Former UMD Bulldog Mason Raymond scores hat-trick against the Flames...

Former UMD Bulldog Mason Raymond's scored a hat trick last night against the Calgary Flames. Raymond's hat tricked ended up being one of the stories on the internet last night that caused a big buzz. I think it would be safe to say that Mason Raymond has had a tough go of it lately until last night when he just about doubled his season goal total. Raymond had only scored one goal in his last thirteen games before getting three last night.

Weekend Match-Ups (by Sioux 7)

Thanksgiving has now come and gone and we are officially in holiday mode. There was only one WCHA series last weekend which featured UAA visiting CC. This weekend, for the first time this season, we have six league series. It’s about time we have a full six WCHA series, since we’re almost half-way through the season. With 12 teams now, this weekend with all WCHA series might be a rare event, that we don’t see that often. Of course, in a year or so the league might be back down to 10 teams.


WCHA standings

TEAM……………...W-L-T...Pts
1. Minnesota-Duluth....8-1-1…17
2. Denver……………...7-2-1…15
3. North Dakota………7-3-0…14
4. Nebraska-Omaha…6-1-1…13
5. Minnesota…………..5-4-1…11
6. Wisconsin…………..3-5-2…8
7. St. Cloud State….....3-4-1…7
7. Alaska-Anchorage...3-6-1…7
9. Minnesota State…...2-6-2…6
9. Colorado College…..3-5-0…6
11. Bemidji State……….2-7-1…5
12. Michigan Tech……..1-6-1…3


WCHA

#15 Wisconsin @ Alaska Anchorage
Last weekend the Seawolves split with Colorado College in Colorado Springs and the Badgers beat Michigan State and tied Michigan [Edit by Goon]


It’s hard to believe that in the first week of December the Badgers are only one point ahead of the Seawolves in the standings. And that one point separates the top half of the league from the bottom half. UAA has split their last three WCHA series, of course they have all been against other teams in the bottom of the standings. But then again the Badgers are just barely a top half team. This weekend is the start of a six game home stand for the Seawolves (after UW they host DU and CC). Like all teams in the middle of the pack the points are very precious, especially closing in on Christmas break. I like what the Badgers did last weekend against the CCHA teams, but UAA is always tough at home, plus it’s a long road trip for visitors. SPLIT


Colorado College @ Michigan Tech
Last weekend the Tigers split with the Seawolves in Colorado Springs and the MTU Huskies enjoyed having the Thanksgiving weekend off.

Both teams are scoring about 3goals/game in league play, up to this point. The Tigers have already beaten the Seawolves once, 4-3, back in October at the Alaska Gold Rush Tournament. A sweep for either team would go a long way in the standings, CC could even its league record and MTU would most likely move out of the basement. I’m going to take the easy way out in this prediction. SPLIT


St. Cloud State @ #7 North Dakota
Last weekend the Sioux beat and tied Notre Dame and the Huskies enjoyed a long holiday weekend rest.

Will this be the weekend the Sioux get their revenge on SCSU for the Genoway incident last year? I was at last year’s game in St. Cloud when Lamoureux was going to fight with Marvin, but the refs jumped in and stopped it before it started. (The Sioux won that game, putting up a snowman, 8-goals). I’m guessing the Sioux will say they just want to win this weekend and get all four points to solidify their spot in the standings. The Huskies have been, well, up and down, to say the least. Since they were picked to finish in the top three in the preseason, it has been no doubt a little disappointing for them so far. UND has been playing consistently well the last month and show no signs of letting up. SIOUX Sweep


#4 Nebraska-Omaha @ Bemidji State
Last weekend the Beavers split with the Northern Michigan Wildcats in Bemidji and the UNO Mavericks enjoyed the weekend off by eating some turkey.

Here we have the two new WCHA members playing each other for the first time. These teams are off to vastly different starts in the league. UNO one of the best records in the league and the Beavers are two points out of the basement. A win by the Beavers would help them not only with points, but show their new counterpart (and the rest of the league), they aren’t going to roll over and play dead. UNO 3-points


#17 Minnesota @ Minnesota State
Last weekend the Mavericks swept Umass-Lowell in Lowell and the Gophers lost to Michigan State and beat Michigan in Minneapolis.

This series has turned into a good rivalry the past few years, especially after their playoff match up back in 2008. The Mavericks need to get some more points before Christmas break if they want to stay in the hunt for a top half finish. The Gophers also need to get some wins before semester break to keep them planted in the top half of the league. The Gophers have been far better on the road than at home, to this point in the season, and the Maroon & Gold faithful are hoping that trend holds up this weekend in Mankato. The Mavericks will look to build on last weekend’s success in Massachusetts and carry that moment into this weekend’s tilts with the Gophers. SPLIT


#10 Denver @ #1 Minnesota-Duluth
Last weekend the Pioneers beat the Lake Superior Lakers and the Air Force Falcons in Denver and the Bulldogs enjoyed a free Thanksgiving weekend.

This is the big series of the weekend, the top two teams in the league going at it in the last series to be played at the DECC. I’m sure the Bulldogs want to send their old building out in style, but the Pioneers have other plans, they want to walk out of Duluth leading the WCHA standings. The Bulldogs really like to play hockey, that’s why they have played OT in six league games this season. The Bulldogs have had an easy schedule this season, and they have a favorable schedule after Christmas too. Also the Bulldogs have only beaten BSU and UAA in WCHA regulation time, all the other league wins were in overtime. The Pioneers are currently riding a six game winning streak, all of which were home games. I got a feeling the Bulldogs luck might be on thin ice this weekend. Pioneers 3-points

A little historical review of the UND and SCSU hockey series...

