Hump Day Links...

Image via Wikipedia
Here’s the video from CBS Sports Network that takes a look at the University of Michigan's home Yost Arena. [Click to view]

In case anyone is wondering MSU-M is still moving forward with hockey exploration. [WDAY.COM]

I know this is a little old but, USCHO explains the NCAA’s tweak to common opponents criteria for NCAA Ice Hockey tournament selection. [USCHO.COM]

If approved, the criteria will be scored by adding the winning percentages against individual opponents. In the past, teams were compared by their overall record against common opponents. (See sidebar for example.)

The change would mean that a team that has a 5–0 record against a common opponent gets the same amount of points as a team with a 1–0 record against the same opponent.

Conversely, going 0–1 against a team would mean the same as going 0–5, decreasing the negative impact on a team’s score.

The results against common opponents is one of four criteria by which teams under consideration for the NCAA tournament (those with a Ratings Percentage Index of .500 or better) are compared to all other teams under consideration. The others are head-to-head competition, record against teams under consideration if both teams have played at least 10 such games and the RPI.

Mick Hatten has an article about the recent meeting between the WCHA and the CCHA... St. Cloud State hockey: WCHA, CCHA weigh the options [Click to view] I find the comments to be more entertaining than the article... The thing that I find hilarious is that some SCSU fans think the reason the Huskies didn't get into the NCHC was because of their former university president Roy Sagio and his stance against the Fighting Sioux nickname and logo. I guess we have silent black helicopters landing in SCSU fans back yards.

Yesterday the Grand Forks Herald had their weekly chat and there was a few tid bits on Fighting Sioux hockey and the new NCHC. [Click to view]

The College Hockey Blog ranked the University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux 4th in their yearly pre-season rankings. [TCHB.COM]

Debating the Ranking --- While there was some discussion on whether the TCHB’s ranking of UND is too high, I do think that we could make the argument for UND being ranked where they are. I don't think it's a stretch to say that they could end up finishing in the top three this season. While UND lost 6/7 of their top scorers the Fighting Sioux do return one of the best defensive corps in the WCHA if not the nation. Senior defenseman Ben Blood and junior defenseman Andrew McWilliams would probably been a top pairing on anyone’s team in college hockey.

In net for the Fighting Sioux --- Aaron Dell is one of the best goaltenders in the WCHA and is probably in the top ten nationally. There is an old cliché that championships start with defense and goaltending. Add to UND's rock solid defense corps; UND's forwards Danny Kristo, Corbin Knight, Brock Nelson are set to have a break out season as well, add new comers Rocco Grimaldi and Mark MacMillan who are both highly regarded as well. There is an old saying that UND's doesn't rebuild they reload.

Related articles

• NCAA "Willing to Reconsider" Settlement Demands for Refitting Ralph Engelstad Fighting Sioux Arena. (mvn.com)
• What's up SCSU? (mvn.com)
• Will the Gophers want to duck the Sioux? (mvn.com)
• WCHA and CCHA league meet in Chicago (mvn.com)

NCAA “Willing to Reconsider” Settlement Demands for Refitting Ralph Engelstad Fighting Sioux Arena.

Image via Wikipedia Here is some of the discussion that Scott Hennen had with Jody Hodgson on August 23rd, 2011 on the Fighting Sioux logo and the meeting with the NCAA.

GRAND FORKS, ND – But despite the fact that the NCAA would not budge on its stance to retire the Fighting Sioux nickname and logo, Hodgson said they did agree to reconsider requests for amending the settlement’s demands for retrofitting the arena to meet the NCAA’s design standards.

“I don’t think anybody in the issue has won,” said Hodgson, “and I personally don’t believe anyone benefits if we further complicate the issue by defacing the building and all of the issues that would come with that, the least of which is not the financial considerations.”

Changes to the facility have been estimated at over $1 million to meet the settlement’s specifications.

