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Princeton 2010-2011

Re: Princeton 2010-2011

This is not a valid Colts comparison. Not even close and not a fair comparison. Colts would often dominate in the regular season winning Divison titles and Conference Top seeds on a regular bases, but often get eliminated early when it really counted. Princeton on the other hand has been finishing, 3rd, 4th, 5th type of positions and then falling in the first round. To me yesterday was hardly an upset, Quinnipiac was ahead of Princten most of the year in the standings.

My comparison was strictly based on failure in the playoffs and yes, Princeton has been a middle of the pack team while the Colts have won a Super Bowl. But if you ask people who follow the NFL about how the Colts will be measured against other teams, they will tell you that they have been an abject failure given their talent and their QB. I know because I talked to some NFL folks last summer about the impending lockout and the discussion got around to various teams. The Colts are thought of as a great franchise that can't seem to get it done in the postseason. So I do feel the comparison is valid to some degree.

PrincetonFan actually makes a better comparison to Marty Schottenheimer. I'll throw in Norv Turner as long as we're discussing coaches that can't get their teams through the playoffs. I don't know what the answer is because I'm not close to the Princeton program and have no inside knowledge. But if as PrincetonFan suggests that Kampersal is safe with the administration there, then I guess there is no reason to expect much will change in the future.
 
Re: Princeton 2010-2011

Relatively new here.. But have had the opportunity to get to know several current and graduated members of the Tigers over the past few years.

Three points:
1. From freshman year to graduation, it would seem that there is very little individual player improvement (this goes for top-end players as well as players who essentially start and end their careers on the bench). Why is this?
2. As has already been noted, and seems to be the trend in this forum around this time of year, the Tigers can't win in the post-season. Why?
2. The number of teams I follow closely are pretty limited, but is it just me or does Princeton have an unusually high number of girls quitting the team? Why might this be?

And I'm just curious, why is making coaching changes something that Princeton hockey is so afraid of? Other than perhaps Brown, no other (moderately unsuccessful) team seems to be so afraid of mixing it up. Clearly something needs to change... :/
 
Re: Princeton 2010-2011

Relatively new here.. But have had the opportunity to get to know several current and graduated members of the Tigers over the past few years.

Three points:
1. From freshman year to graduation, it would seem that there is very little individual player improvement (this goes for top-end players as well as players who essentially start and end their careers on the bench). Why is this?
2. As has already been noted, and seems to be the trend in this forum around this time of year, the Tigers can't win in the post-season. Why?
2. The number of teams I follow closely are pretty limited, but is it just me or does Princeton have an unusually high number of girls quitting the team? Why might this be?

And I'm just curious, why is making coaching changes something that Princeton hockey is so afraid of? Other than perhaps Brown, no other (moderately unsuccessful) team seems to be so afraid of mixing it up. Clearly something needs to change... :/

I don't think they've had anybody quit in the last few years. Mariesa Mason quit, but she played very little and decided to focus on her schoolwork. Who else were you thinking of?
 
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Re: Princeton 2010-2011

I agree with Princeton Fan's comment. Having known several players at each of the Ivys, I also know of several players who were attracted to Princeton specifically because Kampersal's personality was a big draw for them. And I haven't heard the big negatives associated with some others.

Like any coach, I am sure he has his strengths and weaknesses, but many players no doubt find a more laidback style like his much more appealing than a more intense one.

Believe it or not, most players probably don't choose which school to attend based on how far their team will go in playoffs every year. The fact that they are consistently a top half-ish team, he doesn't overrecruit, everyone gets playing time, the coach is likeable, and the Princeton campus is stunning and secluded, yet easily accessible to the city are all factors that likely carry FAR more weight with most recruits in their decision-making.

And as suggested by the rate of player attrition from Princeton relative to other ECAC schools over the past 5 years (posted in the Brown thread last season), Princeton actually has one of the lowest rates of players leaving the hockey program prior to graduation. That must say something positive about their experience.

Yes, there are other coaches with better records of playoff success. For those for whom that is a key selection criteria, they will choose go to those programs. However, I also know for a fact, that despite their more enviable program successes and playoff records, the coaches were also a turnoff for many potential recruits for other reasons.

