The Quest for 8

October 13 - Hall of Fame Game UND - MSU
October 19 – UND @ Boston College "the Dirty Eagles"
October 20 – UND @ Northeastern
October 26 – UND @ MTU
October 27 – UND @ MTU
November 2 – Colorado College - UND
November 3 – Colorado College - UND
November 9 – UND @ BADgers
November 10 – UND @ BADgers
November 23 – UMD - UND
November 24 – UMD - UND
November 30 – UND @ DU
December 1 – UND @ DU
December 7 – Gophers - UND
December 8 - Gophers – UND
December 28 – UNH - UND
December 29 – UNH – UND
January 4 – UND @ SCSU
January 5 – UND @ SCSU
January 11 – MTU - UND
January 12 – MTU - UND
January 18 – UND @ Mav’s
January 19 – UND @ Mav’s
January 25 – UAA – UND
January 26 – UAA – UND
February 1 – UND @ Gophers
February 2 – UND @ Gophers
February 15 – DU – UND
February 16 – DU – UND
February 23 – BSU – UND
February 24 – BSU – UND
February 29 – UND @ UMD
March 1 – UND @ UMD
March 7 – SCSU – UND
March 8 – SCSU – UND
March (14-16) - 1st Round WCHA Playoffs
March 20/21/22 - WCHA Final Five
March 28/29/30 - NCAA Regionals
April 10/12 - NCAA Frozen Four @ Denver

Break down of the Schedule

The Sioux only play the Mavericks twice in Mankato next season unless of course; UND draws the Mavericks in the WCHA playoffs either in the first round or at the Final Five. If the Mavericks and Sioux actually played in the Final Five it would probably be the first time there was an actual fighting major at the Final Five. Incidentally, if that happens, that would make three years in a row we played the Mavericks in the playoffs, I have come to enjoy the yearly dance with the Mavericks in the playoffs.

Speaking of match-ups UND, Michigan and Minnesota have end up in the same regional two years in a row? Anyone want to go for a third? Listen folks I am going on record and saying this will not happen again next season. If that happened I would be willing to predict that if that happened Lucia and Red would snap and come unglued. I would love to be a fly on the wall when that phone conversation is going on, what do you mean you put us in UND’s regional bracket again.

After only playing the Gophers 2 times during the regular season the Fighting Sioux get to play the Gophers four times next season. This should prove to be a heated four games this year after the Gophers were swept at home in January and knocked out of the NCAA playoffs by the Fighting Sioux. Early rumor I have heard is that Don Adam has requested WCHA official John Champion ref all four games that the Sioux and the Gophers play this season. Seems that the 23-10-penalty differential in favor of the Gophers from the season series last January wasn’t a big enough in the Gophers favor. This season my unnamed source is telling me that Sioux fans can expect a bigger penalty margin; this time the margin will be some where in the neighborhood of 45-10 in favor of the Gophers when the two teams play in Marriucci Arena during their February series. There will also be a subsequent memo addressing this issue later in the year.

This season the Sioux finally get the UMD Bull Dogs four times again, rumor has it that the Minnesota legislature is close to approving a new arena for the Bull Dogs, we will see if it gets signed into law. Also, UND doesn’t travel to UAA, so I can say with confidence that the Sioux will not be swept in Anchorage two years in a row by the Sea wolves.

Break down of the Non-Conference Schedule

The annual slap down of the BSU Beavers will be in February 23 and 24, should be a lot of fun. Shall we say that the line has been cast? Don and Gary will be filling my email box with flames and I am sure that the Beavers homer television announcer will be giving me call also soon. Just kidding boys.

One match up I am excited about is that Hockey East power house UNH comes to the REA in December 28 and 29 and rumor has it that Bob Norton of NESN is coming as well and is starting a new web page of HockeyEast4theHobey.com.

Also UND plays B.C. and North Eastern in October, maybe this time the Sioux can fare better against Hockey East. Last season UND went 0-3.

The hit everyone is talking about.

Detroit Red Wings Tomas Holmstrom is nailed along the boards by Rob Niedermayer & Chris Pronger of the Anaheim Ducks in Round 3, Game 3 of the 2006/2007 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Honda Center in Anaheim. Rob Niedermayer was ejected from the game drawing a 5 Min Major while initially Pronger wasn't given a penalty. Today the League handed down a one game suspension to Anaheim Ducks player Chris Pronger's for his role in the hit on Holmstrom. One of the arugments that came out of the penaltiy was that if Holmstrom had been wearing his helment correctly there wouldn't have been an injury. During the game it was noted that Holmstrom's helment came off 4 times.

