Minnesota Gophers Season Thread: Kangas Kool-Aid For All!

[HarleyMC]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread: Kangas Kool-Aid For All!

While we know the games are technically sellouts (they are, aren't they?), is it not also true that the actual number of people in the arena is declining? The U can claim all tickets have been bought and paid for, but if you don't actually have 10,000 (or close to it) in the building for every game, it *will* hit the bottom line. I can't imagine merchandise sales have done particularly well the past three seasons, and if actual butts in the seats have dropped 20%, that will also do a number on concessions. Whether or not these things are anywhere near the amount it would cost to buy out tDon is anyone's guess, but I would think the U is certainly aware of any change to the cash flow from the hockey program.

When teams win, people come and watch and stuff sells. I don't have a clue as to the actual numbers, but betting the house on the fact that merchandise sales have dropped off seems like a safe wager.

Well, he's right. There's a long list of teams that were **** early in a season and great in the middle-to-end. While it's horrible to see MN get swept by a perennial bottom tier finisher in the league, I can't say the team played poorly this weekend. The simple fact of the matter is they suck at killing penalties and struggle when falling behind. There's still time for them to figure this out, and if they do, I think they have enough talent to make a run. Unfortunately, I'm not particularly optimistic about this given the recent track record of those in charge of the program.

Sonmor bleeds maroon and gold and is about as bias as it gets on the radio. But in reality I suspect he's smart enough to know that if this team doesn't drastically improve they don't stand a chance at making the FF. I would add the NCAAs. Certainly some teams like Mich. State a few years ago started slow and made a nice run to the FF and won it. But I doubt whether this Gopher team is in that class.

I agree last night was not a terrible game for the Gophers. Cook and the Mav D played pretty well too. But they had 50 SOG and lots of scoring chances. The bottom line is it's all meaningless if you don't score. Good teams consistently find ways to score, especially against a team like MSUM whom up to this point had only won 2/10 conference games. There have been some positive improvements but in some ways they remind me of last year. They seldom play with a lead, can't come back from a deficit, have difficulty putting together two solid back-to-back games, and are often emotionally inconsistent with their effort from series-to-series.

They've been swept twice already. The most they've been swept over the past three seasons is 4 (08-09) all coming in the second half. With their upcoming schedule into the second half, this team is in deep *. If they don't pull it together, I see them getting swept at least 2 or more times before the end, settling in the bottom half of the WCHA and on the road for the playoffs.

 

[MinnFan]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread: Kangas Kool-Aid For All!

After finally being able to watch a few games this year it seems like they don't have the talent they had in the past. In previous years they were usually a more talented team, but couldn't put things together because of work ethic, coaching, etc... It seems like this is a combination of poor recruiting and a lack of development of current players from year-to-year. Both of these things fall back on the coaching staff. I just wish they would have pulled the trigger a year earlier on Lucia giving them a shot at Blasi or Blais.

 

[Driftryder]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread: Kangas Kool-Aid For All!

Well, he's right. There's a long list of teams that were **** early in a season and great in the middle-to-end. While it's horrible to see MN get swept by a perennial bottom tier finisher in the league, I can't say the team played poorly this weekend. The simple fact of the matter is they suck at killing penalties and struggle when falling behind. There's still time for them to figure this out, and if they do, I think they have enough talent to make a run. Unfortunately, I'm not particularly optimistic about this given the recent track record of those in charge of the program.

This was my thought on the weekend, I know getting swept by Mankato should be unheard of but they (Gophers) didn't play all that bad this weekend and last night were dominant in long stretches IMO. The PP was non-existent all weekend but Cook stood on his head and every other body part he had flopping out there, we had 50 shots on goal 23 alone in the 3rd. But the losses combined with the last few years of futility and the natives are past getting restless and have pitchforks.

 

[thebrain]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread: Kangas Kool-Aid For All!

