Providence College Summer 2011: The Hockey Guy Adventures

[Hokydad]

Re: Providence College Summer 2011: The Hockey Guy Adventures

I was with you until this. Come on, all head coaches delegate responsibilities. Greg Brown works with the defensemen and Cav runs the PP. Cav is probably heavily involved in recruiting as well, but whenever I see someone teaching on the bench...it's York. IMO, the head coach is only as strong as his assistants anyway. It has to be a collective effort.

Opinions vary..... Cav does more than run the PP.

 

[Hokydad]

Re: Providence College Summer 2011: The Hockey Guy Adventures

PC is not "highly regarded" as a hockey program --


Yes it is. Guys look at is a top 4/5 type program and feel it is a quick turn around. With the names you are talking about at HC and their connections etc, should be quicker than many might think. Could be 5/6 next year.

 

[HockeyMan2000]

Re: Providence College Summer 2011: The Hockey Guy Adventures

Could be 5/6 next year.

And Freds thought he owned a pair of "rose colored glasses" lol!

You said the exact same thing about each of the last 3 seasons, when PC finished 10th, 10th and 9th.

Given the players they lose, I cannot see how in the world this team sees a middle of the pack finish next season. They will probably be picked dead last in the coaches poll, and with good reason given the last 3 seasons and the roster returning.

 

[J.D.]

Re: Providence College Summer 2011: The Hockey Guy Adventures

Opinions vary..... Cav does more than run the PP.

Obviously he contributes more than just running the PP. I was just giving an example.

Yes it is. Guys look at is a top 4/5 type program and feel it is a quick turn around. With the names you are talking about at HC and their connections etc, should be quicker than many might think. Could be 5/6 next year.

Some guys might look at it as a top 4/5 program in Hockey East, but when has Providence ever consistently gained home ice in the playoffs? PC finished 5th in 2007-2008 and had a couple good years in 2000-2001 and 2001-2002 (I think).

You thought PC would make the playoffs this year and I don't see them jumping from 9th to 5th or 6th. They weren't that good this year and lose some key seniors. As far as I know, they don't have a great recruiting class lined up.

 

[Hokydad]

Re: Providence College Summer 2011: The Hockey Guy Adventures

and MC was going to be dead last 2 years ago as well picked by the same geniuses

I didnt say boo about 2 or 3 years ago. Last year though I thought they could have been 5-7 and they should have.
next year will be a very off year for hockey east and will be interesting to see pan out.

cross is back, Ferullo will be a help as will Luke and Aciari.
You cant replace a Mckinnon and Oconnor but in fairness, they were not really used well. Team will though be built around Schaller, Balysik(sic),l Rooney, Cross etc

Beaudry and 5/6 d back will be a help also

 

[Hokydad]

Re: Providence College Summer 2011: The Hockey Guy Adventures

Obviously he contributes more than just running the PP. I was just giving an example.



Some guys might look at it as a top 4/5 program in Hockey East, but when has Providence ever consistently gained home ice in the playoffs? PC finished 5th in 2007-2008 and had a couple good years in 2000-2001 and 2001-2002 (I think).

You thought PC would make the playoffs this year and I don't see them jumping from 9th to 5th or 6th. They weren't that good this year and lose some key seniors. As far as I know, they don't have a great recruiting class lined up.

nothing would shock anyone..... will be fun to watch unfold, just like it will be fun to watch bc, bu, mc, unh, me and others without many players.

 

[HockeyMan2000]

Re: Providence College Summer 2011: The Hockey Guy Adventures

and MC was going to be dead last 2 years ago as well picked by the same geniuses

And you on the other hand have been wrong about everything you've ever said when it comes to PC hockey, from Tim Army's capability as a coach, to the team's performances the last couple of years (and yeah you sure did say more than "boo" the last two seasons, coming in the PC threads and saying "it's turning around now!" like the boy who cried wolf after winning a few games in October). So here you are again, telling us it's all going to be better next season -- I mean, seriously, can't we hire the new guy and give him some time first to start rebuilding the program? You're more delusional than even the biggest PC kool-aid drinker on the planet if you seriously believe this roster is going to climb up to 5th place and possibly contend for home ice next year.

