Taz Boy

At least Bochenski's antics can give the Goofer faithful something to whine about, given that it is in their nature to whine and without a reason to they would be lost. This team has shown tremendous talent-- taking the #1 team in the nation to task as recently as last week. But, they have no leadership to drive them to the next level necessary for post season. The Gophs are doing Dean a favor by exposing the true character weaknesses in this lineup. He can make changes over the summer, and those that remain will have a strong memory of what it feels like to be humiliated over and over again. Payback comes in two years for this young squad. Meanwhile, let us take our beatings like proud Sioux. It also helps to reflect on the generosity of Ralph and how nice it is to have 7 banners hanging from the rafters. taz digs da Sioux

I think in general the Sioux faithful have been supportive of Kollar. The Friday game against Mankato State had the fans booing not because of poor goaltending, but because of lack of team effort. On Saturday, when Kollar let in that clearing shot, you got the sense that most, if not all, the fans felt miserable for him. No booing, just shock. It was heartbreaking for everyone. You even saw MSU players giving him verbal support after the game. Kollar is stepping aside with grace. He has been a huge asset to this team and continues to be an asset as a supporting role. Whether he's playing or not, he's likely coaching and mentoring the younger players. I wouldn't be surprised to see the return of Kollar in an upcoming game. And, possibly a shutout. If that happened in front of the home crowd, he'd get the biggest standing-O yet. taz digs Sioux goalies

I agree. Great game for Sandelin and his boys. I'm looking forward to more of the same tonight and next weekend. The Sioux need to come out next Friday with all guns blazing. They can use the HOF game as motivation and start to establish the new REA as a home ice advantage. As it's looked in the past, the Sioux are more intimidated by the Ralph while their opponents just seem that much more motivated to win. This must change. Good luck tonight, Scott! taz

The suite level was definitely not an oversight.

I think the students (or at least their leaders) chose wisely to retain the current seating. Why? You need to be near the penalty box and directly across from the opposing team's bench. It is the best location for disrupting the opposing players' focus. You also get on camera more often. I'm amazed that several students still complain about the issue. They're given primo real estate in the finest facility in the world to watch one of the best college hockey programs in the world for a small fraction of the season ticket price and yet continue to demand that they be allowed to act like they're in a frat house keg room. Who cares about the corporate suites? You can bet the REA does. That revenue is critical to the longevity of the arena operations. And, no, leases will not be renewed if it is known that for $30K/year the view will be obstructed by a bunch of foul-mouthed morons. Does this upset you? Do you think it unfair? If so, then you have a lot to learn about the really real world. One of the greatest aspects of the arena design is that it is so intimate. Because of that, there is no location in the lower bowl that would support a standing group of people without obstructing someone else's view. Sections 106, 107 would still block suites in that area. The simple fact is, there is NO lower-bowl solution that allows standing full time. None. It comes down to whether or not you want to support your team. Stand, and you will find yourself watching college hockey in the dorm's TV room. Sit, and you will endear yourself with all those around you and enjoy great Fighting Sioux hockey live, right in front of you. As for the atmosphere. It will come. Lot's of new fans just getting to know the game of hockey. Couple that with some of the worst performances by a Fighting Sioux team in decades and you have crickets. The old Ralph would have been suffering just the same-- with the exception that there would have been more empty seats. I can't wait to see a classic Sioux come-from-behind win in this place. It will be deafening. taz

This is my very first post in this forum. Nice to see familiar faces here. I will try to behave... or not. How much of this goalie change is more psychological for the team, rather than just better play between the pipes? I think Kollar was hung out to dry on many occassions. The Mankato series was bad up and down the roster-- not just goaltending. Whatever gets the Sioux back in the running, I'm all for it. taz