Fighting Hawks not Flying at Center Ice

The 2016-17 college hockey season is almost upon us. Finally, the ice is going back in the Ralph and the #neverfightinghawks fans will be happy. At least for this season, there will not be a Fighting Hawks logo at center ice this season.

The ice is being painted at The Ralph. pic.twitter.com/8UjqQR95h3

— Brad E. Schlossman (@SchlossmanGF) September 6, 2016

Torts, Stand For Anthem or Don't Play

Today, team USA World Cup of hockey head coach John Tortorella was asked what would happen if one of his players took up Colin Kaepernick's cause and failed to stand for the National Anthem. Some will like his response, won't.

“If any of my players sit on the bench for the national anthem, they will sit there the rest of the game,” Tortorella said.

So, if the USA players don't stand for the national anthem they will sit.

Ex-@NYRangers coach Torts warns Team USA: Stand for anthem or sit out World Cup of Hockey https://t.co/FBc1HxuQGM pic.twitter.com/oLKUx6mlgS

— NY Daily News Sports (@NYDNSports) September 6, 2016

I know I'm the minority on this but I dislike Torts appearing to dismiss the validity of the protest here pic.twitter.com/xarNiNE5TL

— Christian LaFontaine (@LaFontaine_CD) September 6, 2016

makes sense torts is wrong on this. he is wrong on everything else and he's one of those "i don't say 'battle' because of the troops" dorks.

— septemberl (@twolinepass) September 6, 2016

Collin Kaepernick's Stand, He Refuses to Stand

I am sitting here alone at work on Labor Day I am looking through some of my friends Facebook posts. Of course, there’s the usual, Hillary Clinton and Donald J. Trump posts.

There’s been one topic that hasn’t’ died and seems to have a life of its own. You know the one, the San Franciso backup quarterback Collin Kaepernick’s and his refusal to stand for the national anthem. Last week, Kaepernick made the following statement when asked why he wouldn’t stand for the national anthem.

"I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color," Kaepernick told NFL Media in an exclusive interview after the game. "To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder."

This week, President Barrack Obama weighed in on Kaepernick’s position.

“[H]e’s following his constitutional right to make a statement,” President Obama said at a press conference in Hangzhou, China. “I think there’s a long history of sports figures doing so. ”The president added, “I don’t doubt his sincerity. I think he cares about some real, legitimate issues that have to be talked about. And if nothing else, he’s generated some conversation around some topics that need to be talked about it.”

Like I have said in the past, I am not all that fussed about Kaepernick's refusal to stand for the national anthem. As an American, he has that right to take this stand, or in this case, not to stand. Whether we like it or not, it’s protected speech under the first amendment.

It doesn't matter if we have a pen and a phone. We're a nation of laws. We can’t pick and choose what amendments or  laws we like to follow. As a constitutional conservative, I am not offended by this man's opinion. Do I agree with it? Nope. But it's not about me.

This is America, people are allowed to have differing opinions. We also have the right to "respectfully" disagree with these folks. Not everyone is going to see the world the same way or have the same personal experience. In my case, I have no idea what it's like to be a rich person or a minority.

There’s another side to this story. Kaepernick has also worn socks that depict cops as pigs. This move has offended police and law enforcement officers nationwide.

Now, the Santa Clara Police Officers Association (their police department's union) has come out and said some of their officers aren't going to work the San Francisco 49ers games.

"I'm already hearing it this week that next week on Monday Night Football, some officers are not going to work," said Frank Saunders, president of the Santa Clara Police Officers Association.

Before you go off on these police officers and say that they’re ducking their responsibilities and disregarding safety, they're not. They're exercising their first amendment rights. Like Kaepernick, they also have the same protected speech. They have choice to not work these events, this isn’t mandatory overtime. This is an overtime gig to supplement their incomes. They’re also exercising their freedom of speech by failing to sign up for the overtime shifts. There will be other officers that will take those shifts.

This is the beauty of America, you can’t pick and choose. It's hypocritical to approve of one’s protected first amendment speech and then turn around and say, “Hey! They can’t do that.” Everyone is protected under the first amendment, whether you like it or not. Live with it. In other words, the law enforcement officers that Kaepernick attacks can also turn around let him know their feelings about his actions. That's life.

Did the Vikings Give up Too Much to Get Bradford?

Today, we found out that the Minnesota Viking acquired Sam Bradford of the Philadelphia Eagles for a first-round and fourth-round draft choice. I’ve been told by a few people that the Eagles have officially fleeced the Vikings.

