Frozen Four: Where Do They Come from?

College Hockey Inc has a nice graphic on where the players from the four teams in the Frozen Four are from.As you can see, the teams have players from all over the place.

New York Post: Refs’ Dangerous Let-Em-Play Policy Is Killing Offense

Recently, I had this discussion with a friend of mine. His argument was, if you want to increase scoring, the refs need to blow the whistle more. If you think about this, it sounds like a simple solution.

Basically, in a nutshell, it would appear that the number of penalties being called on the ice in the NHL are down this season.

Brett Cyrgalis, New York Post – So many games I’ve seen this year have devolved into something out of Jacques Lemaire’s Devils playbook. And you know who does about as well at it as anyone? Those fast-paced Rangers. That one-goal lead they held in the third period Thursday night against the Wild — there was no chance they were letting that slip away, because there was no chance they were letting Minnesota players get out of arm’s reach. Dump it in, get a third man high, clog the neutral zone, double-team in corners — and if someone happens to get a good look, let it be one-on-one with the goalie.

Snip

Yes, there are other factors in why scoring is so low. The goalie equipment is huge, and the nets are the same size. The talent pool is now fully international, and the teams are deeper.

But if the league wants more scoring — which you would think it does — they have to start with the officiating. And it’s too late now, the regular season is practically over, and the new version of officiating is about to take effect

What do you think? There may be something to the argument. This season, there’s not one player close to scoring 100 points. The NHL only has five players that have a shot a making 80 points. Currently, only Sidney Crosby has scored (26g-54a—80pts).

Is the Gophers Mike Reilly Headed to Free Agency?

View image | gettyimages.com

It’s what I call the silly season. The season is over for most NCAA teams and some college hockey players are making decisions regarding their future. Do they stay or go? Here's an interesting story that I stumbled across today. It appears that the Columbus Blue Jackets beat writer is concerned that Gophers defenseman Mike Reilly might not be headed to the Columbus Blue Jackets.  

Michael Arace, Blue Jackets Xtra -- Former Blue Jackets scout Brian Bates bird-dogged Reilly since the kid was a scrawny ninth grader. When the Jackets’ turn came up in the fourth round of the 2011 NHL draft, Bates and others clamored, and the pick was made. Then-general manager Scott Howson selected Reilly 98th overall.

Four years later, Reilly’s considerable skills are better-honed — and he is 3 inches taller (6-1) and almost 30 pounds heavier (182). Although he remains slightly undersized by NHL standards, he is acclaimed to be NHL-ready after three years, two of them dominant, at the University of Minnesota.

Jackets fans have been eyeing Reilly lustfully during this crazily frustrating season. Management has been laying a red carpet. He is another piece for a young team that projects to be highly competitive in years to come. He is the rare defenseman who can skate or pass the puck out of trouble. Think, Paul Martin.

Alas, Columbus is not his destination.

All signs point in another direction.

The Jackets own Reilly’s rights for 30 days after he leaves Minnesota. The Gophers’ season ended last week with a 4-1 loss to Minnesota-Duluth in the first round of the NCAA tournament, but Reilly did not leave. Instead, he elected to concentrate on his studies and listen to the advice of “family consultant” Pat Brisson — who happens to be one of the most prominent hockey agents in the world.

Zucker May Return to Wild Sooner than Expected

View image | gettyimages.com

The Minnesota Wild received some really good news. Their speedy forward Jason Zucker may return to the lineup sooner than expected. In 48 games, Zucker has scored (18g-5a—23pts). Zucker's 18 goals rank him fourth on the team in goal scoring despite missing the last 24 games.

Rachel Blount, Star Tribune – After watching Jason Zucker skate through a full-throttle practice Friday, Mike Yeo was asked if the timetable for the Wild winger’s return had been accelerated. The coach said no, then added — although with lots of qualifiers — that the answer might be an unexpected yes.

