SCSU Assistant Hockey Coach Job annoucement

English: St Cloud State University Logo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Assistant Men’s Ice Hockey Coach #792767 (contingent on funding)

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Institution:	St. Cloud State University
Location:	St. Cloud, MN
Category:	Admin - Athletics and Coaching
Posted:	06/04/2012
Application Due:	06/18/2012
Type:	Full Time

Salary: Commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Date of appointment: July 16, 2012 or as soon as possible thereafter
Description: Assistant Men's Ice Hockey Coach
Responsibilities:
Assist head coach in planning, organizing and administrating all aspects of a highly competitive Division I men's hockey program. Responsibilities include but not limited to: all aspects of on ice coaching, recruiting, video analysis and all other areas of organizational needs. This person should also have the ability to assist in fundraising and public relations.
*Employment for this position is covered by the collective bargaining agreement for the Inter Faculty Organization which can be found at: http://www.ifo.org/contract09-11/2009-2011.pdf.

Qualifications and experience:
Required:
· Bachelor Degree
· Coaching and/or playing experience at the collegiate or professional level
· Evidence of demonstrated ability to teach and work with persons from culturally diverse backgrounds.
Preferred:
· Understanding of the NCAA rules and regulations
· Familiarity at the high school, junior and collegiate hockey levels

Application Procedures:
To apply for this position, please continue the process via this website or directly at: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/stcloudstate/default.cfm.

Application Review begins June 18, 2012 position is open until filled.
A complete application will include the following:
· Cover Letter
· Resume/Curriculum Vitae
· Contact information for three (3) current, professional references
· Copies of official Transcript(s) (undergraduate/graduate/PhD)
Contact Information:
Search Committee Chair - Bob Motzko
Phone: 320-308-4806
E-mail: rgmotzko@stcloudstate.edu

St. Cloud State University is committed to excellence and actively supports cultural diversity. To promote this endeavor, we invite individuals who contribute to such diversity to apply, including minorities, women, LGBT, persons with disabilities and veterans. St. Cloud State University is a member of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System.

Application Information

Contact:	Bob Motzko Department of Athletics St. Cloud State University
Phone:	320-308-4806
TDD:	1-800-627-3529 or (612) 297-5353
Online App. Form:	http://agency.governmentjobs.com/stcloudstate/default.cfm

s/t to Husker Mike for posting this on another message board. This Job announcement would be to replace former Fighting Sioux hockey player and SCSU assistant hockey coach Steve Johnson who is moving on to be an assistant Hockey Coach at UNO under Dean Blais.

New York Times - In Hockey Enforcer’s Descent, a Flood of Prescription Drugs

Derek Boogard being interviewed for WCCO If you would like to use this photo please leave a comment here, contact me via Flickrmail, or email nvjorgen [at] yahoo dot com. If you see this photo on the net leave a comment with a link to the page. Thanks. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

If you haven't seen this article you might want to take a look at it. Personally, I can't believe what I just read - I have to think that someone has some explaining to do and there seems to be some questions that beg to be answered. This article does not paint a pretty picture about Derek Boogaard's addiction and maybe this newspaper article might bring to light some things that need to be addressed going forward, most of us don't want to see anymore players' life cut short by an overdose or have their life ruined by a drug addiction.

John Branch, New York Times --- In his final three seasons playing in the National Hockey League, before dying last year at 28 of an accidental overdose of narcotic painkillers and alcohol, Derek Boogaard received more than 100 prescriptions for thousands of pills from more than a dozen team doctors for the Minnesota Wild and the Rangers.

A trove of documents, compiled by Boogaard’s father, offer a rare prescription-by-prescription history of the care given to a prominent, physically ailing athlete who struggled with addiction to some of the very drugs the team doctors were providing. The scores of prescriptions came before and after Boogaard’s entry into the league’s substance-abuse program in September 2009 for an addiction to painkillers and sleeping pills.

Among the findings:

¶ In a six-month stretch from October 2008 to April 2009, while playing 51 games, Boogaard received at least 25 prescriptions for the painkillers hydrocodone or oxycodone, a total of 622 pills, from 10 doctors — eight team doctors of the Wild, an oral surgeon in Minneapolis and a doctor for another N.H.L. team.

