Michigan Tech Offseason III: Screw It, Somebody Look Up The Cheat Codes

[manurespreader]

Re: Michigan Tech Offseason III: Screw It, Somebody Look Up The Cheat Codes

If this happens, I would think not after this year, but after the 2010-11 season. That would be close to, if not a full, 4 years of his "new" recruiting techniques of less one-and-done superstars and more grinders/role players.

I think there are a number of high profile ccha schools getting ready to hire and they pay a whole lot more than tech does. a whole lot. I say Russell gets a raise.

 

[The Rube]

Re: Michigan Tech Offseason III: Screw It, Somebody Look Up The Cheat Codes

I think there are a number of high profile ccha schools getting ready to hire and they pay a whole lot more than tech does. a whole lot. I say Russell gets a raise.

I could see a small raise with an incentive-based contract for sure. With the additions of UNO/BSU, it obviously gives MTU a better shot at the Tournament Formerly Known As The F5. And as we all know, once you are there, nothing really matters as for what happened in the regular season.

Dare I say F5* Champion?????

Well, if the Gophers let another team win it this year.

 

[FadeToBlack&Gold]

Re: Michigan Tech Offseason III: Screw It, Somebody Look Up The Cheat Codes

I think there are a number of high profile ccha schools getting ready to hire and they pay a whole lot more than tech does. a whole lot. I say Russell gets a raise.

Which "high profile" CCHA schools are we talking about?

tOSU - Doesn't care too much about hockey outside of games against Michigan. Markell just got them into the NCAAs, which I'm sure their administration is content with, even if they were blown out by the eventual champion.

U of M - Is Red retiring? I haven't heard anything.

MSU - Comely won a national title two years ago and dealt with similar issues that Russell had to deal with last year (players constantly out of the lineup, etc.). While they will probably be keeping an eye on him, he'll probably get a pass on the 08-09 season if MSU climbs back into the top half of the conference within the next couple of seasons.

Notre Dame - Jackson is locked in there as long as he gets the rink he wants.

Miami - Is more than happy with Blasi, I'm sure.


Did I miss anyone? The CCHA schools who are (BGSU) or may be considering coaching changes (LSSU, WMU) aren't exactly "high profile" these days.

What's the scoop we don't know about, 'spreader?

 

[Boosh]

Re: Michigan Tech Offseason III: Screw It, Somebody Look Up The Cheat Codes

Which "high profile" CCHA schools are we talking about?

Every CCHA school is high profile. Which is why they couldn't let a low profile team like UAH into their world-dominating conference

 

[manurespreader]

Re: Michigan Tech Offseason III: Screw It, Somebody Look Up The Cheat Codes

Which "high profile" CCHA schools are we talking about?

tOSU - Doesn't care too much about hockey outside of games against Michigan. Markell just got them into the NCAAs, which I'm sure their administration is content with, even if they were blown out by the eventual champion.

U of M - Is Red retiring? I haven't heard anything.

MSU - Comely won a national title two years ago and dealt with similar issues that Russell had to deal with last year (players constantly out of the lineup, etc.). While they will probably be keeping an eye on him, he'll probably get a pass on the 08-09 season if MSU climbs back into the top half of the conference within the next couple of seasons.

Notre Dame - Jackson is locked in there as long as he gets the rink he wants.

Miami - Is more than happy with Blasi, I'm sure.


Did I miss anyone? The CCHA schools who are (BGSU) or may be considering coaching changes (LSSU, WMU) aren't exactly "high profile" these days.

What's the scoop we don't know about, 'spreader?

I'd betray a confidence if I said more. However I can say that it won't happen this year and most likely not next, but these schools already have their ear to the ground and are already thinking of who might be a fit. Think about the criteria they might come forward with. If you were Russell you'd be foolish to not consider the big salary and a bigger budget. I say Russell gets a Big raise and sure, performance incentives as well.
Also yes, most of these programs are high profile.

 

[crazypotatoes]

Re: Michigan Tech Offseason III: Screw It, Somebody Look Up The Cheat Codes

3. Would you prefer a month and half before this season or after an 0-8 start or after another losing season. It obviously won't happen but I'm just looking at the writing on the wall based on the continuous bungling of recruiting and the woes that seem to continue. Why delay the agony?

Writing on the wall? Bungling of recruiting? Am I missing something here? Looking at last year, I'd say the past two recruiting classes have been pretty good (Olson+Baker leading in scoring, Robo shutting out NMU). Also, the last time I checked, having a player bolt because of a pro contract isn't a sign of bad recruiting. And that guy who Russell successfully recruited, only to see him fail to pass his entrance exams? He was the top scorer in the WHL last season (115 points in 72 games, the most since 00-01). Again, I stress the fact that Russell successfully recruited these players and had them committed to the school.

