Phil Kessel a Pengiun

It's Canada Day in Canada and in the NHL world, we have a blockbuster trade that sent Phil Kessel to the Pittsburgh Penguins. It doesn't look like the Penguins gave up much to get Kessel. Now Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin will have another talented forward to play with.

Per Mike Johnston of Sportsnet.CA:

In return Toronto gets centre Nick Spaling, forward Kasperi Kapanen, defenceman Scott Harrington, plus first- and third-round picks from 2016. Toronto will retain $1.2 million of Kessel’s salary in each of the next seven seasons.

The Leafs are also sending forward Tyler Biggs, defenceman Tim Erixon and a 2016 second-round pick to Pittsburgh.

So, if you're a Leafs fan, do you like this deal? I think that the Penguins have committed a robbery against the Leafs.

Too soon? pic.twitter.com/Y1JP5oxXFq

— Dave Stubbs (@Dave_Stubbs) July 1, 2015

Toronto Maple Leafs trade Phil Kessel to Pittsburgh Penguins: The Toronto Maple Leafs have traded star winger ... http://t.co/1LiiRcIrId

— StayWithMe (@SWM_87) July 1, 2015

Every piece of the original Phil Kessel trade with Boston has been traded again. Kessel. Seguin. Hamilton.

— Adam Gretz (@AGretz) July 1, 2015

Here's the full terms of the Phil Kessel trade. Retained 15% of his salary as well, which is big. pic.twitter.com/amDcZQnRJb

— James Mirtle (@mirtle) July 1, 2015

You've gotta really hate Phil Kessel to lose a trade to Jim Rutherford

— Bruce Arthur (@bruce_arthur) July 1, 2015

WTH, Sharks acquire goaltender Jones from Bruins

If you're a Boston Bruins fan, are you scratching your head right now. I know that I am. I don't understand it? First, you trade away your muscle of the franchise in Milan Lucic. I get it, he was over paid base on his performace the last two season.

Then you take three players that are at least a year or two away in the NHL Draft. Now, after trading for and receiving a great goaltending prospect, you trade him away for a draft pick and a former Miami RedHawk forward that will have a hard time making the fourth line.

NHL.COM -- The San Jose Sharks acquired goaltender Martin Jones from the Boston Bruins on Tuesday for forward prospect Sean Kuraly

"Martin was at the top of our list of players that we had targeted," Sharks general manager Doug Wilson told the Sharks website. "We're extremely excited to have him on board."

It's the second time in five days Jones has been traded. The Bruins got him Friday as part of the trade that sent forward Milan Lucic to the Los Angeles Kings. Jones can become a restricted free agent if he's not signed by Wednesday.

Per Puck Daddy:

“No, I don’t think it’s a rebuild,” he said on Tuesday. “We have a tremendous core group of guys that will carry and even more tremendous load while we wait for these young players to find their footing.”

UAA Fan Blog Endorses Sundogs :)

Oh, course he does. Why wouldn't he? Lol. Since UND is currently in the process of selecting a new nickname, opposition fans are going to have fun with the process, too. I am sure that if I was a Gopher fan, I probably would find the UND's process of selecting a new nickname to be humorous.

I found this post on the UAA Fan Blog. I want to be clear, this is no way an attempt to start a flame feast. I just thought you might want to read this.

Donald Dunlop, UAA Fan Blog -- There's a lot of history between the NCAA ruling and North Dakota's selection of the name "Sundogs" this weekend. Too much to cover in this post; but of course it's worth noting that this blogger whole-heartedly supported the NCAA and was thrilled to see their original name cast into historical infamy.

My focus today is instead to celebrate the choice that North Dakotan's made. Sundogs are frankly one of the most beautiful atmospheric anomalies. We see our fair share of these here in Alaska as the conditions necessary to see a Sundog occur quite often.

I'm celebrating because I had no idea the people of that state could be so forward-thinking and progressive. The rainbow effect of the Sundog dovetails perfectly with this weeks much ballyhooed ruling from the Supreme Court of the US that same-gender marriage is now the law of the land in all 50 states. I'm absolutely stunned but intensely delighted that the citizens of the flattest, most treeless place on the planet have honored the LGBT community with the rainbow-like Sundog.

