Back from Europe (by Sioux 7)

I was on vacation for a couple of weeks, during that time I was in England, France, and Italy.

I did see most of the famous places in the big cities of London, Paris, and Rome. If you ever get the chance to travel overseas, I highly recommend it is a excellent experience (this was my 3rd trip to Europe). Here are a couple of pictures of some of the famous places I saw.













Stonehenge



Big Ben w/ the London Eye in the back ground



The Eiffel Tower in Paris



The Colesium in Rome

Random thoughts

I would like to expand on this topic that I posted on at USCHO.COM...

Originally Posted by jk on USCHO.Com
Couple things about Lee.
However, I had pretty much the same thoughts on Okposo, and I think his recent decision (rather, the decision made for him by the NYI) might be a sign that teams are starting to see the value in leaving players in college. So now I think there is a chance that he might return.

My Post:
I am glad that not all the GM's in the NHL are anti College and in a hurry to yank these kids out of college. As we can see the WCHA has done a pretty good job preparing kids for the NHL. Insert example: Matt Carle, Zach Parise, Phil Kessel etc...

I was re-listening to the interview that Puffy did with tDon on KFAN after the Gopher's season was ended by the Sioux in March (Yeah I know). Basically Universityh of Minnesota head coach Don Lucia said something that really hit home. Maybe it was pointed at some of his players as well. His message was: your time in school for the most part is fun and a very short, don't make any rash decision. Once you sign your contract your an employee and its not always as fun as it's perceived to be. It's not all glamour and its a business.
You have to love the i-Pod option.

the Player only gets 4 years to play and then your career is over. Don went on to say that he has never heard a player regret leaving college too late, but has heard a few say they left way too early. he mentioned Jake Taylor and how he would have like to re-thought his decision. Then tDon made reference to former all-American Jordan Leopold and how he came back his fourth year and hit the jack pot... NCAA, Hobey Baker...

I guess it's up to the player and we will move on eventually no matter what Lee's decision is... The fact it's taken so long makes it more and more nerve racking. Sioux fans want to know who is going to be there when the puck drops on October 7th...

The Break Down

There are few top players (Schneider, B.C.; Goligoski, Minnesota; Lee, UND) in college hockey are deciding if they want to make the next step and sign a professional contract and start getting paid to play hockey, a child home dream of many of these players. Each of the players has a little different situation.

Brian Lee probably has no chance to make the Senators opening day roster and has basically shown an interest to sign a professional contract even though the senators have been on record and hinted he should go back to school and work on his development.

The Canucks want to sign Cory Schneider, he is probably destined to the back up role or more than likely is off to tend goal for the Manitoba Moose due to Canucks having a top flight goalie Roberto Luongo as their starter for the next three years. The mind set of many hockey pundents is that Cory could develop more in the AHL than in the NCAA. Also some have suggested that the Canucks could trade Cory for a top UFA that can make an immediate impact on the Canucks team.

Goligoski seems to have the best chance to make the pens if his off season injury/surgery heals in time to play in the fall. Of course Gophers fans are holding their breath and basically coming up with all the reason why Goli should come back tot the Gophers. Pittsburg is not going to risk losing Goligoski to another team and will make a serious push to get him locked up to a entry level contract...

The move on to the next level means they will forgo the rest of their college eligibility. One would believe this is a tough decision due to the fact these players have taken so long to make the decision.

A BU hockey fan's hockey picture.

I found this great picture over on USCHO. As a college hockey fan you got to love the BU and B.C. rivalry. Its pretty much a given that B.C. fans are almost just as hated as our rivals to the South in Minnesoda. The BU and BC rivalry seems like its more heated than the Fighting Sioux and Gophers, at least we can sit in the bar after the game and drink a beer without killing each other Fuck'em up, Fuck'em up, BC SUCKS . It's a picture that was posted from a Boston University fan. Ah yes; enjoying your rivals misfortune.

A couple of rumors.

The New England Sports Network reported during the Boston Red Sox pre-game show last night that Boston College Eagles goalie and Sioux Nemesis Corey Schneider is going to sign with the Vancover Canucks. I guess the Fighting Sioux won't have Corey Schneider around to score on anymore.

Ecklund from HockeyBuzz.com is reporting that Willie Mitchell is headed back to Minnesota. Although a lot of what Ecklund reports doesn't come true this is a free agent pick up that I would really applaud and hope happens.

