Minnesota State Offseason Thread

[MavHockey14]

I've yet to read a single solid reason Hastings would leave and no comments regarding if he can leave considering the contract he has at Mankato. I posted earlier that he wasn't going to MN and as it turns out he wasn't one of the four interviewed but unknown who's decision that was. I'll say same thing regarding leaving for SCSU as essentially a lateral move to a school that may not be able to pay him (well reported budget issues and decreasing enrollment has lead to cuts in programs) and that he hasn't been connected to for 25 years.

I’m sorry, but hockey wise St. Cloud State is a step above Minnesota State. They’ve been to a Frozen Four, won NCAA tournament games, and are in a far superior conference. See my last post about the pairwise, the NCHC, and WCHA. It is a HUGE competitive advantage to play in a league with a little more margin for error W/L wise, and much more consistent tough competition. The NCHC is >>>>>> than the WCHA and it’s not close.

Seems like a couple of very good, viable reasons to consider taking the job.

 

[Mav59]

Re: Minnesota State Offseason Thread

I’m sorry, but hockey wise St. Cloud State is a step above Minnesota State. They’ve been to a Frozen Four, won NCAA tournament games, and are in a far superior conference. See my last post about the pairwise, the NCHC, and WCHA. It is a HUGE competitive advantage to play in a league with a little more margin for error W/L wise, and much more consistent tough competition. The NCHC is >>>>>> than the WCHA and it’s not close.

Seems like a couple of very good, viable reasons to consider taking the job.

They're already taking steps to get admission to NCHC and beyond that this would be a lateral move and I'll put about a 1% chance of Hastings leaving or even being considered. I actually think SCSU will look for someone younger/cheaper to grow with program so let's just see how thi splays out as they will need to move quickly to get a staff in place before they lose recruits.

 

[MavHockey14]

They're already taking steps to get admission to NCHC and beyond that this would be a lateral move and I'll put about a 1% chance of Hastings leaving or even being considered. I actually think SCSU will look for someone younger/cheaper to grow with program so let's just see how thi splays out as they will need to move quickly to get a staff in place before they lose recruits.

They’ve applied to the NCHC and been denied. They don’t hold the cards there, the NCHC does, and honestly, can you find a viable 2nd team to join the NCHC with them?

You’re telling me you think SCSU, who has become a consistent winner in the nation’s top conference, has a recently renovated arena, and is ready to win NOW wants to go the cheap route? They’re going to try and hire the best candidate. Mike Hastings, an alum of their school, will undoubtedly be towards the top of their list; let’s see, hire a young guy or hire a guy who leads the nation in wins since he became an NCAA Head Coach?

I get that you don’t want Hastings to leave, and I don’t either. However, if you think SCSU won’t seriously consider him and Mike won’t do the same, you’re nuts.

 

[Mav59]

Re: Minnesota State Offseason Thread

They’ve applied to the NCHC and been denied. They don’t hold the cards there, the NCHC does, and honestly, can you find a viable 2nd team to join the NCHC with them?

You’re telling me you think SCSU, who has become a consistent winner in the nation’s top conference, has a recently renovated arena, and is ready to win NOW wants to go the cheap route? They’re going to try and hire the best candidate. Mike Hastings, an alum of their school, will undoubtedly be towards the top of their list; let’s see, hire a young guy or hire a guy who leads the nation in wins since he became an NCAA Head Coach?

I get that you don’t want Hastings to leave, and I don’t either. However, if you think SCSU won’t seriously consider him and Mike won’t do the same, you’re nuts.

My position has nothing to do with not wanting Hastings to leave, it has to do with what I see of the realities of the programs and how they fit into the overall priorities of the schools. What SCSU "wants" to do and what they "can" do are probably 2 different things.

I've been close to this program since the early 80's and know personally many of the coaches/staff and players and while I profess no insider information I accept that hockey is just one small part of what these schools need to deal with on a daily basis and what may appear to be the main drivers for fans in making decisions are not the same ones the coaches and administration takes into consideration when they need to make decisions.

