Wisconsin Hockey 22-23 Empty Dreams & Empty Seats

[StateofHockey78]

Cruz probably wanted to play with Chaz, but with Chaz bouncing he decided to go his own path.

Granato is nearing the end. Now we just need to steal Mike Hastings and the rivalry can be renewed.

Can you imagine that!? Hastings would be insta-cred in recruiting.

[GoBucky18]

I keep looking at Hastings and love what he has done at Mankato...but he's 57, basically the same age as Granato. Would he give up dominating the CCHA at that age with a one way ticket to the NCAAs almost every yr to rebuild WI from scratch? I'm hopeful but I have serious doubts.

The huge upside there would be snatching top guys that would otherwise go to St. Cloud, UMD, or Mankato.

It's intruiging, but Im torn on whether someone in his shoes at his age would give it all up for an athletic dept that you are playing 3rd otr 4th fiddle in.

If he was in his late 40s Id write a letter to him myself saying he needs to go to WI.

[WiscTJK]

I keep looking at Hastings and love what he has done at Mankato...but he's 57, basically the same age as Granato. Would he give up dominating the CCHA at that age with a one way ticket to the NCAAs almost every yr to rebuild WI from scratch? I'm hopeful but I have serious doubts.

The huge upside there would be snatching top guys that would otherwise go to St. Cloud, UMD, or Mankato.

It's intruiging, but Im torn on whether someone in his shoes at his age would give it all up for an athletic dept that you are playing 3rd otr 4th fiddle in.

If he was in his late 40s Id write a letter to him myself saying he needs to go to WI.

He was 50 seven years ago, when I wanted him as the first choice. I agree I am torn this time around due to his age. I never thought we would be in this situation when G2O were hired, but it's been an utter disaster honestly.

[digitalbooya]

He was 50 seven years ago, when I wanted him as the first choice. I agree I am torn this time around due to his age. I never thought we would be in this situation when G2O were hired, but it's been an utter disaster honestly.

Some of us, myself included, were really happy to have Don Granato on the staff. He had experience coaching the upcoming kids. He taught winning hockey. He was the guy that made G2O exciting. Tony has almost zero experience winning and I question how much Eaves propped up Osiecki. Maybe Tony drags Oz down. Idk.

[GoBucky18]

I do agree with you there, these are heady times. Ypu go to war with the army you have...or this is the box we are in now. Never thought we would be in this position either. It certainly wouldnt be a bad thing to gebuinely make a push at him.

I feel similar about Rholik and or maybe Reinprecht, but in an oppossite direction....younger but do we need to have an alumni? Id say no.

[GoBucky18]

But lets watch Granato get another yr and everybody eats a big poo poo pie. Lol.

I dont feel like there is a win out there for us right now :/ in any aspect.

I usually go to the PSU series in State College, have a great time, and have a little full time Badger fan and a fiance because of those trips lol

That trip not in the cards this week as work calls in Michigan. Not so much of a winter wonderland this year lol.

[WiscTJK]

I do agree with you there, these are heady times. Ypu go to war with the army you have...or this is the box we are in now. Never thought we would be in this position either. It certainly wouldnt be a bad thing to gebuinely make a push at him.

I feel similar about Rholik and or maybe Reinprecht, but in an oppossite direction....younger but do we need to have an alumni? Id say no.

My opinion is no alumni, complete rebuild. And other than Rohlik, I am not sure there would be an alumni that would qualify. Would he be interested in a rebuild? They just announced a new stadium for them.

[StateofHockey78]

He was 50 seven years ago, when I wanted him as the first choice. I agree I am torn this time around due to his age. I never thought we would be in this situation when G2O were hired, but it's been an utter disaster honestly.

I said the same thing about Motzko when he came to MN, but look at the Gophers now. Hastings is not too old. I think the reason he could consider leaving MSU is the same reason Motzko left St. Cloud. Wisconsin is a program with vast resources and he could land even better recruits IMO. Also, they have more money to throw at a coach than most of the mid level schools can. Let's not forget Wisco has 6 Natty's and even with it's struggles is still a PREMIER hockey school with a grand history. Another reason if it was possible I think Hastings would be a GREAT fit for you guys is, he plays a style that can absolutely dominate the Michigan/MN style of hockey with the right players. Here's another thought for you guys...what about Rand Pecknold? I think his contract is up after the season in QU and he's 55.

[GoBucky18]

Only difference is Motzko had been in the MN hockey circles his entire life and built St. Cloud into a power. All the MN kids were recruited by him at St. Cloud or U of M. He was a household name regardless of the school sonit was an easy crossover.

Hastings not a household name in WI bc WI hockeynis so nepotistic. They really do need fresh blood and to reinvigorate.

[GoBucky18]

And Id take hastings over Pecknold any day. Those east vs west hockey fault lines are still there....and they are even deeper in the coaching circles.

[solovsfett]

Hire young and up and coming imo.

is Reinprecht a good coach? I’m weary of coaches with Badger ties anymore.

maybe get someone from Canada who eats, sleeps and breathes hockey and knows and appreciates the legacy of Badger Bob. Someone with fresh ideas too.


btw…don’t look now but the new admin at b5q has started to post short articles on hockey again.

[GoBucky18]

I know Reinprecht was with Denver after his pro career was over. But dude, that guy knew how to lead a team from the rear like a General.Im no homer, but he threw in 66 pts in one year....clear majority on assists.

Really dont think he will be considered but him and Rohlik are the only 2 alumni I would give a sniff to.

[WiscTJK]

I know Reinprecht was with Denver after his pro career was over. But dude, that guy knew how to lead a team from the rear like a General.Im no homer, but he threw in 66 pts in one year....clear majority on assists.

Really dont think he will be considered but him and Rohlik are the only 2 alumni I would give a sniff to.

He’s “player development” for the Avalanche. Not going to be the coach.

[ExileOnDaytonStreet]

At this point, I feel awful that Brandt got wrapped up in this

[digitalbooya]

Hire young and up and coming imo.

is Reinprecht a good coach? I’m weary of coaches with Badger ties anymore.

maybe get someone from Canada who eats, sleeps and breathes hockey and knows and appreciates the legacy of Badger Bob. Someone with fresh ideas too.


btw…don’t look now but the new admin at b5q has started to post short articles on hockey again.

I think if we want someone who fits all of:
- 40s (young)
- excellent coaching record
- excellent recruiting record
- knows and appreciates Badger Bob’s legacy
- not a badger alumni

Who even fits that criteria?

I’d settle for 40s/50s, excellent coaching record and excellent recruiting record. It’s going to be hard enough to find someone with these three important categories. The knowing Badger Bob’s legacy/alumni status are less important compared to the first three things.