dagies

That is the correct line. Great checking line. No one mentions the Line of Fire much (Panzer, Lundbohm, Bayda) but they had that name for a reason. That 2001 team really was carried by that line. I did vote for Hrkac Circus because that's obvious, but in the discussion of the next best lines I think the LOF should be in the mix. I never saw the Taylor/Smail/Sykes line play but from everything I hear and read they certainly deserve recognition.

No one beats the Hrkac Circus.

That is awesome!

I will admit to having the same question but remember Hakstol's comments when he moved Radke back that he liked the physical dimension and the spark that Radke gave the team when he's in the lineup. While I get enamored with more skilled players let's also not forget that Hakstol has done a very good job of putting guys on the ice who fill an important role, and they may not always be the most offensively talented.

Great stuff, PCM. Thanks. Here's what I noticed FWIW: Toews and Oshie combined had 7 assists on Duncan's first 14 goals (that takes you through the 2006 calendar year). Of those, only 4 of those were first assists. The other 3 were 2nd assists. And since 2 of those 2nd assists were at home, they are obviously phantom assists, and didn't factor into the play. That's just further evidence of how Duncan carried this team in the first half, and Toews/Oshie were not a big factor in his success at that time.

Duncan should get a giant DQ Blizzard for that.

This one made ME smile:

What's the difference in style of play between MN and the Sioux? I could see that a few years ago but the last couple of years we seem to have the smaller, more mobile puck moving defensemen and if anything MN has recruited larger forwards. These teams look pretty similar to me. I'm curious what the difference is.

Hakstol is usually pretty reserved but he took some shots at Berenson. A little bad blood there. Nice to see Hak speaking freely. In a way I'm glad to hear him call BC the favorite. Their play shows that they are probably playing as well as if not better than the Sioux, and it shows the team will be focused on the task at hand. Us fans figured whoever wins the regional wins the whole thing, but it doesn't appear that will be as easy as we thought.

Licking fingers and circular motions in the chest area....

DHG was seen doing the exact same thing while riding the zamboni between periods at the FF a few years ago.

Oh oh. Dunc's bio lacks the community service aspects of his competition.

I don't so that is good to hear.

I'm telling you you really want to hear it for yourself, but here are a few teasers. Blais being himself is a little more colorful: Strong praise for the job Hakstol and the coaches have done, especially Hakstol considering he lost Brad Berry, who Blais calls an excellent coach and great recruiter. Thinks Lamoureux is key to the BC game. Lucia was being diplomatic, but wasn't happy with his leadership this year. If Blais' players had dyed their hair he would have made them shave their heads. His own grandkid lives in Lakeville and laughed at the Gopher players. Thinks the NHL guys are laughing at the gopher players.

He's a rookie but he's not particularly young, either. Question is, did he just blossom this year or why haven't we heard his name before he came to the AJHL?

Dean Blais was on Hot Talk today with Scott Hennen. They covered a number of topics including the new USHL organization for Fargo, Hakstol and the coaching staff, and comments about the Gopher team that you might enjoy listening to. Click on the Hot Talk radio clip, and fast forward to about 2:34:20 for the Sioux/Gopher related stuff, and earlier to about 2:08:50 or so for the USHL stuff. The Sioux/Gopher stuff is definitely worth a listen.

Blais had some nice words for Hakstol and the coaching staff (including Brad Berry) on Hot Talk today. Along with a few other comments about our favorite rival. Click on the Hot Talk link to listen to the radio clip, and fast forward to about 2:34:20 or so.

Maybe he was scared of showing up in an NHL locker room with bleached blond hair. Listen to comments Blais had on the air today on Hot Talk. Click on the Hot Talk link for today, and fast forward to about 2:34:20 or so.

I saw somebody (was it forecheck?) wearing a HC jersey do something naughty while on DanceMania

I'm not going to spend the time but if you look you should be able to find a photo of (I think) the 2000 National Championship reception at the old Ralph. There they had representatives from all the past teams wearing jerseys from that year. That would give you a very good start, all in one photo.

Well...maybe Andy Schneider.

Wow, this reads like my signatures:

Great story, man. I hope you have a rewarding trip!

St. Louis Post-Dispatch on Johnson.