This is my latest crontibution at the illegal curve. If I was the General Manager for the Minnesota Wild.
3. Minnesota Wild (Courtesy of Eric from Goon’s World)
Needs:
1.) Top line forward: Someone in like Olli Jokinen.
2.) Second line forward: Someone along the lines of a player like Jason Blake.
3.) Another second or third line forward: Or maybe a rent-a-player like Keith Tkachuk. Simply:
The Wild are in dire need of offense and anything would be an improvement.
Who’s Available:
1.) Martin Skoula: This team has an over abundance on defense.
2.) Kim Johnsson: See above.
3.) Marian Gaborik: Wild can’t resign him so the team needs to get whatever they can for Gabby.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Check out this Radio color guy.
A fellow Sioux fan sent me this audio clip. This guys is unbelieve able; it is the Florida Panthers Radio Voice Randy Moller, he sure beats the heck out of some of the various NHL and college hockey announcers. You will the call on a few of Keith Ballards goals.
Television great Rick Jeanneret from the Buffalo Sabres is pretty good as well. The May Day, May Day call is one of my saddest moments. One of my buddy is a Sabres fans and put this call on my answering machine after the series was over.
GM Place to host Olympic hockey.
There have been some questions on whether the 2010 Olympics were to be played on an Olympic sheet of ice or not. It is official that the 2010 games will be at GM place which is an NHL rink.
This will be the first Olympics to be played on a NHL size rink. Personally, I am excited and relieved that we don't have to watch the best hockey players in the game of hockey play on those God awful sheets of ice.
GM Place will host the ice hockey events in the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. These will be the first Olympic games to use NHL sized ice. This decision was made in order to maximize the potential crowds and revenue, instead of building a smaller, temporary venue with the international-size ice surface, as has been done for most other Winter Games. On July 2, 2003, 18,000 came to GM Place to hear the announcement that Vancouver got the games.
CHA is better than the AHA
This blog post is in response to this stupid comment
First off the CHA has been very competative in their 10 year history. The CHA actually had a team, Niagara make the 2000 NCAA tourney as an at large bid. The same can not be said about the AHA. Robert Morris and Niagara University actually have to cut scholarships to join the AHA, the CHA currently allows 18 scholarships the AHA is going to 12 next season. In my opinion that means the teams joining the AHA are taking a step down to join this league.
Record against the big 4.
AHA 11-40-5 (.241)
CCHA 24-24-8 (.500)
CHA 12-34-2 (.271)
ECACHL 20-37-4 (.361)
HEA 33-20-4 (.614)
WCHA 22-18-8 (.542)
The CHA's record versus the AHA is 5-2-1.
"The CHA is a billion times worse than Atlantic Hockey, no one who knows anything about hockey would say otherwise."This comment is so wrong in some many ways that I don't know where to begin? I can't let this stupidity go. Just for the record this comment is in response to a blog post.
First off the CHA has been very competative in their 10 year history. The CHA actually had a team, Niagara make the 2000 NCAA tourney as an at large bid. The same can not be said about the AHA. Robert Morris and Niagara University actually have to cut scholarships to join the AHA, the CHA currently allows 18 scholarships the AHA is going to 12 next season. In my opinion that means the teams joining the AHA are taking a step down to join this league.
Record against the big 4.
AHA 11-40-5 (.241)
CCHA 24-24-8 (.500)
CHA 12-34-2 (.271)
ECACHL 20-37-4 (.361)
HEA 33-20-4 (.614)
WCHA 22-18-8 (.542)
The CHA's record versus the AHA is 5-2-1.
Monday, February 16, 2009
A few things
Check out what Dan Barreiro has to say about the Golden Gophers about six minutes into the broadcast.
Here is what Fiona Quick has to say about Nate Hagemo's return to hockey. Sounds like Hagemo has run into some injury problems.
Who would thought this was possible? I got this from Fiona Quick's twitter. It kind of makes you wonder what the deal is? Why is it that Frazee isn't good enough to play with the Minnesota Gophers but is able to get it going with the Lowell Devils.
Former Fighting Sioux Star Zach Parise was named the first star of the week by the NHL.
Bruins Forward Michael Ryder has returned to practice after after having facial surgery. Ryder usually skates on a line with Blake Wheeler and David David
Here is what Fiona Quick has to say about Nate Hagemo's return to hockey. Sounds like Hagemo has run into some injury problems.
Nate Hagemo had two goals and two assists in 10 games with the Amarillo Gorillas and was considered one of their top defensemen when he was checked awkwardly into the end boards by Mississippi’s Brad Bonello during a game on December 20th. Hagemo reportedly was on the ice for some time before being assisted to the locker room. Hagemo suffered neck and back injuries, including a herniated lumbar disc. He was cleared to play by Amarillo's doctors in mid-January and placed on waivers and immediately claimed by the Tulsa Oilers but failed their physical so the transaction was canceled and he has been sent back to Amarillo until he can be cleared to play. He has been attempting a comeback this season following trouble with substance abuse and multiple arrests. Hagemo was told he may not recover from a previous shoulder injury but this new injury does not involve the shoulder. He is contributing to every off-ice event for the Gorillas, visiting schools and hospitals and helping in the team offices, while working on his rehabilitation hoping to avoid surgery.
Who would thought this was possible? I got this from Fiona Quick's twitter. It kind of makes you wonder what the deal is? Why is it that Frazee isn't good enough to play with the Minnesota Gophers but is able to get it going with the Lowell Devils.
Jeff Frazee, is now tied for fifth in the AHL with 20 wins (20-9-4) 2.59 Goals Against Average and .923 Save Percentage
Former Fighting Sioux Star Zach Parise was named the first star of the week by the NHL.
Bruins Forward Michael Ryder has returned to practice after after having facial surgery. Ryder usually skates on a line with Blake Wheeler and David David
Ryder, clipped by Antoine Vermette's stick 10 days ago in Ottawa, said he initially feared he suffered eye damage. His eye turned out to be fine--despite a couple of days of blurred vision--but Vermette's stick broke both nose cartilage and the sinus bone.
Derrick LaPoint out for the year. (Moron of the week)
All Sioux fans know Sioux defense man Derrick LaPoint is out for the remainder of the season with a broken leg. LaPoint is a good defenseman that plays the game straight up and clean. Goon's World would like to wish Derrick Lapoint a speedy recovery and hope to see you back next season.
I watched the tape of the incident and yikes I have to feel for Derrick. The video shows him laying on the ice and he tries to get up look at his leg and just lays back down. LaPoint is a lot braver than I am.
Moron of the Week
Here is my candidate for 'Moron of the week' it was posted over on the Badgers hockey blog and it's too bad we don't get to know who this anonymous Skippy is so we can expose him. I like how people have all the balls in the world when they can sit behind a fake screen name and say vile stuff like this. This person is a real piece of work. It almost makes me want to change this weekly award to douche bag of the week. So as long as it is a Sioux player this is fine with this clown. (clip to the incident) Way to stay classy.
