SiouxForever

As much as I love the great rivalry between the MInnesota Gophers and UND in hockey, if they do in fact go on a hiatus for a few years, I'll be okay with that. I would love the Sioux to schedule a few more games against BC or maybe even Boston University or Hockey East Schools. Minnesota fans, need to truly understand that their program is not god's gift to college hockey and in the hiatus stretch, maybe their fans will be able to be non fair-weather fans and actually fill Marucci to capacity at one point, let alone show up on time...Been to many games there, don't tell me it doesn't happen, or that other events, (Gopher Basktetball) games are going on, or that Minnesota hockey is now the third tier sport at Minnesota, it always has been! The reason why, is solely on the fact, that those teams year in and year out will not compete or be competing for the National Tournament. Minnesota, Michigan State, Penn State, Wisconsin (on down years, happens to everyone, but the Sioux) and in the foreseeable future Nebraska (I know, still needs to come to fruition), will not be top elite talents winning the National Tournament. Not going to happen. Other than the generating revenue between the series with the Gophers and Badgers, I strongly feel that UND will be ok. Don't get me wrong, those series/rivalries/ and atmosphere is second to none. However, playing other non-conference games in their replacement for a few years is not a bad thing, it will help generate more awareness for UND across the college hockey spectrum, as if we needed anymore, but it won't hurt. Keep in mind, the rivalry between Denver, CC, and UNO - which is heating up, produces great weekend series. Not to mention in Miami University now, their program is not laughable as to Notre Dames, They're aren't' too many people not taking notice to what Miami has done in the last 5-8 yrs. with their program. Those games will be great battles with UND in the new league.

Anyone else find it ironic that the StarTribune article written by Rachel Blount was posted today, along with the UMD article regarding the racist/hostile chants. Weird, right? I mean, let' see UND played Duluth two weeks ago and that article couldn't have come out any earlier? Who's controlling the media people? Who's buying into it? Putting too much thought into it? Probably, but I live to question things.

Bottom line, for the Sioux to win/sweep they must play a full 60 minutes of "discipline" hockey.

If he didn't have kids, I'd do it if I were him. It's not like he couldn't find another job sooner than later.

Joel still in charge?

And frankly for the record, we also have Minnesota Gopher coach's and administrators regarding their hockey program shying away from playing North Dakota because they are flat out getting embarrassed over the last few years and don't admire the style of play that our team (North Dakota) plays with and shenanigans that take place year in and year out. The Big Ten conference, besides Wisconsin, (they still play with an edge here and there, but they also rely on a trap system type of game, when they have "down years" on the offense ) could create a European style of play. Up and down hockey, fun for attracting newer fans that are in the majority of the niche college hockey fan base. However, seeing text book checking and big hits is always fun too. I think that Coach Lucia needs to realize, that for the pure development of his upcoming recruits, that if they want to play in the NHL, the style of play that will be instilled in the Big Ten conference will hinder them, just my own thoughts there. I know that's a whole can of warms, but it is the truth. And I know, the Gophers, Badgers, Wolverines, will still develop players to play in the big show one day, despite the different style of play that will be implemented in their conference, but if I'm recruiting a top tier player, I say come play in the National Hockey Conference instead - You'll face tighter competition from top to bottom and also will have non-cupcake games in non-confernce scheduling games. Rant over.

Well, if you've ever smelled the smell of $$$, and if this possibility ever came about, given, that the two teams were on the list and wanted to schedule Minnesota or Wisconsin, the money game always wins. This PC (personal computer lol ) bull$%!# issue would be thrown out the window.

Well imho, I'm not looking for an argument. And I know for a fact, that both Minnesota and Wisconsin wouldn't shy away from scheduling those games, if both Florida and Utah weren't' on the list. Let's call a spade and spade, and you know that this bull$%!# is bull$%!#.

Right, but if both institutions (Florida and Utah) were under sanctions, obviously they're not and they never will be, but if they were, Minnesota and Wisconsin wouldn't schedule a game in football with those two teams? I called bull$%!# on that. They'd schedule that gosh darn game in a friggen heartbeat!

So are you trying to tell me that Wisconsin and/or Minnesota wouldn't play Florida State or the Utah Utes if the opportunity provided itself in a non-conference matchup during the regular season in Football? If both programs wouldn't, wow are they stupid!!! I just don't get this crap, it's so stupid.

You ever been to the championship of the Final Five the last two years? Probably not since the gophers a)weren't there. I rest my case, boner!

