UND Hockey: UND Sweeps UMD With 2-0 Win

The UND hockey team started the National Collegiate Hockey Conference schedule on the right foot by sweeping the Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs (4-2 W, 2-0 W) at Amsoil Arena. Saturday night, UND played disciplined hockey, taking two minor penalties and only giving the Bulldogs third-ranked power play one opportunity. 

Saturday's game was a typical NCHC conference matchup. It was a meat grinder. There was some heavy hitting and not a lot of room to roam. I thought UND's defense limited the Bulldogs offensive opportunities and they didn't get a lot of good looks. When the Bulldogs were able to get a shot on net, Ludvig Persson was solid in the net. 

Speaking of the Persson. In 10 games, Persson has a (7-2-1 record, 1.90 GAA, and a .925 save percentage). He also has two shutouts. He's also been the NCHC goalie of the week three times. He was also the NCHC goaltender of the month for October. 

Saturday, there wasn't a lot of scoring, but it was enough to send the Hawks back down Highway 2 with smiles on their faces. Love the Tweet from the UND SID Alec Johnson.  

Can't spell Bulldogs without two L's. #UNDproud | #LGH pic.twitter.com/0QpZl5Z0nC

— North Dakota Hockey (@UNDmhockey) November 12, 2023

Senior forward Louis Jamernik V had a pretty good weekend for UND. He scored his first and second goals of the season against the Bulldogs. Saturday, Jamernick scored his second goal of the year at the 7:38 mark of the first period. That was also his first power play marker of the year. Jamernik has now scored in three straight games against the Bulldogs. 

🎵 Louis, Louis! 🎵#UNDproud | #LGH pic.twitter.com/d2YVYThTZA

— North Dakota Hockey (@UNDmhockey) November 12, 2023

Perusing social media and the message boards, some have said that Riese Gaber has taken a step back this year. Gaber put all of that to bed with his fifth goal of the season. His goal gave UND a 2-0 lead. On Saturday, Gaber had his third multi-point game of the season.

A thing of beauty!#UNDproud | #LGH pic.twitter.com/MRBRrro6en

— North Dakota Hockey (@UNDmhockey) November 12, 2023

Controversial Call Late? 

With 4:06 remaining in the game, UMD Darian Gotz was assessed a five-minute major and a game misconduct for contact to the head. Many in the Bulldog fanbase and the UMD hockey media disagreed with the call. You can watch the video below and decide for yourself. 

FINAL: North Dakota 2, Minnesota Duluth 0.

UMD winless in its last six games (0-5-1).

Bulldogs forced to kill a questionable major penalty for the final 4:06 after the "hit" went uncalled on the ice. I'll have more on that in my game story later.

— Matt Wellens (@mattwellens) November 12, 2023

The explanation given to the News Tribune by the NCHC was Gotz’s elbow extended and made contact with the chin of Johannes. Sandelin said he was told by the officials the review was “definitive.”

You can look at the video and decide for yourself. If your team is trying to get back into the game, don't make that play. It was unnecessary and ended up hurting the Bulldogs in the end. 

pic.twitter.com/bwJhi0X4VC

— CJ Fogler account may or may not be notable (@cjzero) November 12, 2023

 

This team is a lot more confident than last season. There's a very different attitude in the UND locker room this season. To quote Brad Elliot Schlossman, "This team is pretty good." I would agree, defensively and offensively. 

"We're a confident group," Gaber told the media after the game. "We've got a lot of weapons. We showed that this weekend. We're just going to keep going and doing our thing."

All you have to do is look at the stats to see this team is doing a lot better on the ice.  It starts with the defense and goaltending. 

UND is ranked 7th nationally in save percentage .922, and 11th in goals against. Through ten games, UND is the top-ranked defensive team in the NCHC. Again, yes, it's early. 

They're playing more disciplined, they're 15th nationally in Penalty Minutes. They're ranked 3rd nationally in shorthanded goals scored.

Speaking of things that make me smile, I re-read Bruce Ciskie's pre-season predictions and it seems he underestimated the UND hockey team. I know it's early, but the eight D-men in question have performed pretty well against a really tough schedule. 

In four games against UND, Grand Forks native Cole Spicer has yet to record a point against the hometown team. Obviously, he's got a few more kicks at the can, but it's something that I noticed. 

UND has won five straight games at Amsoil Arena. That's a feat that hasn't been accomplished since November 29, 1968. 

