nodakvindy

#9 and #10 - Third team to win 3 straight MacNaughtons, getting above .500 against Minnesota before the series ends. Lots of things to shoot for as a team. Also a Hobey, breaking Ryan Miller's records (shutouts season and career, season Save Pct., etc.) Sticking around didn't seem to hurt Miller any. I think the tutelage of Karl Goehring for two more years can't be underestimated. I'm guessing maybe Eddie the Eagle might be in during the summer to offer some lessons as well. That's like becoming part of the Tretiak goalie family tree.

I'd say after this weekend, I'll be shocked if he isn't the West 1st Team All America.

If Frattin wore 22 instead of 21, you could already engrave the MOP trophy for him.

Didn't really wanna touch that one, cause I'm hoping that doesn't repeat itself. (Although technically I don't think 50 feet was projected in 1997 and that was a big part of the problem).

Atkinson was a junior, so actually he was a 3 and done.

There are beginning to be a lot of wacky coincidences piling up for the 1997 and 2011 season. In Sioux/NCAA hockey 1997........................................................................................2011 Surprise goalie named Aaron claims starting job ........Surprise goalie named Aaron claims starting job Sioux win MacNaugton Cup (share).................................Sioux win NacNaugton Cup (outright) Sioux have 21 conference wins and 43 points...............Sioux have 21 conference wins and 43 points UND gives up one goal in 1st round sweep of Tech.....UND gives up one goal in 1st round sweep of Tech Sioux win Broadmoor Trophy.............................................Sioux win Broadmoor Trophy Sioux defeat CC in WCHA semis......................................Sioux defeat CC in WCHA semis Sioux defeat #2 seed for Broadmoor in OT.....................Sioux defeat #2 seed for Broadmoor in 2OT Dean Blais WCHA Coach of the Year...............................Dean Blais WCHA Coach of the Year UND has 3 1st and 1 3rd team All-WCHA........................UND has 3 1st and 1 3rd team All-WCHA New Conference two years away (CHA)...........................New Conference two years away (Big Ten) Sioux open NCAAs scoring 6 against ECAC foe............Sioux open NCAAs scoring 6 against ECAC foe Frozen Four location in WCHA territory.............................Frozen Four location in WCHA territory Frozen Four includes Michigan..........................................Frozen Four includes Michigan Frozen Four includes WCHA 4th Place (CC)...................Frozen Four includes WCHA 4th Place (UMD) Frozen Four includes Non-Conference............................Frozen Four includes Non-Conference Team Sioux Beat and Tied at home (BU..........................Team Sioux Beat and Tied at home (Notre Dame) UND scores 6 in each NCAA win.......................................UND 6 RPI 0, UND 6 DU 1 Outside NCAA hockey 1997..........................................................2011 Packers win Super Bowl 31.................Packers win Super Bowl 45 This one seem appropriate since the Sioux won the '97 title in Milwaukee and have started their tourney run in Green Bay.

I'll admit I've never seen a game there, so don't know about the sightlines. However, the location is very good and that's what matters for a regional. Manchester and Worcester aren't the newest facilities, but they have hosted numerous regionals. Sioux City would be another option for a western regional. Both it and Sioux Falls would be very drivable locations for many WCHA schools.

Who said anything about making the tournament? Pre-selected means prior to the season. You do know that Mariucci and World Arena hosted games even though Minnesota and CC did not make the tourney in those seasons. The presumption that I'm some kind of Big 10 fan/backer is laughable.

The only way I'd really support campus sites is if the four #1 seeds would host the regionals. And I gotta admit I'm not really crazy about that. I think that virtually drastically reduces the likelihood of the 4 over 1 upsets that have been some of the best tourney moments in recent years. Pre-selected campus sites I fear would be heavily skewed to the Big 10 schools and I'm in no way in favor of giving them any advantage. The eastern sites will remain neutral as attendance isn't the same problem their. I'd actually like to see UND bid for a regional in Sioux Falls. Sioux fans would pack the pace and it would be a nice presence for us in that area. Just imagine, the other Dakota schools playing there for the Summit basketball tournament, then two weeks later the Sioux playing in a hockey regional with the likes of Michigan, Boston College or Notre Dame. And at some point, you have to put some of it on the fan bases of the teams. Can't blame BC a ton for St. Louis, but Omaha and CC both need to show up in bigger numbers. The Mavs had a marquee opponent and a regional that is the closest to them as there has ever been. Finally, I think that we look at this too much through green-colored glasses. UND fans will go to a game anywhere. Other schools just don't have that fervent of a fanbase. That said, I'll take the more levelled playing field of neutral sites for the NCAA tourney, even if it means the occasional attendance clunker.

The number of penalties is a little worrisome. Hopefully UND takes notice, so they aren't killing penalties the whole way against RPI.

1. Play with discipline, no after the whistle garbage. (this plays into staying out of the box, as others have mentioned) 2. On odd man rushes, don't get too cute. A goal on a rebound counts the same as a perfectly sniped corner. 3. Carry the puck into the zone, less dump and chase - particularly on the power play. 4. Play confidently with a lead. Play to win, not to not lose.