Hodgson, a passionate Fighting Sioux supporter, said that reality of the NCAA’s demands did not fully hit him until he was walking out of the NCAA meeting. Many nickname supporters are now pushing the position that no new nickname be adopted, even if the Fighting Sioux must be retired.

I like many Sioux fans would like to see the “No Nickname and Logo” movement pick up some steam. There is no way that we can replace the Fighting Sioux logo and nickname with anything that is remotely acceptable. There are going to be some people that are going to suggest ridiculous nicknames like Sundogs... Those nicknames are not going to be popular and you’re going to end up upsetting large swaths of people.

New glass goes in at Jobing.com Arena

Here is the new glass they were testing at the research and development camp last week. What do you guys think? If the new glass prevents injuries I am all for it.

Fighting Sioux logo links...

Image via Wikipedia There has been a lot of breaking news today on the Fighting Sioux nickname and logo and the transition that lies ahead. I am going to try and keep up with the news as it breaks as best as I can. The first story that caught my eye was this one about current Fighting Sioux logo designer Bennett Brien as he weighted in on the Fighting Sioux logo today.

“It’s not a logo,” he said. “It’s a symbol.”

And the symbolism of the Native American man depicted in his design has been misunderstood, he said.

“His gaze is really focused and determined. You need that in life, no matter who you are, when you’re searching for truth,” Brien said.

“The feathers stand for the brave and honorable things you do in life, whether you are a Sioux warrior from before or a student today trying to get an education or anyone making a sacrifice to do good.”(Chuck Haga; Grand Forks Herald)

It would appear that the Grand Forks members of the North Dakota legislature are ready to vote in favor to change the Fighting Sioux nickname law.

After a state delegation failed this month to negotiate a change in the NCAA’s posture concerning the nickname, Gov. Jack Dalrymple said he will ask the Legislature to repeal or amend the new law and turn authority over the issue to the State Board of Higher Education.

This time, the Grand Forks delegation appears likely to be unanimous. (Chuck Haga; Grand Forks Herald)

North Dakota House Member, Mike Schatz from district 36 (New England, N.D.), wrote a letter to the editor explaining why he won't vote for the Nickname Repeal Law. Representative Schatz made an interesting point on the Fighting Sioux logo and asks the question, who is going to pay for UND to change the Fighting Sioux logo?

It has been estimated that the cost of changing the logo could be $20 million. Who is going to pay that sum? The Board of Higher Education does not have that authority without legislative approval nor does UND. Is the NCAA going to donate back its profits from the sale of Sioux merchandise to cover the expense? Are we going to allow ourselves to be blackmailed into doing something that 80 percent of the people don’t want to do?

Scott Hennen had Jody Hodgson the General Manager of the REA on his radio show today and they talked about the future of the Fighting Sioux nickname and logo. Jody Hodgson is in favor of no nickname and UND just being "North Dakota" for the time being. [Click to listen to the segment]

Forum Sioux Survey...

Here is a non-scientific survey that the Fargo Forum had on some of the issues surround the Fighting Sioux nickname. It's worth a look if you haven't seen it.

Related articles

• Representative Al Carlson will not sponsor reversal of nickname decision (mvn.com)
• Another Mike Chambers drive by shooting on former Fighting Sioux forward Brad Malone... (mvn.com)
• Former Sioux football players Jim Kleinsasser weighs in... (mvn.com)
• The NCAA a bunch of hypocrites? (mvn.com)
• 2011-12 UND TV Schedule (mvn.com)

NCHC picks conference HQ...

Here is the official statement regarding the NCHC's selection of a headquarters office in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

COLORADO SPRINGS - The new National Collegiate Hockey Conference, which will begin competition in the 2013-14 season, announced today that it will locate its headquarters office in Colorado Springs.

The athletic directors of the Conference's six founding institutions accepted an invitation from El Pomar Foundation and determined the Conference's first commissioner and staff will operate all functions of league administration from the Colorado Springs office in the Copper Building (1631 Mesa Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO, 80906), adjacent to the grounds of the world-famous Broadmoor Hotel. The conference's six founding members are Colorado College, University of Denver, Miami University, 2011 NCAA champion University of Minnesota Duluth, University of Nebraska Omaha and University of North Dakota.

