>Runnin’ With the Blogs
>I would like to take this opportunity to apologize to all the kind folks who have linked to me since I stopped being ashamed of Runnin’ With the Dogs and started advertising it. And by advertising, I mean putting it in my signature line on message boards I am a member of. I realize I haven’t linked to ANY of you, but I am going to pass the buck on this one. It’s not my fault, people. I have wanted a redesign of this site since… always, I guess, and it’s happening, but oh-so-slowly, and the sad thing is, it isn’t even going to be particularly spectacular (Ha! Take that!) Once the Aaaaalleged Webmaster gets something other than a bannerhead and color scheme going for me, then we will see. He wants to unveil the new website as the new season starts, I disagree. I’m just impatient like that.
So, as a consolation prize, here’s a little recap of the season’s blogs.
The Bruce Ciskie Show
Bruce doesn’t link to me, but it isn’t ripping my heart out or anything. I find football extremely dull, but I do enjoy the things he has to say about hockey, especially since he’s got an insider’s perspective I could only dream of (and oh, how I dream of it!) Bruce is a master of the art of sarcasm (both on his blog and during his broadcasts), and you know how the RWD staff feels about sarcasm…
Colorado College Hockey
I haven’t visited CChockey too often, but the eponymous writer over likes to make you think s/he is a serious writer… and then slips in a sentence or two that will have you ROFLMAOSHIPIMP (rolling on the floor, laughing my ass off, so hard I peed in my pants).
Full DECC (Link updated 4/10/06)
Brad is another Bulldogs fan, and we found each other (isn’t that all warm and fuzzy!) over at The Penalty Box. He is a major high school hockey fan as well. And not just boys’ hockey, he pays attention to girls’ hockey. While I wish there was checking in women’s and girls’ hockey, I still believe it needs to be supported, in the hopes that one day, there will be justice, in the form of checking, in the world.
The Golden Nation
I’d never heard of The Golden Nation until I discovered it on my site tracker. I wandered on over there to see what was going on, and I discovered Satnu had quoted one of my tearing my hair out-style posts. I wasn’t exactly thrilled that he thought I was whining, but I understand the Internet is not the forum for subtle nuances. He’s an all right guy, despite his well documented man-love for Ryan Potulny.
Goon’s World
Goon is someone whom I know from the SiouxSports forum, and was kind enough to link to me based on my witty repartee over there. Until someone corrects me, that stands as the truth. I admire him for his strong convictions, and his dog, who resembles my imaginary/future dog, Gorgar.
Let’s Go DU
My sports blog idol is Bat-Girl, but my college hockey blog idol is Dggoddard from LGDU. The USCHO 5, “Water”gate, the Fox 9 Investigations… I can only dream of being the blogger DG is. I can also only dream of that disallowed goal being allowed.
Maverick Hockey Nation (added 4/6/06)
I just discovered this blog today, thanks to some craftiness on my part. It’s definitely in its infancy, but with Blogger Hottie of the Year Chris (Ithink that’s the same guy!) giving him a hand, I can only expect great things from down there.
Michigan Tech Hockey
Again, I’m not officially linked to by MTH, but that’s fine by me. The blog’s pretty new, and started essentially at the end of the season, when it’s tough to find content, but I look forward to seeing what MeanEGirl (and her partner in crime, HuskyHockeyWriter) comes up with. Hopefully not sticking any hockey sticks where the sun don’t shine.
Nottingham Pandas
Oh. My. God. These people are so crazy. I want to fly over to Jolly Old England and go to a hockey game with them. Or just go on a pub crawl. A blog exchange program should be established: they come here and go to a Bulldogs game with me (preferrably against the Gophers, for maximum harrassment potential), and then I could go over there and party it up with them. As Dom says, it’s a World-Wide Hockey Love-In between us; they even put a picture of “my” guy, Matt McKnight. Come to think of it, if I ever do meet the Pandas, I will definitely refer to it as the World-Wide Hockey Love-In (WWHLI, because you know I enjoy acronyms).
UAA Hockey Fan Blog
People put down Seawolves hockey (myself included,to some extent, as I do refer to them as the Underwolves), some people call for their expulsion from the WCHA (not me!), but Drop The Puck is a dedicated fan. On game days, he walks out of his igloo over to his oil derrick, extracts enough crude oil to power his snowmachine, and heads on over to the game at 1 in the afternoon, while it’s still light out. (I’m kidding, people. You can’t power a snowmobile on crude oil.) It’s easy to be a Badger fan, or a Gopher fan, or a Sioux fan. It is hard to be a Seawolves fan, and I give DTP mad props. If I ever fulfill my dream of moving to Anchorage, my first purchase is going to be Seawolves season tickets.
