UND/Minnesota -- What's a Rivalry?

Former UND captain Chris Porter's game-winning goal in the 2007 West Regional Final. (Photo: UND Sports)

Pardon DDC for being a little bit disconnected the past two weeks. 

With Baby DDC No. 2 growing and battling sleep regression and his favorite baseball team playing currently playing in the ALCS (thumbs down... if you don't know what this means, Google it) DDC has been a wee bit predisposed. 

In the midst of all of this, in case you didn't know, my guess is you did, but in case you don't, the Minnesota Gophers travel to Grand Forks to take on the University of North Dakota men's hockey team this Friday and Saturday for a renewal of pleasantries in what has apparently become a debatable topic -- Is UND vs. Minnesota still a rivalry? 

So, let's take a look, shall we? First, let's start with a simple definition

What's in a Sports Rivalry?

According to the Wikipedia entry on "List of sports rivalries", a sports rivalry is defined as an "intense competition between athletic teams or athletes, but not directly related to the formal sport and the practice thereof. This pressure of competition is felt by players, coaches, and management, but is perhaps felt strongest by the fans."

So, in summation in DDC's words, a sports rivalry isn't necessarily about the ins and outs of the history between two teams (of course this is a massive part of it), but more about the experience and how players, coaches, teams respond to how the FANS feel about the competition. 

With this considered, there are two obvious sides -- Side 1 says "since UND and Minnesota have stopped playing yearly, the game is big, but doesn't feel the same." Side 2 rebuts with "the rivalry is as strong as ever regardless of how often they play."

Most Recent Examples

DDC is strong on side 2 with the two previous match ups (2014 Frozen Four semifinals and last year's series in Minneapolis) between UND and Minnesota showing an incredible intensity on the ice and a tremendous community response. 

Two examples of this.... one important thing to note. Listen to the crowd. DDC understands the importance of the 2014 goal, but the ovations are incredible.

This makes DDC a bit sick to his stomach to show this, but it helps prove his point. Just a note, DDC didn't watch it, he just listened.

Insanity. Listen! 

So, if we're using the most recent example, this sounds like tremendous community support, correct? Well, let's take a look at how the teams feel about this "rivalry".

What do the Players and Coaches Think?

DDC's single-favorite picture ever taken in regards
to this rivalry. (Photo: John Stennes, GF Herald.)

Head coach Brad Berry before UND traveled to take on Minnesota last season -- "It's on our walls in our rink here. (The players) get it from there. To hit on that point, we had T.J. Oshie and Taylor Chorney come in and give their point of view on how special the weekend is. Not only for the players, but for alumni watching. Obviously we haven't played them in a few years, but the history and tradition resonates through this building and through our program." 

By the way, what does that say about this set of games that NHL players TRAVEL TO GRAND FORKS to talk about it on their day off?

UND forward Shane Gersich about the games against Minnesota -- "Everyone knows what this rivalry is about. We know what's at stake without even talking about."

Former Minnesota forward Jake Bischoff before last year's series -- "My dad used to love playing North Dakota. Watching as a kid, I remember it being super intense; all the players would be getting into it with each other, and all the games were really competitive. It was always fun as a fan. Now, getting to play it should be unbelievable."

Former Minnesota forward Justin Kloos before last year's series -- "These are the ones you highlight. These are the ones you dream about."


So, so far... fans? Check. Players, coaches and alumni? Check.  

DDC's Final Take

In short, when considering the parameters of how the FANS feel and how the teams respond, DDC thinks it's clear as day that UND vs. Minnesota is still as big as it comes when talking about a sports rivalry, particularly in college hockey. 

Outside of these stated parameters, consider the tickets to the actual games. The UND athletic department announced ticket prices for this weekend's series at the Ralph Engelstad Arena back in August at $99, this highest single-game price in REA history. Did this cause fans pause to buy these tickets? Absolutely not. In fact, the tickets sold out instantly back in September.

Even the NCAA has recognized this rivalry, recently naming UND vs. Minnesota its No. 2 best in college hockey in a Facebook video. While DDC disagrees with this being No. 2, it still helps cement the point. 

The rivalry, yes, it is a rivalry, is back and we're all ready to go. So, how about a few pump up memories? Let's go. 

Check back tomorrow for a series preview. Thanks for reading!

 

A Banner Year: DDC's Top 10 Moments of 2015-16

UND captain Gage Ausmus is presented the national championship trophy as the Green and White celebrate
their first title since 2000 after beating Quinnipiac 5-1. (Photo: Shawna Noel Schill, UNDsports.com)

It's been 12 days since the UND men's hockey team rolled Quinnipiac 5-1 in the national championship game to earn title No. 8.

