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| Image courtesy of NESN |
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Thank You Kessel
Weekend Match-Ups (by Sioux 7)
Here we are mid-January, the dead of winter, but it’s the heart of college hockey season. Everyone has now played 14 league games that means we are half way done with this season. Well let’s get down to business.
WCHA standings
TEAM……………...W-L-T...Pts
1. North Dakota………11-3-0…22
2. Denver……………...9-3-2…20
2. Minnesota-Duluth....9-3-2…20
4. Nebraska-Omaha….9-4-1…19
5. Colorado College…..8-6-0…16
6. Minnesota…………..6-6-2…14
6. Wisconsin…………..6-6-2…14
8. St. Cloud State….....5-8-1…11
9. Alaska-Anchorage...4-8-2…10
9. Minnesota State…...4-8-2…10
11. Bemidji State……….4-9-1…9
12. Michigan Tech……..1-12-1…3
WCHA
#6 Denver @ Minnesota State
Last weekend the Mavericks swept American International in Mankato and the Pioneers enjoyed a free weekend.
This will be the first and only meeting between these two teams this year. The Pioneers are on a roll, they are 9-1-2 in their last 11 games, and the lone loss was to UMD. The Mavericks are heating up too, they are riding a 4 game winning streak, and are 8-2-0 in their last 10 games with both losses coming at the hands of UND. MSUM might have an advantage on Friday, being they played last weekend and DU did not. These teams have had some wild games in past seasons and I would like to see some more of them. This time of year points are becoming a valuable commodity, for DU they are in the title hunt and MSUM is in a race for home playoff ice. I’m going with the Mavericks on Friday night and the Pioneers on Saturday. SPLIT
Bemidji State @ #11 Nebraska-Omaha
Last weekend the Beavers split with Alabama-Huntsville and the UNO Mavericks enjoyed a weekend off.
Back in early December these teams played a series in Bemidji with the Beavers coming out on top with a sweep. I’m sure the Mavericks want to return the favor this week. BSU got off to a slow start this season, but have been picking up steam (6-3-0 in their last 9 games) as they have progressed through the WCHA season. UNO got off to a blistering start (8-1-1) to the season and has cooled down of late going 3-5-0 in their last 8 games. The Beavers in the midst of playing 10 out of 14 games on the road, ouch, maybe. BSU can start to be road-warriors with picking up some points this weekend. UNO needs points too, if they are to keep pace with the other top teams, considering they play at UND next week. The Mavericks will need to shake the rust off quickly to get some wins, but that is easier said than done. SPLIT.
Minnesota @ #2 North Dakota
Last weekend the Gophers beat the USA Under-18 team and the Sioux (well that’s what we still get to call them for at least another few months) swept Robert Morris in Grand Forks.
The Gophers are struggling this season, owning an even record in league play to this point. The GoGo’s are 2-4-2 in their last 8 games, however the wins came at the expense of Michigan and UMD, both ranked in the top ten. The last few trips to Grand Forks for Minnesota have been, well, let’s just say it has not been good for them. The Sioux have been on a steady boil the first half and are currently on a 7 game winning and 9 game unbeaten streaks. The Sioux have been stingy on defense allowing only one goal in the past three games. UND’s stiff defense coupled with the Gophers offensive inconsistencies could spell trouble for the Mariucci-land fans. However, this is a big rivalry for both teams, so I would expect the GoGo’s to be up for this series… should? In the end, I think the Sioux are playing too well for the Gophers to handle them right now. SIOUX SWEEP
#9 Wisconsin @ #5 Minnesota-Duluth
Last weekend the Badgers swept Canisius in Madison and the Bulldogs beat the USA Under-18 team.
These teams met in Madison back in mid-November with UMD winning both games in overtime. Those of you may remember that the refs blew one of those games in OT. The buffoons (as Goon so lovingly calls them) messed up again, when they didn’t call a hooking penalty on UMD that directly resulted in them scoring the overtime winner. The Bulldogs have cooled their heels going 3-3-1 in their last 7 games. Meanwhile the Badgers have been heating up, they are riding a 7 game winning streak. This should be one of the hotly contested series of the week. UW is looking to climb up the standing and try and put some space between them and the rest of the WCHA middle pack. UMD is in their own dog fight, only two points out of first and tied with DU for second. SPLIT.
#17 Colorado College @ Alaska Anchorage
Both teams were on bye-weeks last weekend. The Seawolves last played games back on December 10-11 when they hosted DU in Anchorage (UAA lost Friday and tied Saturday). The Tigers last played December 29-30 against Michigan State and Michigan at the Great Lakes Invitational (they beat MSU and lost to UM).
The Tigers have been quietly playing good hockey, sitting in fifth place, since they are not in the thick of the McNaughton cup race, they are not really on anyone’s radar, in my opinion. The Seawolves find themselves still in the race for a home ice playoff spot. It currently looks like an even record could net a team a home ice series. Back in October the Tigers defeated the Seawolves in a non-conference game during the Alaska Gold Rush Tournament. It is always a long trip up to the great state of Alaska, which can affect a team. SPLIT
NON-CONFERENCE
St. Lawrence (6-10-3 overall) @ Michigan Tech (3-15-2 overall)
Last weekend the MTU Huskies were swept by the SCSU Huskies in St. Cloud.
Let’s give everyone a little background on St. Lawrence. The university was founded in 1856 in Canton, NY, the enrollment is about 2,000, colors are scarlet and brown, and they are coached by Joe Marsh (he has been their coach for 26 seasons).
I always like to pick WCHA teams to win non-conference games because it is good for everyone in the WCHA. I just hope Tech can make us all proud this weekend and get a win or two. (We all need to cheer for MTU this weekend) HUSKIES SWEEP
BYE Week
St. Cloud St.
WCHA standings
TEAM……………...W-L-T...Pts
1. North Dakota………11-3-0…22
2. Denver……………...9-3-2…20
2. Minnesota-Duluth....9-3-2…20
4. Nebraska-Omaha….9-4-1…19
5. Colorado College…..8-6-0…16
6. Minnesota…………..6-6-2…14
6. Wisconsin…………..6-6-2…14
8. St. Cloud State….....5-8-1…11
9. Alaska-Anchorage...4-8-2…10
9. Minnesota State…...4-8-2…10
11. Bemidji State……….4-9-1…9
12. Michigan Tech……..1-12-1…3
WCHA
#6 Denver @ Minnesota State
Last weekend the Mavericks swept American International in Mankato and the Pioneers enjoyed a free weekend.
