Monday, July 30, 2007
Hot Stove Hockey: A trip down Memory Lane
The
Wild Puck Banter had a clip from the 2003 Stanley Cup Playoffs that sent the Av's to the golf course and Patrick Roy into retirement. Unfortunately there won't be any great hockey moments this season because the Wild brass have decided to nickle and dime the fans by going on a shoe string budget and failing to pick up any key free agents.
New addition to the Goon's World Team
Goon's Wife and Abby JoI have been slacking, the dog days of summer. I guess you could say that there is a good reason for the lack of posting right now. Add to the fact that there really is nothing of note going on right now in the hockey world as far as news goes. I guess there is one exception; the Edmonton Oilers have been over inflating the price of RFAs.
Whew! I guess I can say that it has been a busy and emotional week. First off I got news last weekend that a good friend of mine passed away a week ago this last Friday. So I traveled to Bemidji to attend his funeral on Thursday, that was a tough one as my friend was only 34 years old. I guess that puts things into perspective that there are lot more important thing in life than sports. Fast forward to Friday morning: My wife and I added a new member to our family as we adopted a new born baby girl. My wife and I named our new addition to our family Abby Jo. Whew... Everyone keeps telling me that my life will change forever, today is the first day the baby has been home so I guess I will give you an update later in the week.
I will warn everyone right now (this is for family members and my jokester friends) my daughter will NOT wear anything that has a Green Bay Paker, a Minnesota Gopher, a cheesy "M" or a dirty Bison any where on it. Any thing with Sioux, Beavers, Mavericks, Wild and Vikings is acceptable though.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
NEW RULES... (by Sioux 7)
I've read some articles this summer about some possible new rules changes in college hockey.
The one I liked the best is switching to a 2 ref and 1 linesman system. Which keeps the number of zebras on the ice to 3. The NCAA is going to be more like the NHL then, in terms of referee's. I think this will help eliminate some of the hooking and holding (clutch and grab) done by some teams in the league. Thus making the game move along faster and we can see the speed and talent some of the kids really have.
Some of the other rule changes they have mentioned is the goalie trapezoid. Where the only place they can play the puck behind the goal line is in that "box" area. Another is the touch up icing call. Now it is an automatic icing and they might change it to like the NHL, where it is a race to the puck.
Last, but not least, is overtime, and all sorts of options. One they mentioned is doing OT for 5-minutes and then a shoot-out. Second was 5-on-5 OT for 5-minutes, then a 4-on-4 for 5-minutes and then a shoot-out. Personally this is one of my hot buttons, I'm too much of a purist and like ties. Yes, the shoot-out is fun to watch in the NHL, but not for college. They have 82 games in the NHL, college has between 30-40 games, depending on your schedule and playoffs. In my opinion they could actually drop a few games from the NHL schedule to give the players a little more rest and thus perform better. If two teams play 65 minutes and it is tied, call it a TIE, not got to a shoot-out or some other "different odd-ball way" to decide a winner. The only option I'm open to is extending OT like a playoff game. After the 3rd period, take a 15-minute intermission, and then put 20-minutes up on the clock and start period number 4, and keep on going until their is a winner.
The one I liked the best is switching to a 2 ref and 1 linesman system. Which keeps the number of zebras on the ice to 3. The NCAA is going to be more like the NHL then, in terms of referee's. I think this will help eliminate some of the hooking and holding (clutch and grab) done by some teams in the league. Thus making the game move along faster and we can see the speed and talent some of the kids really have.
Some of the other rule changes they have mentioned is the goalie trapezoid. Where the only place they can play the puck behind the goal line is in that "box" area. Another is the touch up icing call. Now it is an automatic icing and they might change it to like the NHL, where it is a race to the puck.
Last, but not least, is overtime, and all sorts of options. One they mentioned is doing OT for 5-minutes and then a shoot-out. Second was 5-on-5 OT for 5-minutes, then a 4-on-4 for 5-minutes and then a shoot-out. Personally this is one of my hot buttons, I'm too much of a purist and like ties. Yes, the shoot-out is fun to watch in the NHL, but not for college. They have 82 games in the NHL, college has between 30-40 games, depending on your schedule and playoffs. In my opinion they could actually drop a few games from the NHL schedule to give the players a little more rest and thus perform better. If two teams play 65 minutes and it is tied, call it a TIE, not got to a shoot-out or some other "different odd-ball way" to decide a winner. The only option I'm open to is extending OT like a playoff game. After the 3rd period, take a 15-minute intermission, and then put 20-minutes up on the clock and start period number 4, and keep on going until their is a winner.
Round Table Discussion: Hot Stove League
Goon's World sent out questions to various college hockey bloggers and here are their answers to the question I asked them. First up is Lets Go Mav's
How has your summer been?
Summer has been CRAZY but nice. Summer is always filled with many activities and I love the warm weather. If it wasn't for college hockey, winter would be a total bust.
Aside from summer activities I've been crazy busy at work...so needless to say life for LGM is just nuts..thus, the lack of posting!
What are you doing to fill the void of no college hockey during the off
season?
I sew up all the holes my old Sioux and Jutting Voo Doo dolls so they're ready for all the poking and witchcraft for the upcoming season. Watch out Sioux players (and some fans? ha ha...I should make a Goon and Dirty voo doo doll)...I'm going to hex you and poke your little doll until you hurt!!
Ok, SO kidding. Yet, wouldn't that be fun to have voo doo dolls of all the opposing players (or coaches) you hate?!? It would be quite the conversation piece when people come over. Luckily for me, Jutting already looks like the Chuckie doll so I don't have to make one for him.
Now really...what do I do to fill the void? Is there anything to really fill that void? I miss hockey really bad! I do fill my time with a crazy 40 hour work week and try to keep my sanity at the same time, go to the lake, golf, spend time with my family, hang with friends, go on trips, soak up the sun, go see live music...you know, just about anything that's fun for a single 29 year old gal to do!
Are you excited about your team prospects for the upcoming season?
They're ok. Really, the incoming class isn't that big but I'm looking forward to seeing what some of them produce. I think Rylan Galiardi may be a pleasant surprise, if he plays anything like his brother TJ does. It'll be fun to see how he develops.
Really though, I'm more excited about our returning players. As long as Kalinski comes back, the Mavs should be in good shape.
What other sports do you watch during the off-season?
Twins baseball baby! It's all about the Twins in the summer. I try to watch as many of the games as possible and try to get to the dome for a few too. Thank god my friend's dad has SWEET season tickets...helping my trips to the Dome be more frequent!
In your opinion, will there be anymore players leaving early for the NHL/professional ranks?
Goon, how DARE you ask me this?!?!? Do you want me to start crying at the thought that Kalinski may be leaving? I'm staying positive that he's staying this year and I'm not letting myself even think about the NHL snatching him up. As of now, I would say he's the only Mav that could possibly go pro yet since Wagner already did.
As for other teams? Well, I would LOVE to see UND lose a bunch of their guys...such as Oshie. All the other teams get hit hard and then stupid UND gets to keep most of their guys. UGG! Sorry...had to throw the UND slam in there. Really though, it's about time UND loses some of their top players too!
Otherwise I think most of the players in the WCHA that are going to leave have already.
Which player defection do you think was the most costly to their team?
For MSU, Wagner was the only one to leave. His departure is not great for Maverick Hockey but for me personally it's like "don't let the door hit you on the ass on your way out!!" He was a jerk to me and for that, he's forever scorned.
