Monday, February 27, 2012
Fighting Sioux Women 5th and 6th in both national polls
Series ticket packages for WCHA first round on sale Tuesday, Feb. 28
Let's fill up the Ralph for the first round of the WCHA Playoffs.
Official Release
Official Release
GRAND FORKS, N.D. – - Series ticket packages for North Dakota's Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) first-round playoff series will go on sale on Tuesday, Feb. 28 at 10 a.m. Central.
Ticket packages for both the general public and UND students go on sale beginning at 10 a.m. Tuesday. Student tickets will be available online only at Ticketmaster.com. General public ticket packages can be purchased by calling 1-800-745-3000, logging on to Ticketmaster.com or by visiting the UND Ticket Office at the Ralph Engelstad Arena. The ticket office is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
UND students will receive an e-mail with a keyword needed to purchase a series ticket passage. Student ticket packages will be held for students until the student pre-sale ends on Thursday, March 1 at 5 p.m. All unsold student tickets will then be released to the general public at 10 a.m. on Friday, March 2. Students may purchase up to four reserved seat tickets per UND student ID.
Series ticket packages are $40 for adults, $20 for youth and $14 for UND students.
Single-game WCHA first-round playoff tickets will go one sale on Tuesday, March 6 at 10 a.m. Single-game tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for youth and $7 for UND students. Single-game tickets are subject to availability.
The first round of the WCHA playoffs take place March 9, 10 and 11 (if necessary). Game times are 7:37 p.m. on Friday and 7:07 on Saturday and Sunday. All times Central. UND's first-round opponent has not yet been determined.
Minnesota State University Moorhead will not add hockey
Here is the official press release
Minnesota State University Moorhead President Edna Mora Szymanski announced today that the university will not add hockey as an NCAA intercollegiate sport because a required fund raising threshold has not been met and ongoing conference realignments.
The question of adding hockey has been under study on and off since 2009, and today’s decision means that the matter will remain out of consideration until economic recovery makes it easier for community partners who expressed interest in participating to do so.
“We had a business model that required a $37 million dollar endowment from private sources to support hockey and while the community response has been impressive, we have been unable to identify the full $37 million,” Szymanski said in the release. “The endowment was necessary because in recent years, our legislative appropriation has gone down by $6 million, and I cannot justify diverting tuition or tax dollars to a new intercollegiate sport. Our priority must be first and foremost on continuing to provide our students a great education.”
During the past year, the university engaged Collegiate Consulting to explore the feasibility of D1 hockey and former University of North Dakota Athletic Director, Carl Miller, to assist with additional exploration. In addition, they consulted with the System Office of the Minnesota State Colleges and University System along with the Chief Financial Officers of three System institutions with D1 hockey. These consultations led to the business model requiring $37 million dollars. The university then began consulting with various regional stakeholders, including the business community and alumni.
Minnesota State University Moorhead President Edna Mora Szymanski announced today that the university will not add hockey as an NCAA intercollegiate sport because a required fund raising threshold has not been met and ongoing conference realignments.
The question of adding hockey has been under study on and off since 2009, and today’s decision means that the matter will remain out of consideration until economic recovery makes it easier for community partners who expressed interest in participating to do so.
“We had a business model that required a $37 million dollar endowment from private sources to support hockey and while the community response has been impressive, we have been unable to identify the full $37 million,” Szymanski said in the release. “The endowment was necessary because in recent years, our legislative appropriation has gone down by $6 million, and I cannot justify diverting tuition or tax dollars to a new intercollegiate sport. Our priority must be first and foremost on continuing to provide our students a great education.”
During the past year, the university engaged Collegiate Consulting to explore the feasibility of D1 hockey and former University of North Dakota Athletic Director, Carl Miller, to assist with additional exploration. In addition, they consulted with the System Office of the Minnesota State Colleges and University System along with the Chief Financial Officers of three System institutions with D1 hockey. These consultations led to the business model requiring $37 million dollars. The university then began consulting with various regional stakeholders, including the business community and alumni.
MacNaughton Cup History
The History of the MacNaughton Cup
The MacNaughton Cup is a trophy awarded annually to the regular season champion of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association. The trophy is named after James MacNaughton of Calumet, Michigan, who was an avid supporter of amateur ice hockey. The Cup is hand crafted of pure silver and stands almost three feet high and weighs nearly 40 pounds.
In 1913, MacNaughton purchased a cup trophy for approximately $2,000 and donated it to the President of the American Hockey Association, which was to be awarded to the league’s champion at the end of the season. The MacNaughton Cup remained with the American Hockey Association until 1932. From 1933 to 1950, the Cup was given to semi-pro and intermediate hockey teams in Michigan’s Copper Country.
