All Things Denver-The Real XXXIV

[du78]

Re: All Things Denver-The Real XXXIV

Sorry to butt in, but what makes him think if he didn't get drafted while on DU that he suddenly will get picked up on some other team.? Minutes or otherwise, scouts are not dumb. Riverboat gamble if you ask me. I hate to see guys leave as it is almost never really in their best interest.

He wasn't at DU when he wasn't drafted, he had just finished playing in Green Bay. My guess is that he thinks that playing in the "O" he will have more scouts see him, etc and put up some big numbers. I am disappointed he decided to leave DU and don't think he is increasing his draft stock. I totally agree that it probably wasn't in his best interest to leave as he is far from being NHL ready. There is a reason he wasn't drafted last year. Heck there may not even be a draft this year if there is no NHL. I can see why some kids leave school due to lack of playing time but DU has a short roster and this kid was getting regular playing time. As I noted below, the last two d-men to leave DU for the CHL have had mixed success. He is now on a team with 9 d-men on the roster. I hope for his sake this gamble works because he just gave up the chance for a free college degree and the chance to grow as a player for 3.5 more years. If it doesn't work he'll be toiling in the low minors without an education.

 

[MinnesotaNorthStar]

Re: All Things Denver-The Real XXXIV

I'm betting Gwoz said it through clenched teeth.

I would like to be a fly on the wall when a coach gets a call that a player is leaving midseason. I imagine much more colorful language than is always used in the public statement.

 

[First Time Long Time]

Re: All Things Denver-The Real XXXIV

I would like to be a fly on the wall when a coach gets a call that a player is leaving midseason. I imagine much more colorful language than is always used in the public statement.

When it happened to us last year with Reid, it certainly seemed it was a "you're a good player, but don't let the door hit you" thing.
I always question guy's loyalties with crap like this.

 

[dggoddard]

Re: All Things Denver-The Real XXXIV

My take on this situation is that this was a player who probably peaked as a 16 year-old, but who has played a key role in two national championship teams. He was highly recruited and won the 2007 AAA national championship with the St Louis Jr Blues. He then won the Clark Cup with the Green Bay Gamblers.

Odds are if he'd stayed at DU for four years he would of been a really nice player and would of had a shot at some NCHC/NCAA hardware. Because of his size [5'10 180 lbs] he's a huge longshot to ever make the NHL. No doubt the size issue cost him being drafted last summer.

Two or three years ago Mermis was projected by many mock drafts as a possible first round draft pick. His dad runs the entire St. Louis Junior Blues youth organization, so you can figure out what happened here. Dad wants the player in the NHL, figures he needs more minutes, more games & PP opportunities.

He probably didn't get enough playing time on the USNDP Under 17 team. He then skipped playing for the Under 18 team [probably with DU's blessing] and helped the Green Bay Gamblers win the USHL title last year but still didn't get a lot of power play minutes.

Short term, its a killer for DU. Long term its OK, because DU got itself way of of kilter in the scholarship department. 7 Dmen & 3 goaltenders on scholarship this season left only 8 scholies at forward.

DU will have 10 scholies available for forwards next season. DU really got itself into a bind and there's no doubt that the 0-5-3 losing streak in December was 100% attributable to a lack of depth at forward.

 

[Old Pio]

Re: All Things Denver-The Real XXXIV

For some odd reason I'm reminded of Bette Midler's line in "Beaches": "But enough talk about me, let's talk about you. . .what do you think about me?'

 

[manurespreader]

Re: All Things Denver-The Real XXXIV

I don't think it has anything to do with scouts seeing him. Heck we have three scouts per game in Houghton and I would expect you have at least that many. In addition teams are in contact with the coaches regularly so if they want to know about a player they do.
Maybe a change will benefit him but like I said, it's a big gamble. I think often young players get an inflated view of how good they really are and couple that with the OHL constantly contacting kids, it's easy to leave.

 

[Old Pio]

Re: All Things Denver-The Real XXXIV

The kid is dead to me now. It's not that I don't want him to succeed. I just don't give a sh*t. Sort of like my feelings about the White Sox. Loyalty is a two way street, and these disloyal pups who run off in the middle of a season were, IMO, bad choices to begin with. It's bad enough that we can't keep good players beyond their sophomore seasons. You make a commitment, you keep your word. Simple as that.

"Don't ever take sides against the family again."

 

[du78]

Re: All Things Denver-The Real XXXIV

Time to start thinking about this coming weekend's series against #12 Cornell. DU currently ranked at #11. In the PWR DU is at #13 and Big Red at #12. This is a huge series for DU as it is the last out of conference series of the season. DU is 3-2-0 in out of conference games so far this season and 2 more wins would put them nicely at 5-2-0. Against teams under consideration for the PWR, DU is already 7-4-1 and pushing that to 9-4-1 with two wins this weekend would help solidify their PWR standings and move them up. I would expect to see Jussi get the start in goal on Friday and if he is successful probably get Saturday's start. With only 6 d-men on the roster now, the boys will be logging lots of ice time. Due to the short roster, DU will probably only dress 11 forwards with Allen injured and J. Mermis in chateaux bow wow.

