UND Officially Sues the NCAA.

Time to Drop the Gloves and Knock Out the NCAA
UND Sues the NCAA
They have been talking about this for some time. Finally its time to stop talking and bring some closure to this issue.

The Story from ESPN

FARGO, N.D. -- State officials filed a lawsuit Friday against the NCAA to challenge its restrictions on the University of North Dakota's Fighting Sioux nickname.

Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem said the lawsuit, filed in Northeast Central District Court in Grand Forks, alleges a breach of contract by the NCAA, a breach of good faith and illegal restraint of trade.

Stenehjem said the lawsuit seeks to allow the University of North Dakota to use the nickname throughout the school year without being sanctioned in possible postseason play, along with unspecified money damages.

The NCAA has banned the use of some American Indian nicknames and logo in postseason tournaments, saying they are hostile and abusive.

Stenehjem said the NCAA overstepped its bounds.
"This is about a process to be followed by the NCAA," he said.
"Frankly, I don't think that anybody, regardless of how they feel about the result, should be satisfied or pleased with the process," Stenehjem said.

The NCAA has 20 days to respond after it is served with the lawsuit, the attorney general said.

NCAA officials were not immediately available for comment. NCAA President Myles Brand has said the NCAA will defend its policy "to the utmost."

The state Board of Higher Education voted in June to file the lawsuit after two North Dakota appeals were rejected.

"This action by the NCAA keeps me from doing what the Board of Higher Education says we should do here," UND President Charles Kupchella said. He said the NCAA process was unfair and wrong.
Other schools initially deemed to have unsuitable nicknames by the NCAA have won the right to use their monikers on appeal. They include the Florida State University Seminoles, the Central Michigan University Chippewas and the University of Utah Utes.

A number of Indian students want UND to drop the nickname and logo. One official with the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe wrote a letter supporting the university, but another opposed the nickname.

A branch of the University of North Dakota Alumni Association set up a fund to help pay for the lawsuit after the state board of education said it must be financed with private money.

Finally
I like the fact that the University of North Dakota has finally filed the lawsuit. Sioux Fans have talked about this law suit till we were blue in the face. Now is the time to take action, so possibly we don't lose any NCAA football games. We must do what ever it takes to defend this historic monkier, if UND decides to change it should be done on our terms not account of some dill weed in Indiana.

I like the fact that the State of North Dakota filed this law suit on Friday. Last year the NCAA did the same to us. The NCAA announced their new policy on a Friday, then had no one around that could explain the new policy. However I am sure the State of North Dakota will be more polite than the NCAA was to us.

However, I would have loved to have the State of ND file this at the end of the day say at about 5:00pm and let the NCAA have all weekend chew on this. That was the rude way it was done to us. Honestly, the national media had all weekend to talk about this new policy before the affected schools could respond to the policy change. It was like having the NCAA stick a finger in our eye. Its time to be the one sticking our finger in someone's eye.

Shall we use the cliche, the shoe is on the other foot now. This lawsuit is the right stand, because someone has to make a stand against the hand wringing leftists, who should be freeze dried or doing time. But I digress, unforunately in America there is small group of hypersensative people in our midst that feel they have the God give right to not be offended, they belong to the entitlement society. I am sorry the world doesn't work that way. This lawsuit is the step in the right direction, its a statement against extremist liberalism and political correctness run amuck. It also proves that the vocal minorities (Left Wing College Proffessors included)shouldn't be able to just influnce policy just because it offends them or some small group of people. I mean we have seen the protest against the name, its a small vocal minority.

Lets Go North Dakota, lets kick some NCAA ass, lets show the NCAA and its top exec Miles Brand that they picked on the wrong school. Lets show the NCAA North Dakota's Can Do Spirit and the grit of the Rough Rider State.

Brand's Response to the Lawsuit
NCAA President Myles Brand has said the NCAA will defend its policy "to the utmost."

More Links on Story:
Fox News Story on the UND's Sueing the NCAA
Sudeo Reporter PCM
USA Today Story

Sioux Getting Some Love in the Latest Gee Whiz Polls.

Sioux Get Some Recognition in Latest National Gee Whiz Polls
After being wrongfully snubbed by CHN last week by their pre-season all-American polls, The Fighting Sioux finally got some deserved love as two of their premiere players have finally received some well deserved recognition from Inside College Hockey, and much to my dismay; yes Cory Schneider is still a second team pre season all-American. On another note Fighting Sioux Freshman Michael Forney is on the preseason All Rookie team. Minnesota is looking like the preseason favorite in the WCHA.
UND lands Two on Pre-Season All American Teams.

UND third in INCH Power Rankings Poll
1. Boston College (Frozen Four Runner-up)
2. Minnesota (WCHA Regular Season Champs)
3. UND (Final Five Champs & Frozen Four)
4. Michigan State
5. Boston University
6. Michigan
7. Wisconsin (Defending NCAA Champ)
8. Miami (?)
9. Denver
10.Maine (Frozen Four)

USCHO WCHA Standings
USCHO
USCHO 2006/07 STANDINGS PREDICTION
1. MINNESOTA
2. NORTH DAKOTA
3. WISCONSIN
4. ST. CLOUD
5. DENVER
6. DULUTH
7. COLORADO COLLEGE
8. MINNESOTA STATE
9. MICHIGAN TECH
10. ALASKA ANCHORAGE

CHN WCHA StandingsCHN

1. Minnesota
2. UND
3. Wisconsin
4. Denver
5. SCSU
6. UMD
7. C.C.
8. Minnesota State
9. U.A.A.
10.Michigan Tech

Kessel Looks to Start Season with Bruins.