In 1951, the MacNaughton family arranged to have the Cup awarded to the newly founded Midwest Collegiate Hockey League (MCHL), a precursor to the WCHA. The MCHL was composed of Michigan Tech, Colorado College, Denver, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, and North Dakota. Michigan Tech became the trustee for the MacNaughton Cup. In the original spirit of the trophy, the league decided to award the trophy to its regular season champion. In 1953, the MCHL became the Western Intercollegiate Hockey League (WIHL).
The Cup remained a part of the WIHL until the league was disbanded in March of 1958. There was no league play for the 1958-59 season and for the 1959-60 season, the seven teams resumed competition under the new name of the WCHA.
From the 1961-62 through the 1964-65 seasons, the MacNaughton Cup was awarded to the WCHA’s playoff tournament champion instead of the regular season champion, but the WCHA resumed awarding the Cup to the regular season champion again for the start of the 1965-66 season through the 1981-82 season.
Michigan Tech left the WCHA to join the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) for the 1981-82 season. Since Michigan Tech is the trustee of the Cup, the Cup went to the CCHA.
The Broadmoor Trophy was created as a replacement and awarded to the regular season champion until Michigan Tech returned to the WCHA for the start of the 1984-85 season. The McNaughton Cup also returned and continues to be awarded to the regular season champion today. With the return of the MacNaughton Cup, the Broadmoor Trophy is awarded to the WCHA tournament champion.
This information is from wikipedia.com
The MacNaughton Cup is a trophy awarded annually to the regular season champion of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association. The trophy is named after James MacNaughton of Calumet, Michigan, who was an avid supporter of amateur ice hockey. The Cup is hand crafted of pure silver and stands almost three feet high and weighs nearly 40 pounds.
In 1913, MacNaughton purchased a cup trophy for approximately $2,000 and donated it to the President of the American Hockey Association, which was to be awarded to the league’s champion at the end of the season. The MacNaughton Cup remained with the American Hockey Association until 1932. From 1933 to 1950, the Cup was given to semi-pro and intermediate hockey teams in Michigan’s Copper Country.
In 1951, the MacNaughton family arranged to have the Cup awarded to the newly founded Midwest Collegiate Hockey League (MCHL), a precursor to the WCHA. The MCHL was composed of Michigan Tech, Colorado College, Denver, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, and North Dakota. Michigan Tech became the trustee for the MacNaughton Cup. In the original spirit of the trophy, the league decided to award the trophy to its regular season champion. In 1953, the MCHL became the Western Intercollegiate Hockey League (WIHL).
The Cup remained a part of the WIHL until the league was disbanded in March of 1958. There was no league play for the 1958-59 season and for the 1959-60 season, the seven teams resumed competition under the new name of the WCHA.
From the 1961-62 through the 1964-65 seasons, the MacNaughton Cup was awarded to the WCHA’s playoff tournament champion instead of the regular season champion, but the WCHA resumed awarding the Cup to the regular season champion again for the start of the 1965-66 season through the 1981-82 season.
Michigan Tech left the WCHA to join the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) for the 1981-82 season. Since Michigan Tech is the trustee of the Cup, the Cup went to the CCHA.
The Broadmoor Trophy was created as a replacement and awarded to the regular season champion until Michigan Tech returned to the WCHA for the start of the 1984-85 season. The McNaughton Cup also returned and continues to be awarded to the regular season champion today. With the return of the MacNaughton Cup, the Broadmoor Trophy is awarded to the WCHA tournament champion.
This information is from wikipedia.com
INCH Power Rankings
1. Boston College
2. Minnesota
3. Minnesota Duluth
4. Union
5. Ferris State
6. Boston University
7. Michigan
8. Miami
9. Denver
10. North Dakota
11. Cornell
12. UMass Lowell
13. Maine
14. Merrimack
15. Michigan State
16. Western Michigan
17. Colorado College
18. Harvard
19. Air Force
20. Northern Michigan
Dropped out: Colgate, Ohio State
Bubble-licious: Colgate, Notre Dame, Quinnipiac
As always I include the INCH Power Rankings because I find them amusing. The amusing point of this week’s power ranking is that Union is ranked 4th.
