Sioux vs Badgers

[brianvf]

Blaise......took a program that had a hard time winning.......brought them back to a respectable level of play.....and took it from there.

Hakstol......took a winning program and has shown them how to lose.

This team has great talent on it.....and right now it appears that Hak does not  know how to use it, and for that matter, seems to be in over his head. This is D-1 hockey, and he needs to coach like it.

For being such a BLAIS lover, you still have trouble spelling BLAIS.

Hakstol took over a winning team that lost alot of talent. The guys that are here now were thrust into leader and scoring roles this year, and they are not used to that. They will get used to their roles, and this team will still be dangerous. With Hakstol as the coach.

[neoflexx]

WTF are you smoking?

Dangerous how!? how has this team shown in ANY WAY that they can be dangerous.

Secondly, most of the starters on this team played last year. You make it sound as if they are putting skates on for the first time and we should all be happy that they score maybe 1 or 2 goals a night?

The only thing dangerous about Hakstol is his ablility to lose games, lose recruits, lose fans at games, lose sponsership, and hopefully lose his job.

[DAR]

I agree with Diggler.  Relax a little.  I'll still be here when things turn around, knowing I was on board the whole time.

And you're wrong on Kessel; there was no shot there, Blais or not.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Oh OK and you have some insider information on this? Blais was a hell of a recruiter. I do not think that coach Hak would have lured Parise to UND! If Blais was still coach, NDwould have had a good shot at Kessel. Not that he is a Parise but he will be a good player.

[brianvf]

Secondly, most of the starters on this team played last year. You make it sound as if they are putting skates on for the first time and we should all be happy that they score maybe 1 or 2 goals a night?

The only thing dangerous about Hakstol is his ablility to lose games, lose recruits, lose fans at games, lose sponsership, and hopefully lose his job.

Yep, you have some problems. Yes, this is a dangerous Sioux team, but fairweather fans such as yourself don't realize the potential that they show.

No, I didn't make it sound as if I was happy that we should be happy with their scoring right now. You are good at trying to put words in people's mouths. I said that the players that we have are in different roles than last year. Look at Rory. He was a defensive forward, face-off specialist the last few years, but now he has to change his game to become more offensive-oriented. This takes time.

I get the feeling that you are not a Sioux fan, rather just a fan of an opposing team that is on here just trying to strike fear into the average Sioux fan. Go back to your teams' message board and leave the real Sioux fans here in peace.

[brianvf]

Oh OK and you have some insider information on this? Blais was a hell of a recruiter. I do not think that coach Hak would have lured Parise to UND! If Blais was still coach, NDwould have had a good shot at Kessel. Not that he is a Parise but he will be a good player.

For the second time, Hakstol did most of the recruiting even when Blais was head coach.

And about Kessel, he has pretty much always had the same teams on his list:

BC, BU, Minnie, Mich, and Wisco.

UND was never listed as a possible school in any of the articles that I saw.

[DAR]

For the second time, Hakstol did most of the recruiting even when Blais was head coach.

And about Kessel, he has pretty much always had the same teams on his list:

BC, BU, Minnie, Mich, and Wisco.

UND was never listed as a possible school in any of the articles that I saw.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yes at the beginning UND was one of the schools he was considering. The point that Hak did most of the recruiting under Blais means nothing. Blais was the final authority on recruiting and the vast majority of the currect UND palyers are here in most part because of coach Blais. Hak can do as many recruiting visits as he wants but no big time recruit is going to make his decision based on an associate head coach. So believe me Blais was the driving force in recruiting while he was coach.

[SiouxTupa]

The Sioux suck this year. Horrible play all weekend and then we give up two empty net goals. Yuck.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

All I have to say is that it's negative posting from you and a few others that is really keeping me from this board. Apparently we don't have patience any more. I really love this board and enjoy hearing things from UND fans and especially outsiders and opponents views. In fact, I'm starting to like hearing from them better because all many Sioux "fans" on this board are doing is complaining.

The effort in Wisconsin through a good part of the weekend was GREAT. They totally dominated parts of both games, especially the second period tonight, and if it werent for Bruckler the score would be different for both games. Seriously, how many times do we have to say "Remember DU last year, or UMinn, etc" before people understand that peaking at the right time is key.

Were we really spoilled the last few years, beginning the season on fire and ending it "off fire" Did the "Parise Era" produce what it intended?? NO!!!

I'm sick of hearing about the end of the world, and I know I'm only one poster, but I really don't want to come back here anymore... at least not to see the amount of bitching that goes on.

