Brock Nelson a coup for the Sioux?

Nice props to Fighting Sioux recruit Brock Nelson but I don't think you can really count Brock Nelson committing to the Fighting Sioux as being a coup since his uncle Dave Christian played for UND. Also, UND assistant coach Cary Eades was the head coach in Warroad from line 1995 till 2004 so maybe just Eades still has some connections to the Warroad High School. Geographically UND is closer to Warroad than Minnesota.

Warroad (Minn.) High School power center Brock Nelson recently committed to the University of North Dakota, and the Fighting Sioux can really count this one as a coup in smuggling the emerging star out of state right from under the noses of the Minnesota Golden Gophers.

Nelson, who is currently playing this fall in the Midwest Elite League until the local high school season starts in about six weeks, is one of Red Line's favorite early line sleepers for the 2010 Draft. Not many scouts outside of Minnesota have ever heard of him, and he didn't blossom until last season, so he's never been a part of the whole U.S. select process. So he may suffer from underexposure for now, but that won't last much longer.

Nelson, 6-2/205, with a great stride and powerful shot, also has a very strong bloodline in the sport. His uncle is Dave Christian, one of the key scoring cogs on the 1980 U.S. Olympic gold medal-winning squad. Christian is also a former UND All-American and won a national championship with the Sioux before launching an NHL career that spanned over 1000 games and nearly 800 points, so he likely had some influence on young Nelson's decision. [USA Today]

Grand Forks Herald Publishers' Phony Call for Civility

Cross Posted From Say Anything Blog, where I make my home.

The one thing I didn't say when I first posted this is that I agree with Goon and even Jacobs that there's no reason to be profane. (Nor is there any reason to be rude to a visiting fan.)

Then again when I bring the kids to the game and they do the brilliant original chant, I tell the kids they're saying "Puck the Gophers."





The Grand Forks Herald's editor and publisher had an column calling for civility to be shown during hockey games. When I read this I thought that I was in another world.

Now it's true that the UND students have gotten a bit profane during the games against the Minnesota Gophers. But then again it's been that way for years and other efforts to do better have been fruitless. So a call by the old radical, Mike Jacobs, isn't probably going to change much.

On the other hand, Mike Jacobs has control of what his reporters say about members of the public. How about some civility from them Mike?

About two weeks ago, his reporter, Tu Uyen Tran referred to people in the Tea Party movement by an obscene act. I haven't seen Mike Jacobs condemn the lack of civility to people living in the same community as he publishes in.

Some may say that it was only on Tran's blog. That's not an excuse because the area voices and the Herald are the same entity and the Herald regularly links to Trans blog on their front page.

I guess when it comes to people like Mike Jacobs civility is something that doesn't count when a liberal is talking about a conservative.

Jacobs misses the point again.

If the Grand Forks Herald ever wonders why they lose subscriptions they might want to take a look at the editor. Seriously! Crappy articles like this stinker probably don't help circulation very much. This is the reason why newspaper circulation is failing nationwide. This is the reason potential readers are discontinuing their subscription and turning away from purchasing your local rag. This is also why newspapers failing as a daily source of information. I already dropped my newspaper back to three days a week and I am this close to cancelling it all together. The only reason I read the newspaper is for the Fighting Sioux Hockey coverage. I am definitely not reading the Grand Forks Herald for its coverage of city hall politics or the oversight of the Alerus Center.

In his latest debacle, the Editor of the Grand Forks Herald is attempting to say that the pre-game videos are disrespectful to the Fighting Sioux’s opponents and hence might cause the opponents to not respect the Fighting Sioux name. Holy Cow! That is some very flawed logic. How did Mike Jacobs ever become the editor to the Grand Forks Herald?

During yearly questioners at the Final Five, the WCHA’s 10 captains are asked various question and one of them is about the best conference logo and many years the Fighting Sioux logo has been listed as one of the best or most awesome logos in the WCHA. Also, the Hockey News also recently had a jersey tourney and the Fighting Sioux logo won the over-all contest. Jacob's letter to the editor would probably meet my defintion of tripe. It's definately a poorly written editorial and definately worthless because it misses the point.

The editorial raised a second issue, suggesting that the arena’s own special effects contribute to this suspension of civility.

Hodgson, and most of those who commented on Thursday’s editorial, rejected this idea. The in-your-face video highlights that the arena presents after the opposing team is introduced are standard fare in most arenas, I’m told.

Perhaps so.

But the reaction to the highlights reel raises an issue particular to UND, one related to the name and logo. UND’s opponents won’t respect the name and logo if their players aren’t respected here. The chants and taunts at UND hockey games show a lack of respect, and invite reciprocation.

I’ve been in several college rinks and half a dozen professional arenas, but it’s been a few years since I’ve been to a hockey game outside Grand Forks, so maybe I’m not in a position to know — but I still think it’s not sportsmanlike to taunt an opponent. [Grand Forks Herald]

The problem is that Jacobs is anti-logo and has been for some time and he probably looked at this as another opportunity to pile on and spew his anti Fighting Sioux logo rhetoric. I think Jacobs should stick to running the newspaper albeit poorly and writing stories about birds. So in this instance we can say a swing and a miss Mike.

