ScottM

I wouldn't be surprised to see some empty seats due to the team's performance last season, the "newness" of REA fading away and the fact we don't play Minnesota at home. I agree that certain "fans" will find other things to do this season. If the WCHA really wanted to make money they would have figured a way to schedule Minnesota, Wisconsin and UND to play each other twice, not the current "rival" schedule, especially given the size of the venues. Idiots. If the team is doing okay--.500-.600--it's going to be more difficult to bring fans in to a game where the opponent is somebody nobody really cares about, e.g., anybody but Wisco and the gophers. Setting up a "round robin" during the season for those three teams is good for the fans, the conference and the sport as this "trifecta" has a history and a strong rivalry built in, not some "phony" rivalry like they're trying to build withUND and SCCC. Having lingered through Gino's last days, I think a reason for the complete lack of fan support, even when Minnesota and Wisco came to town and good seats were empty, was the fact that there little hope on the horizion. Gino didn't change his game plan or the team to meet the competition, and I don't think he had the overall goodwill Blais has built up, even though he had more overall success during his tenure. I vaguely remember some talk of recruits or LOIs, etc., but there was really no "buzz" over new guys like we have now. Naturally, there were some exceptions, e.g., Landon Wilson, Greg Johnson, etc., but not much else. The lack of enthusiam was the result of more than a W-L record IMO.

I think it's great that a bunch of people can get together in peace and harmony to check out each other's hemp and burlap clothes, plastic/wooden shoes and body piercings. <sniff> "I'd like to buy the world an organic carrot-herb juice manufactured by the local commune and sold at the local natural foods co-op ... " (Sung to "I'd like to buy the world a Coke.") Say, do these guys also network about jobs at the local coffee shop or poetry co-op?

Although I normally avoid the "prediction" business, I think we have a good chance at the top 5. Anything above 3 would be a shock, and a nice surprise. That said, Denver, SCCC and Minnesota will probably be the top-3 dogs in the conference next season as they return some pretty strong lineups right now.

Okay, since it's the offseason ... 1. David Hale will actually play up to his potential when he was drafted as "the second coming of Scott Stevens." Lots of physical play, combined with some budding offensive talent. 2. Siembida will be the Number 1 goalie by November, with Sedevie Number 2. Both will helped by better play upfront. 3. Parise will have a tough start, but settle into his game as other teams focus on him, and end up having a solid frosh year. This should free up others on his line, given his propensity to pass the puck off. No point predictions, but he'll definitely be a help. 4. Matt Greene and Andy Schneider will beat up Minnesota. Not the team, but the entire state, while I head off to Cancun for a week. 5. Genoway will be a very pleasant surprise and probably be on the 1 or 2 line with McMahon. 6. Eric Fabian will have more points than PIMs, by agressively working people into the boards, and getting physical like Landon Wilson, but without that degree of talent yet. 7. Bochenski's skating will come closer to catching up to his shooting skills, making him even more dangerous. 8. Massen and Canady will both improve their production, and actually use their bodies to their advantage. 9. The Sioux will finish in the top-5 of the WCHA and spoil at least one team's tourney. 10. Ryan Hale will wear the "C" at some point next season, and definitely assert himself on the ice, like his brother. That is all.

The only people who whine about Blais and the way he handles the roster are a few alleged Minnesota "fans" who think that the mere fact some player is recruited they are entitled to a full four-year ride regardless of how they do on or off the ice.

Any scuttlebutt on who's signed their LOIs? Boring offseason stuff, but what the hey?

Wow, a big whopping 24 souls. Did that include persons channeled from past lives too? I wonder how many were actually affiliated with UND, and the rest were carpet baggers from SCCC and Mankato. I'd bet they probably swore off booze as too expensive, in favor of some herb that one can buy by the quarter ounce or less. I wonder if they compared body piercings and cheap tattoos during the bands' breaks, or just hugged each other. I understand that the lead singer for Sugar Ray had the "temerity" or good grace to don a Sioux hockey jersey.

