Fri 03/02/12
Denver at Nebraska Omaha 6:37 p.m. CT (TV-NBCSN)
Wisconsin at Minnesota 7:07 p.m. CT (TV-FSn)
Minnesota Duluth at St. Cloud State 7:37 p.m. CT (TV-Charter)
Minnesota State at North Dakota 7:37 p.m. CT (TV-FSSN,FCSc)
Michigan Tech at Colorado College 7:37 p.m. MT
Bemidji State at Alaska Anchorage 7:07 p.m. AT (TV-GCI)
Sat 03/03/12
Denver at Nebraska Omaha 7:07 p.m. CT
Minnesota Duluth at St. Cloud State 7:07 p.m. CT (TV-Charter)
Minnesota State at North Dakota 7:07 p.m. CT (TV-FSSN,FCSc)
Wisconsin at Minnesota 7:07 p.m. CT (TV-FSn)
Michigan Tech at Colorado College 7:07 p.m. MT
Bemidji State at Alaska Anchorage 7:07 p.m. AT (TV-GCI)
Denver at Nebraska Omaha – Split
Minnesota Duluth at St. Cloud State – Split
Minnesota State at North Dakota – UND Sweep
Wisconsin at Minnesota – Minnesota Sweep
Michigan Tech at Colorado College – Tech Sweep
Bemidji State at Alaska Anchorage – BSU Sweep
Last Week 8-4 Record for the season 135 - 84
Blow out of the week - The Game between the Badgers the Gophers on paper one could suggest that this series won’t even be close. I have no idea why the Badgers are even making the trip to Minneapolis this weekend… I actually think that this will be one of the more exciting series this weekend.
Thursday, March 01, 2012
Weekend Match-Ups (by Sioux 7)
Here we are, the last weekend of the WCHA regular season. Either the Bulldogs or the Gophers will be crowned the 2011-12 MacNaughton Cup champions. The other interesting contests are for spots 5-8, with those teams currently separated by two points. Here is what we do know is for sure, the top three teams have secured home ice and the bottom four teams will be on the road next weekend. So there are five teams trying to secure a top six finish.
WCHA STANDINGS
Team…………………...……W-L-T………Points
1. Minnesota……………….19-7-0…..……38
2. Minnesota-Duluth……16-6-4….…….36
3. Denver…………..……..…14-8-4………..32
4. North Dakota.……….….14-11-1….……29
5. Colorado College ……..13-12-1……….27
5. Nebraska-Omaha……..11-10-5……....27
7. Michigan Tech……….….11-11-4………26
8. St. Cloud St……………. 11-12-3……….25
9. Wisconsin…....……….10-14-2…..……22
10. Bemidji State…..…….9-14-3…….….21
11. Minnesota State………8-16-2………..18
12. Alaska-Anchorage…...5-20-1………..11
WCHA Games (#’s are current Pair Wise Rankings)
Michigan Tech @ #21 Colorado College
Last weekend the Huskies split with the SCSU Huskies in Houghton and the Tigers were swept by the Bulldogs in Duluth.
This is a big series this weekend. Only one point separates these teams, with that one point being the difference for hosting a first round playoff series or hitting the road next weekend. It is possible that these teams could be playing each other again next weekend too. The Tigers are reeling right now, only winning once in their last seven games, going 1-5-1. The Huskies have also been sliding, they too have only one win in their last six games, going 1-3-2. CC has been good at World Arena this season sporting a 9-5-2 record at home. The Huskies have been okay on away from Houghton going 5-8-2 on the road this season. Both need points this weekend to try and secure home ice. SPLIT
#1 Minnesota-Duluth @ St. Cloud State
Last weekend the SCSU Huskies spilt with the MTU Huskies in Houghton and the Bulldogs swept the Tigers in Duluth.
