LSSU Lakers 2014 off season thread

[AnchorsAway]

Re: LSSU Lakers 2014 off season thread

More FYI: The Hounds have not made it out of the 1st round of the playoffs since Hartsberg last year in 2008. They are doing great this year, but this is the first decent year really since 2008, have gone through four coaches, and it is clear that attendance has NOT suffered.

What can we learn from this? I have a few guesses.

1. The Bridge crossing is a headache at times.
2. The Essar Centre is downtown -- where the Soo, Ontario Gov't and businesses are working very hard to make it a fun evening out -- dinner, drinks, walk to the game, reasonable ticket prices.
3. The Norris Centre is surrounded by a parking lot, far from the downtown -- and our Soo leaders have not invested in downtown activities in at least 15 years.
4. Drinking beer. At least the Norris could set up a beer garden. This is the UP, for crying out loud. We virtually have beer in church pews.
5. The LSSU product on the ice, and off the ice, has done little to attract fans -- as noted by some very disenchanted fans herein. Roque share a bulk of he blame, the Administration shares the rest.
6. The Police State. LSSU has too many cops, and WAY too many kiddie-cops. It seems that he "security" outnumbers the students on some nights. And obviously, the police and the college have been working overtime for years to crack skulls of students who dare to have a festive party. "Hmmm, what should I do this weekend? Stay on a bone-dry campus and watch a bland hockey team which is lead by a coach who clearly doesn't care about the student interest? Or go home?"
7. The AD. Ms. Dunbar, you don't have to jump into a hockey cheerleader outfit. But you at least have to raise a finger, just a slight twitch of your hand to show you are alive and know that the hockey team is the flagship sports program for LSSU. Compare Ms. Dunbar's efforts to those produced by the Greyhounds. Visit the competing web sites. Which is more interesting? Which has more opportunities? Which has more corporate an local support? Which looks like a top-flight hockey operation, and which looks like a parent-crafted Midget B team facebook page?

#6 cannot be understated, as a very former student (graduated in 2011) I can say that LSSU's police state campus is way over the top, and they try wayyy too hard to cut down on even the simplest, innocent forms of enthusiasm...in the 2011 playoffs LSSU had a first round home series for the first time in forever and one of the student groups passed out those vuvuzela horns as a way to boost the home ice advantage, which was much needed, (especially since if i remember correctly, that weekend fell over spring break; I chose to stay in town for the series) and the kiddie cops in full force shut it down, said they were a distraction...from what??? It's like they wanted playoff hockey to be played in a library atmosphere.

I heard through the grape vine that the LSSU of the 90's was a pretty boisterous campus, with reference to partying, and that around the turn of the century LSSU made it a goal to crack down on that reputation...Take a peak at enrollment since then, how well has that worked out for them?? I'm not saying that the campus should be an unsafe, no holds barred alcohol fueled war zone, but lets be honest, getting prospective students to come to Lake State has been and will continue to be a tough draw, due in no small part to the geography. Lets continue to be honest, being able to attend a school where it doesn't take a backround in espionage to have a good time plays a role in 17 and 18 year olds decision on where they spend their college years, this is true for even the highest achieving students....so why overcorrect so far in the other direction to absolutely squash any semblance of a reputation of being a fun school when that was one of the few things you had going for you to convince kids to come in the door??

In no place is there a better microcosm of this issue than at the hockey games, there are 30-40 kiddie cops plus their superiors at every single home game...why so much overkill?? This campus is located in one the smallest, most crime free areas that you will ever find a university, if the arena was located in crime ridden, less than savory area (Flint, parts of Detroit) than by all means, I would understand, but there is a presence fit for that type of environment in tiny little Sault Ste. Marie and it lends itself to destroying any aspiring atmosphere.

 

[sm2pk]

Re: LSSU Lakers 2014 off season thread

The WCHA coaches were pretty close with their pre-season predictions:

Pre-season coaches’ poll:
1. Minnesota State
2. Ferris
3. Michigan Tech
4. Bowling Green
5. Alaska
6. NMU
7. Bemidji
8. LSSU
9. Anchorage
10. Alabama Huntsville

Final standings:
1. Ferris
2. Minnesota State
T3. Alaska
T3. Bowling Green
5. Michigan Tech
6. Anchorage
7. NMU
T8. Bemidji
T8. LSSU
10. Alabama Huntsville

How were they close ? The only teams they picked that finished where they picked were Alabama and Bowling Green and Alabama was a no brainer.

 

[sm2pk]

Re: LSSU Lakers 2014 off season thread

#6 cannot be understated, as a very former student (graduated in 2011) I can say that LSSU's police state campus is way over the top, and they try wayyy too hard to cut down on even the simplest, innocent forms of enthusiasm...in the 2011 playoffs LSSU had a first round home series for the first time in forever and one of the student groups passed out those vuvuzela horns as a way to boost the home ice advantage, which was much needed, (especially since if i remember correctly, that weekend fell over spring break; I chose to stay in town for the series) and the kiddie cops in full force shut it down, said they were a distraction...from what??? It's like they wanted playoff hockey to be played in a library atmosphere.

