Ok, it's not often that I go off on a tangent... ok, that's a lie, but still...
Today I went to my first ever USHL game. It was between Omaha and Lincoln. It was a fun time and it featured all kinds of hockey. Good hockey, Bad hockey, stupid hockey, questionable hockey, and two fat guys carrying flags running (ok, waddling) around the arena (ok, 4 or 5 sections worth before they got tired and gave up) after a goal.
I went because it would be a fun time, but I also got to see two future UND players in Luke Johnson (Lincoln's #27) and Paul Ladue (Lincoln's #6). But let's go with what I saw before I run down those two.
The First Period was a period of great goaltending by Lincoln and Omaha, great forechecking by Omaha, and pretty solid defense on both sides. Lincoln's Goaltender was better than Omaha's in the first period based upon the fact that Lincoln had to stop 2 clean breakaways and a 2 on 1 in the last 10 minutes of the first period. Omaha was tested but not to the extent that Lincoln was.
The second period featured ALL but one of the goals, all but 1 of the goals in the second period came on the powerplay, and some of the worst hockey I've ever seen in my life (and I've watched some pretty bad hockey). I love the fact that fighting is allowed and I love the fact that the USHL uses the half shield (something I'm growing more and more in favor of for DI hockey). The officiating was pretty heavily in favor of Omaha, but that being said: 1. Lincoln played like crap discipline-wise from the second period on to the end of the game and 2. It still was better than WCHA officiating.
However, Lincoln ends up drawing a cross check or roughing or charging penalty against Omaha... or so it seemed.. .because what happens? An all out brawl capped by a goaltender fight at center ice. Most of the fights were just hugging and tug o war matches. The goaltender fight was actually very VERY good. Lincoln's goaltender "won" the fight and, unlike the skaters, there was actually no animosity between goaltenders after the fight (they fist bumped after it was broken up). However, after a nearly 15 minute delay while the penalties were assessed, Lincoln not only ended up NOT getting a short 5 second 4 on 4 and then a 1:55 PP out of it, OMAHA ended up getting the powerplay (a 5 second 5 on 3)! To make matters more interesting: In the scrum, both goaltenders were given 5 minute majors and a game misconduct. Omaha had 3 players get 5 min. majors and game misconducts and 2 plain 5 minute fighting majors. Lincoln ended up getting ALL FOUR SKATERS getting 5 minute majors and game misconducts. The Omaha roughing penalty was assessed ON LINCOLN and Lincoln ended up getting called for instigating. Luckily, Lincoln killed it off.
Nevertheless, Lincoln was still in the game down 2 to 1. The period ended after Lincoln tried to push too hard and gave up a 3 on 1 goal.
Well, that awful period aside, Lincoln could still claw its way back from 3-1 to make it interesting right? Well, almost. You see, the Lincoln backup was pretty shakey but the Omaha backup was actually pretty solid. Add into the fact that things got RIDICULOUSLY STUPID for Lincoln in the 3rd period.
You see, midway or so through the 3rd period, Lincoln's #16 and Omaha's #15 were assessed 2 minutes for delay of game. Offsetting penalties no doubt right? Nope. #16 ends up pushing and shoving the ref! WHAT A MORON! Then, to make matters worse, as he was ejected from the game, he started egging on and taunting the fans! Who is this guy? I hope Chad Johnson sits him down immediately post game and reams him a new arsehole. In fact, I'd make the whole team skate.
As a random note: Omaha wants to shut down the Omaha Civic Auditorium due to the fact that it would take about $29 million to make it not a suckhole. After tonight: I agree. That place is a dump.
Now to the UND recruits:
Paul Ladue - He played pretty solid...until he participated in that line brawl and got kicked out of the game. He didn't instigate or anything and I don't think he was one of the lippy Lincoln Stars, but he didn't do Lincoln any favors by getting kicked out. He played a lot of minutes up until then including on the 5 on 3s.
Luke Johnson - I hope he's 16 because he played like a 16 year old. He was pretty invisible for most of the game. He did have one pretty good chance late in the 3rd period but missed.
All in all, Omaha wasn't saints on the ice. They were yappy and could have gotten called a lot more than they actually did, but it didn't matter because Lincoln played far more undisciplined. So I got it all.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
SCSU 3 UND 1
Not much you can say about last night’s game other than former Bismarck Bobcat goalie Ryan Faragher was solid in net again for the SCSU Huskies as Saint Cloud State University beat the University of North Dakota 3-1.
I thought UND played pretty well and had some decent chances and showed great speed through the neutral zone. Defensively, I thought they played well in the back end. The forwards just couldn't bury their opportunities when they had them; you're not going to win many games scoring only one goal per game.
The UND forwards are also going to have to catch Faragher who is 6'2" moving because he can stop most of what he sees.
I thought that last night's game was a decent game to watch. I must admit that I am not a big fan of the B2 broadcasts, and I hope when the NCHC start play in 2013-14, that we will be able to see most, if not all of the games on television.
Back to the game, let's give credit where credit is due. Faragher was definitely the difference in the game. Every time UND put a decent shot on net, Faragher was able to see the puck and was in position to make the save. UND didn't get as many chances down low as they could've as well. They are going to need to get a body to the net to cause some confusion in front of Faragher.
The "big story" coming out of Saint Cloud is that Mike Lee is healing nicely and due to return. I don't know how Faragher isn't going to keep getting starts for the SCSU Huskies when Mike Lee returns to the line up for the Huskies.
