Gophers coach Tim Brewster, with an introduction by Star Tribune columnist Sid Hartman, will be the speaker at the C.O.R.E.S. luncheon on Thursday, September 9 at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Bloomington. C.O.R.E.S. organization members can make reservations by contacting Jim Dotseth, dotsethj@comcast.net. (C.O.R.E.S. is an abbreviation for coaches, officials, reporters, educators and sports fans).
Don’t be surprised if there still is a trade sending Marian Gaborik from the New York Rangers to Los Angeles.
The addition this week of Rick Wilson as an assistant coach with the Wild is a good move. Wilson, 60, was an associate coach last season with Tampa Bay. Prior to joining the Lightning he spent 16 seasons (1992-2009) with the Stars franchise as an assistant and associate coach. Under Wilson’s influence the Stars finished in the top three for fewest goals against in the NHL during four seasons including 2007-08.
The Wild are promoting a fan trip to Finland for the team’s games in that country during early October. Reservations are being accepted at 651-602-2000.
Defending champion University of Minnesota Duluth was selected by the league football coaches as the overall and North Division preseason favorite in the NSIC for 2010. The Bulldogs were the unanimous choice of the coaches receiving 13 first place votes (coaches can’t vote for their own team). Minnesota State University, Mankato was the unanimous pick in the South Division. St. Cloud State and Augustana tied for third place in the poll while Bemidji State completed the top five.
The coaches voted Bulldogs running back Isaac Odim North Division Offensive Preseason Player of the Year. Teammate and linebacker Robbie Aurich was the choice as North Division Defensive Preseason Player of the Year. Southwest Minnesota State quarterback Ryan Ratekin was chosen as the South Division Offensive Preseason Player of the Year while Winona State defensive lineman Matt Ulrich was voted the South Division Defensive Preseason Player of the Year.