Also, the arena’s ‘in-your-face video highlights that the arena presents after the opposing team is introduced’, has to remain and should not be looked at as a cause for bad behavior or disrespect for the Fighting Sioux name. The reason we had poor behavior in the arena is a issue that must and will be addressed but maybe we will leave the decision to the people that know what they’re doing. If you can't run a newspaper what makes you think you can solve a more complex problem such as this.

Here is a reader comment to another article that I really like and it hits the right message.

[Randy L. --- East Grand Forks, MN]
I wonder why so many commenters seem to missing the fact that this "topic" is actually 2 separate issues. The first is the vulgarities and message of the crowd chants, and the second is are choices of individuals in settings outside the game (in the concourse, outside the venue, etc.). There is no reason the crowd can't get loud, raucous, and in the face of the opposing team and fans without being physical or vulgar. Do chants, sing songs, show the opposing player in the penalty box with a smart-aleck sign behind him. All of those things can easily be accomplished "cleanly" but still be intimidating. Some of the earlier posters who defend the hockey history and experience are right in the sense of the atmosphere. If you dont' like it rowdy at a Divison 1 college hockey game, don't go. But that same atmosphere doesn't have to be truly offensive. Chant "Shoot the Gophers" - it doesn't have to be F***, does it? It's the same message.

Richards will not be suspended.

Flyers forward Mike Richards will NOT BE suspended for his hard hit on David Booth. In looking at this hit initially I had incorrectly thought it was a dirty hit but after further review I think it was the classic example of a player skating across the blue line with their head down skating and getting pummeled by the opposition. A player needs to know where they are at all times in reference to the opposition. You can not skate with your head down accross the oppostion's blue line, that is a cardinal sin.

NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly had informed him that Mike Richards would not face any discipline for his hit on David Booth of the Florida Panthers last night. [Puck Daddy]

UAA 2 - UND 1

On Thursday I made the prediction that UND would split the series with the UAA Seawolves, I had the games mixed up but I predicted the final outcome of the series. The reason I made that prediction of a split was, no matter where UAA is sitting in the WCHA standings, UAA is a tough place to play at, it’s a historical fact. While I still think UND should have and could have swept the Seawolves, they didn't. It doesn't take much to figure out that the Sioux are defiantly a better team. Honestly, I not too disappointed with a series split.

Silver lining time: Even with the loss UND is 7-2-1 in the last 10 against the Seawolves. UND is also 3-1-0 in its last four games in Anchorage. I am sure with the win some fan with a press pass soiled himself after the Fighting Sioux lost to the UAA Seawolves. With the loss UND is 4-1-1 going into the Bye week. If I remember correctly UND was 2-4-0 after six games at this point last season.

Here is what the Sioux have done the last five years in Anchorage. [props]
2004-05 Season Split in Anchorage
2005-06 Season Split in Anchorage
2006-07 Season Were swept in Anchorage
2007-08 Season Didn't play in Anchorage
2008-09 Season Swept in Anchorage
2009-10 Season Split in Anchorage

Here is what College Hockey News had to say about the game last night. I can also confirm that UAA is big and slow and if the officials allows them to get away with their obstruction tactics they are hard to play against. This scheme can still be beat by keeping the feet moving and getting pucks deep. There were also a lot of questionable penalties called during last night's game. Andrew MacWilliam is UND's new version of Matt Greene who was punished by the officals for throwing legal checks.

CHN: Big and slow -- that's been the knock on UAA, and it looked like it Friday in a 5-0 loss. But the Seawolves were able to slow down North Dakota in this one, and use their strengths to their advantage this time. The Sioux only mustered 23 shots on goal in losing for the first time this season. UAA got two goals in the second, and didn't allow one until the closing minutes. “We gave up that first goal in the first minute of the period,” UND coach Dave Hakstol said. “We spent a majority of the second killing three minor penalties that happened right in a row. That killed any type of a chance we had at gaining momentum. It allowed (Anchorage) to build momentum and keep it.”

Positives +

Insignificant senior forward Darcy Zajac continued his solid play and had (1g-1a-2pts) for the weekend.

Local boy Mario Lamoureux (1g-1a-2pts) on the weekend. Mario Tied for seventh in the the WCHA for scoring (2g-2a-4pts) also tied for seventh in the WCHA in scoring are teammates Dacry Zajac with (1g-3-a-4) and Chay Genoway (4g-0a-4pts).

Freshman goaltender Aaron Dell getting the shutout in his first career start on Friday night, I still wonder why Hakstol didn't come back with him last night. There are going to be choices in net for the Fighting Sioux and I personally like Dell’s stand up style play better than the out of control butterfly goaltending of Brad Eidsness.

While his game does have some flaws, statistically Brad Eidsness is ranked 12th nationally in goaltending.

