First time poster here at Corn Nation - long time Hokie - even longer time Midwesterner - was raised in North Dakota, so I know Nebraska very well. Much respect for Corn Husker fans.

If what Andy Katz reported his true, Nebraska has made a great hire in Tim Miles.

Tim Miles has won in places that are traditionally VERY hard to win at.

Tim Miles started his coaching career at my undergraduate alma mater, Mayville State University (I went to graduate school at Virginia Tech). He had none, zero, nada resources and took the Mayville State University Comets to the NAIA playoffs - he did great at Southwest State University in Minnesota (Now Minnesota State - Southwest) - he did even better at North Dakota State University - helped a D1 program get off the ground (one that was just converting to D1) and get to their first NCAA tournament.

You know his track record at Colorado State - in five years with the Rams, he won more games every year finally taking them to the NCAA tournament - he is, my friends, a program builder.

The advice I have for Corn Husker fans is to be patient with him - because he will make you a winner.

His hire gives me a reason to cheer for Nebraska to do well in the Big 10.

Congratulations on what would be a great hire!!!

[Ed. note -- Front Page'd. That first panelist is a stud.]

Greetings, all. @HokieGuru here - yes, March Madness is in full swing, but we also have the ever awesome NCAA Men's Division I Ice Hockey tournament coming up. For some of us folks in the upper Midwest and those that live in the great Northeast, this is the college postseason tournament that matters most. The NCAA Regional Tournaments will be held March 23 - 25, 2012. The Final Four, otherwise known as the Frozen Four, will be held April 5 and 7 in Tampa, Florida.

I'm here to host a panel for this great event. But first, here's some information about our panelists:

-- @BCInterruption - Brian Favat is a founder and co-writer for BC Interruption, the SB Nation Boston College sports blog. Brian and Jeff created the blog in 2007 as a way of debating and discussing all sorts of topics about BC football, basketball and hockey. Brian is a 2004 graduate of Boston College, and a 2010 graduate of Northwestern University.

-- @fetch9 - Steve Fetch is a graduate of the University of North Dakota and also is the operator of The College Hockey Blog. He is currently in law school at Kansas and writes for Rock Chalk Talk.

-- @HJBosch21 - H. Jose Bosch covered Michigan hockey for the Michigan Daily during his sophomore year in college. He's loved college hockey ever since. Today he's the media relations manager for FC Tucson, a PDL soccer team in Tucson, Arizona. He must have a thing for niche sports.

-- @MTBadgers - Editor Andy Coppens has been covering Wisconsin Badgers Hockey for this season and has been a fan of Badger Hockey since an early age, which has also made him a huge WCHA guy ever since then as well. He also witnessed last years Regional in Green Bay, WI and will attend once again.

-- @WillsWorldMN - Will Ojanen is an ACC fan living in Gopher Nation.

-- @kensing45 - Kyle is a freelance sports writer in Southern California. His first gig was covering college hockey at the University of Arizona -- yes, it had a hockey team that spent 2011-'12 on a bizarre hiatus.

-- @govloop - Steve Ressler is a Miami (OH) alumni (go Redhawks!) who witnessed many hockey games in college sober unlike others. He loves all things Internet as the founder of govloop.com, the largest online community of government employees

Before I get into the 2012 Frozen Four, I would really like to take a holistic look at the NCAA Men's Division I Ice Hockey Tournament. @BCInterruption brought up a good point in a Twitter conversation - where to hold the future Frozen Four - the NCAA has had a strategy to hold it in different places to grow the sport (like Tampa, FL this year, for example) - others think that the tournament should be held in near the states where there the majority of college hockey programs are located (e.g. Minnesota, Massachusetts, Michigan). Give me your top four sites that should receive priority Frozen Four bids and a short explanation of your picks.

-- @BCInterruption - Boston is number one. It's almost criminal that the event won't return to the Hub until 2015 at the earliest (and 2016 or 2017 more likely, with both 2013 and 2014 back east in PA). That's over a decade with no Frozen Four in the epicenter of college hockey. Minneapolis / St. Paul, Detroit and New York City should be the other three locations in heavy rotation. NYC isn't a college hockey city per se, but the exposure and buzz generated from playing a championship in the media capital of the world (and MSG) should help grow the sport. Denver, Washington D.C. and Toronto are other suitable locations. Anyway, there should be a new bylaw that mandates that the Frozen Four get to both Minneapolis/St. Paul and Boston twice in a six-year period.

