Brad Marchand Suspended 3 Games

I actually thought that Boston Bruins forward Brad Marchand was going to receive a longer suspension than three games. Missing the Winter Classic is a big deal, too. Marchand leaves his team in a precarious situation, they're already missing David Krejci due to an injury.


“It was a simple play. I was trying to get to the puck carrier and I turned up ice and he was kind of standing there. I just turned up and tried to go after the puck carrier,” Marchand told the Boston media after Tuesday's game.

Brad Marchand's next game will be Jan. 9 .... against Borowiecki & the Senators.

— Matt Kalman (@TheBruinsBlog) December 31, 2015

Marchand to Have Hearing for Dirty Hit on Borowiecki

Boston Bruins forward Brad Marchand is a great offensive talent, but he's also a flawed player. Marchand plays with an edge and shows no respect for the opposition. Last night, Marchand crossed that line again and he's going to pay for it. I predict that Marchand will miss the Winter Classic on Friday.

Marchand is a repeat offender and is about to receive yet another long suspension. Looking at the play in question, I don't see any way that Marchand escapes justice from the NHL's department of Plyers safety. The puck is nowhere near Marchand and he low bridges Mark Borowiecki.

I think the league has to make a stand this time. This is also the same type of play that landed him a five-game suspension in 2011. In last night's game, Marchand also speared Senators forward Kyle Turris. 

Again, did I mention that Marchand is a dirty player and a repeat offender. I am also a Boston Bruins fan, but I have seen enough shenanigans from this guy. Marchand needs to feel the burn.

Brad Marchand / Brad Marchand to have discipline hearing with NHL over low hit https://t.co/sB8yF7Y4U8 #NHL #BOS

— Boston Bruins (@BostonBruinsNHL) December 30, 2015

Department of Player Safety Looking at Brad Marchand's Dirty Hit on Mark Borowiecki

Just when you think that he's turned the corner, Boston Bruins forward Marchand does something else that's incredibly stupid. In 2012, Marchand has been suspended five games for a hit similar to this, so he could be in trouble again. Brad Marchand flips Mark Borowiecki.

So, does Marchand deserved another suspension? I think he's going to have a hard time avoiding one this time. It's also a poorly thought out move because he could end up missing the Winter Classic against the Canadians. The Bruins are already shorthanded and missing key players.

Per a source, Brad Marchand low hit on Mark Borowiecki is under review by NHL Player Safety Department

— Joe Haggerty (@HackswithHaggs) December 30, 2015

Should Brad Marchand be suspended for this low hit? @Sportsnet https://t.co/AOrMQs5w70

— NHL_Update_ (@NHL_Update_) December 30, 2015

(Video) Boston and Senators line brawl

What an ending tonight in Boston. The Boston Bruins fans got their monies worth tonight as their team beat up and beat the Ottawa Senators 7-3. The Bruins were lead by Jimmy Hayes that recorded that hat trick.

In my opinion, this is how you respond to a visiting team tries to rough you up in your own building.

NESN play-by-play announcer Jack Edwards, "We've got a line dance potential going here."

The Box Score will read:
19:33 OTT Chris Neil Instigator - 2 min against Adam McQuaid
19:33 OTT Chris Neil Fighting (maj) - 5 min against Adam McQuaid
19:33 OTT Max McCormick Misconduct (10 min) - 10 min against Adam McQuaid
19:33 OTT Mark Borowiecki Misconduct (10 min) - 10 min
19:33 OTT Dave Dziurzynski Fighting (maj) - 5 min
19:33 BOS Adam McQuaid Misconduct (10 min) - 10 min
19:33 BOS Zac Rinaldo Fighting (maj) - 5 min
19:34 BOS Kevan Miller Misconduct (10 min) - 10 min
19:38 BOS Matt Beleskey Misconduct (10 min) - 10 min 19:38 OTT Zack Smith Misconduct (10 min) - 10 min

Don't Poke the Bear: Zdeno Chara Rag Dolls Mark Borowiecki

Don't poke the bear. I think the on-ice officials did a good job in recognizing that this was going to be a miss match and stopped it before it got out of control.

