Hockey East: To Broadcast 25 Games

Hockey East announced their NBC Television Schedule today. The schedule includes six Hockey East match-ups. Notre Dame will have a 20 game schedule.

Friday, October 10 RPI at Notre Dame 7:30 p.m. NBC Sports Live Extra

Sunday, October 12 Minnesota at Notre Dame 3:30 p.m. NBC Sports Live Extra

Friday, October 17 Lake Superior State at Notre Dame 7:30 p.m. NBCSN

Saturday, October 18 Lake Superior State at Notre Dame 6 p.m. NBCSN

Friday, October 24 Niagara at Notre Dame 7:30 p.m. NBC Sports Live Extra

Saturday, October 25 Niagara at Notre Dame 7 p.m. NBCSN

Friday, October 31 Vermont at Notre Dame 8 p.m. NBCSN

Friday, November 7 Boston University at Boston College 8 p.m. NBCSN

Saturday, November 1 Vermont at Notre Dame 7 p.m. NBC Sports Live Extra

Thursday, November 20 UMass Lowell at Notre Dame 7:30 p.m. NBC Sports Live Extra

Friday, November 21 UMass Lowell at Notre Dame 7:30 p.m. NBCSN

Friday, November 28 Union at Notre Dame 7:30 p.m. NBC Sports Live Extra

Saturday, November 29 Shillelagh Tournament 7:30 p.m. NBC Sports Live Extra

Friday, December 5 Boston College at New Hampshire 8 p.m. NBCSN

Saturday, December 6 Maine at UMass Lowell 8 p.m. NBCSN

Saturday, January 3 Union at Boston University 7 p.m. NBCSN

Friday, January 9 Dartmouth at New Hampshire 7:30 p.m. NBCSN

Saturday, January 10 Western Michigan at Notre Dame 6 p.m. NBCSN

Friday, January 16 Connecticut at Notre Dame 7:30 p.m. NBCSN

Saturday, January 17 Massachusetts at New Hampshire 6:30 p.m. NBCSN

Friday, January 30 New Hampshire at Notre Dame 7:30 p.m. NBC Sports Live Extra

Saturday, January 31 New Hampshire at Notre Dame 6:30 p.m. NBCSN

Friday, February 13 Providence at Notre Dame 7:30 p.m. NBCSN

Saturday, February 14 Providence at Notre Dame 8 p.m. NBCSN

Friday, February 27 Boston College at Notre Dame 7:30 p.m. NBCSN

Saturday, February 28 Boston College at Notre Dame 6 p.m. NBCSN

AHL Hockey: Education, drug testing program implemented

I am actually surprised that they didn't have one already.

NEW YORK/SPRINGFIELD, Mass. ... An education and drug testing program will be implemented for American Hockey League players, effective for the 2014-15 season, the National Hockey League and American Hockey League announced today.
The details of the AHL program, which was the result of a collaborative effort between the two leagues (NHL and AHL), the National Hockey League Players’ Association and the Professional Hockey Players’ Association (which represents AHL players in collective bargaining), substantially replicate the collectively bargained policies already in place for NHL players.

The AHL drug testing program will be administered by the doctors who supervise the NHL/NHLPA Performance-Enhancing Substances Program and the Substance Abuse/Behavioral Health Program.

UND Hockey: Zane Gothberg legally changes surname to McIntyre

An interesting turn of events, UND goalie Zane Gothberg has changed his last name is now officially now Zane McIntyre. I am sure I will screw this up once or twice.

GRAND FORKS, N.D. – University of North Dakota junior goaltender Zane Gothberg announced today that he has legally changed his surname to his mother’s maiden name of McIntyre.

“My grandmother and my mother have been very influential in my life,” said McIntyre. “With the passing of my grandmother and my mother getting re-married, as well as my sister getting married, I’ve made the personal choice to carry on the family name in their honor.”

McIntyre, a sixth-round draft pick of the Boston Bruins in 2010, went 20-10-3 last season and was a finalist for the National Collegiate Hockey Conference’s (NCHC) Goaltender of the Year award. He led the NCHC with a 1.99 goals against average and ranked second with a .926 save percentage. In 50 career appearances, the Thief River Falls, Minn., native is 29-14-6 with a 2.15 goals against average and a school-record .924 save percentage.

Who's the All-Time Greatest UND Fighting Sioux Hockey Player?

I am conducting a poll. All-Time Greatest UND Hockey Player... http://t.co/SiiSO0V6Nv
— Eric J. Burton THW (@goon48) August 28, 2014

I am conducting a non-scientific poll. Who is the Greatest All-Time Fighting Sioux Hockey Player?  There's multiple ways that you can vote.

1.) Vote at Sioux Sports, there's a link provided in the embedded tweet.
2.) You can post a comment on this blog post.
3.) Tweet my your vote on twitter to  @goon48, if you own a twitter account.
4.) Finally, send me an email at thegoon48@gra.midco.net ...

