Spirit Lake Member not invited to April 22nd Meeting.



According to the Grand Forks Herald, ND State and UND officials will meet with the president Mark Emmert of the NCAA on April 22 in Bismarck at site to be determined whether the athletics association is open to revising its position regarding the Fighting Sioux nickname and Indian-head logo. The Spirit Lake tribe has not been invited to this meeting, this is unacceptable in my opinion, I want the NCAA to tell the Spirit Lake Member that supported UND’s use of the Fighting Sioux logo by a 67% margin tell them that the Fighting Sioux Logo is hostile and abusive.

Tribes not invited, but maybe later

When the law was passed, NCAA officials said the policy on usage of American Indian names and imagery stands and the North Dakota law was a “state matter,” and they declined further comment. But many nickname champions have suggested that the NCAA may be willing to reevaluate UND’s status in light of the legislative action, the Spirit Lake Sioux Tribe’s endorsement and evidence of strong support for the nickname among some of the people at Standing Rock.

After Shaft said on Wednesday that he was trying to arrange a meeting with the NCAA and the state and UND officials, several nickname supporters asked why representatives of Spirit Lake and Standing Rock would not be included.

“Until we have these initial contacts and learn where the NCAA stands now, what opportunities there may be for something different, this is not the time to have the tribes at the table,” Shaft said today. “But if there does appear to be room to work with the NCAA, then we will engage the tribes in the talks.”

Lucic works Rosehill

Jay Rosehill vs Milan Lucic, that was a good fight between two heavy weights, Lucic makes a statement that you can't just take gratuitous hacks at the Bruins players without having to answer the bell. Some pundits would say that you don't want your top goal scorer fighting because if Milan Lucic (30g-30a-60pts) breaks a hand he will be on the shelf for the Stanley Cup playoffs, but Lucic has been known for his epic fights in the past.

Despite nickname dispute, NCAA sells Sioux merchandise in online store

But of course they will… So; I want to make sure that I am getting this right, the Fighting Sioux logo is considered to be hostile and abusive by the NCAA, but they are still going to sell jerseys and merchandise with the Fighting Sioux logo anyways. So they are putting dollars signs above principle? I wonder if the NCAA feels dirty for doing this? No I can’t see how anyone would consider that to be hypocritical…

FARGO – Forgive fans of the University of North Dakota if they’re feeling short-changed by the NCAA these days.

With the UND men’s hockey team playing in next week’s Frozen Four, the NCAA’s online store is selling Fighting Sioux apparel. The decision has some wondering how the NCAA can promote selling the apparel yet reached a settlement with the university to retire the logo and nickname.

The NCAA determined the logo and nickname to be offensive to Native Americans.
“According to the NCAA, they feel the Sioux nickname is hostile and abusive,” said 28-year-old Grand Forks resident Jake Bondy, “So why would they sell hostile and abusive gear? It would be like me selling Fords and telling people how bad Chevys are and then I went out and bought a brand new Chevy.”

The NCAA, college athletics’ governing body, and UND have had a long-standing battle over the nickname and logo. The end result was that UND and the NCAA agreed to retire the nickname and logo on Aug. 15.

“The university is authorized as part of the court settlement agreement until the deadline, which includes the use of that logo as part of the championship product,” Christianson wrote.

When asked if the NCAA was hypocritical for selling Fighting Sioux apparel on its Web site, Christianson wrote, “It is not hypocritical – it is part of the settlement.”

A phone call was made to North Dakota’s athletic department seeking comment from athletic director Brian Faison, who was not available.

Spirit Lake Sioux Tribe Hoping to Give Input to NCAA

I have to agree with Tony Delorme, why not let the Spirit Lake Sioux have a seat at the table? If my memory serves me right, Spirit Lake had a vote that was 67% in favor of the Fighting Sioux name? I think it would be interesting to see Members from the Spirit Lake Sioux at the meeting and tell representatives from the NCAA that they are in favor of the Fighting Sioux nickname and they don’t think it’s hostile and abusive. I would also love to be at the table and see what the NCAA members reaction would be.

WDAZ.COM --- Some Spirit Lake tribal members are wondering what their role will be in the latest UND Fighting Sioux Nickname development.

The North Dakota State Board of Higher Education is hoping to set up meetings with the NCAA on legislative developments regarding the Fighting Sioux nickname and logo.

