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"The Lake Show" - LSSU Laker Hockey
- Thread starter AnchorsAway
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Re: "The Lake Show" - LSSU Laker Hockey
Neither Ferris nor LSSU have huge rinks. I don't know if losing Michigan and Michigan State home series, especially with it sometimes being biennial as it is now, is enough to push either school to make such a decision for economic reasons. Sure UM and MSU probably draw bigger crowds than other schools, but are they that much larger? Keep in mind that depending on cluster, you may only see either school at home every other year. Would that much revenue really be lost?
I would like to know more behind the rationale of making a statement that "the formation of a Big Ten conference (and the WCHA staying at 10 teams) would automatically mean the destruction of the CCHA". The CCHA existed for quite a few years with only one Big Ten school (OSU). If it lost all three Big Ten teams, there are still 8 existing schools with Div 1 programs and UAH looking for a conference. That's more than the number of Big Ten schools with Div 1 hockey. If a Big Ten conference does form, I wouldn't be surprised to see some realignment of conferences beyond just the WCHA and CCHA. There has been speculation in the past year that Mercyhurst is even interested in switching to the CCHA.
If any non-Big Ten CCHA schools are considering dropping hockey, it's going to be mainly from an economics standpoint. Could the Big Ten/Penn State situation be a trigger for that? Possibly, but I'm not so sure about it being a given at this point.
Maybe, maybe not. I'm always a little skeptical of unnamed "reliable" sources when it comes to the Internet. The only legitimate reason for Ferris or LSSU to think about dropping hockey is economics. Times are certainly tough from that standpoint, so dropping hockey is something that lingers in the back of our minds regardless of the Big Ten/Penn State situation.
Neither Ferris nor LSSU have huge rinks. I don't know if losing Michigan and Michigan State home series, especially with it sometimes being biennial as it is now, is enough to push either school to make such a decision for economic reasons. Sure UM and MSU probably draw bigger crowds than other schools, but are they that much larger? Keep in mind that depending on cluster, you may only see either school at home every other year. Would that much revenue really be lost?
I would like to know more behind the rationale of making a statement that "the formation of a Big Ten conference (and the WCHA staying at 10 teams) would automatically mean the destruction of the CCHA". The CCHA existed for quite a few years with only one Big Ten school (OSU). If it lost all three Big Ten teams, there are still 8 existing schools with Div 1 programs and UAH looking for a conference. That's more than the number of Big Ten schools with Div 1 hockey. If a Big Ten conference does form, I wouldn't be surprised to see some realignment of conferences beyond just the WCHA and CCHA. There has been speculation in the past year that Mercyhurst is even interested in switching to the CCHA.
If any non-Big Ten CCHA schools are considering dropping hockey, it's going to be mainly from an economics standpoint. Could the Big Ten/Penn State situation be a trigger for that? Possibly, but I'm not so sure about it being a given at this point.
Re: "The Lake Show" - LSSU Laker Hockey
It really is amazing how we have Lake State going from a total commitment to it's hockey program with a facelift of the arena,new programs to test strength and endurance and diet and all around top notch conditioning program to now with the addition of Penn State into college hockey, seems to mean the death of Laker hockey. You mean the entire Laker program was dependent on another college such as Penn State not having a hockey program. How rumors do fly.
It really is amazing how we have Lake State going from a total commitment to it's hockey program with a facelift of the arena,new programs to test strength and endurance and diet and all around top notch conditioning program to now with the addition of Penn State into college hockey, seems to mean the death of Laker hockey. You mean the entire Laker program was dependent on another college such as Penn State not having a hockey program. How rumors do fly.
Re: "The Lake Show" - LSSU Laker Hockey
There's been rumors and speculation about a Big Ten hockey conference for years. Now that we will have a 6th Big Ten team with a Div 1 hockey program, they are flying fast and furious.
There's been rumors and speculation about a Big Ten hockey conference for years. Now that we will have a 6th Big Ten team with a Div 1 hockey program, they are flying fast and furious.
