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Bentley Hockey 2012-2013: The New Era of JAR Pride Begins

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  • Re: Bentley Hockey 2012-2013: The New Era of JAR Pride Begins

    *Edit- women's soccer team was 0-15-2 in 2010, not 0-16

    Originally posted by eXcSports View Post
    I can see your argument, and I think there are valid points and concerns. You're more than welcome to your personal opinion, but I'll counter with a couple of statistics for you based on my time here (roughly 5 years). Snively - I know you and Humanoid both have been associated longer. So for older material, I'll defer to that. So I'll go down the list of things here and address them one by one to give an honest and educated response based on my experience and information I've gathered over the course of my tenure and association with the team.

    ...

    I'll ask this question - if you don't think the administration or coaching staff is doing its job, then please outline the changes you would make. I'm interested to hear what you have (genuinely interested; I truly hope that didn't come across stubborn and in your face).
    I''l try to address a few things then move on to my changes...

    1) I understand the academic department is more behind the team now than it has been in the past. This trend NEEDS to continue. That said, I know Frank Serretore (AF) consistently complains about the atmosphere out at Bentley and similar schools (SHU, AIC). This seems trivial but I think this sort of thing is dangerous. The Serretore family is well respected in the hockey community and while a nut job, the guy knows his stuff. The academic department doesn't understand that hosting 0 out of conf games does not look good for a program. Overall on this point though, I agree, given the little bit that Bentley offers it's athletics, they've treated the hockey program much better in recent years.

    2) I understand that you expect some lag time when switching assistants. However, you are putting way too much stock in playing for one coaching staff or another. Kids that come to Bentley come to play. Period. Some may like they can get a good education while there, some may like the area etc. The biggest factors are playing time, program history (wins/ losses/ titles), fitting in, academics. And given the lack of options for good players out of juniors that want to play in college (there's what 58 programs), schools like Bentley are going to have good years. The key is to look for consistency though. On a team that turns over every year, there's only one constant- the coach.

    3) I'm not saying Bentley should be getting consistent votes or even be ranked. I'm noting they have never received A vote. To me, that's an issue. Look at the current poll- HC and RMU both have votes.

    4) I agree with most of this. Again though, while shuttle buses and extra intermission handouts are good given Bentley's history, you need to compare this overall to other schools. The ugliest part of the situation is not having an on-campus (this should just say decent) rink.

    My Changes (in order by number)

    3. Boot Defelice and most of the athletic department. They've fostered not only a bad hockey environment but have allowed various teams/ coaches multiple [bad] losing seasons. The women's soccer team was completely defeated two years ago (0-16, not sure what the term is for this other than winless). There was a group of girls, from what I heard of the situation, at least half the team that put together a presentation for Defelice on pursuing a new coach. Defelice's reaction- got those girls a sports psychologist to deal with their problem. This is just one example and I understand Bentley isn't going to pursue their athletic program like Boston College. I've heard similar rumblings from other programs as well, though not to that extent. For a school so draped over itself in its business school, you would think they could recognize that a solid athletics department is like free (not really) marketing without the costly consultants. As the AD, Defelice is the responsible party. Unfortunately with that sort of position should come the risk of losing your job should the programs not perform. This of course will not happen as it is something that is ingrained in Bentley's leaders. They simply do not value a strong athletics program and appear content with mediocrity.

    4. Thank Soderquist for his time and show him the door. There are plenty of promising coaches in the ranks across the country that would love to make a jump to division one and try taking the program to a new level. Soderquist has tallied an average of just over 12 wins a season in his time at Bentley. They play 35 + games a year. If I'm the AD, that doesn't cut it- even if I have to personally go search for a coach the next year. Like I've said before, he may have gotten the program on good footing and as a supporter, I appreciate that but he's not taking Bentley hockey anywhere fast. His hockey background lacks and I question his leadership. He turns d-men into forwards and vice versa and back again. It's sad to watch players (Olsen, Quartuccio, Kayfes, Fitstephens) try to make this switch at a high level and understandably fail. As noted before, the team leaders are a direct representation of the coach and the environment he creates/ allows. If he allows cheap play at practice, it will come out in the games (i.e. Preece, Kayfes). Unfortunately bad things tend to show at the worst times of the year. Bentley has made the final four of AHA twice? Yet has lost to teams below them in playoffs how many times? I have more to say but this is getting long.

