Friday, October 03, 2014
Habs and Sens Line Brawl: P.K. Subban vs Mark Borowiecki
I guess someone forgot to tell the Ottawa Senators and Montreal Canadiens that this was only a meaningless exhibition game. Both teams were engaged in an old-fashioned, knock-down, drag-out line brawl Friday night. I am surprised that P.K. Subban actually fought Mark Borowiecki.
THN Top 50 NCAA Players
Prospect expert @THNRyanKennedy counts down the top 50 NCAA players you need to know this season: http://t.co/pv5rmqCPkb
— The Hockey News (@TheHockeyNews) October 3, 2014
The Hockey News has ranked the top 50 NCAA Hockey players and 14 (.28%) are from the NCHC. Three of them are from the University of North Dakota.
8. Riley Barber, Miami – Incredible offensive prowess has boosted the Washington pick’s stock since he came to RedHawks; look for more of the same from the junior.
9. Jordan Schmaltz, North Dakota – St. Louis first-rounder is a maturing, mobile defenseman who doubled his points as a sophomore last season.
12. Nick Schmaltz, North Dakota – Jordan’s younger bro joins him in Grand Forks. The Chicago first-rounder is blessed with a number of sick offensive moves.
17. Jonny Brodzinski, St. Cloud State – Gifted goal-scorer will once again light the lamp large for the Huskies; he’s a Los Angeles selection.
21. Evan Cowley, Denver – With Sam Brittain gone, Cowley can put his stamp on the crease with the Pios. The big netminder is a Florida pick.
27. Jake Guentzel, Nebraska-Omaha – Smaller Pittsburgh pick had an outstanding freshman season with the Mavs and they’ll need his playmaking prowess again.
28. Andy Welinski, Minnesota-Duluth – Mobile Anaheim pick with great size led the Bulldogs in points from the blueline as a sophomore.
33. Zane McIntyre, North Dakota – Boston prospect formerly named “Gothberg,” will hold down the fort in net for UND as the team eyes a national title.
34. Jaccob Slavin, Colorado College – The Carolina prospect is much bigger than he was when the Canes drafted him and he plays all situations on the back end.
35. Quentin Shore, Denver – The third of four hockey brothers, Shore is an Ottawa prospect who brings some nice scoring punch back to the lineup.
38. Paul LaDue, North Dakota – A late-blooming defenseman snagged by Los Angeles as a depth pick, LaDue was great as a freshman, grabbing all-conference rookie honors.
40. Teemu Kivihalme, Colorado College – Incoming freshman boasts a crazy set of wheels from the blueline; he’s a Nashville pick.
45. Aidan Muir, Western Michigan – Raw Edmonton project kicks off his college career in Kalamazoo;
50. Joey LaLeggia, Denver – The skilled offensive blueliner is an Edmonton pick primed to put up big numbers as a senior.
UND Hockey Is Back
Hockey is back. This Sunday, 5:07 p.m. At the @TheREA pic.twitter.com/DP5Q4YG0aE
— North Dakota MHockey (@UNDMHockey) October 3, 2014
UND Third in CHN Preseason Poll
Apparently, Providence is the team to beat in Hockey East. (Link to the Poll)
1. MINNESOTA
2. PROVIDENCE
3. NORTH DAKOTA
North Dakota returns all but five players that suffered a heart-breaking Frozen Four loss last season — count that as plenty of motivation for a team that went 15-2-1 down the stretch run. With Clarke Saunders gone, junior Zane McIntyre (formerly Gothberg) takes over the net full time and is set up for even more success with a deep veteran defense in front of him. Senior Nick Mattson and junior Jordan Schmaltz headline a crew of blueliners that do everything well and should see sophomore Paul LaDue have an increased role. Up front, Austin Poganski and Nick Schmaltz will fit right in with North Dakota's forwards who can win with goals, physicality, or speed. Expect Drake Caggiula to take a big leap in his third year of collegiate play.