LSSULaker889294
Registered User
Re: "The Lake Show" - LSSU Laker Hockey
Hey 3dognight what do you think about people saying that Laker Hockey is on the verge of death if a Big 10 conference happens and how it would impact the state of the Norris Center Project?
Hey 3dognight what do you think about people saying that Laker Hockey is on the verge of death if a Big 10 conference happens and how it would impact the state of the Norris Center Project?
PerkyforPrez
Registered User
Re: "The Lake Show" - LSSU Laker Hockey
I find it a hard one to swallow Lake State dropping D1 hockey.
Why spruce up the Tafey if there was such a decent chance of them folding ? The indians junior team has moved down to the Chi Muckwa so that would leave a fancy atrium for the spring show and graduation.
I find it a hard one to swallow Lake State dropping D1 hockey.
Why spruce up the Tafey if there was such a decent chance of them folding ? The indians junior team has moved down to the Chi Muckwa so that would leave a fancy atrium for the spring show and graduation.
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Re: "The Lake Show" - LSSU Laker Hockey
Lake State, Northern, Ferris, B.G. and to a lesser extent Western all better be looking at what type of conference they can create when the Big Ten forms, that will cause the demise of the CCHA.
Perhaps D-2 hockey will be resurrected?
Lake State, Northern, Ferris, B.G. and to a lesser extent Western all better be looking at what type of conference they can create when the Big Ten forms, that will cause the demise of the CCHA.
Perhaps D-2 hockey will be resurrected?
Re: "The Lake Show" - LSSU Laker Hockey
I am very aware of the financial challenges facing Laker Hockey with or without a BTC. That is why I often encourage folks to join the Laker Club, buy season tickets, go to a game, etc. It takes more than being a fan to secure Laker Hockey for generations to come.
The University is a public institution in a nearly bankrupt state. Enrollment is 40% of the available capacity. Program funding is near the bottom of the CCHA. These are all realities that are a factor. I believe it is imperative for all who love the program to rally in it's support. That is what happened at BGSU this year. That is what is happening at WMU. That is what needs to happen at LSSU. While our project will significantly help in the short term, too many hockey supporters at LSSU are hoping someone else can get this done, rather than actively supporting the program.
The Norris project has several "check points" built in where the long term support for D-1 hockey by the B of T is surveyed. It allows support to develop as we phase in the project. You are exactly right, there is no benefit to a huge investment for intramural sports.
We feel our timetable mirrors the decision making process at LSSU, and we are comfortable moving forward with Phase I at this time. However, I hope fans will take their heads out of the clouds and realize that it is your support, financial and tickets sold, that will decide the long term fate of Laker Hockey.
I am very aware of the financial challenges facing Laker Hockey with or without a BTC. That is why I often encourage folks to join the Laker Club, buy season tickets, go to a game, etc. It takes more than being a fan to secure Laker Hockey for generations to come.
The University is a public institution in a nearly bankrupt state. Enrollment is 40% of the available capacity. Program funding is near the bottom of the CCHA. These are all realities that are a factor. I believe it is imperative for all who love the program to rally in it's support. That is what happened at BGSU this year. That is what is happening at WMU. That is what needs to happen at LSSU. While our project will significantly help in the short term, too many hockey supporters at LSSU are hoping someone else can get this done, rather than actively supporting the program.
The Norris project has several "check points" built in where the long term support for D-1 hockey by the B of T is surveyed. It allows support to develop as we phase in the project. You are exactly right, there is no benefit to a huge investment for intramural sports.
We feel our timetable mirrors the decision making process at LSSU, and we are comfortable moving forward with Phase I at this time. However, I hope fans will take their heads out of the clouds and realize that it is your support, financial and tickets sold, that will decide the long term fate of Laker Hockey.
Re: "The Lake Show" - LSSU Laker Hockey
The above stated, I see no reason to believe the CCHA will cease to be a solid D-1 conference with or without a BTC. I posted such on the last page.