Many US states and it's citizenry have been pensively struggling to wrap their minds around the potential effects of this monumentally righteous ruling by SCOTUS. But North Dakota has beaten off the imagined social conflagration and shown it's true colors (the entire spectrum of the rainbow). Good guy North Dakota; what an amazing turn of events. It's left me with respect for that state and it's peoples that I have never had.

So, let's send a little love Donald's way.  Or not. Just a little FYI for the poster that made his comment, I no longer breath through my nose, I had reconstructive nose surgery two years ago.

Grand Forks Herald Letter: Few know sundogs, but everyone knows Roughriders

I have been focusing on the nickname issue because I think it's an important issue. First, I think the UND nickname committee eliminated names that are a lot better than the remaining final seven nicknames. Also, as I mentioned last week, I think we need to reject the Sundogs nickname.

Finally, I am also concerned that UND nickname committee is going to pick a very bad nickname that none of us can get behind. If the nickname committee wants to start a major firestorm, pick Sundogs.

here's one of the latest letters from the Grand Forks Herald. It was kind of long so I took the main point from the letter. You can read the whole thing by clicking on the link.

Eric Groves, BRECKENRIDGE, Colo -- Now to my main point: Sundogs. This is a weather phenomenon that does happen in North Dakota, among other cold weather states. Sure, it is kind of cool to see, but is this a name that deserves to be the nickname of the state's flagship university—UND?

Some have said this represents Grand Forks. This is not the University of Grand Forks, so let's think bigger than that.

To me, the answer is a resounding no. I do not want my university's nickname to be a weather phenomenon. I definitely do not want the logo to be some sort of rainbow.

There are many state universities that adopt their state's nickname as their nickname. Of the seven names the committee and consultants deemed "popular", there is one that does stick out. Roughriders. Which happens to be one of North Dakota's nicknames: the Roughrider State.

A common argument is that Red River High School in Grand Forks is the Roughriders. Hazen High School in Hazen, N.D., is the bison, the exact same name as another major university in the state. I can live with that.

Post-Draft Thoughts and Reflections

by Redwing77

The 2015 NHL draft is over and with it, lots of news from highly drafted players from BU to highly baffling decisions by Boston.  Intriguing to be sure.

UND had four players drafted in Boeser, Tomek, Wolanin, and Wilkie.  Honestly, if you read a lot about the surprise about Wolanin's draft, be so.  He was unranked on the rankings and was slated to be undrafted yet went in the 4th round.

This isn't unheard of for UND freshmen.  Remember:  Brett Bruneteau was drafted in the 4th round by Washington and he wasn't on anyone's boards.

This doesn't mean much.  Going from what Sirius Radio analysts opine, those taken in the 4th round or later are various project picks designated boom or bust in various levels of perceived values (in other words, a project pick taken in the 4th round is seen to have more of a possibility or upside than one taken in the 7th round).  Pretty straight forward, not out on the limb type stuff.

In other news, former UND commit turned flake Ryan Gropp got drafted in the second round.  Good for him.  I'm sure he'll light it up at...wherever.

To me, the biggest winners from the NHL Draft:

1.  The QMJHL.  It seems like every other pick came from the Q.
2.  Michigan U.  The Wolverines led the NCAA in NHL draft picks with 7
3.  China.  Their first ever NHL draft pick came in this year's draft.  I didn't know Yao Ming could skate (ha ha ha.. no really, this kid, Song is his last name, seems to be a pretty decent skater)
4.  BU and BC had great representation in the first two rounds
5.  Team USA:  MANY drafted
6.  Buffalo and Edmonton.  Edmonton drafted and traded well, but I think Buffalo was the best overall in every respect on draft day.