4. BOSTON COLLEGE
5. COLGATE
6. MINNESOTA STATE
7. MIAMI
8. MICHIGAN
9. ST. CLOUD STATE
10. FERRIS STATE
1. MINNESOTA
2. PROVIDENCE
3. NORTH DAKOTA
North Dakota returns all but five players that suffered a heart-breaking Frozen Four loss last season — count that as plenty of motivation for a team that went 15-2-1 down the stretch run. With Clarke Saunders gone, junior Zane McIntyre (formerly Gothberg) takes over the net full time and is set up for even more success with a deep veteran defense in front of him. Senior Nick Mattson and junior Jordan Schmaltz headline a crew of blueliners that do everything well and should see sophomore Paul LaDue have an increased role. Up front, Austin Poganski and Nick Schmaltz will fit right in with North Dakota's forwards who can win with goals, physicality, or speed. Expect Drake Caggiula to take a big leap in his third year of collegiate play.
4. BOSTON COLLEGE
5. COLGATE
6. MINNESOTA STATE
7. MIAMI
8. MICHIGAN
9. ST. CLOUD STATE
10. FERRIS STATE
CTV News: Gary Bettman won't apologize for NHL lockouts during his tenure
This is an interesting article about NHL Commissioner, Gary Bettman. Apparently, he's not going to apologize for the NHL's previous lockouts. Personally, I have always thought that Bettman is an unlikable figure that gets booed in almost every NHL city that he shows up in. That being said, if the owners didn't want him, he would have been gone already.
Stephen Whyno, The Canadian Press -- Gary Bettman was walking down a Toronto street recently when a fan approached him.
"Some guy walks up to me and says, 'I really don't like you,"' the NHL commissioner recalled. "And I said, 'But you don't know me.' And he says, 'Yeah but I don't like work stoppages, and I go, 'Well neither do I, so we have that in common."'
Bettman will forever take a popularity hit for three lockouts during his tenure, but he won't apologize for them. Ten years after the league ground to a halt and the 2004-05 season was cancelled, he maintains it was necessary for the health of the sport.
NHL proactive about off-ice conduct, Gary Bettman says.
Pointing to the '04 Stanley Cup final between the Tampa Bay Lightning and Calgary Flames in which the team to score the first goal won each game of the series and contrasting that with the 2013 playoffs and its unpredictability, Bettman believes the on-ice product is better than ever.
To get to this point, though, Bettman said implementing the salary cap -- which came out of the 2004-05 lockout -- was essential.
"We had teams with 80-, 90 million-dollar payrolls and we had teams with 20-million-dollar payrolls," Bettman said at a recent Canadian Club luncheon. "And I would talk to the managers and coaches of the 20-million-dollar teams and go, 'How are you doing this?' And they would say to me, to a man, 'We clutch, we grab, we hook, we hold and we do everything possible to neutralize skill for 50 minutes and then we try to steal the game.'
New York Times: Jack Eichel Can Do It All, Except Vote
Boston University forward Jack Eichel is only 17, but some have compared him to former UND forward Jonathan Toews. Eichel like Toews, snubbed the CHL to play NCAA hockey. I am just disappointed that UND isn't playing BU this season. Terrier fans should enjoy him while he's there, he won't be at BU more than one or two seasons.
Jeff Z. Klein, New York Times -- Jack Eichel is 17 and recently began attending freshman classes at Boston University. But he will be the central figure in the N.H.L. season that begins Wednesday.
If you are not a hockey fan, you may not have heard of Eichel. Those who have seen him, though, already compare him to players like Mike Modano, Patrick Kane, Evgeni Malkin and even Mario Lemieux.
“His first two strides are as explosive as I’ve ever seen at this level,” said Jim Johannson, a USA Hockey executive since 2000.
Kevin Prendergast, an N.H.L. scout and front office executive for 30 years, said: “It’s not just his speed; it’s his skill, his hockey sense. It doesn’t even look like he’s trying, but the puck comes to him. He makes things happen.”
Thursday, October 02, 2014
Zane McIntyre snubbed by USCHO
Last season, UND goalie ZaneMcIntyre had an impressive line (20-10-3, with a 1.99 GAA and a .926 save percentage). Last month, he was picked at the Preseason All-NCHC goalie.
On the national stage last season, Zane was ranked fifth overall Nationally in GAA. Those statistics aside,
McIntyre was snubbed by USCHO in this article. Ten to watch: Meet some of college hockey’s impact goaltenders for 2014-15. His omission makes no sense to me what-so-ever. Hey, whatever.
Breaking it down further, McIntyre is the top returning goalie in the NCHC and out dueled C.J. Motte in the Midwest Regional final last season.
