Not Quite the 'Toga...

The Idaho Junior Steelheads hockey team got in trouble last week for playing strip hockey. (Note: this is NOT the same Idaho Steelheads with Matt McKnight!)

I don't see a problem with it. I'd bring my opera glasses!

Mustang Sallies

I realize that we are actually playing a team called the Broncos this weekend, but I got confused/didn't care and thought that Western Michigan were the Mustangs, and I refused to waste a so-so joke.

I'm excited for this weekend. I'll be heading up to Duluth at some point on Friday. The main problem with this is I'll be staying with a friend who I don't think even knows how to use the internet. It'll be like staying in a cave in the woods. I can't wait. I'll have to go to a coffee shop or something and bogart some wireless.

DISAPPOINTINGLY, there doesn't appear to be a Bulldog Club luncheon this weekend, so how will I get to Ask A Question??? Last year I had nothing to ask/chickened out/realized no one cared because they were all there to talk about tUMD football. I went up to the buffet table three times though. Yum.

Sweep this weekend or else, guys.

Additionally, I'm sure some of you are noticing there's something different about this site. The rest of you are like "No habla ingles," or "I was looking for a diagram of the bones of the human leg," which is the most common reason for people to come to this site. I changed a few things around, most notably I added a few links: first, you can get information on this site, then you can easily access all The Gauntlet interviews, and you can view all of the All-WCHA Hottie Teams. I also added a link to Puck Swami's new blog, Know Your Foe, although if you are not a DU fan, I must warn you that the subjects of his blog are not your foes.

The other thing I added is the lovely banner at the top of the site. I made it myself using photos I did not obtain permission to use. So please, start the lawsuits, I dare you. From left to right, the photos are: Jack Connolly; Huffer et. al.; MEg, Justin St. Louis, me, and a cup of beer; a ship and lighthouse; Evan Schwabe; Curry and some other guys celebrating a goal; FireHelmetGuy and me (he complained that the words were covering most of the photos but in his case it's a public service); tDECC; Mike Curry; and Raymond, Sharpy, Knighter and Gors from a few years ago. I thought the site could use a little color.

To wrap things up, I hope to see you all at either Grandma's or the Curling Club, and please, someone be on alert to bail me out of jail. BTW, my birthday's coming up soon, and if you all wanted to go in on a gift, a radar detector would be amazing.

A Tale of Two Teams

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of defence, it was the age of turnovers, it was the epoch of shutouts, it was the epoch of getting shut out, it was the season of expectations, it was the season of disappointments, it was the first half of hope, it was the second half of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to the NCAAs, we were all going direct to the golf course--in short, some of the season's noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative.

Back in October, I don't think I could have predicted how deeply I am feeling the end of the season. Jim Morrison might say "This is the strangest season I've ever known." I came into the season with very low expectations, although every season I hope the team will rise above its circumstances and exceed my expectations. I would say this season is even more strange than the 2004-2005 season, when we were the top-ranked team in the country and then spiralled into a team that was practically run out of North Dakota on a rail in the WCHA playoffs. I try to balance my blooming hopes for the season with some roots planted firmly in the dirt of reality. I knew we probably wouldn't finish very well this season, and I knew it was a matter of riding out this season before we arrived at a team that would go places. No offense to any of the guys on the team this year, but there a few key pieces were missing. It's not your fault, and you played your best, and I am still crazy about ALL OF YOU. This team was supposed to have a healthy Garrison and a powerplay quarterback in Niskanen and a speedster in Mason Raymond, along with another key penalty killer in Logan Gorsalitz. None of that is really important because what happened this season has nothing to do with any of those guys (with the exception of Jason, whose injury was totally unfortunate and abhorrent as it was inflicted upon him by the heinous Badgers).

Quite unexpectedly, we started off the season winning. And when we lost, we bounced back with a win the next night. We were winning the freaking league at one point. According to the pairwise, we were in the NCAA tournament and had control of our destiny up until the final game of the season. What makes this season more disappointing than the last two seasons are the golden opportunities that passed us by. We had a chance to surpass our point total from the previous season in December, and we didn't until February. We had a chance at home ice and we ended up in Denver. We had a chance at the NCAAs and now we have none. We had a chance to beat Denver, a team missing their leading scorer and demoralized by CC the weekend prior, a team we'd already beaten once this year (On my birthday! Thanks guys!) and a team we'd leapfrogged over to get to the Final Five two years ago, and now here we are. With no more hockey for almost seven months.

Along with my disappointment I feel a contradictory twinge of gratitude for this season. A season with hope is infinitely better than a season with no hope, even if the hopes don't come to fruition. There is no way I could feel this low if I hadn't felt elated at points during the season, if until the final buzzer of last night's game I hadn't lived inside the hope we could keep playing for another day, another series, another few weeks. There are so many things about this season that were wonderful and fun and amazing. Alex Stalock set the school record for shutout minutes. We swept St. Cloud. We won at Mariucci. We lost 8-3 in Grand Forks and came back and WON the next night. Every single freshman on the team, and in fact every PLAYER on the team (excepting Ziggy and Reiter, who are excused) scored a point this season. I drove to Duluth and back in the same night to see tDogs come back and beat Mankato in overtime on a goal from a freshman assisted by two other freshmen. Mike Curry found his scoring touch in the last few games of the season, and laid out some bone-jarring hits in the process. Howie announced the first-ever penalty for cross-dressing.

My only regrets this season are the things I can control. I regret the games I missed and the road trips not taken. I care about winning and I care about tournaments and trophies and that all-important first banner, but I care about this team, whoever is on it, first and foremost. They could lose every game (please don't, guys) and I'd still cheer and taunt the opponents and hope for a win and throw stuff around and curse my brains out and get mad at each loss. I'm already counting the days until next year, and licking my chops at the prospect of home ice and the NCAAs.