    5. Bring in a hockey specific trainer. I've heard over the years rumblings about guys getting burned out. That's a major issue.

    1. Get some helmet stickers for God's sakes. I think every division 3 team can say they have that.

    2. Tell the professors and board members their pay will be cut to finance a rink in the future if they don't approve one now. This is a bigger deal than the school thinks. Bentley will never be respected in college hockey as a whole playing out of the JAR.

    That's it
    Last edited by Pk Specialist; 12-20-2012, 09:12 PM.

    Comment


    • Re: Bentley Hockey 2012-2013: The New Era of JAR Pride Begins

      Originally posted by Pk Specialist View Post
      *Edit- women's soccer team was 0-15-2 in 2010, not 0-16



      I''l try to address a few things then move on to my changes...

      1) I understand the academic department is more behind the team now than it has been in the past. This trend NEEDS to continue. That said, I know Frank Serretore (AF) consistently complains about the atmosphere out at Bentley and similar schools (SHU, AIC). This seems trivial but I think this sort of thing is dangerous. The Serretore family is well respected in the hockey community and while a nut job, the guy knows his stuff. The academic department doesn't understand that hosting 0 out of conf games does not look good for a program. Overall on this point though, I agree, given the little bit that Bentley offers it's athletics, they've treated the hockey program much better in recent years.

      2) I understand that you expect some lag time when switching assistants. However, you are putting way too much stock in playing for one coaching staff or another. Kids that come to Bentley come to play. Period. Some may like they can get a good education while there, some may like the area etc. The biggest factors are playing time, program history (wins/ losses/ titles), fitting in, academics. And given the lack of options for good players out of juniors that want to play in college (there's what 58 programs), schools like Bentley are going to have good years. The key is to look for consistency though. On a team that turns over every year, there's only one constant- the coach.

      3) I'm not saying Bentley should be getting consistent votes or even be ranked. I'm noting they have never received A vote. To me, that's an issue. Look at the current poll- HC and RMU both have votes.

      4) I agree with most of this. Again though, while shuttle buses and extra intermission handouts are good given Bentley's history, you need to compare this overall to other schools. The ugliest part of the situation is not having an on-campus (this should just say decent) rink.

      My Changes (in order by number)

      3. Boot Defelice and most of the athletic department. They've fostered not only a bad hockey environment but have allowed various teams/ coaches multiple [bad] losing seasons. The women's soccer team was completely defeated two years ago (0-16, not sure what the term is for this other than winless). There was a group of girls, from what I heard of the situation, at least half the team that put together a presentation for Defelice on pursuing a new coach. Defelice's reaction- got those girls a sports psychologist to deal with their problem. This is just one example and I understand Bentley isn't going to pursue their athletic program like Boston College. I've heard similar rumblings from other programs as well, though not to that extent. For a school so draped over itself in its business school, you would think they could recognize that a solid athletics department is like free (not really) marketing without the costly consultants. As the AD, Defelice is the responsible party. Unfortunately with that sort of position should come the risk of losing your job should the programs not perform. This of course will not happen as it is something that is ingrained in Bentley's leaders. They simply do not value a strong athletics program and appear content with mediocrity.