I realize saying there is no need to over react on a message board is a oxymoron, but inter league play will continue and the CCHA will be more competitive with ND / Miami leading the pack, in a BTC scenario.
Changes will come, but the CCHA will have an automatic berth and have 6-8 teams.
LSSU alums, with some exceptions have a very low level of financial support for the hockey program vs other CCHA schools. season ticket sales, cash donations, attendance all need to improve. What can you do? Give $100 bucks designated to hockey a year. 1000 people doing that would make a huge difference to the program and how it is viewed by the B of T. It is shocking how few players who received a full or partial ride, give back. It is shocking
how many in the athletic Hall of Fame do not give back.
A university will not, and should not sacrifice academic dollars for varsity athletics...and limited resources are an issue at LSSU.
SO....are you glad you asked what I thought? HA!
Back to hockey talk.......
The above stated, I see no reason to believe the CCHA will cease to be a solid D-1 conference with or without a BTC. I posted such on the last page.
I realize saying there is no need to over react on a message board is a oxymoron, but inter league play will continue and the CCHA will be more competitive with ND / Miami leading the pack, in a BTC scenario.
Changes will come, but the CCHA will have an automatic berth and have 6-8 teams.
LSSU alums, with some exceptions have a very low level of financial support for the hockey program vs other CCHA schools. season ticket sales, cash donations, attendance all need to improve. What can you do? Give $100 bucks designated to hockey a year. 1000 people doing that would make a huge difference to the program and how it is viewed by the B of T. It is shocking how few players who received a full or partial ride, give back. It is shocking
how many in the athletic Hall of Fame do not give back.
A university will not, and should not sacrifice academic dollars for varsity athletics...and limited resources are an issue at LSSU.
SO....are you glad you asked what I thought? HA!
Back to hockey talk.......
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Re: "The Lake Show" - LSSU Laker Hockey
I'm not convinced that the CCHA will continue to exist upon the formation of an elite Big Ten conference. I cannot see schools like Miami and Notre Dame (who have sunk in a tremendous amount of resources into their programs) willing to stay in a league that does not feature Ohio-State, Michigan State and UofM. It is entirely possible that they would angle to form their own conference by adding some of the mid-major schools, such as Western, or simply joining up with some of the remaining big power schools from the WCHA.
As for support of LSSU athletics, consider our population base and the number of students. It may simply be to small to support a D-1 hockey team in the era of the Big Ten. A sad statement but it is a reality none the less.
I'm not convinced that the CCHA will continue to exist upon the formation of an elite Big Ten conference. I cannot see schools like Miami and Notre Dame (who have sunk in a tremendous amount of resources into their programs) willing to stay in a league that does not feature Ohio-State, Michigan State and UofM. It is entirely possible that they would angle to form their own conference by adding some of the mid-major schools, such as Western, or simply joining up with some of the remaining big power schools from the WCHA.
As for support of LSSU athletics, consider our population base and the number of students. It may simply be to small to support a D-1 hockey team in the era of the Big Ten. A sad statement but it is a reality none the less.
dggoddard
New member
Re: "The Lake Show" - LSSU Laker Hockey
http://www.gopherpucklive.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=9262&start=450#p313095
Sounds like Notre Dame has been handed a lifeline by the BTHC...
http://www.gopherpucklive.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=9262&start=450#p313095
PerkyforPrez
Registered User
Re: "The Lake Show" - LSSU Laker Hockey
I just got home from it 3dog. With these stupid rumors swirling about the demise of Laker hockey it was awsome to get back and interact with the players and the other Blue liners. The players sure seemed to have fun playing with the little kids.
One thing that jumped out at me was Lain is one huge man child.
I just got home from it 3dog. With these stupid rumors swirling about the demise of Laker hockey it was awsome to get back and interact with the players and the other Blue liners. The players sure seemed to have fun playing with the little kids.
One thing that jumped out at me was Lain is one huge man child.
Truth Squad
Banned
Re: "The Lake Show" - LSSU Laker Hockey
I am not surprised this is a possibility. I am hearing through the rumor mill this is very realistic and I would dismiss these sources too quickly.