Quickly the young Freshman goalie Ryan Faragher is becoming a nemesis for UND. In his first season at SCSU, he is now 2-1 against UND. Faragher has been impressive in both wins against UND this season as he made more than 84 saves and gave up only one goal in the two wins.
Injured starting goalie Mike Lee has never beaten UND and is 0-4-1 during his career at SCSU against UND, but it doesn't seem to matter for the Huskies because they have Faragher waiting in the wings.
Box Score
Cross Posted at INSIDE HOCKEY...
I thought UND played pretty well and had some decent chances and showed great speed through the neutral zone. Defensively, I thought they played well in the back end. The forwards just couldn't bury their opportunities when they had them; you're not going to win many games scoring only one goal per game.
The UND forwards are also going to have to catch Faragher who is 6'2" moving because he can stop most of what he sees.
I thought that last night's game was a decent game to watch. I must admit that I am not a big fan of the B2 broadcasts, and I hope when the NCHC start play in 2013-14, that we will be able to see most, if not all of the games on television.
Back to the game, let's give credit where credit is due. Faragher was definitely the difference in the game. Every time UND put a decent shot on net, Faragher was able to see the puck and was in position to make the save. UND didn't get as many chances down low as they could've as well. They are going to need to get a body to the net to cause some confusion in front of Faragher.
The "big story" coming out of Saint Cloud is that Mike Lee is healing nicely and due to return. I don't know how Faragher isn't going to keep getting starts for the SCSU Huskies when Mike Lee returns to the line up for the Huskies.
Quickly the young Freshman goalie Ryan Faragher is becoming a nemesis for UND. In his first season at SCSU, he is now 2-1 against UND. Faragher has been impressive in both wins against UND this season as he made more than 84 saves and gave up only one goal in the two wins.
Injured starting goalie Mike Lee has never beaten UND and is 0-4-1 during his career at SCSU against UND, but it doesn't seem to matter for the Huskies because they have Faragher waiting in the wings.
Box Score
Cross Posted at INSIDE HOCKEY...
Friday, January 20, 2012
P.K. Subban slewfoots Chris Kunitz
Hum! Another game, another P.K. Subban atrocity by the Habs defenseman, well maybe not, but I think this is the same thing that Boston Bruins forward Brad Marchand got fined for when he slew footed Matt Niskanen. Last week the Habs
UND vs. SCSU
UND’s Forward lines
29 Brock Nelson–10 Corban Knight (A) –7 Danny Kristo
16 Mark MacMillan–27 Carter Rowney–15 Michael Parks
13 Connor Gaarder–9 Mario Lamoureux (C) –20 Joe Gleason
8 Dan Senkbeil–28 Stephane Pattyn–14 Taylor Dickin
Defense Parings
18 Dillon Simpson–24 Ben Blood
2 Andrew MacWilliam (A) –5 Nick Mattson
22 Andrew Panzarella
UND Goalies
31 Brad Eidsness
32 Aaron Dell
UND Starting goalie: Brad Eidsness with the start, 3-1-0 record with a 2.48 GAA, and .915 SV%.
UND Scratches: Rcco Grimaldi, Derek Forbort, Brendan O’Donnell, Derek Rodwell
WCHA officials: Todd Anderson, Brad Shepherd, Tony Czech and Jeff Schultz
UND player stats
SCSU Forward lines
10 Ben Hanowski–12 Travis Novak–11 Jared Festler
8 Cory Thorson–26 Nic Dowd–22 David Eddy
27 Nick Oliver–13 Jordy Christian–21 Brooks Bertsch
18 Garrett Milan–16 Joe Rehkamp–17 Joey Holka
SCSU Defense Pairings
28 Andrew Prochno–14 Nick Jensen
7 Kevin Gravel–40 Tim Daly
4 Taylor Johnson–2 Jarrod Rabey
SCSU Goalies
29 Ryan Faragher
33 Joe Phillippi
36 Nate Hardy
SCSU Starting Goalie: Ryan Faragher (7-9-3, 2.83 GAA, .909 SV%)
29 Brock Nelson–10 Corban Knight (A) –7 Danny Kristo
16 Mark MacMillan–27 Carter Rowney–15 Michael Parks
13 Connor Gaarder–9 Mario Lamoureux (C) –20 Joe Gleason
8 Dan Senkbeil–28 Stephane Pattyn–14 Taylor Dickin
Defense Parings
18 Dillon Simpson–24 Ben Blood
2 Andrew MacWilliam (A) –5 Nick Mattson
22 Andrew Panzarella
UND Goalies
31 Brad Eidsness
32 Aaron Dell
UND Starting goalie: Brad Eidsness with the start, 3-1-0 record with a 2.48 GAA, and .915 SV%.
UND Scratches: Rcco Grimaldi, Derek Forbort, Brendan O’Donnell, Derek Rodwell
WCHA officials: Todd Anderson, Brad Shepherd, Tony Czech and Jeff Schultz
UND player stats
SCSU Forward lines
10 Ben Hanowski–12 Travis Novak–11 Jared Festler
8 Cory Thorson–26 Nic Dowd–22 David Eddy
27 Nick Oliver–13 Jordy Christian–21 Brooks Bertsch
18 Garrett Milan–16 Joe Rehkamp–17 Joey Holka
SCSU Defense Pairings
28 Andrew Prochno–14 Nick Jensen
7 Kevin Gravel–40 Tim Daly
4 Taylor Johnson–2 Jarrod Rabey
SCSU Goalies
29 Ryan Faragher
33 Joe Phillippi
36 Nate Hardy
SCSU Starting Goalie: Ryan Faragher (7-9-3, 2.83 GAA, .909 SV%)
Game Time: 7:37 pm Friday, 7:07 pm Saturday.
