ScottM

Actually, I used to refer to Hockey East, and their posters on USCHO, as "purse swinging, Nancy-boys". I agree about the conference rivalries and loyalty. WCHA teams play each other and their fans beat up on each other, but it's a "family thing". And none of those purse swinging, Nancy-boys from HE or any other conference messes with us. Oh yeah, although I think Vanek is probably the best offensive player in the league, and plays for the rodents, I look forward to seeing him for another season. Now ... I have to shower.

This may be applicable to any player who was drafted or looking to go in as a free agent: A hockey agent I do business with has been advising his stable of veterans to sock away at least 12-18 mos worth of salary in advance of next year's CBA expiration. Owners and the NHLPA are miles apart, and neither side is in a mood to negotiate for the good of the sport. Moreover, a number of NHL players are also negotiating provisions to their deals that allow them to play in European leagues in the event of work stoppage, lock out, etc. if they have "rival league" provisions in their contracts. He told me the odds of the 2004-05 season are probably less than 40% right now, so he expects to sign a number of his MJ "clients", and maybe a few college guys from the east, to NHL deals sign in August to get the money now. He thinks '03 rookie dollars are probably the peak given teams' and the NHL's financial positions.

I would submit that the better Sioux goalies of seasons yore, have benefitted from a very solid team in the offense, defense and special teams which kept the puck away from them. Even Belfour would have had problems if he was left hanging out to dry as often as Kollar, Siembida and Brandt were the past couple of seasons. Like the old adage goes, "The other team can't score if they don't have the puck."

Can anybody confirm that Brandt was busted for ripping off pulltabs?

One of things that I didn't like about UND was that it was generally set apart from the rest of town for shopping, eating, medical care, etc. Especially, since I didn't have a car my first few years there, and the .25 bus trip wasn't always convenient. That goes back to its origin when the "townfolk" of GF wanted the campus away from their young, impressionable daugthers ... or so, one of my profs told me. A decent development plan to build a community or "village" tied to the school would go along way to enhancing the appeal of the school. It's probably nothing on the scale of Dinkytown, but the neighborhoods around St. Thomas and Macalester in St. Paul offer a number of amenities for the colleges' communities and blend in rather well with the other denizens of the area. Small bars, coffee shops, a video store, cafes, and other locally owned businesses could probably do well there. As well, as some student-oriented housing.

WTF is the point of this thread? If you have problems with what is posted on other boards, address it there. Dealing with other boards here is really nothing more than dragging your neighbor's garbage into your own house. I don't think there is a reason to accept what is posted anywhere as "gospel" as opposed to the mere writings of somebody relating what they heard, think, saw or said. Accordingly, alot of crap can be lost in translation or skewed according to the writers' biases.

I haven't seen anybody else do it with the gusto of UND fans at REA. However, I have seen some SCCC fans and a few Minnesota fans do it in their venues, but they tend to be in the minority. That said, I have used "home of the Sioux" at HS, MJ and pro games ... regardless of who's playing and have the same reactions. Screw them. The other fans should take notice that you actually know the words to the National Anthem, and have the good grace to substitute the last few words. BTW: I have it on good authority that Francis Scott Key was really a Sioux fan anyway.

I don't believe that there is a compliance issue, provided "compensation" doesn't go beyond travel expenses, like most national teams. Then again, I'm too lazy to wallow into the NC$$ rules ...

Wow, so much puffery in one rant. I bet you feel so good about yourself, it much ache. I'm also glad you know how many hockey games I attended last season, as I lost count around 50 or so, Minnesota, Wild, HS, etc., not to mention the games I played. So, what's your next move, taking out the ruler?

Mind your manners on another team's board, junior.

We certainly appreciate the efforts of the red-headed stepchild of North Dakota higher education in "leading the way" to exalted DI status. It's nice that Chaps and the rest of the Stream Yellow crowd feel that a DI "conference" involves schools with no geographic or historic connection to 'SU. Moreover, I think that the Sioux fanbase will appreciate the efforts of SU in satisfying Chaps' Viagra-deficient ego, as we trod on your bloody, bloated carcass on our eventual march to D1. BTW: We're hosting a few "real" D1 schools in hockey in 2003-04 if you really want to see one up close, or can even grasp the concept of hockey ... empty promises of an 'SU hockey program playing in the FloodDome notwithstanding.

