Okay, it's Monday, and I'm finally getting around to posting. I'm pretty lame. Good thing no one was anxiously awaiting my astute analysis of every aspect of the game. Yay for alliteration!
I went to both games, of course, and watched Union beat UMass-Lowell, which was... well, not very interesting. I mean, we had a good time and yelled some dumb stuff and it beat getting a poke in the eye, but whatever. Two teams I've never cared about were playing hockey that wasn't really stellar.
We sat behind the bench for the whole game this time, which is kind of fun because when I yelled at the Notre Dame players, I knew they could hear me, but also isn't conducive to seeing the whole game. I could certainly see a few things FOR CERTAIN: 1. VERY VERY VERY rough first period. 2. POWER PLAY NOT CLICKING. Eeeew. At one point we thought it was tied 2-2, but that was, in fact, not the case, as the ref blew the whistle too early. We had some great cheers and taunts for that part that the Notre Dame fans behind us were in stitches about. As pointed out on tPB, the refs had no problem holding it in when the puck was in front of Stalock. It was certainly unfortunate that the alleged game-tying goal didn't count, but it's not like it came with 10 seconds left in the game, and we certainly had myriad other opportunities to score that went unconverted.
It wasn't a bad game by any means; other than the first portion of the first period it was certainly very even, with both goaltenders playing well and both penalty kills playing very effectively. SOMEHOW, and this is a mystery to me, Jacky ended up in the penalty box twice. PLEASE. At least ONE of the plays was not a penalty, and I didn't see the other one, but I'm certain it wasn't. Argh. CCHA = Can't Check Hockey Association.
Before the game, Mike and I were standing in ze lobby doing nothing, and a roving band of kilt-wearing bagpipers were up on the club level concourse, so I asked them if they would play "In Heaven There Is No Beer." Well, I screamed it. They did not respond. A bunch of dumb Notre Dame fans were looking at me, but then when I addressed them, they couldn't seem to look me in the eye. Yes, I am weird and scary and embarrassing, but if you can't say that to my face, then what does that say about you?
Great job to the tUMD fans who out-cheered the Notre Dame fans for the whole game. Awesome job to Drew Akins for getting us the lone goal and getting Off Notice in the process. Congrats to Prefontaine and Obi-Wan, who made the All-Tournament team. If tDogs play hard against Bermidji, then we should squeak by with a great non-con record. THIS weekend tDogs need to TCB at the NHC, but I have every confidence they will. GO BULLDOGS!!!!
And no, Jon, I'm not going to blog about what happened AFTER the game...
The Numbers
Wins until we equal last season's total: 4 (still NC)
Points until we equal last season's total: 8 (still NC)
My Guys
MacGregor Sharp: 20
Jack Connolly: 13
Michael Gergen: 8
Rob Bordson: 0
(Come on guys... none of you scored? Sadness)
Freshmen
Mike Connolly: 16
Jack Connolly: 13
David Grun: 0
Scott Kishel: 0
Brady Lamb: 0
Travis Oleksuk: 0 (Got to hear some good stories about his dad's time at tUMD)
On Notice:
Rob Bordson
Jay Cascalenda
Matt Greer
Nick Kemp
Mike Montgomery
Trent Palm
Kyle Schmidt
Alex Stalock
(Too many! I expect a lot of names off this list come Saturday night!)
Goals Only
Mike Connolly
Cody Danberg
Jordan Fulton
Michael Gergen
Josh Meyers
(I KNOW this list is going to be close to empty after this weekend!!!)
Then the 2nd period started, and tDogs remained on the PK, and Chad Rau, helped by the Traitor and Daddy's Boy, had one of those just-after-the-power-play goals that sucks to give up but at least it doesn't hurt the PK stats! That one was kind of tough. I thought maybe CC was going to get out of their little funk and take off. Well, the joke was on me, because 19 seconds later, Justin to Jacky to Jordy and *boom* 2-1. A minute and 26 seconds later, some jerk took a penalty and Justin Fontaine, always the darling, thought "Poor MeanEgirl. She's been having a really tough time lately. How can I help her out?" and then the puck was in the net again. Monty and Palm assisted. Thanks guys!
