EXPANSION: Don't be surprised if the 10-team WCHA eventually poaches a team from another league, such as the Central Collegiate Hockey Association, to become a 12-team league in a few years.
Last week, the WCHA voted unanimously to rescind a moratorium barring league expansion, opening the door for Bemidji State to join the league after College Hockey America disbands. Because Air Force has found a comfortable niche in the AHA and the other soon-to-be CHA refugees - Niagara, Alabama- Huntsville and Robert Morris - are neither a competitive nor logistical fit for the WCHA, the league likely will look to bring another team into the fold to avoid an unwieldy 11-team format.
"There was a lot of conversation about a year ago, including myself, where we didn't think (expansion) was a good idea," University of Denver coach George Gwozdecky said. "We didn't want the CHA to disband. We really wanted the CHA to continue operations and expand. But, obviously, that proved fruitless and that changed not only my stance, but a lot of others', too.
"An 11-team league would be difficult. I would not want the job of putting together an 11-team schedule."
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Rocky Mountain news on expansion.
Interesting Point I can't imagine what a 11 team league could do for scheduling? I guess you could say that I have never seen the word poach(es) used this way very many times. Interesting play on words; poaching is the activity of making an employee or customer switch from a competing company to your own company. When I think of poaching I think of taking a deer with a flashlight or poaching an egg. It would also appear that the league schools are more open to expansion than they have been in the past.
Weekend Tilts (Sioux 7)
Last weekend saw the WCHA standings get a little tighter in the top half, with now only 3-points separating 1st from 5th. Depending on this weekends out comes their could be more separation among the top 5 OR some teams might move up on their tales...
WCHA STANDINGS
1 Denver............11-4-1...23
2 Wisconsin.........10-6-2...22
3 Minnesota..........9-4-3...21
4 North Dakota.......9-5-2...20
4 Colorado College...9-7-2...20
6 Minnesota State....7-9-2...16
7 Minnesota-Duluth...5-6-5...15
8 St. Cloud State....7-9-0...14
9 Alaska-Anchorage...5-9-2...12
10 Michigan Tech.....1-14-3...5
Lets take a look at this weekends match ups. We will start from the bottom and work our way up.
Michigan Tech at Alaska-Anchorage
When looking at the standings we have the bottom 2 teams here. A pair of wins UAA puts themselves in a position to make a run at the top 5. A pair of losses by the Huskies and they pretty much secure the bottom rung on the ladder. These teams split their series earlier this season in Houghton. MTU has had some problems scoring goals this season, they have been shut-out in 7-games, while UAA has not been shut-out this year. I don't think either of these teams wants to be last, so I going to call this one a SPLIT.
St. Cloud State at #13 Colorado College
CC has not sweep an opponent since MTU back in October, in the goal department CC has scored 48 goals and given up 51 in league play. SCSU has been more the sweep and get swept type of team this season, they have scored 49 goals and given up 52.
Looking at those numbers and their records, SCSU is just one sweep away from getting both clubs to the .500 mark,. But remember the Huskies have 2-games in hand on CC. The other thing is, SCSU is 2-6-0 on the road and CC is 9-3-2 at home overall. I'm calling this classic cat vs. dog series as a SPLIT.
Minnesota State at #17 Minnesota-Duluth
The Mavericks can't be happy, they are ahead of UMD in the standing, but UMD is ranked and they are not. Duluth has been suprising good at home this year, with a record of 7-1-3. The Mavericks have been a good road team this year, posting a 5-4-3record away from the Alltell Center. Both teams are on the edge of getting into the top 5 for home ice. I don't see either of these teams getting swept this weekend, another SPLIT.
#4 Denver at #15 North Dakota
It has been good start to the second half for the Sioux again, who are 5-0-1 since the start of 2009, and DU is 2-1-1 in that time. DU is averaging 3.65 gf and 2.21 gaa, while UND has 3.46 gf and 2.77 gaa. Those numbers favor DU, but DU is coming off a bye, which might make a difference, also DU is with out one of their top players, Tyler Bozak (knee surgery). I'm thinking this going to be fun to watch these teams battle it out for the top spot in the WCHA. I'm going with the theme of the week, SPLIT.
#6 Minnesota and #16 Wisconsin are off this week.
WCHA STANDINGS
1 Denver............11-4-1...23
2 Wisconsin.........10-6-2...22
3 Minnesota..........9-4-3...21
4 North Dakota.......9-5-2...20
4 Colorado College...9-7-2...20
6 Minnesota State....7-9-2...16
7 Minnesota-Duluth...5-6-5...15
8 St. Cloud State....7-9-0...14
9 Alaska-Anchorage...5-9-2...12
10 Michigan Tech.....1-14-3...5
Lets take a look at this weekends match ups. We will start from the bottom and work our way up.
Michigan Tech at Alaska-Anchorage
When looking at the standings we have the bottom 2 teams here. A pair of wins UAA puts themselves in a position to make a run at the top 5. A pair of losses by the Huskies and they pretty much secure the bottom rung on the ladder. These teams split their series earlier this season in Houghton. MTU has had some problems scoring goals this season, they have been shut-out in 7-games, while UAA has not been shut-out this year. I don't think either of these teams wants to be last, so I going to call this one a SPLIT.
St. Cloud State at #13 Colorado College
CC has not sweep an opponent since MTU back in October, in the goal department CC has scored 48 goals and given up 51 in league play. SCSU has been more the sweep and get swept type of team this season, they have scored 49 goals and given up 52.
Looking at those numbers and their records, SCSU is just one sweep away from getting both clubs to the .500 mark,. But remember the Huskies have 2-games in hand on CC. The other thing is, SCSU is 2-6-0 on the road and CC is 9-3-2 at home overall. I'm calling this classic cat vs. dog series as a SPLIT.
