Taz Boy

I loved my years in the Fighting Sioux pep band. Playing in front of the Mich St. crowd (and helping to keep them quiet) at the '87 FF final was a real treat. Easy to have fun when your team is maintaining a multi-goal cushion. Even had an ESPN camera stuck in my face for what seemed like an eternity. I fully support a pep band at each and every hockey game. They should be well-mic'd, and they should play Fight On Sioux to introduce the players at every period. As has been mentioned, we would start the drum cadence well before the players hit the ice, and gradually speed up to a Metallica pace by the time they came out. Tiring, but we had a lot of fun doing it and the crowd responded well. It's a great tune. My ideal hockey band would be all brass with drum set, bass guitar, electric guitar, and keyboards. Flutes and clarinets stay home. Need at least 25+ for a full sound. The tunes should include current pop/rock music mixed in with the old faithfuls. Absolutely must play a kick-a$$ Stand Up and Cheer and In Heaven There Is NO Beer. Practice should be mandatory 1-2 times a week. It's a big time commitment, but very fullfilling. The key is to have good leadership that keeps the enthusiasm going. taz looking forward to a great weekend of hockey

Very sad to hear this. She was so sweet, and a great fan of the game. I talked to her briefly after the Gopher series last season at Engelstad, and she had such a bright smile on her face (we all did). May God bless and comfort the Blais family. taz

I miss Speedwak. taz

Dean is proof that with an environment rich in tradition and hockey excellence, even a former Gopher can be converted. Thanks for banners, Dean! I believe we should put up a few more in your honor. taz will miss the crazy guy who pulls the goaltender in the title game.

That is my most vulgar memory of Ballard. Desecrating a national monument, an American icon, like that. No respect I say. I also remember the muffinhead anchors on the news giggling after showing that footage. I knew then it was the beginning of a long bumpy road against the Gophs. And it was. taz

I've watched bits of the Lakers/Wolves games and am amazed that the NBA is considered entertainment in many people's minds. I just don't get it. Not that there's a lack of talent, because these guys are true specimens. But, sheesh, it's like 3 quarters of practice shooting then one short game. Still, I find myself cheering for KG and the boys. Ya gotta like that Garnett and the other guy with the sore back-- Cassell right? What was this thread about? Oh yeah, there's not much about the NHL I would change. I'm very anti- Olympic ice, but these guys are fast enough that the game still keeps pace on the big pond. Perhaps an extra 5ft in width would be enough. By comparison, Olympic ice has ruined college hockey. Get rid of it immediately. It is a complete disaster. Size of the goal mouth should stay the same. Remove the center line? Maybe, but wouldn't this increase more defensive minded play through fear of the long pass? Goalie pads are aweful big, but then that puck is coming a lot faster these days. Go back to all-wooden sticks and give the boys in Warroad some business. Fighting is part of the game. Although, the sissy-boy dances choreographed for crowd rousing are embarrassing. Get rid of 'em. Major penalties for that fakey crap. Matching minors for serious hate-filled bouts. Season DQ for stick swinging. taz digs hockey in high definition

The entitlement society speaks again.

Yes, and we heard it from Dean and Virg as well. The reason I poke fun at this is because it borders on, no, it sits square in the corner of whining. Jeff Panzer was absolutely mauled in 2000-01. It became laughable watching the big old boys from Denver and Wisco sit on top of him. He skated through, around, and past it to lead his team to a title re-match. For that, he even got immortalized with a Bobble Head. I don't doubt that the thought of getting beat on for another year in the WCHA contributed to Zach's decision. But, only when compared to a huge contract from the NJ Devils-- a Cup Crazy team no less. Without that, one would think that it would be a honor and a privilege to get the crap kicked out of you while scoring goals for the Kelly Green. Ya gotta think the chick action wasn't too bad either. taz digs chicks

This thread started out with some blame being laid at the feet (or stick) of Vanek for Zach leaving early. I thought that rather humorous. Yeah, I was a little disappointed. But, no question, Zach was gone right after his stellar performance at the World Juniors. Gone. Not to say that he didn't put out 100% effort after that, but it was clear NJ wanted him at the end of this season, and he was ready to go. Best of luck to him. For myself, I never considered Zach to be the savior of this program. It doesn't need any. The Fighting Sioux tradition was formed long before Zach came, and it will continue well beyond his departure. It was nice to see such a class act play the game in a Sioux uniform; but to me, everyone who puts on that jersey and pours their guts out on the ice is truly special. I look forward to a new team that gels together with grit and determination that will take them to a national title. One that somehow finds a way to win, no matter what. You look at what Potulny did for the Gophers in this capacity, and you can imagine how much they will miss him. A bigger loss, in my opinion. Who leaves and who stays? It really doesn't matter. It only creates opportunity for someone else to step up and lead. To finish what was started. Go Sioux. taz

The Dog's create the flurry! Whooooaah! Bit save by Reichmuth!

