LSSU Lakers

[Laker Hockey]

I found this article about Nogatch playing for the Michigan Black Bears in Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League

http://www.sootoday.com/content/sports/full_story.asp?StoryNumber=9109

[LSSU57]

In regards to the dismissals, it appears to be an issue being delt internally by the university. Nobody on campus knows exactly what happened and I hope it stays that way until everything is taken care of. I hope the school newspaper does its job and reports only facts like it did during the Reid incident. Michiganmidge is absolutely correct, the 3 players are protected by the law since this is an internal issue. I beg of everyone on this Forum to post only FACTS. For the sake of both the university and the hockey program. Please refrain from posting rumors. John Nogatch has moved out. Barnabas Birkeland is still on campus. I don't know about Mark Adamek.

In regards to the NMU fans at last Friday's game. The students at the east end of the rink were AWESOME! They cheered loud for their team and showed class. However, for those adults in the student section: SHAME ON YOU! From where I sat I could hear the NMU fans yelling obscenities at the handful of students in the student section. This isn't the first time these fans have been invovled with our students. May I remind you puckheads of this: YOUR ADULTS. I'm sure our students weren't completely innocent and may have instigated somethings (Scooter you know what I mean). However, as adults you should have the decency to sit in an "adult" section and show some class. Students act like idiots, it's their nature. Sitting behind a group of students from the opposing school is asking for trouble. Your great college hockey fans and among the best in the CCHA. When, or if, you come to LSSU for the March 5 game please sit away from our students and leave you shakers at home. They ARE against CCHA rules, bottom line.

GO LAKERS BEAT BEMIDJI STATE!

[Lakerblue]

Hey now, I was only stirring the pot.

Eddo -- thanks for the insight on Bill's radio calls -- I actually feel much better about him after reading your story. And I really like the fact that he took the time to look you up, call you, and discuss the matter in his office. Maybe he's feeling the heat from Francis? :D

Regarding the comments about the Soo police: very true. If this was a legal situation, I can tell you first hand that the Courthouse would be buzzing. But everyone there was just as stumped as everyone here . . . which means the leaky S.S.M.P.D. weren't involved. That doesn't mean the Troopers weren't involved . . . but I don't think State Police could take any action on campus that would go "un-noticed."

Moving on: BSU in town. For those of you interested, Bemidji is a beautiful little city on the shores of -- you guessed it -- Lake Bemidji. Its a little smaller than the Soo (8,000 I think, maybe less). The hockey team is doing a pretty solid job building a D-I following in the face of some pretty big neighbors (North Dakota, Minnesota, and M-Duluth). They are trying to get a new stadium built with state funds, but its not going well. They are a good CHA team, which in my opinion puts them on par with most CCHA schools -- perhaps a slight notch below. I expect a tight weekend.

[sm3pk]

This will pass and the team will be fine and who knows.maybe better.At least it seems the guys on the team are playing hard and sticking with Frank and that is good.I thought Reids case was resolved.Didnt he plead to a lesser offense? Then it does make you wonder how Reids case was an assault charge and he is still there.

[Bill]

This forces a change in their recruiting for next season. Rather than being able to concentrate on bringing in more offense (where they need the most help) and a goaltender, now they have to look at bringing in more defensemen as well. It hurts them to have to make that shift. They may have brought in a defenensman next season anyway if they found someone they really like, but now they are forced to bring in at least two or three defensemen (maybe even four) just to bolster the numbers.

[nmu_27]

In regards to the NMU fans at last Friday's game. The students at the east end of the rink were AWESOME! They cheered loud for their team and showed class.

When, or if, you come to LSSU for the March 5 game please sit away from our students and leave you shakers at home. They ARE against CCHA rules, bottom line.


We tried to be nice, and weren't even too loud in the third, and I did have nice conversations with Laker fans on that end, even the 8-year-old fans... :)

And noisemakers are legal if it isn't during play... :) Now I just need to find tickets behind the Laker bench... :)

[Laker Hockey]

Good to see someone new on the board for a change, some of these other faces get old over time :D

There are two really interesting parts to this story: 1. Mike Adamek is still on the team, that tells me something. 2. No one knows what is happening; I remember knowing that some players were going to get cut before they did when I was up at Lake.

As for Bill C’s radio calls, remember that during the NC years he wasn’t the athletic director. Now he probably feels that he needs to be less of a homer. My only complaint is that he doesn’t tell the score enough, but I have that complaint with 80% of hockey radio announcers.

