skateshattrick

This might be the dumbest post I have ever seen. Any DII title or FCS title dwarfs in comparison to a D1 hockey title. I like UND football and basketball to be competitive, but let's be realistic. The athletic budget is fueled by the success of UND's hockey program. Personally, I would rather not even have football or basketball if it meant watering down one of the premier hockey programs in the country. I do believe that UND can be successful at all of these sports, but hockey should continue to be the top priority. It is what UND is known for, much like Alabama, Florida State and Oklahoma in football, and Kentucky, Kansas and Duke in basketball. The Bison can have their FCS titles. I have absolutely no jealousy about their program--I just really don't care much and I really don't think it's that big of a deal. The only sport where we consistently attract pro athletes and compete with the best is hockey. The Bison have never had that experience and never will unless they move up to FBS and have success like a Boise State type program.

Saying you "don't understand" means that you don't agree and/or like the fact that it is true. Jonathan Toews is a household name throughout the country who has billboards with his name and likeness throughout Chicago and the country, Michael Jordan wore his jersey on national TV, and he earns more than all of the NDSU players combined. That exposure is much more than any JV title. I have a problem with FCS, which is just a way for small schools to win a title and still call it D1 with an asterick. Other than this area, no one knows or cares about NDSU and its 4 titles. If you think I'm wrong, ask anyone if they knew that Marshall and Appalacian State won 3 straight titles or if they cared. Most people would prefer to follow the FBS teams. If you take it to its logical extreme, who knew or cared that Mankato won a D2 title in football?

That's your opinion, and it is probably in the distinct minority outside of NDSU. I would take a D1 hockey title over an FCS football title any day. It is a much bigger deal and the athletes are certainly at the top of the sport. There has never been a Bison football player who was an NFL superstar and probably never will. On the other hand, the NHL is littered with college stars (roughly 1/3 of all NHL players, 1/3 Europeans and 1/3 Canadians from Major Juniors) that we see regularly at the REA, including many former UND players who are more famous than any former Bison football player--Jonathan Toews, Zach Parise, Matt Greene, Travis Zajac, TJ Oshie, Troy Murray, Jon Casey, Drew Stafford, etc. etc. Please don't try and compare a JV title to a D1 hockey title.

I have 2 tickets for sale for Saturday night, Section 105 Row K, seats 5 and 6. Great seats. It is right behind the goal in the lower level where the Sioux shoot twice. $40 each/$80 total. Text or call me at (701) 371-0195.

I'm voting Roughriders, but there is no way on this earth that I will ever vote for Nodaks. It is the worst of the choices by far. I don't care much for Fighting Hawks because it is generic, but at least it does not subject us to ridicule for having a name that makes us sound like a bunch of hicks. If it is between Nodaks and Fighting Hawks, I will vote for Fighting Hawks.

McFooly and Kolpack are friends. McFooly is almost as big of an NDSU tool as Kolpack. They are both insufferable.

Excellent post

I have 2 tickets in Section 105, row K, seats 5 and 6 for the UND/Manitoba game. Great seats--right behind where the Sioux shoot twice. Asking $25 each/50 total. Call or text me at (701) 371-0195.

I am also a GF Red River alum and born and raised in GF. I prefer Roughriders as well. Nodaks absolutely sucks as a name. It is even worse than Sundogs which ranks very high on the sucks scale.

Nodaks is the absolute worst nickname of the 5 remaining, and possibly the worst nickname that could possibly be chosen. It is a derogatory term used by people from other states (primarily Minnesota) to refer to North Dakota. It personifies the "hick" image. It sounds terrible, and there would be no logo. As much as I hate Sundogs, Nodaks is even worse. The other 3 are infinitely better, and in order, I prefer: (1) Roughriders (2) North Stars (3) Fighting Hawks.

1. Roughriders 2. North Stars 3. Fighting Hawks (a very distant 3rd) Emphatic last and "no": Nodaks and Sundogs. Nodaks is probably even worse than Sundogs. It makes us sound like a bunch of hicks and there is no logo that would possibly work. Sundogs is probably the 2nd worst nickname possible. These 2 are absolutely brutal.

Ralalski and Lidstrom. I also like the re-signing of Brendan Smith. He will be allowed to use his offensive skills more with Jeff Blashill. The Wings are also close to signing Brad Richards.

Red Wings sign Mike Green to 3 year contract. The Wings are going to be back this year. They finally have an offensive defenseman.

I am also a RR HS alum, and I have no problem with UND using the name. I like the name and it is the best option.

Great post. I remember visiting with Pat Morley, who represented REA, at the time of the lawsuit against the NCAA. He was of the opinion that if they wanted to be the Chippewas, the tribal government would have allowed it at that time. When I asked why they would not consider it, he told me that they wouldn't do that because it could change as quickly as the tribal government changed. That is precisely what has already happened.

I agree with most of your list, except I don't really like Explorers and Nodaks. I would have the following: 1. Roughriders or North Stars 3. Cavalry 4. Fighting Hawks 5. Green Hawks I'm pretty lukewarm on the Hawks' names, but the 1st 3 (Roughriders, North Stars and Cavalry) are pretty good. I really don't want just North Dakota because it is very lame to not have a nickname and no logo and the current merchandise is horrible (hence the reason I will not buy anything right now). The only way I would take North Dakota is if it was between that name and the following: Pride, Sundogs, Spirit, Flames and Force. Those options are absolutely terrible for the reasons expressed by virtually every other poster.

This is confirmed by MLive. He is signing with Detroit and will be joining Grand Rapids for the AHL playoffs.

I agree. I'm a huge Wings fan, but $6+ million per year is insane. Jeff Blashill will be the next coach of the Wings. If Babcock can do anything with the dysfunctional Leafs, maybe he's worth it, but I don't expect that he will turn around those sorry losers.

Jonathan Toews does a lot for the UND hockey program that is behind the scenes. He put up millions for some of the renovations at the Ralph. He just doesn't want the attention.

I agree. Keep in mind that UND typically hires from within and was probably well aware that if it did not hire Brad Berry, he may end up as an assistant coach in Philadelphia for Dave Hakstol. This makes sense to avoid early departures and risk losing incoming recruits. It would be interesting to see what would have happened if they opened it up nationally, but I think this was a wise move.

I would encourage those who question Dave Hakstol to consider the coaching career of Jerry York, considered to be arguably the best coach in college hockey. York coached first at Clarkson for 7 years and never won a title. He then coached at Bowling Green for 15 years, where he won 1 title in 1984. It took him 12 years to win his first title. He would have to wait another 17 years for his next one at BC. He was in his 9th year at BC when he won his 1st title. For the first 29 years, he won 1 title. Be patient. When Dave Hakstol wins his 1st title (and he will if given the opportunity) he will win many.

I was a season ticket holder during that horrible stretch, and from 1991 to 1994, you could throw a rock in any direction and not fear hitting anyone. The old Ralph was virtually empty. It was horrible. We had Greg Johnson and not much else. Remember also that although Dean Blais returned the program to prominence, Dave Hakstol was one of his assistant coaches and well known as a very good recruiter. I am a huge fan of Dave Hakstol and all that he does for UND's hockey program.

I don't think Zane comes back next year, but I hope the rumors are wrong. The rumors are that he withdrew from all classes before the Frozen Four. Zane proudly represented UND this year, and had an outstanding career. I don't believe that he had his best game last night, but he was a big reason that UND made it as far as it did. If he is leaving, I wish him the best of luck and give a big thank you for 3 great years.

I like them both, but I went with Jets and Fighting Soo (using a train for the logo)

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