“Kind of eyeing possibly the last couple of games [of the regular season],” Yeo said. “But we’ll make sure on that first.”

Translation: Zucker, who broke his collarbone on Feb. 9 and wasn’t expected to play for three months, might be back in the lineup next week. Though it was hardly definitive, Yeo’s pronouncement was so surprising that he was asked to clarify it, just to ensure he had been heard correctly. After saying for the past couple of weeks that Zucker was still “a ways away” from getting the green light to play again, Yeo now hopes to get him into the lineup during the three-game road trip that ends the regular season.

The popular winger was clearly overjoyed to hold his own during a demanding, fast-paced practice at St. Thomas Ice Arena. Yeo was almost as happy as Zucker was.

Brad Marchand Spears Jonathan Ericsson in the Nads

I am a Boston Bruins fans, and I like Brad Marchand, I think he's a great offensive player. That being said, he's a dirty little punk on the ice. This is a dirty, bush-league play. I am surprised that Marchand hasn't been beaten to a pulp.

UND's Zane McIntyre Named to the Hobey Hat Trick

Per the announcement, University of North Dakota junior goaltender Zane McIntyre has been named one of three “Hobey Hat Trick. McIntyre had a great season between the pipes going (29-9-3, 2.00 GAA , .931 SV%). During the NCAA West Regional Championship, McIntyre was (2-0-0, 1.00 GAA, .960 SV%).

Congratulations to Zane McIntyre, one of three "Hobey Hat Trick" finalists for the 2015 Hobey Baker Award! #UNDproud pic.twitter.com/vOLlzClYjr
— North Dakota MHockey (@UNDmhockey) April 2, 2015

Congrats to UND's Zane McIntyre & BU's Matt Grzelcyk for punching their tickets to the #FrozenFour! pic.twitter.com/ImVnU8FMfE
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) March 30, 2015

Hobey Baker Award finalists: Jack Eichel (2015 draft) of B.U., Jimmy Vesey of Harvard (@PredsNHL) and Zane McIntyre (@NHLBruins) of NoDak.
— Ryan Kennedy (@THNRyanKennedy) April 2, 2015

.@HobeyBakerAward ceremony set for next Friday at Northeastern's Matthews Arena. Jack Eichel, Jimmy Vesey and Zane McIntyre are finalists.
— Joshua Kummins (@JoshuaKummins) April 2, 2015

(Updated) NCAA Hockey: A Few More Early Departures of Note

A trio of big-time college hockey players have signed entry-level professional contracts. These three are pretty big losses for their hockey teams.

First, I enjoyed watching Jonny Brodzinski play the last three season. I didn't get to see Brady Skjei play that much, except on TV. Adam Wilcox was a stone wall in the games UND played against the Gophers.

Story: #Gophers All-American Adam Wilcox signs with @TBLightning, foregoes senior season. | http://t.co/BHaxH1DXix pic.twitter.com/UVWkJQAc3g
— Minnesota M Hockey (@GopherHockey) April 2, 2015

FULL STORY: @BradySkjei agrees to terms with #NYR, set to report to @WolfPackAHL: http://t.co/evFIbw23of pic.twitter.com/L5A9d9zOfv
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) April 1, 2015

SCSU F Jonny Brodzinski (Ham Lake, Blaine HS) announced he will forgo his senior season to sign with the #LAKings. pic.twitter.com/9AkIeB62Mn
— MN Hockey Magazine (@mnhockeymag) April 1, 2015

Jets Dustin Byfuglien to Have Hearing for Dirty Cross-Check on J.T. Miller

Winnipeg Jets defenseman Dustin Byfuglien has a hearing with the NHL's Department of Player Safety for his dirty cross-check on the Rangers J.T. Miller. There was no penalty called on the play.

First, there's no way you can defend a dirty hit like this. There are players that play hard-nosed hockey, but this is down right bush-league. Byfuglien's hearing in a phone hearing, so his suspension won't be more than five games.