It's Official Toews is Gone.

NHL.COM photo

It has just been announced May 16, 2007, 5:05 PM EDT Black Hawks Sign Toews to 3 Year Deal

The Chicago Blackhawks have agreed to terms with highly touted forward Jonathan Toews on a three-year, entry-level contract.

"Chicago is a city with a great history and it's a great hockey city," the 19-year-old Toews said in a statement. "The Blackhawks are an Original Six team with a great hockey tradition. I'm looking forward to playing for the Chicago Blackhawks fans."

He was Chicago's first pick, third overall, in last June's NHL entry draft.

"Jonathan Toews is an exciting player that Blackhawk fans are going to enjoy watching," Hawks GM Dale Tallon said in a statement. "He has been an outstanding player at the collegiate level for two years, he's won two gold medals playing for Team Canada in the world junior championships the past two years, and was a member of gold medal winning Team Canada in the recently completed world championships in Moscow.

"He has shown leadership and the ability to compete at all levels. We're excited to welcome him to the Blackhawk family."

Toews had seven points (2-5) in nine games for world champion Canada in Moscow.

"I was very impressed by the way he played in the world championships," said Blackhawks head coach Denis Savard. "Jonathan is a heart and soul kid. He looks like he's been very well coached. He is a solid two-way player with lots of skill."

The Winnipeg native had four goals and three assists at the world under-20 championship in Sweden earlier this year, and was named to the tournament's all-star team. He is the first Canadian-born player to ever win a gold medal in both the world junior championship and the world championship in the same year.

Toews also played at the University of North Dakota this season, scoring 18 goals and adding 28 assists in 34 games.

This how things go. When I turned my computer off still no news on the signing, went on a walk with the dog, came back from walk with dog, showered went to work. Logged on to the internet and there it was. Officially this is the first early departure.

Are there any more?

This isn't saying that the Sioux aren't going to be hit with any more departures, there could be more, however, from what Sioux fans have been told; there may only be one more possible departure Sophmore defensemen Brian Lee. If I am not mistaken from what I have heard and read Sioux fans should find him for a couple of weeks.

The Toews Watch Update: Ok, I am confused

Ok, I admit I am confused

To take a phrase from Glen Beck this is what we do know: Sioux Forward Jonathon Toews is still a member of the North Dakota Fighting Sioux hockey team, that's as of this moment. This could change at any time. However, Eklund from hockeybuzz.com--
Ouch, I stubbed my Toews!

For those of you unaware, Jonathan Toews name is pronounced "Taves," not Toes...I continue to hear that a deal has indeed already been struck with Toews and the Hawks, and in today's story with the Daily Herald, Tim Sassone writes, The Jonathan Toews era is about to begin for the Blackhawks. Not since Jeremy Roenick decided college wasn't for him after attending a few classes in 1988 has the arrival of a Hawks rookie been so anticipated. Hawks general manager Dale Tallon says he is close to signing the 19-year-old Toews, the third player taken in the 2006 draft. How close? It could happen in the next couple weeks. Toews apparently has decided to leave the University of North Dakota and accept what could be millions from the Hawks, who desperately need him to be Roenick-like in ability and fan appeal. If Toews was undecided over going pro, his head-turning effort in the recent World Championships as the only non-NHL player on Canada let him know he was ready for the big time.

"Why Two Weeks Eklund?" you may ask. I am told it is all about marketing and timing...but it is in fact done.

Really; the Hawks are going to pay Toews millions. The Rookie max is $850,000.00 per season per the CBA, that would mean his contract would be filled with incentives. The rookie max signing bonus is also something like $85,000.00. To get millions it would be as a result of incentives.

Toews close to signing a deal
By Tim Sassone

Hawks general manager Dale Tallon says he is close to signing the 19-year-old Toews, the third player taken in the 2006 draft. How close? It could happen in the next couple weeks.

Toews apparently has decided to leave the University of North Dakota and accept what could be millions from the Hawks, who desperately need him to be Roenick-like in ability and fan appeal.

If Toews was undecided over going pro, his head-turning effort in the recent World Championships as the only non-NHL player on Canada let him know he was ready for the big time.

Tallon said he wasn't surprised by the performance, which impressed many with his poise and offensive skills.

"I think he's going to be better as a pro than he was in college," Tallon said. "I don't think he got enough credit for his offense because of how good he is defensively.

