Thursday Morning Coffee

• Following this season, it looks like there will be at least a four-year hiatus in the Minnesota-North Dakota men's hockey rivalry (unless, of course, they were to meet in postseason play). Minnesota currently has four-year scheduling agreements with the in-state schools, Notre Dame, Boston College, and Northeastern beginning next season, its first in the Big 10 Conference. Per school policy, Minnesota was not allowed to schedule non-conference games with North Dakota while the Fighting Sioux nickname was in use, and the scheduling agreements with the aforementioned schools filled the U of M's non-conference schedule while the scheduling ban was in effect. Thus it appears as though the earliest North Dakota could face Minnesota in regular season play would be the 2017-18 season. 
• On Tuesday Brad Malone was named an alternate captain for the Lake Erie Monsters (AHL). Malone is the third former Sioux to wear an AHL letter this season, joining Chris VandeVelde (alternate captain, Oklahoma City) and Taylor Chorney (alternate captain, Peoria). Aaron Schneekloth is an alternate captain with Colorado (ECHL), while Jonathan Toews (C, Chicago), Drew Stafford (A, Buffalo), Matt Greene (A, Los Angeles), and Zach Parise (A, Minnesota) all wear NHL letters.
• The Edmonton Journal's Cult of Hockey blog says VandeVelde is making a hard push for the Edmonton Oiler fourth line center job.
• North Dakota women's hockey recruit Halli Krzyzaniak was named captain of the Team Manitoba Under-18 team.
• UND recruit Chris Wilkie and the US NTDP Under-17 team will soon be off to Monthey, Switzerland, where they will be competing in the 2012 U-17 Four Nations Cup November 6-11. Keaton Thompson and the Under-18ers, meanwhile, will be hosting the U-18 Four Nations Tournament November 6-10 in Ann Arbor, MI.
• The Canada West World Junior A Challenge Selection Camp wrapped up last night, and it was a good night for UND recruits, with Wade Murphy (two goals) and Adam Tambellini (one goal) helping lead Team Blue to a 5-1 win over Team White. The final Canada West roster is expected to be announced today, with an exhibition game against Luke Johnson and Team USA scheduled for Saturday night in Nova Scotia.

Friday Morning Coffee

• College Hockey News released several UND and WCHA related features this week. CHN put together a very nice North Dakota team feature, a list of what and who to watch in the WCHA, as well as team capsules for each of the league's twelve teams. 
• USCHO says UND's freshman class will play a big role in determining the team's success this season.
• CBS Sports released its Week 1 college hockey power rankings, and North Dakota comes in at number three.
• College Hockey Weekly released its preseason All-America Teams, with Danny Kristo making the second team and Andrew MacWilliam receiving an honorable mention.
• Taylor Chorney was named an alternate captain for the AHL's Peoria Rivermen, an affiliate of the St. Louis Blues.
• Locked out Buffalo Sabres Drew Stafford and Patrick Kaleta provided a nice surprise to a youth hockey team this week.
• The Rochester Americans (AHL) re-assigned Corey Fienhage to Gwinnett (ECHL), while Binghamton (AHL) re-assigned Ben Blood to Elmira (ECHL).
• Per a Reading Royals (ECHL) press release, former Sioux defenseman Derrick LaPoint intends to leave professional hockey. 
• For North Dakota recruit Luke Johnson, hockey and family form a nice blend.
• UND recruit Wade Murphy and the Penticton Vees (BCHL) travel to Victoria this weekend, where Murphy will be facing his former team.

Day 1 Former Sioux Free Agency Signings

Day one of the NHL free agency period came and went without Zach Parise or TJ Oshie striking deals, but several other former Sioux came to terms with NHL teams. Here are the details: 

• Parise is expected to announce his intentions today after reportedly working his short-list of potential destinations down to New Jersey, Minnesota, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and Detroit. What is it going to take to sign Parise? Evidently the low-end of the spectrum is a ten year deal worth $80 million, which is what Pittsburgh is said to have offered, while Minnesota and Philadelphia have reportedly offered deals worth more than $100 million. On top of the long-term, big dollar salary, expect his deal to include a hefty signing bonus. It's pretty special when a player spends his entire career with a single franchise, which is why my heart would like to see him remain in New Jersey. My gut, however, says it's going to be either Minnesota or Pittsburgh, though New Jersey's re-signing of goaltender Martin Brodeur this morning might help the Devils' cause ever-so-slightly. 
• Oshie did not re-sign with St. Louis prior to Sunday's free agency period, making him a restricted free agent. However, Blues GM Doug Armstrong remains confident his team will come to terms with its star winger, saying that Oshie becoming a free agent "isn't something that is a concern to me at all." 
• Following a successful first season as a professional, Matt Frattin re-signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs to the tune of two years and $1.7 million. After following up a solid NHL campaign with a dominant performance in the AHL playoffs, the Leafs felt confident enough in Frattin's abilities to offer him a one-way deal. Leafs GM Brian Burke said he envisions Frattin being a top six forward who is "a big part of the future here." 
• Taylor Chorney signed a one year, two-way contract with St. Louis yesterday, setting him up for his second run with the Blues organization. Chorney has spent the bulk of his four year professional career with the Edmonton Oiler organization, but did spend a month with St. Louis last season as a waiver wire claim. St. Louis is becoming a popular destination for former and future Sioux this summer. Incoming freshman Jordan Schmaltz was a first round draft pick of the Blues a week and a half ago while free agents Oshie and Chris Porter could still re-sign with St. Louis.
• Matt Watkins has signed a one year, two-way contract with the New York Islanders. Watkins spent the majority of last season in Portland, playing for the AHL affiliate of the Phoenix Coyotes. He was a mid-season call-up to Phoenix where he made his NHL debut on February 21.
• Where might the rest of UND's NHL free agents sign? Brad Schlossman examines that on a case-by-case basis.
• The chase for former University of Wisconsin blueline standout Justin Schultz was won by Edmonton, and current Sioux/Edmonton prospect Dillon Simpson thinks he's a good fit for the Oilers.
• Here's the updated list of former Sioux NHL free agent signings:

