UMD - Bulldogs -'11-'12 Season Thread

[Toothlessinduluth]

Re: UMD - Bulldogs -'11-'12 Season Thread

Ya sure trout - it always different with the Gophers.

 

[Blackbeard]

Re: UMD - Bulldogs -'11-'12 Season Thread

He needs to sit out Saturday's game, too, and then he and his AD can take the off-season to "reflect" on his choice of careers.

At a time when the hockey world--both men's and women's--is acutely aware of and concerned about injuries like concussions and injuries from being checked from behind, to have a coach tell his players outright to go out and try to injure an opposing player is mind-boggling. But then there was the language he used after the game toward Coach Miller and telling her that he hoped Irwin was injured. And saying in the interview that he was proud of his players for taking out UMD's top two scorers. That's more than just a lapse of judgment or running off at the mouth in the heat of the moment. It displays a lack of character, a lack of class, a lack of discipline and makes him out to be a goon and a thug. I wonder, too, how it makes his players feel and what they think of him.

Lauren Smith isn't innocent, either. To intentionally give one player a shot to the head and then on the same play go after another player and blatantly nail her from behind and into the net shows a lack of discipline on her part, too. I don't care if she uses the old "I was just doing what I was told to do" excuse. That doesn't cut it.

Frankly, I doubt the league will take any action, but I wish they would. Player safety is important, something Miller tried to bring up before the Christmas break in a not-very-diplomatic way with officials after a game and it cost her a one-game suspension. But the point shouldn't be missed. Either the league is serious about player safety or it isn't. And when a head coach tells his players to intentionally hurt opposing players, regardless of which coach or which team or which players, people are going to look at the league and its reaction to see how serious they are.

(Caveat: Yes, I'm a homer.)

Has anyone given any thought to the possibility that the time out might have been as innocently prompted as having to do with strategy for the ensuing 40 seconds in an attempt to increase the odds of Irwin's obtaining her 200th point before the season came to an end? If that was indeed the reason for the time out, it looks like it didn't occur to Means and he failed to give the benefit of the doubt to a fellow coach and in so doing, revealed his base character for the world to see.

This Neanderthal is a complete embarrassment to the sport, to his team, to Mankato State University and to the NCAA regardless of any prior credentials that he may possess. I wonder how he would feel if someone ordered a hit on his daughter. I wonder if he or Smith are aware of Irwin's injury history (and if Cournoyer possibly has one) and if they were to become aware of same, how that would affect their attitudes, (if at all), knowing what their actions may be doing now and in the future to these two individuals. I also wonder why he singled out "number 12" in his directive...what was his motive in being so specific?

(I also wonder what mental gymnastics his old pal the journalist had to go through, if any, before deciding to throw Means to the lions...but, regardless, good for him...an extremely good show of character).

His self imposed chastisement smacks of an attempted pre-emptive move to derail any official punishment the WCHA might otherwise deem fit to dole out.

His actions won't help his recruiting efforts and is a real black eye for the institute of higher learning which employs him.

Zero tolerance is the order of the day. MSU should cut their losses and cut him lose. Failing this optimal solution to his criminal actions, at the very least he should be substantially fined and given an extremely stiff suspension and MSU should be substantially fined as well, (which would go far in causing the university to reaccess his value to them)...all wrapped up with some nice publicity.

We are all sovereign individuals, responsible for all of our own actions and words. It's too bad that Smith wasn't intelligent enough to know the difference between right and wrong when her coach certainly didn't. Obviously her core value system leaves a lot to be desired. It gives one reason to pause and contemplate the ramifications that someone capable of such an unprovoked attack apparently, according to her MSU bio, wants to be a cop.

All of this might be fodder for a new thread regarding wrongheaded, improper, unethical behaviours coaches have displayed.

