2011 Minnesota Offseason Thread

[4four4]

Re: 2011 Minnesota Offseason Thread

That Duluth East vs Minnetonka game is going to be a great one. We all saw how tough East played Eden Prairie in the Class AA State Championship. Well, they return a vast majority of that team this year. And not only does Minnetonka return most of their team (including new Gopher recruit Vinni Lettieri), but their JV team was undefeated last year.

And then Edina comes around to ruin everything. lol

 

[JDUBBS1280]

And then Edina comes around to ruin everything. lol

It's just a foregone conclusion that they'll be in the mix

 

[HarleyMC]

Re: 2011 Minnesota Offseason Thread

Don Lucia Media Day interview:

http://www.gophersports.com/allaccess/?media=267097

Media Day player interviews:

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/3pRm-MhGTx4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[Driftryder]

Re: 2011 Minnesota Offseason Thread

Q & A with coach Lucia from today's PP

The University of Minnesota men's hockey team has failed to make it to the NCAA playoffs the past three seasons. That gnaws at Gophers fans as well as folks within the program.

"Yeah, it's disappointing," Gophers coach Don Lucia said Thursday. "It's disappointing to me. It's disappointing to players and fans."

For any of those disappointed fans hoping Lucia's job security is on, uh, thin ice, it isn't. He and Gophers athletics director Joel Maturi are working on a three-year contract extension.

Lucia talked about his team and the disappointments it has faced since winning back-to-back NCAA championships in 2002 and 2003.

BS: Do you know yet if you can contend for a national title?

DL: That's too far away. I don't even think about that at this point of the season. There's so much going on. I think it's not just about winning. It's being in a position where you're knocking on the door. We had our run, and we were knocking on the door every year. Once in a while, that door opens up. We just want to be back in a position where we're knocking on the door.

BS: Is it frustrating not to be there?

DL: Yeah. It hurts. It hurts. There's no doubt as a coach and somebody who's in charge of this program, it hurts personally and it hurts professionally. It's disappointing for the players. It's disappointing for the fans. There's nothing you can do about that. It's about learning and looking in the mirror for all of us and asking, "What can we do better?"


BS: You mention the fans. From the standpoint of fan tolerance, is Minnesota one of the toughest places to coach hockey?

DL: I think it's one of the greatest and one of the most difficult all at the same time. Obviously, people are very passionate about this program. I went to Notre Dame, and I've always said it's like coaching football at Notre Dame. It's not easy. But it's great at the same time. We have a lot of kids who grow up wanting to play here. We have a great facility to play in. We have in-state kids. Our games are on TV. At the same time, that allows people to watch and, especially now with the Internet and blogs, people can have their say. But that goes with what we do. In some ways, you wouldn't want it any other way. You want that passion. You want that commitment from the program, and we have all that.

BS: You ever feel fans are too critical?

DL: You know what? If you're coaching you're probably lying if you don't think that, at times. But at the same time, you have to look at their criticism and evaluate it. Is it fair? A lot of times it is fair. And you've got to look at, "What can we do to be better to quiet that criticism?" When you do this long enough, you understand there are going to be some peaks and valleys. We've been in a valley. We haven't been where we've wanted to be the last few years. Now we have to get back up the mountain.

BS: Do you think you'll quiet the criticism more this season than in the past?

DL: You hope so. All you've got to do is win.

BS: Do you get annoyed or disappointed by the criticism?

DL: I don't get on the message boards. I don't get on the blogs. I don't follow all that. I just don't have time for that. And you know what? Why do you want to beat yourself up?

BS: There are enough people doing it for you, right?

DL: Yeah. So there's no point in that.

BS: You were on top of the world when you won the national title. Does it bother you that coaches live in a what-have-you-done-for-me-lately world?

DL: My wife and I still joke about it. I told her after we won the second one in a row that the only mistake I made is that they weren't six years apart. (Laughs.)

BS: Are you in a bit of a Catch-22? You're expected to recruit the best players in the state, and when you do, many of them only are with you for one or two seasons. How difficult is that for you?

DL: It's been difficult. It's been frustrating. You still have to get the elite player to be successful. But you also have to keep your elite player long enough that they're elite here.

BS: The past few seasons, with all the criticism, have you ever considered packing it in and moving on to something else?

DL: No. I don't think I'm to that point. I'm pretty competitive. I want to be able to, hopefully, walk away on my own terms. I want to walk away when it's going good, not when it's going bad.

 

[gopher wes]

Re: 2011 Minnesota Offseason Thread

I wish there was something there that made me really optimistic.

Just the same, I got the itch for some Golden Gopher Hockey. I told myself I wouldn't, but I can't help myself.

 

[JDUBBS1280]

I wish there was something there that made me really optimistic.