Preseason Power Rankings

Well it's almost time for NHL training camps to open up again so I went through each of the 30 rosters and put together my complete power rankings based on what I thought the depth of the roster was going into the upcoming season. So, here it goes.
1. LA Kings
2. St. Louis Blues
3. Boston Bruins
4. Minnesota Wild
5. Chicago Blackhawks
6. San Jose Sharks
7. Detroit Red Wings
8. Anaheim Ducks
9. New York Rangers
10. Pittsburgh Penguins
11. Colorado Avalanche
12. Dallas Stars
13. Montreal Canadiens
14. Philadelphia Flyers
15. Tampa Bay Lightning
16. Vancouver Canucks
17. Toronto Maple Leafs
18. Washington Capitals
19. Nashville Predators
20. Columbus Blue Jackets
21. Carolina Hurricanes
22. Arizona Coyotes
23. Edmonton Oilers
24. New Jersey Devils
25. Calgary Flames
26. Ottawa Senators
27. New York Islanders (might be a little low)
28. Winnipeg Jets (again maybe a little low)
29. Buffalo Sabres
30. Florida Panthers

Now I know that everyone will think that there should be some tweaking somewhere in this power ranking, but remember, it is the preseason and it is only the opinion of me based on the current rosters. However, do remember that I predicted that the Blue Jackets would make the playoffs in September last year and almost everyone laughed at me. Just saying. I'd love to hear your opinions on the subject. Tweet me your top 5 @siouxhockey33, comment on this post, or even email me your complete 30 team power rankings at siouxhockey33@gmail.com to see where we are similar or differ in our opinions.

NHL Hockey: Four More Teams by 2017?

#451351884 / gettyimages.com

According to Chris Peters of CBS Sports, the NHL could add as many as four more teams by 2017. The more you look into this deal, the more it looks like a possibility. The NHL in Las Vegas could be a big draw.

Chris Peters, CBS Sports -- Here's why it's not completely outlandish to envision Vegas as a future NHL city. For one, they have two open spots in the Western Conference to even things out and bring some competitive balance. The Eastern Conference currently has 16 teams, while the West has 14. If the NHL expanded to the most long-rumored top candidate of Seattle, that would help even things out. It's definitely not as simple as that, though.

Another barrier for Las Vegas would have been an arena, but that may no longer be an issue. The city has been home to minor-league hockey for years, but now Vegas is in the process of building a new arena however with the aim of bringing either an NHL or NBA team to Vegas.

MGM and AEG, owner of the Los Angeles Kings, are teaming up on the project that broke ground in Las Vegas in May. The new arena is due to open in 2016 and will have 20,000 seats, but a projected capacity of 17,500 for hockey. The company building the arena, ICON, is also building the Edmonton Oilers' new arena. Kings great Luc Robitaille was on hand at the ground-breaking.

The markets listed seem like good choices. I do like adding more teams in Canada. One city that stands out is Toronto. 

NHL expansion – four teams added by 2017, Quebec City, Toronto, Seattle, and Las Vegas $1.4b in expansion fees — Howard Bloom (@SportsBizNews) August 27, 2014

NHL expanding to Las Vegas

Viva Las Vegas! According to the Providence, the NHL is expanding to Las Vegas, Nevada. Place your bets. I picture an arena with one armed bandits and black jack tables in it. All jokes aside, I think it's a great move. Now, I wonder if we can get a Frozen Four there?

Tony Gallagher, The Providence -- Sources close to the situation have indicated Las Vegas is a done deal, the only thing to be determined being which owner will be entitled to proclaim that he brought the first major league sports franchise to Sin City.

And given how dead set against a team in the gambling haven the commissioner was 10 years ago, this move into another player friendly state-tax-free zone represents a considerable about-face indeed.

But people have been betting on hockey games for years and to pretend games couldn’t be fixed just as easily anywhere as in Vegas is pretty ridiculous, so that posturing has fallen by the wayside.

A new team close to the newly renamed Arizona squad and California’s big three is all but assured, the only question being when and with which other city. Or should that be plural?

With all the activity going on in the Seattle area in the last little bit it would be quite a stretch to imagine that much time and effort being spent by so many wealthy men being frittered away for nothing.

Report: #NHL expansion to Las Vegas ‘a done deal’ http://t.co/r8p1ZNDNkv pic.twitter.com/TP3zPmXwFE
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) August 27, 2014

This Day in Hockey History

So sitting between classes looking for something to do, I decided to look up what happened on this day in hockey history, but quickly found out that not many interesting things happened on August 26th for the sport of hockey. However, here are the few things I did find in order by year:
1938- Montreal Maroons dropped from the NHL
1971- Then all time shutout leader, Terry Sawchuck, was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame

1980- The Stastny brothers, Peter and Anton, were signed by the Quebec Nordiques becoming the first pair of non North American players to play in the NHL. This signing was huge for the future of the NHL because if this doesn't go down, there could have possibly been no Lidstrom, no Ovechkin, no Malkin, no Datsyuk, no Sedins, and the list could just go on and on.

43 Days until the NHL season - Links...

There are 43 days until the NHL season begins.


UND football starts in two days and six - nine freshmen could end up having their red shirts pulled.


The UND football insider has the two-deep depth chart for the UND football team.


The UND Hockey team took the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. To date, that's the best one that I have seen.


Apparently, the Penguins aren't in a hurry to re-sign their goalie.


Talk is starting to emerge about the NHL in Seattle.

NCAA Hockey: Six Part Must-See Non-Conference Series

Atlantic Hockey: Five Must-See Non-Conference Series http://t.co/oXAtQNjJFu
— NHLFantasyPlus (@NHLFantasyPlus) August 25, 2014

I just finished up six blog posts: Five Must-See Non-Conference Series. I am in the process of writing a 10 Must-See NCAA Hockey Series. It should come out this week. As we move towards the 2014-15 college hockey season, this has been the most uneventful off-season that I can remember. For those that are wondering, the NCHC CBSSN television schedule is going to come out sometime in the next six weeks.

