As the late, great Mel Allen used to say, how about that?
Game 6 of the World Series take place in St. Louis last night, it lived up to the moniker of Fall Classic, and then some. 20 years and a day since Kirby Puckett sent me and 50,000 other Minnesota sports fans home from the Metrodome with the greatest sports memory of our lives, another game in a different city equaled the drama and reminded those of us watching why we started watching sports in the first place.
I watch a lot of games, some might say too many. Many are lousy, some great, very few stick in your memory past the season in which they were played. Last night’s contest, with its 5 blown leads, extra inning comeback and walk-off finish, was one that will endure. The Cardinals looked dead and buried multiple times, yet somehow came back to push it to tonight’s deciding 7th game.
Catching the last few innings with friends, it was amazing to watch the mood turn from indifference to pandemonium. When 30 people in a random bar hundreds of miles from the action are out of their seats cheering a game they barely cared about an hour earlier, you’ve got something special on your hands. You wait for games like that, you pray for games like that, you sift through endless amounts of garbage and BS for games like that. For all the negatives that sports have brought lately, there’s always that other side of a coin, the pure joy of watching improbable occurrences unfold in the most dramatic fashion. Just watching the faces of the fans in the stands, going from agony to ecstasy, back to agony and finally to a state of deliriously happy relief; well that’s been making me smile today every time it’s crossed my mind.
It seems like most of the talk about this Series has been about the lack of interest. The big markets and marquee teams are out, ratings are down, and baseball in general has taken a cultural backseat. That might all be true, but it makes no difference to me, if somebody wants to miss out on something amazing, that’s their problem. As George Carlin once said, “Just people some people are really f*cking stupid, that’s no reason we should adopt their standards.” This has been a great finale to the postseason, the best in years, and now we reach the end, with the dramatic finish everyone was hoping for.
As for tonight, I’m not foolish enough to expect anything approaching the rollercoaster that was Game 6. Lightning doesn’t strike twice, and games that are quite literally 1-in-a thousand don’t happen on back to back nights. But if it packs even half the drama, we are in for another big treat.
And by the way, for all the fans out there, particularly in Twins Territory, who had a problem with Joe Buck's final call, get a grip. I'm no fan of the guy either, but considering the timing (almost 20 years to the day), the situation (Game 6 walk-off) and the fact it was his father's call, I have no problem with the "see you tomorrow night" paraphrase. If it was anyone else saying it, if it had been uttered in the division series, these things would bother me. As it is, the call fit perfectly, and the game itself was worthy of it's memory.
Play ball.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Monday, October 24, 2011
Moral(e) Victory
I've never been a big moral victory guy.
It's easy to understand why coaches and players need to pull positive points from overall negative situations, particularly when they're focusing on the future. Playing even during the second half, consistently moving the ball, showing some flashes, this is the language of teams who just got beat...but got beat by less than they were supposed to. It's a effective tool when used sparingly, but go to the well too often, and you'll be dismissed as a buffoon.
Gopher football has always been the most fertile ground from which to harvest moral victories, and Old Farmer Brewster the greatest purveyor it's ever known. Cherry-picking the good points and glossing over the bad worked for awhile. But once your major highlight is the fact that you've scored last in all your blowout losses, you've taken a left turn from Positivetown to Delusionville.
That's why this is such an odd feeling, on a weekend where both local football teams lost, the main thought running through my head was: "Hey, that could've been much worse!"
Sure, the Gophers got blown out of the water early, but at least managed to keep things from descending into another 50-point abyss. The Vikings hung in with the NFL's best team, even having an outside shot to win the game, while getting a bit of spark from their new rookie QB. Heck, even the Wild managed to scrape up a point in Vancouver before losing in OT. A trifecta of "good" losses, if there is such a thing.
Would any of this be viewed with a shred of positivity if the bar hadn't been lowered to ridiculous levels? Of course not. But when you're on a forced march through the barren desert, you need to talk yourself into the idea that their might be an oasis just over the next dune. Helps you to keep putting one foot in front of the other.
There are no Vikings or Gopher fans, or at least none who would be considered sane in a court of law, still holding out hope for the 2011 season. That was entinguished some time ago, if it ever really existed to being with. Now we get to kick back, and enjoy the season without all the angst of impending playoff doom. Sure there's still a bit of ongoing drama related to the fact that our team could end up playing it's home games a thousand miles away in the near future, but let's put that aside and focus on the positive.
Because Christian Ponder looked pretty good, or at least good by comparison. People like me, who were concerned about starting a rookie from day one, were reminded that a rookie is an upgrade, when the alternative is a corpse. He ran around a bit, made a few plays, gave them a chance; with this supporting cast, that's all we can ask for. Of course, this does not mean that we should expect long-term success, my bust expectation has not changed. But it is intriguing, and at the moment, that's all we can ask for.
Not throwing bouquets at everyone though, so I'll end an oddly optimistic blog with some venomous invective.
My hatred for Broncos QB Tim Tebow is well-chronicled, most notably here. The events of the past 24 hours have brought me to a very important decision:
Be it know that as of today, October 24th, in the year of our lord 2011, Tim Tebow shall be dubbed the official nemesis of the Loserville Chronicles.
Why? Well the short answer is because everyone needs a nemesis, as we learned from the Count of Monte Cristo. Love may be good for writing songs, but it's grudges, and the settling of scores, that keep things moving along. Do you think American society would be anywhere near where it is today if not for the Soviet threat pushing things for half a century? Everyone needs somebody to keep them on their toes, I'm up to 5 or 6 different nemeses these days. Not a list you want to be on, trust me, nevermind the fact that most of them don't know who I am.
Why specifically Tebow? Can't say there's really a logical basis for hating him personally, but the fervor of his supporters alone offers ample reason to want him to fail.
I'll let regular reader Brent from Denver explain:
One could understand that view coming from Denver, but even at a bar in Minnesota, the Tebow comeback was greeted with a roar typically reserved for Vikings TDs. It would appear that a whole lot of people out there are on board, and there's nothing that irritates me more than the blind awarding of underserved credit.
I never hated Michael Phelps, just Phelps fans. Never hated LeBron James (well, never before The Decision at least), just hated the media for creating an endless two-year saga leading up to his impending free agency. Never even hated Brett Favre, just the godlike status afforded to him. But I am starting to hate Tim Tebow, because he's trending closer to Kim Kardashian than any of the athletes previously mentioned, making headlines more on the basis of his image than his ability.