"El Pomar founders Spencer and Julie Penrose were enthusiastic supporters of college hockey in Colorado Springs and the trustees of El Pomar are pleased to honor that legacy by supporting the National Collegiate Hockey Conference as it establishes a headquarters here," said William J. Hybl, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of El Pomar Foundation. "Colorado Springs benefits greatly from the presence of numerous sports-related organizations and we believe this new endeavor will add to an already important economic component of our city."

"We are very grateful to Bill Hybl and El Pomar Foundation for their enthusiastic interest in the National Collegiate Hockey Conference," said Brian Faison, Director of Athletics at North Dakota. "The Foundation's track record of support for higher education, nonprofits and amateur sports has been exemplary, and we are proud to be working with them to provide the best collegiate hockey competition in the country. It's an ideal setting with unmatched advantages that will create a perfect environment for everything we hope to achieve and to represent."

Colorado Springs is a popular location for sports organization headquarters including the United States Olympic Committee, U.S. Paralympics, the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association and 21 national sports governing bodies.

"We're very happy that the National Collegiate Hockey Conference has chosen to join USA Hockey and the entire amateur sports community by headquartering in Colorado Springs," said Dave Ogrean, Executive Director of USA Hockey. "We look forward to working with the Conference office and the six outstanding founding school progams that continue to develop the game at the college level."

The Conference has a number of other organizational initiatives that are underway including the national search for the Conference's first Commissioner, a process for identifying and evaluating prospective additional members and evaluating possible venues for the Conference's championship tournament.

Related articles

• New hockey conference to base in Colorado Springs (denverpost.com)
• New hockey conference for DU, CC named the National Collegiate Hockey Conference (denverpost.com)
• National Collegiate Hockey Conference is new home for DU, Colorado College (denverpost.com)

WCHA and CCHA league meet in Chicago

Image via WikipediaHere is the official release from today's meeting. Absent from the meeting was Notre Dame.

CHICAGO, Ill. – Members of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) and the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) met jointly today (Aug. 23) in Chicago, working from an agenda that included sharing information about each other, engaging in productive discussions about the challenges that each institution and each conference face, and seeking common ground to work together for the betterment of the parties involved and of college hockey in general.

In issuing a joint statement, WCHA Commissioner Bruce McLeod and CCHA Commissioner Fred Pletsch said, “This was an important and productive meeting, for all involved parties. We asked everyone in attendance to be open, honest and frank in discussing their concerns, hopes and visions for the future of their respective programs. We recognize that where there is change there is also opportunity. We plan to continue our discussions in the future and to continue to explore all options.

“One crucial thing that came out of the joint meeting today was the word ‘commitment’. All of these institutions are totally committed to fielding the most competitive and successful programs possible and to provide the best possible experience for their student-athletes.”

Topics discussed in the joint meeting agenda included sharing of institutional and hockey program information (including financial, facilities, community support, staffing and travel), scheduling and championship scenarios, and membership and league affiliation (including league size, automatic qualifiers, etc).

In attendance at the joint meeting were administrators from the University of Alaska Anchorage, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Bemidji State University, Bowling Green State University, Ferris State University, Lake Superior State University, Michigan Technological University, Minnesota State University, Mankato, Northern Michigan University, St. Cloud State University and Western Michigan University.
[UAA Sports Information]

Related articles

• University of Alaska Fairbanks to the WCHA? (mvn.com)
• Tuesday evening free for all (mvn.com)
• LSSU Lakers face crucial decisions... (mvn.com)

Another Mike Chambers drive by shooting on former Fighting Sioux forward Brad Malone...

As a Sioux fan I have to ask is there is something wrong with Mike Chambers? Is he going to always refer to Brad Malone as the guy that broke Jesse Martin's neck every time he does a story or blog post on former Fighting Sioux forward Brad Malone? Seriously? What relevance does it have in regards to this discussion? In my humble opinion nothing. This is the same beat writer that asked George Gwozdecky about RIT after the Pioneers won their first game at the Final Five...