THE FINAL NUMBERS
My Guy of the Year: MacGregor Sharp, 17 points! (Also the team scoring champion!)
Matt McKnight: 16!
Michael Gergen: 13!
Mike Curry: 7!

Freshman Scoring Champion: Justin Fontaine, 12 points!
Kyle Schmidt: 8!
Cody Danberg: 7!
Rob Bordson: 7!
Evan Oberg: 3!
Chad Huttel: 2!
Mike Montgomery: 1!



I plagiarized and paraphrased my opener from Dickens, FYI. He's dead, so who cares?

Get Up, Stand Up

tUMD 1, Matt McKnight Maimers 4
tUMD 3, Stalock Punchers 2

Saturday night... that is how you get up for the Gophers, boys. All is forgiven for our series at the DECC. Well, I would have liked a win there, preferrably when I was there, but I WAS SO HAPPY THAT WE WON LAST NIGHT!!! I mean, really, my heart was racing the whole time and my legs were shaking. And I was screaming obscenities and raining curses down upon the Gophers at any chance, and I was sitting on the glass so I KNOW THEY HEARD ME.

Bickel is dead in my book. DO NOT HURT MATT MCKNIGHT. Gordon is a punk who got OWNED by Drew Akins. MIKE CURRY SCORED A GOAL while I was wearing his game-worn jersey.

Also, we scored THREE GOALS in one game, and had TWO POWER PLAY GOALS this weekend. W000000000000t. I'm so proud of you guys!!! I couldn't even post last night because I was too jittery and thrilled.

MEg and I are having a slumber party right now, so I have to go. Good night to all! Bring on Denver!!!

The Numbers
My Guys:
MacGregor Sharp: 17
Matt McKnight: 15 (Probably would have gotten a hat trick on Saturday if Bickel hadn't viciously attacked him!)
Michael Gergen: 13! (The goal drought finally ends!!)
Mike Curry: 5! (I'm sure he could hear me screaming from the other end of the rink!)

Freshmen:
Justin Fontaine: 12!
Kyle Schmidt: 8 (Played like a man possessed! Awesome job!)
Cody Danberg: 7!
Rob Bordson: 5!
Evan Oberg: 3
Chad Huttel: 2
Mike Montgomery: 1

On Notice: (Back despite zero demand!)
Points
Evan Oberg
Jay Cascalenda
Matt Greer
Josh Meyers
Jordan Fulton
Alex Stalock

Goals Only
Matt McKnight
Kyle Schmidt
Trent Palm
Rob Bordson
Nick Kemp
Andrew Carroll
Travis Gawryletz
Justin Fontaine

Accentuating The Positive

tUMD 1, QuickWhistles 2

Always look on the bright side of death,
doo-doo, doo-doo, doo-doo doo-doo-doo
Just before you draw your terminal breath.
doo-doo, doo-doo, doo-doo doo-doo-doo
Life's a piece of s***,
When you look at it.
Life's a laugh and death's a joke. It's true.
You'll see it's all a show.
Keep 'em laughing as you go.
Just remember that the last laugh is on you.

It's an interesting season. We've set the school record for shutout minutes... both for and against. There was awhile where I wasn't sure if we were going to score in this game, either, which would put every single player on the Bulldogs On Notice, and it would have been so depressing to have to do that. As it is, My Guy MacGregor Sharp is the ONLY Bulldog NOT On Notice of any kind. I... don't even want to do The Numbers right now. Well, I will update them partially.

My Guys:
MacGregor Sharp: 17! (Ended our collective misery!)
Matt McKnight: 15! (Overcame his difficult circumstances to get us back on the board!)
Michael Gergen: 12 (Would be in the HSWCHA if he was not one of My Guys)
Mike Curry: 4 (ALMOST SCORED! EXCELLENT GAME!)

Freshmen:
Justin Fontaine: 11
Kyle Schmidt: 8!
Cody Danberg: 6
Rob Bordson: 4
Evan Oberg: 3
Chad Huttel: 2
Mike Montgomery: 1

Obviously, Stalock played brilliantly, as did our penalty kill, and Andrew Carroll was a one-man show. I know the effort is there, guys, I know you're trying, you're hitting pipes, the puck won't lay down, it goes to the wrong side, the refs blow the play dead when the puck is in midair, lots of things. I'm still here, still cheering for ya, still believing.

Oh yeah, and I didn't see T.J. Oshie double, triple, quadruple, quintuple OR sextuple teamed this afternoon.

Making Like A Banana

tUMD 2, Enginerds 5
and
tUMD 3, Enginerds 2

Well. The very first thing I thought when I woke up this morning was "We lost." Then I thought "Holy crap, I overslept my class." Whoops. Things happen.

Last night was very stressful. I really don't like to see Tech lose, because I like to see non-UND/UMTC programs succeeding, because I am a fan of Tech fans (esp. MEg), and because of Robby Nolan's general hottness, but! I never like to see tUMD lose. I think even in a charity game against a bunch of kids with incurable diseases, I'd have trouble accepting it. I certainly don't like to see us give up 5 goals, 3 of them to Seth Green Peter Rouleau, and two of THOSE were specific types of goals I hate to give up (SH and EN), but I'd rather give up 5 goals to Tech than to UMTC or St. Cloud. All was not lost though, since MIKE CURRY!!! had an assist, and Chad Huttel got his first goal as a Bulldog.

Tonight was even more stressful. I find sometimes I am more stressed when we are ahead than I am when we are tied or behind, because I feel there is some way that we will lose the lead. I realize it seems like I have no faith in my team, but it's just the way I am, and with hockey, the game can change in just an instant. And it did, because with just over two minutes to go, Tech scored to tie the game, and I practically broke the sound barrier with my rage. AND THEN, Birthday Boy Evan Oberg decided it was about time he got his first goal, and we won!

