Good College Hockey Fight.

This should get you read for the game tonight. I know this is from a couple of years back but it was a good bout. The Announcer kind of sounds like a homer. Just kidding Scott. Udovich for Bemidji State and Priewe for the Air Force Academy in a hockey fight from Feb. 8, 2002 at the John Glas Fieldhouse in Bemidji, Minnesota.

So This isn't Hostile and Abusive?

Horse S#!t
Thanks to SoCalSioux from USCHO for bringing this to my attention. The NCAA has deemed that the University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux to be hostile and abusive. Funny thing is you will never see the Tomahawk chop ever done at REA, the Betty or the Alerus. Sucks to be us doesn't it. Personally I want it to be known that I like FSU football, beat the Gators. I just hate the NCAA's stupidity. End of Rant.

When you see the World through Maroon and Gold Shades

I found this over on Gopher Puck Live

skiumah2 said: The Gophers won 7 straight games at the X from the 2002 Frozen Four through the 2004 Final 5. 2 Frozen Four games, 4 Final 5 games, and one non conference game against Ohio St. Those Gopher teams were 3 of the best Minnesota squads ever. It's understandable they had success during that time period. They likely win those games no matter where they play them. Minnesota also won 1 Final 5 at the old Civic Center and 2 Final 5's in Milwaukee. They didn't win any of the Final 5's played at Target Center. With the exception of the fore mentioned 7 game run, Minnesota hasn't really faired any better than any of the other top dogs in the WCHA, especially when the event has been in the Twin Cities. In fact, Minnesota's winning percentage is extremely higher at the Bradley Center then it is at the Civic Center, Target Center, or the Xcel Center. While the Gophers have always had the "home ice" type crowd support, playing at the X has not given Minnesota any significant advantage over the rest of the WCHA. At least in terms of on ice results.

Also, the "Minnesota Rule" that demands Minnesota play the Friday night game even if they are in the 2 or 3 seed spot. That doesn't help them in any way at all. I love when opposing fans bring that one up. I agree its unfair, but it's an unfairness that doesn't give Minnesota any advantage what so ever. I've never understood how people think it is.

I have to hand to him that is a funny rant; I am not sure how this guys is able to say this with a straight face. We listen to the same thing every year. This season there is no doubt that the Gophers are going to be awarded the McNaughten Anchor, no body is going to catch them, not even the Huskies, but what if the Gophers were having a bit of a down year in the standing? There is no way that person could say with a straight face that the Minnesota Rule doesn't help them. Yeah; Ok. Here is a suggestion, lets say the Gophers give the Minnesota rule up then. Right, it will never happen.

Seriously, lets get real. The Minnesota Rule is totally advantagious to the Gophers, there is not doubt about it. Especially if the winner of the play in game is supposed to play the number one seed and ends up playing in the 2:00 PM game. I am sure most Gopher fans would say, "finish your season better". Personally I really don't have a big problem with the league wanting to capitalise on revenue because it gets split 10 different ways, but don't insult people intelegience with those type of statements.

Western College Hockey: NCAA Tourney Projections

Western College Hockey: NCAA Tourney Projections

Here are the Latest Bracket prediction for UND

Northeast (Manchester, NH; Host: New Hampshire)

1. New Hampshire (22-5-1, #1 PWR)
2. North Dakota (16-11-3, #8 PWR)
3. Boston U (15-5-8, #9 PWR)
4. Sacred Heart (17-8-4, UNR PWR)

This Bracket doesn't scare me very much, UNH is known for chocking in the big game at the wrong time. Let's remind everyone that there is a lot hockey left (5 weeks left) until the NCAA's. UND needs to keep playing well to get into the NCAA tourney. A lot can happen and the Sioux are assured of nothing.

Sioux and Dogs

The Rivalry Continues

Tonight the Bull Dogs and Sioux renew an old feud. You could say it’s the highway 2 match up. The Sioux have been hot as of late going on a 7-0-2 run since the first of the year and are 1-12 against the Bull Dogs in the last 13 games the Bull Dogs have also lost 6 in a row to the Sioux as well as seven in a row at the REA, throw those records out because they mean nothing. The Sioux on paper should sweep this weekend but hockey is played on ice and not on paper. Stats mean nothing right now. During the last 10 games the Bull Dogs are 6-4 and will prove to be one of the tough challenge, the Sioux should not be over looking the Bull Dogs or they very well could be traveling for the WCHA playoffs and left out of the NCAA playoffs.

