LSSU Laker Hockey 2012-2013, Part 2

[Lakerblue]

Re: LSSU Laker Hockey 2012-2013, Part 2

Time for a change.

 

[LSSULaker889294]

Re: LSSU Laker Hockey 2012-2013, Part 2

Jim Roque isn't going anywhere.

Despite a losing record basically every year, second half collapses, early playoff exits, crowds closer to 500 than 2500, and the same excuses for now eight years running. A new conference and some fresh paint on the empty seats and gondolas aren't going to save your once proud hockey program built by Frank Anzalone up there, under this head coach. Next year will be more of the same, the good ole boys that run your little village and college, want this man around for whatever reason, because the record and multiple players leaving, and the continued losing seasons and lack of fan interest clearly don't matter much.

Blame someone else, former players, coaches, refs, bounces, the CCHA, unfair for small schools, lack of money, no other coaches will come, or whatever this off-season's new batch of excuses that will be used. I'm sure you uppers will come to his defense once again and it is always very amusing to me to see what excuses his lap dogs on here put forth, even after another season like the last, and the one before, and the one before, and the one before. Golf season starts around this time up there, doesn't it?

FOUR!!!!!

The Truth Is Out There....
TBA

Are you going to delete your post again? Reading some of these recent posts, some people might actually side with you for once.

 

[Bill]

Re: LSSU Laker Hockey 2012-2013, Part 2

I think it's more of a question of why the coaching staff doesn't seem to be able to have them ready to play emotionally and physically game in and game out. True, even the really good teams are going to have off nights, but the modus operandi of the Lakers is their inconsistency.

 

[sm2pk]

Re: LSSU Laker Hockey 2012-2013, Part 2

Seems the Alaska Anchorage fans are calling for a coaching change as well. Their thought seems to be the players just have no life under the present coaching staff and feel a change is what the team needs. They seem to think the players are playing with no heart under their present coaching staff. We are not alone in our feelings on that issue .

 

[PerkyforPrez]

Re: LSSU Laker Hockey 2012-2013, Part 2

I think it's more of a question of why the coaching staff doesn't seem to be able to have them ready to play emotionally and physically game in and game out. True, even the really good teams are going to have off nights, but the modus operandi of the Lakers is their inconsistency.

Bill, that about sums it up. Nice job again Bill.

 

[Laker Dude]

Re: LSSU Laker Hockey 2012-2013, Part 2

Alaska Anchorage had 4 wins all year. We had 17. Big difference. They were also almost -60 in goal differential. I didn't even know that was plausible.

Huntsville only had 1 win all year and it came against the Lakers.

 

[jnacc]

Re: LSSU Laker Hockey 2012-2013, Part 2

Are you going to delete your post again? Reading some of these recent posts, some people might actually side with you for once.

Don't kid yourself about truthy.....there are two nightmare scenarios that constantly play out in his mind. One is the improbable chance of Roque actually delivering a winning season and long play-off run. This would absolutely devastate Truthys fragile persona, as the man he despises shuts him up once and for all. The other scenario is the one many of us are hoping for, where by Roque gets his walking papers and a new coach is hired. This would cause an existential crisis for Truthy, as his reason for being is no more and he is forever locked in his basement staring at pictures of his son and wondering what could have been if only.

Time for a change.

And a perfect time for one as well. Lake State is starting a new chapter in a different conference and a fresh outlook would do wonders.

 

[FadeToBlack&Gold]

Re: LSSU Laker Hockey 2012-2013, Part 2

Alaska Anchorage had 4 wins all year. We had 17. Big difference. They were also almost -60 in goal differential. I didn't even know that was plausible.

If you listen to the serious UAA fans, their program's problems are far deeper than Shyiak. I suspect he'd win more games at NMU or LSSU than he ever will at UAA. Just a thought.

 

[sm2pk]

Re: LSSU Laker Hockey 2012-2013, Part 2

It's hard to root for Roque anylonger at this point. The beating Bowling Green put on the Lakers at home in the playoffs isn't something to simply say they had a bad night.

 

[DB Cooper]

Re: LSSU Laker Hockey 2012-2013, Part 2

I know you didn't. DBCooper did.

