Is Kessel the next Alexander Daigle?

Here is an interesting article on former Gopher Phil Kessel. I know from reading the message boards and blogs last season there are a few Boston Bruin's fans that are getting impatient with Phil Kessel. I wish the fans would give this kid a break, While Kessel is an amazing talent, lets be realistic playing in the NHL level is a whole different ball game. Playing in the NHL is a lot different than playing in Juniors or college. Think about this, realistically speaking Kessel could be entering his his senior year of college with the Golden Gophers if he wasn't playing in the NHL.

It's the next nine months, Phil Kessel’s career is on the line.

It was once believed that Kessel would be one of the greatest American-born hockey players to ever play. He shattered the scoring records for the National Developmental program as a 17 and 18-year-old sniper, netting 104 goals in two seasons. There were even hockey analysts during the 2005 NHL entry draft that said if Kessel and Sidney Crosby were in the same draft, they would have selected Kessel over Sid the kid.

Kessel is entering his third season as an NHL player. In his first 152 games, the speedy forward has 30 goals and 36 assists. The goal scoring just hasn’t been there.

In this, the last year of his original three-year rookie deal, it’s make it or break it time. After this season, he’ll either be known as one of the more prolific scorers in the NHL, or he’ll be known as a guy with tremendous hype, that was never able to put it together.

In other words, he could be just like Alexander Daigle.

Kessel hasn’t has the easiest of times in the NHL. His rookie season was marred with a 12-game absence while he recovered from testicular cancer. Last season, he branded as a soft player, something that had in fact followed him throughout his career. It forced head coach Claude Julien to bench Kessel for three games in the playoffs against Montreal last April.

Once inserted back into the lineup in Game 6, Kessel was a different player. He looked like the ferocious scorer that he was as a teenager. It’s the player he has to be if he wants to stick around in the top-six rotation of an NHL club.

(READ the rest of the story here)

Top 100 Fantasy Players (Toews, Parise)

Since the hockey season is ALMOST upon us; some of us are in fantasy hockey leagues, I found time to be in 4 fantasy leagues. Yeah I guess I have a lot of time on my hands.

Chris Nichols from Sportsnet.ca was kind of enough to give us his top 100 players. Former Sioux Jonathan Toews (32) and Zach Parise (86)made the top 100 players. If you look closely at the list you will see other former WCHA players in the top 100 as well.

1. Alexander Ovechkin, Washington: Goal scoring wizard has earned the top slot.
2. Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh: Art Ross favourite; should be downright dominant.
3. Martin Brodeur, New Jersey: Mr. Consistency always gets it done.
4. Dany Heatley, Ottawa: Hungry to resume his 50 goal ways with outstanding peripherals.
5. Vincent Lecavalier, Tampa Bay: New captain excellent all-around; repaired shoulder ok.
6. Evgeni Malkin, Pittsburgh: Points, PIM and he's 22. Career potential is off the charts.
7. Henrik Zetterberg, Detroit: No Datsyuk? No worries. Hank is bank.
8. Jarome Iginla, Calgary: Average of 96 points in each of the past two years; PIM bonus
9. Evgeni Nabokov, San Jose: Rebooted San Jose team; same rock in net.
10. Joe Thornton, San Jose: Absolutely ridiculous point totals since move to SJ.
11. Nicklas Lidstrom, Detroit: 38 and still going strong; 0.75 career ppg average.
12. Dion Phaneuf, Calgary: Arguably just as valuable as Lidstrom, all categories considered.
13. Henrik Lundqvist, New York Rangers: New-look team still has The King in net.
14. Roberto Luongo, Vancouver: One of a handful of time-tested fantasy studs.
15. Olli Jokinen, Phoenix: Upgraded talent on
32. Jonathan Toews, Chicago: Winnipeg native will shine as the new captain.
86. Zach Parise, New Jersey: 24-year old looks to finally hit/pass 70-point mark.

The CHA soldiers on...

The CHA has announced that they will play their conference tourney in Bemdiji this season. I think it is the right decision for the NCAA to allow the CHA to keep playing for a NCAA bid even though they only have four teams in the league. Why shouldn't they? None of the other leagues have stepped up to absorb these teams. I am still waiting for the day when the NCAA announces that these teams will be taken into a league or face the possibility of losing a few at large bids.

CHA Announces Tournament Locale; Wil Still Play for NCAA Bid
CHN Staff Report

College Hockey America will hold its conference tournament in Bemidji, Minn., this season -- and, more importantly, the tournament still has relevance in the sport as a whole.

