They have lost 20 games every season here except one. Pretty decent metric to answer this question.
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RPI 2023-24 (Part II): The Search for Special Teams Excellence
- Thread starter Ralph Baer
- Start date
I agree, and I have been thinking this statistic as well. At the same time, I also think nothing changes until at least the current season ends, and probably not until after the Frozen Four. As Ralph indicated, we don't know much at this stage about what President Schmidt and Dr. Bowers believe is the best path forward. I think it's safe to say no one - no one - is happy or satisfied with the current state of the program. Some folks just choose not to vocalize it as much. While I understand some folks want to vent after each loss, personally I don't do it because I don't see the point, it's not changing any minds (especially now). I'm sure there will be a discussion about the future sometime in the next several weeks. I hope we will know more soon, about both the Field House and the future of the program, and it seems that would be the time really have this discussion and get it all out on the table.
Anyone reading our threads knows a lot of us are upset and want a change, and some of us have wanted a change for awhile, and others have been willing to give things more time. For those of us who remember the Glory Days, the last two decades have, on the whole, been quite a fall from where we once were. What impact the comments on here have on the team/program is anyone's guess, although I think Ralph was suggesting people talk and hockey is a surprisingly small world, and I'm sure the players, parents, Smith, Bowers, and Schmidt know how most fans feel, whether they read what's posted here or not. I also suspect many of them feel the same way we do. Smith I am sure knows the program is not anywhere near where it is expected to be, pandemic or not. It will be up to Schmidt and Bowers to address that in the way they deem best for the school and the program.
That said, I'm with these guys until the bitter end, whenever and wherever that may be. LGR!
I have a funny feeling you guys will do just fine agains RPI.
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engineerhockeyfan
PUCKMAN RULES!!!
While the last two decades have been nothing to write home about, this is by far the most frustrating of those seasons.
I blame it all on the OOC schedule at the beginning of the season. We came out of that period with no confidence and a lot of negative experiences.
And that is all on the coaching staff. They set us up for what we have right now.
Also, we have had the same problems on the ice for the entire season. No adjustments and no changes in the system. On top of that, no leadership from either the team or the coaches.
This year, except for Quinnipiac, the ECAC was ripe for the taking. And we came out of the gate with nothing but the memory of what the OOC games left us.
We have a lot of seniors and grad students leaving, so the team will change. Now all we need is someone to lead them.
I blame it all on the OOC schedule at the beginning of the season. We came out of that period with no confidence and a lot of negative experiences.
And that is all on the coaching staff. They set us up for what we have right now.
Also, we have had the same problems on the ice for the entire season. No adjustments and no changes in the system. On top of that, no leadership from either the team or the coaches.
This year, except for Quinnipiac, the ECAC was ripe for the taking. And we came out of the gate with nothing but the memory of what the OOC games left us.
We have a lot of seniors and grad students leaving, so the team will change. Now all we need is someone to lead them.
Wicked Slappaahs
I miss Tie Domi
Since the 80s glory years my family and many friends and a great many on this thread have faithfully cheered and followed this program around the country. I believe we've reached the low point in my lifetime...and I take no pleasure in admitting this.
Effort and good intentions aside, sometimes you just have to make a change to reset and wipe the slate clean. I think we have reached this point at RPI. Whatever the system is that Smitty is preaching, it simply isn't working.
Schmidt has plenty to tackle aside from Athletics, but he and Dr. Bowers certainly have a decision to make in the off-season. Whether they will make a change with 3 (?) years remaining on the contract remains to be seen. But the faithful are at the end of their rope and frankly I'm not sure they can afford to not make a change.
Our boys deserve better, IMO.
Effort and good intentions aside, sometimes you just have to make a change to reset and wipe the slate clean. I think we have reached this point at RPI. Whatever the system is that Smitty is preaching, it simply isn't working.
Schmidt has plenty to tackle aside from Athletics, but he and Dr. Bowers certainly have a decision to make in the off-season. Whether they will make a change with 3 (?) years remaining on the contract remains to be seen. But the faithful are at the end of their rope and frankly I'm not sure they can afford to not make a change.
Our boys deserve better, IMO.
+1 Well said. This can be turned around but sometimes it requires change. Congrats to the Seniors on their careers at RPI.
