Northeastern Huskies 2014-15: Release the Hounds!

[Huskies01]

Re: Northeastern Huskies 2014-15: Release the Hounds!

It's not the idea that you have to take a step back because you replaced the Coach; it's the reality that you will take a step back because the AD is not a friend of the Hockey Program and will only hire somebody after he weighs the job down with restrictions that make the new Coach's job harder than it already will be. Roby did that to an in-house, NU man. Imagine what he might do to an outsider that he doesn't trust? The PC and Lowell jobs were apples compared to NU's orange, specifically because coaches such as Bazin and Leaman took jobs where the AD's enable them to succeed, instead of hindering their ability to compete. You're correct about the talent level and what a more experienced Coach could do with it. I'm not sure I'd like Whitehead but I wouldn't be against hiring a stronger Coach, but Roby has to be gone first to free up the program.

The days of blaming Roby are over. Yes, he put restrictions on the team after Cronin left that probably scared some qualified coaches off. But they were only for one year, and since then, he has kept his nose out of the program. How do we know this? If Roby was involved HHound would be all over it on here and on DHD. What else is Roby doing that is keeping the team from winning? Cut practice time? Stopped heating the locker room? Took away video equipment? Its nice to have a boogey man, and Roby deserves it for making everyone think that the hockey program was being run illegally when really it was the track team that had run afoul, but it is time to move off the blame Roby for Madigan's failures. Remember, Roby backed Madigan when he did not want to let Szmatula out of his NLI...

The idea that Roby wants the team to fail to me is dumb. What does that gain for him? Does he have some sort of bonus in his contract for hockey losses? If anything it probably makes his job harder, more negative phone calls from donors and alum, etc.

As for the next hire, of course he is going to hire somebody he trusts! Who doesn't! Does not meant that the person cannot be from outside the program, and an actual hockey coach! As Thiessen's Better also pointed out though, Roby is not coaching the team, teaching them how to play defense, and working with the goalies on how to stop the puck. That falls on the guys in charge.

And back to the next two recruiting classes. Who cares! If the coaches cannot coach them up, it won't matter how talented they are. And much like anything else, nobody has any idea if these kids will be any good. Why are these classes supposed to be good? Because overtheboard.net likes them? Because HHound likes the video that JM has shown him of the kids? Because a few of them are on the NHL possible draft lists?

Here is portion of the class next year: They have another Ontario dman coming in! Maybe the third time is the charm after they had such great luck with DD and Fennel. Cotton who was recruited back in 2012, flamed out of the USHL, though he has lit up the BCHL, but will be 20 when he gets here, so another guy who had to be an older player before he did anything. The two RW's in Hutcheson in Winkler who probably are not coming, which is one of the reasons why they got Kurker for next season, two guys who committed back in 2013 who fell off the face of the earth. I am excited for the future now!

 

[Split-N]

Re: Northeastern Huskies 2014-15: Release the Hounds!

...I have no idea why everyone is so surprised...

This is my nomination for "Quote of the Year."

So let me tell you why you SHOULD be surprised: 1) This may or may not be the most talented team ever assembled on Huntington Ave. but, IMO, it certainly ranks at least in the upper third. If not, then all of the recruiting gurus and rating services have no credibility whatsoever; 2) As someone already posted, this team was picked a solid fourth by the other HEA coaches, who unarguably know a thing or two about talent; 3) What talent we do have is regressing before our very eyes.

Now let's look at what kind of results we're achieving with this talent: 1) The 0-6-0 start is the worst in the melancholy history of this program. 2) Going back to last year's BP championship game, the record is 3-11-1; 3) So far in the current season, this team has played 360 minutes of hockey. Of that, it has held the lead for exactly 33:07, of which all but 2:23 came in yesterday's game vs QPac (in which a two-goal lead was squandered). 4) With the exception of a couple of times yesterday, this team has not been able to finish odd-man rushes; 5) This team has been constantly outshot, usually by wide margins; 6) The PP seems to be beyond inept; 7) The goaltenders leave lots of rebounds that the defense can't seem to clear; 8) Even newbie UConn--picked to finish dead last--already has its first HEA win.

