state of hockey
He fixes the cable?
Re: 2011 Minnesota Offseason Thread
Jacob Cepis signed with the Lake Erie Monsters today, best of luck to him!
Jacob Cepis signed with the Lake Erie Monsters today, best of luck to him!
USCHO Fan Forum
This is a sample guest message. Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!
-
The USCHO Fan Forum has migrated to a new plaform, xenForo. Most of the function of the forum should work in familiar ways. Please note that you can switch between light and dark modes by clicking on the gear icon in the upper right of the main menu bar. We are hoping that this new platform will prove to be faster and more reliable. Please feel free to explore its features.
2011 Minnesota Offseason Thread
- Thread starter Bakunin
- Start date
Re: 2011 Minnesota Offseason Thread
Any chance this new contract lowers (or erases) the buyout and we still have some hope of getting a new coach before next season?
I'm guessing the answer is no, but i would love a glimmer of hope! 
Any chance this new contract lowers (or erases) the buyout and we still have some hope of getting a new coach before next season?
I'm guessing the answer is no, but i would love a glimmer of hope! Is that the new diving team!!!
state of hockey
He fixes the cable?
GOPHER FREAK
Molôn Labé!
Re: 2011 Minnesota Offseason Thread
It's a great gig if you can get it. The whole Athletic department is circling the bowl, it really doesn't surprise me Manuri make the wrong decision. I'll be dropping my tickets this coming season, I've had them since 1997. My dad is dropping his, had them since 1971 and my Uncle is dropping his which he has had since 1973. Both were told without a donation they would likely be moved down low in the corners. Easier to watch on TV. There is beer, Free parking, and you can turn them off when they take a night off.
It's a great gig if you can get it. The whole Athletic department is circling the bowl, it really doesn't surprise me Manuri make the wrong decision. I'll be dropping my tickets this coming season, I've had them since 1997. My dad is dropping his, had them since 1971 and my Uncle is dropping his which he has had since 1973. Both were told without a donation they would likely be moved down low in the corners. Easier to watch on TV. There is beer, Free parking, and you can turn them off when they take a night off.
GOPHER FREAK
Molôn Labé!
Re: 2011 Minnesota Offseason Thread
Agreed. Although of all the seniors, I'll miss Hoeffel the least. Biggest waste of talent since Barry Tallackson.
Agreed. Although of all the seniors, I'll miss Hoeffel the least. Biggest waste of talent since Barry Tallackson.
dxmnkd316
Lucia Apologist
Re: 2011 Minnesota Offseason Thread
SWEET! Three steps closer to the promised land!
SWEET! Three steps closer to the promised land!
Re: 2011 Minnesota Offseason Thread
Jeez, that's truly sad to hear from someone who obviously has deep family roots in the program. I know the speculation has been endless, but what is the issue? Lucia is a proven coach, no? Top end talent--no doubt. Is it partly the curse of too much success recruiting--where key defensemen and potential team leaders leave too early for the team to mature? Do you and your father and uncle know what exactly they are giving up on, or has the patience just run out? Gopher expectations have always been high, justifiably so, but there is more competition out there now--just ask Red Berenson. If Mark Johnson goes to Penn State, how long before he has a team that can compete? Who would have seen Penn State as a player even 3 years ago?
Jeez, that's truly sad to hear from someone who obviously has deep family roots in the program. I know the speculation has been endless, but what is the issue? Lucia is a proven coach, no? Top end talent--no doubt. Is it partly the curse of too much success recruiting--where key defensemen and potential team leaders leave too early for the team to mature? Do you and your father and uncle know what exactly they are giving up on, or has the patience just run out? Gopher expectations have always been high, justifiably so, but there is more competition out there now--just ask Red Berenson. If Mark Johnson goes to Penn State, how long before he has a team that can compete? Who would have seen Penn State as a player even 3 years ago?
Re: 2011 Minnesota Offseason Thread
IMO, and I still love tDon, is the maximation of talent. Something is not clicking. We have a good mix of 4-year guys and superstars. Nothing is happening. Hill is the obvious block, but Hill won't be gone unless tDon is gone, period. When you have been as "bad" (for MN, a .500 record is bad) as long as we have, you can start to narrow it down to causes. IMO, coaching is the cause. They are not getting the most out of their players for whatever reason. System? Motivation? I dunno. But we have the talent. It's just not showing.