Stirring the pot isn't a bad thing either, look at what happened at ND this week.

[Mogerfan]

Then it does make you wonder how Reids case was an assault charge and he is still there.

No kidding. Those three knuckleheads must have either done something REALLY dumb, or done something a little dumb several times after ignoring warnings.

This does hurt, but I agree that it will pass and the team will continue to improve. My thoughts on December are this: Four of the next six games are non conference, and they couldn't come at a better time. I honestly really don't care about non-conference wins and losses at this point, it's not like we are a bubble team for making it to the tournament. If I was a coach (which obviously, I'm not) I'd play guys like Gutwald, Oke and even Hill about 20 minutes a game against Bemidji. We are going to be short handed for the rest of the year, so I'd play those guys a lot this month to asses their ability and get them some experience.

GO LAKERS!!!!

[LSSU57]

Reid update (last I knew): He did plea to a lesser charge from his initial charge of "Assualt to do great bodily harm less then murder". However, due to the UNofficial U.P. holiday known as Deer Season, his case has been put off until sometime this week or next. He is still on the team and on campus and will be reinstated once his case is officially lessened from the felony. So right now he still has a felony pending but it will be lessened eventually.

[moose97]

Moving on: BSU in town. For those of you interested, Bemidji is a beautiful little city on the shores of -- you guessed it -- Lake Bemidji. Its a little smaller than the Soo (8,000 I think, maybe less). The hockey team is doing a pretty solid job building a D-I following in the face of some pretty big neighbors (North Dakota, Minnesota, and M-Duluth). They are trying to get a new stadium built with state funds, but its not going well. They are a good CHA team, which in my opinion puts them on par with most CCHA schools -- perhaps a slight notch below. I expect a tight weekend.

I think your assessment of the top-notch CHA teams (Bemidji State, Niagara, Wayne State, and Alabama-Huntsville) is correct. I don't think one of them could win the CCHA, but they each have the potential to beat the Michigan’s of the world every now and again, plus play pretty evenly with the mid-to-lower CCHA teams.

I expect a competitive weekend out of both teams. I've followed Lake Superior State from afar for a while, as I was married in SSM, and my wife's family still lives in that area (both SSM and Rudyard). Plus (and I know I’ll lose credibility here), I went to NMU.

This Laker team seems dangerous, but the Beavers are too. I think the fact LSSU is coming off an emotional high last weekend after splitting with Northern plays into Bemidji's hands. There could be that letdown, and a possibility to overlook this BSU team, which is quick, and talented. I look for Layne Sedevie to be the key to BSU’s chances. He has yet to steal a game (edit, OK, maybe the Niagara OT game, but BSU outshot the Purps 41-30 in that game. NU's VanNynatten was the better goalie that night), and was yanked in his last outing (a loss at the end of a tough 4 games in 5 days road trip). Before that game, all the Beav’s had done was win 5 in a row. Bemidji State is well rested, and ready to get back to their winning ways.

On a side note, I think Sault Ste. Marie and Bemidji are very similar towns. Population in Bemidji is actually around 12,000, and if you take the outlying townships, you get closer to 35,000; however, the available commerce is nearly identical. They each have a casino just outside of town, and have "big-brother" hockey-wise just down the bridge/road (Greyhounds for SSM, and the Fighting Sioux less than 2 hours away for Bji).

I hope everyone traveling this weekend is safe, and there is good hockey in Taffy Abel. Good luck to all.

Moose

[MOJO]

My apoligies if anybody was offended by our cheering for the Wildcats at the Soo last Friday night. Really folks...I do believe your going a bit overboard however.

How are we supposed to know which section is your student section? From what I saw the small and very obnoxious group of students that were in the arena weren't sitting where they usually do.

We nestled into our seats near other NMU fans and sounded off by supporting our team with bells, horns and other items. We were warned by security not to use artificial noise during play and we stopped. Of course during stoppages we had full liberty to make as much noise with these items as we would like.

I asked one particular security officer why the use of a megaphone other than for its intended purpose didn't consititute artificial noise (pounding it on the floor)...of which he gave no answer. That and thundersticks???

I'm sorry folks but your arena is lacking severely for atmosphere. We only travel down to show support for our team but always find trouble with your students and security.

I also apologize for the stupid actions of one woman in my group who threw pretzels at these students at the end of the game. I chastised her and thought it was very unsportsmanlike.