What's happening with our program is a tragedy on multiple levels. It's a personal tragedy for JM, who is a terrific human being and loyal to NU to the core, but never should have been put into this position in the first place. It's a collective tragedy for all of us who live and die with this team, and lately have nothing to show for the passion. And it's an institutional tragedy for the university, with its continuing embrace of mediocrity in intercollegiate athletics standing in stark contrast to the excellence achieved in other areas.

I hate having to say what I just said. But saying anything else would just be defending the indefensible.

 

[mookie1995]

Re: Northeastern Huskies 2014-15: Release the Hounds!

Hey
Professional handicapper Bill Simmons said Tampa Bay was gonna be a playoff team.

 

[Huskies01]

Re: Northeastern Huskies 2014-15: Release the Hounds!

This is my nomination for "Quote of the Year."

2) As someone already posted, this team was picked a solid fourth by the other HEA coaches, who unarguably know a thing or two about talent.

These were also the same coaches that picked our team to finish 11th last season. How did that prediction work out? Preseson polls are about as useful as **** on a bull.

Everything else you wrote is pretty much spot on.

 

[northeastern]

Re: Northeastern Huskies 2014-15: Release the Hounds!

Split N.. your post is the bitter truth & well thought out
(and tough to read ..just where this program is now. I have seen the stands at Matthews get emptier & quieter. Even the most die hard among us.. will not.. cannot.. support this Coach anymore).

I sincerely pray & hope alumni, friends of hockey, folks on the 'inside' reading these posts.. voice their displeasure.. I will.

Jim Madigan has to go. Sooner the better.
We need a real Coach.. not a cheerleader.

 

[Nick Papagiorgio]

Re: Northeastern Huskies 2014-15: Release the Hounds!

This may or may not be the most talented team ever assembled on Huntington Ave. but, IMO, it certainly ranks at least in the upper third. If not, then all of the recruiting gurus and rating services have no credibility whatsoever;

Considering how little talent there is, especially outside of Roy and Spatula, I'm going to go with MAY NOT. If it is even close to the top then I can't think of any bigger indictment on the NU hockey program.

Were there really recruiting gurus and rating services that had any of these kids rated highly?

 

[NU Speed Racer]

Re: Northeastern Huskies 2014-15: Release the Hounds!

The days of blaming Roby are over.

I have no idea why everyone is so surprised.

These were also the same coaches that picked our team to finish 11th last season. How did that prediction work out? Preseson polls are about as useful as **** on a bull.

I have typed out the start of several different approaches to addressing these comments and have deleted them. Then I simply gave up. But I do find it necessary that maybe we should just start to collect these comments to just point and laugh at.

However, I will point out to Huskies01 that he proved the point of his opposing view with his statement. While you are somewhat right in saying that preseason polls don't mean anything... The reason why they don't is because there have been no games played yet. The preseason polls are based on the returning players from the previous season (talent), the incoming recruits (talent), and the general consensus of what the "experts" and coaches believe will be the good teams.... ON PAPER.

So as you can see, talent and expectations are the sole basis of the poll. There is no recent performance included, which makes the polls more accurate.

So yes, while last season we overachieved and excelled before we should have, we were picked 11th because there was nothing on paper that suggested it. This season the talent is no surprise and has returned. The experts pointed that out and said, this team should be as good or better than last season (as teams with a lot of key returning pieces usually do).

So thank you for tripping and falling into proving our point.

Speedracer where were you last year when the team was winning? Didn't hear from you once, now you are back. They are only 0-2 in league play, not out of anything. I would like to see what the '15 class looks like. But I mean if they start winning then you will go find something else to do anyway.

