May 13, 2008
Oshie Signs With Blues
CHN Staff Report
GRAND FORKS, N.D. — It took a little longer than some may have expected, but North Dakota forward T.J. Oshie finally signed a professional contract with the St. Louis Blues today.
Oshie, who becomes the 21st college player to leave school with eligibility remaining since the season ended, was a first round NHL Draft pick of the Blues (24th overall) in 2005.
"I have decided to pursue my dream of playing in the NHL next season with the St. Louis Blues organization," Oshie said in a statement. "This could not have become possible without the help of my fans, coaches, and teammates. Thanks to the fans who have stood behind me through the good and bad times. You are truly the best fans in college hockey.
"A special thanks to the coaching staff for teaching and guiding me to become the best hockey player and man I can be. Most of all I would like to thank my teammates. My success is directly related to our team success. You have become my lifelong friends and I would 'go to war' with you guys any day. I have had the time of my life at UND and am very proud to have worn the Sioux sweater and added to its tradition.
"I would also like to wish 'the boys' the best of luck next year! I'll be watching."
Oshie played three seasons for UND, going to the Frozen Four all three years. He scored a team-high 45 points, with 18 goals this past season.
Oshie was a first team West All-American and first team All-WCHA forward in 2007-08, and a Top 10 Hobey Baker Memorial Award finalist. Oshie is one of just 15 players in school history to be named a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award, awarded annually to college hockey's best player.
"Two years running T.J. has been voted by his teammates as the Cliff 'Fido' Purpur Award winner (given to the UND player who demonstrates hard work, determination and being a creator of excitement on the ice)," said Sioux coach Dave Hakstol. "I think this honor says it all in terms of T.J.'s on-ice performance. He is an equally outstanding person off the ice.
"Throughout his time in the program, T.J. has handled both his successes and challenges with great class and composure. Over his three years here at UND, he has demonstrated that he truly understands what it means to put on the Fighting Sioux jersey. We look forward to watching the next phase of his career as he steps into the National Hockey League with the St. Louis Blues organization."
In his three-year Fighting Sioux career, Oshie had 142 points (59 goals, 83 assists) in 129 games. His 142 points rank 30th all-time in UND history, and his 16 career game-winning goals are second only in school history to Mark Taylor's 18 from 1976-80.
Elevator cleaners rejoice and liquor store owners weep in Grand Forks tonight.
May 13 2008, 3:41 pm by JM, Minny
thats the dumbest comment I've ever seen on here your an idiot
May 13 2008, 4:16 pm by SARGE, MN
Well, at least he did the noble thing by signing after the season!
May 13 2008, 5:13 pm by D-Man, Denver
Oh, by the way, Oshie and Radja charges of disorderly conduct from the Grand Forks Police Department were dropped.
It's too bad idiots from Minnie are suffering because all there top end draft choices and withdrawing from college or getting ready for felony drug indictments.
Keep the crap off the boards. Oshie is a Warroad, MN product. Don't let Goldie block your vision that this is another huge step for MN High School Hockey.
May 13 2008, 6:33 pm by The Fonz, Grand Forks
Shut up The Fonz or who ever the you might be. You are a idiot.
May 14 2008, 6:22 am by
Can't any one take a JOKE. As a now, professional athlete, if this offends his fan base, you will be in for a few hard years.
May 14 2008, 10:00 am by MP, MN
Huge step for MN high school hockey? What, just because somebody signed with an NHL organization? Why is that a huge step? Where have you been?
SARGE why don't you can it with your self righteous garbage. Boy, for a so called Gopher fan you sure take offense to anybody poking fun at NoDak. Why don't you just admit you're a Sioux bootlicker?
May 14 2008, 10:12 am by JM, Minny
Leave it to gopher fans to not realize when they are hurting themselves with there comments. Im sure that his actions only reflect on UND and not on the warroad or MN. All those habits were picked up at UND
May 14 2008, 12:37 pm by
How about the underage drinking in Minneapolis at the start of 2006-07 season and absolutely no charges to those kids at U of M Golden Gophers. Get over it folks, every college kid drinks for the most part but the cops don't show up to a geek party. Everyone let it go about Oshie and alcohol issues. Take a look in the mirror before you throw stones. And don't give me the holier than thou lecture.
May 14 2008, 4:20 pm by
If I was Oshie, I would go to the NHL too. I mean, the Sioux are good, but the NHL is the big step for hockey players
May 14 2008, 9:14 pm by Badgerfan
As a hardcore Minnesota hockey fan, I wish TJ well. I think he will do well in the NHL. Plus, I don't have to worry about him lighting up the score board against the mighty Gophers. Good luck, TJ, do Minnesota proud and I wish I could have a few beers with you.
May 15 2008, 2:56 am by jonb seattle
DMan, you are correct, it was noble of him to sign after the season. Not like Kyle Okposo who did everyone wrong by quitting half way through the season.
May 15 2008, 3:00 am by jonb seattle
Whoa, Jon B, did I read your comment correctly? It's nice to see a gopher fan take responsibility and acknowledge when one of theirs acted like a d-bag by pulling a stunt like what Oksposo did! You know, I had you all wrong JB, next time I'm in Seattle we need to get together and I'll buy you a coffee! If you're ever in Denver, we'll get some micro brews together, how's that sound?
May 15 2008, 12:35 pm by D-Man, Denver
Hey DMan, if it is morning I will buy coffee. If it is past 5:00 PM, I will buy a micro brew. I love micro brews. I hope Okposo does well in the NHL, but it was a doushe bag move.
May 16 2008, 3:25 am by jonb seattle
See Everyone, it is possible for Sioux fans and Gopher Fans to live in harmony amongst one another! If D-Man and Jon B can come together, as witnessed on the message board, then anything is possible!
May 16 2008, 11:37 am by D-Man, Denver
On another note, I used to be an East Sider in the great suburb of Renton! I miss Pike's Market, hiking at Tiger Mtn. and Pioneer Square on weekend nights. Salty's Restaurant in West Seattle is one of my faves! I lived there for 3 years before being transferred with my job to Denver. Loved being in the NW but the Rocky Mtns. and 300+ of sunshine is hard to beat!
May 16 2008, 11:46 am by D-Man, Denver
hey jm i told you guys before IAM NOT A UND FAN IAM A TJ OSHIE FAN hes my cousin. just sick of hearing the stupid jokes
from stupid people
May 16 2008, 2:23 pm by SARGE, MN
I live in the community of Enumclaw, where the men are men and the horses are scared. A very nice area, but I would prefer to be back in the midwest. With the politcs, traffic, population increase, and crime, I foresee the Seattle area becoming another Los Angeles with a cup of San Francisco thrown in. Not for me, I prefer country living.
May 16 2008, 5:03 pm by jonb seattle
It's good to see another WCHA player hit the big time. TJ will fit in fine on the Blues. They need some scoring so he should get a good shot.
May 19 2008, 1:08 pm by Joe, Andover
It was truly a pleasure to watch TJ up at UND. He truly made the game fun to watch and I will miss him. I can't wait to watch him play for the Blues.
May 20 2008, 11:39 am by BG Fargo