Hockey East: Five Must-See Non-Conference Series - http://t.co/exzbOdnZOU #hockey #THW pic.twitter.com/ddqwDiGwCx
— The Hockey Writers (@TheHockeyWriter) August 15, 2014

WCHA Hockey: Five Must-See Non-Conference Series - http://t.co/NFnkuFtXDE #NHL pic.twitter.com/5S7jQy2ivf
— THW Hockey (@HockeyLinks) August 13, 2014

Big Ten Hockey: Five Must-See Non-Conference Series http://t.co/PEJLOVDELc #THW
— The Hockey Writers (@TheHockeyWriter) August 9, 2014

ECAC Hockey: Five Must-See Non-Conference Series http://t.co/uZTLyjpxSn #THW
— The Hockey Writers (@TheHockeyWriter) August 7, 2014

\

#NHL #Hockey NCHC Hockey: Five Must See Non-Conference Series http://t.co/oa1IDdmeVj
— Hockey Fan (@HockeyFanLV) July 30, 2014

NHL Hockey:Forty Four Days

Checking out the calendar, there's 44 days until the hockey season begins.

Darcy Kuemper's new goalie mask

Here's the new goalie mask that Minnesota Wild goalie Darcy Kuemper will wear for the 2014-15 season.  Now, let's hope the Wild can get the young goalie locked into a new contract.

Video: Ric Del Basso Goal Celebration

This is from the Australian Ice Hockey League. The player that scored the goal in the sixth round of the shootout is Ric Del Basso of the Perth Thunder def Melbourne Ice. Should be the goal celebration of the year.

Jonathan Toews Ice Bucket Challenge

Former Fighting Sioux and current Chicago Blackhawks forward Jonathan Toews did the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge and this is by far the best ALS Ice Buckets Challenge that I have seen to date.

Former Wild Forward Devin Setoguchi signed by the Calgary Flames

Former Minnesota Wild forward Devin Setoguchi has been signed by the Calgary Flames. It would appear that the Flames got a bargain signing Setoguchi for $750,000. One could make the argument, that his is a smart contract, especially if he recovers from the miserable season that he had last season and scores 20 goals. That would be a big win for the Flames.

CGY signs Devin Setoguchi. One year. $750K AAV.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) August 23, 2014

Don Cherry Tweets About Team Canada's Win in the Ivan Hlinka tournament

1) Just want to give a congrats to the Team Canada Under 18 team for winning the Gold Medal . We’ve won the Ivan Hlinka tournament 7 years
— Don Cherry (@CoachsCornerCBC) August 22, 2014

Don Cherry tweeted this today... Last weekend, team USA lost to the Canadians in the semifinals of the  Ivan Hlinka tournament. USA would go on to win the bronze against the Swedes.

1) Just want to give a congrats to the Team Canada Under 18 team for winning the Gold Medal . We’ve won the Ivan Hlinka tournament 7 years
— Don Cherry (@CoachsCornerCBC) August 22, 2014

3) One is the Olympics with the NHL players playing, which we have won 3 out of last 4 Gold Medals. The other is the Ivan Hlinka tournament,
— Don Cherry (@CoachsCornerCBC) August 22, 2014

5) We beat the US 11-5 in the semi finals and then beat the Czech in the finals 6-2.
— Don Cherry (@CoachsCornerCBC) August 22, 2014

6) Great job. Like I’ve always said, we’re the best and always will be
— Don Cherry (@CoachsCornerCBC) August 22, 2014

46 Days Till the NHL Season

There's also 43 days until the College Hockey season begins.

Grand Forks Herald: UND, NDSU to play in 2015, 2019, ending 12-year hiatus

Good times have come our way... Finally, the North Dakota State University and North Dakota will resume their rivalry in football. It’s a start, and it’s also a step in the right direction. Seriously, the Bison didn’t have to play us and while some UND fans aren’t happy that the games will only played in Fargo for now, the series will eventually return to Grand Forks, ND. I would bet on it.

Now if you want some comical, thoughtful analysis on the resumption of the historic rivalry, head over to Belligerentville aka Bisonville.

One final note, according to Dom Izzo and Tom Miller, the two teams will “not” play for the Nickle Trophy.

Brad Elliott Schlossman, Grand Forks Herald -- The UND-NDSU football rivalry is back.

The schools will play in games in Fargo on Sept. 19, 2015, and Sept. 7, 2019, ending a 12-year hiatus that began after the 2003 contest when NDSU moved to NCAA Division I status.

“I want our football players to have the full experience of being a UND football player and, to me, that includes playing North Dakota State," UND coach Bubba Schweigert said. "True rivalry games are a big part of college football. You see Iowa State playing Iowa, Michigan State playing Michigan, Auburn playing Alabama and so on. There is no reason North Dakota and North Dakota State should not be playing.

“As I traveled around the region talking to some of our football alums, one of their fondest memories is playing against our rival North Dakota State. Too many young men have missed out on that opportunity over the last 11 years.”

This also means no FBS/BCS game for #NDSU in 2015; at Montana, home vs. Weber State and #UND
— Dom Izzo (@DomIzzoWDAY) August 22, 2014

Former #NDSU AD Gene Taylor outlined deal for games with #UND according to release, 500 tickets go to #UND as well
— Dom Izzo (@DomIzzoWDAY) August 22, 2014

In contract; #UND will receive 125K for the 2015 game and 140K for the 2019 game with #NDSU #FCSFootball
— Dom Izzo (@DomIzzoWDAY) August 22, 2014

Unfortunate. Such a great part of the rivalry "@gfherald: UND-NDSU won't play for Nickel Trophy in renewed rivalry http://t.co/ziNKP4AvMu”
— Tom Miller (@tommillergf) August 22, 2014

Don Cherry's Ice Bucket Challenge

I've accepted @RonMacLeanCBC #ALSIceBucketChallenge Here's a link to the video http://t.co/681eaJnRer
— Don Cherry (@CoachsCornerCBC) August 21, 2014

I wonder I am the only one that's getting bored with these challenges? Don't get me wrong, I do find them entertaining. Obviously, it's for a good cause, of course. Seriously, just donate the money to the ALS. I do have to give Grapes credit, that's an awesome suit.

