Don Cherry on the USA win.

There has been this ongoing argument about the USA WJC win and how USA hockey has gotten better and Don Cherry shares his views on the USA win. I mean he is right there are quite a few players from last year’s squad that could have played on team Canada. It also doesn't sound like Don Cherry was too impressed with the USA song in the locker room either.

Cherry highlighted the American players from the USA WJC that played their hockey in the CHL. Personally I don’t care where the USA WJC players improved their skills at, there are good points to both the CHL and the NCAA. I also find the CHL vs the NCAA argument to be tiresome as well. We will leave that one to Chris.

Sioux sweep Mavs out of town 3-2.

Like Tim Hennessy's said in the post game comments not a very exciting game to watch but a win is a win.
[Post game Comments here]

This was the first sweep the Fighting Sioux hockey team had since the Michigan Tech series in Houghton, Michigan on November 6th and 7th 2009 when the Sioux beat the Michigan Tech Huskies 4-1 and 4-2. Four points is four points and you have to beat the teams behind you in the standings if you want to have a chance to move up in the standings.

This is the type of game UND needs to win, if they want to be successful in the second half of the season. These were also the types of games they were not winning during the first half of the season. The Fighting Sioux raced to a two goal lead before giving up a goal to Geoff Irwin with a minute left in the first period.

Neither the Fighting Sioux nor the Mavericks scored during the second period and then both teams traded goals in the third period. Jason Gregoire scored his tweleth goal of the season and Channing Boe scored sixth goal for the Mavericks in the third period to make it interesting, UND was able to hold on for the 3-2 victory.

Jason Gregiore was hot again tonight as he scored to more goals and four on the weekend. Matt Frattin got his first two assists of the season and he is starting to find his grove and it is only a matter of time before he starts finding the back of the net.

For the most part this was a pretty tame and clean series. In fact I was expecting more from these two teams. For the most part both teams just played hockey and didn’t get involved in any extra bravo sierra. Of course the Sioux and the Gophers play next weekend so all bets are off.
[Box score]
--------------------------------------------------------
1st Period (20:00)
--------------------------------------------------------

NDK 1 - 0 6x6 LL Jason Gregoire (11) (Matt Frattin, Derrick LaPoint) 3:29
NDK (+): 17,21,3,29,25,G31 MNS (-): 5,15,19,16,9,G1
NDK 2 - 0 6x6 Michael Cichy (2) (David Toews, Corey Fienhage) 4:38
NDK (+): 8,18,4,11,24,G31 MNS (-): 7,18,28,9,22,G1
NDK-1 Ben Blood (2-Tripping) MNS 0x1 6:38
NDK-2 Ben Blood (2-Interference) MNS 1x2 18:20
MNS 1 - 2 6x5 PP Geoff Irwin (6) (Kael Mouillierat, Ben Youds) 19:00
MNS: 19,9,5,10,15,G1 NDK: 25,2,9,11,G31

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

MNS-1 Ben Youds (2-Roughing) 6:43
MNS-2 Ben Youds (2-HITTING AFTER WHISTLE) NDK 0x1 6:43
NDK-3 Michael Cichy (2-Roughing) 6:43
NDK-4 Brad Malone (2-Cross-Checking) MNS 1x3 8:05
MNS-3 Kael Mouillierat (2-CONTACT TO THE HEAD) NDK 0x2 16:38

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

MNS-4 Ben Youds (2-Interference) NDK 1x3 8:18
NDK 3 - 1 6x5 PP GW Jason Gregoire (12) (Matt Frattin, Jake Marto) 9:42
NDK: 17,21,25,7,29,G31 MNS: 15,16,19,22,G1
MNS 2 - 3 6x6 Channing Boe (2) (unassisted) 14:36
MNS (+): 28,22,15,19,25,G1 NDK (-): 21,8,11,24,18,G31
MNS-5 Kael Mouillierat (2-Cross-Checking) NDK 1x4 19:32
Timeout - Minnesota State 19:32

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

Turns out that Knight is not fine.

