UAA and UND part II

Important Weekend Ahead

This weekend the 20th ranked Fighting Sioux face the upstart UAA Sea Wolves in an important WCHA match up. One could say that this is the first of many defining moments for the second half the WCHA season, getting points is a must, losing any games at home is UNACCEPTABLE. Earlier this season UAA swept the Fighting Sioux in the series up in Anchorage Alaska. I would imagine that the past series will be on the minds of Sioux hockey players. Hopefully this weekend results will be a little different than the last time we played UAA. One could even say that this series might be about payback. UAA plays an uptempo game and the Sioux will have to have their feet moving this weekend if they want to be successful.

A look at the Numbers:

Offensively Ryan Duncan is ranked 70th nationally in points per game
Defensively Brian Lee is ranked 20th nationally in points per game
Defensively Taylor Chorney is ranked 38th nationally in points per game
In Goaltending Philippe Lamoureux is ranked 24th nationally in GAA
In Goaltending Philippe Lamoureux is ranked 39th nationally in Save %
The Fighting Sioux are ranked 29th nationally in goals per game
The Fighting Sioux are ranked 17th nationally on the Power Play at 19.8%
The Fighting Sioux are ranked 45th nationally on the Penalty Kill at 80%

While the numbers aren’t great they have improved and there is only one way to go but up.

Linkorama:UAA Blog

If you want to see the UAA perspective on the UAA hockey team go to Donald’s UAA fan blog. I think Donald has an interesting perspective of what is going on up in the last frontier. One would say that UAA is much improved this season and has played the WCHA tough, and could make some serious noise in the WCHA playoffs. I would bet teams aren't looking past them this season. Just ask the Fighting Sioux

Donald chimed in on his view of penalty shots:

begin rant
Deciding any team sporting event by using a single element of the game in some sort of last resort attempt to appease "the mob" is an affront on many levels. A tie is a valid result. It says two teams were equal. I'm well aware there are players that like it. I'm already well aware that "the mob" likes it. Implementing shootouts may be inevitable with the prevailing fan attitude much more akin to Goon's than mine but that doesn't mean it won't lessen the game. Lessen? No ... It invalidates the rest of the game. You take 65 minutes of hockey where neither team deserves to lose and condense it to 10 one-on-ones? There's no reason for the actual game at all. Let's just have 2 hours of shootouts. Let's eliminate the teams who played one game 150% better than they've ever played from going home with a well-earned tie against a 43 time National Champion with 5 future NHL snipers. Those programs should just all fold. That'll leave the NCAA with about 15 - 20 teams full of shootout experts.

I'm so far beyond disgust with the prospect that ultimately it could affect my status as a fan of the game. College Hockey is the last sport that I follow regularly (English Premerie League intermittently). I gave up on Baseball as a teen, I stopped watching all Basketball in the mid 80's, and pro Football is a steriod-ridden joke. I guess I could start a Fulham FC Blog? At least the EPL understands the relevance of ties. I honestly don't know how enthusiastic I could be about being a fan when/if that crap comes to be. It's time for a last stand I say. Whoever is in charge of drawing a line and saying, "NO! we will not let you cross this line!" ... needs to get to drawing the damn line and rallying the troops with a stirring "But it will not be this day ..." battle speech. No to the Shootout? Not just No ... fuck no. There must be someone in a position of authority somewhere who can at least be given the opportunity to express that "purists" don't want this crap in the game they love. Adam Wodon better be right when he thinks they'll be an outcry.

The Clock is Ticking on UND's Season...

There is no Time Like the Present:
I was looking at the number for this years addition of the Fighting Sioux and the numbers nationally are not very good, in fact they are dismal. This is probably the reason they have lost 11 games so far this season and sit out of the playoff hunt and in 8th place in the WCHA.

One could say that the margin of error is very thin and it pains rabid Sioux fans like myself to witness what we have seen on the ice this season. The time has come for someone to step up and score goals and that has not happened as of late. Last night another solid effort in net was wasted, incidently Phil is now sitting at a .900 save%. The defense has stepped up now is the time for the Sioux forwards to take notice and score some goals.

A Look at the Numbers
The Fighting Sioux are ranked: 35th in the nation in winning%.
The Fighting Sioux are ranked: 45th in the nation on the Penalty Kill.
The Fighting Sioux are ranked: 17th on the Power Play we were 7th.
The Fighting Sioux Forward Ryan Duncan is ranked 62nd nationally in Points per game.
The Fighting Sioux Forward Ryan Duncan is ranked 13th nationally in goals.
The Fighting Sioux Forward Ryan Duncan is ranked 3rd nationally in PP goals
Looks like the Ryan Duncan show, other need to step up and help out.