The Bulldogs are on a five game unbeaten streak with four wins and a tie. SCSU has come on strong going 4-2-0 in their last six, giving them a shot at hosting games next weekend. The Huskies still have an outside chance at home ice in the first round but need some help. The Bulldogs have been outstanding on the road this season, going 10-2-4 away from Duluth. UMD can finish either first or second in the league, and SCSU can finish anywhere between fifth and tenth. Realistically it looks like the Huskies with either end up seventh or eighth place. UMD needs a sweep to keep the pressure on UM, and increase the Bulldogs chances of clinching the league title. BULLDOGS 3-pts
Bemidji State @ Alaska-Anchorage
Last weekend the Beavers were swept by the Badgers in Bemidji and the Seawolves split with their in-state rivals Alaska in a home-and-home series.
Both teams are locked into the bottom half of the standings and will be on the road next weekend (UAA is locked into last place). The Beavers have been slumping, and are currently on a four game losing streak. BSU only scored five goals over their last four games that has to increase if they want to leave Alaska with some points. The Seawolves are 2-2-0 in their last four games. SPLIT
Minnesota State @ #14 North Dakota
Last weekend the Mavericks were resting up in Mankato and the Sioux split with the Pioneers in Denver.
The Mavericks are 4-2-1 in their last seven contests, with wins over BSU, MTU, and UAA. MSUM is 6-10-0 away from the Verizon Wireless center in Mankato. The Sioux (I think I can still use that name, but I’m not sure…) are 6-2-1 in their last nine outings and are 12-4-3 at home in Grand Forks. UND can lock up home ice with a win on Friday night. The Mavericks need to shake of the rust from the bye week early or this could be bad weekend for them. UND needs to stay out of the penalty box, if they want to get a win or two this weekend. If the Sioux can avoid bad penalties they should be able to host some games at home next weekend. SIOUX SWEEP
Wisconsin @ #7 Minnesota
Last weekend Badgers swept the Beavers in Bemidji and the Gophers swept the UNO Mavericks in Omaha.
The border battle is revived. The Badgers will be looking to spoil the Gophers chances of winning the league title. Back in November these teams split their series in Madison, with UW winning Friday 4-1 and UM winning Saturday 4-1. The Badgers are starting a streak; they have won three in a row, after losing the previous five games. The Gophers are on a four game win streak and have won seven of their last ten. The Badgers need to score first in these games, to get the crowd out of the game. The Gophers only need two points to secure a share of the MacNaughton Cup. I don’t see the Badgers sweeping the Gophers this weekend, but I don’t see UW phoning it in either. SPLIT
#11 Denver @ Nebraska-Omaha
Last weekend the Mavericks were swept by the Gophers in Omaha and the Pioneers split with the Sioux in Denver.
The Pioneers have locked themselves into home ice next weekend and the Mavericks are looking to do the same this final weekend. UNO can finish anywhere from fourth to eighth place, but most likely to either be fifth or sixth. If DU wins Friday night they will lock up third place and could rest people on Saturday, with nothing to play for, other than pairwise rankings. The Mavericks will be playing hard on Friday night too, wanting to stay in control of their own destiny for home ice. SPLIT
WCHA STANDINGS
Team…………………...……W-L-T………Points
1. Minnesota……………….19-7-0…..……38
2. Minnesota-Duluth……16-6-4….…….36
3. Denver…………..……..…14-8-4………..32
4. North Dakota.……….….14-11-1….……29
5. Colorado College ……..13-12-1……….27
5. Nebraska-Omaha……..11-10-5……....27
7. Michigan Tech……….….11-11-4………26
8. St. Cloud St……………. 11-12-3……….25
9. Wisconsin…....……….10-14-2…..……22
10. Bemidji State…..…….9-14-3…….….21
11. Minnesota State………8-16-2………..18
12. Alaska-Anchorage…...5-20-1………..11
WCHA Games (#’s are current Pair Wise Rankings)
Michigan Tech @ #21 Colorado College
Last weekend the Huskies split with the SCSU Huskies in Houghton and the Tigers were swept by the Bulldogs in Duluth.