This is really bad news for UND, scores two goals, going for a third and gets injuried.

UND forward Corban Knight said after last night's game that he thought he was fine after crashing into the net in a hat trick attempt.

Turns out, he was not.

UND says that Knight will miss the next four to six weeks with an apparent lower-body injury. [UND Hockey]

Here is the official tweet from the UND SID.

Goals from last night game. Sioux 4 - Mavs 1.

Here is a look at last night's Fighting Sioux goals. Sioux forwards Corban Knight and Jason Gregoire each had a pair of spectacular goals last night.

Gwoz not impressed with team's effort last night.

It's kind of interesting to watch the DU coach George Gwozdecky's facial expressions and body language. The DU coach Gwozdecky has got a way about him that comes off as being kind of smug. Your team isn't going to win every game and UAA is a tough team to play against. The DU coach is pretty crtical of his team and called them out in the media.

NCAA Round Up: Before we kick dirt on the CHA.

While the Illegal Curve has officially rode off into the sunset I will continue to do a weekly Saturday column called the NCAA Round Up, during the College Hockey season. Here is what Richard of the Illegal Curve had to say about his closing the site down.

The opportunities the site created for us were, and still are, endless. Through IllegalCurve.com we have met and interviewed some of the most significant players in the hockey world. Whether it be interviewing Mike Keenan and Vincent Lecavalier in person, or interviewing Eric Duhatschek and Scott Morrison on the radio show, we have been allowed to hear the latest and most in depth hockey information from the most informed members of the hockey world. Further, we have been able to meet many of the other bloggers and website writers and have an enjoyable and respectful hockey dialogue with them. Without IllegalCurve.com and your support none of that would have been possible.

While we have the utmost in gratitude for other writers, our guests and interviewees, we owe our biggest thank you to you–the readers. Without your constant support in the way of website traffic, emails, tweets, phone calls we would not have felt worthy enough to take the chances and strides that we did. Simply, IllegalCurve.com would not have lasted for thousands of posts and for over two years if not for your support.

While I am writing this post on behalf of the entire staff, I would be remiss if I did not thank the many writers who have contributed to the website along the way. From the beginning writers on September 4th, 2007, such as Kyle Kosior and Ezra Ginsburg to co-creator Michael Remis, everyone contributed to IllegalCurve.com along the way. If not for the writings of Ari-Baum Cohen, Drew Mindell, Neil Rockman, Adam Gutkin, Rusty Parra and last, but certainly not least, David Minuk, IllegalCurve.com would have merely been an idea. A special thanks also goes out to some our new recent contributors Daniel Hogan and Eric Burton.

It’s a sad day for me because I really loved writing my weekly column and occasional random other occasional columns for the Illegal Curve. Richard ran a very good NHL hockey blog and it was a sad day to find out one of my favorite hockey blogs is now out of commission. Moving forward there is another opportunity that is in currently in the works and looks like it might possibly pan out very soon.

The End of an Era

The CHA was created back in the 1999 to give new programs a conference to play in. This season will be it's 11th and Final Season.

College ice hockey’s continuing development and expansion received another boost during the summer of 1999 with the formation of College Hockey America. The seven charter members of College Hockey America were the United States Air Force Academy (Colorado), University of Alabama-Huntsville, United States Military Academy (New York), Bemidji State University (Minnesota), University of Findlay (Ohio), Niagara University (New York), and Wayne State University (Michigan). [CHA]

Over the years the makeup of the CHA has changed dramatically. Finlay, Wayne State dropped hockey all together. The Air Force Academy and Army moved to the AHA, leaving the CHA with 5 teams.

After Wayne State University decided to drop their hockey program the CHA was left with four teams, this put their conference on life support. The NCAA wouldn’t give a four team hockey team an at large bid for more than a couple of seasons. Something had to be done the NCAA hockey couldn't afford to lose anymore teams or there was a risk losing a few auto bids. So the four remaining teams applied for membership in the other five conferences. Three of the four teams found new homes.

