Dustin

Absolutely. Disappointed in UND's result, but throughout the whole weekend, lots of lead changes, pulled goalies, and overtimes. Can't ask for much more as a hockey fan.

Normally, after UND is eliminated, I cheer for a team that hasn't won a Natty, or is the furthest removed from their previous Natty. In this case, that happens to be Michigan (1998). A little less than ideal to cheer for them, but that definitely is a long drought. As much as it would be nice for NCHC bragging rights, I don't think I can be happy with Denver getting yet another one. Yikes. Maybe since BC and BU have been the #1 and #2 teams all year, having them play for the championship in one final battle for ultimate bragging rights is what's best for 2024. As for the location, St. Paul is about as about as far removed from any of the remaining schools' campuses. Michigan will probably bring a contingent, but not sure about the other schools. Probably will be a rink full (hopefully) of college hockey fans from all bases, with a decidedly upper Midwest flair. Would have been more fun with Nodak, Minny, and Wisco to create some old school Final Five magic.

Taylor Budge was specifically mentioned in the article that she will remain in Grand Forks. Alex Heinert was not mentioned as a laid off personality either, so I would guess his role as primary hockey broadcaster would remain. But they still need a back up for when he has CBS gigs. Unless this all some master plan with Summit, NCHC, and Midco, like was alluded to earlier.

I agree, kind of bush league on their part. Their brand seemed to be growing and getting better all the time.

So if the contracts with UND, USD, and SDSU are unchanged, who is going to do all this broadcasting?

I don't know how much work it is to host; generally a school does not do it every year. So in this scenario, are you saying a group of western schools (maybe 4 or so) just take turns bidding their own arena and no one puts in a competing bid?

We'll see how the attendance at the regionals does now with the brackets filled, but this was a year with lots of potential for the current system, only to be thwarted lower seeded host teams sending higher seed (including 2 #1 seeds) to the other side of the country. Denver (which really had no natural regional, but...) to Springfield, Mass., while Boston U (less than 100 miles from Springfield) to Sioux Falls, SD. Meanwhile, Iowa women (with the most famous BB player in the country right now) got to play an opening round NCAA game at home on Saturday, which they won, and will host another one tonight.

As a “consolation” for sending BU west, I gave them the lowest seeded opponent.

Here's my stab: Providence: 1) BC vs 15) RIT, 8) Wisc vs 9) Q Sioux Falls: 2) BU vs 16) MTU, 7) Minn vs 11) Omaha Springfield: 3) Denver vs 14) Mass, 5) Maine vs 12) Cornell Maryland Heights: 4) Mich St vs 13) W Mich, 6) UND vs 10) Mich I kept schools as close to a regional as is allowed.

Right.

So the field is set, right? No surprises from the selection show?

Not saying I'm not disappointed with some of our outings in the last month (CC, Omaha), but think how greedy of a fan base we are when we're #5 national PWR and all we can talk about is how this team is underperforming.

Things could have changed, but historically, ESPN+ was not needed if you have ESPN networks as part of your TV subscription because the lowest tier they've ever gone is ESPN3.

Not sure who the 4 seed will be, but this is my prediction as well.

"Disinterested" is a good work to describe it. The team looked like they were going through the motions for a lot of the game, not playing to control their playoff destiny.

Historically, the 3 biggest fan bases in college hockey are North Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. When all three of them were in the same conference and the conference tournament was easily accessible to all 3 (MSP), plus sprinkle in other Minnesota schools' fans, you had a recipe for success. When the conferences split those teams into the Big Ten and NCHC, both conferences tried (unsuccessfully) to replicate the WCHA Final Five with big venue, neutral site conference tournaments. Geography was definitely part of the problem for both conferences, with fewer teams spread over a larger area. I also think Wisconsin having down years right after the 2014 split, and UND having some down years after the national championship, contributed to the demise of both conference tournaments. The Big Ten saw the writing on the wall first, with the NCHC still counting on UND to make the event successful. But now, having watched Big Ten home site playoff games, I have no doubt this is the right direction for the NCHC. Someone posted earlier about buying out the Xcel contract for 2025, and that's a viable option, I'm in favor. Another thing about 2024, in particular. Until last night, UND's path to the National Championship went through St. Paul, Sioux Falls, and back to St. Paul. I personally know fans that decided not to go to the Frozen Faceoff, saving for the potential Frozen Four appearance at the same venue. I think a lot people were also excited for the Sioux Falls regional, which also probably contributed to last night's dismal attendance. Not everyone can go to a hockey tournament 3 out of 4 weekends, as much as we'd maybe like to.

Had multiple chances in the last few weeks to take care of this, too. Failed every time.

Somewhat, yes.

Impressive reconnaissance.

This televised locally at all?

I think we’ll end up in Missouri with Michigan State. The 3 seed would probably be a big ten team, Michigan or Wisconsin. Denver and Minnesota go to Sioux Falls.

My 3 takes: start Persson in the NCAA we won’t be in same regional as Omaha the home site NCHC playoffs can’t come soon enough

The only way this pays off is if the new assistants make him look better than the old ones did.

Probably had to be done for the new assistants not walking a plank with uncertainty. The Bubba situation should have been handled immediately after the season. Ask him to resign or fire him.

Won't put them out of their misery. They'll be right there in Sioux Falls the next weekend, perhaps meeting us in the final.