ScottM

To hear certain other "fans" from other programs tell it, here and elsewhere, another coach could recruit when the player was in utero, and still expect the kid to maintain the commitment, develop accordingly and stay in college a full 4 years. Gee. Maybe Blais should listen to these "experts". Then again, that welfare mentality may explain why some coach, and most don't. I agree that the Beaverson situation is pretty opaque. However, I would submit that when players and coaches make the initial verbal agreement, there is an understanding that progress will be monitored in HS, the USHL or wherever, and they are given plenty of "counseling" from their coaches to move their game to the next level.

Blais expects his players to excel, and the same with recruits. This isn't an f'ing welfare program for snot-nosed prima donnas who think Blais owes them a ride, even if they can't carry their own weight. A few other programs to the east, and their fans, maintain that attitude, and it shows. If the kid had improved to the point where he should have been at this stage of his development, I'm pretty sure he'd be on campus next fall. As it is, he has only himself to blame for not moving to the next level.

So, would an LOI prevent Beaverson, or any other player, from going MJ, NHL or shucking hockey altogether? Moreover, I believe that a player can back out of an LOI entirely if he/she goes through the NC$$ appeals process and the original school doesn't object. I believe that is what happened when Humphries went from Duke to Minnie prior to the season.

I don't see what the big deal is. Players go to the USHL to develop, not regress. If Luke wasn't able to push his game to a level where he would be an asset, rather than a liability, to the team then he's learned a valuable life lesson. Players can back out of verbals and LOIs for whatever reason(s), schools should have the same right if a player isn't going to contribute without insipid whining. Certain morons will use this as another excuse to bash Blais' recruiting methods, but screw 'em. Most kids would give their kidney to have the chance Beaverson had, and then lost. Moreover, the extra scholarship dollars now available can be used on D-men (Hardwick, Ammerman, ZJones?) who can step in as needed.

You "lived" in Wilkerson? Wow ... Do they still serve "Seafood Splatter"? I remember leaving a 10 foot long trail of it on my way to Minnesota game behind the CF Library ... or maybe it was the Hamm's we were drinking ...

Who?

Sometimes the lines between "truth" and "fiction" are hard to distinguish ...

I think it's pretty pathetic that some people are bagging on Zach for following his dreams. Everybody makes career decisions in their own best interests. In this case, he's getting big $$$ NOW, rather than waiting to see how the CBA pans out and most likely make fewer $$$ in the future. Every player who straps on skates at UND has the same goal: getting into the NHL. If they win a Title, a Hobey or some other college honors, that's just gravy. As for the rest of the team, there's a big hole to fill, and also the opportunity for other guys to make names for themselves. How they respond remains to be seen.

Given the "flux" of the CBA right now, I don't see any reason for Zach to not go pro now, and get in under the current rookie money limits. More than likely, the rookie money will be the first to be shaved by both sides under a future CBA. It's possible, that his will be the first of a number of first-second round draft choices who bolt in the next few days. Best wishes, Zach. Thanks for everything, and now go for the Cup.

I'll play "devil's advocate". If Zach does leave, I would bet we will actually be better next season. All of the hype can be a huge distraction to the rest of the team. If Zach is no longer the focus of the media, fans and other teams, I think other players would have the opportunity to develop. Really, how often is a college hockey player, from any program, hyped in the NY Times? I love Zach wearing the Sioux uniform, and really hope he comes back for another run, but I don't see our team falling apart because he went pro. We have a strong core of younger players who are very talented, and a good class of recruits. Goaltending is pretty stable, and will probably better, we have a strong group of younger d-men and very talented forwards. The sun will not rise, or set, on what Zach decides about the NHL in the next few days.

If you base your respect for a program and/or its fans by postings on an anonymous internet bulletin board, you have some other problems. That said, congrats to Scotty's Dogz on a great rebirth of the UMD program, and congrats to Minnie for a helluva run the past few weeks.

After a night's fitful sleep, and a good workout this morning, I have to say that losing was actually what makes our game great. Rankings, seedings, draft choices, etc. mean nothing once the puck drops. On any given night, any team can win through hard work, heart, luck or "Fate". We had a great season and finished on top of the best league in college hockey, which is better than many of us expected. The same league that sent five teams to the tourney, where the odds favor a WCHA winning another Title. The guys left everything on the ice and, for whatever, reason, Denver got the puck luck. Maybe it was their time to go to the Frozen Four. Best of luck to Denver, UMD and Minnesota as they work towards the Fleet.

After listening to tonight's game, and the HC game ... I'd say we probably were looking past them to the Fleet. Not a very good plan. IMO

F..............

Take it somewhere else.

Walls? There are places that do very good custom work, including pressed aluminum and air brushing, so I may just "create" my own. I'd like to use the new logo or the interlocking "ND" with crossed hockey sticks, but some yahoo may mistake me for a Notre Dame alum ... I'm going to float the idea of using the logo for my own purposes legitimately, but if the pencil pushers give me too much static, I'll just "borrow" it. And if "they" have a problem with it, the can come on down and deal with it, and forget about calling me for money.

If the Sioux aren't playing at a "championship" level, you can bet Blais will let them know it, and then some. Hopefully the team didn't take HC as lightly as a good number of posters here.

Okay, I'm getting ready to expand the Sioux Nation "down south" into the heart of bouncyball country. My new home state only mandates one official license plate on your car, and so you see a number of vehicles with school plates from Kentucky, Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Notre Dame, etc. on the front end. Does anybody know if UND has similar plates available through the bookstore or another reseller? If not, I was considering having a custom plate made as I doubt I would trigger the "commercial use" restrictions on logo usage. I'd naturally ask permission, just in case, but a Fighting Sioux Hockey plate intrigues me.

Much like PMart, I would *guess* that the Devs will wait to see how Zach does in the tourney. If he's still playing well and produces, and the team goes to the Fleet, I would bet the odds are 60-40 he goes.

If they bring a band, we're screwed ...

My condolences to you on the loss of your friend. You are quite right about the "North Dakota Connection". It's a bond that I've been part of numerous times across the US, and abroad.

There are some "game worn" jersey (sweater) sites online. Try google. Actually, I think one or two may be linked through this site. However, most game worn sweaters will probably run you a few hundred bucks, or more. Your best bet may be to find a reputable sporting goods store the could replicate the jersey you like, but that will still cost you some $$$.

For those of us behind firewalls, the updates are much appreciated. Keep going Sioux!!! Don't let up! For good "humor" check-out the update thread on POI.

Here's Mottau's most "famous" acceptance ... of defeat that is.

Don't recall seeing Retard too often before today. Must have had a good day in the the LD class. Maybe the Admin/Mods might consider adopting the same "hiatus" Sal and UPB did on POI for the playoffs.