Shawn Thornton comments on Thomas situation

This Sports Net Center interview with Bruin's tough guy Shawn Thornton kind of sums it up. Tim Thomas was one of the major reason the Boston Bruins won a Stanley Cup last season, if they don't have his goaltending effort I don't think the Bruins get out of the first round against the Montreal Canadians. The Bruins has three series that went to seven games (Canadians, Lightning and Canucks).

 "We wouldn’t have won it without him," Thornton said…

Related articles

• Tim Thomas' facebook update

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More on Thomas' decision to not play next season

Goalie Tim Thomas, NHL Hockey player for the Boston Bruins (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

So much for my bold prediction of Tim Thomas coming back to the Bruins for a final season to lead the Boston Bruins to another Stanley Cup. For more information on this subject you can check out the Daily Bruins from my friend Rosie.

I am sure there are a lot of fans and certain media members that are licking their lips about the fact that Thomas won't be with the Bruins last season but the fact remains that Thomas was a major reason the Bruins won the Stanley Cup in 2011.

Zito declined to discuss any other specifics of Thomas’s decision not to play next season. On Sunday, Thomas confirmed that he will not play in 2012-13 via a posting on his Facebook page. Thomas has one season remaining on his four-year, $20 million contract. Thomas’s no-movement clause expires on July 1.

The chatter around the league is that Thomas does not want to play for the Bruins next season, thus prompting his decision. The Bruins, who would be responsible for his cap hit next year, would be eager to rid themselves of Thomas’s $5 million number.[Fluto Shinzawa, Boston Globe]

Related articles

• Tim Thomas' facebook update

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• Tim Thomas will sit out 2012-2013 NHL season

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• Bruins confirm Tim Thomas may sit out next season

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• Tim Thomas Could Have Played Last Game With Bruins, Given Latest Information on Goalie's Future (Video)

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BC Interruption, "NCAA Ice Hockey Regionals Were Run Like College Baseball? "

As we are about four months away from the start of the Division I college hockey season - here is a great idea from Brian Favat from B.C. Interruption for you to chew on. Favat throws the idea of having the four highest seeds host the regionals and have a double elimination tourney. I think this would definitely prove to be an exciting regional format.

B.C. Interruption --- Had an interesting thought while taking in some of this weekend's NCAA Division I Baseball Tournament regional action. After another year of poor Regional attendance, lots of talk about ways of improving the NCAA Division I Men's Ice Hockey Regional format. Could the answer come from college baseball?

What if the men's ice hockey tournament Regional round took on the same format as the NCAA baseball regional format?

The baseball regional round is a four team, double elimination format hosted by the top seed in each region. The regionals start on Friday, pairing the 1 seed up against the 4 and the 2 against the 3. The winners of those two games advance to the 1-0 game, while the losers face each other in an elimination game.

It would look something like this, I don't know if the NCAA would approve of this Idea... I am up for improving the current state of the college hockey regional format - as we saw from this last year that the NCAA regionals were poorly attended.

Thursday

No. 1 seed vs. No. 4 seed
No. 2 seed vs. No. 3 seed

Friday

1-0 game: 1/4 Winner vs. 2/3 Winner
Elimination game: 1/4 Loser vs. 2/3 Loser

Saturday
1-0 Game Loser vs. Elimination game Winner

Sunday
Saturday game winner vs. 2-0 team

Monday (if necessary)
2-1 Elimination game

Here are the attendance figures from the four regional final games from this season’s NCAA regionals – 5,328, 10,974, 4,470, 3,108 – The highest attended regional was the West Regional in Xcel Energy Center. The NCAA should have more fans attending the regionals, something needs to be done to improve attendance.

Another Idea that I am in favor of - having the four number one seeds host the regionals on their campus sites and keep the format the rest of the way. I think that the number one seeds should have some benefit from playing well all season long and gaining a number one seed. You call also probably have higher attendance numbers that we had last season.

One problem facing UND is that the school is currently under NCAA sanctions and would not be able to host an NCAA regional.

