WDAZ: What's a Sundog anyway?

Here's another news nugget. I know there are a lot of UND fans that would love to see the Sundogs nickname option go the way of the Dodo bird. Personally, I think the Sundogs nickname is a horrible replacement for the Fighting Sioux nickname.

Also, a word to UND fans, don't be afraid to let the nickname committees know how you feel on the matter.

Other nicknames don't have the uniqueness problem.

Like Sundogs, an atmospheric phenomenon when the sun hits ice crystals creating two colored patches on each side of the sun.

“We certainly think that is something that is unique to our region as well. It's going to be interesting to see how this one plays out. There are a lot of ways to be creative with it as well,” Goehring said of the Sundogs.

And there is discussion about leaving the school without a nickname.

“They had strong feelings about staying North Dakota. Whether or not that was for the old nickname, I had one gentleman comment to me and said, ‘in terms of staying unique being a school without a nickname, but just being North Dakota is way to do that,’” Goehring said. (WDAZ.COM)

Fargo Forum Letters on UND Nickname

As the UND Nickname committee works its way through the process of selecting a new nickname, people are going to chime in with their opinion. Here's just a few that I found from the Fargo Forum.  Feel free to chime in with your thoughts.

Letter: Suggested names not acceptable

By RichardBrecto from Audubon, Minn. Today at 12:47 a.m. Audubon, Minn., 58102

Having been born and raised in North Dakota and being a devoted fan of both University of North Dakota and North Dakota State University sports, I am interested in what UND’s new nickname will be.

In the “Your Opinion” section of The Forum of June 15, there were two letters recommending nicknames. One is favoring “Roughriders” and the other is favoring “Plainsmen.”

My comment regarding these names is as follows:

Grand Forks Red River High School sports teams are known as the Roughriders. I feel that it would be confusing if UND were to adopt the same name.

While “Plainsmen” might be a good name, remember that there are women’s teams, too. I suppose that they could be referred to as the “Lady Plainsmen,” but that just doesn’t sound right.

I don’t believe that either of these names would be suitable.

Here's the letters in question.

Letter: Roughriders for UND nickname and logo

By Bruce Beard from Banning, Calif. on Jun 15, 2015 at 12:23 a.m.

Imagine. A mean winter day in Dakota, heavily mantled in snow. Garbed in severe black, a landlord comes over a hill and sees a house with faint smoke rising from its chimney. In stepping off, he trips, slides down the slope, crashes feet-first through the front door and halts at the feet of a fragile old woman.

“Kind sir,” she says, “what is it you want?” “The rent, ma’am, the rent is what I’ve come for!” “Might I pay just a little this month?” she timidly asks. “Lady,” he shouts, “I’ve had rough sledding, and I didn’t come here toboggan!” In a similar vein, Jeff Willert (“Bully! for Roughriders, by far the best name,” June 11, A4) addresses the selection of UND’s new name for its athletic teams. A true loyalist, he mounts the bully pulpit and essentially declares, “It’s been rough riding, and when it comes to TR, why saddle for less?”

It’s Roughriders, by five and a half lengths! As they say in the racing business, no need to horse around.

Beard is a native of Reynolds, N.D., and graduate of UND. He taught school in Mott and Beach.

Letter: Perhaps Plainsmen for UND nickname

By Jake Lillestol from Fergus Falls, Minn. on Jun 15, 2015 at 12:21 a.m.

I see by the June 10 Forum article the University of North Dakota nickname committee has arrived at 15 ho-hum names. Except for Roughriders, none has any imagination or sense of history. As a die-hard Bison fan, I would offer what I believe is the only appropriate name for our sister/brother adversary. It is long but very appropriate to who they are. I am so thankful for the Bison name. It tells of one of the original inhabitants of North Dakota and exhibits strength. The UND nickname I propose also does. What name? – “The Plainsmen.” North Dakota has been one of the plains states since recorded history began. Everyone is aware of that – including people living in other states. Consider this thought as a UND hockey team heads out east to do battle. Who are these people? Where do they come from? They are the “The Plainsmen from North Dakota.” A Bison-Plainsmen sports battle also sounds exciting. An imaginative artist can paint this picture. Three men standing side by side looking over the vast plains. Who are they? The original inhabitant – an American Indian; next to him, a buckskin jacket clad fellow suggesting a trapper or explorer; finally the farmer who settled the land. (Just a joke – peering out of the ground could be the head of a gopher.)

