SLU - Summer of 2010

[critsports]

Re: SLU - Summer of 2010

Wow..........really has a Michigan sort of flavor to the schedule,huh???? I'm sort of surprised as the word we got earlier on was the team would be staying closer to home due to the budget. I wonder if the team will come back or just stay out there in Michigan for those back to back Michagan weekends early on.
The Lake Placid game should be fun. Wish there was more going on than that one game as it's a long trip from CT just for a single game.

Brandon hope you are enjoying your tour of the world there. I'm sure you'll be back for hockey season, correct???
As for the summer here Brandon it has been unbearably hot.....here in CT we just went through a week of 90 plus with high humidity and had a couple of days where it peaked at just over 100 degrees. Enjoy your trip and getting to see all those countries. Those are things you will look back on and treasure always. Travel and seeing new places and countries is a privledge and I hope you take full advantage of it.

 

[Muskieman]

Re: SLU - Summer of 2010

Wow..........really has a Michigan sort of flavor to the schedule,huh???? I'm sort of surprised as the word we got earlier on was the team would be staying closer to home due to the budget. I wonder if the team will come back or just stay out there in Michigan for those back to back Michagan weekends early on.
The Lake Placid game should be fun. Wish there was more going on than that one game as it's a long trip from CT just for a single game.

Brandon hope you are enjoying your tour of the world there. I'm sure you'll be back for hockey season, correct???
As for the summer here Brandon it has been unbearably hot.....here in CT we just went through a week of 90 plus with high humidity and had a couple of days where it peaked at just over 100 degrees. Enjoy your trip and getting to see all those countries. Those are things you will look back on and treasure always. Travel and seeing new places and countries is a privledge and I hope you take full advantage of it.

Yes, Brandon, take full advantage because once and if you have one or more children you probably won't be traveling.

Re the schedule, my only gripe is OOC games are 3 home, 1 neutral, and 8 road. The siren might get rusty with so few home games. After the heat of this week, the thought of SLU hockey being played anywhere is nonetheless awesome.

You 'gotta "love" the post by "Onion Man" on the CCHA/ECAC thread going on now. He says something to the effect that all SLU (or SLUt as he spelled it] fans are dumb. Sounds like a real classy person.

I hope all are having a great summer. Hope to meet Onion Man someday...NOT.

 

[Muskieman]

Re: SLU - Summer of 2010

Here's Onion Man's post:

Nothing is worse than rooting for SLUt. Their fans are dumb enough to think they can win something of significance someday. Brown fans go to Meehan expecting nothing yet still leave disappointed (ended with the symbol for "eek").


Maybe he was talking about our football team.

 

[hockeyplayer1015]

Re: SLU - Summer of 2010

Greetings from Malta. Sounds like we're sharing some hot weather, as it's been easily in the 90's here with no clouds in sight for the past week. I like the prospects of the schedule, however it is an awfully road-heavy year. I'm not sure if I'll be back at school around that sacred heart game or not yet, we'll have to see (Yes, Mike, I'll be home well before the season. Should be pulling into NYC aug 7th.)

 

[Got 6 Want More]

Re: SLU - Summer of 2010

Regarding the schedule, while there is an emphasis on reducing travel expenses, I guess there are two points at play here. First, the schedules are often set or partially set well in advance. For instance the Denver tourney last year I think Joe knew about 2-3 years earlier, so to some extent, it is decided well in advance. Second, it depends on whether these are reciprocals or what. If these are just two games this year and they won't be coming to Appleton, they are giving us money to go there. For example, we got money to go to Omaha and Denver last year, but not to Miami a few years ago because Miami came and played at Appleton. So, it could actually be budget neutral. Reality is too, unless we draw well at home in our NC games, we could lose more money playing at home in non-reciprocals than going on the road.

On to more somber news, I have received a few emails inquiring and just thought I would post here that Brenda's position was eliminated as part of the budget cut process. I assume Randy LaBrake will be responsible for ticket sales and the like. This stinks as Brenda was a part of the family for a long time, but it is a sign of the times as budgets are getting whacked everywhere. She quickly landed a job working for the government so, in all likelihood, no need to shed a tear as she is possibly making more with better benefits. Anyway, thought you should all know.

Other than that, quiet summer. I have been busy so haven't been perusing out here much. Hope all of you are well.

As for Onion man, the worst part of Brown making it to Albany last year was all these muppets like OM coming out of the woodwork. He is a complete imbecile.

 

[TimU]

Re: SLU - Summer of 2010

I hope Brenda is going on to bigger and better things, but if she's leaving SLU it's sad news for the rest of us.

 

[Muskieman]

Re: SLU - Summer of 2010

I hope Brenda is going on to bigger and better things, but if she's leaving SLU it's sad news for the rest of us.

It's very sad news, but I know that she will do very well in her new endeavors.
I will miss stopping in between periods of home games to say hello, and to extend thanks to her for taking care of my ticket orders.

