VIEWPOINT: Spirit Lake in support of Standing Rock

Here is an interesting letter to the editor that was in this weekend’s Grand Forks Herald. The writers bring up some very valid points that have been over looked by the pro-change crowd. These writers are right a very small group of people referred to by the letter writers, 'as very small but vocal group of malcontents' have put UND on the verge of changing the University of North Dakota’s historic nick name.

SPIRIT LAKE NATION -- On April 21, 2009, the people of the Spirit Lake Sioux Tribe exercised our Democratic rights and privileges as free Americans and participated in a vote to determine the fate of the UND Fighting Sioux nickname. The vote was a landslide in support of keeping the name and logo in place as it has been for more than 80 years, and yet the controversy and opposition we continue to encounter remains surprisingly desperate from a very small but vocal group of malcontents.

In the time since the vote, the leaders of the movement to put the issue on the ballot have reflected on just what has happened and what it means to them. In retrospect, the battle that is now behind the Spirit Lake people has charged the residents with pride, respect and a feeling of self determination that is still strong. The vote has given us all a taste of freedom and a renewed appreciation for democracy. It has also given our people a feeling of unity as we stood together and accomplished our goal.

The matter of the name is far from resolved as a result of this vote, but the success of the Spirit Lake people to speak their own mind and determine their own fate has spurred kindred Sioux people in the state to pursue a similar course of action on the Standing Rock Reservation.

The Spirit Lake Committee for Understanding and Respect was determined from the start to keep the focus on the issue and conduct our campaign in a manner that would leave no room for criticism or condemnation. It has been difficult, especially when members were accused of things like taking money from “The Ralph," or fraudulently obtaining signatures for petitions. This treatment was not limited to the committee members only, but the Engelstad Family Foundation and even Ralph Engelstad himself was dragged through the muck. The internet news forums prior to the vote abounded with emotionally charged missives from both sides of the issue which often overlooked the point of the issue completely. While we appreciate support from any who offer it, we have and will continue to conduct ourselves and our activities in a manner of understanding and respect, just like our committee name says, and encourage our supporters to do likewise.

In reference to the 1969 naming ceremony conducted on the campus of the University of North Dakota when Standing Rock tribal leaders officially blessed the University’s use of the Sioux name, there can be no retractions or dismissals. This ceremony was conducted as a pipe ceremony and a pipe ceremony can never be undone or taken back. Spiritual leaders are the only ones who should talk about these matters and they will not discuss this in public and very seldom in private, because the pipe (c’anunpa) is far too sacred for public discussion. For example, when our chiefs signed a treaty and gave their word with the pipe, individual chiefs could later have a change of heart but the treaty still stands.

Why is it so easy for the ND State Board of Higher Education to change their agreement to allow the ND Sioux Tribes until November, 2010 to approve or disapprove the UND nickname? Is it because treaties are made to be broken?

We want to be remembered by our grandchildren and great grandchildren as Dakota Sioux who fought for the right to be proud of our name in spite of the vicious onslaught by people who let their prejudice overwhelm their sense of pride and dignity. We encourage all of our youth to strive for an education so that they can help their people and become true representatives of the “Fighting Sioux."

The ND State Board of Higher Education will make the ultimate decision regarding the continued use of the “Fighting Sioux“ nickname and logo. The settlement agreement between the State and the NCAA says that the two ND Sioux Tribes must give their approval in order for the University to retain the name and logo. This decision can only be made by the people of Standing Rock and Spirit Lake Sioux tribes and no one else. The news media has given far too much attention to the outcries of a small group of disgruntled faculty and Native students at UND who are neither Sioux nor from the Spirit Lake or Standing Rock reservations.

We would like to take this opportunity to convey our thoughts and feelings to our brothers and sisters of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. We support the right of the people at Standing Rock to be heard and we support their efforts to have a say in the Fighting Sioux name and logo debate.

The Spirit Lake Nation Tribal Council respected the wishes of their people and understood that this issue was far too big and far too personal for just a small group of people to decide. This issue is not a political pawn. This issue is a very personal and individual matter that requires the input of each member of the tribe.

The vote at Spirit Lake gave our people an opportunity to tell the world how the Fighting Sioux name and logo makes each individual tribal member feel. The people of the Spirit Lake Sioux tribe clearly told the world they feel good about the Fighting Sioux name and logo.

