Weekend Match-Ups (by Sioux7)

And they’re off. Last weekend officially opened the WCHA regular season. Granted it was only 3 league series and wasn’t a full set of 6 series. Both new teams, the Beavers of BSU, and the Mavericks of UNO, have their first WCHA series in the books. The Beavers also got to open up a new arena, the BREC (Bemidji Regional Events Center), unfortunately for them they lost the opener and the follow game. UNO on the other hand, went on the road and got a pair of wins to start their WCHA career.

WCHA standings

TEAM……………......W-L-T...Pts
Nebraska-Omaha…2-0-0…4
North Dakota………2-0-0…4
Michigan Tech……..1-0-1…3
Minnesota State…...0-1-1…1
Alaska-Anchorage...0-0-0…0
Colorado College…..0-0-0…0
Denver……………......0-0-0…0
Minnesota-Duluth....0-0-0…0
St. Cloud State….....0-0-0…0
Wisconsin…………..0-0-0…0
Bemidji State……….0-2-0…0
Minnesota…………..0-2-0…0

WCHA

#15 Wisconsin @ #11 Denver
Last weekend the Badgers swept Alabama-Huntsville in Madison, and the Pioneers got swept by Boston College in Denver.

This should be a good series to watch, DU has gotten the best UW in Madison, but now this year it’s in Denver. The Pioneers had a much tougher opponent last week in BC then the Badgers had in the Alabama-Huntsville Chargers. Both teams lost some great players after last season. I think both teams are just getting their new players up to speed and getting some cohesion between line mates. I’m going to call this series a SPLIT.

#19 Colorado College @ Minnesota State
Last weekend the Tigers beat UAA and lost to UAF at the Alaska Gold Rush tournament and the Mavericks got one point out of the MTU Huskies in Houghton.

The Tigers are on another “road trip” this weekend after the long trip to Alaska last weekend. The Mavericks are at home after a long trip to Houghton. I’m thinking the Tigers will be a little tired from traveling, and the Mavericks will be happy to be back in Mankato. SPLIT.

Alaska-Anchorage @ #6 Minnesota-Duluth
Last weekend the Seawolves lost to the CC Tigers and the Union Dutchmen in the Alaska Gold Rush tournament and the Bulldogs swept the Providence Friars in Duluth.

I saw the Seawolves in action two weeks ago in Anchorage and they played okay, not great but not horrible either. The Bulldogs are sporting a high ranking early this year, but is it the same or similar team as last year? Good offense, not much defense? If UAA can limit the quality scoring chances, they have a chance to win games. The season is just getting start, so, of course, it is tricky to pick series. SPLIT.


#14 St. Cloud St. @ #20 Minnesota (Friday & Sunday)
Last weekend the Huskies lost and tied the Miami (Ohio) RedHawks in St. Cloud and the Gophers where swept by the UNO Mavericks in Minneapolis.

This has been great series to watch the last couple of years, there have been some real goal-fests between these two schools. I watched the Gophers on TV last weekend, and well they made good comeback attempts. The fans in Minneapolis need their team to play 60 minutes instead of just the last 20-30 minutes. Both teams have talent, but the team whose talent shows up and plays sixty minutes will win the game(s). SPLIT.

Non-Conference

#10 Nebraska-Omaha @ #4 Michigan
Last weekend the Mavericks swept the Gophers in Minneapolis and the Wolverines tied the New Hampshire Wildcats (only played one game).

Last year this was CCHA conference game, now it is a non-conference match-up. Since these teams are familiar with one another, it should be a good series, plus they are both in the top ten rankings. SPLIT.


#2 North Dakota @ #12 Maine
Last weekend the Fighting Sioux swept the BSU Beavers in Bemidji and the Black Bears of Maine tied and lost to the Michigan State Spartans in Michigan.

The Sioux are 11-6-1 all-time against the Maine Black Bears. This will the third weekend in a row that UND is on the road. If they can take a win or two back from Orono, the Sioux will be in great shape for the rest of season. They have back-to-back road series in mid-November (@ UW, @UNO) and after that; the Sioux have no more back-to-back road series. It is a little different with the Sioux getting off to fast start, under Hakstol it has generally been slow starts, and then after Christmas the team goes on a tear. I like the Sioux to continue on their winning ways. SIOUX Win/Tie

BYE week
Bemidji State University Beavers
Michigan Technological University Huskies

Maine, North Dakota hockey programs are similar

I have always liked the University of Maine Black Bears and UND Fighting Sioux hockey rivalry. I also have a lot of respect for the University of Maine Black Bears hockey program. This is a good test that will help the Sioux in the post season. Last time the Black Bears and Sioux met UND was swept at the REA by scores of 6-2 and 3-1.

