Godsmack

Born and raised in Grand Forks. Have lived in Colorado since 1991 but get back to GF regularly for Sioux series as well as see them when they travel to CC and DU. I graduated from CC but my friends from school can tell you that I'm 100% Sioux. I was a student during those rough years at the tail end of Gasperini's tenure. I recall seeing the Sioux get spanked by CC at the Air Force Academy prior to the building of the World Arena. I took a LOT of hazing from my CC friends in those days.

I just read all 23 pages as I was unable to listen to the game last night. I came up to Grand Forks from Denver to see the Sioux last week against Wisco. Here are my thoughts about that weekend and probably the season as a whole: 1)Lee is one of the most over rated defensemen. He didn't skate in the 2nd period of the Friday game against Wisco and he doesn't seem to hit enough. I think the press clippings have gone to his head. Someone on this board correctly opined how our current team do not block shots at the rate that Schneider, Fuher, Greene, Prpich, etc. did. 2)Due to the fact that Hakstol is married to the daughter of the President of the alumni association, there will always be controversy surrounding his promotion to head coach. Having personally spoken to John Marks, who was a candidate for the head coaching position, the word among all of the candidates and in college hockey in general was that Hak got the position in part because he is O'Keefe's son-in-law. I don't know if that was sour grapes on those who mention this or if there's truth to it; afterall, Blais did give his public support to Hakstol and we all know that Blais has a TON of credibility due to what he did for the program and its many successes. I personally think Hakstol knows the game and is due a huge amount of credit for the team's successes when Blais was coach but I do get tired of hearing his post-game commentary which is beginning to sound like a broken record ("we didn't have puck luck," "the bounces didn't go our way", etc.). 3)I went to Sioux boosters last week and Hakstol stated that Oshie broke his thumb about 7 weeks ago and it was never publicly announced. This is likely why his goal production is down (you try shooting with a sore broken thumb). I give Oshie props for staying in the lineup. I give Oshie props for not using that as his excuse for not scoring. 4)Goaltending. Lammy goes down too early/too often. Correct me if I'm wrong, but a majority of Wisco's goals were up high. Opponents have scouted him well and they know his weakness. In his defense though, a little back checking in the 3rd period of Saturday's game by the defense and forwards might have prevented the game tying and go-ahead goals. 5)Lack of consistent shot production. 18 shots on net in the 1st period of Friday's game against Wisco. Outstanding. Followed up by 4 shots in 2nd period, the first shot not coming until about mid way through the period...not going to get it done. 6)Stupid, untimely penalties. Lack of shots in 2nd period due primarily to spending a majority of the period killing penalties. I can't remember who, but a Sioux player took a dumbass elbowing penalty when they were in the offensive zone!!! Blais would've benched his ass. Hopefully I won't be accused of ragging on the Sioux. I love the Sioux and my friends in Colorado always state that despite not liking the Sioux (they're DU or CC fans), they admire how, over the years, the team has that never-say-die work ethic and attitude. Win or lose, there was never any quit in them. The teams under Blais' reign garnered much respect from both opponents and opposing fans because of their discipline and hard work. I didn't see that fire in either game against the Badgers. Is this the coaching staff's fault? The players' fault? Both? Anyone, please weigh in.

Here is the link to uscho.com of the tv schedule. My understanding is that the Sioux/BU game WILL be televised. http://www.uscho.com/m/ncaad1/?data=tv2005

Perhaps Frazier and Donny L. go to the same beautician?

I would just like to say that as a GF native and a CC alum, I LOVE the Sioux and really like CC. Forgive my bitterness here but last spring my recent ex-girlfriend went out of her way to send me an email telling me how happy her new boyfriend was that DU beat UND on their way to the NCAA championship. Knowing how much I love the Sioux, she really hit me below the belt as she knew that I was very upset about that quarterfinal game (I was in attendance and in utter shock that we lost). So to all those out there (men or women) who have been scored by their ex-, let me tell you I've been there. I have to live in Denver and suffer the likes of two idiots on the radio, 950 The Fan-their names are Lou from Littleton and Mike Mosier-Mike went out of his way yesterday morning to tell the listeners how much he hates, "the North Dakota Fightin' Sioux and all of their fans as well as how stupid and slow they all must be, particularly those from Minot, Williston, and Grand Forks." To Mike on 950 the fan I say, revenge is a dish best served cold-don't get too cocky about your "DU Pios." On a brighter note, today's 3rd place victory felt so good I thought it was the championship! Nice recovery from yesterday, and get well soon Robbie! Dan M.

