In defense of the 7-17-4 finish, how many wins can be expected with the #1 goalies, leading scorer and 2 of the top 4 D all missing 15+ games at the same time. For some games they didn't even have enough players to dress a full lineup. Nearly 150 man games missed to injury, many to key players for long periods of time. And players were playing hurt. For the last month and a half of the season, it was unusual to have as many as 15 of the 25 skaters on the roster dressed. Some will say it's no excuse, but take the top 1/3 of producers out of your job site, have another 1/3 working at reduced capacity and replace the one who can't work with inexperienced individuals, and tell me your production level will be the same.
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NMU Wildcats 2014-2015
- Thread starter NMUFAN
- Start date
aparch
Well-known member
Thank you very much for this. Being eight hours removed from MQT means I don't get to see some of these subtle items, and only can base it off what is made available (ie: his TV6 interview in January where he sounded clueless to the history of the challenge trophy formerly named Ramada).
aparch
Well-known member
Re: NMU Wildcats 2014-2015
It is good to know that the Athletic Department isn't just spinning their tires and are actually trying to move forward.
I know there are many fans in the same situation as I where we would gladly donate to the program, but even combined our donations would be inconsequential. But we do our part in either donating or purchasing items at the silent auction.
It is good to know that the Athletic Department isn't just spinning their tires and are actually trying to move forward.
Yeah, I do what I can too. But between season tickets and a relatively small donation to the Blue Line Club annually, I can't give much more.
When people ask me why Tech seems to have a healthier hockey program than Northern now, I point to each alumni base. Who's going to have more disposable income, mechanical and chemical engineers or school teachers and registered nurses? It might be over simplifying it but it makes a difference.
Re: NMU Wildcats 2014-2015
I'm not surprised that you would defend the team; you rarely (if ever) have a bad word or critisicm of the 'cats. Though I suspect that is the position you find yourself in as their broadcaster--I don't know. I understand that overcoming the loss of players to injury significantly effects the outcome of games and the overall season. (In my post, I point out Dahlstrom's long term injury.)
I offer no solutions, suggestions or answers. My point was that over the last five seasons, while the 'cats are always competitive, their play has only resulted in relatively mediocre overall and conference records and no movement in the postseason. And it's not just the multiple difficulties and problems of this last season--the program seems to be trending in the wrong direction since the 2009-2010 season. I pointed out that this is not due to one particular area (coach, players, admin, fans, money, etc.) and that I hoped some kind of "chemistry" could be found to get the program back to being a contender not only in the conference but in the quest for the 15 Pairwise spots like the 2009-2010 team.
I doubt that any of us who pull for the 'cats, whether watching online or sitting in a seat at the BEC, want to settle for an average of 15 wins, 18 losses, and 5 ties (as it has been of over the last five years). Maybe Walt, the players, Karr, and whoever and whatever else are involved are on the verge of turning things around. I hope so.
I'm not surprised that you would defend the team; you rarely (if ever) have a bad word or critisicm of the 'cats. Though I suspect that is the position you find yourself in as their broadcaster--I don't know. I understand that overcoming the loss of players to injury significantly effects the outcome of games and the overall season. (In my post, I point out Dahlstrom's long term injury.)
I offer no solutions, suggestions or answers. My point was that over the last five seasons, while the 'cats are always competitive, their play has only resulted in relatively mediocre overall and conference records and no movement in the postseason. And it's not just the multiple difficulties and problems of this last season--the program seems to be trending in the wrong direction since the 2009-2010 season. I pointed out that this is not due to one particular area (coach, players, admin, fans, money, etc.) and that I hoped some kind of "chemistry" could be found to get the program back to being a contender not only in the conference but in the quest for the 15 Pairwise spots like the 2009-2010 team.
I doubt that any of us who pull for the 'cats, whether watching online or sitting in a seat at the BEC, want to settle for an average of 15 wins, 18 losses, and 5 ties (as it has been of over the last five years). Maybe Walt, the players, Karr, and whoever and whatever else are involved are on the verge of turning things around. I hope so.
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eye4talent
Blistering Drive
Re: NMU Wildcats 2014-2015
Walt's not getting the players. If he had better talent, we wouldn't be discussing this right now. They need to up the recruiting budget and start beating the bushes.
