Thursday, March 06, 2014

(Video) David Backes wipes out Pekka Rinne



St. Louis forward David Backes runs over Nashville Predators goalie Pekka Rinne.  Depending on your perspective. Nothing like going hard to the net. The boxscores reads after the play was over (see below).

12:27 NSH Mike Fisher Roughing - 2 min against David Backes
12:27 STL David Backes Roughing - 2 min against Mike Fisher
12:27 NSH Mike Fisher served by Viktor Stalberg Roughing - 2 min against David Backes
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UND Women's Hockey: UND Puts Four Players on All-WCHA Teams

2013-14 WCHA Women’s Award Winners

WCHA Player of the Year
Hannah Brandt, F, So., Minnesota (Vadnais Heights, MN)

WCHA Outstanding Student-Athlete of the Year
Kelly Terry, F, Sr., Minnesota (Whitby, ON)

WCHA Defensive Player of the Year
Rachel Ramsey, D, Jr., Minnesota (Chanhassen, MN)

WCHA Rookie of the Year
Dani Cameranesi, F, Fr., Minnesota (Plymouth, MN)

WCHA Scoring Champion
Hannah Brandt, F, So., Minnesota (Vadnais Heights, MN)

WCHA Goaltending Champion
Ann-Renée Desbiens, G, Fr., Wisconsin (La Malbaie, QC)

WCHA Coach of the Year
Brad Frost, Minnesota


All-WCHA First Team
F - Hannah Brandt, So., Minnesota ((Vadnais Heights, MN). F - Kelly Terry, Sr., Minnesota (Whitby, ON). F - Michelle Karvinen, Sr., North Dakota (Rødovre, Denmark). D - Rachel Ramsey, Jr., Minnesota (Chanhassen, MN). D - Milica McMillen, So., Minnesota (St. Paul, MN). G - Alex Rigsby, Sr., Wisconsin (Delafield, WI).

All-WCHA Second Team
F - Brittany Ammerman, Sr., Wisconsin (River Vale, NJ). F - Sarah Davis, Sr., Minnesota (Paradise, NL). F - Rachael Bona, Jr., Minnesota (Coon Rapids, MN). D - Courtney Burke, So., Wisconsin (Albany, NY). D - Kari Schmitt, Jr., Ohio State (Canton, MI). G - Amanda Leveille, So., Minnesota (Kingston, ON).

All-WCHA Third Team
F - Josefine Jakobsen, Jr., North Dakota (Aalborg, Denmark). F - Jenna McParland, Jr., Minnesota Duluth (Schreiber, ON). F - Blayre Turnbull, Jr., Wisconsin (Stellarton, NS). D - Sara Schmitt, Jr., Ohio State (Canton, MI). D - Lara Stalder, Fr., Minnesota Duluth (Lucerne, Switzerland). G - Danielle Butters, Sr., Minnesota State (London, ON).

All-WCHA Rookie Team
F - Dani Cameranesi, Fr., Minnesota (Plymouth, MN). F - Sarah Nurse, Fr., Wisconsin (Hamilton, ON). F - Susanna Tapani, Fr., North Dakota (Laitala, Finland). D - Lara Stalder, Fr., Minnesota Duluth (Lucerne, Switzerland). D - Gracen Hirschy, Fr., North Dakota (Fort Wayne, IN). G - Ann-Renée Desbiens, Wisconsin (La Malbaie, QC). G - Brittni Mowat, Fr., Bemidji State (Glenboro, MB).


March 6, 2013/For Release at 8:00 pm CT
2013-14 WCHA All-Academic Team Honorees Announced
91 Student-Athletes Represent All Eight Member Institutions

The Western Collegiate Hockey Association today (March 6) announced that 91 student-athletes, representing all eight women’s member institutions, have earned WCHA All-Academic Team honors for 2013-14.

Criteria: To qualify for the WCHA All-Academic Team, student-athletes must have completed one year of eligibility at present institution, prior to the current academic year and have a GPA of at least 3.0 for the previous two semesters or three quarters.

