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(these notes are disjointed so please excuse 'em!) Swyg and Tim interviewed Coach Blais this morning. USA hockey is in town today to take a look around; they will also make stops in Omaha (NE) and Columbus (OH); there are a number of cities in the running for hosting the world juniors in 2004/5 (not next year's tourney, the year after) -- Columbus is interesting because there are rumblings that that year the NHL may face a "walk out" for much of/entire season. Joking around that such an occurance would help raise the demand for college hockey tickets (for example: the Gophers could raise their prices from $27 to $50 because the demand would be so great) Ryan Malone's dad is a scout for Pittsburgh and he was in town this weekend (I believe both Andy S. and Ryan are draft picks of Pitt) Talk about best start - CB said that it should be taken into context - and talked about the ranking of the team - his concern is that the Sioux are in the top 4 at the end of the year. Regardless of the opponent there is something to be said for winning - last year the team lost 10 one goal games, this year they've been more successful in those contests. Playing so many tough/good teams last year took a lot of "fuel out of the tank". The tough part of the schedule is coming up after the break with CC 2 times/4 games in 3 weeks. Important to not look past Canisus as they are having a fine season this year. Generally the team has been mentally prepared for each game - this past Saturday night St. Cloud jumped out with speed and intensity and took it to UND, their (StC) play dictated the flow in the beginning. After playing so many games at home it can be a problem that the boys feel a little too comfortable at home and that's when they can get a little soft. Anxious to get on the road so that the team can do some bonding. They'll be "road warriors" for the 2nd half. Regarding Boston College at the REA - set for Oct 17 & 18, 2003 and Yale will be in for a weekend series on Oct 30/31, 2003 ---- New H. will be here the following year. Good surprises have been the play and production of Mike Prpich and James Massen. This is a young team hungry to win. Yes the PP production is very apparent and it is being worked on - so many little things contribute to a lack of results/% but improvement has been made - it's early in the season and it'll come around. The PK is getting stronger -- doesn't like when the best penalty killers are in the box (like Andy S and Zach P.) however when you can throw out Kevin S. and Jason N., then Ryan H. and Rory M., and then Brandon B. and (Zach P.) it can't get much better than that. Regarding the official DS -- really he just called what was actually there, the only questionable one was Zach's on Jason M., the goalie as Jason was beyond the protected area and Zach's hit wasn't intentional. However, considering that Jake M. went out on an injury the official didn't want to take any chance of another injury.... Both CB and Tim were complimentary of DS and his crew for this weekend. Talk about the penalties committed by the team. CB said that the only reason that he'll mention this kid's name is because he does everything soooo good that when he makes a mistake it is glaring: Andy S. penalty with 8 minutes to go in a 5-3 game was huge - St C. scored to make it 5-4 - that one penalty was ill advised and ill timed, however, this is a learning experience and it shouldn't happen again - at that point in the game you contain the other team and just get the puck out of the zone - you don't line anybody up or go for a big hit - preserve the win. Tim then mentioned that Brandon's tripping call (which was a penalty) took away Zach's goal and that was ill advised and ill timed as it had no direct benefit for the goal scored --- CB replied that, well, Brandon's going to score many goals so...... much laughter by Tim, CB and Swyg and comments on how there is a different standard for goal scorers and what they can do ...... For myself, when I heard that the Huskies were going to be the "rival" I was dissappointed. I had hoped that UMD would be the rival as I love the trip to Duluth and wouldn't mind looking forward to it each year. I hadn't seen the Huskies play since their last trip to GF, so I didn't really care to seem them (especially after the 2 games last year and the 1 game this year); not to mention the whole politically correct stuff. After seeing them play this weekend however, "I" (and my opinion is sooooo important) am glad that they are our rivals --- if you take out the penalty filled sections of Saturday's game --- you have two teams who fly up and down the ice -- that pp goal on Saturday by St. C. -- wow --- tic tack toe!!! They are a fun team to watch -- and no after the whistle junk. I like how Jeff Finger plays -- he even has Mike C. hair.