The best part of that list is all those players and some great (Leopold, Martin Goligoski, probably the best) are all over shadowed for their lack of physical presence on the ice. There's no surprise why the Pens kept some grittier D' man and skilled ones, Letang comes to mind over those former Gopher players who spent time with the Penquins. Great offensive ceiling and high IQ's of the game, but play a soft game. Those guys won't help Team USA fulfill the dream of winning a gold at the next olympics.

Yep, Nick Leddy, Keith Ballard, Aaron Ness (to be fair, just got his shot in the NHL, very surprised, not size ready for the NHL or NHL worthy) Stu Bickel, a goon/fighter. not that great. I do respect Paul Martin and Leopold. Who else am I missing? Oh, Eric Johnson, he's decent, but nothing great. I thought he'd be a lot better. Being a right handed shot in the NHL has a lot of advantages, but he's not even in the top 5 best right handed D'men in the league. Who else?

Not bizarre, that Sioux fans think gophers play soft, it's a fact of life. However, in the last few years they've recruited and developed some gritty players, more so than in the past. I'll give them that. Still, watching a Gopher game/s and I do, I enjoy college hockey, it's pretty funny to see the "Minnesota tough mentality" try and come out.

If Brock Nelson didn't get hurt right after high school and had the summer to lift weights and to add strength in addition to last year when he got banged up at the World Juniors and that delayed him as well, he is the better forward. If you haven't seen a better forward in the country, well it will/ soon to be Brock Nelson. He's got the higher skill set and ceiling than Bjugstad. Just needs to add strength. Better player in speed, playmaking, hockey sense/IQ and on pace to developing a better shot. Brock will be a better pro. Sorry for ruining your high horse Buckysieve. Next debate. Oh, last thing, He (Brock) doesn't play like a pansy. He's got that edge that Bjugstad doesn't have, just look at Nick's World Junior play this year

Yeah... OK. 13,000 Sioux fans will come down no matter what. You're not going to get that out of any Big Ten fan base other than the Gopher fans at the Big Ten Tournament and that's only given because it's in St. Paul. Have the Big Ten tournament in Wisconsin or elsewhere, and you'd only get a few thousand gopher fans to travel and show up. That's a fact, anyone else who argues or says differently, I don't want to hear it.

With over 80 years of excellence, success and tradition as being the "Fighting Sioux", I'll never get the big picture I guess. Clap for them, clap for them! I've seen it and heard all before.

You don't think I'm aware of the % that colleges loose money with other sports? Your comment/responses are worthless. If I were you, I'd quit posting on this board for the day. You're only hurting any credibility that you may have had.

Tell me more, you seem like you're an "expert" and know all the variables and indications. Impressive. You tell 'em!

I said cut the baseball team. Your interpretation is comical.

I not looking it as a theory, I'm looking it as a bottom line issue. NCAA schools across the nation are losing too much money providing the opportunity and these kids playing sports, such as baseball, football, golf, (I;m speaking in terms of smaller college btw) that really bring no ROI to the school, the only value is the supporting value to the kids that play those spots and meet great friends and get to travel to wonderful location in the country and to meet/compete against students from all over. I wouldn't hire you as an employee. You belong working for a non-profit.

You're welcome. I'm sorry your love for other sports at UND will unfortunately never be as big as UND hockey. I"m sorry if you're a die hard football and/or basketball fan. Those sports will never be as big as hockey on campus or in the Grand Forks community. In addition, the university should cut back on certain sports soon. I'm looking at the baseball program, but hey, I'm not here to cause problems.

Love the football team, proud supporter and they WILL get into the Big Sky. But let's not forget the hockey team was always a D-1 sport at the University. If you're going to whine about the nickname doing damage to the football team and other sports, there's always the option of going back to D-II. You, please take your sarcasm somewhere else.

A supporter yes. A person who is smarter and more educated than you, yes again. Yeah, the athletic department is screwed. Football team won't get into the Big Sky etc... When have you seen a conference league kick out a team? I know the presidents of the schools in the conference league can vote out the Sioux with a majority of the vote... I'm sure that'll be great PR coverage and attention for the league. I'm sure the Big Sky would welcome that with open arms, right? So, yeah....

Hey JohnboyND7, We didn't ask for your thoughts on the issue or your comments. Please go kick rocks, pal! In response to the "Sioux D-2" and "Fighting Sioux Big Sky Tour: 2012 -2012" Not original enough. Keep trying...