-- @fetch9 - St. Paul is the first one that jumps out at me. I also think Denver was a great one when it was there and thought DC put on a good show. In the future I'd like to see some in California and maybe even venture into Canada. I know Toronto was planning on bidding and I think that would be a great time.

-- @HJBosch21 - Minneapolis, Detroit, Boston, New York. I'm a fan of hockey and would love to see the game grow. But you can't grow something where there isn't any soil. Once you go west of the Mississippi and south of the Mason Dixon line, hockey is an afterthought. Why not reward the pockets of the country that actually care about hockey by giving them the Frozen Four every year. The best part about those four locations: they all have football stadiums (at least nearby if not in the city) that can provide records numbers for future Frozen Fours (a la Ford Field in Detroit).

-- @MTBadgers - Wow, this is a good question and I get the strategy that the NCAA is going for, but pushing away the fans from areas that love the sport is a bad idea. For me the four places I'd like to see hold the tournament are St. Paul/Minneapolis, Denver, Boston, and Detroit. All are relatively easy to get to for fans and all have great arenas to host the tournament and frankly there's nothing more exciting than seeing a full arena with the fan bases going nuts, something that won't be easily achieved this year in Tampa Bay.

-- @WillsWorldMN - Minnesota is the state of hockey, and having it at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul is a guaranteed sellout every game. Aside from that, I would look at Denver on the west coast, and two among Boston, Detroit, New York City. Maybe Canada would be interested in hosting it once in a while.

-- @kensing45 - I understand the concept, and Tampa shows decent enough support for the Lightning, but a half-full venue isn't going to win over cynical fans tuning in on TV for the first time. Fans can be a sheeplike bunch in that sense. A raucous crowd in Boston, which has shown tremendous support for its college hockey programs (Fenway Classic, Beanpot) would do more for the sport. Detroit is another worthwhile option, with strong programs in the area and the moniker Hockeytown.

-- @govloop - Like Omaha, Nebraska for College World series, I'd go mid-major cities where it means something to the town.

Okay, let's get into the 2012 Frozen Four. Take a look at the bracket and give us an under the radar team in the NCAA Division I Ice Hockey tournament that could make the Frozen Four. In other words, who could be this year's 2010 Rochester Institute of Technology?

-- @BCInterruption - I don't expect any of the no. 4 seeds to make it to Tampa this year, but watch out for Denver. The Pioneers made a run in the WCHA Tournament and knocked off a very talented Boston College team in Chestnut Hill towards the beginning of the year. Not sold on either Michigan or Ferris State's chances of advancing out of the Midwest Regional and like Denver's chances to get to the Frozen Four. (Aside: Air Force over BC? C'mon now).

-- @fetch9 - All of the 4 seeds look like they could win a game, but I'm going to say Cornell. I think Michigan has been a bit overrated all season, and as good as Shawn Hunwick is all it takes is one game where he's not on and Michigan is out. Rightly or wrongly the Wolverines have a bit of a reputation of struggling in the tournament as well, and you know Cornell won't let the moment get to them.

-- @HJBosch21 - Look out for Air Force. Yes, I'm calling an upset over the No. 1 overall seed. Why? I believe in Jason Torf, who has been the starting goalie since the end of January. In that time (13 games) he hasn't given up more than three goals in a game and notched four shutouts. Torf went 8-3-2 and led Air Force to the Atlantic Hockey Association conference tournament championship. Also, the last two trips for the Falcons have left a bad taste in the program's mouth. An overtime loss in the first round last season and an overtime loss in 2009 that stole a trip to the Frozen Four. That may not matter to Torf, but he's been playing well and no team, no matter how powerful, can beat a goalie on a hot streak.

-- @MTBadgers - I'm going to echo the thoughts of H. Jose here and say Air Force is a team to watch out for and I think they got jobbed with having to face No. 1 overall seed Boston College. I love a team that has a red-hot goaltender in the playoffs and that's exactly what the Falcons have in Jason Torf. They are also a team that has experience in the NCAA Tournament and that could be of some help to the program as a whole. It also helps that Torf has one of the best defensemen in the country in Tim Kirby (a Hobey Baker finalist) in front of him. Should they get beyond the Eagles this team could make a very deep run.

