DU vs UM 2/12-2/13 at Magness

[4four4]

Re: DU vs UM 2/12-2/13 at Magness

No phishing. Just facts.

Minnesota is the one program that melds hockey culture and state pride like no other, and I see why Mariucci did what he did - he was maximizing his assets, and promoting a bigger idea,but there is only one Minnesota, and the model really only works there and not in other places. Other US regions could never really be viable with that model without the cultural component that was made possible by the presence of natural ice. Additonally, the idea of not playing certain schools just because they followed a different (but legal) recruitment practice smacks of self-service (although some would say principle).

Did it work? Partially. Major Junior players are no longer eligible. To some that was victory. But we still have 21 year old freshmen. Some would like to go all the way and say no more 21 year old freshmen, only 18 year old freshmen. If that were the case, Minnesota would likely win every year, as they have the best infrstructure for supplying 18 year old players. The junior leagues help balance this out by allowing more development time and greater access to talent by having kids compete outside their hometowns and allowing them to experience other areas of the country. And the colleges get a more finished product that leads to better hockey. Eliminating older freshmen would clearly tilt the balance toward Minnesota, and the rest of the country would never catch up.

Doesn't Kelly want to see more 18 year old Freshman and less older players? If that is the case I am absolutely all for that. I would go out on a limb and say Minnesota high school coaches would love to see the USHL disbanded or more importantly go the way of Major Junior. Most of them seem to dislike it, from their perspective I can see why. IMO, if the MHSL years ago decided to give high school hockey more games and 20 minute periods we probably would not see the USHL as strong as it is today.

Happy, like the entire Gopher hockey program, is mired in a slump. Lucia isn't landing blue chippers, the Gopher offense isn't scoring and Happy isn't bringing any new material.

All that's missing is Maturi giving Happy a vote of confidence.

Blue chippers? That is debatable.

Wooger was right on the money earlier in the season. The mandatory TV timeouts have changed the game. Wisconsin & Minnesota always had a talent and depth advantage. Now teams like UMD & SCSU can just roll two lines all night long. You really only need one potent line, a bang up power play unit and employ the neutral zone trap and you can play with anyone.

Prediction: Mark my words the mandatory TV timeout will change back.

 

[Koho]

Re: DU vs UM 2/12-2/13 at Magness

Prediction: Mark my words the mandatory TV timeout will change back.

I heard one season ticket holder talking about getting rid of his tickets because he thought the long timeouts have ruined the atmosphere at the game. He mentioned others seated around him noted the same.

As much as I would like to see that policy reversed, I don't see something that has increased revenue being removed.

 

[Dirty Bottles]

Re: DU vs UM 2/12-2/13 at Magness

Go Gophers!!!

 

[du78]

Re: DU vs UM 2/12-2/13 at Magness

Sure. Jay Barriball was lost for the year in the fall, Taylor Matson was lost for the year in January, and Mike Hoeffel has mono.

At the start of the year those 3 would have been on your short list of key players for the Gophers.

Who is DU missing? As if it's going to matter.

EDIT: Maybe Hoeffel will be back for Denver. Who knows?

Forwards Jesse Martin and Brian Gifford and d-man William Wrenn all sat out last weekend with injuries. I have heard that one of them may be back for this weekend. Which one I don't know.

 

[cross cheque]

Re: DU vs UM 2/12-2/13 at Magness

I heard one season ticket holder talking about getting rid of his tickets because he thought the long timeouts have ruined the atmosphere at the game. He mentioned others seated around him noted the same.

As much as I would like to see that policy reversed, I don't see something that has increased revenue being removed.

What you guys need is to fill those tv timeouts with an educational video. UND uses the sioux warrior and since boone is under scrutiny maybe it's time for an educational video about pioneers to raise awareness about the good nature of boone . Questions, comment, or concerns?

 

[vizoroo]

Re: DU vs UM 2/12-2/13 at Magness

What you guys need is to fill those tv timeouts with an educational video. UND uses the sioux warrior and since boone is under scrutiny maybe it's time for an educational video about pioneers to raise awareness about the good nature of boone . Questions, comment, or concerns?

I'm sure dg could put together a good story for Boone.

 

[4four4]

Re: DU vs UM 2/12-2/13 at Magness

I heard one season ticket holder talking about getting rid of his tickets because he thought the long timeouts have ruined the atmosphere at the game. He mentioned others seated around him noted the same.

As much as I would like to see that policy reversed, I don't see something that has increased revenue being removed.

I wonder how much money the schools are making? With all the tape delays and TiVo many people just fast forward through them anyway.

