dagies

The Sicatoka, I agree with you. Going back to 1997, maybe before, the comment on the Sioux is that they owned the 3rd period. In the 3rd they always had more legs than the other teams. Last year, that comment was at times made about the other team. I hated hearing it. I hope that doesn't happen again. However, I do wonder if that is a factor of size. Those older teams had, IMO, a larger population of smaller faster skaters than what I consider to be a more physically imposing line-up at this time. It might be something we have to live with, due to our size.

Remember early in this thread someone who should know makes it sound like this is not the first time that Fournier was a bit soft coming into the season. I agree, muscle isn't the determining factor to success. However, when one's peers get on them for lack of performance, that's usually an indication of really letting them down. I gotta feeling there was some real indication of a lack of commitment to the teammates in this situation. The way Chris talked about his Lincoln days says to me he is looking for a change of scenery, and UND wasn't doing it for him. Good luck to him, except against UND. For me I am sad to see him go. Hate to see his potential at UND go to nothing.

Right on. You hate to hear of these things with anybody. Go Dan!

This is a jaw dropper. I'm really disappointed as I wanted to see what he could do this year. I just hope that he learns a lesson from this, and whatever he decides he wants to do in his life, he learns to prepare for it, and that it won't be given to him. Like jk, I think the best outcome would be to see if he can work his way back onto the lineup. But whatever is best for him is what is important.

Maybe now we know why guys like Philion and Sofie manage to hang on the team. Not because of their prowess, but maybe because of the example they set for the others. Pretty impressive.

Maybe coincidence but it looks like the Dunk the Sioux charity deal did in fact showcase the captains... Congratulations to the Hale's, and one of my favorite Sioux players Spiewak. I only wish there was room for Notermann because he probably deserves to be in that group too.

I suppose it is possible he assisted on a 3rd goal. Greyeagle, those memories will stay fresh for a long time. For instance, I can't remember the championship game for 2002. Was it UM/Maine, UND/BC or UND/BU? They are all so recent. Hey, I would like to make some comment about you posting on "our" board but I think they have all been used up.

I'm guessing Murray?

In the 2003-04 campaign the only senior forwards will Lundbohm, Palmiscno, and R Hale. Assuming no one leaves early there is probably only room for 1-2 forwards for that year. That said, I would venture a guess that Blais wanted Gordon, if he is as skilled as his press says, and the fact MN apparently wanted to get his commitment now. You can't win them all, and regardless of what anybody says, getting a MN high school player is not going to be easy against Lucia these days. That said, you can afford to lose a few good ones, if you only need to find a couple. And there is time.

Putting to rest some speculation, in 'sota they are saying that Ben Gordon from I-Falls has committed to the goofers for 2004. So I guess it isn't so early to be landing those future recruits after all! We didn't recruit him at UND because we have so many forwards already.

I agree that it sucks that in a game with Manitoba, the NCAA rules still apply. Regarding Prpich, the guy is what 6' 180#. Not exactly huge. Do we know if he is a brawler, or does he just use his stick. I'm not trying to be an ass. I just want to know what kind of penalties he got. Does he take a lot of dumb tripping penalties, or does he go off because he's straightening out the BCHL versions of Taffe while they are working the corner. Just wondering.

Goon, I tend to agree with you that if the Sioux can exert a physical punishing presence it will help them out. However, using Commodore as an example is a broad brush. With the benefit of time we all look back and smile on Commodore's time with the Sioux, and we probably wouldn't change a thing. But if we could, it would be some of the untimely penalties. If I remember right, Commie was in Blais doghouse, kind of, during the 2000 Championship run because of some penalties he took needlessly, and at bad times. Blais rode him hard to keep him on the straight and narrow. At least that is my memory. And I agree that the tactic did work. An aside on Commodore. I just watched the 1999 Final Five semi against MN. Man was that team fast and skilled. Anyway, Commodore was such a physical presence out there. On 2 occasions in the first 2 periods he rushed the puck into the MN zone, and then flattened the gopher player who came to challenge him. Just flattened him. (And Mazurak parked Spehar into the Sioux bench. ) Man, Commie was an animal. He was huge.

Glenn slightly hinted at something that had been discussed on this board after Prpich's verbal, that being his previous exp on defense. No one on the "lines" thread included Prpich in the d-corp. Yet that possibility still remains he could see time there. There is so much to be optimistic about this season. Last season was one of those that teaches you not to take the good years for granted. Looking forward to seeing what this team will do.