Boston Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara was ready to lay some smack down on the Ottawa Senators   Mark Borowiecki when he was rescued by the on-ice officials. I also have to give credit to Chara, he didn't hit Borowiecki when he was down.

GLI: Alex Gillies Goal (Reviewed goal)

Michigan Tech forward, Alex Gillies scored this goal at 08:44 mark of the third period of game one of the Great Lakes invitational. After a long review, it was ruled a good goal.

Watching the video, you can see that Michigan State head coach Tom Anastos wasn't very happy with the call. I don't think Gillies interfered with Spartans goalie Jake Hildebrand. I also think that Hildebrand thought that he had the puck frozen. What do you think, good goal or not?

Buffalo's Evander Kane Is Subject of Sex-Offense Investigation

According to the Buffalo News, Buffalo Sabres forward Evander Kane is the subject of a sex offense investigation for an incident that allegedly occurred Sunday morning in a downtown Buffalo hotel room near the First Niagara Center.

First, again, in America, you’re assumed innocent until proven guilty. I would caution anyone jumping to conclusion until all of the facts are out.

Links to the Story

Sabres' Kane: 'I've done nothing wrong' [Buffalo News]

Patience key as Evander Kane’s sex assault investigation unfolds [Sports Illustrated]

Sabres' Evander Kane says he is innocent amid sex crime investigation [ESPN.COM]

Evander Kane (briefly) comments on Buffalo sex offense investigation [Puck Daddy]

Evander Kane Says He Did Nothing Wrong [The Hockey Writers]

What's Wrong with NHL Officiating

In another episode of blow the f#*king whistle. I have no problem with Wild defenseman Ryan Suter locking up with Detroit Red Wings forward Justin Abdelkader behind the net. That's two guys battling hard, that's hard-nosed hockey. In my opinion, Sutter started the incident. The box score will read:

19:44 DET Justin Abdelkader Roughing - 2 min against Ryan Suter
19:44 MIN Ryan Suter Roughing - 2 min against Justin Abdelkader

I do have a problem with the mugging that Zach Parise took from Danny Dekeyser. There should have been a minor penalty or two called on Dekeyser. The refs are again letting the obstruction go. They need to call the penalties that happen right in front of their eyes.

Wes McCauley, solid officiating there. Only ignored about 10 infractions

— Michael Russo (@Russostrib) December 29, 2015

McFeely Trolls Gopher Football Fans

Gophers would be solid contenders in the MAC West.

— Mike McFeely (@MikeMcFeelyWDAY) December 29, 2015

This one was worthy of a blog post. Congrats to the Gophers for their win in tonight's Quick Lane Bowl game. With the win, the Gophers ended a seven-game losing streak in bowl games. Minnesota ends the season 6-7.

Per the Gophers game notes: Minnesota is 6-11 all-time in bowl games but has lost its last seven bowl games (five by four points or less). Minnesota's last win in a bowl game was a 20-16 victory against Alabama in the 2004 Music City Bowl where both Marion Barber III and Laurence Maroney rushed for more than 100 yards.

USHL Arena Review - Scheels Arena, Fargo, ND

by Redwing77

Ok, I'm true to my word in reviewing as many USHL arenas as I can get to in person, so why not review the one located in my parents' backyard?

I went to the Fargo vs. Sioux City tilt on December 27th, 2015 and, well, the arena was fairly empty so some of my review won't be as accurate as if it was a game held when schools were in session.

Anyways, the Scheels Arena is the home to the Fargo Force.  It was originally called the Urban Plains Center, but changed its name due to Scheels sponsorship in 2010.  The 6,000 seat arena (5,000 for hockey) opened in 2008.  It is a multi-purpose venue that also houses NDSU basketball, curling, high school hockey, concerts, rodeos, and MMA fights (I'm sure among other things).

The Facility Itself

When walking through its halls I was reminded in many ways of Omaha's Ralston Arena.  However, there are plenty of differences.  Most notably is the concourse.  The concourse is rather dark and not too well decorated.  Other arenas tend to have famous alumni (such as Cedar Rapids and Lincoln) and the like but not really here.  I also noticed a rather unfortunate side-effect I'll attribute to the North Dakota weather:  cracks.  There were cracks in the concrete EVERYWHERE.  Like I said, I do not believe this could be helped and is certainly not something I'd hold against the arena, but it was quite noticeable.