How would this kid Look in a Fighting Sioux Uniform?

In case anyone is wondering a few years back it discussed how then BCHL hockey player was interested in attending the University of North Dakota, it was discussed over on Sioux Sports, but after UND showed no interest in Les Reany he chose Niagara, just out for interest sake he has played in twenty one games; scored 14 goals and 21 assist for 35 points. That 1.67 per game and ranked second nationally, I just can’t see where this kid would fit into our line up.

Kessel is Back Rehabing in Providence.

Kessel Rehabing for Return to the Boston Bruins Lineup.
With the Boston Bruins stuck in a three game losing streak the return of Phil would be a welcome addition to the Bruins line up.

From the AP.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) -Boston Bruins rookie Phil Kessel started a brief conditioning stint in the AHL on Friday night, one month after surgery to treat testicular cancer.
Kessel saw action on three lines and played on special teams during the Providence Bruins' 2-1 loss to Worcester.

"I felt good, my body felt fine," said Kessel, the No. 5 pick in last year's NHL draft. "I was in better shape playing during the season, but what can you do? I was resting and got back here ... and worked hard to get back in shape."

Kessel is expected to be recalled by the Bruins after Providence plays at Manchester on Saturday and at home against Springfield on Sunday, Boston general manager Peter Chiarelli said.

"At just 19 years old and in his first season in the NHL, it would be difficult for Phil to come right back to Boston in the middle of the season, after being off the ice for a month," Chiarelli said. "These few games in Providence will help Phil readjust to the speed of the NHL so that he is ready to join Boston on Monday morning."


Kessel already got positive feedback from Providence coach Scott Gordon. I've got to think he felt relatively good because he was up and down the ice all night," Gordon said.

Kessel learned he had testicular cancer shortly before playing in a Dec. 9 game against New Jersey. He underwent surgery three days later to remove his right testicle.

"I couldn't believe it," Kessel said last month. "It was tough. I had a hard time with it."

Edit:
Phil Kessl has played two games in his rehab stint with the Providence Bruins getting a goal in two games. A good start to getting back up and running with the Boston Bruins.

Who Says Shootouts are Boring?

How can you not Like Shootouts?


Who says shootouts are the wrong way to settle a hockey game? Are you kidding me? Did you see yesterday's game? If this isn’t exciting you might want to check your pulse to see if you’re still alive or you want to see a game go 5 overtimes; boring. Don't tell me about hockey purism, that bunk. Funny thing, the Pundits are already starting to weight in on the USA and Canada Shootout. Thank God college hockey gets back in full swing this weekend. They have had too much time on their hands during the holidays.

Adam Wodon chimes in with his disgust for the Shootout: Wodon Weighs in

It doesn't matter whether it's regular season or the playoffs. The same sick, empty feeling remains the same. Sure, we've become desensitized somewhat to the regular-season shootout in the NHL and minor leagues by this point. And, with greater battles to fight in college hockey, many of us have just chosen to ignore the regular-season shootout for now.

But if it comes to college hockey, watch out. Guns will be blazing. And finally, there's the point. This is being discussed in college hockey. Apparently, there is a directive to discuss ways that ties will be eliminated in college hockey in the future.

If that happens, there will be an outcry like college hockey hasn't heard before.
Even most proponents of shootouts in regular-season college hockey probably agree that deciding today's ultra-important World Junior game with one was wrong. But don't stop there. Let the empty feeling of today's events be a lesson to college hockey administrators everywhere — that, at least for anyone with a soul, the same feeling pervades even if it's during the regular season.
Yes, shootouts stink.

Come on, that couldn't be further from the truth.

First off Adam couldn’t be further from the truth. With current state of the NCAA hockey I doubt there is going to be any out cry if the shootout is put into play. Apparently by 2008-2009 the NCAA is going to put this rule into effect. NCAA Hockey Rules page 10

Back to the shootout; the players in this contest know from the opening faceoff that if the game is tied at the end of regulation and overtime they will settle the game with a shootout, end of story. That is the way it is, get over it move one and go back to your cushy job on College Sports Television. We lost; Toews single handedly dismantled Frazee and made him look silly. I only hope when the Sioux play the Gophers in January that Toews makes Frazee and Briggs look silly.
Back to the argument; there is this line of thought that some how the NHL is not as exciting to watch as college hockey, that is utter non-sense. Have you watched an NHL game as of late Adam? Seriously? Also the WCHA has become horrible and unbearable to watch. There are still teams in college hockey that run the now defunct Neutral Zone Trap. If college hockey played the game with the new rules these teams would be run out of the building and would not flourish under the new rules. I doubt some of these teams could put together a shootout line up that could score.