I heard through the grape vine that the LSSU of the 90's was a pretty boisterous campus, with reference to partying, and that around the turn of the century LSSU made it a goal to crack down on that reputation...Take a peak at enrollment since then, how well has that worked out for them?? I'm not saying that the campus should be an unsafe, no holds barred alcohol fueled war zone, but lets be honest, getting prospective students to come to Lake State has been and will continue to be a tough draw, due in no small part to the geography. Lets continue to be honest, being able to attend a school where it doesn't take a backround in espionage to have a good time plays a role in 17 and 18 year olds decision on where they spend their college years, this is true for even the highest achieving students....so why overcorrect so far in the other direction to absolutely squash any semblance of a reputation of being a fun school when that was one of the few things you had going for you to convince kids to come in the door??

In no place is there a better microcosm of this issue than at the hockey games, there are 30-40 kiddie cops plus their superiors at every single home game...why so much overkill?? This campus is located in one the smallest, most crime free areas that you will ever find a university, if the arena was located in crime ridden, less than savory area (Flint, parts of Detroit) than by all means, I would understand, but there is a presence fit for that type of environment in tiny little Sault Ste. Marie and it lends itself to destroying any aspiring atmosphere.

Sounds as if the hockey games are under the control of right wing religious fundementalist......lmao

 

[michiganmidge]

Re: LSSU Lakers 2014 off season thread

Sounds as if the hockey games are under the control of right wing religious fundementalist......lmao

It's really not funny. It's sad. College kids who aren't allowed to cheer like college kids, for fear of being escorted out. Maybe the AD should visit Yost and see what she can do about cleaning up that student section! Now, THAT'S funny!

 

[LakerBuff]

Re: LSSU Lakers 2014 off season thread

Just didn't realize it would be 13 more!

I expect it will be even more. Anyone new to the position is still going to be dealing with the same old problems. Don't expect much from new coach. Just more of the same.

 

[Laker54]

Re: LSSU Lakers 2014 off season thread

I expect it will be even more. Anyone new to the position is still going to be dealing with the same old problems. Don't expect much from new coach. Just more of the same.

I would not go that far. Provided they stay, there are several good soon to be second year players, one is this year's Rookie of the Year. Just with better coaching they should be able pick up additional wins. I thought there were a couple of good recruits coming this fall, hopefully they still will and who know who a new coach will bring with him. I'm looking forward to seeing the change on the bench & ice in October.

 

[sm2pk]

Re: LSSU Lakers 2014 off season thread

I just hope the next coach is strong on conditioning,weight training,practice, and has a system that can win.

 

[Truth Squad]

Re: LSSU Lakers 2014 off season thread

Maybe the LSSU administration is now seeing the side of coach Roque that has ruined so many. I'm sure Mrs. Dunbar and Mr. McLean are feeling the humiliation that the Truth Squad's and Anchors Aweigh and Anzalone's have lived with.

And the Ravn, nevermore!

Vindiciae!!

 

[jnacc]

Re: LSSU Lakers 2014 off season thread

I expect it will be even more. Anyone new to the position is still going to be dealing with the same old problems. Don't expect much from new coach. Just more of the same.

I think not. Roque proved that you can still recruit a decent amount of talent to LSSU. Were he a more adept coach, this laker team certainly could have made some noise in the nWCHA. A new and competent coach will bring forth better results. I feel that the A.D. and the administration know that this is probably their final shot at turning the hockey program around and will take the time to fully vet all prospective candidates and choose the best one for the position. It will not be the behind the door sloppy process that Crawford executed when he simply handed the job to Roque without so much as a courtesy interview to any other applicant. Hell he didn't even bother soliciting other applicants (and that's why he goes down as the worst A.D. in Laker history!).
I will expect much from the new coach and I know that he will deliver. Roque is finally gone and the program can begin to heal itself from his incompetency.

 

[LSSULaker889294]

Re: LSSU Lakers 2014 off season thread

Kevin Kapalka signed with the Idaho Steelheads of the ECHL. Good luck Kaps!

 

[Bill]

Re: LSSU Lakers 2014 off season thread

I wouldn't be surprised if Campbell signs with an NHL team soon.

