MIAC Recruitng Classes and Pre-Season Picks

[Raidineer]

Re: MIAC Recruitng Classes and Pre-Season Picks

The MIAC may have a poor record vs. the NCHA, but over the past 5 years, the MIAC has closed the gap. In last 4 years, the MIAC teams have done very well in the NCAA tourney, with a runner up finish by GAC being the centerpiece. Hamline 2 years ago, beat UWS in NCAA. Last year, both GAC and St. Thomas had great showings. The MIAC top to bottom has postured itself as one of the top conferences in the D-3 Hockey top to bottom.

The MCHA will become a 3 team race year in and year out. CSS, Adrian, SNC. This enhances the depth of the MIAC. The WIAC will not have an auto bid, making it less of a factor. Things are looking good in Minnesota for D-3 hockey

Westscout

I'm sorry it took me so long to reply to this but it made more sense to let the teams play some games. Now that the MIAC is 8-26-4 in nonconference games and 3-7-2 against the "three team race" MCHA, is it still the "one of the top conferences in D-3 hockey top to bottom" or would you like to start functioning in the rational world?

The MIAC may have a poor record vs. the NCHA, but over the past 5 years, the MIAC has closed the gap.

The MIAC's record against the NCHA over the past five years is worse than it was in the five prior to that.

 

[MW49]

Re: MIAC Recruitng Classes and Pre-Season Picks

I'm sorry it took me so long to reply to this but it made more sense to let the teams play some games. Now that the MIAC is 8-26-4 in nonconference games and 3-7-2 against the"three team race" MCHA, is it still the "one of the top conferences in D-3 hockey top to bottom" or would you like to start functioning in the rational world?

Sorry to bust your bubble Raidineer, but the MCHA is a"one horse race". When MSOE loses to Finlandia and ties LFC, and Marian loses to both of those teams there is no way either one catches ADRIAN in the regular season. Those 2 horses aren't even a shoe-in to make it to the Harris Cup.

 

[Raidineer]

Re: MIAC Recruitng Classes and Pre-Season Picks

Sorry to bust your bubble Raidineer, but the MCHA is a"one horse race". When MSOE loses to Finlandia and ties LFC, and Marian loses to both of those teams there is no way either one catches ADRIAN in the regular season. Those 2 horses aren't even a shoe-in to make it to the Harris Cup.

Obviously you haven't read the discussion in context.

 

[MW49]

Re: MIAC Recruitng Classes and Pre-Season Picks

Obviously you haven't read the discussion in context.

OOOOOPS!! Sorry again Raidineer! Maybe I need to be sleeping rather than posting at the early AM hours.

Now to that "Horse Race" in future years. Yes, SNC and Adrian will be at the top annually. However, based on the recruiting classes of the past few years the MCHA teams will be more competitive, and capable of winning the Harris Cup crap shoot. Afterall, NCAA Basketball Conference Championships have shown that anything can happen in a tourney format. This lends to setting up the MCHA for 2 bids to the NCAAs annually.

The MIAC is just not as good as people in Minnesota think. Just this past weekend the 8th place MCHA Northland squad beat the MIAC's co-leaders Bethel, and tied Augsburg on neutral ice. LFC swept St. Mary's, while Gustavus had to hang on to beat a struggling LU team with major netminder problems.

The prior week the MIAC went (1-10-2) in NC play. The last couple of weeks have shown that the MIAC is not the best D3 conference using any measure.

 

[Tommyfan]

Re: MIAC Recruitng Classes and Pre-Season Picks

The MIAC is way down this year and ST may be the biggest disappointment. 7-6-1 overall for a team that was supposed to compete for a national title. GAC is also struggling after winning the playoff championship last year. Hamline won the league and playoff title 2 years ago and now 0-12-2.

 

[puckrfactor]

The MIAC is way down this year and ST may be the biggest disappointment. 7-6-1 overall for a team that was supposed to compete for a national title. GAC is also struggling after winning the playoff championship last year. Hamline won the league and playoff title 2 years ago and now 0-12-2.

Yes indeed. A very humbling experience in the MIAC this year. Always remember though.....it ain't over till its over!!!

 

[Tommyfan]

Sorry forgot Bethel!

1. ST
2. Gac
3. Olaf
4. Concordia
5. SJU
6. Bethel
7. Augsburg
8. St. Marys
9. Hamline

It's going to come down to the last day of the season again. I picked all playoff team's and last place easy. Not sure how SJU did tonight but, if they lost I have 1-5 and 9 to a T. 6 of 9 w 1 day left is pretty impressive. Hopefully pick up a few more as 6-8 may change.

 

[Tommyfan]

Hamline will be an interesting team to watch wither new coach Doc Delcostello. After a nightmarish coaching experience last year, Delcostello brings discipline and D1 experience to a relatively young but talented team who found ways to lose more one goal games than win them. ST will definitely be the team with the target on their back. I think the jury is still out on GAC though.

Evident by Hamline's 1-19-5 record. It's a disgrace that ST lost to them in OT. It could cost them the league title. Hamline was a playoff team a yr ago.

