schmidtdoggydog
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Posts posted by schmidtdoggydog
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I'm actually pretty reasonable about things.
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It would be like Dean Blais saying "Gosh, I loved my time at UND, but I think I want to be an assistant at Wisconsin next year."
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This is not a close comparison. DB has no ties to UW. Hill has deep ties to UM. Not only did he serve as an assistant there for several years, but he remains very close friends with Lucia. Also, his wife and DL's wife are good friends and you can never underestimate the pull of the woman behind the scenes!
It has also been reported that his new contract at UM will pay more than his contract at Alaska and it is beyond dispute that he will again be part of a winning tradition, year in and year out.
And, finally, it is known that Hill has had ongoing medical issues in the past involving chronic back pain that made it difficult to fly at times. Even though he's had surgery to alleviate the problem, perhaps that issue still exists and he simply cannot handle all the lengthy travel from Alaska.
And perhaps, just perhaps, he was tired of the responsibility of leading a program that has trouble getting quality recruits every year. He did a good job with what he had, but that issue has to take a toll on a person.
There seem to be many factors that may have contributed to his return to Minnesota.
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potential to be pylons, hence the name pylons.
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I see the word pylon and have flashbacks to Aaron Schneekloth?
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It appears this is the week that UND is bringing in the "big boys" for visits. Joe Finley, a 6'7", 240 lb. d-man from the Sioux Falls Stampede, visited UND this past Monday with his mother. Hopefully, his mother has some influence over his decision as she had very positive things to say about UND and the visit.
The following is a copy of the mass email I received today from Paul Shaheen at Research on Ice (for those interested, this is an free electronic newsletter that arrives several times per week and is filled with updates on college hockey recruits. There is a link at the bottom of Heisenberg's recruiting site to sign up for the newsletter):
Wing Span
The view from Chicago's Sears Tower is quite impressive.
The one from atop Joe Finley isn't bad either.
A sprawling 6-7 and 240 pounds--the former thanks to genetics, the latter from his tireless work in the weight room-- Finley, the Sioux Falls Stampede defenseman and Edina, MN., native, has all of college hockey abuzz.
"He is absolutely a fantastic prospect," says newly hired Stampede coach and GM Kevin Hartzell, who has seen plenty of Finley over the years while coaching on the Minnesota high school hockey scene. "It's really scary how good he could be. He has great hands, good feet, and he just keeps getting better."
So much better, in fact, that while only 17 years of age, Finley may well be suiting up for a D-I club this fall. A junior, he's been accelerating his studies while attending Sioux Falls Roosevelt High School this year, and come early June, he's hoping to achieve high school senior status. With some extra course work, he could easily find himself a high school graduate and ready for college by summer's end.
"The idea of accelerating had been on my mind for some time," says Finley, who played for two seasons at Edina High School under the guidance of Hornets' head coach and 14 year NHL veteran defenseman Curt Giles. "I know it takes mental maturity to do this, and I've been working hard in the classroom and also on the ice."
To this point, it's all been paying off. "He can play almost any type of game," Hartzell adds, "I've seen him play a very intimidating type of game, and I've also seen him more skilled, by moving his feet and really handling the puck."
While well aware of his talents, Finley immediately defers to those like Giles for helping him arrive at the rarefied spot on which he now stands.
"Coach Giles has such a great track record, I learned so much from a guy with that type of experience," says Finley. "He's a great teacher and friend of his players. He'd remind me that while I was 6-6 and 200 pounds (when I played for him), I was young and had a lot to learn. He coaches the physical type of game because that's how he played. Foot work, moving the puck, and making the right first pass. That's what he stressed."
What of Finley for 2005-06? There's plenty of possibilities. Minnesota and North Dakota are expressing heavy interest, as are eastern schools such as Boston University. And there's always a chance he could come back to Sioux Falls and play for Hartzell, someone for whom Finley has great respect.
"I haven't known him that well, but I'm getting to know him," Finley says, "like coach Giles, I've seen something out of the ordinary that sets him aside. He's passionate about doing what's best for his players. He has great support for me, and wants what's best for me, be it Sioux Falls or college next year."
For the moment, Finley isn't worried so much about when he'll get to D-I as he is about what he needs to do to be effective once he gets there. "All I want is to be a guy who plays and not sitting on the bench. Right now, all my focus is on continuing my development, because I know better years are only ahead of me. I just need to keep practicing, improving my foot work, and keep weight lifting."
Honest and direct is Finley's approach to the game. It's the same off the ice. "Hockey is a game of ups and downs. Staying level is something I think I'm known to do. If I'm up, I've got people to bring me back down, and when I'm down, I've no problem coming to a coach, like a man, and speaking openly, and hoping to get an honest answer. In the locker room," Finley continues, "I don't get too up or down, but if I see things going in the wrong direction, I'm not afraid to open my mouth, because accountability is something I value greatly."
Honesty, hard work and athleticism bleed through Finley's family. His father runs a construction company and coaches girls basketball, while his sister, Kelly Finley, just completed her freshman year of college basketball at Northwestern University in Evanston, IL. Says Joe of his sister: "She's a brain, and she's a good athlete."