 
Kessel To Start Season with Team
It appears that Phil Kessel has made the final roster cuts with the Boston Bruins.

“We have a great team here, a great bunch of guys, and I am having a lot of fun…you learn a lot from great players and playing in games…I feel pretty comfortable.” Forward, Phil Kessel, on training camp, thus far

In Other Bruins News The Boston Bruins have name Zedano Chara their captain for the 2006-2007 season.
Zedano Is Named Captin
  

Grand Forks Herald's Coaches Poll.

The Votes are in.
The Grand Forks Herald had its 36th annual Grand Forks Herald
WCHA preseason coaches' poll

1. (tie) Minnesota (5) 74

1. (tie) Wisconsin (3) 74

3. UND (2) 66

4. Denver 55

5. St. Cloud St. 48

6. Minn. Duluth 45

7. Colorado College 37

8. Michigan Tech 19

9. MSU-Mankato 18

10. Alaska Anchorage 14
Beauty Contests

Player of the year

Brian Elliott, G, Wisconsin, 6 votes

Jonathan Toews, F, UND, 2

T.J. Oshie, F, UND, 2

Rookie of the year

Erik Johnson, D, Minnesota, 4 votes

Kyle Okposo, F, Minnesota, 3

Alex Stalock, G, Duluth, 2

Brock Trotter, F, Denver, 1

Goon's Analysis
I personally I don't have a problem with this poll(drum roll please). It's pretty much a given that the Wisconsin Badgers were going to get the pre-season number one spot after winning the NCAA title last season. Also, since the Gophers won the McNaughten Cup last season before doing nothing else the rest of the season, should be logical selection at number one. Also, I say let these teams have the kiss of death, when ever someone is picked to finish in the top spot of the league they end up finishing further down the list. I am all for UND flying under the radar this season for a change.

It is not much of a stretch to say that the Golden Rodents have probably the best recruiting class on paper in the NCAA. I know we can also say that NCAA titles are won on the ice and not in some stupid meaningless poll. Games are also not won on paper. But I digress, Wisconsin will be a top five team but will have trouble scoring goals as Thee Wisconsin Hockey Blog addresses the issue.
Wisconsin Hockey Blog pretty much sums it up:

Joe Pavelski, 56 pts. Robbie Earl, 50 pts. Adam Burish, 32 pts. Tom Gilbert, 31 pts. Ryan MacMurchy, 25 pts. And there you have it - the 5 top scorers on the team, worth a combined total of 194 points. The production will be hard to replace, and it's also the reason that the defending national champions are not considered to be serious players in the WCHA title race this year.

Frankly, that offense is going to need to come from someplace. The highest returning scorers on the team are senior Ross Carlson (23 pts), sophomore Jack Skille (21 pts), and junior Kyle Klubertanz (21 pts). Those three guys are going to have to step up their offense to probably around 100 points or so combined in order to give the Badgers the top of the lineup juice they need to stay competitive. That's about a 50% increase over what they had this year.

This should be a very good season as finally we can talk about something else beside what CHN and INCH worthless polls.

Even the Iraqis Know the Deal.

NDSU SUCKS
Check this picture out.
This was sent to me from a buddy. I have no idea where he got the picture from but I like it. Personally I miss the UND Vs. NDSU rivarly, it has been too quite around here since we stopped playing the boys to the south. I am hoping that UND goes division IAA so we can start beating the Dirty Bison again.
Never forget you can't spell suck with out SU

Goon's Rambling 9-28-2006.

These People Can't Be serious
CHN
Here are the College Hockey News picks for pre-season all American.
First Team. I have no issues with this First team. Duh Elliot is a shut down goalie and back stopped the Badgers to the NCAA title. Without Brian Elliot no way Wisconsin wins that tourney at least not with Shane Connelly in net.

First Team

F - Brian Boyle, Sr., Boston College
F - Scott Parse, Sr., Nebraska-Omaha
F - T.J. Oshie, So., North Dakota
D - Matt Hunwick, Sr., Michigan
D - Kyle Klubertanz, Jr., Wisconsin
G - Brian Elliott, Sr., Wisconsin

