NMU Hockey 2012-2013 Season Thread

[Hatch_man]

Re: NMU Hockey 2012-2013 Season Thread

Condolences to the family of Roger Lewis and the NMU family... We lost a good friend and hockey player this weekend.. RIP my friend.


Roger Lewis, born 1972 in Hancock, played 4 seasons of hockey with Houghton High School where he was chosen team's MVP and was selected for All-State. He played on Team Michigan for the Chicago Showcase. After graduating in 1990, he played one year of Juniors for Northland Voyageurs in Duluth, MN, then 3 seasons with Northern Michigan University 1994-97, then 1 year in the UHL for Saginaw Lumber Kings, then six seasons 1997-2003 in the CHL and WPHL with Memphis, Austin, Amarillo, Lubbock, ElPaso and Corpus Christi.

 

[NMUFAN]

Re: NMU Hockey 2012-2013 Season Thread

Condolences to the family of Roger Lewis and the NMU family... We lost a good friend and hockey player this weekend.. RIP my friend.


Roger Lewis, born 1972 in Hancock, played 4 seasons of hockey with Houghton High School where he was chosen team's MVP and was selected for All-State. He played on Team Michigan for the Chicago Showcase. After graduating in 1990, he played one year of Juniors for Northland Voyageurs in Duluth, MN, then 3 seasons with Northern Michigan University 1994-97, then 1 year in the UHL for Saginaw Lumber Kings, then six seasons 1997-2003 in the CHL and WPHL with Memphis, Austin, Amarillo, Lubbock, ElPaso and Corpus Christi.

The mid-90s were very lean years for NMU hockey. One bright spot I can remember was when the Cats and Tech were playing the fourth and final game of their season series at Lakeview. I can't remember who actually won that game but the series ended up tied so they needed a shootout to decide the Ramada Cup winner. It came down to Northern's final shooter and a goal would win the Cup. Guess who Comley sent out for the shot? None other than Roger Lewis. My cousin and I look at each other thinking, "Roger Lewis?" Well, he scored and the Ramada Cup was NMU's.

Roger's moment in the spotlight was a rare bright spot in a bleak period in Wildcat hockey history.

 

[Flashy Man]

Re: NMU Hockey 2012-2013 Season Thread

I got to know Roger during my time at Sherwin-Williams in Houghton. His family had a painting business and I spent much time helping him and father out. My condolences this family.

 

[Lawson_lunatic27]

Re: NMU Hockey 2012-2013 Season Thread

I don't suppose any of you NMU fans have seen the SCSU thread... you guys didn't just sweep their team, it seems like half the fan base is ready to throw themselves off a cliff. Their fighting with each other about how their lives have been effected by games....wow

I hope the Bronco's don't run into you guys during the playoff's... I might have to put myself on depression meds preemptively...

 

[aparch]

Re: NMU Hockey 2012-2013 Season Thread

I think there were cracks in the foundation of SCSU long before the NMU weekend. NMU was just the water seeping through the cracks that finally annoyed them. That, or they wear their Arctic Cat jackets a few sizes too small cutting off oxygen and blood flow to the brain...


We all expected a bit of a rough season, but I think the struggles against Miami, tOSU, WMU and LSSU really took some wind out of our sails. I don't include the Notre Dame losses, because we rebounded against Michigan (who continues to remain our glass ceiling, we just can't seem to get past them).

Our league standings is a bit misleading. We're a better team than it shows, but we just keep finding ways to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.

Flip the two shootout losses to wins (because we should have held on to the outright win), and we're looking at:
1 Notre Dame 30 pts
2 Miami 28 pts
3 Western Michigan 26
4 Ferris State 22
Ohio State 22
6 Lake Superior 21
7 Northern Michigan 16
Alaska 16
9 Michigan 14
10 Michigan State 13
Bowling Green 13


Which is much more reflective of where this team is.

 

[aygwm2]

Re: NMU Hockey 2012-2013 Season Thread

Two articles on Mitch Jones @ the MiningJournal.net:

Northern-Michigan-defenseman-Mitch-Jones-brings-size--strength-to-center-position

and

Forward-is-not-a-foreign-position-to-Northern-Michigan-defenseman-Mitch-Jones-in-lacrosse

We're a better team than it shows, but we just keep finding ways to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.