I do agree with you Hockey East will have an "off" year, but even then, PC's numbers have been so futile the last couple of seasons -- ranking near the dead bottom of Division 1 in scoring goals -- I cannot see a reasonable argument to be made that a middle-of-the-pack finish is at all possible. I'd love to see it, but it is completely unrealistic to even throw it out there at this point in time.

 

[J.D.]

Re: Providence College Summer 2011: The Hockey Guy Adventures

and MC was going to be dead last 2 years ago as well picked by the same geniuses

I didnt say boo about 2 or 3 years ago. Last year though I thought they could have been 5-7 and they should have.
next year will be a very off year for hockey east and will be interesting to see pan out.

You're right that preseason predictions don't mean anything, but Dennehy had been in place for a couple years. I don't expect the new PC coach to bring them from 9th to 5th/6th in one year, especially when you look at what PC is losing.

Looking at 5-7, I'll say PC could have finished 7th, but no higher than that.

 

[Hokydad]

Re: Providence College Summer 2011: The Hockey Guy Adventures

And you on the other hand have been wrong about everything you've ever said when it comes to PC hockey, from Tim Army's capability as a coach, to the team's performances the last couple of years (and yeah you sure did say more than "boo" the last two seasons, coming in the PC threads and saying "it's turning around now!" like the boy who cried wolf after winning a few games in October). So here you are again, telling us it's all going to be better next season -- I mean, seriously, can't we hire the new guy and give him some time first to start rebuilding the program? You're more delusional than even the biggest PC kool-aid drinker on the planet if you seriously believe this roster is going to climb up to 5th place and possibly contend for home ice next year.

I do agree with you Hockey East will have an "off" year, but even then, PC's numbers have been so futile the last couple of seasons -- ranking near the dead bottom of Division 1 in scoring goals -- I cannot see a reasonable argument to be made that a middle-of-the-pack finish is at all possible. I'd love to see it, but it is completely unrealistic to even throw it out there at this point in time.

probably right

 

[HockeyMan2000]

Re: Providence College Summer 2011: The Hockey Guy Adventures

probably right

LOL why thank you Hokydad

 

[HockeyMan2000]

Re: Providence College Summer 2011: The Hockey Guy Adventures

BTW Good Projo sports section articles on Mac Bennett and Derek DeBlois, hometown Rhode Islanders playing for Michigan today in the Frozen Four.

 

[Gainzo]

Re: Providence College Summer 2011: The Hockey Guy Adventures

I know it's all sunshine and lollipops with you, but let's be honest. PC is no longer "highly regarded" as a hockey program -- and hasn't been for a long, LONG time. In 1990 they might have been "highly regarded", but now? Why would they be? This is a REBUILDING job in every way, shape and form. This program is at the bottom of the conference, has been for several years running and very likely is going to be next year too, regardless of who comes in to coach. The new coach is going to have to work their tail off to make it "highly regarded" again, and I'm sure they are completely aware of what they'll be up against. It's going to be like starting over at a place where nobody has been able to consistently win in almost 2 decades.

On the flip side, PC is a fine school, and a HOCKEY EAST program, which instantly makes the job attractive enough to warrant interest. A lot of guys would be interested in coaching in this league regardless of the circumstance. Winning in this conference means a whole heck of a lot more than winning tons of games like Yale and Union did in the ECAC, not scheduling anyone and then being quickly ousted in the NCAAs. If the new coach can turn PC around, that would be a massive accomplishment and something neither of the prior two coaches were able to do. Why not go for it, try and make a name for yourself and do it in one of the best conferences in the country (some years THE best)? It's a low-expectation, high-reward kind of position now (lest any of us here expect a return to the Garden anytime soon; I'm guessing that's not the case). If the new coach succeeds, fantastic! If not, then neither of the prior guys did either.

So I'm not surprised someone is interested in this job, and maybe Driscoll is serious this time about actually improving the program, renovating the facility, and on and on -- but like Cavbim says, I'll believe it when we see it.

As a Lowell grad, and season ticket holder, I'm very interested on what is going on at Providence as Lowell is in the same boat.

If you were courted by both Schools to become the HC which one would you choose?

I will fill in the pros & cons for Lowell. I will leave it up to you guys to do the same for Providence.

Lowell Pros:

1). The Tsongas Center (Did any of you go last season?).
2). Fan support. An average of over 4,000 a game with the worst Lowell team since the 60's.
3). Only D1 Sport and Marty Meehan has made Hockey a priority when it comes to sports at the Univeristy.
4). Play in Hockey East.

