Kessel on his way out in Boston

I have been following this story for some time now and it appears that Bruins fans are losing patience with former Gopher Phil Kessel after only 1 1/2 seasons. Oh the irony. I have read where there the fans say that Phil is having a sophomore slump. I believe this observation is silly since I believe that Phil has made some improvement over last season, he will finish with more points as well.

It is pretty much the same complaints we have all heard in the past; Phil is selfish with the puck, Phil runs into team mates in the offensive zone. I have also heard more complaints along the lines of Phil's doesn't work that hard and that he's lazy. Some of these complaints may or may not be true but I have a hard time believing that Boston would just trade away their first round draft choice.

This is not the half of it, it seems that Kessel could be on his way out in Boston because his team the Bruins is suffering through a scoring outage and a tough patch were they have lost a lot of man games to injury. This was a interesting article that I found while reading a Boston Bruins fan message board.

Ultimately, it may come down to kids, and how willing the Bruins are to give up future promise for present production. There will be bidders for Phil Kessel, who was benched after two periods Sunday, his game noticeably lacking edge and dimension in this, his second NHL season. Goalie prospect Tuukka Rask and improving blue liner Mark Stuart also will bring bids, but they likely would be more difficult to sacrifice than Kessel, whose speed, though alluring, in some ways is holding him back from discovering what else he can do out there. Julien, like Dave Lewis last season, is beginning to realize it.

Kessel was the No. 5 pick in the 2006 draft. Five years earlier, Stanislav Chistov was taken fifth overall by the Anaheim Ducks, who dealt him last year to the Bruins. He wasn't totally useless, but he wasn't much more. Today, Chistov is back in Russia, another once-prime prospect gone bust. Kessel has more to offer, because of his speed and a knack around the net during shootouts. But he must show the coaching staff that he's willing to be smarter and work harder, especially in the dirtier areas of the ice.

The best proposal so far.

After reading this letter to the editor in today's issue of the Grand Forks Herald I believe this is the best solution that I have seen so far for resolving the Fighting Sioux nick name dispute. Let’s bring the issue of the Fighting Sioux name to a vote; I am talking about the members of the Sioux tribe, not just the tribal council. If after the vote; the members of Sioux tribe don't vote in favor of the fighting Sioux name, then retire the Fighting Sioux name for good. I honestly believe the Standing Rock tribal government does not really want to have a vote because they are affraid that they would end up losing the vote.

FORT TOTTEN, N.D.- I would like to take a moment to speak up on the UND “Fighting Sioux” nickname and logo.

In my opinion, this issue is beginning to get out of hand. I've spoken to many people out here, and I can honestly say that there are many tribal members who support the nickname and wish for UND to be able to retain it.

I myself am honored that a university has a nickname that addresses the Sioux as fighters. For many centuries, that is exactly what we were - fighters. Now, it looks like we are in for another fight.

For the first 32 years of my life, I lived off the Spirit Lake Reservation. I fought for my heritage and for who I was that entire time. It's unbelievable the amount of racism alive in this world.

I think the nickname is a petty issue. When I was younger, my grandmother used to tell me a saying that I think should be said now: “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me.” I've been called everything in the book when I was growing up, mean and hurtful things, by almost every race on this earth.

But never did anyone say, “You're nothing but a Fighting Sioux.” That's probably because it was true; and besides, it wouldn't have hurt me at all because there is nothing derogatory about that statement. I believe that's why I'm not offended by the nickname or the logo.

The NCAA weighed in about two years ago when it listed UND's nickname as “hostile or abusive.” I don't believe it's either of those things. I find nothing hostile or abusive about the nickname.

From my understanding, the nickname was accepted by our tribal leaders several decades ago. “In 1968, says (Peter) Johnson, the Grand Forks Herald reported that a delegation from the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation traveled to UND to ‘adopt' its president into the tribe and give UND the right to sue the name for its athletic teams,” the Minneapolis Star Tribune reported not long ago. Who are we to say that those leaders were wrong?

Perhaps they saw something that people today are missing about the honor of letting UND use such a nickname.

I agree with giving the final decision on the nickname to the Sioux tribes, but I don't believe that a select few council members can speak on behalf of the entire population of either reservation.

The only true and fair way to settle this issue would be a referendum on both reservations - a referendum in which each and every individual would have the chance to vote. A select few should not be allowed to claim that what they want also is the general consensus of the whole.