      4. Thank Soderquist for his time and show him the door. There are plenty of promising coaches in the ranks across the country that would love to make a jump to division one and try taking the program to a new level. Soderquist has tallied an average of just over 12 wins a season in his time at Bentley. They play 35 + games a year. If I'm the AD, that doesn't cut it- even if I have to personally go search for a coach the next year. Like I've said before, he may have gotten the program on good footing and as a supporter, I appreciate that but he's not taking Bentley hockey anywhere fast. His hockey background lacks and I question his leadership. He turns d-men into forwards and vice versa and back again. It's sad to watch players (Olsen, Quartuccio, Kayfes, Fitstephens) try to make this switch at a high level and understandably fail. As noted before, the team leaders are a direct representation of the coach and the environment he creates/ allows. If he allows cheap play at practice, it will come out in the games (i.e. Preece, Kayfes). Unfortunately bad things tend to show at the worst times of the year. Bentley has made the final four of AHA twice? Yet has lost to teams below them in playoffs how many times? I have more to say but this is getting long.

      5. Bring in a hockey specific trainer. I've heard over the years rumblings about guys getting burned out. That's a major issue.

      1. Get some helmet stickers for God's sakes. I think every division 3 team can say they have that.

      2. Tell the professors and board members their pay will be cut to finance a rink in the future if they don't approve one now. This is a bigger deal than the school thinks. Bentley will never be respected in college hockey as a whole playing out of the JAR.

      That's it
      Rebuttals (and I'm really glad we're getting this discussion going):

      3) You can't boot Defelice. The guy's been there almost 40 years. Whether you want it to happen or not, it's not going to happen.

      4) Who do you recommend to bring in for Soderquist? In the ever-changing world of college sports, you have to remember that you have to have a candidate in mind if you're going to boot him. Not only that but what is it about your candidate that makes him a better choice than Soderquist. Also remember that your choice would have to fit the Bentley mindset, which if what you're saying is true, a) isn't very highly touted and b) isn't going to change.

      5) You mention hockey specific training. Not many schools have this. This is an invalid argument.

      6) Helmet stickers - ok I'll bite. I like them.

      7). You can't do this to professors. You can't take away money from them in order to build a rink on campus. That's a) illegal and b) would bring legal action against the college so fast, it would make your head spin. You can't cut pay in order to divert money to the athletics department. It becomes a misappropriation of funds at that point. Athletics are a luxury, not a right. and to invest in hockey by cutting pay is just a disaster. You claim it's a bigger deal, and we've talked about it going on 3 years on these boards (if you can find the older boards, it's discussed on there, and the on-campus rink idea is something that's been up and down on the school's dime for the last 2 years). But you absolutely CANNOT do this. It's impossible. Not every faculty member supports the athletics to begin with, and you CANNOT divert funds from salaried employees into athletics. Of all your points, this is the only one I'll point to and say ABSOLUTELY NOT. Not gonna happen. I won't even entertain a discussion about this after the fact. not to be a jerk, but that's the way it goes.
      Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose.

      STAY UP #94 #58

      Comment


      • Re: Bentley Hockey 2012-2013: The New Era of JAR Pride Begins

        Originally posted by Humanoid View Post
        Rebuttals (and I'm really glad we're getting this discussion going):

        3) You can't boot Defelice. The guy's been there almost 40 years. Whether you want it to happen or not, it's not going to happen.

        4) Who do you recommend to bring in for Soderquist? In the ever-changing world of college sports, you have to remember that you have to have a candidate in mind if you're going to boot him. Not only that but what is it about your candidate that makes him a better choice than Soderquist. Also remember that your choice would have to fit the Bentley mindset, which if what you're saying is true, a) isn't very highly touted and b) isn't going to change.

        5) You mention hockey specific training. Not many schools have this. This is an invalid argument.

        6) Helmet stickers - ok I'll bite. I like them.

        7). You can't do this to professors. You can't take away money from them in order to build a rink on campus. That's a) illegal and b) would bring legal action against the college so fast, it would make your head spin. You can't cut pay in order to divert money to the athletics department. It becomes a misappropriation of funds at that point. Athletics are a luxury, not a right. and to invest in hockey by cutting pay is just a disaster. You claim it's a bigger deal, and we've talked about it going on 3 years on these boards (if you can find the older boards, it's discussed on there, and the on-campus rink idea is something that's been up and down on the school's dime for the last 2 years). But you absolutely CANNOT do this. It's impossible. Not every faculty member supports the athletics to begin with, and you CANNOT divert funds from salaried employees into athletics. Of all your points, this is the only one I'll point to and say ABSOLUTELY NOT. Not gonna happen. I won't even entertain a discussion about this after the fact. not to be a jerk, but that's the way it goes.
        First, I should have mentioned initially- these are not things I see happening, just things I would like to happen. I'm aware most of my list is inconceivable at this point. That goes for the argument about booting Defelice and Soderquist as well as the comment about professors and board members. Not realistic I know. Helmet stickers, good to go.

