NMU Wildcats 2014-2015

[noremorse1]

Agreed. With everything that took place since the start of December, injuries, sickness, things made public, things dragged into public, and things none of us will be made aware of, this team still was fighting for home ice on the final weekend.

I haven't been happy with the results, but this team (and Dave, correct me if I'm wrong) has never given up yet this season. There hasn't been quit that I've seen in any of these guys.

A lot of that has to do with Walt getting these guys ready.

Not only have the Cats battled injuries in the second half of the season, they also had some tough opponents. Many of their series were against Nationally ranked opponents. The upset they pulled in sweeping BGSU on the road was my highlight of the season outside of watching them sweep Wisconsin in Green Bay in person.

Also, Doan has been getting a lot of experience and playing extremely well.

 

[WildcatFan2013]

Re: NMU Wildcats 2014-2015

Not only have the Cats battled injuries in the second half of the season, they also had some tough opponents. Many of their series were against Nationally ranked opponents. The upset they pulled in sweeping BGSU on the road was my highlight of the season outside of watching them sweep Wisconsin in Green Bay in person.

Also, Doan has been getting a lot of experience and playing extremely well.

That's the annual mantra of the Wildcat hockey program the last many years...excuses, excuses, excuses. Every team plays games, has injuries, tough opponents. Has it gotten this sad that we accept finishing 7th, ahead of Huntsville, Lake State and Anchorage? I ain't happy one **** bit.

 

[John J. MacInnes]

Re: NMU Wildcats 2014-2015

Congratulations to Brock Maschmeyer, named to the all-WCHA Third Team.

 

[NMUFAN]

Congratulations to Brock Maschmeyer, named to the all-WCHA Third Team.

He still has two years left, too.

 

[sisu458]

Re: NMU Wildcats 2014-2015

That's the annual mantra of the Wildcat hockey program the last many years...excuses, excuses, excuses. Every team plays games, has injuries, tough opponents. Has it gotten this sad that we accept finishing 7th, ahead of Huntsville, Lake State and Anchorage? I ain't happy one **** bit.

Another heart breaker. BGSU and Alabama Huntsville were on the verge of cutting their programs only a few years ago. That probably did not do wonders for recruiting. As happy as I am that those programs are still around, and doing well for their fans, why is it that Northern can't build momentum institutionally? For years now NMU has valiantly played up to their opponents, but frustratingly played down to them as well. I'm tired of excuses and misplaced optimism as well. Just get it done Walt. An upset in this series would cheer me up, slightly. Remember the projections of running roughshod in the WCHA? That should still be the standard of expectation long term in MQT.

 

[Pure Mel]

Re: NMU Wildcats 2014-2015

He still has two years left, too.

Unless he moves up and out!

 

[davyd83]

Another heart breaker. BGSU and Alabama Huntsville were on the verge of cutting their programs only a few years ago. That probably did not do wonders for recruiting. As happy as I am that those programs are still around, and doing well for their fans, why is it that Northern can't build momentum institutionally? For years now NMU has valiantly played up to their opponents, but frustratingly played down to them as well. I'm tired of excuses and misplaced optimism as well. Just get it done Walt. An upset in this series would cheer me up, slightly. Remember the projections of running roughshod in the WCHA? That should still be the standard of expectation long term in MQT.

Who predicted "running roughshod" over the WCHA? I've never heard any such thing from any player, staff or anyone from any of the teams from the old CCHA, no players, no coaches, no one.

 

[aparch]

Re: NMU Wildcats 2014-2015

Don't want to start the offseason thread quite yet...

Witnessed the season ending game at BGSU. Saw heart and hustle from kids who knew it was an elimination game. Still fought for the puck. Still tried to get short-handed opportunities.

Sure a couple guys lost their temper with five minutes to go. But at the end, both teams did the customary handshake and the two people who shared the biggest laugh and hugs during the handshakes were Seckel and Burke (who collided with each other in the final minute).

But back to the heart and hustle, there are minor professional teams vying for playoff spots that don't show as much care, hustle, and heart as those Cats did this weekend.

