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Union Hockey 2011-2012 Season Thread "We Can See Cleary Now"

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Re: Union Hockey 2011-2012 Season Thread "We Can See Cleary Now"

rdf8585 said:
http://collegehockeyinc.com/articles/first-class-design

This article about the improvements in D-1 hockey arenas makes me think about Messa Rink. In the past, Ken Schott has suggested building a new rink on Garis Field. Do any of you see that site as an option for a new rink at some point?

Garis Field from above: http://bit.ly/xuR42Q
Click to expand...

A permanent outdoor rink? Or would you be building a building there? I know it's a stupid question, but that'd be unique to have a regular outdoor rink...
 
Re: Union Hockey 2011-2012 Season Thread "We Can See Cleary Now"

rdf8585 said:
http://collegehockeyinc.com/articles/first-class-design

This article about the improvements in D-1 hockey arenas makes me think about Messa Rink. In the past, Ken Schott has suggested building a new rink on Garis Field. Do any of you see that site as an option for a new rink at some point?

Garis Field from above: http://bit.ly/xuR42Q
Click to expand...
You had to get me started, huh? As another example check out the upcoming Penn State ice palace. http://www.uscho.com/2012/01/20/penn-state-unveils-design-for-pegula-ice-arena/ Messa is a joke and the joke's on any fans who pay their way in. It is totally inadequate in every respect and probably unsafe as well. A new facility or a major upgrade is absolutely mandatory but it's all about the money and the mindset. There's an "it's only hockey" attitude amongst many outside of the athletic department who have no clue what a galvanizing force a grade one program and facility could be. Neither do they recognize the positive effect an athletic program can have on the overall college image and success in drawing in new applicants. Just take a look across the river to Siena and the documented surge in applications that have come on the heels of the recent NCAA BB appearances. I think President Ainlay gets it but is probably swimming upstream on this especially in view of economic conditions. I think the only way this happens is with a huge donation, corporate sponsorship or public facility consortium. We don't need to spend $83 million but it's going to be huge financial commitment. I'm not holding my breath. :(
 
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Re: Union Hockey 2011-2012 Season Thread "We Can See Cleary Now"

FlagDUDE08 said:
A permanent outdoor rink? Or would you be building a building there? I know it's a stupid question, but that'd be unique to have a regular outdoor rink...
Click to expand...

That would be fun, but I could see a 3000 seat indoor ice arena there.
 
Re: Union Hockey 2011-2012 Season Thread "We Can See Cleary Now"

Wholin1 said:
You had to get me started, huh? As another example check out the upcoming Penn State ice palace. http://www.uscho.com/2012/01/20/penn-state-unveils-design-for-pegula-ice-arena/ Messa is a joke and the joke's on any fans who pay their way in. It is totally inadequate in every respect and probably unsafe as well. A new facility or a major upgrade is absolutely mandatory but it's all about the money and the mindset. There's an "it's only hockey" attitude amongst many outside of the athletic department who have no clue what a galvanizing force a grade one program and facility could be. Neither do they recognize the positive effect an athletic program can have on the overall college image and success in drawing in new applicants. Just take a look across the river to Siena and the documented surge in applications that have come on the heels of the recent NCAA BB appearances. I think President Ainlay gets it but is probably swimming upstream on this especially in view of economic conditions. I think the only way this happens is with a huge donation, corporate sponsorship or public facility consortium. We don't need to spend $83 million but it's going to be huge financial commitment. I'm not holding my breath. :(
Click to expand...

That PSU facility looks beautiful, as does the new RIT one. RIT has a capacity similar to Messa, but their new rink is going to double their capacity.

You pay your way in as well, right? I dropped $124 on season tickets this year and I'm tentatively planning on renewing. Rink be dammed, though I sure wouldn't mind standard stadium style seating.

I've heard someone else point out safety concerns, but what's potentially unsafe about it? There seems to be enough doors at the sides and front of the building in case people need to evacuate it?

Garis Field is probably the only place on campus they could put a new facility. You seem well-connected down there, but maybe the "it's only hockey" attitude stems from the fact the team wasn't that good at the D1 level until the past few years. A new facility would pay itself off over time and offer additional benefits like you mentioned. I can't imagine a potential recruit is very impressed by the facility. Messa is probably why NBC didn't choose to televise a Union home game this year - it would be a logical choice otherwise, given Union's success. The national TV exposure would have been a plus for the college. The hockey program is definitely worth the investment. I think it's what defines that school now. "Union Hockey" has kind of developed into its own brand of sorts.

And does anyone know why there is assigned seating in the bleachers? I've been curious about that for awhile... it seems like things would be easier on everyone if the bleachers were general admission.

One downside to a new facility would be the inevitable hike in ticket prices. The games remain relative bargain, but that'd sure change with the costs of a new rink.
 
