More CCHA vs WCHA... Linkorama

Check out this really interesting debate that is over on the Blog that Yost Built. I would ask WCHA fans to recognize that this is the perspective from the CCHA fan, however, I am puzzled that the CCHA fans are not giving the MSU-M Mavericks a lot of respect. This season the Mankato State University Mavericks have proved to be a nice surprise this season; even to the point that they have kind flown under the radar.

When it is all said and done I do think the Mavericks will be a NCAA participant. While some have said that losing to UNO will kill their chances I think if they make the final five they will probably be in. Trust me CCHA fans I don't think that there are a lot of teams that would like to face the Mavericks right now. In fact, I am happy that the Sioux will not be facing them for the third year in a row during the WCHA playoffs. The Mavericks play hockey like a cornered animal and they will beat you up in the physicality department.

This blog post started as a result of this USCHO discussion.

Debunking the WCHA Myth
Let me be perfectly clear about this at the outset: I do think the WCHA is the best conference.

Where I disagree, however, is with the people who think that the mediocre teams in the WCHA are better than they are, solely because they're in the WCHA. I also disagree that the CCHA is a joke and that outside of the top 4, it's a horrible conference.

One of my favorite things to do is to take a look at numbers, with almost no idea about where they're going to lead me. I did it with the CCHA officials and I think that piece ended up being fairly interesting. The majority of this article was written over at USCHO in the "Minnesota State is over-rated" thread, which was basically making fun of the WCHA fans.

I find it amusing that when Miami loses to Ferris or Alaska, it's evidence that they're overrated and supports the idea that the CCHA sucks. But when CC loses to Michigan Tech, it's evidence of how deep that conference is...how even the bad teams are still really good.

The strength of schedule of the WCHA is part of the reason that everyone thinks they're so good, and why there are so many teams in position to make the tournament. I decided to take a closer look at things to see what I found. It was pretty interesting. At least to me.

Here ganzhimelf has a pretty good response to this post that I thought laid out what a lot of us have been saying all year long.

Originally Posted by ganzhimself
Give me a break... Let's look at the strength of schedule of the teams in the USCHO top 20 in the CCHA and the WCHA...

CCHA
Michigan 13th
Miami-Ohio 27th
MSU 16th
Norte Dame 24th

WCHA
North Dakota 1st
CC 5th
Minnesota State 10th
St. Cloud State 9th
Wisconsin 2nd
Minnesota Duluth 3rd
Minnesota 4th

CCHA is obviously the weaker conference with the over rated teams. I mean, not a single ranked team in the CCHA has a harder schedule than the ranked WCHA teams. Get over yourself and the Colon Cleansing Hockey Association.

Thuggery INC.

Yesterday The Minnesota Wild proved you can ruin your image for only a 6th round draft choice, as the Minnesota Wild picked up Chris Simon at the trade dead line. While other teams in the Western conference were picking up final pieces for the Stanley Cup drive the Wild picked up another tough guy. I wonder if Chris Simon can put up the numbers of Marian Hossa or Peter Forsberg? It is doubtful.

Lets look at some of the accomplishments of Chris Simon. Here is Chris Simon slashing Ryan Hollweg last March, this landed him a lengthy 25 game suspension. So what did Simon do for an encore? Chris Simon tries to slice off Jarkko Ruutu foot off with his skate on December 15th, 2007. This cost Chris Simon a 30 game suspension from the league.

Wild acquires Chris Simon
By Michael Russo
Star Tribune
(Read the whole story here)

Everybody in hockey knows the New York Islanders' Chris Simon. He's that notorious.

One year after adding depth center Dominic Moore -- a player Wild coaches had never heard of -- on deadline day, the only move Tuesday by the sinking Wild's general manager was to add Simon, a longtime enforcer whose career has been stained with eight suspensions, including the longest in NHL history.

This move came as several Western Conference contenders powered up for the stretch run and the postseason with significant trades.

"I know he's had his issues," Risebrough said of the 36-year-old Simon, who will join the Wild, his eighth team, today in Tampa and will cost the Wild a sixth-round draft pick. "The type of player he is will help us. We're a team that plays in a very competitive, very physical division. We're probably one of the smaller teams in the division. Getting size is a factor, especially size that's proven offensively.

When will they ever learn?

I recieved this email today from the Ralph Engelstad Arena Insiders. You would have thought they would have learned their lesson the last time that Ralph Engelstad Arena gave out free stuff. I can about bet there will be 5,000 of these noise makers laying on the ice.

We've clinched home ice!
The University of North Dakota men's hockey team has clinched home ice for the best-of-three WCHA first round playoffs! The games start Friday, March 14, and tickets are on sale now. Will you be there?

