NorthDakotaHockey

Don't forget that in the last game that they have played they dominated the Gophers in The John in The West, only to lose by a goal. Of course, the Gophers were probably the weak link in the Frozen Four last year, getting there only by barely getting by weak kneed sisters Maine and Cornell at home. That Cornell coach is a Ding Dong.

May as well start this one now. D.U. coming to town. I hate 'em, let me count the reasons why . . . . No. I will save that for later. What is so ironic, and what makes college hockey such a great game, is that but for a few bounces of the puck, and a few penalty calls, and non-calls, the Sioux, not P.U., would be sitting on b2b's. March. 2004. Sioux with the best team in college hockey. Little question there. The World Arena. Colorado Springs. The Tigers had aced themselves out of hosting the West Regional with their poor play down the stretch. This brings Denver to the West. Ticket sales. Sioux beat Holy Cross and a puking goalie. Denver manages to escape Miami (Ohio). Next night, Bochenski rings the pipe twenty seconds in, the Sioux dominate play, and Denver rags in a third period goal to go to Boston, 1-0. Absolutely heartbreaking. Thank God that there was the Sertich Arena in town for us to skate with our jerseys the next afternoon to ease the pain. Even if I cannot skate very well. Colorado Springs fans hate Denver. For obvious and really good reason. The two programs are worlds apart in terms of the class that they bring as ambassadors to the sport. March. 2005. Paukovich and his cheap shot. Sioux lose to P.U. in OT at the Final Five. A meaningless OT period. Little did we know then that we would have a rematch in Columbus a few short weeks later. There, in Columbus, a great time was had by all Sioux fans, players, and family. So what that it ended in a really tough loss in another game in which the Sioux took it to the Pioneers. Took it to the Pioneers hard. Absolutely heartbreaking. This said, it cannot be reasonably debated that this weekend is but just another opening series in just another season of WCHA wars. They have been going on for fifty years or more. This said, this year, we are playing the Pioneers. The Sioux, and their fans, will be pumped. We cannot wait. We are chomping at the bit. I can hardly imagine how the players feel, at least those who remain from the two years past. Who are they? Smaby. Stafford. JPar. Foyt. Prpich. Marvin. Fabian. Porter. Bina. This probably about covers it. These guys have got to be about spitting nails right now. The coaching staff really has its work cut out this week, keeping these guys - class acts all - in the reins, while teaching the younguns all about history. About tradition. About winning at home and splitting on the road. About what it will take from them for them to successfully ride the wild and uncertain waves of the WCHA. Here's hoping that all of the absolute idiots at The Ralph who think that The Ralph is but a place to go and see and to go and be seen will get a clue, or will at least do me the favor of staying home and giving their ducats to people who will raise the roof. #%*@ da Pioneers. If the freshman bring their game, it's gonna be a great and memorable weekend. Sioux take four, in a big way. Prpich will probably clean Paukovich's clock in the process. Nobody will see it, because it will be over at the Moon, or somewhere down by the river.

I always thought, and still think, that the stick salute is a pretty stupid gimmick all the way around. This said, I have no problem with teams giving a stick salute to their fans after a game, win, lose, or draw. Many times, teams can, and will, play their hearts out and not get a win. Many times, if not most, good fans will stick with their team through thick and thin. Stick salutes, if the gimmick is to become a tradition for a team, should be given at the end of a home weekend series, regardless of outcome. However, because many college hockey players have been known to pout after a tough loss, or even a thorough beating, and because some teams expect to near always sweep at home, I doubt that we will ever see a regular stick salute at The Ralph regardless of outcome. This should not cause us to question, or belittle, the fine college hockey traditions that may be engrained elsewhere. Like the big fish on the ice at UNH, for example. No reason why The Ralph cannot part with one live chicken per game, is there? In my opinion, the only college hockey cheers, or traditions, that should be mocked are the many really stupid things that one sees and hears at The John.

Tyler Hirsch to Apply for Medical Hardship Waiver for 2005-06 * * * * Geez, not to be a pessimist, but I do believe that that will be the last that anyone ever sees of Tyler wearing a major college hockey uniform. Unless he is on the passenger side of the glass. Good luck to the kid. The pressures of life are sometimes more than what they are, and sometimes more than what they should be.

Thanks again PCM. You the stud, no longer cub, reporter.

Some right solid work there Uncle Rico. Thanks a million for making the effort and taking the time for the pleasure and benefit of those of us who could not be there.

