Big Sky Bluffing?

First off, I am not trying to start a fight with anyone, I agree with Rob Port of Sayanythingblog on a lot of things when it comes to politics, but on this issue he is dead wrong. Today's ruling by the North Dakota Supreme Court puts UND's Athletic Department in a very bad situation, now they really get to find out if the Big Sky Conference is bluffing, "if" the Fighting Sioux nickname law isn't voted down or killed by the NDSC.

I am going to take the word of the UND athletic department over a political blogger. Who are you going to believe? 

While it might only be three B1G teams that won't play UND in any sport, two of those teams (Wisconsin and Minnesota) in college hockey, those teams bring a lot of money when they play the Fighting Sioux in hockey at the Ralph Englestad Arena. 

So that point is flawed and a little disingenuous from a hockey point of view. Not being able to play Minnesota and Wisconsin in college hockey after the 2012-13 season would be a fatal blow to the University and could cost the University of North Dakota a lot of money.

Would you rather see some random team every other season or would you like to play Wisconsin and Minnesota on a "semi" regular basis?

Wisconsin has stated they want to continue the series between the two teams but won’t if UND keeps the Fighting Sioux nickname.  According to Chuck Schwartz of Bucky's Fifth Quarter, "assuming North Dakota works out their nickname issues, it seems likely that the Badgers will continue to play Denver and North Dakota one series per year for the foreseeable future."

Lastly, some suggest we should discount Dale Lennon, Tim O'Keefe, Dave Hakstol and Chris  Mussman who some have accused of being  liars or stooges for the UND administration and the Big Sky Conference.  

Today's decision by the North Dakota Supreme Court puts that match up in jeopardy.
I will always love the Fighting Sioux nickname but where were these people 3-4 years ago? That was the time to stand up and fight. Why now?

Related articles

• So Who is bluffing? (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• The Legislature's response to the SBoHE (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• They aren't listening - Fighting Sioux nickname (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• Big Sky Conference not Bluffing. (ndgoon.blogspot.com)

Developing - NDSC rules against NDBoHE

University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux athletic logo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

This just in the North Dakota Supreme Court has ruled against the North Dakota Board of Higher. The North Dakota Supreme Court ruled against the North Dakota Board of Higher Education.

ND Courts ---- The Justices signing this majority opinion would exercise this Court's discretionary original jurisdiction and decide now the constitutionality of the legislative enactment requiring the University of North Dakota ("UND") to use the "Fighting Sioux" nickname and logo. We conclude the question of the constitutional authority of the Board of Higher Education, in contrast to the constitutional authority of the legislature, is properly before this Court and is ready to be decided. Those Justices writing separately, however, conclude the issue is not properly before this Court at this time, is not ready to be decided and they will not decide the issue at this time. The necessary number of Justices required to decide the merits is lacking and for this reason we must deny the application of the State Board of Higher Education.

This ruling by the North Dakota Supreme Court puts UND in a precarious situation with the Big Sky Conference. Of course this is a little breathing room after Montana put themselves in the cross hairs with their on campus scandal where they fired the Athletic Director and the head football coach.

Edit: Justice Carol Ronning Kapsner  ruled that there is no matter of urgency at this time, if there was the State Board of Higher Education would have filed in court last year after the Fighting Sioux nickname law was passed in March of 2011.

[¶37] It is clear that the constitutionality of N.D.C.C. § 15-10-46, the statute asserted to be a problem, is not a matter of urgency. If it were so, the Board would have challenged its constitutionality, as it could have done, immediately upon its signature by the Governor on March 15, 2011, one year ago, or any time thereafter. The fact that it did not do so until now indicates this is not a matter of urgency.

Related articles

• Fighting Sioux nickname supporters tell ND Supreme Court that 1969 ceremony precludes 'civil interference' (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• The Legislature's response to the SBoHE (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• So is the Fighting Sioux nickname on the way back (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• They aren't listening - Fighting Sioux nickname (ndgoon.blogspot.com)

Nelson signs with Islanders and Big Mac to return.