Television: Charter (Channel 87 in St. Cloud viewing area), Comcast St. Paul (Channel 13), Comcast Minneapolis (Channel 23). No local TV in Grand Forks, ND.
Radio: he games can be heard at 96.1 the Fox and on KNSI FM 103.3/AM 1450
Internet: America One Broadcast
Television: Charter (Channel 87 in St. Cloud viewing area), Comcast St. Paul (Channel 13), Comcast Minneapolis (Channel 23). No local TV in Grand Forks, ND.
Radio: he games can be heard at 96.1 the Fox and on KNSI FM 103.3/AM 1450
Internet: America One Broadcast
Blais not ready to retire just yet...
Blais who spoke at the UND luncheon during the UND vs. UNO series, was asked how long he was going to be the coach of the UNO Mavericks. Blais said that he had three years left on his contract w/UNO.
Apparently, some where along the line, some people interpreted Dean Blais as saying that he only going to coach three more seasons at UNO and then retire from coaching. This is according to the Omaha World Herald Newspaper.
Blais isn't going anywhere. Not anytime soon.I wasn’t there at the luncheon, I read the comments in a newspaper article or a blog post, so this “could” be a written off as misunderstanding. I guess you never know with Dean Blais, he is kind of a Maverick and dances to the beat of a different drummer and sometimes there is a little thing called coach speak as well. So who knows?
That's my take. Blais won't be pinned down to anything. But he disputed a report out of Grand Forks, N.D., last month that he had told a North Dakota booster crowd that he likely would retire when his UNO contract ends in three years.
"That was at the booster luncheon," Blais said. "The guy says, 'how many years do you have on your contract, and are you going to retire?' I said I have three years. And that's when they said I'll retire."
So you're not going to retire at the end of your contract?
"Hell, I might retire next year if we don't win," Blais said with a laugh.
So you could go past three years?
"Oh, yeah," Blais said. "I'm 60. I know one thing. I won't be 70 and coaching in this business. It's too tough. [Tom Shatel,WORLD-HERALD]
Friday morning hangover…
This weekend has turned out to be rather interesting, not so much in the good way either, the positive, UND split with the Gophers last weekend.
The negative, UND found out that it had lost yet another player to a season ending injury.
Here is the current injury list, Season ending injuries: Rocco Grimaldi (knee surgery), Derek Rodwell (shoulder), Out Brendan O'Donnell (upper body), defenseman Derek Forbort (undisclosed), Michael Parks (questionable) walking wounded, Corban Knight and Mario Lamoureux. As you can see the @injuryninja has not been kind to the UND hockey team this season.
The positive, UND is 10-4-1 in their last 15 games against SCSU.
Jayson Hajdu, from the UND Athletic Media Relations aka @UNDSID has the travel blog up.
My favorite opposition radio personality has this post on his blog today. North Dakota, Gophers Misbehave Again; Announcer Off the Rails, Coach Angry
Dan Myers of College Hockey News has UND third in this weeks, WCHA Week 12 Power Rankings
Here is this week’s version of the Cardinal Country Clomp Feast, congrats to Ryan Cardinal as he and his wife added a new addition to their family… [click to listen]
Dave Burger has his Weekend Preview: UND at St. Cloud State
Here is the break down of Roco Grimaldi injured knee [Grand Forks Herald]
Run with the Dog’s favorite beat writer, Brad Schlossman has his, Friday morning reading
Here is Through These Doors Episode 11 [click to watch]
There is a new SCSU fan message board and you can find it by clicking here on the [SCSU hockey message board]
Mick Hatten has this story; North Dakota to sport logo vs. Huskies
Mick Hatten; SCSU's riding a win streak
A Tradition of Excellence has this week’s series links [click to view]
Mick Hatten; A look at this weekend's WCHA men's series between North Dakota and St. Cloud State
Western College Hockey has his spin on the Minnesota/North Dakota Videos
While the WCHA tends to let the various schools deal with issues, the ECAC recently issued a reprimand for Yale coach Keith Allain. Courtesy of Ken Schott Parting Schotts blog; ECAC Hockey reprimands Yale coach Allain.
WCHA alums dot NHL All-Star rosters, and it means a change of plans for Faulk [USCHO.COM]
Tyler Buckentine and Brian Halverson have this week’s WCHA conference picks. [USCHO.COM]
The negative, UND found out that it had lost yet another player to a season ending injury.
Here is the current injury list, Season ending injuries: Rocco Grimaldi (knee surgery), Derek Rodwell (shoulder), Out Brendan O'Donnell (upper body), defenseman Derek Forbort (undisclosed), Michael Parks (questionable) walking wounded, Corban Knight and Mario Lamoureux. As you can see the @injuryninja has not been kind to the UND hockey team this season.
The positive, UND is 10-4-1 in their last 15 games against SCSU.
Jayson Hajdu, from the UND Athletic Media Relations aka @UNDSID has the travel blog up.