The homeless person scored again, assisted by Imitation Connelly and Chad Rau to make it 3-2, and at this point I realized this game was going to be high-scoring. I knew tDogs weren't out of it but I also believed the Tigers would not go quietly into that good night. Mike "I Might Be Sexy But I'm Uggo Because I Think Kneeing Is Ok" Testwuide took a penalty for, well, duh, and then Ryan Lowery, Public Enemy Number One, flattened poor MacGregor Sharp into the boards and received some lovely parting gifts as he was asked to leave the arena. During the ensuing 5 on 3, Evan "Stop Calling Me Ryan You Illiterate CC Announcer" Oberg scored on assists from Meyers and Fuzzy. Back to even. Sharpy was on the ice for that as well, so he was all right despite getting clobbered by He Who Is About To Die, and then that sneaky Sharpshooter decided he was going to show Richard Bachman who was the man and who was the very little boy, and shot a laser-guided missile into the roof of the net, his sleight of hand fooling all but that wily goal judge, who saw it all the way and lit that lamp like a beacon of hope unto us all. And we had our first lead of the weekend, and our first lead on CC since (pause for me to look it up) we crapped away a 2-0 game in the 3rd period in January 2007.
But they weren't done! Nick Kemp was all "I'm sick of being On Notice!" and I said "I think so, Nick!" and despite CC's attempts to hook Sharpy, he got it to Nick and Nick took it to the house. 5 goals in a period. God. Remember when we couldn't get 5 goals in a weekend? Remember when the 2nd period was a black hole of horrendous defence? Those days are over now!
CC then went back to their locker room and cried like Dude Love when he found out crazytechfan was 16.
I guess Bachman was inconsolable, because to start the 3rd period, Drew O'Connell was in net. I don't really like him, mostly because his name is just one letter away from this guy who was really horrible to me back when I was in ROTC. Screw him. Drew also gave us our most recent win against CC, also in January 2007, in a game where Josh Meyers got a powerplay goal simply by gaining the red line and dumping the puck in the offensive zone. Jeff McFarland scored the GWG in that game, too, if you can believe it. So, this is a really long way of saying Drew O'Connell is a great big sieve, doo-dah, doo-dah. Jordy Fulton agreed, because he scored about 4 minutes into the period to make it 6-3. Arthur Fonzarelli had the only assist, but I'm sure Jacky was just as helpful in setting up the play. Some dumb loser from CC must have gotten a stick on the puck for a second or two there. Sharpshooter had a penalty and Al took a stab at a goal on a clearing attempt, but it was way wide. Tragic. Daddy's Boy scored on that power play, assisted by the homeless person and the Traitor. It was their only ppg of the weekend, so I guess they can get a nice little gold star. Kyle Schmidt got in on the scoring as well, getting his 2nd goal of the year and effectively putting the last nail in the coffin for those tigers. I know they are endangered species so I certainly hope Kyle doesn't get in trouble for poaching. I doubt it, he is one smooth criminal.
I'm tired. There will be more tomorrow. This thing took me forever to write because I'm effectively a zombie. Thanks for the great game, guys! Have a safe trip home! I know you're going to be dragging your tired butts out of bed in about 2 1/2 hours. Yikes.
The Numbers
Wins until we equal last season's total: 5! (WOW!!!!!!!!!!!)
Points until we equal last season's total: 11! (GLORIOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!)
My Guys
MacGregor Sharp: 18!
Jack Connolly: 12!
Michael Gergen: 7
Rob Bordson: 0
Freshmen
Mike Connolly: 13!
Jack Connolly: 12!
David Grun: 0
Scott Kishel: 0
Brady Lamb: 0
Travis Oleksuk: 0
On Notice:
Rob Bordson
Andrew Carroll
Jay Cascalenda
Matt Greer
Alex Stalock
Goals Only
Drew Akins
Jack Connolly
Cody Danberg
Mike Montgomery
Trent Palm
tUMD 3, Seawolves 4, replay -1
I don't really have a lot to say about this game. Things did not start out well. And I'm not even talking about the 2-0 lead that we spotted the Seawolves. I'm talking about the radio feed. The Hog decided they would like to replace Bruce with Alvin and the Chipmunks, and Alvin was not coming through so well. I listened to the choppy, chirpy feed through most of the first period while trying to get the UAA television feed to stop crashing my browser and freezing my computer. I was lucky enough to hear both goal calls. I started knotting up a noose for myself.
