WCHA 2012-13 season preview

Originally posted at the Hockey Writers Combine.

The 2012-13 WCHA season is going to be a historic season. After this season, the WCHA is going to go through some major changes – the Minnesota Gophers and the Wisconsin Badgers will move to the newly formed Big Ten Hockey Conference and join their fellow Big Ten Conference schools the Penn State Nittany Lions, Ohio State Buckeyes, Michigan Wolverines and Michigan State.

Also set to leave the WCHA next season are the Colorado College Tigers, Denver Pioneers, University of Minnesota Duluth Dog, University of Nebraska Omaha, University of North Dakota and Saint Cloud State Huskies who are going to join the Miami University and Western Michigan in a newly formed league the National Collegiate Hockey Conference, Notre Dame is moving to the Hockey East.

We’re not done yet – the remaining CCHA and WCHA schools are going to form what some refer to as the nWCHA beginning for the 2013-14 season.  If your head is spinning – you’re not alone.

Here is how I think the WCHA is going to shake out this season.

1.) University of Minnesota –  During the 2011-12 season the Minnesota Gophers had what many would consider a pretty successful season, the Gophers (28-14-1 Overall – 20-8-0 1^st WCHA)  rebounded to win the MacNaughton Cup after suffering through three subpar seasons where they failed to make the NCAA tourney. During the 2011-12 season – the Minnesota Gophers made it all the way to the Frozen Four before being beaten soundly by the Boston College Eagles 6-1 in the Semi Finals.

With what the Gophers have lost from last season and with what the Gophers have coming in, I don’t think it’s unreasonable to have the Minnesota Golden Gophers penciled in to repeat for the league title and another trip to the Frozen Four. That being said, the Gophers are going to have the proverbial target on their back – every team in the league this season is going to be gunning for the Gophers. The heavily favored Gophers are going to be looking for a goaltender to fill the void left by the graduation of senior goaltender Kent Patterson.

Key returning players – Nick Bjugstad, forward (25g-17a—42pts), Zach Budish, forward (12g-23a—35pts), Erik Haula, forward (20g-29a—49pts), Kyle Rau, forward (18g-25a—43pts).

Key Losses – Kent Patterson, goaltender (.907 SV%, 2.32 GAA 28-14-1 record), Jake Hanson, forward (16g-22a—38pts), Taylor Mattson, forward (8g-13a—23pts).

Key Incoming Freshmen – Reilly Connor forward, Mike Reilly defenseman and Ryan Reilly forward, AJ Michaelson forward.

2.) University of North Dakota – The University of North Dakota, nickname to be determined later, (25-14-1 Overall – 16-11-0 4^th WCHA) won an unprecedented third Broadmoor Cup in a row and look to four peat before heading to the NCHC for the 2013-14 season.

Since 2005-06 season no other WCHA team has won more Broadmoor Cups than UND – UND has twice won three games in three days – two out of the last three seasons to win an unprecedented third Broadmoor Trophy in a row. During that run through the Final Five,  UND beat Saint Cloud State University, the University of Minnesota and Denver University in three consecutive days.

UND would travel to the Xcel Energy Center where it would beat the Western Michigan University Bronco 2-1 before losing the next night 5-2 in the Midwest Regional finals to the Minnesota Golden Gophers.
The University of North Dakota should also be a force to be reckoned with during the 2012-13 campaign – while UND loses Brock Nelson – Rocco Grimaldi is back after having season ending surgery. UND also has a pretty decent recruiting class to replace the players that graduated from last season.

Key returning players – Corbin Knight, forward (16g-24a—40pts), Danny Kristo, forward (19g-26—45pts), Carter Rowney, forward (18g-15a—33pts), Nick Mattson, defenseman (6g-13a—19pts), Dillon Simpson, defenseman (2g-16a—18pts).

Key Losses – Brock Nelson, Forward (28g-19a—47pts), Aaron Dell, goaltender (.900 SV%, 2.67 GAA 18-10-2 record), Ben Blood, defenseman (3g-18a—21pts).

Key incoming freshman/players – Rocco Grimaldi, forward (1g-1a—2pts), Jordan Schmaltz Defense, Zane Gothberg goaltender, Clarke Saunders (.906 SV%, 3.72 GAA, 2-23-1 record).

3.) University of Wisconsin – The Wisconsin Badgers had what Badgers fans could classify the 2011-12 campaign as a season to forget, (17-18-2 Overall – 11-15-2 10^th WCHA) as the Badgers missed the Final Five and traveled on the road for the first round of the playoffs and then lost in the first round of the WCHA playoffs to the Denver University Pioneers in three games. While the Badgers lost Justin Schultz to the NHL they didn’t lose many other players to the NHL.

Key Returning Players - Mark Zengerle, forward (13g-37a—50pts), Michael Mersch, forward (14g-16a—30pts), Tyrler Barnes, forward (11g-15a—26pts), John Ramage, defense (3g-7a—10pts), Jake McCabe, defense (3g-9a—12pts), Joel Rumpel, goalie (.919 SV%, 2.48 GAA, 12-12-2).

Key incoming players - Morgan Zulinick forward, Kevin Schulze defense, Nic Kerdiles Defense.
Key losses - Justin Schultz, defense (16g-28a—44pts).

4.) Denver University – The Denver Pioneers were picked to win the WCHA in 2011-12 in picked to finish first in all three WCHA preseason polls (25-14-4 Overall – 16-8-4 3^rd WCHA) Media, Writers and the coach’s polls). It would be four if you count the WCHA Blogger and Website Preseason Poll which also picked the Denver Pioneers to win the WCHA.

The Pioneers suffered an inordinate amount of injuries and really never got going and ended up under achieving – there are many talented players returning to the Pioneers but the losses of Jason Zucker and Drew Shore is going to be noticed on the ice this season. The Pioneers should battle for home ice and make the NCAA playoffs.

Key Losses – Drew Shore, forward (22g-31a—51pts), Jason Zucker, forward (22g-24a—46pts), Beau Bennett, forward 4g-9a—13pts), Luke Salazar, forward (12g-18a—30pts).

Key Returning Players – Nick Shore, forward (13g-28a—41pts), Shawn Ostrow, forward (11g-10a—21pts), Joey LaLeggia, defense (11g-27a—38pts), Ty Loney, forward (10g-11a—21pts).

Key Incoming Players – Dakota Mermis defense, Quentin Shore forward, Nolan Zajac defense, Gabe Levin forward, Grant Arnold forward.

5.) University of Minnesota Duluth – Last season the UMD Bulldogs (25-10-6 Overal – 16-7-5 2^nd WCHA) overpowered teams with their speed and offensive prowess. UMD was a very dangerous team even strength and the Bulldogs finished second nationally in offensive scoring. This season team will be talented; however, the Bulldog lineup is going to be looking to others to step up offensively after losing 160 points with the graduation of Jack Connolly, Travis Olesksuk and the with the signing of J.T. Brown. That’s not to say that the Cupboard is entirely bare either – Mike Seidel and Caleb Herbert look to fill the void for the Bulldogs. The Bulldogs should secure home ice for the WCHA playoffs and challenge for a top three finish in the WCHA standings.