[neoflexx]

Your so clairvoyant! I am actually a fan of another hocky team sent here to pose fear, deception, and paranoia amongst the throng.

But i can see that your such a sage, to be begiled to such foolishness.......b/c your last statment didn't sound like paranoia at all!?

As i have said, as fans we have the right to critisize Hakstol by a lackluster season thus far by the sioux. But evidantly individuals such as yourself are happy that the season is going so splendidly.....that losing top recruits was something that could not have been avoided.

SCREW YOU!!!! Not only are we losing games, but prospects. Who in their right mind would want to go to a school that was once a top team in the country, but now has an unproven coach, and is losing games. Hakstol needed to establish the program early as a potential conference threat.....and right now he is riding the reputiation of that threat left here by Blais. AND FYI.....it was Blais who told Hakstol which players to go after and it was Blais the ultimately got the player to go to UND>....hakstol was only a lackey.

BUT HEY>....just being paranoid.....right? (not a sioux fan.....cmon....you could do better....

[brianvf]

But i can see that your such a sage, to be begiled to such foolishness.......b/c your last statment didn't sound like paranoia at all!?

As i have said, as fans we have the right to critisize Hakstol by a lackluster season thus far by the sioux.  But evidantly individuals such as yourself are happy that the season is going so splendidly.....that losing top recruits was something that could not have been avoided.

SCREW YOU!!!!

Wow, I guess you are right. Hakstol is the element that is driving this Sioux team on an unrecoverable downward spiral.

The team will never be the same, the program will never win another game, let alone another championship.

So we should hire another coach for you to complain about and call for their firing.

I stand by my team, through thick and thin. I will agree that their record could be better thus far, but I see potential in this team. I also will critisize when I get frustrated with the team, but you are going to another level with your complaining. It is November. If I recall, championships aren't won or lost for another 5 months. That's alot of hockey to be played.

[brianvf]

The effort in Wisconsin through a good part of the weekend was GREAT.  They totally dominated parts of both games, especially the second period tonight, and if it werent for Bruckler the score would be different for both games.  Seriously, how many times do we have to say "Remember DU last year, or UMinn, etc" before people understand that peaking at the right time is key. 

A Sioux fan with common sense. Nice to see these days.

I agree.

[brianvf]

Who in their right mind would want to go to a school that was once a top team in the country, but now has an unproven coach, and is losing games.

These guys don't seem to have a problem playing for an "unproven coach that is losing games":

Andrew Kozek-LC (10/1/04) Surrey (BCHL) 5'11 175 6-8-86 58-19-22-41-67

Matt Watkins-LC (9/26/04) Vernon (BCHL) 5'10 175 11-22-86 2004 SMHL

Zach Jones-RD (7/26/04) USNDPT U-18 Team 5'11 175 1-14-87

Chris Vandevelde-LW (6/8/04) Moorhead 6'2 180 3-15-87 (for 2006)

Brad Miller-LW (3/12/04) Green Bay (USHL) 5'10 170 1-31-86

T.J. Oshie-LC (2/5/04) Warroad 5'10 165 12-23-86

Brian Lee-RD (2/3/04) Moorhead 6'2 180 3-27-87 2004 USA U-18 team;

Ryan Duncan-RW (12/18/03) Salmon Arm (BCHL) 5'6 155 7-14-85

Taylor Chorney-LD (10/23/03) Shattuck St.Marys 5'10 170 4-27-87 2004

Keep in mind that alot of them commited with Hakstol as the head coach of the Sioux.

[Handyman]

Jesus...according to that tool you guys have already lost all the best upcoming recruits...that must suck

Whats funny is that Hakstol is coaching all Blais recruits and they are playing bad but it is his fault. Shouldn't it be Blais' for recruiting them? I mean it will be Hak's fault when his recruits suck (which is inevitable according to some of you) for him shouldn't Blais be held to the same standard?

To be serious for a second, while I think UND jumped the gun hiring Hak so quickly I dont think he has done anything to have the fans calling for his head. While some fans on USCHO chose to ignore it, the losses UND had were huge. Add in a new coach and the year was going to be rough. You just have to grin and bear it and hope things get better.

I got in fights with lots of idiots on POI last season when the Gophs started slow but you guys are actually worse. Settle down and just enjoy the season. It is only a game and there are greater tragedies in this world. So the Sioux lost, big friggin deal. I think you guys will live.

I am sure you guys will flame me to high heaven but sometimes it helps to put things into perspective. JMHO though.