Following, by team, are the 2013-14 WCHA All-Academic Team honorees: (*indicates repeat honoree)


University of North Dakota: *Shelby Amsley-Benzie, So. (Warroad, MN); *Kayla Berg, Sr. (Fargo, ND); Andrea Dalen, Jr. (Hønefoss, Norway); Meghan Dufault, So. (Winnipeg, MB); Tanja Eisenschmid, So. (Kaufbeuren, Germany); Johanna Fallman, Jr. (Luleå, Sweden); Samantha Hanson, So. (White Bear Lake, MN); *Josefine Jakobsen, Jr. (Aalborg, Denmark); *Leah Jensen, So. (East Grand Forks, ND); *Shannon Kaiser, So. (Crookston, MN); Michelle Karvinen, Sr. (Rødovre, Denmark); Samantha LaShomb, So. (Inver Grove Heights, MN); *Layla Marvin, So. (Warroad, MN); Marissa Salo, Fr. (Grand Rapids, MN); *Tori Williams, Jr. (The Pas, MB).
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UND Women's Hockey: UND will host the 2015 WCHA Final Faceoff.

Some good news for the UND Women's Hockey team and the Ralph Engelstad Arena. They will get to host the 2015 Final Faceoff. Under coach Brian Idalski, the UND women have advanced to the Final Faceoff four consecutive years in a row.

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UND Hockey: Dillon Simpson talks to the Student Body


I can't believe that the season is almost over. An absolute gem, Dillon Simpson has been fun to cover over the past three seasons... One of the nicest kids you'll ever meet.
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Weekend Match-Ups (by Donn)

Here we are the last weekend in the inaugural NCHC season.  The race for the Penrose Cup will be decided this weekend.  We know for sure is both SCSU and UND will be at home for the first round of the playoffs, oh and they are the top contenders for the inaugural league title.  I’m not sure on how all the tie breakers work, but we might have to find out come Sunday!


NCHC STANDINGS 2013-2014


Team………………………W-L-T-SW………Points
North Dakota……………..14-8-0-0…..…….….42
St. Cloud St……………….13-6-3-0…………...42
Nebraska-Omaha………..12-8-2-1…..………..39
Minnesota-Duluth………..10-10-2-2….….……34
Western Michigan………..10-10-2-2…….……34
Denver………………………9-10-3-2……….…32
Colorado College……….. ..6-11-5-1…….….…24
Miami………………………..5-16-1-1….…….….17


NCHC Games

Nebraska-Omaha @ #17 Minnesota-Duluth
Last weekend the Bulldogs swept Miami (5-4, 1-0) in Oxford and the Mavericks swept the Tigers (6-0, 2-1ot) in Omaha.

The Mavericks have almost secured home ice, and with at least a tie this weekend, they will secure a home spot.  The Bulldogs need to win, since they are tied with WMU for the last home ice spot and DU is only two points behind.  Both UMD and UNO beat up on the two bottom teams in the standings, so they both should have some confidence going into the weekend.  UNO is even stevens this year, 6-6-0 on the road and 9-9-0 at home, the Bulldogs are 4-7-3 at home and 10-6-0 on the road.  Perhaps UMD is better of throwing these games, so they are on the road the first round?  SPLIT


Miami @ Denver
Last weekend the RedHawks were swept by the Bulldogs (5-4, 1-0) in Duluth and the Pioneers split with the Broncos (4-2W, 3-1L) in Kalamazoo.

I’m guessing the season can’t end fast enough in Oxford, ugh.  MU has just two wins in 2014, and thus has lost seven of their last eight games.  The Pioneers still have a shot at home ice but they need some help; they need to pass up UMD and WMU.  The RedHawks are 4-9-2 on the road, and they did split with DU earlier this season.  The Pioneers are 9-6-1 in Denver this year.  They will need at least one win this weekend and lots of help or two wins and some help, to host games next weekend.  PIONEERS SWEEP


#3 SCSU @ Colorado College
Last weekend the Huskies split with NoDak (5-2L, 3-1W) in St. Cloud and the Tigers were swept by the Mavericks (6-0, 2-1ot) in Omaha.

This match-up could happen again next weekend too, but with SCSU hosting the games.  The teams meet way back about thanksgiving with the teams tying Friday (CC won shoot out) and SCSU winning the Saturday game.  With the cup on the line, I think SCSU will bring its “A” game to Colorado Springs.  Unless the Huskies are affected by thee, ahem, “haze”, at CC, they should leave a couple of wins.  HUSKIES SWEEP


#21 Western Michigan @ #9 North Dakota
Last weekend the Broncos split with the Pioneers (4-2L, 3-1W) in Kalamazoo and NoDak split with the Huskies (5-2W, 3-1L) in St. Cloud.