More Nickname News

Now that the Stanley Cup is finally over, we can start looking at things that really matter. What to name the UND sports team. It's kind of funny watching fans of other schools enjoy our plight of picking a new nickname. Thank God that Gopher and Bison fans can't pick UND new nickname.

I have been reading some of the comments over on the Star tribune's website for the UND nickname articles. There's some beauties over there.

Some have talked about this happening over on Sioux Sports.

commonsens4u, Jun. 16, 15 11:30 AM I hope they pick Roughriders. To name themselves after a latex profylactic would make it way to easy for their opponents to have fun at their expense. I can't wait to see the look of shock on the committee's faces when condoms are raining down from the upper deck at their first home hockey game.

This reader has a great point.

King Ulsrud, Jun. 16, 15 11:24 AM What's the rest of the story? Who decides and when? By the way, other than NO nickname (North Dakota), the other six stink for various reasons. What is a green hawk?

What a clown.

hockeybias, Jun. 16, 15 11:30 AM @sibley61 I think the prophylactic product placement possibilities are endless on a college campus... And who couldn't resist staying up a bit later after the game to hear the radio broadcaster bring us "The Contempo Rough Rider prophylactic Climactic Save of the Game!" during the post game show! :)

Yep, UND has a great hockey program.

jbetcher, Jun. 16, 15 11:00 AM I think there's more interest in MN regarding the name issue than there is in ND. Call em what you will; it's one great hockey program and will continue to be a hockey power. A lot of great players have come out of the program. A number of them have their names on the Cup.

Seven is greater than five, right?

commonsens4u, Jun. 16, 15 11:31 AM @jbetcher They do have a good program. Almost as good as Minnesota, BC, Denver and BU.

Another great point, but somewhat flawed. UND needs a nickname for all of it's sports teams, not just hockey.

bisonp, Jun. 16, 15 10:50 AM @oldtimepuck @joemamasw Nah, it's gotta be hockey related. Despite the fact that the team is mostly Minnesotans and Canadians, and that North Stars is not only the name of our old team it's also our state motto and on our flag, they really don't have anything else in Grand Forks. Force was also in the mix prior to this last cut because it's the name of Fargo's USHL team. Fliers was as well. Oh, but it was spelled different so I guess it was OK. As a Gopher and Bison fan this entire process has been quite amusing.

We're Down to 7 Nickname Choices

Here it is... Tonight, the list of 15 has been whittled down to seven by the UND Nickname Committee: Fighting Hawks, Green Hawks, Nodaks, North Dakota, North Stars, Roughriders and Sundogs emerge after the meeting. According to Anna Burleson of the Grand Forks Herald.

Awarding -1, 0 or 1 point to names based on criteria such as uniqueness, linguistic ease and whether the name was a rallying symbol and representative of the region, UND's nickname committee gave "Roughriders" the most points with 48. "Sundogs" and "North Stars" tied for second place with 46 points each and "Nodaks" came in third with 42 points.

Continuing to play as "UND/North Dakota" is also still a possibility.

I would caution the decision UND makers, these are the nicknames the committee likes. This list doesn't necessarily reflect the opinion of UND fans, alumni, and or current students and athletes. Frankly, I find this list very disappointing. There were much better selections cut from the list lying on the trash heap.

Thunder Hawks and Explores are Gone

The #newnickname committee has removed "Thunder Hawks" from the running, among several others.

— Anna Burleson (@AnnagatorB) June 16, 2015

I actually thought that Thunder Hawks was acceptable. I honestly could live with explorers, too. Although, I am sure our opponents would have fun with that one. If you have young kids, you know what I am talking about. Please for the love of all things good, remove Sundogs, Spirit and Pride from the list, too.

@goon48 I suppose I can tell you one more - "Explorers" is gone as well. The full list will be in my article.

