Maine Hockey 2014-15 Volume 2: Red's Revenge

[blackbearbandie]

Re: Maine Hockey 2014-15 Volume 2: Red's Revenge

Connor Leen has signed with the Bakersfield Condors of the ECHL.

During the summer of '92 I was working at the summer camp at UMaine. Among our coaches that summer were John LeClair and Mike McHugh. In the afternoons, when most everyone else had gone to Penobby or a local watering hole, John and Mike went down to the bowels of Alfond. In the room that would eventually hold the parquet floor they had set up a few shooting stations and a goal. They spent hour after hour just shooting pucks. I usually left at 5:00 and most days they were there after everyone else had gone home. The next spring it was John LeClair who scored some key goals to lead Montreal to the Stanley Cup and in 1998 it was Mike McHugh who captained and was the MVP for the Hershey Bears when they won the Calder Cup. The guys who compete at that level put in more work behind-the-scenes than we ever see. Yes, it looks glamorous and most of us would trade our day jobs for a taste. I can also see why some guys aren't eager to pursue that life.

I know a woman from the Millinocket area who is in her mid-30's now who had open heart surgery when she was 15, and somehow (she doesn't know how it happened) she wound up with a personalized message from the Philadelphia Flyers with all their autographs on it wishing her a speedy recovery. I wonder if John LeClair had anything to do with it because of his Maine connections. Pretty awesome all the little behind the scenes stuff that goes on at all different levels of professional sports that really has such a huge impact on people for the rest of their lives that most of us never hear about. That was really classy of the Flyers.

 

[umhockey91]

Re: Maine Hockey 2014-15 Volume 2: Red's Revenge

Not many wins for this program......but lots of pro players!

 

[blackbearbandie]

Re: Maine Hockey 2014-15 Volume 2: Red's Revenge

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=757709#Top30

10% of the top 30 goalies in the NHL Fantasy world were UMaine goaltenders according to this latest article on NHL.com.

 

[ck1969]

Re: Maine Hockey 2014-15 Volume 2: Red's Revenge

As an observation watching some of the BU/Mack game and the BC/Vt game, it's amazing the lack of attendance. Even tho Maine continues to suck at least Alfond is 2/3 full or more on most nights. Agganis was 1/2 full to be generous and Conte doesn't look much better. Seems over the last few years the interest in College Hockey has declined quite a bit.

 

[umhockey91]

Re: Maine Hockey 2014-15 Volume 2: Red's Revenge

As an observation watching some of the BU/Mack game and the BC/Vt game, it's amazing the lack of attendance. Even tho Maine continues to suck at least Alfond is 2/3 full or more on most nights. Agganis was 1/2 full to be generous and Conte doesn't look much better. Seems over the last few years the interest in College Hockey has declined quite a bit.

The declining interest in college hockey has coincided with the decline of Maine hockey. Not saying that they are related but......

 

[umhockey91]

Re: Maine Hockey 2014-15 Volume 2: Red's Revenge

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=757709#Top30

10% of the top 30 goalies in the NHL Fantasy world were UMaine goaltenders according to this latest article on NHL.com.

Do they still have any eligibility?

 

[umhockey91]

Re: Maine Hockey 2014-15 Volume 2: Red's Revenge

Liberty Hockey Invitational next season in Newark.......Maine, Yale, Princeton & Vermont. Pre-determined match-ups maybe?

 

[Priceless]

Re: Maine Hockey 2014-15 Volume 2: Red's Revenge

Liberty Hockey Invitational next season in Newark.......Maine, Yale, Princeton & Vermont. Pre-determined match-ups maybe?

They are already set. Maine will play Yale on the first night, Princeton on the second. Also, the tournament is no longer in Newark at the Pru. They have moved it to the Sun national Bank Center in Trenton. Most likely because attendance didn't warrant an NHL arena. Sun Bank is only 8600 capacity.

So there will be 22 league games, the Icebreaker, Liberty Hockey Invitational and a pair at Union. That accounts for 28 of the 36 games Maine can play next season.

 

[Drew S.]