"He's sneaky with his skills. He has awareness of where the puck is going to be instead of where it was. Not a lot of guys can figure that out."

If Toews is the real deal, the Hawks could have a dynamic new look, assuming the prospect they pick first overall in the draft can play right away and Tallon signs the right free agents.

This is what I find confusing. If Toews told Brad Schlossman that he hasn't made a decision yet. Where are all of these other writers getting their information from? Seems like an honest question.
Tallon trying to get Blackhawks settled
By Bob Foltman
Tribune staff reporter

On a day when the Blackhawks announced the signing of a new assistant coach and one of their prospects, two key questions remain unanswered—but perhaps not for much longer—regarding Jonathan Toews and Michal Handzus.

Of perhaps the most significance, Hawks general manager Dale Tallon said Tuesday he hopes to sign Toews, the highly touted first-round pick from last summer, perhaps this week.
-----snip--------
Some thought if Toews had a strong tournament that would seal his decision to leave the University of North Dakota and join the Hawks. Pat Brisson, Toews' family adviser, did not return a phone message.

Oh well we will see. Like I have said many times, him signing isn't and wouldn't be a shock to any of us here in Grand Forks. The fact that he has taken this long to sign a professional contract give most of us just a small flicker of hope. With or without Toews the Sioux will be the favorite to win the WCHA tilte and would be a factor in the end for an NCAA title. The fact that the family advisor didn't return the call might mean something.

Lastly if it sounds like I am not excited about Toews playing for the Chicago Black Hawks; I am not. If this was any other team say like the Wild, the Boston Bruins, Phoneix, or Toronto Maple Leafs, or any other NHL organization I would probably be estactic, I would be very happy for Toews. We are talking about the Chicago Black Hawks, an second rate organization that has been run into the ground to by a horrible owner Bill Wirtz. Chicago is going to use Toews to try to sell seasons and put butts in seats in the form of ticket packages. You can't even watch a Chicago Black Hawks game on TV becaus of the black outs that hang over every Chicago home games. It's sad.

Interesting Fact I found in the article linked above and another reason to stay in school longer.

Maybe time for Plan C?
Brophy joins the endless list of future Hawks prospects.

Tallon called the first-round elimination of Norfolk in the American Hockey League playoffs very disappointing. The Hawks were counting on a long postseason run in which their prospects would get a taste of winning.

Instead, whispers that their prospects may not be as good as the Hawks had hoped may have gained some validity. Jack Skille,the seventh overall pick in 2005, played in just three of the six games with no points. Troy Brouwer,who had 41 goals in the regular season, had just one goal and one point in six games and was a minus-4.

The leading scorer in the series for Norfolk was Jonas Nordqvist,25, with seven points. He was followed by five points each from Carl Corazzini,28, and Craig MacDonald,30, neither of whom would be considered prospects at this point in their careers.

Is Toews Gone?

TSN Picture
EK from hockeybuzz.com is reporting that Toews has signed. Kind of funny since TSN and NHL.comand don't have anything iknformation on the Toews signing as of yet.

UPDATE: Brad Schlossman Grand Forks Herald sports writer for the North Dakota Fighting Sioux has confirmed that Toews has not signed a contract as of yet and the rumor was incorrect.

I got off the phone with Toews a little bit ago and he was surprised to hear about the report. After seeing it for himself he said, "Jeez, I can confirm that's not true."

Toews just returned home yesterday and will finally get his first real chance to go over the decision with his parents in the coming days. It has been a whirlwind for him since the final couple weeks of the season.

Unfortunately, many rumors get tossed around at this time of year. Many people dislike the use of anonymous sources because of accuracy issues. Well, in this instance, not only is the source anonymous... so is the reporter.

The best place to hear it from will be Jonathan himself. He is always completely honest about everything. He didn't mislead anyone last year when he was going through the same process. He'll be open about everything again this year, too.

Also, many have wondered about the lengthy period of class he missed to go to Moscow. Toews said that his teachers have been very helpful and are giving him extensions, allowing him to take incompletes for now while he makes up the work.

Hum; seems that there are few people in hockey world and as well as Canada that have an aweful case of wishful thinking, in fact my advice to the Hawks back up and let him make his decision. Toews is a tight college team that has a good chance of winning an NCAA title, the only thing Chicago has a chance of is finishing in the bottom half of the league standings . Seriously folks, the decision will be coming soon I am sure. It kind of makes a person wonder who was behind this rumor and how accurate it was.

