tnt

I think he was asking Meirekort what the long bomb in the endzone on the last play was all about. We talked earlier this year about stuff like that, and although I don't care that much one way or another, I definitely wouldn't want our coaches to be pulling that with a few seconds left and a 10-point lead. I'm glad UND defended that pass, otherwise people would have been sidetracked by that play instead of what UND has to do to play more consistently.

Danny Mattson off to a good start in the regular season with a goal, an assist and 5 shots on goal in a 4-2 win against Fargo. Gothberg took the loss in goal.

I can't begin to guess who is going to sit at defense on a regular basis. With the depth at forward it doesn't seem likely that they will dress 7 defensemen, unless of course Gleason is in at forward/defense. I can guess that what seemed to be relatively minor bumps and bruises that were nagging injuries last year might be given an extra day or two to heal in light of the depth at defense, and that is a good problem to have.

I would bet that almost everybody will get at least a little time against Manitoba. After that, I would imagine the competition will be fierce between Rodwell, Davidson, Cichy, Bruneteau and possibly Nelson. I'm sure each will have a chance to prove themselves. Could be that some step up more than others in that opportunity, and possibly some might be better suited for some types of games than others. You might not see Cichy for a very physical series, but you might see him on large ice surfaces. Bottom line is that whoever proves themselves in the opportunities they get will obviously get playing time. Nothing new here!

I think we have 8 great defensemen. Didn't Gleason lead the team in +/- last year? It will be interesting to see if he is playing forward right away or defense. I guess it might depend on whether Marto is ready or not. Also wouldn't be surprised to see a Blood or MacWilliam paired with Genoway to let him free wheel, plus someone to lay the smack down on anyone who even looks at Genoway wrong. Forwards look about what I was thinking although it's possible Rowney is at wing with Lamoureux and Nelson is center on line 4. I guess I can see both ways. I'm sure they'll play with combinations to see what works, but the first two lines seem like solid bets.

"Obviously how the coaches play the game and how they expect you to play", was the quote that stuck out to me. Is he even sure if Lucia and company are going to be at Minnesota? From what everybody says he is a great talent. Would be nice to line him up next to Grimaldi and possibly Rowe on the powerplay in the future and possibly still have Simpson around and Schmaltz. He would have a nice surrounding cast either place he plays, but you would love to see Grimaldi and him together. Could be the only time he sees the Bemidji arena if he chooses the Gophers and they join the Big Ten.

Grimaldi with a goal in a loss tonight. Also saw Gothberg with a 24-save shutout of Chicago and Danny Mattson earlier this week. Colton St. Clair with a goal in each of his two outings this week, and Mattson with 3 assists and 5 shots in Chicago win tonight. Can't wait until the regular season starts.

I meant that Tech and Anchorage would fill the place in the CCHA if a Big Ten conference was formed. I want things to stay as they are now, but if it happens, I wouldn't mind seeing an 8 team WCHA with the flexibility to schedule more non-conference games.

I would be in favor of the WCHA letting Michigan Tech and Alaska Anchorage go to the CCHA to fill the place of Michigan and Michigan State. That would allow the WCHA schools to be more flexible in scheduling non-conference games. But as everybody else, I don't think McLeod has a clue and is just waiting until he is forced to do something, much like he was instructed to get Nebraska Omaha. I don't think he has a bone in his body that is proactive, and goodness knows we don't want him making knee-jerk decisions, much the same like he did with suspensions where there was no rhyme or reason. Maybe the Big Ten would take him as their Commissioner.!

Maybe the South Dakota Coyotes could take up hockey and join the Big Ten?