Here is an interesting story on Toby Peterson

I found this story on line about former C.C. Tiger's player Toby Peterson and current Edmonton Oiler. Toby talks about his day to day life and dealing with type 1 diabetes. While living with diabetes can't be easy, imagine living with the diabetes and while playing hockey in the NHL. That would have to be even be more challenging. Toby actually plays the game wearing an insulin pump. Toby Peterson played at C.C. from 1996-2000 scoring 128 point in 138 games.

Ben Blood Video

I found this video of Sioux recruit Ben Blood on line. To say that I am excited about him being a Fighting Sioux is an understatement. The Senator's fans are rightfully excited as well...

Ben Blood Video

The Universal Cynic: Ben Blood: Potential marketing bonanza

Here is an interesting perspective on UND recruit Ben Blood who was selected by the Ottawa Senators in the fourth round, 120 overall. It appears that the Senators are looking for a big tough rugged defenseman to counter big tough teams like the Ducks:

The Universal Cynic: Ben Blood: Potential marketing bonanza

Brian Murray wants the Sens to be tougher, so how can you go wrong with a kid with a moniker straight out of a B-movie slasher flick?

In the fourth round of the '07 Entry Draft, newly minted GM Bryan Murray and his think tank took Ben Blood -- a 6'3", 212 lb. left-handed defenseman originally from Shattuck St. Mary's, however, Blood was recruited by the University of North Dakota late last year. The blueliner could join the Fighting Sioux as early as September, which means he would be playing alongside '05 first round pick Brian Lee (assuming Lee stays in school).

Brian Lee has been knocked in the past for his soft play, but it doesn't look like that will be an issue for Blood -- he comes with a physical game and an offensive presence. Ben played in 63 games in 2006-07 for Shattuck St. Mary's, finishing with 36 points (11 G, 23 A) and 144 PIM (he had only 32 in 2005-'06).

The Best hits from the Stanley Cup Finals

I will have to say that this years finals was full of hard hits and physical play, I hope that continues. Also, its nice to see Chris Neil actually making a legal hit as well... I didn't know that guy knew how to make a hit that wasn't a elbow to the head of the oppostion player.

Ex-NHL Official to head the ECAC Officials

This is a big time story

Former NHL official Paul Stewart is going to head the ECAC officials. I think this is a great move for the ECAC and I almost wish the WCHA would follow suit, I am sure fellow siouxsports.com reader/contributer Redwing_77 does as well, both of us are not fans of the current WCHA head of officials. One could say that I am jealous with envy. It should be no mystery that if I could change one thing in college hockey it would be the accoutability of the on ice officials.

For those that have watched NHL hockey know that Paul Stewart is a class act and a great hockey mind and is one of them most beloved officials ever in the NHL. It is the opinion of this blogger that NCAA Division 1 College hockey is a high profile sport and should have the very best personnel officiating the games. We should not accept any less as college hockey fans.

ALBANY, N.Y. — ECAC Hockey has again changed its Supervisor of Officials, but this time may have landed someone with staying power.

Paul Stewart, a one-time National Hockey League referee and former player at Penn, was named by the league.

"We are thrilled that Paul will join our League staff," said ECAC Hockey Commissioner Steve Hagwell. "His reputation and standing within the hockey community is incomparable, and his wealth of experience as a player and on-ice official at the highest levels of the sport provide tremendous leadership, knowledge and expertise that surely will enhance the League."
---------snip---------
Stewart competed in the ECAC for Penn from 1973-75 and then enjoyed a professional career that included the NHL and World Hockey Association (WHA). Stewart assumes the leadership role of an officiating staff that comprised more than 40 officials in 2006-07.

"The vitality and school spirit that hockey brings to our college campuses is electric. ECAC Hockey has long been known for its combination of athletic and academic excellence," Stewart said. "My role is to assist our staff, coaches, players, and administration in elevating the standards of officiating to even more consistent and higher levels of quality. It is a responsibility that I have prepared my entire life for. In being give this opportunity I add another spoke to a life in hockey for which I am honored to be a part."

WCHA Departures: Who is Next?

So Who is Next?

So are the Gophers the next WCHA team to lose another star player? The Pens want to meet with Minnesota defenseman Alex Goligoski this week. It's no mystery that Goli is an awesome defensive prospect with a great upside on the offensive side of the ice. It is my opinion that Alex is one of the best in the WCHA if not the NCAA. Goligoski would also fit nicely into the Pens up tempo style of play.

Penguins to meet with prospect Goligoski
By Rob Rossi
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Tuesday, June 19, 2007

The Penguins could have a firm grasp on the immediate future of prospect Alex Goligoski after the prized University of Minnesota defenseman meets Tuesday with team officials in the Twin Cities. Goligoski, the club's second-round pick (61st overall) in the 2004 entry draft, will meet general manager Ray Shero for the first time this morning. Assistant general manager Chuck Fletcher also will attend the face-to-face meeting -- perhaps an indication that the team expects to learn from Goligoski, 21, his intentions for the upcoming season.

