L V C Hockey Program Is Over

[CARDS_rule_the_Burgh]

Re: L V C Hockey Program Is Over

Makes lots more sense going ACHA for them.

What does this mean for the ECACW now?

The ECAC-W will likely lose Pool B after this next season. They were going to lose it anyway, but this pretty much sealed the deal. If they were struggling to find 1 more team, they most definitely will not be able to find 2 teams in time. If this season had been without Pool B (which it would have been if the MASCAC hadn't formed), the ECAC-W would have 0 teams in the tournament... which I believe would have been a first. correct me if I'm wrong...

ECAC-W just got hosed by the LVC admins.

 

[sbkbghockey]

Re: L V C Hockey Program Is Over

While this maybe a blow for NCAA DIII hockey, this is good for the ACHA DI and also LVC. LVC hasn’t been competitive at hockey in many seasons. ACHA DI will also the team to at least have a better chance at a winning record, or at least a respectable record.

For those on here who are "sad", "angry", "upset" or whatever, and even the headline of this thread- "LVC Hockey Progam is Over" is a little bit of over-reaction.
At least the school isn’t disbanding the team and there won't be ANY college hockey. In fact if you're a fan of LVC hockey you wont see much of a difference between NCAA DIII and ACHA DI besides the team having a better chance of winning and competing. It also allows a small school such as LVC to play against major schools along with regional opponents. The press release statement indicated there are over 40 ACHA schools in PA, LVC shouldn’t play against most of them (most of the ACHA DII and all ACHA DIII schools). But there's plenty of ACHA DI teams from Big schools within a few hours drive, going ACHA DI doesn't stop LVC from playing games against any rival NCAA schools they've developed either.

Penn State, Penn State-Berks, West Chester, Duquesne, Pittsburgh, Washington and Jefferson College, Indiana University of PA, Slippery Rock, Lehigh University, Villanova, University of Scranton, Robert Morris.
There are also many other ACHA DI teams in neighboring states.

The ACHA DI is not the NCAA DIII some ACHA supporters think so, but the level is still high and ACHA (esp. at DI and some DII teams/leagues) has drastically improved starts of play, with the growth of USA Hockey American Development Model and the relatively low amount of NCAA DI and DIII schools compared to a growing talent pool the level of ACHA hockey will continue to improve and probably close the gap between NCAA DIII schools over the next decade.

As for the players, it might be a disappointment about not playing NCAA DIII hockey, ACHA DI hockey has a good reputation as well, As a hockey player myself- there always should be an elements of hard work, fun, and the love of sport- but we're not 5 and 6 year old kids anymore where coaches say "go out and have fun, and don't worry about losing every game", winning is fun too!! I'm sure the players would rather win than continue playing DIII and get destroyed every game.

 

[NUProf]

Re: L V C Hockey Program Is Over

I do think LVC wasn't a good fit in the ECAC W - they got booted from the NE for travel issues (the other NE teams are Boston area) and had nowhere else in DIII to go - I suppose they could have gone to the MCHA, but that's a real travel issue. Ultimately their departure from ECAC W was kind of a slow motion Scranton. Scranton learned real fast that they couldn't play in that league and retreated to ACHA. Same deal here.

If, say both Scranton and LVC were able to play in the NE as travel partners, would we still be looking at the demise of the program, or are there other issues?

 

[LVCAlum]

Re: L V C Hockey Program Is Over

Moving to the ECACW killed this program. Its been a slow death

Actually, the death of the program was when President Pollock left the school. That's when they lost the support of the administration. When he was there, LVC fielded a team that competed with, and beat, the current teams in the ECACW. Since he left it's been a slow death.

 

[LVCAlum]

Re: L V C Hockey Program Is Over

I wonder if someone could find Brian Ying-Ling.

He was the face of that program and was an All-American during his time there. Having him comeback or ever write a letter or something may go a long way in trying to save the team.

Yingling was an outstanding player and the most recognizable name for the program. At that time he also had great players around him: Greg Kutchma, Jamie Taylor, Ben Kwon, Tim Rink, and two amazing goalies in Kevin Block and Lincoln Matlock just to name a few. Several of these players went on to play a few years after college.

Most, if not all, of these players were instrumental in saving the program a few years ago.

 

[ICEKING]

Re: L V C Hockey Program Is Over

Have you had a drink from the Kool-Aid well too?