Negatives -

The last three of four goals scored against Brad Eidsness have been scored on his glove side/weak side while he failed to cover the post. These weak untimely goals can't not happen all the time, a weak goal deflates a hockey team and that first goal killed UND momentum, before the goal in question they were taking it to UAA. Seriously, someone needs to work with Brad Eidsness on staying square to the puck and positioning. There is also no reason to be lying down on the ice all of the time.


[Box Score]
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
1st Period (20:00)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

AKA-1 Craig Parkinson (2-Tripping) NDK 0x1 6:23
NDK-1 Brad Malone (2-Kneeing) AKA 0x1 15:37

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
2nd Period (20:00)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

AKA 1 - 0 6x6 LL Kevin Clark (4) (Lee Baldwin, Josh Lunden) 0:29
AKA (+): 9,7,16,21,22,G49 NDK (-): 17,5,29,7,24,G31
NDK-2 Ben Blood (2-Holding) AKA 1x2 4:21
AKA 2 - 0 6x5 PP GW Kane Lafranchise (1) (Tommy Grant, Daniel Naslund) 6:06
AKA: 4,16,7,21,40,G49 NDK: 11,5,2,9,G31
AKA-2 Josh Lunden (2-Hooking) NDK 0x2 7:32
NDK-3 Jason Gregoire (2-Tripping) AKA 1x3 8:05
NDK-4 Mario Lamoureux (2-Elbowing) AKA 1x4 12:47
NDK-5 Ben Blood (2-Roughing) 15:12
AKA-3 Kevin Clark (2-Unsportsmanlike Conduct) 15:12
NDK-6 Andrew MacWilliam (2-Interference) AKA 1x5 18:05

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
3rd Period (20:00)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
AKA-4 Trevor Hunt (2-Hooking) NDK 0x3 13:14
AKA-5 Curtis Leinweber (2-Cross-Checking) NDK 0x4 15:16
NDK 1 - 2 6x6 Darcy Zajac (1) (Mario Lamoureux, David Toews) 18:34
NDK (+): 11,9,18,5,25,G31 AKA (-): 36,4,17,11,14,G49

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
End of Game

Richards smokes Booth.

The NHL want to do away with dangerous head shots like this. Check out the hit, Flyers forward Mike Richards smokes David Booth with a shoulder to the head, you have to wonder if Richards will get between 3-5 games for this check. The Florida Panthers aren't happy with the incident.

“I thought it was a late hit and I thought it was a dirty hit,” Panthers general manager Randy Sexton said. “He tracked him from behind and you could see it clear he put his shoulder right to his face, to his head, and then he followed through.”

Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren defended Richards and called out Sexton, saying, “Randy should watch more hockey games.”

“It was a good hit,” Holmgren said. “I don’t see how they can (suspend him). Mike was doing his job. He was back tracking, he caught up to the play. His feet never left the ice. David Booth turned his head or it would have been a shoulder on shoulder hit. It’s a physical game and sometimes these things happen.

“Everybody in the league knows Mike isn’t a dirty player. He’s a player every team in the league covets.” [Courirer post]

Feeling Minnesota.

This is the latest NCAA Round up column that I wrote for the Illegal Curve.

I was reading the Star Tribune’s write-up this morning about another Gophers loss (0-2-1) and I got to thinking how long before the Gopher faithful want to throw head coach Don Lucia under the bus? For my amusement, I decided to check out the comments section of that very same article. Holy cow! Wow! It sounds like there is a full blown lynch mob down in Minnesota already. That’s right, three games into the young season and the not-so-Golden Gophers have been shut out twice, outscored 10-3 and now there very well may be an angry mob pounding at the door of Mariucci Arena.

Lets break this down further; three games into the season and the Gophers' top forward, and pre-anointed Player of the Year in the WCHA, Jordan Schroeder has no points whatsoever, nix, nada, nay (0g-0a-0pts) and he is a minus -2.

I am wondering how long it will take before the rumors about Vancouver not being happy with Schroeder’s development start surfacing? Last night I watched the DU and Minnesota game and Schroeder, on numerous occasions, took the puck up the ice in an attempt at an end-to-end rush only to lose the puck to a Denver player in the defensive zone. The result, of course, was a turnover and a rush up ice in the other direction. This type of play was kind of reminiscent of another former Gopher player that was run out of Boston and now resides in Toronto.

If anything, the Gophers' start to the season makes makes me scratch my head and wonder how a team stacked with at least 10 NHL draft choices can be 0-2-1. It hasn’t been pretty, in the first three games the Gophers have been outshot by an astounding 111 - 71 margin. Of the team's 71 shots, they have scored a measly three goals--meaning they have scored on just under five percent of their shots. On the defensive side of the equation the Gophers have given up ten goals, or just about a goal on ten percent of the opposition’s shots. Morever, their power play is clicking at an even zero percent (they are 0-12 on the power play). On top of that, they have also given up a shorthanded goal.

Coach on the Hot Seat?

The last two seasons Don Lucia’s Gophers have gone a mediocre 17-13-7 and 19-17-9. Last season they missed the NCAA playoffs altogether and now three games into this season it looks as if they could be in for another tough season.

So would it be reasonable to say that Lucia is on the hot seat?