This weekend is a rivalry game between two teams that don’t like each other, I think it might be safe to say that both teams hate each other, a lot. The elephant in the room that no one has mentioned very much or at all this week; will there be a repeat of the series that took place last February between the Sioux and the Huskies. This is also the first game that Chay Genoway will be on the same sheet of ice as Aaron Marvin the player that took him out with an illegal and dirty hit.

I don’t think UND is going to try and seek revenge, unless someone from the SCSU hockey team takes a run at one of UND’s players, or if the game gets out of hand either way, then the players on the ice start looking for a pound of flesh. All I can say is set your DVR, just in case… I also wonder if SCSU hockey coach Moztko will keep Marvin on the SCSU players bench if things get rough.

In case you forgot...

Ben Blood hits Aaron Marvin. [Click to view video]

This video proves that you can get a suspension for thinking about a fight. [click to view video]

Why not have a western college hockey super conference?

Brad Schlossman has an intriguing article about a conversation that took place during the Sioux Boosters luncheon last Friday, during the Notre Dame and UND hockey series. When asked about the impending Big Ten Hockey Conference farce, one of the suggestions offered by Notre Dame head hockey coach Jeff Jackson was the prospects of having a western college hockey super conference with the Big Ten Schools making up one of the divisions.

University of North Dakota Hockey ---- On Friday afternoon, Notre Dame coach Jeff Jackson spoke at a booster luncheon in Grand Forks. One fan in attendance asked Jackson for his thoughts on the looming Big Ten Hockey Conference and Jackson talked at length on the subject.

His first comment was that everybody needs to slow down. This is still three or four years away from happening.

His second comment was that he thinks college hockey’s power brokers need to sit down and talk this over and figure out what’s best for the sport. He said the Big Ten absolutely has the right to form the league, but it might not be in the sport’s best interest — or even in the best interest of the Big Ten schools. Is a six-team league any good?

The most interesting idea he mentioned — one that I hadn’t heard before — is that the WCHA and CCHA could join forces, more-or-less combine the leagues, and run like the NHL does with divisions.

Jackson said that you could have a Big Ten Division, which would still allow those schools to get their wish of playing each other twice a season. It also would give them extra conference games, which would make their non-conference scheduling easier.

I also came up with my own suggestion for division alignment. Personally, I would keep Colorado College, Denver and UND in the same division.
North Division
Mankato
Duluth
Bemidji State
St. Cloud State
Northern Michigan
Michigan Tech

Western Division
Fairbanks
Anchorage
Colorado College
Denver
Omaha
North Dakota

Big Ten Division
Minnesota
Wisconsin
Ohio State
Michigan
Michigan State
Penn State

Great Lakes Division
Notre Dame
Miami
Lake Superior
Bowling Green
Western Michigan
Ferris State

Also listen to the Paul Kelly and Tim Hennesy discussion that took place during the ND and UND hockey game last Friday night. [click to listen to the interview]

Bruins trade a Wolverine for a Terrier.

I was a little surprised by this move today, but not totally shocked. The Boston Bruins trade a puck moving defenseman for a defensive prospect that really hasn't played much in the NHL. My first guess is; there will be a few more trades to make room for Marc Savard's return to the Bruins line up. I wonder if Blake Wheeler is next?

BOSTON, MA – Bruins General Manager Peter Chiarelli announced today that Boston has acquired defenseman Colby Cohen from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for defenseman Matt Hunwick. Cohen will report to Boston’s minor league affiliate in Providence (American Hockey League).

The 21-year-old Cohen made his NHL debut earlier this season for the Avalanche on November 6 and has skated in three games for the Avs this year. He also registered one goal and 12 penalty minutes in 14 games for Colorado’s minor league affiliate in Lake Erie this season. 2010-11 marks Cohen’s first full professional season after playing three games for Lake Erie at the end of last year.

Cohen skated at Boston University for three seasons from 2007-10 and helped lead the Terriers to the NCAA National Championship in 2009. For his career at BU, the 6’2’’, 200-pound blueliner recorded 25-53=78 totals in 118 Games

John Scott vs Kevin Westgarth

s/t to the Hockey Wilderness I was over on the Hockey Wilderness checking out the score of the Wild game when I saw this hockey fight. Holy Cow! Talk about a beat down... I don't know why anyone would subject themselves to that type of a beating? The former Michigan Tech bad boy John Scott has found himself a niche in the NHL and he worked Westgarth like a clown.