Just the same, I got the itch for some Golden Gopher Hockey. I told myself I wouldn't, but I can't help myself.

This year we will see a step in the right direction. With the talent coming in this year and in the next few years, it is tough not to be excited as hell about what they could potentially do

 

[Driftryder]

Re: 2011 Minnesota Offseason Thread

I know I'm excited about Gopher Hockey this year, after the way last year ended I didn't think I would be, but once October comes around it sucks me in again.

We do have some fresh young talent on the roster, where we end up will depend largely on how they adapt to the WCHA. Maybe our SR's can chip in a little too...

 

[HarleyMC]

Re: 2011 Minnesota Offseason Thread

I wish there was something there that made me really optimistic.

Just the same, I got the itch for some Golden Gopher Hockey. I told myself I wouldn't, but I can't help myself.

As a Gopher fan I'm always optimistic about a new season...no matter what. There's no question that unless this team makes it to the NCAAs this season, all hell will break loose. Overall, what bothered me most about the Media Day interview (other than the typical canned responses) and his comments to the PP is I didn't sense the urgency in Lucia like in years past. It's a good thing Guentzel is around because he has that.

 

[JDUBBS1280]

As a Gopher fan I'm always optimistic about a new season...no matter what. There's no question that unless this team makes it to the NCAAs this season, all hell will break loose. Overall, what bothered me most about the Media Day interview (other than the typical canned responses) and his comments to the PP is I didn't sense the urgency in Lucia like in years past. It's a good thing Guentzel is around because he has that.

I think (at least I hope) tDon knows the urgency of turning this program around. He did acknowledge that Minnesota is the toughest (and most rewarding) place to coach. Another lackluster season, and he's gone. There needs to be a step. In the right direction.

Personally, I'm relieved that he isn't wound up. There needs to be accountability for performance and Pride on Ice, but I don't want to see the players press.

I think we'll see stronger funamentals this year, especially on defense. Less late goals on the penalty kill because players relax on their assignments, less turnovers entering the offensive zone leading to odd-man rushes, etc...

That will add up (I hope) to at least a few more wins this year. I think we'll see this team win at least 20 games this year, finish in the Top 4-5 of the WCHA, make the Final 5, and get an NCAA birth after a 3-year hiatus.

 

[burd]

Re: 2011 Minnesota Offseason Thread

This year we will see a step in the right direction. With the talent coming in this year and in the next few years, it is tough not to be excited as hell about what they could potentially do

The gophers have not lacked great young talent for years, but it hasn't helped. But I also have the feeling they they will put it together this year. We Sioux fans will grump about it if it happens, but I think most of us agree that the conference is a much better place with a UMinn team that is as good as its tradition.

That hurt.

 

[JDUBBS1280]

The gophers have not lacked great young talent for years, but it hasn't helped. But I also have the feeling they they will put it together this year. We Sioux fans will grump about it if it happens, but I think most of us agree that the conference is a much better place with a UMinn team that is as good as its tradition.

That hurt.

The feeling is very much mutual. We love to hate each other, but we respect each other's programs. I agree, it is all the more fun to watch when both program's live up to their tradition. Problem is, we haven't lived up to that lately while the Sioux have been arguably the most consistent team in college hockey.

Hats off to the Sioux for that

 

[state of hockey]

Re: 2011 Minnesota Offseason Thread

I'm not so sure it is mutual. I had no problems with the Sioux sucking in 2002 and 2003.

 

[burd]

Re: 2011 Minnesota Offseason Thread

I'm not so sure it is mutual. I had no problems with the Sioux sucking in 2002 and 2003.

I know what you mean. My marriage has been quite a bit better the last three years, and I was foolish enough to think that was because we were communicating better until I realized I'm just a better person when the gophers suck.

 

[JDUBBS1280]

I know what you mean. My marriage has been quite a bit better the last three years, and I was foolish enough to think that was because we were communicating better until I realized I'm just a better person when the gophers suck.

LOL! Know what you mean. Never said we need to like it when the other succeeds, but for the most part the respect is there.

 

[HarleyMC]

Re: 2011 Minnesota Offseason Thread

I think (at least I hope) tDon knows the urgency of turning this program around. He did acknowledge that Minnesota is the toughest (and most rewarding) place to coach. Another lackluster season, and he's gone. There needs to be a step. In the right direction.

I've been a firm supporter of Lucia even when fans were unloading their season tickets after last season. As I see it we had three main problems since 2006-07: 1) John Hill's lack of coaching ability, 2) Lucia's disconnect with the players and 3) Lucia's lack of intensity, urgency and ability to develop or tap into the true potential of some of the best college hockey players in the nation.