Team Canada Wins the Gold in the World Championship

This was the IIHF World Hockey championship that no one got to see in the USA, which in my opinion is a disgrace. Current Fighting Sioux Johnathon Toews and former Fighting Sioux Mike Commodore were on the championship team.

Thornton vs Danny Markov

As far as I know this is the only fight there has been during the third round of the playoffs. There has been a lot of stick work but not many fights. This one didn't last long either.

More Ranting and Raving about Towes.

Al Cimaglia on Toews

I try not to get too excited about future Blackhawk Jonathan Toews, but it is impossible. At 19 he is able to more then hold his own with NHL men and never seems to get rattled. I knew when watching Toews during some college games that he was very strong on his skates, but that was against 18-21 year old youngsters. So I always wondered if he would be able to go strong into the corners with NHL players, and that answer has been clearly shown in the last couple of weeks. Toews continues to impress and plays like someone far older then 19, he is a special talent. Now he needs to sign a NHL contract and the Hawks need to design an effective team for next year. I thought Toews could be a 2nd line or maybe a checking line center to start out. Now it appears that he can be a legitimate 1st line center and play alongside Havlat. I would love for the Hawks to pick up a big strong winger who also would be good in the corners, someone like Taylor Pyatt. I think the Hawks would be best served to look to sign two or three 2nd tier free agents. On the radar screen could be a defenseman with some offensive skill, a strong faceoff center, and a tough winger like Pyatt.

Toews has to be signed right after this tourney is finished, so the team building can move forward.

Again everyday that Sioux had Toews for was a gift, much like Zach Parise being a Fighting Sioux was too. However, wouldn't it be awesome if Toews decided to come back for one more year of college, heres to hoping T.J.'s team mates are putting a lot of heat on him. Toews is a special player and I am predicting when he does go pro he will have about the same impact that Jordan Staal had in Pittsburg.

Waiting for a Decision

TSN Photo
I Was listening to radio show Gretzkys on XM-204 in the car on the way home from work this afternoon and I don't know what it is with Bob McKenzie from TSN but he seems to be this big time cheer leader for Jonathon Toews; hey bob we get it, Toews kid can play hockey. To listen to Mckenzie talk on the radio show its appears to all but a done deal on Toews signing with Chicago. Realistically speaking it’s basically what we have been feeling all along up here in Grand Forks. I have said a few times over on Sioux Sports that we should just accept that fact he is already gone, thanks for the two years and good luck Jonathon. The fact that he isn't signed yet does say a few things. 1.) the decision isn't as done of a deal as some have suggested. 2.) Maybe Chicago is low-balling him or not giving him the contract that he thinks he deserves. 3.) Maybe there is a lot of pressure from teammates.

I am not much of an optimist when it comes to talented players staying in school when the big money is being dangled in front of them. I suppose you can take the delay in the signing two ways; Toews really hasn't made up his mind and the media pundits are trying to sway Jonathon into making a decision, or maybe this is really a tough decision; add to that some players already decided to come back for another season might be making a once cut and dried decision that much harder. Maybe it’s not easy telling your fellow team mates that you don’t want to come back for another shot at an NCAA title. It's a stretch, I know. I’m a realist and I don’t see him coming back for next season, but I wouldn’t complain if he did in fact decided to come back. Could you imagine him and Trupp on the same team?

Personally, I want to get this over with so we can worry about something else this summer, whatever the decision is so be it. This the only thing I could see is Toews wants another crack at an NCAA title and possibly another kick at the can with the Canadian WJC. Three gold’s in a row by a player would be unprecedented.

Frankly if I was a player with a lot of talent like Toews and was looking at the prospect of playing for the Chicago Black hawks, mind you this is the same team that is owned by Bill Wirtz, I would look at it as Chicago as being a professional purgatory and wouldn't be in any hurry to sign. Chicago a once proud hockey franchise has been run into the ground.

It's almost like Canada is starving for another star and have anointed Toews as the next one.

Toews Impresses

There were a few eyebrows raised when Team Canada chose Chicago Blackhawks prospect Jonathan Toews for its World Championship squad.

But the way this young player has performed in the tournament shouldn't be a surprise.

The first time I saw Jonathan Toews in action was at Hockey Canada's summer evaluation camp in preparation for the 2006 World Junior Hockey Championship in Vancouver. I was blown away by how he played in those scrimmages.

I thought that Jonathan Toews was Bryan Trottier.

