Maine Hockey '13-14: Are you Red-E?

[Nick Papagiorgio]

Re: Maine Hockey '13-14: Are you Red-E?

The way I see it, this team is stocked with 3rd and 4th line talent. since they are being forced to play up lines, they look worse than they actually are.

As a result, I think Gendron should be going after 2 blue chippers a year and make them your primary focus. give them the world. tell them that you're bringing them in and you want them to be leaders from day 1. tell them that they can be part of rebuilding a once proud program. if the program is on the upswing UMaine always draws well on TV and on the road so they will have tons of exposure and they'll be tabbed as being the players responsible for a revival of the Maine hockey program. Everything else is gravy.

So you think Maine should promise what all the other teams already offer the blue chippers but with inferior facilities and location? Except a lesser exposure (Frozen Fours, tv), lesser likelihood of success (rebuilding) and a (low) probability of being remembered as a player responsible for the revival of the program?

I'm sold. Someone get all those BU, BC, and Minnesota commits on the phone and get them to flip their commitments right now. Should be pretty easy from what I'm reading.

 

[jcarter7669]

Re: Maine Hockey '13-14: Are you Red-E?

So you think Maine should promise what all the other teams already offer the blue chippers but with inferior facilities and location? Except a lesser exposure (Frozen Fours, tv), lesser likelihood of success (rebuilding) and a (low) probability of being remembered as a player responsible for the revival of the program?

I'm sold. Someone get all those BU, BC, and Minnesota commits on the phone and get them to flip their commitments right now. Should be pretty easy from what I'm reading.

I'm thinking the BU guys would switch if they could get the Zumba lady to be in charge of the penalty box...

 

[Pucknut]

Re: Maine Hockey '13-14: Are you Red-E?

Fox College Sports Atlantic. It is channel 623 on DirecTV.

Unfortunately DirecTV channel 623 is not in HD and a sub-standard transmission at best. However on the positive side its beat the hell out of watching the buffer wheel go around while trying to stream.

 

[Priceless]

Re: Maine Hockey '13-14: Are you Red-E?

Unfortunately DirecTV channel 623 is not in HD and a sub-standard transmission at best. However on the positive side its beat the hell out of watching the buffer wheel go around while trying to stream.

True. When they covered North Dakota hockey it was brutal. The football game last weekend looked better so hopefully the feed has improved since Dakota days.

 

[Drew S.]

Re: Maine Hockey '13-14: Are you Red-E?

So you think Maine should promise what all the other teams already offer the blue chippers but with inferior facilities and location? Except a lesser exposure (Frozen Fours, tv), lesser likelihood of success (rebuilding) and a (low) probability of being remembered as a player responsible for the revival of the program?

I'm sold. Someone get all those BU, BC, and Minnesota commits on the phone and get them to flip their commitments right now. Should be pretty easy from what I'm reading.

I disagree with parts of your assessment of Maine but completely agree on the point of the post. There is plenty of talent available outside of the kids who go to the three schools you mentioned. BU is almost always near the top of the recruiting rankings and it hasn't done them much good the last 15 or so years, outside of 2009.

 

[Hockeyman99]

Re: Maine Hockey '13-14: Are you Red-E?

There's enough talent there right now to be successful. They probable won't win a NC soon, but hard work, good goaltending, attention to detail and skill development as the season progresses can and should lead to a successful season with an optimistic eye to the future. Success breeds success and I think that the coaches know that they have to win with the current players in order to recruit higher end talent and will "coach them up" to achieve the desired results. I'm looking for positive progress and this team hitting their stride the second half of the year.

 

[Hockeyman99]

Re: Maine Hockey '13-14: Are you Red-E?

What makes you think a first year coach is going to be able to "coach up" a bunch of grinders and be successful against teams with much better talent, much more experienced coaching staffs (who in case you didn't know, also want to win pretty badly) and much more institutional support? Same with recruiting, why would any top player want to go to Maine; and please not the same old same old, stale story about how Maine used to be such a great powerhouse program and how the fans are so wonderful.

I think some Maine fans need a reality check....

Go away bozo! You seem to forget that this isn't Red and Jay's first coaching gig bozo. It's called coaching and teaching bozo. Maine has plenty of institutional support bozo. There is plenty of coaching experience on this staff bozo, not just at this level but several levels above the college level bozo. Top end recruits want to play in the NHL, if you show that you can teach and develop them into Pro caliber players, they will come. Being secluded in Orono, Maine can be an advantage in the recruiting wars because the recruit will be able to focus on their hockey development without the big city distractions. Bozo.

I'm not sure why you feel it is necessary and your obligation to be provide us with a reality check. Let's let the season play out and see how it goes. You don't have a crystal ball just opinions. There are a lot of good players in Hockey East, BC doesn't have them all and in reality the difference between them isn't very much. Every year there are examples where new coaches with a new attitude over achieve with the last guys players (a reality check for you).

 

[Ma#1ne Hky]

Re: Maine Hockey '13-14: Are you Red-E?

