Bangor Daily News: Whitehead Fired

[MEbear]

Re: Bangor Daily News: Whitehead Fired

100% agree. I have to say I will be a little bit disappointed if it is anyone other than Jim Montgomery. He is a proven winner time and time again, he has the experience, he knows/lived/made the tradition at Maine, he's the best captain that Maine has ever had (with Metcalf a close second in my book) and I feel (can't back it up of course) that he would be loyal to the program long term. He is charismatic and has that fire that's been missing at Maine for so long. Can you imagine how amazing the atmosphere would be that first game with him behind the bench?? I think he would sell tickets instantly. He is the man for the job, bar none.

Another hugely important factor I assume he'd bring back to the Alfond is Grant Standbrook. He's about the best judge of young hockey talent and best goalie coach in the college game and he'd be a package deal with Montgomery. I know he's old but not in the way most of us get old. He's physically and mentally in incredible shape for most 40 year old's and could go on making huge contributions to Maine hockey for a decade or more. I gave up my season tix 3 or 4 years ago but with Jimmy and Grant behind the Maine bench, I'd have to reevaluate my wintertime entertainment priorities and sign back up and I suspect I've got a LOT of company there.

But once the initial excitement passes, the new coach is going to have to deliver over the long term, and Montgomery has proven that he's got potential to do that by bringing and maintaining such a high standard at Dubuque. He's a proven leader and a proven winner and seems to be able to develop his young talent so his team ends up being much more than the sum of its parts. I guess they have to look at other candidates too, but with all we know about Montgomery/Standbrook, I hope they're the fontrunners and get a chance to show the hockey world what they can do in Orono, Maine.

 

[Ma#1ne Hky]

Re: Bangor Daily News: Whitehead Fired

When it's going to take, realistically, three to four years to bring the whole thing under control and start to see some of their own recruits start to come into the program...then another year or two to build on that and get solidly back into the national picture. Could it happen faster? Yes. But that is a realistic timeline...IMHO

The 1st step was taken yesterday.

 

[Ma#1ne Hky]

Re: Bangor Daily News: Whitehead Fired

Another hugely important factor I assume he'd bring back to the Alfond is Grant Standbrook. He's about the best judge of young hockey talent and best goalie coach in the college game and he'd be a package deal with Montgomery. I know he's old but not in the way most of us get old. He's physically and mentally in incredible shape for most 40 year old's and could go on making huge contributions to Maine hockey for a decade or more. I gave up my season tix 3 or 4 years ago but with Jimmy and Grant behind the Maine bench, I'd have to reevaluate my wintertime entertainment priorities and sign back up and I suspect I've got a LOT of company there.

But once the initial excitement passes, the new coach is going to have to deliver over the long term, and Montgomery has proven that he's got potential to do that by bringing and maintaining such a high standard at Dubuque. He's a proven leader and a proven winner and seems to be able to develop his young talent so his team ends up being much more than the sum of its parts. I guess they have to look at other candidates too, but with all we know about Montgomery/Standbrook, I hope they're the fontrunners and get a chance to show the hockey world what they can do in Orono, Maine.

Do you think that Standbrook would be used more as a Consultant and as a Volunteer Coach to help Montgomery and to continue to have 2 Full Time Assistant Coaches in the fold..?..and IF you get back your season tickets....GREAT..!!!! Time to bring back that Old Time feeling to the Alfond.

 

[Chuck Murray]

Re: Bangor Daily News: Whitehead Fired

Just in case there was any confusion over the motivating factor behind Coach Whitehead's dismissal ...

In $upporting thi$ decision, Director of Athletic$ $teve Abbott added, “Thi$ i$ about the future of our marquee program. $ince 2008, UMaine ha$ experienced declining Hockey Ea$t $ucce$$, $eason ticket $ale$ and overall ticket revenue$, and waning $tudent engagement in men'$ ice hockey. The Pre$ident and I are committed to en$uring that our Men'$ Hockey Program is financially $u$tainable, continue$ to focu$ on developing the $tudent-athlete and i$ known nationally for excellence.”

And capped off by UMaine's transparent-yet-incredibly-naive financial exit strategy ...

