Re: The Battle for the Imaginary Cup - NMU vs. Michigan Tech, 12/18/09 and 1/12/10
I find it utterly ridiculous that Tech-NMU games in any sport are played during semester break. The B-Ball teams play before the start of the 2nd semester as well. Rivalry games should be played during school time, so students and locals alike can pack the arenas. NMU plays all four of its hockey matchups with LSSU with the schools on either semester or Spring Break. We know the CCHA and WCHA are going to bend over backwards to appease the Big Ten Network and make sure they get what they want when they want it. Can they not make sure that games between UP rivals are given every opportunity to generate maximum excitement within their student bodies and communities as well? The GLIAC needs to do the same for hoop. Also, let's get the cup off imaginary status. If Ramada no longer wants to be part of it, then let's get another sponsor. Let's set standards for the award of the cup based upon an even or odd number of regular season meetings between the teams. And trophy absolutely must be officially awarded after the final meeting every year! What to call it? The Superior Cup? The Highway 41 Cup? The Olson/Blake Cup in honor of the teams legendary broadcasters, Joe Blake and Bob Olson who as friends and business partners did so much to promote college hockey in the UP? As someone who grew up in the Keweenaw watching Tech play to packed houses, then went to school at NMU and seeing the same, it was disappointing to see a half full arena on Friday night in Marquette. The rinks should be packed, loud and full of energy, when these teams play. There should be 500-1000 fans from the other side in the rinks when they play adding to the rivalry and atmosphere. This is one of college hockey's great rivalrys and should be treated like UM-Ohio State or Alabama-Auburn in football. The CCHA, WCHA and GLIAC all need to provide these great rivals every opportunity to make it happen!
Here's another suggestion, NMU, a couple times each year has BBall and hockey at home on the same day. Why not play Tech in BBall at 11 & 1 then hockey at 7:30, or during football season, play the football game at 1, give the visiting fans from the Copper Country a chance to visit our restaurants and social establishment between games and come back for a hockey night cap? The same could be done in Houghton too!
Do you mean under the knife or does he just have a bad HMO?
