As some of you may have heard, the Twin Cities got a little snow the
last few days (28 inches).  The Minnesota/St. Cloud game on Saturday
night started 30 minutes late because the St. Cloud team bus broke
down about a mile from the arena after a two hour trip (which normally
takes 1 hour).
Ron Foyt, the WCHA officals supervisor, was in attendance.  No reference
was made during the on-ice/off-ice officals meeting about specific on ice
penalty situations.  It was emphasized, though, that they are concerned
about getting the game and succeding periods started on time.  Teams
that fail to leave the lockerrooms at the prescribed times will be
assessed bench minors.  This will be enforced more strictly than in
past years.
Both teams complied and didn't play any cat and mouse games.  I hope
this keeps up all year. Now if only the officials will control their
whistles and games will really get shorter.
The game lasted 2 hours and 25 minutes which wasn't bad considering the
first period took 37 minutes to play 20 minutes.  Many penalties were
called by referee Jim Burlew (I think Carol White said there were 12
penalties in the first period).  Without seeing the official game stats
I would say there were only about 5 minutes of 5-on-5 hockey during the
period.
The penalties do sometimes allow for some exciting hockey.  Scott Bell
of Minnesota scored 2 short handed goals which really got the announced
crowd of 6900 pro-Minnesota fans going.  Minnesota played well after the
first period in route to a 7-2 victory.
Maybe Carol or Erik can provide more game details.  From my vantage point
and due to my game responsibilities I missed some of the goals and
and penalty calls.
--
John J. Feigal                       phone: (612) 638-7834
NCR Network Products Group           email: [log in to unmask]
2700 Snelling Avenue North
St. Paul, MN 55113