43 Days until the NHL season - Links...

There are 43 days until the NHL season begins.


UND football starts in two days and six - nine freshmen could end up having their red shirts pulled.


The UND football insider has the two-deep depth chart for the UND football team.


The UND Hockey team took the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. To date, that's the best one that I have seen.


Apparently, the Penguins aren't in a hurry to re-sign their goalie.


Talk is starting to emerge about the NHL in Seattle.

NCAA Hockey: Six Part Must-See Non-Conference Series

Atlantic Hockey: Five Must-See Non-Conference Series http://t.co/oXAtQNjJFu
— NHLFantasyPlus (@NHLFantasyPlus) August 25, 2014

I just finished up six blog posts: Five Must-See Non-Conference Series. I am in the process of writing a 10 Must-See NCAA Hockey Series. It should come out this week. As we move towards the 2014-15 college hockey season, this has been the most uneventful off-season that I can remember. For those that are wondering, the NCHC CBSSN television schedule is going to come out sometime in the next six weeks.

Hockey East: Five Must-See Non-Conference Series - http://t.co/exzbOdnZOU #hockey #THW pic.twitter.com/ddqwDiGwCx
— The Hockey Writers (@TheHockeyWriter) August 15, 2014

WCHA Hockey: Five Must-See Non-Conference Series - http://t.co/NFnkuFtXDE #NHL pic.twitter.com/5S7jQy2ivf
— THW Hockey (@HockeyLinks) August 13, 2014

Big Ten Hockey: Five Must-See Non-Conference Series http://t.co/PEJLOVDELc #THW
— The Hockey Writers (@TheHockeyWriter) August 9, 2014

ECAC Hockey: Five Must-See Non-Conference Series http://t.co/uZTLyjpxSn #THW
— The Hockey Writers (@TheHockeyWriter) August 7, 2014

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#NHL #Hockey NCHC Hockey: Five Must See Non-Conference Series http://t.co/oa1IDdmeVj
— Hockey Fan (@HockeyFanLV) July 30, 2014

NHL Hockey:Forty Four Days

Checking out the calendar, there's 44 days until the hockey season begins.

Darcy Kuemper's new goalie mask

Here's the new goalie mask that Minnesota Wild goalie Darcy Kuemper will wear for the 2014-15 season.  Now, let's hope the Wild can get the young goalie locked into a new contract.

Video: Ric Del Basso Goal Celebration

This is from the Australian Ice Hockey League. The player that scored the goal in the sixth round of the shootout is Ric Del Basso of the Perth Thunder def Melbourne Ice. Should be the goal celebration of the year.

Jonathan Toews Ice Bucket Challenge

Former Fighting Sioux and current Chicago Blackhawks forward Jonathan Toews did the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge and this is by far the best ALS Ice Buckets Challenge that I have seen to date.

Former Wild Forward Devin Setoguchi signed by the Calgary Flames

Former Minnesota Wild forward Devin Setoguchi has been signed by the Calgary Flames. It would appear that the Flames got a bargain signing Setoguchi for $750,000. One could make the argument, that his is a smart contract, especially if he recovers from the miserable season that he had last season and scores 20 goals. That would be a big win for the Flames.

CGY signs Devin Setoguchi. One year. $750K AAV.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) August 23, 2014

Don Cherry Tweets About Team Canada's Win in the Ivan Hlinka tournament

1) Just want to give a congrats to the Team Canada Under 18 team for winning the Gold Medal . We’ve won the Ivan Hlinka tournament 7 years
— Don Cherry (@CoachsCornerCBC) August 22, 2014

Don Cherry tweeted this today... Last weekend, team USA lost to the Canadians in the semifinals of the  Ivan Hlinka tournament. USA would go on to win the bronze against the Swedes.

1) Just want to give a congrats to the Team Canada Under 18 team for winning the Gold Medal . We’ve won the Ivan Hlinka tournament 7 years
— Don Cherry (@CoachsCornerCBC) August 22, 2014

3) One is the Olympics with the NHL players playing, which we have won 3 out of last 4 Gold Medals. The other is the Ivan Hlinka tournament,
— Don Cherry (@CoachsCornerCBC) August 22, 2014

5) We beat the US 11-5 in the semi finals and then beat the Czech in the finals 6-2.
— Don Cherry (@CoachsCornerCBC) August 22, 2014

6) Great job. Like I’ve always said, we’re the best and always will be
— Don Cherry (@CoachsCornerCBC) August 22, 2014

46 Days Till the NHL Season

There's also 43 days until the College Hockey season begins.

Grand Forks Herald: UND, NDSU to play in 2015, 2019, ending 12-year hiatus

Good times have come our way... Finally, the North Dakota State University and North Dakota will resume their rivalry in football. It’s a start, and it’s also a step in the right direction. Seriously, the Bison didn’t have to play us and while some UND fans aren’t happy that the games will only played in Fargo for now, the series will eventually return to Grand Forks, ND. I would bet on it.