Representatives from the tribe say they feel a little disrespected that they have not been asked to be involved with the NCAA.

The tribe did take a vote on keeping the Fighting Sioux Nickname and Logo and it did pass.

Tony Delorme with the Spirit Lake Nation says there were mixed feelings after the vote from the Senate came in, but the tribes and the state are coming together for something they believe in and the tribes could make a difference with the NCAA.

Blues forward T.J. Oshie to donate both pay checks to charities.



picture by zimbo.com

 I think it’s a nice touch for a hockey player that has had a rough week. Seriously, I don’t know why T.J. Oshie missed practice nor do I really care. Oshie made a mistake and paid for it by missing two games due to a suspension, manning up to his mistake he donated the money he was supposed to make to a St. Louis Blues Charity.

ST. LOUIS (AP) -- T.J. Oshie ended a two-game suspension Thursday, apologizing to his St. Louis Blues teammates, the organization and its fans for missing a practice.

Oshie was back on the ice at the team's practice facility after being disciplined by the team for missing a workout Monday in what the Blues called an unexcused absence.

"I was irresponsible. I made a mistake," Oshie said in his first public comments. "I realize that. It was my full responsibility to get here (on Monday) and get here on time."

The 24-year-old center met with Blues general manager Doug Armstrong, coach Davis Payne and his teammates Thursday morning, and will be in the lineup when the Blues host the Calgary Flames on Friday night.

"The toughest thing for me was sitting at home and watching my teammates play a game," said Oshie, who also missed 31 games this season with a broken ankle. "... This morning was the first time I've seen them and I had a smile on my face. From here on out, I'm trying to move forward."

Oshie missed Tuesday's 3-2 shootout loss at home against Minnesota and Wednesday night's 10-3 victory in Detroit.

"We're very comfortable that (Oshie) understands the severity of missing practice," Armstrong said. "He accepts his two-game absence from the team. We've moved on and T.J.'s ready to move on and we'll have him back in the lineup tomorrow.

Oshie was paid for the two games he missed, but he has decided to donate both checks, one to the Blues' 14 Fund and the other to Dream Factory of St. Louis, a pair of charities run by the franchise.

"I want to let people know I did get paid for the two games that I missed," Oshie said. "I don't think that that's right."

John Scott, I will kick the bleep out of him...

CBS Chicago Image

Ah yes; the former MTU Huskies defenseman and former Wild pylon John Scott, the guy that is only redeeming quality is that he is really good at beating the crap out of someone, this is the same defenseman that has virtually no foot speed what-so-ever that ends up being a healthy scratch more times than not against the quicker teams in the NHL. Here at Goon's World we also know him as Mr. Anger Management, the former MTU Husky that threatened to beat the crap out of someone who accused him of running into their car, which he did. A real class act. Just for the record Scott has played so well this season that he hasn't been in the Blackhawks lineup since 3/20/2011.  s/t Rosies Hockey.

chicagobreakingsports.com --- Shawn Thornton received around 40 stitches above his eye Tuesday, accused the Chicago Blackhawks of razzing him from the bench and labeled the Hawks a team that will "chirp a lot," then reiterated Thursday on Boston radio that he and his Boston Bruins squad have a long memory.

Apparently, them's fighting words.

"He said that? That's fine. He can say what he wants," Hawks enforcer John Scott said Thursday of Thornton's team-of-chirpers assessment. "He's going after some of our littlest guys on our team to start a fight. He's trying to challenge (Fernando) Pisani to a fight. What's that say about him?

"He's Mr. Tough Guy and he's trying to challenge Pisani. If I'm in the lineup, he's more than welcome to come chirp at me. I'll kick the (bleep) out of him."

Early departures - the "silly season" is upon us

You can keep up with all of the early departures here. Here is one of the bigger early departures, Merrimack College lost their top sophomore forward Stephane Da Coasta as he he will forego his final two seasons of eligibility and signed a entry level deal with the hapless last place Ottawa Senators.

Warrior Rink Rat --- Merrimack sophomore Stephane Da Costa will forego his final two years of NCAA eligibility after signing a contract with the Ottawa Senators on Thursday, according to multiple sources.

The Parisian-born center scored 90 points in 67 games with Merrimack College from 2009-11.

