schmidtdoggydog

Forum article about Moorhead's team: Talent, opponents to help fill arena That athletic director Don Hulbert stopped short of making any attendance predictions for fear of starting "a feeding frenzy" was in itself a prediction of the fanaticism that awaits the Moorhead boys hockey team. "I think we probably have one of the best attended JV games in the state," he said. Because you may have to watch the under card to guarantee entry to the main event. Tonight marks the start of a schedule that's as loaded as the No. 1-ranked Spuds, who are still in hot pursuit of their first state title. Moorhead will host Bemidji at 7:30 p.m. at Moorhead Sports Center in the first of 13 home games. Future occupants of the visitors locker room include No. 2 Bloomington Jefferson, third-ranked and defending Class 2A state champ Centennial, No. 5 White Bear Lake, No. 7 Duluth East and Warroad, rated No. 2 in Class 1A. There are also road trips to No. 9 Hill-Murray and Fargo South, the top-ranked team in North Dakota, plus an entry into the Schwan's Cup, a holiday tournament at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul that boasts 8 of the top 10 teams in Class 2A. "It's a pretty tough schedule, so we'll get tested," senior forward Matt Becker said. Then, without being asked, he added, "It should be some great crowds." "Maybe our record won't be as good as it's been the past few years," said Spuds coach Dave Morinville, whose team returns seven of its top nine scorers from last year's team that went 26-3 and finished state runner-up, "but that's how you become a better team." Then again, those could be the words of a cautious coach trying to temper enormous expectations. The four-time defending section champion Spuds haven't dropped a home game since Jan. 20, 2001. The team went 9-0 playing before an average of 1,600 fans at the 2,900-seat Moorhead Sports Center last season. But on more than one occasion, spectators were still waiting to purchase single-game tickets (hint: those with season passes don't have to wait in line) well into the first period. "It depends on what else is going on, but we've been a pretty good draw," Morinville said. "Hopefully, people will want to come out and see us." That's what will make or break the gate. Because most of the Spuds heralded opponents hail from 200-plus miles away, Hulbert said the number of visiting fans could be down from previous seasons. However, there's no accounting for the NHL fan that might have previously been content to watch hockey from the dent in their sofa -- or the NHL employee, for that matter. Morinville said league scouts are scheduled to make regular appearances beginning tonight. Just in case capacity does become an issue, Hulbert is tinkering with "seating efficiency" and the location of the student section. It's a nice problem to have considering location -- and, to some degree, success -- has hindered the scheduling efforts of other Moorhead athletic programs. The football team, for example, had only six in-state games on its original schedule this fall after reaching the state semifinals in 2003. "We've always tried to have the most competitive schedule for our student-athletes," Hulbert said. "It's fair and we're really trying to listen to the needs of each individual program. If a program fits well playing schools of a lower class we're going to play them." Or, in this case, the Spuds are going to play the best. ----------------------------------------------------------------- Forum's Metro hockey preview (Moorhead): Moorhead E Coach: Dave Morinville (eighth year) - 2003-04 record: 26-3 (Minnesota Class 2A state runner-up) - Who's gone: Brian Gifford, F; Nick Deutz, F; Nolan Oliver, F. - Who's back: Matt Becker, Sr., F; Chris VandeVelde, Sr., F; Cory Loos, Sr., F; Ryan Clukey, Sr., F; Cory Johnson, Sr., F; Nate Miller, Sr., F; Brian Lee, Sr., D; Jon Ammerman, Sr., D; Tyler Johnson, Sr., D; Brett Barta, Sr., D; Derek Hittle, Sr., G; Spencer Deutz, Sr., G. - Team notes: Will this be the year? Everybody outside of Moorhead seems to think so as the four-time defending section champion Spuds are ranked No. 1 and are "by far" the best team, one Twin Cities coach told the Star Tribune.

They did have '03-04 shadow pucks, which have ND and the new logo on their face. The pro shop also has pucks with an orange face and the new logo. Barnes and Noble has pucks with a white face and the new logo that are good for autographs if you like that sort of thing. Gerrells/Hockey World and Play it Again typically have Sioux pucks also. I caught a game puck during the Friday Gopher game (sitting in the front row behind the net - it fell through the protective netting during the first period) that is as MafiaMan described. On the back it has the WCHA and Home of Economy logos.