The UMN Athletic Dept. is already financially stretched beyond their limits with loan payments to offset the buyouts over the past few years (Mason, Monson, Brewster). Granted Lucia's contract is less than Brewsters (AD reportedly owed $775,000 on the Brewster buyout), but it would come at a very inopportune time. Hiring a new football coach will most likely require a much larger contract than Brewsters (probably 1.5+ million) and with slumping football ticket sales, other UMN sports may be on the chopping block to pay for it. This not a good time for another buyout cost for the University of Minnesota Athletic Dept. My guess is Maturi may attempt a PR spin to avoid the buyout and keep Lucia one more season to the end of his contract, even if this season's outcome is worse than last year. Mono, the flu, injuries, lots of rookies, lots of potential, some positives....I can hear it now. But it's more about money now than a vibrant hockey program.

I thought it was funny, when listening to the end of the Gopher radio broadcast last night, that Sonmor stated this team can still make it to the FF in St. Paul. Let's be honest, this team will not get a sniff at the NCAAs and this season will probably eclipse last season's cruel disappointment.

I think you're right on with the money part. Plus with the state facing at $6 billion defecit, the U's budget will most likely face some cuts. As an actually taxpayer to this state, I was pretty ****ed to find out the U's paying almost a million dollars for a football coach to sit at home, while not filling positions, furloughs, and possilbe layoffs(if there haven't been some already) elsewhere in the U.

 

[Driftryder]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread: Kangas Kool-Aid For All!

Article in the PP

Statistics can lie, there's no doubt, but they also can cut to the chase. For the University of Minnesota men's hockey team, one stat sticks out above all others:

When the Gophers have scored first this season, they're 7-0-1. When opponents score first, they're 1-7-0.

"It's crazy," senior Jacob Cepis said.

Scoring first in a hockey game is always important. As coach Don Lucia points out, there aren't a ton of goals scored in the average game. But when it comes to the Gophers' successes and failures this season, the contrast is striking.

Is it really that big a deal?

"It shouldn't be, but obviously we're making that statistic relevant," senior Jay Barriball said. "It's a hockey game; you're going to get scored on, you're going to be down, and we're going to score some goals, too. That's just the natural course of a game.

"Whatever it is, we have to find a way to respond when we get scored on first. Obviously that's going to be a big part of the second half."

Lucia said the disparity is complex in one sense; there have been many mistakes that led to early deficits. On the other hand, the coach pointed out, it can be easily explained.

"When we play a good, solid first period," he said, "we usually play well the whole game."
Early penalties, for instance, have led to first-period deficits. From there, especially early this season, a few games have spiraled out of control.
"It's a big confidence thing," Cepis said. "When you score first, you're more relaxed. You don't worry so much about what's going to happen next. You're more comfortable."


Due to miss Classic: Gophers freshmen Nick Bjugstad and Erik Haula will play in the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship Dec. 26-Jan. 5 in Buffalo, N.Y.
Minnesota has a 20-day layoff after this weekend's games against No. 2 Minnesota-Duluth, but Bjugstad, a member of the U.S. team, and Haula, who will play for Finland, will miss the Mariucci Classic Dec. 31-Jan. 1 that features Union and Ferris State.


Gopher recruits: Lucia (somewhat) formally announced the Gophers' early signing class on Wednesday.

The forwards: Connor Reilly and Ryan Reilly, brothers and Holy Angels grads playing for Sioux Falls (USHL); Eden Prairie senior Kyle Rau; Christian Isackson of Sioux Falls (USHL); Seth Ambroz of Omaha (USHL); U.S. Under-18 player Travis Boyd.

Lucia also signed Green Bay (USHL) teammates Adam Wilcox, a goaltender from South St. Paul, and Ben Marshall, a defenseman from Mahtomedi.

 

[SJHovey]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread: Kangas Kool-Aid For All!

