Minnesota Gophers Season Thread 2015-16

[St. Clown]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread 2015-16

I don't have a huge issue with opinions on what is or isn't "as good" as it was (though I do think it is very premature to judge anything when we are only a little over 2 years into the changes... league strength has always proven to be cyclical). But it does tend to annoy me when people talk about the TV schedule now vs. the past and act as if it was so much more robust back in the WCHA days. It may not all be on the same network every weekend like it used to be but the team is on TV pretty similarly in numbers to what they were in the WCHA days (games at MTU and UAA were often not broadcast in those days, we didn't always get every non-conference series back then, and we didn't always get Colorado games either). Pretty close to the same broadcast numbers to what we will see this year.

They're jockeying around the start times and days upon which the games are played now. Prior to the B1G Mistake, it was pretty much a set schedule except when playing in another time zone. Games at Mariucci were at 7:00 both Friday and Saturday, now they're on a Thursday at 6:00 and Sunday at 5:00 this week (figuratively), but then next week they'll be on at 9:00 Friday, and 7:00 Saturday.

The Gophers lost their ability to dictate their own schedule, they've become beholden to the BTN scheduling masters, and their masters just don't care about the once strong program. The Gophers don't scare too many teams on their schedule at the moment, and it will likely stay that way if they can't generate interest in the program from the young kids.

Add to that, the other regional schools, like my SCSU, and even the Purple Cows, have gained traction in their recruiting efforts over the last few years as they've found late season success, hired better recruiters, and these kids have the promise of being the campus studs. The U can't offer that same glitz, and the campus is so large that it's been known to cause some top level recruits to go elsewhere over the years, traditionally up to the UND Angry Birds or Duluth, but the States are starting to take some more of those recruits. The best thing the U has in its favor right now is Bucky's quagmire being so great that Madison has become so very unattractive for the big talents interested in playing college hockey over the major juniors.

 

[JoeGopher]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread 2015-16

True, but if I remember correctly, they haven't raised ticket prices in 4 or 5 years. That's not to say that $35/game isn't a little ridiculous, but at least it hasn't gone up.

 

[Stauber1]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread 2015-16

True, but if I remember correctly, they haven't raised ticket prices in 4 or 5 years. That's not to say that $35/game isn't a little ridiculous, but at least it hasn't gone up.

Look at the price for single game tickets.

It's F ing absurd.

 

[D2D]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread 2015-16

Look at the price for single game tickets.

It's F ing absurd.

Solution: Standing Room for $20. Then move down to an open seat - usually there are plenty to pick from.

https://www.mygophersports.com/Online/mapSelect.asp

 

[Hammy]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread 2015-16

They're jockeying around the start times and days upon which the games are played now. Prior to the B1G Mistake, it was pretty much a set schedule except when playing in another time zone. Games at Mariucci were at 7:00 both Friday and Saturday, now they're on a Thursday at 6:00 and Sunday at 5:00 this week (figuratively), but then next week they'll be on at 9:00 Friday, and 7:00 Saturday.

The time of games isn't much of a factor. The reality is most fans I know really don't care about games scheduled 30 to 60 minutes later than they used to be. Just gives them more time to enjoy another adult beverage at one of the local pubs. In fact, the only time I've personally heard my horde of Gopher friends complain about any change in time is if it is a Friday game earlier than 7. But that isn't commonplace as it only happens once this year so it isn't a big deal.

The Gophers lost their ability to dictate their own schedule, they've become beholden to the BTN scheduling masters, and their masters just don't care about the once strong program. The Gophers don't scare too many teams on their schedule at the moment, and it will likely stay that way if they can't generate interest in the program from the young kids.

If the masters didn't care, they wouldn't be putting the money into arena upgrades next year (and further improvements down the road)... and the key words are "at the moment" when it comes to the current team. Given their stretch of success of recent seasons, I think your view is rather skewed here. Even the very best programs are going to have a year here or there that aren't up to their high standards. I can assure you that the interest among young kids is very good. I'd point out all the top young kids they have down there at camps throughout the summer (at youth levels as well as bantam) as one example. You won't see the bulk of those top kids camping it at any other D1 school in the state.

Add to that, the other regional schools, like my SCSU, and even the Purple Cows, have gained traction in their recruiting efforts over the last few years as they've found late season success, hired better recruiters, and these kids have the promise of being the campus studs. The U can't offer that same glitz, and the campus is so large that it's been known to cause some top level recruits to go elsewhere over the years, traditionally up to the UND Angry Birds or Duluth, but the States are starting to take some more of those recruits. The best thing the U has in its favor right now is Bucky's quagmire being so great that Madison has become so very unattractive for the big talents interested in playing college hockey over the major juniors.

