Shirtless Guy
Old Dirty Basterd
Re: 2016 WCHA Offseason; It's All Over, Save Ferris
wouldnt you keep the UP schools together and have UAH in the east?
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2016 WCHA Offseason; It's All Over, Save Ferris
- Thread starter gfmorris
- Start date
blackswampboy
New member
Re: 2016 WCHA Offseason; It's All Over, Save Ferris
yeah...I'd call that a dramatic attendance drop, for both Miami and Western.
isn't that the point of the super-duper competitive awesomeness
that is the NCHC--the MAC schools just won't be as consistently good as they were in the last years of the CCHA (and Western was never that good anyway). expect a lot of losing records, and when you're losing to a bunch of distant teams with no history, no surprise their fans aren't filling the seats.
less winning, higher costs, less revenue--doesn't sound like much of a business model to me.
yeah...I'd call that a dramatic attendance drop, for both Miami and Western.
isn't that the point of the super-duper competitive awesomeness
that is the NCHC--the MAC schools just won't be as consistently good as they were in the last years of the CCHA (and Western was never that good anyway). expect a lot of losing records, and when you're losing to a bunch of distant teams with no history, no surprise their fans aren't filling the seats.less winning, higher costs, less revenue--doesn't sound like much of a business model to me.
blackswampboy
New member
Re: 2016 WCHA Offseason; It's All Over, Save Ferris
nice article on Alex Petan in The Globe and Mail:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/spor...ye-on-a-bigger-prize-the-nhl/article29349685/
nice article on Alex Petan in The Globe and Mail:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/spor...ye-on-a-bigger-prize-the-nhl/article29349685/
Re: 2016 WCHA Offseason; It's All Over, Save Ferris
While possibly true that Miami and WMU might miss the attendance they had in the CCHA, with the schools that provided most of that attendance now in the Big Ten there's not really a reason for them to re-join a new CCHA. Miami sold PSLs which have pretty much topped off their coffers from the increased travel. WMU doesn't have that luxury, and might eventually get tired of being a whipping boy for NoDak, UMD, and UNO, but I wouldn't hold my breath. Arizona State will end up in the Big Ten if they present a decent enough new arena plan. If they don't then the WCHA probably ends up as their third choice.
What always seems to be missed by people who want to reform the CCHA is this: without the Big Ten schools you're not going to see those supplemental attendance increases. Even when BG was putrid they'd still bring in 4,000+ when Michigan or OSU was in the barn. Just because you're playing in the sentimental old conference, fans just aren't going to turn out in droves for BG, UAH, or LSSU (no offense) if you're not winning 20-25 games.
BG's best opportunity for continued success is to stay in a WCHA that is able to improve the issues we have: bad officiating, horrible travel, and a mind-numbingly bad conference tournament.
- I'd work out an agreement with the Big Ten and NCHC to share on-ice officials/philosophies if allowed by NCAA. Laugh all you want at their 7-5 games, but offensive skill is 2016 hockey.
- Send invites to Bobby Mo and Mercyhurst. West division is UAA, BSU, MSU, MTU, NMU, LSSU. East division is UAF, FSU, BGSU, UAH, RMU, and Mercyhurst. You'd play each team in your division four times, and have four crossover series from the other division on rotation. With Alaska schools in each division you'd also get your "bonus games," providing eight to ten out of conference games. Longest bus ride in the west would be Bemidji/Mankato to the Soo @ 11 hours. In the east it'd be Huntsville to Big Rapids or Erie (Mercyhurst) @ 12 hours.
- Conference tournament alternates between smaller venues such as Green Bay's Resch Center and Toledo's Huntington Center. We're not selling 10,000+ tickets to our conference tournament, and sharing the date with the NCHC and Big Ten is going to result in the WCHA final being played at 10 or 11 am. Smaller venues will be cheaper rent, look better for potential TV, and are still easily accessible for travel. Hell, you could even go back to the true Final Five format to help sell tickets with a 12-team league.
There's no perfect answer to all of these issues, but Robertson needs to get creative while at the same time not diluting what little brand power the league has left.
