All Things Denver, XXVIII

[vizoroo]

Re: All Things Denver, XXVIII

Certainly they're entitled to their opinions. Turn that coin over. I'm assuming he had some reason(s) for dismantling the club. Maybe he handled it badly.Maybe he figured this was the best way to let them know there was a new sheriff in town. Maybe he didn't communicate well. Maybe the dudes in the Pioneer Club thought THEY were running the program. I mean, it's not like these tensions would be unique to DU. Think about Notre Dame or LSU or Texas. Whooh boy. And while I understand disappointment that "one of us" didn't get the job, that's hardly Gwoz' fault. I assume/hope we've moved past those early problems.

When these things were going on I had moved to Southern Cal and was left with the LA Times as the source of information on college hockey. (Which as you can imagine wasn't much.)
As far as I know Gwoz has brought DU hockey back to its richly deserved position of prominence.

 

[Old Pio]

Re: All Things Denver, XXVIII

When these things were going on I had moved to Southern Cal and was left with the LA Times as the source of information on college hockey. (Which as you can imagine wasn't much.)
As far as I know Gwoz has brought DU hockey back to its richly deserved position of prominence.

That's pretty much my bottom line. Relying on the Times meant you probably had one or maybe two articles about the FF. And since DU had essentially given up on appearing at that particular event, likely you'd never see a single word about the Pioneers.

 

[Chris]

Re: All Things Denver, XXVIII

Certainly they're entitled to their opinions. Turn that coin over. I'm assuming he had some reason(s) for dismantling the club. Maybe he handled it badly.Maybe he figured this was the best way to let them know there was a new sheriff in town. Maybe he didn't communicate well. Maybe the dudes in the Pioneer Club thought THEY were running the program. I mean, it's not like these tensions would be unique to DU. Think about Notre Dame or LSU or Texas. Whooh boy. And while I understand disappointment that "one of us" didn't get the job, that's hardly Gwoz' fault. I assume/hope we've moved past those early problems.

I completely agree on all points, with the "new sheriff in town" argument carrying the most weight. It included such a benign thing as Gwoz dropping the preseason spaghetti dinner for supporters, fans and alums, where the players served as waiters that Serratore had started and was quite popular. I think the dinner continued for Gwoz' first season because it was already scheduled, but was changed from spaghetti to "The Great Gwozdecker Sandwich" (yeah I'm not making that up), which was some mutated form of a reuben.

I would never get into the validity of either side's argument as there is always more to either side's position than any of us would have been privy to -- I was just rehashing what I understood the problems to be. Either way, it can not be argued that there was not some pretty severe strife with all parties involved over various things. However, any animosity that was still left probably got swept away the evening of April, 10, 2004, though I'm sure (or I hope) most had dissipated by then anyhow.

 

[Dmann]

Re: All Things Denver, XXVIII

Where's Dmann?????? .

Hey guys, I hate to have to report this, but my mother died this past Sunday. I obviously didn't make the Maine /UND game as it was getting close Friday night. Tomorrow is the funeral. She put up with Dad's obsession for Maine hockey (before that Yale) for many years. She will be missed...

 

[Chris]

Hey guys, I hate to have to report this, but my mother died this past Sunday. I obviously didn't make the Maine /UND game as it was getting close Friday night. Tomorrow is the funeral. She put up with Dad's obsession for Maine hockey (before that Yale) for many years. She will be missed...

Sorry to hear that.

Just stay up, don't get too down and do plenty of reminiscing about why you love her...it's not easy, I know, but stay strong for her and for yourself.

 

[Old Pio]

Re: All Things Denver, XXVIII

I completely agree on all points, with the "new sheriff in town" argument carrying the most weight. It included such a benign thing as Gwoz dropping the preseason spaghetti dinner for supporters, fans and alums, where the players served as waiters that Serratore had started and was quite popular. I think the dinner continued for Gwoz' first season because it was already scheduled, but was changed from spaghetti to "The Great Gwozdecker Sandwich" (yeah I'm not making that up), which was some mutated form of a reuben.

I would never get into the validity of either side's argument as there is always more to either side's position than any of us would have been privy to -- I was just rehashing what I understood the problems to be. Either way, it can not be argued that there was not some pretty severe strife with all parties involved over various things. However, any animosity that was still left probably got swept away the evening of April, 10, 2004, though I'm sure (or I hope) most had dissipated by then anyhow.

I'm trying to put myself back in those days, and turning the page while writing some new chapters seems appropriate. Fortunately for Gwoz he wasn't following a legend, which just makes these things tougher. A guy I've always felt for is Phil Bengston, remember? He followed Lombardi at Green Bay. Jeez you gotta like getting pounded on every day by everybody to take that job under those circumstances.