I watched the tape of the incident and yikes I have to feel for Derrick. The video shows him laying on the ice and he tries to get up look at his leg and just lays back down. LaPoint is a lot braver than I am.
(read the whole story here) UND sophomore defenseman Derrick LaPoint will miss the rest of the season with a broken tibia and fibula, an injury he suffered during Saturday night’s 4-3 win over Minnesota State-Mankato.
The injury occurred midway through the first period when Mankato forward Trevor Bruess took LaPoint into the end wall with a hit from behind. LaPoint’s ankle rolled up and both bones were cleanly broken.
He was carted off on a stretcher and taken to the hospital. LaPoint had successful surgery Sunday morning.
Moron of the Week
Here is my candidate for 'Moron of the week' it was posted over on the Badgers hockey blog and it's too bad we don't get to know who this anonymous Skippy is so we can expose him. I like how people have all the balls in the world when they can sit behind a fake screen name and say vile stuff like this. This person is a real piece of work. It almost makes me want to change this weekly award to douche bag of the week. So as long as it is a Sioux player this is fine with this clown. (clip to the incident) Way to stay classy.
Anonymous said...
I can't feel much sympathy for an Sioux player, regardless of where they are from originally.
February 15, 2009 9:40 PM
Poll Monday (Happy Presidents Day)
USCHO.com/CBS College Sports Division I Men's Poll
February 16, 2009
Team (First Place Votes) Record Points Last Poll
1 Boston University (44) 23-5-2 993 1
2 Notre Dame ( 6) 23-5-3 945 2
3 Michigan 23-9-0 905 4
4 Northeastern 20-8-2 815 3
5 Miami 18-8-4 783 7
6 Vermont 17-7-4 731 5
7 Yale 19-5-1 677 10
8 Denver 17-9-4 659 8
9 North Dakota 18-11-3 564 11
10 Princeton 18-7-0 560 9
11 Cornell 15-6-4 495 6
12 New Hampshire 14-9-5 420 12
13 Wisconsin 16-11-3 404 13
14 Minnesota 13-9-6 371 14
15 Minnesota-Duluth 15-9-6 256 17
16 Ohio State 18-10-4 211 16
17 Boston College 13-10-5 177 15
18 Colorado College 14-9-8 167 18
19 St. Cloud State 17-13-2 101 NR
20 St. Lawrence 16-11-3 92 NR
Others Receiving Votes: Dartmouth 91, Mass.-Lowell 21, RIT 18,
February 16, 2009
Team (First Place Votes) Record Points Last Poll
1 Boston University (44) 23-5-2 993 1
2 Notre Dame ( 6) 23-5-3 945 2
3 Michigan 23-9-0 905 4
4 Northeastern 20-8-2 815 3
5 Miami 18-8-4 783 7
6 Vermont 17-7-4 731 5
7 Yale 19-5-1 677 10
8 Denver 17-9-4 659 8
9 North Dakota 18-11-3 564 11
10 Princeton 18-7-0 560 9
11 Cornell 15-6-4 495 6
12 New Hampshire 14-9-5 420 12
13 Wisconsin 16-11-3 404 13
14 Minnesota 13-9-6 371 14
15 Minnesota-Duluth 15-9-6 256 17
16 Ohio State 18-10-4 211 16
17 Boston College 13-10-5 177 15
18 Colorado College 14-9-8 167 18
19 St. Cloud State 17-13-2 101 NR
20 St. Lawrence 16-11-3 92 NR
Others Receiving Votes: Dartmouth 91, Mass.-Lowell 21, RIT 18,
Air Force 16, Nebraska-Omaha 12, Alaska 5, Colgate 5,
Massachusetts 4, Alaska-Anchorage 2
--------
USA TODAY/USA Hockey men's poll
Feb. 16, 2009
Rank School (first-place votes) Record Points Last week
1 Boston University (31) 23-5-2 507 1
2 Notre Dame (3) 23-5-3 473 3
3 Michigan 23-9-0 448 4
4 Miami (Ohio) 18-8-4 391 6
5 Northeastern 20-8-2 369 2
6 Vermont 17-7-4 331 5
7 Yale 19-5-1 296 10
8 Denver 17-9-4 285 8
9 North Dakota 18-11-3 235 11
10 Princeton 18-7-0 205 9
11 Cornell 15-6-4 151 7
12 New Hampshire 14-9-5 133 12
13 Wisconsin 16-11-3 109 13
14 Minnesota 13-9-6 85 14
15 Ohio State 18-10-4 21 NR
Others receiving votes: University of Minnesota Duluth, 16; Colorado College, 12; Boston College, 7; Rochester Institute of Technology, 3; St. Lawrence University, 3.
--------
USA TODAY/USA Hockey men's poll
Feb. 16, 2009
Rank School (first-place votes) Record Points Last week
1 Boston University (31) 23-5-2 507 1
2 Notre Dame (3) 23-5-3 473 3
3 Michigan 23-9-0 448 4
4 Miami (Ohio) 18-8-4 391 6
5 Northeastern 20-8-2 369 2
6 Vermont 17-7-4 331 5
7 Yale 19-5-1 296 10
8 Denver 17-9-4 285 8
9 North Dakota 18-11-3 235 11
10 Princeton 18-7-0 205 9
11 Cornell 15-6-4 151 7
12 New Hampshire 14-9-5 133 12
13 Wisconsin 16-11-3 109 13
14 Minnesota 13-9-6 85 14
15 Ohio State 18-10-4 21 NR
Others receiving votes: University of Minnesota Duluth, 16; Colorado College, 12; Boston College, 7; Rochester Institute of Technology, 3; St. Lawrence University, 3.
INCH Power Rankings & Randomness
1. Boston University
2. Notre Dame
3. Michigan
4. Miami
5. Northeastern
6. Vermont
7. North Dakota
8. Denver
9. Yale
10. Princeton
11. Wisconsin
12. Cornell
13. New Hampshire
14. Minnesota
15. Ohio State
16. Minnesota Duluth
17. Colorado College
18. Boston College
19. St. Cloud State
20. St. Lawrence
Dropped out: Air Force, Niagara
Bubble-licious: Air Force, Dartmouth, RIT, Niagara, UMass Lowell
Analysis
First off happy president's day holiday. I guess I am almost shocked that UMD isn't higher in the INCH power rankings. After being out of the top ten most of the season UND has made it back.
I found this great quote in the Wild beat writer's Russo's Rant this morning some good stuff here.
2. Notre Dame
3. Michigan
4. Miami
5. Northeastern
6. Vermont
7. North Dakota
8. Denver
9. Yale
10. Princeton
11. Wisconsin
12. Cornell
13. New Hampshire
14. Minnesota
15. Ohio State
16. Minnesota Duluth
17. Colorado College
18. Boston College
19. St. Cloud State
20. St. Lawrence
Dropped out: Air Force, Niagara
Bubble-licious: Air Force, Dartmouth, RIT, Niagara, UMass Lowell
Analysis
First off happy president's day holiday. I guess I am almost shocked that UMD isn't higher in the INCH power rankings. After being out of the top ten most of the season UND has made it back.