Minnesota State at #17 Minnesota-Duluth
The Mavericks can't be happy, they are ahead of UMD in the standing, but UMD is ranked and they are not. Duluth has been suprising good at home this year, with a record of 7-1-3. The Mavericks have been a good road team this year, posting a 5-4-3record away from the Alltell Center. Both teams are on the edge of getting into the top 5 for home ice. I don't see either of these teams getting swept this weekend, another SPLIT.
#4 Denver at #15 North Dakota
It has been good start to the second half for the Sioux again, who are 5-0-1 since the start of 2009, and DU is 2-1-1 in that time. DU is averaging 3.65 gf and 2.21 gaa, while UND has 3.46 gf and 2.77 gaa. Those numbers favor DU, but DU is coming off a bye, which might make a difference, also DU is with out one of their top players, Tyler Bozak (knee surgery). I'm thinking this going to be fun to watch these teams battle it out for the top spot in the WCHA. I'm going with the theme of the week, SPLIT.
#6 Minnesota and #16 Wisconsin are off this week.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
The definition of a brawl.
Since we are on the subject of fights in Hockey (college and professional) check out this video; the past few season Sioux fans have heard how UND is always involved in the fights, brawls and acts of thuggery.
Folks this is my definition of a brawl. In all of the years that I have been watching Sioux hockey I have yet to see something of this magnitude at a UND Fighting Sioux hockey game. Next time you read or hear that UND was involved in a brawl; take a step back and ask yourself is this what they're are talking about. Probably not. This is my text book definition of a Donnybrook.
Props to the Monday Morning Blogger.
Legislated football games.
Now we have the state legislature in North Dakota attempting to write bills that NDSU and UND play each year in football. Don't these people have something better to do, you're waisting our tax dollars arguing petty bills. Get back to work doing the people of North Dakota business. I believe this is an issue for the two schools to work on without interference from the state legislature. Leave it to a democrats to come up with this type of a bill. In the end I believe this bill will fail.
Bill would require NDSU and UND to play an annual football game
Kevin Fee Grand Forks Herald
The state is trying to get involved in the UND vs. North Dakota State rivalry.
Rep. Weezie Potter, D-Grand Forks, has introduced a bill in the North Dakota House that mandates that UND and NDSU play an annual football game.
The schools haven’t met since Oct. 18, 2003, when the Sioux defeated the Bison 28-21 in overtime in the Alerus Center in Grand Forks.
The stoppage of the rivalry, which began in 1894, was mostly due to NDSU moving its sports programs to NCAA Division I to start the 2004-05 school year. But UND joined the Bison in Division I this school year.
Blues 5 and Bruins 4. Shoutout. (Oshie with the Winner)
Check out the scoring from yesterdays game between the BRUINS and the BLUES nice representation of NCAA Division one college hockey players. This is the classic wig out by former Vermont goalie and current Bruin Tim Thomas as David Backes scores the winning goal with one second left. If anything I thought the goalie was scored by a high stick. The game between the Bruins and the Blues went to a shootout with Former Sioux T.J. Oshie scoring the winning goal in the Shootout. Don't give me the bravo sierra that shootouts are boring.
1 BOS 12 C.KOBASEW(8) 26 B.WHEELER(16) 91 M.SAVARD(39)
2 STL 15 B.WINCHESTER(7) 29 J.WOYWITKA(9) 42 D.BACKES(9)
3 STL 18 J.MCCLEMENT(4) 20 A.STEEN(11)
4 BOS 73 M.RYDER(18) 46 D.KREJCI(32) 33 Z.CHARA(18)
5 BOS 11 P.AXELSSON(4) 6 D.WIDEMAN(22)
6 BOS 33 Z.CHARA(10) 11 P.AXELSSON(15) 46 D.KREJCI(33)
7 STL 57 D.PERRON(5) 21 P.BERGLUND(16) 28 C.COLAIACOVO(11)
8 STL 42 D.BACKES(16) 7 K.TKACHUK(16) 57 D.PERRON(25)
9 SO STL 74 T.OSHIE
Simply Put gives his analysis of the game as well. BrettB is right I believe that Backes is the best thing to come out of MSU-M as far as professional hockey palyers go.
NHL to look at Fighting.
According to hockey guru Puck Daddy the NHL is going to look at fighting.
Leafs GM Brian Burke brings up some good points on the role Fighting plays in the National Hockey League. I also believe there isn’t going to be a ground swell of people in the NHL wanting to change the status quo; I believe fighting is here to stay in some facet. If Fighting is taken out of the NHL you will have these gutless punks known as agitators skating around the ice taking liberties with teams skilled players with no way to exact justice. The code will be thrown out.
I do think Brian Burke is wrong though, fighting in hockey sells tickets. Some people go to NHL hockey games with the sole purpose of seeing a fight. While I think Fighting plays a role and polices the game, it isn't the sole reason I watch the game (apparently there is something wrong in some eyes of enjoying a good fight).
Colin Campbell, the NHL's director of hockey operations, plans to ask the league's 30 general managers if they want to ban fighting.
The question will come at the general managers' annual meeting in Naples, Fla., in early March. It will be part of a long look at fighting by the league and its GMs, although a vote to ban fisticuffs from the NHL version of the game is unlikely.
"I think that will be a very short discussion," Toronto Maple Leafs president and general manager Brian Burke said yesterday. "I am not in favour of it."
Burke said he will keep an open mind on the topic of fighting, at least until he hears what the discussion is in Naples. But he does not think many of his peers want to remove fighting from hockey.
"I vigorously oppose [a ban], so I think it will be a short discussion," he said.
