Re: MN Golden Gopher 2010 Offseason Thread
So you ignore the fact that AT LEAST 3-4 current Gophers have varying levels of dislike for the kid and a player that they were recruiting went somewhere else because he and Walters had a beef? That is all fine and dandy because you are a fan of his and he put up a bunch of points?
Is it 3 or 4?
Where did you get this information? How valid is it? I'd like to see the information on this small sample qualitative research you've done. Until then it's just your opinion. Do you have any evidence to refute the validity of the following source document?:
Minnesota met with Walters on Friday and told him not only was he going back to the USHL for another season but they wanted him to change his style of play. They wanted him to stop being "chirpy" and an agitator and more of a pure scorer. The source told me that he was willing to change his game for the coaches, "but it was like they were just coming up with one more thing because he met all the goals maybe they thought he wouldn't."
When asked if high school players that were brought in early affected his decision Walters said, "I'm happy that those guys are Gophers, they are my friends and they deserve everything they have been given."
The source I talked to this afternoon talked about the Gophers recruiting strategies, telling me that not one of the Gopher coaches called Ryan to congratulate him on being a USHL All-Star or for the season that he had. The source also said, "Minnesota was at several games at the end of the season but not once did they stay after to say hi while other schools were talking to their guys." Retrieved from
http://noalibisnoregrets.blogspot.com/2010/04/ryan-walters-de-commits-from-minnesota.html
No one seems to have a problem with "Papa Chirp" as "chirpy" and an agitator:
"He likes to talk -- to everyone," said junior defenseman Kevin Wehrs, a USHL teammate of Cepis' for two seasons at Cedar Rapids, Iowa. "It is part of his personality, and he does like to stir things up. He is good at that.
"He draws a lot of penalties, especially with his mouth. He likes to get under [someone's] skin. He doesn't leave them alone. He is like your little brother. Sooner or later you are going to snap at him." At Cedar Rapids, Wehrs said half of Cepis' teammates wanted to fight him after practice. "But then, after the day, they were best buddies with him," Wehrs said. Retrieved from
http://www.startribune.com/sports/gophers/80486582.html?page=1&c=y
Lastly I'd like to comment on the style and substance of your remarks to me personally. It's seems childish and presumptuous of you to assume that it's all "fine and dandy" with me until you've interacted with me on the validity of your research and I've given you my assessment. However, by the looks of your ego defense mechanisms, I have my doubts whether you even want it anyway.
BTW there was no misrepresentation about anything...as I said on GPL I find it rather hard to believe that I knew he was most likely going to play another year in the USHL and he and his daddy didn't. Maybe now he can finally join the WHL like he was hinting at when he committed and then he can disappear there like he will in the WCHA.
You stated previously, "Second, that isnt the reason he isnt coming that is just what is said publically". If that is true, it is an unethical misrepresentation or concealment with reference to the reported fact with knowledge of its falsity or in reckless disregard of its truth. However, you seem to be confused, as your statements above seem to indicate that the coaches assessment of Walters is true.
Did it ever occur to you that the Walters family had a different perspective than yours and most likely more accurate? Moreover, the condescending and arrogant manner in which maliciously project a dismal hockey career for an 18 year old hockey player with visions and dreams, ironically tells me a little bit about your own lack of character. You might want to work on that because it's pathetic and reflects a level of immaturity.
I would rather have the lower scoring player who doesnt cause issues and doesnt have Jimmy O'Brien syndrome...if you wouldnt fine. I hope I dont see you decrying the teams chemistry next season because you seem to not think that is important at all.
You have the same right to self-determination as I have. Once again you are being presumptuous regarding my understanding of whether team chemistry is important or not. I ask you once again not to make any assumptions in response to my posts unless you have taken sufficient time to get to know my opinion on it.
Personally I don't see Ryan Walters as a loose cannon. He consulted with his father and family as a first level of accountability, discussed his options and gave no indication in the blog article that he was insubordinate or cocky in his response to what was obviously disappointing news. By the way, assuming Walters may be a problem in the future without sufficient evidence is a post hoc fallacy.
In summary, I think the Gophers lost a very good recruit here who has a lot of offensive and defensive potential. The tragic part of it is he waited three years to play, excelled at his position as instructed by the Gopher coaching staff and was led to believe he was coming in next season.
Furthermore, if the source document above is correct in explaining the lack of concern and communication by the Gopher coaching staff towards Ryan Walters in the past, it does not reflect the kind of sensitive professionalism that is a required of good recruiting strategies and coaching at the University of Minnesota.