2. Minnesota
3. Minnesota Duluth
4. Union
5. Ferris State
6. Boston University
7. Michigan
8. Miami
9. Denver
10. North Dakota
11. Cornell
12. UMass Lowell
13. Maine
14. Merrimack
15. Michigan State
16. Western Michigan
17. Colorado College
18. Harvard
19. Air Force
20. Northern Michigan
Dropped out: Colgate, Ohio State
Bubble-licious: Colgate, Notre Dame, Quinnipiac
As always I include the INCH Power Rankings because I find them amusing. The amusing point of this week’s power ranking is that Union is ranked 4th.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Goon's WCHA Power Rankings 2/26/2012
1. Minnesota – (19-7-0 WCHA,
23-11-1) The Minnesota Gophers swept the UNO Mavericks (3-2 O.T. W, 3-2 W) in
Omaha this past weekend. The Gophers close out the season against the Wisconsin
Badgers in Minneapolis. Minnesota has secured home ice for the first round of
the WCHA playoffs. The Gophers are finishing the regular season strong and have
won four games in a row are 7-3-0 in their last 10 games.
2. Minnesota Duluth – (16-6-4 WCHA,
22-7-5) The Bulldogs swept the C.C. Tigers (4-3 O.T. W, 5-2 W) at Amsoil Arena.
The Bulldogs close out the regular season with a series at the National Hockey
Center against the Saint Cloud State Huskies. The Bulldogs secured home ice for
the first round of the WCHA playoffs. The Bulldogs are 5-3-2 in their last 10
games.
3. Denver – (14-8-4 WCHA, 19-11-4)
The Denver Pioneers split their weekend series with the North Dakota Fighting
Sioux (3-4 L, 5-3 W) at Maness Arena in Denver. The Pioneers finish the regular
season with a trip to Omaha to play the UNO Mavericks. With the win on Saturday
night the Pioneers secured home ice for the first round of the WCHA playoffs.
Denver is 6-3-1 in their last 10 games.
4. North Dakota – (14-11-1 WCHA,
18-12-3) The Fighting Sioux split their weekend series with the Denver Pioneers
(4-3 W, 3-5 L) at Magness Arena in Denver. This weekend the Fighting Sioux
close out the season by entertaining the suddenly smoking hot Minnesota State
University Mavericks (6-3-1 in the last 10 games) at Ralph Englestad Arena. The
Fighting Sioux have secured home ice for the first round of the WCHA playoffs.
The Fighting Sioux are 6-3-1 in their last 10 games.
5. Colorado College – (13-12-1
WCHA, 16-14-2) The Tigers were swept this past weekend by the UMD Bulldogs (3-4
O.T. L, 2-5 L) at Amsoil Arena. This weekend the Tigers entertain the Michigan
Tech Huskies at the World Arena. The Tigers are 3-6-1 in their last 10 games.
6. Nebraska-Omaha – (11-10-5
WCHA, 14-14-6) The Mavericks were swept by the Minnesota Gophers (2-3 O.T. L,
2-3 L) at the Century Link Center. This weekend the Mavericks entertain the
Denver Pioneers. The Mavericks are 3-5-2 in their last 10 games.
7. Michigan Tech – (11-11-4 WCHA,
14-16-4) The Tech Huskies split their weekend series with the Saint Cloud State
Huskies (2-5 L, 3-2 W) at MacInnes Student Ice Arena. This weekend the Tech
Huskies travel to Colorado Springs to play the C.C. Tigers. The Huskies are
3-4-3 in the last 10 games.
8. St. Cloud State – (11-12-3
WCHA, 14-16-4) The Saint Cloud State Huskies split their weekend series with
the Michigan Tech Huskies (5-2 W, 2-3 L) at the MacInnes Student Ice Arena in
Houghton, Michigan. This weekend the Huskies entertain the defending NCAA
champion Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs. The Huskies are 5-5-0 in their last 10
games.
9. Wisconsin – (10-14-2
WCHA, 15-15-2) The Wisconsin Badgers swept the Bemidji State Beavers (4-2 W,
4-2 W) at the Sandford Center. The Badgers travel to play their B1G Rival the
Minnesota Gophers. The Badgers with the win on Saturday night, the Badgers improved
their road record to 3-8-1. The Badgers are 5-5-0 the last 10 games.
10. Bemidji State – (9-14-3 WCHA,
15-16-3) This past weekend the Bemidji State Beavers were swept by the
Wisconsin Badgers (2-4 L, 2-4 L) at the Sandford Center. The Beavers close out
the regular season by traveling to Alaska Anchorage to play the last place
Seawolves. The Beavers are 4-5-1 in their last 10 games.
11. Minnesota State – (8-16-2
WCHA, 12-20-2) The Mavericks were idle this past weekend. The Mavericks close
out the regular season by traveling to Grand Forks, ND to take on the Fighting
Sioux. The Mavericks are 6-3-1 in their last 10 games.