Key Losses – Jack Connolly, forward (20g-40a—60pts), Travis Olesksuk, forward (21g-32a—53pts), J.T. Brown forward 24g23a—47, Brady Lamb defense (9g-22a—31pts).

Key Returning Players – Caleb Hebert, forward (14g-19a—33pts), Mike Seidel, forward (17g-13a—30pts).

Key Incoming Players – Austin Farley, forward, Tony Cameranesi, forward, Andy Welinski defense, Matt McNeely goalie, Austyn Young forward.

6.) Colorado College – At the start of last season, the Colorado College Tigers had great expectations for their season (26-13-3 – 15-12-1 – 5^th WCHA) but in the end the Tigers ended up under achieving causing Tigers fans to wonder what happened. There is some good news and bad news. The good news, this season the Tigers are going to be a relatively older squad as they return seven seniors and six juniors. The bad news the Tigers lost two of their top three forward from last year’s lineup to include their best forward Jaden Schwartz after he signed an entry level deal with the St. Louis Blues of the NHL.

Last season, Tigers junior goalie Joe Howe what many would classify as a rough season after having two pretty solid freshman and sophomore seasons. Look for Joe Howe to bounce back this season.
Key Losses – Jaden Schwartz,forward (15g-26a—41pts), Nick Dineen, forward (14g-12a—26pts), Gabe Guentzel, defense (4g-22a—26pts).

Key Returning Players – Rylan Schwartz, forward (23g-17a—40pts), Joe Howe, goalie (.882 SV%, 3.48 GAA 5-8-1), Josh Thorimbert, goalie (.924 SV%, 2.35 GAA 18-8-1).

Key Incoming Players – Hunter Fejes forward.

6.) Michigan Tech University – It would not be a stretch to say that the 2000’s have not been kind to the Michigan Tech Huskies. Under former head coach Jamie Russell, the Huskies had a combined record of 31-105-17 from 2007-11. Last year, the Tech Huskies were much improved team under first year head coach Mel Pearson and last season the Huskies topped their previous three season’s win total with a record of (16-19-4 Overall – 11-13-4 8^th WCHA).

I think it’s safe to say that, Mel Pearson has turned the Huskies’ ship around and has the program going in the right direction, after taking over the reins from former head coach Jamie Russell.

Pearson’s returned the Huskies to the Final Five after the Huskies knocked off the Colorado College Tigers in the first round of the WCHA playoffs to advance to the Final Five. The Huskies magical run ended a day later when they lost in the quarter final game to the Denver Pioneers. In one season, Pearson changed the Huskies fortunes.   The Huskies once thought of as an easy win under Pearson have become a tough team to play against.

Key Losses – Brett Olson, forward (10g-20a—30pts), Jordan Baker, forward 10g-18a—28pts), Alex MacLeod, forward (8g-11a—19pts), Josh Robinson, goalie (.909 SV%, 2.83 GAA, 15-14-4).
Key Returning Players – David Johnstone, forward (11g-18a—29pts), Ryan Furne, forward (12g-12a—24pts), Kevin Genoe goalie (880 SV%, 2.71 GAA, 1-5-0).

Key Incoming Players – Jujhar Khaira forward, Alex Petan forward, Malcolm Gould forward, Jamie Phillips goalie, Pheonix Copley goalie.

8. University of Nebraska Omaha – I am kind of torn on this team.   I’m not sure where they should be ranked after the Mavericks had a disappointing season (14-18-6 overall – 11-12-5 7^th WCHA). The Mavericks had high hopes for the 2011-12 WCHA season but under achieved.

The Mavericks ended their season on a disappointing note when the Mavericks failed to gain home ice for the WCHA playoffs – traveled to Saint Cloud for the first round of the WCHA playoffs – lost the first round season to end their season. The Mavericks in their two seasons in the WCHA, have failed to make the WCHA Final Five – losing in the first round of both seasons to the Beavers and Huskies, respectively.
Picking the Mavericks finish is a tough task this season because they’re a bit of enigma this season. The Mavericks on paper are a relatively young team and have five freshman and eight sophomores and only three seniors. Also, the Mavericks have a pretty solid incoming recruiting class coming in this fall that could fill in the void left by this offseason departures.

The offseason was not very kind to the Red Mavericks as they lost three of top players – two of which signed professional contracts, Terry Broadhurst and Jayson Megna and a third player, their sophomore goalie, Ryan Massa, decided to take the year off for personal reasons.

Key Losses – Terry Broadhurst, forward (16g-20a—36pts), Jayson Megna, forward (13g-18a—31pts), Ryan Massa goalie, (.914 SV%, 2.60 GAA, 7-8-2).

Key Returning Players – Matt White, forward (17g-23a—40pts) Ryan Walters, forward (10g-15a—25pts), Bryce Aneloski, defense (6g-14g—20pts).

Key Incoming Players – Anthony Stolarz goalie, Brian Cooper defense, Nick Seeler defense, Tanner Lane  forward,  Aaron Pearce forward.

9. Saint Cloud State University – Traditionally, the Saint Cloud State University Huskies tend to be in the top half of the WCHA and challenge for a top four finish in the WCHA.  Last season the SCSU Huskies (17-17-5 overall – 12-12-5 6^th WCHA) were a .500 team that was hit hard by the injury bug. The shorthanded Huskies made a late season surged and limped into the WCHA playoffs where their season ended in semifinals of the WCHA Final Five by the University of North Dakota.

Key Losses – David Eddy, forward (9g-16a—25pts), Travis Novak, forward (12g-15—27pts), Jared Festler 15g-19a—34pts), Mike Lee, goalie (.930 SV%, 2.23 GAA, 8-6-2).

Key Returning Players – Ben Hanowski, forward (23g-20a—43pts), Nic Dowd, forward (11g-13a—23pts), Andrew Prochno, defense (5g-24—29pts).

Key Incoming Players – Jimmy Murray forward, Jonny Brodzinski forward, Rasmus Reijola goaltender.

10. Bemidji State University – Last season the hard working Beavers’ (17-18-3 overall – 11-14-3 9^th WCHA) late season stumble – in which the Beavers lost four out of six games going into the playoffs  – prevented the Beavers from an upper division finish in the WCHA standings – the Beavers look to improve on their 9^th place finish.

This is what Head Coach Tom Serratore had to say at the end of last season after his Beavers were eliminated by the University of North Dakota in the first round of the WCHA playoffs.

“I thought it was a great season.  Everyone gauges their season differently, but I mean, this is a tough league, we know it’s a tough league.  We had 17 wins.  We were over five hundred in the regular season. We had more points than we had last year.  Those are the things we have look at right there.  Again, we made progress and we were hard to play against.  Again, I thought it was a great season.  Obviously we didn’t want it to end this way.  We wanted to advance to the WCHA Final Five, but it didn’t happen. But, that didn’t take anything away from the season we had.”