 

[ICEKING]

Re: L V C Hockey Program Is Over

While this maybe a blow for NCAA DIII hockey, this is good for the ACHA DI and also LVC. LVC hasn’t been competitive at hockey in many seasons. ACHA DI will also the team to at least have a better chance at a winning record, or at least a respectable record.

For those on here who are "sad", "angry", "upset" or whatever, and even the headline of this thread- "LVC Hockey Progam is Over" is a little bit of over-reaction.
At least the school isn’t disbanding the team and there won't be ANY college hockey. In fact if you're a fan of LVC hockey you wont see much of a difference between NCAA DIII and ACHA DI besides the team having a better chance of winning and competing. It also allows a small school such as LVC to play against major schools along with regional opponents. The press release statement indicated there are over 40 ACHA schools in PA, LVC shouldn’t play against most of them (most of the ACHA DII and all ACHA DIII schools). But there's plenty of ACHA DI teams from Big schools within a few hours drive, going ACHA DI doesn't stop LVC from playing games against any rival NCAA schools they've developed either.

Penn State, Penn State-Berks, West Chester, Duquesne, Pittsburgh, Washington and Jefferson College, Indiana University of PA, Slippery Rock, Lehigh University, Villanova, University of Scranton, Robert Morris.
There are also many other ACHA DI teams in neighboring states.

The ACHA DI is not the NCAA DIII some ACHA supporters think so, but the level is still high and ACHA (esp. at DI and some DII teams/leagues) has drastically improved starts of play, with the growth of USA Hockey American Development Model and the relatively low amount of NCAA DI and DIII schools compared to a growing talent pool the level of ACHA hockey will continue to improve and probably close the gap between NCAA DIII schools over the next decade.

As for the players, it might be a disappointment about not playing NCAA DIII hockey, ACHA DI hockey has a good reputation as well, As a hockey player myself- there always should be an elements of hard work, fun, and the love of sport- but we're not 5 and 6 year old kids anymore where coaches say "go out and have fun, and don't worry about losing every game", winning is fun too!! I'm sure the players would rather win than continue playing DIII and get destroyed every game.[/QUOTE


Oh Please!!! You either never competed at this level or you drank the Kool -Aid the LVC Admin has served up. Dont you get it? No one's comingback!!!!
This is what MacDonald hoped for.!!!.there will be NO Hockey next year..period!!
What players would they field?.. the local rec players??

 

[CARDS_rule_the_Burgh]

Re: L V C Hockey Program Is Over

While this maybe a blow for NCAA DIII hockey, this is good for the ACHA DI and also LVC. LVC hasn’t been competitive at hockey in many seasons. ACHA DI will also the team to at least have a better chance at a winning record, or at least a respectable record.

For those on here who are "sad", "angry", "upset" or whatever, and even the headline of this thread- "LVC Hockey Progam is Over" is a little bit of over-reaction.
At least the school isn’t disbanding the team and there won't be ANY college hockey. In fact if you're a fan of LVC hockey you wont see much of a difference between NCAA DIII and ACHA DI besides the team having a better chance of winning and competing. It also allows a small school such as LVC to play against major schools along with regional opponents. The press release statement indicated there are over 40 ACHA schools in PA, LVC shouldn’t play against most of them (most of the ACHA DII and all ACHA DIII schools). But there's plenty of ACHA DI teams from Big schools within a few hours drive, going ACHA DI doesn't stop LVC from playing games against any rival NCAA schools they've developed either.

Penn State, Penn State-Berks, West Chester, Duquesne, Pittsburgh, Washington and Jefferson College, Indiana University of PA, Slippery Rock, Lehigh University, Villanova, University of Scranton, Robert Morris.
There are also many other ACHA DI teams in neighboring states.

The ACHA DI is not the NCAA DIII some ACHA supporters think so, but the level is still high and ACHA (esp. at DI and some DII teams/leagues) has drastically improved starts of play, with the growth of USA Hockey American Development Model and the relatively low amount of NCAA DI and DIII schools compared to a growing talent pool the level of ACHA hockey will continue to improve and probably close the gap between NCAA DIII schools over the next decade.

As for the players, it might be a disappointment about not playing NCAA DIII hockey, ACHA DI hockey has a good reputation as well, As a hockey player myself- there always should be an elements of hard work, fun, and the love of sport- but we're not 5 and 6 year old kids anymore where coaches say "go out and have fun, and don't worry about losing every game", winning is fun too!! I'm sure the players would rather win than continue playing DIII and get destroyed every game.