We Puckheads attract much undeserving attention whereever we go. Some of the worst however is in the Soo. For this reason many within my group have mentioned that they indeed do not intent on traveling there again.

The headaches associated with traveling there are just too severe and make for an uncomfortable experience. It would be nice attending a game there and not get harrassed. Unfortunately I don't see this happening anytime soon.

I for one will not return in March. I've seen enough over there in the last couple of seasons to fully understand why the place is half empty and like a morgue.

As for Eddo...I still owe you a beer...you my friend are truely a great supporter of Laker hockey...and I for one can appreciate that!!! :)

[michiganmidge]

We Puckheads attract much undeserving attention whereever we go.
Could it be your highly unusual choice of attire? Not many attend Laker games wearing neon green firefighter pants, mining hardhats with a strobe light atop, and assorted other head and body ornaments. While I understand showing team spirit, maybe it's time to don a simple NMU sweatshirt and cheer LOUDLY!

[thepuck57]

I didn't mind the noisemakers at either ice rink this weekend, but what was annoying was using them (the horns) during play. But keep up the cheering for your team. You are great fans, and every team needs more.

[Lakerblue]

Mojo,

First, nothing wrong with making noise. If our own home fans can't or won't make noise enough to drown out the visiting fans, then shame on us -- not you folks.

Second, holiday weekends at the Norris are going to be a little light on student support anyhow.

Third, you should expect plenty of nasty feedback from the students (as long as we don't resort to the University of California in Ann Arbor level). You almost have to be asking for it with those get-ups. Nothing wrong with the get-ups, the noise, or the loud cheering. But you should expect some retort.

Fourth, the security is often a bad mix of old retired cops and law enforcement students. In other words, we're not talking about the Proud Blue Line. The baby-cops even give their own fellow students a hard time on many nights. Once, when I was a student years ago and showed up at the Norris after a full afternoon of stunt drinking -- one of the baby-cops tried to have me and associated friends kicked out for being "drunk in public." He even threatened to call the Soo cops. True story. So there is that factor working, too.

Fifth, I didn't think you folks were too obnoxious. But once again, you have to consider that when you make of yourself a spectacle, you also make of yourself a target.

Sixth -- yes, the atmosphere at the Norris is lacking the past few years. But lets not throw stones too confidently. I was at a few games at Lakeview in NMU's last years in the WCHA when 800-900 people sat shivering, and stone quiet. When NMU's pep band was two trumpets and a drum set. I've been to a few games as the Barry Center (not exactly a palace of splendor) where the biggest crowd noise came during the intermission activities. And I have been in both Lakeview and the Barry for LSSU games in LSSU attire and been treated less-than-warmly. And I assure you I was not nearly as loud or "obvious" as the puckheads. So it goes both ways.

[eddo]

I’m disappointed in you eddo, we might need to find a better snitch to replace you. ;)

I'm sorry.. I've been trying really hard lately to figure out whats going on, cause i know you're all counting on me!!! ;)

and MOJO-

How are we supposed to know which section is your student section? From what I saw the small and very obnoxious group of students that were in the arena weren't sitting where they usually do.

I heard that you were actually on good behavior friday, however, a few of the other puckheads were the main soure of the problem.

Our student section moved from the corner to behind the goal, so the team could see and hear us better.. You haven't been around lately, so that was probably new to you. However, you bring up a good point.. You don't know its our student section, because it doesn't say anything, and no one (Security, the ticket office) seems to tell you that. Its part of the problem I have. these are the other complaints i have heard so far:

-I am sure you remember two years ago, when my friend nick got thrown out. the excuse used was "he was sitting in a seat that he didn't have a ticket for." I find it hard to believe that our ticket office sold you tickets to the student section. When security was approached about the matter,i was told they did nothing.. all the students were looking for was to have you moved to your proper seat (most likely behind the bench, or in that area).

-the cowbell. One of our students had a cowbell. It was taken away by security, becuase it was an artificial nosiemaker.. they took it away during the warm-up. However, your fans were allowed to keep it, and i've heard were banging it during play more than once... same thing with the horns.

-the pretzel lady. If any of our students had grabbed a piece and thrown it back, we would have been escorted out immeadiately. yet, i was told srecurity basically did nothing. Once again, all the students wanted was for her to at least be moved to her proper seat, where she couldn't hit us with pretzels.

the way the security seems to bend over backwords for the opposing fans, and do nothing for us tends to **** me and my fellow students off.