NHL Hockey: Top UFA's

Checking out Cap Geek, there's not a lot out there as far as Unrestricted Free Agents. Lot of over 30-year old players out there looking for a team.

Can San Jose Live Up To Lofty Expectations In 2014-2015?

s/t to Guest Writer Mitchell Sansader.

For the last few seasons, the San Jose Sharks have been one of the most successful teams in the Western Conference in the NHL. They have a lot of talent on offense and defense, but they have been unable to break through and actually win a Stanley Cup up to this point. While there are many people expecting them to have success this upcoming year, there are reasons to be a little bit concerned.

 

Everything looked good last year when they were able to accumulate 111 points in the regular season. However, a 1st round playoff exit definitely has people a little bit worried about the future. They have plenty of fantasy hockey talent, but they are in the middle of a tough stage. They are not exactly rebuilding, but they are trying to make a few

 

The biggest thorn in the side for San Jose has been the Los Angeles Kings. For the last 2 seasons, the Western Conference rival has not been out of the playoffs. The potential is definitely there for San Jose to get by Los Angeles, and it all starts with fantasy hockey standouts Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau. They need to be better players in pressure situations in order for everything to come together. The Pacific division is definitely not going to get any easier anytime soon, so it will take an entire team effort to have success.

 

There will certainly be some optimism surrounding the squad, but there is really no reason to be optimistic about what they bring to the table. It is much easier to count on other teams in the Pacific division that have had success in the playoffs before. San Jose needs to prove themselves before they can truly move into that elite team status.

Kristo Re-signed by the Rangers

According to Pro Hockey Talk, the New York Rangers have re-signed Danny Kristo. Also, it looks like Kristo could get a chance at some playing time with the New York Rangers this season.

NHL.com --The 24-year-old native of Eden Prairie, Minn., completed his first full pro season in 2013-14 after four seasons at the University of North Dakota that saw him total 68 goals and 161 points in 157 games. Kristo (6-foot, 195) has shown some skill and is progressing nicely since his trade from the Canadiens, who drafted him in the second round (No. 56) in 2008.

"We liked him in college," Clark said. "It wasn't working out for him in Montreal and he turned out to be our No. 1 right wing in Hartford in his first full season. He's got speed, skill and knack of the puck somehow following him around. We're hoping to improve our pool of prospects at the center position where we weren't very deep as an organization in Hartford. We hope Danny can help us in that area."

Rangers to sign Kevin Hayes

Well, it looks like the New York Rangers are the team that's going to land former Boston College forward Kevin Hayes.

Mike Halford, Pro Hockey Talk -- On Tuesday, various outlets (see here and here and here and here) reported that Hayes — the former Boston College standout taken 24th overall by Chicago at the ’10 draft — has agreed to sign with the New York Rangers, ending a long, drawn-out saga in the process.

Hayes had consistently balked at signing in Chicago despite the ‘Hawks drafting him out of high school four years ago, ahead of the likes of Evgeny Kuznetsov, Charlie Coyle and Emerson Etem. Instead, he completed a stellar career at BC, then simply allowed time to run out on his draft rights — on Aug. 15, the deadline for the ‘Hawks to sign Hayes passed, making him an unrestricted free agent in the process.

Hump Day Links

There's only 46 days until the University of North Dakota kicks off the 2014-15 season. Here's a few links of interest from the world of hockey.

Matt Greene Brings the Stanley Cup Back to Grand Forks - http://t.co/XKBF7MXZk7 #NHL pic.twitter.com/Vq8Ns9uDjE
— THW Hockey (@HockeyLinks) August 20, 2014

Report: It's 'not looking good' for Bruins on Kevin Hayes http://t.co/JrHlEKUBdz
— Ian McLaren (@iancmclaren) August 20, 2014

Not looking good for #bruins on Kevin Hayes. I'm being told Rangers and Avs appear to have inside track.
— Mark Divver (@MarkDivver) August 20, 2014

Three concussion lawsuits filed by ex-NHL players consolidated, to be heard by federal judge in Minnesota. Details: http://t.co/8NdMpE1XHD
— Yahoo Sports NHL (@YahooSportsNHL) August 20, 2014

Did Doug Lidster Save The Canucks’ Season? http://t.co/sXodtikSJC #THW
— The Hockey Writers (@TheHockeyWriter) August 20, 2014

Checking In: Jake Guentzel: Forward Jake Guentzel returned to Pittsburgh for prospect developme... http://t.co/mVgJbBjUkc #NHL #Penguins
— NHL (@NHLLinks) August 20, 2014

Dane Jackson ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

Dane Jackson picks T.J. Oshie for the Ice Bucket Challenge.

UND Hockey: Ticket availability, Fan Fest set for UND hockey

I have had a few people ask me when single game tickets for hockey go on sale. Today, the University of North Dakota announced that September 12, 2014 is the day.


GRAND FORKS, N.D. – The University of North Dakota Athletics Department announced today that single-game tickets for men’s and women’s hockey will go on sale on Friday, Sept. 12, beginning at 10 a.m. Central.


Additionally, UND Champions Club members can participate in a pre-sale for men’s hockey single-game tickets on Thursday, Sept. 11, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central.