Colllege Hockey INC - Executive Director annoucement

JOB DESCRIPTION
NAME: TBD
DATE: JULY/AUGUST 2012
JOB TITLE: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
JOB STATUS: FULL TIME
WORK LOCATION: TBD
SUPERVISOR: BOARD OF DIRECTORS, COLLEGE HOCKEY INC.
JOB SUMMARY:
Under general supervision, the Executive Director manages the interests of College Hockey Inc.
This position supervises two full-time positions as well as other potential part-time positions in
the areas of education, NCAA rules, media platforms and camps. The Executive Director will
create a vision to promote and market of college hockey, grow the economic resources of
College Hockey Inc., improve the recruiting efforts of college hockey and its member institutions
and grow the relationships with USA Hockey and the National Hockey League. Salary and a
benefits package are commensurate with experience. This position requires the ability to travel,
work nights and weekends and holidays as needed.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
Oversees an assigned number of areas with the following duties:
· Reports to the Board of Directors of College Hockey Inc.;
· Develops plans and materials to promote and market college hockey;
· Meets with various multi-media entities, including television and websites;
· Manages IceBreaker Tournament and other special events;
· Develops recruiting and youth marketing campaign directed to amateur hockey players;
· In conjunction with the Board of Directors, addresses NCAA legislative issues affecting
college hockey;
· Manages relationships with USA Hockey, National Hockey League and a variety of junior
hockey organizations;
· Ensures College Hockey Inc. is in compliance with NCAA rules;
· Develops and manages annual operating budget and finances for College Hockey Inc.; and
· Performs other duties as assigned.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
1) Knowledge of amateur hockey, particularly college hockey, and a level of experience with
the sport.
2) Knowledge of supervisory techniques, leadership training, coaching techniques and
appropriate consensus-building skills.
3) Knowledge of NCAA rules, specifically as they relate to recruiting.
4) Knowledge of appropriate computer software applications (e.g., PowerPoint, Excel,
QuickBooks) as they relate to the position.
5) Ability to work evenings, weekends and holidays when necessary.
6) Strong interpersonal, organizational, written and oral communication skills.
QUALIFICATION STANDARDS
1) Bachelor's degree in related field is required, Master's degree preferred.
2) Five years experience performing similar tasks is required.
Class II OSHA
NOTE: MANAGEMENT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE OR
REASSIGN JOB DUTIES OR COMBINE POSITIONS AT ANY TIME.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Applications and nominations of candidates should be sent via e-mail to Stephen Hagwell
(shagwell@ecachockey.com). All application materials must include a cover letter, resume and
list of professional references. College Hockey Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

It will be interesting to see who is selected or this job. 

Kings take 2-0 lead in series against Devils

Los Angeles Kings forward Jeff Carter scored the game winning goal at the 13:42 mark in overtime to give the Los Angeles Kings a 2-0 series lead against the New Jersey Devils. The Kings have gone an impressive 14-2 in the Stanley Cup playoffs and have not lost since the first round of the playoffs. What is even more impressive is that the Kings have not lost on the road during this years Stanley Cup Playoffs. Let me just say - I think the Devils will be hard pressed to win four of the next five games against the Kings. I wouldn't be surprised if the Kings sweep the Devils at home. With their win on the road the Kings have now won 10 out of 10 games on the road - that's an impressive feat and only three other teams have done that during the Stanley Cup playoffs.

But to go a perfect 10-for-10 away from the land of the rich and famous, well, that seemed like a dream, or a Hollywood script. Nevertheless, that's just what the Kings did with Jeff Carter's game winner 13 minutes and 42 seconds into overtime for a 2-1 win over the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center on Saturday.

The Kings not only extended their record to 10 consecutive wins to start a postseason, they became only the fourth team to win 10 road games in a playoffs, matching the 1995 and 2000 Devils as well as the 2004 Calgary Flames. [Tim Wharnsby, CBC]

Tim Thomas' facebook update

This update was on the Boston Bruins star goalie Tim Thomas' Facebook page today. It has been confirmed that the Bruins goalie will be taking next year off  - you have to wonder if retirement on the horizon for Thomas as well?  Why not? Thomas has accomplished a lot during his hockey career and there isn't much left that he hasn't won. Last season  Thomas won a Stanley Cup and a Vezina Trophy and was the Stanley Cup playoffs and was also the MVP during the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Tim O’Keefe, Grand Forks, letter: Facts explain Alumni Association’s choice

Former Fighting Hockey player Tim O’Keefe and current executive vice president and CEO of the UND Alumni Association and Foundation had this to say today in the Grand Forks, Herald.

