President Kelley Will be Known for his Efforts on UND Nickname

There's a lot of news breaking on President Robert O. Kelley's retirement. Tom Dennis for the Herald has an interesting take on the Kelley retirement. One thing from Dennis' article that sticks out for me, Kelley's work on the Fighting Sioux nickname.

Tom Dennis, Grand Forks Herald -- First, there's the matter of the nickname and logo—in the case of Ben Brien's famous Fighting Sioux logo, the face of UND athletics.

UND's change to a new nickname and logo isn't yet complete. But it will be before many more months are out.

And when the new name and design finally are unveiled, Kelley will be there, as he'll be the author who'll get both the credit and the blame for this very significant chapter in the story of UND.

Right, wrong, or indifferent, Kelley will always be known for what he did and didn't do in regards to the Fighting Sioux nickname.

From my perspective, it appeared that Kelley wanted quickly to move away from the Fighting Sioux nickname. Honestly, he's no different than many progressives that make up college campuses. That's the nature of the academics. It's a very liberal field.

When I attended UND from 1993-1999, many of my professors railed against the Fighting Sioux nickname. I had one professor that called the Fighting Sioux nickname a red-faced minstrel. So, it's nothing new. Was it irritating to listen to. Yep.

Also, Kelley was accused of not putting up a fight to keep the Fighting Sioux nickname. Some have suggested he could have done some outreach to the Tribes and gotten approval to use the Fighting Sioux nickname. I don't know, but it appeared that Kelley wanted to move forward away from the Fighting Sioux nickname. Kelley is not the only one that wanted UND to drop the name.

Finally, I believe that UND had no choice but to move on and drop the Fighting Sioux nickname. With Kelley or without Kelley. If UND hadn't dropped the Fighting Sioux nickname, I don't think that there's any way that UND is in the Big Sky Conference. Moreover, the Summitt wasn't going to take UND with the Fighting Sioux nickname, either. It was a no win situation. Do I like the fact that the Fighting Sioux nickname is gone forever? Nope, not at all.

Grand Forks Herald: President Kelley will be missed UND Athletic Department

From reading Facebook and Twitter yesterday, there are a lot of UND Alumni, students and fans that are happy about President Robert O. Kelley's retirement in January. Personally, I don't know the man. I wasn't a student when he was the UND president. I was out of school before Kelley became UND's 11th president.  Sounds like the Athletic Department is going to miss Kelley.

Brad Schlossman, Grand Forks Herald -- Faison said that Kelley will be missed by his office.

“He was a great force for athletics,” Faison said. “He was very instrumental in making the transition to Division I. He has always been incredibly supportive of our student athletes. He and (his wife) Marcia were tremendous ambassadors for our programs, supporting our student athletes. It’s very unusual, in most instances, to have a president willing to spend that kind of personal time with them. That’s something we were very appreciative of.”

Faison also said that Kelley was instrumental in fundraising for the school and getting the High Performance Center launched.

“He is one of the reasons why the High Performance Center will get done,” Faison said. “I was just on a tour of it today with a group and he was there. He’s very involved and supportive.”

Redwing77's Response to the Next Phase of Nickname Discussions

by Redwing77

First off, I really like the direction the committee has taken.  I also appreciate the fact that they did not bend to the buffoons from the south's asinine suggestion to bring in Native Americans.  No offense, but they do not have a role in selecting a NON Native American nickname.  They had their chance.  They made their choice.  Moving on.

A Note about Jim Bridewell

I took classes from Bridwell and I really liked the guy.  He made an excellent point insofar as to say that no Aerospace-related nicknames be considered because UND's other notable feature, it's Med School (well, there's also the Law School but who's counting?) has no means of representation.

I'd like to add onto Bridwell's assertion:

UND should have no nicknames that suggest multiple meanings.

Ergo:  Goodbye Blaze and Pride.

Blaze can be used to infer drug use.  No thank you.

Pride?  Well, whether you are for it or otherwise, this word has been more strongly associated with social justice movements.  Like I said, this shouldn't be a platform even in inference towards either side of that argument.  Sure, not everyone will jump to that conclusion (after all, not every fan of Purdue considers the fact that their nickname, Boilermaker, is another word for a kind of beer... or that a Tar Heel (UNC) is someone who fought against abolition after the civil war).