Bradford, 28, is an oft-injured quarterback and it will be interesting to see if he can lead the Vikings back to the NFL playoffs in 2016. As you can see, he's got the curse of the Heisman Trophy.

Sam Bradford, the first-overall selection in the 2010 NFL Draft by the St. Louis Rams, has thrown for 14,790 yards, 78 TDs, 52 INTs and has a 81.0 passer rating in his 63 career games, all of which are starts. Bradford, who was acquired by Philadelphia via trade during the 2015 offseason, set Eagles franchise records in completions (346) and completion percentage (65.0%) and finished fourth in team history in passing yardage (3,725) in his lone season with the club. The former Heisman winner and 2010 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year still holds the NFL rookie completion record (354). (Vikings.com)

I keep reading how the Vikings got the short end of the deal. I also read a reference to the Hershel Walker trade. So, did the Vikings give up too much to get Bradford? I guess we will soon find out.

Coltyn Sanderson Signed by the Solar Bears

Today, it’s been a great news day and another great story. The Orlando Solar Bears of the East Coast Hockey League has signed former University of North Dakota forward Coltyn Sanderson. In my humble opinion, Sanderson's last season at UND was very exciting, he ended up being one of the top goal scorers for UND the second half of the season. Sanderson ended up showing us an offensive flare and scored a couple of big-time goals.

🚨BREAKING🚨

The #SolarBears have agreed to terms with @UNDmhockey F Coltyn Sanderson!#WelcomeToOrlando ☀️🐻🕶❄️🏒 pic.twitter.com/MOhs2JJCqT

— Orlando Solar Bears (@OrlandoHockey) September 1, 2016

Congratulations to Coltyn Sanderson (2012-16 | 44 GP | 7-7--14), who has signed a contract with @OrlandoHockey of the @ECHL. #UNDproud

— North Dakota MHockey (@UNDmhockey) September 1, 2016

Former UND Goalie Aaron Dell penciled in as Sharks backup

According to Kevin Kurz of CSNBAYAREA.com, former Fighting Sioux goalie Aaron Dell is "currently" the San Jose Sharks number two goalie. It will be interesting to see if he ends up being the number two goalie on the Sharks opening day roster.

2015-16 year in review: In his first full season in the American Hockey League, Aaron Dell seized the number one job on the Barracuda by posting a 17-16-6 record, 2.42 goals-against average and .922 save percentage in 40 games. That earned him a two-year, $1.25 million contract extension with the Sharks this offseason, and he’s currently penciled in as the backup to Martin Jones on the depth chart.

Dell’s extension also fulfills the Sharks’ obligation to expose at least one goaltender under contract for the upcoming expansion draft next summer, allowing them to protect Jones.

2016-17 outlook: It’s difficult to predict just how Dell will fare in what is expected to be his first taste of NHL hockey, but the University of North Dakota product is much older than your standard NHL rookie, so it’s unlikely his game will drastically change at this point in his career. By all accounts he was outstanding with the Barracuda last season, so he’s earned a chance to make his NHL debut.

Three Former UND Players Make Blackhawks 2016 Rookie Tournament Roster

Today, the Chicago Blackhawks released their roster for the 2016 Rookie Tournament today. The tournament will be held at Centre ICE Arena in Traverse City, Michigan, from Sept. 16-20. If you look at the Blackhawks rookie tournament roster there are three former UND players on it.

The fourteen forwards on the roster include Nick Schmaltz, Bryn Chyzyk and Luke Johnson.

Schmaltz, Motte, DeBrincat, Forsling among the #Blackhawks rookies who will play in Traverse City on Sept. 16-20. pic.twitter.com/E2g1LIQ9wt

— Mark Lazerus (@MarkLazerus) September 1, 2016

Teddy Bridgewater out for season

Yesterday, the Minnesota Viking lost their starting quarterback Teddy Bridgewater for the 2016 season. The word out of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, is that Bridgewater suffered a dislocated knee and torn ACL. Waiting in the wings, to take Bridgewater's place is 14-year veteran Shaun Hill. The 34-year-old Hill is the prototypical backup quarterback. Hill 16-18-0 as a starter and his career numbers aren’t mind blowing. Over the course of his 14-year career,  he’s thrown for 8,053 yards, 49 touchdowns, and 30 interceptions. His career reception completion rate is 62.0 % and he has a career QB rating of 85.2.

NFL.COM --- Minnesota Vikings QB Teddy Bridgewater is out for the season after completely tearing his ACL during practice Tuesday.

