UConn to apply to Hockey East

[BeloBrasil]

Re: UConn to apply to Hockey East

Miscellaneous thoughts:

-There's a big UConn diaspora, especially in Boston, which will probably help get the ship off the ground.

Yes of course. That "diaspora" always shows up in huge numbers when UConn takes on Bentley and Holy Cross - NOT! Truth is, UConn hockey is an afterthought with the university and its fans. When UConn plays at Bentley it appears there are more UConn players (not playing that evening) in the stands than actual UConn fans. ...and please spare me any argument that the small venues in which Bentley and Holy Cross play keep the fans away. When Bentley played RIT this season their fans showed up in droves. Even lowly Sacred Heart brought more fans to Bentley (during the AHA playoffs) than UConn has ever produced.

 

[Patronick]

Re: UConn to apply to Hockey East

Sliding Alabama-Huntsville into the AH spot would make everyone happy.

But only if Hockey East continues it's cut throat ways and kicks the bottom four teams out of the conference tourney. None of that top 4 get byes shenanigans.

 

[css228]

Re: UConn to apply to Hockey East

Don't you dare leave AHA! RIT wants to move into the ECAC....

And ECAC fans want you too. Instantly would be the second biggest fan base in the league and it would give us an obvious tournament site. Wanting RIT has been brought up repeatedly over on the ELynah forums

 

[kingdobbs]

Re: UConn to apply to Hockey East

Good news, assuming a formal announcement from the University is forthcoming.

I do hope the pitch to Hockey East includes a plan for an expanded on-campus rink in the medium-to-long term, because the HCC is not more than a short-term solution as far as I'm concerned. It'll look emptier than the crowds for the WhalePack, and scheduling priority will be a nightmare unless the men's and women's hoops team put more games back in Gampel. It's not a good fit long-term.

As far as HEA is concerned, they could ask for applications at breakfast and have a half-dozen by lunch, so they've got the pick of the litter, but I have a feeling UConn probably wouldn't have applied if there wasn't at least a 'wink wink, nudge nudge' nod in their favor.

 

[AdamBC]

Re: UConn to apply to Hockey East

UCONN has athletic facilities that are superior to pretty much everyone in new England.

Gotta be honest, Campbell Soup Arena doesn't impress me and the Rent and XL aren't owned by UConn. So your only on-campus venue is lack-luster; while the practice facilities may be impressive, Joe Sixpack Fan isn't watching the games from them.

I know the BC boys will probably be worried about this proposal, but in the long run it will be good for Hockey East I think.

Jim, why would we be worried about this proposal? Most of our players come from MA and I doubt we'll lose recruiting battles to UConn. I say as long as UConn commits to building an on-campus arena that matches the level of Agganis, and will provide the full scholarship level, I say they should be a part of Hockey East.

Plus we hate BC and they hate us.

Hockey is a different fan base from HandEgg/BouncyBall, while BC gets up for Notre Dame in football, we'd rather kick the tar out of BU on the ice and the Notre Dame hockey games aren't as big a deal.

As for raising the money for a new hockey arena, it sure as hell won't come from the state.

Depends how persuasive the new AD is.

 

[AdamBC]

Re: UConn to apply to Hockey East

As far as HEA is concerned, they could ask for applications at breakfast and have a half-dozen by lunch, so they've got the pick of the litter, but I have a feeling UConn probably wouldn't have applied if there wasn't at least a 'wink wink, nudge nudge' nod in their favor.

My primary concern with UConn is that men's hockey will be the 5th most popular sport after Men's BBall, Football, Women's BBall and Baseball.

 

[kingdobbs]

My primary concern with UConn is that men's hockey will be the 5th most popular sport after Men's BBall, Football, Women's BBall and Baseball.

Frankly, I'm flattered on behalf of the university for your optimism that hockey will be that high on the list.

Hockey is never going to be the sport that pays the bills in Storrs and the university knew that going into this. However, a self sustaining program is achievable given about a decade or so.

 

[brassbonanza]

Re: UConn to apply to Hockey East

Gotta be honest, Campbell Soup Arena doesn't impress me and the Rent and XL aren't owned by UConn. So your only on-campus venue is lack-luster; while the practice facilities may be impressive, Joe Sixpack Fan isn't watching the games from them.

The Rent is owned by the state, so it's more or less owned by the university. Campbell Soup Arena? Is that supposed to mean Gampel? I'm trying, but can't figure out this reference. Gampel..Campbell? Either way, the original statement is correct that GP/Rent/FB facility/new BB practice facility are all far superior to what anyone else in New England has.

 

[huskymike]

Re: UConn to apply to Hockey East

Just throwing it out there: what do people think of playing games at the Hartford Civic Center? Think they could draw a crowd or too far from campus? I dont know anything about the area so I have no idea

I think I'm in agreement with most people, HCC could be used temporarily but any long term arena, IMO has to be on campus.
Gampel's reputation for being one of the toughest basketball arenas to play has grown, only because of the energy from the students. Take that same energy and and put it into a hockey arena and watch out. It may take awhile to grow, but winning teams bring in larger crowds.
I may be off base saying this, but I have read conflicting articles about the Governor being a big hockey fan. I don't know the Governor personally, but his reluctance to support a Whaler resurrection makes me hesitant that he would support UConn hockey. Is it just a case of poor timing with the budget issues and having more important things to worry about? Or Does he truly enjoy hockey?