GVS defeated UNC 44 - 7 (according to d2football.com) GVS will play Valdosta State (21-12 winner over Texas-A&M-Kingsville) for the championship.

Interview with Associate Coach David Hakstol this morning by Tim and Swyg. With UMin not coming in to Grand Forks, this is one of the main rivalry series of the year. This is developing into a good rivalry, plus this is the only team to have beaten UND this year. The Friday night game was a 3-3 tie going into the 3rd and the Huskies "got it done". The Huskies are clicking at a 36% rate on the pp. DH stated that the Huskies are well coached. UND's pk took a hit last week because they gave up 7 pp goals against the Maveriks. This last week there was a lot of talk (for fans and such) about the pp - DH said that it is slowly developing and Tim stated that it is the typical UND pp - blows hot and cold, will go 0 for 9 and then 4 for 5. DH said that having a good % is important, however, arguably more important is WHEN the team scores on the pp. For example, in a game during the late stages if UND is up 5 to 1 the urgency on the pp may not be at the highest level and a goal won't effect the outcome of the game, BUT if it is a close game where a pp goal will tie/put the team up by a goal, it is very important for the pp to be effective.... (there was quite a bit of talk about the pp) Goaltending for tonight: DH doesn't know - he told them that usually if he knows he may sandbag them (I don't know, wink, wink), however, he really doesn't know. Tim said his gut feeling says JS, but who knows. Lots of talk about David Hale. Tim said that David didn't "snap" during his fight with the Mankato player, which is a shame because the team can't afford for David to be out for 2 games (which if David would "snap" during a fight and get tossed he'd have to sit out the mandatory 2 game suspension) --- Tim was not advocating fighting, just commenting that David isn't someone you'd want to tangle with as without "snapping" he put the hurt on that kid last Friday night. Talked about how David has really developed into a "1st round" player. Sometimes being drafted in the first round can put too much pressure on a kid, however, David has handled that pressure and is a great player. DH: "We're healthly" and the games should be "good tilts". After the interview finished Swyg and Tim talked a bit about Coach Dahl. Most coaches have a routine before a game ie: Troy Jutting snuck outside - usually Coach Dahl can be found somewhere reading a book - Tim said that it's usually a book, the title of which he is able to pronounce. Swyg then talked about when he used to go on the road with Tim for the hockey games. When the St. Cloud program was "not" a power in the WCHA (and the National Hockey Center was fairly new) UND went down there and was swept by St. Cloud - Swyg went down to do the post-game interview with Coach Dahl and Dahl said something to the effect: The big dogs came to town and we bit their tails off. It sounds like that is one of Swyg's favorite quotes from an opposing coach.

Forecheck and PCM: the recaps are great -- I can usually catch morning interviews, however, on Wednesday nights I have choir practice at 6:30 sooooo I end up missing the coaches show - although tonight I stayed in the vehicle (outside the church) until 6:45 to listen and when I finally went inside I received a mini-sermon on being on time!! re: PCM's fan club PCoM: Pfan Club of Mini-Majordomo ? (majordomo is a steward, a steward,loosely speaking, is one responsible for the affairs of a large institution, and since PCM is a contributor to both USCHO and this site, while not THE majordomo, he certainly could be termed to be a mini-majordomo)

To be without the "Matts" will be a disadvantage, however, I'll be happy to see Lee Marvin get some game time. He'll have the holiday tourney to get back into "game" flow and then have CC next. When I've seen him play he seems to be a physical presence on the ice. My main concern is that there are no fights/injuries during the holiday tourney so as to decrease the the number of eligible players for the CC series.

Go Chris Leinweber! He's my favorite 'cause I believe he shows just how good of a coaching staff UND has. He came to UND quite young and has had his share of struggles, however, this season he has come into his own. He might not be flashy but he's been consistent and solid. Way to go #24.