Didn't someone say a jockey is better with a better horse underneath him?
Walt's not getting the players. If he had better talent, we wouldn't be discussing this right now. They need to up the recruiting budget and start beating the bushes.
Didn't someone say a jockey is better with a better horse underneath him?
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Re: NMU Wildcats 2014-2015
I attended Northern from 84-88, so I am a bit long in the tooth. During those years, we were not very good, but they got better, as we all know. Year in and year out Northern is not going to attract the caliber of players to be elite, but neither is Tech. They are on an upswing now, but that will level out. I think that we can periodically put good, even great, teams together, but not on a regular basis. Further, I worry that the new conference re-alignment will make recruiting even harder.
Northern is a tough place to recruit. I loved it up there, and would move back in a heartbeat. My wife on the other hand, while she loved it up there while in school, would not even think about ever moving back to the U.P. Too cold, too much snow. Hot shot players don't have a reason to attend Northern. What is the draw? The high media exposure? The large crowds? Short travel to games? There has to be a different recruiting strategy than most teams, and I liked some of their efforts at recruiting European players. I don't know if Walt is the man. He was there when I was there, bald head and all. I do feel like the last several years have been like Groundhog Day.
I attended Northern from 84-88, so I am a bit long in the tooth. During those years, we were not very good, but they got better, as we all know. Year in and year out Northern is not going to attract the caliber of players to be elite, but neither is Tech. They are on an upswing now, but that will level out. I think that we can periodically put good, even great, teams together, but not on a regular basis. Further, I worry that the new conference re-alignment will make recruiting even harder.
Northern is a tough place to recruit. I loved it up there, and would move back in a heartbeat. My wife on the other hand, while she loved it up there while in school, would not even think about ever moving back to the U.P. Too cold, too much snow. Hot shot players don't have a reason to attend Northern. What is the draw? The high media exposure? The large crowds? Short travel to games? There has to be a different recruiting strategy than most teams, and I liked some of their efforts at recruiting European players. I don't know if Walt is the man. He was there when I was there, bald head and all. I do feel like the last several years have been like Groundhog Day.
WildcatFan2013
New member
Re: NMU Wildcats 2014-2015
You guys are sure kind to NMU. Some here must be paid in some way or do work for the program. The program stinks right now, period. No ifs and or buts about it. Let's call a spade a spade. The kids on the team work their asses off. But the AD and coaches are laying eggs. The bar is set so low now that everyone gives the AD and program and coaches a pass year in and year out. Time to clean house and fire them all. It's nothing personal as they are all fine gentlemen. It's business and results. I've been fired in a job for not living up to standards and it was the greatest thing in the world for me. I'm sure Karr and Walt and the coaches will be great and move on to better things in work and life. That's life. Time for them to move onward.
You guys are sure kind to NMU. Some here must be paid in some way or do work for the program. The program stinks right now, period. No ifs and or buts about it. Let's call a spade a spade. The kids on the team work their asses off. But the AD and coaches are laying eggs. The bar is set so low now that everyone gives the AD and program and coaches a pass year in and year out. Time to clean house and fire them all. It's nothing personal as they are all fine gentlemen. It's business and results. I've been fired in a job for not living up to standards and it was the greatest thing in the world for me. I'm sure Karr and Walt and the coaches will be great and move on to better things in work and life. That's life. Time for them to move onward.
noremorse1
New member
I had a conversation on the ice at practice this season with a former Bemidji player. He is an absolute stud and won all-American awards. He said Walt did not offer him as much as Bemidji by the tune of $10 grand. He would have gone to NMU had the money been there as he played his Junior A in MQT. I can tell you, without a doubt, he would have been a difference maker at NMU. I am not sure how much scholarship money NMU gives Walt... but he tries. However, you only have so much $$$. NMU does a good job of grabbing talent, I just think they are limited because of finances. Who is the last NHL drafted player to play at NMU? Coreau? Florek?
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eye4talent
Blistering Drive
Re: NMU Wildcats 2014-2015
Each team gets 18 scholarships to divide up how they see fit.