My favorite opposition radio personality has this post on his blog today. North Dakota, Gophers Misbehave Again; Announcer Off the Rails, Coach Angry
Dan Myers of College Hockey News has UND third in this weeks, WCHA Week 12 Power Rankings
Here is this week’s version of the Cardinal Country Clomp Feast, congrats to Ryan Cardinal as he and his wife added a new addition to their family… [click to listen]
Dave Burger has his Weekend Preview: UND at St. Cloud State
Here is the break down of Roco Grimaldi injured knee [Grand Forks Herald]
Run with the Dog’s favorite beat writer, Brad Schlossman has his, Friday morning reading
Here is Through These Doors Episode 11 [click to watch]
There is a new SCSU fan message board and you can find it by clicking here on the [SCSU hockey message board]
Mick Hatten has this story; North Dakota to sport logo vs. Huskies
Mick Hatten; SCSU's riding a win streak
A Tradition of Excellence has this week’s series links [click to view]
Mick Hatten; A look at this weekend's WCHA men's series between North Dakota and St. Cloud State
Western College Hockey has his spin on the Minnesota/North Dakota Videos
While the WCHA tends to let the various schools deal with issues, the ECAC recently issued a reprimand for Yale coach Keith Allain. Courtesy of Ken Schott Parting Schotts blog; ECAC Hockey reprimands Yale coach Allain.
WCHA alums dot NHL All-Star rosters, and it means a change of plans for Faulk [USCHO.COM]
Tyler Buckentine and Brian Halverson have this week’s WCHA conference picks. [USCHO.COM]
No. 17 North Dakota (12-9-2, 8-8-0 WCHA) at St. Cloud State (9-11-4, 6-7-3 WCHA)
Tyler: The Huskies need to build off the National Hockey Center crowd sure to be loud, build a good-sized lead going into the third period because North Dakota has scored the third-fewest amount of goals in the WCHA after 40 minutes. UND has scored clutch third-period goals, but has yet to come back from a two-goal deficit in the third period. Both teams are banged up this weekend and though UND is suffering more from injuries, it has the edge in talent. Split
Brian: North Dakota has won six of the past eight meetings (6-1-1) after the teams split a pair in Grand Forks earlier this season and is 8-2-1 overall in its past 11 games leading into the series. UND has won three of eight conference road games but two of those came in their only road seep of the season at Alaska-Anchorage. SCSU meanwhile has lost just twice at home in WCHA play and has yet to sweep or be swept in a conference series this season. Split is written all over this one.
Goon's Weekly Picks 1/20 - 1/21
Fri 01/20/12
Alaska Anchorage at Wisconsin 7:07 p.m. CT (TV-Wisc)
Colorado College at Minnesota 7:07 p.m. CT (TV-FSn)
North Dakota at St. Cloud State 7:37 p.m. CT (TV-Charter)
Nebraska Omaha at Minnesota State 7:37 p.m. CT
Alab-Huntsville at Minnesota Duluth 7:07 p.m. CT (TV-My9)
Sat 01/21/12
Colorado College at Minnesota 5:07 p.m. CT (TV-FSn)
Alaska Anchorage at Wisconsin 7:07 p.m. CT (TV-TVW,Charter,Wisc)
North Dakota at St. Cloud State 7:07 p.m. CT (TV-Charter)
Nebraska Omaha at Minnesota State 7:07 p.m. CT
Northern Michigan at Michigan Tech 7:07 p.m. ET
Alab-Huntsville at Minnesota Duluth 7:07 p.m. CT (TV-My9)
Colorado College at Minnesota - Split
Alaska Anchorage at Wisconsin - Wisconsin Sweep
North Dakota at St. Cloud State - Split
Nebraska Omaha at Minnesota State - Split
Alab-Huntsville at Minnesota Duluth - UMD Sweep
Northern Michigan at Michigan Tech (Saturday night only)- NMU win
Last Week 8-4 Record for the season 94-60
Alaska Anchorage at Wisconsin 7:07 p.m. CT (TV-Wisc)
Colorado College at Minnesota 7:07 p.m. CT (TV-FSn)
North Dakota at St. Cloud State 7:37 p.m. CT (TV-Charter)
Nebraska Omaha at Minnesota State 7:37 p.m. CT
Alab-Huntsville at Minnesota Duluth 7:07 p.m. CT (TV-My9)
Sat 01/21/12
Colorado College at Minnesota 5:07 p.m. CT (TV-FSn)
Alaska Anchorage at Wisconsin 7:07 p.m. CT (TV-TVW,Charter,Wisc)
North Dakota at St. Cloud State 7:07 p.m. CT (TV-Charter)
Nebraska Omaha at Minnesota State 7:07 p.m. CT
Northern Michigan at Michigan Tech 7:07 p.m. ET
Alab-Huntsville at Minnesota Duluth 7:07 p.m. CT (TV-My9)
Colorado College at Minnesota - Split
Alaska Anchorage at Wisconsin - Wisconsin Sweep
North Dakota at St. Cloud State - Split
Nebraska Omaha at Minnesota State - Split
Alab-Huntsville at Minnesota Duluth - UMD Sweep
Northern Michigan at Michigan Tech (Saturday night only)- NMU win
Last Week 8-4 Record for the season 94-60
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Bruins draft choice Dougie Hamilton gets 10 Game Suspension
A future Boston Bruins defenseman Dougie Hamilton of the Niagara IceDogs has been suspended by the OHL for this hit. In viewing the video it would appear that a 10 game ban seems about right for this hit.
TORONTO - The Ontario Hockey League suspended Niagara IceDogs defenseman Dougie Hamilton for 10 games Thursday.
Hamilton, who played for Canada at the world junior hockey championship, received the ban for a shot to the head of Sudbury left-winger Michael MacDonald in Niagara's 5-2 victory over the Wolves on Jan. 13.
MacDonald skated into the IceDogs' zone and had his head down as he tried to regain control of the puck after it was been poked free by a Niagara defenseman.
Hamilton connected with MacDonald's head and moved his elbow up into the check, sending the Wolves' captain hard to the ice nearly three minutes into the third period.