This the news that we figured that was coming, I think there are a few more players we have to worry about, Danny Kristo is one, but also Corbin Knight and possibly Aaron Dell. The Fighting Sioux did get some good news as they found out that Junior defenseman Andrew MacWilliam will be returning to the Fighting Sioux in the fall for his senior season. According to @UNDSID there could be a few more to come. Good Luck to Brock Nelson... [Official Release]

I will post any updates that come up. It's turning out to be a busy news day for the Fighting Sioux.
There have been 8 players to forgo their college eligibility this season in the WCHA this season. 


University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux
Brock Nelson, sophomore, Forward, New York Islanders

Colorado College Tigers
Jaden Schwartz, sophomore, Forward, St. Louis Blues

Denver University Pioneers
Drew Shore, Junior Forward, Florida Panthers
Jason Zucker, sophomore, Forward, Minnesota Wild

Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs
J.T. Brown, sophomore, Forward, Tampa Bay Lightning

Nebraska-Omaha Mavericks
Terry Broadhurst, Junior Forward, Chicago Blackhawks

St. Cloud State Huskies
David Eddy, Junior Forward, Calgary Flames
Mike Lee, Junior Goalie, Phoenix Coyotes

Related articles

• Sioux dismantle Gophers 6-3 in St. Paul (insidehockey.com)
• Sioux grind out win against Huskies (insidehockey.com)
• Double J of WTBX is our dirt bag of the week... (ndgoon.blogspot.com)

Home Field advantage?

Goldy Gopher, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities mascot. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I figure we can start a debate on Tuesday afternoon with nothing going on today.

Recently, we have heard from Gopher fans how the Xcel Energy Center is not a home game for the Minnesota Gophers. that is false since the Xcel Energy Center is eight miles from the University of Minnesota campus.

Check out this stat, it's pretty telling, the Minnesota Gophers have hosted a regional championship, both at the Xcel Center and Marucci Arena (2003, 2005) five times since 2003 and made the Frozen Four three times.

Also, the three seasons the Gophers missed the making the Frozen Four when they were the host team, was when they failed to qualify for the NCAA tourney (2009, 2010 and 2011). 

B.C. Interuption --- Since the tournament expanded to 16 programs for the 2002-3 season, the University of Minnesota has hosted the West Regional on five separate occasions (2003, 2005, 2009, 2010 and 2012). In three of those years, the Gophers were able to advance to the Frozen Four. Still don't think there's an advantage to playing closer to home come tournament time?

Granted many times the NCAA Regionals are hosted by schools that won't even sniff an NCAA Tournament bid in any given year. Teams like Holy Cross, Fairfield and Michigan Tech rarely make an NCAA Tournament appearance but continue to host a regional every few years. Other college hockey heavyweights -- like New Hampshire, North Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin -- are regular hosts for either the Regional round or the Frozen Four.

So to claim by Gopher fans and others that the Xcel Energy Center is not like home ice for the Golden Gophers is disingenuous and short sighted.

Congrats to the Minnesota Golden Gophers for making the NCAA tourney and we see how your team matches up with the high flying Boston College Eagles. [Goon's Prediction]

Related articles

• A quick look at the regionals... Goon's Pontifications.... (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• My prediction for the Frozen Four (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• UND's tentative 2012-13 Schedule (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• NCAA West Regional Capsules (insidehockey.com)

It's all Kessel's fault...

This is predictable and you could see this one coming, the media in Toronto and Montreal are hard on their athletes. some might call them brutal and their fans have an entitlement mentality as well.

Just ask Toronto Maple Leafs forward Phil Kessel, who is having a career year (37g-41a—78pts) and scoring almost a point per game and has a chance to score 40 goals yet this season but will be the focus of the fans ire. The last time the Toronto Maples Leafs made the Stanley Cup Playoffs was during the 2003-04 season.

Michael Traikos, National Post --- If Phil Kessel were to reach the 40-goal mark in a year in which the Toronto Maple Leafs missed the playoffs, what would be the reaction?

Would you cheer? Would you boo? Would you even care?

It might be a tree-falls-in-the-forest type of question. Kessel, who set a career high by scoring his 37th goal in a 4-3 win against the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday, has been one of the NHL’s top offensive players this season. And yet it is difficult to celebrate his breakout year when you try and digest all that has gone wrong with the 14th-place team in the last two months.

Had Toronto made the playoffs — had they played their way to home-ice advantage, something that was not unthinkable not that long ago — Kessel might have received Hart Trophy consideration.