Second team.
F - Michel Leveille, Sr., Maine
F - T.J. Hensick, Sr., Michigan
F - Ryan Dingle, Jr., Denver
D - Alex Goligoski, Jr., Minnesota
D - Brett Motherwell, So., Boston College
G - Cory Schneider, Jr., Boston College
Players to watch according to CHN. F - Jonathan Toews, So., North Dakota - Oshie's passed him, slightly, but Toews remains a force to be reckoned with.
Are you kidding me?
What kind of crap is this? That has to be the understatement of the summer, if not the year. I guess the number three pick in the NHL draft this summer is worthy of being a pre-season All American, or not at least by CHN standards? What a joke. Are you serious? How is Toews not at least a second teamer? I suppose they don’t want to slight a more important B.C. or Michigan player the two teams are littered with them.
Lets Go Further
CHN has Cory Schneider listed at the second team All American. You can’t be serious, that is almost as funny as Al Montoya being one of the top American goalies in his age group, I don’t see any NHL teams beating his door down to sign him. I think it is a stretch to say that Schneider is the second best goalie in the NCAA. It’s obvious that CHN like INCH isn’t going to give UND any love so maybe we should just give up all hope on this site. Like I said these poll are nothing more than a beauty pageant or a popularity contest, they make good gee whiz reading. Its no secret that college hockey has an east coast biases, its well documented, they have for years even though its been proved that the WCHA is the strongest league in the NCAA right now. I figure CHN had to pick at least one of the two UND players so they picked Oshie. Not sure of the logic on this one. Or they close their eyes and threw a dart and the dart landed on Oshie.

Here is one of my responses
I posted this as a follow up to a message on Sioux Sports that was written by Farce PoohbahThe Link

I think you (Farce Poohbah)summed it up pretty well, even after being gone for a few days. I am sick and tired of fans expecting us to take this crap laying down. Notice its always from the people that were well represented In the polls. The Fighting Sioux are over looked year after year. Why. Because we aren't a gasp, a Big Ten team nor are we a big school. There seems to be this so called bias towards the bigger schools especially Michigan, Wisconsin, Michigan State, Minnesota and Boston College as well as an east coast bias.

Farce Poobah, I think you mentioned what a lot of us have been saying in this thread in one shape or another. However, some have taken issue with it. I guess one can’t call a spade a spade. Thanks for bringing up the numbers. For those of us that numbers savvy or good at math 14/81 is equal to 83%. Those are hardly All-American numbers. Nor are they very good at all. I think one can make the argument: Schneider is a good goalie (there is no question about it) but it has been proven that he fails to show up when it matters the most. Shall we say at key times like during the NCAA tourney? If he Corey do it in the big games how the heck is he ever going to play in the NHL? There are no Merrimac’s or Providence’s in the NHL.

Face it the Sioux have lit Schneider up in the past. Schneider was hardly sharp during last years semi final against UND (yep our goalie had a bad game too). Cory was also shredded for 6 goals by UND during the East regional in 2005. Or should we say when UND won the NCAA's version of the Bean Pot. Schneider lost big in his own back yard. Yep that makes me thing he is an All-American material. Of course not, but these things are decided long before they get to the playoffs. They base these numbers on regular season play. That is why I think some of these polls are a joke. I also think its funny when I see someone from Quinnipac or Mercy Hurst in the top ten of the NCAA scoring when they have been feasting on cup cakes all season. It just proves my theory that UND is definitely not Merrimack College, Vermont College, or University of Mass Lowell.

Back to the Pre-Season all-Big Ten poll. Michigan's name is all over the pre-season all Americans polls from CHN, So is Boston College. I am wondering if CHN and INCH know there are teams west of Minneapolis. What are Sioux fans to gleam out of last season's NCAA tourney; are the so-called self appointed geniuses telling us it had to be a fluke? The CCHA put four teams in the tourney last season, which in my opinion was too many, only to have one of them make it to the second round.

So in conclusion: UND has one all-American candidate and he is from the same team UND bounced Michigan out of the NCAA tourney last season. What are we to gleam from this poll that the last season was a fluke? I mean these are the same guys that were on the Michigan team last year in the poll this season. If last season proved anything it was nice to see Michigan out the safe confines of the state of Michigan, where they were one and done. I would like to see this happen more often.

Wake Me up When September Ends.

Wake me up when its over
It’s Upon Us.
Ah yes the August heat has come and gone, September is almost over and the yearly right of passage Ducktober is upon us. The golf clubs are ready to be put away for yet another season. I am not sure that is a bad thing, because God knows there can’t be many good shots left in them for the season. Actually it was a pretty good golf season as I played decent golf for most of the summer, to revisit an old cliché a bad day of golf is better than a good day at work. But I digress. A good day of golf doesn’t come close to a good day of hunting.
Dakota sporting a new hunting vest
The Waterfowl season opens in North Dakota for residents Saturday at first light. I think Green Day said it best “Summer has come and passed the innocent can never last wake me up when September ends.” With the beginning of Ducktober also comes college and NHL hockey season’s openers. It just doesn’t get any better than this. This is the time I year I look forward to the most. It’s just too bad October and November aren’t 6 months long.

In Case anyone is confused.

Goalie

In case anyone is confused let me refresh your memory.

Sieve

Former Sioux Hockey Player Tyler Palmiscino.

Palmo
This came in my email today. Check out Tyler's ugly uniform.

Goon’s Ramblings 09-12-2006.