They are on sale now and flying off the shelf. Anyone who is not supremely confident that the Sioux will be playing in The Ralph on March 24-25, and is not buying their tickets now, is making a big mistake. Great seats are for the taking. Be there, or be at home whining, or be in the nosebleeds.

Thanks Ice. I am, more often than not, an idiot.

Cheesemover . . . . Will the games also be on the telly at the Roseville location? Some of us prefer to remain north of the line of demarcation, sometimes referred to as I-94. Thanks.

Thanks for the recap PCM. You the stud no longer cub reporter.

Poser? An even better night to witness a good goofer pounding will be at The John weekend of Jan 13-14. Sioux-Gophers. Middle of the season. I might be able to get you into the arena for one of those games if you really want to have some fun.

We are just back after a 1600 mile road trip to start the season. As it has often been mentioned by many on this Board, it is mighty tough to beat the road trips following Sioux hockey. Fifteen observations from where we sat . . . . 1. It was hardly a Disaster in Dayton as was the term mentioned by another here who also bragged about beating the organizers out of a $10 ticket by sneaking in the back way. It was an opening season tournament in the Miami River Valley to honor a man who had done much to promote sport in the Valley, most notably racing and hockey. The organizers did what they could with what they have. It is a young tournament, and is one worthy of support. Anytime we can take the game of hockey to parts a bit unknown, what is the downside? 2. There were probably few better places for this team to start their season. On the road, eating together, hanging out together, and beginning to work on melding the mettle before hitting the cauldrons of the WCHA. The small crowds allowed the boys and the staff to concentrate on the games with few other distractions. 3. One win. One loss. Both meaningless games other than for the very important fact that this young team now has two games, against solid and quality competition, to put in their collective rear view mirrors. They no doubt learned alot, as did the staff. 4. Early on first game, the defense was a bit uncertain, and I think wildly surprised at the speed of the game. Right off the drop, someone blew by I think Jones to break in on JPar, who was huge all night long. Lee looked a bit nervous and uncertain. Jones had a couple of pull downs after his man got by him, including one that led to a penalty shot that Parise stonewalled. Even after one game, the defense looked much more confident in their positioning, and in breaking the puck out of their end. The passing could still be a bit less tentative, but that will come with time and play. As someone else said, there have only been but a few practices under their belts. 5. Speaking of practices, we went over to The Nutter for the Saturday morning practice. It is really cool watching how the coaching staff puts the team through practice and drills. A light skate I suspect, as game time was but eight hours away. No fun practice-ending breakaway competition that was witnessed in Columbus. I suppose that it is too early for Hak, Berry, and Eades to stun these boys with the fact that near 40-year old men can still fly and shoot. 6. The team and staff are consummate professionals on the road. Very gracious with young autograph hunters, and they carry themselves as a team off the ice with a great deal of class. Top shelf ambassadors for the University. Most Sioux fans are the same way. 7. It was great to meet some new Sioux fans. As is the case all over the country, there was a solid showing and those from the Mideast were very grateful to get a shot at seeing the Sioux in action. No complaints from anyone in the building over the small crowds. We could sit anywhere, including right on the glass. 8. It was on the glass where we realized that Smaby, Porter, and Perpich are top-shelf Captain choices. While the knashing of teeth over penalties has started, and will always be there, there is also a good reason and need for some penalties. They are part of the game. Sure, there were some stupid ones, and the players will hear about it. 9. Both teams were quality opponents. There is no need for alarm over a season-opening loss to Michigan State, especially when the on-ice effort seemed to be there, and where the game presented many coachable moments. I suspect, but am certainly far from certain, that the coaches were overall well-pleased with the effort, the venue, and the overall results. 10. CCHA refs were all over the Robbie Bina Rule. Any hit from behind drew a whistle, an ejection, and a 5-minute major. Smaby was the victim of this on Friday on a crushing hit that I thought was more fair than not. It was right in front of us on the glass so maybe I was just impressed by hearing the Michigan State player calling for his momma rather than paying close attention to whether the hit was illegal. It did not seem to be of the more dangerous variety to me, but I am often wrong. 11. The Sioux forwards are might talented. Although the powerplay did not produce, it at times looked real crisp for such an early season attack. 12. We already are well familiar with the new names. They will all soon be studs, and will contribute mightily. 13. Really really cool to see Rylan Kaip back in uniform and on the ice. 14. Dayton fans were very supportive of the Sioux, but for the boneheaded kid in the headdress. 15. The Wright Cycle Shop, and the Air Force Museum, are both must sees. The Air Force Museum is just short of stunning. In the end, the 800 mile drives both to and from Dayton seemed but like 80 miles. Nothing beats going on the road to support the Fighting Sioux. We are really really fortunate to be able to do so. Alas, the wallet is dry so we will leave it to others to support the Sioux in New Hampshire. This is gonna be a really really fun season, and there is really solid potential for many really good things to happen. They will not come overnight, so be patient, and keep the wringing of hands under the table and the knashing of teeth out of sight. The Sioux Staff are great recruiters, and are great coaches. They are not miracle men. Melding this team into the mettle of a championship caliber in the cauldrons of play will take time, but it will be done.