What do Gopher fans think?

I know people have short memories and forget that that Lucia won two NCAA titles in the early 2000’s but what has he done lately?

Check out more from Eric at twitter, and the Goon’s World Blog

Tuomo Ruutu suspened for CFB.

First off I hate checks from behind and I am not a big Darcy Tucker fan but that check was unnecessary. Tuomo Ruutu has been suspended by the NHL for three games for his check from behind on Darcy Tucker. I think it's even funnier when listening to the TV announcers trying to tell us that Tuomo Ruutu is a hardnosed hockey player, in my opinion he is a hack and a thug. Then the ref rescues him before the Av’s can take a pound of flesh from him.

Oshie emergency apendectomy

Former Fighting Sioux forward T.J. Oshie has had an emergency apendectomy, Goon's World would like to wish Osh a speedy recovery. Let's hope he is not out of the line up too long.

Blues forward T.J. Oshie had an emergency apendectomy this morning and will be out of the lineup indefinitely, a source has told the Post-Dispatch.

Oshie went to the hospital Friday night, following the Blues’ 3-1 victory over Minnesota at Scottrade Center. He played 17 minutes, 33 seconds in the game.

The recovery time for the surgery varies from person to person. Blues goaltender Chris Mason had a similar surgery last season and missed approximately two weeks. [Stltoday.com]

Sioux 5 - Seawolves 0

In the offseason we heard about how UAA was the biggest team in college hockey, we were also told by the self appointed experts and the college hockey media pundits that UAA was going to be bigger, stronger and better skaters. We also heard how UAA was going to use that size and new found skill to wear down their opposition and take a game over in the third period. Hum...

After watching the game last night and seeing UAA play against Michigan a few weeks ago, I would say that this season’s version of the UAA Seawolves resembled last season’s UAA team. It's no mystery that the Seawolves work hard and try to play an up tempo game but frankly the Seawolves have had a hard time keeping up with the skilled teams like UND and Michigan. In boths instances they were out classed and they got smoked. Last night the Seawolves were beat to the puck up and down the ice by a speedier Fighting Sioux hockey team. Frustration set in and the Seawolves started taking ill advised penatlies. UND was 3-7 on the PP while UAA went 0-7. UND has yet to give up a power play goal on the season so far.

We got a Dell

I not a fan of that stupid commercial but the Fighting Sioux started freshman goaltender Aaron Dell and the rookie responded with a shutout win in his first start for the Fighting Sioux. Dell’s start breaks a streak by Fighting Sioux goalie Brad Eidsness who had started 37 games in a row was relegated to back up last night. I would like to see both goalies split time untill one of them establishes himself as being the "starter". While Eidsness was the top freshman goalie in the WCHA last season he tenders to wander and fails to cover the short side post in key situations. This was replayed last weekend against the Gophers, where he over played the puck and cost the Sioux a goal. All I can remember the first goal he gave up to UMD during the Final Five game last season. It's like on replay loop in my brain and it plays over and over again.

I believe that Dell will and should get more starts this season based on his "solid" performance in last night’s game. Although Dell wasn’t tested a whole lot he did make some impressive saves and stopped UAA freshman forward Mitch Bruijsten’s cold on a breakaway in the second period. From watching Dell in the UAA game and during the Manitoba exhibition, I like Dell's positioning and he does stay more square to the puck than Brad Eidsness, Dell also didn't get caught out of position by over playing the puck in key situations. Hakstol and company now have options and don't have to have one goaltender shoulder the whole load himself. Having two goaltenders should make both of them better.


Insignificant players get points and score goals for UND

This was a pontification of a unnamed bombastic blogger from UAA. I am sure that he will delete the post. Lets break down how insignificant these guys are.

A UND fan would naturally think nearly all of their upperclassmen are significant. Big surprise.

But yes ...

Darcy Zajac is insignificant.
Brent Davidson is insignificant.
Jake Marto and Evan Trupp are .5 insignificant each.
Derek Lapoint is insignificant.

That equals 4 significant upperclassmen. And I actually undercounted UAA's significant upperclassmen. I probably should have said 11. But I left off the goaltenders and underrated a couple of other guys. I was sandbagging.

Further investigation revealed that of the fore mention players only one of them (Davidson) didn’t register a point during the game. If my math is correct that is five points for the insignificant upperclassmen of the Fighting Sioux. I am pretty sure that if Alaska native Evan Trupp played for the Seawolves he would be one fo their top players. PWND!
Evan Trupp (1g-1a-2pts)
Darcy Zajac (0g-1a-1pts)
Jake Marto (0g-1a-1pts)
Derrick LaPoint (0g-1a-1pts)


[Box Score]
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
1st Period (20:00)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