— Anna Burleson (@AnnagatorB) June 16, 2015

Tweets from the Nickname Committee Meeting

Carla Christofferson notes majority of public wanted North Dakota as nickname but says many are just mad about Sioux logo retirement.

— Anna Burleson (@AnnagatorB) June 16, 2015

First, woof. I think that is a broad statement that's a bit shortsighted. There are some, yes. I think some of the nicknames that have emerged are so bad, they would rather stay "North Dakota" instead of adopting a really bad, God awful nickname like Sundogs, Pride or Spirit. I find those nicknames to be unacceptable.

"I think North Dakota is distinctly UND," - #newnickname committee member Adedayo Idowu, who is middle of the road with the name.

— Anna Burleson (@AnnagatorB) June 16, 2015

"Saying we're going to be North Dakota to me means saying we're going to stay the #FightingSioux."-#newnickname committee, Chelsea Moser

— Anna Burleson (@AnnagatorB) June 16, 2015

If you want to read her tweets, Anna Burleson from the Grand Forks Herald is at the Nickname Committee Meeting tonight. She's been on top the story from the start.

A couple of things have caught my eye tonight. Also after reading some of the tweets, I am convinced UND is going to get he nickname that Lowell Schweigert wants.

#Newnickname committee member Jazmyn Friesz talks developing different logo & mascot to accompany staying "North Dakota."

— Anna Burleson (@AnnagatorB) June 15, 2015

On keeping North Dakota, Lowell Schweigert says "what is popular is not always right." Encourages group to "have courage." #newnickname

— Anna Burleson (@AnnagatorB) June 15, 2015

#Newnickname committee chairman Karl Goehring isn't in favor of any "hawk" name while Lowell Schweigert likes them.

— Anna Burleson (@AnnagatorB) June 15, 2015

Kessel 2.0

This past weekend, Bob McKenzie of TSN fame said that The Leafs might be looking to trade their star forward Phil Kessel. There's a problem, Kessel has a NTC and has listed eight teams that he would be interested in going to.

Bob McKenzie, TSN – Kessel's limited NTC is believed to include eight teams he can be traded to. Prior to the trade deadline, TSN reported those eight teams were believed to be: Boston; Chicago; Los Angeles; Minnesota; Montreal; New York Rangers; Philadelphia; and Pittsburgh.

Here's the problem, moving Kessel isn't going to be an easy feat. Kessel has seven year left on his contract that pays him eight million a year. Six of the teams on Kessel list have extreme cap space issues (Boston, Chicago, Minnesota, Montreal, Philadelphia,  and Pittsburgh).

Hooks Orpik, pensburgh.com --- Unfortunately for the Penguins, that $8.0 million cap hit is just too much to overcome. Kessel has been a productive player and would be in Pittsburgh, but his contract is a non-starter for a team that already has $25.45 million tied up to three players in Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang. The Pens will have to look elsewhere to fill their need of adding a top-6 winger.

This begs the question, will the Leafs be able to find a team that will be able to take on Kessel's contract? It's going to be hard.


One Facebook, one of my friends also brought up another great point. Kessel is not particularly fond of  talking to the media. Most of the teams on Kessel's list has a very proactive media.

Phil Kessel Would Accept Trade to Bruins and Wild

I just got back from the hunting shack and found this beauty. Apparently, former Boston Bruins forward Phil Kessel would accept a trade to eight teams. This is what Pension Plan Puppets had to say about the matter. 

Scott Wheeler, Pension Plan Puppets -- The list, which was submitted prior to the deadline, is believed to include the Montreal Canadiens, Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins, New York Rangers, and Boston Bruins in the Eastern Conference as well as the Chicago Blackhawks, Los Angeles Kings and Minnesota Wild in the Western Conference, according to the report.

Looking at this list, Boston has no cap room, plus I can't see the Bruins being all that excited about taking Kessel back. Ditto with the Minnesota Wild. Both teams are extremely strapped for cash, I don't see how they could make a move like this happen. 

Seriously, I can't see Flyers head coach Dave Hakstol wanting a one dimensional player like Kessel on his team. You have to be able to play in all three zones of the ice. The more I think about it, Kessel would be a perfect Hab. 

Finally, does anyone think Kessel would be a good fit with L.A. Kings head coach like Daryl Sutter? I am being serious. 

