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This is college hockey, we should all remember. There isn't a farm team to call up/send down from. I think players going pro early is how it is now for all schools. In a sense the schools with the better players get hit harder and more often. As to the other players....I think Smith has had his ability to get "his " players. To sign a player, then after a year or two you decide they don't fit, aren't as good as you thought they'd be, or you find someone better or a transfer and "cut" a player to make room is going down a slippery slope. For once it becomes clear the school has no allegiance to the player, expect players to react in kind. Less skilled players will go through the season always looking over their shoulder. I hope this won't be the norm going forward. After all how much time is enough time for a player to develop or fit in? I think we have all seen players perform better with time and some who do the opposite. The coaches who are confident with their system, know how to teach it, can find the players that can fit in or who have the ability to change their game for the system will produce successful teams. Look at what Barry Trotz did with the Islanders. When was the last time you said "These guys are much better than they appear on paper" about RPI? Ever thought that about other college teams?
I agree that Smith will get a bad reputation if he constantly cuts players. I will give him slack with SA's players, but cutting more than one or maybe two of his own players a year would be worrisome.
Thanks for being here instead of with the other recent alumni.
Yale is a lock.