The Bulldogs have the number one ranked power play in the NCAA while the Fighting Sioux are ranked 6th. That should not bode well for the Fighting Sioux if they continue to have a parade to the penalty box. The Sioux are ranked 50th nationally on the penalty kill while the Bull Dogs are ranked 41st over all nationally on the penalty kill, so staying out of the penalty box would be a good idea this weekend, because special teams are going to be key this weekend. The Sioux are 10-5-2 in their last 17 games.

Important Links for the Weekend's Series:

Here are the must see links for this weekend's series.
Running With The Dogs
Deck is Stacked
Deck Is Stacked Live Journal
tPenalty Box
Brad's Blog
Duluth News Tribune

Lets not get ahead of our selves

The Kiss of Death?
Found this in the Duluth News and Tribune: All I can say is let's not get ahead of our selves just yet there is a lot of hockey left to be played. One game at a time.

North Dakota on streak

North Dakota’s season has been anything but dull.
Article Link

After two straight trips to the NCAA Frozen Four, the Fighting Sioux found themselves 7-10-1 on Dec. 16. Since then, they’ve gone 9-1-2 (including a current Division I-best nine-game unbeaten streak) and have all but secured a berth in the 16-team NCAA tournament. North Dakota (16-11-3) is No. 9 in the PairWise Rankings and fifth in the WCHA, holding onto the final home playoff spot.

Linkorama: New Hockey Blog

Check out this new blog

Kyle Whitney has a new blog Tech Still Sucks. Incidentally, I don't think Mean Girl is going to be a big fan of the blog. LOL.

One of the features of the blog is; Northern Michigan University has an awesome player named Mike Santorelli who has been unfairly snubbed by the Hobkey Baker fan voting. There is a Mike Santorelli Watch posted in the left margin of the blog. It really is a travesty that Mike Santorelli is second in the nation in goal scoring with 26 goals but he isn't getting a lot attention from the Hobey Baker Committee. Also, Ryan Duncan from the University of North Dakota is sitting in the third spot with 22 goals. Ryan was initially left off the fan vote as well.

Patrice Bergeron Stars in an Awesome Highlite Reel.

One Awesome Forward
This is a sweet highlite reel that I found of the Bruins super forward Patrice Bergeron, the face of the Boston Bruins franchise. Some Fighting Sioux fans got to see him play in person during the 2005 WJC tourney that was held up in Grand Forks, ND.

Just a note of interest; Bochenski is the new face on the team, Bergeron is the face of the franchise in my opinion.

Friday Night at the Fights. Sioux and Mavs Goon it up.

Ole Time Hockey

My advice to the Sioux players is if your going to get kicked outof a game for fighting please fight, take a page from Prp's or Kaips book, if your going to pay for it, make it count because your going to be sitting out anyways. I respect Lee for not turtling, but you got into a fight throw some punches. don't look for the ref to bail you out.

Wearing my green shades I believe the Maverick Players they should have been given instigator penatlies for starting this fight(s). Whats up with them pulling off the Sioux player's helments. That must be something they learned in juniors.

Sioux7 Addresses Expansion of the CHA

Something to Think About

I was on goon's blog the other day and I was thinking about the whole
Conference alignment thing, with the CHA going down. I think some
Schools should move IN to the CHA.

Here are the teams I think should move to the CHA

Mankato State haven't been it the WCHA for that long, and
location)
Northern Michigan location, and moved to CCHA from WCHA in 1993)
Lake Superior State (location)

This would make 10 teams in CCHA, 9 in WCHA, and 8 in CHA, so it would
be a little more balanced in terms of numbers.