Oh sure, there are accomplishments galore when it comes to football, but much of the Tebow admiration has nothing to do with the game he plays. That makes me uneasy, as the game is my only concern . I respect the guy's belief system, that's his business, and a personal thing. But I support separation of church and sport, and the best way I see to avoid more abortion ads during the Super Bowl is for Tim Tebow's career to flame out quickly and completely.
Do I recognize the silliness in what I just wrote, criticizing the upstanding citizen while a Vikings defensive back sits jailed on a domestic assault charge that includes the word "strangulation"? Of course I do. This is sports hate, we'll leave the true hate for real life.
But that's the point, this isn't real life, this is sports, so no cross-pollinating with the parts of life that actually matter. You keep hopping over the line Mr. Tebow, not to mention your supporters are really annoying, so here's hoping you're gone from the league very soon.
Nothing personal, nemesis.
It's easy to understand why coaches and players need to pull positive points from overall negative situations, particularly when they're focusing on the future. Playing even during the second half, consistently moving the ball, showing some flashes, this is the language of teams who just got beat...but got beat by less than they were supposed to. It's a effective tool when used sparingly, but go to the well too often, and you'll be dismissed as a buffoon.
Gopher football has always been the most fertile ground from which to harvest moral victories, and Old Farmer Brewster the greatest purveyor it's ever known. Cherry-picking the good points and glossing over the bad worked for awhile. But once your major highlight is the fact that you've scored last in all your blowout losses, you've taken a left turn from Positivetown to Delusionville.
That's why this is such an odd feeling, on a weekend where both local football teams lost, the main thought running through my head was: "Hey, that could've been much worse!"
Sure, the Gophers got blown out of the water early, but at least managed to keep things from descending into another 50-point abyss. The Vikings hung in with the NFL's best team, even having an outside shot to win the game, while getting a bit of spark from their new rookie QB. Heck, even the Wild managed to scrape up a point in Vancouver before losing in OT. A trifecta of "good" losses, if there is such a thing.
Would any of this be viewed with a shred of positivity if the bar hadn't been lowered to ridiculous levels? Of course not. But when you're on a forced march through the barren desert, you need to talk yourself into the idea that their might be an oasis just over the next dune. Helps you to keep putting one foot in front of the other.
There are no Vikings or Gopher fans, or at least none who would be considered sane in a court of law, still holding out hope for the 2011 season. That was entinguished some time ago, if it ever really existed to being with. Now we get to kick back, and enjoy the season without all the angst of impending playoff doom. Sure there's still a bit of ongoing drama related to the fact that our team could end up playing it's home games a thousand miles away in the near future, but let's put that aside and focus on the positive.
Because Christian Ponder looked pretty good, or at least good by comparison. People like me, who were concerned about starting a rookie from day one, were reminded that a rookie is an upgrade, when the alternative is a corpse. He ran around a bit, made a few plays, gave them a chance; with this supporting cast, that's all we can ask for. Of course, this does not mean that we should expect long-term success, my bust expectation has not changed. But it is intriguing, and at the moment, that's all we can ask for.
Not throwing bouquets at everyone though, so I'll end an oddly optimistic blog with some venomous invective.
My hatred for Broncos QB Tim Tebow is well-chronicled, most notably here. The events of the past 24 hours have brought me to a very important decision:
Be it know that as of today, October 24th, in the year of our lord 2011, Tim Tebow shall be dubbed the official nemesis of the Loserville Chronicles.
Why? Well the short answer is because everyone needs a nemesis, as we learned from the Count of Monte Cristo. Love may be good for writing songs, but it's grudges, and the settling of scores, that keep things moving along. Do you think American society would be anywhere near where it is today if not for the Soviet threat pushing things for half a century? Everyone needs somebody to keep them on their toes, I'm up to 5 or 6 different nemeses these days. Not a list you want to be on, trust me, nevermind the fact that most of them don't know who I am.
Why specifically Tebow? Can't say there's really a logical basis for hating him personally, but the fervor of his supporters alone offers ample reason to want him to fail.
I'll let regular reader Brent from Denver explain:
I was getting to the point of being able to tolerate my city's home team....
I went to lunch. When I first get into my car, Rome is talking Tebow. Change the channel, Cowherd is talking Tebow. Change to the local guys....talking Tebow. Get home to eat, turn on sports center, they are breaking down plays from Tebow's game. Get back in the car to come to work and here is a paraphrased phone call from a local rube:
"All these national guys are drooling over what Ponder did in Minnesota and nobody is giving Tebow any credit. Ponder is surrounded by all those wepons. He threw for under 50% just like Tebow, yet they say Ponder is so great. But Tebow won! Ponder didn't. I don't understand why he gets no credit".
I am not over stating this. I HAVE NEVER SEEN A QB PLAY WORSE THAN TEBOW DID YESTERDAY. NEVER. If Tebow played like Spurgeon Wynn, they would have won that game by 14 points.
One could understand that view coming from Denver, but even at a bar in Minnesota, the Tebow comeback was greeted with a roar typically reserved for Vikings TDs. It would appear that a whole lot of people out there are on board, and there's nothing that irritates me more than the blind awarding of underserved credit.
I never hated Michael Phelps, just Phelps fans. Never hated LeBron James (well, never before The Decision at least), just hated the media for creating an endless two-year saga leading up to his impending free agency. Never even hated Brett Favre, just the godlike status afforded to him. But I am starting to hate Tim Tebow, because he's trending closer to Kim Kardashian than any of the athletes previously mentioned, making headlines more on the basis of his image than his ability.
Oh sure, there are accomplishments galore when it comes to football, but much of the Tebow admiration has nothing to do with the game he plays. That makes me uneasy, as the game is my only concern . I respect the guy's belief system, that's his business, and a personal thing. But I support separation of church and sport, and the best way I see to avoid more abortion ads during the Super Bowl is for Tim Tebow's career to flame out quickly and completely.
Do I recognize the silliness in what I just wrote, criticizing the upstanding citizen while a Vikings defensive back sits jailed on a domestic assault charge that includes the word "strangulation"? Of course I do. This is sports hate, we'll leave the true hate for real life.
But that's the point, this isn't real life, this is sports, so no cross-pollinating with the parts of life that actually matter. You keep hopping over the line Mr. Tebow, not to mention your supporters are really annoying, so here's hoping you're gone from the league very soon.
