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University of North Dakota Hockey: 2011-2012

Re: University of North Dakota Hockey: 2011-2012

Fighting Sioux 23 said:
I don't really care what people think is going to happen with the Sioux. My issue with your prediction was that it didn't make any sense. Typically, players don't leave early after having poor seasons, and yet you think that not only will North Dakota have a terrible season, but they will see a mass defection from the program. To me, that doesn't make sense at all.

I'm not sure how Minnesota has the edge over North Dakota offensively. North Dakota has the more highly regarded offensive recruits coming in, and has the better returning players. Offensively, North Dakota returns 177 points from 14 players (about 12.64 points/player). Minnesota returns 148 points from 17 players (about 8.71 points/player). Added to that, is that North Dakota has a higher regarded incoming freshman class. Obviously, that remains to be seen. Minnesota has had some very highly regarded classes that bombed at the collegiate level. As for Bjugstad and Budish putting up a combined 35 goals, it's completely doable, but considering that they've put up a combined 17 goals in 75 games in their careers, I wouldn't bank on it. FWIW, the Gopher seniors last year put up 51 goals.

Since Hakstol took over, North Dakota has consistently been a top notch Defensive squad. I definitely expect North Dakota to be very sound in our own end next year (along with almost everyone else that I've talked with, Sioux fans and non-Sioux fans).

Here are North Dakota's Team Defense stats since Hakstol took over...

2010-2011: 2.14 gpg (2nd Half: 1.71 gpg)
2009-2010: 2.12 gpg (2nd Half: 2.08 gpg)
2008-2009: 2.74 gpg (2nd Half: 2.53 gpg)
2007-2008: 1.86 gpg (2nd Half: 1.65 gpg)
2006-2007: 2.70 gpg (2nd Half: 2.36 gpg)
2005-2006: 2.37 gpg (2nd Half: 2.26 gpg)
2004-2005: 2.29 gpg (2nd Half: 2.26 gpg)

As we can see, the Sioux under Hakstol have always been a very strong defensive team, especially in the second half of the season. While last year's team was very strong defensively, it was only the third best statistically under Hakstol, and second best in the second half. That's why I'm not too concerned about a fall off defensively.

If you want to call me a homer, that's fine, I am. However, I also like to have some sort of solid argument behind what I say other than ifs and buts. I also think I'm very level headed when it comes to North Dakota hockey.
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Thank you! Excellent analysis!

There are other intangible factors at play here also. As defending WCHA champions, teams will not overlook us, the WCHA will be competative, and we will expect a lot from incomming freshmen. However, having the two WCHA championship trophies in our lobby, the incomming freshmen will be expected defend our WCHA titles. Yes, it will be a big challenge, but I have a feeling that with this incomming group that they will not dissapoint.
 
Re: University of North Dakota Hockey: 2011-2012

Looks like the Badgers may not schedule any more games against the Sioux once they leave the WCHA.

http://host.madison.com/sports/college/hockey/article_3b452884-852a-11e0-b169-001cc4c002e0.html

One complication to the Badgers playing against WCHA opponents is that they wouldn't be able to schedule North Dakota — a major rival and perennial national power — because of its Fighting Sioux nickname and Native American warrior logo. UW has a policy that prohibits scheduling non-conference opponents with monikers that defy an NCAA mandate against racially insensitive nicknames. "We'd love to continue our relationship with North Dakota," Frazier said, "but North Dakota has to figure (its nickname issue) out from an NCAA perspective."
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Sounds like an opportunity for Native American Fighting Sioux hockey fans to sue UW for racial discrimination, Native American hockey fans will clearly be harmed if UW actually refuses to play UND. Any such policy that discriminates against Native Americans should be struck down by the courts as unconstitutional.
 
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Re: University of North Dakota Hockey: 2011-2012

http://slapshot.blogs.nytimes.com/2...attack-islanders-prospect-chooses-free-agency

NY Times report on Jason Gregoire:

Islanders Prospect Chooses Freedom

Jason Gregoire, an Islanders third-round draft pick in 2007, is taking advantage of a loophole and will entertain offers from other teams as an unrestricted free agent in July.

The collective bargaining agreement allows for college players to become free agents 30 days after leaving school, if they are four years removed from their draft year. Gregoire just completed his junior year at North Dakota, but played one season for the Lincoln Stars of the United States Hockey League before joining the Fighting Sioux. By withdrawing from school last week. Gregoire becomes just the second player to take advantage of the loophole. Blake Wheeler, who was selected fourth over all in the 2004 draft by the Phoenix Coyotes, signed as a free agent with the Boston Bruins on July 1, 2008.