I agree. I think the second half will be different (hopefully); and, of course, this weekend against Miami at the BEC on the "big ice" will be telling. We played them pretty tough down there in November (a tie in the 2nd game 2 - 2). I'll be watching...

 

[aygwm2]

Re: NMU Hockey 2012-2013 Season Thread

*Bump*

Took this quote from the Miami @ NMU thread; hope you don't mind.

A win and a tie isn't terrible after the rocky stretch. Would have liked the SOW just for the league points, but alas. Tie was hard fought after letting Miami score three before the 'Cats finally answered back. Now we need to get the same results (or better) against tOSU.


NMU improves to:
New WCHA: 2-2-1
B1G: 3-2-1
NCHC: 4-4-2
Hockey East: 0-2-0

Remaining:
New WCHA: 9 games
B1G: 4 games

I think the next home series against tOSU (1/18-19 and Ferris (2/8-9) along with the trip to UAF (1/25-26) will tell us if this recent four game swing (3-0-1) has been for real.

Last nights game was weird, because just before Miami scored their 3 unanswered goals I was thinking how good NMU was looking controlling the puck, stopping Miami in the neutral zone, getting shots on goal, Coreau making great saves, clearing rebounds, etc. And then it all turned around for awhile, but we were fortunate enough to have Daugherty get that short-handed goal. As aparch said above "we just keep finding ways to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory," instead we ended up with a tie and one lonely point to keep us out of the basement. A four point weekend was a start in the right direction.

Whether Miami was just flat this weekend or not, I think the 'Cats can play well against most teams. I'd like to see them do the same against tOSU. And, in the nine games we have against future nWCHA opponents, it would be nice to see a strong finish against UAF, FSU, Tech, BGSU, and LSSU. I think these guys are capable and that they've come together a little better than in the first half. But, still, wait and see, lots of hockey to go, many points needed.

Does the "Big Ice" really help us and hinder those who aren't as familiar with the larger surface?

Edit: And by the way, after last night, I'm officially on record as being against the shootout.

 

[NMUFAN]

Re: NMU Hockey 2012-2013 Season Thread

I've personally never liked the shootout in college hockey. I know Walt doesn't like it either. But is there a chance it could be implemented in the nWCHA with the CCHA schools outnumbering WCHA schools?


God I hope not.

 

[noremorse1]

I've personally never liked the shootout in college hockey. I know Walt doesn't like it either. But is there a chance it could be implemented in the nWCHA with the CCHA schools outnumbering WCHA schools?


God I hope not.

I was under the impression that most people dislike it. It was pushed by the ****** former head of the CCHA, now coach of Michigan State. You know, the ******* who sold out the CCHA? I would be suprised if anyone else adopts it.

 

[davyd83]

I was under the impression that most people dislike it. It was pushed by the ****** former head of the CCHA, now coach of Michigan State. You know, the ******* who sold out the CCHA? I would be suprised if anyone else adopts it.

I'm curious, just how did the former commish "sell out" the CCHA?

 

[noremorse1]

I'm curious, just how did the former commish "sell out" the CCHA?

I will assume you are trolling me here as there has been wide discussion/speculation on this forum about Tom Anastos and the end of the CCHA. Many find it odd how it all happened how and when it did. There were even a few articles about it...
This blog comes to mind:
http://www.uscho.com/ccha-blog/2011/03/23/the-hiring-of-anastos-is-an-interesting-turn-of-events/

Also, and more minor... many do not like the Shootout. I am guessing that you, as a broadcaster, enjoy it as it makes for "excitement". Well, Anastos pushed for it. The CCHA is the only one with it. It brings a huge element of the NHL to College. I dont like that either.

 

[davyd83]

Re: NMU Hockey 2012-2013 Season Thread

I will assume you are trolling me here as there has been wide discussion/speculation on this forum about Tom Anastos and the end of the CCHA. Many find it odd how it all happened how and when it did. There were even a few articles about it...
This blog comes to mind:
http://www.uscho.com/ccha-blog/2011/03/23/the-hiring-of-anastos-is-an-interesting-turn-of-events/

Also, and more minor... many do not like the Shootout. I am guessing that you, as a broadcaster, enjoy it as it makes for "excitement". Well, Anastos pushed for it. The CCHA is the only one with it. It brings a huge element of the NHL to College. I dont like that either.