10,000 FREE pairs of Fighting Sioux Thundersticks will be given to fans Friday, March 14, to help cheer green to victory!

Get your adult ticket packages for the series for $40. Kid's seats are $20.
Buy yours today at the UND Box Office at Ralph Engelstad Arena, online at Ticketmaster.com or by phone at 701.772.5151.

Minnesota State Senate approves funding for Minnesota Schools.

This is good news for BSU

Just in. This is a good news for BSU, UMD and SCSU. Now Governor Tim Pawlenty needs to sign it into law. I would suggest BSU fans start flooding the office of Tim Pawlenty with phone calls.

Bemidji State, Minnesota-Duluth and St. Cloud State Would Get Renovations or New Buildings
A Minnesota State Senate committee has approved a $1 billion public works bonding bill Tuesday which included funding for three Division I hockey arenas.


Most notably, $22 million in funding was approved for the Bemidji Regional Events Center, which would include a new hockey arena for the BSU Beavers. It was widely considered, including by the school itself, that a new arena was needed in order to maintain the viability of the men's hockey program.

Also approved was $40 million in funding for the renovation and expansion of the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center, home of the Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs. Built in 1966, the DECC currently holds approximately 5,300 for hockey. The renovations would expand that to 6,500.

St. Cloud State's National Hockey Center will get $10 million to remodel and expand. Also, $10 million was granted to fund a new arena for the Minnesota-Crookston Division III team.

The measure still requires final approval of the legislature and Gov. Tim Pawlenty.

Here is another link to the story: $1B bonding bill OK'd by Minnesota Senate panel

Hockey players and fans would get four new arenas. They are:

-- A $40 million renovation and expansion of the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center, with a 6,500-seat hockey facility.

-- $22 million for the Bemidji Regional Event Center, including a college hockey arena.

-- $10 million to remodel and expand the National Hockey Center at St. Cloud State University.

-- $10 million for the proposed Crookston Ice Arena.

This weeks picks: Misc Ramblings/Rants

Non Conference
02/26/08 Nebraska-Omaha at Minnesota State

Friday/29/08

Denver at Michigan Tech
Wisconsin at St. Cloud State
Minnesota at Alaska Anchorage
Minnesota State at Colorado College

Saturday 03/01/08

North Dakota at Minnesota Duluth
Minnesota at Alaska Anchorage
Minnesota State at Colorado College
Denver at Michigan Tech
Wisconsin at St. Cloud State

Sunday 03/02/08

North Dakota at Minnesota Duluth

Last Weeks Picks 7-3
Season Total. 100-68

FSSN broadcast of the men's hockey series at Minnesota Duluth available on FightingSioux.com

GRAND FORKS, N.D. -- The University of North Dakota athletic department is pleased to announce that the Fighting Sioux Sports Network telecast of the men's hockey series at Minnesota Duluth will be available as a video webcast on FightingSioux.com. Viewers can watch the broadcast with their Sioux Xtra subscription.

The broadcast is being produced by WDAZ in conjunction with UND athletics, the Fighting Sioux Sports Network and Midcontinent Communications.

~UND has a 13 game unbeaten streak, Some in the Minneapolis media have suggested that UMD will be a cake walk.Nothing could be further from the truth as I predict a dog fight for these weekend games.

~Look for the Mavericks to beat the Tigers this weekend.

~The WCHA is looking pretty good as far as Pairwise Ratings goes. There is a good chance that 5 teams will make the NCAA tourney. Currently there are 8 WCHA teams fighting for an NCAA tourney bid.

This Week in the WCHA (Sioux 7)

This last weekend saw mostly sweeps in the WCHA, CC over UMD, SCSU over MTU, UND over BSU, and UM over UW (3-pts). Those sweeps makes the middle of the pack a dangerous place to be, not knowing who will win home ice in the first round. Here are the current standings in the league.

TEAM........GAMES PLAYED..W-L-T---POINTS
1 Colorado College...24..18-5-1---37
2 North Dakota........24..16-7-1---33
3 Denver.................24..15-8-1---31
4 Wisconsin.............26..10-11-5--25
5 St. Cloud State......24..11-11-2--24
5 Minnesota State.....24..10-10-4--24
7 Minnesota-Duluth...24...8-11-5--21
8 Minnesota..............24...7-11-6--20
9 Michigan Tech........24...7-13-4--18
10 Alaska-Anchorage..26...3-18-5--11

This weekend Alaska and Wisconsin wrap up their final WCHA league games. Alaska is stuck in 10th place, and UW currently sits in 4th, and cannot get any higher, but could fall as far as 9th place.

This weeks match-ups are all BIG as six teams try to get the last home ice playoff spots.