IMO, and I still love tDon, is the maximation of talent. Something is not clicking. We have a good mix of 4-year guys and superstars. Nothing is happening. Hill is the obvious block, but Hill won't be gone unless tDon is gone, period. When you have been as "bad" (for MN, a .500 record is bad) as long as we have, you can start to narrow it down to causes. IMO, coaching is the cause. They are not getting the most out of their players for whatever reason. System? Motivation? I dunno. But we have the talent. It's just not showing.
HarleyMC
Registered User
Re: 2011 Minnesota Offseason Thread
I concur 100% with your statement. It's obviously not my right or call as a poster to judge what anyone does with their Gopher hockey season tickets for whatever reason. As an act of disgust and protest, it's always an individual decision and people often vote with their conscience, their voice and their feet. But I thought the same thing you did when I read that longstanding Gopher fans would give them up after so many years of loyalty because of the current and albeit agonizing 4 year slump. It's sad.
Slumps are common with sports teams of all kinds. Those fans with a symbiotic and inherent self and social identity wrapped up in their favorite team will feel the negative impact of failure in much more significant and affective ways. That's obviously true with a lot of Gopher fans who have at one time basked in the reflected glory of the historical winning tradition of Gopher hockey.
There are numerous negative factors (involving players and coaches) one could point to that correlate with these past seasons of underperformance. However, one thing I cannot agree with in this current and swelling Gopher fan protest movement is it's all Don Lucia's fault. That's faulty reductionism and is just simply inaccurate.
I wonder how fans will feel if or when Don Lucia gets a significant contract extension to transition Gopher hockey into the BTHC in a couple years? I would not be surprised at all to see that happen. Don Lucia can still coach and has a bit of gas left in the tank. I would also not be surprised to see John Hill relocate at some time in the future.
IMHO, cutting off reflected failure is a viable, although an extreme option. FWIW, my personal view is fans should hang onto their season tickets, show their continued loyalty, verbally voice their strong disapproval through various means, but weather the storm because significant change is not far off. Bask in the reflected failure by showing your continued loyalty and appeal to appointed leadership for change. Things will inevitably get better.
I concur 100% with your statement. It's obviously not my right or call as a poster to judge what anyone does with their Gopher hockey season tickets for whatever reason. As an act of disgust and protest, it's always an individual decision and people often vote with their conscience, their voice and their feet. But I thought the same thing you did when I read that longstanding Gopher fans would give them up after so many years of loyalty because of the current and albeit agonizing 4 year slump. It's sad.
Slumps are common with sports teams of all kinds. Those fans with a symbiotic and inherent self and social identity wrapped up in their favorite team will feel the negative impact of failure in much more significant and affective ways. That's obviously true with a lot of Gopher fans who have at one time basked in the reflected glory of the historical winning tradition of Gopher hockey.
There are numerous negative factors (involving players and coaches) one could point to that correlate with these past seasons of underperformance. However, one thing I cannot agree with in this current and swelling Gopher fan protest movement is it's all Don Lucia's fault. That's faulty reductionism and is just simply inaccurate.
I wonder how fans will feel if or when Don Lucia gets a significant contract extension to transition Gopher hockey into the BTHC in a couple years? I would not be surprised at all to see that happen. Don Lucia can still coach and has a bit of gas left in the tank. I would also not be surprised to see John Hill relocate at some time in the future.
IMHO, cutting off reflected failure is a viable, although an extreme option. FWIW, my personal view is fans should hang onto their season tickets, show their continued loyalty, verbally voice their strong disapproval through various means, but weather the storm because significant change is not far off. Bask in the reflected failure by showing your continued loyalty and appeal to appointed leadership for change. Things will inevitably get better.
GOPHER FREAK
Molôn Labé!
Re: 2011 Minnesota Offseason Thread
Lucia is a proven coach who the game has passed by. The top recruits leave at Minnesota because NHL front offices have lost confidence in Lucia's ability to develop players. UND has no problem retaining great players for 4 years in some cases.
For me it's not enabling this self destructive behavior by the Athletic department. I'm doing the only thing I can in not renewing my tickets. Hopefully, with an empty building next season the boosters will put a little pressure on Manuri or who ever the athletic director is. Also Gopher hockey has become kind of a downer for me. For my Dad and Uncle it's the insult of being moved to the ends for not making a donation in Manuri's preferred seating program.