The way I see it, this team is stocked with 3rd and 4th line talent. since they are being forced to play up lines, they look worse than they actually are.

As a result, I think Gendron should be going after 2 blue chippers a year and make them your primary focus. give them the world. tell them that you're bringing them in and you want them to be leaders from day 1. tell them that they can be part of rebuilding a once proud program. if the program is on the upswing UMaine always draws well on TV and on the road so they will have tons of exposure and they'll be tabbed as being the players responsible for a revival of the Maine hockey program. Everything else is gravy.

One thing for sure is that you can point to where the team is and where they want it to be in the future...playing time would there's if they opted to come to Maine and sacrifice and be all into knowing that there would be highs & lows...it will be interesting and maybe a HARD SELL to most,but I am confident that this rebuilding plan will work out in the long run.

 

[Ma#1ne Hky]

Re: Maine Hockey '13-14: Are you Red-E?

What makes you think a first year coach is going to be able to "coach up" a bunch of grinders and be successful against teams with much better talent, much more experienced coaching staffs (who in case you didn't know, also want to win pretty badly) and much more institutional support? Same with recruiting, why would any top player want to go to Maine; and please not the same old same old, stale story about how Maine used to be such a great powerhouse program and how the fans are so wonderful.

I think some Maine fans need a reality check....

The reality check is that change has been made and now the work/rebuilding is on going by Gendron & Staff...you may not like it...but most of these Black Bear Faithful believe and have hope and just don't jump ship because there's no HARDWARE every year...enjoy the BC run...because if or when it hits a DRY RUN you most likely will be off their Band-Wagon...and nobody will care one way or another 4 U.

 

[Runsub5]

Re: Maine Hockey '13-14: Are you Red-E?

The reality check is that change has been made and now the work/rebuilding is on going by Gendron & Staff...you may not like it...but most of these Black Bear Faithful believe and have hope and just don't jump ship because there's no HARDWARE every year...enjoy the BC run...because if or when it hits a DRY RUN you most likely will be off their Band-Wagon...and nobody will care one way or another 4 U.

We heard you the first time.

 

[ck1969]

Re: Maine Hockey '13-14: Are you Red-E?

Unfortunately DirecTV channel 623 is not in HD and a sub-standard transmission at best. However on the positive side its beat the hell out of watching the buffer wheel go around while trying to stream.

And not only that, but I have a pretty extensive package with Direct TV and don't get ch 623. My bill is already over $100 a month. I'll be d a mm ed if I'm going to pay them more $$$ just to get the Maine games.

 

[Priceless]

Re: Maine Hockey '13-14: Are you Red-E?

And not only that, but I have a pretty extensive package with Direct TV and don't get ch 623. My bill is already over $100 a month. I'll be d a mm ed if I'm going to pay them more $$$ just to get the Maine games.

Your bill is over $100 and you don't already have the sportspack? What, do you 10 TV's or something?

If you're out of contract, call and tell them you want to cancel because you have a better deal. The front line rep can't do cancellations and will have to transfer you. The next person you talk to can give you practically anything to get you to stay. I ended up with the Premiere Package for a year and my bill was $97/month because they loaded me up with discounts. At the very least you can get the sports pack for a 3- or 6-month trial to see if you want to keep it..and oh gee, hockey season ends in 6 months. What a coincidence.

If you're still in contract, call to ask how much longer your contract is because you have a deal with another provider (DO NOT SAY WHO!!) and they will pay any disconnection fee for up to X months (I used 9 when I called). They will give you discounts to get you to stay. I got $30/month in discounts for various lengths of time. And if being deceptive makes you uncomfortable, you can just go with the truth: your bill is too high and you want some relief. They usually give a $10/month credit for 6-months just to placate you. There is no reason to be paying the listed retail price for satellite/cable TV service.

 

[BobF]

Re: Maine Hockey '13-14: Are you Red-E?

So you think Maine should promise what all the other teams already offer the blue chippers but with inferior facilities and location? Except a lesser exposure (Frozen Fours, tv), lesser likelihood of success (rebuilding) and a (low) probability of being remembered as a player responsible for the revival of the program?

I'm sold. Someone get all those BU, BC, and Minnesota commits on the phone and get them to flip their commitments right now. Should be pretty easy from what I'm reading.

INFERIOR LOCATION???? Many of us who elected to go to Orono and love a campus and nature prefer the location!! A kid from Ontario, Quebec, BC, Alberta, etc. will prefer the location. Work in Boston, and it's a great city, but don't want to live there. Location is not an issue!

 

[ck1969]

Re: Maine Hockey '13-14: Are you Red-E?

Your bill is over $100 and you don't already have the sportspack? What, do you 10 TV's or something?

If you're out of contract, call and tell them you want to cancel because you have a better deal. The front line rep can't do cancellations and will have to transfer you. The next person you talk to can give you practically anything to get you to stay. I ended up with the Premiere Package for a year and my bill was $97/month because they loaded me up with discounts. At the very least you can get the sports pack for a 3- or 6-month trial to see if you want to keep it..and oh gee, hockey season ends in 6 months. What a coincidence.