12. Alaska-Anchorage – (5-20-1
WCHA, 9-21-2) The Alaska Anchorage Seawolves split their home and home series
with the University of Alaska Fairbanks (3-2 W, 1-3 L) this past weekend. This weekend
the Seawolves entertain the Bemidji State Beavers at the Sullivan Arena. The
Seawolves will again travel to Minnesota to play the Minnesota Gophers in the
first round of the WCHA playoffs. The Seawolves are 3-7-0 their last 10
games.
Shanahan will not suspend Kyle Turris
Kyle Turris will not be suspended for his hit on Joe Corvo. I think this is the wrong decision and this is the type of hits that need to be eliminated from hockey. I don't know how Shanahan can say that Turris didn't leave his feet. I would like to know what video that Shanny was watching?
Dan Rosen - NHL.com --- Shanahan said Turris told the Department of Player Safety that he slowed down prior to hitting Corvo in order to avoid hitting him in the numbers.
"We thought that was a good decision," Shanahan said. "He tried to wait until he felt it was going to be a shoulder-to-shoulder check.
" Shanahan said the contact to Corvo's head was made after the Bruins' defenseman opened his left shoulder following his pass. However, Shanahan said the Department of Player Safety did not deem it to be intentional or reckless. He said that Turris' feet were on the ice as he made the hit, but they come off as he's following through on the hit, "almost like he's falling into the boards himself."
"Like some of the suspensions we have had, it wasn't a case of him launching up high into the head," Shanahan added. "All players to a certain degree come off their feet when they drive through a check. That wasn't prior to the hit and he wasn't launching up."
Kizla's perspective on the UND and DU game
Where is Mike Chambers when you need him? God I love this newspaper, they sure have an interesting way of drawing up their perspective when it come to hockey games between UND and DU.
I guess Mark Kizla missed the Nick Shore spear on Carter Rowney at the end of the game and the fact that the refs lost control of this game early and were consistently poor all weekend long so I don't really think either team was worse than the other. I do hold the ref (Todd Anderson and Brad Shepherd) culpable in this situation.
I guess Mark Kizla missed the Nick Shore spear on Carter Rowney at the end of the game and the fact that the refs lost control of this game early and were consistently poor all weekend long so I don't really think either team was worse than the other. I do hold the ref (Todd Anderson and Brad Shepherd) culpable in this situation.
Who knew Denver was a suburb of Fargo? Although the North Dakota campus in Grand Forks sits nearly 1,000 miles from center ice in Magness Arena, the Sioux Nation showed up in force, then ignored both political correctness and the polite rules of being a house guest, by chanting "Let's go Sioux!" Losing control of the game, North Dakota than lost its composure. In the third period, freshman Michael Parks went caveman, taking a swing of the forearm at DU defenseman John Ryder. Way to stay classy, North Dakota. [Denver Post]If anything I hope the NCHC commissioner Jim Scherr was able to catch either one of both of these games and has made a mental note to not employer either referee from this series. There were four game misconduct penalties and one, the Michael Parks hit on John Ryder that was actually worthy of a five minute major and a game misconduct.
The Sioux and a Comment on Officiating (RW77)
First the good news:
Despite the ugliest series of the entire year for UND discipline wise (probably the same goes for DU as well), the Sioux leave Denver with 2 points. I think Eidsness played very well on Friday and, unless the score doesn't tell the story, ok but not great on Saturday. I now firmly believe that Dell will take at least one of the games next weekend. In any case, despite this there is good news:
Home ice is ours for the WCHA playoffs. Brad Schlossman and I think Jason Hejdu calculated that it is impossible for CC and MTU to move past us so as to have us drop out of the top 6. That's great news.
However, there is a very good possibility that we will be down to 17 skaters for the rest of the year. Sure, Dickin's not the most prolific scorer and he may not normally be missed if everyone else was healthy but... they're not. And going into the playoffs, consistent and timely play as well as depth (which means fresher legs late in the game) are key. The Sioux do not have depth at all... but our IR list would be a great line or two on most teams in the nation. So we go short bench from here on out.
Good thing Gleason is playing great right now. He looks more and more like Genoway every single game.
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A note on Officiating:
Yeah, yeah, UND fan talking about officiating again, but I'm not going to rag on Todd Anderson, Brad Shepherd or Don Adam. I'm simply going to state my conspiracy theory and watch closely as I expect it will become more and more true as we get closer to the BTHC and NCHC becoming a reality.
I believe that the officials, led by Greg Shepherd, will follow the rule book as required but will not do their professional best nor be held accountable for mistakes when it comes to any game involving NCHC or BTHC teams. They will care less if it is NCHC vs. NCHC, NCHC vs. BTHC, or BTHC vs. BTHC and care more as the permutations get closer to WCHA vs WCHA.