The Gregoire case is surprising because he does not share Wheeler’s high draft ranking or upside potential as a scoring forward in the N.H.L. But coming off an excellent junior season in which he scored 25 goals and added 18 assists for 43 points in 35 games, Gregoire (and his agent) may feel he could get a better contract on the open market than the Islanders have offered so far.

Some scouts view the 6-foot, 200-pound left as capable enough to see some action in the N.H.L. next season but do not see him as a special prospect.

In an interview with the Grand Forks Herald, Gregoire said he might still sign with the team that drafted him.

“I hold the Islanders in the highest regard,” Gregoire said. “In no way, shape or form have I ruled them out. I just don’t have all of the information right now to make a decision. I think very highly of them and they think the same of me. They know what’s going to happen as far as me keeping my options open. We’ll talk some more. If they are the best option, I will go with them.”

Despite Gregoire’s optimism, you have to wonder what the rebuilding Islanders think of one of their draft picks — not a premier young player by any stretch — telling the organization that he’ll get back to them after listening to pitches from other teams. It is also fair to calculate that Gregoire and his agent have jumped through the collegiate loophole because, in their opinion, they have not received fair-market offers from the Islanders in the month since Gregoire played his last college game. He may be leaving the door open, but is the team? The Islanders have yet to comment on the matter.

Gregoire was born and raised in Winnipeg. Perhaps he is waiting to see if his hometown gets an N.H.L. franchise.
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Nice to see that Gegoire is competative both on and off the ice.:p Hopefully he will get the contract offer he deserves.:)
 
Re: University of North Dakota Hockey: 2011-2012

Huge amount of local interest in the sale of the Atlanta Thrashers which was completed and will be announced in Winnegeg today, according to ESPN.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=6610414&campaign=rss&source=ESPNHeadlines


Got to love how Jonathan Toews, who is now doing charity work in Winnipeg, is handling all the questions directed at him about the sale. He has been giving credit to Winnipeg and the Jets for helping to make him the player he is today and yet reminding everyone that he loves Chicago and its fans. Seems there are a lot of Winnipegers that want him to captain their new team.

http://www.torontosun.com/2011/05/28/bring-them-on-toews
 
Re: University of North Dakota Hockey: 2011-2012

A proud monent for UND alumni Mark Chipman, the man who brought pro hockey back to Winnipeg.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/spor...ht-pro-hockey-back-to-winnipeg/article2042308

Mr. Chipman ended up winning an athletic scholarship to the University of North Dakota, where he was a receiver and backup quarterback.

He knew his athletic limitations well enough to stick to his studies and he graduated from North Dakota with degrees in economics and law.
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Re: University of North Dakota Hockey: 2011-2012

Just so you guys are aware, it looks like there will be no series with Ferris State this year.

Any further schedule updates? I have you guys at 3 games remaining.
 
Re: University of North Dakota Hockey: 2011-2012

Three Sioux players will participate in the upcoming Montreal Canadians prospect camp: Aaron Dell; Danny Kristo; and Michael Cichy.
http://www.montrealgazette.com/sports/Canadiens+have+some+holes+fill/4892304/story.html
The most promising player in the group may be Aaron Dell, who will join University of North Dakota teammates Danny Kristo and Michael Cichy at the camp. Dell earned All-America honours after posting a 30-7-2 record with a 1.79 goals-against average.
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Re: University of North Dakota Hockey: 2011-2012

With NHL draft at the X in just a couple weeks, any Sioux fans planning on attending?

Sounds like an opportunity to meet some of the players and their families. Would be awsome if the UND pep band was in the building to play the Fight Song everytime a Sioux player gets drafted.

Sioux players in the news: (Don't worry this is good news. :D)

http://www.edmontonjournal.com/sports/Sons+famous+Oilers+bring+draft+dilemma/4916912/story.html

Simpson, who will join his son at the draft ... Dillon has talked to the Oilers, and will have a few interviews with other teams once he gets to Minnesota for draft week. ... Dillon, a puck-moving defenceman, went to university a year early, at age 17. While a solid 192 pounds, he was still a babe competing against 23and 24-year-olds a lot of nights for North Dakota, one of the top-rated teams in the U.S. Dillon's mother, Christine, and Craig wanted him to go the college route. "Maybe that hurt his draft rankings, but he was playing against men, he's had a year of university at 18, and he got a 4.0 grade-point average in his first year," said Craig, who was at Michigan State at age 16, also studying business. ... Dillon knows what he has to improve. "Foot speed. Been working on it my whole career. My dad always tells me I got the same legs he did," Dillon said jokingly.
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http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2011/06/09/scouts-see-st-clairs-work-ethic-as-second-to-none
"It's not about goals and assists with a kid like Colten (StClair)," Fargo Force coach/director of hockey operations Jason Herter told NHL.com, " It's about the way he brings the entire team up." ...Leadership and work ethic alone won't get St. Clair to the NHL, though, so it's a good thing he also is a highly skilled player. ... "Colten is a tenacious player and a very good skater, and he possesses a very good shot that he can get off quickly," Central Scouting's David Gregory said.
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Re: University of North Dakota Hockey: 2011-2012

SoCalSiouxFan said:
With NHL draft at the X in just a couple weeks, any Sioux fans planning on attending?