UND Beats UMD 4-2 In Duluth (Highlights)

The fourth-ranked University of North Dakota hockey team began their NCHC conference schedule on the road at 18th-ranked Minnesota-Duluth. Entering Friday's game, the Hawks had a 4-2-0 in the last six games against the Bulldogs. Recently, UND has experienced some success at Amsoil Arena winning three straight games.  

At the 9:03 mark of the first period, Jayden Perron would give UND a 1-0 lead. Assists Cameron Berg and Hunter Johannes. That was Johannes's first assist of the season.

Can't leave him all alone in front and expect good things to happen. #UNDproud | #LGH pic.twitter.com/IZsphHccOc

— North Dakota Hockey (@UNDmhockey) November 11, 2023

At the 11:06 mark of the first period, UND would take a 2-0 lead with a goal from d-man Logan Britt forwards Owen McLaughlin and Bennett Zmolek picked up assists on the goal. That's goal number two for Britt.

Wheel, snipe, celly. #UNDproud | #LGH pic.twitter.com/gXRSvOeMDn

— North Dakota Hockey (@UNDmhockey) November 11, 2023

At the 18:03 mark of the first period, senior forward Louis Jamernik V would give UND a comfortable 3-0 lead with this beautiful goal. Jackson Kunz with the assist. The Bulldogs would challenge the goal for a high stick but were unsuccessful. 

Analytics say to never bunt, but this has to be the exception. #UNDproud | #LGH pic.twitter.com/RLlrIi4ff5

— North Dakota Hockey (@UNDmhockey) November 11, 2023

UMD would finally get on the board at the 12:13 mark of the second period, Bulldog forward Luke Loheit would score a power play marker to cut into UND's lead.  That was goal number three for the graduate forward. Assists, Quinn Olson and Ben Steeves. Score 3-1 UND.

Let's take another look at Loheit's power play goal!

(and whatever happened after...🤷)

3-1 UND | #UMDvsUND | #BulldogCountry pic.twitter.com/XbVK6pGNLn

— UMD Men's Hockey (@UMDMensHockey) November 11, 2023

At the 14:54 mark of the third period, UND was on the power play, and UMD forward Cole Spicer had a chance to score shorthanded, but he was denied by senior UND goalie Ludvig Perrson. This would prove to be a big-time game-saving stop.

🚫🚫🚫#UNDproud | #LGH pic.twitter.com/qZ0iciH4kj

— North Dakota Hockey (@UNDmhockey) November 11, 2023

The Bulldogs would make things interesting. At the 14:44 mark of the third period, Anthony Menghini scored his third goal of the year to cut UND's lead to 3-2. Assists, Joey Pierce, and Aaron Pionk.  It was definitely a lucky bounce, a UND defenseman blocked a shot and it ended up on the Bulldog player's stick, and ended up in the back of the UND net. Score 3-2 UND.

The Bulldogs have got some fight in them!

Freshman Anthony Menghini ceases the opportunity and scores his third of the season🤩

3-2 UND | #UMDvsUND | #BulldogCountry pic.twitter.com/bTcIIWsTh5

— UMD Men's Hockey (@UMDMensHockey) November 11, 2023

UND would get a power play in the waning seconds of the game, and UND would smartly cash in. At the 19:21 mark of the third period, UND forward Cameron Berg would ice the game with an unassisted power play goal. Final Score: UND 4 UMD 2. 

While UND might have let the Bulldogs back into the game, they were able to gut out the win. It wasn't pretty, but it's still a win and a great start to NCHC play. UND has now won four straight games at Amsoil Arena. 

Big three points to begin @TheNCHC play!#UNDproud | #LGH pic.twitter.com/ibIFo5Xit4

— North Dakota Hockey (@UNDmhockey) November 11, 2023

UMD Bulldog Luke Bast Faces Off Against His Former Team

On Thursday, I was listening to the UND hockey podcast and Brad Schlossman brought up an interesting fact: in the coming weeks, a few UND players will be playing against their former teams. There will also be a few former UND hockey players, playing with their new team against UND. 

Up first, Minnesota-Duluth d-man Luke Bast, who played at UND for two seasons. Bast entered the NCAA Transfer Portal after the 2022-23 season.  This is what Bast had to say during this week's UMD media day. 