Larry Mahoney, BDN Staff --- With Black Bear coach Shawn Walsh away in California getting treatment for kidney cancer, which would claim his life less than a year later, UND coach Dean Blais had the names on the backs of his team's jerseys replaced by the name "Walsh" to show his and his team's support for the Maine coach.

It was a classy gesture that will never be forgotten by the Black Bear faithful.

So it was only appropriate that the Fighting Sioux would be on hand at the Alfond Arena four years later under first-year coach Dave Hakstol when Walsh's shamrock was retired and hoisted to the rafters where it sits today.

The two programs resume their rivalry this weekend when North Dakota comes to Orono for a Friday-Saturday night series.

It will be their first meeting since Maine swept the Sioux 6-2 and 3-1 in Grand Forks on Oct. 20-21, 2006. Those wins enabled Maine to overcome a late-season collapse and make the NCAA Tournament and they went on to reach the Frozen Four.

It was the last time Maine participated in the NCAA Tournament.

The programs have a lot in common.

Both have been able to overcome geographic disadvantages to build nationally prominent programs.

They are both in remote locations.

Both have benefited from wealthy donors.

The late Harold Alfond and his family not only made Alfond Arena a reality in 1976, they have continued to donate to the program, including a $3.5 million gift announced last week to renovate the arena.

The late Ralph Engelstad provided the Fighting Sioux with a magnificent, state-of-the-art $110 million arena in his name that opened in 2001.

Both teams are the flagship programs for their respective universities and have rabid followings. The Fighting Sioux have won seven national championships and Maine has won two.

RECENT SCORES
10/21/2006 Maine 3 North Dakota 1 Maine
10/20/2006 Maine 6 North Dakota 2 Maine
2005-2006
2004-2005
10/09/2004 North Dakota 3 Maine 1 North Dakota
10/08/2004 North Dakota 4 Maine 3 (ot) North Dakota

Tweet cast for the game [click for link].

Cross your fingers for Saturday night.

This seems to be a bit of good news. For those that are wondering UND and Maine play on CBS College Sports formerly CSTV.

University of North Dakota Hockey ---- Friday’s game will be on CBS College Sports. It will not be on webcast and FSSN will not pick it up. CBS will not allow it. So check if you have CBS College Sports. If not, find a local bar that has it. If not, hang out with Jayson and I on the live chat.

Saturday’s game will be televised locally. UND is working on the possibility of FSSN/Midco Sports Network picking up the game. If successful, there will be an announcement and I will post it on the blog. On Saturday, there WILL be a webcast of the game at www.goblackbears.com.

NHL doesn't like the first amendment?

NHL refs are no longer able to use facebook, at first glance this rules seems to be an ill conceived, unthought-out (I am not sure that is a word) overstep. One could say that its’ a stupid rule.

the score --- With all the travel and time spent over the last decade, my friend made lasting friendships with guys who are NHL referees and linesmen today. He’s even friends with them on Facebook!

On Tuesday, a number of NHL referees revealed to their Facebook friends they are no longer allowed to use the popular social networking tool. While actual messages — or wall posts — varied, many referees had the phrase “…legally no longer allowed [to use Facebook]” as their Facebook status.

I find this interesting. The NHL doesn’t really have a social media policy set in stone, although recent reports suggest teams have addressed social media use with players. I haven’t heard of any similar situations for referees. Then again, it’s unlikely an NHL referee will pull a “Bissonnette” in the foreseeable future.

The revelation of referees not being allowed to use Facebook isn’t all that interesting, but it makes you wonder what the league’s reasoning is (and what’s up with “legally”?). It also makes you wonder if this is the beginning of a league-wide social media policy for players, referees and anyone else directly employed by the NHL.

Canucks Goon Rick Rypien suspended by the NHL.

There was no reason for Cancucks Rick Rypien to put his hands on a fan and this act could be construed as an assault, I don't care if the fan said something to Rypien. Seriously! I will post the video later today after I get home.

TORONTO (AP) Vancouver Canucks forward Rick Rypien has been suspended indefinitely for grabbing a fan while heading to the locker room in the game against Minnesota.

Rypien was on the way to the visiting locker room in Minnesota on Tuesday night after being assessed a double minor for roughing and a 10-minute misconduct in the second period. Rypien pushed a Wild fan who was applauding at the railing.