For other WCHA teams, I think Duluth was hit bad. I feel for them, because their losses this year compare to MSU's last year (losing Backes and Carter). When you're an "underdog" school losing a few of your best guys hurt way more than it does for schools like UND, U of M, and WI. Those programs have better chances at recruiting players just as good as the ones leaving, so their players leaving don't hurt as much. Poor UMD...they're tough though, so they'll pull through it. If now, we all know runninwiththedogs will go up to their arena and make them skate lines until they puke. Can't you just imagine her screaming "AGAIN!!" at any Bulldog that gives up?!?
Other schools...I don't know. I can't keep up with all of the losses. I would say (off the top of my head) that these are the worst for them:
UND- Towes
U of M- Goli
WI- Skille
SCSU- Gordon
UAA- Lawson (HA! So kidding. That kid was a FREAK...and he didn't go pro anyways)
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Ryan Cardinal from the WCHA Blog answered the questions. His blog just came on line in recent past and it looks really good.
How has your summer been? (too long, too short, just right)
As much as I love the college hockey season, I enjoy summer because I feel it makes me appreciate the fall and winter more. That being said, now that we're within three months of the new season starting, I'm ready for summer to pass.
What are you doing to fill the void of no college hockey during the off
season?
Aside from joining the blogging community, I've passed the time by working, playing hockey and softball, and trying to enjoy summer weekends.
Are you excited about your team prospects for the upcoming season?
As a Gopher fan, there aren't too many seasons where you can't find reasons for optimism before the year starts. This year is no exception. There are some concerns, such as losing three key defensemen in Mike Vannelli, Alex Goligoski, and Erik Johnson, but they return all of their forwards from the second-half of the year and bring in a pair of high-end freshmen forwards in the form of Pat White and Mike Hoeffel. The freshmen defensemen (Stu Bickel, Kevin Wehrs, and Cade Fairchild) all have extensive junior hockey experience, so that should help in the transition to the college game, but there will no doubt be a learning curve.
As we saw from last year's Gopher team though, the forwards were much more responsible in the defensive end, especially when you compare them to recent groups of Gopher forwards, and hopefully that trend will continue this fall. Jeff Frazee has been somewhat inconsistent during his first two seasons, but as he showed late in the year last season in a pair of games against North Dakota, he's ready to step up and be "the man" between the pipes. Freshman Alex Kangas should be able to spot Frazee admirably, as by most accounts he should be one of the better first-year goalies in the country.
What other sports do you watch during the off-season?
I love watching the NHL playoffs after the college hockey season wraps up, and enjoy watching the Twins as well.
In your opinion, will there be anymore players leaving early for the NHL/professional ranks?
I hope not, since the Gophers are generally one of the teams that gets hit the hardest each year (along with the likes of North Dakota, Michigan, etc.) and logic would say players like Kyle Okposo and Blake Wheeler are some of the most NHL-ready prospects in the NCAA. With most NHL teams having already held their prospect camps, I don't think anyone else will bolt this year (knock on wood).
Which player defection do you think was the most costly to their team?
I think that Cory Schneider's decision to turn pro will really hurt Boston College. Obviously the position of goalie is the most important in hockey, and now BC has junior Adam Reasoner, who has less than six minutes of experience at the NCAA level, and a pair of freshmen (John Muse and Andrew Margolin), who both played at New England-area prep schools last year. The Eagles lost just two regulars off last year's team that of course lost in the title game to Michigan State, so they are no doubt solid on forward and defense, but I think that inexperience between the pipes could cost them come March.
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Here is Running with the Dogs answers to the questions.
How has your summer been?
Summer has essentially no meaning to worker bees like me. I'm not even taking a vacation this year.
What are you doing to fill the void of no college hockey during the off season?
I've done a little sailing, I'm working (obvs), and I've been running off and on. My softball season is over, which is kind of depressing. I've been posting sporadically on RWD, and I started a new blog, RWT, but those updates have gotten pretty sporadic, too. I'm writing the Great Canadian Novel.
Are you excited about your team prospects for the upcoming season?
I'm always excited for Bulldog hockey. I'm curious to see if we can make it at least into the middle ranks of the WCHA (7th or higher), but the season is so short, I look forward to every game. This will be the 4th season of RWD, and I can't wait to have actual content.
What other sports do you watch during the off-season?
I watch baseball, although I seem to be taking an extended All-Star Break. It should be noted that anyone who answers NASCAR is wrong: NASCAR is NOT a sport, you stupid hicks.
In your opinion, will there be anymore players leaving early for the NHL/professional ranks?
I think if players leave early, it will be because of team or personal issues rather than just a desire to move on. I certainly don't expect to see any more big name players leave.
Which player defection do you think was the most costly to their team? I think losing Matt Niskanen has hurt tUMD significantly. A PP QB is hard to replace, and he improved significantly throughout the year. He was one of My Guys as well, so on a personal level, I will miss him. Mason Raymond and Jon Toews were tough losses as well, but I think Nisky's departure has the biggest single impact. It's interesting that tDogs and tSioux have both lost an offensive defenceman and an electric forward. Obviously, one team is in a better position than the other, but it's notable parallel nonetheless.
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The UNH hockey blog weighed in. I think you might like his snappy answers. Incidently UND and UNH play this winter in a non-conference matchup.
How has your summer been? (too long, too short, just right)
Summer, summer... oh yeah, we call it the Fourth of July round these parts - realll pretty fireworks.
What are you doing to fill the void of no college hockey during the off
season?
What!? The season's over!? Shh!!! No one's supposed to know!
Are you excited about your team's prospects for the upcoming season?
Is there a reason why they call her Laura BUSH? I'm surprised no one's ever asked her that question in an interview - probably because of the really scary Secret Service agents all around. No, really, I've got two words for you - Regan. van Riemsdyk. That is SO two words! I'm excited to see Regan culminate his fantastic career - he's a fantastic goaltender (I at least attempt to play goal so I have a tremendous amount of RE-spect for the great goalies out there - ha, caught myself and didn't use fantastic again - ah damn!) and I enjoy watching someone so good at their craft.
It'll be great to see him on senior night and to watch him get his diploma. van Riemsdyk promises to be something I've never seen on the Whittemore Center ice - a big man who continuously gets the puck to the back of the net. Yet again - it is always great to watch a dominant player at their game. Really looking forward to seeing the entire freshmen class and the entire team just seems like it will be mature and ready to play - we're bringing the PAIN!
What other sports do you watch during the off-season?
There are other sports???
In your opinion, will there be anymore players leaving early for the
NHL/professional ranks?
It doesn't seem like it. There was a fire sale this past spring. Plus it's harder for the pros to take advantage of these impressionable youngsters in the fall when they're geared up for the upcoming season and not reeling from last season's final loss, looking for consolation, lonely, heartbroken - just looking for someone who'll listen to their pain... and give them actual, cold, hard cash! Yeah baby!
Which player defection do you think was the most costly to their team?
How 'bout - which player's departure hit you like a kick to the crotch from your first girlfriend when she dumped you on April Fools and you thought it was a joke - until she kicked you in the crotch and it made you just crumple to the floor and cry like a little baby... No. I'm okay. I don't want to talk about it. Oh, not just my team... well, I would have to say Schneider leaving BC. This is a team that didn't even really have a backup all year. Plus, have you seen their tuition!?
Go 'Cats!
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Western College Hockey answers the questions
How has your summer been? (too long, too short, just right)
My summer has been pretty good. There are always a lot of fun things to do, but ever since I moved to Minnesota, I've hated the heat, so that part kind of sucks.
What are you doing to fill the void of no college hockey during the off
season?
The best part about summer is that there are always a lot of very good hockey events to go to. It's not the same as going to a college hockey game, but it's fun to see a lot of different players, and there's nothing better than sitting in a cold rink on a really hot day.
Are you excited about your team prospects for the upcoming season?