Oh Please!!! You either never competed at this level or you drank the Kool -Aid the LVC Admin has served up. Dont you get it? No one's comingback!!!!
This is what MacDonald hoped for.!!!.there will be NO Hockey next year..period!!
What players would they field?.. the local rec players??

Case-in-point: MCLA. When they pulled out of NCAA Division III, it was clearly stated that they would play ACHA D1 and return to NCAA DIII if they succeeded on the club level. MCLA (Mass. College of Liberal Arts) is now completely absent from the ACHA website, having NO club hockey team. A google search for the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts ACHA Hockey results in no relevant search results. It would seem that the team was unable to compete in the ACHA, presumably because players fled. LVC will likely not realistically compete on the ACHA D1 level.

 

[sbkbghockey]

Re: L V C Hockey Program Is Over

Oh Please!!! You either never competed at this level or you drank the Kool -Aid the LVC Admin has served up. Dont you get it? No one's comingback!!!!
This is what MacDonald hoped for.!!!.there will be NO Hockey next year..period!!
What players would they field?.. the local rec players??

Well that would be ashame if there is no hockey. But i doubt that's what LVC wants, the school could have simply said, "we're cutting the program." There's already been a lot of backlash from LVC Hockey supporters (which for the most part is good, because it shows support for the team). But with the backlash inevitable the school could have just folded the whole thing.

ACHA hockey is a lot more cost effective, especially for smaller schools. Travel can be reduced, but also league costs, and some other expenses. As far as players: I think if we were in their shoes, our first reaction would be similar, and we'd probably say "I'm out" as a first reaction.

Give it some time and I'm sure the players will come around, not without some actually leaving and also probably losing some recruits. But that can be replaced with further successful recruiting for the ACHA level. No it won't be local rec players, ACHA DI has some good talent- top high players, Jr. B, prep school, and Jr. A.

Case-in-point: MCLA. When they pulled out of NCAA Division III, it was clearly stated that they would play ACHA D1 and return to NCAA DIII if they succeeded on the club level. MCLA (Mass. College of Liberal Arts) is now completely absent from the ACHA website, having NO club hockey team. A google search for the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts ACHA Hockey results in no relevant search results. It would seem that the team was unable to compete in the ACHA, presumably because players fled. LVC will likely not realistically compete on the ACHA D1 level.

I'm not familiar with the details of that case, although at a glance from reading your post, it may seem similar, there could also be a lot of underlying things. LVC seems like they're committed to continuing the hockey program. A school can't simply say, "No NCAA hockey, have fun in the ACHA. It takes work to field a competitive team as well, so with sucessful recruiting and associated work by the hockey program and school, LVC can and will hopefully continue compete at the ACHA level.

 

[ICEKING]

Re: L V C Hockey Program Is Over

Well that would be ashame if there is no hockey. But i doubt that's what LVC wants, the school could have simply said, "we're cutting the program." There's already been a lot of backlash from LVC Hockey supporters (which for the most part is good, because it shows support for the team). But with the backlash inevitable the school could have just folded the whole thing.

ACHA hockey is a lot more cost effective, especially for smaller schools. Travel can be reduced, but also league costs, and some other expenses. As far as players: I think if we were in their shoes, our first reaction would be similar, and we'd probably say "I'm out" as a first reaction.

Give it some time and I'm sure the players will come around, not without some actually leaving and also probably losing some recruits. But that can be replaced with further successful recruiting for the ACHA level. No it won't be local rec players, ACHA DI has some good talent- top high players, Jr. B, prep school, and Jr. A.


I'm not familiar with the details of that case, although at a glance from reading your post, it may seem similar, there could also be a lot of underlying things. LVC seems like they're committed to continuing the hockey program. A school can't simply say, "No NCAA hockey, have fun in the ACHA. It takes work to field a competitive team as well, so with sucessful recruiting and associated work by the hockey program and school, LVC can and will hopefully continue compete at the ACHA level.[/QUO


You seem to have any inside track on the devistated players and their feelings..as well as the "recruits" ( umm there are none) for next year.
LVC is NOT committed to hockey at any level. This Admin want's hockey OUT!!!

 

[joecct]

Re: L V C Hockey Program Is Over

LVC vs. MCLA

I think the hockey "atmosphere" at Hershey is just a bit better than out there in Western Mass.