Student Behavior at Sporting Events
There seems to be a reoccurring theme appearing on college campuses nationwide, as the college sports season kicks off. There is a big focus on college campuses by school administrations on what to do about student behavior, antics and cheers at college sporting events. The University of North Dakota is not at all immune from this issue. Last season the UND athletic director Tom Bunning held forums at Engelstad Arena before the hockey season to discuss on what is expected from its students body as far as student behavior, and what type of language that is acceptable and not acceptable while attending University of North Dakota sporting events. The issue has also been discussed in great lengths on Siouxsports.com as well. The debate has been fast and furious. Some students have claimed that their first amendment rights are being trampled upon by heavy handed college administrations. On the flip side of the issue some older fans are tired of hearing profanity laced cheers coming from the student sections at college sporting events.
BU to Clean Up Student Language at Sporting Events
So fast forward to the present, Boston University Administration is trying to clean up it’s student’s language at sporting events. Dean of students Kenneth Elmore told The Boston Globe the school adopted the no-swearing policy after numerous complaints about profane language during hockey games.
BU Administration to control students behavior I guess the BU administration is not happy about the F’em up BC sucks cheer.
BU Video

Drop the puck addresses the issue in his blog: Check out DTP's article on the issue.

Are Profanity Laced Cheers Protected Under the First Amendment?
One question seems to come up all the time. Are profanity laced cheers protected under the first amendment? Do students have the right to say what ever they want during sporting events. The answer is no. The United States Supreme Court ruled against the students in such a case.

In more recent Supreme Court cases (Bethel School District v. Fraser in 1986 and Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier in 1988), the majority ruled that in the case of obscene speech, school authorities may discipline the perpetrator because the school has a right to control the manner of the speech if not the political content. Furthermore, in Hazelwood, the Court ruled that in curricular-based productions like an official school newspaper, school authorities have the right to regulate content in "any reasonable manner," taking into account the maturity of the audience and the reasonable desire to proscribe any student speech advocating use of drugs or alcohol, irresponsible sex, or improper conduct. Thus, school officials are given considerable discretion over the content of school-sponsored publications and performances.

This isn’t an isolated issue, its happening all over the place. It’s also was an issue in Michigan few years back. Here is a link to the Albion student newspaper.
Another Example

A similar issue arose at Albion last year during the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) men’s basketball tournament. A group of Albion students chanted “F---Hope, F--- Calvin,” as fans from the two schools left Kresge Gymnasium after their semifinal game. Just like Williams, President Peter Mitchell addressed the crowd before the championship game against Hope a few days later, apologizing to the Hope crowd. Mitchell also sent an email to the entire student body, stating: “I expect the highest standard of conduct from our fans.”

Do fans have an unlimited right of speech, or is it an administration’s responsibility to limit what can and cannot be said?

Bruce Weaver, professor of speech communication, has taught a free speech class for the past 12 years and feels that free speech in general, let alone at sporting events, is never absolute.

“To assume that we can do whatever we want, whenever we want, is ridiculous,” Weaver said. “Keep in mind that free speech is speech in the public domain. If you are attending a public event, part of attending is to keep in mind that you will be held within some sort of behavioral norm

Stay tuned this issue will not go away and its only going to grow as football, hockey and basketball season begin around the nation.

Goon’s Perspective on Profanity at Sporting Events

I am not going to take the high road on this as say that all profanity is bad, but I would not condone using F’bombs in cheers at sporting events where children where hear it, and they have in the past at the REA. Minor profanity such as the S’bombs may have a place sporting events, but they just may just barely skirt the line of unacceptable behavior.

As you know I think the officiating in the WCHA is horrible and most of the officials in this league don’t deserve the paychecks they get for the officiating they do. I personally don’t object to the fans giving the refs like Don Adam the bullshit cheer when he screws up yet another game. I do however think cheers (linked up above) like the F’em up B.C. sucks cheer is a vile and vulgar, plus it has no place in a hockey arena. To the morons like Kendall Lyons that say their right are being trampled on by their school’s administration need to get a clue, obscenities are not protected under the first amendment Lastly students like Lyons need to grow up and join the adult world. Just because you are a college student doesn’t give you the right to act like a dolt. You also sound like an idiot when you say things like that. Your also bringing unneeded focus to your university.

The Goon's Pre-Season WCHA predictions.

Updated Version II

Projected Final League Standing
1. Minnesota
2. North Dakota
3. Denver
4. Wisconsin
5. Colorado College
6. Minnesota-Duluth
6. St. Cloud
8. Minnesota State
9. Michigan Tech
10. Alaska-Anchorage

Explaining The Goon’s Picks
These are the Goon's pre-season favorites for the WCHA. Here is my reasoning for picking the Golden Gophers for the number one position.

You might as well hand the Gophers the McNaughten Cup. Yes, I am very well aware of the fact that Kellen Briggs and Jeff Frazee are the goaltenders for the University of Minnesota, it’s obvious that these two mediocre goaltenders come no where near the level of all world goaltenders Brian Elliot and Bobby Goepfert, nor in my opinion are they as good as much maligned Sioux goal tender Phil Lamoureux. However, I digress. I still think the Gophers can be a number one team based on their offensive capabilities alone. Minnesota has many weapons at their disposal. This is not a team that you are going to want to take penalties against. If you take stupid penalties the Gophers are going to bury you.

Finally, Kyle Okposo and Erik Johnson are awesome, and much coveted hockey players, lets make no mistake about it. You would be kidding yourself if you thought otherwise. Even though it kills me I have to give Donny Lucia props for recruiting these guys. Okposo (nick name KO) and Johnson are world-class players. E.J. was wooed by St Louis to sign a pro contract and probably could have played for the Blues in the NHL this season. In fact I am sure there were many of us were hoping this was going to be the case, I know I was. Of course it didn’t happen and now the rest of the league is going to fear his wrath. The hockey pundits on NHL Home Ice said he would never play for the University of Minnesota.

