Post-Draft Thoughts and Reflections

by Redwing77

The 2015 NHL draft is over and with it, lots of news from highly drafted players from BU to highly baffling decisions by Boston.  Intriguing to be sure.

UND had four players drafted in Boeser, Tomek, Wolanin, and Wilkie.  Honestly, if you read a lot about the surprise about Wolanin's draft, be so.  He was unranked on the rankings and was slated to be undrafted yet went in the 4th round.

This isn't unheard of for UND freshmen.  Remember:  Brett Bruneteau was drafted in the 4th round by Washington and he wasn't on anyone's boards.

This doesn't mean much.  Going from what Sirius Radio analysts opine, those taken in the 4th round or later are various project picks designated boom or bust in various levels of perceived values (in other words, a project pick taken in the 4th round is seen to have more of a possibility or upside than one taken in the 7th round).  Pretty straight forward, not out on the limb type stuff.

In other news, former UND commit turned flake Ryan Gropp got drafted in the second round.  Good for him.  I'm sure he'll light it up at...wherever.

To me, the biggest winners from the NHL Draft:

1.  The QMJHL.  It seems like every other pick came from the Q.
2.  Michigan U.  The Wolverines led the NCAA in NHL draft picks with 7
3.  China.  Their first ever NHL draft pick came in this year's draft.  I didn't know Yao Ming could skate (ha ha ha.. no really, this kid, Song is his last name, seems to be a pretty decent skater)
4.  BU and BC had great representation in the first two rounds
5.  Team USA:  MANY drafted
6.  Buffalo and Edmonton.  Edmonton drafted and traded well, but I think Buffalo was the best overall in every respect on draft day.

Losers:

1.  Boston Bruins.  Sorry Goon.  First, they trade for Martin Jones.  Why?  I guess that's a strong endorsement for Malcolm Subban's development?  They couldn't keep Svedberg (who Siriux/XM said Boston had soured over but I didn't think he was all that bad) but really...  Sean McIndoe (@DownGoesBrown) tweeted:  Martin Jones: I hate being stuck behind an all-star on a long term deal. Agent: You just got traded. Jones: Awesome! Where to? Agent: Um...

And the three picks.  Ok, the two picks.  The #13 pick was fine.  The other two?  Sorry.  There were FAR FAR FAR better players on the board.  In fact, the #15 pick, Senyshyn, wasn't on anyone's draft board before the Boston's 4th pick, #39 in the second round so they could have chosen someone like UMich commit Kyle Connor or Matthew Barzal.

I know Goon's a big B's fan and will probably disagree with me but this is NOT a good debut for Don Sweeney.  Sadly, a snarky commentby Sean McIndoe (@DownGoesBrown) stated "$100 to Chiarelli if he goes up there for this pick and leads off with "Miss me yet, Boston?"

Hindsight might prove me wrong.  Senyshyn may be a great pick.  Debrusk might be a great pick.  But only hindsight will change most people's minds.

For the record, however, I think trading Lucic was a good idea.  Sometimes you have to let a guy you love go.  I remember when my Wings let Federov go.  Now, that wasn't as amicable a parting as Lucic's situation, but still... I loved Federov.  As for Hamilton, I think money was the issue, sure, but there is NO WAY.. NO ING WAY Calgary's offer was the best out there, even if Boston didn't want to trade him to Edmonton.  NO WAY.

2.  Vancouver Canucks:  Another awesome snarky comment on Twitter:  Fear The Fin ‏@fearthefin Jun 27

Five years ago the Canucks had Roberto Luongo, Cory Schneider and Eddie Lack. Now they have no cash, no jobs and no goaltending.

Ok, I'm not sure if I necessarily agree with "no" goaltending.  Ryan Miller is a good goaltender, but sadly he's no longer great.  And Jacob Markstromm is actually looking to be solid.  I've seen him play on TV a few times and he looked inconsistent but solid.  In other words, a Swedish Marc Andre Fleury.

