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Alaska Nanooks 2017-2018 Season
- Thread starter GoNanooks
- Start date
mmf
Nanook Nation
Re: Alaska Nanooks 2017-2018 Season
This morning’s Daily News-miner article on season tickets referred to Lance West as the “interim” head coach again. I emailed the reporter and asked him to confirm Coach West’s status. He said he reached out to UAF and confirmed that Lance West is the interim coach on a one year contract.
The distinction between an “interim” head coach and a permanent head coach is a pretty significant difference IMHO, and I’m somewhat surprised that little detail was left out the University’s press release. If they plan to do a national search they missed a great opportunity with all the free press in most hockey circles to give prospective applicants something to start thinking about over this next year. We are not a good fit for everyone. Prospective applicants need to start researching the program, community, recruiting footprint, shoestring budget support, etc and see if they still want to apply. Lance would still be a strong candidate, but if you're going to do a search, be up front about it.
This morning’s Daily News-miner article on season tickets referred to Lance West as the “interim” head coach again. I emailed the reporter and asked him to confirm Coach West’s status. He said he reached out to UAF and confirmed that Lance West is the interim coach on a one year contract.
The distinction between an “interim” head coach and a permanent head coach is a pretty significant difference IMHO, and I’m somewhat surprised that little detail was left out the University’s press release. If they plan to do a national search they missed a great opportunity with all the free press in most hockey circles to give prospective applicants something to start thinking about over this next year. We are not a good fit for everyone. Prospective applicants need to start researching the program, community, recruiting footprint, shoestring budget support, etc and see if they still want to apply. Lance would still be a strong candidate, but if you're going to do a search, be up front about it.
Alaska Hockey
Registered User
mmf
Nanook Nation
Re: Alaska Nanooks 2017-2018 Season
Maybe so, but human nature is human nature. It could probably take a while for a potential applicant to convince their spouse not to file divorce paperwork and smooth things over. Many families would probably have to stew over the decision to even apply longer than for most openings, imho.
Maybe so, but human nature is human nature. It could probably take a while for a potential applicant to convince their spouse not to file divorce paperwork and smooth things over. Many families would probably have to stew over the decision to even apply longer than for most openings, imho.
gfmorris
New member
Re: Alaska Nanooks 2017-2018 Season
But does leaving Lance to twist in the wind like he's Dennis Williams do anyone any real good? Obviously BG got a good guy in Bergeron, but I can't wonder if that didn't hurt them.
GFM
But does leaving Lance to twist in the wind like he's Dennis Williams do anyone any real good? Obviously BG got a good guy in Bergeron, but I can't wonder if that didn't hurt them.
GFM
It's an interesting point. But in the long run it did BG good. Ferg's departure came rather late to begin a full search. I think this gives Lance to opportunity to show what he can do as the leader of the program. Having just been through a "lame duck" coaching situation, I know it's difficult. How does that coach who has no guarantee beyond the current season operate when it come down to a decision where "win today" collides with the "long term health" of the program.
gfmorris
New member
Re: Alaska Nanooks 2017-2018 Season
How do you sell recruits on the program? How do you convince players to play for the guy not knowing if he'll be there in May? It's tough.
GFM
How do you sell recruits on the program? How do you convince players to play for the guy not knowing if he'll be there in May? It's tough.
GFM
That's how we've lost 4.
Squarebanks
New member
I think this is the most logical response. Unless this season is an abject disaster a la DelCastillo I would anticipate Lance is re-signed to a longer deal next summer. If it's a one year deal, it gives UAF an out if needed.
fairbanks hockey puck
Registered User
Re: Alaska Nanooks 2017-2018 Season
Head Coach Lance West expected to announce his second assistant soon......
Head Coach Lance West expected to announce his second assistant soon......
mmf
Nanook Nation
Re: Alaska Nanooks 2017-2018 Season
I see where the on-line roster was updated and Lance West noted as the new head coach. In the past, the U almost never updated the player roster for the coming year until school was in session, because lots of issues can arise, especially with incoming freshmen. This year it was out over a month ago.
This latest update drops off junior defenseman Jordan Burns, and incoming freshman forward Jimmy Lambert. And freshman forward Max Newton (a late addition per twitter) is not added yet either. If Jordan has indeed moved on, we wish him the best. Hopefully the omission of Jimmy Lambert on this updated roster is just an official paperwork issue, but that may be wishful thinking. This may be why Max Newton was a late add.
It will probably be another three to four weeks before we know for certain what our roster looks like.
Go Nooks!
I see where the on-line roster was updated and Lance West noted as the new head coach. In the past, the U almost never updated the player roster for the coming year until school was in session, because lots of issues can arise, especially with incoming freshmen. This year it was out over a month ago.