Wisconsin at St. Cloud

This is the biggest match-up, as both teams via for home ice. UW gave up 8 goals last weekend to a UM team that has struggled to score all season... This is it, if UW gives up that many goals this weekend, they can pack there bags for a road trip in the first round. SCSU on the other hand is in the midst of a hot streak, winning 5 in a row. The Huskies have 2 games in hand on UW, but they are against UND. So SCSU knows they need to sweep, to pass the Badgers, and leave Bucky watching and waiting on the rest of league to determine their fate. With both teams needing to win I think this should be a hard fought series, but the Badgers will end up road kill.
THEE CALL - SCSU 3-pts


Nebraska-Omaha (CCHA) at Mankato (Tuesday Night Special)

Earlier this season the Red Mavericks beat the Purple Mavericks, 6-3. I say this time the Purple beats the Red. I hope this game doesn't affect this weekend series MSUM has against the Tigers of CC.


Minnesota State Mankato at Colorado College

The Tigers have to feel pretty good about themselves, posting two shut-out wins last weekend at Duluth. That could also have a bad effect on CC too, over confidence. The other thing CC might also be doing is looking ahead to their season finale against Denver, and overlook the Mavericks. SCSU ended CC's home winning streak two weeks ago, and MSUM is on a mission for home ice, winning 7 out of their last 8 games. CC could clinch a share of the league title with a sweep this weekend, or could lose it by getting swept. MSUM could really help their cause to get home ice with a sweep, but it is a tall task, with a short week.
THEE CALL - SPLIT


Minnesota at Alaska Anchorage


With Minnesota taking 3-pts from Wisconsin last weekend it keeps the Gophers hopes alive for home ice in the first round. Mean while, UAA is locked into the bottom spot and will most likely travel to CC (or possibly UND) for the first round. The Gophers need to win, if they don't sweep the Seawolves, they will almost be assured of a road trip. Misery loves company, so they say, and Alaska would like to keep the Gophers around their neighborhood, the bottom half of the league. The trip to Alaska is a long one, so that could be a factor. The bigger question is, can UM keep scoring more than 1 goal per game? (I was lucky last week in my predicts, saying UM would break out of their scoring slump) Alaska if playing for pride now, which they have, so don't stick the harpoon in them just yet.
THEE CALL - SPLIT


Denver at Michigan Tech

Has DU saved their sinking ship, with a couple of wins against UAA? Is MTU's shipped been damaged beyond repair? DU has a 4-6-1 record in its last 11-games, and MTU has a record of 2-7-3 in its last 12-games. Both of these teams stocks have dropped of the second half of the season. The Pioneers need some wins to hold on to the number 3 spot and MTU wants to save their season and grab a top 5 finish. DU has not won a road game in 2008, but MTU has not been all that good at home in 2008 either.
THEE CALL - SPLIT


North Dakota at Minnesota-Duluth


Duluth is at home again this week, and coming off of an embarrassing weekend of getting shut-out at home twice, by CC. Duluth has had problems scoring all year, only 60 goals in 33 games, and now they have to face another top notch goalie in UND's J.P. Lamereoux. Speaking of JPL he finally got a day off on Sunday, UND started Walski in net and he earned a shut-out win against Bemidji State. The Sioux still remain red-hot riding their 13-game unbeaten streak into Duluth. The Bulldogs are still in the middle of a dogfight (bad pun) for home ice with most of the league. UND is trying to continuing its winning ways and keep the pressure on CC. If CC should faulter it would open the door to UND to grab a share of the league title.
THEE CALL - SIOUX SWEEP

CCHA official Matt Shegos is Biased?

I found this one reading the Blog that Yost Built. The black helicopters are circling Oxford, Ohio. The reason I posted this article is that people always say that Sioux fans are conspiracy theorists and that the league officials are out to get them. This would prove my point that is just isn't us. It appears to be college wide.

CCHA reffing situation ignores inherent biases

Some die-hard Miami hockey fans argue that college hockey referee Matt Shegos-a Michigan alum-is biased (Feb. 15, "CCHA approves alum reffing UM, MU series"). League officials have tried to argue that he is not. With all due respect to Director of CCHA Officials Steve Piotrowski and others who try to justify the conference's assignment of Shegos to referee the Miami-Michigan hockey game, they would do well to understand the meaning of the word bias.

According to The Miami Student article, "Piotrowski says that a fan's opinion from a school is most of the time based on that fan's biased support for the team … CCHA officials are all very well trained and to think that one would be biased toward one team is just plain wrong." Here's the problem: Fans may choose to be biased. Referees may hope that they are not biased. League officials may hope or even think that referees are not biased. However, bias is something that is not entirely controllable. A considerable body of research in psychology demonstrates that bias is both conscious and subconscious. Regardless of whether Shegos intends to be biased, he is biased.