Never, ever, thought I'd see the day where SLU would cut staff. Just another reminder that the days of working for the same employer one's whole career are long gone.

 

[critsports]

Re: SLU - Summer of 2010

It's very sad news, but I know that she will do very well in her new endeavors.
I will miss stopping in between periods of home games to say hello, and to extend thanks to her for taking care of my ticket orders.

Never, ever, thought I'd see the day where SLU would cut staff. Just another reminder that the days of working for the same employer one's whole career are long gone.

Ditto!!!

That was really sad and disappointing news to hear.

Some years ago I worked for a company that was going through some downsizing.....we had a parking lot that was a bit remote and hidden and as a result we had some theft...it was a car company so the usual was a car up on blocks with the wheels gone. The company hired an older retired gentleman to sort of sit up in the lot during work hours and when the downsizing axe fell they let him go. The employees banded together and we gave up a few things like the summer company picnic so he could keep his job. I realize a University is a different environment than a corporation but it's too bad somone couldn't have come up with some idea or plan to keep Brenda there.
At least it sounds like she landed on her feet which is an incresingly difficult thing to do these days.

I always considered her a part of Appleton and I am sure it was a difficult thing for whoever had to have that conversation with her. She will be missed. I'm also hoping they gave her a lifetime free pass to Appleton!!!!

 

[Got 6 Want More]

Re: SLU - Summer of 2010

Ditto!!!

That was really sad and disappointing news to hear.

Some years ago I worked for a company that was going through some downsizing.....we had a parking lot that was a bit remote and hidden and as a result we had some theft...it was a car company so the usual was a car up on blocks with the wheels gone. The company hired an older retired gentleman to sort of sit up in the lot during work hours and when the downsizing axe fell they let him go. The employees banded together and we gave up a few things like the summer company picnic so he could keep his job. I realize a University is a different environment than a corporation but it's too bad somone couldn't have come up with some idea or plan to keep Brenda there.
At least it sounds like she landed on her feet which is an incresingly difficult thing to do these days.

I always considered her a part of Appleton and I am sure it was a difficult thing for whoever had to have that conversation with her. She will be missed. I'm also hoping they gave her a lifetime free pass to Appleton!!!!

What is disappointing is the fact that one of the things that makes SLU hockey special is that it is really extended family....and Brenda was the 'mom' of Appleton. My vote would have been to cut a professor or department in some fringe major like "alternative lifestyles" or any major that popped up under the reign of Patti Peterson, but no one asked me either.

The reality is I don't even begin to understand how schools like SLU can survive. I mean how many people can write 4 checks in 4 years for $60K with after tax dollars? Tuition is about the only thing that seems to have had inflation at the same pace as medical care and oil in the last 25 years. I think it is a sign of things to come. A lot of public schools around the country are cutting athletic programs all together due to budget cuts. Eventually, that will hit universities, both public and private. That will be an even worse day. I have to wonder if some universities will even survive let alone continue athletic programs. (Obvious exception would be money making programs such as big time football and basketball....but even then, where are the athletes going to be fed from if the public high schools don't have programs)?

 

[Muskieman]

Re: SLU - Summer of 2010

What is disappointing is the fact that one of the things that makes SLU hockey special is that it is really extended family....and Brenda was the 'mom' of Appleton. My vote would have been to cut a professor or department in some fringe major like "alternative lifestyles" or any major that popped up under the reign of Patti Peterson, but no one asked me either.

The reality is I don't even begin to understand how schools like SLU can survive. I mean how many people can write 4 checks in 4 years for $60K with after tax dollars? Tuition is about the only thing that seems to have had inflation at the same pace as medical care and oil in the last 25 years. I think it is a sign of things to come. A lot of public schools around the country are cutting athletic programs all together due to budget cuts. Eventually, that will hit universities, both public and private. That will be an even worse day. I have to wonder if some universities will even survive let alone continue athletic programs. (Obvious exception would be money making programs such as big time football and basketball....but even then, where are the athletes going to be fed from if the public high schools don't have programs)?

I'm with you here.............but the fact is that the cuts in any business are usually to the staffers and not to the big-shots. I just hope that whoever handles her duties going forward is as nice and as thorough as she was.

Well, SLU has incredible facilities now but has cut staff. Hmmm

 

[number 16]

Re: SLU - Summer of 2010

As an Alum of a larger university but the parent of a SLU grad what makes St. Lawrence so special are people like Brenda. Whenever I called looking for tickets it was like talking to "Mom", going to playoffs at Albany or Manchester I was greeted warmly as a friend and thanked for coming. I will miss her and, as do others, wish her well.

 

[Muskieman]

Re: SLU - Summer of 2010

As an Alum of a larger university but the parent of a SLU grad what makes St. Lawrence so special are people like Brenda. Whenever I called looking for tickets it was like talking to "Mom", going to playoffs at Albany or Manchester I was greeted warmly as a friend and thanked for coming. I will miss her and, as do others, wish her well.