My suggestion in addition to all of the heart-felt posts is for each of us to put our thoughts and feelings in writing and write to not only the WCHA administration, but also the NCAA. I feel that the league's decision to suspend Paukovitch was a token attempt to save face and a clear admission that they blew it during the game. I intend to put my thoughts in writing after I have calmed down so that I may write a clear, non-emotional plea to that the league and it's officials clean up their act. Dan M.

What's the story with Radke? Why hasn't he been playing-injuries, poor play? What?

They just said that it was Tyler Broze and TJ Keig who were the two healthy scratch seniors for the Dogs. Anyone know why?

Unfortunately Minny won 7-2. Irmen scored with 10 seconds left in the game. Go Sioux!

If you want to listen to the game on the Internet, you can get it through a local Duluth station. Go to, www.kdal.am I would prefer to listen to the Sioux announcers but at least this is better than nothing. Oh, by the way- goofers 5, landcows 2......thirteen minutes to play in the 3rd.

Can someone point me in the right direction of finding information about UND's recruiting classes? Specifically, I'm interested in finding out where we rank compared to other schools with regards to our incoming recruits. Thanks!

However the league standings shake out at the end of the season, I sure would hate to face Tech in the opening round. Tech has been better during the second half of the season than almost everyone else except perhaps DU (which Tech split with on the road!). I think that Tech finding success is fantastic and it is absolutely critical to both their program as well as the overall strength of the league. I hope their success carries over to next season and beyond. Check out this nice article on USCHO.com about Colin Murphy... http://www.uscho.com/news/2005/02/15_009960.php

I think that for some, the biggest frustration with Hakstol isn't whether or not he's qualified to be the coach-it's the appearance of nepotism in his hiring. His father-in-law happens to be the president of the alumni association. From the get go, there appeared to be an insider-deal as the job opening wasn't posted nationally. Having personally spoken to John Marks, who was interested in applying as well as what he told me in his conversations with Steve Johnson, a lot of people were miffed over the fact that the job wasn't opened up to the outside. According to Marks, had the University opened the job to the public and still hired Hakstol, there wouldn't have been nearly as much of an appearance of nepotism. Personally speaking, I don't think that being the son-in-law of the Pres. of the alumni association disqualifies Hakstol. However, I cannot dissagree with those who during these times when the Sioux are struggling are raising the concern that there might have been some internal politics involved. Hakstol to me would have earned much more credibility in his hiring had the head coaching position been opened up to the public (even if the University still had no intentions of hiring anyone but Hakstol). I suppose the comeback from Hakstol's supporters will talk about the rush to get a coach in due to the timing of Blais' resignation, getting recruits signed, etc. And perhapst this is a valid arguement too. Someone mentioned nepotism with regards to Sheppard and his kid. Well, it sure seems like that was the case with regards to the hiring of Hakstol.

I am one of those NoDak's who aggressively pursued a job/career in North Dakota after I graduated from college. Finding a decent job comensurate with my education was difficult if not impossible. I ended up taking a job out in Denver, CO simply to "get the experience" in hopes of having some professional work history and then take a stab at NoDak a few years down the road. Well, I recently pursued a position with a financial institution in Fargo and I am waiting to hear whether or not I get the job. The problem is, they made it clear that they cannot pay me what I am making right now in Denver. I am willing to take a pay cut in order to have the kind of lifestyle that only North Dakota (specifically, Grand Forks) has to offer, however, I also have a mortgage, car, etc. and I need to make sure that I don't "sell out". I realize the cost of living is lower in Fargo/GF than in Denver but I have done the research and I know exactly how much I will need to make in NoDak in order to break even. Some observations of Fargo when I was there a month ago for my interview: Out by West Acres, it is looking a lot like Denver-lot's of chain restaurants, strip malls, and car lots. I also couldn't help noticing the rows of apartments and "spec" houses lined along I-29. These observations are similar (but on a smaller scale obviously) to Denver. While "big" is sometimes better in terms of opportunities, culture, progress, etc. along with it comes sprawl, crime, traffic congestion, etc. So, I'm struggling here-I want to obviously be paid a fair salary for my knowledge, experience, education but I also want the benefits of smaller town living. It's a catch 22. All I can say is to those of you who currently live in GF or Fargo and have satisfying careers and good lifestyles, I am very envious of you and I hope to join you very soon. Despite my observations of Fargo, overall it is a very nice city and the people there are just as nice as they are back in my hometown of Grand Forks.

Imagine that-a college kid drinking! I'm not defending Greene but, speaking from experience, how many out there can honestly say they've never been questionable when driving home after being out to the bars? Unfortunately, I think most people "play the odds" and typically drive when they shouldn't. I know I have and it's really stupid. A question I pose and I in no way have a conclusion one way or another is, if Greene is found "guilty" could stripping him of his Captain status possibly hurt the team more? Would that cause more friction/contraversy among the team than if, say, Greene publicly apologized to the team and/or was suspended for some games?

