Alaska Nanooks 2012-2013: Going Out With a Bang

[Wondering]

Re: Alaska Nanooks 2012-2013: Going Out With a Bang

Very disappointing to learn that fans will no longer be given the chance to ask questions during the Nanooks' post-game press conferences.

The decision was apparently made by the athletic department. The reason, i was told, is that sometimes "inappropriate" questions are asked (and potentially broadcast on the radio}. I asked whether the coaches like the decision; the reply was that "they understand the need for it."

The person I was speaking to said that the public will still be welcome to attend the conferences, although s/he predicted that fans will stop attending once they're aware of the format change.

I think we're losing something really special. In the past, people inside and outside the program have described these audience-involving post-game conferences as something unique to Fairbanks. I think they're a great tool for helping the community feel close to the team.

I've attended the conferences for several years and have heard only a few unfortunate questions. Admittedly, earlier this season someone implied that players need to be more appreciative of the Face-Off Club. That's the most controversial point I can recall . . . and I don't think it outweighs all the positive, interesting interactions that occur during the audience's question time. In fact, I'd say that players often give their most personable answers to questions posed by the fans, not the press.

I hope others who are are disappointed with this decision will share their views with the athletic department/team/coaches/powers that be.

[Squarebanks]

That's interesting, but I can see why. All it would take is some disgruntled fan, or someone with an axe to grind against the university, to turn a press conference into a pretty uncomfortable ordeal.

That said, I do enjoy the public press conferences.

Very disappointing to learn that fans will no longer be given the chance to ask questions during the Nanooks' post-game press conferences.

The decision was apparently made by the athletic department. The reason, i was told, is that sometimes "inappropriate" questions are asked (and potentially broadcast on the radio}. I asked whether the coaches like the decision; the reply was that "they understand the need for it."

The person I was speaking to said that the public will still be welcome to attend the conferences, although s/he predicted that fans will stop attending once they're aware of the format change.

I think we're losing something really special. In the past, people inside and outside the program have described these audience-involving post-game conferences as something unique to Fairbanks. I think they're a great tool for helping the community feel close to the team.

I've attended the conferences for several years and have heard only a few unfortunate questions. Admittedly, earlier this season someone implied that players need to be more appreciative of the Face-Off Club. That's the most controversial point I can recall . . . and I don't think it outweighs all the positive, interesting interactions that occur during the audience's question time. In fact, I'd say that players often give their most personable answers to questions posed by the fans, not the press.

I hope others who are are disappointed with this decision will share their views with the athletic department/team/coaches/powers that be.

[UAFHockeyFan314]

Re: Alaska Nanooks 2012-2013: Going Out With a Bang

I agree with both sides on removing the public questions section. I get it, but at the same time I agree more with the fact that it connects the community with the team, and vice versa. But the reality is that as I understand it, the radio station was fined a while back for a fan who said a curse word on air during the post-game conference. I didn't hear that from Bruce or anyone in an official capacity so there may not be any truth to that. But that's what I heard...

On another note, Bruce McLeod will be in Fairbanks this weekend for the Miami series. He will also be speaking at the Face-Off luncheon on Friday afternoon, so if you see him, say hi!

[mmf]

Re: Alaska Nanooks 2012-2013: Going Out With a Bang

...On another note, Bruce McLeod will be in Fairbanks this weekend for the Miami series. He will also be speaking at the Face-Off luncheon on Friday afternoon, so if you see him, say hi!

I can just imagine the office conversation that probably took place a while back. “Hey Gertrude, I can’t seem to get out of it so please book airlines reservations for my required visit to Fairbanks. Make sure it’s not a January or February series. Maybe something in November, it can’t be that cold at that time of year.” Foiled again.

Go Nooks!

[UAFHockeyFan314]

Re: Alaska Nanooks 2012-2013: Going Out With a Bang

Well, that game just stunk. Like I said in the blog, that was not the same team I've watched on the ice these last two months... Something tells me that this mornings skate through was a little interesting...

[Squarebanks]

Well, that game just stunk. Like I said in the blog, that was not the same team I've watched on the ice these last two months... Something tells me that this mornings skate through was a little interesting...

When you get down 4-0 at home, the next morning's skate had better be interesting.

[Suze]

Re: Alaska Nanooks 2012-2013: Going Out With a Bang

When you get down 4-0 at home, the next morning's skate had better be interesting.

For what it's worth I thought the Nooks looked very fast and talented this weekend, Miami was just better. UA_ is a fun team to watch with lots of speed. They are gonna give UAA a run for their money!

