Bruins Rookie Matthew Poitras Outshines Blackhawks rookie Connor Bedard in Head-to-Head Matchup

Connor Bedard Who? 

On Tuesday night, the Boston Bruins played the Chicago Blackhawks on ESPN. All game long, the play-by-play announcer Sean Sean McDonough and his broadcast partner went on, and on about how great Connor Bedard is. It would have been a good drinking game; every time Bedard's name is mentioned, take a drink. You would've been bombed by the end of the second period. It was annoying. 

Yes, Bedard is a good player, but he might even be the best rookie in the NHL. There are other rookies in the NHL with a lot of talent, i.e., Matthew Nies, Loagan Cooley, and Matthew Poitras. 

While the ESPN announcers were foaming at the mouth about Bedard, Bruins Rookie Matthew Poitras scored his third goal in his last two games. With that goal, Poitras has (3g-1--4pts) the same amount as the points as Blackhawks rookie Bedard (2g-2a--4pts). How about a little more balance in your broadcasts. 

THE KID CAN FLY 💨 pic.twitter.com/vI2wCXWhYA

— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) October 25, 2023

UPDATE: In the rookie scoring race. Bedard is tied with Poitras and Arizona Coyotes Rookie Logan Cooley. 

UND Struggles on the Power Play

Last season, the UND power play ended the season ranked second in the nation, ironically, behind this week’s opponent Minnesota State. Last season, UND was a juggernaut on the power play, they scored 27.3 percent of their power plays. This season it’s a different story. Early on, the UND hockey team has struggled on the power play. 

Through four games, UND’s power play is ranked 54th nationally, and has scored a single power-play goal, and is currently sitting at 5.6 percent. While UND isn’t satisfied with their power play, the coaching staff isn’t going to panic UND captain Riese Gaber isn’t worried about the power play.

“I don’t think it’s anything, just chemistry, Gaber said after Friday’s game against Minnesota. “Like I said, we’re all good players and capable of making plays, it’s just not clicking right now, but I’m confident that we’ll get clicking.”

From the interesting fact department; UND’s next opponent sits just below UND and is ranked 55th nationally on the power play. You have to think that both teams will eventually figure it out.

From the fun fact department, UND has scored more short-handed goals than they have power play goals. To date, UND has scored two short-handed goals, that's tied for second nationally. Hunter Johannes has scored both short-handed goals for UND.  (Link to More)

Johannes gets us rolling again! #UNDproud | #LGH pic.twitter.com/CSA17ZJZs2

— North Dakota Hockey (@UNDmhockey) October 14, 2023

Highlights From Minnesota vs. North Dakota Game 2

On Saturday night, the University of North Dakota Hockey split their weekend series with the Minnesota Gophers (0-4 L, 2-1 W). Here are some highlights from Saturday's game. It was a much better effort for UND on Saturday night. 

Gophers Break Through with a Goal

 

The Gophers would get one back with a goal from Jaxon Nelson. That's all the scoring we would have. UND would hold on in the end to take game two of the series against their Big-Ten foe Minnesota.  With the win, UND improved to 3-1. Up next the Minnesota State Mavericks. 

📢 Jaxon Nelson gets the Gophers within 1.#MidcoSports | @GopherHockey pic.twitter.com/PgLf6xDiQa

— Midco Sports (@MidcoSports) October 22, 2023

Jake Livanavage Scores His First Collegiate Goal

Another night of firsts: Jake Livanavage scores his first career goal and it's 2-0 UND. Assist from Riese Gaber and Dylan James.

.@JLivanavage On the backhand 🚨#MidcoSports | @UNDmhockey pic.twitter.com/gBZa9kEybs

— Midco Sports (@MidcoSports) October 22, 2023

Jayden Perron Goal 

Jayden Perron scores UND's first goal of the weekend, a tip-in goal. That's goal number two on the season for the freshman forward from Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Perron with the tip and we are off-and-running!#UNDproud | #LGH pic.twitter.com/rSpzOhJwOh

— North Dakota Hockey (@UNDmhockey) October 22, 2023

Ludvig Perrson Comes Up Big 

UND goalie Ludvig Perrson with an amazing save. That's using your head, right?