So by the 2nd period I had Brucie back on the air and the video feed was working. However, it was not very useful. For example, we scored 4 goals in this game. I was not aware that the puck was in the net on any of them. This is because the video had a tight shot of the goaltender and I could not see the net, the goal light, or any Bulldog players celebrating. Okay no, that is a lie. I saw one goal and I about cried from its beauty. It was a play where on some teams of the past, we would have just lost the puck (and there were many of those tonight, thanks to UAA's 5-car pile-up style of playing) but somehow Akins was in front of the net and reached out and got the puck to Fontaine and he just slammed it home. It was just so lovely. Oh Justin, you have such great hands. And you dress very nicely.
In addition to not being able to tell when a goal was scored, I was also often not able to tell where the puck was. This is because I was silly and assumed that we would be zooming in on the player who was carrying the puck. Instead we were zooming in on patches of ice, or some random defenceman not even in the play, or the UAA goalie when the puck was at center ice. I really don't like people telling me what I should and should not be seeing in a hockey game. Or in life. Censorship is whack, yo.
Dirty watched along with me and we were IMing back and forth. Thank you, Dirty (and BB to a lesser extent) for attempting to keep me from going off the rails. I only did a little bit. Dirty kept up a steady stream of distractions like the UAA commercials and techno mexican hat dances and NCAA Basketball pool horror stories and that man that wears the question mark suits. I actually laughed at one point, and for kind of a bad reason: MEg has Stalock on her WCHA fantasy team. Sorry MEg! But Arthur Fonzarelli got 2 goals for you!!
I can't be upset about the replay, as #1 because of the crappy camera work I could not see what actually transpired and #2 it didn't decide the game. A game is 60 minutes and waived off goal probably only took a minute of the game to set up. There were 59 other minutes with which to get our game on and score some goals. That "goal" was supposed to be a tide-turner for us, and I have no doubt that if that goal had stood, we would have won the game. I know there was at least another goal there inside someone. But that replay just killed it. ADAM, YOU MURDERER!!!
Two people in the course of me writing this post have come on my site wondering about the disallowed goal. I DO NOT KNOW, PEOPLE. PLEASE. THIS IS VERY HARD FOR ME ALREADY. And as I stated before, the camera work was so poor that a replay probably would have shown Donald eating a hot dog in the stands. I would have screen-capped that so fast it would be all over the net. But it would not have solved the mystery of why some magical "man in the crease" was called. I am curious as to what footage was shown on that screen. Perhaps this. If only. A late-breaking report from a reliable source tells me that Fuzzy was not in the crease and there is no justification on earth for that wave-off.
I'm not really mad about the loss. I know others may say it was because of this, or possibly that, but whatever. I'm not here to blame. I am here to whine about things unrelated to the game. I was pretty furious during the game and committed violent acts toward my computer that would have been felonious had I done them to a human. But I really can't get on here and criticize guys, My Guys or not. I'm always proud of them if they try and play hard and keep themselves in the game. We're not going to win every game and I guess I'd rather lose on a tough road trip if we have to lose some time. I can't stay too upset in games that I know we could have won. If we can play every game with the potential to win then we will win a lot of games.
It's kind of late but I've been stalling for time trying to get the final stats on the game so I can update The Numbers. I'll probably have a post tomorrow if I can sneak one in at school. Actually, I need to have a post tomorrow, as I have to give some motivational speeches.
Oh, and p.s.: Evan Oberg? You are a beast with the puck. So glad you are a Bulldog!!!!!!!!
The Numbers
Wins until we equal last season's total: 9 (I really wanted to update this tonight.)
Points until we equal last season's total: 23 (Or at least update this.)
My Guys
MacGregor Sharp: 8! (Rollin' rollin' rollin' rollin')
Jack Connolly: 4 (Tragic!)
Michael Gergen: 2 (Mathematically exciting Numbers! 2, 2^2, 2^3.)
Rob Bordson: 0 (If you had gotten a point it would be 2^0, 2^1, 2^2, 2^3.)
Freshmen
Mike Connolly: 7!
Jack Connolly: 4
Scott Kishel: 0
Brady Lamb: 0
Travis Oleksuk: 0
David Grun: 0
On Notice:
Rob Bordson
Trent Palm
Kyle Schmidt
Alex Stalock
Goals Only
Jay Cascalenda
Michael Gergen
Mike Montgomery
Donald attempted to Gauntlet me. He did not succeed. Here are the results. Now step aside and let Mama take over.
