Bemidji State Pictures: The Victory

 

John Glas Field House Just before game time

The past two season the Beavers and the Sioux have played in a home and home series. The past two years I was lucky enough to get tickets and go to Bemidji to watch the games in the John Glas Field House. The atmosphere in the arena was amazing. Incidently, Bemidji is tentatively scheduled to get a new arena in the fall of 2009 or 2010. I only hope that Seratore tries to schedule the Sioux to open the new building. It would be a fitting way to open the new building.
Phil Pre-Game
I wouldn't have wanted to be any where else but Bemidji on Friday night. The game in the Glas brought back memories of the old REA. The fans are right on top of the ice in the Glas, and your able to see the action up close and personal. I was also lucky enough to be sitting in the end of the arena where the Fighting Sioux scored all three of their goals. What the John Glas lacks in amenities it gain in crowd atmosphere, if only we could a little of that back in the new REA.
Oshie Stopped in close The Sioux came out buzzing and played with intensity Friday night. I would have to say that it was probably one the best periods of hockey on the year for the Fighting Sioux. In Fridays game the Fighting Sioux played with the same grit that they displayed last Saturday night and had an edge and swagge. This is the type of play that it takes to win close games and to be successful.

Unknown Sioux player checking someone
Bob Woback and another Beaver fan
Beaver?
World Famous Corner Bar

College Hockey Bracketology.

College Hockey Bracketology.

I have been looking through the latest Bracketology article on USCHOThe Link to the article and I think its funny to read how the so called flat belly experts think UND isn’t going to put it together and make the NCAA tourney, lets just say this is a work in progress. Actually if the Fighting Sioux can pull things together and get on a mini run they can still qualify for the NCAA playoffs. The reason being is the teams they face are sitting pretty high in the PWR and RPI rankings the Fighting Sioux sit tied in 14th place after blowing in the first part of the season. The Sioux play next weekend at Minnesota, February 23rd at Denver and March 2nd and 3rd at SCSU at least 3 or 4 wins against those three teams or a least a sweep of one of the three would really set up the Fighting Sioux nicely in getting them closer to the NCAA playoffs. Third or fourth place in the WCHA standings is not out of the question.

In looking at the numbers more closely I don’t think the ECAC (aka the EZAC) warrants two or three teams getting into the playoffs some team have only played nine league games and that is a joke in my opinion. I also don’t think that Hockey East will not put 6 teams in the NCAA tourney, talk about an east coast bias. Anyone want to put odds on UNH folding in the NCAA playoffs?

I think when push comes to shove; the ECAC gets 1 team and the Hockey East is going to get 4 or 5 bids for the NCAA tourney. This the time of year where teams go on runs and teams get hot and others cool off. I am hoping the WCHA proves once again that they are the pride of college hockey. The last five titles have gone to the WCHA and I would like to see it stay that way as long as the Gophers don’t win it. Just kidding, no really.

The Time is now

I don’t like to use a lot of clichés, it’s just not my style, however, I am going to string a few of them together. Lets try these on for style. There is no time like the present. Just win baby. It’s a marathon not a sprint, or at least in this case it’s a middle distance 10 Kilometer race. The Time for Fighting Sioux hockey team to make a move is now.

If the Fighting Sioux finish in the lower half of the WCHA standings fail in the WCHA playoffs and don’t make the NCAA playoffs, Dave Hakstol is going to have some serious questions to answer. I know the Fighting Sioux lost a lot of talented players but so did Minnesota, one could make the argument that Minnesota lost more than the Sioux. I read a post over on Siouxsports.com From Skateshattrick Here are some of the major points of this post that I think hit the mark. This person bring up some legitimate questions that are going to be hanging out there in the off season if this season doesn’t have a happy ending.
Snip----------

4. I'm so tired of hearing how we lost all these great players. Guess what? So did everyone else. UM lost its top 4 scorers in Potulny, Kessel, Irmen and Harrington. Denver lost 3 of its top 4 scorers with Matt Carle (the best player in the country last year), Gabe Gauthier, and Paul Stastny. UW lost its top 5 scorers with Pavelski, Earl, Burish, Gilbert and MacMurchy. CC lost Joey Grubb and its 2 Hobey candidates, Marty Sertich and Brett Sterling. Other than SCSU, UND arguably had the most returning. Yes, UND lost Stafford, Zajac, Spirko and Smaby, but they returned their 3, 4 and 5 scorers in Oshie, Toews and Duncan.