GRAND FORKS — There has been conjecture and criticism of the unanimous decision by the management and board of the UND Alumni Association and Foundation to lead the effort to educate North Dakota voters about the importance of voting “yes” on Measure 4, which would let UND to retire the Fighting Sioux name.

The decision came after considerable discussion and due process and was based on these factors:
** Election laws prevent UND personnel from advocating a position in a political vote, rendering the university defenseless in a situation threatening the future for its students.

** Student Senate, Staff Senate, Faculty Senate, UND administration, the Athletic Department and all 17 head coaches, along with the UND Alumni Association and Foundation, are unanimous in their support of “Yes” on Measure 4.

The strength of unanimity in our group is a powerful answer to those who have questioned our integrity and credibility.

** Student-athlete recruiting is a cutthroat business, and negative recruiting is a reality. [Read the rest of the letter]

Since Tim O’keefe has kicked off his campaign to retire the Fighting Sioux nickname, Okeefe has taken a beating from some. O’keefe has been called a sell out and others have said that he was forced to come out against the nickname by the University of North Dakota administration.  

Related articles

• UND alumni groups plan campaign for nickname retirement

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• UND alumni groups plan campaign for nickname retirement

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• NDSU won't play UND until nickname situation is resolved

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• They aren't listening - Fighting Sioux nickname

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• Jack Rabbits won't play the Sioux...

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Earl Strinden, Grand Forks, letter: ‘Yes’ on 4 to protect UND

One of UND’s most prominent Alumni Earl Strinden had this to say today on Measure 4. For those that don’t know Strinden – he is the former President of the of North Dakota Alumni Association and one of the heavy hitters around everything UND.  So when Earl talks people listen.

GRAND FORKS — I have admiration and great respect for the members of the Committee of Understanding and Respect and the Spirit Lake citizens who voted their support for the UND Fighting Sioux name and logo, as well as for those at the Standing Rock reservation who worked to give their members a vote.
The long debate and controversy on this issue has evolved to a situation where I believe it is in North Dakota’s best interest for there to be a “yes” vote on Measure 4 supporting the Legislature’s action returning control of this issue to UND.

The fallout of the limited NCAA sanctions is contagious as other universities such as Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa are boycotting UND athletic teams for athletic competition. A few weeks ago, the UND track team was disallowed from a prestigious track meet in Iowa. My low regard for this individual university action is irrelevant. We must deal with reality.

We carried this fight as far as we could without doing damage to UND, North Dakota and the Sioux people [Read the rest of Earl's letter]

Election day is June 12th - The measure as it appears on the ballot reads:  

This referendum measure concerns Senate Bill 2370 as passed by the Legislative Assembly in the November 2011 special session (Session Laws, Chapter 580). Senate Bill 2370 repealed section 15-10-46 of the North Dakota Century Code, which required the University of North Dakota to use the Fighting Sioux nickname and logo.

YES – means you approve Senate Bill 2370, the effect of which would allow the University of North Dakota to discontinue the Fighting Sioux nickname and logo.

NO – means you reject Senate Bill 2370, and would require the University of North Dakota to use the Fighting Sioux nickname and logo.

Spirit Lake nickname supporters to appeal

Here is the latest in the Fighting Sioux nickname – A notice of intent to appeal was filed with the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals this week by lawyer Reed Soderstrom – I am not a lawyer by any stretch of the imagination, nor did I stay in a Holiday Inn Express last night, but I cant see an appeals courting taking this case. I am going to predict that the appeal will be thrown out as well. Maybe one of our resident lawyers can give us some free legal advice...