Weekend Match-Ups (by Sioux 7)
The second half of the season is underway. Thus, we only have seven weekends of WCHA games on the schedule. After this weekend, the WCHA season will be about 2/3rds done with. Or look at it this way, the WCHA Final Five is just under two months away.
WCHA STANDINGS
Team………………………W-L-T……Points
1. Minnesota……………..…12-4-0…..……24
2. Minnesota-Duluth……..11-3-2….…….24
3. Colorado College….…..10-6-0………..20
4. Denver…………………...…8-5-3………..19
4. Nebraska-Omaha………8-5-3……….. 19
6. Michigan Tech…….…….8-7-1…….…..17
7. North Dakota……...…...8-8-0….……..16
8. St. Cloud St……….……. 6-7-3……….. 15
9. Bemidji State……….…. 5-9-2……….. 12
10. Wisconsin………….…..5-9-2…..…….12
11. Alaska-Anchorage…....3-12-1…………7
11. Minnesota State…….…3-12-1…………7
WCHA Games
Nebraska-Omaha @ Minnesota State
Last weekend the UNO Mavericks split with the Bulldogs in Omaha and the MSUM Mavericks split with the Badgers in Mankato, with each team getting a shutout.
You know what will happen if I say the Mavericks will win this weekend… both games will end in ties, so I’m not going that route. It looks like one group of cattle has already been put out to pasture this season (MSUM) and the other is grazing
right along. I am going with the easy pick here. SPLIT
#17 North Dakota @ St. Cloud State
Last weekend North Dakota split with the Gophers in Grand Forks and the Huskies split with the Tigers in Colorado Springs.
In the end of October, these teams met in Grand Forks with the Huskies taking the opener 4-0, and the Sioux (UND was called the Sioux back then) took the Saturday game 3-1. But that was almost three months ago. Since then both teams have developed and improved their games. These teams are only separated by a single point in the standing and four points would go a long way in the race for home ice. UND hasn’t been great on the road this year, sporting a 3-5-0 road record. SCSU has 5-3-3 record at the National Hockey Center this year. Looking at all the GF-GA numbers they are pretty even too. This series is looking like a… SPLIT
#11 Colorado College @ #4 Minnesota
Last weekend Tigers split with Huskies in Colorado Springs and the Gophers split with North Dakota in Grand Forks.
The Tigers are tied with UMD for the most goals in the WCHA up to this point, with 66, and the Gophers are not far behind with 58 goals of their own. The bigger difference is goals allowed, CC has given up 54 and the Gophers have allowed 32. The Gophers have been good at home, but have let some games get away from at Mariucci. If the Tigers can limit the Gophers chances, they can leave Minneapolis with some points. SPLIT
Alaska-Anchorage @ Wisconsin Badgers
Last weekend the Seawolves were swept by the Huskies in Houghton (those where UAA’s first games since December 9-10th vs CC), and the Badgers split with the Mavericks in Mankato.
The Seawolves might have shaken off the rust last weekend and could be handful for the struggling Badgers this year. Both teams need to get on a winning streak if they want to stay in the hunt for home ice come March. SPLIT
NON-CONFERENCE
Alabama-Huntsville (1-17-1) @ #1 Minnesota-Duluth
Last weekend the UAH Chargers with the in and the Bulldogs split with the Mavericks in Omaha.
I’m just going to tell it like it is, the Chargers are the bottom team in D-I hockey and the Bulldogs are the top. Need I say more? SWEEP
Northern Michigan (8-7-3) @ Michigan Tech (11-11-1)
Last weekend the Huskies swept the Seawolves in Houghton and the Wildcats got a point on the road against CCHA foe Michigan State in their weekend series.
The Wildcats are dismal 2-7-1 away from Marquette this season, but are good at home going 8-1-4 there. One of their home wins was over the Huskies back on Dec. 16th. The Huskies are 8-3-1 this year in MacInnes Arena and would like nothing better than getting a win over their Upper Peninsula rival. HUSKIES WIN.
BYE
WEEK
Bemidji State
#15 Denver
WCHA STANDINGS
Team………………………W-L-T……Points
1. Minnesota……………..…12-4-0…..……24
2. Minnesota-Duluth……..11-3-2….…….24
3. Colorado College….…..10-6-0………..20
4. Denver…………………...…8-5-3………..19
4. Nebraska-Omaha………8-5-3……….. 19
6. Michigan Tech…….…….8-7-1…….…..17
7. North Dakota……...…...8-8-0….……..16
8. St. Cloud St……….……. 6-7-3……….. 15
9. Bemidji State……….…. 5-9-2……….. 12
10. Wisconsin………….…..5-9-2…..…….12
11. Alaska-Anchorage…....3-12-1…………7
11. Minnesota State…….…3-12-1…………7
WCHA Games
Nebraska-Omaha @ Minnesota State
Last weekend the UNO Mavericks split with the Bulldogs in Omaha and the MSUM Mavericks split with the Badgers in Mankato, with each team getting a shutout.
You know what will happen if I say the Mavericks will win this weekend… both games will end in ties, so I’m not going that route. It looks like one group of cattle has already been put out to pasture this season (MSUM) and the other is grazing
right along. I am going with the easy pick here. SPLIT
#17 North Dakota @ St. Cloud State
Last weekend North Dakota split with the Gophers in Grand Forks and the Huskies split with the Tigers in Colorado Springs.