Through some work there was a few adjustments to the various conferences, three of the four teams have found homes; BSU is moving to the WCHA, Niagara and Robert Morris University are moving to the Atlantic Hockey Association. The University of Alabama Huntsville applied for the CCHA and was denied or basically told not now maybe later in the future. Some college hockey fans including myself looked at this as an elitist attitude. That conclusion wasn't much of a stretch, looking at the CCHA members it’s not the strongest league top to bottom and the CCHA snub of UAH looked petty to a lot of on lookers.

There has also been rumblings that the Big Ten wanted its member schools to play each other more. Get out your tin foil hats and lets start the Big Ten Hockey Conference argument again. That's for another day.


Going out in style

Fast forward to the final season for the CHA, the BSU Beavers are sitting in the top spot of the CHA and haven’t lost a conference game all season. Nationally the Bemidji Beavers have also been ranked in the top 10-15 spots of the national polls most of the season and are currently sitting in 6th in the Pairwise the rankings mimic the NCAA Hockey tourney selection. The Beavers schedule hasn’t been overly tough and has been slammed by a few of self appointed hockey experts but the Beavers did beat the number one ranked Miami RedHawks in the Subway Holiday Classic back in November over the Thanksgiving weekend.

Take that CCHA

UAH out to prove that they didn’t appreciate the snub by the CCHA went out and beat Notre Dame in their first series of the season and then went out and swept the Air Force Academy Falcons as well. In fact the CHA has own the AHA this season and has a record of 6-0-1 against them.

Fast forward to last night, the 4-12-3 Robert Morris University Colonials didn’t want to be out done by their other CHA counter parts beat the number one Miami RedHawks 3-1 in the Igloo in Pittsburgh, PA. In fact three of their four wins have come against nonconference opponents; the Colonials have beaten the UAA Seawolves, Quinnipiac Bobcats, and now the Miami RedHawks. While they have had a rough season they aren’t a team to be over looked. I believe that Derek Schooley is a good coach and he will have the RMU team playing well in the AHA next season.

Derek Stepan has gotten his medal back.

This was in Russo's twitter today. The missing gold medal has arrived from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

Wisconsin's and Rangers draft pick Derek Stepan just texted me: "I got my medal!"

I had a feeling this is what happened. Being around airports it’s not uncommon for luggage to get lost in the shuffle moving it from one plane to the other. A lot of times a plane will land and there isn’t much time to get the luggage off of the one flight and onto the connecting flight, especially if the plane landed in Minneapolis.

I would be willing to bet that in Stepan’s case this is probably what happened. Yet there were some that wanted to blame the TSA for his lost luggage, as if they don’t have enough problems of their own.

Finally, I would be willing to bet that no one from the TSA actually touched Stepan’s bags, they were inspected by Canadian security. This was all on the airlines. I would be willing to bet that Saskatoon was very busy getting everyone out after the WJC.

Sioux rope Mavericks 4-1.

The Sioux came out of the gate fast and looked like they were going to run the Purple Cows Mavericks out of the building, then the Fighting Sioux gave up a untimely goal on a power play to Ben Youds at 10:13 of the first period. It was Youds first goal of the season, the Maverick defenseman came into the game with (0g-18a-18pts)

I like the way UND played in this game and I don’t think the Sioux were ever really in danger of losing control of this game. There was a short period of time during the second d where I thought MSU-M took it to UND but the Fighting Sioux started moving their feet again got the momentum back and kicked into gear and cruised to the win.

In goal for the Mavericks Phil Cook (3-0-1, 0.87 GAA, .967 SV%) started the game and wasn’t as impressive as his numbers coming into the game. Cook had a rough start, he gave up two goals on two shots, Cook pulled his hamstring on the second goal and then pulled himself out of the game.

For the Fighting Sioux Corbin Knight and Jason Gregoire both had impressive (2g-0a-2pts) goal nights for the Fighting Sioux. Knight had been held scoreless since the first game of the year looked much more comfortable on the line with Zajac and Toews. Jason Gregoire is the first Sioux forward or defenseman to get to 10 goals.