So if it’s good enough for the NHL its damn sure good enough for college hockey. So that argument is utter bull; the NHL flourishing under the new rules that include the shootout and a crack down on enforcement of the rules as they are written. God forbid that college hockey finally come out of the stone age and join the 21st century. There is no calling the game by the scoreboard in the NHL (a penalty in the first period is a penalty in the third period); this is a prevalent practice in WCHA hockey.

The second flaw in Adam’s logic is some how college hockey is pure and fun to watch and shouldn’t be ruined with a shootout and that there is nothing wrong with a tie. I think all ties should be decided in college just like the NHL, if you lose in O.T. you get a point period seems fair enough to me. If the game is still tied after 5 minutes go to the shootout. I wouldn’t mind being on the edge of my seat in the REA. Lately nothing has brought me out of my seat except another trip to the bathroom or another run to the beer line. The game needs some work.

Donald Chimes in with his view on Shoot out
UAA Hockey Blog

Double A Zone Respone:

Josh Has Answered the Question
Read Josh's Response:
I have to admit, I didn’t think that any of the questions asked in the most recent post about mascots were meant to be answered. They seem to be rhetorical in nature because any answer I give isn’t going to be in line with all of your passionate beliefs.

My personal opinion about mascots isn’t directly in accordance with the NCAA position taken by the Executive Committee. For instance, I don’t see much of a difference between Fighting Sioux and Fighting Irish. I know leprechauns aren’t real, but the word “fighting” seems hostile to me. That’s my personal opinion, but the Executive Committee, which is comprised of presidents and chancellors, doesn’t agree with me.

With regard to the questions about Pontiac and Theodore Roosevelt, I can only share my personal thoughts. I do believe there’s a difference between a car company and a sports mascot imitating an American Indian. Teddy Roosevelt was responsible for the establishment of the NCAA, and I see no reason we can’t have an award named in his honor.

You all are going to disagree with me and that’s certainly fine. You’re all passionate, believe the Executive Committee made a poor decision and are looking for hypocrisy in every nook and cranny of the NCAA. I understand the points being made, but personally feel that we’re discussing different situations.

I am not walking a company line – I agree that there are inconsistencies. I can’t imagine how North Dakota fans are feeling and I won’t try to put it in words. I am confident, however, that there are folks up there who are offended by the use of the Fighting Sioux moniker, and I think it’s important to remember that they should have a say as well.


Posted by: Josh Centor | January 3, 2007 02:40 PM
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Basically we are back to the belief that if a small number of people are offended by the name or logo that some how a small minority of people should be able to exact it's will on the majority. I guess we are back to the notion that you have a constitional right to not be offended. Yikes.

Jerry Hatch Responds Again:

I don't think anyone is trying to prevent anyone in North Dakota from having a say. But it certainly appears that those people are in a very small minority. The comparison of the "Fighting Sioux" with the "Fighting Irish" is certainly a valid one, but perhaps not this discussion. Comparing the Sioux logo to the Florida State Seminole logo, plus the horse and rider at the game, plus the fans painted in the stands, many of them doing the "tomahawk chop" and I fail to see how one can be declared hostile and abusive, and the other not. It simply makes NO sense. Nor does overlooking the Aztecs for consideration. I don't recall hearing that anyone asked the Nahua about that. Too many exceptions have been made for poorly designed reasons. The NCAA should just eliminate this policy.

When discussing the car company Pontiac, you should be aware that Pontiac sells its trademarked Indian Head logo on all kinds of products as "OFFICIAL PONTIAC MERCHANDISE." Money does speak louder than words apparently.
Posted by: Jerry Hatch | January 3, 2007 04:39 PM
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I kind of like this guy.

The Vegas Lines are up for the NCAA Tourney.

Here is the Line for the NCAA Hockey Tourney
5/2 - Minnesota
5/1 - New Hampshire
6/1 - Maine
7/1 - Notre Dame Fighting Irish
7/1 - St. Cloud State
8/1 - Colorado College
10/1 - Miami, Ohio
12/1 - Boston College (dropped from 9/1)
15/1 - Vermont
18/1 - Michigan
20/1 - Clarkson
22/1 - Denver
22/1 - Boston University
25/1 - Cornell
30/1 - Massachusetts
30/1 - Michigan State
30/1 - North Dakota Fighting Sioux
40/1 - Lake Superior State
40/1 - Wisconsin - Defending Champion
50/1 - Dartmouth
50/1 - Alaska-Anchorage
60/1 - Bemidji State
60/1 - Quinnipiac
75/1 - Niagara
10/1 - FIELD (All others)

I am going to Vegas in March to place my bet.
Goon's World odds on the Gophers and Briggs imploding during the NCAA and WCHA playoffs 20/1.