Only an open vote on both reservations will allow all voices to be heard. And whatever the outcome of that vote is, that is the resolution that should be passed by the tribal councils because that would be the true voice of the people.

Before I close, I must say one more thing: If UND must lose its nickname, then so should major sports teams. Get rid of the Washington Redskins, Cleveland Indians, Atlanta Braves and Kansas City Chiefs, all of which do nothing on behalf of Native people, and I find their usage of such names and logos to be very demeaning, disgraceful and offensive.

I've never seen or heard of a pro football team, player or franchise ever make an effort to bring social programs out to a reservation. They don't bring their United Way onto our lands; yet, they do make it a point to show that they are actively involved with inner city youth.

At least UND is making an effort to bring pride to a people who have been viewed throughout history as being less than human.

I hope to live long enough to see the day when we stop all this petty bickering about things that never should be brought up. There comes a time in our lives when we all need to move past all of this and become one race . . . the human race.

Black Cloud is a Spirit Lake Dakota tribal member.
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Goon's picks for the week: Holiday addition.

Friday, December 28th

Non-Conference

New Hampshire @ Sioux
Princeton @ Minnesota State-Mankato

Badger Showdown

Colgate @ Wisconsin

Great Lakes Invitational

Michigan Tech vs. Michigan State

Denver Cup

Sacred Heart @ Denver

Governor's Cup

Alaska-Anchorage @ Alaska


Saturday, December 29th

Non-Conference

New Hampshire @ North Dakota

Badger Showdown

Bowling Green @ Wisconsin
Northeastern @ Wisconsin

Great Lakes Invitational

Michigan Tech vs. Providence
Michigan Tech vs. Michigan

Denver Cup

Northern Michigan @ Denver
Dartmouth @ Denver

Governor's Cup

Alaska-Anchorage @ Alaska

Dodge Holiday Cup Cake Classic

RIT @ Minnesota

Ohio Hockey Classic

St. Cloud State vs. Miami

Lightning Classic

Colorado College vs. Rensselaer


Sunday, December 30th

Non-Conference

Yale @ Minnesota State-Mankato

Dodge Holiday Cup Cake Classic

Air Force @ Minnesota
Boston College @ Minnesota

Ohio Hockey Classic

St. Cloud State vs. Ohio State
St. Cloud State vs. Harvard

Lightning Classic

Colorado College vs. Notre Dame
Colorado College vs. Massachusetts

Last week 5-3
For the Year 50-36

Merry Christmas from Goon's World

Here is wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Goon's world would like to thank everyone (almost 127,000 people) that visited our blog over the past season. Go Sioux and beat the Gophers.

Also Goon's world would like to thank the Men and Women of the armed services that are defending our nation's security interests around the globe. I can appreciate what it is like to be away from home during the holiday, your sacrifice is appreciated and not unnoticed. Till they all come home... Goon and Dakota wish everyone a merry Christmas.

What a night for Gabby...

Check out the Minnesota Wild's Marian Gaborik's 5 goal and 1 assist night, that's right folks, Gaborik lit up the New York Rangers for 6 points in one game. That is almost unheard of in today’s day and age, where the NHL focuses on defense and shutting down the shooting lanes. What is also special about Gaborik’s 5 goal night is that the first three goals were a pure hat trick.

Former Alaska Fairbanks star Aaron Voros continues to chip in for the Wild with two more assists and another fight. This kid is becoming my dark horse Wild player.
Tonight; the Wild will go for their 5th win in a row against the Detroit Red Wings who lit them up last week 5-0.

Sidney Crosby and Andrew Ference drop the gloves.

I saw this the yesterday when I was going through the box scores. At first; I actually thought it was a misprint, Sidney Crosby doesn’t get into fights, and it’s not his role. Incidentally, this was Sid “the Kid's” first professional fight, let’s hope Crosby lets his tough guys do the heavy lifting and leave the scoring to Crosby.
I am actually sorry that I didn’t get to watch this game. I was working and I only taped the Wild and Rangers game I was not able to see this game.

Goon’s advice to Sidney Crosby

First off Sidney take off you helmet, it is considered to be a bush league move to get into a fight with someone while leaving your helmet/shield on. Maybe someone forgot to tell Crosby that it’s part of the fighters code that you take off your helmet during a fight so the guy you’re fighting doesn't break his hand punching your shield. Actually the refs are supposed to give Crosby an extra two minutes for getting into a fight while wearing a shield.