(Extremely long wait for Donald to get to his computer)
DTP: Ok ... so should we get this over with? [Well, I waited around for forever, so could we please get on with it?]
RWD: Are you sure you're ready?
DTP: 1st question: Why do you hate Mike Connolly?
RWD: Aww, I don't hate Fuzzy. I'm pro Fuzzy. Some big bad Bronco player threw him into the boards last weekend and I about cut someone, but the REF called a PENALTY and I almost died. [Maybe the system works!]
DTP: Mike senses your overwhelming love for Jack and he isn't amused.
RWD: Oh really? Did your Spidey sense tell you that?
DTP: I'm uncharacteristically intuitive about such things
RWD: I think he's probably happy I'm not a freak over him. He sleeps better at night I'm sure. [Meanwhile, I’m sure Jack is terrified. And rightfully so. I am crazy.]
DTP: Do you agree with Hannes Alfven that in a Universe filled with Plasma that electric currents are pervasive? [Do you agree that no one other than possibly MEg is going to understand that question?]
RWD: I failed my plasma engineering course. The professor was a jackass though. [To him, “short quiz” was actually “horrendously long test.” Didn’t get THAT memo.]
DTP: Are you more or less intellectually curious than Sarah Palin?
RWD: I am a McCain supporter and will not participate in anything that mocks her, though Amy Poehler's rap was amazing.
DTP: Will Sandy give Kenny Reiter a start this weekend?
RWD: I don't know. I don't even know if Kenny is there. I am attempting to find out. Bruce is being reticent. He threatened my life. [He did finally respond but only with information that was either self-evident or irrelevant. Then later his blog had useful information. No.]
DTP: I'll handle Bruce this weekend. Was he pouty cos [stupid foreigner spelling] I didn't show up and say hi last year? [We did not go to Anchorage last year. Maybe he was upset because he donated money to your stupid Final Five fund.]
RWD: Bruce is pouty because I send him barrages of text messages about stupid stuff. [Mom and Dad cover your eyes] While I am driving.
DTP: Did it snow there yet?
RWD: No. But every customer that I talk to that finds out I am in Minnesota asks me that. Or about the Mall of America. [Or they tell me I should be in prison, that I am a criminal, that I don't want to help them, or they just say "Listen young lady..."]
DTP: Be happy that they know Minnesota is a state
RWD: It is THE state. Of hockey.
DTP: Is Sandelin's job on the line this year?
RWD: Yes. There is major talent on this team and if we don't finish better then there's no way I can defend him anymore. I will most likely usurp him.
DTP: What will tUMD fans consider "better"?
RWD: Home ice for the playoffs.
DTP: Coke or Pepsi?
RWD: Coke, definitely coke. And also Coca-Cola.
DTP: Rant on to your own satisfaction about USCHO... [meaning Ugly Stupid Crack Heads Online]
RWD: I don't really mention "that site" on my blog as I don't want to give them any undue publicity. It does give me a nice ego boost; it reminds me of how intelligent I am. It is a fruit roll-up of vulgarity, depravity, and the worst elements of the human psyche. It's like shower shoes covered in mold. I generally go on there only to offend.
DTP: As did I once upon a time
RWD: I can't say I ever read one of your posts but I know I'm much more reserved than you are. I usually forget what posts I've started things in.
DTP: Will the LHC create a black hole?
RWD: St. Cloud State will. With all the negative pressure (vacuums don't suck, people!) coming out of there.
DTP: Compare the Bulldogs defense this year to last years blueliners
RWD: They are... um... Kind of the same? Palm is still Palm. Cascalenda is still Cascalenda. Oberg is back and scoring us goals.
DTP: Garrison is gonzo. [Eeeeeee!]
RWD: Yes but I can't compare Garrison to noGarrison. Mike Montgomery has joined the blueline and is a big kid who knows how to play the offensive side of the game as well. Our penalty kill is not as strong.
DTP: What about Josh Meyers?
RWD: Josh is Josh. He is supposed to be another offensive defenceman but I just can't figure him out. He does score points. I don't know how I feel about him on the PP. I know that Scotty Kishel is going to be a great PP guy in the coming years. He is kind of in and out of the lineup.
DTP: Did you guys get whistled for boatloads of penalties so far?
RWD: Yes. But we always do. I think that we were spoiled last year with an outstanding PK.
