LSSU Laker Hockey 2011-12

[LSSULaker889294]

Re: LSSU Laker Hockey 2011-12

I wonder if the donor group will pull the plug on the Norris Center project and "give up" because they fear Laker hockey might end and don't want to waste money?

 

[jnacc]

Re: LSSU Laker Hockey 2011-12

I wonder if the donor group will pull the plug on the Norris Center project and "give up" because they fear Laker hockey might end and don't want to waste money?

Correct me if I'm wrong but it was my belief that the Norris Center project was not just about hockey and was/is to benefit the other sports as well.

 

[Big Papa]

Re: LSSU Laker Hockey 2011-12

yes that is what I heard as well

 

[LSSULaker889294]

Re: LSSU Laker Hockey 2011-12

Correct me if I'm wrong but it was my belief that the Norris Center project was not just about hockey and was/is to benefit the other sports as well.

Yes you are right, but hockey is the number one priority and most of the money is towards hockey. If LSSU hockey did fold, perhaps they could still use whatever money was intended for the other sports.

Also I checked the schedule and a Blue/Gold game was added. The game/scrimmage is on October 8 at 7:05 PM. I'm not sure why they didn't have it the past couple years but I'm glad they have it back this year.

 

[Bill]

Re: LSSU Laker Hockey 2011-12

I wonder if the donor group will pull the plug on the Norris Center project and "give up" because they fear Laker hockey might end and don't want to waste money?

I don't fear Laker hockey ending because of what's happening to the college hockey league landscape. I think the overall economic situation in the country and state is more of a threat to Laker hockey if the economy doesn't improve over the next few years. If the WCHA (what's left of it) doesn't want LSSU or Ferris, then we're left with LSSU, Ferris, and BG from the CCHA, plus UAH, plus trying to get at least two teams, preferably three or even four, from Atlantic Hockey to form a revamped CCHA. Many have speculated that several Atlantic Hockey teams (Mercyhurst, Robert Morris, Niagara, Canisius) might be interested in doing just that since it would allow them to expand the number of hockey scholarships they can offer. I can live with a CCHA with six to eight of those teams. I suppose it's possible that Alaska-Fairbanks could stay with the CCHA also, although it's sounding like they might go to the WCHA. I prefer the current CCHA, with the addition of UAH, but that is no longer a reality. Money talks and we don't have enough of it. Most of the big schools don't want to play in the same league with the little schools anymore unless the little schools can put a lot of money on the table. However it shakes out, I think the most important thing for Laker hockey is putting a winning team on the ice on a relatively consistent basis.

 

[davyd83]

Re: LSSU Laker Hockey 2011-12

I don't fear Laker hockey ending because of what's happening to the college hockey league landscape. I think the overall economic situation in the country and state is more of a threat to Laker hockey if the economy doesn't improve over the next few years. If the WCHA (what's left of it) doesn't want LSSU or Ferris, then we're left with LSSU, Ferris, and BG from the CCHA, plus UAH, plus trying to get at least two teams, preferably three or even four, from Atlantic Hockey to form a revamped CCHA. Many have speculated that several Atlantic Hockey teams (Mercyhurst, Robert Morris, Niagara, Canisius) might be interested in doing just that since it would allow them to expand the number of hockey scholarships they can offer. I can live with a CCHA with six to eight of those teams. I suppose it's possible that Alaska-Fairbanks could stay with the CCHA also, although it's sounding like they might go to the WCHA. I prefer the current CCHA, with the addition of UAH, but that is no longer a reality. Money talks and we don't have enough of it. Most of the big schools don't want to play in the same league with the little schools anymore unless the little schools can put a lot of money on the table. However it shakes out, I think the most important thing for Laker hockey is putting a winning team on the ice on a relatively consistent basis.

I've spent a lot of time in the sports business, both NCAA and minor pro, and on a consistent basis the best marketing tool is not free popcorn, it's not 2 for 1 tickets, it's not foam fingers. It's not Michigan coming to town. Quite simply, it's the "W." Except if your the Chicago Cubs!