Let's stick to traditional descriptions of a nickname.

This leaves 12 other nicknames.

The most surprising one to make it, in my opinion, is NoDaks.  They got rid of so much redundancy, why didn't they nix this one?

A nickname should inspire pride, represent bravery, fierceness, and strength.

Explorers, Fighting Green, and Sundogs do none of these things.

Fighting Hawks makes no sense. What even is that anyways?

We shouldn't put other local or regional entities in a bind (nor potentially open us up to trademark infringement proceedings) so Force and Roughriders are out.  This may also keep us from North Stars as well.

This leaves Spirit, Cavalry, Green Hawks, North Dakota, and Thunder Hawk.

Green Hawks -  Does the least for me.  Like Fighting Hawks, I'd have to be introduced to what they are and how are they worthy.  To me, it seems like a reach just to keep our current colors.

Thunder Hawk - A little better, but it should be one word and plural to make it sound better (Thunderhawks).

Spirit - This one GREATLY depends upon how it is presented.  If it is meant like an emotion (aka "We've got spirit, how about you?")  Then it is doomed to disaster.  However, the B-2 Stealth Bomber is nicknamed Spirit.  If it is after the Spectre or apparition definition of the word, then this could actually be pretty cool.  The logo could be a fierce looking fighter type character with fists clenched rushing towards the front (imagine a football helmet) with the rearward aspects of the character wisping off like a ghost...  It's kindof neat (mostly because I can see the image in my head better than I can describe it).  This nickname has potential.

Cavalry -  I like this one, but I'm sure the PC crowd won't.  It still is my runner up.

North Dakota - My choice.  I love the idea of being referred to as our state.  It's easier to market.  Oh, and the State Tourism Board can market the school for free 'Come to North Dakota'.  :)  Win Win.

UND President Robert Kelley to Retire in January 2016

This news story is breaking over on Say Anything Blog and the Grand Forks Herald web pages. President Robert O. Kelley will retire on January 14, 2016. Kelley has been seen as a lightning rod by some students. During a UND hockey game on February 28, 2016, UND students displayed a large banner that read: "Fire Kelley". I guess these students will get their wish. It will be interesting to see who replaces Kelley.

From: University and Public Affairs
Date: June 9, 2015 at 11:41:03 AM CDT
To: [REDACTED] Subject: President Robert O. Kelley Announces Retirement from UND
Reply-To:
A message from UND ADMINISTRATION

University of North Dakota President Robert O. Kelley has announced his retirement, effective January 14, 2016. President Kelley is UND’s 11th president and has served in the position since July 1, 2008.

President Kelley noted that he has been considering the possibility of retirement for some time, and that the time is right to plan the transition to UND’s next president. Said President Kelley, “I am honored to have served as the President of this exceptional university for the past seven years. The University of North Dakota has made—and will continue to make—an indelible contribution to the state of North Dakota, the nation, and the world. It has been my privilege to work alongside the faculty, staff, students and alumni who make that happen. I and my wife, Marcia, who has been the University’s ‘First Volunteer,’ as well as First Lady, look forward to continuing that association for the next several months, and we will continue to follow UND’s progress with great interest and support.”

Transition and search plans for a new UND president will be announced by the North Dakota University System (NDUS) in the weeks to come. President Kelley expressed his appreciation for the support of the NDUS during his term as President. Said Kelley, “It has been a pleasure working with Interim Chancellor Larry Skogen, and I regret that I will only briefly have the opportunity to work with incoming Chancellor Mark Hagerott. I believe Chancellor Hagerott will provide excellent leadership to the NDUS and to the cause of higher education in North Dakota. I also appreciate the support of the State Board of Higher Education these past seven years.”

President Kelley added: “I also want to express my appreciation for UND’s outstanding senior leadership team. They have worked tirelessly to advance the Board’s strategic plan and the strategic roadmap for the University, Exceptional UND.”

Interim Chancellor Larry C. Skogen said, “Yesterday, when Bob and I met for his evaluation, he informed me again of his intent to retire. We reflected upon both his accomplishments and the university’s growth in many areas during his time at UND, especially in terms of knowledge and growth in areas such as the law school, medical school, and the research being done at UND, as well as continued educational programming across all disciplines. I thank Bob for ensuring the quality of these programs, and I also thank him for his leadership during the tumultuous sports team nickname change. He showed tremendous fortitude during adverse times, and I wish him the best in his retirement.”

