Goon's World

Friday, October 30, 2015

(Video Highlights): UND Beats UMN 4-3

Video

The University of North Dakota Women's team beat the No. 1 University of Minnesota 4-3. UND was led by Meghan Dufault (2g-1a—3pts) and Amy Menke (2g-0a—2pts). UND goalie Shelby Amsley-Benzie got the win in net and improved to (4-1-1).

UND vs. C.C. Forward Lines

North Dakota Forward Lines

9 Drake Caggiula (A) –8 Nick Schmaltz–16 Brock Boeser
29 Bryn Chyzyk (A) –27 Luke Johnson–14 Austin Poganski
19 Shane Gersich–10 Johnny Simonson–18 Chris Wilkie
26 Coltyn Sanderson–22 Rhett Gardner–11 Trevor Olson

North Dakota Defense Pairings

20 Gage Ausmus (C) –2 Troy Stecher (A)
28 Hayden Shaw–6 Paul LaDue (A)
24 Christian Wolanin–4 Keaton Thompson

North Dakota Goalies

30 Matt Hrynkiw
35 Ryan Anderson

Colorado College’s Tigers Forward Lines

14 Trey Bradley–9 Sam Rothstein–13 Cody Bradley
18 Hunter Fejes–15 Mason Bergh–28 Alex Roos
2 Trevor Gooch–10 Tanner Ockey–23 Matt Hansen
22 Peter Maric–11 Christian Heil–8 Luc Gerdes

Colorado College Tigers Defense Pairings

16 Teemu Kivihalme–20 David Radke
5 Cole McCaskill–27 Ben Israel
39 Andrew Farny–36 Jake Emilio

Colorado College Tigers Goalies

31 Jacob Nehama

33 Tyler Marble

30 Derek Shatzer

Officials: Refs: Gino Binda, Joe Sullivan Linesmen: Seth Mukai, Scott Staudte

Tucker Poolman out for UND tonight (lower body). Joel Janatuinen still out. Shane Gersich back in with Simonson, Wilkie.
— Brad E. Schlossman (@SchlossmanGF) October 30, 2015

NCHC Hockey: North Dakota and Omaha Lead the Way - https://t.co/zHPuYLlzR1 #hockey #THW pic.twitter.com/oNOy5N55OF
— The Hockey Writers (@TheHockeyWriter) October 30, 2015

CBC News: Jets won't ban Hawks fans from wearing headdresses

I found this story to be very interesting and thought provoking. The Winnipeg Jest aren't going to ban fans from wearing Indian headdresses. So they say... We will be following this to see how it plays out. So, if the Jets decided to start banning people from the arena for wearing head dresses, would they be violating a Canadian fan's freedom of expression?

Tiar Wilson, CBC News - The staff at MTS Centre in Winnipeg will be on the lookout for fake headdresses as they let fans in for the hockey game tonight between the Winnipeg Jets and the Chicago Blackhawks.

Headdresses are not banned, but if someone arrives wearing one, "We would have a conversation with them and we would make them fully aware of the ramifications of wearing that and the cultural ramifications of it," said Scott Brown, senior director of corporate communications for True North Sports and Entertainment, the Jets owner.

This past spring when the Jets last faced the Chicago team in Winnipeg, a Blackhawks fan sported a fake headdress in the stands. Jordan Wheeler, a longtime Winnipeg Jets fan and season ticket holder, filed a complaint with the Jets owner, True North Sports and Entertainment. He wanted the team to ban headdresses at hockey games.

Hum, I am thinking of a comparison here. Can you think of one?

A headdress is sacred to First Nations, worn by chiefs or those who have earned the right to do so.

Wheeler, who's Cree from the George Gordon First Nation in Saskatchewan, says no one — whether First Nations or not — should be allowed to wear a headdress to a hockey game, especially while carrying beer.

(s/t to the Hockey Writers)

Tigers Struggling

It’s well documented, in present times; the Colorado College Tigers have struggled mightily. The Tigers record under head coach Mike Haviland is (6-32-3, .241). That being said, I don’t think that Haviland should be the fall guy for the Tigers struggles. The last two seasons under Scott Owens, the Tigers went 25-43-11 (.380). So, the current slide was already in motion long before Haviland took the reins.