PLAYER	2011-2012 TEAM	STATUS	NEW TEAM	SIGNING/CONTRACT DETAILS
Jason Blake	Anaheim	UFA
Taylor Chorney	Edmonton	UFA	St. Louis	1 Year, 2-Way Contract
Mike Commodore	Tampa Bay	UFA
Matt Frattin	Toronto	RFA	Toronto	2 Years, $1.7 Million
Chay Genoway	Minnesota	RFA	Minnesota	2 Years, 2-Way Contract
Brian Lee	Tampa Bay	RFA	Tampa Bay	2 Years, $2.3 Million
T.J. Oshie	St Louis	RFA
Zach Parise	New Jersey	UFA
Chris Porter	St Louis	UFA
Chris VandeVelde	Edmonton	RFA
Matt Watkins	Phoenix	UFA	NY Islanders	1 Year, 2-Way Contract

UND's NHL Free Agent Rumblings

Here are a few links concerning North Dakota alums looking to sign new deals as NHL free agents this summer:

• The cream of the NHL free agent crop is Zach Parise, and expect his hometown Minnesota Wild to throw a substantial amount of cash his way. Parise has expressed his desire to remain in New Jersey, and Devils GM Lou Lamoriello says re-signing him is a top priority, but even with an influx of cash resulting from their deep playoff run, the team's financial instability may prove too much to overcome in order to keep their star winger. Detroit is also believed to be on his radar, and while the New York Rangers appear to have been ruled out right out of the gates, expect them to make a solid push nonetheless. 
• The St. Louis Blues and TJ Oshie are expected to agree to a deal with "a little bit of term to it" after Oshie's renewed commitment and attitude pleased GM Doug Armstrong. Oshie's St. Louis teammate Chris Porter, who is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent July 1st, will be looking to sign a one-way deal this offseason.
• Anaheim Duck GM Bob Murray said his team will not be looking to re-sign veteran forward Jason Blake this summer.
• Hockeybuzz expects restricted free agent Chris VandeVelde to receive a qualifying offer from the Edmonton Oilers, and they set the odds of the Oilers re-signing unrestricted free agent-to-be Taylor Chorney at 50/50.
• Toronto is expected to retain the services of winger Matt Frattin, who impressed Leafs management with his strong performance during the AHL playoffs. The National Post says Frattin will be one to keep an eye on for the Leafs next season and in the video below, the former North Dakota star discusses his first full season as a professional:

2012 Sioux NHL Free Agents

Though the Stanley Cup Final is still a week or two from concluding, NHL free agency is looming on the horizon. Of the 17 former Sioux to skate in the league this past season, 11 will enter free agency this offseason unless extended by their current teams.

Perhaps the biggest trophy in the unrestricted free agent (UFA) pool is New Jersey captain Zach Parise, who is busy trying to lead the Devils to the Stanley Cup. His services will be courted by a number of teams if he and New Jersey are unable to agree upon a new deal.

Also worth keeping an eye on will be St. Louis Blue TJ Oshie, who is eligible to become a restricted free agent (RFA). Oshie is coming off his best year as a pro after signing a one-year deal as a RFA last summer and St. Louis would very much like to re-sign him this offseason, perhaps to a long-term deal.

Matt Frattin saw his first full professional season end prematurely in the AHL's Western Conference Finals, but the Toronto front office was impressed with his play this season and will look to lock up his services.

Here's the full list of NHL free agents, which will be updated as contracts are signed:

PLAYER	2011-2012 TEAM	STATUS	NEW TEAM	SIGNING/CONTRACT DETAILS
Jason Blake	Anaheim	UFA
Taylor Chorney	Edmonton	UFA
Mike Commodore	Tampa Bay	UFA
Matt Frattin	Toronto	RFA
Chay Genoway	Minnesota	RFA
Brian Lee	Tampa Bay	RFA
T.J. Oshie	St Louis	RFA
Zach Parise	New Jersey	UFA
Chris Porter	St Louis	UFA
Chris VandeVelde	Edmonton	RFA
Matt Watkins	Phoenix	UFA

Devils and Marlies Advance, SCF Links

The New Jersey Devils advanced to the Stanley Cup Finals last night by defeating the New York Rangers 3-2, winning the Eastern Conference Finals against their cross-river rivals four games to two. During the postgame festivities, captain Zach Parise and his Devils teammates opted not to touch the Prince of Wales Trophy. Parise said he wanted to touch the trophy, but a quick poll of his teammates showed that most didn't want to risk incurring any bad luck.

While it's taken a little time for Parise to get into his first-ever Stanley Cup Finals, the former North Dakota star says it has been worth the wait. Travis Zajac, meanwhile, was outstanding in the faceoff circle last night, winning 70% (14/20) of his draws. Zajac has taken the second most draws (340) this postseason, winning 56.5% of them, and both he and Parise remain viable candidates to win the Conn Smythe Trophy.