Welcome Back Matt Frattin

Tonight was the first night Sioux forward Matt Frattin has played a home game since the Sioux beat the MTU Huskies in the first round of the 2009 WCHA playoffs. While this is only the third game for Frattin since his reinstatement, Matt seems to be getting back to game shape. I think it is just a matter of time before Matt shows up on the score sheet. I had forgotten how fast he was and what he brings to the table. Frattin is tough on the fore check and plays a high pressure game. His presence is defiantly a plus.

I expect the same effort tomorrow night from the Fighting Sioux.

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

NDK 1 - 0 6x6 LL Corban Knight (2) (Joe Gleason, Derrick LaPoint) 2:07
NDK (+): 10,20,3,11,18,G31 MNS (-): 28,20,14,24,22,G30
NDK 2 - 0 6x6 GW Jason Gregoire (9) (Chris VandeVelde) 6:48
NDK (+): 17,29,21,25,4,G31 MNS (-): 12,11,18,28,16,G30
NDK-1 Ben Blood (2-CONTACT TO THE HEAD) MNS 1x1 9:13
MNS 1 - 2 6x5 PP Ben Youds (1) (Geoff Irwin, Zach Harrison) 10:13
MNS: 5,19,10,15,9,G1 NDK: 25,22,2,19,G31
MNS-1 Kael Mouillierat (2-Interference) NDK 0x1 11:29
NDK-2 Jake Marto (2-Slashing) MNS 1x2 13:47
MNS-2 Mike Louwerse (2-CONTACT TO THE HEAD) NDK 0x2 14:43
NDK-3 Chris VandeVelde (2-Slashing) MNS 1x3 18:22

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

MNS-3 Channing Boe (2-Tripping) NDK 0x3 5:46
NDK 3 - 1 6x6 Corban Knight (3) (Darcy Zajac, Derrick LaPoint) 9:41
NDK (+): 10,11,18,24,25,G31 MNS (-): 11,17,15,12,16,G1
MNS-4 Eriah Hayes (2-Holding) NDK 1x4 15:47
NDK 4 - 1 6x5 PP Jason Gregoire (10) (Danny Kristo, Chris VandeVelde) 16:26
NDK: 17,7,29,21,25,G31 MNS: 10,12,28,22,G1

--------------------------------------------------------
3rd Period (20:00)
--------------------------------------------------------
NDK-4 Derrick LaPoint (2-Tripping) MNS 1x4 2:45
MNS-5 Adam Mueller (2-Interference) NDK 1x5 13:05
NDK-5 Brad Malone (2-Slashing) MNS 1x5 13:51

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

Vote for Chay Genoway in Hobey Baker Award fan balloting

It's that time of year again and I believe that Chay Genoway is a deserving of Hobey Baker Memorial Award Candidate. Vote early and vote often.

GRAND FORKS, N.D. - Fighting Sioux hockey fans can vote for North Dakota senior defenseman Chay Genoway in the 2010 Hobey Baker Award fan balloting, which begins today.

To submit your vote, visit the Hobey Baker site and click on the ‘Vote for Hobey Baker' tab. This first phase of fan balloting will run through March 7, 2010. The fans' vote accounts for a full one percent of the total ballot in each phase in selecting this year's award recipient.[Fighting Sioux]

NHL Coaches told to watch their language.

I think this is the type of language that the NHL is talking about. John Tortorella is always an interesting during the post game press conferences. Check out this youtube.com clip.

(NHL Memo)

"Recently, we have had several instances of team personnel using inappropriate and profane language in media interactions and, in particular, in press conference settings. We appreciate the intensity and passion with which you approach your jobs, however, what is said publicly, and how it is said, reflects directly on the images of your respective organizations, the National Hockey League, and the game of hockey generally. In this context, profanity in public areas or where likely to be overheard by members of the media and/or general public is clearly inappropriate and unacceptable and, as previously advised in a memorandum to Clubs dated April 28, 2006, will be deemed a violation of the Media Regulations, NHL By-Law 17.4(a) (prohibiting statements "prejudicial to the welfare of the League or the game of hockey or of a Member Club"), and Article 6.3(j)(1) of the NHL Constitution (prohibiting conduct "detrimental to the League or the game of hockey"). Please be reminded that any such violations will subject both the individuals involved and their Clubs to potential fines." [TSN]

Stepan's missing luggage.

