DamStrait

Ramblings: Don't want another WCHA team and not particularly interested in BSU, but if they were to join, MSU should be the odd-man out. Can't get rid of UAA because teams can add another game to their schedule for each game played up there. I want MTU, CC, and DU (even in their current punk incarnation) always to be part of the WCHA. NDSU would only have started D-I hockey if they had been given an invite to the WCHA first. To be in an inferior league to UND's would have hurt their pride too much. REA killed D-I at NDSU: No way they were going to try to compete with that only to look foolish. Unfortunalely, the primary motivation for both UND and NDSU is to spite the other or avoid being spited by the other. More than a little sad, really.

Matty, I'd love to see you back in a Sioux uni next fall, but more than anything, I want you to do what's best for Matt Greene. Thank you for your three years with the Sioux. I really hope that what's best for Matt Greene is a fourth year at UND. If not, I wish you nothing but success.

PCM, I agree. Chicken Charlie really set me off with his waffling on the name change when it was clear the vast majority of students, alum and the community all wanted it to stay. But over time I have really learned to appreciate his adminstrative and goal setting abilities. He seems to have really brought a lot of focus to the academic, research, and (non-athletic) facilities sides of UND. For this he should receive legitimate applause. His biggest problems are that he seems to be very lacking in charisma for someone in his position, and he seems to be totally (maybe even willfully) unaware of the importance of athletics in the minds of students, alum and the community. He may feel that he and the university should be above such things, and maybe in a perfect world he'd be right. We happen to live in a very imperfect world, though, and if you refuse to deal with reality, reality will deal with you, and usually in an unkind manner. He just doesn't seem to be comfortable being the center of attention. I get the feeling it won't be long before he moves on: Not because he'll be forced out, but because he's just going to 'burn-out' over having to spend so much time and attention on things with which he would really rather not have to involve himself.

"Asked if high school and college teams should stop using Indian nicknames, 81% of Native American respondents said no." Source: Peter Harris Research Group, Inc., as reported in Sports Illustrated, March 4, 2002, page 69. Methodology: The pollsters interviewed 351 Native Americans (217 living on reservations, 134 living off). The responses were weighted according to US census figures for age, race, gender, and the distribution of Native Americans living on and off reservations. Margin of error: Plus or minus 4 percent.

You mean the one where the students chant 'VAHT?!!!' when a member of the opposition's starting lineup is announced?

From last Friday's Columbus Dispatch: "I can't imagine having to go up against our (defensemen),'' Parise said. "They're mean. They're real mean. I've actually heard guys squealing in pain in front of the net. I used to think it was funny. Now I sort of feel sorry for them.'' I haven't seen this posted anywhere, so forgive me if it has been already. The article is available on the web, but you'll have to pay. Details of the article follow: "NORTH DAKOTA MAKES A CASE FOR ITS DEFENSE" Published: Friday, April 8, 2005 SPORTS, page 05F By Aaron Portzline THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

Regarding the SiouxSports.com logo for tees: I'm an old schooler, so I'd just go w/ "SiouxSports.com", w/ each "S" just like those from the old "Blackhawk" Sioux unis, crossed tomahawks and all. Don't know if there would copyright issues, though. My $0.02.

Just got back from Columbus and now that the season is over and I can say what obviously should have been said much earlier. I gave in to a superstition that had me believe that I would end the Sioux's hot streak if I wrote this before it was over. Some of you may recall that I took leave of my senses following the Saturday game against (@) Anchorage, and stated that Hak should resign. Ummmm yaaaaa, nice call on my part. Needless to say, I'm more than a little red-faced over that one. What can I say, when I'm wrong, I'm REALLY wrong. I realize that my credibility is now somewhat wanting, but as an alumnus of UND, I couldn't be more proud of the way the team and the coaching staff finished the season. Winning Saturday night would have been the icing on the cake, but as I said when I was calling for Hak's head on a stick, I wasn't expecting (or demanding) #8, I just wanted them to play like I felt they were capable of playing. Man, did they do that! Anyway, I think I'll go through much more careful consideration before opening my trap again. Yes, I got exactly what many of you wanted me to get: A great big dose of 'shut-the-&%@#-up'.