No matter what side of the issue they were on, almost unanimously, the people of Spirit Lake Sioux tribe are grateful for the opportunity to voice their opinion and respect the outcome of the people’s vote. We ask for our many relatives at Standing Rock to be given the same opportunity. Let’s put this issue to rest once and for all and get on with the task of tackling the real issues that impact us in Indian country.

Our people are a people of consensus and the only way for this matter to be resolved is to give the people a chance to voice their individual opinions on this very personal matter. We are willing to live with the results of such a vote, whatever the result may be.

This letter was also signed by Spirit Lake Committee for Understand and Respect members Demus McDonald, Frank Black Cloud, Oliver Gourd, Eunice Davidson, Alex Yankton and Renita DeLorme.

Gopher fans are you worried?

From everything I have read this week; I think if Jordan Schroeder was offered the entry level max, I think there is a good chance Schroeder might sign it. Seriously, I mean read the things Schroeder is saying. Schroeder isn't ruling out signing, he isn't ruling out returning either. Interesting statements from him, if I was a Gopher's fan I would be a little nervous about Schroeder until he is in the line opening night.

Schroeder's father John is paying the shot for him to attend the Canucks camp to protect his NCAA eligibility. Schroeder, 19 on Sept. 29, is determined to get his (dad's) money's worth.

"I wanted to come here and show the organization that I'm very interested [in them] and to pay my dues even though it cost our family," he said. "Paying our way up here was worth it. Seeing the city and getting to know all the prospects was definitely worth it."

Schroeder will almost certainly return to the Golden Gophers for another season and, if so, he won't be attending full rookie and main camp in September. After that, who knows? The Canucks could come calling with a contract offer at any time.
[ The Vancouver Sun]

Gaborik setting his goals high.

I think most Wild fans are probably rolling their eyes when they hear Gaborik talk about how he is going to score a bunch of goals during this up coming season. Then all you have to do is look at his list of injuries and if Cornelius Hardenbergh's math is right Gabby has missed 154 games during his NHL Hockey career.

"I'm not worried about that, though. I don't think it will be a problem."

Gaborik scored 13 goals in 17 games for the Wild while missing most of last season with a labrum injury that was surgically repaired on Jan. 5 by Dr. Marc Philippon. Entering what should be his prime years, the 27-year-old winger has scored 123 goals in 207 games over the last four years. That equates to an 82-game pace of 49 goals.

"I'm very confident that the problems with my health are in the past and that if I'm healthy, I can produce the way I expect to," said Gaborik, who traveled here from his home in Trencin, Slovakia, to search for an apartment in Manhattan.

"This is going to be a big change for me after only playing in Minnesota for [eight] years, but I'm very excited about the challenge. I'm going to try to do what I do best, which is to try to make a difference on the ice every time I'm out there.

"I try to be the best player every game." [New York Post]

Dalton could be a keeper...

Here is a nice story on former BSU Goalie Matt Dalton. It will be interesting to see where he ends up playing this season.

WILMINGTON - Most of the interest that NCAA teams showed in Matt Dalton disappeared when the goalie’s self-admitted “academic issues’’ came to light.

“Being from Canada, my high school classes weren’t going to work,’’ said the Clinton, Ontario, native. “I didn’t find that out until my second-to-last year of juniors. So I had to do a full year of university while I was in juniors just to get eligible for NCAAs. That scared a lot of schools off. I was talking to a lot of schools at the time. Once all the academic issues came out, it was like they all quit talking.’’

As Dalton prepares for his first year as a pro goalie, it appears he’s getting the last laugh on the spooked schools.

Dalton has been one of three goalies at Ristuccia Arena this week for development camp (Adam Courchaine and Michael Hutchinson are the others). The 23-year-old is in the Boston fold for the next two seasons, aiming to become the latest unorthodox netminder to make it in Black-and-Gold. Like Tim Thomas, Dalton isn’t committed to following the butterfly style that has become the norm.

“A modified butterfly goalie, maybe?’’ Dalton said. “I don’t think I’m a true butterfly goalie like a lot of the French-Canadian goalies. But I do butterfly quite a bit.’’

