siouxprideforever

Not a name caller, just a forgetful romantic. Yes, way to easy to forget the results of those great teams. Just a little frustrated with my perception that the teams of late worked their butts off to get to the post season - and then for some reason..... My apologies for any misperceptions on your part. Did I really say "gee golly.?" Most importantly, to the post, good job Coach Blais!

Can you imagine what Blais would have done with the last five Sioux teams? I know we shouldn't go there but the gentleman appears to have his team ready at the right time!

Anyone have an idea of how much $$$ is made off of the Sioux logo? North Dakota fans are some of the most loyal and at the last 3 frozen fours that I attended wherein our team played - the Sioux paraphanalia was always the first to go! I asked one vendor in Denver about my observation and he noted the same - our fans travel well and spend freely. Point being - someone is making some nice $$$ on that logo? On the other hand, I wonder if it is the logo or the loyalty of our fans? If its the logo - then we fight for capitalism, if its loyalty - then it won't matter to our grandkids what the logo looks like!

The hypocracy is getting a little old! That tenacity that Ralph and others so romantically admired and labeled as "fighters" in reference to the the Sioux people's never say die approach to adversity appears to be upsetting to those unaccoustomed to the fighting Sioux! What part of of this is so hard to understand? There are a contingent of Sioux people that are fighting for what they believe! They happen to be going about it in a manner that some believe is the only way they know how. That tenacity, which some are labeling as libel, dirty, etc. is part of the political landscape - part of the real fighting Sioux! Why do you think that the adversaries came up with the name Sioux - a reference to fighting like a snake in the grass? Shame on us for passing judgement! If we want to be fighting Sioux - we best get used to it, if not - its time to change.

I think we have all seen this tactic before - unfortunately it appears to work. And, if you strategically pick NCAA schools that might be rivals such as BU/BC/UND where all might not want the other to get an upper leg, they all won't give the "we're not interested" response. Obviously, it would be interesting for both UND and BC to rise above the ploy and also state that they are not interested - but the chance that the other might actually land Moron keeps them in play. I think that it is refreshing to hear a coach say I will not be your prostitute - we are not interested!

Aptly noted, however I saw an interesting statistic the other day and it was something like the Sioux's record was 21 wins, 3 losses and 2 ties (or very similar) when we scored at least 3 goals. We scored more than 3 goals against UNH - if, I mean IF, we would have had goaltender support like we had thoughtout the year I believe that the outcome would have been different. I also believe that no one other than the goaltender would be louder in echoing this sentiment. The ones that I have known over the years have a tendancy for being hard on themselves. I have also learned over the years is that preparing a goaltender for big games goes beyond reminding them of their skills - it has alot to do with getting in their head. I have no clue how to do that, but I have seen great goalie coaches do the same. I am not blaming our goaltender for the loss, - however, I do beleve that responsibility should be taken for ensuring that he was ready to play the big game.

Has anyone already started a "where are they now" or "what are our stars doing after their hockey days" type tread. Basically, informing some of us loyal what our former Sioux stars are doing since they hung up their skates? Or, is that part of the motivation for this thread?

It was also announced that the Sioux have recuited an American goaltender! Actually one that has not given up 6 goals in their league championships. Talk about shocking!

I am not sure why the author forgot to mention the part where the NCAA has changed it's stance on the Native American concern. I have it on good authority (other experts on this broad....I mean board) that the NCAA in its new era of enlightenment ( I think it has to do with the new president) has changed its stance on a number of previous areas of concern.

A goalie coach could certainly help, but I think a d coach ala Brad Berry would be even better. I get what you say about jpar, but Lammy was a Hobey finalist who stole us a few games. As I recall, Lammy's dad was a D1 goaltender. I am wondering when our coaching staff will realize the import of this facet of the coaching team. Perhaps, they could talk with Lammy's dad to provide some insight.