Da Costa will become the first Merrimack player since Matt Foy in 2007-08 to play in the NHL.

Da Costa is expected to make his NHL debut on Saturday (7 p.m.) against the Toronto Maple Leafs in Ottawa.

The Denver Pioneers got some bad news of their own as they were informed that Sophomore defenseman Matt Donovan has signed an entry level deal with the New York Islanders.

NHL.COM ---- On Wednesday morning, the New York Islanders signed yet another one of their 2008 draft selections to an entry-level contract. Matt Donovan, who spent the last two seasons defending the blue-line at the University of Denver, inked his deal.

“I’m very, very excited,” Donovan said when reached by phone. “I hope that I can play the same game that I’ve played my whole life, continue to play solid defensively and hopefully contribute offensively as well.”

While his entry-level deal will not kick in until the 2011-12 season, Donovan will report to the Bridgeport Sound Tigers immediately, where he will play the remainder of the 2010-11 season with the Islanders American Hockey League affiliate on an Amateur Tryout Contract.

“Starting now will just help me get my feet wet in my professional hockey career,” Donovan said. “It will help me figure out where I am and where need to be (talent and endurance wise), which will really help me figure out how hard I need to work this summer to make it to the Island.”

Alexandria Blizzard win the Central division of the NAHL

The Alexandria Blizzard won the Central Division of the NAHL this past weekend and on the team from Alexandria are a few local players,  from Grand Forks, ND  -  Casey Purpur and Paul LaDue, from West Fargo, ND Tyler Swanson. Also, on the team from Williston, ND Jordan Nelson and Adam Knocknemus from Roseau, MN.

Calgary’s Matt Stajan scores, or does he? No goal...

I was watching this game last night and I thought from what I could see that puck appeared to be laying on Emery's inside the net, this should have been a goal in my opinion, I think the video review booth in this case blew it. I like the idea of having a chip in the puck then you would know for sure if the puck was in the net for not.

Globe and Mail --- The first blow was the goal that wasn’t. The Flames crowded Anaheim goalie Ray Emery and swiped away at the puck then began celebrating as if they had scored. Replays showed the puck was somewhere in Emery’s possession as he fell backwards into his net. Ducks’ captain Ryan Getzlaf reached in and pulled the puck away then, when asked about his handiwork during a second-period intermission, said he did nothing of the sort. “Wasn’t me,” he protested.

After a six-minute delay, referee Gord Dwyer announced the puck didn’t completely cross the line. Flames’ fans quickly let their inner most feelings known.

“I’m telling you it was in. That’s all I can say,” said Calgary’s Matt Stajan, who was in on the action. “It’s too bad they got it wrong. We can’t blame the season on that. but it was a big momentum change.”

“Everybody was scrambling,” Getzlaf said afterwards. “They did a great job taking as long as they could to get (the call) right.”

Unknown Hawks player yaps at Bruins' Thornton as he leaves the ice

I am scratching my head on why the Blackhawks players would yap at Sean Thornton as he was leaving the ice with a huge gash in his face. Nothing but class there. Like I said in another post, "the Hawks players are lucky they were saved by the ref."

ESPN.COM ---- Referee Don Van Massenhoven assisted Thornton off the ice. As the two skated past the Blackhawks bench, a Chicago player shouted something at Thornton, and the Bruins’ pugilist took exception. He attempted to get past the ref and at the bench, but he was held back before exiting the ice.

“Something was said,” Thornton said. “Obviously I can’t swear when I talk to [the media]. There was some stuff said that I’m not happy about. I’m going to find out who it was and I will deal with it in my own way.”

Thornton said Van Massenhoven also was upset by the comments coming from the Chicago bench.

“He heard it,” Thornton said. “He didn’t know who it was either. He actually yelled at their bench. I appreciate it. Those guys on their team chirp a lot. I don’t know if it is right when someone’s face is half across the other side of their face, but it’s a tough game and people have to live with their actions. If you guys ever find out who it is, don’t be afraid to send me a Christmas card.”

Check out this video, Shaw Thornton gets cut

I was watching this game last night and I was kind of amazed by Shawn Thornton's tenacity and toughness. After being cut in the face by a skate blade most players would've just skated off the ice and down the tunnel to receive repairs. Someone on the Blackhawks bench said something and Thornton took issue with it and was ready to go toe to toe with one of the Blackhawks. Lucky for the Blackhawks player there was an official escorting Thornton to the Bruins' players bench. The cut required 40 stitches and Shawn Thornton will be OK.

