(Video) Boston Bruins: Shawn Thornton Suspended 15-games

Update: The NHL has thrown the book at Bruins tough guy Shawn Thornton for his attack on Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Brooks Orpik.

According to Darren Dreger of TSN, Boston Bruins forward Shawn Thornton is suspended 15-games for his attack on Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Brooks Orpik. That means that Thornton will not be eligible to return to the ice until January 11, 2014 against the San Jose Sharks. Developing.

Thornton gets 15 games. #TSN
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) December 14, 2013

Chiarelli: "We respect the process including the ability to attend and present our case in person. At this time, we will decline comment..."
— Bruins Daily (@BruinsDaily) December 14, 2013

Boston Bruins issue statements regarding the suspension of Shawn Thornton. Read: http://t.co/s7xLfTAG57 ^BB
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) December 14, 2013

Via a team press release, Shawn Thornton says he'll discuss suspension with team, NHLPA and his reps, will address publicly after that.
— Matt Pepin (@mattpep15) December 14, 2013

Related articles

• Doesn't look good for Shawn Thornton (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• Throw the Book at Shawn Thornton (thehockeywriters.com)
• Settling the Debate: Thornton Hit Worse Than Neal Knee (thehockeywriters.com)
• The Character Assassination of Brooks Orpik (thehockeywriters.com)
• VIDEO: Loui Eriksson concussed after hit from Brooks Orpik: Shawn Thornton Attacks Orpik (ndgoon.blogspot.com)

Vancouver Canucks: Zach Kassian no-class....

I would say that Zach Kassian is taunting an opponent. A bush league move in my opinion. Here's what Greg Wyshynski of Puck Daddy has to say on the matter.

Gagner faced the Canucks for the first time this season on Friday night. At one point, the teams were involved in a scrum that included his former oral surgeon Kassian.

Because hockey is a nasty, twisted psychological war in which nearly every topic can be weaponized for agitation, Kassian looked over at Gagner went … there.

Kassian is pretty much a meat head, a player that I would classify as a rat. Said "Rat" averages 11.16 minutes a game and has scored (17g-11a—28pts) in 111 NHL games. When one of your team mates punch him in his big mouth, he wins. In this case, this clown deserves it. I think hockey is starting to gain a punk mentality like the other major sports.

In this case, I think he performed with in his niche is to be an agitator, to do bush league moves like this. This season, said Rat has been already suspended five-games for breaking the jaw of Oilers forward Sam Gagner. That's why he was wearing the shield protecting his jaw.

This is one of the reasons I don't want to ever want see fighting taken out of the NHL. This clown needs to be looking over his shoulder. If fighting is removed or curtailed from the NHL, the "Rats" like this clown will flourish. Imagine if there's no fighting in the NHL? These types of incidents will lead to further random acts of violence. Eventually, someone will chop him head first into boards and he will probably end up being carried off of the ice on a stretcher.

UND Hockey: Tonight’s Game NMU vs. UND

Tonight, the University of North Dakota plays Northern Michigan University Wildcats in  game two of an important non-conference series.

Last night, the University of North Dakota beat the Northern Michigan Wildcats 4-1.  Tonight, North Dakota will go for their second consecutive series sweep. North Dakota has won four games in a row and is 6-3-1 in their last 10-games.

This is the last series for the University of North Dakota, until after the New Year.

Matchup: North Dakota (8-7-2, 5-5-0 NCHC) versus Northern Michigan (6-9-2, 4-5-1 WCHA).

Date: December 14, 2013.

Time: Saturday 7:07 p.m. Central

Radio: UND 96.1 (KQHT-FM)  The Fox

Webcast: undsports.com

TV:  Midco Sports Network

All-Time Series History

UND leads the all-time series 27-23-3 (.538). In Grand Forks, UND leads the series 19-8-1 (.696). In Marquette, Northern Michigan leads the series 14-6-2 6-14-2 (.682). At Neutral sites: UND leads the series 2-1-0 (.667). UND has never played Northern Michigan under head coach Dave Hakstol: First meetings. Last 10 games, UND leads the series 8-2-0 (.800).