Now if you want some comical, thoughtful analysis on the resumption of the historic rivalry, head over to Belligerentville aka Bisonville.

One final note, according to Dom Izzo and Tom Miller, the two teams will “not” play for the Nickle Trophy.

Brad Elliott Schlossman, Grand Forks Herald -- The UND-NDSU football rivalry is back.

The schools will play in games in Fargo on Sept. 19, 2015, and Sept. 7, 2019, ending a 12-year hiatus that began after the 2003 contest when NDSU moved to NCAA Division I status.

“I want our football players to have the full experience of being a UND football player and, to me, that includes playing North Dakota State," UND coach Bubba Schweigert said. "True rivalry games are a big part of college football. You see Iowa State playing Iowa, Michigan State playing Michigan, Auburn playing Alabama and so on. There is no reason North Dakota and North Dakota State should not be playing.

“As I traveled around the region talking to some of our football alums, one of their fondest memories is playing against our rival North Dakota State. Too many young men have missed out on that opportunity over the last 11 years.”

This also means no FBS/BCS game for #NDSU in 2015; at Montana, home vs. Weber State and #UND
— Dom Izzo (@DomIzzoWDAY) August 22, 2014

Former #NDSU AD Gene Taylor outlined deal for games with #UND according to release, 500 tickets go to #UND as well
— Dom Izzo (@DomIzzoWDAY) August 22, 2014

In contract; #UND will receive 125K for the 2015 game and 140K for the 2019 game with #NDSU #FCSFootball
— Dom Izzo (@DomIzzoWDAY) August 22, 2014

Unfortunate. Such a great part of the rivalry "@gfherald: UND-NDSU won't play for Nickel Trophy in renewed rivalry http://t.co/ziNKP4AvMu”
— Tom Miller (@tommillergf) August 22, 2014

Don Cherry's Ice Bucket Challenge

I've accepted @RonMacLeanCBC #ALSIceBucketChallenge Here's a link to the video http://t.co/681eaJnRer
— Don Cherry (@CoachsCornerCBC) August 21, 2014

I wonder I am the only one that's getting bored with these challenges? Don't get me wrong, I do find them entertaining. Obviously, it's for a good cause, of course. Seriously, just donate the money to the ALS. I do have to give Grapes credit, that's an awesome suit.

NHL Hockey: Top UFA's

Checking out Cap Geek, there's not a lot out there as far as Unrestricted Free Agents. Lot of over 30-year old players out there looking for a team.

Can San Jose Live Up To Lofty Expectations In 2014-2015?

s/t to Guest Writer Mitchell Sansader.

For the last few seasons, the San Jose Sharks have been one of the most successful teams in the Western Conference in the NHL. They have a lot of talent on offense and defense, but they have been unable to break through and actually win a Stanley Cup up to this point. While there are many people expecting them to have success this upcoming year, there are reasons to be a little bit concerned.

 

Everything looked good last year when they were able to accumulate 111 points in the regular season. However, a 1st round playoff exit definitely has people a little bit worried about the future. They have plenty of fantasy hockey talent, but they are in the middle of a tough stage. They are not exactly rebuilding, but they are trying to make a few

 

The biggest thorn in the side for San Jose has been the Los Angeles Kings. For the last 2 seasons, the Western Conference rival has not been out of the playoffs. The potential is definitely there for San Jose to get by Los Angeles, and it all starts with fantasy hockey standouts Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau. They need to be better players in pressure situations in order for everything to come together. The Pacific division is definitely not going to get any easier anytime soon, so it will take an entire team effort to have success.

 

There will certainly be some optimism surrounding the squad, but there is really no reason to be optimistic about what they bring to the table. It is much easier to count on other teams in the Pacific division that have had success in the playoffs before. San Jose needs to prove themselves before they can truly move into that elite team status.

Kristo Re-signed by the Rangers

According to Pro Hockey Talk, the New York Rangers have re-signed Danny Kristo. Also, it looks like Kristo could get a chance at some playing time with the New York Rangers this season.

NHL.com --The 24-year-old native of Eden Prairie, Minn., completed his first full pro season in 2013-14 after four seasons at the University of North Dakota that saw him total 68 goals and 161 points in 157 games. Kristo (6-foot, 195) has shown some skill and is progressing nicely since his trade from the Canadiens, who drafted him in the second round (No. 56) in 2008.

"We liked him in college," Clark said. "It wasn't working out for him in Montreal and he turned out to be our No. 1 right wing in Hartford in his first full season. He's got speed, skill and knack of the puck somehow following him around. We're hoping to improve our pool of prospects at the center position where we weren't very deep as an organization in Hartford. We hope Danny can help us in that area."

Rangers to sign Kevin Hayes

Well, it looks like the New York Rangers are the team that's going to land former Boston College forward Kevin Hayes.

Mike Halford, Pro Hockey Talk -- On Tuesday, various outlets (see here and here and here and here) reported that Hayes — the former Boston College standout taken 24th overall by Chicago at the ’10 draft — has agreed to sign with the New York Rangers, ending a long, drawn-out saga in the process.