Poll Time

USCHO.com Division I Men's Poll
[November 29, 2010]

1 Minnesota-Duluth 11-1-2
2 Boston University 7-1-5
2 Yale 8-1-0
4 Nebraska-Omaha 9-2-1
5 New Hampshire 7-2-4
6 Miami 9-4-3
7 North Dakota 9-5-2
8 Boston College 9-5-0
9 Maine 6-3-3
10 Denver 10-4-2
11 Michigan 8-4-4
12 Notre Dame 9-4-2
13 Union 7-2-3
14 Alaska 8-5-3
15 Wisconsin 7-6-3
16 Rensselaer 7-3-3
17 Minnesota 8-5-1
18 Merrimack 5-3-4 178 18
19 Western Michigan 7-4-3
20 Ferris State 7-5-3
Others Receiving Votes: Dartmouth 21, Brown 15, Robert Morris 8, Clarkson 2, Niagara 2, Colorado College 1, Michigan State 1
------------------

USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine Men's College Hockey Poll
[November 29, 2010]
1 University of Minnesota Duluth 11-1-2
2 Yale University 8-1-0
3 Boston University 7-1-5
4 University of Nebraska Omaha 9-2-1
5 University of New Hampshire 7-2-4
6 Miami University 9-4-3
7 University of North Dakota 9-5-2
8 Boston College 9-5-0
9 University of Maine 6-3-3
10 University of Denver 10-4-2
11 University of Michigan 8-4-4
12 University of Notre Dame 9-4-2
13 Union College 7-2-3
14 University of Alaska 8-5-3
15 Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 7-3-3
Others receiving votes: University of Wisconsin 17, Merrimack College 13, University of Minnesota 13, Dartmouth College 1, Robert Morris University 1.

INCH Power Rankings

As always I include the INCH Power Ranking for a good laugh.

1. Minnesota Duluth
2. Yale
3. Nebraska-Omaha
4. Boston University
5. Maine
6. North Dakota - After a win and tie against Notre Dame at Engelstad Arena, the Sioux are still looking for their first home sweep of the season. With 10 of their next 15 at home, they’ll have plenty of opportunities. 9-5-2 (7-3-0 WCHA) LAST WEEK: W vs. Notre Dame, 6-3; T vs. Notre Dame, 2-2 ot. THIS WEEK: vs. St. Cloud State, vs. St. Cloud State
7. New Hampshire
8. Union
9. Miami
10. Michigan
11. Denver
12. Notre Dame
13. Boston College
14. Alaska
15. Wisconsin
16. Rensselaer
17. Merrimack
18. Ferris State
19. Minnesota
20. Western Michigan

Dropped out: None
Bubble-licious: Brown, Dartmouth, Robert Morris

Game tying goal by Notre Dame

Here is example number two of buffoonery in motion, “a gong show in stripes.” Now you know why the fans in the WCHA are upset with the quality of the officials in the WCHA. The only constant is that officials are bad on a consistent level. Most of these clowns aren't fit to ref an old timers league.

A few weeks back the Fighting Sioux had a goal disallowed because a Sioux player’s skate was in the crease. In this instance, the whole Notre Dame player is in the crease and interfering with the goaltender, yet this goal is allowed to stand. This latest gaffe by Todd Anderson and Tom Sterns was costly to the Sioux because it cost the Sioux a sweep this weekend. It is my opinion that Todd Anderson is not fit to ref in the WCHA and he needs to be fired.

This last video you see the call on Malone which was weak, whatever, I really don’t have a problem with that call... Like I said the refs were bad in all three zones of the ice all weekend long, so at least they are consistently bad... However, the thing that I think is unprofessional is that while the captain Chay Genoway is getting the explanation from Todd Anderson, you can see Anderson dropping f’ bombs left and right… You can tell that Anderson is upset, then Anderson grabs at Genoway while he is ready to head back to the players bench to relay the message, you can tell by his expression that he he has smelled enough bravo sierra.

The Frattin goal that wasn't

In my opinion that was a good legit goal and should have counted on the score board, again a WCHA official makes another bad call. Even if the puck had hit Frattin’s foot like they claimed it should have counted because there was not a distinct kicking motion. If you watch the video you will see that puck went off of the Notre Dame Player’s skate.

College Hockey scores from 11/27/2010

Saturday, November 27

Alab-Huntsville 6 vs Connecticut 2
Minnesota State 3 at UMass Lowell 2
Clarkson 2 vs Lake Superior 1
Brown 4 at Boston University 4 OT
Bowling Green 2 at Rensselaer 3 OT
Harvard 2 at Dartmouth 5
Merrimack 1 at New Hampshire 2
Quinnipiac 2 at Massachusetts 5
American Int'l 3 at Mercyhurst 0
Canisius 2 at Bentley 3
Niagara 1 at Army 4
Sacred Heart 3 at RIT 3 OT
Alaska Anchorage 0 at Colorado College 2
Air Force 1 at Denver 3
Notre Dame 2 at North Dakota 2 OT
Northern Michigan 0 at Bemidji State 3
Cornell 4 vs Colgate 3
Miami 5 at Western Michigan 1
Alaska 5 at Ohio State 2
Michigan State 1 at Wisconsin 4

Sioux 2 - Irish 2

Hockey is a game of inches and it’s about cashing in on your opportunities at the right time. In the closing seconds of the overtime period Matt Frattin just missed ending the game when he clanged a shot off of the crossbar. I also thought the game tying goal should have been disallowed because it appeared that the Dell was interfered with on the scramble in front of the net.

After watching a game full of high light goals on Friday night, last night’s game proved to be more of a tight checking game. The Sioux for the most part controlled the play but the Fighting Irish were better after taken to the wood shed the night before.

In only the third series of the season at the Ralph Engelstad Arena the Sioux miss getting another sweep and end up with a tie giving the Sioux a 3-2-1 at home after six games, that record isn’t going to win any championships. Honestly I will take 9-5-2 record before December. The Fighting Sioux ended the month of November with a 5-2-1 record, not too shabby considering who they played.