These teams met the first week of December in Kalamazoo, with NoDak sweeping the series by identical 3-2 scores.  NoDak is 11-5-1 at home in The Ralph this season and the Broncos are 5-5-3 on the road.  As far as I can recall this will be WMU first ever trip to Grand Forks (correct me if I’m wrong).  The Broncos are in a precarious spot, sitting in a tie for fourth place and the last home ice spot.  And playing on the road at the top team in the conferences barn doesn’t help their cause any.  NoDak has been hot the second half, like usual, and I don’t see them slowing down this weekend at home, with home crowd advantage cheering them on.  NODAK SWEEP
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Wednesday, March 05, 2014

Clarke MacArthur smokes Jiri Hudler and a scrum ensues



The fact that no one was given a major penalty is kind of puzzling, to me. Senators forward Clarke MacArthur smokes Flames forward Jiri Hudler with a nice clean, crisp, body check and then the melee ensues. This is what the boxscore looked like after the scrum was over.

00:19 CGY Chris Butler Roughing - 2 min against Clarke MacArthur
00:19 CGY Chris Butler Roughing - 2 min against Clarke MacArthur
00:19 CGY Paul Byron Roughing - 2 min against Erik Condra
00:19 OTT Erik Condra Roughing - 2 min against Paul Byron
00:19 OTT Clarke MacArthur Roughing - 2 min against Chris Butler
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Corban Knight makes his NHL Debut


Former Fighting Sioux forward Corban Knight became the 13th former UND hockey player to play in the NHL this season.
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Flyers and Capitals line brawl

 b

Rivalry Night in Philly. The official boxscore will read (see below). Two players were kicked out of the game for their efforts.

11:59 WSH Tom Wilson Fighting (maj) - 5 min against Luke Schenn
11:59 PHI Luke Schenn Fighting (maj) - 5 min against Tom Wilson
11:59 PHI Vincent Lecavalier Fighting (maj) - 5 min against John Erskine
11:59 WSH John Erskine Fighting (maj) - 5 min against Vincent Lecavalier
11:59 PHI Vincent Lecavalier Game misconduct - 10 min
11:59 WSH Tom Wilson Instigator - 2 min
11:59 WSH Tom Wilson Game misconduct - 10 min
11:59 PHI Wayne Simmonds Cross checking - 2 min against Connor Carrick
11:59 PHI Wayne Simmonds served by Steve Downie Slashing - 2 min against Connor Carrick
11:59 WSH John Erskine Game misconduct - 10 min against Vincent Lecavalier
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Is this the NCHC Playoff Champion's Trophy?


Apparently, this is picture on the tickets that fans are getting for the Frozen Face-off. Kind of looks like trophy a team might be awarded for winning the NCHC playoff championship.
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Corban Knight Will make NHL debut with Flames tonight

Former Fighting Sioux forward Corban Knight will make his NHL debut tonight.


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Drew Stafford to the Wild?



One of the rumors to be surfacing today is the that Minnesota Wild might be interested in former UND Fighting Sioux forward Drew Stafford. Apparently, some of the Sioux hating Gopher fans don't like the idea. One person that might benifit from a change of scenery might be Stafford.
Michael Russo, Russo's Rants --- As I reported in today’s newspaper and on last night’s blog, multiple sources tell me the Wild is very interested in Drew Stafford, who has been playing at a consistently high level for some time for the Sabres. There have been lots of conversations between Fletcher and Sabres GM Tim Murray lately and the big question is whether Murray is indeed willing to trade Stafford, 28, and what the price would be.

He wouldn’t be a rental. He has another year left on his contract at a pretty attractive $4 million (remember, the cap is going up), so this would be more of a “hockey trade” (one of my favorite terms; I’d love to know who coined it).

So it could cost a second-tier prospect, salaried player (Wild would need to trade some cash unless it just puts Backstrom or Harding on LTIR, which allows you to top the cap ceiling by their cap hit if you need the space) and/or a pick.

Stafford is very good friends with Zach Parise from their days at Shattuck and North Dakota, he’s a former teammate of Jason Pominville. (By the way, even though I'm mentioning Stafford on here, I'm not saying it's going to happen. I'm sure Fletcher has many balls in the air and this is just one I've heard about).



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Rangers give up the farm to get Martin St. Louis

Former Vermont Catamount star forward Martin St. Louis has been traded from the Tampa Bay Lightning to the New York Rangers for forward Ryan Callahan. Included in the deal, a 1st Round Pick (2015)and a conditional 2nd Round Pick (2014).


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Tuesday, March 04, 2014

Breaking down the last week in the NCHC

With one week remaining, the National Collegiate Hockey Conference standings are very tight. We probably won’t know the seeding’s for the NCHC playoffs until after all of the games have been played on Saturday night.

