Siouxtimestwo
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Posts posted by Siouxtimestwo
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Oshie is a beast out there today!
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Keep putting the heat on them.
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I think the fact that an NCAA hockey tourney thread has devolved into a conversation about how terrible basketball is shows how basketball is light years ahead of hockey in terms of popularity. Don't get me wrong, I love hockey, as evident by my avatar and membership here. I played basketball, but have never even skated in my life, yet I can still appreciate the beauty, speed, and skill of hockey. I can understand not liking basketball, as it's not for all, but to whine about it in this thread sounds an awful lot like there is some hidden jealousy.
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Let's go boys! I'm going out on a limb and predicting a better start in the semifinal game this year than last year.
It might be tense early as I'm sure there'll be some nerves, but we blitz the Tigers in the 2nd period and pull out the 4-1 victory. -
Since the Sioux game thread(where I'd like to post) isn't up yet, I'm just wondering if anyone is devastated about the tournament so far, even though the Sioux have yet to play?
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Not the way the NCAA stacked the Sioux's bracket.
I think it's something to brag about when you're the best of the best!
Totally agree. That's why we hang banners in the Ralph when the Sioux win the NCAA title, not when Minnesota, Wisconsin, Denver, or CC do so.
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Since it's the middle of the week and this debate may very well be settled soon, I thought I'd ask a question that has always perplexed me while reading the boards: Why is everyone so intent on always pinning the WCHA vs. the CCHA? I watch very little of college hockey outside of the Sioux, except for an occasional Gophers or Badgers game on on a non-Sioux weekend, so I have no idea how good CCHA teams are, but the general consensus seems to be that the conference is overrated. I'm not trying to debate that, I'm just wondering why people care so much.
I know this all started in college football, taken to new levels by fans in recent years, but at least in that sport, I can see the reward for pimping ones own conference. If you somehow create the impression that your conference is better than the others, your one loss looks better than that of another team in a different conference, which might mean the difference in bringing home a national title.
In college hockey, however, we have a playoff to determine who the best team is. If UND wins the national title this year, will anyone really care how the CCHA teams fared? If UND loses to Princeton, will you really be that much more consoled by the fact that Miami lost as well? If UND loses to Denver, but Denver beats Michigan for the title are we gonna hang a banner in the Ralph to celebrate that accomplishment? It's not like the conferences have been around for 90 years so there is a sense of togetherness or brotherhood to fall back on. Weren't some of the teams that make the CCHA so mediocre just in the WCHA 10-20 years ago?
Can you imagine if this philosophy were applied to other aspects of life? "Well, I failed to reach my goals in life, but at least my friends from high school did better than the kids from that hick school down the road!"
I don't bring this up to antagonize any certain members, or to even single out us Sioux/WCHA fans. This same attitude is exhibited everywhere in college sports, and I've always just found it curious. I am ecstatic when my team wins and upset when they lose, but I'm always back for the next game. How another team does really doesn't matter to me, I'm just focused on my team. Since we have a wonderful board filled with thoughtful, intelligent members, I just thought I'd get your takes.
I'm quoting my initial post since most glanced at the title and interpreted it as a debate about which conference is superior, which was nowhere near my original intention.
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I think part of it for me is the "national" press who can't seem to look past a win/loss record or the # of points a player has and actually "look" at the competition being played against. While I think Porter is good (VERY GOOD), I have to wonder what his point total would look like (and the team's record) playing against the likes JPL, Bachman, Manino, Kangas (of late), Weslaski, Stalock, Tesleck, etc. night in and night out. I'm sure he would still be one of the top (if not the top), but I don't think he would be as dominant as he is in the CCHA. I also don't think Michigan would have the record they have getting constantly beat up in the WCHA (and I would bet money that Miami would be middle of the pack).
Thanks for actually replying to my initial inquiry, Heidi, and not just continuing to brag how Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Denver recently won titles or the fact that St. Cloud St. would destroy Miami on a Fighting Sioux website. I must admit, I don't read INCH or USCHO often enough to notice any favoritism. When it comes to teams outside the WCHA, I pretty much just see what other posters 'in the know' on our website have to say and take their word for it. As a UND alum, I'm actually quite surprised by the amount of national attention our university gets, considering our size, affiliations, and location. There have been quite a few articles in magazines like Sports Illustrated and websites like ESPN.com praising the tradition of Sioux hockey, but I'm sure schools like Michigan & BC, just to name two, do indeed get more pub due to their reputation, name recognition for casual fans, and prominent alumni.
I agree with what you say about how many CCHA teams would fare in the WCHA. I guess rankings just don't matter to me that much. Whether you're a 4 seed or a 1 seed, you've got to win 4 games to win the title. I wanted UND to be a 1 seed this year in order to avoid CC in their home rink, but the reality is, if we wouldn't have been good enough to beat CC in Colorado Springs, then we wouldn't have had Miami to blame for "stealing" our no. 1 seed. It would have had a lot more to do with us losing to Denver in the F5 and losing to CC in the tournament. We control our own destiny in the tournament, just like every other team. If deep down under that inflated record Miami(or any other school) really is a sheep in wolf's clothing, then they won't be successful in the tournament, regardless of seeding. Michigan, which most everyone seems to agree is a legitimate title contender, appears to have the path of least resistance to the Frozen Four, but once there they still have to beat 2 of the 4 best teams in college hockey to win it all, which is what college hockey is all about.