“You have to outwork them,” Bast told the media in Duluth, who has two goals nine games into his career as a Bulldog. “At the end of the day, are we going to win with all our talent? Are we going to out-skill teams? Probably not, which is fine. The thing that we got is we got a group that's willing to win and do the little things that are going to win. You see it in the long run. Past teams here, you look at the roster, and you might not think that they're going to be great or whatever, but they come together as a group and they do what it takes to win."

Another Comment From Bast that caught my attention was this: 

"I was actually on the phone with my dad, a couple days ago, and he was talking to a fellow father from North Dakota," Bast said. The fellow UND hockey father said, hey, 'what would you rather do? Fly on a chartered plane and not play or get left behind? Or would you rather fly commercial and play every night?' 

Bast continued, "That was interesting. I think you take the commercial flight and you play every night. I think you'll have a lot more fun, and your college experience will be a hell of a lot better than staying home; rather than flying on a chartered plane."

Future Matchups 

As I mentioned, this week, it's Bast facing off against his former team, UND. Next week, Ludvig Persson and the Fighting Hawks will take on the Miami RedHawks in Oxford, OH. On January 12-13, 2023, Cameron Berg will take on his former team the Omaha Mavericks. The following week, on March 19-20, 2023, UND will take on former forward Nick Portz and the St Cloud State Huskies. Finally, UND will take on Matteo Costantini and the Western Michigan Broncos on March 1-2, 2023. 

The Transfers

 

Here's how the six former UND hockey players have faired this season. 

Luke Bast, UMD, nine games (2g—0a—2pts) even

Nick Potz, SCSU, seven games (1g-1a—2pts) even

Brent Johnson, OSU, five games (3g-1a—2pts) minus-one

Cooper Moore, QU nine games, (0g-3a—1pts) plus-five

Matteo Costantini, WMU, six games, (3g-3a—3pts) plus-six he has two multi-point games.

Jakob Hellsten, UNH, four games, (2-1-1, GAA 1.24, and a .939 save percentage)

This week, Bast was on the Bulldog Postcast with Matt Wellens. 

Bulldog Insider Podcast: UMD junior defenseman Luke Bast prepares for reunion with North Dakota, shares what he really thinks of the Red Pepper

Listen here or wherever you get podcasts: https://t.co/pgfopInjDj

— Matt Wellens (@mattwellens) November 9, 2023

History Made: Jackson Blake's Goal Helps UND Break a 33-Year Drought

In his 47 games with the UND hockey team, sophomore forward Jackson Blake has scored 22 goals and 52 points. On Saturday night, Blake's 22nd career goal proved to be an important, historic goal. With Blake's overtime marker, the UND hockey team broke a 33-year drought. The UND hockey team hadn't won against BU in Boston since March 16, 1990. That streak is over! 

The Goal in Question 

Twenty seconds into Saturday's 3-on-3 overtime, UND forward Jackson Blake moved up the right side took a feed from Owen McLaughlin entered the BU zone cut in front of the Terrier goalie Mathieu Caron, and scored an overtime winner to give UND a 5-4 win. Blake's goal helped UND salvage a series split against the highflying Boston University Terriers. That was the second career overtime goal of Blake's career. His goal was a thing of beauty, his celly was even better. Right in front of the BU bench. 

That’s absolutely filthy. https://t.co/DBVHclyQu3

— Eric J. Burton (@goon48) November 5, 2023

"To come in here and win on a Saturday night is so big for us," Blake told the Grand Forks Herald. "We have a lot of transfers and freshman, so to get their first road experience with us is huge. Getting a win on Saturday, there's nothing better."

Here are a couple of stats from the UND hockey SID Alec Johnson. 

• First, as mentioned above, the UND hockey team hadn't beaten BU in Boston in 33 years. 
• UND snapped a six-game winless streak against Boston University dating back to 2012. 
• With the win, UND improved to 13-12-2 all-time against Boston University and 5-8-1 in Boston. 
• UND is 8-4-1 against BU in a city not named Boston. 
• Finally, Blake recorded his 16th game with multiple points in his career and his fourth three-point night 

Charlie McAvoy Should Expect a Call From the NHL's DoPS

Monday in Boston, at the 09:28 mark of the third period, Boston Bruins D-Man Charlie McAvoy was given a 5-minute match penalty for this hit on Oliver Ekman-Larsson. It was an unnecessary, dirty hit, there was no reason for this hit. For his efforts, McAvoy will probably get at least a one or two-game suspension. Luckily, it didn't cost the Bruins the game. 

