Ryane Clowe tap on Ryan Kessler...

Holy Cow! Are you kidding me? The dive by Canucks forward Ryan Kessler was worse than I had originally thought it was... If you watch the video you will see that San Jose Sharks forward Ryan Clowe barely touched Ryan Kessler who then flops to the ice like he has been shot.... If you noticed the announcers didn't spend a lot of time talking about the Clowe love tap either, also look how concerned Kessler's teammates were as well, they knew. What a fraud!!! This Vancouver Canucks team is a bunch of phonies that looked like they spent last summer taking acting and drama classes. These clown Vancouver Canucks throw their head back any time they are touched by the San Jose Sharks. 

Keith Ballard check on Jamie McGinn

Wow!!! I have to say, what a beautiful old style hip check by former Minnesota Gopher and Vancouver Defenseman Keith Ballard. Ballard had been a healthy scratch for most of the Stanley Cup Playoffs; Ballard's benching went back to game two of  the first round of the NHL playoffs against the Blackhawks where he was replaced in the line up by Canucks rookie defenseman Aaron Rome. Ballard was given a second chance today when Aaron Rome was injured in game three on a check by Jamie McGinn.

Sharks Joe Thornton is hit by the Canucks' Raffi Torres

This is the hit that injured Sharks star forward Joe Thornton... Not much you can say about the hit, it was a clean shoulder to shoulder check by Canucks' hack Raffi Torres. According to the Sharks head Coach Todd McLellan there is no update on Joe Thornton at this time. Being it’s a knock out game for the San Jose Sharks, you have to think that unless something is broken, Joe Thornton will probably be in the line up for game five.

Nathan Horton's Hit On Steve Downie

I honestly can’t fault the referee from his perspective, the ref in his opinion believed Steve Downie embellished his fall after being hit into the boards by Bruins forward Nathan Horton late in the second period of last night’s game, calling the Tampa Bay Lightning wing Hack Steve Downie for diving. Apparently, after further review Uber Hack Downie wasn’t faking, in fact Downie never returned to the game and is listed as day-to-day.

To be honest with you, I feel no empathy what-so-ever for Steve Downie because in my opinion he is one of the dirtiest players in the NHL. Seriously! I honestly can’t imagine anyone even caring. How many games has this clown/buffoon been suspended by the NHL/AHL in his short career? Reviewing the Steve Downie hit parade he stared out his NHL career by receiving a 20 game suspension for a dirty hit on Dean McAmmond in an exhibition game… Steve Downie followed up that smooth move with a 20- game suspension for slashing an AHL official.

Hey I admit that while the call was probably a reputation call and the wrong call, I believe that Downie has earned his reputation based on his actions on the ice, maybe if he just clean up his act, he might get the benefit of the doubt once in a while. I say whatever, you earned it Steve, you live by the sword, you die by the sword.

Detroit Crystal Ball Dart Toss (Redwing77)

The season is over and there's a few housekeeping things from me and a look into the offseason for the Red Wings in terms of potential retirements.

Housekeeping

I find myself rather at a loss as to whom to root for in the remaining playoffs. I respect San Jose for playing a great series out and coming out on top (even if I was disappointed that it came out at the expense of my Wings). And, since I deplore hockey players who routinely dive and their teammates/fans/teams who foster the behavior, it's pretty clear that I cannot root for the Canucks. So, it's disappointing to see San Jose only marginally in the series (I truly believe if the first 4 games were played in Vancouver, San Jose would get swept). I can't help but feel extreme doubt that the Sharks are going to do anything more than take a bite out of the Canucks downtime between this series and the Stanley Cup finals.

As for TB and Boston... I'm ok with either team advancing. Boston has played well and I really dig the comeback season Tim Thomas has had. On the other hand, there is no better human interest story in the playoffs than the story of Tampa Bay. They sucked last year. They go out and get a 41 year old goaltender, an untried rookie head coach and GM and suddenly.... WOW.

They are in the finals and STILL people, players, and the media are underestimating them. I think this is working in TB's favor.

In any case, regardless of who wins, I look to Boston or TB to win it all.

Retirements

I've already talked about the imminent retirement of Mike Modano, but there are rumors (on http://www.eliteprospects.com/) that suggest two other notable potential retirees exist.

