Wilbur

Another penalty on Canada. Canada not caring about the body contact rule.

Penalty for checking on Canada. Great example for youth players on how to check a player along the wall though.

I was at every game of that tournament, and Bismarck just played so tight. They played Bottineau first who they killed worse than Minot during the regular season, and barely hung on. Then against Jamestown and barely hung on. Then against Minot their goaltender didn't make a big save all game long. Not that Minot's goalie did either, but scoring 7 goals in a game should get you a victory.

I know a certain former Maine goalie, known to pluck players from college, that will likely be one GM against using NHL players in the future at the Olympics. So who do you use then? The best amateur players in the world? So you basically have teams of college all stars. A better question, can you really call guys in Major Juniors amateurs since they are making money? I don't know. I think that the NHL should be thrilled with the publicity that hockey gets during the Olympics because a lot people who don't know the difference between a clothes line and a blue line (© Al), are glued to their TVs watching the U.S. play. Then again, having to shut down operations for a few weeks in a league that struggles financially does raise concerns. I went to the Islander's facebook page and a lot of their fans are jumping ship on the season because of what happened to Tavares. Ticket sales will decline for them I guess....poor Garth....couldn't happen to a better guy.

This message board would have blown up with four losing seasons in a row. Not that it already isn't...

Could be the last time that we see the Lamoureax sisters play. Although both are only 24 years old.

I remember playing at Purpur, coaching later, and I always tried to count the number of titles on both the banners. Even saw some of my players do it. When they aren't playing each other do Central and Red River fans cheer for the other? Like if it's Central and Bismarck on Saturday night, who is Red River pulling for?

Saw Tony Bina try it when he was coaching Bismarck High. Would have worked if the kid caught the puck.

A buddy of mine is a huge Blues fan. Big time TJ Oshie fan, but because he went to SU he continues to believe college hockey is irrelevant. He actually got upset at all the attention UND is getting out of this. He thought his mite team should get credit, but I had to let him know that TJ didn't play mites.

Lot of NDSU folks don't think this is too big of a deal.....

Bismarck was the best team that year. At state they ran the gauntlet. Beat Grafton, then Central. I remember Bismarck ended the game killing a 5-3, but still managed a great opportunity. The first time around Bismarck's goaltender let them down big time....I'm a Minot alum, so I'm glad he did, but that Bismarck team is probably the best ever to not win it.

I'll never forgive him for giving the gophers that regional victory a few years back. It's on him to take this team to the promised land.

I think we could see a repeat of a few years ago with Red River and Bismarck. Central has beaten Red River all three times, but they have all been one goal games. Central beat Mandan earlier in the year by just a goal. But a lot has changed. Mandan's goaltender (freshman I believe) will have to play the game of his life. I see Mandan is coached by a Mullally. Wouldn't be a former Red River player by chance?

I'll pick Bismarck as a possible state title contender. Former Duluth Bulldog Mike Peluso is their coach. And to say they play with grit and an edge is an understatement.

Seems like the first time in quite a while that the tournament is wide open. Weird that Grafton isn't at the tournament. Just kind of always expect Red River and Grafton to be there. Good to see Central back at the tournament. Being a western alum I hope west teams find ways to win against the east teams, but I always got along with Central guys, so I'm glad they're back at the tournament too.

Please forgive my probable fact inaccuracies, but I think they made the state tournament entering the west region tournament as the #7 seed. That was also the first year that Mandan made the state tournament (I think). Mandan got to play Red River, and Dickinson played like Fargo South. And they both just got hammered. I think Speidel is the name of the Hazen goaltender. Believe he played for the Bismarck Bobcats after high school.

I think like 2000......crazy to think I was in high school that long ago....scary. I say that as my two year old is waking up from his nap.....makes sense.

Dickinson made the tournament my junior year of high school. We actually beat them in the region championship game in OT. They had two foreign exchange students from like Finland that were pretty good that helped them get there. My high school, Minot, has not advanced past the quarterfinal round since they won the tournament with the aforementioned Tom Phillion tying the state tournament record for points in a tournament. (15 I think) Of course they draw Red River this year....but you never know.

I was hoping Bottineau would find a way in. They kind of had some unique scheduling, with three games the week before Thursday-Saturday, then three more with the west region tournament. So six games in 10 days. I'm guessing Aide will be the senior athlete of the year. I read somewhere that he is the state's all time leading scorer. But don't quote me on that.

Switzerland's goalie is fun to watch, but there is just no way they get to three. Nice save on Poliout or however you spell it. Then again its nice when they shoot it right into your glove.

Clark on Friday, Zane on Saturday. Split. Win Friday, lose Saturday.

He could very easily disappear in Russia, and no, I'm not kidding.

I see the Swiss coming back here and easily getting as many shots on goal as Canadian goals.

And five of Canada's 60 don't fall.....

I still don't see a loss on the schedule this year with Dean Blais as coach. Maybe a tie early against SCSU. But thats it.