Western College Hockey
Chris from WCH gets my Blogger Hottie of the Year award, not because I’ve ever seen him in person, but because he so consistently links to me, and tells me I’m funny, which is the ultimate in flattering for a person who a year and a half ago didn’t think anyone would find her the least bit entertaining. I really enjoy WCH because I don’t really pay much attention to hockey outside the WCHA (is there hockey outside the WCHA?), and as a responsible member of the sports media, I should. Chris, dear, there’s nothing wrong with being biased. Just as long as you’re biased towards the ‘Dogs, you’re good to go.
The Wisconsin Hockey Blog (added 4/3/06)
I didn’t get the opportunity to check out Badger Backer’s site until I realized that I was linked to on their site. While I am loathe to appreciate or even not mock anything Wisconsin-related, browsing through the posts, I found BB pretty knowledgable (meaning I have obviously never met this person before, because like I said, I’ve never met a Wisconsin fan who knows more about hockey than I do) and I am not at all ashamed to add the link here. This site incorporates women’s hockey as well (although since they’re the national champions this year, it would be hard not to), so big ups to them for that. Let’s forget I said “big ups,” by the way.
I hope I didn’t forget anyone, but if I did, it isn’t because I don’t care. It’s because I’m lazy.
>A Statistical Emergency
>All right, now that I have made it clear BEYOND ALL DOUBT that I am a huge dork, I need to enlist the help of you, my rabid readers.
In compiling some data for my Top Secret Off-Season Project (TSO-SP), I came across this game summary, and there’s an abbreviation that makes no sense. On the final goal, there are two abbreviations: EN, which I know means empty net, and AG. What is AG? People, help me! I’ve been pondering this for weeks! It gnaws at me night and day, it churns my stomach, it tears me up inside! Save me from this unending hell of not knowing what the heck AG is! (I am going to feel stupid once I learn it, I’m sure, but better to ask and appear stupid than keep quiet and stay stupid.)
UPDATE: The esteemed Patrick C. Miller, of USCHO/SiouxSports fame, informs me that the AG refers to an “awarded goal.” Oshie was pulled down on the play, and would have been awarded a penalty shot, except the net was empty, so it was automatically ruled a goal.
>The AARP
>It’s time to say “So long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, good ni-ight” to our senior citizens. At a farewell Early Bird Special at Perkins this afternoon, the RWD staff bid a tearful adieu to the old codgers on the bench. Here’s a recap of the event:
Player: Ryan Swanson
RWD Speech: “What can I say about Ryan Swanson? Well, nothing nice.”
Parting Gift: Friend Of Bill t-shirt
Exit Music: “Na-na na na, Na-na na na, hey hey hey, go-od bye!”
Player: Justin Williams
RWD Speech: “I’m sorry I didn’t vote you onto the All-WCHA Hottie Team, because you really came into your own as a hottie this year.”
Parting Gift: RWD’s phone number
Exit Music: Tom Jones, “Sex Bomb”
Player: Tim Stapleton
RWD Speech: “I’ve really enjoyed watching you score goals over the years, I just wish they weren’t so often the only goals of the game. I guess you didn’t enjoy it as much, because you didn’t score as many as you should have.”
Parting Gift: Gift certificate for a Mike Eruzione motivational speech
Exit Music: Roxette, “It Must Have Been Love”
Player: Isaac Reichmuth
RWD Speech: “You know, earlier in the year I flipped out at someone because he said you weren’t a good goaltender. Now I look stupid. That’s not nice. You forgot some WCHA players can actually lift the puck OVER your flopping body.”
Parting Gift: Clothespins and a clothesline (from your defense)
Exit Music: Kool and the Gang, “Get Down On It”
Player: Steve Czech
RWD Speech: “I know that you and I have had our differences, but it’s not my fault that I like good defensive play and you like to take lazy stick penalties.”
Parting Gift: A rubber donut to sit on (all that time riding the penalty box pine has taken its toll)
Exit Music: Johnny Cash, “Folsom Prison Blues”
It’s a shame that I didn’t do this last year, but please know, Evan Schwabe’s exit music would be “Soul and Inspiration,” and for a gift, I would have thrown myself at him.
>Lost!
>That’s the secret word! Now that I’ve had a day or two to reflect on the 2006 WCHA Final Five, I’ll give you my fun-filled, action-packed recap.