Lucia is a proven coach who the game has passed by. The top recruits leave at Minnesota because NHL front offices have lost confidence in Lucia's ability to develop players. UND has no problem retaining great players for 4 years in some cases.
For me it's not enabling this self destructive behavior by the Athletic department. I'm doing the only thing I can in not renewing my tickets. Hopefully, with an empty building next season the boosters will put a little pressure on Manuri or who ever the athletic director is. Also Gopher hockey has become kind of a downer for me. For my Dad and Uncle it's the insult of being moved to the ends for not making a donation in Manuri's preferred seating program.
Re: 2011 Minnesota Offseason Thread
Hell, at the rate things are going, you'll probably be able to score seats without a donation in a couple years. The level of interest and loyalty to this program is clearly plummeting.
If you're willing to make a donation, you can secure season tickets - no need to wait.
Hell, at the rate things are going, you'll probably be able to score seats without a donation in a couple years. The level of interest and loyalty to this program is clearly plummeting.
Re: 2011 Minnesota Offseason Thread
If/when you drop your tickets I sugget writing the athletic department a letter stating why you are doing so.
If/when you drop your tickets I sugget writing the athletic department a letter stating why you are doing so.
cross cheque
Make the playoffs, not war.
Re: 2011 Minnesota Offseason Thread
Something to watch for this offseason will be whether or not Jason Gregoire or Brock Nelson of UND sign with NYI(their draft team), since both Okposo and Ness were NYI recruits as well it will be interesting and an eye opener for the gopher athletic dept if neither UND player signs. I fully expect Nelson to stay but Gregoire looks as ready as any other player who has signed and forgone another college season.
Something to watch for this offseason will be whether or not Jason Gregoire or Brock Nelson of UND sign with NYI(their draft team), since both Okposo and Ness were NYI recruits as well it will be interesting and an eye opener for the gopher athletic dept if neither UND player signs. I fully expect Nelson to stay but Gregoire looks as ready as any other player who has signed and forgone another college season.
Re: 2011 Minnesota Offseason Thread
Key players leaving way too early is a part of it (Leddy etc..) but obviously not the whole problem as other programs (UND Denver) seem to adjust. Our D would have looked much better this year with Leddy back there and with Budish in the lineup maybe the offense scores a few more key goals. But all teams have to deal with that sort of thing so the coaching staff doesn't get a free pass on this one.
I know Hill has been brought up time and time again on these boards and I'm not sure what to think about that whole thing, is it just internet jabber or is he actually a bad coach. Would Lucia really keep him around if he was that bad? Maybe, I don't know.
Bottom line is missing the F5 and NCAA's is getting very old, they need to change something over there at Mariucci and quickly the natives are getting restless.
Key players leaving way too early is a part of it (Leddy etc..) but obviously not the whole problem as other programs (UND Denver) seem to adjust. Our D would have looked much better this year with Leddy back there and with Budish in the lineup maybe the offense scores a few more key goals. But all teams have to deal with that sort of thing so the coaching staff doesn't get a free pass on this one.
I know Hill has been brought up time and time again on these boards and I'm not sure what to think about that whole thing, is it just internet jabber or is he actually a bad coach. Would Lucia really keep him around if he was that bad? Maybe, I don't know.
Bottom line is missing the F5 and NCAA's is getting very old, they need to change something over there at Mariucci and quickly the natives are getting restless.
SoCalSiouxFan
Registered User
Re: 2011 Minnesota Offseason Thread
Having key players leave early seems to be a symptom of a problem. Players will do what they feel is best for their career. Players at UND or Denver seem to stay in school longer which may indicate they are more satisfied with their coaches and the program. I have heard that players in college should develop faster than players in the AHL because, in theory, they receive more training. If the coaches are doing their job and developing players then the player should stay in college until they are ready for the NHL.
If they are unhappy they will simply go elsewhere. No explanation required, just leave. Out of respect for their home state, the University, the program, their teammates, the loyal fans, and/or the coaches, any player with half a brain would not publically say anything negative, and instead express some gratitude for their opportunity to play. No burning bridges just leave for a better opportunity elsewhere.
Players vote with their feet, and there seems to be a lot of nay votes lately.