I found this great quote in the Wild beat writer's Russo's Rant this morning some good stuff here.
attended the Gophers-Alaska Anchorage game last night. Just a bad hockey game. I was sitting with Senators GM Bryan Murray and assistant GM Tim Murray in the third, and Tim Murray said (and he said I can print this), “If anybody ever says again that the NHL should go to bigger rinks, come watch a bad college game.”
Of course the rodent fans are going to take issue with Russo but I think the big ice sucks because it takes some of the hitting out of the game and actually slows the game down. On a smaller sheet of ice the game comes at you faster. Go to the DECC and watch a game, the action is ussually fast and furious. I like a lot of other NHL fans think the olympic sheet of ice God awful, thank God the 2010 olympics in Vancover will be at GM place which has NHL ice.
REA tough place to play.
Check out this video that I found on Youtube, it would appear that the REA is becoming a very hostile place for opposing players.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Another weekend another incident.
Greg Shepherd was to attend both games this weekend at REA in case something out of the ordinary occurred in this weekend's series between the Mavericks and the Sioux. Well it happened again, color me surprised.
At the end of last night's game between UND and MSU-M Maverick player Geoff Irwin broke his carbon fiber stick slashing Darcy Zajac. In reviewing the replay WDAZ/Channel 23 did not catch the slash on film you can hear the stick being broken over Zajac on the tape. This is straight out of the federal league on slap shot and is utter bravo sierra. There is no room for that type of a reaction in ANY LEAGUE this is totally unacceptable, this wasn't a bow tie cross check this was a full swing tomahawk chop with a hockey stick. If that was the NHL it would be a minimum of two games. Lucky for Irwin the linesman Nate Freeman was able to rescue him before Zajac could exact his pound of flesh.
If Mullen was suspended by DU coach George Gwozdecky for his slash on UMD's Mike Connolly, this has to be a at least a 1-2 game suspension and it is time for Troy Jutting to man up and admit his player was wrong.
At the end of last night's game between UND and MSU-M Maverick player Geoff Irwin broke his carbon fiber stick slashing Darcy Zajac. In reviewing the replay WDAZ/Channel 23 did not catch the slash on film you can hear the stick being broken over Zajac on the tape. This is straight out of the federal league on slap shot and is utter bravo sierra. There is no room for that type of a reaction in ANY LEAGUE this is totally unacceptable, this wasn't a bow tie cross check this was a full swing tomahawk chop with a hockey stick. If that was the NHL it would be a minimum of two games. Lucky for Irwin the linesman Nate Freeman was able to rescue him before Zajac could exact his pound of flesh.
If Mullen was suspended by DU coach George Gwozdecky for his slash on UMD's Mike Connolly, this has to be a at least a 1-2 game suspension and it is time for Troy Jutting to man up and admit his player was wrong.
Scores from 2-14-2009.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Atlantic Hockey
American Int'l 1 at Canisius 5
Mercyhurst 7 at Connecticut 4
Air Force 1 at Bentley 4
RIT 3 at Holy Cross 1
Sacred Heart 1 at Army 3
Analysis
Yawn!
CCHA
Ohio State 1 at Michigan State 2
Nebraska-Omaha 2 at Michigan 4
Northern Michigan 2 at Notre Dame 5
Alaska 4 at Western Michigan 3
Miami 4 at Lake Superior 0
Ferris State 1 at Bowling Green 3
Analysis
No shootouts in the CCHA last night. Notre Dame keeps rolling along. Miami with the shut out.
CHA
Niagara 1 at Alabama-Huntsville 3
Bemidji State 0 at Robert Morris 3
Analysis
Big conference win for UAH. Bob Morris beats BSU, but don't worry BSU and RMU will play a few more against each other before the season is over.
ECAC
Cornell 2 at Harvard 4
Clarkson 3 at Quinnipiac 5
Yale 4 at Rensselaer 1
Colgate 1 at Dartmouth 0
St. Lawrence 3 at Princeton 1
Brown 1 at Union 3
Analysis
EZAC teams Cornell and Princeton are falling in the Pair Wise Rankings faster than a prom dress at an after prom party. This is what happens when your teams plays a small number of out of conference teams and then play conference games against the weak sisters of the poor each week. What is even worse is when your team loses to the weak sisters of the poor.
Hockey East
Boston College 4 at Mass.-Lowell 4 ot
Massachusetts 4 at Northeastern 1
Boston University 2 at Maine 2 ot
Vermont 4 at Merrimack 3
New Hampshire 4 at Providence 2
Analysis
Maine gets a point after getting run out of the building the night before by BU.
WCHA
Michigan Tech 2 at St. Cloud State 4
Minnesota State 3 at North Dakota 4
Alaska-Anchorage 2 at Minnesota 4
Analysis
Minnesota finally wins after not winning in 5 games. Make that the first place Sioux; UND defenseman Chay Genoway skated the puck from the end to end and fired a puck at Mankato goalie Mike Zacharias. The rebound deflected to the left to Gregoire, who put it in. North Dakota is tied with Wisconsin for the lowest goals against in league play. Hum, it appears that UND doesn't have too many issues with defense and goaltending.
Atlantic Hockey
American Int'l 1 at Canisius 5
Mercyhurst 7 at Connecticut 4
Air Force 1 at Bentley 4
RIT 3 at Holy Cross 1
Sacred Heart 1 at Army 3
Analysis
Yawn!
CCHA
Ohio State 1 at Michigan State 2
Nebraska-Omaha 2 at Michigan 4
Northern Michigan 2 at Notre Dame 5
Alaska 4 at Western Michigan 3
Miami 4 at Lake Superior 0
Ferris State 1 at Bowling Green 3
Analysis
No shootouts in the CCHA last night. Notre Dame keeps rolling along. Miami with the shut out.
CHA
Niagara 1 at Alabama-Huntsville 3
Bemidji State 0 at Robert Morris 3
Analysis
Big conference win for UAH. Bob Morris beats BSU, but don't worry BSU and RMU will play a few more against each other before the season is over.
ECAC
Cornell 2 at Harvard 4
Clarkson 3 at Quinnipiac 5
Yale 4 at Rensselaer 1
Colgate 1 at Dartmouth 0
St. Lawrence 3 at Princeton 1
Brown 1 at Union 3
Analysis
EZAC teams Cornell and Princeton are falling in the Pair Wise Rankings faster than a prom dress at an after prom party. This is what happens when your teams plays a small number of out of conference teams and then play conference games against the weak sisters of the poor each week. What is even worse is when your team loses to the weak sisters of the poor.
Hockey East
Boston College 4 at Mass.-Lowell 4 ot
Massachusetts 4 at Northeastern 1
Boston University 2 at Maine 2 ot
Vermont 4 at Merrimack 3
New Hampshire 4 at Providence 2
Analysis
Maine gets a point after getting run out of the building the night before by BU.