Mike Chambers; Denver Post ---- The Avs selected Malone in the fourth round (105th overall) of the 2007 draft. Malone played four years at North Dakota and served as the first-line center last season, when the Sioux were ranked No. 1 nationally most of the year and advanced to the Frozen Four. He (Malone) had 16 goals and 40 points in 43 games last season, a campaign marred by his controversial hit that nearly killed DU senior Jesse Martin on Oct. 30 in Grand Forks.

Malone is perceived as a third- or fourth-line grinder in the NHL, a gritty guy with good hands (fighting?) and decent wheels. Nicknamed “Pony,” he was one of the most popular players at UND.

What's the point, is Chambers trying to incite the Sioux faithful because of a sagging readership? What does he want to have happen to Brad Malone, does he wish him ill well? I had the pleasure of meeting Brad Malone at a golf tourney two season ago and I have to say that he was a very nice person and don't get the vilification of Brad Malone. Can we move on?

The end of the Colin Campbell Wheel of Justice.

It would appear that the Colin Campbell Wheel of Justice has finally been retired, this is good news because it will probably finally silence the conspiracy theorists who thought that Colin Campbell was in the tank for the Boston Bruins.

Nicholas J. Cotsonika, Yahoo.com --- The NHL has a new disciplinarian: Brendan Shanahan(notes). It has rewritten the rules regarding boarding and illegal checks to the head, broadening their scope. And now, every time Shanahan and his colleagues announce a suspension, they will release a video simultaneously explaining what they saw, everything they deliberated and why they settled on that certain sanction. It might be on a case-by-case basis, but they hope to release a video after each disciplinary hearing, not just each suspension, so they can give an explanation when they decide not to take action, too.

I think going forward that the NHL under the direction of Brendan Shanahan is going to be run more smoothly and be more transparent when making their disciplinary decisions than the league did under Colin Campbell… In the past Colin Campbell’s decisions seem to lack consistency and where far from transparent and most of the time Campbell's decisions just left people scratching their heads.

Related articles

• Colin Campbell Out As NHL's Discipline Chief; Brendan Shanahan To Take Over (sbnation.com)
• Colin Campbell to step down as NHL disciplinarian: report (thestar.com)
• Colin Campbell Out as NHL Disciplinarian (nytimes.com)
• Shanahan explains how he'll approach his new role as league disciplinarian (prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com)

Bigger NHL Rinks?

Image via WikipediaThis is a horrible idea; in my opinion there is no reason to increase the size of the ice in the NHL, as we have seen in the college game, bigger ice surfaces take hitting out of the game. Also, most NHL teams aren’t going to want to take out seats out of their arenas to increase the size of the ice surface, it’s an economic issue, that means less seats and less money for those arenas/teams.

Toronto Sun --- To my way of thinking, the NHL could increase goal-scoring and make the game more exciting with one simple change, without having to constantly tinker and retool. (And when a league is constantly retooling, it sends out the message, unfortunately, that there’s something profoundly wrong with the game).

Yes, I’ve harped on this before, but it’s necessary harp: The NHL should increase the size of the ice. Not even the length of the ice, just the width. More ice, more room to move, more creativity, more goals. More goals, more excitement, more fans.

I’m not a math guy, but that seems to be a winning equation. Still, opponents of the idea, including some very good friends of mine who write and broadcast hockey for a living, argue that changing the ice dimensions would result in a boring game, because there would be less hitting, as there is in European pro hockey.

Related articles

• The obvious reason why the NHL won't switch to a larger ice surface (prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com)
• NHL changes coming? (mvn.com)
• NHL Experiments With New Rules at Offseason Camp (nytimes.com)
• NHL Video: The 15 Best Player and Coach Tantrums in Hockey History (bleacherreport.com)
• Shallower nets, hi-def net cameras tested for NHL (thestar.com)
• Why the NHL Doesn't Dare Play an Exhibition Game in Hamilton (bleacherreport.com)
• Sidney Crosby suffers setback, may miss start of season (ctv.ca)

Sunday night humor

 One of my twitter friends sent me this tweet and I thought I was would share it with you.