Goligoski, a left-handed offensive-minded defenseman, scored 25 goals and recorded 98 points in 118 games over the past three seasons with Minnesota. However, he has informed college coaches and teammates that he wishes to decide soon whether to return for his final year of eligibility or turn pro.

Considered one of the top defensemen in collegiate hockey, Goligoski, a second-team All-American, would seem a long shot to play in the NHL next season. But he would rate a serious contender to play for the Penguins' AHL affiliate in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.

Nothing on Brian Lee

The Goon is predicting that Brian Lee will be announcing this week that he is returning for another season of hockey at the University of North Dakota.

The Senators have a deep prospect group on defense led by 2005 ninth overall pick Brian Lee, who will likely play another season with University of North Dakota before turning pro...

The Following Sioux Players are UFA's

The List of Fighting Sioux UFA's

Matt Jones Phoenix Coyotes
Jason Blake NY Islanders
Made 1,558,000 during the 2006-2007 season
Ecklund from hockey buzz has Jason going back to the Islanders
Matt Greene Edmonton Oilers
Zach Parise New Jersey Devils
Zach made 703,000 in 2006-2007 expect a big pay day.
David Hale Calgary Flames
Brandon Bochenski Boston Bruins
Brandon is locked up in Boston has he has signed a one year deal with the Bruins.

The month of Firings?

Let the Firings Begin

The Boston Bruins gave Dave Lewis his walking papers this week after only one season of coaching the Bruins and also according to the Toronto Sun, the Ottawa Senators have fired general manager John Muckler. I guess Muckler will no longer be trying to sign Brian Lee eh?

My first question to the Bruins is why did they wait so long to fire Lewis, especially with the draft coming up? Now in an contrast of the two situations: John Muckler takes his team to the Stanley Cup finals and still gets fired while Dave Lewis for the most part was inaffective the whole season as the coach of the Boston Bruins going 1-10-1 down the stretch, that is only three points out of a possible 24 points.

Muckler Gone
Muckler wouldn't discuss the issue with the paper, directing all inquiries to Senators owner Eugene Melnyk.

"I haven't been told anything," Muckler told the Sun when asked about potential changes.

But two senior NHL executives told Sun Media they believe Melnyk gave Muckler his walking papers on Friday.

Related Info
Something is imminent in Ottawa
Senators president Roy Mlakar told the newspaper that Muckler's future will be decided by ''the end of the weekend

Former Gopher Phil Kessel wins the Masterton

Former Golden Gophers and Bruins Rookie Phil "the Thrill" Kessel picked up the Masterton throphy at the National Hockey League awards show. It was the first time that a rookie has been awarded the award.

A Posstive from a season of Negatives

In a season where not too many things went right for the Boston Bruins, it's good to see a Bruins player get reconized for something other than being on a losing team and missing the playoffs yet again.


The Story Link

The Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy is awarded annually to the NHL player who “best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to the game of hockey” by the Professional Hockey Writers' Association. The Trophy was first presented by the PHWA in 1968 to commemorate the late William Masterton, a player for the Minnesota North Stars, who died on January 15, 1968 after sustaining an injury on the ice.

“I am honored to be named this year's recipient of the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy,” said Kessel. "The list of players who have received this award in the past is incredible, and I am a little shocked to be included in such a prestigious group.

"I am fortunate to be surrounded by many great people who all helped me through last season, especially my family, my friends and my teammates, as well as the entire Boston Bruins medical staff.

"To Bruins fans everywhere, I would like to say 'thanks' for all of your kind words and support. You were in my corner from game one, and I am very excited about being a member of the Bruins organization for years to come.”

Kessel, who was selected fifth overall by the Bruins in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, played one season of college hockey at the University of Minnesota before joining Boston last fall.

The highly regarded 19-year old forward from Madison, Wisconsin was off to a productive start to his rookie campaign when he was diagnosed with embryonal testicular carcinoma, or testicular cancer, on December 9, 2006. On December 11, Kessel underwent surgery to remove the cancer, and on December 16, 2006 was announced cancer-free by Bruins team physician, Dr. David Judge.

Three weeks after surgery Kessel was back to practicing with the team, and returned to Bruins line-up on January 9, 2007 in Ottawa versus the Senators.

So is Lee Moving on?

