Boogey Man signed for three years.

EKLUND From Hockey Buzz is reporting that the Boogey Man has signed a three year contract with the Minnesota Wild. If anyone is confused about the impact the Boogey Man has on a game watch this clip. it was rumored that the Edmonton Oilers were looking to sign the Boogey Man. Lets just say that the Goon is very happy about this move the Wild could not afford to not resign Derrick. Yeah...

Only Parise Remains Unsigned.

The List of Former Fighting Sioux Hockey Players that are UFA's got even shorter as
Matt Jones signed a new contract/deal with the Phoenix Coyotes of the national hockey league. Zach Parise is the only Former Sioux UFA (NHL Player) that still needs to sign a new contract. I would imagine that the Devils will do everything in their power to make sure that they sgin

From the Coyotes Site

Jones, 23, played 45 games with the Coyotes last season, registering 1-6-7 and 39 penalty minutes (PIM). The 6-foot, 215-pound defenseman also collected 0-2-2 and 23 PIM in 24 games with the San Antonio Rampage (AHL) last season.

Matt Jones Phoenix Coyotes; recently resigned with the Coyotes
Jason Blake NY Islanders; signed a new contract with the Leafs
Matt Greene resigned with the Edmonton Oilers
Zach Parise New Jersey Devils; (remains unsigned)
David Hale Resigned with his current team the Calgary Flames
Brandon Bochenski Resigned with his current team the Boston Bruins

Minnesota in the CCHA?

NHL.COM

Here is a funny clip that I found in the article: Funny stuff, I didn't know the Gophers moved over to the CCHA, must have happened during the middle of the night. Well you can't fault the NHL writers since they really don't know much about college hockey. All silliness aside this wasn't a bad news article about Blake Wheeler.

Wheeler grows into 6-foot-3 frame

But then Wheeler’s body caught up with his skills. This past season, Wheeler had 18 goals and 38 points for the Golden Gophers, who claimed the CCHA regular-season title and the Final Five postseason crown before falling short of a national championship.

It appears that Wheelers development is coming alone nicely, it takes a while longer for big guys. So I wonder if he is next WCHA player to forgo his eligibility and sign a professional contract. While he is probably going no where, I can't see him staying past next season if he has a good junior campaign.

Blues Blogger gives Duncan and Oshie props

Duncan and Oshie Shine

Here is an Interesting Perspective by Andy Strickland that I found on hockeybuzz.com. I think it's safe to say that we are lucky to have Dunc and Oshie back for this season and I would expect Oshie to be gone after the season is over. I find it funny that some of the Blues fans are having a tough time understanding why these kids are coming back for their Junior season.

Oshine makes the first team

STRICKEE AWARDS!

First Team-

LW- Michal Birner (Tremendous shot and scoring touch. Versatile player which will help him adjust to the next level. Should score 20-25 in the AHL this season)

C-T.J. Oshie (Should come out now but his headed back to UND. Thinks the game like an NHL’er. Plays the game with passion.)

RW- David Backes (Has the ability to score 20 in the NHL this year.)

D- Erik Johnson ( Makes plays NHL D-man execute with regularity. Needs to play with the best players in the world.)

D- Roman Polak (When he hits you he’s tries to hurt you. Polak is going to be a top four D-man in the NHL for 12-15 years. He’s ok with waiting a year, he’ll play 30 minutes a game in Peoria this season.)

G- Marek Schwarz (cat like reflexes/ tremendous athlete and competitor. This kids has the determination to be a star.)

Ryan Duncan makes the second team

Second Team-

LW- Ryan Duncan (loves to go high glove side, all this kid does is score. Can get feisty if his buttons are pushed)

Jason Blake Photo

Waiting for Stanley had this Blake Picture I must agree with what he had to say. While Blake brings offense to the Maple Leafs in the end it will not translate into the Leafs getting into the playoffs.

Ooo, look at Jason Blake posing in front of a collage of Leaf greats. Toronto sure has a grandiose way of introducing players. Too bad that doesn't translate into playoff success.

