Wisconsin Hockey Vol. XXVIII: This could be a banner year, but how would we know?

[Wisko McBadgerton]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey Vol. XXVIII: This could be a banner year, but how would we know?

The post where Wisko attempts the always extraordinarily difficult --relevant N Sync reference--

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[ExileOnDaytonStreet]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey Vol. XXVIII: This could be a banner year, but how would we know?

Wisko, I just want to tell you that I've had enough... of your N Sync references.

 

[The Rube]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey Vol. XXVIII: This could be a banner year, but how would we know?

Depends on what you are looking for. I don't know of any specific "badger" bars around, as there are typically plenty of Wisconsin folk around MPLS and the University that you can run into just about anywhere. Sticking near the arena might be your best bet to find that Badger Hockey camaraderie.
- Stub and Herbs is kind of a game-day institution. 4 blocks from Mariucci. Lots of craft beers, bar food, good college atmosphere. Get there early, it gets packed. Probably your best bet for running into Sconnies.
- There is a Buffalo Wild Wings is right across from Mariucci. I've never been to one. I'm sure you would know what to expect. Get there early. Probably 2nd best for running into Sconnies.
- Campus Pizza is another institution of sorts. Not as crazy-packed, good college atmosphere with beer and pizza a lot of folks rave about.
- Blarney's in Dinkytown (7-8 blocks from Mariucci). Typical sports bar. They have a shuttle. Never spent much time there, not my kind of joint.
- The Library in Dinkytown. Bigger sports bar/college night life spot. Super cheap beer specials is about the only thing I can say about it.
- If you are short on time and want something quick, cheap and good check out Tony's Diner in Dinkytown. Never crowded. Sports on TV. Good food cheap. Selection of only 3 beers but $5 2-4-1s all day every day.

Some spots away from campus that Brent mentioned:
- Town Hall Brewery. Lots of unique brews. Full menu. Older crowd that gets a little younger later on. On the West Bank of Campus (30 minute walk to the rink), and there are 3-4 other bars right there for hopping around.
- Gasthof Zur Gemutlichkeit. It's a fun German restaurant in Northeast (10 min cab from downtown or Mariucci) with traditional food and over-the-top Bavarian atmosphere. Be sure to inquire about the boot of beer. Later, in the basement there is music/dancing/night life.
- Psycho Suzi's Motor Lounge in Northeast is another really popular spot. Kind of a kitschy, hipster feel. Food or nightlife.
- Nye's is a piano bar with old-time class. Right across the river from Downtown. Would be a good place for a nightcap.

Also, in the back room of Nye's is the World's Most Dangerous Polka Band. A must-see at some point.

 

[Wisko McBadgerton]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey Vol. XXVIII: This could be a banner year, but how would we know?

Many thanks to Brent and Stauber1 for their help in guiding Badger fans interested in visiting their country. Here's a link that I think folks considering crossing the border will find very helpful.

 

[Wisko McBadgerton]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey Vol. XXVIII: This could be a banner year, but how would we know?

Any thoughts on Besse playing this week? Kid's got a great stick and a nose for the puck in the offensive zone that we could really use. On the other hand his play in his own end last time out left something to be desired. With Paape I think we know what we're getting: experience, good effort, solid play in his own end, but we give up some offensive punch. How does it play out? Platoon?

Good problem to have I suppose.

 

[Gurtholfin]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey Vol. XXVIII: This could be a banner year, but how would we know?

Gotta think Besse is itchin' to play in these games but he hasn't stood out thus far in the games that I've seen.

Would love a storybook return home with a hattie each night.

 

[Wisko McBadgerton]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey Vol. XXVIII: This could be a banner year, but how would we know?

I thought Paape made the most of his opportunity last time out. I don't know --Top six can more than hold their own against anyone overall, but that third line is likely to be a difference maker as the season wears on. Jeff Dahl is way too good of a college player to not have that line clicking. Of course I don't really know if sitting Besse was a kick in the breezers or if the competition is really that tight.