Let’s break this down further. Since the 2013-14 season, the Tigers have a 13-56-9 (.224) record. Under anyone’s definition, that’s not very good hockey. The Tigers haven’t made the conference tournament championship game since the 2012-13 season, where the Tigers would lose in the championship game to the Wisconsin Badgers. The Tigers haven’t made the NCAA tourney since the 2010-11 season, where they lost 2-1 to the Michigan Wolverines in the championship game of the West Regional.

Thursday, October 29, 2015

UND Women's Hockey: Time to Pack the Ralph

Two records have been set when the UND women have played the Gophers at the REA. This weekend, UND looks to set another women’s hockey attendance record when UND plays UMN is an important two-game WCHA series.

The single game record of 5838 was set on January 31, 2014. The series attendance record of 7691 was also set against the Gophers on January, 31 – February 2, 2014.

Sidney Crosby mired in Slump

Sidney Crosby is one of the best forwards in the world, but the Penguins superstar is having a tough go right now. In nine games, Crosby has scored (1g-2a—3pts). All of his points came in one game against the Florida Panthers. That's very unCrosby like. Everyone wants to know what's wrong with Sid.

Frank Seravalli, TSN -- Sidney Crosby does not have a point in eight of nine games this season, the first time that has ever happened at any point in his career - not just to start a campaign. His run with long-awaited supporting cast member Phil Kessel lasted just seven games.

Crosby, 28, has three points this season. They all came against the Panthers on Oct. 20.

So, what’s going on with Crosby?

“He’s got to be a little more selfish,” Penguins assistant coach Rick Tocchet diagnosed. “The one game when he had three points, he had nine shots. He’s got to attack the net more. I think he’s looking to pass the puck. He’s got to attack the net more. For me, you can’t play a perimeter game in the NHL.

Pens fans should also be concerned with Phil Kessel’s production (4g-1a—5pts), the forward only has two more points than Crosby. First, it's early, and there are 73 games left in the season. There's plenty of time for players to get hot.

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Down to Three Nicknames; Who Are You Voting For?

Every time I go on vacation or head to the hunting shack for some R&R, there's usually some form of breaking news. This weekend was no different. So, were playing catch up here.

Sunday, I was in transit when the nickname story broke. While I am at the shack, for the most part, I am offline, I don't normally take my computer with me. It's my time to get off the grid and do nothing. I did bring my iPad with me, but I didn't use it.

As most of you know, the University of North Dakota now has three final names to choose from. After holding a vote, the Sundogs nickname option has been added to the dustbin of history. For this, I am thankful. As we suggested, Sundogs wasn't a popular choice. Yet, it ended up being a choice for the voters to ponder.

Fighting Hawks: 6,960 votes; 31.20 percent
Roughriders: 4,687 votes; 21.01 percent
Nodaks: 4,571 votes; 20.49 percent
North Stars: 3,231 votes; 14.48 percent
Sundogs: 2,858 votes; 12.81 percent

As before, I will be voting for the nickname Fighting Hawks. No, UND won't be using the logo that some have passed around on the internet. The Chicago Blackhawks already own that logo. Second, it would probably never get past the anti-native American nickname crowd.

I am hoping that when the nickname vote is finally over, the University tasks Bennett Brien with designing UND's new logo. It would be the smart thing to do and it "could" help with the healing process.

I think Fighting Hawks the best option of three unattractive nickname choices. As a taxpayer in North Dakota, I am disappointed in the nickname choices the committee came up with. I think there were many good choices that weren't considered. That being said, I hold no ill will towards the nickname committee, they're solid people.

Finally, like my good friend Jackie, I am worn out. I am ready to move on, reluctantly, but nonetheless, I am ready to move on. I can accept any of the three remaining nicknames, but I would rather not be the UND Rough Riders, I think Rough Riders shows very little creativity. But in the grand scheme of things, it's a hell of a lot better than Sundogs, Flicker Tails, and North Stars.