What exactly is the "right thing for college hockey"? Look, the Big Ten move has now happened, that won't be undone. Would it be so terrible to see additional realignment that would group schools that have similar goals and dedicated similar resources to hockey. The bottom rungs on the WCHA standings have been pretty similar for the last few years. Wouldn't it be better to let those teams join with some of the similar teams in the CCHA and pursue an autobid and have some winning seasons. Bemidji and RIT have shown that you can do some damage if you can actually get in the tournament. Would a Michigan Tech or a Lake State be better off in a league teams of similar facilities and budgets with a legit chance at the autobid, than simply being in the WCHA/CCHA and struggling year after year. Success can also restore the fan base and health of such programs. And with a number of smaller conferences, you will have increased non-conference play to maintain most of the past rivalries, just on a slightly less frequent basis. On the plus side, more intermingling schedules will result in a more useful and accurate Pair Wise and ensure that the right teams get the at large bids at the end of the year.

One reason I would advocate leaving the WCHA is that while I believe that the conference is perhaps the best competitively (I think Hockey East is very close), I think it is very poorly run. It would be a godsend to be rid of Bruce McLeod. The WCHA has succeeded in spite of conference leadership rather than because of it. Points were I believe WCHA leadership has let down the conference. 1. Officiating - the WCHA is noted for failing to abide by NCAA points of emphasis in officiating, putting conference teams at a disadvantage in non-conference play, and most importantly in the NCAA tournament where other officials typically call tighter games. 2. League TV contract - The league has always been content with the Gopher TV contract with Fox Sports North. Both the CCHA and Hockey East have conference TV deals (which admittedly favor certain schools in those leagues as well). Hockey East even has a deal with Rogers Sportsnet in Canada. 3. Preparing for Big 10 Conference - There is a distinct appearnance that the WCHA is crawling back to Minnesota and Wisconsin for this "scheduling alliance" Also, locking in more games will severely limit other non-conference games. Non-conference games (and winning them) are crucial in gettting teams into the NCAA tournament. An alliance only helps the departing schools fill their schedules while hurting WCHA teams chances of reaching the NCAA tourney. 4. Lack of vision/creativity - McLeod has done nothing innovative to promote the league. In fact the league stymied efforts to have WCHA matchups in both Wisconsin outdoor games, instead allowing attention to be focused on the "Big 10" matchups each time. The WCHA seems content to allow the Big 10 to lead the way and the WCHA will simply follow along. UND should demand more than that.

A Brazilian place would be awesome. Would also fit the area with the emphasis on red meat. This is a great place I've been to in both Denver and Salt Lake http://www.rodiziogrill.com/locations.cfm A really good hot dog place would also be nice, especially in the summer. Perhaps using L&M product much like Jake's does with their Spikes.