Who made the top-ten over Zane? Meh!
Jimmy Sarjeant, Mercyhurst senior, (18-5-6, 2.46 GAA .930 SV%).
Zach Nagelvoort, Michigan sophomore, (11-9-3, 2.20 GAA .929 SV%)
Jake Hildebrand, Michigan State junior, (9-15-7, 2.44 GAA .923 SV%)
Edit: I realize this is ten goalies to watch make an
impact in college hockey this season, but who better than Zane? Seriously?
Here’s my definition of Impact:
During the 2013-14 season, McIntyre led the NCHC and was ranked fifth nationally in goals against average (1.99) Historically, McIntyre’s 1.99 GAA was the fifth-best in UND single-season history
Still not convinced? McIntyre was ranked second in the NCHC in save percentage (.926), All-time at UND, that’s the fourth-best in UND single-season history.
McIntyre was named NCHC Player of the Month for March and April. Moreover, during that time, McIntyre led the nation in appearances with 11 starts. He also made 284 saves and lead with a pair of shutouts.
But there’s more.
During this impressive run, McIntyre had a 1.76 GAA and .934 SV% and finished second in the NCAA with six wins, that was the best for NCHC goalies.
Also during March and April, McIntyre allowed two goals or fewer in 10 of 11 starts. As I mentioned earlier, McIntyre had a 1.48 GAA and .948 SV% in three NCAA Tournament starts.
If your still not impressed, McIntyre stopped 43-of-44 shots in the NCAA Midwest Region championship game. That was a career high for McIntyre and the reason UND won the game 2-1 in overtime.
Breaking it down even further, Zane stopped 66-of-69 shots in his two regional victories. After starting the season 2-5-2, McIntyre went 18-5-1 with a NCAA-leading 1.72 GAA and a .933 SV% in his last 24 starts.
And Finally, McIntyre allowed two goals or fewer in 20 of those 24 starts. In the other four starts, McIntyre allowed only three goals in each game.
s/t Jayson Hajdu @UNDSID.
Here’s my definition of Impact:
During the 2013-14 season, McIntyre led the NCHC and was ranked fifth nationally in goals against average (1.99) Historically, McIntyre’s 1.99 GAA was the fifth-best in UND single-season history
Still not convinced? McIntyre was ranked second in the NCHC in save percentage (.926), All-time at UND, that’s the fourth-best in UND single-season history.
McIntyre was named NCHC Player of the Month for March and April. Moreover, during that time, McIntyre led the nation in appearances with 11 starts. He also made 284 saves and lead with a pair of shutouts.
But there’s more.
During this impressive run, McIntyre had a 1.76 GAA and .934 SV% and finished second in the NCAA with six wins, that was the best for NCHC goalies.
Also during March and April, McIntyre allowed two goals or fewer in 10 of 11 starts. As I mentioned earlier, McIntyre had a 1.48 GAA and .948 SV% in three NCAA Tournament starts.
If your still not impressed, McIntyre stopped 43-of-44 shots in the NCAA Midwest Region championship game. That was a career high for McIntyre and the reason UND won the game 2-1 in overtime.
Breaking it down even further, Zane stopped 66-of-69 shots in his two regional victories. After starting the season 2-5-2, McIntyre went 18-5-1 with a NCAA-leading 1.72 GAA and a .933 SV% in his last 24 starts.
And Finally, McIntyre allowed two goals or fewer in 20 of those 24 starts. In the other four starts, McIntyre allowed only three goals in each game.
s/t Jayson Hajdu @UNDSID.
CHN Ranks UND's 2014-15 Freshman Class Fifth
CHN has ranked the 2014-15 freshman classes. Most of the rankings I have seen have had UND's freshman class ranked in fifth. I am surprised that CHN didn't rank Omaha's freshman class in the top 10.
5. North Dakota (NCHC)
Top of the Class: F Nick Schmaltz (2014 CHI 1st)
Incoming: F Austin Poganski (2014 STL 4th), D Tucker Poolman (2013 WPG 5th), F Johnny Simonson, F Trevor Olson, G Cam Johnson
While better at the top of the class, North Dakota falls slightly behind Notre Dame and Minnesota because of depth. In most years, Schmaltz would be regarded as the top prospect entering college hockey. But, he happens to be enrolling the same year as two next-year draft eligibles who both project to be top-5 picks.