LOL... You clearly don't follow recruiting if you think this is a department that has been lacking for the Gophers. First of all, they seldom go head to head with Mankato or SCSU because those schools know it is going to be a losing cause the vast majority of the time. I can tell you this much... there is not one recruit in SCSU's current pipeline of verbals that the Gophers pursued with any verve. I'm not saying that makes them bad players but your idea of "gaining traction" is a misfire when those same kids aren't being pursued by the school you are discussing. Frankly, there really have only been two schools that have had much fortune against the Gophers in recruiting and only one of them (UND) has traditionally been much of a rival in that department. UMD is the other but their success rate has been more inconsistent than anything. With over 4 million in long overdue upgrades at Mariucci coming up (locker rooms, training rooms, player lounge and film room), I think they'll be in pretty good shape. Thanks for the concern though. lol

 

[Bonin21]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread 2015-16

In fact, the only time I've personally heard my horde of Gopher friends complain about any change in time is if it is a Friday game earlier than 7.

As a STH, yes this is what I don't want to become commonplace. Later is fine. Actually non-weekend games, too, so maybe I take that back.

 

[Stauber1]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread 2015-16

Solution: Standing Room for $20. Then move down to an open seat - usually there are plenty to pick from.

https://www.mygophersports.com/Online/mapSelect.asp

I haven't looked at prices since the beginning of the year, but SRO was $30+ for a large number of games as of the beginning of November - including the St. Cloud games. They must have dropped the price, likely due to poor attendance so far.

At any rate, SRO isn't always a good option for folks bringing kids or in groups in general. I never minded, but I also always went by myself and didn't mind standing up top. In fact, I'd usually pick up an actual seat from a scalper for $10-$20 depending on the opponent, and just post up behind Sec 13, 15 or 16.


EDIT: Looking at prices for the remaining home games, SRO and zone 4 have almost all dropped from where they were a month ago. Maybe the athletic dept. actually IS taking notice.

 

[Bonin21]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread 2015-16

Could call it taking notice or shady in that fans could buy and have major price drops the next day. I'm fairly certain SCSU tickets started at 60-70 for a seat and are now at 30-60.

 

[St. Clown]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread 2015-16

The time of games isn't much of a factor. The reality is most fans I know really don't care about games scheduled 30 to 60 minutes later than they used to be. Just gives them more time to enjoy another adult beverage at one of the local pubs. In fact, the only time I've personally heard my horde of Gopher friends complain about any change in time is if it is a Friday game earlier than 7. But that isn't commonplace as it only happens once this year so it isn't a big deal.

Did you pay attention to the attendance of the Thursday game they had last year? Mariucci was maybe half filled, a few people told me it was more like 40%. My brother, a season ticket holder, refused to go because he has an early morning job. When you look at how that arena fills out, a lot of people don't show for the oddly timed games. The 4PM starts toss a fair number of fans out of sorts. The BTN is hurting the program.

If the masters didn't care, they wouldn't be putting the money into arena upgrades next year (and further improvements down the road)... and the key words are "at the moment" when it comes to the current team. Given their stretch of success of recent seasons, I think your view is rather skewed here. Even the very best programs are going to have a year here or there that aren't up to their high standards. I can assure you that the interest among young kids is very good. I'd point out all the top young kids they have down there at camps throughout the summer (at youth levels as well as bantam) as one example. You won't see the bulk of those top kids camping it at any other D1 school in the state.

So the BTN is cutting a check to the U of M to upgrade Mariucci?

LOL... You clearly don't follow recruiting if you think this is a department that has been lacking for the Gophers. First of all, they seldom go head to head with Mankato or SCSU because those schools know it is going to be a losing cause the vast majority of the time. I can tell you this much... there is not one recruit in SCSU's current pipeline of verbals that the Gophers pursued with any verve. I'm not saying that makes them bad players but your idea of "gaining traction" is a misfire when those same kids aren't being pursued by the school you are discussing. Frankly, there really have only been two schools that have had much fortune against the Gophers in recruiting and only one of them (UND) has traditionally been much of a rival in that department. UMD is the other but their success rate has been more inconsistent than anything. With over 4 million in long overdue upgrades at Mariucci coming up (locker rooms, training rooms, player lounge and film room), I think they'll be in pretty good shape. Thanks for the concern though. lol

You're right, I'm not out there sniffing high school kids' jocks like you enjoy. I pay attention to the players once they enter the college scene, with only a few exceptions and that's because I either knew the players personally or I knew their families, like Jack Sadek's dad, aunt and uncle who grew up a few houses away on the cul de sac from me. However, I do know that the Gophers have lost recruits over the years to in-state rivals that aren't named UMD. Whether they pursued them very hard is another question, but I'm happy Mark Parrish chose SCSU over the U, for one.