The 6-foot-1-inch, 194-pound Dalton considers himself more of a track-and-react goalie. This week, Dalton has put his style to the test against the prospects’ shots. Dalton holds his glove up and out (Courchaine and Hutchinson keep their catchers closer to their bodies) and tries to make himself as big as possible.

“I think I play my best when I’m tracking the puck well and reacting,’’ Dalton said. “More reacting than dropping down into a butterfly. It’s different with every person. It’s something that I found works well for me.’’

It's no mystery where Kevin Paul Dupont stands.

It never ceases to amaze me how Boston Globe Sports Writer KPD is always out there waving the trade Kessel flag. This article comes right after the Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli says that 'Phil Kessel will be back.' I believe this also the rumors he is talking about from that interview on NESN.

No progress in GM Peter Chiarelli’s attempts to strike a new deal with 36-goal scorer Phil Kessel. If an offer sheet is coming from another club, it’s not likely to be made until close to the season opener in October, at which time the Bruins, with little or no cap room left by then, would be forced to let him go or frantically dump salary. Unlike the summer, when clubs are allowed to go 10 percent over the $56.8 million salary cap, there is no overage allowed once the season starts. It’s far more likely that Kessel will be signed in the next few weeks or traded well before the start of October. Restricted free agents who fail to sign by Dec. 1 are forced to sit out the remainder of the season . . . The Ducks and Bruins once might have discussed a Kessel-for-Bobby Ryan swap. Ryan, the No. 2 pick in the ’05 draft, was a finalist last season for Rookie of the Year . . .
[Boston Globe]

Kessel’s faults may scare off bidders

Here is another interesting article on why Kessel remains unsigned by any team. This approach does seem to make sense. There hasn't been any offers from other clubs and the Bruins can just sit and wait and if there is an offer they match it. I wonder how long this game of cat and mouse is going to go on?

While Phil Kessel continues to swing gently in the barely stirring breezes of restricted free agency, the Bruins go calmly about the rest of their business these days, unconcerned that their leading goal-scorer of last season could be tempted by some outrageous offer sheet at any moment.

That may be disconcerting to some in Bruins Nation, but there’s a very good reason general manager Peter Chiarelli has been so willing to let Kessel dangle out there like some oversized carrot on a string for the last week and a half: Because he knows it’s unlikely “Phil the Thrill” will get an offer the B’s can’t match.

Though Kessel scored a team-high 36 goals in just 70 games last season, there seem to be enough questions about the 21-year-old forward’s leaky defense, his lack of a physical game, and his allegedly weak role in the team dynamic, as well as the NHL’s shaky economic and salary-cap climate, to dissuade any team from bidding more than $5 million a year or so for the former University of Minnesota star.

And while Chiarelli might feel Kessel is worth more along the lines of a David Krejci ($3.75 million a year) than, say, a Brian Gionta ($5 million a year from Montreal), the Boston GM wouldn’t hesitate to match either offer. If you’re thinking match-and-trade, forget it — the NHL prohibits trading a player for one year after matching an offer to him — but that doesn’t mean Chiarelli couldn’t unload someone else to make space available.

There’s also the compensation issue for Kessel’s suitors to consider. If they offer him more than $6 million a year (actually, over $6,026,867) and the Bruins don’t match, Boston would get two first-round draft picks, a second-rounder and a third-rounder. If the offer is more than $7.5 million, the compensation would be four first-round picks.

Rest assured there’s not a GM alive who thinks Kessel is worth that much in salary and damages.

On the other hand, the one thing the Bruins lack is a go-to offensive guy, someone they can count on to put the puck in the net in the clutch, a take-over-the-game player. And Kessel could be that guy.

The B’s were right to give up on Joe Thornton because of his frequent malaise and his playoff paralysis, but Kessel has shown signs of being someone they can lean on in the postseason. Besides his 66 goals in three seasons, Kessel has 15 points (including nine goals) in 15 playoff games, with a plus-8 rating.

That’s something he and the Bruins can, and should, build on.
[Telegram.com]

Pontifications on the Bruins that make sense.

Now I am seeing something that makes sense in regards to Phil Kessel and him not signing a contract as of yet, however, I personally would rather see Marco Sturm go and the Bruins keep Chuck Kobasew.

The big Bruins news of the week, however, has to with general manager Peter Chiarelli’s comments on NESN last night. When prompted to speak about current Restricted Free Agent and Bruins’ best goal scorer Phil Kessel’s contract status, Chiarelli stated that Kessel will be back with the Bruins.