We have almost no contribution from our freshmen class. UM has Barriball (26 points), Okposo (24), E. Johnson (15), Flynn (9), Carman (9), Lucia (8), O'Brien (6) and Schack (6). Denver has Brock Trotter (26), Rakhshani (24), Ruegsegger (22)and Gifford (10). CC has Connelly (14) and Sweatt (12). SCSU's leading scorers are freshmen. What does UND have? Other than Chay Genoway's respectable 13 points, we have Zajac with 4, Forney with 2 and Vande Velde with 1. That is pathetic.

6. If Toews (who cannot score because he gets keyed on and has no help) leaves as expected, and TJ leaves as well, what do we have left?? The sophomore class other than Toews, Oshie, Duncan and Chorney has been a major disappointment, and this freshman class looks weak. We better have a great incoming freshmen class next year, or the Sioux are going to find themselves in the lower half of the league.

7. Let's take the kids gloves off and quit blowing smoke up everyone's collective Asses, shall we? It is unacceptable for the Sioux not to be in the top 1/2 of the WCHA every year, making the NCAA tournament and competing for a national championship. We have the facilities, the tradition and success, and what every recruit wants--a proven track record of winning and of players making it to the next level.

8. So tell me, what excuse is there EVER for losing to AAU and MTU in the same year and getting swept at home by MTU??? The answer is none. We still have more talent than AAU and MTU combined. They would kill to have Jonathan Toews, let alone TJ Oshie, Ryan Duncan and Taylor Chorney. Name a player on either team (with the possible exception of Justin Bourne) who would even skate on the first line?? The answer is none.

9. What is the problem? Well, as politically incorrect and blasphemous as it is to say this, the bucks stops the chief or head coach. They underachieved last year for most of the year with the most talented team in the country, and this year is pathetic. I'm not saying that he needs to be fired, but that situation needs to be closely monitored. There is no way on earth that Duke in BB, Ohio State or USC in football or Michigan or Minnesota in hockey would put up with this garbage. It's bad enough getting swept by UW and Maine at home, but MTU is a new low.

Introducing the Hockey Show

There is a new college hockey blog of note The Hockey Show the blog is run by Scott Williams and Moose Richards of KBUN sports radio 1450 am out of Bemidji Minnesota. Scott Williams is the Television Voice of the BSU Beavers hockey team and Moose Richards is the Sports Director of KBUN.

The Hockey Show, which currently airs every Friday at 5 p.m. Central Time durring the Bemidji State University hockey season (October through early April) on KBUN-AM in Bemidji, Minnesota. The show typically concentrates on BSU hockey (with coaches interviews with Beaver Head Coach Tom Serratore and BSU's opponents Head Coach), but also features discussions about the College Hockey America conference, and Division-I college hockey as a whole.

If your making your way over to Bemidji on Friday you can listen to the Hockey Show on 1450am KBUN. Rumor has it that Hakstol will be interviewed by Scott.

Rock Star Robbie Bina gets Defensive player of the week.

Robbie Bina
This is well deserved

WCHA Link This past week as I left the arena I was wondering if Robbie Bina would finally get the defensive player of the week for his work this past weekend, four points by a defenseman in a weekend series is pretty impressive in the Goon's opinion, the fact that Robbie is playing hockey again is even more impressive. It was a good weekend for Fighting Sioux hockey players as Bina and Duncan were given the Defensive and offensive players of the week respectively in the WCHA.


Bina's write up

MADISON, Wisc. - Robbie Bina, a veteran defenseman at the University of North Dakota who played a key role at both ends of the ice in a WCHA series against Alaska Anchorage last weekend, has been named Red Baron WCHA Defensive Player of the Week for Jan. 16-22, 2007.