The reason is simple: They only are biding time with the NCHC and BTHC teams but are still trying to pander support among the WCHA teams (and future WCHA teams). So there is more incentive and intention to perform better administratively (which includes officiating) towards WCHA teams than there is to be towards future NCHC and/or BTHC teams.
So, in other words, expect really poor officiating if your NCHC or BTHC team is involved. If you are a WCHA team, there will still be brutal games but that will be because the WCHA officials are idiots and know very little about consistency.
It's like my tinfoil hat saying: Every weekend we have to beat our opponents and the officials.
Despite the ugliest series of the entire year for UND discipline wise (probably the same goes for DU as well), the Sioux leave Denver with 2 points. I think Eidsness played very well on Friday and, unless the score doesn't tell the story, ok but not great on Saturday. I now firmly believe that Dell will take at least one of the games next weekend. In any case, despite this there is good news:
Home ice is ours for the WCHA playoffs. Brad Schlossman and I think Jason Hejdu calculated that it is impossible for CC and MTU to move past us so as to have us drop out of the top 6. That's great news.
However, there is a very good possibility that we will be down to 17 skaters for the rest of the year. Sure, Dickin's not the most prolific scorer and he may not normally be missed if everyone else was healthy but... they're not. And going into the playoffs, consistent and timely play as well as depth (which means fresher legs late in the game) are key. The Sioux do not have depth at all... but our IR list would be a great line or two on most teams in the nation. So we go short bench from here on out.
Good thing Gleason is playing great right now. He looks more and more like Genoway every single game.
----------------------------
A note on Officiating:
Yeah, yeah, UND fan talking about officiating again, but I'm not going to rag on Todd Anderson, Brad Shepherd or Don Adam. I'm simply going to state my conspiracy theory and watch closely as I expect it will become more and more true as we get closer to the BTHC and NCHC becoming a reality.
I believe that the officials, led by Greg Shepherd, will follow the rule book as required but will not do their professional best nor be held accountable for mistakes when it comes to any game involving NCHC or BTHC teams. They will care less if it is NCHC vs. NCHC, NCHC vs. BTHC, or BTHC vs. BTHC and care more as the permutations get closer to WCHA vs WCHA.
The reason is simple: They only are biding time with the NCHC and BTHC teams but are still trying to pander support among the WCHA teams (and future WCHA teams). So there is more incentive and intention to perform better administratively (which includes officiating) towards WCHA teams than there is to be towards future NCHC and/or BTHC teams.
So, in other words, expect really poor officiating if your NCHC or BTHC team is involved. If you are a WCHA team, there will still be brutal games but that will be because the WCHA officials are idiots and know very little about consistency.
It's like my tinfoil hat saying: Every weekend we have to beat our opponents and the officials.
Kyle Turris hit on Joe Corvo
Here is the video of former Wisconsin Badger and current Ottawa Senators forward Kyle Turris' questionable and dirty hit on Boston Bruins defenseman Joe Corvo. There is no excuse for this types of hits and these are the types of hits that need to be removed from the game of hockey.
There is no way to defend this hit and Kyle Turris needs to sit for a minimum of 2-3 games for this bush league hit.
There is no way to defend this hit and Kyle Turris needs to sit for a minimum of 2-3 games for this bush league hit.
Zdeno Chara vs. Chris Neil
This fight was a direct result of Chris Neils hit on the Boston Bruins defenseman Johnny Boychuk earlier in the game. From reviewing the video, I think the play was a "borderline" charging call. [click to view video of hit].
It was not a good day for Boston Bruins defensemen as Johnny Boychuk and Joe Corvo were both left the game and didn't return.
It was not a good day for Boston Bruins defensemen as Johnny Boychuk and Joe Corvo were both left the game and didn't return.
Both Boychuk and Corvo made the bus and were on the flight’s manifest. Julien figures both will be OK. Boychuck, he said, got caught with his head down, and was held out for the rest of the game per standard protocol. [Boston Globe]
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Andrew Oglevie's Hit
17 year old Andrew Oglevie of the USHL's Cedar Rapids RoughRiders put quite a hit on Fargo Force Captain Brian Cooper, dumping him into the RoughRiders bench. Andrew is committed to Notre Dame.
Nick Shore cup checks Carter Rowney
We will hear how UND is a bunch of goons and how they were trying to start a fight at the end of the game but there is the reason why... Watch this short video... If my eyes are not deceiving me; it looks like DU forward Nick Shore spears Carter Rowney between the legs. If you watch the video you will see that Shore stuck his stick in Rowney's crotch. I don't know if there is any other way to describe it.