Obviously, with the amount of trade rumors circling around Kessel, it is rather surprising that suddenly Chiarelli has come out and said Kessel will be back. Chiarelli even went so far as to say it’s a shame that the rumors get out and that Kessel is a good player and person. Perhaps he is trying to mend some wounds before Kessel’s official return?

That said, until a contract is signed, we can’t be certain of Kessel’s status. Should Kessel return for any price between $3.5 million and $4.5 million, it looks as if one player will have to be traded. With Kessel’s return, the Bruins would have 10 forwards of top-9 skill level. One can safely assume that Marc Savard, Milan Lucic, David Krecji, Mark Recchi, Blake Wheeler, Patrice Bergeron and Michael Ryder will return.

That leaves one of Marco Sturm and Chuck Kobasew left.

Trading either of these forwards will clear up the necessary space. Although trading Sturm and his 3.5 million dollar contract would make more sense than trading Kobasew’s cap-friendly contract, Sturm has a no trade clause. Chiarelli could ask Sturm to waive it, but, as of now, barring a major trade, it would seem Kobasew is on his way out. [Insidehockey.com]

Chiarelli: Phil Kessel will be back

This news should make Bruins fans more at ease. I have been on record in the past as saying Phil Kessel is a core member of the Boston Bruins and unless the Bruins management can get someone to score 35-50 goals from somewhere else they are going to need to resign him. I don't want to hear that Marco Sturm or Patrice Bergeron will pick up the slack because they won't, they are not as dynamic and as pure as a goal scorer as Phil Kessel.

3rd Annual Oshie Sports Celebrity Golf Tournament

<<<<<<< Announcement >>>>>>>>>
On Wednesday, July 29th and Thursday, July 30th, 2009, we will be holding the 3rd Annual Oshie Sports Celebrity Benefit and Golf Tournament.

The event will feature a "Celebrity Shoot-Out" on the afternoon of July 29th which will allow the business leaders to purchase a 4-some at $200.00 plus the cost of golf / carts for the group. Later that night, "A Meet The Celebrities" autograph session will take place from 6:30 - 8 p.m. at the Rydell GM Auto Center Cadillac Showroom in Grand Forks, ND.

The 3nd Annual Oshie Sports Celebrity Golf Tournament will be held on Thursday, July 30th, at the magnificent links-style King's Walk Golf Course. This Arnold Palmer designed golf course is one of the best courses in North Dakota.

The cost per foursome will remain $500.00 and your team will receive:

- One team of 4 golfers (plus celebrity) for golf / cart at King's Walk Golf Course on Thursday, July 30th, 2009.
- Complimentary gift for each golfer
- Company or players names recognized in program
- Complimentary hamburger upon registration
- Complimentary dinner / appetizers at completion of tournament
- Team prize packages
- Live Auction @ Post Awards Ceremony

Here is a credentials snip-its of all the 2009 - 3rd Annual Oshie Celebrity Golf Tournament Invitees:

T.J. Oshie (St. Louis Blues / UND) HOST
Zach Parise (New Jersey Devils / UND)
Jonathan Toews (Chicago Blackhawks / UND)
Dean Blais (Head Coach University of Nebraska - Omaha)
Taylor Chorney (Edmonton Oilers / UND)
Marc Chorney (NHL / UND)
Kyle Okposo (New York Islanders / UM)
Blake Wheeler (Boston Bruins / UM)
David Backes (St. Louis Blues / UM Mankato)
Patrik Berglund (St. Louis Blues)
Matt Niskanen (Dallas Stars / UM-Duluth)
Jordan Parise (UND / Lowell Devils AHL)
Chris Porter (St. Louis Blues / UND)
Matt Jones (Phoenix Coyotes / UND)
Colby Genoway (Manitoba Moose / UND)
Karl Goehring (Manitoba Moose / UND)
Dave Christian ('80 Olympic USA Miracle Team / NHL / UND)
Dave Hakstol (UND Fighting Sioux Head Coach)
Cary Eades (UND Fighting Sioux Associate Head Coach)
Dane Jackson (UND Fighting Sioux Assitant Coach)
Kyle Radke (Idaho Steelheads / UND)
Phil Lamoureux (Alaska Aces / UND)
Nick Fuher (UND)
Mike "Lefty" Curran ('72 Olympic USA Team / MN North Stars / UND)
Ginny Christian ('56 Olympic USA Team / UND)
Billy Christian ('60 Olympic Gold Medal Team USA)
Andrew Kozek (UND Fighting Sioux / Atlanta Thrashers Draft Choice)
Landon Wilson (Dallas Stars / UND)
Brad Miller (UND / Austin ECHL)
Matt Smaby (Tampa Bay Lightning / UND)
David Hale (Phoenix Coyotes / UND)
Dustin Byfulien (Chicago Blackhawks)
Zach Jones (UND Fighting Sioux)