CC is next. We will give them the same treatment in our home that they gave us in theirs. I expect nothing less.

THE NUMBERS
Wins Until We Surpass Last Year's Total: DONE!
Points Until We Surpass Last Year's Total: DONE!

My Guys:
MacGregor Sharp: 16!
Matt McKnight: 14!
Michael Gergen: 12
Mike Curry: 4!

Freshmen:
Justin Fontaine: 11! (First freshman to score on the PP!)
Kyle Schmidt: 7
Cody Danberg: 6
Rob Bordson: 4
Evan Oberg: 3! (First goal as a Bulldog on his birthday!)
Chad Huttel: 2! (First goal as a Bulldog on Friday!)
Mike Montgomery: 1

On Notice:
Points
Josh Meyers
Jay Cascalenda
Kyle Schmidt
Michael Gergen
Matt Greer
Nick Kemp

Goals only
Drew Akins
Cody Danberg
Alex Stalock
Mike Curry
Matt McKnight

Today

tUMD 2, Even Dirtier Commie Hacks 1

I'm so happy! I'm exhilarated! An OT WIN!!!

I missed a lot of the game because DA decided to have his annual sailing get-together on a GAME SATURDAY even though there is a perfectly good OFF SATURDAY coming up just one week from today. We had it on the TV in the basement, but there were shenanigans to participate in (in which TEAM CURRY came in dead last, but what can ya do?), so I had to keep running downstairs. UMDDogz, The Aaaahj and I were there for both goals, and there was much rejoicing when we won in OT.

3 on 3 hockey is pretty awesome.

I don't think I give enough props to Alex Stalock, but the simple fact is, there are not enough props in this world to give him all he deserves.

THE NUMBERS
Wins Until We Surpass Last Year's Total: 1! (8th in the PWR!)
Points Until We Surpass Last Year's Total: 1! (We're comin'! We're comin'!)

My Guys:
MacGregor Sharp: 14! (Pulling into the lead!)
Matt McKnight: 13 (Sadly out sick!)
Michael Gergen: 12 (Hit a pipe! And I don't mean a crackpipe like Frazee!)
Mike Curry: 3! (OTGWG ASSIST! GENIUS!!!)

Freshmen:
Justin Fontaine: 9
Kyle Schmidt: 7
Cody Danberg: 6
Rob Bordson: 4
Evan Oberg: 2! (SHG!)
Mike Montgomery: 1
Chad Huttel: 1

On Notice:
Points
Josh Meyers
Jay Cascalenda
Justin Fontaine

Goals only
Michael Gergen
Drew Akins
Evan Oberg
Cody Danberg
MacGregor Sharp
Nick Kemp
Matt Greer
Alex Stalock
Mike Curry

Pulling A Fast One

tUMD 1, UM-L 0 and tUMD 4, UM-L 1

I know I'm being lazy, but there will be a nice recap coming tomorrow, plus a little All-Star fun, AND there's going to be a Gauntlet this week! All that and much more shenanigans, because a SWEEP really deserves my best effort, and that's just not what I'm prepared to give at this moment, especially when my computer has about 4% battery left. Quick numbers update and then my computer and I are off to sleep.

THE NUMBERS
Wins Until We Surpass Last Year's Total: 2 (NC, but a win over a ranked opponent puts us higher in the PWR!)
Points Until We Surpass Last Year's Total: 3

My Guys:
Matt McKnight: 13!
MacGregor Sharp: 13!
Michael Gergen: 12!
Mike Curry: 2

Freshmen:
Justin Fontaine: 9!
Kyle Schmidt: 7!
Cody Danberg: 6
Rob Bordson: 4!
Mike Montgomery: 1
Chad Huttel: 1
Evan Oberg: 1

On Notice:
Points
Alex Stalock
Mike Curry
Travis Gawryletz
Josh Meyers
Jordan Fulton

Goals only
Michael Gergen
Jay Cascalenda
Drew Akins
Evan Oberg
Cody Danberg
MacGregor Sharp
Nick Kemp
Matt Greer

Golden Tickets

tUMD 1, UMTC 2

Sigh. I knew this would happen. See, a little over a week and a half ago, I made a deal about some tickets, and I popped them in the mail, along with a note: "I hope these tickets are lucky for you," along with some other garbage about how if they weren't, I hoped we won Saturday.

The tickets never made it. We barely scraped by with a point. Conclusion? THOSE WERE LUCKY TICKETS. DARN YOU POSTAL SERVICE FOR RUINING OUR WEEKEND!

tBeersong might have jinxed me, too. In the CC before the game, he asked if I was going to bring good luck to the team. Sadness.

I made it up for the game Saturday, ridin' solo. A "friend' helped me find someone to relieve me of my spare ticket, although that "someone" was a Gopher fan. I braced myself, but there was no need. There are actually Gopher fans out there who can cheer for their team AND be respectful AND carry on a good conversation for the entire game AND offer to buy me many, many drinks (I didn't cash in; I drove home after the game). We were even allegedly on TV, plus we got to see some dude in the row in front of us passed out asleep in the first period. Seriously, dude, learn to hold your booze. The student section said so. I won't say who this guy was sitting with, only that I was amused by his seatmates. The one bad part on the night (other than what happened on the ice) was when my foot was completely CRUNCHED by this guy's foot. Oh my, was that painful.