UPDATE:Blackhawks Take Game 5 Thanks to Vermette and the Biggest Gaff in Bishop's Playing Career

by Redwing77

Ok, before I get to what is probably the #1 play in Sportcenter's NOT Top 10, the Chicago Blackhawks now can take the Cup at home with a win in Game 6.

They looked A LOT like the Lightning did earlier in the series, taking it to Tampa right out of the game (Tampa did the same to Chicago in pretty much every game this series up until then really).  Bishop was great for most of the game, stymieing Kane and Teravainnen twice (both breakaways).

In any case, I think Chicago dominated for the first and much of the third periods while Tampa controlled the second.  The officiating was much like typical NHL Playoffs: pretty non-existent.  They let a TON of stuff go, but it didn't really matter.

Tampa's sole goal came from former Red Wing Valterri Filpula on a great backdoor one-timer Crawford had zero chance on.

A slightly humorous note was when Hawk forward Desjardins was hit so hard he broke open the Hawk penalty box door.

In the end, there were LONG stretches of whistle-free hockey that was entertaining to say the least.

The Play

Ok, here's the deal:  the puck is sent off the boards past Terovainen through the neutral zone into the TB zone.  TB's Hedman and CHI's Sharp give chase.  For some extremely stupid reason, Bishop goes full moron and decides, despite Hedman obviously having the inside track on Sharp to the puck, that he is going to come out and play the puck out near the faceoff circle... WHOOOOPS!!!!!!!  Hedman and Bishop collide and Sharp scores the easiest goal of his career....the first in 14 games.

It was simply epic how stupid it was.  It wasn't the game-winner, but it was simply something you would never expect even a halfway competent goaltender to do.

In any case, when Goon is able, he'll help me embed the video I'm sure.

I apologize.

No need to apologize Redwing77, thanks for adding this post. I listened to the game on my XM radio and this the first time that I saw this goal. My first response is woof. Bishop cost his team the game with a low percentage play.

UPDATE:

Here's the video!

A Take on the Coyote Situation **UPDATED**

by Redwing77

Ok, what a debacle this is... and..well.. after reading a few articles here and there, it may seem like this situation is nothing more than a lose-lose-lose situation for every side.

If I read what was commonly available, if Glendale were to be fiscally responsible, then they shouldn't have gotten involved with the team and arena to begin with.

Over the last two years, the arena has lost MILLIONS in revenue, and projects to lose even more than last year by the end of the current fiscal year.

So, the City of Glendale is a loser in this deal.  The team is a loser in this deal because, despite a loyal fanbase, it doesn't make money in Glendale.  And the fans are losers because they are backing a dying horse as it rounds the final bend towards the finish line...an inexorable departure from Arizona.

This leaves me to another "hindsight is 20/20" declaration:  The team should never have left Winipeg.

Is it this cut and dry?  Simplified to be sure but essentially, yes.

The City Council and the Arena didn't plan well, didn't borrow well, and didn't negotiate well.  Arizona Coyotes organization is the primary tenant in the deal, so they're the primary culprit.  Alone, in 2013-2014, the Coyotes lost the city over $8 million.  Up through April alone, the city has lost over $6.3 million in revenue between the Coyotes and other events at the Arena.

So, in essence, it comes down to money.

My take as a result of this?

The Coyote franchise, like the Florida Panthers, are a dying franchise in a "large on paper" market.  In other words, what should be there in market share, isn't.

As an aside, I hope the NHL is paying attention to this as far as other new sites for teams is concerned because I think the very same thing could happen if they move a team to Seattle.

It's time to move.  I've never been a fan of expansion and I've come out in favor of contraction in the past.  My opinion is to still not expand, but to continue to relocate troubled franchises towards places that are either a safer investment (Hamilton, ON and Quebec City, Quebec) or places with a lot of infrastructure already in place to help it succeed (Las Vegas).

I feel REALLY bad for the season ticket holders of the Coyotes as they're the 'biggest losers' in the whole deal.  If the team stays, they'll have to bear a bigger brunt of the load, as tickets would have to increase to guarantee better revenue.  If the team goes, well... at least they'll have more disposable income.