In today's world, you have the right to not be offended. Eventually, someone is going to be offended by the Rough Riders nickname and we could end up back where we are right now.

Lastly, I am also tired of the fighting, finger-pointing, and name-calling among UND fans. We can't continue to be in a constant state of conflict. We're in this together.

Earlier this past month, I wrote this: and Puck Daddy quoted me.

I know I have said this 100 times. I love the Fighting Sioux nickname. I also realize that this fight should have taken place about 5-7 years ago. It seems like some have been late to the party. The Fighting Sioux nickname is gone and not coming back. If UND had refused to change the Fighting Sioux nickname, there's no way that UND would be able to host an NCAA regional.

… I am pro-Fighting Sioux nickname, I will always be. I am worn out with the argument surrounding the nickname. I am (reluctantly) ready to move on, I will vote for a nickname in October. That being said, I will always wear my Fighting Sioux gear with pride when the opportunity arises. Last Wednesday, I wore a golf shirt with the Fighting Sioux logo on it to the hockey presser. I didn't even realize I was wearing it. Just came out of the wash that way.

What will North Dakota’s new NCAA nickname be: Fighting Hawks, Roughriders or Nodaks? https://t.co/v11I8mdyDi
— Yahoo Sports NHL (@YahooSportsNHL) October 26, 2015

Monday, October 26, 2015

Fighting Sioux fatigue and the quest for a new nickname

Are you tired? Because I’m exhausted. For the past few years the University of North Dakota has been preparing itself for a transition from the Fighting Sioux moniker into a new nickname.

Before and during the transition period there have been multiple times when I’ve said several “unladylike” curse words in frustration. That time when the North Dakota legislative body thought it knew better than UND. An alumni who took out trade-names in an attempt to derail UND from using said names. The weak attempt at a lawsuit to stop voting from happening. The list goes on.

I knew the transition would be difficult, but I didn’t think it would come to the ridiculous lengths that it has to some extent. Admittedly, there were times that I was surprised at the lengths groups and individuals were willing to go. I will also admit that, although, I might not agree with any of the attempts to prolong this battle, I respect the passion and interest in fighting for what one believes in.

I’ve been ready to move forward since the state legislative body decided that, after UND had decided to transition, it would have to go back to using the Fighting Sioux nickname and logo. At that time, the university’s Athletics department was already running under the North Dakota moniker. In full disclosure, I worked in the Athletics Department as a student assistant at the time. It was more than frustrating. Since that time I have commonly said that I have Fighting Sioux Fatigue.

As I’m sure many of you have, I followed the new nickname and logo process. I was a participant in one of the ‘conversation cafes’ that was established by UND last year. I voted in the first round and will vote in the second (and third, heaven forbid that it comes to that).

I’m frustrated with the final name selections because I’m not convinced that they truly exhibit the findings that were outlined in the conversation cafés hosted to field what might be a good fit for a new nickname. The nickname selection committee was ultimately responsible for whittling down the massive list.

I foolishly believed that after the first vote I would be one vote away from moving toward closure. When news broke yesterday evening that there would be three, not two names on the next ballot, it was one of the first times I’ve felt truly betrayed by the process. I understand the rationale to some extent, but I wonder if it was the ‘right thing to do.’ Selecting three names to move forward went against the initial process that was outlined and could cause another vote, prolonging the agony.

Perhaps time and this process has broken me down a bit, but I have decided that I will learn to live with whatever is selected by the majority and that I will continue to support UND. And I truly believe that those of you that love UND as much or more than I do will continue to support the institution and athletics no matter what the final decisions is.

You will not, however, catch me wearing any Roughrider gear if that is what the fates allow.

Sunday, October 25, 2015

Over Paying Goalies

Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe has a great piece on overpaying goaltenders. Some in the Wild fanbase were uttering some of the same things when the Devan Dubnyk to six-year 26 million dollar contract. So far this season, Dubnyk is (5-1-0, with a 2.35 GAA and a .907 SV%).

Fluto Shinzawa, Boston Globe – The volatility of the position, however, might be enough for GMs Steve Yzerman and Ron Hextall to apply their money elsewhere.