I think you're right on with the money part. Plus with the state facing at $6 billion defecit, the U's budget will most likely face some cuts. As an actually taxpayer to this state, I was pretty ****ed to find out the U's paying almost a million dollars for a football coach to sit at home, while not filling positions, furloughs, and possilbe layoffs(if there haven't been some already) elsewhere in the U.

Isn't that something? Shows you the real cost of replacing a coach mid-contract. First, you've got to buy out the guy you just fired. Then you have to pay the fellow university a buy-out so you can hire their guy. Then you've got to pay the new guy his salary, too. That is something MN could very well face if they decide to change hockey coaches before the end of Lucia's contract, and hire a name guy from another school.

One thing I've always been curious about is whether the numerous assistant coaches in college football have contracts (I assume they have) which also contain buy-out clauses (probably not), or do they just draw unemployment.

 

[goldy_331]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread: Kangas Kool-Aid For All!

One thing I've always been curious about is whether the numerous assistant coaches in college football have contracts (I assume they have) which also contain buy-out clauses (probably not), or do they just draw unemployment.

I think most are yearly contracts from what I've read.

 

[thebrain]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread: Kangas Kool-Aid For All!

Isn't that something? Shows you the real cost of replacing a coach mid-contract. First, you've got to buy out the guy you just fired. Then you have to pay the fellow university a buy-out so you can hire their guy. Then you've got to pay the new guy his salary, too. That is something MN could very well face if they decide to change hockey coaches before the end of Lucia's contract, and hire a name guy from another school.

One thing I've always been curious about is whether the numerous assistant coaches in college football have contracts (I assume they have) which also contain buy-out clauses (probably not), or do they just draw unemployment.

I'm guessing yearly, maybe the offensive and defensive coordinators may be longer.

Of course it's always the state's fault when tuition goes up. I wonder if they'll blame Dayton when tuition goes up now.

 

[hockeynut]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread: Kangas Kool-Aid For All!

I wonder if they'll blame Dayton when tuition goes up now.

They never blame their own, it will be Bush's fault!

 

[mariucci]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread: Kangas Kool-Aid For All!

New to the board...
Big weekend coming up vs UMD. Can't wait, hopefully a split.

 

[SanTropez]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread: Kangas Kool-Aid For All!

New to the board...
Big weekend coming up vs UMD. Can't wait, hopefully a split.

Nah hopefully a sweep. Split is the fall back position.

 

[Koho]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread: Kangas Kool-Aid For All!

With the skating speed of this team, why don't they play a more aggressive penalty kill, attacking the puck, rather than just boxing up in front? (I guess they are sometimes very aggressive when you see 3 guys collapse on one guy near the boards leaving the est open, but that isn't what I want to see.) It is tough to do, unless you have speedy player, but seems like this team has enough talent. I realize they also seem to have a confidence problem on the PK. they often seem to fire the puck immediately when they actually have an extra second or two, and end up putting a weak shot close enough to an opponent for them to stop it from clearing.

And on the PP, do the D get told it might not be the best thing to fire the puck into an opposing player, especially when they are in an umbrella formation against a team known for generating lots of shorthanded opportunities?

Any word on Fairchild or Hoeffel? Fairchild looked like a dislocated shoulder, possibly. And despite what all the Haters say, they are still better off with Cade than relying too much on freshman D in my mind.

 

[Happy]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread: Kangas Kool-Aid For All!

I'm guessing yearly, maybe the offensive and defensive coordinators may be longer.

Of course it's always the state's fault when tuition goes up. I wonder if they'll blame Dayton when tuition goes up now.

I will be blaming Dayton, for sure. Having a weak leader in tough times will mean there will be a lot of blame to go around.

 

[BigM3810]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread: Kangas Kool-Aid For All!

When was the last time a Gopher hockey game got cancelled due to the weather?

 

[Koho]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread: Kangas Kool-Aid For All!

When was the last time a Gopher hockey game got cancelled due to the weather?

I remember when I was a student, going to a game when I had to make sure I didn't trip over the power lines in the areas where the 200 mph winds scoured the snow enough so the 30 feet of snow was below the height of the power poles....