This latest update drops off junior defenseman Jordan Burns, and incoming freshman forward Jimmy Lambert. And freshman forward Max Newton (a late addition per twitter) is not added yet either. If Jordan has indeed moved on, we wish him the best. Hopefully the omission of Jimmy Lambert on this updated roster is just an official paperwork issue, but that may be wishful thinking. This may be why Max Newton was a late add.
It will probably be another three to four weeks before we know for certain what our roster looks like.
Go Nooks!
Squarebanks
New member
Squarebanks
New member
Re: Alaska Nanooks 2017-2018 Season
Per another article, Max Newton is still coming.
Per another article, Max Newton is still coming.
Re: Alaska Nanooks 2017-2018 Season
Preseason takes
Anyone want to take a crack at where the Nanooks are going to finish? Mine is... and to state the obvious.. comes down to goaltending. If Martinsson or DellaMaggiore or the combination of both is above average, the team will be in the middle of the pack. I think we're solid on the blueline and have some scoring pop with our forwards. It will definitely be wins by committee. Of course, any freshmen contributions (like Van Tetering was) is a plus.
Preseason takes
Anyone want to take a crack at where the Nanooks are going to finish? Mine is... and to state the obvious.. comes down to goaltending. If Martinsson or DellaMaggiore or the combination of both is above average, the team will be in the middle of the pack. I think we're solid on the blueline and have some scoring pop with our forwards. It will definitely be wins by committee. Of course, any freshmen contributions (like Van Tetering was) is a plus.
Below us, hopefully.
mmf
Nanook Nation
Re: Alaska Nanooks 2017-2018 Season
I usually post a little worksheet with some basic info before the season begins. I’m still waiting for about three teams to publish 2017-18 rosters before I finish that worksheet.
But here are few other worksheets with data to think about.
Alaska Roster
Here is what I think we are looking at. We had a solid team last year with mostly underclassmen. We will add 4 freshman forwards but no freshmen defensemen. Anxious to see Marino, who practiced but had to sit out last year. Also curious to see Froese back on defense after sitting out a couple of years with recurring injuries. He was just as talented as Frye as a freshman.
I believe we have lost freshman forward recruit Jimmy Lambert and freshman goaltender recruit Mitch Benson with the coaching change. No announcements from the U, but both are listed back on their previous jr. rosters now.
Goaltending will be the big question mark. Martinsson practiced last year with the team but was not eligible to play the first half. I hear good things. To bad we lost recruit Benson, who would have battled Martinsson for playing time. Not sure if this is our final roster, but it’s what I think we have today.
We were close to a home playoff spot last year, and should be better this year (imho). We will still rely on scoring by committee and solid defense.
Go Nooks!
<a href="https://mmf.smugmug.com/All-Galleries/Alaska-Nanook-Hockey/2017-18-Hockey-GIFS/n-3WVvs2/i-X8LFFNg/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-X8LFFNg/0/57715dd0/M/i-X8LFFNg-M.jpg" alt=""></a>
I usually post a little worksheet with some basic info before the season begins. I’m still waiting for about three teams to publish 2017-18 rosters before I finish that worksheet.
But here are few other worksheets with data to think about.
Alaska Roster
Here is what I think we are looking at. We had a solid team last year with mostly underclassmen. We will add 4 freshman forwards but no freshmen defensemen. Anxious to see Marino, who practiced but had to sit out last year. Also curious to see Froese back on defense after sitting out a couple of years with recurring injuries. He was just as talented as Frye as a freshman.
I believe we have lost freshman forward recruit Jimmy Lambert and freshman goaltender recruit Mitch Benson with the coaching change. No announcements from the U, but both are listed back on their previous jr. rosters now.
Goaltending will be the big question mark. Martinsson practiced last year with the team but was not eligible to play the first half. I hear good things. To bad we lost recruit Benson, who would have battled Martinsson for playing time. Not sure if this is our final roster, but it’s what I think we have today.
We were close to a home playoff spot last year, and should be better this year (imho). We will still rely on scoring by committee and solid defense.
Go Nooks!
<a href="https://mmf.smugmug.com/All-Galleries/Alaska-Nanook-Hockey/2017-18-Hockey-GIFS/n-3WVvs2/i-X8LFFNg/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-X8LFFNg/0/57715dd0/M/i-X8LFFNg-M.jpg" alt=""></a>
mmf
Nanook Nation
Re: Alaska Nanooks 2017-2018 Season
When we look back at the previous year it’s not hard to see why everyone finished where they did. Obviously the GF/GA tell the story, but like most everyone knows, special teams and goaltending is where you win and lose games.