 

[purpleinnebraska]

Re: Minnesota State Offseason Thread

They absolutely must get in the NCHC. Looking at the pairwise, the Mavs played the following teams in the WCHA:

57 Alaska 4 times
50 FSU 2 times
51 UAH 4 times
60 UAA 4 times
56 LSSU 2 times

That’s 16 games against teams 50 and lower in the pairwise.

Additionally, BSU was 31 in the pairwise, and the Mavs played them 4 times.

20 games in league play against teams 31 or lower in the pairwise.

In the NCHC, the Mavs would’ve played 0. ZERO teams 31 or lower!!

The lowest rated NCHC team in the pairwise was Miami at 29.

To me, it's more basic than the Pairwise. It's getting quality players to come in. No matter how good your program is, top-notch players aren't going to come in to a conference where they won't match up against other top-notch players. We had 1 NHL draft pick on our roster this year, and will have none next year. CC had 1, and every other NCHC team had more than that. Poehling, Borgstrom, Allison, Mismash, Tufte, Samberg - All 1st or 2nd round picks.
To analogize to the NHL, we're the Wild. A lot of good quality players, a consistent winner, but unable to get over the hump against the Kanes, Toews, and Tarasenkos of the world. Coach Hastings has done a great job grabbing the late bloomers and the diamonds in the rough, but to win in post-season, we need more talent.

 

[Tipsy McStagger]

Re: Minnesota State Offseason Thread

I'll say same thing regarding leaving for SCSU as essentially a lateral move to a school that may not be able to pay him (well reported budget issues and decreasing enrollment has lead to cuts in programs) and that he hasn't been connected to for 25 years.

The budget issues didn't stop them from paying Motzko, not sure how you figure they wouldn't be able to pay Hastings.

Lateral move? St. Cloud has won the regular season title in arguably toughest conference in the country in 3 of the past 6 years.

I still think it's more likely Hastings stays than leaves, but I don't know how you could think there is zero chance he takes the SCSU job.

 

[MaizeRage]

Re: Minnesota State Offseason Thread

I’m sorry, but hockey wise St. Cloud State is a step above Minnesota State.

The better question might be what does St. Cloud State offer that Omaha didn't.

 

[MavHockey14]

My position has nothing to do with not wanting Hastings to leave, it has to do with what I see of the realities of the programs and how they fit into the overall priorities of the schools. What SCSU "wants" to do and what they "can" do are probably 2 different things.

I've been close to this program since the early 80's and know personally many of the coaches/staff and players and while I profess no insider information I accept that hockey is just one small part of what these schools need to deal with on a daily basis and what may appear to be the main drivers for fans in making decisions are not the same ones the coaches and administration takes into consideration when they need to make decisions.

So what would be the driving factors why SCSU wouldn’t want to hire Mike Hastings?

It’s been pretty clearly laid out why he’d want to stay, and the benefits of leaving. Clearly you don’t think the conference and type of players and competition, as well as the commitment from the schools in your conference matters from a hockey standpoint. I wholeheartedly disagree, but that’s your opinion.

As has been pretty well established, I’ve been fortunate to be very close with the program for many years as well, and clearly have a different outlook on this than you. Interesting, nonetheless.

 

[Mav59]

Re: Minnesota State Offseason Thread

The better question might be what does St. Cloud State offer that Omaha didn't.

Mankato gave Hastings a 10 year deal including a lot of $ for upgrades to Verizon Center when Omaha made their advances so St. Cloud would need to better than in my opinion and just being in the NCHC isn't even close to a difference maker in my opinion.

 

[Mav59]

Re: Minnesota State Offseason Thread

So what would be the driving factors why SCSU wouldn’t want to hire Mike Hastings?

It’s been pretty clearly laid out why he’d want to stay, and the benefits of leaving. Clearly you don’t think the conference and type of players and competition, as well as the commitment from the schools in your conference matters from a hockey standpoint. I wholeheartedly disagree, but that’s your opinion.

As has been pretty well established, I’ve been fortunate to be very close with the program for many years as well, and clearly have a different outlook on this than you. Interesting, nonetheless.

Didn't say SCSU wouldn't be interested in Hastings, my point was there are too many factors working against that happening. I can continue to state why that's my thoughts on this and I won't change your mind and that's fine so i'm just willing to wait and see as SCSU will move quickly on this.