While possibly true that Miami and WMU might miss the attendance they had in the CCHA, with the schools that provided most of that attendance now in the Big Ten there's not really a reason for them to re-join a new CCHA. Miami sold PSLs which have pretty much topped off their coffers from the increased travel. WMU doesn't have that luxury, and might eventually get tired of being a whipping boy for NoDak, UMD, and UNO, but I wouldn't hold my breath. Arizona State will end up in the Big Ten if they present a decent enough new arena plan. If they don't then the WCHA probably ends up as their third choice.
What always seems to be missed by people who want to reform the CCHA is this: without the Big Ten schools you're not going to see those supplemental attendance increases. Even when BG was putrid they'd still bring in 4,000+ when Michigan or OSU was in the barn. Just because you're playing in the sentimental old conference, fans just aren't going to turn out in droves for BG, UAH, or LSSU (no offense) if you're not winning 20-25 games.
BG's best opportunity for continued success is to stay in a WCHA that is able to improve the issues we have: bad officiating, horrible travel, and a mind-numbingly bad conference tournament.
- I'd work out an agreement with the Big Ten and NCHC to share on-ice officials/philosophies if allowed by NCAA. Laugh all you want at their 7-5 games, but offensive skill is 2016 hockey.
- Send invites to Bobby Mo and Mercyhurst. West division is UAA, BSU, MSU, MTU, NMU, LSSU. East division is UAF, FSU, BGSU, UAH, RMU, and Mercyhurst. You'd play each team in your division four times, and have four crossover series from the other division on rotation. With Alaska schools in each division you'd also get your "bonus games," providing eight to ten out of conference games. Longest bus ride in the west would be Bemidji/Mankato to the Soo @ 11 hours. In the east it'd be Huntsville to Big Rapids or Erie (Mercyhurst) @ 12 hours.
- Conference tournament alternates between smaller venues such as Green Bay's Resch Center and Toledo's Huntington Center. We're not selling 10,000+ tickets to our conference tournament, and sharing the date with the NCHC and Big Ten is going to result in the WCHA final being played at 10 or 11 am. Smaller venues will be cheaper rent, look better for potential TV, and are still easily accessible for travel. Hell, you could even go back to the true Final Five format to help sell tickets with a 12-team league.
There's no perfect answer to all of these issues, but Robertson needs to get creative while at the same time not diluting what little brand power the league has left.
Last edited:
Re: 2016 WCHA Offseason; It's All Over, Save Ferris
Seat licenses may work well if you're constantly selling out the arena but if attendance continues to fall off so too will the money from the seat licenses (I would also bet that they are still bleeding money even with those licenses). If OU does, indeed, bring back their varsity program you would have 4 MAC teams in a revamped CCHA with natural rivalries. Names that are recognized by our fans due to the Mid-American Conference. Very few outside of the regular hockey fans in BG knows who or even where Bemidje, MSU Mankato, MTU, or even Ferris is regardless of how good they are. Talk about Ohio University, Miami, and WMU than you suddenly have interest in going to those games. This will help to sell tickets in all of those arenas. The ultimate goal of any team is to get to the NCAAs. What league they're should have little bearing on that goal.
The Resch Center is out of the equation due to hosting the Wisconsin Girls Basketball Tiurney through 2020. The tourney is usually the same weekend as the WCHA tourney, and when it's not, the USHL Gamblers (owned by arena manager PMI) get the ice, and they certainly don't want to be forced to have extended road trips in the final few weeks of their regular season.
However, apparently AmSoil Arena in Duluth could be in the mix for future WCHA tourneys.
I don't totally agree with you on the first part. To coaches moving may not be the optimal solution. For ADs and university presidents, money speaks a bit louder assuming ego doesn't get in the way. Expenses are definitely higher than they were in the past/would be in the future.
I've heard too many times from our ad and coaches that the shuffling isn't done to think that it's going to stay the same. I don't know what that means, Im just convinces it won't sta the same.
As for your ideas, I agree with almost everything you said,except one thing. I really think we have to stop alternating sites. Alternating sites make it extremely difficult to build tradition. It think we need a single site and stick with it for a few years. I don't know where that site is, but alternating is going to get to be too difficult to make work.