Terry Hjelmstad, Chair, State Board of Higher Education, added, “Under Dr. Kelley’s leadership, UND’s new School of Entrepreneurship highlights the value North Dakota places on innovation. Now UND is in the company of only a few select institutions dedicated to entrepreneurialism. UND has also made great strides in the College of Engineering and Mines and its petroleum engineering program, with a 3,677% increase, which speaks volumes for UND responding to the state’s needs as well as the students. Bob saw where the attention of his programs needed to be focused to meet the needs of UND, the workforce as well as students, and I thank him for his leadership.”

During President Kelley’s term, and under the Exceptional UND strategic roadmap, the University saw unprecedented growth and progress in a number of areas, including: Academic Programs: UND’s petroleum engineering was initiated, and has since increased in size from 7 students to over 300. The nation’s first degree program in Unmanned Aircraft Systems was begun. A number of endowed chair positions were established in departments such as Music, Health Sciences, and Business and Public Administration. Significant class expansion took place in the School of Medicine and Health Sciences.

Buildings: The renovation of the new Education Building and key portions of the Memorial Union, as well as the construction of the Gorecki Alumni Center. The expansion and renovation of the School of Law, as well as construction of the Athletics High Performance Center and the new building for the School of Medicine and Health Science also commenced. Ground was broken for Robin Hall and the renovation of the Wilkerson Commons.

Enrollment: UND saw its highest-ever levels of enrollment under President Kelley’s leadership. The University recruited its most academically-prepared freshman class, with an average ACT score of 23.8 and an average GPA of 3.4.

North Dakota Spirit/The Campaign for UND: This UND Alumni Association and Foundation Campaign was the largest capital campaign in North Dakota history, raising $324 million for student scholarships, faculty endowments, and other support for the University.

Former WMU Coach Jeff Blashill named Red Wings Head Coach

Another former college head coach has been named head coach in the NHL.

Noah Trister, the Globe and Mail -- Jeff Blashill was hired Tuesday by the Detroit Red Wings, ending a fairly un-suspenseful coaching search that began when Mike Babcock left to take over the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Blashill has coached Detroit’s minor league affiliate in Grand Rapids for the past three seasons, and he was an obvious candidate for the Red Wings once Babcock left. Detroit general manager Ken Holland acknowledged right away that he was going to talk to Blashill about the job, but the Griffins made it to the conference finals in the AHL playoffs. Blashill’s promotion was announced Tuesday.

Blashill led Grand Rapids to the Calder Cup in 2013. He says he’d been eyeing the Red Wings’ job since it became clear Babcock’s future was uncertain.

A Detroit native, Blashill coached at Western Michigan before joining the Red Wings’ organization. Blashill was an assistant coach for the Red Wings in 2011-12 before taking over at Grand Rapids.

Links to Story

Blashill 'can't wait' to get started with Red Wings (Detroit Free Press)

Seidel: 16 reasons Jeff Blashill is right for Red Wings (Detroit Free Press)

Red Wings hire Jeff Blashill to replace Mike Babcock (ESPN.COM)

Wings tab Blashill: 'I can't wait to go to work' (Detroit News)

Detroit Red Wings introduce Jeff Blashill as new coach to replace Mike Babcock (US News)

NHL Rules Committee Recomends Expanded Video Review

The NHL Rules Committee has recommended expanding the video review process. Obviously, the league's board of governors will have to sign off on it before it becomes law.

I think it's a step in the right direction, but I am not so sure I like the part where teams must have a time out available to have a coaches challenge.

Michael Russo, Russo's Rants -- Expanded Video Review: Coach's Challenge - The Committee recommends that a Coach's Challenge be adopted for expanded video review for goals that may have resulted from (1) goaltender interference and (2) offside plays. The video review process and all decisions on goals where goaltender interference may have occurred will be the responsibility of the Referees at ice level, in consultation with the NHL’s Situation Room in Toronto; similarly, goals that may have resulted from an offside play will be reviewed and determined by the on-ice officials, in consultation with the NHL's Situation Room in Toronto. In order for a coach to make a challenge, the team must have its timeout available.