Piotrowski argues that CCHA refs are very well trained. Does any of that training involve understanding where bias comes from or how bias subconsciously interferes with even well-intentioned decision-makers' thinking? I doubt it. Until and unless it does, it is not correct to argue that because the referees are well-trained, they are not biased. Even with such training, the referees in all likelihood will still be biased-though perhaps less so. Even with such training, the potential for subconscious bias will exist. This leads to the appearance of impropriety at the very least, as well as actually compromising the person's ability to discharge his professional responsibilities to the best of his ability. For these reasons, Piotrowski should reconsider the policy of assigning refs to games that include their alma maters.

Rebecca Luzadis
Associate Professor of Management
luzadirA@muohio.edu

Would BSU be a bottom feeder?

This past weekend I had an opportunity to hang out with some old friend from Bemidji and the usual conversation came up about BSU's possible admittance to the WCHA. This issue seems to be almost as explosive as the gun control and the abortion debates.


As many of you know; I have been on record of saying that I am ALL for the Beavers being part of the WCHA. As the Bottom-Feeder brought up I attended BSU back in the early 1990’s. I am also not for kicking out UAA as some have suggested (Sioux7). That response seems kind of callous and crass.

I think the BSU Beavers are a great fit for the WCHA because they are in close proximity of SCSU, UMN, UMD, MSU-M and UND. By adding BSU you can also cut down on travel costs. By adding the Beavers to the WCHA the league all of a sudden would have an unbalanced and odd number of teams. Personally I wouldn't want to have an 11 team league because it doesn't work for the WCHA playoffs.

There are a couple of options to consider. You could give the league winner a bye. That option is not likely to happen since that team that won the league title would want the revenue of hosting a playoff series. Do the math that is a nice profit for you program.

So then you have the next option, leave the 11th place team home, finish 11th in the league and your done. I am not sure I like that option because someone is going to be home and left out of the playoffs. It would eliminate the possibility of giving the 11th place team a shot at making the NCAA tourney for winning the league tourney. While it has never happened to date it does give a team something to play for. So to elevate this problem I would recommend the WCHA adding the UNO Mavericks.

Here is a silly post that I found on USCHO.COM

SCSU Beat Anyone The only thing is will Bemidji beat Souix, Gophers, Badgers? The only team they could beat would be UAA.

Mixed results

That post is so far from the truth it's silly. BSU has had moderate success playing the WCHA. Mind you; this is with CHA recruits. Tom Serratore did a great job of recruiting he was an assistant at SCSU. Since 2005 BSU's record against UMD is 5-2. This season the BSU Beavers split with the Bull Dogs in a home and home series. The BSU Beavers are also 4-2 against my 2nd favorite WCHA the MSU-M Mavericks (I switched my allegiance again), this season the Mavericks swept the season series against the BSU Beavers. On the other hand since 2005; BSU has had little success against MTU 0-2 since 0-7-1 against UND. Given the chance BSU would be able to compete at high level just as the other teams in the WCHA.

How about Phil?

This is the question that was posted on USCHO seems that they are having a tough time seeing past their love affair with the CCHA. Nice to see Roe and Bachman getting some love but they are freshmen.

QUESTION: Going into the homestretch of the regular season, who is the current favorite for the Hobey Baker Award?

Nathan Gerbe, BC -- 22-22-44 in 31 GP with 3 SHG

Richard Bachmann, Colorado College -- leading nation in save percentage (.935) and GAA (1.71) along with 21-5-1 record

Ryan Jones, Miami -- Nation's leading goal scorer with 29-14-43 in 34 GP

Kevin Porter, Michigan -- Nation's leading scorer with 25-26-51 in 34 GP

Ryan Lasch, St. Cloud -- Just a sophomore but tied for second nationally in points with 19-25-44 in 32 GP

Some other player not mentioned above
I don't know / No opinion.

How about where is Jean-Philippe Lamoureux a goals against average of 1.76 and a save percentage of .931. Mind you; this wasn't done playing a bunch of cup cakes this was done playing the toughest strength of schedule in college hockey while Porter and Jones have done it against a shamefully weak strength of schedule.

An interesting perspective on BSU's new arena.

This is an interesting perspective on the possible BSU arena and what the Ralph has meant to Grand Forks, ND. I was talking to some friends of mine from Bemidji and it would appear that there is a still some question(s) on whether the event center should be built in Bemidji, MN. There should be no questions in any one's mind. An event center of this magnitude would mean a great deal for the citizens of Bemidji, MN and their economy. It is time to move forward and build the events center, enough of the wavering by the weak kneed citizens and politicians. The increase in taxes on the citizens of Bemidji is minimal; a half-cent sales tax increase, this is a very small amount of money for the benefits the citizens of Bemidji will reap for having a center of this magnitude. Think of the revenue this will bring the city of Bemidji. Also the WCHA will not let you in if you are still playing it the John Glas Field House, you can bank on that.