While we have people who give donations, some of them doubtless pretty generous, I doubt we have the kind of big cigars the football powerhouses have. So Gwoz wanted to put his own stamp on the program. Look where we were then and look where we are now. What year was it that the results of the final two games with CC were going to decide LAST place in the WCHA. That's a rung on the ladder for somebody else to occupy, not us. If Gwoz ruffled some feathers, at the end of the day, seems like a trade we'd make again if we had to.

 

[Old Pio]

Re: All Things Denver, XXVIII

Hey guys, I hate to have to report this, but my mother died this past Sunday. I obviously didn't make the Maine /UND game as it was getting close Friday night. Tomorrow is the funeral. She put up with Dad's obsession for Maine hockey (before that Yale) for many years. She will be missed...

I'm so sorry. You never quite get over losing a parent, but follow Chris' advice and with time the pain will subside and will be replaced by all of those wonderful memories. My sinerest condolances to you and your family.

 

[Bagman]

Re: All Things Denver, XXVIII

Dmann-sorry for your loss.

 

[du78]

Re: All Things Denver, XXVIII

Hey guys, I hate to have to report this, but my mother died this past Sunday. I obviously didn't make the Maine /UND game as it was getting close Friday night. Tomorrow is the funeral. She put up with Dad's obsession for Maine hockey (before that Yale) for many years. She will be missed...

All my condolences to you and your family.

 

[vizoroo]

Re: All Things Denver, XXVIII

Hey guys, I hate to have to report this, but my mother died this past Sunday. I obviously didn't make the Maine /UND game as it was getting close Friday night. Tomorrow is the funeral. She put up with Dad's obsession for Maine hockey (before that Yale) for many years. She will be missed...

Dmann, thoughts and prayers for your family.

 

[Puck Swami]

Re: All Things Denver, XXVIII

Dmann - sorry to hear about your mom.

Events like that remind us all life is fragile and somewhat temporary, and it's our job to make the most of it while we're here.

 

[Chris]

Re: All Things Denver, XXVIII

I'm trying to put myself back in those days, and turning the page while writing some new chapters seems appropriate. Fortunately for Gwoz he wasn't following a legend, which just makes these things tougher. A guy I've always felt for is Phil Bengston, remember? He followed Lombardi at Green Bay. Jeez you gotta like getting pounded on every day by everybody to take that job under those circumstances.

While we have people who give donations, some of them doubtless pretty generous, I doubt we have the kind of big cigars the football powerhouses have. So Gwoz wanted to put his own stamp on the program. Look where we were then and look where we are now. What year was it that the results of the final two games with CC were going to decide LAST place in the WCHA. That's a rung on the ladder for somebody else to occupy, not us. If Gwoz ruffled some feathers, at the end of the day, seems like a trade we'd make again if we had to.

Yeah, DU wasn't exactly tearing it up in the 6-team WCHA of the early/mid '80s. I think every season (or almost every season) of the 6-team league resulted in DU and CC just fighting to not finish last. We definitely have moved past that. I don't think there are any questions left as to whether we have the right man for the job.

I think part of the issue was that most of our coaches had been either involved with the program or were supported by people involved with the program. Obviously, Marshall Johnston succeeded Murray Armstrong and had major ties to the program, then Ralph succeeded Marsh and had been an assistant here under Johnston, then Frank Serratore was hired based in-part on a recommendation from Marsh (though his hiring even had some controversy since Ron Grahame was supported by many and got blown off, without an interview) and then Gwoz was hired after that as the only recent coach without any level of grass root support. As I stated before, Rich Preston was the one who garnered that level of support during the hiring process...also don't forget that Jeff Jackson had applied and there were many who thought he was the right man and that DU had missed an opportunity when you consider what he was able to accomplish at a school like Lake St.

In the end, Gwoz persevered and we have reaped the benefits. I admire the man, to be honest.

 

[du78]

Re: All Things Denver, XXVIII

I have always been a fan of Gwoz's and the job he has done at DU. I was not initmate to any of the hiring processes that occurred but obviously Rich Preston is a well thought of former DU, WHA and NHL player and Junior and NHL coach. The DU hierarchy made a decision and Gwoz has taken the program from its worst era to one of its best. Anytime I have contacted Gwoz, he has replied in a timely fashion and very graciously. The few times I have had the chance to speak with him in person, we have talked about a lot of things not just hockey. He has a true interest in how the alumni are doing including those that are not around DU all the time. One thing he is most proud of is how the players are as students and how they relate to the community in the various services and activities they perform. He truly believes they are students first and hockey players second. I think the academic awards that the DU team recieves each year are testament to that. He wants them to be successful in life not just hockey. While being a professional player is the goal of all of the players, realistically we and they know that won't happen. He wants to make sure they are prepared no matter what path they choose. I sincerely hope that DU and he can agree on a contract extension to keep him here until he decides to retire. He is on track to be the 2nd legacy coach at DU behind Murray. Not only has Gwoz been responsible for the DU team's success on and off the ice but the staff he has surrounded himself with also deserves a lot of the credit in the recruits that they target and the coaching that they receive. Gwoz has no problem delegating work to his staff. Now lets go out and beat UND!!!