He was a player who was highly recruited but has also been scrutinized, despite producing at every level, including 63 points in 55 games last season in the USHL. In the opinion of most scouts, he projects as more of a playmaker and less of a goal-scorer, but his vision is superb and his ability to make quick, and correct, decisions lead to opportunities for his linemates. Joining Schmaltz is Poganski, who projects as more of a straight-line power forward, and defenseman Tucker Poolman, who was named USA Hockey’s Jr. Player of the Year last season. Honorable Mentions Nebraska-Omaha (NCHC): Jake Randolph is the real deal, as UNO’s class comes close to unseating North Dakota as tops in the conference, and a spot in our top 5.
Women's Olympic Star Hilary Knight to practice with Anaheim Ducks
Here's a story that caught my eye this morning. US Women's Olympic hockey player Hilary Knight is going to practice with the Anaheim Ducks. If anyone can do it, it's Knight. This past winter Knight said in an interview that she would like to play men's hockey.
"I have aspirations of pushing the bar and showing people that a pony tail can't stop me from competing as a hockey player in a men's professional league, Knight said. "If you know of a skilled men's team looking for a forward, 5'11, 185lbs, let me know!"
NHL.COM -- U.S. Olympic women's ice hockey player Hilary Knight will practice with the Anaheim Ducks on Friday, the team announced.
Knight, a forward, is believed to be the first female non-goalie to practice with an NHL team, the Ducks said. Her participation is part of World Girls' Ice Hockey Weekend.
Knight, 25, won a silver medal at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics and 2014 Sochi Olympics. She had seven assists in 2010, and three goals and three assists in 2014.
According to her website, she was named MVP of the Canadian Women's Professional Hockey League in 2012, and participated in the NCAA final four four times at the University of Wisconsin, winning the national championship twice.
Wednesday, October 01, 2014
Renovation Update: Pictures of the UND Hockey Locker Room
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| Jerseys from teams past - Historical |
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| Goalies' corner of the locker room. |
Also, the players seem to like the new locker room. UND forward Colten St. Clair had a smile from ear-to-ear when I saw him today.
This is one of those places that you don't normally get to see very often. I took some pictures, feel free to use them if you want. However, please remember, I took with my Samsung Mega and I am not a professional photographer, nor did I stay in a Holiday Inn last night.
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| Video room |
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| Video room seating. |
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| The hot tub |
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| New stick room. |
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| Meeting room. |
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| Sioux Pride... |
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| NCAA trophies. |
USCHO:Keaton Thompson Picked as one of 10 Impact Defensemen for 2014-15
Check it out.
Keaton Thompson, North Dakota sophomore
Thompson got off to a slow start as a freshman, sitting out as a healthy scratch for all but one of North Dakota’s first 10 tilts. Once he got his chance, however, he made the most of it, racking up an impressive plus-14 rating and showing signs of developing into the shutdown defenseman that prompted Anaheim to make him a third-round pick in 2013.
His offensive production was modest (3-8–11) but respectable considering that he didn’t really see the ice until after Christmas.
FCC considering move to ban NFL Redskins team name
Washington Redskins owner Dan Snyder has said that he isn't going to change his team's nickname. In my humble opinion, I believe this is the beginning of a very ugly court battle between the US Government and the Redskins. Also, if the Government goes after the Redskins first, what next? Is the Federal Government going to demand that All colleges with Native American nicknames and logo change their names? I think this is where this is going.
CNBC.COM -- The Federal Communications Commission is considering whether to punish broadcasters for using the moniker of the Washington NFL team, the Redskins, a word many consider a slur to Native Americans, the agency's chairman indicated on Tuesday.In my opinion, I think the Feds are going to lose this case if they try to compel a team to change it's nickname. I think this is a violation of the first amendment. Also, this isn't the NCAA shaking down a small college. Stay tuned.
The FCC, which enforces broadcast indecency violations, has received a petition from legal activist John Banzhaf III, asking that regulators strip local radio station WWXX-FM of its broadcasting license when it comes up for renewal for using the name "Redskins."
Banzhaf says the word is racist, derogatory, profane and hateful, making its use "akin to broadcasting obscenity."
