>>> RIT Tigers - 2013 Offseason: The Future Looks Bright <<<

[komey1]

Re: >>> RIT Tigers - 2013 Offseason: The Future Looks Bright <<<

I don't blame you for wanting to forget that RPI game.

Once you get your new arena, I suspect you'll be able to get some more teams at home.

Have to agree about more teams at home. But thinking that RIT will be hosting some of the top programs in NCAA even with the new arena is a pipe dream.

 

[lmg6841]

Re: >>> RIT Tigers - 2013 Offseason: The Future Looks Bright <<<

Considering their recent track record, I'd say having BC coming to town is a pretty big deal. Who else would we consider more prestigious top programs right now? Yale lol? Though that would be cool to see Wilson v Wilson.

Have to agree about more teams at home. But thinking that RIT will be hosting some of the top programs in NCAA even with the new arena is a pipe dream.

 

[TigerFan86-87]

Re: >>> RIT Tigers - 2013 Offseason: The Future Looks Bright <<<

Considering their recent track record, I'd say having BC coming to town is a pretty big deal. Who else would we consider more prestigious top programs right now? Yale lol? Though that would be cool to see Wilson v Wilson.

I think he meant non-BCA home opponents.
I'm sure though, that Coach Wilson's history with Jerry York had everything to do with BC coming in here. If it weren't for that, there's probably no way.

 

[Tom Naeger]

Re: >>> RIT Tigers - 2013 Offseason: The Future Looks Bright <<<

I think he meant non-BCA home opponents.
I'm sure though, that Coach Wilson's history with Jerry York had everything to do with BC coming in here. If it weren't for that, there's probably no way.

If RIT didn't have Michigan on the schedule this year I would agree with you, but since they do. I think the Blue Cross game will draw a lot of interest from coaches of the big conferences. Its a great atmosphere to test their team in early in the season...

 

[TigerFan86-87]

Re: >>> RIT Tigers - 2013 Offseason: The Future Looks Bright <<<

If RIT didn't have Michigan on the schedule this year I would agree with you, but since they do. I think the Blue Cross game will draw a lot of interest from coaches of the big conferences. Its a great atmosphere to test their team in early in the season...

My point was not only about the fact that BC is a big-time program, but also the fact that they rarely travel outside of New England (like most HEA teams) unless it is to play another big-time program or to play in an in-season tournament. Dating back to 99-00, BC has travelled to NC games that weren't tournament games against the following opponents:
Big-time: Notre Dame, Denver, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, North Dakota
New England: Yale, Harvard, Dartmouth, Vermont (when in ECAC)
Others: Clarkson (1/5/08), and Bowling Green (10/15/2005)

So my guess is that BC just isn't too inclined to travel outside of NE to play an NC opponent that isn't a marquis matchup very often, let alone from the "lowly" AHA, rink size notwithstanding.

As far as testing the team, programs like that play more than enough games in that type of atmosphere against other similar programs. I don't think it would add too much value to them like it would to an AHA team that doesn't have as many opportunities to play in front of big crowds prior to NCAA tournament games.

 

[Zyklon]

Re: >>> RIT Tigers - 2013 Offseason: The Future Looks Bright <<<

Well, seems like Canisius is upping its game. Going to really hurt for us to compete as more teams in the AHA each year seem to be upping their commitment to hockey.

Not saying I don't like competition, it's just that no scholarships seems to be hurting more and more and the edge we thought we had in recruiting seems to be dwindling.

 

[lmg6841]

Re: >>> RIT Tigers - 2013 Offseason: The Future Looks Bright <<<

I'm not all that sure that scholarships would make much of a difference. RIT athletes already get a pretty nice package. At this point, offering better exposure to other NCAA teams and professional opportunities post college is what will get us better prospects.

Well, seems like Canisius is upping its game. Going to really hurt for us to compete as more teams in the AHA each year seem to be upping their commitment to hockey.

Not saying I don't like competition, it's just that no scholarships seems to be hurting more and more and the edge we thought we had in recruiting seems to be dwindling.

 

[FlagDUDE08]

Re: >>> RIT Tigers - 2013 Offseason: The Future Looks Bright <<<

My point was not only about the fact that BC is a big-time program, but also the fact that they rarely travel outside of New England (like most HEA teams) unless it is to play another big-time program or to play in an in-season tournament. Dating back to 99-00, BC has travelled to NC games that weren't tournament games against the following opponents:
Big-time: Notre Dame, Denver, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, North Dakota
New England: Yale, Harvard, Dartmouth, Vermont (when in ECAC)
Others: Clarkson (1/5/08), Bowling Green (10/15/2005), and Alaska (10/13/2001)

So my guess is that BC just isn't too inclined to travel outside of NE to play an NC opponent that isn't a marquis matchup very often, let alone from the "lowly" AHA, rink size notwithstanding.