JohnsonsJerseys
Michigan Tech Fan
Re: 2016 WCHA Offseason; It's All Over, Save Ferris
Ryan J
Well yeah. We'd love to play more teams that score on themselves as well.
Ryan J
Wi.Huskies Fan
Registered User
Re: 2016 WCHA Offseason; It's All Over, Save Ferris
I like your proposals. I makes sense. Now to get everyone to agree to it......
I like your proposals. I makes sense. Now to get everyone to agree to it......
purpleinnebraska
Well-known member
Re: 2016 WCHA Offseason; It's All Over, Save Ferris
That's going to sting for a while.
To our credit, though, that shot was sweet - from behind one net, off the wall, all the way down to the other end. Skillz, baby.
That's going to sting for a while.
To our credit, though, that shot was sweet - from behind one net, off the wall, all the way down to the other end. Skillz, baby.
net presence
Active member
Re: 2016 WCHA Offseason; It's All Over, Save Ferris
I don’t post often but, hopefully, what I have written previously has allowed me to establish enough credibility here that what I’m about to say will be not be dismissed outright, especially since I’m unable to provide the level of sourcing I’m sure many of you will ask for. I’m going to pass along what I’ve been told by people I trust but, I simply won’t be able to be very specific about who these people are. I apologize in advance as I know that creates doubt (as well as frustration) about the information’s accuracy or validity but, with Tuesday’s announcement regarding Notre Dame, it’s evident things could possibly be happening fairly quickly and I genuinely feel I can add to the conversation in a constructive way.
A little over two years ago, I came on here and suggested a plan that I felt was the only way that the current (nWCHA) could significantly reduce the increased travel costs that the teams were obviously facing and give the conference the best chance for long term stability. That plan entailed adding two more teams and create two geographically friendly divisions (with an Alaska school in each) -- whereby the majority of each team’s league play would occur within their division, thus reducing travel costs as much as possible. In conjunction with that, I suggested moving the conference tournament to a “permanent” but smaller site that was as centrally located as possible and, with as strong of a built in hockey market as possible. I suggested Duluth as some of the previous roadblocks for going there have been reduced, if not eliminated. The league approached Duluth immediately after the realignment as it was their top choice for a smaller venue but, UMD blocked it at that time. Now, it’s my understanding there’s less resistance to that possibility and, I’ve been told that league representatives toured the building again earlier this season. Interestingly, WCHA commissioner Bill Robertson has recently gone on record as supporting a very similar, if not the exact same plan that I’ve laid out (minus the conference tourney portion). In my version, I had the teams aligned this way:
West Division: UAF, BSU, Mankato, MTU, NMU, LSSU
East Division: UAA, Ferris, BGSU, UAH, Niagra, RMU
Since then, I have learned from someone connected with RMU that it’s extremely unlikely they would accept an invitation into the WCHA as they simply are enjoying the fact they’re consistently one of the top 3 teams in AHA and feel their chances at an NCAA birth are much better than if they were to move to the WCHA. If by some chance ASU does not go to the Big 10 (and I’m not convinced they will) then, based on a conversation I had with someone close to the NCHC administration back in February, I believe ASU will end up in the WCHA. If so, then the WCHA would obviously only need to grab one team from AHA. However, based on information I received recently, I believe that there’s just as good of a chance that a different outcome could result. First though, let’s look at the timing for what might happen and how that might affect any possible changes.
Obviously, the number one thing that is driving the possibility of change is the large increases in travel costs. As davyd83 and others closely connected with some of these programs have accurately expressed, most (if not all) of these schools have seen these costs increase substantially. And, after three seasons, the extra burden is starting to take a significant toll. Next, it’s my understanding that all of the agreements that each western league has with the various conference tournament venues expire at the end of next season. If so, then any negotiations to renew these agreements or, develop any new agreements with any possible new sites would need to begin soon – I’d say by the end of the summer at the latest but, probably even earlier. Finally, what ASU decides to do will impact future decisions as well. If they end up in the WCHA, that obviously gives the league 11 teams and would make it that much easier for Robertson to get to 12 and do the two division setup and thus cut off any momentum there might be for a “new” CCHA.
