Hopper

Point well taken! Now I see the point 7>4 was trying to get across! Thank you for pointing out my ignorance!

7>4, I'm staying neutral, but where are you coming from? In your first post on this thread, you are referring to the Gophers as "Rodents", and saying that "Yellow Stain" (I'm assuming, yellowdog) should be banned for being a Gopher fan. Yet in your last post, you seem to be anti-Sioux? I'm not looking for confrontation by any means, but I really enjoy reading this forum for some reason, and I am confused by your stance? Personally, I get a little upset when I read something from a Gopher fan that goes against the proud Sioux, but often don't say anything (as anyone can see by my duration on this site vs. my # of posts). But, I have to say, they...the Gopher fans...bring something appealing to this site. I have never reacted to any one of their posts on a whim, but read it, analyze it, search my true feelings, and if I feel that it was worthy of a comment, I write what I feel should be said. However, your post saying that "Rodent" fans should be banned, yet in the last post I read you seem to be anti-Sioux....repetitive I know, but I am confused. Always a Sioux fan, but I give credit where credit is due....I'd like to credit your thoughts, but, again to be repetitive, I am confused by what you have posted. Please advise! Last mention: I think it was the goon that came up with 7>4, referring to the number of championships, is this how you are interpretting it as well?

When Brian was in High School, I watched him play. I don't know how much HS hockey anyone on this post has watched, but this kid can hit with a presence. He plays as though he's 5 inches taller and 50 pounds heavier. I haven't seen him play since he left HS, but I think he will be alright. I'm not defending the fact that he WILL replace Hale, but I think he will impress a few people that expect less of him in the WCHA. We all know how much control we have in the recruitment of new players, so let's all hope that he will bring in a new twist. I spoke to people about David Hale when he was signing to play here, and I was informed that he played goon hockey and was never in position. The rumors I heard were corrected after he proved himself a good D-man! So, I hope Bina will bring something good, and although he was hitting kids that were 140 lbs. in full gear, I think that he'll be able to hold his own in the WCHA. At least I hope....he's coming whether anyone thinks he will do well or not.

Yellowdog, I have to say that I see where you are picking up the criticism(s). You are on a post where many think/live/bleed/excrete green! I've seen many handle's biting at your existence on this site, but I have to give you credit, you keep coming back, and you have something to say! With that said, I am a die-hard Sioux fan, and don't follow the Gophers, mainly because they are the biggest nemesis (based on home team pride, I guess). However, in the "sweet 16", they looked awesome...home team crowd or not. They looked deep, aggressive, and controlled. I don't know what happened this year to our Sioux, but I have my speculations. However, I think the Gophers look good right now, and (swallowing my pride) I have to say that I think they will do well. I too have bashed Gopher fans, when they come on this site to belittle our boys, but from what I've read on your post's, I think that you are fairly partial. Don't know if this has anything to do with anything, but I thought it should be said. Plus, I'm hoping that this will give me a check in the "credit" column, in case a Gopher fan ever comes to this site to belittle our boys, and I have to write a retaliation!

My son receives American Hockey magazine, and in one of the ad's, there is a complete page with about 50 people standing in a room wearing hockey jerseys. One of them is the retro-green "NORTH DAKOTA" jerseys. I can't remember exactly, but if memory serves me correctly, it is one of two colleges represented with many pro and Olympic jerseys. Yeah, I think the name NORTH DAKOTA stands for something in the hockey world!!!! I second your AMEN!

No, he fought with #32, didn't catch his name, but both were ejected (5:00 plus game DQ). Pretty even fight that lasted about 30-40 seconds. My comparison to Domi is the tough guy presence, even though the scoring isn't through the roof. I hope Mike keeps playing tough. They mentioned his name quite a few times on CBC, as well as Leopold's. Leoplold was the 3rd star of the game.

Just a thought, but if I were #4, I'd sign the paper! I definitely want to see him play here next year, but with health concerns, I'd take the money! I know getting an education should be first and foremost, but after the signing bonus, I think a guy could think ahead! I want to see him here next year, as all of us do, but if he decides to sign elsewhere, who could blame him!

All I can say to all of this is as follows! Just wait until the rest of Zach's line shows up! What will the Gophers do then?