Everything that Toews has done since then has led me to believe that this is a very good comparison. He is a complete hockey player when you factor in his offensive and defensive play, pressure and physical play. He is the complete and total package.

Off the ice, he is fluently bi-lingual, and has the character to be a great star. Ten years from now, we'll still be talking about him - as the NHL's most complete player.

Don Cherry is Coming to NBC, to make Debut during Stanley Cup

For those of you that have never had the pleasure of watching CBC's hockey night in Canada won't have to buy a satellite dish to watch Don Cherry this season. Starting during the Stanley Cup finals on NBC you will be able to watch Canadian icon Don Cherry. Don Cherry has taken his fair share of hits for his candid opinion, straight talk and his disdain for the European hockey players.

In a way I am pretty excited about it. I can't wait for the stuffed shirted, pc lefties take on this guy, Don isn't going to sugar coat anything. Some have looked at it as NBC's attempt to get hockey's rating up in the states. In a way he is kind of Canada's version of Rush Limbaugh, maybe not as polished but just as conservative. However, instead of politics he talks about hockey, but he does do a good job attacking leftist Canadians and the P.C. Nazis.

Cherry to make U.S. debut on NBC
Posted: April 10, 2007
Associated Press

NEW YORK -- Don Cherry is bringing his loud mouth and louder outfits south of the border.

The outspoken former coach of the Boston Bruins, who has been a fixture on CBC's "Hockey Night In Canada' telecasts for more than 25 years, will make his U.S. broadcasting debut as part of NBC's Stanley Cup playoff telecasts, the network announced Tuesday.

"A lot of people have written that what I say up here I would never get away with it down in the States," said Cherry, the Bruins' coach from the 1974-75 season until the 1978-79 campaign. "I'll just go on and do what I have to do.

"In the States, they wanted me to go on one time in Pittsburgh. Jaromir Jagr, it was when he had long hair and he was with Mario Lemieux and I said, 'There's Mario and his daughter.' It didn't go over too good. That was my last time in the States."

Cherry will be teamed with Brett Hull, the never-shy former player who is in his first season with NBC.

"Better get some plaids," Cherry said.

Hull will also to contribute to CBC's coverage in Canada.

"He tells it like it is," Hull said of Cherry. "If they did it on a regular basis, he would be just as popular down here as he is up there. Part of the thing that's missing, not with just hockey, but in all coverage in the American sports world, is some personality. I think that's why you see a guy like Terry Bradshaw, as popular as he is.

"He's not just Mr. P.C., going, 'That was a nice catch and throw."'

Classic Don Cherry
Take a look at some of these clips. Some classic Don Cherry, enjoy.
Coach's Corner - 3/24/07
Don Cherry - on women at hockey games
Don Cherry On Uflie
Don Cherry on Hitting
Coach's Corner - Dion Phaneuf
playoffs coaches corner Apr 11
Coaches Corner and The Stanley Cup in Afghanistan

Future Sioux?

This is the team that competed and won in the Ice Palace Cup last weekend. Kids from Grand Forks, ND are as follows; goalie Seth Lang wearing the RBK goalie pads, (hint good chance he will be Central High School's starting goalie soon), next to him Brock Dahl. Second row Casey Purpur (Grand Kid of Cliff Fido Purpur, future Central Star) Jordan Aamot is next to him. Also on the team are Paul LaDue and Aaron Hatt. It's possible these kids could be future Stars for the Fighting Sioux.

Pictures from the Final Five

Found these Pictures in the Camera 
I was cleaning up my mess when I realized that I had some pictures from the Final Five that I hadn't done anything with. I would have had more if I hadn't reformated my disk during the Thursday night game. Basically deleting my pictures from my Vegas Vacation. There was some great pictures from the Grand Canyon that no longer exist. Thank God my wife has basically the same ones. If you click on the image you can get a better look at the picture.
 
 
 

Former DU Pioneer Goalie Wade Dubielewicz Resigns with Islanders

Former DU star Wade Dubielewicz was (like most of us can spell that without looking it up on line) was resigned by the New York Islanders. Looks like Mike Dunham might be done (no pun intended)on long island. Dubie was one of the major reasons the Islanders made the playoffs earlier this spring when their starting goalie Rick DiPietro went down with a concussion Wade stepped in and went 4-0. The contract is a one way deal too.