As the second period began, I saw some doorknob walk across about six sections (including ours, 26) while the game was going, and I realized "Hey, I know that guy!" (I'm ashamed to admit I know some guy who would do something like that, and I'm actually surprised this guy would.) I follow where he's walking and I see he's sitting with none other than my Final Five Hooligans, Scotty and The Rookie! Excellent! I went over and sat with them for a bit, before making my way back over to my section. I waited for a whistle with a player's mom, whose son happened to get like 5 chances to stuff a puck in while we were waiting. We were both kind of freaking out, it was funny.

I made it to Grandma's for a bit after the game, so as not to disappoint FHG, Scotty and the Rookie; I also had to meet the illustrious Cardinal, who was apparently in MUCH better shape than he had been the previous night. That is all I will say about that. Oh, and he wasn't wearing a houndstooth hat, but it certainly was a very fancy hat. And I'm not being complimentary here, sorry man.

Bright spots: Power Play Goal! Oberg gets a point! It wasn't a blowout! No empty net goal! And we didn't get swept!

THE NUMBERS
Wins Until We Surpass Last Year's Total: 2
Points Until We Surpass Last Year's Total: 3

My Guys:
Matt McKnight: 12
MacGregor Sharp: 12
Michael Gergen: 11! (Yay!)
Mike Curry: 2

Freshmen:
Justin Fontaine: 8
Cody Danberg: 6
Kyle Schmidt: 6
Rob Bordson: 3
Mike Montgomery: 1
Chad Huttel: 1
Evan Oberg: 1! (ON THE BOARD!!! Now every Bulldog has a point!)

On Notice:
Points
Matt Greer
Alex Stalock
Mike Curry
Trent Palm
Nick Kemp
Travis Gawryletz

Goals only
Andrew Carroll
Michael Gergen
Justin Fontaine
Jay Cascalenda
Drew Akins
Evan Oberg
Cody Danberg

Subsuperioran Winsick Blues

tUMD 1, UMTC 1

Frazee's in the basement
Mixing up Long Islands
I'm on the internet
Thinking about the tournament
The man in the striped shirt
Whistle out, glasses off
Says he's got a blind spot
Donny's got him paid off

Look out kid
It's somethin' you did
God knows when
But he's pointing up at you
You better hope to get your way
Arguin' for a replay
The man in the white mustache
In the press box
Wants a harsher penalty
You only got two

Gergy comes fleet foot
Stupid time to shoot
Talkin' all that heat put
Mikey in the box but
The Gophers have a power play
That can't score anyway
0 for 4 on the day
Don't see that much, eh?

Look out kid
Don't matter what you did
Don't shoot down low
Don't leave for the pros
Better stay away from those
That carry around a fire hose
Keep a clean nose
Watch the puck hos
You don't need a weather man
To know a -30 wind blows

Break a stick, catch hell
Gonna make the coach yell
fall down, try to sell
But the ref knows you just fell
Check hard, get jarred
Get back, play D
Get a PP, get free
0-for-5 for UMD

Look out kid
You're gonna get hit
But users, cheaters
Holy Cross losers
Hang around the bleachers
Crack at center ice
A new DECC would be nice!
Stick up for your leaders
Watch for headman feeders

Ah get tied, keep tied
Short pass, Kangas, glove flash
Penalty, 5 on 3
Horrible on the PP
Please score, please win, tough sh*t
Puck steal, stick lift
Twenty years of hockey
And they put you on the fourth shift

Look out kid
They keep it all hid
Better buckle down in OT
Get yourself a 2-on-3
Crash to the net
Winger's not there yet
Don't wanna give the game away
Better get the D to play
The Gophers don't score
'Cause they're coached by a Chia Pet...

THE NUMBERS
Wins Until We Surpass Last Year's Total: 2 (Gotta wait a little longer)
Points Until We Surpass Last Year's Total: 3! (So many ties!)

My Guys:
Matt McKnight: 12! (Love the ugly goal!)
MacGregor Sharp: 12 (Did he even play? I never heard his name! Come on, man!)
Michael Gergen: 10 (Didn't make the smartest choices tonight...)
Mike Curry: 2 (INJ)

Freshmen:
Justin Fontaine: 8
Cody Danberg: 6
Kyle Schmidt: 6
Rob Bordson: 3
Mike Montgomery: 1
Chad Huttel: 1
Evan Oberg: 0

On Notice:
Points
Evan Oberg
Matt Greer
Alex Stalock
Mike Curry

Goals only
Trent Palm
Travis Gawryletz
Jason Garrison
Andrew Carroll
Michael Gergen
Justin Fontaine
Jay Cascalenda
Drew Akins

The Ties That Bind

I don't know if anyone else has noticed, but we tie a lot. I mean, whatever, it's better than losing a lot, but it's not as good as winning a lot.

I guess I picked the right game to go to. I kind of enjoy watching the game at home (although I wish it was on television and not on B2, which is dark and has annoying announcers, like that moron chick that was interviewing Grawler and Kemper), because I don't have to worry if my flailing is going to injure the old lady next to me, or that I'm going to scream something embarrassing, or that I'm going to weep uncontrollably if we lose. It also means if I want to, I can sit around watching the game in my underwear (not saying that I did, just that I could!). I suppose I could do that at a game if I wanted to, but I'd probably be kicked out, and the team would be distracted (what with all the vomiting and such). I spent most of the game IMing LGM, which was VERY stressful because her television was ahead of my B2 feed, which was ahead of the KDAL audio I had streaming. I made her promise not to say anything until I knew there was or wasn't a goal, but it still made me very, very nervous. We did manage to agree that Steve Rohlik is hott.

I'm a little frustrated with the tie. We had some great chances to win, including a GIFT FROM ABOVE powerplay in overtime. We had some extended periods deep in the Mankato zone, and there were some times I thought FOR SURE the puck HAD to somehow make its way into the net, but it just wasn't meant to be. It was great to get two goals in such quick succession, but I was hoping we would build on that and dominate the game. Even when it was 2-1, I thought we still could hold on, but I guess it wasn't meant to be.