        Hockey training- I do have an issue with this. The guys' pre and post season training regiment is ridiculous. The amount they run alone is more than most soccer teams. I speculate that there are a handful that are burned out by the end of the year. Put yourself in their shoes- say they have an average season and are on the road in the second round of playoffs. Sitting there at intermission down by 2 going into the 3rd, half the team is thinking about how bad spring training is going to be instead of focusing on the game. It happens. Cutting down and having more specific training goes along the lines of working smarter, not harder. That doesn't mean you have a less hard-working team. It just cuts out all the unnecessary stuff the guys go through. They have enough on their plate with school and other activities going on. Charlie's a good guy but he trains atleast half the athletes at Bentley. Again, this suggestion for bringing a trainer in or having Charlie create more custom workouts requires more resources- which I don't see coming from the athletic department or school. So, not realistic for Bentley but it's an important point.

        As far as a recommendation for Soderquist, I don't have a specific person in mind. What I'm suggesting though is for Bentley to take a look around. There are plenty high level coaches that are still coaching midgets or junior programs around the country. These guys have played plenty of pro hockey and have the experience that these college players need. Soderquist brings very little to the table in terms of developing division one level players. Recall, he himself only played 2 years at that level (and the competition he was up against at the time of the switch was not even close to what the guys play against now). I'm of the belief that 99% of the time, a good coach needs to have atleast exceeded the level at which he is currently coaching. I think Bentley should carefully track top level AAA midget programs, the USHL, prep schools, and division 3 schools to find someone that has played professionally and has developed a winning record over time. These guys are out there and I guarantee if Bentley gave even a decent offer, most would take it. It's the chance of a lifetime for them to take their winning strategy to the next level with relatively little downside given Bentley's current situation.

        Just a side note and something to consider as far as the coaching staff goes. Murphy appears to be bringing in some good talent so far, but who's coaching the d men? Soderquist was a forward. Murphy was a forward. Charlie is an athletic trainer. Division one hockey is a high level but these guys still need to develop. Just as I argue the forwards aren't developing much under Soderquist, I know the d aren't developing. Playing in games is only half the equation. These guys need someone in practice and on the bench that knows the game from the backside. They simply are not getting that.

        Comment


        • Re: Bentley Hockey 2012-2013: The New Era of JAR Pride Begins

          FYI for everyone - we will have audio broadcasts of the UMass Lowell games and Northeastern games on the website.
          Win today and we'll walk together forever. -Ray Shero

          Comment


          • Originally posted by Pk Specialist View Post
            First, I should have mentioned initially- these are not things I see happening, just things I would like to happen. I'm aware most of my list is inconceivable at this point. That goes for the argument about booting Defelice and Soderquist as well as the comment about professors and board members. Not realistic I know. Helmet stickers, good to go.

            Hockey training- I do have an issue with this. The guys' pre and post season training regiment is ridiculous. The amount they run alone is more than most soccer teams. I speculate that there are a handful that are burned out by the end of the year. Put yourself in their shoes- say they have an average season and are on the road in the second round of playoffs. Sitting there at intermission down by 2 going into the 3rd, half the team is thinking about how bad spring training is going to be instead of focusing on the game. It happens. Cutting down and having more specific training goes along the lines of working smarter, not harder. That doesn't mean you have a less hard-working team. It just cuts out all the unnecessary stuff the guys go through. They have enough on their plate with school and other activities going on. Charlie's a good guy but he trains atleast half the athletes at Bentley. Again, this suggestion for bringing a trainer in or having Charlie create more custom workouts requires more resources- which I don't see coming from the athletic department or school. So, not realistic for Bentley but it's an important point.