However, IF, repeat IF there is any “plan” or impetus to recreate the CCHA, considering the time it would take to set up a “new” league – hire a commissioner, supervisor of officials, office staff, decide on a city/site for the office, decide and approve a conference tournament site, develop a schedule, create a board of governors -- it would not be surprising if this new league were to be announced by mid to late summer of this year or, possibly even earlier. Let me emphasize that I have not heard anything to indicate that something like this will happen this summer. Still, IF it was going to happen, isn’t the timing as good as it could possibly be at the end of this season? With that, let’s get back to the information I received recently that I referenced in the previous paragraph.
Within the last 60 days, I had a very interesting conversation with a current WCHA head coach. It lasted about an hour with the majority of it focused on the possible future conference alignments. It was his feeling that the previous realignment was driven more by a very select group of coaches and administrators, especially the decision to create the NCHC. However, it was his contention that this time, the coaches as a whole would take a greater lead and ensure that the next round of moves would be done with the long-term health of the game at the forefront. When I asked what he thought was going to happen, he said that, although nothing concrete had been decided or agreed on, there has been much informal discussion among the coaches and ADs the last year or two. First, he predicted (accurately as it turns out) that Notre Dame would leave Hockey East in the near future. He then expressed his opinion that he felt there was a good chance of a reborn CCHA or Great Lakes League. I asked him if there were any specific WCHA coaches or schools actively pushing for this as I have heard that there are. He said that two coaches/schools in particular had much stronger opinions than the others, one from the UP and one south of the UP. He also stated he felt that the UP teams would very likely stay together from here on forward, regardless of what happens. As for the Alaska schools, he simply said that there’s a real feeling among the coaches that they need to be taken care of no matter what happens as we can’t afford to lose anyone if at all possible. Finally, he wasn’t sure where ASU would go but, he didn’t think there was a high level of excitement by many of the coaches or ADs in either the WCHA or NCHA to add them simply because of the travel. To be clear, he wasn’t saying either conference wouldn’t take them as they need a home, just that people weren’t going to be celebrating behind the scenes.
I then asked about the rumors I’d been hearing that Miami and WMU were really regretting the decision to join the NCHC due to the significant increases in travel costs each had experienced. He said he had heard the same thing and that, if the CCHA were to be “reborn”, based on conversations he has had with “certain coaches”, he felt there was a “very good chance” Miami would seriously consider moving to that conference. And, he also said that if Miami moved, Western very likely would as well. The point being that, despite some poster’s opinions on here that the egos of certain coaches would prevent them/their teams from having a change of heart, if the words of this coach are to be believed, that doesn’t seem to be the case at all. In fact, I would argue that my biggest take away from this conversation is this coach’s confidence in the possibility that Miami and Western would be as open as he says they would be to the possibility of leaving the NCHC.
Again, I want to emphasize that this coach was not making a definitive prediction that anything would happen. However, he was very emphatic that, in his opinion, there was a very good chance something probably would (and needed to) happen to address the massive financial issues that most of the WCHA teams are facing and, it would happen soon. Whether or not that’s the plan Bill Robertson has put forth or, a “new” CCHA.
Based on this conversation, I believe that, although you could restart the CCHA with say, MTU, NMU, LSSU, Ferris, BGSU, and UAH, there’s no guarantee you’ll be able to grab another AHA team or two to solidify that league. And, if the recent history of the CHA and BiG10 are any indication, I would think most coaches and ADs would be very hesitant to go with a 6 team league. Therefore, it’s my opinion that the most likely way the CCHA comes back is if Miami and Western are convinced/willing to leave the NCHC. That would allow for the creation of a much lower cost bus league of MTU, NMU, LSSU, Ferris, BGSU, UAH, Miami, and Western. Obviously, IF this were to happen, the next question is, does the NCHC approach Mankato and BSU to fill the two vacant spots. That would seem to make the most sense – regardless of what certain decision-makers feelings were three years ago. If so, that leaves the two Alaska schools and maybe ASU depending on where they end up. Obviously, if this comes to fruition, then it’s very likely we will see the extinction of the most storied college hockey conference in history. Or, maybe it’s just as simple as Miami and Western leave the NCHC and go to the WCHA and the NCHC stays at 6 teams or, possibly gets ASU for a 7th with Mankato and BSU staying in the WCHA. Regardless of which direction this goes, I’m confident that whatever happens will happen sooner rather than later and most likely before the end of this summer.