The Fighting Sioux seem to have trouble closing out opponents coming off a 6-3 win against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on Friday night, the Sioux played in a much closer, tight checking game on Saturday night. I wonder sometimes if UND wins with ease one night comes out the next night and isn’t prepared for a team that has obviously made adjustments defensively?

Turnovers prove costly

The Sioux continue to be plagued by untimely turnovers in all three zones of the ice. The Sioux are an aggressive team with the puck. The Fighting Sioux cycle the puck well and move it effectively through all three zones of the ice. The Sioux also are very good at activating the defense and jumping up in the rush when the opportunity allows it. That being said, the Sioux forwards and defense are also very sloppy at times with the puck and when the fail to get pucks deep this leads to a lot of odd man rushes and turnovers going to the other way.

I told a friend of mine last night that some of the reasons the goalies stats this season aren’t as good as they could be is because of bad turnovers that have proven to be costly. You can’t keep turning the game over and leaving the goalie exposed at key times in games.

I can think of a few of these bad turnovers that led to offensive opportunities right now off of the top of my head; the UMD game in overtime that led to a game winning goal on a break away, the DU game where Denver’s all WCHA defenseman Matt Donovan took a loose puck and skated past the entire UND team and scored without even being challenged and even the breakaway on Dell Friday night that fortunately ended with a awesome save. Last night, UND is attacking in the final seconds of the game and the puck get transitioned back up ice and the Fighting Sioux goalie Aaron Dell had to make a game saving save just to preserve the tie. You’re not going to win a national title if you can’t fix this problem.

If you play ranked teams on a weekly basis and you turn the puck over repeatedly the puck is going to get buried in the twine. Think about this, the Sioux have played sixteen games and thirteen of these games have been against teams ranked in the top twenty. They haven’t played the weak sisters of the poor. That is like playing in the NCAA tourney on a weekly basis, getting the nations best players nightly.

Links to the game

PCM - USCHO

South Bend Tribune

Grand Forks Herald

Sioux Beat Writer blog

Goon’s Three Stars of the Game

1.) Aaron Dell UND
2.) Matt Frattin UND
3.) Mike Johnson ND

[Official Box Score]
---------------
1st Period (20:00)
---------------
NDK-1 Brad Malone (2-Elbowing) NDM 0x1 1:32
NDM-1 Stephen Johns (2-Tripping) NDK 0x1 10:59
---------------
2nd Period (20:00)
---------------
NDM-2 Ben Ryan (2-Boarding) NDK 0x2 7:31
NDK 1 - 0 6x6 Derek Rodwell (4) (Derek Forbort, Mario Lamoureux) 10:42
NDK (+): 11,4,9,27,3,G32 NDM (-): 11,29,33,18,21,G32
NDM-3 Jeff Costello (2-Roughing) NDK 0x3 13:21
NDM 1 - 1 5x6 SH T. J. Tynan (8) (Riley Sheahan) 14:57
NDM (+): 18,4,24,29,G32 NDK (-): 10,8,17,5,25,G32
NDM-4 Anders Lee (2-Hooking) NDK 0x4 16:03
NDM-5 Stephen Johns (2-Roughing) NDK 1x5 20:00
---------------
3rd Period (20:00)
---------------
NDK 2 - 1 6x5 PP Matt Frattin (13) (Chay Genoway) 1:31
NDK: 21,5,22,7,19,G32 NDM: 29,33,18,4,G32
NDK-2 Chay Genoway (2-Interference) NDM 0x2 5:26
NDK-3 Brad Malone (2-High-Sticking) NDM 0x3 13:06
NDM 2 - 2 6x6 GT Sam Calabrese (1) (T. J. Tynan, Jeff Costello) 16:57
NDM (+): 8,18,11,21,24,G32 NDK (-): 5,2,21,22,19,G32
NDM-6 Joe Lavin (2-Holding) NDK 1x6 19:57
---------------
Overtime (5:00)
---------------
NDM-7 Sam Calabrese (2-Tripping) NDK 1x7 4:23
Timeout - North Dakota 4:23
---------------
End of Game

A few things

Here is the updated Strength of Schedule. The WCHA is definitely the conference that has played the toughest schedule.

1. UND - 57.8947
2. Michigan - 43.5655
3. Wisconsin - 41.0998
4. Notre Dame - 39.9010
5. UNO - 39.3268
6. Bemidji State - 37.3694
7. Boston College - 35.4437
8. Lake State - 35.2524
9. Michigan Tech - 33.4595
10. New Hampshire - 32.9689
11. Alaska - 32.8043
12. Boston U ¬- 32.2427
13. Miami - 30.2733
14. Brown - 29.5985
15. Maine - 29.4034
16. Merrimack - 28.7858
17. Dartmouth - 28.6901
18. Duluth - 28.6304
19. Michigan State - 28.6265
20. Colorado College - 28.3283

2010-2011 Inter-Conference Records

AHA 10-25-7 (.321)
CCHA 23-12-8 (.628)
ECAC 6-12-6 (.375)
HEA 10-9-5 (.521)
WCHA 18-14-8 (.550)


UND Fighting Sioux goalie Aaron Dell is getting notice nationally for his play as he is ranked 20th over all in goals against average.
20. Aaron Dell North Dakota, SO 669:38 26 2.33

