Fighting Sioux Hockey Season Opener
The Fighting Sioux just won their season opener (actually an exhibition game) against the University of Manitoba Bison 5-2.
My impression was that they looked rusty. I saw some flashes of the Oshies and Toews of last year. Unfortunately we didn’t play for the full 60 minutes that it takes to win against the better opponents. Still it’s early yet and I’m sure everyone is still getting their skates under them.
The emotional high light of course was the return of Robbie Bina who suffered a broken neck in the 2005 playoffs. It’s absolutely amazing that he’s back on the ice. In the first shift of the second player two Manitoba players took a run at him. I’ve never understood how a small player like Bina can level a much larger player who’s initiating the hit. Well the old Robbie was back because the first player was the one that went down. The second run Robbie shifted a bit and the Manitoba player went flying into the boards.
Anyway it’s great to have Robbie, a home town boy back on the ice.
I suspect this team will develop a lot like last year. We’ll take some lumps early in the year (remember when Wisconsin beat us in the Ralph) but by the end of the year we’ll be in contention once again.
The one freshman that stood out tonight was number 19, Hunter Bishop. I thought he really tried to get out there with a physical presence early. He also scored a goal by relentlessly going after the puck.
Anyway good first game guys!