Going forward you can bet that Beavers head coach will have them ready to play and as usual, you can count on the Bemidji State Beavers being a small, quick and tenacious team that will get pucks deep and will fore-check the opposition relentlessly.  No team should look past the Beavers this season.

Key Losses – Shea Walters, forward (12g-14—26pts), Brad Hunt, defense (5g-21a—26pts) ,  Dan Bakela goaltender, (.911 SV%, 2.64 GAA, 11-13-2).

Key Returning Players – Jordan George, forward (19g-12a—31pts), Aaron McLeod, forward (9g-14—23pts), Brance Orban, forward (9g-13a—24pts).

Key Incoming Players – Markus Gerbrandt forward, Brad Robbins forward, Cory Ward forward, James Hansen defense, Graeme McCormack defense.

11. Minnesota State University Mankato – Last season the Minnesota State Mavericks experienced a rash of injuries that left their squad devastated and were never able to get going. The Mavericks had two of the more talented rookies Matt Leitner and Jean-Paul Lafontaine and lead the Mavericks in points.

After the season, Minnesota State decided to make a change in coaching, and removed Troy Jutting as the head coach of the Mavericks, who had been the head coach of the Mavericks for twelve seasons (2000-12 season), taking over for Don Brose who retired after the 1998-1999 season.  Under Jutting, Minnesota State had not made the Final Five or the NCAA tourney since the 2002-03 season. Minnesota State hired University of Nebraska Omaha assistant coach Mike Hastings to replace Jutting.  The Former head coach Troy Jutting has since been hired as an assistant coach at UNO to replace Mike Hastings.

Key Losses – Michael Dorr, forward (8g-11a—19pts), Justin Jokinen, forward (3g-10a—13pts), Austin Lee, goalie (.910 SV%, 3.07 GAA, 5-16-1).

Key Returning Players – Matt Leitner, forward (11g-18a—29pts), Jean-Paul Lafontatine, forward (13g-15a—28pts) Ericah Hayes, forward (13g-11a—24pts), Phil Cook, goalie (.887 SV%, 3.55 GAA, 7-8-0).
Key Incoming Players – Teddy Blueger forward, Bryce Gervais forward, Brett Knowles forward, Nick Buchanan Defense.

12. University of Anchorage Alaska - Last season hopes were high for the Seawolves after they had eliminated the Minnesota Golden Gophers in the first round of the WCHA playoffs and qualified for the WCHA Final Five – before losing in the quarter Finals to the Colorado College Tigers 4-2.

After having high hopes for the season – last season ended up being a season to forget for the Seawolves and their fans as they returned to the cellar of the WCHA (9-25-2 overall – 5-22-1 12^th WCHA). The second half of the season ended up being very rough for the Seawolves as they went a dismal 3-15-0 down the stretch after the first of the year – winning just three games in last 18 games.

Seawolves fans are expecting more out of them this season, led by Dave Shyiak who has a 76-152-26 in seven seasons with the Seawolves.

The Seawolves have large incoming freshman class that includes eight incoming players – including three players from local Anchorage Alaska area.

Key Losses – Mitch Bruijsten, forward (8g-8a—16pts), Eric Scheid, forward (6g-9—15pts), Curtis Leinweber, defense (9g-8a—17pts).

Key Returning Players – Jordan Kwas, forward (4g-10a—14pts), Scott Warner, defense (2g-13a—15pts).

Key Incoming Players – Blake Tatchell forward, Haden Trupp forward, Blake Leask defenseman, Michael Matyas goaltender.

Related articles

• Pre-Season Predictions (by Sioux 7)

Lockout humor...

s/t to my good buddy Jason Block...

NHL prospects represented by many current and former College Hockey players

Originally posted at The Hockey Writers - Combine

As most of us know, the NHL players have been locked out by the NHL owners effective on September 15^th, 2012 – when this lockout ends is anyone’s guess – the prospects of the two sides coming to a quick settlement doesn’t look very good. From everything that I have been reading during the past week does  suggests fans shouldn’t expect any NHL hockey games during the months of October and November and we probably won’t have any games until sometime in  December.

So while the NHL and the NHLPA try to settle their differences – NHL hockey fans are going to have to look for other hockey options.  Much like the 2004-05 lockout that cost us a whole season, hockey fans are going to have a lot of extra free time on their hands that they used to fill by watching NHL Hockey. Personally, I watch at least 3-6 NHL hockey games on NHL Center Ice during the regular season – when my favorite college hockey team is in town during the weekend, I spend those nights at the local hockey arena watching college hockey. Obviously, there are other NHL hockey fans that watch even more NHL hockey than that. That being said, there is going to fill a void that has been caused by the lockout, obviously there won’t be as much watchable hockey on TV.

There are many options when it comes to filling the hockey void left by the NHL lockout – hockey fans in the States can watch NCAA Division I Hockey on the various regional sports networks and or watch games in person at a stadium near you.

The NCAA is filled with many top players that have been drafted by NHL teams  and quite a few of them currently play in the NHL.  Corey Pronman from the Hockey prospectus has ranked the top 100 NHL Prospects and I have posted the players from the list that have played college hockey or are currently playing Division I college hockey.

Looking at the list that Pronman has compiled, you might notice a few familiar names, but also a few familiar universities as well. There might have been a few names that I have omitted and I apologize ahead of time if I have.

 12. Justin Schultz, Defense, Edmonton Oilers – Wisconsin
14. Brendan Smith, Defense, Detroit Red Wings – Wisconsin
21. Jaden Schwartz, Left Wing, St. Louis Blues – Colorado College
24. Nick Bjugstad, Center, Florida Panthers – Minnesota Gophers
26. Gustav Nyquist, Right Wing, Detroit Red Wings – Maine
32. Chris Kreider, Left Wing, New York Rangers – Boston College
36. Rocco Grimaldi, Center, Florida Panthers – North Dakota
37. Jon Merrill, Defense, New Jersey Devils – Michigan
42. Jacob Trouba, Defense, Winnipeg Jets – Michigan
47. Kyle Palmieri, Right Wing, Anaheim Ducks – Notre Dame
48. Charlie Coyle, Center, Minnesota Wild – Boston University
50. Brandon Pirri, Center, Chicago Blackhawks - RPI
56. Joe Colborne, Center, Toronto Maple Leafs – Denver University
58. Brian Dumoulin, Defense, Pittsburgh Penguins - Boston College
61. Torey Krug, Defense, Boston Bruins – Michigan State
67. Brock Nelson, Center, New York Islanders – North Dakota
69. Corban Knight, Right Wing, Florida Panthers – North Dakota
71. Reilly Smith, Right Wing, Dallas Stars - Miami
72. Matt Donovan, Defense, New York Islanders – Denver University
79. Cory Conacher, Left Wing, Tampa Bay Lightning - Canisius
81. Drew Shore, Center, Florida Panthers – Denver University
82. Beau Bennett, Right Wing, Pittsburgh Penguins – Denver University
83. J.T. Brown, Right Wing, Tampa Bay Lightning – Minnesota Duluth
85. Derek Forbort, Defense Los Angeles Kings – North Dakota
86. Scott Mayfield, Defense, New York Islanders – Denver University
94. John Gaudreau, Left Wing, Calgary Flames – Boston College
98. T.J. Tynan, Center, Columbus Blue Jackets – Notre Dame

Related articles

• NHL Fans Do Have Other Options (insidehockey.com)
• NHL Hockey fans, you have options (thehockeywriters.com)
• You have options during an NHL Lockout (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• The NHL Lockout: An Alternative View (insidehockey.com)

OHL to limit fighting?