Success of The Ralph could Bemidji events center
Brad Swenson Bemidji Pioneer

GRAND FORKS, N.D. – The view is imposing. The Ralph Engelstad Arena is off by itself, surrounded by parking lots as one drives U.S. Highway 2 as it skirts north Grand Forks. And while there is plenty of parking, be ready to pay $10 for something kind of close and $5 for something remote.

The $100 million Ralph Engelstad Arena, completed in 2001, is home to the University of North Dakota hockey team, the Fighting Sioux. And the Sioux this weekend hosted Bemidji State University’s men’s hockey team in a Saturday-Sunday afternoon series. The Beavers came away empty-handed, losing 5-1 on Saturday but holding firm on Sunday, losing only 1-0 with less than 5 minutes left as left wing Andrew Kozek took a feed from a prone center T.J. Oshie at the slot and fired the puck past BSU goalie Orlando Alamano’s glove hand.

Watching the game, however, on a winter Sunday afternoon leaves no doubt what University of North Dakota hockey and especially The Ralph means to the greater Grand Forks area. Posted attendance for Sunday’s game was 11,043 – only 363 short of its posted capacity for ice hockey. And some there told us Sunday was an orderly crowd – it’s much different if fellow WCHA opponents Minnesota or Denver are playing the Sioux.

The Ralph Engelstad Arena might be called opulent – especially in its monstrous size and that it contains thousands of UND’s logo, the Sioux Indian head that is inlaid in marble in the floor, in the carpet every five feet on the Suite level, on each row of seats in the arena, and elsewhere. Currently the subject of NCAA rulings that the Fighting Sioux logo be removed as offensive to American Indians, it is clear that doing so at The Ralph would cost millions of dollars, let alone being something the arena’s benefactor, the late Ralph Engelstad, forbade from happening in his building.

Still, the success of the Ralph Engelstad Arena in Grand Forks can be studied as a model for the Bemidji Regional Events Center now being sought in the Minnesota Legislature with bonding and a sales tax extension. Pegged at $50 million, Bemidji’s project is half that of The Ralph, but it would also be more inclusive to include a convention center and events center space. The Ralph is basically a hockey arena, but it also hosts concerts and like events, including the upcoming 2008 World Men’s Curling Championship.

Bemidji’s proposed center could learn much from The Ralph, albeit on a much smaller scale. BSU would be the anchor tenant in a Bemidji Regional Events Center. As such, the success of the hockey program should be highlighted as one walks in the facility. The Ralph is adorned with statuary and photos of Sioux greats of the past, giving a sense of history and pride before even first puck is dropped.

At the main entrance once past the ticket gate, the Sioux Shop is an open air market – gates surround it but no walls, windows or doors in the classic sense. More than an hour before Sunday’s start, the Sioux Shop was literally filled with people, many of them already sporting a Sioux hockey jersey in white or green ($79 apiece, thank you). The shop had a huge variety of themed sweatshirts, polo shirts, T-shirts, jackets, pullovers, etc., etc., etc. About two dozen different sorts of caps could be had, including one with pull-down earflaps with the Fighting Sioux logo.

A middle floor is encircled with 48 luxury suites, a floor that needs a special pass or ticket even to enter with posted hosts to check. Each room has a food area with table, serving area and refrigeration. A rail offers a spot to watch the game, or just beyond is a seating area for each luxury suite that extends below the suite and is part of the public arena seating. Plans for the Bemidji events center call for 25 luxury suites, and interest is high already as BSU officials say that 20 of them – at $30,000 each – are already pledged.

With BSU figuring on 3,000 or so seats, one wonders if the Beavers can draw a capacity crowd for all games. That depends on how the events center is marketed, some said Sunday.

“Some 3,000 to 4,000 season tickets are sold outside of Grand Forks,” says Virg Foss, retired Grand Forks Herald hockey writer, from his perch in The Ralph’s two-tier press box. “UND marketed its program throughout the area – from Devils Lake to Crookston to Winnipeg.”

It shows in the suites purchased at The Ralph, representing firms from Fargo to Devils Lake. And if those folks aren’t at the game, firms use their suites for other groups in their communities, from Boy Scouts to peewee hockey teams.

“All these people have a meal here, buy gas here and some stay the weekend here,” says Foss. The advent of The Ralph has been an asset to the Grand Forks economy, he notes.

And the same could happen in Bemidji and, more importantly, put BSU’s hockey program on a firm ground as it seeks WCHA membership at some point. Currently, WCHA teams have agreed to schedule BSU over the next several years as the Bemidji community works build a WCHA-capable arena.