North Dakota: Forwards: Rocco Grimaldi (6g-10a—14pts), Drake Caggiula (4g-6a—10pts), Luke Johnson (4g-6a—10pts), Michael Parks (3g-7a—10pts), Stephane Pattyn (3g-3a—6pts), Brendan O’Donnell (3g-2—5pts), Connor Gaarder (2g-4a—6pts). Defense:  Dillon Simpson (3g-7a—10pts), Jordan Schmaltz (2g-7a—9pts), Paul Ladue (3g-4a—7pts), Nick Mattson (1g-5a—6pts), Troy Stecher (1g-5a—6pts),  Goaltenders: Clarke Saunders 2-2-0, GAA 3.60 and .900 save percentage, Zane Gothberg 6-5-2, 2.47 GAA and .917 save percentage.

UND injuries: Brendan O’Donnell (Out).

Northern Western Michigan: Forwards Stephan Vigier (10g-5a—15pts), Ryan Daugherty (2g-7a—9pts), Reed Seckel (5g-2a—7pts).  Defense:  CJ Ludwing  (5g-7a—12pts), Mitch Jones (0g-9a—9pts), Luke Eibler (1g-6a—7pts).  Goaltenders Mathias Dahlstrom 5-7-2, 2.26 GAA, .924 save percentage, Michael Doan 1-2-0, 3.86 GAA, .863% save percentage.

NMU Injuries: CJ Ludwing (out for the year).

Second Half Team

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) 12-7-4 (.609)
2013-14 8-7-2 (.529) —-

Totals 99-69-17 (.581) 144-56-22 (.698)

Traditionally, since Dave Hakstol has been the head coach, UND has been known for its second half surges. Here’s a breakdown of those numbers.

UND official Web Page

Northern Michigan University Web Page

Toronto's Clarkson to have hearing for hit on Sobotka

The Department of Player Safety might not be the Christmas spirit when it talks to Toronto's David Clarkson. The Maple Leafs forward has already been suspended this season and could be looking at another lengthy one.

NHL.COM -- Toronto Maple Leafs right wing David Clarkson will have a hearing with the NHL Department of Player Safety on Saturday morning for a hit on St. Louis Blues left wing Vladimir Sobotka in a game Thursday night at Scottrade Center.

At 6:28 of the second period, Clarkson was assessed a two-minute minor for an illegal check to the head of Sobotka, who remained in the game.

The following grounds are being considered for supplemental discipline: illegal check to the head. However, the Department of Player Safety retains the right to make adjustments to the infraction upon review.

St. Louis won the game, 6-3.

North Dakota beats Northern Michigan 4-1

Grand Forks, ND – Historically, the University of North Dakota hockey team is known for being a second half team. After losing three games in a row, to start the month of November, the UND hockey team has gotten back on track and has gone 5-3-1, since the 3-game losing streak.

With the win tonight, UND has gone 6-3-1 in the last 10 games.

UND would get on the board first at the 04:10 mark of the first period with a goal from forward Mark McMillian. Picking up assists on UND’s first goal were defensemen Troy Stecher and Nick Mattson.

UND would outshoot Northern Michigan 10-5 in the opening period.

North Dakota would break open the game with two power play goals in the second period. UND forward Luke Johnson would score a power play goal at the 09:57 mark of the second period, giving UND a 2-0 lead. Drawing assists on Johnson’s power play goal, forward Rocco Grimaldi and defenseman Jordan Schmaltz.

“I just tried to get it on net,” Luke Johnson said. “I was just lucky that it went in”

UND would strike again, to stretch the lead to 3-0 at the 16:23 mark of the second period. This time, it was a power play goal from the caption Dillon Simpson.  Picking up assists were Rocco Grimaldi and Jordan Schmaltz, again.

Northern Michigan would outshoot UND 11-8 in the second period and trailed 3-0.

“I thought we had a good start,” freshman defenseman Paul LaDue said. “Second period got a little shaky at times. We buried our chances and we have to come out tomorrow with that same mentality.”

Northern Michigan would break the Zane Gothberg’s shutout bid at the 07:40 mark of the third period with a wraparound goal from Daren Nowick.

Northern Michigan appeared to have scored their second goal, on the power play, but the on-ice officials ruled that a Northern Michigan player visually impaired the goaltenders view in the crease. In essence, college hockey has the “Avery Rule” as well.

According to head coach Dave Hakstol, “(Player’s) foot was in the crease, taking away his vision. If he had been on the side of the crease and not in the goaltenders vision it would have been a good goal.”

UND would push the lead to 4-1 with a goal from by Paul LaDue. Assisting on the goal was forward Connor Gaarder. With the win, UND pushed its current winning streak to four games.

