Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Kessel to Miss 2014-2015 Season

Announced today, Minnesota Golden Gopher superstar forward, Amanda Kessel, will miss the entire 2014-2015 season due to lingering concussion symptoms suffered while playing with the USA Women's National Team according to Gopher head coach Brad Frost.

In a statement released on gophersports.com, Kessel went on to say her health is her main priority and is very disappointed that she will not be able to return to play this season. Kessel also had missed the entire 2013-2014 season for the Gophers to prepare with the national team for the Sochi Olympics.

Kessel is fourth all time in Gopher scoring with 97 goals and 134 assists, totaling 231 points. She is also the 2013 Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award winner, equivalent to the Hobey Baker in men's play, and helped the Gophers to a perfect season in 2012-2013.

What does this mean now for the rest of the WCHA and division one women's hockey? Well, a lot, and not too much, but let me explain first. Yes, Kessel is a huge scoring threat that will be missing from the Minnesota line-up and it did show at times last season that her presence on the roster could be seen. However, Minnesota is still a top three team in women's hockey and is always a threat to win a national title.

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Saku Koivu Retires After 18 Years

Just announced today, Former Montreal Canadian, and current Anaheim Ducks center, Saku Koivu, has retired after 18 seasons in the NHL.

The Finnish center was well loved throughout the league and is the older brother to current Minnesota Wild captain Mikko Koivu. Saku would spend 14 seasons with Montreal, 10 of which he served as their captain, and is the only European captain in Montreal team history. His 10 seasons as captain are also tied for the longest tenure as a captain in team history with the famed Jean Beliveau.

Although he never won a Stanley Cup, Koivu has four Olympic medals, four world championship medals, including a gold in 1995, and a silver in the 2004 World Cup of Hockey in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Koivu will go down as one of the top Finnish players to ever play in the NHL and his tough, injury battled, and cancer battled career will be one fans can talk about for years to come.
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Bob Suter Passes at 57

Yesterday, news broke that Miracle on Ice defenseman, Bob Suter, passed away suddenly at the age of 57. Reports did not disclose what the cause of death was, however, I heard reports this morning that an apparent heart attack was the cause of death for the Olympic gold medalist.

Aside from his Olympic team history, Suter was an LA Kings draft pick in 1977, but turned down their contract offer. In 1981, he would sign with the Minnesota North Stars, but spent the whole year in their Central Hockey League affiliate, the Nashville South Stars. He never saw the ice in a single NHL game and retired in 1982.

He is also the father to current Minnesota Wild defenseman, Ryan Suter, and the duo are on a short list of father and son combinations who have played in the Olympic games.
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Boston College's New Uniforms







This was posted on twitter yesterday. I must say that the Boston College Eagles have some sharp looking uniforms. I really like the Under Armor uniforms.
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Tuesday, September 09, 2014

Vegas - National Title Odds

Vegas releases national title odds..   Posted on September 9, 2014 by Brad Elliott Schlossman

Caesars has released its odds for the 2014 college hockey national championship. Twitter user @irik101 posted a photo of them, showing that Minnesota is the heaviest favorite to win it all, followed by Boston College, North Dakota and Providence. Of note, Providence comes to Ralph Engelstad Arena on Oct. 24-25. Here you go….

3/1 — Minnesota (opened at 9/2)
4/1 — Boston College
6/1 — North Dakota (opened at 10/1)
10/1 — Providence
12/1 — Union
15/1 — Wisconsin
18/1 — St. Cloud State
20/1 — Colgate
20/1 — Michigan
20/1 — MSU-Mankato
25/1 — Denver
25/1 — UMass-Lowell
25/1 — Miami
25/1 — Quinnipiac
30/1 — Ferris State (opened at 40/1)
40/1 — Maine
40/1 — Ohio State
40/1 — Cornell
40/1 — Notre Dame
40/1 — New Hampshire
40/1 — Bowling Green (opened 60/1)
40/1 — Boston University (opened 60/1)
50/1 — Minnesota Duluth
50/1 — Yale
50/1 — Vermont (opened 60/1)
50/1 — Northeastern (opened 60/1)
60/1 — Clarkson
75/1 — Western Michigan -


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Kuemper and Wild at Impasse



I am hoping this is the beginning of the end for the stalled contract talks. The Minnesota Wild can't afford to let Darcy Kuemper get away. Incidentally,  Kuemper could have filed for arbitration in July but didn't. 
Michael Russo, Star Tribune -- With training camp set to open next week, unsigned Wild goalie Darcy Kuemper is threatening to sign in Russia’s Kontinental Hockey League if the Wild doesn’t sign him to a one-year, one-way contract, his agent said Monday.