You have to realize that once Penn State announced NCAA D-I hockey, the Big Ten was going to add the sport. Not Tom Anastos, Bruce McLeod or Gordie Howe could stop that. Your linked article is nothing more than Paula Weston's opinion, and the opinions expressed by many fans are from people who have nothing more than a few news articles or opinion pieces as info. Do the smaller schools often feel a little left out or overlooked by the league office? Sure. But from a business perspective, Michigan, Michigan State and Notre Dame are by far the most marketable brands in the league. They are the ones who put people in the seats at the Joe. They are the ones who draw viewers to FSN. Put an NMU-Ferris game, or Lake Superior-Bowling Green on FSN and see what kind of rating and advertiser support you get. Sell out? Maybe. In a perfect hockey world, all schools would have the same number of TV appearances. But that doesn't work in the real world. The CCHA achieved far greater exposure under Anastos than under any previous regime. He's a smart businessman and a good promoter. As for taking the job at State, would you turn down a chance to double your salary and work doing something you love at a place you love? Once the Big Ten was announced, the CCHA as we know it was history. Why would he turn down such an opportunity. It certainly guarantees him a job next year, whereas staying in the commish seat did not. As for the shootout, every league but the NCAA (CCHA being the exception there) uses it. The Canadian juniors, Major Junior, USHL, NAHL and every pro league in the world. Personally, I have mixed feelings about it. I can live with it as long as it's not used in the playoffs. I'd hate to see a championship decided by one like in the Lillehamer Olympics when Sweden won the Gold in a shootout over Canada (By the way, Sweden scored the tying Power Play goal late in regulation while former NMU Wildcat Brad Werenka was sitting in the Canadian Penalty Box). Do I have differences with some of Anastos moves? Certainly. We've had a few disagreements over the years. But I do think he's done a pretty good job growing and building the league during his tenure.

 

[aparch]

Re: NMU Hockey 2012-2013 Season Thread

Dave, you're letting recent accomplishments cloud your memory. Notre Dame has only been relevant to the CCHA since 2008. They
had some pretty lean years before that.

The league has always been Michigan/Michigan State because of the marketing and attention drawn to the league. It's like ESPN only cherry picking the Yankees/Red Sox games. There is a point where youu get oversaturated and crave other teams.


Where I blame Anastos is in the long term protection of the league. More effort needed to be given to the rest of the teams on the website, on marketing materials, etc. Sure Michigan/MSU is a quick buck, but there was no long term investment. That was realized fairly quickly when the B1G schools made their announcement and Notre Dame and Miami, the would have been new marketing golden geese, flat out told the CCHA they didn't want a part of the league.

That's where I blame Anastos: he certainly was a good businessman for the current, but didn't plan for the future.

 

[davyd83]

Re: NMU Hockey 2012-2013 Season Thread

Dave, you're letting recent accomplishments cloud your memory. Notre Dame has only been relevant to the CCHA since 2008. They
had some pretty lean years before that.

The league has always been Michigan/Michigan State because of the marketing and attention drawn to the league. It's like ESPN only cherry picking the Yankees/Red Sox games. There is a point where youu get oversaturated and crave other teams.


Where I blame Anastos is in the long term protection of the league. More effort needed to be given to the rest of the teams on the website, on marketing materials, etc. Sure Michigan/MSU is a quick buck, but there was no long term investment. That was realized fairly quickly when the B1G schools made their announcement and Notre Dame and Miami, the would have been new marketing golden geese, flat out told the CCHA they didn't want a part of the league.

That's where I blame Anastos: he certainly was a good businessman for the current, but didn't plan for the future.

I'm well aware of Notre Dame's team "relevance." And actually they won 32 games in -06-07 and made the tourney in 03-04. Whether the team was always top notch is one thing. The Notre Dame brand has always been relevant.

 

[aygwm2]

Re: NMU Hockey 2012-2013 Season Thread

Kind of sorry I mentioned the shootout in my post (below or above) that devolved into an analysis of the Anastos CCHA tenure.

What I really wanted to know is what you all think of NMU's chances going forward against the 5 remaining nWCHA opponents and the 2 B1G foes.

I think if we can sustain and build on what we've seen in the past four games things are looking up. We haven't performed very well against tOSU of late (though on the road), so I'm hoping the 'cats can turn it around against the bugeyes this weekend at home.

After this weekend it's UAF, idle, FSU, Tech, Sparty, BG, and LSSU.