“I thought we got off to a good start,” head coach Dave Hakstol said. “We had a good first period. We had our ups and downs. I thought we played a pretty good hockey game.”

UND will go for the series sweep against Northern Michigan at 7:07 p.m. Central at Ralph Engelstad Arena.

[Box Score]

Stats of interest

With the win tonight, UND has a 7-0-1 record when leading after two period.

Tonight, UND went 2-for-4 on the power play. UND is ranked 21st nationally 17/81 (21.1)

Tonight, UND went 3-for-3 on the penalty kill. UND is ranked 18th nationally 74/88 (84.1).

Over the last four games, Zane Gothberg is 4-0-0, 1.75 GAA and has a .939 save percentage.

Over the last three games freshman forward Luke Johnson has scored (3g-2a—5pts).

With the win tonight, UND’s Non-conference record is now 3-2-2

UND Hockey vs NMU Wildcats game one

UND forward Lines

9 Drake Caggiula – 19 Rocco Grimaldi – 27 Luke Johnson

16 Mark MacMillan – 10 Adam Tambellini – 15 Michael Parks (A)

28 Stephan Pattyn (A) – 13 Connor Gaarder – 11 Derek Rodwell

7 Wade Murphy – 17 Colton S. Clair –22 Andrew Panzerella

UND Defense Pairing

18 Dillon Simpson © - 24 Jordan Schmaltz

5 Nick Mattson – 2 Troy Stecher

4 Keaton Thompson – 6 Paul LaDue

UND goalies

31 Zane Gothberg

33 Clarke Saunders

Scratches: 20 Gage Ausmus, 21 Brendan O’Donnell, 25 Mitch MacMillan, 26 Coltyn Sanderson, 29 Bryn Chyzyk, 30 Matt Hrynkiw.

NMU Wildcats Forward Lines

9 Reed Seckel – 40 Stephan Vigier 20 Darren Nowick

15 Dominik Shine – 11 Shane Sooth – 29 Ryan Daugherty

22 Cohen Adair – 3 Ryan Kesti – 7 Sami Salminen

16 Jake Johnson – 6 Nate Taurence – 2 Casey Purpur

Wildcat Defense Pairings

27 Wade Epp – 14 Brock Maschmeyer

4 Mitch Jones – 18 Luke Eibler

23 Jake Baker – 42 Barrett Kaib

Wildcat Goalies

30 – Mathais Dahlstrom

34 – Derek Dun

Out: Ausmus, O'Donnell, Mitch MacMillan, Sanderson, Chyzyk || Referees: Brian Aaron, Todd Anderson || Linesmen: Mike Eslinger, Justin Hills
— North Dakota MHockey (@UNDMHockey) December 13, 2013

NMU's Casey Purpur to make college debut in hometown vs. prep teammates http://t.co/ZvgACV4RVl
— Schlossman (@SchlossmanGF) December 13, 2013

Still tickets left for both @UNDMHockey games this weekend. Last time to see them at home in 2013. http://t.co/gR69R9Iqza
— Dexter Albrecht (@dexteralbrecht) December 13, 2013

UND Hockey: UND to Host 2015 West Regional at Scheels Arena - http://t.co/j8aHNGvSOp #hockey pic.twitter.com/HiBkdaZSDX
— The Hockey Writers (@TheHockeyWriter) December 13, 2013

Related articles

• UND Hockey: Jordan Schmaltz Growing Into His Role (thehockeywriters.com)

UND Hockey: The Weekend Ahead (12/13-12/14)

This weekend, the University of North Dakota entertains Northern Michigan University Wildcats in an important two-game non-conference series. Last weekend, UND swept their conference series with Western Michigan (3-2 W, 3-2 W) at Lawson Arena. This is the last series for the University of North Dakota, until after the New Year.

Matchup: North Dakota (7-7-2, 5-5-0 NCHC) versus Northern Michigan (6-8-2, 4-5-1 WCHA).
Date: December 13-14, 2013.

Time: 7:37 p.m. Central Friday / Saturday 7:07 p.m. Central

Radio: UND 96.1 (KQHT-FM)  The Fox

Webcast: undsports.com

TV:  Midco Sports Network

All-Time Series History

UND leads the all-time series 27-23-3 (.538). In Grand Forks, UND leads the series 19-8-1 (.696). In Marquette, Northern Michigan leads the series 14-6-2 6-14-2 (.682). At Neutral sites: UND leads the series 2-1-0 (.667). UND has never played Northern Michigan under head coach Dave Hakstol: First meetings. Last 10 games, UND leads the series 8-2-0 (.800).