“Basically, Chuck and I are stuck,” agent Jeff Helperl said of negotiations with Wild General Manager Chuck Fletcher. Fletcher did not comment on the negotiations.

Helperl wants a one-year deal where Kuemper would be paid his NHL salary whether he plays in Minnesota or with the team’s American Hockey League affiliate in Des Moines. The Wild is offering a two-year deal where in the first year Kuemper would make a significantly lesser salary during the time he plays in Iowa.

“It comes down to Darcy has to play somewhere this year,” Helperl said of the KHL option. “Minnesota, they’re stuck on giving Darcy a two-way deal and I think Darcy deserves more. … By no means are we shooting for the moon at all. I just want to get a one-way contract and get Darcy playing more games, and wherever that’s going to be, it’s going to be.”

Helperl had a chance to file for arbitration July 5 but did not. That would have resulted in a neutral arbitrator awarding Kuemper, 24, a contract if one couldn’t be agreed upon prior.
If the past is any indication of the future, Niklas Backstrom and Josh Harding have had their share of health issues and neither goalie has been able to play a full season that last two season. You have to figure that Kuemper is going to be up with the big club sooner rather than later.
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Monday, September 08, 2014

Minnesota Wild: RFA Darcy Kuemper Looking at KHL Options



So, Minnesota Wild RFA goalie Darcy Kuemper is throwing a hissy fit. If I don't get my way, I am going to go to the KHL. Really, there's no options for Kuemper, he can sign with the Wild. I don't see another NHL team giving him an offer sheet. Time to sign a contract.
TSN.CA -- Stuck in a crowded goaltending situation, Minnesota Wild restricted free-agent goaltender Darcy Kuemper could move overseas for his next contract if he isn't able to secure what he is looking for in the NHL.

TSN Hockey Insider Bob McKenzie is reporting that the Wild would like to re-sign the Saskatoon, Saskatchewan native to a two-way contract, but coming off a strong playoff performance, Kuemper would prefer a one-way deal.

The Wild already have both Niklas Backstrom and Josh Harding locked up heading into the season.

The 24-year-old Kuemper is looking at his options in the KHL, but would want a deal with an out clause in case he is able to find an NHL deal to his liking.
I said this last week on the Hockey Wilderness.

Make no mistake about it, Kuemper is a good young NHL goalie, and he has tremendous upside. However, I don't think he has much room to command a big salary increase. I also think he has to surpass last season numbers to get a big bump in his pay check.

Kuemper has played in 32 NHL games and has a (13-10-4, 2.37 GAA and a .915 SV%). Those are decent numbers, but they don't command a big salary increase, rather a modest bump.
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NESN: UNH Goalie Casey DeSmith Arrested, Suspended After Alleged Domestic Dispute

This happened last week. Casey DeSmith was expected to be the starting goaltender for the UNH Wildcats this season. That leaves incoming freshman goalie Adam Clarke as a potential starter.
Zach Cox, NESN -- University of New Hampshire goaltender Casey DeSmith has been suspended indefinitely after being arrested Sunday in connection with an alleged domestic dispute.

DeSmith was arrested and charged with domestic assault and resisting arrest after police were called to a house near the school’s Durham campus early Sunday morning, according to the Durham Police Department.

A female victim was “thrown to the ground, jumped on top of and was repeatedly punched and spat upon,” Durham Deputy Police Chief Renee Kelly told The New Hampshire. Kelly added that DeSmith, 23, “appeared intoxicated” when police arrived and reportedly resisted arrest after being taken to Wentworth-Douglass Hospital. The police also found “physical evidence” on the victim’s body, Kelly said.
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TSN: An NHL team in Toronto could be yours for - $1.2 billion?