There will be only ONE flight of 36 teams in the tournament. We anticipate a 12:30 p.m. shotgun start for the golf scramble. Due to the very high demand for teams, we will fill the 36 slots on a first-come, first-served basis. We must receive payment in full to reserve your team. Please fill out the enclosed form and mail it with your check to the credentials below.

If you have any questions regarding this event, please contact Timothy Oshie at (360) 722-1784 or simply e-mail to oshiesports@gmail.com.

Kindest Regards,



Timothy W. Oshie

***Oshie Sports Celebrity Golf Tournament Invitees's and subject to change at any time.

Im not the only one that thinks Skoula is a Pylon.

While reading the blog HockeyWilderness I came across this most accurate description of Martin Skoula and Marc-Andre Bergeron. The two Players (Pylons) are defensive zone nightmares, and I would hate to think how many times Skoula coughed the puck up in the defensive zone that led to a game tying or game winning goal. I think the Wild should also ban anyone else from ever wearing the number 41 again. Good bye and good riddance.

On defense, Fletcher jettisoned the human pylon Martin Skoula, the only man more entertaining, in that painful kind of way, than the Three Stooges. Gone also is Marc-Andre Bergeron, who played minutes only when there was little or no chance of him screwing anything up. In their places are Greg Zannon and Shane Hnidy. Tow defensive minded d-men. They were needed to be able to unleash the talents of Brent Burns, Kim Johnnson, and hopefully, Marek Zidlicky. Bringing in two guys that have shown they have a nose for keeping the puck out of the net allows the guys who have a nose for putting the puck in the net to do so.
[HockeyWilderness.com]

Canucks prospect Patrick White told no more 'Mr. Nice Guy'

Here is another interesting article on a Cancucks prospect and current Minnesota Golden Gopher Patrick White. It's articles like this that are going to make people question a certain coach down in Minneapolis, MN. Personally, like I said before I think Lucia is doing a great job as the coach of the Minnesota Gophers.

Patrick White has gone from the Vancouver Canucks' No. 1 pick in the 2007 NHL entry draft to No. 1 whipping boy when it comes to scrutinizing the club's draft history this decade.

Canucks fans see red every time David Perron's name is mentioned, as the St. Louis winger who's scored 28 NHL goals already and made the Blues right out of junior two seasons ago was selected one spot after White (26th overall) in 2007. Comparisons won't get any easier, as the Canucks' top pick last month, Jordan Schroeder at 22nd overall, is one of White's teammates at University of Minnesota. Schroeder, a dynamic centre, was one of the top scorers in points per game (1.29) in U.S. college hockey last season as a first-year player, finishing with a dazzling 13-27-40 in 32 games.

White, also a centre, had 7-8-15 in his second season with the Gophers on the heels of a 6-4-10 rookie season.

But is it fair to rag on White, who's here this week as part of the Canucks' five-day summer prospects camp?

He was projected by NHL Central Scouting as a second-rounder and surprised some onlookers when the Canucks, under then-GM Dave Nonis, picked the former Minnesota high school star so high.

Is he another blown first-rounder? Or is there still a chance he could one day wear the Orca on his chest?

The Canucks certainly haven't given up on White, particularly because he's still just 20 years old.

"He's still a young player," said Canucks assistant GM Laurence Gilman. "Different players develop at different rates."

Don Lucia, White's coach at University of Minnesota, also thinks the jury is still out on the 6-foot-1, 195-pounder.

"The biggest issue is he's got to learn to compete harder one on one," said Lucia. "He's a really nice kid, great student, comes from a wonderful family, but ‘Mr. Nice Guy' has got to go away when he steps on the ice. When he learns to battle consistently he'll take a step as a player. That's been his struggle over two years. We've talked to him about it. He understands it."