Players to watch

North Dakota: Forwards: Rocco Grimaldi (6g-8a—14pts), Drake Caggiula (4g-6a—10pts), Luke Johnson (3g-6a—9pts), Michael Parks (3g-6a—9pts), Stephane Pattyn (3g-3a—6pts), Brendan O’Donnell (3g-2—5pts), Connor Gaarder (2g-3a—5pts). Defense:  Dillon Simpson (2g-7a—9pts), Jordan Schmaltz (2g-5a—7pts), Paul Ladue (2g-4a—6pts), Nick Mattson (1g-5a—6pts), Troy Stecher (1g-4a—5pts),  Goaltenders: Clarke Saunders 2-2-0, GAA 3.60 and .900 save percentage, Zane Gothberg 5-5-2, 2.61 GAA and .914 save percentage.

UND injuries: Colten St. Clair (questionable), Brendan O’Donnell (Out).

Northern Western Michigan: Forwards Stephan Vigier (10g-5a—15pts), Ryan Daugherty (2g-7a—9pts), Reed Seckel (5g-2a—7pts).  Defense:  CJ Ludwing  (5g-7a—12pts), Mitch Jones (0g-9a—9pts), Luke Eibler (1g-5a—7pts).  Goaltenders Mathias Dahlstrom 5-6-2, 2.13 GAA, .929 save percentage, Michael Doan 1-2-0, 3.86 GAA, .863% save percentage.

Second Half Team

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) 12-7-4 (.609)
2013-14 7-7-2 (.500) —-
Totals 98-69-17 (.579) 144-56-22 (.698)

Traditionally, since Dave Hakstol has been the head coach, UND has been known for its second half surges. Here’s a breakdown of those numbers.

UND official Web Page

Northern Michigan University Web Page

Zenon Konopka double-minor for high sticking Jason Demers - GIF

This is a bad call, actually it's pathetic, as Wild tough guy Zenon Konopka was given a double minor for high sticking. You can see by the GIF that Konokpa never touched Jason Demers. The Sharks scored on the power play. You can bet that the Wild GM might be giving the NHL front office a call tomorrow. s/t CJZERO

@blldgshockey11 Nope, not at all
— CJ Fogler (@cjzero) December 13, 2013

(Video) Milan Lucic vs. Luke Gazdic

Boston Bruins forward Milan Lucic (11g-13a-24pts) is a skilled fighter that can also score goals and put up points. He didn't really need to fight fourth line player like Luke Gazdic (1g-1a-2pts) who's put up very minor numbers in 25 games with the Edmonton Oilers.

Thursday Night Links: "Through These Doors" and 2015 West Regional

It's almost game day, so that means one thing... Another episode of "Through These Doors". Last week, I took a look at the UND reality series.

Walked into the presser on Wednesday. On my way in to the press conference, I chatted briefly with sophomore forward Colton St. Clair and that kid was happy, he was going to skate with the team full practice.  UND misses his skill set, he performs a role that is very valuable.

UND Hockey: Taking a Look at the Reality Series “Through These Doors” - http://t.co/rZsraPiqXb #hockey pic.twitter.com/oCWc08ZZiS
— The Hockey Writers (@TheHockeyWriter) December 6, 2013

UND Hockey: UND to Host 2015 West Regional at Scheels Arena - http://t.co/j8aHNGvSOp #hockey pic.twitter.com/HiBkdaZSDX
— The Hockey Writers (@TheHockeyWriter) December 13, 2013

(Video) Canadiens Alexei Emelin's elbows the Flyers Steve Downie.

Montreal Canadiens defenseman Alexei Emelin's connect with the elbows on Philadelphia Flyers forward Steve Downie. Emelin was give a five-minute major penalty for elbowing and a game misconduct. You have to wonder if there will be a call from the NHL's Department of Player Safety? Personally, I don't think it's worthy of a suspension. But the video is not very good either.

EDIT: After watching this video, Emelin clearly caught Downie with a chicken wing elbow. This the kind of hits that the NHL is looking to eliminate from the game of hockey. Emelin might be getting a game or two for that hit.

You know you are in Canada when you have a hockey rink in your back hard...