Sounds like brother and sister are a lot alike.
REGULAR SEASON
YEAR TEAM GP G A PTS +/- PIM PP SH
2004/2005 Sioux Falls 55 3 10 13 -18 181 2 0
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Unrelated, but of interest - how many times in the past have Sioux fans heard Gopher fans chirp about UND's cupcake schedule?
What goes around, comes around I guess! Check out MN's home non-conference schedule:
Alaska-Fairbanks, Union College, Massachusetts-Lowell, Canisius and Niagara.
Take away UML and what are you left with?
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Tidbits from today's Forum:
Minnesota Mr. Hockey finalist T.J. Oshie of Warroad will attend the University of North Dakota this fall instead of playing in the USHL for one season as originally planned. The forward scored 100 points and led the Warriors to the Class 1A title as a senior. Moorhead defenseman and Mr. Hockey winner Brian Lee will likewise make the immediate jump to UND, while prep teammate Chris VandeVelde, a forward and Mr. Hockey finalist, will meet with Sioux coaches regarding his options following the NHL combine in early June.Former Fargo North standout Aaron Walski plans to walk on to the University of North Dakota men's hockey team. The goaltender recently completed his first season with the Bismarck Bobcats of the North American Hockey League. -
For me, I could care less how Murray does in Europe. I am sure he is a good kid so good luck in the future but he no longer plays for the Sioux or in North America for that matter so I will not be following his pro career.
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So, you only cheer for and enjoy watching these young men during the years they wear the green and white, but not beyond the date the leave UND?
You don't enjoy or didn't enjoy in the past following the post-UND careers of guys like Tony Hrkac, Bob Joyce, Doug Smail, Russ Romaniuk, Ed Belfour, Travis Roche, Mike Commodore, Zach Parise, Brandon Bochenski, Troy Murray, Dave Tippett, James Patrick, Howard Walker, Garry Valk, Landon Wilson, etc? No one on that list played four years at UND, but they still were Fighting Sioux hockey players and will always be associated with the program.
Although it is frustrating when players leave early, especially those that are fun to watch, I am of the mindset that once a Fighting Sioux, always a Fighting Sioux and I continue to wish all such players well in their pro careers and beyond, quite frankly.
And I certainly cannot begrudge Brady Murray the money he is going to make next season playing a mere forty games. If the lockout continues (and not knowing the particulars of Bo's, ZP's, Hale's, MC's and Roche's minor league contracts), BM could very well be the highest paid Fighting Sioux alum playing hockey next season. More power to him, I say.
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I'm no expert, but I disagree with Murray's decision to leave early. He was injured alot last year and I think another year here would have done him some good. Have a good year this year, add to the value of his stock and I think money would be there for him. He was dominant on the ice and controlled the flow of the game when he was playing. And contrary to what some have said, he was very scrappy and did not hesitate to get into it in the corners, etc. I think he can carry that part of his game into the pros. It's true that because of his skill level, he was a target. That certainly won't change in the pros.
As far as jumping on $300,000, I'm also a little shakey on that. In reality, that's not much money (lots of people everyday people do that number every year)...of course, he can always use the cash to return to school and finish his degree, as so many have done. So maybe the timing was ok and he grabbed it. Why not, as long as he can keep his options open...
I've met few people who had more class than Brady or his dad. They are both what is good about college and pro hockey. Andy Murray always took the time to talk with fans and was a common site at the REA this year. I hope that he will return to scout from time to time, but once the NHL fires back up, that won't be too likely...
I suppose Stafford is next...
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Come on, it is hard to argue with the money he is going to make. Tell the posters on this board that $300,000 is not a lot of money - yeah right. I know you are an accountant and you see some people, at least on paper, that do that every year, but let's be real, not a lot of people make that kind of money, even in today's society.
Of late, that is true even in hockey circles. Matt Cullen has played roughly five years in the NHL, and signed a contract to play in Italy during the lockout for about $8,000.00 per month, per reports. That dude has NHL experience and even if the Italian league was year around, he would've made $96,000.00, which is a heck of a lot less than what Murray is being offered with no pro experience, for 40 games nonetheless.
Murray's signing is a no-brainer for the kid.
Also of note, Murray is a great player, but played little this past season and UND still participated in the national championship game. His leaving is a big loss, but let's not overstate its importance.
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There used to be display for Casey at the Old Engelstad, along with one for Dave Christian, Tony Hrkac and the friendship broom. However all of these items seemed to have disappeared when the new arena was built.
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I believe they are displayed in the common area near the hockey coaches' offices.
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From minnesota hockey journal:
David Lundbohm has helped the Florida Everblades to a 3-2 series lead against the Charlotte Checkers of the ECHL. Lundbohm leads the postseason with 19 points and nine goals and is tied in plus-minus (+9).
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Scroll down for some nice comments about Bochenski.
btw, I didn't realize Potulny played for the ugly helmets?!
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Article about Lee and Vandevelde and the NHL combine.
