Mel P show notes:
Rewatched the game last night, hard to watch, didn't play poor, but they played with a litte more urgency
There was a lot of little puck battles along the boards we lost, and thus chasing the puck
Faceoffs a little in Ferris favor, some key faceoffs lost
It's tough when you have to win your tournament to get in, only 1 of 7 regular season champs won their playoffs, Quinnipiac
Real scary situation with ref, Butch, great guy and ref
Mel doesn't usually go on bench pregame, but did and a few Tech guys were waving help over to Butch
Hit his head pretty hard, players were shaken up
Outpouring of support has been fantastic, from all over, all ages, we want to be back in the NCAA conversation, league championships
We've brought the program to a certain point, next step is hardest, to get in tourney regularly and then dance in the tournament
Harder to swallow when you're the bubble team, can't count on other teams winning/losing
When's last time we only lost 9 games
Disappointment is still there, but have to reflect and build on all good things going on
Do you think next years team will be as good?
Yes, Jamie was excellent, like Pheonix was, but like all of our goaltenders. Any of the three could've played.
Not scheduled to lose any Dmen that played against Ferris. Plus a couple good ones coming in.
Will miss some scoring, but wasn't sure coming into the year, L'Esperance, Heinonen, Baltus, Luchini all contributed
Jake Jackson/Blacklock/E. Anderson can all play
Will B1G teams ever stop requiring 2 for 1 deals?
Yes, we have a 1 for 1 right now. Still more shifts coming up with college hockey.
Everyone is looking at western tourney attendance. There will be things going on. Plus ASU comign on.
B1G has to play home games in their big building, dollars.
Do you see the field being expanded at all?
Talked to Detroit Free Press yesterday. We're 8th in Win%, top 10 in offense, defense, scoring margain, 11th PP. Pretty good team, but not in it.
Mel starting to look at more of a possible play in game. Not sure on logistics, 1 or 2 play-in games. Especially when you're kicking out some good teams.
6 auto-qualifiers out of 16 is a lot.
Why is hockey the only formula based selection?
In the past there's been other questions about why this team vs another. PWR does provide clarity.
We knew going in that we were on the bubble. We needed to win at least 1, probably 2. Rather have it that way than not sure.
The bonus points for top 20 team, we did not have opportunities. We were lowest bonus points in top 35 teams in country. Every night NCHC/Hockey East bonus points.
Our conference records vs. NCHC teams too.
Heartfelt thank you to fans, alumni, great turnout in Grand Rapids, we had more fans than Ferris.
What were ice conditions? The worst all year. Not good, but both teams play on it.
Non conference for next season?
GLI, early Oct at Michigan, Nov at Michigan State
We had a tournament all arranged, that fell through 2 weeks ago. Trying to get a deal with a team that was supposed to be in the tournament, Mel will talk to them today.
We're talking to a few teams, dates aren't working out. No agreement with LSSU at this point, but possible.
Any NHL flight risks?
Always have players with the opportunity. Our teams was followed by NHL scouts. We have free agents.
Never though JJ would leave, or Pheonix after sophomore year.
We have our scheduled meetings with all our players to see where they're at.
Not sure we have anyone that's ready for NHL or AHL yet.
Seniors, it'll be exciting. They're ready for their next adventure.
Jamie is drafted my Winnipeg. They were here several times.
A few teams have shown interest in Petan. Play in AHL or ECHL.
Gould will have a chance too.
Patrick will come back and work on his engineering.
Jimmy want to be a strength/conditioning trainer, could help with that next year to get foot in the door in profession.
Hyland has a job lined up for May if he wants to do that.
Vallis, has a year of eligibility if he wants it. Would like him back and will talk to him about that.