DTP: Special Teams looks to be THE "theme" this year.
RWD: I think coaches say that every year. They are always a key element of the game and no team is very successful without good special teams. I think the big problem is if there are more penalties on both sides that more guys need to be ready to fill those roles. Many guys play on both the PP and the PK and we really don't want to kill them.
DTP: The extra-emphasis this year on stick-related offenses is an adjustment all the players will have to make.
RWD: Those Canadians sure were confused during the exhibition games. "Thaaaat's a penalty, eh?"
DTP: What would be more fun --- me coming to Final Five ... or you coming to Anchorage for a series?
RWD: You coming to the Final Five. The Final Five is Holy Week, Donald. I will at some point come to Anchorage I am sure, but the Final Five is so awesome.
DTP: I meant more fun from your perspective.
RWD: That is my perspective.
DTP: I have no doubt I'd have more fun at the Final Five than I would chauffering you around Anchorage. [Like I would get into a car with Donald. I’ve seen The Bone Collector.]
RWD: On your moose. Or your... what did you call it... snow "machine?"
DTP: You should know that if you're a McCainiac
RWD: He is my hero.
DTP: Lovely.
RWD: Are you sure you want to have that on your blog? Aren't you afraid people might be a little enlightened? [LOOK OUT, LIBERAL MEDIA!!! HERE I AM!!!! A NON-OLD, UTTERLY STUNNING AND BRILLIANT CONSERVATIVE!!!]
DTP: I'm not concerned about your political leanings on my blog. Anything I say overwhelms it. Enlightened and Sarah Palin are not three words you'd normally see together.
RWD: My word is like the word of God.
DTP: Then tell me Yahweh .... what are the final scores this weekend?
RWD: You're done already? That's IT?
DTP: What? ‘Cos I asked the final scores? [Have you not read a Gauntlet before? Freaking amateur!] Don’t assume.
RWD: Okay, then. I was concerned. [I wasn’t done basking in my own self-importance.] 4-3 tUMD, 4-0 tUMD. Jacky with a goal. Fuzzy with 2.
DTP: LOL [Not sure what’s funny.]
RWD: I went above and beyond there.
DTP: Will you be watching on the web?
RWD: Probably. Is that naughty Santa going to be on?
DTP: I don't know who is advertising this year. I don't watch it much ya know. [Oh yah you betcha!]
DTP: How is UAA's stream compared to others?
RWD: It is great compared to any of the crap I see on B2. Like CC's floating tiger head, for example.
DTP: That thing is psychologically damaging I fear. When was the last time you and Bethlyn were stumble-down drunk together?
RWD: We never have been. I don't think I've ever been drunk in her presence.
DTP: Sigh ... boring. [This is not Penthouse Forum, Donald.]
RWD: I know. When I visited her I came down with bronchitis almost immediately upon arrival. So I didn't drink very much. I had like I sip of something. I do not need to drink to have a good time.
DTP: But you're more fun when you do.
RWD: Eh. Possibly. I'm a really mean drunk.
DTP: It's from a Holiday Inn commercial.
RWD: I have a DVR. I don't watch commercials.
DTP: Naturally. Can I ask an Entourage question?
RWD: I don't watch that either. [I think I’d prefer a commercial.]
DTP: Of course. Shouldn't you really just turn into a Gopher fan? I mean ... isn't that how it works down there?
RWD: I don't see the point. I cannot WAIT to see tDogs win their first NC. No Gopher fan can say that. The[ Gophers] are not the Borg. Resistance is not futile. Not as many people in Minneapolis are Gopher hockey fans as you might think. I mean, Donald, if I was going to be a Gopher fan, I would be. I was born (technically) on campus at the UMTC medical center. You can't get any more into the heart of Gopher country than that.
DTP: Hence my question.
RWD: But I grew up a Dogs fan. It's hereditary. I'd be disowned. Also I went to another big 10 school. [MICHIGAN SUCKS!!!!]
DTP: What team do you dislike (hate) most?
RWD: St. Cloud.
DTP: Are you as apathetic as me about Mankato?
RWD: No. I'm semi-pro Mankato. I have a lot of family there. But I can see how someone might be that way.
DTP: I'm trying to work up more hatred for them but I find them boring.
RWD: Juttz sucks. His wife is my idol though. [The mother of all cougars!!!]