The Cast of Characters:
Runninwiththedogs
Your intrepid heroine
UMDDogz
One-time contributor to this site
DA
Ace reporter and prognosticator
The Aaaahj
Aaaalleged webmaster
The Hottest Girl in Alary’s
Close personal friend of Runninwiththedogs, extremely good-looking
Scotty
Gopher fan extraordinaire
Rookie of the Year
No, not Phil Kessel!
That’s Your Puck!
He only had 2 things to say, and that was one of them!
Ricky
Token Sioux fan
Thursday
Thursday I lost all patience and left work at 1:00, as soon as the other girl arrived. I’d been excited since, oh, about 11 on Sunday night, when Denver lost to the Bulldogs, so that was a long time to wait. I picked up UMDDogz and The Hottest Girl in Alary’s (from here on out, referred to as THGIA), met up with DA, and found tPB at McGovern’s. I sold my tickets to a couple of ‘Dogs fans, since DA came through with a SUITE for us. McGovern’s was a blast, making new friends that THGIA went to high school with, singing Don’t Stop Believin’ with tPB, jumping on a Sioux fan friend of mine (good thing he never lost his balance!)
I lost a lot of respect for Gopher fans during the game (not that I had more than a shred of respect before.) They cheered for St. Cloud over the Dogs, which is unconscionable. They got their comeuppance, though, the next day. Anyway, the Dogs lost the game pretty early on, with the defensive breakdowns I thought they’d lost back in Denver. Tim Stapleton had the lone goal for the Dogs, which I think was a fitting way for him to go out. He promised to get us to the Excel, and he did.
After the game Thursday, we somehow ended up in a taxi to Alary’s bar. I lost the Aaaahj’s digital camera somewhere in the cab (maybe? who knows.) We didn’t know it was a cop bar, but there didn’t seem to be any cops around, so it was all right. Rookie of the Year (ROY) gave THGIA her title. All was well, except, of course, the Dogs lost.
Friday
Two games on the agenda: Sioux v. Badgers, Gophers v. Huskies. Friday was a problem, because it was St. Patrick’s day, also known as “Amateur Drinking Day,” according to The Aaaahj. DA got lost on the way to the Runninwiththedogs World Headquarters. The parking ramps were jammed. We almost lost our spot in line to some guy making a red turn, but UMDDogz stopped him cold by yelling “Hey, you’ve got a red light, buddy!” The parking garage dudes must have lost count of the number of cars coming through, because they were overheard saying “Oh, we can let in about 23 more cars.” That was a lie, as we got one of the LAST SPOTS in the WHOLE GARAGE. Wisconsin lost to the Sioux, the Gophers lost in overtime to the Huskies (see! I bet you’re kicking yourself now, stupid blue vest man!), and the morons behind me lost track of where they were and discussed football for half the game.
Saturday
UMDDogz and I started out the morning with brunch at the Hoggsbreath with some Sioux faithful. I didn’t have anyone to sit with for the Saturday game, as The Aaaahj was working and his friend lost out on a terrific opportunity to watch some hockey, and learn why he shouldn’t be a Gopher fan. I sat with UMDDogz, DA, Scotty, Rick, ROY, and That’s Your Puck! (TYP!), who couldn’t even muster one “That’s your puck!” or “Stick it in the hole!” for a lackluster Gopher team. We went to Alary’s for a bit, but ended up back at the Embassy Suites, where I lost my poster (complete with NDSU error), lost my program, and lost my game ticket. Oops. On the walk back, I also lost my balance and completely biffed it on the sidewalk. My knees are a little scraped up and I’m a bit bruised, but I’ll live. I thought about going to the box office and making them give me a reprint of my ticket, but instead, I proclaimed, “I will buy a ticket to tonight’s game for $10!” (Face value of tickets: $35.) I went up to the first scalper I saw, he offered me one for $20, I countered with my offer, and he declined. I told him how I felt about that. The next scalper I saw, I explained my situation, and, $10 later, I was in the game. Gopher fans couldn’t sell their tickets fast enough. The game was great, St. Cloud lost, and I lost my dignity on the jumbotron during DanceMania. I didn’t win, however; I lost to DrunkHockeyGuy. Next year, I’ll have to have a better strategy.
I love the Final Five.
>Interview Exclusive
>A full recap of the Final Five is in the works, but we had an exclusive interview to share with you. During the championship game, Runninwiththedogs caught up with a Penalty Box Legend, DrunkHockeyGuy.
RWD (squawking, arms flailing wildly): WHO LIVES IN A PINEAPPLE UNDER THE SEA?
DHG: Spongebob Squarepants.