College Hockey scores from 11/26/2010

Friday, November 26

Alaska 3 at Ohio State 3 OT
Boston College 3 at Merrimack 5
Alab-Huntsville 1 vs Bowling Green 5
Clarkson 1 vs Air Force 2
Connecticut 5 at Rensselaer 6
Dartmouth 8 at Harvard 2
Minnesota State 8 at UMass Lowell 3
American Int'l 5 at Mercyhurst 2
Niagara 4 at Army 1
Northeastern 2 at Vermont 2 OT
Sacred Heart 1 at RIT 6
Michigan 4 at Wisconsin 4 OT
Michigan State 5 at Minnesota 2
Miami 2 at Western Michigan 5
Lake Superior 3 at Denver 6
Alaska Anchorage 4 at Colorado College 3 OT
Notre Dame 3 at North Dakota 6
Northern Michigan 4 at Bemidji State 0

Analysis – The WCHA went 2-2-1 in non conference play against the CCHA last night.

Northern Michigan University 4 Bemidji State University 0 – NMU goalie Reid Ellingson stopped 37 shots in a shutout win against the home standing BSU Beavers. It was the first shutout of the season for the junior goalie. [BSU Beat Writer Blog]

North Dakota 6 Notre Dame 3 – Junior forward Jason Gregoire had two goals and an assist, to pace the Sioux to an impressive 6-3 non conference win. Also noteworthy; sophomore forward Corbin Knight had a strong night chipping in a goal and an assist. Fighting Sioux goalie Aaron Dell probably solidified his grasp on the starting position as he continued his solid play between the pipes. The sophomore goalie stopped 24 of 27 shots and also stoned Notre Dame forward Ben Ryan on a breakaway in the second period. With the win Aaron Dell improved his record to 8-4-0 on the season. [UND beat writer blog]- [South Bend Tribune]

Alaska Anchorage 4 Colorado College 3 OT – Alaska Anchorage forward Tommy Grant scored his fourth goal of the season at the 3:50 mark of overtime to pace the Seawolves to a conference win against the Colorado College Tigers in the Colorado Springs. With the win the Seawolves vaulted into a tie with the SCSU Tigers for 7th place in the WCHA.

Denver University 6 Lake Superior State University 3 – The Denver Pioneers won their 5th game in a row in front of a half empty building as the Denver University students are out on Christmas break until after the first of the year. Sophomore center Drew Shore had three goals and an assist to pace the Pioneers to the win against the CCHA foe. Check out this work from the Denver Post. If I was the coach of the Denver Pioneers I would call the Denver Post and ask that Terry Frei not cover the Pioneers again. Check it out.

With the University of Denver students out of school until after the New Year, Magness Arena on Friday was perhaps half-filled for the first night of the Denver Cup Classic and much more subdued than usual for Pioneer hockey.

Amid the relatively quiet atmosphere, center Drew Shore had three goals and an assist and much-touted freshman winger Beau Bennett had a goal and an assist as the Pioneers stretched their winning streak to five games with a lackluster 6-3 victory over Lake Superior State of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association. [read the whole article here]

Michigan State 5 Minnesota 2 – The Minnesota not so Golden Gophers were unimpressive in their final College Hockey Show Case game against Michigan State University. With the win the Michigan State University Spartans broke an unimpressive 0-4-5 skid against the Gophers in the College Hockey Show Case. Kent Patterson started in net for the Gophers gave up three goals and then he was replaced by senior goalie Alex Kangas. The Gophers play the Michigan Wolverines on Sunday night. The game will be on BTN. [Goal Gophers] - [Gopher Puck Live]

Michigan 4 Wisconsin 4 OT – The Wisconsin Badgers come from behind to tie the Michigan Wolverines 4-4 in the Kohl Center. With the Tie the Badgers stop a 0-4-0 streak. With the tie last night the Wisconsin Badgers have not won a game in overtime since 2007, breaking it down further that means that the Wisconsin Badgers are now 0-8-18 in extra hockey since 2007. Sixty Minutes, No Alibis, No Regrets has covered this subject extensively. Badgers goalie Brett Bennett stopped 28 shots in net securing the tie for the Badgers. The Wisconsin Badgers have been 9-6-1 in the college hockey show case under Mike Eaves. The Badgers opted out of the college hockey show case to play more non conference games against Michigan, Michigan State and Ohio State. [Wisconsin beat writer] - [Game Story]

Fighting Irish 3, Fighting Sioux 6

Wow. We put a shelacking on the Fighting Irish tonight. For a minute there, I thought I was watching Notre Dame playing Auburn or Oregon in football.... Ok, so it wasn't THAT much of a blowout. I also don't think Notre Dame was that embarrassing on the ice tonight.

The Key

The key to tonight's win wasn't what UND Color Analyst Jim Scanlon said. Yes, it was nice that UND got to the rebounds on those 2nd and 3rd chances on goal, but it wasn't the reason why we won. We won because our defense was just overwhelming for most of the game. True, it wasn't the type of dominance that UND fans saw vs. UW, but it was still stifling at times... especially in the first period. The key was we were always in the passing lane. I hate to say this but: We beat Notre Dame the same way that so many of our opponents had beaten us. We got in the passing lanes, we controlled the puck in the neutral zone, we didn't commit too many bad turnovers (just 1 or 2 that resulted in goals... Guentzel's goal being the most egregious), and we were pretty well disciplined. Dell had a decent night as well.