Got some today as well. No assigned standing room spaces unlike years past, as best I recall. That was always a nice feature I thought. An assigned place to stand. The GENERAL ADMISSION tickets are for the standing room railing, ain't they?

Big factor is fact that Greggy Shepard was just given full-time position as the League's new "Supervisor of Officials." According to the Pioneer Press anyway. Shepard is a St. Paul boy and a big Gopher fan. Twill be interesting to see what happens with the whistles when Philly Boy is on the ice. All said, this is the WCHA. Just as Zach did not dominate play shift in and shift out, neither will Kesshole. There is plenty of talent in the WCHA who can, and will, play right along with the kid. My opinion anyway.

Time for the real season to begin . . . . The Miami (Ohio) Redskins, er, I mean Redhawks, and the Michigan State Spartans ought to present some greater challenges, on the road, in front of what will be an interesting crowd to say the least. Miami gave Denver a run for their money two years back at The World. The next night, Denver ragged out a 1-0 victory over North Dakota to go to Boston. Cripes. With but a couple of breaks and bounces, the Sioux would be on a B2B Roll. That's college hockey. Greatest game on earth. 790 miles to Dayton. We'll drive that in our sleep. Literally.

Me thinks you a snake, not a true Sioux.

Same could probably be said for anyone, or team, to whom signs are directed. Gophers included. Doesn't make making them, or sporting them, any less fun.

The season ticket holders got a flyer to request road game tickets to all games. These are probably the seats allocated to the school. Someone might put in for you on that one. Most notably, the flyer did provide an opportunity for tickets to the New Hampshire series. Any season ticket holders willing to put in for the Sioux fans out East to see a classic weekend series in New England with the Fighting Sioux in town??

I apologize if this has been noted elsewhere . . . . . Funny how the "news" is often driven by current events, and often drives the truly notable news to the back pages . . . . Barry was a pioneer, as The Hak correctly notes. Thorndycraft Gone. Anyone have any good Barry recollections to keep this Board in some perspective,what with all of the knashing of teeth and wringing of hands going on of late?

Mariucci standing rooms and single seats go on sale on Saturday. 9 am. Phone and internet only. St. Cloud and Denver are both up and probably still available via Ticketmaster. Call the Michigan Tech and UMD athletic departments for the best runs at their tickets. Lefty McFadden is available via Ticketmaster. The season ticket holders got a flyer to request road game tickets to all games. These are probably the seats allocated to the school. Someone might put in for you on that one. Most notably, the flyer did provide an opportunity for tickets to the New Hampshire series. Alaska is probably a stretch. If you decide to drive there, I will personally buy you your tickets to those games. Colorado College will be alot of fun, and a great series. Last year, it was a strong showing at The World that propelled the team to Columbus. Good luck. Have fun. Drive safe. Be there, or be square.

A great hockey photo. What makes it doubly special is that it is against a Minnesota player. Some things never change.

e-Bay often lists some leather Sioux jackets in XXXL and even XXXXL. Keep checking there, as sometimes new and retro jerseys also go up for sale. Different style jackets, with the new logo, also show up from time-to-time. Punch in "Fighting Sioux" and there is a whole world of opportunity. Keep checking back. Also, try the GFSports e-Bay store there. It lists green, white, and black jerseys in "various sizes." You can e-mail them a question as to whether they have the large car sizes that you are looking for. Good luck.

The women are the kindest hearted, most even-keeled, and absolutely the best looking that could ever be found anywhere on the planet.

Single game tickets to The Ralph go on sale this morning. 10 am. Ticketmaster, and I believe at the box office. Good luck.