Nothing personal, nemesis.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Points to Ponder
Life has been conspiring lately to prevent me from posting much. I could take the advice of friends, and stop posting novels, trading length for frequency (hey now!), but when you get on a roll, it can be tough to shut up. Work and school, always distracting from the important things in life. In perhaps the best month on the sports calendar, I've posted the least, and that's unnaceptable.
Full slates off football and hockey, with the World Series to boot, anticipation of weekends like this is what sustains me through those long boring months known as summer. Although being stuck in a library will rob me of the opportunity to catch Nebraska's annihilation of the Gophers in person, the rest of the weekend has been kept wide open for sports viewing, it's time to rube it up.
So, what's happening around town?
O/U on combined opposing team points: 90
Combined spread: 60 1/2
Giving a Cornhusker bad directions that land him in Hudson: Priceless
Enjoy the weekend.
Full slates off football and hockey, with the World Series to boot, anticipation of weekends like this is what sustains me through those long boring months known as summer. Although being stuck in a library will rob me of the opportunity to catch Nebraska's annihilation of the Gophers in person, the rest of the weekend has been kept wide open for sports viewing, it's time to rube it up.
So, what's happening around town?
- Following last week's lament about my struggles picking football games, my sister, Rainwoman, promptly turned in a 5-8 week and allowed me to cut the deficit by 3 games. Trend or mirage? Fluke or example of regression to the mean? Is she hearing the footsteps? Is the pressure getting to her? I'd like to think so! Just had to bring it up, fan the flames of indecision a bit. (Are you sure that's the right pick? Positive? I wouldn't do that if I were you!) Psychological warfare at it's finest, pulling out all the stops
- I didn't write anything previewing the Wild this season, but like everyone else, I'm predicting them to be on the playoff bubble, hopefully creeping in. Failure to do so would mean the earliest chance Minnesota has to snap it's pro sports playoff drought would be the end of the next Twins season in October 2012. Two full years is a long f'n time to go without a playoff game when you have 4 pro teams. Unfortunately, the local squad hasn't exactly been taking the NHL by storm early in the season. Last night a goal with one second remaining was the only thing that prevented them from being shutout in Edmonton for the first time in 11 years. Getting new players to mesh takes time, but as we've figured out the past couple of years, slow starts can spell doom.
- According to many people around town, Gopher hockey is back, following a sweep of Duluth last weekend. I was on a roadtrip to my personal Mecca, Ralph Englestad Arena, so didn't see much of the games. It certainly looked impressive, and you can't blame their fans for being fired up; when you're starving, even a package of Saltines can pass for a gourmet meal. But can we keep it in check for the month of October? Believe me, you'll have plenty of time between the Gophers sweeping the Sioux in November and the Sioux sweeping the Gophers in January to razz me all you want, let's not go too overboard on one series. But I am happy for you...sort of.
- This town has doled out so much recent misery, it's once again time to ask our favorite question "Where is rock bottom?" Will it be here soon? Is it not going to arrive until the aforementioned two-year playoff drought comes to fruition? After that? About the only thing I can guarantee is that it is not today, because things are about to get a whole lot more ugly and embarrassing. Stretching hundreds of miles to both the south and east are convoys of opposing football fans poised to descend on our fair city. I'm calling it Football-O-Caust 2011 (had to add the year, due to the fact this may be an annual occurrence). One horde will be clad in red, the other in green 'n gold, both will be making a mockery of their opponent. Nebraska and Green Bay, welcome to town, bring money. The Mall of America is stocked up with designer overalls, bars across town have laid in a supply of PBR, we're ready to roll. Please take pity on our pathetic football teams, and if you see a glassy-eyed local with a look of despair, try not to pile on.
- Of course the big football story in town this week is the debut of Christian Ponder as the Vikings starting quarterback. Ho. Hum. As I wrote when he was drafted, I didn't think he was very good in college, don't think he'll be very good in the pros, and just generally am not a fan. Fortunately, I'm wrong a lot. So let's hope that's the case here and get on board with the Ponder Era, there's really not much else you can do at this point. It certainly can't be worse than the McNabb Era, and it will be refreshing to actually have a guy under 30 at the QB position following the recent string of greybeards. Just don't go all giddy when he leads a nice drive in garbage time to cut the lead to 30 this Sunday, keep it in perspective.
O/U on combined opposing team points: 90
Combined spread: 60 1/2
Giving a Cornhusker bad directions that land him in Hudson: Priceless
Enjoy the weekend.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Phoenix...we have a problem
In the past few days the Vikings won a game, the Lynx (non-sausage version) won the WNBA title, and the Wild kicked off what should be a promising season with a win. For at least a moment, things were looking up in the worst sports city in America. Unfortunately, there's no break from the losing on a personal level, as my football acumen is being made a mockery of on a weekly basis, and it's starting to get aggravating.
At the beginning of the NFL season, I set up an online group to do football picks with the immediate family. I'm talking against the spread here, none of that pansy garbage picking games straight up. If your knowledge doesn't translate to gambling, well then what did you really know? Nothing of any great value.
This was supposed to be a fun way to build camraderie amongst the fam, add a little spice to watching football in person on Thanksgiving and Christmas, typical stuff. It was also supposed to do one other thing, assert my dominance as the greatest football mind in gene pool. Objective #1 is going well. Objective #2? Not so much.
Current standings have me sitting 5th out of 6 participants; 2nd-4th is a 3-way tie, and only two games ahead of me at this point. None of that is a problem, as making up two games is easy enough to do. The problem isn't even that I'm 8 games out of 1st place, with the gap growing ever wider. The problem is that the current 1st place entry belongs to my sister, the only female in the group, and the person making me question everything I thought I knew about the NFL.
Now this isn't some sexist rant about how men should never be bested by women in sports endeavors. Every year I get beat by scores of women in Final Four pools, shrug my shoulders and move on with my life. It's a one-shot tourney, in which most people have never seen half the teams play, the height of randomness.
No, this rant is about being bested in a sport I follow religiously, read up on, dissect, re-watch old games and just generally waste too much of my life on. This is about statistical improbability. Everyone has their way of thinking about football gambling. When in doubt, maybe you favor AFC over NFC, look at teams traveling West to East, beware of the trap games and backdoor covers, whatever. My sister, or as she will henceforth be known, Rainwoman, use the time-honored tactic of picking based on who would win a fight between team mascots.
