LSSU Hockey 2012-2013

[AnchorsAway]

Re: LSSU Hockey 2012-2013

I see that now. And I agree with your point. Even when Jackson decided to come back to college hockey, he picked Notre Dame, not LSSU. I know LSSU was willing to give him everything he wanted. I believe Notre Dame made a "blow you out of the water" offer of money, along with promises to build a new rink, more money, promises to hire top assistants and pay them, and then added a little more money. I see that.

I also thought Jackson wasn't coming back to the Soo for the same reason Frank should not have come back: There are no second acts in coaching. No matter what Jackson did, he would likely find it hard to replicate his pervious success. And there is always the "been there, done that" feeling.

But I agree, while money may not have played a role in Jackson leaving -- money may have certainly played a role in him not coming back.

Yea lightning is a hard thing to catch twice in the same bottle....

If the Lakers wanted an up and coming assitant as their next coach (whenever that search ends up being) one angle that they really could press is being the "cradle of coaches" ....Ron Mason, Rick Comley, Jeff Jackson all got their start here and look how LSSU launched their career, we may not have the biggest budget to work with or the highest salary to offer but we have extremely adequate facilities that are getting additional renovations, we have a great tradition as a foundation and we're in a hockey crazed part of the country...

Few assistants taking their first D1 job walk into a situation where every facet of the job is "up to snuff" and handed to them on a silver platter, so most have to accept disadvantages in certain areas, regardless of where they get their gig it just depends on what matters most to them.....It seems to me that any assitant with a bona fide background or pedigree who is willing to forsake getting rich and having to lay down some extra elbow grease on the recruiting trail for the opportunity to head up a storied program in a major conference in a hockey hotbed is certainly worth going after.

Not to switch gears too fast but do any of our posters out there have a personal relationship with Bill Crawford? If so maybe you would be able to answer if he has ever considered writing a book about the history of Laker hockey? He has been "in the know" with Laker hockey longer than just about anyone else and would be a golden resource, I would love to see him write a book chronicling (sp?) Laker hockey over the years and include some of the interesting facts, info and stories that the average Laker hockey fan may not know about past players and coaches...It justs seems like a win win for everyone, he shouldn't let all of his Laker tales go to waste!

 

[LSSULaker889294]

Re: LSSU Hockey 2012-2013

I wonder if Bill Crawford was still the AD if we would of fired Roque by now?

 

[DopeyBaker]

Re: LSSU Hockey 2012-2013

$40 more dollars would make you cancel your tickets even if it meant helping to lure in a legit coach?

Multiply that $40 for a family and you're talking a couple hundred dollars. If I had an extra $200 to donate to LSSU, do I want it to go to the hockey coach's raise? Perhaps it would be better served going somewhere else (women's athletics, Norris Center complex, general scholarship fund, faculty/staff raises, South Hall renovation, equipment for labs, recruiting budget, etc.).

 

[Laker54]

Re: LSSU Hockey 2012-2013

Jackson didn't move to a better program -- he took over the brand-new National develpoment program (took Silver in the world juniors), then he took over Guelph (made it to the final round of the Memorial Cup as the host team), and was an assistant with the Islanders. After the strike, he was hired by Notre Dame. I distinctly recall his rationale for leaving LSSU was the NCAA, NOT LSSU's leadership or the money. He was frustrated with the NCAA rules (I recall an interview after he stepped down, saying the NCAA rules were absurd -- citing an example about one day, leaving the rink, there was a nasty blizzard. Three of his players had stayed late for an extra work out, and they didn't have a car. Jackson was unable under NCAA rules to give these kids a ride down to their townhouse. And I distinctly recall him commenting on the absurd nature of the NCAA's draconian rules, and how the NCAA treats hockey poorly, and how the NCAA doesn't seek input from hockey coaches in making its rules, and how the NCAA was dominated, in his words, by "Minnesota guys who are at war with Canada." Also the now famous Jackson line about the "narrow minded Minnesota hockey mafia." I do not recall any arguments, disagreements, or complaints about $$$.

And a $2 increase in ticket prices would result in an extra $2, per seat, for 16 games -- and whopping 32 bucks. Absurdly cheap. I would pay it without a complaint.

As for LSSU's funding -- there are lots of excellent fund raising efforts underway right now. I hear people talking about the program and the money as if the school and the athletics department are doing nothing. AS if there are no plans to raise more money and no recognition as ot the need for more money. This is false. All of you pick up the Laker Log and you will see a steady stream of well-planned fund raising opportunities in which to partake.

Feel free to pursue and donate appropriately: http://www.lssu.edu/foundation/

I know the internet is a lovely place to complain without consequences. I am a prime offender, waffling between "cool reason" and "snarky trolling." I get that. But the hand wringing and fear-mongering about the program gets to be too much. Every program needs money. LSSU has lots of opportunities for all of us in the Laker family to step up to the plate.

This leads to one of my most frustrating thoughts regarding my beloved LSSU: too many alumni get swallowed up in the maize and green down state, and simply forget to continue to support their school -- or won't support their school. I have to tell you: the Eastern UP is not a wealthy community. And while the local fans and alumni are giving far more than you probably realize, this program won't work without the entire alumni family pulling together.