Just confirmed a new fighting rule coming to the OHL. The much-rumoured 10 fight maximum is part of it but there is more as well.
— Jeff Marek (@JeffMarek) September 19, 2012

I saw this tweet tonight and I think it's a horrible rule after 10 fighting majors a player would receive an unspecified suspension plus additional discipline. I think this is a horrible rule if it does in fact get enacted. I will post something as soon as more details emerge.

Tweets of the day - UND suspends four captains

Can someone at @undsports let AD Brian Faison know that he is the Athletic Director not a Head Coach at the University of North Dakota.
— Mike Commodore (@commie22) September 18, 2012

@bruceciskie @chrisdilks The relatively swift punishment and the wording throughout release certainly leaves a lot open to interpretation.
— Chris Peters (@chrismpeters) September 18, 2012

If you weren't on the internet or a had smart phone today - then you probably haven't noticed the UND Hockey team was making news off of the ice this morning and this is a collection of some of the tweets that I found worthy of being posted for all to see.

I don't know or care what happened at that team party. Hats off to UND for sending a strong message. Don't see enough of that these days.
— Bruce Ciskie (@BruceCiskie) September 18, 2012

@Bruce Ciskie the voice the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs was the voice of reason this morning as this incident broke and of course Drunk Hockey Guy wasn't buying any of it this morning.

@umdpenaltybox My point is that neither UMD nor UMN fans are in any position to throw stones, esp given the way UND handled this one.
— Bruce Ciskie (@BruceCiskie) September 18, 2012

@mikemcfeelykfgo that was not last season it was during the 2010-11 season.
— Eric J. Burton (@goon48) September 18, 2012

Three of 4 U of North Dakota captains suspended by team are NHL draftees. Andrew MacWilliam (TOR), Danny Kristo (MTL), Corban Knight (FLA)
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) September 18, 2012

Via KFGO News: Grand Forks city police say they did not respond to any calls regarding UND hockey party. Checking on campus police calls.
— Mike McFeely (@MikeMcFeelyKFGO) September 18, 2012

According to online court records, no citations were handed out to any players.
— Schlossman (@SchlossmanGF) September 18, 2012

Men's hockey captains suspended for season opener bit.ly/UjDRK5
— North Dakota MHockey (@UNDMHockey) September 18, 2012

UND suspended team captains MacWilliam, Knight, Kristo and Rowney for season opener due to a team party Saturday night.
— Schlossman (@SchlossmanGF) September 18, 2012

Related articles

• "O Captain! My Captain!" - UND picks Mac to be captain (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• UND's Andrew MacWilliam and Nate Ewell on the Pipeline show (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• Tuesday Links - Discipline and TV Schedule addition (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• UND Hockey incoming freshman - the vitals (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• Tuesday at the Links... The No Hockey League and "Sloppy Seconds" (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• McFeely on the Travis Beck incident. (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• Hump Day Links (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• Few things before bed... (ndgoon.blogspot.com)

EDIT: UND gets out in front of weekend incident

One could say that the shoe is now on the other foot – recently there has been a lot of press about our friends to the south at NDSU as their football players had gotten into trouble with the law, when as many as 10 players have been involved as what has been described as a voter petition fraud. Also, one of NDSU’s star linebackers also managed to get two minor in consumptions violations in the last year.

UND wasn’t immune to it either – as we now find out in recent weeks that two of UND Hockey players have gotten cited for minor in consumption charges – one player received his minor in consumption about one week before his 21st birthday – checking the North East court records – it appears that one of the players in question – actually has received two citations for MIP’s in the last four months (4/27/2012 and 8/30/2012).

Some are going to say that, it is what it is… History tells us that college kids; more specifically, college athletes are going to get into trouble with alcohol from time-to-time. What’s more important is said schools response to incident(s). I would think that coach Hakstol probably has everyone attention now. While other fans in the WCHA are yucking it up and having a good time with UND’s expense this too will pass.

So going forward – UND hockey and NDSU football has had a few off the ice/field incidents the past few weeks as well – one school gets out in front of the incidents and responds to them in appropriate manner while the other school makes excuses and provides cover for their athletes.

This morning we find out this that there must have been one hell of a team party – the end result is UND suspending all four captains of the UND Hockey team for the first game against the UAA Seawolves during the Brice Alaska Goal Rush in Fairbanks - sounds like the head coach is holding the captains responsible and this "should" serve as a wake up call for the rest of the team.

As an alumni of the University of North Dakota, I applaud the UND Athletic Director Brian Faison and the head hockey coach Dave Hakstol for getting out in front of this incident instead of letting it fester and give the appearance that UND condones this type of behavior. It should be noted that all four captains are of legal drinking age as far as I know – and at this time there are no charges that have been filed. Details of this incident are sketchy at this time.

Here are a couple of links to the story.

UND's hockey captains suspended for weekend party - Star Tribune

Make A Liar Out Of NDSU’s Dean Bresciani - Say Anything Blog

North Dakota Will Be A Little Light For Its Season Opener Against UAA (4 Sioux Captains Susended One Game Each)- Woody On Hockey

Hakstol Fed Up With UND's Bad Boyz Antics - Lets Go DU

North Dakota Suspends Captains - Western College Hockey

Captains suspended for season opener - UND Hockey Blog

Men’s hockey team captains suspended for regular season opener

Official Press Release

GRAND FORKS, N.D. – University of North Dakota Director of Athletics Brian Faison announced today that men’s hockey senior captain Andrew MacWilliam and assistant captains Corban Knight, Danny Kristo and Carter Rowney have been suspended for the opening game of the 2012-13 regular season for a violation of team rules.

The suspensions are a result of a team party on Saturday, Sept. 15.

“The behavior in this situation was unacceptable,” Faison said. “Measures taken by the athletics department do not preclude possible additional measures by the department, or actions by the University or local and state authorities.”

“Recent actions by our team are not a good representation of our place as role models within our community,” said UND head men’s hockey coach Dave Hakstol. “We have young men of high character in our locker room, but our players, and in particular our leaders, must be accountable for their actions.”