The conference, which has often been on the brink of extinction -- and never moreso than following the folding of Wayne State's program after last season -- has received approval from the NCAA Championships and Competition Cabinet for an automatic bid to this year's NCAA tournament.

Typically, a conference must have six member schools in order to qualify for an automatic bid, according to NCAA by-laws. A rule was passed recently that allowed the CHA to qualify with only five -- but the departure of Wayne State dropped the CHA's membership to four.

Nonetheless, a waiver has been granted to the league, and will be reviewed on a year-to-year basis.
----snip----
The College Hockey America men's league is comprised of Alabama-Huntsville, Bemidji State, Niagara and Robert Morris. All but Robert Morris have on automatic NCAA bids in the past

Sixty Minutes. No Alibis. No Regrets. Reviews the Fighting Sioux...

Gandalf The Red from Sixty Minutes. No Alibis. No Regrets. did a interesting preview on the Fighting Sioux. A couple things that stand out are: 1.) Joe Finley isn't seen as a key returnee. 2.) I just don't see Walski being the starter at UND. All in all it is a pretty neat preview.

School: North Dakota
Mascot: Fighting Sioux (for a little while yet)
Head Coach: Dave Hakstol, 5th year, 106-56-15

Last Season: 18-7-3, 2nd place WCHA; 28-11-4 Overall

Predicted 08/09 WCHA Finish: 4th

Key Departures:
F TJ Oshie, 18-27-45*
D Robbie Bina, 2-23-25
D Taylor Chorney, 3-21-24
F Rylan Kaip, 8-7-15
G Jean-Philippe Lamoureux, 27-11-4, 1.75 GAA
*All stats listed from 07/08

Key Returnees:
F Ryan Duncan (Sr), 18-22-40
F Chris VandeVelde (Jr), 15-17-32
D Chay Genoway (Jr), 8-21-29
F Andrew Kozek (Sr), 18-3-21
F Matt Watkins (Sr), 8-10-18

Top Sieve:
Aaron Walski (Sr), 1-0-0, 0.00 GAA

Key Additions:F David Toews (Shattuck), 44-56-100
F Jason Gregoire (USHL), 37-32-69, USHL POY
F Brett Hextall (BCHL), 24-48-72, Son of crazy Ron Hextall
D Corey Fienhage (MN HS), 6-10-16
G Brad Eidsness, 29-4-4, 2.12 GAA, AJHL POY

When Wisconsin Beats North Dakota: @ UND 10/31 & 11/1, KC 3/6 & 3/7

07/08 Recap: North Dakota has gotten into somewhat of a routine the last few seasons. They started off luke warm, splitting basically every series before Christmas. Following the holidays, they put it all together and rolled most of their opponents, until tying St. Cloud twice at home to end the season and any chance Wisconsin had at home ice in the WCHA playoffs. The Sioux fell just short of CC for the MacNaughton. North Dakota lost a close one to Denver in the WCHA playoffs before beating CC for 3rd place. North Dakota ended up in the Midwest Regional where they faced off against our Badgers after beating Princeton. Though the Sioux were down through two periods, they came back to win in OT. Hakstol made it four for four in Frozen Four appearances only to run up against their playoff kryptonite in the eventual champion Boston College Eagles.

In between all that, Wisconsin had an early season home series against the Sioux, which ended in a shuffle that saw ten skaters being sent to the showers before the final whistle and a post game confrontation between Hakstol and Coach Eaves. North Dakota didn’t stop their thuggish ways following that game. During a series w/ Denver, several fights occurred and the WCHA officials did their best to promote the Sioux’s disorderly ways, by not ejecting players for their conduct. And then there was the Joe Finley/Blake Wheeler square dance during the handshake line against minnesota, not to mention the extracurriculars that led up to that.

08/09 Thoughts: I don’t expect much to change w/ North Dakota’s thuggish ways this season. As much as I belittle their thuggishness, they have one hell of a program and I give them credit for their yearly success. This should be a trying year for the Sioux, as they lost more than any other WCHA team to graduation and early departures. Gone is top forward TJ Oshie to the St. Louis Blues. Gone are outstanding defensemen Robbie Bina and Taylor Chorney to the Edmonton Oilers system. On top of all that, Jean-Philippe Lamoureux is gone, leaving a gapping hole in net for the Sioux. Only Denver has as big of void to fill in net w/ an unproven WCHA netminder. What North Dakota has going for it is a great recruiting class and a solid group of returning players. I recognize almost all the new names, and they are all big time DI recruits. While the Sioux have lost a lot, they also have a lot coming in. It will be a big year for Ryan Duncan to see if he can still succeed w/ out Jonathon Toews AND TJ Oshie. I still think his Hobey Baker was a function of his teammates, not his ability level. Chay Genoway should anchor the blue line and Chris VandeVelde could be ready for a breakout year. At the end of the day (or season) I think the Sioux recent tradition of slow starts will put them too far behind the MacNaughton, but right in place for another NCAA appearance probably when the team is peaking. I’m sure Boston College will be there to end their season again.