This was on Russo's Twitter. I already saw where people are trying to blame the TSA over on Twitter for this. Stop! Before someone tries to blame the poor TSA for losing Stepan’s luggage it’s not their fault, the airlines lost his bags like Russo said. Also the TSA ENFORCES the laws that DHS and the American congress enact. If you want to blame someone blame Janet Napolitano and DHS.

Just got off phone with Team USA captain Derek Stepan. Airline lost all his bags, including his gold medal, bc no carry-ons out of Canada

It's Game Day!! (by LGM)

It’s game day people! YEA!!

As promised, here is another post for the week of my thoughts on the Sioux/Maverick game and what to expect from the Mavericks.

Let’s start out by the most important thing….who’s hot or not on the UND team. Goon’s probably going to beat me for putting this on his blog, but I just can’t resist. Normally I do a run down of each player. This time, however, I’ll just point out who’s the #1 hot and #1 not. While I’m not going to comment on every player, I must point out that UND has an abnormally high number of red haired players. What’s up with that?!? It significantly brings down the hot factor!

Drum roll please……………

#1 HOT

#1 NOT....it's Lurch's long lost nephew!
#2 NOT…woah, nice hair. No wonder this kid wears his goalie mask all the time!

I was pretty tempted to pick Mario Lamoureux or Brett Hextall but I figured my opinion was jaded from “Brad Miller Time.” I’m not going to lie, I’m a closeted fan of that show. It cracks me up on a regular basis and Lammy and Hextall are pretty good hosts. I especially love it when they have Ben Blood on the show. Seriously, how many hits to the head has that kid taken?!? (Sorry Sioux fans…but we can all agree he’s not that bright!)

Moving on from Hot or Not, let’s talk about the Mavericks and what the Sioux fans can expect to see this weekend.

Tonight in goal you’ll see a new goalie, Phil Cook. Cook’s been hot in goal as of late and I really like his style of play. He’s aggressive, quick, and doesn’t leave a lot of fat rebounds. I’m hoping he has an excellent night and gets the nod again tomorrow night. It’s not that I have anything against the other goalie on the trip, Lee, but I just don’t think he’s as good of a goalie and that the Sioux players will take advantage of his weakness. I’m sure they’ve watched lots of films on the Mavs and know exactly how to easily score on Lee. Hell, at this point in time I think that even I could get a few goals against him!

Forwards to keep an eye out for are #11 Mike Louwerse. He’s small but fast, feisty, and talented. I think UND fans will probably be reminded of Ryan Duncan with his ability to play at this level with his size. Next to watch is #10 Zach Harrison and #15 Jerad Stewart. They’re the team leaders in points and both play an intensive and quick game. Stewart is much more physical than in past years and will give the Sioux players a run for their money. Other forwards to take note of are #25 Eriah Hayes, #9 Kael Mouillierat, and #19 Geoff Irwin. All play a pretty intense game and are capable of scoring at any given time.

A standout forward freshman to watch it #7 Tyler Pitlick. Make all the jokes you want about this kid’s name….the end story is he’s damn talented. He’s got some sick moves and will make the Sioux D look silly at times.

The main defenseman to keep an eye on is #28 Channing Boe. He’ll be a favorite of Goon’s since he’s a home grown Bemidji boy and I think most people have become a fan of him, especially since he was attacked by Gopher hack Brian Schack. Boe is a good defenseman that is 100% committed to playing defense. He’s not worried with scoring goals or afraid to be hit or give hits (ala #22 Kurt Davis). He takes his role as a defenseman and Alternate Captain seriously and does a great job. Plus, he’s a LGM favorite so you all have to love the kid!

The other D combo to watch is Mosey and Elbrecht. They’re a new freshman D combo and as of late they’ve been looking very good. The Mavs will need them to bring their “A” game this weekend to pull off a win for sure.