In case anyone forgot about this game at the end of the season, wining their final game to get into the playoffs, with Dubielwicz stoning the Devils in the shootout. The Shootout

The New York Islanders have signed goaltender Wade Dubielewicz, who led the team to a playoff berth this season with four straight wins in the final week, to a one-way NHL contract for 2007-08. The man they call "Dubie" is expected to share the nets next season with Islanders No. 1 goaltender Rick DiPietro.

"Wade really earned this opportunity," said Islanders general manager Garth Snow. "He has developed steadily with each season in Bridgeport and played well whenever the Islanders needed him. And, of course, Wade's play down the stretch was instrumental in our team making the playoffs. We're very excited that he'll be an Islander next season."

Dubielewicz was named NHL's First Star of the Week for the last week of the regular season by earning four wins in four games, including two in the shootout. For the week Dubielewicz was 4-0 with a 1.93 GAA and a .934 save percentage. Prior to this season the 28-year old Dubielewicz played in 9 games for the Islanders.

Over four full seasons with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers – the Islanders' American Hockey League affiliate – Dubielewicz was 58-52-8 with a 2.48 GAA and a .919 save percentage and 13 shutouts.

"I've been a part of the Islanders family my entire pro career and I had no interest in going anywhere else," said Dubielewicz. "My family and I are thrilled at the opportunity Garth Snow and Ted Nolan have given me, and I'm very appreciative of that. I'd also like to thank everyone involved with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers for helping me along the way. Although it's a big plus knowing I'll be an Islander next year, my plan is to come to camp in the best shape of my life and be ready for a great season for our team."

Senators paste Devils and move on

Another game that lack High Lites

If there had been any highlights in this game I would have posted them.
Sen's and Devils Lows Lites

I made a bold prediction earlier the year right before the Stanley Cup Playoffs that there would be another Fighting Sioux hockey player to have his name engraved on the on the Stanley Cup. That prediction took a serious hit with the New Jersey Devils losing in the second round to the Ottawa Senators, as Zach Parise's and Travis Zajac's team was enliminated.

Actually when the second round of the playoffs began I would have bet a great deal of money in Vegas that the Senators would go down to in 5 or 6 games to the New Jersey Devils. Seriously, the Senators had Ray Emery a unproven playoff goalies facing off against basically one of the best playoff goalies in NHL history, right behind Patrick Roy in my opinion. Funny thing happened Broudeur looked average and Ray Emery faced little if any tough shots.

Whey the Reversal?

The Senators beat the Devils at their own game. The Senators lined up at the blue line and made it impossible to get inside the Senators defensive zone. The Senators also cashed in on New Jerseys turnovers. The bigges problem I see with Devils is they don't have that feared defensemen they once had anymore the Devils also aren't as physical as they used to be; The Devils no longer have Kenny Daneko or Scott Stevens no longer patrol the blue line. If I was a offensive player playing against the Devils I am not going to fear Paul Martin Richard Matvichuk, Andy Greene, Brian Rafalski. I know that I can get in front of Martin Brodeur without getting my head knocked off. The Senators spent all day in front of Brodeur and they didn't pay for it.

Goalie Tired?

Martin Brodeur had another allstar season. Check out these numbers Brodeur played in 78 out of a possible 82 season games logging 4697 minutes winning 48 games and suffering 23 loses with a gaa of 2.18 and a save percentage of .922. Those are phenominal numbers. They guy also played in basically 95% of his teams games. That is too much for a guy that is 34 years old.

NJ Devils Picture


Parise Named to Team USA
Article

newjerseydevils.com – Zach Parise has been named to the 2007 U.S. Men’s National Team, USA Hockey announced today.

Team USA faces Finland this Thursday in the quarterfinal round of the 2007 International Ice Hockey Federation World Championship in Moscow, Russia.

This season, Parise set career-highs in goals (31), assists (31) and points (62) while playing in all 82 regular-season games with the Devils. He added 10 points (7g, 3a) in 11 games during the 2007 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Parise will be making his second IIHF World Championship appearance, having recorded two assists in three games with the U.S. Men’s National Team in 2005.

Parise has previously won gold medals with the U.S. National Under-18 Team at the 2002 IIHF World Under-18 Championship and the U.S. National Junior Team at the 2004 IIHF World Junior Championship. He also competed with Team USA at the 2003 IIHF World Junior Championship.

Wings Move on Sharks head to the Golf Course

I was actually surprised that the Sharks went down with hardly a whimper last night as the normally high flying San Jose Sharks were shut out by soon to be senior citizen Dominic Hasek, the Red Wings defense was great but the sharks didn't do much to make the Wings work for this game. I have to say that last nights games really didn't keep my attention, I had to struggle to watch this game. I was disappointed and miffed. The Sharks losing in the semis for a second year in a row, I had them penciled in for going to the conference finals.