Duncan's write up

MADISON, Wisc. - University of North Dakota left winger Ryan Duncan, who helped his team to three points in a weekend conference series against visiting Alaska Anchorage, has been named Red Baron WCHA Offensive Player of the Week for Jan. 16-22, 2007. He also earned the honor on Jan. 2.

This Brings new meaning to word Hockey Groupie

This is a really funny video from MAD TV that I found over on one of the On an NHL fan blog site Waiting for Stanley. There are two parts that are really funny that brings new meaning to the word hockey groupie. The first thing she does is she puts a dirty protective cup under chin. That was funny. It is even more funny when she stands in net as one of the players fires a slap shot through her wickets.

A look at the Series ahead.

BSU vs UND
UND has an all time record of 11-1-1 against Bemidji State.
Bemidji has a 12-7-3 record 6-1-2 home 6-6-1 on the road
Bemidji is 7-2-3 in the CHA

UND is 11-11-2 over all 5-7-2 at home and 6-4 on the road.
UND is 7-9-2 in the WCHA
Stats
UND Numbers g g a pts
16 Ryan Duncan 24 17 10 27
7 T.J. Oshie 24 6 14 20
14 Brad Miller 22 8 9 17
24 Chris Porter 24 5 11 16
9 Jonathan Toews 15 4 11 15
22 Brian Lee 20 1 13 14
5 Chay Genoway 24 4 9 13
4 Taylor Chorney 20 2 11 13

BSU Numbers
8 Travis Winter 22 8 14 22
11 Rob Sirianni 22 8 10 18
22 Blaine Jarvis 22 8 8 16
14 Tyler Scofield 16 3 10 13
21 Luke Erickson 12 10 2 12
20 Joey Moggach 16 1 11 12
13 Matt Pope 22 5 6 11
27 Ryan Miller 18 3 7 10

Goal Tenders
UND W-L GAA SAV
Phil Lamoureux 8-9-1 2.35 .909
Tony Grieco 3-2-1 3.49 .884

BSU
Orlando Alamano 3-2-0 2.69 .912
Matt Climie 9-3-3 2.70 .912
Lane Sedevie 0-2-0 9.19 .787

No Tickets Available

The word from Bemidji is that the arena is sold out for the Friday game. I wonder if they will break any fire codes this season as there was definitely no seats left when the buck dropped last season for the Friday game.

Reason for Optimism

After all of the poor play of the Fighting Sioux (its been documented extensively on this blog) and out right sucking during the first half of the 2006-2007 hockey season the Fighting Sioux now sit tied for 14th in the Pairwise Rankings. In fact the Fighting Sioux are currently tied with Vermont and which by seasons end hopefully will finish above Vermont. The best cure for finishing higher in the RPI and PWR rankings is to keep winning hockey games.

The Kaip Fight.

In case you haven't seen the Fight between Anderson and Kaip its up on YouTube now. Thanks Vegas Sioux. This is why I think fighting has a place in hockey, even college hockey. The game was getting really chippy and after Anderson and Kaip's fight the boys settled down and played hockey.

Check out this NHL Video, Good Memories from the Past

This video pretty much sums up why I think Hockey is one of the coolest games.
Hard hitting, goal scoring and timely saves. Check out the Dominator.


Check out this video also, this shows how crazy Candians get about their team, I wish REA was half this crazy during a game.

No Sister Kissing Tonight

In Bina we Trust

Quietly the Fighting Sioux hockey team has gone on a modest streak; going 4-1-1 in their last four games losing only a one-goal game to the C.C. Tigers last week. The Fighting Sioux allowed no UAA power play goals this weekend going 0-10 on the penalty kill, that in it’s self is a major accomplishment for this young Sioux team trying to find an identity. No seriously that’s not a typo. North Dakota is now ranked 35th over all on the penalty kill after hovering around 54th earlier in the season. With the win tonight and the Gophers beating the Badgers, the Sioux sit in 5th place in the WCHA standings with in striking distance of the C.C. Tigers.