-- @WillsWorldMN - I'm going to agree with Fetch and say Cornell. I have a hard time going against BC or any WCHA teams. Cornell has done quite well on the road this year (6-2-5), and I think could hang with anyone they play.

-- @kensing45 - Can the defending champion be considered a dark horse? Drawing the overall No. 1 in the Round of 8 would indicate so, but until someone knocks off Minn.-Duluth, it's still the champion.

-- @govloop - Miami (OH) all day every day...Ohio is 8-0 in men's bball tournament right now and they are bringing that to hockey

Please give us your "Frozen Four." Who will win each of the regional finals? Put on your media hat!!

Continue reading this post »

Greetings all you college hockey fans - that time of the year that we love is close by... the 2012 NCAA Division I Men's Hockey Tournament begins this weekend. This year, the Frozen Four will be in, of all places, sunny Tampa, FL. Clearly, I cannot wait.

For years, the NCAA has used a priority ticketing system to reward priority ticket holders (e.g. those who have attended for many consecutive years have been rewarded - the highest priority level was nine, for example - someone who attended nine years in a row - and so on). Then, a portion of the tickets were held for first-time attenders. The ticketing process has changed for 2013.

More after the jump.

Continue reading this post »

People on twitter know that I love college hockey and my Fighting Sioux... my name is Matthew (and my screen name is @HokieGuru on Twitter).

Congratulations to the University of Minnesota - Duluth who defeated Yale today by the score of 5-3 in the East Regional Final.  In the night cap, the University of Michigan was victorious over Colorado College 2-1.  Both teams punched their tickets to the 2011 Frozen Four in the Twin Cities.  That leaves two bids left... so...

On Sunday, March 27, 2011, North Dakota (who defeated RPI 6-0) takes on Denver (who defeated Western Michigan 3-2 in 2 OTs) in the Midwest Regional Final at 5:30 PM EST (the game is on ESPNU-HD or ESPN3.com). 

Also on Sunday, Notre Dame (who defeated Merrimack 4-3 in OT) takes on New Hampshire (who beat Miami 3-1) in the Northeast Regional Final at 8 PM EST (the game is also on ESPNU-HD or ESPN3.com).

These are nice Sunday night viewing options :)

Take care... enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Virginia Tech has taken a football commitment from Kris Harley, a 6-foot-2, 265-pound junior from Warren Central High School in Indianapolis.

On Monday morning, John Hart, the Warrent Centrol Coach, confirmed that Harley had committed to Virginia Tech.

Accoring to Hart, Kris Harley is one of the most explosive players that he has every coached at Warren Central... Harley had almost 100 tackles from that position.

This is great news for our defense and welcome to the Hokie Nation.

Press release from VT Athletics (single game tickets are now on sale for men's basketball):


Good Afternoon Basketball Fans- I wanted to send this release, which is going out today on our website, to you before it’s posted on our website. There are not many individual tickets left and these make a great gift for any Hokie Fan. I hope you all have a Happy Turkey Day! GO HOKIES!

Men’s Basketball Individual Game Tickets on sale now

 
The Virginia Tech Athletics Department has announced that a limited number of men’s basketball tickets will go on sale now for all remaining home games scheduled.  The remaining schedule consists of eight home conference games that include contests against North Carolina, Clemson, Wake Forest and in-state rival Virginia, among others.  The Hokies also host several key non-conference opponents including Georgia, VMI, and Charleston Southern.   For a complete 2009-10 men’s basketball schedule, log on to hokiesports.com/mbasketball/schedule.

To purchase your tickets or for more information, log on to hokietickets.com or call the Virginia Tech Athletic Ticket Office at (540) 231-6731 or toll-free at 1-800 VA TECH4 (1-800-828-3244).

*VT*VT*VT*VT*VT*VT*VT*VT*VT*
Brent DiGiacomo
Director of Marketing & Promotions
366 Jamerson Athletic Center
Blacksburg, VA  24061
(540) 231-3236
(540) 231-3445 fax
GO HOKIES!