Consider that the Avalanche, Bruins, and Blue Jackets are investing $20.325 million this season in Semyon Varlamov, Tuukka Rask, and Sergei Bobrovsky. In turn, the goalies are providing their employers with save percentages of .861, .854, and .840. They are wretched numbers that are more of a reflection of their teams’ ragged play than their individual performances. But none of the goalies have come close to approaching their previous standards. In Bobrovsky’s case, he helped Jackets coach Todd Richards lose his job.

Varlamov, Rask, and Bobrovsky are not this bad. Their numbers will improve. But the nature of goaltending — peaks and valleys, with defensive support playing a major role — does not make payment of a prime puck-stopper a sure thing.

The difference between a struggling, well-paid ace and an inexpensive backup is minimal when it comes to performance. But it’s a massive gap in cap allocations. In the case of Rask and Jonas Gustavsson ($700,000), it’s $6.3 million, or the price of a very good player.

It’s safer to invest big money and long term to skaters. They don’t have as many in-season variances in their play. Their performance also isn’t influenced as heavily by their teammates.

Nodaks Beat Catamounts 5-2

The announcers from Vermont called UND the Nodaks, maybe they know something we don't? Having watched the UVM video all weekend long, the video was top-notch and they could help a few of our NCHC brothers who don't have very good video production.

Saturday, October 24, 2015

A Goaltending Conundrum (RW77)

by Redwing77

Today, as I tediously tracked the Vermont score from the North Dakota iPhone App (I was with company and couldn't tune in), a viewer chimed in and remarked:

"Wouldn't it be interesting when Cam Johnson returns to be the third string goaltender."

I'm not sure this was tongue in cheek or serious, but let's pretend the poster was serious.

My response would be: A-wha?

There's no doubt in my mind that Matt Hyrnkiw has played fantastically and far exceeded EVERYONE'S (except perhaps the coaches and players) expectations. I will not take that away from him. I hope he continues to shine (He's now helped sweep Vermont).

That being said, he was brought in as a practice goaltender. The accurate statement would be "Wouldn't it be interesting to see the fans reaction when Matt goes from starter back to third stringer once Matej and Cam return?"

There is NO DOUBT in my mind that Johnson and Tomek are destined to be the feature goaltenders this season and Matt's career as a starter will last only until either Johnson or Tomek are once again at 100%. After all, 3 games started does not mean a goaltending controversy... especially when the goaltenders being usurped all all injured. This isn't Anthony Hammond usurping Robin Lehner and Craig Anderson here. Also, wins and ties against BSU and UVM are hardly quality wins. I'm curious how well the team would play if they were facing a lot tougher opponent... say a Denver, a UNO, or even a Miami (OH).

Like I said: This isn't to flame Matt or berate him in any way. It's just a plain fact.

I don't expect him to return to third stringer overnight, though. What Matt's play DOES do for UND is allow the trainers to bring Cam and Matej back to health fully before getting them on the ice. I wouldn't be shocked to see Matt start a game with Cam (or Matej, whomever is healthy first) as backup before ceding the starting role back to Cam or Matej (most likely Cam at this point).

Matt's a cinderella story. A very pleasant surprise. Surely we lucked out to have him as our #3 with the ability to step up under very unusual circumstances and step up in a big way.

Matt is destined for great things and I'm sure is living the dream as a starting goaltender for a top tier NCAA powerhouse hockey team. But he knows his role and he'll do whatever he can to fulfill that role.

I think the overall aftermath will be that you will see Hyrnkiw more than previously as primary backup for Johnson or Tomek (with one or the other taking a turn in the press box when healthy).

UND's Hrynkiw Shines in Second-Career Start

(s/t to Schlossman for the video) All week long, Matt Hrynkiw has been the story. It's a nice feel-good story. Everyone has been talking about the walk-on third-string goalie at the Wednesday hockey press conference.

Myself included.

Last night, Hrynkiw stopped all 27 shots that he faced, earning him a shutout. Hrynkiw looked good between the pipes.