WCHA
Michigan Tech 2 at St. Cloud State 4
Minnesota State 3 at North Dakota 4
Alaska-Anchorage 2 at Minnesota 4
Analysis
Minnesota finally wins after not winning in 5 games. Make that the first place Sioux; UND defenseman Chay Genoway skated the puck from the end to end and fired a puck at Mankato goalie Mike Zacharias. The rebound deflected to the left to Gregoire, who put it in. North Dakota is tied with Wisconsin for the lowest goals against in league play. Hum, it appears that UND doesn't have too many issues with defense and goaltending.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Sioux 4 Purple Cows 3
First off I hope that Derrick LaPoint has a speedy recovery. From the video and the picture that I saw of the injury it does not look good for LaPoint. Derrick LaPoint has made some great strides in his development this season and has played pretty well after having a little bit of a tough start. The Fighting Sioux hockey team will miss LaPoint on the blue line.
This was a hard fought game between two teams that really don't like each other all that much. While I do like watching the Sioux and Mavericks play I don't like some of the antics that I saw this weekend. Trevor Buress needs to learn some respect for his fellow competitors, IF this kid ever makes it to the next level he is going to get it handed to him if he doesn't learn to play a little cleaner game.
I have no problem with players that play hard and get into an occasional fight but if you watch the NHL you don't see too many the NHL goon's doing the bush league moves Buress does on a nightly basis because eventually someone come calling and you have to pay the piper. What I say from Buress on Friday night was disgusting, that bush league leg check on Chay Genoway could have ended Chay's season. To Chay's credit he was able to get out of the way Buress in the nick of time and didn't absorb much of a dirty leg on leg check. I don't think I have seen Derick Boogaard or Milan Lucic try to leg check an oppostion player intentionally.
While I think UND was the better team this weekend I am not so sure I want the Sioux to see the Mavericks again this season. Hopefully the Mavericks move up so the Sioux don't have to play them until maybe St Paul.
The Mavericks are pretty fast and have a good amount of talent through the forward lines. Defensively, I think the Mavericks are a little small and they get caught up ice quite a bit but Mike Zacharias is an awesome goaltender and saved their bacon a lot this weekend. If it wasn't for Zacharias the score might have been more lopsided in UND's favor both nights.
Finally it was fun to talk to a few of the people from Mankato this weekend, they traveled pretty well. It was fun to meet Dan Myers and his girl friend and also talk to Heather and Amy as well. Amy wanted me to wear a purple cow jersey to the game tonight but I don't think I could ever wear any thing that is purple in color let alone a purple hockey jersey. I just don't know if purple is my color. Last time I owned anything with purple the Viking's quarter back took a knee and a field goal kicker missed an easy field goal, yeah so much for the 15-1 season. I actually threw my Viking's hat out after that day.
I would like to wish everyone a happy Valentine's Day.
Box Score
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1st Period (20:00)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MNS-1 James Gaulrapp (2-Holding) NDK 0x1 3:34
NDK-1 Brad Malone (2-Hooking) MNS 1x1 10:31
NDK-2 Joe Finley (2-Cross-Checking) MNS 1x2 11:46
MNS 1 - 0 6x4 PP Geoff Irwin (10) (Kael Mouillierat, Kurt Davis) 11:57
MNS: 19,9,22,23,21,G1 NDK: 20,11,5,G31
MNS-2 Rylan Galiardi (2-Holding) NDK 0x2 13:00
MNS-3 BENCH (2-TOO MANY PLAYERS ON ICE) (Served by Justin Jokinen) NDK 0x3 15:14
MNS-4 Jason Wiley (2-High-Sticking) NDK 0x4 17:32
NDK 1 - 1 6x6 Matt Watkins (5) (Andrew Kozek, Darcy Zajac) 19:57
NDK (+): 20,10,11,2,25,G31 MNS (-): 5,12,17,18,20,G1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2nd Period (20:00)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MNS-5 Rylan Galiardi (2-Holding) NDK 1x5 1:02
NDK 2 - 1 6x5 PP Ryan Duncan (13) (Chris VandeVelde, Ryan Martens) 1:53
NDK: 16,29,8,14,25,G31 MNS: 19,5,15,17,G1
MNS-6 Cameron Cooper (2-Roughing) NDK 1x6 2:05
NDK-3 Jason Gregoire (2-Interference) MNS 1x3 3:07
MNS-7 Andrew Sackrison (2-Tripping) NDK 1x7 9:58
MNS-8 Rylan Galiardi (2-High-Sticking) NDK 1x8 15:40
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3rd Period (20:00)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MNS 2 - 2 6x6 Geoff Irwin (11) (Kael Mouillierat) 0:53
MNS (+): 19,9,17,23,3,G1 NDK (-): 14,20,2,8,11,G31
NDK-4 Chay Genoway (2-Interference) MNS 1x4 1:34
MNS-9 Blake Friesen (2-Hooking) NDK 1x9 8:52
MNS 3 - 2 5x6 SH Trevor Bruess (11) (Kael Mouillierat, Ben Youds) 10:47
MNS (+): 23,9,5,3,G1 NDK (-): 2,17,21,19,5,G31
MNS-10 Brian Kilburg (2-Interference) NDK 2x10 12:58
NDK 3 - 3 6x5 PP Chris VandeVelde (10) (Ryan Martens, Ryan Duncan) 13:40
NDK: 14,8,16,29,25,G31 MNS: 10,18,5,17,G1
MNS-11 Mike Louwerse (2-Roughing) 15:46
NDK-5 Evan Trupp (2-Roughing) 15:46
NDK 4 - 3 5x5 GW LL Jason Gregoire (11) (Chay Genoway, Jake Marto) 17:08
NDK (+): 17,5,25,16,G31 MNS (-): 19,4,20,22,G1
Timeout - Minnesota State 19:56
MNS-12 Geoff Irwin (2-Roughing) 20:00
MNS-13 Geoff Irwin (5-Slashing) 20:00
NDK-6 Darcy Zajac (2-Roughing) 20:00
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
End of Game
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This was a hard fought game between two teams that really don't like each other all that much. While I do like watching the Sioux and Mavericks play I don't like some of the antics that I saw this weekend. Trevor Buress needs to learn some respect for his fellow competitors, IF this kid ever makes it to the next level he is going to get it handed to him if he doesn't learn to play a little cleaner game.
I have no problem with players that play hard and get into an occasional fight but if you watch the NHL you don't see too many the NHL goon's doing the bush league moves Buress does on a nightly basis because eventually someone come calling and you have to pay the piper. What I say from Buress on Friday night was disgusting, that bush league leg check on Chay Genoway could have ended Chay's season. To Chay's credit he was able to get out of the way Buress in the nick of time and didn't absorb much of a dirty leg on leg check. I don't think I have seen Derick Boogaard or Milan Lucic try to leg check an oppostion player intentionally.
While I think UND was the better team this weekend I am not so sure I want the Sioux to see the Mavericks again this season. Hopefully the Mavericks move up so the Sioux don't have to play them until maybe St Paul.
The Mavericks are pretty fast and have a good amount of talent through the forward lines. Defensively, I think the Mavericks are a little small and they get caught up ice quite a bit but Mike Zacharias is an awesome goaltender and saved their bacon a lot this weekend. If it wasn't for Zacharias the score might have been more lopsided in UND's favor both nights.