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Article from Wisconsin State Journal regarding ME's salary increase including comments alluding to the ranking of recruiting classes. If this is referring to the 2005-06 classes, I am a bit surprised by the rankings. Although I like UND's incoming class, I find it hard to believe the Gopher's class would not be ranked #1.
So what if Denver, Minnesota, Colorado College and North Dakota are loaded again after carrying the Western Collegiate Hockey Association banner into the NCAA Frozen Four? So what if three of the top five recruiting classes in the nation, according to Red Line Report, belong to North Dakota (second), Minnesota (fourth) and Minnesota-Duluth (fifth). UW, meanwhile, was sixth. -
The Capital Times - scroll down for UW's policy regarding the scheduling of teams with American Indian names, logos and mascots
Prohibited list: The board approved inclusion in the minutes a list of 17 Division I and II schools UW teams are prohibited from scheduling because they're in violation of the school's policy against playing teams with American Indian names, logos or mascots.In Division I, they are: Alcorn State (Braves), Arkansas State (Indians), Bradley (Braves), Central Michigan (Chippewas), William & Mary (Tribe), Florida State (Seminoles), Louisiana Monroe (Indians) and Utah (Utes).
In Division II, they are: Catawba (Indians), Indiana of Pennsylvania (Indians), Midwestern State (Indians/Lady Indians), Northeastern State (Redmen/Lady Reds), Southeastern Oklahoma State (Savages), West Georgia (Braves), Stonehill (Chieftains), North Carolina Pembroke (Braves) and North Dakota (Fighting Sioux) in all sports but hockey.
Traditional rivals and conference opponents are exempt from the policy. Those include the Big Ten's Illinois (Fighting Illini) and the WCHA's North Dakota. Marquette was on the list of exceptions when the policy was enacted in 1993 because at that time its nickname was Warriors.
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Points of interest from that article:
Alexander will be one of eight defensemen on a Sioux roster that includes highly recruited Moorhead High School standout Brian Lee. -
Here is a recent review of the Oilers top 20 prospects from hockeysfuture.com.
Moderator's note: Transcription removed due to copyright.
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I haven't been all the excited about Reaney as a recruit after hearing (reading) some comments from fans up in the BCHL about possible weight issues, etc. . . .After Fournier I'm a bit gunshy of talented players who have weight or work ethic issues, relying on talent alone.
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The flip side is a guy like Tyler Arnason, formerly a St. Cloud Huskie. He has struggled with weight issues, while carving out a pretty nice NHL career, thus far, anyway.
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When I come on your board I show some respect because it is your board.
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Not to rip on Marto, but how long will you have to wait for that to happen. By the time the kid comes into the league, Hag's and Goli will be Juniors. I don't think a freeshman D man is going to be skating circles around either one of these two.
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Hey clown, go back to your hole. Previously, I haven't minded your posts, but after reading the following at GPL, I had a change of heart:
Best tradition my a**. Your opinon means nothing here. Of course you think that your a sue fan. What else are you going to say . . . . Go over to the sue hole and make those statements.For what it is worth, Sioux is spelled Sioux, not Sue, and this place is not a hole, until or unless visited by crackers like you.
Don't come over here and ingratiate yourself by being all lovey-dovey, when, obviously, you full of crap.
btw, I am not sure Gopher fans ever expected anyone to skate circles around Harrington!
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Berry watched Darcy Zajac play several times this season. If he comes to UND, it would likley be for the '06-07 season. The kicker is there is a brother younger than Darcy who was described to me at the FF as being the "best" hockey player in the family, relatively speaking. Time will tell. Probably one of those cases of Blais recruiting a brother just to get the younger, younger brother.
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Oilers 2004-05 prospect review from hockeysfuture.com.
Comments about Matt Greene:
The only US collegian guaranteed to be on his way is lightning-fast Jake Brenk who has now completed his tenure with Minnesota State and played out the remainder of the ECHL season in Greenville with the Grrrowl.All the other collegian prospects the Oilers own the rights to would have to make the decision to leave school early to become pro following the footsteps of both Brock Radunske and Eddie Caron from a year ago. Matt Greene would be the leading candidate to do so but unless the NHL is back to work, there would appear little incentive for him to forego his final year and so the Oilers aren
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Since this topic is not intended for use by the public and for entertainment only, the REA security or GF PD personnel who read and participate in SS.com won't be taking notes.
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My good friend who works security at REA, is a GF PD sergeant and uses my extra ticket when not on duty is well-versed in the methods described above. The majority of officers that work the games do it because they enjoy Sioux hockey and get to watch for free while getting paid, they are not overly concerned with someone sneaking alcohol into a building that readily serves alcohol on every corner.
Like any good cop though, he picks his battles and if alcohol-related issues do arise, which obviously happens in places that serve alcohol, they are immediately addressed and resolved before the majority of fans discover that "something" took place.
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World Junior Tryouts
in Men's Hockey
Posted
btw, kudos on that. It is a good article, but then again, how difficult is it to write a story about a game as one-sided as that one was? Reporting the facts doesn't, alone, make you reasonable.
As for PM, when he steps foot on UMN's ice wearing the M&G, then UMN fans can claim him as their own, until then there really is no point to your comparison - not to flame, of course!