FWIW -- All stats are based only on the 8 conference games played by the two teams; this is going to be long and probably boring but for those interested here goes: (a "t" before a number means "tie") Scoring by Period 1 2 3 ot St Cloud 11 11 11 1 UND 10 10 6 1 Goals allowed by Period St Cloud 5 10 11 1 UND 9 5 9 0 Penalty Minutes: #2 StC 20.6/game #3 UND 19.9/game Power Play: #1 StC 36.6% #7 UND 20.8% Penatly Kill: #2 StC 83.3% #9 UND 71.4% Combined Special: #1 StC 61.8% #8 UND 44.4% GAA/rank save%/rank win%/rank JB 2.06/#3 .901/#7 .875/t1 JS 3.48/#10 .824/#15 .750/#5 JMore 3.20/#9 .908/#4 .800/#4 JMont 3.57/#11 .884/#13 .167/#12 Scoring Offense: StC #2 at 4.25/game UND #6 at 3.38/game Scoring Defense: StC #8 at 3.38/game UND #4 at 2.88/game Goal Scoring Leaders: St C: Ryan Malone, Sr, ranked #5 with 7 goals Joe Motzko, Sr, & Matt Hendricks, Jr, ranked t#8 with 5 goals UND: James Massen, So, t#6 with 6 goals Brandon Bochenski, So, t#14 with 4 goals Assists: StC: Jon Cullen, Sr, in only 6 games t#2 with 10 assists Power Play Points: StC: t#1 Malone in 7 games 3 g 6 a There are 4 St C players in the top 19 for points on PP; UND has zero in top 19, but David Lundbohm is tied for 20th with 5 assists on PP regarding PP goals: StC: Hendricks is t#2 with 4 goals and Ryan Malone is t#6 with 3 goals UND: James Massen has 3 goals on the PP t#6 All points scoring leaders for each team: St. Cloud: Ryan Malone sr, (in 7 games) 7 g 9 a Jon Cullen sr, (in 6 games) 3 g 10 a Joe Motzko sr, 5 g 5 a Tim Conboy, fr, 2 g 7 a Matt Hendricks, jr, 5 g 2 a Peter Szabo, so, 1 g 5 a Mike Doyle, so (in 7 games), 1 g 4 a Jonathon Lehun, fr, 4 g Matt Gens, so, 4 a Jeff Finger, 2 g 1 a UND: Brandon Bochenski, so, 4 g 7 a James Massen, so, 6 g 4 a Zach Parise, fr, 3 g 6 a David Lundbohm, jr, 0 g 9 a Rory McMahon, so, 2 g 4 a Andy Schneider, so, 2 g 3 a Kevin Spiewak, sr, 3 g 1 a David Hale, jr, 0 g 4 a Jason Notermann, sr, 2 g 1 a Mike Prpich, fr, 2 g 1 a These are just figures and they have no bearing on the games this weekend. I just thought it was interesting because UND's stats aren't great but the difference from last year is that we/UND wins. They're getting the job done. Much like Jake and Josh are getting the job done - it isn't always pretty but a win is a win. Go Sioux!

I'm with you - the insidecollegehockey's ranking seems to be more on target. Representing the WCHA: #1 - CC and #6 - Denver ..... UND is now #8, last week UND was ranked #5, the site attributes the 3 spot drop to giving up 10 goals to Mankato ...... I wouldn't necessarily place the Sioux at #8, however, I wouldn't rank them above CC and Denver. (There are 4 WCHA teams which are ranked: CC, UD, UND, UMin) There were only 3 teams to drop 3 spots: #8 UND (a win and a tie at home); #12 Minnesota (a tie and a loss at home); and #14 Boston Univ. (swept at home by Cornell) Maine stayed at #2 with a 2-1 victory over Qunnipiac Boston College went down 2 to #5 after a loss to Dartmouth (#16 this week) When CB was interviewed a couple weeks ago he stated that he likes the ranking around 4-5 (that was not in connection with this year's team, just generally #4/#5 is a good spot as you don't have the bull'seye on your back brought on by #1/#2).

