28 Feb Bracketology

Jason Moy predicts the Brackets

West Regional

16 Sacred Heart vs. 1 Minnesota
10 Michigan vs. 8 Denver

Midwest Regional

13 Colorado College vs. 3 Notre Dame
11 Miami vs. 6 Boston University

Northeast Regional

15 Niagara vs. 2 New Hampshire
9 North Dakota vs. 7 Maine

East Regional

14 St. Lawrence vs. 4 St. Cloud
12 Boston College vs. 5 Clarkson

First off if the Brackets shake out this way SCSU will be in the Frozen Four, you can mark it down right here, with a weak bracket like that SCSU would have a legit chance of winning it all. I also Like UND's chances of winning their regional as well. C.C. has a chance against a weak field as well but its hard to say which BU team would show up.

However, lets get realistic. Could you imagine the whining if Minnesota actually had to play in DU's regional? Face it he Gophes are prime for the picking as well, and they would fold like a cheap tent against the DU pioneers. You can also bet on there being a shit storm, tDon would make Woog's 1997 tantrum look minor. who knows maybe the committee will throw tDon a bone/pacifier and send him to Grand Rapids. I can hear it right now, that's not fair we are a number one seed and we are stuck in that brutal regional, while Notre Dame has an easy pass...

That beings said, the committee is not going to have a bracket in Grand Rapids Michigan without a Michigan team. The NC$$ is about money and would bet a lot of money Michigan will be in Grand Rapids so I suppose you could Miami to Denver and put Michigan in Grand Rapids.

Corrected Brackets.

Midwest Regional

13 Colorado College vs. 3 Notre Dame
10 Michigan vs. 6 Boston University

West Regional

16 Sacred Heart vs. 1 Minnesota
11 Miami vs. 8 Denver

The NHL Plays of the Week

No former Sioux hockey players this week. Interesting though, Kessel gets robbed, Former Huskie Ryan Malone Lamps the times for a hat trick scoring the each goal in the first minute of each period. Peter Forsberg starts earning that money they are paying him. Minnesota Wild forward Marian Gaborik scores a pretty goal.

Goon's Prediction

The way it shakes out?
I played theWhat if Calculator

Team GP Pts
UMN 28 41
SCSU 28 36
Denver 28 32
UND 28 30
CC 28 27
UW 28 26
MTech 28 25
Mankato 28 25
UMD 28 21
AA 28 17

How do we get here:
The Gophers take 4 from MTU
DU gets three points from C.C.(anything can happen here)
UMD and Wisconsin split (possible)
UND and SCSU *Since the Christmas break, UND is 11-2-2 (.781) and SCSU is 10-3-3 (.719) From PCM Sioux Sports

Lucia Says he is Sorry

Ice intelligence

Read the whole article right here at St Cloud Times Article

A nice play with words

All week we talked about playing smart," said Huskies sophomore John Swanson, who snapped a 10-game pointless streak with two assists. "Keep your feet moving and keep your stick on their stick and try to avoid taking penalties."

On the same day a Twin Cities newspaper quoted Gophers coach Don Lucia as saying it was easier to get a player into St. Cloud State than Minnesota academically, his team came out and matched its worst margin of defeat this season.

The Huskies, ranked fourth and fifth in the national polls, also sent the message that they can keep up offensively with any team in the nation. The No. 2 Gophers had the second-best offense in the country coming in.

"I've never played in front of a crowd like this before and you could tell before the game there was a buzz in the locker room," said Lasch, who was goalless in the past three series and scored as often Friday as he had in the past 17 games. "It was different. I can't explain it, but everyone had a jump in their step."

The second-place Huskies used it to move five points behind the first-place Gophers with three WCHA regular-season games remaining.

Another implosion coming?

By the time Brocklehurst capped it, the Dogg Pound was in vintage form. The students chanted "Overrated!" and "Husky Rejects!" among other unprintable words that have also rankled Lucia. Afterward, Gophers assistant Mike Guentzel could be heard screaming at his team in the dressing room. Lucia declined to reiterate the comments he made about St. Cloud State's academic reputation.

"I don't want to go there," Lucia said. "I did talk to (Motzko)."