Josh From the Double A Zone, Fails to answer the Questions.

NCAA's Double Zone
Here is the orginal article:
The Double-A Zone has set the record straight when misinformation about the NCAA infiltrates major media. We have discussed and lauded committee decisions; we have also criticized them.

There haven’t been too many dull moments during the past 365 days and we look forward to expanding our coverage and continuing our spirited conversations during 2007.

Here is my response to Josh from the Double A Zone

So who is going to set the record straight for the NCAA, seems they got quite a few of their facts wrong with the nickname debate.

Sioux fans were wondering if your were going to respond to any of the questions we posted for you?

Posted by: Goon | January 2, 2007 05:22 PM

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Here is a response to my comment from Jerry Hatch.

When you have no answers to the questions, I don't think a response will be made!

Posted by: Jerry Hatch | January 3, 2007 11:23 AM

Taylor Chorney Recieves award from INCH

Chorney Makes the Cut
Fighting Sioux defenseman Taylor Chorney has made the INCH's First Half All-WCHA Team. Some more Gee-Whiz reading that I don't mind at all. INCHLink Taylor is a solid defensman and the Fighting Sioux will need him to continue his solid play in the second half of the season if the Fighting Sioux are to make another second half run to the NCAA and WCHA playoffs.

Stats of Interest:
While sitting in the stands recently while the Sioux were being swept by the Wisconsin Badgers a guy that sits next to me told me that Hakstol had not a very good coaching record against the likes of Wisconsin and Minnesota since he has been the head coach at UND. Here is a break down of Hak's record against his two WCHA rivals.

Minnesota: 4-4-0
Wisconsin: 4-7-1

Hakstols Sioux may not have the best regular season record against the Badgers, however, when it matters the most Coach Hakstol has beaten the Badgers twice during the WCHA playoffs at the Final Five. They say the creme rises to the top during defining moments.

Against Minnesota Coach Hakstol has a .500 record against the Minnesota Gophers, however, he does have a winning record against the Gophers during the playoffs winning twice in the 2004-2005 season.

The Goals of the Week. A couple of Former Sioux light the lamp

These are some awesome goals

Zach Parise and Jason Blake light the lamp. Peter Bondra gets his 500th of his career. The Wild Finish in St. Paul as the Wild beat the dead things.

Sioux and Dartmouth Game thread.

UND Fighting Sioux and Dartmouth Big Green

First period Underway:

Score in the first period short handed, finally a goal by a third or fourth line. It took 18 games for the Sioux to score a short-handed goal. Rylan Kiap with the short-handed goal. Even though it was a special teams goal, Brad's Blog has Kaip on the third line with Martens and Fabian, so Sioux fans will take it. The third and fourth lines could make some noise tonight. It would be key if the Sioux want to win the game in convincing fashion.

Penalty to Chay Genoway at 5:57 of the first.
Penalty Shot: awarded to the Sioux. Oshie misses on the penalty shot, Oshie was flexing his hand before the penalty shot, just hoping he isn't hurt again. I suppose we shouldn't worry that much since "the Oshie" has a huge threshold for pain.

Sioux with the parade to the box. Now they are down 5 on 3 for 1:18. Can we say it's time to tighten it up and stop taking stupid selfish penalties.

There is a 7 second delay between the Internet broadcast and the radio broadcast.

More Penalties: Zajac and Lewis at 17:15 of the first period, matching roughing minors 4 on 4 play. The officials for this game must be from the ECAC because there has been a parade to the penalty box all night.

Sioux fourth line was buzzing around the Dartmouth net.

After One Period.
Fighting Sioux up 1-0. Fighting Sioux looking strong and keep a lot of the shots to the outside. There were no assists on Kaip's goal his first of the year and only the fourth goal of his fighting Sioux career.

Second Period: UND gets the power play right away.
Short handed goal for Dartmouth by Jones his 7th goal of the season as he walks by Scott Foyt. Make that an unassisted shorthanded goal by Dartmouth. Second period is not been kind to UND.

Sioux look to be working on a second period stumble again as Dartmouth looking better in the period.

