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It was actually in the quarterfinals, but no, I don't think we have anywhere near the talent that group has/had .

Of course they were, that's always the case in Fargo.....a reason for everything. Here's a nickel, call someone who cares.

According to the NDSU media guide, their 3-8 season was in their 2nd year in the Missouri Valley after 4 years in the Great West. So actually a very similar situation to what we have here. Should have a couple titles in about 3 years if we follow suit!!!

I totally agree with you and BY NO MEANS am I trying to relate them to us. They are miles ahead of us at this point. I was just trying to point out that with a good recruiting class (or two) things can change significantly and really set you up for the future. Unfortunately, I too am skeptical that this will ever happen with the current coaching staff.

Don't forget that a few years ago they were calling for Bohl's head in Fargo......then came this current recruiting class......and the rest is history. It would appear to me that recruiting is what's falling behind in the past few years, and unfortunately it doesn't get any easier when you're losing! Also, what has Idalski done?? He has had amazing talent and yet failed to ever advance with a championship. How many olympians does it take to win a title? He is better than what they had before by leaps and bounds, but in my opinion hasn't proven to be a top notch hire yet. People call for Hakstol's head when they don't win titles, why not Idalski? They recruit to the same facility and actually compete against far fewer high level teams throughout the year. Just find the double standard interesting.

Go ahead and compare the training facilities/locker rooms/catered meals during the week/team lounge/etc. and tell me the hockey program doesn't get different treatment around here. The reality is that they weren't able to have anyone clear the snow because plant services was not willing to take equipment on the field for fear of ruining the new carpet. This was never the case on the old turf. I agree with you, that it was a great team building exercise......it does seem like it could have been done earlier though.

Never said it was a dirty word (just not tactful)......but as a play by play announcer it won't get you very far. You can use it all you want on your own call in show, but it simply won't work as a play by play guy, especially when you are employed the by the group you're interviewing. Ever notice how Paul Allen will criticize certain sport teams, but will never cut down the Vikings too hard? How well do you think it would fly if Tim tried it with Hak?

I was listening to it, but don't have any audio of it. Though my immediate reaction was "what did he just say?"!! I sort of felt bad for Paul, because he was reeling after he said it......

I didn't expect a suspension at all. I just figured the next time he did an interview with Jones his face would be red and he would be a little sheepish. They must be trying to make an example out of him....only thing I can think of.

All Paul had to say was "I think you let this one slip away" but you just simply can't use the phrase "choke job". I don't care who you announce for, this would not have flown ANYWHERE. It doesn't have to be "duckies and bunnies", but you also can't use a phrase like that with a coach, any coach, right after a tough loss. Bobby Knight probably would've ripped his throat out!

One other note: You guys have to remember that our radio announcers are no longer employed by the radio station like back in the old days of Swyg and Bohlman. They work for UND now and are basically PR guys as broadcasts can be used as a recruiting tool both on the radio and when simulcast with the Big Sky TV network. Most companies don't like criticism from within..........that being said, I agree with SIOUXFAN97 and totally think it should have been handled internally.

I particularly enjoyed how obsessed their coach became with the fans when they started yelling at him........he literally stopped coaching several times to make eye contact and yell directly to an individual fan who had yelled at him......very professional!

Paul's critique of the closing of the game may have been spot on, but you aren't going to get away with telling a coach his team pulled a "choke job" in any situation. I actually applaud Jones for defending his team, and even taking the blame for the end of regulation-that doesn't always happen (see University of Minnesota/Tubby Smith). As far as Swyg, anyone that listened to him near the end knew his main objective was to get out of the arena as fast as possible. His broadcasts became so negative and whiny that they were hard to listen to IMO. I think it was in everyone's best interest to bring in some fresh energy, and Paul does bring that. It's nice to have some pre/post game coverage about the game rather than Swyg whining about how far the walk from the pressbox was! Bottom line: Paul got caught thinking he was a little "closer" to Jones that he thought he was and Jones called him out.....a humbling moment I'm sure. He'll refocus, regroup, and be back in a couple games. For as many players that have missed games this year, why wouldn't our radio host miss a couple too!

The referee was actually Joe Mauer's uncle Tom Mauer. Tom is the brother of NBA referee Ken Mauer and Tom is a WNBA ref himself.