Charlie McAvoy can expect a call from Player Safety tomorrow... maybe he should plan a short vacation, say, 3-4 games or so.

Match penalty for the hit. Suspension should be incoming.pic.twitter.com/CdWzQnVq6a

— Scouting The Refs (@ScoutingTheRefs) October 31, 2023

The Bruins were able to kill the penalty and rallied for a 3-2 win in overtime. Bruins forward Pavel Zacha scored the game-winning goal at the 3:36 mark of overtime. What a beautiful goal by Zacha.

Pavel Zacha wins it in overtime for the Bruins. pic.twitter.com/n13FiVVcgU

— Conor Ryan (@ConorRyan_93) October 31, 2023

UND head coach Brad Berry; 'Sweep or Workout'

The UND hockey team is a storied program, and a very high standard has been set. Fans expect conference and national championships. The UND coaching staff has set a very high standard for their players. Weekend home series are expected to end in sweeps, when they don’t sweep there’s a consequence.

“We have a thing here where we do post-game workouts, coach Berry said. “If we don’t sweep, you get swept, you only win one game – you have to do a workout. If you sweep you don’t have to do a workout. it. At the end of the day, I said to the guys, the standard is the standard, we’re going to get in the weight room, and we’re going to work out.”

While a win and a tie against a top opponent is a good weekend; however, it’s not the standard at UND. Following this weekend’s win and a tie, the Hawks were back in the weight room doing a workout.

“They’re in there right now,” Berry said. We didn’t lose this weekend. We won and we tied. We always talk about the standard is the standard and the standard is sweep. You don’t have to work out. I think there was disappointment. I asked the guys I opened it up to them. The guys said they’re teed off. They’re disappointed. That’s good. I think that’s great. It was a lost opportunity that we didn’t, didn’t get the closeout for a sweep this weekend. That tells you that the guys are thinking about the standard or want to get to that standard. I think that’s good to have that kind of teed-off mentality and know that we didn’t get two wins instead of a win and a tie.

 

UND Graduate Forward Hunter Johannes is Turning Heads

This season, if you have watched the UND hockey team play, you will have noticed number 28, Graduate Forward Hunter Johannes. After five games, Johannes is UND's leading goal scorer. He scored UND's first goal of the season, a shorthanded goal. Two of his four goals are shorthanded goals, that also leads UND.  Are you noticing a theme here? Johannes is finding ways to get it done. 

Friday night, entering the second period, UND held a comfortable 4-0 lead over Minnesota State.  At the 9:55 mark of the second period, Johannes would score his fourth goal of the year, to give UND an even more comfortable 5-0 lead. 

This guy just loves scoring goals! #UNDproud | #LGH pic.twitter.com/nQ8qqYwjj5

— North Dakota Hockey (@UNDmhockey) October 28, 2023

                  

In the post-game press conference, I asked UND head coach Brad Berry if he expected Johannes to be leading the team in goals after five games? 

"Probably didn't think it early on, Berry said. "When he came in here (last January) ... he played at Lindenwood.  He scored against all of the good teams. He scored against us, Denver, Minnesota. He scored against a lot of good teams. So, it's not surprising. The other thing that's not surprising is his work ethic and how he plays so fast.  He makes other teams turn pucks over and he is powerful. When you put all that together, recipe for having a good start."

Johannes works hard in practice and in the weight room. His efforts have shown up in the box scores as goals. That's a good way to stay in the lineup. 

"He's a worker in the weight room," Berry said. "I think he was a guy growing up that never got a lot of accolades or a lot of attention. He's out to prove to people that he can play and that he's doing a good job."

Flyers Rookie Bobby Brink Scores His First Two NHL Goals

What an amazing night for Philadelphia Flyers Rookie Bobby Brink who scored his first and second NHL goals against the hometown Minnesota Wild. 

At the 9:52 mark of the second period, Brink would score his first career goal on the power play to give the Flyers a 3-0 lead.

Now you're gonna get your first @NHL goal, Bobby! #MINvsPHI | @BobbyBrink19 pic.twitter.com/OKjiIe4JON

— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) October 27, 2023

His head coach John Tortorella congratulated him on the bench.