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
OTB Ranks UND's Incoming Class Fifth
Jasper Kozak-Miller from the recruiting blog "Over the Boards" has Ranked UND's incoming class 5th. Just for the record, this is how the top-five classes were ranked: 1.) BU 2.) Boston College 3.) UNO 4.) Notre Dame. As we know, ranking in the preseason are meaningless, and hockey is played on the ice. That being said, UND's freshman class should be pretty good this season.
5. North Dakota (NCHC)
Key Recruit: 96 F Nick Schmaltz (Green Bay Gamblers)
Why: Jack Eichel may have “most scrutinized freshman” down pat, but Schmaltz, a super-skilled product of the Chicago Mission program, probably beats out even Noah Hanifin and Wisconsin’s Adam Rockwood as a player who will draw a ton of eyes to see how the adjustment goes. What was at one point shaping up to be a dominant class of 2018 saw some movement, but Schmaltz, for all his draft scrutiny, came out as a first rounder and a potential game-breaking addition to the group in Grand Forks. Tucker Poolman, USA Hockey’s Jr. Player of the Year, is my only honorable mention this year. Winnipeg’s 2013 5th-rounder should be a big addition to the NoDak d-corps.
Forwards: Nick Schmaltz (CHI, 1st rd, 2014), Austin Poganski (STL, 4th rd, 2014), Johnny Simonson, Trevor Olson
Defense: Tucker Poolman (WPG, 5th rd, 2013)
Goaltender: Cam Johnson
North Dakota adds what nearly every team looks to add with this compact, highly talented group: scoring. The sole defenseman Tucker Poolman led all USHL blue-liners in both goals (15) and power play goals (10), an all-USHL First Team selection who comes to campus a year out of the draft more than ready to step in. 5’8 freshman Johnny Simonson led the USHL’s Lincoln Stars in all scoring statistics, including shots on goal (229) while tallying 28 goals and 31 assists last year.
Nick Schmaltz is ridiculously gifted offensively, while Austin Poganski is a 6’2, fourth round NHL draft pick (St. Louis) this summer who ranked fourth in the USHL with 11 powerplay markers, while also leading Tri-City in short-handed goals (3) and shooting percentage (15.3%). Goaltender Cam Johnson adds to the depth chart in net after going 11-1-1 in the USHL with a .939 SV% following a mid-season trade to Waterloo. That followed a tougher first half statistically with a down-and-out Fargo Force outfit last year.
WCHA Introduces WCHA.TV
Today, the WCHA announced its video streaming package. What caught my eye was the price. It’s extremely expensive. Check out these prices below. Recently, the NCHC releases it's prices and the cost is about 90.00 for the season. Obviously, the NCHC has less games. The NCHC also has a decent national television package.
Season Pass ($160) – For less than $1 per game, fans receive live access to a minimum of 181 and a maximum of 185 WCHA games, including: Every WCHA league game, along with each team's non-conference home contests, the league's postseason tournament and the 2015 WCHA Final Five.Just like the NCHC hockey fans, WCHA fans will be able to watch the games where ever they are.
Monthly Pass ($50) – Fans can watch every available game live for 30 days from the date of purchase, up until the cutoff date of February 15, 2015.
Day Pass ($12 regular season / $15 playoffs) – Can't make it to the rink that night? Fans can watch the league's entire slate of games for any given day, with streaming beginning 10 minutes prior to face-off. Tournament Pass ($60) – Fans will be able to watch the best of the WCHA battle for the Broadmoor Trophy and an automatic berth to the NCAA Tournament. - See more at:
With WCHA.tv, fans can follow their team wherever they are. Each game will be available on multiple platforms, including traditional web browsers on PCs, tablets and mobile phones using the iOS and Android platforms. WCHA.tv includes responsive web technology, delivering an optimal viewing experience on any device.
Boston Bruins: Defenseman Johnny Boychuk Might end up a Casualty
The Boston Bruins have a salary cap mess, this is well documented. As a result of their current salary cap debacle, it looks like defenseman Johnny Boychuk will end up being a causality and the odd man out. It's a shame, because Boychuk is a solid defenseman. Obviously, Bruins fans aren't going to be very happy about this. Boychuk is one of the Bruins more popular players.