Scoff if you want, I did at first. It was hard not to chuckle at logic along the lines of "a falcon would never have a chance against an eagle, have you Wikipedia'ed them lately?" or "no way could some pirate tame a colt, I'd bet on the horse every time". We are now 5 weeks in, and after a blistering 11-2 performance to start pulling away from a pack that includes her brothers, fiancee and father, no one is chuckling.
Do you know how hard it is to go 11-2 against the spread?
F*cking hard my friend, we're talking calculus-level, let's leave it at that.
I picked the Bears on Monday night, Rainwoman picked the Lions.
My logic was that the Bears had their backs against the wall, couldn't afford to fall three games back in the division and could move the ball on a Lions defense that had looked suspect when going down 20 points the last couple of weeks.
Her logic was that a bear would have no chance in Africa, so a lion at home was a no-brainer. The simpicity of it is rather elegant, and of course, correct, but it had little to do with football. We may have a savant on our hands here folks, at this point I'm waiting for her to start wandering around muttering "Definitely lions, lions in hot weather, better than bears, have to watch Wapner, I'm an excellent driver."
(There are a couple of games that seem fishy though, how is a Buccaneer not going to beat a 49er? One is a swashbuckling hgih seas adventure type, the other an old guy in the hills panning for gold? And shouldn't inanimate objects like Jets always lose in this system? I mean sure they could bowl over a Patriot pretty easily, but how the heck would they get in motion in the first place? If the Seattle Pilots were still around, that I could give ya, but I'm claiming shenanigans if the Jets or Browns are picked from here on out)
I'm not going down without a fight, I'll tell you that much. Some way, some how, I will get back to the mountaintop of family football expertise. Traditionally, I've always been a closer, as the season wears on, I do my best work, and this year will be no different. Granted that will be difficult if the 11-2 records keep getting cranked out, but if they do, I have a contingency plan for that as well.
Christmas roadtrip to Vegas anyone?
At the beginning of the NFL season, I set up an online group to do football picks with the immediate family. I'm talking against the spread here, none of that pansy garbage picking games straight up. If your knowledge doesn't translate to gambling, well then what did you really know? Nothing of any great value.
This was supposed to be a fun way to build camraderie amongst the fam, add a little spice to watching football in person on Thanksgiving and Christmas, typical stuff. It was also supposed to do one other thing, assert my dominance as the greatest football mind in gene pool. Objective #1 is going well. Objective #2? Not so much.
Current standings have me sitting 5th out of 6 participants; 2nd-4th is a 3-way tie, and only two games ahead of me at this point. None of that is a problem, as making up two games is easy enough to do. The problem isn't even that I'm 8 games out of 1st place, with the gap growing ever wider. The problem is that the current 1st place entry belongs to my sister, the only female in the group, and the person making me question everything I thought I knew about the NFL.
Now this isn't some sexist rant about how men should never be bested by women in sports endeavors. Every year I get beat by scores of women in Final Four pools, shrug my shoulders and move on with my life. It's a one-shot tourney, in which most people have never seen half the teams play, the height of randomness.
No, this rant is about being bested in a sport I follow religiously, read up on, dissect, re-watch old games and just generally waste too much of my life on. This is about statistical improbability. Everyone has their way of thinking about football gambling. When in doubt, maybe you favor AFC over NFC, look at teams traveling West to East, beware of the trap games and backdoor covers, whatever. My sister, or as she will henceforth be known, Rainwoman, use the time-honored tactic of picking based on who would win a fight between team mascots.
Scoff if you want, I did at first. It was hard not to chuckle at logic along the lines of "a falcon would never have a chance against an eagle, have you Wikipedia'ed them lately?" or "no way could some pirate tame a colt, I'd bet on the horse every time". We are now 5 weeks in, and after a blistering 11-2 performance to start pulling away from a pack that includes her brothers, fiancee and father, no one is chuckling.
Do you know how hard it is to go 11-2 against the spread?
F*cking hard my friend, we're talking calculus-level, let's leave it at that.
I picked the Bears on Monday night, Rainwoman picked the Lions.
My logic was that the Bears had their backs against the wall, couldn't afford to fall three games back in the division and could move the ball on a Lions defense that had looked suspect when going down 20 points the last couple of weeks.
Her logic was that a bear would have no chance in Africa, so a lion at home was a no-brainer. The simpicity of it is rather elegant, and of course, correct, but it had little to do with football. We may have a savant on our hands here folks, at this point I'm waiting for her to start wandering around muttering "Definitely lions, lions in hot weather, better than bears, have to watch Wapner, I'm an excellent driver."
(There are a couple of games that seem fishy though, how is a Buccaneer not going to beat a 49er? One is a swashbuckling hgih seas adventure type, the other an old guy in the hills panning for gold? And shouldn't inanimate objects like Jets always lose in this system? I mean sure they could bowl over a Patriot pretty easily, but how the heck would they get in motion in the first place? If the Seattle Pilots were still around, that I could give ya, but I'm claiming shenanigans if the Jets or Browns are picked from here on out)
I'm not going down without a fight, I'll tell you that much. Some way, some how, I will get back to the mountaintop of family football expertise. Traditionally, I've always been a closer, as the season wears on, I do my best work, and this year will be no different. Granted that will be difficult if the 11-2 records keep getting cranked out, but if they do, I have a contingency plan for that as well.
Christmas roadtrip to Vegas anyone?
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Tis the season: 2011 WCHA Preview
"There are two kinds of people in the world: Those who follow college hockey, and the uninteresting ones" - The Mayor
Yikes. Had to take a couple of days to collect myself, even I have limits to the abuse I can take, and things keep getting worse.
Let's not even talk about the state of the football teams, let's just do what we do best, and turn the page.
No word on 0-4, no mention of 58-0, just pretend it didn't happen and start rooting for blackouts so there will actually be good games on TV.
As far as I'm concerned, it's officially hockey season.
While it's true we're 50% of the way through the best two months on the calendar, the good news is that the second half is the better one. The fall season is like a poorly-poured glass of beer, the first part can be a little frothy, but after a few sips you're past it, enjoying nothing but pure refreshment. That's where things stand at the moment, with the tastiest bit on tap.
The next few weeks is sports nirvana, two kinds of football in full swing, baseball playoffs ongoing, and pucks dropping from coast to coast. Be still my heart.
For a lot of people, hockey is just a strange game played on ice, but for those of us who live in it's mecca, it's tough not to be biased in favor of the game. It's one of only three reasons, along with "The air smells really clean" and "I don't feel guilty for not leaving the house on a Sunday" that make it tolerable to live here in the winter. You can watch guys who are going to get drafted in the NHL at high school games for $5, that's pretty cool. Lots of places have the pro game, but we have it all, and it's pretty damn sweet.