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Re: Union Hockey 2011-2012 Season Thread "We Can See Cleary Now"

I sure do pay for my tix. I actually have 3 although I usually only use two. I buy the third for occasional use and to make sure I have a seat when things get packed in. My safety concerns do have to do with an emergency evacuation especially with the bleachers being packed and the aisles narrow. I also thing the risers are too high and probably don't comply with current building codes though they probably did at the time of construction. I have seen people, particularly elderly ones struggle with the steps and even fall on occasion. In addition, the aisles in sellouts often have people sitting on the bleacher stairs.

The problem in my view is that with only one D-1 sport, there is still an inability to recognize the fact that a D-1 program just plain costs more to run if it's going to be done right. I think the Athletic Department is doing the best it can in view of the fiscal and internal political constraints. The Garnet Blades through the generosity of its members and supporters have filled a lot of gaps in funding but can't build a new facility.

I actually think that as far as recruits go, the players' facilities actually surpass the rink. The locker room, players' lounge and weight training facilities far surpass the fan facilities. There is also the factor that Messa has to be an uncomfortable place for visiting teams as well with vocal crowds packed in close to the ice. Eventually though, something will have to give.
 
Re: Union Hockey 2011-2012 Season Thread "We Can See Cleary Now"

Having an extra ticket just in case is a great idea. The only drawback I've seen to season tickets is if they seat you next to other season ticket holders. There were a couple times early in the year when I went with someone, but the seats next to mine belonged to another season ticket holder, so I had to buy a couple new seats while my season ticket went unused. But that doesn't occur nearly enough for me to justify dropping another $124 on another season ticket that would only be sparingly used.
 
Re: Union Hockey 2011-2012 Season Thread "We Can See Cleary Now"

Union wins 5-2, their ninth straight win over Clarkson. :eek:

First period was dominant for Union with four goals, including a buzzer beater by Wayne Simpson and Mark Bennett's first career goal. Give credit to Clarkson who fought back unlike the last two Messa meetings and kept Union to no goals in the final 37 minutes. On to SLU tomorrow night who has slipped as of late and is now tied with RPI for 11th.

A fun stat, Kyle Bodie had a goal and assist tonight bringing his career line against Clarkson to 5 goals and 6 assists for 11 points in only 5 games.
 
Re: Union Hockey 2011-2012 Season Thread "We Can See Cleary Now"

If Union didn't blow it away early, that game might have had a much different result. You could argue Clarkson was the better team during the 2nd and 3rd periods, but by that point, the game was all but over. Union couldn't have played any better than they did early on. Karpowich, the Clarkson goalie, didn't really seem into the game early on... kind of like he had his head elsewhere.

Colgate beat Cornell tonight (2-1) so now Union is tied for first. Next weekend (Colgate, Cornell) was already going to be exciting, but it could be even moreso if Union and Cornell are still tied for first a week from now.
 
Re: Union Hockey 2011-2012 Season Thread "We Can See Cleary Now"

congrats on a great win..
this team still hasn't put together 60 min of hockey....cant wait until they do and see what happens....
 
rdf8585 said:
If Union didn't blow it away early, that game might have had a much different result. You could argue Clarkson was the better team during the 2nd and 3rd periods, but by that point, the game was all but over. Union couldn't have played any better than they did early on. Karpowich, the Clarkson goalie, didn't really seem into the game early on... kind of like he had his head elsewhere.

Colgate beat Cornell tonight (2-1) so now Union is tied for first. Next weekend (Colgate, Cornell) was already going to be exciting, but it could be even moreso if Union and Cornell are still tied for first a week from now.
Click to expand...

Not to mention a jump from 20th to 15th in the PWR. Still a long way to go, of course.
 
Re: Union Hockey 2011-2012 Season Thread "We Can See Cleary Now"

Union was definitely on cruise control after they went up 5-0 and things got a little chippy. I was actually a bit bored after the big lead, but it's all about the W's. Just as Brown dominates Union, Union has had Clarkson's number of late. It was great to see the 4th line, listed as second on the lineup sheet, continue to bring such speed and energy. Can't afford a letup tonight as obvious as that seems.
 
Re: Union Hockey 2011-2012 Season Thread "We Can See Cleary Now"

Pure speculation, but wonder if Stevens will get the start tonight.. probably won't be a better opportunity to see what he's got and might be good to have the option of giving Troy a break going down the stretch..
 
Re: Union Hockey 2011-2012 Season Thread "We Can See Cleary Now"

aweise said:
Not to mention a jump from 20th to 15th in the PWR. Still a long way to go, of course.
Click to expand...

Assuming the autobids go to the top teams, that moves you from the outs to the ins. There still is two months to play, but you're in a better situation now than you were before, from a national perspective.
 
Re: Union Hockey 2011-2012 Season Thread "We Can See Cleary Now"

ADK11 said:
Pure speculation, but wonder if Stevens will get the start tonight.. probably won't be a better opportunity to see what he's got and might be good to have the option of giving Troy a break going down the stretch..
Click to expand...

Not a terrible idea, but Troy is still playing well...I don't see the need to take him out tonight. Plus, they have a bit of a break in two weeks - at Dartmouth on Friday Feb 10, then no game on Saturday, which I think is a good time for Troy to get his rest.
 
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