Sioux-per Villain

If anyone needs to pick it up and improve on his sparkling 3 pts so far this year, it's Kozek. He hasn't scored in more than a month for Christ's sake! At least take a penalty now and then so we'd all know you're still on the team.

I measure the success of a program like North Dakota by what's hanging in the rafters. Since Hakstol has taken over, the only new item hanging in the Ralph is his own jockstrap.

Wow, even Obama's cocaine use doesn't get this kind of press. At least we now know he's a Republican.

Duncan - Friday Genoway - Saturday

I certainly did not mean to bash Joe. I agree he's doing fine. However if he finished checks like Malone, yikes! The Bison actually knocked Big Joe down several times as well.

The one guy people haven't mentioned much is Brad Malone. He laid out two Bison during one shift. He's a friggin wrecking ball! Maybe he should teach Finley how to make a quality check.

I was pleased to see them shoot the puck (with the exception of one power play where they made way too many passes only to lose the zone without a shot). Can't remember the last time we had 50+ shots in a game. I also felt that our depth could be a factor down the road. In recent years, other teams needed only to focus on shutting down our top line to have success. It appears that will not be an easy task this year. I'm not sure which line is our top line which is a good thing. Let's hope they come home from Boston 2-0.

Personally I'd be surprised if anyone on this team eclipsed 30 goals. I think it's more likely to see three guys hit 20+ (Duncan, Vande, Kozek), two hit 15+ (Trupp, Gregoire), and three hit +10 (Watkins, Toews, Genoway). Just have a feeling that the scoring will be rather balanced from this team. I predict 150+ goals for the season. I'd like to see Frattin step up this year and hit double figures too.

and of course, Bill Claviter from Virginia

Agreed, but UND and our fan base are not nearly as patient as BC has been. If you're the head coach of ND, WI, DU, CC or MN, 14 years is a long time to coach without winning any hardware. Hak is nearly a third of the way through that timeline without hanging a banner. Hopefully he can get the monkey off his back in 09.

the obvious comparison I was making was Hak's first 4 years vs. Woog's first 4.......

So far the only thing dissimilar between Hak and Woog is WCHA titles.......

Every year that Hak fails to solidify a legacy for himself with a National Championship or at least a WCHA title, he will be more heavily scrutinized by people on this message board as well as the University. Personally I see very little comparison between Hakstol, Woog, or Coach K. He has to win something first. Coach K has National Championships and many ACCs Conf Titles under his belt and an imminent Gold Medal. Wooger dominated the WCHA for several years despite not winning the big prize. 4 straight Frozen Fours is quite an accomplishment, but we still have yet to hang a banner of any kind under Hakstol.

would have been nice to have one more home series

I too want it high tempo with 45+ shots a game but unfortunately, I don't see a style change without a coaching change. Same thing with the Wild. It'll fun to watch a Blais style game in Fargo this fall. (When the Sioux are away of course)

There's always the Alaskan Bush Company.....

and lack of beer sales....

the only thing I fear is the next DaveK posting on this board....

A little off topic but does anyone know the pronunciation of "Gregoire"? I've heard it 2 different ways.

My point exactly. Yes, scoring is down in the WCHA and the new rules will help. But we also need players/coaches that have the ability to provide entertainment depth too. I think the guys coming in (Gregoire/Towes/Hextall) and a healthy Evan Trupp will have the ability to create more scoring depth next year. I also think Frattin needs to step up big time and deliver the scoring ability he showcased in the AJHL.

Our weak link this year will be scoring. Last year was the lowest goal scoring the Sioux have posted in many many years.

Where has this been published? Considering the Sioux weren't even mentioned as a top 10 team for 08-09, one would think our incoming freshman aren't considered to be the "best" class. Don't get me wrong, I think we have some impact players coming in, but I'm not sure it's the best class. 1. CC 2. DU 3. SCSU 4. MN 5. UND 6. Wis 7. UMD 8. MT 9. MS 10. AA

Miller should stick to piano playing....

Each year we lose to BCs becomes more humiliating. I therefore couldn't agree more.

I also agree. Let's face it, Wheeler was a damn dangerous player and you had to have someone on him at all times. I don't think Mn used him in the best way either which appears to be the case with a lot of their recent players. But to label him a bust? I don't think so.