Only 14 shots on net half way through the game, that's only a pitiful 7 shots for each team, this has not been a very exciting game so far.

Another penalty at 9:13 of the second period as Duncan making the trip to the box.

Sioux kill off the penalty and Dartmouth now in the Penalty box. Now is the time for a power play goal for the Fighting Sioux. The Sioux came into the game scoring 21% on the power play but are 0-3 so on the power play so far for the game.

Make that 0-4 on the power play. The Sioux are looking like they are little disorganized so far in the game; maybe it’s the fact that they haven’t played a game in about two weeks. Power play is not clicking. There have only been 10 shots on goal for each team so far.

Big Joe Finley takes a stupid crosschecking penalty, although in reviewing the penalty it looked pretty weak to me.

Oh my God, another fricken penalty at a really bad time as the Sioux are down 5-3 with a boarding penalty to Jones. The assistant referee made the call from way across the ice. Hak is not happy with the call. This is a big kill coming up. Now is not the time to implode. Lets kill the penalty boys.

Sioux only down one man as Finley back on the ice. Johnson from Dartmouth pulls down Genoway, penalty Dartmouth. Sioux will get the power play in 26 seconds. Lammy making some big saves to keep the Sioux in the game. Scratch that PP as Kyle Radke with another untimely stupid penalty. Sioux have been penalized 8 times in the game already, with one period to go. Dartmouth's Glass runs into Lammy so the Sioux will have a 4-3 power play.

End of the Second Period
Sioux will have a 4-3 power play to start the third period.
UND's Lamoureux with 11 saves Dartmouth's Devine with 9 saves after two periods of play.

Third Period Underway:
Sioux come out on fire; Sioux were on the power play again 5 on 4. Scratch that Kyle Radke takes another stupid penalty only 1:25 into the third period.

Sioux kill the penalty. Sioux are buzzing the Dartmouth net again.
Forney with a penalty, come on guys we are playing with fire. Even though Dartmouth is 11/95 on the power play.

Glass is going to get a penalty for ramming into Lamoureux. Holy cow the refs need to let the boys play some hockey. There has been a rash of penalties; there is absolutely no flow at all to this game. We are playing 4 on 4 hockey again, unless there is another parade to the penalty box again, as the referee continues to call the game very tight.

Sioux Score:
Bina scores from Duncan and Oshie on a beautiful goal. That is the third goal of the season for Robbie Bina.

My God; another penalty to Matt Watkins, the 11th of the game at 7:26 of the third period. These clowns in the ECAC can't call a game to save their lives.

Fighting Sioux Andrew Kozek Scores:
That is number 4 on the year for Andrew Kozek finally gets off the snide, assist on the goal to Chris Porter. Finally; that is what I am talking about. On the night that makes two goals 4 on 4 goals in the third period.

I have decided to give up reporting Penalties just too many to call at with 5:49 left in the third period. There are just too many to report. In fact as I write there is no one in the penalty boxes. Cross your fingers folks. UND hasn't given up any power play goals to the Big Green so far and that should bring UND's penalty kill numbers up. Looking at the silver lining in this.

Sioux Score an Empty Net Goal:
Duncan his 12th of the year assist from TJ Oshie. All UND goals were scored either 4 on 4 or short-handed. The first two short handed goal of the year.

Keys to the win:
Limit power play goals by the opposition there were non-score tonight. Dartmouth was about 0-13 on the night. The Fighting Sioux will have to limit the amount of penalties they take if they want to be successful. The Fighting Sioux needed to get good defense from the defensive core; that happened tonight for the first time in a long time.

Goaltending Proves to be the Key to the Game: The Sioux got very solid goaltending from their starter tonight. It must happen every night for the Sioux to win in the second half of the season.

Intangibles; I know this win is against a weaker team from a weak division but it stops a 4 game losing streak where the Sioux had lost 7 out of 8 games. This is something the coaching staff can build on and get the confidence of this team going again.

Scores from tonight:
Clarkson Beating Wisconsin 4-1
SCSU beats UNION 6-2
UMD getting beat by OSU 4-1
Minnesota beating Cup Cake Alabama Huntsville 3-0
SLU beats BU 4-3 in OT on a penalty shot.

Season's Greating From a Gopher fan.

Anti Sue?