You know you are in Canada when your neighbor lets you do this #OnlyInCanada pic.twitter.com/Qg3CXj4uVL
— Don Cherry Posts (@DonCherryPosts) November 27, 2013

Related articles

• Hockey Day in Canada needs to stay at home (o.canada.com)

(Video) MIchigan's Alex Kile Shootout Goal vs Ferris State

So, you don't like shootouts eh? This video might actually change your mind. Take a look at this dirty goal by Michigan's Alex Kile as he undresses the Ferris State goalie C.J. Motte. Michigan won the game 3-2 in the shootout.

Weekend Match-Ups (by Donn)

Here we are the last weekend of play, for most teams anyway, before the Christmas break.  The first half of the season seems to have flown by, before we know it, it will be 2014!

NCHC STANDINGS 2013-2014

Team………………………W-L-T………Points

St. Cloud St……………….6-1-1…………...19
Nebraska-Omaha…………5-2-1…………..17
North Dakota………………5-5-0……….….15
Denver…………………..…4-3-1…………..14
Colorado College……….. 2-5-3…….….….10
Miami………………………3-5-0….…….….9
Minnesota-Duluth…………2-2-0……….….6
Western Michigan………..2-2-0…………...6 

NCHC Games

Western Michigan @ # Minnesota-Duluth

Last weekend Broncos were swept (3-2, 3-2) by NoDak in Kalamazoo and the Bulldogs were swept (4-2, 5-1) by the Huskies in Duluth.

Both the Broncos and the Bulldogs are sitting at .500 in the league standings, so neither team has any reason to play desperate this weekend.  However, a sweep by one team would vault them up the standings.  Looking at overall records I have to give the nod to the home team this weekend.  BULLDOGS 3-pts

Non-Conference Games

#20 Denver (8-6-2) @ #18 Rensselaer (8-5-3)

Last weekend the Pioneers split (3-1W, 4-2L) with the RedHawks in Oxford and Engineers tied Quinnipiac (3-3ot) and beat Princeton (5-3) at home in Troy, NY.

The Engineers are playing well at home, with a 4-1-3 record at Houston Fieldhouse this season (NHL size).  The Pioneers are decent on the road with a 1-2-2 record away from Denver.  With these teams having almost identical records, I’m say they stay that way with each team getting a win.  SPLIT – RPI wins Friday, DU wins Saturday

#10 Union (10-3-2) @ #1 St. Cloud St. (11-1-2)

Last weekend the Huskies swept  (4-2, 5-1) the Bulldogs in Duluth and the Dutchmen beat Princeton (3-0) and Quinnipiac (6-4) at home in Schenectady, NY.

This should be a good series in St. Cloud with both teams ranked in the top 10.  The Huskies only loss this this season was to Miami.  The Dutchmen have only lost to Colgate, and dropped a series to Lake Superior State.  With that in mind, Union has had a softer schedule then the Huskies.  SCSU has too much talent and depth for the Dutchmen to handle over a weekend of play.  HUSKIES SWEEP 

Colorado College (2-10-3) @ #15 Wisconsin (6-5-1)

Last weekend the Tigers took 3-pts (4-2, 3-3ot) from the Mavericks in Colorado Springs and the Badgers

The Tigers went winless in the month of November, but have started off December on the right skate.  The Badgers are undefeated in Madison this year and with CC coming to town this weekend (and UAH next weekend), they might be able to keep that record intact until 2014.  I said might; I think CC will steal a game from the former WCHA rival.  SPLIT – CC wins Friday, UW wins Saturday 

Northern Michigan (6-8-2) @ North Dakota (7-7-2)

Last weekend the Wildcats were swept by Minnesota State (3-2, 3-0) in Mankato and NoDak swept the Broncos (3-2, 3-2) in Kalamazoo.

Has NoDak finally found their stride, it is closing in on Christmas and we all know they seem to win more games around and especially after Christmas.  If you are old enough you know that NMU was a WCHA member for many years and has a history with UND.  Thus the guys from Marquette are no strangers to the guys in Grand Forks.  The Wildcats are winless in their last four games and NoDak is on a three game winning streak.  I say they keep on their streaks.  NODAK SWEEP

Denver (8-6-2) @ Massachusetts (4-11-2) (Tuesday)

The Pioneers go a little farther East to Amherst, MA after their weekend in Troy, NY.
The Minutemen play at Colgate this weekend.

