NorthDakotaHockey Posted January 3, 2004 Posted January 3, 2004 For those of you who earnestly awaited the webcast of the highly entertaining WCHA war last night, this from today's GF Herald: UND media relations director Dan Benson said. "We're very disappointed that we weren't able to bring the game to UND fans. We were told the decision was made by some level of the St. Cloud State administration." UND athletic director Roger Thomas and WCHA commissioner Bruce McLeod eventually interceded in the dispute, but St. Cloud didn't relent, even taking away the press credentials from Keller and Weisser, Benson said. Geez, I wonder who it was in the SCSU administration who made this fair play? Anyway, for those of you who did not see the game, it was a fine WCHA battle. The Sioux showed huge moxy by coming back from down 3-0 early before a hostile Huskie crowd. Parise, and all of the others, got a fair taste of the road ahead in opposing arenas. No place in the league is a lay down by any stretch. Bochenski, as well as the fourth line of Palmascino, Hale, and Marvin, were solid. Smaby is still on a learning curve. Fylling and Genoway are stepping up huge. That pipe that Bochenski rang off of the face-off with seven seconds must still be ringing in all of our ears. A BIG Sioux crowd. Tonight will be a big game. Both teams are tired. The Sioux could have SCSU on the ropes. They did a great job of skating through, and around, SCSU's famed clutch'n'grab. Gotta hand it to those Huskie fans. They are loud, and they got on goalies like there is no tomorrow. I suppose the webcast is a no go again tonight? How do you spell unbelievable? Roy Saigo. Quote
sprig Posted January 3, 2004 Posted January 3, 2004 Can we assume that SCSU also blacked out the Victory One broadcast? Quote
01grad Posted January 3, 2004 Posted January 3, 2004 It wasn't on Victory or the Fighting Sioux Network, sprig? Quote
rochsioux Posted January 3, 2004 Posted January 3, 2004 Here is the version from the St. Cloud paper: St. Cloud Times Quote
NorthDakotaHockey Posted January 3, 2004 Author Posted January 3, 2004 SCSU did have operating TV cameras. I sat near one. They were also taking extra time, from time to time, for commercial breaks. I heard someone say that the game was on locally in St. Cloud, channel 65. Don't know if that would have been Victory Sports or not. Victory did offer its feed to all Twin Cities cable companies but I think that that offer has, to date, been refused. Money wars. Negotiating positioning. Gopher BB fans are the biggest to suffer right now. Quote
sprig Posted January 3, 2004 Posted January 3, 2004 It wasn't on Victory or the Fighting Sioux Network, sprig? Not sure about Victory, FSSN only has home games. (Edit: Judging from the SC Times article, it would appear Victory was the only broadcast. Don't know if the cable co's will hold out when the Twins start, but I hope this operation - Victory -goes down the tubes.) SCSU is a bush league operation start to finish * A portrait of Sam LoPresti was coincidentally missing from the west end of the Hockey Center for this weekend's series. Some fans, already upset that LoPresti's uniform of the Chicago Blackhawks was modified so as not to feature an Indian head, were concerned it was taken down in the name of political correctness. Kurtz, however, said the portrait's frame was damaged during some recent maintenance and it will be restored. Unbelievable Quote
PCM Posted January 3, 2004 Posted January 3, 2004 SCSU's decison couldn't have had anything to do with the fact that the Webcast is associated with Ralph Engelstad Arena, could it? No. Of course not. Tim Hennessy said on Friday night's radio broadcast that the excuse given was that the game wasn't sold out. So how does it make sense to broadcast it locally, but not allow the Webcast? Typical SCSU tricks. Quote
sprig Posted January 3, 2004 Posted January 3, 2004 Laughable that they would black out a web cast because a game wasn't sold out, but allow a cable TV broadcast. Even more laughable for them to think they could force Victory One down someone's throats by zapping a web cast. Sounds like SCSU has jumped into bed with a cable channel wannabe. Quote
huskies679 Posted January 3, 2004 Posted January 3, 2004 Sprig- I think you are right in the fact that SCSU is "in bed" with Victory Sports. SCSU was directed to cut all "unauthorized" feeds. I also am unhappy with Victory Sports, they are a joke! The gam was on victory but the only place SCSU fans can watch is in Sauk Centre, MN. So don't balme SCSU admin, its not a trick, its about $ and Victory Sports. Quote