We love a proud Torts. 🧡🖤#MINvsPHI | #LetsGoFlyers pic.twitter.com/E58bF05ctr

— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) October 27, 2023

Brink wasn't satisfied with scoring one goal, at the 11:02 mark of the third period, Brink scored his second career goal to give the Flyers a 5-2 lead. 

Brink kept pushing, in the waning moments of the third period, he almost scored his third goal of the game.

Scoring is so nice, @BobbyBrink19 decided to do it twice. #MINvsPHI | #LetsGoFlyers pic.twitter.com/sesRFT1Yj6

— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) October 27, 2023

In six games during the 2023-24 season, Brink has scored (2g-2a--4pts). 

Finally, Brink was voted the first star of the game. 

Bruins Rookie Matthew Poitras Outshines Blackhawks rookie Connor Bedard in Head-to-Head Matchup

Connor Bedard Who? 

On Tuesday night, the Boston Bruins played the Chicago Blackhawks on ESPN. All game long, the play-by-play announcer Sean Sean McDonough and his broadcast partner went on, and on about how great Connor Bedard is. It would have been a good drinking game; every time Bedard's name is mentioned, take a drink. You would've been bombed by the end of the second period. It was annoying. 

Yes, Bedard is a good player, but he might even be the best rookie in the NHL. There are other rookies in the NHL with a lot of talent, i.e., Matthew Nies, Loagan Cooley, and Matthew Poitras. 

While the ESPN announcers were foaming at the mouth about Bedard, Bruins Rookie Matthew Poitras scored his third goal in his last two games. With that goal, Poitras has (3g-1--4pts) the same amount as the points as Blackhawks rookie Bedard (2g-2a--4pts). How about a little more balance in your broadcasts. 

THE KID CAN FLY 💨 pic.twitter.com/vI2wCXWhYA

— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) October 25, 2023

UPDATE: In the rookie scoring race. Bedard is tied with Poitras and Arizona Coyotes Rookie Logan Cooley. 

UND Struggles on the Power Play

Last season, the UND power play ended the season ranked second in the nation, ironically, behind this week’s opponent Minnesota State. Last season, UND was a juggernaut on the power play, they scored 27.3 percent of their power plays. This season it’s a different story. Early on, the UND hockey team has struggled on the power play. 

Through four games, UND’s power play is ranked 54th nationally, and has scored a single power-play goal, and is currently sitting at 5.6 percent. While UND isn’t satisfied with their power play, the coaching staff isn’t going to panic UND captain Riese Gaber isn’t worried about the power play.

“I don’t think it’s anything, just chemistry, Gaber said after Friday’s game against Minnesota. “Like I said, we’re all good players and capable of making plays, it’s just not clicking right now, but I’m confident that we’ll get clicking.”

From the interesting fact department; UND’s next opponent sits just below UND and is ranked 55th nationally on the power play. You have to think that both teams will eventually figure it out.

From the fun fact department, UND has scored more short-handed goals than they have power play goals. To date, UND has scored two short-handed goals, that's tied for second nationally. Hunter Johannes has scored both short-handed goals for UND.  (Link to More)

Johannes gets us rolling again! #UNDproud | #LGH pic.twitter.com/CSA17ZJZs2

— North Dakota Hockey (@UNDmhockey) October 14, 2023

Highlights From Minnesota vs. North Dakota Game 2

On Saturday night, the University of North Dakota Hockey split their weekend series with the Minnesota Gophers (0-4 L, 2-1 W). Here are some highlights from Saturday's game. It was a much better effort for UND on Saturday night. 

Gophers Break Through with a Goal

 

The Gophers would get one back with a goal from Jaxon Nelson. That's all the scoring we would have. UND would hold on in the end to take game two of the series against their Big-Ten foe Minnesota.  With the win, UND improved to 3-1. Up next the Minnesota State Mavericks. 

📢 Jaxon Nelson gets the Gophers within 1.#MidcoSports | @GopherHockey pic.twitter.com/PgLf6xDiQa

— Midco Sports (@MidcoSports) October 22, 2023

Jake Livanavage Scores His First Collegiate Goal

Another night of firsts: Jake Livanavage scores his first career goal and it's 2-0 UND. Assist from Riese Gaber and Dylan James.

