As a dedicated and loyal fan of University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux Hockey, it pains me to inform you that the greatest logo in college sports will cease to exist of the 2010-2011 athletic year.

After years of discussion, arguments, committees, and votes, it appears that the University of North Dakota will officially change their name and logo at the conclusion of this athletic year.  According to the Fargo Forum, because of existing licensing and contractual obligations the university will continue to use the Fighting Sioux name and logo through the spring of the coming year.

Last April, when North Dakota Board of Higher Education directed the University of North Dakota to transition away from the Fighting Sioux nickname and logo, the university and the companies who sell their licensed product developed a timeline for removal.  In July of last year, the logo and nickname were removed from a trademark artwork website. Vendors holding “Sioux head” and standard UND licenses were be renewed for a year and no new “Sioux head” licenses would be issued.  This October the development of new designs for jerseys, coffee mugs and other merchandize bearing the Fighting Sioux logo or nickname ceased to exist.

This coming July all Fighting Sioux-branded merchandise must be off retail floors unless authorized by the university. Any merchandise bearing the logo and nickname after that date found would be subject to confiscation by the university.

There is always plenty to do at this event. The athletes from the football, soccer, and volleyball teams autograph posters, provided at the Dome. I am always impressed by the kindness and sincerity displayed by all of the athletes at this event. They all make a point to talk to the kids and ask them how they are doing. Since we have met these players every year, some of them even told the boys that they recognized them from years before. They are always ready to jump up and pose for pictures with the kids. My four year old was thrilled when one of the soccer players gave her a flower to keep.

There were many games from Games Galore to play on for fans of all ages… ok, kids of  ages. The cheerleaders help the children get in and out of the games and gears and pay special attention to the young fans. Coach Bohl and Thundar greeted everyone as they mingled with the crowd.

If you missed the event tonight, I encourage you to definitely attend next year. It’s a great way to get fired up for the fall season! Go Bison!!!

I should also mention that Scheels is hosting an NDSU Bison Pep Rally on Tuesday, September 1, 2009, 5:00 – 7:00, in the Fargo Scheels parking lot. This free event includes entertainment from the NDSU Gold Star pep band, the Bison Cheer Squad and  Thundar, along with a special guest appearance from Head Football Coach, Craig Bohl. There will be free sub sandwiches, chips, and soda while supplies last.

For more information on events in the Fargo-Moorhead area, click here.

This is first season the Bison were eligible for the NCAA Tournament after a five-year reclassification from Division II.  NDSU is a deadly three-point shooting team, ranking fifth nationally with a 41.2 three-point shooting percentage. The Bison average 7.1 threes per game. NDSU is a veteran team with four fifth-year seniors and a fourth-year senior. Senior guard Ben Woodside leads the team in scoring with 22.8 points per game, including a 60-point effort in a triple-overtime loss (112-111) against Stephen F. Austin on Dec. 12. His 22.8 ppg is ninth nationally. He also averages 6.3 assists per game, has a team-best 64 three pointers and 84.2 free throw percentage. Senior forward Brett Winkelman is next in scoring at 18.7 points per game and he leads the Bison with a 7.4 rebound average and 48 steals.

He is making 80.9 percent from the free throw line. Senior guard Mike Nelson is scoring 11.9 points per game. He is second on the team with a 4.2 rebound average, with 81 assists and 57 three pointers made. Sophomore forward Michael Tveidt is making a team-best 45.8 percent from beyond the arc to complement his 9.7 scoring average. His 20 blocked shots are a team high and one ahead of senior center Lucas Moormann’s 19 blocks. Moorman is scoring 4.5 points per game. Junior forward Dejuan Flowers (3.7 ppg, 3.3 rpg), freshman forward Eric Carlson (2.8 ppg, 2.1 rpg), junior guard Josh Vaughan (2.8 ppg) and sophomore guard Freddy Coleman (2.5 ppg) round out the Bison regulars. NDSU’s starting five of Woodside, Winkelman, Nelson, Tveidt and Moormann score 83.6 percent of the Bison’s points.