Re: Michigan Tech 2012-13 Preseason Thread: Draft picks, video feeds, and Mel, oh my
Mel Pearson show summary, I missed the first few minutes of the show:
Injuries:
J. Johnstone could play Thursday, if not will likely play Sat, has healed faster than expected
C. Pietila is more day-to-day with groin injury
On Brock:
Mel/Dirk reviewed each goal
Specialty teams were okay, PK sitll looking for guys, Eick will be good, PP was just okay, need to move the puck faster
On intrasquad game in Calumet:
MacInnes took Mel's teams up there when he played and he enjoyed it
It's good for our team, community outreach and evaluate our team, very successful on both fronts
Who are the extra players? Every year we get kids interested in trying out for the team, Sat morning had a tryout, there were 5 guys that played in scrimmage, did a great job, not sure we'll keep any of 5, probably will not, they were good, showed some things
A couple kids were local kids, Alex VanWagner, from Lanse, chance to see what it takes at next level
Only two practices this week with Thursday game, LSSU wanted Thur game, we have hall of fame festivities on Saturday
LSSU's MVP is goaltending, we'll have to make sure we get traffic and shoot to score
Questions for Mel:
When a website says a player has committed to MI Tech why don't they sign letter of intent?
When Mel gets a verbal, player can not sign LOI until 2nd Wed in Nov of senior year. Or older than a senior, then have to wait until the 2nd Wed in Nov. There is kind of a gentlemen's agreement that once a kid verbal other coaches should backoff. There have been some issues, most coaches abide by that.
For GLI who desides the 4th team? Why no east coast teams?
MI Tech is host, and Suzanne decides with input. There has been talk about having all MI teams to have better attendance. Profitable weekend for all involved, Western draws well, more fans also a better experience.
Why do we shorten PP chances by 15-20 seconds by putting regular line out there at end of PP during a faceoff?
Mel did that this weekend, exhib a little diff than regular season. Also have to read the situation, how tired are PP unit. Example, Furne may play D position on PP, with 15 seconds left don't want Furne stuck playing D once other teams is full strength. Also, extra ice time for Furne may mess up other lines for a bit.
Could the old 1980s Mel pearson make this hockey team?
Mel not sure, likes to think he could. Kids these days faster/bigger/stronger.
Who is starting in goal on Thursday?
All 3 handled themselves very well on Sat. We have an idea, but wanted to watch the games again, coaches will convene and make a decision. Would like to tell goalies sooner rather than later, will tell the goalie before tomorrow's practice.
How important is it to have a good puck handling goalie?
Very important, had Marty Turco, helps take pressure off Dman etc.
What's the status of a new scoreboard?
Yes we need a new one. It's going well, Alums have been very good about donating, about half way there, trying to raise about $1M. Mel will travel during bye in Nov to stir up some donations, anyone listening is welcome to call and donate. We're only team in current WCHA without video scoreboard.
A lot more involved than just buying a new scoreboard, need a crew to work the new board, part of the estimated $1M. Scoreboard is about 3/4 of esimated $1M needed and we got a break on that.
Noticed Steve Shields is very hyper during games, does Mel need to reel him in at all?
All our coaches are all in on this team. It's hard to transision from player to coach. As coach, a little out of your own control not being on ice.
Dirk did ask Suzanne Sat night about GLI being outdoors with NHL lockout, can Mel add anything to that?
It looks like first week of Nov is drop dead if contining with outdoor game. Mel hoping NHL can come to an agreement in next 3-4 weeks so we can have outdoor hockey.
On line combinations:
Liked our lines Saturday night. We've found some options. J. Johnstone anxious to get back, all players did a nice job. Tried Gould on both LW and RW. Holmberg tried all three positions.
We saw production and soem good things.
Dirk liked all 4 of our lines, insert Jake Johnstone and lines get better.
He'll add depth to our team, same for when Chad gets healthy and back. He'll push people for playing time. You don't like injuries, but this allowed us to get diff. people involved in this exhib game.
On LSSU:
They preach Defense first, big strong physical defensemen
They like size, big forwards, grinding style, but are transitiioning to more uptempo game
Tough building to play in, they're good at home
Jimmy Davis: He's a year older and smarter, knows what it takes, good summer of conditioning. He played in some big games last year, UND, BC, he's come back ready to play.
Tanner Kero: Great goal in intrasquad game, sniper goal. Want to see more shooting out of Tanner, he's worked on strength and his shot. He skated very well on weekend.
Top 6 Dmen in your head already coach? 4 or 5 guys have established themselves as regulars, leavhing 1-2 spots open. Hyland looked very good yesterday as well.
Ticket giveaway for Saturday night - The name of current Tech Dman that is from Amherst, Ohio. - Carl Nielsen
Team is heading out Wed. afternoon, long bus ride, kids will be excited. They'll have a day off today.
Great crowd Sat. night, students were unbelievable. Had more students than available free tickets.
The '62 championship team will be here on Saturday, come out to support current team and the '62 hockey team.