Leafs GM Brian Burke brings up some good points on the role Fighting plays in the National Hockey League. I also believe there isn’t going to be a ground swell of people in the NHL wanting to change the status quo; I believe fighting is here to stay in some facet. If Fighting is taken out of the NHL you will have these gutless punks known as agitators skating around the ice taking liberties with teams skilled players with no way to exact justice. The code will be thrown out.
I do think Brian Burke is wrong though, fighting in hockey sells tickets. Some people go to NHL hockey games with the sole purpose of seeing a fight. While I think Fighting plays a role and polices the game, it isn't the sole reason I watch the game (apparently there is something wrong in some eyes of enjoying a good fight).
While Campbell believes questions about fighting need to be asked, Maple Leafs general manager Brian Burke has his answers ready.
"I think it's a very important historical and present part of our game," said Burke. "If it comes to a vote, Toronto is certainly not going to vote to eliminate fighting. That's certainly not going to happen while I'm here.
If you take fighting out of the game, you eliminate the players' ability to regulate the violence in the game. That's what fighting does. It's not gratuitous. It's not to sell tickets
Yeah don't do that again.
I guess Scotty D and I weren't the only ones that felt the the bubbles above the head of Gopher goalie Alex Kangas lacked class. Sure the bubbles are kind of funny but imagine if they were on the other foot. Like I said before UND is a better program than that. I am surprised that FSN didn't mention them on their broadcast.
From Brad's blog.
*I want to give the REA arena leafy spurge for the the captions next to Gopher's goalie Alex Kangas head that said, what's a sieve? Also, the caption that said, "I wish I had played for the Sioux." I have to say not cool; both of these comments lacked class. We are the University of North Dakota, we are better program than that.
From Brad's blog.
--Several UND people complained about the "thought bubbles" that were placed next to Minnesota players on the Jumbotron two weeks ago. Ralph Engelstad Arena's people agreed that they were not appropriate and in bad taste and said they won't happen again.
DU and UND (let the games begin)
Here is an interesting article from Mike Chambers blog. Seems the re-occuring theme is popping up this week as well. The Sioux rough it up, when ever there is a fight UND is involved in it.
"I can't even explain it, but I love going to North Dakota and playing those guys," Bozak said. "We certainly heated up the rivalry when we went up last year, when we had that pretty chippy second game and then beat them in the WCHA playoffs in St. Paul (Minn.). It's always a hard-nosed, chippy and fast game with them, and it's unfortunate I'm going to have to miss it."
Slugging Sioux.
North Dakota has a pattern of turning games against DU, Wisconsin and Minnesota into fightfests that have led to questions about referees keeping control of the game.
The Sioux slugged it out with each of those teams last season and again against the Gophers on Jan. 10 in Grand Forks.
Last February against DU, North Dakota's Kyle Radke fought the Pioneers' J.P. Testwuide, but neither was given a game misconduct. Radke came out of the locker room following the second- period buzzer and pummeled Brandon Vossberg.
"I don't think we're going to prepare for anything other than we normally do," DU coach George Gwozdecky said. "This league is a tough, fast, physical league, and whether you play Minnesota, North Dakota or Wisconsin (on the road), we expect those things."
Monday, January 19, 2009
Poll Monday
USCHO.com/CBS College Sports Division I Men's Poll
January 19, 2009
Team (First Place Votes) Record Points Last Poll
1 Notre Dame (38) 19-3-3 986 1
2 Boston University ( 7) 16-5-1 931 2
3 Cornell ( 5) 13-1-3 877 5
4 Denver 15-6-2 828 4
5 Northeastern 15-5-2 821 3
6 Minnesota 12-5-5 753 7
7 Vermont 13-5-3 673 8
8 Michigan 16-8-0 637 6
9 Princeton 13-5-0 562 10
10 Miami 13-8-3 507 9
11 New Hampshire 11-6-4 468 13
12 Ohio State 16-6-2 467 14
13 Colorado College 13-8-5 427 11
14 Boston College 9-8-3 320 12
15 North Dakota 14-10-2 316 17
16 Wisconsin 13-10-3 280 16
17 Minnesota-Duluth 11-7-6 123 NR
18 Dartmouth 10-7-0 117 18
19 Alaska 11-8-5 100 NR
20 Air Force 15-6-1 94 15
Others Receiving Votes: Nebraska-Omaha 67, Yale 39, Minnesota State 26, Quinnipiac 26, RIT 16, Maine 13, Union 7, Michigan State 6, St. Lawrence 5, St. Cloud State 4, Massachusetts 3, Niagara 1
USA TODAY/USA Hockey men's poll
Jan. 12, 2009
Rank School (first-place votes) Record Points Last week
1 Notre Dame (30) 18-3-2 501 1
2 Boston University (2) 14-4-1 475 2
3 Northeastern 14-4-2 421 4
4 Denver 15-6-2 389 7
5 Cornell (2) 11-1-3 385 6
6 Michigan 15-7-0 323 11
7 Vermont 12-4-3 317 10
8 Minnesota 10-5-5 275 3
9 Miami (Ohio) 12-7-3 199 8
10 Princeton 13-5-0 180 5
11 Colorado College 12-7-5 158 12
12 Boston College 9-6-3 135 9
13 New Hampshire 10-6-4 129 13
14 Ohio State 15-6-1 95 15
15 Air Force 15-4-1 46 14
Others receiving votes: University of Wisconsin, 18; Yale University, 9; University of North Dakota, 8; Quinnipiac University, 6; University of Maine, 4; Dartmouth College, 3; University of Nebraska Omaha, 3; Rochester Institute of Technology, 1.