Hayes had consistently balked at signing in Chicago despite the ‘Hawks drafting him out of high school four years ago, ahead of the likes of Evgeny Kuznetsov, Charlie Coyle and Emerson Etem. Instead, he completed a stellar career at BC, then simply allowed time to run out on his draft rights — on Aug. 15, the deadline for the ‘Hawks to sign Hayes passed, making him an unrestricted free agent in the process.

Hump Day Links

There's only 46 days until the University of North Dakota kicks off the 2014-15 season. Here's a few links of interest from the world of hockey.

Matt Greene Brings the Stanley Cup Back to Grand Forks - http://t.co/XKBF7MXZk7 #NHL pic.twitter.com/Vq8Ns9uDjE
— THW Hockey (@HockeyLinks) August 20, 2014

Report: It's 'not looking good' for Bruins on Kevin Hayes http://t.co/JrHlEKUBdz
— Ian McLaren (@iancmclaren) August 20, 2014

Not looking good for #bruins on Kevin Hayes. I'm being told Rangers and Avs appear to have inside track.
— Mark Divver (@MarkDivver) August 20, 2014

Three concussion lawsuits filed by ex-NHL players consolidated, to be heard by federal judge in Minnesota. Details: http://t.co/8NdMpE1XHD
— Yahoo Sports NHL (@YahooSportsNHL) August 20, 2014

Did Doug Lidster Save The Canucks’ Season? http://t.co/sXodtikSJC #THW
— The Hockey Writers (@TheHockeyWriter) August 20, 2014

Checking In: Jake Guentzel: Forward Jake Guentzel returned to Pittsburgh for prospect developme... http://t.co/mVgJbBjUkc #NHL #Penguins
— NHL (@NHLLinks) August 20, 2014

Dane Jackson ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

Dane Jackson picks T.J. Oshie for the Ice Bucket Challenge.

UND Hockey: Ticket availability, Fan Fest set for UND hockey

I have had a few people ask me when single game tickets for hockey go on sale. Today, the University of North Dakota announced that September 12, 2014 is the day.


GRAND FORKS, N.D. – The University of North Dakota Athletics Department announced today that single-game tickets for men’s and women’s hockey will go on sale on Friday, Sept. 12, beginning at 10 a.m. Central.


Additionally, UND Champions Club members can participate in a pre-sale for men’s hockey single-game tickets on Thursday, Sept. 11, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central.


Also announced today, the sixth annual North Dakota Hockey Fan Fest, sponsored by Midco Sports Network, is set for Sunday, Sept. 21, at Ralph Engelstad Arena. The event, which starts at 3 p.m. Central, will include autograph and skill sessions with UND hockey student-athletes, a free meal, and the first chance to pick up the 2014-15 team posters.


Nearly 800 single-game seats are available for every men’s hockey home game on the 2014-15 schedule, with additional seats available for exhibition games and holiday series when class is out of session on the UND campus. Single-game men’s hockey tickets cost $40 (adult) and $25 (youth) for Friday games and $45 (adult) and $30 (youth) for Saturday games. Exhibition games cost $25 (adult) and $10 (youth).


All single-game women’s hockey tickets cost $7 (adult) and $5 (youth).


Although men’s hockey season tickets have once again sold out, fans can add their names to the season-ticket waiting list by joining the UND Champions Club and making a refundable $100 ticket deposit. Each year in the early summer, approximately half of the accounts on the waiting list are offered season tickets. Fans who are on the waiting list can participate in the pre-sale for single-game tickets on Thursday, Sept. 10, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.


Waiting list and Champions Club members will be emailed a passcode and instructions prior to the appropriate pre-sale date.


Tickets can be purchased at the UND Box Office at Ralph Engelstad Arena or via UNDsports.com/Tickets.

Star Tribune: Lawsuit threat dropped by Bellecourt's group

Very good news for the Warriors logo. Clyde Bellecourt has dropped his his plans to sue Warroad High School for using the Warriors logo. Here's my suggestion to Bellecourt, maybe you should have done some research before you tried to strong arm the Warroad community and Warroad High School.

Patrick Reusse, Star Tribune -- Clyde Bellecourt and his cohorts caved in on the Warroad Warriors after a meeting with Henry Boucha on Monday. Basically, Bellecourt's group released a statement admitting that it did not properly research the connection between the nickname, Warroad High School and the Warroad Indian Community.

Here was the statement released to Jess Myers, formerly a Warroad resident and a reporter who has been following this story:

Here's a post in question from Henry Boucha's Facebook page.

DU Hockey Staff Ice Bucket Challenge

The ice bucket challenge, come to the NCHC...

RT @MikeChambers: @DUCoachMonty and @DU_Hockey staff gets ALS ice bucket challenge from players http://t.co/VgKPiKYBG9…
— Denver Hockey (@DU_Hockey) August 18, 2014