The Blues version of hot or not

Amy from Lets Go Mavs is going to like this story that was over on Puck Daddy and it is too funny to not pass on.

Who is the hottest-looking Blues player?

The fans were shown photos of a half-naked Paul Kariya; Barret Jackman's bald dome; David Backes, looking a tad less psychotic than he did in that fight with Amsso Salmela; and Dan Hinote, whose is easy on the eyes enough to snag Jenny McCarthy's sister.

Linkorama: A few things...

First off I was asked who I thought would wear a letter for the fighting Sioux this year and I predict: Ryan Ducnan the "C" with Big Joe Finley and Andrew Kozek will wear the "A" I don't have any inside information just my humble opinion.

A few story lines that some might find interesting (college focused):

Even with the unexpected injury of Erik Johnson the Blues future is looking brighter.

*The Hockey News ranked the Blues' prospects fourth best in the NHL. The Blues have T.J. Oshie is slated as a possible third liner.
They include centre Patrik Berglund, who should make the team as the Blues' No. 2 centre this season behind Andy McDonald; right winger T.J. Oshie, a physical player who has third-line potential this season; centre Lars Eller, a 19-year-old slick playmaking pivot and goalie Ben Bishop, who will probably continue his apprenticeship in the American Hockey League this year.

Former C.C. Tiger star Mark Stuart could be wearing a letter for the Bruin's

* Mark Stuart is playing a mean, rugged game. Stuart exchanged words with Jon Sim. He blasted Jesse Joensuu with a rattling open-ice hit. Certainly looks like a reason why he's wearing an "A" tonight.

Manny Fernandez and Former UNH star Kevin Regan were in the nets for the Bruins when the Bruins defeated the hated Habs 8-3. This is the first action Fernandez has seen since he injured his knee last season.

* Manny Fernandez also made his return, stopping 10 of 12 shots through 40 minutes. Kevin Regan played the third period. Fernandez looked like he was sitting back in his crease instead of challenging shooters. "I want to jump in there and see some action," Fernandez said of the preseason. "I think both teams were a little bit tired. Travel wasn't easy for any of us. But it was a good effort. As far as my playing time, I leave that to the people who make decisions. When I get the nod, I'll go 100 percent. The only thing I can tell you is that I'll work hard in practice, try to get better, and try to get those butterflies away. Every time I get in there, it's like breaking the ice all over again."

Golf cart knocks E.J. out for the season.

The Blues got some bad news on former Gopher hockey star Eric Johnson's knee injury, he is done for the season and is going to need surgery to fix it. Makes one wounder if the NHL GM will ban using golf carts?

Blues' Johnson out with torn knee ligaments
ST. LOUIS (AP) -Blues defenseman Erik Johnson, the No. 1 pick in the 2006 draft, tore two ligaments in his right knee during a recent golf outing and is expected to miss the entire season but recover fully.

"In our business you get a few curveballs," team president John Davidson said Tuesday night before St. Louis played Dallas in a preseason game. "This is a pretty good curveball."

Johnson, 20, was injured during a team golf outing on Sept. 16 when his right foot got caught between the accelerator and the brake of his golf cart. The Blues had to wait for swelling in the knee to go down before a diagnosis could be made.

Two surgeons determined that Johnson tore the anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments in the knee that will require an operation to fix.

Davidson said the swelling in Johnson's knee must subside before surgery will take place. Davidson said Johnson isn't expected to play this season, but would have a "100 percent" recovery.

Last season as a rookie, Johnson played in 69 games and recorded 33 points on five goals and 28 assists. He is considered the centerpiece of the team's youth movement.

"To say Erik is distraught would be using a kind word," Davidson said. "He feels responsible, but we told him we're still with him. He's still going to be a big part of our team."

The Blues will explore options inside and outside the organization for defensive help, including giving 2008 top pick Alex Pietrangelo a look. Pietrangelo, the No. 4 pick overall, was in the lineup Tuesday night.