Having Penn State on the schedule every year for 2 - 4 games will give instant crediblity to the program. Central PA people bleed blue and white (at least for football) and would show some interest in those games. Pick other, closer, identifiable football schools and you have an audience. The team needs to put on a good show and be competitive from the jump, but if the najority stay (what program do they go to anyway? 0-50 does not speak of great talent), they will be competitive in ACHA - 1.

 

[ICEKING]

Re: L V C Hockey Program Is Over

LVC vs. MCLA

I think the hockey "atmosphere" at Hershey is just a bit better than out there in Western Mass.

Having Penn State on the schedule every year for 2 - 4 games will give instant crediblity to the program. Central PA people bleed blue and white (at least for football) and would show some interest in those games. Pick other, closer, identifiable football schools and you have an audience. The team needs to put on a good show and be competitive from the jump, but if the najority stay (what program do they go to anyway? 0-50 does not speak of great talent), they will be competitive in ACHA - 1.

OH boy!!!! Penn State!!!! WAIT TILL THE RECRUITS HERE THIS!! THEY'LL BE FLOCKING IN DROVES FROM CANADA, AND NEW ENGLAND!!
These boys will do fine at most d-3 programs...the 0-50 speaks of the coaching and the administration.. NOT THE TALENT OF THE PLAYERS

 

[ECACST]

Re: L V C Hockey Program Is Over

Really? All of those players were successful on the ice BEFORE they got to LVC! How many times have young players been told they are rebuilding and they are going to be an integral part of the team? Sold a bill of goods by the coach and the administration, you are successful from the top down. And last time I checked you did what your COACH(haha) told you or you saw no ice time! It is easy to stay and play when you are winning, but the true test of an athlete is to stay and play when you are constantly losing! And 0-50 happened because the school kept a coach that had no business being a coach! Just because you played professionally does not mean you can coach.
Shame on you for trashing a dedicated group of young men who had the guts to go out there and give it all they had every game, knowing that their coach had no business being on the bench, knowing that they had more than they were able to show, and knowing that every team took them as a joke! Winners never quit! And I would challege you to find a better group of kids. There is a fan page on Facebook~Save LVC Hockey, I urge all of you to check it out and see what these young men have done for their school and their community.

Nobody was questioning the LVC players dedication. I am sure that many of those players gave it all on ice. You can not be an automatic bye for opposing teams for 5 years and expect things to go well for your program. In recent years if I had a choice between catching a local Div III team play LVC or a single A Bantam game I might find that more interesting. Nobody said it was easy to scout and recruit nor is it easy to rebuild. Its a tough slippery slope to climb out of.
But if you can't field a team that can be in the games I got to figure dedication was just not enough. Somehow Russell did not get better and he can only blame himself. It becomes a self fufilling prophecy you can't recruit better because you program has its reputation. Thus I guess most of this roster will play club or ride some bench. Thats reality they simply recruited poorly. Maybe the top few will make some marks on other programs but the bulk are not on the radar!! This has nothing to do with those players but maybe some just maybe where Club players to begin with?

 

[sbkbghockey]

Re: L V C Hockey Program Is Over

Nobody was questioning the LVC players dedication. I am sure that many of those players gave it all on ice. You can not be an automatic bye for opposing teams for 5 years and expect things to go well for your program. In recent years if I had a choice between catching a local Div III team play LVC or a single A Bantam game I might find that more interesting. Nobody said it was easy to scout and recruit nor is it easy to rebuild. Its a tough slippery slope to climb out of.
But if you can't field a team that can be in the games I got to figure dedication was just not enough. Somehow Russell did not get better and he can only blame himself. It becomes a self fufilling prophecy you can't recruit better because you program has its reputation. Thus I guess most of this roster will play club or ride some bench. Thats reality they simply recruited poorly. Maybe the top few will make some marks on other programs but the bulk are not on the radar!! This has nothing to do with those players but maybe some just maybe where Club players to begin with?

probably, some of the top DI ACHA programs have rosters similar to NCAA DIII anyway so if the LVC program does well with recruiting from now on, they could even get a few better players; and at least be able to replace any player that leaves.

Remember they're not droping down to ACHA DIII or DII, (some schools esp in ACHA DIII are pretty much rec teams) They're staying in DI club, a level many schools label their programs as "varsity club teams." Some programs are run with the same level of commitment, financial investment, professionalism from the school and team staff that is equal if not better than some NCAA DIII schools.