This is interesting.

I found this today on the QuickFacts and my reply was that you're going to get a bunch of hate mail from Gophers fans. That being said I enjoy reading her post because she has a lot of interesting hockey news.

As said previously in this space, QuickFacts believes Golden Gopher Jordan Schroeder will not return to the University of MN & will turn pro
10 minutes ago from Seesmic Desktop

I don't think this twitter post/tweet is that far out of the main stream because listen to what he is saying.

But Schroeder wouldn't commit to returning to college, only acknowledging it's likely. "I'll have some decisions to make when I go back home," he said. "[But] a year back in college wouldn't hurt at all."
[Faceoff.com]

Corey Fienhage at the Sabres development camp.

Here is what Kris Baker had to say about Fighting Sioux defenseman Corey Fienhage at the Sabres development camp. I think Sioux fans are going to see some impressive play by Fienhage on the blue line for UND this season. I think he is going to blossom into a monster.

Corey Fienhage is built for the rugged NHL. He's very fluid and uses his excellent size in 1-1s to lean and rub players out. Elements of Derian Hatcher with better feet. Very no-nonsense. Even looks mean in drills. Aside from enjoying the physical contact (I compared him to a safety's patrolling mentality in the back field when he was drafted), he's good at getting in front of shots. For his efforts, he was stung inside a shin guard on both days. From the point, he's shown his hard rising right-handed shot on a couple of occasions. He's set to blossom in Grand Forks. [Sabres Prospects]

Bozak impresses Burke.

I believe this kid is one of the more complete players to play in the WCHA last season. Can you imagine how DU might have fared if Tyler Bozak had been available all of last year and not suffered an knee injury? It will be interesting to see how he fares in the NHL next season.

"That's what stood out the first time I watched him play," said Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brian Burke, whom signed Bozak to an entry-level contract in April.

"The first time I saw him play was probably the worst game he played in college. His team got spanked at home and he probably only had two shots on net. But I still loved how the rest of his team sagged and he just kept on battling.

"He was average at best, but I still liked him."

For most of his two-year NCAA career, Bozak was anything but average. He led the Pioneers in scoring with 34 points in 41 games as a freshman. And last season, despite playing just 19 games, he finished with 23 points and a team-high plus-14 rating.

But aside from his points or his ability to kill penalties or win crucial face-offs, Bozak's biggest asset is his Chris Drury-like character and competitiveness.

Those qualities were on display when Bozak returned from injury against Miami of Ohio for the West Regional semi-final. He may have been rusty and barely healed. But he still scored a goal and an assist in the 4-2 loss.

"I definitely wasn't 100%," he said, "but it was a do-or-die game and I felt I could help spark the guys on our team and just do what I could do out there to help them."

The Leafs, who beat out about 25 other NHL teams to acquire the late-bloomer, believe Bozak can also provide a spark to its rebuilding dressing room.

Burke said the signing was the equivalent to acquiring a second-round draft choice. But unlike Toronto's actual draft picks this year such as seventh-overall selection Nazem Kadri, Bozak is the only one expected to immediately jump into the NHL. [Faceoff.com]

Kessel negotiations on hold?

I am trying to figure out what the heck Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli is trying to do? Looks like the Bruins GM is playing hard ball with Kessel. To the fans on message boards that I see suggesting that Marco Sturm and Patrice Bergeron are going to be able to pick up the slack if Kessel leaves. Seriously; that isn't going to happen. Patrice Bergeron is one hit away from a medical retirement after suffering two concussions and Sturm has never scored more than 27 goals in a season. Also neither players is a pure scorer like Kessel.

As far as the current Bruins roster goes, according to a source close to the Phil Kessel negotiations, there has been no communication between the Bruins and the Kessel camp since the NHL entry draft. The last time Kessel’s agent Wade Arnott and Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli spoke, they reportedly let it be known where they stand, with Arnott stressing that his client’s first preference was to remain a Bruin. Chiarelli, according to this source, said the Bruins would get back to him, but as of Monday, they had not done so yet... [NESN]

More college kids paying their own way to camp.

