Hi everybody, I just found the most recent issue of U.S. College Hockey
Magazine (my fiancee put it in a stack of "junk mail" AHHH!)  There was an
interesting article by John Gilbert, regarding Minn. Head Coach Doug Woog,
and his actions following the WCHA Final Five, OT semi-final victory over my
Badgers.   I was at that game and saw the whole incident.  While reading the
article, I was astounded to realize what a jerk he is, but when he started
blaming the Wisconsin fans for his actions, I had enough.  The following is
an excerp from the article, used without permission, but hopefully with a
blessing:
 
>WCHA Comish Bruce McLeod stated that "when Nick Checco scored the overtime
winner, Woog ran out onto the ice to join his players in celebration.  As he
crossed the rink, however, he ran directly toward the referees, appearing to
make solid eye contact and shouting obscenities all the way.  He also pulled
his necktie off to the side and raised it, signifying a noose, and then he
gave the choke sigh to the ref's.
 
When he veered to his left to join his players," McLeod said, "the moving,
swirling celebration had moved up against the boards.  Woog looked up over
the plexiglass at a gang of Wisconsin fans, then he gave the fans the choke
sign and pointed at the scoreboard.  The fans threw beer and insults at the
taunting coach and celebrating players.  The players started smacking sticks
on the plexiglass.
 
At that point, referee Mike Schmitt skated over to try and prevent things
from getting out of hand.  He prodded and urged the players to move away from
that area to continue their celebration," McLeod said, adding that Woog moved
toward Schmitt, putting his forearm across Schmitt's chest and pushed him
backward a couple of steps.  (Nick Van Woog!)  Then Woog yelled more
obscenities at Schmitt.
 
Later Woog was quoted as saying "I gave the fans the choke sign and pointed
up at the scoreboard,....They were hanging over the glass and beer was
already being thrown."   WRONG
 
The Wisconsin fans were not doing that.  Wisconsin fans have a reputation,
and well deserved, of being a fun, good group who like to drink beer.  But
they/we are not jerks.  I'm sure that there are some bad apples out there,
but for the most part, Wisconsin fans are courteous and generally nice..not
to mention loud and aggressive when provoked.  But they are not the type of
fans to pour beer over a team after a great game, just because we lost, even
if it's to Minnesota.  Wisconsin fans are a class bunch, as are all of the
fans of college hockey.  That is one of the things that make this game so
wonderful.
 
I have no doubt beer was spilled after Woogs display.  I am not condoning the
spilling beer on anyone. (Beer should be drank anyway.)  But, don't try to
blame the fans, Woog, for your obvious lack of class, and self restraint.  I
have heard of poor loosers, but it's not often you see a poor winner as well.
The next time you loosen your necktie, and signify a noose, maybe you should
look in the mirror.
 
College Hockey has a hard enough time getting the respect it deserves.
Incidents such as this do nothing for our cause.
 
NOTE:  I think Minnesota fans are a fine, class bunch, and have never met any
that were anything but nice and courteous hockey lovers.  My opinions of
Coach Woog do not represent my opinion of Minnesota fans as a whole.
 
Yours,
 
Terry E. Tuschen Jr.
 
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