            As far as a recommendation for Soderquist, I don't have a specific person in mind. What I'm suggesting though is for Bentley to take a look around. There are plenty high level coaches that are still coaching midgets or junior programs around the country. These guys have played plenty of pro hockey and have the experience that these college players need. Soderquist brings very little to the table in terms of developing division one level players. Recall, he himself only played 2 years at that level (and the competition he was up against at the time of the switch was not even close to what the guys play against now). I'm of the belief that 99% of the time, a good coach needs to have atleast exceeded the level at which he is currently coaching. I think Bentley should carefully track top level AAA midget programs, the USHL, prep schools, and division 3 schools to find someone that has played professionally and has developed a winning record over time. These guys are out there and I guarantee if Bentley gave even a decent offer, most would take it. It's the chance of a lifetime for them to take their winning strategy to the next level with relatively little downside given Bentley's current situation.

            Just a side note and something to consider as far as the coaching staff goes. Murphy appears to be bringing in some good talent so far, but who's coaching the d men? Soderquist was a forward. Murphy was a forward. Charlie is an athletic trainer. Division one hockey is a high level but these guys still need to develop. Just as I argue the forwards aren't developing much under Soderquist, I know the d aren't developing. Playing in games is only half the equation. These guys need someone in practice and on the bench that knows the game from the backside. They simply are not getting that.
            Murphy is coaching the D-men and doing just fine; it does not matter that he was a forward on some very good UMaine teams. The recruiting is getting better every year. Bentley lost three superb D-men to graduation to begin this season, so is skating three frosh back there, so it will take some time for them to gel. As you acknowledge, Delifice and Soderquist are not going anywhere, but the reason is that they are doing just fine.

            There is very little support for a rink on campus, other than from a couple Board members, a couple of weirdo faculty members, a few students, and the team, of course, so a rink on campus was simply not going to happen after President Morone left; Morone was absolutely crazy about all Bentley sports, and especially hockey. Very few AHA teams attract OOC home games, and a rink on campus would make no difference. The JAR is 2.7 miles from campus and Bentley now provides free shuttle service, which is great.

            Students have embraced this team, which is amazing given that for the most part they are not very knowledgeable about hockey, other than those in the Falcon Nest. But, they will learn; it just takes time. There was a kid in the Falcon Nest trying to play the trumpet at the last game I attended, which was fantastic.

            Gensler and Weinstein are the two finest forwards and D-men that I have seen at Bentley since Soderquist and Steve Tobio. As Humanoid notes, next season will be when Bentley makes some serious noise in the AHA, as Bentley will not be losing much to graduation this year other than role players. These guys have been doing a fine job on the third and fourth lines this year, but they are not goal scorers. Next season Bentley will still have a fine goalie, more seasoned D-men, and scoring threats from all four lines. I am not writing off this season, but I am just being realistic.

            If this year's team overachieves in the second half and post-season, of course I will be delighted. Hoping for an upset at Tsongas next weekend, which is not beyond the realm of possibility.

            Comment


            • Re: Bentley Hockey 2012-2013: The New Era of JAR Pride Begins

              "Murphy is coaching the D-men and doing just fine; it does not matter that he was a forward..."

              At high levels, yes, this does matter. It may not be as noticeable in AHA games, but it will show in ooc.

              "Delifice and Soderquist are not going anywhere, but the reason is that they are doing just fine."

              Soderquist has overseen a career averaging 12 wins a season. He is doing just fine. But in the long run, expecting the team to be anything greater than mediocre with those two at the helm is pretty ambitous.