Lastly, Erik Johnson is a freak of nature (that is a good thing) a man among boys and will be crushing opposition players as they approach the University of Minnesota Net. WCHA fans will be cheering his departure after this season, I know I will be for sure. Eric Johnson has been referred to as the next Chris Pronger. So no doubt these guys are great players. I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that we will probably be seeing these two guys in the NHL very soon, if not next season.

Kessel Factor
Due to the fact that UND fans have been said to have Kessel obsession, much like the Gophers fans had Parise obsession a few years back. I can’t close this article out without at least talking about Phil the thrill for just a little bit. There has been much debate whether or not Phil Kessel was a cancer in the Gopher locker room, I am thinking he might have been., Who cares right? I have had an unnamed source tell me that in fact Phil was a disruptive force in the locker room last season. Now that Kessel has left the Golden Gophers we can all move on. I think the Gophers are actually are a better team without Phil. I am also glad that the Boston Bruins will now get better with Phil the Thrill in the line up, Yes I am a rabid Bruins fan, its pretty well documented.

Now that the B’s have signed Phil Kessel to a professional contract, Phil Kessel is being projected by many in the print media as a potential second line forward for the Boston Bruins. Seriously I think they are right. In my opinion Kessel has all the tools to be a top players and I think he would really look good next to Marc Savage and Glen Murray. Talk about a line that could scoot. I can only dream of the number of goals this potential line could score this season. Should we say I am thinking somewhere in the neighborhood of about 120 goals on that line. Don’t worry about Phil Kessel being a cancer or not being very media savvy, the Bruins management will get him on the right track. Let hope Phil Kessel says all of the right things. If he does not the Boston Media will eat him alive. This preseason Kessel will be wearing number 81. I wonder if they will be a big seller in Minneapolis.

The Huskies
Listen Up Huskie fan. Contrary to some of your fans: Your SCSU Huskies will not finish in the top three in the WCHA standing., You can mark it down some where. Lets give credit where credit is due, your incoming recruiting class looks awesome, there is no doubt about it. However, the WCHA is an upper classmen league and frankly your cupboard is bare. The SCSU Huskies are still two years away from making noise in this league. Bob Motzko is a great coach but there still isn’t enough talent on this team to make a run at the top spot. I think there is a chance your makes the playoffs I think the WCHA can put 5-6 teams in the big dance this season.

Hammy from the Gopher Hockey Blog Sums it up Best
Hammy's Blog

I think you tend to play the underdog/no respect card way too much. First of all, it really doesn't matter what people on this board say in terms of giving respect or where they rate your team. The people on this board don't suit up against SCSU so the lack of respect card that you use in referring to how people on here rate them is way overplayed. (btw, my early (and worthless) prognostication has them at #3)

Second, I think SCSU earned enough respect last year that teams won't take them lightly this year. SCSU may not have as high a talent level as half of the teams in the league but teams know SCSU has a good goalie that can keep them in games (and a solid defense returning) so SCSU opponents are unlikely to take a lackluster attitude against them. SCSU had somewhat of a luxury last year of being taken more lightly and flying under the radar for much of the year because of their multi year slump under Dahl. But I highly doubt that is going to happen this year. You seem to gloss over the fact that the competition is probably going to ratchet it up a notch too because they know SCSU won't be a pushover.

The other factor I would point out is your overly simplistic commentary on "chemistry". Team chemistry is not a given just because you had it the prior year. Every team has changed and even the teams with the fewest changes have to deal with new personalities, players shifting to new roles, guys having to face higher expectations, etc.

If chemistry was simply about returning key guys who played well together as a team the prior year, the Gophers would have won three titles in a row by default.... and the team that beat them in the NCAAs that year (UMD) wouldn't have flopped the next year. Both of those teams had a lot of returning talent that played well together the prior season. There are plenty of historical examples where teams simply don't pull together as well as they did the year prior even if the vast majority of the team stays the same. You seem to take it as a given. But it isn't.

Every team in the league is trying to build a new team chemistry over the summer and in captain's practices. It is something that is built again. It isn't something you save up from the past year and plug in as if it is simply a given to be there like the previous year.

In Conclusion
SCSU will not finish in the Top three like some are predicting, however, they will make some noise. Frankly, SCSU does not have the talent that Minnesota, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Denver or Duluth have.

Goon's Ramblings 09-02-06: Mark Dobmeier on a role

Mark Dobmeier
Local sprint car driver Mark Dobmeier has been on a roll all season. During the 2006 season Mark has won an unprecedented 19 feature races. That is good on any racing circuit. With picking up the win this past Sunday night at Husets Speedway in Brandon, South Dakota, Dobmeier now has 8 features during his career at the famed Huset’s speedway. Husets Speedway is known as one of the top dirt tracks in North America. With the win on Sunday night that puts Mark Dobmeier 2 wins ahead of current Huset’s point leader Jake Peters who has won 6 times during his career at Husets Speedway.

River Cities Speedway

Mark Dobmeier on Winning 19 races this season:

“Going into the year, our goal was to beat what we did last year. We won 14 features last season. We're sitting at 19 now and we have two chances to get 20.”