Huskies athletic director Morris Kurtz said Lucia apologized.

"They were gracious enough to accept our apology, so we're certainly gracious enough to accept theirs," Kurtz said, referring to a scene the last time Minnesota played in St. Cloud when several giveaway novelty fans landed on the ice. This time they were replaced by several actual dead gophers.

"I've been to a few, and I don't remember one like this," Swanson, a St. Cloud Tech graduate, said of the Huskies-Gophers games at the Hockey Center. "You know it's going to be a good night when you drive down to the rink and the line is already out the ticket office. Then when you come out for warm-ups the student sections are already full. It makes the game that much more intense."

Tonight is sure to repeat, and with a win the Huskies can claim a cup of their own away from Minnesota: The DQ Cup, given to the state school with the best winning percentage among others in the WCHA.

"We haven't won anything yet," Gophers captain Mike Vannelli said. "We didn't play with a sense of desperation. We didn't play hard and we didn't play smart Gopher hockey. Some things needed to be said (by Guentzel) and it's better to air our dirty laundry now than in a few weeks."

Don't Say That

I was told along time ago that you never publicly talk down your opponent and give them fuel for the fire. It's called bulletin board material and Donny gave the Huskies a bunch of it this past week. I believe Don Lucia's comments about SCSU fired them up even more. One must wonder if another implosion is coming to a rink near the Twin Cities?

Round Two Sens and Sabres

This actually was a pretty exciting game. Chris Neil with another dirty hit on a Buffalo player. It's been reported that Neil admitted to wanting to go out and injury people with his hits. Stay tuned it could get even better.

Lucia is Whinning Again.

Come on tDon

Seems this past week Lucia seems to have had foot in mouth disease.
First tDon said that:

When it comes to rivalries, I would say they are third right now," Gophers coach Don Lucia said. "I don't think they will ever surpass Wisconsin and North Dakota because there is so much history involved with those schools."

"It's not very expensive to go to school at St. Cloud," Lucia said. "If Denver gives a kid a half-scholarship, it still costs the player $20,000. At St. Cloud, a half-scholarship costs the kid $5,000.

"And it's a lot easier to get a kid into St. Cloud [academically] than it is to get a kid into here. As long as you are [an academic] qualifier, you can get into school there."

Now tDon is complaining about the behavior of the fans in the stands at Saint Cloud State University. More tDon Whinning

Much to the Gophers' displeasure, a number of hand-held, battery-operated fans handed out prior to the Nov. 11 game ended up thrown in the direction of the Gophers. Gophers coach Don Lucia said it wasn't the first time the Gophers had been subjected to such behavior in St. Cloud, adding, "We're sick of it."

Lucia met briefly with Kurtz after the game and said something had to be done.

"We were disappointed because we had hired extra security and we wanted to provide a wonderful atmosphere for home and visiting fans," Kurtz said. "We did not expect the giveaways to end up on the ice with the extra security we hired."

Kurtz said six fans were caught throwing the fans on the ice. Four were St. Cloud State students and two were students from the University of Minnesota.

"We dealt with our students and sent the two IDs to the University of Minnesota," Kurtz said.

Kurtz said he apologized to Lucia and Gophers athletic director Joel Maturi. But Lucia said he still expects Huskies fans to "cross the line" with abusive language.

"It's as bad there as anywhere," Lucia said. "The fans are great, they're into it, they pack the place. I just don't like the swearing and all the stuff that goes with it.

"A 12-year-old kid who is there shouldn't be subjected to that. Too many times, as administrators, we look the other way. And I think that's wrong."

The funny part of this article is that two of the 6 students caught throwing stuff on the ice were UMN fans. This is classic stuff here. In reviewing tDon's comments this week it would appear that this was a tough week for him. My advice to the Minnesota coach is shut up and play some hockey. I am also wondering if his comments about getting into SCSU had anything to do with inspiring the Huskies as they shredded the Gophers hockey team this past weekend. I would be willing to bet that Hakston won't be giving the Huskies any bulletin board marterial this week nor will he be insulting the SCSU students or their fans.

