NMU Wildcat 2011 Offseason

[Beer Pong Horn]

Re: NMU Wildcat 2011 Offseason

Also, there is a moratorium on colleges playing in one division (ie: d2 all sports) and playing up in just one (ie: d1 mend hockey)

The NCAA has stopped this thanks to the football and basketball schools. Hockey, and other minor sports, are affected by preventing smaller schools (d2, d3) start up d1 hockey programs.

Already member schools were grandfathered in, but if they don't use it, they lose the exemption status ad cannot play up (RIT, RPI, CC, NMU, etc)

If NMU is committed to D1 hockey, they cannot waffle and back down. It's d1 or the death of NCAA hockey at NMU.

Personally, I think we're positioned to have a real fighting chance. Or, our Athletic Department can let that chance go by.

It'd make sense for the NCAA to make a D-1/D-2 tournament, like they do for other sports (women's hockey maybe?) Not that either Tech or Northern should go down to D-2, but we'd pick up a few more schools that can't otherwise be counted.

[davyd83]

Re: NMU Wildcat 2011 Offseason

Bottom line NMU - beg to join the WCHA or make a major powerplay move and get involved in a merger of the CCHA and WCHA. Time for President Wong to get out of his lethargic coma and step up!! NMU has been in a daze sitting around watching this unfold.....they had their shot a couple years ago to re-join the WCHA. If they don't get involved in a big move of their own, they are in serious trouble. This non-action and statements by Wong, we are weighing our options is foolish. Too much is at stake. I don't think anyone wants NMU to drop to D-3 in five years, but the warning bell is sounding, folks. Come on Wong!!

The financial ramifications of joining the WCHA at that time and the uncertainty of the college hockey landscape were reasons to not make the move, add to that the base of NMU alumni that has seen them play at the Joe nearly every year. If the Cats had jumped to the WCHA at that point, they would be in no different position than they are today.

[aparch]

Re: NMU Wildcat 2011 Offseason

The financial ramifications of joining the WCHA at that time and the uncertainty of the college hockey landscape were reasons to not make the move, add to that the base of NMU alumni that has seen them play at the Joe nearly every year. If the Cats had jumped to the WCHA at that point, they would be in no different position than they are today.

I think we're in a better position than had we jumped to the WCHA. If/when the Super6/8 conference is announced, had we jumped to the WCHA, we may be asking to re-join the CCHA.

I'm pleased that we have a bit more control over what we do, and NMU can be looked upon as not contributing to this disaster.

[davyd83]

Re: NMU Wildcat 2011 Offseason

Well, with the way things are right now for 2013...we still have an auto bid. But with Western and Notre Dame rumored to be on the move, the auto bid will be gone.

The key is still Notre Dame. If they go to Hockey East, it's unlikely that Western goes to the new conference. I don't buy the doom and gloom sayers. However it shakes out, NMU will end up with a home in a solid conference. Is it a six team CCHA with Western or a CCHA which adds a couple more like Robert Morris, Mercyhurst, Niagara or Alabama-Huntsville? Is it in the WCHA? Is it in a league formed by a WCHA/CCHA merger? Who knows. At this point it's too early to figure it out. One thing I do know for sure is that there is a lot of stuff going on behind the scenes right now. All players are keeping their cards close to the vest for sure, and that's probably the best way for them to do it. One thing for sure is that I feel no sympathy for the WCHA. They had already approached Miami and Notre Dame and invited them to join. Anything they want to say about the "best interests" of college hockey is bovine excrement.

[bronconick]

Re: NMU Wildcat 2011 Offseason

If we're going to be hanging out together for a few more years, can we at least scheme to get some new conference leadership? I've been less than impressed. Or hell, figure out a way to make the "Super Integer" think that making Judy Bailey commissioner would be smart?

[NMUFAN21]

Re: NMU Wildcat 2011 Offseason

Pretty low key weekend events, but the public is certainly invited to the Upfront and Co. this Friday night to meet with some former players (including a few guys from the '91 team) and former staff. From 5pm till 9pm.


Also, the following guys have been invited to NHL prospects camp within the next few weeks:
Florek - Boston Bruins
Follmer, Cherniwchan - Washington Capitals
Coreau - New York Rangers
Gron - Edmonton Oilers
Epp - Philadelphia Flyers (was also shown interest by the Capitals)

They're not looking to poach, this is more to see if these guys could develop into NHL'ers, or at least AHL'ers with a shot at more in a few years.

*edit* Alumnus Gregor Hanson also at Rangers camp.

I think some of these are wrong, because I clicked around a bit and the only ones that I could find were Florek and Coreau.

By the way, any word on if Hanson will sign with the rangers?

[NMUFAN21]

Re: NMU Wildcat 2011 Offseason

I really think NMU will be fine, we will find a good league and still be able to compete in NCAA tournaments. I also wonder how tense the league will be over the next few years.

[RaceBoarder]

Re: NMU Wildcat 2011 Offseason

I really think NMU will be fine, we will find a good league and still be able to compete in NCAA tournaments. I also wonder how tense the league will be over the next few years.