If I had the time to go back to the 2012-13 season thread and scour it for a nugget, I'd bet dollars for donuts that you said something almost identical to this exact statement. That you'd like to see what the '13 class looks like.

And as for your jab, I was at the games enjoying a good season (pre-beanpot). It's a lot more than what you can say. I also tend to not join circle jerks about what should the lines be for the coming weekend.

I will gladly discuss this further with you this weekend at Lowell and at home if you choose. Who I am, where I sit, and where I go at intermissions, are no secret.

 

[Huskies01]

Re: Northeastern Huskies 2014-15: Release the Hounds!

However, I will point out to Huskies01 that he proved the point of his opposing view with his statement. While you are somewhat right in saying that preseason polls don't mean anything... The reason why they don't is because there have been no games played yet. The preseason polls are based on the returning players from the previous season (talent), the incoming recruits (talent), and the general consensus of what the "experts" and coaches believe will be the good teams.... ON PAPER.

So as you can see, talent and expectations are the sole basis of the poll. There is no recent performance included, which makes the polls more accurate.

So yes, while last season we overachieved and excelled before we should have, we were picked 11th because there was nothing on paper that suggested it. This season the talent is no surprise and has returned. The experts pointed that out and said, this team should be as good or better than last season (as teams with a lot of key returning pieces usually do).

What you said makes no sense. Regular season polls carry about much weight as pre seasons ones, even with games being played. Is every coach or person who votes knowledgeable, having watched every single game during the previous weekend of action? No. So how do they tell the difference between teams?

As for the preseason one, do the coaches know everything there is to know about incoming recruits? About who put the time in during the summer and who got fat, who is injured, etc? Its a blind GUESS based off of what is coming back from the previous season.

These polls hold no weight anymore. At this point they are basically there to help teams put fans in seats. Come see the #5 ranked whatever. Hey, we are ranked #14 in the nation, come on out!

The whole point to my comment was, using the preseason poll as a barometer to determine whether or not the coach should be fired and that this team has disappointed is the last thing I would use when the product he has put on the ice the last 4 years tells the whole story.

 

[Split-N]

Re: Northeastern Huskies 2014-15: Release the Hounds!

Originally posted by northeastern
Split N.. your post is the bitter truth & well thought out (and tough to read)...I sincerely pray & hope alumni, friends of hockey, folks on the 'inside' reading these posts.. voice their displeasure.. I will.


It was tough to write. But at some point we have to shift the focus of this discussion from impersonal stats to what's in the best interests of the kids. And as for voicing displeasure, you need to make your feelings known in the email and social media accounts of Mr. Aoun and Ms. McGillivray.

 

[Huskies01]

Re: Northeastern Huskies 2014-15: Release the Hounds!

Lets keep in mind its only 6 games, with 28 more to go. They only need to go 17-11 the rest of the way and they have a .500 record for the season.

 

[retsap71]

Re: Northeastern Huskies 2014-15: Release the Hounds!

Considering how little talent there is, especially outside of Roy and Spatula, I'm going to go with MAY NOT. If it is even close to the top then I can't think of any bigger indictment on the NU hockey program.

Were there really recruiting gurus and rating services that had any of these kids rated highly?

When I read that this may or may not be the best team ever I was thinking that maybe its just time to remove myself from this forum. I'll throw ZAR on your list with Roy and Sz, after that there is not much here. Picked 4th, I never believed that, I had 7-8th in my head. Which is JM fault, it is his team with the exception of the seniors. Which you need to win and he has none that can play. I thought Owens is a step up over what was here, so maybe there is servicable player in this years freshman class. Not sold on N. Stevens.

Again if there is a legit coach that they are aware of that is interested in the job and they think it is time to move on, then this offseason would be he first if I were AD to start considering it. But last years up season (NU STANDARDS) may be him one more shot after this year. Considering the reputation of the next 2 classes. Yes I know how does anyone know they are good. How does anyone know they are bad?