The concourse is actually situated at the top of the bowl, so one has to go down stairs to get to the top row of seats.  The seats are black, hard plastic seats very similar (in fact probably identical) to Ralston Arena.  The sight lines were pretty good from where I was sitting.  I noticed that each end of the arena featured the seats raised well above the level of the boards and that availed itself to specialty areas such as the Coldstone Area.  There wasn't much in the way of activity in these areas so I'm not quite sure of the purpose.

There were convenience areas, such as places to stand and bathrooms in the concourse area everywhere.  It really made me feel like the facility was made to accommodate more than just a few hundred people at a time (unlike, say, the Baxter Arena).

The entry foyer of the facility is really large and is well set up with decor and custom tiles.  The foyer area was quite nice.

Grade:  A

The Ice

I thought the ice was very good at the arena.  I noticed no players randomly losing an edge... if you don't count the little 5 or 6 year old kid of the game trying valliantly to skate out with the Force flag.  He fell just about 2 dozen times before being helped by the Fargo Force mascot.... "Kid Bobble" (More on that in a bit).

Grade:  A+

The Atmosphere and Technology Use

Scheels Arena has some of the oddest mixes of technology I've seen in arenas that have been built in the last 20 years.  On one hand, they have video screens like Ralston (though they are smaller), they have old school black background/red light shot counters in the corners ala high school basketball scoreboards.

They had speakers everywhere in the arena bowl and they turned it up only enough so that intros could BARELY be heard.  However, they put up more information about their starters than Ralston does for theirs.
The atmosphere as far as fans were concerned was hard to gauge.  The game I was at was during holiday break so that crowd (2,973 per the announcement... more like 1,500 to my eyes) was more subdued.  Or maybe that's how it is... or maybe that's just what a fanbase of a losing team sounds like.  I'm not sure.  The Force aren't that good this year, sadly.

I did not notice many fans of the opposition at the arena, and I was not decked out in any USHL attire (Fargo or otherwise) so how I was treated was rather irrelevant.  That being said, I'm not sure opposing fans would be treated poorly here anyways.  Almost everyone kept to themselves.

Grade:  B-

Food

Scheels Arena serves Pepsi (BOOO!!!).  Other than that, I saw a nice variety of food and potential food spaces (many were closed due to the break).  Prices were about what you'd expect.  The presence of walking tacos aka tacos in a bag was a nice touch.

Grade:  B+

The Entertainment

The sound system was not set very high so, at times, it was hard to hear what the announcer had to say.  This went especially true during intros and for goal announcements.

This arena had the ODDEST selection of downtime music selection I've ever heard.  I'm not saying it was bad, but...  there were a lot of oldies (The Zombies "Time of the Season"?  Really?) and even such wonderful "classics" as the "Whip/Nae Nae" song.  Sorry, any arena who plays that song WILLINGLY is going to get dinged.

They had very good entertainment between periods with a sled race between the first/second periods and a chuck a puck in the 2nd intermission.

Also, their sponsors were nice.  My ticket's back offered 7 cents a gallon off of gas at a local gas station.  Others offered buy one get one at McDonalds.  I though that was very nice (especially the gas coupon).

Grade:  C+  (Would've been a B+ if not for Whip and Sweet Caroline)

Overall

I think this arena would be amongst the best in the USHL had I seen a game during the school year and if Fargo wasn't near the bottom of the USHL.  That being said, most of my complaints (if not all of them) are very easily fixed.  If they fix them (which they have no reason to based solely on my opinion), they'd be top 3 material as far as my travels thus far.

Overall Grade:  B+

Was Jarret Stoll's hit on Kris Letang worthy of a Suspension?

real dirty hit from stoll on letang pic.twitter.com/mcWttguGal

— Rich Miller (@atrichmiller) December 27, 2015

Last night, at the 03:19 mark of he third period, Minnesota Wild forward Jarret Stoll hit Pittsburgh Penguins forward Kris Letang in the head his shoulder. For his efforts, Stoll was given a two-minute minor penalty for illegal check To head.

First, Stoll got lucky, he could've been assessed a five-minute major, but for whatever reason, he wasn't. Checking social media  Pens fans weren't very happy with the call. Do they have a point for their unhappiness?