He was pulled away by teammate Manny Malhotra and the fan was removed from the area.

Rypien will have a hearing and the length of his suspension will be determined by the NHL.

Miami continues dominance over WCHA teams.

Last season I wrote a blog post on the Miami RedHawks and how they have had a nice run against the WCHA and the last team to beat them was the Fighting Sioux. Well! That run has continued, as the Huskies laid another egg against the RedHawks last weekend in the National Hockey Center getting beat 6-3 the first night and only a 1-1 tie on Saturday night against the Miami RedHawks.

The SCSU goaltender Sophomore Mike Lee was lit up again on Friday night, giving up 6 goals on 25 shots. Incidentally, SCSU Huskies head hockey coach Bob Motzko is also an unimpressive 0-4 against the RedHawks. Ok, before someone is going to ask me what my point is? It's simple. good teams have to beat other good NCAA playoff teams in their building if they are going to be looked at as a legitimate contender. So far this season SCSU has been shelled by Clarkson 6-2 and Miami 6-3.

Goon's World --- Here is the last 6 games that Miami has played against WCHA teams.

October 8th 2005 UND 3 Miami 0
October 6th 2006 Miami 5 DU 2
December 27, 2007 Miami 2 SCSU 1 O.T.
March 27, 2009 Miami 4 DU 2
March 28, 2009 Miami 2 UMD 1
October 09, 2009 Miami 3 SCSU 2 O.T.
October 10, 2009 Miami 2 SCSU 0


Breaking it down further, Mike is right, Miami has done pretty darn good job against the WCHA teams as of late. Both DU and SCSU have both lost their last two games they played to the Miami University RedHawks. Also, the Miami RedHawks beat UMD in last season’s Midwest regional championship game at Mariucci Arena. Incidentally, the last WCHA team to beat Miami University was the Fighting Sioux 3-0 in Lefty McFadden Invitational on October 8th 2005 when Jordan Parise got a shut out against the RedHawks. The Fighting Sioux might have to stop that streak if the Huskies can't stop them tonight.

Here is the updated results, the only WCHA team to beat Miami is UND and they have a 1-0-1 record during that time period.

October 8th 2005 UND 3 Miami 0
October 6th 2006 Miami 5 DU 2
December 27, 2007 Miami 2 SCSU 1 O.T.
March 27, 2009 Miami 4 DU 2
March 28, 2009 Miami 2 UMD 1
October 09, 2009 Miami 3 SCSU 2 O.T.
October 10, 2009 Miami 2 SCSU 0
November 28, 2009 UND 5 Miami 5 O.T.
October 15, 2010 Miami 6 SCSU 3
October 16, 2010 Miami 1 SCSU 1 O.T.

Red Baron® WCHA Offensive Player of the Week - Matt Frattin

It would be an understatement to say that Fighting Sioux senior forward Matt Frattin was a big factor in the Sioux sweep of the BSU Beavers, this past weekend... All you have to do is go back and watch the video highlights from Friday's game to see that Fighting Sioux forward Matt Frattin (5- 1- 6) was on fire and for his awesome performance last weekend Frattin was rewarded with the WCHA Player Of the Week.

Red Baron® WCHA Offensive Player of the Week Matt Frattin - Sr., F, North Dakota

photoUniversity of North Dakota right winger Matt Frattin, who sparkled offensively in his team's WCHA-opening series sweep at Bemidji State last weekend, is the men's Red Baron® WCHA Offensive Player of the Week for Oct. 19, 2010.

A 6-0, 206-pound senior from Toronto, Ont., Frattin scored a three-goal hat trick last Friday (Oct. 15) and then followed up with another goal and an assist last Saturday (Oct. 16) for a five-point series to lead the second-ranked Sioux to a pair of 5-2 conference road wins over host Bemidji State. In Friday's win, Frattin scored a goal in each period with power-play tallies in each of the first two periods, and an empty-netter late in the third. He also had seven shots on goal. On Saturday, Frattin assisted on Evan Trupp's eventual game-winner, then scored with 1:47 left to put UND up 4-2 and clinch the sweep. He was also a +2 in the plus/minus category.

Frattin, who leads the WCHA and ranks second in the NCAA with five goals, now has scored 15 goals in his last 17 games dating back to last Feb. 13. He is a draft choice of the NHL's Toronto Maple Leafs.

Also nominated this week were: Jordan George, F, BSU; Eric Kattelus, F, MTU; Jay Barriball, F, UM; Jack Connolly, F, UMD; Rich Purslow, F, UNO; and Jordy Murray, F, UW.