Jack Eichel: Will he Stay or Will he Go?

So, it begins. Will BU forward Jack Eichel stay in school or sign with the team that drafts him? My money is on him signing.

Mike Harrington, Buffalo News -- "Probably sooner than later," Eichel said. "I'd like to know what I'm doing this summer. Probably pretty quickly after the draft I'll finalize my decision."

What's the reason to stay in school? Is it because of BU's loss to Providence in the Frozen Four championship game?

"Just the guys, my relationship with them. There's a lot of pros and cons about going both places," Eichel said. "It's not an easy decision. It's why I haven't made it yet. Yeah, there's some unfinished business. It was definitely tough to lose the last game. It's one of the lures of coming back. We didn't graduate too many guys. We lost our goalie, two of our top six forwards but coach [David] Quinn did a great job of recruiting. We're bringing in a lot of good players."

Adrian Peterson Is Back with the Vikings and the Twins Are kicking It

The news of the week, Minnesota Viking running back Adrian Peterson is finally back with the team. All is good right? Whatever, it will be interesting to see how this season turns out.

Apparently, head coach Mike Zimmer's relationship with Peterson's return to the team.

“Make no mistake: Zimmer's relationship with Peterson -- forged through eye-to-eye meetings and candid conversations between two alpha males in a short time last year -- was a major reason the 2012 NFL MVP is back in his familiar No. 28 uniform today,” wrote Goessling.

What’s fascinating about Goessling’s contention is that Zimmer is known to be a no-nonsense, stoic, disciplinarian by media and fans, yet those who play for him characterize him as a player’s coach. It’s a huge credit to Zimmer that he’s able to forge and merge both identities.

Moving on, the big question of the week, what caused Peterson to change his mind and drop his trade demands? We may never know the full story.  With AP's return, all is good, right? Not hardly. From reading the various news sites, Peterson's teammates are giddy about his return.
The fact remains, whether you like Peterson or not, the Viking are a better team with him.

If you're sick of the Viking's charades, there's always the Minnesota Twins. After multiple years of being a horrible baseball team, the Twins are again one of the top teams in Major League Baseball.

Through 53 games, the Twins are 1st in AL Central Division. That's a heck of a swing from last season. Most sensible Twins fans are now wondering when they will take a nosedive.

I must admit that the Stanley Cup Playoffs have been great, but I can't seem to keep my focus on them like I have in years past. Other sports and options are starting to catch my attention. I think this is when we realize that there's a long offseason in college hockey. I am actually ready for the Stanley Cup Finals to be over. I am still going with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

This summer, I will be doing some race blogging at The Dirt Network. The World of Outlaws Sprint Car series along with the World of Outlaws Latemodels will invade River Cities Speedway later this summer.

Former Gopher Mike Reilly Being Courted by 9 Teams

One of the major news stories making the rounds the last couple of days is that Former Minnesota Golden Gopher Mike Reilly is being courted by nine NHL teams.


The Minnesota Wild are one of the teams that are included on the list of teams in pursuit. I read multiple twitter stories and a couple of blog posts that said that the Chicago Blackhawks were tops on Reilly's list. Russo also confirmed this in a blog post, too.

The 9 clubs Reilly meeting with: CHI, CBJ, DET, EDM, LA, MIN, MTL, NYR, PIT. Reilly officially becomes UFA on June 16. — Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) June 4, 2015

Denver Broncos Fining Players for Passing Gas In Meetings

First, this isn't hockey related at all, but I did find this story amusing. Apparently, the Denver Broncos are fining players who pass gas in team meetings.

Von Miller said the Broncos have a fine system for, um, flatulence in meetings. Said he thinks he's been fined the most. — Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) June 3, 2015

Since I've received numerous inquires about the Broncos' Fart Tax, I'm gonna let Von explain. NFL dieting ain't easy. pic.twitter.com/OTAAaI8t82 — Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) June 3, 2015

According to Men's Health, it's bad for your to hold your flatulence in.

