The "number one college hockey radio show in the nation" is firing on all cylinders this Saturday morning. Coach Dean Wilson and "Baywatch" Eddie Christian are joined by remote guests Dave Morinville and Doc Phil Johnson to break down a transformative week in the sport. From the intense "sense of urgency" in the NCAA Regionals to a coaching earthquake in the Twin Cities, the crew explores why the road to the Frozen Four is paved with grit and elite goaltending. The episode features a heavy-hitting interview with CCHA Commissioner Don Lucia, fresh off a flight from the regional action. The guys tackle the biggest headlines in the Midwest: the rapid hiring of Brett Larson at Minnesota, the search for a new leader at St. Cloud State, and a bold debate on whether local Fargo-Moorhead schools should finally launch a Division I hockey program.
Key Moments
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Goalies: "Johnny on the Spot" The guys analyze the opening rounds of the tournament, agreeing that while skill is great, "you can’t win without great goaltending". Doc Phil and Dave break down Trey Augustine’s stellar 42-save performance for Michigan State , while Dave highlights how UND’s defensive discipline—limiting rebounds—is the secret to helping netminders shine.
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The Gophers' Quick Move: Brett Larson The studio reacts to the University of Minnesota’s swift hiring of Brett Larson following the departure of Bob Motzko. The guys discuss the immense pressure of the "fishbowl" jobs in Minnesota and North Dakota, questioning if Larson’s lack of alumni ties is an asset or a hurdle in the era of the transfer portal and NIL.
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Commissioner Don Lucia on Independent Vitality Fresh from Denver, Commissioner Lucia weighs in on the state of independent D1 programs. He suggests that with Tennessee State joining and others dropping, independent schools like Maryville, Lindenwood, and the Alaska schools should form their own six-team league to secure an automatic NCAA bid and remain viable.
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The $10 Million Facelift at St. Cloud With the St. Cloud State job open, the guys discuss the program’s massive $10 million facility upgrade. Dave Morinville looks at potential candidates like Nick Oliver and Jason Herter, noting that the school’s proximity to Minneapolis and strong business degree make it a premier recruiting hub.
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The NDSU/Moorhead Hockey Debate Doc Phil sparks a heated conversation about why Fargo-Moorhead still lacks a local D1 hockey program. While NDSU is focused on moving to Division 1A football , the guys argue that MSU-Moorhead could be a "gold mine" for a new program, utilizing facilities like Scheels Arena to capture the massive local fan base that currently caravans to UND.
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"Team Love" vs. "Individual Goals" The crew celebrates Duluth’s "plant to plant" goal as the highlight of the tournament so far. They contrast individual talent with the "lunch pail" grind of teams where players are willing to "tow on the same rope" to survive March madness.
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Refereeing Standardization NCHC’s Mike Schmidt is praised for his work toward standardized officiating. Don Lucia notes that supervisors are working harder than ever to ensure a consistent standard between the East and West.