siouxforcefans

Quite a number of former players stick around in the area. Their natural talent sometimes filters down to the kids, then add that they know what it takes to play at a D1 level (and often beyond), and the kids are that much more prepared. A good mix of the top-end local kids has greatly benefited this team in the past, and I believe that trend will continue.

I never put together the guy from the hallway at the Ralph as being Sprig on here. Just such sad news. May he rest in peace.

This is basically what we'll be doing. We do it at the Frozen Four each year, too. Great to talk to fans from other parts of the country and hear about how much they love their boys (or are mad at them, if their team isn't in attendance).

Honestly, I've been waiting for this since last year. They just haven't been able to stay competitive, even when they had multiple NHL-type players.

Friday: Colton Saturday: JBD

According to the weatherman in Fargo, there's plenty of snow, but it's very dry with low moisture content. As of right now, there's not enough moisture to be a worry, but there's still 2 months of snowfalls coming...

Side note: game is on in back bar at Blarney Stone

Fortunately, Girbaud's were rolled so tight at the ankles that you couldn't feel the cold anyway - feet has been numb since 10 minutes after getting dressed due to lack of blood flow!

Friday Jones Saturday Kawaguchi

3 games into the 10 game win streak, go get #4 tonight!

2 games into the 10 game win streak, so it's time to go get 3 and 4!

Absolutely, and during the last series, when the kid who had to retrieve one swung it over his head on the way off the ice, the place went nuts!

Friday: Rhett Saturday: JBD

... And he's been traded. Mancinelli was traded today from the Force to Des Moines for 2 players.

Give me Jones, please

New goalie = improved defense and stats going out the window. Here's the setup: "Matt Ladd joined the team from the New Jersey Junior Titans of the North American Hockey League. Ladd had a .922 save percentage for the Titans during the first half of the season. He made his college debut Saturday against Union. The 6-foot-3, 205-pound netminder stopped 32 of 36 shots in a 5-2 road loss to the Dutchmen."

Gardner on Friday Mismash on Saturday

Dave was at the exhibition game on Saturday - still a great big smile and handshake when we ran into him in the hall. My wife asked him if he was looking forward to coaching the Seattle expansion team next season, and he just laughed and told us to go ahead and make that happen, haha!

I love live auctions, but all releases have said they'll be auctioned online. Thanks @iluvdebbies for posting the pic!

From today's preview email: "1958-1959 National Champions2019 marks the 60th anniversary of UND's first National Championship in ice hockey, which was won over Michigan State in overtime. To celebrate this achievement, the team will wear replica 1959 jerseys during the game this weekend. The jerseys will be auctioned off after the game to raise money for scholarships." Not a lot of info at all. People may notice the picture on the email does have Sammy Sioux on the sleeve.

No mention yet of Schmaltz getting traded to AZ? Chicago is in a world of hurt with all those big contracts from a couple years ago. Since I've always hated Chicago (even if I liked a few players), I'm liking that this situation can continue for a few more years

Friday: Mismash Saturday: Poolman

They tried one last night - used the score board and a drummer to try to start a "Go Hawks Go" chant. It didn't work very well. The drummer even seemed a little confused if he was supposed to keep doing it, since almost no one participated.

I have to say, the period break activities are boring as heck. Nothing goes on during timeouts (TV or called) either, and I think the students need to be allowed to be students = stand, sing, yell, etc. There are arenas for any college sport where the student sections have nick-names, because they are so loud and rowdy. If you want a great atmosphere, it starts with the students. You can keep people engaged, or let them slip away. Right now, the Ralph is content to run ads and let the people slip. Cost is another issue. Single game ticket prices have gotten silly. $49 for Western Michigan? I know it's conference, but wow. I bought a couple additional tickets for my daughter and a friend of hers a couple weeks ago, and if I hadn't connected with another season ticket holder who wasn't looking to gouge people, it just wouldn't have happened. Mind you, I'll almost never miss a game (even though we drive back and forth from Fargo every night), but I can definitely see why people complain about cost.

Miami taunting us by playing In the Air during a stoppage? They forgot they lost last night?