If you’re sitting in an all-day meeting, don’t resist letting one loose: Gas is air trapped in your body, so it has to come out sooner or later, says Dr. Bechtold. And while the odor itself isn’t like milk spoiling—growing stronger with time—holding back one fart now may lead to you letting three rip at once. (And that includes not only the power of three, but also the smell.) To top it all off, trying to hold gas in can cause significant bloating and discomfort in your stomach, says Dr. Bechtold. So do yourself a favor, and let it slide when you first feel it. It may be uncomfortable for a minute, but it’ll be a lot more awkward when the whole meeting comes to a pause from smelling your 3-hour buildup.

Video: Kris Versteeg Goalie Interference

Check this out. Chicago Blackhawks forward Kris Versteeg was assessed a two-minute minor for goalie interference. It's almost humorous.

In my opinion, this is a blown call. If you watch the video you will see that Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman actually helps Versteeg into the goal post.

Versteeg was trying to stop there. Gets one-armed tossed into the goalie/face plants on the post. Gets called for a penalty. Ouch.

— Cörey Masisak (@cmasisak22) June 4, 2015

GIF: Face vs. post. pic.twitter.com/EVsdg7RDHd

— Pete Blackburn (@PeteBlackburn) June 4, 2015

Video: Alex Killorn Scores the First Goal in Game One

In case you missed this beautiful goal. Here it is. Former Harvard Crimson and Tampa Bay Lightning forward Alex Killorn scored the first goal of the 2015 Stanley Cup Final. Time of the goal was 04:31 of the first period.

After scoring 15 goals in 71 games during the regular season, Killorn has now scored 8 goals during the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

This blind goal from the Tampa Bay Lightning is completely ridiculous. http://t.co/qsyhiNLj3p https://t.co/Buhee8fpeZ

— UPROXX Sports (@UPROXXSports) June 4, 2015

Grand Forks Herald: NDSU president chosen for NCAA advisory group

Marvelous. Cow pie U's president is now a member of the NCAA's advisory group.

Grace Lyden, Grand Forks Herald – North Dakota State University President Dean Bresciani has been selected to represent the Summit League on the NCAA Division I Presidential Forum, a news release from the spokeswoman of the university system said Monday.

The new entity will advise the NCAA Division I Board of Directors on "current issues in college athletics and the role of sports within higher education," the release from Billie Jo Lorius said.

Bresciani will be one of 32 presidents and chancellors in the group. The appointment makes him the first North Dakota college president to join a major NCAA leadership group.

Officials for the 2015 Stanley Cup Finals

Here's your on-ice officials for he Stanley Cup Finals. (Link)
REFEREES
Wes McCauley, Dan O'Halloran, Kevin Pollock, Kelly Sutherland.

LINESMEN
Derek Amell, Shane Heyer, Brian Murphy, Pierre Racicot.

Fargo Forum Letter: Dakota nickname could spell more trouble for UND

Oh boy. So, it continues. Here's the latest head-scratcher, this time it's a letter to the editor from the Fargo Forum. No matter what nickname UND comes up with, someone is going to be angry and offended. For the people that are confused, Nokota is a wild horse that roamed the plains. A simple google search would have cleared that up. Also, all of the signees for this letter to the editor are employees of NDSU.

Anne Denton --- In The Forum’s May 26 online edition, you included the survey “Vote for your favorites in our UND Nickname Challenge.”

It is with sadness that we see “North Dakota” emerging in a leading position. It was a commendable act of respect to name our beautiful state after a large group of its residents.

Using the same term as a nickname for sports teams is bound to cause problems similar to those of the previous name.

When the term “Sioux” was selected as the UND nickname, there was insufficient awareness of how disrespectfully groups of sports fans can treat a nickname in the heat of competition. If “Dakota” were used in slurs, the situation would be no better.

Other problematic candidates include Nokota, which sounds similar to Nakota, and Night Riders, which has racist connotations. We recommend having a representative group of American Indian delegates meet with the task force early in the selection process.

Also signing this letter are: Alan Denton, NDSU Professor, Yagna Jarajapu, NDSU Professor, Denise Lajimodiere, NDSU Professor, Melanie Nadeau, NDSU Administrator, Melissa Olson, NDSU Staff, Claudette Peterson, NDSU Professor, Larry Peterson, NDSU Professor, Birgit Pruess, NDSU, Brandy A. Randall, NDSU Professor, Kelly Sassi, NDSU Professor, Gary Totten, NDSU Professor, Pearl Walker, NDSU.