However, I must point out, a lesser goaltender would have given up a lot of those chances that Mike Zacharias managed to stop. I don't like to use the "we ran into a hot goaltender" excuse, but I just don't think that Zacharias gets enough props. Overall, his GAA is 1.94 with a 93 save% and a 58.8 win%. In league play, he has a 2.00 GAA, 93 save% and .455 win%. Considering that he's in the top 4 in the conference in the statistics he has more control over (save percentage and GAA) despite Mankato's 9th place seat in the WCHA (though 1 point out of 6th-8th, as I'm sure LGM would point out if I hadn't) shows that he is a talented goaltender, and I guess it's not as bad as tying, say, Frazee.

THE NUMBERS
Wins Until We Surpass Last Year's Total: 2 (Will be taken care of after next weekend!)
Points Until We Surpass Last Year's Total: 4! (Ditto!)

My Guys:
MacGregor Sharp: 12! (Takes the lead!)
Matt McKnight: 11
Michael Gergen: 10
Mike Curry: 2

Freshmen:
Justin Fontaine: 8!
Cody Danberg: 6!
Kyle Schmidt: 6!
Rob Bordson: 3!
Mike Montgomery: 1
Chad Huttel: 1
Evan Oberg: 0

On Notice:
Points
Evan Oberg
Jay Cascalenda
Matt Greer
Alex Stalock
Drew Akins
Mike Curry
Matt McKnight

Goals only
Trent Palm
Travis Gawryletz
Jason Garrison
Andrew Carroll
Michael Gergen
Justin Fontaine

Wild Mood Swings

Okay. We're all a little frazzled here, so let me start things off with a joke:

Q: What's the difference between RWD and Britney Spears?
A: I'm only bipolar during hockey games.

Whatever. Let me just say that I had an entirely different post written in my head (because I'm always thinking of you guys and how I can make your reading experiences better!) when the score was 3-1, in which I proclaimed the highlight of the night to be the footlong porketta dog I devoured between the 2nd and 3rd periods, after commiserating with DHG about the game. I may have said something like "I can't believe I drove up here for this!" and he may have sarcastically reminded me I was there for the "comeback." But that was then.

THIS IS NOW. I'm ELATED. I'm SO proud of my guys for finding a way to win this game. It was exhilarating to watch, although I'd prefer if the effort had been a little more consistent. No matter. I believe that good teams find ways to win, and that we could very well be a good team. Not a great team, that's for next year (when our freshmen rock harder than they have ever rocked before), but a good team that finishes in the top half of the league and shows up in St. Paul come March. Let's get a sweep at home, boys, and get on a roll. Oh, and maybe a few more power play goals?

THE NUMBERS
Wins Until We Surpass Last Year's Total: 2 (Great job, guys!)
Points Until We Surpass Last Year's Total: 5 (Yay!)

My Guys:
Matt McKnight: 11 (Had a really good chance though!)
MacGregor Sharp: 11
Michael Gergen: 10! (PASS THE PUCK MORE!)
Mike Curry: 2 (Prob. going to stay that way...)

Freshmen:
Justin Fontaine: 7!
Cody Danberg: 5! (My hero!)
Kyle Schmidt: 5! (W00t!)
Rob Bordson: 3!
Mike Montgomery: 1
Chad Huttel: 1
Evan Oberg: 0 (WELCOME BACK, BABY!!!!)

On Notice:
Points
Evan Oberg
Jay Cascalenda
Matt Greer
Alex Stalock
Drew Akins
Mike Curry
Matt McKnight

Goals only
Josh Meyers
Trent Palm
Travis Gawryletz
Jason Garrison
Andrew Carroll

Long Time Gone

tUMD 5, Bear-Throwers 3

Well, finally. Finally we beat Bemidji! Heck, finally we won! Oh, who am I kidding, FINALLY WE PLAYED A GAME!!! Exciting. And I'm excited because I won't have to miss anymore games due to stupid work! Huzzah!

This game was certainly exciting, as we spent FAR TOO MUCH OF IT ON THE PENALTY KILL. We DID have a power play goal, which is awesome, but our PK gave up 2. Giving up mostly specialty teams goals meant that all the Bulldogs were either even, +1, or in the case of the brilliant Josh Meyers, +3. Trent Palm was tossed early in the game which left us down a defenceman, though we handled it.

I'm always nervous going into the 3rd period tied. Even more so than when we are losing, because when you're losing, you're losing. When you're tied, you're not losing, but you have the potential to become losing. If that makes any sense. I was so proud to see the Bulldogs take that 3rd period and make it their own, scoring-wise. I wasn't pleased about the short-handed breakaway we gave up, but Stalock saved the bacon and all was well.

Tomorrow night: demonstrate why Bemidji doesn't belong in the WCHA. FINISH THEM.

THE NUMBERS
Wins Until We Surpass Last Year's Total: 3 (Not a WCHA game... and NEVER WILL BE, BITCHES!!!)
Points Until We Surpass Last Year's Total: 7 (See above)

My Guys:
Matt McKnight: 11
MacGregor Sharp: 11! (Very awesome and Off Notice!)
Michael Gergen: 9! (Second half surge coming our way!)
Mike Curry: 2 (Tragically not in the lineup)

Freshmen:
Justin Fontaine: 7!
Cody Danberg: 3! (First goal as a Bulldog!)
Kyle Schmidt: 3!
Rob Bordson: 2!
Mike Montgomery: 1
Chad Huttel: 1
Evan Oberg: 0

On Notice:
Points
Evan Oberg
Jay Cascalenda
Matt Greer
Alex Stalock
Travis Gawryletz
Trent Palm
Drew Akins
Mike Curry

Goals only
Jordan Fulton
Josh Meyers
Matt McKnight

The Joke's On Me

tUMD 3, "Don't Call Us a Lesser Team, Bitch!" 5

note from RWD: I've been working and studying non-stop this whole freaking weekend, so that's why the recap was so late. Not just because the game was not good.