First, Kris Draper. There is no question that Draper is near the end. There's also no question that his use by the Wings has followed a similar path to that of Kirk Maltby. He saw very little time this postseason. It's pretty clear that the Wings aren't finding much use for him any more, which is too bad. Kris was never flashy. He was just gritty and reliable. A truly great defensive forward with a mean streak. He was always overshadowed in these categories by other greats... defensive forward play by Datsyuk, Federov, and others. Gritty mean streaks by Maltby and McCarty among others.

This rumor is classified as doubtful by Elite Prospects. I would suggest that Draper's time as a Red Wing may have come to an end, but I think he'll play 1-2 more seasons if he can find a team.

Last, Chris Osgood. There is no question that Osgood is right where Draper is. However, the difference I see is: Osgood's no longer consistent and reliable in net. He's lost too much due to age. He may still have the drive to play hockey and that's his choice, but there's no question that he's got nothing left to give Detroit. I'd resign MacDonald to back up Howard. If Osgood wants to be the 3rd stringer and injury backup, then alright, but at no better than league veteran. We are in the salary cap era, after all.

If I were Osgood, I'd ask what was left to prove. Osgood isn't in the position of Draper. He's not as effective as Roloson has been this year. I'm not sure if Osgood will retire, but I would if I were him. He's not doing himself any good floundering or riding the bench as he has most of the season.

He may have the fire to continue playing like Draper, but it is obvious to me that he's got nothing left to offer.

Bruins choke away three goal lead…

The Boston Bruins were 23-0-0 when leading by three goals. Make that 23-1-0 after today’s unhinging debacle. The Bruins came out flying in the first period and raced to an impressive 3-0 lead in the game, the Bruins even chased the Tampa Bay Lightning’s starting goalie Dwayne Roloson who appeared to be very shaky from the game. Roloson was then replaced by Lightning backup goalie Mike Smith…I think it’s safe to say that everything was going the Bruins’ way until the 6:55 mark of the second period when the roof fell in on the Boston Bruins. Lightning forward Teddy Purcill got the Tampa Bay Lightning on the score board by scoring two quick unanswered goals. It would have been a great opportunity for the Bruins to call a time out but they did not, another #epicfail for the Bruins head coach Claude Julien.

Can’t score if don’t shoot

In my opinion I think it’s fair to say that Mike Smith was hardly challenged the by the Boston Bruins after replacing Dwayne Roloson. If you go back and watch the game you will see that Smith didn’t have to make a lot of difficult saves and most of his shots were logo killers from the Boston Bruins. The Bruins also failed to get traffic in front of the Tampa Bay Lightning net. You can’t win many games with that kind of a game plan you have to generate opportunities down low and get bodies in front of the opposition net.

Sit on the lead = #epicfail...

If this years Boston Bruins’ team has one glaring fault, it’s when they get a lead and then they try to sit on the lead and they fail to compete anymore, they go into a defensive shell which doesn’t always seem to work for them, especially against the talented offensive minded teams. The Boston Bruins can not give a talented team like the Tampa Bay Lightning grade “A” scoring opportunities in front of their net and expect the goalie to make every save, last time I check Tim Thomas was a human being and he isn't going to stop every shot that somes his way. Good teams bury grade “A” scoring chances in close off of turnovers, the defense and the forwards have to be better, they have to be smarter with the puck and get the pucks deep and get offensive opportunites between the dots. The Bruins should have kept the pressure on and continued to attack… Instead the Boston Bruins sat back and watched the Tampa Bay Lightning race by them like they were big orange road cones.

Power outage

The Boston Bruins registered an unimpressive shot total of eight shots during the third period of today’s game and it was many minutes into the third before the Bruins even registered a shot on goal. I would classify that as being unacceptable and that can’t happen if the Bruins want to win this series and advance to the Stanley Cup Finals.

While the Bruins were caught flat footed numerous times the Lightning continued to race through the neutral zone with speed attacking the Bruins net and capitalizing off the Bruins turnovers. For whatever reason the Bruins abandoned their successful game plan from game three after they got the three goal lead going into the second period… That three goal lead promptly disappeared in four short minutes with two goals from former Maine Black Bear Teddy Purcill and Sean Bergenheim. From the 6:55 minute of the second period on the Bruins also looked uninterested in playing strong defensively as well and became a turnover factory and failed to get pucks deep. There were numerous times the Bruins failed to get puck deeps and turned the puck over to the speedy offensive minded Tampa Bay Lightning.

