Shawn-O

I'll guess Stephane Matteau Jr.

Michigan State would make it six. Unfortunately, this whole thing is not about what's best for college athletics. It's about metro markets, audiences, football, television networks, and content, which equals money. Look at a college basketball brand like Kansas. They are on the outside looking in on almost every expansion scenario other than the status quo.

It's Notre Dame's and UT-Austin's show to run right now. A Notre Dame acceptance of a Big Ten invite would almost certainly result in a BTHC as a byproduct.

Lost in the Phog: Kansas evidence of basketball's second-class status If basketball is second-class, where does hockey stand?

Kentucky had the best hockey schedule posters.

With television being such an important factor Rutgers makes a ton of sense.

The big programming gap to fill is in the spring in my opinion. Lacrosse might be the ticket, with existing and prospective members Ohio State, Penn State, Rutgers, Notre Dame, Virginia, Maryland, and Syracuse.

That's where I got the idea of "lynchpin". I do agree with you that the Big Ten Hockey Conference has a more than realistic chance of happening. Hockey is just too expensive to start up.

Sounds like it will be on the campus of Univ. of Manitoba, great location to take in a game if coming from the south.

If hockey was such a lynchpin to the deal (I don't think it is) they'd target BC, UConn, add Notre Dame as an affiliate and it would be a done deal.

Next NHL Winter Classic will be at Heinz Field

Truer words have never been spoken. Please move an NHL franchise back to Winnipeg. PLEASE!

It is every other year, except for St.Cloud which is always home and home. With the expansion you will see teams at the REA three out of every five years instead of three out of four.

He can fly direct into Fargo and bring the Cup on through on the way to Winnipeg.

Have the London organizers checked into Thunder the Bleacher Creature's availability?

Might as well enjoy it now because they won't stay down for much longer.

I don't agree with you, but at least you're consistent in your opinion.

I'm with you. Was just wondering what Dave thought about it.

Good hard-nosed hockey by Duncan Keith here, yes?

"For Heaven's sake, Chris, why can't you talk to me once in a while?" Julie whined. "What?" Chris replied. "Look around!" Julie yelled, as she pointed around the room. "Look at all these books! You always have your head buried in a book! You don't even seem to know I'm alive!" "I'm sorry, honey," Chris said. "Sometimes I wish I were a book. Maybe then you'd at least look at me!" Julie exclaimed. "Hmmmm," Chris mumbled, "that's not such a bad idea. Then I could take you to the library every few days and change you for something more interesting."

The room was full of pregnant women and their partners, and the Lamaze class was in full swing. The instructor was teaching the women how to breathe properly, along with informing the men how to give the necessary assurances at this stage of the plan. The teacher then announced, "Ladies, exercise is good for you. Walking is especially beneficial. And, gentlemen, it wouldn't hurt you to take the time to go walking with your partner!" The room really got quiet. Finally, a man in the middle of the group raised his hand."Yes?" replied the teacher. "Is it alright if she carries a golf bag while we walk?"

I thought it was one of your gags after the first post. Nice job on your blog, also. I'm a light shade of blue after laughing hysterically at your book cover.

Yikes what's going to happen if they actually win it? 41 people arrested in mayhem in Montreal following Canadiens' Game 7 victory over Penguins

There is a contingency schedule out there from the NHL that has Winnipeg in the Northwest, Colorado moves to the Pacific. Winnipeg and the Mild would be a nice rivalry!

Not playoff related, but a very big meeting tonight at the City of Glendale with ramifications to the potential of a return of the Jets to Winnipeg. http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/ho...e-93393069.html