This will be the first and only meeting between these two teams this year. The Pioneers are on a roll, they are 9-1-2 in their last 11 games, and the lone loss was to UMD. The Mavericks are heating up too, they are riding a 4 game winning streak, and are 8-2-0 in their last 10 games with both losses coming at the hands of UND. MSUM might have an advantage on Friday, being they played last weekend and DU did not. These teams have had some wild games in past seasons and I would like to see some more of them. This time of year points are becoming a valuable commodity, for DU they are in the title hunt and MSUM is in a race for home playoff ice. I’m going with the Mavericks on Friday night and the Pioneers on Saturday. SPLIT
Bemidji State @ #11 Nebraska-Omaha
Last weekend the Beavers split with Alabama-Huntsville and the UNO Mavericks enjoyed a weekend off.
Back in early December these teams played a series in Bemidji with the Beavers coming out on top with a sweep. I’m sure the Mavericks want to return the favor this week. BSU got off to a slow start this season, but have been picking up steam (6-3-0 in their last 9 games) as they have progressed through the WCHA season. UNO got off to a blistering start (8-1-1) to the season and has cooled down of late going 3-5-0 in their last 8 games. The Beavers in the midst of playing 10 out of 14 games on the road, ouch, maybe. BSU can start to be road-warriors with picking up some points this weekend. UNO needs points too, if they are to keep pace with the other top teams, considering they play at UND next week. The Mavericks will need to shake the rust off quickly to get some wins, but that is easier said than done. SPLIT.
Minnesota @ #2 North Dakota
Last weekend the Gophers beat the USA Under-18 team and the Sioux (well that’s what we still get to call them for at least another few months) swept Robert Morris in Grand Forks.
The Gophers are struggling this season, owning an even record in league play to this point. The GoGo’s are 2-4-2 in their last 8 games, however the wins came at the expense of Michigan and UMD, both ranked in the top ten. The last few trips to Grand Forks for Minnesota have been, well, let’s just say it has not been good for them. The Sioux have been on a steady boil the first half and are currently on a 7 game winning and 9 game unbeaten streaks. The Sioux have been stingy on defense allowing only one goal in the past three games. UND’s stiff defense coupled with the Gophers offensive inconsistencies could spell trouble for the Mariucci-land fans. However, this is a big rivalry for both teams, so I would expect the GoGo’s to be up for this series… should? In the end, I think the Sioux are playing too well for the Gophers to handle them right now. SIOUX SWEEP
#9 Wisconsin @ #5 Minnesota-Duluth
Last weekend the Badgers swept Canisius in Madison and the Bulldogs beat the USA Under-18 team.
These teams met in Madison back in mid-November with UMD winning both games in overtime. Those of you may remember that the refs blew one of those games in OT. The buffoons (as Goon so lovingly calls them) messed up again, when they didn’t call a hooking penalty on UMD that directly resulted in them scoring the overtime winner. The Bulldogs have cooled their heels going 3-3-1 in their last 7 games. Meanwhile the Badgers have been heating up, they are riding a 7 game winning streak. This should be one of the hotly contested series of the week. UW is looking to climb up the standing and try and put some space between them and the rest of the WCHA middle pack. UMD is in their own dog fight, only two points out of first and tied with DU for second. SPLIT.
#17 Colorado College @ Alaska Anchorage
Both teams were on bye-weeks last weekend. The Seawolves last played games back on December 10-11 when they hosted DU in Anchorage (UAA lost Friday and tied Saturday). The Tigers last played December 29-30 against Michigan State and Michigan at the Great Lakes Invitational (they beat MSU and lost to UM).
The Tigers have been quietly playing good hockey, sitting in fifth place, since they are not in the thick of the McNaughton cup race, they are not really on anyone’s radar, in my opinion. The Seawolves find themselves still in the race for a home ice playoff spot. It currently looks like an even record could net a team a home ice series. Back in October the Tigers defeated the Seawolves in a non-conference game during the Alaska Gold Rush Tournament. It is always a long trip up to the great state of Alaska, which can affect a team. SPLIT
NON-CONFERENCE
St. Lawrence (6-10-3 overall) @ Michigan Tech (3-15-2 overall)
Last weekend the MTU Huskies were swept by the SCSU Huskies in St. Cloud.
Let’s give everyone a little background on St. Lawrence. The university was founded in 1856 in Canton, NY, the enrollment is about 2,000, colors are scarlet and brown, and they are coached by Joe Marsh (he has been their coach for 26 seasons).
I always like to pick WCHA teams to win non-conference games because it is good for everyone in the WCHA. I just hope Tech can make us all proud this weekend and get a win or two. (We all need to cheer for MTU this weekend) HUSKIES SWEEP
BYE Week
St. Cloud St.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Injuries end Alex Kangas' college hockey career...
As a Sioux fan I am saddened by the departure of Alex Kangas from the college hockey ranks, his career has ended due to a lower body injury. Alex Kangas has sure been good to the Fighting Sioux. According to Roman from Goal Gophers Kangas is one of the better goaltenders to ever put on a UM jersey.
Kangas Ranks
1st: in save percentage, .912
3rd all time: in minutes played, 6,359,
3rd all time: in saves, 2,802,
3rd all time: in games, 108;
3rd all time: in consecutive starts, 51 in freshman and sophomore seasons.
4th all time: goals-against average, 2.56
Sweet shootout goal by Mason Raymond’s
Check out this sweet shootout goal by former UMD Bulldog forward Mason Raymond. Apparently the Islanders goalie Kevin Poulin thought it was a showoff move… If the NHL is going to continue to use the shootout to decide games players are going to find creative ways to score goals.
So you don't like our refs?
I found this comment over on INCH's first shift to be interesting. All I would say is welcome to the club buddy; most of us in the WCHA nation aren't all that thrilled with the quality of our officials either.
In the first half I can only think of three games when we were in the box a lot, the game against Brown and two games at St. Cloud, but we were a road team against the WCHA in those.”
One of the topics of conversations in last week’s ECAC Hockey notebook was that Quinnipiac is among the least-penalized teams in the nation. Bobcats head coach Rand Pecknold offered the above reflection on the first half of the season with a chuckle months after the fact. It’s not a criticism of the officials, but we felt it was worthy to share simply for the reason that a number of other coaches and fans are probably saying, “Yeah, I’ve seen that movie before.”