Satnu's Church
Hum, I not sure I want to touch this one. I don't want to be struck down by a higher power in the next thunderstorm. The Golden Nation has a way of coming up with interesting posts, some border on demented. It almost seems like the author has a Sioux fixation. Thats fine. Satnu's work gives me something to laugh about during what has turned out to be one of the roughest seasons on record for Fighting Sioux fans during the last 10 seasons. In a way it's kind of funny because I have a bunch of buddies that keep telling me this all the time, I keep telling them 7>5. I am not sure if the sign is legit or not it could be an urban legend, or someone with a photo shop program and I also the authors church is in Cambridge England.

Personally, I am not so sure I would want to defile a Church sign like this but to each his own.

Check out these Fugly Uniforms.

New Hockey Uniforms: Yuck
These are for the five people that haven't seen these uniforms yet. When I first saw this I thought it was a joke, but these are some ugly jerseys. The new Jerseys for maine are the worst. Yuck, you have to be kidding me.

Miller Takes on the Double A-Zone: This is Some Classic Stuff.

Pat Miller in the Zone:
I wonder if the NC$$ ever feels like it picked the wrong fight, when it deemed the University of North Dakota’s Fighting Sioux name hostile and abusive... Seriously I bet the NCAA never expected some of the responses they have gotten from Sioux fans since the NCAA picked a fight with UND. Give them hell Pat Miller.
Double A Zone
Minnesota takes a stand. Minnesota athletics director Joel Maturi announced that the school will not compete against North Dakota in any sport other than men’s or women’s ice hockey because of its Fighting Sioux nickname. Both schools compete in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, and I assume that’s why the Gophers will keep playing North Dakota on the ice. While the NCAA has come under much criticism for the Executive Committee’s policy restricting the use of Native American mascots, nicknames and imagery, this reinforces that there are plenty of people who work in higher education who don’t condone the use of racially sensitive monikers in the athletics arena. Maturi isn’t the first to take a stand and likely won’t be the last.

Patrick Millers Response:

So when's the NCAA going to dump Pontiac as a sponsor? That's the auto manufacturer that uses the name of a famous American Indian chief for profit and a stylized arrowhead logo for marketing purposes. Or are economic factors more important than high-minded principles to the NCAA?

When is the NCAA going to change the name of its Theodore Roosevelt Award? After all, it was Roosevelt who once said: "I suppose I should be ashamed to say that I take the Western view of the Indian. I don't go so far as to think that the only good Indians are dead Indians, but I believe nine out of every ten are, and I shouldn't like to inquire too closely into the case of the tenth." Why does the NCAA continue to honor a man who engaged in hate speech and advocated the genocide of American Indians?

Of course, Minnesota itself is an American Indian word. The University of Minnesota rests upon land once occupied by the Santee Sioux tribe, a tribe forced off its land by broken treaties at the point of a gun. Other Sioux tribes in Minnesota suffered the same fate. Many of their ancestors now live in North Dakota and attend UND because of its 25+ programs for American Indians. Perhaps the good citizens of Minnesota could better display their sensitivity and sense of social justice by returning that stolen property to its original owners.

If you think that the the University of Minnesota, which has four times the number of students as UND, actually enrolls more American Indian students that its "hostile and abusive" neighbor to the west, you'd be wrong. The hypocrisy displayed by the NCAA and the University of Minnesota on this issue is nothing short of stunning.

We will all be patiently waiting for Josh to respond to Miller’s comments I doubt one will be forth coming any time soon. Hey, we will wait. Mostly likely Josh will take the high road, and fail to answer Pat’s comments. Probably just blow them off as more UND anti NCAA rhetoric. Sadly the NCAA continues to sit in its ivory tower and look down on people, wringing their hands and trying to rid the college athletic world of social injustices. The sad part is that look like a bunch of elitist boobs. There is an old saying about not throwing stones when you live in glass houses.

Here is another comment from a fan that I thought was interesting, but it does add to the discussion. Read and enjoy:

What a fine stand to take. But wait a second, oops, he seems to have forgotten that wrestling competed against Central Michigan....the Chippewas. And, oops, forgot to check that pesky Golf schedule on their web page....where they played in the "Fighting Illini Invitational." You want an example of a stand? Find someone who isn't also a hypocrite.

Lucky for Minnesota their football team won't be good enough to meet Florida State anytime soon.... Imagine the backpedaling he’d have to do then!
Posted by: Jerry Hatch

Someone should call Maturi and ask him to explain this policy and aske him why the University of Minnesota can play CMU in golf but not UND in basketball. Seems like the University of Minnesota pretty much violated its own policy they were beating their chest about. Finally, be happy Gopher fans that your team doesn’t have to play mighty FSU in Football. Realistically speaking, your team barely beat the NDSU Bison a provisional member of Division 1AA (and a very good one I might add also) what makes you think your team can win a game against a legitimate 1-A football opponent. But Hey your moral fiber won't allow you to play the Sioux. Thats your loss by the way.