I’m going with the Pioneers here, just on a hunch, since this will be both teams third game in five days.

BYE

#12  Miami

#19  Nebraska-Omaha

Related articles

• Weekend Match-Ups (by Donn) (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• NCHC Hockey: Breaking Down the Numbers (thehockeywriters.com)
• Minnesota Gophers vs. Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs: Series Preview (hockeywilderness.com)
• NCAA Hockey: There Has to Be a Better Way (thehockeywriters.com)

UND Hockey: Scheels Arena to host 2015 NCAA West Regional

GRAND FORKS, N.D. – The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) announced today that it has selected the University of North Dakota to host the 2015 NCAA Men’s Hockey West Regional Championship at Scheels Arena in Fargo.

The sites were selected by the respective sport committees, which are made up of coaches and administrators from NCAA member schools and conferences, and approved by the appropriate divisional championships cabinets/committees.

“We are honored and excited to have been awarded the 2015 NCAA Men’s West Regional,” said UND Director of Athletics Brian Faison. “This hosting opportunity is the result of a great team effort partnering UND with Ralph Engelstad Arena and Scheels Arena.”

Scheels Arena is the home of the United States Hockey League’s Fargo Force franchise. It has also previously hosted the 2009 IIHF World U18 Hockey Championship.

“Sheels Arena will be a great venue for the 2015 NCAA West Regional tournament,” said UND head men’s hockey coach Dave Hakstol. “It’s a first-class facility that is within driving distance for the fans of several college hockey programs. The atmosphere in the building should be second-to-none within regional competition.”

“We are confident that a NCAA Men’s West Region Tournament will be a huge success in Fargo. Scheels Arena provides a great off-campus location for a regional tournament and we look forward to the tournament returning to North Dakota,” said Ralph Engelstad Arena general manager Jody Hodgson.

“We are extremely excited to host Division I hockey in our venue and in our city,” said Scheels Arena general manager Jon Kram. “Even more than that, we are pleased to be working in conjunction with the University of North Dakota and Ralph Engelstad Arena. It is a testament to the willingness of the organizations to work together to ensure our communities have access to elite events such as this one when so often we are thought of as competitors by the general public. It sets the stage for future partnerships that will continue to enhance the communities in which we live and operate.”

Ticket information, including on-sale dates and pricing, will be announced at a later date

Mark MacMillan on UND hosting the '15 regional in Fargo: It's nice for our fans who usually have to travel all over the country to watch us.
— North Dakota MHockey (@UNDMHockey) December 11, 2013

UND will host the 2015 NCAA Men's Ice Hockey Regional at Scheels Arena in Fargo. @UNDMHockey
— Jayson Hajdu (@UNDSID) December 11, 2013

Related articles

• UND Hockey: Will UND get to Host a Regional? (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• UND Hockey: Long Video Review Confirms Goal (thehockeywriters.com)
• UND Hockey: Making the Case for Dave Hakstol (thehockeywriters.com)
• NCAA Hockey: There Has to Be a Better Way (thehockeywriters.com)
• NCAA Women's Hockey Weekly Round-Up: December 11th, 2013 (thehockeywriters.com)

UND Hockey: Will UND get to Host a Regional?

Will the UND Men and Women's hockey team(s) get to host a NCAA regional championship? We will find out today. I will have an update this afternoon when I find out.

Cross your fingers, @UNDsports fans; we will find out at 12:30 today if we'll host a future NCAA Women's Frozen Four and/or men's regional.
— Jayson Hajdu (@UNDSID) December 11, 2013

Buffalo Sabres no goal.

This is one of the plays that kind of made a stir tonight on the internet.... I think it's a blown call, but I guess if you read the explanation, it makes sense.

At 15:30of the second period in the Senators/Sabres game, the Situation Room initiated a video review because the puck entered the Ottawa net. The referee informed the Situation Room that he had a delayed hi-sticking penalty against Ottawa's Jason Spezza therefore the play was stopped as soon as any Ottawa player gained possession/control of the puck. According to Rule 15.1 "When the team to be penalized gains control of the puck, the Referee will blow his whistle to stop play and impose the penalty on the offending player." This is not a reviewable play therefore the referee's call on the ice stands. No goal Buffalo.

