Siouxperfan7

Pre 2000, many schools started up D1 hockey (Quinnipiac-1999, Canisius-1998, Uconn-1998, UNO-1997) to name a few. But, n the last 16 years, there have only been 3 schools that have started Division 1 hockey. (Robert Morris-2004, Penn State-2012 and Arizona State-2015). There is a reason for that. Starting D1 hockey is expensive. And Athletic Departments have to decide if the cost of adding hockey (mens and womens most likely due to Title IV). Some schools have the desire, but it either isn't financially worth it (Moorhead St), or they decide to put more money and efforts into their other sports. I think the B1G fits into the later. Hockey ranks 3rd at best at the majority of B1G schools. Sure Penn State mad the jump, but not without a sizable financial contribution form a donor. While there is a chance that more B1G schools will add hockey, we haven't seen any yet to even start the conversation of starting. And that is not just them. It's all over the country. Schools are not adding D1 hockey at the rate they used to. So to get to my point, I don't think that UND would have to worry about being kicked out of the B1G if it ever joined.

http://www.ncaa.com/news/icehockey-men/article/2016-03-24/ncaa-hockey-holy-cross-upset-changed-college-hockey-10-years?cid=ncaahockeysocial_fb_sf23081591 Can't believe is has been 10 years!! This was by far the loudest, craziest, most unbelievable moment I have ever been a part of!! Definitely the loudest the Ralph has ever been!!

UND in the NCHC: Established rivalries with 5 former WCHA foes. UMD, UNO, and St. Cloud are short, drive-able road trips. Also, many alumni in CO. Conference is regarded as one of the best in the country Like minded schools who put a priority on hockey UND in the B1G Reestablishing old rivalry with Wisconsin and Minnesota Having games withB1G schools guaranteed 4 times (2 at home every) year very intriguing B1G Network = $$$$$$$ B1G Networkand NBC Sports (when playing Notre Dame) = more national televised games Conference Tournament (at least every other year) is at the Xcel So there are clearly pro's to being in either conference. I think UND is very happy with the NCHC. Heck, they were the ones who were the driving force in forming it. I don't think the B1G will invite UND. But there is always that chance that they might and you have to be looking at the pros and the cons of joining just in case they do. Which is better for UND, the B1G or the NCHC? I guess that is the debate!!

We have dominated in afternoon playoff games lately!!

Northeastern reminds me of UND teams in the past that started out slow and took off after January. We all know how dangerous those teams have been. I don't think UND is looking past them at all. But they deffinitely have to bring their best (goes without saying). Might be one of the best 4 seeds in the tournament that there has ever been.

Those maroon seats disguised as gopher fans have turned into green seats disguised as gopher fans. Tons of empty seats!! Meanwhile, packed house all day at the Target Center.

So for those of us stuck at work, and tuning in later, whats the status of the ice? How's the crowd? Obviously heavy UND presence, but is it pretty full?

So what jerseys will the teams be wearing today? Home team still going to wear the dark? Haven't heard anything. Guess we will find out when they take the ice for warmups!!

I am offended that you are offended that these people are offended by something that is not really offensive!

Was thinking the same thing. I doubt that his high school gig is how he wants to end his career. Probably just a place to hang out before a head coaching job popped up.

So 4283 is the actual attendance or the paid attendance!!

Would probably have better ice conditions than TD Ameritrade Park in Omaha!!

So we went from a west coast liberal to a Republican from the mid west? I think they call that in the biz a net gain!!

Dude, it was a joke. Hence the smiley face!! Calm down buddy. We are all on the same team here!!

So I guess it is safe to say that the hockey players are all in the "hockey only" crowd. Who would have thought!!

And different nickname!!

The teams playing the evening game on Friday will have less rest than the teams they will playing on Saturday. Playing the early game is not ideal for fans, but it is in the best interest of the team in order to succeed. Selfishly we can complain, but really it's not too hard to get behind this logic.

“Being the top seed in this year’s tournament, North Dakota expressed their desire to play in the first semifinal on March 18. " I get it fans want the late game. But if the coaches want the early game, than we really can't complain. The loser of the second game definitely is at at a disadvantage having to turn around and play the afternoon game the next day. Berry and the coaches know what they are doing. Trust them.

Both basketball hotbeds IMO

Speaking of awesome jerseys.... http://www.si.com/nhl/2016/03/10/junior-hockey-team-muskegon-lumberjacks-beach-themed-uniforms-photos

Have never lost to Idaho St. since joining the Big Sky. Let's not start today!!! #Hawkshoops

It is the "Plays of the year" not "goals of the year". The goal wasn't to exciting, but what leed to it was simply amazing. Not sure how you can overlook the play that led to the goal. Clip shows the whole play.

Or he was pissed that he let in 3 goals on, what, 4 shots!! How many times does a goalie get pulled, injury or not, and stick around on the bench?

$100,000 per year.

These guys need a 1 game suspension. I am pretty confident Bubba will give them that. Set a precedent for this type of behavior and be consistent. I don't think anyone would have a problem with that.