Re: Maine Hockey 2014-15 Volume 2: Red's Revenge

As an observation watching some of the BU/Mack game and the BC/Vt game, it's amazing the lack of attendance. Even tho Maine continues to suck at least Alfond is 2/3 full or more on most nights. Agganis was 1/2 full to be generous and Conte doesn't look much better. Seems over the last few years the interest in College Hockey has declined quite a bit.

It's gotten too expensive and the quality just isn't there. For two people to go to a game at Maine, even in the cheap seats, you are looking at close to $100. I think not selling alcohol turns a lot of younger people off to. There was a point in the season, I think it was about six weeks ago, where Maine, BC, UNH, Minnesota, Michigan, Michigan State, Cornell, and Wisconsin were all out of the NCAA tournament based on the pairwise standings. For me and I think a lot of people those are the teams you want to see at the top. I'm not exactly sure how you improve the quality but prices definitely need to go down.

 

[ck1969]

Re: Maine Hockey 2014-15 Volume 2: Red's Revenge

It's gotten too expensive and the quality just isn't there. For two people to go to a game at Maine, even in the cheap seats, you are looking at close to $100. I think not selling alcohol turns a lot of younger people off to. There was a point in the season, I think it was about six weeks ago, where Maine, BC, UNH, Minnesota, Michigan, Michigan State, Cornell, and Wisconsin were all out of the NCAA tournament based on the pairwise standings. For me and I think a lot of people those are the teams you want to see at the top. I'm not exactly sure how you improve the quality but prices definitely need to go down.

I agree. I've been preaching the alcohol thing for a couple years now. The revenue it would generate alone would justify it. And $100 is on the low side for a game if you consider gas, food etc. But you are right why would anyone spend hundreds of $$ on a crappy product. At the end of the day it's entertainment. You wouldn't spend money to see a bad movie or a bad Broadway show. It baffles me how the powers that be haven't figured out that if you lowered the tix prices and had a full building, you would exponentially increase your revenue with food and merchandise sales.

 

[FiveHole12]

Re: Maine Hockey 2014-15 Volume 2: Red's Revenge

As an observation watching some of the BU/Mack game and the BC/Vt game, it's amazing the lack of attendance. Even tho Maine continues to suck at least Alfond is 2/3 full or more on most nights. Agganis was 1/2 full to be generous and Conte doesn't look much better. Seems over the last few years the interest in College Hockey has declined quite a bit.

I've been attending BC games since 1997 and it has always been very low attendance for quarter final games. I'm thinking this is the best attendance I've ever seen at the quarters. It helps that the opponent is Vermont instead of UMass or MC and that the students are in school (historically they are on break for the qtrs).

It's not the money... qtr. final tix at BC, face value, $12. for chair backs. Season ticket holders pay $10. and it's included in the ST package.
It's the quarter finals. Very little interest for whatever reason. Always has been.

Go Here and you can get 4 tickets for $0.00

 

[Ma#1ne Hky]

Re: Maine Hockey 2014-15 Volume 2: Red's Revenge

They are already set. Maine will play Yale on the first night, Princeton on the second. Also, the tournament is no longer in Newark at the Pru. They have moved it to the Sun national Bank Center in Trenton. Most likely because attendance didn't warrant an NHL arena. Sun Bank is only 8600 capacity.

So there will be 22 league games, the Icebreaker, Liberty Hockey Invitational and a pair at Union. That accounts for 28 of the 36 games Maine can play next season.

With 22 Hockey East games...one each against Yale/Princeton..two @ Union...add two for the Ice Breaker Classic in Portland. That leaves 8 for OC games...with that said has anyone heard what the field of Teams will be for the Ice Breaker Classic?

 

[umhockey91]

Re: Maine Hockey 2014-15 Volume 2: Red's Revenge

With 22 Hockey East games...one each against Yale/Princeton..two @ Union...add two for the Ice Breaker Classic in Portland. That leaves 8 for OC games...with that said has anyone heard what the field of Teams will be for the Ice Breaker Classic?

Someone said Lake Superior on another board......hopefully, they are not the "glamour" team.

