MSU Spartan off-season - the grand flame-out

[STATEdude3]

Re: MSU Spartan off-season - the grand flame-out

Agree - Bessone put the program on the map, but if it weren't for Harold Paulsen's diligence, MSU hockey would never have gotten the solid footing on campus it needed. Bessone made Spartan hockey great, but Paulsen paved the way.

My grandfather worked at various jobs on campus for 40 years, but he was part of the first group that worked at Dem Hall after the conversion to an ice rink. He was telling me yesterday about how Paulsen would help to get the ice ready before the games, and when a repair needed to be made he would do it himself in between periods and what not. Amazing how things have changed over the years.

[owslachief]

Re: MSU Spartan off-season - the grand flame-out

My grandfather worked at various jobs on campus for 40 years, but he was part of the first group that worked at Dem Hall after the conversion to an ice rink. He was telling me yesterday about how Paulsen would help to get the ice ready before the games, and when a repair needed to be made he would do it himself in between periods and what not. Amazing how things have changed over the years.

Awesome. Pretty cool to have that family history tied to MSU hockey. Seemed Dem Hall was Paulsen's baby.

[STATEdude3]

Re: MSU Spartan off-season - the grand flame-out

Awesome. Pretty cool to have that family history tied to MSU hockey. Seemed Dem Hall was Paulsen's baby.

I would be interested to learn more of the history behind the building, but my Grandpa tells about how much work went into the conversion. It was the first artificial rink concrete pour in Michigan since the Olympia Stadium was built. They pretty much just made up how to do it on the fly. I guess it was a major thing back then.

I have a picture of my grandpa moping the ice alongside Paulsen and some others. I will try to find it and put it up. There are very few old pictures of Dem Hall, but you are right--it certainly was HP's baby.

[Arwen22266]

Re: MSU Spartan off-season - the grand flame-out

My grandfather worked at various jobs on campus for 40 years, but he was part of the first group that worked at Dem Hall after the conversion to an ice rink. He was telling me yesterday about how Paulsen would help to get the ice ready before the games, and when a repair needed to be made he would do it himself in between periods and what not. Amazing how things have changed over the years.

You need to put a tape recorder in front of him and have him tell those stories. They would make invaluable family memories.

[STATEdude3]

Re: MSU Spartan off-season - the grand flame-out

You need to put a tape recorder in front of him and have him tell those stories. They would make invaluable family memories.

That is a great idea actually. I'm going to try and work that out with him. He worked a seriously cool list of jobs--plant manager at Dem Hall, Spartan Stadium locker room manager, among other things. He knew Biggie and Duffy and has told some really cool stories about things that happened behind the scenes. Duffy was a gem of a character, and my grandpa got to know him well. I would love to take down some of his stories--it would be great listening.

Thanks for the idea!

[owslachief]

Re: MSU Spartan off-season - the grand flame-out

Any news regarding the Showcase, or are still on rumor feed?

I checked the threads of the other schools and there is not much info. In the 10-11 schedule thread it appears that Wisconsin is booked for another event. I assume that means there is no Showcase. That is really a shame.

It's on.

[STATEdude3]

Re: MSU Spartan off-season - the grand flame-out

If true this is good news. I hope they get the details worked out.

[owslachief]

Re: MSU Spartan off-season - the grand flame-out

If true this is good news. I hope they get the details worked out.

Friday, Nov. 26
Michigan at Wisconsin
Michigan State at Minnesota

Saturday, Nov. 27
Michigan State at Wisconsin
Michigan at Minnesota

[aallenpollreisz]

Re: MSU Spartan off-season - the grand flame-out

So, with U. Maine coming to EL during the 14th and 15th of October, and with UAH likely at Munn the following weekend, can anybody take an educated stab at what we're doing for the opening weekend?

Football is in Ann Arbor, so we could, in theory, schedule a non-conference cupcake at home, however, Comley still seems pretty adamant about keeping the number of home games to a minimum (especially considering our attendance woes) so I don't think that's going to happen.

Non-conference tournament? Repay the favor for UML? Convalesce from the grueling off-season and take the weekend off? Something else entirely?

[owslachief]

Re: MSU Spartan off-season - the grand flame-out

So, with U. Maine coming to EL during the 14th and 15th of October, and with UAH likely at Munn the following weekend, can anybody take an educated stab at what we're doing for the opening weekend?

Football is in Ann Arbor, so we could, in theory, schedule a non-conference cupcake at home, however, Comley still seems pretty adamant about keeping the number of home games to a minimum (especially considering our attendance woes) so I don't think that's going to happen.

Non-conference tournament? Repay the favor for UML? Convalesce from the grueling off-season and take the weekend off? Something else entirely?

vs. field hockey team on ice?

[aallenpollreisz]

Re: MSU Spartan off-season - the grand flame-out

vs. field hockey team on ice?

Again, Comley is adamant about keeping the number of home games to a minimum. The series must take place at Ralph Young Field, or no go.

[geezer]

Re: MSU Spartan off-season - the grand flame-out

So what do you guys think of Damon Whitten?

[aallenpollreisz]

Re: MSU Spartan off-season - the grand flame-out

So what do you guys think of Damon Whitten?

I've met Damon on a couple of occasions. Good guy, and he does some great work at the hockey office.

[owslachief]

Re: MSU Spartan off-season - the grand flame-out

So what do you guys think of Damon Whitten?

I've met Damon on a couple of occasions. Good guy, and he does some great work at the hockey office.

Regardless of the disparity in recent years of the two programs, I'd say his move to asst. coaching job at Tech is a step ... UP. Nice for him. Good to have another Mason protege in the coaching mix.

[STATEdude3]

Re: MSU Spartan off-season - the grand flame-out

I think Whitten will make a solid career out of coaching if that is something he wants. I remember going to practices at Munn when he played in the late 90's to early 00's and he was ALWAYS the hardest worker on the ice. He was intense during the games (and during the fights after the games against Michigan). If his coaching style is anything like this, I think he will make it to good places.