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By the way, I couldn't care less, but it should be "i couldn't care less"
And we all know the WCHA is the cream of the crop as college hockey goes, but Michigan is tough this year. I just hope when we meet them in the national championship game, someone reminds Sauer how the Sioux dropped 8 on him last year as we ended their season You got me there.
And to think I'm a teacher. I guess that's what I get for staying up past my bedtime and posting on a school night. -
I think the thing is the Cup Cake Hockey Association seems to think that they are a strong coference. Claiming that takes away from our conference.
So it's just bragging rights, but isn't that what sports is all about?
Bragging rights are one of the fun things about being a sports fan. My point is, the tournament is coming up, so our team has a chance to beat CCHA teams, then we can brag. If all we can brag about is how our rivals beat teams from the CCHA, what in the hell are we bragging about? How does St. Cloud beating Michigan in the regional give us as Sioux fans anything to brag about?
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I think the point of the initial thread was not to discuss the reasoning of our arguments on the subject. It was "why do we care". I would agree with Goon in that adds some fun to the ribbing of friends of other teams. Most of the time it adds to the experience at games, watching tv, etc. with friends of other teams. There are times when it gets out of hand and ruins the whole thing. I don't know if that helps?
BD
Yes, you did interpret my intent correctly. And I agree, ribbing friends is one of the many pleasures of sports. I can totally understand that aspect of pinning your school against another and trading barbs, but I still don't understand what conference you're in has to do with determining which individual school is better than another. We have lots of signatures pertaining to 7>5 for obvious reasons. Minnesota is our rival and it is fun to rub in the fact that they haven't won as many titles as we have. That gives us pride and bragging rights as UND fans.
By the way, one would have to be totally biased to think the WCHA isn't by far the superior conference in all of college hockey. Looking at all the formulas and individual rankings that are available and stating otherwise would be ignorant. I take pride in the fact that UND is consistently near the top of those rankings. I could care less if any other WCHA teams are.
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Since it's the middle of the week and this debate may very well be settled soon, I thought I'd ask a question that has always perplexed me while reading the boards: Why is everyone so intent on always pinning the WCHA vs. the CCHA? I watch very little of college hockey outside of the Sioux, except for an occasional Gophers or Badgers game on on a non-Sioux weekend, so I have no idea how good CCHA teams are, but the general consensus seems to be that the conference is overrated. I'm not trying to debate that, I'm just wondering why people care so much.
I know this all started in college football, taken to new levels by fans in recent years, but at least in that sport, I can see the reward for pimping ones own conference. If you somehow create the impression that your conference is better than the others, your one loss looks better than that of another team in a different conference, which might mean the difference in bringing home a national title.
In college hockey, however, we have a playoff to determine who the best team is. If UND wins the national title this year, will anyone really care how the CCHA teams fared? If UND loses to Princeton, will you really be that much more consoled by the fact that Miami lost as well? If UND loses to Denver, but Denver beats Michigan for the title are we gonna hang a banner in the Ralph to celebrate that accomplishment? It's not like the conferences have been around for 90 years so there is a sense of togetherness or brotherhood to fall back on. Weren't some of the teams that make the CCHA so mediocre just in the WCHA 10-20 years ago?
Can you imagine if this philosophy were applied to other aspects of life? "Well, I failed to reach my goals in life, but at least my friends from high school did better than the kids from that hick school down the road!"
I don't bring this up to antagonize any certain members, or to even single out us Sioux/WCHA fans. This same attitude is exhibited everywhere in college sports, and I've always just found it curious. I am ecstatic when my team wins and upset when they lose, but I'm always back for the next game. How another team does really doesn't matter to me, I'm just focused on my team. Since we have a wonderful board filled with thoughtful, intelligent members, I just thought I'd get your takes.
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VV has been by leaps and bounds the best compliment to the top line, IMHO, but I also agree that he shouldn't be an option to skate with them in the tourney. He is very valuable to that 2nd line as both a playmaker and in the face-off circle. Having 2 of our best guys on the same line is not the best way to set things up, especially where one lost draw and a lucky bounce could end your season. I guess I'd like to see Kozek back out there, but it probably doesn't matter either way. Let's be honest, Oshie single-handedly creates most opportunities for that line on his own. His health is going to be the difference, not the 3rd skater.
I'm not too worried about Duncan. He is what he is, a sniper. Winning the Hobey last year wasn't going to all of a sudden change that. Hockey is like any other team sport, the best players make everyone around them better. Duncan is a great player, but he's not going elevate anyone to another level on a consistent basis like an Oshie or a Toews. I'm not saying he doesn't ever do it, but he's far more valuable just looking to hammer one home from someone else, not vice versa. As long as Oshie's healthy, Duncan can just worry about finding the net, and find the net he will.