As I tweeted last night, after three games, Hrynkiw now has a 2-0-1 record, a 1.66 GAA, and a .933 SV%. That's pretty impressive for a third-string goalie that was probably never expected to play and probably wouldn't have played if Cam Johnson hadn't gone down with an injury.

Now, Johnson might have to work very hard to regain his starting spot. Frankly, I have been more impressed with Hrynkiw than I have with Johnson. Obviously, that could change.

Friday, October 23, 2015

Northeastern No Goal against the Gophers

I see no reason why this isn't a goal. The Northeaster forward is not in the Minnesota crease before the puck is in the net. There doesn't appear to be any contact with the goalie. I think this is a blown call by the B1G officials. Your thoughts.

Northeastern looked like it scored a goal. Being reviewed. No goal call on the ice was for man in the crease. 3-0 #Gophers w/ 9:32 in 2nd
— Nate Wells (@gopherstate) October 24, 2015

Thursday, October 22, 2015

Flyers Unhappy with Zac Rinaldo's hit on Sean Couturier

Looks like Zac Rinaldo is trying to out do Rafi Torres and Matt Cooke. I am not sure that's possible. He's giving his all. No, this hit wasn't clean. There's no defending it. Will there be a suspension, the NHL hasn't made a decision on the hit yet.

Correction here. NHL didn't made a final decision on #bruins Zac Rinaldo.
— Renaud Lavoie (@renlavoietva) October 22, 2015

As a Bruins fan, I was disappointed when the team Acquired Zac Rinaldo from the Philadelphia Flyers. In 228 games, Rinaldo has scored (8g-16a—24pts). The oft-suspended forward has racked up an amazing 582 minutes in penalties. That’s the equivalent of Rinaldo spending almost 10 games in the penalty box during his first five seasons in the NHL.

In today's NHL, players like Rinaldo are a dying breed, there's will be no room on NHL rosters for the one-dimensional players that racks up penalty minutes and receives long-term suspensions for bad behavior. These players will soon be gone in the NHL.

In his short five-year NHL career, Rinaldo has also been suspended 14 games.

Jan 26, 2015 Suspended by the NHL for 8 games.
Apr 07, 2014 Suspended by the NHL for 4 games.
Feb 13, 2012 Suspended by the NHL for 2 games.
Feb 04, 2012 Fined $5,000 by the NHL.

Obviously, the Flyers aren't happy with the hit in question.

Sam Carchidi, Philly.com --- As the first period ended, former Flyer Rinaldo, his elbows up high, leveled Sean Couturier into the boards. It took Couturier a few minutes to get up, and he woozily skated to the locker room.

He did not return after suffering what general manager Ron Hextall called an upper-body injury.

Rinaldo, who had a penchant for bad penalties when he played with the Flyers, was assessed a five-minute major for charging and a game misconduct. He is expected to receive his fourth career suspension.

The Flyers head coach wasn't very pleased with Rinaldo's check on Couturier. From Philly.com Flyers coach Dave Hakstol was fuming about the hit. "No place for it," he said.

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Zac Rinaldo Hit on Sean Couturier

Boston Bruins forward Zac Rinaldo was given a five-minute major and a game misconduct for this hit on Philadelphia Flyers forward Sean Couturier. Needless to say, Rinaldo's first game against his old team only lasted on period and he played only 2:53 minutes.

I don't think that this hit is suspension worthy, but the league will definitely take a look at it. Couturier was not on the bench to start the second period.

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

T.J. Oshie Kisses His Stick

Oshie kisses his stick after scoring the 4th Caps goal, and his 3rd of the season pic.twitter.com/ew9wb8gjSO
— Stephanie (@myregularface) October 21, 2015

Classic T.J. Oshie... After scoring his third goal of the year and the fourth goal for the Capitals, Oshie kisses his stick.

UND Nickname Vote: Court denies request to stop UND nickname vote

The group that filed the lawsuit to stop the nickname vote has failed. I can't imagine that there can be anything thing else standing in the way of the nickname vote. And as I write this, somehow karma will find a way to screw up the nickname vote. Now, the court has spoken and wasted no time throwing out this lawsuit. What nickname do we end up with?