Losers:

1.  Boston Bruins.  Sorry Goon.  First, they trade for Martin Jones.  Why?  I guess that's a strong endorsement for Malcolm Subban's development?  They couldn't keep Svedberg (who Siriux/XM said Boston had soured over but I didn't think he was all that bad) but really...  Sean McIndoe (@DownGoesBrown) tweeted:  Martin Jones: I hate being stuck behind an all-star on a long term deal. Agent: You just got traded. Jones: Awesome! Where to? Agent: Um...

And the three picks.  Ok, the two picks.  The #13 pick was fine.  The other two?  Sorry.  There were FAR FAR FAR better players on the board.  In fact, the #15 pick, Senyshyn, wasn't on anyone's draft board before the Boston's 4th pick, #39 in the second round so they could have chosen someone like UMich commit Kyle Connor or Matthew Barzal.

I know Goon's a big B's fan and will probably disagree with me but this is NOT a good debut for Don Sweeney.  Sadly, a snarky commentby Sean McIndoe (@DownGoesBrown) stated "$100 to Chiarelli if he goes up there for this pick and leads off with "Miss me yet, Boston?"

Hindsight might prove me wrong.  Senyshyn may be a great pick.  Debrusk might be a great pick.  But only hindsight will change most people's minds.

For the record, however, I think trading Lucic was a good idea.  Sometimes you have to let a guy you love go.  I remember when my Wings let Federov go.  Now, that wasn't as amicable a parting as Lucic's situation, but still... I loved Federov.  As for Hamilton, I think money was the issue, sure, but there is NO WAY.. NO ING WAY Calgary's offer was the best out there, even if Boston didn't want to trade him to Edmonton.  NO WAY.

2.  Vancouver Canucks:  Another awesome snarky comment on Twitter:  Fear The Fin ‏@fearthefin Jun 27

Five years ago the Canucks had Roberto Luongo, Cory Schneider and Eddie Lack. Now they have no cash, no jobs and no goaltending.

Ok, I'm not sure if I necessarily agree with "no" goaltending.  Ryan Miller is a good goaltender, but sadly he's no longer great.  And Jacob Markstromm is actually looking to be solid.  I've seen him play on TV a few times and he looked inconsistent but solid.  In other words, a Swedish Marc Andre Fleury.

3.  Pittsburgh Penguins:  They did nothing.  Nothing at all.  Well, they were talked about a lot in the Kessel sweepstakes.  They were mentioned in acquiring Jeff Skinner from Carolina.... but Pierre McGuire couldn't even make the Penguins relevant in this year's draft.  They need cap relief and the Pens didn't seem to care to do it this way, whereas many other teams did.

4.  Peter Chiarelli - Former B's GM and current Edmonton GM called Florida a city.  Good for you Peter. 

5.  Pierre McGuire - Just because he's got no excuse for being as ill-informed as he always seems to be.  If it isn't related to Crosby, he doesn't know.  Time for TSN to assign a "minder" to McGuire to stop him from sticking his foot in his mouth.  Oh, and if he's going to be between the benches, he needs to wear a helmet.  He's been hit a few too many times.

Mike Commodore goes off on Pierre McGuire

Former NHLer and University of North Dakota defenseman Mike Commodore took to twitter to express his displeasure with Pierre McGuire. He's not alone, there are many fans that can't stand McGuire. I see a lot of NHL fans expressing their thoughts about McGuire on social media often, many of them aren't very flattering. So, what do you think of big Mike's thoughts?

Good morning folks! Can I turn the tv back on yet or is #ShitStain still stinking it up?

— Mike Commodore (@commie22) June 28, 2015

What's up folks! Today's news..charleston rocks, ocean course is legit, and #Shitstain still stinks.

— Mike Commodore (@commie22) June 27, 2015

Hey #ShitStain, the blue jackets didn't draft Jack Johnson. Wake up.

— Mike Commodore (@commie22) June 27, 2015

I can't watch this. Off button. #ShitStain ruins it. Again.

— Mike Commodore (@commie22) June 27, 2015

Pierre? Oh you mean #ShitStain ? RT @railfan514: @commie22 Please tell me you are talking about Pierre.

