Blues vs Stars 10-2-10 in pics

Meet the New and Imroved RRVS in Fargo, ND a 3/8th's mile track

If only I lived in 1928...

Opening day in Sweetish Style..

The Blues got the season started off with Jay Mac's 1st goal of the season. Instead of waiting 22 games, he got the monkey off his back in the 1st. The game then shifted to the Deadwings, as they scored 3 unanswered goals. Then it was the Blues turn to score 3 unanswered goals. The game winner went to Paul Kariya, as he dished it to TJ Oshie, then Osh gave it back to PK as they went in on a 2-0 break, PK beat Os(notso)good on the blocker side again for his 2nd goal of the game..

Good 1st game back for PK as he only played 11 games last year. He was averaging over a pt/game. And it looks like he'll continue that pace.

Jay McClemment is the Leading scorer in the NHL! Who'd a thunk? Not me.. But then again it's early..

Chris Mason, looked steady, and definitely pulled off some huge saves for the win. Ty Conklin will get his piece of his old team today.

Brian Engblom loves TJ Oshie. (He's the Versus TV network in studio analyst. Last night he called out that Osh must be doing something right, since the 2nd year youngster is put out 1st on a 5 on 3 against the most deadly power play in the League last year.... Engblom goes on to talk about how great of an all-around player Osh is, and how Murray must have lots of confidence in the youngster.

Let's plan for a "SWEEDISH SWEEP"

I couldn't but help to laugh when I saw this pic up on http://www.stltoday.com/ the fans on the right, and the Blues on the left, as they're both on their way to eat lunch together.. As you can see someone probably woke Jax up from a nap.

Dirt Track wear updated

Edited again 9-8-09 Some drivers better look out, cause someone is getting together a ride for 2010...

2009 Racing Season about to Start..

Let's start it off with a big shoutout to our 2008 Champions.. They earned it..

Onto some predictions of sorts..

Streets: Last year rookie Lance Schill won 5 heat races, and swept 1 night.. He's moved up to the Midwest Modified ranks now. Shockingly, Joe "Spiderman" Potter won 2 heats last year, but just couldn't catch a break on bringing his car to Rydell GM Auto Center Victory Lane. The Champ brought home 4 Heat wins, and doubling that number of Feature Wins. Geringer took home 6 Heat wins, and 2 features.

photo credit http://www.joepottermotorsports.com/

This class is always uber-competitive, but I'm going to go with Spiderman to dust off the cob webs (no pun intended) and get back to the checkered flooring.


MWM's: The biggest class at River Cities saw 53 different drivers race at the famed 3/8 mile bullring. And a bullring it became. 19 different drivers won heat races, but one youngster stood the tallest winning 8 Heat races, 5 Features, and 4 sweeps yielding Dustin Strand his 3rd Points title at what he calls his home track. (Also quick shoutout to his Crew Chief Josh, it's a tough job)

(Nice trophy)Photo credit http://www.strandracing.com and www.ornesscreations.com

Strand's biggest competition throughout the season at more then one track was that of "Iron" Ryan Schroeder who took 2nd not only in points at RCS but in Devils Lake Speedway as well to Mr Strand. Schroeder won 2 Heats and 2 Features last year having his Career Best year, I do believe he's bought a new chassis mount, and looking to improve on last years performance.

Strand's teammate Flyin Bryan LePier won 4 Heat Races, and 1 Feature last year, but was a threat on any given night.photo credit http://www.bryanlepierracing.com/

Also Todd Johnson got back in the saddle of a modified and wheeled himself to 3 Heat wins, and a Feature win. Another shocker to last year was Bryan Dyrdahl winning 4 Heat races, but unable to get to the checkers 1st in the Features, but having won numerous features in 2007 I look for him to rebound in 2009. 2007 Rookie of the Year Patrik Sobolik made it through the Sophomore "slump" (is what they say) but 2008 was a great year for the 2nd year driver winning 4 Heat races and finishing 4th in Points. He's going to be due for a Feature win this year. Lastly, the Rookie of the Year for 2008 was Zach Naastad of Hatton, ND. Winning a Heat race in his 1st year against stiff competition helped boost his confidence, and having a teammate with over 100+ Feature to ask questions helped vault him to 7th in points and earned him Rookie of the Year honors..

photo credit www.strandracing.com

Moving onto some predictions for the http://www.hawkshobbyheaven.com/index.phpWissota Midwest Modifieds (I have no clue who or what the sponsor is all about but happy it's their :))

I see that Dustin Strand sold his 2007 mount that won him over 66 races in 2 years leaving him with his 2009 mount: I see he's added some wheels, and maybe might Flinstone it around the track... But then I see that Ben Adams from is going to help him with a powerplant again this year. And since the last time he debuted a new car in 2007 he went on to win over 50% of the races he entered.. Can he repeat that performance 2 years later?? Since he hot lapped last weekend in MN I say he's ready to defend his title for the 4th year. But look for above mentioned drivers plus a few street stock drivers that have upgraded to one of them Millenium Nightmare Chassis'. In Lance Schill, Adam Thompson, and a mystery guest...

photo credit www.strandracing.com The above picture is of Lance Schill's new Millenium Nightmare Chassis, powered by Millar Engines. I think he's a strong pick to win the Rookie of the Year honors, and also maybe a Feature win or 2?

