WCHA-FAN

I predict a National Tournament showing and then drinking some choke in the regional.

A direct link I think is a bit much. There are a health number of USA Hockey Officials that are also NCAA officials in a variety of leagues.

The wide open game you talk about is in the WCHA. The issue is in the play in the WCHA. The WCHA still likes the clutch-and-grab style of hockey. Every league follows the NCAA Rulebook. Why is it that people across hockey don't like the WCHA officials? 1 reason people don't like them (especially when it comes to NCAA Tournament time is because they allow more physical play than do other league's officials. In my mind that is allowing a more wide open game. However more teams like the clutch-and-grab style in the WCHA. That to me is more a coaching issue. Part of the reason for the parity in the WCHA, UAA was better this past year, Gophers have struggled, UNO, and Bemidji are strong teams. Sure the races are closer but is that the officials or just a sign of expansion and teams becoming more competitive?

You're telling me you missed all those wonderful conversations about the great WCHA officiating? Damn! I would assume though that some of the WCHA/CCHA officials would jump to the NCHC or Big Ten depending on the needs of those conferences. However, that is a topic for future years. Let the great deabte about officiating begin as we drop the puck in about 30 days.

Anyone miss me? Best Referees in the WCHA this year will be: (in order from top to bottom) Jon Campion Matt Ulwelling Todd Anderson Derek Shepherd Brad Shepherd Marco Hunt Brian Thul C.J. Beaurline Bill Mason Butch Mousseaux Jonathan Morrison Tim Walsh Max Battimo Peter Friesma Don Adam Mike McCreary Scott Bokal Justin Brown Tom Sterns Craig Welker Paul Depuydt Brett Klosowski

Listing of names Sioux fans are thinking: Greg Shepherd Derek Shepherd Brad Shepherd Todd Anderson Don Adam Jon Campion Marco Hunt Bruce McLeod Miss anyone? Nickname supporter? Al Carlson, wants to rename the Ralph Engelstad Arena, the Al Carlson Arena? Hopefully they can fix the damage to the arena with the least amount of lost revenue from events.

If I had to point to why Frattin didn't get the award I would say #1 is why. I think his lawnmower tossing incident is something that weighed heavily against him. I respectfully disagree that there was a lot of Frattin hatred. He was a good player. Congrats to Andy Miele on his Hobey Baker Award!

I hope people are sitting down when they read my prediction.......I think the Sioux will win against Michigan.

A Sioux bashing thread? Apparently I haven't been here in a few days......anything good? I know everyone missed me.

The West/Midwest side of the bracket is probably the toughest. West I see Boston College coming out of there. Midwest I think Denver will come out of the region just cause Denver is on an upswing and took it to UND in the Championship. Probably another OT or 2OT affair in the region. The East and Northeast regions could be a really tough pick. Midwest and West side winner probably takes the Championship. East region winner makes it to the Championship.

Just because I am a fan of the league doesn't mean that I have to have a specific rooting interest for a specific team does it? Can't I just be a fan of the WCHA without having to have an affiliation or am wrong?

Just figured I would ask since everyone assumes I am an NCAA Official.

If I am asked to ref the Sioux games this weekend should I say Yes or No?

I'm Goon's alter-ego.

Early question......Which conferences officiating is going to complained about this weekend since WCHA officials won't be officiating the Sioux game?

Game Stats 15-7 ND

yup 2-1 CC

Both Shepherds reffing this series would be great!

CC only about 65 miles from my favorite place WCHA Administrative Offices.

Anyone wanna see me and Goon go and ref this series?

It's not so much the refs getting it right as it is from upstairs. In that time they probably had reviewed it upstairs. Had there been a need for a review after the goal to cause the next stoppage that should have already been determined just cause I believe they would have looked at it. Every once and a while at a stoppage you get a horn from the penalty box because they notifed them from upstairs for a review.

If you read that article posted on the mav's message board, he correctly identifies UND as the Fighting Sioux. So I just wonder did the writer miss it when looking at it, did the editor? Sure the headline isn't correct so what. As for bulletin board material, you've gotta be kidding me. If you read the article you will probably have the same questions as to who messed up and didn't catch it.

Looking into the crystal ball, I see consistency in this weekends officiating.

Thank you for your service to this great nation! Wish you the best. Come home safe! God Bless!

Thank you to all our Veterans who have served and those who are serving currently to protect this great nation. Many a time we forget in this great nation that we have fought for the freedoms that we have here. To those who have served to protect us we shall be thankful. Every day that our soldiers get up to serve our country is another day we are free. If not for them who knows what would be of this great nation. So again to those Veterans, I thank you for your great service to this nation. May she always be free because of our brave. In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.