A few things on hump day...
Here is this weeks review from Goal Gophers. I personally can’t fault Roman on this because he is not the first one to get the town or the school location of the Fighting Sioux wrong. During the 2008 Final Five the WCHA had hand outs with UND being NDSU… EDIT: Roman has since changed it but I will leave it up so you can see it. Enjoy!
Putting the wraps on the SCSU incident
While there seems to be more stuff coming out from the SCSU incident in Florida, I have had a few people basically say so what? Adults over 21 can drink, so what’s the big deal? I say this, “look at it from this angle.”
While it’s legal for people older than 21 to drink, if the older teammates are bringing the beer or alcohol back to the hotel rooms and giving it to other students that aren't 21, then it becomes a legal problem... The fact that someone showed up in an area emergency room is in it’s self a problem.
There are other things to think of as well, if you’re part of an prestigious or public organization you're in the public eye 24/7 whether you want to admit it or not, and you’ll always be under observation and public scrutiny. Everything you do is up for review, by the media and fans a like, that’s part of being an adult in the real world... The fact that the SCSU athletic department and hockey team has tried to covet this incident up makes it more suspicious because there is no transparency, what the heck are they really hiding?
Let’s put the foot on the other shoe, can you imagine if this had been the UND Fighting Sioux hockey team and it was coach Hakstol’s and his assistants that were driving the team van but also if this had been the Sioux players that were kicked off of the team or had been in trouble? There would be all kinds of blow back from an event like this, like there was from past events. I can think of a couple of different fan bases that would have had a field day with it. Fans are still making jokes about elevators and or lawn mower tossing’s.
What do think the impression or reports would have been like if the Fighting Sioux Hockey team was loading up on beer on the team bus or van with the coach driving after a hockey tourney? I can only imagine it would have been a major media circus. It gives the appearance that the coaches are sanctioning the behavior… It would probably be different it the bus had been a hotel bus or a taxi that a player had rented. Also the SCSU coaches are state employees of the Minnesota State and College and University system so wouldn’t that vehicle they are driving be under state control and then you’re opening up a whole other can of worms. I know from my college football days this wouldn't have been acceptable.
Here is an update on former Fighting Sioux forward David Toews.
Gophers at North Dakota
The No. 2-rated Sioux are on an nine-game unbeaten streak (8-0-1) and twice last season completely manhandled the Gophers in the first game of a series in Grand Forks. But this is a desperate U of M team, one that was up and down the first half of the season. One with only one proven college goalie that's healthy.
After 4-0 and 6-0 drubbings last season, the Gophers tied and won the next game. So give the opener to the Sioux, and the maroon and gold win on Saturday. That would make for a happy bus ride home. Gophers coach Don Lucia said his team needs points from the trip to Fargo. So to sum up, at the Ralph these teams will ... Split
Putting the wraps on the SCSU incident
While there seems to be more stuff coming out from the SCSU incident in Florida, I have had a few people basically say so what? Adults over 21 can drink, so what’s the big deal? I say this, “look at it from this angle.”
While it’s legal for people older than 21 to drink, if the older teammates are bringing the beer or alcohol back to the hotel rooms and giving it to other students that aren't 21, then it becomes a legal problem... The fact that someone showed up in an area emergency room is in it’s self a problem.
There are other things to think of as well, if you’re part of an prestigious or public organization you're in the public eye 24/7 whether you want to admit it or not, and you’ll always be under observation and public scrutiny. Everything you do is up for review, by the media and fans a like, that’s part of being an adult in the real world... The fact that the SCSU athletic department and hockey team has tried to covet this incident up makes it more suspicious because there is no transparency, what the heck are they really hiding?
Let’s put the foot on the other shoe, can you imagine if this had been the UND Fighting Sioux hockey team and it was coach Hakstol’s and his assistants that were driving the team van but also if this had been the Sioux players that were kicked off of the team or had been in trouble? There would be all kinds of blow back from an event like this, like there was from past events. I can think of a couple of different fan bases that would have had a field day with it. Fans are still making jokes about elevators and or lawn mower tossing’s.
What do think the impression or reports would have been like if the Fighting Sioux Hockey team was loading up on beer on the team bus or van with the coach driving after a hockey tourney? I can only imagine it would have been a major media circus. It gives the appearance that the coaches are sanctioning the behavior… It would probably be different it the bus had been a hotel bus or a taxi that a player had rented. Also the SCSU coaches are state employees of the Minnesota State and College and University system so wouldn’t that vehicle they are driving be under state control and then you’re opening up a whole other can of worms. I know from my college football days this wouldn't have been acceptable.
Here is an update on former Fighting Sioux forward David Toews.
The Prospect Park --- David Toews (NYI 2008 3rd) was the only prospect to see action on Tuesday night and it was yet another heartbreaking loss for Toew's Brandon Wheat Kings as they fell to the WHL's best team the Saskatoon Blades 5-4 in the shootout.
Toews registered his 10th goal of the season as Brandon make a great third period comeback from down 4-1 only to fall short. Got to feel bad for Toews as while he is doing his best, it is hard when you are playing on a last place team.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Aaron Dell is WCHA defensive player of the week
For a second time this season Fighting Sioux SOPHOMORE goalie Aaron Dell has been named the WCHA defensive player of the week. It would be an understatement that Dell was impressive last weekend giving up only one goal in sixty four shots and was about 19 seconds away of having three shutouts in a row.
WCHA.COM ---- University of North Dakota goaltender Aaron Dell, who came within :20 seconds of posting back-to-back shutouts in two victories over visiting Robert Morris and also extended his shutout streak to 224:31 – the second longest mark in school history – has been named the Red Baron® WCHA Defensive Player of the Week for Jan. 11, 2011. He also earned the award on Nov. 16 for his performance at Wisconsin.
A 6-0, 190-pound sophomore from Airdrie, Alberta, Dell stopped 63 of 64 shots on goal in the series for a .984 saves percentage, recorded five shutout periods, blanked the Colonials on all nine of their power-play opportunities, and earned the No. 2 star of the game in each contest. He stopped all 32 shots in North Dakota's 8-0 win last Friday (Jan. 7) for his second straight shutout. He then lost his bid for a third straight shutout with just :20 seconds left in the third period on Saturday (Jan. 8) when Robert Morris scored an extra-attacker goal. Dell finished the game with 30 saves as the Sioux prevailed 2-1 to run their unbeaten streak to nine games at 8-0-1. Robert Morris' late goal last Saturday ended Dell's shutout streak at 224 :31 seconds, the second longest in school history and just 25 minutes shy of a 57-year old school record.
