Johnny Five

School board and Park board will never see eye to eye on that. School Board has kicked in zero dollars to the current arenas (think they're contributing some to the new band aid that's coming). As of right now, Bismarck is 3 sheets behind what they need. When Legacy was first built, there was space set aside for a ice arena and it never came to fruition. In addition, when COVID hit, there was a half cent sales tax proposed with a massive Minot like bowl and a second practice sheet in a community center, and the grey hairs smashed that down like a rotten watermelon about 70-30%. No matter how hard Bismarck tries, it'll never be a "hockey town." Football, hoops, wrestling, track, lawn darts, garage beers. That's why it was cool what the Blizzard had and that started with parents prioritizing girls hockey growth quite some time ago (and of course it helped to have the Olympic athlete come through or we probably wouldn't be having this discussion)....this'll set back the success but I guess if little debbie gets to throw on a Varsity jersey it can go on Facebook for everyone to see. Edit: regarding ice. In fact, one or 2 of the varsity hockey teams may be asked to practice during the school day next year. They'll get a PE credit! Hey screw algebra, chemistry, or english I have hockey practice! It's like being at Shattuck I recon.

I believe that was the COOP that will mostly even out the Skaters so it's not skewed so bad towards one or the other. Outsiders won't believe it but there is and was no easy way to do this in Fargo or Bismarck. In fact, Fargo had to redo there girls Co-Ops this season. And yes...I know...it's not easy to have to make 8th and 9th graders move up in the smaller communities either, I wish everyone could have the 12 and 15 u programs like the bigger communities do for proper development path. As for ice. No. There's not enough. There's another sheet coming in 2023 but that is another bandaid. Once the HS programs seasons are going, the Bismarck youth teams get about a 1:1 practice to game ratio (on a scale of November to end of February when HS season ends). The upper boys and girls teams maybe 2 on ice practices a week and pile the games on during the weekend. Regarding this split. 2022 is about the worst time possible in the past 10 years. There will be 2 teams with low numbers (12-13 or less depending on those who quit or move). One of the Co-Ops doesn't have a goalie. Yes I understand Jamestown did that this season, but that shouldn't be the norm, especially to start a new program. But if you start with 13 skaters and force one to be a goaltender, you're down to 12 skaters. Pulling a large volume of FR up would be OK but it would absolutely destroy the youth program and the trickle down would last for quite some time. Robbing Peter to pay Paul. Put it this way, trying out for the 12U team in Bismarck is now more stressful and difficult than trying out for a Varsity sport, which is now a participation sport. A girl can put her gear away in February, do literally nothing in the off-season, pick it up in November, and stand at center ice the entire first week of practice and the administration will force the coach to keep her on the team and she's automatically dressing because there's not 18. Good life lessons. The perfect storm in Bismarck was 2023. New arena (possibly depending on construction), large numbers in the SOPH class who were able to spend another year of development in the club, and a hopeful solution to Goaltending (main problem being 5 of the 5 goalies in the immediate pipeline are on the CHS/SMCHS side of the split and administration hasn't figured out how to split them properly). So there's some issues. And there's issues in every community. And too be honest, girls hockey in ND needs a serious look at it's future. The product is OK but not great. The state already loses high end talent (maddie brown, kennedy blair, and a pile from GF and Fargo etc), and this waters down the competition even more. Those that have D1 aspirations will be moving East more frequently. Not sure how to prevent that and that is certainly every families right, has happened in the boys side for years, and will now come up more often with girls. I expect West Fargo to be the new wagon in girls hockey and now both trophies will stay east for quite some time. Not here to flame or bitch about it. What's done is done and it's time to move on.

Good get for UND. Good kid, good family. Family has always been UND fans (parents law school) and a brother that goes to school there already...figured this was going to go Bubba's way. I will pull for that kid any day even though he isn't in Fargo. Best wishes to Lucas.

Been awhile...nice work on the atmosphere. Definitely affected the game. 2 great defenses getting after it, that was some smash mouth physical defense along with speed. How many times did I say "WTF was that call" on both sides during the game? Brutally called game by both OCs and no need to re-hash Bubba's call either. Look at the final stats...a complete toss up is what it was (meaning a play or 2 here and there like the INT or 4th downs) and 100% not sure what to expect from each team the rest of the way against the best of the MVFC. Good luck the rest of the way. Perhaps they will meet again.

Haven't been here for quite some time (covers head). Love my Gopher hockey and Bison football...WTF is a guy like me doing here? Taking the high road and telling y'all congrats on a special season and especially the 'ship. Been awhile and there isn't a more deserving program. Will be great to see the 2 going at it next year at Mariucci. Maybe my team can find a way to make a 3rd meeting happen in March/April. Congrats again, enjoy, and have a great off-season!