The program has gone downhill ever since Frank Anzalone was swiftly railroaded out of town anyway. It is ashame that the powers that be did that to such an honorable and successful man. Guess that wasn't the best decision in the long run.
The Truth Is Out There....
TBA
I am not surprised this is a possibility. I am hearing through the rumor mill this is very realistic and I would dismiss these sources too quickly.
The program has gone downhill ever since Frank Anzalone was swiftly railroaded out of town anyway. It is ashame that the powers that be did that to such an honorable and successful man. Guess that wasn't the best decision in the long run.
The Truth Is Out There....
TBA
Re: "The Lake Show" - LSSU Laker Hockey
It is amazing. Five months ago LSSU announced a major commitment to take Lake State back to the top of college hockey and now they are going to shut down that same program. Seems too many people out of work have way too much time on their hands.
It is amazing. Five months ago LSSU announced a major commitment to take Lake State back to the top of college hockey and now they are going to shut down that same program. Seems too many people out of work have way too much time on their hands.
AnchorsAway
Registered User
Re: "The Lake Show" - LSSU Laker Hockey
I can't speak for other Lakers fans, but I for one have had enough of hearing about all of these doomsday scenarios regarding Laker Hockey, the BTHC, etc. Penn State has been floating the possibility of starting D1 hockey for awhile now, this didn't come from out of the blue..The powers that be that donated all of the money for the Norris Center project didn't to get to be that wealthy by making bad investments like investing 5 million dollars into a hockey program that is about to close up shop...
Whether you agree with that sentiment or not, the one thing we DO know for sure is that the Lakers will indeed be playing hockey this season, and with the start of the season only 9 days away (exhibition against Western Ontario) I think it's time to start chattering about the on-ice product this season.
One would think that goaltending is as set as a position can be going into a season with BMW coming back from his senior season, He certainly made his mistakes at times last season but on the whole I felt he took a big step forward, assuming he did his due diligence in the off-season the biggest concern I have for him is staying healthy. It will be interesting to see who wins the back-up position or if it becomes 2A-2B situation. I have heard good things on both Kapalka and Ravn, but admittedly I am a little light on a wealth of info for either, perhaps Bill would be able to fill us in on who at least is "expected" to win the number 2 job?
The Lakers should be a very formidable offensive unit with a plethora of experience coming back, along with a lot of new faces. There are 15 forwards on the roster (not counting Hobbins, who is listed as a Forward but who probably wont find the ice time up front Roque seems hell-bent on giving him.) so competition for jobs should be pretty intense. Here is a guess at what the top 12 forwards might be (dont pay attention to line combos or even positions, necessarily, I'm just trying to put something on paper)
Acton-Schofield-Nehring
Power-Cassiani-Campbell
Monardo-Lain-Barczuk
Mcparland-Radke- Jean
Bench:Wall, Cooper, Shkreli
Obviously Schofield, Acton,Nehring, Cassiani, Power, Monardo and Campbell (unless everything we've heard is way off) figure to be the top 7 forwards in my opinion. After that it gets tricky, with the sheer size and accolades that Lain has to his credit (although I know junior numbers and awards can be decieving) I would suspect that he is in place to be on the top 3 lines..Barczuk has a lot of spunk and can be somewhat of a sparkplug but has a knack for taking stupid penalties, if he has finally gotten that out of his system then I think he will also be a top 9 forward. Mcparland has good size but is slow and failed to produce even when put with linemates that were above his caliber. I don't know much about Jean, Radke, or Shkreli but I am more apt to think that the reason there are 3 players all coming off of one NAHL team to the Lakers has a lot more to do with the fact that a Laker alumni was their coach than I am to beleive that they all happen to be legit D1 players (especially since we don't recruit very much in the NAHL as it is.) Not that 1 or even 2 of them aren't capable of producing, just that until further notice I am skeptical. As far as this unit goes, one of the make or break factors I feel is the production of Cassiani, he plays with alot of grit and is probably the best 2 way forward on the team, but if his scoring numbers could return to that of his freshmen season I think it would be a major boost towards the Lakers chances. Other than that, I expect another big year out of Schofield. as well as Acton and Nehring, I am also very excited to see what Campbell can do.... Any improvement on our traditionally awful power play would be a godsend, and I suspect the Lakers will have to score a lot of goals to be successful this year thanks to a depleted defense.