Onto the NLRA Late Models:A fond farewell to the 2008 NLRA Points Champ Mr. Multi Time Champ Mike Balcaen. With over 16 different drivers winning Heat Races. Joey Pederson won 4 Heat Races and 3 Features earning him the 2008 Points title. BUT there is a driver who WON more races then Mr Pederson... Brad Seng topped ALL drivers with 5 Heat Races and 4 Feature Wins... I don't have all the stats, but I'm assuming Brad Seng missed a night or two... Also 2008 saw the comeback of Tom T1 Corcoran who went on to win 4 Heat races and a feature on his way to a 3rd place finish in points, but was even more impressive on the NLRA tour. Maybe the excitement of winning brought the young T1 back to his racing roots, and might entice him to travel more and entertain even more crowds. (I hear his car is pretty sharp this year) Troy Schill was able to take his #11 back to Victory Lane twice last year, and also picked up a Heat win on his way to taking 5th in points at RCS and 6th on the NLRA tour. Lastly, Steve Anderson, Doyle Erikson, and Ryan Corbett picked up Feature wins last year at the Action Track.

My prediction:I think Brad Seng had a great campaign last year, and Friday night will be the 1st of many Feature wins. As for rookies?? I have no idea who's moved up to late models this year?? Any help?

Onto the Dobmeier show:If Mark is too busy bonding someone and misses the feature (it could happen), but considering only 2 other drivers won Features at River Cities, I can pretty much get away with saying that.. The shocking stat though in my mind is that Dobby won 7 heat races, 9 features, but only swept 5 times. That means that 2 times he won a Heat race, and failed to win the feature!? A rare occurence, but hats off to Jason Linnell (1 feature win) and Bob Martin (3 Feature Wins) But the even bigger shocker is that Wade Nygaard won the points w/out winning a Feature.. (Granted all my stats I'm getting are updated as of 8/29/08) but still...

My Predictions:Dobby led heat wins with 7, but Scotty McDonald and Nygaard were in 2nd with 4 Heat wins.. I'd like to see McDonald get back to the winner's circle, but with Dobmeier already having raced this year, Nygaard, Kennedy's and Grosz having raced as well, it'd be a stiff task.. So I'll take Lou Kennedy just to be different

Oshie Celebrity Golf Tournament is coming fast..

Don't forget to check out this event held in Grand Forks, ND. It's always a great time, and helps out a great cause..

Oshie Sports Celebrity Benefit and Golf Tournament July 29-30, 2009 Grand Forks, ND


On Wednesday, July 29th and Thursday, July 30th, 2009, the 3rd Annual Oshie Sports Celebrity Benefit and Golf Tournament will be held.

The event will feature a "Celebrity Shoot-Out" on the afternoon of July 29th, where Business leaders and fans can play amongst the Celebrities. Later that night, "A Meet The Celebrities" autograph session will take place from 6-8 p.m. at the Rydell GM Auto Center Cadillac Showroom in Grand Forks, ND.

The 3rd Annual Oshie Sports Celebrity Golf Tournament will be held on Thursday, July 30th, at the magnificent links-style King's Walk Golf Course. This Arnold Palmer designed golf course is one of the best courses in North Dakota.

There will be only ONE flight of 36 teams in the tournament. They anticipate a 12:30 p.m. shotgun start for the golf scramble. Due to the very high demand for teams, they will fill the 36 slots on a first-come, first-served basis.

If you have any questions regarding this event please contact:

Timothy Oshie at (360) 722-1784 or (701) 757-1080 or simply e-mail to oshiesports@gmail.com.

How the West was Won:

Well since I've been sucking as of late on posting, you can scroll down 2 or 3 posts, and see what I predicted with 10 games left in the season or just click here.

I'm actually pretty happy with myself, because my NCAA Hockey Tourney prediction was really really brutal!! To be able and bounce back with these predictions is gratifying, as I only watched a handful of NCAA hockey games this year, and probably watched over 200 NHL games this year.. It's been a great year for me..

Here's what I predicted for the Blues with 10 games left: (if red= wrong, blue means true!)
vs Los Angeles: 2 points (Osh's hit on the Capt. towards the end of the game was great)
vs. Vancouver: 2 point (Osh's goal against Roberto is getting voted as goal of year on nhl.com)
vs. CBJ: 2 points (Did you see that hit on Nash? Ohh my)
AT CBJ: Win (I predicted Loss, and Nash also predicted he'd lay out Osh from last nights excursion, turns out we were both wrong, as the Blues beat the Jackets, and Osh laid Nash out again)
AT Chicago: 0 point(I'm not happy to predict losses but no way do the Blues go 5-0-1 against their heated rival this year, the Hawks needed the win so they could help destroy Anaheim, and Nashville and help the Blues, see it all happens for a reason!)
AT Detroit: 1 points (I didn't think Backes would score 5 goals in a game, we all know it's 5 not 4.)
AT Dallas: 2 points (Really, the Blues dominated, and should've had 2 points, but lost in OT, Modano's still got talent left in the tank.) (I've give myself half a point)
AT Phoenix: 2 points (Blues put an exclamation point on that win)
April 10 vs. Columbus: 2 points
April 12 AT Colorado: 2 points

So far, I've got 5.5 out of 8 right, and I'm thinking I might go 7.5 for 10... Not bad.. The best part about it though is that I predicted the standings to be this:
1. San Jose
2. Detroit
3. Calgary
4. Chicago
5. Vancouver
6. Columbus
7. Edmonton
8. St Louis
(I'm off on Edmonton, as Anaheim's in their spot but still 9 out 10 not bad...)