Sharks' McGinn will not be suspended for hit on Rome.

Vancouver Sun Image

I believe that is the right decision by the NHL. Seriously, watching the game in time I thought the hit was barely worthy on a penalty. Just my humble opinion… In fact I was watching this game with my buddy and after the McGinn hit Rome he said, “play that hit back again” in watching the hit, I don’t think it warranted a five minute penalty. What do you think? I am sure there are Canucks fans that are upset with the hit, so what? The fact that the league reviewed this hit is a puzzler to me because there were worse hits that went un-penalized by the NHL Wheel of Justice during the Stanley Cup Playoffs. If you want to take a look at the hit you can click on the hit [on this link]

TSN.CA STAFF ---- There will be no supplementary discipline against San Jose forward Jamie McGinn, who received a major penalty for boarding and a game misconduct in the third period of Friday's Western Conference final.

McGinn had a hearing Saturday with NHL hockey operations, and learned he did not face a suspension after a review of the incident.

McGinn, who drew into the lineup after watching Games 1 and 2, received a five-minute boarding call for his hit on Vancouver Canucks defenceman Aaron Rome. Rome had to be helped off the ice after the hit and didn't return.

The Sharks trail the series 2-1 after winning a Conference Final game on home ice for the first time in franchise history.

Game 4 is Sunday in San Jose.

Jamie McGinn boards Aaron Rome hearing today from NHL

San Jose Sharks leftwinger Jamie McGinn has a hearing with the NHL for this hit on Vancouver Canucks defenseman Aaron Rome according to @TSNBobMcKenzie.

SJS Jamie McGinn has disciplinary hearing with NHL this afternoon for hit on VAN's Aaron Rome.

So in your opinion is this hit worthy of a suspension? Based on what the NHL has let go in the playoffs I wouldn't be surprised if no suspension is giving on the hit.

Wild prospect Mikael Granlund to stay in Finland this year

According to Star Tribune beat writer Michael Russo the Minnesota Wild's  top prospect Mikael Granlund will be staying in Finland this year and not coming to North America to play. This is going to be a disappointment to many Wild fans because the Wild are starved for offense and this kid is proving to be the real deal which is evident from his lacrosse style goal in the video above.

Michael Russo; Star Tribune ---Despite Mikko Koivu's attempt to persuade him to play for the Wild next season, highly touted 19-year-old Mikael Granlund will remain in Finland another year, one of his representatives said Thursday.

"The game plan is he's going to be entering the army and fulfilling his service and finishing high school, and we'd come over a year from now," agent Todd Diamond said.

"Mikael prefers when he comes over to Minnesota, hockey is the only thing he needs to focus on in his life. He wants to get all these so-called housekeeping things out of the way and, a year from now, get ready to hopefully crack the lineup."

Diamond said Granlund has received permission from the Finnish Army to attend the Wild's July 10-17 development camp. Diamond said the plan is to sign "this time next year."

"We believe Minnesota is a really good spot for him and the right environment for him to succeed in the future. It's the Finland of the United States in some ways," Diamond said.

Granlund, the Wild's first-round draft pick in 2010, helped lead HIFK to an SM-Liiga championship, then Finland to a world championship.

Two future sioux make top ten on Red Line Report

Two Future Sioux ended up 9th and 10th on the Red Line Report's Top 10 prospects for June 24-25 NHL Entry Draft... Looks like UND is getting to top flight players in J.T. Miller and Rocco Grimaldi.

Red Line Report's Top 10 prospects for June 24-25 draft

No.

Player

Pos.

Ht., Wt.

