jbvollmer

Even with the Sioux playing this weekend, I got to see a bit of Blues Hockey. Oshie's really making an impact here and quickly becoming a fan favorite with highlight-reel goals and huge hits (like the one on Rick Nash) as noted on Goon's blog. Great season Sioux!

Zombo over Parent. Can't dismiss Kidder.....

OMG!!!! Most programs would KILL to have 4 Frozen Four trips in 4 years, a Hobey Baker winner and 2 Hobey finalists. Put down the crack pipe, please.......

I was suprised by the lack of physical play during the first two periods by the defensive corps. It seemed as if the Badgers were standing guys up at the blue line while we were content allow forwards to get to the circles before any contact. I do agree if they play the next 6 periods like that last 1, we'll be fine. Michigan and Notre Dame are both highly overrated and BC looked very, very slow and had problems moving the puck in their win against Miami.

Hickman looks interesting..... Having a legit D1 program 90+ miles from the closest major metro creates issues in regards to revenue and recruiting. Mizzou's ability to pull in revenue AND fill their respective venues speaks for itself. We've lived in MO for 5 years, and it's amazing how much revenue the Tigers can pull in from their alumni.

So would you after the last couple of seasons....... If you haven't already noticed, the Blues organization is really big on WCHA players. Oshie, Johnson and Backes are a prime examples.......Plus, Ben Bishop (G, Maine) is waiting in the wings as well... From what I've heard around town, this trend has been driven by Al MacInnis joining the front office of the Blues. It seems that Al has really been impressed with college player development both on an off the ice, and it seems that Davidson and Murray agree. (It also doesn't hurt that Andy's kid played @ SSM and for the Sioux as well). Hey, if they keep this up, we might even get back to the playoffs!!!!

Funny, everyone here said the same thing about all of you!!! I've lived here about 4 years, and everyone I've ran into since the F4 commented about how knowledgeable the Sioux fans are! They have also commented about the pep band and the logo on the uniforms (How do you get by with that?) Remember, Chief Iliniwek no longer exists at the U of I. I didn't run into the name tag person @ Al's, but had a great time with some people from Fisher, MN. Hopefully, our paths will all meet again in Denver next year!!!

Just returned from Scottrade seeing the STL Bandits play USA U-18. Hak was sitting a couple of rows behind us watching the game. We approached him and stated that I was a North Dakota alum and a North Dakota native. He graciously signed my 12-year old's hat after talking about the team and the journey to STL. Both of my kids stated how nice of a guy he is..... :-) BTW, he plans on being here all week!!!!!! LET'S GO SIOUX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hooters at Stadium Village (next to the new Busch) or Charlie Gitto's (1 block north of Busch). Both are a good time. Count me in!!!

Ooops, my bad. Yes, it is US 63. Not a bad drive at all..... and once you hit Waterloo it's all 4 lane (exception is 20 miles in Missouri which is under construction: Don't worry though, they are building next to (not over) the existing highway. Yes: My wheels did touch the ground (if you call driving 90 in South Dakota touching the ground!!!

The east side and North STL is great if you want to get shot at. Remember the STL scene is Vacation? It was shot in North St Louis..... Here's my recommendations after living here for 4 years: 1) Fast Eddy's in Alton, IL (just across the river on US 67). Ice Cold Beer and good, cheap food (nothing fancy). Kinda like the Red Pepper, only with ice cold beer. 2) Any Italian restaurant on "The Hill", which is located southwest of Scottrade (I-44 and Kingshighway). No chains, good, family recipe Italian. Cunneto's is highly recommended (5453 Magnolia) 3) Eau Bar/ Eau Cafe located in the Chase Park Plaza (212 Kingshighway) 4) Blueberry Hill . Chuck Berry's restaurant (6504 Delmar) 5) Pujol's 5 (Located in Westport Plaza, I-270 and Page) (Yes, it's Albert's place)..... 6) Trainwreck Saloon (Maplewood and Westport) Depending upon the part of town you are in, there are easy ways to get around (Including the metrolink (STL's light rail)) if you are in Clayton, Central West End, Forest Park or Clayton. LET'S GO SIOUX

For you in Rochester, take 67 down to Waterloo IA, then 380 to Iowa City and IA 27 Across in MO. From there, just follow US 61 into STL. Take it all the time. For you in GF, either I-29 or Via the Twin Cities south to Mason City/IA to IA 27 is about the same. The I 29 route is boring as hell (take it from a guy who drives it way to often). I made it in 12 hours this summer, stopping every 3-4 (KC/Omaha/Sioux Falls and Grand Forks). Remember: higher speed limits in ND and SD.

As a North Dakota native, a lifelong Sioux fan, former A-B employee, and a current STL resident, I can state the the tour is a Blast!!!! Only two per customer, but if you have a couple of people who don't drink...... Also, if you are into microbrews, the Schlafly Bottleworks is short distance away (on Manchester Ave). Al Hrbosky's is a great hangout as well, and don't forget Hooters next to Busch Stadium. I can't wait to see the all the Sioux Colors in STL!!!!!

Bottineau? Willow City!!! (Bottineau suburb). 87 Graduate of UND! After Minneapolis and Bismarck, now in St Louis, future home of TJ Oshie (thank god!!) and hoping for a frozen four appearance. Hey, if they do, everyone do the tour at the A-B brewery as a pre-game!!! Sioux RULE!!!!!

Agreed. The level of competition, especially at tournaments is amazing. You are truly seeing the future of hockey. Plus, the level of coaching is, to quote Jim Rome, "phenonemal". My 92' birth year son plays fro the STL AAA Blues. The organization is directed and coached by several ex-NHL'ers (Basil McRae, Al MacInnis, Jeff Brown). I've seen the same structure put into many AAA organizations (i.e.: 92 Mission is coached by xNHL'er Gino Cavellini) and it's amazing how the kids progress.