Yes I did
Maybe this is easier for you to accept: The Laker team, as an entity, did not achieve a level of performance, as measured by goal differential, to place in the standings at a level commensurate w with their talent level.
Feel better?
The alternative conclusion is that they were outscored by BG 7-0 because of BG's vastly superior talent. No, it was effort. Ferris state made the frozen four with their 1st round draft choices? No, it was effor.t. MSU and U of M finished lower in the standingsbecause of a lack of talent? No, it was effort. Single events can be discarded but trends cannot.
Admittedly, effort (or trying) as a single word includes intensity, preparatiion, responding to pressure, rebounding from adversity, etc. and simply trying hard (trailers shouldn't score while Laker forwards coast at the blue line).
We all know players, and I like all the ones I've met (including those that might someday punch me in the mouth), but ask them if they feel everyone on the team is pulling in the same direction. These players are good. The coaches are good at finding guys that will come to, and fit in at LSSU. I will never mention a current player by name, or previous player in a negative context. These players deserve better. I like our current coaches and hope they find the "magic."
Do you believe this is the best of which they are capable?
I remember you don't approve of discussions of options that have a low probability of occuring, but what do you propose?

 

[FRICKER]

Re: LSSU Laker Hockey 2012-2013, Part 2

Bill, a coach can only do so much to prepare the team to play with spirit. I think that the Captain & team leaders also have a key role day in and day out. There is more blame to spread around beyond just the coaching staff.

 

[sm2pk]

Re: LSSU Laker Hockey 2012-2013, Part 2

Eight years as head coach and the lakers are humiliated in the play-offs on home ice.

 

[DM2SM]

Re: LSSU Laker Hockey 2012-2013, Part 2

A few observations and a few questions.
Observations: There is enough recent evidence to show that a change in coaching can make a difference. BGSU was drawing under 1,000/game a couple years ago and on the verge of folding the program in fact word came out that they were going to do just that and some alumni got involved and saved it. Last weekend I saw three BGSU fan buses parked outside the arena. (I am not sure what the announced attendance was at the game Sunday but I counted between 600-700 in the Taffy.) We couldn't get enough fans to put together a bus to go to Marquette! WMU, MTU, RPI, UNO, UM-L, Union, Prov. etc. All have turned their programs around via a coaching change. Observation: In response to Mr. Fricker who is and end all know-it-all, leaders, players, captains have come and gone for eight years. The result has been the same. What is the common denominator?
Observation: The Lakers have had enough talent to finish in the top half of the league at least 6 of the eight years of this current era. Just once you would think that blind squirrel would find that nut in that time. Obervation: five of the eight years tha lakers have been in the top 20 Nationally at Christmas and dropped out of the picture completely in the second half. The other three years they were out of the picture from the start. See above squirrel reference. (By the way, these were all predicted by Mr. Truth Squad.)
Questions: Before a rant goes on about changing coaches could we get a few questions answered. What is left on Coach Roque's current contract? I think it should be public record. Second question, does Coach Roque's position as Head Coach have anything to do with the funding for the renovation project? If time is left on his contract or the project is dependent on his remaining on, then end the discussion about changing coaches. There would be no chance of it happening.

 

[Truth Serum]

Re: LSSU Laker Hockey 2012-2013, Part 2

Bill, a coach can only do so much to prepare the team to play with spirit. I think that the Captain & team leaders also have a key role day in and day out. There is more blame to spread around beyond just the coaching staff.

Right on!

Next year it will be different, a new league, new attitude, same head coach, and year 9 will be the year this coach gets the Lakers to the promised land, a finish in the upper half of the standings, instead of the previous 8. There are no other options, clearly this is the best one.

 

[DM2SM]

Re: LSSU Laker Hockey 2012-2013, Part 2

He re-upped his contract last year and it was a multi-year deal. I just don't know the exact length. I am 100% that there is at least 1 year remaining.

Is his contract tied to funding for the renovation? I can't say for sure. Based on what I know about the project (and that is quite a bit), it has never been mentioned that the two go hand-in-hand.

Thanks. 100% is pretty certain!
There will be no coaching change. No way that the University will buy out any remaining contract obligation. Now it's just a bash board. No need to discuss a coaching change.

