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Yes, Mike was with Schoen when REA was constructed. Anyway, for unknown reasons, there was an employee exodus from Schoen Assoc. after the REA was completed, (rumor says a conflict with promised $$ after REA completion) and Mike and others started Icon Architecture. Through the construction of the "little Ralph" in TRF, I'm aware that things at Schoen have, well, "slipped a little." Therefore, IMO, they went with the experience of that original core group, and said ciao to Jim K. and his current staff. I wish Mike and his staff well, they're a good group to work with.

One thing that has stirred the pot a bit is the "home court issue." If what I heard is not correct, please disregard... Is it true that when the hockey team is on the road, the teams will play in the main arena? How then can you build a sense of home court if you aren't even in the same building for all of your games? It's reasons like these that prompted Gene R. to publicly say that he didn't like playing in the REA, (although last years NDSU win might have changed his thoughts a bit...) and I don't blame him. It's like being on the road at home. On another note... is this building going up to the north of the REA? (you know... the field where people park for hockey games?)

The state funds that were slated for NDSU's DI move... how else could we fund such a thing?

Yes. Yes you did.

I'm with you sprig, but how can they resist? I mean really... POI just plain sucks.

Good Link, Sic... I was pleased to see that Chad Beiswenger (Lancers) is putting up nice numbers. Being the man behind Vicari can't be easy, and it looks like it's doing him good in the numbers department. I wouldn't mind seeing a local (Moorhead) 6'2" guy in the nets at REA one day...

Good Point.... Okay... back on topic... my objective early predictions: *We take WCHA *We lose to Goldy on Saturday night of the Final Five (a motivational ploy by Dean "the Genius" Blaise) *gophers get their tails cut off by Michigan in the NCAA *We win #8 , and don't even riot.

my bad

You make an interesting point, Warthog, and I think you've hit it right on the screws. I think we, the fans, can't begin to imagine the kinds of swinging deals that are going on in college recruiting. All under the watchfull eye of the NCAA, of course... Regardless, if we had to bring in little brother to get Zach and a SSM connection... I say it's a good deal. Look at Minnesota... they took Grant Potulney for the initial reason of getting Ryan. As it turns out, Grant has been outstanding for the gophers, and lots of other coaches that "passed" on him are kicking themselves. My point being maybe "little J.P." will kick butt. Who knows? We can hope!

Agreed. Greyeagle & WPoS can stay, though. After all, who can say "no" to Bullwinkle & beerdarts?

I think this was clarified in this post... Since I'm in a quoting mood... Isn't that what you're basically saying here?... Wait... I'm sure I took you out of context and put words in your mouth. Please ignore my mindless banter.

Thank You OETKB, I was beginning to wonder if anyone still remembered the second half implosion from last season. (note: implosion, not explosion)

Tony "O" Espisito

OK... I'm on board. Let's hang the banner!

History Alive: Review the gopher fans' bitching about UND's recruiting since the late 1950's. Also see clips of UND's 7 NCAA championships.

I saw this link on "Parise On Ice." It's a link to a Fox Sports editorial on making larger goals. At first I thought it was pretty funny, but their argument is swaying me. Sure... we'll need bigger goalies, but our "pipe situation" might be cured!

Tricky, Fedorov... very tricky. I bet you like getting to the games early to hear "Smooth Criminal", don't you?!

Yeah. Okay. Whatever.

I have to agree with 'DMB' on this one. There are ways to handle things, and ways not to handle things. Bringing the press into it falls in the latter catagory. Blaise knows when contracts come out, and certain procedures must be followed. He's acting like a child at Christmas who wants to open his presents early. Yes, he's the number one coach at UND. This doesn't allow him to make/ change policy. Maybe it's time for Deano to take a trip to the lake in his new boat that they bought for him and chill the hell out. (by the way, I saw Dale Lennon's boat in his back yard. What a piece of junk) Maybe Roger is going to add up the 10% increases in Fighting Sioux Club fees first, (see students? we get hosed too! ) to see how much extra $$$ Dean gets. Patience, Dean. Now go chase some walleye on Lake of the Woods. *Edited by me... Maybe DB didn't invite the press into the discussions. In that case, a "no comment" would have worked fine.

Now this is news... anyone else heard this? This article makes it sound like he's got one foot out the door. Maybe he's getting pushed a little?

That's a... STATEMENT The hatred at REA runs pure and deep. Although we haven't made shirts... yet! WPoS... how's the toe? TOO FUNNY!!!

They could take high school refs and get better results than what we've seen the past couple of years. When you have fans wearing shirts that say "Die Derek Sheppard" there must have been more than a few bad calls. (gopher fan at the final five... I thought Sheppard loved the gophers? He sure isn't a Sioux fan...) Anyway... how many times did Blaise go on the coaches show and publicly say what kind of crappy reffing was going on? He didn't give a damn about any fines, either. When a "classy" coach like Blaise is complaining, there's something to complain about! I say bring on the "farmers"!

I voted Massen, but I think it would be a dead run with Schneider. Massen had really started doing some amazing things last season, and like many posts say, he works hard. He creates a ton of opportunities for himself, and the rest of the team as well. Breakout year? Maybe... it's in his own hands. Schneider is probably one of my favorite players to watch. (stemming from his WCHA debut against Manitoba ) He's smart on the ice, skates hard, and is a tough SOB. If he can get his point shot to release a little quicker, (not that he hasn't scored from the point) I see him as a huge asset to our offense, as well as being a staple defensive player. So many times there was too much playing around at the point in power play situations. (IMO) I think they'll quit looking for the perfect shot and start letting them rip, creating some rebound opportunities. Garbage goals? Who cares... they still show up on the scoreboard! If we get a couple of balanced scoring lines with the SSM additions, I think Parise will shine even brighter than the past season. Sure, his production was down in the second half of the year... but was that his personal play?... or the fact that he skated with someone hanging on his sweater for 3 periods? Hopefully that will change too.

Ahhh... the good old days. Now I surf around at work! I have to agree with Handyman... looked like a sieve netminder to me. Still, he took good aim and didn't shoot at the pads. (like we've been seeing recently) Can't wait to see him in green and white!