In addition to the suspension of the team captains, Faison also announced several additional team disciplinary measures including, but not limited to:

o    Athletics Department-issued team probation under which any further violations by a team member could result in immediate reduction of scholarship, suspension from competition, or expulsion from the program.

o    The implementation of a mandatory team community service program

o    Weekly team alcohol education programming

UND opens the season on Friday, Oct. 19, against Alaska Anchorage at the Brice Alaska Goal Rush in Fairbanks.

Neither Faison nor Hakstol will provide further comment.

UND Women 5th in USCHO Poll

The UND women are ranked fifth in the first USCHO poll of the year. Coming into the season, the UND women's team returns most of their team from a year ago and will be "one" of the favorites in the WCHA this season.

NCAA Hockey to crack down on hits to the head

Originally posted at the Hockey Writers - Combine

This morning I was checking out the video the NCAA put out on the new points of emphasis. [click to view video]

First off, I really don’t have a problem per se with the new rules or the new points of emphasis. That being said, the new point of emphasis is the direct contact with the head or neck – that is what the NCAA officials are going to be concerned with the most.

While I agree that there needs to be better on ice officiating when it comes to contact with the head "in all" levels of hockey – having the right officials in the game of hockey is going to be paramount. I believe that you will see legal hard shoulder to shoulder checks that will be called a major penalty – resulting in the offending player being thrown out of the game. I also don’t have confidence in the current WCHA’s on ice officials to make the right calls. Here is a perfect example of this happening.

This is taken from page 11 of the NCAA Ice Hockey Rules and Interpretations.

• Direct contact with the head or neck in any manner from any direction;

• A player that is reckless;

• A player that has just released a shot or pass;

• A player that is about to receive a pass;

• A player that delivers a late hit;

• A player that extends and directs the arm, elbow, forearm or shoulder to contact the head and neck area of the opponent;

• A player that extends the body and targets the opponent’s head or neck

area;

• A player that leaves their skates or launches in order to deliver a blow

to the head or neck area of the opposing player; and Points of Emphasis 9

• A player that uses the stick in any way to target the head or neck area

(e.g., cross checking, butt-ending, etc.).

While I applaud the fact that the NCAA wants to pay closer attention to hits to the head – you can also color me as cynical as well. Like I briefly mentioned earlier – if the NCAA used refs that were of the same level and quality as the NHL officials I wouldn’t be as worried, however, hockey is a fast game and mistakes are made by the on ice officials – some of these mistakes are more serious and will have a dramatic impact on the game as well. In the end, you will end up seeing players pull up on checks that they would have made a hit on in the past.

Tweets from fans upset about the NHL lockout

Die bettman. Die. Just die. Just DIE.
— autumn(:(@autumncierraa) September 16, 2012

Like I mentioned in an earlier blog post, Angry NHL Fans is a twitter account that I monitor because whenever something big happens in the NHL there are always going to be fans that are upset with something... Here is a snap shot of the fans that are unhappy with the NHL lockout...

Gary Bettman , I wish you die & burn in hell #enoughsaid
— Katrean Halabi (@KNH_94) September 16, 2012

Obviously, I am not a fan of the NHL commissioner Gary Bettman but I do not wish him any ill will, that being said Bettman is so easy to not like personally... Maybe it's just his presentation of self - Bettman comes off as this smug, condescending whiny little ________!!!! I have to say that I stand with the NHL players in this labor disagreement/work stoppage.

gary bettman i hope you choke on your 100 dollar steak & die
— Adam Robson (@6Robson) September 16, 2012

My dad told me once I shouldn't put the coarse language from the tweets on my blog - I tried for the most part to take that into considerations. These are some of the ones that stuck out the most that I read today.

Dear Garry Bettman. You are the biggest disgrace to hockey ever conceived. Pls go die. Yours truly, THE WHOLE FUCKING WORLD.
— Tom Bobbeh Cole (@Bobbehcollz) September 16, 2012

@sportsnews999 Bettman must go! The fans lose and will not come back. Even the die hards.
— EGSIV (@EGSIV) September 16, 2012

gary bettman is an evil soul who deserves to die in the fiery pits of hell #lockout #gonnabeashittywinter
— Will Gribbell (@gribcity) September 16, 2012

bettman definitely sucked at hockey when he was a kid so now he try's to ruin everyone's fun whenever possible #bendshow #die
— Bender Problems (@BenderProblems) September 16, 2012

Related articles

• NHL Lockout: Gary Bettman's Stubbornness Will Hurt League in Negotiations (bleacherreport.com)
• Tweet(s) of the day... Doom and gloom (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• NHL Lockout Impending, But Gary Bettman Feels "Terrible" About It (stlouis.sbnation.com)
• NHL is set to lock out players, again (thestar.com)

(Video) Former Sioux Jonathan Toews appears in the message from the NHL Players to the fans

I hate to say this, but today kind of feels like a funeral. It's also kind of a case Deja Vu all-over again, we have seen this act before - and we didn't really like it very much. Here is the video from the NHLPA players and former Fighting Sioux forward Jonathan Toews is in the video.

Related articles

• How Fans Can End the NHL Lockout (insidehockey.com)
• Unable to Reach Deal, NHL Officially Begins Lockout (forbes.com)
• NHL enters lockout as sides stay away from bargaining table (vancouversun.com)

More reasons to hate the Vancouver Canucks; they resigned Burrows

One of the most unlikable teams in the NHL has re-signed one of their most unlikable characters  - the Vancouver Canucks resigned Alex Burrows to a four year extension worth 18 million dollars. For the mathematically challenged people like me – that’s works out being a four year extension that pays Burrows 4.5 million a year.

For fellow Canucks haters like myself  – Alex Burrows is the poster boy of what is wrong with NHL current crop of agitators – they run their mouths and flop and dive all over the ice and drive the opposition players nuts and usually run and hide behind the officials when the opposition comes to collect on the bill.

For the Canucks, signing Burrows was the right thing because he fits in well with fellow Canucks fraud Max Lapierre - most us remember that these two frauds were on full display with their bag of tricks during the 2011 Stanley Cup playoffs. These two clowns will be happy to know that the Boston Bruins have resigned their top pugilist Milan Lucic to a three year deal worth 18 million dollars a year.

Vancouver, B.C. - Vancouver Canucks President & General Manager Mike Gillis announced today that the Canucks have re-signed left wing Alex Burrows.

Burrows, 31, collected 52 points (28-24-52) and 90 penalty minutes in 80 games played in 2011.12. He also set a career high for most game-winning goals in a season with seven, ranking 11th in the League in this category. Following the conclusion of the season, Burrows represented Team Canada at the World Championships.

Burrows has played in seven seasons over his NHL career, all with the Canucks. He has recorded 270 points (139-131-270) in 522 games. The 6’1”, 195-pound left winger ranks second in franchise history for most shorthanded goals (16) and 10th for most game-winning goals (22). Burrows has been the recipient of multiple club awards, including the Vancouver Canucks Most Exciting Player (2008, 2009, 2010) and the Fred J. Hume Award as the Canucks Unsung Hero (2008).