Also, I figure you've had this conversation before, but how much advantage does it give NMU when they play on the 200 x 100 sheet? Do you think it does give them an edge and consequently hinder them when they play on the smaller ice surfaces? How many other CCHA or WCHA teams play on the "big ice." Just curious.

 

[davyd83]

Re: NMU Hockey 2012-2013 Season Thread

Kind of sorry I mentioned the shootout in my post (below or above) that devolved into an analysis of the Anastos CCHA tenure.

What I really wanted to know is what you all think of NMU's chances going forward against the 5 remaining nWCHA opponents and the 2 B1G foes.

I think if we can sustain and build on what we've seen in the past four games things are looking up. We haven't performed very well against tOSU of late (though on the road), so I'm hoping the 'cats can turn it around against the bugeyes this weekend at home.

After this weekend it's UAF, idle, FSU, Tech, Sparty, BG, and LSSU.

Also, I figure you've had this conversation before, but how much advantage does it give NMU when they play on the 200 x 100 sheet? Do you think it does give them an edge and consequently hinder them when they play on the smaller ice surfaces? How many other CCHA or WCHA teams play on the "big ice." Just curious.

If the team doesn't get bit by the injury bug like it did in the first half (we were without 5 of our top 9 forwards for the OSU series in Columbus), get strong goaltending and continue to play up to our capabilities, the sky's the limit, but lose a Thurber, Seckel, Daugherty, Vigier, MacAulay or Ludwig, or Coreau for any period of time and it could be quite difficult. As far as the size of the ice surface, I think the team plays better on the bigger sheet. In the CCHA, Fairbanks has big ice, Notre Dame has a 90' wide sheet and all the rest are regulation 200x85. In the current WCHA, six of the 12 schools have Olympic sheets. Minnesota, Wisconsin, St Cloud, Colorado College will leave the league at the end of the year, while Anchorage and Mankato will remain. As for NMU refiguring the surface to a regulation sheet, that would be very costly to do, so I think there is very little chance that happens.

 

[noremorse1]

Kind of sorry I mentioned the shootout in my post (below or above) that devolved into an analysis of the Anastos CCHA tenure.

What I really wanted to know is what you all think of NMU's chances going forward against the 5 remaining nWCHA opponents and the 2 B1G foes.

I think if we can sustain and build on what we've seen in the past four games things are looking up. We haven't performed very well against tOSU of late (though on the road), so I'm hoping the 'cats can turn it around against the bugeyes this weekend at home.

After this weekend it's UAF, idle, FSU, Tech, Sparty, BG, and LSSU.

Also, I figure you've had this conversation before, but how much advantage does it give NMU when they play on the 200 x 100 sheet? Do you think it does give them an edge and consequently hinder them when they play on the smaller ice surfaces? How many other CCHA or WCHA teams play on the "big ice." Just curious.

From my own experience... you get acustomed to the ice you train on. When a small sheet team comes to town, we have an advantage. Just like.in wrestling, where you develop mat awareness, a player anticipates the width and length when being pushed back against the boards. It is not huge... but it matters IMO.

I know SCSU has big ice. Although the announcers from.there kept saying how hard it must have been for us skating on it. They thought we had a small sheet.

 

[WMU_Flyboy]

Re: NMU Hockey 2012-2013 Season Thread

They are the ones who put people in the seats at the Joe. They are the ones who draw viewers to FSN.

I think WMU will disagree with you about putting butts in the seats. The past two years, the WMU contingent at the Joe has been extremely significant, outnumbering that of any other school in attendance.

 

[davyd83]

Re: NMU Hockey 2012-2013 Season Thread

I think WMU will disagree with you about putting butts in the seats. The past two years, the WMU contingent at the Joe has been extremely significant, outnumbering that of any other school in attendance.

That's the past two years. Where were they the rest of the time? The WMU crowds were very good the past two seasons for sure, and it was great that they were rewarded with a win. NMU has also put some nice crowds there as well at times. but over the course of the tourney at the Joe, which schools have put the most butts in the seats for the event?

 

[noremorse1]

That's the past two years. Where were they the rest of the time? The WMU crowds were very good the past two seasons for sure, and it was great that they were rewarded with a win. NMU has also put some nice crowds there as well at times. but over the course of the tourney at the Joe, which schools have put the most butts in the seats for the event?

The two teams that are closest to the stadium.