NorthDakotaHockey Posted January 19, 2004 Share Posted January 19, 2004 Just got back from the weekend series in Houghton. For those of you looking for a road trip in the future, don't rule Houghton out. Although we drove from the Cities (370 miles/ 6.5 hours in a Ford), I don't think that the trip is much further from GF. A couple of tanks of gas each way, at most. Here are some random observations, in no particular order: 1. Sioux looked damned solid, over-all. After going up 4-0 in game one, they seemed to think that they might have a walk in the park. 4-3 after two, with some stupid penalties that, curiously, did not hurt much. You could hear the chairs slamming against the visitor's locker room walls up in the concourse. Sioux came out and controlled the 3rd, without Greene taking much ice time. 2. Visitor's locker room walls are painted pink. The best psychological warfare that the Tech techies can come up with, at least since about 1976. 3. Blais, Hakstol, and the team are class acts on the road. Courteous to me and my kids, who did not hawk them for any sticks, pucks, or autographs, unlike some of the kids at The Ralph, who are incessant. Coats and ties. No troubles. No problems. Contrast this atmosphere with the Woog years where, rumour has it, old Dougie himself was tapping the team keg on a Friday night. 4. Houghton and the UP are beautiful. Took a drive up to the tip Saturday afternoon. Snowing like bunnies at it. A great MTU ski hill. You can combine two nights of WCHA hockey with skiing, skating, or, if you prefer, drinking in the hotel bar. 5. Hale replaced Massen on Saturday, Marvin for Greene. I suspect that Blais was sending a message to Greene for stupid play at times, and a message on Saturday night in Houghton is better than one on Friday night in Mariucci. 6. Tech's John Scott is a largely talent-short goon. Was trying to pick fights with anyone and everyone all night long on Saturday. Prpich, and everyone else, were smart enough to just laugh him off for the joke that he is. With about two minutes to go on Saturday, we had had enough. Although we were behind the bench, I was unclear whether Dean sent Ryan out to talk to Scott, or if Ryan asked for permission. In any event, Ryan unhooked the helmet and invited Scott to chat. 7. "Cheap Hit" Scott had the upper hand, but ONLY because of a sucker punch with Campion in between the boys before the fight started. Campion had his helmet against Hales face. Scott's punch hits Campion's helmet, which in turn opened the gash on Hale's face. Nasty one. Scott's hands could never have done that. It was the hard plastic and metal snaps on the helmet that did the damage. 8. Hale was livid and would have killed Scott had the fight been allowed to continue. Don't let the Tech crowd, or anyone else, tell you any different. 9. Scott needs to be roughed up by the crowd come March 5-6. 10. Tech students were all over our guys in the box. Some fat slob showing his titties through the glass. Inane, cleverless stuff for the most part. Our students will know what to do. 11. The "Over-Rated" Chant came just after the fight. Not sure where that one came in, after the home team had been dominated for two nights. Our players were into it, slapping their sticks on the boards in time with the chant. 12. While the fight penalties were being sorted out, and before that on some multiple minors, the Tech bench kept jawing from across the ice. (Benches are on opposite sides). Calling our players out to fight. Funny. They could not compete in the game of hockey, and had it been twenty years ago, they would have had their clocks cleaned by our boys, no doubt. 13. The Parise/Murray/Stafford line was near unstoppable. Zach was particularly all over it. Both he and Bochenski showed Connor, a fine player who is a bit of a chippy whiner, where the Hobey should likely land. 14. Goaltending was solid from both goalies, although Tech's power-play was essentially a joke. 15. Tech's five minute major for running into the goaltender was well deserved, and was the start of the rising temperatures. Sioux made them pay with the two third period PP goals. 16. Tech fans, at least those near us, are crybabies and foul mouths. I like to cheer, and I like to heckle. I do not have time for profanities and sexist banter from mindless thugs. The guy kept crowing about how we fight like girls. It was then that my kids and I stood up, turned around, and started our "Beat the Traffic" chant, looking right at the boor. Fun. Funny. I think Deano even noticed and chuckled. Once the band figured out that we were being heard, they cranked up a number. 17. The building was about half-full. The Tech Band was a blast. Good atmosphere, if only they could put some seats in the seats. 