tnt

Remind me again what side of the ball the coaches thought they could hang their hat on? It was quite obvious that Southern Utah had no respect for the Sioux defense. Where were the adjustments at halftime. Not exactly what you want your alumni to see. When was the last time a Sioux team was totally dominated on both sides of the ball like this at homecoming, or anytime for that matter. The more and more I look at it, it appears to be the schemes rather than the personnel. At least I would hope that the talent level isn't that big of a discrepancy. I actually bought into the confidence the defensive coaches were gushing over at the beginning of the year.

Interesting per Brad's blog that Hakstol may dress 7 defensemen at some point, although not tonight. That would make the competition at forward even greater, especially if that 7th defenseman isn't Gleason.

Friday: Trupp Saturday: Frattin

It's a hybrid icing that seemingly would protect the players. If the offensive player beats the defending player to the faceoff dots, the icing is waved off. It allows some space so a guy doesn't get drilled into the boards by trying to stop icing at the puck itself.

While Rowney doesn't have the flash, sometimes you just need grinders that are going to wear down the other team with their cycling and who are willing to fill a role of helping shut down a top line. UND has traditionally had a great formula of guys that aren't noticed too much, but fulfill an important role nonetheless. Sometimes it is a good thing if they aren't noticed, because they did their job. A lot of times those roles change as players are able to take on more responsibility and gain the necessary confidence.

Just remembered I didn't recall seeing Jordan Slavin out there today. Anyone know why she didn't play? She should be one of our best on defense.

It certainly was nice that they could put Monique back on defense in important situations. Their defense could really use a difference-maker, but they are pretty young, so maybe someone will step up. The nice part is that they can always fill in with the Twins in key situations in any game, so they should be competitive with the best. Only wish they had Karvinen to add to the mix this year.

I will only say that with the examples that have been in the public eye for the last few years, that I would hope that players would think twice about this kind of activity, especially when the team is primed for a great season. I guess kids will be kids, but I don't think it is too much to ask that there is a little self-sacrifice for a common good or at least a little more discrete behavior. I think if most players can focus so hard on getting to the pros by sacrificing most of their time and energy on making themselves better, they should be able to hold off for a year or two in "other pursuits". I don't think it has to be a given that all kids drink underage, especially for those that deny themselves in so many other ways with their time and energy.

Please keep the facility, as if they get a better facility recruiting will only get better and they will be beating us more consistently than they do now.

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?