I don’t post often but, hopefully, what I have written previously has allowed me to establish enough credibility here that what I’m about to say will be not be dismissed outright, especially since I’m unable to provide the level of sourcing I’m sure many of you will ask for. I’m going to pass along what I’ve been told by people I trust but, I simply won’t be able to be very specific about who these people are. I apologize in advance as I know that creates doubt (as well as frustration) about the information’s accuracy or validity but, with Tuesday’s announcement regarding Notre Dame, it’s evident things could possibly be happening fairly quickly and I genuinely feel I can add to the conversation in a constructive way.
A little over two years ago, I came on here and suggested a plan that I felt was the only way that the current (nWCHA) could significantly reduce the increased travel costs that the teams were obviously facing and give the conference the best chance for long term stability. That plan entailed adding two more teams and create two geographically friendly divisions (with an Alaska school in each) -- whereby the majority of each team’s league play would occur within their division, thus reducing travel costs as much as possible. In conjunction with that, I suggested moving the conference tournament to a “permanent” but smaller site that was as centrally located as possible and, with as strong of a built in hockey market as possible. I suggested Duluth as some of the previous roadblocks for going there have been reduced, if not eliminated. The league approached Duluth immediately after the realignment as it was their top choice for a smaller venue but, UMD blocked it at that time. Now, it’s my understanding there’s less resistance to that possibility and, I’ve been told that league representatives toured the building again earlier this season. Interestingly, WCHA commissioner Bill Robertson has recently gone on record as supporting a very similar, if not the exact same plan that I’ve laid out (minus the conference tourney portion). In my version, I had the teams aligned this way:
West Division: UAF, BSU, Mankato, MTU, NMU, LSSU
East Division: UAA, Ferris, BGSU, UAH, Niagra, RMU
Since then, I have learned from someone connected with RMU that it’s extremely unlikely they would accept an invitation into the WCHA as they simply are enjoying the fact they’re consistently one of the top 3 teams in AHA and feel their chances at an NCAA birth are much better than if they were to move to the WCHA. If by some chance ASU does not go to the Big 10 (and I’m not convinced they will) then, based on a conversation I had with someone close to the NCHC administration back in February, I believe ASU will end up in the WCHA. If so, then the WCHA would obviously only need to grab one team from AHA. However, based on information I received recently, I believe that there’s just as good of a chance that a different outcome could result. First though, let’s look at the timing for what might happen and how that might affect any possible changes.
Obviously, the number one thing that is driving the possibility of change is the large increases in travel costs. As davyd83 and others closely connected with some of these programs have accurately expressed, most (if not all) of these schools have seen these costs increase substantially. And, after three seasons, the extra burden is starting to take a significant toll. Next, it’s my understanding that all of the agreements that each western league has with the various conference tournament venues expire at the end of next season. If so, then any negotiations to renew these agreements or, develop any new agreements with any possible new sites would need to begin soon – I’d say by the end of the summer at the latest but, probably even earlier. Finally, what ASU decides to do will impact future decisions as well. If they end up in the WCHA, that obviously gives the league 11 teams and would make it that much easier for Robertson to get to 12 and do the two division setup and thus cut off any momentum there might be for a “new” CCHA.
However, IF, repeat IF there is any “plan” or impetus to recreate the CCHA, considering the time it would take to set up a “new” league – hire a commissioner, supervisor of officials, office staff, decide on a city/site for the office, decide and approve a conference tournament site, develop a schedule, create a board of governors -- it would not be surprising if this new league were to be announced by mid to late summer of this year or, possibly even earlier. Let me emphasize that I have not heard anything to indicate that something like this will happen this summer. Still, IF it was going to happen, isn’t the timing as good as it could possibly be at the end of this season? With that, let’s get back to the information I received recently that I referenced in the previous paragraph.
