Godsmack

Does anyone know if DU's Nolan Zajac was recruited by UND? Man, that guy is solid.

I got a hall pass from the Mrs. so heading to the DU-SCSU game tonight. I will grudgingly be pulling for DU to win as UND is in a dog fight with the Huskies for first place. Man, this is almost the most difficult thing I've had to do, I can't stand either team! I think I'll need to take a shower when I get home!

I didn't have a single problem with the Duluth fans three seasons ago when I visited Amsoil Arena for the CC/Duluth series. Then again, that was the start of CC's decline (last season for Owens) and we got beat so maybe it's hard to clown on the other team's fans when when we're not that good! All seriousness, I think Duluth and UND fans have a healthy rivalry and have a lot more in common than differences.

Can this be confirmed about the location of the penalty box? I'm not doubting you only I googled Baxter arena seating chart and am finding multiple charts-some showing the penalty box right next to the home bench and others showing it across the ice from the home and visitor benches (standard location).

I'm watching last night's UND game and to a non-Hawks fan, one would think Jake Brandt is the biggest homer announcer but to me, I absolutely love his enthusiasm and energy! He was so fired up with the team's play, particularly Schmaltz's defensive stick play!

Congrats to the Hawks on beating Denver in such decisive fashion-it'll make going back to work tomorrow and seeing all my Pios co-workers much more tolerable!

Did you see the game last night? If so, did you see coach Blasi giving the refs an earful during the handshake line??? He was wagging his finger in the ref's face and looked like he was losing his mind!

For those of you who like a little bit more distortion to their music, check out the new single from Godsmack. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=qgBrYQGN5xI

CC's first home sweep since the fall of '12!!!!! Fejes with the GWG with under two minutes left in the game (3rd of the weekend), where grandma keeps the peanut butter!

2-13 BABY!!!!! Frozen Four, here we come!!!! (Just kidding). Best, most solid 60 minutes I've seen the Tigers play all season. Great gut check, coming back from a one goal deficit to score two goals in the final ten minute of the game. This is the Hunter Fejes we thought we were getting.

I see a fair number of goals scored despite two of the top defensive teams squaring off. Montgomery likes to encourage his D men to jump up in the play as well as float in the high slots in the O zone. I'll say 5-4, Hawks.

I have this debate all the time with a buddy of mine whose a CC season ticket holder as am I....I think the game is more intense and exciting on the NHL size sheet-less room, less time to make decisions=more scoring opportunities. He argues that the extra 15 feet gives teams on offense room to maneuver and set up plays. I guess we have a philosophical difference of opinion. I find that opposing teams are wise to teams who play on the big ice that try to make those long, home run passes.

Sounds like DU has a nice balance of depth and experience along with some talented freshmen (so what else is new with them??). Can't wait for the day Montgomery bolts for a HE coaching position-and I mean that as a compliment to him as a coach.

Slightly off topic but did Berry end up taking the players to the Mich State/Penn State football game yesterday after all? I ask because there was talk of "maybe" them going. If they did, how in the world did the team manage to score that many tickets?!?! Certainly the football game was sold out right???

It sounds like one of the BIG refs was doing everything he could to give Sparty opportunities to score.

Hennessey's last comment about the only time the Mich. State crowd cheers is when they're giving away free pizza! Classic!

Just leaving World Arena! It felt like CC won a Natty!

Well, CC has found yet another way to lose-this time, however, through no fault of their own. 40 seconds to play in the 3rd period and a 3-3 tie game, the CC forward with the puck gets hauled down as he's leaving the zone right in front of the ref, AF picks up the loose puck, skates in on a two-on-one and passes it over to a wide open man for a one-timer for the GWG. CC got a bench minor after the goal to boot (probably for arguing with the officials or something). This loss more than any of the blow out losses was a a huge kick in the berries. CC deserved a better fate, they played hard and well. Nothin like a little home cookin from Atlantic Hockey officials.

Let's call this ploy for what it is-the BIG teams are tired of getting kicked around by "inferior" teams so they're trying to rig the rules in their favor. Nothing has changed-back in the 60's, Minnesota whined about schools like Denver recruiting Canadian "men" and how unfair it was for their 18 year old Minnesota boys to have to play them.

I remember hearing Coach Schaffer speak at Sioux Boosters a few years ago-he said many "big power conference schools" are unwilling to sign agreements with Cornell to do a home and away series with them and that's why he appreciated schools like North Dakota who's willing to return the favor of traveling to other team's barns. As much as I dislike DU I give them props too for taking the Coach Schaffer approach of "anywhere, anytime, anyplace" with regards to scheduling. Seems schools like Minnesota are unwilling to travel to non-conference teams' barns. You'd think Lucia who's coaching roots go back to small schools (Fairbanks and CC) would show a little bit more concern for the greater good of college hockey rather than just what's best for his school.

Gwoz moved back to Denver and is coaching a high school team probably biding his time. If CC were to cut ties with Haviland or if Haviland were simply to leave, that would make for fantastic story lines having Gwoz coaching the Tigers. That said, he had originally been on DU to up his salary to be in line with the market and DU wouldn't do it so not sure CC would have deep enough pockets or willingness to shell out the kind of $ he could command. I'd think a BIG school like Wisconsin or Ohio State would come calling and be more likely candidates.

I'm not ready to pull the plug on Haviland. He inherited a really bad situation when he arrived, Owens left the program in pretty rough shape. Despite witnessing an absolutely effortless performance last night, I believe in what Haviland is trying to do there. At the end of the day, the players have to go out there and at least show some effort and sadly, they didn't do that last night against Duluth. Give Haviland one or two more seasons.

Ausmus didn't exactly give a ringing endorsement of the new name in the press interview this morning (posted on the GF Herald).

"I didn't know they made 9th place ribbons, Greg." -Jack Byrnes in 'Meet the Fockers' or as we'll now be known as-The Fawkers! I just hope the Ralph doesn't start hanging 9th place banners!

GaylordFawkers.com?