Report Cards (Sioux 7)

Univeristy students are at the end of the fall semester, and they all know what that means...Report cards. This is also a good time to grade the hockey teams in the WCHA, since the season is roughly half over. So lets start from with the top and work our way down.

CC - WOW, they have proven my wrong to this point (I picked them to finish 8th in the league). Their freshman goalie, Bachman, has really done well, a saving .939%, and a GAA of 1.77. With those numbers and Chad Rau and Bill Sweatt leading them in scoring they have excelled to this point in the season. We will have to wait and see if the freshman goalie can carry them the whole season, or if the pressure will wear on him. They have earned an A, this first semester.

DU - They are about where I picked them to finish, 3rd. Senior netminder Mannino has returned to his sophomore form with 1.80 GAA and a .932% very similair to CC. No wonder they are tied for the top spot in the top conference. Their top 3 point getters are 2-sophs and a frosh, Trotter, Ruegsegger, and Bozak repsectively. The G-man always seems to get a good group of players that work well together. They too have earned high marks, A.

UMD - Sits alone in the 3rd spot with a 5-6-3 record. Not to often does a team sit at this spot with this record at this time of year in this league. They had been a good team early this season and now have fallen, winless in the last four league games. Goalie Alex Stalock has good numbers .910% and a GAA of 2.42 but they need some more goal scoring to stay in the top 5. They slid the last 10 games (2-5-3) so does their grade, C-.

UND - Has got a pattern developing, W-W-L-L-W-W-L-L-W-W-L...and that leads to their 6-6 record. Not what us Sioux faithful where hoping for, but then again. They have started off slow the last couple of seasons and rebounded in the second half. With the returning talent, their record should be better than this. Goalie JP Lameraoux started the season with 4 shout-outs in 5-games, and has had one since, but the numbers are still good, GAA 1.72 and a .936%. Most of the scoring comes from the top line, they need the other lines to pick it up if they want to go up in the standings. So they earn a grade of C this semester.

MTU - They round out the top 5 with a 5-6-1 record. They are right where I thought they would be, in the middle of pack looking to move up in the rankings. They are like UMD, they started great and then started to back slide, they have only won 2 games since the start of November, ouch! The good news is goalie ML Teslak has had the numbers we all expected, GAA 1.72 and .934%. These Huskies need a some more scoring punch if they want to bite on to a home play-off spot. Their mid-year grade is a C.

UM - The gophers are down this year and they just took another blow, Okposo leaves for the NHL. They need some help in their own end Kangas (GAA 2.63 and .907%) and Frazee (GAA 2.83 and .893%) have not had great success this season. The offensive has been down too, not a good combination. I, like I think many, thought they would be okay/fine offensively and suffer some on defense, but it has been bad. So for this point in the season their troubles have been exposed. Their semester grade C-/D+

UW - They are in the 7-spot with a 4-5-1 record, with a few games in hand on the rest of the league. They are in the middle of the pack with hopes of picking up the offensive scoring and trying to land home ice for the play-offs. (Notice that UMD 3-spot has a 5-6-3 record) The Badgers are about what we all expected some more offense then years past, and the goaltending taking a big hit. Don't get me wrong, Shane Connelly has decent numbers, GAA 2.70 and .906%, but not as high as Elliott's. They need offense, period. They are what we expected, average C.

SCSU - These Huskies ended a 6-game losing streak by beating CC going into Holiday time. And before that were on a 7-game unbeaten streak. ust call them butter, since they are hoping to get onto another roll (I know bad humor). With them skidding just before break it is hard to say what they are going to do. But with an over-all record of 8-8-2 they too are a middle of the pack team, grade C.

MSU-M - I see another trend 7-7-3 overall record, 3-6-3 in WCHA. The Mavericks have been on some streaks to win 3, lose 4, tie, 5-game unbeaten... The upside is they have a lot of home games the second half, so they have to capitilize on home ice advantage. Especially if they want home ice advantage come March. Goalie Zacharias had put up some good numbers this first half, GAA 1.94 and a .929%. He just needs to get more goals from his teammates to help them get over that hump. The way the league is they could suprise some people the second half, but as for the first half, they get a C.