The Offense

Sometimes the best offense is a good defense. But for Cichy, Gregoire, Frattin, Knight, Genoway, and even Kristo, it was pretty good. Kristo was once again denied an entry on the goal scoresheet but he did garner points. Anyone else think that it is amusing to see Sioux fans complain about Kristo's selfishness with the puck yet Kristo only has 1 goal and what... 4 assists? Then again, I'm not all that concerned about his selfishness. I just wish he'd bury the puck more.

Anyways, Gregoire was amazing. Frattin scored a goal tonight... yeah it was waved off as a nod of the head to Jackson. Look folks, there was no direct kicking action. But hey, the rules have changed since former Gopher (turned NHL bust) Kris Chucko made a living kicking in pucks. So, whatever.

Speaking of turnovers, I was confused on the Guentzel goal. Guentzel intercepts a pass from a Sioux player coming off the boards, or so it appears. The pass is credited to LaPoint but LaPoint isn't the player on the boards. Did LaPoint pass the puck to this Sioux player (I assume it was either his defensive partner or the left wing at the time), the puck hit off of the Sioux player's skate or stick and bounce right to Guentzel or what?

I might've not been able to track the puck very well (webcast was blurry on my computer), but I don't think LaPoint's pass went right to Guentzel. Oh well. Hopefully I can find a replay somewhere. And, for the record, I don't like the delayed penalty goal and subsequent powerplay rule. I think it's dumb.

The Defense

LaPoint had an up and down game but otherwise, I think the D did well. Forbort's illness is frustrating but Simpson's not exactly giving anyone cause to be too concerned about it. I guess, I wonder why Bruneteau isn't playing so well in practice such that Gleason is beating him out for the slot. I guess it doesn't matter. Gleason played well tonight too.

ANYWAYS, Marto showed his worth today. He was great with the puck. Genoway was Kristo-esque (to give credence to the Kristo detractors) for half of the game. He got lucky with one shot but man... it seemed like he didn't care to pass the puck for most of the night... WAIT! I don't care. He saw a shooting lane and he took it. There's never anything wrong with that. And besides, if I criticize Genoway too much I might get a nasty comment how I should spend more time throwing LaPoint under the bus and less time trying to torpedo a great, superhuman, all around great guy like Genoway.

Concerns:

Well, if we play tomorrow like we did tonight, we should be OK. However, we've not exactly torn it up recently on Saturdays following Friday games where we've scored 5+ goals. This goes double for those instances where it happens against decent or good teams. Notre Dame seemed to be overwhelmed in the first period and then started to come back with a vengeance in the 2nd. Jeff Jackson is too good for his team to come out on Saturday looking similar.

Here are the givens for tomorrow's game:

1. UND will not win by 3 goals
2. Neither team will score more than 4 goals
3. It will be a much tighter game

Overall, I think the officials did alright. And the ARs knew how to call offsides. That's a step up from Omaha.

And whoever it was, a Sioux player (TH thought it was Blood) who told Notre Dame "You are only allowed 5" when Notre Dame got called for Too Many Men earned a gold star.

Redwing77's 3 stars:
First Star: Jason Gregoire
Second Star: Mike Cichy
Third Star: Chay Genoway

I should say that Ben Blood gets an honorable mention because he played great.

Will the CCHA be affected by the BTHC?

With this being the last College Hockey Show Case Andy Baggot has another article about the impending Big Ten Hockey Conference. I am really getting the feeling that no one is really looking at what this new league could do to college hockey.

Will the Western Collegiate Hockey Association hold up without Minnesota and UW?

Will the Central Collegiate Hockey Association endure without Michigan, Michigan State and Ohio State?

"That's the question everyone's asking," Michigan coach Red Berenson said this week before leaving to face UW tonight and Minnesota Saturday night in the final College Hockey Showcase. "Is this good for college hockey?

"If it is, it's a no-brainer. If it's not, if it's going to hurt other programs, then we have to consider that."

UW coach Mike Eaves acknowledged both sides of the coin, but tends to believe an organized Big Ten presence will be a "good projector of college hockey."

The sport has survived a multitude of landscape changes — the advent of Hockey East and the exchange of programs between the WCHA and CCHA to name two — and will do so again.

Heck, if the WCHA can continue to prosper with its backwoods approach to management, it can seemingly withstand anything.

Besides, in terms of priorities, college hockey has a much bigger problem with personnel — only 18 scholarships, recruiting inequities in Canada and the unregulated exodus of underclassmen to the pros — than future realignment.

"Give us coaches a chance," said Michigan State coach Rick Comley, whose two-senior roster is one of those raided annually by NHL teams.

During a recent appearance in Madison, Delany was asked about the advent of Big Ten men's hockey. He implied a league was in the offing, but raised eyebrows by saying it's possible the six schools could maintain residence in the CCHA and WCHA while having their head-to-head series count toward a Big Ten champion.

"Quite frankly, if you're going to get your bang for your buck, make the conference, put it on TV and let's showcase it," Eaves said.

He's right. Bring the Big Ten schools together, let them play their 20-game schedule, let them incorporate their current rivalries into the non-conference mix.

Comley, whose club comes to the Kohl Center on Saturday night, has seen a lot in 38 seasons and 772 wins as a college coach. He has some reassuring words.