Whitehead had one year remaining on a four-year extension of his employment contract negotiated in 2010. In choosing not to pursue an additional extension from discussions with Coach Whitehead, the University will provide up to $195,000 related to one year's salary, plus one month's salary in lieu of notice. President Ferguson will use only privately raised funds from the President's Discretionary Account to meet that obligation and no funds will be reallocated from the current university budget committed to academic programs, faculty, student or operational needs. Abbott ha$ indicated that the Athletic$ Department i$ committed to reimbur$ing the President'$ inve$tment through anticipated revenue$ generated by renewing fan intere$t and increa$ed ticket $ale$.

* Firing the coach with a year left on his contract = "investment"
* "President's Discretionary Account" = retroactive financial aid????

I gotta admit that, despite the fan uproar that's preceded (and based on AD $teve'$ comments, very clearly precipitated) yesterday's job action, this was a brave decision by UMaine. And I'm a little surprised they didn't "bite the bullet" for one more season, especially with the team's second half turnaround. Especially where it's *only* been six years since Coach Whitehead's program experienced four trips to the FF in a six-year stretch, including two losses in the Finals.

In the meantime, the folks in Durham show no signs of upsetting the applecart, despite Coach Umile now at ten (10) seasons (and counting) past an identical six-year stretch.

Fortune favors the brave. Assuming UMaine likely got the first half of their decision right, it will be interesting to see how Part Two of the decision (the successor) turns out.

 

[sandiegoblkbr]

Re: Bangor Daily News: Whitehead Fired

Dont want no stinkin 59 year old Gwoz
Dont want no angry Jack
Dont want no Blodget look alike

Just want a young, proven winner and a leader. And we know where to find him.

Amen!

 

[sandiegoblkbr]

Re: Bangor Daily News: Whitehead Fired

Cindy was totally unqualified and well above her head. She needed more seasoning but Maine needed stability and took a chance. Jim Montgomery has recruiting experience, management experience and coaching experience. He has cleared every hurdle and is the ONE person who will sell tickets, renew enthusiasm and bring in donations immediately.

Need to start a twitter handle #MaineforMonty

Cindy did not have the personality to be a head coach and lead a high profile program........period.

 

[BassAle]

Re: Bangor Daily News: Whitehead Fired

Just in case there was any confusion over the motivating factor behind Coach Whitehead's dismissal ...

In $upporting thi$ decision, Director of Athletic$ $teve Abbott added, “Thi$ i$ about the future of our marquee program. $ince 2008, UMaine ha$ experienced declining Hockey Ea$t $ucce$$, $eason ticket $ale$ and overall ticket revenue$, and waning $tudent engagement in men'$ ice hockey. The Pre$ident and I are committed to en$uring that our Men'$ Hockey Program is financially $u$tainable, continue$ to focu$ on developing the $tudent-athlete and i$ known nationally for excellence.”

And capped off by UMaine's transparent-yet-incredibly-naive financial exit strategy ...

Whitehead had one year remaining on a four-year extension of his employment contract negotiated in 2010. In choosing not to pursue an additional extension from discussions with Coach Whitehead, the University will provide up to $195,000 related to one year's salary, plus one month's salary in lieu of notice. President Ferguson will use only privately raised funds from the President's Discretionary Account to meet that obligation and no funds will be reallocated from the current university budget committed to academic programs, faculty, student or operational needs. Abbott ha$ indicated that the Athletic$ Department i$ committed to reimbur$ing the President'$ inve$tment through anticipated revenue$ generated by renewing fan intere$t and increa$ed ticket $ale$.

* Firing the coach with a year left on his contract = "investment"
* "President's Discretionary Account" = retroactive financial aid????

I gotta admit that, despite the fan uproar that's preceded (and based on AD $teve'$ comments, very clearly precipitated) yesterday's job action, this was a brave decision by UMaine. And I'm a little surprised they didn't "bite the bullet" for one more season, especially with the team's second half turnaround. Especially where it's *only* been six years since Coach Whitehead's program experienced four trips to the FF in a six-year stretch, including two losses in the Finals.

In the meantime, the folks in Durham show no signs of upsetting the applecart, despite Coach Umile now at ten (10) seasons (and counting) past an identical six-year stretch.

Fortune favors the brave. Assuming UMaine likely got the first half of their decision right, it will be interesting to see how Part Two of the decision (the successor) turns out.