Still no official news on the Brian Lee front other than this:Article that was Posted on Sioux Sports

* In addition, Muckler said team officials are "attempting to sign" defenseman Brian Lee, the ninth overall pick in 2005, and right wing Jim McKenzie, a fifth-round pick in 2004.

The 6-foot-3, 190-pound Lee just wrapped up his sophomore season with the University of North Dakota, and Muckler said there's a "possibility" he could come out early. McKenzie had 12 goals and 18 assists as a junior with Michigan State last season.

Maybe this is why we haven't heard too much on Brian Lee lately. Like I have said in many instances I would like to see him come back to the Fighting Sioux and make a run at a national championship, I believe that UND will be that good this season with what they have retained in the off season, however, thats is up to Brian Lee to decide and if he leaves, so be it. I believe that most Sioux fans (including Sioux_7) would welcome Brian back with open arms but if he wants to go pro hey good luck to you Brian and get the money while you can. Life is about decisions and I can't fault a kid for wanting to take the money, heck if someone told me hey you could make 200,000.00 if you sign on the dotted line I would do it in a nano second.

Also, with Derrick Lapoint coming in this fall and the emergence of Chay Genoway frankly the Sioux won't miss a beat without Brian.

Alright lets make a decision: Waiting on Brian Lee

You would probably know if you read siouxsports.com that much maligned Sioux sophomore defenseman Brian Lee is supposed to let Sioux fans know if he is going to sign a professional contract or not soon, however, there is still has been no official decision announced as of yet. OK, many of us would like to know what your decision is going to be. So whats it going to be? Inquiring minds want to know.

Should I stay or should I go now?

There have been quite a few people discussion the Brian Lee situation and if he is going to sign a professional contract or not. Frankly, there is nothing else to talk about, on the flip side of that equation, last season Fighting Sioux fans were discussion how many players that home town team was going to lose. This season we are talking about how players aren't leaving and where are we going to put everyone. I have heard through the rumor mill that the Senators have told Lee that he needs to stay in school.

The Sioux will be fine

The Fighting Sioux will be fine this season regardless if they lose Brian Lee or not, especially with Derrick Lapoint coming in fall. While most of us will welcome Brian Lee back with open arms. In his two season with the Fighting Sioux Brian Lee drafted in the first round (9th overall) by the Senators in 2005 Per Wikipedia has show both glimpses of greatness but also a propensity to be a little bit of a soft defensive player and at times has proven to be a defensive liability. Oh course based on Lee's age these problems could be attributed to this age.

Introducing a New Blog: Drun Roll Please

Dirty's Diatribe

There is a new blog in the making the it's appearance on the Hockey Blogsphere and this blog is written by the one and only cape wearing Dirty. Also, since Amy from Lets Go Mav's said I was slighting Dirty, that wasn't the case (Truth is last night it was really late and I didn't have a chance to read his article and get it on line)

Dirty, Dirty, Dirty

Dirty, who's famous (or should I say infamous?!?) on USCHO has started his own BLOG and also took time out of his busy schedule of posting on USCHO to answer my questions.

Below are his answers...in typical Dirty fashion. Enjoy!

TEAM NAME: University of North Dakota

HOW DID YOU GET THE NICKNAME DIRTY: Don’t you read RWD’s blog? You ask her to contribute to your blog when you don’t even read hers? Seems kind of selfish of you. (I read it all the time but I can't be expected to remember every little detail!!)

BEST FORWARD: Keeway Gaboo. Yes he plays for UND. Look it up if you really want to know. (This is some stupid name for TJ Oshie..."stupid little asshead" works better for me though!)

BEST DEFENSEMAN: Taylor Chorney

YOUR PERSONAL FAVORITE PLAYER & WHY: The Oshie. He is The Oshie, no further explanation is necessary.

YOUR PREDICTION FOR YOUR TEAM CAPTAINS IN 2008: Robbie Bina – A Kyle Radke – A Taylor Chorney – C

WHY ARE YOU A FAN OF YOUR TEAM: Beause the Hrkac Circus is the greatest line in the history of college hockey. I grew up in East Grand Forks and went to school at UND. Also Justin Dubermann, as said by Scott Hennan, is the greatest name in the history of college hockey.

BEST ARENA SONG: Fight on Sioux

BEST TRADITION YOUR TEAM HAS: Being almost as big of goons as the Mankato Normal School. I mean the Mankato State Teachers College. I mean Mankato State College. I mean Mankato State University. I mean Minnesota State University-Mankato. (If Dirty thinks our players are Goons, he should get his butt to Kato and see the fight I can put up. I may be a girl but I'm scrappy and could kick his ass. Oh, and for the record it was only "Mankato State University AND Minnesota State University, Mankato" when I went to school there! Sorry...I'll try to find some rich old bigot to donate money to our school to FORCE us to keep a name!)