Letter to the Editor: 'Fighting Sioux' fans' intransigence doesn't help UND

Here's the latest letter to the editor about the Fighting Sioux nickname. (Link to the letter) So, if you're a UND fans that loves the Fighting Sioux nickname and you don't agree with the anti-nickname crowd point of view, you're a racist.

Also, you're inflexible if you won't take the anti-nickname crowds point of view, that also makes said person a racist. In other words, the Fighting Sioux nickname supporters to include Native Americans that like the Fighting Sioux nickname are racist.

Meg Brown from Ames, Iowa on May 30, 2015 -- Wyatt Benson and many others give "Sioux pride" as their justification to insult and injure American Indians with the Fighting Sioux nickname in defiance of a statewide vote ("Adopting new nickname adds insult to injury," Page A4, May 25) .

Imagine thousands of people using your name and image in a harmful way even after you've asked, pleaded and demanded that they stop.

That's exactly what happens when fans continue to use the Fighting Sioux nickname against the explicit, repeated wishes of actual Sioux people, not to mention the North Dakotans who voted in a landslide to authorize the name's retirement for good.

Undoubtedly, some feel genuine pride and admiration for the nickname, even though these positive feelings ultimately are based in harmful stereotypes.

But let's be frank: much of what masquerades as "Sioux pride" really is racism and resentment from those who sincerely believe that the NCAA bowed to the "unreasonable demands" of a "whiny" minority. The bigoted comments and offensive nickname suggestions they've put forward throughout this debacle prove that racism plays a much bigger role than most of us are willing to acknowledge.

So, let's call "Sioux pride" what it so often is: poorly concealed bigotry and rancor toward American Indians and those who advocate against harmful stereotypes.

And let's be clear: avoiding a harmful use of someone's name or image isn't political correctness; it's common decency. Abundant research shows that the use of American Indian nicknames leads to many negative consequences among Indian and non-Indian people. That's why the American Psychological Association called for the immediate retirement of Indian nicknames; the stereotypes these nicknames perpetuate, no matter how "positive" they may seem, hurt everyone.

I'm looking forward to a time when I can mention my alma mater without the profound sense of shame associated with the Fighting Sioux nickname and the ridiculous, costly battles to keep that harmful reminder of uninformed attitudes. Time for the "Fighting Sioux forever" crowd to grow up and let it go.

Redwing77's Nickname Post

by Redwing77

As I sit here in a Public Library study room listening to my neighbor chomping away on some sort of snack food louder than any sound you'd hear at, say, a rock concert or perhaps sticking your ears up to an airhorn....  I thought I'd chime in on the nickname thing.

First, and foremost, it isn't going to matter at all what UND does with a new nickname.  Any way they cut it, they'll get blasted.  It's the nature of the beast.  "It's taking too long" is just the first little run of snow in the avalanche if you will.

Anyways, the list.  I've removed the redundancy because, let's face it.. there's a TON of it.  Also, any name I just said "nope" to, I simply deleted as well.  No point in commenting on the ones that just don't fit.