Hockey is Life

What is hockey you ask? pic.twitter.com/rvTaCZmFKQ
— Hockey Society (@Hky_Society) December 9, 2013

Dion Phaneuf suspended 2 games for hit on Kevan Millar

Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Dion Phaneuf has been suspended for two-games by the NHL for his hit on Kevan Millar. Personally, I think that is the right decision, and I can live with this suspension. In my opinion, a two-game suspension seems like an appropriate length for that hit. The NHL can't go around suspending every player that boards another player five-games. While it was a dangerous hit, Dion Phaneuf has never been suspended by the NHL.

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• Bruins Kevan Miller boarded by Leafs Dion Phaneuf (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• James Neal suspended 5-games for kneeing Marchand (ndgoon.blogspot.com)

(Video) Seth Helgeson vs Anders Lee

A couple of ex-college hockey players from Minnesota beating each other up. Former Minnesota Golden Gophers Seth Helgeson versus former Notre Dame Fighting Irish Anders Lee. Definitely not a staged fight.

(Video) NCHC Top 5 Goals of the Week; Rocco Grimaldi number one

Congrats to UND forward Rocco Grimaldi, he scored the top goal of the week in the NCHC again this week One thing about Rocco, he has the propensity to score highlight reel goals.

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• UND Hockey: Dynamic Duo Bright Spot for UND (thehockeywriters.com)
• NCAA Hockey: Is it Time for Neutral Officials for Non-conference Match-ups? (thehockeywriters.com)

Jake Parenteau broken leg X-Ray

This past weekend, Minnesota Golden Gophers defenseman Jake Parenteau broke his leg against Michigan State and this is the x-ray of his surgically repaired leg, after surgery. It would appear that he's going to have trouble going through an airport metal detector with that hardware in his leg. Goon's World hopes Jake has a speedy recovery.  According to Nate Wells of SBN College, Parenteau is out about eight-weeks.   Ouch!

Jake Parenteau (@jacobjames6) 12/9/13, 7:29 PM Surgery was a success! Time for the road to recovery! Thanks @Winslow_Jeff And my mother for everything today! 

Poll Monday - UND receives votes

Sophomore Bryn Chyzyk suspended from team indefinitely

GRAND FORKS, N.D. – University of North Dakota head men’s hockey coach Dave Hakstol announced today that he has suspended sophomore forward Bryn Chyzyk indefinitely due to a violation of team and athletics department policy.

Hakstol also indicated that any potential reinstatement will not be revisited prior to January 2014 and that no further comment will be provided.

Chyzyk had appeared in 13 of UND’s 16 games this season, registering two goals and two assists.

Bryn Chyzyk, facing a charge of theft of less than $250, has been suspended indefinitely from the team.
— Schlossman (@SchlossmanGF) December 9, 2013

Herald's Steve Lee reporting that Chyzyk ran out on a taxi bill estimated at "about $4" by the cab company owner.
— Schlossman (@SchlossmanGF) December 9, 2013

Related articles

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• North Dakota Slips Past St. Lawrence (insidehockey.com)
• UND Hockey: Dynamic Duo Bright Spot for UND (thehockeywriters.com)
• UND Hockey: Long Video Review Confirms Goal (thehockeywriters.com)
• UND Hockey: Making the Case for Dave Hakstol (thehockeywriters.com)
• UND Hockey: Jordan Schmaltz Growing Into His Role (thehockeywriters.com)

James Neal suspended 5-games for kneeing Marchand

I think the suspension should be longer, but that's the breaks. It's a good thing that Boston Bruins forward Brad Marchand wasn't hurt by the dirty play. Nice to see that Dion Phaneuf will probably be getting suspended for his dirty hit on Kevan Miller.

5 games for Neal. Phaneuf phone hearing tomorrow at 10am.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) December 9, 2013

James Neal suspension video: http://t.co/vOqnaI92TR
— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) December 9, 2013

Dion Phaneuf boards Kevan Miller http://t.co/MyQmHP7xqI
— Eric J. Burton (@goon48) December 9, 2013

Related articles

• Was James Neal Kneeing Marchand Intentional? (thehockeywriters.com)
• Throw the Book at Shawn Thornton (thehockeywriters.com)
• Bruins Kevan Miller boarded by Leafs Dion Phaneuf (ndgoon.blogspot.com)

Bruins Kevan Miller boarded by Leafs Dion Phaneuf

Boston Bruins defenseman Kevan Miller is absolutely destroyed by Leafs defenseman Dion Phaneuf. There's no sense to this hit, this is a major penalty, in my opinion. This is a dangerous hit and has no place in any level of hockey. The refs in this instance should be fined for not making the proper call.