This is a big series this weekend. Only one point separates these teams, with that one point being the difference for hosting a first round playoff series or hitting the road next weekend. It is possible that these teams could be playing each other again next weekend too. The Tigers are reeling right now, only winning once in their last seven games, going 1-5-1. The Huskies have also been sliding, they too have only one win in their last six games, going 1-3-2. CC has been good at World Arena this season sporting a 9-5-2 record at home. The Huskies have been okay on away from Houghton going 5-8-2 on the road this season. Both need points this weekend to try and secure home ice. SPLIT
#1 Minnesota-Duluth @ St. Cloud State
Last weekend the SCSU Huskies spilt with the MTU Huskies in Houghton and the Bulldogs swept the Tigers in Duluth.
The Bulldogs are on a five game unbeaten streak with four wins and a tie. SCSU has come on strong going 4-2-0 in their last six, giving them a shot at hosting games next weekend. The Huskies still have an outside chance at home ice in the first round but need some help. The Bulldogs have been outstanding on the road this season, going 10-2-4 away from Duluth. UMD can finish either first or second in the league, and SCSU can finish anywhere between fifth and tenth. Realistically it looks like the Huskies with either end up seventh or eighth place. UMD needs a sweep to keep the pressure on UM, and increase the Bulldogs chances of clinching the league title. BULLDOGS 3-pts
Bemidji State @ Alaska-Anchorage
Last weekend the Beavers were swept by the Badgers in Bemidji and the Seawolves split with their in-state rivals Alaska in a home-and-home series.
Both teams are locked into the bottom half of the standings and will be on the road next weekend (UAA is locked into last place). The Beavers have been slumping, and are currently on a four game losing streak. BSU only scored five goals over their last four games that has to increase if they want to leave Alaska with some points. The Seawolves are 2-2-0 in their last four games. SPLIT
Minnesota State @ #14 North Dakota
Last weekend the Mavericks were resting up in Mankato and the Sioux split with the Pioneers in Denver.
The Mavericks are 4-2-1 in their last seven contests, with wins over BSU, MTU, and UAA. MSUM is 6-10-0 away from the Verizon Wireless center in Mankato. The Sioux (I think I can still use that name, but I’m not sure…) are 6-2-1 in their last nine outings and are 12-4-3 at home in Grand Forks. UND can lock up home ice with a win on Friday night. The Mavericks need to shake of the rust from the bye week early or this could be bad weekend for them. UND needs to stay out of the penalty box, if they want to get a win or two this weekend. If the Sioux can avoid bad penalties they should be able to host some games at home next weekend. SIOUX SWEEP
Wisconsin @ #7 Minnesota
Last weekend Badgers swept the Beavers in Bemidji and the Gophers swept the UNO Mavericks in Omaha.
The border battle is revived. The Badgers will be looking to spoil the Gophers chances of winning the league title. Back in November these teams split their series in Madison, with UW winning Friday 4-1 and UM winning Saturday 4-1. The Badgers are starting a streak; they have won three in a row, after losing the previous five games. The Gophers are on a four game win streak and have won seven of their last ten. The Badgers need to score first in these games, to get the crowd out of the game. The Gophers only need two points to secure a share of the MacNaughton Cup. I don’t see the Badgers sweeping the Gophers this weekend, but I don’t see UW phoning it in either. SPLIT
#11 Denver @ Nebraska-Omaha
Last weekend the Mavericks were swept by the Gophers in Omaha and the Pioneers split with the Sioux in Denver.
The Pioneers have locked themselves into home ice next weekend and the Mavericks are looking to do the same this final weekend. UNO can finish anywhere from fourth to eighth place, but most likely to either be fifth or sixth. If DU wins Friday night they will lock up third place and could rest people on Saturday, with nothing to play for, other than pairwise rankings. The Mavericks will be playing hard on Friday night too, wanting to stay in control of their own destiny for home ice. SPLIT
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Vlasic hit on Briere
Check out this hit by San Jose Shark Marc-Edouard Vlasic on Flyers forward Danny Briere.
