PCM

I could put it on my Web site, but I'll be the big, bad meanie again and bring up copyright issues.

Thanks for coming here to discuss your column, Josh. I think part of the problem North Dakotans had with your column is that it contributed to some of the "wild misconceptions" that people outside the state have of it, such as: Had you not made those statements, I doubt that most of us would have had any problem with your column.

This is what I'm talking about as being part of the problem, which you apparently buy into. No matter how invincible you think you are or how much confidence and swagger you possess, it won't stop a puck from smashing into your face or a stick from slicing your eye. I don't think about having accidents when I put on my seatbelt before I turn on my car. It's force of habit. I do it without even thinking about it and because I know that staying alive is in my best interest and the best interest of my family.

I don't think your opinion is dumb, but I do think it represents part of the problem. You think that players who wear shields or other facial protection are "playing in fear" or "Sallys." You're willing to ridicule anyone who entertains that notion just so you can maintain your macho illlusion of invincibility. I, on the other hand, believe that the players who take steps to protect themselves to a reasonable degree and stay healthy are being smart. If I were skilled enough to play hockey at the professional level and make a good living at it, why shouldn't I do whatever I could to play as much as possible for as long as possible? It only makes sense. Every time I hear about or see a player go down because of being hit in the face by a stick or puck, I have one thought: What a waste.

Some of us who recognize that there's more to running an university than schmoozing and athletics don't think he's done such a bad job.

What about race car drivers and motorcycle racers? I'm sure they could see better without helmets, too.

Well said. Thank you.

I was trying to save some goals for others to describe.

I only have the PC version of NHL 2004, although my son has a PS2 that I never play. Yes, and they did a really nice job, too. Unfortunately, after doing the CCHA and HE teams, they never finished the WCHA teams. The makers of the college hockey mod for NHL 2004 did create a roster for the Sioux which I edited and then used to create my own team. I used the Dallas Stars' uniforms. Since there was no Sioux logo, I used the $1 milllion dollar bill included in the game's pre-made logos. Okay, I'm a geek.

That he's too valuable as an offensive threat.

Dec. 3, UAA at UND. Jones from Murray and Canady, 18:01 of the second period. That was a nice goal.

That depends. If Smaby and Greene are back, it will help. Also, if I were the coach, I'd tell Lee Marvin right now that that the only position he should plan to play next season is defenseman. That's his preferred position and it gives the Sioux another experienced senior. If Bina makes it back, the Sioux go from a freshman-loaded D-corps to one with two seniors, two juniors and a sophomore. I'm not saying any of this will happen, only that the situation might not be as bad as some think.

Mapletoft.

How about Genoway's "under the net goal" against Boston College in the NCAA East Regionals? But don't forget, he did score one on Isaac Reichmuth from a similar angle against UMD on March 11 in the first round of the WCHA playoffs. Here are my favorites: Oct. 22, Minnesota at UND. Spirko scores the game-winning goal against the Gophers by deflecting Smaby's slapshot from the blue line as he's falling forward. Nov. 20, SCSU at UND. The Sioux are on the power play and leading 2-1 when Parise comes nearly to the blue line to play a loose puck being chased by SCSU's Joe Jensen. Parise and Jensen collide. With the net wide open, the puck slides across the ice. Spirko scoops it up, hits McMahon with a pass as he's streaking down the left side. McMahon splits the Huskies' defense and fires a wrist shot from the slot to score and put the Sioux up 3-1. Feb. 26, Wisconsin at UND. Erik Fabian bulls through a check along the boards, walks in on Bernd Bruckler and beats him with a shot to the far post. In the same game, "Sniper" Matt Greene scores an empty net goal from near the Sioux blue line off a faceoff with 29 seconds left to give UND a 4-2 win. "I'm not going to say that I was sniping the net or that it was in the bag the whole time. I was lucky it went in," Greene said after the game. March 17, UND vs. Wisconsin. Genoway's game-winning goal on the power play. His slapper was a classic top-shelf shot that sent Bruckler's water bottle flying. March 25, UND vs. Boston University. McMahon intercepts a BU clearing attempt and throws the puck on net where Genoway deflects it up and over the Terrier goalie to give the Sioux a 2-0 lead.

Which reminds me... I was playing NHL 2004 the other day and Mapletoft scored a goal on me.

That's good news, but... Until I see Greene on the ice in a Sioux jersey the first game of the season, I'm not going to assume anything.

Smaby is a sophomore. I believe sagard is correct. I remember Doug Woog complaining about Smaby's hit on Grant Potulny.

Gino Gasparini last July on the hiring of Dave Hakstol: "I don't know that there's ever been a coach hired at North Dakota that didn't go through some adjustment or some controversy. I think that's inherent to every high-level job in any sport at any university. You make the appointments and you live with them. You don't make wrong decisions intentionally." Roger Thomas last July on Haktol's hiring: "Certainly success gives you your credentials as a coach. It puts any doubts that people have to bed. If you're not successful, the wolves are back out again, but that's part of the business."

Now c'mon. Rastislav "Sparky" Spirko speaks English very well. Watzisnaem "Perky" Sparko, on the other hand, not so much.

Remember when Commodore nearly lost an eye after taking a puck to the face? I've never understood why shields or masks aren't mandatory. Makes no sense to me. I know. I just don't get it.

According to Greg Shepherd, there is no need for such a cheer.

The trick is to quote only the portion of the post to which you're repsonding. It's not that difficult.

I wasn't referring specifically to this thread. I Googled this and this. Are you not dealing with "derivative works based upon the copyrighted work"?

Having two teen-aged kids, I'm thinking that I might be aware of it. Then again, I'm pretty old, so a lot gets by me without notice.

It isn't going to happen. I can tell you that as one of the "good old boys" who lives in the neighborhood.