The CHA would then be a better conference. For instance, nobody likes
to play Mankato, since they tend to surprise many times by splitting
series or taking 3-of-4 points when you least expect it. Northern
Michigan has a good history of winning in the NCAA tourney, the won it
all back in 1991. Same for Lake Superior State, they too have gone all
the way, twice (correct me if I'm wrong). As for the existing schools,
Bemidji has the most titles at any level for hockey, enough said.

Note* These are not the Goon's suggestions, but from a guest writer.
All remarks should be directed at Sioux7

You can't Start Sucks with out NDSU!!!

The Class that Oozes from Fargo Beat Writers

I think this subject needs to be put to bed, finally. In fact I promise this will probably be the last time that I right/comment on this ridiculously minor petty incident; an incident that should have never consumed this much of of the media's time. It appears finally a news story will probably take over the head lines soon, hopefully it will be about a hockey game that was played on the ice and not in the papers. Its unfortunate that this non-story has grown legs and is now sprinting toward the finish line.

In a way I actually missed the banter between the two towns and programs and in fact I kind of missed the half cocked theories and misinformation that used to come out of sewer known as the Fargo Forum; especially from it’s sports writers, ah but good times lie ahead as Mike McFeely true to his form was able to take his usual back handed mean swipe at UND, all we need now is a good trashing of the Bison Football team by the Fighting Sioux. I suppose McFeely anger is a result of program envy or he must be a big fan of the Gophers, or just ignorant. I take the later.

Welcome back you partisan hack. Where have you been the last few years. Now Mike McFeely has taken it upon himself to decide for the rest of us what is an appropriate response to this off ice MINOR incident . The reason I think this is a lot to do about nothing; especially when my Gopher loving buddies that are Gophers fans don’t even call me after this incent I know they also see it as a minor incident as well. Chalk it up to a slow news week.

Here is some of the latest to come out of Bison apologist Mike McFeely Mike's Drivel and an even more slanted readMcFeely's Blog

Hakstol’s response comical

Dave Hakstol might have a surprise in store for us. He might just be playing mind games with those pesky Mavericks from Minnesota State Mankato. He might yet keep his law-breaking three players out of the University of North Dakota hockey lineup this weekend.

But we doubt it. Which means Hakstol, the Sioux’s coach, has blown Taverngate. Sioux stars T.J. Oshie and Jonathan Toews were charged this week with being minors in a Grand Forks establishment named Judy’s Tavern. Teammate Robbie Bina was cited with the more serious charge of escaping custody for allegedly opening the door of a police car.
The problems happened Jan. 28, a Sunday. The Coaching Common Sense Handbook, used by 98 percent of all college coaches, says Hakstol’s course was simple: The following Monday or Tuesday, Wednesday at the very latest, the coach should have issued a statement saying Oshie and Toews would be suspended for one game against Mankato and Bina would sit both games, with the possibility of more punishment down the road.
Poof! Players punished, story disappears. All in one fell swoop. Easy as an empty-netter.

Goon Goes in the Zone

My question to Mike is why does the media get to decide what is the proper punishment is supposed to be? YOUR NOT EVEN A BEAT WRITER FOR A HOCKEY TEAM, you’re a sports writer for a second rate basketball and football team, and you write for a horrible sports page. The fact that your blog states your address is in Moorhead takes more of your credibility away, in my humble opinion. Let me guess your part of the Fargo/Moorhead area’s any body but the Sioux in hockey. You probably wear a Minnesota Gophers t-shirt under you work attire. Good for you.

The last time I talk about this

Lets break this down for the final time: If a DWI is a 2 game suspension then a one game suspension for a minor in a bar is an over kill, in my opinion. A one game suspension for the theft of pull-tabs in a bar in another town doesn’t equate or call for the same punishment for a minor being in a bar, we don’t even know if there were drinking. Lets not go there. I know that 85% of the population had done what these kids are being crucified for. If in fact that these underage adults were actually drinking alcoholic beverages in the bar in question still doesn’t change the fact that this minor infraction does not warrant a one game suspension or as much focus from the media as it has gotten. Its time for us to move on, my god there is a war going on and this is all we can talk about? I am moving on I am going to a hockey game tonight.

Here is a perfect reponse to McFeely from an Unknow writer on his blog:
its priceless and I think will put this to bed. Lastly I agree with this writer only I am sure even the national inquirer has standards that McFeely couldn't meet.