The point of contention for me and other UND fans is that one name/mascot is good for one some schools and under the same types of circumstances another name is not good for other schools, mostly schools that aren't as big and as powerful as FSU. Because of this flawed policy some schools remain on the list, while other schools do not. I hate to cloud the issue with fact but:

The NCAA attempts to distinguish UND's situation from CMU's by stating that it "received no Resolutions or other official statements in opposition from Chippewa Tribes in connection with use of the name by CMU" (emphasis added) while not denying that it has been on actual notice that in fact five other Chippewa Tribes in Michigan actually do oppose CMU's use of the name, which UND pointed out to the NCAA in its Nov. 4th 2005 memo. (Def. NACD's Mem. Opp"n to Pl.'s Mot. for Prelim. Inj. at 41-42). The NCAA's disparate treatment of CMU and UND constitutes bad faith.

EDIT: My Response, I wrote this response to poster by the name of Scott who had posted on the NCAA blog.

Scott,
A long time ago Minnesota couldn’t beat Denver in college hockey and some speculated it was because DU used too many 25-year-old Canadians… The Gophers decided not to schedule Denver for some time (that made them look petty IMHO). However, Minnesota won’t be so silly this time around, for one it would make them look petty just like they did when they wouldn’t play DU in hockey, but the real reason the University of Minnesota doesn't want to forgo playing the UND Fighting Sioux is because they would be cutting off their nose to spite their face, they would lose too much money.

Don’t let the Gopher administrators fool you…UND is one of their biggest rivals in hockey. So when the Fighting SIOUX play the University of Minnesota they play the games in arenas packed to the rafters. Almost every game between UND and UMN that I can remember has been sold out. Second UMN doesn't want to forfeit the games. If some ridiculous school doesn’t want to play UND one of the other sports so be it, it’s their loss. However, notice no one is saying hey, we don’t want to play UND in hockey. The athletic director apologized to her minions for scheduling UND in hockey (a move that she has since been lambasted for) but notice she didn’t pull UND invitation, because she knows UND is a big draw in college hockey and will pack her arena.

When this is all said and done we will really find out that political correctness run amuck will be met with severe pushback from the rest of the non-liberal elites. The majority of people are sick of liberal social engineering. The Minnesota issue just proves how far out of touch with the rest of mainstream society the NCAA and hand wringing liberal elites are.

Posted by: Goon | December 27, 2006 01:02 PM

I am betting Josh won't comment on any of the 6 responses that have been posted to his blog entry.

WJC Tourney Under Way.

USA Loses to Germany in OT.
USA gets of to a bad start in the WJC tourney as team USA loses to weak sister Germany. Team Germany scores in the over time to shock USA 2-1. Wouldn’t you know it, Fighting Sioux defensemen, Brian Lee and Taylor Chorney were on the ice when the Germans scored the game-winning goal? Lee staying consistent and continuing to play poorly looked like a pylon as the player from German skated right by Lee like he was standing still.

Finland Shocked by Belerus
The shocker of the WJC after one day is Belarus beat team Finland and top goalie Tuukka Rask, it has been said that Rask is one of the top goalie in the WJC tourney this season and a future of the Boston Bruins. Rask gave up 4 goals on 11 shots.

Get all the updates on the WJC at TSN WJC, IIHF, Brad's Blog, Team Canada, USA Hockey

UNDHOCKEY Blog has picked team USA to win the WJC Tourney.
My Response: Yeah, not this year. I don't see it happening the USA team made a lot of good plays but failed to click offensively against a lesser team like Germany. Also, the USA players were rather selfish with the puck in the offensive end. Soon to be NHL player Kyle Okposo was awesome as he drew like 5 penalties on his own with his quick feet and tireless efforts.

Rules Changes for WJC
The WJC has now followed the NHL and gone to the 4 on 4 for overtime followed by a shoot out if the game is still tied. Also the WJC tourney is calling the game like it should be called. I think it is time for college hockey to follow suit.

At the Half Way Point.