SDSUfan: in answer to -- "what else can you do?" Well, PCM is a fine columnist and photo journalist, to just start the list. Are you thinking of starting a fan club for PCM? I'll sign up!! I take it that since you're interested in what all he can do you'll be our leader? PCM fan-o-rama -- fan#2

VF (Virg Foss) has a nice article in today's Herald: "Man on a Mission: UND's Notermann determined to have a big year" CB's "version of musical chairs among his line combinations" are listed for Friday as: Jason N with David L and Quinn F; James M with Zach P and Brandon B. JN quote: "We didn't like the feeling of being mediocre." "We set a tone this summer that we're not going to let that happen.... Last year was kind of a blow to your ego." CB on JN: "You can always count on him for a good effort........"he can play with anyone."

tuggnutt: what you don't seem to understand is that one of the legs on which the name change group stabilized its stance on was the involvement of RE. It was easy for UND Sioux fans to allow RE to "fight the good fight". With the passing of RE there will be people to step forward. To name a few, there are Tom Clifford and Earl Strinden among other "credible" people, about whom there is no "bulletin" board info. So long as Florida State and other larger, Division I schools maintain their name(s), the Sioux name will be affilliated with UND.

It can be said that this is neither the time nor the place for the name change to be brought up, however, this is the real world and more than likely the name change group will make a push. For a long time this name-change group has advocated that without RE the name would be changed. RE did have the resources to fight the name-game fight. However, I believe that the name-change group will find that without being able to attack RE to buttress their position they will face an even greater challenge to the name change. Every time there was an argument either directly or by innuendo the "specter" of RE was raised (we all know the arguments: politically incorrect parties among other). Now that name-change group can no longer deflect EVERY argument into the equation: "RE bought the name" and (+) "RE is a bad man" therefore (=) name must be changed that group must argue the issue and the facts (facts such as poll results). Today's GF Herald has yet another "leaked" letter. I'm interested to see what kind of tribute the editorial board at the Herald will publish. Also, the vote on NDSU's resolution is within two weeks, I wonder if this will have any affect.

On KCNN Scott Hennan is talking to Earl Strinden about the passing of Mr. Ralph Engelstad....... Last year there was a ceremony honoring (in memory of the late) Maine coach Shawn Walsh - is that something that can/will be done in memory of RE?

Tim and Swyg interviewed MSU-MAN coach Tim Jutting this morning. Prior to the interview Tim, the announcer, said that, regarding the games last year at the Ralph against MSU-MAN, that was the "darkest weekend" in Sioux hockey in many years. Coach Jutting talked about the fact that his team is a little young. Like much of the league, the young players are good, just not consistent. By Christmas there should be more consistency, both on his team and in the league. The league has been a rollercoaster, regarding who's beating who. The first games of the year for MSU-MAN against Providence had a lot of 1st weekend mistakes (Providence had already played 4 games). Bemidji plays a good "team" game, and they (Bemidji) have received good/great goaltending. Key to his team is to work hard and get after it. Their goalie, Jenson, has done well. For basically 2 years he had a limited role, so now that he's been given the chance to play he has taken advantage of the opportunity and performed well. Coach Jutting has seen ZP many times; in answer to the question to how do you shut down a ZP type player: on the road it's hard as you don't have the last line change, match-up is important. Last year, arguably, the best player for MSU-MAN was Grant Stevenson (soph., forward, 6', 180 lbs #19). He is consistent; this season he has scored in all but one game. Local kid: Nate Metcalf (jr., defense, 6'4", 200 lbs #28) from EGF - he's played in half of the games this season; could see more time, just needs to be more consistent - he has a big reach and is a big kid - also he is an "excellent" kid, he is capable of much and hopefully will see more playing time, he will be in GF for the series. Yes, UMIN was a big win in the regards that fans see it as a win against the "big brother", but more important it was a win at home and it is 2 points early in the season. This (the WCHA) is a tough, tough league - it looks like 3-9 in the standings race could be very, very close this year.

Since I have to miss tonight's game I have to give props to Katie O'Keefe - thank you for interviewing James Archibald last night, I was honestly quite upset that I could not be at the official "ceremony" tonight. Here's a guy who spent only 4 years in ND almost 20 years ago and it was evident that to him those were special years. I felt 20 years younger last night seeing JA out there - man, where does the time go ....... "for old times sake" we (significant other and I) should have driven the electric blue El Camino, gone to Burger King after the game (20 years ago after hockey games: 3 burgers for a buck, one each and split one), and listened to Foreigner's TAPE "Records" ...... ah, the good old days of Canadian Goon Hockey .... PCM and GDM - looking forward to the article and pictures from tonight's game - keep up the good work!

