day 2 (ndgoon.blogspot.com)

Union's Shayne Gostisbehere gets a five minute major for a shoulder-to-shoulder hit

First off, the hit was a little late as the ref was blowing the whistle, however, this doesn't appear to be a hit to the head. Barry Melrose opens his mouth and proves he knows little about hockey. The puck is at the forwards feet.

To me it looks like Union's Shayne Gostisbehere got a five minute major for a shoulder-to-shoulder hit. Guess who, WCHA on-ice officials Marco Hunt and Derek Shepherd officiating again. This officaiting crew is absolutely brutal, these two guys get the calls wrong, more times than they get it right, if I had to bet, it was Marco Hunt that made the call on this play as well, notice Derek Shepherd has already made the call on the Quinnipiac's Connor Jones, who was called for tripping.

I do agree, maybe it's time for the NCAA to review contact to the head calls. Seems like some of the officials are having one heck of a time getting the call right.

Maybe NCAA needs to video review contact to head calls. #UnionHockey 1, #QUHockey 5. #ECACHockey #NCAAHockey
— Ken Schott (@slapschotts) April 1, 2013

Funny you should mention that coach Jackson

Also, in his post-game presser, ND coach Jeff Jackson says something must be done about 1st-2nd rd NCAA sites. No atmosphere here or GR.
— Mike Eidelbes (@INCH) March 30, 2013

Funny that he should mention that, but I think I have been saying that all season long. I think I might have wrote about it as well.

Related articles

• NCAA hockey attendance 'adequate' (toledoblade.com)
• UND Hockey: What Happened, day 2 (thehockeywriters.com)

(Video) UND's No goal against Yale

When I first saw this goal, I had a feeling that it wouldn't count. I am not sure why it took seven-plus minutes to review this play, it's either there or it's not there. If you're a UND fan, you kind of feel bad for Connor Gaarder, because he went 15 games without scoring a goal and had four goals all season long, three in one game against the Boston University Terriers.

I would contend that this long review was a momentum killer, because going into the review, UND had the momentum as well.

When the review took seven-plus minutes, I had a bad feeling and I kind of knew that UND was not going to get the goal. I don't know, from past experience. If UND get's to a 2-0 lead over Yale, it's a different game. It's a tough ending to a pretty decent season.

DU fires George Gwozdecky

Grade-A source says George Gwozdecky did not resign. Forced out, terminated, for lack of NCAA success and failure to come to terms 4 ext
— Mike Chambers (@MChambersDP) April 1, 2013

I have to say that I am in an utter state of shock. I can't imagine not seeing Gwoz behind the DU bench next season or standing on the dasher. People that watch college hockey, know that George Gwozdecky is the face of the Pioneer program.

Gwozdecky vs. DU. He told me 2 weeks ago an extension was coming. Blow-up 2day at school in mtg. Only coach to win 20 games last 12 years
— Mike Chambers (@MChambersDP) April 1, 2013