Lowell Cons:

1). State School.
2). Small recruiting budget.
3). Has to compete with those heathens in Amherst with a bigger budget.
4). HC salary is below most of the others in HE.
5). It's Lowell. lol

 

[cavbim]

Re: Providence College Summer 2011: The Hockey Guy Adventures

This link is to an article about Jaimie Ferullo that got posted on the women's board

http://board.uscho.com/showthread.php?95948-An-Experience-we-could-all-learn-from...

 

[Friar21]

Re: Providence College Summer 2011: The Hockey Guy Adventures

Hey guys, great to see such enthusiastic group talking about PC Hockey. I just wanted to chime in and give some more details that I have heard talking to a good friend who knows Rob Gaudreau (he is on the committee doing the coaching search). They have narrowed their field down to about 3 or 4 coaches which definitely includes Quinn and Cavanaugh, both of which are very interested in the job. Unfortunately Bennett isn't falling high on the list right now. The feeling is the whole PC grad as a coach thing didn't work so they want to try and stay away from that. They should have a decision in the next week or so. Although Bennett has had a strong recruiting record over the last couple years, Cavanaugh is definitely the better choice because of his good reputation of developing the kids he brings in. Being a PC grad myself and as much as I would like to see Bennett be the Head Coach but at this time if they are going to make a big splash it is going to have to be Cavanaugh or Quinn.

 

[cavbim]

Re: Providence College Summer 2011: The Hockey Guy Adventures

would love to see Bennett get it.
has a pipeline for talent second to none. Coaches would line up to push kids his way

PC Quinn or Leehman
UML Bennett(who will be gone for PC gets around to decision) or Rolston
NU Cavanaugh
Penn State Dennehy
Cronin, AHL

Since '91 has become your best friend I'm going to question you.
By and large I've agreed with the bulk of what you say and even agree with some of the thought process here
Of you list of 5 you had at the end of the the last string the only name that raised an eyebrow for me was Borek.
However I believe it was you earlier who said Quinn wouldn't take the PC job (and I've heard from a couple of places there isn't a match). Why the change of heart (I fully realize things change)
Second your list did not include Leaman (whose name you consistently mispell, which at the least makes me question what you are saying.
I also disagree Lowell will have their coach first. I believe one of the links suggests their time line is May. Driscoll's time line really comes due next week and my understanding is the search is in the final phase. We should get first crack. I also believe state jobs require a 30 day posting and the earliest that is is 4/10. For thm to have Bennett on top of their list under those circumstances seems unlikely to me unless it is a bag job and if it was I don't think he would be the top guy.

Now unless Driscoll is of the mind to go over and above I still think Bennett is the guy. Money talks and PC can pony up, they did for Army considering his limited head coaching experience he was paid very well. Driscoll in fact has in the area of paying coaches done right by his programs so that might open the door. Maybe you do get a Quinn to reconsider and certainly due diligence says you have to approach Leaman if you want Bennett. For me th jury is till out if Quinn's experience recruiting and UNO qualifies to show how hard he must work at PC--he certainly will be going after a different type of player at PC then BU. I don't want Cavanagh. If he's good he's a short timer, if he's nothing without the BC jacket on I don't need to have a shellgame played. If it is an experienced assistant coach then I could live with Lassonde. He's been to the NCAA's something like 17 times in his coaching career, yet UNH knows how to zero in on the under recruited/undervalued player you need to succede. Peters is the guy who brought us McNevin's and Pasani, and I'm pretty sure put together Rask's class.

I think for a coach the key is knowing we aren't getting thetop NE talent and to find the gems and over aged player. Second is to teach. The failure in the Pooley system was he wasn't a good teacher.

Lastly looking at PC's biggest disadvantage do you believe Joe Izuzu when he says something. To get this program back to the level of McShane's better days will take a concerted effort by the college no matter who the coach is. I'll believe it when I see it

 

[satyking]

Re: Providence College Summer 2011: The Hockey Guy Adventures

I totally forgot about David Quinn, a Rhode Island boy who really knows the game and how to teach it to college kids.....would he be interested, I hope so he was passed over at Union because they thought he would jump to the first HE school to call, sure hope Driscoll has his number in Ohio.....he has made a name of himself with the junior programs and the pro level, he also knows HE after his time at BU .... a perfect fit for PC.....come on home David

 

[chrisP]

Re: Providence College Summer 2011: The Hockey Guy Adventures

From today's Projo:

http://www.projo.com/pc/content/Divver_hockey_PC_Friars_04-08-11_L4NEJ5A_v2.b826ff.html

Some top names there. Looks like next week will be a busy one on campus.