Personally, I can't wait to see the next episode of Brad Miller Time! Perhaps he will explain what happened to the team this year. It is way to easy to say that we just got beat. This team didn't just get lucky and win the McNaughton. They didn't overachieve either! They grew into a team that after early season challenges got their act together and stormed through the WCHA. Then something happened - while it is easy to say put the losses behind us and focus on next year, but I don't buy that. I am hopeful that we learn from this experience as well as our performance in the last four post season collapses. It is tough to legitimize these continual collapses - yes it is an accomplishment to get to the big show, but why can't our teams continue to play like the team that got them to the post season? This is not intended to be in indicment on our system - it is just starting to feel like that Bill Murry movie where he wakes up every day and it the same as the day before!

Didn't the NC$$ come out this year with some type of travel savings plan for the tournament. Something about the distance the teams have to travel as being factored into the assignment of regions process. If so, I would say it would be cheaper to have Duluth and UND bus to MSP than have either one of them have to fly for some distance. That flying is not cheap! Additionally, with Denver as a hub it might be cheaper having them have to fly to Grand Rapids or points east. Just wishful thinking on my part! Actually, I believe that I am mistaken. I think the rule applies to the method of travel AFTER the team is assigned. IF it is below a certain distance then the team has to take the bus.

I am going out on a limb! Over the past number of years Hak has had his (our) team struggle to mid season while he found the chemistry that was best for the team. Historically, the team soared in the 2nd half of the season - then fell flat at the Frozen Four. The team fell flat this weekend! After all the line juggling for the 3rd place game part of me thinks that this may have been, either by design or default, strategy to get the team moving forward for the big dance rather than coasting into it. This team can rebuild itself - it has had problems sustaining success. Perhaps this weekend was just the psychological kick in the shorts that this team needed to take off once more. I am confident that Hak will re-align the team, the goaltending coach will help Brad with his playing the puck and we will hit the regionals with only one way left to go - up!

Perhaps the boyz need to shave their beards and instead get Mohawk hair cuts! Beards not working - Mohawks working; simple!

As this year progressed this team has proven that it can be a good team. We have been here before and for whatever reason, maturity, confidence, chemistry, etc. we moved from nearly the worst to first! We have the horses and the coaches. Admittedly, if someone would have said we would score one goal in the final five we would laughed our butts off. But it happens, ours is a human team. I have to believe that the coaches will disect this weekend and prepare for the big dance! Personally, I think the boys need to understand that the McNaughton is a reward for what was done - other than get you a seat at the table - it proves nothing about the outcome of the next game. Last year we had to play at the Kohl (as inhospitable as they come) and we prevailed. We best be prepared for more inhospitable surroundings, as we might end up in the gopher hole!

Well, Louise is a little confused. I understand the effort by the NCAA to make the selection process more objective by 'going by the numbers" i.g. the pairwise system. However, based on the following, which I was basing my previous observation on, are those really the most objective numbers or can and are they being used in a ruse for objectvity. This is from College Hockey News regarding last years decision: "But the question begs to be asked ... WHICH NUMBERS? The committee went "by the numbers," HOWEVER, if it went by numbers it used to use, it could very easily have justified putting Minnesota State in the tournament. In fact, were it six years ago, Minnesota State would've been in the tournament over Wisconsin. Case closed. Minnesota State had a better league record, better head-to-head record, better overall record, and won the head-to-head Pairwise Comparison. Thing is, with great respect to Maturi and his colleagues

Speaking of NCA$$, didn't something like this happen last year with Wisconsin? If I were a betting person, aside from my therapist being extremely pissed, I would go out on a limb and put $$ on UND and U of M play in the local regional. Perhaps in opposite brackets to maintain maximum B.I.S!

