Author: David Shama

Wolves second year guard Bracey Wright, who has played two minutes this season, talking about his future: “Before it’s all said and done I am going to be an all-star.  I understand how to play.  Once I get into a situation I can master, I am going to be an all-star.  It’s all about waiting for the right opportunity and making the most of it.” 

Michigan State football coach John L. Smith talking about the much anticipated Michigan versus Ohio State game on Saturday: “Michigan has some tremendous fronts (offensive and defensive lines).  Both of their fronts are as good as there is in the country.  My belief is Ohio State has a little bit better capability of making plays when they really don’t have a play. …I think the advantage would have to go to Ohio State just because they are at home.” 

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said earlier in the week while here for a series of meetings that there is a “great commitment” from ownership and throughout the organization to make the Vikings a “world class franchise.” 

Former Viking coach Dean Dalton writes about pro football on espn.com and provides analysis on KSTP TV, Fox Sports North and Sirius Satellite Radio.  “Simplifying explanations” has been a challenge in transitioning from coach-speak to TV work, Dalton said. 

Steve Erban said his Creative Charters company will organize travel to a Gopher bowl game if Minnesota defeats Iowa on Saturday.

Zygi Wilf said on Monday he’s “not frustrated” with the process for a new stadium and reiterated he’s not threatening to “move the team.” The Vikings’ owner met briefly with the media following a local news conference with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.  The new commissioner said he held a “productive” meeting regarding the stadium process earlier in the day with Governor Tim Pawlenty. 

“The governor made it clear he understands the Vikings’ need for a new stadium,” Goodell said.  While the governor made no commitments, Goodell said Pawlenty “indicated” the Vikings are “up next” in the stadium derby now that new facilities have been approved for the Minnesota Twins and the Gophers. 

Goodell stated that the Viking stadium issue is “urgent” but declined to talk about deadlines.  “I don’t normally operate on deadlines,” he said. 

The Vikings have been dialoguing with state leaders for about 10 years, explaining that the Metrodome doesn’t allow the franchise to generate anywhere near normal NFL revenues.  The team’s lease at the dome expires in 2011 but Goodell wouldn’t be drawn into a what-if stadium scenario if nothing is done about a new stadium by that year.  He also said the NFL continues to have discussions about returning pro football to the Los Angeles market, long speculated about as a possible home for the Vikings. 

While in town Goodell, who became commissioner in August, also met with local business leaders, and Vikings ownership, players and coach Brad Childress.

With nine freshmen and five sophomores on the roster, the University of Minnesota hockey team will learn as it plays but former Minnesota North Stars and Gopher coach Glen Sonmor bubbles with excitement when he talks about the 2006-2007 team.  He describes the Gophers as “exciting and fun every night,” a team deserving of its 11 game winning streak and speculation that it will play for the national championship.  “There’s no question this will be one of the teams you have to contend with,” Sonmor said.

Are there specific things fans can watch to see if the Gophers are progressing toward their full potential?  “That they continue to compete with the intensity they compete with now,” Sonmor said.  “That they can continue to show their depth with four lines, and it always comes down to the goal keeping.” 

Sonmor, who provides color commentary on Gopher games for WCCO Radio, is ecstatic about the “phenomenal freshman crop,” describing the class as talented and deep, the best in school history. That class, of course, is led by defenseman Erik Johnson, “the best 18-year-old player in the world,” according to Sonmor. 

How can Johnson improve?  “Just get used to doing everything quicker than he has done in the past,” Sonmor answered.  He agrees with near consensus discussion that Johnson will play only one season at Minnesota before joining the St. Louis Blues.  Still he sees an upside to playing one more season with the Gophers.  “I think it’s great (for development) if a player can be dominant for awhile,” he said.