 

[Old Pio]

Re: All Things Denver-The Real XXXIV

Time to start thinking about this coming weekend's series against #12 Cornell. DU currently ranked at #11. In the PWR DU is at #13 and Big Red at #12. This is a huge series for DU as it is the last out of conference series of the season. DU is 3-2-0 in out of conference games so far this season and 2 more wins would put them nicely at 5-2-0. Against teams under consideration for the PWR, DU is already 7-4-1 and pushing that to 9-4-1 with two wins this weekend would help solidify their PWR standings and move them up. I would expect to see Jussi get the start in goal on Friday and if he is successful probably get Saturday's start. With only 6 d-men on the roster now, the boys will be logging lots of ice time. Due to the short roster, DU will probably only dress 11 forwards with Allen injured and J. Mermis in chateaux bow wow.

Remember, Jussi is "probably" the leading contender to start Friday night. Only "probably."

 

[dggoddard]

Re: All Things Denver-The Real XXXIV

Part of the reason DU jumped up in Pairwise is due to CC sitting on the bubble at #26. DU will need CC & MSU-M to remain as TUC's at the end of the season.

Certainly a big weekend against Cornell will have massive Pairwise implications.

I think that Dakota's dad was the one who pulled the trigger on the move to London. Whatever Jarrod did or didn't do to get suspended also turned out to have massive ramifications on this team.

The coaches have got to do a better job of keeping these kids In-House. Its easy to say in hindsight, but rotating the powerplay time more fairly, perhaps having each Dman sitting out every 7th game rather than shortshifting everybody's playing time, better communication with the parents... Hard to say without knowing the details, but losing a player to major juniors every two years is a big problem. I know every program in college hockey are dealing with these issues, but hey, "We're DU. We're better than them."

 

[vizoroo]

Re: All Things Denver-The Real XXXIV

Announcement of Dakota Mermis signing on London Knights' site. One of his teammates from Green Bay last year, Alex Broadhurst, is on the team. FYI, the addition of Dakota places 9 d-men on London's roster. They must have promised him the world as they are already the first place team in the OHL. If they make him one of their top 6 d-men, he will be taking someone else's job on the team. That player probably won't be too happy.

http://www.londonknights.com/article/knights-sign-mermis-to-ohl-contract

Last two d-men to leave DU for the CHL have had mixed success. William Wrenn went to Portland and captained the team. He is property of the San Jose Sharks and is playing his first pro year in Alaska in the ECHL. Was one of the first cuts in San Jose's AHL camp. Keith Seabrook left DU for Calgary of the WHL. He bounced around the AHL being traded several times by his NHL teams. He was not under contract this year and began the season in Italy. He is no longer with the team.

1. If Dakota didn't think he got enough PP time with 7 D-men, why would he think he will get more with 9 D-men?
2. Throw TJ Fast into the D-men who left early and his career follows the same route. Went to TriCity did well and bounced ECHL and AHL and is not on any roster this year.
3. For a freshman he was doing pretty well. Seemed like he got plenty of ice time. Did he outperform Makowski or LaLeggia on offense? No. Mayfield, Didier, or Phillips as a shutdown D-Man? No. Is he better than the other freshman, Zajac? Why not compete and find out?
4. Personally, I am offended by someone leaving mid-season. It seems to be a very selfish move--grades, behavior not meeting the standard, get it together or suffer the consequences , player is accountable--not enough ice time, work harder, player is accountable. I don't care whether you're a Pioneer, gopher, maverick, eagle, terrier, husky, etc.
5. CHL raids mid-season show no class at all. If the "family advisor" is the one initiating the contact, shame on you for encouraging the loss of a good education.

 

[dggoddard]

Re: All Things Denver-The Real XXXIV

1. If Dakota didn't think he got enough PP time with 7 D-men, why would he think he will get more with 9 D-men?
2. Throw TJ Fast into the D-men who left early and his career follows the same route. Went to TriCity did well and bounced ECHL and AHL and is not on any roster this year.
3. For a freshman he was doing pretty well. Seemed like he got plenty of ice time. Did he outperform Makowski or LaLeggia on offense? No. Mayfield, Didier, or Phillips as a shutdown D-Man? No. Is he better than the other freshman, Zajac? Why not compete and find out?
4. Personally, I am offended by someone leaving mid-season. It seems to be a very selfish move--grades, behavior not meeting the standard, get it together or suffer the consequences , player is accountable--not enough ice time, work harder, player is accountable. I don't care whether you're a Pioneer, gopher, maverick, eagle, terrier, husky, etc.
5. CHL raids mid-season show no class at all. If the "family advisor" is the one initiating the contact, shame on you for encouraging the loss of a good education.

