Big Ten Freshman Proposal: Why Don't They Just Say It?

Here's an idea, why doesn't the Big Ten Hockey Conference and the Power 5 schools just come out and say it. We're tired of losing to the Mid Majors, and Division II and III schools. Here's another good read from Scott McLaughlin of WEEI out of Boston.

Scott McLaughlin, WEEI --- First year [at Notre Dame], we lost in the playoffs to Alaska-Fairbanks at home. I was knocking my head up against the wall trying to figure out why. And their average age was like 24 and ours was under 20. A lot of it has to do with how we recruit. When I was at Lake Superior, we recruited 19-, 20-year-old freshmen and it helped us win. It’s a true advantage. That’s how we had to recruit to win.

It’s a little different at Notre Dame for me. I can’t recruit 20-year-old freshmen because all the top academic students out there are long gone by the time they’re 20. I’m not going to say it’s self-serving, but it’s self-serving both ways. I’ve experienced both ways. I experienced it at Lake Superior State one way, and I’m experiencing it another way at Notre Dame.

Frozen Faceoff Trophy Making the Rounds, Again

The Frozen Faceoff trophy will be making the rounds again this season. UND fans will see the trophy on February 19-20, 2016. 

NCHC FROZEN FACEOFF CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHY TOUR SCHEDULE

Jan. 8-9: Omaha, Neb. (Denver at Omaha)

Jan. 15-16: Denver, Colo.  (Western Michigan at Denver)

Jan. 29-30: Colorado Springs, Colo. (Nebraska-Omaha at Colorado College)

Jan. 29-30: Oxford, Ohio (Denver at Miami)

Feb. 5-6: Duluth, Minn. (Colorado College at Minnesota Duluth)

Feb. 19-20: Grand Forks, N.D. (Minnesota-Duluth at North Dakota)

Feb. 19-20: Kalamazoo, Mich. (Miami at Western Michigan)

Feb. 26-27: St. Cloud, Minn. (Minnesota-Duluth at St. Cloud State)

Mar. 4-5: Let’s Play Hockey Expo in St. Paul, Minn.

T.J. Oshie Shootout Goal

Speaking of shootouts, Former Fighting Sioux All-American forward T.J. Oshie is pretty good at the shootout, too.

Okposo toe-drags Shootout Goal

I was watching this game last night between the Philadelphia Flyers and New York Islanders. Check out this sick goal by former Minnesota Gopher forward Kyle Okposo.

Big Ten vs. The Rest of College Hockey?

Adam Lambert of Puck Daddy has a really good article on the Big Ten's freshman proposal. This is what caught my eye. And I believe that Lambert is right, the big schools are tired of losing to the less prolific teams, that's it, the Big Ten teams don't like losing to Union, Providence, Yale and other like- minded schools.

That's it in a nutshell.

The proposal smacks of elitism. The high-profile teams are tired of losing to lessers fortunate schools that might have recruited a few older stronger players. Is that such a bad thing?

These same aforementioned schools don't have the advantages the high-profile teams have. They have to recruit players while the big high-profile schools can just select the players they want.

Ryan Lambert, Puck Daddy --- Which brings us back to Lucia, there was this Q&A with College Hockey News in which he basically said, repeatedly, that while he understands his opinion is not popular with his coaching peers, he also doesn't care because “they are looking out for their program, and I am looking out for mine.”

This is the kind of casual F-you attitude you can adopt if you have the political clout of the Big Ten — a big-money power conference in all sports, which makes it unique among college hockey conferences — and one you may necessarily feel must be adopted if your program is struggling for the second year in a row.

Ditto Michigan, which hasn't made the NCAA tournament since 2011-12. Ditto Michigan State, which hasn't cleared 20 wins since Obama got elected. Ditto Ohio State, which he been a .500 team just twice since 2009. Ditto Wisconsin, which has seven wins in its last 49 games. And ditto, I guess, Penn State, which is a new program but has the resources behind it to start attracting high-end players that others likely cannot.

If I had to guess the teams that are for this moronic proposal are UCONN (said as much in the article cited), BU, B.C., Notre Dame, Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, Michigan State, Ohio State, Penn State (said as much on the TPS show).  Who's the other program?

(Video) North Dakota vs. Denver Game Two

It was a complete weekend by the UND hockey team. The Fighting Hawks took it to the Denver Pioneers. They scored nine goals and gave up one. That's great defense.

After Saturday's game, head coach Brad Berry said that his team probably played their most complete game of the season. I think the argument could be made, that UND had a complete weekend. They played 120 minutes of great hockey and beat a very good hockey team. This is the same team that took four-of-six points from the Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs.

Besides the CBS Line, the player that stood this past weekend was Austin Poganski. I think he has a great upside. (Official Box Score)

NCAA Hockey: Video Review of Goals

This past Saturday, University of Denver's head coach Jim Montgomery challenged the UND's third goal. Montgomery felt that Brock Boeser was offside at the line when UND entered the zone. Video replay confirmed that Boeser wasn't offsides during zone entry and the goal counted. For those that are wondering, a coach can challenge a goal. If they get the challenge wrong, they will be charged a timeout.