Oshie shines and now ready to lead the Sioux to eight

STLtoday Picture

Prediction for T.J. Oshie; There has been much speculation around the blog sphere and the Internet that T.J. Oshie will be convinced to change his mind and sign a professional contract with the St Louis Blues. Most of this speculation is from Blues fans and Gopher fans. I believe that it is just a case of wishful thinking. You heard it hear first that T.J. Oshie is coming back to UND for his junior season for the Fighting Sioux.

Camp wraps up on a high Note

By Jeremy Rutherford
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
As team President John Davidson and coach Andy Murray found their seats in the upper rows, fans rose to their feet and applauded. "I thought it was for Bob Plager," Murray joked.

In the finale of the weeklong development camp, the Blue team edged the Gold 4-3 at the IceZone. But it was the overflow crowd, estimated at 3,000, that garnered most of the attention Friday.

"Oh man ... that was exciting," Davidson said. "That was flat-out exciting. I feel bad for the people that couldn't get in, but it's just a small venue. We even looked into trying to add some bleachers at the end of the arena, but it's against fire regulations ... just couldn't do it. To see the support by the city, how quickly it's growing, people are knowledgeable and they appreciate everything, it was about as good as it gets."
Advertisement

Friday was the last chance to see many of the 40-something prospects who attended the camp. Many will return to Sweden or Canada, or head back to college, in the case of T.J. Oshie.

Oshie was hands-down the best player at the camp, but he has decided to play his junior season at the University of North Dakota next season.

When Davidson was asked this week what he hopes Oshie takes home from this camp, he quipped: "I was hoping maybe an NHL contract after watching him practice. This kid is a player. When you see young players come in, you try to compare them to somebody. The way he worked out there and the way he could finish, it reminded me of Brian Sutter. I saw a guy that worked his tail off every single time he was on the ice.

"To see that, you sort of go, 'Hmmm ... boy he'd look good if he'd maybe stick around a little longer.' But no, he's going to go back to college from what we understand, and good for him. If he wants to change his mind, give me a call. Call collect. Whatever he wants to do."

Oshie laughed when told of Davidson's comments.

"Well, I like that they want me," he said. "But it also means a lot that they're behind my decision to go back to school

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Great News to start the day off.

UND Signs another Toews

It wouldn't be a stretch to say that Sioux fans have been waiting for this announcement for most of the summer, that day finally came as Brad Schlossman, Herald Staff Writer is reporting that UND has signed Jonathan Toew's younger brother, David Toews. David joins a long list of brothers to play for the University of North Dakota. Welcome aboard David.

Lets break down the Brother Teams to play at UND:

1.) Johnson Brothers (Corey, Greg and Ryan)
2.) Jones Brothers
3.) Parise Brothers
4.) Murphy Brothers
5.) Panzer "Division" Brothers
6.) Hoogstein Brothers
7.) Zajac Brothers
8.) Hale Brothers
9.) Johnsons (Chad and Steve)
10.) Now the Toews Brothers
11.) Cristian Brothers (Dave and Eddie)
12.) Marvins (thanks Brian)
13.) Genoway's (thanks RWD's)
14.) David and Bryan Lundbohm
15.) Ulmers, Jeff and Jason (thanks Sioux7)

I have only really watched UND since about 1991 so if I missed someone its not on purpose. (Edit)More have been added.

Off Line playing Golf.


The Goons is taking a well deserved golf vacation as I will be decompressing on the golf course playing in a tourney my buddies hold every year. I should be getting a great look at the woods and long grass as I have not idea what it is like the hit the ball from the fairway.

Text book way to run over a goalie

I found this while surfing youtube today. This is the text book way to run over the opposing goalie as perpetrated by Ben Gordon. Goalies beware when Gordon is in the neighborhood.

Hot off the Presses: Goligoski is Gone

According to Mark Rosen of WCCO Alex Goligoski the all American all WCHA defenseman for the Golden Gophers will forgo his Senior year at the University of Minnesota and sign a professional contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins. This is a huge loss for the Gophers. There had been much discussion on this subject over on Sioux Sports an Gopher Puck Live for the past few weeks.

I can emphasize with Gopher fans it sucks to lose top players, however, as a fan of these programs that get a majority of the top blue chip players we can expect it almost every season.