Potter: Senior SCSU hockey players 'crossed the line'
Now we know the rest of the story. Sounds like there was a big party down in Florida after the SCSU Huskies won their holiday tourney the Florida College Classic and the president of SCSU doesn't blame the coaches for the incident in Florida. Porter says he is proud of them. Apparently the beat writer for the Florida Everblades Naples News Woody Wommack saw the SCSU Huskies loading up the team vans with beer. I am not an expert with NCAA rules but I can't imagine the NCAA looking to fondly at this incident.
Potter also told the paper that he's "proud of my coaches. I'm proud of my athletic director. We had a couple young men, who are seniors and should have known better, and they crossed the line."
This is where things get interesting for me. Following the tournament's championship game, I finished my work and was headed home. I stopped for gas at the new Race Trac gas station near the intersection of Daniels and I-75. Also there were three 15-passenger vans carrying the entire St. Cloud State team.
As I filled my car up with gas, I watched player after player leave the store with beer and get into the vans. I figured the team was celebrating the tournament victory, but I also wondered how team officials, who were driving the vans, could allow players to buy large amounts of beer and bring them on the team van.
Normally, I would keep this information to myself, the team won the tournament and they wanted to blow off some steam. But for the St. Cloud State president to put all the blame on the players and say his staff was innocent is a little irresponsible.
What do you think? Are you happy the Everblades signed Mosey or do you think they should stay away from players with sketchy backgrounds?
Lucia: North Dakota is nation's best college hockey team
How dare Golden Gophers head coach Donny Lucia say that UND is the best hockey team in the nation. I guess he didn't get the memo? Lol!!!
Goal Gophers ---- Gophers coach Don Lucia said North Dakota fans will fill the Ralph and make it a tough place for his team to win.
"They give their team a great advantage," Lucia said on Monday during his weekly radio show on WCCO. "There is no question the games will be sold out. They will be all excited that we are coming in because we are their greatest rival. But beyond that, they have a very good team.
"I really, truly believe, they are the best team in the country. They've got all facets of what you are looking for: good goaltending, a big, strong, vetereran D-corps and a group of forwards that can score and can play physical, too.
"They have a bunch of guys that decided that we all are going to come back because they felt that this team could win a national title. And I am sure for this group that anything less will be a disappointment for them. They are kind of geared up for it this year."
The Fighting Sioux were picked to win the WCHA regular-season title and, at the halfway mark, are in first place by two points over UMD and Denver. North Dak
More Matt Frattin goals...
This is an awesome video that is making it's way around the Internet right now. Like I said in another blog post; "Golden Gopher goalies, you can watch all of the film you want, it’s not going to make a difference, you're going to be in the butterfly and Matt Frattin is going to release his howitzer and all you're going to feel is the puck zinging by your ear as you wave at the puck. Then we will hear the horn and see the fireworks going off."
Keith Ballad hit on Drew Miller
Since it's Gopher vs Sioux week I thought I would include a check by former Golden Gopher Keith Ballard as he give former MSU Spartan Drew Miller a ride with a marvelous hip check. Unfortunately for the Gophers none of the current Gopher defensemen or forwards can hit like this.
Little Caesars AAA Hockey Tournament info...
My friend Kyle wanted me to pass this information along.
The Hockey Academy at The Ralph Engelstad Arena will once again be hosting the Little Caesars North American Classic AAA Hockey Tournament, to be held the weekend of January 20th to the 23rd. Some of the best midget AAA programs in Canada and the US will be featured, including Shattuck-St. Mary’s and Little Caesars from Detroit, MI. Both programs produce a great many collegiate players and future NHL’ers, and have a history of providing recruits for the Fighting Sioux.
Other teams participating include; Alliance Bulldogs (Dallas, TX), Thunder Bay Kings, Pursuit of Excellence (British Columbia), Edge Academy (Alberta), Okanagan Hockey Academy (British Columbia), Marquette Electricians, Capital Center Pride (Lansing, MI) and the Northwest Regulators (Salt Lake City, UT).
There are several Fighting Sioux connections with the teams, as former Sioux Dixon Ward coaches the Okanagan Hockey Academy team and James Greene (father of former Sioux captain Matt Greene) is the manager of the Capital Center Pride. In addition to the Sioux connections, there are two Grand Forks players coming back to play, with Jake Davidson skating with Shattuck-St. Mary’s and Mitchell Byrne tending the nets for the Northwest Regulators.
Admission to this event is free, and Reebok will be on hand to display samples of their new equipment lines. Come out and watch some great hockey and see the next generation of college hockey players live!
The Hockey Academy at The Ralph Engelstad Arena will once again be hosting the Little Caesars North American Classic AAA Hockey Tournament, to be held the weekend of January 20th to the 23rd. Some of the best midget AAA programs in Canada and the US will be featured, including Shattuck-St. Mary’s and Little Caesars from Detroit, MI. Both programs produce a great many collegiate players and future NHL’ers, and have a history of providing recruits for the Fighting Sioux.
Other teams participating include; Alliance Bulldogs (Dallas, TX), Thunder Bay Kings, Pursuit of Excellence (British Columbia), Edge Academy (Alberta), Okanagan Hockey Academy (British Columbia), Marquette Electricians, Capital Center Pride (Lansing, MI) and the Northwest Regulators (Salt Lake City, UT).
There are several Fighting Sioux connections with the teams, as former Sioux Dixon Ward coaches the Okanagan Hockey Academy team and James Greene (father of former Sioux captain Matt Greene) is the manager of the Capital Center Pride. In addition to the Sioux connections, there are two Grand Forks players coming back to play, with Jake Davidson skating with Shattuck-St. Mary’s and Mitchell Byrne tending the nets for the Northwest Regulators.
Admission to this event is free, and Reebok will be on hand to display samples of their new equipment lines. Come out and watch some great hockey and see the next generation of college hockey players live!
They said what?
You have got to be kidding me Aaron Dell is a Sophomore, you could have gotten that from checking the roster at College Hockey News... Edit: The author has since changed his post but this is the same guy that RWD took issue with earlier this season for another post he wrote.