College hockey's landscape is changing, but is there room for UAH?

I know this is a little old but If you haven't seen this article it's worth a look.

The Huntsville Times --- Wisconsin athletic director Barry Alvarez told Madison.com he expects the creation of Big Ten ice hockey to be at the top of the agenda at this month's conference meeting.

"I don't know the logistics - how long it takes to get out of a league, all of that - but I sense that we will move in that direction," he said.

The Chargers, meanwhile, continue to demonstrate patience. Athletic director Jim Harris has paid close attention to the developing situation in college hockey and hopes to keep UAH in a position to reach a conference agreement.

"We're prepared to visit or talk with any conference, and we'd certainly welcome the opportunity to be in this new landscape," Harris said. "We'd hope that if there is pow-wow of these major conferences, they'd at least include us in the talk to understand that we're still ready and still very viable."

The conference most likely to be affected by this forecasted seismic shift would be the CCHA, which currently claims Michigan, Michigan State and Ohio State as members. Commissioner Tom Anastos recognized losing three of the conference's top teams is a possibility but isn't scrambling to make changes until he hears something definitive.

"I'd say it's way too early to really speculate on it," Anastos said. "I'm reading all the speculation, but I really don't want to engage in it because it's simply speculation."

Anastos said the CCHA is completing new organizational structures that will continue to evaluate any potential landscape changes, but stopped short of saying what schools it would take into consideration.

"(Our evaluations) aren't triggered because of any particular reason," Anastos said. "We just think it's good business to be constantly evaluating your structure.

Weekend in review

I will include these pictures from this past weekend again. Also, Eric Stromgren from the Bemidji Pioneer has some really nice photos on his blog as well as in the Bemidji Pioneer.

This past weekend I was one of the lucky ones that was able to take in the historic first ever WCHA hockey series between the BSU Beavers and the UND Fighting Sioux at the “new” BREC in Bemidji. My first impression of the BREC is 100% positive and you can mark me down as being impressed with the layout of the building and the grounds. Bemidji gets an “A” for their new building.

From what I can see in my first viewing of the BREC; its an amazing and impressive facility that will even the playing field for the BSU Beavers hockey team as far as recruitment goes, it’s definitely an up grade from the John S Glas Field House.

In walking around in the bowels of the arena I was impressed with the player’s area, the BREC has something like 4 locker rooms; an impressive weight room, that unfortunately I didn’t get a picture of the weight room, none the less, the weight room had equipment that was top of the line. In today’s recruiting environment, those amenities are important features when recruiting players in the WCHA.

BREC fan friendly

While The BREC has a lot of amenities and will give BSU the edge when going for prized recruits in the future; there are also a lot of nice fan friendly amenities that will make the BREC an attractive option for future road trips and improve the hockey viewing experience for the college hockey fan. Like I said before this is not your daddy’s John S Glas Field House college hockey experience anymore, the two arenas don’t compare 46,000,000.00 > 970,000.00.

Based on what I saw last weekend the BREC has room for about 4373 fans (even though I have read somewhere that it seats 4,700) people and it’s the perfect size for a town like Bemidji that has a population that is roughly about 10,000 people. From what I saw the BREC has good site lines and I didn’t hear any complaints from fans about not being able to see the game.

One thing that caught my eye was that the Student section is positioned right behind the visiting goalie for two of the three periods and with their seating configuration allows the BSU student section to stand for the whole game if they would like, because they are not blocking the view of anyone behind them. In other words, they didn’t build luxury suites behind the student section. So that eliminates one problem there.

I was down by the Zamboni door where the Sioux players were leaving the ice surface after the pregame warm ups and it was interesting to see the BSU student section giving the Sioux players the business as they left the ice. The language coming from the stands was probably PG-13 and probably not as coarse as I thought it would be. The Sioux players seemed to enjoy it and smile as they walked off the ice. I have to admit that it was fun to watch the exchange.

The club seating and suite area is really nice and has a few amenities that really stood out to me as well. The club seating area seat approximately 200 fans in seat in the west end of the arena, that area is finished off with a nice bar, which incidentally serves more than Miller Beer products. One person that I know told me that the loneliest person was the Miller Lite beer stand in the lobby out side of the lower bowl of the arena. There is also leather couches in the club seating area to sit on between periods. The rest room facilities in the Club/Suite level area were nice and not crowded at all.