Here, I'll post the web site again: http://www.lssu.edu/foundation/

Easy to find. Easy to read. Easy to give. Easy to support your school. Here is a simple dare: before anyone complains about Roque's salary and the hockey program's funding -- make sure you donate $25.00 (once again, easily done at http://www.lssu.edu/foundation/

Donate a quick $25.00, then proceed to complain about the budget.

Donate $25.00 and then proceed to complain about the attendance.

Donate $25.00 and then proceed to complain about recruiting travel issues.

And HEY -- guess what? If you give $25.00 between now and December, 2013 -- that gift will be matched dollar for dollar by an anaymous donor under the LSSU Hockey Challenge. https://www.lssu.edu/foundation/fund/challenge.php

So you can give $25.00, complain, and know that you actually just gave $50.00.

I am not suggesting you pay for your right to complain. I am merely saying that if you put your money where your heart and mouth are, the school would really benefit. And maybe -- JUST MAYBE -- if enough of the alumni family pulls together in these small ways, MAYBE we won't have to complain about the budget.

Just sayin . . .

Outstanding post! I will take your suggestion.

 

[Tooth Squid]

Re: LSSU Hockey 2012-2013

Thought I should share this will all of you... It is a private message between Truth Squad and me:

Tooth Squid - Today 10:12 PM HAHAHAHA are you Threatening ME?

Truth Squad - 02-29-2012 11:59 AM Come down to Metro Detroit and we'll discuss this more

Truth Squad - 02-29-2012 11:58 AM Come down to Metro Detroit

Tooth Squid - 02-24-2012 11:07 AM You sir are an idiot

Truth Squad - 03-04-2012 08:42 PM Enough about Nic. You can't handle the truth!!!

You have to read from the bottom up... But I think you are all smart enough to get the idea... Mr. Sellers... You sir are a piece of work... I am gonna lay off of Nik from now on... With you as a father that poor kid does not have a chance to succeed... He should be embarrased to call you Daddy...

 

[Lakerblue]

Re: LSSU Hockey 2012-2013

Can anybody tell me why Truth-something-something always deletes his postings?

That just seems wierd. Not in his normal "I hate Jim Roque" insanity. Its some strange jedi mind trick. He appears, tosses dung like a heart-sick monkey, jumps around pounding his chest (also like a love-starved monkey). Then, randomly, he disappears. then, a little while later he is back. Then he wants to fight. Then he disappears again. And then he tosses more scat around the cage. Then leaves again. I mean -- if you want to hop around like a horny baboon, please go and enjoy yourself. But don't hop around like a horny baboon (poop tossing included) and then delete your poop-tossing as if it didn't happen. Stand up for yourself, buddy. Be a man. Go into those corners with your elbows up and fight for that puck, get your butt into the slot and battle for the deflection! Oh, ummmm, yeah, heck, thats right . . . . . like father like son.





I get it now.

 

[jnacc]

Re: LSSU Hockey 2012-2013

You know I wonder if Truth Squad is really a Jim Roque double agent....he spews his senseless drivel about how terrible the coaching staff is, how useless this "small village" is and how stupid all Laker fans are and lo and behold everyone is quick to defend the program and suddenly Roque doesn't look so bad......just saying.....I mean can anyone really be as stupid as Truth Squad???? Really??? I mean think about it....sure there's dumb and dumber but there really cannot be a Truth Squad dumb!

 

[Lakerblue]

Re: LSSU Hockey 2012-2013

I think we should give Crawford a break regarding his hockey broadcasts.

I have watched more than a couple of tough years and some horrible hockey since the long faded glory days. Borek's era was enough to make me watch basketball (and I did, I admit it -- Marty McDermot was a good guy). Frank's second era was just as bad. And Roque has had more downs than ups.

And I promise you, there have been many nights sitting in the stands where my personal comments to my friends and family have been far less kind than Mr. Crawford's radio assessments.

You have to figure Crawford has watched some REALLY bad hockey in the past 15+ years.

 

[MUnRPI]

Re: LSSU Hockey 2012-2013

You know I wonder if Truth Squad is really a Jim Roque double agent....he spews his senseless drivel about how terrible the coaching staff is, how useless this "small village" is and how stupid all Laker fans are and lo and behold everyone is quick to defend the program and suddenly Roque doesn't look so bad......just saying.....I mean can anyone really be as stupid as Truth Squad???? Really??? I mean think about it....sure there's dumb and dumber but there really cannot be a Truth Squad dumb!

Hilarious. I have thought this same thing. Or maybe he is just a die hard Laker fan trying to get people fired up.

 

[Flem Of The North]

Re: LSSU Hockey 2012-2013

If Bill Crawford were still the AD we wouldn't be better off. He was "promoted" to Vice President of University Relations and Marketing in 2006. To go back 6 years and say "What If?" doesn't make much sense at this point in time. He was given the VP job to basically keep him around and stay out of the way. I was at LSSU from 2006-2010 and lets just say "sports marketing" never really existed from what I could see.