So, there are the Mavericks in a nutshell as seen through my eyes. Most Sioux fans are calling this an “easy sweep” series and seem to have the attitude that there is “no way” that the Mavericks can win at the Ralph. Granted, the stats show that the Sioux have had the Mavericks number in the past years. However, I’m saying this weekend will be a split with the Mavs winning tonight.

Flyers get hosed by video review.

Check out this blown call. So what is the point of this going to video review if they can't make the right call. How do they manage to screw this video review up this bad? I guess its not only the WCHA refs that are blowing the calls on legit goals. Wow!
[Props]

Jeff Finger vs Scott Hartnell

I have to give former SCSU Huskie Jeff Finger credit for fighting Scott Hartnell who is one of the biggest hacks in the NHL, notice how Hartnell takes off his helmet and shield after the fight. The Pittsburgh television announcers call him mop head. I think he looks like a French poodle. If you going to fight on a regular basis lose the face shield.

Alcohol Control at the Ralph: Actual Concern or Greed? (by Sioux 7)

I received the following message from "The Ralph"

Responsible alcohol service is a priority at the Ralph Engelstad Arena (REA) and we are committed to promoting responsible alcohol consumption at all events.

In an attempt to more appropriately align our operational plans with our stated alcohol service objectives, effective immediately, the largest serving size of draft beer at REA has been changed from a 32 ounce serving size to a 24 ounce serving size for all events.

The price of a large domestic draft beer has been reduced from $6.75 to $6.00 and a large premium draft beer has been reduced from $7.25 to $6.50 to accompany the serving size change.

We're committed to promoting responsible alcohol consumption that enhances the entertainment experience for all of our guests while also reducing alcohol-related incidents both in our facility and on surrounding roadways. We believe this proactive step is the right thing to do.

Thanks for your support and understanding.

Sincerely,

Jody Hodgson
General Manager

I'm an engineer working in marketing now, and this doesn't sound like a sound alcohol policy. People can still buy as many beers as they want. This is greed, make no mistake about it. If they wanted to control alcohol consumption they would have to scan your ID and only allow you to purchase, say 2 or 3 drinks, at the Ralph each game. If you do the math on a regular beer, the 32-oz works out to be $.21/oz.,with the new 24-oz beer it will be $0.24/oz. If they want to maintain the same pricing the new 24-oz beer should be $5.04. This is clearly another way for the Ralph to make more money, or as they call it "align our operational plans" and increase their mark-up by 19%, not curb alcohol sales.

I understand that alcohol was a factor in the unfortunate incident after the UND-UM game in the parking lot. People will always be drinking at, or before, hockey games, legal or illegally. If the Ralph really wants to lessen the amount of inebriated individuals at the game, they need to keep track of how many drinks a person is served. I also know that their will always be ways around it, like having your friend (or even sober driver) by drinks for someone who already has been "cut off" at the Ralph. The Ralph is attempting to minimize drinking by hitting fans in the pocket book, during tough economic times already.

I like the spirit, that they want to cut down on the number of drunk fans at the game, but they are going about it the wrong way.

Is the USA catching up to Canada?

It doesn't get old watching that video, for me it’s something special, especially as an American hockey fan. It had been too long since the last USA title in the World Junior Hockey Championship. There is no doubt about it, team USA’s win in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Canada was big,no matter how you spin it Team USA was the underdog.

I also don’t know if the has USA caught up to Canada in hockey, this argment might be a bit premature. Hockey is Canada’s game and they have enough talent to field two or three WJC teams. I do think team USA has closed the gap between the two countries, there is still a ways to go.

This also makes one wonder what USA hockey could be like in the future. The Canadians are still the king of international hockey but USA has had some big win in hockey as of late, Fargo U-18, Saskatoon U-20…

On the heels of Canada's loss to the U.S. at the world juniors and Al Maki's story today on the development of hockey in both countries, I wanted to chime in on the topic a little.