Unfortunately the blue line may be the Lakers biggest downfall this season, graduated cornerstones Gysbers and Kaunisto will be very sorely missed. I know very little about the new freshmen coming in so here's my best guess
Trotman-Stonhouse
Cowie-Haines
Hobbins-Bruneteau
Bench: Perrault, Sternberg, Pobur
Trotman obviously is the prize horse in this stable, and pairing him with Dillion Stonehouse (who seems to improve every year) I feel gives us our best chance at shutting down the opposition's top line. Cowie is a very smart player but simply lacks the physical tools to be a top-tier blueliner, Haines could turn out to be a solid 2nd liner, he has relative speed and isn't afraid to jump up in the play, he has a slight tendency to get burned however. Honestly from there anyone's guess is as good as mine, although he has come a long way form his freshmen season, I don't see how a team that wants to compete at this level can keep sending Hobbins out on the ice but that is neither here nor there, the bottom line is that Roque is going to make sure he plays and from where I sit his best chance for minutes is on the blueline...As for the 6th defenseman I honestly don't have a clue, Pobur is a poor man's version of Cowie as far as I'm concerned and I don't have a clue about Perrault, Sternbuerg or Bruneteau...the only reason I wrote in Bruneteau's name is because he played for years at the best high-school program in the U.S. at Shatuck-St. Mary's.
I am interested to hear what other's think about the Laker's on-ice product for this coming season!
I can't speak for other Lakers fans, but I for one have had enough of hearing about all of these doomsday scenarios regarding Laker Hockey, the BTHC, etc. Penn State has been floating the possibility of starting D1 hockey for awhile now, this didn't come from out of the blue..The powers that be that donated all of the money for the Norris Center project didn't to get to be that wealthy by making bad investments like investing 5 million dollars into a hockey program that is about to close up shop...
Whether you agree with that sentiment or not, the one thing we DO know for sure is that the Lakers will indeed be playing hockey this season, and with the start of the season only 9 days away (exhibition against Western Ontario) I think it's time to start chattering about the on-ice product this season.
One would think that goaltending is as set as a position can be going into a season with BMW coming back from his senior season, He certainly made his mistakes at times last season but on the whole I felt he took a big step forward, assuming he did his due diligence in the off-season the biggest concern I have for him is staying healthy. It will be interesting to see who wins the back-up position or if it becomes 2A-2B situation. I have heard good things on both Kapalka and Ravn, but admittedly I am a little light on a wealth of info for either, perhaps Bill would be able to fill us in on who at least is "expected" to win the number 2 job?