If I had to pick a player this season that I thought was deserving of the come back player of the year I would pick Robbie Bina. Bina sat out last season on a medical red shirt after being injured in the 2005 Final Five from a dirty hit from Jeff Paukovich, we won’t review the hit in question at this time because it’s in the past, we will focus on the positives look to the future. This season Bina has come out and played like a man possessed. Bina has proved to be dependable with the puck in the defensive zone but is also contributing in the offensive zone as well getting 4 goals and 8 assists for 12 points in 24 games. Bina’s goal tonight was a thing of beauty as he shot the puck from the point as the UAA goalie was screened and blew the puck past UAA goalie Nate Lawson. In my opinion Bina is starting to gain rock star status in Grand Forks with each goal and point he gets. Every points seems to be an encore of the last point recorded. Ok, I am convinced, what are you going to do next Robbie.

Off to Bemidji to Play the Beavers

This weekend the Sioux play a home and home with the BSU Beavers. This is a pivotal series and taking 4 points against the Beavers is a must. I am making the trip and hope the boys won’t let me down; my buddies from Bemidji will never let me down if the Sioux lose a game in Bemidji. The Beavers must get on the scoreboard early and often and quite the rabid John Glas Field House fans.

Bemidji Hockey Media

If you have a chance check out the Beavers and Sioux telecast on Friday night in Bemidji its on KBSU TV 17 in Bemidji. Scott Williams is the voice of the BSU Beavers calls the game for all Beavers homes games. Moose Richards and Scott Williams also do the hockey show on KBUN 1450 in the afternoon on Fridays, if you get a chance to hear the show I recommend listening to the boys they do a nice show and they are one of the areas few sports shows that talk ONLY about college hockey.

Linkorama for BSU hockey:
BSU Hockey
Millsy's Beaver Pond

A Tie that feels like a loss.

Kissing your Sister.

They say that a tie is like kissing your ugly sister, I must agree. The fact is that tie no matter how painful to watch; wasn’t a loss, however, it doesn’t feel much better than a loss. I can’t imagine being that locker room after a debacle like that. Bring on the shootout.

One could make the argument that the margin of error is getting smaller as each non-win piles up on the 2006-2007 version of the Fighting Sioux. Last nights game caused me to feel all kinds of emotions. At first I was disappointed that the Sioux gave up yet another first period goal in Englestad Arena; then I was excited as the Fighting Sioux took a 2-1 and 3-1 lead. Then I felt like having an anxiety attack as the 2nd Alaska goal went in, I knew it was a matter of time before the roof was going come down on the Sioux once again.

Disappointing:

When the season is over I believe that the 2006-2007 Fighting Sioux team will go down as a team that didn’t. Let me explain. This years Fighting Sioux team doesn’t protect its goalie, among other things. They don’t score goals but that is for another blog entry. Last night Joe Finley had a chance to knock the crap out of a UAA player that was hacking the shit out of his goalie. What did big Joe do? Just about nothing. Big Joe stood there and gave the guy a love tap, then skated backwards. Joe your 6’-f'n-7” and weigh 250 pounds, please knock the snot out of the guy that’s hacking your goalie. In fact Joe could you please hit someone? Please. I have no idea what the hell Washington saw in this guy but could you sign him when the season is over?

We are talking about basic concepts here; there is no focus from the players on the task at hand. If I were a player I would not have a hard time getting ready for this game. It’s a simple concept about pride and effort. UAA spanked you on their home ice and this is the response you have for the Seawolves. Pathetic is the first word that comes to mind when I think of this game. I am not saying UAA is a bad team because they aren’t; their coach is a whopping 3-1-1 against UND since he took the UAA job. Heck the UAA coach might want to schedule 6 games a year against the listless Sioux.

This season all long we have heard how TJ Oshie and Jonathon Toews are going to the NHL after the season is over; we have been told by the pun dents and bathroom lawyers that there are no way these two guys make it past the snow melt. That might be true but how about finishing the business at hand first boys.