Related articles

• Carolina beats Toronto 3-0, eliminates Maple Leafs from playoff contention (thehockeynews.com)

Flyers rough up the Pens

2012 U.S. Women’s National Team – IIHF Women’s World Championship Roster

United States forward Jocelyne Lamoureux in a game against the ECAC All-Stars on January 3, 2010. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Congrats to UND Fighting Sioux forwards Jocelyne Lamoureux and Monique Lamoureux-Kolls of North Dakota for making the U.S. Women’s National Team for the 2012 International Ice Hockey Federation Women’s World Championship, which will be held on April 7-14 in Burlington, Vermont.

GOALTENDERS (3)              

29   Brianne McLaughlin   6/20/87   L Sheffield Village, Ohio            

 1    Molly Schaus   7/29/88  L  Natick, Mass.  Boston Blades (CWHL)

31   Jessie Vetter   12/19/85   L  Cottage Grove, Wisconsin

DEFENSEMEN (7)

22   Kacey Bellamy    4/22/87   L       Westfield, Mass.  Boston Blades (CWHL)

25   Megan Bozek    3/27/91     R      Buffalo Grove, Ill.   University of Minnesota (WCHA)

11   Lisa Chesson  8/18/86     L       Plainfield, Ill.

19   Gigi Marvin    3/7/87      R      Warroad, Minn.    Boston Blades (CWHL)

23   Michelle Picard   5/27/93   L       Taunton, Mass.    Harvard University (ECACH)

24   Josephine Pucci 12/27/90    R      Pearl River, N.Y.   Harvard University (ECACH)

15   Anne Schleper   1/30/90  L   St. Cloud, Minn.   University of Minnesota (WCHA)      

                        

FORWARDS (13)

20   Hannah Brandt    11/27/93    R      Vadnais Heights, Minn.    Hill-Murray School (Minn.)

13   Julie Chu    3/13/82      R      Fairfield, Conn.   Montreal Stars (CWHL)

26   Kendall Coyne  5/25/92    L    Palos Heights, Ill.   Northeastern University (HEA)

14   Brianna Decker   5/13/91  R    Dousman, Wis.   University of Wisconsin (WCHA)

6    Jillian Dempsey  1/19/91   L    Winthrop, Mass.  Harvard University (ECACH)                                 

28   Amanda Kessel    8/28/91  R   Verona, Wis.  University of Minnesota (WCHA)                                                     

21   Hilary Knight  7/12/89  R  Sun Valley, Id.  University of Wisconsin (WCHA)                                   

17   Jocelyne Lamoureux   7/3/89   R   Grand Forks, N.D.  University of North Dakota (WCHA)

 7    Monique Lamoureux-Kolls   7/3/89   R   Grand Forks, N.D.  University of North Dakota (WCHA)

 2    Erika Lawler   2/5/87   R    Fitchburg, Mass.     Boston Blades (CWHL)

12   Jenny Potter 1/12/79  L   Edina, Minn.    Minnesota Whitecaps (WWHL)                                  

16   Kelli Stack 1/13/88  R   Brooklyn Heights, Ohio  Boston Blades (CWHL)       

3    Taylor Wasylk   2/21/92  L Port Huron, Mich.  Boston College (HEA)  

Team Staff                                                                                                            

Director, Women’s Hockey: Reagan Carey, Colorado Springs, Colo.

Head Coach: Katey Stone, Arlington, Mass.
Assistant Coaches: Laura Halldorson, Minneapolis, Minn.; Bobby Jay, Burlington, Mass.

Goaltending Coach: Robb Stauber, Medina, Minn.

Head Strength & Conditioning Coach: Michael Boyle, Reading, Mass.

Strength & Conditioning Coach: Kevin Neeld, Philadelphia, Pa.

Team Doctor: Liz Matzkin, Boston, Mass.

Athletic Trainer: Jill Radzinski, Davis, Calif.

Video Coordinator: Sean Andrake, Glen Rock, N.J.

Massage Therapist: Jennifer Chee, Colorado Springs, Colo.

Equipment Manager: Brent Proulx, St. Paul, Minn.

Communications: Courtney Welch, Colorado Springs, Colo.

Jutting out at Mankato

Wow!!! Just got home logged on to Twitter and this news just came out in the last half hour about about 8:00 PM. It looks like Troy Jutting's time has come to and end as the head coach of Minnesota State Minnesota Mankato.