The Lakers should be a very formidable offensive unit with a plethora of experience coming back, along with a lot of new faces. There are 15 forwards on the roster (not counting Hobbins, who is listed as a Forward but who probably wont find the ice time up front Roque seems hell-bent on giving him.) so competition for jobs should be pretty intense. Here is a guess at what the top 12 forwards might be (dont pay attention to line combos or even positions, necessarily, I'm just trying to put something on paper)
Acton-Schofield-Nehring
Power-Cassiani-Campbell
Monardo-Lain-Barczuk
Mcparland-Radke- Jean
Bench:Wall, Cooper, Shkreli
Obviously Schofield, Acton,Nehring, Cassiani, Power, Monardo and Campbell (unless everything we've heard is way off) figure to be the top 7 forwards in my opinion. After that it gets tricky, with the sheer size and accolades that Lain has to his credit (although I know junior numbers and awards can be decieving) I would suspect that he is in place to be on the top 3 lines..Barczuk has a lot of spunk and can be somewhat of a sparkplug but has a knack for taking stupid penalties, if he has finally gotten that out of his system then I think he will also be a top 9 forward. Mcparland has good size but is slow and failed to produce even when put with linemates that were above his caliber. I don't know much about Jean, Radke, or Shkreli but I am more apt to think that the reason there are 3 players all coming off of one NAHL team to the Lakers has a lot more to do with the fact that a Laker alumni was their coach than I am to beleive that they all happen to be legit D1 players (especially since we don't recruit very much in the NAHL as it is.) Not that 1 or even 2 of them aren't capable of producing, just that until further notice I am skeptical. As far as this unit goes, one of the make or break factors I feel is the production of Cassiani, he plays with alot of grit and is probably the best 2 way forward on the team, but if his scoring numbers could return to that of his freshmen season I think it would be a major boost towards the Lakers chances. Other than that, I expect another big year out of Schofield. as well as Acton and Nehring, I am also very excited to see what Campbell can do.... Any improvement on our traditionally awful power play would be a godsend, and I suspect the Lakers will have to score a lot of goals to be successful this year thanks to a depleted defense.
Unfortunately the blue line may be the Lakers biggest downfall this season, graduated cornerstones Gysbers and Kaunisto will be very sorely missed. I know very little about the new freshmen coming in so here's my best guess
Trotman-Stonhouse
Cowie-Haines
Hobbins-Bruneteau
Bench: Perrault, Sternberg, Pobur
Trotman obviously is the prize horse in this stable, and pairing him with Dillion Stonehouse (who seems to improve every year) I feel gives us our best chance at shutting down the opposition's top line. Cowie is a very smart player but simply lacks the physical tools to be a top-tier blueliner, Haines could turn out to be a solid 2nd liner, he has relative speed and isn't afraid to jump up in the play, he has a slight tendency to get burned however. Honestly from there anyone's guess is as good as mine, although he has come a long way form his freshmen season, I don't see how a team that wants to compete at this level can keep sending Hobbins out on the ice but that is neither here nor there, the bottom line is that Roque is going to make sure he plays and from where I sit his best chance for minutes is on the blueline...As for the 6th defenseman I honestly don't have a clue, Pobur is a poor man's version of Cowie as far as I'm concerned and I don't have a clue about Perrault, Sternbuerg or Bruneteau...the only reason I wrote in Bruneteau's name is because he played for years at the best high-school program in the U.S. at Shatuck-St. Mary's.
I am interested to hear what other's think about the Laker's on-ice product for this coming season!
Re: "The Lake Show" - LSSU Laker Hockey
I agree that BMW is the #1 goalie going into this season, with Kapalka and Ravn being pretty much even going in and fighting it out for the 2-3 spots. Both Kapalka and Ravn had strong seasons in Juniors this past year. I don't think we have clear cut #3 goalie unlike most seasons in the past. BMW improved last season but from the games I actually saw he still needs to do a better job controlling rebounds. I'd like to see Kapalka and Ravn push him for the starting job.
Not sure what the plans are for Hobbins. There are enough D on the roster to play him at Forward as a big front of the net presence on the PP. But it could be that between he and the coaches, they've decided to keep him on the blue line. I wouldn't expect to see him bounce back and forth between positions as much as in the past depending upon injuries and how well the younger D develop.
Will get back later with more comments.
I agree that BMW is the #1 goalie going into this season, with Kapalka and Ravn being pretty much even going in and fighting it out for the 2-3 spots. Both Kapalka and Ravn had strong seasons in Juniors this past year. I don't think we have clear cut #3 goalie unlike most seasons in the past. BMW improved last season but from the games I actually saw he still needs to do a better job controlling rebounds. I'd like to see Kapalka and Ravn push him for the starting job.
Not sure what the plans are for Hobbins. There are enough D on the roster to play him at Forward as a big front of the net presence on the PP. But it could be that between he and the coaches, they've decided to keep him on the blue line. I wouldn't expect to see him bounce back and forth between positions as much as in the past depending upon injuries and how well the younger D develop.