Anna Burleson, Grand Forks Herald – A Fargo judge has denied a request for a preliminary injunction that would have stopped the University of North Dakota's nickname vote. Court denies request to stop UND nickname vote.

Plaintiffs Lavonne Alberts, Rich Becker and William Le Caine requested in a complaint filed Thursday that the vote stop until UND or North Dakota are voting options and the state's Sioux tribes are included as eligible voters.

A judge denied the request Monday, citing a lack of evidence showing the vote would cause irreparable harm.

"We appreciate the decision of the courts," UND spokesman Peter Johnson said. "The voting process will continue, and we look forward to the results of the vote."

Becker, a Republican state representative from Grand Forks, said he had been told by legal counsel the case's hearing was short.

"We obviously will regroup and consider what our options are," he said.

I must say that I agree with Rich Becker. There really are some bad nickname choices. Some are worse than others. I also think it's silly to not vote. At least you can have a hand in voting against the less attractive nicknames. I am sure you can figure out which one on your own.

"It is so obvious these five names inspire nobody really and they're trying to make lemonade out of a lemon," Becker said. "It is what it is. We're disappointed but the sun will come up tomorrow and we'll see what we're going to do next."

UND Nickname Vote: Zach Parise Doesn't Care for Choices

Former Fighting Sioux All-American forward Zach Parise doesn't like any of the Nickname choices that are being voted on. He's not alone, a lot of voters have relayed these feelings. It will be interesting to see if move on folks will complain about Parise who is one of UND's most popular Alumni.

Per Paul Walsh, Startribune:

The University of North Dakota opened voting Monday for a new nickname, with the ballot offering five choices to replace Fighting Sioux, and former UND hockey star Zach Parise has weighed in.

That nickname was erased in 2012 under pressure from the NCAA because of its potential to offend American Indians. New nickname options are: Fighting Hawks, Nodaks, North Stars, Roughriders and Sundogs.

Parise, a member of the Minnesota Wild who proudly wore the Sioux name on his jersey, said Monday that he doesn’t care for any of the names on the ballot.

Monday, October 19, 2015

UND Votes

Just voted #NODAKS #FightingSioux 's beginnings pic.twitter.com/HpfJVKf2yf
— Tim Brubakken (@timbrubakken) October 19, 2015

Here's some of the tweets that came across my tweet deck today. The vote for a new nickname started today. What nickname did you vote for and why?

Votes in #Nodaks #undhockey #nodakhockey
— Ryan Dunphy (@azsioux) October 19, 2015

Nodaks, Nodaks, and more Nodaks...What nickname did you vote for? In your opinion, which nickname is the least lame. For me, it's Fighting Hawks, but I can stomach Nodaks and Rough Riders, too.

Nodaks it is. #UNDnickname #NodakNation
— Tom Mroz (@tom_mroz) October 19, 2015

Sad day. Just voted #nodaks for the new nickname. Please for the love of God, don't vote Sundogs #UNDnickname #fightingsiouxforever
— Dan Riley (@rile0151) October 19, 2015

Sundogs probably won't be a popular choice. Not seeing the nickname Sundogs tweeted a lot today.

To anyone eligible to vote for the new UND nickname, please vote the fighting hawks!
— Spencer C (@C1Spencer) October 19, 2015

Words of the only other person from my high school to go to UND on the Nickname vote: "It's the Monte Mohawks thing all over again." #truth
— Sara Folkestad (@saraj323) October 19, 2015

Notch another vote for #Nodaks.
— Steve Drees (@stevedrees) October 19, 2015

Not that I want a new nickname but from the list of names were given I gotta choose Nodaks. Go back to where it all started. #tradition
— Drake Caggiula (@drakecaggiula) October 19, 2015

So I have been successfully co-opted into the process. #Nodaks #newnickname pic.twitter.com/YejTjmkWn9
— Trevor Van Berkom (@OhioSioux) October 19, 2015

I voted #Nodaks but will still call them the Fighting Sioux.
— Brad Boyd (@NDBrad) October 19, 2015