Yep, I saw it!!!! I think he did well...I think the game DQ will enhance his NHL future! I'm not for total goon hockey, but as we all know, making a presence on the ice will keep you in the NHL with an "average" goal scoring season! Just ask Domi! Keep it up Mike!

It's only the first period, and Commodore has only had one real chance to drop em', but it looks to me like he's a little intimidated by his colleagues at this level. He doesn't have the 'look' he did in the WCHA. He looks like he doesn't know what the outcome will be if he goes to dukes! I say this lightly, because I know what he is capable of unleashing, but it just seems he needs to test the waters and gain some brawling confidence! Believe me, I'm not saying he's backing down from anyone or any situation! In fact, my son has a picture of himself and Mike, an 8X10, framed in his room! I'm just looking for him to be a standout.....which shows my love for the Sioux!

I'd say the Sioux win by 2! I say this because I was fortunate enough to go to the game on Sunday when I returned to GF, and I saw a team that was scrambling to win! I really don't want to see our team scrambling, but right now I'll settle! To me, this means that they realize that they've lost some of that spark, and they're "scrambling" to win at any expense! As we all know (of the whole season at the Ralph), the REFFING SUCKS! Shmidt, Shephard, Adams, Mason???Who cares...they all suck! I'm not blaming losses on reffing, but jeeper's creeper's......what the hell is going on in the WCHA this year....namely in the Ralph??? After following my son's team, and seeing how the reffing "might" try to determine a game....I had to think (again) that the ref's suck! I mean SUCK! Anyone know who will be reffing on Thursday? Please inform me, I can't imagine any of our normal's reffing....or UND will be playing 7 on 5 the entire game....Like always!!! Is it legal for a ref to wear the jersey of an opposing team??? IF IT IS, I'M SURE WE'LL SEE IT THIS WEEKEND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm throwing this out there! I have also blamed goaltending for a variety of losses...whether on this forum or behind skull and skin! However, and not seeing the game and only hearing the third period.......not even knowing that Ranfranz was pulled, I want to share my thoughts! But, as I said, I'm throwing this out there, and base solely on "much" 'visual' hockey, goalies are plagued with too much of the blame! This has been a year of winning (yeah), losing (sh*#), and squeaking by/ties/heart-breakers. I am not bashing Blais, as he has more coaching knowledge than any of us "know-it-alls" on this forum, but what a decision he's been forced to make in a year like this. Now, for all of you (like me) that think you know it all, follow me on this journey. The goalies on this team have no idea who the 1st stringer is....and none of them have been given this title. Goehring.....he knew it! Belfour...he knew it! Kvalevog....he was pretty certain! Schweitzer....he knew it! Now, the goalies this year haven't been allowed to come into their own! Blais has his reasons****I don't even want to speculate**** because I haven't been a coach at that level. So, how are any of these guys supposed to find their strategy? How are they to find confidence? How do they know that they will be there another day? None of us know the answers, and neither do our goalies. Blais does, and I'm sure behind closed doors, the goalies are informed of these things. However, with so many switches during the season, the flow isn't there! Many reasons for this I'm sure, but I think many would agree, hang one of them out there, and let them find a groove. It's up to all of you (and Blais mainly) to decide who that one will be(in your minds for personal satisfaction, and for Blais to decide the rest)......and this late in the season, it may not work for anyone involved! However, this is what I feel is a partial solution. I've heard static from a few(maybe 12-15) season ticket holders, and from those involved in the conversation that enjoy the few games at the Almighty Ralph that they can, that this would be their choice(sticking with one goalie...whoever that may be) for partial solutions to the slump. I'm saying this on a night where they took-it-to Wisconsin, but we can't brush the middle part of the season under the carpet.....and I have to say that confidence in the crease has something to do with it. My two-cents says let the goalie (of choice) take a few bumps, but let him build confidence over time......as a D-1 coach, choice of who this should be would be easy in this case, and let em' buck from there!!! Eventually we'll have a stand-up tender that looks at his jersey after the game and says...Thank God I came to UND!!! AMEN