The NHL says that they're not currently looking into relocation or expansion, rumors are still swirling. In my opinion, 1.2 billion is a lot of money for an expansion fee, in any sport. It would probably be one of the most expensive of all-time.
Rick Westhead, TSN.CA -- The National Hockey League would likely command a record expansion fee worth as much as $1.2 billion for a second franchise in Toronto, sources tell TSN - a sum that would eclipse the previous North American sports record of $700 million that the Houston Texans paid to join the National Football League back in 1999.

While NHL commissioner Gary Bettman has insisted the league in not currently considering expansion or relocation, several senior NHL team sources said expansion - along with the league's strategy to grow international revenue - would be key topics during the NHL board of governors meetings on Sept. 30 in New York.

Five investment bankers who advise NHL team owners on the sales of franchises said it would only be a matter of time before the league entertains offers for another team in Toronto.
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T.J. Oshie and Jonathan Toews Ranked 1 & 2 Shootout Specialists



Brian Compton of NHL.com ranks the top 14 shootout specialists in the NHL. None of us should be shocked by T.J. Oshie and Jonathan Toews being ranked so high. Both players are very good in the shootout and I am sure Jeff Frazee still has night mares of Toews lighting him up in the shootout during the 2007 WJC.
1. T.J. Oshie, St. Louis Blues, 56 points (4 first-place votes)
2013-14: 9/12, Career: 27/48

Nobody will soon forget Oshie's heroics at the 2014 Sochi Olympics, when the Blues forward led the United States to a 3-2 victory against Russia by scoring four times on six attempts in the shootout. Why did U.S. coach Dan Bylsma elect to keep using Oshie? Because he excels in the breakaway competition; Oshie went 9-for-12 last season and is 27-for-48 (56.2 percent) in his career. Fourteen of Oshie's 27 goals have clinched victories for St. Louis, including five last season.
It's really nice to see the former UND hockey players being recognized for their efforts.
3. Jonathan Toews, Chicago Blackhawks, 43 points
2013-14: 7/13, Career: 34/68

Is there anything the Blackhawks' captain can't do? Toews scores timely goals, kills penalties, leads by example on and off the ice, and yes, excels in shootouts. He converted more than half of his attempts last season and four of his goals came on the road.
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Ryan Malone to Play for the Rangers?



Here's the latest in the Ryan Malone saga.
NHL.COM -- Forward Ryan Malone will begin participating in informal skates with the New York Rangers on Monday, according to multiple sources and first reported by Larry Brooks of the New York Post.

Malone has been a free agent since the Tampa Bay Lightning used their second compliance buyout on the forward on June 25. At the time, Malone had one year and $2.5 million remaining on the seven-year, $31.5 million contract he signed with the Lightning in 2008.

Malone, 34, struggled last season in Tampa Bay, scoring five goals and 15 points in 57 games. A fourth-round pick (No. 115) of the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 1999 NHL Draft, he is a six-time 20-goal scorer and set career highs in his final season in Pittsburgh with 27 goals, 51 points, a plus-14 rating and 103 penalty minutes.
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Sunday, September 07, 2014

UND Women's Hockey: Annie Chipman's Goalie Mask


Hockey season is almost here, goalie are showing off their new paint schemes for their goalie masks. Here's UND goalie Annie Chipman's new mask. Eye Candy Air did the paint job. That's the same company that did Jonathan Quick and Tim Thomas' mask.

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North Dakota AG College: ESPN Game Day Heading Back To Fargo

When it rains, it pours. Life is good for NDSU fans right now. So, for a second time in a year, ESPN game day is making a return trip to Fargo.

Like one of my Facebook friends said, "If you're a fan of a certain Big Ten football team this should embarrass you. Your squad is in the big 10 and can't produce a product ESPN cares about. Better program, better team, less scholarships. Honestly it's pretty sad, really." Begrudgingly, I must admit, he's right, that's an awesome feat. Yep, life is good for the NDSU football team.
WDAZ.COM - Fargo, ND (WDAY TV) - When news broke over twitter this morning that ESPN's College GameDay would be making a return trip to Fargo next weekend if NDSU could beat Weber State tonight. Bison fans were quick to fire back with "we'll see you next week."