So answer me this: how exactly is Russell bungling recruiting?

 

[Boosh]

Re: Michigan Tech Offseason III: Screw It, Somebody Look Up The Cheat Codes

So answer me this: how exactly is Russell bungling recruiting?

By not bringing in a Phil Kessel or two every year to turn around a no-name program in 10 seconds

 

[bigblue_dl]

Re: Michigan Tech Offseason III: Screw It, Somebody Look Up The Cheat Codes

1. What job beside MTU do you see opening up anytime soon in the WCHA. If he came now he could always leave a few years down the road for greener pastures if that's what you're assuming he would do. Also most people strive to advance and a DI mens program in the WCHA is advancing over a womens team regardless of the schools.

2. The previous coach at UW had the same recruiting abilities as he does now without the same success. He's doing something right obviously.

3. Would you prefer a month and half before this season or after an 0-8 start or after another losing season. It obviously won't happen but I'm just looking at the writing on the wall based on the continuous bungling of recruiting and the woes that seem to continue. Why delay the agony?

I hope JR coaches Tech for many more years, just to **** you off.

ex. games don't count.

You seriously think Tech will lose to LSSU? Maybe you should believe in your team a little bit more, since we have no idea what kind of team this will be. Throw last season out the window, it doesn't matter, anything can happen in a new season, ask Northeastern.

 

[FadeToBlack&Gold]

Re: Michigan Tech Offseason III: Screw It, Somebody Look Up The Cheat Codes

I'd betray a confidence if I said more. However I can say that it won't happen this year and most likely not next, but these schools already have their ear to the ground and are already thinking of who might be a fit. Think about the criteria they might come forward with. If you were Russell you'd be foolish to not consider the big salary and a bigger budget. I say Russell gets a Big raise and sure, performance incentives as well.
Also yes, most of these programs are high profile.

Assuming this is true, and assuming that some "high-profile" CCHA schools would actually be interested in trying to lure JR away from Houghton, I think he would be likely to take into account that he's currently leading his alma mater's program, a position he has often referred to as his dream job. He'd look at the current support from major donors and the MTU administration - both are solid. He'd look at his current recruiting situation, in which he can easily "sell" a school that he graduated from and a town that he knows a lot about.

Not everyone is charmed by the prospect of a big salary, especially if they are very happy in the position they currently hold. Also keep in mind that Russell's salary is downright enormous compared to the per capita income and overall cost of living in the Keweenaw.

 

[The Troll mtu86]

Re: Michigan Tech Offseason III: Screw It, Somebody Look Up The Cheat Codes

I'm with you on that one. Which ccha program would be looking to entice Russell away from Tech? And Why? He is a good fit for Tech and I think you only set the program back -once again - by changing coaches. Are his numbers really there to draw lots of interest from a ccha school?

Ferris: I know nothing of their current coaching situation, but Russell has former ties. Maybe someone there really likes him

Western: Inside info tells me there are a lot of people unhappy with their coach. But the administration likes him. So I don't see a change there.

BGSU: From what I hear they may be lucky if they have a hockey program at all in the next few years.

MSU: I have found very few msu alums who like comely, Another bad year or two and he could be gone. And when they do make the change it will be for nothing less than a very high profile coach.

UofM: Highest profile team in the league. And there has been much spectulation that Berenson will be stepping down in the next few years. But will they look outside for a coach? From what I've read and heard Mel Pearson has the inside track on that job. Other programs have wanted Mel. But he has stayed on at UofM, because Red is grooming him for the top job.

And IF UofM should pass over Mel, and at that time we haven't seen much improvement at Tech. -- Then Mel Pearson is the one Tech needs to go after!!!!! That is if he would be willing to come back. Short of that, any coaching changes at Tech would be counterproductive.


And on another note-

Blake Pietila was drafted in the OHL draft by the Windsor Spitfires. He has visited with the team and is on the record as saying he wants to play for the Spits and play in the OHL. (His parents don't want him to go that route). So we'll see who wins that battle.

Scouting report I have on Blake: Avg size, avg speed, always works hard, 100% effort at both ends of the ice, good hands, good passer.

NOT the high scoring machine who will turn around the tech hockey program in 5 seconds. (darn, but does that player really exist anywhere at all?)

 

[melmac]

Re: Michigan Tech Offseason III: Screw It, Somebody Look Up The Cheat Codes

We're a part of Michigan, too!