A look at the Standings for the WCHA Version II

Goon's World Projected Final WCHA 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

Here are the actual points after the first half of the season.
Standing as of 12-24-2006
1.) Minnesota 21 points
2.) Denver 18 points
3.) C.C. 16 points
4.) SCSU 15 points
5.) UAA 14 points
6.) MTU 14 points
7.) Wisconsin 12 points
8.) UND 11 points
9.) MSUM 10 points
10.) UMD 06 points

Things are shaking out in ways I didn't think would happen.
Should be an interesting second half.
Edit: Here is the Preseason Grand Forks Herald Coaches Poll
1. (tie) Minnesota (5) 74
1. (tie) Wisconsin (3) 74
3. North Dakota (2) 66
4. Denver 55
5. St. Cloud State 48
6. Minnesota Duluth 45
7. Colorado College 37
8. Michigan Tech 19
9. Minnesota State, Mankato 18
10. Alaska Anchorage 14

Pierre-Marc Bouchard Penatly Shot against Habby.

This was an awesome penatly(some would say contriversial) shot in the Wild's win against the Chicago Black Hawks on December 5th, 2006. Infact it turned out to be the winning goal in the shoot out against the Black Hawks. This season Pierre-Marc Bouchard has been improving almost by the week as he is second on the Wild with 25 points in 35 games. When it is all said and done this will probably turn out to be a top 10 clip.

Brian Rolston

He Did What?
I am a huge Minnesota Wild Fan and I have watched them play religiously the past two seasons. Actually, it would be an huge understatement if I told you that I watched a lot of hockey this season. Ah the beauty of NHL Center Ice.

There is no question about it Brian Rolston is an All-Star-Hockey player, his value to the Minnesota Wild is very high. It would be a crying shame if he isn't on the All-Star team this season. There is no doubt that when the Wild signeed Rolston as a free agent from the Boston Bruins it was an awesome addition to the Wild's line up. It was a very smart move by the Wild Brass. Check out these clips, Rolston has a slap shot that is out of this world. How would you like to be a goalie facing one of these shots? Lastly, Rolston is one of my favorite players I just how the Wild keep him locked up and in a Wild uniform. Maria who? Enjoy.

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year.

US Marines
Merry Christmas from the Goon

First off, lets not forget our men and women fighting for Freedom in the Middle East, being a former US Army soldier myself, I know how tough it is to be away from family and friends during the holidays. Guarding our nations interests around the world is a twenty four seven, 365-day a year job. The mission doesn’t stop for the holidays. Whether you agree with the politics of the war or not, our soldiers don’t get enough credit for the hard work they do. May each and every one of our soldiers, sailor marines and airmen be in all of our thoughts and prayers, till they all come home. Lets kick some Taliban and Al-Quaida ass.

Dug a Pretty Hole

This first half of the season has been tough to swallow for rabid Sioux fans; what we have seen during the first half of the season is not Fighting Sioux hockey . Fighting Sioux hockey traditionally has been scoring timely goals, having a strong stingy defense and getting good solid goaltending from its goaltender. Of the three things listed, none has come to fruition this season as of yet. The time is now, there is no tomorrow.

While I am not giving up yet, key word is yet; I figure to make a run at the playoffs the Fighting Sioux are going to have to win 13-16 and only lose about 4-5 games, getting swept at home or on the road is not acceptable. Sounds easy enough, right? Not the way the Sioux played in the first half of the season. Nothing comes easy in this world. The road to the playoff is going to be very tough if the Fighting Sioux doesn’t get their act together and fast. Finishing in the top five is a must if the Fighting Sioux are to be successful at all.

The Schedule reads like this: The Sioux play C.C. on the 5th and 6th of January, minus Toews, Lee and Chorney (all are at Sweden for the WJC), then back at home against UAA on the 12th and 13th of January (0-2 this season against UAA), a home and home series against BSU Beavers on the 19th and 20th of January before they finish the month against the red hot UMN Gophers (lets hope they are over confident). I figure they have to go at least 6-2 or 5-3 to have a chance, anything less and it is going to be curtains for the Sioux’s playoff chances.

Take the Team Canada Hockey Challenge.

Check this out
Check out this fantasy sports game Fantasy Sports Network
I played it last year during the World Juniors tourney and it is a lot of Fun. Straight from the Site: It's simple: before each round, make your picks for the winners of each game. Every time you guess right, you rack up points. At the end of it all, you could WIN the Grand Prize: a Bubble Hockey Table, or a bunch of other cool prizes! Take the Challenge.

Another Memory from the Past

Drew Makes Good on Penalty Shot.

How big would this kid be if he was still in a Fighting Sioux uniform. This is Drew scoring on a penatly shot in overtime against Maine in the 2004-2005 season. Big players make big plays when the game in on the line. Drew we miss you here in North Dakota. Unforunately I am a RABBID Bruin's fan and it pains me very much to see Drew wearing a Buffalo Sabres uniform.