I do actually rember going to a game in a storm where I pretty much had to gun it all the way to keep from getting stuck. I made it there and all the way back but got stuck re-entering the parking lot at my apartment. I plowed into a deeper spot and the whole car lifted up. The old Arena was only about 3/4 full that night.

 

[4four4]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread: Kangas Kool-Aid For All!

I remember when I was a student, going to a game when I had to make sure I didn't trip over the power lines in the areas where the 200 mph winds scoured the snow enough so the 30 feet of snow was below the height of the power poles....

I do actually rember going to a game in a storm where I pretty much had to gun it all the way to keep from getting stuck. I made it there and all the way back but got stuck re-entering the parking lot at my apartment. I plowed into a deeper spot and the whole car lifted up. The old Arena was only about 3/4 full that night.

and the date???????????????????????

 

[Koho]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread: Kangas Kool-Aid For All!

Date? I'm lucky if I can remember my name. I'd guess 1991? (This was actually Grad school, so I'm a little older than you might think from this date.) I remember shoveling snow out from under the truck feverishly as I could hear plows coming and the back end of the truck was sticking out in the road. With a foot of snow on the road, I didn't figure they'd be able to manouever the plow around me very well, and even if they could, I'd really be buried. Got it far enough off the road a matter of minutes before the plow got there. Then had to shovel a path for my tires all the way to a parking spot. In my memory, it was a good couple hours before I got it parked, from the time I got stuck. I was surprised they hadn't canceled, but didn't regret going.

 

[HarleyMC]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread: Kangas Kool-Aid For All!

Any word on Fairchild or Hoeffel? Fairchild looked like a dislocated shoulder, possibly. And despite what all the Haters say, they are still better off with Cade than relying too much on freshman D in my mind.

His arm was in a sling after the game. My guess is an anterior dislocation which is when the humerus pops out of the shoulder joint to the anterior (the front) of the body from an impact to the rear shoulder area. The trainer most likely popped the head back into the shoulder joint right away, then the pain medication and the sling for two or three weeks. I'd be surprised if he plays.

That leaves Nate Schmidt or Jake Parenteau and they've only played a combined total of 8 games. The Gopher flu bug bit both of them last weekend. I was impressed with the gritty way Jake handled the puck in the transition and defensive zone a few weeks ago. Schmidt's got a rocket for a shot but he's only put 4 SOG.

 

[Happy]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread: Kangas Kool-Aid For All!

I am pretty sure I made it to class back during the winter of 81-82 when the U canceled classes for the first time ever. About half the students made it to class, so the Prof says, we are having class. The early 80s were some very snowy years, and all I had was a rear wheel drive Datsun car, and I delivered pizza. That whole dig out a spot on the other side of the street every other day, or they will tow your car thing really, really sucked. I did manage to rip a door off the car in a snow pile once, and I was on 94, with no defrost so I had the windows down, and I got passed by a snowplow, which filled up my car. it is amazing what happens when you are really young, really poor, and on your own. and, I will never forgive Mpls for towing my car on a snow emergency route, on a 75 degree day, when it hadn't snowed in a month.

 

[GopherBigGuy911]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread: Kangas Kool-Aid For All!

I am pretty sure I made it to class back during the winter of 81-82 when the U canceled classes for the first time ever. About half the students made it to class, so the Prof says, we are having class. The early 80s were some very snowy years, and all I had was a rear wheel drive Datsun car, and I delivered pizza. That whole dig out a spot on the other side of the street every other day, or they will tow your car thing really, really sucked. I did manage to rip a door off the car in a snow pile once, and I was on 94, with no defrost so I had the windows down, and I got passed by a snowplow, which filled up my car. it is amazing what happens when you are really young, really poor, and on your own. and, I will never forgive Mpls for towing my car on a snow emergency route, on a 75 degree day, when it hadn't snowed in a month.

Wow..... That is kinda funny....