 

[NU Speed Racer]

Re: Northeastern Huskies 2014-15: Release the Hounds!

The whole point to my comment was, using the preseason poll as a barometer to determine whether or not the coach should be fired and that this team has disappointed is the last thing I would use when the product he has put on the ice the last 4 years tells the whole story.

And what is the whole story? Because we can get into how he's coached and how he has been out coached. We can talk about not pulling the goalie in OT in a game we needed to win to make the conference tournament. We can talk about the 3rd period collapses. We can talk about the PP and PK.

Please tell us where this coach has excelled on the ice and how he's impressed you.

Tell us the whole story. Cause apparently there is a lot of people on this thread and in the hockey world that is missing something you clearly see.

Lets keep in mind its only 6 games, with 28 more to go. They only need to go 17-11 the rest of the way and they have a .500 record for the season.

And I really hope this comment was made sarcastically or tongue in cheek. If its dead serious, I don't think I'll be able to even look you in the eye this weekend.

 

[retsap71]

Re: Northeastern Huskies 2014-15: Release the Hounds!

I have typed out the start of several different approaches to addressing these comments and have deleted them. Then I simply gave up. But I do find it necessary that maybe we should just start to collect these comments to just point and laugh at.

However, I will point out to Huskies01 that he proved the point of his opposing view with his statement. While you are somewhat right in saying that preseason polls don't mean anything... The reason why they don't is because there have been no games played yet. The preseason polls are based on the returning players from the previous season (talent), the incoming recruits (talent), and the general consensus of what the "experts" and coaches believe will be the good teams.... ON PAPER.

So as you can see, talent and expectations are the sole basis of the poll. There is no recent performance included, which makes the polls more accurate.

So yes, while last season we overachieved and excelled before we should have, we were picked 11th because there was nothing on paper that suggested it. This season the talent is no surprise and has returned. The experts pointed that out and said, this team should be as good or better than last season (as teams with a lot of key returning pieces usually do).

So thank you for tripping and falling into proving our point.




If I had the time to go back to the 2012-13 season thread and scour it for a nugget, I'd bet dollars for donuts that you said something almost identical to this exact statement. That you'd like to see what the '13 class looks like.

And as for your jab, I was at the games enjoying a good season (pre-beanpot). It's a lot more than what you can say. I also tend to not join circle jerks about what should the lines be for the coming weekend.

I will gladly discuss this further with you this weekend at Lowell and at home if you choose. Who I am, where I sit, and where I go at intermissions, are no secret.

Idon't really care what it is you do, you were enjoying the season, thats great. Its just funny that when they are winning you are no where to be found, but the second they start losing you are back here complaining again. Only happy when you are miserable. And the '13 class was pretty good last year. I had no hopes for this years class.

 

[Huskies01]

Re: Northeastern Huskies 2014-15: Release the Hounds!

And what is the whole story? Because we can get into how he's coached and how he has been out coached. We can talk about not pulling the goalie in OT in a game we needed to win to make the conference tournament. We can talk about the 3rd period collapses. We can talk about the PP and PK.

Please tell us where this coach has excelled on the ice and how he's impressed you.

Tell us the whole story. Cause apparently there is a lot of people on this thread and in the hockey world that is missing something you clearly see.

And I really hope this comment was made sarcastically or tongue in cheek. If its dead serious, I don't think I'll be able to even look you in the eye this weekend.

Perhaps you have not read any of my comments the past 4 years, or farther back to when he was hired. I thought it was a mistake then, and I have been accused of chasing people off of multiple message boards because I have been yelling for him to be let go. I just got tired of yelling at the wall about it. This is NU, we historically do not fire coaches, we let them coach out their contracts and then let them walk away without a renewal.

JM has done nothing here in 4 years but ride a red hot Clay Witt last year. When the magic fair dust ran out and Clay became human again, JM's inability to recruit and coach became apparent to everyone again.