Shoots

Birthdate

Team

1

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins

C

6-0, 163

Left

April 12, 1993

Red Deer

2

Gabriel Landeskog

RW

6-1, 201

Left

Nov. 23, 1992

Kitchener

3

Adam Larsson

D

6-3, 220

Right

Nov. 12, 1992

Skelleftea

4

Dougie Hamilton

D

6-4, 193

Right

June 17, 1993

Niagara

5

Jonathan Huberdeau

LW

6-1, 165

Left

June 4, 1993

Saint John

6

Ryan Murphy

D

5-11, 176

Right

March 31, 1993

Kitchener

7

Ryan Strome

C

6-0, 183

Right

July 11, 1993

Niagara

8

Sean Couturier

C

6-4, 193

Left

Dec. 7, 1992

Drummondville

9

J.T. Miller

RW

6-1, 198

Left

March 14, 1993

U.S. NTDP U-18

10

Rocco Grimaldi

C

5-6, 161

Right

Feb. 8, 1993

U.S. NTDP U-18

Ex-Minnesota Wild player Boogaard's death from alcohol, oxycodone mix

Image by Getty Images via @daylifeThe results of the autopsy are now public, Derek Boogaard died by mixing Oxycodone and alcohol which ended up being a fatal combination because of synergistic effects of alcohol and other drugs which turned out to be a fatal combination.

Amy Forliti, Associated Press — A medical examiner in Minnesota ruled the death of Rangers enforcer Derek Boogaard was an accident, due to mixing alcohol and oxycodone.

The Hennepin County Medical Examiner released Boogaard's cause of death today. The medical examiner said no other data will be released.

The 28-year-old Boogaard was found dead in his Minneapolis apartment last Friday, five months after he sustained a season-ending concussion with the New York Rangers.

The 6-foot-7, 265-pound enforcer became a fan favorite in his years with the Minnesota Wild. He played in 255 games with the Wild from 2005-10.

Oxycodone is a powerful painkiller that can be addictive and has been blamed in some overdose deaths.

Boogaard's agent and a spokeswoman for the Boston University School of Medicine said earlier this week that Boogaard's brain will be examined for signs of a degenerative disease often found in athletes who sustain repeated hits to the head.

Boogaard was known as "The Boogeyman" — one of the league's most feared fighters. He agreed to a $6.5 million, four-year deal with the Rangers in July and appeared in 22 games last season, finishing with a goal, an assist and 45 penalty minutes.

His final game was Dec. 9 at Ottawa when he fought Matt Carkner and sustained a concussion and shoulder injury. That was the 70th fight of his NHL career.

So are the Thrashing moving to Winnipeg?

Image via WikipediaThere seems to be a buzz around the "Internet" that the Atlanta Thrashers are going to be moving to Winnipeg, I know we have seen and heard this story before but this time it sounds like this might actually be true. Of course Gary Bettman denies that there is a deal in place to sell the Thrashers to True North, which would in turn relocate the team from Atlanta to Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Here is the link to the interview that was on Sports Radio 1290 A.M. CFRW out of Winnipeg, Manitoba. [Click to listen]

Stephen Brunt; Globe and Mail ---- An agreement to sell the National Hockey League’s Atlanta Thrashers to a Winnipeg group which plans to relocate the franchise to the Manitoba capital is done.

Sources confirmed tonight that preparations are being made for an announcement Tuesday, confirming the sale and transfer of the Thrashers to True North Sports and Entertainment, which owns and operates the Manitoba Moose of the American Hockey League and the MTS Centre arena, which would become the NHL team’s new home.

Gary Bettman, the commissioner of the National Hockey League, is expected to travel to Winnipeg to make the news official.

The announcement would end months of speculation about whether one of the NHL’s financially-troubled American sunbelt teams might move north, filling the void left when the Winnipeg Jets packed up and left for Phoenix in 1996, where they became the Coyotes.

Much of the talk this spring had centred on that failing franchise, which was bought by the league after being placed in bankruptcy by its former owner Jerry Moyes in 2009.

But sources in Winnipeg suggest that the Thrashers had in fact been the primary target of potential owners Mark Chipman and David Thomson all along, and that some months back, the NHL board of governors quietly approved the sale and transfer of the team, pending the negotiation of a purchase agreement between Atlanta Spirit LLC, the Thrashers’ owners, and True North.

In the meantime, no potential owner materialized who was prepared to keep the team in Georgia, and local governments there showed no interest in propping up the Thrashers.

“There seems to be a consensus there is going to be a team in Winnpeg,” former major league pitcher Tom Glavine, who had tried unsuccessfully to find new ownership for the hockey team in Atlanta, acknowledged last week. ““The question is who, and unfortunately the bullseye seems to be on the Thrashers’ back.”