 

[CARDS_rule_the_Burgh]

Re: MIAC Recruitng Classes and Pre-Season Picks

Is Tommyfan having a conversation with himself, or am I just more drunk than I thought?

 

[Dusty Bender]

Is Tommyfan having a conversation with himself, or am I just more drunk than I thought?

I am pretty drunk as well CARDS but what happened to Hamline team? This is a squad 2 years removed that went to NCAA regional with current upperclassmen on that team. Made the playoffs last year and now have one win? It just doesn't make sense.

There was a lot of fingerpointing about last year being "a nightmarish coaching experience" by puck. The best way to calm a locker room is to produce wins. And this year had one.

And I am going to agree to disagree with west scout. Top to bottom there is only one team that looks like point night or an opportunity to get some players in the lineup. There are rostered D's playing forward on a regular basis? Since when?!?! To me means one of three things... Lack of recruiting (current or recent), lack of talent upfront, or the staff is treating the team like I do my kid's mite team in Maple Grove. Everyone gets a fair shake and it doesnt matter if we win or lose. What is next? Blowing the horn after 2 minutes so the kids know when to get off the ice? Which is crazy considering it is after all COLLEGE hockey.

I never thought what Bell assembled would be so quickly disbanded.

I'll hang up and listen...

 

[Tommyfan]

I am pretty drunk as well CARDS but what happened to Hamline team? This is a squad 2 years removed that went to NCAA regional with current upperclassmen on that team. Made the playoffs last year and now have one win? It just doesn't make sense.

There was a lot of fingerpointing about last year being "a nightmarish coaching experience" by puck. The best way to calm a locker room is to produce wins. And this year had one.

And I am going to agree to disagree with west scout. Top to bottom there is only one team that looks like point night or an opportunity to get some players in the lineup. There are rostered D's playing forward on a regular basis? Since when?!?! To me means one of three things... Lack of recruiting (current or recent), lack of talent upfront, or the staff is treating the team like I do my kid's mite team in Maple Grove. Everyone gets a fair shake and it doesnt matter if we win or lose. What is next? Blowing the horn after 2 minutes so the kids know when to get off the ice? Which is crazy considering it is after all COLLEGE hockey.

I never thought what Bell assembled would be so quickly disbanded.

I'll hang up and listen...

Wow it must be brutal at Hamline right now. Makes it even worse that ST was the only team they beat. There will be no at large bid for us this year. ST needs to get it together for the playoffs. I agree on Hamline dressing a bunch of D and trapping to keep the score close. I think they scored 30 goals all season. Good luck getting any top recruits by playing that system at the D3 level. Yes I am bitter...They scored 1 goal against ST in over 9 periods and stole 2 points from a league championship contender.

 

[delfan]

Re: MIAC Recruitng Classes and Pre-Season Picks

Final standings and seeds

Final standings and seed
1. ST
2. SJU
3. Concordia
4. Gac
5. Olaf

Join Date
Apr 2012
Posts
17

Re: MIAC Recruitng Classes and Pre-Season Picks

Sorry forgot Bethel!



Final standings and seed
1. ST
2. SJU
3. Concordia
4. Gac
5. Olaf

 

[Tommyfan]

Final standings and seeds

Final standings and seed
1. ST
2. SJU
3. Concordia
4. Gac
5. Olaf

Join Date
Apr 2012
Posts
17

Re: MIAC Recruitng Classes and Pre-Season Picks

Sorry forgot Bethel!



Final standings and seed
1. ST
2. SJU
3. Concordia
4. Gac
5. Olaf

Still a little disappointed with the play of ST this year but, they did find a way to win the league. The MIAC was definitely down this year but, once again the parity was great. One point separated seeds 1-4. Every team had six plus wins but Hamline. My guess is the playoffs teams this year will be fixtures in those spots for years to come. Concordia replaced Hamline but, the rest are all back for playoffs again.

 

[puckrfactor]

I am pretty drunk as well CARDS but what happened to Hamline team? This is a squad 2 years removed that went to NCAA regional with current upperclassmen on that team. Made the playoffs last year and now have one win? It just doesn't make sense.

There was a lot of fingerpointing about last year being "a nightmarish coaching experience" by puck. The best way to calm a locker room is to produce wins. And this year had one.

And I am going to agree to disagree with west scout. Top to bottom there is only one team that looks like point night or an opportunity to get some players in the lineup. There are rostered D's playing forward on a regular basis? Since when?!?! To me means one of three things... Lack of recruiting (current or recent), lack of talent upfront, or the staff is treating the team like I do my kid's mite team in Maple Grove. Everyone gets a fair shake and it doesnt matter if we win or lose. What is next? Blowing the horn after 2 minutes so the kids know when to get off the ice? Which is crazy considering it is after all COLLEGE hockey.

I never thought what Bell assembled would be so quickly disbanded.

I'll hang up and listen...

And the coaching nightmare continues at Hamline. It's just amazing how far this program has fallen in two years. Their is definitely some talent on this team. Apparently, DelCostello is no "Pied Piper" as the entire team is in disarray. It appears Doc brought his baggage with him from Fairbanks. No respect between players and coach. Rumor has it they may not have enough returning players next year to even field a team if changes are not made.