The Fighting Sioux have scored four or more goals 13 times, the Fighting Sioux are ranked 5th in the nation offensively and are ranked 12th nationally on defensive, I am not sure how you can come to any conclusion other than they are good, based on their strength of schedule of the games that they have played. The Fighting Sioux are one of the best defensive teams in the country, this was achieved by playing WCHA teams, there is no shame in losing to UNO, DU and UMD who are all in the top ten of the PWR. I mean seriously; the Fighting Sioux outscored their opponent last week 10-1 and won the last three games by a combined score of 15-1, how is that not flashy?
Edit: Here is the comment that I find amusing, they (Yale) aren’t putting up big numbers against bottom-of-the-barrel teams. Really? What's your definition of bottom-of-the-barrel? Let’s review some of the teams they have played; Sacred Heart 3-13-5, Vermont 3-11-4, Brown 5-6-4, Colgate 3-16-1, Holy Cross 7-11-2, Harvard 3-11-0. They lost to Air Force Academy 8-8-3.
2. North Dakota (16-5-2, 11-3-0 WCHA)This article is incoherent, UND has played the toughest schedule to date and compiled a record of 16-5-2 and have the most wins in division I hockey. What do you mean, "they aren't flashy?" What the hell is that? You're not going to be flashy playing WCHA teams, every game is a war.
Have there ever been questions about North Dakota’s legitimacy? The team is not flashy on offense, nor defense, but the returns of seniors Matt Frattin and Chay Genoway have given way for the Sioux’s younger stars, such as Danny Kristo, to have off-nights once in a while without having to worry about the offense suffering. And for the most part, freshman goalie Aaron Dell has been sturdy when it has. They’ve split weekends with league foes Denver, Minnesota-Duluth, and Nebraska-Omaha, but have edged all three in the standings. In those three losses, they’ve been outscored 7-2, which is a cause for concern heading forward, but the Sioux are atop the WCHA standings, and with a history of second-half domination, there’s little reason to believe that will change.[Click to read]
The Fighting Sioux have scored four or more goals 13 times, the Fighting Sioux are ranked 5th in the nation offensively and are ranked 12th nationally on defensive, I am not sure how you can come to any conclusion other than they are good, based on their strength of schedule of the games that they have played. The Fighting Sioux are one of the best defensive teams in the country, this was achieved by playing WCHA teams, there is no shame in losing to UNO, DU and UMD who are all in the top ten of the PWR. I mean seriously; the Fighting Sioux outscored their opponent last week 10-1 and won the last three games by a combined score of 15-1, how is that not flashy?
Edit: Here is the comment that I find amusing, they (Yale) aren’t putting up big numbers against bottom-of-the-barrel teams. Really? What's your definition of bottom-of-the-barrel? Let’s review some of the teams they have played; Sacred Heart 3-13-5, Vermont 3-11-4, Brown 5-6-4, Colgate 3-16-1, Holy Cross 7-11-2, Harvard 3-11-0. They lost to Air Force Academy 8-8-3.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Who is the biggest diver in college hockey; we have a winner...
Ordered by number of votes:
1. Jacob Cepis (7 votes)
1. Garrett Roe (4 votes)
3. Brett Hextall (2 votes)
4. Harry Zolnierczyk (Brown), J. Connelly (tUMD), C. Smith and J Murray (UW), J. Barriball (UMN), Mike Lee (SCSU) (all with 1 vote each)
Poll Monday; Sioux second in both polls
USCHO.com Division I Men's Poll
[January 10, 2011]
1 Yale (45) 14-1-0
2 North Dakota ( 2) 16-5-2
3 Boston College ( 3) 15-5-0
4 New Hampshire 12-3-4
5 Minnesota-Duluth 14-4-3
6 Denver 13-5-4
7 Michigan 13-6-4
8 Notre Dame 14-7-3
9 Wisconsin 14-7-3
10 Rensselaer 12-5-3
11 Nebraska-Omaha 12-7-1
12 Miami 11-8-3
13 Maine 9-6-4
14 Union 13-6-3
15 Merrimack 10-4-4
16 Boston University 9-5-6
17 Colorado College 12-9-1
18 Western Michigan 11-6-5
19 Ferris State 11-8-4
20 Alaska 9-7-4
Others Receiving Votes: Princeton 44, Ohio State 36, Dartmouth 26, Minnesota State 20, Clarkson 4, Robert Morris 4, Minnesota 3, Rochester Institute of Technology 1, St. Cloud State 1
____________________
USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine Men's College Hockey Poll
[January 10, 2011]
1 Yale University 14-1-0
2 University of North Dakota 16-5-2
3 Boston College 15-5-0
4 University of New Hampshire 12-3-4
5 University of Minnesota Duluth 14-4-3
6 University of Denver 13-5-4
7 University of Michigan 13-6-4
8 University of Notre Dame 14-7-3
9 Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 12-5-3
10 University of Nebraska Omaha 12-7-1
11 University of Wisconsin 14-7-3
12 Miami University 11-8-3
13 Union College 13-6-3
14 University of Maine 9-6-4
15 Merrimack College 10-4-4
Others receiving votes: Boston University 53, Western Michigan University 10, Colorado College 8, The Ohio State University 3, Dartmouth College 1.
[January 10, 2011]
1 Yale (45) 14-1-0
2 North Dakota ( 2) 16-5-2
3 Boston College ( 3) 15-5-0
4 New Hampshire 12-3-4
5 Minnesota-Duluth 14-4-3
6 Denver 13-5-4
7 Michigan 13-6-4
8 Notre Dame 14-7-3
9 Wisconsin 14-7-3
10 Rensselaer 12-5-3
11 Nebraska-Omaha 12-7-1
12 Miami 11-8-3
13 Maine 9-6-4
14 Union 13-6-3
15 Merrimack 10-4-4
16 Boston University 9-5-6
17 Colorado College 12-9-1
18 Western Michigan 11-6-5
19 Ferris State 11-8-4
20 Alaska 9-7-4
Others Receiving Votes: Princeton 44, Ohio State 36, Dartmouth 26, Minnesota State 20, Clarkson 4, Robert Morris 4, Minnesota 3, Rochester Institute of Technology 1, St. Cloud State 1
____________________
USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine Men's College Hockey Poll
[January 10, 2011]
1 Yale University 14-1-0
2 University of North Dakota 16-5-2
3 Boston College 15-5-0
4 University of New Hampshire 12-3-4
5 University of Minnesota Duluth 14-4-3
6 University of Denver 13-5-4
7 University of Michigan 13-6-4
8 University of Notre Dame 14-7-3
9 Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 12-5-3
10 University of Nebraska Omaha 12-7-1
11 University of Wisconsin 14-7-3
12 Miami University 11-8-3
13 Union College 13-6-3
14 University of Maine 9-6-4
15 Merrimack College 10-4-4
Others receiving votes: Boston University 53, Western Michigan University 10, Colorado College 8, The Ohio State University 3, Dartmouth College 1.