To be honesty with you, I am confused. The Hits that are allowed to go unpunished by the NHL is mind numbing. This is the types of hits that are unacceptable and should go by the wayside. This is a dangerous hit and worthy of a game or two suspension. I don't know how anyone can defend this hit? According to Frank Seravalli of Philly.com, there will be no hearing for Vlasic.
To be honesty with you, I am confused. The Hits that are allowed to go unpunished by the NHL is mind numbing. This is the types of hits that are unacceptable and should go by the wayside. This is a dangerous hit and worthy of a game or two suspension. I don't know how anyone can defend this hit? According to Frank Seravalli of Philly.com, there will be no hearing for Vlasic.
UPDATE (1:45 pm EST): According to a league source, no hearing has been scheduled by the NHL for Vlasic's hit on Danny Briere in Tuesday's loss to San Jose. It does not appear that one will be scheduled, either, since the Sharks are back in action tomorrow, and Brendan Shanahan rarely does game-day hearings with the exception of back-to-back situations. Therefore, it appears a suspension is not coming for the hit.
Letter from the NCAA to UND
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Drew Stafford's goalie not happy with the Gaustad trade
I couldn't resist... This story caught my eye. This story involves the teammate of Former Fighting Sioux forward Drew Stafford; apparently his all-world goalie Ryan Miller isn't happy with the team trading away Paul Gaustad. I have also noticed this season that Ryan Miller has become a bit of a complainer. Hockey is a business and sometimes teams trade players to get rid of salary or to better their teams.
ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Ryan Miller and Paul Gaustad are the closest of friends. They've been roomates. They've traveled through Europe together. They were teammates for a decade -- a run that ended Monday when the Sabres sent Gaustad to Nashville.
Miller is not happy with the transaction.
"It was a pretty tough day," Miller said today after practice in Anaheim Ice. "I’m not going to lie. I’m not real happy about the way it all turned out. But that’s the business of hockey.
"Like I’ve said, we don’t make those decisions. That’s more proof because if I had any more influence Paul would still be here. I appreciate the way he plays. He’s been one of my best friends for a long time there. Obviously, that’s going to continue, but it was nice to have him as a teammate and have those other intangibles."
So is this bulletin board Material?
Yesterday while
I was on the tread mill Tim Braun aka the shirtless guy pinged me with this
article from the Colorado Springs Gazette… Tim took issue with
something that the C.C. Tiger's beat writer Brian Gomez had put in a newspaper
article that he had written this week. You can read the paragraph in
question and see for yourself.
So did the Colorado Spring Gazette
offer up some bulletin board material?
It wouldn’t be that much of a stretch to assert CC (16-14-2, 13-12-1 Western Collegiate Hockey Association) no longer resides on the NCAA Tournament bubble. Its bubble may have burst in a 4-3 overtime defeat and a 5-2 trouncing over the weekend – setbacks that dropped CC to 21st in the PairWise rankings used for picking the 16 NCAA Tournament qualifiers. Now, all that’s left is a weekend home series against mediocre Michigan Tech.
Personally, I wouldn’t have written that throw away line,
it’s not really needed for his article, but it’s his first amendment right. I
wouldn’t be surprised if this ends up on the Huskies black board in the locker
room… Honestly, I don’t really have a dog in this fight other than I was pinged
by Tim on Twitter. It did peak my interest though.
For the most part I think that Brian Gomez is a fair and decent journalist and I don’t think he had any malicious intent to disrespect the Michigan Tec Huskies. I think Michigan Tech is a much improved hockey team and they should be applauded for their improvement.
