Faceoff

Ice Hawks: Spoon man!!!

PHERSY: The Rochester Ice Hawks return to action tonight, in Maple Grove against the Minnesota Wildcats.It's a huge weekend, because after tonight's game the Ice Hawks will drive straight to Spooner, Wis., for games Saturday and Sunday against the Wisconsin Mustangs.

The Ice Hawks are now the only team in the league that controls their own fate. If the Ice Hawks win out, they win the league. They currently have 11 games remaining on their schedule. So, I guess every game matters!

I caught up with coach Fatis today for a quick update (yeah, like these updates are ever "quick") and there was plenty of injury news.

With everyone hurt, Fatis was a little resmorseful about the trade he made last week. While the trade might not have been the best for his dinged-up team, it was the best move for Dan McCamey and Sam Benson.

"The McCamey and Benson move doesn't look the best right now," Fatis said. "We're short on numbers right now. But in the end, it would have been a temporary fix, and once everyone was back healthy, McCamey and Benson would have been right back where they were. It may not have been the best decision as far as trying to win a league championship, but I'm certain it was the best thing for those kids."

So, as usual, there is plenty of injury news.

Goalie Simon Eriksson, who has solidified himself as the team's No. 1 goalie, is a bit banged up. Fatis said it's nothing serious, and that he hopes Eriksson will be able to play at least one game this weekend.

Also missing time is Sam Hingtgen. He really hasn't been at practice much this week due to illness, and Fatis said it's unlikely Hingtgen will play at all this weekend.

Jordan Yaggy has returned to the team after a week of NAHL practice up in Alexandria. Yaggy will get the start tonight.

Alex Whitney, Nik Tamanko and Matt Rucinski are all unlikely to play this weekend. Whitney is still suffering from a concussion, and Rucinski has a shoulder injury. It sounds like it could be two more weeks before Rucinski is ready to go. There's not a set time frame on Whitney, but Fatis hopes he's ready next weekend. Tamanko was injured during a fight last weekend.

"Honestly, we're do dinged up right now, that every single guy who's healthy will be dressing tonight," Fatis said.

The Ice Hawks also will be without the league's leading scorer, Tyler Groth, tonight. He has a hip injury, though it's nothing serious, and Fatis believes Groth could play Saturday and Sunday.

Myles Flott is back in the linuep. He's not at full strength, Fatis said, but he's been cleared to play, and the Ice Hawks need him right now. "I know it's very frustrating for Myles because he's not back to where he was before the surgery," Fatis said. "But he's battling through it. I'm very proud of how he's battled. I know how frustrating it can be when you're not where you want to be. But he'll keep battling and eventually he'll get there."

So, with all of the injuries, is Fatis worried about going up against a physical (some might say dirty) team like the Wildcats?

"It certainly concerns me," Fatis said. "I'm worried about the Wildcats for a lot of reasons. A lot of those kids left their families to play hockey, not just to goon people up. They're not the worst team in the history of hockey. They've got some kids with some talent, some kids who work hard and really want this. And that's why I'm afraid if we walk into this game and don't take it seriously and fall behind by a couple of goals, we could be in real trouble, especially on that Olympic sheet they have up there. As for the injuries, I worry, but I don't think they have a coaching staff who would ask their guys to run players and try to hurt them. So we just have to be smart."

So, have there been any other trade opportunities. "Nothing has come up yet," Fatis said.

But, Fatis did say there has been a significant rule change made in the Minnesota Junior Hockey League. The league voted this week to change a rule that has been in place for more than 10 years that stated a player needed to participate in at least eight regular-season games to be on a team's playoff roster. Now, mid-season, the league voted to allow a player to compete in the playoffs if he has just four games of service!

Seriously MnJHL? Why are they turning this league into a gong show? Do you know of another league that continually makes significant rules changes during the middle of the season? In my eyes, that's deplorable. The league should be ashamed of itself. if that's a rule you want in place, fine. Make if for next season. But you just don't do those types of things mid-season. And don't even get me started on the whole "no bid to nationals for the regular-season league champion" bit. OK, that's my rant for today. Fatis was a little more level-headed than I am about this whole thing ...

"The eight-games rule is something I was comfortable with, because we saw teams that had to make their blockbuster moves earlier. It stopped teams from trying to buy a championship," Fatis said. "I think that was important for all of the kids in this league. You didn't have a team grabbing four NAHL players at the last second just to make a playoff run. But, the league voted, and that's the way it is. I know that some teams are struggling with numbers, and so are we. But it is what it is, and we will have to deal with it and move on."