Fluto Shinzawa, Boston Globe -- The Bruins have three preseason games to determine their roster for the Oct. 8 season opener against Philadelphia. Jobs are up for grabs on the third and fourth lines. But re-signing Krug and Smith gives the Bruins a clearer snapshot of how they’ll break camp, both in terms of dollars and roster strength.Bruins fans should enjoy Boychuk's last season with the Bruins.
They will still move a defenseman, most likely for futures. But once they account for the bonus overage and Marc Savard’s long-term injury exception, they will not have to move big bucks — namely Johnny Boychuk’s $3,366,667 — to get the league’s green light. This is a good thing. After this season, Boychuk will command an annual salary north of $6 million. This is not money the Bruins are in good position to spend.
But trading Boychuk would not improve the team. He is an experienced and dependable second-pairing defenseman. Because of the pot that awaits, Boychuk will be motivated to play well. The Bruins will benefit from that.
Monday, September 29, 2014
Minnesota State Picked First in WCHA Coaches’ Poll and Media Poll
2014-15 Mankato Free Press WCHA Men’s Hockey Preseason Coaches’ Poll
Rk Team (1st place votes) Points
1. Minnesota State (9) 81
2. Ferris State (1) 67
3. Michigan Tech 64
4. Bowling Green 57
5. Alaska 44
6. Northern Michigan 40
7. Alaska Anchorage 38
8. Bemidji State 33
9. Lake Superior State 17
10. Alabama Huntsville 9
2014-15 Bemidji Pioneer WCHA Men’s Hockey Preseason Media Poll
Rk Team (1st place votes) Points
1. Minnesota State (23) 256
2. Ferris State (4) 226
3. Bowling Green 180
4. Michigan Tech 178
5. Alaska 163
6. Alaska Anchorage 128
7. Northern Michigan 112
8. Bemidji State 101
9. Lake Superior State 60
10. Alabama Huntsville 26
s/t to Puckato.
Rk Team (1st place votes) Points
1. Minnesota State (9) 81
2. Ferris State (1) 67
3. Michigan Tech 64
4. Bowling Green 57
5. Alaska 44
6. Northern Michigan 40
7. Alaska Anchorage 38
8. Bemidji State 33
9. Lake Superior State 17
10. Alabama Huntsville 9
2014-15 Bemidji Pioneer WCHA Men’s Hockey Preseason Media Poll
Rk Team (1st place votes) Points
1. Minnesota State (23) 256
2. Ferris State (4) 226
3. Bowling Green 180
4. Michigan Tech 178
5. Alaska 163
6. Alaska Anchorage 128
7. Northern Michigan 112
8. Bemidji State 101
9. Lake Superior State 60
10. Alabama Huntsville 26
s/t to Puckato.
UND Second in USCHO and USA Today Polls
1 Minnesota (36) 978
2 North Dakota (2) 874
3 Providence (2) 839
4 Boston College 831
5 Union (N.Y.) (9) 737
6 Colgate (1) 652
7 St. Cloud State 596
8 Michigan 569
9 Ferris State 532
10 Wisconsin 497
11 Miami (Ohio) 491
12 Notre Dame 433
13 Minnesota State-Mankato 411
14 Cornell 284
15 Quinnipiac 282
16 Northeastern 270
17 Massachusetts-Lowell 247
18 Denver 225
19 New Hampshire 97
20 Boston University 88
Others Receiving Votes: Minnesota-Duluth 87, Ohio State 76, Yale 57, Mercyhurst 54, Vermont 51, Robert Morris 27, Michigan Tech 26, Western Michigan 14, Dartmouth 13, Bowling Green 11, Michigan State 8, Nebraska-Omaha 8, Rensselaer 5, Alaska-Fairbanks 4, Harvard 4, Air Force 3, Brown 3, Clarkson 2, Maine 2, Massachusetts 2, Niagara 1, St. Lawrence 1.
Well there it is, UND comes in second in this week's USCHO.COM poll.
USA Today Poll
1 Minnesota (32) 505 2
2 North Dakota (1) 449 5
3 Providence 431 9
4 Boston College 375 3
5 Colgate 315 13
6 St. Cloud State 272 8
7 Michigan 252 NR
8 Union (N.Y.) (1) 237 1
9 Miami (Ohio) 236 NR
T10 Ferris State 175 6
T10 Notre Dame 175 11
12 Wisconsin 159 7
13 Minnesota State-Mankato 136 12
14 Cornell 99 NR
15 Denver 54 15
Others Receiving Votes: Northeastern 51; Massachusetts-Lowell, 42; Boston University, 34; Minnesota-Duluth, 16; Yale, 14; New Hampshire, 12; Quinnipiac, 10; Michigan Tech, 9; Mercyhurst, 6; Michigan State, 6; Ohio State, 4; Robert Morris, 4.