Evgeni Malkin's goal...
This doesn't require a lot of narration but check out this sweet goal by Evgeni Malkin. This is a classic end to end rush blowing by everyone on the ice and then he fakes the Tampa Bay goalie Dwayne Roloson out of his jock.
UND vs. DU game 2
Tonight's game is on 683 DirecTV.
Radio: UND 96.1 (KQHT-FM) – The Fox.
Webcast: There will be no webcasts this weekend.
TV Saturday: Root Sports Rocky Mountain – 683 DirecTV
Fighting Sioux Forward Lines
29 Brock Nelson–10 Corban Knight (A) –7 Danny Kristo
16 Mark MacMillan–27 Carter Rowney–15 Michael Parks
Stephane Pattyn 28 –9 Mario Lamoureux (C) – 20 Joe Gleason
8 Dan Senkbeil–13 Connor Gaarder– No forward.
UND Defensive Pairings.
4 Derek Forbort – 24 Ben Blood
2 Andrew MacWilliam (A) – 5 Nick Mattson
18 Dillon Simpson–22 Andrew Panzarella
UND Goalies
31 Brad Eidsness
35 Tate Maris
UND Official Players Stats
UND Injuries: Forwards Rocco Grimaldi (season knee surgery), Brendan O’Donnell (season ending surgery), and Derek Rodwell (season shoulder surgery) are out.
Denver’s Forward Lines
12 Ty Loney–15 Drew Shore–18 Luke
Salazar
17 Jason Zucker–23 Nick Shore–11 Chris Knowlton
37 Nate Dewhurst–26 Shawn Ostrow–8 Dustin Jackson
14 Larkin Jacobson–25 Matt Tabrum–10 Daniel Doremus
17 Jason Zucker–23 Nick Shore–11 Chris Knowlton
37 Nate Dewhurst–26 Shawn Ostrow–8 Dustin Jackson
14 Larkin Jacobson–25 Matt Tabrum–10 Daniel Doremus
Denver Defensive Pairings
7 Paul Phillips–2 Scott Mayfield
24 John Ryder–4 Josiah Didier
21 Joey LaLeggia–5 John Lee
Denver Goalies
31 Juho Olkinuora
1 Sam Brittain
33 Adam Murray
33 Adam Murray
Referees: Todd Anderson, Brad Shepherd
Linesmen: Bob Keltie, Tim Swiader
Linesmen: Bob Keltie, Tim Swiader
Quote of the week...
“It’s hard to say anything good about that game. You can say yeah, we scored (three goals), but you have to give full credit to North Dakota. They were better than us in every department,” DU coach George Gwozdecky said. “This is probably one of the most difficult interviews I’ve had to do in a long time because I’m extremely disappointed.”
Platinum edition – Shaking off the cobwebs on Saturday Afternoon
I really liked this post that was on twitter today. As most
know, I am not a Canucks fan and I think with the addition of former Dallas
forward Steve Ott to their roster only gives me more reasons to not like the Vancouver
Canucks. As I have said in the past, I think that the Vancouver Canucks are one of the most "unlikeable teams" in the NHL, they are a team stuffed full of characters I have no problem despising. This is also the team that employed Todd Bertuzzi at one time. Now you have a trio of losers, Alex Burrows, Steve Ott and Max LaPierre.
I am not sure who is worse from that group of miss fits, but Ott is also that guy that is the
prototypical P.O.S. if you catch my drift.
Breaking down the Zidlicky trade
You can mark me down as being happy with the deal. Love it.
The Minnesota Wild traded the disgruntled and overrated Marek
Zidlicky, I also think the Wild got rid of a locker room distraction, that they
don’t need going down the stretch. In
return for Zidlicky the Minnesota Wild get former Wild defenseman Kurtis Foster
and also forwards Nick Palmieri and Stephane Veilleux. The kicker is the Wild
will also get a second-round pick in 2012 draft.
I think it’s a smart move for the Wild because they get a
decent defenseman and a third or fourth line forward that will do what-ever it
takes to help the team win. I don’t know much about Nick Palmieri other than he
is an American from New York and has played in 48 NHL games and has scored (9g-9a—18pts),
it would seem that he will add some needed depth to the third or fourth line as
well.
During his NHL career, Zidlicky has scored 60 goals and added
238 assists. Zidlicky has also racked up 496 penalty minutes, in 548 games.
Random Stuff (RW77)
I haven't posted in a while and I know how you all miss me.... Ok, maybe not but here's a few things that have piqued my interest lately...
In the area of WTF.... Ferris State University.