3.  Pittsburgh Penguins:  They did nothing.  Nothing at all.  Well, they were talked about a lot in the Kessel sweepstakes.  They were mentioned in acquiring Jeff Skinner from Carolina.... but Pierre McGuire couldn't even make the Penguins relevant in this year's draft.  They need cap relief and the Pens didn't seem to care to do it this way, whereas many other teams did.

4.  Peter Chiarelli - Former B's GM and current Edmonton GM called Florida a city.  Good for you Peter. 

5.  Pierre McGuire - Just because he's got no excuse for being as ill-informed as he always seems to be.  If it isn't related to Crosby, he doesn't know.  Time for TSN to assign a "minder" to McGuire to stop him from sticking his foot in his mouth.  Oh, and if he's going to be between the benches, he needs to wear a helmet.  He's been hit a few too many times.

Mike Commodore goes off on Pierre McGuire

Former NHLer and University of North Dakota defenseman Mike Commodore took to twitter to express his displeasure with Pierre McGuire. He's not alone, there are many fans that can't stand McGuire. I see a lot of NHL fans expressing their thoughts about McGuire on social media often, many of them aren't very flattering. So, what do you think of big Mike's thoughts?

Good morning folks! Can I turn the tv back on yet or is #ShitStain still stinking it up?

— Mike Commodore (@commie22) June 28, 2015

What's up folks! Today's news..charleston rocks, ocean course is legit, and #Shitstain still stinks.

— Mike Commodore (@commie22) June 27, 2015

Hey #ShitStain, the blue jackets didn't draft Jack Johnson. Wake up.

— Mike Commodore (@commie22) June 27, 2015

I can't watch this. Off button. #ShitStain ruins it. Again.

— Mike Commodore (@commie22) June 27, 2015

Pierre? Oh you mean #ShitStain ? RT @railfan514: @commie22 Please tell me you are talking about Pierre.

— Mike Commodore (@commie22) June 27, 2015

Hey #ShitStain, the blue jackets didn't draft Jack Johnson. Wake up.

— Mike Commodore (@commie22) June 27, 2015

Wild Fans Exhale: Devan Dubnyk Re-Signs with the Wild

View image | gettyimages.com

Crosses fingers. I think we don't have to worry about backup goalie Niklas Backstrom being in the mix next season., unless there's a lot of injuries. Or at least I hope we don't. The Wild have re-signed Devan Dubnyk. Wild fans can now exhale.

Per Michael Russo:

After three days of heavy-duty negotiation, the Wild has agreed to terms with the goaltender on a six-year, $26 million deal, sources say. That's a $4.33 million cap hit, making Dubnyk the 21st-highest paid goaltender in the game. He makes $5 million each of the first four years, $3.5 million and $2.5 million the last two. There is a limited no-trade clause for part of the deal.

"Like I said from the outset, he’s been very clear that he wanted to remain in Minnesota and we’ve been adamant about trying to keep him," GM Chuck Fletcher said. "We’ve been chasing stability in the goaltending position and we’re hopeful that Devan can be a steadying influence back there."

The deal almost certainly makes young goalie Darcy Kuemper expendable at some point. But at a $1.25 million salary and the Wild in the need of a backup this year, the time to trade Kuemper could come later in the season or next summer.

Update on Dubnyk contract: It's $26M for 6 for a 4.33M AAV. 20th highest-paid goalie. $5M per 1st 4 years, $3.5, $2.5 last 2

— Michael Russo (@Russostrib) June 27, 2015

Dubnyk's deal will have a limited no-trade for part of contract.

— Michael Russo (@Russostrib) June 27, 2015

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The Wild Are Going to the Gophers: Mike Reilly Picks Wild

If you're a Minnesota Gopher fan, you're probably really happy right now. The highly-sought free agent and former Minnesota Golden Gopher Mike Reilly had narrowed his choices down to four teams, the Wild, Blackhawks, Kings and Penguins were said to be in the running for Reilly's services. If you're  a Columbus Blue Jacket fan, you're probably not all that happy.  

Michael Russo, Russo's Rants -- The Mike Reilly sweepstakes are coming to an end this afternoon and unless something backfires, he will be signing with the Wild.

