March 30, 2008
North Dakota Notebook
by Scott Stone/CHN Reporter
MADISON, Wis. — At this time of the season, it's not how you get it done, it's whether or not you do it.
It wasn't pretty, but the North Dakota Fighting Sioux got the job done. Final score: 5-1 North Dakota. Story over, right?
A glance at the scoreboard didn't begin to tell the story for the Kohl Center crowd at the Midwest Regional in Madison. The wide margin hides the fact that, for many parts of the 60 minute game, the No. 1 seed was outskated by the No. 4. Another glance at the scoreboard and down to the shot totals may give some clues.
Princeton outshot North Dakota 39-18 in the game and it took an outstanding effort by senior goaltender and Hobey Baker finalist Jean-Philippe Lamoureux to keep the score as it was. Last year's Hobey Baker winner, Ryan Duncan, turned in his first career hat-trick, lighting the lamp three straight times for a natural to pace the Fighting Sioux offense.
As it seems to do in many postseason games, special teams came up big once again. North Dakota converted on two of four power play opportunities and had just six minutes of penalty time after averaging 18.8 minutes per game during the season.
LAMOUREUX PLAYS TO HOBEY FORM
Another banner night in a banner season for Lamoureux. Carrying a nation best 1.74 goals against average into the game, the senior stopped 38 of 39 Princeton shots, including four shots from point-blank, that the Tigers brought in shorthanded in the second period with the score at 1-0.
Despite losing two of his last three starts, Lamoureux made the plays he needed to make when he needed to make them.
"I know my role on the team is to make timely saves and come up big when the time is right," said Lamoureux. "I just wanted to go out and play my game and play solid and protect the middle of the net. Regardless if I am getting 15 or 50 shots I got to make saves and keep my team in the game."
'HOBEY' DUNCAN BREAKS OUT
Needless to say, scoring just one goal in his last 10 games, 2007 Hobey Baker winner Ryan Duncan was in a slump. Duncan broke out of it in a big way against the Tigers, notching his first career hat-trick.
"I've been trying to contribute as much as I can," said Duncan. "Throughout the year I just think that my offensive stats haven't been there compared to last year. I'm just doing everything I can."
Lamoureux also appreciated Duncan's break out game.
"He scores timely goals for us. This time of year shows why he was a Hobey Baker winner. He played unbelievable tonight and scored some big goals for our team."
SKATING FOR 4TH STRAIGHT FROZEN FOUR
Sunday night, the Fighting Sioux will take on Wisconsin for the right to advance to the Frozen Four championship in Denver on April 10-12. This is a familiar position for North Dakota head coach Dave Hakstol and his team. The Fighting Sioux have advanced to the Frozen Four in all three of Hakstol's years as coach.
"Again, sitting here, I'm very excited to move on and we've got a chance to prepare for whoever wins the game tonight and work to win a big game tomorrow." said Hakstol.
nice article...
Mar 30 2008, 1:07 am by Melvin, GF ND
Nice article, except that Lamoureux has an 1.63 GAA, not 1.74 and didn't lose two of his last three starts. He lost one of the last three (not including today), but two of the last four.
Mar 30 2008, 1:32 am by Jen, Phoenix
After the first period, ND for some reason didn't take Princeton seriously, and the shot total shows it. It wasn't until some time into the third that ND really cranked it up again. They did the same thing last weekend: didn't take Denver seriously, then got serious for CC. If they make the same mistake against Wisconsin tonight, there could be trouble. If, however, the bring their A game, they'll win.
Mar 30 2008, 12:37 pm by Chris Haake, Grand Forks ND
hopefully the Sioux will play better against Wisconsin than they did against Prineton!!! If they don't, their season is over!!!
Mar 30 2008, 1:12 pm by college hockey fan, MN.
SUCK ON THAT, DOUBTERS!!!!!
Mar 31 2008, 12:40 am by Chris Haake, Grand Forks ND
of to the frozen four...
Mar 31 2008, 2:25 am by Melvin, Grand Forks
North Dakota would be a nobody if the State of Minnesota did not exist for them to recruit. Don Lucia needs to take lessons from Dave Hakstol on which players from Minnesota to recruit. N Dak has completely out recruited Minnesota in their own State. This is proven by how far each team has gotten into the NCAA tourney that past 3 years. I hope N Dak gets their asses kicked by BC. I do hope TJ Oshie wins the Hobey. He is a Minnesotan, not a North Dakotan.