forecheck, In response to your earlier post, I know a relative of Kasey's, and he/she (to protect innocence) said that he was going to the USHL.....Lincoln Stars is the rumor.....and after that was looking at SCSU(heritage). Now, I gave a piece of my mind, as I followed Kasey, and watched all but 1 home game, and 3 on the road games....not much dedication, but I have my own schedule and home games are a part of that....away games were not! So, I am SO hoping that the "counter offer" will hold true! This kid had a team in front of him, I have to agree with the skeptic's, but I'll tell you what, this guy was relaxed and showed more 'basic skills' than I have ever seen. I'm not comparing, and don't quote me as I only see what I see, but he plays at a collegiate level every game. Every kid that doesn't rack 'em up, score 'em big, stand out big-time, give great a new name should not have a shot at D-1 right out of High School...Zach is the exception to the rule!!! However, Kasey is one of those kids that is quiet, calm, doesn't point the neon lights toward himself, and is more worried about how the team is doing than what his stat's are. That's exactly what this crew needs.....in my opinion of course! I mean, who wants a kid that looks at his stat's daily and worries about how "he will look to others".....I'd rather see a kid that realizes what it means to actually make the team and works hard to keep things going in the right direction. I remember a Ziegelman doing the same things, but I also remember the shots on goal....and believe me or read the stats.....he didn't face the shots that Kasey did. Although I'd be just as happy to see Nate come back to Grand Forks, I have gotten to know Kasey from behind the glass, and he isn't one to brag about the little things, nor will he lose his cool over getting pulled or letting in a cheesy goal.....knowing him, I'd see him working harder at practice and pushing himself into a "stellar" season! So, this can of worms was opened by your spark of saying that "you heard that........counter offer.....something something" ! That's all I need to hear.....I hope there's some truth here.....in what you heard....not what you say!!! If anyone reads this that knows Kasey on a talk-to basis, pass this message to him,,,,,,,,,,,,,, Look past your brother's legacy, and build your own! It would look good on TV to hear of your family success at 2 different colleges!!!! Enjoy the Juniors, and then come home to a comfortable jersey!!!

Thanks for the exciting news! I was hoping that someone would let me know that the games were on! I so hope that none of us has to kick out the screen in frustration after either game!!!! GO SIOUX!!!

I was merely relying on the Trump card. I had forgotten last years appearances, and I also think Ranfranz should get the start! However, I guess I have resorted to Grasping at Straws to make the season finalize the way I want to see it.....NCAA CHAMPIONSHIP! I hate grasping at straws....I really do!!!!!

I'm not riled up, but I do want to say this...in no one's defense! This is just a thought I had so maybe this will help. I have had employees that sign a "contract". However, in the fine print, it says something to the effect that even though they are showing up for work, they can't lay down in the break room and sleep. Nor can they work for 6 hours and slack off for the remaining 2. Nor does it say that at any time I have to keep them around because I said I would. Like I said before, this has no bearing on what has been said in this forum. Nor am I saying that I am in favor of pulling/honoring any scholarships. What I am saying, is that some tough decisions will be made by Blais, and at that time I will be thankful that I am not in his shoes!

I will guarantee that with the way the Sioux have been playing, and the solid goaltending Wisconsin has (outside of the Gopher fluke), the Sioux will outshoot them and barely squeak by. I read a comment higher on this post about trying Sofie. I'm all for that! What do we have to lose at this point??? Plus, who really knows what he's capable of? With the "hopes" on our current starters, maybe the chances we're relying on now would be less of a "chance" with Sofie in the net. I say he's here for a reason, and someone kept him around for something, so why not let him play the series. I mean look at the stats, we aren't winning away or at home, so maybe the message should be sent that we're throwing down our trump cards and see what happens. I think I'd be MORE interested in the game with a little mysticism....hence, what Sofie could do.....Why not.....what we're doing now certainly isn't working????

I totally agree! Kasey has had a strong year, and he has the personality traits to remain consistent! He's tall, has great positioning, and his stats are the best I've seen! His team played strong in front of him, but you have to look at his save percentage. I watched him take quality shots all year making great saves, and the best part is, he looked good doing it! Hopefully Blais will look his way!