 

[binnyrus]

Re: UMD - Bulldogs -'11-'12 Season Thread

Big thumb's up to the 'Dogs for winning 2 straight against OSU! Really nice to see them string together 6 solid periods of hockey. I thought the OT win was especially sweet . . . for the first time this season I saw them show a determination to win the game . . . something they could've used earlier in the season. Also a loud shout out to Jamie Kenyon . . . I still say UMD has 2 or 3 extra W's in the column had she been there all season.

Next . . Wisconsin. Oh boy . . . .

 

[dhmn]

Re: UMD - Bulldogs -'11-'12 Season Thread

Hopefully sweeping OSU gave UMD some more confidence, or even swagger.. because it didn't give them anything that helps towards the NCAA playoffs... they pretty much need to sweep the Final Face-off just to get into the NCAA

 

[binnyrus]

Re: UMD - Bulldogs -'11-'12 Season Thread

On a different note . . . I just caught up on all of the posts on this thread since last Friday and read the John Gilbert article. I'll only say this . . . if Coach Means does not get more punishment from the league I'll be sending letters/e-mail to both the UMD and MSU athletic directors. Completely out of line . . .

 

[skatefast]

Re: UMD - Bulldogs -'11-'12 Season Thread

Binny- Coach Means did not actually receive any punishment if I understand correctly. There's been a little bit of activity this morning that suggested that the reason we didn't see any press release early in the week on this manner is because the WCHA was not going to do anything about it. It wasn't until John Gilbert showed his article to certain powers-that-be at which time someone suggested to Means that he step up to avoid more problems.

 

[ithrewthebroom]

Re: UMD - Bulldogs -'11-'12 Season Thread

Binny- Coach Means did not actually receive any punishment if I understand correctly. There's been a little bit of activity this morning that suggested that the reason we didn't see any press release early in the week on this manner is because the WCHA was not going to do anything about it. It wasn't until John Gilbert showed his article to certain powers-that-be at which time someone suggested to Means that he step up to avoid more problems.

I personally as well as some others that i know of have sent letters to every coach and AD in the league as well as some WCHA and NCAA dignitaries. It doesnt matter with what team your fan loyalties lie this is an issue that needs to be dealt with now before it happens again and some innocent athlete gets seriously hurt. There is no place for that in the sport. What message are we sending to everyone especially children and young people if the WCHA and the NCAA does not deal with this.

 

[dhmn]

Re: UMD - Bulldogs -'11-'12 Season Thread

Jamie Kenyon scored twice Friday night (finally got to those photos this afternoon/evening).. I can only imagine her season if she hadn't missed 14 games this season.. most if not all of them after crashing into the net ribs first early in the season. She's made a noticeable difference since returning for the Feb 4th Ohio State regular season game, and really picked up the slack of Cournoyer and Wilson missing the Saturday Mankato game with minor injuries. Hope to get to Saturday pictures up during the day Wednesday, still catching up after all the hockey

 

[binnyrus]

Re: UMD - Bulldogs -'11-'12 Season Thread

I personally as well as some others that i know of have sent letters to every coach and AD in the league as well as some WCHA and NCAA dignitaries. It doesnt matter with what team your fan loyalties lie this is an issue that needs to be dealt with now before it happens again and some innocent athlete gets seriously hurt. There is no place for that in the sport. What message are we sending to everyone especially children and young people if the WCHA and the NCAA does not deal with this.

I completely agree and am sending out my letters today.

 

[skatefast]

Re: UMD - Bulldogs -'11-'12 Season Thread

The swell is rising... this landed in my inbox today. Sounds like Mr. Means has some anger-management issues:

http://insidecollegehockey.com/7Archives/News/0607/update_0517.htm

January 8, 2007
WCHA Investigating Post-Game Altercation

The WCHA office is conducting an investigation and may hand down suspensions after an altercation between an on-ice official and two Minnesota State coaches. The incident happened shortly after the Mavericks' 1-0 loss to Minnesota at Mariucci Arena on Sunday night.

According to an eyewitness, Minnesota State assistant coach Eric Means walked roughly 30 feet down the hall from the team locker room to the door of the officials’ locker room and confronted referee Jon Campion. In the game, Minnesota had seven power plays, while the Mavericks had two.

