Brown Hockey 2013-2014 - Climbing to the Top of the ECAC Ladder

[kdiff77]

Re: Brown Hockey 2013-2014 - Climbing to the Top of the ECAC Ladder

It kept alot of Quinnipiac fans at home. The alumni event at Spats was likely less than half of what they expected due to the weather.

There were plenty of QU fans there as it was. I wonder what it would have been like had the weather cooperated.

 

[Kepler]

Re: Brown Hockey 2013-2014 - Climbing to the Top of the ECAC Ladder

Is Meehan always that quiet, empty, and cold?

Not always but often enough to worry. Meehan is one of those buildings (like Thompson) where if the crowd falls below about 70% capacity it feels as cold and empty as the Mongolian steppe. Schafer has said it actually gives Brown a bizarre home ice advantage because visitors are just not used to the quiet. Unlike other buildings (Bright, Starr, any ECAC tourney site) even a large and boisterous road crowd can't ignite the place without some home kindling. It's an anechoic chamber.

I've been to games at Brown where the building was full, 50/50, and rocking. Granted, only twice in 33 years, but it is possible.

 

[Dutchman]

Re: Brown Hockey 2013-2014 - Climbing to the Top of the ECAC Ladder

Yes and yes. You're a little late to the party on this.

If you have a suggestion as to how to remedy this (short of fielding an elite team, because at this juncture, that doesn't seem feasible), we're all ears.

I have a suggestion - Quinnipiac IceCats

In the midst of their second season, The Quinnipiac IceCats are the cheerleaders for Quinnipiac University Division 1 Mens Ice Hockey Team. The IceCats skate, perform, dance, and throw T-shirts during games, and also travel with the team to community events and hold many fundraisers and charitable drives.

http://ultimatecheerleaders.com/2013/01/quinnipiac-icecats-the-only-ice-girls-in-college-hockey/
http://ultimatecheerleaders.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/252217_4971670607474_1410906909_n.jpeg
http://www.quchronicle.com/2013/02/ice-cats-carve-out-new-fan-experience/icecats/
http://www.quchronicle.com/2013/02/ice-cats-carve-out-new-fan-experience/

This might help fill Meehan, or at least heat up the place I wish we had them at Union. I don't know how well they skate, but based on what I have seen, I would still give QU the national title.

 

[ivycoach]

Re: Brown Hockey 2013-2014 - Climbing to the Top of the ECAC Ladder

Hi All,

I just wanted to comment on this thread and give you some information. In terms of recruiting, Brown & Brendan have very strict parameters that they/he have to fill. Every Ivy team operates in the same way. Brown Hockey is given the following every year:

Average AI TBD by Athletic Director
# of Slots TBD by Athletic Director
Minimum AI TBD by Athletic Director

These numbers will differ from school to school - depending on the school’s academic profile and the institutions commitment to hockey. Given my experience (Coached in league for 12 years) I would suggest that Brown are given in the region of the following:

Average AI 188-190
# of Slots 7/8
Minimum AI 173-175

There is an Ivy League minimum on the AI of 171. No one can be admitted below this number, this is set by the league and not Brown. In addition to this, a lot of athletic departments add points onto this to try and curtail problems with students who are just above the AI cutoff. My AD was always happy to entertain recruits below the minimum he assigned us as long as they were blue chip/game changing recruits.

So… simply put, Brendan has to find the right players for his program but also find a way to make the numbers work. If the numbers don’t work, he can’t get the players. This is a source of frustration for any coach!

 

[kdiff77]

Given my experience (Coached in league for 12 years)

...Roger? Is that you?

 

[KFBS]

Re: Brown Hockey 2013-2014 - Climbing to the Top of the ECAC Ladder

The fact that Whittet has landed some good recruits is pretty incredible, considering the competition he has and the limitations imposed upon him by the administration.

This. A million times THIS!

Considering the complete lack of interest in developing this program, from the highest levels of the athletic administration, I think it's remarkable what Brendan has accomplished.