With the current standings looking like this:

I'd really like to see Columbus lose to the Blues, and Wild. While the Blues beat Colorado, leaving the Jackets and Blues tied at 92 points! Then if Anaheim wins out too, it's a 3 way tie, boosting the Blues since they've got the best head to head record against the 3, boosts the BLUES INTO 6th place!!!!!

Who would've thought that the team who before the season when they had all their players healthy were picked to FINISH LAST IN THE CONFERENCE, and 30th in the LEAGUE by the "experts". For them then to lose their #1 and #2 defensemen for the year, then they lose their #1, #2, and #3 forwards for over 30 games.. It's a testament to the coaching staff, and the whole team. I do believe the Blues (or as I like to call them the Red Cross) have the 2nd most man games lost to injury in the entire league.

The Blues are in control of their destiny to make the playoffs, and if they do, it's mission accomplished 1 year ahead of schedule.. I hate to even think about what this team's going to be like next year, and in 3 years. As every reporter or person who has watched this Blues team will tell you the Blues are being led by 22 year old Oshie (rookie), 25 year old Backes (3rd year), 20 year old Perron(2nd year), 20 yr old Berglund (rookie), but also they've had some great goaltending coming for Chris Mason.

I guess I'd like to see the Blues square off in the playoffs against either San Jose, or Calgary in the 1st round. Both teams they match up well against.

Therefore, sorry Nashville, and Minny, those teams miss the playoffs this year..

That's all for now I need to get back to work..

Sorry Readers....

It's been 13 days since my last post, and I've been VERY VERY busy with the Blues, Life, Ex girlfriends and her family, watching the best 16 year old hockey players in the country play in the National Tier 1 and 2 Tourney, work, even more work, trying to get my taxes prepared, oh and attempting to watch some sort of college basketball.. (After all the Women's Final Four was in my city, I couldn't help frolic around a little??)

So I'll try to break down as much of the last two weeks as possible, starting with my next post about the Blues, and the NHL's most exciting race of all....


THE RACE TO THE PLAYOFFS!!

The Big bad Flood.... Redux

As many of you know, I was born bred Grand Forks... North Dakota style.

Since I live in the Lou, many whom know me around these parts keep asking how's my hometown doing? How's my mother, father, and family doin? To most of their questions I can only say, "Well they say they're doing ok, and that they're going to trust the National Weather Service, whom couldn't tell you the right thing if it hit them in the face.. Much less predict when a god damn river that flows north will crest! But, I guess I'll regress and have to take their word for it, and say they're doing fine.."
So finally I decided you know what I'll just go ahead and tap into that flood cam that they put up on the Grand Forks Herald web site... Just to put me at ease.. Afterall my dad's house is literally a drunk stumble into that damn flood wall..(It hurts, trust me, you don't want to try and bounce off it)

So yesterday I peaked in, and now today, I'm firewalled since I'm at work... So I decided to google up some pictures, and wouldn't you know it, I cyber stalked some rando's pictures of the events right now... Oh and did you know President Barak Obama declared North Dakota a State of Federal Disaster, or something like that?? I think what he was trying to say was that he wishes the UND Hockey team makes it to the D.C., and then to the White House, as he had a lot of fun in the Alerus last year.. Without further ado, since you probably don't want to hear any sappy story, about what my friends and I went through in 1997.. Let's all stay positive, I mean afterall the Blues are on a winning streak, my NCAA BBall bracket isn't all but a bust quite yet (it will once UNC decides to lose), and I'm sure if you didn't already know Obama doesn't think the fighting sioux nickname is hostile or abusive..

This picture below was taken on March 25, 2009:Onto Sand Bag Central shall we:
This brings me back to when I was 13, at Sand Bag Central, unfortunately and shockingly this picture was taken around 4am on March 26th, 2009.. Wowza
That's some good team work there.Here is a picture of Minnesota Welcoming their visitors with a HUGE WALL! lol, it always cracks me up:By the time this blog went to press, this was the latest picture, and YES the Sorlie Bridge pictured above is UNDER WATER...
Here's the link to the guy's flickr site. From what I can deduce, he's a college student at UND, and a bartender, that is a foreigner maybe? Who fly's a lot, prolly a prophead.. Anyway 4am sandbagging is pretty impressive.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mrottler/3387292054/


GOOD LUCK GRAND FORKS, I WISH ALL NORTH DAKOTANS WELL.