.@JLivanavage On the backhand 🚨#MidcoSports | @UNDmhockey pic.twitter.com/gBZa9kEybs

— Midco Sports (@MidcoSports) October 22, 2023

Jayden Perron Goal 

Jayden Perron scores UND's first goal of the weekend, a tip-in goal. That's goal number two on the season for the freshman forward from Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Perron with the tip and we are off-and-running!#UNDproud | #LGH pic.twitter.com/rSpzOhJwOh

— North Dakota Hockey (@UNDmhockey) October 22, 2023

Ludvig Perrson Comes Up Big 

UND goalie Ludvig Perrson with an amazing save. That's using your head, right?

Now that's using your head, Ludvig! #UNDproud | #LGH pic.twitter.com/on9yTSRRE2

— North Dakota Hockey (@UNDmhockey) October 21, 2023

Student Lineup Early 

The UND students were at the Ralph early waiting in line.

More than an hour before doors open at @TheREA for No. 5 @UNDmhockey 🆚 No. 1 @GopherHockey. Here’s how the student entrance is looking before game two. pic.twitter.com/zAS0LzD2tF

— Taylor Budge - Midco Sports (@TBudgeMidco) October 21, 2023

UMN vs. UND: A Look Back, Frattin Blows Up Wehrs

A trip down memory lane. Sometimes, UND radio play-by-play announcer Tim Hennesey will refer to the right side of the north end boards as Wehr's corner. There's a reason for this. See the Video embedded below. 

On March 14, 2010, the UND hockey team was playing the Minnesota Gophers in the first round of the WCHA playoffs. In game three, at the 4:42 mark of the second period, UND forward Matt Frattin would check Gopher's D-man Kevin Wehrs violently. I would call it a textbook charging major. Wehrs would leave the game, with an injury. We'd later find out that Wehrs suffered a minor concussion. 

Frattin would receive a five-minute major penalty for contact to the head. To the Gopher fans' disgust, Frattin was not given a game disqualification, but was later suspended by the WCHA and would miss the first game of the Final Five. Frattin would serve his major penalty and return to the game. In the third period, Frattin would score his 9th goal of the season.

Frattin said in the post-game that he was trying to fire his team up with a big hit. 

UND would beat Minnesota 4-1 to eliminate the Gophers and advance to the WCHA Final Five. 

 

A Quick Look at Jayden Perron

 The University of North Dakota has some exciting freshmen on their team this season. Here's a preview of what UND fans are going to see this season. Introducing Jayden Perron, forward, Carolina Hurricanes third-round draft choice. 

Perron with a nifty one for his first! #UNDproud | #LGH pic.twitter.com/aGGe63izyH

— North Dakota Hockey (@UNDmhockey) October 8, 2023

Last weekend against Army, this one counted for real.  

Well, at least his first one was memorable!#UNDproud | #LGH pic.twitter.com/RmVyve4Ha4

— North Dakota Hockey (@UNDmhockey) October 14, 2023

Here's the scouting report on Perron.

He’s a cerebral playmaker with the puck, utilizing a deke when necessary but also having the maturity to delay when he’s outnumbered. He’s a dangerous stickhandler and can turn a careless reach from a defender into a high-quality scoring chance for himself or a teammate. He plays nicely away from the puck in the offensive zone, especially as the high man, where he keeps his feet moving in an attempt to lose coverage before swooping down when his linemates get possession. -EliteProspects 2023 NHL Draft Guide

A Cross-Check and a Cup Check Draw 5,000 Dollar Fines

Boston Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara has been fined $5,000 by the National Hockey League's Department of Players Safety for Cross-checking Canadiens forward Brendan Gallagher. Yes, cross-checking is a dangerous play, but if you watch the video, you will see that Gallagher totally sold the hit and embellished. Gallagher was cross-checked, but he's not innocent in this event.

Zdeno Chara fined $5,000 for this cross-check on Brendan Gallagher. Fair punishment? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/YmG6i4uAFZ

— Gino Hard (@Ginohard_) February 13, 2020

Exhibit A

There was absolutely no contact between Charas stick and baby Gallys throat if there were he’d be in the hospital. Look at the pic and prove me wrong pic.twitter.com/lNxrJr9RaW

— bruce s (@bruceskelhorne) February 13, 2020

Here's the video of the incident in question, again, if Chara had actually caught him in the throat and not the shoulder area, Gallagher would've been carried off of the ice on a stretcher. Keep in mind that Chara is one of the strongest players in the NHL.