Rule 93 - Video Replay

93.1 Video Replay - Video replay is permissible in any game. In order to reverse an on-ice ruling, the replay must include conclusive video evidence.

• To determine if a goal was scored as a result of an offside play. The opportunity for review exists during the time the puck entered the attacking zone illegally as a result of the offside infraction and until the puck leaves the offending team’s attacking zone.

93.6 Team Timeout Request - A team may use its timeout for the purpose of reviewing situations that are in the video replay criteria or a potentially non-detected goal. In order for a time out to be granted a coach must:

• Identify from the onset of the request that the timeout is forthe purpose of video review. A coach may not request a video review if the timeout is taken for another purpose. A coach may not stall in any manner prior to requesting the review.

• Identify the specific video replay criteria requested to be reviewed. If the challenge is successful, the team retains its timeout. If not overturned, team loses timeout. (Link to NCAA Ice Hockey Rules)

Brandon Prust on Spearing Brad Marchand

Vancouver Canucks forward Brandon Prust speared Boston Bruins forward Brad Marchand in the groin region at the end of Saturday's game. In other words, Marchand was on the wrong end of a cup check. Now, before you start cheering and say that Marchand had it coming. Imagine, if your favorite player had it done to them.

Spearing someone in the balls is bush league move, but it seems to be happening more and more. Apparently, the NHL isn't all that concerned with it either. Prust is getting off lightly with a $5,000.00 fine.

Prust was fined $5000.00 by the NHL for his dirty spear. Apparently Prust is fine with the league's sanction.

“Best money I've ever spent,” Prust said.

USCHO.com Division I Men's Poll

	Team	(First Place Votes)	Record	Points	Last Poll
1	Providence	(39)	11- 0-3	986	1
2	Quinnipiac	(10)	15- 0-2	951	3
3	Boston College		13- 1-1	898	2
4	North Dakota	( 1)	14- 2-2	867	4
5	Nebraska-Omaha		12- 3-1	771	6
6	St. Cloud State		12- 4-0	742	7
7	Harvard		6- 1-3	669	8
8	Massachusetts-Lowell		10- 3-4	629	5
9	Michigan		8- 2-3	555	12
10	Cornell		8- 1-2	514	15
11	Denver		7- 5-2	459	9
12	Boston University		8- 5-3	455	11
13	St. Lawrence		9- 4-2	363	13
14	Bowling Green		9- 3-5	325	14
15	Yale		5- 4-2	300	10
16	Penn State		10- 2-3	276	19
17	Minnesota-Duluth		7- 5-3	252	17
18	Notre Dame		8- 4-4	182	20
19	Merrimack		6- 4-4	141	16
20	Minnesota State		8- 6-4	60	NR
Others receiving votes: Michigan Tech 46, Robert Morris 23, Rensselaer 21, Holy Cross 7, Alaska-Anchorage 4, Michigan State 4.

 

After sweeping Denver this past weekend, UND remains in fourth place. So far, there are still two teams that remain undefeated.

Fighting Hawks Nickname Booed at the REA

As I mentioned last night. It probably doesn’t happen very often, but when public address announcer Darrin Looker announced that Fighting Hawks were at full strength, the UND faithful booed the announcement. The same thing happened again, on no less than six different occasions. Seriously, the fans booed their new nickname the Fighting Hawks. The hometown fans followed up their disdain for the new nickname with chants of Sioux forever and let’s go Sioux chants.

I guess that some traditions don’t just fade away with a couple of votes.

While the UND fans were unhappy about their new nickname, the play of the home team gave the fans something to cheer about. And cheer they did.

The boos from fans were definitely heard by the players.

“Yeah we could hear it,” UND senior forward Caggiula said. “That’s all I can say about it.”

Yeah, I heard them,” UND sophomore goalie Cam Johnson said. “I actually like that. I was laughing at first.”

Pioneers vs. Fighting Hawks, and Links

It would appear that UND freshman forward Shane Gersich is in the proverbial dog house. Tonight, the Pioneers go with Tanner Jaillet. In his last three starts, UND goalie Cam Johnson is (3-0-0, 1.74 GAA, .937 SV%).

Drake Caggiula Relishes Series with Pioneers - https://t.co/EGVmfaYa3s #hockey #THW pic.twitter.com/n5pmMyXRzs

— The Hockey Writers (@TheHockeyWriter) December 5, 2015

VIDEO: This would be evidence UND hockey fans are not taking to new nickname https://t.co/i9jt1ytI0t

— Mike McFeely (@MikeMcFeelyWDAY) December 5, 2015

UND vs. DU, Game 1 Lines

Game one between the Fighting Hawks and the Pioneers. For the most part, UND is healthy, Matej Tomek remains sidelined.

There's some good news for UND fans. Todd Anderson will not be reffing this game tonight.

(Video) Jordin Tootoo vs Brad Malone

If you're a third or fourth player line in the NHL, you will do anything to stay in the lineup. I just hope that former UND Fighting Sioux forward Brad Malone is ok. By the way, Malone scored Carolina's only goal of the night.

