redwing77

I could ramble of some wild conjecture linking the distaste for Wisconsion to a certain football team (that is so much better than the Vikes it's not funny), but that would be stretching it and off base with the topic of the thread

Ok, this is kinda off topic but I am just really curious. Chris Holt, a goaltender from the Nationa U-18 Team was drafted by the Rangers. But it is unclear if he is going to go pro or go to the Major Juniors or NCAA. Anyone know where he's going? If no one knows or if he isn't currently going anywhere... this may be the Gopher's next goaltender...

As much as I don't want to say it, I think it is going to be Brandt. Blais goes with streaks. Brandt's streak is pretty good going back to last season despite the losses. So, I think, unless this criminal thing says otherwise, Brandt's opening day starter. Another poll to consider is: Which Sioux goaltender will end up playing in the most games? Or Which Sioux goaltender has the best chance of being named #1 regardless of class in school? One other question. What's with the "other"? Are we suiting up Matt Greene with pads to play on the off chance or are you actually saying this in case Siembida or Sofie should return?

Woo, well said Roger Thomas. Way to be decisive about being indecisive! Anyways, what this article says is that the criminal side of the investigation is over with and that not one thing has been done with Brandt's future with the team. I can't say what will happen, but I said so before, I doubt he'll be off the team. Question is, who will now start opening day? I doubt it will be Brandt.

Don't forget Drew Stafford, folks. This season will be his draft season, similarly to last season for Parise. I heard (somewhere) that he was slated early on to be picked in the top 15 in the first round. Look for him to shine. Hopefully, he'll help put the doledrums of the 3rd and 4th line to a quick end.

First off, let me say this: MTU -- I do not think they have what it takes to be a last place team. Why? Cam Elsworth, their goalie. He is GOOD. Why has nobody noticed him? Because he plays for a team that has almost nothing other than him to brag about. When I watched him play at the Ralph he was VERY good, even when they got blasted the first game. Why did they get blasted? Well, MTU didn't put any other hockey players on the ice. It was a lot like UNH last year against UMN in the championship game. They looked like they didn't belong in DI. This year they may be able to put a new defensive strategy and get some offense, so I think they will win a few games. However, they won't compete for the top 5 spots. UMN-- Ok, Im as shocked as all of you at the departure of Weber but I will say this: If there is a weakness on the Gophers, it's Weber. Not bad being that we're talking about a Championship goalie, no? With that said, JJ did ok for them when he played. That said, I still think UMN is the team to beat. I just don't think they will three peat. Not now with all the attrition. They still have speed, scoring, and a pretty good D in front of the net. Without DeMarchi (which I think is an advantage because it will lessen the time the Goofers special teams are on the ice), they will be a smart hockey team and definitely within the top 2 in the WCHA and in the top 5 Nationally. Needless to say, look for UMN to nab a top goaltending recruit sometime soon. He may not come this year, but UMN will not be without a top goalie for very long. UND -- Weber's departure benefits UND the most, although it may not benefit Parise. Parise had very good luck against Weber. Maybe it will be better. I'm not a good soothsayer so to speak. Our problem is still with goaltending (any word on the Brandt situation?) and I still think special teams will still be an issue (too non productive on what few power plays we get and spending way too much time shorthanded). I look for UND to be right behind UMN in the WCHA standings and perhaps right behind them Nationally. Top 2 WCHA and top 10 Nationally. UMD -- This is the Dark Horse or Sleeper of the WCHA. This team, backstopped by Reichmuth, is definitely a well set up defensive team. Question is how much offense can they put up? I see Reichmuth competing for the best goaltender record in the WCHA this year. He was FABULOUS last year and he was only a freshman. This team also does very well against ranked opponents, even if they lose the game. Sandelin is a good coach and will guide them to a definite top 5 berth in the WCHA. How far will they get and will they rank nationally? I'm not sure. MSUM- Fluke team. Good coach, but I don't think they'll repeat last year's performance. SCSU and UW- SCSU fades this year to meet the record of the Badgers (who will improve pending they actually get those recruits to come to camp (Suter and Brodeur)). It was said that SCSU may have a top goalie coming in that may get drafted in his second year, but wasn't that a lot like what was said about Siembida when he was being recruited? Goalies being drafted is always a "wait and see" situation. If Weber wasn't drafted (#15 overall ranking in North American goaltenders), I'd be leary about this goaltender being drafted as well. Most of the top ranked goalie prospects are either already drafted or in Major Juniors (QMJHL primarily) according to Hockeyfuture.com. There is Chris Holt on the US National U-18 Team that is going college, but I am not sure where. UAA- Will improve, but still a last place team. My sympathies for the coach.