Now that's using your head, Ludvig! #UNDproud | #LGH pic.twitter.com/on9yTSRRE2

— North Dakota Hockey (@UNDmhockey) October 21, 2023

Student Lineup Early 

The UND students were at the Ralph early waiting in line.

More than an hour before doors open at @TheREA for No. 5 @UNDmhockey 🆚 No. 1 @GopherHockey. Here’s how the student entrance is looking before game two. pic.twitter.com/zAS0LzD2tF

— Taylor Budge - Midco Sports (@TBudgeMidco) October 21, 2023

UMN vs. UND: A Look Back, Frattin Blows Up Wehrs

A trip down memory lane. Sometimes, UND radio play-by-play announcer Tim Hennesey will refer to the right side of the north end boards as Wehr's corner. There's a reason for this. See the Video embedded below. 

On March 14, 2010, the UND hockey team was playing the Minnesota Gophers in the first round of the WCHA playoffs. In game three, at the 4:42 mark of the second period, UND forward Matt Frattin would check Gopher's D-man Kevin Wehrs violently. I would call it a textbook charging major. Wehrs would leave the game, with an injury. We'd later find out that Wehrs suffered a minor concussion. 

Frattin would receive a five-minute major penalty for contact to the head. To the Gopher fans' disgust, Frattin was not given a game disqualification, but was later suspended by the WCHA and would miss the first game of the Final Five. Frattin would serve his major penalty and return to the game. In the third period, Frattin would score his 9th goal of the season.

Frattin said in the post-game that he was trying to fire his team up with a big hit. 

UND would beat Minnesota 4-1 to eliminate the Gophers and advance to the WCHA Final Five. 

 

A Quick Look at Jayden Perron

 The University of North Dakota has some exciting freshmen on their team this season. Here's a preview of what UND fans are going to see this season. Introducing Jayden Perron, forward, Carolina Hurricanes third-round draft choice. 

Perron with a nifty one for his first! #UNDproud | #LGH pic.twitter.com/aGGe63izyH

— North Dakota Hockey (@UNDmhockey) October 8, 2023

Last weekend against Army, this one counted for real.  

Well, at least his first one was memorable!#UNDproud | #LGH pic.twitter.com/RmVyve4Ha4

— North Dakota Hockey (@UNDmhockey) October 14, 2023

Here's the scouting report on Perron.

He’s a cerebral playmaker with the puck, utilizing a deke when necessary but also having the maturity to delay when he’s outnumbered. He’s a dangerous stickhandler and can turn a careless reach from a defender into a high-quality scoring chance for himself or a teammate. He plays nicely away from the puck in the offensive zone, especially as the high man, where he keeps his feet moving in an attempt to lose coverage before swooping down when his linemates get possession. -EliteProspects 2023 NHL Draft Guide

A Cross-Check and a Cup Check Draw 5,000 Dollar Fines

Boston Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara has been fined $5,000 by the National Hockey League's Department of Players Safety for Cross-checking Canadiens forward Brendan Gallagher. Yes, cross-checking is a dangerous play, but if you watch the video, you will see that Gallagher totally sold the hit and embellished. Gallagher was cross-checked, but he's not innocent in this event.

Zdeno Chara fined $5,000 for this cross-check on Brendan Gallagher. Fair punishment? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/YmG6i4uAFZ

— Gino Hard (@Ginohard_) February 13, 2020

Exhibit A

There was absolutely no contact between Charas stick and baby Gallys throat if there were he’d be in the hospital. Look at the pic and prove me wrong pic.twitter.com/lNxrJr9RaW

— bruce s (@bruceskelhorne) February 13, 2020

Here's the video of the incident in question, again, if Chara had actually caught him in the throat and not the shoulder area, Gallagher would've been carried off of the ice on a stretcher. Keep in mind that Chara is one of the strongest players in the NHL.

