MafiaMan

Did Bruce Ciskie note that the initial Beanpot tourney was in nineteen freaking fifty two? That's 1952..over 60 years ago. I'd say that's an incredible draw for a first-ever hockey tournament back in those days. http://www.sbncollegehockey.com/2014/1/27/5345466/thoughts-on-north-star-college-cup

Yea, given the facilities they have access to in Prior Lake, I'd completely agree with you. It was 5-7 years ago that Jefferson hired a figure skating coach to work with the youth in order to re-build the program from the ground up. A grand idea, but I think the best days of Jaguar glory are behind them. Richfield has such great history as well...it's a shame to see Richfield Ice Arena renting out space to Edina's kids. Back on topic: Go RPI Engineers. Bring back the skating gear logo jerseys.

I was going to suggest that option myself...I have taken the light rail from the MOA downtown several times for Twins and Vikings games and it's far superior to trying to manage traffic and park somewhere around Target Center.

Hat Trick Hockey is still open though...

I'm sure you noticed then that Westwood Sports has closed their Bloomington store location...that sure says a lot about the changing demographics of hockey. The Lakevilles and Eden Prairies have over-run the Richfields, Kennedys, and Jeffersons of the metro area.

I only wish the programs that are available now had been available when I was a kid growing up in SW North Dakota. Dickinson and Williston are basically newcomers to the hockey table in North Dakota (neither one had a program 20 years ago) and I even have a friend with kids in a program in Watford City. Watford City! I would love to see some new schools join the ranks of North Dakota high school hockey. Editor's note: Now that the Devils Lake Satans are no longer, the Dickinson Midgets is the coolest nickname this side of the Bismarck Demons.

Great stats - interesting stuff.

119 posts...been a SiouxSports.com member since 2004...it's not like he signed up five minutes ago and posted for the first time.

I like the comparison with Michigan and Wisconsin...how about Massachusetts?

Totally disagree, taz. Atmosphere and crowd support was pretty lame during dull moments of the game, like when you were huffing and puffing your way up the ice. I've had better food served at 2 am at White Castle and the beer was old and skunky. Ice was pretty choppy in spots and too slushy in others. All in all, still a better place to watch a game than Mariucci Arena.

I don't consider St Cloud to be the 'Twin Cites metro' anymore than I consider Steele to be the 'Bismark metro.'

With all due respect, FU's back-to-back-to-back national championships speak louder than our poking fun at anything Bison-related.

Yep. http://exclusivepro.com/

Kudos to you all if you can pull this rabbit out of your hat.

I'd better quit this conversation while I'm ahead, LOL. Pairwise-be-damned...UND is making the NCAA tournament.

Wow, those really bring up some great Class B memories. I posted mainly Region 8 (now Region 7) teams because that's where I grew up. Some favorites of mine: Kenmare Honkers Grenora Gophers Crosby-Divide County Maroons Was Tolna really the Bluejays and Trojans? How about University of North Dakota Leprechauns? I'm sure Ron His Horse is Thunder would love that one.

Be careful where you go, IrishSiouxFan. I had a USA jersey that I took to a store at the Mall of America a few years ago because they offered "authentic customization." I got back a jersey with letters stitched directly onto the jersey - no nameplate. When I pointed this out to the store manager, he replied back, "well that's how they do it." No, it wasn't. Still a nice jersey but the no nameplate thing still perturbs me.

Did someone get this done? I probably have a Zach Parise one that I could spare.

Interesting stuff. That's probably enough dough to be able to afford a really nice watch.

Sure would be nice to have this game back. 29 TO's...ouch.

It'll be stunning if all three don't make the tournament. But, watch, if one team gets left out, it will DEFINITELY be North Dakota.

I'm pretty sure most of the hockey players moonlight during the offseason as waterboys for the football team.

Cue the carnival music...not quite what I had in mind for predictions, Blackheart and smokey. I'll offer one up - I think Russia has waited four years for the chance to avenge the thrashing it took at the hands of Canada in Vancouver. And I think they get their revenge.

It's almost time...any Olympic predictions?

Let me see if I have this right...St Cloud rotates out next year and Sacred Heart rotates in, correct?