Sydney Crosby signed with the Rimouski Oceanic team or whatever. BLah. I can't understand French. I hope Sydney does or he'll probably go insane In case you are curious, Rimouski is the name of the town in Quebec. The draft happened June 7th. I guess he went first pick overall. He was certainly the top rated prospect in the draft. To be honest, I'd love to see an exhibition game between a Major Juniors team and the Sioux. I think that would be interesting.

5'10" 180 lbs is a little small on the defensive scale, but not really so much for the Sioux historically. Bina is still the smallest really. I'm hoping this guy has an offensive streak in him to give us an offensive threat on the blue line. As for heart, it is all that matters. In the NHL, the Detroit Red Wings had Vladimir Konstantinov for a bit. He wasn't that much taller than Scott, but he always was a feisty d-man. Maybe Scott can do something here. Maybe he can't. Who knows. Other than that, he's another name to me. I have no idea who he really is except that he hails from the same place Bochenski comes from (Blaine, MN).

Is there any plans by the NY Rangers, NJ Devils, and the WCHA (at least) to have the players wear something in rememberance? I would think something like a sticker on the backs of everyone's helmets that said "USA 1980" or something would be very nice. Even if it isn't that, I think something should be done. It is the nice thing to do.

The loss of Coach Brooks is a major blow to the sport of hockey in general, but I think it is even harder loss for collegiate and junior hockey. Actually, I make an argument that it is a loss to UND on a higher level as well. I heard that he was instrumental in some of the undrafted UND players getting professional hockey jobs, for example, Ullmer (don't recall which one) with the Rangers. I don't need to have met him to say that he's a great man. His dedication to his family, to his profession, and to athletes at all levels is without bounds. He will be missed.

NewGuy- I feel obligated to disagree with you. You see, Brandt hasn't been proven GUILTY yet. So, if this is all false, then he HASN'T DONE ANYTHING WRONG except being in the wrong place at the wrong time. So, how does that tarnish his name? Simply being falsely accused makes him a bad person? If rumors tarnish the name of the person in the rumor, then I wonder what rumors are out there about you right now? If there are rumors, they surely must be true then. His story is all that matters, that much is true. Until the verdict is out and the man talks, the only people tarnishing Brandt's name are the ones passing judgement without knowing the facts. After the OJ trial, you should know better than to declare someone guilty before the court is even in session. Condescending attitudes don't fly well with me. UND players are not G-ds. Imagine how you would look if the jury says "Not guilty."

Yes, they are Quebequois (or however you want to spell it). I have always questioned holding games like this. I really don't see the point for both teams. Seeing how a team can stand up to a powerhouse is more like "How low can we keep the score?" and the powerhouse saying "How many goals can we score without getting accused of running up the score?" This game is going to be worthless. But just to be hypocritical, I'll still go to the game

My Moment was already mentioned but I'll mention it again: The sound of the ESPN commentators in 200 after UND stomped BC and then watching Jack Edwards eat his words. Also, same year, previous series, UND vs Maine. Spiewak (I think) had a shortie on a clearing attempt past the Maine goaltender (don't remember who it was). Prior to the game, the ESPN people interviewed him because he wore an all white mask with nothing on it. He alluded to himselfbeing a spectre or ghost on the ice, scary or something like that. I remember standing up in the room where I was watching the game with my friends and calling out "WHERE'S THE GOALIE?" and "Damn straight he's a ghost in the net!" God that was awesome. I knew it right then we were going to win it all.