Finally it was fun to talk to a few of the people from Mankato this weekend, they traveled pretty well. It was fun to meet Dan Myers and his girl friend and also talk to Heather and Amy as well. Amy wanted me to wear a purple cow jersey to the game tonight but I don't think I could ever wear any thing that is purple in color let alone a purple hockey jersey. I just don't know if purple is my color. Last time I owned anything with purple the Viking's quarter back took a knee and a field goal kicker missed an easy field goal, yeah so much for the 15-1 season. I actually threw my Viking's hat out after that day.
I would like to wish everyone a happy Valentine's Day.
Box Score
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1st Period (20:00)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MNS-1 James Gaulrapp (2-Holding) NDK 0x1 3:34
NDK-1 Brad Malone (2-Hooking) MNS 1x1 10:31
NDK-2 Joe Finley (2-Cross-Checking) MNS 1x2 11:46
MNS 1 - 0 6x4 PP Geoff Irwin (10) (Kael Mouillierat, Kurt Davis) 11:57
MNS: 19,9,22,23,21,G1 NDK: 20,11,5,G31
MNS-2 Rylan Galiardi (2-Holding) NDK 0x2 13:00
MNS-3 BENCH (2-TOO MANY PLAYERS ON ICE) (Served by Justin Jokinen) NDK 0x3 15:14
MNS-4 Jason Wiley (2-High-Sticking) NDK 0x4 17:32
NDK 1 - 1 6x6 Matt Watkins (5) (Andrew Kozek, Darcy Zajac) 19:57
NDK (+): 20,10,11,2,25,G31 MNS (-): 5,12,17,18,20,G1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2nd Period (20:00)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MNS-5 Rylan Galiardi (2-Holding) NDK 1x5 1:02
NDK 2 - 1 6x5 PP Ryan Duncan (13) (Chris VandeVelde, Ryan Martens) 1:53
NDK: 16,29,8,14,25,G31 MNS: 19,5,15,17,G1
MNS-6 Cameron Cooper (2-Roughing) NDK 1x6 2:05
NDK-3 Jason Gregoire (2-Interference) MNS 1x3 3:07
MNS-7 Andrew Sackrison (2-Tripping) NDK 1x7 9:58
MNS-8 Rylan Galiardi (2-High-Sticking) NDK 1x8 15:40
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3rd Period (20:00)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MNS 2 - 2 6x6 Geoff Irwin (11) (Kael Mouillierat) 0:53
MNS (+): 19,9,17,23,3,G1 NDK (-): 14,20,2,8,11,G31
NDK-4 Chay Genoway (2-Interference) MNS 1x4 1:34
MNS-9 Blake Friesen (2-Hooking) NDK 1x9 8:52
MNS 3 - 2 5x6 SH Trevor Bruess (11) (Kael Mouillierat, Ben Youds) 10:47
MNS (+): 23,9,5,3,G1 NDK (-): 2,17,21,19,5,G31
MNS-10 Brian Kilburg (2-Interference) NDK 2x10 12:58
NDK 3 - 3 6x5 PP Chris VandeVelde (10) (Ryan Martens, Ryan Duncan) 13:40
NDK: 14,8,16,29,25,G31 MNS: 10,18,5,17,G1
MNS-11 Mike Louwerse (2-Roughing) 15:46
NDK-5 Evan Trupp (2-Roughing) 15:46
NDK 4 - 3 5x5 GW LL Jason Gregoire (11) (Chay Genoway, Jake Marto) 17:08
NDK (+): 17,5,25,16,G31 MNS (-): 19,4,20,22,G1
Timeout - Minnesota State 19:56
MNS-12 Geoff Irwin (2-Roughing) 20:00
MNS-13 Geoff Irwin (5-Slashing) 20:00
NDK-6 Darcy Zajac (2-Roughing) 20:00
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
End of Game
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Region of Death III.
Jason Moy has his latest Bracket Prediction up at USCHO.COM and talk about another bracket of death much like the 2006 REA regional, but also the 2007 Denver Regional.
West Regional (Minneapolis)
13 North Dakota vs. 3 Michigan (What, again?)
11 Minnesota-Duluth vs. 5 Northeastern
West Regional (Minneapolis)
13 North Dakota vs. 3 Michigan (What, again?)
11 Minnesota-Duluth vs. 5 Northeastern
Scores from February 13, 2009
Friday, February 13, 2009
Atlantic Hockey
Army 4 at Sacred Heart 3
Mercyhurst 6 at Connecticut 3
Air Force 3 at Bentley 2
RIT 6 at Holy Cross 0
American Int'l 0 at Canisius 3
CCHA
Ohio State 1 at Michigan State 1 ot: MSU wins shootout
Miami 2 at Lake Superior 1
Ferris State 3 at Bowling Green 2
Nebraska-Omaha 3 at Michigan 8
Northern Michigan 5 at Notre Dame 9
Alaska 0 at Western Michigan 3
CHA
Niagara 4 at Alabama-Huntsville 2
ECAC
Cornell 4 at Dartmouth 5 ot
Clarkson 3 at Princeton 5
Brown 3 at Rensselaer 4
Colgate 2 at Harvard 3
St. Lawrence 4 at Quinnipiac 3 ot
Yale 4 at Union 2
Hockey East
Northeastern 5 at Massachusetts 3
Boston University 7 at Maine 2
Vermont 2 at Merrimack 3
Providence 4 at New Hampshire 4 ot
Mass.-Lowell 6 at Boston College 0
Analysis
If the NCAA playoffs started today the defending NCAA champ the Boston College Eagles would be out of the NCAA tourney. Boston College goalie John Muse has not been impressive this season here is the line on Muse 13-10-4 GAA 2.89 SV% 0.899. Boston University's rolled again as Colin Wilson has three goals and an assist for a four point game for the Terriers.
WCHA
Michigan Tech 2 at St. Cloud State 3
Alaska-Anchorage 2 at Minnesota 2 ot
Minnesota State 1 at North Dakota 4
Denver 3 at Colorado College 3 ot
Analysis
Colorado College watched their 3-2 lead against DU dissolved in the third period. With the Tie the Tigers keep the Gold Pan. Minnesota found out that Alaska isn't going to go quietly into the night as the Seawolves had to score a goal to secure a tie in the game. Also, Gopher forward Jay Barriball missed a chance to win the game in over time.
Another brawl that's not UND's fault...
It's seems that it just isn't the WCHA league games that scrums, fight and incidents happen in. Check out Adam Wodon's description of what happened between Maine and BU last night. Hockey is a very fast emotional game and fights are going to happen from time to time.