"We still have our same goals," Davidson said. "We're going to get up tomorrow and think about winning. You have to be able to adapt."

Links to the story:

St. Louis Blues defenceman Erik Johnson out with torn knee ligaments.

Johnson will be out the entire season...

Commodore feels big deal is justified.

Here is a nice article on former Sioux Mike Commodore. The Blue Jackets have taken some heat on the size of Big Mike's contract. I personally feel that Commodore is worth the money he is being paid. I have seen worse players in the league that are being paid just as much or more. I also think Commodore is a better defenseman that Jeff Finger; just my my humble opinion.

He's worth the 'fro
By ERIC FRANCIS

Mike Commodore has always stood out from the crowd.

For years it revolved largely around his 6-foot-4 frame, his orange afro and his engaging personality.

However, shortly after the free agency free-for-all opened this summer, he distanced himself even further from the masses with a contract signing that was the talk of the hockey world.

Four years after making a name for himself in Calgary during the playoffs as a useful, if not one dimensional, spare part, the 28-year-old defenceman signed a five-year, $18.75 million deal with Columbus.

Often mentioned alongside the four-year/$14 million deal Jeff Finger signed in Toronto, many have cited Commodore's pact as the perfect example of how reckless and insane NHL GMs have once again become.

Not only did it shine a rare spotlight on a stay-at-home blueliner who has, in fact, come a long way the last three years, but it put the two-time Stanley Cup finalist in an odd position where he will almost undoubtedly have to defend the deal at every turn.

"To be honest, I really don't care what the public thinks," said the local folk hero who spent the latter half of his summer in Calgary where he bought a condo overlooking the 'Dome at which his NHL career started.

"My buddies told me (TSN's) Pierre McGuire was running his mouth off and I couldn't care less. Whether I deserve it or not is not up to guys like Pierre McGuire. I've worked hard to get where I am. The market is at where it's at. It's not like I was going to say, 'no I'll just take one-and-a-half.' "

Fact is, after being traded by Calgary to Carolina four years ago, Commodore not only won a Stanley Cup with the 'Canes but has developed into a player that had seven teams interested in him July 1, including two that drove his price right up. And while he feels extremely privileged, he said the $3.75 million he'll make annually is close to the number he was expecting and is not out of whack

USA Today Hockey Poll.

The USA Today College Hockey Poll... Yawn, boring; this poll really means little if anything. It is fun to read then look away. For most teams the season doesn't even start for another 2-3 weeks. Like most I know or talk to are excited about the hockey season and wish it could start tomorrow. Its like lets just get on with it already. I think UND is a little hight to start the season and they can place UND at 15th for all I care... The top 4 are last season's Frozen Four. I think Miami ranked a little based on who they lost last seson.
Sept. 22, 2008

1 Boston College
2 Michigan
3 Notre Dame
4 North Dakota
5 Colorado College
6 Denver
7 New Hampshire
8 Miami (Ohio)
9 Minnesota
10 Boston University
11 Clarkson
12 Michigan State
13 Wisconsin
14 Northern Michigan
15 St. Cloud State

Others receiving votes: Princeton University, 51; Cornell University, 30; Harvard University, 30; Minnesota State University Mankato, 28; U.S. Air Force Academy, 24; University of Massachusetts, 9; University of Massachusetts Lowell, 9; Niagara University, 9; University of Vermont, 6; University of Maine, 3; Northeastern University, 3.

Top five reasons Blake Wheeler will make the Bruins

Mike McMahon gives five reasons why he thinks Wheeler will make the Bruins. Personally I don't have anything against Wheeler, I am sure he is a nice guy but I don't see him scoring a lot of goals or getting a lot of playing time for the Bruins. The Bruins coach Claude Julien is a task master and will not put up for soft play or lack of defensive focus. This is the same guy that benched Phil Kessel for three games during the Stanley Cup playoffs.

1. He can score

The Gophers were terrible last season (by their standards), and Wheeler still managed to put together respectable numbers. His 35 points led the way, and he played a role in 32 percent of the team’s goals. Wheeler has scored everywhere he’s been. His 15 goals likely would have been higher last season if he had anyone playing around him (remember, Kyle Okposo left in mid-season in a move that generated a lot of discussion). Nobody on the team had more than 20 assists expect, you guessed it, Wheeler.