Parise, Zajac and the rest of the Devils will meet Parise's former college roommate Matt Greene and the Los Angeles Kings in the Finals, thus ensuring that at least one former Sioux will have his name engraved on The Cup. The names of nine Sioux currently reside on The Cup as players, which is the second highest total among NCAA schools. Should the Devils defeat the Kings, North Dakota and Boston College would move into a first place tie with Wisconsin. Here are the NCAA leaders, based on the info at College Hockey Inc:

School	# of Players
Wisconsin	11
North Dakota	9
Boston College	9
Michigan	7
Michigan State	7
Minnesota	7
Minnesota-Duluth	6
Boston University	6

Game one of the Finals will take place Wednesday night in New Jersey, and here are few links to get you ready for the action:

• Full Stanley Cup Final Schedule
• The Hockey News - Series Preview
• NHL.com - Series Preview 
• ESPN.com - Series Preview
• CBC.ca - Five SCF Storylines
• ESPN.com - Five SCF Storylines
• ESPN.com - Conn Smythe Tracker
• Puck Daddy - Five Keys NJD & LAK

*****

Matt Frattin and the Toronto Marlies eliminated Chris VandeVelde, Taylor Chorney and the Oklahoma City Barons last night, winning the AHL Western Conference Finals four games to one. They will now take on the Norfolk Admirals, who are about as hot as a hockey team can be. Dating back to February 5th, Norfolk closed out the regular season by winning its final 28 games and has gone 11-3 during the playoffs. The only team with a better postseason record than the Admirals? Toronto, who went 11-2 in advancing to the Calder Cup Finals.

Frattin continued his goal scoring barrage, netting two more in Toronto's 3-1 series-clinching victory last night. He leads all players with 10 postseason goals, and his 13 points (10G, 3A) rank second. VandeVelde recorded the lone marker for the Barons, finishing the postseason with a team-high six goals. Getting back to Frattin's performance, he had an empty-net goal last night that was about as impressive as an ENG can be. Watch the determination, strength, and balance as he fights off a Baron defender to ice the series:

Thursday Evening Post

• The men's and women's hockey teams both announced their team awards recently and the team MVP's are Brock Nelson and Jocelyne Lamoureux. Here are the full listings of the men's award winners and the women's award winners.
• The National Collegiate Hockey Conference announced the hiring of Joe Novak as its Director of Hockey Operations earlier this week. Novak was previously the assistant athletic director for the Air Force Academy and he has an extensive background in ice hockey officiating.
• The NCHC is also close to announcing the Target Center as the host for its postseason tournament. As the home of the NBA's Minnesota Timberwolves the Target Center is a non-ice hockey venue, but with the passage of the Minnesota Viking stadium bill, the downtown arena will be receiving a facelift in the near future.
• The College Hockey News recently published a Q& A with NCHC commissioner Jim Scherr.
• Most of you certainly know by now that USNTDP defenseman-extraordinaire Seth Jones has opted to play in the CHL following his signing with the Portland Winterhawks of the Western Hockey League. Jones had narrowed his choices down to the WHL and North Dakota, but under the guidance of his father, did not make a commitment until he was 100% sure of his intentions. The way Jones handled the recruiting process is very admirable and I hope he has a splendid career in Portland and beyond.
• The Litter Box Cats, a Florida Panther blog, recently profiled Ryan Johnson in its chronicling of all of the franchise's former players. 
• Hockey's Future considers Sioux defenseman Derek Forbort to be a promising prospect for the Los Angeles Kings.

NHL Playoff Update:

• After dispatching the St. Louis Blues with a four game sweep, Matt Greene and the Los Angeles Kings became the first team to advance out of the NHL's conference semifinals. Greene played a big role in the series, producing a point in each of his four games. His current four game point streak is the longest of his professional career, and through two playoff rounds he has an identical stat line to that of the Kings' big midseason pickup Jeff Carter (9 Games: 1G, 3A, +3 rating). Also, The Hockey Writers put together a nice feature to help you get to know the Kings a little bit better.
• Los Angeles' opponent in the Western Conference Finals will be the Phoenix Coyotes, coached by former Sioux Dave Tippett. The Coyotes eliminated the Nashville Predators Monday night and will now take on the red-hot Kings, but facing obstacles is nothing new for Tippett and his Desert Dogs. The Coyotes and Kings begin their series Sunday in Phoenix.
• Tuesday night the suddenly delightful New Jersey Devils defeated the Philadelphia Flyers 3-1, advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2003 with a 4-1 series victory. Zach Parise says the Devils kept their cool against Philly, and it ultimately paid off. Parise is savoring his first opportunity to play in the conference finals, but the Devils know they are only halfway home and that there is a lot of work yet to be done. New Jersey will open the Eastern Conference Finals Monday night against either Washington or the New York Rangers.
• Heading into the week, Parise and teammate Travis Zajac (T-5th with 10 playoff points) were among those on Puck Daddy's Conn Smythe Watch List.

AHL Playoff Update:

• Matt Frattin and the Toronto Marlies advanced to the Western Conference Finals after winning their series against Abbotsford 4-1. Frattin scored four goals in the series and now has seven points (5G, 2A) in eight playoff games.
• Oklahoma City leads its series with San Antonio two games to one, with game four heading to overtime as I type this post. Chris VandeVelde has a goal in each of the last two games for OKC, including the overtime game-winner in game three, while Taylor Chorney is looking for his first playoff point. Should Oklahoma City prevail, they would take on Frattin and the Marlies in the Western Conference Finals.
• St. John's (Jason Gregoire, Jake Marto) currently leads its series with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton three games to two. Game six will take place Friday night. Gregoire and Marto have yet to play in the postseason. 

