sprig

Higgins (Yale), after several great moves, ties it at 1-assists Helminen (Mich) and Kesler (Ohio St). Parise puts USA up 2-1 40 secs later, roofing the shot with a dman draped all over him assisted by Suter (Wisco recruit) and Brown (OHL). Second period ends with USA up 2-1 (no penalties on Greene that period).

USA just killed a 1:20 5x3 for Slovakia with Greene and Jones in the box. Greene then gets a roughing on a good, big, clean hit and the USA is back on the PK. That one is killed also as Greene gets out with a second left in the period and delivers one more Slovakian leveling hit (should have know better than to skate by the Pbox with time running out). Score 1-0 Slovakia after one. SOG's Slovakia 10-8. Goepfert in goal again; seems to have become the number one guy. Howard apparently a bit off in confidence after getting shelled by Russia, most or all of which were not his fault.

Right, two goals and an assist for Parise. One assist for Jones. Two minors for Greene. That's it. http://www.usahockey.com/usa_hockey/main/h..._usablr_021230/ USA vs. Slovakia tomorrow at noon.

Parise gets a PPG in the third; final 8-2.

7-1 after two. Guyer and Tallackson (2) score in the second. Greene with two more penalties.

USA dominating Belarus, as expected, today. 4-0 after one, goals by Kesler (Ohio St.), McConnel (Boston U.), Parise, and Whitney (also BU). Shots 20-3, Greene continues to level opponent forwards. Between periods they are talking about the '05 tourney at the REA. All teams will have their own locker rooms. The WJC committee was obviously impressed with the building.

And Siembeda was placed on the all tourney team, but you won't see us using it as an argument that the goaltending at UND is set. Thought BC's shot selection was rather poor, on the few good chances they had, they ripped it low to the middle of the net. Webber goes down early and leaves a lot of room up high. Appeared that BC had room to score if they'd been a bit more patient with their shots. We'll see, maybe he's the real deal as Goph fans now think.

Cool; would be nice to raise the sticks again next Saturday.

Not sure that this tourney was enough to ready new line combos for the CC series, but it appears obvious that missing the Greene/Jones D combo will hurt big time, especially considering the top Sioux line is missing their center (Parise), while the Senja, Clarke, Cullen line comes in intact. They are dangerous and having last change will be important in finding the right defensive matchup. Bochenski, Lundbohm, and whomever else will remain dangerous, and if the Cullen line is shut down, may provide enough offense to win one or both games. We can only hope that the CC PP struggles, since CC fans have said how important Sterling has been to its success. They did struggle on the PP against WMU, so maybe there's hope, if a Sioux d combo can contain the Cullen line. Soft goals can't happen, or the Sioux are screwed. CC's goal tending appears to be very solid. Their missing Stuart on the D eliminates the best physical CC D-man, so that's a plus for the Sioux, since the Sioux still have Hale and Schneider.

Since I've not seen the Sioux, only listened on internet audio, it's hard to comment on the goalies. But it sure seems listening that every shot taken by the opponent has an excellent chance of entering the Sioux net. Does not sound like rebounds are a problem, since the Sioux D, I believe, has excelled at preventing second shots. Having seen Siembeda play great in last year's GLI, and then, especially good vs. Minnesota at Marriuci, he looked like an outstanding goalie (in spite of goph fan yapping that he gave lots of big rebounds, which, Webber did against BC last night also-the goph D, however, didn't allow any second shots either). Somewhere along the line Siembeda lost confidence. Sounds like his positioning is often poor, and he's down and out early, leaving gaping holes to shoot at. A goalie coach may be just the ticket, but somehow he needs to regain the confidence he had when he came to the Sioux. Maybe get his rainbow pads back on. Haven't seen Brandt at all so can't comment. Does everyone watching the Sioux think Brandt will be given the starting job for the second half?

Sounded like last year's third period prevent was rediscovered tonight. Not a good period going into the CC series.

Greene and Jones each with assists on Higgins two SHG's today. Very apparent that Greene is the dman leveling opponents constantly; taking a few penalties also.

USA beats Switzerland 3-1.

Yes, USA up on the Swiss 2-1 after two. Two SHG's by Chris Higgins. Parise being interviewed (recorded) between periods.

They only need to finish in the top 3 in their pool to make the medal round that starts Jan. 2. Highly likely they'll make that, as Russia was their toughest competition in their pool.

Happy has long been on my uscho ignore list. Same crap post after post, year after year. Sounds like it could be Dubay, although I've never had the misfortune to hear him on the radio. Course, as we know, Virg likes to stir the (gopher) pot also.

I will no longer put words in your mouth. I won't read what you write, you're ignored. Cuts many uscho threads in half, without missing any sort of valuable content

The play by play broadcaster commented often on all the big hits thrown by Greene, one of the few highlights in a game that the Russians dominated.

Since tickets are available on ticketmaster, they should also have them at the REA box office. Can't imagine this will be sold out.Best bet is to call ahead.

If you're planning to try and catch the audiocast via the internet this afternoon (vs. Russia), may want to get to http://www.teamline.cc and download the dialer, if you haven't already. Login and password for the dialer are the email address you provide when getting the dialer, then dial 1-800-462-0489, follow the audio prompts, and enter 8724 when asked for the team code (Team USA). Broadcast should then connect for free. Game starts at 4PM CT.

http://www.grandforks.com/mld/grandforkshe...rts/4810659.htm The goph "veteran" posters on uscho are throwing some major tantrums over this one. Hammy has pointed out that Blais is a lousy developer of talent if he doesn't get Parise to the NHL after his sophmore year, at the most

Last week of December, 2004 and first week of January, 2005. http://www.usahockey.com/usa_hockey/main/h...forks_rel_1223/

Interesting comment on the draft and leaving early. Ready in many ways. This summer Parise is expected to be plucked in the first round of the NHL entry draft, but he is adamant about remaining at North Dakota for at least one more season so he can play with Smaby, Stafford and former Shattuck players Brady Murray and Chris Porter, who are headed to the Sioux from the United States Hockey League.

Lowell and Mankato, I believe.

But SC scored into their own net to help force OT, although it took a guy in the crease to get the GWG.