Update - here is the press release from Hokie Sports - http://www.hokiesports.com/mbasketball/recaps/20091123aaa.html

November 9, 2009
 
Dear Roundball Club,

            My dear friend, Dick Quible passed away today. Dick was a great friend to many. His genuine concern for the athletes, coaches and administrators was what made him so special. He was a passionate booster but more importantly, a loyal friend. He always had a positive word no matter the situation. I will miss his pre-game advice, “Coach, we just need one more point than them”.
            As we enter our last week of preparation, it is good to have JT and Victor back in practice. Both are key elements in this year’s team. This has been one of my most difficult pre-seasons as we have not had our team together for any practice. Having said that, I am pleased with our work ethic, commitment to competing on the defensive end of the floor, and our chemistry.
            The injuries have hurt our ability to clearly define the press as we have not had enough players to work on it on a daily basis. I still plan on developing this concept throughout the preseason. We have also been working on a number of zone defenses. I feel we need to change defenses, change tempo and protect players with foul trouble. The zone should assist us in these areas. 
            In regards to offense, the motion is still a work in progress. We are trying to get our players to curl tighter, set up their flair screens and wait on screens. In regards to sets, we are trying to get our low post scorers established with a number of high low sets as well as get a number of random ball screens for Malcolm in transition.
            I look forward to seeing all of you in the Cassell Sunday. We need a great crowd and energy as we begin the season. 
 
GO HOKIES! 
 
Seth Greenberg
Head Basketball Coach

Dear Roundball Club Member,

            I enjoyed getting an opportunity to present the Practice Facility to many of you at our gathering on Friday evening.  I would like to thank Ann Cassell for all her hard work in making the event possible. Her organizational skills and passion for our program and the Roundball Club is appreciated.

            We just finished our 3rd week of conditioning and skill work. The past three weeks we worked in groups of four working on fundamental concepts and shooting in our individual workouts. One of the great elements of the facility is we have eight baskets as opposed to only two in Cassell. We have done more quality shooting and free throw shooting than we have in the past six years! In regards to conditioning, Coach Jackson is extremely pleased with our guys’ focus and energy both in the weight room and conditioning.

            We had a great experience at the “Ropes Course” a couple of weeks ago. This was an opportunity for our team to grow, develop trust and also get outside themselves. They climbed a 50 ft tree , jumped off a ledge, walked a swinging bridge and crossed a gully by walking over holding to two wires. Coach Courtney and I were the only casualties and both of us are healing well!

            The basketball schedule has been released and it will be a challenge. We are the only team in the ACC to go on the road to two Big Ten programs as well as a neutral court road game vs Temple. This combined with a trip to Cancun for a game vs BIG East contender Seton Hall and a home game vs SEC member Georgia! I know many of you want great home games. Just understand we can not play someone if they don’t agree to come to Blacksburg. We will play as tough a non-league schedule as any in the ACC.

            Remember to reserve your space for the National Bank of Blacksburg Tip Off Banquet November 1. This year’s presenting sponsor will be The Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center. We are excited to be moving the event there.  Thanks again for your support and for all you do to make a difference!  
                                                                         
                                                                                                                                    
                                                                                   Seth Greenberg  
                                                                                   VT Men's Basketball Head Coach

The following is a message to Roundball Club Members, the fundraising arm behind Virginia Tech Men's Basketball.  I get mesages like this close to every week during college basketball season and monthly during the offseason.  Jus thought I'd share it with you Hokies.

August 22, 2009

Dear Roundball Club members:

It is hard to believe we begin classes next week. Each year the summer seems to get shorter!

We are settling into our new Practice Facility. The graphics and the display packages are magnificent! The facility will rival any in the country.

Our first team meeting will be in the film room, Saturday, August 22nd. I plan to show our players a video of our core beliefs of our program. It is important for them to understand that the facility doesn’t win games – it is the people in the facility that win games. We need to get back to the mind set of being the hardest playing, toughest team! Our theme for this year is, “Play With A Chip!”. The mindset that we are not an opponent and we will find a way to win!

Our schedule is complete! We have committed to play a National TV game January 2nd in Cancun. The opponent will be announced shortly. This season we will play teams from the SEC, Big 10, BIG EAST and Atlantic 10 champion, Temple.

I am planning a Roundball Club meeting the evening of September 11. We will have a tour of the facility and a Pizza Social afterwards. Ann Cassell will communicate the details in the near future.

Thanks again for your support.

IT’S A GREAT DAY TO BE A HOKIE!

Seth Greenberg Head Men's Basketball Coach