1.) Because London promised him they would put him on the PP unit

2.) Dakota is probably better than TJ Fast, but probably faces longer odds of making an NHL roster. In TJ's defense he was a 2nd Round pick. Think LA would like to have that pick over again?

3.) Mermis wants to play in the NHL, this was the best decision for him to reach that goal

4). This is a new era. Coaches don't meet the needs of the player, the player bolts. Who's left holding the bag? The coaches.

5). CHL teams like London average 7,000 fans per game. They don't have any overhead like supporting a math department or proping up the Volleyball team. Who makes more money if the CHL team wins? The owners of the team. Who makes more money if a college team wins? Nobody.

 

[Pablo]

Re: All Things Denver-The Real XXXIV

1. If Dakota didn't think he got enough PP time with 7 D-men, why would he think he will get more with 9 D-men?
2. Throw TJ Fast into the D-men who left early and his career follows the same route. Went to TriCity did well and bounced ECHL and AHL and is not on any roster this year.
3. For a freshman he was doing pretty well. Seemed like he got plenty of ice time. Did he outperform Makowski or LaLeggia on offense? No. Mayfield, Didier, or Phillips as a shutdown D-Man? No. Is he better than the other freshman, Zajac? Why not compete and find out?
4. Personally, I am offended by someone leaving mid-season. It seems to be a very selfish move--grades, behavior not meeting the standard, get it together or suffer the consequences , player is accountable--not enough ice time, work harder, player is accountable. I don't care whether you're a Pioneer, gopher, maverick, eagle, terrier, husky, etc.
5. CHL raids mid-season show no class at all. If the "family advisor" is the one initiating the contact, shame on you for encouraging the loss of a good education.

Agreed on all points, Vizoroo.

DG: I don't think that coaches should toss out power play time like candy to kids. The goal of DU hockey is to win games. To win games, you put your best people on the power play. Why should a coach have to sit like 3 people who are more deserving (better players, who have actually stuck with the program) in order to keep some kid around. You get on the power play, when putting you on the power play will help the team win.

Good preview below, DU78. It is definitely a huge weekend for DU, and hopefully they will play like it.

 

[dggoddard]

Re: All Things Denver-The Real XXXIV

DG: I don't think that coaches should toss out power play time like candy to kids. The goal of DU hockey is to win games. To win games, you put your best people on the power play. Why should a coach have to sit like 3 people who are more deserving (better players, who have actually stuck with the program) in order to keep some kid around. You get on the power play, when putting you on the power play will help the team win.

DU is 20% on the PP this season.

During the losing streak DU was at 12%.

DU PP during losing streak

Yale 0-5
UNH 0-5
Sconnie 0-3
Sconnie 1-5
UND 1-5
UND 2-7
BSU 1-5
BSU 0-6

You have a situation where the power play was faltering and a player who was frustrated about not improving or showcasing his ability. On one hand you have a program that's selling itself to recruits as a pathway to the NHL and on the otherhand you aren't developing his power play opportunities. Seems to me DU is going to lose a lot more players to major juniors if the coaches can't come up with a solution.

 

[Pablo]

Re: All Things Denver-The Real XXXIV

DU is 20% on the PP this season.

During the losing streak DU was at 12%.

You have a situation where the power play was faltering and a player who was frustrated about not improving or showcasing his ability. On one hand you have a program that's selling itself to recruits as a pathway to the NHL and on the otherhand you aren't developing his power play opportunities. Seems to me that you are going to lose a lot of players to major juniors if the coaches can't come up with a solution.

I hear you--but how can someone be legitimately frustrated about being behind on the depth chart to much better players, 3 months into his college career??? There's something very wrong with that lack of patience, in my opinion, and it indicates that the player had no business going to college in the first place.

In terms of solutions--I guess coaches could try harder to filter these kids out in the recruiting process. (Though I think DU has done pretty well, as these kinds of defections aren't all that common at DU.) And hopefully coaches don't have to use power play time as a recruiting tool. It's said below in this thread that scouts are smart. If they are smart, aren't they smart enough to know that a kid isn't a better pro prospect, just because he racks up 5 additional assists to Nick Shore & Knowlton on the PP? You could put ME on the power play, and I might even rack up an assist or two.

 

[dggoddard]

Re: All Things Denver-The Real XXXIV

I hear you--but how can someone be legitimately frustrated about being behind on the depth chart to much better players, 3 months into his college career??? There's something very wrong with that lack of patience, in my opinion, and it indicates that the player had no business going to college in the first place.