DTP: What about UND? Where are they on your list?
RWD: I could not possibly care less about UND. They bore me.
DTP: Denver?
RWD: Denver is a force to be reckoned with this year.
DTP: Colorado College?
RWD: CC had better get on their horse and figure out if they're going to be a great team. Because, um, 1-0 against UAH?
DTP: UAH's goalie stood on his head.
RWD: They will be on the top 3 in the league but they need to transcend to the macrocosm if they're going to go anywhere. Great teams win those games by lots of goals. I am overly critical, but whatever. [What the heck do I care? We will take them down.]
DTP: Are you happy to get a new rink before UAA?
RWD: I am happy to get a new rink sooner rather than later. It would be nice if UAA got one, too, but I didn't feel any competitive vibes.
DTP: I recall you expressing suicide as an alternative if UAA were to get a rink before you guys
RWD: I am prone to hyperbole. And poor memory.
DTP: Ever had chicken-pox?
RWD: Yes, on Christmas. I gave it to my mom, too.
DTP: Ouch... you [female dog].
DTP: Did you cut your bangs to match Sarah's "do"?
RWD: My hair is curly and so it wouldn't really look the same. I'm actually growing it out. I got it cut kind of short when Bethlyn was here in March and felt regret. I'm actually thinking of maybe dying it white like McCain [I would look hot] for solidarity.
DTP: Make sure you use the same dye he does.
RWD: I'm sorry, is this a hockey interview? You're making it seem like I care about politics. This is not an impression I like to give.
DTP: Compare this year’s Bulldog offense to last year’s.
RWD: This year >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> last year. What else can I say? I mean... last year was just sort of a mess.
DTP: Just trying to steer it back to hockey after your politics meltdown. Are the t'dogs a 2 line or 3 line team?
RWD: Right now they are a 2 line team but they will probably become a 3 line team.
DTP: How many games do you think Stalock will play this year?
RWD: Almost all of them. I'm thinking like 40.
DTP: Do you think that will leave the team in a bit of a spot next year if Stalock doesn't return?
RWD: No, I think Brady is going to be a great goalie for us.
DTP: But Sandy won't play him much this year? Wouldn't it be a good idea to play the backup versus UAA this weekend?
RWD: I think Stalock is the horse that Sandy is going to ride. I would have thought we would see Brady last weekend. I wonder what would have happened if we had... [Love you Al, but for reals homey, that was not your best game.]
DTP: UAA goes to UMD to play on the last WCHA weekend this season. Will you be at those games?
RWD: I might. If I have school I won't.
DTP: What is your earliest memory of a Seawolf?
RWD: It's fairly vague. When I was young we would sometimes go up to my grandparents’ cabin on weekends in the winter and we would watch tUMD games on a super old tv. And sometimes those games would involve UAA. Now a whole generation of children will be deprived of that because tUMD is no longer on TV.
DTP: Do you miss Sertie?
RWD: I don't, I think it's great for him to enjoy retirement.
DTP: Does Sertie attend games at the DECC?
RWD: I don't know. Maybe? We're not BFFs.
DTP: Shouldn't that be BFsF?
RWD: No. It's just like when people say RsBI in baseball. I mean, I guess technically I should say BFF.
DTP: lol
RWD: But a "BFF" is kind of a noun, so it's pluralized as is.
DTP: You take the dumb questions so seriously. [If I didn’t take the dumb questions seriously, there would be none to take seriously.]
RWD: I feel strongly about this subject, actually. I can't stand when people type RsBI. Or "ribbies."
DTP: You are truly the Acronym Queen.
RWD: I love them. The Gophers Invite Cupcakes So We Don't Get Embarrassed At Our Own Tournament is just too long to type. GICSWEDGEAOOT is better. It almost says "Swede" in the middle. Damn that's not right.
DTP: Ultra-cool almost.
RWD: GICSWDGEAOOT. There we go.
DTP: I pay "homage" [Why is homage in quotations? I’m sure because Donald is probably pronouncing it in some foreign way.] to your love of acronyms when I can on my blog ... ever notice?
RWD: You have a blog? It's hard to tell what you're writing. You need more white space.
DTP: Yeah I know... all those words are a problem
RWD: The problem is, they are boring. No offense. [Hee]
DTP: None taken. But they aren't boring.
RWD: I'm sure to a Seawolf fan, they might not be.