Further complicating things, today, the league decided that Stoll wouldn't be having a hearing for his illegal check to Letang's head. Finally, Letang didn't play in the Pens game tonight against the Winnipeg Jets. This made Pens fans, even more, unhappy.

My question is: was this hit worthy of supplemental discipline? Did the NHL's Department of Player Safety blow it? Personally, I don't think that every illegal check to head deserves a suspension. In this case, it looks like Stoll went for a shoulder-to-should hit and missed. It's not a malicious hit, dirty, sure.

Kris Letang is out tonight vs WPG, per #Pens Coach Sullivan. Wasn't feeling great this morning. Precautionary hold out.

— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) December 27, 2015

#mnwild's Jarret Stoll isn't expected to face hearing for hit on #penguins D Kris Letang. Looks like hit thru the shoulder, no extension

— Michael Russo (@Russostrib) December 27, 2015

Derek Forbort vs Kyle Chipchura

First, I am shocked, I didn't expect this. Former North Dakota defenseman Derek Forbort is not known for his fighting prowess, nor should he quit his day job. That being said, Forbort did alright in his fight against the Coyotes knuckle dragging Nethaderal Kyle Chipchura.

Second, Forbort picked a fight with an NHL goon that has almost 50 NHL fights under his belt. In review, this was Forbort's first NHL fight and he held his own.

Switzerland’s Chris Egli suspended for hit on Sweden's William Nylander

The IIHF doesn't mess around. This dirty, dangerous hit was worth a three-game suspension. The perpetrator will not play again until the playoffs or relegation. This is one of the things that I like about the IIHF, they don't care if said players is a star or a third line player. These acts of brutality are responded to immediately. Switzerland’s Chris Egli suspended three games for this dirty hit on William Nylander. Do the crime, do the time. [Link to video]

(Video) Alex Debrincat Spears Travis Konecny

This is a textbook definition of what I would call a bone-headed, moronic, selfish penalty. Team USA forward Alex Debrincat was tossed from the game for his dirty, blatant spear on Canada's Travis Konecny. Personally, I think he should be suspended from the next game, too.

Before you take my head off, I am an American, but this was a bush league move. If you don't like the hit, take a number and check him later in the game. There's no excuse for this kind of play. I will not defend this kind of bravo sierra.

Team USA defeats Team Canada 4-2

by Redwing77

Ok, I'll leave the more stat-based report to Goon, but Team USA just defeated Team Canada in the Preliminary Round 4-2.  It is the first win for Team USA against Canada in the Prelim round since 1999.

The goals were scored by Colin White (BC), Louis Belpedio (Miami), Zack Werenski (Michigan), and Auston Matthews (somewhere in Switzerland).

The big storylines to me:  Team USA winger and leading scorer in the OHL gets the dumbest play of the WJC thus far by taking a spearing penalty in the 1st Period.  Look at the replays.  Team Canada player gives DeBrincat (USA) a little shove to the shoulder and DeBrincat spears the player in the groin.  What. a. MORON.

Perhaps it is just the media that covers Major Juniors but you see a LOT of stupid major penalties and suspensions coming out of Major Juniors these days.  In fact, the leading Canadian excuse for losing is because of one.  The projected #1 goaltender for Team Canada, Mackenzie Blackwood, is serving the final 2 games of an 8 game suspension due to a slashing incident.  Mackenzie Blackwood is a good goaltender, but WOW.  Watch the video.

Anyways, that's how the first period ended and the second period began.  USA goaltender Alex Nedejkovic (OHL goaltender and Carolina draft pick) was positively stellar.  Starman was right on when he said that Nedejkovic's challenges to the puck were almost clinic-like good.

In any case, Brock Boeser spent the game on the first line after "Bonehead" DeBrincat got the ejection.  In my armchair coach's opinion, I think Brock should stay there until DeBrincat proves that he belongs on the first line through responsible gameplay.  I think Boeser had a pretty good game.  He and Tkachuk were great screens on Werenski's goal.  Schmaltz was not that noticable to me.  I'd love to know the faceoff figures but I think Canada was pretty dominant in the faceoff circle.