Brutal is putting it nicely!

 

[Tommyfan]

And the coaching nightmare continues at Hamline. It's just amazing how far this program has fallen in two years. Their is definitely some talent on this team. Apparently, DelCostello is no "Pied Piper" as the entire team is in disarray. It appears Doc brought his baggage with him from Fairbanks. No respect between players and coach. Rumor has it they may not have enough returning players next year to even field a team if changes are not made.

Brutal is putting it nicely!

Weren't u the guy that was praising coach Delcostello early? I believe u were high on his D1 experience and discpline he was going to bring to the program. Now after 1 season u hammer him on a blog?They only got 1 win but, it was against the league champ. They also took a point from SJU that tied ST for the league in points. Dusty Bender pointed out a 1 win season is hardly comparable to being a playoff team the yr before. I complete agree with him on that. If making the playoffs is "nightmarish" curious to what u would call this year? Most people knew early that Hamline would be in the cellar this yr and that's why I picked them last in my pre season poll. Think u asked if I was smoking crack at the time. I was right and stand by my statements....Interesting how yours changed so quickly.

 

[Dusty Bender]

Re: MIAC Recruitng Classes and Pre-Season Picks

It is that bad at HU puck? To not field a team next year? Or potentially 3 coaches in 3 years. I think Steffon taught HU something. Hire alum. They hired a former baseball player and now head baseball coach and did the same with a former football player now head football coach with Verdugo as AD. Well and Decastillo who wasnt an alum. If what you are saying is true coaches need player buy in. Just like in business you need employee buy in. Or the production will not produce.

The MIAC playoff games will be barn burners. I like St Thomas and St Olaf a lot this year. Both of these teams have the depth to get it done. Very tight 1-5. Should be good. However I can't see any success at the NCAAs for whoever gets the automatic qualifier.

I am certain home ice will play an important factor in who wins and loses come the money round. Well and good goaltending and PP clicking. All conference selections released this week or next? Any predictions?

 

[Tommyfan]

It is that bad at HU puck? To not field a team next year? Or potentially 3 coaches in 3 years. I think Steffon taught HU something. Hire alum. They hired a former baseball player and now head baseball coach and did the same with a former football player now head football coach with Verdugo as AD. Well and Decastillo who wasnt an alum. If what you are saying is true coaches need player buy in. Just like in business you need employee buy in. Or the production will not produce.

The MIAC playoff games will be barn burners. I like St Thomas and St Olaf a lot this year. Both of these teams have the depth to get it done. Very tight 1-5. Should be good. However I can't see any success at the NCAAs for whoever gets the automatic qualifier.

I am certain home ice will play an important factor in who wins and loses come the money round. Well and good goaltending and PP clicking. All conference selections released this week or next? Any predictions?

Hoping ST can make a run but, I honestly think St. Johns is the best team right now.

 

[puckrfactor]

Re: MIAC Recruitng Classes and Pre-Season Picks

It is that bad at HU puck? To not field a team next year? Or potentially 3 coaches in 3 years. I think Steffon taught HU something. Hire alum. They hired a former baseball player and now head baseball coach and did the same with a former football player now head football coach with Verdugo as AD. Well and Decastillo who wasnt an alum. If what you are saying is true coaches need player buy in. Just like in business you need employee buy in. Or the production will not produce.

The MIAC playoff games will be barn burners. I like St Thomas and St Olaf a lot this year. Both of these teams have the depth to get it done. Very tight 1-5. Should be good. However I can't see any success at the NCAAs for whoever gets the automatic qualifier.

I am certain home ice will play an important factor in who wins and loses come the money round. Well and good goaltending and PP clicking. All conference selections released this week or next? Any predictions?

Yes, yes and yes! The nightmare on Snelling continues...... Not sure if anything will be done as Verdugo has a lot of other issues to deal with as well.

And Tommy - Read before you post! You confuse yourself to easily.

 

[Tommyfan]

Re: MIAC Recruitng Classes and Pre-Season Picks

Hamline will be an interesting team to watch wither new coach Doc Delcostello. After a nightmarish coaching experience last year, Delcostello brings discipline and D1 experience to a relatively young but talented team who found ways to lose more one goal games than win them. ST will definitely be the team with the target on their back. I think the jury is still out on GAC though.

Puck - I am definitely confused. It sure looks to me like you are in the support of coach Delcostello by your post in September. Also, seems that you had high hopes for the Hamline team. Obviously you were dead wrong on both. I on the other hand picked Hamline to finish last in my september post. Yep Guess I am the guy that is confused.

 

[Tommyfan]

Re: MIAC Recruitng Classes and Pre-Season Picks

Enough talk about a last place team with 1 win. Puck best of luck to your team. Hopefullly Hamline will still be in existence next yr.

Now let's get down to business and on to the topic of playoffs. I have GAC over Olaf in the 4-5 game. SJU over Concordia in the semi finals. ST over GAC in the other semi and SJU over ST in OT for the championship.