UAA - The seawolves are in their usual position, 10th. They own a 2-7-3 WCHA record, the wins are over UMD and UM... So they did beat some teams above them (okay technically everyone is above them, but you know what I mean). They have been putting some pucks in the net, so scoring is doing so-so, but the goalie numbers are down, GAA 3.10 and .875%, they need to get better if they want to move out of the basement. At the break they get a D.

We will all just have to wait and see how things shake out in the months ahead...

Happy Holidays to everyone who visits GOON'S WORLD.

The fall out of the Kyle Okposo defection

I have been following this story on the internet for the last couple of day and I am wondering if the wheels aren't coming off in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This is an ugly incident that just isn’t going to go away any time soon. Kyle Okposo the Islander’s number one draft picks leaves college to sign a professional contract with the Islanders. Don Lucia takes issues with Kyle signing a professional contract in the middle of his sophomore season and calls the New York Islanders out. Garth Snow not to be out done, shoots back with accusations about the Gophers not being good for Kyle’s development.

There seems to be a developing on going story line in Minnesota. It’s like an on going soap opera that just keeps getting more interesting. (1st) the Gophers lose the Regional game against Holy Cross during the 2005-2006 season. (2nd) Then during the off season the Gophers lose Phil Kessel after playing just one season to the Boston Bruins who drafted him 5th over all in the first round, (3rd) this past summer the Gophers three more underclassmen, two players to the NHL/AHL (Alex Goligoski and Eric Johnson) and also one player to Major Juniors (Jim O’brien). Now the Gophers lose a player only after 1 ½ years. One has to ask what the heck in going on at Minnesota?
What a horrible way to end the first half of the season, and Minus Okposo, I just don’t see it getting any better for the Gophers in the second half, even with the return of Mike Jersey Pop Carmin.

Here is what Garth Snow had to say about Kyle Okposo's development at the University of Minnesota and more specifically about Coach Don Lucia. It isn't very flattering. This is a train wreck folks.

New York Islanders General Manager Garth Snow on Thursday criticized Don Lucia's coaching, saying that was the reason sophomore Kyle Okposo is leaving the Gophers hockey program and negotiating a contract with the Islanders.

"Quite frankly, we weren't happy with the program there," Snow said in a telephone interview. "They have a responsibility to coach, to make Kyle a better player, and they were not doing that."

Asked for specifics, Snow said, "[Okposo] just wasn't getting better -- bottom line. And to me, that's the frustrating part. We entrusted the coach there to turn him into a better hockey player, and it wasn't happening. We feel more comfortable in him developing right under our watch."

Here is what Lucia had to say.

Notified of Snow's comments Thursday, Lucia e-mailed the Star Tribune via the University's sports information department.

"I am proud of all the success of our program," the coach's statement read. "I believe our staff does an excellent job of developing our players on and off the ice.

"We have had numerous players sign and play in the NHL, but just as important many more move on to have successful careers after graduating from the University of Minnesota. We have always and will continue to work to ensure our players reach their potential on the ice and in the classroom."

Links to the Story

Lucia and Snow Star and Tribune article.

Prospect Okposo ready to join Islanders from TSN.

Grand Forks Herald beat writer check in with this blog

Okposo Opts Out, Signs With Isles

KO is gone in Minnesota

All I can say that I am a little shocked that Kyle Okposo would leave his team in the middle of the hockey season. Can you at least wait till the end of the season? I also think that leaving his team during the middle of a season lacks class. For me; lets just say that its a character issue. I can't imagine how his team mates feel. Seriously, if I was one of the Gopher players on the WJC with Kyle Okposo and knew that my team mate walked out on the team, I wouldn't be all that happy with him. I might not spend a lot of time talking with him.

During the summer months I was surprised that Okposo even came back after his freshman season. There were a lot of rumblings about him signing a professional contract. Many of us in the blogsphere were predicting that Kyle Okposo would be gone and never make it back to the U of MN. Wrongly, I a few soles called me out for predicting that Kyle would sign a professional contract, however, it seems that when it was all said and done, I was pretty close to being right on. The only thing that was stopping him from signing a professional contract was that his professional team didn't want him at the time. Why the sudden change? I am assuming the 30 game suspension to Chris Simon is probably a major factor. My only question to Okposo is if he wasn't happy in Minnesota; why didn't this kid just didn't go play Major Junior hockey like the Islanders originally wanted him to?

Here is the Story from Newsday:

Kyle Okposo, the top prospect in the Islanders' system, has left the University of Minnesota and is in the process of negotiating an entry-level contract with the Islanders, the team acknowledged in a statement Wednesday.