I don't think the new AD could find Meehan if you gave him a map, a GPS device and painted a bright red line leading from his office to the front door of the arena. I'd criticize him, but at this time I'm not sure he actually exists.

Then there's the rest of the Brown athletic administration, which is nothing more than a group of do-nothing bureaucrats living off the inflated tuition and fees paid by the students and their parents. The athletic administration would rather this team just continue on the road to mediocrity, that way they don't have to work too hard, or get invested in anything that might cause them to break a sweat or <gasp> do something innovative for the programs they manage. If that were to happen, their complete lack of ability might actually be revealed. This is a group that realizes they have no transferable skills, should they have to look for a job beyond College Hill, and by God they will do anything to make sure they can keep this job where the minimum effort is required and mediocrity is the goal.

The example from a few weeks ago about security telling loud fans to quiet down was all you ever need to know about this administration, because we all know who is in charge of the security detail. The fewer people in the building, the fewer problems it means for the staff. Who cares if the team wins, or if the fans have fun. It's about collecting their $10.

Don't cheer too loud dedicated fans. Don't cause a ruckus students. I have a job for life and I'm keeping it!

 

[Brunofan]

Re: Brown Hockey 2013-2014 - Climbing to the Top of the ECAC Ladder

This. A million times THIS!

Considering the complete lack of interest in developing this program, from the highest levels of the athletic administration, I think it's remarkable what Brendan has accomplished.

This situation hasn't changed in all my years around the program - and I don't see it changing anytime soon, even if we paid for one of those "expensive" coaches that another poster was asking for instead of Brendan. Brendan is invested in Brown, is a good to great recruiter based on the limitations we all know he faces....and I haven't heard too many people question his coaching ability. True, they are struggling on the offensive end this year - but he was getting big kudos just a short time ago when Grillo's left over players had break out offensive years.

For a program like Brown to have success you have to start with an All-American goaltender.....the margin is too tight with our talent and depth to have anyone in there with any inconsistencies to their game. That is a tall order.

Then every once in a while you need to land a player like Lorito and Roy. The Roy situation was a bigger loss than just that one individual player in the short term.....he would have created excitement around the program and would have helped to draw in other quality players who may have been on the fence about Brown. We'd have had the makings of two solid lines and more depth if that had worked out.

But Brendan is no excuses. A playoff series win or two will shed a positive light on the season and the future.

 

[UnionHockeyManiac]

Re: Brown Hockey 2013-2014 - Climbing to the Top of the ECAC Ladder

Yes and yes. You're a little late to the party on this.

If you have a suggestion as to how to remedy this (short of fielding an elite team, because at this juncture, that doesn't seem feasible), we're all ears.

I had heard Brown Hockey isn't a big draw on campus, but I didn't realize it would be that empty.

Also, does the Brown band strip at every home game or was that a senior night thing?

 

[Hope Street]

Re: Brown Hockey 2013-2014 - Climbing to the Top of the ECAC Ladder

This. A million times THIS!

Considering the complete lack of interest in developing this program, from the highest levels of the athletic administration, I think it's remarkable what Brendan has accomplished.

I don't think the new AD could find Meehan if you gave him a map, a GPS device and painted a bright red line leading from his office to the front door of the arena. I'd criticize him, but at this time I'm not sure he actually exists.

Then there's the rest of the Brown athletic administration, which is nothing more than a group of do-nothing bureaucrats living off the inflated tuition and fees paid by the students and their parents. The athletic administration would rather this team just continue on the road to mediocrity, that way they don't have to work too hard, or get invested in anything that might cause them to break a sweat or <gasp> do something innovative for the programs they manage. If that were to happen, their complete lack of ability might actually be revealed. This is a group that realizes they have no transferable skills, should they have to look for a job beyond College Hill, and by God they will do anything to make sure they can keep this job where the minimum effort is required and mediocrity is the goal.

The example from a few weeks ago about security telling loud fans to quiet down was all you ever need to know about this administration, because we all know who is in charge of the security detail. The fewer people in the building, the fewer problems it means for the staff. Who cares if the team wins, or if the fans have fun. It's about collecting their $10.