 

[Old Pio]

Re: All Things Denver, XXVIII

Yeah, DU wasn't exactly tearing it up in the 6-team WCHA of the early/mid '80s. I think every season (or almost every season) of the 6-team league resulted in DU and CC just fighting to not finish last. We definitely have moved past that. I don't think there are any questions left as to whether we have the right man for the job.

I think part of the issue was that most of our coaches had been either involved with the program or were supported by people involved with the program. Obviously, Marshall Johnston succeeded Murray Armstrong and had major ties to the program, then Ralph succeeded Marsh and had been an assistant here under Johnston, then Frank Serratore was hired based in-part on a recommendation from Marsh (though his hiring even had some controversy since Ron Grahame was supported by many and got blown off, without an interview) and then Gwoz was hired after that as the only recent coach without any level of grass root support. As I stated before, Rich Preston was the one who garnered that level of support during the hiring process...also don't forget that Jeff Jackson had applied and there were many who thought he was the right man and that DU had missed an opportunity when you consider what he was able to accomplish at a school like Lake St.

In the end, Gwoz persevered and we have reaped the benefits. I admire the man, to be honest.

I was peripherally involved in the initial coach hiring at UNO. I was working at the station which was going to broadcast the games and participated in a presentation to UNO supporters. In addition, Frank Serratore (who was a leading contender) and I had a "secret" breakfast where we discussed the relatonship he planned with his pbp guy. I had known Frank from his DU days, and he felt comfortable with me. As luck would have it, all of our plans went bust, since UNO didn't hire him and instead hired a guy (I'm not making this up) who had had some involvement with an intramural hockey team at UNO. Doesn't impress me much as a credential, but que sera sera. I think UNO made a mistake, but they've corrected it with Blais. I've wondered occasionally how I would have handled calling a game with DU. I'll never know.

 

[Dmann]

Re: All Things Denver, XXVIII

I'm back baby, bump!!

Thanks for all your kind words!!

 

[vizoroo]

Re: All Things Denver, XXVIII

Kudos to du78 for keeping Bacher informed about problems with the PioneerVision broadcast.
And
Kudos to Bacher for getting it fixed!

 

[Puck Swami]

Re: All Things Denver, XXVIII

With UND deeper and more talented than DU this year, the Pios are going to need a little bit of good fortune to take any points out of Grand Forks on Saturday night.

The Pios need to learn to play shut down defense against good teams, then convert on transition opportunties countering the other way. With the power play being as bad as it is, DU is going to need to outwork teams 5 on 5 to have any shot at all at beating them.

 

[Duhockeyfan99]

Re: All Things Denver, XXVIII

http://www.denverpost.com/sports/ci_16462825

I didn't see the article posted in the past couple days.

 

[Puck Swami]

Re: All Things Denver, XXVIII

http://www.denverpost.com/sports/ci_16462825

I didn't see the article posted in the past couple days.

DG's blog re-purposed this Denver Post Story a few days ago.

My feeling is that Mike Chambers is interested in financial aspect of DU's committment to D-I sports as an underlying reason for the protracted contract situation with Gwoz (which he is probably right about), but at a deeper level, he is also likely questioning why DU is spending more money on basketball at the possible expense of hockey.

DU hockey fans obviously want to stay at the top of the hockey world, and want DU's money directed there instead of other sports.

That said, DU fans need to remember that DU went full D-I 10 years ago with the full intention of someday being nationally competitive in ALL the sports they sponsor.

DU is already nationally relevant and competitive in hockey, skiing, soccer, golf, tennis and lacrosse on both the men's and women's side, which is remarkable for a short 10 years in D-I.

That said, the holy money grail is Men's Basketball. DU knows that significant national exposure and the money and better conference affilations come from basketball and they are on the way to elevating this game at DU. Scott's program has gone from the bottom to the upper middle of D-I in just three seasons, and this is the year that DU might break through to the NCAA hoops tourney. DU has little hoops tradition now, but then again, the whole front range lacks nationally relevant hoops programs.

DU could win 5 NCAA Hockey titles in row and still only be relevant to Colorado, the upper midwest and certain areas of New England. Break through to the Sweet 16 in men's hoops, and the national dynamic for the school changes, a la Gonzaga, George Mason, Butler, etc.

 

[Dmann]

Re: All Things Denver, XXVIII

With UND deeper and more talented than DU this year, the Pios are going to need a little bit of good fortune to take any points out of Grand Forks on Saturday night.

The Pios need to learn to play shut down defense against good teams, then convert on transition opportunties countering the other way. With the power play being as bad as it is, DU is going to need to outwork teams 5 on 5 to have any shot at all at beating them.

Boy I don't know Swami, I saw the 3rd period and thought the Pios looked great. There were many close calls and with a little puck luck, we could have won that game! That Zucker is the best looking forward I've seen wearing a Pioneer uiform in a long time. he's the real deal!!!