No one felt he earned a contract extension and you can't have a lame duck head coach without digging the program into an even bigger hole. It was the only realistic option at this point, other than a 1 year extension (which they would have had to buy out next season anyway, unless things really turned around) -- plus that would have just ****ed off the fans even more

 

[gscott13]

Re: Bangor Daily News: Whitehead Fired

Just in case there was any confusion over the motivating factor behind Coach Whitehead's dismissal ...

In $upporting thi$ decision, Director of Athletic$ $teve Abbott added, “Thi$ i$ about the future of our marquee program. $ince 2008, UMaine ha$ experienced declining Hockey Ea$t $ucce$$, $eason ticket $ale$ and overall ticket revenue$, and waning $tudent engagement in men'$ ice hockey. The Pre$ident and I are committed to en$uring that our Men'$ Hockey Program is financially $u$tainable, continue$ to focu$ on developing the $tudent-athlete and i$ known nationally for excellence.”

And capped off by UMaine's transparent-yet-incredibly-naive financial exit strategy ...

Whitehead had one year remaining on a four-year extension of his employment contract negotiated in 2010. In choosing not to pursue an additional extension from discussions with Coach Whitehead, the University will provide up to $195,000 related to one year's salary, plus one month's salary in lieu of notice. President Ferguson will use only privately raised funds from the President's Discretionary Account to meet that obligation and no funds will be reallocated from the current university budget committed to academic programs, faculty, student or operational needs. Abbott ha$ indicated that the Athletic$ Department i$ committed to reimbur$ing the President'$ inve$tment through anticipated revenue$ generated by renewing fan intere$t and increa$ed ticket $ale$.

* Firing the coach with a year left on his contract = "investment"
* "President's Discretionary Account" = retroactive financial aid????

I gotta admit that, despite the fan uproar that's preceded (and based on AD $teve'$ comments, very clearly precipitated) yesterday's job action, this was a brave decision by UMaine. And I'm a little surprised they didn't "bite the bullet" for one more season, especially with the team's second half turnaround. Especially where it's *only* been six years since Coach Whitehead's program experienced four trips to the FF in a six-year stretch, including two losses in the Finals.

In the meantime, the folks in Durham show no signs of upsetting the applecart, despite Coach Umile now at ten (10) seasons (and counting) past an identical six-year stretch.

Fortune favors the brave. Assuming UMaine likely got the first half of their decision right, it will be interesting to see how Part Two of the decision (the successor) turns out.

chuck,

while dollars and cents certainly were a consideration, those issues were largely the result of waning interest as a result of the results on the ice. maine, who had sold out for years, averaged 4,200 fans per game this year (1,400) below capacity. and as for the results, when you start graphing things out it is quite clear that once the program was "all his" (no more walsh/standbrook recruits/players) the wins, losses and post season successes all fell away... in three of the last six years, he won 13, 13, and 11 games (37 total). They won 38 in 2004 alone iirc.

I am sure that once umile has retired, unh will not be as patient with a newcomer as they are with him.

that said, this has been coming for a while. fans weren't happy, boosters weren't happy, and most tellingly, the alumni were not happy. Abbott all but said this decision was made in February as they began targeting certain individuals that they would want in consideration as a replacement. The "3 week evaluation" period appeared to me to simply be some time to solicit private funds to accomplish the buyout.

 

[MEbear]

Re: Bangor Daily News: Whitehead Fired

chuck,

while dollars and cents certainly were a consideration, those issues were largely the result of waning interest as a result of the results on the ice. maine, who had sold out for years, averaged 4,200 fans per game this year (1,400) below capacity. and as for the results, when you start graphing things out it is quite clear that once the program was "all his" (no more walsh/standbrook recruits/players) the wins, losses and post season successes all fell away... in three of the last six years, he won 13, 13, and 11 games (37 total). They won 38 in 2004 alone iirc.

I am sure that once umile has retired, unh will not be as patient with a newcomer as they are with him.

that said, this has been coming for a while. fans weren't happy, boosters weren't happy, and most tellingly, the alumni were not happy. Abbott all but said this decision was made in February as they began targeting certain individuals that they would want in consideration as a replacement. The "3 week evaluation" period appeared to me to simply be some time to solicit private funds to accomplish the buyout.

That pretty well sums it up!