              Comment


              • Re: Bentley Hockey 2012-2013: The New Era of JAR Pride Begins

                Looking at the UML rivalry is always interesting when you think that the River Hawks are a founding member of hockey east (for all intents and purposes. 1984 isn't 2012). It's pretty amazing to think that they've grown from a Division II demi-power with 3 national titles into a serious contender at Division I. They've done a great job building, and they're an NE-10 program. Looking forward to seeing them on Sunday... weather permitting. Any idea if it's supposed to rain vs. snow?

                http://excalibursportspage.com/2012/...valry-renewed/
                Win today and we'll walk together forever. -Ray Shero

                Comment


                • Originally posted by eXcSports View Post
                  Looking forward to seeing them on Sunday... weather permitting. Any idea if it's supposed to rain vs. snow?

                  http://excalibursportspage.com/2012/...valry-renewed/
                  Pretty funny, Dan. I am not sure whether the NWS even can predict the rain - snow line for the system moving in tonight. Have fun at Tsongas on Sunday; I will follow Bentley game from Thompson Rink on my new iPhone5.

                  Comment


                  • Originally posted by Snively65 View Post
                    Pretty funny, Dan. I am not sure whether the NWS even can predict the rain - snow line for the system moving in tonight. Have fun at Tsongas on Sunday; I will follow Bentley game from Thompson Rink on my new iPhone5.
                    So you're saying Santa was good to you?
                    Win today and we'll walk together forever. -Ray Shero

                    Comment


                    • Re: Bentley Hockey 2012-2013: The New Era of JAR Pride Begins

                      I thought Connor Hellebuyck was supposed to be on the WJC roster?
                      Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose.

                      STAY UP #94 #58

                      Comment


                      • Re: Bentley Hockey 2012-2013: The New Era of JAR Pride Begins

                        Originally posted by eXcSports View Post
                        So you're saying Santa was good to you?
                        Finally, as I went 3+ months after my last smart phone was stolen.

                        Comment


                        • Re: Bentley Hockey 2012-2013: The New Era of JAR Pride Begins

                          Originally posted by Humanoid View Post
                          I thought Connor Hellebuyck was supposed to be on the WJC roster?
                          There hadn't been any rumors about that on the Lowell side?
                          Monty

                          2011-2012 NCAA Tournament Participants
                          2012-2013 Hockey East Regular Season Champions, Hockey East Tournament Champions, and Frozen Four Participants
                          2013-2014 Hockey East Tournament Champions and NCAA Tournament Participants
                          2015-2016 NCAA Tournament Participants
                          2016-2017 Hockey East Regular Season Co-Champions, Hockey East Tournament Champions and NCAA Tournament Participants

                          Comment


                          • Re: Bentley Hockey 2012-2013: The New Era of JAR Pride Begins

                            Hockey East reporters seem to not think so highly of Bentley

                            http://www.uscho.com/hockey-east-blo...-nov-30-dec-6/

                            They'd be well suited to actually check into the OOC games for the Falcons. Bentley had leads over BOTH Michigan and Dartmouth and lost in the 3rd period. If Bentley can play 60 minutes, they can beat any team, especially a mid-tier Hockey East team.

                            I still think it ends 4-2 for UML but I don't think it's going to be a cakewalk by any means.
                            Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose.

                            STAY UP #94 #58

                            Comment


                            • Originally posted by Humanoid View Post
                              Hockey East reporters seem to not think so highly of Bentley

                              http://www.uscho.com/hockey-east-blo...-nov-30-dec-6/

                              They'd be well suited to actually check into the OOC games for the Falcons. Bentley had leads over BOTH Michigan and Dartmouth and lost in the 3rd period. If Bentley can play 60 minutes, they can beat any team, especially a mid-tier Hockey East team.

                              I still think it ends 4-2 for UML but I don't think it's going to be a cakewalk by any means.
                              I agree. The only game that Bentley was never in this season was their 5-0 loss at Hahvud.

                              Comment


                              • Re: Bentley Hockey 2012-2013: The New Era of JAR Pride Begins

                                Game prep for tomorrow against UML

                                http://excalibursportspage.com/2012/...-umass-lowell/
                                Win today and we'll walk together forever. -Ray Shero

                                Comment

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