USHL Playoff Update:

• The Lincoln Stars, featuring recruits Luke Johnson and Paul LaDue, were eliminated from the Clark Cup playoffs following a 6-2 loss to Waterloo Monday night.
• Jordan Schmaltz is the last Sioux recruit standing this season, as he and the Green Bay Gamblers advanced to the Clark Cup Finals following their sweep of the Indiana Ice in the Eastern Conference Finals. Schmaltz had one point in each of the Gamblers' three wins over Indiana, and he is currently riding a four game point streak during which he has amassed four points (1G, 3A) and a +6 rating.

Friday Morning Coffee

• In a move that has surprised virtually everyone, it was announced yesterday that the contract of men's hockey associate coach Cary Eades was not renewed. Head coach Dave Hakstol said the decision came about due to a "restructuring of duties" and that things should come into focus a little more clearly when a new hire is announced. GF Herald beat writer Brad Schlossman talked with Eades about the move. Best of luck to coach Eades in wherever the next stop of his career takes him.
• Former Sioux Dane Litke has resigned as the head coach of the NAHL's Janesville Jets. He had been head coach of the Jets for all three years of the franchise's existence, leading them to the playoffs every year.
• The Hockey Writers say that the Buffalo Sabres' best line this season was that of Drew Stafford, Tyler Ennis and Marcus Foligno. Stafford, meanwhile, recently took the time to give a little bit back.
• The Toronto Globe and Mail is looking to determine who has grown the best-ever playoff beard, and Jonathan Toews needs every vote he can get as he squares off with facial hair juggernaut Lanny McDonald.
• Also needing your support is TJ Oshie, who is going up against Pavel Datsyuk in EA Sports' NHL 13 Cover Vote.

NHL Playoff Update:

• The Los Angeles Kings and Matt Greene have taken a commanding 3-0 lead over TJ Oshie and the St. Louis Blues. The Kings defeated St. Louis 4-2 last night in Los Angeles and will look to complete the second round sweep Sunday afternoon. Greene picked up an assist in the Kings' latest victory and has recorded one point in every game of the series (1G, 2A). For the Blues, Oshie has not yet found the scoresheet while Chris Porter has yet to make an appearance in the playoffs.
• The New Jersey Devils defeated Philadelphia 4-3 in OT last night to take a 2-1 lead in the Eastern conference semifinals. Zach Parise had a goal and Travis Zajac picked up an assist for New Jersey, who will look to extend their series lead Sunday evening. The Devils have played a very smart three games against the Flyers, and they've shown they won't be an easy out. As for Zajac, his season almost ended prematurely, but a return to full health has seen the Devils' playoff point leader regain his scoring touch just in time.
• Dave Tippett's Phoenix Coyotes were blanked 2-0 by Nashville Wednesday night. The Coyotes still lead the series 2-1 with game four scheduled for tonight in Nashville.

AHL Playoff Update:

• San Antonio defeated Oklahoma City 6-4 in game one of their second round series. Taylor Chorney returned from injury, but neither he nor Chris VandeVelde figured into OKC's scoring.
• Toronto and Matt Frattin evened their second round series with Abbotsford at one game apiece via a 5-1 win last night. Frattin scored the game winning goal and now has five points (3G, 2A) in five playoff games. Here's the video of his latest goal:

USHL Playoff Update:

• Lincoln dropped game one of the Western Conference finals 5-2 to Waterloo Wednesday night. Sioux recruits Luke Johnson and Paul LaDue were kept off the scoresheet, and the Stars will look to draw even when the series resumes tonight in Lincoln.
• Jordan Schmaltz scored a powerplay goal last night in Green Bay's 6-2 win over Indiana in game one of the Eastern Conference finals. Game two will take place tonight in Green Bay. It was also announced yesterday that Schmaltz, who has four points (2G, 2A) and a +6 rating in five playoff games, will be taking part in the 2012 NHL Draft's Central Scouting Combine later this month. 

Wednesday Morning Coffee

• Hockey's Future recently published its list of the top 50 NHL prospects, and while they didn't make the initial list, Brock Nelson and Danny Kristo were two of the three NCAA products who received honorable mention recognition.
• The Hockey News' 2012 NHL Draft Preview is out, and recruit Jordan Schmaltz is ranked as the #34 prospect. As THN takes a look ahead to future drafts, recruiting target Seth Jones and committed recruit Nick Schmaltz are ranked as the top prospects for 2013 and 2014, respectively. 
• The New Jersey Devils evened their Eastern Conference semifinal series with Philadelphia at one game apiece by way of a 4-1 victory last night. Travis Zajac and Zach Parise each figured in on the scoring, with Zajac contributing a goal and Parise picking up an assist. The two former Sioux are the top two point producers for New Jersey during this year's playoffs as Zajac leads the way with eight points (5G, 3A) while Parise is right behind him with seven points (3G, 4A). The series resumes Thursday night when the action moves to New Jersey. Zajac's goal was a nifty backhanded wraparound that he was able to lift up and over the pad of Flyer goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov. Check out the goal here:

• The AHL's second round kicked off last night, and the St John's IceCaps took a 1-0 series lead by defeating Wilkes-Barre/Scranton 3-1. Jason Gregoire and Jake Marto have yet to make an appearance for the IceCaps during the playoffs. Abbotsford defeated Toronto 3-1 last night and the lone Marlie goal was scored by Matt Frattin, who now has four points (2G, 2A) in four playoff games. Here's the video of Frattin's goal:

• The Oklahoma City Barons fire up their second round series against the San Antonio Rampage Thursday night, and Taylor Chorney will be back in OKC's lineup. He was forced to sit out the first round series with a knee injury.
• The USHL's Western Conference finals begin tonight. The Lincoln Stars, featuring recruits Paul LaDue and Luke Johnson, open their best of five series at home against Waterloo. Green Bay and recruit Jordan Schmaltz open the Eastern Conference finals at home against Indiana tomorrow night.
• The USHL held its annual Futures Draft last night, and the grandson of a former Sioux All-American was selected number three overall. Brad Schlossman did a nice breakdown of all the draft's local ties. The draft was for players with 1996 birth years, and with Brendan Lemieux (tendered by Green Bay-USHL), Nick Schmaltz (rights retained by Green Bay-USHL), and Chris Wilkie (USNTDP Under-17) already spoken for, no committed Sioux recruits were selected.