Also announced today, the sixth annual North Dakota Hockey Fan Fest, sponsored by Midco Sports Network, is set for Sunday, Sept. 21, at Ralph Engelstad Arena. The event, which starts at 3 p.m. Central, will include autograph and skill sessions with UND hockey student-athletes, a free meal, and the first chance to pick up the 2014-15 team posters.


Nearly 800 single-game seats are available for every men’s hockey home game on the 2014-15 schedule, with additional seats available for exhibition games and holiday series when class is out of session on the UND campus. Single-game men’s hockey tickets cost $40 (adult) and $25 (youth) for Friday games and $45 (adult) and $30 (youth) for Saturday games. Exhibition games cost $25 (adult) and $10 (youth).


All single-game women’s hockey tickets cost $7 (adult) and $5 (youth).


Although men’s hockey season tickets have once again sold out, fans can add their names to the season-ticket waiting list by joining the UND Champions Club and making a refundable $100 ticket deposit. Each year in the early summer, approximately half of the accounts on the waiting list are offered season tickets. Fans who are on the waiting list can participate in the pre-sale for single-game tickets on Thursday, Sept. 10, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.


Waiting list and Champions Club members will be emailed a passcode and instructions prior to the appropriate pre-sale date.


Tickets can be purchased at the UND Box Office at Ralph Engelstad Arena or via UNDsports.com/Tickets.

Star Tribune: Lawsuit threat dropped by Bellecourt's group

Very good news for the Warriors logo. Clyde Bellecourt has dropped his his plans to sue Warroad High School for using the Warriors logo. Here's my suggestion to Bellecourt, maybe you should have done some research before you tried to strong arm the Warroad community and Warroad High School.

Patrick Reusse, Star Tribune -- Clyde Bellecourt and his cohorts caved in on the Warroad Warriors after a meeting with Henry Boucha on Monday. Basically, Bellecourt's group released a statement admitting that it did not properly research the connection between the nickname, Warroad High School and the Warroad Indian Community.

Here was the statement released to Jess Myers, formerly a Warroad resident and a reporter who has been following this story:

Here's a post in question from Henry Boucha's Facebook page.

DU Hockey Staff Ice Bucket Challenge

The ice bucket challenge, come to the NCHC...

RT @MikeChambers: @DUCoachMonty and @DU_Hockey staff gets ALS ice bucket challenge from players http://t.co/VgKPiKYBG9…
— Denver Hockey (@DU_Hockey) August 18, 2014

Star Tribune: Henry Boucha responds to Bellecourt

If you haven't seen this, it's worth a look. Former Warroad Warrior and Minnesota North Star Henry Boucha let Clyde Bellcourt and the National Coalition Against Racism  know how he felt about their efforts to get Warroad to change it's logo. These comments were posted on his Facebook account.

Patrick Reusse, Star Tribune – Henry Boucha offered this response on his Facebook page on Friday night:

“It the late ‘80s, early ‘90s, the Warroad Indian Community, the Indian Education Department and the Warroad Indian Parent Committee supported keeping the name Warroad Warriors. [The Warroad Indian Community] still does today!

“We are proud of what the Warriors represent. Warroad [Kay-Bay-Kah-Nong] is derived from War Road, a trail to the West where the Warriors (our ancestors) traveled down to fight and battle the Sioux. We fought many fierce battles and won the war, keeping our land on Lake of the Woods.

“This is what the name is all about, and we are proud to have it.

“The Indian Parent Committee and the Warroad Indian Community designed the logo for our school. We use it today and wear it with pride.

“We haven’t had a mascot in 40 years. No-May-Poke, a brother to KaKaGeesick and Little Thunder, sold part of his land allotment at a very reasonable price to the Warroad School. It was at [that] time the Warroad Warriors name was instilled, with pride.

“This issue should be left to the communities to decide. Warroad decided once, and we’ll keep the name!

“The National Coalition, with members David Glass, Clyde Bellecourt, Michelle Mills, Norman Renville and Alan Yansey, who instigated this issue with Warroad, along with their lawyers using donated monies and wasting it on this lawsuit, only want fame and national recognition. They should feed the homeless and use the money for something good.’’

Take the hint, Clyde, and go back to the noble task of getting rid of the Washington Redskins.

 Boucha posted this picture on his facebook page.

Penguins' Crosby healing nicely

#490360205 / gettyimages.com

The NHL and it's fans are breathing a sigh of relief. The face of the NHL is healing and hopefully, he will be okay when the NHL season begins.

NHL.com -- Pittsburgh Penguins forward Sidney Crosby said Friday he is pleased with the way his injured right wrist has responded to treatment.

"It's good," Crosby told The Associated Press in Estero, Fla., where he has been working out. "You want to see how things progress throughout the summer once you start skating and get back to that regular routine. You want to see how it reacts, so I'm happy with the way it's gone."

The Penguins in early July said Crosby had been receiving treatment for a wrist injury he sustained last season. Crosby's agent, Pat Brisson, told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that Crosby opted for an injection rather than surgery, which was not ruled out. Brisson said Crosby was injured in March.

Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford said in July that Crosby would be ready for training camp.

After leading the NHL in scoring during the regular season with 104 points, Crosby had one goal and eight points in 13 Stanley Cup Playoff games. He did not have a point in the Penguins' final three games, all losses, after they took a 3-1 series lead against the New York Rangers in the Eastern Conference Second Round.

Sonny Milano speaks to the fans

Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch has Sonny Milano's statement that he made through his agent. 