With that in mind, we're going further down the rabbit hole of the inconsequential today, to the only sport I love more than the NFL, that wonderful game called college hockey.
This is a niche of a niche we're talking about here. Take a poll of random strangers in all but about 3 states and maybe only 1 in 1,000 has spent a moment watching college hockey in their life. But if everything that was popular was good, and vice versa, I'd still be listening to the radio, watching network TV and eating at Hardees. Alas, none of those is the case.
This game is everything you used to love about sports. Affordable tickets, passionate fans, roadtrips, rivalries; things that the big-time games co-opted in favor of profits long ago. As I noted in discussing favorite roadtrips last year, the buildings are iconic, names that stir memories and passion among every fan: Stub & Herb's, Grandma's, State St. Brats, Blue Bricks, Eagle St, The Red Carpet, Parrot's Cay, The Bank, Tav on the Ave, Sally's, MC's, The 209, Whitey's.
And those are just the bars, the arenas are even better.
The puck dropped in exhibition games last weekend, with regular season games commencing Friday. It's time for the fall routine to hit it's stride: Hockey, rake leaves, football, hockey, football. Repeat. There are only two seasons left in the history of the greatest hockey league on the planet, so let's make them count.
Without further ado, one man's thoughts on the 2011 Western Collegiate Hockey Association.
1. Denver Pioneers
2010-2011: 25-12-5 Overall, 17-8-3 WCHA (2nd place), lost in Final Five Championship, lost in NCAA 2nd Rd
Key Losses: F Anthony Maiani, F Kyle Ostrow, D Matt Donovan
Key Returners: G Sam Brittain, F Jason Zucker, F Drew Shore
The only thing preventing this team from being a runaway favorite is the fact that their returning goaltender tore his ACL in the offseason, and will be out through at least Christmas. Makes no difference in my mind, they're loaded, and goalies are notoriously unpredictable. Lately it seems like every team who thinks they have the position set coming into the season has been proven wrong, and another guy ends up getting the majority of the duty.
Alex Kangas was the answer in Minnesota two seasons ago, then he lost his edge and was replaced by Kent Patterson, who's been even better. Brad Eidsness was a fixture in net for two seasons at North Dakota before giving way to Aaron Dell last year; all Dell was able to do was win Goaltender of the Year. So while the past performance of presumed starter Adam Murray is spotty, and the defensive depth may not be great, I'll trust the league's best set of forwards to carry the load until things solidify in net.
2. Colorado College Tigers
2010-2011: 23-19-3 Overall, 13-13-2 WCHA (6th place), lost in NCAA 2nd Rd
Key Losses: F Stephen Schultz
Key Returners: G Joe Howe, F Jaden Schwartz, F Rylan Schwartz, D Gabe Guentzel
As Exhibit A of the theory just stated, consider junior goalie Joe Howe.
Howe did a solid job last season (2.94 GAA, .903 Save %), but had a tendency to get shelled against tougher opponents (5+ goals against in 6 games). Given the depth and experience CC brings into the season, including likely Player of the Year Jaden Schwartz, Howe trending closer to his freshman season could put them over the top.
As it is though, these guys choke a lot. We're not talking on the levels of St. Cloud, but expecting a CC team to win big games is like hoping for an open bar at a Mormon wedding. Get ready to be disappointed.
3. North Dakota Fighting Sioux
2010-2011: 32-9-3 Overall, 21-6-1 WCHA (1st place), Final Five Champions, lost in NCAA Semifinal
Key Losses: F Matt Frattin, F Brad Malone, F Evan Trupp, F Jason Gregoire, D Chay Genoway, F Brett Hextall
Key Returners: F Danny Kristo, F Corban Knight, D Ben Blood, G Aaron Dell, G Brad Eidsness
My favorite college hockey team had a season to remember a year ago; unfortunately the ending was quite forgettable. The #1 team in the country for most of the season, the Sioux once again game up short in the Frozen Four, leaving a black mark on an otherwise excellent campaign. I blame myself, frankly, at this point in life I should know better than to go within 10 miles of any big game one of my teams is playing in. Thought the X was safe after the last couple Final Fives, unfortunately I was wrong.
So now, after losing 6 of their top 7 scorers to graduation, a reloaded North Dakota team comes into this season with questions about who will provide the scoring punch. The national polls have them ranked in the Top 5, which I hope is the case once the calendar turns. As it is right now, can't see how the freshmen are going to produce quickly enough to justify a ranking that high so early in the season.
Instead of last year's wire-to-wire dominance, this year's squad will be more typical of Sioux teams, with a mediocre first half giving way to a red-hot run after Christmas. The freshman class may be talented, but most freshmen struggle out of the gate. No doubt the slow start will cost them a few points at Mariucci in early November, sending Gopher fans into a frenzy. All I ask is that you folks keep it in check until we see what happens in January, we've all seen this movie before and know how it ends.
4. Minnesota Golden Gophers
2010-2011: 16-14-6 Overall, 13-10-5 WCHA (5th place), lost to UAA in WCHA 1st round
Key Losses: F Mike Hoeffel, F Jacob Cepis, F Jay Barriball, D Cade Fairchild, D Aaron Ness, G Alex Kangas
Key Returners: G Kent Patterson, F Nick Bjugstad, F Zach Budish
Not sure if it's general fear and loathing, all the news picked up about the team or a past history of being conditioned to expect solid play, but I always seem to overrate the Gophers these days. Most of it has to do with the assumption that all the talent has gotta translate into wins at some point. Right? Been wrong twice now, but they did play the tough teams well last year, just need some consistency.
The Gophers were .500 or better against Denver, Duluth, North Dakota and Wisconsin last year, throwing in a 3-1 non-conference win over Michigan to boot. That's 3 of 4 Frozen Four participants that they either bested or fought to a draw. A few of those wins were even of the dominant variety. Unfortunately for Minnesota fans, the other side of the coin was downright scary. Swept by Mankato(!), winless in the Christmas Cupcake tourney, swept at home by Anchorage in the playoffs.
So which team will show up this year? I think it has a chance to be the good version. Inconsistency in a trademark of inexperience, which the Gophers had a lot of last year. Now with a more experienced squad, key players coming back from injury and everyone's favorite scapegoat assistant coach gone, this could be the year they restore the program to it's prior high standard.