Federov- Should we be surprised by that? "It's all about the bling bling." Comon! Step inside the Ralph sometime and you will realize that it is ALLLLL about the bling bling. Every bit of it. I am not sure how much money UND picked up on the REA or whether the donation covered everything, but they are out to make boat loads in that place. $325 for season tickets to a college event? That's right up there with season tickets for professional sports in some places. They even have an organ in the place that doesn't work! That place is pure profit for the REA management and UND athletics. Since you don't see the Alerus center vying to woo the Sioux hockey team to their facility for a few games there really isn't any other acts in town. No competition = high prices. So, yes, it is all about the bling bling. The students are lucky that season tickets are under $100. I wonder for how long that's going to last. Business is Business folks, it's all about the money. Everyone who thinks otherwise is either insane or communist.

In other words, In an effort to keep a school who is registered at DIII at a DIII level, any non DIII sports played at such school must not be able to attract athletes who play at a level better than the conference the school is registered in. If that doesn't make sense, then let's put it this way: NCAA, by endorsing this rule and passing it, is ensuring that schools that have DI competitive teams quickly make their teams noncompetitive. Good for them, I'm sure they are making the best decision about helping their already tainted reputation. *Sacrasm* A Note to CC players: If this goes through and you are on scholarship, it's decision time! If you are a freshman or sophomore, TRANSFER. If you are a junior or a senior and you are drafted: GO PRO. Jump ship, the NCAA just torpedo'd your program. Of course, if this is overturned or I am just overreacting and CC is able to do something for their DI players, then I apologize. If I am correct, CC's going to go down hill fast.

First, I'd like to say that, though I am surprised, I am happy to see the Vanek is staying. This way I'll get to see him at the Ralph. Second, I agree with Sioux fan in Phoenix. It really depends what NJ wants in a defenseman at the NHL level. If they want someone who is fast and can score as a defenseman, as well as someone to work with the Power play, then Martin is someone to look at. But if they want a defensive defenseman who is smart when it comes to defensive skating, PK, and great physically, then Martin will be riding a bus in the NHL while Hale gets to the big time. Hale tore stuff up when he returned late last season. He was playing good hockey. Paul was too, but in a very different style. Third, it doesn't matter WHO is out there, Hockey East SUCKS. WCHA all the way. I'll root for Minnesota before I root for any of those pretty boy hype jockeys they call Hockey East. Panzies the lot of them. They just have ESPN to make them look tough. Fourth, if you want to flame teams, good for you. Let's flame Hockey East. They build teams to do just that. WCHA has its rivalries, but we're still better than anyone else.

Karl is a class act. He was the man on the ice, everyone knows that. But he was the man off the ice too. He was all academic team. He majored in a field that is useful once his hockey career is over (marketing) and got darn near if not downright achieved a 4.0 in the major. I think it's great that the guy can dominate the game on the ice PLUS has a great head on his shoulders. He has all the records on the Sioux and you cannot dispute that without going into "whatifs" and "if <name> had only..." He's the man. It amazes me how little I thought about Karl when he was on the ice 1999-2000. I don't recall ever worrying about a defensive break down or a shot on Karl because I knew that he was the biggest 5'7" goaltender in the NCAA. Go Karl Go

I voted for Sawchuk. Yeah, Patrick Roy did great things and broke records (Including Terry's), but he did it in a different time. Terry was a different goalie. Old school. The puck seemed to move differently back then. I'd say it would be someting like this viewing all time and using the times as consideration: 1) Terry 2) Patrick Roy 3) Dryden 4) Brodeur/Hasek (tie) 5) Fuhr, Parent, Esposito, etc. Remember Dryden was the first non Canadian to be drafted by the Canadiens. He was fantastic. My father got to seem him play along with greats such as Sawchuk, Orr, Howe, Hull (Bobby), Esposito (both), Richard, and those folks. I love my current batch of players, but the old times were something else.

Pros of staying in college one more year: There are a lot of IFs with this one: If he recieves the Hobey Baker award, that signing bonus is going to be higher. If he stays in college and stays healthy, that is one less year he'll spend in the AHL (assuing he doesn't go straight to the NHL). Even if he doesn't win the Hobey, if he performs well and gets a third championship, the signing bonus goes up. Third, I'm sure he has a positive relationship with Lucia, which will weigh on the decision. Pros of going pro: Guaranteeed signing bonus higher than Hale and former teammate DeMarchi. There is an advantage regarding injury that is associated with leaving early, but I can't think straight regarding that right now. Also, chance of getting paid for playing is always fun. Especially if it is at the next level. I can't hardly guess whether or not he's going to go. I'm more curious to see if Vanek wears Maroon and gold next season.