He was forced to show his best friend Hill the door as a line item on his extension, which has temporarily calmed the masses who were calling for Lucia's head. Had he not been forced to do it, I'm not so sure he would have bought into giving Hill the boot.

If you watched his Media Day interview, he announced the coaching staff is implementing a new program to "connect" with the players other than with X's and O's by assigning a representative from each class to meet with the coaches each week to learn what's going on in the student-athlete's lives. That may help in the communication dept. but it's inevitably a poor substitute for direct communication with players.

Lastly, Lucia's become a professional at saying just enough to appease a fan base at the beginning of the season. He does the same thing every season...in fact I think he was even more enthusiastic at the beginning of last season. Over the past few years I've noticed Lucia's presence on the bench is a lot more laid back. I prefer Herbie Brooks sense of urgency to win at all costs and intense style of getting in a player's face, and kickin' a player's *** for screwin' up, instead of the "arms folded/stoic look" on the bench. I honestly hope we see a more intense and passionate Lucia this season or it's more of last season's disappointments.

I know what you mean. My marriage has been quite a bit better the last three years, and I was foolish enough to think that was because we were communicating better until I realized I'm just a better person when the gophers suck.

No, admit it you just finally discovered like Al Pacino said, "You need to go down on her."

 

[ScoobyDoo]

Re: 2011 Minnesota Offseason Thread

When have you ever seen Lucia intense on the bench? He was stoic at CC. He hasn't changed. He only gets riled up if he thinks the team is getting screwed over by the refs.

 

[HarleyMC]

Re: 2011 Minnesota Offseason Thread

When have you ever seen Lucia intense on the bench? He was stoic at CC. He hasn't changed. He only gets riled up if he thinks the team is getting screwed over by the refs.

He was a lot more animated in the early years with CC and with the Gophers...I'd suggest you watch a couple videos before you start popping your seasonal manic depressive attitude, dog. I wonder how long will it take before you become the lame *** whining mut you are every Gopher season?

 

[Hammy]

Re: 2011 Minnesota Offseason Thread

When have you ever seen Lucia intense on the bench? He was stoic at CC. He hasn't changed. He only gets riled up if he thinks the team is getting screwed over by the refs.

I've got to agree with Scooby here. With a few exceptions, Lucia has rarely been the animated type on the bench during the game. It is usually aimed at the refs if he is acting emotional. It doesn't mean he's not intense with the team in the locker room though.

I was at practice a few times last week. Needless to say, neither Lucia or Guentzel were lacking in intensity. I could care less how he comes across in the media.

I also don't see the problem in a committee approach with a member of each class. It hardly means that players can't talk to the coach one on one. Especially with Guentzel back. He's always been a guy that players can talk to.

 

[solovsfett]

Re: 2011 Minnesota Offseason Thread

Eaves started doing meetings like this with the captains and assistants in 05 or 06 after Burish (I think) made it known the kids felt too distant from the coaching staff. It worked out well and I think they still have their weekly meetings.

Players felt the same way under Bob Johnson, this is nothing new. the great (and tough) coaches are so focused on x's and o's usually that their relationship with players is secondary a lot of the time (see, Lombardi Vincent)

IMO, Lucia is a great coach now and always has been. he just had a run of tough luck and brought in his best friend hill to be an assistant which was a big mistake.

 

[HarleyMC]

Re: 2011 Minnesota Offseason Thread

I've got to agree with Scooby here. With a few exceptions, Lucia has rarely been the animated type on the bench during the game. It is usually aimed at the refs if he is acting emotional. It doesn't mean he's not intense with the team in the locker room though.

I was at practice a few times last week. Needless to say, neither Lucia or Guentzel were lacking in intensity. I could care less how he comes across in the media.

I also don't see the problem in a committee approach with a member of each class. It hardly means that players can't talk to the coach one on one. Especially with Guentzel back. He's always been a guy that players can talk to.

There's no doubt, Lucia has never been nearly as animated as Brooks, but he hasn't been a statue in the distant past either. My point is there's definitely been a change in his style over the past few seasons mainly for physical and psychological reasons and it adversely affected the program. The intensity and urgency of Guentzel will hopefully be infectious in that regard this season and yes, I agree he has always been a "go to guy" for players. But in my view, they ALL (including Grant Potulny) need to be the "go to guy" or this season will repeat its previous mistakes.

Whether you care or not how he appears to the media is not important to me or perhaps other fans. Gopher fans have endured some very disappointing seasons to the point where families who possessed season tickets for generations considered giving them up last season and I understand some did just that. IMO Lucia owes it to the fans to communicate through the press, in his first public appearance, a sense of urgency and passion and I was disappointed as I felt he failed to do that. He came up with the same canned approach he always does every season with little regard for clearly and enthusiastically communicating to the general public the absolute urgent need to get this program back on track. Guentzel did that very thing at the State Fair and I commend him for it.