The 3 years needs to be worked through the university. Theirs ways to mitigate such loss. They fired appert to supposedly turn the program around. If this is their idea of turning the program around then theirs no point in paying any attention to hockey. Sure if you’re dedicated and have nothing to do go for it. I have tons of shit to do I’m not investing much more time and money into this until the university invest more money and time into it. Clean house and get serious people in charge.
Wicked Slappaahs
I miss Tie Domi
I understand it is certainly possible. The question is will they...
If they don’t then they have accepted mediocrity. Balls in their court
DavidNardolillo
Member
I am struck by this reflection, if only because this year's schedule appeared to be a positive. Coach Smith was getting dragged for scheduling weaker out-of-conference in prior seasons, with some suggesting that we RPI wasn't prepared for the ECAC season as a result. For sure, reasonable people can disagree on this. Part of the problem is that RPI has rarely had a good team in the last 20 years to assess the pros and cons of playing a tough non-conference slate.
I think the early schedule is a bit of a non-factor in assessing the season as a whole, especially by this juncture. But that doesn't really change the conclusion reached, that--barring a miraculous run in the playoffs--this season has been really disappointing.
DavidNardolillo
Member
It is not the worst RPI team I have seen (Unfortunately, both Smith and Appert have coached contenders for that), but it is up there for the most disappointing season in memory. There was a disconnect on the ice this year that felt like a major departure from the last few years, even for those of us highlighting any positive steps. Even considering the team faced some injury issues, it is hard to find a silver lining.
Given the returning players and some young players that will have good careers, it was reasonable to expect a better performance this year, especially during the league season. With two games left, RPI cannot match last year's league win total, even with a sweep on the road.
I'll be out in Ithaca to catch the Cornell game, nonetheless. I hope the team finds the spark to finish on a high.
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DavidNardolillo
Member
Union is officially getting a new rink, but they will be renters. Report suggests $800k/year for 25 years: https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/deal-finalized-build-hockey-arena-schenectady-18688965.php
Wicked Slappaahs
I miss Tie Domi
I made the mistake of looking at some ECAC team stats yesterday....and was shocked by how many categories Union was near the top of the league (I'll spare you the details...).
This was achieved by a second year head coach who inherited a rather depleted roster. Point being, in a very short period of time they have righted their ship following Mongo's exit....
This was achieved by a second year head coach who inherited a rather depleted roster. Point being, in a very short period of time they have righted their ship following Mongo's exit....
Colgate also has to be very happy with their first year head coach, heading into the last weekend of regular season in 3rd place. Dartmouth has also had a major turn around from last season.
I just went down that rabbit hole. Union has outscored RPI 27-14 since Hauge took over.
The Union news is interesting. For one thing, it clearly forces RPIs hand as far as their own renovations go. It is a chance for Dr Bowers and Schmidt to flex their commitment to hockey and counter Union's move. Can I play devil's advocate? I don't think this is as great of a move for their hockey as it seems. Almost no college hockey teams play off campus, I think there is a reason for that. It is not football and basketball, students are generally not traveling to get to a college hockey game. Also, part of what makes college hockey rinks cool is that many are so personalized, and when you are a renter in a space it will never truly be yours. Look at Lynah, Agganis, Alfond. If Messa was architecturally unsound and an upgrade needed to be made I understand, and it is certainly cheaper than the alternative. I just don't think it is as great for the program as U is going to attempt to spin it.
Ralph Baer
Let's Go 'Tute!
Friday's game @ Colgate is scheduled for 7:30.
Whatever RPI decides to do or not do with their facility to keep up with the Joneses, at least it does not appear that it will include being a front, a lure or a draw for a gambling operation. Not even a two hour diversion for gamblers wanting a break from the machines and tables.
A supposedly prestigious university getting themselves involved in this endeavor with that industry just plain looks and smells bad and dirty.
Does anyone know if the sports rooms at casinos presently take college hockey??? If so, eventually Schenectady fans will be able stop by the room before the game to lay their action down. They will probably also be able to scoot to the room between periods to lay down action on those game in progress bets with the odds adjusted depending on how the game is going thus far!!! When and if that day comes, will Union get a cut of the action on their games???
Tall order to get much of anything there with only 3,600 seats unless someone really gets greased!!! May be barely big enough for those traveling multi performer shows of still touring 70's and 80's disco acts!!!