That did happen. SDSU came to the FargoDome a few weeks later for a playoff game I believe....and yes, the fan base was upset. I understand the venting by UND fans, I do. I cannot imagine anyone on either team is out to intentionally injure an opposing player. "Intent" is a rather nasty word to use. Back in the day did the SDSU lineman "intend" to injure Perry? Did 87 "intend" to injure him on the play? A few years ago did Frattin "intend" to put Wehrs into la la land in the corner? It is hard to play that card, no one knows what's going through a players head as he lines up for a play. Not that this will fix anything or help the injured player, but that was one of the longest ovations I've heard for an opposing player. Terrible circumstance, but no need to label an entire fan base because of a few message board posts. BOTTOM LINE: Hopefully a full recovery for the injured player.....and as shallow as some of you make take this hopefully 87 learns a lesson from this as well. Once again good luck in the Big Sky.

Amazing tailgate, never seen lines like that so early. The atmosphere early was definitely playoff loud. Too bad this isn't an annual event but that's another thread for a different day. Best wishes to your injured player and best of luck in the Big Sky Conference.

Best wishes on the weekend. Enjoy the tailgate, excited to feel the electricity in the dome once the lights go out for the intro. As for the game.....that's why they play it!

Haven't posted here in a long time. Glad this week is back. Hope everyone can enjoy the tailgate, first off, it truly is amazing. All of us (NDSU fans) know UND fans. I hope the experience and game is a civil as every other game in Fargo where an opposing fan can walk around and pretty much be fed and drink for free...but I'm sure there will be plenty of idiocy on both sides. As for the game? Predictions are essentially worthless. Can't wait to watch it unfold....

Pass me some of that reefer and tinfoil Darrell.

Last 2 years we were on the field it was in absolute mint condition and a great stadium for a football game, not a bad seat in the house. Just a freak deal. Best wishes to you UND cats moving forward with Bubba. I may not be a fan of UND sports but I always support the local ties and kids. A lot of great ND/MN kids on this NDSU team, it's been a fun ride and I'm looking forward to the challenges they'll face moving forward.

A good another big wiener contest where nothing can be proved.

Bison Fan here. 2 new coaches. Open September dates in 14. Get it done.

SDSU is playing some real nice football. I wouldn't look past them on the bottom half whatsoever and wouldn't be surprised if they housed both Big Sky teams. And I'm not exactly a SDSU guy.

Good luck this evening folks. Bison fan here who will be watching with interest.

They have a decent passing game but if they need to rely on it consistently to win throughout a game they are in trouble. Stop the RB...stop the RB....stop the RB....force 2/3 and long.....you'll be fine. They are legit, bring the noise in the stands and go for the W. this is a huge game for you guys, and hanging a L on sdsu before they start the valley could spell a bit of trouble for them.

Hey I am a college hockey fan (G*pher fan, sorry!)...sad reality is most Bison fans don't care about hockey because they didn't grow up with it as a sport in their area. Hard to "make" someone love a sport they don't understand. I didn't have wrestling at my school in High School and I couldn't tell you much about it, or soccer for that matter. You guys have an unbelievable hockey program and are dang proud of it, which you should be. Top notch hockey and it's run like a professional organization top to bottom. Sad part most Bison or UND fans don't get is even though the sports are 2 different animals (and yes, different "level" within their sport)...is how similar the programs are because they were built in a way in which today they each have amazing tradition, fan bases, and success. Division 2 Championships in football can be laughed at by many fan bases, but it has helped build a fan base that is deep and proud (and obviously obnoxious at time but that comes in various forms in every fan base). So...heck yes. You have something special in GF with your hockey team. And you have a football program that has done some great things in the past as well, and are dang proud of your school, which you should be. Best wishes in your next 3 games....it's like running a playoff gauntlet right in your dang back yard. I'll enjoy this Bison win and now I'm moving on to being POd again that MSU backed on for the home opener....so your team can whip that tail for me if you don't mind too. Represent ND with pride!

Vs the Bison club squad? Sounds like Minot State would be a better option this season.

He played enough title season 1 and would've last season as well. In fact he had 1 of the biggest tackles of the season against GSU on a 4th and goal which really helped swing the momentum. So I hope that assists your butthurt.

Kolpack tweeted this weekend that after the $100K, the money they get from (presumably) SMU...then minus expenses of various nature it will likely be close to a wash with barely a financial gain. Why shouldn't Bison fans be mad? Bail out in February is a bush move. As a season ticket holder, I am a PO'd. This was a very good season opener at home. Now we will be stuck with some crap opener I'm sure. I'll show up for the banner raising and head back to the lot at halftime I suppose.

Well he does live in the south.

Coach pulled the plug on the game, allegedly. Doesn't scream chicken any louder than that.

And a FCS ring for the middle finger.

What in the F is wrong with you guys? Good grief.

So I assume you will say the same thing with NDSU in relation to the Minot kid.