I've seen suggestions that since Nazem Kadri was suspended for cross-checking Jake DeBrusk, Chara should also be suspended by the NHL. First, Kadri is a repeat offender, Chara isn't. Also, this nowhere near the same type of hit.  

Exhibit B

You've probably seen it by now. Minnesota Defenseman Matt Dumba took exception with a hit that Vegas forward Ryan Reaves put on him. From my seat, it looks like Reaves got away with a boarding call. Whatever. Either way, Dumba is 5,000 dollars lighter in the wallet today.  In my opinion, it was 5,000 dollars well spent. Now, if I was Dumba, I'd keep my head on a swivel next time the Wild play the Golden Knights.

St. Thomas to Summit League?

It looks like The St. Thomas Tommies have found a new home. I sure we'll hear more details very soon. This is a smart move by the Summit League.

Statement from @thesummitleague commissioner Tom Douple confirms news on St. Thomas. https://t.co/kRGtQMPgeE pic.twitter.com/AUhO5rf5SM

— Jay Elsen (@ElsenMidcoSN) October 4, 2019

It will be interesting to see where the Tommies hockey program ends up. With seven teams breaking from the WCHA and forming their own league, that could be a logical landing spot for the Tommies. The NCHC could also be another landing spot, but Josh Fenton has said that the league is interested in focusing on the eight existing members.

The Vancouver Canucks Re-sign Brock Boeser

Former University of North Dakota All-American Brock Boeser has re-signed with the Vancouver Canucks.

Boeser signs a three-year contract extension worth an average annual value of $5.875 million. In 140 career NHL games with the Canucks, Boeser has scored (59g-57a--116pts).

"We're very pleased to have Brock re-sign," Canucks General Manager Jim Benning said. "He's a talented player, a key contributor to our offense and an important part of our team's future. We look forward to having Brock join the team in preparation for the upcoming season."

OFFICIAL: #Canucks re-sign @BBoeser16 to a three-year deal worth an average annual value of $5.875 million. https://t.co/jlLPHCAn6D

— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) September 17, 2019

(Photo Credit: Daniel Yun, Dakota Student)

Some More TV Options for UND Hockey

As the hockey season nears, the national TV schedules are starting to come out. There are 25 days until the 2019-20 college hockey season begins. I will update if we find out there are more games scheduled for national TV.

As the 2019-20 season approaches, fans will be looking for viewing options to watch college hockey. Most of UND's game will be on some version of television or webcast.

With that said, not everyone likes to watch webcasts. Two seasons ago, I had to up my WIFI game at home to get better NCHC.TV coverage. Whenever I can, I watch the away games on DirecTV instead of NCHC.TV. As I've mentioned in the past, some of the member school's webcasts aren't up to snuff.

Today, we find out that Colorado College will have six of their games on AT&T network. One of those games is against league rival North Dakota.

2019-20 Colorado College Hockey Games on AT&T SportsNet (All times Mountain Time):

Day	Date	Opponent	Site	Time
Fri.	Oct. 11	Minnesota	Home	7:30 pm
Fri.	Oct. 25	Michigan State	Home	7:30 pm
Sat.	Dec. 14	Denver	Home	7:00 pm
Fri.	Jan. 24	Omaha	Home	7:30 pm
Fri.	Jan. 31	North Dakota	Grand Forks, ND	6:30 pm
Sat.	Feb. 29	Minnesota-Duluth	Home	6:00 pm

For those keeping track at home, AT&T SportsNet will be available on DIRECTV channel 684, U-verse channels 757 (SD) and 1757 (HD), and CenturyLink channels 760 (SD) and 1760 (HD).

Last week, the NCHC released its CBSSN schedule. The NCHC has a new two-year agreement with CBSSN. In a release from the league; For the seventh straight season, CBS Sports Network will serve as the premier national television partner of the National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) with the network set to telecast 11 NCHC games during the second half of the upcoming 2019-20 season. 