Chuck Haga, Grand Forks Herald --- Fighting Sioux nickname supporters at the Spirit Lake Sioux Tribe have signaled they intend to appeal U.S. District Judge Ralph Erickson’s dismissal of their lawsuit against the National Collegiate Athletic Association. A notice of intent to appeal was filed with the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals this week by Reed Soderstrom, a Minot attorney who represents the pro-nickname Committee for Understanding and Respect, which sued the NCAA over its efforts to have UND drop the nickname and related Indian-head logo. The committee, authorized by Tribal Council action to speak for the tribe on matters relating to the nickname and logo, had sought at least $10 million in damages from the NCAA. It also sought reversal of the 2005 NCAA policy discouraging use of American Indian names and imagery by member schools.

I love the Fighting Sioux nickname, and there is no way that the school will ever be able to replace the Fighting Sioux nickname with anything that I consider to be acceptable, but I don’t see any way UND can keep the name “unless” the Spirit Lake Tribe wins it’s appeal against the NCAA, the cards are stacked against them this time as well. I also would love nothing more than to see the NCAA lose their law suit – I think they deserved to have that happen to them because I think they are a bunch of hypocrites. I am not holding my breath but I hope the Tribe wins.

Thomas and Schultz rumblings.

Goalie Tim Thomas, NHL Hockey player for the Boston Bruins (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

It's been a roller coaster season for Bruins' goalie Tim Thomas. It will be interesting to see if the Boston Bruins trade him or not. If I was the Boston Bruins General Manager I would make sure that I sign Tuuka Rask first before they even consider trading Thomas. The bad thing about trading Thomas is that it could come back to haunt the Bruins if he met his former team in the playoffs. I would rather watch him finish out his career in Boston with the Bruins.

Tim Thomas' Options

LeBrun: We know the Boston Bruins may potentially try and trade goaltender Tim Thomas when his no-trade clause evaporates on July 1 but among the other options I'm told Tim Thomas is considering is maybe not playing next season. I'm not saying that's going to happen for sure but I was told today that he's thinking about maybe taking the year off. It's been a stressful year for the 38-year-old, we all know about the White House controversy, and the Bruins have a #1 goalie-in-waiting in Tuukka Rask. [TSN.CA]

The Justin Schultz sweep stakes are a month away, it will be interesting to see where the highly sought after offensive defenseman goes.

Dealing With Schultz

McKenzie: It's going to be very difficult for Anaheim Ducks general manager Bob Murray to make a deal involving defensive prospect Justin Schultz. He's certainly out there trying to make it happen and there's lots of teams interested. Every NHL team will want this guy when he becomes an unrestricted free agent, which is likely to happen before July 1 but I can see the Vancouver Canucks, Toronto Maple Leafs and Edmonton Oilers among others being extremely interested. But it's going to be tough for Murray to get anything for Schultz. It looks like he's going to unrestricted free agency.

The 1st Annual Northland Hockey Academy 4-Day Skills & Drills FULL DAY CAMP

The Northland Hockey Group presents…

The 1^st Annual Northland Hockey Academy 4-Day Skills & Drills FULL DAY CAMP

June 25-28, 2012 at the Sanford Center in Bemidji, Minnesota.

For boys and girls born from 1995-2005

MAIN INSTRUCTOR: Jeff Carlson and his staff

Director of Storm Hockey School (formerly Top Gun Hockey Camp since 2003, as well as other professional positions as a hockey instructor for summer camps, day camps, skills clinics and training schools since 1990.

Regional Coordinator/Instructor for Northern Edge Elite Hockey Schools since 2005.

President of Stonebriar Ice Hockey Association from 2003-2010, coaching several team from Mites thru Bantams, AA to house league levels. From 1995-2003, Head Coach/Asst Coach of several teams from Midget AA to Mite house league in New York City and Los Angeles metro areas.

GOALIE INSTRUCTOR: Scotty Buchholz

Former North Dakota All State Goalie!!!

The Academy will have a low instructor/player ratio!!!

LOCATION: SANFORD CENTER in BEMIDJI, MN (Home of the D1 Hockey Bemidji State Beavers)

Sanford Center - Bemidji

1111 Event Center Drive

Bemidji, MN 56601

INCLUDES: Many reasons to attend in 2012

12 hours of detailed on ice and 10+ hours of detailed Off-Ice instruction.