"We're extremely excited about the possibility of Kyle joining our organization soon," general manager Garth Snow said in the statement. "He's a great talent, one of the most exciting prospects in the game. Kyle has the dedication and character we want for our franchise."

The 19-year-old winger from St. Paul was the Islanders' first-round selection and seventh overall in the 2006 NHL draft. .Okposo had 40 points (19 goals and 21 assists) in 40 games for the Golden Gophers as a freshman, but he struggled this season after coach Don Lucia put him at center. In 18 games, Okposo totaled six goals and five assists for 11 points, and he had a team-worst minus-9 rating.

Don Lucia isn't happy with the Islanders:

At a news conference Wednesday to announce Okposo had dropped out, Lucia hinted at meddling by the Islanders, saying, "It is unfortunate that the Islanders put him in a very difficult position."

Okposo not happy with former coach:

But Okposo previously indicated to local reporters that he was unhappy playing for Lucia.

Chris Simon's act of Thuggery gets him a 30 games

There is just no room in hockey for this type of thuggery, a deliberate act to injure a fellow competitor who was in a vulnerable position the reward for Chris Simon is 30 games. I think it is time for Chris Simon to retire from hockey, there is no room for this type of brutality. Hockey is a tough game, however, there is no need for these types of acts, this last act by Simon was absolutely senseless. This is after Simon was suspended for 25 games for this act of goonery Someone at the league office needs to stand up and say the next one and your gone for life fro the NHL, 55 games in two season is a lot of games to be lost due to suspension.

TORONTO -- New York Islanders forward Chris Simon has been suspended for 30 games, without pay, for deliberately kicking Pittsburgh Penguins forward Jarkko Ruutu at 14:06 of the third period of NHL Game #472 on December 15, 2007. Simon will be eligible to return to NHL play in two months (February 21, 2008 vs. Tampa Bay).

"Several factors were considered in imposing the longest suspension in NHL history for an on-ice incident," said NHL Senior Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations Colin Campbell. "While it was fortunate there was no serious injury to Mr. Ruutu as a result of Simon's action, the deliberate act of kicking an opponent with an exposed skate blade, especially where the opponent is in a vulnerable position, is and always has been a repugnant and totally unacceptable act in the game of hockey.

“In addition, while the act itself was extremely dangerous, the fact that this is the eighth incident requiring the imposition of supplementary discipline on Simon compelled me to impose a very severe penalty in this case. When a player repeatedly evidences the lack of ability to control his actions and conducts himself in total disregard of the rules, as well the health and safety of other players on the ice, each subsequent incident is deserving of enhanced scrutiny and more severe discipline. This response serves not only the purpose of imposing appropriate punishment for the player involved, but also the purpose of deterring the player and all other players from engaging in similar conduct in the future - hopefully creating a safer long-term work environment for all NHL players."

Based on his average annual pay, and the fact that he is considered a repeat offender, Simon forfeits $292,683.00. The money goes to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.

Rumor Mill

Jupiter from Gopher Puck Live is reporting that Kyle Okposo will not be returning to the Gophers and will sign a professioal contract.

Miami Better than UND?

This is what Elliot Olshansky had to say about Miami, Denver University and UND. Personally I like Elliot's work and I listen to his podcast every week, but I must take exception with a few things that he has said. Miami has played two teams that I would consider to good and ranked in the top ten, the Irish and Michigan State and they went 3-1 against them. While Elliot is right Miami does have a better record, I am not impress with them beating the likes of Vermont, Ohio State, Nebraska, Canisius, Rensselaer. If you look a little deeper at this you will see based on the the KRACH Miami strenght of schedule is 15 while DU is ranked 3rd and UND 1st.

The Rink Rat Rankings: Season 2, Edition No. 7
By Elliot Olshansky - December 17, 2007
I had one of my most gratifying moments of the season on Saturday.

After answering questions from the media about his Miami RedHawks' 7-3 win over RPI, Miami head coach Rico Blasi asked me, "So does this mean we get in your rankings now?"

This makes Blasi the second coach to talk to me about the Rink Rat Rankings - Robert Morris' Derek Schooley was the first - and the answer, naturally, is yes.

The No. 2 team in the nation - according to the polls - joins the Rink Rat Rankings this week, along with Nebraska-Omaha and Union.

So, where do the RedHawks land? Click "more" to find out.

