Dustin

Actually, with Michigan State at #5 currently, all of the 4 Big Ten teams are either 2 seeds or 3 seeds (at the moment). In that case, there will be a Big Ten team in every regional.

Because of the 3 Big Ten teams around the 8-9-10 mark (think 1st round match up conflicts), and both UMass and Omaha looking in good shape to play in the regionals they're hosting, one of the Big Ten teams will have to go east, and one of the eastern teams will have to west. As it stands now. There's some movement still available that could shape things differently.

That could be there motivation for that game. But UND losing to Omaha doesn't necessarily prevent them from being a 1 seed.

To me, it depends on how "regionalized" the committee wants to be. From the eye test (didn't actually count teams), it seems like there's about the right amount of teams with pretty even seed distribution from each region to be put into their closest (or maybe closer) regionals.

I wouldn't say I am underestimating them, just that what they have to play for this weekend has no bearing on the NCAA tournament. Not saying they wouldn't like to be NCHC champions, because I'm sure they do. But they have to be at a disadvantage compared to UND, since they traveled to Colorado Springs, played 3 games, and then will travel to St. Paul for a Friday game. All the while, UND played two games at home and will travel to St. Paul.

I played with every scenario (I think) with the NCHC and Big Ten, and as long as UND wins Friday, I didn't find a scenario where they finished lower than #4 PWR, even if they lost to SCSU in the final.

Agreed. Omaha did what they needed to do, and really can't do any more, as far as NCAA tourney goes. Omaha should be the more tired team and are probably just elated to get to St. Paul. They are ripe for UND to make amends from two weekends ago. As long as UND wins the semi-final game, that should solidify their 1 seed? I guess they it depends on who they play in the championship (and whether they lose), and maybe a little bit on what happens to Michigan State.

I came to the same conclusion. So UND can either be a 1 seed in Sioux Falls, or a 2 seed somewhere else.

Fair point.

2025-26 season, I believe.

Wouldn't UND be good with some "below the cut line" teams getting AQs and taking bids away from 13-14 pairwise teams? As long as Omaha isn't the NCHC AQ? Take out UMass and take out Omaha and the committee is free to do things without concern for bidding hosts.

Omaha bouncing around the 3-4 regional seed is really bumming me out.

I couldn’t care less about how many NCHC teams make it. I don’t want Omaha to spoil anything for UND. If they can be knocked out by CC tonight, I’m all for it.

Would think it’s only wins and losses.

They both already do some work for the network, so I would guess they both would be in the running.

The good thing about getting swept by those teams is that it was the regular season when the loses don't end your season. Hopefully any rematch with either of those schools the coaches have put together a new game plan.

When Dan Hammer retired and Alex got the UND gig, he moved to and lived in Grand Forks for several years. I know because he attended the same church as me. But after a while, I stopped seeing him, but that could have been for any number of reasons.

I'm good with Jody Norstedt doing UND's hockey broadcasts. Hope they find a good color man. I've noticed especially in the last year that Jake Brandt's commentary has really elevated (and my only exposure to hockey is through being a lifelong UND fan). Thanks, Jake. I understand that Jake from State Farm is too busy to have a side gig.

Does Alex live in Grand Forks anymore? I thought I heard him and Starman say something about living in Sioux Falls on a recent broadcast. His LinkedIn profile shows his location as Sioux Falls, but that could be from before he got the UND gig.

Where did you hear/read this?

I just ran the customizer on CNH to see what happens if Omaha loses in 2 games and it dropped them to 15. Winning 2 games put them at 10. But I didn't run any other scenarios, so they could be altered by other results. Too bad we didn't put them away when we could.

Jack, This was said in the heat of the moment without doing any research. Obviously the "extra" sport I was referring to is hockey, which takes up a huge amount of UND's attention, as it is UND's flagship sport (much to the chagrin of many SiouxSports posters). Dustin

Wow what an absolute gut punch weekend.

What they don’t have is another sport to manage.

I think he still had another. Thought he had 2 when that one was called.