Practice Schedule

[NorthDakotaHockey]

Last year, the NCAA opened up Mariucci to the public on Thursday to watch each of the four teams practice.

We went. It was pretty cool watching The Dean drill da boys. Very loose.

Very interesting to the eyes of a neophyte.

Anyway, we found out about that session in the Star & Sickle.

Anyone know, or heard, if there will be a practice schedule open to the public at the World Arena this year?

If so, have you any details to share?

This is the best time of the year, for many reasons. The one at, or near, the top, is North Dakota Fighting Sioux hockey.

[Stack]

From the CC web site:

Schedule of Events

The following is a schedule of events, pertinent to the media, for the West Regional:

Thursday, March 25

12:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.: Holy Cross practice

1:45 p.m.: Holy Cross press conference

1:45-2:45 p.m.: North Dakota practice

2:45 p.m.: North Dakota press conference

3:00-4:00 p.m.: Miami (Ohio) practice

4:15 p.m.: Miami (Ohio) press conference

4:15-5:15 p.m.: Denver practice

5:30 p.m.: Denver press conference

5:45 p.m.: Tournament meeting in Wigand Room

Friday, March 26

8:30-9:30 a.m.: Officials skate

9:45-10:45 a.m.: Holy Cross practice

11:00 a.m.-Noon: North Dakota practice

12:15-1:15 p.m.: Miami (Ohio) practice

1:30-2:30 p.m.: Denver practice

4:00-5:30 p.m.: Media/VIP buffet at Arcade Room

5:30 p.m. Regional Semifinal Game 1: Holy Cross vs. North Dakota

7:30-9:00 p.m.: Media meal at Arcade Room

9:00 p.m. Regional Semifinal Game 2: Miami (Ohio) vs. Denver

Saturday, March 27

10:00-11:00: Officials skate

11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.: Game 3 visiting team practice

12:30-1:30 p.m.: Game 3 home team practice

5:30-7:00 p.m.: Media/VIP buffet at Arcade Room

7:00 p.m.: Regional Championship Game

[choyt3]

From the CC web site:

Schedule of Events

The following is a schedule of events, pertinent to the media, for the West Regional:

Thursday, March 25

12:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.: Holy Cross practice

<snip>

HC just might need 13 hours of practice for this one. That still might not be enough.

Just couldn't pass this opportunity up to give a little grief. I certainly don't think the Sioux would overlook HC. Not after last season.

[7>4]

We were disappointed to learn that all practice sessions are closed to the public. Appartently a new rule put in place by the NCAA. So far, Colorado Springs has done a terrible job of promoting the Regionals. Nothing in the sports section today. I suspect there to be better coverage starting tomorrow. Also, you'd think they would have some fan events set up but have not seen anything advertised.

[NorthDakotaHockey]

We were disappointed too. Last year, the NCAA opened up Mariucci on the Thursday practice sessions for all teams. While sparsely attended, it was of great fun, and interest, for the fans who took in the event.

We travel 1,000 miles to arrive for the same treat, and have some Johnny Bar the Door Boy at the World say that he was under strict orders from the NCAA. No admission for the masses.

The NCAA. Always hungry for a dollar, but they fail to set up a fan zone, fail to let fans into a practice skate, and they fail to sell advertising on the boards.

Oh well, we had a fine time talking to some Miami Ohio Redhawks players in the Subway. They will give Denver all it can handle, and probably more.

Funny. The local paper is advertising a DU "get together" at a local establishment for 6:30 tomorrow night before the game. What, they don't realize that there is a game in advance of theirs that they would do well watching?

Great day in the Springs. Garden of the Gods. Historic Manitou Springs. The World Arena. We even saw Roger Thomas, who was more than gracious with his time in talking about many facets of Sioux athletic history. Even got to see his 2000 Championship ring. Real cool.

Probably time to screen Slapshot, Mystery, Alaska, or go see Miracle tonight.

This town will be swimming in the green and white tomorrow night.