But in other much-anticipated news, sources tell me agent Pat Brisson is expected to call Fletcher this afternoon with the news that Reilly has chosen the Wild. He can not officially sign until Wednesday.

Again, unless something backfires (I keep saying that because Reilly's camp has not informed the Wild yet), Reilly is expected to agree to a two-year, $1.85 million deal (plus bonuses) with the Wild, sources say.

So, if you're a Wild fan that's not a Gopher fan, are there too many ex-Gophers on the Wild? I am sure that Drunk Hockey Guy will go out and buy a new Minnesota Wild jersey with Reilly's name on the back. :)

View image | gettyimages.com

More Flawed Logic

I am going to be here pointing out the flawed points about adopting the Sundogs nickname. I just found this little doozy. This is why I am no board with any of the other six nickname choices that aren't Sundogs.

There was an letter published June 25 in support of the name and logo of Sundogs for UND (Making the case for UND Sundogs," Page A4). I concur for the reasons stated, but additionally, Sundogs would provide perfect imagery for and connections with UND's membership in the Big Sky conference.

It's time for those associated with the university to turn the page and move forward with a new chapter. Those favoring just "North Dakota" are those who cling to using "Fighting Sioux," unofficially, forever.

Loyalties should be toward the institution, not imagery. Just look at all the high school consolidations and sports cooperatives that not only changed logos and mascots but also school colors as well. (Dave Davidson Sr., Devils Lake)

Grand Forks Herald Letter: The truth: UND, system officials wanted the name change

As you have nave noticed, I have been scanning the Grand Forks opinion page. Like one of my Facebook friends suggested, I am actually surprised that the Herald Editorial staff approved this letter. This letter was too big to post in it's entirely, so I posted the part that makes the point. Thoughts?

(Read the whole article at the Herald) That does not mean restoring the name and image. It means for the university and university system to tell the truth.

We faced so much deceit and deception for seven long years at the hands of the state's higher education system. We were not fighting the NCAA as much as the state's education system. We would have stopped fighting at any time if they were honest enough to say that they were the ones—not the Sioux—who wanted the name changed.

As they stated in four different courts, "the Sioux mean nothing." The Sioux fought hard and long for truth, honor and justice.

Choosing a new name without first telling the truth is just adding to the disgrace that has taken place at UND for more than seven years. The vast majority of alumni, North Dakotans and Sioux tribal members hold honor, integrity and respect at their very core. Sadly, the university administration today believes in none of that.

Cline is correct that in 2012, the state primary was 2-to-1 in support of dropping the name and image; but in January 2011, the citizens voiced their support by a 17-1 ratio.

As I wrote yesterday. This is why we must reject the Sundogs name. As long as the Sundogs name is still alive, there's a chance that UND ends up with this stupid nickname. A majority of UND fans, Students and Alumni reject this nickname.

In addition to the many good reasons Mario Solis presented in his recent letter to the editor for selection of the name Sundogs for UND, add this one: UND appears in the middle of the name—sUNDogs. I like the idea!
(Letter to the editor)

Margaret Williams,

Grand Forks

Let's Reject Sundogs Outright

This is the kind of thinking and logic that has to be rejected outright, or UNDWILL end up with the nickname like Sundogs.


It’s a letter to the Grand Forks Letter to the editor (LETTER: A case for the UND "Sundogs). If you want to read it, you can click on the link.

What should work to convince us all is a simple Google image search for Sundogs (I would use search tools to select only large images to really bring it home). Sundogs are beautiful displays of nature that are native to our winter lands. Their majestic appearance cannot be done justice by mere words. I urge Herald readers to examine the phantasmagoria.

There is also a wonderful fan-participation opportunity if we select the Sundogs. Sundogs appear in the winter because of the heavy presence of ice crystals in the atmosphere. Fans can play summoners of Sundogs by wearing blue (color of the sky) and/or bringing crystals to games.

In case Herald readers aren't convinced that Sundogs is the superior of the seven, I have one final proposition. Sundogs are generally formed by three lights, with our Sun at the center being flanked by two slightly smaller, slightly angled Sun illusions. These three lights could be named individually. As a way to provide an overlapping consensus, I propose that these dogs be named Nodak, North Star, and Hawkeye (or something with "Green").