Arctic Blaze/Arctic Force - For some reason oxymorons are cool?
Aurora - We are not a place in Maine.  We are not the given name of Storm of X-Men.  There's nothing to this nickname.  Moving on.
Aviators - I think this one is ok.  We can all don flightsuits and aviator glasses and wave orange batons in a "sieving" motion at the opposing goaltender.
Badlanders -I don't think this is as bad as people think.  However, anything with "bad" in it opens us up for taunting.  That and South Dakota has a lot of badlands too and I'd rather not be associated with them.
Big Green -  Because we want to be like Dartmouth College, right?  Nope.
Bison Slayers - I thought they were going to whittle the list down and eliminate the dumb ones?  Whoops.  One got past the censors.
Blackhawks - YEAH!!!  Let's go ahead and rename ourselves as ANOTHER analogous name to Native Americans!  This will work fine!  Right?  Guys?  Why is our name still on the list?  It's a military helicopter (because the US Army doesn't name their helicopters after Native Americans right?  Not the Apache, the Kiowa, the Cheyenne, the Navajo, Chinook, should I go on?)
BLIZZARD - This would be easy to market.  It's not a bad name, to be honest.
Cavalry - I like this one.  I wonder what would happen.  It's not a Native American nickname, but undoubtedly they'd find offense to it.  Those poor activists need something to whine about.   I think we should make this one a finalist.
Charging Nokota- Hey!  Because we didn't read what I said about Blackhawks... 
ENERGY - OOoh!  We could dress up like cheap 1980s WWF tag team wrestlers!! and no.
Flame/s - Why do "Flame" and "Flames" make the list as separate entities? Doesn't matter.  No. 
Flickertails - no.  We're not misidentified Gophers.
Force of North - the haters would LOVE this one.
Nighthawks- I like this name.  I have TShirts from this team when it was a FAILING FOOTBALL TEAM FROM OMAHA
North Dakota - My first, second and third choice. Ok, I like this too, but the activists "like" this too.  They complain that this is just like keeping the old nickname.  I want this to happen but I also want those morons to be shut out in the cold.  Keeping this keeps those bums inside.
Pride -  OOOH!  We could have rainbow flags and host parades and then when opposing fans mock us, we can charge them with hate crimes!  N-EFFING-O! We are not some platform. 
roughriders - Already High School in Grand Forks. This is out.  yup
Spirit - See explanation for 'Pride' 
STORM - too cliche' 
Sundog/s  - UHHH NO!
Warhawks - Nope.  Analogous to Native Americans.  See Blackhawks.
Warriors  - SEE BLACKHAWKS DANGIT!!!!  There's a reason why Marquette isn't known as the "Golden Warriors" anymore ya know. 
Warriors of the North - LLLLLLLAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMMMMMMMMMMEEEEEEEEEEEE
Wings - Strangely enough, I like this one.  I wonder why?  (still, no).
 Wooly Mammoth -No thanks to the hairy elephants.

In any case, that's my take on it.  My top three:

1.  North Dakota
2.  Cavalry
3.  tie between Badlanders, Aviators, and Blizzard

Sadly, the nickname I'd've liked to have seen didn't make the list:  Predators.  Sure, it's Nashville's team, but I think the drone is cool.

Schmaltz Signs with St. Louis and Other Stuff

by Redwing77

Going into the offseason, I predicted two players leaving:  Zane McIntyre and Jordan Schmaltz.  Sadly, I did not predict Hakstol leaving.  More on that in a bit.

Schmaltz, a former first round draft pick of the Blues, officially signed per Brad Schlossman.  The signing itself, to me, comes as no surprise, though some of the comments on Brad's blog, for some reason, did.  Some "fans" seem to think poorly of Schmaltz and his readiness for the NHL.  The thing is, I don't think anyone, Schmaltz included (my opinion anyways), expects him to jump right to the NHL.  But Schmaltz did do very well for himself at North Dakota.  He showed improvement every year in Grand Forks and he decided to begin his trek to the NHL as a pro one year early.  I'd expect nothing less for a first round pick.

It's a loss, but not an unexpected one.

The same is true for Zane.  What else, other than a National Championship, could Zane accomplish?  Hobey Baker?  No.  In my opinion, Ryan Miller winning the Hobey Baker is more an exception to the rule rather than anything else.  True, Robb Stauber (87-88 for UMN) also won the award as a goaltender but in today's NCAA, it's not going to happen.  Good luck to Zane in the pros.  He's got a logjam ahead of him in net with Boston, but you never know.  After all, I thought Boston found an excellent backup in Svedberg but he bolted for the KHL instead.  Malcolm Subban is ahead of McIntyre and I'm sure there's at least one other vying for time in the NHL (no one is unseating Rask at the moment tho).

This leaves UND with Hrynkiw (sp?), Cam Johnson, and 2015 NHL Combine invite Martej Tomek in net.  It will be interesting to see what happens.

UND has incoming freshmen D that will be interesting to watch as well.  I've watched Wolanin and Hayden Shaw play in the USHL last season and I'm no evaluator of talent, luckily for UND.  Shaw split the year in the USHL between Waterloo and Dubuque.  Stats aside, I didn't notice much of him during the year.  That's not good for a puck moving defenseman (which in the USHL means offensive-defenseman).