By you sitting in our student section, you're basically walking onto our porperty like you own it. Its of disrespect to us. When our fans travel out to NMU, we at least sit in the section that our tickets are for. All we ask is that you would do the same. I understand and greatly respect your love for NMU hockey, but

It was also the day after thanksgiving.. if the friday game was at NMU, i think you would have seen similiar results, and if the sat. game was in the Sault, there would have been a lot more students.

I only wish you could have seen the place when we played U of M, or even Alaska Fairbanks. We had the student section packed.. the atmosphere was incredible.

I also don't know what to tell you about the megaphones.. Thier intended purpose it to project a voice.. banging them is no worse than stomping your feet (it even makes less noise, depending on where you stomp). For that reason, i think we are allowed to keep them.. since a horn or cowbell makes a more distint noise, they tend to crack down harder on that.

[MOJO]

Eddo...thanks for mentioning my good behavior. I was the driver and allowed 5 women to let loose. So as long as we're talking about it...it was all women who were unrulely!!! ;)

Your points are well taken.

The pretzels were thrown at the conclusion of the game and not before. If in fact you know these people who were struck you may give an apology on my behalf.

I've had stuff thrown at me at Michigan Tech. Been hit in the head with thunderstix at Taffey. Almost had to kick the **** out of a Western student at Lawson because of harrassment (while sitting behind NMU's bench)...why does it seem to be getting worse to travel on the road for games???

Maybe the attire should be toned down. Maybe we shouldn't make a point of traveling, making noise, and vocally supporting our team.

Is it protecting your turf by harrassing other fans? Or is it protecting your turf by turning up the volume in your own arena and making as much noise in support of your team as possible to drown the visitors out?

Now we both know the answers. And yes...I'm getting too old to be dealing...
I think I'll make a point to travel to more friendly arena's in the future. A place where we aren't singled out and harrassed but praised and welcomed for supporting our team as we do!!! :rolleyes:

[Laker Hockey]

Laker fans shouldn't be bashing any other CCHA fans. The folks from NMU are probably the best for supporting their team. I've encountered terrible attitudes from some of the other school's fans.

[michiganmidge]

I didn't mind the noisemakers at either ice rink this weekend, but what was annoying was using them (the horns) during play.
That was my only gripe.

I think the Puckheads are fine group of athletic supporters ;) ... but maybe it's time to pass the torch of goofy dressing back to the college students!

[Floodrick]

I find it hard to believe that our ticket office sold you tickets to the student section.
Lol.....it almost happened to me once. I had called and ordered about 22 tickets , was given the total, and that was it. I kinda wondered why I was only charged only half price but it ended up slipping my mind.
Well, my dad happened to be in the ticket office when I called so when the girl hung up he asked where she put us. "In the student section" she said. He then informed her that while yes we were students, we were NMU pep band students. "OH! OHHHH!!!!!" she she exclaimed. We were then promptly moved to section L.
The question remains....if my dad hadn't asked her where were put, what would have happened? We bought those seats and no one told us otherwise. We probally would have been kicked out of the section but to where? Hummm....oh well.

[Proud2baLaker]

Ok folks....I talked with a player who was dismissed from the team....but dont get to excited. I have known this player personally since last year and out of respect for him and the team did not ask as to why he was dissmissed. I did find out that he would be finishing the 04-05 school year at least here at Lake State and was still considering what to do after that (likely continue school somewhere). He did not know what the other dismissed players plans were.

I also got a little info on injuries. Violin hurt his knee late in the Friday game (very late like last couple minutes or even less). It is sounding like he will not dress either Friday or Saturday against Bemidji. I dont know the extent of the injury but Im hoping its not serious and he will be back soon.

Mike Adamek has also apparently injured his knee. i dont know about him and this weekends games but I would not be surprised if he misses one or both or has limited ice time.

Scoran too appears to be inured. He has reportedly injured his ankle but the player I spoke with was unsure. He did say that Scoran is usually pretty tough so it must have been something pretty good to keep him out Saturday. There is no word yet on his status for this weekend.

On a positive note....the player I talked to did allude to the possibility that he and the other player may have the opportunity to be reinstated on the team. However, he did not elaborate on that matter nor did I ask him too. So I wouldnt hold your breath.

There you have it folks. As much information I could get without trying to disrespect the hockey players. And I do not have any plans to go looking for information either. Whatever the violation or whatever that got them kicked off the team should not matter. What should matter is that we continue to support the team and that those guys continue to play thier guts out.