Thomas Vanek with a good bounce

Check out this weird goal by former Gopher and current Buffalo Sabre Thomas Vanek. Talk about a gift goal, the Penguins attempt to clear the puck out of the zone, the puck bounces off a stanchion and right on the stick of Vanek who shots the puck past Brent Johnson.

You got to love Rick Generett  and his call of the Buffalo Sabre's goals. 

Interesting perspective on the NZT...

I think this is a pretty accurate description of the Neutral Zone Trap. Over the years we have watched a lot of teams that ran a 1-2-2 or a 1-4 and they were God awful teams to watch play hockey. The first team that comes to mind are the Wild and Devils teams that were coach by Jacques Lemaire, these teams were absolutely brutal teams to watch play hockey.

Blue Seat Blogs --- Some of the more conservative teams will trap once they have the lead. Other teams will trap at the end of each period regardless of the score. More moderate teams will trap when they do not get the puck in deep enough to work their aggressive forecheck. And finally, even those “north/south” puck pursuit teams will still trap when they are simply changing lines. Well the smart ones do anyway.

The point is the trap has evolved, but for some reason people’s perception of it hasn’t. So when I read that Zach Parise would be better off on a non-trapping team, or that the league should make more rules to undermine the trap’s effectiveness, I just laugh. People still aren’t getting it.

The game has changed and it is becoming increasingly difficult to paint players or coaches and their respective systems with broad strokes. So whether you’re the Bruins playing a 1-4, or the Devils playing a 1-2-2, or the Lightning playing a 1-3-1, a lot of it is all just hyperbole. The truth is the days of clogging up the neutral zone for the entire game may be over, but variations of these formations live on and they are not going anywhere anytime soon.

That being said, every team play the trap from time-to- time, I have seen the Fighting Sioux when they are up in a game late, employ the Neutral Zone Trap with great success.

Cornell head coach Mike Schafer employs this tactic as a regular game plan and they play it perfectly; a few years ago his team played UND won a grind it out 1-0 game and Cornell was badly outshot 28-15. The Big Red took the lead 1-0 in third period and then lined at the blue line and chipped the puck out of the zone. Personally, I am glad that I don’t have to watch that kind of hockey on a regular basis.

The best way to beat the trap is to enter the neutral zone with speed and get past the defenders. Also, another way to be a trap team is to get the lead forcing them to abandon their team game plan.

I don’t think we will ever see the end of the “trap” in modern hockey. Playing smart defensive hockey is a good recipe for victory and there are times that it is appropriate. Again, there is no reason to pinch a lot when your team has the lead and the best offensive opportunities come with active forwards off of the fore check of the defenseman.

Huskies Mike Lee Signs with the Desert Dogs

This was one of the more shocking pieces of news to surface today as Saint Cloud State Huskies goalie Mike Lee has signed a professional contract with the Phoenix Coyotes. Goon's Notebook: Mike Lee never was able to beat the UND Fighting Sioux in three season of play with the SCSU Huskies, Lee had a 0-6-1 record against the UND. 

With the departure of Lee,  Ryan Faragher is the only goalie with the Huskies with NCAA Division I college hockey experience. Faragher had a 2.77 goals against average and a .915 save percentage. Faragher started 23 games (9-11-3) while Lee was out with a hip injury from October 15th till January 21st.

GLENDALE, ARIZONA --- Phoenix Coyotes General Manager Don Maloney announced today the Coyotes have signed goaltender Mike Lee to a three-year entry-level contract. As per club policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.

Mike Lee

The 6-foot-1, 195 pound Lee posted an 8-6-2 record with a 2.23 goals against average and a .930 save percentage with St. Cloud State (WCHA) in 16 games this season.

The 21-year-old native of Roseau, MN appeared in 74 games with the Huskies during his three-year career, posting a record of 32-29-9 with a 2.59 GAA and a .919 SV%.

He led Team USA to the gold medal game at the 2010 IIHF World Junior Championship in Saskatoon, Sask., posting an undefeated record of 4-0 with a 2.50 GAA and a .908 SV% in five games. Lee recorded the third-best SV% among tournament goaltenders.

Lee was selected by the Coyotes in the third round (91st overall) in the 2009 Entry Draft.