FHG - I'm sorry if I wrongly attributed a comment to you - I must be reading too much Virg Foss! My main "anger" is that "I" think it's in bad taste to rip on another team's message board. Sal, the admx on this board, Randy May (CC right?), all put in a lot of time to give us forums to discuss our teams (and allow anyone who wishes to post) and when someone disses the other boards I get mad. It's one thing to say someone/a group of fan's opinions are "wrong/stupid/etc" but it's another thing to say "so and so's board sucks" because the fact that there is someone/a group willing to take the time to provide a forum should be appreciated by all regardless of team affiliation. And I don't think anyone minds you posting here - it just gives us a chance to try to turn you from the darkside.

JK - "your write" about that - "its" a crying shame "four" sure. Truthfully I'm a big offender of grammar and the like - it's just in the off chance that Miss Betty Mogck, 9th grade English teacher sees what I write - she'd kick my butt - that I try my best to be proper.

Mike asked about the shot counts (both for and against)... if a team has a lot of shots on goal isn't that indicative of a wide open game, and then wouldn't that mean that the shots against UND's goalies would go up (think back to Blake/Panzer years as the goalies did face many shots). CB said that this years defense is not a trapping type. He said that Virg Foss' column today hit the nail on the head "big, strong and mobile" and the mobile is the most important; just a guess from CB but 4 or 5 of the d-men could see the NHL within 4 to 5 years. This success (the transformation of the d-men from just last year) is the result of the coaching of Brad Berry and David Hakstol. Those two are willing to be at practice early, late or whenever it works out to help ("any time of day") and work with the d-men. Mike asked what CB expects of the d-men (in front of the net and in the neutral zone) CB said he and the coaches don't want to see the d-men getting "backed into their own zone" - the d are very good at forcing the other teams to the side/corner and limiting the oppurtunities for garbage/tip in/camping out front goals; they are giving the goalie(s) a chance to see the puck. What is the difference in this years team from last years? Leadership which results in the chemistry this team has. Right away, at the Buffalo tourney, someone took a shot and with no hesitation a teammate stepped right in to help out/defend. There is always a tendency for cliques to form (ie last year you had 10 freshmen who'd come to study tables together and then the upper classmen would have their groups and so on) - this year they are a team, they like each other and they're there for each other. Another example is that they are holding each other accountable. Last year was not acceptable - as a team they expected everyone to work out/be in decent shape for the season, Chris F. wasn't and it sounds like the captains let him know that wasn't acceptable. Mike mentioned that David Hale was at Dale Brown's motivational talk at the REA this week and that DH seems like a "fine young man". Mike mentioned "everything" that DH (and his brother) had to go through and how proud their family must be of them. CB said that there is not arrogance on this team, but they are a confident group. Talked about that the boys recognize that they are role models to the kids in the community (they go to the schools to talk about sports, drugs and alcohol) ...... CB said "they like to have their fun" but they know that they are here for "an education and a chance to play hockey". As far as the weekend series: UND can't control what UW will do: have to limit the 3 on 2 rushes - UND will play their own game.