EDIT:
----------This makes it a little more official---------

Gophers' Goligoski signs with Penguins
BY CHARLEY WALTERS
Pioneer Press
Article Last Updated: 07/10/2007 09:49:39 PM CDT

Alex Goligoski, who would have been a senior next season for the University of Minnesota men's hockey team, on Tuesday signed a contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The deal is for two years. If Goligoski, 21, plays in the NHL, he'll make $500,000 in salary the first season, $600,000 the second season. With bonuses, the contract could be worth nearly $2 million if he plays two complete seasons in the NHL.

The former Grand Rapids (Minn.) High School defenseman is coming off shoulder surgery late last season, and he played hurt most of the season. He passed a physical in Pittsburgh on Monday.

Steve Downie takes on his own team mate in practice

Check out this fight that happened during 2005 season at a (CHL) Windsor Spitfires practice. The fight is between this season's 56th over all draft choice of the Chicago Black Hawks Akim Aliu and the Canadian hockey play most Americans hockey fans love to hate Steve Downie. The reason for the fight goes back to a hazing incident where Aliu didn't want to be hazed and Downie taking exception to him not wanting to be hazed. Aliu lost three teeth during the incident.

While apparently most in the Canadian media took Steve Downies side most of us on the other side of the border remember Downie for his cheap antics and the guy that Jack Johnson elbowed during the 2006 world Junior Tourney, also, the player that continued his antics during the 2007 World Junior Tourney.

Here are some of your classic Steve Downie moments/snap or how about this one where Ducks Player Corey Perry works over Steve Downie while the lines man tries to separate the two combatants... I knew there was a reason I admired Corey Perry.

Sioux Sign Monster Forward

The Fighting Sioux signed Brent Davidson, a 6'4" 225 pound 20-year-old forward from the Neepawa Natives of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League, to play for the Sioux during the 2007-2008 season. Davidson scored 36 goals and added 43 assists for 79 points in 59 games for the Neepawa Natives last season. With the age of Davidson I would imagine Sioux fans will again hear about the 25 year old Canadians on the UND roster, but wait? Didn't the Gophers just sign a 20 year old forward as well?

You gotta to love the Neepa Natives logo:


quote from Dave McIntosh:

Davidson, a 20-year-old forward for the Neepawa Natives in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League, is described as a late bloomer like Penner, who was cut from the MJHL three times, played two seasons at Minot State University-Bottineau and wound up winning the Stanley Cup with Anaheim this summer.

“Are you familiar with Dustin Penner?” asked Neepawa executive board member Dave McIntosh. “Yeah, Brent is 20 years old, which is older than most players North Dakota gets. But I want you to call me back in two years. He's a diamond in the rough. He's going to make North Dakota's coaches look real good.”

Toews Impresses

Al Cimaglia Gives Toews some Love

I found this article on Hockeybuzz.com seems that Jonathan Toews is wooing the on lookers in Chicago with his effort during the prospects camp. If Toews goes to Chicago and makes the team out of camp and has a solid season his leaving won't be as
hard to stomach.

I went to watch the prospects scrimmage at the Edge yesterday. Not everyone participates in every scrimmage, so no Blunden, Bolland, Brouwer, and Burish for me to watch. It is a grueling daily routine for these young guys as they drill in the morning and then do a full 2 period scrimmage and then conclude with a shootout in the early afternoon.

If Toews winds up not being a true standout player, I will never spend another minute of my time trying to evaluate and figure out the future potential of young prospects. He is a load on his skates and will only get stronger. I stood right on the goal line and watched him in the post-game shootout. He made about four moves in a space of 24 inches and tucked the puck in for a goal. To be honest I still don’t know how he could have gotten the puck across the line, there are appeared to be no space. The only worry for him this year will be that of injury, and maybe fatigue later on in the winter.

Do fans go to far?

Brad Schlossman's hockey blog has an interesting story about the Brian Lee's signing a professional contract and the response that has his signing has brought on by the some of "the Fans". I guess you could say that Brian Lee's leaving for the professional ranks has brought out a curious and in some cases classless response by some of the fans and I am sure that not all of them are Sioux fans some of them are from trolls that like to stir things up.