Fatis said he was pleased as punch at the way his team played last weekend. Their perfect weekend is what allowed them to now control their own fate, which is a great spot to be in with 11 games remaining.

Fatis said his team had a great week of practice. The guys are loose and having fun. But at times there was a lack of focus, because the guys were having too much fun. That's a dangerous situation for this team, since they've had big letdown games in the past.

However, Fatis wouldn't trade spots with any other team in the league right now.

"There's a ton of reason for concern (about the lack of focus at times) because of our past," Fatis said. "But we win the league if we go 11-0.It's not going to be easy, not at all. We play the Mustangs four more times. Yeah, we've had our way with them lately, but this is a huge weekend, and it's very hard to win two games up in Spooner against a talented team like that. Plus, we're not at home at all this weekend. So that's not easy on the kids. It can be hard to keep everyone focused, but hopefully we're prepared for this weekend. It's all in their hands now. If we do things right, we can win the league. If not, we'll have to get it done in the playoffs."

That's all for now. Go Hawks! For everyone who's driving up to Spooner for a fun weekend ... drive safely!!!

College Hockey: Big goals for Kirby, Bahnemann last weekend

FELDY: A pair of former area high school standouts scored big goals for their D-I college hockey teams last weekend. One was big for the player, one was big for a player's team.

Lourdes graduate Brandon Bahnemann scored his second career college goal on Saturday in Bentley College's 6-3 loss to Mercyhurst. Bentley split with Mercyhurst over the weekend and is now .500 in Atlantic Hockey play (8-8-2) and 10-11-3 overall. Bahnemann has two goals and three assists in 12 games.

Also on Saturday night, former Austin High standout Tim Kirby, a defenseman, scored the game-winning goal in overtime to lift Air Force (coached by former Rochester Mustangs coach Frank Serratore) past Holy Cross, 4-3. Kirby's goal came with less than a second remaining in OT and the victory completed a weekend sweep for Air Force, which is tied for first place in Atlantic Hockey with Rochester (NY) Institute of Technology, both with 29 points.

Air Force plays at Army this weekend. Two former Rochester Ice Hawks -- G Joey Spracklen and F Chris Spracklen -- play for Army. Chris Spracklen has two points in 14 games; Joey is 0-2-1 with a 3.51 goals-against average and a .902 save pct. in four appearances.

Ice Hawks: McCamey and Benson traded

PHERSY: Ice Hawks coach Nick Fatis announced today he has traded Sam Benson and Dan McCamey to the Minnesota Flying Aces.

In return, the Ice Hawks received two tenders and future considerations.

Fatis said it was a tough trade to make, but Benson and McCamey weren't receiving a great deal of ice time, and both were hoping for more game action.

"They were becoming consistent scratches, and neither kids is a bad player," Fatis said. "Benson's a talented, smart kid and a hard worker. He just wasn't getting the ice time. He feels he's got a lot more to prove, and he feels like he has a legitimate shot at playing in the North American (Hockey) League next year. He felt he needed more of a chance to play to get there, though. It was definitely a very tearful good-bye for him. He really fell in love with the organization, but it was just one of those things.

"And with Daniel, he's got two years left of juniors, but he thought maybe this was going to be his last year before he went to college. And he wanted to go out playing rather than being in the stands. He's obviously one of the more talented kids we had, but he never quite found his niche in the program. It's too bad because he's a guy we saw in camp and thought he could really fit in here nicely. But he kind of saw how the cards were laying, and he made the decision, and he asked me if there was an opportunity for him to go somewhere else and get more ice."

McCamey had four goals and five assists in 24 games, while Benson had four goals and six assists in 20 games.

"It's unfortunate this is how it worked out," Fatis said. "We had hoped to get a player in return, but there was nothing there we wanted. But we're looking at this as the first step toward the national tournament next year. It's a good chance for us to bolster our lineup for next season."

Fatis said he may not be done trading before the Feb. 10 deadline, though he said he likes his current roster. Though the hard deadline is Feb. 10, the Ice Hawks' deadline is Feb. 4 ... why? Because a player must participate in eight regular-season games to be on a playoff roster, and the Ice Hawks have just eight games left after Feb. 8 ... so that's their deadline!