Bemidiji Regional Event Center

Over the weekend many people twittered me and sent me text messages asking me what I thought about the new BREC. Personally, I am excited about the new facility and I will reiterate what I said earlier, the Bemidji Regional Event Center is an improved high end version of the of the United Plains Center or what will now be called the Scheels Arena in Fargo, ND. The city of Bemidji did the BREC right and didn’t do it on the cheap, and they also laid the ground work for some nice expansion in the future.

Eventually, there is going to be a Holiday Inn Express built that will be connected to the BREC. So a person will be able to attend a hockey game and stay right there on the Grounds of the Bemidji Regional Events Center. That would be a plus in the winter when the weather turns bad.

As I mentioned in a paragraph above, one of the amenities from the BREC that I think the fans appreciated was that there is a bigger selection of adult beverages in the lobby of the lower bowl of the arena. Seriously, if you’re a fan that like to consume a beer or two there are more options than Miller Beer products. Also, you can get a mixed drink if you so chose without having to go to an arena bar. The one issue I saw with the mixed drink stand was there appeared to be only one mixed drink stand on the lower level causing long lines to purchase said mixed drink. It’s a minor issue and not a deal breaker. I was also able to purchase a Dunn Brother’s Coffee in the lobby of the BREC. I thought that was a really nice touch.

BSU a first class organization

First, I want to preface this last paragraph to say that I would like to thank the Bemidji Sports Information Director Brad Folkestad for his hospitality and thank him for giving me press credentials and an opportunity to report on the historic first WCHA series between the BSU Beavers and the UND Fighting Sioux.

It was a pleasure to be a part of what transpired this past weekend, BSU is a first class organization that does everything with class and has a lot of pride as an organization. I attended BSU in the early 1990’s before I transferred to UND and BSU is definitely one of my favorite teams and a town that I still consider home, I also graduate from BHS in 1985. I will always fondly remember the campus and town of Bemidji. I will always remember this weekend positively as long as I live.

Kyle Radke, Showing South Texas What Sioux Hockey is all About

Is there life after playing Sioux Hockey? For Kyle Radke there is, actually you could say he never stopped. For his third professional season, Radke signed with the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees (www.killerbeehockey.com) of the Central Hockey League. Radke is once again a true blue liner whose Sioux roots run deep. That Fighting Sioux intensity is shining through and has helped Radke make an immediate impact in the Killer Bees program. In two games; Radke has three shots on goal and the Bees have zero goals against with him on the ice.

Radke brings with him a great sense of awareness that allows him to know what’s going to happen before the play fully develops, a skill possessed by all good defensemen. His ownership of the blue line shows almost every shift. Radke is able to cut off huge chunks of ice and force opponents to do his bidding.

Radke has seen a lot of playing time and has landed a spot on both the penalty kill and the power play. The Bees took 3 out of 4 points in their opening series against the Laredo Bucks. The Bees won Friday night 4-2 and lost in a 3-4 OT Shootout on Saturday. All three Laredo goals during regulation time on Saturday came in the second period when Radke was off the ice getting his skate repaired. Coincidence? Maybe, maybe not, but to me it shows just how valuable Radke is to this team.

With only five returning players on the Bees roster, fans are still adjusting to the new team. But rest assured, by the end of the season everyone will know who Kyle Radke is and what it means to have a Sioux Alum on the ice. Go Sioux!! And now Go Bees Go!!

Des Moines and Dubuque brawl in USHL hockey

I saw this video over on Puck Daddy and it's definitely old time hockey, I would also say that Buccaneers player Garrett Taylor who is wearing the white number nine jersey violated the hockey code because once your opponent hits the ice you're suppose to stop punching them.