NDK 1 - 0 6x6 GW LL Mario Lamoureux (2) (Darcy Zajac, Carter Rowney) 5:47
NDK (+): 9,11,27,2,20,G32 AKA (-): 21,17,20,4,11,G30
NDK-1 Brad Malone (2-Hooking) AKA 0x1 8:15
AKA-1 Jade Portwood (2-High-Sticking) NDK 0x1 10:58
AKA-2 Jared Tuton (2-Holding) NDK 0x2 11:15
AKA-3 Jade Portwood (2-Charging) NDK 1x3 16:30
NDK 2 - 0 6x5 PP Jake Marto (3) (Evan Trupp, Joe Gleason) 17:24
NDK: 25,19,20,22,26,G32 AKA: 16,27,11,4,G30
NDK 3 - 0 6x6 Jason Gregoire (3) (Derrick LaPoint, Danny Kristo) 18:40
NDK (+): 17,3,5,7,29,G32 AKA (-): 22,7,16,18,9,G30

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
2nd Period (20:00)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

NDK-2 Carter Rowney (2-Tripping) AKA 0x2 2:02
NDK-3 Jake Marto (2-Cross-Checking) AKA 0x3 3:57
AKA-4 Josh Lunden (2-Tripping) NDK 1x4 5:41
AKA-5 Kevin Clark (2-Hooking) NDK 1x5 5:41
NDK-4 Chay Genoway (2-Tripping) AKA 0x4 6:01
AKA-6 Mitch Bruijsten (2-Hooking) NDK 2x6 11:11
NDK 4 - 0 6x5 PP Evan Trupp (1) (Brad Malone) 12:39
NDK: 19,22,20,25,26,G32 AKA: 7,14,22,21,G30
NDK-5 Jake Marto (2-Holding) AKA 0x5 14:11
NDK-6 Darcy Zajac (2-High-Sticking) AKA 0x6 15:37
AKA-7 Kane Lafranchise (5-Checking from Behind) (Served by Craig Parkinson) NDK 3x8 16:27
AKA-8 Craig Parkinson (10-Game Misconduct) 16:27

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
3rd Period (20:00)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

NDK 5 - 0 6x5 PP Chay Genoway (4) (Chris VandeVelde, Aaron Dell) 0:34
AKA: 36,21,4,11,G30
NDK-7 Derrick LaPoint (2-Tripping) AKA 0x7 8:48
NDK-8 Andrew MacWilliam (2-Cross-Checking) 10:11
AKA-9 Tommy Grant (2-GRASPING THE FACEMASK) 10:11
NDK-9 Corban Knight (5-Checking from Behind) AKA 0x8 15:50
NDK-10 Corban Knight (10-Game Misconduct) 15:50

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
End of Game

UND, REA willing to take suggestions

This was on Brad's blog tonight and it's a good step in the right direction. It's also been addressed here and here as well. Both articles have facilitated a lot of good discussion.

UND, in conjunction with Ralph Engelstad Arena, says its willing to take suggestions to avoid some of the unfortunate incidents that happened at the rink during last weekend's series against Minnesota.

Discussions already have started with students, season-ticket holders, event staff and security personnel in this process.

"We have one of the best men's hockey programs, the best collegiate hockey facility and the best college hockey fans in the country, but there were events during last weekend's home hockey series that point to a need for change," UND athletic director Brian Faison said. "The vast majority of the nearly 12,000 people in the building both nights created an electric atmosphere.

"We don't want our fans to dampen their enthusiasm for Fighting Sioux hockey one decibel, but what I am asking them to do is direct their passion in a more positive manner." [UND Hockey]

The recipe for beating a defensive hockey team.

I found this article in the Cornell Sun and I think this is a recipe for a really boring brand of hockey. I can’t imagine anyone wanting to watch this crap. Just ask Minnesota Wild Fans, we have finally been freed of this mentality. Maybe this is why the Cornell coaching staff wants to get away from this type of hockey.

This conservative team scheme that Cornell plays was exposed by two national coaches last season; BSU coach Tom Serratore, actually did it to two teams on consecutive nights during the NCAA Midwest regional’s in Grand Rapids, MI. The first night the Beavers took it to Notre Dame and then followed up that effort against Cornell the next night in the regional championship game. UND coach Dave Hakstol also exposed Cornell during a Friday night game last November 28, 2008 at the REA.

Here is how you defeat that type of team scheme. First you get on top of them early with a fore check, when they have the puck you’re in their face and on top of them. Cash in on your offensive zone opportunities and get a lead and make them press and skate, skate, skate and force them to play your game. Also, with the high pressure game you take way the passing lanes and you get into their face. Keep pressing and don’t let up. This offensive mind set took Notre Dame off its game and they could never recover. Keep getting the pucks deep; keep the shifts short roll three and four lines and counter attack at every chance you get. Don’t let them slow the game down.

The transition from a “grind-it-out” style to a more offensive-centric formula will signal a shift in of coaching tactics from Schafer. Throughout Schafer’s tenure at Cornell, the program built a reputation for superior goaltending, defensive-minded forwards and oversized defensemen who controlled the neutral zone and shut down top-line scorers.
The approach to winning games included systematically wearing down the opponent through relentless cycling, capitalizing on the best opportunities, and playing a trap game in the third period.