In terms of solutions--I guess coaches could try harder to filter these kids out in the recruiting process. (Though I think DU has done pretty well, as these kinds of defections aren't all that common at DU.) And hopefully coaches don't have to use power play time as a recruiting tool. It's said below in this thread that scouts are smart. If they are smart, aren't they smart enough to know that a kid isn't a better pro prospect, just because he racks up 5 additional assists to Nick Shore & Knowlton on the PP? You could put ME on the power play, and I might even rack up an assist or two.

The NHL is all they think about, its all they've been taught and their entire self-worth is tied to someday putting on an NHL Jersey and cashing a paycheck.

If DU is recruiting the best players, this is going to come with the territory.

It would appear that the coaching staff is having trouble communicating with the players & parents and if they are communicating with the players and parents; the players aren't understanding the message.

Dakota Mermis would have been an excellent four year player at DU. As a free agent he would of been able to pick his own situation and after a few years in the minors, might have had a small chance at making an NHL Roster.

That message doesn't sound too appealing to folks that have been told on message boards, by scouting services, recruiters and the like that Dakota Mermis was a surefire NHL 1st Round pick ever since he was 15 years old. As it turned out, the problem was that Dakota didn't grow to 6'3 200 lbs.

How many US born defensemen are in the NHL under 6 feet? Guessing probably around 6 or less.

 

[Dmann]

Re: All Things Denver-The Real XXXIV

Time to start thinking about this coming weekend's series against #12 Cornell. DU currently ranked at #11. In the PWR DU is at #13 and Big Red at #12. This is a huge series for DU as it is the last out of conference series of the season. DU is 3-2-0 in out of conference games so far this season and 2 more wins would put them nicely at 5-2-0. Against teams under consideration for the PWR, DU is already 7-4-1 and pushing that to 9-4-1 with two wins this weekend would help solidify their PWR standings and move them up. I would expect to see Jussi get the start in goal on Friday and if he is successful probably get Saturday's start. With only 6 d-men on the roster now, the boys will be logging lots of ice time. Due to the short roster, DU will probably only dress 11 forwards with Allen injured and J. Mermis in chateaux bow wow.

Cornell scares the crap out of me. I still haven't gotten over 1986!! I don't suppose Joe Newendyke still plays for them does he???

 

[du78]

Re: All Things Denver-The Real XXXIV

Cornell scares the crap out of me. I still haven't gotten over 1986!! I don't suppose Joe Newendyke still plays for them does he???

That is the last time DU played Cornell. All time record between DU and Cornell is 4-4-0. The biggest game was the 1969 NCAA title bout in Colorado Springs against Cornell in which DU beat Ken Dryden 4-3.

 

[SJHovey]

Re: All Things Denver-The Real XXXIV

How many US born defensemen are in the NHL under 6 feet? Guessing probably around 6 or less.

Not way off. These guys played at least one NHL game last year.

John-Michael Liles
Keith Ballard
Alex Goligoski
Francis Bouillon
Andy Greene
Kevin Shattenkirk
Brett Lebda
Matt Hunwick
Jack Hillen
Nick Leddy
Steven Kampfer
Matt Taormina
Cade Fairchild
Torey Krug
Aaron Ness

 

[dggoddard]

Re: All Things Denver-The Real XXXIV

Not way off. These guys played at least one NHL game last year.

[FRESHMAN STATS]

John-Michael Liles - MSU [8 goals, 20 assists] 4 years of college
Keith Ballard - MN [10 goals, 13 assists] 3 years of college
Alex Goligoski - MN [5 goals, 15 assists] 3 years of college
Francis Bouillon - CHL
Andy Greene - MIA(OH) [4 goals, 19 assists] 4 years of college
Kevin Shattenkirk - BU [4 goals, 17 assists] 3 years of college
Brett Lebda - ND [7 goals, 19 assists] 4 years of college
Matt Hunwick - MI [1 goal, 14 assists] 4 years of college
Jack Hillen - CC [2 goals, 9 assists] 4 years of college
Nick Leddy - MN [3 goals, 8 assists] 1 year of college
Steven Kampfer - MI [1 goal, 3 assists] 4 years of college
Matt Taormina - Providence [1 goal, 10 assists] 4 years of college
Cade Fairchild - MN [2 goals, 13 assists] 4 years of college
Torey Krug - MSU [3 goals, 18 assists] 3 years of college
Aaron Ness - MN [2 goals, 15 assists] 3 years of college

Seems like the common thread is lots of assists and three/four years of college.

Most of those guys listed were fantastic college players, who's development by their Freshman year was way ahead of where D Mermis is today.

Joey Leggs [DU Freshman Stats-11 goals, 27 assists] caused DU's unbalanced recruiting of seven scholie blueliners when he decommitted to UNH and fell into DU's lap at the 11th hour.