Within the last 60 days, I had a very interesting conversation with a current WCHA head coach. It lasted about an hour with the majority of it focused on the possible future conference alignments. It was his feeling that the previous realignment was driven more by a very select group of coaches and administrators, especially the decision to create the NCHC. However, it was his contention that this time, the coaches as a whole would take a greater lead and ensure that the next round of moves would be done with the long-term health of the game at the forefront. When I asked what he thought was going to happen, he said that, although nothing concrete had been decided or agreed on, there has been much informal discussion among the coaches and ADs the last year or two. First, he predicted (accurately as it turns out) that Notre Dame would leave Hockey East in the near future. He then expressed his opinion that he felt there was a good chance of a reborn CCHA or Great Lakes League. I asked him if there were any specific WCHA coaches or schools actively pushing for this as I have heard that there are. He said that two coaches/schools in particular had much stronger opinions than the others, one from the UP and one south of the UP. He also stated he felt that the UP teams would very likely stay together from here on forward, regardless of what happens. As for the Alaska schools, he simply said that there’s a real feeling among the coaches that they need to be taken care of no matter what happens as we can’t afford to lose anyone if at all possible. Finally, he wasn’t sure where ASU would go but, he didn’t think there was a high level of excitement by many of the coaches or ADs in either the WCHA or NCHA to add them simply because of the travel. To be clear, he wasn’t saying either conference wouldn’t take them as they need a home, just that people weren’t going to be celebrating behind the scenes.
I then asked about the rumors I’d been hearing that Miami and WMU were really regretting the decision to join the NCHC due to the significant increases in travel costs each had experienced. He said he had heard the same thing and that, if the CCHA were to be “reborn”, based on conversations he has had with “certain coaches”, he felt there was a “very good chance” Miami would seriously consider moving to that conference. And, he also said that if Miami moved, Western very likely would as well. The point being that, despite some poster’s opinions on here that the egos of certain coaches would prevent them/their teams from having a change of heart, if the words of this coach are to be believed, that doesn’t seem to be the case at all. In fact, I would argue that my biggest take away from this conversation is this coach’s confidence in the possibility that Miami and Western would be as open as he says they would be to the possibility of leaving the NCHC.
Again, I want to emphasize that this coach was not making a definitive prediction that anything would happen. However, he was very emphatic that, in his opinion, there was a very good chance something probably would (and needed to) happen to address the massive financial issues that most of the WCHA teams are facing and, it would happen soon. Whether or not that’s the plan Bill Robertson has put forth or, a “new” CCHA.
Based on this conversation, I believe that, although you could restart the CCHA with say, MTU, NMU, LSSU, Ferris, BGSU, and UAH, there’s no guarantee you’ll be able to grab another AHA team or two to solidify that league. And, if the recent history of the CHA and BiG10 are any indication, I would think most coaches and ADs would be very hesitant to go with a 6 team league. Therefore, it’s my opinion that the most likely way the CCHA comes back is if Miami and Western are convinced/willing to leave the NCHC. That would allow for the creation of a much lower cost bus league of MTU, NMU, LSSU, Ferris, BGSU, UAH, Miami, and Western. Obviously, IF this were to happen, the next question is, does the NCHC approach Mankato and BSU to fill the two vacant spots. That would seem to make the most sense – regardless of what certain decision-makers feelings were three years ago. If so, that leaves the two Alaska schools and maybe ASU depending on where they end up. Obviously, if this comes to fruition, then it’s very likely we will see the extinction of the most storied college hockey conference in history. Or, maybe it’s just as simple as Miami and Western leave the NCHC and go to the WCHA and the NCHC stays at 6 teams or, possibly gets ASU for a 7th with Mankato and BSU staying in the WCHA. Regardless of which direction this goes, I’m confident that whatever happens will happen sooner rather than later and most likely before the end of this summer.