I also think that the Huskies are going to be a tough draw for any team that faces them down the stretch and they could just show up at the Final Five. I am hoping and praying that I don’t have to watch them play a 2-3 game series against my favorite teams.
For the most part I think that Brian Gomez is a fair and decent journalist and I don’t think he had any malicious intent to disrespect the Michigan Tec Huskies. I think Michigan Tech is a much improved hockey team and they should be applauded for their improvement.
I also think that the Huskies are going to be a tough draw for any team that faces them down the stretch and they could just show up at the Final Five. I am hoping and praying that I don’t have to watch them play a 2-3 game series against my favorite teams.
So what if we keep the name? A devil's advocate look at the nickname.
IOWA CITY --- The University of Iowa has decided not to invite the University of North Dakota to an April track meet because of the school's Fighting Sioux nickname.So where are we going from here?
Associate athletic director Mark Abbott Monday said Iowa decided against the invitation when UND reinstated the name earlier this month.
Iowa policy prohibits the athletic department from scheduling competitions with schools or attending tournaments hosted by schools using Native American mascots, unless those mascots are approved by the NCAA.
I get it; I don’t like being told by an out of control hypocritical organization like the NCAA what our nickname should be. The NCAA is out of control and there are much more pressing issues facing college sports than this, but this is where the like minded organizations (Minnesota, Iowa, Wiscosin) who think the same way as the NCAA, can get back at the State of North Dakota for thumbing it’s nose at the NCAA.
These schools and the NCAA could care less if the nickname petition drive was conducted by people from both Sioux tribes. The NCAA and like minded organizations could also care less about a state wide vote on the Fighting Sioux nickname. The only thing that matters is that both tribes approved the use of the Fighting Sioux nickname and Standing Rock didn't give UND the approval.
Why should the NCAA and these institutions care? They have a signed settlement agreement by the the Attorney General of the state of
Small cost right; for keeping the Fighting Sioux nickname? Right? I mean it's only the track team right? Recently, I have read a lot of comments from people that said have said, “So what if the University can’t host NCAA playoff events.” It’s a small price for keeping the Fighting Sioux nickname.
Is it?
These are just the first teams to suffer the wrath of the NCAA sanctions, if the BSC doesn’t kick UND out of the conference, eventually the football team is going to qualify for the FCS football playoffs, sooner rather than later, but they won’t be able to host an NCAA football game because UND is under NCAA sactions as a result of UND using the Fighting Sioux nickname.
I have also read comments like this, “Who cares if the Woman’s team has to travel to Fargo to host an NCAA hockey series?” Well this is proof that the Fighting Sioux nickname will cost the University of North Dakota. Playing at home would have a big advantage as opposed to going on the road.
Next season there is a very good chance that the Fighting Sioux woman’s team is once again going to be a national power in Woman’s Divsion I hockey and the advantage of playing at home could mean the difference between winning and losing an NCAA series.
Small cost for keeping the Fighting Sioux nickname. Right? Tell that to the women that play on that team.
Again, you won’t find a bigger fan of the Fighting Sioux nickname, I wear the logo in some form almost every day’s of the week. I have many ball caps and stocking caps, tee shirts, golf shirts and hooded sweat shirts, I am currently wearing a golf shirt with the Fighting Sioux logo on it, as I type this.
I am considering getting a tattoo on my left calf in honor of the Fighting Sioux nickname.
That being said, I also recognize the damage that is being done to UND because we are keeping the Fighting Sioux nickname. I am a proud alumnus; I have two degrees from the University of North Dakota, 1996 B.A. and 1999 MA. I want to see this university succeed both on and off the playing field.
Not one of my diplomas says the Fighting Sioux on it. It says the “University of North Dakota.”
I will also cheer and support this school no-matter-what they call us. I will also continue to cover UND/Fighting Sioux hockey for whoever and whenever, as long as I can.