Related articles

• North Dakota vs. St. Cloud State Final Five (insidehockey.com)
• UND vs. SCSU game notes (ndgoon.blogspot.com)

Jason Chimera blows up Adam McQuaid

Check out this hit by Washington Capitals forward Jason Chimera on Boston Bruins defenseman Adam McQuaid. Chimera was given a five minute major and a game misconduct for this hit. Don't expect any further discipline from the Vice President of Players Safety Brendan Shanahan because the hit happened to a Boston Bruins player Chimera doesn't have a history of being suspended or fined by the NHL.

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• Adam McQuaid vs B.J. Crombeen (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• Bruins and Canucks - more controversy (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• VIDEO: Cuts For A Cause With The Bruins (insidehockey.com)
• Bruins' New Acquisitions Fitting Right In (insidehockey.com)
• Milan Lucic works Patrick Kaleta like a speed bag (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• Malkin hit on Boychuck (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• Malkin not disciplined (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• Time to Move on from Joe Corvo (insidehockey.com)

Visa Hockey Love Hurts

A person sent me this in an email today and I found this commercial to be very funny. Watching your favorite team either not make the playoffs or lose in the playoffs is tough to handle and sometimes it takes a few days to get over the sting of losing.

As a fan of the NHL's Boston Bruins, I had this same feeling for a very long time until they won it all last season.  Enjoy the video.

UCONN exploring move to Hockey East

Here is a story that has caught my eye. If a league wants to have an even number of teams you would believe that Hockey East needs a 12th member after adding Notre Dame. Enter the University of Connecticut, who has been exploring the possibility of moving their Division I hockey program to Hockey East.

The Hartford Courant ---- UConn announced in December that it had hired a sports consulting firm to “conduct a complete evaluation of its men’s ice hockey program.”

The purpose, a press release stated, was “to assess the program’s current level of support to that of Atlantic Hockey league members and other programs in the region. The assessment will include financial support, staffing, facilities and potential revenue sources.”

I don’t think that a program that is looking to upgrade its program by moving to a more competitive league is doing its cause a lot of good, when they come right out and say that they have money issues. Also, the arena formerly known as the Hartford Civic Center which was renamed the XL Center, would be the home of the UCONN Huskies because they don’t have a home arena that is considered acceptable by Hockey East Standards.

The Hartford Courant --- Hockey East is interested in UConn and the Huskies have interest in elevating their program, but money remains the major issue.

Hockey East officials are visiting UConn and the XL Center Thursday and reportedly meeting with Gov. Dannel P.Malloy, a source confirmed Wednesday. UConn officials had no comment.

Last year, UConn hired a national consulting firm to evaluate the hockey program and see how it compares with other Atlantic Hockey programs. New athletic director Warde Manuel, who was not at the school when the consultant was hired, does have a history with big-time hockey from his days at Michigan.

UMD's Jack Connolly makes the Hobey Hat Trick

Congrats to Bulldog Forward Jack Connolly for making the Hobey Hat Trick. I don't think there are any big shockers on this list.

Spencer Abbott – University of Maine, Senior, Forward, Hamilton, Ontario
From a recruited walk-on four years ago to a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award, Spencer Abbott has had a remarkable four-year collegiate career.  Already recognized as the Player of the Year in Hockey East as well as a First Team all-star, the Black Bear assistant captain leads the nation in scoring and in assists.  In 39 games this season, Abbott scored 21 goals, assisted on another 41 for 62 total points.  His unselfish scoring exploits earned him the conference scoring title and he was named player of the month twice while piling up 18 multiple-point games.  Abbott is a Family Relations major and has been on the Dean’s List three times.  Spencer is active in the community helping with Special Olympics, assisting at youth hockey clinics and participating in charity games.  Abbott, a pro hockey free agent, just signed a contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Jack Connolly – University of Minnesota-Duluth, Senior, Forward, Duluth, Minnesota
A repeat Hobey top ten finalist, the Bulldog captain had a fantastic season winning the WCHA scoring title, being named a First Team all-star for the third straight season and capped it off as the league’s Player of the Year.  A two-time All American, Connolly is second in the nation in points and assists accumulating 20 goals and 40 assists for 60 points in 41 games.  Duluth was the second highest scoring team in the nation this past season and Connolly never missed a college game, having played in 164 straight.  He was held pointless in consecutive games only twice in his illustrious four-year career.  The hometown hero is active in community endeavors helping with trash clean-up in the Adopt-A-Highway program, visiting Duluth hospitals, volunteering with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and working with various cancer fund-raisers.  He’s a Communications major with a 3.3 GPA.  He is a pro hockey free agent.  Hockey runs deep in the Connolly family as Jack’s older brother Chris, was the captain and second leading scorer for Boston University this past season.