Winnipeg's Dustin Byfuglien will have a hearing tomorrow for cross-checking NY Rangers forward J.T. Miller.
— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) April 1, 2015

#NYR HC Alain Vigneault: “Violent,deliberate. Could have broken his neck. It was one of the most vicious cross-checks I've seen this year."
— Ken Wiebe (@WiebeSunSports) April 1, 2015

Former RedHawk Austin Czarnik signs with the Boston Bruins.

And now there will be two former Miami RedHawks on the Boston Bruins hockey team. Austin Czarnik joins former RedHawk Reilly Smith.

Congratulations to captain @ACzarnik7 on signing with the @NHLBruins! Thank you for 4 great years! #Brotherhood pic.twitter.com/j7X6tjkK2p
— The Brotherhood (@MiamiOH_Hockey) March 31, 2015

Excited to be a part of the Boston Bruins organization! Thank you @MiamiOH_Hockey and @MiamiUniversity for the best 4 years of my life!
— Austin Czarnik (@ACzarnik7) March 31, 2015

UND Gets a Commitment from Grant Mismash

Another great pickup for the University of North Dakota on the recruiting front. Today, Grant Mismash from Shattuck St. Mary's committed to the University of North Dakota. Here's the link to his Elite Prospects page.

Proud to announce my commitment to play college hockey at the University of North Dakota. Thank you to all my friends and family #Nodak #UND
— Grant Mismash (@GMISH16) March 31, 2015

Scouting the Terriers: BU vs. Yale

I thought I would start this off early. UND's opponent in the Frozen Four the Boston University Terriers. They sport a lineup that includes Jack Eichel (24g-43g—67pts), Evan Rodrigues (21g-40a—61pts), Danny O’Regan (22g-26a—48pts). Here's two of the goals from BU's semifinal against Yale.

Two Games, Two Majors, Joey LaLeggia & Brandon Thompson Get Tossed

For Denver defenseman Joey LaLeggia the box score will read.

DEN-3 Joey LaLeggia (5-Contact to the Head) (Served by Matt Marcinew) PRV 2x4 10:37
DEN-4 Joey LaLeggia (10-Disqualification).

For Brandon Thompson the box score will read.

RIT 05:43 Brandon Thompson: Checking From Behind
RIT 05:43 Brandon Thompson: Game Misconduct

After watching the video, what do you think?

(Video) West Region Highlights: UND vs. QU & SCSU

I hope this video isn't too bad. My DVR didn't get all of the goals from Friday's game against QU. The started a little late.

I added a few other things to the video as well. There's the Andrew Panzarella interview. If you have any more video requests feel free to give me a hollar and I will see if I can get them up.

Stick tap to the Bobcats and Huskies they gave UND two great games.

Oh yea you like daaaatttt!!! Thank you to the fans who made this weekend so special #sioux #yoiiiii #ncaahockey

A photo posted by Zane McIntyre (@zanoinsano_31) on Mar 29, 2015 at 1:45pm PDT

(Vine) Zane McIntyre's Shot on Goal

Last night, Zane McIntyre reminded me of former New Jersey Devils goalie Marty Brodeur with his attempt on net. The shot was stopped with a very high stick.

Quinnipiac's Brayden Sherbinin Hit on UND's Keaton Thompson

Here's the video for Quinnipiac's Brayden Sherbinin hit on Keaton Thompson. Sherbinin received a major for checking from behind. You can make your own decision on the hit.

QU vs. UND, Lines

As you can see, Quinnipiac Bobcats forward Sam Anas is playing. I would imagine that the UND players will hit him any chance they get. Just like last Saturday, Wade Murphy is back in. Last weekend, I thought he played pretty good. Only problem he hasn't scored a goal in two seasons of hockey.

(Video) Awesome Save by Phillips on Benik

Check out this save.