Here come the sUNDogs!

Herald Letter: For UND's sake, let university adopt new nickname

I am sure that the Fighting Sioux supporters will be excited with this lecture. Does anyone want to bet this guy is also a supporter of the nickname Sundogs? It sounds like it. First, I don't think that anyone is suggesting that we go back to the Fighting Sioux nickname.

Also, there's no reason to just select a new nickname for the sole reason having a new one. This is why I caution the UND nickname committee to proceed carefully. Don't let the Paul Clines of the world dictate the terms moving forward.


(Link to the Letter)
In many ways, these past few years have been the time of political lost causes. In Washington, Republicans in Congress have tried unsuccessfully more than 70 times to repeal Obamacare. Likewise, it's impossible to watch Fox News for any length of time without someone bringing up Benghazi and Hillary Clinton.

Although the issue has been a GOP talking point for two years, it is a story that never gains traction, much to the tea party's dismay.

Closer to home, we have our own never-ending story: the Fighting Sioux nickname and logo. Despite gallons of journalistic ink, several court cases and a statewide vote to repeal the name that passed by a 2-to-1 margin, there is a segment of North Dakota society that cannot let go.

While I understand their frustration and can quote Eunice and David Davidson's arguments verbatim (that is how long this story has been around), there comes a time when clinging to one's sincerely held beliefs stops being a virtue and simply becomes a form of pride and idolatry.

I do not begrudge the other side their belief. They have fought long and hard for a cause they believe in deeply.

But I do resent their efforts to sabotage UND's future by erecting roadblocks in the process of choosing a new name. Despite their rhetoric, their actions show a profound animosity toward the institution they claim to support.

Continuing to compete as North Dakota would be acceptable if none of the other names were satisfactory. That is not the case.

The people of North Dakota voted to retire the nickname. It would take UND dropping out of the NCAA and another statewide vote to reinstate the name. Neither is going to happen.

It is wrong to block the future because of hard feelings over the past. It is time to move on.

Paul Cline, Grand Forks

Play the GM for an Hour

by Redwing77

Ok, I heard an ad for this segment on NHL radio on Sirius/XM and I was unable to catch this segment but it got me thinking.

Here's what the host challenged:  You are the GM of your favorite team for 1 hour in which you can make any ONE move, no strings attached.  What would it be?

The host stipulated that it could be a front office move, a trade, a buyout, a signing, or whatever realistically possible and rational (so, no "I'd trade my 2015 7th round draft pick for Jonathan Toews" nonsense).

Which team would it be and what would you do?

After following the Blackhawks this postseason, and I was Bowman, I'd go against the grain and try to keep Sharp and get rid of....  Bickell and Crawford.  Look, Bickell is the next Dave Bolland.  Yeah, he's nice to have but he wasn't really visible.  And with the emergence of Shaw, you don't need him.  And Crawford may have two rings now but he's the most mediocre ring-winner I've seen.  I'd trade Crawford and Bickell to Philly for one of their logjammed D prosects, a 2015 3rd round pick, and a conditional 2016 midround pick.  The Blackhawks now have taken two nobody goaltenders and turned them into Stanley Cup champions (Niemi and Crawford).  They can do the same with Raanta and Darling... or they could go out and sign Ramo or someone.  Who really cares.  It's plug and play.


As for my Wings?  Yeesh.  They need depth at forward and, imo, a top 4 defenseman.  I think I'd do something rash like.... win the lottery again and try to steal Dougie Hamilton away from the Bruins.  NHL Radio suggests that Edmonton could do this very thing but comon Dougie, Motown is better than Edmonton!

So, what would you do?

Tuesday Readers Poll: Your Pick for UND’s Nickname

Of the 7 remaining Nickname Selections, which one do you like?

Roughriders

Nodaks

North Stars

North Dakota

Fighting Hawks

Greenhawks

Sundogs

Poll Maker

Here's your chance to vote. Which nickname option do you like the most? Vote for your favorite choice.