If you're still in contract, call to ask how much longer your contract is because you have a deal with another provider (DO NOT SAY WHO!!) and they will pay any disconnection fee for up to X months (I used 9 when I called). They will give you discounts to get you to stay. I got $30/month in discounts for various lengths of time. And if being deceptive makes you uncomfortable, you can just go with the truth: your bill is too high and you want some relief. They usually give a $10/month credit for 6-months just to placate you. There is no reason to be paying the listed retail price for satellite/cable TV service.

I'm out of contract. And I don't have ANY issues being deceptive with DTV, or my cell company! Thanks for the tip. I'll be giving them a call tomorrow!

 

[Runsub5]

Re: Maine Hockey '13-14: Are you Red-E?

Why couldn't one of the two upcoming home games against UMASS count as a conference game? The following weekend one of those games could count as a league game for a total of two. This would give each team a home league game.

 

[Pucknut]

Re: Maine Hockey '13-14: Are you Red-E?

Your bill is over $100 and you don't already have the sportspack? What, do you 10 TV's or something?

If you're out of contract, call and tell them you want to cancel because you have a better deal. The front line rep can't do cancellations and will have to transfer you. The next person you talk to can give you practically anything to get you to stay. I ended up with the Premiere Package for a year and my bill was $97/month because they loaded me up with discounts. At the very least you can get the sports pack for a 3- or 6-month trial to see if you want to keep it..and oh gee, hockey season ends in 6 months. What a coincidence.

If you're still in contract, call to ask how much longer your contract is because you have a deal with another provider (DO NOT SAY WHO!!) and they will pay any disconnection fee for up to X months (I used 9 when I called). They will give you discounts to get you to stay. I got $30/month in discounts for various lengths of time. And if being deceptive makes you uncomfortable, you can just go with the truth: your bill is too high and you want some relief. They usually give a $10/month credit for 6-months just to placate you. There is no reason to be paying the listed retail price for satellite/cable TV service.

After having the NHL Network for many years DirecTV has taken it away with my current package (Choice). When I called they said if I were to get the more expensive package I would be able to enjoy it once again. I feel like they have a gun to my chest because that is the only way I’ll be able to watch the World Juniors at the end of the year, in the meantime I will wait. I have been with them over 15-years and a Primestar subscriber before they were bought out by DTV. Maybe it’s time I start using some of your methods. Thanks!

 

[Priceless]

Re: Maine Hockey '13-14: Are you Red-E?

Why couldn't one of the two upcoming home games against UMASS count as a conference game? The following weekend one of those games could count as a league game for a total of two. This would give each team a home league game.

New Hockey East scheduling has Maine playing two game @ one year and two game home the next for most teams. UMA is one of those teams. As is Vermont.

 

[Priceless]

Re: Maine Hockey '13-14: Are you Red-E?

After having the NHL Network for many years DirecTV has taken it away with my current package (Choice). When I called they said if I were to get the more expensive package I would be able to enjoy it once again. I feel like they have a gun to my chest because that is the only way I’ll be able to watch the World Juniors at the end of the year, in the meantime I will wait. I have been with them over 15-years and a Primestar subscriber before they were bought out by DTV. Maybe it’s time I start using some of your methods. Thanks!

Definitely. I will say most of the people I have talked to at DTV have been very friendly and very receptive. Hell, one offered me 3 free months of Showtime and all I had done was call to ask a technical question! One more tip: If you get a jerk on the phone and the conversation isn't going your way, hang up and try again

 

[Hux]

After having the NHL Network for many years DirecTV has taken it away with my current package (Choice). When I called they said if I were to get the more expensive package I would be able to enjoy it once again. I feel like they have a gun to my chest because that is the only way I’ll be able to watch the World Juniors at the end of the year, in the meantime I will wait. I have been with them over 15-years and a Primestar subscriber before they were bought out by DTV. Maybe it’s time I start using some of your methods. Thanks!

Sports bar...World Jrs., Problem solved.

 

[Fishman'81]

Re: Maine Hockey '13-14: Are you Red-E?

That was the best flurry of insightful posts I've seen in a while... Good work, guys.

Yes, Maine's recent woes were a group effort: if it wasn't the O in a given year, it was the 'tending or the D, depending on what season you want to dissect.

It was always something, though; Maine hasn't put a team on the ice in several years that didn't have at least one glaring weakness.

I agree with most of you that the only hope for Maine to get back to relevance anytime soon is to actually recruit a couple of outstanding scorers every year, while conducting a careful cull of the returning journeymen, and putting a premium on goaltending... Not at all sure that it can be accomplished, but that's what's required.

Yet, to be fair, this year's team is probably more balanced than any in quite a while; they do everything pretty well, aside from scoring. (Too bad that it's very difficult/nearly-impossible to win 20+ games 1-0, 2-1, etc. )

PS: Just heard an interview with Blake James on ESPN... How the $h/t did he get the Miami job, pursuant to his disastrous resume at Maine?