I want to know what happened to the player that played at the WJC, this is the same kid that made Jeff Frazee look sick in the shoot out. I just want to know if the Fighting Sioux can have him for the rest of the season before he signs on the dotted line with the Norfolk Admirals. If you can’t score in college how the hell are you going to score in the NHL? The players are bigger and faster and the goalies are better.

The Probable Playoff Scenario

This is what is probably going to happen to the Fighting Sioux if they don’t start winning some hockey games like right now they are going to end up in 6th place in the WCHA standings; that’s if they are lucky enough to finish that high. That is probably going to give them a date with the Wisconsin Badgers in first round of the WCHA playoffs. I personally do not like that match up at all and don’t see us getting past this series if we don’t start playing hockey the way it’s supposed to be played. I am not kidding around; the Fighting Sioux do not match up well against the Badgers in Madison or Grand Forks. Think about it.

Boogard and Godard 01-09-07

The Boogey Man gets beat by AHLer Derrick Godard. This was Boogards first fight since 11-14-06. The Boogey man didn't return to the game.

Zach Makes the Cut Again this Week.

Check out the plays of the week.
Walski make Manny look sick on the shoot out. Who says Shootouts are boring? Also, check out Zach Parise's goal at about fifty five seconds in, Zach with the spinarama. Later on in the video; Zach and the New Jersey Devils get robbed. Sid the Kid also makes good on a tap in goal.

Linkorama

Links around the Blogsphere:
Lets Go Mavs says that I have been slacking this week. Yep I have, so I decided that I had to do something. Truth be told there is lots of time at night to write but when you in the middle of an 8 over-nights (midnight shift) in a row blogging comes second.

I did find Donalds UAA Fan Blog most recent blog article to be interesting.
Donalds claim is that its the worst blog article ever. UAA Blog

So having started out three times to write something about this series and then deleting all of them I figured I'd just write and whatever comes out is what you're stuck reading. I started a typical UND has "this and that" as I've been doing most of the year at midweek. But it was boring stuff. Here's UND's stats. I was going to write about UAA's lines and how Charlie Kronschnabel's injury has affected them (he'll likely return against UofM). Not that it's necessarily boring but it didn't come out sounding like I wanted it to sound, so I deleted it. I thought about writing about Lawson and Olthuis but if I write about a goaltender and he gets pulled or blown out then how stupid will I feel? I could write about the freshman but we all know they've been playing great and developing just as they should. I could write about the upperclassmen stepping up from last year but how often can you read me saying that same stuff.

Chris Dilks deals with the Referee incident. Wester College Hockey
I would have to say that I agree with Chris on his analysis of the situation. I am sure that a ruling and a suspension is coming soon. I also believe that Campion should have not gotten into a shouting match with a league coach after a game, very unprofessional in my opinion.

Jon Campion should also be disciplined, but I'm not holding my breath. We're supposed to believe that the league's officials are completely impartial. Coaches aren't even allowed to mention officiating without suffering some sort of reprimand because to do so would imply that officials play some factor in the outcome of the game. It's the Great Lie that we'd all like to believe, but see proven false every weekend. And now we're supposed to believe that Jon Campion was completely impartial this past weekend when less than 10 minutes after the game, he was engaged in a heated argument with one of the coaches? It's one thing for Means to yell at him, but for Campion to respond to it, which it sounds like he did, that's completely unprofessional and unacceptable.

Celebrating Mediocrity agrees with me on the shootout as an option for settling games. Celebrating Mediocrity I really like this piece this person writes on the shoot out and I agree.

The problem with Wodon and other hockey purists is that they want the game to grow, but refuse to open their minds to change. They expect the rest of the world to all of a sudden open their eyes and see hockey the way we all see it.

Well I'm sorry purists but its not going to happen. If you want the sport to grow, you will have to except change.

College hockey, like professional hockey, is a business. It is a business that can not survive on the support of the purists alone. Most of us do not even pay to go to college hockey games. We are in the press box, eating free food.

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

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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