Representative Al Carlson will not sponsor reversal of nickname decision

Image via WikipediaThis is breaking news on the Fighting Sioux nickname... Carlson won't introduce legislation that would repeal his law that required the University of North Dakota to be called the Fighting Sioux, on the other hand Carlson will not obstruct anyone that decides to introduce legislation to retire the Fighting Sioux nickname either.

Fargo Forum --- When asked this week if he would introduce legislation to undo the law, Carlson said he wouldn’t.

“I’m principled enough to know that I’m not going to do that,” said Carlson, who sponsored the controversial law that took effect this month.

However, Carlson said he also won’t discourage anyone else from submitting legislation to amend or repeal the law and said he would go along with what must be done.

“I’m not here to obstruct the process or to hurt UND,” he said. “We’re not going to damage the university.”

The New NHL Net...

This is the video from the NHL introducing the new net that the NHL has been experimenting with during the Research and Development camp this past week in Toronto Ontario. There is a decent chance that we might  see this new net during NHL regular season. The more I read about this new net the more that I like it, if this helps make a more definitive ruling on goals I am all for it.

TSN.COM ---- The new design of net comes with a 40-inch frame as opposed to the traditional 44 inches. It also features a clear plastic strip along the top, thinner mesh and a built-in high definition camera -- changes that should make the job easier for the league's video review room.

There will also likely be a new "verification line" that runs three inches behind the goal-line and can be used to determine if a puck completely entered the net.

Since the changes to the net won't directly impact the rulebook, the procedure for implementing them is still being ironed out. They'll be used during training camps and exhibition games before the hockey operations department makes a decision on whether they'll be on display in the regular season.

Related articles

• NHL changes coming? (mvn.com)
• Shallower nets, hi-def net cameras tested for NHL (thestar.com)
• NHL's first big change from Camp Shanny could be to the nets (prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com)

UND working out details on timeline for transition to new logo

Image via WikipediaIn case you haven't seen this article it's worth a look, apparently the NCAA is more worried about UND transitioning away from the nickname and logo and retiring it than if our teams wear it this year... I find that interesting.

Dave Kolpack, Associated Press---  The higher education board has directed Kelley to "substantially complete" the process of retiring the nickname by the end of December. That doesn't necessarily mean that the Indian head logo will be gone from all uniforms by then, Shaft said.

"For instance, we know that through the ordering process, we probably won't have different hockey uniforms until well after Christmas break," he said. "The NCAA has indicated that those aren't the types of things they're worried about. They just wanted a solid commitment that the logo was being retired."

Some sports have already moved away from the Indian head illustration. The football team is using an interlocking "ND" that has been a secondary logo for several years.

Related articles

• The NCAA a bunch of hypocrites? (mvn.com)
• UND to resume planning process for retirement of nickname and logo (mvn.com)
• It's official...NDBoHE again votes to drop UND's Sioux nickname, logo (mvn.com)
• More from the meeting... (mvn.com)
• Fighting Sioux nickname meeting with NCAA rescheduled for Aug. 12 (mvn.com)
• NCAA won't budge (mvn.com)

UND merchandise on NCAA site....

The University of North Dakota was put on the NCAA sanctions August 15th and the NCAA transitioned away from selling UND Fighting Sioux merchandise on it's webpage. It almost appears that the NCAA has stopped selling UND merchandise. Last night and this morning while doing a search of the NCAA site with North Dakota, UND and University of North Dakota the only thing that comes up is the God awful NDSU Bison merchandise.