 

[Hammy]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread 2015-16

Did you pay attention to the attendance of the Thursday game they had last year? Mariucci was maybe half filled, a few people told me it was more like 40%. My brother, a season ticket holder, refused to go because he has an early morning job. When you look at how that arena fills out, a lot of people don't show for the oddly timed games. The 4PM starts toss a fair number of fans out of sorts. The BTN is hurting the program.

You are also focused on a small percentage of games. If you focus your attention on the occasional outlier, I don't blame you for having a point of view that doesn't reflect reality. Besides, we both know that they aren't going to worry about the occasional game that isn't greatly attended as long as the tickets were sold.

So the BTN is cutting a check to the U of M to upgrade Mariucci?

BTN money isn't a part of the equation for the upgrades. Over 4 million raised from donations/gifts. We certainly appreciate the $30+ million the BTN provides our athletics every year though

As for your final paragraph, you simply confirmed what I already knew... you were talking out of your *** in your original post on a subject (recruiting) that you are ill informed on. Congrats on that.

Oh... and I never said SCSU has never received a commitment over the U. But since you seemingly appeared to be focusing on the PRESENT tense, I focused on that aspect. I wasn't really thinking we were going to revert back to names like Parrish from 20 years ago as examples on present day situations. lol

 

[Slap Shot]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread 2015-16

Stauber - there's been no worry getting a seat with SRO this season.

 

[Stauber1]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread 2015-16

Stauber - there's been no worry getting a seat with SRO this season.

Not at all, and the majority of games in past seasons it hasn't been too tough either. But I think people in groups or with kids probably aren't too keen on the idea of being asked to move while the game is going on, or standing on the rail for the first period scoping out where there are 3 or 4 seats together.

It's also worth repeating that prices for SRO have been dropped. They were $25 or more for the majority of games the past couple years, and $25 for the first few games this season with an increase for the Duluth series (as well as the Mankato and St. Cloud series as of a month ago). But like I said, if you go by yourself you don't have to pay that much. I got into the Duluth game this year for $15 and both the NU games for $10 a night (was a nice send-off to hear the Battle Hymn one last time!).

But the impetus for this discussion was a comment that tickets hadn't gone up in price over the past few seasons, based on season ticket prices - which if you don't count the "donations" is true...but single game tickets have definitely been jacked up, and I think that (among other things) has had an impact on actual attendance.

 

[SteveO]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread 2015-16

The Mavs/Gopher game at Mariucci was about 60% full. We bought SRO and had our choice of some very prime seats on the red line. We chose to sit near in the student section behind Schierhorn and saw the OT goal that won it for the Mavs. Nice move and shot but Collins made bad move by going down instead of taking the body.

<blockquote class="twitter-video"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">GOAL: <a href="https://twitter.com/MavHockey">@MavHockey</a> net 3 goals in 3.5 minutes to top <a href="https://twitter.com/GopherHockey">@gopherhockey</a> 3-2 in OT! Teddy Blueger with the GWG. <a href="https://t.co/0pAQsRCqoK">https://t.co/0pAQsRCqoK</a></p>— FOX Sports North (@fsnorth) <a href="https://twitter.com/fsnorth/status/665733930700529664">November 15, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[5mn_Major]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread 2015-16

Not at all, and the majority of games in past seasons it hasn't been too tough either. But I think people in groups or with kids probably aren't too keen on the idea of being asked to move while the game is going on, or standing on the rail for the first period scoping out where there are 3 or 4 seats together.

It's also worth repeating that prices for SRO have been dropped. They were $25 or more for the majority of games the past couple years, and $25 for the first few games this season with an increase for the Duluth series (as well as the Mankato and St. Cloud series as of a month ago). But like I said, if you go by yourself you don't have to pay that much. I got into the Duluth game this year for $15 and both the NU games for $10 a night (was a nice send-off to hear the Battle Hymn one last time!).