As far as testing the team, programs like that play more than enough games in that type of atmosphere against other similar programs. I don't think it would add too much value to them like it would to an AHA team that doesn't have as many opportunities to play in front of big crowds prior to NCAA tournament games.

You sure the Alaska game wasn't a tournament? That's usually when either the Kendall or the Brice is.

 

[TigerFan86-87]

Re: >>> RIT Tigers - 2013 Offseason: The Future Looks Bright <<<

You sure the Alaska game wasn't a tournament? That's usually when either the Kendall or the Brice is.

You are correct. The first source I got that info from did not indicate that, but it appears as though is was since they also played DU the previous day in Alaska.

 

[RITProf]

Re: >>> RIT Tigers - 2013 Offseason: The Future Looks Bright <<<

Well, seems like Canisius is upping its game. Going to really hurt for us to compete as more teams in the AHA each year seem to be upping their commitment to hockey.

Not saying I don't like competition, it's just that no scholarships seems to be hurting more and more and the edge we thought we had in recruiting seems to be dwindling.

That's not upping their game, just moving it. Nothing to worry about there. Scholarships are no more relevant then they were yesterday.

 

[LtPowers]

Re: >>> RIT Tigers - 2013 Offseason: The Future Looks Bright <<<

That's not upping their game, just moving it. Nothing to worry about there. Scholarships are no more relevant then they were yesterday.

Considering they won the AHA Championship a few months ago, I'd say they're pretty relevant. The fact that they can now tell recruits they've got a better facility, right on the Sabres doorstep, is only going to improve their recruiting... which has been amazingly good considering the small size of the school, its lack of fan support, and the facilities issue.

Dave Smith must have some sort of secret recruiting trick because I can't figure out how else they get the players they do.


Powers &8^]

 

[MattS]

Re: >>> RIT Tigers - 2013 Offseason: The Future Looks Bright <<<

Considering they won the AHA Championship a few months ago, I'd say they're pretty relevant. The fact that they can now tell recruits they've got a better facility, right on the Sabres doorstep, is only going to improve their recruiting... which has been amazingly good considering the small size of the school, its lack of fan support, and the facilities issue.

I agree. It's not going to make them national champions but it certainly isn't going to hurt.

Dave Smith must have some sort of secret recruiting trick because I can't figure out how else they get the players they do.

My guess is no academic standards for athletes.

 

[lmg6841]

Re: >>> RIT Tigers - 2013 Offseason: The Future Looks Bright <<<

What NCAA prospect isn't going to want to play in a rink that has NHL coaches and scouts seven days a week? That's a huge recruiting bonus.

That's not upping their game, just moving it. Nothing to worry about there. Scholarships are no more relevant then they were yesterday.

 

[RITProf]

Re: >>> RIT Tigers - 2013 Offseason: The Future Looks Bright <<<

Considering they won the AHA Championship a few months ago, I'd say they're pretty relevant.
Powers &8^]

So when RIT or Air Force win, scholarships are irrelevant and when Canisius wins, they are. Give me a break.

Canisius is making a 10 minute move to some slightly nicer facilities for them. If the NHL guys wanted to see them, they would take the 10-min. cab ride. There is no way they are spending 7 nights a week in that new arena. And if was such a boon to recruiting into AHA and NHL, then it would be for every team that visits Canisius. You guys are giving the NHL scouts way too little credit.

BTW: Great for Canisius, that they are getting a slightly better place to play. But all you RIT "fans" shouldn't be shaking in your boots compared to an on-campus arena with more than twice the capacity and a pretty significant fan base. Those NHL scouts spend plenty of time on the RIT campus as well (of course, more would be a good sign.)

 

[Tom Naeger]

Re: >>> RIT Tigers - 2013 Offseason: The Future Looks Bright <<<

What NCAA prospect isn't going to want to play in a rink that has NHL coaches and scouts seven days a week? That's a huge recruiting bonus.