In the end of October, these teams met in Grand Forks with the Huskies taking the opener 4-0, and the Sioux (UND was called the Sioux back then) took the Saturday game 3-1. But that was almost three months ago. Since then both teams have developed and improved their games. These teams are only separated by a single point in the standing and four points would go a long way in the race for home ice. UND hasn’t been great on the road this year, sporting a 3-5-0 road record. SCSU has 5-3-3 record at the National Hockey Center this year. Looking at all the GF-GA numbers they are pretty even too. This series is looking like a… SPLIT
#11 Colorado College @ #4 Minnesota
Last weekend Tigers split with Huskies in Colorado Springs and the Gophers split with North Dakota in Grand Forks.
The Tigers are tied with UMD for the most goals in the WCHA up to this point, with 66, and the Gophers are not far behind with 58 goals of their own. The bigger difference is goals allowed, CC has given up 54 and the Gophers have allowed 32. The Gophers have been good at home, but have let some games get away from at Mariucci. If the Tigers can limit the Gophers chances, they can leave Minneapolis with some points. SPLIT
Alaska-Anchorage @ Wisconsin Badgers
Last weekend the Seawolves were swept by the Huskies in Houghton (those where UAA’s first games since December 9-10th vs CC), and the Badgers split with the Mavericks in Mankato.
The Seawolves might have shaken off the rust last weekend and could be handful for the struggling Badgers this year. Both teams need to get on a winning streak if they want to stay in the hunt for home ice come March. SPLIT
NON-CONFERENCE
Alabama-Huntsville (1-17-1) @ #1 Minnesota-Duluth
Last weekend the UAH Chargers with the in and the Bulldogs split with the Mavericks in Omaha.
I’m just going to tell it like it is, the Chargers are the bottom team in D-I hockey and the Bulldogs are the top. Need I say more? SWEEP
Northern Michigan (8-7-3) @ Michigan Tech (11-11-1)
Last weekend the Huskies swept the Seawolves in Houghton and the Wildcats got a point on the road against CCHA foe Michigan State in their weekend series.
The Wildcats are dismal 2-7-1 away from Marquette this season, but are good at home going 8-1-4 there. One of their home wins was over the Huskies back on Dec. 16th. The Huskies are 8-3-1 this year in MacInnes Arena and would like nothing better than getting a win over their Upper Peninsula rival. HUSKIES WIN.
BYE
WEEK
Bemidji State
#15 Denver
More bad news for UND - Grimaldi to undergo season-ending knee surgery
GRAND FORKS, N.D. – University of North Dakota Head Coach Dave Hakstol announced today that freshman forward Rocco Grimaldi will undergo knee surgery and will miss the remainder of the season.
Grimaldi suffered the injury during the preseason and has appeared in just four of UND’s 23 games this season, scoring one goal and one assist.
The Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) Preseason Rookie of the Year, Grimaldi was a second-round draft pick (33rd overall) of the Florida Panthers in 2011.
Coach Hakstol takes issue with Wally Shaver's comments...
Tonight during the UND Coaches Show, UND head coach Dave Hakstol took issue with what UMN radio personality had to say about the Ben Blood incident. If you need to have your memory refreshed, here is what Wally Shaver had to say about the incident. [Click to listen]
Here is what UND head coach Dave Hakstol had to say about matter. At the 11:20 mark of the audio, you can hear what Dave Hakstol has to say about his team being called a bunch of cheap hose heads by Wally Shaver. [Click to listen] I would be willing to bet that the voice of the Minnesota Gopher's will be getting a call from Coach Hakstol.
Here is what UND head coach Dave Hakstol had to say about matter. At the 11:20 mark of the audio, you can hear what Dave Hakstol has to say about his team being called a bunch of cheap hose heads by Wally Shaver. [Click to listen] I would be willing to bet that the voice of the Minnesota Gopher's will be getting a call from Coach Hakstol.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
UND versus SCSU Series Notes
The University of North Dakota travels to Saint Cloud State University to play the Huskies at the National Hockey Center, January 20-21, 2012.
Game Time: 7:37 pm Friday, 7:07 pm Saturday.
Television: Charter (Channel 87 in St. Cloud viewing area), Comcast St. Paul (Channel 13), Comcast Minneapolis (Channel 23). No local TV in Grand Forks, ND.
Radio: he games can be heard at 96.1 the Fox and on KNSI FM 103.3/AM 1450
Internet: http://www.b2livetv.com/partner_members.asp?id=28
Records and Rankings: UND (12-9-2 overall, 8-8-0 WCHA); UND is ranked 17th in the USCHO poll. North Dakota split with the Gophers last weekend (2-1 W, 2-6 L). University of North Dakota Official Release.
Saint Cloud State University (9-11-4, 6-7-3 WCHA); unranked in the latest USCHO poll. Saint Cloud State University split with Colorado College last weekend in Colorado Springs, Colorado (1-3 L, 5-4 W). Saint Cloud State University Official release.
Series History: The University of North Dakota is 57-30-11 (.638) against the SCSU Huskies in the all-time series.
Players to Watch:
For UND: Forwards: Danny Kristo (12-13a—24pts), Corbin Knight (6g-15a—21pts) and Brock Nelson (16g-9a—25pts). Defense: Nick Mattson (5g-8a—13pts), Dillion Simpson, (0g-11a—11pts), Ben Blood (2g-9a—11pts). Goaltenders: Aaron Dell .892 save percentage and a 2.84 goals against average. Brad Eidsness .915 save percentage and a 2.48 goals against average.
UND Injuries: Forward Rocco Grimaldi is out, Brendan O’Donnell out, defenseman Derek Forbort out, Michael Parks is questionable, Derek Rodwell is out (season shoulder).