But the impetus for this discussion was a comment that tickets hadn't gone up in price over the past few seasons, based on season ticket prices - which if you don't count the "donations" is true...but single game tickets have definitely been jacked up, and I think that (among other things) has had an impact on actual attendance.

Did you buy SRO at the window or on the street?

 

[D2D]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread 2015-16

Gopher Sports preview with articles on Brodinski and Bristedt:

http://www.gophersports.com/sports/m-hockey/spec-rel/112515aaa.html

 

[Stauber1]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread 2015-16

Did you buy SRO at the window or on the street?

I always bought on the street, and it was almost always an actual seat not SRO. If you're getting a single ticket, and don't care where it is (I didn't, I'd always stand atop Sec 13, 15 or 16) you can get in the building for pretty cheap.

 

[The Rube]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread 2015-16

Gophers hockey was a staple of my childhood on FSN every Friday and Saturday. Over half their schedule was against teams capable of winning the national title. Now many of the games aren't on TV. They play in the 4th (5th? WCHA?) best conference now. Hope the Penn State program was worth it because it changed college hockey at the U of M. Thankfully SCSU, UND, UMD, etc. were able to come out of the shakeup.

I still blame Air Force. They started it all, if you know your history.

 

[D2D]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread 2015-16

I always bought on the street, and it was almost always an actual seat not SRO. If you're getting a single ticket, and don't care where it is (I didn't, I'd always stand atop Sec 13, 15 or 16) you can get in the building for pretty cheap.

Over the years I've sometimes had an extra to sell, and have gotten to know how the game is played.
Tips:
> If you are a buyer scope out the supply/demand situation before committing to anything.
> Look for actual ticket holders, not scalpers. If they approach you ignore them until you understand the market situation.
> When you're ready to buy do not agree to pay what the seller first asks. Make an offer below that amount. If they say no they will often agree to it as you turn and walk away.
> If you see there are lots of sellers in relation to buyers it almost always pays to wait until just before game time. Oftentimes sellers who are going to the game themselves will almost give them away rather than miss the first part of the game.
> Single tickets are always priced well below pairs. If you're with someone consider buying two singles for games where the crowd appears light. In all likelihood you'll be able to sit together anyway.

 

[The Rube]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread 2015-16

Over the years I've sometimes had an extra to sell, and have gotten to know how the game is played.
Tips:
> If you are a buyer scope out the supply/demand situation before committing to anything.
> Look for actual ticket holders, not scalpers. If they approach you ignore them until you understand the market situation.
> When you're ready to buy do not agree to pay what the seller first asks. Make an offer below that amount. If they say no they will often agree to it as you turn and walk away.
> If you see there are lots of sellers in relation to buyers it almost always pays to wait until just before game time. Oftentimes sellers who are going to the game themselves will almost give them away rather than miss the first part of the game.
> Single tickets are always priced well below pairs. If you're with someone consider buying two singles for games where the crowd appears light. In all likelihood you'll be able to sit together anyway.

The last couple games I went to, I just bought from whoever, but was always ready to walk. Chances are, even with SRO, you'll find a seat, which brings me to my next hint:

Know the team's fanbase for that game. For example, I know MTU will NEVER fill their entire section that is set aside. So, buy SRO, and grab a seat in that section. Obviously, teams like tUMD, UND, probably SCSU are different, but again, you should know that going in.

 

[5mn_Major]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread 2015-16

Two dead horses I want to beat.

1. Bristedt is arriving at the next tier. Outside of possibly Schierhorn, our full stop best player. If one knew his track record, they wouldn't be too surprised. He's been the best player in any league in which he's participated. Its just that there were quite a few unknowns and he may not have made it through. If the staff can keep his line loaded, he'll be a star.

2. Get Cammy up on one of the top scoring lines. He can't bulldoze his way to make the 3rd into a great line. But he is a highly specialized and skilled player who can make other talented players much better.

Early in the year, folks here were all about 'wanting to improve Kloos' scoring'. My position was it was not about Kloos but rather about the team. They broke up the pairing. Big shock, Kloos' performance has fallen off a cliff and with it Cammy. At just under a third the way through the season, Kloos has 6 pts. vs. his season ending totals of 32. While at just under a third of the way through the season, Cammy's production has dropped to 4 pts. vs. 27 for season ending totals. And even Reilly, who should be the beneficiary here, is at 3 pts so far vs. 16 end of the season last year when he was on the third line. These guys are all a year older. These pairings are not working.

I hope the staff wakes up soon and at least tests putting the (Kloos/Cammy) band back together.