No wonder they're having a hard time recruiting the blue chippers... the UP isn't even on the map!

Post 5,000... just to keep you guys down.

 

[Shirtless Guy]

Re: Michigan Tech Offseason III: Screw It, Somebody Look Up The Cheat Codes

speaking of gopher fans since melmac showed up...it appears that the gopher nation and twin cities mtu alumni will be watching the Minnesota vs MTU games from the new MacInnes Suite...details have not been finalized yet but it is in the works...can you just imagine all of those gopher fans being able to drink while attending a game at MacInnes?

 

[Twitch Boy]

Re: Michigan Tech Offseason III: Screw It, Somebody Look Up The Cheat Codes

It's almost time, kiddies...he's coming back for more...

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[JOHN SCOTT ROCKS]

Re: Michigan Tech Offseason III: Screw It, Somebody Look Up The Cheat Codes

And on another note-

Blake Pietila was drafted in the OHL draft by the Windsor Spitfires. He has visited with the team and is on the record as saying he wants to play for the Spits and play in the OHL. (His parents don't want him to go that route). So we'll see who wins that battle.

Scouting report I have on Blake: Avg size, avg speed, always works hard, 100% effort at both ends of the ice, good hands, good passer.

NOT the high scoring machine who will turn around the tech hockey program in 5 seconds. (darn, but does that player really exist anywhere at all?)

Apparently the U17 team missed your scouting report before they signed him.

 

[Jon]

Re: Michigan Tech Offseason III: Screw It, Somebody Look Up The Cheat Codes

It's almost time, kiddies...he's coming back for more...

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/o4vPlacGDq4&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/o4vPlacGDq4&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

Ah, the rites of fall...

LOS FOREVER!

 

[FadeToBlack&Gold]

Re: Michigan Tech Offseason III: Screw It, Somebody Look Up The Cheat Codes

Apparently the U17 team missed your scouting report before they signed him.

So you're saying the U17 team offered him a spot and he accepted? I just ran a Google search and unless it was very recent, I didn't see anything that would indicate this.

I did, on the other hand, find an article about the Spitfires' draft picks. According to Pietila, he has, "...always been interested in playing in the OHL". Make of that what you will.

Another article I found indicated that Sioux Falls of the USHL drafted him back in May.

 

[Twitch Boy]

Re: Michigan Tech Offseason III: Screw It, Somebody Look Up The Cheat Codes

Don't know if this has been asked...

Sat 01/16/2010 Alaska-Anchorage 5:05 ET
Sat 01/30/2010 Minnesota State 5:05 ET

Uh buh?

 

[Boosh]

Re: Michigan Tech Offseason III: Screw It, Somebody Look Up The Cheat Codes

Don't know if this has been asked...

Sat 01/16/2010 Alaska-Anchorage 5:05 ET
Sat 01/30/2010 Minnesota State 5:05 ET

Uh buh?

More time to drink after the game?

 

[The Rube]

Re: Michigan Tech Offseason III: Screw It, Somebody Look Up The Cheat Codes

speaking of gopher fans since melmac showed up...it appears that the gopher nation and twin cities mtu alumni will be watching the Minnesota vs MTU games from the new MacInnes Suite...details have not been finalized yet but it is in the works...can you just imagine all of those gopher fans being able to drink while attending a game at MacInnes?

Wait, wha?

I'll sit amongst the real fans, with the blood, sweat, and tears.

And who says we can't drink during the games anyway?

 

[crazypotatoes]

Re: Michigan Tech Offseason III: Screw It, Somebody Look Up The Cheat Codes

Apparently the U17 team missed your scouting report before they signed him.

Pietila is not listed on the current roster for the U17 team: http://usahockey.cachefly.net/Media/071609_U17SelectRoster.doc He was invited to the NTDP camp but it appears he was not selected for the team. This would seem to back up F2B&G's assessment that he is a solid, hardworking forward, but lacks extraordinary skill.

By the way, I'd still like to hear how Russell has bungled recruiting. But I guess you're right, bringing in a coach with no knowledge of the school or our current players and paying him twice what Russell makes would probably be the best route forward at this point.

Don't know if this has been asked...

Sat 01/16/2010 Alaska-Anchorage 5:05 ET
Sat 01/30/2010 Minnesota State 5:05 ET

Uh buh?

I believe the Mankato game is the the local youth hockey promotion night. I forget the reasoning for the UAA game, but I think travel was part of the decision, as well as the hope that more people will show up for an earlier game.

I'll sit amongst the real fans, with the blood, sweat, and tears.

Mostly tears at a Tech game....