Related articles

• The NCAA a bunch of hypocrites? (mvn.com)
• University of North Dakota Faces Sanctions (indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com)
• Fighting Sioux nickname meeting with NCAA rescheduled for Aug. 12 (mvn.com)
• Former Sioux football players Jim Kleinsasser weighs in... (mvn.com)
• UND to resume planning process for retirement of nickname and logo (mvn.com)
• NCAA won't budge (mvn.com)
• A couple of Links (mvn.com)

NHL changes coming?

Image via WikipediaThis week in Toronto, the NHL has been experimenting with some different things to tweak the NHL game. Apparently the dept of the nets is one thing that the NHL is experimenting with. The changes to the nets sizes in the NHL could come as early as this season.

TORONTO -- After using a shallower model over two days at the research and development camp, league executive Brendan Shanahan indicated that the new nets will likely find their way into NHL arenas soon.

"I think that the shallow nets are something that I'd really like to try in at least an exhibition game and see how players react to it," Shanahan said Thursday.

The new design is 40 inches deep as opposed to the traditional 44 inches. It also features a clear plastic strip along the top and thinner mesh -- changes intended to make video review decisions easier.

Shanahan also liked a new "verification line" that runs three inches behind the goal-line and can be used in video review to help determine if a puck completely entered the net.

The NHL Is also thinking about going to the hybrid icing rule, this is basically the same rule that the NCAA went to last season. Of course this rule change didn't go as smoothly as planned, there were a lot of calls where the play should have been called icing and wasn't, the WCHA officials had a tough time with this new rule change and I don't think it's an understatement to say that there was a lot of confusion with the Hybrid Icing rule. I would hope the NHL officials can do a better job calling this than the NCAA/WCHA officials because the NHL officials are full time officials.

The Globe and Mail ---- Under the hybrid rule, the linesmen will have to make a judgment call. When the puck is fired down the ice and icing is indicated, the closest linesman has to determine, by the time the first player reaches the faceoff dot, which player is going to win the race. If it is the attacking player, icing is waved off and the race for the puck continues. If it is the defending player, the whistle is blown to stop the play.

If the NHL adopts the hybrid icing rule you could see a lot less collisions at the end boards contesting icing and it could help prevent injuries like the one that where former Wild Defenseman Kurtis foster suffered when he was planted into the boards racing for an icing.

Related articles

• Prospects brighten sessions as NHL puts rules proposals to the test (aol.sportingnews.com)
• NHL experiments with penalty kill at camp (canada.com)
• NHL considering immediate change to nets (cbc.ca)
• 2011 NHL RDO Camp: Today's schedule, curved glass, faceoff tweaks and the green line (prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com)
• NHL will look at all angles of the game in Research, Development and Orientation camp (aol.sportingnews.com)

College Hockey re-alignment affecting recruitment?

Image via WikipediaHere is an interesting blog post that I found on Buzzing the Net about Jacob Trouba of the U.S. National Team Development Program in Ann Harbor Michigan. Trouba is considering playing either for Michigan in the NCAA and or for the Kitchener Rangers of the OHL. Sounds like the re-alignment that has taken place in college hockey this past summer “could” play a hand in where a kid decides to play.

Trouba said the changing face of NCAA hockey -- with the starting of the new National Collegiate Hockey Conference, putting some programs like Notre Dame in conference limbo -- has made his choice regarding the college route a bit more difficult.

"It's very big," said Trouba of the decision between the two paths. "School is where you're going for four years -- that's a four-year decision -- and the OHL you're not coming back (to the NCAA) if you go there. So you've really got to pick one way or the other.

"Then, you've got to live with your decision."

Hump Day links...

Coach Hakstol was on the Pipeline Show last night. [click to listen]

Here is an interesting story from HabsWorld.Net; How Danny Kristo could become unrestricted next offseason

There's one name that should stand out to most from that list, Danny Kristo. Drafted in 2008, he played in the USHL in 2008-09 before going to college the next year. He has completed two seasons at North Dakota and has said he will play again there this year which is his junior year. 2012 is also the fourth year since his selection which means Subsection c (iv) could apply to him. If he so desired, he could drop out of college and become unrestricted as early as next offseason.