As part of a new two-year agreement between the NCHC and CBS Sports Network, the network will once again feature a package of regular-season games and coverage of the NCHC Frozen Faceoff. This season, one televised game will take place on each Friday night, plus one Saturday night, starting in mid-January leading up to the 2020 Frozen Faceoff. All regular-season games televised will be conference match-ups, with one originating from each NCHC member’s home arena.

Unfortunately, one viable TV option for watching UND hockey when they're on the road might have evaporated. The Pioneers might not be able to have their games on DirecTV or Dish Network. From our buddies at Lets Go DU -- According to Colorado Hockey Now, “The “carriage” contracts between Altitude TV and Denver and surrounding’s big three cable providers – DISH Network, Comcast/Xfinity and DirecTV – are expiring and the two sides are…not anywhere close to an agreement to re-up with each other.

Fighting Hawks Mascot's Sign Triggers Some in Bison Nation

I am sorry, I thought this sign was funny. Over the course of the last year, the Fighting Hawks mascot has been known to do silly things. That's what mascots do.

Apparently, some in Bison Nation didn't like the sign in question. Some were unhappy that the mascot would dare have that sign on the sidelines during a football game. I mean seriously, have we all become a bunch of snowflakes.

pic.twitter.com/4ZfIrHIARf

— University of Hockey (@UofHockeyBlog) September 8, 2019

I know this isn't a popular opinion, but I like the new mascot. I like when he comes out on the back of an ATV before the start of a football game.

After several long weeks, I FINALLY FOUND OUT WHO THE MYSTERY MASCOT WAS! Apparently it’s the University Of North Dakota Fighting Hawks’ mascot.

AND OH MY, it’s amazing! pic.twitter.com/ifAIoC4Vmm

— Frank the Fox/Wing-R the Eagle (@FrankTheFox84) August 27, 2019

UPDATED: Uninvited Moose Visits Memorial Stadium

Today, an uninvited cow moose visited UND's Memorial Stadium. Stick tap to the Herald's Danielle Podlaski for the great camera work.

University spokesman David Dodds says the moose wandered into Grand Forks overnight and found its way onto old Memorial Stadium on campus Tuesday morning.

UND football is bringing out the big guns for NDSU pic.twitter.com/6z2NAynS1E

— Danielle Podlaski (@dani_podlaski) September 3, 2019

Thank God no one got hurt and hopefully, the animal will be able to safely return to the Wild. It sounds ND Game and Fish officials are trying to get the wild beast out of town after traffic dies down tonight.

 "They are wild animals," Jim Job, a biologist with the North Dakota Department of Game and Fish told the Grand Forks Herald. "Especially if they're in town, they're already going to be a little nervous with all the traffic and people running around already. Definitely, don't want to corner a wild animal or make it feel like it's cornered. Definitely keep your distance because they are very large animals and, if they do feel threatened, they could react."

#MooseUpdate: The moose is laying down taking its typical midday college nap. We are still asking everyone to avoid the area so that the moose doesn’t become stressed or panicked. #BestCopsAround #MooseWatch2019 pic.twitter.com/SsSs5p3BE2

— University of North Dakota Police (@UNDPoliceDept) September 3, 2019

#UNDAlert: Please be aware that there is a moose that has wondered into the @UofNorthDakota Campus area. We are doing our best to get this animal back to the wild. This situation is also currently contained. #BestCopsAround pic.twitter.com/iB46QeALkm

— University of North Dakota Police (@UNDPoliceDept) September 3, 2019

UPDATE: The moose has been returned to the wild.

#MooseUpdate: We are happy to announce that #MrsMoose has been released back into the wild near Grand Forks County. Thank you to everyone who stayed out of the area & to the professionals at the Chahinkapa Zoo for their support & assistance. #BestCopsAround #UNDProud pic.twitter.com/5akYuAx1H8

— University of North Dakota Police (@UNDPoliceDept) September 4, 2019

Shane Stewart's Wild Ride

Earlier this week, Shane Stewart found out that he was parting ways with CJB Motorsports when the season is over.