I've seen suggestions that since Nazem Kadri was suspended for cross-checking Jake DeBrusk, Chara should also be suspended by the NHL. First, Kadri is a repeat offender, Chara isn't. Also, this nowhere near the same type of hit.  

Exhibit B

You've probably seen it by now. Minnesota Defenseman Matt Dumba took exception with a hit that Vegas forward Ryan Reaves put on him. From my seat, it looks like Reaves got away with a boarding call. Whatever. Either way, Dumba is 5,000 dollars lighter in the wallet today.  In my opinion, it was 5,000 dollars well spent. Now, if I was Dumba, I'd keep my head on a swivel next time the Wild play the Golden Knights.

St. Thomas to Summit League?

It looks like The St. Thomas Tommies have found a new home. I sure we'll hear more details very soon. This is a smart move by the Summit League.

Statement from @thesummitleague commissioner Tom Douple confirms news on St. Thomas. https://t.co/kRGtQMPgeE pic.twitter.com/AUhO5rf5SM

— Jay Elsen (@ElsenMidcoSN) October 4, 2019

It will be interesting to see where the Tommies hockey program ends up. With seven teams breaking from the WCHA and forming their own league, that could be a logical landing spot for the Tommies. The NCHC could also be another landing spot, but Josh Fenton has said that the league is interested in focusing on the eight existing members.

The Vancouver Canucks Re-sign Brock Boeser

Former University of North Dakota All-American Brock Boeser has re-signed with the Vancouver Canucks.

Boeser signs a three-year contract extension worth an average annual value of $5.875 million. In 140 career NHL games with the Canucks, Boeser has scored (59g-57a--116pts).

"We're very pleased to have Brock re-sign," Canucks General Manager Jim Benning said. "He's a talented player, a key contributor to our offense and an important part of our team's future. We look forward to having Brock join the team in preparation for the upcoming season."

OFFICIAL: #Canucks re-sign @BBoeser16 to a three-year deal worth an average annual value of $5.875 million. https://t.co/jlLPHCAn6D

— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) September 17, 2019

(Photo Credit: Daniel Yun, Dakota Student)

Some More TV Options for UND Hockey

As the hockey season nears, the national TV schedules are starting to come out. There are 25 days until the 2019-20 college hockey season begins. I will update if we find out there are more games scheduled for national TV.

As the 2019-20 season approaches, fans will be looking for viewing options to watch college hockey. Most of UND's game will be on some version of television or webcast.

With that said, not everyone likes to watch webcasts. Two seasons ago, I had to up my WIFI game at home to get better NCHC.TV coverage. Whenever I can, I watch the away games on DirecTV instead of NCHC.TV. As I've mentioned in the past, some of the member school's webcasts aren't up to snuff.

Today, we find out that Colorado College will have six of their games on AT&T network. One of those games is against league rival North Dakota.

2019-20 Colorado College Hockey Games on AT&T SportsNet (All times Mountain Time):

Day	Date	Opponent	Site	Time
Fri.	Oct. 11	Minnesota	Home	7:30 pm
Fri.	Oct. 25	Michigan State	Home	7:30 pm
Sat.	Dec. 14	Denver	Home	7:00 pm
Fri.	Jan. 24	Omaha	Home	7:30 pm
Fri.	Jan. 31	North Dakota	Grand Forks, ND	6:30 pm
Sat.	Feb. 29	Minnesota-Duluth	Home	6:00 pm

For those keeping track at home, AT&T SportsNet will be available on DIRECTV channel 684, U-verse channels 757 (SD) and 1757 (HD), and CenturyLink channels 760 (SD) and 1760 (HD).

Last week, the NCHC released its CBSSN schedule. The NCHC has a new two-year agreement with CBSSN. In a release from the league; For the seventh straight season, CBS Sports Network will serve as the premier national television partner of the National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) with the network set to telecast 11 NCHC games during the second half of the upcoming 2019-20 season. 

As part of a new two-year agreement between the NCHC and CBS Sports Network, the network will once again feature a package of regular-season games and coverage of the NCHC Frozen Faceoff. This season, one televised game will take place on each Friday night, plus one Saturday night, starting in mid-January leading up to the 2020 Frozen Faceoff. All regular-season games televised will be conference match-ups, with one originating from each NCHC member’s home arena.