I agree Jim. If the facilities are improved now, and endowed funding is in place, it makes a move to DI at some point less of an economic burden on the school, and it lessens the political mess from those who are concerned about costs. As well, better facilities and full scholarships are nice recruiting tools too. I think it is inevitable that UND goes to DI, but I'm glad they're laying a nice foundation before they do. Unlike some places ...

I would bet that the NC$$'s continued squeezing of the DII rules will create more of an impetus for UND to go DI, rather than the vanity and caprice of administrators and others. I'm *quite* certain that SU's moves, missteps and progress are being monitored closely so that we don't have the same issues, as I believe a move is ultimately inevitable. That said, I'd rather 'SU expend its own money, political capital and the reputations of its leadership now if it benefits us in the future. It never hurts to step over the body of your enemies if you can gain something from it.

I think the job is still up for grabs. Brandt may have been the starter towards the end of the season, but I wouldn't consider him a "go to" guy. I'd like to think he's gotten into his groove, but I've always questioned Brandt's mental toughness at critical times. If he has two sharp goalies gunning for his job, he'll either step it up a notch and own the position, or end up wearing a suit by March.

I agree with the sentiments about recruiting again in western Canada. We've generally had good luck out there and brought in a number of players who have contributed to some great Sioux teams. Hopefully, the compass points there more often. Aviation for Mr. Ringrose? I think we can handle that ... decent numbers, okay size,

Why it's very nice Roger got around to hiring office help to make coffee and answer phones ... When is he going to pay attention to "The Rainmaker"?

He went earlier than most expected. They must have really liked him when he worked out with the team over the past year. I'm still betting Murray's here at least three years, but he really lit it up in the BCHL. Interesting article too. Looks like Zach has been spending time in the weight room too.

See, Dahl was waiting for "The Call" from Wisco and he let some of his best players slip out. I think it's interesting that he has no plans to bring in more players from juniors or new recruits to replace these guys. It leaves them pretty thin right now.

In the local TV interview after he was picked, Vanek was pretty neutral. He plans to talk to the Sabres' people, as well as the Minnesota coaching staff over the summer. I can't really imagine the Sabres are going to throw a good chunk of 5th pick $$$ at him, unless the new ownership is intent on rebuilding the club in a hurry and is willing to spend accordingly to recoup their investment. As far as Parise, unless he really toughens up next season, and UND gets to the FF, I think he'll be around 2 more years. NJ seems to have a better grasp of the college level more than other clubs, and they'll probably be content to let him develop over time

Congrats to Zach. He's getting into a fine system that does well with college players. I'm glad he went later in the round, so he might stay around a bit longer.

Actually, I believe Brady is a bit bigger than that with a year in the BCHL under his belt. INCH has him listed at 5'11" and about 178(?) lbs. He's projected to be drafted in the 7th round, which if true will probably keep him at UND for 3-4 years, unless he really turns it up. I think he'll do well paired with Parise again.

The Potulny's and Irmen are top-flight talent, and any team would be blessed to have them wear the uniform. However, a number of Sioux fans, including some on this board, adopt the "recruit him because he went to Central or RR" or whatever school, or his dad played in the 70s. or 80s. That's the same homerism that put Minnesota into the crapper under Woog. Young Moreland is a great example, so are the comments about Ziggy and Lamaroux. Not to say these guys aren't talented or won't contribute in college. Their point seems to be that recruit the local kid, first and worry about his ability, second. Naturally, a number of local kids possess great talent, e.g., Panzer's, Schneider, Furher, etc. However, I'd prefer to focus on talent first, and recruit players from wherever ... and I don't care if we have a roster full of Canadians and Minnesotans to have a winning program. Just like in the past.

One of the things I've always like about the Canadian leagues is that they tend to produce hardnosed, two-way players who aren't afraid to play 30-35 minutes a game. I've always been a fan of the western leagues especially the BCHL. I'd rather Blais spend more time/recruiting dollars in the BCHL to bring in brutal, capable players than bringing in local kids *just* because they went to Central, RR or wherever, and certain fans still get their panties in a bunch because the Potluny brothers and Dan Irmen went to Minnesota. I'm not worried about losing some sophomore "star" to another school. I'm more worried about the guys just playing their game, and let Blais et al. worry about filling whatever gaps may develop over time.

If the students who purport to be "fans" of the team are going to base their support on whether/where they can sit, stand, cheer or whathaveyou, I'd prefer they just do their whining at home and leave their seats to somebody else who can appreciate the sport.