I guess we can say mission accomplished. Goon’s World predicts win 20 will come on Friday night at River Cities Speedway. Here is what the Argus Leader had to say on Dobmeier’s win Sunday night.
Argus Leader Story

BRANDON - Mark Dobmeier kept his title hopes alive with a dominating win in the outlaw sprint car feature Sunday night at Huset's Speedway.

The Grand Forks, N.D., driver entered the evening's action nine points back of leader Jake Peters of Sioux Falls, and his win unofficially kept him the same distance behind at the end of the night.

"We've had some bad luck lately, but that's all behind us now and we're moving forward," said a hopeful Dobmeier. "We're just going to do our best next week."Dobmeier started on the front row of the 25-lap event and was never challenged during the race. Dusty Zomer of Brandon moved to second early in the event but was unable to pressure Dobmeier and finished second. Peters moved through the field to take third ahead of Gary DeWall of Jackson, Minn., John Lambertz of Sioux Falls, Gregg Bakker of Sioux Falls and Micah Schliemann of Baltic.

Goon's Ramblings 9-02-06.

Minnesota is Being Invaded
While Camping at Itasca State Park this past June I saw a camper parked in the camp ground that caught my eye. Of course my evil and demented mind thought of many things. Here is my conclusion. Minnesota is being invaded. Look closer the liscense plate is from Florida. Does that make them a Red Neck Badger?

The New Fighting Sue

The New Fighting Sue
I purchased this shirt on line. These shirts are from a Sioux fan that is also a little tweaked, miffed, flabbergasted and pissed off at the NCAA Nazis and their ridiculous stand against the Fighting Sioux name. I think UND should wear the Fighting Sue logo to the NCAA hockey playoffs next spring. I would love to see Miles Brand’s response to that.

Here is the problem, while it would be ok to wear a Central Michigan University Chippewa jersey or for the Florida State University Seminole's Mascot (a white guy) to ride a horse into the Alerus Center and throw a flaming spear into the turf at mid field. The NCAA has also deemed that the Fighting Sioux logo not welcome at NCAA playoff events. Where is the logic? That’s liberal education to the nth degree. Back to the shirt my wife hates this shirt, I guess she doesn’t see the humor in it. Also, for the other blogger’s out there, I suppose that this article could be construed as objectionable, I am sure it will offend someone. Personally I hope it does. Objectionable-I am offended by the NCAA stand on the Fighting Sioux name.
Web Link To Fighting Sue Web Page
Shirt

Goon's Ramblings 8-28-06.

Dane Jackson Picked as UND Next Assistant Coach
Apparently not all in town are happy with the selection of Dane Jackson as the next assistant coach of the Fighting Sioux. Below is a letter that was written to the editor of the Grand Forks Herald that was in this Sunday’s paper.

UND hockey misses great coaching candidate
GRAND FORKS - Taking nothing away from Dane Jackson, whom UND recently hired as men's assistant hockey coach, UND missed an excellent opportunity to promote a Grand Forks native. Steve Johnson (UND 1984-1988) also had applied for and vigorously pursued the position. Johnson not only won a national championship at UND, but also was a Hobey Baker runner-up, first team All American, Western Collegiate Hockey Association and national scoring leader and went on to become U.S. Hockey League coach of the year on three separate occasions. He also has international coaching experience, having coached three U.S. national teams. His USHL record consistently is among the league's best and includes five championships in 10 years in Lincoln, Neb.

Johnson also was instrumental in UND's recent success, having placed 20 Lincoln Stars players at UND, including eight players on the 2004-05 UND team that finished second in the NCAA Frozen Four. In addition to passing up the opportunity to hire Johnson, UND could jeopardize its recruiting of elite U.S.-born players. All three current UND coaches are Canadian-born players. UND has sent a message to U.S.-born players that its recruiting focus is elsewhere. This is unfortunate, because 16 of UND's players last year were U.S.-born, while 11 players came directly from the USHL. This is a number that potentially could shrink over the next few years.

Many USHL coaches vocally supported Johnson in his bid to become a UND assistant. His reputation within the league would have been a major asset to UND's recruiting efforts. Without that connection, UND will have more and more difficulty landing top U.S. players. USHL coaches will take this news as a negative reflection of their league's value to UND. It is truly unfortunate that UND athletics expects so much financially from students, businesses and others in this community but missed a prime opportunity to give something back. Jay LaDue

Goon’s World Perspective on the Matter

First off, Dave Hakstol is the head coach of the Fighting Sioux. It is his prerogative to hire whomever he wants to hire, it's his decision. Let's get over ourselves. Ok, so Hak is great coach, it's his decision to hire the best person suited for the job, that person in Hak’s mind is Dane Jackson. I am cool with that.

I think as Sioux fans our next response should be to welcome aboard Dane Jackson, glad you’re here and congratulations on getting the position, not whining from malcontents unhappy with the decision.

Bruin's Resign Patrice Bergeron. Whew...

The Boston Bruins got some good news today.
The Boston Bruins finally signed Super Star Patrice Bergeron today. This was a deal that had to get done and the Bruin's Management came through inking Patrice to a nice deal that will allow the Bruins to have their top forward in camp when training camp kicks off next month. The deal is reported to be some where in the 4.75 million dollar range. Whew...
Bergeron Signs Contract

The Boston Bruins have re-signed center Patrice Bergeron to a multi-year contract, it was announced today by Bruins General Manager Peter Chiarelli.