Atlantic Hockey
Army 4 at Sacred Heart 3
Mercyhurst 6 at Connecticut 3
Air Force 3 at Bentley 2
RIT 6 at Holy Cross 0
American Int'l 0 at Canisius 3
CCHA
Ohio State 1 at Michigan State 1 ot: MSU wins shootout
Miami 2 at Lake Superior 1
Ferris State 3 at Bowling Green 2
Nebraska-Omaha 3 at Michigan 8
Northern Michigan 5 at Notre Dame 9
Alaska 0 at Western Michigan 3
CHA
Niagara 4 at Alabama-Huntsville 2
ECAC
Cornell 4 at Dartmouth 5 ot
Clarkson 3 at Princeton 5
Brown 3 at Rensselaer 4
Colgate 2 at Harvard 3
St. Lawrence 4 at Quinnipiac 3 ot
Yale 4 at Union 2
Hockey East
Northeastern 5 at Massachusetts 3
Boston University 7 at Maine 2
Vermont 2 at Merrimack 3
Providence 4 at New Hampshire 4 ot
Mass.-Lowell 6 at Boston College 0
Analysis
If the NCAA playoffs started today the defending NCAA champ the Boston College Eagles would be out of the NCAA tourney. Boston College goalie John Muse has not been impressive this season here is the line on Muse 13-10-4 GAA 2.89 SV% 0.899. Boston University's rolled again as Colin Wilson has three goals and an assist for a four point game for the Terriers.
WCHA
Michigan Tech 2 at St. Cloud State 3
Alaska-Anchorage 2 at Minnesota 2 ot
Minnesota State 1 at North Dakota 4
Denver 3 at Colorado College 3 ot
Analysis
Colorado College watched their 3-2 lead against DU dissolved in the third period. With the Tie the Tigers keep the Gold Pan. Minnesota found out that Alaska isn't going to go quietly into the night as the Seawolves had to score a goal to secure a tie in the game. Also, Gopher forward Jay Barriball missed a chance to win the game in over time.
Another brawl that's not UND's fault...
It's seems that it just isn't the WCHA league games that scrums, fight and incidents happen in. Check out Adam Wodon's description of what happened between Maine and BU last night. Hockey is a very fast emotional game and fights are going to happen from time to time.
Then the other stuff started. ... At 8:21, Will O'Neill, who had just scored, got into it with Wilson. Wilson only got two for roughing, but O'Neill got a fighting major and Game DQ. Fifty seconds later, Maine's Mike Branwell was called for spearing on BU's Brandon Yip, and also got a Game DQ. Yip received a double minor. ... After Kevin Shattenkirk's goal making it 7-2, things got even worse. At 14:12, Maine's Jeff Dimmen was cited for a hit from behind, which BU's Brian Strait took exception to, leading to a fight between the two. Both were ejected and given Game DQs. Finally, at 18:20, BU's Eric Gryba and Maine's Jeffrey Marshall got into a scrap, but "only" got roughing minors and 10-minute misconducts. ... That's three game disqualifications for Maine, in case you lost count, meaning those three players must sit Saturday's rematch. ... “That’s not what we’re about and there’s no excuse for that,” said Maine coach Tim Whitehead about the three DQs.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Sioux 4 - Purple Cows 1
The Fighting Sioux's road to the NCAA tourney is not going to be a gimme or a slam dunk, they are going to have to work for it. The Fighting Sioux must keep winning if they want to play past the WCHA playoffs. Tonight was the first step in the right direction on a long road. The road to the NCAA playoffs doesn't get easier and the Mavericks will come out tomorrow guns blazing. The Sioux must be ready and can't take a shift off, they must play a complete disciplined game like they did tonight. If the Fighting Sioux can continue their pace and their current path they could very well finish a top of the WCHA. Tomorrow night the Sioux can not get wrapped up in the after the whistle bravo sierra.
The effort tonight was impressive as the Fighting Sioux out worked, out hustled and pretty much had their way with the Mavericks tonight. If it wasn't for Mike Zacharias the score could have been 10-1. The Fighting Sioux had the Mavericks on their heals all night and improved their record to 9-1-1 in the last 11 games against the Minnesota State University Mavericks.
Tonight I was even more impressed with the play of LGM's favorite Sioux player Big Joe Finley who had missed 16 games at the beginning of the season with a head injury. Big Joe has come back to the line up and been a major force on the blue line. I would have to say that the last three series Big Joe has taken a big leadership role on the ice for the Fighting Sioux.
Brad Miller was impressive with his two goals on the evening. It nice to see Miller chipping in after missing many games the first three years of his UND hockey career. There will be more tomorrow, I have to work in the morning.
Box Score
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1st Period (20:00)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MNS-1 Zach Harrison (2-Interference) NDK 0x1 0:16
NDK-1 Brett Hextall (2-Roughing) MNS 0x1 8:52
NDK-2 Matt Watkins (2-Boarding) MNS 0x2 9:38
MNS-2 James Gaulrapp (2-Hooking) NDK 1x2 14:39
NDK 1 - 0 6x5 PP LL Brad Miller (5) (Jake Marto, Ryan Duncan) 15:26
NDK: 14,25,16,26,29,G31 MNS: 19,12,17,5,G1
MNS-3 Nick Canzanello (2-Holding) NDK 2x3 17:40
MNS-4 Trevor Bruess (2-Kneeing) NDK 2x4 19:32
NDK 2 - 0 6x4 PP GW Brad Miller (6) (Brett Hextall, Chris VandeVelde) 19:39
NDK: 14,26,29,16,5,G31 MNS: 4,19,22,G1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2nd Period (20:00)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MNS-5 Trevor Bruess (2-Boarding) NDK 2x5 1:47
NDK 3 - 0 6x6 Evan Trupp (6) (unassisted) 6:05
NDK (+): 29,21,19,24,14,G31 MNS (-): 5,12,16,3,20,G1
NDK-3 Matt Watkins (2-Tripping) MNS 0x3 9:06
MNS-6 Cameron Cooper (2-Interference) NDK 2x6 13:57
NDK-4 Darcy Zajac (2-Interference) MNS 0x4 18:14
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3rd Period (20:00)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MNS-7 Trevor Bruess (2-High-Sticking) NDK 2x7 0:30
MNS 1 - 3 5x6 SH Geoff Irwin (9) (unassisted) 0:59
MNS (+): 19,22,4,15,G1 NDK (-): 17,21,8,19,5,G31
NDK-5 Brad Malone (2-Unsportsmanlike Conduct) MNS 0x5 3:58
NDK 4 - 1 6x6 Andrew Kozek (7) (Joe Finley, Brad Malone) 10:28
NDK (+): 10,2,22,5,9,G31 MNS (-): 18,15,10,2,17,G1
NDK-6 Matt Frattin (2-Hooking) MNS 0x6 11:08
MNS-8 Nick Canzanello (2-Roughing) 18:57
MNS-9 Nick Canzanello (2-Roughing) 18:57
MNS-10 Ben Youds (5-High-Sticking) 18:57
NDK-7 Mario Lamoureux (2-Roughing) 18:57
NDK-8 Mario Lamoureux (2-Roughing) 18:57
NDK-9 Brad Malone (2-Unsportsmanlike Conduct) 18:57
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
End of Game
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The effort tonight was impressive as the Fighting Sioux out worked, out hustled and pretty much had their way with the Mavericks tonight. If it wasn't for Mike Zacharias the score could have been 10-1. The Fighting Sioux had the Mavericks on their heals all night and improved their record to 9-1-1 in the last 11 games against the Minnesota State University Mavericks.