Duncan Deserves to be A Hobey Finalist

Hobey Duncan?
There is no doubt in my mind that Ryan deserves to be a Hobey Baker Memorial finalist this season. Ryan is ranked third in the nation in points per game.
NCAA Stats

1 Eric Ehn Air Force JR F 36 24-36-60 1.67
2 T.J. Hensick (COA) Michigan SR F 36 17-39-56 1.56
3 Ryan Duncan North Dakota SO F 34 27-21-48 1.41
4 Kevin Porter (PHO) Michigan JR F 36 19-31-50 1.39

Ryan is also leading the WCHA in goals, power play goals as well as points. In addition to these honors that Duncan currently hold, Ryan is also the leader in the WCHA in game winning goals. One last reason I believe that Duncan is worthy of winning a Hobey Baker is that Ryan is ranking these points up against the toughest competition in college hockey not a league full of patsies. On the radio broadcast last night Tim Hennesey said that Duncan should be the League MVP, I couldn't agree more with that assessment.

Sabres and Senators Feb 22nd, 2007

I am Watching the Rematch Tonight



Couple of things that I thought were bush league: There is no doubt Chris Neil tried to hurt Drury with his questionable high hit to the face, it was rightfully called a penalty. While I agree with Barry Melrose that it wasn't an elbow it was a a dirty questionable hit. I believe that Ruff was responding to it, by sending out his group of goons/hacks. Ruff made a statement and said basically, if your going to hit my star players with questionable hits I am going to do the same things to your star players. Hence, Ruff sent out a line of goons against one of the top lines in the NHL.

The message was recieved. Funny thing is there might be more of this in the future because of the way Ruff over reacted in this situation. Ruff could have waited till Chris Neil was done serving his penalty then send out one of his goon's to challenge Neil to a fight. Neil is known to shy away from a fight and would have in escense settled this thing. By over reacting this incident is going to probably boil over and fester into tonight's game as well.

Finally I think Emery is a hack, when he was laying on his sparing partner should have quit throwing punches he didn't. I believe that is why Peters came over to fight him and finally Peters fighting a goalie crossed the line and someone should have responded but who from the Senators would have gotten into it, one of the many stars on the ice.

Sioux 7 Addresses the Officating in the WCHA.

The Officating

I have beening stewing about the whole ref situation in the WCHA.

How can a league with so much talent, on all the teams, have such sub-standard officials.

I know they get reviewed and even get graded. So why don't they publish their scores... if they did we could see who is passing with an "A" or "B" and who is average with a "C" and who needs some improvement with a "D" or if they are failing with an "F" its time to go back down the ladder to juniors or high school reffing.

Can't we get some old college players as refs. Like some from out in H.E. for example they have some good players that don't make the pro's. They know the rules and can match the speed of the game.

Or maybe the W needs a a two ref system. So the players know that they cannot get away with as much clutch-n-grab-n-hook as they do now.

I think the the situation right now is good for any WCHA team going into the NCAA. The other ref's in other leagues will be calling the games. This means good offensive teams wouldn't be impedded as they are in the W. Which should result in a number of power play opportunities.

I also believe poor officiating is why you see some "altercations" in games. Players get frustrated when they are being hooked and held and the ref's aren't calling it, especially on "offensive scoring opportunities."

Just my 7 cents worth.

Lucia calls SCSU a second Rate School.

Check out this Statement by tDon
Check out what Don Lucia said about SCSULink to the article

Lucia points out that every program has its advantages.

"It's not very expensive to go to school at St. Cloud," Lucia said. "If Denver gives a kid a half-scholarship, it still costs the player $20,000. At St. Cloud, a half-scholarship costs the kid $5,000.

"And it's a lot easier to get a kid into St. Cloud [academically] than it is to get a kid into here. As long as you are [an academic] qualifier, you can get into school there."

Did Lucia just call SCSU a second rate school. For 20,000.00 you can get someone else to do your home work for you too. Just kidding.

Links to the DU and UND series

Linkorama

Here are some of the links:
Let's Go DU
Brad's Blog GF Herald
For Stats
Denver post
Brad's Grand Forks Herald Article

DU and UND, time to get it on.