Unfortunately, one viable TV option for watching UND hockey when they're on the road might have evaporated. The Pioneers might not be able to have their games on DirecTV or Dish Network. From our buddies at Lets Go DU -- According to Colorado Hockey Now, “The “carriage” contracts between Altitude TV and Denver and surrounding’s big three cable providers – DISH Network, Comcast/Xfinity and DirecTV – are expiring and the two sides are…not anywhere close to an agreement to re-up with each other.

Fighting Hawks Mascot's Sign Triggers Some in Bison Nation

I am sorry, I thought this sign was funny. Over the course of the last year, the Fighting Hawks mascot has been known to do silly things. That's what mascots do.

Apparently, some in Bison Nation didn't like the sign in question. Some were unhappy that the mascot would dare have that sign on the sidelines during a football game. I mean seriously, have we all become a bunch of snowflakes.

pic.twitter.com/4ZfIrHIARf

— University of Hockey (@UofHockeyBlog) September 8, 2019

I know this isn't a popular opinion, but I like the new mascot. I like when he comes out on the back of an ATV before the start of a football game.

After several long weeks, I FINALLY FOUND OUT WHO THE MYSTERY MASCOT WAS! Apparently it’s the University Of North Dakota Fighting Hawks’ mascot.

AND OH MY, it’s amazing! pic.twitter.com/ifAIoC4Vmm

— Frank the Fox/Wing-R the Eagle (@FrankTheFox84) August 27, 2019

UPDATED: Uninvited Moose Visits Memorial Stadium

Today, an uninvited cow moose visited UND's Memorial Stadium. Stick tap to the Herald's Danielle Podlaski for the great camera work.

University spokesman David Dodds says the moose wandered into Grand Forks overnight and found its way onto old Memorial Stadium on campus Tuesday morning.

UND football is bringing out the big guns for NDSU pic.twitter.com/6z2NAynS1E

— Danielle Podlaski (@dani_podlaski) September 3, 2019

Thank God no one got hurt and hopefully, the animal will be able to safely return to the Wild. It sounds ND Game and Fish officials are trying to get the wild beast out of town after traffic dies down tonight.

 "They are wild animals," Jim Job, a biologist with the North Dakota Department of Game and Fish told the Grand Forks Herald. "Especially if they're in town, they're already going to be a little nervous with all the traffic and people running around already. Definitely, don't want to corner a wild animal or make it feel like it's cornered. Definitely keep your distance because they are very large animals and, if they do feel threatened, they could react."

#MooseUpdate: The moose is laying down taking its typical midday college nap. We are still asking everyone to avoid the area so that the moose doesn’t become stressed or panicked. #BestCopsAround #MooseWatch2019 pic.twitter.com/SsSs5p3BE2

— University of North Dakota Police (@UNDPoliceDept) September 3, 2019

#UNDAlert: Please be aware that there is a moose that has wondered into the @UofNorthDakota Campus area. We are doing our best to get this animal back to the wild. This situation is also currently contained. #BestCopsAround pic.twitter.com/iB46QeALkm

— University of North Dakota Police (@UNDPoliceDept) September 3, 2019

UPDATE: The moose has been returned to the wild.

#MooseUpdate: We are happy to announce that #MrsMoose has been released back into the wild near Grand Forks County. Thank you to everyone who stayed out of the area & to the professionals at the Chahinkapa Zoo for their support & assistance. #BestCopsAround #UNDProud pic.twitter.com/5akYuAx1H8

— University of North Dakota Police (@UNDPoliceDept) September 4, 2019

Shane Stewart's Wild Ride

Earlier this week, Shane Stewart found out that he was parting ways with CJB Motorsports when the season is over.

“We weren’t meshing together,” said Chad Clemens, part-owner of CJB Motorsports. “It’s business. Shane knows the deal. We know the deal. He’s a great guy. Great family. But we’re not meshing as a team. When that happens you have to make changes and that’s pretty much what we chose to do.

Friday night, Stewart week got worse when he took a hard ride in his heat race at Skagit Speedway in Alger, Washington.

Ouch! https://t.co/rOK7gIsxdG

— Eric J. Burton TSD (@goon48) August 31, 2019

Fear not, this is the World of Outlaws and Stewart's crew pulled out the backup car for the feature.

After contact with another car in Heat race #1, CJB already has another car built for @shanestewart_5 for tonight’s A-Main. pic.twitter.com/q3jU3vzWN5

— DB3 INC (@DB3Inc) August 31, 2019