What a 12 days it has been.

DDC's 12 days have been chocked full of celebrations, memories, boasting, smack talking and ultimately, the glory of his team being a top the college hockey mountain, once again.

In these 12 days, we've had some good news with freshman phenom Brock Boeser announcing his intentions to stay for his sophomore year. We've also seen some not so good news, at least for the sake of the Green and White with junior d-men Troy Stecher and Keaton Thompson signing pro contracts. It's sad to see these two men move on, but DDC joins the many UND fans in a heartfelt thank you.

A couple days back, DDC was reminiscing about the amazing year this team had. So, before we talk anymore about who's coming and who's going, let's all take one last look back at a truly banner year for this program.

DDC presents to you over the next handful of posts, his Top 10 moments of the 2015-16 season.

No. 10 -- Hakstol departs, Berry takes over -- May 18, 2015 -- Grand Forks, N.D.

Brad Berry became UND's
16th head coach in team
history on May 18, 2015.

Let's start at the very beginning. May 18th was quite the day.

Just over a month after UND fell in the national semifinals for the second year in a row, the headlines broke early in the day -- longtime head coach Dave Hakstol signed to become the next head coach of the Philadelphia Flyers in the National Hockey League.

Questions immediately stirred up a nervous fan base who had seen great success over Hakstol's tenure: What does this mean for our recruits? How long will the team be without a coach? And ultimately the biggest question -- Who's next?

Those questions found very quick answers and by the end of the day, UND announced Brad Berry would be promoted from his assistant role and take over as the Green and White's 16th head coach in team history.

A whole new crop of questions came from the hiring. Will UND adopt a new system? Can Berry do the job having never been a head coach? What kind of leader will he be?

Well, the rest, as they say, is truly history.

No. 9 -- The CBS is born -- October 17, 2015, UND vs. BSU, Grand Forks, N.D.

After winning the IceBreaker Invitational in Maine to open the season, the Green and White came home to open their Ralph Engelstad Arena schedule against Bemidji State.

After a 4-4 tie on Friday night, Brad Berry juggled his lines, grouping highly-touted freshman and first-round NHL draft pick Brock Boeser with another first rounder in sophomore Nick Schmaltz and senior alternate captain Drake Caggiula.

And again, the rest, as they say, is history.

Four goals, including a hat trick by Boeser, his first three goals in a UND sweater, five assists and a 5-2 win later and the CBS line was born. Caggiula netted the Green and White's first goal and had two assists. Schmaltz chipped in with two assists.

Oof, that shot (12 seconds in). Boeser showed off his nasty scoring touch in this game and it catapulted this line into college hockey stardom. While this game set the table, it was merely an appetizer for UND fans as this trio became the best line in the country.

Man, DDC is going to miss this line. Don't worry. We'll see plenty more of this now legendary trio later in the countdown.

There's your first installment of DDC's Top 10 moments from the 2015-16 season. Check back soon for moments No. 8 through No. 6 in the countdown. Up next... two sweeps that set the stage for a Frozen Four semifinal, UND's goalie troubles become an afterthought and the Green and White earn back-to-back banners.

GR8NESS -- Grand Forks is Titletown

The Skate for Eight is complete. For the first time since 2000 and eighth time in team history, the UND men's hockey team is
national champions, once again. The Green and White beat Quinnipiac 5-1 to earn the title. (Photo: Grand Forks Herald)

Flashback to Thursday night.

A centering pass from the sideboards deflects off of Gage Ausmus' stick and through Cam Johnson's five-hole to the back of the net with just over nine minutes left to go in the third period. Game tied, 2-2.

Remember that feeling? DDC sure does and will never forget it.

Move forward to Saturday night.

Austin Poganski slaps home a rebound in the slot over the left shoulder of Quinnipiac goaltender Michael Garteig, giving UND a commanding 5-1 lead with just over nine minutes to go in the third period.

Quite the difference in feelings almost exactly 48 hours apart, huh? Remember that feeling? DDC sure does and will never forget it.

Sixteen years of frustration. Sixteen years of heartache. Sixteen years of pain.

Well worth it.

For the first time since 2000, the University of North Dakota men's hockey team stands above all as national champions, topping Quinnipiac 5-1. How sweet it is. Eight was worth the wait.

Big-Time Players

UND Fr. F, Brock Boeser celebrates his short-handed goal to give the
Green and White a 2-0 lead in the first period. (Photo: Grand Forks Herald)

In the postgame press conference following sophomore forward Nick Schmaltz scoring North Dakota's biggest goal in over a decade to give UND a Frozen Four semifinal win, head coach Brad Berry noted that big-time players, like Schmaltz, score big-time goals in big-time spots.  