Chuck Murray$ focu$ on all the $$$$ seemed to miss that those declining dollar amounts were just a symptom of declining fan interest and support, and those were a result of lack of excitement and winning and sense of pride at the Alfond. Bring back excitement, pride, and winning to Maine Hockey, and the $$$ will take care of themselves.

 

[sandiegoblkbr]

Re: Bangor Daily News: Whitehead Fired

while dollars and cents certainly were a consideration, those issues were largely the result of waning interest as a result of the results on the ice. maine, who had sold out for years, averaged 4,200 fans per game this year (1,400) below capacity.

The "new and improved" Alfond only seats about 5K now.

 

[revoman]

Re: Bangor Daily News: Whitehead Fired

The "new and improved" Alfond only seats about 5K now.

However, when the seats behind the Maine bench are empty...plain as day...on national television, you know there is a problem with attendance.

 

[sandiegoblkbr]

Re: Bangor Daily News: Whitehead Fired

However, when the seats behind the Maine bench are empty...plain as day...on national television, you know there is a problem with attendance.

No doubt........."real" people in the stands seemed to be about 3.5K for most of the season.

 

[Runsub5]

Re: Bangor Daily News: Whitehead Fired

However, when the seats behind the Maine bench are empty...plain as day...on national television, you know there is a problem with attendance.

Until people are willing to pay a premium for those seats and additionally purchase season tickets, those seats will remain empty. Unless of course fans are willing to pay $50.00 for a single game.

 

[walrus]

Re: Bangor Daily News: Whitehead Fired

At those prices I don't see all those seats getting sold but Jimmy and Grant would sell some of them, frozen fours sells some also

 

[rufus]

Re: Bangor Daily News: Whitehead Fired

Do you think that Standbrook would be used more as a Consultant and as a Volunteer Coach to help Montgomery and to continue to have 2 Full Time Assistant Coaches in the fold..?..and IF you get back your season tickets....GREAT..!!!! Time to bring back that Old Time feeling to the Alfond.

Yes.I'm sure he doesn't want that full time workload, but to say, have him come in once a month and work with the goaltenders and other forwards on the small stuff like positioning, how to use their body, etc. would be a godsend.

Heard a story about Grant once where he was working with Brad Mahoney. Now Mahoney was a big kid, like sorta Penner sized, played around 95-96 thereabouts, and Grant was working with him in a hotel hallway about body position, and how to use it. Mahoney couldn't budge Grant off his feet. And Grant's not that big, plus he was like 40 years older.

Grant as a consultant, and the new coach could hire a seasoned guy to work with the defense. A coaching staff of Jimmy, Corkum and Eric Weinrich sounds pretty good to me.

 

[AMC]

Re: Bangor Daily News: Whitehead Fired

However, when the seats behind the Maine bench are empty...plain as day...on national television, you know there is a problem with attendance.

The issue with those seats is that they are severely obstructed view. Most of the season ticket holders there have either a.) fled to better seats or b.) just moved to unoccupied seats a few rows higher.

The stanchion blocks the view of both goals, and the coaches are standing right in front of you. The first two, maybe three, rows there should be sold at obstructed view prices.

 

[rufus]

Re: Bangor Daily News: Whitehead Fired

Hey, at least Umile still gets UHN to the NCAA's. And still manages to win at least a game most of the time once he gets there.

TIMMAY's missed them 5 of the last 6 seasons, and the one time he did, with a perfect storm of a veteran team with two Hobey finalists, he still went one and done.

 

[Runsub5]

Re: Bangor Daily News: Whitehead Fired

The issue with those seats is that they are severely obstructed view. Most of the season ticket holders there have either a.) fled to better seats or b.) just moved to unoccupied seats a few rows higher.

The stanchion blocks the view of both goals, and the coaches are standing right in front of you. The first two, maybe three, rows there should be sold at obstructed view prices.

I doubt those middle of the ice seat prices will be reduced. If anything, they will go up now that fans are clamoring for tickets.

 

[BoSox3066]

Re: Bangor Daily News: Whitehead Fired

Yeah Umile's no York but the comparison is pretty laughable. If TW was getting to regional finals and losing, he'd have gotten an extension not the boot.

 

[zoofer]

Re: Bangor Daily News: Whitehead Fired

Glad you guys are happy....as for Grant Standbrook, he epitomizes class and sportsmanship!! I've known him casually for over 20 years and he was the only reason I enjoyed seeing Maine come to Durham....best of the best!