net presence
Active member
Re: 2016 WCHA Offseason; It's All Over, Save Ferris
Almost forgot, we also talked about the officiating. And, although he felt there were ways it could be improved – to include getting rid of some officials and bringing in a few newer officials – the reality is that the WCHA just isn’t committing the same type of resources to it that the other conferences are (other than maybe the AHA). For instance, the NCHC has a paid supervisor at almost 80% of its games; someone besides Don Adam with previous upper level officiating experience. Whereas, the WCHA supervised less than 10% of their games this year – almost all of them by Greg Shepherd (they only have one other person besides Shepherd with previous officiating experience that only very rarely watches games). The only reason for this is there simply isn’t enough money to pay for the extra supervision. In fact, considering Greg Shepherd is also the Supervisor of Officials for the WCHA Women as well, he obviously has to spend time watching those officials too. The bottom line – although this coach felt the product could certainly be better, he feels that overall, the majority of the league’s officials are very capable and, that the officiating isn’t nearly as bad as some fans or media think it is, with the biggest difference maker being the league’s ability to properly finance a better product through better supervision and training. As for the growing frustration from fans and media about the lack of scoring and, the perception that it's mainly due to an increase in obstruction, this coach feels it has more to do with simply a temporary drop in high end offensive talent throughout the league. He certainly feels they need to be diligent about calling it when it's there but, he wants to make sure a player is legitimately impeded or, there's a distinct advantage gained or lost before a penalty is called. Otherwise stated, he's not a fan of the NHL regular season standard on restraining fouls...
Almost forgot, we also talked about the officiating. And, although he felt there were ways it could be improved – to include getting rid of some officials and bringing in a few newer officials – the reality is that the WCHA just isn’t committing the same type of resources to it that the other conferences are (other than maybe the AHA). For instance, the NCHC has a paid supervisor at almost 80% of its games; someone besides Don Adam with previous upper level officiating experience. Whereas, the WCHA supervised less than 10% of their games this year – almost all of them by Greg Shepherd (they only have one other person besides Shepherd with previous officiating experience that only very rarely watches games). The only reason for this is there simply isn’t enough money to pay for the extra supervision. In fact, considering Greg Shepherd is also the Supervisor of Officials for the WCHA Women as well, he obviously has to spend time watching those officials too. The bottom line – although this coach felt the product could certainly be better, he feels that overall, the majority of the league’s officials are very capable and, that the officiating isn’t nearly as bad as some fans or media think it is, with the biggest difference maker being the league’s ability to properly finance a better product through better supervision and training. As for the growing frustration from fans and media about the lack of scoring and, the perception that it's mainly due to an increase in obstruction, this coach feels it has more to do with simply a temporary drop in high end offensive talent throughout the league. He certainly feels they need to be diligent about calling it when it's there but, he wants to make sure a player is legitimately impeded or, there's a distinct advantage gained or lost before a penalty is called. Otherwise stated, he's not a fan of the NHL regular season standard on restraining fouls...
aparch
Well-known member
Re: 2016 WCHA Offseason; It's All Over, Save Ferris
Much appreciated for the insight. It seems that all parties (fans, coaches, University controllers) all have similar thinking of what's going to happen. And, like most things in life, there isn't a clear cut answer, but the solution will land somewhere in the middle of everyone's thinking.
Much appreciated for the insight. It seems that all parties (fans, coaches, University controllers) all have similar thinking of what's going to happen. And, like most things in life, there isn't a clear cut answer, but the solution will land somewhere in the middle of everyone's thinking.
blackswampboy
New member
Re: 2016 WCHA Offseason; It's All Over, Save Ferris
would love to see that, but don't hold your breath.
OU's 2016 Comprehensive Master Plan recommends replacing and relocating Bird Arena, but..."That project to relocate the pool/ice arena facilities is a long-term goal of OU, meaning it won’t happen anytime soon."
http://www.athensnews.com/news/camp...cle_89badf52-e3d7-11e5-8ee7-97cb2605c999.html
would love to see that, but don't hold your breath.