Tonight I was even more impressed with the play of LGM's favorite Sioux player Big Joe Finley who had missed 16 games at the beginning of the season with a head injury. Big Joe has come back to the line up and been a major force on the blue line. I would have to say that the last three series Big Joe has taken a big leadership role on the ice for the Fighting Sioux.
Brad Miller was impressive with his two goals on the evening. It nice to see Miller chipping in after missing many games the first three years of his UND hockey career. There will be more tomorrow, I have to work in the morning.
Box Score
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1st Period (20:00)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MNS-1 Zach Harrison (2-Interference) NDK 0x1 0:16
NDK-1 Brett Hextall (2-Roughing) MNS 0x1 8:52
NDK-2 Matt Watkins (2-Boarding) MNS 0x2 9:38
MNS-2 James Gaulrapp (2-Hooking) NDK 1x2 14:39
NDK 1 - 0 6x5 PP LL Brad Miller (5) (Jake Marto, Ryan Duncan) 15:26
NDK: 14,25,16,26,29,G31 MNS: 19,12,17,5,G1
MNS-3 Nick Canzanello (2-Holding) NDK 2x3 17:40
MNS-4 Trevor Bruess (2-Kneeing) NDK 2x4 19:32
NDK 2 - 0 6x4 PP GW Brad Miller (6) (Brett Hextall, Chris VandeVelde) 19:39
NDK: 14,26,29,16,5,G31 MNS: 4,19,22,G1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2nd Period (20:00)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MNS-5 Trevor Bruess (2-Boarding) NDK 2x5 1:47
NDK 3 - 0 6x6 Evan Trupp (6) (unassisted) 6:05
NDK (+): 29,21,19,24,14,G31 MNS (-): 5,12,16,3,20,G1
NDK-3 Matt Watkins (2-Tripping) MNS 0x3 9:06
MNS-6 Cameron Cooper (2-Interference) NDK 2x6 13:57
NDK-4 Darcy Zajac (2-Interference) MNS 0x4 18:14
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3rd Period (20:00)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MNS-7 Trevor Bruess (2-High-Sticking) NDK 2x7 0:30
MNS 1 - 3 5x6 SH Geoff Irwin (9) (unassisted) 0:59
MNS (+): 19,22,4,15,G1 NDK (-): 17,21,8,19,5,G31
NDK-5 Brad Malone (2-Unsportsmanlike Conduct) MNS 0x5 3:58
NDK 4 - 1 6x6 Andrew Kozek (7) (Joe Finley, Brad Malone) 10:28
NDK (+): 10,2,22,5,9,G31 MNS (-): 18,15,10,2,17,G1
NDK-6 Matt Frattin (2-Hooking) MNS 0x6 11:08
MNS-8 Nick Canzanello (2-Roughing) 18:57
MNS-9 Nick Canzanello (2-Roughing) 18:57
MNS-10 Ben Youds (5-High-Sticking) 18:57
NDK-7 Mario Lamoureux (2-Roughing) 18:57
NDK-8 Mario Lamoureux (2-Roughing) 18:57
NDK-9 Brad Malone (2-Unsportsmanlike Conduct) 18:57
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
End of Game
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A sample of the fans.
Just so you know its not just me that upset with the refs and officials in this league check out this all American post from Brad's blog. All I can say is Bravo, well said. Time for some hockey the bye week is officially over. Props to AZ SIOUX for selling me my new Retro 1987 Fighting Sioux hockey jersey. Man do I miss those jerseys.
The WCHA, and the commissioner, is a joke. How can a coach who obviously is the "wine and dine" of the WCHA coaching fraternity (GWOZ) interrupt a pivotal league game for over 5-7 minutes and not get suspended by the league. It's obvious where the league derives from (Colorado) and the bias towards other programs. The WCHA has flown by the seat of their pants for quite some time. The officials leader, Sheppard, prances around the (10) arenas like he's a military general and yet his officiers (refs) continue to be gut-less when it comes to cleaning this league up. In the dictionary, the definition of the WCHA would go something like this:
A league in the NCAA that lets a few coaches dictate (GWOZ) and (LUCY .. we get the prime time games in the Final Five even if we are 5th seed) ... a league without leadership that lets the respective institutions dictate coaching suspensions ... where the ref's have called the games like the old Federal League in Slapshot and where the superstars bolt to the NHL after frosh, soph and jr. seasons like the famous quote, "I'm as mad as hell and I won't take it anymore" on the lack of protecting it's most prized athletes .. the league where USA Hockey dictates the Post Season Awards Banquet (WCHA) so that the athletes USA Hockey pulls from HS programs are glorified .. the league where in some years the best four teams play each other in a regional now and not see the greatest teams match-up in the Frozen Four .. the league where if they had it their way they'd just keep in the McNaughton Cup in Colorado and celebrate w/ DU or CC after the presentations.
The WCHA should visit North Dakota and Figthing Sioux name. Look at how it's program prides itself in the "family" of tradition and honor which are first, and foremost. But the NCAA and WCHA are against the name because most white people know what's best for the Native American. Just like the treaties of the 1800's and the Catholic Board Schools of the 20th century.
C'mon. And this league is what governs the pride of NCAA hockey.
Posted by: Yosemite Sam on Friday, February 13 2:08 PM
McLeod speaks
When I read this article this morning it made my blood boil. I have to give props for Fighting Sioux beat writer Brad E. Schlossman for writing this story and getting it out in the open for the public to read. It is also time for the WCHA to update its rules and have a standard that is more acceptable. The NHL makes swift and just decision that don't make five days to make. This is unacceptable. The league office appears that it doesn’t want to make the hard decisions. Maybe it is time the WCHA hires someone who will make just and fair decisions that are consistent.
To take a page from Redwing_77’s book; it is time for Bruce McLeod and Greg Shepherd to be relieved of their duties at the WCHA league office. When his contract is up for renewal it's time to send him a pink slip and put a new leadership in their place.
Is McLeod kidding? The league decided to give a player a private reprimand for his bush league and gutless attack on another player and received nothing else, after the Gophers coach Don Lucia failed to suspend Brian “the Hack” Schack. If I was George Gwozdecky I would be very unhappy with the league office right now. One coach manned up while the other one made excuses for bad behavior. My respect for Gwoz has gone up three fold.
If the league office is not going to suspend a player for such a blatant bush league attack, at least give that player a harsher public rebuke. Nothing! The sound of silence was deafening. Last season Kyle Radke got an extra game disqualification for his two fight game against the Denver Pioneers last season. If you watched the game between Minnesota and Mankato you will see that Schack was actually punching two different Gopher players with his helmet and gloves on during the same game that he was given a game disqualification in.