I know there is already a thread about the new Big Ten Hockey Conference, but I'm starting this to talk about UND's option for the future. Option 1 (Status Quo WCHA) Essentially this option would be soldiering on as a 10 team WCHA minus Minnesota and Wisconsin. Pros - North Dakota is the unquestioned flagship program in this conference. Maintain remaining conference rivalries. Cons - WCHA is weakened in national exposure and historical prestige. Current conference leadership is very weak and lacks vision, has done very little in terms of innovation. League scheduling issues could arise, especially if McLeod sets up agreement with UM/UW, limiting non-conference opportunities with eastern teams. Option 2 (WCHA on steroids) Add Miami and Notre Dame to return to 12 team conference. Pros - Adds two currently strong programs to existing league. League schedule would be similar to now, with Miami and Notre Dame pairing simply replacing UM/UW Cons - Unlikely that they will join, travel would be a huge issue, and few rivalries exist. Would likely kill the CCHA or at least render it a western version of Atlantic Hockey. While new additions are currently solid, do not have a long-term track record of success. Existing conference leadership is till very poor. Option 3 (Hockey West) Start a new league (Hockey West) with the following: Alaska, Alaska-Anchorage, Denver, Colorado College, Nebraska-Omaha, North Dakota and British Columbia (or Air Force) Conference schedule would be 24 games (2 series against each opponent) Pros - Would create a first truly western conference, with room for expansion for big-name Western schools. 4 games in Alaska allows for 38 game regular season, so 14 non conference games available. UND maintains rivalries with fellow WCHA charter members Denver and CC. Cons - No Minnesota schools in conference, could have impact on recruiting. 2 series in Alaska (although this could be mitigated by doing in a single trip). UBC is a total unknown. Conference tourney final four likely in Denver, but draw would be unknown (UND would likely still turn out a lot of fans - could pair Hockey West Final Four with a ski trip) Option 4 (MAC Hockey) New League sponsored by the Mid America Conference (7 of 8 members would be full Division I schools) East - Notre Dame, Miami, Western Michigan, Bowling Green West - North Dakota, Denver, Colorado College and Nebraska Omaha League schedule would be 18 games, with 2 series within division and single series against other division. Pros - Maintains long-time rivalries with Denver and CC. Strength of conference would be good with most schools showing major commitment to hockey. Divisional setup minimizes travel issues. MAC sponsorship would give voting rights as all sport league same as the Big Ten (similar to MAAC prior to Atlantic Hockey). 16 non-conference games would allow for games against former WCHA foes as well as eastern clubs. Cons - eastern division arenas all much smaller than those in west. No obvious location for neutral site conference championship. Again, no Minnesota teams in conference could have negative recruiting impact. Western Michigan has just regained footing, bug struggled substantially in recent years and Bowling Green on shaky footing. Option 5 (Western Power Conference) A new league forms with the following members North Dakota, Nebraska Omaha, Denver, Colorado College, Minnesota-Duluth, Miami and Notre Dame 24 game conference slate - 2 series with each team Pros - Incredible depth top to bottom, all programs committed to hockey, all top notch facitilies existing or soon to open. Solid potential for league TV contract (FSN North, Rocky Mountain, Ohio, Altitude) Cons - Only 10 non-conference games to cover former WCHA rivals as well as eastern teams. No obvious site for conference tourney. Would likely force a merger of remaining WCHA and CCHA teams from them to remain viable. Option 6 ("BYU" Option - Independence) Become an indepenent for hockey Pros - Could have considerable percentage of home games. Schedule could become national in scope, giving program unprecedented exposure. National scale would be very attractive to recruits and media partners. Rivalries could be maintained via non-conference games. Cons - Scheduling could be a challenge, especially securing games later in the season. No conference tournament would mean layoff prior to NCAA tournament if there are no other independents to schedule during that timeframe. No shot at autobid if having a down season. I think the recurring theme is that whatever future league UND is in, it will be the meal ticket in, so we should not hesitate to seek favorable conditions, much like UM and UW have done with the WCHA for all these years. Also, the schools we most need to stay aligned with are Denver and Colorado College. At this point, we have the longest history with them (due to Tech's brief CCHA departure) and they are the programs with the most success, best facilities and strongest commitment among remaining WCHA schools. The Northern Sun schools are most likely to cave in to unbalanced scheduling with Minnesota. Tech is likely to seriously consider a downgraded CCHA, where it could be far more competitive. Omaha's program is moving in the direction of the Colorado schools, and Anchorage is in a position where it will do whatever necessary to protect their program. It has few options.

Yale has to avenge their loss to Air Force before they worry about the Bulldogs. I also wouldn't count out Union. They will be playing with a lot to prove.

Women's hockey could definitely be affected. If they were to finish in the Pairwise top 4 next year, they would have the right to host a quarterfinal game. The new law could potentially be setting up UND for a Title IX suit since the women's team could potentially be harmed in a way that the men's team cannot. The same would in theory hold true for basketball.

Huff starting to go off. Three 3s in a row. Air Force up 69-61 with 4 to go.

Sioux playing much better on the defensive end than in the first half. Really need to try to work it inside to keep Air Force honest. 62-53 with 6 minutes left.

Need to try and go inside a little more as well. This is one of the few "big time" programs that doesn't have a ton of height. Need to exploit that a little more instead of just jacking up threes. Or else starting getting some offensive rebounds off the missed 3s. That would be OK too. Webcast isn't terrible. The announcers commercial comments are fun, but the replays that distract from the live action are kinda lame. But for free, really can't complain. Edit: Sounds like they just found out they have had live mics.

A cardiac run through the Great West Tournament keeps the season alive a little bit longer. CIT tourney web site - http://www.collegeinsider.com/tournament/ The full bracket will be announced Sunday evening. This year the tournament has expanded from 16 to 24 teams. Sioux open up play against Air Force Tuesday night at 8 pm. A win over the Falcons would be a huge recruiting coup, especially being in the heart of Big Sky country. CIT tickets (Only $12) - Hope there is a nice turnout of Colorado area alums. Tickets are already on sale. http://ev12.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/SEGetEventInfo?ticketCode=GS%3AUSAF%3AB11%3ACIT1%3A&linkID=usafa&shopperContext=&pc=&caller=&appCode=&groupCode=MB&cgc= I believe the CIT also has an agreement with FCS, so there is a decent chance the game will be on TV.

Hopefully UND puts some full court pressure on them to do just that. I thought they should have tried that when they were trailing during the game in Grand Forks.

Great West Final - UND down 27-18 with 6:30 left in first half.

Hopefully UND can top the Coyotes and we put in a good bid to get a home game in the CIT. Would be great to have a little extra home action.

Unfortunate that the gamecast was wrong, but that stuff happens once in a while. As for the tourney, it would be interesting to see who, if anyone else bid on it. Can't imagine it makes a ton of money, and with Salt Lake a hub for Delta, I'm sure travel was pretty cheap. The other viable options would have been Houston or Chicago, I guess. Will be interesting to see where it is next year, with the league down to six members. I'd guess it will be down to a three day event, since there would only be two quarterfinals, they can play both men and women on day 1.