Each team gets 18 scholarships to divide up how they see fit.
noremorse1
New member
Is the total dollar amount the same at each school?
RaceBoarder
Waiting for the Snow to fly...
Re: NMU Wildcats 2014-2015
Yes and no... The scholarship will cover the same items such as room/board, tuition, books, etc... But you have NMU at ~$25,000/year for an out of state student vs. Minnesota/Michigan being in the $40,000-45,000/year range... So it's the same benefits, but different list price for those benefits...
For the example posted, it was probably a case of being offered a 1/2 scholarship vs being offered a 3/4 or full scholarship...
Yes and no... The scholarship will cover the same items such as room/board, tuition, books, etc... But you have NMU at ~$25,000/year for an out of state student vs. Minnesota/Michigan being in the $40,000-45,000/year range... So it's the same benefits, but different list price for those benefits...
For the example posted, it was probably a case of being offered a 1/2 scholarship vs being offered a 3/4 or full scholarship...
LSSULaker889294
Registered User
Re: NMU Wildcats 2014-2015
http://www.lssu.edu/glsw/documents/GLSW2015WeekendSchedule.pdf
According to this link, this confirms the LSSU/NMU non-conference series will be October 16-17. The Friday game will be at NMU, the Saturday game will be at LSSU.
It will be the first time LSSU will play at NMU in October since 1997!
http://www.lssu.edu/glsw/documents/GLSW2015WeekendSchedule.pdf
According to this link, this confirms the LSSU/NMU non-conference series will be October 16-17. The Friday game will be at NMU, the Saturday game will be at LSSU.
It will be the first time LSSU will play at NMU in October since 1997!
aparch
Well-known member
Re: NMU Wildcats 2014-2015
Most likely this is the answer. Of those 18 scholarships that are allowed, Walt is spreading those across maybe 25 to 30 players. Or roughly everyone gets a half. Bemidji on the flip side, likely has a few more walk-ons or tuition is cheaper allowing kids to take less.
Out of state tuition + room and board for Bemidji State yearly: $16,240
Out of state tuition + room and board for NMU yearly: $23,509
Kinda hard to draw players like Matt Read to NMU at that rate...
Most likely this is the answer. Of those 18 scholarships that are allowed, Walt is spreading those across maybe 25 to 30 players. Or roughly everyone gets a half. Bemidji on the flip side, likely has a few more walk-ons or tuition is cheaper allowing kids to take less.
Out of state tuition + room and board for Bemidji State yearly: $16,240
Out of state tuition + room and board for NMU yearly: $23,509
Kinda hard to draw players like Matt Read to NMU at that rate...
aparch
Well-known member
Re: NMU Wildcats 2014-2015
Florek. Coreau was undrafted and signed early with the Red Wings.
Florek. Coreau was undrafted and signed early with the Red Wings.
RaceBoarder
Waiting for the Snow to fly...
Re: NMU Wildcats 2014-2015
Is this a product of both parties wanting to play 4 games for the Cappo Cup? Just curious to see another conference, non-conference series come up... Obviously there were extenuating reasons for the UAH series, though....
Is this a product of both parties wanting to play 4 games for the Cappo Cup? Just curious to see another conference, non-conference series come up... Obviously there were extenuating reasons for the UAH series, though....
PerkyforPrez
Registered User
Re: NMU Wildcats 2014-2015
It's has more to do with the big schools not wanting to do fair 2 for 2's then the cup. Just trying to get more home non-conference games.
It's has more to do with the big schools not wanting to do fair 2 for 2's then the cup. Just trying to get more home non-conference games.
There is a 3 way agreement with LSSU, Tech and NMU. Tech and NMU already play 4 WCHA games each. In the schedule matrix, LSSU plays either Tech or NMU four times and the other twice in conference. In the years LSSU plays NMU twice, like this year, they will play a non conference series against NMU. When they play Tech twice, they will plays two more non conference games against Tech. That way, the 3 UP schools will meet each other four times each season.
eye4talent
Blistering Drive
Re: NMU Wildcats 2014-2015
Nurses make really good money. Time to hit up the Starbucks guy. isn't he NMU alum?
Nurses make really good money. Time to hit up the Starbucks guy. isn't he NMU alum?