Some teams lost a fair amount in senior scoring, some not so much (a few adjustments here based of other losses if I happened to read about them). Interesting to see how underclassmen performed last year and if maybe that bodes well for the coming year.
<a href="https://mmf.smugmug.com/All-Galleries/Alaska-Nanook-Hockey/2017-18-Hockey-GIFS/n-3WVvs2/i-mp5tzLK/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-mp5tzLK/0/c75a32bd/S/i-mp5tzLK-S.jpg" alt=""></a>
When we look back at the previous year it’s not hard to see why everyone finished where they did. Obviously the GF/GA tell the story, but like most everyone knows, special teams and goaltending is where you win and lose games.
Some teams lost a fair amount in senior scoring, some not so much (a few adjustments here based of other losses if I happened to read about them). Interesting to see how underclassmen performed last year and if maybe that bodes well for the coming year.
<a href="https://mmf.smugmug.com/All-Galleries/Alaska-Nanook-Hockey/2017-18-Hockey-GIFS/n-3WVvs2/i-mp5tzLK/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-mp5tzLK/0/c75a32bd/S/i-mp5tzLK-S.jpg" alt=""></a>
mmf
Nanook Nation
Re: Alaska Nanooks 2017-2018 Season
Another consideration, but not too important is who you play in conference x4. Good teams win no matter who they play or if home/away. But based on where teams finished last year (rank x # games to be played), here is what the conference strength of schedule looks like. Take with a grain of salt, because it is somewhat a self-fulfilling prophecy.
But it looks like LSSU, NMU, and UAH may have the tougher schedules, and BSU, MSU, MTU the easier road.
<a href="https://mmf.smugmug.com/All-Galleries/Alaska-Nanook-Hockey/2017-18-Hockey-GIFS/n-3WVvs2/i-Sq42J8C/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Sq42J8C/0/7a72a5fc/S/i-Sq42J8C-S.jpg" alt=""></a>
Another consideration, but not too important is who you play in conference x4. Good teams win no matter who they play or if home/away. But based on where teams finished last year (rank x # games to be played), here is what the conference strength of schedule looks like. Take with a grain of salt, because it is somewhat a self-fulfilling prophecy.
But it looks like LSSU, NMU, and UAH may have the tougher schedules, and BSU, MSU, MTU the easier road.
<a href="https://mmf.smugmug.com/All-Galleries/Alaska-Nanook-Hockey/2017-18-Hockey-GIFS/n-3WVvs2/i-Sq42J8C/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Sq42J8C/0/7a72a5fc/S/i-Sq42J8C-S.jpg" alt=""></a>
mmf
Nanook Nation
Re: Alaska Nanooks 2017-2018 Season
And since we all know how important the “polls” are…
<a href="https://mmf.smugmug.com/All-Galleries/Alaska-Nanook-Hockey/2017-18-Hockey-GIFS/n-3WVvs2/i-DRDf6cJ/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-DRDf6cJ/0/b1f1496b/S/i-DRDf6cJ-S.jpg" alt=""></a>
Highlighted cells are +/- 3 or more spots
<a href="https://mmf.smugmug.com/All-Galleries/Alaska-Nanook-Hockey/2017-18-Hockey-GIFS/n-3WVvs2/i-MhLZTsg/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-MhLZTsg/0/353dc0b3/M/i-MhLZTsg-M.jpg" alt=""></a>
<a href="https://mmf.smugmug.com/All-Galleries/Alaska-Nanook-Hockey/2017-18-Hockey-GIFS/n-3WVvs2/i-v5r9dJJ/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-v5r9dJJ/0/6ebeeed0/M/i-v5r9dJJ-M.jpg" alt=""></a>
And since we all know how important the “polls” are…
<a href="https://mmf.smugmug.com/All-Galleries/Alaska-Nanook-Hockey/2017-18-Hockey-GIFS/n-3WVvs2/i-DRDf6cJ/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-DRDf6cJ/0/b1f1496b/S/i-DRDf6cJ-S.jpg" alt=""></a>
Highlighted cells are +/- 3 or more spots
<a href="https://mmf.smugmug.com/All-Galleries/Alaska-Nanook-Hockey/2017-18-Hockey-GIFS/n-3WVvs2/i-MhLZTsg/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-MhLZTsg/0/353dc0b3/M/i-MhLZTsg-M.jpg" alt=""></a>
<a href="https://mmf.smugmug.com/All-Galleries/Alaska-Nanook-Hockey/2017-18-Hockey-GIFS/n-3WVvs2/i-v5r9dJJ/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-v5r9dJJ/0/6ebeeed0/M/i-v5r9dJJ-M.jpg" alt=""></a>