August 16, 2014

“Since being drafted by the Columbus Blue Jackets at the NHL Draft in Philadelphia on June 27, I have been asked many times about whether I would continue with my plans to attend Boston College, or play junior hockey instead. In an effort to avoid controversy and further questions on the subject, I responded that I was looking forward to attending BC in the Fall. While I have had every intention of playing for Coach (Jerry) York and joining the best college hockey program in the country, since the end of my hockey season at the USNDTP I have been questioning whether going to school was the best situation for me.

"Perhaps I should have acknowledged my growing indecision when asked about my plans, but it was difficult to explain to those who were asking when I did not even know myself what I wanted to do. After a great deal of thought and discussion with my family, I have spoken with Coach York and informed him that I will be playing for the Ontario Hockey League’s Plymouth Whalers this season. "I think that BC is the best choice for those players who wish to go to school and play hockey. Every player’s path to achieving his goal of playing in the NHL is different, and the best route for some is not necessarily the best route for others. For me, the opportunity to play in the OHL is the right decision.

"If I have disappointed anyone, particularly the great people I have met at BC, it was certainly not my intention to do so, and for that I am sorry. I hope that BC and those involved with its hockey program understand my decision.”

Puck-rakers: Sonny Milano issues statement regarding decision to opt out of Boston College, pick OHL Plymouth #CBJ http://t.co/I8aSNtLWJ2
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) August 18, 2014

Related articles

• Sonny Milano Watch is on
• NCAA Hockey: 62 Players Selected in the 2014 NHL Draft
• NCAA Hockey: Fastest Growing Development Path

Updated: Sonny Milano to sign with Columbus Blue Jackets

Sonny Milano has informed @BCHockeyNews that he will sign a professional contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets organization.
— BC Hockey (@BCHockeyNews) August 16, 2014

This seems to be a re-occurring theme for some of the USNDT players. Like I told someone the other day, until they come on Campus they're a threat to not make it to campus, especially if they were drafted high. It's a big loss for Boston College Eagles, but they're still a very loaded hockey team. My money says that Milano will end up with the Plymouth Whalers of the OHL.

Jerry York: “Sonny has informed me he will sign a contract with Columbus. They will dictate his path as he embarks upon his pro career.”
— BC Hockey (@BCHockeyNews) August 16, 2014

CBJ 1st round pick Sonny Milano will not attend Boston College, has chosen to play with @PWhalers of the OHL this season.
— Jeff Marek (@JeffMarek) August 17, 2014

According to @Aportzline, Milano will sign his ELC in the next few days.
— Jeff Marek (@JeffMarek) August 17, 2014

Miami vs. UND

Can you spot this mistake! @goon48 pic.twitter.com/1wvKkDl52L
— Mikey Pete (@mikeypete329) August 16, 2014

Lol! Looks like a typo.

Dufault Remains Hot with Two Goal Performance

Game two in the Canadian Women's Hockey Development Camp saw much of the same from game one, and that is team Yellow beating team Blue by a multiple goal margin with a score of 4-1. Team Blue would score the game's first goal, but Yellow came storming back, scoring four unanswered.

UND junior forward, Meghan Dufault, is showing why she belongs at this camp by scoring two more goals, helping solidify another team Yellow victory. She is showing all of Canada that size isn't everything in women's hockey, it's heart and a want to win the game. Halli Krzyzaniak also played once again, but held off the score sheet as she was in the previous game.

With the outstanding summer play of the two athletes, especially Dufault being able to find the net more and more, just makes the upcoming season look that much more promising for UND. Now I know it takes more than two players to change the outcome of a team, but two dynamic players on each side of the puck might be just what the locker room needs to find themselves back in the NCAA tournament for the first time in the post Lamoureux era.

Grand Forks Herald: Group threatens suit against Warroad school’s Indian logo

This story was on the front page of the Grand Forks Herald this morning. I was under the impression that the Ojibwe tribe had given Warroad High School their blessing to use the Warriors nickname. It will be interesting to see what happens in this case.

Charly Haley, Grand Forks Herald -- National organization is threatening to sue the Warroad, Minn., school district over its use of an American Indian mascot, the Warriors.

The National Coalition Against Racism in Sports and Media sent a letter to Warroad Public Schools on Thursday, asking the district to begin transitioning away from using the Warriors logo, which is an American Indian head.

If the school district doesn’t contact the coalition and start that process in 30 days, the coalition may pursue legal action, according to the letter, which cites the U.S. Civil Rights Act of 1964 as making the logo discriminatory and illegal.

“If you choose to remain in denial, we will after a 30 day waiting period file all necessary and available actions to enforce the laws,” the letter stated.

Representatives from the Warroad school district did not return calls from the Herald Friday.

TSN: NHL Loses Key Decision in TV Rights Lawsuit

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I will be following this story closely, this sounds like a potential mess.

Rick Westhead, TSN.CA -- The lawsuit also attacks the NHL's tactic of charging customers $179.80 for its full-season offering of games available on cable and satellite providers. Again, both of those packages, known as NHL Center Ice, black out in-market games.

The NHL subsequently filed a motion to dismiss the case and a judge ruled this week against that motion. The ruling was unsealed on Friday.

Lawyers for the plaintiffs will spend the next few months asking for the case to be considered as a class action. It's unclear how many people might be involved in the case.

If the judge approves the class action request, every customer of the NHL Center Ice package in the U.S. would be included as a plaintiff. The case does not involve or affect broadcast rights within Canada.

"Disappointed, but still very preliminary," NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly told TSN on Friday afternoon. "We remain confident of ultimately prevailing on the merits."

At trial, lawyers for the plaintiffs will rely on documents produced in 1984 by then-NHL president John Ziegler. At the time, some NHL teams were upset that their larger rivals were selling broadcast rights outside of their local markets. Ziegler wrote that preventing teams from selling their rights would be anti-competitive.