"Some other offers have come up, but I like what we have," Fatis said. "We could probably use another forward, a third- or fourth-line center. But I'm fine sticking with what we've got. We've got a week or so to make some phone calls to see if anything is out there. You always have to check. But I'm not a coach who's going to make 15 deadline deals. We've seen teams in this league do that, and it hasn't worked out so well. It's not a matter of having the 25 best kids, it's a matter of having the right 25 kids. I believe chemistry is a big part of this."

So, with McCamey and Benson gone, that leaves the team a little thin for this weekend. Matt Rucinski is out with a separated shoulder, Erik Ordahl is suspended for Saturday's game, Alex Whitney is still out with a concussion, and Morgan Sanchez has been sick this week. Myles Flott is back skating again, but Fatis said Flott still doesn't look like he's ready for game action. He said Flott is seriously going to have to kick it into gear if he's going to be ready any time soon. But with a depleted lineup, Flott might be forced into action. I also wouldn't be surprised to see Chad Mundy up at forward at least once this weekend, but who knows?! It should be an interesting lineup shuffle. I know Fatis liked Nik Tamanko back on defense, so I think he'll stay there. Maybe Volk shifts back forward for a game.

Two home games this weekend, on Saturday at 7:05 and Sunday at 5:35. The Fatis family is working on some promotions for Sunday, so fans can keep updated on the Vikings game while the Ice Hawks are on the ice. I suggested pumping the radio broadcast over the loud speaker, and telling Boehmer to be quiet for one game. We'll see how that goes!

Don't forget: Ice Hawks host St. Mary's JV tonight!

PHERSY: In a game that was added to the schedule, the Rochester Ice Hawks will host the St. Mary's University junior varsity team at 7:05 tonight at the Rochester Recreation Center.

Former Ice Hawks captain Jay Gorman is a member of the St. Mary's JV team. The Ice Hawks already hold one win this season over the St. Mary's JV team.

I know coach Fatis was worried about getting the word out to Hawks fans ... so, spread the word!!!

It will be great to see the boys on the ice at the Rec Center for a mid-week game! I know I'm excited, plus it will be cool to see Gorman going against his former teammates.

Rumor is Momma and Poppa G are going to be cheering for St. Mary's. They might get booed by the Hawks Nest! Or at least security director Erick Shelley can take care of them!

Anyway, get to the Rec Center tonight to watch some good hockey!

•••

On a side note, I spoke with coach Fatis on Tuesday, and he informed me that Ice Hawks goalie Jordan Yaggy is currently up in Alexandria practicing with the NAHL's Blizzard. Yaggy is getting a tryout, and the Blizzard coaches are taking a good look at him, mainly for next year, but possibly for this year. Great news for Mr. Yaggy!

Rochester will host national tournament!!!!!

PHERSY: I received some of the best news ever today ... the USA Hockey Junior A, Tier III national tournament is coming to Rochester!!!

That's right Ice Hawks fans. Yeah, we have to survive one more year in Marlborough, Mass., (assuming the Ice Hawks can pull it out in the league this year, and that's a big IF). Then the 2011 and 2012 tournaments will be in Rochester.

This is just amazing news. Now we can show these jokers how to run a national tournament! And maybe the best part of this is what it's going to mean to the kids participating in these games. Guess what? They're going to have fans! Yeah, at past national tournaments, there would be a few parents at each game, but that's it (except for the Ice Hawks fans). With the tournament in Rochester, I really think hockey fans in Rochester will check out some of these games. Obviously, if the Ice Hawks are competing, those games will be packed. But I think Ice Hawks fans also will stick around to watch some of the other games, and that will mean a lot to the kids who don't see as many fans.

It's just fantastic news all-around. The Rochester Amateur Sports Commission deserves loads of credit. They put in the bid and won it; I'm guessing USA Hockey was blown away by their presentation!

Anyway, there is a little bit of bad news with this. First of all, it's unknown at this point if the Ice Hawks will receive an automatic bid for being the host team. That would make sense. It would certainly help attendance, and I'd think that's important to USA Hockey.

But maybe the biggest disappointment is that it sounds like the EJHL wants no part of a national tournament in Rochester. They're trying to get re-classified by USA Hockey and move up to Junior A, Tier II. That would make sense, because I think they're on par with teams in the NAHL. But still, it would be cool to go up against an EJ team here and Rochester and shock the world (an EJ team has won the national tournament the last three years).

Anyway, you can read the rest of the story below ... it will appear in tomorrow's Post-Bulletin.