Canada's two goals today were due to adversity on Team USA's part.  Canada's first goal came thanks to a blocked shot in the Canadian zone brought back and a few mistakes later, they scored.  The second goal was a power play goal that TRULY highlighted Canada's talent.  In other words,  if you play gritty, grinder style hockey and you don't do anything stupid... you have a good chance of being competitive.  Team USA got lucky on the major PK to kill it off.

How Did USA Look:

It's their first game.  As far as that is concerned, they looked DARNED GOOD.  Flashy?  Nope.  Outskilled Canada?  Not a chance.  They outworked Canada.  This is a "workman-like" team.  If you want flashes of skill and such, this is NOT the team to watch.  Team USA won by grinding Canada down to nothing.

The only storyline about the scoring is really this:  The only goal scored by someone NOT in the NCAA is someone currently playing pro hockey in Europe.  Yup.  0 Major Juniors scored for Team USA.  Does that mean anything at all?  Not unless you are majorly hung up on the MJ vs. NCAA argument.

How Did Canada Look:

It's their first game.  I think they're scary good.  Then again, they're ALWAYS scary good.  Too bad their fanbase isn't as classy as the skill level of their players.  I mean, during the camera pan while the National Anthem of the US was being played, it showed a LOT of Canada jerseys doing ANYTHING but giving respect to our Anthem.  I mean, not even standing silently.  Lots of talking and goofing around.  Sad.

In any case, Team Canada and Team Sweden, in my opinion, are the early on favorites.  Sweden has 12 returning players and Canada is just really talented.

What does this game mean for both teams?

For Team Canada it's a loss.  Certainly not something unrecoverable.  As much as I'd love to see them continue to falter, they won't.  This game proved that they're not invulnerable.  However, they're not going to be easy to beat if you try to play their game style of run and gun, talent vs. talent.

For Team USA it probably means a bit more.  First, and most importantly, it gets the monkey off their backs.  They faced their biggest rival.  This is only something like the 7th win in 40+ games vs. Canada.  Canada is the benchmark and this win is a huge boost for USA Hockey.

That being said, it's the PRELIMINARY ROUND.  Beyond that symbolism, that's it.  Team USA could face Canada again and Canada could drop 6 goals on them.  It's a good win for Team USA and now they can focus on just playing hockey.  Canada will bounce back and, if USA keeps winning, I'm fairly certain that they'll square off again.  Certainly will be a fun game to watch... if you don't have heart or blood pressure issues.

Good first game for us.  Let's keep workin'.

2016 WJC: USA vs. Canada

Today is the day, it's boxing day in Canada and the World Junior Championship finally kicks off at noon. I am sure that most of us are used to the USA vs. Canada game being later in the tourney,  but we get the matchup right a way. First thing out of the gates we have the USA  vs. Canada.

I had a person or two ask me if there was a online broadcast, here it is. Click on the link to the online broad cast for USA vs. Canada. Here's a link that doesn't require your credit card.

Dave Starman and Steve Mears will have the call of the game on the NHL channel. Most of you will recognize Starman from the CBS Sport Net.

Here are a couple of links to get yourself in the mood.

U.S. excited to kick off WJC with game against Canada [NHL.COM]

12 things to watch at World Junior Championship [NHL.COM]

20 Players to Watch at the WJC [The Hockey Writers]

2016 World Junior Roster Breakdown [The Hockey Writers]

Every NHL Team’s Prospects at the 2016 World Junior Championships [The Hockey Writers]

WJC: Previewing Team USA [The Hockey Writers]