 

[LSSULaker889294]

Re: LSSU Laker Hockey 2011-12

If LSSU and NMU are separated from leagues, hopefully it's not the end of the Cappo Cup. Hopefully NMU and LSSU can manage an OOC series if that scenario happens.

Travel would kind of suck if we were in a league ended up with LSSU, FSU, BGSU, UAH, RMU, NU, and MC though, but so would moving to the the WCHA. SCSU, BSU, and MSUM are all long bus rides as well plus perhaps two trips to Alaska every year as well. Still the WCHA would be beter.

 

[davyd83]

Re: LSSU Laker Hockey 2011-12

If LSSU and NMU are separated from leagues, hopefully it's not the end of the Cappo Cup. Hopefully NMU and LSSU can manage an OOC series if that scenario happens.

Travel would kind of suck if we were in a league ended up with LSSU, FSU, BGSU, UAH, RMU, NU, and MC though, but so would moving to the the WCHA. SCSU, BSU, and MSUM are all long bus rides as well plus perhaps two trips to Alaska every year as well. Still the WCHA would be beter.

Actually, I think a CCHA with the above mentioned schools give the Lakers a better chance to compete and compete quickly and consistently.

 

[PerkyforPrez]

Re: LSSU Laker Hockey 2011-12

The AD mentioned that the Prez has not cut the athletic budget. I find it kinda strange that any teams from the east would leave to join our conference. That is what realy has me worried.

Dave nothing but best wishes for your Cats. They have got to do whats best for them in these crazy times, i will miss the weekend in Marquette every year for sure.

 

[fangers]

Re: LSSU Laker Hockey 2011-12

The AD mentioned that the Prez has not cut the athletic budget. I find it kinda strange that any teams from the east would leave to join our conference. That is what realy has me worried.

Dave nothing but best wishes for your Cats. They have got to do whats best for them in these crazy times, i will miss the weekend in Marquette every year for sure.

There are a couple of potential benefits that I think have folks thinking could cause them to consider a move.

* Atlantic Hockey only allows 12 scholarships. CCHA allows 18. Niagara and Robert Morris moved from the CHA where they had 18, so speculation is they might be willing to move to get those 6 schollys back.

* Mercyhurst is joining the MAC (not sure which sports), so might be interest in aligning with other MAC hockey schools.

But I'll guess we'll see.

 

[davyd83]

Re: LSSU Laker Hockey 2011-12

The AD mentioned that the Prez has not cut the athletic budget. I find it kinda strange that any teams from the east would leave to join our conference. That is what realy has me worried.

Dave nothing but best wishes for your Cats. They have got to do whats best for them in these crazy times, i will miss the weekend in Marquette every year for sure.

Strange as it may seem, if this happens, NMU may be one of the few smaller schools to benefit from all the changes. Notre Dame, Ohio State & Miami weren't real attendance boosters. The extra MSU bump had decreased in recent years and was set to disappear with the Comley retirement. That leaves Michigan. Add an extra home conference game against Tech, and a great deal of the Michigan appeal is negated. Now add some new rivalries and the curiousity factor, and I really don't see an attendance decline at NMU. Now add the fact that it will be competing against similarly sized and budgeted schools and you have a situation where NMU can be a very competitive team in the new WCHA on a consistent basis.

 

[Andrew J Carter]

Re: LSSU Laker Hockey 2011-12

As a former NMU hoopster from 70-73 (I despised that old LSSC gym), former BSU head BB coach 81-95, and current BSU professor of health, I probably know less about hockey than most of you readers know about epidemiology. But looking at the map, I like the 3 MN teams, the 3 Yooper teams & UAA. Grab UAH if we must. If not, stay at 7 teams. Travel expenses for the MN teams will diminish, perhaps not so for the Yooper teams. Obviously, not the glamour without the old WCHA big dogs, but hey, with a few stellar signings and a little luck for almost any of these teams, a WCHA championship could be a reality and maybe sneak into that Frozen Four like BSU did a couple years back. Life is good. By the way, who was the last team to beat the 2011 national champions?