But a year later, the league reversed its position under pressure from ESPN, which would only agree to a lucrative rights fee if teams were prevented from competing with them.

Grand Forks Herald Opinion: For UND teams, ‘North Dakota’ works just fine

This was in the today's Grand Forks Herald Letters to the Editor. I couldn't agree with him more with Hal and Kathy. While some want to rush to find a new nickname. There's nothing wrong with just being "North Dakota"... I can guarantee, that nothing  the nickname committee comes up with is going to be better than this option. Cue the Sun Dogs nickname. I don't think so.

 

We disagree with the editorial position of the Herald, which encourages UND to “pick up the pace” in finding a name for its sports teams (“UND should get after a new nickname,” Page A4, July 31).

The Herald calls UND’s process “tepid,” “timid” and “meek,” claiming the university is “tiptoeing around the issue.”

 

We think this is harsh criticism. We imagine the university is the least anxious of all to resuscitate the arguments that separated the pros from the cons. The statewide vote to drop the name Sioux was a concession that the NCAA forced on the public, but the vote was hardly a signal that people were ready to “move on.”

 

The Herald might be ready for another dust-up, but few others of us are.

 

What is more, as supporters of the Sioux name, we believe the Herald’s suggestion of finding a name that is “powerful,” “inspiring” and “recognizable” is a little naive. The fact is, there isn’t a single, solitary animal or bird totem or color (such as “Crimson”) that would serve as an adequate replacement for the name Sioux.

 

That was a name known and respected by all, one that immediately conveyed a sense of power and inspired players to greatness.

 

We suggest that UND continue the name “North Dakota” for its teams. Nothing more. No changes needed. It says who team players are, and it includes the campus community, the local, state and regional fans.

 

And it is, on its own merits, also a powerful name, easily recognized nationally and inspirational in its successes.So, let’s not spend any time or energy to select a new nickname. The UND fight song lyrics already say, “... fight on North Dakota!”Sounds great to us.

 

Hal and Kathy Gershman

Grand Forks

NHL to Seattle?

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From Nicholas Goss of NESN.com. It would appear that the city of Seattle could be in the running for getting an NHL franchise. To me, Seattle seems like a logical home for an NHL franchise and could become an instant rival with the Vancouver Canucks.

According to King 5, Coleman has met with several important people involved with the NHL and the City of Seattle.

“It’s clear Coleman has the support of the NHL. One league executive describes him as “the real deal,” and he was flanked by the NHL’s top leaders during a clandestine meeting in Seattle back in May,” King 5’s Chris Daniels writes.

Getting a new arena built in Seattle appears, at least at the moment, dependent on the existence of an NBA tenant, and there’s no indication that pro basketball will be returning to Seattle anytime soon.

Daniels also reports that Coleman and Chris Hansen, who wants to bring an NBA team to Seattle with a new arena, have spoken. (NESN.com)

Who's the best hockey team in your state?

I found this post over at The Hockey News and they listed the top hockey each team from each state. Obviously, UND is the best hockey team in North Dakota. Most of the selections are obvious, but some states don't really have a hockey team so they listed an NCAA club team.

Dufault, Krzyzaniak Take Part in Canada Development Camp

After a long summer of no women's hockey news to report, we finally get a taste of some with Meghan Dufault and Halli Krzyzaniak participating in Canada's development camp. Junior Becca Kohler was also invited, but was unable to attend this camp.

Today saw team Blue, with Halli Krzyzaniak, go against team Yellow, with Meghan Dufault. Krzyzaniak was held relatively quiet on the stat sheet with zeros across the board today in her team's 3-1 loss to team yellow. However, Dufault

was able to find her way on the score sheet as she opened up the games scoring to put team yellow up 1-0.

Even though Kohler was unable to attend this camp, I believe that her, along with Dufault and Krzyzaniak, will be a big part of Canada's women's hockey future. These three have the talent to take their games to the next level after they are done with the NCAA squad. It is going to be very exciting to see how their games progress over the next two seasons for Kohler and Dufault, and three for Krzyzaniak.

WCHA, Must-See Non-Conference Series

Part four of a six part series that were originally posted at the Hockey Writers.

Series one: North Dakota vs. Bemidji State University Date: October 10-11, 2014.
 Game one location: Ralph Engelstad Arena, Grand Forks, North Dakota.
Game two location: Sanford Center, Bemidji, Minnesota.

The Highway Two series, both teams are a short 2-hour bus trip away. Former WCHA foes BSU and UND will square off in a two-game home-and-home non-conference series. Last season, BSU lost and tied to UND (2-4 L, 1-1 T). One should expect a lot of UND fans to make the trip to the Sanford Center on Saturday night, due to the proximity of the schools.

All-time, Bemidji State is (2-26-2 .116) against North Dakota.

You can see all of the three by clicking on the links.

Big Ten Hockey: Five Must-See Non-Conference Series.

ECAC Hockey: Five Must-See Non-Conference Series.

NCHC Hockey: Five Must-See Non-Conference Series.

UND Hockey: Five Must-See Non-Conference.

Ryan Malone 'baffled' at cocaine find

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Ryan Malone’s story doesn’t pass the smell test. Seriously, I am sure drugs just jumped into this back pocket or someone happened to pass by and stashed the contraband in his back pocket. Frankly, this is a disappointing story. Ryan Malone now looks just as stupid as the criminal element on the television show COPS.

Joe Smith, Tampa Bay Times — When a Tampa police officer pulled a bag of cocaine out of Ryan Malone's back pocket during an April 11 DUI arrest, the then-Lightning wing appeared stunned.