Check out this third period of hockey.
Period 3
Dubuque - Andrew Sinelli - (Tripping), 2 min, 1:20
Des Moines - Kevin Irwin - (Delay of Game), 2 min, 14:18
Dubuque - Tyler Lundey - (Cross Checking), 2 min, 14:18
Dubuque - Luke Curadi - (Unsportsmanlike Conduct), 2 min, 14:18
Des Moines - Doug Clifford - (Fighting (Instigator)), 2 min, 14:21
Des Moines - Doug Clifford - (Fighting Major), 5 min, 14:21
Des Moines - Doug Clifford - (Fighting Game Ejection), 10 min, 14:21
Des Moines - Garrett Taylor - (Fighting Major), 5 min, 14:21
Des Moines - Garrett Taylor - (Fighting Game Misconduct), 10 min, 14:21
Dubuque - Jordan DiGiando - (Roughing), 2 min, 14:21
Dubuque - Shane Sooth - (Fighting Major), 5 min, 14:21
Dubuque - Shane Sooth - (Fighting Game Ejection), 10 min, 14:21
Des Moines - Patrick Kirtland - (Fighting Major), 5 min, 14:23
Des Moines - Peter Stoykewych - (Fighting Major), 5 min, 14:23
Des Moines - Peter Stoykewych - (Fighting Game Misconduct), 10 min, 14:23
Des Moines - Logan Nelson - (Fighting Major), 5 min, 14:23
Des Moines - Logan Nelson - (Fighting Game Misconduct), 10 min, 14:23
Des Moines - Tyler Bruggeman - (Fighting Major), 5 min, 14:23
Des Moines - Tyler Bruggeman - (Fighting Game Misconduct), 10 min, 14:23
Dubuque - Brooks Bertsch - (Fighting Major), 5 min, 14:23
Dubuque - Andrew Sinelli - (Fighting Major), 5 min, 14:23
Dubuque - Andrew Sinelli - (Fighting Misconduct), 10 min, 14:23
Dubuque - Colton Saucerman - (Fighting Major), 5 min, 14:23
Dubuque - Colton Saucerman - (Fighting Game Misconduct), 10 min, 14:23
Dubuque - Matt Morris - (Fighting Major), 5 min, 14:23
Dubuque - Matt Morris - (Fighting Game Misconduct), 10 min, 14:23
Dubuque - Matt Morris - (Crossing Red Line), 2 min, 14:23
Des Moines - Mitch Cain - (Tripping), 2 min, 14:38
Dubuque - T.J. Moor - (Hooking), 2 min, 17:18

Poll Monday - Sioux second in both polls.

USCHO.com Division I Men's Poll
[October 18, 2010]
1 Boston College (49) 3-0-0 999 1
2 North Dakota ( 1) 3-0-1 941 2
3 Miami 2-1-1 872 4
4 Michigan 2-0-2 848 3
5 Yale 0-0-0 758 5
6 Minnesota-Duluth 3-0-1 730 7
7 New Hampshire 1-1-1 617 9
8 Boston University 2-0-1 543 10
9 Alaska 3-1-0 514 14
10 Nebraska-Omaha 4-0-0 467 17
11 Denver 1-2-1 443 6
12 Maine 1-1-2 429 8
13 Cornell 0-0-0 406 12
14 St. Cloud State 1-2-1 368 11
15 Wisconsin 3-1-0 341 15
16 Michigan State 1-0-1 267 20
17 Notre Dame 3-1-0 242 19
18 Union 3-1-0 236 16
19 Colorado College 2-1-1 126 18
20 Minnesota 2-2-0 118 13
Others Receiving Votes: Michigan Tech 61, Robert Morris 42, Ferris State 27, Rensselaer 27, Colgate 25, Vermont 19, Bemidji State 12, Rochester Institute of Technology 10, Merrimack 8, Quinnipiac 2, Massachusetts-Lowell 1, Western Michigan 1

USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine Men's College Hockey Poll
[October 18, 2010]
1 Boston College 510 (34) 1 3-0-0
2 University of North Dakota 473 2 3-0-1
3 University of Michigan 413 3 2-0-2
4 Miami University 409 4 2-1-1
5 University of Minnesota Duluth 333 7 3-0-1
6 Yale University 324 5 0-0-0
7 University of New Hampshire 250 9 1-1-1
8 Boston University 236 T-10 2-0-1
9 University of Alaska 172 14 3-1-0
10 University of Nebraska Omaha 164 NR 4-0-0
11 University of Maine 134 6 1-1-2
12 Cornell University 113 12 0-0-0
13 University of Denver 107 8 1-2-1
14 University of Wisconsin 102 15 3-1-0
15 St. Cloud State University 71 T-10 1-2-1
Others receiving votes: Union College 63, University of Minnesota 59, Michigan State University 53, University of Notre Dame 38, Michigan Tech University 27, Colorado College 16, Robert Morris University 7, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 4, Ferris State University 1, Rochester Institute of Technology 1.

They said...

Am I the only one that has a problem with quotation? I can’t be. This is why I think the WCHA office should be moved out of Denver. The refs try to give DU some home cooking and still can't seal the deal. Sounds eerily familiar to game that took place between DU and UND last season in Denver.