Overall, great news!!! Can't wait!!!

By Ben Pherson

bpherson@postbulletin.com

The Rochester Amateur Sports Commission announced Monday that the city of Rochester has been awarded the 2011 and 2012 USA Hockey Junior A, Tier III national tournament.
The RASC and the Minnesota Junior Hockey League will serve as hosts of the tournament, which will be held at Graham Arena and Rochester Recreation Center.
The Junior A, Tier III national tournament has been held in Marlborough, Mass., the past two years. It will be held in Massachusetts again at the end of March.
“The MnJHL is grateful for the work the RASC has put forth over the past two and a half years to capture this event,” MnJHL president Ken Gaber said.
The RASC made a presentation to members of USA Hockey in Florida months ago. Their efforts paid off, and athletes, fans and scouts will start arriving in Rochester in about 14 months.
“We are very excited to be hosting this prestigious national championship tournament,” RASC sports sales manager John Larsen said. “The partnership with the (MnJHL) and the (Rochester) Ice Hawks was instrumental in bringing this event to Rochester and we’re looking forward to rolling out the red carpet for the teams, fans and coaches in both 2011 and 2012.”
The Rochester Ice Hawks have played in the past six national tournaments.
Ice Hawks coach Nick Fatis learned of USA Hockey’s decision to grant Rochester the national tournament over the weekend. He was ecstatic.
“I’m just real pleased that this community will get this event,” Fatis said. “It’s an awesome opportunity to let other people around the country see why Rochester is a premier place to play hockey.”
Over the years, Fatis has seen the best and worst of national tournaments. He believes Rochester can put on one of the best tournaments ever.
“My dad taught me at an early age to see the good in everything, and we’ve seen some good at every national tournament we’ve attended,” Fatis said. “But we’ve also seen the bad. I’m just excited to show off the facilities here in Rochester. And I have no doubt Rochester will have the best-run tournament ever.”
There’s still a big “if” for Fatis and the Ice Hawks. It’s hoped the host team will be granted an automatic bid to the national tournament. But Fatis isn’t certain if that will happen at this point. “I know that’s what we’re hoping and the people at the (RASC) are hoping, too,” Fatis said. “But if not, we’ll have to earn a spot through the league.”
One bit of bad news came along with Rochester’s bid; the Eastern Junior Hockey League, widely considered the best Junior A, Tier III league in the country, likely will not participate in a Rochester-hosted national tournament.
“As far as what I’ve heard, the EJ wants nothing to do with this and they have no intention of coming,” Fatis said.
A team from the EJHL has won the national tournament the past three years. The EJHL is petitioning for re-classification from USA Hockey, asking to move up to Junior A, Tier II, the same level as the North American Hockey League. Many top-level teams in the EJHL sent as many (or more) kids to Division I hockey as the top teams in the NAHL did last year.
“They definitely could get their re-classification,” Fatis said. “It’s a very good league. If they move up, it’s deserved. I think they could compete with the teams in the NA.”
Even if the EJHL doesn’t move up to Tier II status, Fatis said he doubts they would attend the national tournament in Rochester.
That leaves five leagues for the national tournament — the MnJHL, Atlantic Junior Hockey League, Central States Hockey League, Northern Pacific Hockey League and Western States Hockey League.
Fatis said the format that was announced includes two teams from each league, with the host league getting an extra bid. Also, the league with the highest finishing team from the previous season could get an extra bid; those two extra teams would make up for the loss of the EJHL.
There also could be a “best of the rest” part of the tournament, which would bring in all-star teams, made up of players on teams that did not qualify for the national tournament.
Specific dates for the national tournaments in 2011 and 2012 were not announced Tuesday.

Random sports stuff (Vikes, Wild, auto racing)

FELDY: For multiple reasons, I can't think of a better headline for this post (maybe I'm still a little fuzzy after 90 minutes in the dentist chair, maybe I'm still a little fuzzy from celebrating the Vikings' victory on Sunday, or maybe I'm just a little fuzzy in general), but here's a little about a lot of things:

VIKINGS

• Memo to Keith Brooking: 1. If you don't like it, stop it. 2. Don't call timeouts when down by 24 in the fourth quarter if you don't want to prolong the agony. 3. You weren't yelling at your own head coach when you were running up the score on Philly the previous week.