ScottM Posted January 3, 2004 Posted January 3, 2004 I think it's telling of the SCCC administration to sell TV rights to a start-up organization that can't even get on in the most basic markets. I doubt PC has as much to do with it, as opposed to utter stupidity. At least last season, you could see a number of SCCC games on Channel 45/12 in the Twin Cities. Victory wants top tier rates per subscriber along the pricing that ESPN and Fox Sports can get, yet they don't offer the "quality" programming and object to being put in a premium tier. Pohlad & Co. don't have anything to offer to command that pricing outside of Twins baseball, and it's doubtful Charter, TimeWarner, etc. will pay ESPN rates just to carry that sport. Quote
NorthDakotaHockey Posted January 3, 2004 Author Posted January 3, 2004 One more gripe about SCSU. Their game program, at $3.00, is chock full of ads and short on any meaningful information. To top it off, it had the Denver University Roster listed under The University of North Dakota!! Not a stitch of information on the Sioux. When I went to get my money back, the poor vendor indicated that she had no authority to do so. Rather than dicker with her, I will keep in as a testament to the ineptness of an organization too obsessed with the small things in life (Indian names and logos) that it has lost sight of its larger purpose . . . . to serve its fan base and to further its own reputation. Quote
sprig Posted January 3, 2004 Posted January 3, 2004 One more gripe about SCSU. Their game program, at $3.00, is chock full of ads and short on any meaningful information. To top it off, it had the Denver University Roster listed under The University of North Dakota!! Not a stitch of information on the Sioux. When I went to get my money back, the poor vendor indicated that she had no authority to do so. Rather than dicker with her, I will keep in as a testament to the ineptness of an organization too obsessed with the small things in life (Indian names and logos) that it has lost sight of its larger purpose . . . . to serve its fan base and to further its own reputation. SCSU's reputation has been furthered, but not in a good direction Quote
PCM Posted January 3, 2004 Posted January 3, 2004 Don't forget this classic move by SCSU with former Huskies player Tyler Arneson, who plays for the Chicago Fuzzy Logos of the NHL. This photo is from SCSU's hockey media guide. Quote
huskies679 Posted January 3, 2004 Posted January 3, 2004 Morris Kurtz (SCSU AD) is a horrible promoter, fundraiser, and he is lazy. When he goes the SCSU athletic depts rep will get better. There is only one direction it can go and that is up. BELIEVE ME most SCSU fans, boosters, and alumni are all unhappy with Kurtz. And NorthDakotaHockey, the issue of the Sioux name and logo is not an issue for SCSU fans and it was only made an issue in the media and the 20 protestors seen at the games. Hope its a good game tonight! Quote
redwing77 Posted January 3, 2004 Posted January 3, 2004 It is bush league but let me propose this: Do you think the REA should return the favor? I mean, what course of action should the REA and the UND AD take? As for SCSU's reasoning, here's some irony. This practice of not televising homegames because they are not sold out is not a new philosophy. Who, mind you, practices this as well? Why, no one other than the Chicago Blackhawks. Chicago residents can only view Blackhawk games in two major ways: Go see them life at home, or wait for the Blackhawks to go on the road so it will be televised. Interesting that the Sioux broadcasts are polar oposites. Go see them live or watch the broadcast when they are at home, or buy a webcast when they are away. Quote
soSIOUXme Posted January 3, 2004 Posted January 3, 2004 Considering that the webcasts are pay-per-view and subscription I would be surprised if there were not contracts (written or verbal) in place with all away teams/venues etc. If there were I would think SCSU would have to provide refunds ***Visions of SCSU admin having to cut checks to Fighting Sioux fans-- priceless!*** of course I, unlike half of this board, am not a lawyer Quote
NorthDakotaHockey Posted January 3, 2004 Author Posted January 3, 2004 Huskies 679. I know the name/logo is not an issue or a concern with the vast majority of Huskie fans. SCSU fans are a solidbunch who know their hockey, and who appreciate their hockey. Tonight's game will be the best collegiate game in the country tonight, and this weekend. Bar none. The Gophers-BU participants will be but pretenders. Quote
CoteauRinkRat Posted January 3, 2004 Posted January 3, 2004 This really frustrates me to no end. Quote