Always. I'll admit Mankato's odds are a bit longer than some other teams, but anything can happen.
What other sports do you watch during the off-season?
I've been following the Twins on TV and the Tigers over the internet this summer. It's not great, but it gets me through the summer.
In your opinion, will there be anymore players leaving early for the
NHL/professional ranks?
Someone will probably sign towards the end of the summer once most of the free agents sign and teams figure out they may need an extra guy or two.
Which player defection do you think was the most costly to their team?
Steve Wagner probably would have played 55 minutes a night if he had stayed in Mankato, but he was ready to go. Jonathan Toews was probably the best player. I'd say Cory Schnieder was the biggest loss. BC will have two freshmen goalies, and while they're talented, there's a pretty steep learning curve in college hockey.
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I thought I would take a stab at the questions as well.
How has your summer been? (too long, too short, just right)
I look forward to every summer as a time to enjoy the out doors. This summer I bought a new pair of rollerblades and have begun to get out on the blades again. I have also played about 20 rounds of golf and incidentally I just returned from a golf tourney where my record was a horrible 0-5 in match play. One of the rounds I played in was a mercy killing as my partner and I were closed out 7 and 6 in match play. Two of the losses in this tourney went down to the last couple of holes. I basically threw one match away three putting on the 16th hole missing two puts from two feet and in... I haven’t played as much golf as I would like because my schedule has not allowed it to happen. Kind of sucks since golf memberships are so expensive.
The flip side of summer being over half over is that soon I will be duck hunting again. Dakota is ready for the upcoming season.
What are you doing to fill the void of no college hockey during the off
season?
Running with the dogs is going to kill me but I have filled the void by going to quite a few stock car races this summer. The greatest show on dirt the World of Outlaws recently came to Grand Forks and Fargo and so I took in both races as well as the World of Outlaws Late Models the second week of June. Sioux7 and I took the Saturday night World of Outlaws in the race in Fargo. On my other blog ND Red Neckyou can check out some of the pictures I have taken of the races I have been too this summer. I have also watched the first three seasons of 24 and season four is on the way as I just ordered it from Amazon.com.
I do watch baseball but I have sort of become board with the thriftiness of Minnesota Twins owner Carl Pohlad. Don’t get me wrong I am a fan of the Minnesota Twins but as a twins fan I am tired of being the brides maid I would like to see the Twins do more than be competitive and win a division title. I would like to have the twins win another world series.
Are you excited about your team's prospects for the upcoming season?
I am excited about the Sioux this season mostly because of the unselfishness of UND’s star players to turn down professional contracts to take another shot at an NCAA title. As we know in life there are no givens except death and taxes but the Sioux have a good chance of winning a national title if they can play as a team. There are a few players that feel they have some unfinished business and made a pact to return to take another shot at an NCAA title. For that sacrifice I applaud, Chorney, Finley, Duncan and Oshie, they all could have taken the money and ran.
What other sports do you watch during the off-season?
Golf, Baseball, NASCAR and the outdoor life channel. For those who question whether race car drivers are athletes; let me ask you this question. Could you drive an automobile 500 miles at 195 miles an hours in a hundred degree heat and not get dehydrated? Most of us would tire out at 100 miles. To race a car you have to be in good shape. There are no fat boys in NASCAR or the WoO…
In your opinion, will there be anymore players leaving early for the
NHL/professional ranks?
God I hope so, I am sick and tired of watching these players be coaxed out of college to spend a bunch of years in the minor before making the big leagues. I don’t believe this B.S. that some professional teams think that the NCAA doesn’t develop players well enough for the professional ranks. I guess Matt Green, Travis Zajac, Zach Parise, Paul Martin, Keith Ballard, Dany Heatley didn’t develop in college.
Which player defection do you think was the most costly to their team?
UND was hit hard by Lee and Towes leaving but it was expected that J.T. was going to leave so it wasn't a shocker, it was more of matter of when he was going to sign. Lee wanted to go, and I wished he would have stayed but that is just the way things go. Lee's loss is a big loss, but he Sioux will get past it.
I think that Goligoski leaving Minnesota is a big blow to the Gophers. Goligoski was a class act and was no doubt an awesome hockey player. You can’t just go out and recruit a three year veteran of the WCHA wars, no one with Goli’s experience and talent. In my opinion Alex Goligoski was a top ten player in the NCAA and more than likely an All-American hockey player yet again.
Corey Schneider leaving at B.C. puts the Boston College Eagles in a precarious situation, none of their goalies have played more than a couple of game in college.
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Goon's World team member Sioux07 took at stab at the questions
How has your summer been? (too long, too short, just right)
Summer is just the right length here, “three months of bad sledding”, so to speak.
What are you doing to fill the void of no college hockey during the off
season?
It has been good, it has gone by quickly with trips for work and 2 weeks for vacationing in Europe, aahhh, Europe. Then all the other weeks, World of Outlaws with THE GOON. Tubing the Otter Tail River, helping neighbors paint there houses (I still have to paint mine :o ) Doing the Fargo street fair last weekend and watch the RedHawks play baseball. It has gone by quick I tell you. Another month or so and college football will be underway, my second favorite sport after hockey.
Are you excited about your team prospects for the upcoming season?
I’m more excited then a fat lady at a Ricky Martin concert.
What other sports do you watch during the off-season?
Does Pro Wrestling count ;) There are not that many sports going on in the summer months.
In your opinion, will there be anymore players leaving early for the
NHL/professional ranks?
I don’t think so, it is getting a little late in the year for that.
Which player defection do you think was the most costly to their team?
Defection, your talking about the Russians (the “ex” communists), and the trading of players from there to NHL right ;) I think they should let there players leave to play in the NHL, they are a democracy now, right.
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Another Hockey East Blogger from For Here Men are Men this is the Boston College Eagles blog and he weighed in with his answers to the questions.
How has your summer been? (too long, too short, just right)
Waaaaaaaaaay too long.
What are you doing to fill the void of no college hockey during the off season?
-Drinking
-Working entirely too much
-Preparing for the upcoming football season
-Watching a lot of soccer and baseball
-Did I mention drinking??
Are you excited about your team prospects for the upcoming season?
Very. Cory Schneider's departure will be the albatross around the team's neck during the preseason, but we've got two very talented young goalies coming in. They won't replace him, but who can?? We'll have a lot of firepower up front and should have a rock-solid defense; the freshman goalies will be in good hands and there's no reason we can't make another run at the national title.
What other sports do you watch during the off-season?
Football (college and pro), soccer, NHL, some baseball. I also watch a lot of college hoops but other than three games it's played entirely during the college hockey season.
In your opinion, will there be anymore players leaving early for the
NHL/professional ranks?
This far past the draft, most likely not.
Which player defection do you think was the most costly to their team?
Schneider is the best player to leave early but the most costly in my opinion would have to be Mike Santorelli from Northern Michigan. They'll have an incredibly hard time replacing him.
How has your summer been?
Summer has been CRAZY but nice. Summer is always filled with many activities and I love the warm weather. If it wasn't for college hockey, winter would be a total bust.
Aside from summer activities I've been crazy busy at work...so needless to say life for LGM is just nuts..thus, the lack of posting!
What are you doing to fill the void of no college hockey during the off
season?
I sew up all the holes my old Sioux and Jutting Voo Doo dolls so they're ready for all the poking and witchcraft for the upcoming season. Watch out Sioux players (and some fans? ha ha...I should make a Goon and Dirty voo doo doll)...I'm going to hex you and poke your little doll until you hurt!!
Ok, SO kidding. Yet, wouldn't that be fun to have voo doo dolls of all the opposing players (or coaches) you hate?!? It would be quite the conversation piece when people come over. Luckily for me, Jutting already looks like the Chuckie doll so I don't have to make one for him.