Well, it doesn't get any more big time than the national title game and once again, UND's big-time players, the now legendary CBS line, showed why they truly fit the definition.

With UND up 1-0 with just under six minutes left in the first, Brock Boeser raced Garteig to a loose puck in the slot. Garteig won the race, but Boeser knocked down Garteig's clearing attempt and calmly buried a short-handed goal giving the Green and White a 2-0 lead.

UND Sr. F, Drake Caggiula
earned tournament Most
Outstanding Player honors.

QU made it 2-1 late in the first on a 5-on-3 power play and the two teams played an even second. In the third, UND's big-time players went to work.

With just 1:20 gone in the third, Schmaltz picked a loose puck off the end boards, skated to the circle at the right of the net and rifled a perfect, cross-ice pass, through two defenders to a cutting Drake Caggiula in the slot. The senior did the rest, beating Garteig to give UND a 3-1 lead. Then, just over two minutes later, Paul LaDue hit a streaking Brock Boeser with a ridiculous 100-foot stretch pass. Boeser carried in, spun and fed Caggiula again who buried UND's fourth goal.

Big-time players making big-time plays in big-time spots. The CBS... seven points (3 goals, 4 assists), a combined +8, Boeser and Caggiula all-tournament team, Caggiula, Most Outstanding Player. What an incredible finish for this line as they become UND legends.

The Celebration

Again, what a difference in feelings between 48 hours. From stress and heartache to elation and celebration.

The seconds ticked down. The anticipation grew. The memories filled DDC's mind.

The tic-tic-tic-tac-toe. Pogo's go-to move. Hrynkiw relieves Cam. Cam returns and shuts out four-straight opponents. Caggiula's windmill. Domination in Cincinnati. Schmaltz's game winner.

Then ...

Celebration. (This is the full game, but 1 hour 54 minutes in, the party starts)

As Caggiula skated through the handshake line, his eyes welled up, ESPN caught a candid moment from the senior playing in his last game, with albeit some choice language.

UND Jr. D, Paul LaDue kisses the national title. (Photo: Grand Forks Herald)

"Oh my God. Four (censored) years for this."

What a year. What a team. What a way to finish.

UND believed it. UND earned it. And once again, for the eighth time in program history, the Green and White raised it.

Thank you, gentlemen, for an absolutely incredible ride. 

Thank you all for reading.

Roses and Thorns: Two Boxes Left to Check

UND celebrates their 5-2 win over Michigan in the Midwest
Regional final on Saturday. Coupled with their 6-2 victory over
Northeastern on Friday, the Green and White punched their ticket
to the Frozen Four for the third-straight season. (Photo: GF Herald)

When UND men's hockey coach Brad Berry took over the 2015-16 squad from the NHL-departing Dave Hakstol, he immediately met with the team and made sure they knew that expectations weren't changing.

The Green and White had finished their past two seasons in the national semifinals and Berry made it clear in his first meeting as bench boss that the team had two boxes left to check -- get to the national title game and bring home green banner No. 8 to the REA rafters.

After two convincing wins in the NCAA tournament's Midwest Regional in Cincinnati, North Dakota, once again, has just two boxes left to check.

The Green and White took the crown in the Queen City, overwhelming red-hot Northeastern 6-2 and shutting down Michigan and the vaunted CCM line, 5-2 and punched their ticket to Tampa and the Frozen Four for the third-straight season.

It was an impressive weekend for UND and here's what stood to DDC is his Roses and Thorns column, NCAA tournament style.

Roses

No. 1 -- Relentless Defense

UND head coach Brad Berry
after the 5-2 win over Michigan:

"I truly believe we have a special group
in our locker room," Berry said.
"They do the right things on and off
the ice. It's a team culture. It's a team-first
mentality. We've got a lot of high-end
players in that locker room.
They check their egos at the door.
It's team first and I think you witnessed
that this weekend."

The lead storyline coming into the Midwest Regional, outside of Northeastern's second-half success, was the offenses. The Huskies had the 12th-best scoring offense in the NCAA and the 7th-best power play, UND's was 8th led by the vaunted CBS line and the Wolverines, headlined by a trio of Hobey Baker Finalists, the CCM line, carried the best scoring offense and best power play. Who was going to score the most goals and head to Tampa? Well, simply put, it was the tenacious effort by the UND defense that stole the show and led UND to another Frozen Four. All weekend, the Green and White did not let either the Huskies nor the Wolverines time and space to create. They were incredible in the neutral zone. After dispatching NU in the first round, UND kept the CCM line of JT Compher, Kyle Connor and Tyler Motte at bay and made them do something that no other team had all season -- play dump and chase hockey. The CCM was a combined -7 on Saturday. This allowed the Green and White to control play and let their offense go to work. UND outshot their opponents by a 75-53 margin, allowing Michigan just 27 in the title game.  It was an amazing effort of sticks in lanes, board battle wins and net front efforts that led North Dakota. Goaltender Cam Johnson was solid, allowing just 2 goals per game to earn regional MVP honors. What a weekend from this defense against two tremendous offenses.