True, this the third straight good year they've had, but last year they barely finished above .500 and suddenly they're at a .700 win percentage? #1 in the Nation? They could be paper tigers but I'm less inclined to think of them like a Union based on the following criteria:
1. They won their division and their division isn't a cupcake conference like AHA.
2. They play a full schedule rather than a wonky won likle the ECACHLMAO
3. It's late in the season. No one cares who is number one (except the stat hounds) early in the season. We have something like 3 regular season games left now. To be #1 at this time in a major conference means something.
I'm not saying that Ferris State is going to win the Frozen Four or even win 1 round of the NCAAs. I'm saying it's quite an accomplishment for a team who has never been #1 ever.
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In sadder news, Concordia University (Wisconsin) announced that Tony Hrkac will not return. In his defense.... well, there isn't much. In the 129 games CUW has played since they started the program in 2007, all of which under Head Coach Hrkac, they've amassed.... 10 wins. TOTAL.
They were 10-109-10. I don't care who you are. It's awfully tough to keep a job with a record like that. Here is the link. [USCHO.COM]
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In a more cynical twist:
The Minnesota Wild completed a trade yesterday with the New Jersey Devils. The Wild trade away Zidlicky and get Kurtis Foster (D), Nick Palmieri (F), Stephane "Pe-U" Veillieux, and a 2nd round draft pick (in actuality, Washington's 2nd round pick).
So, Minnesota trades one of its only major trade bait players for two former Wild players, a 2nd round pick, and a mediocre young forward in Palmieri.
It makes no sense to me to go out and get a grinder D, grinder Forward, and a young winger. If you wanted grinding forwards, just call down to Houston. You have a minor league system FULL of them. Why get Veillieux? He's worthless offensively. And last I checked, Minnesota needed scorers. Well, at least Veilleux is fresh. According to NJDevils.com, he's only played 1 game this year. Kindof dovetails into my claims that even in Stephane's prime (he's 30 now), he wouldn't crack most of the NHL rosters on a nightly basis. Oh well.
This was a BAD trade, regardless of 1 for 1 value. It reminds me so much of Risebrough it is scary. Zidlicky was the only player outside of the blockbuster players (Koivu, Harding, Backstrom, maybe Heatley) that the Wild could trade to get scoring forwards and they didn't get one. Palmieri is young, but he's a lot like a Latendresse or Brunette in terms of offense. Seeing how Brunette is a Blackhawk and Latendresse is injured, maybe that's why they got Palmieri? I just feel like the Wild could have gotten Palmieri for less than Zidlicky and then traded Zidlicky for a scorer.
Then again, I wouldn't be afraid at this point to go overkill and trade a player like Zidlicky for a scorer even if Zidlicky, value wise, was superior to that of the scorer in question. The Wild need to score goals and well, they're not going to get that with this trade. They're not even building towards it.
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Last thing.
Though I expect Dell will start tonight, I take great pride in pointing out that Eidsness seems to be returning to form. He did fantastic last night, even with the last 3 minutes being scary. 2 of the 3 goals they scored were no doubter nothing you can do types (Shore's and Zucker's). The third was just sniping. I think Eids could have been in better position for that one but it was a good shot.
In any case, I am sure the Eidsness haters are having a field day with the last 3 minutes of the game, but I don't care. Eidsness has shown this season that he's come to play. And though I don't think we can truly say "Bench Dell for Eidsness" I can't truly say "Thanks Eids, now back to Dell" either.
I'd love to see the JPL/JPar arrangement come into place. Eidsness takes Fridays and Dell takes Saturdays. It's really late in the season to implement such a thing, but I think it should be done.
In any case, however longer the ride goes with this team, I'm all in. They have enough injuries to make it believable that winning is too hard to come by. There's no shame in having a down season due to injury. However, this team plays with a different attitude from other teams: They just go out and have fun with the system Hakstol has put in place. They're not the most talented UND team. Heck, I'd be hard to put them in the top 10 even. But they play with cohesion and support each other much better than in previous years. And from what I hear, the locker room is a different place than in previous years.
In the area of WTF.... Ferris State University.
True, this the third straight good year they've had, but last year they barely finished above .500 and suddenly they're at a .700 win percentage? #1 in the Nation? They could be paper tigers but I'm less inclined to think of them like a Union based on the following criteria:
1. They won their division and their division isn't a cupcake conference like AHA.
2. They play a full schedule rather than a wonky won likle the ECACHLMAO
3. It's late in the season. No one cares who is number one (except the stat hounds) early in the season. We have something like 3 regular season games left now. To be #1 at this time in a major conference means something.