They may not have won, but I'm still proud to be a Wildcat.


Any issues I have are with those above the coaching staffs paygrade. Walt, John, and Rob had these guys ready. The PK has been especially fun to watch.

 

[eye4talent]

Re: NMU Wildcats 2014-2015

Don't want to start the offseason thread quite yet...

Witnessed the season ending game at BGSU. Saw heart and hustle from kids who knew it was an elimination game. Still fought for the puck. Still tried to get short-handed opportunities.

Sure a couple guys lost their temper with five minutes to go. But at the end, both teams did the customary handshake and the two people who shared the biggest laugh and hugs during the handshakes were Seckel and Burke (who collided with each other in the final minute).

But back to the heart and hustle, there are minor professional teams vying for playoff spots that don't show as much care, hustle, and heart as those Cats did this weekend.

They may not have won, but I'm still proud to be a Wildcat.


Any issues I have are with those above the coaching staffs paygrade. Walt, John, and Rob had these guys ready. The PK has been especially fun to watch.

What's the issue in Marquette? Isn't Carr a hockey guy? When are they going to get serious about being a D1 program? They need to get serious about recruiting. Is it a money issue?

 

[purpleinnebraska]

Re: NMU Wildcats 2014-2015

Who predicted "running roughshod" over the WCHA? I've never heard any such thing from any player, staff or anyone from any of the teams from the old CCHA, no players, no coaches, no one.

I'd agree with you on the players, coaches, etc., but I think the fans of pretty much every fan base were thinking that. I don't know if any of the old threads are available, but I think with the exception of UAH, everyone posting on here was convinced that his/her team was going to be hoisting the Broadmoor in 2014, or 2015 at the latest. Everyone seemed to think, "We got the dregs of that other conference, plus teams from our own that we can beat! Here we go!"

Fortunately, the hockey turned out to be way better than we anticipated. If you're good, you can compete. If you aren't, you better step it up. Same as in the old conferences. And I think the schools are adjusting to that reality. Last year, our non-con record was terrible. This year, WCHA teams managed to win several games against old rivals and former WCHA and CCHA conference standard bearers. In spite of some teams' all-time greats graduating or turning pro early this spring, I think it's going to be an even better conference next year, at least as far as top-to-bottom. We may not have 3 in the top 9 Pairwise next year, but I'm betting that 4-10 in next year's WCHA will be even better than they were this year.

So the fans who still think they should be running roughshod over these misfits need to adjust their thinking. If you can't beat Michigan, there's no reason to think you should beat Michigan Tech. If you can't beat Minnesota, there's no reason to think you should beat Minnesota State. And so on...

 

[aparch]

Re: NMU Wildcats 2014-2015

Eye4talent: Karr said all the right things during his public interview, but hasn't acted upon that list.

Also said he was going to work with the community to strengthen relationships, again nothing.

As for financials, I'm not privy to them, but last I heard (prior to the WCHA move), the budget for recruiting, equipment, etc. was still at 2002 levels. And, businesses must donate to the athletic department as a whole, not to a particular sport. So any fundraising the hockey program does, they see a fraction of that in return.

Things might have changed since I last heard. I am eight hours removed from campus. But, as an "outsider" seeing the game Saturday night, the coach isn't the problem.

 

[BGFan]

Re: NMU Wildcats 2014-2015

Eye4talent: Karr said all the right things during his public interview, but hasn't acted upon that list.

Also said he was going to work with the community to strengthen relationships, again nothing.

As for financials, I'm not privy to them, but last I heard (prior to the WCHA move), the budget for recruiting, equipment, etc. was still at 2002 levels. And, businesses must donate to the athletic department as a whole, not to a particular sport. So any fundraising the hockey program does, they see a fraction of that in return.

Things might have changed since I last heard. I am eight hours removed from campus. But, as an "outsider" seeing the game Saturday night, the coach isn't the problem.

