OMAHA, Neb. -- Today is game day but come tomorrow, several members of the Manitoba Moose will be turning their attention to the NCAA Frozen Four.
Moose forwards Lee Goren and Colby Genoway and Moose assistant coach Brad Berry are rooting for the University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux as they take on Boston College in St. Louis, Mo.
"I think they always have what it takes," said Goren, who was named the MVP of the Frozen Four in 2000 when the Fighting Sioux won it all. "They have good goaltending with (Philippe) Lamoureux, great coaching and they're well-balanced. Their captain (Chris) Porter is having a great run and I'm hoping for them."
Berry has been in contact with Fighting Sioux head coach Dave Hakstol throughout the season and believes they have what it takes to win another national title.
Genoway, whose brother Chay is one of five Manitobans on the Fighting Sioux roster, remembers his Frozen Four experience with fondness -- although UND lost to the Denver Pioneers in the championship game.
"For me, it's one of the highlights of my career, to go there and take it all in," said Colby Genoway. "I talked to (Chay) and told him to have fun, play hard and don't take it for granted. It's probably the most fun you'll ever have."
Moose general manager Craig Heisinger plans to take in the action live and will be keeping a close eye on Boston College goalie Cory Schneider, the Canucks first round pick in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft.
"It should be a pretty close game and it will come down to goaltending," said Berry, who was an associate coach with UND last season when they were defeated in the semis by Boston College. "It's a one-game shot, it's not two out of three."
Genoway pointed out that UND won the national crown in 1987 and 1997, so maybe it's their turn again.
GRABNER, RAHIMI COMING SOON: Forward Michael Grabner, the Vancouver Canucks first round selection (14th overall) in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, and Swedish defenceman Daniel Rahimi, the Canucks' third rounder (82nd overall) in 2006, are expected to join the Moose next week.
Grabner, who had 39 goals and 55 points in 55 games with the Chiefs this season, managed only one assist in six post-season games but is known for his offensive upside.
Rahimi, who played for Bjorkloven in Sweden, is more of a stay-at-home defenceman that can play a physical game.
Both players need to sign amateur tryout offers before they report to Manitoba.
MAN OF YEAR FINALISTS: Centre J.J. Hunter was named Manitoba Moose Man of the Year yesterday and is a finalists for the AHL's Yannick Dupre Award, which is handed out annually to an individual for outstanding contributions to the community and local charitable organizations.
Manitobans Mark Wotton (Bridgeport Sound Tigers) and Derek Meech (Grand Rapids Griffins) are also up for the league award.
COULOMBE SENT DOWN: With the return of Yannick Tremblay, the Moose are no longer in an emergency situation so they decided to send defenceman Patrick Coulombe down to the Victoria Salmon Kings of the ECHL to get some playing time.
Coulombe, who has been skating as a forward this week to give the Moose five full lines, has three goals and nine points in 44 games with the Moose this season.