 

[umhockey91]

Re: Maine Hockey 2014-15 Volume 2: Red's Revenge

It's gotten too expensive and the quality just isn't there. For two people to go to a game at Maine, even in the cheap seats, you are looking at close to $100. I think not selling alcohol turns a lot of younger people off to. There was a point in the season, I think it was about six weeks ago, where Maine, BC, UNH, Minnesota, Michigan, Michigan State, Cornell, and Wisconsin were all out of the NCAA tournament based on the pairwise standings. For me and I think a lot of people those are the teams you want to see at the top. I'm not exactly sure how you improve the quality but prices definitely need to go down.

Great observations. The power shift in college hockey has been nothing short of bizarre. Penn State going out and beating traditional powerhouses and almost winning the BIG??? Didn't they just start up their program??? Then you have the "no-names".....Q, Union, etc, etc.......winning and making a splash on the national scene. There was a time about a decade ago that I thought that no one could break through into the perennial powerhouse stranglehold......boy, was I wrong!

It's hard to figure out what IS really important to hockey recruits these days as there are a variety of programs that are having success.......they don't all play in super facilities, and don't all have great fan support, and aren't all in superior locations........maybe it's the coaching staffs?

 

[Ma#1ne Hky]

Re: Maine Hockey 2014-15 Volume 2: Red's Revenge

Someone said Lake Superior on another board......hopefully, they are not the "glamour" team.

Yikes...wow...we will see,I guess...also on next seasons schedule...isn't Maine/UNH playing another OC in Portland and Manchester with Hockey East games @ Alfond and The Whitt..? That would bump the total to 30 games with 6 OC games to be set up...need to strengthen that schedule each and every year....along with the GOALTENDING & DEFENCE

 

[Drew S.]

Re: Maine Hockey 2014-15 Volume 2: Red's Revenge

Great observations. The power shift in college hockey has been nothing short of bizarre. Penn State going out and beating traditional powerhouses and almost winning the BIG??? Didn't they just start up their program??? Then you have the "no-names".....Q, Union, etc, etc.......winning and making a splash on the national scene. There was a time about a decade ago that I thought that no one could break through into the perennial powerhouse stranglehold......boy, was I wrong!

It's hard to figure out what IS really important to hockey recruits these days as there are a variety of programs that are having success.......they don't all play in super facilities, and don't all have great fan support, and aren't all in superior locations........maybe it's the coaching staffs?

I think a big part of it is the new NHL CBA. I don't know all the details but believe it's a lot cheaper to sign college kids than it was 10 years ago. One of my theories is that in today's game you basically only get one good season out of a college player then he is gone. There are obviously exceptions to that but look at a guy like Vatrano, he had just a decent season last year and the Bruins signed him. Another factor is guys like Gaudreau who wouldn't have been able to handle the physicality of the NHL 10 or 15 years ago can thrive in the league now. Nyquist is another example of a guy who wouldn't have lasted in the 'old NHL.'

I wonder what increasing the number of scholarships would do. The price of college has obviously gone through the roof in recent times and I wonder if this has discouraged some kids. Even if you get a half ride you are still looking at a huge bill. I think it might be better if the limit was increased to 25 and there was no dividing them up.

I think each kid chooses a school for different reasons. A lot of them probably don't even know themselves why they choose a certain school, a certain one just feels right.

 

[Ma#1ne Hky]

Re: Maine Hockey 2014-15 Volume 2: Red's Revenge

I think a big part of it is the new NHL CBA. I don't know all the details but believe it's a lot cheaper to sign college kids than it was 10 years ago. One of my theories is that in today's game you basically only get one good season out of a college player then he is gone. There are obviously exceptions to that but look at a guy like Vatrano, he had just a decent season last year and the Bruins signed him. Another factor is guys like Gaudreau who wouldn't have been able to handle the physicality of the NHL 10 or 15 years ago can thrive in the league now. Nyquist is another example of a guy who wouldn't have lasted in the 'old NHL.'

I wonder what increasing the number of scholarships would do. The price of college has obviously gone through the roof in recent times and I wonder if this has discouraged some kids. Even if you get a half ride you are still looking at a huge bill. I think it might be better if the limit was increased to 25 and there was no dividing them up.