***
January 19, 2009
Team (First Place Votes) Record Points Last Poll
1 Notre Dame (38) 19-3-3 986 1
2 Boston University ( 7) 16-5-1 931 2
3 Cornell ( 5) 13-1-3 877 5
4 Denver 15-6-2 828 4
5 Northeastern 15-5-2 821 3
6 Minnesota 12-5-5 753 7
7 Vermont 13-5-3 673 8
8 Michigan 16-8-0 637 6
9 Princeton 13-5-0 562 10
10 Miami 13-8-3 507 9
11 New Hampshire 11-6-4 468 13
12 Ohio State 16-6-2 467 14
13 Colorado College 13-8-5 427 11
14 Boston College 9-8-3 320 12
15 North Dakota 14-10-2 316 17
16 Wisconsin 13-10-3 280 16
17 Minnesota-Duluth 11-7-6 123 NR
18 Dartmouth 10-7-0 117 18
19 Alaska 11-8-5 100 NR
20 Air Force 15-6-1 94 15
Others Receiving Votes: Nebraska-Omaha 67, Yale 39, Minnesota State 26, Quinnipiac 26, RIT 16, Maine 13, Union 7, Michigan State 6, St. Lawrence 5, St. Cloud State 4, Massachusetts 3, Niagara 1
USA TODAY/USA Hockey men's poll
Jan. 12, 2009
Rank School (first-place votes) Record Points Last week
1 Notre Dame (30) 18-3-2 501 1
2 Boston University (2) 14-4-1 475 2
3 Northeastern 14-4-2 421 4
4 Denver 15-6-2 389 7
5 Cornell (2) 11-1-3 385 6
6 Michigan 15-7-0 323 11
7 Vermont 12-4-3 317 10
8 Minnesota 10-5-5 275 3
9 Miami (Ohio) 12-7-3 199 8
10 Princeton 13-5-0 180 5
11 Colorado College 12-7-5 158 12
12 Boston College 9-6-3 135 9
13 New Hampshire 10-6-4 129 13
14 Ohio State 15-6-1 95 15
15 Air Force 15-4-1 46 14
Others receiving votes: University of Wisconsin, 18; Yale University, 9; University of North Dakota, 8; Quinnipiac University, 6; University of Maine, 4; Dartmouth College, 3; University of Nebraska Omaha, 3; Rochester Institute of Technology, 1.
***
UND 16th in the INCH Power Rankings.
The INCH Power Rankings are up.
1. Notre Dame
2. Cornell
3. Boston University
4. Denver
5. Northeastern
6. Vermont
7. Minnesota
8. Michigan
9. Princeton
10. Ohio State
11. Miami
12. Colorado College
13. New Hampshire
14. Boston College
15. Wisconsin
16. North Dakota 2 The Fighting Sioux head into this weekend's series against Denver unbeaten in their last six games (5-0-1), and have outscored their opponents 28-13 during that span. 14-10-2 (9-5-2 WCHA) LAST WEEK: T at Michigan Tech, 3-3 ot; W at Michigan Tech, 5-0. THIS WEEK: vs. Denver, vs. Denver
17. Dartmouth
18. Air Force
19. Alaska
20. Minnesota Duluth
Dropped out: Yale, Nebraska-Omaha
Bubble-licious: Yale, Nebraska-Omaha, Union, RI
Seems now the Sioux are making a climb up the rankings. Polls come out later on today on Poll Monday.
1. Notre Dame
2. Cornell
3. Boston University
4. Denver
5. Northeastern
6. Vermont
7. Minnesota
8. Michigan
9. Princeton
10. Ohio State
11. Miami
12. Colorado College
13. New Hampshire
14. Boston College
15. Wisconsin
16. North Dakota 2 The Fighting Sioux head into this weekend's series against Denver unbeaten in their last six games (5-0-1), and have outscored their opponents 28-13 during that span. 14-10-2 (9-5-2 WCHA) LAST WEEK: T at Michigan Tech, 3-3 ot; W at Michigan Tech, 5-0. THIS WEEK: vs. Denver, vs. Denver
17. Dartmouth
18. Air Force
19. Alaska
20. Minnesota Duluth
Dropped out: Yale, Nebraska-Omaha
Bubble-licious: Yale, Nebraska-Omaha, Union, RI
Seems now the Sioux are making a climb up the rankings. Polls come out later on today on Poll Monday.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Classic Dean Blais.
You know while I think UND has a good coach, I do miss the one liners and words of wisdom from one of UND's former Hockey coach Dean Blais. Check out these post game comments. The straight talk express is back.
Fargo --- Head coach Dean Blais had some choice words for his team after an effort he called “lackadaisical and sloppy.”
“I was disappointed in everybody from our captains to the guys that were sitting out,” Blais said. “We had no leadership, and I don’t know what we are now.
“I don’t know if we’re a playoff team or a team that’s going to finish sixth.”
JMFJ Returns to the King's line up.
Jack Johnson has returned to the LA Kings line up. Even though he played for Michigan he was one of my favorite college players unless he was playing against the Fighting Sioux. It will be interesting to see if anything happens between Johnson and Kessel when they meet on March 19th 2009.
Jack Johnson returns in Kings' loss
Defenceman Jack Johnson returned from the injured list Saturday afternoon for the Kings and mustered two shots and five hits in 20 minutes of ice time, but it wasn't enough to help Los Angeles avoid a fourth straight loss, 3-2 in a shootout at Dallas.
Johnson, who turned 22 on Tuesday, had sat out the last 41 games because of a shoulder injury suffered on Oct. 12.
The American blue-liner was placed on the injured reserve list the next day and had shoulder surgery later that month.
Before the injury, Johnson played in two games, with no points and two penalty minutes.
See I told you so.
