Sioux-per Villain

I think this team needs more talent to compete

Last night's loss had absolutely nothing to do with the WJT. We still had several NHL draft choices along with a few # ones on the ice last night and couldn't even score a goal. WTF? You can't blame it on the defense or goaltending either as they played a pretty good. There's plenty of excuses we can come up with but having players gone for the WJT is not one of them. Earlier in the year people were using the excuse that we have too many freshman and it'll take time for them to adjust to the speed and grind of the WCHA. Now the reverse is true? Pity we have to rely on our freshman to prevent getting shut-out in our building against an ECACHL team. Hakstol needs to right the ship immediately and start getting the most out of all this NHL drafted talent.

Huge PWR implications for North Dakota in this series which will help during the selection process. We cannot afford to lose either of these games. Time to build momentum as we enter into 2006!!! GO SIOUX!

Could have been the Alaska Bush Company too.......

I agree. Besides, he can always use his other hand!

I agree. You always knew when Duncan was on the ice. He can really make things happen. Depending on who his ultimate line mates are, he's either going to have a lot of goals or a lot of assists. I thought he was a tremendous passer and has a hot shot. Toews, Chorney and Oshie stood out too. I also thought Lee had a good defensive game but will need to work on holding the zone. Probably some jitters but he's so poised, it's hard to tell. He played more like Jordan Leopold than Travis Roche.

Apparently Insidecollegehockey feels there's plenty of other wcha forwards that are better than Toews. Be nice to prove them wrong...... 1. Phil Kessel Minnesota U.S. NTDP 2. Andrew Cogliano Michigan St. Michael's (OPJHL) 3. Jack Skille Wisconsin U.S. NTDP 4. Chad Rau Colorado College Des Moines (USHL) 5. Mason Raymond Minnesota Duluth Camrose (AJHL) 6. Tim Kennedy Michigan State Sioux City (USHL) 7. Dan Reidel Ferris State Lincoln (USHL) 8. Blake Wheeler Minnesota Green Bay (USHL) 9. Jonathan Toews North Dakota Shattuck St. Mary's 10. Brock Trotter Denver Lincoln (USHL) 11. Brock Bradford Boston College Omaha (USHL) 12. Justin Abdelkader Michigan State Cedar Rapids (USHL) 13. Ryan Stoa Minnesota U.S. NTDP 14. Trevor Smith New Hampshire Omaha (USHL) 15. Nathan Gerbe Boston College U.S. NTDP 16. T.J. Oshie North Dakota Warroad (Minn.) H.S. 17. Michael Gergen Minnesota Duluth Shattuck St. Mary's 18. Tom Gorowsky Wisconsin Sioux Falls (USHL) 19. Andrew Kozek North Dakota Surrey (BCHL) 20. Matt Watkins North Dakota Vernon (BCHL)

Brandon Booo CHENSki!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anyone have information about what was in Ralph's will and specifics surrounding ownership of the REA? As passionate as Ralph was about the nickname, one would think he'd punish a name change from the grave with regards to that facility.

Obviously the pressure will be on an infant defense, but from an individual perspective, the most pressure may be on Drew Stafford. He was a highly touted 1st round draft choice that hasn't really produced the numbers one would expect from a #1. More importantly, I think we all know what a fantastic leadership job Matt Greene did as Captain. If he leaves (and I hope like hell he stays), Stafford will likely become the new leader of this team. We're still waiting for Drew to have his breakout year. Look for him to finally post big numbers. If he does, the potential to have 3+ players with more than 20 goals this season is high.

2 nationals titles and 3 Frozen fours in the past 4 years and all of the sudden the Minnesota program needs a savior? Please.....

Early departures happen everywhere, but obviously moreso with top programs. Kessel and Wheeler will likely be one year players. But the one thing that's most troubling for me is that Minnesota's path to the Frozen Four may well be through the Ralph! God Help Us All if we have to witness that in person.

I suspect alot will depend on our need for right handed or left handed forwards. Isn't Oshie lefthanded? If so, he would likely be considered before Vandevelde. (both are going to be good impact players whenever they join the team). I've never seen Brad Miller or heard much about him. Anyone know what type of player he is? Is he supposed to provide heavy scoring or is he nothing more than "filler" on a 3rd or 4th line?

To be precise, he's from Mt. Iron. Thank God for consolidation.

Brady told me Thursday night in Columbus he's got another four months of rehab but it feels pretty good right now. He expects to be back 100% at the start of the season. It also a possibility that Oshie may join the team this fall.

anyone know which end of the rink the Sioux will be shooting at?

Hakstol said when asked about the injuries to Murray & Prpich, "their status is day to day"

Did anyone watch the selection show? There is some subjectivity in determining the seeds. When asked why Mn got the #1 seed over Cornell, the head of the selection committee answered it was by committee vote. PWR the gophers did seem to lock up the #1 seed several weeks ago, but when it comes down to virtually a tie for 4th, wouldn't you side with the team that had a record of 18-1-1 in their last 21 games with an ave goals against of 0.90 goals? The system still has flaws that should be addressed to make it legitimately fair (if that's even possible), but until that happens, let's face it, It's all about money. And if the 3rd place game didn't mean anything, I wonder where/who the Sioux would have ended up playing in the first round if they lost?

Thanks, send it to bspotas@cableone.net

I'm having trouble opening the link too. Any other way to get to it?

When was the last time a team with 14 loses was a #1 seed in the NCAA? That's gotta be a record. Kind of a joke. I'd take Maine, Cornell or Ohio State over them right now anyway. I think the Sioux did OK by drawing BU. They're struggling more than others and they lack a goaltender that can control a game. BC would be huge mountain to climb though. The Sioux need to ride emotion into the tourney. It'll be sweet to get past 2 Boston schools on our way to Columbus. Get well Robbie!

Beat Minnesota, we're #2, lose we're #3

I think they should remove his feeding tube too