Bergeron hit on Krejci

This was the hit that everyone was talking about tonight, Lightning defenseman Marc-Andre Bergeron puts the woods to Bruins forward David Krejci. The check by Bergeron was ruled to be a 2 minute minor penalty for elbowing and the head coach for the Lightning Guy Boucher went nuts on the players bench.

My question is; do you think the ref made the right call on this hit? I believe it's a grey area and I didn't have a problem with the call because it looks like Krejci was hit in the face... That being said, Krejci should also be more aware coming through the neutral zone, David had his head down yet again, you'd think Krejci would have learned after being taken out by Mike Richards the year before. Was it a penalty, the Tampa Bay head coach didn't think so?

One Final Time... Goon's in studio on 1310 KNOX – Friday from 4:00 – 5:00 PM

Listen to the Goon live on the final voyage of the R.J. Richards show this Friday at 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm on 1310 AM KNOX R.J. and the Goon will be talking about the Stanley Cup Playoffs... This will probably be the last time you will hear the Goon on the air… Starting Monday R.J. will be working for North Dakota Representative Rick Berg and will no longer be part of the on the air staff at 1310 KNOX… I would like to thank R.J. for having me on his show and I would like to wish him good luck with his new career path in the future… If you live out of town you can listen live by clicking on this web link... [Click to Listen]

Call in 701-775-5559, 1-866-KNOX-1310, email: Live@KNOXRADIO.com

Bergeron to play in Tampa

According to Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe, we can expect Patrice Bergeron to make his series debut tonight against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Bruins rookie Tyler Seguin will remain in the Bruins line up after going (3g-3a-6pts) in two games. Expect Shawn Thornton to be the healthy scratch.

Projected Bruins lineup:

Forwards

Milan Lucic-David Krejci-Nathan Horton
Brad Marchand-Patrice Bergeron-Mark Recchi
Michael Ryder-Chris Kelly-Tyler Seguin
Daniel Paille-Gregory Campbell-Rich Peverley

Defense pairings

Zdeno Chara-Dennis Seidenberg
Andrew Ference-Johnny Boychuk
Tomas Kaberle-Adam McQuaid

Goalie

Tim Thomas
Tuukka Rask

Healthy scratches: Shawn Thornton, Shane Hnidy

Projected Tampa Bay Lighning lineup:

Forwards

Ryan Malone-Steven Stamkos-Martin St. Louis
Simon Gagne-Vincent Lecavalier-Teddy Purcell
Sean Bergenheim-Dominic Moore-Steve Downie
Randy Jones-Nate Thompson-Adam Hall

Defense pairings

Eric Brewer-Mattias Ohlund
Victor Hedman-Brett Clark
Mike Lundin-Marc-Andre Bergeron

Goalie

Dwayne Roloson
Mike Smith

Ben Eager on Bieksa, "he's a phony"

While it's no mystery that San Jose Sharks forward Ben Eager is a bit of a meat head and had a very rough game last night and he could be looking at a suspension from the NHL after he smoked Daniel Sedin from behind with an unneeded vicious boarding penalty. Eager looked like he was going to come unhinged on the San Jose Sharks players bench last night following the Kevin Bieksa and Patrick Marleau fight, all things considered Eager does have a valid point; Kevin Bieksa does like to go after the opposition's talented guys that don't fight and shies away from fighting the heavy weights and though guys that are known for racking up fighting majors and penalty minutes in the NHL. In case anyone forgot, Kevin Bieksa went after a non fighter in Chicago Blackhawks forward Viktor Stalberg during the first round of the NHL playoffs.

"We've seen that before with Kevin," said Ben Eager. "It's sad that someone's gonna sign him for big money when he's a phony. He goes after our top players. He's been asked many times, by lots of players throughout the League (to fight), and he's declined."

So it would appear that the Vancouver sports writers might have short memories when it comes to their beloved player hack Kevin Bieksa. While Eager might like the moral high ground in this situation and is a documented meat head, a bit of a loose cannon and acted like an unhinged psychopath that cost his team a power play goal, by taking an unneeded penalty and frankly should be watching game three from the press box. Seriously, you can’t really take him to task for speaking the truth, can you? Even if the Vancouver Media and fans have a short memory, it's a proven fact that Kevin Bieksa does pick his spots when it comes to fighting, so the Vancouver Canucks beat writers and fans might want to take their blue, green, silver, white goggles off when looking at this situation.