[DAR]

These guys don't seem to have a problem playing for an "unproven coach that is losing games":

Andrew Kozek-LC (10/1/04) Surrey (BCHL) 5'11 175 6-8-86 58-19-22-41-67

Matt Watkins-LC (9/26/04) Vernon (BCHL) 5'10 175 11-22-86 2004 SMHL

Zach Jones-RD (7/26/04) USNDPT U-18 Team 5'11 175 1-14-87

Chris Vandevelde-LW (6/8/04) Moorhead 6'2 180 3-15-87 (for 2006)

Brad Miller-LW (3/12/04) Green Bay (USHL) 5'10 170 1-31-86

T.J. Oshie-LC (2/5/04) Warroad 5'10 165 12-23-86

Brian Lee-RD (2/3/04) Moorhead 6'2 180 3-27-87 2004 USA U-18 team;

Ryan Duncan-RW (12/18/03) Salmon Arm (BCHL) 5'6 155 7-14-85

Taylor Chorney-LD (10/23/03) Shattuck St.Marys 5'10 170 4-27-87 2004

Keep in mind that alot of them commited with Hakstol as the head coach of the Sioux.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

All of thse players with the exception of Jones, Kozek, and Watkins were Blais recruits. My main concern is with the style of hockey that I am seeing. Hak said not much would change and that it would be the same high tempo Sioux teams that we have seen under Blais. While what I have seen is a team that cannot complete an outlet pass to save their lives. I have seen the team 3 times in person and I have never seen such a poor passing Sioux team since I have been following the team upon enrolling in school at UND in 1993.

[siouxyeahyeah]

I don't even know where to start with some of you clowns. First of all, has anyone checked the strength of our schedule so far this season? If I'm not mistaken, we're at the top of the list. Could that possibly be a factor in this mediocre play by our squad? Second, a coach can only motivate and teach so much and then it is up to the players to put forth the effort, motivation, skill, work ethic, and whatever else it takes to win games. We could have the greatest coach in the history of hockey at UND right now and we'd still be pretty much at the same place we are now. The problem is we have players that won't step up and be leaders. We have players not playing smart (Smaby to name one) and taking dumb penalties. Sometimes we are put in tough positions by bad reffing. We're missing over 100 points right now (from Bochenski, ZPar, and Murray) which is not easy to overcome. At the same time, I have seen lots of flashes and even (gasp!) longer periods of time where our team looks unbeatable. The problem is we can't put 60 of those minutes together to save our lives. I personally think that many of our power play opportunities have looked better than last year's did. We actually have people shooting ON THE NET instead of passing around the perimeter. I would get sooo frustrated last year on the PP that I began to wish to be on the PK because we would play better then. My point in all this is that there is still a lot of season to be played. There are still leaders to surface and roles to be filled on the team. Whoever thought losing ZPar and Bochenski wouldn't affect this team was on some serious drugs - the sniper in Bochenski has been greatly missed and I don't have to tell you all what kind of a presence Zach had on the team. Chill out, and have a little faith. I'd rather have the rough, character-building, soul-searching moments now than come April wouldn't you?? And lay off of Hakstol - he's one of the smartest coaches I know of and understands the game better than most or all of us on here. Let him do his job and support him instead of pushing for his firing or telling people how much he sucks. This team will turn around - you'll see. And when it does how many of you will be eating crow???

[#1siouxfan22]

Well the forecheck might be the problem. This forecheck isnt working at all. We need more shots. All this talk of firing hak is crap. But this start isnt good. Lammy is still the #1 goalie in my mind.

[DAR]

No one is calling for Hak's head we are simply voicing our concerns as fans. If the team continues to struggle under Hak it will be the REA calling for his head and not the fans because the Ralph will be half empty. A full Ralph cannot even generate much enthusiasm, can you imagine a half-filled Ralph? I say we should go back to the old Ralph for a few series and get some fire in these guys....sometimes I think the plush locker rooms and world class facilities leads to a lackadasical attitude and does not bring out the killer instinct.

[ozone]

Hey SiouxTupa -- don't you dare stay away! Voices of reason are always respected and appreciated on this site!!! Although I'm a "newbie" as a poster on this board, I've actually been "listening in" almost since its inception. After awhile, it's easy to pick out those who know what they're talking about!

As for the coaching "issue" -- in college hockey, you would be hard pressed to find someone who was as respected as Coach Blais. Since Blais was very firm in his support of Coach Hakstol to succeed him... well, enough said!