As for Wolanin, he was Captain this year of the Muskegon Lumberjacks of the USHL.  This speaks to his role in the lockerroom, even though my experience with watching him was highlighted mostly by him spending an awful lot of time after the whistle and after each period arguing with the officials.  He was solid defensively, but not dynamic in my opinion.

How will this pair out with the returnees (and I'm assuming Keaton Thompson is returning as well).  Who knows?

As for Hakstol...

I'm interested to see what Hakstol does in the NHL.  It will definitely be an adjustment.  Player attitudes are different.  The game is a bit different as well.  But most notably, Hakstol's "power" is different too.  In Grand Forks, Hakstol is the coach, GM, Director of Player Personnel, Head of Player Development, Head Scout (even if recruiting is split between him and his assistants), and all that.  In the pros, he's just the coach.  He has input on the other aspects but no real power.  It's like a higher profile, higher paying, demotion in a way.

I hope he does well and that his experience isn't as (apparently) unpleasant as Blais' was with the Blue Jackets.  The Flyers aren't exactly playoff ready but they're close.  They're lacking scoring, a 2nd line center, depth at all positions except defense, and goaltending.  The NHL Radio on Sirius suggests that the Flyers only need a backup goaltender.  Uh...  Chris Mason is their backup goaltender.  Emery was a has been that could've been and Zepp is a neverwas who is living the dream.  As far as I'm concerned, they're desperate for a #1 after giving up on Bobrovsky (Columbus) only to see him turn around and get the Vezina 2 years later.

Heh.  Chicago has to practically disband after this year due to salary cap.  Corey Crawford is a name that has been popping up as someone Chicago will have to trade.  Philly is stacked to overflowing with defensive prospects.  Perhaps Crawford for a prospect and cash?  It's not like Chicago can't find another goaltender.  I mean, they signed an overage UDFA named Antti Niemi and won their first Cup in 60+ years.  Crawford was at the point of becoming a bust when he finally stuck and won their second.  Chicago remains a hot place for undrafted players to sign.

What do I know though?

Adrian Peterson has two Choices

View image | gettyimages.com

In the never ending, sad, saga, Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer spoke about the team's awol, star running back today. Shall we say that he has options, Peterson can play for the Vikes or he can sit on the sideline. In a nut shell, the spoiled brat can honor his contract or not play in the NFL at all. I think this is awesome. Bravo coach Zimmer.

I am sorry, I just don't feel sorry for AP, he made this mess, not the Vikings. In my opinion, the Viking did nothing wrong, Adrian Peterson did. I am tired of these athletes that act poorly in their private lives and then turn around and act like he's the victim. You make 10 million dollars a year to play a kids game. You abused your child, you should be banned for life. If I was the commissioner of the NFL you punishment would have been harsher than what you received.  (Link to the evidence)

Conor Orr, NFL.COM -- Now that the draft is over, so is most of the trade speculation surrounding Vikings running back Adrian Peterson.

Both sides have spent the offseason digging in their heels for what looks like a bitter tug-of-war with no ending in sight.

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And on Wednesday, Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer drew a line in the sand.

"He's really got two choices: He can play for us. Or he cannot play," Zimmer told the assembled media at offseason workouts.

Peterson, of course, has not made himself available for any of the Vikings' voluntary offseason workouts so far. Zimmer also added that Peterson gave no indication as to when he'll make it up north and put his old uniform on again.

It's time for a change! Then again I'm grateful because at the end of the day, I know some of those same guys that wish a team held on!

— Adrian Peterson (@AdrianPeterson) May 28, 2015

I love people who think they know it all! Smh, Research how many NFL teams hasn't honored a player's contract & learn something.

— Adrian Peterson (@AdrianPeterson) May 28, 2015

Stanley Cup Finals Schedule Released

If the Stanley Cup Finals go to game seven, we will be watching hockey deep into June.  The only questions we left to answer, who's going to be the two teams in the finals? 

Game 1 Wednesday, June 3
Game 2 Saturday, June 6
Game 3 Monday, June 8
Game 4 Wednesday, June 10
Game 5 * Saturday, June 13
Game 6 * Monday, June 15
Game 7 * Wednesday, June 17

* if necessary