Sioux in the Pros: AHL Playoff Links

The AHL conference quarterfinals kick off tonight, and as many as 10 former Sioux could see action in the hunt for the Calder Cup. Here are a few article and preview links:

• AHL Conference Quarterfinal Preview (PDF)
• Bridgeport Sound Tigers (Brock Nelson) vs. Connecticut Whale
• St. John's IceCaps (Jason Gregoire, Jake Marto) vs. Syracuse Crunch (Matt Smaby)
• Houston Aeros (Chay Genoway) vs. Oklahoma City Barons (Chris VandeVelde, Taylor Chorney)
• Toronto Marlies (Matt Frattin) vs. Rochester Americans (Corey Fienhage, Joe Finley)
• Rochester Democrat and Journal: Amerks Will Face a Tough Team in Toronto
• Edmonton Journal: Barons OK Opening AHL Series on the Road
• Hartford Courant: Whale-Bridgeport Series Preview
• Houston Chronicle: Aeros Get New Life After Squeaking Into the Playoffs
• Toronto Star: Marlies Ready for Opneing Round Against Rochester Americans
• The Oklahoman: Defense Back to Full Strength as Barons Begin AHL Playoffs at Houston 
• Syracuse Post-Standard: Crunch Have to Turn-off St. Johns' Power in Playoff Series
• The Connecticut Post: Young Sound Tiger Defensemen Need to Rise to Playoff Intensity
• The Connecticut Post: Whale at Sound Tigers Game Day
• St. John's Telegram: IceCaps Ready to Put Their Best Skate Forward
• St. John's Telegram: Crunch Time for IceCaps

Wednesday Evening Post

• On the Fighting Sioux injury front, Brendan O'Donnell is out for this weekend's series against Wisconsin, while Derek Forbort is listed as questionable. O'Donnell suffered his upper-body injury against Minnesota, while Forbort is still ailing from an injury he sustained at the World Junior Championships.
• The first-ever NHL/USHL Top Prospects Game took place yesterday in Muskegon, MI. Team East defeated Team West by a score of 5-3 with over 100 NHL scouts in attendance. Sioux recruit Luke Johnson, one of just three 2013 draft-eligible prospects invited to participate, recorded two assists for Team West, while fellow Sioux recruit Jordan Schmaltz played for Team East.
• For the second consecutive week, Fargo Force goalkeeper Zane Gothberg was named the USHL Goaltender of the Week after helping the Force pick up three wins, including his third shutout of the season. He has been in net for the duration of Fargo's current nine game win streak, having posted a .943 save percentage and 1.43 GAA during that span. For the season, Gothberg leads USHL netminders in shutouts (3), is second in GAA (2.34) and save percentage (.918) and is third in wins (15).
• Reel Hockey Scouting has compiled scouting reports for future Sioux defensemen Charlie Pelnik and Jordan Schmaltz. The reports are rather unique in that they feature complete game iso videos of each player. Charlie Pelnik Scouting Report and Jordan Schmaltz Scouting Report
• Recruit Drake Caggiula, who was nicked up and had to sit out a couple games last weekend, is expected to be back in the Stouffville Spirit (OJHL) lineup this week. Caggiula has recorded 27 points (8G, 19A) in 19 games for the second place Spirit.
• David Toews has been placed on the Toledo Walleye's (ECHL) IR list with concussion symptoms.
• With the NHL All-Star break upon us, a few former Sioux have been reassigned to their AHL squads. Joe Finley (Buffalo Sabres) was assigned to Rochester, Taylor Chorney (Edmonton Oilers) to Oklahoma City, and Chris Porter (St. Louis Blues) was sent to Peoria. Porter's stint is officially a two game conditioning assignment, meaning he does not need to clear waivers in order to rejoin the Blues.
• Mike Commodore was on 590 The Fan's Brady and Lang in the Morning Show, and he discussed what it's been like to play for the Red Wings after coming over from the Columbus Blue Jackets. And while it wasn't discussed on the radio show, Commodore did Tweet his thoughts on the newest Detroit Tiger, Prince Fielder: "Cheli's Chili might want to change those glass windows to plexiglass before opening day. They might be within Fielder's range." Well, Google Earth says Chris Chelios' restaurant is 735 feet from home plate at Comerica Park, so he may not be that far off.
• A feature published by The Hockey Writers asks whether the New Jersey Devils should trade Zach Parise.
• Jonathan Toews was placed on IR yesterday, enabling Chicago to call up an extra player from Rockford, their AHL affiliate. Toews also will not be participating in the All-Star Game as he looks to recover from the wrist injury that forced him to miss Tuesday's game against Nashville. Due to the long All-Star break, the IR assignment will not force Toews to miss any additional action if he is ready to go once the NHL resumes regular season play.
• A Los Angeles Kings blog says the play of assistant captain Matt Greene is often overlooked.