I think each kid chooses a school for different reasons. A lot of them probably don't even know themselves why they choose a certain school, a certain one just feels right.

If your a Jack Eichel or a Paul Kariya your one and done...but most of the good to better players go 3 years...the ones that bolt before that had no intentions of going to School & Hockey at the same time...the NHL CBA has changed some with the teams retaining there rights right till after there Senior season...then the Draftee can opt out and go the Free Agent route from the team that drafted him at age 18. But if you notice the norm is 3 years and the NHL Club wants to move the players development to the next level.

 

[FiveHole12]

Re: Maine Hockey 2014-15 Volume 2: Red's Revenge

I think a big part of it is the new NHL CBA. I don't know all the details but believe it's a lot cheaper to sign college kids than it was 10 years ago. One of my theories is that in today's game you basically only get one good season out of a college player then he is gone. There are obviously exceptions to that but look at a guy like Vatrano, he had just a decent season last year and the Bruins signed him. Another factor is guys like Gaudreau who wouldn't have been able to handle the physicality of the NHL 10 or 15 years ago can thrive in the league now. Nyquist is another example of a guy who wouldn't have lasted in the 'old NHL.'

I wonder what increasing the number of scholarships would do. The price of college has obviously gone through the roof in recent times and I wonder if this has discouraged some kids. Even if you get a half ride you are still looking at a huge bill. I think it might be better if the limit was increased to 25 and there was no dividing them up.

I think each kid chooses a school for different reasons. A lot of them probably don't even know themselves why they choose a certain school, a certain one just feels right.

The biggest factor in the CBA is that a team only holds the rights of a drafted player until August of his senior year. If they can't sign the kid by then he becomes a free agent. Some players use that to their advantage if they don't like the franchise that drafted them.

That being said, if a kid is a very good prospect, the NHL club will try to get him signed after his junior year to prevent losing him to FA. The signing usually pays a signing bonus. If the player makes the big club he gets a higher salary. If he's sent to the AHL the salary is capped, I believe at around 66K/year. If the player doesn't have a shot at the big club or AHL, it makes little sense to leave school.

As far as the theory, getting 'one good year out of a college player then he's gone'. I can't speak for other programs, but I can recall what has happened at BC. The last player to leave after just one year was Chuck Kobasew in 2001.
3 years at BC: Chris Kreider, Nate Gerbe, Johnny Gaudreau, Cam Atkinson, Corey Schneider and many more
4 years at BC: Brian Gionta, Brian Boyle, Kevin Hayes and many more

Most BC guys stay at least 3 years. We may see a first year guy (Hanifin) or 2nd year guy (McCoshen) leave this season, but we'll see.

 

[Priceless]

Re: Maine Hockey 2014-15 Volume 2: Red's Revenge

Someone said Lake Superior on another board......hopefully, they are not the "glamour" team.

That was me. A worst-case scenario is something like RPI, Holy Cross, Lake State and Maine. I doubt the NCAA would do that with the Icebreaker. I hope we'll see Denver from the NCHC and Michigan State from the B1G. That will give Maine direct links to each team - Josh Henke will be at Lake State (plus a '93 title game rematch), Travis Walsh will be a senior at Michigan State (plus all the Walsh/Mason history) and Jim Montgomery is coaching Denver (renewing an old rivalry?). That's all speculation.

 

[blackbearbandie]

Re: Maine Hockey 2014-15 Volume 2: Red's Revenge

That was me. A worst-case scenario is something like RPI, Holy Cross, Lake State and Maine. I doubt the NCAA would do that with the Icebreaker. I hope we'll see Denver from the NCHC and Michigan State from the B1G. That will give Maine direct links to each team - Josh Henke will be at Lake State (plus a '93 title game rematch), Travis Walsh will be a senior at Michigan State (plus all the Walsh/Mason history) and Jim Montgomery is coaching Denver (renewing an old rivalry?). That's all speculation.

Yeah, Michigan State would be a great team to have in the tournament. Can't go wrong with Denver either.