Mike Chambers Denver Post --- Tough weekend for the new-look Pioneers, who were awful on the power play (0-of-9) Saturday night and lost 3-0 to top-ranked Boston College. The Eagles, who won 6-2 on Friday, committed 11 of the game’s 17 penalties and had just three power plays, but still managed to outshoot DU 33-20.

Some might say — and I’m not one of them — that DU owes thanks to the all-WCHA referring provided by Todd Anderson and Brad Shepherd, who gave DU eight of the game’s first nine power plays. If it was even-up most of the game, I’m betting BC puts up another six goals.

Profound words by former Fighting Sioux and current UNO Maverick head coach Dean Blais. It used to be hard for the opposition to win in Mariucci Arena, how the mighty have fallen.

Chad Purcell, World-Herald Staff Writer--- The No. 17 Mavericks won their fourth straight to open the season Saturday night, punctuating a perfect weekend at Mariucci Arena with a 4-2 victory over 13th-ranked Minnesota. It goes into the books as the first WCHA sweep for the University of Nebraska at Omaha, and the 9,484 fans inside the Gophers’ famous rink couldn’t have been more stunned by what they saw.

That includes the 100-plus UNO rowdies who made the trip. Their surprise was drenched in joy, however. One of them tossed the symbolic broom onto the ice after the final buzzer, and the red-clad crowd earned a stick salute from the Mavs before they exited the ice.

“To come in here and win two — I’ve had national championship teams at North Dakota that didn’t come in here and win two games,” said UNO coach Dean Blais. “Obviously, I’m very, very happy with the four points.”

Wheels coming off in Minnesota?

I am not sure what to make out of last weekends UNO Maverick sweep of the Minnesota Golden Gophers? The Gophers looked horrible on defense and their goaltending also looked suspect. My first question would be are the Gophers as bad as they looked on television or are the Mavericks that good? That question will be answered in a few weeks after we play a few more series. One thing was evident; Dean Blais and his staff were prepared for the Gophers this past weekend. If it hadn’t been for the life line from the refs on Friday; (Box Score) the refs called UNO for five straight penalties after UNO scored their fourth goal. So; we will never know if the game would have been as close, if the Gophers hadn't gotten a bunch of power plays.

I am also considering suggesting that the Minnesota Gophers hockey team change their team colors to orange and white to so they would resemble big orange road cones, as the opposition blows by them on defense.

TOUGH LOSSES FOR LUCIA

Gophers coach Don Lucia probably took the sweep hard. He knows all three UNO coaches well.

Mavericks coach Dean Blais said he has been friends with Don for 30 years. But it's Blais that critics of Lucia most often mention as the best candidate to succeed him if he gets fired. WCHA finishes of seventh, fifth and seventh have left Lucia a little vulnerable even with two NCAA titles on his resume in 2002 and '03.

Fans have short memories and all the empty seats at Mariucci have to be troubling. Crowds were better for the UNO series, but every section still had open seats in most rows.

Joel Maturi, the Gophers' athletric director stopped by the press box in the middle of the game but didn't stay long. He had the Tim Brewster issue to deal with.

But it was not a good day in hockey for the U of M either. The North Dakota women's hockey team completes a sweep of the Gophers at Ridder Arena, then the UNO men sweep the Gophers at Mariucci. Who would have thunk it?

Sioux second in INCH Power Rankings

The boys from INCH are doing their power rankings again and the WCHA didn't fair that well this weekend and it shows in the rankings.

1. Boston College
2. North Dakota 1 The Sioux welcomed Bemidji State to the WCHA and even let them have the puck every so often, to the tune of 36 shots in two games. 3-0-1 (2-0-0 WCHA) LAST WEEK: W at Bemidji State, 5-2; W at Bemidji State, 5-2. THIS WEEK: at Maine, at Maine...
3. Michigan
4. Miami
5. Minnesota Duluth
6. Yale
7. Alaska
8. New Hampshire
9. Boston University
10. Union
11. Denver
12. Michigan State
13. Maine
14. Notre Dame
15. Wisconsin
16. Nebraska-Omaha
17. Rensselaer
18. Cornell
19. St. Cloud State
20. Robert Morris
Dropped out: Minnesota, RIT

Bubble-licious: Colgate, Colorado College, Michigan Tech

Pictures from this past weekend. (Sioux and Beavers)

Here are some pictures from this weekend's series. While my camera is old and it's definitely not the professional grade Stalker-Razzi camera that some have but it's all that I have. The BREC is a nice place and I was told by a source in Bemidji to pass on that BREC is not 90 Million dollar facility it's more like 44-46 million. Here is the link to the financials of the BREC.