"Patrice is an outstanding young player with a tremendous future," said Chiarelli. "He is an offensive threat every time he is on the ice, has great defensive instincts and he plays a physical game without taking a lot of penalties. With all that he has already accomplished, he will continue to grow as a player and we are very pleased that he will do so in a Bruins uniform."

Goon's Ramblings 8-20-06.

Time for the River Cities Speedway Management to change things up.

I am a big race fan much to my wife’s displeasure and I attend the weekly program at River Cities Speedway on a regular basis (religiously). RCS I also think the NOSA sprint car division is NOSA a good touring club. However, currently I am not all that high on the River Cities Speedway management and the way the track has being run, in my opinion the track is slipping in quality of their weekly shows; I believe there is a list of problems many of us have pointed out on the various message boards (poor track prep, poor flagmen, rough driving, low car counts, too quick to cancel a race due to rain, low pay out to drivers, we know the list we may have our own additions).

I feel River Cities Speedway has a lot of room for improvement and its weekly race program, and as of late the weekly program is getting stale. That is my personal opinion. The RCS needs to change things up for the good of the fans or they risk losing the fans to another venue. One example is the Super Stocks a once competitive division have crashed and burned and will probably be dumped after the season, the weekly programs are marred with rough racing and low car counts. I can only imagine what kind of Junkers the Speedway will run in their place next season. Please don’t replace them with bombers or road hogs. I suggest something along the lines of the Midwest Mods. Heck if they are smart they should go to the DTRA Modified.

Incidentally DTRA has Streets Stocks, Super Stocks, Modified and Late Models. It seems like a no brainier if you asked me.

One question: Why not switch to the weekly program for sprints to ASCS? ASCS Racing Web Pages Why not get involved in a national points race? You could still have the NOSA touring points too. The Late Models switched to Dirt Track Racing Association, which I believe is a good thing. DTRAThe driver can still race in a National Points Race. I also believe that LM’s are the most competitive class at RCS right now.

Another argument is RCS is losing drivers that could have possibly raced at River Cities Speedway to the ASCS. A few of these drivers are; Wade Nygaard, Mike Sitzmanm, Natalie Sather, Lee Grosz. I might get slammed for this but some of these drivers are more exciting to watch than some of the current NOSA Sprint Car drivers currently filling the line up right now. Personally I would rather watch Natalie Sather than Tom Cummings or Stan Meyer.

Why not have an ASCS program here from week to week? The drivers that want to run 410’s could still compete with 410's when the Big Boys of the world like the NST come to town. Next year the World of Outlaws WoOwill only run to dates in ND. I am afraid they will dump us in North Dakota all together very soon for bigger venues that have bigger grand stands, Loews, Texas Motor speedway etc.

This is where I think RCS has gone down hill. The River Cities Speedway used to have many awesome weekly events. In years past there used to be all kinds of weekly specials: The NCRA used to come to town, then there was the Harvest Bowl, years past there was the Knoxville, Hussets, RCS challenge (I also think that the track prep of years past turned some of traveling drivers off). Now there are nothing but shows that cost $40.00 + and frankly the management might may have priced some of very fans they are trying to draw to the speedway (i.e. Nation Sprint Tour and World of Outlaws Late Model events). Personally I will be able to afford these events but I know there will be others that will say the hell with this I am staying home because no race at RCS is worth that type of price tag. I doubt my father would want to spend that much money to see a race. Then get back into his gas guzzling F-150 and spend 3.00+ a gallon to drive 140 miles back up to Williams, MN.

In fact this season the NST Show is really the only legitimate sprint car special of the year, they used to have the Harvest Bowl, NCRA and other events. Heck half of the drivers in NOSA race 360’s now. I think we limit the numbers of cars that come to RCS because it’s not a 360 track per say, when in reality it might be and we don’t know it. Except for the big shows where there is big money the speedway is really not drawing the big drivers like it used to. The NST show was awesome.

Local Drivers on a Roll.
Mark Dodmeier has been on a roll this season, I think that might actually be an under-statement. Mark Dobmeier has won an unprecedented 14 features this season. Mark Is leading the points at River Cities Speedway as well at Huset’s Speedway in Brandon South Dakota by two points. I wonder how long Mark will race locally before he makes a run at either the NST or the WoO, he definitely has the talent if he has the money to compete. If I were Mark, I be board with winning every race at RCS, the man can come from the back of the pack and win a race, just give him 10 laps. The time is now for Mark to step up to the big time.

Lou Kennedy is the hot at Nodak speedway in Minot this season. Lou has won both NOSA shows in Minot and was the highest finisher for the local drivers in last nights show finishing 8th and bringing home $2100.00. A nice payday for Lou, Goon’s world would like to congratulate Lou Kennedy Jr. on having a fine season this year. I have enjoyed watching him race whenever he has been in the River Cities field since Lou switched chassis this year he seemed to have a better a better car on a night to night basis.

Hero of West Regional Quesada Signs with Houston.