2. He can skate

For a big kid (6-foot-4, 219 pounds), Wheeler can wheel. One of the more impressive aspects to Wheeler’s game is his ability to puck handle while moving his feet at top speed. He skates like a player who is 5-foot-10. He creates space for himself and makes plays for the guys on his line when he isn’t carrying the puck.

3. Versatility

This is in line with his skating, but Wheeler can play a variety of roles. He was an impressive forechecker with the Gophers — again, something you don’t normally see with a guy his size. He can also play both sides of special teams. He’s a melting pot of styles, and can fill a variety of roles.

4. Thin wings

Outside of Michael Ryder, Phil Kessel and Chuck Kobasew, the B’s don’t have another scoring right winger. Kessel can bounce between center and both wings, which leaves Kobasew and Ryder as the only two natural scoring right side wingers on the team. Others who have played at RW in camp thus far — Petteri Nokelainen, Martin Karsums, Jordan Knackstedt, Byron Bitz, and Shawn Thornton — Wheeler would be a better third-line fit than any of those players. That would leave Thornton on the fourth line.

5. He’s a big-game performer

Wheeler is at his best when the pressure is at its highest. In 2007, he practically carried the Gophers through their playoff run. In the Final-Five tournament, he potted a hat trick in a 4-2 win over Wisconsin, and then scored the game-winner in overtime to beat North Dakota 3-2 in the championship game. You might remember, that goal was showcased on ESPN …

Lucia endorses McCain/Palin.

Good for University Gopher coach Don Lucia, I guess maybe I must have under estimated him, LOL... I love how some of these stuffed shirts are up set that a University of Minnesota coach would make a political statement. Incidently Minnesota is one of the more liberal states in the USA and the University of Minnesota is one of the more liberal campuses in the USA. I wounder if these people would have said the same thing if Lucia would said I am Obama/Biden supporter? I say good for Don Lucia...

Gopher Hockey Coach Endorses McCain At Rally
(WCCO) On the ice, Don Lucia's hockey teams have won two national championships. He is known as a coach who can motivate his players.

On Friday, Lucia was motivating once again, but this time the speech wasn't for his players -- it was for politicians.

"I want to extend a warm state of hockey welcome to John McCain and Sarah Palin," said Lucia while speaking at a McCain/Palin rally in Blaine, Minn.

At the McCain/Palin rally, Lucia, a native of Grand Rapids, made it no secret who he's voting for.

"From what I'm hearing this year, it sounds like John McCain and Sarah Palin have a power play going on in northern Minnesota," said Lucia.

The speech may have been a hit at Friday's rally, but with some hockey fans at the U of M campus, it landed the coach time in their penalty box.

Gopher fan Chelsey Kueffer thinks a coach at a publicly funded University should keep the politics to himself.

"When you are in our school colors and representing our hockey team, I don't think it is necessarily appropriate to come out with your political views," said Kueffer.

In a statement released Friday afternoon, the University said Lucia is practicing free speech and is speaking as an individual, not as a representative of the U of M.

Andrew LaValle is a hockey fan and an Obama supporter, but he agrees with the University that Lucia has every right to speak his mind.

"It's his right to. I mean I don't agree with it, but if other people can endorse Obama and support the Democrats, I don't see why he can't," said LaValle.

University of Minnesota President Robert Bruininks was asked about Lucia's speech but declined to comment.

The Ralph benefits injured defenseman.

I wounder if this is what Ralph Englestad had in mind when they made the Ralph Engelstad Arena. I wounder if the Wild would consider training up here every year. I attended yesterday's practice and there was a pretty nice crowd on hand to watch a practice. I always love the opportunity to watch hockey in shorts.

Defenseman Kurtis Foster, rehabbing from a broken leg, is taking advantage of the spectacular training facilities at Ralph Engelstad Arena, which boasts a 10,000-square-foot fitness center and underwater treadmill.

Sunday, Foster, who has strengthened his upper body dramatically this summer, got into a weightlifting competition with Gaborik.

"In the long run, coming to Grand Forks was a great idea," Foster said. "You can't say enough good things about this facility. This is unbelievable."

Foster said getting away from the Twin Cities could be beneficial for a team with potentially eight to nine new faces.
(Read the whole article here)

Wouldn't it have been easier to walk?

I can't fault E.J. for taking a cart while playing golf, I ride one when I golf as well. I also walk from time to time if play is going to be really slow or if I don't feel like riding, however, this is story is turning into a heck of a mess. While at first it was kind of funny, you kind of feel for the kid.