Sioux 5 Beavers 2 (Video)

Thanks to RedFrogND for loading the video of courtesy of Lake Land Public Television.

Scores from 10-16-2010

Saturday, October 16

Union 4 vs Alaska Anchorage 3
Bentley 0 at Rensselaer 3
Bowling Green 3 at Clarkson 0
Michigan 3 at New Hampshire 3 OT
Massachusetts 2 at Boston University 2 OT
Connecticut 1 at Merrimack 7
Elliott Lake 2 at Finlandia 8
Bradford Rattlers 0 at Oswego 17
Colorado College 1 at Alaska 2
St. Lawrence 0 at Ferris State 3
UMass Lowell 4 at RIT 4 OT
Western Michigan 1 at Mercyhurst 0
North Dakota 5 at Bemidji State 2
Boston College 3 at Denver 0

Minnesota State 5 at Michigan Tech 5 OT
Providence 1 at Minnesota Duluth 7
Nebraska-Omaha 4 at Minnesota 2
Miami 1 at St. Cloud State 1 OT
Brock 2 at Colgate 3

Analysis

Gophers and Pioneers both were swept by their opponents this weekend, the Gophers didn't look impressive at all in losing to the UNO Mavericks on home ice. The fans in Minnesota are now in full fire Don Lucia mode. Miami took a win and a tie against the SCSU Huskies. Alaska Anchorage was swept twice this weekend in the Alaskan Goal Rush tourney.

Sioux and Beavers game two...

Even though I have the lines sheet in front of me, I stole them from Brad. This new lap top sucks. 10.0 size screen and small key board.

UND’s lines

17 Jason Gregoire–10 Corban Knight–26 Brett Hextall
19 Evan Trupp–22 Brad Malone–21 Matt Frattin
9 Mario Lamoureux–29 Brock Nelson–7 Danny Kristo
27 Carter Rowney–11 Derek Rodwell

2 Andrew MacWilliam–5 Chay Genoway
4 Derek Forbort–24 Ben Blood
3 Derrick LaPoint–25 Jake Marto
18 Dillon Simpson

32 Aaron Dell
31 Brad Eidsness

Bemidji State’s lines

28 Jordan George–19 Matt Read–22 Ian Lowe
18 Radoslav Illo–11 Shea Walters–15 Ryan Cramer
17 Jamie MacQueen–13 Drew Fisher–16 Emil Billberg
7 Brance Orban–12 Jeff Jubinville–6 Darcy Findlay

8 Jake Areshenko–29 Brad Hunt
20 Sam Rendle–3 Ryan Adams
4 Dan MacIntyre–25 Brady Wacker

33 Dan Bakala
35 Mathieu Dugas

Score Board

Period 1

Sioux 1 Beavers 1

UND - Genoway from Marto and Knight
BSU - George from Lowe and Hunt
shots Sioux 6 - Beavers 9

Period 2

Sioux 3 - BSU 2

BSU - Read from Hunt
UND - Rodwell from Lamoureux and Nelson
UND - Trupp from Genoway and Frattin

Shots Sioux 9 - Beavers 13

Period 3

Sioux 5 - 2 Final

UND - Frattin from Malone
UND - Hextall EN

Shots Sioux 9 - Beavers 3

Goon's Three Stars
1. Frattin (1g-1a-2pts)
2. Genoway (1g-1a-2pts)
3. Dan Bakala goalie BSU

Sioux 5 Beavers 2

Here are a few links from last night's game. I plan on putting something up at the end of the weekend, as I posted yesterday I had a laptop malfuction and I my computer is in route back from the Best Buy geek squad and I didn't have access to anything but the blackberry. I will be back up in the press box for tonight game at the BREC and will be posting some pictures when I get home that I took from the weekend. The BREC is a nice building and here are some of the pictures that I took with my blackberry.

UND rallies, dominates Beavers in BREC opener - Bemidji Pioneer.

Pioneer beat writer Eric Stromgren has some photos.

Green and white landscape greets Beaver hockey opener - Bemidji Pioneer

Brad Schlossman's blog has the story line as well.

Frattin foils arena opening - Grand Forks Herald


Official Box score for the game [Box Score].

Goon's three stars of the game

1. Matt Frattin 3g-0a-3pts 7/E
2. Jason Gregoire 2g-0a-2pts 3/+2
3. Derek Forbort 0-2-2 0/+2

Thanks to RedFrogND for down loading the video Courtesy of Lake Land Public Television.