YOUR PREDICTION FOR THE UPCOMING SEASON: The Maloney Pony makes a fool out of CPZ. (This is some weird bet between Dirty and MeanEgirl)

THE TEAM IN THE WCHA YOU DESPISE THE MOST: Denver Pioneers

YOUR SECOND FAVORITE TEAM IN THE WCHA: Once again, don’t you read RWD’s blog? Michigan Tech. Duh.

YOUR FAVORITE WCHA ARENA (BESIDES YOUR OWN!): tDECCWCHA

COACH YOU HAVE THE MOST RESPECT FOR: Troy Jutting. Any man who can overcome starring in a movie with Cher, deserves my respect (Ok, this almost made me pee my pants! Awesome answer!!)

OPPOSING WCHA PLAYER YOU DESPISE THE MOST: Geoff Paukovich. Take note Goon, I can properly spell Paukovich’s first name. (Be nice, Goon sometimes has grammar and spelling issues. He works nights and is republican, so his brain doesn't work right!)

BEST JERSEYS: Grand Rapids High School. You didn’t say anything about it having to be a WCHA team. (I guess I need to be more specific for the slow kids...)

WORST JERSEYS: Mankato. They have improved though since that wretched NY Rangers style jersey a few years ago. (Smart talk coming from a guy who wants Hollywood's jersey SO bad!)

SHOULD THE WCHA HAVE ALLOWED BEMIDJI TO JOIN: Sure. Another whipping boy from Minnesota is always welcome. Plus the Glas Fieldhouse is awesome. I love going to places that are fire hazard death traps.

WHICH TEAMS WILL FINISH IN THE TOP 3 IN THE WCHA: Gophers, Sioux, Pioneers

PREDICTIONS ON THE 5 TEAMS TO MAKE THE 2008 FINAL 5: Gophers, Sioux, Pioneers, Tech and Tigers

MOST ANNOYING WCHA FORWARD EVER & WHY: Dan Kronick. When he’s on the ice, I can’t see past his chin.

MOST ANNOYING WCHA DEFENSEMAN EVER & WHY: Nate Metcalf. No reason, I just wanted to mention the guy I graduated with who played for the Mavs.

HOTTEST MALE WCHA PLAYER: Robby Nolan. (What?!?! I thought Hollywood was his mancrush....)

BEST BLOGGER: dggoddard. I mean Let’sGoMavs. Whew that was close. (Damn right I'm better than dggoddard!! Ok...so kidding. Many bloggers put me to shame!)

BEST POSTER ON USCHO: [cf]authentic. Oops, I misread. I thought you said biggest a-hole.

JUSTIFY WHY UND DOESN'T SUCK AND WHY I SHOULD ACTUALLY LIKE THEIR FANS: I can’t justify either, especially the fans part. A lot of UND fans, like [cf]authentic, are a bunch of jerkoffs.

AND, JUST FOR ME….

THE MAVERICK PLAYER YOU LIKE THE MOST & WHY: This question is completely unnecessary for me to answer. Much like Highlander, there can be only one. (yes, we all know Dirty has a mancrush on Hollywood....it kinda freaks me out actually!)

THE MAVERICK PLAYER YOU LIKE THE LEAST & WHY: Kurtis Kisio. He wouldn’t tell me how Hollywood got his hair so awesome. Plus he spells his name with a K and that’s just dumb. Kelly should be stripped of his NHL stats for that. (Ouch! and I thought that I was rough on Kisio!)

WHAT IS YOUR JUSTIFICATION FOR BEING SO OFF THE WALL THAT YOU THINK CHRIS CLARK LIKES YOU BETTER THAN ME: Among the many reasons is that I am willing to go with the Hollywood hairstyle. That’s devotion right there and I know Chris appreciates it. (and how would Dirty know if I had the mohawk or not? Maybe I do!! Maybe Hollywood frosted it for me...hmm....)

WILL YOU BE VISITING THE MWCC THIS COMING SEASON? (AND IF NOT START EXPLAINING WHY): Maybe. Depends if I can get work off. And if I can get free tickets. And if I can get a free place to stay. If all these things happen, I’ll be there with bells on. Provided I can find suitable bells. (Well, please have SOMETHING on. We don't need a naked Dirty at the MWCC. Oh, and be sure to let us know if you're coming so Hollywood has time to get the restraining order!)