— Mike Commodore (@commie22) June 27, 2015

Hey #ShitStain, the blue jackets didn't draft Jack Johnson. Wake up.

— Mike Commodore (@commie22) June 27, 2015

Wild Fans Exhale: Devan Dubnyk Re-Signs with the Wild

View image | gettyimages.com

Crosses fingers. I think we don't have to worry about backup goalie Niklas Backstrom being in the mix next season., unless there's a lot of injuries. Or at least I hope we don't. The Wild have re-signed Devan Dubnyk. Wild fans can now exhale.

Per Michael Russo:

After three days of heavy-duty negotiation, the Wild has agreed to terms with the goaltender on a six-year, $26 million deal, sources say. That's a $4.33 million cap hit, making Dubnyk the 21st-highest paid goaltender in the game. He makes $5 million each of the first four years, $3.5 million and $2.5 million the last two. There is a limited no-trade clause for part of the deal.

"Like I said from the outset, he’s been very clear that he wanted to remain in Minnesota and we’ve been adamant about trying to keep him," GM Chuck Fletcher said. "We’ve been chasing stability in the goaltending position and we’re hopeful that Devan can be a steadying influence back there."

The deal almost certainly makes young goalie Darcy Kuemper expendable at some point. But at a $1.25 million salary and the Wild in the need of a backup this year, the time to trade Kuemper could come later in the season or next summer.

Update on Dubnyk contract: It's $26M for 6 for a 4.33M AAV. 20th highest-paid goalie. $5M per 1st 4 years, $3.5, $2.5 last 2

— Michael Russo (@Russostrib) June 27, 2015

Dubnyk's deal will have a limited no-trade for part of contract.

— Michael Russo (@Russostrib) June 27, 2015

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The Wild Are Going to the Gophers: Mike Reilly Picks Wild

If you're a Minnesota Gopher fan, you're probably really happy right now. The highly-sought free agent and former Minnesota Golden Gopher Mike Reilly had narrowed his choices down to four teams, the Wild, Blackhawks, Kings and Penguins were said to be in the running for Reilly's services. If you're  a Columbus Blue Jacket fan, you're probably not all that happy.  

Michael Russo, Russo's Rants -- The Mike Reilly sweepstakes are coming to an end this afternoon and unless something backfires, he will be signing with the Wild.

But in other much-anticipated news, sources tell me agent Pat Brisson is expected to call Fletcher this afternoon with the news that Reilly has chosen the Wild. He can not officially sign until Wednesday.

Again, unless something backfires (I keep saying that because Reilly's camp has not informed the Wild yet), Reilly is expected to agree to a two-year, $1.85 million deal (plus bonuses) with the Wild, sources say.

So, if you're a Wild fan that's not a Gopher fan, are there too many ex-Gophers on the Wild? I am sure that Drunk Hockey Guy will go out and buy a new Minnesota Wild jersey with Reilly's name on the back. :)

View image | gettyimages.com

More Flawed Logic

I am going to be here pointing out the flawed points about adopting the Sundogs nickname. I just found this little doozy. This is why I am no board with any of the other six nickname choices that aren't Sundogs.

There was an letter published June 25 in support of the name and logo of Sundogs for UND (Making the case for UND Sundogs," Page A4). I concur for the reasons stated, but additionally, Sundogs would provide perfect imagery for and connections with UND's membership in the Big Sky conference.

It's time for those associated with the university to turn the page and move forward with a new chapter. Those favoring just "North Dakota" are those who cling to using "Fighting Sioux," unofficially, forever.

Loyalties should be toward the institution, not imagery. Just look at all the high school consolidations and sports cooperatives that not only changed logos and mascots but also school colors as well. (Dave Davidson Sr., Devils Lake)

Grand Forks Herald Letter: The truth: UND, system officials wanted the name change

As you have nave noticed, I have been scanning the Grand Forks opinion page. Like one of my Facebook friends suggested, I am actually surprised that the Herald Editorial staff approved this letter. This letter was too big to post in it's entirely, so I posted the part that makes the point. Thoughts?