I like how a certain blog thinks that WCHA schools are squirming over their futures. I know for one that Minnesota would be losing just as much if not more out of the equation. Last I looked it is Minnesota fans that have been jumping off the ship for the past few years, and they have no credibility with the NHL. If the league did form, the gophers would probably have to forego having home ice and leave the friendly, or lately unfriendly confines of Mariucci arena more often. Probably have to put up with a rotating Conference tournament, and possibly fewer regionals. The Ralph has sold out most games over the past 10 years, and judging by all the empty seats in Mariucci, I doubt they will draw better against most of the Big Ten schools than they would from long-standing rivals. The Sioux lose two of their biggest rivals, but will most likely play them anyway. I think most fans from all teams know that it isn't going to benefit any WCHA team, and that includes Minnesota and Wisconsin.

I think Minnesota has been more reluctant than Wisconsin in this endeavor. I think the NCAA needs to get out of the business of legislating "hostile and abusive" and look out for the best interest of a niche sport like hockey. College hockey can't afford to lose any teams, as a few are already on the bubble. You would think the NCAA would get out ahead on something that could destroy that fabric that is woven so loosely ... wait, were talking about the NCAA here -- my bad!

So if this did become a reality, would the NCAA give hosting West regional sites to members from the same league or do they try to find an alternative that would allow opposing leagues a chance to host? Minnesota could lose a bit by losing out on more regionals and hosting the league tournament every year. You know Michigan is going to want their fair share of regionals and such.

That may be true, but it sure puts a lot of pressure on those teams that would be left not to lose to those teams and make sure they have a winning percentage against non-conference to have at least comparable pairwise numbers. The WCHA could go from getting 5 or 6 teams in to 2 or 3, if indeed this happened, which I am not convinced.

I think it is Taylor Cammarata.

Is this a recruiting tool for St. Cloud to get Steve's kid Luke in a few years? Have they no shame?

Didn't Schuler and Brekke redshirt last year?

We'll see as time goes on what Kansas is like, but nevertheless, it was a good win for the Bison. It's true it doesn't help UND's in state recruiting, nor out of state for that matter. It doesn't help the Sioux with stories that read "severely overmatched", in a game they should have at least been competitive either.

From what I understand the Notre Dame Hounds have 3 pretty good prospects, including Matteau. Hopefully the Sioux can get back into that old recruiting ground. Although he doesn't play for Notre Dame, Brett Malone, some sort of relation to Brad, seems to get some ink as well. Anyone have any more information as to interest in these guys?

Any more word on the son of the former NHL player the Sioux were interested in? Was it Matteau?

If you read my comment on accolades, it was in response to your and another argument that included WCHA honors and that Lewis finished 7th on the Sioux in scoring. I was only stating that if you go by that criteria, you lose the argument right from the start. I never said that should be the way a Captain is picked.

That's too bad, as the hockey team plays at Wisconsin November 12th and 13th. I am sure more people would have stayed down there if it were the 14th.

Who puts "North Dakota" finished third in their article? Kinda strange. You mean he told the media what order his choices were? I look at it like he finished third, especially if he has the same defensive coach when he gets there, which probably isn't very likely. Sounds like he has great potential.

If you get into accolades as a requirement, you are arguing for the Lamoureux sisters. Both were up for the equivalent of the Hobey as freshmen. Monique led the WCHA in most categories as a freshman. Their numbers as freshman come close to UND's career leaders. This truly is a unique situation. I am sure if I knew Lewis I wouldn't be happy about it either, but it isn't so much a slap on her as it is a testament to the Twins drive and determination. You can't miss this window of opportunity to turn this program around and be the best it can be now so once the talent of the Lamoureux's is gone it can be replenished by being considered a top Tier program where more Blue Chip players will want to play. If you don't take advantage of everything possible now, you won't have a following in the future and won't have the chance to make the program at least close to revenue neutral.

If the Lamoureux sisters can inspire and shame members of the men's hockey team with their work ethic and unending determination, I sure wouldn't mind them doing the same for the women's team. I am pretty sure that they may have been Captains if they had stayed at Minnesota, a team that is already at the top, so I have no problem with them picking up where they left off there. I realize it may offend some, but if Jonathan Toews had eligibility left and came back this year, I would have no problem with him taking over for Genoway as captain, and it has nothing to do with Genoway's abilities to lead.