 

[DB Cooper]

Re: LSSU Laker Hockey 2012-2013, Part 2

A few observations and a few questions.
Observations: There is enough recent evidence to show that a change in coaching can make a difference. BGSU was drawing under 1,000/game a couple years ago and on the verge of folding the program in fact word came out that they were going to do just that and some alumni got involved and saved it. Last weekend I saw three BGSU fan buses parked outside the arena. (I am not sure what the announced attendance was at the game Sunday but I counted between 600-700 in the Taffy.) We couldn't get enough fans to put together a bus to go to Marquette! WMU, MTU, RPI, UNO, UM-L, Union, Prov. etc. All have turned their programs around via a coaching change. Observation: In response to Mr. Fricker who is and end all know-it-all, leaders, players, captains have come and gone for eight years. The result has been the same. What is the common denominator?
Observation: The Lakers have had enough talent to finish in the top half of the league at least 6 of the eight years of this current era. Just once you would think that blind squirrel would find that nut in that time. Obervation: five of the eight years tha lakers have been in the top 20 Nationally at Christmas and dropped out of the picture completely in the second half. The other three years they were out of the picture from the start. See above squirrel reference. (By the way, these were all predicted by Mr. Truth Squad.)
Questions: Before a rant goes on about changing coaches could we get a few questions answered. What is left on Coach Roque's current contract? I think it should be public record. Second question, does Coach Roque's position as Head Coach have anything to do with the funding for the renovation project? If time is left on his contract or the project is dependent on his remaining on, then end the discussion about changing coaches. There would be no chance of it happening.

Do you know of an accurate attendance figure for BG this year?

I went to see the Lakers play BG in the playoffs a few years ago at BG and the arena seemed a bit dark, with a low ceiling. It seemed huge, especially because only about 250 fans were present. It was spring break and about 50 of the fans were there for the Lakers. It was the most empty seeming arena I have been to.

I understand that LSSU will not buy out any contracts - and maybe they shouldn't - I'm old fashioned and think both sides should only sign a contract of a length they wish to honor. However, I have no problem with discussing hot coaching prospects. After all, this is an internet chat board and if you prohibit speculation, histrionics, and hyperbole, what would you have left?

 

[blackswampboy]

Re: LSSU Laker Hockey 2012-2013, Part 2

A few observations and a few questions.
Observations: There is enough recent evidence to show that a change in coaching can make a difference. BGSU was drawing under 1,000/game a couple years ago and on the verge of folding the program in fact word came out that they were going to do just that and some alumni got involved and saved it. Last weekend I saw three BGSU fan buses parked outside the arena. (I am not sure what the announced attendance was at the game Sunday but I counted between 600-700 in the Taffy.) We couldn't get enough fans to put together a bus to go to Marquette! WMU, MTU, RPI, UNO, UM-L, Union, Prov. etc. All have turned their programs around via a coaching change. Observation: In response to Mr. Fricker who is and end all know-it-all, leaders, players, captains have come and gone for eight years. The result has been the same. What is the common denominator?
Observation: The Lakers have had enough talent to finish in the top half of the league at least 6 of the eight years of this current era. Just once you would think that blind squirrel would find that nut in that time. Obervation: five of the eight years tha lakers have been in the top 20 Nationally at Christmas and dropped out of the picture completely in the second half. The other three years they were out of the picture from the start. See above squirrel reference. (By the way, these were all predicted by Mr. Truth Squad.)
Questions: Before a rant goes on about changing coaches could we get a few questions answered. What is left on Coach Roque's current contract? I think it should be public record. Second question, does Coach Roque's position as Head Coach have anything to do with the funding for the renovation project? If time is left on his contract or the project is dependent on his remaining on, then end the discussion about changing coaches. There would be no chance of it happening.

through the dark years, BG's average attendance was never less than 2,000. BG's crisis was budgetary, with years of administrative neglect. even with the arena crumbling and years of losing teams, the community did not abandon the team.

gotta agree with Freddie on this--now is not the time to withhold support for LSSU hockey. sure, you can blame the coach and lobby for changes.
but if the team loses support and revenues...scary things can happen.

 

[LSSULaker889294]

Re: LSSU Laker Hockey 2012-2013, Part 2

The CCHA All Confrence teams got announced. I think Monardo got snubbed as he only received honorable mention. I thought he should of gotten 2nd team at least. Oh well perhaps the early playoff exit hurt him.

And I agree with what blackswampboy just said.

 

[Lakerblue]

Re: LSSU Laker Hockey 2012-2013, Part 2

I am always cautious whe calling out players, or their efforts. These are not professionals, they are college students. But my general perception is that the coaching staff was unable to instill the pride and dedication into the roster of players; and that the players themselves were unable to provide that dedication and pride on their own. I wish I could write off the second-half of this season as a fluke, or a one-off.

But this season has followed the exact same script as the last three seasons (at least): A promising start, improved play, improved talent, a few big wins . . . and then a train wreck in the second half of the season. In the second half the past few years, it SEEMS that the team is unable to win on the road; unable to collect the necessary home points as an offset to the road woes; the Power Play dies; the PK slips; the goaltending suddenly falters; and they end up hosting a first-round playoff game. (In past years, they won the home playoffs only to crash on the road. This year, they have spared us the end of season road beating).