(Read the whole article at the Herald) That does not mean restoring the name and image. It means for the university and university system to tell the truth.

We faced so much deceit and deception for seven long years at the hands of the state's higher education system. We were not fighting the NCAA as much as the state's education system. We would have stopped fighting at any time if they were honest enough to say that they were the ones—not the Sioux—who wanted the name changed.

As they stated in four different courts, "the Sioux mean nothing." The Sioux fought hard and long for truth, honor and justice.

Choosing a new name without first telling the truth is just adding to the disgrace that has taken place at UND for more than seven years. The vast majority of alumni, North Dakotans and Sioux tribal members hold honor, integrity and respect at their very core. Sadly, the university administration today believes in none of that.

Cline is correct that in 2012, the state primary was 2-to-1 in support of dropping the name and image; but in January 2011, the citizens voiced their support by a 17-1 ratio.

As I wrote yesterday. This is why we must reject the Sundogs name. As long as the Sundogs name is still alive, there's a chance that UND ends up with this stupid nickname. A majority of UND fans, Students and Alumni reject this nickname.

In addition to the many good reasons Mario Solis presented in his recent letter to the editor for selection of the name Sundogs for UND, add this one: UND appears in the middle of the name—sUNDogs. I like the idea!
(Letter to the editor)

Margaret Williams,

Grand Forks

Let's Reject Sundogs Outright

This is the kind of thinking and logic that has to be rejected outright, or UNDWILL end up with the nickname like Sundogs.


It’s a letter to the Grand Forks Letter to the editor (LETTER: A case for the UND "Sundogs). If you want to read it, you can click on the link.

What should work to convince us all is a simple Google image search for Sundogs (I would use search tools to select only large images to really bring it home). Sundogs are beautiful displays of nature that are native to our winter lands. Their majestic appearance cannot be done justice by mere words. I urge Herald readers to examine the phantasmagoria.

There is also a wonderful fan-participation opportunity if we select the Sundogs. Sundogs appear in the winter because of the heavy presence of ice crystals in the atmosphere. Fans can play summoners of Sundogs by wearing blue (color of the sky) and/or bringing crystals to games.

In case Herald readers aren't convinced that Sundogs is the superior of the seven, I have one final proposition. Sundogs are generally formed by three lights, with our Sun at the center being flanked by two slightly smaller, slightly angled Sun illusions. These three lights could be named individually. As a way to provide an overlapping consensus, I propose that these dogs be named Nodak, North Star, and Hawkeye (or something with "Green").

Here come the sUNDogs!

Herald Letter: For UND's sake, let university adopt new nickname

I am sure that the Fighting Sioux supporters will be excited with this lecture. Does anyone want to bet this guy is also a supporter of the nickname Sundogs? It sounds like it. First, I don't think that anyone is suggesting that we go back to the Fighting Sioux nickname.

Also, there's no reason to just select a new nickname for the sole reason having a new one. This is why I caution the UND nickname committee to proceed carefully. Don't let the Paul Clines of the world dictate the terms moving forward.


(Link to the Letter)
In many ways, these past few years have been the time of political lost causes. In Washington, Republicans in Congress have tried unsuccessfully more than 70 times to repeal Obamacare. Likewise, it's impossible to watch Fox News for any length of time without someone bringing up Benghazi and Hillary Clinton.

Although the issue has been a GOP talking point for two years, it is a story that never gains traction, much to the tea party's dismay.

Closer to home, we have our own never-ending story: the Fighting Sioux nickname and logo. Despite gallons of journalistic ink, several court cases and a statewide vote to repeal the name that passed by a 2-to-1 margin, there is a segment of North Dakota society that cannot let go.

While I understand their frustration and can quote Eunice and David Davidson's arguments verbatim (that is how long this story has been around), there comes a time when clinging to one's sincerely held beliefs stops being a virtue and simply becomes a form of pride and idolatry.

I do not begrudge the other side their belief. They have fought long and hard for a cause they believe in deeply.

But I do resent their efforts to sabotage UND's future by erecting roadblocks in the process of choosing a new name. Despite their rhetoric, their actions show a profound animosity toward the institution they claim to support.