Sunday, January 09, 2011
INCH Power Rankings
1. Yale
2. North Dakota — The Fighting Sioux have won seven straight games, are unbeaten (8-0-1) in their last nine, and are 11-1-1 since a Nov. 6 loss to Minnesota Duluth. WCHA series against Minnesota, Nebraska-Omaha, and Colorado College precede an early February bye weekend. 16-5-2 (11-3-0 WCHA) LAST WEEK: W vs. Robert Morris, 8-0; W vs. Robert Morris, 2-1. THIS WEEK: vs. Minnesota, vs. Minnesota
3. New Hampshire
4. Boston College
5. Minnesota Duluth
6. Denver
7. Michigan
8. Rensselaer
9. Nebraska-Omaha
10. Union
11. Notre Dame
12. Merrimack
13. Wisconsin
14. Miami
15. Maine
16. Boston University
17. Western Michigan
18. Ohio State
19. Colorado College
20. Alaska
Dropped out: Robert Morris, Clarkson
Bubble-licious: Dartmouth, Ferris State, Princeton, RIT, Robert Morris
As always I post the INCH Power Rankings because they are interesting and fun to look at, I like the INCH staff and what they bring to the table. Like I have said in the past the only poll that matters is the PWR after the conference tourneys, there are no trophies for racking up wins in November, December and January...
In this week’s power ranking I don’t think that there are a lot of surprises here.... The INCH Rankings will mirror the USA and USCHO polls that will come out later today. Recently, there has been a national debate amongst college hockey fans on whether Yale is legit or for real? Yep, the Yale Bulldogs are the best in the ECAC, there is no doubt about it. Recently, the ECAC fans have gotten defensive when making a case for the ECAC.
Personally, being a western hockey fan and a WCHA guy, I think that right now, the UND Fighting Sioux are one of "the best teams" in the nation right now today as I write this, the Fighting Sioux have played by far the toughest schedule in college hockey and went an impressive 16-5-2 and the Fighting Sioux has lost one league game on the road. In case anyone is confused they buried the UMD Bulldogs 5-0 on December 30th, who is also one of the better teams in the WCHA. This is the same UMD Bulldog team that went out to Postdam, New York and took the Clarkson Knights to the woodshed.
2. North Dakota — The Fighting Sioux have won seven straight games, are unbeaten (8-0-1) in their last nine, and are 11-1-1 since a Nov. 6 loss to Minnesota Duluth. WCHA series against Minnesota, Nebraska-Omaha, and Colorado College precede an early February bye weekend. 16-5-2 (11-3-0 WCHA) LAST WEEK: W vs. Robert Morris, 8-0; W vs. Robert Morris, 2-1. THIS WEEK: vs. Minnesota, vs. Minnesota
3. New Hampshire
4. Boston College
5. Minnesota Duluth
6. Denver
7. Michigan
8. Rensselaer
9. Nebraska-Omaha
10. Union
11. Notre Dame
12. Merrimack
13. Wisconsin
14. Miami
15. Maine
16. Boston University
17. Western Michigan
18. Ohio State
19. Colorado College
20. Alaska
Dropped out: Robert Morris, Clarkson
Bubble-licious: Dartmouth, Ferris State, Princeton, RIT, Robert Morris
As always I post the INCH Power Rankings because they are interesting and fun to look at, I like the INCH staff and what they bring to the table. Like I have said in the past the only poll that matters is the PWR after the conference tourneys, there are no trophies for racking up wins in November, December and January...
In this week’s power ranking I don’t think that there are a lot of surprises here.... The INCH Rankings will mirror the USA and USCHO polls that will come out later today. Recently, there has been a national debate amongst college hockey fans on whether Yale is legit or for real? Yep, the Yale Bulldogs are the best in the ECAC, there is no doubt about it. Recently, the ECAC fans have gotten defensive when making a case for the ECAC.
Personally, being a western hockey fan and a WCHA guy, I think that right now, the UND Fighting Sioux are one of "the best teams" in the nation right now today as I write this, the Fighting Sioux have played by far the toughest schedule in college hockey and went an impressive 16-5-2 and the Fighting Sioux has lost one league game on the road. In case anyone is confused they buried the UMD Bulldogs 5-0 on December 30th, who is also one of the better teams in the WCHA. This is the same UMD Bulldog team that went out to Postdam, New York and took the Clarkson Knights to the woodshed.
Cal Clutterbuck blows up Stephane Robidas
I had the misfortune of watching tonight’s game between the Minnesota Wild and the Dallas Stars. This is was one of the few highlight from tonight’s game, the Minnesota Wild’s came out and looked like a bunch of pylons and left their goalie out to dry all night long. Having NHL center I was able to watch the game from the Dallas Stars cable network FSN Southwest, these two guys Ralph Strangis and Daryl Reaugh were absolutely brutal, they are worse than the two homers from the Duck FSN crew, these two guys were continuously whining about Cal Clutterbuck and his how he loves to check, almost as bad as Clutterbuck's other fan... None the less, hockey is a contact sport and hitting is legal and part of the game and if you don’t want to get hit, avoid the check…
Scores from Saturday, January 8 2011 and links...
AHA
Air Force 2 at Sacred Heart 4
Mercyhurst 9 at Connecticut 4
Niagara 1 at Holy Cross 5
RIT 5 at Army 2
CCHA
Ferris State 3 at Bowling Green 1
Miami 2 at Ohio State 5
Notre Dame 3 at Northern Michigan 1
Michigan State 0 at Michigan 4
Western Michigan 2 at Alaska 0
ECAC
Brown 1 at Dartmouth 3
Clarkson 1 at Union 8
Cornell 3 at Quinnipiac 2 OT
St. Lawrence 3 at Rensselaer 5
Yale 4 at Harvard 2
Hockey East
Maine 1 at Merrimack 7
Boston College 3 at Providence 1
UMass Lowell 1 at Northeastern 3
New Hampshire 3 at Massachusetts 1
WCHA
Michigan Tech 1 at St. Cloud State 5
Nonconference
Bemidji State 3 at Alab-Huntsville 4
American Int'l 2 at Minnesota State 5
Canisius 5 at Wisconsin 6 OT
Robert Morris 1 at North Dakota 2
Exhibition
USA Under-18 Team 1 at Minnesota Duluth 4
From the INCH Chat Friday 7 January.