This also makes one want to say, "arise and walk young man". Another reason I ride is my golf bag is so heavy is is has so many balls in it.

Erik Johnson to Seek Second opinion?
September 20, 2008, 12:56 AM ET
As of early Friday the Blues were still working on the final details but sources say Erik Johnson will get a second opinion on his injured right knee in the next few days. Word is Johnson will likely head to Cleveland, Ohio to have it checked out. The Blues still plan to announce the extent of the injury no later than Tuesday.

Johnson had his shoulder operated on in Cleveland just after the Blues season expired last April...

Gaborik to agent get deal done.

THE Wild Blogger Michael Russo had this story on his blog today. Now that is a Russo's Rant that I can feel good about. While Mike is right that it means no deal is imminent it is does give me some hope that one of my favorite teams (Boston is my other one) has a better chance of making the playoffs.

Tom Lynn eventually worked his way over during the scrimmage’s intermission. The two plan to meet later today. Salcer made clear again to the two local beat writers that Gaborik has instructed him to try to get a deal done with the Wild, and that this is a “sincere” negotiation. Again though, that doesn’t mean Gaborik’s signing at the end of the day, as Risebrough likes to say.

This is all part of a complicated process. Nothing is imminent.

Remember, the biggest chore here is guesstimating what the cap can go up to, or down to. In other words, guessing what a player like Gaborik would be worth in say, five years, six years, whatever. Remember, one big reason why the cap keeps going up is the strength of the Canadian dollar, which has aided in the increased revenues for the six Canadian teams. Well, these are uncertain economic times, and the Canadian dollar is down to 94 cents last time I looked.

So what does a million dollars remove (Fighting Sioux logo)

When I was watching the Wild practice today at REA I got to thinking; which logos are
gone and which logos stay? What will a million dollars remove? You also have to wonder what will be put back in it's place. There will be a lot of empty space.

The Rink Rat had a pretty good post in the logo article that I wrote this weekend.
Check it out:

I've long been of the opinion that the most practical move for the University is to keep the logo and nickname, and just live with the consequences. I think they could make a pretty penny on special "tournament edition" jerseys that just have "North Dakota" on them in white script on a green jersey.

Meanwhile, the Ralph wouldn't be able to host NCAA tournament games again. No big deal: the NCAA wants more neutral sites anyway, and besides, there's no way another regional at the Ralph could top 2006, with the Sioux going to the Frozen Four and Minnesota losing to Holy Cross.

As for the other sports, well, with the transition to D-I, it'll probably be a while before any of them have to worry about hosting playoff games.

Maybe, when that becomes a concern, they could do something with hockey like what Long Beach State does with baseball. Every other LBSU team is the 49ers, but the baseball team is the Dirtbags (the fact that Jason Giambi is a Dirtbag has given me no shortage of amusement). Maybe the hockey team could stay the Sioux to keep Ralph's will happy, then they could change the name of the other teams.

Folks the logo and name Fighting Sioux are gone.

I am beginning to see the writing on the wall, as many other Sioux fans are as well. The name Fighting Sioux and the current logo are all but gone, get your jerseys while you can.

What replaces the once proud Fighting Sioux name is still a mystery and up for debate. It is no mystery that I am a wave the flag proud Fighting Sioux fan, I will always be, however, because of political correctness run a muck and feel good hand wringing **liberalism** the Fighting Sioux name and logo will be gone placed on the scrap heap of history. This ladies and gentleman is a disgrace and should not happen.

Debate & controversy There is light surrounding the Fighting Sioux logo issue - and it might come sooner than originally expected. ---Ryan Johnson
Terms of the state's lawsuit settlement with the NCAA concerning the Fighting Sioux logo and nickname allow North Dakota to seek tribal approval of the moniker until Nov. 2010. But according to North Dakota State University System (NDUS) Chancellor William Goetz, that amount of time to wait for a resolution to the issue is too long.

Goetz said in an article published by the Grand Forks Herald on Saturday that the state needs to have a plan ready by 2010 for the transition. He said the transition wouldn't necessarily be a change in the nickname, but instead some kind of compromise with the tribal leaders and state officials to make the name more acceptable.

He also stressed the emotional impact of the controversy surrounding the name, adding that the issue has been damaging for UND. "This cannot continue," he said in the interview. "We need to bring this to a final resolution."

Goetz was unavailable for comment with The Dakota Student as of publication.

UND's impact

University President Robert Kelley stressed that no matter what the transition will be, the issue should be resolved sooner rather than later.