Four days of skating in the state of the art Sanford Center in Bemidji

Northland Hockey Academy Jersey

Lunch

Fun Galore

More

FEE: Low Price

Only $295 per player, Goalies are only $195 (Mail your check before June 15^th)

LIMITED: Be sure to register before June 18^th!!!

Each Camp Group is limited to 30 skaters and 4 goalies. We will have many instructors, plus goalie instructor for all On-Ice sessions.

FULL DAY CAMP: (Example only - Group 1)

8:00AM - Drop off

9:00-10:30AM – On-Ice

10:45-11:30PM – Plyometrics & Off-Ice Skills (stick handling, quick fee etc.)

11:30-12:00PM – Lunch (Provided by local vender - INCLUDED)

12:00-12:30PM – Instructional Video & Classroom Hockey Education

1:00- 2:30PM – On-Ice (Individual Skills: Stick Handling, Shooting, Passing, Checking)

2:45- 4:00PM – Plyometrics & Off-Ice Skills (stick handling, quick feet etc.)

4:00PM – Pick up

DORM STAY AVAILABLE: Need to travel we can help you out!!!

Available for only $22 per night or a tad more if you want breakfast and supper included. Lunch is provided by the Northland Hockey Academy.

HOW TO REGISTER: Register at www.northlandhockeygroup.com

HOW TO PAY: Mail a check by June 15^th so we receive it by June 18^th.

Mail to…

Northland Hockey Group

P.O. Box 490324

Blaine, Mn 55449

QUESTIONS?: Let us know.

We are confident that your child will love this camp!!!

Anze Kopitar's game winning goal

Here is the game winning goal in over time by the Los Angeles Kings forward Anze Kopitar. Kopitar shows his speed as he gets  behind the New Jersey Devils defense - it was off to the races - not much the goalie New Jersey Devils goalie Martin Brodeur could have done there. That was the ninth win on the road for the Los Angeles Kings during the Stanley Cup playoffs - the Kings have yet to lose in nine games that they have played on the road during the playoffs.

Gothberg and Schmaltz make All-USHL First Team

Two UND Fighting Sioux incoming freshman recruits Zane Gothberg and Jordan Schmaltz have made the All-USHL first team.

All-USHL First Team

Zane Gothberg (G), Fargo Force

The goaltender from Thief River Falls, Minnesota posted a 26-16-4 record with USHL best .921 SV%. His 2.22 GAA was the second best mark in the League. Gothberg led the USHL with seven shutouts which shattered the Fargo Force season record held by Mike Lee (2008-09). The 19-year-old put together a nine-game winning streak from December 30th to January 21st, compiling a 1.43 GAA and .947 SV% with two shutouts over that stretch. Gothberg was the co-winner of the USHL Goaltender of the Year. He is a 2010 NHL Draft pick of the Boston Bruins and will play hockey next season at the University of North Dakota.

USHL stats - Zane Gothberg

Jordan Schmaltz (D), Green Bay Gamblers

The 18-year-old from Verona, Wisconsin tied for second in scoring among all USHL defensemen with 41 points (10g, 31a) in 55 regular season games. After starting the season with the Sioux City Musketeers, he was acquired by the Gamblers and put up 35 points (7g, 28a) and a plus-15 rating in 46 games. He added seven points (2g, 5a) and a plus-10 rating in 12 playoff games. Schmaltz is the first player since the 1994-95 season (Scott Swanson, Omaha Lancers) to be named All-USHL First Team in consecutive seasons. A top prospect for the 2012 NHL Draft, the defenseman is committed to the University of North Dakota.

USHL stats - Jordan Schmaltz

NHL wants to take a look at hybrid icing

Original NHL logo, used until 2005. A version of the logo features it in the shape of a hockey puck. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I think this is a great idea for the NHL to look at the hybrid icing rule that is currently in use in the NCAA and USHL. If used correctly could prevent unnecessary injuries that are caused by the touch- up- icing.

New York --- Hybrid icing is the standard at the NCAA level and in the United States Hockey League. For next season, the NHL is expected to ask the AHL to use hybrid icing, which involves a linesman determining the winner of a race to the closest faceoff circle instead of who touches the puck first on plays in which the puck is sent the length of the ice from the defending team's side of the center-ice red line.