While the grass may look greener on the other side, you don't know how much weed killer they used to make it appear that way. ;)
 
Re: Princeton 2010-2011

I agree with Princeton Fan's comment. Having known several players at each of the Ivys, I also know of several players who were attracted to Princeton specifically because Kampersal's personality was a big draw for them. And I haven't heard the big negatives associated with some others.

Like any coach, I am sure he has his strengths and weaknesses, but many players no doubt find a more laidback style like his much more appealing than a more intense one.

Believe it or not, most players probably don't choose which school to attend based on how far their team will go in playoffs every year. The fact that they are consistently a top half-ish team, he doesn't overrecruit, everyone gets playing time, the coach is likeable, and the Princeton campus is stunning and secluded, yet easily accessible to the city are all factors that likely carry FAR more weight with most recruits in their decision-making.

And as suggested by the rate of player attrition from Princeton relative to other ECAC schools over the past 5 years (posted in the Brown thread last season), Princeton actually has one of the lowest rates of players leaving the hockey program prior to graduation. That must say something positive about their experience.

Yes, there are other coaches with better records of playoff success. For those for whom that is a key selection criteria, they will choose go to those programs. However, I also know for a fact, that despite their more enviable program successes and playoff records, the coaches were also a turnoff for many potential recruits for other reasons.

While the grass may look greener on the other side, you don't know how much weed killer they used to make it appear that way. ;)

I completely agree with everything Trillium said. While I don't follow the team in detail, it does appear that the girls who have chosen Princeton are very happy with the choice they have made.

And really, the fact that they have made the playoffs is still an accomplishment as there were 4 teams that did not.
 
Re: Princeton 2010-2011

I agree with Princeton Fan's comment. Having known several players at each of the Ivys, I also know of several players who were attracted to Princeton specifically because Kampersal's personality was a big draw for them. And I haven't heard the big negatives associated with some others.

Like any coach, I am sure he has his strengths and weaknesses, but many players no doubt find a more laidback style like his much more appealing than a more intense one.

Believe it or not, most players probably don't choose which school to attend based on how far their team will go in playoffs every year. The fact that they are consistently a top half-ish team, he doesn't overrecruit, everyone gets playing time, the coach is likeable, and the Princeton campus is stunning and secluded, yet easily accessible to the city are all factors that likely carry FAR more weight with most recruits in their decision-making.

And as suggested by the rate of player attrition from Princeton relative to other ECAC schools over the past 5 years (posted in the Brown thread last season), Princeton actually has one of the lowest rates of players leaving the hockey program prior to graduation. That must say something positive about their experience.

Yes, there are other coaches with better records of playoff success. For those for whom that is a key selection criteria, they will choose go to those programs. However, I also know for a fact, that despite their more enviable program successes and playoff records, the coaches were also a turnoff for many potential recruits for other reasons.

While the grass may look greener on the other side, you don't know how much weed killer they used to make it appear that way. ;)

Well Said. Post of the day on the subject.
 
Re: Princeton 2010-2011

the fact that they have made the playoffs is still an accomplishment as there were 4 teams that did not.

And a home seed to boot. Back in late November this team was on a 7 game slide, in serious danger of not even making the playoffs. They get on a run and pass Quinnipiac in the last weekend of the season to get home ice over those same Quinnipiac Bobcats, only to fall to them in a tight series.
 
Re: Pulling the Goalie

Re: Pulling the Goalie

Who said anything about settling for mediocrity? When was the last time Princeton truly had a mediocre season? Compare that to the records of Brown, Yale and Dartmouth, who all missed playoffs altogether just last season...Brown and Yale for several now. Or Cornell, who was the perennial bottom-feeder of the league as recently as 4 years ago.

You're choosing not to look at the big picture, but rather like a professional sports team owner whose only interest is on how his profits are enhanced by how deep the team goes into the playoffs, and could give a rats arse about how to achieve it. Rather this is supposed to be an additional enrichment experience for students aiming to get the best education they can, while hopefully learning some additional life skills along the way through their participation in a sport.

It seems to me there is far more good than bad here overall. He does a better than average job at recruiting, has achieved a consistently good track record of results for the team every year (despite playoff disappointment, a top 4 finish isn't easy), the players get lots of opportunity to contribute to team success, and seem happier than average at their overall experience with the team over their 4 years. Seems like a very good situation in total from the athletes' perspectives that players from any other program might actually envy.

