Re: St. Lawrence University Skating Saints - 2015-2016
So, here's my thoughts, now that I've had time to digest and think this over a bit (and have several discussions amongst others).
I'm still firmly in the "Don't HATE it, but certainly don't LOVE it" camp. It will likely take me atleast 2 years to come to a conclusion on that, even if SLU has a 25 win season next year, because there is much more to it than just wins. I think we can all agree that Coach Morris brings a very well established line of successful teams, he HAS won everywhere he has been a coach, including spanning different eras of hockey (90's NCAA, 00's to present AHL). He also brings a very good history of developing players, as evidenced by the Clarkson alumni that went on to be very fine professional players, as well as fine-tuning a fair number of players who contributed to the LA Kings championships recently. He also has a vast amount of connections to people in the professional ranks all over the country (world?). These are all very positive things for the program.
However, this hire does not come without fears, partially of what simply isn't known. One of my biggest fears is that the style of play that we will see at Appleton and abroad, is that of a "pro" boring/low-event style, not unlike what QU has shown in recent years. We have all grown accustomed to watching fast, clean and fun up-and-down hockey through Marsh and Carvel. It was an exciting brand of hockey, even with the frustrating stretches here and there. Some recruits with serious professional aspirations may be lured to this, as it will prepare them for what lies in the future hopefully.
I fully expect to see more winning seasons than losing seasons under Coach Morris. I'm eager to have those who are fully in love with this move right now to shout "I told you so!" to those of us that aren't fully convinced. I truly hope there is reason for all of us to celebrate in the coming years. One thing we'll never know, is if another canadidate would have the same/similar success in the coming years, both in record and recruits. As I mentioned to Tim, a monkey could probably churn out a winning season next year, with the very attractive core we have to look forward to. The expectations should still be sky high for the Saints in the next handful of years; hopefully we meet, and possibly exceed, them.
My last main fear is that SLU may suffer in recruiting, atleast in the beginning. I hope we hang on to all current recruits, although I won't be shocked if we lose 1 or 3 simply due to the coaching change. It's the nature of the beast. Morris will almost certainly find it's a vastly different landscape in junior hockey than the one he knew upon departing the college ranks. High quality players can be found in virtually any state now, playing all over the country. Sure, the assistant coaches do the heavy lifting here, but Morris will likely have to face his past head on while in talks with recruits and their families. This may be a deal breaker for some, some will give it very little consideration, but it's there.
Morris spoke in his announcement of really believing and understanding his job is more than that of a hockey coach. It also encompasses turning out high quality, well-rounded men at the conclusion of their collegiate career; teaching them to be more than a hockey player, preparing them for life after they are done lacing up the skates. This is also something we have grown accustomed to with Marsh and Carvel, and something that I really hope continues to be the case. Another situation of "only time will tell".
This isn't going to push me away from supporting SLU hockey, I still fully plan on traveling to Ireland in November for what may be my first look at this next chapter of the program. Just as our preferred presidential candidate may or may not be elected in November, we should push forward and support accordingly. 5 months (or so) until we see what this latest edition of Saints Hockey will bring us, and it will be here before we know it.
