Greatest Sioux Team

[skateshattrick]

My vote has always been for the 98-99 team even though they didn't win a championship. They were absolutely dominate during the regular season ending 32-6-2. At one point, they were 18-1-1, I believe, in the league which is remarkable.

And although they didn't have the huge names like the '80, '82 and '87 teams, they did have Karl, the Panzers, the Ulmers, Goren, Roche, Commodore, Blake, K. Hoogsteen, Williamson, Dorey and Defauw, among others.

They were a pleasure to watch, but it sure was disappointing not seeing them in Anaheim. Thankfully, the 2000 team got BC back for knocking UND out the year before.

I agree that the 97-98 and 98-99 teams were the most talented teams, but they did not win a national championship, so the 86-87 team is better. I had the pleasure of being at the 1987 NCAA championship in Detroit, the 97 championship in Milwaukee, and the 2000 championship in Providence (our family is 3 for 3!). I was also at the disappointing Regionals in Ann Arbor in 98 and the Regionals in Madison in 99, both Sioux losses (my wife did not go, so she's the good luck charm). The 86-87 team did not have the depth of those 2 teams that lost, but dominated from start to finish and boasted the best player in the country, and in my opinion, the best COLLEGE player that I have ever seen, Tony Hrkac. Tony has had a solid but unspectacular pro career, but he was unbelievable in college.

[Superman0099]

Personally I'd have to say the '81-'82 team. The sioux had 12 players from that team go to the NHL. That's the highest of any team in history. All these players went pro, many who had GREAT careers.

James Patrick

Craig Ludwig

Troy Murray

Dave Tippett

Dan Brennan

Jon Casey

Darren Jensen

Rick Zombo

Phil Sykes

Dave Donnelly

Gord Sherven

Jim Archibald

By far the most talented Sioux team.

Not to mention some of these players won two national championships while at UND. Besides, it was during the Wisconsin Wars, possibly the greatest period in college hockey.

[PCM]

BTW, nice avatar PCM.

What can I say? You inspired me.

What I'm wondering is - who is the "odd guy" that he talks to?

[Marty]

Are we spoiled?

I don't think so. I think we are grateful fans. Most of us realize how great we got it. I do anyways. We could be fans of another team that has never won a national championship, but we aren't. We're special! We're Sioux fans!

[lawkota]

I'm sorry. I didn't mean to imply "spoiled" in a bad way. I have yet to meet a Sioux fan who isn't grateful for the hockey program we have. And I think the vast majority of players are grateful for the fans the program has. I should have used a different word as I can see now it could be taken as a dig against the fans.

[redwing77]

Well, sure. Basketball teams can't skate

Manute Boll can!

[redwing77]

What can I say? You inspired me.

[Kermit]

The 81-82 Fighting Sioux had twelve future NHL players, including all six of the freshman class. Troy Murray and James Patrick were two of the greatest Sioux players ever. Murray had only 51 points in 81-82, but he scored 78 the previous year as a freshman. He was a great 2-way center, strong as a bull, and great hands. Patrick--what can you say? The guy is STILL in the NHL. Phil Sykes was a great goal scorer with jets. Cary Eades was an immovable object in front of the net on the powerplay (think Grant Potulny with a mean streak). Dave Tippett played in the Olympics for Canada TWICE, and now coaches the Dallas Stars. Craig Ludwig was similar to David Hale. I could go on and on...

[Taz Boy]

"I'm gonna blab some more cause I've got nothing else to do."

Most people people make such statements in jest, but I'm quite certain lawkota is serious about that.

Definitely, the '87 team.

taz

[The Sicatoka]

Like tnt stated, it might all depend on who was reffing as to who would win.

One opinion:

With a present day referee, the 1987 team would win in a walkaway. The 1982 team would always have a man in the penalty box. (We daren't have contact in college hockey any more. )

However, if the game were played with Medo Martinello officiating, The Hrkac Circus line would have been worn down and the 1982 team would win on a late goal.

I'd say they'd play a seven-game series to six or seven games with 1987 coming out on top.

At this point I almost feel obliged to say, "Ditka, in a school bus. Da Bears!"