This guy hits the mark

Ignorance is not a good trait to have when one such as yourself has a forum to purge your hasty, uneducated, and uninformed opinions. Isn't it in Journalism 101 to make sure you've got all the facts straight before you publish an article? Clearly, prudent journalism is not your strength. Perhaps may I suggest that your style of careless writing be better suited working for one of those tabloid magazines like The National Enquirer. There McFeely, you can spew your uninformed rants of untruths and false speculations and the foolish audiences that read such publications may actually believe the substandard, incompetent crap you base your writing career on. I believe you may have failed to review your Journalists Common Sense Handbook when you wrote this piece of blasphemy.


One is quite the judge and jury when not sitting in the chair aren't we? From the moment this hit the news, Hakstol has stood firm on dealing with the situation internally, as any other family, corporation or other group usually chooses to do when a predicament unfolds. I would be all too careful to make hasty judgments before we see what Hakstol and the rest of the coaching staff has in store for these young men. Perhaps we will see them using their talents within the community or with others to give back for their mistakes….rather than waste them sitting out a game or two, which teaches them nothing about the game of LIFE.


None of us are inside that locker room and therefore have no right to judge completely because we do not have all the facts. What will come of this, we will see. Until then, it is my opinion that we should respect the boundaries that have been set and allow the coaches and staff to deal with the situation as they see fit. Anyone who remotely knows or has even slightly observed Hakstol during his tenure on the bench for UND would clearly be able to tell that this man will not let these players get away with this type of behavior without repercussions for their actions and also hopefully, walking away with a life lesson.


You’re a D list public figure McFeely, therefore you’re up for scrutiny too right? So, conceivably one day, when you have underhandedly made a mistake or perchance your child gets into trouble, I will look forward to an article on how you publicly deal with it, relaying every conversation in detail so all of us can sit in your courtroom as judge and jury.

Posted by: Boxer on 2/09/2007 11:56 AM

The latest on the incident. Looks like all will be playing tonight just as I predicted. McFeely is going to be beside himself.

The Sioux players apologized to the public with statements released by UND on Wednesday.

"It's very important to me that all of you know this is being dealt with in a disciplinary fashion, it will be much more time-consuming and hopefully have a much greater impact on our guys than sitting out a game or two," Hakstol said.

"And that's where it's going to stay. I guess we'll see how things turn out in the long run."

Goon's World Makes Appearance on Lets Go Mav's

Linkorama

For the four people that didn't read my article at Lets Go Mav's you can read my latest rant/article right here at Guest Writer

Judy's Scandle

Look for the players involved in the off ice scandle to play this weekend.
That is just my guess. Hakstol wouldn't say either way, but in so many words he said its been dealt with internally, and I take the blame for it.

Ryan Bakken also said on Blog Post

My best guess? UND will wait to rule on Bina until the court case is settled, which could be until after the season. And Toews and Oshie, who were the minors on the premises? Hakstol told local media he won't comment until Wednesday. However, he was quoted in the Winnipeg media a few days ago as saying that Toews won't face any further punishment. Now, unless he was misquoted (doubtful) or unless he changes his mind (even more doubtful) it looks as though both will be skating this weekend.

Lastly: Goon's prediction:

I am confident that the Sioux will get at least 2 points this weekend , the Sioux have to get points this weekend if they want to stay in the race for home ice in the WCHA playoffs. If the Sioux don't at least split I will wear a MSU-M Mav's Jersy to the Final Five with the name Goon on the back.

Finally I have been accused wrongly as being a closet Mavericks Fan. Just for the record I am not a closet Mav's fan although I do respect the way the Mavericks play hockey. They come to play every night and they give you a battle.

The New Bracketology: Feb. 7, 2007 is up.