But as I've said, been wrong about that before...
5. Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs
2010-2011: 26-10-6 Overall, 15-8-5 WCHA (4th place), NCAA Champions
Key Losses: F Justin Fontaine, F Mike Connolly, D Justin Faulk
Key Returners: F Jack Connolly, F Travis Oleksuk, F J.T. Brown
Welcome to the big time Duluth! Congrats on your first NCAA title, now say goodbye to half of your roster.
There are certainly no Bulldog fans out there who would change a thing about last season's run to the championship, but there might be a few who are feeling slapped upside the head by the realities of getting top-tier players. Last season's team saw 4 of it's best 5 players depart, with only one being due to graduation. The cupboard's hardly bare, but the nation's best line and most electric power play will likely be distant memories. The team will have to adjust accordingly.
Throw some early departures on the blue line, and it's tough to see Duluth challenging for the league title. But then again, if goaltending falters, plenty of teams could be in the mix from 3rd-7th.
6. Nebraska-Omaha Mavericks
2010-2011: 21-16-2 Overall, 17-9-2 WCHA (3rd place), lost in NCAA 1st rd
Key Losses: F Joey Martin, F Matt Ambroz, F Rich Purslow, D Eric Olimb
Key Returners: G John Faulkner, F Alex Hudson, F Terry Broadhurst, F Matt White, F Ryan Walters, F Brock Montpetit
This team was much better than I expected them to be during their first WCHA season. Having watched Dean Blais get the maximum possible from every team I've seen him coach should've been a giveaway.
So am I falling into the same trap by putting them in 6th? Maybe, but I just couldn't justify anything higher. It certainly feels like a season of parity, and a small miss on points could lead to a big whiff on finish. But sometimes you've gotta try to be a hero, and this is one of those times.
Any finish that doesn't involve a playoff matchup with Bemidji is a good finish.
7. St. Cloud State Huskies
2010-2011: 15-18-5 Overall, 11-13-4 WCHA (9th place), lost to UMD in WCHA 1st round
Key Losses: F Garrett Roe, F Aaron Marvin
Key Returners: G Mike Lee, F Ben Hanowski, F Drew LeBlanc
There were times last season when you couldn't tell these Huskies from the league's other version, and that's not good for St. Cloud. A team that had high expectations finished with a losing record, then lost it's highest profile scorer to graduation. Not a great run.
But to paraphrase the great John McKay, bringing back a bunch of guys from a losing team is overrated. If they were really that great, the team would've won more. St. Cloud has some good players, but most have yet to put it together, so they're at the low end of the high side.
I also have no idea if Mike Lee is good, have watched him play 30 games now and can't tell. Among the enigma that is goaltenders, he is a riddle wrapped inside that enigma, and encased in one of those injection-molded plastic deals they seal headphones in.
8.Bemidji State Beavers
2010-2011: 15-18-5 Overall, 8-15-5 WCHA (10th place), beat UNO in first round of WCHA playoffs, lost to DEN in second round of Final Five
Key Losses: F Matt Read, F Ian Lowe
Key Returners: F Jordan George, D Brad Hunt, G Dan Bakala
All hail the mighty Beav. Aside from my own team, there's none I'd have an easier time throwing my support behind than the noble Beav. I can picture it now, throngs of people walking down West 7th, wearing "You Can't Lick Our Beavers!" t-shirts. It would be magical.
But alas, no name on the list of losses looms larger than Matt Read. While it's debatable that he was the best player in the group, there's no debate he meant the most to his team. Here's hoping Dan Bakala gives me cause to misspell his name a few times this season. It's visually deceiving, like Sparano.
9. Wisconsin Badgers
2010-2011 WCHA Finish: 21-16-4 Overall, 12-13-3 WCHA (7th place), lost to CC in WCHA 1st round
Key Losses: D Jake Gardiner, F Craig Smith, G Scott Gudmandson, G Brett Bennett, F Jordy Murray
Key Returners: D Justin Schultz
Cupboard = Bare. Good thing all they care about come March is the hoops team.
But knowing how things work in this universe, the Badgers will miraculously pull an amazing season out of thin air. Just by being from Wisconsin.
Let's move on.
10.Alaska-Anchorage Seawolves
2010-2011: 16-18-3 Overall, 12-14-2 WCHA (8th place), beat UMN in WCHA first round, lost to CC in first round of Final Five
Key Losses: F Tommy Grant, F Craig Parkinson
Key Returners: G Chris Kamal
Tommy Grant, we hardly knew ye.
Another perennial bottom-feeder, Anchorage looked to have some things moving in the right direction last season. Unfortunately, they enter this one without their best (only?) offensive threat in Grant, only two players who tallied double-digit goals (both at 10) and no 30-point scorers. Unless goaltender Kamal can turn into an unholy combination of Dominek Hasek, Patrick Roy and a brick wall, this could be a long season.
11. Minnesota State-Mankato Mavericks
2010-2011: 14-18-6 Overall, 8-16-4 (11th place), lost to DEN in WCHA first round
Key Losses: D Kurt Davis, D Ben Youds
Key Returners: F Michael Dorr
Sentimental favorite, if only teams got points for the drinking scene around their arena.
Problem #1: Their best offensive player last season was a defenseman.
Problem #2: Said defenseman is no longer on the team.
Problem #3: They're not that good in any other phase of the game either.
And that about covers it.
12.Michigan Tech Huskies
2010-2011 WCHA Finish: 4-30-4 Overall, 2-24-2 WCHA (12th place), lost to UND in WCHA first round
Key Losses: D Deron Cousens
Key Returners: F Milos Gordic, F Ryan Furne
I'm not so sure the word "key" should be used in connection with anyone on this team, there's a better chance Hank Williams Jr. gets invited to a White House dinner than there is the Huskies finish .500.
But they've got a new coach, so they've got that going for them, which is nice...
Drop the puck!!!
Yikes. Had to take a couple of days to collect myself, even I have limits to the abuse I can take, and things keep getting worse.
Let's not even talk about the state of the football teams, let's just do what we do best, and turn the page.
No word on 0-4, no mention of 58-0, just pretend it didn't happen and start rooting for blackouts so there will actually be good games on TV.
As far as I'm concerned, it's officially hockey season.
While it's true we're 50% of the way through the best two months on the calendar, the good news is that the second half is the better one. The fall season is like a poorly-poured glass of beer, the first part can be a little frothy, but after a few sips you're past it, enjoying nothing but pure refreshment. That's where things stand at the moment, with the tastiest bit on tap.