Sioux _7 Makes an appearance on Lets Go Mav's

Check it out

Answers from Sioux_7
(Note Sioux_& is the guy hidding in the back)
Goon's buddy, Sioux_7 wanted to get in on the action with my questions....so with no further delay, here are his answers!! (Can you believe I'm letting this many Sioux fans write on my blog? I must be getting nicer in the off season!!)


TEAM NAME: FIGHTING SIOUX

BEST FORWARD: T.J. OSHIE (Oshie is a tool...that kid drives me nuts!)

BEST DEFENSEMAN: TAYLOR CHORNEY (JOE FINLEY GETS MY MOST IMPROVED D-MAN AWARD.)

YOUR PERSONAL FAVORITE PLAYER & WHY: T.J. OSHIE, HE PLAYS A COMPLETE GAME ALL THE WAY AROUND. GOOD PUCK HANDLING SKILLS, GOOD DEFENSE IN HIS OWN END, AND HE GIVES 100% EVERY TIME HE IS ON THE ICE.

YOUR PREDICTION FOR YOUR TEAM CAPTAINS IN 2008: C-ROBBIE BINA, A-T.J. OSHIE, A-TAYLOR CHORNEY

WHY ARE YOU A FAN OF YOUR TEAM: I’M A PROUD UND ALUMNI, I ATTEND COLLEGE THERE FOR 6+ YEARS AND EARNED A B.S. IN CHEMICAL ENGINEERING, AND MINORS IN MATH AND CHEMISTRY. (holy crap he must be smart....but it did take six years....)

BEST ARENA SONG: AT THE OLD RALPH I LIKED THE OLD SONG, “SNAP YOUR FINGERS, SNAP YOUR NECK” BY PRONG. AT THE NEW ENGELSTAD, IT WOULD BE “SEVEN NATION ARMY” BY THE WHITE STRIPES.

BEST TRADITION YOUR TEAM HAS: THE WINNING NCAA/WCHA TITLES IS NICE, AND I ENJOY SING THE “IN HEAVEN THERE IS NO BEER” SONG. (Why is "winning" the standard Sioux answer? It's annoying and makes me taste a little throw up when I read it. Hello! Traditions are songs, actions...things like that. Not just winning....ugg, Sioux fan arrogance! There's my rant, sorry had to get it out because Goon said the same thing and it's just arrogant!)

YOUR PREDICTION FOR THE UPCOMING SEASON: A TOP 3 FINISH IN THE LEAGUE, WITH ANOTHER TRIP TO THE NCAA TOURNEY IN MARCH/APRIL.

THE TEAM IN THE WCHA YOU DESPISE THE MOST: GOPHERS, THOSE LITTLE DIRTY RODENTS.

YOUR SECOND FAVORITE TEAM IN THE WCHA: DULUTH , I DON’T KNOW IF IT IS THE TOWN (QUITE SCENIC IT IS) OR MY FRIENDS THERE, OR SANDELIN IS AN OLD UND GUY OR SOMETHING, BUT I LIKE DULUTH .

YOUR FAVORITE WCHA ARENA (BESIDES YOUR OWN!): I’VE ONLY BEEN TO UMD’S AND SCSU’S FOR GAMES… I WILL CALL IT A TIE

WCHA COACH YOU HAVE THE MOST RESPECT FOR: I WOULD HAVE TO SAY GEORGE GWOZDECKY. SINCE PAUKOVICH WAS SUSPENDED ONE GAME BY THE LEAUGE, FOR THE HIT ON BINA THAT BROKE HIS NECK, HE GAME HIM ONE EXTRA GAME SUSPENSION. CLASSY MOVE J

OPPOSING WCHA PLAYER YOU DESPISE THE MOST: “IF YOU DON’T HAVE ANYTHING NICE TO SAY, DON’T SAY ANYTHING AT ALL.”

BEST JERSEYS : THE NEW BLACK SIOUX SWEATERS, OF COURSE. THE ONE THAT’S NOT A UND SWEATER WOULD HAVE TO GO TO… COLORADO COLLEGE , I LIKE THE TIGER HEAD. (WHAT IS UP WITH DENVER ’S LOGO? THEY HAVE SOME HAWK HEAD? WHAT DOES THAT HAVE TO DO WITH BEING A PIONEER?)

WORST JERSEYS: OH, I’M GOING TO HAVE TO SAY IT’S BETWEEN, ALASKA AND MANKATO . I DON’T CARE FOR THOSE PARTICULAR SHADES. ( WISCONSIN ’S ISN’T UGLY, BUT IT IS TOO PLAIN, CALL IN VANILLA. SCSU JUST COPIED MONTREAL , AND MINNESOTA ’S IS SORTA PLAIN TOO.) (Hello! Mankato's jerseys are one hundred times better than UAA's!!)