I will also support the Native Americans and their law suit against the NCAA, because I think it’s a fight worth having. The NCAA is an out of control tyrannical organization, but we have to play by their rules as long as we are a member of the NCAA.
I will also help them raise money for the lawsuit if they want my help.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Trade Deadline: The Yawner 2012 (RW77)
NHL on the Fly's Trade Deadline Special was right when it said that the major news was the trade that didn't happen.
Rick Nash wasn't traded. He's the latest Joe Thornton, it appears. Apparently he was to be traded to the New York Rangers but the price was too high (which anyone could have told you that. Rick Nash IS the Blue Jackets. Without him, you basically have no team).
There were some intriguing trades though.
What do you all think of the Wild's trades? They acquire Steve Kampfer and Tom Gilbert for Greg Zanon and Nick Schultz. So, this probably means that Schultz and Zanon were UFAs after the season, right? Perhaps Gilbert and Kampfer were under contract a bit longer? Kampfer is alright and Gilbert is too, but this seems to be a lateral trade rather than an upgrade. They didn't even get any picks.
However, the BEST trade of the day was made by the Chicago Blackhawks. They got a 2012 5th round pick for boxer on skates John Scott. This is almost like (RIP, buddy) trading Boogaard for a 1st round pick. Chicago got WAY THE HELL MORE VALUE than Scott. Someone tell me that the Hawks wouldn't have settled for a 6th or 7th round pick or even a conditional 2013 5th rounder (with conditions that will obviously not be met) for Scott. It's almost like the Rangers GM was Glen Sather... oh wait. Ok, I get it now.
In the end, though, Chicago didn't get what they need: a goaltender, so they won't be there in the end. Detroit traded Commodore for another Dman who won't play.
In the end, believe it or not, the winner overall I think is Vancouver. Sure, they trade Hodgson away, but they got two good players in Kassian Sulzer, pick up Pahlsson and Gordon for depth. Win I say.
Buffalo comes in second.
Boston got this year's Mark Recchi in Brian "when I was a rookie, Crosby's parents were still in middle school" Rolston (which is younger than Mark "I played pond hockey with Moses" Recchi and Chris "I skated with Jesus Christ" Chelios... or perhaps Gordie "I was there when God told me he was having a kid with some chick in Bethlehem" Howe).
Former Sioux Mike Commodore and Brian Lee are now teammates with the Lightning.
Rick Nash wasn't traded. He's the latest Joe Thornton, it appears. Apparently he was to be traded to the New York Rangers but the price was too high (which anyone could have told you that. Rick Nash IS the Blue Jackets. Without him, you basically have no team).
There were some intriguing trades though.
What do you all think of the Wild's trades? They acquire Steve Kampfer and Tom Gilbert for Greg Zanon and Nick Schultz. So, this probably means that Schultz and Zanon were UFAs after the season, right? Perhaps Gilbert and Kampfer were under contract a bit longer? Kampfer is alright and Gilbert is too, but this seems to be a lateral trade rather than an upgrade. They didn't even get any picks.
However, the BEST trade of the day was made by the Chicago Blackhawks. They got a 2012 5th round pick for boxer on skates John Scott. This is almost like (RIP, buddy) trading Boogaard for a 1st round pick. Chicago got WAY THE HELL MORE VALUE than Scott. Someone tell me that the Hawks wouldn't have settled for a 6th or 7th round pick or even a conditional 2013 5th rounder (with conditions that will obviously not be met) for Scott. It's almost like the Rangers GM was Glen Sather... oh wait. Ok, I get it now.
In the end, though, Chicago didn't get what they need: a goaltender, so they won't be there in the end. Detroit traded Commodore for another Dman who won't play.
In the end, believe it or not, the winner overall I think is Vancouver. Sure, they trade Hodgson away, but they got two good players in Kassian Sulzer, pick up Pahlsson and Gordon for depth. Win I say.
Buffalo comes in second.