Matt Frattin a Hobey Hat trick finalist

The Hobey Baker Hat Trick finalist were announced today, they are; Boston College junior forward Cam Atkinson, University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux forward senior forward Matt Frattin, and Miami University senior forward Andy Miele.

fightingsioux.com ---- Matt Frattin, the 2010-11 Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) Player of the Year, leads the nation with 36 goals and ranks second nationally with 60 points. The Edmonton, Alberta, native was also named to the All-WCHA First Team after winning the WCHA scoring race with 40 points in 28 league games.

The first Fighting Sioux to score as many as 36 goals since 1990-91, Frattin enters the NCAA Frozen Four with five more goals than any other Division I player, and nine more than any other WCHA player. He has scored an NCAA-leading 22 goals in 22 games away from home, with 11 of those coming in the third period or overtime. Two weeks ago at the WCHA Final Five, he scored both game-winning goals in leading the Sioux to their second straight Broadmoor Trophy as WCHA playoff champions. In all, Frattin was in on nine of 14 game-deciding goals in February and March when UND went 13-0-1 and captured WCHA regular season and playoff championships.

Frattin brings a career-long 15-game point streak into the Frozen Four, having amassed 16 goals and 29 points during that stretch. He also put together two of the five longest goal-scoring streaks in UND history, scoring in nine straight games from Jan. 29 to March 26, and in eight straight games from Nov. 27 to Jan. 8.

Frattin's 40 points during league play were the most by a Sioux since Jeff Panzer (49 points) and Bryan Lundbohm (40) in 2000-01, enabling him to become UND's first WCHA scoring champion since Ryan Duncan in 2006-07. His 33 goals are the most by a Sioux since All-American Brandon Bochenski scored 35 in 2002-03, and he has scored 44 goals in his last 52 games.

A recreation and tourism studies major with a 3.0-plus grade point average, Frattin was named to his second All-WCHA Academic Team earlier this month. He was also named to UND's Athletics Director's Fall 2010 Honor Roll.

Frattin has been

Brett Hull blames T.J. Oshies teammates.

Sports Illustrated

I was reading this article in the stltoday.com tonight and I have to admit that I kind of agree with Brett Hull. You've thought that one of his teammates would've given him a call on his cell or stopped by the house to see if he is ok.

This afternoon, Hull said that he didn't want to speculate on why Blues forward T.J. Oshie missed Monday's practice, but the Hall of Famer does know where he would point the finger.

"I don't know what the reason is, why he missed," Hull said. "But to me, I put less blame on him and blame his teammates. When we played together ... (Kelly Chase), (Adam Oates) and (Brendan Shanahan) ... we took care of each other. That never would have happened. Someone would have been at his house getting him up and getting him to practice.

"So to me, I would blame more the teammates than I would him. You've got to take care of each other, especially that team. They're so young. They've got such an opportunity to bond together and be a great team. There's so much talent there. They've got to take care of each other in those situations off the ice."

So you want tickets? Be prepared to pay.

Stub Hub Frozen Four Tickets

I have a bunch of people asking me about tickets, I know no one with tickets that are trying to sell theirs but here is a good place to go if your interested in going to the Frozen Four, it's going to cost you a lot of money though. I am sitting this one out but I am watching the Frozen Four in my brother-in-laws basement where we watched the UND Fighting Sioux go 2-0 this past weekend. [Check out this link for Stub Hub], [Tennessee Ticket Company]

UND Head Coach Dave Hakstol a finalist for the Spencer Penrose Award

2011 AHCA Men’s Ice Hockey Spencer Penrose Award Candidates

Red Berenson, Michigan— NCAA Semifinalist*
Dean Blais, Nebraska Omaha—WCHA Coach of the Year*
Dave Hakstol, North Dakota— NCAA Semifinalist
Jeff Jackson, Notre Dame—CCHA Coach of the Year and NCAA Semifinalist*
Nate Leaman, Union—ECAC Coach of the Year
Paul Pearl, Holy Cross—AHA Coach of the Year
Scott Sandelin, Minnesota Duluth— NCAA Semifinalist*
Jerry York, Boston College—HE Coach of the Year*
* Past Spencer Penrose Award Winner

Compare and contrast - What's the difference?