I guess it's one of those where you stand depends on where you sit! I wonder how it would look if my boss was a NDSU grad. Or worse my kid chose to go to school there! Or, worse yet played for the Bison! ] l

I learned a long time ago that as a male I could not tell my wife what a labor pain felt like. Admittedly, I offered my opinion - but I do understand that its not realistic. In the same vein as a born and bred North Dakotan (now living elsewhere) I have found that it is hard for outsiders (non North Dakotans) to understand the pride that we feel for that which represents our state. It's not just a game - its a team from North Dakota. Yes, we will fight like jealous siblings internally - but put one of us against an outsider and we are like those same siblings fighting the school bully! Some may remember the days of Virgil Hill - our Olympian boxer. If so, you also remember the Nodak pride that he carried. Not many other champs carried their state flag into the boxing ring! But that is who we are! Perhaps it is due to being the butt of several weather or buffalo common jokes - but whatever it is - its a bond that not many outsiders or some of us for that matter, can understand - but it is what it is and I think that it is healthy.

Obviously, I am impressed with how the Sioux have turned their season around and would be remiss if I didn't acknowledge the coaching staff for their efforts. However, as others above have noted I too am a little concerne about the officiating during this run. I think it was in the Minnesota series or perhaps one earlier the WCHA officials were quoted as saying that they were going to let the teams play.... This in contrast to the early season onslaught of whistle after whistle. If Greg Shepard has called off the wolves and has made a conscious effort to move away from the tight calling it may not bode well for WCHA teams in the post season - as Mr. Goon has noted. I find it extremely concerning because this new less stringent mentality has definitely played into our hands. This is our style of hockey. I hope the whistle hiatus is not temporary or our frustrations could return.

I don't think it matters whether or not this thread is locked - fore as soon as such is done another one will erupt. It is human nature that we want someone to blame. Perhaps a flaw in human character - but it is what it is. When a school bus crashes - we want someone to blame, and it is not always the person responsible!

Any one want to take the bet that if we meet the goofs in the cities that one of the officials name will be Adam?

Wow, no more excuses - this team has what it takes to win the big ones! Found it interesting that in both nights post game interviews Hak made it clear that the coaches stayed out of the locker rooms during the intermissions. If I am not mistaken, he stated that the team knew what it took to win and it was up to them. I think he may have been on to something. Perhaps the more the coaches stay away the better the team plays. Now I need to get a plyers to pry my tongue out of my cheek!

I thought that we won because the Sioux came out and out hustled MN from the start. We weren't chippy, perhaps chirpy, but for the most part it looked like we just played better hockey. The MN team was on their heels from the start. I think the shots were 40 to 7 after the first 20 minutes. We spent our time playing hockey not trying to out muscle the opponents. I have a feeling that the MN boyz are going to come out with a chip on their shoulders tonite and want to redeem themselves by playiing physical - in post game interviews some noted that they embarrassed the jersey that they were wearing and insinuated that they would not let it happen again. Which sounds like physicality to me! The worst thing that we can do is go toe to toe with them on the ice. We need to put up 40 more shots after 20 minutes. If we want to beat the crap out of them meet them outside after the game - but for the 60 minutes of the game - focus on hockey! Last night can be a script for success for the rest of the year and it starts with good clean hockey predicated on continuous hustle. Skate on Sioux!

For the casual fan the game was entertaining. A lot of up and down the ice, hard skating, scoring, an occasional spectacular save and basically two hard working teams. Perhaps the hard pill for some of us to swollow was that it was not a premier D1 hockey team playing a wcha wannabe in a high school level rink. The facts, as played out in the game, was that it was two pretty evenly matched teams. Albeit, the shots on goal may have been a little lopsided - but so was our third period. We didn't run up against a hot goaltender as he wasn't the tender that had to make the hard saves. The game was inches away from overtime as BSU hit the pipe in the final seconds - it was an entertaining game. Now, if the team's uninspired winning celebration, or lack there of, was out of respect for their opponents and realizing how close they came to OT thats one thing, but if it was out of shameful pride that we should have walked over this team - thats another. This is a different Sioux team from the immediate past, it is what it is, and thats not necessarily bad, they just have to continue striving to get better