You'll note the usage of the hypotheticals in the last couple of sentences. As there is no guarantee Kristo won't sign before then nor is there one that says he won't stay for his senior year, this doesn't mean for sure that he will become a UFA next season. In both of these instances, the Habs would retain his rights either by him signing or him staying at North Dakota (Subsection c (iii) applies here for those interested but I'll spare you reading through that in detail).

 Luke Johnson has verbally committed to play for the hometown Fighting Sioux. [click to read]

The forward (Luke Johnson) chose UND over Bemidji State, St. Cloud State and Nebraska-Omaha. “I think it’s pretty obvious,” Johnson said. “Growing up here, I always dreamed of playing for the Sioux. It’s a no-brainer to play for the Sioux. With my dad and uncle going through the program and doing what they did, it’s pretty simple, pretty easy.”

Former head of the UND Alumni Association Earl Strinden says it’s time to move on from the UND nickname. [click to view]

Boston Bruins Defenseman Zdeno Chara is not expected to face any criminal charges for his hit on Max  Pacioretty. [Click to read]

A couple of Links

Image via Wikipedia
Here are a couple of stories of interest.

The Next Little Big Horn: Black Cloud Cloud Says NCAAs Actions Discriminatory Against Spirit Lake Sioux

Well ahead of the August 12 meeting, the Spirit Lake Chairman and Tribal Council wrote a letter to the NCAA asking if they could come to the meeting and represent their tribe’s position on the issue, but NCAA officials denied the sovereign nation’s request.

Here they are going to talk about the fate of the Fighting Sioux, and the name and the proper use that UND has given it, and the tribe that supports it, they don’t even want to hear from, said Frank Black Cloud, a Spirit Lake Leader, on the Scott Hennen show yesterday. “How do you not want to hear from the people that it affects the most?

The name was given generations ago,” stated Black Cloud, “and the NCAA really has no bearing as to what the tribe does and how the tribe gives their namesake away. We gave it in honor.

Carlson Says The Battle Is Not Over Yet on Sioux Nickname.

FARGO, ND - Those people [ND Legislators] don’t throw protest votes around. They were listening to the citizens of North Dakota when they cast their votes, and every one of them was well aware of what would happen in terms of conference affiliations and all of those things,” House Majority Leader Al Carlson (R-Fargo) said today of the legislature’s spring decision on the Fighting Sioux nickname bill.

Carlson went on to say that there is also no certainty that the law will be repealed in November.

At no point in time was there a promise made that we will change the law tomorrow, in spite of what was said in the media. I can't guarantee that those 93 people will all switch their minds, Carlson said in an interview on the Scott Hennen show today.

I think the name should have stayed, said Carlson. In the end if it can't stay, then so be it. But that day is not here yet.

Related articles

• The NCAA a bunch of hypocrites? (mvn.com)
• NCAA won't budge (mvn.com)
• Former Sioux football players Jim Kleinsasser weighs in... (mvn.com)
• UPDATE: Shaft: NCAA meeting about Fighting Sioux nickname postponed (mvn.com)
• Fighting Sioux nickname meeting with NCAA rescheduled for Aug. 12 (mvn.com)

2011-12 UND TV Schedule

Image via WikipediaHere is the UND sports TV schedule for the 2011-2012 season.The television schedule includes Fighting Sioux Men's and Woman's Hockey, Men's and Woman's Basketball and Fighting Sioux Football... If you have Midco or Direct TV you will be able to watch Sioux Sports anywhere in the USA.