 

[WNYHOCKEY66]

Re: L V C Hockey Program Is Over

The problem LVC is going to have initially is the following


1. Many players are going to leave. There is little to no time to recruit now for next year. My guess is some Srs stick around. Other than that I think LVC will have a very bare roster for next season. The only positive I can see is that maybe some of their "recruits" are of lower quality and LVC may be there only option?

2. Cost. It is my understanding that LVC is close to 40K per year. If this is the case it will be VERY hard to recruit players. The competetion in PA is immense for schools and hockey.

3. LVC has a losing reputation. You cant tell me that going 0-50 helps. If a player is being recruited by LVC and they hear the program is folding they are going to look at another D3 school or a top tier ACHA D1 team.


It is really a shame it came to this for LVC> I feel bad for all involved. However, this is going to be an up hill fight for LVC to start off in the ACHA. All the top 25 in the ACHA have been recruiting, getting players to apply, etc etc since the start of the season. Recruiting at the ACHA level is a whole other paradigm. It requires a lot more work and time with out the "NCAA" tag.

With a small campus size and what is sure to be a mass exodus coupled with the cost I really think LVC will struggle in the ACHA next year!

 

[elbojpb]

Options

Options

Considering that most schools do not allow transfers to earn a degree without earning at least 60 credit hours from their institution, the Jrs are pretty much stuck at LVC.

I understand IceKing's frustration at the loss of his kid's program, but THIS isn't a half-bad option. Nearly as many games as a D1 program, and an 8-team league almost entirely along the I-76 corridor.

I'd wager that LVC would do quite well at this level considering the school is 'supposedly' going to fully fund the program.

 

[altazo]

Re: L V C Hockey Program Is Over

Actually, the death of the program was when President Pollock left the school. That's when they lost the support of the administration. When he was there, LVC fielded a team that competed with, and beat, the current teams in the ECACW. Since he left it's been a slow death.

This guy seems to know what's up.

It seems that if the administration was supportive, hockey could have succeeded. A nationwide search for a full time head coach is what needed to happen. It's obvious the team wasn't devoid of any talent at all, as evidenced by their improvement after their coach quit. Other schools have been in similar situations in their histories and decided to up the level of commitment to the program with good results. See the last two national champions as examples...

 

[SteveP]

Re: L V C Hockey Program Is Over

Something to consider is - who will LVC play next season? I know it won't be Penn State -- their schedule is already set. Most of the other top D-1 teams probably have their slates full.

 

[hock3]

Re: L V C Hockey Program Is Over

Nobody was questioning the LVC players dedication. I am sure that many of those players gave it all on ice. You can not be an automatic bye for opposing teams for 5 years and expect things to go well for your program. In recent years if I had a choice between catching a local Div III team play LVC or a single A Bantam game I might find that more interesting. Nobody said it was easy to scout and recruit nor is it easy to rebuild. Its a tough slippery slope to climb out of.
But if you can't field a team that can be in the games I got to figure dedication was just not enough. Somehow Russell did not get better and he can only blame himself. It becomes a self fufilling prophecy you can't recruit better because you program has its reputation. Thus I guess most of this roster will play club or ride some bench. Thats reality they simply recruited poorly. Maybe the top few will make some marks on other programs but the bulk are not on the radar!! This has nothing to do with those players but maybe some just maybe where Club players to begin with?

Um...no. A lot of the players bought into Russell's song and dance about rebuilding, his 1st year recruiting, his own playing experience, how the player was an important part of his rebuilding, and LVC has a high reputation for academic standards. I can speak from experience that players had other options before choosing LVC. You just show your ignorance about any of these players by making remarks like the above.And your remark about LVC or A Bantam Team is insulting and uncalled for. But maybe that is just your ignorance showing through. It was not the recruiting that was in error, it was lack of direction and coaching. It is not a secret that the President did not like hockey for whatever reason, unfortunatly new players did not find this out until it was way too late. Each one of these players was recruited, and as evident in their last 8 games with the Asst. Coach, made great improvements, ask the coaches of the teams they played. How quick to judge the players when every athlete knows you are successful from the coach on down. I would bet most of the Freshmen and Sophmores that leave will find a home at another D3 to play at. And Club hockey is great, if thats what you went to LVC for and the in the end who the heck would believe anything this administration now says.

 

[AmericanCollegeHockey]

Re: L V C Hockey Program Is Over

What program or programs are next? I've been hearing rumblings about a few schools in the Northeast.