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As much as I hate to admit it, I think NDSU will have a strong team this year. Their fans have to like what they're seeing with the new staff. A little house cleaning and some fresh attitudes will go a long way for them this year, IMO. It looks like October 18 will prove to be another great battle for the nickle!

My thoughts EXACTLY!

Handy: You really think Vanek will be wearing maroon next year, huh... Well, I guess you're right on something!

bull$%!#. Give him 3 million and see how "not about the money it is." He's just bartering to a "little better fit" before he signs. (and he will sign)

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?