Will get back later with more comments.
Re: "The Lake Show" - LSSU Laker Hockey
I was a bit surprised by the late recruitment of Shkreli and Bruneteau. I'm not sure what to expect from them at this point. Bruneteau's Shattuck-St Mary's background speaks well of him; he didn't have many point in the USHL last season so you would tend to think that means he's a defensive minded D-man. Shkreli did decently at TC last season, but is maybe even more of an unknown. I don't know if either/both of these guys are recruited walk-ons; if so, we may have gotten them cheaply.
I think this season will give us a much better idea of what to expect from McParland. We have to remember that he didn't play hockey at all two seasons ago, and couldn't even practice with the Lakers due to NCAA rules. His reputation is for having good hands.
Wall played in the NAHL last season to get more ice time and have a better chance to develop. We'll have to see how much that may have benefited him. I don't expect Cooper to play much, if at all, unless he has improved considerably.
I expect either Sternberg or Perrault, and maybe both, to see a decent amount of playing time, and as I mentioned earlier I'm not sure what to expect from Hobbins in terms of whether he will play D or forward. If even 2 of the freshmen D play well, there shouldn't be a big need to play Hobbins on defense, unless of course that's where the coaches (and he) want him to play. Pobur is a smart kid; the main thing holding him back is size, but if he's at least improved his strength he could see more playing time. I think Haines improved quite a bit last season although injury slowed him down.
Cassiani had a bit of a sophomore jinx last season. He couldn't buy a goal the second half although he continued to be a hard worker on ice. Monardo showed some definite potential as last season progressed. Radke is highly thought of and may be a bit of a dark horse. I think we're all anxious to see what Campbell can do.
re: NAHL/Traverse City - Certainly having Anthony Palumbo (and Mike Matteuci) as coach(es) means the Lakers will use TC as an easy way to watch recruits/potential recruits. I tend to think that some junior age players that the Lakers are interested in are steered towards playing in TC where they can hopefully develop under the tutelage of Anthony/Mike. e.g. I think there was a decent possibility that Kelin Ainsworth might have played in the USHL last season and this, but I suspect he was steered towards playing in TC instead. He committed to the Lakers long before he played in TC. And I wouldn't be surprised if Kyle Jean was traded from Marquette to TC so he could play for Anthony as well. The NAHL is a good league; not of the same calibre as the USHL, but still a good league.
I was a bit surprised by the late recruitment of Shkreli and Bruneteau. I'm not sure what to expect from them at this point. Bruneteau's Shattuck-St Mary's background speaks well of him; he didn't have many point in the USHL last season so you would tend to think that means he's a defensive minded D-man. Shkreli did decently at TC last season, but is maybe even more of an unknown. I don't know if either/both of these guys are recruited walk-ons; if so, we may have gotten them cheaply.
I think this season will give us a much better idea of what to expect from McParland. We have to remember that he didn't play hockey at all two seasons ago, and couldn't even practice with the Lakers due to NCAA rules. His reputation is for having good hands.
Wall played in the NAHL last season to get more ice time and have a better chance to develop. We'll have to see how much that may have benefited him. I don't expect Cooper to play much, if at all, unless he has improved considerably.
I expect either Sternberg or Perrault, and maybe both, to see a decent amount of playing time, and as I mentioned earlier I'm not sure what to expect from Hobbins in terms of whether he will play D or forward. If even 2 of the freshmen D play well, there shouldn't be a big need to play Hobbins on defense, unless of course that's where the coaches (and he) want him to play. Pobur is a smart kid; the main thing holding him back is size, but if he's at least improved his strength he could see more playing time. I think Haines improved quite a bit last season although injury slowed him down.
Cassiani had a bit of a sophomore jinx last season. He couldn't buy a goal the second half although he continued to be a hard worker on ice. Monardo showed some definite potential as last season progressed. Radke is highly thought of and may be a bit of a dark horse. I think we're all anxious to see what Campbell can do.
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