“We weren’t meshing together,” said Chad Clemens, part-owner of CJB Motorsports. “It’s business. Shane knows the deal. We know the deal. He’s a great guy. Great family. But we’re not meshing as a team. When that happens you have to make changes and that’s pretty much what we chose to do.

Friday night, Stewart week got worse when he took a hard ride in his heat race at Skagit Speedway in Alger, Washington.

Ouch! https://t.co/rOK7gIsxdG

— Eric J. Burton TSD (@goon48) August 31, 2019

Fear not, this is the World of Outlaws and Stewart's crew pulled out the backup car for the feature.

After contact with another car in Heat race #1, CJB already has another car built for @shanestewart_5 for tonight’s A-Main. pic.twitter.com/q3jU3vzWN5

— DB3 INC (@DB3Inc) August 31, 2019

WDAY's Dom Izzo Predicts 4-7 Record for UND

Thinking of funny tripe. WDAY sports reporter Dom Izzo doesn’t think that the UND football team is going to be very good this season. Moreover, he seems to think that when the season is overhead coach Bubba Schweigert is going to be looking for a new job. I guess we’ll find out. If I was coach Schweigert, I’d hang this garbage in the locker room. Seriously, this is why they play the games. Football is played on the football field and not in the blogs and newspapers. Time for the Hawks to prove Mr. Izzo wrong.

Last year I said it was a monster year for Bubba Schweigert at UND. If that was monstrous, this year is titanic. Schweigert has to win this season and I’m not sure if they’re going to. The Fighting Hawks have one of the toughest schedules in the FCS, games with NDSU, Eastern Washington, UC Davis and Sam Houston State. If the Fighting Hawks win one of those games, that’s a big deal. I don’t see a winning record this year, and I think UND may be in line for a new coach. (Link)

PREDICTION: 4-7

Here are the words and video behind those picks: Hot Mic with Dom Izzo: 2019 college football predictions | INFORUM https://t.co/UloZDzePn8

— Dom Izzo (@DomIzzoWDAY) August 29, 2019

The Racing World Mourns the Loss of Bryan Clausen

Prior to the 2013 Knoxville Nationals, World of Outlaws sprint car driver Donny Schatz had concerns about the safety of sprint cars.

Schatz expressed these concerns a month after the dirt track racing world had mourned the loss of former NASCAR/Sprint Car Driver Jason Leffler, who died as a result of an accident during sprint car race at Bridgeport Speedway in New Jersey. During the same time period, his car owner, Tony Stewart, had suffered a broken leg as a result of a violent crash during a World of Outlaws show in Iowa.

In retrospect, maybe Schatz was on to something?

"I'm not confident that safety measures are (being) met in this sport. There are a lot of people that are working hard to perfect things, to make things better. But sometimes people don't see things until people get hurt," Schatz told the Associated Press. "There are some areas that safety can be addressed. But it's also a gray area that no one wants to get involved in."

This week, fans will attend the 55th Annual FVP Knoxville Nationals with a heavy heart as they mourn the death of Sprint car driver Bryan Clausen. The Indiana native died on August 7, 2016, a result of injuries he suffered from an accident at Belleville (Kansas) Midget Nationals USAC midget race. Clausen was leading the race when he flipped and t-boned by another driver that was a lap down.

Many fans again will ask the question why?

Something to ponder – sprint car racing – both USAC and winged sprint cars are exciting race cars to watch. They’re also very dangerous. Everything happens in a split second. The race cars seem to get faster by the year, 410 sprints cars weigh roughly 1,500 pounds and are powered by a 900 horsepower engine. You wonder sometimes if the safety measures can keep up with the technology?