No. 2 -- Luke Johnson and the "Heavy Line"

The Junior forward has often been maligned by UND fans for his play in his career due to some ill-timed penalties and inconsistent play. But, Johnson has been nothing short of impressive in the NCAA tournament. Grouped on the newly dubbed "Heavy Line" with Rhett Gardner and Austin Poganski, Johnson notched a goal in each game this weekend and earned all-regional first team honors. The Grand Forks native has now scored a goal in five-straight NCAA tournament games, netting the eventual game winner on Friday and adding a crucial goal on Saturday with just 45 seconds left in the second period to give UND a 2-1 lead. Johnson and the Heavy Line's impact wasn't just offensive. The trio had a major part in shutting down the CCM line on Saturday with a terrific forecheck. Hats off to this trio, lead by Johnson.

UND's Rhett Gardner and the newly coined "Heavy Line" with Austin Poganski
and Luke Johnson had a tremendous weekend, notching 3 of UND's 11 goals and
leading a staunch defensive charge allowing just four goals in two games.
(Photo credit: Jesse Trelstad, Grand Forks Herald)

No. 3 -- UND's Depth

UND So. F, Johnny Simonson
scored a huge goal on Friday
with the Green and White trailing
1-0. It was Simonson's first goal
since October. The forward tallied
one of eight non-CBS line goals
on the weekend for UND.

For much of the season, a consistent storyline for the Green and White was their ability, or inability, of players outside of the top-flight CBS line to score goals. Once again, this is clearly in the rear-view mirror. The CBS did their part as both Brock Boeser and Drake Caggiula scored on Friday while Caggiula netted UND's first goal on Saturday, but the rest of the team did the heavy lifting on the weekend. The Green and White scored 11 goals on the weekend and the effort was from all over the lineup. Johnny Simonson scored UND's first goal on Friday, with the team trailing 1-0 in the first, his first since October. Then, Tucker Poolman, Luke Johnson and Bryn Chyzyk tallied the next three to put Northeastern away. On Saturday, it was more of the same. Caggiula opened the scoring for UND, but with the game tied 2-2, the Green and White depth took over with goals by Rhett Gardner and Coltyn Sanderson just 1:14 apart in the third period to send the Green and White to Tampa. Paul LaDue added an empty-netter to round out the 5-2 win. Scoring 11 goals in a regional is impressive. Even more impressive when just three of those came from UND's best forward line. This is a huge statement for the Green and White. This squad is absolutely not a one-line team.

Thorns

No. 1 -- John Siminson, Cam Jansen, UND's CCM line and the TV Announcers

Woof. DDC knows this is silly, but it's worth mentioning -- who were these guys calling the games at the Midwest Regional? Ok, ok .... yes, this doesn't matter, but it certainly was annoying listening to the color man mention how many times he was the MVP of the regional when he played for Boston University while butchering simple names for UND. He certainly knew the names of the CCM, except when he called the CBS line the CCM. The Green and White dominated both teams in the regional, but somehow, the game always seemed close with this duo's constant love for non-existent consistent offensive pressure. Thank you for the coverage of this tournament, ESPN, but c'mon, let's get these guys to do a little pregame prep, eh? *Deep breath* ok... rant over.

No. 2 -- The Ref Check Heard 'Round the World

Ok, so this might be a bit of a rose, as it was hilarious, but where in the heck did that ref come from that delivered a huge check behind the net after Caggiula's goal on Saturday? If you haven't yet seen it, check out this bomb of a hit.

Cag was just about to go for a big celly, but this ref wasn't having it. DENIED! UND has done more celebrations this season than in years past with a more relaxed team style, so maybe former head coach Dave Hakstol got in this guy's ear to not allow this anymore. Great form. DDC is dying to know what Caggiula said to the man in stripes, but Troy Stecher did a good job to keep this laughable. Good stuff.

For fans of the Green and White, we've been here before. Up next, it's UND vs. Denver in the national semifinals in Tampa. Check back this week for more as North Dakota's chase for No. 8 continues. Thanks for reading!