1. Miami - So, I established last night that the RedHawks are, in my opinion, a better team than North Dakota, so you knew they'd be No. 4 or higher, but I'm giving them full marks. Jeff Zatkoff gives Miami a presence in goal that neither Notre Dame nor Michigan can boast right now, and Charlie Effinger is still a very capable backup (who might even be able to start over Billy Sauer or Jordan Pearce, although I suspect that if he were capable of his sophomore year form over the long haul, it'd be an even split with him and Zatkoff). There's also that size, strength, and physical presence that Miami brings. If you look at the comments that Rensselaer head coach Seth Appert made about how physically strong the RedHawks are, and how much further along they are in their physical development compared to RPI, you can say the same thing - albeit not to the same degree - when comparing them to Michigan or Notre Dame, particularly that very young Michigan team.

As for Denver, that would be a hell of a game - especially if it were in to happen in Denver this April - with great goaltending on both sides behind well-coached teams with skill and character. Again, though, I think the size, experience, and physical development favor Miami, and the RedHawks certainly have enough skill to match up with the Pioneers in that department. I think it'd be a game decided in the third period - where, coincidentally, the RedHawks have outscored the opposition 36-6- and Miami would wear DU down for the win.

5. North Dakota - The harsh light of high expectations made a solid, if unspectacular, first half in Grand Forks seem like cause for concern. The Sioux will get New Hampshire for a pair after Christmas in lieu of a holiday tournament, and a strong performance there - the Sioux will have their full complement, while UNH will be without James vanRiemsdyk - would likely spark a big second half for Dave Hakstol's bunch. In the meantime, after seeing the "Kosha Boy" parody video on YouTube, I'm wondering how long it will be until some NoDak fan comes up with lyrics for "Crank That Oshie Boy." I can hear it now... "SIOUX!!! SIOUX!!!"

Goon's Perspecitve

I will take my chances when the money is on the line and Dave Hakstol is behind the Fighting Sioux bench, the Sioux are due for finishing the deal. First for Miami I predict another 1 or 2 games and done for the Redhawks in the NCAA playoffs this season, Denver will be in the mix at the end of the season and will probably be on of the participants in the Frozen Four in Denver in April. One final note Miami goalie Jeff Zatkoff was Jeff Frazee back up during last season WJC; what does that say?

Some Perspective: WCHA is top in SOS

Just for some perspective the WCHA has the highest Strenght of Schedule ranking in college hockey.

1. UND
2. C.C.
3. DU
4. Minnesota
5. UMD
6. Wisconsin
7. UAA
8. MTU
9. UNH
10. SCSU
11. Minnesota State

12. Notre Dame
14. Nothern Michigan
15. Miami
19. Michigan State
23. Michigan
26. Bowling Green
28. UNO

The Scrum: Bickel is a hack

Siouxdonyms posted this video over on Siouxsports.com My question is; could there be a bigger hack than Stu Bickel? While Gopher fans like to call the Sioux a bunch of goon's; this is a text book bush league move by the Minnesota defensman that has no room in college hockey, nor is it tolerated by the NHL.

Taking a page out of Matt Demarchi bag of tricks, Gopher resident hack Stu Bickel butt ends the Sioux forward Brad Miller in the head with his stick. True to form the WCHA offical doesn't see this act. Take note of Finley, does he whack anyone with his stick? Nope. All big Joe does is pull Blake Wheeler off the pile, making him look like a rag doll.

Minnesota is the team they love to hate

Here is a must read article that was written by Scott Weighart. The article has some really good points and it also has some your classic whining as well from Don Lucia.

by Scott Weighart/Senior Writer
BOSTON (Dec. 14) — When University of Minnesota coach Don Lucia opted to leave his post at Colorado College in favor of taking the helm of the Golden Gophers, one of his counterparts saw the writing on the wall — or perhaps the writing on the USCHO Message Board.

“I remember when I was thinking of taking this position, I had another colleague in my league call me and say, ‘Why would you want that job? Everybody likes you now. If you go there, every body's going to hate you,’” Lucia recalls.

While this might not be true of Lucia personally, it does appear to be the case with the Minnesota program. A recent USCHO poll asked readers to vote on the team that they most love to hate. The Golden Gophers were the decisive winners, garnering 27 percent of the votes — substantially more than second-place North Dakota.