"Oh my God," he told officer Andrew Visser.

Malone, 34, waived his Miranda rights and told Visser he didn't know where the 1.3 grams of cocaine came from, according to discovery documents the Tampa Bay Times received Tuesday through a public records request.

Malone told Visser he didn't believe the officer planted the drugs on him, according to the documents, but he was "baffled" because he was wearing the same jeans for three days.

"I asked where it came from," Visser wrote in his report. "And he said he was just shocked."

Malone, who is facing charges of DUI and cocaine possession, could work out a plea deal at his next court date, Aug. 19. Malone, riding with a female friend and his brother, was pulled over after he struck a curb on W Platt Street. Malone initially refused a field sobriety test but submitted to a blood alcohol test at booking (0.112 and 0.116); the state presumes impairment at 0.08.

Word of advice, if you’re pulled over by the cops and they find something illegal on you or in your can, keep your mouth shut. Or better yet, don't get involved in illegal activity. I would imagine that he Saint Cloud State University is real proud of their former Husky.

Minnesota Wild: Questons at the goaltending position

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The Minnesota Wild's goaltending situation has been a subject of discussion.

John Kreiser - NHL.com -- Who's the goalie? -- Niklas Backstrom, Josh Harding, Darcy Kuemper, Ilya Bryzgalov and John Curry (who won his lone late-season start) all had at least one victory in a season of tumult for Minnesota goaltenders . Harding was 18-7-3 with an NHL-best 1.65 goals-against average, but he didn't play after Dec. 31 because of the effects of his battle with multiple sclerosis. Backstrom struggled all season and played a total of 22:25 after Jan. 11 before season-ending abdominal surgery. Minor-league call-up Kuemper (12-8-4, 2.43 GAA) and Bryzgalov (7-1-3, 2.12 GAA), acquired in a trade on March 4, got the Wild to the playoffs.

The question now is who fits where this season. Fletcher and coach Mike Yeo said they are content to go into training camp without a designated starter and see what happens in a competition between Backstrom, Harding and Kuemper (Bryzgalov remains a free agent).

"We have three guys who are quality goaltenders, three guys who at points in the season have been our starting goaltender and played very good hockey," Yeo told NHL.com. "We're expecting some good competition in camp."

From ESPN's Katie Strang's Chat on ESPN...

Michael (Minnesota)

If you were Chuck Fletcher, what would you do with your goalie situation? Are you tempted to sign Brodeur?

Katie Strang (1:05 PM)

If I were Chuck Fletcher I'd be extremely concerned about my goaltending situation. I know he said publicly that there will be training camp competition with Harding, Backstrom and Kuemper but I wouldn't feel too confident with that. That's why, since the trade deadline, many assumed Brodeur would be a great fit there. His sons also play at famed hockey prep school Shattuck St. Mary's in Fairbault, MN. Makes a lot of sense. But I think Brodeur is holding out for potentially an injury situation that opens a spot up.

I think if there’s one question going into the 2014-15 season, it’s the Minnesota Wild’s goaltending situation. Niklas Backstrom and Josh Harding’s health issues are well documented. Darcy Kuemper has yet to sign a contract. I am not so sure that the Wild want to add Martin Brodeur to the mix.

Matt Greene with the Cup

Former University of North Dakota defensman Matt Greene brought the Stanley Cup back to Grand Forks, ND. There was a lot of people on hand today to see the Stanley Cup today.

As you can see from the pictures, the Stanley Cup is a very large trophy. It was a classy move by the former Fighting Sioux defenseman to bring the cup to Grand Forks.

Former captain Matt Greene and a special friend chat with @UNDMHockey radio voice Tim Hennessy. pic.twitter.com/ZJTgm0mXcC
— North Dakota MHockey (@UNDMHockey) August 12, 2014

Minnesota Wild All Time Greatest Player

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Well we all heard Eric's opinion on who the greatest player in franchise history for the Minnesota Wild is, Marian Gaborik, and that will probably be a lot of other peoples choices because of how dynamic of a goal scorer he is.

However, one has to argue for Mikko Koivu. The captain has been with the team for 601 games played, plus three playoff runs.  The captain is much deserving of this honor along with his 452 points and a +26 rating in his career, I'd say this honor goes to Mikko Koivu.

Grand Forks Herald, NCHC Commish Fenton Working on TV Deal

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It appears that that is some good news for hockey fans that are not happy with the current TV deal. Many UND and NCHC  fans aren't happy with the current television deal, either. Today, Brad Schlossman reports that  CBSSN might have moved a bit on the exclusivity clause. This would be good news to the fans that can't see the games in person. (Grand Forks Herald Article). Once the details have been worked out, I post something.

Brad Schlossman, UND Hockey Blog-- Nothing is done yet, but all indications are that CBS Sports appears willing to alter that exclusivity clause that prevented UND (and others in the league) from getting more nationally televised games last season.

How, exactly, will the exclusivity clause be altered? That’s what’s unknown at this point. Obviously, CBS will still be able to pick its games and the CBS games won’t be allowed to be on any other network. But I think there’s a good chance that when CBS is not broadcasting hockey, the games could be free to other national networks.

This would be a big step forward for the league and for fans who live elsewhere.

UND could push to get some games back on Fox College Sports. I’ve heard that St. Cloud State and Minnesota Duluth will likely get some games on FSN North this season, too.

CBS Sports appears willing to alter, in some way, exclusivity clause to open more NCHC games to national TV http://t.co/1WGre7SDwU
— Brad E. Schlossman (@SchlossmanGF) August 11, 2014

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