As far as the representative of each class speaking weekly on behalf of others, that's obviously a band aid that is directly correlated with a psychological need...and that need is to "connect", which has been seriously lacking or they wouldn't be implementing it. Will it work? Maybe a bit, but I suspect not as well as they're speculating it will.

Over the last few years Lucia lost touch with one of the most important aspects of coaching...capturing the hearts of the players to such an extent that they WANT to give 110% every time they lace up. If you want to blame Hill for everything be my guest, but you'd be in denial. IMO, the inconsistent play and lack of solid work ethic of the past few seasons is mainly related to a collective disconnect of the psychological chemistry and demonstrated passion between the players and coaches. Now they're finally discovering that team chemistry is extremely personal and psychological, not just X's and O's, a team pizza party and filing a weekly report with the AD.

There's little doubt, as past press reports indicated, that Lucia was somewhat unapproachable and downright moody during his 18 month drug treatment phase from December, 2008 to June, 2010. As a personal trainer, I often hang out and train with very serious amateur and professional bodybuilders who sometimes take massive steroid hits, so I'm very familiar with the severe physical, psychosomatic and behavioral side effects of anabolic steroids which are similar in effect to corticosteroids. With the frequency (weekly) of the high mg. dosage levels that I understand Lucia was injecting...WOW...he was extremely fortunate to have avoided scandalizing himself, his family and the program more than he did. I've seen guys do some very crazy, violent stuff...

In order to avoid the instability of symptomatic affective and behavioral dysfunction caused from frequent and high dosages of steroid injections, an individual MUST AT ALL TIMES engage in critically high levels of reflexivity and self monitoring while simultaneously struggling to maintain a stable self concept. That effectively translates into radical and self induced psychological adjustments in how you view yourself and relate to others. Lucia's initial spike of corticosteroids was dramatic and I suspect the following 18+ months of treatment required a significant recovery time once the treatment is discontinued because prolonged injections tend to saturate bodily tissues with toxic byproducts.

Although I sympathize with Don Lucia and his battle with this debilitating disease, I'm convinced that's precisely why his coaching style and ability to motivate players took a turn for the worse over the last couple seasons:

Lucia endured steroid treatments that kept him awake for two days at a time, then made him so listless he would sleep in his office until practice. The treatment began with four consecutive days of steroids -- "a real butt-kicker," Lucia recalled -- and a warning. People using the drug were advised to stay away from their workplaces, because they might say something they would regret. Within days, Lucia discovered that wasn't all.

During the first 48 hours after a treatment, he would be bouncing off the walls, unable to sleep. Then came a 48-hour crash. He became irritable and prone to flashes of anger. By Sunday, just as he began to feel normal, he knew the cycle would start all over.

"That first weekend we played at Mankato, and I was a madman," Lucia said. "The whole weekend, Joyce told the kids, 'Shhh. Dad's just gotten the steroids. Leave him alone.' It was so easy to get upset and angry.

"You can't sleep, you just can't. A [sleeping pill] wouldn't even make a dent. You're literally numb for a few days, then you're so tired. You're just kind of existing."

Assistant coach John Hill, who has worked with Lucia for 12 years, handled the damage control. He warned the players when Lucia was moody and reminded them not to take it personally. When opposing coaches and other people complained about Lucia's behavior, Hill apologized and explained the steroid effect.

That gave rise to an inside joke in the Gophers hockey office: If Lucia says you're fired, just laugh it off. The stressful atmosphere came to seem normal, but it took a toll.

"The first few days of the week, Don was like a raging bull," Hill said. "You hear about 'roid rage, and we witnessed it. Other days, he looked like he was ready to collapse."

"It was a very emotional time for all of us. Everyone did their best to stay upbeat and positive, for the kids and for each other. Really, we were just trying to survive on a daily basis."

There's little doubt in my mind, Don Lucia made a very serious error in judgment by not voluntarily heeding extant medical advice and taking a temporary leave of absence from coaching. He could have mentored from a distance and come back with renewed vision. Instead that corporate decision with Maturi consequently damaged the program's reputation, the fan base, potential player relationships and their development, and demonstrated a stubborn disregard for the financial stewardship of the Gopher mens hockey program at the University of Minnesota. Sadly, he's never admitted to his critics that he made a calculated and colossal mistake but simply states, "We haven't been where we've wanted to be the last few years". That's not good leadership...pure and simple.

Now that the steroid phase appears to be over (although neurosarcoidosis can be mysteriously chronic even after initial remission and recidivism is possible at any time), he needs to find a way to "connect" to players again, demonstrate passionate sound leadership and bring this program back to the winning tradition of Gopher hockey.