SHOULD THE WCHA HAVE ALLOWED BEMIDJI TO JOIN: I HAVE TOUCHED ON THIS SUBJECT BEFORE ON “GOON’S WORLD”. I WOULDN’T MIND SEEING THEM IN THE LEAGUE, IT MAKES SENSE FOR A GEOGRAPHICAL REASON. BUT I WANT TO SAVE THE OTHER TEAMS IN THE CHA AS WELL. WITH THAT MIND, I WOULD LIKE TO SEE A RESTRUCTURING IN A COUPLE OF THE COLLEGE HOCKEY LEAGUES, TO EVEN OUT THE CONFERENCES WITH ABOUT EQUAL AMOUNTS OF TEAMS IN EACH, THE WCHA, CCHA, AND CHA.

WHICH TEAMS WILL FINISH IN THE TOP 3 IN THE WCHA: UND, UM, SCSU

PREDICTIONS ON THE 5 TEAMS TO MAKE THE 2008 FINAL 5: UND, DU, MTU, SCSU, UMD (NO GOPHERS)

AND, JUST FOR ME….

THE MAVERICK PLAYER YOU LIKE THE MOST & WHY: BROWNLEE, I REMEMBER HIM, HE WAS A SOLID D-MAN

THE MAVERICK PLAYER YOU LIKE THE LEAST & WHY: “DON’T HATE THE PLAYER, HATE THE JUTTING” (Brilliant saying!! Told you he was smart!)

WILL YOU BE VISITING THE MWCC THIS COMING SEASON? (AND IF NOT START EXPLAINING WHY): I WOULD LIKE TO GO TO A GAME THERE, AS WELL AS ALL THE OTHER ARENA’S IN THE LEAGUE. I WILL HAVE CHECK WITH THE GOON AND MAYBE MAKE A TRIP IF IT WORKS OUT. (See, Goon needs to get his ass to Kato and bring Sioux_7 with him. Maybe they'll be able to change my opinion of Sioux fans!!)

Even the Experts were wrong: Kyle Okposo to stay at Minnesota

It would be an understatement if I said that I along with many others were shocked that Kyle Okposo decided to come back to the Minnesota Gophers for his Sophmore season. Everywhere you read on the internet or everyone you talked to said they thought he was leaving and signing with the NY Islanders. Heck, even hockey guru Lou Nannie said in his interview with Dan Barrerio last Tuesday that he was shocked that Kyle was coming back, in fact the week before Lou said he was 95% sure that Kyle was going to sign with the Islanders. I guess we can say that it has been a summer of surprises.

Everyone thought he was gone

Kyle Okposo had been considered as good as gone. Instead, the Gophers' chances of contending for a national championship next season got a lot better Wednesday when Okposo announced he would return for his sophomore season.

"I could have signed and gone to camp to try to make the team," Okposo said, "but in talking to them I felt it was better to develop for another year at the University of Minnesota. I'm still a kid, and [the NHL] is always going to be there."

Check out this Blog Article on Ducks Win.

Conn Smythe Trophy winner
santa-claus-leads-water-fowl-to-first Stanley Cup

This is a blog that I found today. Here is an interesting article about the Ducks and how they won the Stanley Cup, doing it the clean way. Yeah ok, the article does have a little bit of a sarcastic tone to it but it the author does hit a lot of the points many of us are talking/thinking about.

So in building hockey teams for the future in the new NHL: here is the 64,000.00 questions. Do you build a team like the Buffalo Sabres who were a small, skilled, fast team whom, I might add, was dismantled by the Senators during the eastern conference championship? Or… Do you built a team like the Ducks who ran the opposition out of the building by having a team of big strong bruising forwards that hit everything in sight and take the puck hard to the net?

Literally, the Ducks ran over many a goaltender to accomplish their goal of winning a Stanley Cup this season. The Ducks also played a rough and tumble brand of hockey that focused on strong goaltending and a trap style defense. The Ducks are a mean and nasty group that lead the league in fighting Majors; oh by the way the Ducks were proud of that fact. I am not saying I don’t admire that style of play, because I do; if that team in question had played a cleaner style of rough and tumble hockey.