The next few weeks is sports nirvana, two kinds of football in full swing, baseball playoffs ongoing, and pucks dropping from coast to coast. Be still my heart.
For a lot of people, hockey is just a strange game played on ice, but for those of us who live in it's mecca, it's tough not to be biased in favor of the game. It's one of only three reasons, along with "The air smells really clean" and "I don't feel guilty for not leaving the house on a Sunday" that make it tolerable to live here in the winter. You can watch guys who are going to get drafted in the NHL at high school games for $5, that's pretty cool. Lots of places have the pro game, but we have it all, and it's pretty damn sweet.
With that in mind, we're going further down the rabbit hole of the inconsequential today, to the only sport I love more than the NFL, that wonderful game called college hockey.
This is a niche of a niche we're talking about here. Take a poll of random strangers in all but about 3 states and maybe only 1 in 1,000 has spent a moment watching college hockey in their life. But if everything that was popular was good, and vice versa, I'd still be listening to the radio, watching network TV and eating at Hardees. Alas, none of those is the case.
This game is everything you used to love about sports. Affordable tickets, passionate fans, roadtrips, rivalries; things that the big-time games co-opted in favor of profits long ago. As I noted in discussing favorite roadtrips last year, the buildings are iconic, names that stir memories and passion among every fan: Stub & Herb's, Grandma's, State St. Brats, Blue Bricks, Eagle St, The Red Carpet, Parrot's Cay, The Bank, Tav on the Ave, Sally's, MC's, The 209, Whitey's.
And those are just the bars, the arenas are even better.
The puck dropped in exhibition games last weekend, with regular season games commencing Friday. It's time for the fall routine to hit it's stride: Hockey, rake leaves, football, hockey, football. Repeat. There are only two seasons left in the history of the greatest hockey league on the planet, so let's make them count.
Without further ado, one man's thoughts on the 2011 Western Collegiate Hockey Association.
1. Denver Pioneers
2010-2011: 25-12-5 Overall, 17-8-3 WCHA (2nd place), lost in Final Five Championship, lost in NCAA 2nd Rd
Key Losses: F Anthony Maiani, F Kyle Ostrow, D Matt Donovan
Key Returners: G Sam Brittain, F Jason Zucker, F Drew Shore
The only thing preventing this team from being a runaway favorite is the fact that their returning goaltender tore his ACL in the offseason, and will be out through at least Christmas. Makes no difference in my mind, they're loaded, and goalies are notoriously unpredictable. Lately it seems like every team who thinks they have the position set coming into the season has been proven wrong, and another guy ends up getting the majority of the duty.
Alex Kangas was the answer in Minnesota two seasons ago, then he lost his edge and was replaced by Kent Patterson, who's been even better. Brad Eidsness was a fixture in net for two seasons at North Dakota before giving way to Aaron Dell last year; all Dell was able to do was win Goaltender of the Year. So while the past performance of presumed starter Adam Murray is spotty, and the defensive depth may not be great, I'll trust the league's best set of forwards to carry the load until things solidify in net.
2. Colorado College Tigers
2010-2011: 23-19-3 Overall, 13-13-2 WCHA (6th place), lost in NCAA 2nd Rd
Key Losses: F Stephen Schultz
Key Returners: G Joe Howe, F Jaden Schwartz, F Rylan Schwartz, D Gabe Guentzel
As Exhibit A of the theory just stated, consider junior goalie Joe Howe.
Howe did a solid job last season (2.94 GAA, .903 Save %), but had a tendency to get shelled against tougher opponents (5+ goals against in 6 games). Given the depth and experience CC brings into the season, including likely Player of the Year Jaden Schwartz, Howe trending closer to his freshman season could put them over the top.
As it is though, these guys choke a lot. We're not talking on the levels of St. Cloud, but expecting a CC team to win big games is like hoping for an open bar at a Mormon wedding. Get ready to be disappointed.
3. North Dakota Fighting Sioux
2010-2011: 32-9-3 Overall, 21-6-1 WCHA (1st place), Final Five Champions, lost in NCAA Semifinal
Key Losses: F Matt Frattin, F Brad Malone, F Evan Trupp, F Jason Gregoire, D Chay Genoway, F Brett Hextall
Key Returners: F Danny Kristo, F Corban Knight, D Ben Blood, G Aaron Dell, G Brad Eidsness
My favorite college hockey team had a season to remember a year ago; unfortunately the ending was quite forgettable. The #1 team in the country for most of the season, the Sioux once again game up short in the Frozen Four, leaving a black mark on an otherwise excellent campaign. I blame myself, frankly, at this point in life I should know better than to go within 10 miles of any big game one of my teams is playing in. Thought the X was safe after the last couple Final Fives, unfortunately I was wrong.
So now, after losing 6 of their top 7 scorers to graduation, a reloaded North Dakota team comes into this season with questions about who will provide the scoring punch. The national polls have them ranked in the Top 5, which I hope is the case once the calendar turns. As it is right now, can't see how the freshmen are going to produce quickly enough to justify a ranking that high so early in the season.
Instead of last year's wire-to-wire dominance, this year's squad will be more typical of Sioux teams, with a mediocre first half giving way to a red-hot run after Christmas. The freshman class may be talented, but most freshmen struggle out of the gate. No doubt the slow start will cost them a few points at Mariucci in early November, sending Gopher fans into a frenzy. All I ask is that you folks keep it in check until we see what happens in January, we've all seen this movie before and know how it ends.
4. Minnesota Golden Gophers
2010-2011: 16-14-6 Overall, 13-10-5 WCHA (5th place), lost to UAA in WCHA 1st round
Key Losses: F Mike Hoeffel, F Jacob Cepis, F Jay Barriball, D Cade Fairchild, D Aaron Ness, G Alex Kangas
Key Returners: G Kent Patterson, F Nick Bjugstad, F Zach Budish
Not sure if it's general fear and loathing, all the news picked up about the team or a past history of being conditioned to expect solid play, but I always seem to overrate the Gophers these days. Most of it has to do with the assumption that all the talent has gotta translate into wins at some point. Right? Been wrong twice now, but they did play the tough teams well last year, just need some consistency.