So, anyway, Friday night, all tDogs rushed back to their dorms/apartments/rental houses of doom to check this site to see what I had said about the game. Because, of course, a bunch of college hockey players have nothing better to do with their time than read the barely coherent ramblings of a crusty old hag. "Hah!" they cried. "Hah! She thought that was major crap? She thought that was poor defense? Well, we'll show her!"

And thus we had Saturday's game.

THE NUMBERS
Wins Until We Surpass Last Year's Total: 3
Points Until We Surpass Last Year's Total: 7

My Guys:
Matt McKnight: 11!
MacGregor Sharp: 9!
Michael Gergen: 7! (Off notice! I should call people out more often!)
Mike Curry: 2

Freshmen:
Justin Fontaine: 5!
Cody Danberg: 2
Kyle Schmidt: 2
Rob Bordson: 1
Mike Montgomery: 1
Chad Huttel: 1
Evan Oberg: 0

On Notice:
Points
Evan Oberg
Jay Cascalenda
Matt Greer
Alex Stalock
Travis Gawryletz
Trent Palm
Drew Akins
Cody Danberg
Mike Curry

Goals only
Justin Fontaine
Jordan Fulton
Josh Meyers
MacGregor Sharp

A Game That Will Die In Obscurity

tUMD 3, Mythical Creatures 3

It's Pearl Harbor Day today, hooray! Um, I mean, respectful silence!

I am tired, so this is going to be a short recap. I missed the first period, which is fine, whatever. I missed a shorty, which is sad, but I saw 2 power play goals, which is akin to seeing a complete solar eclipse AND Halley's comet simultaneously.

The bad part is, we played like major crap in our own end, and gave away a win when UAA scored with the extra attacker and 1:40 to go.

Play to win tomorrow, guys. 3 points this weekend.

THE NUMBERS
Wins Until We Surpass Last Year's Total: 3
Points Until We Surpass Last Year's Total: 7!

My Guys:
Matt McKnight: 10! (Taking over the lead!)
MacGregor Sharp: 8
Michael Gergen: 6
Mike Curry: 2

Freshmen:
Justin Fontaine: 4
Cody Danberg: 2
Kyle Schmidt: 2
Rob Bordson: 1
Mike Montgomery: 1
Chad Huttel: 1
Evan Oberg: 0

On Notice:
Points
Evan Oberg
Jay Cascalenda
Matt Greer
Alex Stalock
Michael Gergen (uncool! Get it going, Gergzilla!)
Travis Gawryletz

Goals only
Trent Palm
Justin Fontaine
Cody Danberg
Jordan Fulton
Josh Meyers

Slip-Slidin' Away

tUMD 1, Game-Stealers 2

Extrapolating from the season so far, you would think the Bulldogs would have swept this weekend, and so technically, the Mavs accomplished what's known as "stealing a game." I know people like to say "This is the WCHA, anything can happen, blah blah blah," but the bottom line is, we SUCK against Mankato. We suck so much we've even scored on ourselves! So, whatevs, I'm not that broken up. I mean, I hate losing, and I so wanted to subtract from the numbers and take more people off notice and all that, but I'm hoping maybe this was a learning experience, and we play Anchorage hard.

LGM's predictions from The Gauntlet are as follows:
At least one short handed goal (check!) from my boy Kalinski (nope! From My Guy Matt McKnight!)
Also expect to see at least 3 goals from Berge (one goal, GWG tonight)
For the fans, be ready for a rockin' good time at the Alltel Center (DA did not tell me about any rocking that occurred, and we didn't exactly play well, so I doubt that many 'Dogs fans had a good time)
Conclusion: LGM is not the best prognosticator.

I wasn't at the game, of course, I was scoping out the competition at the MTU-UMTC game. Watching it was just as good as watching tUMD, because Tech plays essentially the same game we do... especially the FREAKING POWER PLAY.

I have to say, I was EMBARRASSED by the crappiness of our roads today. I mean, it was a bit of snow, but not that much, and NOTHING was plowed. We had hardy travelers from the UP in town, we should have shown them we, too, know how to handle a snowfall. FOR CRYING OUT LOUD.

I'm tired. Look for my recap of the Tech game on tTech Hockey Blog later, probably tomorrow.

THE NUMBERS
Wins Until We Surpass Last Year's Total: 3
Points Until We Surpass Last Year's Total: 8

My Guys:
MacGregor Sharp: 8
Matt McKnight: 8! (Supremely awesome shorty!)
Michael Gergen: 6
Mike Curry: 2

Freshmen:
Justin Fontaine: 4
Cody Danberg: 2
Kyle Schmidt: 2
Rob Bordson: 1
Mike Montgomery: 1
Chad Huttel: 1
Evan Oberg: 0

On Notice:
Points
Evan Oberg
Jay Cascalenda
Matt Greer
Alex Stalock

Goals only
Travis Gawryletz
Trent Palm
Justin Fontaine
Cody Danberg
Jordan Fulton
Josh Meyers (really?)

Baby, It's Cold Outside

tUMD 2, Sloth's Warriors 2

You know how, on C*O*P*S*, people whose identities are protected get their faces pixellated? Well, that technology should be utilized whenever Juttz's face is on TV. Because, really.

Did you know that, at presstime, it was 11 degrees Fahrenheit (or -12 degrees Celsius, for Matt McKnight et al.)?? Because, seriously, it feels like a zillion below (or -1.8 zillion C). Yikes!