Eager, of course, couldn’t leave it at that, and after taking 20 minutes in penalties and damaging his team’s chances to win, he called Bieksa a phony in the post-game locker room, accusing him of picking his spots and not fighting the real tough guys.

“I’m not going to say too much about that,” said Bieksa. “Right now, my focus is on winning the series, and if they want to worry about that kind of stuff, that’s to our advantage. Our power play did a great job tonight of making them pay for some of their penalties.”

 I think it's safe to say that this series is going to get more exciting going into games three and four in San Jose. It will also be interesting to see if the Sharks can at least put up a fight and contest this series and not just let the Canucks take them to the woodshed. 

Kevin Bieksa vs Patrick Marleau

If I was the head coach of the San Jose Sharks, I am not so sure that I would encourage one of my top offensive players; that being Patrick Marleau to fight a tough hack guy like Kevin Bieksa, who has already fought three times during this year's Stanley Cup Playoffs.

I don't know, you would think that the Sharks wouldn't want to risk Patrick Marleau getting hurt by breaking a hand smashing Bieksa in the face. I understand that Marleau is trying to rally his team but there are others on the Sharks team that could have fought. Ben Eager would have been a better candidate based on the fact that his stupidity cost the Sharks a power play goal.

Incidentally, since Jeremy Roenick Called Patrick Marleau gutless on national television Marleau has picked up his game scoring three points in his last three games (3g-0a-3pts). So you do have to give Marleau credit for stepping up and challenging a player like Bieksa.

 

Jason Gregoire to turn pro...

Hockey Futures image

Got home from my bike ride about 2:50 this afternoon almost instantaneously got a text message from Sioux Rube asking me if Gregoire had left (decided to sign a professional contract)? I then I went to the computer to see if any news was breaking on the subject and in fact it was true… Junior forward Jason Gregoire is going to forego his senior year of eligibility with the University of North Dakota to sign a professional contract… That is a big blow to the Fighting Sioux hockey team because Gregoire is one of the best two way forwards in the WCHA. I don't think anyone is really shocked because it had been rumored for some time that Gregs was going to leave and sign, however, it's a sad day for Sioux fans non-the-less. This is what Jason Gregoire tweeted on Twitter today - Always a tough decision to leave a place you love but I will never forget grand forks and the sioux family. Thanks for a memorable 3 years. Finally this as well - You guys truly are the best! #siouxforlife... Personally, I am going to miss watching him play in the green and white because he is an offensively and dynamic hockey player that will be greatly missed.

Brad Schlossman; UND Hockey Blog ---- Jason Gregoire has withdrawn from school and will sign an NHL contract this summer.

Because he’s four years removed from his draft year, Gregoire is allowed to take advantage of a loophole in the NHL’s Collective Bargaining Agreement that allows him to withdraw and become a free agent if he’s not signed within 30 days by the team that drafted him.

Gregoire was drafted by the New York Islanders and said it’s very much a possibility that he will sign with them, but he’s keeping his options open and he’s looking to get more information.

Minnesota’s Blake Wheeler is the only other college player known to have taken advantage of this loophole. Most players aren’t able to do it, because they don’t play a year of juniors after they were drafted.

“I hold the Islanders in the highest regard,” Gregoire said. “In no way, shape or form have I ruled them out. I just don’t have all of the information right now to make a decision.

“I think very highly of them and they think the same of me. They know what’s going to happen as far as me keeping my options open. We’ll talk some more. If they are the best option, I will go with them.”

UND Fighting Sioux Hockey: Danny Kristo has unfinished business

Image via WikipediaIt's stories like this that make me giddy about the Fighting Sioux's prospects for next season. I am excited that Danny Kristo is coming back to UND for another season and that he has something to prove and some unfinished business. I really think that Kristo will only get better being one of the "main guys" in the line-up for the Fighting Sioux next season.

LOU BABIARZ;Bismarck Tribune Sports Editor | ----- Danny Kristo has accomplished a lot during his two seasons on the University of North Dakota hockey team. But it was unfinished business that caused Kristo to return to UND for his junior season instead of turning pro.

"I just feel like I haven't done everything in college that I needed to," said Kristo, who was in Bismarck on Tuesday as part of the Fighting Sioux Caravan. "I still have a lot left that I can accomplish myself and for the team, too.