The Gophers were .500 or better against Denver, Duluth, North Dakota and Wisconsin last year, throwing in a 3-1 non-conference win over Michigan to boot. That's 3 of 4 Frozen Four participants that they either bested or fought to a draw. A few of those wins were even of the dominant variety. Unfortunately for Minnesota fans, the other side of the coin was downright scary. Swept by Mankato(!), winless in the Christmas Cupcake tourney, swept at home by Anchorage in the playoffs.
So which team will show up this year? I think it has a chance to be the good version. Inconsistency in a trademark of inexperience, which the Gophers had a lot of last year. Now with a more experienced squad, key players coming back from injury and everyone's favorite scapegoat assistant coach gone, this could be the year they restore the program to it's prior high standard.
But as I've said, been wrong about that before...
5. Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs
2010-2011: 26-10-6 Overall, 15-8-5 WCHA (4th place), NCAA Champions
Key Losses: F Justin Fontaine, F Mike Connolly, D Justin Faulk
Key Returners: F Jack Connolly, F Travis Oleksuk, F J.T. Brown
Welcome to the big time Duluth! Congrats on your first NCAA title, now say goodbye to half of your roster.
There are certainly no Bulldog fans out there who would change a thing about last season's run to the championship, but there might be a few who are feeling slapped upside the head by the realities of getting top-tier players. Last season's team saw 4 of it's best 5 players depart, with only one being due to graduation. The cupboard's hardly bare, but the nation's best line and most electric power play will likely be distant memories. The team will have to adjust accordingly.
Throw some early departures on the blue line, and it's tough to see Duluth challenging for the league title. But then again, if goaltending falters, plenty of teams could be in the mix from 3rd-7th.
6. Nebraska-Omaha Mavericks
2010-2011: 21-16-2 Overall, 17-9-2 WCHA (3rd place), lost in NCAA 1st rd
Key Losses: F Joey Martin, F Matt Ambroz, F Rich Purslow, D Eric Olimb
Key Returners: G John Faulkner, F Alex Hudson, F Terry Broadhurst, F Matt White, F Ryan Walters, F Brock Montpetit
This team was much better than I expected them to be during their first WCHA season. Having watched Dean Blais get the maximum possible from every team I've seen him coach should've been a giveaway.
So am I falling into the same trap by putting them in 6th? Maybe, but I just couldn't justify anything higher. It certainly feels like a season of parity, and a small miss on points could lead to a big whiff on finish. But sometimes you've gotta try to be a hero, and this is one of those times.
Any finish that doesn't involve a playoff matchup with Bemidji is a good finish.
7. St. Cloud State Huskies
2010-2011: 15-18-5 Overall, 11-13-4 WCHA (9th place), lost to UMD in WCHA 1st round
Key Losses: F Garrett Roe, F Aaron Marvin
Key Returners: G Mike Lee, F Ben Hanowski, F Drew LeBlanc
There were times last season when you couldn't tell these Huskies from the league's other version, and that's not good for St. Cloud. A team that had high expectations finished with a losing record, then lost it's highest profile scorer to graduation. Not a great run.
But to paraphrase the great John McKay, bringing back a bunch of guys from a losing team is overrated. If they were really that great, the team would've won more. St. Cloud has some good players, but most have yet to put it together, so they're at the low end of the high side.
I also have no idea if Mike Lee is good, have watched him play 30 games now and can't tell. Among the enigma that is goaltenders, he is a riddle wrapped inside that enigma, and encased in one of those injection-molded plastic deals they seal headphones in.
8.Bemidji State Beavers
2010-2011: 15-18-5 Overall, 8-15-5 WCHA (10th place), beat UNO in first round of WCHA playoffs, lost to DEN in second round of Final Five
Key Losses: F Matt Read, F Ian Lowe
Key Returners: F Jordan George, D Brad Hunt, G Dan Bakala
All hail the mighty Beav. Aside from my own team, there's none I'd have an easier time throwing my support behind than the noble Beav. I can picture it now, throngs of people walking down West 7th, wearing "You Can't Lick Our Beavers!" t-shirts. It would be magical.
But alas, no name on the list of losses looms larger than Matt Read. While it's debatable that he was the best player in the group, there's no debate he meant the most to his team. Here's hoping Dan Bakala gives me cause to misspell his name a few times this season. It's visually deceiving, like Sparano.
9. Wisconsin Badgers
2010-2011 WCHA Finish: 21-16-4 Overall, 12-13-3 WCHA (7th place), lost to CC in WCHA 1st round
Key Losses: D Jake Gardiner, F Craig Smith, G Scott Gudmandson, G Brett Bennett, F Jordy Murray
Key Returners: D Justin Schultz
Cupboard = Bare. Good thing all they care about come March is the hoops team.
But knowing how things work in this universe, the Badgers will miraculously pull an amazing season out of thin air. Just by being from Wisconsin.
Let's move on.
10.Alaska-Anchorage Seawolves
2010-2011: 16-18-3 Overall, 12-14-2 WCHA (8th place), beat UMN in WCHA first round, lost to CC in first round of Final Five
Key Losses: F Tommy Grant, F Craig Parkinson
Key Returners: G Chris Kamal
Tommy Grant, we hardly knew ye.
Another perennial bottom-feeder, Anchorage looked to have some things moving in the right direction last season. Unfortunately, they enter this one without their best (only?) offensive threat in Grant, only two players who tallied double-digit goals (both at 10) and no 30-point scorers. Unless goaltender Kamal can turn into an unholy combination of Dominek Hasek, Patrick Roy and a brick wall, this could be a long season.
11. Minnesota State-Mankato Mavericks
2010-2011: 14-18-6 Overall, 8-16-4 (11th place), lost to DEN in WCHA first round
Key Losses: D Kurt Davis, D Ben Youds
Key Returners: F Michael Dorr
Sentimental favorite, if only teams got points for the drinking scene around their arena.
Problem #1: Their best offensive player last season was a defenseman.
Problem #2: Said defenseman is no longer on the team.
Problem #3: They're not that good in any other phase of the game either.
And that about covers it.
12.Michigan Tech Huskies
2010-2011 WCHA Finish: 4-30-4 Overall, 2-24-2 WCHA (12th place), lost to UND in WCHA first round
Key Losses: D Deron Cousens
Key Returners: F Milos Gordic, F Ryan Furne
I'm not so sure the word "key" should be used in connection with anyone on this team, there's a better chance Hank Williams Jr. gets invited to a White House dinner than there is the Huskies finish .500.
But they've got a new coach, so they've got that going for them, which is nice...
Drop the puck!!!
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