That statement is just a whole lot of fun to me. Just for the record I have seen Lindy Ruff and more Buffalo Jr. Sabres games than Canisius or Niagara games. I've seen a meet scouts of a couple NHL teams at Niagara, Canisius, and RIT. The closest the Sabres came to my knowledge is when Derek Roy came for a came and stood up Chris Lerch and company for an interview. I swear Lerchie still is not over it, tried to get Sabretooth to give him a back run but it just was not happening...

Ironically Canisius was closer when they played at the Pepsi Center (Now called the Northtown Center for those who care). That where the Sabres hold the majority of their workouts. I have heard talk in certain circles that some Buffalo Sabres players would rather keep playing in Amherst, closer to where most of them live than down town.

In the end it going to help Canisius. That entire area of Buffalo is finally getting develop with private money despite inept downtown government even by NY State standards. I think in the end Buffalo finally will do to their water front something at least close to what Cleveland and Pittsburgh has done with their waterfront. The only problem I see is it remain to be see if this will help get more people to Canisius games. Students still are going to be a lot closer to the Basketball games, and Canisius top two programs are the men's and women's basketball team.

I have my doubts on them drawing much local support. No one goes downtown in the Winter unless there is a Sabres game. And much of what they are building will be more gear to the summer time crowd. The Jr. Sabres tried playing some games at HSBC and that lasted just one season...

Shameless plug, as a certain Canisius play by play guy would say, "You Better Call Somebody!!!" and let them know to come to the game....

 

[redhotzep96]

Re: >>> RIT Tigers - 2013 Offseason: The Future Looks Bright <<<

Wayne Wilson 4-Year contract extension!

"Wilson, who will enter his 15th season behind the bench at RIT in 2013-14, is the university's all-time leader with a 270-145-44 record. Since the start of the 2006-07 season, the Tigers have a 145-90-30 record while competing against the best Division I teams in the nation ... After the Frozen Four run, Wilson signed a five-year extension to stay at RIT. The current extension will wipe out the final two seasons of the original contract Wilson signed in 2010."

http://www.ritathletics.com/news/2013/7/30/MHOCKEY_0730133639.aspx

 

[lmg6841]

Re: >>> RIT Tigers - 2013 Offseason: The Future Looks Bright <<<

I hope this is a good thing. Last season seemed to be an awful combination of player mismanagement, lack luster recruits, and cripiling injuries that due to lack of depth really hurt us. I hope Wilson can make significant change in those regards these next couple of seasons.

Wayne Wilson 4-Year contract extension!

"Wilson, who will enter his 15th season behind the bench at RIT in 2013-14, is the university's all-time leader with a 270-145-44 record. Since the start of the 2006-07 season, the Tigers have a 145-90-30 record while competing against the best Division I teams in the nation ... After the Frozen Four run, Wilson signed a five-year extension to stay at RIT. The current extension will wipe out the final two seasons of the original contract Wilson signed in 2010."

http://www.ritathletics.com/news/2013/7/30/MHOCKEY_0730133639.aspx

 

[RITProf]

Re: >>> RIT Tigers - 2013 Offseason: The Future Looks Bright <<<

Seems like good news to me. Total speculation, but I would surmise that there might have been some other schools seeing if Wilson could be tempted away. The extension shuts that down for a little while anyway. It also gives him a little more security when working through a season like last year. Good all around it seems.

 

[MattS]

Re: >>> RIT Tigers - 2013 Offseason: The Future Looks Bright <<<

Total speculation, but I would surmise that there might have been some other schools seeing if Wilson could be tempted away.

I think you are correct. I have been pondering about the extension and this is the only reason I can think of to do it. Certainly after the past season Wilson wasn't in a great position to demand a new contract and I can't think of another reason why RIT would offer it at this time unless there was some interest from another college.

I'm not sure I would have done it but I do like that is, in reality, only a 3 year extension with what I would assume is a modest raise.

 

[komey1]

Re: >>> RIT Tigers - 2013 Offseason: The Future Looks Bright <<<

I consider this a good thing. For one, I don't think last season was a trend, but a fluke for that poor. I'm confident that RIT will be back near the top of the AHA next year. Ruby is expected to go in as the #1 based on the way he ended the season and Watson leaving. The offense should be as good if not better than last year. The question will be defense. Noyes, Kuqali, and Shumway will be there night in and night out. But I think the rest of the spots are up for grabs for a change. I think the added depth this year will push players to get better to keep their spots. I think it's a good thing to have more OOC games at the front of the season to get the kinks out before the conference schedule, which will be difficult.