Eric Rudolf

As a born-and-raised Fighting Sioux graduate who has lived in Minneapolis for almost 20 years now, I still follow the team heavily--but I don't have any feel for the coaching staff. What's the inside information here? What does everyone think about this? Is this a devastating blow to the team if Eades leaves, or is it no big deal?

I have also registered at this site for the specific reason of paying tribute to Troy. Was he passionate about Sioux Hockey? Two years ago he actually took a swing at me when I suggested that maybe . . . just maybe . . . T.J. Oshie could look to pass a bit more often. What makes this story interesting is not Troy's passion for the game, but the fact that he was the best man in my wedding--and the Godfather of one of my kids. Needless to say, the words "Gee, I never know where I stand with Troy" have rarely been uttered. And on a side note . . . as a born-and-raised North Dakotan, a UND alumni, a 20-year Grand Forks resident, a hockey season ticket holder and one of the most rabid Sioux Hockey supporters on the planet, I think the University could do worse than to dedicate a moment of silence in his honor before the first regular season home game this year. The man quite literally wore a Fighting Sioux cap into the final minutes of his life, and I think they owe it to him in exchange for his loyalty. Just a thought, if any of you University-types are listening. I have called Troy my friend for over 27 years now, and it will be difficult to move on from this horrible nightmare of a month he and his family have been forced to endure. But when I finally figure out a way to return to a semi-normal life, I vow to honor Troy in the only way I know how: by crushing a plate of gravy fries, pummeling my brain with suds, and making fun of a chubby, small-town stripper. The man led a simple life, but you can't say he didn't have fun. And see a lot of boobies. So what is Troy doing in Heaven now? I have a few theories. For starters, he's probably laying down an F-bomb riddled tirade about the Fighting Sioux nickname to Ralph Englestad, who is thinking "Damn, I like this kid." And I know for a fact he's already offered his middle finger to every asshole in Heaven wearing a Phil Kessel jersey. You can pretty much take that to the bank. Other than this, he likely spends his time channel surfing his NHL Center Ice package looking for former Sioux players--but on a much nicer TV than he had in his living room. So here's to Troy: the most stubborn, opinionated, hungry and bald son of a bitch I ever had the priviledge of being arrested with. The hole you left in my life will never be filled. Unless you can fix it so the Sioux win a National Title this year. I miss you, bro.