Having key players leave early seems to be a symptom of a problem. Players will do what they feel is best for their career. Players at UND or Denver seem to stay in school longer which may indicate they are more satisfied with their coaches and the program. I have heard that players in college should develop faster than players in the AHL because, in theory, they receive more training. If the coaches are doing their job and developing players then the player should stay in college until they are ready for the NHL.
If they are unhappy they will simply go elsewhere. No explanation required, just leave. Out of respect for their home state, the University, the program, their teammates, the loyal fans, and/or the coaches, any player with half a brain would not publically say anything negative, and instead express some gratitude for their opportunity to play. No burning bridges just leave for a better opportunity elsewhere.
Players vote with their feet, and there seems to be a lot of nay votes lately.
Re: 2011 Minnesota Offseason Thread
There are typically two components to the early departure problem:
1) Is the team that drafted the player hurting for depth at his position (assuming the team isn't already aggressively signing its prospects regardless of need)?
2) Is the player eager to play at the next level / does he dislike the academic side of being a college athlete?
If the answer to either of these is yes, the odds strongly favor a guy bolting. In the case of Leddy last season, Chicago had shed a significant amount of high priced personnel following their balls-to-the-wall pursuit of the Cup and needed depth. While the initial guess was he'd be in the AHL this year, things turned out well for him as he's played over 30 games with the Blackhawks.
There are typically two components to the early departure problem:
1) Is the team that drafted the player hurting for depth at his position (assuming the team isn't already aggressively signing its prospects regardless of need)?
2) Is the player eager to play at the next level / does he dislike the academic side of being a college athlete?
If the answer to either of these is yes, the odds strongly favor a guy bolting. In the case of Leddy last season, Chicago had shed a significant amount of high priced personnel following their balls-to-the-wall pursuit of the Cup and needed depth. While the initial guess was he'd be in the AHL this year, things turned out well for him as he's played over 30 games with the Blackhawks.
HarleyMC
Registered User
Re: 2011 Minnesota Offseason Thread
The Gophers picked up Chris Rial (6'5", 205lb.) from the NAHL last week. Chris is a stay at home defensiveman with an offensive upside and could be a valuable replacement for Aaron Ness on PPs.
Chris Student, a much smaller D (5-9, 170lb.) will be eligible to play the 2011-12 season after transferring from Northeastern and sitting out a year. He hails from Edina and played high school hockey at Benilde-St. Margaret's where he helped the Red Knights capture the Class 2A state tournament in 2008 as a senior. He only notched 2 Gs and 12 As in the USHL before his freshman season at Northeastern.
So we won't see much in the way of typical "offensive" defensemen next season with the exception of freshman Ben Marshall, and possibly sophomore Mark Alt who had a good past season of development.
DEFENSE:
RETURNING:
Seth Helgeson, 6-5, 217
Mark Alt, 6-3, 194
Justin Holl, 6-2, 180
Nate Schmidt, 5-11, 199
Jake Parenteau, 5-10, 188
NEW:
Chris Rial, 6-5, 205
Chris Student, 5-9, 170lb
Ben Marshall, 5-10, 166
The Gophers picked up Chris Rial (6'5", 205lb.) from the NAHL last week. Chris is a stay at home defensiveman with an offensive upside and could be a valuable replacement for Aaron Ness on PPs.
Chris Student, a much smaller D (5-9, 170lb.) will be eligible to play the 2011-12 season after transferring from Northeastern and sitting out a year. He hails from Edina and played high school hockey at Benilde-St. Margaret's where he helped the Red Knights capture the Class 2A state tournament in 2008 as a senior. He only notched 2 Gs and 12 As in the USHL before his freshman season at Northeastern.
So we won't see much in the way of typical "offensive" defensemen next season with the exception of freshman Ben Marshall, and possibly sophomore Mark Alt who had a good past season of development.
DEFENSE:
RETURNING:
Seth Helgeson, 6-5, 217
Mark Alt, 6-3, 194
Justin Holl, 6-2, 180
Nate Schmidt, 5-11, 199
Jake Parenteau, 5-10, 188
NEW:
Chris Rial, 6-5, 205
Chris Student, 5-9, 170lb
Ben Marshall, 5-10, 166
Re: 2011 Minnesota Offseason Thread
If they didn't need the depth Leddy would have played another year.
If they didn't need the depth Leddy would have played another year.