I didn't watch very much of the game, because I was busy freezing in World Domination Class, but fear not! RWD emissaries were sent out into the world, and I received text messages LIVE from the game. Of course, I panicked majorly when we were down 0-2, and I also kept getting non-game-related text messages from people that made my hyperventilate, wondering if we had scored or if we had been scored on. Yarrrrrrrgh.

Not surprised at the tie, certainly glad it's not a loss. We're a Saturday night team, look for the W tomorrow night! I'll be doing stuff, or stuck in a snowbank, and will be missing out.

THE NUMBERS
Wins Until We Surpass Last Year's Total: 3
Points Until We Surpass Last Year's Total: 8! (W00t!)

My Guys:
MacGregor Sharp: 8
Matt McKnight: 7
Michael Gergen: 6
Mike Curry: 2

Freshmen:
Justin Fontaine: 4!
Cody Danberg: 2
Kyle Schmidt: 2!
Rob Bordson: 1
Mike Montgomery: 1
Chad Huttel: 1
Evan Oberg: 0

On Notice:
Points
Evan Oberg
Jay Cascalenda
Matt Greer

Goals only
Travis Gawryletz
Alex Stalock
Trent Palm
Justin Fontaine
Cody Danberg
Jordan Fulton

Split Second

tUMD 4, Chicken Dancers 2

I think the chicken dance contest should have been between the teams. That would have been sweet.

It's not normal for me to do two game recaps in the same day, as I usually like to have them done right after games, but yesterday I was very, very tired. I worked at 6:00 yesterday morning, so I was totally beat by the time the game was over. I hate working retail. Does anyone out there want to give me a job? My qualifications include: super genius, brilliant at everything, outstanding writer, and superb comic timing.

Still, it's weird to write this recap. I feel like I just wrote it.

I'm much happier to write this recap, that's for darn sure! tDogs played better hockey tonight, and it sounds like the defencemen certainly stepped it up. Alex Stalock was on his game, and luck was on our side. Really, we didn't just win this game through hard work and skill, but no one does. The 3rd goal, a fluke from center ice that just hopped the stick of JPL, sort of cancelled out UND's 3rd goal last night, a goal attributed to Brad Miller, who wasn't even on the ice when the puck crossed the line. It's just nice to get the bounces sometimes.

PP was not good. Mike Curry was on the PK, though!

Other things happened. I don't know. The game wasn't on B2, so I wasn't able to watch. I am certainly proud of the Dogs, though. Losing 8-3 can be demoralizing, but they came back ready to win. That was our first win in North Dakota since it joined the United States in 1889.

On a poor note, WCHA teams weren't so strong in non-conference series this weekend. Come on, you guys, we need you to win to help our PWR! Because we're actually relevant this year! Yeah 'Dogs!!

Next on the chopping block: Mankato. Look for the first Gauntlet in quite awhile! Also, I hope to see Andrew Carroll back soon!

THE NUMBERS
Wins Until We Surpass Last Year's Total: 3! (Should be surpassed by winter break!)
Points Until We Surpass Last Year's Total: 9!

My Guys:
MacGregor Sharp: 8!
Matt McKnight: 7!
Michael Gergen: 6 (The only one of My Guys not to score, but he had a point last night!)
Mike Curry: 2!

Freshmen:
Justin Fontaine: 3
Cody Danberg: 2!
Rob Bordson: 1
Kyle Schmidt: 1
Mike Montgomery: 1
Chad Huttel: 1!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Evan Oberg: 0 (INJ, and will CERTAINLY be getting points when he gets back!)

On Notice:
Points
Evan Oberg
Jay Cascalenda
Andrew Carroll
Matt Greer
Jordan Fulton

Goals only
Jason Garrison
Travis Gawryletz
Alex Stalock
Trent Palm
Justin Fontaine
Cody Danberg

Lithium

UMD 3, Ref Complainers 8

What kind of a fanbase whines about officiating when their team wins by 5 goals? UND Blogger Goon should be ashamed of himself. Evidently, Sioux fans are only satisfied when zero penalties are called on the Sioux and their opponent is down 2 men for the entire game. Plus, since the UND PP was pretty much crap last night, I would think they wouldn't want to showcase that too much. Not that they'd ever give our PK any credit.

Yeah, I know, I sound like a sore loser right now. It's not that. I just hate playing this series. I resent the implication by many of the UND fans that we don't even deserve to play their team, that we should just roll over and die because our team is worthless and the only team worth their time is UMTC, with whom they are obsessed. I really wish that tDogs could have shown that we were better than that, and for moments during the game, they did. I felt like I developed acute bipolar disorder during the course of the game.

There are five parts to this game. I will divide and conquer.

The first 6 or so minutes of the game were fine. It didn't seem like much was going on. Blah blah blah.

Then UND scored 3 goals in 1:23, including a goal that didn't take any skill on their part, just garbage play on our part, 45 seconds after our timeout. I was crabby beyond belief at this point. My cat was cowering in fear.

With 3 seconds left in the period, Nick Kemp scored ON THE POWER PLAY. FINALLY, A POWER PLAY GOAL! RAISE A BANNER! (Wait, this isn't St. Cloud.) To start the 2nd period, we scored 2 more goals in the first 5 minutes, including Kyle Schmidt's first Bulldog goal (!!!) and Mike Montgomery's first assist (!!!), and it was tied. I was on top of the world. My 'Dogs had shown they could come back with a vengeance.

Then it was 4-3, and then 5-3, and I was still pretty much okay, thinking you know, at least we fought a good fight, and that stupid crap goal was no longer the GWG.

When it became 6-3, I was back to pissed off again. And then the rest of the game happened, and then I lay siege on Tokyo.