My own theory as to why there’s a shift is that there are simply a lot more Americans playing hockey these days than a decade or two ago. USA Hockey is just a far bigger organization than it used to be.

All of those American juniors in the tournament were born around 1991 and would have entered the system five or six years later, right as participation in hockey in the U.S. was beginning to catch up with Canada (in terms of overall numbers).

I'm just using the data provided by Hockey Canada and USA Hockey on their websites, but it does make sense that with so many American youngsters now playing in places like California (and going on to the WHL for junior hockey) that the number of total players in the U.S. is up significantly.

It's a trend that's been evident in the NHL for a while, too. Ten years ago, Canadian players made up roughly 60 per cent of the NHL, a number that was down to around 52 per cent last season. American born players, however, are up from about 16 per cent of the NHL to close to 20.
[Globe and Mail]

Weekend Match Ups (by Sioux 7)

I hope everyone enjoyed the Christmas break and took in some holiday games and/or tournaments. (I took in some local action and caught a Fargo Force USHL game, and a couple of local High School games, one game was the Fargo South High and Moorhead High Minnesota tilt.) We now start the year 2010 and the second half of the WCHA season. So with out any more babbling on, here we go.

Current WCHA standings

TEAM.......................GP....W-L-T...PTS
1 Denver.................14....9-3-2...20
2 Colorado College..14....8-3-3...19
3 Wisconsin.............14....8-4-2...18
4 Minnesota-Duluth..14....8-5-1...17
5 St. Cloud State.......14....7-5-2...16
6 North Dakota........14....6-6-2...14
7 Minnesota............14....6-7-1...13
8 Minnesota State.....14....5-8-1...11
9 Alaska-Anchorage..14....4-10-0...8
10 Michigan Tech......14....2-12-0...4

WCHA

Alaska-Anchorage at #2 Denver
Holiday break, UAA was enjoying the Christmas season and DU beat Nebraska-Omaha (7-0) and Boston College (4-3) to win the Denver Cup.

Earlier this season these teams split in Anchorage, and it’s now time for the rematch.
UAA has only 1 win on the road this year and that came in the state of Colorado, against the CC Tigers. DU is the better team, their record shows that, but UAA has got some quality wins, in my opinion, this season. I’m sure everyone in the middle of the league would like to see the Seawolves take some points from the Pioneers. Interesting tidbit is that all of UAA‘s WCHA wins have come on Saturday nights. DU should beat UAA handily on Friday, since UAA hasn’t played a game since December 5th. I’m going to go with a split DU Friday, UAA Saturday.

#3 Colorado College at #13 Minnesota-Duluth
Holiday break, CC was at the Florida College Classic where they beat Cornell (4-2) and lost to Maine (3-2). UMD was participating in the Catamount Cup in Vermont, they beat Mercyhurst (6-0) and lost to host Vermont (5-2).

Early in November these teams split in the Springs with UMD winning 4-3 in the opener and CC winning 6-2 the following night. CC has brutal schedule in 2010 with the only, shall I say lax games against UAA in conference, after going to UMD they host UW. The Tiger have not lost on the road this season, posting a 4-0-3 record to date, and the Bulldogs are 8-4-0 in this, the last year at the DECC. I’m going to go the safe bet and call this a SPLIT.

Minnesota State at #5 North Dakota
Holiday break, MSU-M swept RIT (6-1, 3-0) and UND played in the Shillelagh Tournament beating Niagara (3-1) and tying Notre Dame (3-3).

This will be the only meeting between these teams this season, barring a match up in the playoffs. The Sioux split in Mankato and then swept the Mavericks in Grand Forks in the ’08-’09 season. It looks like UND will still be without the services of D-man Chay Genoway, and possibly without forward Brett Hextall (lower body injury). The Mavericks are 4-5-1 on the road and the Sioux are 5-2-3 at The Ralph this season. Since Coach Hakstol has had the reigns he has gotten the Sioux going after Christmas break, so why change now? SIOUX SWEEP.