Roses and Thorns: The Two Dogs Have Their Days

St. Cloud State became the third team to capture the NCHC
Championship Trophy in three seasons of the event, topping
Minnesota Duluth 3-1 in the Frozen Faceoff championship
on Saturday at the Target Center in Minneapolis.

DDC did it again. It was UND vs. Denver and St. Cloud State vs. Minnesota Duluth on Saturday at the Frozen Faceoff.

Nailed it!

Wait... so you're telling me DDC went 0-3-1 this weekend in his picks?

Damn you, Target Center.

Much to UND and the DDC's chagrin, the Green and White again struggled at the NCHC Frozen Faceoff in Minneapolis dropping a 4-2 decision to UMD on Friday afternoon and playing to a 1-1 tie on Saturday against Denver, moving to 1-4-1 in three years of the tournament.

St. Cloud State topped Denver 4-2 in the other semifinal on Friday and capitalized on their chances in the Finals en route to a 3-1 win over the Bulldogs despite being outshot 34-18.

The two sets of Dogs had their days as SCSU won the NCHC Frozen Faceoff Championship Trophy and UMD, despite the loss in the final, punched a ticket to the NCAA tournament.

Here's what stood to the DDC in the Frozen Faceoff version of Roses and Thorns.

Roses

No. 1 -- The CBS Connects

UND So. F, Nick Schmaltz
scored two of three Green
and White goals this weekend.
The winger has goals in five
straight games for UND.

It's hard to be rosy when talking about UND's play this weekend as the Green and White didn't do much all weekend to keep the partisan Green clad crowd happy. However, it certainly started well. Just 49 seconds into Friday's game, the CBS flashed its scoring touch, as Nick Schmaltz buried a one-time feed on a nice drop pass from Drake Caggiula. It was a hot start for UND's electric line and this bodes well going forward. While the results didn't continue, it was good to see this line get a big goal early. Schmaltz scored two of three UND goals on the weekend and now has a five-game goal scoring streak heading into the national tournament. Harnessing that kind of play will be absolutely essential for the Green and White in the NCAAs.

No. 2 --  A Green and White Gathering

DDC had the pleasure of attending the Frozen Faceoff with Mrs. DDC and several of his closest friends and despite the results, he genuinely enjoyed his time this weekend. The Pourhouse again hosted a fun and raucous UND gathering and that energy moved across the street to the Target Center. For the 14th-straight season, North Dakota fans ascended on the Twin Cities and brought their passion and lively attitude and it made the Frozen Faceoff an amazing weekend, once again. Cheers to the fans. The NCHC, the city of Minneapolis and surrounding establishments, DDC is sure, also gives you all thanks.

Despite the results across the street at the Target Center, the Green and White faithful again turned out in droves to Minneapolis. For the 14th-straight season, UND fans made the Twin Cities their second home for a conference postseason tourney. Cheers to you, UND fans. Well done, once again. (Photo Credit: Logan Werlinger, GF Herald)

Thorns

No. 1 -- What Could Have Been

UND head coach Brad Berry
decided not to challenge a
potential goal late in the
first period on Friday, believing
the play was inconclusive.

Up 1-0 with the seconds ticking down in the first period on Friday's game against Minnesota Duluth, UND missed out on an apparent goal late in the period when officials decided not to review a shot by Tucker Poolman that may have been stopped by UMD netminder Kasimir Kaskisuo behind the goal line. UND bench boss Brad Berry explained that he decided not to challenge the call for fear of losing his timeout early in the game. “We tossed it around a little bit,” Berry said. “From our side, it looked like the pad got stuck out. We looked at it after the period and it looked pretty inconclusive to me. When you only have one timeout, you have to be very selective of when you use it. Asking all of the coaches on the bench, we decided not to take it. I thought it was inconclusive.” This could have made a big difference as Duluth took over in the second, but we will never know.

No. 2 -- Missed Opportunities

In both games, UND squandered leads and in both nights, the Green and White had their chances to extended leads, but failed to do so. Whether it was the decision to not challenge Poolman's close attempt against Minnesota Duluth or hitting several pipes and missing open nets against Denver, UND will need to remedy these missed opportunities immediately as it's one-and-done time starting on Friday in the NCAA tournament. Fans of the Green and White can take solace that their team had chances to make plays in the Frozen Faceoff, but these cannot be misses anymore. Duluth did a tremendous job on Friday in limiting UND's time and space. This cannot happen starting on Friday. The players must bear down and bury. Simple as that.

No. 3 -- Moving On Away from the Target Center

Another Frozen Faceoff, another disappointing weekend for UND.

UND Jr. D, Troy Stecher.