Ryan Garner touches on a few of the issues that affected the San Jose Sharks during their second round match up with the Red Wings.
Ryan Garner Article

Well, the Sharks aren't the Rangers, and offered up an embarrassing effort on home ice in Game 6. There wasn't any desperation, nobody stepped up, and we saw a performance that only reinforced San Jose's reputation as playoff chumps, lacking heart and determination. Sure, there were spurts of effort. Michalek would flash through the neutral zone or Clowe would press the forecheck at times, but there wasn't any sustained pressure, and nothing close to a flurry down the stretch. I can only remember two quality scoring chances, Grier's empty net and Bernier's breakaway. I think that says it all, the fact San Jose's two best chances came from a third-line penalty-killing grinder and a young fourth-line winger. Forwards on San Jose's top two lines combined for only 7 shots, while the bottom two lines had 18. That's just not right.

I've received several frustrated e-mails tonight calling for heads to roll, and Patrick Marleau is getting the most blame, with Joe Thornton close behind. Marleau went six consecutive games without a point, finishing the series -5. What happened to him?? The captain is the go-to guy for everything, and if he's the worst player on the ice it takes everyone else off the hook. They don't have anything to build on, no example to live up to. It's unfortunate the past 10 days will have a permanent effect on Marleau's career, adding to the pressure and doubt he'll have to overcome next season.

Thornton didn't have a single shot on goal, didn't record a hit, won only 38% of his faceoffs, and finished the night -2. What happened?? Clearly he's one of the most talented players in the world, but if that's the performance you get with the season on the line maybe that $6.66 million salary could be put to better use somewhere else. I'm just throwing it out there.

When your front line center and super star player Joe Thornton isn't a factor on the score sheet and on the board in big games your chances of winning goes way down, frankly you not going to be very good. It seems that yearly big Joe does a disappearing act during the Stanley Cup playoffs. It was such a issue that I believe lead to Thronton going to San Jose. Joe Thornton needs to be hitting every, winning face offs and scoring goals, without doing these things he is 6.6 million dollar anchor. Over on XM-204 today some of the fans in San Jose were calling for the coaches head. I think it is premature but if there are many more tent foldings early in the the playoffs the coaches heads may roll.

Linkorama: Goon's World makes an appearance on RWD's

Goon Steps into the Fray

Here are the questions for the article that I contributed to:
RWD's Article Obviously for editing purposes RWD didn't have room for all of the article. RWD's asked some really good questions that deserve answers. I would also like to thank her for having the opportunity to contribute to her blog, I would never consider it stooping. Besides I have a bad back from my bad golf game so I do as little stooping as possible. Goon's World is a big fan of Donna's RWD blog. Oh by the way; I believe that Red Necks are just missunderstood but also it's a full time job.


Running with the Dogs want my feedback/thoughts on the season that just
finished:

1. Are you satisfied with the season your team had? Why/why not?
Satisfied: I think based on the personnel losses that the Fighting Sioux
suffered during the off-season, the Sioux lost: Drew Stafford, Spirko, Jordan Parise, Matt Smaby and Travis Zajac (two of those guys are playing in the Stanley Cup playoffs). Think about this? Can you imagine how good this team could have been if all of the horses would had been back in the stable for the 2006-2007 season? Sioux fans are probably talking about how good the Sioux were during the 2006-2007 on their way to winning banner number 8. So I don’t think you can say this season was that bad. It wouldn’t have been a shocker if the UND Fighting Sioux had finished in the middle of the WCHA say in 6th place and home for the playoffs.

Based on how the season ended you really have to give credit to Head Coach Dave Hakstol, the man might be one of the better coaches in the league if not the country. It wouldn’t have been an understatement to say that the Sioux started out pretty bad, they were 7-10-1 at the Christmas Break. The rest of the season the Fighting Sioux lost one game in regulation as they finished the second half of the season like 17-4-4. Championships are won in February, March and April so the Sioux managed to turn it around and make a run when it counted the most. It doesn’t matter what you do at the beginning of the season if you can’t play your best at playoff time. So as a Rabid Sioux fan I can’t be disappointed in a season that ends in the
semifinals of a third consecutive trip to the Frozen Four.