Austin Smith – Colgate University, Senior, Forward, Dallas, Texas
Austin Smith completes the trifecta of Hobey scoring whizzes as the nation’s top sniper with 36 goals to go along with 21 assists for 57 total points, third best in the country.  Dangerous at all times, Smith leads the nation in short-handed goals with six and scored seven power play goals as well.  Winning the ECAC scoring title this past season, Smith was named the conference Player of the Year and a First Team all-star. Along the way, Smith scored 30 goals this season faster than any college player in the last 12 years and is currently third in the nation with a plus-25.  A Sociology and Anthropology major, Smith helps out with the Hamilton, NY Food Cupboard, assists with food and toy drives during the season and is involved with the local Goals for Good program.  He is a fifth round draft pick of the Dallas Stars.

UND’s tentative 2012-13 Schedule

s/t Brad Schlossman... The Schedule has a nice mix of game with nonconference matchups against UAA and UAF in the Alaska Gold Rush tourney in Fairbanks, Alaska to start the season, and then match-ups against Boston University and Notre Dame in November and finally a match up against Holy Cross after the first of the year.  

Oct. 6 — EXHIBITION
Oct. 12 — EXHIBITION
Oct. 19 — at Fairbanks tourney
Oct. 20 — at Fairbanks tourney (will play UAA and UAF here)
Oct. 26 — ALASKA ANCHORAGE
Oct. 27 — ALASKA ANCHORAGE
Nov. 2 — BOSTON UNIVERSITY
Nov. 3 — BOSTON UNIVERSITY
Nov. 9 — at St. Cloud State
Nov. 10 — at St. Cloud State
Nov. 16 — MINNESOTA-DULUTH
Nov. 17 — MINNESOTA-DULUTH
Nov. 23 — at Notre Dame
Nov. 24 — at Notre Dame
Nov. 30 — at Colorado College
Dec. 1 — at Colorado College
Dec. 7 — DENVER
Dec. 8 — DENVER
Dec. 14 — at Michigan Tech
Dec. 15 — at Michigan Tech
Jan. 4 — HOLY CROS
SJan. 5 — HOLY CROSS
Jan. 11 — COLORADO COLLEGE
Jan. 12 — COLORADO COLLEGE
Jan. 18 — at Minnesota
Jan. 19 — at Minnesota
Jan. 25 — ST. CLOUD STATE
Jan. 26 — ST. CLOUD STATE
Feb. 1 — WISCONSIN
Feb. 2 — WISCONSIN
Feb. 8 — at Nebraska Omaha
Feb. 9 — at Nebraska Omaha (outdoor game)
Feb. 22 — at Denver
Feb. 23 — at Denver
Mar. 1 — BEMIDJI STATE
Mar. 2 — BEMIDJI STATE
Mar. 8 — at Mankato
Mar. 9 — at Mankato
Mar. 15-17 — WCHA first round
Mar. 22-24 — WCHA Final Five
Mar. 29-31 — NCAA regionals (Grand Rapids, Mich., Toledo, Ohio, Providence, R.I., Manchester, N.H.)
Apr. 11-13 — NCAA Frozen Four (Pittsburgh)

J.T. Brown Bolts to the Lighting

The annual defections of college hockey players to the professional ranks is in full swing as the UMD Bulldogs lose their star power forward J.T. Brown,

Brown inked an entry level deal with the Tampa Bay Lightning this afternoon.  It was rumored that Brown could have signed a professional deal last summer after wowing the college hockey world with outstanding performance during the 2011 NCAA Frozen Four at the Xcel Energy Center. Brown was also named the Most Outstanding Player during the 2011 NCAA Frozen Four, for his efforts.

Damian Cristodero, Lightning Strikes --- The Lightning on Wednesday acquired one of the nation’s most-coveted college players when it signed Minnesota-Duluth sophomore forward J.T. Brown to a two-year, two-way contract that runs through the 2012-13 season. The plan is to get him into the lineup Saturday at the Tampa Bay Times Forum against the Jets, GM Steve Yzerman said.