Whatever the reasons, the Green and White are mired in a paltry 1-4-1 record at the Target Center with the loss and tie this weekend. However, UND fans can take heart as they aren't playing in Minneapolis for the NCAA tournament.

"I can't point to one thing why we're losing here," UND defenseman Troy Stecher said after Friday's loss to UMD. "But it's better to lose now than next weekend in my mind."

Well said, Mr. Stecher. It's time to move on and UND will do just that and coach Berry sees no reason to panic. “We hit four pipes tonight,” Berry said after UND's tie with Denver. “Hopefully some puck luck will go our way next week. We need to make sure we play hard to get the puck luck and go forward. I think we’re in a good spot. Our guys are working hard. We’ll make sure we’re ready for next weekend.”

Thanks again for reading. Check back on Friday morning for DDC's preview of the Midwest Regional as UND takes on red hot Northeastern and Notre Dame battles Michigan.

Roses and Thorns: Bucking the Broncos -- Back in the Saddle

NCHC Standings:
1) UND, 13-2-1-1 -- 41 points; 2) SCSU, 12-3-1-1 -- 38 pts;
3) DU, 9-5-2 -- 29 pts; T-4) UNO, 6-9-1 -- 19 pts;
T-4) UMD, 5-8-3-1 -- 19 pts; T-4) 5-9-2-2 -- 19 pts;
7) WMU, 4-11-1-1 -- 14 pts; 8) CC, 4-11-1, 13 pts.

Simply put, it wasn't pretty, but at this time of year, it's not about style points and the Green and White are back in the saddle, again.

In what was likely the most physical and gritty series they've played this season, the No. 2 UND men's hockey team took care of business against the Western Michigan Broncos, winning 2-0 and 2-1, earning an important National Collegiate Hockey Conference sweep. That sweep vaults the Green and White past St. Cloud State into first place in the race for the Penrose Cup.

UND was again without a pair of Hobey Baker candidates in Drake Caggiula and Nick Schmaltz due to injury, and it was their CBS linemate, freshman Brock Boeser, leading the way. The Burnsville, Minn., native scored both game-winning goals in the series, potting two on Friday and adding a goal and an assist on Saturday for a four-point weekend, earning NCHC rookie of the week honors for the fourth time this year.

The heavy and fast attack by WMU made goals a premium this past weekend as the Green and White slugged it out at Lawson Arena. While Boeser lead the way offensively, UND sophomore netminder Cam Johnson stole the show defensively. Johnson stopped 59 of 60 Bronco shots in the series, earning NCHC goalie of the week honors for an impressive fifth time on the season.

With just four regular season series left, the Green and White (23-3-3 overall, 13-2-1-1-- 41 points NCHC) leads SCSU by three points and control their own destiny in the race for the Penrose.

Here's what stood out to the DDC in his weekly Roses and Thorns series recap.

Roses

No. 1 -- Cam Johnson

UND So. G, Cam Johnson
stopped 59 of 60 shots
against WMU, earning
NCHC goalie of the week
honors for the 5th time
this season.

UND was without two Hobey Baker candidates and two more forwards (Chris Wilkie and Rhett Gardner) on Friday night and saw two of their best defensemen (Troy Stecher and Tucker Poolman) go down with injuries on Saturday. With players of that ilk on the shelf (Poolman returned later in the game on Saturday) the Green and White turned to the steady hand of Johnson and the sophomore again stepped up large. Johnson shook off a less than stellar series against Colorado College the previous week and took control of large stretches of both games against Western Michigan. Johnson dazzled throughout and weathered a storm of 17 Bronco shots in the second period on Friday with tremendous rebound control and poise. The sophomore's stellar weekend kept Johnson atop the NCAA goaltending statistical world. If there were any questions of Johnson's starting status coming into Kalamazoo, he certainly answered them all, emphatically. It's Cam's net, from here on out.

No. 2 -- Brock Boeser 

What an impressive run this kid has been on. Boeser again led UND with his linemates out, delivering game winners on both nights. The freshman is now tied for the NCHC lead in goals with 18 and puts himself in the company of UND legends T.J. Oshie and Jonathan Toews, finding the back of the net the most times as a freshman since the duo tore up the college hockey world in 2005-06. Boeser is now second nationally among rookies in goals and third in points (31). A special blend of speed, physicality, defensive effort and goal scoring, Boeser is the real deal.

No. 3 -- Finding a Way to Win

UND head coach Brad Berry
after their 2-1 win on Saturday:
"I said to our guys in the locker room
that we have a really special group in
our team this year, to the point where
it doesn't matter who is in the lineup,
we find a way to win. That goes to our
mentality at North Dakota and
the players and their character."