Ed Trefzger has an interesting article on USCHO blogs.
I remember not too long ago when everyone had Air Force Academy penciled in as an at large bid I said; "I think you can sum it up right here the AHA conference is a JOKE, a league stuffed with CUPCAKES. Air Force would be the middle of the road team in the CCHA, HEA or the WCHA." This got me a few negative reps over on USCHO.COM but it appears that I was right. I also think that RIT is going to win the AHA. There is also no award for having the best record at the half way point for the season. Your teams doesn't get to the award for the best start. College hockey plays the games all the way to the season end.
I think this is where we say see I told you so.
Here is the updated version of that run down with the new updated numbers.
Let’s not let emotions dictate what reality is. Lets face facts and be frank the Atlantic Hockey Association outside of Air Force and RIT is a complete and utter joke. They should just call it the bakery league because it is stuffed full of cream puffs and cupcakes. Lets review the league: Air Force 15-6-1 (SOS 52), Bentley 9-11-1 (SOS 48), Mercyhurst 9-12-2 (SOS 53), Canisius 9-8-4 (SOS 57), Connecticut 5-16-1 (SOS 49), Holy Cross 8-11-3 (SOS 54), Sacred Heart 5-14-3 (SOS 51), American International 4-18-1 (SOS 55), RIT 14-9-1 (SOS 58), Army 7-12-2(SOS 56). No one in the AHA has a strength of schedule above 48. That is a weak league.
I remember not too long ago when everyone had Air Force Academy penciled in as an at large bid I said; "I think you can sum it up right here the AHA conference is a JOKE, a league stuffed with CUPCAKES. Air Force would be the middle of the road team in the CCHA, HEA or the WCHA." This got me a few negative reps over on USCHO.COM but it appears that I was right. I also think that RIT is going to win the AHA. There is also no award for having the best record at the half way point for the season. Your teams doesn't get to the award for the best start. College hockey plays the games all the way to the season end.
I think this is where we say see I told you so.
Let’s not let emotions dictate what reality is. Lets face facts and be frank the Atlantic Hockey Association outside of Air Force is a complete and utter joke. They should just call it the bakery league because it is stuffed full of cream puffs and cupcakes. Lets review the league: Air Force 13-1-0 (SOS 46), Bentley 5-5-1 (SOS 47), Mercyhurst 5-8-1 (SOS49), Canisius 6-5-3 (SOS 51), UConn 4-9-0 (SOS 52), Holy Cross 4-9-1 (SOS 53), Sacred Heart 3-9-2 (SOS 54), American International 4-9-0 (SOS 55), RIT 5-8-1 (SOS 57), Army 3-8-1(SOS 58). No one in the AHA has a strength of schedule above 47. That is a weak league.
Here is the updated version of that run down with the new updated numbers.
Let’s not let emotions dictate what reality is. Lets face facts and be frank the Atlantic Hockey Association outside of Air Force and RIT is a complete and utter joke. They should just call it the bakery league because it is stuffed full of cream puffs and cupcakes. Lets review the league: Air Force 15-6-1 (SOS 52), Bentley 9-11-1 (SOS 48), Mercyhurst 9-12-2 (SOS 53), Canisius 9-8-4 (SOS 57), Connecticut 5-16-1 (SOS 49), Holy Cross 8-11-3 (SOS 54), Sacred Heart 5-14-3 (SOS 51), American International 4-18-1 (SOS 55), RIT 14-9-1 (SOS 58), Army 7-12-2(SOS 56). No one in the AHA has a strength of schedule above 48. That is a weak league.
Scores from 01-17-2009
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Atlantic Hockey
American Int'l 1 at RIT 6
Sacred Heart 0 at Mercyhurst 7
Holy Cross 3 at Army 3 ot
Canisius 4 at Air Farce 2
Analysis
I guess this is where I can say "see I told you so." Everyone was giddy when Air Farce was beating up on cup cakes by huge margins, the pundits had Air Farce penciled in as an at large bid. Well since their 13-0-1 run the Falcons have gone 2-6-1, the Falcons have also lost 3 games in a row. Now the cup cakes are beating Air Farce. Oh the humanity! RIT is now leading the AHA but they have played two more games than Air Force. I am predicting that RIT will win the AHA conference tourney this season making their first NCAA tourney bid this spring.
CCHA
Notre Dame 3 at Lake Superior 3 ot: Notre Dame wins shootout
Ohio State 2 at Ferris State 2 ot: Ohio State wins shootout
Nebraska-Omaha 1 at Alaska 1 ot: Alaska wins shootout
Michigan State 1 at Miami 6
Michigan 1 at Bowling Green 0
Analysis
Miami stops a 5 game losing streak. Michigan shuts out BGSU after being shutout the night before 3-0. Billy Sauer gets the win in net for the Wolverines. There were three shoot-outs in the CCHA last night. Cue up the unhappy coach audio for the coaches that lost the shootout.
EZAC
Clarkson 4 at Brown 3 ot
Cornell 3 at Rensselaer 0
St. Lawrence 2 at Yale 2 ot
Colgate 3 at Union 6
Analysis
Yawn!
Hockey East
Vermont 4 at Northeastern 2
Massachusetts 4 at Mass.-Lowell 3
Boston College 2 at Boston University 5
Analysis
Hockey East is this years version of the WCHA last season. They are kicking the snot out of each other every night. Boston College is not the team they were last season and that is to be understood, the Eagles have no Nate Gerbe this year.