 

[Patman]

Re: UConn to apply to Hockey East

I think I'm in agreement with most people, HCC could be used temporarily but any long term arena, IMO has to be on campus.
Gampel's reputation for being one of the toughest basketball arenas to play has grown, only because of the energy from the students. Take that same energy and and put it into a hockey arena and watch out. It may take awhile to grow, but winning teams bring in larger crowds.
I may be off base saying this, but I have read conflicting articles about the Governor being a big hockey fan. I don't know the Governor personally, but his reluctance to support a Whaler resurrection makes me hesitant that he would support UConn hockey. Is it just a case of poor timing with the budget issues and having more important things to worry about? Or Does he truly enjoy hockey?

I think he enjoys posturing... there's a strong hockey audience out there... but this would be a tough sell as a personal pet project.

 

[kingdobbs]

Re: UConn to apply to Hockey East

The Rent is owned by the state, so it's more or less owned by the university. Campbell Soup Arena? Is that supposed to mean Gampel? I'm trying, but can't figure out this reference. Gampel..Campbell? Either way, the original statement is correct that GP/Rent/FB facility/new BB practice facility are all far superior to what anyone else in New England has.

My guess is Frietas' resemblance to a tin can.

 

[Tater]

Re: UConn to apply to Hockey East

I like it for one big reason. I think the conference is committed to finding a 12th team. I'd rather have that team be UConn than RPI or The Q. Its also a better fit with PC, BC, and UMass. The league needs to be vigilant about the school upgrading their program but aside from that this plan works for me.

Once again I am forced to agree with Rover. UConn is a big name athletically nationally, all state New England universities playing D-I in HEA, added Hockey East visibility in CT and maybe by extension NYC. However, make sure UConn is serious about a big upgrade from where they are now.

 

[mookie1995]

Re: UConn to apply to Hockey East

Once again I am forced to agree with Rover. UConn is a big name athletically nationally, all state New England universities playing D-I in HEA, added Hockey East visibility in CT and maybe by extension NYC. However, make sure UConn is serious about a big upgrade from where they are now.

i believe there are a few decent martini bars in hartford too that scarlet would enjoy

 

[Patman]

Re: UConn to apply to Hockey East

i believe there are a few decent martini bars in hartford too that scarlet would enjoy

There's a brewpub as well.

 

[Priceless]

Re: UConn to apply to Hockey East

Before Hockey East goes looking for a 12th team, make sure Notre Dame is going to be the 11th team for more than just a couple years until they finally do the inevitable and join the Integer. Would be just great if we added UConn and then ND ditched us in 2015 or so and we were back to 11 teams.

 

[Tater]

Re: UConn to apply to Hockey East

i believe there are a few decent martini bars in hartford too that scarlet would enjoy

So that is a yes.

 

[Zudnic]

Re: UConn to apply to Hockey East

make sure UConn is serious about a big upgrade from where they are now.

Don't count on it. Think Ohio State. They get 3800 fans for hockey because why would you follow hockey there when you have the football program? And if you don't like football, the bouncyball program's in the final four. When UConn "commits" to Hockey East and plays their games in Hartford, when The Whale (nee Wolfpack) can't draw 5,000, it's going to be a disaster.

 

[AdamBC]

Re: UConn to apply to Hockey East

Campbell Soup Arena? Is that supposed to mean Gampel? I'm trying, but can't figure out this reference. Gampel..Campbell?

My guess is Frietas' resemblance to a tin can.

Sorry, slurpees is correct - the ladyfriend grew up a UConn fan so I call it Campbell Soup Arena to get her ire up.

 

[Yuppie Scum]

Re: UConn to apply to Hockey East

Yes of course. That "diaspora" always shows up in huge numbers when UConn takes on Bentley and Holy Cross - NOT! Truth is, UConn hockey is an afterthought with the university and its fans. When UConn plays at Bentley it appears there are more UConn players (not playing that evening) in the stands than actual UConn fans. ...and please spare me any argument that the small venues in which Bentley and Holy Cross play keep the fans away. When Bentley played RIT this season their fans showed up in droves. Even lowly Sacred Heart brought more fans to Bentley (during the AHA playoffs) than UConn has ever produced.

You can't honestly compare the thrill of playing Bentley to the dull affair of attending a conference game at the Conte, Agganis, Matthews, Whit, Alfond, Lawler, etc.

As another poster pointed out, the biggest issue will be their low place on the totem pole of D1 programs.

 

[lmg6841]

Re: UConn to apply to Hockey East

And ECAC fans want you too. Instantly would be the second biggest fan base in the league and it would give us an obvious tournament site. Wanting RIT has been brought up repeatedly over on the ELynah forums

I can tell you as an avid Tiger fan, we want better competition. You guys are a great league and we know it, we just need the cards to play in our favor with a spot opening up in the ECAC and we'll be all over. I recall that earlier this summer RIT declined an invitation from the WCHA in hopes of an ECAC spot.