As already stated, this wasn't a pretty weekend. Five total goals were a product of a physical, but incredibly up-tempo series. Western Michigan challenged UND with a banging style of play that they have yet to see this season and the Green and White were up to the task. DDC has mentioned it several times in this post alone, but it absolutely cannot be undersold -- UND was very banged up this weekend and the Broncos continued to bang. To go into Lawson Arena in front of a rowdy and hostile crowd and come out with a sweep is an impressive feat. The Green and White have now shown the ability to win in every way possible. Whether it's run and gun or grinding, UND has gotten it done, this season. Down the stretch, defenses will show their meddle and this weekend was an important one to show they have the ability to win these types of games when the lights are the brightest.

Thorns

No. 1 -- Injuries

Seriously? This is getting a wee bit ridiculous. Add defenseman Troy Stecher, arguably UND's best blue liner, to the injury report. The Green and White are off this coming weekend and it could not have come at a better time. Up next is Denver in two weeks and with the race for the Penrose in full form, UND needs to be healthy if they plan on repeating as NCHC regular season champs.

Thanks for reading. More to come, soon.

Roses and Thorns: A Sight Unseen... A Title

The UND men's hockey team left the ice in Portland, Maine on Saturday night a bit deflated.

They had just dominated the Maine Black Bears for three periods, out shooting their Hockey East foe 45-20 and carrying play throughout, but lost in a shootout following a 1-1 tie. Despite the barrage of pressure and shots, the Green and White could only once beat Black Bear freshman goaltender Rob McGovern, leading to the tie.

However, on the back of a 5-2 win on Friday afternoon against Lake Superior State and Maine's tie and shootout win over Michigan State, a surprising and welcomed guest joined the UND locker room -- The Ice Breaker Invitational trophy.

Seemingly unaware that they had won the tournament, the Green and White celebrated a wholly successful weekend.

For the first time since in longer than he can remember, DDC did not get a chance to see even one second of this weekend's games as neither game was broadcast in any format. Seriously. No coverage... not even a highlight.

So, on the word of media and the sweet, silky voice of UND's play-by-play radio announcer Tim Hennessy, here's your sight unseen Roses and Thorns column for this weekend's play.

Roses

No. 1 -- Cam Johnson

UND sophomore goalie
Cam Johnson

Eleven seconds into the game on Friday, the sophomore goaltender seemingly had allowed his first goal in the
season. However, the quick strike was disallowed and UND fans everywhere breathed a deep breath. But, two goals on the first three Laker shots, Johnson was having flashbacks to his only start in his freshman year as LSSU took a 2-0 lead just six minutes into the game. This go-around with the Lakers would be different. Shaking off the demons of being pulled last year in Grand Forks against LSSU, Johnson settled down and did not allow another goal in 21 shots faced, pacing a 5-2 win. Johnson was solid on Saturday in limited work, allowing just 1 goal on 20 shots in a 1-1, Ice Breaker Invitational clinching tie. Cheers to Johnson.

No. 2 -- Freshman Chemistry

Again, DDC did not get to see them in action, but every media member raved about the line of freshman Shane Gersich, sophomore Nick Schmaltz and freshman Brock Boeser. Gersich scored his first career goal on Friday and the trio of Gersich, Schmaltz and Boeser had noticeable (again, DDC didn't see it, but he trusts the eyes of the media) chemistry on Saturday. Schmaltz had several set ups to his linemates, particularly Boeser who had eight shots on goal in the game. Don't forget about the other freshman, too. Chris Wilkie scored his first career goal on Saturday, UND's only tally in the 1-1 tie. It's exciting to see (well, hear) about a young group playing with a lot of chemistry just two games into the season.

No. 3 --  Brad Berry

Down 2-0 in his first game behind the bench as head coach just six minutes in, Brad Berry called his timeout. The Green and White took the pause well and ran away with a 5-2 victory. After the game, Berry talked about his first-ever timeout. "I thought, 'This coaching thing is pretty tough.' ". Well, UND took care of business the rest of the way and Berry got his first-career head coaching win.

Thorns

No. 1 -- What Year is This?

"I thought 'Great Scott! No video coverage from the Ice Breaker
Invitational?!' I told Marty, 'we better not come Back to the Future!' "
-- Dr. Emmett L. Brown's direct quote in an exclusive to DDC.

Seriously. It's 20-frickin'-15.

How was there no video coverage of these games this weekend?!

When Doc and Marty McFly come Back to the Future later this week on October 15th, they will be ashamed of the Ice Breaker Invitational not having a way to showcase these games to fans of college hockey. If you don't get the reference, Google it. DDC feels bad for you.

