Siouxman

We did the trip this past weekend and are glad that we decided to go. For the most part the road from Fargo to Sioux Falls was fine except for right on top of the Buffalo Ridge hill near Summit, SD on the trip home. There were patches of blowing snow sticking to the road and a vehicle in front of us spun out and slid into the median. Two of us managed to push the car back onto the road and that was the end of it. Other than that the conditions were good. We did the trip in just under four hours driving each way. The Denny Sanford Arena is very nice. The lower bowl seats are nicer than the upper bowl. I am sure the announced attendance was based on tickets but the butts in the seats were definitely far more than we see in other regionals. Everything was well done. Parking was free unless you wanted to park right near (and I mean directly alongside) the arena. We were at most a block away from the front door both nights. I will gladly attend another regional there. Definitely more room than Fargo. On Saturday we did a walking tour of Falls Park which was interesting. Had no idea that was there and there is a long history behind it.

Say what you will about AF but they were outstanding in a number of areas. Their defensive stick work and tenacity along the boards was a joy to watch. I wish UND was that good. They outplayed SC in the first but got badly outplayed in the second. AF stepped it up in the third but still got outplayed by a bit. I have a feeling AF will be tired tonight.

I believe that I will be wearing my Air Force cap in support.

So Jones only got clipped? The refs went to the camera review and spent a very brief time reviewing it before issuing the 5. It must have been quite obvious to them.

Boy was Coach Berry upset today. After the UMD 5 minute major was called for kneeing, he was pounding on the glass between the two benches and yelling at UMD coaching staff. Then during the handshake line he refused to shake UMD coaches hands and simply left the line to shake the hands of the officiating staff.

Careful there. Mine is an iPhone 4S and it works smarter than some people.

And I couldn't care less about your mis-used phrase.

For those who haven't made reservations yet, the Mpls. Hilton still has rooms for about $92/night plus fees. Much cheaper than anything we could find in St. Paul. Parking is extra, of course.

But aren't you solely responsible for the Michigan debacle?

I believe that we will be there (2 of us) as we have tickets and hotel is booked. Just waiting to see if my travel agent has other plans for me.

I was at the games this weekend (yes, MafiaMan, I was there) and during the Friday night game it appeared to me that Bowen got thrown out of the faceoff circle every time but once that I remember. There may have been a few other times he did not get thrown out, but that was one issue. It also appeared that he just did not have an effective game, i.e. he was pretty much unnoticed except for getting thrown out on faceoffs. That would be my guess.

I go to almost every game and was at both games in Duluth. It was depressing. UND looked totally outclassed, as if they belonged in a lower league. They were outskated, outhustled, outclassed crashing the net, ...just out of it. They don't seem to have the heart and soul. Other than the victory in Bemidji, they have looked disorganized, out of sync, and lost for quite some time. I have not seen a UND team play like this for this many games in many years. I have seen them play better earlier this year, but not lately. There is something wrong here, whether it is rampant injuries, failed team leadership, failed coaching, etc. I just don't know. But I came away from Duluth with the belief that something is just not right with this team. I believe this team will be on the road for the first round of the playoffs, not be in St. Paul for the NCHC tournament, and are not likely to make the NCAA tournament. I hope I am wrong.

Kalamazoo is an environment that needs to be experienced as a fan. It is similar to being at Michigan Tech only take it to another level. The crowd really gets into chants against opposing teams, especially if you wind up in the penalty box. They are much more innovative and intimidating than SCSU's limited vocabulary of "you suck."

The Bemidji shot guy needs some training or has to remove his beaver colored glasses. There were shots on goal for UND that did not get counted and there were high shots going over the goal that Cam gloved and counted as a shot for Bemidji. Very good Sioux fan turnout for the game. Once UND took control about 3/4 of the way through the first it was really fun to watch.

I am aware of that. I can also possibly get one at the door. Just thought that I would check to see if anyone had a ticket they simply weren't going to use and throw away. I believe that I have one. It is just that they choose to jump the price of a lap ticket significantly some times.

We are looking for one ticket to take our 4 year grandson to the game on December 30th. If someone has a single ticket they don't plan to use, our grandson sure could. Obviously he will sit with us in our seats.

My instinct tells me that if Cam is ready to go, Thome will play tonight and Cam on Saturday night to give him a game prior to some big NCHC games coming up.

I think that it goes over much better if Berry does any questioning or making comments behind closed doors directly to the NCHC. That does not put the NCHC in the controversial public spotlight (where most normal people do not want to be). It makes it much easier for the NCHC to take corrective measures for the future and to clue in Montgomery that it is time for an attitude adjustment.

Hasn't started for me either!

Ummm, you mean Montgomery??

This was a huge step forward for this team.

All tickets are sold.

I do but they are in 302. Great view, friendly people, plus you get your exercise climbing the stairs.

Looking forward to another good game. Will be sitting in the second level tonight. Let's get the sweep.

We still have two tickets available for Friday night against Miami. $30 each. Section 302 Row I.