Monday Evening Post

• Jonathan Toews did not take part in Blackhawk practice today, and he has been ruled out for Tuesday night's game against Nashville after suffering an upper-body injury last weekend. He is also likely to miss this weekend's All-Star game in order to take advantage of the extra rest. The added rest comes at a good time as Toews' importance to the Blackhawks is immeasurable, and one observer says that unless Sidney Crosby can overcome his concussion issues, Toews is the future of the NHL.
• Taylor Chorney, recalled from Oklahoma City yesterday, is expected to be in the lineup tonight for Edmonton when they take on San Jose.  
• TJ Oshie, Chris Porter, and the St. Louis Blues are Western Conference contenders. 
• The red-hot play of Fargo Force goaltender Zane Gothberg (nine game win streak) has been receiving a lot of attention as of late, but a few future Sioux blueliners have also been producing some nice numbers in the USHL. Paul LaDue of Lincoln has seven points (3G, 4A) and is a +8 over his last seven games. Keaton Thompson of the USNTDP U-17 team has four points (1G, 3A) and is a +5 in his last five games, while Green Bay's Jordan Schmaltz appears to have found his groove in producing eleven points (3G, 8A) and a +3 in his last seven games.
• Alabama-Huntsville goaltender Clarke Saunders, who will transfer to UND following this season season, did all he could to keep his team competitive against top-ranked Minnesota-Duluth last weekend. In Friday's 2-1 loss at Amsoil Arena, Saunders stopped 52 of 54 Bulldog shots. On Saturday night he faced 47 more, stopping 43 of them in the Chargers' 4-3 loss. That's a lot of rubber in what was a respectable showing for Huntsville, which is now 2-24-1 on the season. Who did their two wins come against? Saunders' future WCHA/NCHC foes Nebraska-Omaha and Denver.

Sunday Evening Post

• The Edmonton Oilers recalled Oklahoma City Barons' defenseman Taylor Chorney this morning. Chorney has played 25 games with the Barons, producing three goals, eight assists, and a +4 rating. This will be his second stint in the NHL this season, having previously played two games apiece for the Oilers and St. Louis Blues.
• Chicago Blackhawk captain Jonathan Toews was forced to leave yesterday's 5-2 loss to Nashville with an apparent upper-body injury. At this point the injury is not expected to keep him out of the lineup for an extended period of time, as head coach Joel Quenneville categorized Toews as day-to-day. With Patrick Sharp already sidelined, Chicago cannot afford to have Toews shelved for very long. The Edmonton Journal considers the former North Dakota star the Hart Trophy frontrunner, while Nashville associate coach Brent Peterson calls Toews "the best two-way player since Mark Messier."
• The New Jersey Devils may be turning to the NHL for some assistance in meeting their day-to-day financial obligations. Such a scenario does not bode well for a team that is looking to extend the contract of its captain Zach Parise, who says "it's hard to be competitive" if you don't spend to the cap. The more details that surface in regard to New Jersey's financial situation, the less likely it appears that they will be able to keep Parise.
• The Anaheim Ducks are apparently open to dealing Jason Blake should they receive the right offer. Blake, who is in the final year of his contract, has been playing some terrific hockey since his return from injury. Blake's recent performance may very well be piquing the interest of teams looking to add some depth to their lineup for the stretch run.
• Brandon Bochenski recorded a hat trick and added two assists in yesterday's KHL All-Star Game. Bochenski and Team Fedorov were able to pull out a 15-11 victory. 
• Brock Nelson was recently featured as part of the UND Sports Spotlight series:

• More than 100 NHL team representatives are expected to be on-hand when recruits Jordan Schmaltz and Luke Johnson take to the ice in Tuesday night's USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game.
• Team USA dropped the bronze medal game at the Youth Olympic Games yesterday, losing to Canada 7-5. Recruit Nick Schmaltz had a goal and an assist as Team USA tried to mount a comeback, but a 7-2 deficit after two periods proved to be too steep of a hill for the Under-16 team to climb. In examining the boxscores, goaltending was the difference in Team USA's two medal round losses. The Americans out-shot Russia and Canada by a combined margin of 72-35, yet were outscored 12-7. Nick Schmaltz finished the tournament tied for the team lead in assists (four) and points (six).
  

Post Holiday Break Update, Part 2

This should hopefully get the blog caught up on the backlog of links and updates that have accumulated over the past week and a half. Expect an international update later today, a Harvard series recap Sunday or Monday, along with the remaining recruit profiles over the next week or so:

• TJ Oshie was sidelined for St. Louis' first two games out of the holiday break, but he returned to action last night and scored the Blues' only goal in a 2-1 shootout loss to Nashville. Oshie now has 19 points (11G, 8A) and a +10 in his last 24 games after a bit of a slow start, but still feels as though he can play better. His 24 points are one shy of David Backes' team leading 25, while his 12 goals are second to Alex Steen's 13.
• The Blues travel to Detroit to take on Mike Commodore and the Red Wings tonight. Commodore, who put in his work off the ice during an unfamiliar run of healthy scratches, has now played in the Wings' last four games, including last night's game against Chicago in which he registered his first point as a Wing. Red Wings' coach Mike Babcock says Commodore has seized the opportunity after earning his way back into the lineup.
• The New Jersey Devils have sustained their recent strong play, having won eight of their last eleven games. Travis Zajac's return to the lineup has bolstered the Devil's depth up the middle, but the consistently strong play of the top two lines has been key during New Jersey's surge. Zajac has been centering the third line and will most likely not be 100% health-wise until next season as he continues working his way back from an Achilles tendon injury. The Devils and team captain Zach Parise, meanwhile, can enter into contract extension negotiations beginning tomorrow.
• Last night Jonathan Toews, who has had a number of memorable NHL goals, was successful on his first career NHL penalty shot. The 'Hawks eventually earned a 3-2 victory over Detroit and extended their league-best point total to 52. Toews, who leads the 'Hawks with 21 goals and is second on the team with 38 points, continues to be mentioned in early Hart Trophy speculation and Chicago sports fans should be thankful for their hockey captain. Chicago head coach Joel Quenneville says it's the little things that make Toews so special. He was also recently featured in a rundown of Canada's last 10 years at the World Junior Championships, and he is one of many stars who can call themselves both Fighting Sioux and Shattuck-St. Mary's alumni.
• Anaheim Ducks forward Jason Blake, who suffered a lacerated wrist tendon just three games into the season, has been practicing with the team and should return to game action within a week. Meanwhile there is no set timetable for the return of Blake's teammate Matt Smaby, but Duck beat writer Eric Stephens of the Orange County Register said that Smaby is progressing nicely and official word on Smaby's status should come soon. Smaby underwent thumb surgery prior to the regular season and was originally expected to be out 2-3 months.
• Last week Colorado Avalanche rookie Brad Malone earned a nice review on his play since being called up from Lake Erie (AHL). In nine games with the Avs Malone has two assists and is a +1.
• Joe Finley, who made his NHL debut with Buffalo earlier this season, is climbing the Sabres ladder and not looking back.
• Drew Stafford has been in a season-long goal scoring drought, and he says extra focus is key to breaking out.
• David Toews made his AHL debut last night with the Rockford Ice Hogs. Prior to the call-up Toews had spent the entire season with the Toledo Walleye, playing in 24 games and producing nine points (2G, 7A).
• Taylor Chorney of Oklahoma City (AHL) received a three game suspension for an illegal check earlier this week.
• Reigning ECHL Player of the Week Michael Forney of the Colorado Eagles will have to sit out one game after receiving an instigating game misconduct last night against the Alaska Aces.

Thursday Morning Coffee

• The Chicago Blackhawks earned a 4-3 shootout victory over the Minnesota Wild last night in what was a milestone evening for Jonathan Toews. Toews' 2nd period assist was the 300th point of his career, and he later added a regulation goal and the shootout winner on his way to earning the game's 1st Star. Toews, who has won World Junior and Olympic gold, the Stanley Cup, the Conn Smythe Trophy, and is the early favorite for this season's Hart Trophy, has achieved a career's worth of accolades before even turning 24. For a little added perspective on his youthful accomplishments, Chicago's captain is nearly four months younger than Maple Leaf rookie Matt Frattin.
• Earlier this week Toews appeared on WGN Radio's Jonathon Brandmeier show with teammate Daniel Carcillo. While there wasn't much substance to the appearance, there were a few humorous moments, including some insight into teammate Patrick Kane's nickname. The Toews bit begins about a third of the way into the segment.
• Toews made the cut as part of the NHL's Top 10 Shootout Specialists. He wasn't the only former Sioux to qualify, as TJ Oshie was given an honorable mention while Zach Parise topped the list.
• With Albert Pujols and Tony LaRussa recently saying farewell to St. Louis, the Post-Dispatch wants to know who can help fill their void, and TJ Oshie and the St. Louis Blues are part of that mix. 
• Zach Parise and the New Jersey Devils completed a Florida sweep this week to continue their recent surge, and the production of the Devils' top line has been the key to their recent success.
• The Devils are looking to extend their good fortune by welcoming their top centerman back into the fold, as Travis Zajac is still on track to return to the lineup tomorrow. 
• Brad Malone, who has played two games with Colorado, was recently featured in an Avalanche Q&A.
• Chris VandeVelde and Taylor Chorney have both been key components to the Oklahoma City Barons' strong start.
• Hunter Bishop, who has not played this season due to a preseason injury, is helping to make a difference off the ice.
• Sioux goaltender Aaron Dell was named the WCHA's Defensive Player of the Week after his strong weekend against Nebraska-Omaha. Dell got of to a slow start this season, but he is now returning to his All-American form of a year ago. 
• The Fighting Sioux will be making their way to Winnipeg next month, looking to earn a victory north of the 49th Parallel.

Chorney Back to Edm/OKC, Marto Back to St. John's, Etc.

A few notes from the world of Sioux hockey:

• Taylor Chorney was placed on waivers yesterday by the St. Louis Blues and claimed today by the Edmonton Oilers. Last month Chorney was waived by the Oilers in the hope that he would clear waivers and be assigned to the Oklahoma City Barons, Edmonton's AHL affiliate. Well, it took a full month, but Edmonton has finally been able to, in very roundabout fashion, assign Chorney to Oklahoma City, where he will team with former Sioux teammate Chris VandeVelde.
• Going through a revolving door himself is Jake Marto. Marto was recalled by St. John's (AHL) last weekend and played with the IceCaps Sunday. He was reassigned back to Colorado (ECHL) Monday and played with the Eagles last night, only to be called-up by St. John's again today. He signed a two-way contract with Colorado/St. John's this summer, and with the defensive depth situation in Winnipeg right now, this might be just the beginning of Marto's interleague travels. Just yesterday Marto commented on his first AHL assignment, and now he's heading back.
• Ryan Duncan, Brett Hextall (who has missed several games due to a wrist injury) and Matt Watkins are all among Portland's (AHL) top eight point producers. Duncan leads the Pirates in scoring with 10 points (4G, 6A), and the Portland Daily Sun recently featured him and fellow Hobey Baker Award winner Andy Miele.
• Brock Nelson is one of the New York Islanders' top prospects, and Islanders Point Blank recently published a feature on North Dakota's super sophomore. It's a good piece that traces Nelson's tremendous hockey lineage, and it also includes a lot of commentary from Fighting Sioux head coach Dave Hakstol.
• If you are interested in checking out a Fighting Sioux recruit and can make it to Fargo tomorrow night, Jack Rowe and his Cedar Rapids RoughRider teammates will be in town Friday to take on the Force. Rowe played his first USHL game just last Saturday after having been been shelved all season due to injury. Tickets can be had for a handful of change due to the Force's 11/11/11 promotion: Reserved and general admission tickets are $1 between 11:11 AM and 1:11 PM Friday, while club seats and ice bar ticket prices have been reduced to $11. The one catch is that the Scheels Arena box office is the only place where you can take advantage of this great deal.
  