I'm not saying that Ferris State is going to win the Frozen Four or even win 1 round of the NCAAs. I'm saying it's quite an accomplishment for a team who has never been #1 ever.
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In sadder news, Concordia University (Wisconsin) announced that Tony Hrkac will not return. In his defense.... well, there isn't much. In the 129 games CUW has played since they started the program in 2007, all of which under Head Coach Hrkac, they've amassed.... 10 wins. TOTAL.
They were 10-109-10. I don't care who you are. It's awfully tough to keep a job with a record like that. Here is the link. [USCHO.COM]
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In a more cynical twist:
The Minnesota Wild completed a trade yesterday with the New Jersey Devils. The Wild trade away Zidlicky and get Kurtis Foster (D), Nick Palmieri (F), Stephane "Pe-U" Veillieux, and a 2nd round draft pick (in actuality, Washington's 2nd round pick).
So, Minnesota trades one of its only major trade bait players for two former Wild players, a 2nd round pick, and a mediocre young forward in Palmieri.
It makes no sense to me to go out and get a grinder D, grinder Forward, and a young winger. If you wanted grinding forwards, just call down to Houston. You have a minor league system FULL of them. Why get Veillieux? He's worthless offensively. And last I checked, Minnesota needed scorers. Well, at least Veilleux is fresh. According to NJDevils.com, he's only played 1 game this year. Kindof dovetails into my claims that even in Stephane's prime (he's 30 now), he wouldn't crack most of the NHL rosters on a nightly basis. Oh well.
This was a BAD trade, regardless of 1 for 1 value. It reminds me so much of Risebrough it is scary. Zidlicky was the only player outside of the blockbuster players (Koivu, Harding, Backstrom, maybe Heatley) that the Wild could trade to get scoring forwards and they didn't get one. Palmieri is young, but he's a lot like a Latendresse or Brunette in terms of offense. Seeing how Brunette is a Blackhawk and Latendresse is injured, maybe that's why they got Palmieri? I just feel like the Wild could have gotten Palmieri for less than Zidlicky and then traded Zidlicky for a scorer.
Then again, I wouldn't be afraid at this point to go overkill and trade a player like Zidlicky for a scorer even if Zidlicky, value wise, was superior to that of the scorer in question. The Wild need to score goals and well, they're not going to get that with this trade. They're not even building towards it.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Last thing.
Though I expect Dell will start tonight, I take great pride in pointing out that Eidsness seems to be returning to form. He did fantastic last night, even with the last 3 minutes being scary. 2 of the 3 goals they scored were no doubter nothing you can do types (Shore's and Zucker's). The third was just sniping. I think Eids could have been in better position for that one but it was a good shot.
In any case, I am sure the Eidsness haters are having a field day with the last 3 minutes of the game, but I don't care. Eidsness has shown this season that he's come to play. And though I don't think we can truly say "Bench Dell for Eidsness" I can't truly say "Thanks Eids, now back to Dell" either.
I'd love to see the JPL/JPar arrangement come into place. Eidsness takes Fridays and Dell takes Saturdays. It's really late in the season to implement such a thing, but I think it should be done.
In any case, however longer the ride goes with this team, I'm all in. They have enough injuries to make it believable that winning is too hard to come by. There's no shame in having a down season due to injury. However, this team plays with a different attitude from other teams: They just go out and have fun with the system Hakstol has put in place. They're not the most talented UND team. Heck, I'd be hard to put them in the top 10 even. But they play with cohesion and support each other much better than in previous years. And from what I hear, the locker room is a different place than in previous years.
Friday, February 24, 2012
Danny Kristo penalty shot
Danny Kristo was awarded a penalty shot in the second period of UND's game against DU. Kristo scored on the penalty shot.
Andrew MacWilliam hit on Matt Tabrum
WCHA official Todd Anderson blew this call, this was a shoulder to chest hit, there was no reason to throw Andrew MacWillam out of the game for that hit. It was a brutal call, just because the guy lays on the ice doesn't mean the ref needs to award a penalty for the hit. Before you jump down my throat, watch the video. Also, I am going to take the word of an NHL official (Kerry Frazier) over Todd Anderson who is a second rate official in the WCHA, at best.
I am not saying that a penalty isn't warranted for this hit, because you could've given MacWilliam a penalty for interference, but this is not a five minute major for contact to the head. When the NCHC starts it's play they need to not have use the WCHA officials for reffing games in the NCHC. This is a perfect reason why.
I am not saying that a penalty isn't warranted for this hit, because you could've given MacWilliam a penalty for interference, but this is not a five minute major for contact to the head. When the NCHC starts it's play they need to not have use the WCHA officials for reffing games in the NCHC. This is a perfect reason why.
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