I understand that there will be a big group hug and a forum for the participants to "share their feelings" about how the "counter concert" has changed their wretched lives. I think their efforts would be better served by a beer bash at the house of the law school's dean, but I think these clowns are all in a number of "12 step" programs.

I vaguely remember the law school scraping for people to run for student govt posts. It interfered with my drinking time, and those people were a bunch of tools anyway. Hoff should fit right in.

Hoff is destined to be a whining "activist." If he can't bill at least 2000 hrs a year around here, he's basically useless. "Hello, Burger King."

I think the only "Wellness Center" the campus needs is a bar, that is loose on the "minor issue." They'd never raise tuition again. Hoff, schmoff.

The Canadian leagues, e.g., BCHL, OHL, etc. are generally considered a bit more rugged than the USHL and the competition tends to mirror the NHL game in some respects.

I think a regional might draw well if UND really hyped it, even if the Sioux were playing elsewhere or were out of it.

I tend to agree with Taz. A good crowd can feed the home team, or provide motivation for the visitors. Other intangible factors I think affecting play are what's on the line, exhaustion, rivalry, etc. There are just some nights when an entire team plays flat. I'm of the opinion that a good team can win wherever they play, regardless of the crowd. Maine came #### close to pulling out victory Saturday, and there was nowhere close to a split crowd. A great crowd however can make a classic game even better, like Saturday's did.

The closest I came to a comment like that was when some "fan" got bent when I told him I wouldn't take less than $500 for my lower bowl ticket Saturday night as I was going to the X. I told him if he had so much faith in his team he would have gotten tickets in January when they were going for face. Stupid ...

Aside from good natured ribbing, I never had any problems with the Minnesota fans when I wore my Sioux gear.

Kuhn, who pissed in your Cheerios? I'd expect more out of the returning classes than they delivered last season, as they have more experience and the hoopla over REA has died down. Zach is not a "savior" but a very welcome addition to our team. I'd guess we are good for a top-5 finish next season provided the upperclassmen step it up and we get solid, consistent play.

I thought it was probably the most exciting game I've seen in a very long time.

I got an email from a law classmate of mine. Apparently, there have been some calls/emails to the Dean, etc. from alumni who disagree with the position of the "committee" and the light in which it shows the law school. Many local alums, MSP, don't really feel a connection to the school due to the way it's run in general and the lack of support for people trying to break into the local job market, and I don't think this will improve that climate of apathy. Stupid move when they're trying to raise money for faculty and facilities. Nope, the checkbook stays closed. How much diversity does the ABA/AALS require for a class of 65-70 souls? 10-15 "minorities" of different groups? Red herring. The logo issue makes a nice target in the "pass the buck" world of UND academia.

I saw Clarkson, Army and Quinnipiac gear there too. I think I saw a Mercyworst sweater at the Radisson last night, but by that time I was seeing alot of things.

I'd have to echo jk's assessment of the HE teams. I wasn't very impressed by either one. Minnesota played really well and was just as physical as Michigan. Unless Minnesota completely melts down, I think they'll be able to handle Maine. The X is well ... the X. The NC$$ media campaign during stoppages of play was just over-the-top and annoying ... can they turn the sound up any louder? It was great meeting fans from a number of programs, even those whose teams weren't in the FF. I sat in front of a a mix of Minnesota and Michigan fans who were rationally discussing the game and tactics. Nice even keeled crowd, even though it as Minnesota's back yard. Although I would love for the Sioux to be here, this is a FF that I can actually enjoy as a fan and not get too involved in it. Greyeagle: It was nice meeting you and your father at McGovern's.

I'll definitely have to reconsider sending any money to the law school in the future, and as long as Winthrop Jeremy Davis, Esq is still running the show.

Digger, sounds good.

Okay, kids, one day to gameday. Are we still on for the Alary's? Should we meet at the X? Ideas? Comments? I was mulling over the USCHO photoshoot as a place to meet, in Sioux apparel of course.