Like one fellow Sioux fans from New York said, “They're just gearing up to really stick it to the Sioux when ANYTHING out of the ordinary happens....Hak better have his boys on a short lease for the rest of the year, or suspensions will come fast and furious with the Sioux's reputation.” Just for the record WCHA head of officials Greg Shepherd will be at both games this weekend. Gee I wonder what the potential response would be if there is an incident this weekend? I would be willing to bet that it will be swift, harsh and not some bush league private reprimand.
I wonder what the leagues response would have been if the offending player had been wearing green and white during the Brian Schack incident? I would be willing to bet that the response would not be the kids gloves treatment Don Luica’s hack received.
To take a page from Redwing_77’s book; it is time for Bruce McLeod and Greg Shepherd to be relieved of their duties at the WCHA league office. When his contract is up for renewal it's time to send him a pink slip and put a new leadership in their place.
Is McLeod kidding? The league decided to give a player a private reprimand for his bush league and gutless attack on another player and received nothing else, after the Gophers coach Don Lucia failed to suspend Brian “the Hack” Schack. If I was George Gwozdecky I would be very unhappy with the league office right now. One coach manned up while the other one made excuses for bad behavior. My respect for Gwoz has gone up three fold.
If the league office is not going to suspend a player for such a blatant bush league attack, at least give that player a harsher public rebuke. Nothing! The sound of silence was deafening. Last season Kyle Radke got an extra game disqualification for his two fight game against the Denver Pioneers last season. If you watched the game between Minnesota and Mankato you will see that Schack was actually punching two different Gopher players with his helmet and gloves on during the same game that he was given a game disqualification in.
Like one fellow Sioux fans from New York said, “They're just gearing up to really stick it to the Sioux when ANYTHING out of the ordinary happens....Hak better have his boys on a short lease for the rest of the year, or suspensions will come fast and furious with the Sioux's reputation.” Just for the record WCHA head of officials Greg Shepherd will be at both games this weekend. Gee I wonder what the potential response would be if there is an incident this weekend? I would be willing to bet that it will be swift, harsh and not some bush league private reprimand.
I wonder what the leagues response would have been if the offending player had been wearing green and white during the Brian Schack incident? I would be willing to bet that the response would not be the kids gloves treatment Don Luica’s hack received.
Men's hockey: WCHA commish talks suspensions
Brad Elliott --- Schlossman Grand Forks Herald
Western Collegiate Hockey Association commissioner Bruce McLeod has the executive power to issue immediate suspensions, but he said this week he would prefer to follow guidelines in the league handbook.
Those guidelines — seen as a negotiation — are starting to come under fire after the league has had to deal with a misconduct issue for the third week in a row.
Denver defenseman Patrick Mullen was suspended Thursday for one game because of a slash at the end of last Saturday’s game on Minnesota-Duluth forward Mike Connolly.
----------(snip)----------
Two weeks ago, McLeod said the league examined Minnesota defenseman Brian Schack’s attack on MSU-Mankato’s Channing Boe. With Boe facing the ice and without a helmet, Schack punched him during a scrum. Boe suffered a broken bone in his leg and is likely out for the season.
Schack was issued a private reprimand but was given no additional suspension (he sat out one game because of a game disqualification penalty).
----------(snip)----------
“Obviously, we’re concerned about these incidents,” McLeod said. “I think we had seven game disqualifications last weekend for different reasons. I don’t think it’s ever happened like that. So there’s definitely a concern.
“But I have to be darn careful. In Patrick Mullen’s incident, just because he was the last one, doesn’t mean he should take the cumulative effect of all of the incidents. I try real hard to take each decision on its own.”
Thursday, February 12, 2009
What is this?
Look what my wife had my Daughter dressed up in; a purple cows outfit.
Abby got that shirt from one of our friends who went to MSU-M UND game last winter.
I am going to have to get my house in order. :)
Which one of these coaches is not like the other?
Lets compare and contrast the two coaches. Here is Denver University coach George Gwozdecky response after one of his player viciously slashed UMD Bulldog Mike Connelly. I think I have a lot more respect for this coach.
Here is Don Lucia's response after Brian Schack's Todd Bertuzzi style attack on Channing Boe. Does Lucia suspend Brian "the Hack" Schack? Nope!
GG: If you look at the WCHA and the philosophy on that, most of the time, the WCHA will look to the schools to make the decision first. If they agree with the school, it goes along. If they don't, they'll add or change (the suspension).
It was a pretty hard swing with the stick. The action and the intent are two things you have to look at. If you look at what Patrick did immediately after contact was made -- if he was looking at injuring (UMD's Mike Connelly) he would've stood there or went after him. But immediately he sprinted down the ice, knowing only a second or two was left in the game. ... No question his intent, as he said, was to deny Connelly from getting the puck. He went about it the wrong way, but the one thing that was probably in my mind, (the intent was) not worth any further suspension.
CHN: Is it a good idea for the league to leave it up to teams to impose their own discipline?
Here is Don Lucia's response after Brian Schack's Todd Bertuzzi style attack on Channing Boe. Does Lucia suspend Brian "the Hack" Schack? Nope!
“That’s not the way we like to play,” Lucia said, “but in some of our kids’ defense, Brian Schack included — and I’ve said it, at some point, we got to protect our own players, too. Brian did that and that’s to his credit.
“Now I am going to sit down with Brian about what happened on Friday night because I did think he did cross the line a little bit on Friday night. I am going to talk to him about that and show him the video of the play because you don’t want to be in a situation where somebody is vulnerable and they can get hurt.
Mullen suspended.
It is official that Denvers Patrick Mullen has been suspended by the league office for his slash on Mike Connolly.
Here is what Denver coach George Gwozdecky had to say about the incident. Interesting selection of words.
DENVER – The University of Denver has suspended senior defenseman Patrick Mullen (Pittsburgh, Pa.) one game for his slashing incident that occurred at the end of the Pioneers’ 4-2 loss at Minnesota Duluth on Feb. 7.
Mullen was assessed a five-minute major penalty for slashing and a 10-minute game misconduct penalty at the 20:00 mark of the third period at Minnesota Duluth on Feb. 7.
In addition to the suspension, Mullen has met with DU Senior Associate Director of Athletics Ron Grahame and head coach George Gwozdecky to explain his actions and discuss the seriousness of the circumstances.
“A hockey player is responsible for his stick,” Gwozdecky said. “Patrick’s reckless action with his stick at the end of the Duluth game warrants a one-game suspension.”
Mullen, who will serve his one-game suspension at Colorado College on Friday, Feb. 13, will also be required to meet with WCHA Commissioner Bruce McLeod to discuss the incident.
Here is what Denver coach George Gwozdecky had to say about the incident. Interesting selection of words.
"It was a pretty hard swing with the stick," Gwozdecky said. "The action and the intent are two things you have to look at. If you look at what Patrick did immediately after contact was made -- if he was looking at injuring (Connelly) he would've stood there or went after him. But immediately he sprinted down the ice, knowing only a second or two was left in the game. ... No question his intent, as he said, was to deny Connellyl from getting the puck. He went about it the wrong way, but the one thing that was probably in my mind, (the intent was) not worth any further suspsension."
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