I like a good fight like most hockey fans, however, a team can play rough tumble without making questionable plays like hitting to the head and going around trying to take out skilled players by sucker punching them or going after opposing players knees. Frankly, the Ducks were a bunch of thugs, lead by head Thug Brad May. Exhibit (A) was the sucker punch to the head of Kim Johnsson a skilled player for the Wild that never fights and happened to be their best defenseman. Now on the other side of the ice during the playoff Chris Neil is also a dirty hockey player that makes a lot of questionable hits on opposing players and it is only a matter of time before the league clamps down on him as well.

The new NHL done?

After watching how the games were refereed during the Stanley Cup Playoffs, I think there are GM’s that are going to rethink their strategies after watching the Ducks hook, hold and obstruct their way to the Stanley Cup Championship. The Refs in the playoffs were inconsistent and didn’t call the games the way they were during the regular season. This is a fact, the Wild and Ducks series was a testament to that. The Ducks proved that in the new NHL big strong teams could still beat and negate faster skilled skating teams like the Wild. That’s not to say that he Ducks were skilled up front they were, but they weren’t the best. It will be interesting to see how the league drafts the next couple of seasons.

Linkorama: Goon's makes an appearnace on Lets Go Mavs

Recently the Lets Go Mav's blogger asked her fellow WCHA bloggers a few questions here are my answer that I gave.


TEAM NAME:

The University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux

BEST FORWARD(s)
T.J. Oshie and Ryan Duncan

BEST DEFENSEMAN:
Taylor Chorney, Taylor could really be on his way to Edmonton to play for the Oiler’s if he wanted to.

YOUR PERSONAL FAVORITE PLAYER & WHY:
I like T.J. Oshie because I think he is the complete player, score and play defense. Oshie doesn’t skate around the opposition he skates through the opposition, he is tough, T.J. played half the season with a broken thumb, ouch! Oshie reminds me of my favorite ex-professional hockey player Cam “Bam” Neely

YOUR PREDICTION FOR YOUR TEAM CAPTAINS IN 2008:
Robbie Bina (a), Taylor Chorney (C) (a)____________someone.

WHY ARE YOU A FAN OF YOUR TEAM:
I graduated from the University of North Dakota with a BA and an MA in Sociology; I am probably the only Republican with a Masters in Sociology. I bleed Green and White and the sight of maroon and gold make me want to throw up.

BEST ARENA SONG:
Saturday night is all right for fighting.

BEST TRADITION YOUR TEAM HAS:
A tradition of winning (7 Titles NCAA titles and 13 WCHA titles) and competing for the NCAA/WCHA title every season.
Recently Lets Go Mav's asked her fellow blogers some questions. Here are my answers to the questions Amy asked us.

YOUR PREDICTION FOR THE UPCOMING SEASON:
Finish high in the WCHA standings. Sweep the Mav’s, beat them in the first round of the playoff and go to the Frozen Four. He, He, He… That one is for the Blog author.

THE TEAM IN THE WCHA YOU DESPISE THE MOST:
No Doubt the Minnesota Golden Gophers, I also despise the DU pioneers also, I think based on the rivalry between the two programs the last 4-5 years. Despise the teams don’t hate their fans.

YOUR SECOND FAVORITE TEAM IN THE WCHA:
I am a closet Mavericks fan. I guess the reason I am is that they never give up and they keep coming at what ever team they play.

YOUR FAVORITE WCHA ARENA (BESIDES YOUR OWN!):
Actually I have only been to SCSU (that place sucks there is a reason they call it the concrete center), Duluth and Minnesota, Minnesota was like a morgue when I went there. UMD was a fun place to see a game but the arena needs to be moth balled.


WCHA COACH YOU HAVE THE MOST RESPECT FOR:
Bob Motzko the coach of the Huskies and Scott Sandelin from Duluth, I also started to appreciate Troy Jutting more recently just because I think he has really done a decent job at MSU-M, I believe the man can coach and I think he will take that program to the next level if the fans in Mankato give him a chance.


OPPOSING WCHA PLAYER YOU DESPISE THE MOST:
Jeff Paukovich, no explanation needed.

BEST JERSEYS:
Fighting Sioux

WORST JERSEYS:
Wisconsin Badgers, come on you’re a big ten school at least come up with a better uniform than that.

SHOULD THE WCHA HAVE ALLOWED BEMIDJI TO JOIN:
Yes, I went to school at BSU for two years and I think that if they can get a new arena why shouldn’t they be allowed to compete in the WCHA. The Beaver hockey Program is a storied program and basically I would say that BSU is the Michigan Tech of Division II and III.

WHICH TEAMS WILL FINISH IN THE TOP 3 IN THE WCHA:
It’s really too early to tell we haven’t even gotten into the dog days of summer as of yet. A lot can happen over the summer.