"I think the issue here for us is what's best for the University of North Dakota," he said. "There's not much to be gained by just letting this run out until the end with a whimper."

He said he believes that Goetz's comments show that he is trying to accelerate the process in order to finish what needs to be done eventually.

"He's putting together a committee that is working with the constituents that were named in the NCAA settlement, and I think he would like to try now to push this along," he said.

The State Board of Higher Education is in charge of meeting the requirements of the lawsuit settlement, and UND is not involved with the transition effort. The state and university will eventually take action based on his recommendation.

"The university right now is neutral," Kelley said. "We're not in the mix."

In reading the first part of the article is is apparent that there is nothing new, the same stuff we have been talking about, for years ad nauseam. I do want to bring up that after the lawsuit and settlement UND fans have not had any leadership on this issue from anyone in the legislature, the executive branch nor from team North Dakota. No one has stepped up to bring this issue to a close. It is almost as if North Dakota State University System (NDUS) Chancellor William Goetz has has this issue thrown in is lap and he has been told to deal with this, bring this to a close. To say it is a political hot potato is an understatement.

So it doesn't shock me that we have come to this point in the debate. None of our elected leaders have the stomach to fight this issue anymore, most Sioux fans I have talked to are tired of it as well.

Lets be honest; team North Dakota doesn't want to alienate one of their key voting blocks so don't expect any help from Dorgan, Conrad or Pomeroy, however, by not stepping up they are also alienating another key part of their voting block; you and I. It is part of the left's divide and conquer politics and they have successfully gotten their way. I see this as a shake down and a vocal minority has gotten its way. Also, what has North Dakota Governor John Hoven done on this issue nothing.

<----------snip---------->

UND's future

Goetz also said in the interview that "all parties need to understand there will be some type of a transition." According to Kelley, whatever changes take place will require an attempt at being an inclusive step forward for the university.

He said that even if the nickname changes, it will still be a part of UND's history. "We are what we are, and we will be what we will be," he said. "If our traditions do evolve, that doesn't mean that we forget our history."

Kelley added that his role in the transition will be to ensure that everything goes smoothly in the midst of changes.

"I feel like my job depending on what the state board does is to provide leadership for the university so that all of us can move forward together, so that we come out of this strong together as a university community," he said.

He said that it will also be important for students and other groups to have some say in the changes.

"Clearly students have to have a strong voice in what we look like going forward, as do faculty and members of our community and all the different groups within our student body," he said. "I think all of us would like to have some place at the table as we decide our future, and part of my job will be to ensure that that happens."
Kelley said that he was interested in the idea of involving North Dakota high school students in the resolution process since they will be impacted by the changes as well.

This is what I think about this last part of the article, I don't think it is worthy of paper work in the bathroom, it's bull shit. This line of thinking makes my blood boil and my blood pressure spike. This is what I said about the matter over on Sioux Sports. This is a horrible idea and if this happens the alumni, students and fans of the University of North Dakota have been hoodwinked by the administration. We can not allow this to happen.

That is a bad idea, the people that should decide this is the Alumni, present students... I don't think kids that may never go to UND should have a say in the matter. In fact it will trivialize the Fighting Sioux name. This is a horrible idea. This isn't some goofy contest this is our university replacement for a historic name and logo.

People have been wondering how to pay for the million dollars it is going to take to remove the thousands of Fighting Sioux logos in the hockey arena. Let the pro-name change people send in their donations. Maybe Myles Brand would like to pay for some of it as well. Come one folks step up, make a contribution. I suppose the state is going to have to foot the bill for that as well? Some have also suggested that we are going to pay for it via increased ticket prices. I suppose that is possible?


**liberalism definition** --- when we say liberalism we are talking about the extreme left wing of the democratic party. We are not talking about common folk democrats. We are talking about an extreme left wing ideology that has gone unchecked for years and has now gotten its way. I have many great friends of the democratic persuasion and I am not including them in my rant. Those who I am talking about know who they are...