Honestly, there is some talent forward here. That really is undeniable. Is it top 4 level talent, no, but with the right coach, it could be right below the top teams in the league.

The problem is JM has not been able to identify Hockey East Quality defenseman, or coach up the crap he has brought in. He also never went out and got a backup goalie, which we now see is a huge problem. Relying on a guy who had 3/4 of a good season, and spent the rest of his 4 years here hurt, probably not good team management on his part.

As for this weekend, no you cannot look me in the eye, I am stuck going to a wedding Saturday afternoon. Extremely inconvenient of the couple to not look at the hockey schedule before choosing a date. But then again, I rather blame Roby and JM for not getting the schedule out quicker!

edit: you know what scares me the most? That JM is on a 5 year deal, this season continues its pathetic run they end up with under 10 wins, but start off next season on fire like they did last year and ride a hot goalie until the Beanpot, thus convincing those in charge he is the right guy, and to over look the previous 3 1/4 seasons where they basically sucked. (credit for the 3/4 of last season when they were winning games, even if it was a mirage), and hand him another 4 years. That keeps me up at nights. A nice dream would be he sits down during break in December, realize he is overmatched, and steps down effective immediately. Let Roby coach them for all I care at that point.

 

[Happy Husky Victory!]

Re: Northeastern Huskies 2014-15: Release the Hounds!

I think pretty much everybody knows how I feel about the BOZO (Roby) and I'm glad to see that there are more voices joining the RMG (Roby Must Go) bandwagon. He's a disaster, not only from the point of view of being the Hockey Assassin, but it encompasses much more like his decision making (poor at best) and his treatment of donors, alumni and others. A couple of questions as I have been unable to make it to Matthews for the last part of last year and so far this season. Has Roby even made an appearance in the bar formerly known as the Varsity Club? If so has anyone else, other than me approached him and asked him the tough questions that he should be made accountable to answer? It's easy to complain and hem and haw about the disappointment on ice this season thus far, and complain about Roby. Will any of our loyal and diehard fans (and I know so many of you are) commit to making it a point to approach this man in person and ask him tough questions? It's time he faced the music. Are there any volunteers? I'll be at Matthews this weekend, I hope some of you will pledge to strike up a "conversation" this weekend with him.

 

[Ronnieb]

Re: Northeastern Huskies 2014-15: Release the Hounds!

Perhaps you have not read any of my comments the past 4 years, or farther back to when he was hired. I thought it was a mistake then, and I have been accused of chasing people off of multiple message boards because I have been yelling for him to be let go. I just got tired of yelling at the wall about it. This is NU, we historically do not fire coaches, we let them coach out their contracts and then let them walk away without a renewal.

JM has done nothing here in 4 years but ride a red hot Clay Witt last year. When the magic fair dust ran out and Clay became human again, JM's inability to recruit and coach became apparent to everyone again.

Honestly, there is some talent forward here. That really is undeniable. Is it top 4 level talent, no, but with the right coach, it could be right below the top teams in the league.

The problem is JM has not been able to identify Hockey East Quality defenseman, or coach up the crap he has brought in. He also never went out and got a backup goalie, which we now see is a huge problem. Relying on a guy who had 3/4 of a good season, and spent the rest of his 4 years here hurt, probably not good team management on his part.

As for this weekend, no you cannot look me in the eye, I am stuck going to a wedding Saturday afternoon. Extremely inconvenient of the couple to not look at the hockey schedule before choosing a date. But then again, I rather blame Roby and JM for not getting the schedule out quicker!

edit: you know what scares me the most? That JM is on a 5 year deal, this season continues its pathetic run they end up with under 10 wins, but start off next season on fire like they did last year and ride a hot goalie until the Beanpot, thus convincing those in charge he is the right guy, and to over look the previous 3 1/4 seasons where they basically sucked. (credit for the 3/4 of last season when they were winning games, even if it was a mirage), and hand him another 4 years. That keeps me up at nights. A nice dream would be he sits down during break in December, realize he is overmatched, and steps down effective immediately. Let Roby coach them for all I care at that point.