WCHA
North Dakota 5 at Michigan Tech 0
Alaska-Anchorage 1 at Minnesota State 7
Minnesota 8 at St. Cloud State 6
Colorado College 4 at Wisconsin 3
Analysis
The stretch run in the WCHA. Check out those scores from last night. Looks like scoring is up in the WCHA. In three of the last four games Alex Kangas has given up 6, 5, 2 and 6 goals. Alex Kangas as seen his save percentage go from a .921 to a .906. I think we can say that the Gophers defense has been exposed. It was not a night for the Huskies as both teams MTU and SCSU lost.
Non-Conference
New Hampshire 6 vs. Dartmouth 4
Alabama-Huntsville 1 at Western Michigan 5
Quinnipiac 1 at Niagara 5
Bemidji State 2 at Minnesota-Duluth 4
Analysis
The UMD Bulldogs were the only team named after a dog that won. The Huskies (x3) all lost and the Ferris State Bulldogs lost in a shootout. Seems that WMU hates Huntsville as well. Niagara keeping it real.
Atlantic Hockey
American Int'l 1 at RIT 6
Sacred Heart 0 at Mercyhurst 7
Holy Cross 3 at Army 3 ot
Canisius 4 at Air Farce 2
Analysis
I guess this is where I can say "see I told you so." Everyone was giddy when Air Farce was beating up on cup cakes by huge margins, the pundits had Air Farce penciled in as an at large bid. Well since their 13-0-1 run the Falcons have gone 2-6-1, the Falcons have also lost 3 games in a row. Now the cup cakes are beating Air Farce. Oh the humanity! RIT is now leading the AHA but they have played two more games than Air Force. I am predicting that RIT will win the AHA conference tourney this season making their first NCAA tourney bid this spring.
CCHA
Notre Dame 3 at Lake Superior 3 ot: Notre Dame wins shootout
Ohio State 2 at Ferris State 2 ot: Ohio State wins shootout
Nebraska-Omaha 1 at Alaska 1 ot: Alaska wins shootout
Michigan State 1 at Miami 6
Michigan 1 at Bowling Green 0
Analysis
Miami stops a 5 game losing streak. Michigan shuts out BGSU after being shutout the night before 3-0. Billy Sauer gets the win in net for the Wolverines. There were three shoot-outs in the CCHA last night. Cue up the unhappy coach audio for the coaches that lost the shootout.
EZAC
Clarkson 4 at Brown 3 ot
Cornell 3 at Rensselaer 0
St. Lawrence 2 at Yale 2 ot
Colgate 3 at Union 6
Analysis
Yawn!
Hockey East
Vermont 4 at Northeastern 2
Massachusetts 4 at Mass.-Lowell 3
Boston College 2 at Boston University 5
Analysis
Hockey East is this years version of the WCHA last season. They are kicking the snot out of each other every night. Boston College is not the team they were last season and that is to be understood, the Eagles have no Nate Gerbe this year.
WCHA
North Dakota 5 at Michigan Tech 0
Alaska-Anchorage 1 at Minnesota State 7
Minnesota 8 at St. Cloud State 6
Colorado College 4 at Wisconsin 3
Analysis
The stretch run in the WCHA. Check out those scores from last night. Looks like scoring is up in the WCHA. In three of the last four games Alex Kangas has given up 6, 5, 2 and 6 goals. Alex Kangas as seen his save percentage go from a .921 to a .906. I think we can say that the Gophers defense has been exposed. It was not a night for the Huskies as both teams MTU and SCSU lost.
Non-Conference
New Hampshire 6 vs. Dartmouth 4
Alabama-Huntsville 1 at Western Michigan 5
Quinnipiac 1 at Niagara 5
Bemidji State 2 at Minnesota-Duluth 4
Analysis
The UMD Bulldogs were the only team named after a dog that won. The Huskies (x3) all lost and the Ferris State Bulldogs lost in a shootout. Seems that WMU hates Huntsville as well. Niagara keeping it real.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Bruce McLeod on WCHA moratorium being lifted.
Check out this weeks Hockey Show. Moose Richards talks with WCHA commissioner Bruce McLeod talks about the moratorium being lifted. Listen to the Hockey Show here. The interview is at the beginning of the show and apparently three other teams have contacted Bruce McLeod expressing some interest about possible membership in the WCHA. Sounds like one of the teams that called is a team you would never expect. If you have an ipod you can listen on (itunes here).
Eidsness shuts out MTU Huskies 5-0
Listed below we have a new features: "Moron of the Week." This leads into to my theme for tonight.
Goaltending and solid defense wins championships, its a cliche I know. Brad Eidsness is a rookie goalie and at times has made rookie mistakes. There have been a few people that have said some ridiculous stuff about Brad Eidsness. Since stepping between the pipes Eidsness has played well enough to win on most nights, except for maybe against BU. This season many teams have looked bad against BU this season, they hung 7 goals on Michigan. Tonight Brad Eidsness got a well deserved shutout. Let's hope it is the first of many to come.
Big Joe Finley is starting to look like the Finley of old. Also, it should come as no surprise to anyone that Brad's first career shutout as a Fighting Sioux comes as Big Joe Finley gets more comfortable back on the Blue line. It takes a while to get back to game speed after missing 16 games with a concussion. Right now the defense for the Fighting Sioux is looking really good and I am excited for next weekend's series against the Denver Pioneers.