I know I am going to take some flak from fellow Sioux fans but watch the DU coach and what he says during the press conference. Seriously, say what you want about George Gwozdecky but I believe the man is a class act, to start the press conference he gives credit to his opponent… This seems to be a reoccurring theme. I had a chance to see him speak at two press conferences during the Final Five and in both instances coach Gwozdecky gave credit and kudos to the opposing team that his own team just played, Coach Hakstol did as well in both cases. Check out what Coach Hakstol had to say after Yale beat UND last year in the regional. [click to watch]

Now watch this press conference. Do you hear the coach from Yale give the UMD Bulldogs any credit? When I was in college one of my old football coaches said you win with class and you lose with class, you give your opponent credit as well. Yale didn't lose because of the officiating, they lost because UMD was the better team.

EDIT: Todd Bertuzzi elbows Ryan Johnson

The right call was made in this situation (5 minute major and game misconduct) as the Redwing's Todd Bertuzzi elbows former Fighting Sioux forward and current Chicago Blackhawk Ryan Johnson. I don't think that a suspension is coming from the NHL, but who knows with the NHL. Bertuzzi is a repeat offender so the league might take that into consideration.

Bertuzzi will not be suspended for his hit on Ryan Johnson. [detroitnews.com]

Monday Links...

There are some nice stories out there that are worth looking at on this Monday evening after an awesome weekend of hockey. Go Fighting Sioux…

Julie Robenhymer from Hockey Buzz has a great blog post on the NCAA tourney. Breaking Down the Brackets - How The Frozen Four Got There...[Click to view]

Looks like Merrimack College forward Stephane Da Costa will not be returning to college in the fall. [Click to view] That's a huge loss for Merrimack College.

Tim Boger from the Dakota Student has a blog post about the Sioux being half way to pay dirt. Good stuff there... [Click to view]

Kevin Pates has an article about the UMD and Yale game. College hockey: Penalty proved key for UMD's run to the Frozen Four [Click to view]

Without a Peer refered to UND as a runway truck... [Click to view]

Our Favorite USCHO writer Brian Sullivan has an article on Yale’s misfortune during the Regional; Yale pays the penalty and sees its season end. This article sounds more like sour grapes to me. From my perspective the hit was a penalty and the ref made the correct call, lets also be real, UMD out played Yale. Got to like how there is no credit given to UMD for their victory, that unacceptable in my opinion. Also, sounds like major league whining to me. [Click to view Article]

It sounds like Michigan junior defenseman Brandon Burlon will be returning for the Frozen Four for the Ugly Helmets Michgian Wolverines [Click to view]

The College Hockey blog has the Frozen Four by the Numbers. [Click to view]

More whining and lack of class from the Yale Daily. Hopes dashed in Bridgeport...[Click to view]

USA TODAY/USA Hockey men's poll

USA TODAY/USA Hockey men's poll
[March 28, 2010]
1 North Dakota (34) 32-8-3 510 1
2 Michigan 28-10-4 462 6
3 Minnesota Duluth 24-10-6 418 12
4 Notre Dame 25-13-5 394 9
5 Boston College 30-8-1 378 2
6 Yale 28-7-1 330 3
7 Denver 25-12-5 302 5
8 Miami (Ohio) 23-10-6 282 4
9 New Hamsphire 22-11-6 230 11
10 Merrimack 25-10-4 200 7
11 Colorado College 23-19-3 186 13
12 Union 26-10-4 134 8
13 Western Michigan 19-13-10 128 10
14 Nebraska Omaha 21-16-2 94 14
15 Rensselaer 20-13-5 16 15
Others receiving votes: Dartmouth 10; Boston University 4; Rochester Institute of Technology 1; Air Force 1.

Blood Check on Zucker

Here's a video of Big Ben Blood taking out Jason Zucker with a textbook body check.



Ben Blood is leading the country in plus minus. His 36 is far better than the next guy on the list, Notre Dame's Sean Lorenz who is at 29.

Matt Frattin is #3 at 28.

Blood has been a rock for us on defense, but he hasn't gotten the national attention that he's deserved.