Michigan Tech 2015 off-season I: Building on what we've learned...

[Shirtless Guy]

Re: Michigan Tech 2015 off-season I: Building on what we've learned...

les could speak to this more, but I think he has become much more than a goalies coach. he does a fair amount of recruiting and scheduling. plus I would imagine his personality would be one the players would find easy to work with.

of course he does more, any paid assistant would, but typically, you don't want both assistants to have the same expertise. Cam probably isn't the right fit this time around. I know for a fact that Shawhan has been spending quite a bit of time on the road scouting for MTU and I'm sure with his vast years of experience including head coach in the NAHL he is more than capable in offensive and defensive strategy beyond just goaltending.

[JohnsonsJerseys]

Re: Michigan Tech 2015 off-season I: Building on what we've learned...

$750 for [Phoenix Copley] who hasn't played an NHL game yet?

Hey, I never said all their jerseys were a great deal... Even the regular price Conners at $495 and $595 are way out of bounds IMO. They like to prey on the goalie collectors because there are so few jerseys to go around. This pricing level brought to you by low supply and crazy demand... for anyone with goalie pads on, not just PC.
Perfect example - his white jersey already sold at that price...
Ryan J

[mtu_huskies]

Re: Michigan Tech 2015 off-season I: Building on what we've learned...

I know for a fact that Shawhan has been spending quite a bit of time on the road scouting for MTU and I'm sure with his vast years of experience including head coach in the NAHL he is more than capable in offensive and defensive strategy beyond just goaltending.

So USHL/NAHL? It'll be interesting to see if they go for a guy with BCHL ties to directly replace Muckalt's strong relationships in the BCHL.



Pheonix Copley traded to the Blues today as part of the TJ Oshie deal.

[FadeToBlack&Gold]

Re: Michigan Tech 2015 off-season I: Building on what we've learned...

of course he does more, any paid assistant would, but typically, you don't want both assistants to have the same expertise. Cam probably isn't the right fit this time around. I know for a fact that Shawhan has been spending quite a bit of time on the road scouting for MTU and I'm sure with his vast years of experience including head coach in the NAHL he is more than capable in offensive and defensive strategy beyond just goaltending.

Agreed. As big a role as Muckalt played, I actually would have been more concerned if we had lost Shawhan after only a year.

[JohnsonsJerseys]

Re: Michigan Tech 2015 off-season I: Building on what we've learned...

Pheonix Copley traded to the Blues today as part of the TJ Oshie deal.

That *ding* you heard in the background was a tally for the words "Michigan Tech" being spoken on NHL Network. Hopefully something that will be happening more and more in the future.
Ryan J

[redwing61]

Re: Michigan Tech 2015 off-season I: Building on what we've learned...

What about A.J. Aitken? Current head coach at Marian University, assistant coach at St. Norbert for nine years before that. He's the same age as Muckalt and certainly knows his way around all the BCHL and AJHL rinks.

[JohnsonsJerseys]

Re: Michigan Tech 2015 off-season I: Building on what we've learned...

If there is a candidate that has the background, NHL player experience knocking on your door has to be impressive to a 15-16 year old kid.

"Yeah, kid I used to tear up the junior leagues before I played in college and the NHL. Our coaching staff at Tech can help you take the next steps to get there yourself. Come be part of a great program while you develop the skills you will need to make it to to the NHL... now just sign this NLI and become a potential member off the next National Champion Huskies hockey team."

"I don't do contracts, but my word's strong as Oak..."
Ryan J

[Shirtless Guy]

Re: Michigan Tech 2015 off-season I: Building on what we've learned...

NHL experience would be a great help but it seems pretty rare.

As for my ability to research this, here are few names to keep an eye on based on some secret* research:
*People who follow Pearson or Shawhan on Twitter
Byron Pool (Assistant Coach for Fargo Force [USHL] the last 5 seasons before Cary Eades was named head coach)
Joe Dibble (Head Coach for Janesville Jets [NAHL] the last 3 seasons)
Jamie Huffman (Assistant Coach for Austin Bruins [NAHL] the last 4 seasons with Chris Tok, recently resigned before Tok was Fired)
Bobby Henderson (Head Coach for Langley [BCHL] the last 3 seasons)

Just some names that I think could be interesting:
Christian Bragnalo (Assistant Coach for Sioux Falls [USHL] the last 3 seasons before Scott Owens took over for Cary Eades)
Dana Lattery (Head Coach of Olds [AJHL] the last 2 seasons)
Nick Deschenes (Head Coach for Trail [BCHL] the last 2 season)
Fred Harbinson (Head Coach for Penticton [BCHL] the last 8 seasons)

[Huskiefan906]

Re: Michigan Tech 2015 off-season I: Building on what we've learned...

I am interested to see if the ex UM star player turned coach continues. Mel has so many connections for sure to find an outstanding coach for the program.

[manurespreader]

Re: Michigan Tech 2015 off-season I: Building on what we've learned...

Coach Hastings at mankato got an 8 year extension and the rumor is the base salary is 290 per year, so whatever that means for us.

[Shirtless Guy]

Re: Michigan Tech 2015 off-season I: Building on what we've learned...

Coach Hastings at mankato got an 8 year extension and the rumor is the base salary is 290 per year, so whatever that means for us.

Pearson isn't far off that number right now.

[Shirtless Guy]

Re: Michigan Tech 2015 off-season I: Building on what we've learned...

I am interested to see if the ex UM star player turned coach continues. Mel has so many connections for sure to find an outstanding coach for the program.

I haven't found any ex-Michigan players in the coaching ranks...doesn't mean they aren't out there, but I haven't found any...

[FadeToBlack&Gold]

Re: Michigan Tech 2015 off-season I: Building on what we've learned...

Pearson isn't far off that number right now.

I think Mel's last extension bumped him to 275k + bennies, right?

[Shirtless Guy]

Re: Michigan Tech 2015 off-season I: Building on what we've learned...

I think Mel's last extension bumped him to 275k + bennies, right?

I believe so, never did a FOIA request...

[aparch]

Re: Michigan Tech 2015 off-season I: Building on what we've learned...

Dana Lattery (Head Coach of Olds [AJHL] the last 2 seasons)

Had a heck of a stint at WMU in the old CCHA; a good player that I remember the name very well. Minimal pro experience (just a one season worth of ECHL/AHL), but enough to know what up and coming players need to do to prepare for it. IF that's someone that Mel has eyes on, it could be a good pickup. And he's a good old western Canadian farm boy from Alberta, coaching in Alberta, and likely has connections to the western leagues for scouting.