Thank you, Mr. Tim Hennessy and UND athletics for letting us hear these games. Shame on you, Ice Breaker Invitational officials.

Head back to the blog later this week as the Green and White play a home-and-home, non-conference series with Bemidji State.

A Quick Look Back To Move Forward

It's been 172 days since the University of North Dakota men's hockey team fell 5-3 to the Boston University Terriers on April 9 in the Frozen Four semifinals in Boston.

172 is also the number of times, give or take a dozen or so, that DDC has thought to put into words his thoughts about the way the season ended.

*Swallows hard*

Nope, still can't do it.

So, in lieu of another nervous sweat and bout of nausea, let's move forward a little bit.

It has been 133 days since May 18 when Dave Hakstol left the University of North Dakota men's hockey team to become the head coach of the Philadelphia Flyers of the National Hockey League. Simultaneously, it has been 133 days since Brad Berry was elevated from assistant coach to head coach of the Green and White.

133 is also the amount of emotions, thoughts and head-scratches that have been brought to DCC since May 18.

Quite the interesting month, wouldn't you say?

It's Berry's Bench

UND first-year head coach
Brad Berry

While the memories of April 9 may ring in many fans minds longer, May 18 is the date that most affects the 2015-16 incarnation of  UND men's hockey.

Let's get one thing straight... in DDC's opinion, Brad Berry is the right man for this job.

The former assistant coach has had success at every level and that means EVERY level. The speedy hiring of Berry limited the shock waves which could have shaken the core of UND down to recruitment and even early departures.

If UND had put any delay in elevating Berry to the head job, instability could have caused recruits to bolt and/or made UND's current roster doubt the direction of the program.

The Green and White brass did the right thing. Keeping on the path of a team that has made back-to-back Frozen Fours and is the defending Penrose Cup champion of the National Collegiate Hockey Conference keeps things going in the right direction.

That being said, Berry steps directly into the spotlight and replaces a legend at UND. You can say whatever you'd like about Dave Hakstol not winning a national championship, but any sane fan of the Green and White knows that Hakstol was the real deal. We've all heard the stats to back that up. The fact that he's now coaching in the NHL shows Hakstol's prowess. It's an extremely rare feat to make the jump from the NCAA ranks to the head spot on a NHL squad.

So, for the first time since 2005, there will be a new head man behind the bench for UND. That alone causes uneasiness for this blogger.

Pair that with the loss of seven seniors, and three others (two, all-world goaltender Zane McIntyre and talented defenseman Jordan Schmaltz, to the pros and one to the budding Arizona State program in Wade Murphy), and you have questions that need to be answered.

Jr. D, Gage Ausmus
was named UND's captain
for the 2015-16 season.

Who's Back?

Despite the losses, UND returns a deep defensive corps, avoiding potential early departures of Troy Stecher, Paul LaDue, Keaton Thompson and Tucker Poolman, all of whom were offered professional contracts over the summer. Gage Ausmus also returns and will captain this year's team.

On the front end, the Green and White return last season's leading goal scorer Drake Caggiula and play-making centerman Nick Schmaltz, softening the blow of the loss of many productive seniors from last year's squad.

Who's Here?

Forward Brock Boeser, a first-round NHL draft pick
Vancouver, looks to make an immediate impact at UND.

Looking to replace the 10 players that left the UND program, the Green and White bring in a group of 10 freshmen that will look to make an immediate impact.

Leading the charge in that potential impact is forward Brock Boeser, a first-round draft pick of the Vancouver Canucks (23rd overall), and goaltender Matej Tomek, a third-round pick of the Philadelphia Flyers (90th overall).

Boeser, the Burnsville, Minn., native has lit up every level of hockey on his way to Grand Forks and looks to have a much-needed scoring touch for North Dakota.

Tomek, from Slovakia, will push returning goalies Cam Johnson and Matt Hrynkiw right out of the gate and could quickly be the man to fill the gaping hole left by McIntyre in the UND net.

The rest of the class includes talented scorers Chris Wilkie, Shane Gersich and Joel Janatuinen, all of which had 50+ points last year in the USHL. On the blue line, Christian Wolanin had a stellar 41-point year and Hayden Shaw earned first-team honors last season, both in the USHL.

Any Questions?

So, with returning players and impact rookies, the questions seem to be answered, right? Well, only time will tell. We'll get a first glimpse this Saturday as UND takes on Manitoba in an exhibition tussle.

Come back later this week for a look at the rest of the NCHC and a peek at his Top 10 across the country. DDC will reveal his picks for preseason conference honors and where the teams in the country's best conference are coming into this year.

It's good to be back. It's almost time for hockey.