Box Score
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1st Period (20:00)
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MTU-1 John Schwarz (2-Holding the Stick) NDK 0x1 3:03
NDK 1 - 0 6x6 GW LL Matt Frattin (9) (Ryan Duncan) 7:32
NDK (+): 21,16,19,2,3,G31 MTU (-): 22,12,8,14,18,G37
NDK-1 Matt Frattin (2-Roughing) MTU 0x1 10:05
MTU-2 Ryan Angelow (2-Interference) NDK 0x2 13:57
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2nd Period (20:00)
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NDK-2 Joe Finley (2-Interference) MTU 0x2 6:11
MTU-3 Ricky Doriott (2-Boarding) NDK 1x3 17:54
NDK 2 - 0 6x5 PP Jake Marto (3) (Brad Miller, Evan Trupp) 19:17
NDK: 25,14,19,29,21,G31 MTU: 22,12,20,7,G37
MTU-4 Alex MacLeod (2-Boarding) NDK 1x4 19:51
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3rd Period (20:00)
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NDK-3 Chay Genoway (2-Interference) MTU 0x3 2:53
NDK 3 - 0 6x6 Brent Davidson (2) (Brad Malone) 7:24
NDK (+): 15,22,18,6,14,G31 MTU (-): 12,26,17,19,16,G37
MTU-5 Peter Rohn (2-O-TRIPPING) NDK 1x5 8:53
MTU-6 Ricky Doriott (2-Roughing) NDK 1x6 12:57
NDK-4 Jason Gregoire (2-Interference) MTU 0x4 13:58
NDK 4 - 0 5x5 Matt Frattin (10) (Brad Malone) 14:20
NDK (+): 21,22,5,2,G31 MTU (-): 25,10,20,5,G37
NDK 5 - 0 5x5 Jake Marto (4) (Derrick LaPoint) 14:50
NDK (+): 25,3,8,29,G31 MTU (-): 22,16,12,26,G37
MTU-7 Drew Dobson (2-Tripping) NDK 1x7 16:04
NDK-5 Jake Marto (2-Roughing) 19:35
NDK-6 Joe Finley (2-CTH ROUGHING) 19:35
NDK-7 Joe Finley (2-Unsportsmanlike Conduct) (Served by David Toews) MTU 0x5 19:35
MTU-8 Bennett Royer (2-Unsportsmanlike Conduct) 19:35
MTU-9 Bryce Reddick (2-Roughing) 19:35
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End of Game
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Moron of the Week.
Check out this moron's post from Brad's blog This is why retarded drunk people shouldn't be allowed to pollute the Internet. Hey note to anonymous Skippy; Brad Eidsness gives UND the best chance to win in goal. I don't think we can afford to play Walski anymore this season.
Goaltending and solid defense wins championships, its a cliche I know. Brad Eidsness is a rookie goalie and at times has made rookie mistakes. There have been a few people that have said some ridiculous stuff about Brad Eidsness. Since stepping between the pipes Eidsness has played well enough to win on most nights, except for maybe against BU. This season many teams have looked bad against BU this season, they hung 7 goals on Michigan. Tonight Brad Eidsness got a well deserved shutout. Let's hope it is the first of many to come.
Big Joe Finley is starting to look like the Finley of old. Also, it should come as no surprise to anyone that Brad's first career shutout as a Fighting Sioux comes as Big Joe Finley gets more comfortable back on the Blue line. It takes a while to get back to game speed after missing 16 games with a concussion. Right now the defense for the Fighting Sioux is looking really good and I am excited for next weekend's series against the Denver Pioneers.
Box Score
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1st Period (20:00)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MTU-1 John Schwarz (2-Holding the Stick) NDK 0x1 3:03
NDK 1 - 0 6x6 GW LL Matt Frattin (9) (Ryan Duncan) 7:32
NDK (+): 21,16,19,2,3,G31 MTU (-): 22,12,8,14,18,G37
NDK-1 Matt Frattin (2-Roughing) MTU 0x1 10:05
MTU-2 Ryan Angelow (2-Interference) NDK 0x2 13:57
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2nd Period (20:00)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NDK-2 Joe Finley (2-Interference) MTU 0x2 6:11
MTU-3 Ricky Doriott (2-Boarding) NDK 1x3 17:54
NDK 2 - 0 6x5 PP Jake Marto (3) (Brad Miller, Evan Trupp) 19:17
NDK: 25,14,19,29,21,G31 MTU: 22,12,20,7,G37
MTU-4 Alex MacLeod (2-Boarding) NDK 1x4 19:51
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3rd Period (20:00)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NDK-3 Chay Genoway (2-Interference) MTU 0x3 2:53
NDK 3 - 0 6x6 Brent Davidson (2) (Brad Malone) 7:24
NDK (+): 15,22,18,6,14,G31 MTU (-): 12,26,17,19,16,G37
MTU-5 Peter Rohn (2-O-TRIPPING) NDK 1x5 8:53
MTU-6 Ricky Doriott (2-Roughing) NDK 1x6 12:57
NDK-4 Jason Gregoire (2-Interference) MTU 0x4 13:58
NDK 4 - 0 5x5 Matt Frattin (10) (Brad Malone) 14:20
NDK (+): 21,22,5,2,G31 MTU (-): 25,10,20,5,G37
NDK 5 - 0 5x5 Jake Marto (4) (Derrick LaPoint) 14:50
NDK (+): 25,3,8,29,G31 MTU (-): 22,16,12,26,G37
MTU-7 Drew Dobson (2-Tripping) NDK 1x7 16:04
NDK-5 Jake Marto (2-Roughing) 19:35
NDK-6 Joe Finley (2-CTH ROUGHING) 19:35
NDK-7 Joe Finley (2-Unsportsmanlike Conduct) (Served by David Toews) MTU 0x5 19:35
MTU-8 Bennett Royer (2-Unsportsmanlike Conduct) 19:35
MTU-9 Bryce Reddick (2-Roughing) 19:35
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End of Game
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Moron of the Week.
Check out this moron's post from Brad's blog This is why retarded drunk people shouldn't be allowed to pollute the Internet. Hey note to anonymous Skippy; Brad Eidsness gives UND the best chance to win in goal. I don't think we can afford to play Walski anymore this season.
what is it going to take to get eids out of the net????????????