The funny point is the fact that UND is the second most hated team in the league. I was wondering who number three was. I actually find that funny, I am sure there were a lot of Gopher fans voting for the Sioux. I wonder how many times Amy from Lets go Mavs voted. He, he, he...

You have got to love this Badger fan as he nails it spot on. I also have to agree with him, I like many fans around the league also watch every game Minnesota plays in on FSN and I enjoy each gopher loss even when it is to the Badgers, Pioneers and Tigers. If I was watching an NCAA title game and it was Maine or B.C. against the Gophers I am going to be cheering for the Hockey East team. I just can't stomach listening to their fans bragging about another national title.

“Why do I love to hate Minnesota?” asked David Krawczyk, 27, of Madison, Wis. “Its the arrogance of the fans. The experiences I have had in the Xcel and in the Mariucci are by far the worst that I’ve had in any opposing rink or ‘neutral sites’. Even worse is the behavior of some of the fans when they travel. By no means am I saying every Gopher fan acts this way, but enough do to really stand out and overshadow the many reasonable fans.”

Perhaps these experiences led to Krawcyzk capturing the feelings of many opposing fans in Gopher territory.

“As a UW fan and alum, it is one of the things that is always a constant,” Krawcyzk said. “I root for Minnesota to lose every game. I laugh when they lose embarassingly. I get behind whatever team is playing them that week and if I’m watching the game at home on TV, I become one of the biggest ______ (insert team here) fans in the country if only for one night. My two favorite teams are the Badgers and whoever is playing the Gophers that night.

“Under zero circumstances could I ever root for Minnesota. If a Gopher victory was the only thing that could get UW into the NCAA tournament, I would still root for the Gophers to lose, and lose badly.”

Here is some blatant whining by tDon. I think what Lucia forgets is that his own fans bring it upon themselves, either that or he is oblivious to the facts at hand. It's the moron fans that corner you in the bathroom at the urinal to lecture about their team. It's the clowns that sit behind you at hockey games at the XCel energy center that don't have any hockey knowledge what so ever. It's your own fans that whine about every petty trivial matter. It would be interesting to know which arena that Lucia's wife is talking about.

So the question remains: Can’t we all just get along as college hockey fans? Lucia acknowledges that opposing crowds are much more negative toward Minnesota than to his previous programs, but he also was hard-pressed to believe that Gopher fans were worse in their behavior than those at other programs. “Rest assured that I’ve been at CC and I’ve been at Alaska, and I’ve been at Minnesota, and when I go with Minnesota’s team to another facility, the way we’re treated, it’s amazing how different it is — from vulgarity to everything.

“I wouldn’t know that because I’m obviously not sitting in the stands,” qualified Lucia when told about complaints I had heard about how visiting fans had been treated at Mariucci. “You certainly hope that’s not the case. I know that we go to another facility in this league, and the whole student section is chanting ‘F the Gophers’ in unison and out loud. I’ve never heard anything like that from our fans.

“I know there’s some Minnesota fans who don’t even like going to another facility in the league — I don’t want to name names — because of how they’re treated. I know my wife even had that experience last year: There’s one facility in our league she’ll never go back.”

That said, Lucia’s biggest point was that all school administrators should be taking responsibility to get crass profanity out of arenas or any other exchanges. “We’ve got to get the vulgarity out of it. To me, that’s on the administration to get that out of it. I think it’s great when fans are into it, but I hate the vulgarity, whether it’s fan or fan or on opposing players. That has no place.”

Lucia agreed that the situation is a vicious circle. People resent the Gophers’ success, and they respond negatively to the team and their fans, thereby increasing the chip on the shoulder that some Gopher fans may feel when interacting with other fans. “It’s easier to point the finger at the other person. Personally I don’t think any visiting fans should be disrespected by hometown fans no matter where you’re playing.”

Merry Christmas from Goon's World

Merry Christmas from Goon's World. May the holiday season be kind to all of you. I wish everyone a happy and healthy 2008. Go Sioux.

Goon's Wish list for 2008

1.) To have the Sioux hang a NCAA championship Banner #8. 8>5 sounds great.
2.) Find an acceptable solution to the logo dispute. (That would mean keeping it)
3.) For the Sioux to have multiple sweeps of opponents on the road and at home.
4.) Win WCHA regular season title and playoff title.
5.) Break 80 in golf.
6.) Win the the lottery.