I have nothing against Brandt, but it seems to me that he is getting the same chance as the other two every week in practice. And practice performance has to count for something. It is no big secret at UND that if you want to play during games you have to play well during the practices leading up to games. DH was pretty clear last week when he said that JB is still in the mix but was not performing at the same level as JP and PL in practice. As a fan who wants to see UND successful, it is hard to argue with the results over the last four games.

Stop comparing apples and oranges. There is a considerable difference between one's freshmen and sophomore seasons at any position in college hockey. Briggs as a freshmen won 25 of the 40 games he appeared in, which provides a comparable win % to PL's, (comparing 40 games played to 7 notwithstanding). His GAA was 2.62 and save % was .894 and he was the goalie on what was generally regarded as the top team in the country at the beginning of the year yet didn't lead his team to the Frozen Four. As of this point, not really a whole lot to brag about other than some early season success this year, which gets you little or nothing.

Last I heard he was living in cheap hotels somewhere in Ohio!

He is top-four on the team in shots on net: ## SHOTS ------------------------------- 24 Chris Porter 39 15 Travis Zajac 38 29 Colby Genoway 37 8 Nick Fuher 35 18 Drew Stafford 30 20 James Massen 29 9 Quinn Fylling 28 10 Rory McMahon 27 11 Rastislav Spirko 21 19 Mike Prpich 21

I always appreciate your level-headed perspective.

It always amazes me when a Gopher fan comes to this board and is offended by Sioux fans not giving UM "props" and then calling names like it's elementary school. Sure the Gophers are playing well - big deal. UND played tremendously well the last two Novembers and it meant nothing so why should we be so impressed by what your team is doing? Remember we beat Michigan two years ago and Parise scored four points and all we heard from your gang is 'cream puff schedule' - 'Michigan is down this year' - 'Parise got lucky' etc, etc. etc. It is not as if we haven't already beat your team this season; it is not as if we haven't already been #1 - what does any of it mean at this point - nothing really other than some power points, but bragging rights - come on, get over yourself!

If that is the case - my bad! I thought they were both eligible since Eaves commented that they should both receive strong consideration this year (btw, I realize he isn't the coach, but was discussing players cut/players considered last season).

I would be shocked if both were not named to the USA WJ team.

MTU replaced Ellsworth with Luker to start the second. He appeared to play a real solid game. UND didn't seem to do much in the second (they sounded very flat that period) but was cycling the puck well in the third and despite the fact he gave up three goals, Luker did a pretty good job stopping UND - Lammy, on the other hand, didn't have a real strong game and obviously the penalty kill was a bit off tonight. 3 goals for the d, 3 points for Stafford and it sounded like Massen and Fylling had very good games.

It sounds like they almost had an opportunity though!

The coach of the team that did score on the PP said his team has been outstanding this season with the man advantage.

You know Duluth fans - they are always drunk!

sorry I said anything!

and no penalties . . .

Another goal - Genoway. Great start for the Sioux.

First goal from a d-man since UND's first game of the season!

Up 24-14 with the fourth quarter about to start.

He was named a second team All-state wide receiver in football this season. He is currently playing high school hockey and recorded two assists in Central's win over Shanley last night. And although I don't have anything concrete to support the following, I think there is little doubt the college scouts are well aware of him.

Zach Parise article

A goalie admitting to a dive, a ref admitting to a mistake and Prpich admitting that his water bottle episode on Friday didn't elicit the response that he hoped for from the Huskies - all during the same weekend! Did Dr. Phil have a sit-down with these guys before faceoff to discuss feelings and the importance of honesty and opening up?

Agreed. It must be difficult for a person of his size and strength to reign all that in AND relearn how to play hockey due to the officiating emphasis and when he doesn't get it done in the first twelve games some fans call for his head, question his leadership and captaincy, etc . . . jeez . . . . . I guess his offseason workout program should have emphasized getting shorter, slower and weaker - ala Chris Fournier; we know how productive he ended up being. On a side note, it was good to hear on Saturday's postgame that Campion admitted that he "owed Greene one" for mistakingly calling a penalty on him in the third when it should have been Stafford that was penalized.