While it is not out of line to offer legitimate criticisms of a hockey players play and I believe that Brian's play while he was at UND was worthy of some critique. Some this stuff that was written was not constructive criticism or anything to do with debate and discussion; some of this stuff was pretty classless and of poor taste and really over the top. If you haven't seen it check out some of the stuff that was posted on the Herald Site.

I think it funny how some people are down right brave when they can post something and not put your name or face to the offensive comments. I also believe that as a society we have lost our civility and it's down right sad. People on the Internet have gotten to the point of out right hostility to anyone or any thing that they disagree with. Debate and and constructive criticism are healthy and there is nothing wrong with it, however, malicious comments with no content and purpose other than to be hurtful and out of line.

Updated UFA list.

The List of Fighting Sioux UFA's

Matt Jones Phoenix Coyotes
Jason Blake NY Islanders Signed with Toronto
Matt Greene Resigned with the Edmonton Oilers
Zach Parise New Jersey Devils
David Hale Resigned with the Calgary Flames
Brandon Bochenski Resigned with the Boston Bruins

If Wild Fan didn't hate the Ducks before, they have even more reason now...

If Wild fans didn't have enough reason to hate the Ducks before they just signed bad boy goon and resident thugh Todd Bertuzzi, so much for the new NHL eh? I wonder if the Wild GM will add two more goons to counter the move. Boogey man is going to have lots of dancing partners when they play the Ducks.

U Mass Lowell Coach Suspened for DUI arrest

Found this story on-line today, interesting to say the least. I would hope that the University doesn't fire McDonald for a DUI. Hopefully UMass Lowell will give him an opportunity to make things right. This isn't good either for a program that is barely hanging on and we shouldn't down play the seriousness of this incident.

Click Me

LOWELL -- UMass Lowell head hockey coach Blaise MacDonald was suspended indefinitely yesterday as the result of his Friday arrest on drunken-driving charges.

MacDonald's blood-alcohol level was more than three times the legal limit of .08 percent when he was found sleeping in the driver's seat of his Toyota Land Cruiser at 8:58 p.m. in Chelmsford, according to police. The vehicle was blocking the entrance to the Woodland Square Condominiums at 262 Littleton Road.

The 43-year-old coach's suspension interrupts a high point for the nationally known Division I hockey program. After staving off the threat of losing its hockey team this year, the university recently sold out 350 premium club season tickets in a campaign to boost enthusiasm for the team.

Although his suspension is effective immediately, MacDonald, who lives in Westford, will still receive an internal university disciplinary hearing.

responsibility to encourage lawful and healthy behavior among all members of the campus community," UMass Lowell spokeswoman Patti McCafferty said in a written statement. "As role models, coaches must behave responsibly and set the appropriate example for our students."

Chelmsford police spotted MacDonald's vehicle after another driver reported it crossing over the oncoming lane of traffic several times on Littleton Road. The motorist also reported seeing MacDonald turning around near the trailer park at 270 Littleton Road.

According to police, MacDonald's speech was slurred and he had difficulty standing up. His eyes were red and glassy and his breath smelled of alcohol.

There was also fresh damage to the front bumper of his vehicle, which police said looked like it had been struck by a small tree or shrub. Police also found four beers and a 750 milliliter bottle of Absolut vodka inside the vehicle.

At the Chelmsford police station, MacDonald was given two Breathalyzer tests. He blew .23 percent on the first and .25 percent on the second, according to police. The legal limit is .08.

MacDonald was held overnight and released early Saturday evening on personal recognizance, said Chelmsford Police Chief Kevin Murphy. He was arraigned yesterday morning in Lowell District Court.

A native of Billerica, MacDonald was named the fifth coach of the UMass Lowell hockey team on April 6, 2001. He came to Lowell from Niagara University in New York, where he was a head hockey coach for five years. MacDonald earned $167,209 from UMass Lowell in 2006.

Messages left on MacDonald's cell phone, at his home and office were not returned yesterday.

Marty Meehan, who was on campus yesterday visiting with faculty and students in his first official day on the job as UMass Lowell chancellor, declined comment beyond the university's statement.

But MacDonald's suspension makes it likely UMass Lowell will need to find a new head hockey coach, at least in the interim, before the start of next season.

This is the second time this year a prominent Lowell coach has been suspended due to a drunken-driving arrest.