Jayson Moy Predicts the Brackets
Bracketology
The brackets as we have set them up:
West Regional:

St. Lawrence vs. Notre Dame
Vermont vs. Denver

Midwest Regional:

Bemidji State vs. Minnesota
Michigan vs. Clarkson

East Regional:

Michigan State vs. St. Cloud
North Dakota vs. Maine

Northeast Regional:

Sacred Heart vs. New Hampshire
Boston University vs. Colorado College

It looks like Denver would have the easiest route to the Frozen Four if these were the final brackets. Minnesota would have to face Michigan but they have beaten them soundly already, would probably be a well attended regional. Could be an all WCHA Frozen Four again. Look for many changes before tourney time. The Fighting Sioux did well last time they were sent out east.

Brandon Bochenski gets his First Goal With the B's

Bo's Goal

Bochenski scores his first goal with the Bruins his third of the year in the NHL, you can see the goal at 51 seconds into the youtube video. In his first game former Fighting Sioux great Brandon Bochenski skated on a make shift first line with Bruins Forwards Marc Savard and P.J. Axelson. Also, Glen Murray and Marco Strum were out with injuries so that facilitated Brandon's assention to the top line last night. Phil Kessel now 3 for 3 on the shoot out and all of his goals have been game ending shootout goals.

Lets Go Mavs Guest Writter

Hello Sioux Fans! Let me introduce myself, I’m Ms. LetsGoMavs. I have a little blog that gained fame courtesy of your own Mr. Goon.

Goon asked me to write up a little blurb about the Maverick Hockey team as they travel to REA this weekend. Bare with me folks, I’m the exact opposite of the Goonster…since I’m a female liberal democrat who does not shoot things. Thus, I’m guessing my guest spot on Goon’s World will be a little different than the format you’re used to reading. Hang in there and hopefully I can teach you a little bit about Maverick Hockey.

The biggest question most people have is “Who are the guys to watch?” The main guy to watch is Travis Morin, our co-captain. There is a good reason this kid is a Hobey candidate. He’s got some of the best hands in college hockey, excellent skating skills and reads plays well. Many people wondered how Morin was going to do without Backes this season, and he hasn’t disappointed any. Sure, the and Backes made one hell of a team…but Morin is holding his own without Backes. Morin is a clean player who will stuff a goal home from angles that you would never think a puck could be shot from. Watch him (#27) and enjoy. [edit: this is valid if Morin plays. Today’s paper noted that Morin, Kalinski, and Stewart were injured on Saturday and held out of practice on Monday. At this time, it’s unknown if they’ll play this weekend.]

The next guy to watch is Jon Kalinski. This kid is fast. You’ll notice him most on your power play because before you know it, he’s stolen the puck from your guy and is on the breakaway. He leads the Mavericks on short handed goals and he’s a very scrappy player. He’s that guy that you love to have on your team and hate to play against. He’s always got his jaw flapping and gets under just about every players skin. Sadly, he sometimes flaps it too much to the ref, and he spends his fair time in the box. He’s a fun little player to watch, so keep your eyes on #37 and watch the theatrics! This, of course, is only valid if he’s playing this weekend. Last weekend in OT he got smashed into the boards pretty hard and left the ice in pain. We’re hoping he’s ok for the weekend, or the Mavs will really suffer.

Want to know the guy who doesn’t shoot the puck much, but tends to score when he does? That’ll be Joel Hanson. He’s a smart player that has good aim and a hard slap shot that will fly past most goalies. To tell you how good he is, Bobby Goepfert hates this kid, and he always burns Bobby. More than likely he’ll light up your goalie at least twice this weekend.

Mick Berge is also good for a goalie light up. He’s a hard nosed player that fights to the finish and will keep at it until he scores a goal. His numbers are down this year, due to a broken shoulder blade early in the season, but that’s misleading. He’s dangerous on the ice and quite talented in front of the goal.

Another forward with a ton of talent is Kael Mouillierat (pronounced Mall Rat…kick ass name!). He’s good at handling the puck and shooting it at the right times, along with making good passes at the right time. He’s a strong Canadian player with a lot of potential.

Speaking of Canadians, once more you’re going to see is Kurtis Kisio. Though he’s a little guy, he’ll take on any sized guy. I’m pretty sure he has little man syndrome, so he’s always ready to kick ass. He’s the player who took a full hard skate at Briggs to check him…just to show the Gophers what he thought of them touching our goalie. He too likes to throw the punches. Sadly, I think this kid lives off his name (dad played in the NHL) more than talent. However, he usually has a couple of games where he does awesome and scores a few goals. I haven’t seen that yet, so maybe this weekend is THE weekend!

