siouxfan512

agreed can't look past them, but i like the matchup ... i would prefer Niagara to Yale

Can't ever look past an opponent, but they have not played anyone decent this year. They may have a solid goalie, but we will be by far the most dominant team to test them. Shouldn't be another Yale game, Yale actually had a little talent that year (not that we should have lost). UND 5-1 I'd rather our matchup than the goofers ... Yale beat CC, Denver and tied BC this year.

lets not be that kind of fan ... we played just fine at the final five. ran into a really hot goalie with Howe. Sure we could have played better, but they definitely weren't bad. Go Sioux, take care of the first round, then get some redemption on the goofers for ending our season last year.

Mad props to Mankato for their performance this season, glad to see them be a tourney team

Bummer to see the guys lose, but glad they got to play a tourney game. Already looking forward to next season, with so many returning player, and some solid freshman coming in. There will be a great chance to make some noise in the Big Sky. On to hockey and the Final Five...

Agree on all counts

A lot of negativity here about the CBI and the CIT. I would say that is true for some teams, but for our team it should still be considered progress. I don't care who we play its extra games in March. Now if we are still playing in only the CIT in 5 years, then we may have something to be disappointed about. But this is a good place to start getting better; win some games in a bad tourney and keep getting better for next year.

Another practice rink at the REA wouldn't hurt anything, though I'm sure its not a money priority. Unless a donor comes in with a specific purpose.

Is there a chance that UND could still host some games this year? Obviously we will be in Iowa for the first round, but IF we win, then what? Is there another bid system to get home games OR does the tourney move to a central location?

What exactly is the Hockey Academy? I have heard about it for a while but never looked into it much. Is it just a development camp? On that note, with our facilities, why doesn't Grand Forks, try to establish a young development team? Something comparable to Ann Arbor? Recruit top end talent and schedule games with college and USHL teams across the country? Is that something that is even possible? I am just thinking it would be more great hockey for the city and a great way to bring more interest to UND and its program. Probably not a bad recruiting tool for the college either.

Agreed, Hasting has done a tremendous job with these guys, but it take a few years to see how he recruits and handles his own players. He is off to a great start though. With the conferences realigning he could become a dominant team in the WCHA, with some NCAA appearances on the horizon. Once he can get into the tourney anything can happen; a win or two in the tourney can do alot for program attention and growth. The future is looking much better for the Mavs; Now they just need to update their rink.

I can certainly see from Blais's perspective why he wouldn't want to be out on the road recruiting. Though from UND's perspective, I think his name still brings enough attention to young players, that he could help get some high end talent. Originally, I was thinking more from a coaching, practice, bench presence standpoint. He would be a great guy to see back on that bench. Doubtful, but a fun idea to consider.

I have heard some speculation and rumors and Dean may not stay at UNO much longer. I'm not sure if he is just tired of coaching altogether, or needs a change of pace, or maybe the rumors are not true at all. Anyone see any angle where Blais would want to be an assistant coach and UND? Less pressure? Less time/work compared to head coach? UND history? Enjoyed living the quiet life in NoDak; hunting/fishing etc? I figure at his age he won't want to be a head coach forever, but maybe an assistant job could be in his future? If so, I hope the Sioux try to take advantage... Thoughts???

just matchups, and style of play

Good luck to Weber tomorrow! That was one of the most entertaining games I have seen this season.

Hope we can see more of that out of him, through the next TWO games!

Agreed, but lets just make it easy and WIN!!! Roll Tribe!

Willmer had a great game. His reverse layup, where it looked like he was falling out of bounds was stellar!

So we can pretty much expect Tyus to be wearing the Green and White next year? Sounds good!

It would be great to see Montana and/or Weber get knocked out early, but probably won't happen. Do we know the health status of both teams? I know MT had a few big names that were injured; any updates?

Anderson did say he is feeling great and plans to play on Thursday. I don't know if he has been medically cleared, but we'll have to wait and see for sure.

Me too ... and improved and competive team always helps ... not to mention Big Sky TV showing all of the games online for free is fantastic. It makes trying to follow the team and league so much easier. I only hope the NCHC can find a way to do something similar if a regular tv deal cannot be reached.

We need a Ralph Engelstad of the football nature to build an football stadium to match our hockey arena. I intend to do so, but don't quite have the funds together yet.

Definitely agree, seeing UND on a bracket would be alot of fun. Really cool to see a small school on the national stage, competing with the big boys.

Probably true, but they could certainly become relevant. If they can get in the tournament , or even surprise a team once they get there, it would do alot for recruiting. I'm not saying they will be a Gonzaga in the next year, or ever ... but they could certainly become much more relevant than they are now. They have made some really nice progress in the past few years, I just hope it continues. As for splitting the tourney, I can see the argument on both sides of that. I for one, am a big tradition guy, so I hope it stays the way it is; and if the Sioux never win a Championship then so be it (why we have hockey ), but I still hope to see them make the tourney and compete. Cinderella story teams are always fun if you are fortunate enough to see it happen to your team.