"Teddy Bridgewater suffered a non-contact injury today at practice. The injury was quickly identified as a dislocated knee. The injury was stabilized, and he was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment and evaluation. After undergoing an MRI, it was determined that Teddy suffered a complete tear to his ACL and other structural damage. Fortunately, there appears to be no nerve or arterial damage. Surgical repair will be scheduled within the next few days. Although the recovery time will be significant, we expect Teddy to make a full recovery. I would like to thank all of the medical professionals and our athletic training staff for all of their help today. Teddy has already displayed the attitude needed to overcome this injury and attack his rehab." - Statement from Vikings Director of Sports Medicine and Head Athletic Trainer Eric Sugarman.

So Viking fans, is it time to panic? Can the Vikings still make a run to the Super Bowl?

Teddy Bridgewater Injured in Practice

Coming into the season, the Minnesota Viking had high hopes of making a deep run into the NFL playoffs. Some have said that the Vikings have the talent to win the Super Bowl. Well, today, those hopes might of have been crushed. The Vikings starting quarterback went down to a non-contact injury.

Per Rotoworld --- Bridgewater went down in a heap, and his teammates immediately called for the trainer. According to the St. Paul Pioneer Press, players were cursing and throwing their helmets. They gathered around Bridgewater in prayer. The scene was described as "complete shock." The Vikings canceled practice and an ambulance was summoned. Obviously, it has the looks of a potentially season-ending injury, which would be a devastating blow even considering Bridgewater's game-managing ways. Journeyman veteran Shaun Hill is the next man up on the depth chart.

Wow! This could end very badly for the Vikings.

Whether You Like It or Not, Colin Kaepernick Is Protected by First Amendment

By now you've heard of the 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick. The five-year pro out of Nevada has created quite the firestorm for refusing to stand for the national anthem during a recent preseason game.

When asked why he wouldn't stand for the anthem, he said "I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses Black people and people of color. To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder.”

Fellow NFL fans, players, and coaches have taken to twitter to show their feelings on the matter. Now, Eagles linebacker Myke Tavarres has said that he will join Kaepernick in not standing for the national anthem.

"Oh, I thought about it. Believe me, I definitely thought about it," Tavarres told ESPN. "And usually I'm front and center on the line with the rest of the guys, and that's since pre-K all the way up. Saturday's game, I stepped back, I was in the background, and it didn't feel right to me at all, and so I will be taking a stand — or sitting down — for the fourth game.

"We've got an issue in this country in this day and age, and I feel like somebody needs to step up and we all need to step up. We've got that right. There's just a lot going on that people don't want to talk about, and I feel like us as athletes, we're looked at as role models. And I feel like with Colin Kaepernick, he's doing a great job for standing up in what he believes in, and most people may not like that, but that's his opinion, he's entitled to it, and I respect him for doing it."

Kaepernick's former coach Jim Harbaugh isn't supportive of his former QB's stand.

"I acknowledge his right to do that. I don't respect the motivation or the action," said Harbaugh.

Before you set out to boycot the 49ers, consider this. According to Pro Football Talk, Kaepernick might be hard pressed to make the 49ers opening day lineup .

“Regardless of politics or not, he has a very, very big uphill battle to make this team,” Glazer said. “I’d be shocked if he’s on the 49ers by the time this season ends. It has nothing to do with political views whatsoever. He lost a ton of weight this offseason, had three surgeries, couldn’t work out, lost that double threat, that size-speed ratio. No political views, he just hasn’t been effective. He’s regressing as a player. I’d be shocked if he’s on this roster by the end of this year. He may not be on it in the next two weeks.”

I've been reading some of the posts about this matter on Twitter and Facebook. Honestly, I am not going to get all that fussed about it. Hey, if the guy wants to act like this it's his right. Who am I to say he can't make these statements. It's protected speech. Hey y'all this is why we wore the uniform, right? Defend the constitution. We can't pick and choose which amendments we want to follow.

Second, it's Kaepernick's first amendment right to take this stand. We don't have to like it, but it's his right and we can respectfully disagree with him. 

Thorold Blackhawks Logo Has to Go

The Thorold Blackhawks of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League have a problem with their logo. According to the St. Catharines Standard, the logo has to go.

“The City of Thorold, as represented by Council, shares the belief that the logo is discriminatory in nature,” Luciani wrote to Junior B owners Ralph Sacco and Tony Gigliotti and president of the TAAA Gene Citrigno.

Junior team ordered by city to change 'discriminatory' Blackhawks logo https://t.co/CAAHFtt4x2 pic.twitter.com/h5wpAgfzhc

— The Hockey News (@TheHockeyNews) August 24, 2016

“Every kid that plays, of the 400 kids we have, has a jacket, has a toque, has a track suit, warm-up gear, pants, helmets, all that stuff,” Citrigno told The Standard. “The logo’s on everything. It’s not just hockey jerseys that have to be changed, it’s the whole brand.”