Poll: Sundogs vs. Greenhawks

Would you support the nickname Greenhawks over Sundogs

yes

no

Poll Maker

First, I want to be clear. I am not endorsing the Greenhawks nickname, I am just throwing it out there. Also, if I have a choice, I would rather have UND or North Dakota as a nickname.

What about Greenhawks?

One of my facebook friends Traci Wald sent me this picture in a tweet yesterday.

Looking at all of the remaining options for a new nickname/logo, I actually think that Greenhawks could work. If you could design a logo similar to the one on the right, I could get on board with this. Imagine an all green logo that looks sort of like this.

Obviously, UND couldn't use this exact one because it's the logo of the Chicago Blackhawks, but something similar to this could work and would be acceptable. I have no idea how other UND fans would react to this, just throwing it out there.

People have asked me which option that I like the most. First, I can accept six-of-seven the remaining nickname options. In no way will I ever be able to get behind the Sundogs nickname, I think it's a bad idea. It's utterly unacceptable to me. Like I have said before, go back and look who is pushing the Sundogs logo.

@goon48 Not sure who made this one, but I could get behind this logo....Thunder Hawks?? pic.twitter.com/iM7JT38qfT

— Traci Wald (@WaldTraci) June 22, 2015

Gwoz to leave Lightning to pursue other opportunities

Per the Tampa Bay Lightning team page, former Denver head coach George Gwozdecky is moving on after spending two season with the Lightning.

Tampa Bay Lightning team release - Assistant Coach George Gwozdecky is leaving the Tampa Bay Lightning to pursue other opportunities, Vice President and General Manager Steve Yzerman announced today. Gwozdecky has been with the Lightning on head coach Jon Cooper's staff for two seasons, most recently helping the franchise to the 2015 Eastern Conference Championship and a berth in the Stanley Cup Final.

"Jon Cooper and I, along with the entire Lightning organization, would like to thank George and his family for giving us the past two years," said Yzerman upon making the announcement. "He helped turn a young, unproven team into the Eastern Conference Champions and we appreciate his professionalism and dedication."

Gwozdecky joined the Lightning on August 9, 2013 after serving as the head coach at the University of Denver for 19 seasons. At Denver, Gwozdecky won back-to-back national championships (2004, 2005) and was named National Coach of the Year twice (1993, 2005). He also served as head coach at Miami (OH) University for five seasons and his 593 collegiate wins as a head coach rank 11th all-time in the NCAA.

"I have fulfilled my obligation with the Tampa Bay Lightning and I am going to take some time away to consider my next career step," said Gwozdecky. "I would like to thank owner Jeff Vinik, GM Steve Yzerman, coach Jon Cooper and the entire Lightning staff for two very memorable years."

In two seasons with Gwozdecky as an assistant, the Lightning won 96 of 164 regular season games, making back-to-back playoff appearances. The team begins the 2015 offseason after losing the Stanley Cup Final in six games to the Chicago Blackhawks. En route to the Stanley Cup Final, the Lightning defeated the Detroit Red Wings, the Montreal Canadiens and the New York Rangers

It will be interesting to see where Gwoz ends up next.

HERALD LETTER: No greatness lost as Kelley leaves (Nickname Related)

I will let this one speak for itself. 

FORT TOTTEN, N.D. — I disagree with Mike Jacobs’ assertion that UND President Robert Kelley was cheated out of greatness. You can’t “cheat” anyone out of greatness. Greatness may be ignored and/or not acknowledged, as may be the case with Kelley.

And anyone who manages to get rid of 80-year-old racist college nickname is great in most people’s books. If anyone was cheated out of greatness it was the university by the people who opposed Kelley by attempting to obstruct him from doing his job. Furthermore, UND can be great if many people there shed their 19th-century way of thinking and follow leaders like Kelley.

Erich Longie

Herald Letter: Sundogs is the best nickname for UND

Yippy,Skippy! Another one for the Sundogs nickname.  Again, for those that are unfamiliar with what a Sundog is look to your right. 