And what makes it worse is the recruits for the next 3 years thanks to JM, are going to make it get worse before it gets better! What these guys will recruit is beyond my understanding, especially on the back end!!

 

[Bad knees]

Re: Northeastern Huskies 2014-15: Release the Hounds!

I look at the game with the glass half full, yes we blew the games however we were In all 3 games and we seen finally the guys who are suppose to score goals do that . The power play got some life. Now some the problems that I seem and my brothers ruined the coaches really believe on the freshman. Why are they not riding there horses. I have not seem Roy back check like he did, the holding penalty was bull and everyone knows that. I loved his chippy ness he is starting to come around and playing hard. Szmatula as well woke up he start hitting and played with a chip on his shoulders . This team is on a upswing the 0-6 start will improve the team must get more contribution from Stevens , Reid and see some of the freshman contributing. I think they will split with Lowell and get on a little roll. I know the consensus is to remove JM but let see where we stand by Dec. but most of all the team has not quit they always with allot of emotion and if they ever quit on him then the fat lady will sing

 

[Thiessen'sBetter]

Re: Northeastern Huskies 2014-15: Release the Hounds!

edit: you know what scares me the most? That JM is on a 5 year deal, this season continues its pathetic run they end up with under 10 wins, but start off next season on fire like they did last year and ride a hot goalie until the Beanpot, thus convincing those in charge he is the right guy, and to over look the previous 3 1/4 seasons where they basically sucked. (credit for the 3/4 of last season when they were winning games, even if it was a mirage), and hand him another 4 years. That keeps me up at nights. A nice dream would be he sits down during break in December, realize he is overmatched, and steps down effective immediately. Let Roby coach them for all I care at that point.

Good point, that is scary. It's also scary to think that in the next 2 years we finally get some puck luck the first 2 weekends in February and everyone is so happy to finally get a Beanpot they extend JM for winning a 4 team tournament. (Of course if that happens I'll forever have a soft spot in my heart for Madigan, but that won't change the fact he can't coach)

Another scary thought: NU bball is picked to win an awful CAA which is a shell of its former self. I'd like to see them have success and will be rooting for them, but a conference championship would almost certainly make the NU administration even more content with Roby than they already are. Although they've probably already bought into Roby's "you can't judge a program on wins and losses" BS.

 

[RossiRules]

Re: Northeastern Huskies 2014-15: Release the Hounds!

I I think they will split with Lowell and get on a little roll. I know the consensus is to remove JM but let see where we stand by Dec. but most of all the team has not quit they always with allot of emotion and if they ever quit on him then the fat lady will sing

Split with Lowell? LOL, #6 Lowell is going to embarrass us home and away. I bet they score 10 goals in 2 games, we are in big trouble. Don't think so look at the schedule aside form UMASS and Merrimack games which might be close, we could be 3 and 14 or 0 and 17 at the break, it's possible. I hope not but it's setting up for the perfect storm.

 

[Patronick]

Re: Northeastern Huskies 2014-15: Release the Hounds!

Split with Lowell? LOL, #6 Lowell is going to embarrass us home and away. I bet they score 10 goals in 2 games, we are in big trouble. Don't think so look at the schedule aside form UMASS and Merrimack games which might be close, we could be 3 and 14 or 0 and 17 at the break, it's possible. I hope not but it's setting up for the perfect storm.

I personally think the best Lowell can do this weekend is split. Similarly to NU last season, Lowell's on borrowed time with shots per game compared to goals scored. They can't keep up this pace, nor is NU going to continue to lose every game. Basically the shoe is going to drop for both teams at some point, and Lowell hasn't fared well against the Huskies over the past couple of seasons.