 

[PC91]

Re: Providence College Summer 2011: The Hockey Guy Adventures

Typical Rhode Island reporting. WHO CARES WHAT COUNTRY CLUB HE BELONGS TO!!!! Did that need to be the second thing that was listed as a plus for Coach Quinn?
We get it. Anyone who has golfed in RI has heard that it's an expensive and somewhat exclusive club. BFD! My cousin is VERY proud to tell people that he's a member. Personally, I'd belong to Warwick CC if I had the money and played more golf. Great course and nicer members.
If you want to shoot golf with me, you can find me at McGolf in Dedham or ripping up the grass (and dodging airplanes) at the Norwood swamp err I mean Country Club.

 

[Hokydad]

Re: Providence College Summer 2011: The Hockey Guy Adventures

Since '91 has become your best friend I'm going to question you.
By and large I've agreed with the bulk of what you say and even agree with some of the thought process here
Of you list of 5 you had at the end of the the last string the only name that raised an eyebrow for me was Borek.
However I believe it was you earlier who said Quinn wouldn't take the PC job (and I've heard from a couple of places there isn't a match). Why the change of heart (I fully realize things change)
Second your list did not include Leaman (whose name you consistently mispell, which at the least makes me question what you are saying.
I also disagree Lowell will have their coach first. I believe one of the links suggests their time line is May. Driscoll's time line really comes due next week and my understanding is the search is in the final phase. We should get first crack. I also believe state jobs require a 30 day posting and the earliest that is is 4/10. For thm to have Bennett on top of their list under those circumstances seems unlikely to me unless it is a bag job and if it was I don't think he would be the top guy.

Now unless Driscoll is of the mind to go over and above I still think Bennett is the guy. Money talks and PC can pony up, they did for Army considering his limited head coaching experience he was paid very well. Driscoll in fact has in the area of paying coaches done right by his programs so that might open the door. Maybe you do get a Quinn to reconsider and certainly due diligence says you have to approach Leaman if you want Bennett. For me th jury is till out if Quinn's experience recruiting and UNO qualifies to show how hard he must work at PC--he certainly will be going after a different type of player at PC then BU. I don't want Cavanagh. If he's good he's a short timer, if he's nothing without the BC jacket on I don't need to have a shellgame played. If it is an experienced assistant coach then I could live with Lassonde. He's been to the NCAA's something like 17 times in his coaching career, yet UNH knows how to zero in on the under recruited/undervalued player you need to succede. Peters is the guy who brought us McNevin's and Pasani, and I'm pretty sure put together Rask's class.

I think for a coach the key is knowing we aren't getting thetop NE talent and to find the gems and over aged player. Second is to teach. The failure in the Pooley system was he wasn't a good teacher.

Lastly looking at PC's biggest disadvantage do you believe Joe Izuzu when he says something. To get this program back to the level of McShane's better days will take a concerted effort by the college no matter who the coach is. I'll believe it when I see it

The rumor mill is fun but crazy... Heard tonight from an interesting source that they want Leaman now. Surprised that he would go after a job that means so much to his pal and associate head coach. Everyone has a version, most are wrong, mine included.


Word is Lowell might make an offer as early next week, maybe Wednesday. May is not an option there.

Bennett, Quinn, Cavanaugh, Leeman, Hughes all great names. Peters has a great resume as well. Whatever they do will be great news for PC fans

Did hear from same source that they wanted an HC which is why they like Leeman so much.

If you are looking for a great recruiter/judge of talent the big boys dont go after, how can it not be Rick Bennett. A 6 year old could recruit at BC. Just find the top players, have Coach York watcha game and sign them up.
If you are looking for a great teacher who gets everything out of his players, again look no further than Rick Bennett.

It will be fun to watch unfold over the next few weeks

 

[PcFriars13]

Re: Providence College Summer 2011: The Hockey Guy Adventures

Did a PC jersey make it to the Frozen Four this year?