 

[4four4]

Re: Minnesota State Offseason Thread

I’m sorry, but hockey wise St. Cloud State is a step above Minnesota State.

The question really is how much more?

 

[MavHockey14]

The question really is how much more?

Correct, which IMHO, depends a lot on the conference each team plays in.

Which school is better equipped at the time being to win a National Title? I say St. Cloud thanks to a much more competitive schedule and conference, which has allowed for sustained success and enhances recruiting.

 

[purpleinnebraska]

Re: Minnesota State Offseason Thread

Correct, which IMHO, depends a lot on the conference each team plays in.

Which school is better equipped at the time being to win a National Title? I say St. Cloud thanks to a much more competitive schedule and conference, which has allowed for sustained success and enhances recruiting.

Agreed.

 

[SCSUBlackandRed]

Re: Minnesota State Offseason Thread

They’ve applied to the NCHC and been denied. They don’t hold the cards there, the NCHC does, and honestly, can you find a viable 2nd team to join the NCHC with them?[/B]

You’re telling me you think SCSU, who has become a consistent winner in the nation’s top conference, has a recently renovated arena, and is ready to win NOW wants to go the cheap route? They’re going to try and hire the best candidate. Mike Hastings, an alum of their school, will undoubtedly be towards the top of their list; let’s see, hire a young guy or hire a guy who leads the nation in wins since he became an NCAA Head Coach?

I get that you don’t want Hastings to leave, and I don’t either. However, if you think SCSU won’t seriously consider him and Mike won’t do the same, you’re nuts.

That's my question. Who is coming with Mankato to the NCHC? I just don't see a realistic candidate.

If Mike wants to play in one of the biggest playgrounds, SCSU is his best shot in the very near and possibly even long term.

 

[Tipsy McStagger]

Re: Minnesota State Offseason Thread

ASU has a new arena to play in so I would think it won't be that long

 

[First Time Long Time]

That's my question. Who is coming with Mankato to the NCHC? I just don't see a realistic candidate.

If Mike wants to play in one of the biggest playgrounds, SCSU is his best shot in the very near and possibly even long term.

It'll be Arizona State once the arena is built. (Likely once it's started and they have a firm timeline).

 

[MavHockey14]

It'll be Arizona State once the arena is built. (Likely once it's started and they have a firm timeline).

Agreed, and it was ASU the first time around and the lack of an arena/plan firmly in place that left the Mavs outside looking in. (Along with a lack of commitment to the program prior to being left out when the league was formed.)

As I mentioned, the expectation around the program is that in the next 2-4 years, Minnesota State will be an NCHC member. The only thing that would change that, IMHO, is if ASU and the arena fall apart. This was info I was told mid year.

This is why I’m hopeful Hastings stays — however, lots can change in a couple of months, but I’m sure Hastings has a pretty good idea of when MSU will likely be granted entry into the NCHC.

 

[SCSUBlackandRed]

Re: Minnesota State Offseason Thread

It'll be Arizona State once the arena is built. (Likely once it's started and they have a firm timeline).

I knew that they had applied but everything I saw had their arena situation as an utter mess. Guess we'll see if they can get it figured out. Would be another nice excuse to go to Arizona in the winter, not that more is needed.

 

[TalonsUpPuckDown]

Re: Minnesota State Offseason Thread

Agreed, and it was ASU the first time around and the lack of an arena/plan firmly in place that left the Mavs outside looking in. (Along with a lack of commitment to the program prior to being left out when the league was formed.)

Actually, I think it was us that also screwed you, not just ASU. Nacho's asked us to apply right after you did to keep the league even and soothe Western and Miami State and we turned them down. Big increase in travel that our budget couldn't/still can't absorb, no projected increase in revenue to offset, not a good fit for us. Had we proceeded, I think there's a higher probability we both would have received offers.

 

[MavHockey14]

Also, Daniel Brickley is leaving school, and will be choosing between San Jose, Los Angeles, and Detroit.

Brickley has signed with the LA Kings. Per their release, an introductory press conference will be held tomorrow in Salt Lake City.

Happy for Daniel! He earned it, and will get a chance to hop into a great organization right away.