Ray77

I know exactly what you're saying and don't completely disagree. However, Toews would fit the mold for a lifer - one of the youngest captains in NHL history, has been compared to Stevie Y, etc. I just don't see the Hawks letting him go.

There's no question that between the two, Kane would be the one to go. They're not going to name Toews the captain at age 19 or whatever he was and then let him go. You didn't see Yzerman leave Detroit, you didn't see Sakic leave Quebec/Colorado (although now that he's a geriatric he may) and you won't see Toews leave Chicago (unless it's a situation like Sakic is in). And yes, I do know who Wayne Gretzky is and his hockey history. I guess what I'm trying to say is that maybe in Toews' twilight years you could see him play for another team, but he won't be leaving Chicago for the next 10+ years. I'll go on record and say that I believe Toews will be a Blackhawk for life.

I think that's going to be a great fit for both Hossa and Chicago. But you're right...now you have to find money to keep all the youngsters on the Hawks. I thougth they had great chemistry, and if I'm Dale Tallon I'd want to keep as much of that in tact as possible.

Cichy goes in the 7th round to Montreal - 199th overall.

It'll be interesting to see what happens with Luke Johnson...Steve Johnson's son. He'll be ready before his senior season, but how much before will be interesting to see.

I think the question is, will he be moving to Fargo to play HS? Probably not ready for the USHL yet, and I do know he was going to be transferring from RR to Central this year, but I wonder if this throws a wrench in those plans?

Apparently you didn't read this.

Well, since UNO was holding all the cards, I wouldn't be surprised if after the contract for the WCHA Final 5 (by that time will be Super 6 or something) is up with the Xcel Energy Center that it is then permanently moved to Omaha, and UNO gets 100% of the revenue from the tournament. Also, even if UNO takes last in the league and gets swept in the 1st round of the WCHA tournament, they still get to play in the Final 5/Super 6 - as the #1 seed.

I was away from my computer this afternoon, so this is the first chance I got to post this - and I didn't read anything about this in the thread yet. Dean Blais was on Dan Hammer's show at lunch and said that UNO will be in the CCHA this year and Bemidji State will be an "independent", and next year both will be in the WCHA.

You're right...they could tell the WCHA that they don't want to join arguably the best league in college hockey from top to bottom, but would rather stay in the CCHA with a few top-end teams and loaded with duds. We'll see how far that gets them...and how long Blais sticks around!

Exactly...and it's nice to see that MplsBison is at least level-headed about the issue. Like UNO is going to start making all these demands if the WCHA wants them to join. Yes, they are most likely being pursued by the WCHA, but you really think that UNO is going to want to hold the league ransom to get them to join? That would really benefit everyone and start things out on the right foot now, wouldn't it? In getting Blais, I'd almost guarantee you that one condition was that UNO is in the WCHA. If this wasn't already in the works, I'd bet that Blais does not go to UNO. For some reason MplsBison doesn't want to accept that UNO would willingly want to be in the WCHA - like the WCHA has to bribe them and give them a ton of concessions to join the league.

I figured with Wesolosky going into his Sr. year it would make more sense for Lee to stay in Fargo next year, then come in after Wesolosky leaves. But Lee said he's heading to St. Cloud next year, so I don't think he'll be back in Fargo. Where'd you hear that? I'd like it if he changed his mind!

Todd Richards, an assistant with San Jose, was hired as the Wild's bench boss. Source: Richards takes over Wild

You'll be very happy with that WJC backstop.

Please re-read the majority of this thread. The answer to your question is UNO.

You can be as skeptical as you want. They will be in the WCHA.

I doubt Blais would take the UNO job if UNO was not going to be in the WCHA. Look for news later this summer announcing the admittance of Bemidji State and UNO to the WCHA!

I have no doubt that this is the case. I believed that UNO would be in the WCHA next year, and now I'm about 99.99% sure they will be. I don't see Blais going to UNO if they're still in the CCHA.

Definitely not good news for the Force. After a great first season, it would have been nice to build on that and keep Blais around for a while. Now the heat is on to find a coach that can keep it going.

DAMMITDAMMITDAMMITDAMMIT!!! PS...I fixed your post.

Just keep watching the news this summer/fall. UNO might be saying all the right things to not tick off the CCHA, but don't be surprised when they're a member of the WCHA.

I'm betting on Bemidji State and UNO being WCHA members...and soon.

Amen. I also hope he comes back and realizes his potential as a Fighting Sioux.

I wouldn't count on that happening any time soon.

You were fishing, and I bit. I was actually surprised it took someone that long. I would have probably been even quicker but I had to find the post on how to imbed YouTube clips first!