DTP: They are each useful and important to make the necessary point. I'm all out of prewritten questions.
RWD: Those were prepared in advance???
DTP: A few were.
RWD: Not as easy as it looks, is it? Bow to the master.
DTP: Let me find a mirror. [Gotta look nice when you genuflect!]
RWD: So are you going to continue this interview or what?
DTP: I thought I'd just let you dangle there and decide.
RWD: Man did I ever get off easy.
DTP: Your offense at certain lines of questions kept it short.
RWD: I'm just not overly political. Also, the Gauntlet's main purpose is offense.
DTP: This isn't the Gauntlet. [No you-know-what, Sherlock.] It's a Gauntlet rip-off
RWD: It is.
DTP: It walks like the Gauntlet, it talks like the Gauntlet, but it is not the Gauntlet. Typing Gauntlet three times is hard. [But four is comparatively easier.]
RWD: It doesn't really talk like the Gauntlet.
DTP: More evidence that it is not the gauntlet then eh? [Friggin’ Canadian.] I gots to run to pick up dinner. [Sheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeit, foo!]
RWD: Oh, did someone drive by your house and hit a rodent?
And… scene!
tUMD 6, WMU 5
My friends, I'm really struggling tonight. I know that I say this every time, but I'm very tired and yet my night is still not over. I am venturing over to Suptown for a night of debauchery... if my temporary roommates ever come home.
I am tired for numerous reasons, partly because I slept like crap last night and was hung over all day today (I've turned into a lightweight again, all my years of training down the drain!), but mostly because that game was emotionally draining. And physically, because anyone who has ever watched a game with me knows that 1. I scream and 2. I am always flailing or jumping or writhing.
I sat in the same seats I did last night, only DHG et. al. were not present as they all had other commitments. I had plans to sit with a few other tPBers who have their tickets in the same area, BUT I spent the first 10 minutes of the game alone, nearly surrounded by teenagers. Evidently Section 25 is the teenager section? USAFA Bulldog kindly came and sat with me for the first period, which was necessary for certain reasons which I will outline below. Eventually the stragglers showed up during the 2nd period, and all was well. I was concerned that maybe there was a pumpkin-carving emergency, as that had kept them away from the game the previous evening.
I got to the game really early because I had nothing else to do. I'd driven back from Gooseberry and it was already 5:50 so I just headed over to the game. I read my program and texted and took 800000000 photos of Jack Connolly during warm ups. I wonder if he sensed it. He has kind of a neat little way of shooting the puck during warm-ups, with a funny stick lift and glide combo after he sends it to the net.
As an aside, I wish the program was a little more interesting. I don't know exactly how that would be accomplished, but it would be nice. Maybe they could ask me to write something. But, while it would be gloriously entertaining for you all, it would still be boring for me, since I would already know the content.
I know that B2 was crappity crap and not available and the radio feed is all kinds of jacked up, so why don't I walk you through all the scoring? This will be fun for me. At the Curling Club tonight someone was asking me how I remember all the stuff to blog about, and I had to inform him that my blog isn't very factual, rather it is more anecdotal. Sometimes I think I should change that, but really, that's my niche. I will leave all that boring stuff to Kevin Pates while I have all the fun. Something tells me he wouldn't be interested in talking about hotties, but then again who am I to assume anything? Maybe he'd be into it.
This might take awhile.
WMU 1 - 0 6x5 PP Greg Squires (2) (Kevin Connauton, Tyler Ludwig)
This goal came after Nick Kemp took a very unsmart penalty. We've had a lot of 5x3s to kill lately and it was only a matter of time before we gave one up. Our PK has really been struggling lately. Partially because we're taking penalties while we're on the power play!
MND 1 - 1 6x6 Jack Connolly (1) (Michael Gergen, Justin Fontaine)
Thank goodness that USAFA Bulldog was sitting with me. If my sweet Jacky had scored a goal and I'd been sitting alone, I wouldn't have been able to celebrate. I already looked like some kind of a crazy person sitting alone at a game. It was a great goal that almost looked like it wasn't going to happen. Brad was like "I didn't think he was going to get to that puck." I was 100% certain it was Jacky who scored until he wasn't the guy who led the celebratory high five line so I was confused and I was screaming "WAS IT JACK? WAS IT JACK?" and jumping around and hugging Brad.