[Squarebanks]

For what it's worth I thought the Nooks looked very fast and talented this weekend, Miami was just better. UA_ is a fun team to watch with lots of speed. They are gonna give UAA a run for their money!

I missed both games, but there's a lot of frustration right now. Taking one point out of a possible 12 in the last two weeks doesn't cut it. We need to drop the hammer on Bowling Green next weekend and sweep. Our January/early February schedule is at Michigan, at Notre Dame, home for NMU, then at Miami. Points will be hard to come by after Christmas.

[Squarebanks]

Re: Alaska Nanooks 2012-2013: Going Out With a Bang

I was at the game last night. We did enough to get the two points, but this should have been an outright W. Our defense left Keeney out to dry on the last two goals. I was especially disappointed in BG's 5 on 3 goal; our guys let two BG guys literally stand right in front of Keeney and he had no chance. I know it's a 5 on 3 and all that, but I'm amazed that a Dallas Ferguson team has gotten this soft on D.

Anyway, merry Christmas to the boys. Enjoy the break and come back hungry.

[Squarebanks]

Re: Alaska Nanooks 2012-2013: Going Out With a Bang

Digging the thread off page 4 to say happy new year. I believe the team is reconvening in Fairbanks shortly to start preparing for the two week road trip/guillotine.

Here's to hoping the Nanook team from October and early November shows up, as opposed to the late November and December version.

[UAFHockeyFan314]

Re: Alaska Nanooks 2012-2013: Going Out With a Bang

Same to ya! The guys came back in yesterday and hit the rink today. I'm not sure if everybody is in yet, but at least some of them are back to work.

Its going to be an interesting series in Ann Arbor, but no doubt the Wolverines have been underachieving this season after being a wide favorite to win the conference. Its a series I always enjoy as some of my favorite Nanooks games in history have been against UM. This year could be another of that caliber as we're so closely matched.

But who knows about ND. Those games are always close and physical. Even Odegard said in a post-game once that their players don't respect us. Looking at that same game it's pretty obvious. And the Nanooks won that game.

The other part that kinda sticks under my fingernails is that two of their better players, Austin Wuthrich and Steven Summerhays came out of Anchorage. Out of our recruiting bed.

[Squarebanks]

The other part that kinda sticks under my fingernails is that two of their better players, Austin Wuthrich and Steven Summerhays came out of Anchorage. Out of our recruiting bed.

The long-standing drain of D1-caliber Alaskan talent to Outside programs is always troubling. But in reality, until fairly recently (I.e. since Ferguson took over) there hasn't been much reason to keep Alaskan hockey players in state. There's not much of a historic winning tradition and our facilities are sub-par. I think Ferguson has done a better job of keeping some talent in-state than other coaches, but there is still a long road ahead.

The Carlson Center renovation is a positive step forward, though. And, our new AD has recognized that the Patty Center is in extremely urgent need of remodeling or replacement. The next step is for administration to realize that one of the best ways to start winning consistently is with top-notch facilities. Add in the fact that geography doesn't help our cause and it's that much more important.

I will say, though, I thoroughly enjoyed watching Summerhays get shelled in Fairbanks last January.

[Squarebanks]

Re: Alaska Nanooks 2012-2013: Going Out With a Bang

Interesting weekend coming up in Yost, between our inevitable rust from the layoff combined with Michigan's troubles. It would be a big boost to get something positive out of this weekend to start the second half of the season. Hopefully our goal scorers can get through a marginal UM defense and hit the back of the net.

[birdman]

Re: Alaska Nanooks 2012-2013: Going Out With a Bang

Interesting weekend coming up in Yost, between our inevitable rust from the layoff combined with Michigan's troubles. It would be a big boost to get something positive out of this weekend to start the second half of the season. Hopefully our goal scorers can get through a marginal UM defense and hit the back of the net.

That would be a nice change and the goaltending seems to be iffy, can't seem to decide on one starter and no one is getting hot. I think it's not going to get better until Ferguson names a starter.

[Squarebanks]

That would be a nice change and the goaltending seems to be iffy, can't seem to decide on one starter and no one is getting hot. I think it's not going to get better until Ferguson names a starter.

I think Keeney has emerged as the #1. His save percentage is in the 91% range over 9 or so games. Cahill and Thompson are both about 88% in roughly half the playing time.

With all due respect to Steve Thompson, I think the rest of this season needs to be about Keeney and Cahill.