DU and UND

This weekend series between the UND Fighting Sioux and DU Pioneers is an important series to say the least. This weekends games will also feature the first game Robbie Bina and Jeff Paukovich have played together since the illegal checking from behind incident at the 2005 Final Five that left Robbie Bina nearly paralyzed, Bina has since made a full recovery and is playing a big role on this years team. Jeff Paukovich has been scoring more frequently as of late and has 7 goals and 9 assists for 16 points.

Pauko

Time to Forget About Paukovich

Although I was very unhappy of seeing what transpired during the 2005 final five when Robbie was carried off the ice on a stretcher and Jeff Paukovich sat in the penalty box smirking. It’s over.

This series is an important one; it’s about getting important league points and securing home ice and a trip to the NCAA tourney. This series isn’t about settling scores and taking selfish penalties. Face it Sioux fans the kid is never going to drop the gloves and fight; a lot of believed the issue would have been settled if Jeff would have simply dropping the mitts and fought someone, getting it over with for good, but he wouldn’t and wont. So with that being said, I believe it’s time to Sioux fans to forget about it and move on.

Robbie Bina Makes a Come Back

Robbie Bina after sitting out a year on a medical red shirt has come back and played like a man possessed. I believe it wasn't for his Judy's Bar incident he might be getting some love in the Hobey Baker voting. Historically Bina is not usually known for his offensive prowess is ranked 5th on the team in points as he has scored 8 goals and 12 assists. One of the goals made sports center and was ranked the number one view clip on YouTube.



Bad Blood Between two Heated Rivals.

To say there is a lot of bad blood between these two teams is an understatement, the Pioneers and Sioux have an extensive storied history the last four years, with some heated battles, there has also been a lot of talking on the ice and some rough play. The games have been fun to watch and neither team likes the other very much as well.

DU and UND historically

DU has beaten UND 3 times to win a National Championship. In my opinion, there is no time like the present to turn the tables on Denver Pioneers; it’s time for the Fighting Sioux to take some of that back what is rightfully theirs.

Former Fighting Sioux hockey player Mike Prpich once said, “they stole two rings off our fingers in referring to the 2004 and in 2005 season. Really, the only thing that kept the Sioux from winning another national title was the Denver Pioneers. Both teams have 7 NCAA titles 7=7.

Check out this Picture of Belfour.

Belfour with the Mullet
I found this picture of former Sioux goalie Eddie Belfour over on Waiting for Stanley check out the mullet.

Belfour Reaches Milestone

Feb 13th, 2007 Eddie Belfour reached 76 shutout for his professional career. That ties him with hockey great Tony Esposito, an impressive feat in my opinion.

Prpich Checks Paukovich's cup

This should bring back some memories from last years series between the Pioneers and the Fighting Sioux. Gwoz snaps and gets kicked out of the game. I didn't realize that Gwoz was that short.

This one shows the whole incident including the snap by the DU coach.

WCHA Strength of Schedule

Check out the WCHA's SOS
I didn't know about this till my buddy Sioux7 told me about this.
This is really telling how tough the WCHA is.

1.) 18 Wisconsin .5250 30t 14-15-3 .4844 .5386
2.) 27 Minnesota State .5045 42 11-17-6 .4118 .5354
3.) 4 St. Cloud State .5761 5 18-6-6 .7000 .5348
4.) 1 Minnesota .6030* 2 25-5-3 .8030 .5343
5.) 8 North Dakota .5487 16t 17-11-4 .5938 .5337
6.) 15 Colorado College .5352 24 16-13-3 .5469 .5313
7.) 32 Alaska-Anchorage .4997 41 12-17-3 .4219 .5257
8.) 21 Michigan Tech .5144 30t 13-14-5 .4844 .5244
9.) 37 Minnesota-Duluth .4866 48t 10-18-4 .3750 .5238
10.) 7 Denver .5502 12 20-11-3 .6324 .5228

This is how the WCHA matches up against the other high ranked teams.
3 Notre Dame .5765* 1 26-5-3 .8088 40 .4984
5 Clarkson .5588 4 20-7-5 .7031 18 .5107
6 BU .5561 6 17-5-9 .6935 20 .5103

The Latest Projections for UND in the NCAA Tourney

I say bring it on
Here is the latest prediction from
Matt Latham It looks like the Fighting Sioux need to win a couple of big games on the road to get their road bonus up there, it appears that a few of the Sioux opponents dropped from being a TUC. That won't be a problem with a couple of wins or ties against DU and SCSU.