Now really...what do I do to fill the void? Is there anything to really fill that void? I miss hockey really bad! I do fill my time with a crazy 40 hour work week and try to keep my sanity at the same time, go to the lake, golf, spend time with my family, hang with friends, go on trips, soak up the sun, go see live music...you know, just about anything that's fun for a single 29 year old gal to do!
Are you excited about your team prospects for the upcoming season?
They're ok. Really, the incoming class isn't that big but I'm looking forward to seeing what some of them produce. I think Rylan Galiardi may be a pleasant surprise, if he plays anything like his brother TJ does. It'll be fun to see how he develops.
Really though, I'm more excited about our returning players. As long as Kalinski comes back, the Mavs should be in good shape.
What other sports do you watch during the off-season?
Twins baseball baby! It's all about the Twins in the summer. I try to watch as many of the games as possible and try to get to the dome for a few too. Thank god my friend's dad has SWEET season tickets...helping my trips to the Dome be more frequent!
In your opinion, will there be anymore players leaving early for the NHL/professional ranks?
Goon, how DARE you ask me this?!?!? Do you want me to start crying at the thought that Kalinski may be leaving? I'm staying positive that he's staying this year and I'm not letting myself even think about the NHL snatching him up. As of now, I would say he's the only Mav that could possibly go pro yet since Wagner already did.
As for other teams? Well, I would LOVE to see UND lose a bunch of their guys...such as Oshie. All the other teams get hit hard and then stupid UND gets to keep most of their guys. UGG! Sorry...had to throw the UND slam in there. Really though, it's about time UND loses some of their top players too!
Otherwise I think most of the players in the WCHA that are going to leave have already.
Which player defection do you think was the most costly to their team?
For MSU, Wagner was the only one to leave. His departure is not great for Maverick Hockey but for me personally it's like "don't let the door hit you on the ass on your way out!!" He was a jerk to me and for that, he's forever scorned.
For other WCHA teams, I think Duluth was hit bad. I feel for them, because their losses this year compare to MSU's last year (losing Backes and Carter). When you're an "underdog" school losing a few of your best guys hurt way more than it does for schools like UND, U of M, and WI. Those programs have better chances at recruiting players just as good as the ones leaving, so their players leaving don't hurt as much. Poor UMD...they're tough though, so they'll pull through it. If now, we all know runninwiththedogs will go up to their arena and make them skate lines until they puke. Can't you just imagine her screaming "AGAIN!!" at any Bulldog that gives up?!?
Other schools...I don't know. I can't keep up with all of the losses. I would say (off the top of my head) that these are the worst for them:
UND- Towes
U of M- Goli
WI- Skille
SCSU- Gordon
UAA- Lawson (HA! So kidding. That kid was a FREAK...and he didn't go pro anyways)
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Ryan Cardinal from the WCHA Blog answered the questions. His blog just came on line in recent past and it looks really good.
How has your summer been? (too long, too short, just right)
As much as I love the college hockey season, I enjoy summer because I feel it makes me appreciate the fall and winter more. That being said, now that we're within three months of the new season starting, I'm ready for summer to pass.
What are you doing to fill the void of no college hockey during the off
season?
Aside from joining the blogging community, I've passed the time by working, playing hockey and softball, and trying to enjoy summer weekends.
Are you excited about your team prospects for the upcoming season?
As a Gopher fan, there aren't too many seasons where you can't find reasons for optimism before the year starts. This year is no exception. There are some concerns, such as losing three key defensemen in Mike Vannelli, Alex Goligoski, and Erik Johnson, but they return all of their forwards from the second-half of the year and bring in a pair of high-end freshmen forwards in the form of Pat White and Mike Hoeffel. The freshmen defensemen (Stu Bickel, Kevin Wehrs, and Cade Fairchild) all have extensive junior hockey experience, so that should help in the transition to the college game, but there will no doubt be a learning curve.
As we saw from last year's Gopher team though, the forwards were much more responsible in the defensive end, especially when you compare them to recent groups of Gopher forwards, and hopefully that trend will continue this fall. Jeff Frazee has been somewhat inconsistent during his first two seasons, but as he showed late in the year last season in a pair of games against North Dakota, he's ready to step up and be "the man" between the pipes. Freshman Alex Kangas should be able to spot Frazee admirably, as by most accounts he should be one of the better first-year goalies in the country.
What other sports do you watch during the off-season?
I love watching the NHL playoffs after the college hockey season wraps up, and enjoy watching the Twins as well.
In your opinion, will there be anymore players leaving early for the NHL/professional ranks?
I hope not, since the Gophers are generally one of the teams that gets hit the hardest each year (along with the likes of North Dakota, Michigan, etc.) and logic would say players like Kyle Okposo and Blake Wheeler are some of the most NHL-ready prospects in the NCAA. With most NHL teams having already held their prospect camps, I don't think anyone else will bolt this year (knock on wood).
Which player defection do you think was the most costly to their team?
I think that Cory Schneider's decision to turn pro will really hurt Boston College. Obviously the position of goalie is the most important in hockey, and now BC has junior Adam Reasoner, who has less than six minutes of experience at the NCAA level, and a pair of freshmen (John Muse and Andrew Margolin), who both played at New England-area prep schools last year. The Eagles lost just two regulars off last year's team that of course lost in the title game to Michigan State, so they are no doubt solid on forward and defense, but I think that inexperience between the pipes could cost them come March.
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Here is Running with the Dogs answers to the questions.
How has your summer been?
Summer has essentially no meaning to worker bees like me. I'm not even taking a vacation this year.
What are you doing to fill the void of no college hockey during the off season?
I've done a little sailing, I'm working (obvs), and I've been running off and on. My softball season is over, which is kind of depressing. I've been posting sporadically on RWD, and I started a new blog, RWT, but those updates have gotten pretty sporadic, too. I'm writing the Great Canadian Novel.
Are you excited about your team prospects for the upcoming season?
I'm always excited for Bulldog hockey. I'm curious to see if we can make it at least into the middle ranks of the WCHA (7th or higher), but the season is so short, I look forward to every game. This will be the 4th season of RWD, and I can't wait to have actual content.
What other sports do you watch during the off-season?
I watch baseball, although I seem to be taking an extended All-Star Break. It should be noted that anyone who answers NASCAR is wrong: NASCAR is NOT a sport, you stupid hicks.
In your opinion, will there be anymore players leaving early for the NHL/professional ranks?
I think if players leave early, it will be because of team or personal issues rather than just a desire to move on. I certainly don't expect to see any more big name players leave.
Which player defection do you think was the most costly to their team? I think losing Matt Niskanen has hurt tUMD significantly. A PP QB is hard to replace, and he improved significantly throughout the year. He was one of My Guys as well, so on a personal level, I will miss him. Mason Raymond and Jon Toews were tough losses as well, but I think Nisky's departure has the biggest single impact. It's interesting that tDogs and tSioux have both lost an offensive defenceman and an electric forward. Obviously, one team is in a better position than the other, but it's notable parallel nonetheless.
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The UNH hockey blog weighed in. I think you might like his snappy answers. Incidently UND and UNH play this winter in a non-conference matchup.
How has your summer been? (too long, too short, just right)
Summer, summer... oh yeah, we call it the Fourth of July round these parts - realll pretty fireworks.
What are you doing to fill the void of no college hockey during the off
season?
What!? The season's over!? Shh!!! No one's supposed to know!
Are you excited about your team's prospects for the upcoming season?
Is there a reason why they call her Laura BUSH? I'm surprised no one's ever asked her that question in an interview - probably because of the really scary Secret Service agents all around. No, really, I've got two words for you - Regan. van Riemsdyk. That is SO two words! I'm excited to see Regan culminate his fantastic career - he's a fantastic goaltender (I at least attempt to play goal so I have a tremendous amount of RE-spect for the great goalies out there - ha, caught myself and didn't use fantastic again - ah damn!) and I enjoy watching someone so good at their craft.
It'll be great to see him on senior night and to watch him get his diploma. van Riemsdyk promises to be something I've never seen on the Whittemore Center ice - a big man who continuously gets the puck to the back of the net. Yet again - it is always great to watch a dominant player at their game. Really looking forward to seeing the entire freshmen class and the entire team just seems like it will be mature and ready to play - we're bringing the PAIN!
What other sports do you watch during the off-season?
There are other sports???
In your opinion, will there be anymore players leaving early for the
NHL/professional ranks?
It doesn't seem like it. There was a fire sale this past spring. Plus it's harder for the pros to take advantage of these impressionable youngsters in the fall when they're geared up for the upcoming season and not reeling from last season's final loss, looking for consolation, lonely, heartbroken - just looking for someone who'll listen to their pain... and give them actual, cold, hard cash! Yeah baby!
Which player defection do you think was the most costly to their team?
How 'bout - which player's departure hit you like a kick to the crotch from your first girlfriend when she dumped you on April Fools and you thought it was a joke - until she kicked you in the crotch and it made you just crumple to the floor and cry like a little baby... No. I'm okay. I don't want to talk about it. Oh, not just my team... well, I would have to say Schneider leaving BC. This is a team that didn't even really have a backup all year. Plus, have you seen their tuition!?
Go 'Cats!
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Western College Hockey answers the questions
How has your summer been? (too long, too short, just right)
My summer has been pretty good. There are always a lot of fun things to do, but ever since I moved to Minnesota, I've hated the heat, so that part kind of sucks.
What are you doing to fill the void of no college hockey during the off
season?
The best part about summer is that there are always a lot of very good hockey events to go to. It's not the same as going to a college hockey game, but it's fun to see a lot of different players, and there's nothing better than sitting in a cold rink on a really hot day.
Are you excited about your team prospects for the upcoming season?
Always. I'll admit Mankato's odds are a bit longer than some other teams, but anything can happen.
What other sports do you watch during the off-season?
I've been following the Twins on TV and the Tigers over the internet this summer. It's not great, but it gets me through the summer.
In your opinion, will there be anymore players leaving early for the
NHL/professional ranks?
Someone will probably sign towards the end of the summer once most of the free agents sign and teams figure out they may need an extra guy or two.
Which player defection do you think was the most costly to their team?
Steve Wagner probably would have played 55 minutes a night if he had stayed in Mankato, but he was ready to go. Jonathan Toews was probably the best player. I'd say Cory Schnieder was the biggest loss. BC will have two freshmen goalies, and while they're talented, there's a pretty steep learning curve in college hockey.
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I thought I would take a stab at the questions as well.
How has your summer been? (too long, too short, just right)
I look forward to every summer as a time to enjoy the out doors. This summer I bought a new pair of rollerblades and have begun to get out on the blades again. I have also played about 20 rounds of golf and incidentally I just returned from a golf tourney where my record was a horrible 0-5 in match play. One of the rounds I played in was a mercy killing as my partner and I were closed out 7 and 6 in match play. Two of the losses in this tourney went down to the last couple of holes. I basically threw one match away three putting on the 16th hole missing two puts from two feet and in... I haven’t played as much golf as I would like because my schedule has not allowed it to happen. Kind of sucks since golf memberships are so expensive.
The flip side of summer being over half over is that soon I will be duck hunting again. Dakota is ready for the upcoming season.
What are you doing to fill the void of no college hockey during the off
season?
Running with the dogs is going to kill me but I have filled the void by going to quite a few stock car races this summer. The greatest show on dirt the World of Outlaws recently came to Grand Forks and Fargo and so I took in both races as well as the World of Outlaws Late Models the second week of June. Sioux7 and I took the Saturday night World of Outlaws in the race in Fargo. On my other blog ND Red Neckyou can check out some of the pictures I have taken of the races I have been too this summer. I have also watched the first three seasons of 24 and season four is on the way as I just ordered it from Amazon.com.
I do watch baseball but I have sort of become board with the thriftiness of Minnesota Twins owner Carl Pohlad. Don’t get me wrong I am a fan of the Minnesota Twins but as a twins fan I am tired of being the brides maid I would like to see the Twins do more than be competitive and win a division title. I would like to have the twins win another world series.
Are you excited about your team's prospects for the upcoming season?
I am excited about the Sioux this season mostly because of the unselfishness of UND’s star players to turn down professional contracts to take another shot at an NCAA title. As we know in life there are no givens except death and taxes but the Sioux have a good chance of winning a national title if they can play as a team. There are a few players that feel they have some unfinished business and made a pact to return to take another shot at an NCAA title. For that sacrifice I applaud, Chorney, Finley, Duncan and Oshie, they all could have taken the money and ran.
What other sports do you watch during the off-season?
Golf, Baseball, NASCAR and the outdoor life channel. For those who question whether race car drivers are athletes; let me ask you this question. Could you drive an automobile 500 miles at 195 miles an hours in a hundred degree heat and not get dehydrated? Most of us would tire out at 100 miles. To race a car you have to be in good shape. There are no fat boys in NASCAR or the WoO…
In your opinion, will there be anymore players leaving early for the
NHL/professional ranks?
God I hope so, I am sick and tired of watching these players be coaxed out of college to spend a bunch of years in the minor before making the big leagues. I don’t believe this B.S. that some professional teams think that the NCAA doesn’t develop players well enough for the professional ranks. I guess Matt Green, Travis Zajac, Zach Parise, Paul Martin, Keith Ballard, Dany Heatley didn’t develop in college.
Which player defection do you think was the most costly to their team?
UND was hit hard by Lee and Towes leaving but it was expected that J.T. was going to leave so it wasn't a shocker, it was more of matter of when he was going to sign. Lee wanted to go, and I wished he would have stayed but that is just the way things go. Lee's loss is a big loss, but he Sioux will get past it.
I think that Goligoski leaving Minnesota is a big blow to the Gophers. Goligoski was a class act and was no doubt an awesome hockey player. You can’t just go out and recruit a three year veteran of the WCHA wars, no one with Goli’s experience and talent. In my opinion Alex Goligoski was a top ten player in the NCAA and more than likely an All-American hockey player yet again.
Corey Schneider leaving at B.C. puts the Boston College Eagles in a precarious situation, none of their goalies have played more than a couple of game in college.
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Goon's World team member Sioux07 took at stab at the questions
How has your summer been? (too long, too short, just right)
Summer is just the right length here, “three months of bad sledding”, so to speak.
What are you doing to fill the void of no college hockey during the off
season?
It has been good, it has gone by quickly with trips for work and 2 weeks for vacationing in Europe, aahhh, Europe. Then all the other weeks, World of Outlaws with THE GOON. Tubing the Otter Tail River, helping neighbors paint there houses (I still have to paint mine :o ) Doing the Fargo street fair last weekend and watch the RedHawks play baseball. It has gone by quick I tell you. Another month or so and college football will be underway, my second favorite sport after hockey.
Are you excited about your team prospects for the upcoming season?
I’m more excited then a fat lady at a Ricky Martin concert.
What other sports do you watch during the off-season?
Does Pro Wrestling count ;) There are not that many sports going on in the summer months.
In your opinion, will there be anymore players leaving early for the
NHL/professional ranks?
I don’t think so, it is getting a little late in the year for that.
Which player defection do you think was the most costly to their team?
Defection, your talking about the Russians (the “ex” communists), and the trading of players from there to NHL right ;) I think they should let there players leave to play in the NHL, they are a democracy now, right.
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Another Hockey East Blogger from For Here Men are Men this is the Boston College Eagles blog and he weighed in with his answers to the questions.
How has your summer been? (too long, too short, just right)
Waaaaaaaaaay too long.
What are you doing to fill the void of no college hockey during the off season?
-Drinking
-Working entirely too much
-Preparing for the upcoming football season
-Watching a lot of soccer and baseball
-Did I mention drinking??
Are you excited about your team prospects for the upcoming season?
Very. Cory Schneider's departure will be the albatross around the team's neck during the preseason, but we've got two very talented young goalies coming in. They won't replace him, but who can?? We'll have a lot of firepower up front and should have a rock-solid defense; the freshman goalies will be in good hands and there's no reason we can't make another run at the national title.
What other sports do you watch during the off-season?
Football (college and pro), soccer, NHL, some baseball. I also watch a lot of college hoops but other than three games it's played entirely during the college hockey season.
In your opinion, will there be anymore players leaving early for the
NHL/professional ranks?
This far past the draft, most likely not.
Which player defection do you think was the most costly to their team?
Schneider is the best player to leave early but the most costly in my opinion would have to be Mike Santorelli from Northern Michigan. They'll have an incredibly hard time replacing him.
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Blais McDonald to stay coach at Lowell
This article was written by Adam Wodon on college hockey news. While I have a great amount of respect for Adam Wodon I must take issue with some of the things that are written in this article.
Lowell Exercises its 'Right'
by Adam Wodon/Managing Editor
I had originally written this article to suggest that the firing of Massachusetts-Lowell coach Blaise MacDonald would be entirely justified.
Soon thereafter, however, Lowell officials, and University of Massachusetts chancellor Marty Meehan, decided to reinstate MacDonald. This followed a suspension after he was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, failed multiple field sobriety tests, and two Breathalyzer tests found MacDonald at almost three times the legal limit.
Either way Lowell went, it could receive criticism or praise.
The original thought was that a DUI offense, while bad, is a pardon-able offense. But as new facts came to light, things looked grim for MacDonald. Police found four beers and a bottle of Absolut vodka in his car. His car looked like it had hit a tree or bush. And more.
First off: I am not going to say that I am a fan of drunk driving because I am not, drunk drivers kill 1,000's of innocent people every year on America's highways, however, what does this have to do with the offense. The offense was drunk driving; (OUI, DUI etc), the least of McDonald's worries is an open bottle in his vehicle, or the brand of the alchol that he drank. Regardless, if threshold of drunk driving is a BAC of .08 or .10; that fact is that offender committed a crime regardless if he drank wine, vodka, beer or whiskey. The fact of this incident was not the contents of the car (open bottles) but the BAC of the driver of that vehicle was too high.
Article Continued: However, it's easy to sit here from a distance, in cold detachment, and suggest that MacDonald should be fired. It's another thing to be his friend for 18 years, and see MacDonald lead a program that has had nary a discipline problem, and has the highest cumulative grade point average of any men's program at the school. That's the issue Lowell AD Dana Skinner faced, and he chose to keep MacDonald.
Thirteen years ago, Michigan made a similar choice when it retained Red Berenson, even though the now-legendary college coach was stopped for DUI and public urination. It certainly can't be said that Michigan is a renegade program by any stretch.
Coaches like to talk about "learning moments" and if handled right, they can turn their own embarrassing episodes into them.
Lowell had an even tougher decision, considering MacDonald's won-loss record at the school is not nearly as sparkling as Berenson's, even at the time, before Berenson had won his two national titles.
Unfairly or not, when you factor in what in many people's eyes has been an underachieving record at Lowell, MacDonald's dismissal seemed even more justified. MacDonald has been known as fun to be around, a glib interview, fiery — in other words, everything his predecessor, Tim Whitehead, was not known for. But that hasn't translated into any more success than Whitehead, who has gone on to prove himself at Maine.
But that only makes this decision by Lowell more palatable. After all, it didn't retain a cretin because he wins — like basketball's Bob Huggins.
So if Lowell believes it can live with MacDonald as its coach, and actually get positives from it, then it's their prerogative to make that decision.
Of course, this couldn't have come at a worse time, the program already embroiled in controversy and fighting for its very existence throughout the spring. Then, just as the program gets a reprieve, and it's announced that all 375 Club seat packages had been sold (meeting a goal), the DUI happens.
So MacDonald has a recruiting mess on his hands, partially, now, of his own making. Perhaps, in a perverse way, that will be his penance.
To quote the Caveman from the Geico comerical. WHAT? I honestly don't know what the point of this article is? The University made a decision to keep a hockey coach that in my mind is a good guy that made a bad mistake. It happens people. I am sure most of us know someone that got a driving under the influence charge. Lets give Blaise McDonald the benefit of the doubt, McDonald has apologized for his mistake and we should move on and let his action speak for himself. I doubt that this incident is going to affect Lowell's recruiting as much as the chance that the hockey team folding because of state budgetary constraints, that in my opinion would be more detrimental recruiting than a one time incident.
Honestly, I think that we can be assured that if this happened again McDonald would be out on his ear in a New York Minute. Lastly, comparing this incident to Red Berernson's incident 13 years ago, what does that incident have to do with this incident? Each are separate incidents that have no bearing on the other. If anything Red's incident was worse, public urination (basically you have a offense of drunken disorderly conduct and a DWI). Besides, on the recruiting front; Michigan is a big ten school with a winning history and 9 national titles making it a much easier sell than University of Massachusetts's Lowell is a state school in Massachusetts that is a middle of the road hockey team that doesn't even make the NCAA tourney on a regular basis. In fact your comparing apples to oranges. I could see why maybe Blais McDonald's record isn't as good as Red's.
Face it we are human being make and we move on. Some mistakes are worse than others, I would be willing to bet that McDonald isn't going to be the last one to make this mistake. I would also be willing to bet that there have been 150 OUI/DUI/DWI's in Lowell, MA since this incident and none have probably gotten the press this one incident has.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Boogey Man signed for three years.
EKLUND From Hockey Buzz is reporting that the Boogey Man has signed a three year contract with the Minnesota Wild. If anyone is confused about the impact the Boogey Man has on a game watch this clip. it was rumored that the Edmonton Oilers were looking to sign the Boogey Man. Lets just say that the Goon is very happy about this move the Wild could not afford to not resign Derrick. Yeah...
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Only Parise Remains Unsigned.
The List of Former Fighting Sioux Hockey Players that are UFA's got even shorter as
Matt Jones signed a new contract/deal with the Phoenix Coyotes of the national hockey league. Zach Parise is the only Former Sioux UFA (NHL Player) that still needs to sign a new contract. I would imagine that the Devils will do everything in their power to make sure that they sgin
From the Coyotes Site
Jones, 23, played 45 games with the Coyotes last season, registering 1-6-7 and 39 penalty minutes (PIM). The 6-foot, 215-pound defenseman also collected 0-2-2 and 23 PIM in 24 games with the San Antonio Rampage (AHL) last season.
Matt Jones Phoenix Coyotes; recently resigned with the Coyotes
Jason Blake NY Islanders; signed a new contract with the Leafs
Matt Greene resigned with the Edmonton Oilers
Zach Parise New Jersey Devils; (remains unsigned)
David Hale Resigned with his current team the Calgary Flames
Brandon Bochenski Resigned with his current team the Boston Bruins
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Minnesota in the CCHA?
NHL.COMHere is a funny clip that I found in the article: Funny stuff, I didn't know the Gophers moved over to the CCHA, must have happened during the middle of the night. Well you can't fault the NHL writers since they really don't know much about college hockey. All silliness aside this wasn't a bad news article about Blake Wheeler.
Wheeler grows into 6-foot-3 frame
But then Wheeler’s body caught up with his skills. This past season, Wheeler had 18 goals and 38 points for the Golden Gophers, who claimed the CCHA regular-season title and the Final Five postseason crown before falling short of a national championship.
It appears that Wheelers development is coming alone nicely, it takes a while longer for big guys. So I wonder if he is next WCHA player to forgo his eligibility and sign a professional contract. While he is probably going no where, I can't see him staying past next season if he has a good junior campaign.
Monday, July 16, 2007
Blues Blogger gives Duncan and Oshie props
Duncan and Oshie Shine
Here is an Interesting Perspective by Andy Strickland that I found on hockeybuzz.com. I think it's safe to say that we are lucky to have Dunc and Oshie back for this season and I would expect Oshie to be gone after the season is over. I find it funny that some of the Blues fans are having a tough time understanding why these kids are coming back for their Junior season.
Oshine makes the first team
Ryan Duncan makes the second team
Here is an Interesting Perspective by Andy Strickland that I found on hockeybuzz.com. I think it's safe to say that we are lucky to have Dunc and Oshie back for this season and I would expect Oshie to be gone after the season is over. I find it funny that some of the Blues fans are having a tough time understanding why these kids are coming back for their Junior season.
Oshine makes the first team
STRICKEE AWARDS!
First Team-
LW- Michal Birner (Tremendous shot and scoring touch. Versatile player which will help him adjust to the next level. Should score 20-25 in the AHL this season)
C-T.J. Oshie (Should come out now but his headed back to UND. Thinks the game like an NHL’er. Plays the game with passion.)
RW- David Backes (Has the ability to score 20 in the NHL this year.)
D- Erik Johnson ( Makes plays NHL D-man execute with regularity. Needs to play with the best players in the world.)
D- Roman Polak (When he hits you he’s tries to hurt you. Polak is going to be a top four D-man in the NHL for 12-15 years. He’s ok with waiting a year, he’ll play 30 minutes a game in Peoria this season.)
G- Marek Schwarz (cat like reflexes/ tremendous athlete and competitor. This kids has the determination to be a star.)
Ryan Duncan makes the second team
Second Team-
LW- Ryan Duncan (loves to go high glove side, all this kid does is score. Can get feisty if his buttons are pushed)
Jason Blake Photo
Waiting for Stanley had this Blake Picture I must agree with what he had to say. While Blake brings offense to the Maple Leafs in the end it will not translate into the Leafs getting into the playoffs.
Ooo, look at Jason Blake posing in front of a collage of Leaf greats. Toronto sure has a grandiose way of introducing players. Too bad that doesn't translate into playoff success.
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Oshie shines and now ready to lead the Sioux to eight
STLtoday PicturePrediction for T.J. Oshie; There has been much speculation around the blog sphere and the Internet that T.J. Oshie will be convinced to change his mind and sign a professional contract with the St Louis Blues. Most of this speculation is from Blues fans and Gopher fans. I believe that it is just a case of wishful thinking. You heard it hear first that T.J. Oshie is coming back to UND for his junior season for the Fighting Sioux.
Camp wraps up on a high Note
By Jeremy Rutherford
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
As team President John Davidson and coach Andy Murray found their seats in the upper rows, fans rose to their feet and applauded. "I thought it was for Bob Plager," Murray joked.
In the finale of the weeklong development camp, the Blue team edged the Gold 4-3 at the IceZone. But it was the overflow crowd, estimated at 3,000, that garnered most of the attention Friday.
"Oh man ... that was exciting," Davidson said. "That was flat-out exciting. I feel bad for the people that couldn't get in, but it's just a small venue. We even looked into trying to add some bleachers at the end of the arena, but it's against fire regulations ... just couldn't do it. To see the support by the city, how quickly it's growing, people are knowledgeable and they appreciate everything, it was about as good as it gets."
Advertisement
Friday was the last chance to see many of the 40-something prospects who attended the camp. Many will return to Sweden or Canada, or head back to college, in the case of T.J. Oshie.
Oshie was hands-down the best player at the camp, but he has decided to play his junior season at the University of North Dakota next season.
When Davidson was asked this week what he hopes Oshie takes home from this camp, he quipped: "I was hoping maybe an NHL contract after watching him practice. This kid is a player. When you see young players come in, you try to compare them to somebody. The way he worked out there and the way he could finish, it reminded me of Brian Sutter. I saw a guy that worked his tail off every single time he was on the ice.
"To see that, you sort of go, 'Hmmm ... boy he'd look good if he'd maybe stick around a little longer.' But no, he's going to go back to college from what we understand, and good for him. If he wants to change his mind, give me a call. Call collect. Whatever he wants to do."
Oshie laughed when told of Davidson's comments.
"Well, I like that they want me," he said. "But it also means a lot that they're behind my decision to go back to school
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Thursday, July 12, 2007
Great News to start the day off.
UND Signs another Toews
It wouldn't be a stretch to say that Sioux fans have been waiting for this announcement for most of the summer, that day finally came as Brad Schlossman, Herald Staff Writer is reporting that UND has signed Jonathan Toew's younger brother, David Toews. David joins a long list of brothers to play for the University of North Dakota. Welcome aboard David.
Lets break down the Brother Teams to play at UND:
1.) Johnson Brothers (Corey, Greg and Ryan)
2.) Jones Brothers
3.) Parise Brothers
4.) Murphy Brothers
5.) Panzer "Division" Brothers
6.) Hoogstein Brothers
7.) Zajac Brothers
8.) Hale Brothers
9.) Johnsons (Chad and Steve)
10.) Now the Toews Brothers
11.) Cristian Brothers (Dave and Eddie)
12.) Marvins (thanks Brian)
13.) Genoway's (thanks RWD's)
14.) David and Bryan Lundbohm
15.) Ulmers, Jeff and Jason (thanks Sioux7)
I have only really watched UND since about 1991 so if I missed someone its not on purpose. (Edit)More have been added.
Off Line playing Golf.
The Goons is taking a well deserved golf vacation as I will be decompressing on the golf course playing in a tourney my buddies hold every year. I should be getting a great look at the woods and long grass as I have not idea what it is like the hit the ball from the fairway.
It wouldn't be a stretch to say that Sioux fans have been waiting for this announcement for most of the summer, that day finally came as Brad Schlossman, Herald Staff Writer is reporting that UND has signed Jonathan Toew's younger brother, David Toews. David joins a long list of brothers to play for the University of North Dakota. Welcome aboard David.
Lets break down the Brother Teams to play at UND:
1.) Johnson Brothers (Corey, Greg and Ryan)
2.) Jones Brothers
3.) Parise Brothers
4.) Murphy Brothers
5.) Panzer "Division" Brothers
6.) Hoogstein Brothers
7.) Zajac Brothers
8.) Hale Brothers
9.) Johnsons (Chad and Steve)
10.) Now the Toews Brothers
11.) Cristian Brothers (Dave and Eddie)
12.) Marvins (thanks Brian)
13.) Genoway's (thanks RWD's)
14.) David and Bryan Lundbohm
15.) Ulmers, Jeff and Jason (thanks Sioux7)
I have only really watched UND since about 1991 so if I missed someone its not on purpose. (Edit)More have been added.
Off Line playing Golf.