In the November 17, 2007, edition of the Grand Forks Herald, I submitted my suggestion of Sundogs as the UND nickname.  Later, I officially submitted the name and I see that nickname is high on the list of remaining considered nicknames. Some folks may not know what a sundog  is and may not understand some ‘lore’ surrounding sundogs. So, I thought I’d clarify why I submitted the name.

Sundogs are a weather condition or phenomenon that can be noticed anywhere in the world.  They look  like rainbows or halos on either side of the sun and can be very, very bright.  When you see them, you can be astonished how their power, beauty and unique strength capture your attention.  There is nothing quite like them, and what a great set of images to be reflected in UND’s new nickname!

The scientific name of a sundog is a solar parhelia, which is really Greek (yup) meaning “beside the sun.” You can often see them on sunny afternoons about an  hour before sunset, and at sunrise around here. They appear when ice crystals form in the upper atmosphere (another reference to UND being in the upper atmospheres of education and athletics). The ice crystals bend the sunlight causing a reflected image of the sun to appear on one or both sides of the sun.  They can occur anywhere in the world (just like UND grads), but mostly appear in the western skies (again just like UND grads).

Some folklore has Native Americans interpreting the glowing light beside the sun to look like a dog, ready to leap through a ring of fire.  Other folklore says that they are a good indication that the observer will have good luck and many rewards with any travels.  More folklore has proven true in that sundogs still are a good indicator that weather conditions will change in the next day to day and a half  (meaning that when the Sundogs arrive for any competitions, things are going to change!)  

I still support the Sundogs nickname very much!  That idea — my idea — has a certain “bite” to it and it would give UND an identity that is entirely unique and powerful, with no strings attached.

Ralph Sollom

Bemidji

8 Millon Reasons why Kessel won't be Traded Soon

After all of these years, Eklund is still putting out false rumors that lead nowhere at all. Eklund was right when Jonathan Toews signed, but I think it was the last time.

Update 225pm:
I'm hearing a very strong rumor right now that the Phil Kessel trade could go down as early as tonight. According to my source a few teams were close and while the price is very high, The leafs may move on that a bit to get this done so they can plan for the many other moves they have coming. The source went on to say the leafs will get multiple pieces and those pieces will help in some other deals. Also, don't rule out the New York Rangers. I wouldn't put them as a favorite, or even on the chart as of yet, but at least one source told me it's very possible

In all seriousness folks, in today's salary cap world, it's going to be very tough to move a player with an 8 million dollar a year salary. Second, it's Phil Kessel, who only plays offense. That's a lot of money for a one-dimensional player.

Of the eight teams that Kessel has said he will play for, six of them have serious salary cap issues. Minnesota just cut loose Matt Cooke.

AP: Wisconsin school district bans American Indian team logos

And some have said it will never happen here, right? Here my prediction, come the lawsuits. This school is a perfect example of how our country is being ruined by political correctness run amuck. I really hope that these people are really happy with themselves.

MADISON, Wis. — Sports fans may have to leave their Blackhawks, Indians or Redskins gear at home if they plan on entering a Madison public school next year.

Starting this fall, public school students in Wisconsin's capital city cannot wear shirts, hats or other items that display the name, logo or mascot of any team that portrays a "negative stereotype" of American Indians. Those who do must change or face suspension or expulsion.

"The existence of these mascots destroys our self-esteem. The existence of these mascots shows us how people really think of us," Gabriel Saiz, a junior at Madison West High, told the city school board in May shortly before it voted unanimously to adopt the policy.

The district's dress code says a list of prohibited logos and mascots would be made available before the beginning of the school year.

The move comes some two years after Gov. Scott Walker signed a law that made it harder for the state's public schools to drop tribal nicknames. The measure was prompted by officials in a handful of Wisconsin cities who refused to part with mascots such as the Chieftains and the Indians after the state Department of Public instruction ordered them to drop the monikers. Previous state law allowed the state agency to launch a hearing into each race-based nickname with a single complaint. Current law requires a petition to trigger the hearing.

Shall we review the first amendment of the American Constitution again?