David Clarkson vs Milan Lucic

This was one of the better fights of the week, Devils tough guy David Clarkson vs Bruins new comer Milan Lucic. That part that I like was; notice that Lucic TKOs Clarkson he doesn't keep punching him. That in my opinion was a classy move, some tough guys would have kept punching their opponent.

Take off your shield

Here is a perfect example of what not to do during a fight, Wild forward Aaron Voros vs Sharks defenseman Kyle McLaren . I don't have a problem with the fight, I do have a problem with the player leaving his shield on.

This is a funny picture

I found this picture over on waiting for Stanley. While this picture is funny it really does a good job illustrating the kind of hockey player the Pens star Crosby become a diver, the queen of embellishment.

WCHA send letter of apology to SCSU

This has to be a first: Finally the WCHA has admitted that one of its ref's were in the wrong. Ok; but not so fast, I want the league to take it one further. I want to announce what type of punishment Randy Schmidt's will recieve. IMHO, this is the only way the league can keep any shred of credibility that it has left.

The text of the apology reads as follows:

"The Western Collegiate Hockey Association , after a further review of the situation, has acknowledged to St. Cloud State University that an error was made on interpretation of a goal that occurred in a game against the University of Denver on Dec. 7 at the National Hockey Center. "According to NCAA rules, a goal was improperly allowed after a video replay review and should not have counted.

"In acknowledging the error, however, rules do not permit any change in the outcome of a game."

C.C. Lands Colten St. Clair for 2010

Earlier this fall Brad Schlossman had a great story on how the ages of the recruits in college hockey keep getting younger and younger. Not to be out done, C.C. recently picked up a really good young hockey recruit. Did I mention the kid is only 15 years old (1992) and will come to Colorado College during the 2010 season.

I suppose there is a lot of pressure for these kids to commit to a college when they are young so they can concentrate on playing hockey, however, I think 15-16 years old is just too young to be committing to a school. Don't get me wrong, I have seen this kid play when he was in Grand Forks playing for the Junior Sioux two summers ago. From watching Colton play you can tell that he is definitely a top end talent for his age group, however, what happens if he doesn't get any better or get hurt? Is C.C. committed to him, do they have to honor the verbal. Should other teams honor the verbal?

COLTEN ST. CLAIR COMMITS TO COLORADO COLLEGE

PF Chang’s U18AAA forward Colten St. Clair gave a verbal commitment this past weekend to Head Coach Scott Owens to attend Colorado College and become a Tiger for the 2010 hockey season. While in Colorado Springs, Colorado for a tournament, St. Clair was extremely impressed with the Colorado College hockey program, the coaching staff and the academic environment.

Colten St.Clair said “Playing for the PF Chang’s U18 Midget Major Program has provided me with a great opportunity to compete and further my skill development at an elite level. It has been a dream of mine to play in the WCHA and ever since I was ten years old I wanted to be a Colorado College Tiger. Colorado College will provide me with an outstanding education while playing collegiate hockey at one of the finest programs in the country”.

The Director of the PF Chang’s Hockey Program and Head Coach Jim Johnson said that St. Clair has been the top rated 1992 forward from the State of Arizona and the Rocky Mountain District for the past year and is considered one of the top 1992 born players in the country. In addition this past summer at the USA Hockey 15 Select Festival in St. Cloud, Minnesota, St. Clair finished second in scoring amongst the top 1992 born prospects in the country. Coach Johnson said that after coaching many of elite players in North America over the past 10 years, he feels that Colten is an extremely gifted and skilled player that exemplifies the character, attitude and work ethic needed to be successful as a collegiate athlete.

Pens and Flyers last night.

This is one of the best fights that I have seen this year. Of course there is another act of thuggery perpetrated by a Philadelphia Flyer's hack. Watch Ben Eager hit Penguins tough guy George Laraque with a high dirty elbow, this leads to big George punching Eagers, while he is down on the ice, obvious penalty, however, when there is no penalty for Eager, Gary Roberts steps up takes things into his own hands and shows some leadership. This is a good fight and Roberts beats the living crap out of Ben Eagers. Wow...

Here is the first under card the of this game Ryan Whitney vs Jeff Carter and Colby Armstrong vs Scott Hartnel... Oh man what a good game. My only comments for the Whitney and Carter fight is that when your opponent hits the ground there shouldn't be any more punches throw, the fight is over.

Also former SCSU Huskie Ryan Malone gets into a pretty good scrap with Jason Smith

Oh yeah the Flyers won the game 8-2.