The Pincourt, Quebec native has also appeared in 58 career playoff games, recording 28 points (16-12-28) and 90 penalty minutes in four post-season appearances. Burrows holds the club record for most career overtime playoff goals (3) and is tied for most series-winning goals (2). Burrows originally signed as a free agent with Vancouver on November 8, 2005.

The fact that Alex Burrows is resigned by the Canucks will give me reason and I will have no problem continuing to hate the #canucks
— Eric J. Burton (@goon48) September 14, 2012

Related articles

• Canucks lock up Alex Burrows for 4 more years (cbc.ca)
• Canucks re-sign Burrows to four-year deal (canada.com)
• Vancouver Canucks' Roberto Luongo has 'no reason to be frustrated' with team, will remain patient for trade (vancouversun.com)
• Canucks re-sign Alex Burrows to four year extension (theglobeandmail.com)
• How much is Burrows worth? (ndgoon.blogspot.com)

Pre-Season Predictions (by Sioux 7)

PRESEASON PREDICTIONS The last WCHA season as we currently know it is about to start, this season will mark the end of epic an era. The WCHA has been one of the top conferences for as long as I can remember, and it will be reborn with some schools remaining (Michigan Tech, Minnesota State, Alaska-Anchorage, and Bemidji State) and new ones (Alaska (Fairbanks), Northern Michigan (they return after leaving the WCHA in ‘92), Ferris State, & Lake Superior State) joining. Before I get into this year’s predictions, let’s look back on how last year finished up, below are the final regular season records.

WCHA FINAL STANDINGS 2011-2012

Team………………..……W-L-T………Points
1. Minnesota…………...…20-8-0…..…….40
2. Minnesota-Duluth……..16-7-5….……..37
3. Denver…………...........16-8-4………....36
4. North Dakota.………....16-11-1….….…33
5. Colorado College …….15-12-1…….….31
6. St. Cloud St…………...12-12-4……..…28
7. Nebraska-Omaha……...11-12-5…….....27
8. Michigan Tech………..11-13-4………..26
9. Bemidji State……..…..11-14-3.…….....25
10. Wisconsin…....………11-15-2..….…..24
11. Minnesota State……...8-18-2..…….....18
12. Alaska-Anchorage…...5-22-1………...11

The Final 5 in St. Paul featured MTU, SCSU, UND, DU, UMD, and UM. The WCHA tournament went like this – Thursday, DU defeated MTU 3-2 in OT, and UND defeated SCSU 4-1 – Friday DU beat UMD 4-3 in a 2-ot thriller, and UND defeat UM in an exciting 6-3 comeback win – Saturday UND defeated DU 4-0, to claim their 3rd consecutive Broadmoor Trophy. With that in mind here are my less than well-educated guesses as to who will finish where…

12 – Alaska-Anchorage – Let’s face facts, the Seawolves have been in the bottom half of the standings every year. That doesn’t mean they are doormats though, they are in most of their games and they don’t give up. Dave Shyiak is a good coach; he keeps his teams competitive with the recruits/players he gets. Alaska isn’t high on most kid’s list of places to go to college, and all the long flights taking their toll on these college students. I don’t see them in the top half of the standings, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they finished out of the twelve spot.

11 – Minnesota State – The Mavericks will have a new coach this year, Mike Hastings, he replaces Troy Jutting, who was at MSUM for the previous 12 years. Hastings was an assistant coach with UNO the past 3 years, and was with Minnesota before that, he is a 1993 alumni of SCSU. With a new coach at the helm, players will have to adjust to their new leader. I think a year or two down the road these purple pucksters could make a run up the new WCHA standings.

10 – Bemidji State – The Beavers were one of four teams last year that had eleven wins in league play and where three games below .500. Like most of the bottom half teams, they need to get more scoring from their top lines, if they want to finish with a winning record.

9 – Michigan Tech – The Huskies from Houghton almost made it to an even record to end the season. But they did make the Final Five and gave DU all they could handle in their play-in game. You could say that BSU has a “favorable” schedule this year, in that they don’t play four games against many of the “powers that be”. Don’t be too surprised if you hear the Huskies do some howling this year.

8 – Wisconsin – The Badgers struggled last year, we’ll call last season a rebuilding year. They have been a defense first team, starting with the goalie and working out from there. Now that they have some experienced goaltending in their Badger burrow, they can start building themselves back up. Coach Eaves knows what it takes to win, so we’ll all have to watch and see how fast they put it all together in Madison.

7 – Nebraska-Omaha – The Mavericks lost assistant coach Mike Hastings to Mankato in the off season, but gained Mankato’s old head coach Troy Jutting as an assistant. MSUM and UNO games could turn into a rivalry now that they have swapped coaches. UNO needs to be more consistent across the board, last year it seemed as if the offense was good, then defense and goaltending were off, and vise versa. If they get that squared away they could be a top half team.

6 – Colorado College – The Tigers won four of their last twelve games to finish out their year, and lost their first round playoff series at home to visiting MTU. Last year they started off hot and cold off, I’m sure they want the same start this year, but a different finish…We’ll just have to wait and see…

5 – St. Cloud State – The Huskies have a heavy sophomore class this season, which means they should all be improved from their freshman campaign. They have three seniors and they will be the backbone for the team, seniors Hanowski and Lee will be the keys to taking this year’s Huskies back to the Final Five and beyond. This season will also mark head coach Bob Motzko’s 8th season as the lead musher of SCSU hockey.

4 – Minnesota Duluth – The Bulldogs are coming off a strong season, unfortunately they watch last year’s McNaughton cup slip away from them and into the hands of Minnesota. When you look at the losses of seniors from last year, you might think of this season as a rebuilding year. I think it’ll be more of a reloading year.

3 – Minnesota – The Gophers had excellent year last, capturing the WCHA regular season title and advancing to the Frozen Four. The maroon and gold return plenty of talent from last year team. The big question will be goaltending, with the little or no college game experience; luckily they have some seasoned d-men.

2 – North Dakota – The teams formerly known as the Fighting Sioux, now just know as North Dakota (I’ll just use ND), will be in a similar boat as Minnesota. They have a question mark about the goaltending and how that will develop through the season. Also this year ND will have brothers playing for them at the same time, the MacMillan men, Mark and Mitch. (I believe that last time that happened was 03-04, with the Parise’s Zack and Jordan.) This will be coach Hakstol’s 9th season with ND, the coach staff has changed in the off season with Cary Eades departing the program.

1 – Denver – The Pioneers are my preseason predicted number one. How can I give them that honor over my favorite ND team, you ask? They return their goalie’s from last season and they both had playing time. And as for scoring, let’s just say DU has always been offensive, wink, wink. Win or lose the last WCHA title as we currently know it, coach Gwozdecky will still be the snazziest dressed coach in the league.

Matt Greene Caption?