"He’s very talented, very competitive, good skill level, good skater,” Yzerman said. “I’m anxious to see him in there.”

Brown, 21, led UMD this season with 24 goals and in 80 games in two seasons had 40 goals and 84 points.

“Definitely exciting,” he said of signing with Tampa Bay. “It came down to having the right opportunity and being the right fit.

J.T. Brown is the son of former Minnesota Vikings running back Ted Brown who played in the NFL from 1979-1986.  Brown scored (40g-44a—84pts) in 81 games for the Bulldogs.

Brown is expected to make his NHL debut on Saturday when the Tampa Bay Lightning play the Winnipeg Jets in Tampa. 

My prediction for the Frozen Four

When I listen to the Gopher Puck Live I usually send in a tweet to the show. This week I sent in this prediction for the Gophers in the Frozen Four.

Before you shoot me full of holes, I don’t think it’s that far off of the mark. Apparently, some Gopher fans didn’t like my bold prediction, one thin skinned person called me an idiot. However, I will stand by this prediction and here is why. I have put a lot of thought into this prediction.

I have also watched my favorite team go down the Eagles in more than one Frozen Four.

Having watched a lot of college hockey this season, Boston College is hands down the best hockey team that I have seen play this season. I have not seen many teams that can match B.C.’s speed, not even the Gophers can.

Last week a couple of Bulldogs fans took issue with my prediction that I thought UMD would get rolled in the Northeast Regional championship game. I guess I wasn’t that far off the mark eh?

Last weekend the Boston College Eagles dismantled the UMD Bulldogs who had two of the best forward lines that I have seen in college hockey this season. The Eagles held the top line of Joe Basaraba, Jack Connolly and Mike Seidel off of the score sheet. That’s almost unheard of and not many teams can saw that they accomplished that this past season.

If History tells us anything the Boston College Eagles are deadly when they get to the NCAA Frozen Four. Here are some recent results.

2010 Frozen Four (Ford Field)

April 8th 2010 B.C. 7 Miami 1
April 10th 2010 B.C. 5 Wisconsin 0

*Miami was 27-7-7 and Wisconsin was 25-10-4

2008 Frozen Four (Denver)

April 10th 2008 B.C. 6 UND 1
April 12th 2008 Boston College 4 Notre Dame 1

*UND was 26-10-4 and Notre Dame was 24-15-4

Power Play

5 Minnesota 43/185 4 23.2
6 Boston University 45/197 2 22.8

Penalty Kill

3 Boston College 162/184 11 88.0
36 Minnesota 149/184 7 81.0

Scoring Defense

2 Boston College 42 87 2.07
9 Minnesota 42 93 2.21

Scoring Offense

1 Minnesota 42 154 3.67
6 Boston College 42 147 3.50

Humor - UND in the EZAC?

This is actually kind of comical and Sean Lee had this on his twitter feed.

This is actually a screen shot of the NCAA web page.

Jason Zucker to play right away for the Wild.

Sounds like former DU Pioneer's star Jason Zucker is going to play for the Minnesota Wild Right away, as early has this Thursday. With Zucker signing  a deal right away, this will cause Zucker to burn the first year of  a three year deal. 

Russo's Rants --- Jason Zucker has signed with the Wild, a three-year entry-level deal, starting this season.

He gets $70,000 signing bonus plus a prorated portion of a $700,000 salary these final 12 days of the season. He then gets $900,000 salaries each of the next two years if he plays in the NHL, which includes annual $90,000 signing bonuses.

If the Wild gets through tonight healthy (to be determined with this squad), a roster move will have to be made tomorrow. Very good chance he makes his NHL debut Thursday vs. Florida as long as he passes his physical tomorrow. He has told the Wild he's healthy.

Basically, the Wild's burning the first year of the deal, meaning he becomes a Group II and a Group III free agent one year earlier. The Wild had no problem with this. With unsigned Mikael Granlund and signed Brett Bulmer, Johan Larsson, Zucker, Zack Phillips and Charlie Coyle all turning pro and maybe signed defenseman Jonas Brodin, it could be problematic to have 7 guys up as restricted free agents in three years.

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