jloos Posted January 3, 2004 Posted January 3, 2004 It appears in SCSU's administrations quest not to offend anybody, they are in fact offending several people. From the SCSU fans I know they are embarassed of the PC actions. Personally I am offended that they will not use the Sioux name. I lived in Bloomington last year, the game was broadcast on channel 45 but the announcers could not use the word Sioux. One announcer refused to go along and was escorted out of the press box. Not sure what happened to him. Kurt Vonnegut's Harrison Bergeron should be required reading for the SCSU faculty and administration. Then again they are probably to dumb to get the message. Quote
DamStrait Posted January 4, 2004 Posted January 4, 2004 Saigo is a grade-a first-class crap-sack ass-clown. When his arguments are found to be without merit, he resorts to pettiness as revenge. The only wonder is that with his track record, and in a state such as MN, that he has not yet been awarded the presidency of UMN. St. Clown Community College's excuse of exclusive TV rights will undoubtedly go by the boards when UMN visits and the games are broadcast on UMSC (University of MN Sports Channel, aka Fox Sports-North). They want to play hard ball? Fine, drum their useless carcasses out of both the WCHA and the NCC. We'll see how willing they are to take a stand then. Okay, rant over. I honestly don't know what UND's response ought to be. To respond in kind would be dragging themselves down to their level. Ignoring it may encourage them. Perhaps some sort of behind-the-scenes action would be the most appropriate? Quote
Smoggy Posted January 4, 2004 Posted January 4, 2004 1) The whole thing is stupid. The webcast can't hurt their attendance, because it's for people like me who are in cali (though here now). Victory is a joke, because even St. Cloud can't watch it. 2) UND should have a huge gripe on their hands if/when Gopher TV (FSN) is allowed to broadcast. 3) Remember when MSC promised regional coverage of college sports? Maybe that's why no cable company will trust Victory. 4) As for the alterring of pictures; isn't that illegal? The Blackhawks/photographer should sue. 5) PETA needs to go after the Huskie name. They are some of the most mistreated animals. Iditarod. (I am of course joking, but wouldn't mind UND retalliating in some way.) 6) Someone on USCHO mentioned that Blais and Thomas said we'd wear blank jerseys and play SCSU if they asked. I don't remember this being said. Any truth to it? I would think RT and DB have too much pride to do something like that. Quote
siouxfan1 Posted January 4, 2004 Posted January 4, 2004 I really don't know what the answer is, but the way the officials handled the webcast and are concerned about PC issues in the world, should not SCSU become an independent in Division 1 (Hockey) and then they can play whom they wish. I would assume that by playing the Sioux last night and Friday the money was very good for them. The Sioux packed the place, the fans came to see the # 1 team in the nation and also the best team in the nation. So again, if SCSU is so concerned about the logo, then stop playing the Sioux and join another league or go independent and lose the money. But like others, money talks louder than your actions! (PC) Go Sioux!!! Bochenski for Hobey!! Quote
redwing77 Posted January 5, 2004 Posted January 5, 2004 Let's be fair towards Fox Sports North! I just watched a commercial that said something to the effect of "Minnesota First." Ok, that means that they favor Minnesota over ND and anywhere else. No, that doesn't make them impartial, but they at least admit that they have a bias. They are Gopher TV, but they are not denying it. THey are admitting it. Edit: The saying is "Where Minnesota fans come first." Quote
DBSearle Posted January 5, 2004 Posted January 5, 2004 I don't think SCSU officials had much say about the broadcast rights for this weekend's games, as was previously mentioned; this is a major urination contest between Victory and local carriers such as Astound, Charter and US Cable and others. With Carl Pohlad owning Victory, don't expect anything good happening for a while. As far as Roy Saigo goes, I think you can pretty much expect him to stir things up whenever the Sioux are in town.(Funny how the protestors, all six of them, never demonstrate at Husky/Sioux girls tennis "showdowns") Saigo will always pursue any kind of perceived racial problem because of two main reasons..... 1.) He was interned in a Japanese/American camp as a child with his family during World War II in California. (Ralph Englestad's supposed interests probably don't help in this case). 2.) The messy discrimination case that happened at the start of his hiring was the ultimate bad press and never should have been settled out of court. That being said, I saw two fabulous hockey games this weekend. The Sioux look primed for April. Quote
CoteauRinkRat Posted January 5, 2004 Posted January 5, 2004 That sounds like an apology for SCSU. Quote
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