Bouncing from the televised game to this site after the game, I thought I was having a bipolar moment! Both nights, the commentators were actually quite complimentary to the Sioux. Several times they mentioned that "this is as good as it gets -- two of the best teams in the nation going at it". Then I log on and, low and behold, some of the Sioux "faithful" calling for a lynching!

Come on now... these young men don't deserve this. I'm sure they're hard enough on themselves. I'm not one to go blowing sunshine up the proverbial backside -- quite the opposite -- but I think a little patience is in order and that the best is yet to come!

[sprig]

Good grief.

This thread is good for one thing. Get to see how many "ignored" users fit in "my controls"

THe next few weeks will be interesting, as the Sioux will face teams allowing lots of goals.

[SFSIOUX#1]

Random thoughts from a fan that is sick of people belittling the program:

(1) Some of you idiots remove your head from your @#$ and realize that there have been alot of changes from last year and it will take time for the transition.

(2) It ain't how you are playing in early November that matters - look at Denver.

(3) Yes this team has issues but this ship can be righted - we as Sioux fans need to have some confidence in the program. Didn't we win a few titles before Blais, before Gasparini etc...

(4) That DAR and NEOFLIXX or NEONUTS or whatever the he!! his name is, get a fliipin clue or if I am really lucky never post again on this site.

(5) Funny how once a coach like Blais is gone, all you remember are the glory years and that he could do no wrong.

(6) Blais empowered Hak with the recruiting function that brought in players like Paraise - the well will continue to run deep.

(7) Look at some of the positives - Lammy is the real deal, Zajac looks like a natural goal scorer, our schedule in the next month is a hell of alot better than the last month.

[fargosioux]

ENJOY THE SEASON!!!!!!!

[ScottM]

I'm as frustrated as the next guy, but some of you people had better realize that it's better to take your lumps in the months ending in "r" than those ending in "y". You would think we'd lost to some Mite team at REA, and we have played some tough teams the past few series. The team is adapting to Haks' system, and some guys are learning new roles. It doesn't help that some guys, especially those with a "C" and "A" their sweaters are taking penalties, but that's probably part of the learning process. Hopefully, Murray returns soon to provide more offensive presence and the team is ready to move into 2005 on a hot streak.

[schmidtdoggydog]

I'm as frustrated as the next guy, but some of you people had better realize that it's better to take your lumps in the months ending in "r" than those ending in "y".  You would think we'd lost to some Mite team at REA, and we have played some tough teams the past few series.  The team is adapting to Haks' system, and some guys are learning new roles.  It doesn't help that some guys, especially those with a "C" and "A" their sweaters are taking penalties, but that's probably part of the learning process.  Hopefully, Murray returns soon to provide more offensive presence and the team is ready to move into 2005 on a hot streak.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Well said!

[I Ranger]

I seem to remember last years team had a loss to BC, one to Minnesota, One to CC and were also swept by Wisconsin in Madison but not all in such a little time frame. I just think that after the last two seasons with the fast starts we might be the team that actually is playing its best hockey at the end of the season rather than the beginning.

[Smoggy]

I'm embarrassed at some of the postings coming from a few of these so called Sioux "fans." As a fan you have the right to criticize a decision, but asking for a coach's head after 12 games is stupid. Someone critized the forecheck. I'm fine with that. What's wrong with it? What would you like to see? If you're going to bitch, have a reason and a solution.

All you Blais lovers need to remember that he personally chose Hakstol.

I want to win as much as anyone, but I have no problem with the fair weather fans clearing out of the stadium. Maybe it won't be the "in" thing to do anymore and we can get down to cheering our hockey team on.

[HKNTSMN]

I'm embarrassed at some of the postings coming from a few of these so called Sioux "fans."  As a fan you have the right to criticize a decision, but asking for a coach's head after 12 games is stupid.  Someone critized the forecheck.  I'm fine with that.  What's wrong with it?  What would you like to see?  If you're going to bitch, have a reason and a solution.

All you Blais lovers need to remember that he personally chose Hakstol.

I want to win as much as anyone, but I have no problem with the fair weather fans clearing out of the stadium.  Maybe it won't be the "in" thing to do anymore and we can get down to cheering our hockey team on.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I would like to see some sustained pressure and body checking. I think they need to put Rory, Mike Prpch and Spirko and get some goals. Why not put Mason, Canady and Quinn together and get some veteran leadership...

Let's put Schneider and Fuhrer together on the PP points.. lets make sure someone is going in the corners. make sure we are not screening our goalie and engaging the opponents not waiting for them to come to them. D need better gap control.

I would love to coach these kids and 500 is not good enough for the Sioux...