The more I think about this deal, the more my line of thought shifts towards this... Looking at the landscape, NMU is one of the strongest of the "Have Nots" that are out there... We will be wanted by both the CCHA and WCHA and that gives us leverage... Also, the road to the NCAAs just got easier since we no longer have to go through a U of M or State to get there... Again, over the past 10-15 years, we have preformed near the top of the Leftovers...

For now, NMU just needs to be proactive in this whole deal... Let the dust settle, then start doing what benefits NMU the most... Right now, I think that pairing up with the old WCHA schools + LSSU would be the best case scenario... Travel budget can remain roughly the same, and I feel that our gate revenue will only drop slightly if at all... The thing is that NMU would have to go out and get the community behind this team more than ever... If you can get MQT to come out, then I think we will be set... Much like people have said about Air Force, being a big fish in a small pond has its benefits...

[NMUFAN21]

Re: NMU Wildcat 2011 Offseason

Focusing more on this year rather than something that won't happen for 2 years, how experienced is the incoming class? I feel good about the returning players, not a doubt in my mind all 3 senior positional players will make AHL or Possibly NHL.

[mwellens]

Re: NMU Wildcat 2011 Offseason

Already chatted with NMU President Les Wong. I will be speaking with AD Steve Reed and am in the process of hunting down Walt Kyle.

Follow along on Twitter at twitter.com/mattwellens for the NMU perspective. I'll have a story up on www.miningjournal.net later today too. Who knows if my column will get written or not breaking down a possible new home for NMU.

I could try and get comment from John Kyle as well, but he's probably fishing, killing something or teaching Chuck Norris how to not fight like a girl. No promises there.

Yay for working on a Saturday!

[bigmrg74]

Re: NMU Wildcat 2011 Offseason

The more I think about this deal, the more my line of thought shifts towards this... Looking at the landscape, NMU is one of the strongest of the "Have Nots" that are out there... We will be wanted by both the CCHA and WCHA and that gives us leverage... Also, the road to the NCAAs just got easier since we no longer have to go through a U of M or State to get there... Again, over the past 10-15 years, we have preformed near the top of the Leftovers...

For now, NMU just needs to be proactive in this whole deal... Let the dust settle, then start doing what benefits NMU the most... Right now, I think that pairing up with the old WCHA schools + LSSU would be the best case scenario... Travel budget can remain roughly the same, and I feel that our gate revenue will only drop slightly if at all... The thing is that NMU would have to go out and get the community behind this team more than ever... If you can get MQT to come out, then I think we will be set... Much like people have said about Air Force, being a big fish in a small pond has its benefits...

I could easily see the leftovers of the WCHA teaming up with the yooper schools, call it the Snowbelt conference perhaps.

Just that my big worry here of all things is Ferris. Ferris gives up the ghost, my reasons for buying lottery tickets takes another big hit. As without Ferris around, there's not really that great looking of a future spot for GVSU hockey. But, "checks last night numbers......." thats neither here or there at this point.

[NMU8405]

Re: NMU Wildcat 2011 Offseason

So, with the waters clearing up a little bit...I figured I'd discuss NMU's choices from here on out.

First: Stay in the CCHA, albeit, re-tooled CCHA. Right now its NMU, LSSU, Ferris, Western, Bowling Green, Notre Dame. The Irish could be on the move before the end of the summer. Intentions have to be made by August for next season, so we should know if they move to the new league, B1G, or Hockey East. Notre Dame's move doesnt impact NMU too much, but does impact the future of the CCHA. If ND stays, it remains a 6 team league and its autobid status. Should they leave, the CCHA would have to make some moves. Look at some AHA teams to slide into the CCHA. Niagara, Robert Morris (PA) and Mercyhurst are the likely schools.

Second: The WCHA is depleted down to 5 teams after the move. They NEED to add teams. An obvious fit would be NMU, as travel costs would likely remain the same with trips to Denver, Colorado Springs, and Grand Forks off the schedule (though in the 12-13 season, NMU will be making the trek). MTU, St Cloud, BSU, Mankato and UAA (no different than the UAF trip). Basically, it comes down to road trips to Ferris, Western, and possibly PA, and NY.

Third: Do Nothing and have the WCHA and CCHA Merge. An unlikely scenario since it would take away an auto bid and give an at large to the teams that these schools dislike at the moment (the B1G and the New League).

[Hammer]

Re: NMU Wildcat 2011 Offseason

First: Stay in the CCHA, albeit, re-tooled CCHA. Right now its NMU, LSSU, Ferris, Western, Bowling Green, Notre Dame................. If ND stays, it remains a 6 team league and its autobid status..............

The CCHA is a 7-team league at the moment, not a 6-er. You left out Fairbanks.

[NMU8405]

Re: NMU Wildcat 2011 Offseason

The CCHA is a 7-team league at the moment, not a 6-er. You left out Fairbanks.

ha. Thanks.

[mwellens]

Re: NMU Wildcat 2011 Offseason

The CCHA is a 7-team league at the moment, not a 6-er. You left out Fairbanks.

Sixer, where?!?

Going to need a lot more than that to get through this offseason. Almost time for another beer run to Wisconsin.