dagies

Bummer. US loses in OT 3-2.

Wow, how much grief is this kid going to get regarding his decision when he heads home?

We need a sweep. Mankato is proving to be a solid team, but we're at home, and we needs the points. We need to sweep.

I think Sprig's saying he hopes the same thing doesn't happen next year. It is a large class. On paper the class appears to be better than the 01-02 class. Whether that shows on the ice next year or not I don't know. We can't afford to have a Fournier-type flop in the mix, however. Our 3 freshmen defensemen played fairly solidly back then, and with some luck next year we'll still be fairly solid at D. MN this year is proof positive that 3 freshmen defenders don't have to be a liability. 01-02 showed that too. Hopefully next year's D will be as good. If so, we'll have decent D and good goaltending. Then we'll need the Forwards to step up. I think we have a better stocked cupboard in that dept than we did in 01-02. I don't expect next year to be as rough as 01-02. I don't expect to win the league either. We'll see how it shakes out.

Here's an update to our recruits list FWIW: Taylor Chorney Shattuck Team Page (Shattuck recently updated their website. Can't find a stats page as of yet) Jonathon Toews Shattuck Team Page (Shattuck recently updated their website. Can't find a stats page as of yet) Zach Jones USNTDP Roster and Stats Page Brad Miller Green Bay Gamblers

I'm a USA fan first, Canada second anyway. But Russia's antics last night really escalate how badly I want Canada to wipe the ice with the Russians.

Apparently Hak can still recruit without Blais around.

Brutal game last night for the US squad. Looks like until the 3rd period and the guys started playing the body they weren't engaged. Hopefully tonite's game will be different from the get go.

I don't watch as much NHL hockey as you do, but from what I've seen, and from the few games I've watched I'd take WJC hockey any day. You are right about too many teams in the NHL. Probably too many games too. I will say I'm always amazed at the skill of the NHL guys when I watch them. That said, it seems like they have too little time and space to do anything with that skill. That's why I prefer these junior games. You can see the skill the kids possess, and you get to watch them display it. They don't always have to pass the puck within .5 seconds of receiving it. Put the big boys on bigger ice and take out the goons and I think the NHL would be much more interesting to watch. I don't even care if they have the occasional fight. But I'd rather see it between Jason Blake and Eric Westrum than I would a couple of heavyweights who are holding a roster spot open just for "protection". But let's not get into the "take fighting out of hockey" discussion here. My main point is that I'd like to see NHL players have more time and space to operate in.

Thing to remember about the Canadian fans is that only the rowdiest are the ones who will fly/drive to attend a tournament like this. If 10,000 Sioux fans flew/drove to Boston for a game only the rowdiest would be there too. Sounds like fun atmosphere. Wish I could be there for some of it. Love that stuff.

WOOOOOOOSH (sound of things going right over my head). The IT guy put it on my machine at work and said give it a try. That's all I know. I'm at home now so will check it out tomorrow.

weird, I open this link with my Firefox browser and I get some funkly looking code or configuration documentation. Open it with IE and it works just fine.

Ok, that makes some sense.

I think the USA fell asleep in the middle part of the game. I only saw about the last half of the game. There was a USA PK in the second period where it appeared the USA was actually on the PP. Also sticking out in my mind were the number of times that USA forwards on the backcheck were able to lift a Swiss stick and steal the puck, turn and began a rush in the opposite direction. Never remember seeing so much of that before. USA seemed to wake up after the Swiss tied up the game. Who knew their goalie had been replaced in the 2nd intermission with a sieve. I read in the Herald the ice was mushy last night. WHY is the Ralph still suffering bad ice? Love the blue sweaters. Never had much desire to own other than a Sioux jersey, but if I did, I think it would be that nifty blue USA number.

I think they decided to have a World Junior tournament instead.

I agree, PCM. Forget the NHL. Let's have a World Junior Hockey League season instead. Fantastic game to watch.

Amen, Jfr. You too.

I don't mind if someone posts scores of other games in a Sioux game thread because that can be of interest to a Sioux fan. However, I don't care to sift through the commentary or discussion about other games. To me it feels like you have a group of people in a room talking about a topic, and a part of the group keeps interjecting with another subject. That's a bit more disruptive. Posting scores of other games would be like one person in the group keeping one eye on the game on the TV in the other room and periodically mentioning score updates for those who are interested. It doesn't really interrupt the flow of discussion about the main topic at hand. It's not the end of the world, so I haven't chimed in until now. I thought I'd post my perceptions as they relate to the issue in an attempt to clarify the point of view that some share on the topic.

I heard Stafford interviewed last year one time and he didn't seem real enamored with going to school. I missed the first part of this interview, but from what I heard it appeared Drew is enjoying the school life.

Ham, with taco meat.

Hakstol is happy with the effort tonite. A few breakdowns but consistent effort. Said the PP worked pretty well tonite, and 5x5 the guys did a good job moving the puck too. Said Porter's line had a very good night. (I haven't heard who was on it.) Zajac said he did tip the first goal. Sounds like it was credited to Fuher.

Radke with a shot, blocked, and Porter puts the rebound "top cheese". 4-1 Radke's second point on the PP tonite.

Porter gets PP goal! 3-1 Radke shows patience and delivers the puck according to the announcers. 1st point of the season.

I liked seeing we had 18 shots on goal in the first period, but don't like hearing Hakstol say the guys weren't really awake until after the GG scored, and then only for a few minutes. Foyt also said the locker room was pretty quiet before the game and he didn't think guys had their heads in the game. Not only the coaches, but the team leaders need to get the team up for the games. Tim also talking about comments Foyt made that some guys might be "comfortable" with their position on the 3rd line or 2nd line. Looks like this team could use a little deeper talent level and keep some guys a little unsure of their playing time. Foyt sounds like he gives everything he can all the time. Good for him. Hak called him the #1 star tonite.