Be good for him to have to sit and watch a game after he plays bad...but not when hak is the coach goalies...wait drafted goalies...can play terrible lose a game for his team and stil get to play....WOW HAK clean it up
Posted by: wow on Saturday, January 17 5:15 PM
UND lines for tonight's game.
The lines for tonight's game have been posted. UND's lines
17 Jason Gregoire--16 Ryan Duncan--26 Brett Hextall
19 Evan Trupp--29 Chris VandeVelde--21 Matt Frattin
20 Matt Watkins--11 Darcy Zajac--8 Ryan Martens
15 Brent Davidson--22 Brad Malone--18 David Toews
2 Joe Finley--5 Chay Genoway
3 Derrick LaPoint--25 Jake Marto
6 Zach Jones--14 Brad Miller
31 Brad Eidsness
30 Aaron Walski
I don't get why Mario Lamoureux isn't playing? UND's records is awesome with Mario Lamoureux in the line up and Mario had an assist in last night's game.
17 Jason Gregoire--16 Ryan Duncan--26 Brett Hextall
19 Evan Trupp--29 Chris VandeVelde--21 Matt Frattin
20 Matt Watkins--11 Darcy Zajac--8 Ryan Martens
15 Brent Davidson--22 Brad Malone--18 David Toews
2 Joe Finley--5 Chay Genoway
3 Derrick LaPoint--25 Jake Marto
6 Zach Jones--14 Brad Miller
31 Brad Eidsness
30 Aaron Walski
I don't get why Mario Lamoureux isn't playing? UND's records is awesome with Mario Lamoureux in the line up and Mario had an assist in last night's game.
Its not just the WCHA officials.
Sounds like Jack Parker was a little upset with the Hockey East officials last night and had some choice words for the on ice officials; you kind of wonder what the bleeped word was? I saw this story linked a few places on line and it does seem to be a re-occurring theme over the course of every hockey season.
Personally, I think if the refs let games get out of hand and players get injured as a result of them letting things go the league has to hold the on ice officials somewhat responsible. The hooks and holds are not the problem it is the checking from behind calls that go under punished. Checking from behind is a gutless act and is a serious penalty that has to be called more closely and it is not. Personally, I think the refs are afraid to put a team down for five minutes and try not to call them unless they are really bad. This season I have seen a few checking from behinds go that are really blatant. Last night during the MTU and UND game I saw one that warranted a five minute power play, heck even the MTU web cast guys said it should have been one, but it wasn't. The last thing we want to see is a player hurt for life.
Personally, I think if the refs let games get out of hand and players get injured as a result of them letting things go the league has to hold the on ice officials somewhat responsible. The hooks and holds are not the problem it is the checking from behind calls that go under punished. Checking from behind is a gutless act and is a serious penalty that has to be called more closely and it is not. Personally, I think the refs are afraid to put a team down for five minutes and try not to call them unless they are really bad. This season I have seen a few checking from behinds go that are really blatant. Last night during the MTU and UND game I saw one that warranted a five minute power play, heck even the MTU web cast guys said it should have been one, but it wasn't. The last thing we want to see is a player hurt for life.
Parker Upset as Both Players Require Hospital Trips -- "The game was a pretty good one for a while," Parker said. "Then things were allowed to happen out there that made a mess out of the game."
Parker blasted the on-ice officials, Hockey East commissioner Joe Bertagna and supervisor of officials Richard DeCaprio.
"Higgins got six stitches in the head and a concussion and Matt Gilroy got a separated shoulder and a chest problem. Those two injuries occurred and the referees perceived them as being 2-minute minors," Parker said.
"I've been talking to the league about it for five weeks. This is what we get tonight after talking to the league. The commissioner and the supervisor of officials, I've talked to them for five weeks. This is what we get."
He continued, "Players should be protected and I haven't seen it done all year. A few minutes into the game we have a guy take a hit from behind, right in the numbers, and there doesn't seem to be any consequence (note: there was a five-minute major and a misconduct to Merrimack's Mickey Rego). My two guys got cold-cocked. Vicious runs by the opposition. There is no (expletive) need for that whatsoever, and they got two-minute penalties."
Chay Genoway leading the on-line fan Hobey voting.
Sioux fans don't forget to keep stuffing the ballot box for Chay Genoway over on the Hobey baker site. If you check out the results section Chay is the leading vote getter. I know it is only 1% but it doesn't hurt to help Chay get some recognition.
5842: Chay Genoway - North Dakota - Jr - D
3815: Mark Magnowski - Princeton - Jr - F
3748: Ted Cook - Niagara - Sr - F
3195: Jacques Lamoureux - Air Force - So - F
1544: Greg Flynn - Air Force - Sr - D
1310: Brock McBride - St. Lawrence - Sr - F
1272: Chad Rau - Colorado College - Sr - F
From our rival's newspaper.
Here is the story from the Mining Gazette
HOUGHTON - Michigan Tech showed a lot of heart on Friday night.
The Huskies battled their way back from deficits twice to earn a hard-fought 3-3 overtime tie with North Dakota in Western Collegiate Hockey Association action.
"I thought it was a gutsy effort," Tech coach Jamie Russell said. "We showed great character, but it concerns me that we came out and we didn't move our feet or skate at all in the first period."
The Huskies fell behind 2-0 after one. The Fighting Sioux built their two-goal advantage with a pair of power-play goals.
Jake Marto's goal put North Dakota in front by two. The Fighting Sioux dominated the opening 20 minutes, out-shooting Tech 15-4.
If not for the play of senior netminder Rob Nolan, the score could have been much worse. Nolan made several big stops to keep his team in the game early.
(read the rest of the story)
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