Lowell High School baseball coach Dan Graham, 31, was arrested on March 17 and charged with operating under the influence of alcohol on the Lowell Connector, just two days after replacing longtime coach George Cunha.

After his arrest, Superintendent of Schools Karla Brooks Baehr suspended Graham without pay for the remainder of the season. He is expected to return to coaching next year.

Life is about choices and mistakes, this is not a good choice for a role model to make. It's obvious that McDonald has screwed up in this case. I would hope that the University give McDonald one more chance.

It's Official Canucks sign Cory Schneider

The early signing continue and this one I don't feel so bad about: Sioux fans will not have to watch Cory Schneider give up 4+ goals again the Fighting Sioux and still beat the Fighting Sioux. Hopefully there will be a some good carma when the Sioux play the Eagles in the future.

Cool Clip that I found on Waiting for Stanley: Johnson (aka JMFJ) nearly decapitates the BC goalie

The list is growing for early signings:

Here are the significant departures so far this offseason
MSU Jim McKenzie Jr. Signed with Senators (NHL)
Boston College Cory Schneider Jr. Signed with Vancover (NHL)
Northern Michigan Mike Santorelli Jr. Signed with Nashville (NHL)
Dartmouth David Jones Jr. Signed with Colorado (NHL)
Michigan Andrew Cogliano So. Signed with Edmonton (NHL)
Maine Teddy Purcell Fr. Signed with Los Angeles (NHL)
Minnesota Erik Johnson Fr. Signed with St. Louis (NHL)
New Hampshire Trevor Smith So. Signed with Islanders (NHL)
Alaska Fairbanks Darcy Campbell Jr. Signed with Columbus (NHL)
Massachusetts Jonathan Quick So. Signed with Los Angeles (NHL)
Clarkson Shawn Weller Jr. Signed with Ottawa (NHL)
SCSU Andrew Gordan Jr. Signed with the Washington (NHL)
Michigan Jack Johnson So. Signed with Los Angeles (NHL)
Alaska-Anchorage Jay Beagle So. Signed with Idaho (ECHL)
Denver Ryan Dingle Jr. Signed with Anaheim (NHL)
Wisconsin Joe Piskula Jr. Signed with Los Angeles (NHL)
Minnesota St. Steve Wagner So. Signed with St. Louis (NHL)
Wisconsin Jack Skille So. Signed with Chicago (NHL)
Vermont Torrey Mitchell So. Signed with San Jose (NHL)
Western Mich. Mark Letestu Signed with Pittsburgh (NHL)
Alaska Fairbanks Kyle Greentree So. Signed with Philadelphia (NHL)
Minn.-Duluth Matt Niskanen So. Signed with Dallas (NHL)
Minn.-Duluth Mason Raymond So. Signed with Vancouver (NHL)
BGSU Jonathan Matsumoto So. Signed with Philadelphia (NHL)
Union T.J. Fox So. Signed with San Jose (NHL)
UND Jonathan Toews So. Signed with Chicago (NHL)
UND Brian Lee So. Signed with the Senators (NHL)

It's Official Brian Lee has signed with the Senators

Lee Gone

BRIEFLY: The Senators will announce today the signing of D Brian Lee, their No. 1 pick (ninth overall) in the 2005 draft, along with 2004 fifth-round pick RW Jim McKenzie. Lee went to North Dakota last season, while McKenzie attended Michigan State.

While originally it was up in the air what Lee was going to do, the final nail in the coffin was the Sen's losing Tom Preissing as he signed a nice free agent deal with the LA King's.

2007 - 2008 Hockey Schedule (by Sioux 7)

Oct 7 Manitoba (exhibition)
Oct 13 Michigan St. (US Hall of Fame Game)
Oct 19 @ Boston College
Oct 20 @ Northeastern
Oct 26-27 @ MICHIGAN TECH

Nov 2-3 COLORADO COLLEGE
Nov 9-10 @ WISCONSIN
Nov 23-24 MINNESOTA-DULUTH
Nov 30 -1 @DENVER

Dec 7-8 MINNESOTA
Dec 28-29 New Hampshire

Jan 4-5 @ ST. CLOUD ST.
Jan 11-12 MICHIGAN TECH
Jan 18-19 @ MANKATO ST.
Jan 25-26 ALASKA-ANCHORAGE

Feb 1-2 @ MINNESOTA
Feb 15-16 DENVER
Feb 23-24 Bemidji St.