• Anybody have a reason for us to hate the Saints? I'm trying to come up with one, but I'm at a loss. Darren Sharper? It'd be fun to beat him, but I can find any hatred for the guy or his shake. Sean Payton? He came to the Saints from the Cowboys, but he's a Saint now, not a Cowboy. The fans? No. ... Maybe someone down there will talk trash this week and we can hate him, or several hims.

• If asked now, I'll take the Saints on Sunday. Call it 30-23. As we saw this past weekend, aside from San Diego and its spastic kicker, the homefield advantage is huge in the playoffs. The Metrodome noise that got to the Cowboys last week is the same noise the Purple will face on Sunday. And, let's face it, the VIkings are what their record indicates they are: They're team that is unbeatable at home, but merely mediocre on the road. This team changes when it gets away from Maul of America's Team Field. The pass rush goes away, so does the passing game. Gut feeling is the Saints win by a score; hopefully that's wrong.

WILD

• Raise your hand if, when Martin Havlat signed with the Wild last summer, you expected him to play on a line with Kyle Brodziak and Guillome Latendresse. Anyone? If your hand's up, you're lying. Of course, last summer, Latendresse was still property of the Montreal Canadiens, so you would have to have Marty McFly's Delorean in your garage to see this coming. Anyhow, here's an article on Latendresse -- Phersy's latest man crush -- from the Star Tribune.

• The Star-Tribune's Michael Russo reports today that the Wild have placed veteran F Petr Sykora on waivers. Can't say I have much of a reaction to this one, just like most Wild fans. Sykora is a big name who apparently has about run out of game. He has been a healthy scratch the past couple of weeks as coach Todd Richards is going with a younger lineup. Hard to argue with Richards and GM Chuck Fletcher on this one. Who do you take out of the lineup to give Sykora a place?

AUTO RACING

• Rochester native Leilani Munter is making another step up in her auto racing career. She will drive the No. 59 Greenandsave.com car on Feb. 6 at Daytona International Speedway in the Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200, the opening race of the 2010 ARCA ReMax Series schedule. Munter is in the field of 43 drivers, which also includes Danica Patrick.

Munter will drive a Dodge for Mark Gibson Racing. She tested at Daytona last month, along with about 80 other drivers. Munter was seventh-fastest in that testing.

Here is an artcile about her new ride, and here's a link to her bio.

The weekend mix

PHERSY: I tried to tell everyone there was no chance the Vikings were going to lose that game Sunday!!! Did I not Feldy?

Man, that was fun. The Vikings defense looked rough early, as the Cowboys marched with ease. However, you knew it was trouble when they couldn't convert those long drives into points. Favre was great, Rice was better and the defense did better than I expected.

Here are some random thoughts from a Monday afternoon ...

The Ice Hawks returned to form this weekend. They swept a three-game set against the Lakers, Mustangs and Crusaders. They also put more than 20 goals on the board in those three games. I didn't attend the games on Saturday and Sunday, but the Ice Hawks also allowed a total of eight goals in those games. Is that a concern? I don't know. I guess we'll find out. ...

Speaking of concerned, should we be worried about the Vikings defense this week? I know, that's crazy to say after the Vikings held the red-hot Cowboys to just three points. However, the Saints are not the Cowboys. They have so many weapons, and they can beat you in so many different ways. If the Vikings can't give the exact same type of pressure last week, Drew Brees will pick the secondary apart ... so, get geared up d-line. ...

Nice performance by Feldy's Sioux on Saturday. I guess the good news for him is that he was able to forget about it with that great game Sunday. Plus, I have nothing to talk about ... the Mavs have become the kings of one-goal losses. Yeah, they have eight this season. Sick. ...

Forgot to mention: Don't look now, but the Ice Hawks are just two points out of first place in the MnJHL standings!!! The Ice Hawks should have a good chance of taking over first place this coming weekend. Also, don't forget ... they have added a game to the schedule, and it's this Wednesday night at 7:05. The Hawks host Jay Gorman and the St. Mary's JV team at the Rec Center. ...

Timberwolves? Still dead. Gophers men's hoops? Fading fast! Bad loss yesterday, the kind of loss that will hurt when it comes time for NCAA bids. ...

Wild grabbed another win over the weekend, and they play again tonight. Feldy, are you still thinking this team can sneak into the playoffs? I won't say it's impossible, but I still have my doubts. They're just so inconsistent at this point. I'm not sure they can be ready for any type of postseason run. But how good is Guillaume Latendresse? ...

That's all I have for now. More tomorrow.