Thoughts on this story?

Iowa Professor Doesn't like Hawkeye's Mascot, he needs to smile

This can't make this crap up, I am not sure how anyone can take this professor seriously. No. Seriously. What's happening to our country is unbelievable. We're turning into a bunch of cry babies or fragile snowflakes.

Jeff Charis-Carlson, Press-Citizen --- A University of Iowa professor is asking for the Department of Athletics to allow the university’s mascot, Herky the Hawk, to display a wider array of facial expressions in university publications.

“I believe incoming students should be met with welcoming, nurturing, calm, accepting and happy messages,” Resmiye Oral, a clinical professor of pediatrics at UI, wrote recently in an email to UI athletic department officials. “And our campus community is doing a great job in that regard when it comes to words. However, Herky’s angry, to say the least, faces conveying an invitation to aggressivity and even violence are not compatible with the verbal messages that we try to convey to and instill in our students and campus community.”

The email was included in a message Oral sent Tuesday morning to other members of the UI Faculty Senate, where she is one of the representatives from the UI Carver College of Medicine.

This is even more puzzling. Do we ask linebackers to non-aggressive? It's a sports mascot. What next?

Oral stressed that she thinks the iconic images of Herky definitely have a place within the highly competitive nature of college athletics, but she wants other parts of the university to have some nonaggressive options for using such a beloved symbol.

"As we strive to tackle depression, suicide, violence, and behavioral challenges and help our students succeed, I plead with you to allow Herky to be like one of us, sometimes sad, sometimes happy, sometimes angry, sometimes concentrated,” she wrote.

Ice Guardians Take Center Ice in September

Looks like a must see movie to me. I can't wait to see this movie. The World Premiere of Ice Guardians is in Toronto on September 12th,

The description of the movie:

Exploring one of the most controversial and provocative positions in the history of sport, ‘Ice Guardians’ journeys into the lives of those who perform what is undoubtedly the toughest job within the National Hockey League today, the enforcer. Very few understand this position and even fewer appreciate what is involved in becoming one. It’s a punishing profession unlike any other, holding little mercy for its candidates on or off the ice. Born out of self-policing a game where 200-pound men fly towards each other on metal blades with sticks, the role now finds itself facing the scrutiny of national newspapers, on-line blogs and TV newscasts. Due to its violent nature, it has drawn opinions from both fans and critics alike. But what do we really know? What led to its spectacular rise? What purpose does it serve in the eyes of its beholders and what drives them forward in the face of adversity? Ice Guardians steps beyond the hype and heads directly to the source of the debate… the players themselves. Through their eyes, tough exteriors are shed to reveal the humanity behind a role that struggles to maintain its existence.

River Cities Speedway to Honor Bryan Clauson

Earlier this month, 27-year-old dirt track racer Bryan Clauson lost his life due to injuries he sustained in a USAC midget crash in Belleville, Kansas. Clauson's crash and death shook the dirt track racing world. Being one of the classiest speedways in the nation:  River Cities Speedway will be honoring the life of Bryan during tonight's World of Outlaws show.

Only in Canada, Subject in Goalie Gear Steals Beer from Store

On August 15th at 3:38 a.m., a burglary took place at beer store in Russell, Manitoba. Check out the video, it's over the top. Also, while it's funny to some, it's probably not all that funny to the store owner that had to buy a new plate glass door. Watching the video, you can see one of the burglars that's not wearing the goalie equipment break the windows and enter the store. You'll then see the two stealing beer.

UND Beats out Moo-U as North Dakota's Best College

Happy Wednesday to you all. I hope this finds you in great health and spirits. I thought I would throw a little chum in the water and see what I can catch. :) Oh course, I was working very hard today, and while I was surfing the net today I found this great news nugget

Over on Forbes, the University of North Dakota was picked as the states best college. I am not sure how old this article is or what the criteria was and they must have missed the latest nickname news.

North Dakota: University of North Dakota The University of North Dakota (Top College No. 444) was established in 1883 and is the oldest university in the state. UND offers courses in over 225 fields of study, but it is best known for its School of Aerospace Sciences, which trains pilots and air controllers. It has the biggest fleet of non-military training aircraft in the world. Students built the first college-designed spacesuit to be tested by NASA. There are over 300 study abroad options in locations ranging from Europe to Australia. UND has 21 varsity teams in NCAA Division I, and the men’s hockey team has skated to seven national championships. In 2012 the school dropped its nickname, the Fighting Sioux, and is in search of a replacement.