University of North Dakota (19-10-3, 14-8-0 NCHC) – Pairwise Ranking 9. This weekend: North Dakota entertains the Western Michigan University Broncos (16-13-5, 10-10-2 NCHC) – Pairwise Ranking T-21. Season series: UND went 2-0-0 against WMU (3-2, 3-2 North Dakota). North Dakota is closing in on securing an at-large NCAA Tournament bid. More than likely, if UND makes the NCHC tourney they’re in the NCAA tournament. WMU will probably need to win the NCHC tourney to make the NCAA tourney.

Saint Cloud State University Huskies (19-8-5, 13-6-3 NCHC) – Pairwise Ranking 4. This weekend: the Huskies travel to Colorado Springs to take on the Colorado College Tigers (6-20-6, 6-11-5 NCHC) – Pairwise Ranking 48. Season series: the Huskies went 1-0-1 against the Tigers this season (2-2 Tie and 6-2 SCSU). Saint Cloud State is a lock to make the NCAA tourney. Colorado College will have to win the NCHC tourney to make the NCAA tourney.

Nebraska-Omaha (15-15-2, 12-8-2 NCHC) – Pairwise Ranking 28. This Weekend: Nebraska-Omaha travels to Minnesota Duluth (15-13-4, 10-10-2 NCHC) – Pairwise Ranking 17. Season series: UMD 2-0-0 record against UNO (3-1, 3-2 Minnesota Duluth).  Both teams are going to need help making the NCAA tournament as an at-large bid.


University of Denver (15-13-6, 9-10-3 NCHC) – Pairwise Ranking 26. This weekend: Denver entertains Miami University (11-18-3, 5-16-1 NCHC) – Pairwise Ranking 41. Season series: The two teams split their season series so far (3-1 Miami and 4-2 Denver). From looking at the Pairwise, it appears that Denver needs to win the NCHC tourney to make the NCAA tourney. Same for Miami there’s no other way Miami can make the NCAA tournament. 
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NCHC Hockey: Connor Gaarder checks in with the fifth best goal of the week



North Dakota junior forward Connor Gaarder's scored his fourth and fifth goals of the season on Friday night, leading UND past Saint Cloud State 5-2. For his efforts, Gaarder checks in this week with the fifth best goal in the NCHC.  Gaarder has (5g-7a—12pts) in 32 games this season. Gaarder’s five goals is a career high for the junior from Edina, Minnesota.   
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Wild trade Ilya Bryzgalov from Edmonton

The Minnesota Wild have acquired Ilya Bryzgalov from the Edmonton Oilers for a fourth round draft. Bryzgalov (5-8-5, .908 SV% and a 3.01 GAA) is probably expendable with the emergence of Ben Scrivens.

"Bryzgalov is a quality veteran that adds depth to the goaltending position for our team," Wild General Manager Chuck Fletcher said.

Sidney Crosby to take up Olympic diving


I know it's a little old. I just saw this and had to share it. Teemu Selanne called Crosby out for being a diver.

Monday, March 03, 2014

Minnesota Wild: Sweet Military Appreciation Jersey's


These are sweet jerseys.
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Washington's Dmitry Orlov suspended two games for boarding.


That's a nasty hit, and these types of hits needs to be removed from the game of hockey.
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UND 9th in Latest USCHO Poll


NCAA Hockey: Where's everyone going?

Worcester

1. Boston College vs. 4. Cornell
2. Quinnipiac vs. 3. Michigan

Bridgeport

1. Union vs. 4. Vermont
2. Ferris State vs. 3. Providence

Minneapolis

1. Minnesota vs. 4. Mercyhurst
2. UMass Lowell vs. 3. North Dakota

Cincinnati

1. St. Cloud State vs. 4. Northeastern
2. Wisconsin vs. 3. Notre Dame



Mike McMahon of the Mack Report had these brackets up on his blog. They're are worth taking a looking at. There seems to be a common theme emerging. Taking a look at the Worchester regional, that would be a region of death, too. All of the recent projections that I have seen have UND playing in Minnesota’s regional. This would be a region of death as well. Last week, Jayson Moy of USCHO fame had these brackets.

This week’s brackets

West Regional (St. Paul):
13 Colgate vs. 2 Minnesota
10 North Dakota vs. 6 Wisconsin

Midwest Regional (Cincinnati):
14 Michigan vs. 4 Ferris State
12 Vermont vs. 5 St. Cloud State

Northeast Regional (Worcester):
16 Mercyhurst vs. 1 Boston College
11 Cornell vs. 8 Massachusetts-Lowell

East Regional (Bridgeport):
15 Notre Dame vs. 3 Union
9 Northeastern vs. 7 Quinnipiac