With stronger league competition and national contenders like North Dakota and Boston University on the schedule this year, Schafer understands that to win, the team must run four lines that consistently threaten to score. Without a checking line, the team may sacrifice the best counter-punch to top scorers, but it gains a level of offense perhaps unseen in Schafer’s 15 years on East Hill. A hybrid approach, balancing the need for strong defense with the need to score more goals, makes Cornell a legitimate threat to make a deep run this year. [Cornell Sun]

Not a pretty goal.

Now this is what I would classify as a bad goal. [props]

Latest Versus commercial

Here is the latest NHL on Versus commerical. See if you can noticed any familier faces in the commerical.

UAA defense hurting.

Here is the key to this weekend's series. UAA's top defenseman are banged up and a couple of their top defenseman have not even played yet this eason. UAA because of the injuries have had to rely on less experienced defenseman in the line up. It will be interesting to see how UND does on it's first road trip of the season.

Seawolves notes

• Already hurting on the blue line -- literally -- the Seawolves could again be down to five defensemen tonight, as they were in Saturday's 5-3 loss to Robert Morris in Fairbanks. Teams generally dress six defensemen.

Shyiak said senior defenseman Nils Backstrom (wrist) remains out and has not been practicing. Senior Trevor Hunt (wrist surgery) is listed as questionable -- he's practicing with limited contact. And Shyiak lists junior Luka Vidmar (groin/hip) as doubtful.

Backstrom and Hunt have yet to play this season and Vidmar missed the loss to Robert Morris. Those three have a combined 221 games of college experience and all three play on special teams, so the Seawolves are hurting without them. [ADN.COM]

Yawn! Its UAA week.

I have been a little under the weather this week and I kind of feel that blah, you know, that late fall yuck that I get every year before winter comes. I don't know if it's the changing of the seasons or what. Actually, that’s how I feel with this season’s matchup with the UAA Seawolves. This year like last season we are blessed with the opportunity to be able to see both away games on channel 23 on FSSN in Grand Forks, ND.

One of the biggest teams in College Hockey

A lot have been made about the Seawolves being the biggest team in college hockey. I say so what and big deal. I have referred to the Seawolves ‘as being a perennial WCHA doormat team, a big, slow, lumbering team, with little recognizable talent.’ The last four seasons UAA has finished a consistent 10th, 10th, 10th and 9th , looking at those finishes I think perennial WCHA doormat team would be an accurate assessment. I also predicted that Michigan would run UAA out of the building during their own tourney and I was correct.

On the flip side of the equation I have seen a lot of wide eyed pontifications from the UAA back bencher on how his mediocre team that lost to RMU is going to sweep UND. This is the same team that is missing two of its defensive cogs senior defensemen Nils Backstrom and Trevor Hunt who would probably be on most teams top six defensive parings.

UND is 6-1-1 in it's last 8 games against UAA. In Anchorage last season UND also beat UAA 2-1 in overtime in a very close game the first night then ran them out of their building 6-1 the second night.

Prediction

I predict a series Split; Anchorage is a tough place to play, while I think UND should and could sweep, I am going to say the lose Friday and win on Saturday. Please prove me wrong.

Keep your head up.

Former Fighting Sioux hockey star Joanthan Toews gets clocked by former Wild and Current Vancouver Canuck defenseman Willie Mitchell during last nights games. No word yet on Toews's status. There is an interesting discussion over on Kuklas Korner on a player made a legal hit and smoked a guy and now he has to fight. I would be willing to bet that Toews wil be a little more careful next time he is skating through the neutral zone.

Weekend Match Ups (Sioux 7)

This weekend will be the first weekend in which everyone is playing a WCHA schedule.
The early season will tell us how is going to be a contender and who are the pretenders. Some teams already need to get wins this season for instance the UW-MSUM series, both went winless in WCHA play last weekend. So with that lets look at the WCHA standings and this weekends tilts.


WCHA STANDINGS
...........................GP... W-L-T
1 Minnesota-Duluth.......2... 2-0-0
2 Colorado College........2... 1-0-1
2 North Dakota............2... 1-0-1
4 Minnesota...............2... 0-1-1
4 Wisconsin...............2... 0-1-1
6 Alaska-Anchorage......0... 0-0-0
6 Denver...................0... 0-0-0
6 Michigan Tech..........0... 0-0-0
6 St. Cloud State.........0... 0-0-0
6 Minnesota State........2... 0-2-0


#4 Denver(0-0-0) @ #11 Minnesota(0-1-1)

The Pioneers shut-out Ohio St and then got shut-out last weekend, splitting their series in Columbus. The Gophers received one point last weekend by salvaging a tie against UND in Grand Forks.