Mar 1-2 @ MINNESOTA-DULUTH
Mar 7-8 ST. CLOUD ST.

Mar 14-16 WCHA PLAYOFFS - First Round
Mar 20-22 WCHA FINAL FIVE (St. Paul, Minnesota)
Mar 28-30 NCAA Regionals
Apr 10-12 NCAA FROZEN FOUR (Denver, Colorado)

As you may notice the team has 3 breaks in the schedule. The first break is in mid-November. The second break in mid-December, with back-to-back weekends with no games just before Christmas. And the final third break in early February.

I think they have good schedule and terms of having time off, it is spread around in the middle of the season. We also have a good schedule in terms of home/away games, there are no big road stretches or no big home stands either. However, I think we have a tough schedule, playing UM, SCSU, DU and MTU four games each.

We only play the following WCHA teams in one series this upcoming season: Wisconsin, Colorado College, Alaska, and Mankato St.

Charges against Fighting Sioux player Dropped...

Bina's Charges Dismissed

GRAND FORKS, N.D. — A judge has dismissed misdemeanor charges against North Dakota's Robbie Bina. Bina was accused of "aiding the escape" of two teammates who were being held in a police car.

The judge ruled that the players — Jonathan Toews and T.J. Oshie — were not attempting to escape, but just talking to Bina, 24.

The incident took place at a bar in Grand Forks on Jan. 28. Oshie and Toews were cited for being minors in a bar, a charge to which they later pleaded guilty.

Bina pleaded not guilty of trying to escape custody. He could have faced up to 30 days in jail and a one-thousand-dollar fine.

Oshie and Toews were placed on probation and ordered to perform community service.

Rush To Judgement?

Just to refresh everyone's memory one Fargo Forum sports writer posted the following article below lambasting David Hakstol and UND in its dealing with the Judy's Bar incident earlier this year. To so called media pundets and certain hand wringing fans around the league were demanding that Hakstol punish the three players involved in the incident. I does appear in this case that UND Fighting Sioux head coach David Hakstol made the right decision. Funny how things work out eh? That darn Hakstol always seems to come out looking smarter all of the time doesn't he? While some were over reacting, Coach Hakstol showed calm and restraint. But of course this is all water under the bridge now. We really can't fault the media for doing their job and reporting an incident involving a Fighting Sioux hockey player. Agian just to refresh everyone's memory. For your viewing pleasure read away:

Discipline U

As per my column in Friday's Forum, what do you all think of University of North Dakota hockey coach Dave Hakstol's fumbling of the Taverngate situation?

To refresh: Three Sioux players -- T.J. Oshie, Jonathan Toews and Robbie Bina -- were cited Jan. 28 by Grand Forks police. Oshie and Toews were charged with being minors in a bar. Bina was hit with a more serious charge of escaping custody for opening the door of a cop car.

They are minor charges. Nobody is saying Oshie and Toews murdered anybody. Bina's charge seems to stem from youthful stupidity (and perhaps a sense of entitlement from being a Sioux hockey player in Grand Forks). Hey, if you were ever a college student, you've probably been there.
But unless something changes before tonight's WCHA game against Minnesota State Mankato, it appears Hakstol is not going to discipline the players in any meaningful way. Maybe he'll surprise everybody with a suspension or two, but it sure doesn't look that way.

How does Hakstol get away with it? He's had three players who were publicly cited for breaking the law and there is no penalty, other than the lame-o "internal handling" of the situation?

The answer, I guess, is simple enough: This is UND hockey and this is Grand Forks, where UND hockey rules.

Whaddya think, folks? Do you agree with me that a one-game suspension for Toews and Oshie and a two-game suspension for Bina is warranted? There has to be some price to pay, doesn't there?

Fire away.

I wonder if any kind of a retraction. I would probably bet that there will not be one coming anytime soon from Forum sports writer Mike McFeely? Also, don't expect to see one on his blog. McFeely isn't the only one that had a good time with this incident, there were other.