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Liam Reddox Scores A Sick Goal



Former Edmonton Oilers forward Liam Reddox scored this amazing goal in a Champions Hockey League game. Reddox is now playing for Sweden's Växjö Lakers. Former Denver Pioneer Rhett Rakhshani is also a member of the Lakers.

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Coyotes Devan Dubnyk's Goalie Mask


Another nice looking goalie mask.
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Saturday, September 06, 2014

Trib Live: Free Agent Ryan Malone Might Sign with Penguins



This is actually a sad story. I was thinking of catchy title, but drug abuse and addiction is no laughing matter. So, the Penguins now have Car Bomb Carcillo, Steve Downie the hack and Ryan Malone, the same guy that was baffled when the Tampa Bay Police found a bag of coke in his back pocket. I actually hope the former Saint Cloud State Husky can clean up his act and have a successful season.
Jason Mackey, Tribune Live -- With forwards Steve Downie and Daniel Carcillo, the Penguins aren't lacking for potential projects.

Could the return of Upper St. Clair native Ryan Malone be next?

General manager Jim Rutherford isn't saying. But interest on Malone's part is tangible.

“There's a natural attraction there,” said Malone's agent, Mike Liut. “He grew up there. He played there. They lost in the (Stanley Cup) Final when he was there. There's that association.

“But management (now) is completely different. I have talked to Pittsburgh about him throughout the summer. They're kicking tires. They've expressed some interest, but it's just that. Which is fine.

“There isn't anything where I can say, ‘Hey, this is what we're going to do.' Hopefully I can next week.

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Jack Campbell Goalie Mask

I always liked goalie masks and some of the pictures that they have one them. This goalie mask is really sweet. It's a tribute to Navy Seal Marcus Luttrell with Lone Survivor.

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Ryan Miller's New Goalie Mask

If you haven't seen it yet, sweet mask.

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RMU Robert Morris OL Jon Hill talking some smack



Tonight, the University of North Dakota football team starts the Bubba Schweigert era in the Alerus Center. Turning the page, there's a lot to be positive about. Last week, I watched most of the first half and third quarter on my phone, I saw some things that UND is doing that gives me hope. Bubba seems to have brought a more positive attitude. The biggest problem facing UND is the age factor. There was a lot of underclassmen playing last weekend.

Programming note: Tonight's game, is on FCS and MidcoSN.

Apparently, RMU Offensive Lineman Jon Hill doesn't think much of the UND football team. When I played football, you did make comments like this.



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Hockey News: Steve Moore/Todd Bertuzzi settlement proves NHL can’t justify culture of revenge

The Steve Moore and Todd Bertuzzi settlement has been reached. I thought this article was worth a read. For those that don't read the Hockey News, they're very anti-fighting and I refer to them as the Anti-Fighting Cabal.  That being said, this was an ugly incident.
Adam Proteau, The Hockey News -- Perhaps they’ll be able to shovel enough money toward future plaintiffs to convince all of them to settle prior to a trial as Moore has. But what keeps owners and league brass awake at night is the lingering fear lucrative payouts won’t protect them forever; that they’ll be called to account in public and under oath; and once that happens, all their empty chatter about “tradition”, “our game” and “the code” will be exposed for what it is: insular, anachronistic, indefensible bunk.

The biggest tragedy/irony of the Bertuzzi/Moore narrative is that both of its main actors were broken by it – Bertuzzi never was the same player – yet hockey and the NHL carried on unscathed despite creating and cultivating the conditions that led to it. The truth is, the game was broken long ago, and in a way that led directly to the events that took place when the Canucks and Avs squared off on March 8, 2004.

The money that’s been paid to Moore does nothing to fix that fissure. Sadly, all it does is leave open the possibility there will be more Todd Bertuzzis, Steve Moores and legal showdowns to come.


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