 

[motox]

Re: DU vs UM 2/12-2/13 at Magness

Hey gopher, this wknd presents a great opportunity for you to take a step toward making the NCAAs (or something like that.) Solve the Chevy and sweep the Pios!

 

[ScoobyDoo]

Re: DU vs UM 2/12-2/13 at Magness

Hey gopher, this wknd presents a great opportunity for you to take a step toward making the NCAAs (or something like that.) Solve the Chevy and sweep the Pios!

This delusion is over for me. Losing to Northern Michigan and taking 2 out of 8 points from UAA and SCSU says the writing is on the wall.

 

[Stauber1]

Re: DU vs UM 2/12-2/13 at Magness

Hey, if the Gophers manage to somehow sweep DU this weekend, then all they would have to do is sweep CC next weekend and they would be sitting in home ice

And monkeys might fly out of my butt. But hey, it could happen

Seriously, at this point I'm just holding out hope that they can figure some things out over the next month to make a run in the WCHA Tournament. At least make it interesting.

 

[Toe Blake]

Re: DU vs UM 2/12-2/13 at Magness

Did it work? Partially. Major Junior players are no longer eligible. To some that was victory. But we still have 21 year old freshmen. Some would like to go all the way and say no more 21 year old freshmen, only 18 year old freshmen. If that were the case, Minnesota would likely win every year, as they have the best infrstructure for supplying 18 year old players. The junior leagues help balance this out by allowing more development time and greater access to talent by having kids compete outside their hometowns and allowing them to experience other areas of the country. And the colleges get a more finished product that leads to better hockey. Eliminating older freshmen would clearly tilt the balance toward Minnesota, and the rest of the country would never catch up.

I don't think Mariucci was trying to eliminate older players as much as he was trying to promote American players. His strategy was handed off to Brooks who continued it and reaped the benfits in 1980. That lead to the US hockey explosion. I doubt Denver would have a kid from Huntington Beach CA lead their team in scoring but for the chain of events leading up to 1980 Olympic gold. So I think his strategy worked more than partially.

Minnesota may have the best infrastructure for supplying 18 year old players (the number of arenas and outdoor ice) but the culture of hockey has significantly diminished that in the last 20 years. It's now a game for the rich. Those that can afford expensive off season training generally are the ones that advance furthest. Where you live is less important now. Parental resources is a bigger factor. You see kids in D1 coming from places like Dallas where they can afford ice time and training all year round. It's not like the kid who spends hours at the outdoor rink in Minnesota has all the advantages these days. Besides, global warming has taken it's toll on Minnesota's natural resources. So maybe in this context, Mariucci's strategy was only partially successful.

 

[johnnypohlfan]

Re: DU vs UM 2/12-2/13 at Magness

I was waiting for Happy to respond to your earlier post.
It didn't take long.

It's like clockwork. Sort of like you posting in any thread involving the Gophers.

 

[brianvf]

Re: DU vs UM 2/12-2/13 at Magness

It's like clockwork. Sort of like you posting in any thread involving the Gophers.

I was posting in this thread due to my love of the Pioneers, not the Gophers.

 

[Puck Swami]

Re: DU vs UM 2/12-2/13 at Magness

I don't think Mariucci was trying to eliminate older players as much as he was trying to promote American players. His strategy was handed off to Brooks who continued it and reaped the benfits in 1980. That lead to the US hockey explosion. I doubt Denver would have a kid from Huntington Beach CA lead their team in scoring but for the chain of events leading up to 1980 Olympic gold. So I think his strategy worked more than partially.

Minnesota may have the best infrastructure for supplying 18 year old players (the number of arenas and outdoor ice) but the culture of hockey has significantly diminished that in the last 20 years. It's now a game for the rich. Those that can afford expensive off season training generally are the ones that advance furthest. Where you live is less important now. Parental resources is a bigger factor. You see kids in D1 coming from places like Dallas where they can afford ice time and training all year round. It's not like the kid who spends hours at the outdoor rink in Minnesota has all the advantages these days. Besides, global warming has taken it's toll on Minnesota's natural resources. So maybe in this context, Mariucci's strategy was only partially successful.

You can cloak Maricucci's strategy in red, white and blue, but I think that was more of a nice by-product - I think his strategy was much more about Maroon and Gold -- leveraging his local advantages. By taking away older players and Canadians from his competition, it would help the chances of The University of Minnesota and Minnesota's hockey ecosystem. Helping Americans was a third pillar, but not as important as the first two. And you are right that having Americans on Denver's team is a partial outgrowth of the Miracle on Ice, but I'd argue that it's more a by-product of Wayne Gretzky and the NHL coming to California and the advent of in-line skates.