 

[solovsfett]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey Vol. XXVIII: This could be a banner year, but how would we know?

I think Besse absolutely has to play. Defensive liabilities aside, he's got a nose for the puck and that can't be taught. He's got 3 goals in 7 games while Paape has 4 in 73 games.

 

[Timothy A]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey Vol. XXVIII: This could be a banner year, but how would we know?

I think Besse absolutely has to play. Defensive liabilities aside, he's got a nose for the puck and that can't be taught. He's got 3 goals in 7 games while Paape has 4 in 73 games.

Playing time is a pretty juicy carrot to motivate him to be responsible, but I agree the lesson has been taught, we need firepower.

 

[Gurtholfin]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey Vol. XXVIII: This could be a banner year, but how would we know?

I'm not convinced that it's just about defensive responsibility.

He's been pretty invisible out there on the effort front. Really looks to be floating/coasting.

Contrast that with Soleway who's showing a lot.


Is Besse playing tentative because he's worried about his responsibilities or is he having trouble adjusting to the college game and bigger-stronger-faster opponents?

 

[Wisko McBadgerton]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey Vol. XXVIII: This could be a banner year, but how would we know?

I'm not convinced that it's just about defensive responsibility.

He's been pretty invisible out there on the effort front. Really looks to be floating/coasting.

Contrast that with Soleway who's showing a lot.


Is Besse playing tentative because he's worried about his responsibilities or is he having trouble adjusting to the college game and bigger-stronger-faster opponents?

Seems to me in the offensive zone he's trying to hang around where he thinks the puck is going to be, which is kind of good, and he's picked up some good shots that way, but it's a lot different in college than high school and it tends to make him look like he's not moving his feet much. (Because he's not.) If I had to give an opinion I'd say that it's simply difficulty adjusting so far. The question is, how do you handle it?

It's to be expected with not many kids making the jump straight from high school. Soleway played against better players and seems to be having an easier time stepping up. He did get his clock rocked a few times against Miami though --"Sort of a "Welcome to the NCAA."

 

[TUSCHWI]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey Vol. XXVIII: This could be a banner year, but how would we know?

It has been many years since I went to a BB game (they are insanely boring in person w/ all the time outs and stoppages in play, and I like BB too), but back then they did show a hockey score from the previous weekend. I can understand not celebrating a loss (no need to mention friday's game), but overall it is in UW's interest to show the casual fan that they are succeeding in any/all sports. And as you point out, possibly get some interest going in that same casual fan to spend a friday or saturday at the KC for hockey.

Actually w/ the start of Big10 hockey they should be pimping the crap out of Men's hockey. While many here (myself included) have previously bemoaned the start of Big10 hockey and the end of the "old" WCHA, this could be a real selling point to get some extra people into the seats for a series versus teams they know like Michigan and Michigan State. While this doesn't necessarily excite me, it might some Big10 sports junkie who wants to see Michigan State get their *** handed to them in some other sport.

Just a thought. I honestly don't know sometimes who runs marketing for a lot of things, not just UW. I'm no expert, but if I or WiscDC sees the obvious shortcomings of something how do those who are getting paid to get stuff right blow it when it appears so easy to the naked eye?

I have to agree...I try to give the UW hockey/marketing folks some credit but good grief it's just one thing after another. Their lack of interest in the hockey program (that's what it appears to many is a lack of interest) is odd since it's one of the 3 money makers in the department. Sure, it's not FB but Barry pushed to get the BTHC going so they could fill the Big Ten Network with games - and there are SO many games on BTN I'm not sure which ones to watch Friday Night Ice on BTN must have been a dream I had.

 

[TUSCHWI]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey Vol. XXVIII: This could be a banner year, but how would we know?