“Dave Hakstol has been really supportive of scheduling BSU,” Foss said. “At 100 miles, BSU is the closest Division I hockey team so it makes sense each year.” While both games this year were played in Grand Forks, the series is usually split with a game in each city. “The BSU program has a lot of history, and it would be sad to lose that.”

The Ralph can’t be replicated in Bemidji – we can’t afford it and we don’t have a benefactor like Ralph Engelstad. But it does offer a unique perspective on how such a facility, if done well and marketed well, can make a major impact on the university’s profile, on broadening the community’s entertainment and convention visibility, on recharging the local economy and in improving the so-called “quality of place” that is viewed as key in attracting and retaining people who hold well-paid jobs in our developing knowledge-based economy.

A visit to Grand Forks should include a stop at The Ralph. See for yourself

The North Dakota fans erupted; the noise was deafening. The goal was all the Sioux needed to extend its unbeaten streak to 13 games, the longest in the nation. A few minutes later, the win was sealed and fireworks burst over each goal. The mostly North Dakota supportive crowd (judging by the hundreds of Fighting Sioux hockey jerseys on fans all about The Ralph) went home happy; those of us from Bemidji left unhappy but satisfied that the Beavers had played a courageous game against a potential national NCAA Division I champion.…

The NCAA is at it again.

Here we go again same old ___ again. UND fan's favorite NCAA executive director Myles Brand is at it again. True to form; Myles Brand is over looking one institution while holding another member institution to different standards. It is just not right. I wonder what it would take to get Myles Brand out at NCAA headquarters? Seems like we need to have a regime change at the NCAA head quarters. I know I am not the only one that feels this way.

Hypocritical NCAA silent on Lobos' casino deal
Here we are again. Another inconceivable, unfathomable moment in the life of the NCAA, and I'm left stupefied. The NCAA is, beyond the shadow of any man's reasonable doubt, the most hypocritical organization in sports.

Last week, the University of New Mexico's athletic department announced a $2.5 million sponsorship deal with a tribal casino hotel. Let that sink in, folks.

An institution of higher learning signed a marketing deal with a company built around gambling.

And not a peep from the NCAA.

Now, if that's not enough to make you tear your hair out, consider this: The casino/hotel is located on tribal land 25 miles west of Albuquerque, where the university is located. Not so long ago, the NCAA -- and president Myles Brand, in particular -- blew a gasket and demanded the end of member institutions using "hostile and offensive" Native American nicknames. He went as far as saying no NCAA championships would be played at any university using such a nickname.

Yet here is New Mexico, an NCAA member institution, making millions from a development corporation that owns a casino on Native American soil.

Many believe that tribal casinos are a way for others to make millions, while most of the Native Americans living near the casinos see scant profits. Since tribal sovereignty is the legal basis for gambling on Native American land, tribes aren't bound to disclose profits or how the money is spent. All we really know is this hotel/casino just so happens to glamorize and glorify the NCAA's unspeakable sin, gambling.

At a press conference announcing the deal, New Mexico president David Schmidly said he saw no problem with the university's marketing deal: "They don't do any gambling on sports events or things of that nature, so I think it's a win-win."

Gambling is gambling. There are no shades of gray -- only black and white.

Go into any locker room on any campus in the country, and there are countless NCAA posters plastered all over the walls about the ills of gambling and how one mistake can end careers and destroy programs.

Yet, we've heard nothing from Brand about New Mexico's utterly inappropriate revenue-generating relationship with a casino. That, ladies and gentlemen, is hostile and offensive.

Meanwhile, the University of North Dakota, per NCAA rules, has two years to gain approval from the state's Sioux tribes to use the nickname Fighting Sioux. Or else.

There's nothing like the foul stench of hypocrisy.

At UND we are used to Myles Brand and his stench of hypocrisy, it's old hat. Brand lives by the do as I say not as I do philosophy. This deal stinks of corruption and and an administrator out of line with main stream. Gamblings and college sports are a recipe for trouble. So what is it going to be Myles? Why don't you answer the damn questions? I would expect that Brand is going to to continue to stone wall like he always do. Its stuffed shirts like Myles Brand that give academics a bad name.

Fighting Sioux 1 Beavers 0

The Fighting Sioux and the BSU Beavers played to a 1-0 ho hum game. One could say that the game lacked emotion. In the third period I felt that the team that scored first would win the game.

The BSU Beaver goalie Orlando Alamano was the difference in this game as he had a great effort and held the Fighting Sioux at bay all afternoon as he stopped many shot point blank. BSU had trouble burying shots in close.

