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He was right when he commented awhile back that St Michael’s was going to drop down to DIII in all sports - wasn't he
This decline is not unique to M'ville; it's an issue with nearly every small, private, liberal arts school. Fewer students = fewer colleges. Survival of the fittest is the theme for the next decade. Ironic that some schools are adding hockey to increase enrollment, certainly not to compete for titles.
totally get and agree with all of this. I wouldn't send a kid to college today with the costs so high, its insane. Just more so meant the hockey team compared to their comrades who are still seeing success (albeit Elmira, who is struggling as well) when their own school seems to be in good shape and growing? Definitely fewer students these days but new hockey teams every year now - though do think more and more skilled players are going the club route, which I also get and would fully support. Was looking for thoughts as to why Mville specifically has fallen so far off the map was my main inquiry..is it a monetary school thing, academic programs not great, coaching sucks, the ole Rye Playland not up to standards (though that barn is kinda funny and cool and have heard the locker room is nice as it was the old Rangers facility). Sigh, just miss the old ECAC West days with good ole RIT in the mix!
Why do you get more skilled players going the club route? Most club teams are not supported by the school, so the players have to pay to play. And you don't get any help finding the best need based and academic scholarships because no one is backing your case since no one recruited you.
Because those guys gave it their shot and didn’t get picked up by the top schools and when presented with the options, club is far more appealing to a lot today. For the big schools, they are generally providing a better education, tend to have football teams, larger populations and if they’re state schools…are cheaper with a more robust alumni to call on for post grad jobs. Why would you want to play in bumble fuck NY when you could still play great hockey, come out with a more well known degree and experience more. (Let it be known i went the d3 route myself) but saying I understand why a lot of guys are going the club route. If presented with even playing club at UMASS for example, they have a rink on campus, they’re coming out of a great college, (parties are substantial too!) and they’re probably paying less for school, it’s a top club program, still get fans at their games vs an Elmira today..why wouldn’t you choose the club route?