I can guarantee that in 10 years, these players will not remember which round of the playoffs they ending up losing in at the end of the season, but will treasure forever all the wonderful times they will have had and the relationships they forged with their teammates, and the contributions they made to make their time together successful and special over the 100+ games of their playing career.

We get that you don't like the coach and think they could do better. Maybe they could. They could certainly also do far worse. And I would hope any coaching decisions that are made are based on what would be in the best interests for the Princeton players and program as a whole, rather than to fulfill a desire for more fan/alumni ego gratification based merely on winning more titles.
 
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Re: Princeton 2010-2011

However, I also know for a fact, that despite their more enviable program successes and playoff records, the coaches were also a turnoff for many potential recruits for other reasons.

While the grass may look greener on the other side, you don't know how much weed killer they used to make it appear that way. ;)

Which coaches? I'm only guessing here but looking back over the past ten years, one would conclude that you are referring to the coaching staffs at Harvard, Dartmouth and SLU? Flanagan is no longer at SLU so that leaves Stone and Hudak. Are those the coaches you are referring to?
 
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Which coaches? I'm only guessing here but looking back over the past ten years, one would conclude that you are referring to the coaching staffs at Harvard, Dartmouth and SLU? Flanagan is no longer at SLU so that leaves Stone and Hudak. Are those the coaches you are referring to?
Probably, but it's not like it matters. Of course some players are just a better fit for Kampersal's style than the other coaches.
 
Re: Princeton 2010-2011

Now that the season is over the Baker Rink Irregulars have conferred and hereby announce the awards for the 2010-11 season.

MVP: While Sasha Sherry was certainly the most dynamic and entertaining player to watch this year, and ends her career as one of the best defensemen the program has ever seen, it has to be Rachel Weber to win this award. When they were 3-10-1 she found a magic elixir and went on an incredible run, with six shutouts (four of them in a row) to spark the Tigers back to respectability. While her season ended more modestly, without her the season might have been a disaster.

Rookie of the Year: All five of the rookies in this year's class contributed a great deal. Olivia Mucha and Sally Butler had the numbers, and they're almost identical. Therefore we're going with Gabie Figueroa for being a stable force on the blueline.

Unsung Hero: Julie Johnson, who provided an occasional offensive spark but, even without big stats, always managed to be in the middle of things.

Most Improved: Have to go with Rachel Weber here, too. Nothing she had done before was precedent for her sterling streak.

Best Pony-Tail: Once again, Danielle DeCesare, with Alex Kinney as runner-up.
 
Luster of Hogwarts

Luster of Hogwarts

Did I miss the explanation of the phrase "Luster of Hogwarts" as applied to Tigertown?
 
Re: Princeton 2010-2011

I've copied the coaching development discussion into another thread because it has taken over the Princeton thread. No harm done, just for your convenience. Carry on.
 
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Re: Luster of Hogwarts

Re: Luster of Hogwarts

Did I miss the explanation of the phrase "Luster of Hogwarts" as applied to Tigertown?
Sorry about that, Watson Rink. What I recall most about the Princeton campus, is that it resembles the architecture of the Hogwarts school in the Harry Potter series. Do you not agree ?
 
Sorry about that, Watson Rink. What I recall most about the Princeton campus, is that it resembles the architecture of the Hogwarts school in the Harry Potter series. Do you not agree ?
The other parallel is that the Dinky train to campus is at platform 9 3/4 at Princeton Junction.
 
Re: Luster of Hogwarts

Re: Luster of Hogwarts

Sorry about that, Watson Rink. What I recall most about the Princeton campus, is that it resembles the architecture of the Hogwarts school in the Harry Potter series. Do you not agree ?

Thanks for the explanation: we must all make a note to see the Harvard quidditch team's next away game there (only a club team at present but no doubt has its sights on varsity status some day: see the team's website at www.recreation.gocrimson.com/information/club_sports/quidditch).
 
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Re: Luster of Hogwarts

Re: Luster of Hogwarts

Thanks for the explanation: we must all make a note to see the Harvard quidditch team's next away game there (only a club team at present but no doubt has its sights on varsity status some day: see the team's website at www.recreation.gocrimson.com/information/club_sports/quidditch).

Sorry, I've typed the correct link three times now but it gets garbled whenever I press Send: so I'll leave off the www. and give you the rest of the link: recreation.gocrimson.com/information/club_sports/quidditch
 
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