NCAA Projections *Updated* (2-18-07)
East (Rochester, NY; Host: ECACHL)
1. St. Cloud State (18-6-6, #4 PWR)
2. Clarkson (20-7-5, #5 PWR)
3. North Dakota (17-11-4, #12 PWR)
4. Michigan State (18-11-3, #13 PWR)

West (Denver, CO; Host: Denver U)
1. Notre Dame (26-5-3, #3 PWR) *auto*
2. Boston U (17-5-9, #6 PWR)
3. Denver U (20-11-3, T-#8 PWR)
4. St. Lawerence (19-11-2, T-#16 PWR) *auto*

Midwest Regional (Grand Rapids, MI; Host: Western Michigan)
1. Minnesota (25-5-3, #1 PWR) *auto*
2. Maine (19-10-2, #7 PWR)
3. Michigan (22-11-1, T-#8 PWR)
4. Sacred Heart (19-9-4, UNR PWR) *auto*

Northeast (Manchester, NH; Host: New Hampshire)
1. New Hampshire (22-6-2, #2 PWR) *auto*
2. Miami U (22-10-4, T-#8 PWR)
3. Boston College (18-11-1, T-#8 PWR)
4. Niagara (17-11-4, T-#21 PWR) *auto*

Last 2 In: North Dakota, Michigan State
First 2 Out: Colorado College, Vermont

Running with the Dog's preview to the UMD and UND Hockey Series.

A Bulldog Primer

by Runninwiththedogs

Hello, Fighting Sioux Fans! In case you were unaware, your opponents this weekend are the UMD Bulldogs. I just thought I’d be helpful and give you the inside scoop on our boys, in case your scouts were busy at Judy’s or something.

Forwards
Drew Akins: Grinder and sporadic scorer of points.
Andrew Carroll: Might punch you in the face. Bulldog captain and grinder.
Mike Curry: Can kill you just by looking at you. RWD favorite, so LAY OFF, SUCKA.
Jordan Fulton: Came to the ‘Dogs straight from high school (unfortunately, it was Breck.) Better than Okposo (or would be if he had Crazy as a linemate, too.)
Michael Gergen: Former standout at Shattuck-St. Mary’s. Yes, you read that correctly.
Logan Gorsalitz: Penalty kill specialist who will see regular playing time next year. Unlikely for this series.
Matt Greer: Grinder and occasional goal-scorer.
Nick Kemp: Hometown boy. Nicknamed Kemper the Wrecker. Will drop the gloves if needed.
Jeff McFarland: One of the best PKers in the WCHA. Stepped up offensively this year as well.
Bryan McGregor: Shorthanded sniper, with 3 SHGs on the year. Occasionally misses on a clean breakaway/penalty shot.
Matt McKnight: Bulldog co-captain and RWD favorite.
Mason Raymond: Faster than a speeding bullet and more powerful than a locomotive.
MacGregor Sharp: Bruce Ciskie says he is hot. RWD concurs.

Defensemen
Jay Cascalenda: Has mostly been playing defense but could potentially be a forward. Will probably not be in the lineup due to Garrison’s return.
Jason Garrison: Noted Denver killer. Returning to the ice this weekend after a long absence due to injury.
Travis Gawryletz: Nicknamed Grawler, no longer has exceptionally long hair.
Ryan Geris: The old man of the team. Nearly retired from hockey due to some cheap asses giving him concussions.
Josh Meyers: Power play sniper, he has only one even-strength goal, an empty-netter against Denver.
Matt Niskanen: Iron Range stud, second on tDogs in points. Scored a goal for MSU-M, symbolizing the low point of this season. RWD favorite.
Trent Palm: First Bulldog from the USNTDP. Cake-eater from Edina.
Chase Ryan: Freshman who likes the physical game. Unlikely for this weekend.