Yep, it figures. Amazing how big he plays in these games. Amazing. Look for a flurry of activity by the Gophs now.

Go Dogs! (I hope I'm not jinxing them by cheering) taz digs Sandy

Extreme disappointment. But, also somewhat happy for Denver. I like that program-- even though they can at times suck the life out of the game with their defensive style. It is effective, but I have never believed that it will take them to a title. Tonight was a step closer to proving me wrong. I certainly wouldn't mind seeing DU winning it all this year. But, Duluth is my favorite for now. Go Dogs! Go Pios! taz hates big ice

That was the last time HE put a worthy team in the Frozen Four. Since then, they've been cream puffs. taz had to edit this for clarity, if nothing else.

I just got back from watching Minnesota's North Dakota boys beat North Dakota's Minnesota boys. Does anyone else find this a little odd? Random thoughts before I go sleepy ni ni: G. Potulny's goal (assisted by ND's Jake Brandt) made me sick. Blah. I'm very proud he's from from the great state of North Dakota, but just how much wonderful happy good time hockey hero crap can one guy have in 4 years? Giving Vanek the puck in front of your own net is a silly thing to do. This guy picks some sweet cherries. Crowd was very loud towards the end of the game. I didn't know Goofers could cheer like that. Why must I get seats right near the band? Why must I have to listen to that gawd-awful rouser? Why do I sometimes catch myself humming that very same song when I'm doing chores around the house? Oh yeah, I associate it with pain and agony, that's why. Briggs the MVP? Yeah baybay. Nice one. Seriously, isn't it enough that the Goofs get perpetual home ice for this WCHA fund raiser? ok den. Congrats to the Gopher. taz

I started out casually listening to the game and then was glued towards the end and in overtime. Very exciting finish! Congrats to SDSU women on a heck of a game. The Sioux women certainly did not disappoint their fans. Congrats to Gene and his team on a terrific season (i.e. beating the Bison). taz

Just got back from the game. Sioux dominated, no question. Very good UND crowd at the MWC tonight. Also, I had a great tasting pizza at Chevy's, but unfortunately the quality of chicks at Mettler's is declining. Oh well... life goes on. Next week is the real deal. Go Sioux! taz digs da hockey Sioux

My favorite mask was Goehring's. Why? Because it was plain, and because he stopped the puck while wearing it. taz digs Sioux-per puck stoppers.

It would not surprise me at all to see the Gophs get a victory tonight. A good old fashioned butt kicking is not always such a bad thing for a team to take. Helps re-align the attitudes. As much as it sickens me to watch the gopher celebrate any victory, I would like to see that tonight. My heart is with Duluth, but not when they come between the Sioux and a Cup. To that, I say, Go 'Dogs! Beat the he|_|_ out of the gopher for 60 minutes and then lose by a controversial goal in overtime. taz

This is as big of a third period as I can remember for the Sioux. They need to regain confidence in their play to have momentum going into the playoffs. The win isn't quite as important as their level of play. They must dominate and force Bruckler to win it for the Badgers. I remember watching the Wisco series in 2000 and UND got swept with two overtime losses thanks to Heatley (correct me if that is wrong). They knew they had lost the Cup, but they had the resolve to put it together and go all the way to a title. Go Sioux! taz

Those comments against Jake are quite harsh; very disappointing to read. taz

Doug and Frank discussing "high-sticking"...

I was still cranky this morning, mulling over what I thought was lackluster play by the Sioux last night. Then this little gem. Thank you, NorthDakotaHockey. taz

I thought the Gophs outplayed the Sioux a majority of the periods this weekend. UM really impressed me tonight. Excellent positioning, disrupting UND's passing, keeping the puck in the zone, clearing rebounds-- just great fundamental hockey. This team is tough (it makes me ill to admit that!). I thought the Sioux got away with a few tonight, and Prpich should have been tossed for his hit. The last shot in the net was not a goal. Puck played with a high stick and Gophs never did control it. So, good call, no goal. Darn. It's good to get 2 points out of Mariucci, but I would have liked to have seen better play from the boys tonight. Oh well. Gophs are good again. I just have to learn to accept that. taz