Jerad Stewart and Geoff Irwin round out the forwards to be watching for. These two had the two goals of our last game, and both have talent for scoring when there’s a lot of traffic in front of the net.

Our most lethal defenseman is Steve Wagner. He’s got one hell of a slap shot and generally is knowing for having goals fly on the one timer. He plays the game smart and doesn’t spend too much time in the box. He’s the assistant captain of the Mavericks and is a good leader.

The next defenseman to watch is Chad Brownlee. He’s a hard hitting player with a big ‘ol Canadian attitude. He’ll stick up for his team and is not afraid to fight. He’s the guy that threw the most punches in the famous fight with the Gophers, after Wheeler cut Tormey’s hand. Brownlee spends his fair share of time in the box and I wouldn’t be surprised if he roughs up a Sioux player this weekend, or possibly gets a fighting major.

Speaking of fighting, there’s a chance that Trevor Bruess will toss a few punches. He’s a big player that’s quite physical and is not afraid to get in someone’s face. He’s generally able to stop before fighting, but he will take a well deserved roughing minor. Watch for him to be shoving your guys around and talking trash.

The defenseman that spends the most time in the box is Brian Kilburg. He’s a strong and physical player too, but not much of a goon. He shows his strength on the ice and isn’t afraid to give your guys hard hits, just to remind them that he’s there. Kilburg sometimes doesn’t know when to stop, or let’s his frustration get to him and then takes stupid penalties, which accounts for his box time also. However, he really is a good player.

The other defenseman to watch for this weekend is Nick Canzanello. He too likes to hit hard and isn’t afraid to let his presence be known. He’s a strong guy, which most players underestimate, and they try to knock him over…only to have him stay standing and skate past them.

As far as the other “D” are concerned, we have RJ Linder (better known as Hot RJ) , Blake Friesen, and Lucas Fransen. At this time, I don’t know if he’ll be playing. He was out last weekend with an upper body injury. RJ plays the “D” hard and has good stick handling abilities. Friesen is good at reading forwards and plays a tight D. He doesn’t spend a lot of time in the box, as he’s a smart player. Plays pretty clean and does his job well. As far as Fransen goes…well, let’s just say there’s a reason that he sits on the bench as a senior. When he’s in, it seems like the Mavs can’t find groove.

Of course, I can’t forget to give props to our goalies. More than likely you’ll be seeing Mike Zacharias in net. This kid is a machine. He’s been on fire and paying exceptionally well. He’s got the quickest glove in the league and has a ton of talent. He’s been our #1 guy since Tormey has been out and he’s gained a lot of confidence. Look for him to stop a lot of great shots.

I’m not sure who the back up goalie will be. Dan Tormey started using his glove hand last week and dressed last weekend. He’s ready to play again, but I’m not sure Jutting will take him on the road due to his recovering injury. Tormey is getting his form back in practice and we’re all happy to see him back in his jersey after that awful injury.

If Tormey doesn’t make the trip, Chris Clark (aka “Hollywood”) will. He’s our senior goalie and he has the best personality in the WCHA. Fans from all the teams love this kid. If he’s there this weekend, be sure to yell at him and have a good time. He loves fan interaction, even if it’s not his own fans. Most fans love having Hollywood in their arena, as he’ll show them a little love and attention.

So…there is my rundown of the Maverick players. As far as the team goes, they’ve been playing hard and are finally seeing the fruits of their labor. They’ve moved up in the standings quickly and are looking to keep going. The Mavericks always play hard at REA, so be ready for a good show. Everyone is always quick to underestimate the Mavericks and that’s not wise. These guys play with passion and play every minute of the game. If you know what’s smart, you NEVER underestimate the Mavs.