Here is something that has become a weekly occurrence. Fill in your own caption, for former Fighting Sioux defenseman Matt Greene as he barks at the once ice official during the NHL's Stanley Cup Playoffs.

"Why I oughta..."

Tweet(s) of the day... Doom and gloom

Gary Bettman shut down his Twitter account today. That's not the biggest thing he'll shut down this week.
— Down Goes Avery (@DownGoesAvery) September 12, 2012

This is the tweet of the day in my opinion. It's also sad because I do believe that there is definitely going to be a lockout. This afternoon, the NHLPA turned down the owner's latest proposal.

It does sound like this time that the owners did give in a little bit in their latest proposal to the NHLPA - yet the owners are still asking for quite a bit give back by the players.

Under the owners' new six-year phase-in proposal, players would receive 49% next season, and end up with 47% in the sixth year. In immediate terms, players would receive a roughly 9% decrease in salary next season. In the league's previous proposal, the first year loss was pegged at 19%. According to the league's numbers, this proposal is asking for $275 million less in concessions than owners asked for in their last proposal. [Kevin Allen, USA Today]

So it's looks like there is going to be an unprecedented third work stoppage under Gary Bettman. I don't think that history is going to look very favorably on Gary Bettman... I believe that Gary Bettman is one of the more polarizing figures of our time when it comes to sports figures.

I think we can now start referring to Gary Bettman as the lockout commissioner. Also, the mood is starting to get even more toxic as people are beginning to realize there basically is no chance a lockout is going to be avoided it appears that the owners aren't moving very far from their two previous proposals makes me think that they're not going to move very far.

To sum up NHL-NHLPA, no progress was made today, and no progress has been made so far in 2012.
— Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL) September 12, 2012

I am wondering what the split will finally end up being when the next CBA is agreed to by the NHL players and the NHL owners? Kind of looks like the owners are trying to get a 50/50 split with the players like the other professional leagues do.

#CBANHL's new deal takes less $ from players but Fehr said it's going from an "extraordinarily large amount" to a "really very big amount"
— Katie Strang (@KatieStrangESPN) September 12, 2012

Wonder if NHLPA understands how weak union looks when so many Euros bolt for home the second labour stoppage announced.
— Damien Cox (@DamoSpin) September 12, 2012

Text from player pal: "NHL offer is a f***ing joke. Sets PA back 20 years. I appreciate what I got, but wake the f*** up buddy."
— Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL) September 12, 2012

Does recruiting bad apples help football teams?

UND Women's head hockey coach Brian Idalski posted a link to this story on Twitter today. I think this article causes many things come to mind when I start thinking about all of the stories in the media as of late. Do you think that teams play better if they have a few players that get into trouble with the law.

Dick Harmon, Desert News --- Does a football coach need to recruit a few criminals to win?

Somebody thinks so.

At least one radio broadcaster said so and got suspended from work for three games. His name is Allen Pinkett, a former star running back for Notre Dame. He made those comments while Notre Dame played Navy in Dublin, Ireland, last week.

Does having a few bad apples on a team give a squad a certain attitude? Does it make it better?

Notre Dame is one of those storied football programs that will forever find a niche as legendary and is an enduring stereotype of the successful part of the college game.

But the Fighting Irish haven't exactly lived up to that reputation the past few years. Some say it's because Notre Dame's high academic standards have made great bookworms and poor runners and pass catchers.

So if you’re favorite college hockey, football or basketball team is winning, but they seem to have their share of players that are getting in trouble law - like, say the school to the south of us and what if the football in question cleaned up their program would they lose their winning edge?

Breaking it down further, the football player in question down in Fargo, ND was the Bison’s MVP of the FCS Championship game. What if players didn’t clean up his act – at what point does the coach decide that he become a hindrance to the program and they go their separate ways.

I am sure that most of us can think of time that happened to a player on our favorite sports team.

Let me be clear, I pick on the Bison Football team because they're an easy target right now and they have earned their reputation, however, that being said, I know it can happen to any of our favorite sports teams. Recently two players from UND hockey had their names surface on a media blog for Minor in Possession.

Fans of other programs will probably bring up incidents of elevators and or lawnmower tossing incidents as well. Of course we can bring up incidents at a particular bar in Minneapolis as well named Blarney’s.

NBC Sports Net releases 24 game college hockey schedule

English: A picture of a RedHawks college hockey fans before a game against Nebraska-Omaha. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Originally post at the Hockey Writers.

With the NHL owners set to lock out the NHL players I they don’t have a new Collective 

Bargaining Agreement on September 15^th, 2012 hockey fans are going to be looking for options when it comes to watching hockey.

Like I mentioned in an earlier post – NHL fans have options. One option that you will have – NBC Sports Network is going to show 24 college hockey games during the  2012-13 season, if the NHL owners and the players don't solve their labor dispute - this will be one of the few options hockey fans are going to be looking for  to file the NHL hockey void.

Not all is lost NHL Hockey fans.

On Friday nights - if there is a lockout - NBC Sports Network will college hockey on the television dial - you can check you local listing to see what channel it's on. For DirecTV subscribers NBSN is on channel 603.

There are a few dates  on the schedule where there are going to be double headers, for instance on November 30th, 2012 you will be able to watch Boston College play Boston University at 7:30 PM  Easter followed by Wisconsin at Denver University at 10 PM Eastern.

Also, you can expect CBS Sports Network to release their college hockey schedule very soon.  Here is the link to the NBC Sports Net Announcement.

Ice Breaker Tournament

Fri., Oct. 12 Notre Dame vs. #12 Maine 7 p.m.
Army vs. Nebraska TBD
Sat., Oct. 13 Final (Teams TBD) 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 16 Harvard at #13 Cornell 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 30 #1 Boston College at #11 Boston University 7:30 p.m.
Wisconsin at #8 Denver 10 p.m.
Dec. 1 #11 Boston University at #1 Boston College 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 7 Michigan State at Notre Dame 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 4 Colorado College at Nebraska-Omaha 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 11 #3 Union at Princeton 7:30 p.m.
Nebraska-Omaha at Denver 10 p.m.
Jan. 18 Harvard at Yale 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 25 Yale at #13 Cornell 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 1 Dartmouth at #3 Union 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 8 #6 North Dakota at Nebraska-Omaha 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 15 #11 Boston University at #12 Maine 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 22 Yale at Quinnipiac 7:30 p.m.
#6 North Dakota at #8 Denver 10 p.m.
March 1 Wisconsin at Nebraska-Omaha 7:30 p.m.
March 8 #12 Maine at New Hampshire 7:30 p.m.

Hockey East Tournament

March 15 Quarterfinals 7 p.m.
March 22 Semifinals 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.
March 23 Final 7 p.m.
All rankings based off USA Today/USA Hockey Men’s College Hockey Poll (April 9, 2012).