Continuing to compete as North Dakota would be acceptable if none of the other names were satisfactory. That is not the case.

The people of North Dakota voted to retire the nickname. It would take UND dropping out of the NCAA and another statewide vote to reinstate the name. Neither is going to happen.

It is wrong to block the future because of hard feelings over the past. It is time to move on.

Paul Cline, Grand Forks

Play the GM for an Hour

by Redwing77

Ok, I heard an ad for this segment on NHL radio on Sirius/XM and I was unable to catch this segment but it got me thinking.

Here's what the host challenged:  You are the GM of your favorite team for 1 hour in which you can make any ONE move, no strings attached.  What would it be?

The host stipulated that it could be a front office move, a trade, a buyout, a signing, or whatever realistically possible and rational (so, no "I'd trade my 2015 7th round draft pick for Jonathan Toews" nonsense).

Which team would it be and what would you do?

After following the Blackhawks this postseason, and I was Bowman, I'd go against the grain and try to keep Sharp and get rid of....  Bickell and Crawford.  Look, Bickell is the next Dave Bolland.  Yeah, he's nice to have but he wasn't really visible.  And with the emergence of Shaw, you don't need him.  And Crawford may have two rings now but he's the most mediocre ring-winner I've seen.  I'd trade Crawford and Bickell to Philly for one of their logjammed D prosects, a 2015 3rd round pick, and a conditional 2016 midround pick.  The Blackhawks now have taken two nobody goaltenders and turned them into Stanley Cup champions (Niemi and Crawford).  They can do the same with Raanta and Darling... or they could go out and sign Ramo or someone.  Who really cares.  It's plug and play.


As for my Wings?  Yeesh.  They need depth at forward and, imo, a top 4 defenseman.  I think I'd do something rash like.... win the lottery again and try to steal Dougie Hamilton away from the Bruins.  NHL Radio suggests that Edmonton could do this very thing but comon Dougie, Motown is better than Edmonton!

So, what would you do?

Tuesday Readers Poll: Your Pick for UND’s Nickname

Of the 7 remaining Nickname Selections, which one do you like?

Roughriders

Nodaks

North Stars

North Dakota

Fighting Hawks

Greenhawks

Sundogs

Poll Maker

Here's your chance to vote. Which nickname option do you like the most? Vote for your favorite choice.

Poll: Sundogs vs. Greenhawks

Would you support the nickname Greenhawks over Sundogs

yes

no

Poll Maker

First, I want to be clear. I am not endorsing the Greenhawks nickname, I am just throwing it out there. Also, if I have a choice, I would rather have UND or North Dakota as a nickname.

What about Greenhawks?

One of my facebook friends Traci Wald sent me this picture in a tweet yesterday.

Looking at all of the remaining options for a new nickname/logo, I actually think that Greenhawks could work. If you could design a logo similar to the one on the right, I could get on board with this. Imagine an all green logo that looks sort of like this.

Obviously, UND couldn't use this exact one because it's the logo of the Chicago Blackhawks, but something similar to this could work and would be acceptable. I have no idea how other UND fans would react to this, just throwing it out there.

People have asked me which option that I like the most. First, I can accept six-of-seven the remaining nickname options. In no way will I ever be able to get behind the Sundogs nickname, I think it's a bad idea. It's utterly unacceptable to me. Like I have said before, go back and look who is pushing the Sundogs logo.

@goon48 Not sure who made this one, but I could get behind this logo....Thunder Hawks?? pic.twitter.com/iM7JT38qfT

— Traci Wald (@WaldTraci) June 22, 2015

Gwoz to leave Lightning to pursue other opportunities

Per the Tampa Bay Lightning team page, former Denver head coach George Gwozdecky is moving on after spending two season with the Lightning.

Tampa Bay Lightning team release - Assistant Coach George Gwozdecky is leaving the Tampa Bay Lightning to pursue other opportunities, Vice President and General Manager Steve Yzerman announced today. Gwozdecky has been with the Lightning on head coach Jon Cooper's staff for two seasons, most recently helping the franchise to the 2015 Eastern Conference Championship and a berth in the Stanley Cup Final.