Aaron Walski started the game for the fighting Sioux and got the shut out. Aaron Walksi was the first goalie in 55 to starts for UND that wasn't named Jean-Philippe Lamoureux. Aaron Walski looked good in stopping 13 shots in route to a 1-0 shut out.

Box Score
NDK 1 - 0 6x6 GW LL Andrew Kozek (14) (T.J. Oshie, Derrick LaPoint)

Number 4 Bobby Orr.

Bruins legend #4 Bobby Orr revolutionized the game of hockey. Funny thing is you dont see many defenseman that can take the puck end to end anymore. Clutching and grabbing, you can't clutch what you can't grab.

FSN North To Televise 2008 Red Baron WCHA Final Five

SAINT PAUL/MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. - Xcel Energy Center and Fox Sports Net (FSN) North, in conjunction with the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA), announced today the 2008 Red BaronTM WCHA Final Five will once again be telecast on FSN North and produced by Minnesota Wild Broadcasting. The entities have televised the tournament since 2000.

The 2008 Red BaronTM WCHA Final Five will be held Thursday - Saturday, Mar. 20 - 22, at Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul for the eighth straight year.

"Once again, the Western Collegiate Hockey Association is extremely fortunate to be able to partner with Fox Sports Net North and Minnesota Wild Broadcasting to bring one of the premier events in all of collegiate athletics, the Red BaronTM WCHA Final Five into living rooms across the country," said WCHA Commissioner Bruce M. McLeod. "The telecasts of the Red BaronTM WCHA Final Five on FSN North continue to generate tremendous ratings year after year, and after our record-setting event a year ago, we all look forward to another sensational championship at Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul."

Oh goody, I wonder if that means that hockey fans in the upper midwest will have the privilege to listen to the Rug and Wooger's UNBIASED break down each and ever game for us. I would love to actually have the Wild's announcers just as long as we don't have to listen to Kevin Gorg.

Boll vs Commodore

This is a perfect example of what happens when you take a run at the oppositions skilled players. Boll took a run at Redden and Former Fighing Sioux defenseman Mike Commodore settled the score with Boll immediately. I don't have a problem with that type of hockey the players police the game and they don't have to rely on the refs to keep them honest.

Sioux 5 Beavers 1

Ironically UND won today and didn't beat anyone up as Fighting Sioux beat the BSU Beavers 5-1 in an afternoon matinee at the REA. The Fighting Sioux went 4 for 10 on the power play and also more power plays that the oppostion. Not something you would expect from the NCAA most penalized team.

Offensively for the Fighting Sioux forwards Chris VandeVelde and T.J. Oshie both had three point games and Brad Miller also chipped in with two points in a solid work man like effort. I once had a friend of mine tell me that he shot a ho hum 67 in golf. Today the game was one of those ho hum games.

Box Score
NDK 1 - 0 6x4 PP LL Chris VandeVelde (12) (Taylor Chorney, T.J. Oshie)
NDK 2 - 0 6x5 PP GW Ryan Duncan (12) (Chris VandeVelde, T.J. Oshie)
NDK 3 - 0 6x5 PP Matt Watkins (7) (Brad Miller, Rylan Kaip)
BMJ 1 - 3 6x5 PP Riley Weselowski (2) (Ian Lowe, Travis Winter)
NDK 4 - 1 6x5 PP Ryan Duncan (13) (T.J. Oshie, Chris VandeVelde)
NDK 5 - 1 6x6 EN Brad Miller (3) (Robbie Bina)
PP UND 4 / 10
PP BSU 1 / 5

WCHA standings

1 Colorado College 24 18-5-1 37 80-44 (32 23-8-1 110-68)
2 North Dakota 24 16-7-1 33 78-49 (30 20-8-2 99-58)
3 Denver 24 15-8-1 31 70-57 (32 21-10-1 97-73)
4 Wisconsin 26 10-11-5 25 64-64 (34 14-13-7 99-86)
5 St. Cloud State 24 11-11-2 24 72-67 (32 16-13-3 101-79)
Minnesota State 24 10-10-4 24 59-63 (31 16-11-4 88-76)
7 Minnesota-Duluth 24 8-11-5 21 50-66 (30 12-12-6 66-74)
8 Minnesota 24 7-11-6 20 52-63 (34 13-13-8 84-88)
9 Michigan Tech 24 7-13-4 18 48-68 (32 11-16-5 67-82)
10 Alaska-Anchorage 26 3-18-5 11 51-83 (32 7-18-7 75-99)