I've seen some really bad NHL officiating this weekend. Totally lost control last night. Tonight they miss major Phaneuf hit from behind
— Joe Haggerty (@HackswithHaggs) December 9, 2013

Related articles

• Boston Bruins News: Miller's Debut & the Penalty Kill (thehockeywriters.com)
• Dion Phaneuf NOT Worth $7 Million (thehockeywriters.com)

Bruins Hockey: Chris Kelly Out With Broken Ankle

s/t KK... Before Pittsburgh Penguins fans lecture us about the Boston Bruins being dirty, check this out. Chris Kelly is out with a broken ankle after he was slashed by Pens forward Pascal Dupuis last night.

Doesn't look good for Shawn Thornton

I going to predict that that this isn't going to end well for Boston Bruins tough guy Shawn Thornton. Now, it's just a matter of how long the suspension is going to be... That discussion will happen on Monday.

Again, it doesn't matter that Brooks Orpik caught Loui Erikkson with a questionable, late, high-hit early in the game. The hit in question sent the Bruins forward to the locker room with a concussion. That's his second concussion of the season. None of that matters.

The Department of Player Safety won't look at that, when they make their decision on Monday. What they will look at; Thornton attacked a guy while he laid on the ice. That's not acceptable behavior in any league.

Shawn Thornton has a hearing and will not be traveling with the team to Toronto ^CS— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) December 8, 2013

s/t puck daddy... Shawn Thornton said this, in an ESPN interview recently.

DOES THE CODE STILL EXIST? IS THAT SOMETHING YOU TAKE PRIDE IN/ABIDE BY?

I take a lot of pride in that. I do. People could probably criticize that I’m a little too honorable, I suppose, in some instances. I've been a firm believer my whole life that what goes around comes around. If you’re one of those guys that suckers someone when they’re down or you go after somebody that doesn’t deserve it or isn’t the same category as you, that will come back and bite you at some point, too. I also take a lot of pride in the fact that I can play 8-12 minutes a night. I’ve had to work extremely hard on that part of my game to bring more to the table than just fighting. That’s part of my game, but I can do a lot more.

There's some good news for Boston Bruins fans. NHL announces Pittsburgh forward James Neal to have a phone hearing Monday with the NHL's Department of Players Safety. A phone hearing means that Neil won't be suspended more than five-games.

Lastly, I was reading the one of the local Pittsburgh Newspapers and this is what they have to say on the matter. James Neil doesn't sound very contrite for his bush league kneeing incident on Brad Marchand.   For the record, Neil has been suspended before.

Rob Rossi, Trib Live -- About four minutes passed before Penguins captain Sidney Crosby tripped Bruins winger Brad Marchand near the Boston bench. Neal skated past and clipped Marchand in the head with his knee.

“I was skating by him,” Neal said, noting he had not seen a replay of his hit, which resulted in a minor penalty for kneeing. “I hit him in the head with my leg or my foot or my knee or my shin area; I don't know. He went down. I guess I need to try and avoid him.

“I need to be more careful and get my knee out of the way. I'm not trying to hit him in the head or injure him or anything like that.”

Marchand said he “could not comment” on Neal's hit.

Bylsma said Neal “didn't make an attempt to get out of the way on Marchand.”

VIDEO: Loui Eriksson concussed after hit from Brooks Orpik: Shawn Thornton Attacks Orpik

First, this is the hit by Brooks Orpik on Loui Eriksson that caused Shawn Thornton to snap tonight. This hit also injured Eriksson, and from the video, you can see that the puck was nowhere near Erikson. 

While the hit definitely a penalty; it's probably nothing more than a two-minute minor penalty for interference. 

That being said, there’s no excusing what Shawn Thornton did, this is unacceptable. I believe that Thornton broke the hockey code by attacking a player that was laying on the ice. You can't have that. 

Thornton is going to have a hearing with the National Hockey League's Department of Player Safety. While Thornton has never been suspended by the NHL, they have to respond to this hit.

I think that it would be safe to say that Thornton will be looking at a very long suspension. The NHL has to respond harshly to this act of violence. I am going to predict that Thornton is looking at a 10-game suspension, minimum. Some might compare what There's no excusing what he did. Before Boston Bruins fans eviscerate me, I am Boston Bruins fan, but we can't excuse this.