Amendment I  Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Finally, in case anyone forgets, the Blackhawks nickname was meant to be an honor to the 333rd Machine Gun Battalion of the 86th Infantry Division during World War I. This Division was nicknamed the "Blackhawk Division" after a Native American of the Sauk nation, Black Hawk, who was a prominent figure in the history of Illinois.

Wisconsin State Journal Axes Andy Baggot

This is really bad news for the college hockey world. It's the nature of the business, I don't like very much. I can predict that with the retirement of Andy Johnson and the axing of Andy Baggot, the coverage of Wisconsin Badgers hockey will take a hit next season. I had the pleasure to run into Baggot during a couple of UND hockey games and they guy was interesting and always had some good work.

The Wisconsin State Journal has launched a new round of staff cuts that look more like slashes, laying off four staffers and announcing that three key departures will go unfilled.

Among the layoff victims are columnist Doug Moe, a veteran Madison journalist whom the paper hired away from the jointly owned Capital Times in 2008; sports columnist Andy Baggot, who has written for the paper since 1978; and sports columnist Dennis Semrau, who has covered local prep sports and the Milwaukee Brewers for decades. Brandon Storlie, who joined the paper in 2009 and has worked as a reporter and sports copy editor, has also been laid off.

Sources says these layoffs, announced to staff late Thursday afternoon by State Journal editor John Smalley, were not voluntary. (Read the rest of the story)

Argus Leader: UND nickname options ranked and analyzed

Mick Garry from the Argus Leader had a few things to say about UND's nickname selection process and ranks the final seven nicknames left standing. Of course, he has Sun Dogs number one. Meh.

Mick Garry, Argus Leader -- At an unbelievably high level I don't care. But the choosing of a new nickname for a college is a unique situation because it doesn't happen every day. So I'm here to grade the efforts of those who are going to re-brand the UND athletic department for what I expect will be all eternity.

They released the final seven options and they are these: Roughriders, Sundogs, North Stars, Nodaks, Fighting Hawks, Green Hawks and no nickname at all.

In descending order of preference:

7. ROUGHRIDERS

6. NODAKS

5. NORTH STARS

4. NO NAME AT ALL
Mark my words: The absence of a nickname will give sportswriters in that area the latitude needed to come up with something else. That's how it all started in the first place, you know. Sportswriters wanted better flow to their sentences. UND will casually become known as the "Nodaks" and 50 years from now, they'll officially adopt that nickname.

3. FIGHTING HAWKS

2. GREEN HAWKS

1.SUNDOGS

STRENGTHS: This isn't a dog, which might be news to some out there who have never experienced a clear blue 20-below January afternoon. And it's not taking the word dog and hammering it up against some other word that makes it sound a little cuter. Sundogs are the visual fruit of sunlight interacting with ice crystals and they are impressive sights. They are symbols of the under-appreciated beauty of winter and life in the north and all the requisite qualities demanded of those who choose to live in places where you get to see an occasional Sundog. Logo-wise we're dealing with what looks like a sun and the marketing and design wizards who will be charging UND Ralph Engelstad-level mountains of cash will be able to come up with things that are genuinely impressive. No reason to dummy-down or angry-up a Sundog.

WEAKNESSES: Nobody knows what a Sundog is and there will be a temptation to put ears and a snout on a mascot to make sure your whining four-year-old sugar-buzzed brat wants to hug it during a time out.

Firs, UND has played without a nickname for three years already. For the most part, it's worked so far. To some, UND was kind of bland.

Sure, at first, it was hard to write, UND, UND, UND and North Dakota, North Dakota and North Dakota. But after a while, you kind of figured it out. Moreover, the Green and White (UND's colors) might suffice if you were stuck. I know this upset some of the UND fans.

Seriously, I don't want to write a gammer using the nickname "Sundogs" in it. Not going to do it.

Finally, UND Alumni, fans, and current students we need to push back before the University of North Dakota is stuck with a very bad nickname. We all know what's driving the nickname "Sundogs" and where it's coming from. Again, we need to take a stand and push back against this horrible, moronic nickname choice unless you want your favorite school to become a mockery. I can live with the other six nickname choices listed above, but "Sundogs" is a nonstarter for me.  It's too egregious to accept.