Mar 31 2008, 3:11 am by jbuss, seattle
ahhhhh, JBuss sounds like a bitter gopher fan get over it. UND won fair and square this year and hopefully we will get a crack at Michigan, it sure would be nice to end there season on a loss for a third year in a row...
Mar 31 2008, 3:48 am by Melvin, Grand Forks
Sioux fans, you made the frozen four four years in a row. But what did you get from that? Nothing. If I remember right, Boston College ended you season the last three years, so I hope the same thing happens to you again this year, you idiots.
Mar 31 2008, 6:04 am by
Dear Obviously Disgruntled Badger Fan (3-31-08, 6:04 am),
Yes, unfortunately the Sioux have come home empty handed from the previous three Frozen Fours. Too bad they don't play under the banners of the Kohl center, that way they could at least add another year to the "NCAA Tournament Appearance" and "Frozen Four Appearance" banner. However, UND only hangs championship banners (WCHA and NCAA), so I'll guess they'll just have to be happy with getting to the Frozen Four the last three years, and hopefully bring home a trophy this year. Sincerely, 2-23-0
Mar 31 2008, 10:02 am by Jeff, Fargo
Oh, jbuss...that old chestnut again? I'm not even going to bother arguing how stupid your obviously bitterness-inspired argument is. And anonymous...is YOUR team going to the Frozen Four? Didn't think so. All I'll say is SUCK ON THAT, DOUBTERS!!!!!!!
Mar 31 2008, 10:43 am by Chris H, Grand Forks, ND
settle down everybody! The Sioux are a good team that beat a good team , the badgers! Some of you sound very bitter, GET OVER IT!!!
Mar 31 2008, 11:08 am by college hockey fan, MN.
6:04 am idiot... You don't remember correctly. UND ended BC's season three years ago. More importantly, they've ended MN's season twice and WI's season once in that same timeframe. Winning it all is hard to do, just ask BC, they've lost twice in the title game the last two years. I'll take 4 straight FF trips over a McNaughton cup or Broadmoor trophy any day. Even if they never win it all, they have a chance.
Mar 31 2008, 11:30 am by Flip, Eagan
jbuss - does the name Potulny sound familiar. I agree with chris h - what's your point. wait don't answer that I don't want to hear it.
Mar 31 2008, 11:58 am by bleedsgreen - gf -nd
jbuss seems to have a sliver that has festered. As 'bleedsgreen' mentioned, it wasn't until recruiting from North Dakota that took the gophers to the promise land. Talent is abundant but recruiting is very personal, give UND an A+ there.
Mar 31 2008, 12:33 pm by Minnesotan - out state
jbuss has a comment on the article [ Wisconsin overcomes doubters, Denver] In his comment he states that he is a huge Gophers fan! Melvin, Grand Forks had him pegged!! And it figures!!
Mar 31 2008, 2:56 pm by Lee, Fergus Falls, MN
jbuss -- me thinks you missed the bus
Mar 31 2008, 2:58 pm by puckmeister
jbuss just because you can't get the best players out of minnesota doesnt mean you need to cry. if minnesota is sooo good with all their great minnesota players, then explain to me who scored the game-winning goal in the 02-03 ncaa championship game? who was ur leading goal scorer that year? who was your leading scorer the next year? if u want to count crazy headed tyler hirsch as your leader than 04-05 is an exception but still look whose right after him. 05-06 the top 2 leading scorers are who? and finally last year besides a goalie (briggs) and this year you once again you have all minnesotans on your team and look what it has gotten u? a loss to the SIOUX last year, not to remind you of holy cross the year before, a first round exit this year and the reinforcement of the most factual catch phrase that will always stick with the gopher program, "the golden chokers"
Mar 31 2008, 3:23 pm by scottystonesboy, Grand Forks ND
Scotty, What research! I am impressed but nobody cares. Keep coming up with the cute, I mean "factual" catch phrases for the Gophers all you want. But nothing you can come up with can beat "go Flickertails go...yeah!!! Jbuss was a bit off the mark about the recruiting though, he should have said you guys have all of canada to thank for your success. I'm happy for you. Keep the barbs coming NoDaks'.
Mar 31 2008, 5:59 pm by JM, Minneapolis
I hope that it is just a few of the oddball Gophers fans that are so bitter. I would be willing to bet that 99% of them are far more mature and well mannered than the Golden Few!!!!! As far as recruiting goes, I think both teams do a fine job. As with anything, you win some and you lose some! SO RELAX!! Enjoy watching your WCHA team in Denver! Go SIOUX!!
Mar 31 2008, 7:04 pm by Dan, Doran, MN.