Tony Quesada

Former Holy Cross Goalie Tony Quesada Sign AHL contract with Houston Areos.Quesada Signs
Another Goalie in the Mix
GDI
In case anyone has forgotten him: Go back March 24th, 2006 the goalie of record, the star of the 2006 West Regional game, the darling of the Grand Forks media, The goalie of record between the Minnesota Golden Gophers and the Holy Cross Crusaders Tony Quesada has signed a professional contract with the Houston Aero’s of the American Hockey League.
4-3

July 31, 2006

HOUSTON, Texas. - Former Holy Cross goaltender Tony Quesada has signed a contract with the American Hockey leagues Houston Aeros, the team announced Monday. The Aeros are the affiliate of the NHL's Minnesota Wild.

A four-year member of the Holy Cross men's hockey team, Quesada ranks first all-time at Holy Cross in wins (61), save percentage (.915), goals against average (2.50), games played (105) and minutes played (6033:54), while he is second in saves (2700).

The Mass Exodus Continues.

Players Leaving Early for the Pros Updated Version:
The list of players bolting for the pros keeps growing by the day. ItÂ’s getting to be sickening. Again Goon's world doesn't fault these kids for taking the money but I blame the hockey clubs plucking these kids out of school early. I predict there are going to be more and as I predicted there were more. Forunately UND hasn't lost anymore.

Complete list of underclassmen signings in the WCHA (so far):
Break Down of the List Per Sioux Extra
Brad's Blog

UND (5)
Travis Zajac, sophomore
Matt Smaby, junior
Drew Stafford, junior
Rastislav Spirko, sophomore
Jordan Parise, junior

Minnesota (4)
Phil Kessel , Freshman (signed with the Boston Bruins)
Kris Chucko, sophomore
Danny Irmen, junior
Ryan Potulny, junior

Mankato (3)
David Backes, junior
Kyle Peto, junior
Ryan Carter, sophomore

Wisconsin (2)
Robbie Earl, junior
Joe Pavelski, sophomore

Denver (2)
Matt Carle, junior
Paul Stastny, sophomore

Players that could leave.
Brian Elliot (BADgers) Staying with the Badgers.
Jack Skille (BADgers) Staying with the Badgers.
Jonathon Toews (Figthing Sioux) Staying with the Fighting Sioux

On a side note: Cornell Big Red Hit Hard by Defections also
Its well documented that Minnesota(4) and the Fighting Sioux (5) have suffered major loses this off season, the Big Red of Cornell has also been hit hard in the off season by defections. Here is a break down of the Cornell loses.

Cornell David McKee Jr. Signed with Anaheim (NHL)
Cornell Ryan O'Byrne Jr. Signed with Montreal (NHL)
Cornell Sasha Pololuk So. Signed with Washington (NHL)

Goon's Ramblings 8-17-06.

Signing Imminent
All the pundits are now saying that Phil Kessel the highly talented Minnesota Golden Gopher’s forward is about to sign a professional contract the upstart Boston Bruins. Minnesota Coach Don Lucia is preparing for the bad news. Lucia Believes deal coming soon

Who knows, it could all fall apart in the next 24 to 48 hours," Lucia told the Globe. "But I'd be surprised. Right now we're preparing for life after Phil. If he ends up back in college right now, I'd be very surprised."

The past week the Internet chatter has been fast and furious about the upcoming Kessel deal. It seems to be the story that everyone one is talking about: see links below. In a summer where there seems to be a never-ending list of defections of college hockey underclassmen to the NHL, the list keeps getting longer and longer. Fans nation wide are lining up on bridges in a town near you to make the leap (all kidding aside), the up coming college hockey season cannot come fast enough.

The Links to the Never Ending Story:
For all the people that want to see a link they are numerous.

ESPN Story on Kessel
Hammy’s Golden Gopher Blog
Ciskie Nation
Western College Hockey

Its now Offical Kessel A Boston Bruin.

Its Now Official

The Boston Bruins have signed center Phil Kessel to a multi-year contract, it was announced today by Bruins General Manager Peter Chiarelli. Terms of the contract were not released.

"Phil is a player with world-class speed and gifted offensive talents," said Chiarelli. "We feel he is ready to begin his professional development and we are looking forward to seeing him compete at training camp.”

Kessel, 18, was Boston’s first pick, fifth overall, in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft held on June 24, 2006 in Vancouver. He played one season of college hockey at the University of Minnesota in 2005-06, finishing second on the team and sixth overall in league scoring with 18 goals and 33 assists for 51 points in 34 games while also leading his club in plus/minus with a +22 rating. He was named the WCHA’s Rookie of the Year and earned a berth on the WCHA All-Rookie Team.

Goon's Ramblings 8-16-06

Phil Kessel
Time to make up your mind Kessel

There is a rumbling on the internet that Phil Kessel might in fact be signing a pro contract. There is no confirmaton of this as of yet. Yawn, this is getting boring, almost as boring as the suspense leading up to his press conference, where he announced which college team he was going to play with.

BostonBruins.COM poll on Kessel Staying in College or Going Pro
Here was an interesting poll on the Bruins web page.

Should Phil Kessel leave college early to turn pro?
Current Results:
51.85%
Yes, he should leave now
30.83%
He should wait one more year
17.33%
No, he should play all 4 years

Hammy from the Golden Gopher Blog is saying that it is about to happen.
Hammy's Blog