Boston got this year's Mark Recchi in Brian "when I was a rookie, Crosby's parents were still in middle school" Rolston (which is younger than Mark "I played pond hockey with Moses" Recchi and Chris "I skated with Jesus Christ" Chelios... or perhaps Gordie "I was there when God told me he was having a kid with some chick in Bethlehem" Howe).
Former Sioux Mike Commodore and Brian Lee are now teammates with the Lightning.
Corvo expects Turris to answer the bell.
The @injuryninja visited the Boston Bruins again as both Joe Corvo and Johnny Boychuck left the game on Saturday night after big hits. The Chris Neil hit on Johnny Boychuck was clean, the Kyle Turris hit on Corvo was a dirty hit that warranted supplemental discipline from the NHL.
True to form the Senior VP of Player Safety and Hockey Operations Brendan Shanahan did nothing again and proved that he is no better than the guy that preceded him. Hell, let's bring back the Colin Campbell Wheel of Justice.
If we learned anything from Shanahan this season, we have learned that if you're a player that plays for the Boston Bruins or the Minnesota Wild, don't expect the NHL to protect you, because your fair game and the NHL isn't going to do anything a player that takes a run at a player from either team.
The Boston Bruins now have three to four players on the shelf with post concussion type syndrome. In my opinion, three of the four hits where of questionable and of the dirty variety, lets review the hits, there was the Tom Sestito hit on Nathan Horton, the sneaky elbow by Hal Gill on Richard Peverly and of course the elbow by Kyle Turris on Joe Corvo (video embedded above) all questionable hits that should have warranted some kind of supplemental discipline in my opinion., I mean the could have at least humored us and given the offenders the max fine.
This morning while I was reading my twitter feed today I saw this tweet come up today. Apparently, Joe Corvo is expecting Kyle Turris to answer the bell and fight him on Tuesday Night. That ought to be an entertaining slap feast that will be an instant non classic on Youtube.com
Personally, I would rather see Milan Lucic beat Kyle Turris to a pulp so the Boston Bruins can send a mess that it's not acceptable to run one of their players, especially if the League isn't going to protect them.
With all of the talk from the hand wringing puritans that want to banning fighting in the NHL, lets point out to them, that none of the four players listed above suffered a head injury from a hockey fight, three of the four player were hit and concussed with questionable, dirty checks, that I would classify as bush league and hits that need to be eliminated from the game of hockey.
True to form the Senior VP of Player Safety and Hockey Operations Brendan Shanahan did nothing again and proved that he is no better than the guy that preceded him. Hell, let's bring back the Colin Campbell Wheel of Justice.
If we learned anything from Shanahan this season, we have learned that if you're a player that plays for the Boston Bruins or the Minnesota Wild, don't expect the NHL to protect you, because your fair game and the NHL isn't going to do anything a player that takes a run at a player from either team.
The Boston Bruins now have three to four players on the shelf with post concussion type syndrome. In my opinion, three of the four hits where of questionable and of the dirty variety, lets review the hits, there was the Tom Sestito hit on Nathan Horton, the sneaky elbow by Hal Gill on Richard Peverly and of course the elbow by Kyle Turris on Joe Corvo (video embedded above) all questionable hits that should have warranted some kind of supplemental discipline in my opinion., I mean the could have at least humored us and given the offenders the max fine.
This morning while I was reading my twitter feed today I saw this tweet come up today. Apparently, Joe Corvo is expecting Kyle Turris to answer the bell and fight him on Tuesday Night. That ought to be an entertaining slap feast that will be an instant non classic on Youtube.com
With all of the talk from the hand wringing puritans that want to banning fighting in the NHL, lets point out to them, that none of the four players listed above suffered a head injury from a hockey fight, three of the four player were hit and concussed with questionable, dirty checks, that I would classify as bush league and hits that need to be eliminated from the game of hockey.
Poll Monday - UND 14th and 15th
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.
----------------------------
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)