JPL is from Grand Forks...not to mention Bina and Marto. It's a stretch to say that we have Minnesota to thank for our success. The weakest link on our team is Finley, yet he has an outstanding +/- rating. Despite Finley's progression, The EDINA, MINNESOTA native needs to work on not turning the puck over so many times in our defensive zone.
Mar 31 2008, 7:06 pm by Intolerable Rabbit Chokers
It's about time I get some reaction(albeit negative) about a comment I post. Keep it coming, I thrive on this defication (for those in North Dakota, defication means poop). Time for another beer. I am cheering for Notre Dame this year, and can't wait for next season when the Gophers make a return to the Championship promise land!
Mar 31 2008, 11:04 pm by jbuss seattle
jbuss, any relation to DD up in AA? You could be his dumber twin brother. If you want, I'll put you in contact with each. I'm thinking you were twins separated at birth. Probably got separated during the commotion when you were dropped on your head.
Mar 31 2008, 11:36 pm by Jeff, Fargo
So Anyways, The Wisconsin fans were pretty nice said congrats and everything. although they do like to hug and dance alot hmmmm? Then you get one gopher guy at the game, hey man are you lost? huh oh were not playing here? lol! need I say more?
Apr 1 2008, 1:24 am by Lake,ND
Hey jeff in fargo. No, not related to DD in AA. But I am related to FU in the CIA. But keep that on the QT or else a GMan from the FBI will be on my A-hole. Any other stupid questions? Time for another beer!
Apr 1 2008, 3:20 am by jbuss, seattle
Jeff, it is probably DD, it sounds like the stupid crap that he says all of the time.
Apr 1 2008, 1:01 pm by Melvin, GF ND
jbuss - It took a couple of Grand Forks boys (Poulny) to break Minnesota's national championship drought. But don't let facts get in the way of your opinion.
Apr 1 2008, 2:31 pm by rc, Bismarck
The Sioux rock! Period! The best skaters, shooters, and overall talent. Most of all, they are winners. Everyone gets beat by the Sioux. Just accept it. Sorry Gophers, enjoy the shadow of UND and feel blessed. Wisonsin...love ya always..shame on the Gophers fan for cheering for a non Midwest team (BC), perhaps you should take up biking, for you are not a true DI hockey fan, and should be banished from our neck of the woods.
Apr 1 2008, 11:17 pm by
you guys in North Dakota are so easy to get worked up. Stop being little school girls, it's is just a friendly, healthy rivalry. Stop being so sensitive you Nancy boys. Time for another beer.
Apr 2 2008, 1:50 am by jbuss, seattle
SO CAN WE AGREE THAT GREAT THINGS COME FROM NORTH DAKOTA, HAPPEN IN NORTH DAKOTA, AND EVOLVE AROUND NORTH DAKOTA?
I would think so, Potulny's, & Irmen played H.S. hockey in Grand Forks for you Minnesota Fans that forget.
Numerous Sioux players have been from ND, 4 current on the roster and 5 from MN, which speaks volumes of ND's youth programs only being a state with a popultion of 636,000 compared to MN's 5,168,000 that is pretty astounding that MN has that many people and they still need to recruit out of their so blessed hockey state??
Well UM had a disappointing season with all MN kids, MSU-M had 10 players outside MN SCSU had 12 and they all seemed to finish better then UM.
jbuss now I understand that Lucia needs to take some lessons from dave, but recruiting out of MN is not one of them, maybe Manitoba and Alberta but not MN.. as per the Nobody state comment I dont think MN players have turned ND into anything except maybe upset city.. holy cross and all writers seem to too
Apr 2 2008, 10:03 am by BrettB in STL
maybe donny boy needs to learn how to build team chemistry? or maybe dave has taken a page out of the famed herby's book? dave doesnt want the best players he wants the best team that can go the distance, I think donny needs to see what, how, and why, cary, dane, and dave seem to be able to get to the last 4, 4 years in a row? maybe he should be doing that instead of feuding with nhl execs or doing commercial ads for car dealerships haha. they are bad I had to laugh.
not bashing you jbuss just trying to open you to some non biased advice from a guy that follows all college hockey. do you know what its like to listen to commentators that have no clue about the WCHA, and think HE, ECAC, AH are the best thing since sliced bread? I do because I watch those games, and WCHA teams still beat them, but anywho thats an entire different convo. just keep watchin wooger and mazzacco and maybe if you get a chance check out Franks pictures he takes for UND and DU when he follows them through NCAA's
Apr 2 2008, 10:12 am by BrettB in STL