"I just thought it was the right place for me," he said.

Even though the Sioux lost a strong group of seniors, many of their top underclassmen will be returning - including Kristo, Ben Blood and Aaron Dell.

That helped Kristo, who was a second-round pick of the Montreal Canadiens in 2008, choose to forestall going pro.

"It helped make my decision easier with some friends coming back," Kristo said. "I just went over my options and felt that the team's got a lot to offer next year with some of the guys coming back. We've got a lot of underrated guys that are going to be stepping up into big roles next year. I think we have a real good shot of doing a lot of big things."

The Sioux are coming off a season in which their only goal was winning the national championship.

UND accomplished many other things along the way, including winning the MacNaughton Cup as the WCHA's regular-season champion and their second straight Broadmoor Trophy as the playoff champ.

They did advance to the Frozen Four, but were upset by Michigan in the semis.

"Our season ended short of what our goal was," UND coach Dave Hakstol said. "We didn't mince words in terms of what we wanted to accomplish last season. But you have to put that season in back of us."

It was a tumultuous season for Kristo. After winning the WCHA's rookie of the year award in 2009-10, Kristo had just one goal in his first 20 games.

Though he eventually regained his scoring touch - finishing with eight goals and 20 assists in 34 games - he missed six weeks with a severe case of frostbite.

"It was like a rollercoaster, a lot of ups and downs," Kristo said. " I had kind of a slow start, a little snakebit there for a while. ... After Christmas I really picked up my game. It's too bad I got hurt, because I was kind of on a roll there, but I just tried to pick up where I left off."

Kristo piled up 23 points in his final 16 games, and he's hopeful that hot streak carries over into next season. The Sioux will need him to produce.

UND should be solid in goal, with Dell, Brad Eidsness and Tate Maris returning, and Hakstol likes his defense. The forwards will be a mix of vets and newcomers.

WCHA on ice officials.

Image via WikipediaThe WCHA has released their roster for their on ice officials. 

WCHA Men's Officials:

SUPERVISOR OF OFFICIALS: Greg Shepherd.

REFEREES:

3-Derek Shepherd; 4-Todd Anderson; 5-Justin Brown; 7-Don Adam; 8-Tom Sterns; 9-C.J. Beaurline; 10-Peter Friesema; 11-Tim Walsh; 12-Butch Mousseaux; 14-Brian Thul; 15-Marco Hunt; 17-Craig Welker; 18-Max Battimo; 21-Paul Depuydt; 22-Bill Mason; 23-Matt Ulwelling; 24-Jon Campion; 25-Mike McCreary; 27-Jonathan Morrison; 29-Scott Bokal; 31-Brett Klosowski; 33-Brad Shepherd.


LINESMEN:

at UAA: 36-Kent Asplund; 40-Carl Saden; 73-Scott Sivulich; 74-Steve Glines; 75-Travis Jackson.

at BSU & UND: 37-Tom Lund; 70-Andy Dokken; 71-Brian Novlesky; 76-Brandon Schmitt; 78-Nathan Freeman; 83-Justin Hills; 84-Phil Stodgell; 92-Andy Carton.

at CC & DU: 52-Scott Staudte; 57-Bob Keltie; 67-Greg Rockenback; 82-Stephen Stankevich; 86-Gary Pedigo; 88-Tim Swiader.

at MTU: 35-Dan Juopper; 85-Sean Jacques.

at UM, UMD, MSU, SCSU: 38-Joe Harris; 44-Chris Olson; 45-Jerome Krieger; 50-Tony Lancette, Jr.; 53-Rick Nelson; 55-Jeff Schultz; 61-Luke Huggett; 62-Jarod Moen; 68-Chris Perrrault; 75-Dana Penkivech; 80-Tony Czech; 81-Brandon Polich; 90-Matt Anderson; 91-Sterling Egan; 96-Eric Whisler; 98-Dan Kovarik; TBA-Dave Marcotte.

at UNO: 41-Eric Johnston; 52-Chad Evers; 70-Scott Fitzpatrick; 97-Nate Stanton.

at UW: 34-Ed Moberg; 38-Dan Carey; 42-Dan Dineen; 51-Mike Gulenchyn; 65-Matt Gerlach.