Pairwise
3 Colorado College 22 23-8-1 .7344 3 .5911 2
4 North Dakota 21 20-8-2 .7000 5 .5874 3
6 Denver 19 21-10-1 .6719 6 .5724 6
7t Minnesota State 16 16-11-4 .5806 14 .5417 9
10 St. Cloud State 15 16-13-3 .5469 18 .5392 11
13 Minnesota-Duluth 11 12-12-6 .5000 28t .5291 15
14t Wisconsin 10 14-13-7 .5147 27 .5336 14
14t Minnesota 10 13-13-8 .5000 28t .5290 16
Interesting that there are 8 teams right now in the hunt for the NCAA tourney. Oh boy, I bet the NCAA is probably dreading the possibility of an all WCHA frozen four. It could happen if 6 WCHA teams get in. Minnesota and Wisconsin would be the first couple of teams out and MSU-M is looking more and more like they are going to get a ticket to the big dance. Troy Jutting has Mankato looking really good right now. So, UND needs to sweep the Dogs and LGM's boys need to take two in the Springs. The Huskies are also peaking at the right time.

Thoughts from one Beaver fan about the upcoming weekend in SiouxLand

This is frome one of my friends in Bemidji

Always thought the whole UND Fighting Sioux identity was positive, in good taste, and a source of great pride (and still do)

Many Beaver fans pull for UND aside from this weekend because UND Puck has treated BSU very neighborly in scheduling so that BSU may continue to develop as an NCAA DI program......along with being so close to Grand Forks.....and BSU gets a fair number of coaches from UND ranks

Seems like the Beavers are the opponent that jump-starts the Sioux annual drive to the FF.....but this year, the Beavs will try to avoid being road-kill, as the Sioux Train has already left the station and continue to build up speed (and PMs)

The Beavs have one point to show for the D-I era vs. the Sioux, and that was, as I said, when playing the Sioux before turning their past seasons around.....not sure what we're gonna see when playing the UND at the top of their game

Last dances with Dub squads in CO, (DU=2-4, CC-4-5), OrlandO and Frosh Dalton tended cages.....wonder if Climes will see action.

Hope the Green & White stay outta the box.....will make for more entertaining afternoons for BSU Fans

Most Importantly......From the "Did You Know?" Dept: Goon is a Beaver & has a tattoo to prove it. He's actually a Sioux only in his after life, that is, after his Bemidji State University life! He even tailgates with Beaver fans in Bemidji for Beaver Hockey Games! Long-Live Goon!

Safe & Fun Weekend Everyone!

bottom feeder

Check out this blog post.

Check out this really good blog article by RWD as she puts Elliot Olshansky, formerly of CSTV/The Rink Rat through the Gauntlet. It is really worth your time to take a look at this article. For those fans that have wondered where Elliot Olshanksy has been as of late (this is covered in the article) Elliot has re-surfaced here.


You have to give Elliot credit for being a true fan.

EO: I was at the one the next year, at the Gutt up in Burlington. It was homecoming at Dartmouth, and there were two WCHA teams playing within driving distance of Hanover that weekend. The Bulldogs were at Vermont, and North Dakota was at UNH. I went to UVM on Friday and UNH on Saturday. That's something that UMD and NoDak both deserve credit for: traveling east regularly. North Dakota especially.

This is my favorite exchange right here.

EO: I think the thing that's bothered me the most lately has been the way people have looked down their nose at CCHA teams, Miami in particular, because of a soft schedule.

RWD: Hah, well, you can be sure at least one regular critic of the CCHA is a reader of RWD.

EO: This may not be the most convenient time to say this, given what happened against Ferris State, but Miami is a legit team.

RWD: I can remember other teams that may have lost to Ferris State at crucial times.

One last thing while Elliot is a great mind I don't see the RedHawks making the Frozen Four sorry bud.

BSU Beavers up next for the Sioux.

This weekend the Fighting Sioux 19-8-2, 16-7-1 WCHA play the BSU Beavers Bemidji State 14-13-3, 11-4-3 CHA at the Ralph Engelstad Arena on Saturday at 3:37 pm and at 3:07 pm.

~UND is 13-3-1 in its last 17 games.

~UND is 10-0-1 in its last 11 games.

~Senior goalie Matt Climie has played in 22 of 30 BSU games, starting 21. He has a 12-6-3 record, and ranks eighth nationally with a 1.95 goals against average. Climie also has an outstanding .921 save percentage.


~Lamoureux extended his school-record streak of consecutive starts in goal to 54 consecutive games.


~ The Hockey ShowScott Williams and Moose Richards discuss the upcoming series between the Beavers and the Sioux.

~Check outTroy Mills Beaver Pond For all the latest on BSU hockey. Too bad Millsy isn't going to be there for the game, something about having to work.

Sweet Video of UND's Season.

This is an awesome video that RedFrog of ND has posted. Murder INC is coming to an arena near you. Slugging it out one game at a time. I am betting that no one is going to want to play the Sioux in the playoffs this season.