One thing that I think is helping them play great is that Jutting seems to be on double secret probation, after he and Coach Means got into in with Campion at the U of M game. Jutting has been pretty quite and is not consistently yelling at the players and the refs. Thus, the refs haven’t been throwing the guys in the box out of frustration, and the guys are playing much more calmer. Let’s hope it stays that way, otherwise Jutts will probably pop a vein in his forehead and fall out off the bench….landing on the ice and doing the floppy croppy …all while he’s bitching and spit is flying!

All in all, it’s going to be one hell of a weekend of college hockey. I predict a split. I know, that’s lame, but given the Sioux talent vs. the Mavericks passion, it seems most likely. [edit: if Morin, Kalinski, Stewart, and Linder are all out...then I'm not going to be bold and say a split...in fact, we'll get our asses kicked....crap! hopefully they're ok for the weekend or the hockey gods just gave your team a big present!]

The Latest Projections for the NCAA Tourney

Western College Hockey: NCAA Tourney Projections
I know its way to early to write about the NCAA tourney, and to use the old cliche' there is lot of hockey left to be played before the NCAA tourney starts.

I found this over on Western College Hockey. I like the Match ups that Matt Latham has this week. After watching the Black Bears and Wildcats this past weekend, I am not so sure the New Hampshire Wildcats would want to go through that Regional though. First Sacred Heart than a potential match up with the Fighting Sioux. I could see it happening since UND owes MSU some pay back.

Northeast (Manchester, NH; Host: New Hampshire)

1. New Hampshire (20-5-1, #1 PWR) *auto*
2. Clarkson (17-7-4, #7 PWR)
3. North Dakota (15-11-2, #9 PWR)
4. Sacred Heart (15-9-4, UNR PWR) *auto*

Western College Hockey: Wayne State Applies to CCHA

Expansion; Just Something to Think About

Western College Hockey: Wayne State Applies to CCHA

I think Chris from Western College Hockey makes some good points that are going to have to be addressed in the future. People can stick their head in the sand but this is an issue that isn't going to go away anytime soon. The CHA will not be able to survive with only 5 teams. I personally like the Idea of BSU and UNO in the WCHA, if BSU can assured the league they are in fact getting a new arena. I have bee told by people in the know at BSU that are in fact getting a new arena.

As for Huntsville, I have heard they are going to disband their hockey program in the future. I personally suggest that they submit an application to the Atlantic Hockey or Hockey East. I don’t just don’t know what you should do with them. Unless college hockey seriously thinks about adding 4-6 more games this maybe a mute point.

There is one perceived negative what do you do with a 12 team WCHA? For one you could have a Super Six instead of a Final Five. So I have over come one objection already. Personally, the fans would show up anyway. I am all for 6 games in three days as opposed to 5 games in three days.

Lastly, no matter what happens someone is going to be unhappy with the way everything shakes out. You can take a trip to the bank on that one. Hockey purists will say a 12 team WCHA sucks, but the CCHA has done it for years.

Is The News Media Piling On?

Read the Story at the GF Herald
GRAND FORKS, N.D. — Robbie Bina, whose strong return from a broken neck has prompted a lot of praise for his play and character, is facing a misdemeanor for allegedly trying to help two underage friends escape a police car during a bust at a local bar, according to reports. Those two underage friends just so happen to be star Sioux sophomores Jonathan Toews, 18, and T.J. Oshie. They were picked up last week for underage drinking. According to the prosecutor's office, Bina, 24, opened the door of a patrol car where two of them sat and then walked away. He will be charged with escaping custody, a Class B misdemeanor, which carries a maximum punishment of a $1,000 fine and 30 days in jail. Pettit said the six minors who were cited won't face further charges.North Dakota coach Dave Hakstol took command of the situation by asking the Grand Forks police chief to meet with the team Friday morning.

Media all too Giddy

Seriously I don’t have a problem with media reporting this story; I do believe its time for the media to move on and find something else to report on. However, I do have a quick question for the Herald Writers, who are all to quick to smear a Fighting Sioux hockey player; who are the other 4 under aged people that were sited at the bar along with the two UND hockey players? The other four students sited at Judy's Bar were: Brandon Horton, Latasha Schenfisch, Laci Ginder and Tara Fugleston. "


I believe the Local Drive- By- Media has made a mountain out of a molehill in this case, is really necessary to drag this out in the media all week? I suppose the Heraldo is has nothing else to report? College kids drink underage; it’s a fact of life. Another fact is not all of them get caught? But God forbid if one of these underage kids that get caught happens to be a fighting Sioux hockey player. Really this is not an earth-shattering story.

