2011 Frozen Four

[JBB]

I think they say "the puck drops" in less than 24 hours for what has become a game of curious interest to me. Its going to be a grill fest in the afternoon and then the game. Naturally we are all pulling for the Bull Dogs. The Wolverines are going to be a worthy opponent but UMD has 15 Minnesota kids on the roster. It should be a fun game devoid of the boorish hostile and abusive fan behavior that has been so rampant in other games.

I have had occasion to talk with folks that were at both games. The UMD/Notre Dame game was a tense and exciting affair. Good sportsmanship was displayed by all and the competitive spirit was alive and well keeping the fans on the edge of their seats throughout the well played contest.

That atmosphere is held in contrast to what was on display in last nights game. Maybe its the nature of the UND fan base? Maybe its what the NCAA has called the hostile and abusive nature of the campus atmosphere? Maybe its the example set by the coaches? Maybe its the legendary thuggery of the players and their undisciplined culture. Whatever it is its an issue in the WCHA. It follows them around.

Its been talked about in Denver, Minneapolis and other host cities. Its something well known but mystifying. It has been discussed on local sports talk shows in the area this week. Fortunately for the game of hockey and everyone else it's over for this season anyway. Its time to move on to what should be a grand finale for this niche sport. I must say the NCAA has to be relieved.

It will be a refreshing and competitive contest. The story line is of course David and Goliath: The Mighty Division 1 Michigan Wolverines vs. the tiny but competitive D2 school from the shores of Lake Superior. What a classic hockey scenario. The frozen, obscure Northern school finds itself on Broadway playing an athletic powerhouse where success is an institution. Its going to be fun with all the drama and excitement of "The Big Game"! Go Bull Dogs!!!

[griz37]

As a Michigan fan, I can admit that the Wolverine player was stupid to flip the bird back, he should have just turned & pointed to the scoreboard. Will probably be another long 12 months of winter in Grand Forks.

[TwinTownBisonFan]

Jesus Christ you're a fucking retard.

wow... if he played for any other school in the world... you wouldn't care... but because he's got the winged helmet...

[Willie]

Yeah, actually I would care. Like I said...any self respecting athlete would refrain from doing what that guy did. I couldn't give less of a shit about Michigan hockey. I'm not much of a hockey buff myself, I just root for UND because I spent time there.

And you know damn well JBB is a fucking retard. That's who I was referring to.

[JBB]

Well then Willie, as a native of the hostile and abusive campus atmosphere (explains a lot by the way), you can appreciate the fact the loss was caused by:

1) Too many long -2 min 20 sec - TV timeouts ruining the flow of the game for UND
2) The puck, it was too bouncy
3) The new NCAA paint job on the ice
4) The rules. You can shoot the puck into the crowd without a penalty and Michigan did that helping ruin the flow for UND

in review here is the "official" poster for UND class:



and remember "they did it too" is never an excuse, not even on the school yard.

Stay classy UND!

[JBB]

Tonights game will have the same type of puck, the same ice, the same length of tv timeouts and the same rules as the Michigan/UND game.

My question is this: Does Michigan have an unfair advantage over UMD becuase of these factors, the very same factors that "gave" them the win over UND?

Keep you comments classy and try and refrain from being the small mind in the room. Thanks in advance guys.

[Thundering Herd]

That wasn't very classy by that particular fan, but I would bet it is not that uncommon. This just happened to be on national television which makes it seem worse. The Michigan player retaliating wasn't very impressive either. The picture of Hackstol definitely surprised me though, not something a coach should be doing.

[JBB]

Hockey is kind of boaring but we are now in the third period tied 2-2. Mich is getting a lot of penalties but keeping the puck out (I guess thats how you say it). Both teams look a little tired but they are playing hard. I think Mich might be better but UMD is certainly blue collar and workman like.

1) The puck seems to be bouncing normally
2) I dont see any problem with the paint job on the ice
3) The TV timeouts dont seem unreasonable
4) Nobody seems to be shooting the puck into the crowd

The only thing I can guess on the TV timeouts is UND needed to raise some legal fees for all their fighting with the NCAA?

I really cant imagine sitting through an entire season of this, especially as long as teh hockeies season is, but for a game or two its fun.

Grilling was great: bacon cheeseburgers and sliced potato.

[JBB]

OT now.

[93henfan]

Suck it Michigan. Way to go Duluth!

[Grizalltheway]

Suck it Michigan. Way to go Duluth!

+1. Always good to see a program get its first national title (except for Richmond and Villanova).

[93henfan]

Always good to see a program get its first national title (except for Richmond and Villanova).

You left one off.

[Grizalltheway]

Always good to see a program get its first national title (except for Richmond and Villanova).

You left one off.

I was kind of lukewarm about that one.

[T-Dog]

Twitter is going nuts with the Minnesota-Duluth/App State references.

[JBB]

I think some team in about 1966 won a football title and and hockey title, I cant remember which one, but this is modern history. Its huge, the D2 football title and now the Hockey championship. Not bad.

I would like to see the BISON play them. There have been some NDSU recruits that have made their way over to the Bull Dogs.