I haven't been on the high road very often myself, but when I've been there I've never seen Denny Green. I have often seen him on my many travels along the low road, however.

Gwozpunky had to wait to see who DU drew in the first game of the NCAA's, then wait long enough to try to not make it look obvious. Gwozpunky and Punkovich have their's coming, and when it gets there, it's gonna be a lu-lu.

I'll take TH and TO over all comers. Yes, I'm a homer, but objectively speaking, while these guys may not be the best, they are still really, really good and there is nobody Sioux fans would rather listen to.

Much ado about nothing. UMN got the 4th #1 seed by getting help in other games. It would never fall this way for the Sioux, but that's only because Donnie has sold his soul to Satan, not because there is a vast conspiracy for UMN and against the Sioux. As already pointed out, KRACH, which makes the stats weenies slobber, also puts UMN as the last #1. In fact, it puts UW ahead of the Sioux. Also, it's interesting to note that according to KRACH, the top 10 teams in strength of schedule are all in the WCHA. The only criticisms that are valid (maybe I should say unfair) IMHO are that the PWR bonus points should be made public and determined before the season begins, and tourney placements should be made strictly by the resulting PWR. Otherwise bitching about a process everyone has bought into and understands is pointless, again IMHO. You are not likely to get rid of regionals on somebody's home ice as these have enough problems drawing as is and the NCAA is all about the $. I do predict there will be a 1-year hiatus on allowing on-campus venues, and that will be next year. I never count out UMN until they have been eliminated from the tourney. Donnie the soul-seller has had a good track record of late in getting his team to win when it matters most. They have a regional at home against teams not used to playing on their ridiculous frozen ocean. The biggest thing going against them is what all WCHA teams in the tourney will have a problem with: Not being able to play without all the little hooks and holds that enforcement in the other leagues has apparently all but made disappear. The five WCHA teams may spend the first ten minutes of their first game down two men and 5 goals.

Do not feed the troll.

How 'bout this for an attempt at fairness: Whenever the dirty yellow vermin are the lower seed or they play the Friday night game without being the surviving top seed in the tourney, their ^#$^&%$^ band, their ^@^$&# cheerleaders, their !%^%@#% mascot and their $%^#$#% home rink announcer aren't allowed at the game. Better yet, because of the other advantages playing there provides them, they shouldn't ever be alllowed to bring any of these @%#@%^# entities to the tourney, under any circumstances. And they should have to pay to have their opposition bring their band, cheerleaders, mascot (if applicable), and home rink announcer to the tourney.

...And should the Sioux win, you can start the "overrated" chant against your own team.

Ain't no almost about it.

Wow, that really puts it into perspective. I wonder if Hak is aware of this stat? If so, it'd be a good one to go over with his seniors.

Virg says in the Heraldo that Andy was out w/ the flu. Good article, good game. I really like the play of the 4th line of late, and wouldn't mind seeing more of them. Last night, whenever momentum woud swing towards SC, it seemed that Hak would put the 4th line out and they would gain the mo back. Looks like Jordie really wants the starting 'tender position. Saw Andy Murray in the crowd both nights, and seemed to spend a lot of time talking to Sioux fans. Great to have a guy like this so seemingly down to earth, when I'm sure if he wanted, he could find a way to be separate from the crowd and aloof. Good showing of Sioux fans both nights. Adam was completely horrible both nights. Worst official to ever take the ice, IMHO. SC really gave new meaning to the word "backchecking" as that's what they were checking all weekend, the backs of Sioux players. Constantly with NO position, yet hooking, holding, tripping, cross-checking our boys form behind to ride them off the puck. The boys have a tough opening series against Sandy and his squad, but at least it'll be at home. Hopefully they can get two wins and make to the Final Five. I'll be up in GF cheering them on.

Anybody out there got a single for tonight's game that they'd like to get rid of? If so, PM me. Thanks

I'm sure the protesters will be there with their well informed "people not mascots" chant again. Idiots