Hockey may be a game for the rich in many places, including the Twin Cities, but Minnesota still has more community ice than anyplace in the USA. A regular working class kid from places like Roseau or Warroad or Cloquet can still grow up to be a great hockey player with the community's support.

 

[dggoddard]

Re: DU vs UM 2/12-2/13 at Magness

I don't think Mariucci was trying to eliminate older players as much as he was trying to promote American players. His strategy was handed off to Brooks who continued it and reaped the benfits in 1980. That lead to the US hockey explosion. I doubt Denver would have a kid from Huntington Beach CA lead their team in scoring but for the chain of events leading up to 1980 Olympic gold. So I think his strategy worked more than partially.

The Cali kids can be traced to Gretzky playing for the Kings.

The Sunbelt kids can be traced to NHL expansion.

I'd say the "1980 Effect" has run in course through the system. Doubtful that any college kids today can trace the USA Olympic Gold as to why they are playing. Its now 30 years ago.

 

[Koho]

Re: DU vs UM 2/12-2/13 at Magness

The Cali kids can be traced to Gretzky playing for the Kings.

The Sunbelt kids can be traced to NHL expansion.

I'd say the "1980 Effect" has run in course through the system. Doubtful that any college kids today can trace the USA Olympic Gold as to why they are playing. Its now 30 years ago.

Although one could make the argument that sunbelt NHL expansion teams benefited from 1980 making hockey more viable in areas where people never had watched hockey.

 

[Koho]

Re: DU vs UM 2/12-2/13 at Magness

What you guys need is to fill those tv timeouts with an educational video. UND uses the sioux warrior and since boone is under scrutiny maybe it's time for an educational video about pioneers to raise awareness about the good nature of boone . Questions, comment, or concerns?

Why would fans at Marriucci give a rats arse about Boone?

 

[4four4]

Re: DU vs UM 2/12-2/13 at Magness

You can cloak Maricucci's strategy in red, white and blue, but I think that was more of a nice by-product - I think his strategy was much more about Maroon and Gold -- leveraging his local advantages. By taking away older players and Canadians from his competition, it would help the chances of The University of Minnesota and Minnesota's hockey ecosystem. Helping Americans was a third pillar, but not as important as the first two. And you are right that having Americans on Denver's team is a partial outgrowth of the Miracle on Ice, but I'd argue that it's more a by-product of Wayne Gretzky and the NHL coming to California and the advent of in-line skates.

Hockey may be a game for the rich in many places, including the Twin Cities, but Minnesota still has more community ice than anyplace in the USA. A regular working class kid from places like Roseau or Warroad or Cloquet can still grow up to be a great hockey player with the community's support.

I would agree more the by product of Gretzky playing in LA than the NHL coming to California. By the time the Great One laced the skates for the Kings their franchise had already been around for 20 years. A family friend from Bloomington started and made Rollerblade Inc. so I guess we have another Minnesota angle.

 

[dggoddard]

Re: DU vs UM 2/12-2/13 at Magness

Why would fans at Marriucci give a rats arse about Boone?

Since Marriucci won't be hosting any playoff games in the forseeable future, I guess they can show the video in Magness.

 

[Toe Blake]

Re: DU vs UM 2/12-2/13 at Magness

You can cloak Maricucci's strategy in red, white and blue, but I think that was more of a nice by-product - I think his strategy was much more about Maroon and Gold -- leveraging his local advantages. By taking away older players and Canadians from his competition, it would help the chances of The University of Minnesota and Minnesota's hockey ecosystem. Helping Americans was a third pillar, but not as important as the first two. And you are right that having Americans on Denver's team is a partial outgrowth of the Miracle on Ice, but I'd argue that it's more a by-product of Wayne Gretzky and the NHL coming to California and the advent of in-line skates.

Hockey may be a game for the rich in many places, including the Twin Cities, but Minnesota still has more community ice than anyplace in the USA. A regular working class kid from places like Roseau or Warroad or Cloquet can still grow up to be a great hockey player with the community's support.

Mariucci had to battle the American bias in the NHL - not the Minnesota bias. Certainly he was leveraging local advantages but I think he was an advocate for American hockey more than you give him credit for. We may just have to agree to disagree on that point. Hockey in the US exploded after 1980. Is 1980 the sole factor? No, but I see it as the biggest factor. Working class kids can still make it, but I don't think you can argue with the trend. More elite players come out of Shattuck, Blake, Edina, Eden Prairie, St. Thomas Academy, Hill Murray, etc than towns like Cloquet these days. Roseau and Warroad may be the only "working class" towns that produce more than the occasional elite player. It's money that drives success in hockey these days. And that money doesn't have to be located in Minnesota. I don't like it, but I'm afraid thats where we are.