The Pioneers lose Joe Colborne to a broken finger for what appears to be couple of weeks, since he had to have surgery on it. All of us here at GOONS WORLD wish Joe a speedy recovery. Minnesota can ill afford an effort like last Friday and risk falling into an early season hole. The Gophers have a tough schedule to open the season, UND, DU, UAA, and UW. Then after Christmas break they spend much of that time on the road. Denver is fortunate that they have depth up front, losing Colborne is big, but they have others that can pick up the slack. DU's offense will look to avenge their being shut-out by putting up some goals this weekend. The Gophers gave up 43 and 34 shots on goal last weekend and will need to lower those numbers this weekend. The Gophers top weapon, Schoeder didn't get a point last weekend, so UM definitely wants him to get his game going this weekend. You can't afford to be giving up 30+ or 40+ shots a game in the WCHA, that's flirting with disaster.
DENVER takes 3-pts


Michigan Tech(0-0-0) @ #19 Colorado College(1-0-1)
The Tigers took a big bite out of Bucky Badger's behind last weekend. In the Badgers defense, those where their first games of the season. The Huskies from Houghton were off last weekend and should be ready to rumble in the Rockies this week.

Both teams were picked to finish in the bottom of the standings this year. This series could serve as proof if they end up splitting and setting both on the path of mediocrity. However, if one team gets a sweep that will definitely help them in the this years early standings. Last season CC won the series 3-0-1 against MTU, but this is a new season.
SPLIT


#18 Minnesota-Duluth(2-0-0) @ St. Cloud State(0-0-0)
The Bulldogs started the season strong with a sweep of the Mavericks at the DECC. Meanwhile a couple of hours south of Duluth in St. Cloud the Huskies took three points from the Union Dutchmen(ECAC) in a pair of non-conference games.

Duluth will be out to prove they can win without Stalock in net, and last weekend wasn't a fluke. St. Cloud will being looking to get their top scorers rolling this weekend. Look for Roe and Lasch to put up some offensive numbers this weekend, as both were held in check last weekend (Roe 1g, Lasch 1g, 1a). Last year the teams split their series 2-2-0. This should be a good series and don't expect a blow out by either team. After looking at some of last weekends numbers, expect to see some offense in these dog fights. I'm going a puppy a piece, SPLIT.


#2 North Dakota(1-0-1) @ Alaska-Anchorage(0-0-0)
The Sioux ran their home winning streak to 16 games (13-0-3) by taking three points from the Gophers. The Seawolves beat Rensselaer on Friday and lost to Robert Morris on Saturday in the Alaska Gold Rush Tournament.

UAA has got the toughest schedule to start the WCHA seasons, UND, @UM, DU, and @UW. Makes my wonder what UAA did to deserve a schedule like that to start the season, probably just bad luck. Coach Shyiak and the Seawolves will look to make his own luck, with hard work and determination, over those four weeks. UAA will be a battle hardened team by mid November with that schedule. Last year the Sioux sweep the Seawolves in Anchorage, and the teams split in Grand Forks. Even with 10 freshmen in the line up the Sioux have good depth through all four lines. The Seawolves will try to use their size to their advantage, but with an Olympic size sheet of ice it doesn't help their style of play. The faster, quicker Sioux will need to move their feet, that should result in UAA taking a few penalties, and UND power plays. The Seawolves will most likely play a more defensive style game and keep the scoring chances low. I'm going with a Sioux Sweep in this series.


#17 Wisconsin(0-1-1) @ Minnesota State(0-2-0)
The Badgers have now played two games this season and will continue to build off of last weekends series against Colorado College, after getting only one point at home. The Mavericks lost both games last week to UMD at the DECC, but will be looking to get in the W column this weekend.

With UW and MSUM going win-less last weekend in league play both teams will be looking to get some valuable league points this weekends. Playing four league games and coming away with only one or two points is putting yourself in peril to start the season. Last year MSUM took 3-pts at home against UW and UW swept MSUM in Madison. The Badgers gave up only one goal on Saturday, on a 5-3 power play. I think it's safe to say UW has it's defensive game intact from last year. UW might have last seasons problem too, they only scored one goal themselves on Saturday. MSUM put up two goals each night last weekend, but gave up five and three goals. It looks to be a good series between these two teams this weekend, which makes it like all the WCHA series, tough to pick a winner. With that, they are both winners, SPLIT.

College Hockey fan behavior

This is an article that I wrote for the Illegal Curve.

My dad sent me an account of a Gopher fan’s experience at Ralph Engelstad Arena this past weekend. Was I sitting in a different arena this past weekend?

Sioux Gophers and idiots on both sides.
I was at the Sioux/Gopher hockey games this weekend. The games were in Grand Forks and I was wearing Gopher gear on Friday night. Our tickets were also in the student section. We sat on the very far side of the student section. There were some Gopher fans in front of us who were clearly from the U. They were receiving a bit of heckling, and for the most part it was all in good fun, but there were a few weekend warriors” that went over the line from the UND side of things. They were invading some personal space and getting face to face with the kids from the U. Lots of you are a bitch. and you suck balls. Luckily for everybody involved where I was at, the Gopher kids stayed very chill about these 2 or 3 idiots getting too close to them.

The UND kids clearly had had way too much to drink. The problem was they kept coming back trying to instigate more and more each time. It could have turned bad pretty easy. Check out the story below. On Saturday night we also had student section tickets. I was not looking forward to the abuse again.

