Re: NBC/Versus deal with College Hockey
Can't wait!
Who cares in three years the rivalry will be a distant memory. We all move on.
Can't wait!
Who cares in three years the rivalry will be a distant memory. We all move on.
So, you get December 9th, 10th, and 16th where it's just DII and FCS.
I've been seeing a lot more Union on TWCS. I do realize that schools need to pay for the production truck, however if it were a regional sports network catering to ALL areas on the broadcast then there should be more of an effort to to try and include them in coverage.
I'm not talking about History, since every keeps telling me I can't talk about history...I'm talking about how there are plenty of programs that are surpassing Minnesota NOW, in the present. Minnesota is no longer the "Pride on Ice" They have been falling off significantly for 4 seasons now. They are getting surpassed by a school like Minnesota-Duluth. They are definitely currently behind North Dakota, Wisconsin and Denver. Colorado College certainly seems to be doing better of late and is expected to be top 3 this year. Minnesota is producing the championship caliber teams it was in the early part of the last decade. This isn't about a Michigan Tech fan saying Minnesota sucks, this is about pointing out the reality that Minnesota is slipping while other programs jump ahead of them in caliber on the ice. If UMD gets some consistency, they most certainly will be the best program in Minnesota. Its pretty obvious to this outside observer.
Im sure at some point they will reemerge as the premiere program they were but right now they are headed in the wrong direction and it doesn't appear to be getting better yet. Lucia has not been able to adapt to all the turnover like some of the other coaches have.
I agree that Guentzel should improve the defense, but should is the key word there. There is no doubt that Minnesota as a program is in great shape to be able to right the ship quickly if they figure it out. I just don't know when that will happen. I wouldn't be surprised if it takes a new head coach to do it like it did with Herb Brooks.Lucia has been slow to react, but that doesn't mean he hasn't reacted. Look at their incoming freshmen. Kyle Rau, Travis Boyd, Ben Marshall and upcoming recuits like Justin Kloos, etc... All talented players that have less than prototypical NHL size. I think he finally understands that you need a blend the 1-2 year studs and the 3-4 year team guys to be successful.
And you forget, the Gophers are always one great recruiting class away from being something special. That's one of the benefits of being the Gophers. What would your thoughts be if they landed commitments from Cammarata and Fasching? Not to mention, with Guentzel back, not only do I EXPECT our defensemen to play better, but I anticipate that we will be even better positioned to land high quality defensive recruits.
I agree that Guentzel should improve the defense, but should is the key word there. There is no doubt that Minnesota as a program is in great shape to be able to right the ship quickly if they figure it out. I just don't know when that will happen. I wouldn't be surprised if it takes a new head coach to do it like it did with Herb Brooks.
Lucia has been slow to react, but that doesn't mean he hasn't reacted. Look at their incoming freshmen. Kyle Rau, Travis Boyd, Ben Marshall and upcoming recuits like Justin Kloos, etc... All talented players that have less than prototypical NHL size. I think he finally understands that you need a blend the 1-2 year studs and the 3-4 year team guys to be successful.
And you forget, the Gophers are always one great recruiting class away from being something special. That's one of the benefits of being the Gophers. What would your thoughts be if they landed commitments from Cammarata and Fasching? Not to mention, with Guentzel back, not only do I EXPECT our defensemen to play better, but I anticipate that we will be even better positioned to land high quality defensive recruits.
Has anybody heard/seen anything new on this? I can't find anything with a date after August 5th. For "close to a deal", it's been awfully quiet on this front.
Havent heard much but back on Aug. 9th Stephan Curran from Kicksave Consulting sent out a tweet that said:Has anybody heard/seen anything new on this? I can't find anything with a date after August 5th. For "close to a deal", it's been awfully quiet on this front.
Lots written re Versus and college hockey. Initial package will be small, but exp in 76 mil homes and synergy with NHL games very positive.
Getting calls from pxp and analysts re Versus. No word yet on who they'll use, but plenty of on-air talent exp in college hockey available.
Look back at the last few draft years and we will see the talent of the state of Minnesota has had some down years. IMO, that is one of the reasons why Lucia hasn't been recruiting potential first and second round draft picks.
Havent heard much but back on Aug. 9th Stephan Curran from Kicksave Consulting sent out a tweet that said:
Then on Aug 14 sent out another tweet:
Does anybody have any idea what the hold up is? I mean if it is true Hockey east is a no go why is Notre Dame waiting to announce? There is no way they are staying in the CCHA.
No point in rushing the decision. Though I imagine this wait must be nerve raking to WMU fans.
ND basically has the option to do whatever they want. They are doing the smart thing and doing research into all of their options and making an informed decision about how their conference alignment will fit in with their program. No point in rushing the decision. Though I imagine this wait must be nerve raking to WMU fans.
What has changed at WMU?... they have several near last place finishes, improved last year to 10-9-9 in the CCHA with a new coach--- and then lost their coach this year. Lets put them on equal terms with the rest of the CCHA should they remainThis whole situation seems like a win-win for WMU. Either they jump into the NCHC and benefit from the exposure, or they stay in the CCHA and get into the NCAA tournament most years.
They should look to get local and/or league-specific talents, similar to what Time Warner does in the ECAC.