The driver is literally sitting in a high-tech rocket ship made out of lightweight metal. On the longer tracks, a sprint car can hit speeds of at least 140 miles an hour. Mistakes at a high rate of speed can be fatal.

The loss of Bryan Clausen is tragic. The racing world has lost another amazing, talented young driver way too early. Clausen was known for his ability to race at a high level on many different circuits and he will be missed. For now, it's hard to make any sense of this tragic loss. Prayers going to the Clausen family.

We have truly lost one of the great racers-and an even greater man. Our prayers are with Lauren and Bryan's family. pic.twitter.com/wuEzdMLgve

— Knoxville Raceway (@knoxvilleraces) August 8, 2016

@TonyStewart @BryanClauson Can only imagine what would have laid ahead of this young man #Megatalent #gentleperson RIP BC

— Arie Luyendyk (@ArieLuyendyk) August 8, 2016

The Tweet of the Night

Sometimes you just have to say.... wtf. This is one of the best responses to a moronic tweet from a Gopher fan.That being said, the guy has a point, the effort on the ice by UND in all three zones wasn't good. From the grab a  little perspective department, it's one game and UND is 5-1-0.

.@DerrickFidelman How about now? pic.twitter.com/JUamGk8uQM

— North Dakota MHockey (@UNDmhockey) October 29, 2016

Did Austin Poganski Take a Dive?

When I saw this play for the first time, I thought holy cow, that looked funny. One might even suggest that Austin Poganski took a dive. Now, even though Poganski is from Minnesota, he isn't known for being a diver or a player that embellishes. So, did Poganski take a dive?

And Poganski decides he lives diving more than hockey, and Soucy to the box. #UMdmHky pic.twitter.com/IXHTHqJOo0

— UMD Hockey gifs (@UMDHockeygifs) October 29, 2016

A look at the Stats

I have no idea how this season plays out, but UND has been on a remarkable run. This morning I was reading the Brad Schlossman’s blog and I found a few stats that I wanted to expound on. Over the last 49 games, UND has gone 39-6-4 (.836).

Over the last 19 games, UND has a 17-1-1 (.921) record. The last team to beat the Fighting Hawks was the Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs in the Frozen Faceoff. The last tie came against the Denver Pioneers 1-1, in the third place game of the Frozen Faceoff.

Over the last 22 home games, UND is 20-1-1 (.931). During that 22-game run, UND has lost one game, in overtime, to the Nebraska-Omaha Mavericks 4-3. The tie in question came during a game against the Colorado College Tigers. UND would go on to win the shootout.

Finally, for those keeping track, the last opponent to sweep the Fighting Hawks, the Denver Pioneers Feb. 12-13, 2016 at Denver (6-4, 4-1). That sweep came two and a half seasons after UND was swept by the St. Cloud State Huskies Nov. 1-2, 2013 (3-2, 3-1) at St. Cloud State

BSU vs. UND, Game 2

Dixon Bowen is in for Cole Smith. The rest of the lineup is the same. No changes. Brock Boeser now has 10 points after four games.

Check out the highlights from last night's game... Both teams put in good efforts and UND used their skill to take the game away from BSU. I also thought UND got a huge break on the penalty shot.

UND vs. BSU, Game 1

I noticed that there're a few changes in the lineup, defenseman Christian Wolanin is out of the lineup tonight. If I get any information on that I will post an update. Also, Rhett Gardner is back after being out of the lineup the last two games. Gardner has a lower-body injury. Finally, Dixon Bowen is a scratch. 

The Jet's Laine Scores the Game-Winning Goal Against the Leafs

In my humble opinion, Patrick Laine and Auston Matthews are the two  best rookie forwards in the NHL this season. Another game, another great effort by Auston Matthews. However, the fact remains, they're the same old Toronto Maple Leafs that can't hold a lead. Once again, they score four goals and then blow a four goal lead. Laine scored his first ever career hat trick including this beautiful game-winning goal to sink the Leafs. In three games, Laine has scored (4g-2a—6pts).