I think the whole concept is awesome. There are some smaller camps out there that feature big time talent. I hear that there is a hockey camp hosted by Curtis Joseph in the Minnesota/Wisconsin area, though I may be wrong. I do know that it is no where near as big as this and it may just be for goaltending (if it does exist). As for Blais, I think he really is a class act in this camp, even if teaching women hockey players to check is a bit... useless. Unless they reversed their decision allowing women hockey players to check. In principle, however, individual time with a pro is individual time. Hard to argue about that. Actually, it kinda makes me wish I would have learned to skate as a kid.

For those of you who wish to know, Karl Goehring is a Group II Free Agent for Columbus. There is no info about him that I heard of, but that means noting. I don't even know what the groups mean in free agency. So, just an FYI

First off, what's the big deal? Yeah, I am a "UND loyalist." But I fail to see the need for all this bad blood going around. The gophers won two straight championships. Good for them. The sioux are a good team and definitely one of the teams to beat this coming season. Good for us. Can't it just stay like that? Everyone is bringing up Bochenski's antics, but no one remembers that he wasn't alone in the crime. Didn't his "cohort" end up at a Minnesota school somewhere? Do you think Bochenski is that much of a criminal mastermind? And since when is Bochenski even part of the debate? Isn't this thread about Brandt doing something stupid in Roseau? Crime in sports isn't new, people. If Bochenski or Bradt were pros vying for the NHL Hall of Fame, maybe this debate would MEAN something. Brandon may be headed for the NHL (Or he could just be another minor league lifer, who knows) and Brandt won't be suiting up for an NHL team anytime soon. So this point is MOOT! Sports is a double standard. We expect these people to be superheros in obeying the law and being rolemodels for the little tykes that see them around. This even includes college sports. Fact is, these guys are nothing but the average collegiate people who are lucky enough to have a great talent in playing a sport. Can you imagine what these players are doing? Do they obey the drinking age? Nope. The only thing is, they don't have to obey the drinking age at bars and clubs. I know well that anyone can get alcohol if htey know where to go, but most of the underage drinkers I have heard of don't have the luxury of not having to worry about a fake id when they go to the Edge. Hell, I heard that a UND football player walked down University waving around a bb gun. Are you going to sit here and debate whether or not this guy should be valedictorian of his class or should be maligned at every opportunity? Who cares what he did. I won't worry about it until he gets convicted or kicked off the team. I can see the signs against Brandt now, but let me tell you, perhaps he deserves it, perhaps not. It IS alleged. With Bo, we're complaining about an act that isn't even on his record anymore! What it comes down to is this: Bochenski has been a great player for the Sioux. He's not running for President. As for Brandt, hold whatever signs you want, Gopher fans or even Sioux fans, but I'm going to pay more attention to the score, rather than what you think of the goaltender.

Touche'!

I'm curious to see what would happen to Brandt with the team. An Athlete committing a crime isn't new. All in all, I wouldn't say Brandt would be off the team. If Winchester can deck a cop and still finish his hockey career at UW as CAPTAIN, I don't see Brandt going anywhere. The most I can think of is a few game suspension and loss of the starting goalie role.

mksioux- That's what I said. Radke redshirting would be like Blais sitting out a year to plant roses in the Sahara desert. It would be stupid. As for optimal defensemen on the team, I'm too new in this realm of analysis to truly understand what is optimal player-wise on a team. If 9 is the optimal number of defensemen to make things happen, then we are one player short. If not, I wouldn't know. Unfortunately, I did not get to see Murphy or Giles play. Everything I hear about Murphy says he's an excellent player. Did he play all four years or did he leave early? I hope you are right about Bina. I haven't seen him play, and maybe his size is an advantage, I would have thought him to be like that UAA player of all those years back (1999 or 2000?) that was faster than heck and just as small. And I count 9 defensemen, unless Fabian isn't a defenseman. Counting Fabian and Bina, there is Greene, Smaby, Hale, Marvin, Fuher, Jones, and Schneider. Of course, this assumes Hale and Marvin will be playing D.