"Regardless of what happens," he said, "college hockey is going to be fine." [Read the rest of the story]

I don’t think the right people are taking a very thorough look before jumping head long into the Big Ten Hockey Conference Farce. I am being serious. I think it takes a lot more than fancy platitudes like the one by Rick Comley; “college hockey is going to be fine." How does he know? Has anyone looked at the attendance numbers of the CCHA lately? Their attendance numbers are pathetic. Most of their schools aren’t in the top 20 for attendance except Michigan 8th and Michigan State 12th. Can you imagine a league minus OSU, MSU, and UM?

Many of the schools in the CCHA are located in Michigan which is experiencing harsh economic conditions; the State of Michigan is broke. So if the CCHA takes the marquee schools like Michigan and Michigan State out of the CCHA, what’s the draw for NMU, LSSU, WMU, FSU? There aren’t a lot of fans watching their college hockey games now. Add the other programs of Miami, Alaska, Notre Dame they are barely averaging in the 3000’s.

Here are the average attendance numbers minus the Big Ten schools.

Alaska – 3,192
Miami – 3088
Northern Michigan – 3048
Notre Dame – 2742
Western Michigan – 2742
Lake State – 2245
Bowling Green – 2239
Ferris State – 1586

Friday Morning pontifications....

#11 Notre Dame
(9-3-1, 7-2-1 ccha) SOS - 47.4478

Versus

#9 North Dakota
(8-5-1, 7-3-0 wcha) SOS - 64.7059

Historical perspective of the Subway Classic

The UND Fighting Sioux have compiled a 10-5-1 record in the Subway Holiday Classic since it started during the 2002-2003 season. Last season their were four teams in the Subway Holiday Classic and the Fighting Sioux beat tOSU 4-1 on Friday night and then tied Miami University 5-5 on Saturday night in a thriller.

During the 2008-2009 season the Fighting Sioux split with Cornell they won 7-3 on Friday night and then lost 2-1 on Saturday night.

During the 2007-2008 season UND split a pair of game with the University of No Hardware University of New Hampshire, the Sioux won on Friday night 3-1 before losing on Saturday night 7-4.

Prediction: I think UND is bound to break out at home and I am going to go out on a limb and agree with Sioux7 and say that the Sioux sweep this weekend.

Here is what the Pundits had to say about this weekend series between the Fighting Sioux and the Fighting Irish.

USCHO said this:

No. 11 Notre Dame at No. 9 North Dakota (8–5–1, 7–3–0 WCHA)
Theresa: This could easily be a split since both teams are about even when you look at the big picture (rankings, record-wise, etc.). However, I’m going to go with the league here and say a Sioux sweep.

Tyler: The Fighting Sioux are playing good hockey right now after they won three out of their last four games, all on the road, and nearly escaped Omaha without a loss. The Fighting Irish have three scorers to keep an eye on. Ryan Guentzel, Ben Ryan and T.J. Tynan all have 16 points, but with UND back at home, I’m going to say Sioux sweep.

Notre Dame at North Dakota

Roman: Sixth weekend in row No. 9 Sioux have played ranked opponent. Irish are No. 11 and are visiting Ralph for first time since 1998-99 when they played in old Ralph. Matt Frattin of Sioux is tied for national lead in goals with 12. NoDak split at Nebraska Omaha last weekend. ... NoDak sweeps.

Austin: On paper, about as evenly matched as a series could be and NoDak has a habit of splitting its annual Subway Holiday Claissic. ... Split
[Goal Gophers]

Happy Thanksgiving!!! - Linkorama

Goon's World would like to wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving... Personally, I have many gifts to be thankful for…



Our loveable buffoon from the ECAC has a new poll up – [ECAC blog]

The College Hockey Blog has his Weekly Rankings up - [College Hockey blog]

Delusions of Grandeur talks about the Travis Novak incident and apparently the video of the Saturday game is missing… 

Gopher Puck Live previews what might be the last college hockey Show Case.  [Gopher Puck Live]

Jesse Martin’s father Terry suffers heart attack... [Denver Post] Our thoughts and prayers go out to Terry Martin.

Two Mercyhurst hockey players charged with sexual assault... [Merciad]

The Code: Hockey's unwritten rules revealed [Down goes Brown]

The Coyotes saga continues; Phoenix Coyotes potential buyer hopes for Dec. deal [The Arizona Republic]

So will Notre Dame blink this time?

According to the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette the Big Ten has extended Notre Dame an invitation to join the league, it will be interesting to see if Notre Dame says yes this time. Notre Dame has refused the Big Ten on numerous occasions. If Notre Dame left the CCHA it could have devastating effect on the CCHA because it would leave the CCHA with one attractive draw, Miami.

FortWayne.com ---- Paul Kelly, president of College Hockey Inc., said Tuesday the Big Ten Conference has asked Notre Dame if it's interested in joining a new hockey conference.

"The invitation has been extended," said Kelly, whose year-old company is working with the NCAA to increase the profile of college hockey.

"But as I understand it," he added, "the Big Ten's rule is that if you come in for one sport, you come in for all of them, and NotreDame is interested in keeping its independence in football."

That seems to indicate the Big Ten is not interested in adding satellite members to a new hockey conference.

The last major independent in college football, NotreDame is a member of the Big East for most of its other sports, though the hockey team is a member of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association.