I also think that a consistent Lundbohm will help this team dramatically. However I wouldn't characterize it as being on the bubble. At least not until I wrote this sentance. Then I started thinking, what if. What if DL comes with an inconsistent effort? How many other players on Blais' teams operate that way on a regular basis? There will be plenty of forwards ready to hit the ice this year. If David doesn't care to play full time, I'll bet Prpich would give Coach a consistent effort on the ice... I'm with PCM on Prpich's PIM's. Frankly, I find it hard to believe Blais recruited someone who spends so much of a game in the box. But it is hard to ignore Prpich's other credentials. Either Blais is taking a flyer on this loose cannon, or he feels that Prpich played a role in the BCHL which he can leave behind. Either way, with the guys production, PIM's and awards, you have to think the guy gives 100%. Who's going to sit and who is going to play? And if it isn't Prpich, it could be Connelly (when did anyone see him gliding through his shift last year?) or someone else. I agree, PCM. Maybe Lundbohm IS on the bubble. As for Hale, I thought he played very solidly last year. Yes, his point production is not really high, but I don't know that he was blessed with Bayda's offensive skills. However, I was very impressed (the handful of times I did see him play) with his ability to work the boards and control the puck. I though Hale looked much better offensively last year than his freshman year (VERY average) or even the start of his true soph year where I again thought he looked outclassed on the ice. I did not think he looked that way this year. I expect increased offense from Hale this year. Not monster numbers, but solid numbers.

I don't know much about the situation but I don't know why he wouldn't. He has a lot to prove this year. Topeka traded away or lost their big goalie from White Bear (Aarnio) and so Sedevie will probably have a chance to be the #1 guy. Not really familiar with Sioux Falls goalie situation but Gasparini, in his press release, seemed to indicate they had 3 guys to play and trading Sedevie was best for everyone. On the surface it would appear that way. Sedevie can come in and prove he is healthy and in top form, and really sharpen his skills.

I was not commenting on the fact Sedevie was traded. I was making a comment on whether or not Lamoureux was too good to leave in the USHL for 2 more years.

You brought it up. I was thinking the same thing but not posting it. If the Sioux coaches have some question about Sedevie, the commitment of Phillippe sends even an unintended message to Sedevie. When Phillippe comes to UND in 2004, Brandt and Siembida are seniors, Sedevie would be a soph. If Sedevie lags Lamoureux this year in the USHL do you think he wants to come in as a confirmed back-up, first to Brandt/Siembida and then to Lamoureux? Possible Sedevie decides to move along, and Lamoureux comes in 2003. However, if the Sioux coaches are confident that Brandt and Siembida are the guys for the next 3 years (and that is possible) this commitment really sets them up. Sedevie provides insurance for their Junior and Senior seasons, and then Sedevie and Lamoureux battle for the top spots starting in 2005. Either scenario is conceivable and will work out well for the Sioux as long as the guys play well.

I'm ready to lace 'em up. What roles will we play? I want to be the guy in the corners, holding sticks, giving the hidden elbow, the quick slash on the ankle, the hold around the middle, etc. Yeah, all stuff I think should be called right now, but that's the role I want to play

I think this is great news. He had a very good year last year, just behind some outstanding goaltenders. Hopefully he can keep his game at a high level. However, it's hard to criticize Chris!!!! for his future prognostications when Blais is landing recruits for 2 years down the road. I like to see good GF players wearing Kelly green.

blurb from the "notebook" section of the Herald today:

That sounds good. Hope your sources are right. He had a solid season at Lincoln next year. He would then come in as Brandt and Siembida are seniors, Sedevie a soph.

I rationalize it this way, although I think it generally stinks as well. The Sioux have the first half the season to get themselves sorted out. As jk says, if they don't get it together by mid-season, we have last year on our hands again. It's that simple. However, if they use the friendly confines of REA to build their game and solidify as a team, they may be that much better prepared and experienced to head out on the road for tougher series. I believe we will split in Mariucci this year. I still think MN is going to be dominant, but my heart says the Sioux will be even more competitive than last year. We played them tough all last year except for one game. Next year the Sioux don't need to win the NCAA's, but they dang well better beat the teams they should beat: 80% of the non-conference games or better, 70% against Tech, AA, Mankato, Duluth, WI, and close to 50% against the rest will do alright. That'll be about 27-28 wins.

On Sid Hartmann's radio program this morning he commented on how strange it is for the Gophers to land 2 players from Grand Forks. He then commented that another GF player was in for a visit "the other day". I am assuming that must have been one of the goaltenders in Lincoln, Ziegelman or Lamouroux. Can anyone think of anyone else?

Curious why that is? I thought he does a pretty good job at Warroad?

Sicatoka, I have to ask the same question. Of course, Parise might bring some zip, and Brady Murray is going to bring some good speed too. But who else on the roster can fly besides Connelly? I'm not counting Spiewak and Notermann because they are seniors this year and I am talking about the future. Speed used to kill at UND, but now it starts to look like we want to blungeon the opposition to death. Now, at this point I am not complaining, but it does seem that the complexion of the team is changing.