7>4

The Colorado Springs paper had a blurb in today's paper under the heading SIOUX SEND MESSAGE. It stated that the announcement made before each game at The Ralph honoring the Sioux culture and heritage "appears to counter" Harper's allegations that use of the Fighting Sioux nickname is offensive and wrong. It also stated that the message earned a standing ovation both nights. I think it is a great idea to have visiting teams read the same announcement before every game. I'd like to hear the response as to why they would refuse. In fact, wouldn't their refusal promote the hostile and abusive environment they claim exists by use of the name?

That bootleg batch of miracle hair tonic I got from NDH is really making me testy. I better cut back the dosage.

Man, enough with the excuses on how hard it is to play in Alaska. The Sioux got their asses handed to them twice. If it were that tough to win in AA, I would think that the Seawolves would have a few WCHA titles. Good teams don't get swept on the road against a lower tier team. Period. Let's see how they respond this weekend against CC.

I disagree. CC will be tough, especially if the Sioux continue with the problems on defense and in the net. CC has guys who can finish and their goalies have played well of late. The next four games will go a long way in determining where this team ends up in the WCHA race.

I know it's early but I don't think you can underestimate the loss of Brad Berry as coach of the defense. Seems like our sophmores are making more stupid mistakes then they did last year as freshman. It has been a long time since I remember the Sioux D listed as such a big area of concern. Bottom line is that it is a long season. I am confident that Hakstol and the rest of the staff will have the Sioux ready for another run for #8 come March.

Blatz?

If the Sioux are the 3rd best team in the country the state of college hockey is in a sad state. To come off a bye week and play as bad as they did last night is not encouraging. However, based on Hakstol's first two seasons, I'm definately not throwing the towel in. He seems to be able to get everyone on the same page come March. The two points tonight are huge. CC is starting to pick things up and next weekend at home is going to be another tough series.

When you click on the link on CNNSI.com about the story, there is an ad that comes up for the Liberty Mutual Coach of the year. One of the versions of the Ad starts out with the phrase "Get your war paint on." I guess the NCAA ban on "hostile and abusive" imagry does not extend to its corporate sponsors.

Wow, those are some ugly stats for JP.

Accepted. I assume that Ultimate Fighting rules will apply. Bring your razor.

Oh, how nice it would be to have options with one's hair style. That said, NDH has come up with some creative stylings for ear and neck hair. The guy is a true pioneer for bald guys.

I think I saw KG's first game (if not the first, one of the first few). It was played at Air Force Academy against a very good CC team. CC played at AFA while their new arena was being built. I think the Sioux lost but KG was unreal. I remember all the CC fans around us in awe at this little kid basically standing on his head making some incredible saves. I wish I could find the old boxscore. I didn't see either Mankato game but it sounds like one problem of Grieco was giving up rebounds. He has to solve that problem fast or he'll get eaten up in this league. However, the kid did play big in the 3rd periods in both nights when it mattered and he has two W's. As someone said, that's the only stat that matters.

We are all spoiled by Karl and Parise, both Freshman who stepped in and played big right away. I am more worried about the undisciplined play then the play of goalies. Our Defense is making to many stupid mistakes (breakaways) and we are taking way to many penalties. It's early, but I wonder how much the loss of Brad Berry is being felt? We have to be near the bottom of the country in penalty kill, an area that prior teams have excelled at.

Not until we are under 21 seconds left.

Bad defense or bad goaltending or a combination of both??

Wonder how much of it has to do with loss of Brad Berry?

Idea to improve PK. Bench Finley for the 3rd.

The lack of discipline on a Sioux team is not something I'm used to seeing. They spend this much time in the box against UM, it's going to be a LONG weekend.

Elliott pissed at his own D-man who totally screened him on the shot.

They do have two of their better players out with mono but I agree, definately a rebuilding year at CC.

I mentioned Taffe because of the opinion that he was highly skilled, similar to the Maine player. While I don't know what Hakstol was thinking, a coach saying he doesn't respect the way a player plays must have something to do with cheap or dirty play. What else could it be, the guy works to hard??? I agree with Sprig, you can't compare Taffe with Prpich. If I remember correctly, TH was the one that used to get on Taffe constantly during broadcasts on what a wuss he was. Hitting after the whistle and then running for cover. Just curious, I know he was up with Phoenix at one time but did Taffe ever mature into a full time NHL player?

What Hakstol said about the Maine player is no different than what coaches were saying about Jeff Taffe a few years ago. Great player but a cheap shot. I didn't see either game, but I would tend to trust Hakstol's judgement based on his history. That said, it doesn't matter. They kicked our butts twice in our own house. Period.

Thanks. Good luck against Southern Utah. I heard it's ABC's Game of the Week.

I was cheering for NDSU yesterday, I would have loved to see them beat UM. However, the postings with respect to Bison fans is more proof that I have met few Bison fans who weren't complete A-holes when it came to sports. Perhaps losing to the Gophers just reminded how often the Sioux used to beat them back in the day. D1, D2, who cares. Where's the Nickel??? SU fan. Enjoy your moral victory and dream about how you could have given Ohio State a run for their money while you are watching playoff football this fall.

It is. 7:00 start tonight.