2011-12 UND TV Schedule
Date Sport Opponent Time
Sept. 1 FB Drake 7:00 pm
Sept. 6 VB North Dakota State 7:00 pm
Oct. 1 MHKY Regina (Exh.) 7:00 pm
Oct. 6 VB NJIT 7:00 pm
Oct. 7 MHKY Ice Breaker Tournament
Michigan State vs. Boston College 4:00 pm
UND vs. Air Force 7:00 pm
Oct. 8 MHKY TBA 4:00 pm
UND vs. TBA 7:00 pm
Oct. 14 MHKY Maine 7:30 pm
Oct. 15 MHKY Maine 7:00 pm
Oct. 21 WHKY Ohio State 7:00 pm
Oct. 22 FB Cal Poly 1:00 pm
Oct. 28 MHKY St. Cloud State 7:30 pm
Oct. 29 MHKY St. Cloud State 7:00 pm
Nov. 19 FB South Dakota 1:00 pm
Nov. 23 MBB Montana 7:00 pm
Nov. 25 MHKY Colorado College 7:30 pm
Nov. 26 MHKY Colorado College 7:00 pm
Dec. 2 WHKY Minnesota 7:00 pm
Dec. 3 WHKY Minnesota 7:00 pm
Dec. 4 WBB Montana State 4:00 pm
Dec. 9 MHKY Nebraska Omaha 7:30 pm
Dec. 10 MHKY Nebraska Omaha 7:00 pm
Dec. 17 MHKY Russian Red Stars (Exh.) 7:07 pm
Dec. 30 MHKY Harvard 7:30 pm
Dec. 31 MHKY Harvard 7:00 pm
Jan. 13 MHKY Minnesota 7:30 pm
Jan. 14 MHKY Minnesota 7:00 pm
Jan. 17 MBB North Dakota State 7:00 pm
Jan. 21 WBB Utah Valley 2:00 pm
Jan. 26 MBB NJIT 7:00 pm
Jan. 27 MHKY Wisconsin 7:30 pm
Jan. 28 MHKY Wisconsin 7:00 pm
Feb. 2 WBB Houston Baptist 7:00 pm
Feb. 3 WHKY Bemidji State 7:00 pm
Feb. 9 WBB Chicago State 7:00 pm
Feb. 11 WBB NJIT 7:00 pm
Feb. 17 MHKY Michigan Tech 7:30 pm
Feb. 18 MHKY Michigan Tech 7:00 pm
Feb. 23 MBB Texas-Pan American 7:00 pm
Feb. 25 MBB Houston Baptist 7:00 pm
Mar. 2 MHKY Minnesota State University, Mankato 7:30 pm
Mar. 3 MHKY Minnesota State University, Mankato 7:00 pm
Mar. 9 MHKY WCHA Playoffs, First Round 7:30 pm
Mar. 10 MHKY WCHA Playoffs, First Round 7:00 pm
Mar. 11 MHKY WCHA Playoffs, First Round (If nec.) 7:00 pm

GRAND FORKS, N.D. - The University of North Dakota Athletics Department will make 41 live game appearances, along with 30 weekly episodes of Sioux Sports Extra, on national and regional television during the 2011-12 academic year.

All home men's hockey games will be televised, including all four games of the Icebreaker Tournament in October. The 2011-12 television schedule also includes five men's and women's basketball games, four women's hockey games, three football games and two volleyball matches.

"Again, this year, our expanded schedule of live television efforts and Sioux Sports Extra will get Fighting Sioux Athletics in front of a potential audience of millions each week," said UND Director of Athletics Brian Faison. "This is a true team effort between Forum Communications, the Fighting Sioux Sports Network, Midcontinent Communications, Fox College Sports and Ralph Engelstad Arena."

UND games will be produced by Forum Communications, with veteran WDAZ sports director Pat Sweeney handling the majority of the play-by-play duties.

"WDAZ-TV, a division of Forum Communications, is pleased to continue the long tradition of covering Fighting Sioux athletics," said WDAZ-TV station manager Rob Horken. "Our production of UND coaches' shows dates to the 1970s, and we have regularly produced live coverage of UND Athletics events since the 1980s. We look forward to another exciting year on WDAZ-TV and the Fighting Sioux Sports Network."

UND games will also air nationally on Fox College Sports (FCS), and regionally on Fighting Sioux Sports Network (FSSN) and on Midcontinent Communications' MidcoSN3.