18. Wanted to go with a "Spiro Agnew" or "Gerald Ford" chant. These guys were running the country back when Tech had its last semblance of a championship team. 19. Team left after the game. Bus driver a great guy. It was snowing and blowing. He said, as most of us know, that driving that bus is like carrying a sheet of plywood in the wind. He says he knows how he is driving by looking in the mirror. If the boys are wide-eyed and awake, he knows that he is all over the road. If they are sound asleep, he is doing his job well. 20. Al's Pals had about forty. Got to talk to him. He is a class act himself. They hit the road this morning. He sure knows how to put together a trip. If you have not already done so, jump on his UMD trip if he has any slots left. 21. Can't help but figure that Hale was allowed to fight for the team, knowing he'd take a KO for the Friday Gopher game. He is a solid captain, even though he doesn't always skate. I'd put my money on him against Scott any day on the ice, without ref's helmets getting in the way. 22. Assuming CC does not tank totally, the West Regional is looking like the Sioux, the Gophers, CC, and some eastern patsie. The NCAA does not like us, or the WCHA. The WCHA teams who get thrown out East may have a solid chance to run to the Frozen Four. 23. Hennessy is earning his dough. Plane got snowed in, and he probably has not yet left Houghton. He was going to ride Al's bus, but the airline had already checked his luggage and they would not give it back to them. 24. Although likely a meaningless end-of-season series, we should kill Tech in March, just for the sake of drilling them. Those guys will be shell-shocked by The Ralph, and by our fine student section, who will be armed for Scott, Connor, and that little 5'5" freak they have who was also running his mouth and causing trouble. 25. Twenty-five. Enough said. Sorry for the length of this post for those of you still reading. Seriously, plan a future trip to Houghton. If we are on their schedule next year, maybe it can be for their Winter Carnival. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheSiouxFan Posted January 19, 2004 Share Posted January 19, 2004 Reading other fans descriptions of road trips are the best. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diggler Posted January 19, 2004 Share Posted January 19, 2004 CC isn't going to be in the NC$$. They aren't very good right now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Siouxhockey03 Posted January 19, 2004 Share Posted January 19, 2004 awesome post, that was fun to read.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jk Posted January 19, 2004 Share Posted January 19, 2004 awesome post, that was fun to read.... Agreed. Thanks very much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Riverman Posted January 19, 2004 Share Posted January 19, 2004 A view from Al's "Fun Bus" I would say the "some" fans the ones around the ages of 18-20 who were chanting and being a- hole in one's really had no clue. Over rated that we didn't pump 4 more goals on them on Sat. Night? I did meet a great fan who came up and told us (fans) we were class acts.I think he was himself a class act.I admire that type of person.Tip of the hat to that fan! The Blue Line Club lunch was awesome!!!! "Deano" where can I get my signed autographed fight tape!!!!! The long and short of the last comment: While Deano was the hockey coach at Minot he boxed in a tuff man "boxing" bout to raise money for the school.The victim was the local sheriff. Any way Deano the "Champ" won. And the tape we seen was a classic!!! Big Eddie your next!!!! As for the trip I loved it and will do it again! Three cheers for Leon and Al! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redwing77 Posted January 19, 2004 Share Posted January 19, 2004 The 5'5" short dude's name is Pittis, btw. Thanks for the run down. I'd love to go to UMD on the fun bus and all Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fedorov Posted January 19, 2004 Share Posted January 19, 2004 What is the price for the bus trip? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jloos Posted January 19, 2004 Share Posted January 19, 2004 6. Tech's John Scott is a largely talent-short goon. Was trying to pick fights with anyone and everyone all night long on Saturday. Prpich, and everyone else, were smart enough to just laugh him off for the joke that he is. With about two minutes to go on Saturday, we had had enough. Although we were behind the bench, I was unclear whether Dean sent Ryan out to talk to Scott, or if Ryan asked for permission. In any event, Ryan unhooked the helmet and invited Scott to chat. Radio announcers made it sound like Hale had the worse of it. I believe Scott is the D-man that is built like an offensive lineman, 6-7 250 more or less. Anyone that big that is not playing in the NHL must not have much for talent. Sounds like he would be better served playing in the Northern Ontario goon league. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
U2Bad1 Posted January 19, 2004 Share Posted January 19, 2004 22. Assuming CC does not tank totally, the West Regional is looking like the Sioux, the Gophers, CC, and some eastern patsie. The NCAA does not like us, or the WCHA. The WCHA teams who get thrown out East may have a solid chance to run to the Frozen Four. NO WAY that the NCAA puts 3 WCHA teams into one regional. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CoteauRinkRat Posted January 19, 2004 Share Posted January 19, 2004 That was a great recap from someone who was there, thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beg2differ Posted January 19, 2004 Share Posted January 19, 2004 The part of your post about the Hale-Scott fight definitely would not ring true to most people who were there. About the only thing I'd agree with was that Hale was livid as he went off. He was hurt, very much bloodied, and had been thoroughly dispatched. Scott pounded him hard, right out of the box, and connected with many blows to the head before the linesmen stepped in. Odd you believe that bare knuckles can't open up a forehead over an eye! Where did that idea come from? I have no idea of exactly what prompted Hale to drop his gloves and take off his helmet, and I wish the whole incident hadn't happened. But I am sure that Hale was lucky this fight got stopped when it did. He lost very badly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WPoS Posted January 19, 2004 Share Posted January 19, 2004 Tech has the BIGGEST player I think in college hockey (Scott) and one of the smallest in Pittis. Kinda funny, the midget and the giant all on one team! WPoS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cfm567b27 Posted January 19, 2004 Share Posted January 19, 2004 Tech has the BIGGEST player I think in college hockey (Scott) and one of the smallest in Pittis. Kinda funny, the midget and the giant all on one team! WPoS On the Tech website they list Scott as 235 I think..Is he really 250? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WPoS Posted January 19, 2004 Share Posted January 19, 2004 the guy is HUGE, can't skate real well and handles a puck like Parris Hilton handles road kill. Scott literally steps over the boards while Pittis requires the door! WPoS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sprig Posted January 19, 2004 Share Posted January 19, 2004 Given the way Scott skates, and the fighting rules in college hockey, it is hard to believe he is on any D1 team. He is a horrible dman. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NorthDakotaHockey Posted January 19, 2004 Author Share Posted January 19, 2004 I have no idea of exactly what prompted Hale to drop his gloves and take off his helmet . . . . How about Tech cheapshotting and trash talking all weekend long? How about Tech taking the five minute major (should have been a game DQ) for knocking Jordan Parise near unconscious on a goalie interference penalty? How about Scott always getting in the face of Sioux players following whistles rather than skating back to his bench? Beg2, we can agree to disagree on this one. From my vantage point, Scott jumped in when he saw Hale being held by the ref, and that is the only reason why he got the upper hand. How much snow you guys getting up in Houghton today? You've a beautiful spot of the world. Why bother letting trash like Scott foul it up? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diggler Posted January 19, 2004 Share Posted January 19, 2004 Tech has the BIGGEST player I think in college hockey (Scott) and one of the smallest in Pittis. Kinda funny, the midget and the giant all on one team! WPoS We're gonna have to remember this for a sign. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sprig Posted January 19, 2004 Share Posted January 19, 2004 We're gonna have to remember this for a sign. Scott and Pittis=Siamese Twins Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jk Posted January 19, 2004 Share Posted January 19, 2004 Houghton's newspaper account of Saturday's game included this description of Murray's third period PP goal: "Murray notched the first at 13:27. He was just to the right of Luker and Genoway Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fedorov Posted January 19, 2004 Share Posted January 19, 2004 He might have been hit less in the corner compared to being in the crease. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NorthDakotaHockey Posted January 19, 2004 Author Share Posted January 19, 2004 He might have been hit less in the corner compared to being in the crease. That's a fact, Jack. Hey UMDogzman, or whoever you are. Sandelin will be smart to sit that front line goalie of yours this weekend against Tech. Reichmuth. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PCM Posted January 19, 2004 Share Posted January 19, 2004 JPar must have looked pretty cool scrapping in the corner in his gear, before feeding Genoway. I think it was a couple weeks ago on the coaches show that Blais said he told JPar that if wanted to handle the puck, he should be a defenseman. Maybe Jordan took him up on it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
7>4 Posted January 19, 2004 Share Posted January 19, 2004 the guy is HUGE, can't skate real well and handles a puck like Parris Hilton handles road kill. Scott literally steps over the boards while Pittis requires the door! WPoS Hillarious WoPS!! Also, great recap North Dakota Hockey. Let's hope for a similar run down on a couple of W's this weekend. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YaneA Posted January 20, 2004 Share Posted January 20, 2004 I was also with Al's Pals on the Fun Bus. Great time in Houghton, a beautiful part of the country. Not only did the team sweep, but Sioux fans won two 50-50 raffles & I even won an Easton T-shirt in one of Tech's promotions. Odds were in our favor though, as there were very few Techies in attendance. Their Pep Band rocks, however! I couldn't figure out the "over-rated" chant at all. Must be some strange sort of Yooper humor. From my vantage point, it looked like Ryan got the worst of the fight with the big guy. Could be he was holding back, waiting for exhaustion to set in, but I didn't see Hale land a single punch. Al has 2 buses going to Duluth (tickets, transportation & keg should be about $100) but he says they are nearly full already. The Duluth trip is always fun even though we get the lousiest seats, very last row, up steep, unrailed steps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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