Heck of a save by @mtuhky Philips to deny the 2 on 1 at the end of the 1st period. #NCAAHockey pic.twitter.com/huhktIAqdV
— NCAA Ice Hockey (@NCAAIceHockey) March 27, 2015

Game Day A few Things

Electronic billboard greets @UNDmhockey fans driving south into #Fargo. pic.twitter.com/fe0R9gZPrq
— Kirsten Stromsodt (@AgweekNews) March 27, 2015

The NCAA playoffs start today. You could say, today, is the first day of the rest of your season. Lose and your team goes home. Win and you move on. Only one team in the NCAA playoffs is going to win their last game. A reporter from Fox asked Hakstol about the playoffs and this is what the head coach had to say.

“You said it. It’s one-and-done," Hakstol said. "Winner moves on, loser does not.”

FRIDAY vs. QUINNIPIAC TV: ESPNU, DirecTV 208, DISH Network 141, TSN3 WEB/MOBILE: WatchESPN, TSN Go RADIO: UND Sports Radio Network
— North Dakota MHockey (@UNDmhockey) March 27, 2015

Believe in the process, believe in the people. Believe. #UNDproud pic.twitter.com/jaLeDBLcYG
— Jayson Hajdu (@UNDSID) March 27, 2015

With Video - UND HOCKEY: Ready or not, NCAAs are here for UND: http://t.co/H6HhoD1FeM pic.twitter.com/mQm6d2h3OI
— Grand Forks Herald (@gfherald) March 27, 2015

UND Looks to Knockout Bobcats http://t.co/8bCb85WMwl
— Eric J. Burton THW (@goon48) March 27, 2015

A Few Quotes from the West Regional Media Day http://t.co/7DeOMoNX2e pic.twitter.com/ydojeJI4BK
— Eric J. Burton THW (@goon48) March 27, 2015

Montgomery, 'the Quality of the League; It's High-End' http://t.co/mBPRRcE3MM @theNCHC
— Eric J. Burton THW (@goon48) March 26, 2015

@theNCHC Hockey: Super Conference or down Year? http://t.co/1s4EM462oB #THW http://t.co/2CHG9xTPra
— Eric J. Burton THW (@goon48) March 26, 2015

Wall Street Journal: North Dakota Needs a Nickname

 like many UND fans know that the nickname is gone and never coming back. I also didn't know that UND could become the first Division I team to win a title without a nickname.

Matthew Futterman, Wall Street Journal -- In 2012, North Dakota dropped its old nickname, the Fighting Sioux, after a long legislative and legal battle. The NCAA had threatened to not allow North Dakota to host postseason games if it continued to use the name and display its Native American head logo. In a statewide referendum, 67% of voters supported getting rid of them.

But in the process, a cooling-off period was imposed until 2015 before the school could pick a new name. So as North Dakota begins play Friday in the 16-team hockey tournament—it is hosting the West regional in Fargo, about 80 miles from its Grand Forks campus—there is another crucial piece of business at hand: replacing the beloved Fighting Sioux name.

“It is a very emotional issue,” said Lowell Schweigert, a North Dakota alumnus and booster who was a quarterback and a pitcher for the Fighting Sioux in the 1970s.

n January, Schweigert began serving on a committee charged with facilitating the selection of a new nickname this year. The committee only came into being as the end of the cooling-off period loomed. “Our charge now is to have something done by May,” said Schweigert, a financial consultant in Grand Forks. “That is a pretty ambitious goal.”

Relief is on the way. On Wednesday, the committee on the new nickname announced it will accept suggestions from the public through April. Suggestions must be 25 characters or less. The committee will choose three finalists for a public vote as soon as May.

Brock Boeser Is in Good Company

.@BBoeser16 joins 7 other @BlckHawksHockey players in #USHL Tier 1 era to score 30 goals http://t.co/c8CelDTTEY pic.twitter.com/VVKpnDX4Lh
— USHL (@USHL) March 25, 2015

As you can see by the tweet above, UND recruit Brock Boeser is in good company.