One person on the scene said Means unleashed a profanity-laced tirade at Campion. Mavericks head coach Troy Jutting then asked for a word with Campion. After Campion and the coaches exchanged heated words, Means allegedly charged at the referee offering to fight, before several campus police officers separated them and physically escorted Means and Jutting back to the Mavericks locker room door.

Mike Cook, covering the game for Associated Press, said that when he happened on the scene, an animated Jutting was in a shouting match with the police officers, threatening legal action and asking for their badge numbers. Cook said Jutting calmed down shortly thereafter and would not comment about the altercation when speaking to reporters.

WCHA Commissioner Bruce McLeod was at an NCAA meeting in Florida on Sunday and is expected to review reports of the incident on Tuesday. WCHA supervisor of officials Greg Shepherd, reached at home on Monday evening, confirmed that he was at the arena on Sunday but did not witness the incident. Shepherd spoke with both Campion and Jutting afterwards, but said he could not comment on specifics of the incident or the investigation. McLeod is expected to interview Campion, the coaches and the campus police before deciding on any punishment.

Shepherd said that he may speak with Mariucci Arena officials about increasing security in the corridor that connects the locker rooms, and the proximity of the officials’ room to the locker rooms.

According to Minnesota State officials, Means and Jutting will not comment about the incident. Means, a four-year letterwinner on defense for Minnesota (1989-94), has been an assistant coach at Minnesota State for 12 seasons.

— Jess Myers

 

[dhmn]

Re: UMD - Bulldogs -'11-'12 Season Thread

Finally got all the Saturday game photos done

Thibault and Jasper after Jasper's game winning goal Saturday

 

[ithrewthebroom]

Re: UMD - Bulldogs -'11-'12 Season Thread

to anyone writing letters of concern about the issue with eric means:
the editor of the northland weekly reader is interested in publishing multiple fan perspective letters you can email it to him at info@readerduluth.com

 

[1996]

Re: UMD - Bulldogs -'11-'12 Season Thread

I am with Binny and dhmn, we need to get some Great goal work by Jen and a few bounces our way otherwise we are out. If OSU can beat Bucky with those 2 things, I see NO reason why we cant.

On the Irwin reaching 200. Why hasn't Potters number been retired? She holds the record in 3 years of play, having a baby and an Olypics in between too. For that matter, Potter, Sikio and Caroline could be in the rafters, 1 from each country that put UMD on the MAP.

Again, this Means character needs to find a different hobby, cause coaching is not it. Thats 2 different incidents in a short period of time. MSU needs to cut their loses and send this kid(by no means is he an adult, pun intended) packing. As I see it there should be 2 head coaching positions open in the WCHA this spring, MSU and SCSU. Just wondering if the Colleges have the courage to do the right thing or if it is the Good Old Boys network at play here(we have seen how well that worked at PSU when it all came unglued).

Hope you all are sleeping well, I am diligently working and watching over you

 

[gojackets]

Re: UMD - Bulldogs -'11-'12 Season Thread

Jamie Kenyon scored twice Friday night (finally got to those photos this afternoon/evening).. I can only imagine her season if she hadn't missed 14 games this season.. most if not all of them after crashing into the net ribs first early in the season. She's made a noticeable difference since returning for the Feb 4th Ohio State regular season game, and really picked up the slack of Cournoyer and Wilson missing the Saturday Mankato game with minor injuries. Hope to get to Saturday pictures up during the day Wednesday, still catching up after all the hockey

I like the smile on Ambroz' face in this one

 

[skatefast]

Re: UMD - Bulldogs -'11-'12 Season Thread

WCHA,

Are you reading? Are you listening?