2016 WJC TV Schedule

NHL Network 2016 IIHF World Junior Championship Game Schedule – December 2015 through January 2016
Date	Visitor	Home	Time
Saturday, December 26	Czech Republic	Russia	6:00 a.m. CT
Saturday, December 26	Switzerland	Sweden	8:30 a.m. CT
Saturday, December 26	United States	Canada	12:00 p.m. CT
Saturday, December 26	Finland	Belarus	2:30 p.m. CT *
Sunday, December 27	Belarus	Slovakia	8:00 a.m. CT
Sunday, December 27	Denmark	Switzerland	12:00 p.m. CT
Monday, December 28	Sweden	United States	8:00 a.m. CT
Monday, December 28	Canada	Denmark	12:00 p.m. CT
Monday, December 28	Slovakia	Czech Republic	2:30 p.m. CT *
Tuesday, December 29	Belarus	Russia	800 a.m. CT
Tuesday, December 29	Switzerland	Canada	12:00 p.m. CT
Wednesday, December 30	Czech Republic	Belarus	6:00 a.m. CT
Wednesday, December 30	Sweden	Denmark	8:30 a.m. CT
Wednesday, December 30	United States	Switzerland	12:00 p.m. CT
Wednesday, December 30	Slovakia	Finland	3:30 p.m. CT *
Thursday, December 31	Denmark	United States	8:00 a.m. CT
Thursday, December 31	Canada	Sweden	2:30 p.m. CT *
Sat, Jan. 2 - Tue, Jan. 5	QF, SF, Bronze & Gold TBD	QF, SF, Bronze & Gold TBD	To Be Determined

The World Junior Championship kicks off tomorrow. These games will be on the NHL Network. This season the games are in Finland. In my humble opinion, games that are in North America are more user friendly. I am sure this year, fans will be doing get a lot of use out of their DVR.

This Mindset Is How We End up With a Bad F'NHawks Logo

First, I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. Second, I believe designing the next logo for the University of North Dakota is going be an important step in whether people accept the new nickname or continue to boo it.

Joe Sando, Grand Forks --- OK, here's where I'm coming from: The Walt Disney/Chuck Jones School of Logo Design. Yeah, I made that up, but they did great logos.

Walt designed University of Oregon's Duck (Puddles by name), and that's a hell of a brand. Walt and Chuck knew a lot about having fun; why can't we do that?

I really think we need to appeal to the perceptions of young fans and children. They are the next generation of fans.

So, I think the Hawk logo should have a smile. A scowling hawk—all beak and talons—is very menacing. But a hawk with a smile, a twinkle in his eye, still can be very aggressive in an animated way but is less threatening to the young.

Maybe the logo should be able to come alive and become a mascot, a student-in-costume a la the San Diego Chicken?

I think whatever the design ultimately becomes, it should not close out the possibilities to be all these other things.

I am troubled when I read this: We don't need a cute or a smiling logo. UND needs a logo that oozes power and strength. A hawk is a bird of prey. I would hope that a new logo is intimidating logo and aggressive. I am also tired of hearing we can't do that, because the NCAA won't like it. I am sick and tired of this political correctness.

Finally, UND fans need something that they can get behind. I am dead serious. Blow the logo design process and you're going to do more damage than good.

Another Drunk Zamboni Driver

You can't make this stuff up. People that are drunk should not drive Zambonis.

Tammy Plett, Steinback online -- Police were called to the Ste. Anne arena after spectators noticed a worker driving the Zamboni erratically during a hockey game.

The ice resurfacing machine struck the rink boards, missed sections and dug grooves into the ice. According to police, the operator was uncooperative during arrest at the arena.

The incident happened between the second and third periods of the bantam hockey game between the Seine River Snipers and the Southeast Blizzard. The game was called due to the rough ice conditions with the third period being played Monday night in Ste. Anne.

Ste. Anne Police Chief Marc Robichaud says, "You don't have to be driving on a road to be charged with impaired driving. Under the criminal code a motor vehicle means a vehicle that is drawn, propelled or driven by any means other than muscular power."

Ste. Anne police report that the driver will be charged with impaired driving and refusing to provide a breath sample in relation to the operation of a Zamboni.

Boston Bruins: Max Talbot Suspended Two Games for Interference

After watchin this video again, I don't have a problem with this suspension. I would like to see more plays like this called. I do, however, want to see the league enforce dangerous hits and head shots more consistenly. I want to see star players get the same penalty/suspensions that a third or fourth line player gets. 

NEW YORK – Boston Bruins forward Max Talbot has been suspended for two games, without pay, for interference against New Jersey Devils forward Jiri Tlusty during NHL Game No. 494 in Boston on Sunday, Dec. 20, the National Hockey League's Department of Player Safety announced today. The incident occurred at 14:30 of the second period.

Under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and, based on his average annual salary, Talbot will forfeit $19,354.84. The money goes to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund.