Matt Greene out for Three months with a broken Ankle.

This is not good news for Matt Greene

Rash of injuries to defence corps testing Oilers early in the season
Canadian Press Oct 31, 2007, 7:33 PM EDT

EDMONTON - The talk when training camp began was that depth on the blue line might be the Edmonton Oilers' ace-in-the-hole this season.

That's a card the Oilers are going to have to play now as they've lost third-year rearguard Matt Greene to a broken left ankle that will keep him out of the line-up as long as three months.

Greene, injured in the second period of a 2-1 loss to Detroit Tuesday, will need surgery. He joins Sheldon Souray, out since Oct. 10 with a sprained left shoulder, and Joni Pitkanen, out another month after surgery to repair damaged knee cartilage, on the shelf.

With all of that, coach Craig MacTavish summoned his best poker face Wednesday.

"These (comments) could come back to haunt me and I don't normally throw these out there, but I'm not all that worried about the injuries on the back end," MacTavish said.

"From what I've seen, with (who) we have healthy, we're going to be able to overcome it."

Canucks Re-Assign Mason Raymond

I saw this article over on Waiting for Stanley It looks as if Mason Raymond will be playing a few games with the Manitoba Moose. Sounds as if Raymond has made an impression on Vancover fans.

Former Bull Dog Mason Raymond sent down.

Vancouver, B.C. - Vancouver Canucks Senior Vice President and General Manager Dave Nonis announced today that left wing Mason Raymond has been re-assigned to the Manitoba Moose of the AHL.

Raymond, 22, has played in nine games for the Canucks in 2007-08, recording his first NHL point (0-1-1) on October 5, 2007 versus San Jose. He has played in one game for the Moose and recorded two assists.

The Calgary, Alberta native spent the 2006-07 season with the University of Minnesota-Duluth and the Manitoba Moose. He registered 46 points (14-32-46) in 39 games with Minnesota and four points (2-2-4) in 11 games with Manitoba. In the post-season, Raymond recorded one assist in 13 AHL playoff games.

The 6’0”, 182-pound forward was originally drafted by the Canucks in the 2005 Entry Draft, 51st overall.

Linkorama: UND and C.C.

There are some really good Blogs to read for the up coming hockey series.

I really like this blog Support Colorado College Hockey You can definately get some good music when you there as well.

I am not so sure if this person (RWD tells me the author is a he) is still posting or not because there hasn't been any action so far this season. This blog has had some good posts in the past. C.C. hockey Blog

The Gazette appears to have two hockey blog sites Tiger Den
I believe that this is the official one Mucking in the corner

Happy Halloween: Musings

I came home from walking the dog and my wife was putting this thing on our daughter. Yikes, I said you have to be kidding me? I aks her, what do you want her to look like the great punkin? Actually after looking at the picture I decided that I would share it with the four people that read this blog... It is amazing what ten dollars can buy. I suppose we can use it during the Thanksgiving season.

I found this new blog that had me linked up. Czech hockey on and it was pretty interesting.

I found a couple of interesting points of note.

(1.) Former Gopher Thomas Vanek has been named the Austrian Sportsman of they Year.

Vanek sorgt für eine Premiere
Nicole Hosp und Thomas Vanek sind Österreichs Sportlerin und Sportler des Jahres. Der NHL-Star sorgte damit für eine Premiere: Noch nie in der Geschichte der 1949 eingeführten Ehrung konnte ein Eishockey-Spieler die Wahl für sich entscheiden. Hosp dagegen landete bei der von Sports Media Austria, der Vereinigung der österreichischen Sportjournalisten, durchgeführten Wahl einen Favoritensieg. Den Titel der Mannschaft des Jahres sicherte sich das ÖFB-U20-Team, das ebenfalls für ein Novum sorgte.

(2.) Check out this Hockey Chick apparently according to the article is supposed to be a girl friend of Jaromir Jagr. ---edit---This woman is also a CZECH model not a slut.

Flawed argument

There are a few points in Doreen Little Bird's aritcle that I must take issue with this article


Grand Forks Herald columnist Doreen says:

Several people asked why Ron His Horse Is Thunder, tribal chairman for the Standing Rock Nation, was speaking for the Lakota people. The answer is that he, like North Dakota Gov. John Hoeven, is the elected leader of the Lakota and their spokesman.

Collectively, Standing Rock does not seem to like what happens to their children who attend UND and the disrespect aimed at them. The tribe has said no.

Some of the Internet comments were repetitious. Some were excellent and well-thought-out, talking about the negotiations and even scolding the writers who made awful comments.

But it was those “awful” comments that astounded me. Some were full of bile, bigotry and racism. The NCAA was correct when it said that the nickname and logo created an abusive and hostile environment, I thought as I read those comments.

In some cases, the comments were even threatening. Some of them made the hair on the back of my neck stand up. It made me afraid for the young people at UND.

First off; this is a tactic the pro name change crowd is famous for: true to forum, Doreen has leveled some serious allegations and basciallt have given nothing in the way of evidence, where are the police reports. What do we have, other than Internet posts by nameless people which can not prove what their identity is we may or may not even know if theey are Sioux fans. For all we know they could be fans of other teams like the Gophers, Bison or_________ team. These post could be from trouble makers that don't even follow sports.

I keep hearing who UND is a hostile and abusive place but no one can ever given an credible evidence. If there are incidents lets see the specific incidents laid out for us, you must have a police report or something other than an implied or infered action? We can discuss acedotal evidence till we are blue in the face but it does not count when you are leveling serious charges like this.


Katherine Kersten also had a blog article on this subject on November 13th 2006 that addressed these same issues Yellowbird has brought up. So who are we to believe? I would think that Kersten's article is more credible that Yellowbirds, just my hmo.

Fool Bear himself voted for such a resolution in 2005. “They told us just negative things — that UND was a racist place,” he explains. Now, he says, he believes that he and others were fed a bill of goods.

“When I went around to my constituents on the reservation,” says Fool Bear, “a majority of people said, ‘Why can’t we vote on it?’ “Most tribal members would support the name if they got the chance,” adds Joe White Mountain, another committee member.

More from this article on the issue:

Members of the Standing Rock judicial committee visited UND early in 2006 to assess the situation for themselves. “We spoke to everyone, from students on the street to people at the gas station,” says Fool Bear. “Not one gave us any evidence of racism. We went to a hockey game, and they talked about the courage and integrity of the Sioux people. We looked at each other like, ‘Wow, we don’t even honor our Sioux warriors or veterans like this on the reservation.’ ”

White Mountain recalls the committee’s meeting with a UND group that opposes the name. “I asked them, ‘What tribe do you belong to?’ ” he says. “Not one was a Sioux Indian.”This group insisted that the name promotes racism on campus,” adds Fool Bear. “I told them, ‘Put any instances of abuse in writing.’ Today, I’m still waiting — I haven’t gotten one complaint.”

Who wins between UND and Miami

A Hypothetical

I saw tis over on Brad Schlossman's Hockey blog. It does prove to be a great discussion that was posted over on CSTV.COM. This is really the issue with teams that start out fast out of the gates and the polls eat it up. Don't get me wrong, this article does bring up a very interesting discussion who wins between Miami and UND? It does matter what time of year it is played as well. Feasting on horrible teams to pad your record really doesn't do you any justice when you have to play the tough teams to win titles in March and April. Let me help you out. Polls schmolls.

tim (cleveland): Miami vs North Dakota at a neutral site. Who do you think comes out the winner and by how much? Thanks.

Ken Schott: What month? Now or April?

Dave Starman: I'd take NoDak - 1.5.

Elliot Olshansky: With or without Nathan Davis? Is this the real Jean-Philippe Lamoureux? So many questions I'd have.

Ken Schott: I think I would take ND right now, but if Davis can regain his scoring touch when he comes back, I may change my mind.

Antoine Pitts: I'd have to take North Dakota. It's still hard to believe that with all of that talent up there, North Dakota hasn't won the national title recently.

Ken Schott: I can't wait to see Miami when they come to RPI for two games in December.

Dave Starman: Lamoureux is pretty darn good.

Ken Schott: He can stop pucks in fog just as well on clear ice.

Dave Starman: They have a first unit that rivals Minnesota's two years ago, every one on the unit can score, they can all one-time it, and they are as mobile as an air battalion.

Antoine Pitts: I'm saying 5-2 North Dakota.

Elliot Olshansky: I'm saying one-goal instant classic. I like both of these teams. A lot. Hard-working, skilled, well-coached, great individual players like Davis, Jones, Oshie and Duncan, guys who play both ways...I really hope we get this game in March or April.

Ken Schott: 3-2 ND in four overtimes.

Dave Starman: Bina is a general out there, Miami doesn't have a 1-2 on defense that rivals Chorney and Bina, no disrespect to their players. Oshie is a game breaker, Duncan is great. They have grit, and they'll beat the hell out of you in the process because no one finishes hits like these guys....they remind me of the Calgary Flames in the late 80's early 90's...they just beat people up.

Elliot Olshansky: I don't know Dave, I think Ryan Jones, just for starters, can give some of the Sioux a run for their money in the finishing hits department.

Dave Starman: Yes, but how about the other 17 skaters? No one hits 1-18 like the Sioux do except maybe Wisconsin, and that's not really Wisco's identity yet this season.

Elliot Olshansky: Haven't seen the RedHawks. I'll see them when Ken does. I want to see this big kid, Vaive.

Ken Schott: If we're talking finishing hits, RPI could be a team no one once to play. They have some defensemen that can pound you. Peter Merth crushes people.

Dave Starman: I totally agree with Ken...RPI can bang. I like the way they play. Give them a full season to find their identity and they'll be a tough out in March. Real good goaltending!

It is obvious that Dave Starman is a bigger fan of the Sioux than Elliot Olshansky is and he does bring up some legitimate quesions about Phil Lamoureux who has 4 shout outs in 5 games. Horrible goalies don't put up numbers like that.

Next; sure Miami is 6-0 and ranked first but who the hell have they played that strikes fear in you... They beat UNO, Vermont and Ohio State, not much of a schedule if you ask me. In fact Miami schedule is stacked with patsy teams and they only play 2 game with MSU, 2 games with Michigan and 2 with Notre Dame, I wouldn't be surprised to see Miami highly ranked through most of the season only to get bounced again in the first round.

Fri 10/12/2007 W 2 Vermont (nc) 1
Sat 10/13/2007 W 4 Vermont (nc) 1
Fri 10/19/2007 W 5 @ Ohio State 1
Sun 10/21/2007 W 5 Ohio State 1
Fri 10/26/2007 W 7 Nebraska-Omaha 2
Sat 10/27/2007 W 5 Nebraska-Omaha 2

The Latest Poll

The Sioux drop to third in the INCH college hockey poll... First off let Miami have the rankings, we will see where they end up at in the end, championships are won in March and April.

October 29, 2007

No. Team (First-place votes) Points Last Poll
1. Miami (30) 506 2
2. Michigan 446 3
3. North Dakota (2) 433 1
4. New Hampshire (1) 430 6
5. Boston College 385 5
6. Michigan State 323 9
7. Denver 250 7
8. Minnesota 247 10
9. Wisconsin 235 11
10. Colorado College 219 4
11. Clarkson 174 8
12. Maine 143 13
13. Notre Dame 99 12
14. Michigan Tech 97 15
15. Minnesota Duluth 47 NR

Goon's Picks for the Week

This Weekend's Game

Conference

Denver @ Minnesota Split
Alaska-Anchorage @ St. Cloud State SCSU Sweep
Michigan Tech @ Wisconsin Split
Colorado College @ North Dakota Split

Non-Conference:

Minnesota State-Mankato @ Alabama-Huntsville Mav's Sweep

Last Week's Picks 8-2
Record for the years 17-7

The last ugly incident in the NHL.

The first thing that comes to mind are the Philadelphia Flyers a bunch of goons?
This is the third player from their team to perform a questionable play.

I would be willing to bet that Randy Jones will get suspended for at least 5 games for this act of agression, just a hunch. My neck hurts just from watching this bush league move.

Here is the statement reguarding Bruins Statement Regarding Patrice Bergeron

Boston Bruins

Statement Regarding Patrice Bergeron from Dr. Bertram Zarins:
“After initially losing consciousness on the ice, Patrice has regained consciousness and has been taken to Massachusetts General Hospital where he is undergoing a series of tests.

Patrice has sustained a concussion and a broken nose. The initial x-rays and CT scan have not shown any other serious injury to his head or neck, and he has full feeling and motion in all of his extremities.

We will continue to monitor Patrice and await the final results of his medical studies.”

I am not the only one that hates the logo Settlement.

I believe this is the kind of reaction you get when your elected political leaders jam something down your throats. Here are the results of an informal poll over Jim Dahl's Siouxsports.com

8% Yes
84% No - UND gave up too much
1% No - The NCAA gave up too much
5% I'm not sure - yet
Total votes: 967

I think the results from this poll are very telling, 8% approve of settlement, thats down from 9 percent earlier today, it probably will drop lower. who answered the question hate the North Dakota attorney generals settlement with the NCAA. While the results are not very scientific they are telling.

Is Lammy a Sieve?

There has been a lot of talk on various fan web pages around the internet about Phil Lamoureux being a sieve: Some fans have even posted a tribute to the UND goalie

Lets break down Lammy's season so far. Honestly, these aren't the numbers of a Sieve

Dave Berger does a good job of breaking down Lamoureux's performance so far: Oh, and by the way, in his first five games, senior goaltender Jean-Philippe Lamoureux has posted four shutouts to go along with a .983 save percentage and a goals-against average of 0.43. Lamoureux had four career shutouts in his first three seasons at UND.

Friends this is my definition of a Sieve or this is a good illustation of a less than stellar goalie performance can we say sieve

Just for the record, as many of you know. I am not a big carry the flag Phil Lamoureux guy, nor is he one of the more beloved players in the WCHA, however, you have to give credit where credit is due. If Phil isn't given the WCHA Defensive player of the week that in my opinion will be a travesty.

Linkorama: UND and MTU

MeG and the boys over on the MTU hockey blog is really loving life and are quite happy with their teams win over the Sioux last night in Houghton, Michigan. Hey; why shouldn't Tech fans be happy with a win over the Fighting Sioux. In fact, the Huskies have won three in a row over UND after going like 12 in a row without a win against the Sioux. They had to win sometime right?

All in good fun; I find their web page fun to read. The Michigan Tech Hockey blog also brought up a rought spot from last season's horrible run where UND lost 6/7 right before the Christmas break. If I remember right, after getting swept by Tech UND got red hot and made another run to the NCAA Frozen Four. Hey congrats to at least a split.

I am happy that the MTU is having a good season and has started out strong. Also, remember championships are won in March and April and wins in October mean nothing if you don't. That doesn't excuse a poor effort tonight nor does it give UND an excuse/permission to lose. UND needs to prove they aren't a bunch of pretty boys that don't like the get their jersey's dirty.

Kessel and Toews light the lamp.

Boston and Chicago game was one of those must watch games and what a game it was. Both Kessel and Toews were on fire for this game and provided most of their teams offense. I am blessed to have NHL center ice and glad that I had the chance to watch this game because it turned out to be one of the best of the year. I think it would be safe to say that It appears Phil Kessel and John Toews are going score a lot of goals this season, Kessel already has 5 goals and 2 assists and 7 points (which is good for 2nd on the Bruins in total points). Kessels point total isn't bad because Boston is a team that is still searching to find offense. On the other side of the ice Jonathan Toews is fourth in scoring for the Black Hawks with 4 goals and 4 assists for 8 points and averaging a point per game.

Kessel's two goals were of the spectacular variety and it appears that Phil is making great strives in stepping up his game during his second season, I would probably expect Kessel to score 50+ points this season.

Also during the game Toews 4th goal of the season was a thing of beauty as well, while it wasn't quite as good as his highlite real against the av's it did leave Boston's Bruins goalie looking for answers...

Catching up, down again...

I am having way too much trouble with my home computer, First it I had some USB ports and my DVD/Disk drive replace. Then I had yet another computer malfunction, my mother board on my computer went down so down to the geek squad. Got my computer home after two visits to the geek squad and my computer stop working it wouldn't even turn on. So I took my computer back to the Geek Squad for a third visit. This time I decided to go and buy a new lap top, so I won't have to do without a computer when my main one is down. I am hoping that I eventually will be able to get my old one warrantied out and replace with a new lap top.

Don't fret, I have been killing he time by hunting and killing ducks. This year has been yet another banner season of ducks hunting, and yet another visit to the vet as well. I swear I spend a lot of money there as well.

Settlement with the NCAA

In case you haven't heard UND settled it's law suit out of court with the NCAA, I think the settlement is unacceptable. My first question is this is what you get for $900,000.00? This settlement is a damn travesty, a fricken joke. Basically what is going to happen is that UND is going to change it's Fighting Sioux name sometime between the year 2009 and 2011, they will never get the approval from the Standing Rock Sioux tribe, never.

I never thought I would see this day but this is a sad day in UND history. Whey did UND take the cae to court if you were going to setttle for this horrible settlement. Ralph Englestad is probably rolling over in his grave as we speak. I am sick to my stomach. Basically UND caved to the vocal minority of liberal political hack/punks that are jamming political correctness down our troats. I think this settlement is a piece of shit and I will never ever vote for the Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem ever again he has lost my vote for ever, and I hope other republicans will follow suit. I will leave that section blank because I will not vote for a democrat under any circumstances.

Here are the highlights: from Jim Dahl's blog.

*UND has until November 30, 2010, to obtain namesake approval for its nickname and imagery Approval is only of the form of affirmative support from both the Standing Rock Tribe and Spirit Lake Tribe.

*The NCAA pledges not to contact any Sioux tribes with any attempts to influence them to provide or not to provide support for UND The Spirit Lake Tribe’s 2000 resolution is recognized and will count, but only if an individual authorized to speak on behalf of the tribe affirmatively supports UND’s current use of the nickname and imagery.

*The Standing Rock Tribe’s support must come in the form of a written resolution of approval adopted by any means authorized by Standing Rock’s Constitution
Absent namesake approval, UND will announce a a transition to a new nickname within 30 days Such a transition must be accomplished by Aug. 15, 2011.

*If the name is changed, imagery must be removed from any venue used to host an NCAA championship except: historical images, images embedded in architecture, items which will ultimately be replaced because of wear and tear.

*The NCAA will issue a statement to its members that application of its nickname policy to UND has been suspended, and that no institution should use it as a factor in regular season scheduling against UND.

*If UND is removed from the list of institutions subject to the policy, it will be allowed to play regular season contests at venues it does not own that have not complied with the policy (venues it owns must comply with the policy, and championships will not be hosted at non-owned venues which do not comply)

*The NCAA will issue a statement that it recognizes UND is a leading institution in educating Native Americans and that it did not make any specific findings about a hostile or abusive environment on UND’s campus.

Jean-Philippe Lamoureux wins Player of the week.

What does a guy have to do to get the player of the week award? I while I doubt that Phil Lamoureux is worried about silly things like awards, he can leave that to the fans like me, let’s take a look at the 2007-2008 addition of the goalie named Phil Lamoureux; Phil starts the season 2-0-1 stops 78/78 shots and gets snubbed for player of the week by the WCHA. How? I don’t have a clue. Maybe it’s a vast conspiracy against the Fighting Sioux?

In case anyone is keeping score, that’s the Fighting Sioux playing two top tens teams and not giving up a goal in 5 periods of hockey. Phil can’t help it that B.C.’s arena sucks and they had to cancel the game after two periods of hockey. Phil stopped many quality chances and it appeared that he couldn’t see the puck very well in holding B.C. off the board in two periods of hockey.

Let’s break this down further against B.C. and Northeastern Phil stopped may top quality chances brings home three points for the Sioux and doesn't get even a sniff.

This weeks Goon's World player of the Week: Is Jean Philippe Lamoureux from the University of North Dakota.

Goon’s Worlds picks:
UMD and DU Split
MSUM – UAA Split
UND and MTU UND 3 points
BSU and SCSU SCSU Sweep
OSU and Minnesota Minnesota Sweep.

Last week I went 9-5 in my picks.

UND plays MTU next

This week the UND Fighting Sioux play the upstart Michigan Tech Huskies and I think that anything less than 2 points for this weekend’s series is unacceptable. I would hope The Fighting Sioux goes into Houghton Michigan and plays hard, it’s time to lay down some smack on the MTU Huskies, especially after they embarrassed the Sioux last season in the REA. There is no excuse for the Sioux not coming out on fire and hitting and hustling and out working the Huskies. I am one of those people that realize that MTU is improved but I also don't believe all the hype. To take a phrase from the Fighting Sioux coach it is what it is. Sure the Huskies are a 4-7 place team in the WCHA, but UND should win against the Huskies, there is no excuse for losing. Getting swept by this team last season was unacceptable and the Sioux should have a bad taste in their mouth and should play with an edge this weekend.

PCM from Sioux sports on the Matchup this weekend.

I know MTU is better than they've been in recent years, but what have they done this season? They lost to Northern Michigan, a CCHA team picked to finish near the bottom of its conference, and had difficulty beating Lake Superior State, another CCHA team expected to finish near the bottom of the league. They swept MS-Mankato at home, a team the WCHA coaches picked to finish 9th in the league. So while I don't think the Sioux should take the Huskies for granted, I don't think we should be in great fear of them, either.

I would have to say that I agree with PCM on this one. Sure no one doubts that MTU isn't a good team, but they aren't world beaters either and they did lose to a NMU, team that is not very good this season.

For the Four people that haven't seen this goal.

Wow, I actually just watched that goal again for like the second time. Seems like the more you watch the play the more you think: Wow, that is one hell of an awesome move. When Toews first announced that he was going to the NHL I thought ok, he will probably be on the third line and play 10-15 minutes a game. After after watching a few of the Black Hawks games, I believe that JT and Pat Kane are the face and future of the Chicago Black Hawk's. That being said I don't think the Hawks make the playoff this season, the west is too loaded, but the future looks bright.

Tale of the Tape for the Young Rookies

Pat Kane 8gp 1g - 8a for 9 points leads the team.
Jon Toews 6gp 2g -4a for 6 points fourth on the team.

Grand Forks Life: The Fargo Farce

There is a pretty good debate starting at the Grand Forks Life Blog on the fighting Sioux name.

Grand Forks Life: The Fargo Farce

In case anyone is wondering the Force is UND's marketing campaign, it started first with the football team and then it was used with all of the Sports teams at UND. For the people that are experiencing a case of wishful thinking UND isn't going to change the Fighting Sioux name to the Force; I mean lets get real people, why would UND spend millions of alumni dollars if the school was just going to turn around and change the Fighting Sioux name. Honestly, for one it makes no sense economically what so ever. I would basically violate anything that is practical.

Lastly, If UND decides to change the Fighting Sioux name it will be because the Board of Higher Education in North Dakota deems its the move UND will make. Realistically speaking the next UND president will have little if any imput on the matter. If UND is going to change the name I am sure the Board of Higher Ed, the Students and the Alumni will decide what the next name will be. Don't count on that happening any time soon.

Sioux play 2/3 of a game and get the tie.

Gong Show in Boston

If I was part of the administration at Boston College I would be very embarrassed today. What happened last night on national television was a debacle, a gong show and there is no excuse for it, this is utterly unacceptable.

If you had to describe how I feel today the word disappointed would be the first thing to come to mind. I waited all week for the watch up of the fall in college hockey. The Boston College Eagles and the UND Fighting Sioux were renewing the rivalry and the match up was supposed to be a must see game of the week.

In the end the game was a non-starter and ended up being a fog bowl and had to be called after two periods due to the safety reasons of the athletes involved. Before this game I thought of Boston College as being one of the bench mark teams in Hockey East, on further review they have some major issues with their hockey facility that should be fixed before UND makes the trip out east. One could describe this as being unacceptable.

If I was Hakstol I would tell Jerry York thanks for the invite but we aren’t coming back until you get your arena in order, or suggest playing the game at an alternative site like the TD Bank Garden. Hell I bet this doesn’t happen at the University of Mass Lowell and it should happen at a bench mark school like Boston College.

In the face of a debacle there is something possitive, our goaltending has been great so far as Lammy has faced 47 shots and not let a goal in as of yet, in fact many of these saves have been of the high quality type.

BOSTON- For the second time in two seasons, a game at Boston College was called because of poor ice conditions, and once again it came in front of a national TV audience.

The game between Boston College and North Dakota on Friday was halted after two periods with the game tied, 0-0. It will go down as an official game, a tie for both teams.

Last season, a game between BC and Boston University was halted in the first period because humid conditions caused fog and poor ice. That game was resumed from where it left off and finished at a later date.

In this case, the game was official, and was declared complete. A power outage caused a delay to the start of the game. Reports indicate that de-humidifying machines, brought in to Conte Forum in anticipation of the humid conditions, contributed to the power failure. Later there was another brief outage.

Power was eventually restored, but the foggy conditions forced the game to be halted. The final decision came during the second intermission, during a meeting with the two game referees and Hockey East commissioner Joe Bertagna.

Bertagna indicated that the "safety of the athletes was the most important concern." He said that consideration was given to starting the period, and then seeing how things went. But he said there was concern a team would score a quick goal, and then officials would be put in position of having to call a game without giving the trailing team an opportunity to respond.

Temperatures were unseasonably warm throughout the Northeast on Friday, and it was raining most of the day.

North Dakota (1-0-1) heads down the road to Northeastern on Saturday. BC (1-1-1) is off until Sunday, when it plays at Vermont.

This Post is the 500th post of Goon's World

More on Bochenski

Found this in the: Boston Globe Newspaper

Staying prepared

Neither Brandon Bochenski nor Jeremy Reich have suited up yet for a regular-season game. ‘’I’ve talked to those guys,’’ said head coach Claude Julien. ‘’I’ve told them to stay ready.’’ During today’s workout, Bochenski and Reich both work as extras on a line that is comprised of P.J. Axelssson, Thornton and Metropolit.

In everything that I have read this season makes me believe that Bruins Coach Claude Julien has penciled Bochenski in as being a fourth line player. Which is puzzling in my opinion? I am also going to go on record as saying that I am not a fan of Julien one bit, there is a reason he has been fired from all of these places he has coached. First off; what the heck is he doing Phil Kessel; Phil is not a third line player. I also don’t get the reasoning of having Bochenski and his $600,000.00 sitting out for every game. If Bochenski is a extra piece trade him away for a player to be name later and give this kid a chance to play on someone else’s team.

WILMINGTON — The Black & Gold returned to full-squad workouts here today after wrapping up their 3-2 road trip over the weekend.

The lines looked familiar, picking up from where they left off in San Jose:
Marco Sturm-Patrice Bergeron-Glen Murray
Peter Schaefer-Marc Savard-Chuck Kobasew
Milan Lucic-David Krejci-Phil Kessel
P.J. Axelsson-Glen Metropolot-Shawn Thornton
Extras, also in uniform: Jeremy Reich and Brandon Bochenski

The D’ pairings:

Andrew Alberts-Andrew Ference (the Two Drews)
Mark Stuart-Dennis Wideman
Zdeno Chara-Aaron Ward
Extra man: Bobby Allen
Tim Thomas and Manny Fernandez were the goalies

Also it is puzzling that the Bruins wouldn’t play Manny Fernandez more? While Manny had a couple of games that were very Manny like he is still a top line goalie in my opinion. While I believe that Tim Thomas is a decent back up goalie he has proved the last two seasons he is nothing more than a mediocre starting goalie. Manny needs to play on a regular basis or he isn’t going to be very happy and could end up being a distraction to the Bruins

Linkorama: Check out this B.C. blog

I like reading other people's blogs to see how they think. If you are interested in reading a different perspective from the other side of the ice check out this blogFor Here Men are Men. This Hockey East blog talks about the B.C. Eagles. In this particular post he talks about the Eagles and their up coming season and how tough the Eagles schedule is to start the off season. They played Michigan, followed by RPI and now they play the Sioux. Its no mystery that mnch like the Sioux the Eagles always have a target on their back. Everyone wants to beat them and those teams brings their "A" game when they play the Boston College Eagles.

Finally, we get to the schedule. It ain't easy. We jump right into the fray with Michigan followed by RPI or Minnesota, then come back to Chestnut Hill for a home tilt against North Dakota in what has become college hockey's best intersectional rivalry.

I have to agree with him the Sioux and Eagles is one of those rivalries that you mark off on your calender. It think this weekend this will be the spot light game of the week. Playoff hockey in October.