http://www.uscho.com/2012/02/29/wednesday-women-previewing-the-playoffs/

Arlan: The one other bit of news out of Madison last week was Minnesota State coach Eric Means’ decision to not coach Friday night’s game. That stemmed out of an incident in Duluth on February 17, where he allegedly took exception to UMD calling a timeout in the final minute of a game the Bulldogs led 4-1 and encouraged his players to retaliate against UMD players when they came out for a power play. Mavericks junior Lauren Smith apparently took him at his word, and went after Haley Irwin and Audrey Cournoyer, receiving two major penalties, a game misconduct, and a disqualification for her actions. The whole thing to me seems almost like road rage, where an inconsiderate act by one party escalates to a dangerous response by another. If you want revenge against an opponent, take it on the scoreboard, not by setting penalty records. What did you think about that incident?

Candace: Putting on the foil coach. Honestly, stuff like that makes me wonder. I generally follow college hockey much more than pro hockey, in part because I hate some of the thuggery that percolates through the pro game. I keep hoping that the NHL will take steps to ban fighting, but if you go to a game and see something like that break out, the whole crowd roars, and you depressingly realize it’s unlikely it will ever happen. For a coach to encourage retaliation like that, well, I just don’t think there is any excuse. I still feel that Marc Crawford should have been permanently banned from the NHL, along with Todd Bertuzzi, for the incident involving Steve Moore. If Means did in fact encourage his players to go after the opposition, I think stronger action might need to be taken. It’s one thing for players to lose their cool in the heat of battle; it’s something entirely different when it’s premeditated and encouraged by the coach. What’s your take?

Arlan: If events are as they are reported, I definitely think that at a minimum, Means needs to sit down with his administration and decide whether the women’s game is for him. It would be one thing if he’d just come over from the men’s side and didn’t understand the culture here, but this is his third season. He knows what type of behavior to expect from the other bench in some rinks, so he needs to find a more constructive way to channel frustrations. The beauty of the WCHA is you get another shot at your opponent the next day. If you want to hurt them, then inspire your players to put the puck in their net and keep it out of your own. Don’t take it out on some kid who is only on the ice because her coach sent her over the boards. And don’t throw your own players under the bus by putting them in a no-win situation. All of these players are in college to learn, and there are more important lessons than winning and losing. At the end of the day, you have to be able to look at yourself in the mirror and be okay with what you see. Whatever happens at Minnesota State, the situation has a few months to play out.

 

[JosephPSchmoe]

Re: UMD - Bulldogs -'11-'12 Season Thread

Sara Martin is in charge of the women's side for the WCHA and she was more than happy when Means "chose" to sit out a game that his team had no chance of winning. Saved her the trouble of doing anything she wasn't comfortable with. I have little confidence she'll do anything more than try to wish this all away.

Means gets away with it and assumes that the league finds his actions tolerable if not acceptable. I hope no other players end up hurt because of him, but if you don't stop a thug, he's going to continue coaching like a thug. He needs to go back to being Troy Jutting's lap dog. Those two make a perfect couple.

 

[Toothlessinduluth]

Re: UMD - Bulldogs -'11-'12 Season Thread

Coach Martin is given a one game suspension for trying to protect her players and Means is given a pass for trying to hurt UMD players. Seems backwards to me. If I was a parent I'd be more than concerned.

 

[skatefast]

Re: UMD - Bulldogs -'11-'12 Season Thread

Coach Martin is given a one game suspension for trying to protect her players and Means is given a pass for trying to hurt UMD players. Seems backwards to me. If I was a parent I'd be more than concerned.

Tooth- you mean Miller, right?

Yeah, it's ridiculous. Send a letter to Sara Martin at the WCHA! Send a letter to Bob Neilson, the Athletic Director at UMD! Demand they push this issue!

 

[Toothlessinduluth]

Re: UMD - Bulldogs -'11-'12 Season Thread

Yup, sorry Coach Miller. My bad.

 

[brookyone]

Re: UMD - Bulldogs -'11-'12 Season Thread

Well technically speaking it was for a violation of the WCHA Code of Conduct probably similar to how Means behavior might be characterized in "official" WCHA terms. If we here any more about it that is.