2 North Dakota (2) 874
3 Providence (2) 839
4 Boston College 831
5 Union (N.Y.) (9) 737
6 Colgate (1) 652
7 St. Cloud State 596
8 Michigan 569
9 Ferris State 532
10 Wisconsin 497
11 Miami (Ohio) 491
12 Notre Dame 433
13 Minnesota State-Mankato 411
14 Cornell 284
15 Quinnipiac 282
16 Northeastern 270
17 Massachusetts-Lowell 247
18 Denver 225
19 New Hampshire 97
20 Boston University 88
Others Receiving Votes: Minnesota-Duluth 87, Ohio State 76, Yale 57, Mercyhurst 54, Vermont 51, Robert Morris 27, Michigan Tech 26, Western Michigan 14, Dartmouth 13, Bowling Green 11, Michigan State 8, Nebraska-Omaha 8, Rensselaer 5, Alaska-Fairbanks 4, Harvard 4, Air Force 3, Brown 3, Clarkson 2, Maine 2, Massachusetts 2, Niagara 1, St. Lawrence 1.
Well there it is, UND comes in second in this week's USCHO.COM poll.
USA Today Poll
1 Minnesota (32) 505 2
2 North Dakota (1) 449 5
3 Providence 431 9
4 Boston College 375 3
5 Colgate 315 13
6 St. Cloud State 272 8
7 Michigan 252 NR
8 Union (N.Y.) (1) 237 1
9 Miami (Ohio) 236 NR
T10 Ferris State 175 6
T10 Notre Dame 175 11
12 Wisconsin 159 7
13 Minnesota State-Mankato 136 12
14 Cornell 99 NR
15 Denver 54 15
Others Receiving Votes: Northeastern 51; Massachusetts-Lowell, 42; Boston University, 34; Minnesota-Duluth, 16; Yale, 14; New Hampshire, 12; Quinnipiac, 10; Michigan Tech, 9; Mercyhurst, 6; Michigan State, 6; Ohio State, 4; Robert Morris, 4.
Copper and Blue Fillets Dillon Simpson
If you haven't seen this hatchet job, check it out. Apparently, Benjamin Massey of Copper and Blue doesn't think very highly of former UND defenseman Dillon Simpson. Meh! I guess they're entitled to their opinion. Free country, Canada and the USA.
Also, the staff at Copper and Blue seems to think that Simpson is an average player and nothing to get excited about. Whatever... In my opinion, Simpson was a very good hybrid defenseman that played well in his four season with UND. Simpson is a smart player that sees the ice well and looks to make the smart play, so maybe that can be interpreted as boring or average. Simpson also led the NCAA in blocked shots last season. Simpson was also one of the more consistent players in the NCHC last season.
Dillon Simpson is what I like to call "a chunk of hockey player." He isn't very big. He isn't very fast. He isn't very truculent. He doesn't generate much offense. He plays at a respectable level. He's gotten some results, but not many. After four years at the University of North Dakota, Simpson looks like a refined version of the player that went in. He even majored in "managerial finance and corporate accounting", just so we know that there's nothing to get excited about.In my three season of covering the UND hockey team, Simpson is one of the nicest guys that you will ever meet. I also think he was one of the more consistent players to play defense at UND in the last 5-10 years. Just for the record Bruce McCurdy of the Edmonton Journal has a much better description of Simpson's play.
Our favourite average college defenseman/managerial financier and corporate accountant is starting his professional hockey career this season, having agreed to a three-year deal back in April. Good for him. He seems likely to play in Oklahoma City, a town just as interesting as everything else in this article. With hard work and good luck he'll have a career as a sort of Sven Butenschön, bouncing up and down between the A and the N, more in the former than the latter, before opening a used car dealership in Sherwood Park, retiring at 45 years old, and spending the rest of his days as a beloved local character deeply involved with charity and his community.