Photo: Associated Press.

I'm hoping we can come back tonight and play well defensively as well as offensively. We're a Saturday night team, and I know we can recover! Let's split it, 'Dogs!!

THE NUMBERS
Wins Until We Surpass Last Year's Total: 4
Points Until We Surpass Last Year's Total: 11

My Guys:
MacGregor Sharp: 7
Michael Gergen: 6!
Matt McKnight: 5
Mike Curry: 1

Freshmen:
Justin Fontaine: 3!
Cody Danberg: 1
Rob Bordson: 1
Kyle Schmidt: 1!!!!!!!!
Mike Montgomery: 1!!!!!!!!
Chad Huttel: 0
Evan Oberg: 0 (INJ)

On Notice:
Points
Evan Oberg
Jay Cascalenda
Andrew Carroll
Matt Greer
Cody Danberg
Jordan Fulton

Goals only
Drew Akins
Jason Garrison
Travis Gawryletz
Alex Stalock
Trent Palm
MacGregor Sharp
Justin Fontaine

Put 'Em On The Glass

tUMD 4, tMTU 1

It's not really what it looks like. We really won 2-1, with 2 ENGs, which is fine, because a win's a win no matter how you get it. Our win is JUST as valuable as Denver's 7-0 whomping of MSUM (vengeance for the 8-7 embarrassment of a few years ago?), if not more valuable, as a win over Tech is more helpful in the PWR. And man, am I glad that we can consider PWR again!

Last night, we went for a little change of pace and sat on the glass next to the penalty box. It's not exactly the greatest place to sit, as your view is limited in a few place, but it's also a great feeling to be down on ice level for the glass-rattling hits. Or to see Jason Garrison almost fall into the visitor's penalty box because the door flew open. I wouldn't recommend sitting down there often, as I had a distorted view of every goal except the empty netters, but it's so cool when the action's in your end. I could see the intensity of Matt McKnight's face on the face-off, and I could see Gawryletz's weird mulletesque hair in all its glory.

The major problem with our seats was not the view, but the company. I know people have complaints about a lot of annoying things, like people blocking your view or asking dumb questions ("Who is Huffer Christiansen?" Jeez, what are we teaching in those schools?), so my complaint is minor, but this dude behind me was ripping on Mike Curry. Not cool. I was really hoping for Big Mike to get a goal or an assist or something so I could substantiate my claims of Curry Supremacy, but except for one bone-jarring hit on one of his first shifts, and a penalty for high-sticking (My response: "It's not fair! He's just tall!"), he didn't do much to distinguish himself.

My big complaint this game is with... can you guess? THE POWER PLAY. Oh my god. It's not good, and we had better get it straightened out before we go to Grand Forks. My first suggestion is: Matt McKnight needs to GET OFF THE POINT. Put someone on there who can hold the zone. Of course, Matt McKnight is one of My Guys, so this isn't a direct criticism of him, but merely a suggestion on where to play him to his potential. Now, we did have some great chances on the PP, but we got a 5 on 3 for 1:15 and zippo. Tech scored 2 power plays, and their own FANS admitted their PP sucks. We did get a VERY nice delayed penalty goal which I never thought would happen.

One of the zambonis died on the rink between the first and second periods, and crapped snow all over the ice. It was funny.

After the game was fun. I ate some pizza, stalked some dads (hi, Mr. Fulton!), and licked MEg. A good time was had by all.

The drive home today was very annoying. Once we got closer to the Cities, we ran into a bunch of people hauling ATVs/dead deer/snowmobiles/small churches. I would compare our situation to trying to leg out a Texas League double with Frank Thomas, Jason Phillips, and Prince Fielder on the basepaths ahead of me. Yargh. We had a very nice stay at a place called the Firelight Inn, which is not too far away from the RWD Ancestral Home (located at 21st and E. Superior). Nothing says romance like Bulldog hockey and a bed and breakfast! I would certainly recommend the place for anyone visiting Duluth. It's not dirt cheap or anything, but it's beautiful, quiet, and the breakfast is grubbin'. The folks who run it are extremely nice, and you get every amenity you'll get at a hotel and then some.

I'm glad to be home, and I'm glad my first Bulldog series of the season resulted in three points! This coming weekend, we'll probably see new levels of whining from the UND fans. I can't wait to see what kind of heinous behavior they will defend this week.

Speaking of heinous behavior, here's the Mattias Ohlund slash on Mikko Koivu from Friday night's Wild game. A four game suspension is a slap on the wrist compared to what Ohlund deserves. (If Kyle Radke had done this to, say, Michael Gergen, it would be considered "gritty play," or "Gergen deserved it," or "The Bulldogs should wear tutus and dance like hippos if they don't want to get slashed in the back of the leg, this is HOCKEY!") Koivu is one of My Guys in pro hockey (along with Mark Parrish), and you just don't mess with one of my guys. Although no one deserves to be slashed like that.

THE NUMBERS
Wins Until We Surpass Last Year's Total: 4!
Points Until We Surpass Last Year's Total: 11!

My Guys:
MacGregor Sharp: 7!
Matt McKnight: 5!
Michael Gergen: 5!
Mike Curry: 1 (But his mere presence in the game cemented our win!)

Freshmen:
Justin Fontaine: 3
Cody Danberg: 1
Rob Bordson: 1
Everyone else: 0

On Notice:
Points
Evan Oberg
Kyle Schmidt
Jay Cascalenda
Andrew Carroll
Matt Greer
Cody Danberg

Goals only
Drew Akins
Nick Kemp (but getting plenty of chances! Especially shorthanded!)
Jason Garrison
Travis Gawryletz
Alex Stalock
Trent Palm
MacGregor Sharp