The Goons is taking a well deserved golf vacation as I will be decompressing on the golf course playing in a tourney my buddies hold every year. I should be getting a great look at the woods and long grass as I have not idea what it is like the hit the ball from the fairway.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Text book way to run over a goalie
I found this while surfing youtube today. This is the text book way to run over the opposing goalie as perpetrated by Ben Gordon. Goalies beware when Gordon is in the neighborhood.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Hot off the Presses: Goligoski is Gone
According to Mark Rosen of WCCO Alex Goligoski the all American all WCHA defenseman for the Golden Gophers will forgo his Senior year at the University of Minnesota and sign a professional contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins. This is a huge loss for the Gophers. There had been much discussion on this subject over on Sioux Sports an Gopher Puck Live for the past few weeks.
I can emphasize with Gopher fans it sucks to lose top players, however, as a fan of these programs that get a majority of the top blue chip players we can expect it almost every season.
EDIT:
----------This makes it a little more official---------
BY CHARLEY WALTERS
Pioneer Press
Article Last Updated: 07/10/2007 09:49:39 PM CDT
Alex Goligoski, who would have been a senior next season for the University of Minnesota men's hockey team, on Tuesday signed a contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
The deal is for two years. If Goligoski, 21, plays in the NHL, he'll make $500,000 in salary the first season, $600,000 the second season. With bonuses, the contract could be worth nearly $2 million if he plays two complete seasons in the NHL.
The former Grand Rapids (Minn.) High School defenseman is coming off shoulder surgery late last season, and he played hurt most of the season. He passed a physical in Pittsburgh on Monday.
I can emphasize with Gopher fans it sucks to lose top players, however, as a fan of these programs that get a majority of the top blue chip players we can expect it almost every season.
EDIT:
----------This makes it a little more official---------
Gophers' Goligoski signs with Penguins
BY CHARLEY WALTERS
Pioneer Press
Article Last Updated: 07/10/2007 09:49:39 PM CDT
Alex Goligoski, who would have been a senior next season for the University of Minnesota men's hockey team, on Tuesday signed a contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
The deal is for two years. If Goligoski, 21, plays in the NHL, he'll make $500,000 in salary the first season, $600,000 the second season. With bonuses, the contract could be worth nearly $2 million if he plays two complete seasons in the NHL.
The former Grand Rapids (Minn.) High School defenseman is coming off shoulder surgery late last season, and he played hurt most of the season. He passed a physical in Pittsburgh on Monday.
Steve Downie takes on his own team mate in practice
Check out this fight that happened during 2005 season at a (CHL) Windsor Spitfires practice. The fight is between this season's 56th over all draft choice of the Chicago Black Hawks Akim Aliu and the Canadian hockey play most Americans hockey fans love to hate Steve Downie. The reason for the fight goes back to a hazing incident where Aliu didn't want to be hazed and Downie taking exception to him not wanting to be hazed. Aliu lost three teeth during the incident.
While apparently most in the Canadian media took Steve Downies side most of us on the other side of the border remember Downie for his cheap antics and the guy that Jack Johnson elbowed during the 2006 world Junior Tourney, also, the player that continued his antics during the 2007 World Junior Tourney.
Here are some of your classic Steve Downie moments/snap or how about this one where Ducks Player Corey Perry works over Steve Downie while the lines man tries to separate the two combatants... I knew there was a reason I admired Corey Perry.
Sioux Sign Monster Forward
The Fighting Sioux signed Brent Davidson, a 6'4" 225 pound 20-year-old forward from the Neepawa Natives of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League, to play for the Sioux during the 2007-2008 season. Davidson scored 36 goals and added 43 assists for 79 points in 59 games for the Neepawa Natives last season. With the age of Davidson I would imagine Sioux fans will again hear about the 25 year old Canadians on the UND roster, but wait? Didn't the Gophers just sign a 20 year old forward as well?
You gotta to love the Neepa Natives logo:
quote from Dave McIntosh:
You gotta to love the Neepa Natives logo:
quote from Dave McIntosh:
Davidson, a 20-year-old forward for the Neepawa Natives in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League, is described as a late bloomer like Penner, who was cut from the MJHL three times, played two seasons at Minot State University-Bottineau and wound up winning the Stanley Cup with Anaheim this summer.
“Are you familiar with Dustin Penner?” asked Neepawa executive board member Dave McIntosh. “Yeah, Brent is 20 years old, which is older than most players North Dakota gets. But I want you to call me back in two years. He's a diamond in the rough. He's going to make North Dakota's coaches look real good.”
Sunday, July 08, 2007
Toews Impresses
Al Cimaglia Gives Toews some Love
I found this article on Hockeybuzz.com seems that Jonathan Toews is wooing the on lookers in Chicago with his effort during the prospects camp. If Toews goes to Chicago and makes the team out of camp and has a solid season his leaving won't be as
hard to stomach.
I found this article on Hockeybuzz.com seems that Jonathan Toews is wooing the on lookers in Chicago with his effort during the prospects camp. If Toews goes to Chicago and makes the team out of camp and has a solid season his leaving won't be as
hard to stomach.
I went to watch the prospects scrimmage at the Edge yesterday. Not everyone participates in every scrimmage, so no Blunden, Bolland, Brouwer, and Burish for me to watch. It is a grueling daily routine for these young guys as they drill in the morning and then do a full 2 period scrimmage and then conclude with a shootout in the early afternoon.
If Toews winds up not being a true standout player, I will never spend another minute of my time trying to evaluate and figure out the future potential of young prospects. He is a load on his skates and will only get stronger. I stood right on the goal line and watched him in the post-game shootout. He made about four moves in a space of 24 inches and tucked the puck in for a goal. To be honest I still don’t know how he could have gotten the puck across the line, there are appeared to be no space. The only worry for him this year will be that of injury, and maybe fatigue later on in the winter.
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Do fans go to far?
Brad Schlossman's hockey blog has an interesting story about the Brian Lee's signing a professional contract and the response that has his signing has brought on by the some of "the Fans". I guess you could say that Brian Lee's leaving for the professional ranks has brought out a curious and in some cases classless response by some of the fans and I am sure that not all of them are Sioux fans some of them are from trolls that like to stir things up.
While it is not out of line to offer legitimate criticisms of a hockey players play and I believe that Brian's play while he was at UND was worthy of some critique. Some this stuff that was written was not constructive criticism or anything to do with debate and discussion; some of this stuff was pretty classless and of poor taste and really over the top. If you haven't seen it check out some of the stuff that was posted on the Herald Site.
I think it funny how some people are down right brave when they can post something and not put your name or face to the offensive comments. I also believe that as a society we have lost our civility and it's down right sad. People on the Internet have gotten to the point of out right hostility to anyone or any thing that they disagree with. Debate and and constructive criticism are healthy and there is nothing wrong with it, however, malicious comments with no content and purpose other than to be hurtful and out of line.
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
Updated UFA list.
The List of Fighting Sioux UFA's
Matt Jones Phoenix Coyotes
Jason Blake NY Islanders Signed with Toronto
Matt Greene Resigned with the Edmonton Oilers
Zach Parise New Jersey Devils
David Hale Resigned with the Calgary Flames
Brandon Bochenski Resigned with the Boston Bruins
Matt Jones Phoenix Coyotes
Jason Blake NY Islanders Signed with Toronto
Matt Greene Resigned with the Edmonton Oilers
Zach Parise New Jersey Devils
David Hale Resigned with the Calgary Flames
Brandon Bochenski Resigned with the Boston Bruins
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
If Wild Fan didn't hate the Ducks before, they have even more reason now...
If Wild fans didn't have enough reason to hate the Ducks before they just signed bad boy goon and resident thugh Todd Bertuzzi, so much for the new NHL eh? I wonder if the Wild GM will add two more goons to counter the move. Boogey man is going to have lots of dancing partners when they play the Ducks.
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