Goaltenders
Josh Johnson: Probable Saturday starter.
Alex Stalock: Probable Friday starter. Offensive threat as well.
Nate Ziegelmann: Former goaltender at UND. Be sure to say hi when you pass him in the stands.

Coaches
Lee Davidson: Former UND assistant coach, in case you forgot.
Steve Rohlik: May melt your face off just by yelling.
Scott Sandelin: Former UND assistant coach. Currently in the doghouse with many UMD fans. Not going to be bought out, so stop asking.
Bill Watson: Hobey Baker winner, scoring machine, helper of old ladies crossing streets, wearer of bow ties, drinker of booze. Lots and lots of booze. Or so I hear.

Bloggers
Bruce Ciskie: Radio hack who never blogs about hockey anymore. Only NASCAR and college football.
FullDECC: Sporadic blogger about UMD and high school hockey.
Runninwiththedogs: Escapee from a local mental asylum.

Read the Goon's guewst article at Gooning it Up I would like to thank Running with the Dogs for being given the opportunity to write for her blog this week. Goon is a religious reader of RWD's blog spot.

Good College Hockey Fight.

This should get you read for the game tonight. I know this is from a couple of years back but it was a good bout. The Announcer kind of sounds like a homer. Just kidding Scott. Udovich for Bemidji State and Priewe for the Air Force Academy in a hockey fight from Feb. 8, 2002 at the John Glas Fieldhouse in Bemidji, Minnesota.

So This isn't Hostile and Abusive?

Horse S#!t
Thanks to SoCalSioux from USCHO for bringing this to my attention. The NCAA has deemed that the University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux to be hostile and abusive. Funny thing is you will never see the Tomahawk chop ever done at REA, the Betty or the Alerus. Sucks to be us doesn't it. Personally I want it to be known that I like FSU football, beat the Gators. I just hate the NCAA's stupidity. End of Rant.

When you see the World through Maroon and Gold Shades

I found this over on Gopher Puck Live

skiumah2 said: The Gophers won 7 straight games at the X from the 2002 Frozen Four through the 2004 Final 5. 2 Frozen Four games, 4 Final 5 games, and one non conference game against Ohio St. Those Gopher teams were 3 of the best Minnesota squads ever. It's understandable they had success during that time period. They likely win those games no matter where they play them. Minnesota also won 1 Final 5 at the old Civic Center and 2 Final 5's in Milwaukee. They didn't win any of the Final 5's played at Target Center. With the exception of the fore mentioned 7 game run, Minnesota hasn't really faired any better than any of the other top dogs in the WCHA, especially when the event has been in the Twin Cities. In fact, Minnesota's winning percentage is extremely higher at the Bradley Center then it is at the Civic Center, Target Center, or the Xcel Center. While the Gophers have always had the "home ice" type crowd support, playing at the X has not given Minnesota any significant advantage over the rest of the WCHA. At least in terms of on ice results.

Also, the "Minnesota Rule" that demands Minnesota play the Friday night game even if they are in the 2 or 3 seed spot. That doesn't help them in any way at all. I love when opposing fans bring that one up. I agree its unfair, but it's an unfairness that doesn't give Minnesota any advantage what so ever. I've never understood how people think it is.

I have to hand to him that is a funny rant; I am not sure how this guys is able to say this with a straight face. We listen to the same thing every year. This season there is no doubt that the Gophers are going to be awarded the McNaughten Anchor, no body is going to catch them, not even the Huskies, but what if the Gophers were having a bit of a down year in the standing? There is no way that person could say with a straight face that the Minnesota Rule doesn't help them. Yeah; Ok. Here is a suggestion, lets say the Gophers give the Minnesota rule up then. Right, it will never happen.

Seriously, lets get real. The Minnesota Rule is totally advantagious to the Gophers, there is not doubt about it. Especially if the winner of the play in game is supposed to play the number one seed and ends up playing in the 2:00 PM game. I am sure most Gopher fans would say, "finish your season better". Personally I really don't have a big problem with the league wanting to capitalise on revenue because it gets split 10 different ways, but don't insult people intelegience with those type of statements.