What has always made SLU so special, and the best school in the country in my very biased opinion, is it's people and not its facilities. I'm just hoping that SLU never loses sight of this (we sure have the buildings/facilities now) and never, ever loses sight of its roots.

My understanding, from what SLU released I think in May, is that all remaining staff were asked to take a 5% pay cut. Good luck paying the bills (oh, I forgot, the Govt's. claiming we have zero or minimal inflation).

 

[SLUwriter]

Re: SLU - Summer of 2010

I just wanted to let you all know, since no one has mentioned anything about it on here, former SLU defensemen Jeff Caister and Derek Keller have agreed to terms with the ECHL's South Carolina Stingrays for the 20010-11 season. They both played together after the SLU season under an ATO and will return for the full season.

 

[Got 6 Want More]

Re: SLU - Summer of 2010

So long Riley Nash and your cheap *** shenanigans. Not surprised Edmonton traded you away.

 

[Got 6 Want More]

Re: SLU - Summer of 2010

I just wanted to let you all know, since no one has mentioned anything about it on here, former SLU defensemen Jeff Caister and Derek Keller have agreed to terms with the ECHL's South Carolina Stingrays for the 20010-11 season. They both played together after the SLU season under an ATO and will return for the full season.

Bagnall has signed with Minnesota so he will likely either be in Minneapolis or Houston. Trevelyan signed with the Sharks again so either San Jose or Worcester for him Mike McKenna is still with New Jersey but their farm team has moved from Lowell to Albany (for some unknown reason)!! Understand Mike McKenzie has a deal to .play in the AHL too, but won't say more until it is public. Mike Mudd was promoted to President of the Worcester Sharks. That is all I got off the top of my head....congrats to all of them.

 

[critsports]

Re: SLU - Summer of 2010

Bagnall has signed with Minnesota so he will likely either be in Minneapolis or Houston. Trevelyan signed with the Sharks again so either San Jose or Worcester for him Mike McKenna is still with New Jersey but their farm team has moved from Lowell to Albany (for some unknown reason)!! Understand Mike McKenzie has a deal to .play in the AHL too, but won't say more until it is public. Mike Mudd was promoted to President of the Worcester Sharks. That is all I got off the top of my head....congrats to all of them.

Not positive on this one but the Albany franchise was Carolina (I think) who moved their AHL affiliate to North Carolina leaving Albany vacant.......I believe some years ago Albany was a Devils affiliate and they probably feel people in Albany would be more aligned with a NJ Devils affiliate than people in Bruins conuntry in Lowell. It's probably also marginally closer to shuffle personnel back and forth between NJ and Albany.

 

[Got 6 Want More]

Re: SLU - Summer of 2010

Not positive on this one but the Albany franchise was Carolina (I think) who moved their AHL affiliate to North Carolina leaving Albany vacant.......I believe some years ago Albany was a Devils affiliate and they probably feel people in Albany would be more aligned with a NJ Devils affiliate than people in Bruins conuntry in Lowell. It's probably also marginally closer to shuffle personnel back and forth between NJ and Albany.

Yeah, I know all this, but Albany sucks (even more than Lowell does)!! I guess Albany has always drawn decent numbers for the AHL as opposed to Lowell which never has. But, Tsongas is way nicer than the TUC. My understanding is that part of the reason was that Tsongas is now owned by U-Mass Lowell (or they have the lease) so they were somewhat forced to move. Probably because Lowell was losing their shirt on the building. UML does draw worth a crap either.

Except one win in 2000, I have nothing good to say about the TUC.

I will say this though...Lowell is good geographically as three hours on a bus gets you to Bridgeport, Hartford, Albany, Springfield, Manchester, Portland, and Worcester. Now a lot of those trips are longer.

 

[SLUwriter]

Re: SLU - Summer of 2010

Hey guys,
I've been asked to submit my predictions for the ECAC standings this year. I figured I'd do the same to you.

On my blog (http://watertowndailytimes.com/section/blogs05), I've asked you to e-mail me your predictions for the 2010-11 season. I'll compile the results and show you what you predicted in September.

Thanks guys.

- Dan

 

[Muskieman]

Re: SLU - Summer of 2010

Well, it was great talking with several of you the past few days. Shame on me for inadvertently interrupting two of you while you were fishing. I hope the bass cooperated.

Looking forward to the golf outing in Canton on September 18th, and the SLU and Clarkson game in Placid on October 30th. If all goes as expected, my butt will be at many more SLU games each season henceforth. Thanks to those who helped me out last season....what goes around comes around. I guess the question is - will it be cheaper for me to buy the beer or dinner as repayment ?

Good news is I've lost 18 pounds. Want to drop another 12 before going to Placid.

 

[TimU]

Re: SLU - Summer of 2010

Well, it was great talking with several of you the past few days. Shame on me for inadvertently interrupting two of you while you were fishing. I hope the bass cooperated.

They did NOT.

But I had a great weekend anyway.