Oh, and as long as I'm ranting, I did a look forward at the schedule for the rest of the year...there are at least 2 more bye weekends, maybe 3, before the playoffs start. 2 or 3 bye weekends during the stretch run? ***? Seriously...can't they find teams to play? I can see why there might be some bye's early in the season but ******, this is ridiculous. If they want to shorten the season, join the Ivy League and don't start playing until later in October. At least there would be some flow and consistency in the season.

 

[ExileOnDaytonStreet]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey Vol. XXVIII: This could be a banner year, but how would we know?

Oh, and as long as I'm ranting, I did a look forward at the schedule for the rest of the year...there are at least 2 more bye weekends, maybe 3, before the playoffs start. 2 or 3 bye weekends during the stretch run? ***? Seriously...can't they find teams to play? I can see why there might be some bye's early in the season but ******, this is ridiculous. If they want to shorten the season, join the Ivy League and don't start playing until later in October. At least there would be some flow and consistency in the season.

Well, we have a limit on how many games we can play in a season, and I think we have a full slate of 34 games.

The problem this year is that we have a lot more games scheduled in December and early January than we traditionally do. Between the start of December and the second weekend of January, we have full two-game series against Penn State, CC, UAH, UAA and Michigan. That's ten games when we would normally have at most a non-conference series, a holiday tournament and sometimes a USNTDP exhibition.

 

[TUSCHWI]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey Vol. XXVIII: This could be a banner year, but how would we know?

Well, we have a limit on how many games we can play in a season, and I think we have a full slate of 34 games.

The problem this year is that we have a lot more games scheduled in December and early January than we traditionally do. Between the start of December and the second weekend of January, we have full two-game series against Penn State, CC, UAH, UAA and Michigan. That's ten games when we would normally have at most a non-conference series, a holiday tournament and sometimes a USNTDP exhibition.

Thanks Exile...I think that clears it up. I didn't count games but you're right about the past holiday period games vs this year.

 

[Gandalf the Red]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey Vol. XXVIII: This could be a banner year, but how would we know?

I wonder who people in Badger, MN cheer for? Must be confusing, but its MN so tying one's shoe can be confusing. But they sure can spell!!!

 

[Wisko McBadgerton]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey Vol. XXVIII: This could be a banner year, but how would we know?

Happy Thanksgiving Badgers!

Personally I'm thankful for the big guys that came back to the Badgers for another glorious year Wisconsin Hockey. And for Rumpel's ankle healing in a timely manner.

If the boys on both sides downed as much turkey as I did today, tomorrow's game could turn into a real snoozer.


This is off topic, but can a person die from a tryptophan OD? ... just wondering...

 

[WiscDC]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey Vol. XXVIII: This could be a banner year, but how would we know?

Happy Thanksgiving Badgers!

Personally I'm thankful for the big guys that came back to the Badgers for another glorious year Wisconsin Hockey. And for Rumpel's ankle healing in a timely manner.

If the boys on both sides downed as much turkey as I did today, tomorrow's game could turn into a real snoozer.


This is off topic, but can a person die from a tryptophan OD? ... just wondering...

I don't know what you need to die, but tryptophan overdose is definitely a real thing.

I can't wait to watch some college hockey over Thanksgiving leftovers!

 

[Chuck Schwartz]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey Vol. XXVIII: This could be a banner year, but how would we know?

Just an alert for you guys, Wisconsin is running a Black Friday deal from now until the end of Friday where all upper level tickets for Big Ten games are just $10.

LINK

 

[Wisko McBadgerton]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey Vol. XXVIII: This could be a banner year, but how would we know?

Just an alert for you guys, Wisconsin is running a Black Friday deal from now until the end of Friday where all upper level tickets for Big Ten games are just $10.

LINK

3:00 am... No doubt you were up early for some Black Friday Deals!

Everyone just watch their six out there. Remember, there's no rule against checking from behind in Wal-Mart. In fact, I believe it's encouraged.

Glad to see UW doing any sort of Hockey promo. Hopefully some folks take advantage and fill up the KC.

Time to put on the game faces Badgers:

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LET'S GO RED