PCM

Nobody said that hockey wasn't a rough sport or a physical game. Nobody is saying that it shouldn't be.

I know many here will disagree with me, but I think the fact that average sports fans won't or don't watch the NHL is because the league refuses to shake its "Slapshot" image, which puts it at just above the level of pro wrestling in the public's view. I have friends and relatives who will watch the Sioux whenever they can, but absolutely refuse to watch the NHL because they equate pro hockey with goonery and fighting. And why shouldn't they? What hockey moments are guaranteed to make the sports highlights of practically every broadcast around the country? Of course, it's the big fights or instances of players acting like street thugs. As long as hockey fans cling to the notion that "fighting is part of the game," our sport will always play second fiddle to football, basketball and baseball. As others here have noted, it wouldn't hurt to open up the game by eliminating the two-line pass rule and strictly enforcing the rules on obstruction and interference. If I were in charge of the NHL, I'd also made full cages or face shields mandatory (as they are in college) and switch to Olympic-size ice. Rip away.

Not true. I only have statistics 68.9 percent of the time.

Says the person who averages 9.3 posting per day on this site.

This link will take you to a Web site for a Norwegian TV station that lists the top 10 best sports facilities in the world. I can't read Norwegian, but listed at No. 6 is Ralph Engelstad Arena. Others on the list include Yankee Stadium (No. 1), Staples Center (No.3) Madison Square Garden (No. 4) and Wriggley Field (No. 8). It's nice to be in such company. I'm not sure how the fabulous Fargo Dome was overlooked.

[quote name='Fran

Thomas? What does he know? He's just Dale Lennon's sock puppet.

You need to get rid of that angry white man on you logo before we can seriously consider that idea.

You big meanie!

Yes, but it will be as a goalie because we don't have enough for the walking bridge across the Red.

Yeah, but Blais yanked his scholarship before he got to UND.

USCHO is reporting that Wisconsin sophomore defenseman Tom Sawatske will leave the team and that freshman defensemen Ryan Suter is discussing his furture with the Nashville Predators.

I can understand why somone who thinks protests can be measured by the ton would reject a scientific survey conducted by a credible polling organization.

I, too, would not be surprised if Greene left early. Until I see him on the ice in a Sioux uniform next season, I'll be wondering. But I have to say that this looks like old information with a new spin. Maybe it's not, but that's how it appears to me.

jk, I'm not sure how much of that information is old and how much is new. But this statement simply sounds old:

Did anyone notice on the Hockey's Future forums that there's talk of Mapletoft being traded to Edmonton? I can't believe that redwing77 hasn't kept us informed of this development.

Weren't those remarks about Greene posted on Hockey's Future several months ago? It seems to me that they were what fueled the talk about Matt leaving early. I would put more stock in what Greene and the coaches have said since the end of the season.

So were those arenas built with hockey history in them?

Another sad commentary on Pat Tillman's death by editorial cartoonist Ted Rall.

It is a fact that one of the NHL's top hockey coaches praised the REA. It would be the equivalent of Bill Belichek calling the FargoDome the best football facility in the world. And we all know how likely it is that will happen.

I know. That is your misfortune.

If UND decides to go DI, hockey will provide the economic engine that makes it possible.

For those like Mr. Gonzalez who don't get it, this editorial explains why Pat Tillman and others are fighting for us.

If her point was that there are idiots and morons among us too stupid to do what's necessary to protect the quality of life and freedoms they enjoy in this country, then I'd agree that Mr. Gonzales does "serve a point."

All of which is old news and hasn't caused the State Board of Higher Education to seriously reconsider changing the name. The World Juniors are coming to the Ralph. The Elite Eight tournament is coming to the Ralph. The NCAA considered a measure aimed at forcing teams to change their names. It failed. I haven't heard anyone say that the bill in Congress is going anywhere. The BRIDGES Web site has existed for years and hasn't caused the name to change. I'm not saying the name change will never happen. I simply don't accept it as inevitable.