Thanks for the CS info. This morning KCNN announcer Mike M had Coach Blais on the radio. (The radio station, along with other area businesses are raising money for the Roseau youth hockey community - Play it Again Sports is accepting used hockey equipment, goalie equipment is really needed - Coach Blais made a very, very nice donation as have hockey teams and other individuals. At the end of the program it sounds like 1000 dollars in addition to used equipment had been donated.) Prior to the CB interview, Mike interviewed John Noah, UND 1st All-American in hockey. John is doing some coaching in the Shanley (Fargo) and is just turning 75 years old - he wouldn't mind CB's job! Mike mentioned this to CB and CB mentioned that while John was UND's 1st AA and is a great guy, he probably belongs in an old folkes home (sorry, it was so way more funny on the radio - and this was totally joking). This just illustrates what CB touched on later in the interview, the UND hockey community, both fans and players/coaches/support staff, in GF and around the country are a tight knit group, something special, and even if the former/current players and coaches and fans didn't have direct "interaction" with each other the UND bond goes so deep that the lack of direct interaction is immaterial. Talk about the inducting of the 1959 championship team. Touched on CB's ties to Roseau and how good it is to see the support for Roseau by the local community and by the "rival" communities. This led into CB's role with UND hockey and his part in the recruitment of James Archibald. CB first saw James in a tourney in Moose Jaw SK in 1982, he (James) was playing on a team with a guy named Chris Chelios. I believe he said that on another team was James Patrick. This led the conversation into the great players/recruits from the early 80's (Rick Zombo among others). CB mentioned the great tradition with Wisconsin, not only in the games but with the great recruits each team pulled/pulls in. In describing James, CB said he was the most intense player - he had a "flair" - the guy would sacrifice himself. The teams James played on did not resent killing off the 2 or 3 penalties a game that James would pick up because he'd be taking the penalties for the team so killing off the penalties was the least the guys could do (plus UND had great penalty killers then too) - additionally, although James racked up 500 penalty minutes in four years he also racked up 75 goals. The guy was a gamer and a team player. There is more - but I have to run...... will post the rest in a bit...

These are just plain bad, but..... "Siouxpercalifrajalisticexpialidocious" or "gnarly good, eh" (this is in honor of Andy Murray, LA Kings coach, did any one watch the Wild vs. King game last night? Mr. Murray was miked for the game - he only said "eh" once..... and no, he didn't use gnarly, but it is a Calif. team, so.....)

UND vs. UW (last year's Oct. 26-27 games) Friday night loss 2-3 (Andy in net) UND save % .850 goals from R. Hale and Bochenski assists from McMahon and Spiewak UND shots on goal: 34 UND penalties: 9/18 UW shots on goal: 20 Saturday night win 6-4 (Andy in net) UND save % .886 goals from Bochenski (2), Bayda (2), Spiewak, Skarperud assists from Lundbohm (3), Mazurak (2), Bochenski, Fornier, Skarperud, Bayda and Notermann UND shots on goal: 42 UND penalties: 6/12 UW shots on goal: 35 I'm pretty sure these are the correct stats. (if you're playing Eric's click to pick it looks like Bochenski and Spiewak would be good choices based on last year's results....)

Greyeagle - good quote - didn't Sica use that on POI earlier this year!! Actually, yes I was being an @ss with that post last night - and it really only adds to each board, POI and Sioux board, to have the other "view" presented - it's just that, for example, DE started a whole thread about Blais throwing a stick (DE calls it a spear, but it is a stick, guess after watching Taffee play he automatically calls a stick a spear!! so couldn't resist, I'm JUST KIDDING) ....... anyways other then me I don't believe any UND posters complain about the POI board and/or the content over there, however, FHG and a few others take jabs at this Sioux board, probably just in fun, but it gets tiring reading that this board sucks...... I really thought that after UMIN won the title last year the gopher fans would simmer down a little in the dislike of UND ...... but in the end it's just a game, this is just the internet ...... I'm sure that if I met Happy we'd be best buds ........ Besides you're reasonable so it's no fun to "yap" at you!!

Hey dagies - props to you for all the good work you do over on the gopher board! I do enjoy reading their board as (right now) 3 of the first 6 topics are on Sioux/ZP ...... I can see why they dislike the UND board (say there is "nothing" on it) as right now this is the only thread dealing with the gophers - the rest of the threads on the first page deal with Marc Ranfranz, UAA, UW, Tim Skarperud, pretty dull reading if you're looking for "info" on the gophers ...... hmmm

this is off topic but it is sort of a rivalry thread ...... it looks like (uscho score thread) that tonight's BC/UNH game is a good one - tied at 1 end of 1 - are the HE games available through the Fox system on the dish?

It's just part of the New Sioux - fast, tough and mean ....... it is really too bad JT is gone from that MN team - I bet he wouldn't do any face rubbing this year -- even Spiewak is "mean" this year.