So, let us go here if we may! He came from a team (Red River HS) that allowed less that 15 shots per game (on the average). He is proving himself in the USHL, but I believe the last any of us got the low-down, the Sioux were done recruiting goalies for a while. Now, a college education is a college education, hence you pick a school that has your desired course of study. Why would anyone (with his talent) try to walk-on a team that has their athletic position filled??? Ziegelman, Lamoureux, they were arch-rivals in High School...they play on the same team with similar stats now. Why in tarnation would Ziegelman try to come to a school that already recruited a goalie that is trying to steal his limelight now??? My advice to Nate, although I'd love to see both he and Phillip here NEXT year, is to go where the free education is and worry about the home crowd when he's finished his hockey career. At that point he can come to UND as the next coach that will take us to the next 7 NCAA championships (and at that point impress his friends and neighbors)! After watching the ND High School tournaments tonight, I remember watching Nate play. I agree, he has more than hockey skill to bring to any team, but trying to walk-on the UND roster is like waiting for the lottery numbers to pop into one's head. It happens on occasion (few and far between), but it's not likely to happen to the same person/position (goalie) with any certainty! Go wherever you can get the sholarship and leave your pride at the arena door...although, as I stessed earlier, if you can find a way to climb aboard this Sioux freight-train with your buddy Phillip, I'll be the first in line to support your every save!

I've heard several people say that, as the story goes, Crosby is on his way to be the next Wayne Gretzky??? I've heard this in a few different conversations, and in different context's. Has anyone else heard the story go this way?

Hammy, I agree with you! Jensen is a sound goalie, and that is exactly how I see it. I don't know the tally, but as a goalie dad, I KNOW that he had over 40 shots. However, he played from his bag of tricks, and once again, the Sioux got robbed. We consistently outshoot our opponent's, and can't put the puck in the net. One more thing I can guarantee, is that the Sioux shot more than 50 times, and only 40 found their way to the net. From the sound of it, the scoring chances on the shots taken were kinda weak again. The Sioux tend to take many shots toward the net, but a lot of them don't go 'on goal'. I don't know what to think! I just HOPE!

I'll tell ya what! With the talent, raw talent, on this team, there is no reason why we can't make that drastic comeback in the third period. What the heck happened to that Sioux passion for the game? I can't see why a team like this one should have posts such as "Drought Continues" on their website. From the games I have seen, the stat's I have read, and the current WCHA standings, anyone can see that all of the other teams are getting better, coming together, pouring it on as the season winds down. However, it seems that our Sioux are starting to fade into a wicked slump that will end them up soaring to last place. Once again, with the raw talent on this team, and the mere way they can feed each other, there is no reson that they aren't dominating games at home and when they're packing. Someone tell me that this season hasn't climaxed already.....Please!

I also listened to the game, but I have nothing to say except this. I believe the Sioux team should click on the website www.therestoftheseason.com and register to WIN! IF they don't, this could be a great season for Altru, because the prescriptions for anti-depressant drugs shall soar!!! Why is it that all of the other WCHA games go down to the wire, but when it's our game, we end up defeated. I have high hopes, as all of you do, but for God sakes something has to change. The way I heard the game, all but one of the goals were on rebounds and carelessness again. I don't think Ranfranz has much fault in this...although the numbers don't show it. I could care less who starts in net, but Metcalf's goal sounded like the only one that was on the first attempt. Like I mentioned, I didn't see the game, but I too am depressed by the score. I think some of our big dogs are going to have to step it up, or a lot of the ticket-holder's will get a playoff refund again this year!

I like what Goon and forecheck have going here! I think this forum needs a little humor lately. My thought on the goalie leaving the net...I'm all for it....just put the puck in the net at the opposite end...... Hat's off to both of you....keep the game alive.... I'd guess that Blais will have the team (and the goalie(s)) whipped into shape for the weekend! At least....I hope so ....

I say stick with Ranfranz!!! I think Blais should sit him down in the office, explain to him that he is the go-to guy for the remainder of the season, and let-er-buck! I would have to say that he proved himself worthy of the shot! He made more saves this game than...not saying any two names.....saw(in shots) the entire game in a loss to MTU. If I recall right, and someone let me know, so far Ranfranz has done nothing but good with his time in the crease. Just imagine if he had the assurance that he would be starting a couple of consecutive games. I don't know.....just thinking that this could be a positive change at this point??