Taz Boy

No question, the REA was a target for the NCAA. They are revolted by it's existence. Unless, of course, it's holding a hockey regional tournament which generated fantastic revenues for their enjoyment. I suspect, after some careful "cleansing" of the REA as financed by the University, there will be a mandatory on-site audit by an NCAA-formed committee to inspect the premises for any non-compliant material. My recommendation would be to have a select group of Sioux tribal membership who happen to be UND students, in traditional dress, meet these good folks at the door and proudly escort them around the building. Delicious. taz

Count me in. I dig Hockey and Football. The other activities are only for those who can't compete in the first two. Yes, yes. The issue is complex. Much at stake. Must take action. Blah blah blah. I get it. And, just how did it get that way? How could something as trivial as a sports team name balloon into this political firestorm? Because only in "crisis" can you take power from many and give to the few. Hmmmm, where else is this blueprint being followed? Holy crap, after years and years of handwringing, we finally asked the Native Americans to weigh in on the issue. They did, at significant personal effort and cost. And the Enlightened realized that they too were racist and must be ignored. White Man's way, again. Sad day for the good folks at Spirit Lake who dared to speak truth to power. Taz Lunatic Boy Stands with Spirit Lake!

REA, Inc., was not a party in that settlement.

I haven't posted much on this board this year; busy and all. I'm disappointed of course, but not mad. I was 1000X more p!ssed last year, when they lucked out against Wisco and didn't even show up against BC. Today, the Sioux looked very good; with some lapses towards the end. Even Melrose was highly complimentary throughout the game. UNH had puck luck and took advantage of every miscue. I doubt they'll go much further either-- as they've probably used up all their magic. Bottom line: I'm happy with the McNaughton Cup. I think that is a big step forward for the Hakstol program. But, an early exit in the NCAA tourney seemed inevitable based on the WCHA FF performance. As with previous years, you cannot start your playoff run in January. No way. The team was absolutely gassed last weekend, and it showed again today late in the third. If Hak's boys maintain the home ice excellence into the start of next season, they will be in much better shape towards the end of the season. I'm hopeful they'll successfully defend the Cup, from a more balanced effort, and then take a rested/healthy group into post season for another go at it. Finally, go Dog's! taz wishes all the best to those along the Red

Notre Dame was really hammering on BC even in the final minutes. Even when the game appeared out of reach, it was still exciting to watch them bang away at Muse. Like them or not, their success is great for college hockey exposure.

BC seems to be getting away with a lot at 10mins into 3rd. ND still seems composed and really pounding at the goal.

Ugh! Now we have the players themselves b!tching about how the fans deserved better just because they paid money for the game! Somebody, please shut this thread down now! (joke, people, joke) I will definitely miss Lammy. He was just plain outstanding this year, and the Goofer Nation hated him, which is another big plus for me. Thursday was not his best game, but had he been in Hobey mode, maybe BC has 4 instead of 6. taz

Jim does an excellent job, in my opinion. Plus, it's HIS forum, he can do as he pleases. If he want's to write a 4 page essay on why he thinks Taz Boy posts contribute to Global Warming, force format all my text in lavender and change "Taz" to "Sissy" he is more than welcome to do it. In fact, I'm surprised this hasn't happened, but I suspect it has something to do with time and better things to do and such. Hakstol is a public figure and criticism goes along with the territory. I don't think he needs your defense. taz sissy, hey, what's happening here???

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Interesting point. After three beers, I was calling for it! It's unfortunate that this season also included an extremely rare episode of Hak losing his cool as well as some other post-game player shenanigans on/off ice. Glad this didn't bubble up on national TV during an incredibly frustrating game.

Careful, this kind of talk around here will get you the ire of the Triouxper. Good thing you are a Gopher Fan! I agree with your points in general, with some comments: #1) UND lost that physical edge this year after the 'incidents' with UW, UMN and DU. They quit hitting. #2) True dat. #3) Lammy didn't play his Hobey self, but isn't to blame for the artistic stylings of Gerbe and Co. #4) True dat. #5) Absolutely! You see in his post game comments almost apologetic for the rout. I'm sure he was very happy with the win, but I also get the sense he didn't enjoy what he was seeing as an experienced collegiate coach. Very impressed with him after this. #6) Not sure what happened here, but I think it's fair to question the preparation. If folks here think the forum rants are unacceptable, then they need to avoid the press coverage because it is brutal today. taz

I thought he left because of you? Seriously, it's all good. Let folks rag on Hak and the boys and then love 'em again tomorrow. It is the way of the fan.

I got drunk once before a game and then used profanity directed towards the officials during the game. (can't coach mini-mites anymore) Oh yeah, and Fire Buning!