Michigan Tech at #15 St. Cloud State
Holiday break, MTU was swept at the Great Lakes Invitational they got hammered by Michigan St. (10-1) and lost to Michigan (5-3). SCSU hosted Brown and swept them last weekend (5-1, 5-3).

To say that MTU has struggled this season is a nice way to put it. They have given up 8 or more goals in 4 games this season already. They have been outscored 85-38 on the season in 19 total games, that’s 2 goals for a game and 4.5 goals against per game. The other Huskies from SCSU have quietly put together a good record in and out of the league, having a 10-7-3 overall record and are 5-2-3 at the National Hockey Center. This should be all Huskies (SCSU that is) in this series, SCSU SWEEP.

Non-Conference

Harvard at Minnesota
Holiday Break, the Gophers hosted the Dodge Holiday Classic (here is my cheap shot to start 2010 – maybe it is sponsored by Dodge because that is what you should do with this tournament, dodge it!) where they beat Bowling Green(3-1) and lost to Northern Michigan (4-2) in the title game.

Harvard are the owners of a 2-8-2 overall record and currently sit in 10th place in the ECAC. The Gopher own a 9-10-1 overall record this year and are looking to improve on that. The Gophers will need to get a pair of wins this weekend if they hope to make a run at the NCAA tournament in March. The rest of the WCHA needs UM to win these non-conference games to help everyone in the league with the PWR system. It kills me to say we need to cheer for the Gophers, but here it is, GOPHERS SWEEP.

Exhibition

US Under-18 Team at #4 Wisconsin (Saturday)
Holiday break, the Badgers hosted the Badger Showdown, where they proceeded to beat Merrimack (5-4) and tie Yale (2-2).

Since this is an exhibition game, it doesn't officially exist. But I have to go with our cheesy friends, BADGERS WIN.

Tuesday January 12th

Northern Michigan at Michigan Tech

The Huskies lost to the Wildcats 2-1 on Dec. 18th at Marquette. This time it is in Houghton, and the Huskies don't want to drop another to their Yopper competition. I will go with the Huskies to upset the Wildcats in this match up. HUSKIES WIN.

Clutterbuck and Scott talk smack with Phaneuf

This was too good not to share, I wish we could hear more of the back and forth that goes on between the players. I suppose a lot of it is unfit for public consumption.

On Phaneuf, recently snubbed from Team Canada, Clutterbuck said, "I asked him how his Olympic break was going to go. [Defenseman] Johnny Scott asked him first. It’s not my joke. It’s Jonny’s. I double-used it on him.”
[Russo's Rants]

Dallas gets sloppy seconds...

New York Super punk former Dallas Star Sean Avery had a career night against his former club having a career game and racking up four points (1g-3a-4pts)to help sink his former club 5-2. Check out these quotes, they are classic.

Avery said, “I was getting paid by two teams,” he deadpanned. It was the only joke he made as he talked afterward about his need to play well consistently.

“I would have loved to see that delinquent do that for us last year,” Dallas goalie Marty Turco said.
[NHL Round Up]

Empty seats in Saskatoon for WJC.

The WJC not selling out in Canada. This actually surprises me a bit because hockey is a religion in Canada. I think this is a legit question why was Winnipeg, Manitoba passed over?

SASKATOON -- It's been one of the most asked questions of the 2010 world junior championship: What's the deal with all the empty seats?

There have been thousands of them -- swaths in the upper deck for the preliminary round. And that's for games involving Team Canada, no less.

In fact, the only sold-out game to date at Credit Union Centre was for the much anticipated Canada-USA tilt on New Year's Eve. And tickets for that game were available practically until game time.

As of Monday morning, there were still tickets left for tonight's gold-medal final -- a Canada-USA rematch -- at least, for anyone willing to shell out $388 dollars for a pair.

So you can forgive a red-blooded Manitoba hockey fan for wondering why the Winnipeg-Brandon bid for the 2010 junior worlds was passed over in favour of our Saskatchewan neighbours. The Regina pool featured perennial junior powers such as Sweden, Russia, Finland and the Czech Republic, yet those matches didn't come close to selling out the 6,000-plus seats in Brandt Arena, either.