Don't cheer too loud dedicated fans. Don't cause a ruckus students. I have a job for life and I'm keeping it!

Agree with much of what you're saying, but you are wrong about the AD. I see him at the games, often with his young sons. Sits in the press box.

 

[kdiff77]

I had heard Brown Hockey isn't a big draw on campus, but I didn't realize it would be that empty.

Also, does the Brown band strip at every home game or was that a senior night thing?

It's not called the "Meehan Morgue" for nothing!

The band does a LOT of weird stuff. They don't strip every game, but I've seen it enough times to not be surprised by hearing about it. They live in a different universe.

 

[Brown09]

Re: Brown Hockey 2013-2014 - Climbing to the Top of the ECAC Ladder

Agree with much of what you're saying, but you are wrong about the AD. I see him at the games, often with his young sons. Sits in the press box.

Unlike former AD Mike (Goldy) Goldberger, who sat in the stands with his son Kevin. Jack is too self-important to mingle with mere mortals.

 

[kdiff77]

Re: Brown Hockey 2013-2014 - Climbing to the Top of the ECAC Ladder

Unlike former AD Mike (Goldy) Goldberger, who sat in the stands with his son Kevin. Jack is too self-important to mingle with mere mortals.

I think the difference is that Goldberger was too nice and let people (namely, Roger Grillo) walk all over him and couldn't bear to fire them. He was also rather complacent.

Jack Hayes, on the other hand, seems to simply be apathetic towards the state of his athletic programs. We all know he'd rather be across town at his alma mater.

 

[KFBS]

Re: Brown Hockey 2013-2014 - Climbing to the Top of the ECAC Ladder

Also, does the Brown band strip at every home game or was that a senior night thing?

No it's a "needing attention" thing.

 

[Kepler]

Re: Brown Hockey 2013-2014 - Climbing to the Top of the ECAC Ladder

It's not called the "Meehan Morgue" for nothing!

The band does a LOT of weird stuff. They don't strip every game, but I've seen it enough times to not be surprised by hearing about it. They live in a different universe.

Do they still skate? The last time I saw them try that, which was probably the 80s, they looked horrible. If you're going to skate, skate dammit. The Goofer cheerleaders can do it.

From the interwebs it looks like they did lose the McDonalds' uniforms. Those were atrocious.

 

[Euler18]

Re: Brown Hockey 2013-2014 - Climbing to the Top of the ECAC Ladder

I'm not blaming Brendan for the disappointing record all by himself. He's a great guy. Maybe if he had the right facilities, a sympathetic admission office, yadda yadda, he'd be a brilliant coach. I do believe Brown got him cheap because he wanted to make the jump to head coach at a D1 school.

What I've said about the men's program applies equally to the women's. 15-20 years ago our woman played an exciting brand of hockey with stars like Tara Mounsey, Katie King, and several notable goalies. Now, the women are perennial chumps.

I don't think anyone here should feel angry at a truly long-time loyal fan like me who makes observations about a mediocre (yes) program. Do I have a constructive suggestion? Yes. Stop playing hockey in D1 and the Ivy league, and go D3. We'd attract some very bright, high quality players who would come here on Brown's academic terms and have a chance to enjoy winning at Meehan and on the road.

Darth Bruno continues to make perplexing, uninformed comments.

The search process that resulted in the hiring of Brendan Whittet generated applications from many experienced coaches, including one who had won a national championship. The interview phase included at least five outstanding candidates among the seven whom the search committee spoke with. Darth Bruno would probably be shocked to find out who the applicants and particularly the interviewees were. Brendan rose to the top in a very competitive search. He demonstrated a combination of overall knowledge of the game, familiarity with the leagues (ECAC and Ivy), and understanding of Brown that no other candidate could match.

Her preposterous suggestion that Brown should play D3 hockey ignores the basic fact that D1 schools like Brown are not permitted to compete in a lower division. A D3 school (RPI, Clarkson, St. Lawrence, Union) may compete at the D1 level, but the reverse is prohibited.

