PCM

Now you're talking!

Power play goal for UAA. They lead 3-0.

Chris Fournier scores on a UW turnover. It's 2-0 UAA.

The Badgers sportscasters are really getting down on UW. They say the Badgers look like they're skating in mud. They say UAA is playing like they want it more. Badgers go back on the power play.

The Badgers go on the power play. For the record, the UW video is not DataFlix.

UAA goes on the power play at 2:03 of the 2nd period. Still UAA 1, UW 0.

I've been listening to the UW-UAA game via the Internet. Right now, it's at the intermission.

End of the first period, it's UAA 1, UW 0.

Wisconsin sportscasters say that UAA is outplaying the Badgers in the first period. The Seawolves still lead 1-0 in the first period.

Fournier scores for UAA. 1-0.

Believe it or not, my intent was not to spark a debate about the merits of the wave.

I knew that might bring you around.

I was at a game in the old Ralph when the wave was done. On a side note, I see that some are already taking my post way too seriously.

On the subject of atmosphere at The Ralph, you know what really ticks me off? Last weekend, Virg Foss and I participated in The Wave up in the press box. Forget the fact that I nearly knocked over the mother of Jay and Jeff Panzer because my timing was way off. It doesn't matter. The point is, even us media jackals tried to improve the atmosphere last weekend by doing The Wave. So what do we get for our efforts? On Saturday night when the fans were asked to do The Wave, nobody did! Is that the thanks I get for taking the risk of being banned from Sioux hockey for life? I was extremely disappointed, especially with Diggler and his buddies in the student section. Where is their enthusiasm? Where is their school spirit? How can they let a couple of fossils in the press box show them up? Besides, the mere fact that Pat Sweeney hates The Wave should be enough of a reason for everyone to do it.

I wouldn't advise punching The Sicatoka if you know what's good for you.

All I'm saying is: So what? I'm sure there were several dozen people in the arena who chose not to contribute to the atmosphere when you thought they should. That's their right. But their non-participation made no difference in getting the crowd fired up and the team fired up. The coaches from both teams and the Sioux players said it made a big difference when the crowd got into the game and helped UND rally. Isn't that what everyone wants? Who gives a rat's rear if not every single person in the building didn't go nuts? It didn't matter. Heck, my wife never gets as excited at Sioux games as I do, even though she enjoys attending and watching. Should I divorce her?

And yet they STILL complain.

Most definitely. The atmosphere was fantastic. Blais and the Sioux players commented on it, as did MTU coach Jamie Russell. And for those who care, the USCHO recap of tonight's game is now posted.

A friend of mine who's a Sioux fan living in the Twin Cities called me this afternoon and berated me for UND's loss. He'd watched the local news last night and went to bed believing that the Sioux had lost 6-2 to Michigan Tech. It took me a while to convince him that UND had really won.

Man, I didn't realize that we had so many average goalies on the team.

I'll third it. I'm not trying to belittle the defensive efforts of the forwards because it oviously has been a key part UND's success this season. But whenever anyone mentions the possiblity of Brandt making the all-conference team, the argument is that his success is due to his defensemen. And when anyone discusses a Sioux defenseman being on the all-conference teams, the forwards get the credit for backchecking and blocking shots. I just think it's ridiculous that the Sioux can set a WCHA recrod for fewest goals allowed in a season and have the top penalty kill in the league, but not have any of their defensive players recognized for their contributions to those accomplishments.

The Sioux don't need defensemen. They don't need goalies. They got backchecking forwards. That's all the defense they need.

I must thank YaneA and those who provided sign ideas for giving me the lead for my Friday UND-MTU USCHO recap.

Is it okay if I peek at Virg's notes?

I'm here now, but I'll be at the game in about 45 minutes.