Week 5 Recap: Sioux Swept, Frattin Scores, Chorney & Commie Debut, Etc.

The Fighting Sioux ventured into Mariucci Arena last weekend poised to cool down the hottest and highest scoring team in the WCHA, and while North Dakota and Minnesota engaged in two games that maintained relevance until the final horn, the Gophers came away with a weekend sweep and four conference points. The hot goaltending of Kent Patterson and a stingy team defense earned Minnesota a 2-0 shutout victory on Friday, while a late third period rally Saturday night saw the Gophers pull out a 3-2 victory, completing the first Minnesota sweep of North Dakota since December of 2005. A few observations:

• First and foremost, the reason Minnesota swept this series was because they are a very good team that played some very good hockey. They received consistently outstanding goaltending from Patterson, and their overall team defense and penalty killing units are vastly improved over the past few years. While North Dakota was able to generate several quality scoring chances each night, they were unable to apply sustained pressure in the offensive end, and even when they did get their best opportunities, Patterson was still very difficult to beat.
• Aaron Dell was outstanding in goal, flashing the form that made him the best statistical goalie in the WCHA last season. He made several huge saves to keep the Sioux within striking distance on Friday, and he served up much of the same Saturday as the teams engaged in another low scoring affair. Defensively, there were too many odd-man opportunities for comfort, but many of the defensive concerns we had over the course of the first month are being corrected.
• There appeared to be some nervousness out there for the Fighting Sioux this weekend. Danny Kristo did not look like his usual self, nor did Nick Mattson, and Derek Forbort really seems to be struggling to find his game. Overall, there seemed to be a number of guys pressing.
• Rocco Grimaldi scored his first collegiate goal Saturday night after being unable to play Friday due to a nagging lower body injury. His goal was a true goal scorer's goal, and when he is fully healthy he is going to add an entirely new dimension to the Sioux offense. The upcoming off week will hopefully aid in his return to full health, but as we look ahead I wonder what role his potential participation in the World Junior Championships will play on his health over the course of the season. The WJC's can be a grind, considering the selection camp, travel, game schedule, etc. so if he is indeed named to the Team USA roster hopefully he will be fully recovered in order to best handle the tournament's rigors.
• Overall, the Fighting Sioux find themselves in an unfamiliar spot as they currently sit in 11th place in the WCHA standings with a 1-5 record. They continue to show signs of improvement, as the goaltending and defensive corps are becoming the backbone of the team everyone expected them to be from the outset. Offensive depth continues to be a concern and the return to full health by Grimaldi and Brendan O'Donnell will certainly help in that area. While I'm sure the guys are itching to get back onto the ice to get the bitter taste of the sweep out of their mouths, perhaps the bye week will serve as an opportunity to regroup and focus on making a strong run into the holiday break in order to get into position for a strong second half push up the standings.

 Sioux in the Pros:

• Matt Frattin (Toronto-AHL) and Chay Genoway (Houston-AHL) faced one another for the first time as professionals Sunday night, and Frattin's two goals (including his first as a pro) helped the Marlies earn a 6-2 victory. In three games with the Marlies Frattin has three points (2G, 1A). Genoway recorded an assist in Sunday night's game, and he finished the week with two assists in three games. Frattin's first professional goal can be seen below:

• The Portland Pirates (AHL) defeated Manchester 4-1 Sunday night, and former Sioux had a hand in three of the four goals. Ryan Duncan and Brett Hextall each scored while Matt Watkins earned an assist.
• Jake Marto made his AHL debut Sunday with the St. John's IceCaps. He was returned to the ECHL's Colorado Eagles Monday, however. He was an emergency fill-in for the injury depleted IceCaps.
• Brad Miller had one goal and one assist in three games last week for the Gwinnett Gladiators (ECHL). Miller, Gladiator teammate Corey Fienhage, and Aaron Schneekloth (Colorado) all rank among the Top 20 ECHL defensemen in scoring.
• Mike Commodore (Detroit) and Taylor Chorney (St. Louis) each debuted for their new NHL teams Friday night. They are the 10th and 11th former Fighting Sioux to skate on NHL ice this season, and they were both in the lineup Saturday night as well.
• Among the other former Sioux highlights, New Jersey's Zach Parise had three points (1G, 2A) in three games, Chicago's Jonathan Toews had three points (1G, 2A) in four games, and St. Louis Blues forward TJ Oshie had three points (2G, 1A) in two games.

Sioux Recruits:

• Jack Rowe of Cedar Rapids (USHL) made his RoughRider debut Saturday night after missing the first month or so of the season due to injury. He was held pointless after logging three shots on goal, and he should be available to play this coming Friday when Cedar Rapids visits Fargo to take on the Force.
• Luke Johnson of the Lincoln Stars remained out of the lineup last weekend due to injury.
• A host of other Sioux recruits had the weekend off from regular season action as they prepare for an assortment of international competitions. For more on that, check out my international tournament summary from last week.