In my opinion -- OPINION -- this trend must rest upon the coach's shoulders. As the season moves into the second half -- and this is especially true in college hockey -- coaching staffs are expected by and large to develop the team. A typical college hockey season builds from the work and effort expended by the players in the summer and fall -- and builds into the coaching, expertise, and game-plan of the coaching staff. So that by the second half, the players physical preparation is matched by the coach's practice and gameplan work.

What I see is a team that arrives on Campus in the Fall ready to go. And they play hard. They are in shape. They are dedicated. Somewhere along the season's path, the players seems to get beat down, worn out, tired, disinterested, frustrated -- and evetually begin to fall apart. They get blitzed in Columbus (for instance). Focus slips. They lose to UAH. They start blowing leads (UAF, BSU, MSU) in winnable games. They play tough and tight oad games but NEVER, EVER, seem to get over the hump -- and close games in Oxford and South Bend all still end up on the loss column.

Can a new coach change that?

I don't know.

Here is what I think -- I think -- I know: The current coach certainly isn't doing a good enough job.

I think this man has worked marvels and has, in no small part, saved the program. The LSSU program is on firm financial footing. He has brought in some good talented players. This team -- despite all the hand wringing and worry of the fans -- finished above MSU and UM this year, and has consistently been out of the bottom three spots. The trainwreck that was Borek-to-Anzalone-to-Roque has been cleaned up. But can Coach Roque go further? Or is this the extent of his coaching abilities?

Now, new coaches don't all work out.

Northeastern brought in Jim Madigan and they have gone decided backwards.
Same with UMASS.
UAF has gone through a coaching rotation and I would say they are still waiting for the break-through in Fairbanks.
I would submit that the jury is still out on Bergeron at BGSU, at least as for the numbers . . . although he appears to at least have a connection with the fans.

I am not a supporter of change for change's sake. But I als believe that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, and expecting a different result each time.


I will support whoever stands behind the bench for LSSU. And if Coach Roque stays, I hope we win the WCHA next year. This is not a personal gripe.

But the butts are not in the seats. The wins are not piling up. There appears to be a disconnect between the coach and the fans, players, and students.

I think a fresh set of thoughts is needed.

 

[Truth Squad]

Re: LSSU Laker Hockey 2012-2013, Part 2

I am always cautious whe calling out players, or their efforts. These are not professionals, they are college students. But my general perception is that the coaching staff was unable to instill the pride and dedication into the roster of players; and that the players themselves were unable to provide that dedication and pride on their own. I wish I could write off the second-half of this season as a fluke, or a one-off.

But this season has followed the exact same script as the last three seasons (at least): A promising start, improved play, improved talent, a few big wins . . . and then a train wreck in the second half of the season. In the second half the past few years, it SEEMS that the team is unable to win on the road; unable to collect the necessary home points as an offset to the road woes; the Power Play dies; the PK slips; the goaltending suddenly falters; and they end up hosting a first-round playoff game. (In past years, they won the home playoffs only to crash on the road. This year, they have spared us the end of season road beating).

this trend must rest upon the coach's shoulders. As the season moves into the second half -- and this is especially true in college hockey -- coaching staffs are expected by and large to develop the team. A typical college hockey season builds from the work and effort expended by the players in the summer and fall -- and builds into the coaching, expertise, and game-plan of the coaching staff. So that by the second half, the players physical preparation is matched by the coach's practice and gameplan work.

What I see is a team that arrives on Campus in the Fall ready to go. And they play hard. They are in shape. They are dedicated. Somewhere along the season's path, the players seems to get beat down, worn out, tired, disinterested, frustrated -- and evetually begin to fall apart. They get blitzed in Columbus (for instance). Focus slips. They lose to UAH. They start blowing leads (UAF, BSU, MSU) in winnable games. They play tough and tight oad games but NEVER, EVER, seem to get over the hump -- and close games in Oxford and South Bend all still end up on the loss column.

Here is what I think -- I think -- I know: The current coach certainly isn't doing a good enough job.

I am not a supporter of change for change's sake. But I als believe that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, and expecting a different result each time.

But the butts are not in the seats. The wins are not piling up. There appears to be a disconnect between the coach and the fans, players, and students.

I think a fresh set of thoughts is needed.

The Truth Is Out There.....
TBA