This is not a mess, yet. When I get to complaining about the temperature of dippin dots at the REA, then we'll have ourselves a mess. If a "good person" is one who only purports opinions in lockstep with your own, then I think it is you, Triouxper, that is taking all this too seriously. taz

It is for this very reason that I think heat from the fans is warranted, and can actually help rebuilding. Losing to BC this year was always a very real possibility, not giving them the respect of an honest game is the issue. It's hard to imagine this team left it all on the ice last night. Maybe they did and BC is untouchable. But, we can't assume that based on the evidence provided by ESPN2 and eye-witness accounts. Regardless, I celebrate the high expectations of Fighting Sioux Fans, and their passion for success. I fear the day UND becomes satisfied with anything less than a regular season title and a national championship. That '97 game was quite sweet, I must say. Post-game with the players was very special. Then off to one of the local pubs to watch Clem's Gophers in the BB Final Four, which now technically didn't happen according to the NCAA. One final point: Did anyone notice BC pull up on at least one (two?) breakaways in the third? This was more than just defensive shell, I think York sent a message once the game was beyond repair to keep the rout in check. I have to believe this is sign of respect he has for the Sioux program. I also believe that Red's boys would have gone to town in the third to make a statement. I think I like the BC program a little more today for the dominate, but controlled beating they gave our beloved team. taz

Understood. But, I'm more open to folks venting as long as it's directed at the performance and not malicious personal crap. Some of that here qualifies, most not. The archival nature of the web forums is unfortunate, because stuff gets written that may have more drama than it would after a few days or weeks, but hey, that's what it is. I'm certainly not going to fault someone for openly lamenting dropping $1K to watch their favorite team take a dump, a generous analogy to be sure. I'm concerned with any notion that the Sioux players and coaches cannot be criticized. While I agree that firing Hakstol is over the top, as he is 1000 times more "Fighting Sioux" than most fans could hope to be, I also think that position comes with brutal expectations and is rightly held to a high standard. Many programs are. That's what makes the job so fantastic. Hakstol has repeatedly stated that the Fighting Sioux nation is incredibly demanding, success oriented, banner driven. He seems perfectly comfortable with that responsibility. I think he can take the heat. As to BC, I think they as a whole are on another level. If they tank the title game again, then no doubt Eagles folks will look to York-- probably the most storied coach out there-- for answers as well. It's a tough business. taz

And again with the "guarantee" thing. What's up with that? How did Joe Finley enter into this? I didn't say he sucked specifically, but I'm open to a debate on the subject.

Heh, heh. Nice try, triouxper. You are spinning my point. Of course there are no "guarantees". Sheesh. Then, you proceed to instruct me to take action that I already stated I did. What can I learn from that? Bottom line, if you are happy with what you saw yesterday, good for you. Some folks aren't. Some folks spend a ton of dough on regular season and post season Fighting Sioux events and may wish to express displeasure when they believe the product on the ice is not commensurate with the ticket price (TJ Oshie excepted of course). That's all. Why is this such a crime? Taboo? Most of us are tougher on our kids. Heck, I've even heard folks complain about the sermons/homilies at church and then drop their donations accordingly. We're talking God here! This is just sports. taz says: bitch all you want, doesn't mean you don't love 'em

MafiaMan, who or what are you trying to protect here? Is the UND coaching staff so fragile that any criticism is devastating? I heard much worse from my junior high basketball coach for cripes sake. I'm sure Hakstol could care less what's written here, or if he did he'd probably be in agreement. The Sioux, with NHL caliber talent, stunk up the joint yesterday and lots of fans want to know why. I don't see this as being anything other than passionate fans expressing viewpoints. Isn't that what sports is all about?

Can we finally now retire the Holy Cross jerseys? Please? My Gopher friends are salivating right now. Without question, that BC team is fantastic. I love their offensive explosiveness and intensity. If they don't win the title this year, it will be a damn shame. The Sioux faithful who sat at home and continue to excuse the poor play or celebrate the FF "appearance" should listen to those who paid the big bucks and went to Denver to experience that stinker in real time. I would like to hear from those who went to all the post season venues this year: REA, Xcel, Kohl, and Poopsi, er, Pepsi. Overall, were you pleased with the effort you paid time and money for? I have to say that after going to the X for the DU-UND game in which the Sioux equaled the level of apathy on display yesterday, I decided to make no further travel plans. The escape out of Madison was only a stay of execution for a team that played barely two periods of quality hockey in two games. Bandwagon fan? OK, whatever you need to help you sleep at night, I guess. I love the Sioux, and always will. Doesn't mean I can't get disgusted with what I see. I'm hopeful that this embarrassment, and yes, it was an embarrassment far eclipsing the Gopher loss to HC, is a teachable moment for the Sioux. I support a critical look at all aspects of the program, because being satisfied with "appearances" is NOT what the Fighting Sioux are all about. I'm convinced Dave Hakstol would agree with that statement. He is old school Sioux, tough as nails, and no doubt ready to face the music head on, take accountability rather than defending the "appearences" record. If the program cannot withstand strong criticism for uninspired play, then it is doomed to mediocrity. taz

York quote from USCHO Article

Oddly enough, my absolute loathing of all things Boston College has not kept me from wishing them another title. They played UND beautifully this evening. BC fans should be proud of their teams performance. Hockey fans should be impressed. Good luck to a team I hate: BC. taz

It would be a mistake to close this thread. Just because you don't like what you read doesn't mean you need to squelch it. I say, let's have it out... all opinions. That's the beauty and the beast of the internet. taz not very happy right now.

This is my favorite post of the evening. Well, at least up until I posted this. Gophers look gassed late in this game. Darn, just when it took all day for me to prepare to cheer dispassionately for them. Go Miami. taz

I just wanted everyone to know that I will continue to post on siouxsports.com with the same infrequency, randomness, and off-topic nonsense that have been a staple of Taz Boy rantings for many years. I hope that this announcement puts your minds at ease so you can focus on the regionals this weekend. taz