North Dakota will lose Dillon Simpson to graduation, and there is no doubt that his absence will leave a definite void. The senior captain appeared in 156 games in the North Dakota sweater, potting 16 goals and notching 59 assists. He led the nation in blocked shots this season (109 in 42 games) and was recently named to the All-College Hockey News first team. There is no way that UND can replace that type of leadership with just one player.
Wendy Ward on Kevin Ward Jr’s death, Why was the Toxicology Report Even An issue?
Last week, it was announced that NASCAR Sprint Cup driver Tony Stewart will not be charged criminally in the death of fellow sprint car driver Kevin Ward Jr.
Second, I want to be clear, this was a tragic accident, and an ugly event. Nothing can bring Ward back. Moreover, no one is doubting that Kevin Ward Jr. was a great person. I bet he was. It also sounds like he had a promising sprint car racing career ahead of him. Unfortunately, we will never know.
Also, I can’t imagine how Tony Stewart must feel. This is a heavy burden to carry and it will probably affect him for the rest of his life. I also think a lot of people unfairly vilified Stewart before all of the facts came out, many of these people have never, ever watched a sprint race. I like many others would like to hear what Stewart has to say on the matter.
According to Ontario County district attorney, R. Michael Tantillo a toxicology report revealed that Ward was under the influence of marijuana at the time of the accident — “enough to impair judgment.”
Here's my question, why was a sprint car driver racing with marijuana in his blood stream? Makes me wonder if drivers need to be drug tested before they head out on the race track. Do we want drivers racing at over a 100 miles with drugs in their system? I don't think so.
This weekend, Ward’s aunt released a statement that was published on the USA Today’s website. You can read the whole statement right here.
Why was the toxicology report even an issue? Seems to me the wrong man was on trial. Tell me why Tony Stewart was not taken in for testing, why his car wasn't impounded. Tell me how a man the size of Kevin can make a sprint car turn to the right on impact. Tell me how a lap before (the incident) everything was fine, but the following lap was poor lighting. Tell me how a NASCAR star totally forgot what caution means.This statement also caught my eye.
Maybe he should get a different headset so he is able to hear on the radio that the car in caution is up high, so go low. Or was he low until he rounded the corner and saw Kevin Jr. standing up for himself?
To me, that's not the case. It's known to mellow a person. We understand that the report showed marijuana, but we as a family don't believe he was under the influence or impaired at the time due to the 10 hours prior to the race that he spent with the family.
What we do believe is that maybe people react to certain situations because of anger. I've seen it in NASCAR, sports functions and even on our own roads. And yes, these people have to pay for their actions. Well, I guess it depends on who you are.
And to end this, I've heard time and time again, "We just want Kevin's story out there." Here you go. Kevin Ward Jr. was an amazing person. His life was wrapped around family, friends and racing, which he started at age 4. Just a small-town boy having fun until the days turned into years, and it then became his passion and life. The trophies, plaques and pictures that fill his home, garage and workshop show his hard work and dedication to racing – his love for the sport.
Zach Parise not a fan of the Dump and Chase
s/t to Chris Peters. Former UND All-American Zach Parise isn’t a fan of the dump and chase. I know a few UND hockey fans that will agree with Zach’s opinion. This has been a topic of much debate on Sioux Sports.
Me personally, I know why you see the dump and chase in college hockey. I have seen UND run it from time-to-time. College hockey teams tend to lineup at the blue line and it’s tougher to just skate across the blue line. If they refs aren't calling the obstruction closely, and they're letting the players "play the game", sometimes teams will have no choice but to dump and chase the puck in to the offensive zone. It is what it is. The NHL is a much different game than college hockey, and I don't see the dump and chase going away anytime soon.
Michael Russo, Star Tribune -- “I read a study this summer that showed shots generated off carrying the puck in as opposed to dumping it in, and it's like 4-to-1. It's not even close,” said Parise, who is set to make his preseason debut with linemates Mikael Granlund and Jason Pominville against the Penguins on Thursday night. “I just found it so interesting because everyone's like, ‘Forecheck, forecheck, forecheck.'Personally, I am not a big fan of the advanced stats either. In a nut shell, the stat that matters the most is wins and losses. Also, goals and assists are what drive a hockey player's salary. Ugly wins count just as much in the standings as pretty blow out wins.
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