Apparently Gopher's sieve Alex Kangas' career might be over at UMN.
College Hockey news has more on Yale forward Chris Cahill; Eligibility of Yale Player Questioned...
Air Force 2 at Sacred Heart 4
Mercyhurst 9 at Connecticut 4
Niagara 1 at Holy Cross 5
RIT 5 at Army 2
CCHA
Ferris State 3 at Bowling Green 1
Miami 2 at Ohio State 5
Notre Dame 3 at Northern Michigan 1
Michigan State 0 at Michigan 4
Western Michigan 2 at Alaska 0
ECAC
Brown 1 at Dartmouth 3
Clarkson 1 at Union 8
Cornell 3 at Quinnipiac 2 OT
St. Lawrence 3 at Rensselaer 5
Yale 4 at Harvard 2
Hockey East
Maine 1 at Merrimack 7
Boston College 3 at Providence 1
UMass Lowell 1 at Northeastern 3
New Hampshire 3 at Massachusetts 1
WCHA
Michigan Tech 1 at St. Cloud State 5
Nonconference
Bemidji State 3 at Alab-Huntsville 4
American Int'l 2 at Minnesota State 5
Canisius 5 at Wisconsin 6 OT
Robert Morris 1 at North Dakota 2
Exhibition
USA Under-18 Team 1 at Minnesota Duluth 4
From the INCH Chat Friday 7 January.
Matt (Chokio, MN)
Tell me that the Fighting Sioux are not the best team in the nation right now? Yale??? C'mon man I know they have only one loss but look at who they have played!
Joe Gladziszewski--- (2:26 PM)
The Fighting Sioux are not the best team in the nation right now. There. OK, as the Yale doubters have become more vocal in recent weeks (especially in regard to the schedule) let's put forth a little bit of a defense for the Bulldogs. Sure, their schedule hasn't been as difficult as some other teams. They also have four fewer losses than North Dakota. There are schedule limitations that every Ivy League team faces. If Yale could play 6-10 more games, they'd take on some bigger series for sure. But in that limit, they did travel to Colorado College and Air Force. They're not dodging people, they're handcuffed by some rules. And the results are convincing. Not a lot of one-goal squeakers in there.
_____________________________________
Chris (Boston)
Prediction. Yale will not win a single postseason tournament this year.
Joe Gladziszewski --- (2:30 PM)
Daring prediction, considering that the maximum number of teams that can do that is six out of 58
Apparently Gopher's sieve Alex Kangas' career might be over at UMN.
College Hockey news has more on Yale forward Chris Cahill; Eligibility of Yale Player Questioned...
NoDak vs. Minny pontifications (Redwing77)
Since my posts are so often misconstrued as being those of Goon's, I'll come right out and say that Goon didn't write this. He probably will wish he did though. I spell better than him. (:D)
Just the Facts Jack
The University of North Dakota enters this series on fire. They've had a great first half with only a few hiccups along the way. They're very highly ranked and busy living up to the preseason hype. Sophomore goaltender Aaron Dell has been a surprise and Matt Frattin has been on fire. Corbin Knight has emerged as the scorer that many had thought him capable of when UND got his committment out of the AJHL.
It has been discussed here, I believe, that cohesion is a big factor in UND's success. This team does play like a team. Everyone seems to know his place and his role and, though perfection isn't there (nor do I expect it will be), they work hard and try to get as close to it as possible.
The University of Minnesota enters this series after whalloping the U-18 team. They're operating barely above water as they are just one game over .500 overall. They're better on the road (they're sub-.500 at home). Coach Lucia has come out with having some emotional issues apparently, but whatever it takes to take the heat off of the most incompetent coach in DI hockey (John Hill), I guess tDon will do whatever it takes. Baffles me as to why though.
The Gophers play a finesse style of hockey that can be dangerous if they are able to execute their game plan without too much disruptions or mistakes on their part. Though it is true that they've had a lot more down seasons than most of us (even those of us who dislike the Gophers with a passion) can believe. Looking at their talent, one would wonder what in the world is going on in the Twin Cities that could make all that talent underperform. Again, I look to Hill.
My take Jake
You can argue that special teams and goaltending have been questionable for the Gophers as of late, but I don't think so. I still maintain that Kangas is a good goaltender who has been hung out to dry more often than would be acceptable to maintain sanity. There is no doubt as to why his numbers have declined or his performance deteriorated as of late. It sometimes seems as though Kangas has to steal the game in order for the Gophers to win. The result of this complex that Kangas has been put through, Kent Patterson, who has been abysmal vs. the Sioux, has wrested the starting role away from Kangas.
My take is thus: The Gophers will go nowhere without Team Defense. Their Team D the past few years has been nothing short of a punchline. You get physical on them and they fall apart and eventually fold in on themselves much like a flimsy Wal-Mart folding chair at fat camp.
Look, they're a lot more talented than they've shown on the ice. Only a moron would disagree with that. They just can't put it together. This is a function of leadership and personnel. And again, I return to Hill. I'm going to do a bit of assuming when I say that Hill has a large hand in recruiting (much like Hakstol did when Blais was coaching at UND). They seem to have the opinion that the best on the table is better than the best for the team. For example, UND jumped at Robbie Bina because of the way he played the game and what he brought in leadership. I don't see Minnesota recruiting this type of player because he's nowhere on the radar of any NHL teams nor does he have the hype etc. that players like Leddy, Ness, Fairchild, etc. had/have. Personnel wise, they just don't seem to hold much faith in role players and lunch pail type players.
I really feel that the Gophers don't have any Lamoreauxs, Martos, Davidsons, Genoways, Hextalls, Malones, Rowneys, or Rodwells. They only seek out players like Knight, Gregoire, Frattin, and Kristo. Sure, I love players like Kristo, Knight, Gregoire, and all. I loved having Parise, Panzer, Toews, Oshie, Bochenski, Stafford, and so on but they don't work if you don't have a full team behind you and a team concept.