For the Huskies: Forwards: Ben Hanowski (12g-13—25pts), Jared Festler (10g-8a—18pts), Travis Novak (7g-10a—17pts). Defense: Nick Jensen (5g-14a—19pts). Goalie: Ryan Faragher .909 save percentage and a 2.82 goals against average.
SCSU Injuries and departures: Mike Lee is out, Drew LeBlanc is out, Mitch MacMillian transfer to UND, Cam Reid left school for the Western Hockey League.
Other games in the WCHA: Alaska Anchorage at Wisconsin, Minnesota State at Nebraska Omaha, Colorado at Minnesota, Alabama Huntsville at Minnesota Duluth, Northern Michigan at Michigan Tech (Friday).
Cost Posted at INSIDE HOCKEY.
Game Time: 7:37 pm Friday, 7:07 pm Saturday.
Television: Charter (Channel 87 in St. Cloud viewing area), Comcast St. Paul (Channel 13), Comcast Minneapolis (Channel 23). No local TV in Grand Forks, ND.
Radio: he games can be heard at 96.1 the Fox and on KNSI FM 103.3/AM 1450
Internet: http://www.b2livetv.com/partner_members.asp?id=28
Records and Rankings: UND (12-9-2 overall, 8-8-0 WCHA); UND is ranked 17th in the USCHO poll. North Dakota split with the Gophers last weekend (2-1 W, 2-6 L). University of North Dakota Official Release.
Saint Cloud State University (9-11-4, 6-7-3 WCHA); unranked in the latest USCHO poll. Saint Cloud State University split with Colorado College last weekend in Colorado Springs, Colorado (1-3 L, 5-4 W). Saint Cloud State University Official release.
Series History: The University of North Dakota is 57-30-11 (.638) against the SCSU Huskies in the all-time series.
Players to Watch:
For UND: Forwards: Danny Kristo (12-13a—24pts), Corbin Knight (6g-15a—21pts) and Brock Nelson (16g-9a—25pts). Defense: Nick Mattson (5g-8a—13pts), Dillion Simpson, (0g-11a—11pts), Ben Blood (2g-9a—11pts). Goaltenders: Aaron Dell .892 save percentage and a 2.84 goals against average. Brad Eidsness .915 save percentage and a 2.48 goals against average.
UND Injuries: Forward Rocco Grimaldi is out, Brendan O’Donnell out, defenseman Derek Forbort out, Michael Parks is questionable, Derek Rodwell is out (season shoulder).
For the Huskies: Forwards: Ben Hanowski (12g-13—25pts), Jared Festler (10g-8a—18pts), Travis Novak (7g-10a—17pts). Defense: Nick Jensen (5g-14a—19pts). Goalie: Ryan Faragher .909 save percentage and a 2.82 goals against average.
SCSU Injuries and departures: Mike Lee is out, Drew LeBlanc is out, Mitch MacMillian transfer to UND, Cam Reid left school for the Western Hockey League.
Other games in the WCHA: Alaska Anchorage at Wisconsin, Minnesota State at Nebraska Omaha, Colorado at Minnesota, Alabama Huntsville at Minnesota Duluth, Northern Michigan at Michigan Tech (Friday).
Cost Posted at INSIDE HOCKEY.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Ben Blood will "not" be suspended by the WCHA...
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Image via WikipediaI emailed Doug Spencer from the WCHA to inquire there was going to be any any other supplemental discipline for Ben Blood from the WCHA. There will not be.
GRAND FORKS, N.D. – University of North Dakota Head Coach Dave Hakstol announced today that he has revoked senior defenseman Ben Blood’s assistant captaincy due to an altercation that occurred during the post-game handshake following Saturday night’s game against Minnesota.
“Regardless of any provocation, Ben’s actions in the post-game handshake were not acceptable,” said Hakstol. “The handshake line is a traditional, gentlemanly part of our game where, at the end of a hard-fought battle, opponents show good sportsmanship and shake hands like men.”
Hakstol added that Blood will be subject to further internal team disciplinary actions.
“I’m not proud of my behavior,” said Blood. “That’s not how I want to represent our program, and that’s not how we handle ourselves here. I understand and respect the punishment, and I’ll move forward and not let my emotions get the best of me in the future.”
You can see from this UND video that Head Coach Dave Hakstol was not pleased with Ben Blood's actions on Saturday night.
Image via WikipediaI emailed Doug Spencer from the WCHA to inquire there was going to be any any other supplemental discipline for Ben Blood from the WCHA. There will not be. Doug Spencer informed me, "that the league is satisfied with UND’s response (see UND release below) to the incident in the UND vs UM game on Jan. 14 and no further action will be taken.----
GRAND FORKS, N.D. – University of North Dakota Head Coach Dave Hakstol announced today that he has revoked senior defenseman Ben Blood’s assistant captaincy due to an altercation that occurred during the post-game handshake following Saturday night’s game against Minnesota.
“Regardless of any provocation, Ben’s actions in the post-game handshake were not acceptable,” said Hakstol. “The handshake line is a traditional, gentlemanly part of our game where, at the end of a hard-fought battle, opponents show good sportsmanship and shake hands like men.”
Hakstol added that Blood will be subject to further internal team disciplinary actions.
“I’m not proud of my behavior,” said Blood. “That’s not how I want to represent our program, and that’s not how we handle ourselves here. I understand and respect the punishment, and I’ll move forward and not let my emotions get the best of me in the future.”