The night before there was a very drunk kid behind us who fell into our seats a few times. We were standing each time, but my wife got kicked once. He’s lucky he did not catch the 4 year old girl with a foot. So we got lucky Saturday nights, while we were waiting in line to get into the game some kids from the U said they had normal tickets but wanted to sit in student section. I overheard this and we traded our 4 student tickets for their 4 normal tickets. It was a much better game Saturday and we did not have to get kicked by drunk 19 year olds. All around a better experience.

While this weekend I didn't see a lot of this stuff going on, I have witnessed this type of behavior first hand in the past at venues like the Final Five at the Xcel Energy Center. Who uses this type of language when talking to another fan from a different team in front of young children? These people should have their mouths washed out with soap. That does cross the line of what is considered acceptable behavior at a sporting event. If I brought my two year old daughter to the game I don’t want her to have to listen to this kind of vile stuff. Just because you’re a college student doesn’t give you the right to act like an ass. There is no birthright to sit in that seat at the arena; if you can’t behave, I am sure the REA management can sell that prime seat to someone will be able to conduct themselves in an acceptable manner.

Not to pick on the college students there are many examples of adult fans, both Sioux and Gopher fans, getting out of hand and acting like imbeciles as well. I heard from a friend that a female Gopher fan who happened to be pregnant was heckled and jostled at the arena this past weekend. Who the heck does that kind of a thing? Imagine your girlfriend, wife or mother having this happen to them.

In yesterday’s Grand Forks Herald there was a letter to the editor in which a person described an experience where someone dumped a beer on a Gopher fan’s head from the upper deck. That kind of behavior is unacceptable and only a moron would defend behavior like this. People like this are going to ruin it for the rest of us that like to enjoy a beer without having the game ruined by drunk, belligerent idiots. I can foresee a time where the REA might ban beer sales to college students and or everyone. These types of incidents do not paint a positive picture of Grand Forks, ND, the University of North Dakota, the University of Minnesota or the WCHA. As fans collectively we must behave better, we don’t want to look like a bunch of knuckle-dragging Neanderthals.

I know, call me old-fashioned, but some of the stuff that happened this past weekend seems to be borderline criminal or at least anti-social behavior and should be deemed as inappropriate and unacceptable. None of us should have to be a witness to this type of crap. To top off the weekend, we had an incident between two fans that could be classified as felonious with one person ending up in the ICU wing of Altru Hospital. There is nothing about this series that should lead any of us to start throwing punches at each other.

I am as pro-Fighting Sioux hockey as they come: I am all for a loud arena and an intimidating atmosphere, but some of this stuff is atrocious behavior and unfit for television. My boss who is new to the area went to a Sioux hockey game for the first time and I am sure she was impressed with the F’ the Gophers cheer, way to go UND. Remember there is friendly acceptable back and forth banter and then there is crossing the line. I also have friends that are Gopher fans, and some of them won’t even come up to Grand Forks anymore based on the type of treatment they have received from our fans.

I have to wonder if it is time for college hockey to institute a fan code of conduct for its fans like some NFL teams have. Eventually the University of North Dakota is going to have to address the behaviors of its fans at the REA.

Fan code of conduct

"The National Football League and its teams are committed to creating a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable experience for all fans, both in the stadium and in the parking lot. We want all fans attending our games to enjoy the experience in a responsible fashion. When attending a game, you are required to refrain from the following behaviors:
» Behavior that is unruly, disruptive, or illegal in nature.
» Intoxication or other signs of alcohol impairment that results in irresponsible behavior.
» Foul or abusive language or obscene gestures.
» Interference with the progress of the game (including throwing objects onto the field).
» Failing to follow instructions of stadium personnel.
» Verbal or physical harassment of opposing team fans.
"Event patrons are responsible for their conduct as well as the conduct of their guests and/or persons occupying their seats. Stadium staff will promptly intervene to support an environment where event patrons, their guests, and other fans can enjoy the event free from the above behavior. Event patrons and guests who violate these provisions will be subject to ejection without refund and loss of ticket privileges for future games."

Like another hockey fan suggested from DU, I like the NFL fan code of conduct policy and I am all for this if being enacted at REA. If you’re an unruly fan and you can’t act in an acceptable manner, your ticket should be taken from you and you will no longer be allowed to be able to attend events in the arena. Attending college hockey is a privilege, not a right. If you can’t act like a member of the human race, do not bother coming to the arena. Someone else will gladly pay a handsome fee for that ticket and act in a respectful manner in your place.

More bad news for the Bruins.

When I first read this new clip I thought it was a joke, now the Bruins have Lucic and Savard on the long term injured reserve. Savard is the Boston Bruins best forward and it will be hard to the team fill the void left by Savard's injury. I am just hoping the Bruins can keep their record close to 500 until after the first of the year.

BOSTON, MA - Boston Bruins General Manager Peter Chiarelli announced today that the club has placed forward Marc Savard on long term injured reserve (broken left foot) and has recalled forward Trent Whitfield from Providence on an emergency basis.

Savard is expected to miss four to six weeks with the injury. He has led the Bruins in scoring each of the last three years and currently leads the team in scoring this year, with 4-3=7 totals in seven games. In 2008-09, Savard played in all 82 games with a 25-63=88 line.