They tried that trick at BG and almost blew their relationship with the likes of Rob Blake, et. al., when it came to donations to the program. Especially when said donors found out that they were lied to by being told that the donations would go to the program and, instead, they went into the general fund. All of this became public knowledge when they were threatening to shut down the program. Needless to say, the department changed their policy and we've slowly been rebuilding the relationships with those former players.

 

[eye4talent]

Re: NMU Wildcats 2014-2015

Eye4talent: Karr said all the right things during his public interview, but hasn't acted upon that list.

Also said he was going to work with the community to strengthen relationships, again nothing.

As for financials, I'm not privy to them, but last I heard (prior to the WCHA move), the budget for recruiting, equipment, etc. was still at 2002 levels. And, businesses must donate to the athletic department as a whole, not to a particular sport. So any fundraising the hockey program does, they see a fraction of that in return.

Things might have changed since I last heard. I am eight hours removed from campus. But, as an "outsider" seeing the game Saturday night, the coach isn't the problem.

The Alumni need to speak up. Let yourself be heard. Squeaky wheel gets the grease. Take it from a Tech fan, you don't want to end up like we did for 30 years.

 

[Hockey John]

Re: NMU Wildcats 2014-2015

PurpleinNebraska,

You mention the feeling that you perceived that the fan bases of the old CCHA looked down on the WCHA. I believe that perception went both ways. I still see from a few old WCHA fans that they look down on the CCHA "dregs" as you used that term. Let's face it. You would like the old WCHA back and I would like the old CCHA back. But, we have the new WCHA so let's make the best of it. It appears that many of the programs have. With that said. Good luck to your team, except when playing BG.

 

[purpleinnebraska]

Re: NMU Wildcats 2014-2015

PurpleinNebraska,

You mention the feeling that you perceived that the fan bases of the old CCHA looked down on the WCHA. I believe that perception went both ways. I still see from a few old WCHA fans that they look down on the CCHA "dregs" as you used that term. Let's face it. You would like the old WCHA back and I would like the old CCHA back. But, we have the new WCHA so let's make the best of it. It appears that many of the programs have. With that said. Good luck to your team, except when playing BG.

Oh, I agree with you completely, and I'm sorry I didn't write my post better to make that clear. We thought we were gonna roll over everybody, BSU fans posting here thought they were going to win, UAA fans who post here thought that 2014 was going to be their year...9 of 10 fan bases posting here (again, exempting Huntsville) were convinced they'd have home ice in the playoffs in perpetuity. Part of that is likely just the perpetual "Wait 'Til Next Year!" attitudes of sports fans, but I think a lot of it was driven by the unrealistic expectations of fans thinking that their fortunes were going to suddenly improve because of the new conference.

I do think that, for most, those times have passed. I think everyone realizes that any road wins in this conference are well earned.

 

[NMUFAN]

Re: NMU Wildcats 2014-2015

Eye4talent: Karr said all the right things during his public interview, but hasn't acted upon that list.

Also said he was going to work with the community to strengthen relationships, again nothing.

As for financials, I'm not privy to them, but last I heard (prior to the WCHA move), the budget for recruiting, equipment, etc. was still at 2002 levels. And, businesses must donate to the athletic department as a whole, not to a particular sport. So any fundraising the hockey program does, they see a fraction of that in return.

Things might have changed since I last heard. I am eight hours removed from campus. But, as an "outsider" seeing the game Saturday night, the coach isn't the problem.

While I agree with you whole-heartedly that coaching isn't the problem, I'd have to disagree that Karr is at fault.

Since he's been here the school has added 4 varsity sports. Women's golf and men's swimming and diving start next season while women's lacrosse and men's soccer start in 16-17. He was able to secure funding from area businesses to purchase a video board for the badly outdated scoreboard in the dome. This year they actually had frequent television ads promoting home athletic events. Last year and this year there were questionnaires for people to fill out at a couple hockey games asking for input on ticket prices, concession options and overall fan experience at the Berry. I also received an Email with that questionnaire. At the beginning of this season all season ticket holders received Wildcat pint glasses as a thank you. I've been a season ticket holder for 26 seasons and that's the first token of thanks I've seen. On different occasions Walt has mentioned Karr by name as being instrumental in freeing up some funds for travel expenses and what not. From my view I've seen a big difference from Karr and the previous AD. More has been done in the last couple of years than in the previous ten years. And as far as I can tell, with a similar budget.

