Dave Berger

I'm no expert, but I think that means that we're going to beat Union 5-2. Dave

2014 NCAA Frozen Four Preview: UND vs. Minnesota Discuss. Dave

2014 NCAA Frozen Four Preview: UND vs. Minnesota Discuss. Dave

2014 Frozen Four Preview: Boston College vs. Union Discuss. Dave

In the 33 year history of the award, only five Hobey Baker winners have led their team to the national championship: Forward Tony Hrkac (North Dakota, 1987) Forward Lane McDonald (Harvard, 1989) Forward Paul Kariya (Maine, 1993) Defenseman Jordan Leopold (Minnesota, 2002) Defenseman Matt Gilroy (Boston University, 2009) Seven other Hobey winners fell just short, losing in the title game: Forward Neil Broten (Minnesota, 1981) Defenseman Mark Fusco (Harvard, 1983) Defenseman Tom Kurvers (Minnesota-Duluth, 1984) Forward Scott Fusco (Harvard, 1986) Forward Jason Krog (New Hampshire, 1999) Defenseman Mike Mottau (Boston College, 2000) Forward Blake Geoffrion (Wisconsin, 2010) Dave

2014 NCAA Frozen Four Preview: Boston College vs. Union Discuss. Dave

Minnesota and North Dakota: A Look Back At 12 Titles Discuss. Dave

The other thing to keep in mind is that both Johnny and his younger brother Matthew (a freshman on this year's Eagles squad) committed to the same school on purpose. Not sure if that outweighs the other factors, but he's got to at least consider playing with his younger bro for one more year. Dave

For Both Minnesota And North Dakota, The Future Is Bright Discuss. Dave

For Both Minnesota And North Dakota, The Future Is Bright Discuss. Dave

Maybe this has been discussed before, but since there are only four teams left playing, who are the early departure risks for each of them? For North Dakota, I've got Rocco Grimaldi and Jordan Schmaltz both at <10% chance of leaving. Everybody else would be a complete shock. Any idea about Minnesota, BC, or Union? Dave

From this article: Minnesota/North Dakota: A Hockey Rivalry Like No Other Wisconsin joined the WCHA in 1969 and was a part of some of the most intense extra-curricular activities in UND hockey history – the pre-game brawl, the water bottle incident, and the line brawl in Madison. Dave

I need some more dice. Dave

This is what I loved about Brandon Bochenski. Shot all the time but was always on target. I think I counted him miss the net four times total in his three seasons at North Dakota. Dave

Ha ha, good call! Dave

The University of Minnesota has 21 Minnesotans on their current roster. The other four are from Colorado (Tom Serratore), Florida (Gabe Guertler), Missouri (Sam Warning), and Wisconsin (captain Nate Condon). The University of North Dakota has 3 North Dakotans on their current roster. Luke Johnson and Paul LaDue are from Grand Forks, and Keaton Thompson is from Devils Lake. UND has only four Minnesotans, the lowest total in recent memory. Two are Twin Cities kids: Conner Gaarder (Edina) and Nick Mattson (Chanhassen). Zane Gothberg hails from Thief River Falls, and Gage Ausmus is from right across the river in East Grand Forks. Minnesota population (2013 estimate): 5,420,000 North Dakota population (2013 estimate): 723,000 Discuss. Dave

So after all of those years of making such a big deal about recruiting only in state (and being "Minnesota's Pride On Ice"), now the Gophers are "America's Team"? I don't think it works that way. You're not the Cowboys. Come to think of it, can North Dakota be #NorthAmerica'sTeam since Thomas Vanek played at Minnesota? Dave

When the Tigers were coming to town for the first round of the NCHC playoffs last month, I dropped a hint in my game preview that this could happen. Maybe I was too subtle... "The past two seasons have been the most trying of Scott Owens’ coaching career. After 13 winning campaigns behind the bench (299-185-43, .608), Owens’ teams have gone just 24-41-11 (.388) over the past two years. If Colorado College decides to retain their veteran coach, the cupboard is full. The Tigers have only four senior skaters on the roster, and those four have combined for just 17 of Colorado College’s 66 goals (25.8%) and 43 of CC’s 177 points (24.3%) this season. Only forward Alexander Krushelnyski (10-13-23) will be considered an offensive loss." Dave

In Frozen Four, A Rivalry Interrupted Is Rekindled Interesting article from the New York Times about the rivalry and Thursday's game. Great quotes from current and former players, coaches, and some guy named Dave Berger. Discuss. Dave

Thought this might fit here, too: The UND Hockey Family: How Former Players Stay Connected Great quotes here from Mitch Vig, Ryan Duncan, and Joe Gleason about what the North Dakota hockey program means to them. Discuss. Dave

The UND Hockey Family: How Former Players Stay Connected Some great quotes from former players here about how much the program means to them. Discuss. Dave

If Minnesota advances, this will be the only bright spot: with conference realignment, we won't be expected to "close ranks" around the Gophers like we were supposed to in the old WCHA. That was always tough for me. It has been nice to see the tweets this week from other NCHC schools. Miami has gone out of their way to express support for North Dakota. Here's an example from @MiamiOH_Hockey: Congratulations to @UNDMHockey on advancing to the Frozen Four. Great effort this weekend #NCHC Dave

North Dakota/Minnesota: A Hockey Rivalry Like No Other Discuss. Dave

I can pick two others. 1998 and 1999. I've got Frozen Four tickets in hand for both (Boston and Anaheim). This is in the days of the 12 team tournament, and UND secured a first-round bye both years. In other words, North Dakota was one victory away from the Frozen Four in both seasons. 1998 vs. Michigan in Ann Arbor. Came into the game with a record of 30-7-1. Michigan barely squeaked by Princeton 2-1 in the first round. Marty Turco makes a fantastic save on a North Dakota power play, and (Michigan captain) Matt Herr scores a shorthanded backbreaker at the other end. 4-3 final. Wolverines went on to win the title. Remarkably, the entire game is available here. I'm almost tempted to watch it again, and then throw up. 1999 vs. Boston College in Madison. Came into the game with a record of 32-5-2. Scoreless first period. Became a penalty fest (UND 10 penalties for 31 minutes, BC 4 penalties for 8 minutes). Tied 1-1 late in the second when the Eagles score. 2-1 all the way until a Gionta empty-netter with 11 seconds to go. Ugh. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed Anaheim and Boston (particularly my double dip in the Harbor), but both trips could have (should have) been so much better.... Dave

This was well worth the read. Thanks for the share! Dave