New President: Get Hockey!

[HerdBot]

To continue moving forward in D1 athletics, I hope the new president makes a push for D1 Hockey.

It makes sense and we already have a great venue just waiting for us! It's so logical that MSUM recognized the opportunity and they play in a different state!!

REASONS TO PURSUE HOCKEY
1) The Force averaged more fans per game than NDSU basketball and that was following the year we made the NCAA tournament.
2) No brainer but... Hockey is big in the midwest and we live in North Dakota! We're the largest University in the state and the largest city.
3) We already have an above average facilty with the UP Center
4) Too much talent in the midwest. Not enough teams. Seriously, if Bemidji can field an elite team, why can't NDSU?
5) Club hockey was a big deal back in the day! Most don't realize just how big it was when we were winning 8 National Championships.
6) MSUM even recognizes the opportunity for Hockey. Problem is they have no money. If we don't do this, someone else will. Then what?
7) UND constantly tries to piss us off. Now it's time to return the favor. We won't compete with them for years but hey if we can hurt their depth with our scholarships...that's cool! Heck, the Sioux were a big deal even before the Ralph was built so there is no reason we can't be competitive.
8) We have a nice developmental team in town with the Force.
9) 2,000 Flickertail season ticket holders in Fargo?
10) Some day we could play the likes of the Gophers in hockey?
11) Don't want to hear about not doing it becase we have no tradition. Expansion franchises start up all the time. Look at the Force and Wild.

With solid leadership, we could raise enough money to field a competitive hockey team within 10 years AND remodel the BSA. This is how we will separate ourselves from the rest.

[ndsubison1]

To continue moving forward in D1 athletics, I hope the new president makes a push for D1 Hockey.

It makes sense and we already have a great venue just waiting for us! It's so logical that MSUM recognized the opportunity and they play in a different state!!

REASONS TO PURSUE HOCKEY
1) The Force averaged more fans per game than NDSU basketball and that was following the year we made the NCAA tournament.
2) No brainer but... Hockey is big in the midwest and we live in North Dakota! We're the largest University in the state and the largest city.
3) We already have an above average facilty with the UP Center
4) Too much talent in the midwest. Not enough teams. Seriously, if Bemidji can field an elite team, why can't NDSU?
5) Club hockey was a big deal back in the day! Most don't realize just how big it was when we were winning 8 National Championships.
6) MSUM even recognizes the opportunity for Hockey. Problem is they have no money. If we don't do this, someone else will. Then what?
7) UND constantly tries to piss us off. Now it's time to return the favor. We won't compete with them for years but hey if we can hurt their depth with our scholarships...that's cool! Heck, the Sioux were a big deal even before the Ralph was built so there is no reason we can't be competitive.
8) We have a nice developmental team in town with the Force.
9) 2,000 Flickertail season ticket holders in Fargo?
10) Some day we could play the likes of the Gophers in hockey?
11) Don't want to hear about not doing it becase we have no tradition. Expansion franchises start up all the time. Look at the Force and Wild.

With solid leadership, we could raise enough money to field a competitive hockey team within 10 years AND remodel the BSA. This is how we will separate ourselves from the rest.

1. Basketball has the biggest potential of any college sport period
2. Hockey is popular in this area but there are plenty of other D1 hockey programs in this area. Recruiting, support and money would be very tough
3. Facility is way off campus. Fargo is a fair-weather fan city. Nobody wants to drive there twice a week to watch us get our asses kicked.
4. It will take us decades to field a great team.
5. Fair point.
6. Money, ah yes that is always important. We have much bigger priorities
7. Scrioux the sioux
8. We already have hockey here
9. A lot of them already hate NDSU
10. We already play them in football, basketball and baseball
11. Money, ah yes that is always important

[Tatanka]

I like hockey as much as the next guy (probably more). However, I would like to see NDSU concentrate its efforts on maximizing its current sports teams before embarking on the money pit you call college hockey. Lots more prioity than that.

[lakesbison]

1. gabe shows his true colors , always wondered about him,

2. i love hockey, but about 50% of the tri state region care about it, and 5% nationally .

3 ERV INNIGER/AMY RULEY/BUCKY (they will fight hockey to their deatns, believe that!)

[HerdBot]

1.We can still be great at basketball, football, and hockey. Although basketball has the most national potential, the chances of us competing in hockey is much greater. Once every 10-20 years we could make a run like Northern Iowa but we have a zero percent chance of making the Final Four. (The Sioux managed to win a D2 football championship, womens baskeball championship, and hockey championship)
2. Nationally there are not very many good teams. The midwest is loaded with talent. Heck, UND's bench could start for most teams. Bemidji, St Cloud, and Mankato can field competitve teams. So can we.
3. You can go clear across Fargo in 30 minutes. Besides, I live in south Fargo and I manage to make it to north Fargo for games.
4. Rome wasn't built overnight. Besides expansion teams start up all the time and go on to do big things.
5. MSU is correct.
6. One of the top financial issues with Hockey is finding a great venue. We already have one.
7. The best way to "screw the sioux" is to start hockey.
8. Club hockey is not the real deal.
9. Point was to illustrate just how popular hockey is. Driving 180 miles doesn't deter Fargo Sioux fans from driving so why would an off campus stadium?
10. It's not about playing the Sioux. It's about dominating the midwest.
11.If it's a good idea the money will flow in. Did any of us think the Force would field a team that outdraws NDSU baskeball? And the Force are a step down from college hockey.

[HerdBot]

It can be done without spending millions...

Bemidji State's speding on Hockey in 2009 was $359,238. They made it to the frozen 4.

They out spent teams like Boston.

Instead of looking at it as a NEGATIVE drain on finances, why not look at it as a POSITVE way to grow revenue?

[aces1180]

It can be done without spending millions...

Bemidji State's speding on Hockey in 2009 was $359,238. They made it to the frozen 4.

They out spent teams like Boston.

Instead of looking at it as a NEGATIVE drain on finances, why not look at it as a POSITVE way to grow revenue?

Bemidji State also has a storied history of NCAA Division II hockey, winning numerous national titles. There program worked its way up to Division I after years of playing at the lower levels.

[99Bison]

Reallllllly, this again!

[HerdBot]

Bemidji State also has a storied history of NCAA Division II hockey, winning numerous national titles. There program worked its way up to Division I after years of playing at the lower levels.

Our club hockey has a storied history too having won 8 Championships and back in the day, they had some huge crowds. But having a storied history doesn't necessarily mean success. SDSU was a so so football team but they are having more success than we are right now even though we have a better tradition. And with a great venue like the UP, we would have a nice jump start.

[aces1180]

Our club hockey has a storied history too having won 8 Championships and back in the day, they had some huge crowds. But having a storied history doesn't necessarily mean success. SDSU was a so so football team but they are having more success than we are right now even though we have a better tradition. And with a great venue like the UP, we would have a nice jump start.

Fair enough.

However, I disagree with you and will predict that we will never see NCAA Division I hockey at NDSU for AT LEAST 20 years.