It's too bad that there aren't any professional development camps close by, like maybe the Ralph, where a hockey fan could come watch some of the action and take some pictures. It will be interesting to see how Zach Budish does this season after missing all of last winter with a knee injury.

Hockey is not an inexpensive sport by any means. High-end equipment, registration fees, and travel expenses are all part of the commitment a hockey player and that player’s family are forced to endure to continue playing the sport they love. For the players at the Development Camp, they see the financial outlay as money well spent both in terms of their hockey education and the message their presence sends to the Predators.

“It sends the right message to the organization that you want to be here and you want to play in Nashville one day,” forward Nick Oliver said. “I think it is a great tool for college guys to come here to help them get prepared for their upcoming seasons. I’m going to try and learn a lot here.”

The 6’3” 184-pound Oliver is headed for St. Cloud State University in the fall. He was selected in the 4th round (110th overall) of last month’s Entry Draft.

Fellow recent draftee Zach Budish echoed Oliver’s comments.

“It’s a big week in our development, and gets us started off on the right note,” Budish said. “I just got drafted a couple of weeks ago, so I wanted to come down here, have a good experience, and learn a lot of things hopefully.”

The 18-year-old Budish already possesses NHL size at 6’3” and 229 pounds. He is recovering from a torn ACL sustained in a high school football game last fall. That injury prevented him from playing his senior hockey season at Edina High in Edina, Minnesota. Had Budish not sustained the knee injury, there was a good chance he would have been selected in the first round of the Entry Draft. Nashville selected him in the second round with the 41st overall pick.

Budish, who will play for the University of Minnesota in the fall, credited his parents for their financial contribution allowing him to come to Nashville [Examiner.com]

BHO thanks Ovie.

For those of you that haven't seen this on Puck Daddy here is our president thanking the Russian people for Alexander Ovechkin.

Early Signing?

Looks like Jordan Schroeder is non-committal on his future. I would be willing to bet we will see him for one more year in the WCHA.

Although he's clearly got a top-end future, Schroeder's probable path is to return to Minnesota, where he can mature physically for another year while likely contending for the Hobey Baker Award for college hockey's best player.

But Schroeder wouldn't commit to returning to college, only acknowledging it's likely. "I'll have some decisions to make when I go back home," he said. "[But] a year back in college wouldn't hurt at all." [Faceoff.com]

Anaheim Ducks sign Saku Koivu

Confirmed by [Mike Russo] You can take Saku Koivu off of the Wild's list of potential free agents. Looks like Wild fans are stuck with first round bust(s) James Sheppard and Benoit Pouliot. I am hoping the new GM tries to get another prized free agent.

The Anaheim Ducks have signed the free agent centre to a one-year, $3.25-million contract. Koivu, 34, had been the Canadiens' second-longest-serving captain in team history. [montrealgazette]

Canucks prospect pays his own way

Props to Richard from the Illegal Curve. Interesting article on Gophers forward Jordan Schroeder. I am surprised that Gophers coach Don Lucia didn't send Jordan with a shadow to make sure he comes back to Minnesota without a contract in hand. Also in the article you will notice a few familiar names of UMD Bulldog players Mason Raymond and Evan Oberg.

Jordan Schroeder, the Vancouver Canucks’ first-round pick in last month’s draft, had to borrow money from his father to attend the NHL team’s prospect camp at the University of British Columbia this week.

Schroeder, who attends the University of Minnesota, is subject to the strict rules of the U.S. National Collegiate Athletic Association. To protect his amateur status, and to be eligible to play for the Golden Gophers later this year, Schroeder had to pay his own way and must take care of his own lodging while in Vancouver.

“I definitely wanted to come and show the organization that I’m interested,” said Schroeder, the 22nd pick in the draft who has yet to sign a professional contract. “I wanted to prove to them that I can come in and pay my dues, even if it costs a little bit.”

Schroeder, 18, isn’t the only one paying his own way to take part in team-organized events. While other U.S. collegians among the two dozen or so prospects at camp this week face the same financial requirements, the Canucks also have NHL veterans and hopefuls digging into their own pockets to travel to Vancouver this summer.

The Canucks are holding off-ice training sessions with strength and conditioning coach Roger Takahashi. Every player in the organization is invited to take part in the GM Place workouts, though they are more suited for younger players looking to improve their game or their chances of making the team at training camp this fall. [the Globe and Mail]