Sounds like an opportunity to meet some of the players and their families. Would be awsome if the UND pep band was in the building to play the Fight Song everytime a Sioux player gets drafted.
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:p:D:D

Would they play "Fight on Sioux" when a non-Sioux player gets drafted? Perhaps the students will make the trek down and sieve when goalies are selected?
 
Re: University of North Dakota Hockey: 2011-2012

I havent been following the legal news lately, does anyone know if the team will be wearing alternate jerseys for the post-season, if so when do you think they would be announced/released for sale
 
Re: University of North Dakota Hockey: 2011-2012

7&7 said:
I havent been following the legal news lately, does anyone know if the team will be wearing alternate jerseys for the post-season, if so when do you think they would be announced/released for sale
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If the University of North Dakota makes it to post season, I'm wearing my Fighting Sioux jersey.
And chanting "Lets Go Sioux" incessantly.
 
Re: University of North Dakota Hockey: 2011-2012

SoCalSiouxFan said:
With NHL draft at the X in just a couple weeks, any Sioux fans planning on attending?
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A friend and I plan to attend. Can't pass up free tickets and the opportunity to watch future Sioux get drafted.

7&7 said:
I havent been following the legal news lately, does anyone know if the team will be wearing alternate jerseys for the post-season, if so when do you think they would be announced/released for sale
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According to Brad Schlossman, the UND Athletic Department has a non-Sioux design ready for next season. No word on when the new jersey might be unveiled.
 
Re: University of North Dakota Hockey: 2011-2012

7&7 said:
I havent been following the legal news lately, does anyone know if the team will be wearing alternate jerseys for the post-season, if so when do you think they would be announced/released for sale
Click to expand...

Here is an article from today's Herald. It makes me think that there was some coaching on the language.
http://www.grandforksherald.com/event/article/id/206310
 
Re: University of North Dakota Hockey: 2011-2012

This whole issue has come to a point, at least for me, where, yeah, it's sad to see the name and logo in a point where it is now, but you have to just do what's best for the student athletes. Hockey isn't the only sport at UND (:eek:), and we're already seeing issues potentially with getting rivals on the schedule once the BT rolls out. It's hard to imagine UND without the Fighting Sioux name and logo, but at risk of losing out on the Big Sky for the other sports (not necessarily a conference I like them in), maybe it is something to consider. Granted, the Big Sky may have been coached a bit, or a lot, but to get into a conference like that is not something that comes around every day.

Enough of that. The team/school will always be Fighting Sioux and I will always where Fighting Sioux stuff to games.
 
Re: University of North Dakota Hockey: 2011-2012

Roben said:
This whole issue has come to a point, at least for me, where, yeah, it's sad to see the name and logo in a point where it is now, but you have to just do what's best for the student athletes. Hockey isn't the only sport at UND (:eek:), and we're already seeing issues potentially with getting rivals on the schedule once the BT rolls out. It's hard to imagine UND without the Fighting Sioux name and logo, but at risk of losing out on the Big Sky for the other sports (not necessarily a conference I like them in), maybe it is something to consider. Granted, the Big Sky may have been coached a bit, or a lot, but to get into a conference like that is not something that comes around every day.

Enough of that. The team/school will always be Fighting Sioux and I will always where Fighting Sioux stuff to games.
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For the most part, I agree. IMO they should remove the logo/nickname until they get both tribes approval, at which point they would satisfy the NCAA's requirements. In the meantime, they can be just the University of North Dakota. If after x years they do not get tribal approval, or one of the tribes votes against usage of the name, then move on to something else, but that would at least give those who love the name some time before something new comes along (if it were to get to that point).
 
Re: University of North Dakota Hockey: 2011-2012

Roben said:
Enough of that. The team/school will always be Fighting Sioux and I will always where Fighting Sioux stuff to games.
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Especially to hockey games.

Teams in other sports could wear neutral "North Dakota" stuff to away games, especially if the away school feels there is a legitimate concern, but the Hockey team should always wear Sioux sweaters. IMO the hockey team/program has earned the right to wear Sioux sweaters. In hockey any team that does not want to play against the Fighting Sioux is hurting their own program.
 
Re: University of North Dakota Hockey: 2011-2012

I know that the NC$$ is a private organization and make their own rules, but couldn't the Spirit Lake Sioux sue for discrimmination?
 
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