 

[kingdobbs]

Re: LSSU Laker Hockey 2011-12

There are a couple of potential benefits that I think have folks thinking could cause them to consider a move.

* Atlantic Hockey only allows 12 scholarships. CCHA allows 18. Niagara and Robert Morris moved from the CHA where they had 18, so speculation is they might be willing to move to get those 6 schollys back.

* Mercyhurst is joining the MAC (not sure which sports), so might be interest in aligning with other MAC hockey schools.

But I'll guess we'll see.

I am certain that your second point is not true. For one thing, that would require the Lakers to be moving the whole program up to Division I.

 

[davyd83]

Re: LSSU Laker Hockey 2011-12

As a former NMU hoopster from 70-73 (I despised that old LSSC gym), former BSU head BB coach 81-95, and current BSU professor of health, I probably know less about hockey than most of you readers know about epidemiology. But looking at the map, I like the 3 MN teams, the 3 Yooper teams & UAA. Grab UAH if we must. If not, stay at 7 teams. Travel expenses for the MN teams will diminish, perhaps not so for the Yooper teams. Obviously, not the glamour without the old WCHA big dogs, but hey, with a few stellar signings and a little luck for almost any of these teams, a WCHA championship could be a reality and maybe sneak into that Frozen Four like BSU did a couple years back. Life is good. By the way, who was the last team to beat the 2011 national champions?

Where do the Alaskas go? And Bemidji State

 

[Mogerfan]

Re: LSSU Laker Hockey 2011-12

I was going to write a long post about my thoughts on all the changes ahead. Then I decided that a better way to voice my feelings would be to go to the LSSU Foundation website and send in $100 to the hockey team. So I did that instead.

I'm sure that's not enough to get me into the secret meetings of the donor group, but I wanted to do something to show my support!
GO LAKERS!!!

 

[fangers]

Re: LSSU Laker Hockey 2011-12

I am certain that your second point is not true. For one thing, that would require the Lakers to be moving the whole program up to Division I.

Then I stand corrected, thought I had read/heard that recently and it was given as possible motivation for them to want into the CCHA.

 

[3dognight]

Re: LSSU Laker Hockey 2011-12

NMU will go to their BOT Thursday to approve a move to WCHA......UGH.

In some of my readings this week it seems that in the WCHA for the past couple of years there was a pattern of voting where big schools voted one way and small schools another, with budget a major concern Ditto for the CCHA. The WCHA could not secure a TV contract where the new league feels they will. It seems schools are gravitating to leagues that share their common interests (and budgets).

The 10 team "merger" league was an exciting option that is dissolving before our eyes.
Good for NMU for making a solid move "back" to the WCHA.
Tomorrow we will learn if WMU / ND and yes even BGSU are moving on. Friday we learn what the new WCHA will look like.
The remaining CCHA members will then search for teams that fit their "new" reality.
No More CCHA playoffs at the Joe, no more GLI invitations, as Refs and linesmen disburse even worse officiating (is that possible?)
Fewer NHL Prospects rolling into the building, BIG travel budgets,

The Donor Group really does not "fear" changes, but we are not foolish. We will scale a project to whatever reality 2013 provides.
We are watching along with all of you, aggressively looking for quality information. We are in a good place as these things will be decided in the project development stage.
While much of the project impacts other sports we are a hockey based group...that is our focus.
We can certainly make adjustments as needed, but none are planned at this time. We will wait for the dust to clear..
I am hopeful the CCHA can pull a rabbit from the hat.

 

[Flashy Man]

Re: LSSU Laker Hockey 2011-12

NMU will go to their BOT Thursday to approve a move to WCHA......UGH.

I haven't seen any where that it says that. They've been planning to discuss their athletics program.

 

[3dognight]

I haven't seen any where that it says that. They've been planning to discuss their athletics program.

CCHA memo today.

 

[AVFC]

Re: LSSU Laker Hockey 2011-12

Dumb question:

Has there been anymore talk of admitting/folding CIS schools into the NCAA? Now would be the time to do so.