MafiaMan

This whole tournament set-up is pure b.s. Does Minnesota care where they end up, whether it be a #4 seed in a region or #1? Doesn't matter, they're going to be playing in front of 9,000 of their own fans and everyone will scream "what a monumental upset!" when they knock of Colorado College. Puhlease. The reward for being a #1 seed shouldn't be going to a huge rival's own building. I don't care when the region sites were selected, this is a set-up just like last year to make sure Michigan, Minnesota, and a couple of HE schools make the big dance. Look at Denver last season. The reward for being the #1 seed in the WCHA is to play the Gophers at Xcel Energy Center. They win the game, then get to go on the road to play Michigan at Yost Arena. And people were still stunned that this team didn't get to the Frozen Four? Minnesota will be back in the Frozen Four again this year, not so much because of their talent, but moreso because people underestimate home ice advantage.

Interesting that the MAAC seems to think it's shoes are pretty big while at the same time, one of its member schools (Fairfield University in Connecticut) is scrapping its D-1 hockey program. Let's hope some of their other scrubby schools follow suit.

I saw a picture of the team captains on the "Ralphie" web site and noticed the familiar "swoosh" of Nike on the uniforms. I'm assuming Gemini Sportswear has lost the contract to do the Sioux jerseys. Where can a person pick up a close-to-authentic jersey now?

Dagies, Speaking from experience as an attendee at the 1997 Frozen Four in Milwaukee, I can tell you there is nothing like the experience of seeing your team win it all. One of the funnier moments of that weekend was after the first period, I went into the men's restroom and a Maine fan was doing his duty in the urinal next to mine. At the time, it was 2-0 Boston U and UND was clearly getting outplayed. He looked over at me in my Sioux jersey and says, "Better pick it up, Sioux...I don't wanna see Boston win." I replied, "No problem, I guarantee a win." Of course, I was a little down, but I had faith. UND went on a tear in the 2nd period and held on in the third period to win 6-4 and after the empty net goal sealed the deal, twelve of my college buddies and I went nuts in the stands. A few moments later, I ran into the same Maine fan outside the arena, walked over to him and said, "I TOLD YOU WE HAD NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT!". He smiled and extended his congrats and we went our separate ways. That was five years ago...several of those twelve friends I have not seen since that day Easter weekend of 1997, but I will never forget the hugs and high fives we exchanged after the Sioux title. MafiaMan

YaneA, If you were paying attention at all this past season, you would realize that the WCHA has decided on "natural rivals" for the regular season, meaning that there will be only one school that each team plays four times a year. Minnesota vs Wisconsin Colorado College vs Denver Michigan Tech vs Minnesota-Duluth North Dakota vs St Cloud State and by default, Minnesota State (Mankato) vs Alaska-Anchorage Outside of the "natural rival," the other schools rotate around where schools will play them in a single series for that season. I know, I know, people will whine about UND being Minnesota's natural rival, but let's be honest, everyone in the WCHA thinks Minnesota is their biggest rival. It's obvious from Big 10 action in football and basketball, that Wisconsin and Minnesota are a great fit. That applies to hockey as well. MafiaMan