"Jon Cooper and I, along with the entire Lightning organization, would like to thank George and his family for giving us the past two years," said Yzerman upon making the announcement. "He helped turn a young, unproven team into the Eastern Conference Champions and we appreciate his professionalism and dedication."

Gwozdecky joined the Lightning on August 9, 2013 after serving as the head coach at the University of Denver for 19 seasons. At Denver, Gwozdecky won back-to-back national championships (2004, 2005) and was named National Coach of the Year twice (1993, 2005). He also served as head coach at Miami (OH) University for five seasons and his 593 collegiate wins as a head coach rank 11th all-time in the NCAA.

"I have fulfilled my obligation with the Tampa Bay Lightning and I am going to take some time away to consider my next career step," said Gwozdecky. "I would like to thank owner Jeff Vinik, GM Steve Yzerman, coach Jon Cooper and the entire Lightning staff for two very memorable years."

In two seasons with Gwozdecky as an assistant, the Lightning won 96 of 164 regular season games, making back-to-back playoff appearances. The team begins the 2015 offseason after losing the Stanley Cup Final in six games to the Chicago Blackhawks. En route to the Stanley Cup Final, the Lightning defeated the Detroit Red Wings, the Montreal Canadiens and the New York Rangers

It will be interesting to see where Gwoz ends up next.

HERALD LETTER: No greatness lost as Kelley leaves (Nickname Related)

I will let this one speak for itself. 

FORT TOTTEN, N.D. — I disagree with Mike Jacobs’ assertion that UND President Robert Kelley was cheated out of greatness. You can’t “cheat” anyone out of greatness. Greatness may be ignored and/or not acknowledged, as may be the case with Kelley.

And anyone who manages to get rid of 80-year-old racist college nickname is great in most people’s books. If anyone was cheated out of greatness it was the university by the people who opposed Kelley by attempting to obstruct him from doing his job. Furthermore, UND can be great if many people there shed their 19th-century way of thinking and follow leaders like Kelley.

Erich Longie

Herald Letter: Sundogs is the best nickname for UND

Yippy,Skippy! Another one for the Sundogs nickname.  Again, for those that are unfamiliar with what a Sundog is look to your right. 

In the November 17, 2007, edition of the Grand Forks Herald, I submitted my suggestion of Sundogs as the UND nickname.  Later, I officially submitted the name and I see that nickname is high on the list of remaining considered nicknames. Some folks may not know what a sundog  is and may not understand some ‘lore’ surrounding sundogs. So, I thought I’d clarify why I submitted the name.

Sundogs are a weather condition or phenomenon that can be noticed anywhere in the world.  They look  like rainbows or halos on either side of the sun and can be very, very bright.  When you see them, you can be astonished how their power, beauty and unique strength capture your attention.  There is nothing quite like them, and what a great set of images to be reflected in UND’s new nickname!

The scientific name of a sundog is a solar parhelia, which is really Greek (yup) meaning “beside the sun.” You can often see them on sunny afternoons about an  hour before sunset, and at sunrise around here. They appear when ice crystals form in the upper atmosphere (another reference to UND being in the upper atmospheres of education and athletics). The ice crystals bend the sunlight causing a reflected image of the sun to appear on one or both sides of the sun.  They can occur anywhere in the world (just like UND grads), but mostly appear in the western skies (again just like UND grads).

Some folklore has Native Americans interpreting the glowing light beside the sun to look like a dog, ready to leap through a ring of fire.  Other folklore says that they are a good indication that the observer will have good luck and many rewards with any travels.  More folklore has proven true in that sundogs still are a good indicator that weather conditions will change in the next day to day and a half  (meaning that when the Sundogs arrive for any competitions, things are going to change!)  

I still support the Sundogs nickname very much!  That idea — my idea — has a certain “bite” to it and it would give UND an identity that is entirely unique and powerful, with no strings attached.

Ralph Sollom

Bemidji