P.A. Parenteau's Embellishment on Marco Scandella Hit

Wow, P.A. Parenteau's acting job on the Marco Scandella hit was worthy of an Academy Award. Parenteau should be ashamed of himself. Also, I would hope that the NHL will look at Parenteau's embellishment and give him a warning and or a fine, depending on how many infractions Parenteau has had this season.

(Video) Maple Leafs goal overturned by Jets challenge

Wow! Toronto Maple Leafs forward Nick Spaling thought that he'd scored a good goal, but that wasn't the case. In my opinion, this was a blown call. I believe that if the defender is pushing the oppostion players into the goalie, the play should count on the score sheet. Thoughts?

TPS Asks Guy Gadowsky About Big Ten's Freshmen Proposal

Over on the Pipeline show Guy Flaming asked Penn State Nittany Lions head coach Guy Gadowsky his thoughts on the Big Ten freshmen proposal. Here's the link to the broadcast.

Gadowsky said, "this discussion came out of the Big Ten meetings. It came out of the discussion on the growth of the game."

Somehow, Gadowsky thinks that this proposal will help grow the college hockey game.

@TPS_Guy hard to believe 80% of coaches would be so vocally against something that will be "best for college hockey/athletes/expansion."

— Brad Lucke (@blucke_) December 3, 2015

2018 WJC in Buffalo, With a Possible Outdoor Game

Buffalo expected to host 2018 World Junior Hockey Championship, with possible outdoor game. https://t.co/Rp58bWCD8c pic.twitter.com/GIyrPoPlFc

— theScore (@theScore) December 3, 2015

This is getting silly. Now, they want to take one of top sporting events in hockey and make it a spectacle. Why, ruin something that is already awesome. In my opinion, there are way too many outdoor games. In all levels of hockey.

Why not just have all the game use the 3-on-3 format, too?

MT @Buccigross Hearing reason WJC news conference is at Ralph Wilson Stadium is CAN/USA game will be played outdoors pic.twitter.com/7LOGdzppt0

— Mike Eidelbes (@INCH) December 3, 2015

Blast from the Past: UND Beats DU in the 2011 Final Five

It seems like yesterday. On Saturday, March 19, 2011, at Xcel Energy Center, the University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux defeated their bitter rivals the Denver Pioneers 3-2 in double overtime. With the win, UND won the WCHA playoff title and the auto bid to the 2011 NCAA tourney.



The game was tight. UND was outshot by the Pioneers, but Aaron Dell held down the fort for the Fighting Sioux. The game would go to two overtimes.

And then at the 5:11 mark of the second overtime, Matt Frattin picked up a rebound off of Chay Genoway and deposited the puck in the net. Game over!

DU vs. UND, College Hockey's Hatfields and McCoys

I was checking out youtube.com today and found few blasts from the past. This week, UND plays their heated rival, the Denver Pioneers. Ironically, this will be UND first series against the Pioneers as the Fighting Hawks. Under the new nickname, UND is 3-1-0.

While George Gwozdecky is gone, the Pioneers and the Fighting Hawks still hate each other. As of Late, the Pioneers have probably become UND's top rival. The players from both teams look forward to playing in this series.

Some will ask, why is this series so heated? Well, there have been a lot of high-stakes games between the two teams.

During the 2010-11 season, UND beat DU 3-2 (2ot) in the Final Five and then turned around and beat DU 6-1 in the NCAA regional the next weekend.  Last season, UND lost to DU in the third-place game of the Frozen Faceoff 5-1. I imagine UND might be looking for a little payback.



This is by far the oddest thing that I have ever seen happen in a college hockey game. Gwoz was thrown out of the game and then walked across the ice to talk to the officials. After being tossed from the game, Gwoz was caught in the press box communicating with the DU bench.



Lately, there hasn't been a lot of after the whistle stuff between the two teams. Honestly, I don't' think you're going to see any of the big scrums or fights after the whistle this weekend. There's way too much to lose and no-one wants to get thrown out of the game and suspended for the next game. Fighting in hockey is kind of going the way of the dodo bird.

When the Fighting Hawks play the Pioneers you will see some good up and down the ice action. Both teams have very active defense and this weekend's series should be exciting.



For some reason, on-ice official Todd Anderson has officiated a lot of the UND vs. DU series. For whatever reason, whenever he's reffed the DU vs. UND series, it has been like throwing gas on the fire. There was going to be some action on the ice.

Nick Seeler Suspended One Game by the Big Ten for Dirty Elbow

The Big Ten has assessed Minnesota's defenseman Nick Seeler an additional game for his flying elbow on t. Cloud State's Niklas Nevalainen. In my opinion, this suspension should be longer, I would like to see him gone for the series against the OSU Buckeyes. Seeler, get's off easy with a one-game suspension.

These are the types of hit's that hockey is trying to eliminate. Why not make an example out of Seeler?

#Gophers defenseman Nick Seeler has been suspended one game for his hit on SCSU's Nick Nevalainen https://t.co/6hU5erHxab

— FOX Sports North (@fsnorth) November 30, 2015