"We like it. We want to make sure we're not moving too quick," Detroit GM Ken Holland said. "We'd like to move it to the American League. We'd like to get it to the best league in the world below the National Hockey League and evaluate it with those players. Obviously it's in college and some other players [use it], but those players aren't nearly as good as the ones we're dealing with. I think there was one player injured this year on an icing. Obviously, we'd like zero, but it is one -- it is not 10, it is not 20."

The GMs remain divided on the issue, so observing the results in the AHL could provide better clarity before making a final decision on it for NHL games.

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Parise's and the Devils tough night

Here is the New Jersey Devils beat writer’s perspective on Zach Parise’s game one of the Stanley Cup Finals – Parise like the rest of the Devils looked like they were a little flat and maybe they were holding their sticks a little tight as well.

Mike Vorkunov, The Star-Ledger --- There was Zach Parise sprawling around the Kings net, desperate for any chance to finally make his mark on the opening game of the Stanley Cup Finals.

The Devils’ captain had been quiet to that point, outplayed by Dustin Brown – his counterpart. Brown hadn’t scored but at least he threw his body around, setting the tone for a rough and rumbling Game 1. All Parise had done to that point was two shots on goal, one of which had accidentally slid off of his stick and to the goal.

But there he was, his opportunity waiting, as the puck stayed in front of Jonathan Quick. And all Parise could muster was to stick his glove out, from the outside of the net, and knock the puck in over the goal line. For a moment the Prudential Center erupted.

One thing that was evident last night was that the Devils didn’t bury their offensive opportunities when they had a chance.  Devils forward David Clarkson had two grade “A” scoring opportunities early in the game from the slot, only to shoot the puck over the Kings net.

Another NHL Lockout?

The possibility of the NHL having another lockout is looking more and more like a reality. I don’t believe we will see a season long lock out like we did during the 2004-05 season. There is also a possibility that if there is a lockout there are a half dozen teams that might not survive if there is a lockout.

NEWARK, N.J. - NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and NHLPA executive director Donald Fehr confirmed on Wednesday that their sides hope to begin discussions on a new collective agreement in the next few weeks.

This was one of several topics Bettman spoke about in his annual pre-Stanley Cup final state-of-the-union address. Fehr was in attendance to listen to Bettman speak in the bowels of the Prudential Center and afterwards the NHLPA boss held his own Q-and-A session with reporters.

It was ironic that Bettman announced in his session that the league enjoyed record revenues of $3.3-billion US this season. Yet, there is a strong possibility that the 2012-13 NHL season will not begin on time because of prolonged CBA fight.

So as we watch the Stanley Cup Finals between the New Jersey Devils and the Los Angeles Kings – there is a possibility that this could be the only NHL hockey we have for a long time.

Game one in the books - Kings up 1-0

Game one of the Stanley Cup Final between the Los Angeles Kings and the New Jersey Devils is in the book, the Kings won game one by a score of 2-1 on an overtime goal from forward Anze Kopitar at the 08:13 mark of overtime.Game two is on Saturday June 5th at 07:00 PM on NBC.

None of the former Fighting Sioux hockey players Travis Zajac, Zach Parise or Matt Greene showed up in the box score in last night's game.

NHL to re-look at their obstruction fouls in off-season

When I saw this tweet from TSN's Darren Dreger today, I thought it's a little late to the party but I welcome the discussion in the off-season.  This is a long time coming and some tweeks need to be made to the NHL game.

In my opinion there has been way too much obstruction, hooking, holding and stick fouls in this seasons Stanley Cup Playoffs and the officiating has degraded from last year to this season. The later in the game the more a players can get away with on the ice

Other items on the agenda:

Hooking, holding and interference: Instead of holding a research and development camp this year, the NHL will hold a meeting of GMs, coaches, players and referees in August in Toronto. It will focus on the standard of enforcement of hooking, holding and interference penalties.

Some GMs complained the standard slipped this season, but Campbell said they needed to discuss the matter in the off-season, when people could put aside their self-interest and speak in more detail. [Nick Cotsonika, Puck Daddy ]