WMU 2 - 1 6x5 PP Derek Roehl (1) (Tyler Ludwig, Patrick Galivan)
This goal depressed me because Jacky was in the penalty box when it was scored. Like he would ever commit a penalty!!!
WMU 3 - 1 6x6 Derek Roehl (2) (unassisted) 10:47
I missed this goal because the students were chanting "Beer Song! Beer Song!" and the idiot high school children behind us were chanting (not loudly) "Beer Sucks! Beer Sucks!" and Sando and I were both turned around staring at them in bewilderment.
MND 2 - 3 6x4 PP Evan Oberg (1) (Justin Fontaine) 0:45
We missed this goal because we were in the Curling Club and I miscalculated by like 5 minutes how much time we had left. I would have been depressed if we'd come back and it had been still 3-1.
MND 3 - 3 5x6 SH Andrew Carroll (1) (Evan Oberg, Cody Danberg) 5:05
GLORIOUSLY AMAZING! We were jubilant at this goal. It was such a random combination of people, too. Carroll from Oberg? What? It's like McFarland from Curry or something, back in the day. Although not quite to that extent.
MND 4 - 3 6x5 PP Mike Connolly (2) (MacGregor Sharp, Jordan Fulton) 8:23
The guy next to me said "There it is" about a second before the goal went it. Mike Connolly is SUCH a PLAYMAKER.
WMU 4 - 4 5x6 SH Ryan Watson (1) (unassisted) 17:27
This goal had me practically slitting my wrists. Stalock just gave the guy the puck and was like "Here, please score on me." I mean, that was how bad it was. Stalock was in the corner and passed it right behind the net to this Ryan Watson character.
MND 5 - 4 6x6 Jordan Fulton (2) (Andrew Carroll) 18:30
I don't remember what actually occurred on this goal, but I just remember rejoicing and thinking *boom* we've got this in the bag.
WMU 5 - 5 6x6 EA Patrick Galivan (2) (unassisted)
tDogs were in the Broncos's zone trying for the empty-netter, but it wasn't a clean breakaway like the night before. Somebody missed the net and then someone else missed the puck and this Galivan fellow took the puck up ice and put it in the net somehow. I don't mean somehow as in it was a miracle, I mean somehow as in it was at the far end of the net and I didn't see.
MND 6 - 5 6x6 GW LL MacGregor Sharp (4) (Evan Oberg)
I didn't even know it was Sharpy who scored the goal, I just know it went in and the goal light went on and my life was complete.
We played well at times and we played poorly at times, but don't think that this game was 6-5 because we're bad. The Broncos came to play and they did not let up. They made some great plays, especially their 5th I wish them ALL THE BEST in the CCHA because we need their help in the pairwise.
WE SCORED 11 GOALS THIS WEEKEND, PEOPLE. Last year, down 3-1 going into the 3rd period, I wouldn't have had much faith (we did win 4-3 OT against Kato that one time though), but we just kept coming at them and we were RELENTLESS. Congratulations on the sweep guys! I'm so thrilled!!!!
One of my temporary roommates just said he didn't trust someone whose teeth were too white and too chiseled, that she doesn't eat food, she eats souls. I said I didn't think someone who ate souls would have white teeth, but that I'd never contemplated that. He said "You should blog about that!" and here we are.
The Numbers
Wins until we equal last season's total: 9 (STILL non-conference)
Points until we equal last season's total: 23 (STILL ditto)
My Guys
MacGregor Sharp: 7! (OTGWG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE YOU MACGREGOR!!!!!)
Jack Connolly: 4! (JACKY SCORED A GOAL!!! I WAS SO EXCITED!!!)
Michael Gergen: 2! (ANOTHER ASSIST!)
Rob Bordson: 0 (Come on, sweetie, I want to see a goal! I know you'll do it soon.)
Freshmen
Mike Connolly: 6!
Jack Connolly: 4!
Scott Kishel: 0
Brady Lamb: 0
Travis Oleksuk: 0
David Grun: 0 (But played in his first game! And he's wearing a great number, too.)
On Notice (first time I've had to do it all year):
Rob Bordson
Trent Palm
Goals Only
Jay Cascalenda
Michael Gergen
It's so short! Last year my first On Notice had 7 guys and Goals Only had 2 guys. What this means is Balanced Scoring and LOTS OF IT.
Rhino-lining hits!