Caption This: Hakstol and Wentz

From #Flyers PR man and excellent photog Zack Hill, just a couple North Dakota guys at #Eagles practice today pic.twitter.com/MsD7hc8QHd

— Dave Isaac (@davegisaac) August 20, 2016

Hakstol, "I thought you'd be bigger." Wentz, "Hmmm, a hockey player... what's that?"

Time to Exhale: Jimmy Vesey Picks the Rangers

Last week, I was out on a short vacation. While I was out, I followed the Jimmy Vesey sweepstakes from my deck at the summer refuge. When the decision was made last Friday, I have to say that I was shocked. Apparently, on the beat writers from Sabre nation isn’t all too happy with the way things went, and I think he has some really good points here.

Mike Harrington, The Buffalo News --- Let’s not forget this important point: Vesey was not a free agent until midnight on Tuesday. He was Sabres property until then. But that didn’t stop agents Peter Fish and Peter Donatelli from doing numerous media interviews the last month espousing the virtues of what it would be like for Vesey to play in Boston, or in Chicago, or (hmmm) in New York.

That’s shameful stuff right there. The agents should know better.

Vesey’s summer league games were often attended by NHL GMs, with Chicago’s Stan Bowman a regular attendee. Coach Joel Quenneville hit the Wednesday night circuit in Foxborough, Mass., once too. Yes, the games were open to the public and anyone can say they were there to watch anyone. But come on. The optics aren’t good for the Hawks in this one at all. Repeating: You were watching a player who was someone else’s property and just waiting to pounce. Not cool.

We can now relax until the hockey season begin. Finally, collusion? What do you? I guess one could make that case for that.

UND Re-Ups with MidcoSN

On the UND Athletics front, there’s some good news for the University of North Dakota Sports fans. UND has re-upped for five more years with Midco Sports Network.

On the flip side of that announcement, there's the real possibility that for five more years, you're not going to be able to watch UND hockey nationally if you're one of those people that live outside of the regional area and have Dish Network or DirecTV.

So, for now, it’s back to the NCHC.TV package.

Moving forward, UND Hockey will not be seen on Fox College Sports because MIDCO is still trying to corner the market in Fargo, ND, and Midco doesn’t want Cable One viewers to be able to watch UND sports produced by the MIDCO Sports Network.

According to a press release, the University of North Dakota Athletics Department has signed a five-year television contract with Midco Sports Network® (MidcoSN®) through the 2021-22 season.

The new agreement will include a minimum of 40 live event broadcasts per year, plus the continuation of weekly programs UND Sports Extra and North Dakota Hockey with Brad Berry.

UND will receive $1.425 million in rights fees over the length of the new contract.

“A great broadcast partnership continues for UND Athletics with our five-year contract renewal with Midco Sports Network,” said North Dakota Athletics Director Brian Faison. “We will continue to enjoy increased exposure, added revenue, high-quality production and exceptional distribution for our sports programs by Midco Sports Network."

Live event broadcasts will once include all home men’s hockey games, all home football games, five men’s basketball games, five women’s basketball games, four women’s hockey games, and three volleyball matches. Conference television contracts take precedence before MidcoSN selects its broadcast schedule.

 

Where's Jimmy Vesey Going?

Soon, we’ll know where former college hockey star and 2016 Hobey Baker Memorial winner Jimmy Vesey is headed. One team is going to sign the most highly-sought free agent available. The 23-year-old Harvard graduate is a hot commodity and teams have been trying to convince him that he could be their next one.

Money shouldn’t a factory because he can only be paid the rookie max of $925,000 annually. Vesey can also earn a maximum of $1.925 million in performance bonuses.

Here are some of the teams in the running for Vesey’s services:

Boston Bruins – For Bruins fans, this makes a lot of sense. It’s also his hometown team. The Bruins are in dire need of offensive production.

Buffalo Sabres – Going to the Sabres give him an opportunity to play with Jack Eichel. That’s intriguing and worth a second look.  

Chicago Blackhawks – A chance to play for a Stanley Cup. Some of the hockey pundits have him penciled in on Toews’s left wing.

New Jersey Devils –  Personally, I really can’t think of a good reason to play in New Jersey.

New York Islanders – A team loaded with good young players. A chance to play with John Tavares.

New York Rangers – It’s New York. A chance to play in a major market.

Pittsburgh Penguins – The Pens are loaded with talented players Phil Kessel, Sidney Crosby, and Evgeni Malkin.

Toronto Maple Leafs – A chance to play with Auston Mathews. Vesey's dad is also a scout with the Leafs.