My prediction:  The team moves to Las Vegas, the City of Glendale is further obliterated by bad press, and the entire City Council is voted out in the next election.

***UPDATE***

Today, a Judge granted an injunction filed by the Coyotes that prevents the Council from voiding the contract...at least temporarily.  Here are the details of what went down.

Breaking: NHL, broadcasters settle lawsuit over TV blackouts

Here's some good news that just came across the wire.

By Jonathan Stempel, Yahoo News--- NEW YORK (Reuters) - The National Hockey league will permit fans to watch their favorite teams play outside their home markets, without having to pay extra for a league-wide bundle of games, as part of a settlement of a class action antitrust lawsuit.

The preliminary accord made public on Thursday resolves claims that the league, several teams, Comcast Corp, DirecTV and Madison Square Garden Co, used blackouts to limit out-of-market broadcasts of games.

Fans said this forced them to buy costly bundles of games they did not care about, rather than spend less to buy games "a la carte," if they wanted to want their preferred teams.

Under the settlement, the NHL will, for the next five years, offer a "Game Center Live" Internet package enabling fans to buy single-team packages for at least 20 percent below the cost of bundled packages

Phoenix Coyotes: Glendale City Council votes 5-2 to nullify the Gila River Arena lease agreement

The Phoenix Coyotes saga is really turning into a gong show. This is a huge Charlie foxtrot. Last night, the Glendale City Council voted to nullify the Gila River Arena lease agreement. Here's the release by from the Coyotes. At what point does the NHL pull the pin on the Coyotes and move the team to another city that might actually appreciate them? I just don't see an end to this mess.

GLENDALE -- The City Council of Glendale on Wednesday night voted, 5-2, to cancel its arena lease agreement with the Coyotes – a 15-year deal established in July of 2013.

After the vote, attorney Nicholas Wood said the team would file for injunctive relief and a temporary restraining order, and file a $200 million lawsuit against the City.

"What we have witnessed here tonight is possibly the most shameful exhibition of government I have ever witnessed," Coyotes Co-Owner, President and CEO Anthony LeBlanc said. "The citizens of Glendale should be very concerned about the government that they have leading them right now, because this was not appropriate… We have been absolutely wronged this evening by a group that is acting in incredibly bad faith."

He added: "Our view is the team will remain here, but the City is not acting in a business-friendly way and should be ashamed."

While the City Council meeting was taking place, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman told Hockey Night in Canada viewers: "I'm not concerned about the Coyotes. If I lived in Glendale, I'd be concerned about my government." LeBlanc said he was pleased by the number of Coyotes fans who attended the meeting and especially pleased by those who took the time to vocally support the team during the portion of the meeting designated for public comments.

"One thing that was illustrated tonight is that we have fantastic fans,” LeBlanc said. “God love them for coming back to this council chamber after all the times they’ve been in here over the years."

UND Nickname Committee Cuts Nickname List to 15

There are the 15 nicknames under consideration to be UND's new nickname. If you're holding your nose, you're not the only one. If fans are in favor of the nickname that you like on this list, be vocal. 

I highlighted the ones that I think are acceptable. Copyright the Whistler. 

I puzzled that the committee decided to get rid of anything that points UND's aviation school. That makes no sense to me what-so-ever.

Thank God for Karl Goehring...
Continuing to play simply as "North Dakota" is still an option. Goehring said in his experience with the last task force, many alumni were in favor of it.

• Blaze - I am surprised that this is still an option. Obvious reasons. Blaze up.
• Cavalry - Here comes your 7th Cavalry.
• Explorers - Boring.
• Fighting Green - I would rather be Green Machine.
• Fighting Hawks - Maybe this can grow on me.
• Force - We already have the Fargo Force.
• Green Hawks - Drop the "Green" and sure.
• Nodaks - Redundant. I think I am quoting Charlie from Hockey Bias now.
• North Dakota - Number one choice. 
• North Stars - Second choice. 
• Pride - Bad nickname.
• Roughriders - We already have a high school with that name.
• Spirit - Dumb.
• Sundogs - Even dumber. I might have a stroke.
• Thunder Hawk - Whatever. 

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."