Kelly also said Tuesday other Big Ten schools are interested in adding Division I college hockey, though it's an expensive proposition. Penn State recently announced its intention to add Division I men's and women's hockey, a move made possible by a record-breaking $88 million donation from a wealthy alumnus.

Minnesota spends a little more than $1.4 million a year to maintain its men's program, and $655,000 on its women's program.

"Adding Division I hockey is a complex issue," Kelly said, "but there are some schools that would be interested in joining a league with the other Big Ten schools and a school like NotreDame."

Big Ten schools Michigan, Michigan State and Ohio State are CCHA members. Penn State athletics director Tim Curley said he would like his team to have a conference affiliation by the 2014-15 season. [another link to the story]

Thanksgiving Weekend Match-Ups (by Sioux 7)

Since it is Thanksgiving weekend I think we should all say what we are thankful for. I’ll start. I’m thankful for my family and friends, my job, my health, the Sioux hockey team, and my convertible Mustang (which I look forward driving in the summer). Your turn.

The Bulldogs are on top of this week’s league standings followed by DU, the Sioux, UNO. Last week 5pts separated 5th place from 12th, now 5pts separate 6th place from 12th place. It still looks to be four team UMD, UND, UNO, DU race for the McNaughton Cup, with the UM, UW and SCSU looking make up ground.

WCHA standings

TEAM……………...W-L-T...Pts
1. Minnesota-Duluth....8-1-1…17
2. Denver……………...7-2-1…15
3. North Dakota………7-3-0…14
4. Nebraska-Omaha…6-1-1…13
5. Minnesota…………..5-4-1…11
6. Wisconsin…………..3-5-2…8
7. St. Cloud State….....3-4-1…7
8. Minnesota State…...2-6-2…6
9. Alaska-Anchorage...2-5-1…5
9. Bemidji State……….2-7-1…5
11. Colorado College…..2-4-0…4
12. Michigan Tech……..1-6-1…3

WCHA (overall records)

Alaska Anchorage (2-7-1) @ Colorado College (5-6-1)
Last weekend the Seawolves split with the SCSU Huskies in Anchorage and the Tigers enjoyed the weekend off.

The Tigers can even their WCHA record and get back in the middle of the pack this weekend if they can sweep the Seawolves, if. I wonder if CC is asking the fans to be part of a black out on black Friday? The Seawolves need to a big helping of points this weekend, a pair of wins and they will be stuffed into the middle of the pack too. I think the Tigers will be gracious hosts this Thanksgiving weekend and share the points. SPLIT.

NON-CONFERENCE (overall records)

#11 Notre Dame (9-3-1) @ #9 North Dakota (8-5-1)
Last weekend the Sioux split with the UNO Mavericks in Omaha and the Fighting Irish swept the Michigan State Spartans in South Bend.

First off, why aren’t the Fighting Irish on the NCAAs hit list for nicknames? The Sioux face another ranked team this time around. UND has done well against ranked opponents this year, except for those Maine games. I think the Sioux will be glad to be back home, and will be poor hosts to the Irish Catholics this weekend. SIOUX SWEEP.

Northern Michigan (5-6-2) @ Bemidji State (2-7-1)
Last weekend the Beavers were swept by the Pioneers in Denver and the Northern Michigan Wildcats took 3points from Alaska in Fairbanks.

It’s a new WCHA member (BSU) versus and old WCHA member (UNM currently in CCHA) in these games. I don’t know much about the wildcats this year, or any year since they left the WCHA. But if they can take points on the road from a top 15 team, I’m guessing they’ll be able to steal some food off the Beavers plates this weekend. SPLIT.


Minnesota State (2-6-4) @ UMass-Lowell (2-8-2)
Last weekend the Mavericks were enjoying a bye week and the UMass-Lowell Riverhawks split with Merrimack.

I don’t know who to go with in this series. Both teams have already burned their turkeys this year. I think they will split the pie out east. SPLIT.


Lake Superior State (5-7-2) @ #12 Denver (8-4-2)
Air Force (4-6-1) @ Denver
Last weekend the Pioneers swept the BSU Beavers in Denver and the Lake Superior State Lakers were swept by Michigan in Ann Arbor and the Air Force Falcons tied Canisius and beat Niagara.

I have to go with the WCHA in these match-ups, but I wouldn’t be surprised if DU dropped a game this weekend.


Michigan St (4-5-3) @ #15 Minnesota (7-4-1) (Friday)
Michigan (8-3-3) @ Minnesota (Sunday)
Last weekend the Gophers swept the MTU Huskies in Houghton and the Spartans were swept by Notre Dame in South Bend and the Wolverines swept Lake Superior State in Ann Arbor.

This will be a good test for the Gophers, to see if they get the whole turkey or just the wishbone. Gophers win Friday and lose on Sunday.


Michigan (8-3-3) @ #16 Wisconsin (6-6-2) (Friday)
Michigan St (4-5-3) @ Wisconsin (Saturday)
Last weekend the Badgers were swept by the UMD Bulldogs in Madison and the Spartans were swept by Notre Dame in South Bend and the Wolverines swept Lake Superior State in Ann Arbor.

I don’t think the Badgers will drop another home game; UW beats UMich on Friday and beats MSU on Saturday.



BYE WEEK
#4 Nebraska-Omaha
#1 Minnesota-Duluth
St. Cloud State
Michigan Tech