 

[MeridianStreet]

Re: LSSU Lakers 2014 off season thread

I think not. Roque proved that you can still recruit a decent amount of talent to LSSU. Were he a more adept coach, this laker team certainly could have made some noise in the nWCHA. A new and competent coach will bring forth better results. I feel that the A.D. and the administration know that this is probably their final shot at turning the hockey program around and will take the time to fully vet all prospective candidates and choose the best one for the position. It will not be the behind the door sloppy process that Crawford executed when he simply handed the job to Roque without so much as a courtesy interview to any other applicant. Hell he didn't even bother soliciting other applicants (and that's why he goes down as the worst A.D. in Laker history!).
I will expect much from the new coach and I know that he will deliver. Roque is finally gone and the program can begin to heal itself from his incompetency.

I would disagree with you on Roque's hiring 9 years ago. I don't recall anyone disagreeing with that call. He had a good resume, played and learned under Frank, and coached at several other places successfully. When it became evident that Frank had to go, Crawford did it and dealt with the issues that followed. After Frank, JS could have been considered but the job posting required a degree. He has since completed that. Also realize, that ADs do not make decisions in a vacuum, the school president calls the final shot.

 

[sm2pk]

Re: LSSU Lakers 2014 off season thread

I think everyone thought Roque was a good choice . Roque was also given nine years to do his thing and it just did not pan out .

 

[jnacc]

Re: LSSU Lakers 2014 off season thread

I would disagree with you on Roque's hiring 9 years ago. I don't recall anyone disagreeing with that call. He had a good resume, played and learned under Frank, and coached at several other places successfully. When it became evident that Frank had to go, Crawford did it and dealt with the issues that followed. After Frank, JS could have been considered but the job posting required a degree. He has since completed that. Also realize, that ADs do not make decisions in a vacuum, the school president calls the final shot.

First off, Crawford bungled the Anzalone firing by waiting until June to execute it. Secondly, you simply do not hand someone a job at a D-1 level without first exploring options. Crawford simply nodded and presto Roque was hired. Now yes, I agree, that at the time not many of us thought is was a bad hire but it was not like Roque had the pedigree of some high ranking much sought after D-1 assistant like a Mel Pearson. It was a rushed decision without very little thought and absolutely no process behind it. Lake State hockey has suffered for nine years because of it.

 

[Pink Pony]

Re: LSSU Lakers 2014 off season thread

Is Paul Jerrard available?

Ron Forgerty?

 

[Pink Pony]

LaLonde would have to take a big pay cut too And he's used to having all the resources he needs to win. Maybe if you give him a raise from Green Bay, good salaries for 2 assistants and a recruiting budget near the top of the league and comparable travel arrangements he might give it a look.
/QUOTE]

What about Pat Mikesch? The AC coach with the Gamblers. He has tons of experience coaching at MTU. He is also from the UP.

 

[sm2pk]

Re: LSSU Lakers 2014 off season thread

What an odd feeling being play-off time and only two teams in the nation not competing , Alabama and Lake State.

 

[sm2pk]

Re: LSSU Lakers 2014 off season thread

This idea you can't be a good coach unless you are paid big money is getting tiresome .

 

[Bill]

Re: LSSU Lakers 2014 off season thread

First off, Crawford bungled the Anzalone firing by waiting until June to execute it. Secondly, you simply do not hand someone a job at a D-1 level without first exploring options. Crawford simply nodded and presto Roque was hired. Now yes, I agree, that at the time not many of us thought is was a bad hire but it was not like Roque had the pedigree of some high ranking much sought after D-1 assistant like a Mel Pearson. It was a rushed decision without very little thought and absolutely no process behind it. Lake State hockey has suffered for nine years because of it.

jnacc, Could it be that all the circumstances that led to the firing didn't become known to Crawford (and Youngblood) until June? I don't know, but am just asking.

 

[jnacc]

Re: LSSU Lakers 2014 off season thread

jnacc, Could it be that all the circumstances that led to the firing didn't become known to Crawford (and Youngblood) until June? I don't know, but am just asking.

Nope, you're a poster that is in the "know" so I take it you are well aware of the incident that really precipitated Anzalone's dismissal. It occurred in what February of that year? It was also quickly corroborated by players and some staff (yup are ole boy Jimmy was quick to point the finger at Frank..but in this case he was right to do so). The player's family had threatened to sue the school and Crawford knew all about the sordid details but he was loathe to pull the trigger until finally forced by administration to do so. Had the lawsuit from the player's family actually come to fruition, Lake State would not have been able to recruit Midget house league players to the program because the details were that bad.
In short Crawford really blew it and he did not have the foresight to begin thinking about potential candidates...it was completely BUSH League and really an embarrassment to the school and program.
As for Shawhan, Roque and the school knew he only had accociate degrees but I think because he many have had two of them, they considered it the equivalent of one degree. Roque and the administration even extended his contract and the only reason he was fired was because he was finally sick of Roque's mismanagement of the team. Roque saw him as a threat fired him...a very unfortunate event as Shawhan would have improved the team even from an assistant coaching position. He was and is a much better coach than Roque could ever hope to become.