I was very glad to hear Berry and the team say they weren't frustrated but incouraged (still don't know if I buy it 100% but...). Having attended both of the CC/UND games, my observation was that the Sioux played as hard as they possibly could have. I was quite pleased with the effort as I was fearful that it was going to be a penalty-filled weekend for the Sioux. Perhaps the Sioux could've crashed the net more and it would've been nice to see the Sioux get more quality shots on net but you have to give credit to CC's D-Men as well as Zaba between the pipes(CuMac played Friday). Now the question I have is, how in the world did the Zaba of the Saturday Sioux game not show up a few nights ago against Duluth? He was very shaky against Duluth.

Wasn't Lucia recently quoted as making a snide remark about fighting and the Sioux being involved, implying that it's ALWAYS the Sioux who seem to be involved in any fights? Lucia's recent hair weave must be affecting his brain cells. Time to lighten up on the hair tonic, pretty boy!

I didn't care for the undertones pertaining to the nickname/logo. They grossly overscore the negative sentiment while failing to present opinions of others (including Native Americans) who happen to understand and like the name/logo.

It reminded me of a game my men's league team played in last year in a tournament up in Steamboat, CO. We went out and got drunk Saturday night and then played just awful Sunday afternoon. It felt like we had lead in our skates. There was no will to pick up our man, chase down lose pucks, or hustle. Watching the Sioux on Saturday reminded me of that. You could see the lack of fundamentals from the onset when you watch that opening faceoff down in the Sioux zone when they were scored on. Lot's of eyes watching the puck but no feet were moving.

In my opinion, the lack of offense, defense, and all-around sound play were the result of one thing: Lack of effort. I suspect that the boys went out on Friday night after their big victory, got drunk, and maybe got laid too. On Saturday they appeared tired, slow, and a step behind the Gophers from the very beginning of the game. Credit Minnesota for playing an all-around solid game too but the Sioux simply didn't have the energy, the legs, or the will to win on Saturday. By the way, I didn't see Prpich out there during the 3rd period. Does anyone know what happened to him? Did the coach purposely not play him for fear that he'd mix it up in the 3rd period?

Badger fans are probably the nicest fans as they are very knowledgable of the game. DU and CC fans are ignorant and therefore only know one cheer-and that's to say the goalie's name and then "sucks!". I still remember sitting in Bonzers Bar downtown GF in 1983 when the Badgers played Harvard for the Natl' Championship. I was a little kid but I still remember how fun those fans in their red striped overalls were. As big as the Badgers/Sioux rivalry is, there does not seem to be the kind of animosity among the fans that exists between the Gophers and Sioux fans. What's the feeling among Badger fans with regards to the Badgers/Gophers rivaly and the Gopher fans in general?

Hey, the Sioux hockey team probably ticked off the folks who are opposed to the Sioux nickname when the team went to their "gangsta colorz" a few years ago...hopefully the Black uni's have gained us an even better bad boy image! Incidentally, if you ever read the WCHA hockey yearbooks and/or the WCHA.com yearly summaries where players of opposing teams have to rate other teams logo's, uniforms, favorite arenas to play, best fans, etc. North Dakota is typically among the leaders. In fact, when I attended CC, the CC hockey players would tell me that they didn't understand all the hub bub about the logo-they thought UND's jerseys and nickname were cool.

Unfortunately I agree with you, Jockey. Since the Ralph opened, there has been a very "corporate" atmosphere just like you find in the NHL rinks....it's all about money. As beautiful as the new arena is, the first thing I noticed about it 3 years ago was the lack of leg room compared to the old Ralph. I realize that adding a few extra inches of space multiplied by the total number of rows would have been quite costly, however, I get sick and tired of having to stand up everytime someone wants to come or go from their seats.

I recall the same banter when Lucia left CC. While Scott Owens hasn't been able to get the Tigers back to the Frozen 4, he has consistently had competitive, NCAA-bound teams.... While the new coaching staff has a lot to say about the quality of the future recruiting classes, I think that UND's reputation (created in part by Blais) will help the program continue to recruit strong players. Being no expert, I still feel that Hakstol has a lot working in his favor-strong supporting cast in Berry and Eades, the arena (which apparently sells itself), and all of those championships (see the banners hanging from the rafters).

If the Wild win a Stanley Cup, just watch what will happen to ticket prices....I know because the Av's won the cup their first year in Denver and after that, prices went up considerably.