>The All-WCHA Hottie Teams
>The Runnin’ With The Dogs tradition continues! Remember, amongst all the “post-season awards” being handed out by bloggers left and right, the All-WCHA Hottie Team is the only one that’s a true tradition. Last year’s winners can be seen here.
Once again, we have 9 schools represented, with St. Cloud State getting the snub. Sorry, better luck next year.
Coach: Jamie Russell*
1st Team:
F Danny Irmen, UMTC
F T.J. Oshie, UND
F Chris Porter*, UND
D Weston Tardy, CC
D Matt Carle, DU
G Rob Nolan, MTU
2nd Team:
F David Backes, MSUM
F Bryan McGregor, UMD
F Chris Conner*, MTU
D Lucas Fransen, MSUM
D RJ Linder, MSUM
G Nathan Lawson, UAA
3rd Team:
F Travis Zajac, UND
F Adam Burish, UW
F AJ Degenhart*, UW
D Zach Blom*, DU
D Kyle Radke, UND
G Kevin Hachey, MTU
Freshman:
F TJ Oshie, UND
F Jay Beagle, UAA
F MacGregor Sharp, UMD
D Matt Niskanen, UMD
D Taylor Chorney, UND
G Rob Nolan, MTU
* denotes two-time honoree
>Hobey Finalists Announced; Kronick Snubbed
>The Hobey Baker finalists were announced today. In alphabetical order, they are:
Matt Carle, Denver
Chris Collins, Boston College
Brian Elliott, Wisconsin
Andy Greene, Miami
Greg Moore, Maine
Scott Parse, Nebraska-Omaha
Ryan Potulny, Minnesota
Marty Sertich, Colorado College
Brett Sterling, Colorado College
T.J. Trevelyan, St. Lawrence
No Dan Kronick??? (0-0-0, 0 shots last night!)
GO SIOUX!!!
>Runnin’ to the Bar
>I’m off to McGovern’s now. I’ll be back tonight, and I’d better be TRIUMPHANT! 1 win tonight = 2 MORE games of GUARANTEED Bulldog hockey.
DON’T STOP BELIEVING!!!!!!!!!!!
>Can’t Hardly Wait
>TOMORROW is the FINAL FIVE!!!!!!
Now, I always enjoy going to the best darn tournament in college hockey (Frozen Four be damned!), but this year is going to be way more special, since the ‘Dogs will be there. Whatever they did to shake that monkey off their backs, I want to know. Where the heck was this team all season? Who cares, they peaked at the right time. It wouldn’t have been so exciting if it hadn’t been such a huge upset!
My memories of the WCHA tournament go back to the days the tournament was in the St. Paul Civic Center, Northern Michigan was still in the conference, and it was still the Final Four. The most memorable goal scored during that era was not on the ice, but rather at the World Trade Center Mall, where I won a Vikings water bottle for scoring on one of those cardboard “goalies” with a couple slots cut out in the bottom. It was a game-winner, for sure.
Two years ago, with the Bulldogs as a 2-seed, I was driving home from Illinois in a rented truck, speeding along at an average of about 90 mph (Dad, you can read that as 90 kph if you wish), trying to get to Wisconsin as fast as I could, to get in range of WCCO. The Bulldogs lost that game, 7-4, despite a stellar game from RWD favorite Evan Schwabe. The next day, vs. UAA, Junior Lessard got injured, and some LIAR who shall remain nameless tricked me into believing he was done for the season. The Bulldogs got revenge on the Gophers in the NCAA regionals (and I’m sure they would have traded us the WCHA playoff win for the Regionals win), Lessard won the Hobey, and the rest we got revenge for last weekend.
Last year, the ‘Dogs were owned by UND in the first round of the playoffs, but I wore my ‘Dogs jersey anyway. The bonus of last year was the lack of stress. I feel very stressed when the ‘Dogs are playing, when they aren’t playing, I don’t really care what goes on, I can cheer for the teams I want to without worry (except worry of being jumped by the Gopher band.) The serious downside to last year was the Paukovich cheap shot that seriously injured UND forward Robbie Bina. That took a lot of the fun out of the entire weekend for me, as well as many other people.
This year, I’m looking forward to a little revenge on St. Cloud (Dan Kronick, 0 points this weekend!), a terrific game on Friday night, and Bulldog hockey on Saturday in some form. I don’t ask for much, but if it isn’t too much, a Mike Curry goal would be a beauty to behold.
>Over There
>This hockey blog craze is worldwide! Check out the Nottingham Pandas!
Runnin' With the Dogs 