Cross Posted @ sayanythingblog.com

Cross Posted @ YardBarker.com

30 Teams in 30 Days: Minnesota Wild

The Illegal Curve has been doing 30 teams in 30 days and Richard broke down the Minnesota Wild. There is no way the Wild finish as high as third, I just don't see it with the personel the Wild lost. Realistically I am thinking the Wild finish somewhere in the 10th-11th place in the West. With the low finish the Wild GM and the coach being shown the door.

by Richard ~ September 18th, 2008 --- After a disappointing six-game loss to the Colorado Avalanche in last year’s playoffs, the defending Northwest Division champions are coming into the 2008/09 with a different look. Sure Jacques Lemaire is back for another season behind the bench, and the team will continue to play the same suffocating style but the players playing that style have changed. Will the Wild take another step forward after winning the division last season and make it to the next round of the playoffs? That is a good question, but the most important question on Wild fans’ minds may be whether Marian Gaborik will re-sign with the club or be traded during the season? Unfortunately for fans of the Wild, that question could linger for quite a while; so let’s take a peek at the Wild’s outlook for 2008/09.

Forwards:

The Wild’s biggest offensive loss over the off-season was the departure of Brian Rolston to the New Jersey Devils via free agency. Rolston played in all situations for the Wild and was a critical component to team success. In fact, there probably isn’t a player more suited for Jacques Lemaire’s system. In addition to Rolston, the Wild also lost Pavol Demitra to free agency. While Demitra struggled last season and was unhappy with the system and how he was asked to play, he still had the ability to put points on the board (54 points in 68 games) and the team will miss his production. Without Rolston, Demitra and the recently bought-out Mark Parrish, the Wild is going to have to replace 61 goals and 81 assists in its line up. Is that impossible? Definitely not, but it also is not easy.
-------snip--------
Prediction:

Ceiling: 3rd place in the Western Conference. The Wild can earn this slot by way of winning the Northwest Division and they are certainly capable of that. Unfortunately, they won’t be good enough to slot ahead of Detroit or either San Jose/Dallas.

Floor: 9th place in the Western Conference. This is unlikely but the West is still fairly deep and has non-playoff teams like Edmonton, Chicago and Columbus to go along with all the seven other playoff teams from last season.

The Wild should be an interesting team to follow next season.

Think about it. (Logo related)

FSU gets to keep their logo but UND can't. Hum, interesting.
Now that would be what I consider a red faced minstrel.


Props to Scotty D.

Is the Wild Style of play hurting them in free agency?

Puck Daddy had this nice article on the Wild and their style of play. Puck Daddy brings up some good points about the Wild's style and how their style of play is holding them back in the free agent market. Also he points out how the Wild while offensively challenged have made the playoffs three time since they joined the league in 2000-2001 while being offensively challenged. This could be a testament of the quality of coach Lemaire, while he is probably a hall of fame coach his style of play is getting more and more boring...

I also believe this is a make or break season for the Wild. If they lose Marian Gaborik they are going to be a very average and or mediocre team. I also do sense a feeling of impatience with some Wild fans and I am no difference.

This team can't attract top flight offensive players on the open market, and has had to work its collective ass off to convince Marian Gaborik not to leave; dazzling him with pie charts and bar graphs that show Lemaire hasn't sucked all the creativity out of him.

Here are the facts: The Minnesota Wild have made the postseason three times since joining the NHL with Lemaire as coach in 2000-01. They have one conference finals appearance, and two first-round losses. Since joining the NHL, the Wild have been below the league average in goals scored every season. Even the offense-challenged Devils can't make that claim over the last seven seasons.

Is that record good enough for today's NHL? Is it good enough for Wild fans?

What's clear is that Lemaire will never be fired. He'll have to resign, and it's conceivable that his departure could be a reality after losing his smile last season.

Will the next coach be a defensive disciple of Lemaire hockey, or someone with a fresh approach who could give this franchise an offensive identity?

And will Risebrough's defense of Lemaire's coaching style be forever undermined if his successor has a contradictory philosophy?
(Read the whole story here)

Golf More Dangerous Than Hockey...

You can't make this stuff up, this is kind of funny because I have done it many times myself when I am golfing, but I have never injured myself doing it...

By Brad Lee
Erik Johnson injured his knee this week on the golf course. We wish we were making this up. They don’t know how bad it is, but he’s out for at least the first three days of training camp. On the Blues’ Web site, the only explanation was a non-hockey-related injury. In a call with reporters earlier today, team president John Davidson gave a rather odd explanation for how the former No. 1-overall draft pick was injured.

This is what John Davidson had to say on EJ's freak accident.

“This is a hard one to believe, but it’s the God’s honest truth . . . he was playing golf and he pulled the golf cart up to where his ball was. And he took his left leg and put it on the ground and the right leg, he sort of reached back and put it on the brake. A lot of us do it . . . I do it all the time myself. As he pushed the brake, he missed a little bit, his leg got caught under there and he slipped and that wrenched his knee.”