OU's 2016 Comprehensive Master Plan recommends replacing and relocating Bird Arena, but..."That project to relocate the pool/ice arena facilities is a long-term goal of OU, meaning it won’t happen anytime soon."
http://www.athensnews.com/news/camp...cle_89badf52-e3d7-11e5-8ee7-97cb2605c999.html
Re: 2016 WCHA Offseason; It's All Over, Save Ferris
I agree, very well said. Its also to hear that there is at least a broad conversation happening this time with coaches rather than a couple AD's and coaches colluding behind closed doors this time around.
I'd love to see a conference tournament in Duluth, but I'd also love to see BSU / MSU-M swapped with WMU and Miami. Hopefully we will know the answer sooner rather than later... until it all happens again.
I agree, very well said. Its also to hear that there is at least a broad conversation happening this time with coaches rather than a couple AD's and coaches colluding behind closed doors this time around.
I'd love to see a conference tournament in Duluth, but I'd also love to see BSU / MSU-M swapped with WMU and Miami. Hopefully we will know the answer sooner rather than later... until it all happens again.
gfmorris
New member
Re: 2016 WCHA Offseason; It's All Over, Save Ferris
It's fun to score from 140' out, too!
I would welcome being in a league with RMU again. It would up the fun quotient with Schooley around. I think that more teams helps break up the travel a bit, especially with RMU and, oh, Mercyhurst being okay bus trips. I don't feel like you're radically expanding the league for anyone but the Minnesota schools. Play a real shell game and trade the Minnesota schools for MU/WMU and add RMU and one of ASU or MC and, well, that's a nice 12-team league that could have some reasonable divisions and minimal air travel outside of going to Alaska.
My magic wand is broken, though.
GFM
It's fun to score from 140' out, too!
I would welcome being in a league with RMU again. It would up the fun quotient with Schooley around. I think that more teams helps break up the travel a bit, especially with RMU and, oh, Mercyhurst being okay bus trips. I don't feel like you're radically expanding the league for anyone but the Minnesota schools. Play a real shell game and trade the Minnesota schools for MU/WMU and add RMU and one of ASU or MC and, well, that's a nice 12-team league that could have some reasonable divisions and minimal air travel outside of going to Alaska.
My magic wand is broken, though.
GFM
Re: 2016 WCHA Offseason; It's All Over, Save Ferris
How important is it, I wonder, for the Alaska teams to be in the same conference?
Anyway, a really interesting post to read. Over on the Miami board there is some gushing about the possibility of joining the Big N, but that only satisfies geography and there's more to it than that.
How important is it, I wonder, for the Alaska teams to be in the same conference?
Anyway, a really interesting post to read. Over on the Miami board there is some gushing about the possibility of joining the Big N, but that only satisfies geography and there's more to it than that.
manurespreader
Still upright
Re: 2016 WCHA Offseason; It's All Over, Save Ferris
Interesting comments NP. I have no doubt that it's accurate. I wonder why the league would sign for a tournament in Duluth if there are no Minnesota teams. I don't doubt that the AH teams are not really interested in joining. I'm not thrilled with ASU and if they come in I would be surprised.
I'm just crossing my fingers that whatever our leaders do it helps the league financially and allows us to go forward indefinitely. I'd like to see better officials but I also think it's not really any worse than other leagues.
I'd love to see Miami and WMU added and also keep the two minnesota schools but I don't see that as likely. If you are Bemidji I think you have to think long and hard about going back to the NCHC teams. You might have no choice though.
Interesting comments NP. I have no doubt that it's accurate. I wonder why the league would sign for a tournament in Duluth if there are no Minnesota teams. I don't doubt that the AH teams are not really interested in joining. I'm not thrilled with ASU and if they come in I would be surprised.
I'm just crossing my fingers that whatever our leaders do it helps the league financially and allows us to go forward indefinitely. I'd like to see better officials but I also think it's not really any worse than other leagues.
I'd love to see Miami and WMU added and also keep the two minnesota schools but I don't see that as likely. If you are Bemidji I think you have to think long and hard about going back to the NCHC teams. You might have no choice though.