2. What does it take for you to be satisfied with your team's season?
To be competitive, to never say die to give 100 percent every night. I think as PCM said over on Sioux Sports; that UND fans are spoiled. In the whole grand Scheme of things UND is comparable in hockey as football is to Florida or Florida State. Our program is that good and we expect it every year and I am not so sure all of the fans appreciate the fact that our team is so good almost year after year, it takes a lot to keep a program at such a high level for so long. Yeah were spoiled rotten, my buddies over in Bemidji say that same thing. Based on what happened this season I am 90 percent satisfied. I want to see the Sioux win another national title in the near
future but losing this season didn’t smart as bad as it did in 2004.

3. What is a great season for your team?

Finishing at or near the top of the league, making the final five and going
to the NCAA playoffs and hopefully to another frozen four.

4. What is do you consider to be a bad season for your team?

Not doing the things that stated in number three.

5. What is an unacceptable season for your team?

I remember going to games at the end of the Gino Gasperini era. This was when I first got to Grand Forks. It was really hard to stay interested in the team, but I still didn’t miss many games, I suppose maybe three games from 1993-1995. During these lean years hard any body went to the games, you could hear a pin drop and it wasn’t uncommon to have one more picture of beer at the Down Under instead of going to the game on time, it was like so what if you miss the drop of the puck. Those years sucked. Then when Blaiser turned the team around the swagger returned and you couldn’t get a ticket. Coach Blais raised the bar and expectations in this town, so there is a very fine line with what is acceptable in this town.

Stafford to sit in Game 5

This sucks

The Buffalo Sabres blogger CUATRO DE MAYOT is reporting that:

Paille and Stafford will sit this one out.

Max and Goose are back in the fold.

Game 5 Lines, in no particular order:


Briere -Connolly -Kotalik

Hecht -Drury -Zubrus

Vanek -Roy -Afinogenov

Mair -Gaustad -Pominville

Lindy Ruff has contemplated his team's bevy of assets, and, he feels like these groupings will give him the best chance to win on Friday night

Personally, I hate that Drew Stafford is the man left standing when the music stops. The NoDak Rookie has been a constant source of inspiration for his teammates, and he has ben playing well.

He's the newbie, and this time, seniority wins out.

Cogliano Leaving School, Chorney Won't

Listen to Andrew Cogliano's Radio interview with Dan Tencer

Here is an interesting article written by Dan Tencer that was posted over on HOCKEYBUZZ

Just got off the phone with Cogs...it was a tough decision for him, but the Oilers made him an offer he couldn't refuse. He was set to be one of the go-to guys with the Wolverines this year, but when an NHL team demonstrates that they want you as much as the Oilers did...well, he wasn't about to turn down the 3-year deal.

Hear the full interview with Andrew by going here:
The Link
Both he and Oilers Assistant GM Scott Howson will be guests in the 1st hour of Inside Sports on 630 CHED tonight for those of you in Edmonton.

As far as Taylor Chorney is concerned, the Oilers expect him to stay with the University of North Dakota for at least another season.

Great news for Sioux fans and nice to see that the Oiler folks know that Taylor is staying in college for at least another year. With Andrew Gogliano getting a contract it will be interesting to see who will be the next college hockey player to forgo their college hockey eligibility and sign a professional contract. It's seems to be only a matter of time before Jonathon Toews forgoes his college hockey eligibility and signs a professional hockey contract.

Blast from the Past: Neely TKO's Ruff.

I was over on YouTube today when I came across some videos from the past. This is a clip that brings back some really good memories. This was the same NHL hockey player that scored 50 goals in 49 games. That player would be former Boston Bruin Cam Neely, who arguably was one of my favorite NHL hockey players of all time, current Sioux hockey player T.J. Oshie reminds me a little of Cam. Cam Neely was an awesome hockey player, he was the protype right wing, check, fight score. Cam Neely's brillant career was cut short by bush league knee check from the dirty Swede Ulf Samuelsson. Former Bruins coach and CBC legend .Don Cherry weighs in on Ulf Samuelsson.

Here is an awesome tribute to Wham Bam Cam Neely Some great plays, one of them is where Cam drives Claude the Fraud head through the boards during a game between the Bruins and Devils. Tribute .number two

Cam Neely Fight Videos

Neely and Claude Lemieux

Neely and McGill

Neely and McRae

Great Hockey Fight Neil Sauter vs. Mario Lamoureux 05/06

Check out this fight

I found this awesome fight video over on The Matt Wellens NMU Hockey Blog I would have to say that this is a great fight.

Phil's Brother Mario in Action