Like PCM said over on Sioux Sports How it is that on Tuesday, a half dozen police cars and sheriff's SUVs can descend on my neighborhood with lights flashing and sirens blaring, three people can be led away in handcuffs and not one single word about the incident appears in the local news media? Is the Judy's Tavern scandal consuming too many news-gathering resources?

PCM does have a point it seems that would be more serious than two kids getting busted for underage drinking, and a third letting them out of a squad car. Is this all we have to do in Grand Forks, ND? The non-story is who are the other kids involved in this earth shattering story? If they had been college athletes their name would have been dragged through the mud as well.

Links to the Story
Red Star and Sickle
Heraldo Article
WDAZ
UND Sports Zone

Wild and Av's

Gaborik Gets Two

This was one of the better games I have watched in some time. Gabby is catching fire at just the right time, Marion has 13 goals and 7 assists in 19 games. Last night wing was big win because it keeps the Av's in the rear view mirror 6 points out of the last playoff spot.

UND Athletics Director Caught Having Fun.

Bunning Sieving Frazee


Time For People to Relax

Apparently UND Athletic Tom Bunning has upset a few of Societies hypersensitive people with his enthusiasm he shows towards Sioux sports. Last weekend UND athletic director was photographed sieving the Gopher Goaltender in Marriucci arena. In fact the some of the sports Blogs was all up in arms about it. I have no idea what people are so up in arms about.

Former Fighting Sioux Heraldo sports writer weighed in with his view of the situation.
Bakken's View

www.insidecollegehockey.com has a photograph of UND Athletic Director Tom Buning doing the "sieve" chant/arm chop in last weekend's series at the University of Minnesota. He was joining in with the crowd after a Sioux goal. The online photographer returned to the press box and said he couldn't believe what he just saw.

Neither can I. This is embarrassing. Buning is not a frat boy; he is the school's AD. He needs to show some decorum and dignity at games. This isn't the first time that he's acted improperly. In Milwaukee at the Frozen Four, he embarrassed several Sioux fans sitting around him by standing up and screaming at the officials. It's one thing for Joe Six-pack to do this; it's something else for your leading athletics department official to act so sophomoreish.

Tom is a nice guy, but he acts too much like a fan and not enough like a leader at times. While we're at it, he needs to stop his pushup act at football games, too. It was fun at the beginning. But the body language of the Sioux coaches and players suggest they're tired of it. The attention should be on the game, not an administrator who tries to horn in on the attention by looking at the big screen to see if his pushups are being shown.
So who's in position to tell him to knock it off?

What is the big deal?

Come Ryan lighten up a bit, have we really become that thinned skinned that we can’t have a little fun at sporting event? So what if he is the AD of the University of North Dakota? So he was screaming at the officials. I just think some are getting way to worked up about nothing in particular.

I think some of the other people that were concerned about it might have been experiencing what I call sour grapes for the Sioux running Minnesota out of their own building. In fact I am happy we don’t have some stuffed suit for an athletic director. I have had the pleasure of Meeting Tom Bunning a couple of times and have to say that the guy is awesome, a real breath of fresh air. I can’t fault Bunning for his actions. Bunning has been known to do pushups after touchdowns at Sioux football games as well as leading cheers during hockey games at Ralph Englestad Arena.

INCH’s take on the Photo

INCH

SAY WHAT?
From the So Sioux Me Dept.: There’s nothing wrong with a little good-natured ribbing of the opposing goalie after he allows a goal, right? With that in mind, INCH’s double-secret Mariucci Cam caught North Dakota athletics director Tom Buning directing the traditional “sieve” chant (complete with Bob Dole-esque, right-handed, pen-gripping, pointing gesture) at a Minnesota net minder. Memo to Gopher and Sioux fans: We’re just the messengers. Now talk amongst yourselves

I believe that is probably the probably the most entertaining point I have read on the issue to date.