 

[aygwm2]

Re: NMU Wildcats 2014-2015

I'm well removed from what's going on in Marquette, on and off campus. All I see is the results of the last five seasons, since the teams last NCAA bid in the 2009-2010 season (20-13-8), and it has not been that great.

2010-2011: Overall 15-19-5 Conf. 12-13-3
2011-2012: Overall 17-14-6 Conf. 11-11-6
2012-2013: Overall 15-19-4 Conf. 9-15-4
2013-2014: Overall 15-21-2 Conf. 13-14-1
2014-2015: Overall 14-18-6 Conf. 11-13-4

We all know what the postseason outcome has been during those five seasons.

The reason for problems in any program usually add up to more than one. So, it's never just the coach, the players, administration, fans, money, etc, etc.--it's a combination of everything. We all know this. And, of course, I don't have any solutions to whatever the problem(s), big or small, are with the hockey program at NMU.

After the good start and then the mediocre record (7-17-4) after a 1-0 win on Nov 21 against AA, I gradually lost some interest. I kept track of the 'Cats; I just didn't watch much. (The less than average WCHA.tv streaming didn't help matters.) And, of course, Dahlstrom being hurt much of the season did not help--I understand that.

I have no suggestions or answers really. The 'Cats are always competitive. I simply hope they can find the chemistry between coaches, players, administration, fans and money to get beyond the results they've had over the last five years. The 2009-2010 season is becoming a faint memory.

 

[PerkyforPrez]

Re: NMU Wildcats 2014-2015

I can't comment on Forrest Karr because I really don't know much about him other than the fan opinions from his previous job.

As for Walt Kyle I think he's a heck of a coach and a heck of a man. I think his staff has brought in some pretty good players through the years. Olver comes to mind in the ccha he was probably the best forward in the conference that included all them big schools. This is the opinion from an unbiased Laker fan.

 

[dankthetank]

Re: NMU Wildcats 2014-2015

I can't comment on Forrest Karr because I really don't know much about him other than the fan opinions from his previous job.

He likes to try and steal your dip net fishing spot during the salmon run in Alaska, and then act like you should be ok with it because you're blessed enough for him to know you're name. That story alone should be enough to make a decision on whether or not you like Karr. Let us not forget how the scandal at UA_ happened under his watch, yet no one at Northern seems to care. If he ever actually put his JD to use he'd be an ambulance chaser. Good thing they have a video board in the dome though for the 6 games a year it gets used rather than 42 games a year it would have been used in the BEC. It was surely a sound investment of limited athletic department funds.

 

[NMUFAN]

He likes to try and steal your dip net fishing spot during the salmon run in Alaska, and then act like you should be ok with it because you're blessed enough for him to know you're name. That story alone should be enough to make a decision on whether or not you like Karr. Let us not forget how the scandal at UA_ happened under his watch, yet no one at Northern seems to care. If he ever actually put his JD to use he'd be an ambulance chaser. Good thing they have a video board in the dome though for the 6 games a year it gets used rather than 42 games a year it would have been used in the BEC. It was surely a sound investment of limited athletic department funds.

More people from throughout the U.P. attend various events at the dome than NMU hockey and basketball at the Berry. Most of the funding for that video board came from local businesses. I'm sure it was a little more palatable for those businesses to foot the bill on an board that will be seen by many more people. It can act as a huge billboard for those companies. Early on Karr said he wanted to see and would work on getting new video boards in both the dome and the Berry. But he also cautioned it would take time.

I thought I had heard MTU'S video board was mostly paid for by alumni and boosters. Unfortunately, I don't see NMU'S alumni and boosters being able to do the same. And going back to the same limited business base so soon after securing funding for one board probably won't produce positive results. At least the athletic program seems to be actively moving forward now after many years of stagnation.