Bill's been bitter ever since he left Lake State. Listen to one of his Laker Hockey broadcasts. Its 2 hours of him doing boring play-by-play and talking about how nice the other schools are. How about some Pro-LSSU talk? I don't know Bill personally, but I hear a lot of people say he is an ok guy so I don't want to come across as a hater here. Paul Van Wagoner's stint when 99.5 first took over was full of energy and very Pro-LSSU, but unfortunately the radio wars here in the Soo got ugly and his tenure only lasted half a season.

Paul Van Wagoner brought life, energy and a positive and refreshing attitude to the broadcasts. It was unfortunate that he didn't get an entire season to show Laker fans what he could do. I'm glad he is still involved at the university and his Laker Hockey Show internet broadcasts were very entertaining, and not negative, bitter and about himself.

Great season for the Lakers and lots to build of for Coach Roque and the Lakers next season and when they join the WCHA in a couple of years. Don't let more bitter and negative posters from around the Detroit area fool you.

 

[Bill]

Re: LSSU Hockey 2012-2013

Even if its bad hockey, hes getting paid to represent LSSU. All I'm asking is he throw in a few positive vibes every now and then so it doesn't sound like a funeral haha

If they played well more consistently, I'm sure he would throw in some more positives. I don't get to see them play in person very often, but over the past few seasons I've seen games where they were totally outplayed by the opposition, even if the final score didn't accurately reflect that; on those occasions, I've wondered what the broadcast must sound like.

 

[Flem Of The North]

Re: LSSU Hockey 2012-2013

If they played well more consistently, I'm sure he would throw in some more positives. I don't get to see them play in person very often, but over the past few seasons I've seen games where they were totally outplayed by the opposition, even if the final score didn't accurately reflect that; on those occasions, I've wondered what the broadcast must sound like.[/QUOTE

What is frustrating to me and a lot of my former classmates and other alumni out of town Laker fanatics (who in some cases are thousands of miles away from the Soo) is the radio broadcasts are our only way to enjoy the games and what Laker hockey is all about. When you have a broadcaster so negative, so bitter and so much about how all the other schools are great and the Lakers and Coach Roque aren't, it just gets very frustrating. They need someone much more positive in that position, like they had for a few months a couple of seasons ago, and someone that isn't all about themselves, but about the players on the team and the university.

I don't know Bill Crawford, I remember him when I was a student there ten plus years ago as an ok guy, but the negativity and complaining about not only the Lakers but the fans gets to be a bit much and very very old.

 

[Bill]

Re: LSSU Hockey 2012-2013

OK, so I guess some of you would prefer that Bill Crawford sugarcoat things.

 

[Truth Serum]

Re: LSSU Hockey 2012-2013

OK, so I guess some of you would prefer that Bill Crawford sugarcoat things.

I don't think you need Crawford to sugarcoat things, all one needs to do is look on here for the past seven years and in midseason form for season number 8.

 

[DopeyBaker]

Re: LSSU Hockey 2012-2013

Crawford is one of the best in the business. LSSU is lucky to have him calling its games.

 

[DB Cooper]

Re: LSSU Hockey 2012-2013

Crawford is one of the best in the business. LSSU is lucky to have him calling its games.

I agree. I believe he compares well to most broadcasters, even the professionals on television and especially ESPN, who have **** near driven me away from televised sports.

 

[Hammer]

Re: LSSU Hockey 2012-2013

I agree. I believe he compares well to most broadcasters, even the professionals on television and especially ESPN, who have **** near driven me away from televised sports.

Changing subjects, but I've all but quit watching ESPN, with the exception of PTI and a little ESPNews, now that the leagues have their own networks, and we have the Fox Sports regionals for the actual games.

 

[PerkyforPrez]

Re: LSSU Hockey 2012-2013

Crawford is one of the best in the business. LSSU is lucky to have him calling its games.

I agree with you as well. I would rather not have the sugar coating the other fella did but the straight facts that Crawford sends across the airwaves. I remember one game at home a couple years ago that the Lakers had it handed to them pretty much all game every way possible and as we were heading home i tuned into the post game and the younger guy is talking about how the one thing the team can take out of the game was the faceoffs. I had just watched the Lakers get out played badly all game but at least we were only out drawn in the faceoff circle by 3 in the third period. If they play good he says so if not he says so whats so wrong with that.

Hammer, I hope you have a lot to cheer about Saturday. Go Ferris !!!!

 

[jnacc]

Re: LSSU Hockey 2012-2013

Crawford is one of the best in the business. LSSU is lucky to have him calling its games.

Exactly!! I can't stand "enthusiastic" homers who spew nothing but good vibes when the team stinking up the ice! Call it like it is and let the fans know what is happening on the ice!

Bill Crawford has been the voice of Laker Hockey for 30 odd years....he bleeds Laker blue and gold....there probably is no bigger fan and certainly no better college broadcaster!

 

[Hammer]

Re: LSSU Hockey 2012-2013

Hammer, I hope you have a lot to cheer about Saturday. Go Ferris !!!!

Thank you. I hope I have something to cheer for on Saturday.