You can see from this UND video that Head Coach Dave Hakstol was not pleased with Ben Blood's actions on Saturday night.
The types of hits that need to be eliminated from hockey
Tom Serratore of Minnesota hit UND defenseman Andrew MacWilliam up high in the head area with with the shoulder, this is the types of hits that the NHL is cracking down on, this is also a play needs to be more than a 2 minute minor penalty.This is hit is a text book example of what should be a five minute major and a game misconduct.
With Jenna Privette of Burnsville and Jack Jablonski of Benilde-St. Margaret’s both being paralized with dangerous hits this has got to stop, the players need to show some respect for their fellow competitors.This is a dangerous hit and here is the still shot of the hit as well.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Wally Shaver's call of the Blood dust up.
Classic comment by Wally Shaver, "what a bunch cheap hose heads, just a bunch of hose heads, I am done with these guys, go form your own league." Just for the record Ben Blood is from Plymouth, Minnesota, so he wouldn't be a hose head.
Here is what hose head nation had to say on the incident.
Blood loses the "A" - Ben Blood disciplined for post-game altercation
GRAND FORKS, N.D. – University of North Dakota Head Coach Dave Hakstol announced today that he has revoked senior defenseman Ben Blood’s assistant captaincy due to an altercation that occurred during the post-game handshake following Saturday night’s game against Minnesota.
“Regardless of any provocation, Ben’s actions in the post-game handshake were not acceptable,” said Hakstol. “The handshake line is a traditional, gentlemanly part of our game where, at the end of a hard-fought battle, opponents show good sportsmanship and shake hands like men.”
Hakstol added that Blood will be subject to further internal team disciplinary actions.
“I’m not proud of my behavior,” said Blood. “That’s not how I want to represent our program, and that’s not how we handle ourselves here. I understand and respect the punishment, and I’ll move forward and not let my emotions get the best of me in the future.”
UND (12-8-2, 8-8-0 WCHA) travels to St. Cloud State on Friday and Saturday.
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“Regardless of any provocation, Ben’s actions in the post-game handshake were not acceptable,” said Hakstol. “The handshake line is a traditional, gentlemanly part of our game where, at the end of a hard-fought battle, opponents show good sportsmanship and shake hands like men.”
Hakstol added that Blood will be subject to further internal team disciplinary actions.
“I’m not proud of my behavior,” said Blood. “That’s not how I want to represent our program, and that’s not how we handle ourselves here. I understand and respect the punishment, and I’ll move forward and not let my emotions get the best of me in the future.”
UND (12-8-2, 8-8-0 WCHA) travels to St. Cloud State on Friday and Saturday.
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More Bad News for UND
INCH Power Rankings
2. Minnesota
3. Merrimack
4. Boston College
5. Notre Dame
6. Union
7. Ohio State
8. Boston University
9. Cornell
10. Colorado College
11. Western Michigan
12. Denver
13. Michigan
14. UMass Lowell
15. Nebraska-Omaha
16. North Dakota 1 Despite losing three of four to Minnesota in the regular season, the North Dakotans beat the Gophers Friday to keep their rivals to the east from earning a four-game season series sweep for the first time since 1991-92. 12-9-2 (8-8-0 WCHA) LAST WEEK: W vs. Minnesota, 2-1; L vs. Minnesota, 6-2. THIS WEEK: at St. Cloud State, at St. Cloud State
17. Ferris State
18. Colgate
19. Miami
20. Quinnipiac
Dropped out: Northeastern
Bubble-licious: Lake Superior State, Maine
The weekly Inside College Hockey Power Rankings are out and UND is ranked 16th week.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
One last dance with an old friend.
The arena was really electric this weekend and it was very loud at the Ralph on Friday night, especially during the third period.
After Friday's game the Ralph Englestad Arena lobby was still buzzing at about 10:30 pm and as I left the arena after the post game press conference, I thought this is what we are going to miss. One of the best rivalries in college hockey.
I can't see OSU vs. UMN or PSU vs. UMN matching this series in intensity, there is no way. Sure Michigan and Minnesota will be a good rivalry game and I am sure that Miami and UND will have some epic battles, but this is where it's at.
So in a season and a half we are going to no longer be able to see this historic series at the Ralph Englestad Arena again. FireHelmetGuy#26 post on Gopher Puck Live nails it.
As for Ben Blood going nuts this weekend, I would be willing to bet that he probably regrets that move today as he looks back on that incident. Not the smartest move on Blood's part and it didn't portray him in a very positive light. We are all human beings and we all make mistakes. The near brawl at the end of the game also put a damper on an other wise great series. Here is the quote from head coach Dave Hakstol from Brad's gamer.
The last time UND and Minnesota skated off the Ralph Engelstad Arena ice as Western Collegiate Hockey Association rivals, they were unable to make it through the handshake line without a scuffle breaking out.That being said, I am not going to throw Ben Blood under the bus, what good would it do? Blood screwed up and broke a rule and violated tradition. Blood pulled someone out of the hand shake line after the game was over.
UND coach Dave Hakstol said he didn’t like that, nor did he like his team’s energy during a 6-2 loss to the rival Gophers in front of 11,964 in Ralph Engelstad Arena. [Grand Forks Herald]
I got the impression that some wanted me to eviscerate Blood on my blog because he made a bad decision, he did. I don't think we are going to see Ben Blood do that again, and I am sure most of us would not like to see that again. Finally, there is an old saying, Let Him Who is Without Sin Cast the First Stone.
s/t to Puck Daddy for the Link today as Blood's post game reaction when viral around the hockey world.
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