Last but not least, women's college hockey is a completely different beast from men's college hockey. The caliber of the men's game keeps improving. It's very competitive top to bottom. Many think that the women's game has plateaued, and I believe that it's actually gone backwards from its peak in the early 2000s. The pool of skilled players hasn't substantially increased, a consequence perhaps of questionable development programs and coaching at the lower levels. There's a very small number of skilled college teams, but overall the women's game isn't terribly competitive. The players skate well, but the skill level is generally not very high. For example, the players throw the puck around too much and can seldom complete more than two passes in succession. After the growth in interest in women's hockey after the 1998 Olympic gold medal, it was reasonable to expect that by 2014 women's hockey would have developed much further than it has. A real missed opportunity.

 

[kdiff77]

Re: Brown Hockey 2013-2014 - Climbing to the Top of the ECAC Ladder

Do they still skate? The last time I saw them try that, which was probably the 80s, they looked horrible. If you're going to skate, skate dammit.

They do a few shows a year these days (of course, they only show up to a few games a year). Most of them have no idea how to skate, which is why they look horrible. But they really don't care that they suck- in fact, they embrace it.

 

[kdiff77]

Re: Brown Hockey 2013-2014 - Climbing to the Top of the ECAC Ladder

Darth Bruno continues to make perplexing, uninformed comments.

The search process that resulted in the hiring of Brendan Whittet generated applications from many experienced coaches, including one who had won a national championship. The interview phase included at least five outstanding candidates among the seven whom the search committee spoke with. Darth Bruno would probably be shocked to find out who the applicants and particularly the interviewees were. Brendan rose to the top in a very competitive search. He demonstrated a combination of overall knowledge of the game, familiarity with the leagues (ECAC and Ivy), and understanding of Brown that no other candidate could match.

I'd be VERY interested in finding out what these names are, but I know you aren't at liberty to make that information public.

 

[Hope Street]

Re: Brown Hockey 2013-2014 - Climbing to the Top of the ECAC Ladder

I'd be VERY interested in finding out what these names are, but I know you aren't at liberty to make that information public.

Red Gendron, Rick Bennett . . .

 

[Kepler]

Re: Brown Hockey 2013-2014 - Climbing to the Top of the ECAC Ladder

Many think that the women's game has plateaued, and I believe that it's actually gone backwards from its peak in the early 2000s. The pool of skilled players hasn't substantially increased, a consequence perhaps of questionable development programs and coaching at the lower levels. There's a very small number of skilled college teams, but overall the women's game isn't terribly competitive. The players skate well, but the skill level is generally not very high. For example, the players throw the puck around too much and can seldom complete more than two passes in succession. After the growth in interest in women's hockey after the 1998 Olympic gold medal, it was reasonable to expect that by 2014 women's hockey would have developed much further than it has. A real missed opportunity.

Wow, I couldn't disagree with this statement more.

Women's college hockey 20 years ago was unwatchable; 10 years ago it was tolerable; today it is great. The improvement in the last two decades has been equivalent to the improvement in men's college hockey in the 20 years between say 1955 and 1975. Different programs rise and fall but the overall quality of the game improves every year, and the improvement seems to be accelerating. Women's hockey now is better than women's hockey 15 years ago by an even greater amount than women's hockey in 1998 was to women's hockey in 1983, which itself was significant.

I think this is a confusion between the dominance of programs in the early days of a sport when the meager talent is highly concentrated, and the diffusion of much greater talent among far more teams as the sport reaches maturity. It used to be there were a dozen forwards in women's hockey who could skate through entire defenses. That's not because those women were great -- it's because the defenders were horrible. The bottom has risen so fast in the game that it has taken a chunk out of the top -- that's what happens in every sport when it becomes serious.

 

[Brown09]

Re: Brown Hockey 2013-2014 - Climbing to the Top of the ECAC Ladder

According to Chris Heisenberg, Miles Wood has committed to Boston College. If a recruit can't meet the Ivies' Academic Index, there's always Hockey East...