Big A HG

Shy isn't necessarily a bad thing. By shy, I'm assuming you mean he's not very vocal. Some of the best leaders don't say much at all, they just lead by example. I would imagine that Toews didn't earn his C with the Blackhawks at age 20 in only his second year with the Blackhawks by being outspoken, he earned it by his non-vocal leadership skills. Then, when a non-vocal leader does step to the plate and say something, you know it's important.

Gothberg was playing solid, no doubt. But, Wilcox was playing just as good going into the title game.

Did you try trapping them or what?

Also, that story is amazing pathfinder. It's incredible to read some of the history about the past that our program has had. If there is anyone else out there with a similar story as to what pathfinder has....don't be scared to post! I know there are a lot of people with great history and knowledge of the program that read the forum, but have never posted.

It was indeed Michigan State.

I actually went to high school back in the day with a kid who had that issue when he was born. For the most part, he was a pretty normal kid (other than being allergic to just about everything under the sun, which I don't think had anything to do with it). Good to hear the baby is doing well.

Well, if you're going to spend the money that it would take to get a patch, I'd get the right one. This may be just me, but it'd look silly with a UND125 patch meant for a green jersey on a white one. Don't take it the wrong way as I'm very fussy when it comes to things like this. I just live under the impression that if you're going to do it, do it right. For what it's worth, if someone DID have a green UND125 patch they'd sell Sioux2b07, I'd trade you a white for a green, then you could sell the white to him/her.

No doubt! I am too! Sorry I'm in the process of renovating. Most of the update work will happen post-Frozen Four.

The more you loosen it up, the worse your defense is going to get. It's only natural. It's key to find the right balance. With that said, when Toews, Oshie, and Duncan all were playing on the same teams in the Frozen Four, how much more did you want Hakstol to loosen it up? The two years they played together they scored 5 goals ('06) and 4 goals ('07), both plenty to win a hockey game. Their defense gave up 6 goals each time. Since we're blaming Hak for the player's peformances, by my estimation he "loosened up" too much. In reality, that's not what I believe. When you lose, sometimes it's a bad bounce or two (which isn't always necessarily a bad bounce of the puck, just a bit a bit of bad luck, but I'm lumping it in here). Sometimes key players didn't show up. Sometimes it's the system you're running. And sometimes, the other team just flat out beat you. In 2005, we just got flat out beat by a good team. In 2006, a few key players on our back end didn't show up. In 2007, I chalk it up to a bad bounce or two In 2008, it was probably a combination of things, including the coaching. In 2011, a defense with a sound game plan and a goalie who played the game of his life beat us, and we still outshot them by double and only gave up one goal (not counting the ENG). All five appearances are on Hak's permanent record, but you can't blame each year without a title on Hak. Occasionally yes, much of the time, no.

You failed to even read what I wrote. Clue #1 was when I said "One unrelated item...". That means it pertains nothing to the above of what I wrote in the context I was writing it in. Clue #2 was noticing that I personally didn't blame the law of averages, merely pointed it out. The world works in mysterious ways.

I'm too lazy to go back and look right now, but, I think many of our Blais experts and prognosticators will already have been proven wrong with their short-sighted predictions from when Deano was first hired on at UNO.

It may help to specify which jersey you're looking to put the patch on.

So why isn't Dean's Porsche running on all cylinders down in Omaha? Boston College has been awesome, no doubt about it. We aren't the only elite program struggling to win the big one. It just proves what BC doing is exceptional and everyone else is trying to play catch-up. Where's Michigan been? Minnesota? Maine? BU? Denver? Wisconsin? Between the five teams I questioned, and including North Dakota, the six teams combined have won a combined three championships (DU '05, UW '06, BU '09) since Dave Hakstol has been head coach. Other than BC, everyone has struggled over the last ten years to have any sort of consistency even being a contender, except us. No, we haven't won one under Dave, but it's only a matter of time (whether it's this year or down the road). Hakstol is batting .600 for Frozen Four appearances, and has a 100% attendance record in the dance. A championship is the only thing that matters, but it's not all on the coach to win one. The players must score, the goalie must make saves, and you need a timely bounce or two (or 12), which we haven't had. One unrelated item that I feel should be mentioned...UND is making it's 20th appearance in the "Frozen Four". That means we are currently 7 for 19 in winning a title in those appearances. Law of averages say we're doomed to have numerous appearances without winning, and we're going through that right now.

No, sorry.

He missed the first "their", but it's a start.

I think some have forgotten we haven't even lost yet. Hak is still the coach and we're not golfing yet. I eagerly await what happens with some cautious optimism.

Correct. The odds are set by some very smart people to start the week, but can and will change as the week goes on. Once your wager is placed, it's locked into the odds that were current when you placed the bet. Tip #1: It's smart to bet against the Dallas Cowboys. Why? The bookie is trying to make money. If it's 50/50 odds that either team will win, both teams are usually set at -110. Like mentioned above, you need to place a $110 bet to win $100 (plus your $110 back for a total of $210). The bookies goal is to try and create equal bets placed for both teams, that way an equal number of people are losing opposed to winning. Now, because the bookie set the odds to -110 each, they are making money on the extra -10 it factored in. Back to the Cowboys. Because the bookies want equal bets on both sides, they'll change the lines as the week goes on to make sure they accomplish this. Well, because there are so many not-so-bright Cowboys fans (not all) who will blindly throw bets down on their favor team, it can change the odds in favor of someone who is un-biased trying to make some money. So, the odds are skewed to create equal bets. This is one reason why the odds of a team winning aren't always accurate. I used the Cowboys as an example, but there are many other teams/athletes who fit this description as well. My favorite is betting against Tiger Woods in the two-ball bets even though I'm a big Tiger fan. Tip #2: Bet early in the week and late in the week. When new games are available to bet on, you can find games where you feel the bookie made a mistake. This isn't common because big money is on the line and those who set the odds are very good at what they do, but they will err at times. Chances are, if you are correct on your assessment of a mistake, many others also will take notice, and now the bets will heavily favor one side. Because the bookie wants equal bets on both sides, they will quickly start to make up for this. The middle of the week will be pretty neutral, but by the end of the week, bettors can skew the lines so much so that it makes it favorable to bet an underdog (leads back to Tip #1). Those are just some basics.

I remember many years back taking Al's Bus as a "one-off younster"....had a blast! If you like beer, you'll find many friends on the bus.

I heard there will be an opportunity to stretch legs and grab some refreshments at the NCAA Offices in Indianapolis.

GREEN....'nuff with the blacks.

Well, maybe the Ralph was quiet for a reason this year. They were getting the team used to playing in front of no crowd noise come tourney time. I hope it works! GO SIOUX

We've had a taste. Thanks, Nathan Poole!

Travis didn't wait around for Darcy.

Hear ye, hear ye, all friends of Gasparini! Calling all Sioux "fans"! Complete your jump off the bandwagon by selling me your Sioux jerseys! Looking for any authentic or game-worn jerseys. PM me with what you have to offer. Sell now before they are worthless!

Anyone get a chance to jot down pricing on yesterday's (Wednesday) jersey auctions? I had an opportunity to watch them on Tuesday, so I have those. If you did, give me a shout. Thanks.