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Well, considering that in the letter to season ticket holders they basically got down on hands and knees begging people to stick with them till 2010, I'd say they're going to struggle, but not too terribly. They'll go as far as their pitching takes them. (Thank you Captain Obvious!) If Livian makes more than 10 starts, they're going to be closer to KC at the bottom of the barrel. If they can get innings out of the younger guys, then I think they could challenge the White Sox for 3rd place and build toward 2009 and beyond. The offense is going to be good. People forget how talented Delmon Young is. I really think Harris will come around as an adequate 2nd baseman as well. Sorry, Punto, I love you, but you're on your way to join the Lew Ford & Jason Tyner club.
We live in North Dakota, so I don't get to as many games as I did when I was going to school at UND, but I'm sure someone from my family will be going. Hell, my dad doesn't want to come to my rehearsal supper since we have tickets for that Friday night when they play the Yankees.
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This from CollegeHockeyNews.com;
CAA Tournament Times and TV Schedule
CHN Staff Report
All NCAA tournament games will be televised exclusively by ESPN and its sister stations this season, unless the games conflict and cannot be carried live.
This is a departure from previous years, when the Regional games were produced by ESPN Regional then offered to Regional Sports Networks or local stations around the country.
ESPN is emphasizing its college sports channel, ESPNU, now.
Hopefully this means that UND's fist round game will be picked up by Fox Sports and/or the FSSN. However, this probably means that ESPNU will be the only one carrying the Midwest Region final game.
I interpret that statement to mean that we have a 0% chance of seeing the game on FSSN or FSN. If it's exclusively on ESPN affiliated stations, that eliminates those two. It looks like ESPNU or the internet are it.
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The Madison Region should be the one to watch. Albany seems to be the weakest. I have BC, ND, Michigan, and CC make final four. With an ALL WCHA Title game. With UND winning #8. Minnesota could be the upset team this year. But how long can this run go before they run out of gas. Miami lose to AF and UNH loses to CC. St Clould win one and out. Denver win in OT vs Wisconsin.
Quit copying my bracket.
Although, I do have UND beating Michigan in the title game. -
I disagree, the big ice is makes it easier to bog down the game. The 2004 regional is perfect evidence of that. About the only offense created is via special teams. Look at the teams that feast on the power play, St. Cloud, Minnesota and CC. That's no coincidence. You can spread things out more and really take advantage. That's why, with the inconsistency of the Sioux power play, I was really hoping to go east to avoid the Olympic rinks.
I'm no expert on ice sizes, but if you want a more recent example, I think the short ice sheet in Duluth was not in our favor and it showed in our play there. I think the biggest factor in our powerplay, or our play in general, just comes down to how well we execute. If we play for 60 minutes we're going to be fine. If we take a minute or two off here and there, any team(including Princeton) is capable of getting a few cheap goals to beat us.
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My point is that nobody is forcing them to stay with cable. They're free to switch to DirecTV if they want to. It comes down to making a choice not to get DirecTV, which would give them access to ESPNU and more college hockey viewing options. If a person makes that choice, fine. But then don't complain about your cable company not offering ESPNU, CSTV, or the VS. network. If you wanted those channels badly enough you'd switch to DirecTV.
As for the live broadcast of the Princeton game, if I'm reading this graph correctly I think it'll be on Altitude (DirecTV channel 644).
How long have you worked for DirecTV?
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They're also a little too high on Michigan St. They had a great run last year, to expect them to beat CC in their own rink, then turn around and beat a strong NH team might be a lot to ask. It's certainly not impossible, but I wouldn't put my money on it. Both the "experts" were a little too high on conference tourney winners if you ask me.
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Playing in the Kohl Center doesn't scare me at all either. Michigan does have the easiest bracket, but they're also the No. 1 overall seed, so what did you expect? This isn't college football where what bowl game you get sent to determines who wins it all. You want the title, win 4 straight and it's yours. Recently when we've lost, it's usually because we beat ourselves with undisciplined blueline play and a lack of scoring. If we play like we're capable of, we should come out of our region. If we have lapses and take extended periods of the game off like we did against Denver Friday, then we probably won't win the title, nor should we.
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So did Minny. Wow!
I wouldn't be too excited about playing BC. We all knew whomever the 2-3 seeds were in Miami's bracket were going to have it easy, but I doubt Minnesota or BC are thrilled to be playing each other.
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How about Denver's reward for winning the Final 5? Having to play the Badgers on their home rink. Almost wonder if they would have been better off losing last night and getting shipped out east.
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We're in Madison! Wow. I didn't see that one coming. We do get Princeton and Denver vs. Wisconsin on the other side of the bracket.
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Tough break for CC getting Michigan State, although they are playing at home. That win yesterday was huge for UND. I would not have wanted to be the 2 seed playing MSU out in Colorado, then having to turn around and play CC if we won.
SIOUX vs PRINCETON
in Men's Hockey
Posted
I love this style of hockey that the open ice creates. This is like a pinball game, rather than constant wrestling matches in the corners. These Princeton skaters look like pinballs all over the ice. Hopefully, we'll catch them out of position a few times.