Ice Hawks vs. Lakers: A quick update

PHERSY: The Rochester Ice Hawks (26-7-0-2) host the Edina Lakers (22-15-0-2).

The Ice Hawks dropped a pair of games against the Lakers during their first month of the season, but since then, the Ice Hawks have won the last three meetings.

Fatis said he has not filled out his lineup card yet for tonight, but he has named a starting goalie. Simon Eriksson will be in net. Fatis said that the rest of the weekend is still up in the air, but he figured Eriksson likely will start two games. Part of that is because Sammy Hingtgen is out for the weekend with a concussion. Fatis expects Hingtgen to return to action next weekend.

Other than that, everyone but Myles Flott is available. Fatis said Cory Volk (hip) is doubtful tonight, but he's hoping Volk will see action in at least one game this weekend.

Some other small notes ... Nik Tamanko moved back to defense this week, and Fatis said he's looked good. It's likely Tamanko could get his first start on d at some point in the next three games.

The defensive corps are pretty set right now. Fatis has about seven guys available, so there's not much wiggle room.

But things are very much up in the air with the forwards. Fatis said he's very torn about which lines to play, because they're all playing well right now.

He'd really like to get a line of Benson-Whitney-McCamey on the ice because they're doing all the right things. But it's going to be tough.

Those likely will be game-time decisions.

So that's it for now. Puck drops at 7:05 tonight. See you at the Rec Center!

Slew-foot gate 2010!

PHERSY: Anybody else watch the Wild game last night? Well, I did. And of course, all anybody is talking about today is the "slew-foot" Feldy's boy T.J. Oshie gave Andrew Ebbett last night.

It's a dirty play. Never heard of a slew-foot? Well, here's a video of a nice example.

Oshie was given just a two-minute penalty for the play, but the Wild are hoping the NHL hands out a much stiffer punishment.

Here's the Star Tribune's game story from last night, which talks a lot about this play and what coach Todd Richards feels should happen to Oshie.

I guess I should expect this from a former UND player, right Feldy?

I still have no idea who to cheer for this weekend ... I like the color green, so I'm leaning toward UND. But then again, it's UND. I can't do that.

Who's ready for the big event in Mpls this weekend?

FELDY: Anyone have a spare ticket or two for the biggest sporting event in Minneapolis this weekend? I'd take tickets to either Friday or Saturday's UND-Minnesota hockey games. Honestly, I can't remember a time when the Sioux-Gophers series has been the second-biggest deal of a weekend to me. Between my favorite college hockey rivalry and the former Mr. Jessica Simpson guiding his club into Metrodome on Sunday, I'm going to once again be like the kid on the Disney World commercial -- "I'M TOO EXCITED TO SLEEP!!!"

And I think all of our Faceoff Faithful know I can't post about a Sioux-Gophers series without bringing up this. Sorry, Gophs fans. It just doesn't get old for us. And here's an article by Brad Schlossman of the Grand Forks Herald about a former cake-eater, who grew up 10 minutes from Mariucci Arena, but now plays for the Sioux.

Roman Augustoviz of the Minneapolis Star Tribune notes that Gophs freshman defenseman Nick Leddy wants to play "smarter" against the Sioux than he did in the first series this season, back in October in Grand Forks.

As for the Sioux-Gophers series, this is a crucial one for both teams, especially the Sioux. After this weekend, they go to Cornell for a non-conference series, but then comes the gauntlet: home for Denver, at St. Cloud, home for Duluth, and at CC before ending the season at home against Michigan Tech. UND is ranked No. 4 in the country (way too high if you ask me), but is tied for fifth in the WCHA. That means the Sioux need points at Mariucci this weekend, as they're battling for a home-ice spot in the playoffs. The top six teams in the WCHA are separated by six points.

Same goes for the Gophers. They're in seventh place, five points behind UND and Wisconsin, with two games in hand. Both teams are battling injuries; both have lost their best player for extensive periods of time (Minnesota's Jay Barriball is out for the season; UND's Chay Genoway has been out for the past two months because of post-concussion symptoms. He still can't do such simple tasks as look at a computer screen without having headaches.) The Gophs will also be without Taylor Matson, while UND will also miss agitator/top-line forward Brett Hextall and freshman forward Corban Knight, who had two goals against Phersy's Mavs last weekend before suffering a knee injury.

Speaking of Phersy's Mavs, I held off from the trash talk when the Sioux swept Mankato out of Grand Forks. So, Phersy, this is for you. And this.