What to expect
I expect a tightly checked game. I expect a lot of hits and a lot of penalties. I think the officials will switch off. Friday night, UND gets the benefit of the doubt. Saturday, the officiating is much more swung to the other side. I think that hits that were legal on Friday won't be legal on Saturday. I also feel like diving could make its appearance in the game.
Leading 2011 Robbie Earl Memorial Frozen Water Freestyle Diving Candidate Jacob Cepis is swiftly running away with the award after defending champion Garrett Roe seemingly hitting a regression in his diving abilities. Look for Cepis to firm up at least a berth as a finalist this weekend as he heads to Grand Forks.
Expect big hits, crying Gopher fans, complaining Sioux fans (regarding what is sure to be a plethora of missed calls and buffoonery by the officials). The river will the thawed out in a good stretch in case a Sioux or Gopher player is to be sent down the river after making a bad play or not being as much of a fan favorite as he should be compared to fans preconceptions and draft position.
UND wins on Friday
UMN wins on Saturday
Fire Hakstol threads appear 12:01am Sunday.
This post will update as the week goes on so stay tuned!
Just the Facts Jack
The University of North Dakota enters this series on fire. They've had a great first half with only a few hiccups along the way. They're very highly ranked and busy living up to the preseason hype. Sophomore goaltender Aaron Dell has been a surprise and Matt Frattin has been on fire. Corbin Knight has emerged as the scorer that many had thought him capable of when UND got his committment out of the AJHL.
It has been discussed here, I believe, that cohesion is a big factor in UND's success. This team does play like a team. Everyone seems to know his place and his role and, though perfection isn't there (nor do I expect it will be), they work hard and try to get as close to it as possible.
The University of Minnesota enters this series after whalloping the U-18 team. They're operating barely above water as they are just one game over .500 overall. They're better on the road (they're sub-.500 at home). Coach Lucia has come out with having some emotional issues apparently, but whatever it takes to take the heat off of the most incompetent coach in DI hockey (John Hill), I guess tDon will do whatever it takes. Baffles me as to why though.
The Gophers play a finesse style of hockey that can be dangerous if they are able to execute their game plan without too much disruptions or mistakes on their part. Though it is true that they've had a lot more down seasons than most of us (even those of us who dislike the Gophers with a passion) can believe. Looking at their talent, one would wonder what in the world is going on in the Twin Cities that could make all that talent underperform. Again, I look to Hill.
My take Jake
You can argue that special teams and goaltending have been questionable for the Gophers as of late, but I don't think so. I still maintain that Kangas is a good goaltender who has been hung out to dry more often than would be acceptable to maintain sanity. There is no doubt as to why his numbers have declined or his performance deteriorated as of late. It sometimes seems as though Kangas has to steal the game in order for the Gophers to win. The result of this complex that Kangas has been put through, Kent Patterson, who has been abysmal vs. the Sioux, has wrested the starting role away from Kangas.
My take is thus: The Gophers will go nowhere without Team Defense. Their Team D the past few years has been nothing short of a punchline. You get physical on them and they fall apart and eventually fold in on themselves much like a flimsy Wal-Mart folding chair at fat camp.
Look, they're a lot more talented than they've shown on the ice. Only a moron would disagree with that. They just can't put it together. This is a function of leadership and personnel. And again, I return to Hill. I'm going to do a bit of assuming when I say that Hill has a large hand in recruiting (much like Hakstol did when Blais was coaching at UND). They seem to have the opinion that the best on the table is better than the best for the team. For example, UND jumped at Robbie Bina because of the way he played the game and what he brought in leadership. I don't see Minnesota recruiting this type of player because he's nowhere on the radar of any NHL teams nor does he have the hype etc. that players like Leddy, Ness, Fairchild, etc. had/have. Personnel wise, they just don't seem to hold much faith in role players and lunch pail type players.
I really feel that the Gophers don't have any Lamoreauxs, Martos, Davidsons, Genoways, Hextalls, Malones, Rowneys, or Rodwells. They only seek out players like Knight, Gregoire, Frattin, and Kristo. Sure, I love players like Kristo, Knight, Gregoire, and all. I loved having Parise, Panzer, Toews, Oshie, Bochenski, Stafford, and so on but they don't work if you don't have a full team behind you and a team concept.
What to expect
I expect a tightly checked game. I expect a lot of hits and a lot of penalties. I think the officials will switch off. Friday night, UND gets the benefit of the doubt. Saturday, the officiating is much more swung to the other side. I think that hits that were legal on Friday won't be legal on Saturday. I also feel like diving could make its appearance in the game.
Leading 2011 Robbie Earl Memorial Frozen Water Freestyle Diving Candidate Jacob Cepis is swiftly running away with the award after defending champion Garrett Roe seemingly hitting a regression in his diving abilities. Look for Cepis to firm up at least a berth as a finalist this weekend as he heads to Grand Forks.
Expect big hits, crying Gopher fans, complaining Sioux fans (regarding what is sure to be a plethora of missed calls and buffoonery by the officials). The river will the thawed out in a good stretch in case a Sioux or Gopher player is to be sent down the river after making a bad play or not being as much of a fan favorite as he should be compared to fans preconceptions and draft position.
UND wins on Friday
UMN wins on Saturday
Fire Hakstol threads appear 12:01am Sunday.
This post will update as the week goes on so stay tuned!
Tom Kostopoulos suspended 6 games for this hit...
For this hit Tom Kostopoulos was suspended 6 games by Colin Campbell... There is no excuse for these types of hit in any league of hockey, I am all for hitting but the Redwings Defender Brad Stuart didn't even have the puck when he was freight trained... Tom Kostopoulos is not known for his offensive prowess and has (4g-4a-8pts) points in 43 games.
NHL.COM----Calgary Flames forward Tom Kostopoulos has been suspended for six games and will forfeit $29,569.92 in salary for delivering a blow to the head of Detroit Red Wings defenseman Brad Stuart in NHL game #609 on January 7, the National Hockey League announced today.
"A number of factors were considered in reaching this decision," said NHL Senior Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations Colin Campbell. "Kostopoulos delivered a blow to the head of an unsuspecting and vulnerable player. As well, he targeted the head of his opponent and, while the hit was not from the blindside, the head was the principle point of contact. The fact that Brad Stuart was not in possession of the puck when the blow was delivered and the serious nature of the player's injury were also considered in my decision."
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