Tuesday Links - Discipline and TV Schedule addition

Senkbeil, Parks punished for minors bit.ly/RQhQ4X
— Schlossman (@SchlossmanGF) September 11, 2012

There might be four people that hasn't heard about this yet. As we know word travels fast in Grand Forks, ND. UND hockey beat writer Brad Schlossman, is reporting that two UND hockey players were cited for Minor in Possession. Unlike the "other school" to the south coach Hakstol deals swiftly with these types of matters swiftly before they get out of hand.

Two UND players have been punished for receiving minors in possession/consumption of alcohol.

Dan Senkbeil, who was cited for a minor and for failure to halt on Aug. 31, was suspended from all team activities for two weeks. He has not yet been cleared by coach Dave Hakstol to play in games. Senkbeil received his minor one week before turning 21.

Michael Parks was cited for a minor and his punishment is being handled internally. Parks is 20.

Apparently, the NDSU head football coach Craig Bohl is finally, going to start giving their players some sort of punishment - no matter how minor it might seem - Sophomore outside lineback Travis Beck will now be given a minor slap on the wrist after he recieved his second Minor in Possession of alcohol.

#NDSU HC Craig Bohl tells me Travis Beck will be disciplined internally by team for charge of MIP
— Dom Izzo (@DomIzzoWDAY) September 11, 2012

NBCSN released it's 2012-13 college hockey schedule today and UND hockey fans will get to see at least two road games on the NBCSN.

Ice Breaker Tournament

Fri., Oct. 12 Notre Dame vs. #12 Maine 7 p.m.
Army vs. Nebraska TBD
Sat., Oct. 13 Final (Teams TBD) 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 16 Harvard at #13 Cornell 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 30 #1 Boston College at #11 Boston University 7:30 p.m.
Wisconsin at #8 Denver 10 p.m.
Dec. 1 #11 Boston University at #1 Boston College 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 7 Michigan State at Notre Dame 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 4 Colorado College at Nebraska-Omaha 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 11 #3 Union at Princeton 7:30 p.m.
Nebraska-Omaha at Denver 10 p.m.
Jan. 18 Harvard at Yale 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 25 Yale at #13 Cornell 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 1 Dartmouth at #3 Union 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 8 #6 North Dakota at Nebraska-Omaha 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 15 #11 Boston University at #12 Maine 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 22 Yale at Quinnipiac 7:30 p.m.
#6 North Dakota at #8 Denver 10 p.m.
March 1 Wisconsin at Nebraska-Omaha 7:30 p.m.
March 8 #12 Maine at New Hampshire 7:30 p.m.

Hockey East Tournament

March 15 Quarterfinals 7 p.m.
March 22 Semifinals 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.
March 23 Final 7 p.m.

Tyler Seguin gets contract extension.

The NHL owners have been saying that they want to roll back player salaries. The onwers also want to limit the amount of money that the owners pay to players out of Hockey Related Revenues.

The NHL owners said in their first and second CBA proposals to the NHLPA that the owners were also concerned about the length of player salaries and that the owners don’t want any contracts to extend past the five year mark.

Based on everything that we have seen lately – it would appear that the “certain” owners haven’t got that memo yet – nor are they ready to get into line.

As we have been told all summer long that there are owners who are claiming that they’re suffering financial hardships and need the NHLPA to make huge concessions to the owners. The owners led by Gary Bettman are going to lock the players out if they don't get NHLPA to agree to roll back players’ salaries.

While to some that might seem reasonable – the amount they are asking – doesn’t seem all that reasonable. I don’t know too many people that would like to have their pay checks cut 11-14 percent.

If you looking at this from the outside it would appear that owners are saying one thing; while other owners are doing another thing. To some it could appear like the NHL owners are talking out of both sides of their mouths.

Today, the number two pick of the 2010 NHL draft – Boston Bruins center Tyler Seguin signed a six year contract extension for 34.5 million dollars, if you’re doing that math that’s worth $5.75 year for the life of the deal.

While the NHL owners and NHLPA have three and a half days to avert a lockout – there are still NHL owners that want the maximum length of an NHL contract to be 5 years – nothing seems to have changed on that point. Then why is it that NHL teams continue to sign players to contracts that are longer than five years long?

The Tyler Seguin contract isn’t an enigma.

Cough, cough, cough!!!

Just to name a few... The Edmonton Oilers recently signed the number one pick of the 2010 NHL Draft Taylor Hall for seven years contract extension worth $42-million that is 6 million dollars per season.

But the Edmonton Oilers weren’t done there the team also signed another one of their top young forwards Jordan Eberle to a six-year year extension worth $36M that is 6 million dollars per season.

McFeely on the Travis Beck incident.

(cont.) As officers yelled at pair to stop, suspects ran inside apartment building. Police later caught one suspect (Beck) leaving building.
— Mike McFeely (@MikeMcFeelyKFGO) September 10, 2012

It's too easy... This is a snap shot of KFGO 790 A.M. radio talk show host Mike McFeely and his twitter feed today. You can see that McFeely broke down the Travis Beck incident pretty well. As most of you know NDSU's Football team has had a few of their players get into trouble with the law. If you have been reading the Fargo and Grand Forks newspapers or watching the local news you will see that the NDSU Football players are making the news on and off of the football field.

More on Travis Beck sitch: Beck and another person were walking near NDSU campus at 3 a.m. on July 21. One was carrying parking sign (more)
— Mike McFeely (@MikeMcFeelyKFGO) September 10, 2012

For the UND football fans that went to school during the 1990's you probably can still remember - this is kind of reminiscent of the Rocky Hagler days when he has the head coach of the NDSU Bison and they too had fair number of players that got in trouble with the law - just like Craig Bohl's players have this past year and into the summer. It will be interesting to see how this plays out in the coming days and weeks. I am sure that Craig Bohl will probably say that this is a whole lot to do about nothing.

(cont.) Police say Beck had been drinking when they tried to stop him near campus July 20, but he ran. He was MVP of title game.
— Mike McFeely (@MikeMcFeelyKFGO) September 10, 2012

(cont.) Beck pleaded not guilty to Class B misdemeanor charges in August, but will attend a change of plea hearing tomorrow.
— Mike McFeely (@MikeMcFeelyKFGO) September 10, 2012

People can say why does it matter - here is the problem - Craig Bohl knew that the petition fraud charges were coming down on 10 his players and the could have ended all of this with simply suspending his players for their game against RMU and this would have been over. Instead head coach Craig Bohl and the Athletic director choose to say this.

NDSU starting linebacker Travis Beck will have 2nd court appearance tomorrow for minor consumption and resisting arrest. (more)
— Mike McFeely (@MikeMcFeelyKFGO) September 10, 2012

“There are not going to be any suspensions,” Taylor emphatically said after the game. “These kids don’t deserve a suspension. I’m not going to suspend them and neither is Craig (head coach Craig Bohl). As far as we are concerned, it is over.”

By making comments like this Bohl is actually putting his program under the scope - so just when the head coach thought maybe this would pass a the Travis Beck incident just compounds what happened last weekend.